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PIONEER HISTORY
CAMDEN,
ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.
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PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHORS.
UTICA, N. Y.
rKF.-^S OK T. J. GRIFriTHS, 131 GF.XESEE STKE'e:Cg~___^|_
1807.
^0 corns t^tcuvLu
2973
Knlered accordinjj to Act of Congress, in the year li ,-, by
Mks. K. T. Pike, Mrs. E. Enic, Mrs. W. J. Frisbie and Mrs. E. H. Cuna.n r.
In the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.
TO THE
SONvS AND DAUGH-
(1
S TERS OF CAMDEN, NEW YORK.
PRESENT AND ABSENT, AND TO THE
DESCENDANTS OF FORMER RESIDENTS, THIS
RECORD OF ITS SETTLEMENT AND OF THE TRIALS
AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THEIR ANCESTORS IS RESPECT-
FULLY COMMENDED WITH THE HOPE THAT IT
MAY MEET AN APPRECIATIVE WEL-
COME FROM ALL, AND
STRENGTHEN THEIR
. LOVE FOR THE
OLD TOWN.
"Believe us, we count ourselves in nothing else so happy, as in our
history remembering- our good fr\ends."—S/ur/.'es/>('i7r<\
INTRODUCTION.
THE object of this volume is to record the early settlement of
the town of Camden, and bring the same to the knowledge
of its readers. No doubt many have questioned, like ourselves,
Avhy they selected this part of the country? When it was first
:-.{ttled? I'y whom? and just where did this or that one reside in
those earlv da\s? We seek to answer these c|uest;ons, and many
others — to tell vou something of the trials that beset these pion-
eers, to show that their lives were not "downv beds of ease" and
pleasure, but full of earnest toil and endeavor, privation, and
often times stifTering. It is well to know how the foundation of
our now beautiful village and town was laid, that we may the
better appreciate it — how it has grown from the primitive forest
of pines to its present state of improvement — with what persistent
labor they wrought to clear ground for their habitations, to the
end that we may the more fully understand how^ great is the debt
of gratitude we owe to the earl}- builders of oiu" connnimitv.
We assume no superiority of authorship, nor shall it be our effort
to embellish these pages with flowery descriptions; but a plainly
related history of each family as we have gathered facts relative
to it, will be our pleasure. This re(|uired years of patient
labor. We have met with many encouragements, and but very
bttle that tended to dishearten, and have found a more than
ordinary interest manifest in the minds of all to whom we have
turned for information and aid in our work. And now, kind read-
ers, remember, we are sensible of defects, but court no criticism.
With Dr. Arnold, "We can not see how the public mind can help
bearing anything we have the honest courage to publish."
It is our earnest hope that the labor will not have been in vain
— that this book will not fail to interest its readers, and that it will
lead them to feel a deeper pride in, and love for, the dear old town
of Camden.
ILLUSTRATIONS.
George Scriba's residence,
George Scriba, ....
Primitive Log House,
Mrs. Concurrence Parks,
Cemetery on the Seventh,
Residence of Dr. Joel Rathburn,
Residence of Amos Davenport Mix,
Residence of Amos ^lix, Jr. .
Mrs William Bird,
Home of Samuel Wood,
Home of Ibri Curtiss,
Stream at foot of Main Street,
Dead Level Diagram.
Site of first Tannery now Knitting Mill,
Cemetery Grounds,
Israel Stoddard, ....
Judge Stoddard's Place,
John Wilson House, ....
Daniel Parke's Powder Horn,
Daniel Parke Place, ....
Jehiel Higgins' Residence,
Brick School House, District No. 5, 1S16-1S90.
Mr and Mrs. Martin Cook,
Julius Cook. .....
Birthplace and Home of Julius Cook,
Curtiss Johnson, ....
First Home of Benjamin Phelps,
Mrs. Benjam.in Phelps,
Second Home of Benjamin Phelps,
Phelps Bros. .....
Home of Albert Phelps,
Home of Ranney Phelps,
Old Bridge leading to Distillery.
Old Distillery— R., W. & O. RR. Bridge,
Site of First Cemetery.
Home of Enos Blakeslee,
Parke Cemetery, ....
Home of Honuel Gilford,
Home of Harvey Parke,
Bridge over Fish Creek,
Home of Dr. Joshua Ransom,
PAGE.
17
18
26
35
36
45
48
49
55
59
61
63
64
65
79
Si
82
84
90
92
96
98
109
no
III
117
120
121
122
124
126
134
135
136
145
147
148
149
151
155
157
8 //j.rsTRATioys.
I'AGK.
Mr. and Mrs. Giles Sanford. .... 159
Fortune C. Sanford. . . ... i()i
Lyman Matthews" House. . i(>3
Preston Hill ScIkjoI House. .169
Mrs. Caleb Preston, . . 170
Caleb Preston. . . .172
Mr, and Mrs. Seth Uunbar. . 177
Andrew Craig's House, . . . . . . 17S
Jesse Blakes' Home. . . . 1S2
Lewis Preston's House, .... 1S5
Cri Hill House, ..... 1S6
Mr. and Mrs. Ephraim Sanford. . . 1S7
Home of Kphraim Sanford, . tSS
Temple School House, 192
Home of Chester Wilcox. .... 193
Home of Anthony Lathers, ...... 195
Home of John Lambie .Sen. 197
Rev. William Ford. . . . . . 200
Mrs. William Ford — Home of Rev. William Ford. . 201
Baptist Church, ....... 202
Andrew Crawford. 203
Mr. and Mr.s. Abram F. Johnson, ..... 205
Mr. and Mrs. William Swanson, ..... 20S
The Grove Mills. . .213
Home of Heman Byington. 215
Rev. Elijah Gay lord. . 2if>
(ierrit Smith's Home, ...... 2^7
Wolcott Hill School House. .... .220
Riley Root Farm, house Iniilt by Ephraim Meeker. . 221
Home of S. D. Castle. ....... 222
Mr. and Mrs. S. D. Castle. ...... 223
Home of Deacon Stephen Bryant. .225
Home of Tillotson Barnes. ..... 22()
Deacon Cobb. .... 233
Home of Deacon Cobb, 236
Home of Philo Scovillc. ....... 240
Ebenczer Dotcn, . . 24'^
Mabie Place, ....... 244
House built by William Stevens for his son Sylvester. . 247
Miss Sally Porter — Mrs. Byington in her teens. 250
Mr. and Mrs Ambrose Byington. 251
House built by Ethel Higgins, 1827 . 255
Home of A. Smith Johnson. ..... 25()
The Skinner Neighborhood Burial Spot. ... 263
Robert Allen Farm House, ...... 268
Mr. Leonard West. ....... 273
Mrs. Leonard West, ...... 274
First Tavern in Camden. ....... 278
View of Railroad Bridge from Mexico Street. . . 27S
View from Mexico St. l^ridge. ...... 2>o
ILLi'STRATIOXS.
t)ld Cemetery on Mexico Street,
Milo Pond's Home, . . . .
The Dunbar Mill. ....
Deacon David Osborn and wife, .
Deacon Osborn's Home,
Home of Bartholomew Pond,
Dr. Torbert House. ....
Andrew Tuttle's Home, . . . ,
Manning Barnes' Residence,
Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Smith, .
Home of Elias Chapman,
Hamilton Gilford's Home,
Eastern View of Hamilton Gifford's Home,
Presbyterian Church, West Camden,
M E. Church, West Camden, , . •
Mrs. Clorinda Miller.
Falls on Mad River above Old Mill site,
Nathan Kmnie Home,
Wilson Baldwin's Home, built by Ransom Barr
Home of Edward Goodyear,
Norman Castle Home,
Mr. Ashbel Up.son, . . . ' .
Calvin Johnson's Early Home, . . ■
Martin Smith's Home, . . ,
Mr. George Elden.
The Jamieson "Cottage,"
Home of Henry Bacon,
Fort Newton, ....
Col. Richard Empey,
The Empey Homestead,
Mr. Aaron Stone, ....
A. Stone & Son's Drug Store,
Mr. Thomas Stone, . . . .
Mr. Thomas DeMilt Penfield,
Mr. Francis H. Conant,
Mr. John Bettis, ....
First Congregational Church,
Rev. Henry Smith, ....
Priest Smith House,
■Grave of Rev. Henry Smith,
Old Town Hall, M. E. Church and Parsonage,
Rev. Eliakim Stoddard.
New Trinity Episcopal Church, .
First Presbyterian Church,
Old Fire Engine and Old Town Hall Bell,
Two Fire Buckets. ....
The "Eldorado," built by Warren Mix,
Park Hotel, burned 1S67,
West side Main Street, burned 1892,
West Side of Main Street, burned in 18S2,
P.\GE.
281
286
289
2gi
292
294
295
297
312
317
322
323
:324
326
• 327
334
335
336
', . ■ . 340
341
342
343
345
347
■ 349
354
355
• 359
361
. 362
3^'4
365
364
377
• 379
382
. 3S6
395
- 396
397
• 404
407
43''>
439
451
453
454
465
. 456
457
10
ILL USTRA TIONS.
Mr. Cieorge Trowbridge, .
Trowbridge Homestead,
Mr. Truman Spencer and Spencer's Exchange,
Store built by H. J. Miner, .
Major J. D. Cavarly,
Cottage Store, .....
Reed's Hotel. ....
Mr. and Mrs. Ranney Parke,
Colton Tavern, 1S35.
Horatio Gates Torbert, M. D.,
Dr. John A. Seewir,
Dr. Robert Jamieson, ,
Dr. Robert Frazier,
Camden Brass Band,
Approach to Forest Park,
Entrance to Woodland Avenue,
Drive at foot of Hill east of Cemetery. .
East Side Drive. ....
"The Pines," . , . .
PAGE.
. 464
465
466
46S
469
471
475
476
• 477
490
• 492
494
496
506
541
542
543
544
545
CONTENTS.
GEORGE SCRIBA 17
LAY ()E LONG AGO 20
HISTORIANS' OPINION OE THE SETTLEMENT OE
CAMDEN 21
CHAPTER I.
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN 23
CHAPTER II.
SEVENTH TOWNSHIP 31
CHAPTER HI.
SEA^ENTH RELIGIOUS SOCIETY 51
CHAPTER IV.
PLANK ROAD 63
CHAPTER V.
CONTINUATION OF PLANK ROAD 76
CEMETERY— 1840 76
CHAPTER VI.
CONTINUATION OF PLANK ROAD 102
CHAPTER MI.
JOSEPH SCOVILLE 128
CHAPTER MIL
PHELPSVILLE 131
CHAPTER IN.
PRESTON HILL 156
h
j2 COyT£ATS.
I'AGt.
chaitj:r X.
IIILLSIU )K< ) ^^°
CHAITKR XI.
\\( )1A()TT HILT ^^^
CHAPTER XII.
TAI'.Kkf ; K< )A1 ) ^^^
CHAITKR XI II.
TAi'.i'.Kt. K( )Ai) et )XTi\ri-:i) 234
CHAi''n-;k xiw
SKIXNKK SKTTLEMl-XT 262
'IAi;i-:R(i koAl) ACROSS TO WOLCOTT HILL
SCHOOL lloCSK 265
DIXCLK STRKLT 276
STATE ROAD -7^
MEX1C( ) STRF.iri' -77
ROAD Li:AI)lXr, I-ROM Ml'lXlCO STREET TO
lllLLSIK )R()L'(iH ROAD 309
W i:ST CAMDEN 3ii
PARNASSUS STREET 33^
( R( )|'p1':r stri'.et 333
m aix stri'.i-.'i" x( )rt11 35^
ciiap'I"!:r x\'.
I-IRSTCIICRI'II ( )1" CllRIS'l' IX CAMDl-.X 385
mi:tii( ihiSM IX camdi-.x +u
\\I-:SLI-AAX MIVnioDlST 431
milli:riti-:s 43^
'J-RiXITV CHURCH 432
R().\IAX CATHOLIC 43^
I'IRSr PRI'.SI'A'TI-.RIAX 439
COXTJ£NTS. 13-
I'AGE,
EARLY SCHOOLS 44i
IXC( )Rl'( )RAT10X ( )¥ CAAIDEX MLLAGE 449
EIRES I X CAAIDEX 454
CAMDE.X WATER WORKS 460
MEROIAXTS 460
CHAPTER X\I.
EARLY TAXERXS ( )E CAMDEX 475
CHAPTER X\ir.
EACTORV \ILLACtE 483
¥. H. C( )XAXT"S S( )XS' CIL^H.^ ^[AXCl'WCTORY . . . .487
CHAPTER X\ni.
PROEESSK )XAL ^lEX 489
1 )OCTORS 489-
LAWYERS 498
CHAPTER XIX.
CAMDEX SAXHORX P.AXI) 503
CHAPTER XX.
XEWSPAPERS 509-
1H)STAL\STERS 516
CHAPTER XXL
M.ASOXIC LODGE 517
AXCIEXT LODc;r: L O. O. 1^^ 518
ROYAL ARCAXUIVI 518
( )RDER ( )F AAIERICAX MECPLAXICS 518
KXU;HTS ( )1- PYTHL\S 518
KXIGHTS ()V AL\CCAP.EES 518
LMPROA'ED ( )RDER OE RED MEX 518
CORALLIXE SOCHITY 519
CAMDEX LH^ARY ASS( )CL\TIOX 520
CP^RTTSS HALL 522
\
^4 cox TEXTS.
PAGE.
iAMI)i:X OPERA HorSE 5^3
(-AMl)l-X PAXKS 524
CHAPTER XXII.
:militakv okCAXiz.xTioxs 526
KENOLITIOXAKV PATRIOTS AND DATE OP
DEATH ^^'
SOLDIERS OE 1812. AXD D.\TE OE DEATH 53<^
^lEXICAX SOLDIERS 536
LIST ( )1- S( )LI)H-:RS IX THE LATE CI\IL WAR. EX-
LISTED EROM CAMDEN. TOGETHER WITH
THEIR REGIMEXT 537
CHAPTER XXIII.
POREST PARK 540
CHAPTER XXl\'.
SUPER\1S()RS : 547
CHAPTi: R XX\ .
C.LEAXI X( iS 551
CONCLl'SloX 554
PREXCHNPVX'S PSLAXl) 55<^
I
GEORGE SCRIBA.
THE name of George Scriba occurs in nearly all of the deeds
which have conie under our notice as conveying land to
very many of the early men in this locality, and it may interest
some, as it did us, to see a portrait of the man, and learn a bit of his
career. He was born in Holland in 1752, and came to America
probably, when so many of his countrymen were seeking homes
and fortunes here. In 1793 Mr. Scriba came to Constantia, and
established himself a home on the picturesque shores of Lake
Oneida, the locality then called Rotterdam. Mr. Scriba came
there a man of wealth — estimated to have been worth from
Gecri.e Scriba's Residence.
$1,000,000 to $1,500,000. He invested largely in new, uncul-
tivated territory, owning much of Oneida Co. Rotterdam was
a place of larger business importance than Syracuse at the
time. He was prominently interested in all n.easures for the id-
vancement of the locality, giving liberally to the establishment 01
the .Episcopal Church, its building and equipment, and also a
plot of ground for a burial place. The church was built in 1829,
and still stands in fairly good condition, and is one of the
children of Old Trinity, New York. The residence of Mr. Scriba
was built in 1794, and the illustration is a very good
^g FWXEER HISTORY OF
one, though time has made inroads upon its beauty — is of Dutch
colonial style in structure, two stories high in front, sloping from
the ridge to a half story in height at the rear. We entered a door
at the west end of the house, leading into a fairly wide hall, run-
ning through tl:e entire length of the house to vn outside door
opponte.
In this hall. of the ancient furnishings.was a grandfather's clock.
In the center of the house, at the front, is the door, where no
doubt many a welcome guest has entered in the years of Mr.
Scriba's prosperity and ownership. It opens into a wide hall,
wlich extends through the center of the house and joins the
other longer hall. Large s(|uare rooms open out of this on
either side, in which are old-fashioned fire-places, with capacity
for a good sized log. We could imagine the Scril;as, Rooseveits,
Slijats, and many another kindred spirit assembled about these
cheerful firesides, smoking, as is the Dutchman's wont, and oft-
times enjoying the beer, brewed by the thrifty burghers. Into the
western of these two front rooms we were ushered l)y Miss King
of Constantia. who kindlv accompanied us to the spot, and inti'o-
duced us to ]\lrs. Louisa, widow of Frederic, who was a son oi
(Icorge Scriba. the subject of oiu"
sketch. Mrs. Scriba is a most inter-
esting lady, though advanced in life to
86 vears, somewhat innrm in body, but
strong in intellect. She exhibited sev-
eral family relics, curious and of value.
I Among them was some of the Scri1)a
silver, heavy and substantial, the spoons
j engraved, on medalions, with the
initials "C. S. ;" ]iortraits in miniature
I wrought in wax from one of which
the accompanying copy was taken.
(ieorge Scriiti -'^ P^if of Drcsdeu vascs are standing on
the mantel, which Mrs. Scriba told us were considerabh' over
one hundred years old. ( )n this same mantel is a marvelous
allegorical representation of the grave of Washington. It is
executed in wax, colore(l.
THE TOWN OF ('AMD EN.
19
On the base of the monument which supports a lofty column,
or'.ismented by Masonic devices, appear the various emblems and
trophies of war. In front stands the American q<:^\q holding a
wieath of laurel. On the left of the monument is Minerva, the
Goddes of Wisdom and of War, in the attitude of sorrow, leaning
upon a shield, and weeping at the remembrance of uncommon
greatness departed. Near her, Ceres, the Goddess of Plenty,
pours from her cornucopia the riches of the earth, and an Indian
struck with admiration and grief rests upon his bow. At the foot
of the monument is seen an infant whose moistened eyes bespeak
no common loss. On the right, America, represented by a female
ck'thed in mourning, holds the annals of the country, the sacred
and everlasting record of the high achievements of him whose
loss she deplores. Near her appears the beautiful figure of Char-
ity, and a seraph admiring the mysteries of redeeming love, em-
blematic of the hero's moral and Christian virtues. Above, an
angel commissioned from the skies to conduct the sublime spirit
to the heavenly abode, is seen flying towards the earth, holding in
one hand a torch just extinguished, indicative of the close of
life, and in the other an unfading garland, expressive of immortal
fame. At the foot of the monument is lying a skull, near which
stands a flower stalk, with the flower broken off, and falling on
the small skull, denoting death. At the extreme left of the pic-
ture stands a vase with initials, "G. W. Raufchner, 1800."
It is likely the smaller portraits of the Scriba family were
wrought by the same artist. They were hung in 1805, where they
have ever since remained. An old pianO', manufactured by Wm.
N. Bebee of Vernon, stands in the room, and Mrs. Scriba, feeble
though she is, told us that but a few days before our visit she had
sat at the instrument and played over some of the tunes she
lo\ed, which had cheered and gladdened her heart, making her
feel younger. There were candelabra which would contain three
cci'dles each. This was considered a princely abode in its day,
and no doubt its portals swung wide to admit visitors who came
to enjoy the genial hospitality of the host and hostess. Mr. Scriba
cairied on a busy traffic with the Indians, who found a loyal
{.■iend in him, and he often entertained these strangers within the
2Q PIOXKElf HISTONY OF
broad halls, giving- food and rest to their wearied bodies.
East of the house is a spacious elm tree, planted there years ago
bv the son, Frederic William Scriba. The brick used in the fire-
places and chimneys were imported from Holland. George
Scrilm died August 14, 1836, aged 84 years. He is buried at
Constantia, in the enclosure contributed by hmi for burial pur-
poses. An unpretentious stone marks his grave.
[From the Camden Journal February 1873.
LAY OF LONG AGO.
HV W. H. C. HOSMEK.
In the good old days of pioneer ways,
How full of fun were we,
When neighbors all obeyed the call
To meet at the "logging bee;"
When flax was spun, and every one
In stout tow cloth was drest.
And the spinning wheel, with its humming zeah
Was music that pleased the best.
Log houses stood where the grand old wood
On their roofs of bark threw shade,
And loud was mirth round the spacious hearth.
When the roaring fire was made;
When Christmas came, the best of game.
Smoked on the settler's board.
And streammg hot, from the iron pot.
The golden mush outpoured.
The hardy girls, with their sun-burnt curls,
Were brides for stalwart grooms,
Whose coats, home-made, of butternut shade.
Were wove in rustic looms;
Brown came the loaves, in our land of g.oves.
From oven out of doors,
And well I ween, with rushes green.
Were scoured the rough oak floors.
In clearings rude dwelt a brotherhood
Of bold, united men.
Who slew the bear, in his dangerous lair.
The wolf in his brambly den ;
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
Our land they made long dark with shade,
Bears traces of their power.
For towns upsprang, where their axes rang,
And the church upreared its tower.
Though tired with toil, to tame the soil,
From morn till evening close,
Neuralgic moans and dyspeptic groans
Disturbed not their repose;
Of iron mould, were these men of old.
And honored they should be.
So we seek to tell, how they did so well.
In our "Pioneer History."
THE OPINION OF THE HISTORIANS OF THOSE
COMING HERE.
Col. Elmore's Regiment of 1776 was raised tinder authority of
the Continental Congress, to serve for one year from April 1776.
Col. Samuel Elmore had served in Hinman's Regiment in the
Northern Department in 1775, and again as Lieutenant of
Wooster Provisional Regiment in the winter of 1775 and 1776.
Elmore and most of the company officers recruited their men in
Connecticut, to some extent from the Regiment that served in
the North. Some of the officers belonged to New York, and a
few from Massachusetts. They took the field July, 1776, under
Schuyler, and on August 25 marched from Albany to Tryon
County, now part of Oneida, and the rest of their time were gar-
risoned at Fort Stanwix.
They broke up in the spring of 1777. On the muster roll, as
they stood January 13 to 15, we find these names: Aaron Mat-
thews,'Beriah Pond, Barnabas Pond, Benj. Curtiss, Joel Dunbar,
Bartholomew Pond; in Col. Huntington's Company, Daniel
Park; in another Company, Samuel Woods, Jesse Penfield, Da-
vid Brown, Levi Munson; the last four were in the Connecticut
records; Jonah Sandford and Jesse Curtiss. Most of these men
emigrated to this vicinity in less than 20 years after they were
discharged from the army. It is barely possible when garrisoned
at Fort Stanwix they were among the foraging parties that were
sent out in different directions, and many of them liked the lay
of the land. They were young men when at Fort Stanwix.
2 2 PIOyEER HLsT<)h'Y OF
When thcv settled here they were men with faniihes. Most
of the settlers were from Connecticnt, and at that time the desir-
able farms of their native State were taken up, and they wished
to seek a new country and home ; and here the woods and cheap
lands were inviting the tide of emigration.
There might have been an Horace Greeley, not by name, but
of the same ambitions, who said, "Young man, go West," for in
1805 there was a great pouring in here from Connecticut. A
few years found them with comfortable homes and well-cleared
farms from the primeval forest.
There liave been a number of cannon-balls found in this vicin-
ity, and it has been a quandary ho\v| they got here, as in some
places it would have been impossible to have dragged the heavy
old caimon through the rough and wild woods, and especially
without any particular object to do so. On inquiry we find that
the early settlers used to go to Salt Point, now Syracuse, and get
loads of salt, and in order to make it useful they would take an
iron kettle, and put in a chunk of salt, and then a large cannon-
ball, and keep rolling it around until the salt was pulverized.
Some of the balls that have been found in this section were
probably used for this purpose, and their being out of shape was
by the rust from the salt, and lying so long imbedded in the
ground, or against a rock.
PIONEER HISTOKY OP CAMDEN.
CHAPTER I.
THE town of Camden, in tlie north-western corner of Oneida
County, containing about 31,438 acres, lies close to the
boundary line of Oswego County. The town of Florence lies
north-east, while Annsville forms the eastern boundary. Little
River divides it on the south from Vicuna. The west branch of
F"ish Creek and Mad River are the principal streams; they unite
just below the village, and empty into Oneida Lake. These
streams have l^oth been utilized extensively for manufacturing
purposes. Throughout the village the land is nearly level, but
undulating in the open country, especially so in the northern and
western parts. The soil is .a sandy loam in some places, gravelly
and stony in others; there are also stone quarries which furnish
good building material. Camden has been rightly called the
queen village of Oneida County, for seldom can be found a more
beautiful place than our village presents, with its magnificent
shade trees and comfortable homes, with the well-kept lawns sur-
roimding them, in many cases, the pride of the owner's heart. As
early as 1794, five years before the town of Camden existed as a
town, while yet it was a part of the "Mother of townships,"
Mexico people came iiere in search of desirable places to locate.
The land was heavily timbered, and it was a laborious task to
clear even a small portion, where they could build a home, and
still harder to prepare it for the grain and other necessaries
which they must raise tO' sustain life. But the tall pines gave
them ]:)lenty of material for their rude homes. From one mon-
arch of the forest we are told twelve logs were cut. Where the
village stands to-day the pioneers found only a fine forest, which
echoed long and loud with the sound of the pioneer's ax, ere
houses were built, and they were surrounded with plenty. But
they brought strong arms and brave hearts with them, and with
undaunted efforts worked hard to provide homes lor themselves
^4
i'insi:i:i{ histdry or
and families, and gained good farm lands, which in many cases
have descended to the third and fourtli generation, wliich sons
and grandsons have each imjiroved, until large orchards, wide
corn-fields, and acres of waving grain tell lis what has been ac-
complished during the last century in our beautiful town. The
usual route over which our fathers came into this locality was
a trail, whicli led up from Rome through Taberg, thence
turning to the west, near the ])lace where later the Smith Johnson
house was built, through to the corner, where the brick school-
house stands on the plank road, then on lo Preston Hill, and
then descendin.g to the valley, through which the river flowed.
Relatives and friends who remained in the homes, from which
the more venturesome ones had emigrated, were led to believe
tins was a land flowing with milk and honey, and the good things
oi life were only waiting to be gathered. But sore was their dis-
appointmerit when they reached their destination, and found
while nature had beautifully showered her gifts over the land, the
lic'ivest could only be theirs by hard labor and many privations.
I'.ut people continued to> come-^whole families — and soon the
settlement was of sufficient importance to become a town. Re-
f(2rring to the "Annals of Oneida County," by I'omeroy Jones,
wc find "the town of Mexico was divided, March 5th. 1799, and
a 1 ew town erected from its territory, called Camden, including
all of the seventh, and part of the eighth tt)\\nshi]) of Scriba's
Patent." \\ hy it was given the name of Camden has never been
fully determined. Many reasons have been given, one being
that it was taken from the Indian name. The ( )nei(hi tribe called
it "He-sta-yung-twa." meaning, lost. Perhaps our forefathers
had reason to select such a name, feeling lost imleed. leaving
i:farly all traces of civilization so far behind them. Soon, how-
e.er, it must have lost its significance, if it ever had any for them,
as homes sprang up. and neighln;rs became more ])lenti!'ul.
Some are of the opinion it was named fur the I'^arl of CanuPn,
'"on account of his liberal policy; during the Revolutionarv War
his name became very popular in the I'nited States, and man\
towns and villages, and several counties, bore his name." The
latt Mr. Wager. Oneida Count\- histt)rian. is of a \ er\ different
THE TOWX OF CAMIHhW 2?
Opinion. In response to an incjuiry if he 1)elieved the town to
have been named for him, lie says, "I have not the slightest idea
it was ever named for the Earl of Camden, although he was a
friend to the American cause in the Revolution, fo'- this reason:
The feeling was so bitter towards the British government, that
for several years afterwards they would not designedly give a
name to a town or a county that was borne or had been by a lord
or anyone else, who belonged to England. Now I am quite
sure it was named after Camden in New Jersey, for this reason,
John W. Bloomfield came from New Jersey, not far from Cam-
den, and settled at Taberg. All of the towns of Annsville, Flor-
ence, Camden and Vienna were a part of the town of Mexico.
Mr. Bloomfield was an agent for Mr. Scriba, the patentee of
500,000 acres of land in Oswego County, and then living in Con-
stantia. Mr. Blcomfield's uncle had been Congressman, and
Governor of New Jersey, and J. W. Bloomfield was a man of
w^calth and influence, and his word was law and gospel in that
region, when Camden was named. I have no doubt but Mr.
Blocmfield was influential in naming it after the cit\' in his native
Stiite, more especially as Annsville was named Ann after his wife,
showing he had power in that section." In the new history of
■"Our County and its People," edited by Mr. Wager, we find
''in 1793-4 the Roosevelt purchase, or Scriba's Patent, was
subdivided into twenty-four townships or great lots. Mr. Scriba
gave a name to each township, but after the reorganization, only
one, Florence, in this County, retained the name given it by him.
Township No. 5 included the west part of Camden, and was
named Linley. Township No. 8 included the cast part of Camden,
and part of Annsville, and was named Bloomfield, after the late
John W. Bloomfield."
Samuel Royce was one of the pioneers of Clinton, Oneida
County. He was born April 2otli, 1759. His native place was
Plymouth, Connecticut. He married the daughter of Eli Wil-
son. He came to Camden as early as 1794, and purchased 5,000
acres of land of John Murray for the consideration of £4,000. It
was part of the original Roosevelt ]nircliase. while this part of
New York State was in Herkimer Countv. ft extended from the
26
PIONEER HISTORY OF
green, northward. He settled at the liead of what if now ]*klain
Street, on a portion of land included in his jjurchase. where the
rtsidence of E. H. Conant now stands. II.' hnill a log house,
ar.d here the first town meeting- on record in the town of Camden
Mas held in the year i/tjQ. At this meeting the following persons
Pi i.iiitive Log House.
v.ere elected to the of^ce affixed to their nanv.'s: jolui \\'. Uhjom-
field, Es(|., Supervisor. Samuel Rovce, Escj.. Town <. lerk. John
Humiston, Henry Williams, Levi Matthews. Assessors. Ben-
jamin Barnes, Abner Matthews, Ephraim Wright, Commission-
ers of Highways. Samuel Jarvis, Isaac Cook. Collectors. Xoah
Tuttle, Jesse Curtiss. Poor Masters. Whiten Harnes. Daniel
Park, Ephraim Church. ( )verseers of Highways. John Hum-
aston, Eevi Matthews. Aaron Matthews. Corirniissioners of
Schools. Chanmiont Taylor, (lideon .Xorthru]). l'>.ra liarnes,
Pence \iewers. Jesse Curtiss. Pound Master.
Voted — That swine be allow-ed to go at large.
Voted — That the fence viewers be allowed sevent\-tive cents a
day for each day they shall he employed.
\'oted — That the house of William 1 hitler be a work license for
idle and indolent persons.
Voted — That Marshal Merriam should be exonerated from
paying a note of five dollars for giving a tavern license.
• \'oted — That the next town meeting be held at tlie house of
Samuel Rovce.
THE TOWS OF I'AMIHLW
27
From the records of the first town meetiiii^, it will reacHly be
seen how necessary it became to make provisions for all classes of
people, and to make laws to govern the same. The indolent and
lazy, as well as the more thrifty ones, had come here to dwell.
We find on the records for many years, extra town meetings were
called in the autumn to make provision and raise money to main-
tain the needy through the winter. But we doubt not the people
gave generously, as in another place we find they voted against
b\nlding a county house for the poor.
In the year 1800, Camden had 384 inhabitants, and it was (juite
necessary to provide some accommodation for new comers. The
first money received after the excise law took effect was recorded
March 21st, 1800:
"Received of John W. Bloomfield, Supervisor, the sum of
$5.00, being the amount of excise paid by Timothy W. Wood,
for the year 1799.
A true copy,
Jesse Curtiss, Overseer of the Poor,
Samuel Royce, Town Clerk.
The Board of Commissioners of Excise for the town of Cam-
den, hereby resolve, that Levi Matthews is of good moral charac-
ter, and of sufficient ability to keep an inn or tavern, and that he
has accommodations to entertain travelers, and that an inn or
tavern is absolutely necessary at the place where the said Mat-
thews now lives, for the actual accommodation of travelers.
A true copy, attested,
John W. Bloomfield,
John Hathaway,
Matthew Brown,
Commissioners of Excise."
June 19th, 1800.
In 1801, the third and last town meeting which was held at the
house of Samuel Royce, convened. But little business was
trrmsacted at this meeting.
Voted — That the town will build a pound, and that the super-
visor be directed to add to the assessment for it.
28 ph)\j:er history or
Voted — That a committee shall be appointed to ascertain the
place to build said pound.
Jesse Curtiss,
Zophar Barnes,
Ambrose Jones,
Committee for the above mentioned purpose.
The next meeting shall be held at the house of Bartholomew
Pond. Meeting dismissed.
Several locations were brought before the meeting, but we have
no definite location until 1829, when we find this recorded:
''Paid Seth Dunbar $30.00 for building a j^ound, and ten dol-
lars for the site."
It was situated on the north-east corner of the lot, on Mexico
Street, now owned bv Churchill and Tibbits, next to the
rocid. It was made of framed timbers like a house, covered with
boards, but had no roof. A pound master was elected every year
at town meeting, with the other town ofBcers. Cattle and swine
found straying into other people's property were driven to the
I)oi:nd, and held for the damage they had done, and the cost of
feeding them. This law did not work as harmoniously as desired,
conseciuently it fell into disuse, and after 1845 or 1846, when nec-
c-sary, the rear yards of the hotels were used for the purpose,
until the law was finall\- passed prohibiting cattle from running
at large, when the use of a pound was no longer necessary
We find one law in the book of old town records, in regard to
gi anting licenses, dated June 20th, 1800, which would be well,
had the towMi ofificers adhered to it up to the present time.
"We, John W. Bloomfield, Joshua Hathaway, Mattliew Brown.
Jiu'.ior, Commissioners of Excise for the town )f Camden, in the
County of Oneida, do solemnly swear in the i)resence of Almighty
God, that we will not on any account or i)ietense whatsoever,
crnnt any license to any person within said town of Camden, for
the purpose of keeping an inn or tavern, but only in such cases
as appear absolutely necessary for the benefit of travelers, and we
wdl in all things, while so acting as commissioners of excise, do
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
29
our duty according to the best of our judgment and ability, with-
out favor or partiality, agreeable to law.
John W. Bloomfield,
Joshua Hathaway,
Matthew Brown, Jun.,
Commissioners of Excise.
Sworn l)efore me. John W. Bloomfield.
Joshua Hathaway,
Justice jf the Peace.
In 1802 we find "That many of the inhabitants were of a good
moral character, and of sufficient ability to keep an inn or tavern,
and that thev have accommodations for enter tai\iing travelers."
An inn or tavern was most necessary at almost every resi-
dence, as in those early days they were far apart. In 1805, by an
act passed February i6th, the town of Florence was taken from
Camden, and on April 3rd, 1807, Camden was again divided, and
the town of Orange formed later, called Bengal, and at the pres-
ent dav bearing the name of Vienna. The tow-n grew rapidly.
In 1800 it had 384 inhabitants, and in 1810. after the towns of
Florence and Vienna had been taken from its territory, the
population had increased to 1,132. Samuel Royce, at whose
house the first town meeting was held, w^as a surveyor, as well as
a large land owner. He remained but a few years in Camden,
returning to Clinton, after this town was fully established. J.
W. Bloomfield, wdiose name is so closely identified with our early
town history, was the first white settler of Annsvillc. He was the
son of Tonathan Bloomfield and Elizabeth Wood, and was of
English parentage. His grandfather, Thomas Bloomfield, came
to this country in 1660 with his four sons, and settled in
Woodbridge, New Jersey, having named that lown after his na-
tive place in England. John W. Bloomfield came into this sec-
tion of the State in the spring of 1789. His journey was made on
horseback from Burlington, New Jersey, via. Schenectady, Fort
Schuyler, Whitesboro to Fort Stanwix. He lived a number of
years at Constantia, and was largely interested in the furnaces
and iron business in this part of the State. Although his home
was elsewhere, he certainlv did much towards laying the founda-
20 Pl<>Si:i:i{ Hl^STOIy'Y OF
tion of our beautiful town. He was closely and prominently
icientified with the business and landed interests of George Scriba
raid other early proprietors and leading- men of the country, and
Vias the confidential friend of business men, who relied upon his
integrity, judgment and advice as to their property interests in
this locality. Mr. Bloomfield moved from Taberg to Rome,
about 1812, where he lived for many years. His death occurred
in 1849. at the advanced age of 84 years. For a number of years
the town meetings were held in the Congregational Church and
the old Academy; they were the only buildings commodious
enough for the purpose, until the town hall was built in 1838.
CHAPTER II.
THE means of our primitive settlers did not allow them to in-
dulge in costly mode of travel. They were conveyed from
their eastern homes to this locality with oxen, and occasionally a
horse attached as leader. We find the pioneers of the Seventh were
verv persevering, and possessed of heroic and indomitable en-
ergy. The\- chose this locality for this reason, the land was more
level than in the old Nutmeg State, or Massachusetts.
This settlement, from the earliest accounts, includes many inter-
esting incidents of a local character. To investigate the circum-
stances connected with this settlement it was found necessary to
examine all records, both of the church and town. The Seventh
comprises the Second District in Camden Township. It was
here they first inten.dcd to have the village; as late as 1820 it
was far more thickly settled. In order that the present genera-
tion can get a good idea of the place in early times, you will want
to commence with your imagination at the top of the hill this
side of Orson Woods, one and a fourth mile from the village,
and the beginning of this district. On the left side of the high-
way as you are going towards the west, there used to be a long
wood-colored house built and occupied by Noah Preston ; he w^as
one of the oldest inhabitants, and possessed c|ualities of industry
and perseverance.
Noah Preston was born February 23, 1762,. He came to Cam-
den from Harwinton, Connecticut, about the year 1800.
Their large family of ten children were born in Connecticut.
Their names were Warren, Rositter, Wm. Riley, Honor, Cyprian,
Olive, Sabra, Lyman, John Stiler and Chandler. Warren Pres-
trn settled on the farm, and built the house now ow^ned by G.
Roberts, which was the property of Wilbert Cpson for a long-
time. Rossetter married Oril Curtiss, who built and owned the
farm now the home of E. A. Watkins. R. Preston lived on this
farm twenty-two years, he sold it in 1866, and moved to Rock-
ford, 111., where he died Sept. 13, 1876. aged 89. His uife died
March 28, 1880, aged 82. James Gamble and son, F. S. Gamble
22 PIOSEER HISTORY OF
and family, and daughter, Mrs. Geo. Young, are the only des-
cendants living in Camden. Lyman Preston lived east of his
father's on the same side of the road. Chandl-jr lived near the
Mix Hill, but his last days were spent in Volney, Oswego Co.,.
N. Y. He died October 2y, 1891. Wm. Riley married Sarah
Ann Smith May 19, 1812. He owned property in different parts
of the village.
In the Mexico Street Cemetery we find the graves of Noah
Preston and wife, the pioneers. Mr. Preston died April 4th,.
1835, aged y2; Honor, his wife, died Xovember 22, 1847, aged
82: their son William died August 4th, 1834, aged 44; Olive died
October 17, 1815, aged 19; Cyprian died May 26, 1819, aged 25;
these three children are buried beside their father and mother.
Passing on to the next farm, at an early date came Silas-
Ijl?ikeslee from the land of steady habits prior to 1804, and
bought a tract of land and built his house opposite the old p'.m
tree above the "W^ood's Home."' He was a 'nrother of Enos
Blakeslee; his children were Reuben, Asa, Woodard. Lucius or
Lewis. Lewis became an Episcopal clergyman in Xew York
City. This farm was tranferred to A. Dennison. Mrs. R'ake.-lee
went by the name of Aunt Prudy ; when the farm was sold she
went to Mrs. Dennison and asked for a hop vine she had got into
a jiroductive growth. Mrs. Dennison was not willing to part
with it. Aunt Prudy gave vent to her disappointment and anger
by a prediction that it would not bear hops while they owned il
and her prophecy ijroved true; it grew in a prolific m:ui::er. l)ut
no hops did it bear until Mr. Woods bought tlic farm, and it Wc;s
under different cultivation.
Ihe earliest records we can find of the next place, now the
home of Francis Park, was the coming of Ashbel Upson in 1807,
who bought land in lot No. 20, the farm of the late deacon Lent
Upson. This place he leased or bought; there is no record to
show when. lie returned to Plymouth, Conn., and came here wiili
his family the last of November, 1808, with two yoke of oxen and
three horses, with a family of eight children — two daughters did
not come, as there were ten children in the faniilv. Their names
were Patty, who married Mr. Sutton <jf New Jersey; Alma, mar-
ried Dr. Huntly; Polly married A. Dennison; Nancv married
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. -,
Pliny Darrow; Canda married Davies Sperry in 1812, and after
his death married Luther Miller in 1826; Eleanor married Pliny
Alden in 18 12; Nellie married Ashbel Orton of Williamstown,
where there are descendants still living. Their sons were Eras-
tns, Lent and Ashbel, who was only five years old on comino-
here. Mr. Upson in coming so late in the fall found eight or ten
inches of snow. It was hard pulling with wheels. They finally
reached their destination and located on the place now occupied
by Francis Park. There was a log house that he had already
built, and he added a frame part the following vear, and kept
a tavern. Later he moved on his farm on Lot No. 20, and it
wai- kept in the Upson family until sold by Lent to Woodard
Perkins in 1865.
The LIpson family were among the first to organize the Con-
gregational Church. xA^shbel L^pson, Sen., was made deacon, and
there was always a Deacon Upson in the church until the death
of Lent in 1870. Deacon Ashbel and his brother Jesse, who was
next younger, were in the Revolutionary War; Jesse came here
with his brother; he was 6 feet 6 inches high, the tallest Up-
son of that family. No one seems to know where he died or where
he was buried. Ashbel served two years under Capt. Wilcox and
Col. Baldwin; he was with the company that helped to for-
tify West Point in 1777, by a chain drawn across the
river at that point to prevent the enemy from going up
to Albany. But the fort and river chain were taken by the Brit-
ish, but abandoned after the surrender of Bargoyne. These
reminiscences were very interesting for him to tell to his children.
He enlisted at Plymouth, Conn. Mrs. Upson's maiden name was
Mary, the only daughter of Levi Munson. She si'Tvived her hus-
band 26 years, and drew a pension until her death, March 3rd,
1857, aged 91. Mr. Upson died June 31. 1831, iged 71. Erastus
Upson was the first to start in the tin business in Camden; he
commenced on the Seventh, nearly opposite their home. In 1820
he moved his business into the village. He married Cynthia Bal-
lard, March 28, 181 1. Ashbel Upson, Jr., married Betsev
Barnes; first went to housekeeping in a house he built that
stood where Oliver Howard now^ lives. In 1838 he bought on
3
24 PIOXEEJx' HISTOh'Y OF
the Florence Hill road, and moved there with his three children.
More will be said about him in that locality.
Lent Upson married Maria, daughter of Garner Preston, of
Harwinton, Conn. There were ten children, nine lived to matur-
ity. In 1865 he moved into the village, and gave up farm life.
Four of the children are living: Miles Upson of Oneida. Mrs.
Eliza Preston in Illinois, Spencer of Minneapolis, the father of
Arthur W'heelock Upson, the young poet Maria, who married
Samuel Scoville of Camden.
Widow Dean, the mother of Mrs. Erastus Upson, lived in a
house on the Florence road above the Park place. After the
death of Mr. Ballard she married the second time, Joseph Phelps,
and after his death she married, in 1819, Judge Dean of West-
moreland for his second wife. Mr. Dean was an agent and inter-
preter for the Indians. Mrs. Dean was present at the burning
of Cherry Valley by the Indians, November 11. 1775. Sherman
Barnes owned the Park place after Mr. Upson; then it was
deeded, about 1816, to John Humaston. April, 1821, it was
bought by John Dunsoaugh, who came from Clermont, Colum-
l)ia County. He married Concurrence Landon.
JACOB PARKS.
Jacob Parks, who had married their adopted daughter, came
with them. This place has been in the Parks family ever
since. It was kept as a tavern for a long time. John Dunsbaugh
died November 18, 1843, aged y2. His wife died later in Colum-
bia County. Jacob Parks did not live many years after coming
here. He died in 1827, aged 44 years. His wife survived him do
years, and made hc' home with her son Francis. She was a
pensioner of the war of 1812, and a most estimable woman in
every respect. She died February 2y, 1888, aged 98. Three
children living of the 12 born to them, Mrs. J. Hyde of Indiana,
Mrs. H. Hammond of Iowa. Francis Park of Camden, and his
descendants are the only ones living here. Daunsl)augh's Tavern
was a very popular place for the weary traveler, and back in
the thirties was made famous by a wolf hunt. In 1837 or 1838
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
35
a wolf was prowling around Annsville, and finally came near the
property of Anthony Empey's in the town of Florence, and killed
20 sheep. This aroused the neighborhood. There was no way to
get rid of them but to kill them. A large party gathered together
and followed the creature to Camden without getting a chance
to shoot. Each man tries to aim well, for if he mis'ses. the animal
may in his fright spring upon him. All are excited, and there is
daneer of shootinsr one another. The animal after reaching the
Mrs. Concurrence Parks
pine woods back of the school house en Mie Seventh, led his
pursuers through a long strip of woods into Amboy. By this
time the first of the party were completely exhausted, and called
for recruits. They finally headed this ferocious animal at Amboy,
and he madeareturn trip through the pines to the Seventh. Bythis
time a large party came from Camden village, ai:d J. D. Cavalry
was among them. They finally surrounded Mr. Wolf, and every
way he turned there was a gun pointed at him. J. D. Cavalry
was the hero of the day. His shot hit the mark. The wolf was
brought over in front of Daunsbaugh's tavern with great shouts
36
Flo's EER HISTORY OF
from the crowd. It proved to be a very large black wolf. After
the party got pretty full of "fire water," which was only 25 cents
a gallon in pioneer days, they procured a sled and put four poles.
one on each corner, and then a platform on them, then the wolf
was laid out high and dry, with J. 1). Cavalry to guard it. Then
they started for the village. I suppose it was equal to any Fourth
of July. The only difference, one was celebrating the conquer-
ing of the British, and the other the ca])ture of the wolf.
The wolf was given back to Annsvillc. It was on exhibition in
a farmer's barn for some time, and then it was bought by some
one in Utica, and put in the hands of a taxidermist. That was
the last they heard of it.
Francis Park remembers when the stage stopped at their house
to change horses, at one time ex-President Martin Van Buren
was passenger, en route for Oswego.
SEX'EXTH TOWNSHIP CEMETERY.
We find at the County Clerk's Office this cemetery was re-
corded August 12, 1826, in Book 42, page 163. Novembej- 15,1823,
Cemetery on the Seventh.
it was given in a c|uit claim deed by David Smith and Hannah
his wife, of the first part, for the sum of twenty dollars, to Daniel
THE 7'OTVA' OF CAMDEN.
37
Northrup, Benjamin Curtiss and William Plumb, of the second
part, in lot No. 36, for a burying ground, and should be kept for
the purpose mentioned in good repair, with a fence around it.
They have lived up to their agreement. It is the oldest in town
that is kept in good condition. This place is hallowed by the
remains of many good and brave men. Revolutionary patriots
that were among our earliest settlers, and of the war of 1812, and
other prominent men; and sacred to the memory of faithful
women who helped to battle with life in our primitive forests.
We have been told that this ground of one acre is more than
full' and there is nothing to mark the graves of many, and no
record is to be found. There are 187 stones, with the field stones
as counted, in the burying ground, September 1896. This is the
inscription on the stone of the oldest burial :
"In memory of Samuel Potter, who died August the 21st, 1806,
in the 87th year of his age.
Farewell my friends and children all,
I am out of siirht and out of call,
I pray, my friends take timely care,
Of a deaf son who is my heir.
One stone in particular attracts attention as you enter the
gate; that of Dr. Joel Rathburn, a soldier of 1812. The inscrip-
tion is as follows :
'Tn memory of Dr. Joel Rathburn who died August 23rd,
1820, aged 41 years. As a physician he was able and skillful,
possessing during 18 years of extensive practice the deserved
confidence of the community. He was an active and liberal patron
of religious institutions, and a friend of order and a peace-maker.
Being among the early settlers of Camden, he contributed much
to its prosperity. Of the truth of the Christian revelation, he
was firmly persuaded, and left the world in the expectation of
sharing its joy. In life, respected and beloved; and in death, not
less lamented. By this event the poor have lost a benefactor.
But the tears of his widow and orphans attest how kindly he ful-
filled the office of a father and a husband."
Now let us linger a while here, just beyond, at the left. This
will tell of the past that is linked with the life of to-day. Here is
38
PIONEER HISTORY OF
a little field-stone, simply marked "L. M.. JE. yy." Here rests
a great grandfather of a great many living in our midst at the
present day. He responded quickly, with others, at the fight o?
Lexington, and it is a noteworthy fact the life of the one that
sleeps here will show. most conclusively the spirit of the man in
defence of his covmtry.
LEVI MUNSON.
Levi Munson, with others, marched from Connecticut towns
for the relief of Boston, Ai)ril, 1775. He was from Wallingford,
but w-ent as clerk from Branford, and was six days in service.
September ist, 1775, he enlisted in the Quebec expedition under
Col. Benedict Arnold of New Haven, Conn., with Capt. Oliver
Hanchett of Sufifield. September 25, 1775, Mr. Munson- with
seventeen others, surrendered with Col. Ethan Allen, near Mont-
real, and was taken to Halifax. Very soon after they were sent
to England. While there, Ethan Allen rejected an offer made by
the king, which caused them to be handcuffed and thrust into a
dark hole 22 by 20 feet, in Pendennis Castle, and they were con-
fined there for a month, then they were transported back to Hali-
fax, June 21, 1776. Mr. Munson was given up by his familv as
one dead, but through the kindness of one of the ship's crew he
wrote a letter home as well as he could in his weak state, and the
little ray of light they had on ship-board. Not long after their
arrival at Halifax, he was among the exchanged prisoners, and
made haste home to his family. As soon as health would permit
he re-enlisted in the Continental army, and was commissioned
2nd Lieutenant January 1st, 1777. He resigned September 8th.
1780. The last time he enlisted, his youngest son, Levi, who
was old enough to go, went as his father's assistant, and four
other sons also entered the army.
Lent went as a drummer in Capt. Stephen Potter's Company
from Brantford. June i6th, 1777, afterwards he was a fifer in
Capt. Elisha Ely's Company, January 21. 1778.
Orange was a drummer in the same company from Januar\-
20, 1778, to March i, 1780.
Almond enlisted in Ely's Company March 6, 1777. Discharged
THE TOTFA' OF CAMDEN.
39
March 3, 1782. He was a pensioner in 1818, and a resident of
Pensylvania.
Ephraim was in Col. Mosley's Regiment, Capt. James Stod-
dard's Company; enlisted July 8, 1778. He was a pensioner in
Litchfield County, Conn., in 1832.
The oldest son, Lent, while in the army was in company with four
or five others carrying supplies on horses. They were captured
by a band of Indians from Lake Superior region. Their horses
were taken from them, and they were obliged to walk. Overcome
by fatigue, one after another would fall by the way, and in every
case they received a blow on the head from a tomahawk, and
were left where they fell. Only two lived to get through, and
Lent was one of them. After reaching their destination the In-
dians cut their hair short, painted their faces, and dressed them in
Indian fashion. They were bound every night, and slept between
two Indians, and were never allowed to speak to each other.
They were now in the unsettled West, the Indians' hunting
grounds, for this tribe were great hunters. By Lent's good con-
duct they soon had confidence enough to allow him to be alone
while hunting. On one of these expeditions he chanced to meet
a fur dealer, who occasionally came among them to buy their
furs. He told him his history, and through him learned some-
thing of his whereabouts, and what direction to take to find a
white settlement, should he decide to attempt an escape. He de-
cided very soon, and traveled nights, and secreted himself
through the day. On one occasion, wdiile lying in a hollow log.
some of the party passed him near enough to hear what they
said. He soon came to the river, and fortunately found a boat,
he was soon on the other side, and near the settlement he was
searching for. In looking back he saw some of the tribe in close
pursuit. He told his story to a lady, and she hid him in her attic
until the Indians left the village. He was given suitable clothes,
and after washing the paint off, and having a good rest, his
thoughts turned towards home, and after expressing his utmost
gratitude to these true friends in need, who had also furnished
him money to defray his expenses to his home in Wallingford,
Conn., he soon arrived there, and was received with great joy.
PIOyEER HISTORY OF
40
The mother had mourned for him, supposing- he was killed in
some battle. His exhausted state, and the excitement of once
more seeing the dear ones, proved too much for him, and he soon
passed away. The rest of the sons lived until the close of the
war. Mrs. Levi Munson remained on the farm with the four
youngest children, an only daughter and three sons, Abel, Au-
g-ustus and Elisha. They sold their farm in Connecticut, and
moved to Green County, N. Y. They remained there until their
children had homes of their own, and they were too old to care
for themselves. About the year 1814 they came to Camden, and
were kindly cared for in the home of their daughter, J\lrs. Ashbel
Upson, Sen., and spent the remainder of their days there.
Mr. Levi Munson was born in 1739, and died in 18 16, aged yy.
Mrs. Munson was born in 1743, and died in 1827, aged 84. In
our American Histories we have read of patriotic fathers, but
little knew that one was buried in this cemetery, with other
brave men, as Woods, Penfield, Curtiss, Upson, Barnes and
Brown.
The patriotic wife and mother whose remains repose here by
her husband, also deserves a record of heroic self-sacrifice on the
altar of her country.
After i)assing Daunsbaugh's tavern, there is a corner to the
right. By the old survey book, we find this road was laid out
from the Salmon River road (now Oswego) to Florence, July 2t,,
1801. Entered on the old town book 1832.
ELDAl) SMITH.
The earliest settler on this road was Eldad Smith. He came in
1799, and bought land in Lot No. 9 of Ogden «.*<: ^lurray, laml
owners of New York City. He made a clearing in the wood-
and built a log house. He returned to his home in Litch-
field, Connecticut, and the next sjiring he started with
his family for their new home. They came with oxen
and a lumber wagon, bringing bedding, provisions, and
such household furniture as was absolutely necessary; also three
cows, which furnished milk for their use on the way, as well as
afterwards. They arrived at their destination June 9th, 1800,
THE TOWN OF CAMDEX. .(
being- on the road 21 days. Then began their new hfe in the
wilderness, with plenty of hard work before them.. The little
patch of cleared land had to be prepared and planted, and then
the \vork of clearing- the land continued. The cares of the house
were very hard with so little to do with. There were cooking,
mending, spinning and knitting, and the care of the children.
The oldest one, r.amed Hiram, was but seven years old. They
btiilt a small barn before the cold winter came. The cattle fed
upon twigs of trees which had been cut down, and they were in
good condition in the spring. Pigs and sheep were added to
their stock, and more land was cleared, and the work increased.
Early in the spring of 181 3 a malignant fever, wdiich became
epidemic, appeared in this neighborhood. The disease entered
this household; the father died after six days" illness, an-d
Jonathan, a son 16 years old, died in five days after being taken
ill; the other members of the family recovered. Then the cares
fell upon this grief-stricken mother, and Hiram, who was now
nineteen years old. The next year Hiram bought a piece of land
adjoining that which his father bought, and in 181 5 married
Anna, daughter of Serajah Comstock, of W'illiamstown, but for
a time a resident of the town of Camden. The other members of
the family moved to ^Michigan. Hiram Smith had five children
that lived to maturity, only two living at present, Mrs. Crouch of
this village, and Lewis Smith of West Camden. Hiram Smith died
July 20, i860, aged 67; Anna Smith, his wife, died February 7.
1859, aged 65. Eldad Smith's place is now owned by Robert
Sparrow, son of Joseph and Elizabeth Sparrow, who emigrated
to America from Shropshire, England, in 1S32, with eleven chil-
dren.
ERIE CASTLE.
The next farm this side, in Lot Xo. 23, owned now by John
Smith, Erie Castle, came prior to 1814 from Plymouth, Conn.
His wife's maiden name was Polly Ford. She died in 1815. Erie
Castle died July 15, 1842, aged 63. He is buried beside his wife
on the Seventh. They were grandparents of Jay Castle, late of
Camden, now of Williamstown. The road leading from this farm
across to the Florence Hill road was surveyed May, 1821.
pi').\j:er history of
KEXfAMIX FEXTON.
James Hamilton came from Scotland and bou^s^ht this place in
1834, and sold to John Watkins in 1844. Mr. Hamilton moved
to Buffalo. About one mile west of this last place Benjamin Fen-
ton lived in 1831. He came from Connecticut. His oldest daugh-
ter, Roxy, married Wm. Shepherd in Connecticut, and came here
some time after the family. Mr. Shepherd died in 1894. His wife
died 1886. Three children survive them, G. R. Shepherd, grocery
merchant, and two daughters. Polly married Levi Parsons. He
died in 1885, aged yy years. His wife resides with her married
daughter in Ashburnham, Mass.; one daughter in Camden, two
sons in the West. George Fenton lived in W^est Camden, and
Sherman remained at the old home. The other four children
were Lucius, Sarah, William and Mrs. John Whaley.
Wolves had been prowling around this neighborhood for
some time. One night George Fenton, returning home quite
late, after spending the evening with a certain young lady, had
quite an experience. As he neared home he heard the howling
of wolves. 'He was this ^"ide of his failirr's where there was a
long strip of woods, when he heard a wolf howl in the distance at
his right, then a reply from one nearer to him at his left. He
gave a great sigh, and ?ays, boots, you and I nuist be lively, as he
heard the howling of the wolves, and they seemed to lie getting
nearer. On reaching home he found his father and the rest of
the family up. They had heard the wolves, and were sure he was
torn to pieces, but with great jov the\' heard his footsteps cc^ming
down the hill with great speed. This story was told at school
the next morning by his sister, and told to the writer by one of
his schoolmates now a person that has grandchildren to tell
stories to. That same night Hiram Smith liad ihirty sheep killed.
and also others in that neighborhood. On investigation, they
found two wolves had made their home with seven young ones
on Cropper Hill. They were making dreadful havoc among the
sheep in that vicinity. A number of men from ihe town of
Florence and Camden drove them out of their den, and they
went towards Annsville without getting a shot at them. Anns-
THE T(>w^ or camden. 43
ville settlers turned out and surrounded, and killed the seven
young wolves.
ELEAZER STEARNS.
Eleazer Stearns married Aurelia Castle, near Bristol, Conn.,
prior to 1790, and soon after they removed to Easton, Washing-
ton County. Eleazer Stearns was a revolutionary soldier, and
died at Easton. About the year 1818 his widow came to Camden
with all but two of her children. Aurelia and Minerva remained
East, and married David and James Burch. Mrs. Stearns first set-
tled about one mile east of Mr. Fenton's. Lola married and lived
near the home; Isaac married Erie Castle's daughter, and lived in
West Camden, on property now owned and occupied by H. H.
Gififord; Phebe married a Mr. De Long, and lived in Fulton;
Eliza married Elijah Gaylord; Caroline married Morgan Rich of
Sand Banks; Mrs. Stearns married Benj. Curtiss. She died
January 28, 1857, aged 86. James Rowell, son of Martin Row-
ell, married Lola Stearns; he was in the war of 1812; he was
brother to Caleb, Zera, David, Truman.
To come back to Oswego road, after crossing the bridge:
The first place on the left was the property of David and Stephen
Kinnie. They came here in 1814. and built a small tannery in
connection with a shoe shop. One was the tanner, and the other
the shoemaker. They were brothers to Amos Kinnie. They
tanned a few hides for their own manufacture. Their home was
on the corner of the Mix road. Daniel Northrup. who married
Sabra Preston, was also a shoemaker, and occupied this place.
He went from house to house, and made up their winter stock.
On the opposite corner, on the left, Abram Perkins kept a tavern.
ABRAM PERKINS
Emigrated here whh his father, Elijah Perkins, in 1803, frotn
New Haven, Conn. Of the family of six children, only two
came with Elijah Perkins and wife; Abram, the oldest, and
Woodard the youngest, a boy of five years. Abram was
married and had one child, Lydia, who was three years
old (known as Aunt Lydia Sperry). They built a log house near
Florence Hill, but soon after moved where his father lived, now
44
I'lOSl ER HISTORY OF
called tlie Xisl;et Place. His father, Elijah Perkins, was born
the 28th day of January. 1755, and died March 24th, 1S33. Lydia
his wife was born tlie \6\\\ day of November. 1754. and died at
her youngest son Woodard's in 1849, aged 90. In 1812 Abram
Perkins bouglit o[ W hitirg I]arnes a lot on the Seventh, ccr/er
of the Mix road, and buih the first hotel in Camden. His wife's
name was Huldah FVatt; they liad four children, Lydia, Gains,
Hannah and Mark. At this time there were a good many Ind-
ians wandering through the country, who had a great love for
whisky. They would stoj) at the tavern and get a drink if they
could. When Caius was a boy about thirteen or fourteen, he
had charge of the bar-room if his father was away. He had been
told not to let the Indians have any strong drink, as it made them
ugly. One day his father was away, and he and his mother were
alone, when three Indians put in an appearance, and the first
thing they wanted was whisky. Gains was not afraid, and told
them they could not have any. One burly fellow stepped up
and said they would, and took out their usual weapon, a long
knife, and stepped towards the boy. and he backed up. and the
Indian followed him until he was to the back side of the room.
The Indian raised his knife and stuck it into a board above the
boy's head. As he did not fimch, the Indian says, "Laughing
boy, no coward," and soon these unwelcome visitors went away.
Gaius Perkins lived in Camden all his life. He was a carpenter
by trade. He lived in the village several years before his death.
He married Caroline, daughter of Street Barnes; she died in 1880.
There were three children, only one living, Mrs. D. P. Peck, and
her daughter, Mrs. W. Peck and little family are the only de-
scendants here of the Perkins family. Mark Perkins settled in
Utica, and died there at the age of 6cj. Woodard Perkins settled
on his father's place, and married Esther Xorthru)). He lived
many years in the village, and where he will have distinct notice
in that localitv. >
ISAAC WHEELER.
On the right hand side of the street as vou cross the bridge,
once stood a house, the home of Isaac Wheeler, who moved here
in 1831 from A\''olcott Hill. There were eight children. Daniel,
nii: TO\V\ OF ('AMI)KX.
45-
Charles, Samuel, Isaac, Joseph, ( )ccamen, Russell and Betsey,
who married Reuben Root. Daniel married Sophrona Bvam,
and moved to Pennsylvania; Charles married Marv Ann Wood;
she died November 8, 1840, aged 32, leaving four children. For
his second wife he married Emeline Alix; she died December 3,
1882, aged ys'^ Charles Wheeler died h^bruary 16, 1886, aged
83; Joseph married Amanda Harrington. They both died in the
West, at the home of their only child, Russell Wheeler. The next
from the Wheeler place was Alva Rogers, who married Han-
nah, daughter of xA.bram Perkins. A portion of this house
is standing. Mr. Rogers had a carpenter and joiner ^hop
close by. Near the Rogers home Joel Gilbert had a black-
smith shop. In 1828 it was owned by Nelson Simmons about
four years. Further notice of the latter in the village.
DR. JOEL RATHBURN.
The next place was the home of Dr. Joel Rathburn. He mar-
ried Philomela Alden of Williamstown. Their bridal trip was
Residence of Dr. Joel Rathburn.
made on horseback, and Mrs. Rathbun had a narrow escape from
being drowned in crossing the creek below the village. Levant,
their oldest child was born in 1803; Alden, the next, in 1805.
n PIOXKEIi HISTORY OF
There were five more children, Lysander, Philander, Joel Phih-i
and Dorlisca. Early in the year 1820 Mr. Rathburn went to
Sugar Grove, Pennsylvania, to purchase land for his sons, and
took cold, and lived but a short time after. He had an office
noar his home; he was a prominent physician. He left a
widow and several children. Alden Rathburn kept the old
homestead, and married Rosannah Dunbar in 1831. Six children
were born to them, three living in Camden; Henry is on the old
place, which has been in the family about ninety-seven years.
Mr. A. Rathl)urn died in 1888; his wife in 1877.
SAMUEL T. WOODS.
Samuel T. Woods, a captain in the war of 181 2, lived nearly
opposite the Rathburn house; he married Aurelia Dunbar. A
little incident shows the interest Capt. Woods had in his men,
at Sackett's Harbor, and their love for him never waned. Capt.
Woods' company was not brought to action, as the struggle was
virtually over when they reached the seat of war, although peace
had not been declared. There was nothing for them to do, and
Mr. W^ood, knowing how much they were needed at home — and
a dreaded disease having broken out among' them, and men
v^ere dying ofT — Mr. Wood did not wait for them to be dis-
banded and mustered out, but took the responsibility upon him-
■self, and sent them home, contrary to all military rules, thereby
rendering himself liable to military discipline, and to court mar-
tial, and perhaps a worse fate, if caught, which would undoubt-
edly have been carried to the full extent of the military severity,
were it not for friends that helped him in his time of need. It
was said he was driven over the country under a pile of straw,
and though hotly pursued, he escaped capture and the dreaded
severity of a court martial. He was honored and respected by
all. He was an industrious and hard-working man. dying at the
early age of t,2, in 1824.
Turn back to the Mix road. As early as 1802 there was a
brewery near the pines — now the railroad crossing. The water
was brought in pump-logs from the springs on the hills. Soon
after the first temperance movement, this was abolished.
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
47
NOAH TUTTLE.
Noah Tuttle lived aljout one mile west of the corner of the
Oswego and Mix Road. He married Thankful Royce in Con-
necticut — Andrew, born 1772; Elizabeth, 1775; Laura, 1777;
Andrew, the oldest, was married, and in company with his father
came to Camden in the fall of 1797. Daniel was the first white
male child born in Camden, April 22, 1798. Noah Tuttle
lived in Clinton about two years, after leaving- Connecticut,
before coming to Camden. Names of the children born in Con-
necticut — Andrew, born 1772; Elizabeth, 1775; Laura, 1777;
Phineas, 1779; Oramon, 1782; Noah, 1784, and died 1794; Chloe,
1787; Nehemiah, 1790; Chauncey, 1792; Noah P., 1795, and died
1797; Daniel, 1798; and Orvis . The father of this large
family died June 21, 1821, aged yy years. Mrs. Tuttle married
for her second husband Gideon Northrup. She lived to a good old
age, and there are people now who remember her. She was a
sister of Samuel Royce, the first town clerk of Camden, and they
were the only ones of that family that came here.
Mrs. Tuttle, early one morning, came to the door of Mrs.
Thomas Stone with a bed-spread which she had spun and woven,
sa}ing to Mrs. Stone she would like her to have it; to which
Mrs. Stone replied, "I do not need it." "But you must have it,"
said Mrs. Tuttle. "I do not want any chairs, tables or bedstead,
but I want an order." It then dawned upon Mrs. Stone what
she did want; therefore she took the spread and repeated the
conversation to her husband. He asked her if she would like it.
She said she did not care for, it, "but you see what she wants;
it is to pay for her cofifin." And he immediately gave her an or-
der. The spread has always been in Mrs. Stone's possession.
Mr. Stone died before Mrs. Tuttle. At her death her grandson
went to Mrs. Stone with the order, and it was sent to Martin
Stevens for her coffin. Mrs. Tuttle died March 11, 1846, aged
94 years.
AMOS DAV^ENPORT MIX.
Amos Davenport Mix, who built this house came to Camden
from Wolcott, Connecticut, about 1799. He had been a
48
PIONEER HISTORY OF
j.'i-cat traveler; had been around the world, and at that
time it was a great undertaking. He visited where the
sun shone but two hours a day. He was very aristocratic^
and did not lay aside his knee-buckles in his forest home. He
was a tailor by trade, and many a garment he cut after coming here
for the housewives to make up home-made suits for their family.
In emigrating here he thought he could get away from the noise
and bustle of the city, and lead a (juiet life in the wilderness. He
bought of Jesse Curtiss this place, where- he lived the rest of his.
Residence of Amos Davenport Mix.
life. From the Oswego road they went l)y marked trees, and
were obliged to go on horseback or walk. To see the open fields
and good roads, one can hardly realize it now. The reason he
bought upon the hill was because the prospects at that time were
that the village would be near by. Mr. Mix being a Connecticut
man, had the sanu- taste that is so characteristic there, in
having homes on high elevations, so as to comamnd a fine view
of the country and the busy scenes of life. In clearing the land
the father an<l sons chopjied wood until their hands would bleed.
How manv of our boys of. the present dav are fitted for jMoneer
life? Amos Davenport Mix helped to keep up the religious
services in that vicinity by reading the scriptures, and leading the
meetings, and doing all (nher work for the good cause he
THE TOWN OF (WMD/JX.
49
could. At that time distilleries were numerous, and whisky
plenty; he was the first to throw away his decanter at the time of
the reform. Mr. Mix had very few words on business; he always
meant to be straightforward in all his dealings. (Jne little in-
cident is told of him that seems quite amusing. He went on
I'.orseback to pay a bill, which he knew was overcharged,
"i his was the substance of the conversation: "Good morn-
ing, Sir — my bill. Sir — too much. Sir — good day. Sir — get
up, Sir" — and rode away. The same expressions were used on
his second call. The third! time his debtor came down to a fair
price, so he greeted him. "Good n;orning, Sir — my bill. Sir —
all right, Sir — here's your money. Sir — good day, Sir — get up,
Sir." He was so polite he used Sir to man or beast. Amos D.
Mix, Sen., died September 6, 1846, aged 79. Urzula Cook, his
wife, died September 17, 1862, aged 81. There were nine chil-
dren, the descendants of only one in Camden village, Mrs. Helen
Barnes and family; she was the daughter of Alfred Mix. He
lived on the old place for many years. His last days were spent
in the village with his daughter. Mr. Alfred Mix died September
23, 1894; his wife died September 17, 1885.
■-.tt," a-* 1
Residence of Amos ilix, Jr.
This is the home of Amos Mix, Jr.; he married Abigail Bryan
in 1827. He was a very industrious farmer. There are none of
his descendants in Camden now. His daughter, Mrs. Albert
Barnes, and her son, moved to Syracuse in the fall of 1896. Mr.
4
CO i'if)\i:i:i{ ni.sTof.'Y or
Amos -Mix died (jctober ii, 1876, aged 72. His wife survived
him eleven years, dying in 1883, aged 75. Warren Mix died in
San Francisco. Adeline married J. Burnham of \\'est Camden.
There are two sons living in their old home now. John Mix
married Orissa Ransom. He was a very prosperous business
man. We find in the first volume of the Camden paper, in 1842.
this advertisement: "Milk pans — first quality — warranted by the
dozen or hundred. Please call at the old tin store. J. F. & W.
Mix. May 4."
John F. Mix was identified with the Congregational Church for
many years, and contributed largely to its support. His only
child, George, died February 8th, 1871, aged 26, which was a
great blow to his afflicted parents, from which they never fully re-
covered. Mr. Mix died December, 1894, aged 80 years. JMrs.
Mix is living at the present day
Bond $800. To Amos Mix from Jesse Curtiss. Know all men
by these prcscr.ts, that Jesse Curtiss in ?kIexico. in the County of
Oneida, firmly boiuid to Amos Mix to the sum of 8o3 dollars.
&c., and sealed with my seal, dated this (jth day of January, in
the year of 1799. The condition of this obligation is such that if
the Jesse Curtiss shall and do convey unto tlie above named
Amos Mix, his heirs, attorney or administrators, by a good and
sufficient warranty deed on or before the first dav of February,
"one thousand eight hundred," one hundred acres of land of the
westerly side of Lot No. 49 in the Township Xo. 7 in Scriba
Patent, beginning at the north easterly corner of Xo. 49, then
eastward on the line of the beach fence between Xorthruj) and
the said Jesse Land, and so on.
Thus this obligation to be void, to remain in full force of virtue.
Jesse Curtiss.
Sealed and delivered in ])rcsence of Arthur Breese.
CHAPTER III.
THE SEVENTH RELIGIOUS SOCIETY.
THE beginning- of a settlement generally begins the history of
religious societies, and our forefathers labored for the right;
for their own good as well as for their posterity. In relation to the
history of this society, it will be difficult to give anything ac-
curate, as no records can be found. We conclude the first relig-
ious services were held in some private house, as was customary
in primitive days. In 1799 a building was erected, and as these
pioneers had a care for schools as well as a house for worship,
their building, called the Academy, was made for the conven-
ience of both. It was a commodious structure, and divided by a
swing partition, a g"allery at one end, and a huge fire-place at
the other. The partition was kept down, and the gallery was
then closed through the week, and was raised on Sunday, which
gave a seating capacity to a large congregation. Meetings were
held every Sunday, and were well attended. From what little we
can glean in regard to this society, there was no regular pastor;
they were supplied by missionaries, or from some other society.
There were men of education among these pioneers, with their
strict principles in regard to the observance of the Lord's day,
that conducted these meetings, Amos Davenport Mix, and
others, took turns in reading good practical sermons, and
the scriptures, and leading in singing the Psalms of David. In
1800, twelve united with this society, and in 1803 eleven more,
and twenty-three organized into a church called "The Second
Congregational Church of Camden." The first Coiigregational
Church was organized at Paris, Oneida County, N. Y., in 1798.
This society was the first to organize in the present town of
Camden. The services were held regularly until they united
VNith the First Congregational Church, Oct. 23, 1815. x^n amusing
story is told concerning the strife between these two societies.
George Scriba made an offer of land to the one that built the
52 PIONEER HISTORY OF
first church. There was one appointed from each society to go
to Utica and have the papers made out and recorded. The one
from the Seventh started out on horseback very secretly, and
thought he would spend the night with his brother in a neigbor-
ing town to Utica, and go to the County Clerk's Office in the
morning. The one from the village heard of it, and started late
on horseback, and rode all night, and went intO' Utica with great
speed in the morning, and had the papers all made out before
the other one arrived from his brother's. When urgent business
is on hand it is not best to make visits bv the way.
The land that Scriba gave through his agent, John Murray, was
what was called the Priest Lot, above the railroad station on
Mexico Street, and comprised 134 acres and 9-100 of an acre.
Later we find the following persons received into the Second
Church: Irene Cropper, Catherine Lane, Mary Hungerford,
June 16, 1813; December 20, 1813, received Elizabeth Woods,
Cynthia Upson, Mary Upson, Rachel Hungerford; Bethena, wife
of deacon A. Curtiss admitted March, 1815.
DISTRICT NO. 2.
In relation to our primitive settlers, they were careful that the
younger part of their families should not be destitute of instruc-
tion in the common branches, like reading, spelling and writing.
It would be gratifying to have the proceedings of our early
settlers on this subject before us. But such as they were, they
are lost. Among the first that taught prior to 1810 were Krastu?
U^pson and Cynthia Ballard, whom he married. Mr. LTpson had
charge of this school after he married. In 181 2 this pioneer
academy and church was destroyed by fire, caught from a spark
from the fire-place, that got on to the broom that stood near by.
They rebuilt in 1813, and one of the early teachers, ten vears
later, was Simon Davies. later a merchant in Florence village;
another was Diadama Humaston, who married Ahio Riplev.
In 1854 the building was in a sad condition, and thcv voted to
rebuild it, which is the present building. This school has been
well sustained, and is as flourishing as most common schools
are in this vicinitv.
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. -.
SAMUEL POTTER.
Samuel Potter was one of the early settlers in this locality; he
built just above Joel Rathburn. In connection with his home
was a building for a store; Linus Sandford had charge of it.
Samuel Potter was l)orn 1739; died 1806. His sister Eunice mar-
ried Salmon Humaston, and another sister was Zophar Barnes,
Jr's., wife. He also^ had a brother named Daniel, and one Zenas.
His was the first burial that has a head stone to mark his grave
in town; buried August 1806.
Jesse Penfield lived on the corner opposite the school-house;
his blacksmith shop stood near by. He was here but a few years.
On the corner north of the school-house stood a little house, in
which lived a little old woman familiarly known as "Old Granny
Chunk." Her maiden name was Smith.
SALMON HUMASTON.
Salmon Humaston, in 1800, owned the place now occupied by
John Seubert, and a little later bought and lived just above Gran-
ny Chunk's. Here he had a carpenter and joiner shop. All traces
of the two houses on this corner are gone. Salmon Humaston
died in 183d, Eunice his wife in 1832; they were the parents of
Norris and Diadama; Norris died in 1871; his wife in 1885.
There are none of the descendants living; they are all buried
side ])y side on the Seventh.
JESSE CURTISS.
Jesse Curtiss came here previous to the arrival of Judge H.
Williams. His family did not come until sometime after. They
were from Litchfield County, Conn. There were four sons, Jesse
Curtiss of Clinton, Ambrose, Elihu and Elisha of Camden. Mr.
Curtiss was a great land owner. He was in the Revolutionary
War, and held several prominent offices. On the stones in
Mexico Street Cemetery is inscribed: "Maj. Jesse Curtiss died
May 28, 1821. aged 88." Sarah, his wife, died January 19, 1818,
aged 81. Deacon Ambrose Curtiss built a log house, and after-
wards the frame building known as the Sartwell place, this side
of the crossing. His first wife was Lucy Doolittle, half sister of
Elisaph; she died May 29, 1815, aged 43. He married for his
54 PIOXEER HISTORY OF
second wife Bethena, the widow of Garner Preston, who was
the mother of Mrs. Lent Upson. Ambrose Curtiss, Sen., died
March 6, 1842, aged 72. There were nine children by the first
marriage: Charles, Hastings, Ambrose and Hall; five daughters,
Oril, who married Rosetter Preston; Mabel, married Thompson
Scoville; Amelia, married George Parks; Lucy, married George
White, and moved to Pennsylvania; Sophrona, married John
Gamble, and lives in West Camden. Charles Curtiss married
Sabrina Rice, sister of Seth, and settled just over the line in the
southern part of Florence — it was then Camden. He was a
soldier of 18 12. He moved down to the Seventh after his
brothers and sisters had married, and his father was alone, he
remained there until after his father's death. In 1847 he ex-
changed places with Samuel Sartwell of West Camden, and re-
mained there until his death in 1854; his wife survived him
twenty-five years; she died in 1879. There were five children,
only two living now. The only descendants in town are Mrs.
Harry Goodyear and grand-daughter, Miss Bertha Wood.
Hasting Curtiss moved to Central Square about 1820. He was
one of the most enterprising men of the county. He held many
m;portant of^ces of both town and county, and when the
town of Hastings was formed from Constantia. in 1825,
il was named for him. He was the father of the late
Hasting F. Curtiss of this village. Hasting F. Curtiss was
born in Hastings, New York, in 1830. In early child-
iiood he lost his parents, and came to Camden, and lived
nith his uncle Ambrose. He married Britannia, daughter
Oi his uncle. He was a prosperous business man in Camden for
seventeen years. The latter part of his life was spent in New
York City. Fie died in Camden January, 1896; his wife died in
1894. Ambrose Curtiss. Jr., was born in Camden four years after
his father moved here. He married Polly, daughter of Erastus
Sandford, December 29, 1825. Ambrose Curtiss built a home
above the railroad crossing, and lived there forty-six years; he
was a carpenter and joiner by trade. He moved into the village
in 1849; ^16 ^^■'is first a merchant, and subscciuently a banker.
Ambrose Curtiss was born March 26, 1803, and died November
THE nm'y of caiiiden.
55
7, 1880. Polly L. Sandford, his wife, was born at Hartford,
Conn., January 18, 1804, and died December 16, 1863. Byron
Curtiss, the only son, and only one living here, carries on the
mercantile business that was established by his father. Hall Cr.r-
tiss was a farmer, and a permanent resident here; died in Cam-
den December 31, 1893. Five children were born to them, Mrs.
P. Howland, his daughter is the only descendant in town. His
widow lives in western New York. ( )ne of the descendants of the
Curtiss family has seen a Bible in Clinton once the property of
Jesse Curtiss, published in Geneva by John Crespin in 1568. It
has been in the family since 1636. Curtiss was taken from the
name Tustiss.
Just across the track, on the right. Thompson Scoville built a
small tanner}-, and a shoemaker's shop connected w^ith it. The
wing part of his house towards the east, was the old distillery
that stood near ^lix Hill. Xorris Humaston lived on the oppo-
site corner, and had a carpenter and joiner shop.
Abel Munson came to Camden from Windham, Green County,
N. Y., in 1809. He lived in a house on a knoll, just above N.
Mrs. William Bird.
Humeston's; the barn was burned three or four years ago. In
1826 he moved to West Camden. Mrs. Wm. Bird, his daughter,
56 I'lOMlER 11 1ST DRY OF
now living, was l)orn on tlie Seventh, Decemlier i. 1809, and is
now the oldest person living born in Camden. There were four
sons, Selden, Ltverett, Lcren and Merritt. ^.lorc will be said
about this family in the settlement of West Camden.
ZOPHAR r.ARXES.
In 1797, Manning and Street, two sons of Zophar Barnes of
New London, Conn., came here and bought wood land in the
north half of the township No. 7 of Scriba's Patent. They built a
frfime house, ai:d made a small clearing, and then returned to Con-
necticut for their father and mother and the rest of the family.
They were all settled here in 1798, only Whiting, he was already
married, and emigrated later. Zophar Barnes' children's names
were Whiting, Manning, Street, Lyman, Zophar and Pliny.
They had great difficulty in reaching their new home, being
obliged to cut their way through the woods. The original
frame building which was their home, was standing until 1896,
when it was torn down. In 1801 Mr. Barnes was one of the com-
nn&sioners cf the highway in the town of Camden, before the
present towns of Florence and Vienna, and the western portion
of Annsville were set ofif from its territory. To fulfill the duties of
liiij- office recjuired considerable traveling over the rough roads of
the town. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes were great favorites with the
}Oungand old, and wont by the names of "Uncle Zophar" and
"Aunt Mary." Accordirg to the custom of the times, or the need
(•f dishes, they would have a large dish in the middle of the table,
and each one help themselves. Often this couple would have a
bowl of bread and milk, and each a spoon, and sit down together
for a good chat, and eat out of the same bowl. Zophar Barnes
married Mary E. I'arnes of Plymouth, Conn. Zophar Barnes
was born at Plymouth in 1759, and died in Camden in 1842.
Mary E. Barnes was born at Plymouth in 1764, and died in Cam-
den in 1820. Manning Barnes settled in West Camden in 1802.
Street Barnes was born in 1782, and was sixteen years of age
when he came to Camden. He married Lovina Cowl, sister of
Seth Dunbar's wife, and settled on the place now occupied by
Horace Peck. There were three chiklren, Caroline, Betsey and
TIfi: 7'OllA OF CAMIUJX. .7
Marenus. Marenus H. Barnes died in the West. Pliny Barnes
married Rebecca, daughter of Martin Cook, Sen. He settled
ai:ove the Humaston place, and lived and died on the farm,
within a few rods of where he was born, in December, 1800.
Plinv Barnes was an upright and respectable citizen. He held
several important town offices with the greatest satisfaction to
the comnumity — four children, living- — Edwin and Wallace.
Marv and Ennna. Pliny Barnes died on February 4, 1868, aged
67; Rebecca, his wife, died March 8, 1882, aged 75. Zophar
married a Miss Potter, and lived in West Camden. Lyman died
many years ago. This whole family are buried side by side on
the Seventh, as you enter the gate at your left. Zophar, the
father, was a Revolutionary soldier, hut we have been unable to
find his records.
SHEPHERD MARVIN.
Mr. Pliny Darrow ]:)uilt a house and owned the farm familiar-
ly known as the Marvin Farm. Several tenants lived here before
Mr. Marvin bought it, in 1838. He moved on the place in 1840,
and lived there for a number of years, then he bought property
Ui the village in 1847, where he spent the last of his
days. He was long known in the community as a good
citizen and an every-day Christian. His life's pilgrimage
was over August 6, 1872, in his 80th year. His wife, Mary Put-
nam, died December, 1882. Their sons, Cortland and James,
died early in the sixties, in Arkansas. George died at Texarkana,
Texas. Henry, the oldest child, died in Grinnell, Iowa, January
7, 1897, and his faithful and patient wife followed him very soon;
she died the 24th of the same month. Her maiden name was
Hannah Park. Henry Marvin moved to Iowa in 1853. The
tliree daughters of Shepherd Marvin are living — ]\Irs. L. J.
Aldrich of Camden, Mrs. Jay Hildreth of Boston, Mrs. E. Edgett
of Newark, N. Y. Ransom Marvin, brother of Shepherd lived
near the crossing, they were natives of Alsted, N. H. This is
"hp last farm on the Oswego road, in this district, going west.
There is a great similarity in the lay of the land of the Seventh
and our village, with the exception of our natural terrace on the
south-west bank of Mad River.
58 PIONEER HISTORY OF
We will now return to the road that comes out by the railroad
crossing on the Seventh. As you go to the left, the first farm you
approach was once the home of Joseph Hungerford, who came
here in 1800 from Waterbury, Conn. The house he built was
burned, and the one now standing was built in 1867. The place
is better known as the Loren Cummings place. J\lr. Hungerford
died in 1835, aged 74; Eunice, his wife, died in 1833, aged 75.
They are both buried in the cemetery on the Seventh.
David Brown built the house now owned by Lyman Curtiss;
he was a Revolutionary soldier. He is buried on the Seventh.
His daughter married Rufus Kinnie, who lived near by ; she was
left a widow, and married a Mr. Higgins for her second husband.
In her old age she went by the name of Aunt Marilla Higgins.
NICHOLAS WOODS.
Nicholas Woods came to this country at the same time that
Gen. Wolf set sail from England with 8,000 men, in February,
1759. Mr. Woods came to aid in the French and Indian war.
He was garrisoned at Oswego, and was killed and scalped by the
Indians. He was the father of
SAMUEL WOODS
Our pioneer, who cime to this place with his olde-t son in
1804, and worked one season, then returned ti:) Waterbury,
C'^nn., where he had left his family, and in 1805, made
the return journey here with six children. When they ar-
rived here they were building the first bridge across the
creek, now the pond at Mexico Street crossing. They laid
down some timber from trees cut close by, so he could get
his team across, consisting of cne yoke of oxen, and a horse
ui front. After crossing, they were obliged to cut their way,
as there was only a footpath where Mexico Street is now, up as
far as B. Osborn's. The original road was farther south. It
took them from sunset until midnight to go one mile, and then
they struck and followed the old road. He first settled on lot No.
19, Seventh township, now owned by Charles Carlton. From
there, the following year, he moved on the south half of Lot 2,3-
That is on this Curtiss road, near the crossing on the Seventh.
THE TOM'S OF CAMDEX.
59
He lived there until he died in 1837. This house has l)een
modernized since Mr. Woods built it. He was a revolutionary
patriot in 1775. and was in the 5th Connecticut Regiment under
Col. Waterbury. Elizabeth, his wife, died the 27th of July, and
m »
Samuel Wijods' House.
he the 29th in 1837. They left the world together in the sweet
hope of sharing the glorious rest of the righteous. His sons were
Thomas, Samuel nnd Junius Woods, or "Uncle Junia," as he was
more familiarly called. His daughters were Betsey, Nancy, Polly
and Sally. The living descendants of Samuel T. Woods are Mrs.
Marion B. Park, mother of E. B. Park, and her family. His
grandson S. T. W. Scoville, and grand-daughter Mrs. B. T.
Hinckley. Junius W'oods moved from the place now owned by
Curtiss Stephenson on Lot No. 33, and bought of Mr. Dennisoi:
in 1843, ^"*^1 lived in the old house until he built on the opposite
side of the road, a place now owned and occupied by Orson
Woods, and lived there until his death, March 2^, 1865, aged 69.
His wife survived him but one year; her maiden name was
Deidamia Cook; she died March 6, 1866, aged 66. Their chil-
dren were Mrs. N. M. Elden, Samuel T., Mrs. PTancis Park, Or-
son C, and Junius E. Woods of Camden, Henry S. Woods of
Rock Falls, Illinois, and Mrs. E. H. Stevens of Syracuse, N. Y.
One of the descendants, Mrs. M. B. Park. Great grandfather
^o VinSKEIi HISTORY OF
Xicholas Woods was in the I^^rench and Indian war. Her grand-
father, Samuel T. Woods. Sen., was in theRevcliitioriary War. Her
father, Samuel T. Woods, in the war of 1812, a;vl Iki husbanci,
Short I'arks. was sliot in the civil war in 1864., at Laurel Hill,
May 9.
This indenture is ov.r.ed by Orson Woods, one that was given
to his grandfather on liis first coming to Camden, by John W.
Bloomfieldd :
"This Indenture, made the 27111 day of July, in the year one
thousand eight himdred and five, between George Scriba of the
City of New York, a merchant, l)y John W. Bloomfield, his at-
torney, duly authorized of the first part, and Samuel Woods of
Camden, in the County of Oneida, and State of New York, of the
second part, witnesscth: That the said party of the second part
doth covenant to pay the said party of the first part, his executors,
administrators or assigns, the just and full sum of two hundred
and twenty.-two dollars and seventy-five cents lawful money of
the United States of America, in manner following, to wit, on or
before the first day of May, which will be in the year eighteen
hundred and ten, with lawful interest from and after the first day
of May, in the year eighteen hundred and seven, to be then paid
annually. And the said party of the second part doth further
covenant, that the said party of the second part, or his assignees,
shall and will within the space of twelve calendar months from
the date hereof, remove to and actually reside upon that certain
piece of land known and distinguished liy tlie soutli half of Lot
No. seventy-one, part of that certain townshij) or tract of land
Number Nineteen, surveyed by Benjamin Wright in the year
1795, situated in Scriba Patent, in the County of Oneida, and
State of New York, and containing seventy-eight acres and a
(juarter of an acre. &c. It was signed,
J. W. Bloomfield,
Samuel Woods.
Sealed and delivered in the presence of
Maria Bullus.
In the old survey book of the town we find the public highway
i
77//; TOWX OF CAM DFX.
6 1
was surveyed from Samuel Woods" due east between Joseph
Hungerford and Zophar Barnes" land, and came out on the main
road by Ambrose Curtiss". This was an alteration the old road
made null and void.
Camden, July i6tli, 1817. Lyman Matthews,
Surveyor.
BENJAMIN CURTISS.
Benjamin, son of Samuel Curtiss, of Plymouth, Conn., with his
wife. Content Pond, and their children, came to Camden very
early in the present century. We find in the history of old Ply-
mouth, Conn., that Benjamin and Samuel Curtiss were taxpayers
there in 1794. In 1804 he bought of David Smith lot No. 31,
consisting of two hundred and twenty acres of wild land. Here
this couple of pioneer settlers established their home, and spent
the remainder of their lives. As the sons came to manhood, and
were ready to settle in homes of their own, the father secured to
each of the four sons a portion of the original farm, thus forming
a small settlement among themselves. In time however, three of
the sons sold out and located elsewhere. Of a numerous family,
the only one to remain in Camden was Ibri, the son, to whom all
the remaining land was finallv deeded. In 1810 Ibri married;
^X-
Ibri Curtiss Residence.
Nancy, daughter of Samuel Woods, our pioneer patriot. They
were married by Rev. Simon Waterman, a missionary from Con-
necticut. Ibri and Nancv Woods Curtiss remained on the old
,62 riOM.KR UIsT)Ry OF
homestead during- their hves. and here reared a family of seven
children. The four oldest children have passed away. This
home is still o\\ ned and occupied by the youngest three members
of the family. A part of the original place, which has always
been in the possession of the family from the time of the purchase
in 1804, is the farm of the late Linus Curtiss, now owned and oc-
cupied by his son Heman. It was here that the first house in
this vicinity was built, a small frame building still standing, but
moved aside to give place to a more modern one. Ibri Curtiss'
children: Alvro Nelson, wh.o married Clarissa Marsh for his first
wife, and after her death married Harriet Spencer; Philomela,
married Alfred Mix; Polly Sandford, married Samuel Sartwell;
Linus. n:arried Nancy L'pson. Nancy, Charlotte and Elizabeth
Woods, and V\'illiam Wallace, live in the old homestead.
In the old survey book we find the road leading to West Cam-
den was laid out in 1817, beginning in the middle of the highway
between Joel Curtiss' and Ibri Curtiss', and running so as to
come out on the south-east corner of Manning Barries' land, and
intersect the State road between there and Miles Spencer's. Now
we have gone a little beyond the district on the Seventh. To give
an idea of the Seventh and the village, about 1820, we will give a
little description :
On the Seventh there was one store, three taverns, one doctor's
ofBce, two blacksmith shops, one tin store, four carpenter and
joiner shops, two small tanneries with shoe shops attached, beside
the homes we liave alread\' described, in the village, this side of
the bridge, at the lower end of Main Street, on the east side, first
vvas a store and post office, only four houses up as far as the
park. inti*. .V.iS a Iiarness shop on the corner of Main and
North Park Streets, and a blacksmith shop whcic now stands the
Nelson House. Mrs. J. Smith's house was being built, and also
the Priest Smith house at the head of Main Street. The large
elm tree that stands there was a little twig. On the west side
from the Hildreth House to B. D. Stone's residence it was woods,
a few buildincrs bevond.
CHAPTER IV
PLANK ROAD.
We will term the street running from Salmon River to Rome,
the "Plank Road," for convenience, though it was not made of
plank until 1847. "In seventeen hundred ninety-nine, the nine-
teenth day of June, was surveyed a highway four rods wide,
beginning at a beech sapling, standing on the south line of Lot
No'. 20, thence eastward from the south-west corner of lot No.
20; thence south to the bridge over Fish Creek (Seventh town-
ship); thence south to the west line of Lot 50; thence south to a
Falls on Fish Creek.
stake standing ten chains and eighteen links south of Samuel
Royce's well (E. H. Conant's) ; thence south to the bridge across
Fish Creek (foot of Main Street) ; thence across the bridge in a
southerly course to Abner Matthews' well (corner of Blakeslee
Road, opposite brick school house district 5) ; thence in a south-
erly direction to the bridge over the Little River (so called). In
1800 was assessed five hundred and twenty days' work on sixty-
eight inhabitants, which days were all worked out. The work
64
PIONEER HISTORY OF
on the road this year was building one bridge one hundred feet
in length, opening, widening, clearing, leveling and crosswaying
the same. The state of the roads in general are in as good re-
pair as is common for so new a place, but the full sum that we
are allowed to call on the Board of Supervisors for, could be very
profitably expended on the same. We further state that the
bridge over the west branch of Fish Creek dici at the breaking
up of the winter past, go away, and the inhabitants did undertake
to build the same by subscription, but could not obtain a suffi-
ciency to effect its finish; that together with other necessary im-
provements in various parts of the town, beyond what the assess-
ment of the present year will accomplish, will probably cost one
himdred and fifty dollars." These copies give the date of survey
of the highway, and building of a permanent bridge at the foot
of Main Street over Fish Creek. The street had been but an
Indian trail from Fort Stanwix, designated by marked trees, the
usual mode of pointing the way through new tracts, from place
to place.
We have no doubt but that the superior facilities which Fish
Creek afforded for manufacturing purposes, was the chief cause
of business men locating here. Picturesque indeed must the spot
have been before the ax of the woodsman disturbed its natural
Ic^vcliness. The stream has a fall of thirtv-one feet. We have to
PENFIEiOS POND
0£'ip_ uevtL
tiicnik Mr. W. ( i. Tercival for the accompanying sketch, llefore the
ingenuity of ir.an had stayed its rapid flow by building dams, it
must have dashed with much impetuosity along its pcl)i)ly course,
seeking its level in the peaceful valley below the present Forest
Park. Those who first settled Camden were men of strong char-
acter, active in body and mind, seeking a locality where land was
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
65
cheap, and could be had in large tracts; willing to toil an;l endure,
to the end, that they might build up for themselves and their
families permanent homes. We give a plan of the ground, be-
ginning below the bridge, at the left as we go in a southerly
course to the Thompson Rice house. The long building close to
the stream, gave space for two separate branches of business — the
end tow'ard the street being used by Israel Stoddard and Heman
Byington as a grist mill. Reese Lobb was their miller for
several years, and lived in the mill-house close by, a structure
built for two families, the operatives of the grist mill and fulling
factory. In 1821 an old school list gives the names of h>ancis,
Floyd, and Daniel Lobb, as pupils of Miss Elima Putnam, later
Mrs. Richard Empey. Mr. Lucius Goodyear has memories of
play hours with the Lobb children when they fished in the
stream below the mill with pin hooks. The east end of the build-
ing was used for cloth fulling', carding, &c. The business w^as
carried on by Isaac Wheeler, who owned his interest in it, and
the building in part. The structure was erected under the super-
vision of Mr. Honuel Gififord, a carpenter, whose services were
frequently called for. These were the pioneer business interests
5
66 PIONEER HISTORY OF
of the kind in Camden, but exact dates can not be ascertained,
much to our regret. Previous to the establishment of any
business whatever in this locahty, parties came to the new town
prospecting-, with a view to the building and ecjuipping for
manufacture of cotton cloth. This particular location was
chosen, and arrangements made for its purchase; but later a
matter of fifty dollars stood in the way of the consummation of
such plans, and Camden lost the enterprise that has been one of
the leading industries of our near-by city, the New York Mills
Cotton Co., for so many years. An old deed of 1813 is from Isaac
and Cynthia Fitch of one-fourth of an acre in one plot, and
twenty-one rods in another, to Phineas Tuttle and Heman Bying-
ton. We find these same names on the old First Church list as
early as 1810 and 1812. To the same parties — Byington and
Tuttle — James Sanford and Daniel Northrup deeded land in 1814
in this same locality, but the particular spot we do not know.
Further down the stream, a short distance from the fulling mill,
stood the dve house used in connection with the cloth-dressing
business. Back from the street, a little to the south of the fulling
mill, in 1823, Mr. Reuben Bettis built a tannery, about wdiere
the of^ce of the Camden Knitting Company now stands. He
came to Camden from Westmoreland in 1822. was a practical
tamier, and conducted a thrifty business for many years. Direct-
ly below the mill house, which was located a little south of the
fulling mill near the street, Mr. Bettis built a house for his use
in 1823, and placed a row of young maples along the street-front
of his land. Th.ese now^ stand with a growth of toward seventy
years, monuments to the good taste, good sense and spirit of
improvement which Mr. Bettis possessed. A few years later he
sold land to Calvin Wimple upon which to build a house. (This
house was built by Joel B. vSmith.) Mrs. Adaline ^^'ood
was a daugliter of Calvin \\'im])le. and is in the memory
of many living at present. This house subsecjuently be-
Cc.me the home of the late P. H. Costello for manv years — now
the property of the Camden Knitting Company. Mr. Andrew C.
Bettis built a house below this. The Reuben Bettis house was
moved bv the Costellos to where it now stands on the west side
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
67
of the highway near the brook, and owned by Charles McCarthy.
Byron Phelps its occupant.
We have had access to many deeds and documents, giving
names of those who have owned interests in both real estate and
water-power, but fail to find occupation, or location of all
of them. We will give the names and such other items as we
have gleaned. Perhaps some reader can fix them more definitely
than we have been able to. We have brought the time down to
1822, when Mr. Bettis came to begin his pursuit of tanning
leather. In 1823 Timothy Wood sold water privilege to Reuben
Bettis. In 1832 Calvin Wimple sold some property to Reuben
Bettis. In 1839 Orson Norton sold to Merritt Munson. In 1839
Erastus Upson had interests there. William R. Preston also
transferred f)rcperty to Reuben Bettis. In an old issue of the
"Camden Gazette," Vol I., No. 2, we find the following:
"CamdenTannery. — Munson Paddock & Co., at their tannery,
have on hand a good assortment of bridle, harness, upper and sole
leather, which they will sell low for cash. Leather store in the
Red Building, south end of the bridge. April ist, 1842."
In 1846 John A. Bettis and Orange Dayton sell property to
Andrew C. Bettis and Daniel Shaw. In 1847 Bettis and Shaw
sell to George Smith. In 1848 P. H. Costeilo, his brother John,
and P. C. Costeilo, bought the tannery property of George Smith,
and commenced business in October of the same year in a small
way. They were energetic, practical men, giving their personal
attention to the work, and in time established a name, fame, and
market for their product, which continues to the present. The
style of the firm was "John Costeilo & Co." till 1850, when Mr.
John Costeilo died, and it was then changed to P. & P. Cos-
teilo. The firm remained unchanged till the business was dis-
continued in 1884. In 1870 they purchased the "Bay State Tan-
nery" property of Dwight Morss, Williamstown, Oswego
County, and operated it till 1880, when the bark supply became
exhausted, and they sought another region where hemlock
growth was more plentiful. They purchased a large tract of
forest land in Pennsylvania, and built a tannery at Costeilo,
named for the men of the firm. At this time Alfred and John,
68 PIONEER HISTORY OF
sons of P. H. Costello, were made partners in the business, which
was profitably conducted by the firm of A. Costello & Co. till
1893, when it passed into the possession of the United States
Leather Company, by whom it is continued under the original
brand— P. & P. Costello, Camden, N. Y.
It was a sorry blow to Camden's business interests when the
tanning industry ceased. Many operatives were out of employ-
ment, and sought other fields for labor; several families followed
the Costellos to their new settlement. It was regretted by all;
socially, that the community must relinquish its pleasant associa-
tion with them ; financially, that a business contributing so mater-
ially to the tradesmen's success, must be transferred to another
locality. But changes and reverses must be, and Camden has had
a full share. In the year 1886, September 20, the Camden
Knitting Company, then composed of W. J. Frisbie and W. H.
Stansfield, both Camden young men, and C. F. Kendall of Bos-
ton, who had for some time been associated with them, purchased
the entire property of the Costellos, fitted up the old tannery
proper, built a new ofifice and a large brick mill near the highway
(where the shed for hide storage formerly stood while the Cos-
tellos did tanning), and otherwise enlarged and improved the
facilities for their manufactures. In 1893 a destructive fire oc-
curred, which completely destroyed the old tannery, and the new
buildings barely escaped. Rallying from their loss, the Knitting
Company began with the opening of spring to clear away the
debris, preparatory' to erecting another equally commodious
building. They still occupy the site, engaged in manufacturing
principally ladies' and children's ribbed underwear, employing
about two hundred people.
In a house situated below the Reuben Bettis place. William
Riley Preston lived in those early days. He joined the church
by letter from the church in Harwinton, Conn., in 1810. He
married, May 19, 1812, Miss Sarah Ann, daughter of Capt. John
Smith, sister of Newell and Garrett Smith, early residents of the
town. He followed the tanners' trade for a number of years.
Several children were born to them, viz.: Catlin, William, Andrew
J., Cyprian and George. Helen, the eldest daughter, was the
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
69
fr. St wife of Martin Stevens; Sarah, the second daughter,
married John Dixon of Ripley, N. Y. ; Frances, third daughter
died in young girlhood, at ten years of age. William R. Pres-
ton was a brother of Rossiter Preston. The daughter Helen has
been mentioned b}' old residents as being very attractive and pret-
tv, a favorite with all in her day. Her death was mourned by many
associates. The young men, left fatherless in 1834, went out into
me world to gain a livelihood, and have made fortunes for them-
selves rarely attained by any but those with perseverance and ap-
plication. No doubt if their stories were told, it would be an incen-
tive to other young men to push on to success. Wm. Riley was a
son of Noah and Honor Preston, and died August 4, 1834, aged
44 years, and was buried in the Mexico Street Cemetery. No
further particulars are at hand concerning the family, though
effort has been made to obtain more.
On the rise of ground, east side of the highway, still lived Col.
Aaron Seth Rice. This house was probably built and
owned by Phineas Tuttle, as mention is made of him in the deed,
interested prior to its possession by David Osborne and Hub-
bard Tuthill in 18 17. Mr. Rice and family came from Herkimer
in 1815. He was born in Connecticut in 1755. In 1800 he mar-
ried Mrs. Sarah A. Dayton. Two children were born to them,
Harriet and Thompson, aged respectively nine and seven years
at the time of their coming to Camden. Mr. Rice was a tanner
by trade, and was employed with Mr. Hubbard Tuthill for many
years in that business. Subsequently his health failing him, he
became unable to actively attend to his duties. So serious were
his infirmities that he was obliged to use canes the remainder of
his life. Mr. Rice was a soldier of the Revolution, which gave
him his title of Colonel. His army equipments are still preserved
in the possession of Mrs. Joel House, his grand-daughter. When
Mr. and Mrs. Rice first came to Camden there were but three
frame houses standing, those of Elihu Curtiss, Sala Sanford and
Phineas Tuttle. Mr. Rice died in 1838, aged 83 years. His in-
terment was in the old cemetery on Mexico Street, and for
many years a stone marked the spot, but when the ground was
cleared of debris, underbrush, mown, and otherwise improved,
-o PIONEER HISTORY OF
the tablet with his name was removed, and no one can locate it.
In the vears followini^^, during- ^Ir. Rice's decrepitude, he made
the trade of shoemaking his occupation.
The cjuiet life of Mrs. Rice was one for all to emulate. A
patient, faithful wife and mother, a kind neighbor and friend.
She united with the First Church of Christ October i8, 1815,.
and continued her membership there till the division of its mem-
bers in i8(58, when she joined the number who went out to form
the Presbyterian Church. The daughter, Harriet Rice, married
Merritt Munson, July 4, 1828, and died 1868, aged 62 years. Of
those present at the wedding, Mr. John A. Bettis of Cedar
Rapids, Iowa, alone survives. Thompson Rice, their son, mar-
ried Cordelia Phelps, who died in Camden, April 29, 1869, aged
57 years. He removed to Sauquoit after a second marriage, and
the mother whose home was with him went there also. She at-
tained the ripe age of 91 years, when she laid aside the burdens
of life December 4, 1875. Her remains are buried in Camden.
Her home in Sauquoit extended over a period of about five years.
The warm friendship which existed between Mrs. Rice and Mrs.
Tuthill w-as of the enduring type, a wonder to tliose that knew
them; for it is rarely that a close friendship as theirs is of a life's
duration, each sharing the other's joys and sorrows. She
rests near Mrs. Hubbard Tuthill, in the ground below the vil-
lage. Of the descendants of Aaron and Sarah Rice are the chil-
dren of Thompson, their son, only Edward Rice resides at
North Bay. Elizabeth (Mrs. Joel House) in Camden, and
Eugene in Camden. A. Thompson died November, 1883, aged
75 years.
On the west side of the highway, nearly opposite the Rice
house, stands back towards the railroad, the residence built in
remote years by Hubbard Tuthill. He was married at Herkimer,
N. Y., November 7, 1807, and in 1809 he, with Hannah his wife,
came to reside in Camden. They were peoj^le of much excellence
of character, and a desirable acquisition to the church and com-
munity. Mr. Tuthill's trade was that of a tanner, and this he
plied for many years. The tannery building proper stood near
the higlnva\-. next it and connected with it, the bark mill.
THE TOW:S OF CAMDEN. «l
beyond that to the west his (l\vellin,u^. cH continued the
manufacture of leather till about 1848 or 1850, when the site be-
ci;nio the i)ossession of P. & P. Costello. Mr. Tuthill was
elected to offices of trust. In 1823 he was justice of the peace.
About 1848 Mr. Tuthill purchased the house opposite the cem-
etery, at the top of the hill, of Riley Scoville, which remained his
home till he died. Mr. and Mrs. Tuthill had no family; Mrs.
Tuthill was a life-long, consistent member of the M. E. Church
— their career blessed in doing good to others. Mr. Tuthill had
one brother in Camden, Baldwin Tuthill, and after the death of
her husband, Mrs. Tuthill made her home with Mrs. Baldwin
Tuthill, also widowed. A young lady who was about Mrs. Cyrus
Stoddard's age — Huldah Sliter — lived with Mr. and Mrs.
H. Tuthill. Hubbard Tuthill was born 1782, and died 1861, aged
79 years. Hannah Tuthill was born July 4, 1788, and died 1871,
aged 83 years, and both are buried in Forest Park Cemetery.
As early as 1799 Lemuel Corey dwelt in a log house on the site
opposite the cemetery, at the top of the hill, south of the village,
towards Vienna. But little can be gleaned of him or his, except
that from an old deed we know he lived there. In the year 1803
there was a revival of religion in the community, when Mr.
Corey and his family were converted, and united with the early
church. Zadoc Corey, a son, was one of those who turned
from his sinful ways, and became an exhorter, leading many to
the truth. We can not learn whether he died here, or removed
to some other locality. At least after about 1809 no further men-
tion is found of him, or any of the name, in deeds, books of ac-
count, church record, or other documents, so it is safe to con-
clude that the family pushed on to newer fields to try their for-
tunes. Many names of the earlier settlers disappear from our
records after a few years, and are found again in business circles,
in other and adjoining tonws. As the land was surveyed, new,
and perhaps greater inducements were offered to settlers, which
they availed themselves of. We find the "name of Ebenezer Corey
as having bought land of George Scriba in 1800.
-2 PIOXKKR HISTORY OF
LANEY HOUSE— ELISHA CURTISS.
Following Lemuel Corey, Elisha Curtiss owned and occupied
the place, prior to 1804. He was a son of Jesse Curtiss, who
came to Camden from Clinton, Oneida Co. ]\Ir. Curtiss was a
man of ])rominent business interests, largely connected with the
early prosperity and development of the town. We find him in
the church an earnest worker, and in all ways contributing to
the advancement and success of its best aims. He married Miss
Anna Northrup, a daughter of Cideon Northrup, and by this
union were born to them five children — Eli, Friend, George,
Sally and Hannah. Sally died young, while the home was yet on
the hill. This home was first of logs, but after a few years a
better frame dwelling was constructed. He had dealings with
many of the town people, in produce and lumber, as an ancient
account book now owned by a relative in descent from Mrs. Cur-
tiss shows (Mrs. Eaton). In this book we find mention of the
Sage Parke place as belonging to "my son Eli." He also kept a
sort of livery, as there are charges for a "horse and buggy to go
to Rome, Williamstown, and other points." A very fine horse
mentioned as the "Leopard Horse," was owned by him, and on
State occasions, such as "General Trainings," was hired by the
prominent military oflficials, and ridden with pomp and pride.
This fine creature has been frequently mentioned by those who
remember those gala days. He also was local agent for the book
"Light on Masonry," by Morgan. It was sold at $1.50, and had
a considerable sale in this town. Several copies are yet extant.
We give below an extract from a letter relative to their departure
from Camden to make a home in Pine Grove, Pa. :
"May 15, 1832.
Dear Friends — Agreeable to a promise I made, I will now
write a few lines informing you of my health, which is better than
it was when I left Camden. We started from Humaston's the
next noon after you left us, and got to New London about three
o'clock that day, and Friend started that night for Cicero, but Pa
and I staid there yntil Friday afternoon, waiting for a boat. We
got aboard of one with Mr. Selden's folks up by uncle Manning's.
They were moving to Clrautau(|ua. We had a very good boat,
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. -,
but it went so much faster than the one that Friend was in, that
we reached Syracuse first, and saw no^ more of them till we got
to Buffalo. We had very good luck all the way, and got to
Buffalo the next Wednesday morning, where we stayed till nine
o'clock at evening, then four of us took a a steamboat, and in the
morning arrived at Portland ; then took a wagon and went eight
miles up to Chautauqua Lake, took a boat there at three in the
afternoon, and reached Jamestown at six. Friend went that
night to Eli's, and in the morning he and uncle Munson came for
us in a wagon. We came to Pine Grove towards night, and took
tea at uncle Munson's. From there we went to uncle Merritt's,
then to Eli's, and found Ma and Wealthy there. They keep house
in the house that Eli left. I reached here Friday, and Saturday
took the school close to Eli's, for four months, at a dollar a week,
commencing Monday."
We have given a portion of Miss Curtiss' letter to show the
reader the course taken by those who pushed on from Camden
into Pennsylvania, and to account for the Elisha Curtiss family
when they disappeared from Camden records.
EZEKIEL SCOVILLE,
The next owner and occupant of this farm was born at Har-
winton. Conn., January 17, 1773. He was the third son of
Ezekiel and Rachel Scoville of that place. He married Sabra
Dunbar, and in 1828 moved to Camden, locating soon after on
the place lately occupied by Elisha Curtiss. Here they lived and
reared a family of ten children, viz. : Russell, Fanny, John, Joel,
Linus, Nelson, Sarah, Riley, Sydney and Wadser. Mr. Scoville
was a farmer by occupation, and found much pleasure in clear-
ing the farm. It is as fine a place to-day as any in the town.
During Mr. Scoville's life he commenced building a structure for
a cider-brandy distillery, which his neighbor, Hubbard Tuthill
chose to call the "devil's teakettle." After his death, Riley, his
son, and the widow, Mrs. Scoville, conducted the farm, building
the upright of the house now standing, using the old frame of the
distillery and the original house as a wing at the rear. The dis-
tillery they had no use for as a "teakettle." Ezekiel Scoville was
74 PIONEER HISTORY OF
born in 1773, and died April 2, 1834, aged 61. Sabra Scoville was
born in 1784, and died June 2, 1858, aged 74. They were buried
in Forest Park Cemetery.
About 1858 Orrin Steele purchased this ])roperty of Hubbard
Tuthill. He with his wife Sarah came from Herkimer Coimty, N.
Y., and for some years lived in the locality known as the "Oak
Opening," but later came to Camden village and located on this
place. Of their children, Irene married John Casterton; Thad-
deus lives in the West; Aurelia married A. G. Wood, and is de-
ceased, ■. ' " ., C)rrin Steele died
and in October, 1881, Mrs. Sarah Steele followed him, aged 71
years.
P. W. LANEY.
Philetus W. Laney next occupied this place. He was born in
Lee in 181 1; Eunice Bloomfield Segur was born in Taberg in
i8t2, and they were married in Taberg in 1837. Resided in Lee a
short time, then removed to Taberg. where they made their home
till 1866, when they removed to Camden. They had seven chil-
dren, four sons and three daughters. Three sons died while in
youth, and the oldest of the four remaining children, Alarion R.,
married Seth Eeckwith in i860, and went to Lima, Livingston
County, N. Y., where she now resides, a widow, with one daugh-
ter. Edward P. married Miss Louisa Beckwith of East Avon,
Livingston County, N. Y., in 1892, and resides on the old home-
stead at present. Julia T. married Alexander Miller of Canas-
tota, in 1875, and she died there in April, 1891, her husband
dying in August of the same year, leaving their only child, a son,
an orphan. E. Anna, the youngest in the family, married Dr. A.
H. Smith of Camden in 1879. They have resided in Camden
since their mairiage. Dr. Smith being one of our prominent
physicians at present. Mr. Laney was a practical farmer and
skillful surveyor. He commenced to ])ractice his trade when 19
\ cars old, and continued it till late in life, the most of his work
bt'ng done in this and adjoining towns. He was an elder in the
Presbyterian Church, an honest, upright, useful man in the com-
numitv, and sincerelv missed at his death. Philetus W. Laney
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. ^tj.
d:Vd in Camden in 1893, aged 82 years; Eunice B. Lanev died hi
Camden in 1894, aged 82 years. They rest in Forest Park Cem-
etery.
In former years a small house, painted red, stood on the west
side of the street, opposite the cemetery. Of the date of its erec-
tion, or by whom, we are unable to obtain any information. In
the early days of his married life Mr. Lorenzo Wetmore lived
there, and Mary, now Mrs. Rufus Tuthill, was born there. Later,.
Laban Allen was an occupant. We give the information we have
found of him or his. A son of Laban Allen, ill with consumption,
went to California, hoping to regain his health, but failing in this,
he longed for the comfort of home. The journey overland in
those days, was, to a healthy man, long and fatiguing, and to an
invalid, especially so; but he was given strength to endure the
journey, and reach home alive. The joy of it was almost over-
powering to him, and it is told that as he came to the lower hotel
on the way to his home, many had congregated to meet
the traveler, and that he had scarcely strength left to
greet them, but tears of gratitude and thankfulness were in his
eyes. He lived but a few days after his return, dying September
8, 1857, at the age of 51 years.
Inscription on grave stone: "Lucy, wife of Laban Allen, died
in Camden, September i860, aged 74 years."
There is also record of one Laban Allen born in Jefiferson
County, N. Y., in 1830. He came to Camden when a young man,
and December 23 married Harriet, daughter of the late Marenus
Scoville. In 1854 he removed to Rockford, Mich. His wife and
a daughter, Chloe, survived him. Perhaps he was a son of the
elder Laban Allen.
CHAPTER V.
CEMETERY, 1840.
THE community had increased rapidly in population, the ca-
pacity of the long-used burial places was exhausted, and it
became necessary that another spot should be chosen to contain
their dead. Accordingly the site of the present ground was pur-
chased in 1840. We copy from the book of records of the Cam-
den Cemetery Association the following respecting it, which may
he interesting to many:
"On the twenty-fourth day of March, A. D., 1840, a number
of the inhabitants of Camden, Oneida County, entered into a
contract with Mrs. Clarissa Ransom for the purchase of the
cemetery ground, and received subscriptions for the payment of
the same, at the price of one hundred dollars per acre. On the
tenth day of December, 1840, Mrs. Clarissa Ransom, by A. W.
Ransom, gave her receipt in full for the sum of two hundred and
eighty-three dollars, for two acres and eighty-three hundredths of
an acre, and with the promise to convey the same to the trustees
as soon as they could be appointed by law."
The legislature of the State of New York passed an act during
its session in 1844 to incorporate the Cemetery Association of
the town of Camden in the County of Oneida, and the following
named gentlemen were by said act constituted the first Trustees,
viz.: Iri Pond, Hiram J. Miner, James Abrams, George Trow-
bridge, Ammi Hinckley, Lyman Curtiss, Truman Spencer.
On the twenty-eighth day of April, 1845, Mrs. Clarissa Ran-
som and her husband Libbeus Ransom, gave their warranty deed
■of the premises to the said Trustees above named, which is re-
corded in Book 121 of Deeds, &c. Soon after the purchase of
this land, and before the act of incorporation could be passed,
a portion of the land was surveyed into lots or plots of twenty by
ten feet, drawn for and awarded to each of the original sub-
scribers, and a certificate or deed was given by the President and
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
77
Secretary of the Board of Trustees for the same. By a resolu-
tion of the Board of Trustees a portion of the ground on the east
side was reserved for the burial of such persons as were unable to
buy a lot or plot, free of charge. After the ground was purchased
and the purchase money had been paid, and ground suitably
fenced, it was ascertained that the number of lots or plots which
had been sold at two dollars and fifty cents each, had not raised
sufficient funds to erect posts on the corner of each lot, to de-
signate the bounds of the same, and a further sum of seventy-five
cents was assessed on each lot for that purpose. The original
subscribers had their deeds of conveyance of their lots for the
sum of $3.75 each, and subsequent purchasers are taxed for each
lot on the first and eighth tier the sum of four dollars; and all
lots on the remaining tiers the sum of five dollars for each lot.
By order of the Trustees.
No record appears of burials between the date of purchase and
February 1845, but we glean from headstones the following
names of those who were laid to rest. In 1840 Mr. Conet Scoville's
was the first interment in the new Cemetery. Others as follows:
In 1840.
Lois, wife of Capt. John Smith; Joanna, wife of E. Doolittle;
Anna, wife of Joseph Scoville; Mary Ann, wife of Charles
Wheeler; Benjamin Phelps; Jane Crouch; Mrs. Honuel Giflford;
Antoinette Crouch.
In 1841.
Son of W. and Polly Williams; Clarinda, wife of Ranney
Phelps.
In 1842.
Linus Sanford; Lucy Doten; Lois, wife of Eliakim Stoddard;
child of A. J. Stone; child of Andrew Wilson; Emily Wriglit.
In 1843.
Deborah Doten; child of Rev. Mr. Barton, drowned; deacon
Uriah Hill; Helen Sperry; Ann Wright; child of Mr. Hinckley;
Rufus Baldwin.
In 1844.
John Wilson; Russell Scoville; Joseph Piney; Mary, wife of
Don Gatchell.
7 8 PIOXEER HISTORY OF
The following- is as correct a list of bodies taken from older
burying grounds, and reinterred here, as we can get.
Joseph, son of Thompson Scoville; Rhoda, wife of Uriah Hill,
1833; James Sweet; five of Timothy Woods' family, who died
between the years 1805 and 1835; Sophronia, wife of Milo Pond,
1832; Louis Wright, 1833; Elvira, wife of Solon Cook, 1823;
Charlotte, daughter of Solon Cook, 1816; Clarissa, daughter of
Solon Cook, 1821; Mary, daughter of Betsey and S. Cook, 1825;
Sophia, daughter of Betsey and S. Cook, 1826; Ezra Curtiss,
1825; John Delos, 1829; Ezekiel Scoville, 1834; Samuel, son of
T. D. Penfield; Delight, wife of Dr. Kerr.
From February, 1845, to March 15, 1871, Mr. William Shepard
was a faithful sexton, having kept a correct record of all burials.
July 2nd, 1852, covering a period of seven years, he foots up the
number of burials in its entirety as 300 at that date in the new
ground; but records the names of but 240, so we suppose in the
period which elapsed between 1840 and 1845 there were 60
burials which at the time could have been readily counted. At
this date we can only make note of those burials as the graves
are marked by headstones. No doubt there were several un-
marked. Mr Shepard's record numbers 1904 bodies in-
terred by him. Beginning with the Mav meeting of 1845,
it was resolved that "the sexton should report all burials in
the Potters Field, and the Secretary shall cause the same to be
recorded in a book provided for that purpose." Not far from
this time a. hearse was purchased.
In 1856 it was "Resolved, that the Trustees shall procure and
keep two suitable palls for use of the Association. In this same
year appears the mention of a hearse house, but no record is
found of the purchase of a hearse ; yet we know one was in use
before this date. Mr. Shepard was authorized to make all nec-
essary repairs to the fence around the Cemetery, and shingle and
paint the hearse house, and front fence." It does not appear wdien
the hearse house was built.
In i860 more space was needed for interments, and the
Trustees were authorized to purchase added land for such pur-
pose.
THE TO HA' OF CAMDEN.
79
So PIONEER HLSTORY OF
In 1869 we copy: "Whereas the Trustees of the Camden
Cemetery Association have purchased the undivided half of ten
acres and eighty-eight hundredths acres of land of Alva Ray-
mond for additional cemetery ground, therefore, Resolved, That
the President draw from the Treasurer on order the sum of five
hundred and seventy-one dollars to pay for said land, and any
incidental expenses." This passed into the hands of the Associa-
tion in 1872. In this new part a remarkable instance occurred in
the burial of Conet Scoville, the first body placed in the new
part. The lots or plots were made larger in the new addition;
convenient walks and drives arranged throughout. It was also
improved back to the bank, but no lots laid out in that part.
This year it was resolved to introduce running water into the
cemetery, which was accordingly accomplished. A spring was
found on the farm of P. W. Laney, contiguous to the ground,
and soon a fine fountain graced the entrance, much appreciated
by all. Not far from this date the old hearse house was moved,
and used as a frame to the present receiving-vault — a much
needed convenience. In 1897 the beautiful tract of wood-land
known to us as "Forest Park," was secured by the Association,
a pleasant drive made through it, which continues to be a source
of great pleasure to the connnunity. At the present writing,
September 1896, as nearly as can be determined, there are the
remains of 2,300 resting in this burial plot. The Roman Catho-
lics purchased territory contiguous to the Protestant Cemetery,
not far from 1876. and at this time al:)out 45 bodies repose there.
We have, through the kindness of Mr. George Shepard and
Mr. Robert Robertson (the present sexton) had access to records
covering all but five years of the time intervening between 1845
and 1896. ]\Ir. Horace McTntyre and Mr. Erastus Sanford
were sextons during the five years, but no records can be found,
though effort has been made to do so.
ISRAEL STODDARD.
Judge Israel Stoddard was born in Watertown, Conn., in 1776.
He is numbered among the "Pioneers of Camden." and was con-
nected largeh- with its earlv business interests. A man of great
77//; TOWN OF CAMDKN.
8i
Israel Stoddard.
capability, intellectuality, of strong character, and much execu-
tive force. He soon became a considerable land holder, as many
old documents prove. He came for a prospecting- tour from
Connecticut on horseback, the usual mode of traveling in those
days, in 1798, and stopped over night with his old friend Henr\'
Williams, \vho then lived where the Julius Cook house now is.
82
I'lOXEER HISTOID- OF
That structure was of logs. He fully intended puihing on
further into the wilderness, but Mr. Williams called his attention
to the farm (tl^en somewhat under improvement) now owned
and occupied by Israel Stoddard, jr., then owned by Ezra
Devereux. Tliis lie jyurchased, and the transaction detertiiined
his settlement in Camden. The following winter he returned to
Connecticut, and married Miss Polly Wilson (a sister of Syl-
vanus, Sr., and Eli Wilson of Harwinton, Conn.), in the spring
of 1799, coming again to Camden with his bride to take up his
permanent residence here. He lived on this farm till 1802, when
he sold to John Wilson, Sr., and in 1805 bought nearer town the
farm now known as the "Judge Stoddard place," about a mile
south of the village. In the very early years of this century he
was actively engaged in milling interests wath Rufus Ryington,
Judge Stoddard's Place.
in the localitv described in another article. In the war of 1812
he marched with a ci)nii)an\- of militia from Camden to Sackett's
Harbor. The\ were there about three weeks without seeing
active service. Camp fever and dysentery jirevailed among the
soldiers, and man} died. The barracks were ou low. daiup
ground. The officer in conunand was apjiealed to in behalf of
the poor fellows, by Mr. Stoddard, asking that they be a'lowed to
move their quarters to higher ground, a little back from their
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
83
present camp ground. His reply was, "We have plenty of hem-
lock boards for boxes, and men left to bury those who die, and
dirt to cover them." An unfeeling officer! The Camden soldiery
had left many cares behind; their farms needed their attention,
and they were restless — anxious to go home and attend to their
interests. Mr. Stoddard well understood this fact, and his sym-
pathies were with his men. So sitting on his horse with much
military dignity he addressed them, "Boys, it is an honor to serve
in defence of your country. You came expecting to do duty,
leaving wives, homes, children. I know there is a longing to
see them. Cares call you loudly to return to them. I can not
blame you for wanting to go. If you should go, don't let me see
you." The boys, seeing a twinkle in their leader's eye, as he
turned and rode away, interpreted it as they chose, and ere long
they were on the march homeward. Feace was soon declared,
and nothing further was heard of their desertion. We very much
regret that an official list of those who went from Camden in the
•war of 1812, can not be found. Mr. Stoddard was a man of
strong sympathies for those in distress, and his many deeds of
kindness are often referred to. His love for children was another
manly characteristic.
In 1820 Mrs, Polly Stoddard died, aged 45 years, leaving no
children. Some time after, Mr. Stoddard married Miss Mary
Wilson, a cousin of his former wife, and the mother of all his
children — a lady of much beauty of character, Israel Stoddard
died April 4, 1859, aged 83 years. His wife survived him till
May 22, 1869, when, at the age of 70 years, she, too, followed
him to her reward. A long, useful life was spent in the com-
munity, and their memory lives after them. We see in the
exemplary lives of their sons and daughters, the emulation of the
good example their parents instilled into their youthful minds.
Their children were: Cyrus L., married Charlotte Sperry; Samuel
Hicox, deceased; Huldah B., Judson; Joanna P., deceased, mar-
ried Lansing McConnell; Martha P., deceased, married Mr.
Baker; Wells A. married Elizabeth Cook; Israel E. married
Caroline Wood; Lucintha C, married Thomas D. Penfield;
Mary W.; John N.
PIONEER HISTORY OF
HICOX STODDARD.
On the east side of the highway, about where the Roman
CathoUc Cemetery now is, was the house at present standing on
the west side of the highway, known as the Hicox Stoddard
house. Perhaps no house in town has traveled as far intact as
this same. It was buih about 1802 on the site where stands Israel
Stoddard, jr.'s, or a little below the present home, by John Wil-
son. This, Judge Stoddard moved from 3 miles south of the vil-
lage, to the site below- the Protestant Cemetery, about 1854,
where it was a tenement, occupied by Mr. Houghton for some
years, and later by David Dick, Miss Delia Dick's father. In
1876 it was again moved to its present location. The two large
maples form the gateway which are a feature of the accompanv-
ing illustration. On the east side of the highway, Cvrus Stoddard
John Wilson House.
iind his wife make their home in the commodious house erected
by Judge Israel Stoddard in 1843. This establishment was as
fine a farm home as Camden possessed in those days, and has
lost none of its attractiveness at this present writing. Thev have
reared a family of three sons, Clark of Washington, D. C, At-
wood in the West, and Alfred of Camden. On the west side of
the street, further on, stands the house built bv Sage Parke.
THE TOW^■ OF CAMDfJN. g-
SAGE PARKE
Was born at East Hacklam, Conn., June 7th, 1783, and the parish
records show him to have been baptized there. He was the third
child of Daniel and Esther Parke, and came to Camden with his
parents in 1794. when but 11 years of age. November i, 1803,
he married Almira Preston, daughter of Caleb Preston, and soon
after built the house now designated as the McNute house,
about a mile and a quarter below the village. He was a soldier
of the war of 1812. In 1821 he removed to- Amboy, Oswego
County, and the house then passed into the possession of Eli, son
of EHhu Curtiss. Was engaged in the milling interests of the town
for many years. In 1830 or '31 he was elected to the Supervisor-
ship of the town, serving acceptably, and was otherwise chosen to
represent it from time to time. He died at the residence of his
son-in-law, September, 1848, aged 65 years. Sage and Palmira
Parke are l:ioth buried in Amboy. In 1848 we find
it advertised by one W. Clark as follows: "House and lot
for sale. The subscriber offers for sale the house and lot situated
about one mile from the village of Camden, on the Rome and
Oswego Plank Road, between the residences of Judge and
Eliakim Stoddard. The lot contains about one acre of land in a
high state of cultivation. There is a good dwelling, wood-house
and barn on the lot, all of which are in good repair, and sufficient-
ly large to accommodate one or more families. Terms easy."
A few years later, David McNute occupied it,and continued to do
so until about 1870, when it passed into the hands of several
different ones in the course of a few short years. It is at present
owned by Albert Patterson.
EDWARD PHELPS.
In the house known as the Eliakim Stoddard home, on the west
side of the highway, next below Sage Parke place, is the home of
Edward Phelps, who is the eldest son of Ranney and Clarinda
Phelps, and who was born April 7, 1840. His first wife was
Emile Hosmer. Two children were born to them, Leroy of
McConnellsville, and a daughter living in the State of Michigan.
After marriage, and until after the death of Mrs. Phelps, Mr.
Phelps resided West, interested in the manufacture of hardware.
Again returning East, in 1891, he married Miss Cora Dyer of
86 PIONEER HISTORY OF
Annsville, N. Y. Mr. Phelps is interested in the industry of corn
packing.
ELIAKIM STODDARD.
Eliakim Stoddard first came from Watertown, Conn., to this
locaHty. He was born in 1773. His earHest connexion with the
country hereabouts was in the town of Vienna, where he was a
land owner in Bengal and Orange, and was the first Super\'isor of
Vienna in 1799. He was closely interested with Judge Israel
Stoddard, his brother, in real estate, their names appearing in
many deeds and documents pertaining to lands in various local-
ities. He married in 1801 Miss Lois Matthews, daughter of
deacon Abner Matthews. They commenced life by establishing
themselves in a home built on the site of the present Douglas
Hubbard home, and remained here a period of five years, when
be sold to Gershom Holdridge, in 1806, and returned to \'ienna.
The winter of 1803 or 1804 was one of intense severity, and a
great depth of snow covered the earth. Land had been but little
cleared, and grass to cut for winter supplies was not plenty. Air.
Stoddard kept a cow% and to afford her a fresh nip of food he
drew browse of hemlock from the near-by forest. Regularly
there came a deer to share bossy's dainties, and throughout the
winter these daily visits were made. Mr. and Mrs. Stoddard's
kindly interest in the animal suggested supplies for it, which were
placed in its way, and which it ate with evident lelish and con-
tentment. It seemed to be alone, the depth of snow making it
impossible for the little creature to travel in search of others of
its kind, so it sought the company of the cow, and shared its
cheer. With the return of spring it disappeared, either having
been slain by the huntsman, or gone in search of company of its
own sort. Miss Lois Matthews was born in Claremont, Cheshire
County, New Hampshire, April 23, 1781, and when twenty years
of age was married to^ Mr. Stoddard. Mr. Stoddard was a man
of much religious thought and practice, and a circuit preacher for
many years. It is said of him by one of his descendants, that he
had married over a thousand couples. In those early years
ministers of the gospel were not as numerous as now, and no
THE TOTFiV OP CAMDEN.
87
doubt many swains and lassies awaited his visits with impatience.
His grand-daughter, Mrs. Martin Cook, remembers to have
heard him tell of one thankful party who gave him for a mar-
riage fee a load of fence rails, and another a half bushel of beans.
The usual fee for marriages was one dollar. After some years,
probably about 1816, Mr. Stoddard took up his residence in
Camden permanently, locating about one mile and a quarter
south of the village, just below the Sage Parke place. The house
was built by Seth Dunbar for Mr. Stoddard, on the site of the
late George Stoddard's home. Now the building stands one door
north, and is occupied and owned by Edward Phelps, eldest son
of the late Ranney Phelps, having been moved there in iSdi.
About this time he became a leader in the M. E. Church. To
them were born eight children, as follows: Philomela married
Mr. Searles; Cynthia; Polly married Levi Matthews; Ann mar-
ried T. D. Penfield; Israel married Maria Peck; Flora; Eliakim;
George married Rebecca Owen, 1852.
Mr. Stoddard had veneration for black cats, evincing a belief
in the old time tradition that with them comes good luck to the
persons to whom they appear, and he never allowed them to
come to harm, when he could prevent it. Before us is an ancient
warrant appointing Mr. Stoddard to be "Drum Major of the
dSth Regiment, 13th Brigade and 13th Division of Infantry of
the Militia of the State of New York, under command of Col. Ira
Byington, 1841." This dates back to the days of "General Train-
ing." Their children were quite gifted intellectually. Flora was
an artist of merit, also a teacher; Eliakim was a lav^^yer of prom-
inence in Utica; Ann married T. D. Penfield, his first wife, and
was noted for her kindness to the poor, for her affectionate dis-
position and her unspotted character. Her life was filled with
kind deeds. Mrs. Morse was gifted in the art of letter-writing,
and also composed some fine poems. Rev. Eliakim Stoddard
died February 28, i860, aged 87; Lois Stoddard died December
12, 1842, aged 61. They lie in Forest Park Cemetery.
DANIEL PARKE.
We find upon searching records kept by Daniel Parke, at an
early date, that he came into this country about 1795. We copy
8^ ■ I'lOM EH HISTORY OF ' ' ' ''
as follows: "A memorandum of coming from Chatham, Conn.,
to Fort Stanwix. Left Chatham October 2nd, 1794, and reached
Fort Stanwix October 24, 1794; came by water; cold snow storm;
building my house; moved into my log hut November 13, 1794.
Fine warm weather follows, and much rain till after (Christmas,
then comes snow and cold. Made plenty of maple molasses last
of December." His family resided a few months in Lee, Oneida
County, during which time Mr. Parke attended Baron Steuben's
funeral, in November, 1794. He had been with Washington's
army during the memorable winter at Valley Forge, and was a
personal acquaintance of Mr. Parke's. It is remembered by his
descendants that when Fannie, his daughter (born September,
1795) was six weeks old, they came to Camden. The oldest book
of records in the Town Clerk's Office contains the following:
"Mexico, May 28, 1796.
This book was bought for the use of this town, for which the
town stands indebted to me 28s. Daniel Parke."
Mr. Parke first located about a mile and a half below the vil-
lage of Camden, on the territory called "the flats" in those days,
and later known as the Plank Road. His house was a rude one
built of logs at first, but he built a better one, a frame dwelling,
with the approach of summer. He came alone and superintended
the construction of a habitation, then returned for his family to
Lee. For several years he kept a public house. We copy from
the first book of town records the following:
"Resolved, That Daniel Parke, of the Town of Camden, is of
good moral character, and of sufficient ability to keep an inn or
tavern, and that he has accommodations to entertain travelers,
and that an inn or tavern is necessary at the place where the said
Daniel Parke now lives, for the accommodation of travelers.
Camden, 20th of May, 1802.
, — , Trustees of same."
This house stood with the eaves toward the street in those
days, and a veranda built across the entire front. There were
posts supporting it, and we have a description of the holidav ap-
pearance of this early hostelry when arrayed for the following
Fourth of julv celebration.
THE TO^V'S OF VAMIU:\
«7
From the pen of C. A. Thompson: "The first Fourth of July
celebration, I think, was in the summer of 1804 or 1805. The
inhabitants determined to celebrate the day in a manner and style
fitting the occasion. But at that time there was no cannon to be
had nearer than Whitesboro, so a committee was appointed, of
whom Capt. John Wilson was one, to go and procure a cannon
for the occasion. Nothing more fleet-footed than a yoke of
oxen could be found for the journey, so Mr. Wilson, equal to
the emergency, yoked his team and started. It took three days
to accomplish the task, but the cannon was on hand in time, and
loudly proclaimed the sentiments of the new colony. The cele-
bration took place on the "Flats," and at the residence of Daniel
Parke, father of the late Geo. S. Parke, where old and young
participated heartily in the festivities. Among the speakers.
Judge Israel Stoddard, in his earnest and eloquent strains, caused
shouts of applause, and anon, the tears to flow, as he reverted to
the infant settlements, and the fact of their separation from the
homes of their childhood and friends in the New England States.
The celebration wound up with an old-time ball. The cannon
was returned in the same manner as brought, and three dollars
]ier day paid for its use." Tims, in those primitive days, did our
forefathers find time for enjoyment; and no doubt if now and
then a day was given to pleasure, it was a keener delight than if
occasions were more frequent. For this important celebration
of the nation's independence, the columns of the veranda before
mentioned were wound with vines of evergreen. A raised plat-
form was erected for the speaker, choice edibles, and a quantity
of tnem were prepared for the event, and a goodlv crowd par-
took. A fine military parade took place on grounds near by, a
band of martial musir enlivening the scene, and cheer after cheer
was given for host Parke as the throng dispersed.
Mr. and Mrs. Parke were both devout church members, as
appears in the records of the old parish church of Chatham; and
in the early history of the first church in Camden we find their
names prominent on the pages of its history. His name also ap-
pears in the records of town matters, as one actively interested
in its progress, assisting in its of^cial matters wisely and well.
9°
PIONEER HIISTOKY OF
He had large landed possessions, and was associated in milling
industries on Mexico Street, as ancient deeds indisputably prove.
From land records at the Chatham Town Clerk's Office, we find
he had considerable real estate, which he disposed of prior to his
removal to Camden, some of it mentioned as land willed him by
Mary Bevin. Thus we feel positive that he came with means at
his disposal. He was a soldier in the War of the Revolution,
seeing more than four years of service. He responded to the
Lexington call for troops, and immediately following that, en-
listed to serve a longer term. He was in the army with that
portion which spent the winter of suffering at Valley Forge. The
results of his exposure during those dreadful months caused
decreptitude, which brought him a pension. His regiment was
sent to the relief of Fort Stanwix, and it is not unlikely that this
locality and its desirability may have been revealed to him during
that period. The accompanying sketch is of a powder-horn
iJun-L-l I'arku's I'ljwder HL>ni.
carried by him during his service in the War of the Revolution,
and is remarkable for the etchings of the plan of the fortifications,
v.hich are discernible upon it. Inscription on powder horn:
"Daniel Parke, His Horn. Roxbury — ^776." It is owned by
Charles I'arke. He owned a large farm and other real estate at the
time of his (l"ath, having l)een successful in financial transactions.
He jiassed yway at his home, with his son (leorge, Oct. 8, 1836,
at the ripe age of 86 years. It is remembered by descendants
that he bought the first covered carriage in town — on two wheels.
Of Mrs. Daniel Parke we quote her obituary notice, which
speaks volumes for her, printed in the "Utica Recorder" of May,
1818:
"Died, in Camden, on the 24th inst., Mrs. Esther Parke, con-
THE TOWN OF VAMDEX. 9^
sort of Mr. Daniel Parke, aged 57 years. The deceased was
among the first settlers of the town, and introduced into life a
numerous and respectal)le family, who are now reaping the
benefit of her instructions and example. She performed the re-
lative duties with more than ordinary fidelity. As a wife she was
amiable and condescending; as a mother., tender and indulgent,
and obliging as a neighbor. To the poor she was generous and
compassionate. These natural qualities were sanctified by relig-
ion. Her only hope of acceptance with God was founded upon
the righteousness of Christ. This was her consolation under the
ravages of a long and painful malady, inspiring unqualified sub-
mission, and in the decisive hour, enabling her to resign her
weary spirit to her Savior, in the confident hope of a better world.
'The memory of the just is blessed.' The memory of her kind-
ness to the poor and distressed is yet treasured by descendants
of some who were recipients of her kindly feeling for them, and
w^e know of the spirit of sympathy inherited from her by her
children. They have come within our own live^. Truly, 'The
good she did lives after her.' "
Both are buried in the old cemetery near the Parke farm, on
the road leading from the "Old Plank" to the Taberg road; and
near them lie the remains of their children, Marshall, Hannah,
Fannie and Clarissa, with their husbands.
Daniel Parke was born in Chatham, Conn., April 6, 1753;
Esther Ranney was born in Chatham, Conn., January 8, 1751.
They were married April 14, 1779.
Children born and baptized in parish church, Chatham, Conn.
— Polly Parke, born February 2y, 17S0; Clarissa Parke, born
August 10, 1781; Sage Parke born June 7, 1783; Sally Parke,
lorn December 4, 1785; Johnson Parke born May 30, 1788;,
Ranney Parke born March 10, 1790; Elisha Parke, born March
21, 1793; Fanny Parke, born September 10, 1795.
Born in Camden — Hannah Parke, born July 27, 1796; Mar-
shall Parke, born March i, 1798; George Parke, born July 12,.
1800, died an infant; Esther Parke, born August 27, 1802; George
Parke, born November 27, 1804.
Daniel Parke died October 8, 1836. Esther Parke died May
24, 1818.
92
PIONEER HISTORY OF
Daniel Parke married a second time Mrs. Catharine Hulburt
of Holland Patent, who survived him till 1840. There were no
children by the second marriage. After Daniel Parkes' death,
his son George occupied the farm from 1836 to his death, having
lived on the homestead a period of seventy-nine years. George
Parke was the youngest child of Daniel and Esther Parke, and
Daniel Parke Place.
was born in Camden in 1804. In December, 1828, he married
Amelia, daughter of Ambrose Curtiss, Sen. Together they com-
menced life in the home of Mr. Parkes' birth, and to them were
born six children, Lafayette. Daniel, Clarissa, Esther, Theresa and
Ranney. Lafayette married Miss Lydia A. Buskirk of Camden;
Daniel married Miss Sabra Towner of Camden ; Clarissa married
John Halstead of Blossvale: Esther married George Cook of
Camden; Theresa, unmarried, died 1885; Ranney married Ger-
trude Godfrey (both are dead) ; Amelia Parke died in 1883, aged
75 years: George Parke died in i883.aged 79 years The old home
is still owned by the heirs of George Parke. Of the descendants
of George and Amelia Parke are Charles Parke, son of La-
fayette, William, son of Daniel. Walter and John Cook, sons of
Esther, living in Camden.
CALEB ROWELL.
On the east side of the street, directly opposite the Daniel
THE TOWy OF CAMDEN. g^
Parke place, stands the house occupied by the late Caleb Rowell,
built for his use in 1853. Caleb Rowell was a son of Martin
Rowell, and was born in 1796. He married first Clarissa Gamble,
wdio died June 2, 1836, aged 28 years. In 1837 he married for his
second wife I-'annie, eighth child of Daniel and Esther Parke.
Thev resided for some years just north of the village, on Osw^ego
Street, selling in 1854 to James Frisbie, and making their abode
in the before-mentioned house, down the Plank Road, one and a
he; If miles south from the village. Here they lived for many years.
Mrs. Rowell died in 1875, aged 80 years. After her decease,
living in the house a few years, Mr. Rowell finally went to pass
his remaining vears in the home and care of Pliny Phelps and
family. He died in 1883, aged 87 years. Both are buried in the
cemetery on h^our Mile Square.
SYLVANUS WILSON.
Sylvanus Wilson, Sen., was born in Harwinton, Conn., in 1769,
and married Miss Chloe Hall not far from 1795, also born in Har-
winton, Conn., in 1771. They came to Camden in 1806. No
house was standing on the farm then, and they slept in their ox
cart while constructing a log habitation in which to live. It is
quite probable the cart was arranged like the "prairie schooners"
with a cover of canvas or cotton cloth on a frame, as many of
the emigrant wagons of that period were so equipped. The
marked trees guided them on their way from Rome to Camden;
and here, the west side of the road, the first farm below the Dan-
iel Parke place, he built, settled and lived the remainder of his
life. The farm is at present owned by Mr. Kobler. As the land
upon which he located was unimproved, he immediately bent to
the task of clearing and making "'glad the waste places." The
first crops of grain raised by him had to be taken to Rome or
Utica to be ground. As years passed by, and success followed
perseverance and industry, he built a frame house more com-
modious and convenient, which must have been very pretentious-
for the times, as to-day it remains one of the finest farm
houses in town. Their children were: Chloe, born 1785; Syl-
vanus, 1787; Laura, 1792; Polly, 1802; EHza, 1804; Horace^
<j4 PIONEER HISTORY OF
1808; Maria, 181 1. Chloe married Noah Wadhams; Sylvanus
married Beulah Doolittle; Laura married David Johnson; Polly,
unmarried; Eliza married Watson Spencer; Horace married
Abigail Hamlin; Maria married Amos Preston.
Early after his arrival here we find his name upon the roll of
members of the First Church, prominent in good works, and in
the book of town records his name also appears as one interested
in the affairs of the community. They were buried in the cem-
etery on Mexico Street. Sylvanus Wilson died March 17, 1833,
aged 64 years; Chloe Hall Wilson died March 9, 1827, aged 56
years.
MARTIN TYLER.
On the east side of the street, near the corner of the road
called "Four Mile Square," stood a house. The date of its erec-
tion we can not learn from any available source, yet there it
stood within the memory of many living to-day. Dr. Joshua
Ransom lived there for a time, a tenant, and Martin Tyler also
occupied it. Mr. Tyler was an ax-maker by trade, there previous
to 1810, and had a shop near the house. He also did black-
smithing. Those whose memories reach furthest back recall the
family, and the season of affliction through which they passed,
when nearly all the members were stricken with typhus fever,
and nurses had to be procured from the village for their relief.
But notwithstanding nursing and care, several of the family died.
Time erases the knowledge of its early history, and we regret that
it can not be recalled. In its day it was a good-looking house.
It eventually came into the possession of Horace Wilson, son of
Sylvanus, Sen., and the remains of it torn away between 1855
and 1865.
HORACE WILSON.
Horace Wilson, born 1808, was the youngest son of Sylvanus,
Sen., and Chloe Wilson, and spent his life on the farm where he
resided at the time of his death. He married Abigail, daughter
of John Hamlin, in Lee, Oneida County. N. Y., one of a family
of twelve children. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson left one son. Samuel,
THE 7'Oir.Y OF CAMDES.
95
who resides in Rome, Oneida County, and an adopted daughter,
Mrs. Charles E. Orr of Camden. Mrs. Wilson died May 15,
iS/d, aged 65 years.
SYLVANUS WILSON, JR.
Sylvanus Wilson, Jr., born in Harwinton, Conn., in 1787, came
to Camden, Oneida County, in i8o(5. In 1824 he married Miss
Beulah Doolittle, whom he met while she was paying a visit to
her sister, Mrs. Reuben Bettis, then one of Camden's residents.
Mr. Wilson is well remembered by many of the present genera-
tion. He was a man of upright habits, firm religious principles,
active in good works in church and community, a gentleman who
had the respect of all. Early in his married life he resided on the
east side of the highway, a little to the north of his later residence
(the Hendley home). In the year 1840 he built the larger,
more convenient structure, now standing, and sold the old house
to Israel Stoddard (Eliakim Stoddard's son), who moved it to
use as a wing on the house in which he then lived on Blakeslee
road. Of his descendants, but one remains in Camden, Mary,
v/ife of Israel Butler, whose residence is on Third Street.
JEHIEL HIGGINS.
Jehiel Higgins was born in 1774. He married Rachel Rebecca
Hungerford, and they came from Connecticut to Camden about
1800. He located himself on the farm south of the Wilsons, and
built a house, where he resided till his death, which is still stand-
ing on the east side of the street, the present home of Miles
Keeler. He was a practical mason by trade, and found in the
new country ample use for his trowel. Many a capacious brick
oven and huge chimney were fashioned by his hand. He also
built the brick house for Isaac Allen, later the Benj. Phelps
homestead. He had an ear for music, and a voice which led the
singing in the M. E. Church for years. Mr. Higgins was a
favorite with the young people, being in sympathy with their
youthful sports, often joining in them to the wild delight of the
youngsters. Prior to the establishment of the M. E. Church he
was a subscriber to the support of the gospel in the Congrega-
tional society. The children of Rachel and Jehiel Higgins were
96
PIONEER HISTORY OF
Alvin, who married Maria Castle Bennett, living in Canada;
Chloe, who married Marshall Parke: Dorcas married Seymour
Scoville; Ethel married Clarissa Johnson; Franklin; Garrett;
Hiram married Elizabeth Rankin; Sylvester married Louisa
Kinne. Rachel Higgins died February ii, 1831, aged 76 years.
After her death. Mr. Higgins again married the widow of Rufus
Jehiel Higgins' Residence.
Kinne, and it was her daughter Louisa tliat Sylvester Higgins
married. Jeliiel Higgins died Septeml)er, 1850. aged 76 years.
SylvestCi", the youngest son, continued on the farm a few years,
nhen he went to the 1^'ar West, seeking other fields of labor for
a livelihood. The farm was then purchased by
MLXER BLELL.
Miner and Melintla Buell came from an ancient and honorable
line of ancestors. In 1831 they came to Camden, and located on
Wolcott Hill, where they resided a few years, then removed to
Taberg Street, and settled in the house at the toj) of the hill, be-
yond Cobb Brook. Later they removed to the farm on the Blank
Road vacated by Sylvester Higgins. We give an extract from an
answer to an incjuiry for the jnirposes of our work, furnished us
by their son, Benjamin Buell: "My first Camden ancestor was
Miner Buell. He was born in Lebanon, Conn., December 28,
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. n-
1788. His father, Isaac Buell, was a soldier of the Revcjlution.
He was born in Litchfield, Conn., removed to Goshen, and later
in life to Lee, Oneida County; was a son of Oliver Buell of
Litchfield, Goshen and Lee. Oliver was the son of John Buell
of Lebanon, Conn.; John was the child of John Buell of Killing-
worth, Lebanon and Litchfield, and John, the son of Samuel
Buell of Windsor and Killingworth, Conn.; and Samuel was the
first child of William Buell of Chesterton, Huntingtonshire, Eng-
land; born in Chesterton in 1610, came to America in 1630,
settled first at Dorchester, and later at Windsor, where he died
November 23, 1631." It is seen from following the Buell chart,
that Mr. and Mrs. Buell were related — about fifth cousins. Isaac
Buell, father of Miner Buell, served five years in the War of the
Revolution, as artificer; later, detailed for express duty four
months; and later was paymaster, and was disabled finally in New
jersey. He was a pensioner. Was married at Lebanon,
Conn., January 22, 1784, to Prudence Sprague, by the Rev.
Zebulon Ely. IVudence was born in 1759, and died in 1802. So
Miner Buell was a son of Isaac and Prudence Ikiell, and came to
Camden to reside in 1831. Both Mr. and Mrs. Buell w^ere people
of gentle, quiet dignity, and amiable dispositions. The home was
near the old brick school house — the nearest point for the school
water supply, audit made excuse for the pupils to pay a little call
to Mrs. Buell, when going for a pail of water, which was a joy
to the young children, and of frec[uent occurrence. They were
kindly cared for by their daughter. Miss Jane Buell, till their
life closed. Their children were: William Buell, who married
Emily Andrews; James M. married Elvira Gruman; Sarah j\Iaria
married Josiah Wright, M. D.; Isaac married Mary Andrews:
Jane married Curtiss Higley; Benj. N. married Fannie Peck first,
Mrs. Cornelia Johnson second. Descendants living in Camden at
present date: Benjamin N. Buell; Miner Buell died in Camden
January 15, 1863, aged 75 years; Melinda Buell died in Camden
in 1869, aged 84 years. The place is at present owned and occu-
pied by Miles L. Keeler.
98
I'lOSKKH UlSTOh'Y OF
MILES L. KKKLKR.
Miles L. Keeler came to this place to dwell in 1871. He was
born in Florence. X. Y., November 14, 1837. Married Louisa
W., daughter of Daniel Peck, March 8, 1871. Mrs. Keeler died
April 25. 1889; March 31, 1890. he married Miss Sophia, daugh-
ter of Pliny Phel])s. Py the first union were born: Lena J.,
December 9, 1878; Mabel A., March 20, 1881 ; died January 7,
1883; and Altai J., July 4, 1886. By the second marriage, Henry
Phelps Keeler, March 14, 1892. Mr. Keeler is an enterprising
business man, carrying on the occuj^ation of farming. He hai'
heM offices of public importance, and is a man of much integrity.
BRICK SCHOOL-HOUSE DISTRICT, NO. 5, 1816— 1890.
The old red school-house stood on the east side of the street,
a icw rods north of the present building. It was constructed in
1814. A lease of the ground on which it was built was given by
the elder Sylvanus Wilson, to continue while the structure re-
mained upon it. The brick used were made by Solon Cook, the
clav taken from a bed back of the Oliver Cook farm. The build-
ing was erected by Jehiel Higgins and Jesse Penfield, and con-
sidered tjuite a pretentious structure in the days of its early his-
tory. Mr. Bela Blakesley, in his memories of boyhood days
says: "I was born in 1807, and when seven years of age first went
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
to school. My teacher was Thomas French, and the school-
house was of logs, which was near the present building. After-
wards my teacher was a woman, who lived and taught in the
house." As far back as the early remembrance of the writer
goes, a well, and a cluster of trees near it, existed below the old
brick school-house, which would indicate a habitation having
been there at some remote period. On the list of names of those
found in the old contract made by George Scriba with them, oc-
curs the name of Thomas Comstock, and he later removed to
Williamstown. His descendants remember to have heard that
he lived near the old school-house, and it is reasonable to believe
this was the spot where his house stood — the one used for school
purposes till the newer one of brick was built. In this newer one
we have evidence of the first teacher having been Ezra S. Parke.
An old "Reward of Merit" executed by him with a pen, and
awarded to Miss Dorcas Higgins, March 25, 181 5, was shown a
few years since by Seymour Scoville, who subsequently became
the husband of the said Miss Higgins, daughter of Jehiel Hig-
gins. Similar certificates of studiousness were bestowed on Al-
bro and Albert Phelps in ensuing years, executed in like manner,
probably by the same teacher. Mr. Pliny Phelps was born in
1816, and when five or six years of age attended school to Bet-
sey Peck, who married Solon Cook; and a few years later, Uriah
Hill taught there. The earliest school list found was that of 1830,
when Albro Phelps taught. He was then twenty-two years of
age, and received forty-four dollars for four months' instruction
— the winter term. The following summer Sally Waring (Mrs.
Dow. and later she became the second Mrs. Hosea Hall) taught,
ard was paid seven shillings a week, her full pay amounting to
fourteen dollars. Ini832 Isaac Crawford taught the winter term,
receiving eleven dollars a month, the full term being four months.
We copy a few words from some old papers, showing the ortho-
graphy of some of the Trustees. "Emily Sanford was pade
eighteen dollars for five months work. Pade Louisa Wood seven
dollars for summer. Pade Samuel Dowst 39 dollars for three
months' tuition. Same year Sarah Preston taught fifteen weaks
at a doler a weak, for which thare is a bill in the hands of the
lOo PIONEER HISTORY OF
colector, and 89 scuts for fcwcl." Yet some fine spellers were
turned out from among the number of students. Sixty scholars
was the usual number in attendance about the time from 1835
to 1845, '^^ "^^'l li^^'^ show. Soi)hronia Mix, daughter of Amos
Mix, taught in 1848, the summer term ending September 19, and
her list shows fifty names. Now, the number is very small in
attendance. Mr. George Trowbridge was the Superintendent
this year, and expresses much satisfaction that the school has
progressed so finely. Sally Archer and Frances A. Burr were
teachers also about those years. In 1849 there were 33 scholars.
August 10 "there is no school, as there is a funeral in the school-
house," but it does not develop whose it was. Ariadne Barnes
had a school of fifty pupils in those far-away days. We can not
refrain from giving one of the lists found: Francis Dennison,
Helen Dennison, Lucy Jane Dennison, Augusta Dennison, Al-
bert Dennison, Urbane Dennison, Mary Cook, Amos Cook,
Julia Cook, Theresa Cook. Martha Cook, Lucy E. Cook. I'rancis
Cook, Henry Cook, Harriet Cook, Esther Cook, Clarissa Alcott,
Esther Parke, Theresa Parke, Daniel Parke, Ellen Preston, Tay-
lor Preston, George Preston, Mary E. Preston, Elniira Higgins,
Amy Higgins, Philura Scoville, Goodwin Scoville, Ruth Sco-
ville, I'^rancis Dibble, Ira Dibble, Charlotte Thompson. James
Thompson, Andrew Barnes, Elizabeth Phelps, Edward Phelps,
Seth Phelps, Lois M. Stoddard, Daniel Dunton, Ira Dibble,
Electa Spencer, Warren Spencer, Augusta Wilson, Samuel Wil-
.-'jn, Maria Smith, h'ranois llanilin. I )anicl i'arkc. Solon Smith,
Janette Cleveland, Ann Dunton, Andrew S])enccr. Hcnrv S])en-
cer.
In 1887 the old house was condennied as uns<ife. and pidled
down, and the land on which it stood reverted to Mr. Hendley,
the present owner of the Sylvanus Wilson farm. The land on
which the present one stands was i)urchased after the demoliti(^n
of the old building. The first new house was burned in 1838,
but soon another was built on the same site. The preseiU situa-
tion of the school building is a great improvement upon
the old one. Ample s])aoe is allowed for a nlav gromidr
but with the older one the street-drive was the onlv
di
THE TOWN OF CAM DEN. ,qj
spot for ball playing, and sports boys so like to in-
dulge in. Young shade trees have been placed about the house,
which in time will beautify and make more agreeable the attend-
ance at school. The number of students is greatly reduced,
so that perhaps a dozen children is the average daily attendance.
Very few families remain in the district bearing the "pioneer"
names.
CHAPTER \I.
ABXER MATTHEWS.
AJiXER Matthews was a native of Connecticut, but moved to
f he State of New Hampshire when the country was new. He
was twice married, first to Sarah Warner. There were four
children by this marriage: IMamara, Lucretia, Sarah and Thonias.
The second wife was Eunice Tuttle. By this union there were
eight children: Lois, who died in babyhood; Levi, Abner, Ros-
well, Eunice, Chloe, Lois and David. We give an account of
their lives yet further, as related by Mrs. Eliakim Stoddard, who
was Lois Matthews, one of Abner Matthews' daughters: "My
parents were comfortable farmers, and lived in New Hampshire
till I was twelve years old, surrounded with all the necessary
blessings of life, having settled four of their children around
them, expecting to spend the remainder of their days on that
happy soil. But there was a sound from the West, from New
Yoik State; there was a land where we could have riches with-
out labor, and pleasure without pain. My brothers would no
longer be content, when they learned of this better land. They
went to seek this pleasant place, and pitched their tent in the
town of Trenton, Herkimer Co., N. Y. After many entreaties and
encouraging prospects set before him, my father, in about two
years, took all he possessed and bade farewell to the land of our
nativity with many sighs and tears. After a long and tedious
journey we arrived at our destined place. But Oh! the scene —
a howling wilderness, a log hut, instead of a well-built house. I
can not describe the feelings of our hearts at that time; but the
thought of being once more settled with their children was balm
to father's and mother's spirits, even though they were deprived
of the comforts which their years required. After a time, be-
coming inured to the change, and prosperity beginning to
gladden the home, a feeling of contentment with our lot came to
us. In about four years our title to the land was disputed, and
77//-; TOWS OF (\\MI)K\. 103
a
we were ejected, and again thrown upon the world without
home. After much trouble, and loss, a part of us arrived in Cam-
den, Oneida County, N. Y. Two brothers and a sister, Chloe, had
gone to Canada. Eunice married, and went to Denmark, X. Y.,
and the oldest brother went to the lake. My parents, after sacri-
ficing all they had, and worn down by age, were left with only
myself and a wild boy of fifteen, with very little of this world's
goods. In this situation we lived till I was twenty years of age:
and on the sixth day of April, 1801, I was married to Eliakhn
Stoddard, and moved one mile from home, resolved never to
forsake them so long as they should live."
Abner Matthews came to Camden from Trenton, Herkimer
Co N Y., in i797,locating on the spot across the Blakesley road
from the present brick school-house in district No. 5- The house
has long since disappeared, but a barn is still in existence, stand-
ing a little north of said school-house, which once belonged to
Abner Matthews. We find him a deacon in the first church m
180- and the names of both Mr. and Mrs. Matthews on the early
list of its members. The earnest Christian fife of the daughter
Lois (Mrs. Eliakim Stoddard) attests to the influence of the tram-
ing she received from them in her youth, and a pleasant memory
lives in the hearts of her grandchildren, who yet remember the
beauty of her character. Buried in Vienna, Oneida County,
N. Y.
JUDGE HENRY WHLIA^IS.
Judge Henry Williams bought land of George Scriba m 1797.
recorded in 1801, and an old deed loaned us b> Mr. Rodney
Cook shows it to have been the place now known as the Juhus
Cook farm, situated near the crossings of the R. W. & O. and
L V R R over the highwav, two and a half miles south of
Camden village. Then the road did not take the course it now
does, and the dwelling stood nearer the highway as it then was.
Later, when a different course was surveyed, a lane or drive was
made, leading to the residence. Trees were planted, and an avenue
of maples was one of the objects of admiration for yeais and is
at this present. It is told that the first child born in Camden was
I04
rioM.Eii iiisTouY or
that of Henry Williams, wiien he (hvelt here, and on that day a
wild storm of wind and rain broke over the locality, threatening
to demolish everything in its course. The roof of the house was
taken away partially, and the contents and occupants deluged
and frightened nearly wild. However, when the calm followed,
kind neighbors took them in and cared for them till matters
could be adjusted, and a new roof put over them. In 1802 he
sold to Mr. Martin Cook, and removed to Williamstown, Oswego
Co., X. 'N'.. which locality look his name, known by it to this day.
It is likely that previous to 1797, Mr. Williams lived in town, as
there is record of his having had business interests there. The
dates al)ove given are from old deeds.
()LI\ER COOK.
Two brothers, Maj. Aaron and Nathaniel Cook, because of
the persecutions of King Charles I., of England, came to Am-
erica in 1629 or 1630, that they might enjoy liberty of thought
and worship. They first settled in Dorchester, Mass., but five or
six years later went up to Windsor, Conn. It is in descent from
Nathaniel that Oliver came, the line running Nathaniel, John,
Theo])hilus, .'^amuel, Oliver, Martin, Solon, Melzar — the last
named furnishing the sketches of his family. In Windsor. Coiui.,
October 3, 1750, was born Oliver Cook. At ?Iarwinton, Conn.,
February 17, T768, he was married to Miss Submit (Mitta) Cogs-
dell, when about 18 years of age. When independence was de-
clared by the American people, he was 26 wars of age. full of
patriotic fire, and in sympathy with the act. When the call came
for aid in securing their rights and indei)endence, he responded,
and saw active military service in the War of the Revolution,
serving with loyalty to the cause to its close. He enlisted from
Litchfield. Litchfield County. Conn. To Oliver and Submit
Cook were br rn six children, the baptisms of these being per-
formed by Parson Perry of llarwinton. Conn., to which town Mr.
and Mrs. Cook removed after the War of the Revolution. Mar-
tin was born March 3, 1772; Polly (Mary) married Samuel
Brooker of Harwinton; Chloe married Stephen Scoville of Cam-
den; Ursula n\nrried .\mos Mix of Camden; Anna married Jo-
THE TOWN OF CAMDEX. ,q-
seph Scoville of Harvvinton, later of Camden, N. Y.; Esther
married Amos Soper of Rome, N. Y.
Early in the spring of 1799 Martin and his brother-in-law, Jo-
seph Scoville, urged on, especially by Martin's wife, who was
tired of the hilly, rocky soil, and forbidding prospects of bleak
Harwinton, with shouldered knapsacks and axes, took their way
on foot through the then almost wilderness, to "Camden Flats,"
made the necessary purchase of farms, about two miles south of
the village, and immediately set to work felling timber, and
clearing the soil for the purpose of planting corn, on which to
subsist their families the next year. They felled and burnt over
about five acres, which they planted. Its cultivation required
their attention to keep the weeds and rank briars which quickly
sprang up, subdued, and later in the season, to drive away or kill
the squirrels, cocns and bears that were a constant menace.
They harvested a good crop, and after carefully housing it in
large cribs made of logs, and covered with bark, they retraced
their steps to the old Connecticut home, where they passed the
winter in anticipation and preparation for moving to the "Far
West" of their dreams as soon as the weather would permit it in
the spring of 1800. The family consisted of Oliver, aged 50.
Submit, his wife, aged 48, Martin, aged 28. and three daughters,
aged from 17 to 24 years. Beside these, doubtless, Joseph Sco-
ville and his wife Anna, nee Cook, were of the party. Clarissa
Rossiter. wife of Martin, Solon in his fifth year, Dotha in her
third year, and Didama 5 months; in all 13 souls. They had a
one-horse rig, a yoke of cattle, and a strong, twO' wheeled cart,
with the necessary domestic animals, and fowls, and food, for the
journey. On arriving at Albany they found the Hudson River
high and dangerous, but by ferry, crossed safely though not
without hazard. There were no villages of importance after pass-
ing Schenectady, but they found a small hamlet at Whitesboro,
at Fort Stanwix, and at Taberg, all about of a size, but else-
where a backwoods wilderness, with here and there a log hut
and small clearing. From Taberg, instead of going via the State
road and East Florence, they followed an Indian trail, and were
obliged to ford the streams, still swollen and cold from the re-
centlv melted and still melting snow; but after suffering great
,o6 I'lOXKKH IIISTOh'Y OF
hardships, on the second day from Taljcri^, and three weeks
from Harwinton, wayworn and weary, they arrived at the Mecca
of their hopes, where they entered upon tlie toilsome employ-
ment of puttinfj^ «]) loj^ buildings and clearing the land, and lead-
ing a life of self-dependence, under (iod. and mostly, as one fam-
ily, until the 30th of December, 1838, when the Revolutionary
soldier and patriot, surrounded by relatives and friends, and re-
spected by all who knew him, laid down the burdens of life and
passed out into the invisible, aged 88 years. He was buried in
the old cemetery on Mexico Street, on the bank of the mill-pond,
to await the resurrection of the just. His relict. Submit, under
great infirmities, lingered eight years longer, until July 20. 1846,
when she, too, passed away, at the ripe age of 94, and with rcA-er-
ent, tender care, was laid at rest beside her slumbering spouse,
lamented Ijy a great throng of descendants and friends.
MARTIN COOK.
Martin Cook, the first child and o\\\\ son of (Oliver and Sub-
mit (nee Cogsdell) Cook, at the age of 28. moved from Harwin-
ton, Litchfield County, Conn., to Camden, Oneida County, N.
Y., in the s])ri ng of 1800. (\'ide sketch of Oliver Cook.) He was
born in Litchfield, Conn., March 3, 1772. There was no ]:)ctter
farm in the town of Camden than the one he i^urchased the
previous vear of Judge Henry Williams. It contained hill land for
pasture, flats for tillage, and creek intervales for both mca '.ow
and grazing. It was all heavily timbered with primeval forest,
mostly hard wood, but interspersed with immense white pines,
hemlocks and spruce. The location for home and out-buildings
was unexcelled, it was even "beautiful for situation." looking
towards the morning, from the brow of a low-lving hill that as-
cended gradually, to the west line of the farm. .An ever-living
spring of cool, soft water, bubbling from the soil a few rods back
of the house, furnished an abundance of water for both house
and stock. There used to be another spring just north of the
barn, and still another at the south side of the house lot. at the
foot of tlie declivity, also many more at the base of the bluf?,
where the plain l)reaks down to the iiUervale levels. The
arduous and trying labor of clearing the land, although the pros-
trated limber was burnt where it fell, nearly ruined the physical
rni-: tows of camdkx. lo^
stamina of the owner, having iiroduccd a perniancnt rhuuniatic
condition of his hip-joints, tliat precluded his ever performing
any severe or heavy manual labor, after he was 35 or 40 years of
age. On pleasant days, with the support of two canes, he walked
about the farm, the writer often meeting him on the road leading
to the creek, and once he even walked over to Solon's, about
three-fourths of a mile, and took dinner, but was carried home.
He always kept a horse for his own driving, and in an odd little
wagon, that he brought from Connecticut, often dro\e to the
village, generilly with apples or other goodies that boys like, in
his pockets. Said boys were always on hand to fetch the "Cam-
den Gazette," or to do any other errand he might chance to want
done. When about do years old he set out an ai)ple orchard, and
afterward grafted the trees, w'hose natural fruit was not desirable.
One of his neigbors espying him engaged in directing the tree
setting, went over and asked him why he was such a fool as to
set out an orchard, for others to cat its fruit, as he would be dead
long before it could come into bearing. "Uncle Martin" re-
minded him that much of all our labor is done for posterity, and
continued his enterprise. His orchard became the best in that
part of the town, and he lived to enjoy its fruit. The Indian trail
from the east, which, in their immigration, they followed in from
Taberg, ran along between the house and the road, over which
the Indians often passed, and frequently called for food. This
was a house from whose door no one was ever sent hungry away.
One day a party of them from the north-west stopped and asked
for meat. It so chanced there was none on hand except smoked
hams, one of which was offered. The applicant eyed it with
disgust, and with the remark, "Me no want black nigger meat,"
this copper colored "lord of the soil" withdrew to his
company, and they soon disappeared on the south-eastward trail.
One bright spring day while entertaining a Connecticut visitor in
a walk on the bank of the creek that then bounded his farm,
about forty rods beiow the present bridge, they discovered a
large fish basking in the sunlight, which the visitor stayed and
watched w^hile his host went to his barn half a mile away, and got
a pitchfork, with which they speared the fish, and found it to be
a salmon of mere than thirty pounds weight. ?\Iartm was a
,o8 . i'inM:i:u nisTiU'Y Ot
Whig and Congregatior.alist. His family consisted ot six sons
and five daughters, viz.; Solon Cook, born September 30. 1795.
He married Elvira liyington April 3, 1815, who died May 4,
1822. For second wife he married Elizabeth Peck, October 25,
1824, who died September 12. 1885, and Solon died July 2, 1876.
Dotha, born in Hanvinton, December 15. 1797, married Augus-
tus Byington, who died in 1823. In 1825 she married ]c\m Julia,
who deceased in Camden in 1868, aged 70 years, and Dotha fell
asleep and was laid by his side in 1870. Didama was also a Har-
winton girl, born December 4, 1799. She married Junius Wood,
and died March 6. 1866. Orson was born July 19, 1802. He
married Sarah Doolittle February 28, 1827. In 1S32 he moved
to Ripley, Chautauc|ua County, N. Y.. and frtMii there, in 1845,
went to Wisconsin, then to Freeport, 111. His wife, Sarah D..
nas born September 17, 1805. and died January 14, 1872. Orson
<died in July, 1880, and both were buried at Freeport, 111.
Lucintha was l)orn July 13, 1804, married Isaac Northrop, and
died September 3, 1856. Rebecca was born October i, 1806,
married Pliny Barnes, and died INIarch 8. 1882. Oliver Wolcott
was born January 8, 1809, married Sarah W'innc, wh.o was born
in Schenectady, X. Y., May i, 1807, and died in Camden May
22, 1871. iMr. Wolcott died February 22, 1870. Thomas was
born March i, 181 1. married Mary Warring. They moved to
Richland in 1855. Thomas died March 17, 1872. and his wife
June 6, 1881. They are both interred at Richland, Mich. Norris
•was born July 27. 1813, married Syrena A. Warring of Annsville,
N. Y.. January 19, 1834. He went to California in the winter
of 1848-9 in an old sailing vessel around Cape Horn, was si.x
months on the voyage, the last trip the rotten old ship made.
After six years he returned in the spring of 1855. October 19th,
the same year he reuKived with his family to Richland, Mich.
After three years he went again to California, and stayed about
five years. During the war he returned to Richhnd, bought a
place in the village of Climax. Mich., where lie died November
27, 1879. Syrena A., his wife, was born April 27, 1817, died
June 5, 1892, and was buried at Climax beside her husband.
Julius was born November 10, 181 5, married Sally Elden Feb-
ruary 22, 1838. who was horn January 6. 1814. and died August
J
THE TOWN OF ('AMI)ES.
109-
25, 1895, and was interred by the side of her husband, who (hed
January 24, 1892. Ohve was born January 6, 1818, married
Alfred Barnes in January, 1836.
Between Martin and "Aunt Clara," his wife, there were no
"family jars," and, apparently, no differences of opinion. Theirs
was a model, pioneer household. They grew and manufactured
Mrs. Martin Cook.
Martin Cook.
their own wool and flax, and were sufficient unto themselves in
all temporal things, even making- their own corn brooms, flax
ropes and tallow dips. The rope walk, the methods of rotting,
breaking, swingling, hatchling, carding and spinning flax, were
primitive, and would seem odd in our days, but they were
efiicient and successful. They were good citizens, good parents,
and the writer ccn testifv that he found them gracious and kmd
grandparents. Martin died March 20, 1855, and "Aunt Clara
August 28, 1848. They were entombed in the then "new cem-
eterv," about half wav down from the road, on the eastern side.
ri')\Ei:h' JIlSTDh'Y OF
JL'LIL'S COOK.
Our book would be incom])lcte without mention of Julius, son
of Martin Cook. Who that knew him but remember the kindly
voice, the s^enial countenance, the hearty salutation, the -words of
manly sympathy, the ever-ready helj) in time of need? These
were the characteristics of this Christian man. He was the ninth
child of Martin and Anna Cook, born November lo, 1815. His
birthplace was Camden, and he spent his life in our midst, on the
s?r
sft'.
'
^'■^^
A
-»-^
^
'M
;
1
k,~t>.
farm where he first saw the light, for the greater part of his life.
In February, 1838, he married a most estimable woman, Miss
Sally, daughter of John Klden. To them was born three chil-
dren that reached maturity: Lucy, who married Henry Dwight
Wood; Theresa M.. who married Daniel Potter Piarnes, June
II, 1868. (In January, 1874, Mr. iJarnes died in the Far West,
of consumption. After some years Mrs. Barnes married James
H. Meagley of Toledo, Ohio. They reside at present at Minne-
apolis, Minn.) Their son Rodney married Miss Maggie Hawkes,
and resides in Camden, a well known anfl highly respected citi-
zen. The virtues of Mrs. Julius Co(jk can not be too
TEE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
highly spoken of. Gentle and amiable, she was admired and he-
loved by those who knew her. There seemed never a hasty
word, an unkind act, or an unjust judgment. Ever refined and
sweet in her manner, she won all hearts. They spent the de-
Birthplace and Home of Julius Cook.
clining years of their lives with Mrs. Wood, in this village. Mr.
Cook was a member of the military band in old training days,
and in later years played the fife with similar musical organiza-
tions. In politics he was a Whig in earlier times, and later a
Republican. Through the courtesy of Rodney Cook, son of
Julius Cook, we are able to copy his military discharge, from
the original document :
"This May sertify that Julius Cook has had the office of drum
Major for the space of 4 years, and don duty according to the
law in the dSth Regiment, 13th Brigade and 13th Division of
Infantry of the militia of the State of New York, and is hereby
Onerably dis charged from military duty. Dated Camden Sep-
tember 7th, 1841.
T. S. Byington, Col. 68 Reg't."
Julius Cook born 1815, died January 24, 1892; Sally Cook
born 1814, died August 25, 1895. They rest side by side in
Forest Park Cemetery, and await the resurrection of the just.
Surely crowns are prepared for such as these, set with jewels of
,,2 PIONLJJR IIIHTORY OF
rarest wortli. Mr. Rodney Cook lias two children, James and
rlorence.
OLR'ER WOLCOTT COOK.
Oliver Wolcott Cook was the seventh child of Martin and
Clara Cook, born January 8, 1809. He married Sarah, daughter
of David Winne, who was l)orn in Schenectady. X. Y.. May i,
1807. They resided all their married lives on the farm of Martin
Cook. The site of their early home is marked only b}- a well
and an old barn used in connection with the liouse. It was on
the east side of the I'lank road, a short distance north from the
crossings of the R. W. & O. and Lehigh X'alley R. R.'s. In
later years Mr. Cook built a new house, the one at present
standing, a few steps north of the older structure. (It is now
owned l)y the heirs of the late Ur. H. H. W'oodrufif. ) Their chil-
dren were Clarissa, Melissa. Henry, Francis andW'illiam. Clarissa
married James Mitchell; Melissa, (^eorge Lingham, who was a
railroad engineer: Henry was also an engineer, and died in Texas.
He married Miss Ann, daughter of Homer Abbott; Francis
married Dewitt \\"ilson — his second wife, and died March 22,r
1875, 3t 35 vears of age. William is an engineer, and married
Miss Anna, daughter of the late John Wiles. O. W. Cook died
February 22, 1870, aged 62 years; Sarah W. Cook died ]\Iay 22,
1871, aged 64 ytars. Buried in Forest Park Cemetery.
ERASTUS I)F\-EREUX.
We have deeds for our information which indicate that Eras-
tus Devereux lived on the street running west from the I5en-
jamin Phelps homestead, occu]\\ing the ])lace now owned by
Wm. Robinson, as early as 1812. He was the father of Ezra
Devereux, and old residents remember other children, Init not
their names. In 1S17 I'j-astus Devereux removed to the place
now owned by Mr. Pliny Phelps, his dwelling standing a few
rods to the north of Mr. Phelps' present home, the old well still
in existence. This farm of 24 acres was a part of a larger tract
owned by John Wilson, of whom he ])urchased it. In after \cars,
about 1833, b'zra Devereux, who had lived a few vears on the
place now occujiied by (ieorge Cook, ])urchased the remaining
interest of [olm Wilson in this farm, and removed there, so the
THE TOWN OF CAMDKN. , , ^
Devereux owned all the land west of the highway from Mar-
tin Cook's to Benjamin Phelps' — a fine farm. In the years that
follow, Erastus seems to have sold his interest to Ezra and
Zephaniah Devereux, and after a time the property was sold on
a mortgage, and passed out of their possession. The old house
that was the home of Erastus Devereux is now a ]:)ortion of the
horse-barn used by Mr. Pliny Phelps. John Wilson lived in the
house now owned by Judge Stoddard's heirs, which has been
previously mentioned, which stood a little south of Israel
Stoddard, Jr.'s, present home. Erastus Devereux was a brick-
maker by occupation, and one of the earliest to mould and make
them ready for the use of the new settlers. He is remembered
by old residents as one of a jovial nature. We fail to find the
name of any of the family on record after about 1834, and be-
cause of it, we are led to believe that they went out from this
section into some other, after the sale of their farm.
The present owner of the farm is Israel E., seventh child of
Israel and Mary Stoddard, born June i, 1831. He grew to
young manhood, and at the age of twenty-three, in 1854, mar-
ried Miss Caroline J., daughter of the late George Wood of this
village. A year previous to his marriage, he had built the house
now standing on the site of the John Wilson house. To them
was born one child, W' illiani Israel, February 9, 1857. He is a
prominent business man in this village, well known by all. Mr.
and i\Irs. Israel Stoddard are people of much geniality, kindness
and hospitality. Children find their home a joy in vacation days,
when both Mr. and Mrs. Stoddard deem no sacrifice too great if
they give pleasure to the little ones. Business ceases, and time
is devoted to their happiness. Mr. Stoddard has followed the
pursuit of farming for a few years, doing a thrifty business in
corn packing. William Israel, son and only child of Israel E.
and Caroline Stoddard, was born February 9, 1857. In 1883,
April 5, he married Clare A., eldest child of Edwin A. and
Caroline Peck Harvev. For a time he remained on the home
farm, but soon came to the village to reside, and subsequently
purchased the grocery and drug business of E. A. Harvey, which
he successfully ccnducts at present. They have one child. Hul-
dah, aged 12 years.
j,^ PIONEER HISTORY OF
PLIXY PHELPS.
Mr. Pliny Phelps is the fourth son of Benjamin Phelps. In
1846 he bought the lower portion of the Devereaux farm. In
1847 Ii^' married Miss Nancy Phelps. In 1849 he built the home
which they at present occupy. Mr. Phelps was born in 1816, and
is now at the advanced age of 81 years. His occupation has been
farming, with somewhat of lumber interests, throughout his life.
He has also been an intelligent student of the political aflfairs
of his country, and a staunch Republican, loyal to his party at
all times. He was elected to the ofifice of Supervisor in i860,
and Commissioner of Highway in 1858-59 and '60, discharging
his duties acceptably to his townsmen. His children are Byron,
who married Miss Ellen Hendley; William married Sarah Lam-
plierc; Delia married Charles Paddock; Sophia married M. L.
Kecler, and lennie. who married Elinti Yager, the present
owner of the home. William resides in Taberg, the others are
residents of Camden. Both Mr. and Mrs. Phelps are living, and
reside with their daughter, Mrs. Yager, on the homestead, three
miles south of Camden village.
At this i)oint we will retrace our way back to the street just
south of the Daniel Parke place. There in early times was a
highway, surveyed in 1803, which took a north-westerly course
over the hills, intersecting the Preston Hill Street, just west of
the present William Barnes place. On this street were several
habitations, the sites discernible at present, and springs or wells
are yet found which gave supplies of water in those far-away
days. Among tliosc who made homes there were a Mr. Filkins
a Mr. Carr, and Israel lUulcr, Sen. Thv two former pioneers
moved on ti) W'illiainstow n a few years later, and became identi-
fied will) W'illiaiustown interests. The names are perpetuated bv
younger generations, still living there.
"Camden, ]\Iay 13, 1819.
This may certify that the road leading from the place formerlv
occu])ied by Lyman Matthews (deceased) to the intersection of
the road near Daniel Parkes, is disannulled, and no longer a
])ublick highwav.
John Segur,
Joel Pathbun,
Com. llighwavs."
THE TO TT'A^ OF CAMDEN. i,r
The course of this street is still to be seen, and perhaps some
of the corduroy road is yet tO' be found. A few years later, the
present highway, leaving the Plank Road just north of Daniel
Parkes' place, was surveyed, and declared public in t8o8. W^e
can only find the name of Eliab Dunbar as an early settler on
this street, and his residence there was not long, as we find him
subsequently nearer town. In later years, perhaps 1835 o^ 1840,
a family of Dennisons lived about half way between the Plank
Road and Preston Hill Street. No other resident appears till
we reach the corner of these streets. Here we turn our course
to the left, going eastward. Directly on the corner lived first
MILES SPENCER.
He came here very early, when nothing had been done to im-
prove and cultivate the land, and settled in this lonely place. His
near neighbors were Joel Dunbar and Eliab his son. In 181 1 his
wife and a daughter aged 16 years died, as we find such entries
in Rev. Leavenworth's book of records. He was a subscriber to
the support of the First Church here, and figured somewhat in
early town interests.
We will relate an exciting bear story in connection with
Mr. Spencer's residence in this isolated region. One night in
early autumn, a hog was taken from its enclosure; and was
traced by unmistakable evidences of blood and tracks to a point
not far away, near a brook that crosses the highway near Wil-
liam Robinson's present home, then Erastus Devereux'. Here
it was found, partially devoured, undoubtedly by a bear. Mr.
Spencer at once set about devising means of securing his foe.
Having but little faith in his own ability as a trapper or marks-
man, he repaired to Captain John Wilson's, in whose family lived
an aged man skilled in all the arts of primitive warfare. He
opined that the creature would return the following night for
a meal from the remainder ol the carcass. Mr. Davis (for this
was the old man's name) was crippled and infirm, but had the
enthusiasm of youth, and discussed the situation till he was so
fired with zeal, that he said if the neighbors would go with him.
and remain near to assist him if necessary, he was sure he could
kill him. The evening came, and the whole community were
agitated and ready to lend assistance. Mr. Davis was taken to
ii6
PIONEER HISTORY OF
the place, looked it over carefully, considered the situation well,
and finally took his position where he thou.^ht he could com-
mand a view* of the spot. He was seated in a rocking chair, for
his weig-ht of years were heavy upon him. A trusty gun was
brought with him. Two neighbors were not far away, with a
lantern to use when occasion came. Not long had they to wait.
The old man hearing a noise directly behind him, felt that his
game was approaching, and taking aim, fired. The aids in wait-
ing came immediately to him to learn particulars, and examine
into results. They found a trail of blood, which they followed
for some rods, where a huge bear was found, dead. The old man
was somewhat overcome with fright at the appearance of his
prev at a point so unexpected to him, but his satisfaction was
very apparent, and the night's adventure was the theme of con-
versation for many an evening's gathering thereafter.
In 1822, or thereabouts. Miles Spencer's name appears iden-
tified w4th West Camden interests. He married for second wife
a Miss Matthews, sister of Lyman Matthews. He died July 22,
1834, aged 66 years, in West Camden, and is buried in the
Seventh burying ground.
ELI WILSON.
The next occupant of this farm was Eli, brother of Sylvanus
Wilson, Sen., and Polly Wilson, wife of Judge Israel Stoddard.
He came from Harwinton, Litchfield County, Conn. He mar-
ried Miss Julia Candee, and together they came to Camden
young married j^eople, and located on the above mentioned farm
in 1818. He was an active business man, earnest in all good en-
deavors, prominent in church work, a trustee of First Church in
1819. In 1828 he occupied pew 21 in the old church, and had a
seat in the gallery, slip No. 3. In 1S29 he led the singing in the
M. E. Church. Their children were: Julia, George, Levi,
I'omeroy; Sarah married Royce, son of Parsons Allen; Mar-
garet and Candee. Perhaps there were others, but we have no
record. We copy the following:
"Know all men by these presents. That I, Eli Wilson of Cam-
den, Oneida County, New York, bind myself in the penal sum of
one thousand dollars to execute a good warranty deed to Curtiss
Johnson, of the farm on wliich I ncnv live, meaning to convev all
THE T01V2V OF CAMDEN. , ,
the land included in the old deed from Miles Spencer to Israel
Stoddard, reference being had to the same on or before the first
of April (1834) next, and possession given at that time. Done at
Camden this 12th day of December, 1833.
Witness my hand and seal,
Eli Wilson."
For about a year longer Mr. Wilson lived in what was known
as the Tyler house, near Horace Wilson's, and the year following
went west to reside. His death occurred at Farmington, Fulton
County, 111., in 1875, in his eighty-sixth year.
CURTISS JOHNSON.
Following Eli Wilson, Stephen Curtiss Johnson came on to
this farm. He was a son of Solomon and Olive Curtiss Johnson,
who were married in Stratford, Conn., in 1782. Curtiss was
born there August 31, 1786, and lived in his native State till six-
teen years of age, when the family removed to Clinton, N. Y.,
in 1802. About 1810 he married Miss Lois Heacock, and they
continued their residence at Clinton till 1834, when Mr. Johnson
purchased the fai m two miles from Camden village, of Eli W il-
son, containing one hundred acres. He added many improve-
J , g PIONEER HISTORY OF
ments, clearing and cultivating- the ground, setting fruit trees,
shrubs, and otherwise enhancing its value. He was blessed with
a mind of more than ordinary strength and activity, which he
much improved by study. Was a practical botanist, and well
understood the habits of the plants and vegetables he so de-
lighted to cultivate — was a deep, original, intelligent and in-
dependent thinker, arriving at logical conclusions. Was
reared among the Presbyterians, and baptized in that faith, kind
in heart and disposition, an indulgent husband and father, a good
neighbor and friend. Mr. Johnson evinced fine taste in selecting
shrubs and trees, choosing with an eye to beauty and quality.
At the time he sold his place, many choice fruit trees, plum,
cherry, apple and pear, were growing luxuriantly, which afforded
in after years plentiful supplies for use. A famous barberry bush
grew in the garden, covering much space. There were many
shrubs of a decorative character about the place, which in after
\cars came to adorn the vard of the Jamieson cottage at the head
of Main Street, being much admired for their beauty by Lady
Jamieson. The children born to Curtiss and Lois Johnson were
Emerson, Esotus, Marion, who married Dr. Josiah Wright;
Sarah married Frank Snow; Robert married Mary Gould; and
Lois married William Wilson of Herkimer. Mrs. C. F. Kendall,
daughter of Sarah, (Mrs. F. Snow), is the only descendant living
in Camden at i~.rescnt. The next proprietor of this place was
ELAM BURTON.
In 1839 Elam Burton bought the farm of Curtiss Johnson.
Mr. Burton, in 1835, married Mary, daughter of Jesse Fish, Esq.,
of Williamstown, Oswego Cotmty. Mr. Burton formerly resided
in Floyd, Oneida County, but came to Camden about 1835. For
a few years they resided elsewhere, but came to this farm as be-
fore stated in 1839. He was an enterprising business man, and
conducted the farming interests with abilitv and profit; was a
man of sound judgment, and was frequently called upon for ad-
vice in weighty matters. In 1869 he sold his farm to Marvel
Hall, and removed to Williamstown, where his sons were all en-
gaged in various pursuits. Fie resided there till his death, in
1875. Of his family, Delos and George still remain in Williams-
town; Alfred H. lives in Rome; Jesse in the West; Jane married
THE T(nVN OF CAMDEN. , , f^
Chas. Wonibotigh, and her home is Hornellsville, N. Y. W'itli her
Mrs. Burton made her home after her husband's death, till she
laid aside life's cares in February, 1895. IJoth Mr. and Mrs.
Burton were interred in Forest Park Cemetery. ]\Ir. Hall owned
this farm till his death, which occurred June i, 1890, and it after-
ward became the property of Matthew Wakefield, who repaired
the house somewhat, and at present resides there.
WILLIAM ROBINSON.
The farm Iving between Benjamin Phelps' and Miles Spen-
cer's had for its first owner. Andrew Palms. No facts relative
to him are obtainable. From his time Zephaniah Smiih, Darius
Jewell, Ezra Devereux, Samuel Clark, J. C. Jones, have lived
there, but we are unable to gather anything further of them or
their families. The present occupant is William Robinson, who
has lived there for many years. He is a son of John and Cath-
arine Hennis Robinson, who came from Schoharie County
previous to 1840. Their other children were Nancy (Mrs. Pliny
Phelps), Catharine (Mrs. James Jones), Caleb, John, Jr., who
died some years since; (Sophronia(Mrs. George Spencer), Ammi
and Betsey (Mrs. Wilkinson). John Robinson, Sen., was killed
at Lynche's Mills in 1841, one mile east of Rome, by driving ofif
the abutment of a bridge which had been washed away by the
high water. His remains were interred in McConnellsville.
Mrs. Robinson survived him many years, passing away at the
age of 67. She was Iniried in Forest Park Cemetery.
BENJAMIN PHELPS.
Benjamin Phelps can justly be called a "pioneer" settler of the
town of Camden, having come here about the year i8o3. We do
not know the circumstances which directed huu hither, but
suppose some one from the place where he lived preceded linn
here, and returning, represented this locality as a desirable one
in which to locate. He was born in old "Simsbury,'" now North
Canton, Connecticut, December 14, 1782. At the age of four
years his father died, and Benjamin went to live with an uncle
at Torrngton, Conn. Benjamin's American ancestor was
George Phelps, who came from Tewksbury, England, in 1630.
In 1635 liis was one of the forty families who removed from
I20
PIOMER HISTORY OF
Dorchester, Mass., to Windsor, Conn., and established a church
and settlement, so Benjamin descended from Puritan stock. He
seemed to have inherited something of their spirit of independ-
ence and adventure, to have had the coura.^e to come to this
almost unexplored countr}-. He came in company with Joseph
Scoville, and began clearing land in the locality of the home of
the late Ranney Phelps. He v.orked in Camden during the
summer and returned' to Connecticut to teach school during the
winter months. This he did for three successive years. His
interests here becoming considerable, he afterwards remained to
attend to them. He could not get a good title to the land upon
which he first settled, so, after toiling there some two or three
years he gave it up, and settled on the road toward Hillsboro
from the IMank Road, l^ack about three-fourths of a mile. Here
in 1803 oi" 1804 he built a log house, and in i8o^ he married Miss
First Home of Benjamin Phelps.
Sally, (laughter of Hanicl and j-'.sthcr I'arkc. and touk licr to this
humble home. Here they established themselves in housekeep-
ing, and no doubt their ha])piness could scarcely be measured.
In this home four children were born to them — a daughter,
Qarissa, who died in infanc\'; Albro and Albert, twins, and Ran-
ney. The twin boys were objects of wonder and curiosity in the
conununity. They were so tiny that to care for theiu they placed
each on a ])illow — too diminutive to liandle in anv other way.
These voungsters grew to be lieav\- men, and each weighed
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
something over two hundred pounds. It was related by Mrs.
Phelps that when they were little babes there came to the door
for food, an Indian and squaw. Upon seeing the infants, they at
once became interested, and asked if thev might take them in
Mrs. Benjamin Phelps.
their arms. She assented, and they took them, on their pillows,
talking in their own language for some time concerning them.
Whatever they said about them, she did not know, but it w-as
a discussion that ended satisfactorilv, for they so signified when
they went away. For several years thereafter, in their journey-
ings this way, to the trading posts further east, they called to see
the twins. On one occasion Mrs. Phelps showed them little
Ranney. They said he was nice, but they thought the twins
were best.
Benjamin Phelps was one of those drafted during the war of
1812, and sent to the defense of Sackett's Harbor. During his
absence a terrific storm of wind and rain broke over this local-
ity, tearing parts of the dwelling loose, and filling Mrs. Phelps
with fear for the safety of herself and little ones. She gathered
them about her. taking refuge under a crude but very useful
122 PIOXEER HISTORY OF
loom; feeling that if the house should fall, its staunch timbers
would protect them from harm. This loom was an important
implement in the home of the Phelps family, for with it the
mother wove the cloth of linen for the summer, and of woolen for
their winter wear. After Mr. Phelps' return from Sackett's Har-
bor, probably in 1813 or '14. he built a frame dwelling a few rods
to the front of the log house, nearer the street. The site was on
a rise of ground; the l)uilding was considered very good in its
dav, but onlv the cellar excavation is there now to show where
it stood. In this house were born Pliny, Benjamin, Scth and
Edwin. Of the eight cliildren born to lienjanun and Sally
Phelps, but two are now living; Pliny of this town, aged eighty-
one, and Edwin of Baltimore, Md., aged about sixty-nine. Albro
died at the age of 45, Albert at 80, Ranney at 80, and Benjamin
and Seth in young manhood, Clarissa in infancy.
In 1832 Benjamin IMielps purchased of Isaac Allen the brick
house yet standing on tb.e corner of the Hillsboro and Plank
Road highway, now owned by Mr. Douglass Hubbard, about
three miles south of Camden village. Perhaps it may interest
some reader to learn something of the earlier history of this old
tavern stand. Having records at hand, dates are correct.
George Scriba, or his agent, sold to Eliakim Stoddard and Lois
his wife, in 1802, for the sum of 180 dollars, sixty acres of land.
In 1806 Eliakim Stoddard conveyed to Gershom Hokhidge, for
the sum of eight hundred dollars, the same sixtv acrca. In 181 1
I
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
Gershom Holdridge sold to Isaac Allen for 1.400 dollars about
80 acres in this same locality, he having- added twenty acres to
the original farm. In 1832 Benjamin Phelps purchased the
original farm and its additions, till the farm in its entirety num-
bered 240 acres. Soon after Mr. Allen came to occupy the place.
He built the house now standing. The clay used in making the
brick was drawn from a bed east of the house, across the R. W.
& O. R. R., to the spot where now is the garden on the place —
the corner near the street. A kiln was built, the clay made into
form, and burned on the premises, and used in constructing the
house. Erastus Devereux made the brick. Jehiel Higgins
built the house, not far from 1812 or 1813. It was originally a
story and a half in height, well constructed, with solid brick walls
nearly two feet in thickness. Mr. Allen conducted the new' house
as an inn or tavern. Teaming and staging over this route was
considerable at this date, though perhaps not as great as in later
years after the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825, when much
merchandise was carried from New London to northern points
by wagons. In purchasing of Mr. Allen, Mr. Phelps still con-
tinued the place as an inn. He was a man of musical tastes, and
for the times in which he lived and received his education, and
the means at his command, developed considerable talent. He
had a clear tenor voice, played the bass viol in church, and when
occasion required, the violin for dancing parties at his hostelry.
He was a genial host, and a few are yet living who remember
occasions of real enjoyment at this place. "Honey suppers"
were frequent here, and the young swains and lassies congre-
gated for dancing parties, their refreshment being warm biscuit
and honey, which was supplied from Mr. Phelps own apiary.
The "ball room" of the house was across the entire north end
of the second story, and about 16 feet wide. In later years, Al-
bert and Albro furnished the music for dancing. We much re-
gret that no picture can be found of Albro Phelps, but the four
sons, Albert, Pliny, Ranney and Edwin we give — Albert's taken
by artist Gebbie, who came to Camden in about 1855, and was
Mr. Phelps first, last, and only picture taken — a daguerreotype.
Benjamin Phelps was born in Simsbury, Conn., December 14.
1782. Sally Parke was born in Chatham, Conn., December 4,
1785. Married in Camden, N. Y., October 21. 1805.
124
PIONEER HISTORY OF
Albert Phelps.
Ranney Phelps.
^Jp^.
.^-v '
'^
^" i
b^^
-^J
HH|^H^B|
\ -- ir<
^^^^^^^B
\H
J— i^^BP^^
Pliny Phelps
Edwin Phelps.
77/ i; TOWN OF (J AM OK \.
Children — Clarissa Phelps born August 27, 1806; Albro and
Albert, twins, born February 4, 1808; Albro died in 1852; Albert
died in 1888; Ranney, born September 11, t8ii; Pliny, born Jan-
uary 21, i8i(5; Benjamin, Jr., born February 19, 1818; died in
1847; Seth,born May 18, 1823; Edwin, born May 2y, 1829.
Benjamin Phelps died in Camden, N. Y., September 29, 1840,.
aged 58; Sally Parke Phelps died July 4, 1847, aged 62. Rev.
Ezra Squier prer-ched Benjamin Phelps' funeral sermon, and
Rev. John Barton that of Mrs. Phelps. Both are buried in
Forest Park Cemetery.
Copied from an old Camden paper.
"Died — about the ist of Nov., 1847, of consumption, in Camp
of Travelers, from the United States, 180 miles from Santa Fe,
en his way to Chihuahua, N. M., where he was intending to
spend the winter, for the benefit of his health, Benjamin Phelps,,
jr., I'ged 29 years, formerly of Camden, N. Y. Of the piirticulars
cf his death his friends have not been fully informed."
In 1848 Albert married Miss Martha Fish, daughter of Jesse
Fish, Esq., of Williamstown, Oswego County, N. Y., About
1850 he remodeled the house, building it to two stories in height,
and they repaired to the pleasures of a private home. Raising
the walls, a new roof, fresh paint, blinds, fence, flag walk to front
door, all served to make it an attractive farm-house. Add to-
these improvements flowers, shrubs, vines and trees, and you
have a picture of the place as it appeared 45 years ago. The
wing on the south side of the house was the bar-room in its
tavern days. Near this was the watering place, a pent-stock
with water from a spring some rods to the west of the house.
The wing now stands across the street — the wing of Mr. Clarence
Hubbard's new house. The old house stands not quite parallel
with the street in its present course. Years ago, the old survey
caused the highway to run to the right of the ravine, below the
Newton Phelps house, and Mr. Allen built his house on a line
with it, but in 1817 the course was changed to pass through the
ravine, so the house is not quite parallel. (At this time the street
was brought to the west, where it at present crosses the Little
VAwv, the old crossing having been about where the Lehigh
A'allev Road crosses now. Daniel Parke built the first bridge
THE TOWy OF CAMDEN. ,,,
over the river at this point.) The g"rand old grove below the
house, which many remember, has of recent years been a prey
to the woodman's ax, and nothing is left but the site and the
memory of its beauty. It is a pleasure to dwell upon the scenes
that cluster around the old place, but the hand of time will soon
lay low all that remains of it. Decay marks every object for its
own sooner or later, and in a few years the old "Phelps Tavern,"
and those who have owned it, will be not even a memory, and
onl} these pages will be left to tell the tale. This will he as true
of many other old homes and people of whom this book will
speak. Too many important items have already been lost in the
pas^^ing of th'i years.
To Albert and Martha Phelps were born four children : Emma,
whc married W. J. Frisbie, and resides in Camden; Benjamin,
who died in 1882 at the age of 30 years; Charles A., who married
Harriet Mattoon, and Albert C, who married Ida M. Penfield,
both prominent merchants in the tow'n. In April, 1880, Mrs.
Albert Phelps died, aged 60 years; in May, 1888, Albert Phelps
died, aged 80 years. Buried in Forest Park Cemetery. Their
son, Benjamin, was also interred here, in the family lot.
The children of W. j. and Enuna S. i'risbie are George Al-
In-rt i'risbie of L'tica, who married Alice I. Owen in i8y6. and
Ruth Lucile Frisbie.
Charles A. Phelps has two children. Howard Mattoon and
Ransom. Albert Case Phel])s lias one son, Leon i*'isli rheli)s.
CHAl'TER \II.
JOSEPH SCOVILLE.
Joseph T. Scoville was born in Harwinton. Conn., and came
to Camden not far from 1799 or 1800. He was a son of Ezekiel
and Rachel Scoville of Harwinton, and was one of four brothers
ihat located here, viz.: Ezekiel, Stephen, Conet, Joseph. He
came with Benjamin Phelps, Sen., and their labors were of the
same nature, clearing and improving forest land to make homes.
He returned to Connecticut, and the spring following brought his
wife with him, v,ho was Anna, sister of Martin Cook. He had
piepared a cru«le home, and here they commenced life in earnest.
To them were born seven children, Chloe, Harry, Seymour,
Marenus, Ann Eliza, Thompson, Ezekiel, Thompson, who died
at 18 or 20 years of age, and Polly. Chloe married Jehiel Hig-
gins; Ann KVni married John Wilson, Sen., Seymour married
Dorcas Higgins; Polly married Austin Raymond; Ezekiel
lived here, and cared for the father a few years, when he went
East, locating there, where he still resides. Then John Wilson
came in 1852 or 1853, and they cared for Mr. Scoville till his
death, the farm coming into the posssession of Mrs. Wilson, Jo-
seph Scoville's daughter. Joseph Scoville died April 26, 1853,
aged 76 years. Ann Scoville died March 14, 1840, aged 62
years. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson resided here till about 1869 or
1870, when they removed to Camden village, where they spent
their remaining days. Three children were born to them : Fran-
cis, died in 1894; Herbert E., died 1893; and Philoma, the late
Mrs. B. A. Curtiss, died in A])ril, 1897. Lillian. (Mrs. B.
Van De \\'alker), and Harold, children. John Wilson, 31I, died
October 25, 1874; Ann E. WMIson died February 7, 1875, a.?ed 63
\ears. lUin-.'d in l-"(ire:^t Park Cemetery. After Mr. Wilson
canu' Rdswell Paddock with his family to occupv this place. Uo
built and conductt'd a corn-jtacking business for some vears, but
later they reninved t<> W ai.^aw. X. ^'.. and from thence to lUififal >.
After lie lift tlie farm it came to belong to X'ewton. son of Ran-
ney Pliel])s. The old house burned, and Mr. Phe]])s built the
j'resent house o{ brick
77//; 70 U'^' OF CAM I) EX. i 3o
WAR OF 1812.
During the war of 18 12 troops marched through here on their
v,ay from Rome to Sackett's Harbor to guard the northern
boundaries. Much of the artillery and ammunition was drawn
through by this route \\ilh cxcn. Messrs. Harry Halsted and
Joseph T. Scoville were employed by the Government for that
purpC'Se. On Mi. Scoville's farm, just on the spot where the
Faddock corn canning establishment stood, Col. John Brown
v.'ith his regiment, while en route to northern destinations, made
their rendezvous. They spent a day and night in the vicinity,
depending upon the resident farmers for supplies of food, taking
in addition to what was w'illingly given them, whatever they
fovind that would contribute towards appeasing their appetite.
Poultry was freely taken. One raid they made was; not suc-
cessful. Beniamin Phelps kept a good many bees, and the sol-
diery thought to have a taste of honey. This was when Mr. Phelps
lived on the Hillsboro road, a mile away from camp. The
soldiers accordingly visited the bees' home, which was resented
very sharply by the occupants, and they followed in hot pursuit,
ti;c military gentlemen beating a hasty and disorderly retreat,
leaving some of their equipments in their wake. After the bees
had returned to their hives, and peace was restored, the soldiers
Avcnt ever the course of their flight and gathered up their
equipage, which had been scattered in their flight. An old can-
teen of very primitive construction was for long years shown as
a relic of the "bee adventure." With this the descriptive trip
down the Plank road ceases.
"Application will be made to the Legislature of this State at
its next session for an Act of Incorporation* of a company for
the construction of a Plank Road from the mouth of Salmon
River, Oswego County, through Pulaski, to Rome, Oneida
County, December 21, 1846." This was accordingly carried into
effect, and the Plank Road materialized. It was a great treat to
ride over it while new. but when the plank grew old, or warped
a little, it was a "rough and rugged way." With the completion
of the railroad it came to neglect and final discontinuance as a
plank road. We are now at the Little River, the boundary
hetwten Camden and Vienna. Retracing our steps a few rods
9
130 PIONEER HISTORY OF
wi find a road running- back into the forest for a mile or so to the
wrst, and at its terminus there was in bygone clays a saw mill
built upon Little River by Pliny Phelps. There were two or
three habitations, of rude construction, but all are in ruins now.
This was called '"Mosquitoboro." Returning over the same
course we cross the plank road, and find ourselves on the way
to Phelpsville, or perhaps known to some as "Slab City." We
shall however adopt the former aj)pellation. because we like it
better. In the approach we pass under the Lehigh \ alley rail-
road, and cross the l:;ridge over F"ish Creek, going east.
Oneida Count\ histories have mentioned the fact, that in the
(.arliest settlement of this part of the town, a woman and child
were drowned in Mad River, and that the funeral was taking
place in Judge Israel Stoddard's house wlien he returned from his
Connecticut trip in the spring of 1798 or 1799. The drowning was
the first tragic occurrence in the setrlement, and all were deeply
concerned in the loss ; for their numbers were few, and a brother-
ly ff-.cling was in the hearts of the neighbors, who felt deeply for
the stricken husband. Mrs. Amaziah Carrier, Mrs. Bacon and
'Mrs. Carrier's child crossed Fish Creek in a dug-out — a log.
^.vith the center taken from it, which formed a rude contrivance
TR v'h.ich early settlers managed to make their way over streams.
They lived in a little house that stood in what afterwards became
the orchard of Joseph T. Scoville's farm. This was back from the
plank road a few rods, and the cellar site remained for a great
rr.iry years. Near this spot, very close to the Lehigh Valley
railroad, under a tree, is a spring of living water, from which
tliey derived their supply. The spot where they crossed is at
the bend of the stream, north of the bridge, over the highway
tc Phelpsville. These diligent women had gone over to the op-
posite bank for cowslips, had filled their baskets, and were re-
turring home nhen the accident occurred. Mr. Carrier hearing
their screams for hel]i. reached the sjjot in time to rescue Mrs.
Bacon, biU his wife and child perished in the waters. These
were the first deaths in town, and the funeral was being held in
]\Ir. Stoddard's house when he lived in the place he first
purchased when visiting Judge Williams. They were buried in
the now olisolete cemetery on the lUakeslee niad.
We find in old deeds that Fish Creek did not become a name
for this stream until after the town had been settled some years.
Mad River having been applied to it earliest.
CHAPTER VIII.
PHELPSVILLE.— RANNEY PHELPS.
The fourth child of Benjamin and Sally Phelps was born Sep-
tember i8, 1811. He grew to manhood, and for many years
foiiowed the vocation of supplying with dry goods and notions
those who lived along the various routes over which he traveled.
These were through several counties in the State, and in those
days, when it was not so easy to take the cars and reach a busi-
ness center for shopping, the convenience was very great to have
goods brought to the doors. Mr. Phelps was a man of wonder-
ful memory, and it was a treat to hear him relate his experiences
m his peculiar happy manner. He was a most interesting story-
teller. January 13, 1839, he married Miss Clarinda Malay, who
was born January 2, 1817, and to them was born one child, a
son, Edward, April 7, 1840. In 1841 Mrs. Phelps died at the
age of 24 years and six months. January 19, 1842, Mr. Phelps
again married, the second wife being Miss Sophia, daughter of
Orramon Tuttle. To them were born four sons, Seth, wdio mar-
ried Frances, daughter of the late Edwin Shepard; Newton, who
married Miss Emma Yager of Vienna; Tracy, who died in 1868,
at the age of 20 years and 10 months; and George. i.vho married
Miss Emma Stevenson, and is the present owner of the home-
stead. Seth died in 1883, of consumption, at the age of 41 years.
His wife and a son and daughter reside at Bay City, Michigan.
Mr. and Mrs. Phelps lived to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of
their marriage. Their early married life was spent in a crude
habitation of logs, near the site of the later home built by Mr.
Phelps.
Ranney Phelps died September 4, 1892, aged 80 years and 11
months; Sophia Phelps died December d, 1895, aged 75 years
and four months. All are buried in Forest Park Cemetery.
Phelpsville is about three and a half miles south of Camden
village, situated a half mile east of the plank road. At this point
Fish Creek flows with rapid current, affording excellent power
for manufacturing purposes. The course of the stream is almost
1.2 PIONEER HISTORT OF
directly from east to west for a good many rods, when it bends
in a southerly direction where it crosses the highway. Here, just
a step south of the bridge, Little River unites its waters with
Fish Creek, and it flows on for a considerable distance in quiet
beauty. This is a picturesque spot, and should not escape the
eye of artists. Benjamin Phelps, as before mentioned, first began
his labors here, and concentrated his energies to the clearing and
improvement of the land. When he first settled here, he found
the wigwams of the red man. The stream abountled
in fish, salmon being plentiful. Game of all kinds found
homes in the dense forest, and basket-timber grew in
great quantities. Everything they needed or desired for their
use was provided. The tale of his early experiences had
been so often told his sons, that it was impressed strongly upon
their minds, and they remembered these facts long after the
father had passed away. He explained their manner of pre-
paring meals. Their stoves were inade of stones placed in a
ciicle, leaving a space in the center, and were bviilt to a height
of perhaps eighteen inches. In this center space was put the
fuel, which was burned to coals. Over these coals their food
was cooked, and Mr. Phelps was sometimes invited to share a
meal with them. He said the food w^as well cooked, and appeti-
zing. In recent years, Mr. George Phelps, his grandson, who
o\\ns the locality, had occasion to excavate along the bank of
the stream in the vicinity where the wigwams were said to have
been. His shovel unearthed a bed of stone, and something in
their position led him to investigate, when he discovered that
they were arranged as he had heard them described, and knew
he had proof of the old-time fireside tales of his grandsire.
Near by he found bits of clay vessels of primitive type, which he
preserves, and exhibits with \nu\c. They indicate well-shaped
receptacles for food. Back, on higher ground, he has found
ether implements used by the red men — arrow-heads, flints, &c.,
forming a part of the collection. They were found from one to
two feet beneath the surface. The elder Mr. Phelps' experience
with the Indians was of a very peaceable nature, he never having
1 ad cause to fear them. For many, many years, the Indians
from the Oneida Reservation continued to visit this localitv.
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. , _^
vi.-ually appearing- about the "Indian Summer" season, to gather
basket supplies. The streams being dammed along their course,
fish have become very scarce; the forests having been cut away,
game finds no hiding place, and the Indian finds no further at-
ti'actions. Perhaps it was twenty-five years ago when the last
encampment was made here by them. They came unannounced,
and built their wigwams just at the turn of the plank road and
highway to Phelpsville. They built of saplings and bark, and
stayed on into the winter, banking their house with snow for
warmth. The fiies were in the center of the wigwam, and the
smoke dense, though the top had an aperture through which
much of it passed. The squaws braided baskets, which they sold
to farmers and residents about the town, taking supplies of
meat, vegetables and produce of all kinds in payment. The
Indians were hired by the neighboring residents to cut their
vv inter's fuel, and unless unbalanced by fire-water, were faithful
v.'crkers. There were several Indians by the name of Powlus,
'vho came periodically. One bitter cold ni^ght in December, 1862
or 1863, Mr. Albert Phelps' family were aroused by a cry of
gr'eat distress about one o'clock in the night. Providing him-
self with a lantern, Mr. Phelps sallied out following the direction
f"om which the sound proceeded. The cry was voluminous, and
it was not difTficult to locate it. He fotmd a young Indian
evidently recovering from a fit of drunkenness; he had been to
tiiwn with some of his comrades, had drank to helplessness, and
his companions becoming tired of their burden, buried him in
the snow by the wayside, leaving him to grow sober, which he
(lid at this unseemly hour of the night. Mr. Phelps feeling it
lU'safe to leave a human being- exposed to the extreme cold, har-
nessed his horse and took the fellow to his wigwam, leaving
him. to the further care of his friends. In a few days he appeared
with his ax over his shoulder, signifying a willingness to chop
wood to pay Mr. Phelps for his kindness to him when he was
"bad drunk."
When Mr. Benjamin Phelps began his labors in this particular
locality, it was thought the highway would take its course
through his land, but in subsequent surveys it passed, as we now
krcw it, from Rome to Oswego. After toiling here for two or
134
PIONEER BISTORT OF
three years, he succeeded in clearing a sufficiently large space
on which he planted corn. It grew rapidly in the new fertile
soil, and his heart was glad, for he thought he saw a gleam of
hope, a slight return for all his labor. But the creatures of the
forest had an eye on that same piece of corn; their expectations
of a different nature — appeasing the appetite, not replenishing
the treasury. One fine morning as he was making a tour of his
small clearing in late summer, his crop of corn coming to
njaturity, he found it almost destroyed. Investigating, he found
unmistakable evidences of the invaders being bears. He was not
long in procuring a trap, which he baited temptingly, and soon
caught one of the foes to all his bright anticipations, and with
his trusty gun laid him low. Bear steak was generously sent to
ihe neighbors far and near. About 1804 he left this locality.
Following his residence there, in the years that succeeded, till
about 1839, Elisha Ransom, Richard and John Rosa, Orraman
Trttle, Horace Wilson, Alva Hazen, William Winne, Eliakim
Stoddard — all had claims in this vicinity. In 184 1 Mr. Ranney
Phelps has property in this place willed him l^y his father,
and erects a saw and shingle mill. In the course of
events, Mr. Benjamin Phelps seems to have repossessed
himself of the property here, and by will be(|ueathed it
Home ot Ranney Phelps.
to Ranney, Pliny and Albert. However, it was divided; Ranney
lived there the remainder of his life, at tirst in a log house, and
later building a commodious frame-house, now standing. Pliny
Fhelps also built a shingle-mill and operated it for some years,
then sold to Fordvce Dunton, who continued the business for a
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
'35
period, going to Albany to dispose of his products in the '40s. He
left for a business trip, expecting to return soon, but nothing has
been known of him since. His fate has remained a mystery. Ly-
man Parks subsequently purchased the mill and water privilege,
fitted in machinery for manufacturing bowls, rolling-pins,
clothes-pins, mop-sticks, «&c., and did a flourishing business till
his death. May 13, 1872, aged 85 years. He was a remarkable
penman, executing the Lord's Prayer, with his name, date and
age, in a circle the size of a six pence, perfectly legible, with only
ordinary spectacles to assist his eyesight. He was the father of
Henry Pairks, who still resides near the railroad crossing at
Fhelpsville. He also had a daughter, Julia, who resided there
till her death, a lady of keen intelligence. In 1841 Pliny Phelps
built a saw-mill on the north side of the stream, also a shingle-
nill. There were two cider-mills, one on each side of the creek,
Old Bridge leading to Distillery.
and in the season of cider-making business was very lively. The
presses turned out many a barrel of pure sweet cider, the neigh-
boring children finding it free to all who could drink, being daily
visitors. There was a generous attendance always when a
sweet apple cheese was ready to press, and they thought it ^
"nectar fit for the gods." On the north side of the stream was a
cider-brandy distillery. This was under the supervision of Pliny
Phelps also built a siiingle-mill and operated it for some years,
to the manufacture of whisky— Woods and Bochner, proprietors.
Government officials closelv watched opt rations here, but failed
136
PIOXL'ER HISTORY OF
to discover anything crooked in the business. Others have oc-
cupied the building- from time to time for different purposes.
About 1855 this httle settlement contained eleven dwellings,
two saw-mills, two shingle-mills, two cider-mills, one asherv, a
Old Distilk-rv.
V ooden-ware factory, a plaster-mill, and a grocery. It was a
flag station, and there was a branch track for cars to be loaded
with the manufactures of the place. A saw-mill on the north side
of the stream, and the homes of Henry Parks and George,
youngest son of Ranney Phelps, are all that is left of this once
busy, thrifty, humming little borough. We insert an illustration
of interest, the bridge of the X. Y. C. R. R. (originally R. \V. &
O. R. R.) over Fish Creek at this point.
R , W. iSc t). Railroad Bridge.
THE TOWN OF CAM HEX.
'37
PHILANDER SMITH.
Following the highway on crossing the R. W. & O. R. R.
just beyond the home of Henry Parks, we find a comfortable
house built in recent years by Pliny Phelps for his son William.
A little further on, to the left of the highway, is the farm and
home of Philander Smith. He was born in Camden, ]\Iay 3,
1816, and a son of Reuben Smith. Philander married Angeline
Cook, who was born in Camden June i, 181 7. They were mar-
ried by the Rev. E. W. R. Allen, April 15, 1840. Mr. Reuben
Snjith lived about where the home of Mr. A. G. Olmstead now is,
in a small habitation, and where Philander was born. The vil-
lage was then in the heart of a pine forest, and in the shade of
these giants of the woodland he made his play-ground. No
doubt, in his tender years, the music of the gentle breeze through
the boughs was like a sweet lullaby to- his childish dreams.
Desiring to train his children in the pursuits of agriculture, in
1821 Reuben Smith removed to a farm on Preston Hill. There
Philander lived till his marriage, or till about 1840, when he
purchased the farm ol 49 acres of William Winne, where they
spent the remainder of their days. Eight children were born to
them, but three surviving childhood: Solon Smith, who occupies
the homestead; Betsey, Mrs. Charles W. Wilson of New York
Mills, and Maria; Mrs. John Deck of Camden; Philander Smith
died January 15, 1875, aged 59 years; Angeline E. Smith died
April 10, 1872, aged 55 years.
SOLON COOK.
(Contributed by M. P. B. Cook.)
Solon Cook was born in Harwinton, Conn., September 30,
1795, being the first child of Martin and Clarissa, nee Rossiter
Cook. In the immigration of his grandfather, Oliver and fam-
ily (see sketch of Oliver Cook) and other relatives, he was
brought to Camden, N. Y., in the early spring of 1800, a boy in
his fifth year. He clearly remembered some incidents of the
j<"iurney, the tiresome walking, the flooding Hudson, the nightly
camping, the wild scenery along the Mohawk, the rough roads,
Schenectady, Whitesboro, near Fort Schuyler (now Utica), Fort
Stanwix (now Rome), and Taberg, and the difficult way and
slow progress from there to Camden. He used to rela'c the in-
138 PIOXEER HISTORY OP
cident of their learning, when somewhere near Oriskany, that
they had passed within about half a mile of a house where a
person was very sick with smallpox. They were much alarmed.
A halt was called, and as a preventive, a stiff dram of New- Eng-
land rvmi was administered to each. He soon began to feel very
sick. The trees and everything else were in a whirl, then the
ground, several times, seemed to come up and hit him in the
face, then he collapsed, and his mother laid him away in the
wagon. He never had but three months schooling, and that
was in a log school-house on the side hill by the road leading
from the Park place to the Hillsboro road. His boy life was-
full of toil of the hardest kind. In striking brick in the yard
near the Pelton Hollow, when 14 years of age, he permanently-
injured his right shoulder, so it was an inch lower than the left,
and at times was very painful. He was never a sportsman, but
cculd shoot a rifle well, and often on a rainy day caught a
string of trout in the Fish Creek ripples, when the stream was
unvexed by dams, and its waters from source to mouth were un-
pclluted by civilisation. Solon Cook was a soldier of the war
cf 1812, serving as private in Capt. John Smith's Co., N. Y.
Militia, enlisting from Camden, N. Y.
On the third of April, 181 5, he married Elvira Byington, who
v/as born March 28, 1797, and died May 4, 1822. Their children
V. ere: Charlotte, born July 7, 1816, and died July 17, 1816;
Angeline E., born June i, 18 17, and died April 10, 1872; Clirissa,
born March 7, 1820, and died July 15, 1821; Angeline Elvira
married Philander Smith April 15, 1840, to whom she bore four
children, Maria, Bessie, Solon and William. For his second
wife Solon married Elizabeth Peck, October 25, 1824, who bore
hmi seven children, as follows, viz.: Mary, born August 31, 1825.
and died September 9, 1825; Sophia, born August 4, 1826, and
died October 26, 1826; Elizabeth, born October 25. 1827, was
married to Quincy Barber May 24. 1848, who died June 2, 1895.
Children were born to them as follows: Francis Asbury. born
July 25, 1849, ^"<J ^^^^^ August 13, 1849; Mary E. born May 18,
1853; Alice born February 25, 1865, she was married to Edwin
Irving Robinson December id, 1884; Maria J. born February
19, 1830, married Anson Sperry October 31, 1854, died July i^
1867, and was interred at Peterboro, Ont. Melzar P. B. born
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. i^n
October 29, 1832, married Hattie Cornelia Sperry at Naugatuck,
Conn., September 9, 1857. Their children are Frederic Augus-
tus, bom November 4, 1858; Cora Frances, born June 25, 1862,
who was married to W. W. Storrs June 20, 1883. Martin R.,
born May 18, 1834, married Lois M. Stoddard November 3,.
1858. Their children are Inez Maria, bom April 30, 1862, died
May II, 1862; Florence E., born August 13, 1863, married James
Saxe Ferguson, June 5, 1890; Fanny L., born October 22, 1867,.
married Fredrick J. McComb, October 14, 1891 ; George G.,.
born August 25, 1838, married Esther C. Park, November 10,.
1859, whO' was bcrn September 15, 1841, and died June 10, 1871.
Their children are Walter P., born January 30, i8di, who mar-
ried Cora Alvord, January 4, 1893; John H., born July 21, 1866,
married Mary E. Streeter, December 13, 1894. For second
wife, George married Hannah J. Nisbet, November 20, 1872,
who was born at Lee Center, October 15, 1838. To them was
born one daughter, Lillian C, March 4, 1874. In the early part
of the nineteenth century there were five settlers on the Solon
Cook farm, and within a radius of half a mile, twenty-five.
His first purchase of land was of Peter Smith, May 23, 1827.
His second, of Peter D. Wood, March 23, 1830. His third of
Henry Huntington of Rome, and his wife Catharine, September^
1830. His fourth, of Roswell S. Wilson, March 20, 1834.
Among other names were Rosas, Congdons, Houghtons, Kelsy,
Winne, Draper, Ketchum, Mills, Campbell ; then there was Saul
or Scl. Peck, who married in his old age the widow Morey, and
both died in Mexico, N. Y. This settlement was called "Salis-
bi ry." and the road, the "Salisbury road." On Solon's farm five
wells were sunk, four of which were sixty feet, or more, deep,
and they furnished but a scanty supply of water. The lack of
water was the impelling motive that caused the early settlers to
sell out, the trout brook running diagonally across the farm, not
being considered healthily potable, and not being within con-
venient reach of but two houses. This condition forced also the
purcl-.ase of the west end of the farm, where was a twenty foot
well of always cold water in abundance, where he located and
built, instead of eastward, nearer the middle of the farm, as he
originally intended. The five small houses had narrowly
bounded clearings around them, and two apple orchards had
,^o riOSEER HISTORY OR
been set, but Solon, having helped clear his father's land, knew
how to clear his own. The west end was heavily timbered with
mighty hemlocks that extended up the brook, the foliage of
which darkened the ground at noonday. On the rest of the farm
was a heavy growth of hard wood. The timber was felled in
windrows or great heaps. The hard wood would nearly all bum
at the first firing, but to get rid of the hemlock was the tug of
v\ar. The great tnmks were cut into lengths of ten or twelve
feet, and rolled into great piles. These piles would dry out
gradually, and being repeatedly fired, spring and fall for a num-
I'cr of years, would finally disappear. The house (now occupied
by G. G.) was built in 1835 by Honuel Gififord, aided by his
sons, and O. W. Cook, and an apprentice, Charles Dodge by
name. The saw mill on the trout brook was built in 1839 by
the same party, after which there was no dav too wet to run the
mill, and no day too dry and fine for farm work, so even the boys
found but little time for shooting squirrels or catching fish.
Where unseen music floods the air,
Of insect notes and trills of birds,
All happy minstrels playing there.
On str ngs, or flutes, or bugles rare,
Mingling their praises without words.
When Solon moved into Salisbury there was no bridge across
the creek, but a ford entering the stream on the north side, above
the gravel knoll, came out below the present bridge on the south
s'de, and a fallen tree reaching from bank to bank, made a dry
foot-passage possible; however, it was a spooky place after dark.
Solon had helped his father butcher one day, late in the
atitumn, and returning home after dark with a lil)eral su]:)ply
of ficsh meat on his shoulder, after he began to climb the hill on
t^e south side, he heard stealthy footsteps in the thick bushes
to the west, approaching and nearing the path ahead of him.
liis first thought was "wolves," of which some recently had been
prowling about. He threw his fresh meat as far as possible down
towards them, thinking it would delay them, and took flight at
his highest speed for home. On going back in the morning he
fcimd the meat untouched, and the tracks of a few sheep that
had broken from their inclosure. and were coming up from the
then swamp to the path, on their return. Politically. Solon was
TEE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
'4'
a Whig and Republican, but hacl no political aspirations; how-
ever, in about 1847, without his consent or knowledge, his party
made him an assessor, the duties of which office he acceptably
performed. Religiously, he was born a Congregationalist, but
I'.aving been very thoroughly converted at a Methodist camp
meeting, about the time of his second marriage, in 1824, he
united with the M. E. Church, and became successively, class-
Ic-.ader, trustee and steward. The last office he held some fift>^
years, or until his death.
Our father's name stood forth a tower of strength ;
A synonym for righteousness and truth, —
****** ***•>;• *
By prayerful study of God's equal ways,
He was endowed with thoughts transcending far
The limping rules of courts, that jurists praise.
Which oftentimes, if honored, lead to war.
He stood erect as in Heaven's holy sight,
Nor bent toward policy from what was right.
But time passed swiftly, and as swiftly told
Life's transient years. Our things most valued, fail.
We did not realize that he was old, —
Whde walking with us, — neither saw the sail,
Filled with an off-shore breeze and ship all manned,
To bear him gently to the silent land.
Over his passing soul we had no power ;
Beyond that sunless time he could not stay.
And seemed to think most blessed the parting hour;
But now each morning light, each evening gray,
We emulate his life, and strive and pray,
With him, at last, to share heaven's glorious day.
George G. writes: "You know the care of the church was his-
very life; it was his meat and drink; yes, the height of his ambi-
tion. My very being says to-day. Thank God for such a father."'
Elizabeth Cook, nee Peck, his second wife, was a Yankee school-
ma'am, a grand-daughter of Jos. Peck of New Haven, Conn., and
moved with her father, Henry Peck and family, to Camden, early
in the century, and taught several seasons previous to her mar-
riage. She became a member of the old Union Congregational
Presbyterian Church, but in about 1835-6, changed her church
relations to the M. E. Church, for the reason, as she said, that
she didn't like to hear the children say, "I want to go to Ma's.
1^2 PIONEER HISTORY OF
■church, or I'll go to Pa's church to-day." She thought all the
family ought to belong to and attend the same church. She was
a woman of superior intellect, good memory, well informed, un-
u'"ually well-versed in the Bible, and could repeat much of it.
She was deeply pious, and sincerely devoted to Sunday School
work and the prosperity of the church. She often led in public
prayer, and also at the family altar. Would to God that there
were many more mothers like her! She was born November
■8, 1794, died September 12, 1845, ^"^1 ^^'^s laid to rest by the side
of her husband, who died July 2. 1876, and was buried in Cam-
den. The poem given here is from the pen of Mr. Melzar P. B.
Cook, son of the subject of the preceding article:
OUR ANCESTORS.
BY M. P. B. COOK.
May the names of our Ancestors, noble and great,
In the annals of Freedom, Religion and State,
To their children and kin so profoundly endeared,
Be everyvThere honored, remembered, revered.
They sacrificed all that of earth men hold dear ;
The land of their birth and the '"ingle side'' cheer,
Where as children they played, and as lover and maid,
Vowed troth o'er the graves where their kindred were laid.
Undaunted to go to a wilderness region,
Where perils appallingly lurked by the legion.
But where worship was free 'neath the sky or the tree.
Where no bigot might spy and no tyrant could see.
The solitudes threatened with all kinds of dangers,
The safety and life of the valiant-souled strangers.
Though regardless of all, they labored and moiled.
And trusted in God whiie they worshipped and toiled.
They conquered the savage, the forest and soil,
With their resolute hearts and their unceasing toil.
Not knowing the work that Jehovah had planned.
To found a vast empire, — our own beloved land.
They were diamonds unpolished, and might have been rude,
But when valor had vanquished and foes were subdued,
Built school-houses, colleges, churches and steeples.
For the glory of God and the good of the peoples.
TEE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
1 43
Thus all their great deeds which they valued as small,
Prove a heritage rich in grand blessings for all,
Who honor true virtue, — the noble and bold,
Above life itself, — even higher than gold
Let their names then be honored, their fame spread abroad,
Till their luster illumes like to visions of God ;
Till all nations and realms, like our country are free,
From river to ocean, — from ocean to sea.
BENJAMIN N. BUELL.
Benjamin N. Buell was the youngest child of Miner and
Mehnda Buell, and was born in Lee, Oneida County, August
2^, 1827, coming to Camden with his father in the autumn of
183 1, when but four years of age. In 1855 he married Miss Fan-
nie, daughter of Eleazer Peck, and soon after purchased the
home he now occupies, of Nathan Cook, father of the late
Abiram Cook. The house was probably built by Thomas and
Norris Cook, sons of Martin Cook. To Mr. and Mrs. Buell were
born two daughters — Julia, who married Frank Paddock, resi-
ding in Dakota, and Jennie, who married Rev. S. D. Robinson
of Whitesboro, N. Y. Mrs. Fannie Buell died April 10, 1894.
Mr. Buell subsequently married Mrs. Cornelia Johnson, wife of
the late Sylvester Johnson, and they still reside on the place.
Mr. Buell is an enterprising business man, alive to the progres-
siveness of the times.
Immediately following the Buell place, on the same side of the
street, west, somewhat nearer the stream, in early years, lived a
family by the name of Congden. It is all we know of them.
Across the stream from there, and on through the woods, at the
right of the highway, going westward, in remote years, lived a
family by the name of Pelton. We have found in some old rec-
ord the name of Dan- el Pelton, all of that name to be found,
and he may have been the man. For years that particular spot
was called "Pelton's Hollow." From this point out to the plank
road, on the right, was the Sylvanus Wilson farm, and on the
left Oliver Cook's. Then proceeding north a few rods we find
another street, running eastward, and intersecting the Taberg
roiA. This we will call the Blakeslee road, to designate it, and
turn from the Plank Road by the present brick school-house.
The first place, already mentioned, was occupied by Abncr Mat-
thews, who lived on the corner, at the turn.
144
PIONEER HI STORY OF
OLD CEMETERY.
The remorseless enemy — death — followed silently after the
new comers, and but a few months elapsed ere he manifested his.
presence in their midst, and removed from their number a
n'other and child. These were the Mrs. Carrier and little one
drowned in the torrent l^elow Joseph Scoville's. Accordingly,
down this Blakeslee road, a few rods below the brick school-
house, going eastward, at the left as we pass, was the place se-
lected for interments, near a small ravine. Not a suggestion of
a grave is to be seen at present; everything having been obliter-
ated. There were, as recently as 1855, some brown stones of
the ancient style, yet standing, with inscriptions, but these are
aH gone. Nothing marks the place. We remember the old
cemetery well. There were two large black cherry trees stand-
ing in the corner of the rail fence, that spread their long arms
out as far as possible, as though in defence of the slumbering
dead. There were 20 or 25 graves scattered about over a quar-
ter of an acre of ground. This was not incorporated as a cem-
etery, and was a part of the Sylvanus Wilson farm. There were
several deep pits from which the bodies of dear ones had been
removed by friends to safer places, likely as early as 1838, and a
few years later a day was named for the final removal of all re-
rr.ains that friends cared to preserve — this was as late as 1855 or
1856. Perhaps a dozen or more yet repose there in dreamless
Slumber, forgotten and unknown. It used to be a resort for the
students at the near-by school, to repair to at the noon hour
during summer, and sit under the sheltering branches of the
noble old trees, to take the lunch brought in pails or baskets by
the pupils for mid-day refreshment. For some years following
its obliteration, the stones taken from graves were King in the
crooks of the rail fence, but these are gone now. Long years
after its demolition a young man was ploughing in this localitv,
preparing the soil for seed, when the hind legs of one of his
horses settled into a deep hole. Being wholly ingnorant of its
early use, he blamed the innocent woodchuck for digging the
land, but later, in mentioning the circumstance to a neighbor,
was enlightened somewhat in regard to it; and naturally con-
cluded that his horse had settled into an old grave. A; carlv as
THE TOWiV OF CAMDEN.
'45
1799 Mrs. Carrier and child were interred here. Next a child of
Reuben Blakeslee, an infant child of Benjamin Phelps in 1806,
a child of Eliasaph Barker in 1808, Mrs. Daniel Parke in 1818, a
Mrs. Jackson — Elzina, daughter of Jehiel Higgins, Rhoda, wife
of Uriah Hill, a child of Ranny Phelps, were in later years
buried there. Mrs. Parke, Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Hill and other
bcdies were reinterred in later cemeteries. We I'lve an illustra-
Site of First Cemetery.
tion showing the spot where the cemetery was located. George,
son of Daniel and Esther Parke, aged 4 years, and Daniel, son
of Sage and Almira Parke, aged 9 years, were also removed
from here to the P'arke Cemetery.
ISRAEL STODDARD, 2nd.
The next place, at right of the highway, going east, is the old
home of Israel and Maria Stoddard. Israel Stoddard, 2d, was
the eldest son of Rev. Eliakim and Lois Matthews Stoddard.
He was born in the town of Vienna, July i, 1813. As a boy he
Avas always a dutiful and obedient son. He delighted in manly
spcrts in a manly way, was always first at school, first in his
class, and first in the field. Always led, in the place of follow-
ing in the wake of his associates. In early manhood, as Major
in the militia, then organized and drilling regularly, he was
honored and beloved, as well as respected in his ])ublic as well
as in his private life. As a citizen, he represented the best class
— reliable. He received his religious education under the tutor-
146
PIONEER HISTORY OF
sl'ip of his father, Rev. EHakim Stoddard, and in early boyhood
became a devoted Christian, and in all the departments of church
v.ork, as class-leader, steward, trustee and Sabbath School super-
irtendent, he was enabled to accomplish much good; was
uniformly zealous and faithful wherever found in all the walks
of life, and enjoyed the confidence of all who knew him. In the
year 1836, October 5, he married Polly Maria Peck, the eldest
of twelve children of Eleazar and Hannah Park Peck. She was
born in Camden July 20, 181 d. They commenced housekeeping
aiid lived for two years on the old Stoddard homestead. In the
spring of 1831 he came in possession of what was known
as the Gates farm, which was their home for many years. Two
children were born to them; Lois Maria was born August 19th,
1837, and Joanna Demilt, born July 21st, 1846. The home was
a delight to all who entered there, love and charity abiding. At
the age of 13 years Polly Maria Peck was converted, and united
with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a most efficient
member for 57 years. As a wife, a mother, a friend, and espe-
cially as a Christian she had few ec|uals. She possessed that
amiableness of temper, that sympathetic benevolence, that win-
ning address, and that consistency of character which com-
manded the respect of all. The eldest daughter. Lois M., was
married in Camden, N. Y., to Martin R. Cook, November 3,
1858. They now reside in Denver, Colorado. Joannah D. mar-
ried Oren H. KnifYen, December 22, 1869, in Camden; they also
reside in Denver, Colorado. P. Maria Stoddard died in Cam-
den June I, 1886, and Israel Stoddard, 2d. died in Lockport. N.
Y., August 7, 1890. Both interred in Forest Park Cemetery.
ENOS BLAKESLEE.
The next farm in succession, to the east, on the north side of
the highway, was ])urchascd from George Scriba bv Ichabod
I'-rown in 1801. He followed the tide of emigration westward,
and located in Camden. I'ut little can lie learned of him other
than this, that he came from Connecticut, and was a soldier
in the War of the Revolution. In 1805 Enos Blakeslee bought
the farm of Ichabod Brown. Enos Blakeslee married Sarah
Northrup in the year 1785, at Harwinton, Litchfield Countv,
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
'47
Ccnn. He came with the regulation ox cart. Mr. Blakeslee
was a surveyor by occupation, and found much in his line to
employ his time after coming to this new home. We find his
name frequently in the early book of town surveys. In 1810 he
erected the house which is at present standing, the home of the
Home of Enos Blakeslee.
heirs of Benjamin Blakeslee. When Mr. Blakeslee first came
to the ownership of this farm, but a half acre of land had been
cleared, where the house stands. The barn on the place was
built in 1824. The house is the same in exterior form and ap-
pearance as of yore, having had new siding, windows, and paint
only. Their children were: Reuben, Daniel, Marilla, Scriba,
Mary, Cynthia and Bela, all born in Connecticut but Bela. Reu-
ben and Cynthia located in Pennsylvania, Scriba and Mary in
Michigan, and Daniel, Marilla and Bela in Camden. Bela and
Marilla occupied the old home of their father.
Enos Blakeslee, born in Hanvinton, Conn., 1756; Sara North-
lup, born in Harwinton, Conn., 1762. Enos Blakeslee died Au-
gust, 1842, aged 86 years; Sarah Blakeslee died August, 1848,
aged 86 years. Buried in Four Mile Square Cemetery.
After passing the Blakeslee farm we cross the bridge over
Fish Creek, and between this and the Taberg road lived in days
agone, Austin Raymond, who married Polly Scoville, daughter
ol Joseph Scoville. There was a family of twelve children. All
went west in 1854, and the land Mr. Raymond owned became a
part of the Smith Johnson farm. At their decease, both Mr. and
148
PIONEER HISTORY OF
Mrs. Raymond were brou,<4ht l)ack to Camden for interment. Their
children were: Henry, who married Matilda West; Lyman;
Luzon; Thompson; Maria, who married Mr. Everton; Louisa;
CMoe, who married Edward Pierce.
Here we find we have reached the Taberg road, and will re-
trace our way to the point ojiposite Daniel Parke's.
FOUR MILE SQUARE.
Turning eastward, w c find ourselves on a street which for need
of abetter name Wv will term "l<"our Mile Square," as many have
already come to kncv. it by that name. Leaving Camden village
driving to the Daniel Parke place, across this street to Taberg
road, and thence by Taberg road north to Camden village, is a
distance of about four miles; hence the term "Four Mile Square."'"
^^
R
■■m-M
l^'»
:3
1
k m
. _^ -
Parke Cemetery.
We fintl in the dd liuok of town records: "Road across from Ta-
berg road to Daniel Parkes' re-established in 1814." At the
left, or on noriii side of highway, is what we call the
Parke Cemetery, lecause it was a part of the Parke farm,
and Daniel Parke and so many of his family rest lieri\
Many residents from Taberg Street were buried here in early
times. It was set apart for this use al)out 1820. and is a town
charge. Several bodies removed from the ancient "God's Acre"
on Blakeslee road, were re-interred here, which will accoimt for
earlier inscriptions. It is well kept.
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
149
HONUEL GIFFORI)
Was born in tlie town of Smithfield, N. Y., October 14, 1794. At
the age of 19 he married Miss Polly Gowdy. At 20 years of age
he enlisted in the war of 1812. and served to its close, leav-
ing his wife with a young son, Alexander, but a few weeks
■old. Mr. GifTord was an experienced and capable carpenter, and
•constructed many buildings still standing, among them the
Miner store, house of Cyrus Stoddard, Nelson house, Joseph
Smith's house, the present M. E. Church, 1852, John Stuart
house, 3rd Street, Pcniield house, corner Union and Third
Streets. To Mr. and Mrs. Gififord were born four children,
Alexander, William, Elihu and Julia. On an old stone
marking her gra\e, in an ancient cemetery in Florence,
two miles north of West Camden, we find the follow-
Home of Honuel Gifford.
ing: "To the memory of Polly, wife of H. H. GifTord, who died
in 1813, aged 27 years." Later he married Laura Dodge, and
to them were born Polly, Betsey, James, Frank, Alpina, Louisa,
Jonas, Alexis and Armenius. Laura Dodge Gifford died May
12, 1840, and is buried in Forest Park Cemetery. In 1835 he
removed from the village to a new house he had erected on land
purchased from John Dean on Four Mile Square. He married
,gO PIONEER HISTORY OF
a third wife, Miss Rebecca Hunt. In a few years he went to re-
side in the Isaac Barnes house on Taberg Street, probably
between 1835 and 1840. Mr, Gififord was influential in public
affairs, and a strong staunch member of the Wesleyan Church.
In 1857 Mr. and Mrs. Gififord removed to Xorth East Pennsyl-
vania, where they died, and are buried there. He was 88 years
of age at his death. His life was filled with good deeds.
JOHN DEAN.
John, son of Daniel and Anna Dean, was born in Waterbury,
Ccnn., July 5, 1780. He came to Camden while yet a youth, and
lived with his parents on Wolcott Hill. In 1805 he married !Miss
Ectsey, daughter of Samuel Woods. They resided for some
years after their marriage, or about 1832, in the home purchased
01 Tillottson Barnes on Taberg road. Not far from 1837 he ex-
changed farms with Honuel Gififord, coming on to Four Mile
Square to reside. Their children were Polly C, wife of Ben-
jamin Ruscoe; Daniel J., who married Polly Clark; Israel M.,
married Margaret Winne.
John Dean died November 18, 1862, aged 82 years; Betsey
Dean died August 12, 1850, aged 6y years. Interred in Parke
cemetery on Four Mile Square.
Israel M. Dean was born in Camden in 1820. In 18 — he
married Margaret, daughter of David Winne, born in Camden
in 1823. They lived for some years on the John Dean home-
stead, perhaps till 1855, when they removed to the Oliver Cook
house on the Plank Road, where they remained for son^e years,
when they came to the village, where they spent the remainder
of their life. To them were born six children: John, Israel E.,
nho died in i8d6, of consumption, at 19 years of age; Leva;
Minnie, who died in 1880, aged 17 years; Frances, who married
Mr. James Raymond, and resides in Camden; Sarah, who with
the sister Leva live in Cam<len. Margaret Dean died August
30, 1877, aged 54 years; Israel M. Dean died June 2y, 1880, aged
60 years. Buried in Parke Cemetery.
TEE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
EZRA PARKE.
'5'
Harvey Parke built the house on the left of the hi<^h\vay, next
beyond the cemetery, going east. It was erected not far from
1815. He married a Miss Brownson. Ezra Parke bought the
home of him soon after its completion.
Home of Harvey Parke.
Dr. Ezra Parke was a son of John Parke of Chatham, Conn.
John Parke and Daniel Parke were brothers, sons of Joseph
I*Lrke. Mr. Ezra Parke was born in Chatham, Conn. Coming
to Camden he early identified himself with intellectual pursuits.
In 181 5 he taught school in the brick school-house, greatly in-
teresting the scholars in their studies. In spelling he was
er-pecially gifted, and many a good speller was turned out from
tliis school. Among those who excelled were Ethel Higgins,
Uriah Hill, and Albert and Albro Phelps, who came to feel it
was almost a disgrace to mis-spell a word. Rewards for good
scholarship are still in existence, bestowed upon the deserving,
by their zealous tutor, Ezra Parke, and bear sj^ecimens of the
excellence of his penmanship upon their fly-leaves. In 1821 j\Ir.
Parke married Miss Rhoda Sperry, a sister of Clarke Sperry.
They resided here for a few years only, when in 1823, he re-
moved to Michigan. In this family of John Parke were Harvey
I'arke, Ezra, Lucintha (Mrs. Lyman Curtiss), and Cleantha
(Mrs. Williams Storm). Harvey Parke was a civil engineer.
They were people of culture and refinement, favorites in society
and business circles, or wherever found. Much regret was ex-
152
PIONEER HISTORY OF
pressed when the/ left Camden. Mrs. Ezra Parke died in 1846, of
erysipelas, and four weeks later, July 1846, Mr. Parke too passed
away.
URIAH HILL.
I-"ollc)wing- Mr 1 .nrke citnic I'riah Hill to ( ccupy the farm, who
was a son of L'ri and Chloe (Hale) Hill. and was born in Connecti-
cut in 1796. He cam,.- with his father's family to Camden in 1804.
In March, 1824, he mc'"!ied Miss Rhoda Baldwin Tibbalds of Dur-
ham, Greene Co.. X V., and together they commenced life in the
house built by Harvey Parke on Four Mile vSquare. Their chil-
dren were: Cinerva, Byron A., Henry Smith and Uri Hill, Jr.
(Ginerva married Leroy H.Wetmore of this town. In 1850 they
removed to the State of Illinois, where they spent the remainder
of their days. Three daughters were born to them, all married,
two residing in California, and one in Greece, her husband being
of that nationality. Their labors are of a missionary character
in that far-away land.) Byron Almon Hill (through w^hose favor
we give these items) was born January 3, 1827. He married
Miss Amanda Leigh (Lee) August 10, 1852. They have four
sons and three daughters. All, from the great-grandfather Uri
down to the youngest of L^riah's children, had and have a living
faith in the Son of God. and are active workers in the Methodist
Church. Henry Smith Hill was born October 6, 1828. His
home is in Peoria, Illinois, is engaged in an important job print-
ing business, and is Secretary of the Peoria Board of Trade.
Uri Hill, Jr., was born August 10, 1830. In July, 1857, he mar-
ried Miss Renett, daughter of Amos and Maria (Wilson) Pres-
ton, of Illinois, a former Camden family. They have three chil-
dren, and reside in San Diego, California.
Uriah Hill was a man of much energy, and lent a helping hand
in many conunendable ways. He was called "Colonel Hill,"
having been apjwinted to that ofificial position in the State
Militia, serving his full time. In 1835 he was elected to the
deaconship in the Congregational Church, together with Lvman
Tuttle, and is often mentioned as "Deacon Hill." His career was
one of usefulness in the conmnmity. He was tutor in the brick
school-house several winter terms before and after his marriage.
Being an instructor of more than ordinary merit, intellectuallv
TEE TOWN OF CAMDEN. 153
-fitted to train young minds on high and noble hnes. he was not
content to stop with knowledge to be obtained from books alone,
but daily led the pupils to understand the full import of in-
tegrity of character, truthfulness, honor, principle, everything
which would the better fit them to take their places among men.
About 1820 Mr, Hill purchased of Martin Tyler the building
used by him as a blacksmith shop, and continued to run the busi-
ness at the old stand, on the corner opposite the Daniel Parke
place (or nearly so) for about ten years, then removed it to his
residence lot on Four Mile Square, In the old brick school-
house Uriah Hill and Albert Phelps, of their own accord, re-
moved the old puncheon seats, and replaced them with smoothly-
dressed pine boards made permanent against the brick walls,
the edge only forming a back to the high seat which extended
across three sides of the school-room. This was the writing-
form, or desk. To change position they must throw their feet
over the seat, and they were turned around for spelling. The
puncheon seats were made of a log split in halves, with the face
smoothly planed, and mounted on legs. Mrs. Hill died April 5,
1833, of brain fever, aged 29 years, and her remains placed in the
old cemetery near the school-house, on the Blakesley road, Mr.
Hill survived his wife ten years, when in June, 1843, he passed
away in the prime of a useful life, aged 46 years. He was buried
in the new cemetery, ''Forest Park," and the body ol his wife,
Rhoda, reinterred beside him. In 185 1 the guardians of Uriah
Hill's estate sold the farm of sixty-four acres to Mr. George
Stoddard, who occupied it till 1856. The children of Uriah all
removed to the West, and made homes there.
GEORGE STODDARD
Was the next owner of this place after Uriah Hill, He was a
son of Rev, Eliakim Stoddard, and was born September 6, 1827.
In 1852 he married Miss Rebecca Owen, and their residence
after marriage was here. They remained upon this place for five
years thereafter, removing to Fulton, Oswego County. N. Y..
where they were interested in Falley Seminary. After about five
years they returned to Camden, coming to live in the home of
his father. In i8di he moved the old house to a spot somewhat
north of its previous site, and built a more modern home for
154
PIONEER HISTORY OF
himself, the one at present occupied by Mrs. Stoddard. His-
business for many years previous to his death was that of corn-
packing. They were both zealous members of the M. E. Church,
keenly interested in all that pertained to its w^elfare. No children
were born to them. George Stoddard died January 26, 1894,
aged 70 years. Mrs. Stoddard was a daughter of David and
Hannah Owen, and lived at Steuben, Oneida County, N. Y.
They were married in 1821. Were of Scotch descent, and of
sterling character and worth.
The next place beyond the Uriah Hill home was originally a
part of the Honuel Gifford farm, which was sold ofif to John
Caswell, who built the first habitation upon this site, of logs.
After a few years, Thurston Palmer purchased the farm, and
began the erection of the present frame house. He removed to-
some other locality before its completion, and his brother fin-
ished the building. We do not know how long the house was
occupied by its .-'.evcal owners, but give the names of those who
have lived here from time to time. First John Caswell, Thurston
Palmer, his brother, Walter Clarke, A. Wakefield, Byron
Earlls. Dr. Louis Bauer bought in 1861 of B}ron Earll, and
occupied it till 1887 when he sold to Lewis Brewer, who is yet
the owner and occupant. At the foot of the hill was once a saw-
mill, the first ever built in town, by Timothy W. Wood. It was
on Fish Creek. The dam caused water to set back and overflow
land belonging to Daniel Parke, to its detriment, so it was dis-
continued, but not till after a legal struggle, making it necessary
to give it up.
SELAH PECK.
But very little can be learned of Selah Peck, yet his descend-
ants were a numerous company. It is in the memory of the old-
est of those living to-day, that he was a resident when they came
here, and lived very early in a log house between the bridge over
the creek, and Tai.c-g road on Four Mile S(|uare. Ho married a
Miss Wilcox for his first wife. The children were: Eleazer.
Sophia, Harriet, Caroline, Amy and Van Rensselaer. Eleazer
married Hannah Parke, daughter of Daniel Parke; Harriet mar-
ried Isam Simons; Caroline married Mr. Hitchcock; Sophia
married Mr. White. Selah Peck was a basket-maker bv trade.
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
•55
and furnished the early settlers with these useful and needful
articles. The rigors of a new country were severe, and Mrs.
Peck not having a hardy constitution, succumbed after a few
years of endurance. Mr. Peck married a second time, but we
can not learn further. He made his home with his grand-son
Daniel for some years, then with Harriet (Mrs. Simons), who
took him to her home in Michigan, where he died. He partici-
pated in the general trainings, being a snare drummer. Selah
Peck died in Calhoun County, Michigan, August 4, 1858, and is
buried there. He came from Connecticut to Camden. Reuben,
Lyman and Bonaparte Peck are descendants of Selah Peck.
On the space between the stream and Taberg Street lived
Bridge over Fish Creek.
Darius Wiard, though just where is difficult to tell. Probably
at the corner of Four Mile Square and Taberg Street. We find
his name as early as 1809, together with Hannah, his wife, and
the names of Minerva, and Hannah, a child. In 1813 they lost
a son Rollin of typhus fever. Mr. Wiard was a worker in wood,
making cutters, jloighs and pieces of furniture. Of the latter, ^Irs.
Cyrus Stoddard has a bureau, and perhaps other articles. A child,
Mary Wiard, was baptized by Rev. Levenworth, in 18 12.
Nothing further can be learned of the family, so we conclude
they moved to some other region.
CHAPTER IX.
PRESTON HILL.
We find, in an old survey bill, this record of Preston Hill
Street: "The road, as originally laid out, running south through
Camden village, crossing Fish Creek at the lower end of the
village, bearing to the right over what is now known as Pres-
ton Hill Street, to a well on Lyman Matthews' place, which
would be about one mile from the village; then running south-
east to what is now known as the George Parks place, then south
to Little River, a tributary of Fish Creek, which forms the
boundary line between Camden and \^ienna."
DR. JOSHUA RANSOM.
The old house across the bridge, where Main St. runs into
Preston Hill St. on the right, and Cemetery St. on the left, was
formerly owned and occupied by Dr. Joshua Ransom for many
years. Joshua Ransom with his wife, Lois Raihborne, Ransom,
came from England, and settled in Colchester, Conn. Later they
came to Springfield, Otsego County, this State. The sons, Drs.
Joshua and Whitman Ransom, came to Camden about the year
1807 or 1808. Dr. Joshua Ransom, the subject of this sketch,
followed his father's profession. He first came to Utica, looking
for a place to locate; from there to Rome, and at the latter place
was advised to come to Camden. He found it, as others had, a
desirable place to make a home. He returned to Springfield and
married Clarissa Warner, bringing his bride with him, coming
from Rome with an ox team, which also convevcd his household
goods. They made their home in a little red house on the Plank
road, where their first cliild was born, but soon after bought the
property across the bridge, of Capt. Tuthill, who had commenced
to build the house, but sold it in an unfinished state. When
THE TOirA" OF CAMDKN.
•57
completed it was the finest house in town, with a large well-kept
lawn sin rounding- it, and a broad walk leading from the gate to
Hume of iJr.
■ihua Ransom.
the hospitable door of the main entrance. Many and beautiful
were the flowers which bordered the walk on either side. In
this house three more children were born, and all eventually
married and settled in Camden. Clarissa became the wife of the
late Dr. Torbert; Oiihsa the wife of the late John F. Mix; Louisa
the second wife of Dr. Torbert, after the death of her sister,
which occurred November 23, 1840, aged 31 years; Mary mar-
ried Mr. Alfred Chamberlain, settled in Camden, but eventually
moved to Richfield Springs; Alphonso married Miss Lillias
Jamieson. None nf th'.- descendants of Dr. Joshua Ransom, ex-
cepting a daughter, Mrs. J. F. Mix, and a grand-daughter of
Clarissa, Mrs. C. S. Wetmore, are residing in Camden at the
present day. Louisa Ransom Torbert died August 22, 1895,
aged 76 years. Mrs. Mix told the writer she well remembered
hearing her mother speak of hearing the report of cannon very
distinctly from Sackett's Harbor during the war of 18 12. Often
through this trying period to wives and mothers, deserters
passed hrough the town, mostly Indians, lazy and shiftless.
Upon seeing them appioach, Mrs. Ransom would place all of the
edibles she had in the y&rd for them,go inside and fasten doors and
windows, remaining in great fear, until they had departed, al-
158
PIONEER HISTORY OF
ways taking the remains of the feast with them, if she had pro-
vided more than satisfied their hunger. Dr. Joshua Ransom died
March 13, 1834, aged 52 years. He was buried with Masonic
honors, one of the earhest Masonic funerals in the town. His
wife died August 8th, 1855, aged 69 years. They rest in Forest
Park Cemetery.
jr)NAH SANFORD.
But at a much earHer period, before the road was surveyed,
when it was merely a trail, only followed by marked trees,
several families bought land in this locality, and soon the dense
forests echoed with the sound of the woodman's ax; clearings
were quickly made, and houses built. Jonah Sanford, a soldier
of the Revolution, was one of the first to make his home on Pres-
ton Hill. He, together with his son, Giles, and Lyman Mat-
thews, bought fifty or sixty acres of land each, from John Mur-
ray, and William Ogden, land agents. At Plymouth, Conn.,
Jonah Sanford married Mary Dunbar, his second cousin; eight
children were born to them, Ira, Giles, Sala, Linus, Jeremiah,
Jonas, Ephraim and Chloe. Jonah Sanford and family left Ply-
mouth and came to Clinton, Oneida County, about 1791. His
wife died while they resided in Clinton. She sleeps beneath the
Congregational Church, which was erected some years later over
her resting place. Jonah Sanford married for his second wife
Miss West of Rome, Oneida County, and moved to Camden
about t8oo. He built a log house on the opposite side of the
road, from the home now occupied by Harlan Sanford, but a lit-
tle farther on. Finding he could not gain a clear deed to the
land, he later built a frame house on the same side of the road
as the Sanford homestead, which was afterwards moved to the
village by his son Linus, for a justice's office. It stood just north
of T. D. Penfield's residence for many years. It was another old
landmark destroyed by fire, which had served for many different
purposes. Jonah Sanford died on the farm now owned by his
descendants, November 15, 1824, aged 75 years, and rests in the
old cemetery on Mexico Street. His second wife died in Rome,
and is l)uried thefe.
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
'59
GILES SANFORD.
Giles Sanford. Mrs. Giles Sanford.
Giles Sanford was a young man. just starting- out in
life. He built a house for himself where the more modern
Sanford house now stands. These first houses were built
■of strong planks stinding endways. At twenty-seven years
of age he was married to his second cousin, Rebecca Dunbar,
January 5, 1804, by Esq. Timothy Wood. He brought his bride
to the new house which he had built in the depths of the forest.
It was a lonely place, wolves howled around the door at night,
and the few cittle thev possessed had to be protected by
strong enclosures. Like all primitive houses, the main feature
was the large open fireplace which occupied one entire side of
the living room. At night the fire was banked with ashes, and
in the m.orning raked open for its several uses through the day.
Being hospitable people, the latch-string nearly always hung
outside of the door, and the less fortunate ones, for there were
many, had only to pull it and enter, to find food and warmth.
One night Mr. Giles Sanford hearing some disturbance, arose,
and found several Indians about to roll themselves in their
i6o
PIONEER HISTORY OF
blankets in front of the fire; they were cold and in need of rest;.
and, like the lawless beings they were, had pulled the latch-string
and entered. Mr. Sanford retired to his bed. but in the morning,
before the household was awake, the Indians were off with the
freedom of their race. The visits of these wandering natives
were the greatest trials of the women of these early days; they
were often called upon to provide food for them, when it was
hard to obtain sufificient for their own growing families. Nearly
always peaceable, they would noislessly enter a house, watch
with curious eyes the movements of the family, partake of what-
ever was given them to eat, never hesitating to make known
their wants, and when the spirit moved them, depart, leaving
the mistress of the house quite positive she had not entertained
"angels unawares."
In 1808 a company of twelve men went to New Jersey to work
upon the turnpike; Giles and Ephraim Sanford were of the num-
ber. The wife of Giles Sanford was left from June to October
alone, with two small children, and the farm and cattle to care
for. Money was scarce, the crops not yet ready for the harvest;
it seemed a necessity to provide something for the long cold
winter, which would surely come in this new country; so with
strong arms, but with sinking hearts, when they thought of the
perils and hardships the loved ones must encounter, they took
their knapsacks on their backs and started, walking all the way.
In November of that same year, the third child was boin to Mr.
and Mrs. Giles Sanford, who is well remembered by us all as
aunt Nancy Wetmore. During this month a most terrific wind
storm passed over this locality, uprooting huge trees of the
forest, and doing great damage to crops, which was most dis-
couraging. One of the children of Giles Sanford remembers
hearing his father speak of seeing ice in the middle of Main
Street the first of June. Eleven children were born to Giles and
RelKcca Sanford: Orrin, Mary, Nancy, Emily, a child who died
in infancy, Joel, Angelina, Louisa, Charlotte, Fortune C. and
Lcander. A young man when he came to Camden, Giles San-
ford lived all of the rest of his life on the farm which he first
purchased, and which later belonged to his son Fortune. He
and his wife were spared to each other 51 vears. before they were
separated by death. Giles Sanford died Jan. 21, 1855, aged
7S years.
TIIIJ TO\YN OF CAMDi:]^.
I 61
FORTUNE C. SANFORD.
Of the eleven children all are dead but Fortune,
lo whom we are indebted for this authentic account of
Iris ancestors. Fortune C. Sanford was married to Alary Craw-
ford September zo, 1846, bringing his wife to his father's home.
In 1830 the primitive house had given place to a more preten-
tious frame building, and later an entire new front was built,
leaving but little of the old structure standing. Here they have
lived more years than is usually allotted to man, enjoying a calm,
peaceful life, surrounded by those dearest to them on earth, and
beloved by all who know them. On this fa; m three generations
have lived, and the fourth is growing up, to eventually take their
places. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sanford.
Belle, who married Harlan Sanford, and lives on the original
farm, caring for her father and mother: John C. Sanford and
one child, who died very young: Fortune Sanford and wife
celebrated their golden wedding September 30. 1896. Since
writing the history of the Sanford family. Fortune C. Sanford
l62 PIOXEER HLSTORY OF
was taken away from this earth. His death occurred March 12,
1897. He was a most consistent mcml^er of the Congregational
Church, and active in all work pertaining to its welfare.
ESyi'JRE LIXUS SAXFORD.
Esquire Linus Sanford, son of Jonah, was born in Plymouth,
Conn., January i6th, 1782. His first wife was Polly Woods,
daughter of Samuel Woods, Sen., by whom he had two sons,
Samuel T. W., who became a prominent physician, and William
W., engaged in the mercantile business. The house ow^ned by
Linus Sanford, and where he lived and died, stands just south
of B. D. Stone's residence, now owned by him. It has been
modernized during the last few years. Mrs. Sanford died May
18, 1818. He married for his second wife Rhoda Alcott of Con-
necticut. Three children were born to them, all died in infancy,
but Eliza P., who for a number of years taught school in our
town; she was one of the earliest teachers in the Union School.
She married Joseph Sparrow, June 24, 1862, and went to
Verona, N. Y., to reside. The name of Esquire Linus Sanford
is closely identified with the best interests of the early town his-
tory. He held the office of justice of the peace for many years,
also taught school in the old Academy. He departed this life
May 29, 1842. His second w'ife died May 11, 1881.
SALA SANFORD.
Sala Sanford, son of Jonah, built and owned the house which
stood on the corner of Main and Union Streets. It was moved
manv years ago to the upper end of Third Street, to make room
for the more pretentious house built by Mrs. I). Tuthill, and
now owned and occuiMcd by Wells Stoddard. Sala Sanford
married Peggv .and had nine children. Edward. Mary. Emily,
Smith, Catherine, George, James and Margaret. Sala Sanford
was injured in the war of 181 2, but recovered. He died in Illi-
nois at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Byington, March 15,
i8d6, in the 82nd year of his age. His wife died N^ovember 15,
1862, aged 73 years.
LEAXDER U. SAXFORD.
Lcander U. Sanford was born March 27, 1825; married
Tirzah ITiggins May i. 1855. He bought the property and built
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
•63
the house on the corner of Third Street and Miner Avenue, now
occupied by Mr. Becker. Two children were l)orn to them,
Elmer and Clara. While a young man just starting- in business
for himself, Elmer was snatched away by death, October 31,
1835. aged 24 years, deeply mourned by all his associates and
friends. Clara went V.'est, married, and made her home there.
Leander V. Sanford dieC July 13, 1862, aged 37 years.
LYMAN AIATTHEWS.
About the time Jonah. Sanford l)uilt his home, in 1803, Lyman
Matthews built the old Matthews homestead, which is still stand-
ing, opposite the William Barnes house. The well is on this
place, which is spoken of in the survey bill. But little can be
gathered concerning his early youth, or the place of his birth.
Lvman Matthews' House.
as he was removed by death at an early date, and there is no
one living who remembers him; but we copy something con-
cerning his father and mother, found in a paper printed a num-
ber of years ago. "When Noah Tuttle came to Camden to
reside, a saw mill had been built, and a man named Williams,
and Aaron Matthews, the old surveyor, and wife, were already
here. Mrs. Matthews was the only white woman in Camden durmg
the winter, after the arrival of the first settlers who came in 1795
or 1796." The writer well remembers hearing her mother say,
164
PIONEER HISTORY OF
when her grandfather was obliged to go to Rome with his grain,
and his wife would have to remain alone, she would put on snow
shoes, and walk with him to Taberg to remain with the nearest
white family. For many years a little old looking glass, about six
by eight inches, with a frame made of common wood, stained by
time, and put together with wooden pegs, was in the writer's
family, and she was told it was the first mirror ever brought into
Camden. Mrs. Matthews, it is also said, was the first white
woman who came up the trail through Taberg to Camden.
L\nuui Matthews, son of Aaron, was a surveyor, and sur-
veyed nmch of the surrounding country. In 1803-4 he taught
the first school in the town of Vienna. He married Polly, daugh-
ter of Jared Olcott, descended from Thomas Olcott, w ho came
from England to America in 1635, ^"^^ settled in Hartford, Conn.
Joseph Olcott, son of Thomas, married Elizabeth Marsh; they
had twelve children, the oldest of these was the father of Polly
Alcott Matthews, who was a soldier of the Revolution, and for a
time, one of the life guards of Gen. Washington. He also
rendered efilicient service in the war of 1812. The latter part of
his life was spent in Jefiferson County, near Watertown, X. Y.,
where his death occurred July 23, 1846. By the kindness of the
Watertown Life Guards, he was buried with militaiv honors.
Lyman Matthews and Polly Olcott were married in Windsor,
Conn., and made their home in Camden. They had seven chil-
dren: Aaron, Delia, Chauncey, Mary Ann, Lyman and Sylvia.
The husband and father died September 6. 1817, aged 35 vears.
Aaron Matthews, the oldest son, succeeded his father as sur-
veyor. Many of the older inhabitants of the town remember
attending school taught l\v liim, in different districts. He mar-
ried Sarah Hibbard, and had five children: Sophia, Lyman,
Thaddeus, Willie and Sarah, the latter but an infant when her
mother died. Soon after the death of his wife, Mr. Matthews'
health failing, he 'rH)k his children to Ivalls Churcli. \'irginia, to
reside. Being a L^nion man, when the war of the rebellion broke
out, it became unsafe for one having such strong svm]iathies
with the Xorth to remain in tliat section of the countrv. With
his second wife and children he left his Southern home in the
night, quietly, and went to reside in Mimicsnta. Three children
TEE TOWN OF CAMDEN. ,^
were born after his second niarriaoe. His death occurred in
iS/d. Lyman and Thaddeus, the sons, reside in Montana;
Sophie and Sarah in Minnesota; Wilhe, the youngest son by his
first wife, is dead.
Deha, the oldest daughter of Lyman Matthews, was married
to Leonard L. Budd, in Rochester, where they hved at the time
of the cholera epidemic of 1832. He built some of the first grist-
mills of that city. He took a contract to build two mills in
Canada, which he finished but a short time before his death.
Mrs. Budd, in her bereavement, came direct to Camden, bring-
ing four sons with her. Albert, who went to Kalamazoo, mar-
ried and settled there, and died. William and his family live
near Chicago; Byron Matthews Budd died in Camden, Decem-
ber 22, 1847, aged 17 years, and Clinton L. Budd married Mar-
ion, daughter of Jie late George Wood. He went to Michigan
to reside, where his death occurred in the winter of 1897. Mrs.
Budd died in Kalamazoo, where she resided, having married
for her second husband John Glover of that place. Mary Ann
Matthews, born August 22, 1813, married Albro' Phelps Septem-
ber 8, 1842. He was born February 4, 1808. They lived in a
little red house which stood just north of the house he built two
3'ears later. Six children were born to them.
Sarah, born September 3, 1843, and whose untimely death oc-
curred July 14, 1873, aged 30 years, was the oldest of six chil-
dren, who were left orphans, when she was but sixteen years of
age. She remained in the home and took upon heiself the burden
of caring for them, and was faithful unto death, supplying a
mother's care for !ier younger brothers and sisters so well
their great loss was hardly realized. She was a most conscien-
tious and devout member of Trinity Church. Her life was one
of self-denial, living only for others, and when she was called to
her eternal home, she went willingly, quite ready to lay down the
burden which had been almost too much for her young life. \\'e
cannot doubt a "crown of life" was awaiting her, and that she
heard the loving v ( 'rds of our Savior saying, "^^'ell done,
thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord."
Theron Phelps, born December 27, 1845, was married to Miss
Belle Wiles Oct'>ber 17th, 1S71. She was born November
i66 PIONEER HISTORY OF
4th, 1850. Thc}^ have one son, Chnton F. Phelps, born March
31, 1878. They have always resided in the old home. Caroline
E. Phelps was born September 14, 1847, married Eugene H.
Conant November 4, 1874. They settled in Camden; three chil-
dren were born — Harold, born August 4, 1877; Alice, born
November 14, 1879; Mary, born September 17, 1884. Eugene
H. Conant was born June 12, 1847. Chauncey Matthews Phelps
w^as born February 23, 1849, married Aliss Celinda Bryant
December 7, 1875. She was born September 22, 1848. They re-
sided in Camden; had thiee children, Mabel, born October 24,
1876; Arthur, born September 15, 1880, and Carrie, born May 2,
1882. Chauncey M. Phelps was an honorable citizen of the
town, respected ])y all. He was elected Supervisor in 1884-85. His
health failing, he went to California in March of the following
year, where his death occurred May 20, 1886, aged 37 years.
His loss was deeply mourned by friends and relations, and the
community at large. Mary was born May 18, 1851, was mar-
ried December 18, lEy^, to John Dexter, who was born October
10, 185 1. They had one son and four daughters. Belle was born
November 6, 1874; Frank, August 28, 1877; Pauline, January 29,
1880; Mary, January 14, 1884, and Carrie March 24, 1886. John
M. Dexter died April 4 1895, aged 44. Albro Byron Phelps
was born August 2, 1853, married to Pauline M. Soper, June 13,
1878. She was born January 22, 1855. They had one ^ujn, Her-
bert, born August 31, 1880, died September 30, 1881. The chil-
dren of Mary Ann Matthews Phelps all settled in Camden. Albro
Phelps died October 3, 1853, aged 45 years; Mary Ann. his wife,
died May 18, i860, aged 47 years. Whenever the name of
Chauncey Matthews is mentioned by those w-ho knew him, it is
with love and respect for his memory. Possessing a noble mind
with all that combines to make a loval)le character, he earlv in
life became a favorite with .all acquaintances. A bright scholar
in his younger days, he taught school when he reached man-
hood, in order to enable him to pursue his medical studies. He
went to Rochester and when he l)ecame a jiractising phvsician,
settled in Maumee C-t} . Ohio. He married Caroline ,
and had one son, Chauncey. He became a most skillful physi-
cian. We copy a portion of the obituary taken from an old
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. , (^
paper: "Died, at his residence in Manniee City, on tlie 27111 of
February, 1847, Cliauncey Matthews, M. D., in the 36th year of
his age. His disease was mahgnant erysipelas, contracted while
engaged in the professional attendance upon the sick and dying.
The disease was prevailing in an epidemic form, and such was
his fidelity and untiring efforts for the welfare of those com-
mitted to his care, that his constitution at length gave way, ren-
dering him, not only predisposed to an attack, but from the ex-
hausted state of his system, precluded all hoi:)es of his recovery
from the commencement. * ''" '=' His life, from his youth up,
was exemplary, and marked with sterling integrity. * '•' '''
The melancholy tidings fall heavily upon his aged heart-stricken
mother, and a numerous circle of mourning lelatives." Al-
though the remains were not brought here for interment, as was
the custom of those days, the funeral sermon was appointed to
be preached the first Sunday in April, in the afternoon, at the
Episcopal Church, by the Rev. A . P. Smith. Aner Matth^wb
was in the Santa Fe trade, and died while yet a young man, of
cholera, at Fort Independence, Missouri; Lyman died in Min-
nesota a few years ago ; Sylvia married Archibald Armstrong of
Rome, N. Y., and had one son, Chauncey. The older Lyman
Matthews' name occurs on the book of old town records from
1804 up to the time of his death. He was Town Clerk for many
years, also elected to many offices of trust. He joined the
Masonic Lodge of Camden in 1816, having been a blaster
Mason. He died in 181 7, when but 35 years of age, and sleeps
in the cemetery on the Seventh. His widow married for her
second husband, a neighbor, Samuel Howd. Two children were
bom, Abigail and Hannah, who- are well remembered by the old-
er portion of the community. Abigail was an active member of
of the Episcopal Church, and worked with untiring energy for
the establishment of the church in Camden. She also taught
school for several years. They both went to Minnesota, and
married, where Abigail died. Hannah had a son and daughter,
and went with her family to Montana, where her death occurred.
The union of Polly Matthews with Samuel Howd did not prove
a happy one; they separated, Mrs. Matthews finding a home
with her children, and the farm passing into other hands. Mrs.
Matthews died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Budd. in Cam-
l68 Pi'JXKER IIIHTORY OF
den, February 23, 1851, aged 66 years. She sleeps in Forest
Park Cemetery.
ISAAC XORTHRUP.
Isaac, son of Gideon Northrup, was born Xovember id, 1799,
in Camden. When he reached manhood, and decided to make
a home for himself, he bought fifty-two acres of land of Jesse
Cnrtiss of Clinton, and built a house nearl\' opposite the Lyman
Matthews place. The house was burned many years ago, and a
new one erected o?i the site, r.ow occupied by William
Barnes. He married Lucinthia Cook, and settled in his new
home. Here eight children were born — Hannah, born January
5, 1827; Mary, June 5, 1831; Amanda, April 14, 1833; Lucinthia,
April 7, 1835; Thomas I., March 3, 1837; John J., April 3, 1839;
Henry C, Octol)er 4. 1844; Orson C, February 8, 1874.
Lucintha married N. \\'. Eaton, Oct. 8, 1857; she is the only
one living in Camden. One son and two grandchildren are the
only descendants. Mr. and Mrs. Eaton have lived all of their
married lives in t1;c h.ofsc they first occujMcd at the foot of Mt.
Parnassus.
Isaac Northrup died March 14, 1854; his wife following him
two years later, Sept. 3, 1856. They rest in Forest Park Ceme-
tery.
ZEXA CL'RTISS.
A road formerly ran west past the old Matthews place called
"Old Mexico St.," wdiere several families lived at an early date.
It has fallen into disuse now, and the houses gone to decav.
Zenas Curtiss made his home here about 1800. But little can be
learned of his early history; he had one son, the late Jeremiah
Curtiss. After the death of Zenas Curtiss the widow married
Commodore Rodgers, and moved to Pennsylvania, leaving no
descendants of the s^'' ond marriage in this jiart of the country.
Another settler fri tl;i> street was Sanuiel llowd. the ancestor
of the different Howd families in Camden and vicinitv. He was
the father of six children by his first wife, Samuel, Simeon. Cur-
tiss, Benjamin, Flora and Eunice. He married for his second
wife Polly Matthews; two more cliildren were born. He event-
ually went to Minnesota to reside with one of his daughters,
and died there.
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
169
JOEL DUNBAR.
John Dunbar was one of Plymouth's early settlers; he mar-
ried Temperance Hall, and from these ancestors Capt. Joel Dun-
1 ar was descended, being one of fifteen children. On his tomb-
stone in the old Mexico St. Cemetery, we find his death oc-
curred Dec. 31, 1827, aged 75 years. "Father to Eliab, Seth.
Nancy, Rebecca, Jerusha, Margery, Temperance; brother of
Moses, Aaron, David and Jonathan." He married Rebecca,
daughter of Abel Curtiss. She died Jan. 24, 1831, aged 69 years.
They settled on Old Mexico St., near the corner of Dunbar St.
We find in 1794, Capt. Joel Dunbar was a taxpayer in Plymouth.
Conn. He was a drummer in the 8th Continental regiment, un-
der Capt. Phineas Porter. Nov. 25, 1775, he enlisted the second
time in Capt. Smith's Co. April 17, 1776, w^as in Col. Elsmore's
regiment at German Flats. The name of Dunbar, until a com-
paratively recent date, has been closely connected with the his-
tory of Camden.
PRESTON HILL SCHOOL HOUSE.
We next come to Preston Hill School-house. Joel Blakesley,
an old resident for many years in this locality, in writing up old
Preston Hill School House.
reminisences, savs: "Preston Hill School-house was built in
1818; it turned out some of the best spellers in the township:
among them were Chauncey Matthews and his sister Mary Ann,
I 70
PIONEER HISTORY OF
and also the writer. We could spell down, not only the village
school, but the Mexico St. school also. I still have the old \\'eb-
ster spelling book used in those early days." To spell the long-
est and hardest words correctly was considered a great accom-
plishment, and more attention was paid to this than any other
study. Spelling down was the favorite amusement, as well as be-
ing instructive. The original building has from time to time
been repaired, and at the present time is well preserved, and has
always been up to the standard for a country school.
CALEB PRESTON.
On the left of the road nearly opposite the school-house, stood
the home of one of the families for which Preston Hill was
named. In the vear 1810 Caleb Preston and his wife Amy, with
three sons, came to Camden and settled on Preston Hill, where
Caleb died, Feb. 27, 1813, aged 67 years. His wife survived him
four years, dying June i. 1817, aged 73 years. They were not
Mrs. Caleb Preston.
spared many years after reaching their new home, but passed
away before they saw the wilderness give j^lace to the farm lands
\vhich rewarded the labors of their children. Caleb, the oldest
THE TO^\N OF CAMDEN.
171
son, was born in Wallingford, Conn., Sept 10, 1772. lie married
Sybil Ledyard in Plymouth, Conn. They came to Camden and
made their home with their father and mother, wlierc they lived
beyond the allotted time of man's existence.
Time has almost obliterated the old place, leaving nothing but
a few stones and a slight depression to mark the site of the
house. The remains of the old well are to be seen, which was a
short distance from the house. The following is recorded in the
old book of town records ;
"By the request of Caleb Preston, this 21st day of April, 1818,
register : Amanda Preston, born Sept. 29, 1796; Merrit Preston,
born Tan. 21,1797; Eliasaph Preston, born March 29,1798; Phebe
Preston, born July 4, 1799; Ruth Preston, born April 13, 1802;
Lucius Preston, boi'n October 14, 1805; Sarah Preston, born
April II, 1810; Clarissa Preston, born Dec. 30, 1813."
Caleb Preston was a good sensible man, and a great Metho-
dist exhorter; when not preaching he always attended church.
Sunday morning the oxen were attached to a lumber wagon, with
an old Dutch harness, with straps as wide as a man's hand, and
chains for tugs. Two splint-bottomed chairs W'cre placed in the
wagon, and he and his wife each occupied one, while the hired
man, Billy Bass, sat on the only seat the vehicle could boast of,
driving them in as dignified a manner as he would the finest
equipage. He was an Englishman, small and weazen-faced, but
he knew what belonged tO' an English coachman.
Caleb Preston was a strong alDolitionist; he would go to
the dififerent school-houses, or any place where there was an op-
portunity, preaching the gospel, and speaking against slavery.
He had a powerful voice, and he spoke in such stentorian tones
that a little grandson who heard him preach for the first time,
thought he would wake the dead. He was so bitterly opposed
to slavery that he withdrew from the Methodist church in 1842,
and helped to found the Wesleyan Abolition church. He was
decidedly opposed to having his picture taken, fearing he might
cause someone to break the second commandment, and living in
an age, before the kodak and snap-shots were in vogue, he could
live up to the spirit of his convictions. At the age of 88 years
his granddaughter Sybil persuaded him to sit for one, but the
172
PIONEER HISTORY Ot
next day. in a spirit of remorse, he said he wonld give two
thonsand dollars if he Iiad not consented. Throus^h the kindness
Caleb Freston.
of relatives we have been able to secure one. She comforted him
with the assurance she would not make an "idol" of it. Caleb
Preston lived to the ripe age of 96 years, and entered into rest
May 28, 1867. His wife died April 18. 1851, aged 76 years. They
sleep in Forest Park Cemetery. Amanda Preston married Ab-
rani Elii)halet Johnson; died in Camden Sept. 1865; Ruth mar-
ried Sanniel LefTingwell, and moved to Wisconsin; Sarah mar-
ried James W'haley. went to Michigan to reside; Clarissa, born
in Camden, married David Coe, settled in Camden, and died
here, Dec. 28, i85<5, aged 42. Merrit was a Methodist minister,
and a member of the Genesee Conference some years, then went
West. Eliasaph lived in Pom])ey. and died in Penn Van. Lucius
married Miss Robinson, and went to \\'isconsin.
ALNER PRESTO X.
Abncr PrcsttMi. brother to Calel), and who came to Camden
at the same time, was born in Connecticut.- in 1781. He pur-
chased land and made his home where the house recently oc-
77//; TOWN OF CAMDEN. ,--
cupied by George Wilkinson stood, wliicli was destroyed by fire.
He had four cliildren, Amos, Charity, Dorcas, and JuHen. It is
said the latter was a somnanbulist, also a great lover of cheese.
While a young boy, his mother during the sunnner had made
some especially iinc ones, which he was very anxious to taste;
but no amount of persuasion could induce her to cut one, until
the proper time had arrived. One night she was awakened by
the strono- odor of cheese; she arose to investigate, and found her
son in night clothes sitting in front of the large fire-place. He
had raked open the fire, and placed a whole cheese in front of it,
where it was melting, and covering the hearth with the appetiz-
ing substance. Needless to say his apetite for cheese was grat-
ified, as long as that one lasted, if net longer. A more modern
house has been erected on the site of the oiioinal one destroyed
by fire. Abner Preston died Nov. 24, 1833, aged 52 years.
Hannah, his wife died .
URI HILL.
LJri Hill was born in Connecticut about 1770. He married
Chloe Hale. They came to Camden from Connecticut in 1804.
and bought v\-oodland and made a clearing about one and a half
miles from the village, known to later generations as the Marvel
Hall farm. They had great difficulty in reaching their destina-
tion, and were obliged to cut a road in many places through
brush and logs. They had four children — Almon, born in 1792;
Uriah, born in 1796; Chloe, born in 1799; Polly, born in 1805.
Mrs. Hill was a kind, motherly woman, a comfort to those in af-
fliction, and one who spent many hours at the l)edside of the
sick and suffering; a type of womanhood, conmion in all newly
settled countries,where neighbors are dependent upon each other
in a great measure. She earned enough money by weaving to
buy fruit trees for the orchard. But the farm was given up after
a few years, and the family moved to HilbI)orough. Uri Hill
was a shoemaker l)y trade, and used to go from house to house
"whipping the cat," or in a more modern wav of expressing it,
he would go wherever he was needed, and make boots and shoes
for the family.
Bears were very troublesome in those early days, and U was a
perplexing question how to dispose of them. It was most dis-
174
PIOSEER HISTORY OF
couraging to the farmer to find his cornfields devastated through
the night, and the culprits too cunning to be caught in the traps
set for them. It was Uri Hill and some of his companions, who
conceived a novel device to rid the neighborhood of an animal
who had wrought ' great havoc. Knowing how fond bears were
of anything sweet, they mixed molasses and whisky together,
thinking the former would suit the taste so well, he would not
mind the latter, and xvould become so intoxicated, it would be
an easy matter to dispose of him. Considering the quantity
rather more than was necessary for the purpose, each tasted it,
and found it so excellent, they tasted it again, and repeating it
once too often, they awoke in the morning to find the cornfield
destroyed, and the bear in full possession of his senses.
Reuben Smith I'urclu seel the farm, and lived there until he was
quite advanced in life, when he bought the property in the vil-
lage on the corner of Second and Washington Streets.
NATHANIEL WETMORE.
The next house was a little farther east of the Uri Hill place. The
house succumbed to the ravishes of time years ago, but the barn
still stands. Here Nathaniel Wetmore and wife Abiah settled in
the early days. Their f&mily consisted of four children — Lo-
renzo, William. Philo and Leroy. Nathaniel Wetmore died March
6, 1831, aged 52; the death of his wife occurred Feb. 11. 1844,
aged 62. They came from Connecticut to their home in the
new countrv.
LObENZO W^ETMORE.
Lorenzo Wetmore married Nancy, daughter of Giles Sanford,
in 1827. Both were born and lived all of their lives in Camden.
During the year 1850 they bought land and built a house, where
later Third St. was laid out, just above the site eventually selec-
ted for the Union School building. At that time, it was only a
field, surroimded by a rail-fence, and reached by a small foot-
path. They had four children — Henry, who made his home in
Detroit, Mich.; Giles, who married Charlotte Curtiss. and settled
in Camden; he built a fine brick residence on Church St.. now
occupied by his only son. Charles. Giles Wetmore was a pro-
minent business man. and built and occupied the store on the
west side of Main St.. where he engaged in the drug business.
He eventually sold the property to A. C. and C. A. Phelps.
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. ly-
Mila married the late Charles H. Ray, settlini^ in Camden. Mr.
Ray was engaged ii> thi: manufacture of chairs. Me was a mu-
sician of considerable merit, and always {jrominent in musical
circles; he was a member of the Camden Band for many years.
His death occurred Aug. 4, 1887, aged 57 years. His wife sur-
vives him. Mary married George Elden, whose death occurred
while yet a young man. She later married Mr. R. Tuthill; they
live in the old home, which has been modernized to a consid-
erable extent. Lorenzo Wetmore was a mason, and was in com-
pany for many years with Mr. E. J. Nelson. During this period
they laid the foundations and fashioned the walls of nearly all
of the buildings erected in Camden. Honored and respected
citizens they labored side by side, until the infirmities of age
overtook them, and they rested from toil, waiting for the Master's
call, which came the same day to each. "In death they were
not divided." Lorenzo Wetmore was born Sept. 24, 1808; died
June 6, 1888, aged 79 years. Nancy Sanford Wetmore was born
Nov. 1808, and died Feb. 9, 1891, aged 82 years. William Wet-
more married Polly, daughter of Reuben Smith; they had four
children — William, died July 10, 1882, aged 75 years; Polly,
died Dec. 20, 1888, aged y/ years. Their son Wolcott died June
I, 1892, in his 54th year; Philo married Ruth Ann Scoville for
his second wife, and moved to Illinois; Leroy married Uri Hill's
daughter for his first wife, and Cornelia, daughter of Ephraim
Sanford for his second wife; they also moved West.
LEMUEL STEADMAN.
A little way beyond the home of Nathaniel Wetmore a road
leads ofif to the right. Here, on what is known to later genera-
tions as the Anderson farm, Lemuel Steadman, the pioneer father
of the family, settled. He married Eunice Smith at Hartford,
Conn., and emigrated to Camden, Feb. 13, 1805, coming as near-
ly all other early settlers had come, with an ox team. Their first
years in this locality were spent in a log house, with a stack
chimney. Lemuel Steadman enlisted when only 18 years of age.
and served in the war of the Revolution nine months, lacking
three days. He was in New York when the British came upon
them, three hundred in number, only thirty lived to tell the har-
rowing tale. His health was never good after this terrible or-
deal.
176
PIOMUJR HISTORY OF
Lyman Stcadman and his wife Elizal^eth Wilson, came from
Connecticut in 1812, and settled on the same farm his father oc-
cupied. The first living child was Ann Eliza, then Mary, who
married Mr. John Myers, and lived in Camden until her death,
Jan. 30, 1892. Children — L\nian, Cyrus, Martha. Benson, all
living but Mary and Lyman. Mrs. Chapin. tlie daughter of ^lary,
the only descendant n<:>\\- living in Camden. L\-man Steadman.
Sen., died 1849, aged 62 years. His wife survived him until
1883; she drew a pension, as her husband was in the war of
1812. ]\lary, wife of John Myers, died January 30, 1892.
ELLAS.APM BARKER.
I'^ollowing the main road east, on Preston Hil!, we next come
to the place known as the Ireland farm. Here Eiiasaph Barker
located as early as 1800. He was born Jan. 4, 1779. in Plymouth,
Conn., coming to Camden in 1799. Six \ears later, he married
Clarissa, second daughter of Daniel Parks. In this house four
children were born — Lrnson Levant, Cyrus Sydnev, A'olnev
Park, Clarissa Esther. Eiiasaph Barker was a man of great
Christian zeal, and was a leader of tlie Preston Hiil class, when
the Methodist society was largely represented in that locality,
about 1829. Always present at every service, it is said that a
horse he used to drive to and from the place of meeting, one dav
was harnessed, and tied at Mr. Barker's door. He probablv
thought it was time to attend the meeting, and he must surelv
be there, he freed himself from his fastening and trcittcd lei:-urelv
towards the place of worship, where he was found uncUr the shed
sometime later, in his usual ])lace, waiting until the time came for
him. to return home. One of the sons. Svdney Barker, was
hook-keeper for J. D. Caverly. until his health failed, and he
later died with consumption. \'olney I'ark liarker married Cor-
nelia Bailex'. went W'c^t to live, and died in t/ineinnati. Clar-
issa Esther Barker married W'ilHam Ireland, went to Xew Lon-
don to begin their married life; the\- remained there six weeks
and she was then called to the old home to care for her parents.
With the exception of this period of six weeks, she lived all of
the years allotted to her. from infancy to old age. in the home
of her childhood, where her eyes first saw the light of day. spend-
ing but a few hours away from it at any given time, until death
claimed lu r.
THE TOWN OF CAMIjKX.
ill
William Ireland came from Cambridj^eshirc, England, in
1832. He was a member of the Church of England, having been
confirmed in Ely Cathedral, near the home of his youth. Three
children were born to them — Frances Clarissa, Almeda Caroline,
and Elizabeth Bates, the latter dying while yet the sky was col-
ored with the rosy hue of youth. Almeda, the second daughter,
married John Sanford, and lives on the old homestead. Fran-
ces, the oldest daughter, continues to reside there. The rear part
of the house is the original one built by Eliasaph Barker, the
front having been added in 1824. Eliasaph Barker died Oct. 16,
1857; Clarissa his wife died July 15, 1857. William Ireland died
Sept. 13, 1886. His wife died May 23, 1876.
SETH DUNBAR.
Following the road east, the next house we see, which has
been very materially altered, is the one owned and occupied by
#- >
Mr. Spth Dunbar.
Mrs. Seth Dunbar.
the late Benj. Drought. Seth Dunbar came to Camden with his
father. Fie was married to Jerusha Cowls in Plxniouth, Conn.,
bringing his wife and one child with him, a daughter. Aurelia,
a babe of seven months. Here he made his home, he returned
to Plymouth for a time, and when he again came to Camden he
cleared enough land to raise a little grain, which had to be taken
to Ridge Mills in Rome to be ground. He took three pecks of
wheat on his back, walking to and from Rome, going and re-
1 2
1-8 PIONEER HISTORY OF
turning in two days. In this new country four more children
were born — Horace. Rosanna, Edwin and Louisa. Later he
sold his land on Preston Hill, and purchased the property on
Dunbar St., so called from the number of families of that name,
in that locality. His home is now occupied by Mr. James Grin-
nel. Seth Dunbar was a cabinet maker, and made all of the
coffins used in the town prior to 1825, with nails. The wood-
shed was his workshop, while his wife was weaving cloth in the
kitchen. Seth Dunbar died Oct. 26, 1850, aged y2> years. His
wife died June 30. 1852. aged y^ years.
ANDREW CRAIG.
The first house west of the school-house was built in 1815, bv
David Blakesley, whose first home was on the River Road. After
residing here for a numl)er of years, he sold to Rilv Scovel. who
A , li\\v Or.ii.;;'s House.
occupied for a time; then it was purchased by Andrew Craig,
the subject of this sketch. He came to America from Scotland
in 1828, at the age of 18 years. He remained here three years,
then went back to his former home, and soon returned bringing
with him his father and mother, a brother and two sisters. He
married Elizabeth Brown, of Scotch descent, whose home was
near Utica. They bought the property on Preston Hill 43 years
ago; nine children were born — Archibald. David, Robert, James,
John, Jeanette, Jane, Elizabeth and Andrew. David has recently
THEJ TOWN OF CAMDEN. ,.
built a substantial brick house, a very short distance from the
old home, and has taken his mother to live with himself and wife.
Robert lives on the old Sanford homestead, and Andrew resides
in the village. They are the only ones living. Andrew Craig-,
Sen., was a poet, but his gift was undeveloped until late in life.
After his first production was published, he was called upon to
compose and recite his poems on all memorable occasions. An
ardent admirer of his ow-n Scottish poet, Robert Burns, he read
and re-read his poems until it almost seemed as if he derived in-
spiration from them. Possessed of a kind genial nature, he
breathed it through all of his writings. Having but a limited
education, he wrote with a simple eloquence on a great variety
of subjects, and when called upon to compose a poem for Arbor
Day, Burns' birthday, or any other special occasion, he always
willingly produced one most fitting, and read or recited it with
the fascinating Scotch accent, which had always clung to him.
Many of his poems were published in the local papers, but in
1879 ^''^ published them complete in book form. His first poem,
"A Mouse," was composed while at work piling wood in the
cellar of the Congregational church. He discovered a nest
of mice, which reminded him of Burns' poem, "To a Mouse."
He was not alone in his admiration of Robert Burns, but found
many congenial friends who were interested in his works. Mon-
day, Jan. 26, 1874 (Sunday being the 25th), the arniversary of
Burns' birthday, was celebrated for the first time in Camden, at
Durr's Hall, in the lower part of the village; John Craig, Esq..
was made president of the evening's entertainment, and '"Uncle
Andrew" Craig was toast-master. He composed and recited an
original poem, "Now We've Met as Scotchmen Should." Mr.
Samuel Alexander, also a Scotchman, read an original poem;
Mr. Robert Robertson sang a song, assisted by S Alexander,
"John Anderson my Jo, John." They also sang, "Green Grow
the Rushes, Oh."
The Glee Club, consisting of C. R. Bessee, C. H. Ray, and
James Durrent, all prominent musicians of the town, accom-
panied by Mrs. Bessee, sang very acceptably. At this meeting
a regular organization was formed, which continued to celebrate
the anniversary of Burns' birthday for several years in a most
,8o PIONEER HISTORY OF
enjoyable manner. "Uncle Andrew" Craig', being one, if not
the most prominent member, and always contributing largely
to the pleasure of the occasion with an original poem. After
his death these anniversaries were observed for a time, but
something was lacking, "Uncle Andrew's" place could not be
filled, and he was sorely missed. In the course of time the
enthusiasm subsided, and the organization died a natural death.
Many of Mr. Craig's poems were of a religious nature; one "The
Restful Sabbath," is a veritable sermon. The last three verses,
reveal the deeper nature of the writer, and convinces one he
feels before he gives expression to the words:
"But God, whose very name is love,
In wisdom has seen best,
That man can all his wants supply,
And on the Sabbath rest.
There's not one moment of our lives
But we can trace His care,
Then let us lift our voice to Him
In humble grateful prayer.
O, God, accept our humble thanks
For blessings thou has given,
And may we prize the Sabbath day,
An emblem true of Heaven."
In the poem "My Boyhood Days," he shows a patriotic spirit,,
superior to many native-born Americans:
' Oh, noble tlag. Oh, glorious flag,
I bow beneath thy shrine.
Although I love my place of birth,
My heart is wholly thine.
And should a foe invade our soil
Whoe'er that foe may be,
I'll bring my fortune and my life,
And tender all for thee.
And should I fall beneath those stripes,
Oh, be my place of rest
Upon the field that freemen won.
With free soil on my breast.
And if I do not gain a grave
Upon a soil that's free,
I wish that I might calm repose
'Neath the unfettered sea.
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. ,8,
Long may thou wave, star spangled flag,
The banner of the free,
Thou wavest above a glorious land.
And floatest on every sea.
Though I was born on Scotia's Isel,
That flag I do adore ;
Oh ! may that flag in triumph wave
Till time shall be no more."
Many of his poems are of a humorous character, pleasing to
all, and revealing a brotherly love, full of contentment in the
station which he occupied, and happy with his friends. He was
called away from this earth July id, 1880, aged 69 years, leaving
a wife to mourn the loss of a dear companion and husband.
ENOS JOHNSON.
The next house, in later days called the Pierce house, was the
site of the early home of Enos Johnson, the son of Joseph John-
son, who with two brothers, William and Obadiah, were among
the early settlers of Canterbury, Conn., in 1690, and who were
the ancestors of the different families of the name of Johnson in
this locality. Joseph Johnson was a Revolutionary soldier. His
son, Enos Johnson, came to Camden about 1800, and made his
home just west of the Andrew Craig house, but on the opposite
side of the road. His first home was made of logs, which, later,
as the necessaries of life became more plentiful, was replaced by
a frame house. The third house has been built on the site of
the log house. He was born in March, 1777. He married Pa-
tience Curtiss in Connecticut, they had 13 children, eight lived
and grew up. Merrit. born in 1800, married Emily Scranton,
lived and died in Pennsylvania. Anna married Curtiss Howd,
•lived and died at Onondaga Hill, N. Y.; Nancy married Burret
Norton, also resided at Onondaga Hill, had thirteen children.
Hiram died of consumption at his father's home, and sleeps in
the old Mexico Street Cemetery. Hannah, born in Camden in
1816, married Wesley Wilson. Their children, Caliste, Polly
and Clara Amanda, live in Camden; Alvin married Elizabeth
Daunton, and went to Iowa; Mary Abigail married Adam
Fancher, lived in Rome, but died in Pennsylvania; Joseph mar-
ried Isabella Wright, and died in Hillsborough; Enos Johnson,
the father, was a carpenter by trade. A twig from a tree injured
l82
PIONEER HISTORY OF
one eye, and from this cause, he soon lost the sight of both ; he
was bHnd thirty-eight years. He died July 8, 1864, aged 87
years. Mrs. Johnson was a consistent member of Trinity Church
of Camden, and always attended divine service, when her health
would permit. She died April 30, 1865, aged 88 years. Joseph
Johnson and his wife Mar}' came from Connecticut together,
with a son, Ansel, to live with their son Enos in Camden. Ansel
was born in Connecticut in 1782; he married Susan Leonard of
Taunton, Mass., in 181 1, and settled on the place later occupied
by Robert Mcintosh, near Hillsborough. In 1832 he moved to
Blossvale, and died there in 1840. Their children were — Alvira,
born in 1812, married Isaac Hall of Amboy, lived and died there.
Frank Hall and Mrs. Susan Mann of this village are their
descendants. William went to Geneva; Mary Ann married Will-
iam Martin, and went to Pennsylvania. Alvin died; Andrew,
who was a physician, died in 1854, in Blossvale, and Frances,
born in 1825, is now living near Blossvale. The mother died at
the same place in 1848, and is buried there. Joseph died in Cam-
den, and rests in the old Mexico Street Cemetery.
JESSE BLAKE.
Following Preston Hill Street west, we come to the place
where a father and three sons settled at an early date. Jesse
Blake and wife with three sons came to Camden soon after 1804.
He built the house occupied by the late James Jones. The wing
Jesse Hlake's House.
of the house is the original home. Mr. Blake was a very strong
Methodist, and in this house prayer meetings were held, and many
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
'&3
converted. A little stream runs just west of the house, and here
he built a small tannery, and kept a store in one part of his
dwelling, where the boots and shoes he made were for sale.
When the would-be purchaser had no money, he would sell a
cow to the tanner, with which he bought the necessary articles.
Jesse Blake's family consisted of himself and wife, three sons
and a daughter. Frederick married Emily, daughter of Ephraim
Sanford, and built the house just opposite his father's, which is
still standing, and but little changed. Lewis married Mary,
daughter of Giles Sanford, and built the house west of his
father's, now owned by John Keizer, where they lived and died.
Seth Blake married Hannah Wood, sister to the late George
Wood, and built on the east side of his father's. From the settle-
ment of these families in this locality, the street from Preston
Hill school-house to the Ephraim Sanford place was called Blake
Street. The daughter married Norman Blakesley, and made her
home in the West. Jesse Blake lived to the ripe age of 82 years,
when he departed this life April 10, 1857. His wife soon fol-
lowed him, dying December 18, 1858, aged 84 years. Seth
Blake died April 6, 1877, aged 76 years. Hannah, his wife, died
February 2, 1876, aged 74 years. Mary Sanford Blake, wife of
Lewis Blake, died March 4, 1834, aged 29 years. He married
for his second wife, her sister Angelina Sanford, who survived
him. Lewis Blake departed this life July 28, 1846, aged 43 years.
Angelina Blake married her brother-in-law, A. J. Stone, who
married Louise Sanford, who died early in life, at the age of 30
years, July 30, 1847. After his marriage to Mrs. Blake, he re-
sided with her on the farm owned by her first husband, Lewis
Blake
ANDREW J. STONE.
Mr. Stone was born in Litchfield, Conn., and came to Cam-
den in 1840, accompanied by Mr. James Merriman, who married
Charlotte Sanford also a daughter of Giles Sanford. Mr. Mer-
riman died July 10. 1857, aged 42 years. Andrew J. Stone was a
carpenter by trade; he built the house on the corner of Second
and Union Streets, one part of which he occupied, and Mr. Mer-
riman the other. The house was later sold to Anson Strong,
who lived there for a term of years, until his death, and where
i84
PIONEER HISTORY OF
his wife continued to reside the remainder of her Hfe. Later,
A. J. Stone sold the property on Blake Street, and returned to
the village; he occupied one part of Mrs. Thomas Stone's house,
which stood back of the Congregational Church, but has been
moved to the south side of Union Street, between Main and
Second Streets. Eventually he bought the McCall house, which
is occupied by A. Gunther, on the corner of Miner Avenue and
Third Street, where he resided until his death. Angehna TMake
Stone died May 28, 1857, aged 57 years. After her death, Mr.
Stone married Charlotte Sanford Merriman. In 1854 he entered
into partnership with Daniel P. and Samuel Cox, in the sash
and blind factory, but at the time of his death had retired from
business. Andrew J. Stone died January 5, 1892, aged 76 years.
His wife, Charlotte Merriman, survived him but a few days, de-
parting this life January 10, 1892, aged 70 years. He left no fam-
ily, his children dying in infancy and early childhood.
JAMES JONES.
The home of Jesse Blake eventually passed into tlie possession
of the late James Jones, who came to Camden from Constantia,in
1852. He married Catherine Robinson in 1884. They lived for
many years, loved and respected by all who knew them. Fivechil-
dren were born to them — Josephine of Springfield, Mass.;
Isabella and Almon of Agawan, Mass.; Emma and William, still
living in the old home, the only descendants residing in Camden.
James Jones died in 1889, his wife surviving him until 1896. Just
across the road, on the west side of the little brook, almost op-
posite the tannery built by Jesse Blake, totally obliterated by
the finger of time, stands a little old wood-colored house, almost
black with age, and falling to the ground, unable to bear its own
weight.
LEWIS PRESTON.
It was built by Caleb Preston for his son Lewis, w-ho occu-
pied it for a few years, then located in the West, and it
was rented to a widow woman with two sons, Billy and Ephraim
Bass, the former being the man of all work for Caleb Preston.
It was a very primitive building, having been put together with
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
'85
wooden pins instead of nails. Here the widow lived with her
two sons many years. A great lover of tiowers, she was seldom
seen without a bunch of the old-fashioned and sweet-smelling
Lewis Preston's House.
blossoms, and the ground around her little cottage was a mass
of brightness. No descendants living in Camden. Mrs. Bass
•died April 16, 1867, aged 93 years.
RIAL BRACE.
On the left side, a road leads to Howd's Mills. The original
road ran in a little different way* but before there was any road,
while yet the beautiful forest trees stood towering toward the
sky, Rial Brace came from Torrenton, Conn., with his wife,
about 1805. They settled on the corner near Preston Hill. One
son and four daughters were born to them. But one living
in Camden, Mrs. James Lambie, and one daughter in Iowa.
Rial Brace died May 4, 1859, aged 78. His wife died
They rest in Forest Park Cemetery.
EBENEZER SPENCER.
Farther on this road, Ebenezer Spencer settled in 1830. He
bought 67 acres of land, and built a log house; he spent one
summer in his forest home, but becoming very homesick, went
back to Connecticut, and sold his interest in this section to his
i86
PIOXEER HISTORY OF
brother Ephraini, who, with wife and children, started the fol-
lowing spring for their new home. They came to Albany in
wagons, one conveyance for the family, and another for their
household goods. From Albany they continued their journey
on the Erie Canal, and arrived at New London, where they
W'ere conveyed overland to their forest home. The land was still
in its natural state, no clearings had been made, and even at the
date of their home-making in this locality, 'Sir. Spencer often
saw bears in the dense thickets. But time has wTought won-
drous changes here as elsewhere, broad corn-fields may be seen
to-day repaying the husbandman a hundred fold for the labor
of his hand. Ephraim Spencer married Cornelia Woodin, whose
home was in West Stockbridge, Mass. Eleven children were
born to them: George, Elias, Sally, Emily, Jane. William,
Angelina, Henry, Warren, Electa and Andrew. Ten are living,
but only one, Elias, is now in Camden, who was seven years old
when he came to this town with his father. He lives near the
place where his father's log house stood, where many happy
childhood days were spent, and where he has passed from man-
hood to old age. Ephraim Spencer died April 25. 1853, aged 60
years. His wife died . Elias Spencer married
Patience, daughter of Reuben Smith. She died February 9, 1884.
Returning to the main road on the left, until recentlv a small
Uri Hill H.nisc.
impainted house stood, with the well in front, and shaded on the
farther side with old gnarled api:)le-trees, a veritable pioneer
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
i8r
home. J. N. Secor has recently purchased the property, and it
has been made into a more modern house. This house was
built by Caleb Preston's sister Sally, who occupied it for a time,
then went West. Uri Hill purchased this property, and here
made his second home in Camden, where he spent the remainder
of his days. He died May 15, 1850, aged 78 years. His wife
went away from this town to live with her children.
EPHRAIM SANFORD.
Ephraim, son of Jonah Sanford, was born in the year 1789,
while the family resided in Clinton. He came to Camden with
his father while a young lad, and thus early in youth was inured
to the trials and hardships of pioneer life. He was a soldier in
Mr. Ephraim Sanford. Mrs. Ephraim Sanford.
the war of 1812, and soon after he returned home, married Tem-
perance, daughter of Capt. Joel Dunbar. He built a log house
on the corner of Blake and Dunbar Streets, near the site where,
later, the old Sanford home was erected, which is now owned
and occupied by Robert Craig, which has been remodeled. Here
they lived together 48 years. Twelve children were boni—
i88
PIOXEEIi HISTORY OF
Emily N., Melancthon, janies H., Benjamin Franklin, Sylvester
•C, Eliphalet Johnson, Cornelia, Alonson G., Francis A., W'm. M.,
Lorenzo Stoddard and Wilbur F. Their home was one of bright-
ness, surrounded by beautiful and choice flowers, which grati-
fied the eye of all who passed that way, or who were fortunate
enough to be numbered among their friends. There all of tne
luxuries of farm life abounded. Thev were the first to cultivate
SIEI^B^iiMu.'
1
J^
-^sr^
fe
'■-^^m
ifii
- ^k^ '^ -Si^^SiTBBwi
*» ml
Home of Ephr.lim Sarford.
and introduce the garden strawberr}', and many friends and
neighbors were the recipients of baskets of the luscious fruit.
Equally fine was the large orchard, containing many varieties
of apples, which were in great demand. Mr. Sanford was sum-
moned to his eternal home December 24, i860, aged 71 years.
Mrs. Sanford lived to the ripe age of 83 years. She was a con-
sistent member of tlie M. E. Church, which she joined in her
early youth. She was beloved by a large circle of friends and
relatives, who were called to mourn her loss October 30, 1874.
M E L A i\ CT 11 C ) X S A X FC) R D .
Melancthon, son of Jonah Sanford. married Sarah, daughter
of David Blakesley, and settled in a house a short distance east
of his father's home, which was built by Mr. Humphrey, a man
who came at an early date and located here. Fie did not remain
very long, but went to the western part of the State to live. By
his first wife Mr. Sanford had two daughters. Wealthy and Al-
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
189-
mina; the former became the wife of Mr. HonjT;singer of Rome;
and Almina continues to reside with her father. After the death
of his wife, Mr. Sanford married Mrs. Louisa B. Wilder. In
1872 he built a commodious house on the site of the old one,
where he now resides, within sight of his bovhood home.
ANDERSON WILSON.
Anderson Wilson, although not one of the pioneer settlers,
deserves mention as coming- to this town at a comparatively
early date. In 1831 he sailed from Ayshire, Scotland, in the sail-
ing vessel "Robert Stewart." He had a family of twelve chil-
dren, but most of them remained in their native land. He bought
the place, where he lived the remainder of his life, from Eliphalet
Johnson, and where his son, Archibald, now resides. It is near
the line dividing Camden from Hillsborough. William and
Archibald are the only sons living in Camden. Archibald mar-
ried Sarah Simmons, and they still live on the homestead. An-
derson Wilson died January 28, 1865, aged 84 years. Agnes, his
wife, died November, i860, aged 49 years. They rest in Forest
Park Cemetery.
CHAPTER X.
HILLSBORO.
HILLSBORO is a farming district about two miles and a half
south-west of Camden village. It was settled by nearly all
nationalities that were emigrating about 1X28 and 1830. Those
that came from the northern part of Ireland were in the linen
industry. After cotton was introduced it had a great effect on
that business, so they sotight homes in a new country.
The first that came from Scotland was Robert Morton. He
wrote back glowing accounts of the cheap farms and fine coun-
try, and through him others became interested in this neighbor-
hood. There was a parish in Scotland called Gladstone. A man
by the name of Brown owned most of it, and had a number of
farms. On one called Calieth, John Richmond, Sen., lived. John
Lambie, Sen., lived on another called ^liddlefield. W'm. Swanson,
Sen., and family of Mortons, lived on two other farms. These
men settled in Camden. It must have been a severe trial to
leave the land of their birth, the cherished home of earliest asso-
ciations, and cross the broad Atlantic to sojourn, in all prol)abili-
ity, the remainder of their lives in a strange land. They had left
dear old Scotland with its beautiful scenery. Near where they
lived was a place called Lowden Hid; at the foot it was one mile
in circumference, and half a mile high at any point. There was
a well of refreshing water on top of it. One half of the hill was
of large rocks of different formation and color; the other side had
beautiful verdure like a cultivated garden. It was a favorite place
for picnics, and friends met here from far and near. It is no
wonder that the wives of these pioneer Scotchmen shed tears
when settled in this hilly j^lacc in the forest, with hard work before
them.
There is a strong tide of Scotch blood running in the
arteries of many descendants of this part of the town.
And one tie that binds them to Scotland is the bag-
pipe, so much used in the land of Burns, who taught
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
191
the world to make an ideal of the actual. Scotchmen seldom
chano-e; you cannot smuggle a fiddle in church under the name
of a bass viol. When some of our friends were leaving Scotland
there w-as great anxiety among those left behind for fear in Am-
erica they might not be in reach of the gospel. In Scotland the
Sabbath is a quiet day. A member of a party traveling in Scot-
land in the summer of 1896, tried to hire a boat. He was told
that he could not rent a boat on the Sabbath day, l)ut he would
lend it to him, and he cculd pay for it on Monday. While re-
lating this, another story was told to the party. Two Scotchmen
after church were in the horse shed getting their horses,
when one of them said, "Neighbor, if it were na the Sabbath
day, I would ask you to sell me your horse." The other re-
sponded, "And if it were na the Sabbath day, I would tell you
I would sell you the horse for 40 pounds." "Ah neighbor,"
answered the other, "if it were na the Sabbath day I v/ould tell
you I would give 20 pounds." It was finally arranged that as
they could do no business on the Sabbath day, the man who
wanted the horse was tc bring 30 pounds on Monday and get
him.
Our genial English pioneers missed the advantages of their
mother country, but they easily became Americanized, for the
tie that unites us to England is very strong; stronger than
betw^een ours and any other nation; for we are the same people,
of the same blood, of the same language, and the same religion.
With patience and perseverance, most of these early settlers have
lived comfortably, and their families prospered.
The precise date the first settlers came here is unknown; it was
near 1800, as far as we can find out. Before any name was
given to this section, Andrew Monroe \\as the agent for George
Gallagar, a merchant of New York, who owned a large tract of
land in this part of the town. The first that came built shanties
and cleared a little land. Unfortunately, by these helping them-
selves freely to ash timber, they lost their homes. Uri Hill,
Curtiss Howd and James Whaley were among the supposed per-
manent settlers. The country being hilly, and Mr. Hill locating
here among the first, they called this place Hillsboro. When
Mr. Hill moved here from the Marv-el Hall place it was a dense
192
PIOM EJl nilSTORY OF
forest. James Whaley settled in North Hillsboro, Curtiss Howcl
and his descendants moved into the town of Vienna. They had
hopes of estabhshing a small village here in 1830, for the con-
venience of the farmers. Mr. Monroe gave land, and a building
was erected called the "Temple." It was used, although unfin-
ished, for a place of worship, as well as a school. Being unfin-
ished, it fell in by the weight of snow, in 1832.
Temple School House.
This present school building was made of some of the timber,,
which gave it the name of "Temple School -house. " Some of the
early teachers in this school were Angeline Cook, Louisa Sand-
ford, Clarissa Preston, Ann Brown, Polly Wood, and Ruth
Warner (afterwards Mrs. M. Butler). There was a log house
used for a school on the corner of the road leading to liabcock's
Mill. It was almost a ruins and the mothers of some of the large
families of the district wanted a new one located a little farther to
the east. The men were not ([uite ready, and they settled it in this
way: Election day, in 1831, when the men were away to vote,
the brave and persistent women of the neighborhood, with Mrs.
C. Wilsox as leader, hired a boy with a voke of oxen. He got
a chain and hitched to the underpinning of the old log house,
and with the aid and encouragement (^f the women, the old log
structure was flat on the ground, to the surprise of the voters
on their return home. The next year the district was divided.
No. 10 is the Temple District, N(^. it is the Lamhic District.
THE TOIVA' OF CAMDEN.
•93
Two log houses stood end for end where now stands the Bap-
tist Church — one house used for a dwelhno-, and the other for a
hlacksmith shop.
CHESTER WILCOX.
Chester Wilcox settled here in 1820, coming from Pompey,
N. Y. He first lived in a log house, and in 1828 built the house
Home of Chester Wilcox.
here represented. It has not been changed on the outside, and
but few changes inside. His first wife was Aurelia Sperry,
who died February 24, 1824, aged 28 years. She left three chil-
dren, Levi, Polly and Marion. He married the widow of Sam-
uel T. Woods for his second wife; seven children were born to
them— Rozana, Louisa, Aurelia, Seth, Fred, Edward and An-
drew. This place was used as a tavern for many years. ^Nlr.
C. Wilcox died August 4, 1862. His second wife died Septem-
ber 13, 1878, aged 80 years. Fred Wilcox owns this home now.
Levi Wilcox was born in 1818, in Pompey, N. Y.; died in De
Pere, Wisconsin, September 1896, aged 78 years. He married
Miss Lambie in 1846. Their children were — Chester, Jane, John
and Lilly. Seth lives in Camden, and his sister Louisa. She is the
widow of Joel Howd, who died in 1890. Edward and Andrew
live in Iowa.
JOHN JULIA.
Thomas Morris built the Babcock Mills very early. This
road was surveyed May, 182 1. John Julia owned this property
'3
194
PIONEER HISTORY OF
in 1820, before any public road was made. John Julia was a
carriage-maker by trade, was born in New York City in 1797.
He came to this county to seek his fortune with plenty of
means. He stopped in Utica on his wav. seeking work. In
going into a carriage shop he found them in trouble putting a
coach together. With his thorough understanding of the busi-
ness, he soon had it completed; this was the first coach in
Utica. Mr. Butterfield was so pleased, he had it drawn by six
white horses, with a colored man astride of each, and the em-
ployees in the coach for a ride to W'hitestown. Soon after Mr.
Julia settled in Camden he married the widow of Augustus By-
ington, who was the mother of three daughters; one married
James \'an Winkle, and one Mr. E. Walker, and Sophronia
married a Mr. Clark. John Julia's children were Sarah, Pa-
tience. Emily and Susan. John Julia died April 27, 1867, aged
70 years; Dotha, his wife, died November 16, 1868, aged 71
years.
John Julia built a >aw-mill and grist-mill, and also got out
shingles. The primitive wood-mi'.l was replaced by Mr. Julia's
improvements. He sold this property to Mr. Kirkland, and it
was conveyed to Ezra Jenkins, and from him to Peabodv; in
1846 it was sold to Babcock & Son.
HENRY BABCOCK.
Henry Babcock was born July 6, 1771. and died in Amboy.
His wife. Anna Bull, was born February 21, 1771. and came to
Camden with her son Amos Merrit Babcock, where she died.
Amos M. Babcock and his oldest son Edgar first owned this
mill property. It is now owned by Ogden Babcock. who
married Charlotte Foster in 1854 ; they have three sons. Willard,
Edgar and Seth. lulgar. Sen., married Emily Burnham in 1848;
she died in 1893; he married the second time the widow of Wil-
liam Stacy; Lovina married Luzon Raymond; Silas married
Calista Wilson; Bradford married Martha Stcadman; Henrv
married Hannah Jenkins; Susan married Charles Green. Amos
M. Babcock, the father of this family, was married November
2T, 1824. Mr. Bal)cock died August. 1893, aged 90 vears.
Martha, his wife, died in 1873.
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
195
JOHN DROUGHT.
John Drought came from Am'ooy in 1828, with his family,
and settled on the south road Isaac of Carterville, and John,
Jr., are the only ones living-. The mills were built by Mr.
Mason before any public highway. It was all a dense forest.
In order to get out to the main road they fired guns, and from
the response of those in the clearing, they followed the sound.
John Will and his father David Will came from England about
1835. John married Marryatt Conklin. Six children were
born to them. John Will died August 1, 1892, aged 79 rears.
He lived on the same farm 55 years.
EVAN JENKINS.
Evan Jenkins lived on the road leading to the Babcock Mills;
he moved from West Camden here. Their children were,
Jacob, Lew'is, David, Katie, Emily, Phebe, Maria, Caroline,
Hannah, Jane, Sarah Ann, and Elinor. Evan Jenkins died
January 5, 1869, aged 81 years; Lydia, his wife, died July 7,
1870, aged 81 years. Seven are living of this large family, but
none in this towai but grandchildren.
In 1828 there was an English family by the name of Bass that
lived half a mile back of the Lambie school-house; there was no
school-house then, the road that led to his clearing came out
there. There were two sons. Their mother made bobinet lace.
Mr. Bass had two cows that had to do the work of oxen, beside
supnlying the family with milk.
Home of Anlhony Lathers.
ANTHONY LATHERS.
Anthony Lathers, in Hillsboro's earliest days, bought a tract
'of land, which was almost a wilderness, and commenced the
196
PIOSEKR HISTORY OF
arduous task of niakiiij;- liimself a home. In his leisure time
from his farm work he boui^ht and sold cattle, and in so doing
obtained a good home. He lived up to agreements in all busi-
ness matters, and was a kind and warm friend. He was unmar-
ried, and the last two years of his life he made his home at W.
1. Cook's, where he died October, 1885. aged 81 years.
jOHX WILSOX.
lohn \\'ils(jn came from Harwinton. Conn., in 1802.
and l)uilt the house recently burned, at the top of the
lull cast of the school-house. District Xo. 11. He mar-
ried Jerusha Dunbar in Camden, December 4, 1803. Xine
children were born to them — George lived and died at the old
home; Clarrisa married Charles Burt, and lived in Hastings,
X. Y.; John married Ann Eliza Scoville, lived eight years in this
neighborhood, and then moved three miles l)elow Camden vil-
lage; Ephraim married Mrs. (_"\ntliia IJrace; Wesley married
Hannah Johnson in 1841 ; he died March 14, 1893, aged 76
■ears. His wife survived him l)iU a few months; she died Au-
^'ust 24, 1893. He bought the farm where he died, chopped
down the trees, built the house, and brought his bride to the
home he had taken so nuich pleasiux in making. After Mr.
Wilson's death, his aged widow could not be prevailed upon
to leave this place so dear to her, after spending fifty-two years
of her married life so closely associated with all her joys and
sorrows.
Daniel Wilson married Jane Ann Crawford, and lived next
to the Lambie school-house for several years, but they are now
living in the West. Jerusha died in infancv; Sally married
Henry Cleveland; Seth married Sarah Ann Jenkins, in 1847.
They were long life residents of this vicinity. Mr. Wilson died
September 28, 1893; his wife died June 14. i8(j2. Two daugh-
ters survive them.
John Wilson, the ])ioneer of this numerous family, was one
of tlie earliest settlers in the eastern j'jart of District X'o. 11. He
was born in Hanvinton. Conn.. January 17. 1784; died ^larch
4, 1844. His wife was bc^rn in PlymoiUh. Conn.. January 8..
1786, and died l-'ebruary 4, 1856.
TUE 7-0 WA' OF CAilDFN.
John Wilson, Sen., and wife, Elizabeth, father and niothcr
of our pioneer John Wilson, came at an early date, and lived
on Preston Hill with their (lau^s:hter Elizabeth (Mrs. Lvman
Steadman). They were married Eebruary 7. 1781. Thev were
blessed with eight children — Lois, John, Josiah, Chester,
' Rhody, Elizabeth, Polly and Russel Smith — all born in Con-
necticut. Capt. J. Wilson was from Harwinton, Conn., and was
Captain in the State Militia, and was prominent in church so-
ciety and town affairs. In the list of representatives to the
General Assembly from Harwinton is his name. He enlisted
in Capt. Seth Warner's Regiment January 2, 1779, whicli was
raised in Litchtield County. Capt. Wilson died very suddenly;
he was born March 26, 1760; died December i, 1839, 3.gei\ 79
years. His wife was born September 4, 1760; died Januar\- 22,
1844, aged S^T, years. They were buried in Mexico Street
Cemetery.
Home of John Lambie, Sen.
JOHN LAMBIE.
John Lambie, Sen., with his wife and seven children sailed
from Darvil, Ayrshire, Scotland, April, 1831, for America, and
came direct to Camden, and settled in Hillsboro. Their chil-
dren's names were Jolni, James, William, Jean, Isabella. Jen-
nett, Margaret. These were born in Scotland. C.avin. the
youngest, was born in Hillsboro; John married Jean Pichmond,
and for many years was a prominent business man an<l a highly
respected citizen in the village of Camden, living near drove ^UW.
igg PIONEER HISTORY Of
Mr. Lambie died Dec. i, 1875, aged 6t, leaving a widow and six
children; three are living at the present time — James, Jr., Wil-
liam and Mrs. D. G. Dorrance. James Lambie, Sen., died Feb-
ruary 19, 1889, aged yz. His wife and six children are living,
one daughter and son in Arkansas, three daughters in Camden,
and one in Michigan. William, Sen., died December .22, 1840,
aged 22; Jean, now deceased, married \\'illiam Rae; Isabella
married Levi Wilcox; Jennet is the wife of John Carter; ]Mar-
garet married W'illiam Allen; he died September 8. 1855. She
followed him in a short time, dying October 13. 1855. Capt.
Gavin A. Lambie, of the 146th Regiment, was very ill with the
camp fever, and brought home, and lived but a few weeks;
died February 14, 1862. John Lambie, Sen., lived only three
years after coming to this country; he died March 28. 1834,
aged 50 years. His wife was left with seven children, one an
invalid, and the oldest only 16 years old. Mrs. Lambie's maid-
en name was Jean Allen, sister to Charles Allen's father. She
was bom in Lenoxshire, in Scotland, in 1788; died in Camden,
April 23, 1869, aged 81 years.
ROBERT ^FIXTOSH.
Robert Mcintosh and wife came to Camden from Scotland in
1848, and have lived most of the time in the town. They came
in company with Robert Robertson and William Allen. He is
a farmer in Hillsboro. Christina, wife of Robert Mcintosh, died
February 22, 1897 aged 71 years.
John Clelland and wife, with three children, came from Scot-
land to Camden in 1847; settled in Hillsboro in 1855. Guy
John, and Christiana, were natives of Scotland; one son was
born here. Mr. Clelland, Sen., died in 1876, aged 66. His
wife died in 1858, aged 42 years.
William Barber and wife came here at a very early date.
They were Scotch Irish from the northern part of Ireland.
Their daughter, Matilda, married a Mr. Ewarts, and the other
daughter married James Cash, one of the oldest settlers. There
was one son, named Robert. Mr. and Mrs. Barber are buried
in Forest Park Cemetery.
Casper Coe and wife were among the early settlers; thev had
two daughters and three sons, David, Paul and Malaclii.
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. ,
ADAM FANCHER.
Mr. and ^Irs. Adam Fancher came to Camden from Con-
necticut prior to 1813. Mr. Fancher was very ingenious, as
well as a musician. While on their long tedious journev of
three weeks, he made a bagpipe, the first that was l^rought into
town. In coming by the Taberg road, they stopped the first
night at Tim Hyde's, near the Perry Parks j^lace. Tim was a
fifer in the rifle regiment, and they had a musical feast with no
pretentions of a strictly classical programme. Their hearers
must have had a spirit of tolerance, and a willingness to sacri-
fice their nerves to the enjoyment of this ])ioneer bagpipe play-
er. The next three days were spent with William Stevens, ^Irs.
Fancher's father, and soon they were settled in Hillsboro. ]\Ir.
Fancher and son Adam had a shop where they made spinning-
wheel heads, and other fixtures that went with them, also chairs
and bedsteads. This was the first chair factory in the town of
Camden. Adam Fancher, Jr., married Mary Abigail Johnson,
and from here moved to Rome with his father and mother. Ed-
ward went to Nebraska. Aden married C^■nthia Brooks, and
lived in Cleveland, Oswego County. X. Y. Elizabeth married
John Chism of Taberg. Henrietta married George Clifford;
their daughter is the wife of \\'alter Kceler of West Camden.
Jacob Jenkins bought the shop that was built by Adam
Fancher, and converted it into a saw-mill; all traces of the
building are gone.
Asa Burnham married Chloe Hill; ten children were born to
them — Eliza, Marion, Samantha, Ann, Susan, Angeline, Flan-
ders, Uriah, Harrison, Addison. Flanders' children are Asa,
Eliza, Enmia.
JOSEPIT JOHNSON.
Joseph Johnson died February, 1894, in his 90th year; his
wife died July 17, 1889. He was born on Preston Hill, and
married Isabel Wright in 1835; they moved to Hillsboro, where
he had built a house, and made a home for his young wife, and
Hved there the rest of their lives. Mv. Johnson occupied only
two houses, the one where he spent his married life, and the
one where he was born — quite remarkable for one who lived to
be nearly 90. There were two sons. Bradford, who lives in
jMichigan, and Abram. who lives on the old place.
PIONEER HISTORY OF
JOHN DAXX.
John Dann and wife came to Hillsboro from Xcw Hartford,
N. Y., and bought a farm in Lot No. 109. from George Gallager,
New York, Alay 8. 1827. There were twelve children born to
them — Jonathan, Mary Ann, Margaret, John, William, Isaac,
Robert, Jesse, Thomas, Edward, Charlotte and Esther. After
the children had grown and gone away from the old farm life,
they sold to Mr. Garlick, and moved into the village. j\f r. Dann
died in 1872. aged 78. His wife went to Xew Haven, Conn.,
to live with her sons. They are all prosperous men. Mrs. Dann
died there in 1887; she was a native of Scotland, born in a vil-
lage on the Clyde, near Glasgow.
Rev. William Ford.
UK. AXD MRS. I-ORI).
Rev. William l-'ord was born in .Xortli I lam])tonshire, Eng-
land, August 15. 1806. He came to this country in 1829. and
purchased a farm in Hillsboro. then returned to l^ngland for
his bride. They came in 1830, in a sailing \essel. and were five
weeks out of sight of land. At the time the\ came, this region
TIN-: TOWN OF CAMDEN.
Mrs. Williani Ford.
was comparatively a wilderness, there was not a frame house
in this part of the district. They soon got settled in this home,
and lived here the remainder of their life. Eleven children were
born to them, three died in infancv; eight grew to manhood
Home of Rev. William Ford.
and womanhood; six are living now: Rev. Jabez Ford, William
and James, Rev. Smith Ford of Lowell, Mass., Mrs. J. L.
Clelland, and Mrs. H. }. Wilson of Camden. At the time of
PIONEER HISTORY OF
Rev. William Ford's death, the faniil\- consisted of thirty-nine
children, ^grandchildren and children-in-law. Thirty-six were at
the funeral; his six sons acted as bearers. Susanna, his wife,
died March 25, 1870, aged 61 ; her funeral was held in the Tem-
ple school-house. Rev. I-'. X. Mauley officiated. Their son
John died in 1891, and Henry died very sud(lenl\- in 1895.
The first religious services were held in a barn: Fdder T. Mar-
tin conducted them. Rev. \\'illiam l-'ord was the first to be bap-
tized by immersion in Hillsboro; the baptism was in Babcock's
pond in 1831 ; he was licensed to preach September 12, 1835.
He was the founder of the Baptist Church in Hillsboro. At
the 25th anniversary of the church in 1896, we take portions
from the "Camden Advance:"
BAPTIST CHl'RCH.
"The Baptist Church was organized in 1870. with 19 mem-
bers; Robert Mcintosh and Jabez Ford were the first deacons;
James P. Ford was the first church clerk, holding the position
18 years, until his removal from the i)lacc, when Hamilton J.
Wilson, the present clerk, was chosen in his i)lace. Smith T.
Ford, now pastor of a church in Lowell, Mass., was the first
candidate for l)aptism. Early in 1871. Rev. Daniel Reese was
Hainist Churcli.
called to the pastorate, and it was decided to build a place of
worshi]). William I-'ord and wife gave ihe land, and the\- began
the foimdation in the middle of .March. June 20th it was com-
pleted and dedicated. Rev. Dr. Corey, of I'tica, ])reached the
serninn, assisted by Rev. Mcb'arley. The house cost $2,000,
THE 7'Oir.Y OF CAMDEN.
2°6-
$1,850 had been paid, leaving a balance of v$i5o, which was
raised that day; it was dedicated, and left them free from debt.
By their good management they keep a few dollars ahead at the
present day."
Their pastor left at the end of that year, and the ])ulpit was
supplied by students and W. C. Johnson. In 1879 deacon |abez
Ford was licensed to preach, and two years later was called to
the pastorate, a position he still holds. Of the original members.
Rev. William Ford, John H. Ford, John Clelland and Mrs. Mary
Chambers have died; 75 have been admitted by baptism; 64
during the present pastorate; 7 by letter, 22 by experience. Of
this number, 10 have died, 12 have been dismissed. The present
membership is 83, of whom about 40 are residents. This neat
little church is surrounded by our native maples, and it is
nestled peacefully away from the noise and strife of a village.
North of the church, on a rise of ground, stands a chartered
cemetery, very neatly kept. The first burials were two children
of Rev. J. Ford's.
ANDREW CRAWFORD.
Mr. Andrew Crawford came to Camden in the spring of
Andrew Crawford.
1831; sailed from Cavan, Ireland, December, 1830. On account
of some detention they were long on the way, and if they had
204
PIONEER HISTORY OF
not put in a g^ood supply of provisions, they would have known
wdiat hunger was before landing in New York. Five children
accompanied them; the oldest remained in Ireland, as he would
soon inherit property from an imcle, and also to finish his educa-
tion. The youngest, William Crawford, of Covington, Ky.,
stayed for company, and the\' eventually joined the family here
in their new home. When ^Ir. Crawford reached Utica, he
met Mr. J. Dann. and he advised him to purchase in Hillsboro.
It was a great change from their home in Ireland, among the
gentry. He was in the linen industr\-. Coming here with plcntv
of means, they did not suffer as man\- did. Mrs. Craw-
ford always remembered the poor; it was a place where many
hungry children got a slice of bread — she remembering that it
is "more blessed to give than to receive." It was a home where
ministers and teachers were made welcome. Mr. Crawford was
gored l)y a bull, and lix-ed in great agony eight days; he died
July 17, 1856, aged 65; his wife died in 1850, aged 60. The three
oldest sons went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and became very pros-
perous merchants. Susan died in 1894. at her brother Wil-
liam's at Covington, Kentucky. Archibald went to Michigan;
both he and his wife died there. John and Andrew live in Xew
York City. Jane married D. Wilson, and the other daughter,
F .C. Sanford of Camden.
JOHX A. M'GEE.
John A. McCice died in Hillsboro. I'ebruarv 8, 1877,
aged 79 years. He had been a resident of Camden
for over 50 years. He came in 1820 from .Schoharie Countv.
N. ^'., with two l)rothers, Abram and Samuel; John
Mc(iee's descendants live in this vicinity: his wife died i'.i
1868, leaving seven children, four sons and three daugh-
ters. She was a sister to William liecker. Sen.
Aaron Becker and wife were from Schenectadv: their
children were \\'illiam Conradt, Aaron, Maria, Eliza and
Lucretia; A\'illiam married Harriet \'an \'rankin in Schenectady
June 7, 1841. Three children were born to them, Nicholas, \'a.n
\'rankin, and one daughter. William and hYank of this village
are sons of \'. \\ Becker. William Becker, Sen., died in 1887,
aged -/z: Mrs. William Becker died in 1882, aged 60 \ears.
ABNER COOK.
Abner Cook was a resident here in 1821; he died August 7,
1834, aged 44. .\lmira. his wife, died May 21, 1864, aged 64.
There were four children, only George living now; Tracv and
THE TOWN OF U AM DEN.
205
a sister, Mrs. McGee, died in the fall of 1896. This farm has
been in the family 76 years. We have been unable to find out
about any other families in this part of Hillsboro.
William Kelly was born in Ireland in 1774. and died in Cam-
den, 1839, aged 55. In emig-rating here they came by water to
Quebec; they were shipwrecked on a rock; they staid until the
tide was out, then walked ashore, and were fed three weeks in
the woods by the Indians. They went to Quebec, and remained
one year, then came to Camden in 1817, bought land of (ial-
lager and Hanima, Scriba's Patent, four and a half miles south-
west of Camden, between Mexico and Hillsboro roads. William
Kelly's wife, Nancy Stuart, was born in Ireland in 1785; died
here in 1874, aged 89; her mother, Margaret Stuart, came with
them; she lived to be 102 years old; born 1759; died 1861. Three
children were born in Ireland — Eliza, David and Margaret;
William was born in Quebec; he was in the civil war; died in
the army hospital in 1864. Five more children were born in
Camden.
Abram E. Johnson.
Mrs. Abram E. Johnson.
ABRAM ELIPHALET JOHNSON.
Abram Eliphalet Johnson, son of Eliphalet and Mary John-
son, was born in Litchfield, Conn., Februan- 25, 1793. and died
in Richfield, Michigan, August, 1866, aged /^^. He came to
2o6 no SEER HISTORY OF
Camden with his fatlicr in 1805. ^'^ 1818 he married Amanda,
oldest daui^hter of Caleb Preston, and settled on land one mile
south of his father's, and built a log house after the fashion of
those days, with a larg-e stone chimney, with a fire-place that
held logs two feet through, and four feet long; they had to be
drawn with oxen to the door, and rolled into place with spikes
and cant-hooks; this tire would last 24 hours. By great in-
dustry this forest gradually melted away, and he had a farm of
one hundred acres, and well stocked. To meet the payments he
wielded a five-pound ix into trees, and cut them into piles for
market. He also received eight dollars bounty money for every
bear and deer that he killed. He killed from 40 to 50 bears, and
a good many deer, and in this way soon paid for his farm, with
the material aid of his devoted wife, who carded, spun, colored
and wove all their clothing, bedding and horse blankets.
The first few years they lived principally on wild meat, fish,
Indian meal, maple sugar and beans. Mrs. Johnson's hands
were always busy for those she loved, and her heart full of
prayers for her husband, children and friends. In a few vears
he built a substantial farm-dwelling and other necessary struc-
tures. There children were: Minerva, Calvin, Sybil A., Albert
Ei, and one child that died in infancy. Minerva married David
Gaylord in 1850, and h.ecame a resident of h'airfax, \'irginia,
and remained there antil 1854; Louisa Amanda and Emma
Aurelia were born there; Jesse, Fidelia and Elijah, who died in
infancy, were born in Camden. Mrs. Allen Joslin was one of
the daughters. Calvin married Marv Chambers in 1855. who
died July 5, 1868, and left two sons, Seth. a very promising
young man. died at the age of 31, in 1887; Samuel is a popu-
lar dentist in Absecon, N. J. Calvin Johnson married Sarah
Hare of West Camden in 1870, and about t1iat time moved to
Absecon. N. J., where he now resides. Sybil married loseph
Hart, and had three children; Albert is a resident of ^Michigan.
After the death of Mrs. Al)ram Johnson, October 3, 1865. her
husl)and went West, and remained with his son until his death.
THOMAS MARTIN.
Thomas Martin was born Septeml)cr 5. 1780. at Roads.
Northamptonshire. England. He preached in various pai-ts of
TflPJ TOWN OF CAMDEN. 207
tl'.at country for about eight years before coming- here, which was
in the spring of 1830. He soon found a fieUl here to employ the
talents with which God had endowed him, for in his own words
he said: "On July 25, 1830, at Hillsborough, Parish of Camden,
Oneida County, N. Y., I addressed a few people in the name of
the Lord." And at this place he continued to preach with the ex-
ception of a few Sabbaths wdien he preached in Vienna, until the
year 1832, when at a council covenant held No-v ember 15, 1831,
in the Baptist Church of \'ienna, at which Elder Samuel 151oss
was Moderator, and Elder P. Dawly. clerk, he was examined
for evangelistic work. There were present elders and deacons
from Floyd. Florence, Vernon. Vienna and Annsville He was
ordained to this work January, 1832. He entered the ministry
and continued to labor in his Master's service until his death,
which came suddenly January 22, 1865. He first settled in
Hillsboro, and afterwards moved into the town of Menna.
He established several Baptist societies, and was the father of the
first society in Hillsboro. When past 60 years of age he walked
eleven miles to the Lambie school-house, and held service. Be-
fore he returned home all he had to eat was Johnny cake and a
cup of tea. He preached in different hamlets in the town of
^''ienna. as well as in Camden. He w^ent bv the name of Elder
Martin, and was known as the pioneer preacher.
THOMAS CHAMBERS.
Thomas Chambers married Mary, daughter of Rev. Thomas
Martin, in Stoke, North Hamptonshire, England, in 1827; after
remaining there nearly three years they left the home of their
youthful days to establish a new^ home in this country. They
landed at Philadelphia in 1830, and some time during that year
came to Hillsboro. From New^ London they came w^ith a lum-
ber wagon drawn by oxen in July. Their oldest daughter was
born in England; she married Calvin Johnson in FIillsl)oro.
Mrs. Chambers was among the first to unite wnth the original
Baptist Church. She died January 22, 1884. Mr. Chambers died
September 10, 1873. Their oldest son died October 31, 1858.
Ann and Catharine married and died in Bayard, Iowa. ]\Iartin
Chambers lives on the old home; Sarah is Mrs. W. Burr of Xew
York Mills; Miss Salome Chambers of Utica. and Mrs. David
Young of Camden, are also their children.
1'1()m:i:i{ history of
WILLIAM SWA X SOX.
William Swanson and family arrived in this conntry from
Scotland in 1828; first went to Lockport. then came to North
Hillsboro in 1832. His wife was sister to John Lambie. Sen.,
they had six children, three born in Scotland, William born
on board ship, the others natives of this country. Mrs. Mar-
garet Lambie Swanson was born in Scotland, Gladstone Parish,
March 3, 1791; died July 27, 1873. William Swanson, Sen.,
born January i, 1797; died November 1, 1882. Geors^e Swan-
son died Jantinrv 9, ^'^^'t<\ he was largely interested in the lum-
Mr. William Swanson. Mrs. William Swanson.
ber business. He was a valued member of the rresbyterian
Church. Mrs. Swanson died February 18, 1891. aged 64. They
had five children, one daughter and four sons. John Swanson
was a soldier of the civil war, and belonged to tlic 146th Regi-
ment. William Swanson married the daughter of Daniel T.
Morton, who came to Hillsboro from Pennsylvania in 1847.
]\Ir. Morton was a Swiss; his wife a native of Scotland.
\\ illiam Swanson, Jr.. when a lad four vears old, was perfectly
fearless; and bears were plenty. One day hearing the dog bark,.
Tin: TOWS OF CAMhFW 209
he'started for him, and there was a bear ready to t^^ral) him, wlien
his brother George snatched him away. After a number of
years liis sister was married to Mr. Dnrney of Lee. After the
wedding they were invited to Mr. Richmond's to a part\-: tlicv
went with a four horse te^;m. Soon after their arrival there came
up a fearful storm, it was impossible to drive home. William,
then a large boy, started home unbeknown to them; he had two
miles to go. When he had got half way, he heard something
stepping ahead of him that sounded like a man, when he stopped
to listen; then the stepping stopped; finally he shouted. "Hallo
there," or "good evening." It was jjitch dark, and he cmild
not see anything before him ; but at the sound of his voice some-
thing gave a bound through the bushes. He hastened home,
and told his father, and early in the morning they went out to
see w hat it was. They found that a bear had been 1)acking up
on his haunches, ready to grab with his fore paws. For some
distance he could be tracked by the impression of the boy's boots
in the mud. If he had r^ot escaped an everlasting hug, I should
not have known this story as he told it to me. Morris of this
place, and Eugene of I'atavia, X. Y., are sons of William Swan-
son, Jr.
MRS. ANN WILSON.
Mrs. Ann R. Wilson came from Wales in 1829. She married
John Wilson in New York City; they first settled in Aml)oy.
Mr. Wilson died many xears ago. They came to Hills-
boro about 50 years ago. and settled on the farm now owned
by Jabez Ford, her son-in-law: she is also the mother of Kamil-
ton Wilson.
We have 1)een more or less interested in the names given to
hills and rivers, and so far have been successful. Jolumycake
Hill seemed quite novel, if not romantic; it is in North llills-
boro. In the old survey book it is recorded tliat the mad com-
ing out near Eliphalet Johnson's was altered in 1823: it nnist
have been at this place where the scene of this story was laid.
^lany years ago a number of men were cutting a road over
a hill. The foreman thought the men were not getting along
as fast as they ought, and he says, "r)oys, hurry up. or we will
not l)e ready for Johnnycake." When noon time came, and they
'4
2 so PIONEER HISTORY OF
sat down to lunch cm tlie hill, everyone, to his surprise, liad
Johnnycake, and they named the hill after the cake they were
feasting" upon.
XORTI! illLLSIlOROUGH.
North llillsl)oro is the 6th District set ofif in town. The
school-house is pleasantly situated on a side hill; one of the
pioneer teachers was Clarissa Preston.
Mr. Thomas ClifYord came into North Hillsboro at an early
date: he was an English soldier. ]\Iany a boy has been enter-
tained b\- his stories of his thrilling and narrow escapes while
in the army. Mrs. T. Clifford died in 1881, aged 88.
Tohn Richmond, Sen., arrived in Camden July 4, 1830. from
Scotland, with his wife and four children, Jean, John, William
and Jane. Mrs. John Lambie, the oldest, was about 13 years
of age. After leaving the Hudson at Albany they came by canal
to New London, and in a lumber wagon to Camden ; they
stopped at Park's tavern; it was on the corner where now stands
Curtiss' store. Before leaving Scotland the\- had to provide
their own provisions for the voyage. Arriving in New York
they replemished their lunch-box. and b\- the time they got here
they needed more. Mrs. Lambie. then a young girl, was sent
out to find a bakery. She walked up the street, and stopping
in the park opposite, now the home of T. D. Penfield, a lady
came out of a house close bv a blacksmith shop, and asked her
what she was looking for. She said. I am looking for a place
to buy a loaf of bread. She told her to come there, and she gave
her a loaf of fresh rye bread; and this was the first they had ever
eaten of Yankee bread. This lady iiroved to be Mrs. John Jidia.
and Mr. Julia was the blacksmith. It was the place where
Thomas IMorton worked. Mr. Richmond accompanied i\Ir.
Morton to his home, about three miles, near the Ambov woods,
not far from North Hillsboro. Plis farm consisted of one hun-
dred acres of uncleared land, with a log house without anv
floor, and the onlv cheerfid thing was a large fire-j)lace. This
Avas the farm about which he wrote back to -Scotland with such
glowing accounts. .Such a contrast from the home i\Ir. Rich-
mond had left. He was so overcome that he sat down and
cried. He made up his mind that he must make the best of it.
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. 211
for all he possessed was here, and imniediatel\- jiurchased land in
North Hillsboro, and lived there until his death, March 31,
1850, aged 68 years. Hannah, his wife, died Aoril 6. 1864, aged
74. It is quite noticeable in Scotch families that the first
girl is named after the grandmother, on the mother's side, and
the first boy after the grandfather on the father's side. The home
of the Richmonds in Scotland had been in their family eight
generations.
CARLETON BROTHERS.
John, James and Charles Carlton came to Xorth Hillsboro
from Syracuse, and settled on a cross-roac? that cam* out near
the Amboy line on Mexico road. They were cousins of Carlton
Brothers on Mexico Street. Charles had the title of Major, and
always went by the name of Major Carlton. He married Eliza-
beth Ann, datighter of William Clififord. The names of their
children were, Martha, Ann. Levi, John, Aaron. James, Ther-
essa and Elizabeth. The mother died when these children were
very young. Major Carlton died May, 1894. aged S2. He was
a native of County Kildare, Ireland.
JAMES WHALEY.
James Whaley came here prior to 1809. He was in the war
of 181 2. His brother, Theophilus \\'haley, came from Lake
George about 1821 ; he was a soldier of 1776. His wife was born
and brought up in Litchfield, Conn. L^pon coming here they
bought land in North Hillsboro, and built a log house, where
contentment reigned in this forest home with the endurance of
the hardships and deprivation of many of the comforts of life.
Mr. and Mrs. Theophilus Whalev lived and died on this farm,
and are buried in the famly lot close by. Mr. Whaley died in
1827, aged (58. Mary, his wife, died in 1842, aged 74. There
were eight children, five sons and three daughters — Reuben
Whaley, son of Theophilus, was born at Lake George in 1787;
died in Camden November 1850. His wife was born in 1802:
died 1888. Mr. R. Whaley was in the war of 18 12. His wife
drew a pension until her death. They arc buried in Forest Park
Cemetery. Seven children were born to them, only Mrs. Dor-
cas Marsh livine. She married Tames Marsh in t86t. and
212 PIONEER HISTORY OF
moved on t(j their farm in Millslxjro. Mr. J. Marsh died Januarv"
I, 1896. Ellen W'haley married Asa Warner: Mr. Warner died
in 1889; Airs. Warner in 1897. There are a number of descend-
ants of R. Whaley in town, among them are Airs. O. A. Alanzer,
and Dora and Seth Warner.
JOHN C. WARXER.
John C. Warner, father of Asa, came about 1832, and l)Ought
land on the Hne of Amboy and Camden. ( )ne of his orchards-
was in Amboy, and the other in Camden. His father was a
Revolutionary soldier, and a brother of Col. Seth Warner, whose
regiment was raised in Litchfield, Conn., January 2. 1779. John
C. Warner was born in 1800, and died in 1882. He is buried
in the cemetery near ihe I>aptist church in Hillsboro. This is
the l?.st place in this part of this district, and we are now on
the highest point of land in town, 450 feet al)ove Lake Ontario.
W fll ^\\■^■^■p
CHAPTER XI.
WOLCOTT HILL.
The north eastern part of the town of Camden was named by
its early inhabitants Wolcott Hill, after the town manv of its
settlers came from — ^^'olcott, Conn. Even in those earlv days
it was a town of considerable importance, and it is decidedly
a town of hills. Ephraim Smith was the first permanent settler,
coming ab(jnr iSoo. The Indians were friendly, fish plenty, game
abundant, and the spicy perfume of the new buds and wild-
blooming" flowers in spring- wafted to his New England heart a
sense of softness, which said, I will enjoy these natural blessings.
This part of the town is particularly pleasant in summer, the
views from its hills delightful to the eye — the air pure and in-
vigorating, the water as pure as any in the State, and from which
the village now gets its suppl}', and the inhabitants ver_\- hospit-
able. Crossing Mad River (which is supposed to have been
fe..
S
I^^^^M
S
1^ ■iM^-l.^^,,....:-.-^--,iy''''
^
p-," 1
CIR^ ' i ""'
|l-l
U.i
iSCt. "■.
~'"''**'*»'-»*«B«-cw .
-
The Grove Mills.
thus named from its similarity to the largest stream within the
limits of the town of Wolcott,Ct.) Coming from the village, and
following the Elorence road, the first old landmark on the left is
now known as The Grove Mills. Truly this is an appropriate
2 14 PIONEER HISTORY OF
name, so shady and cool surrounded ].y its oigantic n7ai)les set
out In- hands long since at rest from labor. The beautiful spot
was purchased of Heman Byington \)y Josiah Clark Sperry in
1813, for the erection of a clock manufactory, coming from
Waterbury, Conn., bringing tools with him for that purpose.
JOSIAH CLARK SPERRY.
After a few years he manufactured wood-bottom chairs and
flax-seed oil. In 1818 he built the house near the mill; the date
of its being built is found cut on a stone in the cellar wall.
Mr. Sperry built in 1840 on the opposite side of the road a
more commodious dwelling. In 1826 he formed a co-partner-
ship with Horace Scoville, for making hand hay-rakes. Mr.
Sperrv conveyed the mill property to Alexander GifTord. Its
present owners and occupants are T. S. Jackson and William
Payne, who do an extensive business In the flour, feed and grain
line, having a feed store in the village.
Mr. Sperry married in 1812, Miss Charry Sperry (a distant
relative), of Waterbury, Conn. They had but one child (Char-
lotte). Mrs. Sperry died in 1854, aged 80 years. In 1856 Mr.
Sperry married Mrs. Lydia Perkins Plumb, widow of William
Plumb. Mr. Sperry died in 1869, aged 81 years. Mrs. Lydia
Sperry died in 1895, aged 96 years. The first piano brought
into town was the one purchased by Josiah Clark Sperry. in
1835, for ^lis daughter Charlotte. We cannot refrain from re-
cording w^hat we have so often heard that ]\Iiss Charlotte was
the handsomest young lady in Camden. She married Col.
Cyrus Stoddard, son of Judge Israel Stoddard. ]\Ir. and AFrs.
Stoddard are now living (1897), and have the identical piano.
Dea. Stephen Pryant relates that when a small lad. having heard
at school that this piano was to arrive on a certain ilay. he hur-
riedly did the task his father re(|uired of him. and went down to
j\Ir. Sperry 's, stood around in the road until the instrument ar-
rived, but was greatly disappointed to find upon its arrival that
it was enclosed in a box. Later he often went down and sat on
a login the mill yard nearl\- ()])])osite the new house, ami listened
to Miss Charlotte's ])laying. Mrs. Stodtlard keeps up her prac-
tice, and sits at her instrument several hours a dav.
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
HEMAN l]YIX(7r(3N.
215
Home
Heman Bvineton.
H email Byington came to Camden from Wolcott, Conn.,
with his wife, Patience Peck, and children, about 1802, and
settled on what is known as the John Lambie farm. In 1806 his
name is recorded in the first town book. Mr. Byington built and
kept a tavern at the lower end of Alain Street, in those days
called Front street. Mr. Byington sold the farm to Dea. Erastus
Upson in 1843. ^'^r- Lambie purchased this farm in 185 1, and
it remained in his family until 1893, when it was purchased by
its present owner, E.Valencourt. Heman Byington died Septem-
ber 7, 1831, aged 60 years. Patience, his wife, died June 7, 1844,
aged 70 years, as stones at their graves in Mexico Street Cem-
etery record. Found in early record book of Congregational
Church, their children were baptized in 1813; their names were
Clarissa, Augustus, Elvira, Alvin, Rufus and Ira. Rufus and
Ira located in the West. Col. Ira was born January 19, 1813;
married Harriet Barnes in 1835. ^^ ^^^"^ ^^ Illinois in 1853.
j\Iany will remember Mr. John Lambie, who long occupied this
farm. He was engaged in various occupations other than
farming; he was much respected, and died lamented.
REV. ELIJAH GAYLORD.
On the east side of the road lived William Smith; lie was a
son of Ephraim, and married Polly, daughter of Bartholomew
Pond. Their children were, Allies, Hannah, Jehiel, Ann Eliza-
2 I 6
I'lO.XL'IU IHSTOHY OF
beth, IMiilander and ^Nlorcnus. He removed from Camden West.
His name is found on Congregational record book as earlv as
1807. In 1833 he sold this place to Horace, son of Stephen
Scoville. Horace Scoville married Sophronia, daughter of Col.
Rev. Elijah Gaylord.
John Smith in 1832. Their children were. Lois and John. ^Nlr.
Scoville died in Camden in 1880, on the 57th anniversary of his
marriage. His wife died in 1889, aged 92, at Omaha, Nebraska.
Mr. H. Scoville was long associated with J. C. Sperry in the
manufacture of hand hay-rakes. The place was later owned
by David Johnson, and for man\- }ears was the home of Rev.
Elijah Gaylord, who purchased it in 1843. It was sold to Mr.
Vandewalker in 1873. Rev. Gaylord was a native of Bristol.
Cc^nn., l)()rn in 1800. He emigrated with his father and famil\-
to Florence in 1804. their means of transportation Ijcing oxen.
Rev. Gaylord married in 1821. Miss h'.liza Stearns of Florence,
and moved to Caniden in 1830. lie had two sons and three sons-
in-law in the war of the rebellion, only one of whom came
home alive. This was David, his oldest son. Rev. Gaylord
was a lifelong advoca<^e of temperance, and strong in the anti-
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
217
slavery cause. He seems to have luul numerous trades, among
wliich was that of mill-wright and carpenter, was associated for
a time with J. C. Sperry, in the manufacture of hand liav-rakes.
He was long" a resident of Camden, and preached in the Wes-
leyan Church (the huilding- now used and occupied hv the Free
Methodists). The last years of his life he was connected with
the Wesleyan Methodist publishing liouse at Syracuse, in the
capacity of proof-read,.^r. He contributed many good articles
for publication. He was well educated, a man of strong consti-
tution, and lived to the great age of 92 years. His children
were: David, Adeline, Fidelia, George, Morrison, Caroline,
Aurelia and Jane Maria.
NATHAN BROWN.
What is known as the \\'affle place was in the early days the
home of Nathan lirown, who married Hannah, daughter of
Gideon Northrop. They had one child, a son, by the name of
Delos. Mr. Brown died in 1831, aged 31 years, as a stone in
Mexico Street Cemetery records. His widow married Deacon
Bennett Cobb, she being the second wife.
EPHRAIM SMITH.
Gerrit Smith's Home.
Ephraim Smith emigrated from \\'olcott. Conn., to Camden
about 1800, coming with a pair of oxen and one horse. His
was the first permanent settler's team that forded :\Iad River at
the junction of Florence and Tabergroads. He purchased his land
2 J 8 PIONEER HISTORY OF
ui an agent, and Iniilt a log house, on what is no\v known as the
William Wilson farm; he soon made an additional purchase of
land, known as the Gerrit Smith farm. Here he built a
frame house, which is used for the back or ell of the present
house. His children were John, William, Miles, Jehiel, Ephraim
jr., Sarah Ann and ( ierrit. (ierrit Smith was but seven years of
age when his father moved to this place. Gerrit Smith married
September 20, 1826, Miss Susan Tracy of New Preston, Conn.
He returned to Camden with his bride, making the journey in
the first spring wagon brought into the place. He was a soldier
of the war of 1812, enlisting when only 16 years of age. He
with his brother. Col. John, who enlisted at the same time, were
sent to Sackett's Harbor. His children were Amarett, Theressa
and New^ell. Ephraim Smith died December 11, 1831, aged 79
years. Annie, his wife, died September 14, 1827, aged y2> years.
Gerrit Smith died July i, 1883, aged 86 years. Susan, his wife,
died January 16, 1896, aged 96 years.
SCHOOLS OF THE EARLY DAYS.
The school-rooms of the early days were without even an
apology for modern seats and desks. ( )n three sides of the
school room were continuous slab or plank benches, over which
the girls, as well as the boys, were obliged to swing their feet
whenever necessary to use the desk. The instructor's desk oc-
cupied the center. Here was stationed a rod or ferule,
sometimes both. These, with books, inkstands, fire-shovel, a
])air of tongs, and one chair, were the principal furniture. One
side of the entry furnished a place of dejiosit for the hats and
spare clothes of the boys. The girls generally carried their bon-
nets, etc., into the school-room, \entilation was nuich neg-
lected. In sunmier the floor was washed every two or three
W'eeks. The winter school usually opened the first of Decem-
ber, and continued from twelve to sixteen weeks. Summer
school opened about the first of Ma\. Instructors usually
boarded in the families of the pupils. Their compensation varied
from seven to twelve dollars a month for men, and from
seventy cents to one dollar a week for women. W'e have been
told of one young lady who taught more than thirty terms in
the same district, who began her career as a teacher on the
THE TOWN OF CAM!) EX. 2i<).
munificent sum of one dollar per week, and boarded herself.
Webster had tact in discerning the wants of the country in his
day, and providing for them in his spelling book. There have
been few moral lessons productive of the same effect in the
country, as the famous old fable of the "Jjov that stole ajiples,''
and who sits, in the old wood-cut, alarmingly exposed, astride
of a branch of a tree, almost naked of foliage, while the farmer
in small clothes, one arm akimbo, the other in a most striking
attitude, takes aim at die young "saucebox." Then there is the
forsaken "Country Maid and her ]\Jilk-pail," teaching the
double lesson of the vanity of human expectations, and the folly
of unnecessary grief, that chickens are not to be counted be-
fore they are hatched, or milk to be wept over after it is spilt.
The story too of "The Iwy that went to the Woods to look for
Birds' Nests," when he should have goiie to school, and the
description of a good boy and of a bad bo>'. not forgetting the
wonderful table of "Proverbs, Counsels and Maxims," all in
words of one syllable, taxing the wisdom of nations, and the
strong old Saxon po.ver of the English language; all sound
lessons, calculated to make honest men and ingenious Benjamin
Franklins. The order of exercises for the day was usually as
follows: From nine o'clock A. M. to fifteen minutes past nine,
the instructor came to the door with a large ferule, and struck
several times on the door-post, as a signal for opening the school.
Such pupils as were present came in and took their seats, or
crowded around the fire. Those of the first class who were pres-
ent, read in the Testament. When this reading closed, writing
was attended to. In the winter copies and i^ens were to be pre-
pared (the pens were made from the quills of a goose's wing),
ink to be thawed and watered; and numbers wished to go to
the fire at once. In the midst of all this, the second and third
classes prepared to be called upon to read. About half past
ten the welcome sound, "You may go out," was heard. Fvery
one made his long "obeisance," and was inmiediately in the
street, but in from five to ten minutes the hnid rap brought
them to the place of obeisance, and to their seats again. The
two sexes went out separately. The remainder of the forenoon
was spent chiefly in spelling. School closed at twelve o'clock.
At the usual signal, "school dismissed" — a scene of confusioa
220 PIONEER HISTORY OF
coninicnccd. Jn the afteriKJon the raj) on the door stimnioned
them at once. The American l'rece])tor was then read by tlie
older ones; writing was next in order; second and third or
smaller classes were heard. A short recess was allowed, as in
the forenoon. It was cnstomar\- to have a pail of water and cup
near the school-room door. The water was sometimes handed
round. On coming in from the afternoon recess, the classes
x'lCre all exercised in their spelling lessons again, beginning with
th*' Noungest. ( )nce a week they were allowed to choose
sides for spelling, which took up about half the afternoon. The
side or party who mis-spelled the smallest number of words
\.as declared to have beaten, and they usually manifested much
t;iiHn])h. The exercises of the day closed by calling the roll,
and by giving positive orders for every pttpil to go straight
home, and be civil with everyone the}" might meet.
WOLCOTT HILL SCHOOL-HOUSE.
The first school taught on W'olcott Hill was in a room of the
log house of Dickerman S. Castle, about 1823. IMiss Lydia
r.rockett (later Mrs. Smith Miller, mother of I'erry 1'.. Miller)
^vas the first teacher. She came from W'aterbury. Conn., her
native place, to visit her sister, Mrs. Castle. She here formed the
acquaintance of Mr. Miller, whom she married October 5, 1825.
Mrs. Miller's eldest daughter, Rotlell, also taught in this district.
The date o{ building the first framed school-house cannot be
ascertained. The one r.ow standing is the second framed build-
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. 22,
ing, and was built by contract l)y Jacob Wio-^ins. \cr\- near
this school building is a wide spreading nia])lc tree set out l)v
( harles W'aldron about 1840, long before Arbor Dav was
thought of. Many a child now grown to manhood and w(jnian-
hood can tell of how good the noon dinners. i)ut up by grand-
mother, mother, or sister, relished, eaten from the tin pail under
the shade of this tree: also the frolics and visits its ])leasant
shades afforded. Deacon Stephen liryant has been clerk of
this district (No. 7) for twenty-one consecutive years, and still
holds that of^ce (1897). In 1851 a record shows that the yovuig
men of W'olcott Hill had a debating society, or as they named
their organization, "W'olcott Hill Lyceum.'" Its members were
George M. Gaylord, A. AI. Frisbie, Xewell T. Smith and Ezra
A. Edget. Many amusing discussions took place before this au-
gust body, as is found b-y looking over its records. These four
young men wrote articles on different subjects for what they
called "The Recorder" (an imaginary publication), which were
copied into a blank-book. Some of these are prose, and a few
are poetry. Recorded in same book in 1851 the school-house
is found to be much out oi repair.
RILEY ROOT.
Riley Root Farm, House built by Ephraim Meeker.
On a side or by-road to the left of the school house were the
homes of two early settlers. The first was the home of Riley
Root, son of Thomas and Princess Noble Root. Mr. Root came
from Durham, Green Countv, N. Y., to Camden in the spring
22 2 PIONEER HISTORY OF
of 1821, purchasing this farm. He was married ( )ctol^er 17 of
llie same vear, to Miss Lavina JJutler. V'we daughters were born
to them. Mrs. Root died June 25. 1834. ap.ed 31 years, and is
buried in Mexico Street Cemetery. Mr. Root removed to
Galesburg, 111., in 1836, where he died February 22. 1870. aged
75 vears. He was known as a man of integrity and honor, fond
of discussion, fluent in conversation upon subjects which inter-
ested him, and patentee of several inventions. He did nmch of
the first surveying here, as th.e first town book records.
JOSEPH PECK.
The other early home on this same road was that of Joseph
Peck. He came from East Haddam, Conn., early in the settle-
ment of the town, as nis name is found on the first Congrega-
tional Church record book in 181 7. Mr. Peck built on this place
a log house, and like all the first settlers, commenced to clear
the land. His children were: Lansing, Seth, Artemas, Dennis.
Ann, P.ennett, Mary and Armarilla.
SAMUEL DICKER^LW CASTLE.
Home of S. D. Castle.
Samuel Dickerman Castle was the son of Capt. Phineas Castle
of Revolutionary fame, and was born November 3, 1784, in
W'atcrburv, Conn, lie married Sally Procket, born January 20,
1789. He first came to Camden in 1806, walking fnun W'ater-
bury in company with several other young men (liis brother
Phineas being one who settled in hlorence), took up land from
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
223
an a"-ent and built a log house l:)cyon(l and on the left of where
now stands the Wolcott Hill school-house. Returning to Con-
f'%^
''i:-^''^-^-
Mr. S. D. Castle.
Mrs. S. D. Castle.
224 PIOMEJi HJiiTOKY OF
necticut, he was married during the year 1807, and again
started for Camden, now with liis young wife; a yoke of oxen
and one horse, some household goods, and a few farming tools
constituted the outfit. The journey was an adventurous one,,
wild animals, such as wolves, were numerous, and troubled the
settlers by killing their sheep; but young Castle was a good
n.arksman. ( )nc time nn a hunting trip, which was
made on snow shoes, he discovered deer tracks; he fol-
lowed and sighted three deer in a hollow, all of which he shot.
Bears were common and very troublesome, as they destroyed
ihv corn-fields. He was fond of setting traps, and in this way
caught many. Shooting foxes and catching wild ]:)igeons was
sport that he enjoyed. His mother visited him several times,
making the journey from Connecticut on horseback. Sally
Brockett, wife of S. D. Castle, died December 9. 1858, aged 70
years. Children of Samuel D.and Sally Brockett Castle: Chloe S.,
Lovido, Grace Angeline, Almira, Samuel, ( )rson. (iiles, Elmira,
Harriet, Flora, Sally, and Polly.
ALLEN SPERRY.
What is no\\- known as the Deacon .*^tei)hcn liryant farm was
the home of Allen Sperry. Mr. Sjjerry emigrated from Water-
bury, Conn., in 1805, '^\'ith a portion of his family (his three old-
est children remaining ii-. Connecticut until 181 ;;. These were
Anson, josiah Clark and I'liilomelia). lie built first a log house
on the op]M:)site side of the road from the jiresent framed dwel-
ling, now the residence of Deacon Pryant. and with his family
endured the hardships and priyations of earl\- settlers. This
farm later passed into the i)ossession of his son Anson (who re-
turned to Connecticut about 18 12. He enlisted as sergeant at
P)ridge])ort, under Charles Park, and served from |ul\- 1 _' to
September 9. 1S14), and later it was owned b\- Major j. 1).
Cavai'ly, from whom it was ])m"chased b\- Deacon Leverett
Bryant, father of .Stephen. The cliildren of .\llen .SjKM-rN- and
Al)igail his wife were <ill born in iDnneclicut. IIkn were An-
son, josiah Clark. Philomelia. Ira. Khoda. Andrew, Tolh aiid
Sherman. About 183^ .Andrew and .Sherman .S])err\ ft)rmed a
co-])artnershi]) for the manufacture "of hand lia\-rakes. Mrs.
Abigail, wife of .\Ilen .Siu'rrN-, unite(l witli tlie CouijreeMtional
THE TOWN OF CAMDKX.
225
Church in 1809. Andrew Sperry (Hcd suddenly April 26, 1869,
aged 72 years. Betsey, wife of Andrew Sperry, died April 18,
1835, aged 37 years.
Sherman Sperry was 88 years of age at the time of his (k-aih,
being then the oldest man in town. He had lived here since
he was about one year old— a thrifty farmer, and one of the
pioneer manufacturers of hand hay-rakes, which business he
carried on for many years. He was one of the original mem-
bers of the Congregational Church, and was for manv vears
leader of its choir He had but one son, Clark Sperrv, who
located in the West. His second wife was Mrs. Benjamin
Snow.
DEACON LEVERETT BRYANT.
Deacon Leverett Bryant came to Camden from Durham,
Green County, N. Y., in 1806, first settled on what is known as
the Horace Scoville place. He was greatly respected. He died
June 15, 1875, aged 84 years. He was twice married. Calista,
his first wife, died Jul} 24, 1855, aged 48 years. His second
B .^^
^
^ ' ^.^jtinH^^FTIHinn
Ej Uj
"^•^■rllSf- "
WKjjg
fli
K|-'
^1
^K....
Home (if Deacon Stephen liryant.
wiie died January 3, 1856, aged 80 years. Dea. Bryant served
two long terms as deacon in the Congregational Church of
Camden, first being elected in 1830; he continued in office until
he removed to Jefferson County. N. Y., in 1841. He was re-
elected on his return in 1856, holding the office until his death.
He was foremost in the reforms of his day, especially those of
anti-slavery and temperance. Some time about 1858 a tornado
15
2 26 PIONEER HISTORY OF
swept across a portion of this old farm, uprootint^ fourteen large
a])ple trees near where the log house was built. The old well
\--hich was near the house is th.e onlv trace left to mark this
early home.
JONATHAN BARNES."
What for many years was known as the jMcGovern farm was
owned in 1802 by Jonathan Barnes, who emigrated from W'ater-
I'ury, Conn., making the journey with his family, two yokes of
oxen, and a few household goods to begin life in the wilder-
ness. He is s])oken of as a man of iron nerve, never flinching
when undergoing a surgical operation, as blood poison was ap-
parent. He was a Revolutionary soldier, and we have long
since learned that these men were made of stronger and sterner
material than those of the present day. From Connecticut rec-
ords of Revolutionary soldiers, it is found that Jonathan
Barnes enlisted March 10. 1778, for the war, in the 3rd Regiment
Connecticut Line I'ormation of [777-1781, Champions Co.
January i, 1780, he was drunmier in ist Regiment. The fol-
lowing is copied from his family Bible, printed in Edenburgh.
England, MDCCXC.
"Jonathan Barnes. His Bible Bogght In the year 1791.
Steal not this book,
For it is a shame, for
In this book is the
Owner's Name.
Jonathan Barnes and Svl)il Bartholomew was married No-
vember 22, 1 78 1.
Polly Barnes, Ijearth August 23, 1782.
Stephen, hearth December 28. year 83.
Sally, hearth May 5. 1786.
Merrit. hearth August the 30. }ear 88.
Ransome. October 5. year 90.
Garry, hearth October 12, 92.
Harriet, her be'-th August 2, 1794.
Carra, her berth March i, 1797.
Cloe, her berth March 28, 1803.
Cloe, death March 24, 1804.
Stephen, death November 3, A. 1). i8o(^
Harriet, death September 13, 1812.
Garry, death October 24, 1812."
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. 227
SCOVILLE BROTHERS.
Harry and Seymour Scoville, sons of Joseph Scoville, had
from their father 40 acres of land each, beyond Sperry Hill, on
this road. Later they added to it more land, until they owned
ni^'U}- acres. Harry built a saw-mill on the north edge of his
farm, and Seymour had a shingle-mill near his house. They
were respected farmers and citizens. Harry Scoville married
Samantha Carley, January i, 1823. Their children were: Char-
lotte, Emeline, Adeline, Caroline, Hannah, Hiram, Lucw Ann,
Byron, Albert and Josephine. Harry Scoville died August 7,
1880; his wife, Samantha, died September 5, 1887. Seymour
Scoville was twice married, first to Dorcas Higgins, October
8, 1824. His second wife was Cleopatra Butts. Children by
first marriage — Sheldon, Merritt, Joseph, Chloe, Ann Eliza,
Jehiel, Rachel and James. Seymour Scoville died December 28,
1887, aged 83 years. His first wife died September 24. 1866;
his second wife April 6, 1891, aged 72.
Between the farms of the Scoville brothers was a small place
owned and occupied for many years by Henry Snyder, who came
from Schoharie, N. Y. Further we are unable to learn any-
thing of him. Beyond the Scovilles' house, very near the
I'lorence line, was a school-house, now^ in ruins. This edge of the
town is very pleasant in summer, with its large trees, fine
meadows and orchards, with pastures green. Joseph, son of
Seymour Scoville, was a zealous G. A. R. man, and member of
J. Parsons Stone's Post of Camden; he was also a member of
Ph''l?nthropic Lodge F. and A. M. In 1864 he enlisted in Co.
I . [5th Regiment of New^ York \'olunteers' Engineer Corps,
and February i was made sergeant. He was discharged June
13, 1865. He was a carpenter by trade. Died April 8, 1895,
aged 64 years and 4 months.
After crossing Mad River at the foot of Church Street, we
turn a little to the right, and take our course over the road
called Taberg Street. The first owners of the land at the right
and left of the highway, will be spoken of in another place. For
some rods no habitations have ever been that have come to our
knowledge.
CHAPTER Xll.
ISAAC LiARXES.
Isaac I5arnes came from W'atertown, Conn., in uSoi. With
him came his wife and six cliikh-en — Ezra, Isaac, jr.. Loly, Lois,
Tillotson and Demas. W'lien they came, there were neither
bridges across the streams, nor a road, except trees marked to
guide them in the way after they left Eort Stanwix, then httle
more than a mihtary post. They located half a mile east of the
village, on the way to.vards Taberg, on the farm now known as
the John Craig place. It would be dififictilt to describe the hard-
ships they encotmtered on the way. and after their arrival here.
But with stotit hearts, and willing hands, they bent to the task
before them, and made for themselves a home with as manv
comforts as were desired. Mr. Isaac IJarnes was somewhat
crippled, so rendered unable to he a soldier of the Revolution,
as so many of the new settlers had been. They were earnest
Christian people, helping to build up for themselves and then-
children a ])crmancnt church home, molding characters, htting
them for the positions they were in after years to fill. Their
home in the declining years of their lives was with the son Til-
lotson. who lived on the ])lace. and cared for them till their
death. Isaac Ilarnes died May 29. 1819. aged 75 vears. Lucv
Rarnes died Eebruary 18, 1819, aged 67 years. Buried in old
cemetery on Mexico street, by the pond. Of their children.
Ezra will be s])oken of elsewhere. Eol}- married Ichabod Com-
stock, the father of the late Elliott Comstock. lie resided in
Williamstown, and died there. There were three l)rothers, sons
of Loly and Ichabod. viz: h'dward. I'illotsou and Elliott. Edwin
resided in Williamstown. and l-llliott also, for man\- \ears. About
1873, Elliott with his wife, a daughter, and Mrs. Plumb, (who
was Mrs. Comstock's mother), removed to Camden, and lived
on Second Street, in the house now owned bv A. (1. Woc^d. Mr.
Wood married Margaret. Elliott's dauglUcr. for his third wife. In
later years Tillotson made his home with Elliott. Of the house-
hold since that time, 1873. all have gone hence: first, the aged
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
229
mother. Mrs. Samuel riumb; then 'l^iHotson. I^lholt, Mrs. Corn-
stock, and Margaret. Another dauglitcr of Mr. Comstock
married Mr. Benjamin I<>ench of W'ilHamstown, and still resides
there. Tillotson Comstcck was unmarried, and Edwin had no
children. All were interred in W'illiamstown. but Mrs. Wood,
who rests in I'ore^t Park Cemetery. ( )f others belonging to the
family of Loly and Ichabod Comstock, we have no knowledge.
Lois Barnes married a Mr. Gatchell, who lived on the Seventh.
She died young, and is buried in the Seventh burying ground.
Tillotson Barnes was ]6 years of age when his family came to
Camden. He was born about 1784 or 1785. May 13. 1813, when
28 years of age, he married Miss Clarissa, daughter of Heman
Byington, also from Connecticut. Their children were: Celestia
C", wdio married Amasa S. Parker of Connecticut; Emilia mar-
ried Horace Peck of Connecticut; Augustus married Sarah Julia
of Camden; Alvin married Caroline Luce of Illinois; Melzar
married Susan Whitman of Maine. The Isaac Barnes family
were not relatives of others of the name in this locality. The
Isaac Barnes house was the birthplace of all of Tillotson Barnes'
children, he having taken his residence there after his marriage,
and caring for his aged parents till their decease. The accom-
panying illustration shows the old part to the south, \\ith later
additions.
; .lUitson Barnes.
Tillotson was a millwright and machinist l)v trade, but skdled
in all handicraft. In 1825 or 1826 he formed a copartnership
with Clark Sperrv for the manufacture of rakes and hnseed oil.
2^o PIONEER HISTORY OF
The l)uikling- had formerly l)een used as a clock factory, that
being Air. Sperry's trade. Air. Barnes continued in the business
until he decided to try his fortune in the West, when in the
spring of 1832 he sold his farm to John Dean. In June of 1832
he went on a prospecting tour, and in Michigan he found a spot
to his taste. Returning to Camden he prepared to remove his
family, settling all business matters, and in October of the same
vear bade adieu to old friends and associations, departing for the
scenes of his new endeavors. Mr. Tillotson Barnes was an use-
ful, upright citizen, and it was reluctantly that Camden people
gave him up. His name is often found in records of both town
and church, assisting in many ways to biuld and improve spir-
itually and temporarily. Often in conversation, Air. Barnes is
referred to by the older residents of Camden at the present day.
In his Alichigan home he built himself a house, flouring mill,
and saw-mill, engaging in both business interests. His death
occurred in February, 1836, four years after taking u]) his resi-
dence there.
As an illustration of the high esteem in which Mr. Tillotson
Barnes was held, we give an incident which occurred during his
residence in this community. While on a visit West, he was
taken very ill. As the way from Buffalo east was by canal, he
reached New London by boat, too sick to be brought home by
wagon. Word was sent to friends in Camden of his condition.
and that proper medical aid and nursing were not procurable
at New London. When it became known among the citizens
that he was there, sick and among strangers, a hundred men
volunteered to proceed thither, and 1)ring him h(^me. This thev
accordingly did, taking turns in bearing him on a stretcher and
a bed of feathers to the bosom of his family. This was in the
year 1828. Are there one hundred men in Camden to-dav who
would render a similar humane service to an unfortunate
brother? Air. I'arnes iccovered, and it must have l:)een a life-
long, pleasant memory, to treasure in his lieart that so manv
friends u])rose to do him kindness when nccessitv re(|uired it.
The hearty, im])ulsive responses of our forefathers to anv call
fi'>r aid, is what we of this generation should emulate, without
stopping first to considei whether we shall receive in dollars and
THE TOWN OF CAM!)ES. j,,
cents a return for our assistance. Tlie Heavenlx I'allier will
attend to that.
Five of Tillotson Barnes' children are \ et livint;-, (jne in Kan-
sas, and four in Kalamazoo County, Michii;an. To the eldest,
Celestia (Mrs. A. S. Parker), we are indebted for the items
concerning Isaac and Tillotson Barnes and others of the family.
Mrs. Parker is a most mteresting writer, and has lent us inestim-
able aid in our work. Her memory reaches back t(j early scenes
in the history of the people and the town with a clearness rarely
to be found in those of younger years, and remarkably so for
one of eighty-two. The youngest of the five is seventy-two
}ears of age.
Demas Barnes, while yet a young man, followed his l)rother
Ezra to Ontario County, N. Y., and bought a farm near him.
After a time he marrisd Miss Lorina Gregory, and not long
thereafter died, leaving his wife with three children, two daugh-
ters and a son — May, Julia and Demas. The widow remained
on the farm, and when her children were old enough, were sent
to Oberlin College, Ohio, finishing theireducation at that school.
Mary married a Congregational minister. Both died not many
years later; Julia married J. C. Reynolds, connected with editing
and publishing a paper not remote from Rochester, N. Y.; Demas
after his studies were over, realized that for himself he must
make his way through life. Bringing pluck and energy to his
aid, success followed endeavor to an astonishing degree. After
some years of toil he amassed a goodly fortune, built a beauti-
ful home in Brooklyn. He must have been in politics somewhat,
for he was elected to Congress, a term or two. His wife died
not many years later, leaving one daughter. In later years he
married a Miss Blakesl^e, one of the Preston Hill family of that
name, then residing at St. Louis, Mo. By this union there were
two daughters. Mr. Barnes had a generous heart, and gave
with an open hand, freely and helpfully to all worthy applicants.
He lived to a good age. After his death his projierty invento-
ried $11,000,000.
For a short period of years there were several families who
owned and occupied the place, viz., John Dean, Honuel C.ilTord,
David Gaylord, Tohn Craig and others, who have mention in
2,, l'!(>\hi:ii HISTORY OF
Other parts of our work. Mr. Craii^' resided here from 1882 till
1895. when he sold to Cyrus E. Simmons, the present owMer.
Mr. Bauer occupies a portion of the house.
JOHX FREDERICK LOUIS 15 ACER.
John Frederick Louis Bauer was born at Darmstadt. Hesscn.
Germany, Julv 16, 1816. His education was obtained in prom-
inent schools of excellence in Cermany. September 28. 1840,
he married Helen Schmidt, who was born September 28, 1820.
A child was born to them, living to the age of but four months;
Mrs. Bauer lived but two years and a half after their marriage.
In 1846 he married a sister of his first choice, Caroline Schmidt,
born Dec. 27, 1823. In 1852 they left Germany for America,
residing four years in New York City, coming to Camden in
1856. Their first residence here was at "Shady Lake." the
])resent Much home, owned then by (ieorge Strong. Here they
lived till i860, when they bought of Byron Earll on Four Mile
S(|uare. In 1887 he removed to the Ebenezer Doten house on
Taberg Street, which was his home till 1896. ]Mrs. I'auer died
April 26. 1883, aged about sixty years. Mr. Bauer resides at
present in the Barnes house. We are pleased to give the opinion
of one who has known Mr. Bauer for a long time, which l)ut
voices the sentiments of all who have the honor of his ac-
(juaintance. as follows: "I consider it a rare privilege to have
enjoyed the accjuaintance of the subject of this sketch. To know
him is to esteem and love him. for he is one of those singularlv
pure-minded and unselfish characters which is occasionalh' met
with in the journey of life. A man of strict honor and integrit\-.
e(|uable in temper, genial in manner, and a ])leasing conversa-
tionalist, his society is enjoyable in a ver\- high degree. Posses-
sed of good educational advantages in his younger davs. the
results are evident to every one who converses with him. There
is in him a delightful combination of the scholar and the phi-
loso])her. and he has a good fund of humor beside. His educa-
tion has not been confined to books alone; he is a close observer
and student of nature. His knowledge of animals and insects.
])lants and fiowers. is accurate and extensive, and such as would
be no discredit to a professional scientist. I could sa\ nuich
THhJ TOWN OF CAMDEN. j,,
more of Mr. Ilauer, who is so deservedly loved and resi)ectcd,
but I may say in brief, that the charm of his character consists
in the great kindliness of his dis])osition, and in his unwavering
trust in the Higher Power who controls all things. 1 shall re-
tain through life, among my most pleasing memories, the many
hours I have spent in the society of l\[r. P.auer."' Mrs. Bauer is
buried in Forest Park Cemetery.
CHAPTER XIII.
COBB PLACE.
A family l)y tlie name (jf W'clton lived on this farm iirst. and
Mr W'elton suicided by cutting' his throat in a barn belonging
to the place. This was the first instance of the kind in town.
It occurred about 1815. and John Dean was the first to dis-
cover it.
HENRY PECK
Was a son of Joseph Peck of New Haven, Conn.; was the
tenth child of a family of fifteen children: was born ]\Iarch 7,
1764, and died February 14, 1833. He married Elizabeth Clark,
who was born July 19, 1766, and died September 21, 1842. They
removed to Camden about 1819, and at first settled on the farm
later owned by Philip Waldron, and afterward l)y two Frisbies
(probably James and Levi). They afterward moved to the
house on the east side of Taberg Street, the one known as the
"Old Cobb house," now utterly gone. It stood a fev.- rods north
of tlie present Cobb house, and it was here Henry Peck died.
While they lived here, a son, Melzar. was drowned in l-'ish
Creek, opposite the house, while bathing. There were six chil-
dren born to them, four living at the time of his death, one son.
Nelson, and three daughters, of whom Mrs. Solon Cook was
ore. Nelson moved to the State of ( )hi(i. IVith 'Sir. and Mrs.
I'eck are buried in the cemetery on .Mexico Street.
BENNETT COBB.
Deacon Bennett Cobb was born at Plymouth, Conn., Novem-
ber, 1785; died in Camden. N. Y., April 8, 1870, aged 84 years
and five months. He married Miss Mercy Doten, a sister of
P2benezer Doten, Sen., at Plymouth. Mr. Cobb belonged to a
family noted for longevity, an uncle living to the rcniarkaljly
great age of 107 vears. Strong in body and full of enci"g\'. Mr.
Cobb was not content to remain where i)ossibilities were so
few, and in 1825 he with his family and a company of relatives
(see E. Doten) started for the "Far West." What cause deter-
THE T0W:N of CAMDEN.
235
mined him to settle in this locahty we do not know, hut suppose
it to have possessed all the qualities that the New England home
lacked. Here land abounded in timber; it was to l)e had cheap-
ly, and in any number of acres desired; it was tillable, produc-
tive, free from the stones which make so nnich of the Xew Eni;-
land soil difficult to cultivate, and no doubt all these points
w'ere a consideration in his choice of a home. At this time, all
available, desirable land in the Eastern States had been settled,
so that any for sale commanded a high price; that less ex])en
sive was stony, hilly, bleak, and only to be cultivated undei
difficulties. These matters well weighed in the minds of worthy-
Deacon Cobb.
pioneers, they determined upon removal to a fairer clime. Ac-
cordingly they made preparations for the join-ncy. Their ef-
fects were packed in emigrant wagons drawn by oxen. Each
one took his or her turn in performing a part of the jour-
ney on foot. Every morning before partaking of the meager
meal, they thanked God for preservation from harm through
the night, and asked for divine guidance; that He would keep
tJiem on the way, imploring Him who never slumbers nor
236
I'loxhi.R nisToh'Y or
sleeps to hriiiQ- them safely to their journey's end Their faith
was strong in their Leader and Friend, and in these morning
and evening devotions Deacon Cobb led in their supplications.
But a short time after their arrival here, and their establish-
ment in a new home. Deacon Cobb's name appears ujjon the
church roll, and he served its best interests for over forty years.
It was his custom to attend the weekly prayer meetings, in-
variably walking, until the infirmities of age made it impossible.
No doubt there are many yet living who remember his familiar
figure as he wended his way to the meeting house to attend
devotional services. He gave most liberally and willingly
to benevolent causes, though not considered one of the moneyed
men of the town. It was his pleasure and habit. His pastor
said of him, at the god man's funeral, "That the last year and
a half of his life, he had given as much to these causes as all
of the rest of Camden." He felt it a duty to give. His wife,
Mercy Cobb, died April i8, 1838, aged 49. Though not as early
IhuiK- <if l)i.-aci.n Cobb.
to find a home here as some others, he became an honored and
useful citizen, and he served the town of his adoption faithfully
and well. He married a second time, the widow of Xathaniel
Brown, a \ ear or so after the death of his first wife. The
original home of liennett Cobl) stood on the east side of the
highway, back on the rise of ground. It was subsequentlv re-
moved to the west side of the street, and became the wood-house
of the residence now known as the Deacon Cobb place, which
Tin: T()]v\ OF ('AMiu:\. 2
he built some years later, where he resided till his death, with
his son Bennett, Jr. Four of Deacon Hcnnett ( nl)l)s" children
are buried in the jMexico Street Cemetery, h^rancis, who died
in 1828, aged one year; Melissa, in 1835, aged eight years;
Matilda, in 1836, aged 18 years; Joanna, in 1838, aged 27, years.
The remains of both Mr. and Mrs. Cobl) repose in the pioneer
cemetery on Mexico vStreet.
Ilennett Cobb, Junior, occu])ied the home of his father;
was the onlv child of Deacon IJennett Col)]) that re-
mained in town. He married Aliss Mehetabel, daughter of
Ezra Cobb of Lewis County, X. Y. Xo descendants live
in Camden. One son, Ezra, married Miss Abigail Willis of
Camden, and they lived here for a few years, when they re-
moved to Svracuse, where they reside at present. A daughter,
^latilda, married a Mr. Carpenter, and removed to the West.
W'e copy a letter written by Bennett Cobb, Junior, soon after
their arrival in Camden. It is somewhat descriptive of the trip,
and may be of interest. To whom it is addressed is not plain.
"Camden, December 8, 1824.
According to your request, I now sit down to inform you that
Ave are all well, hoping these few lines will find \ou enjoying
the same blessing. We had a very delightful journe\', and were
twenty-two days on the road. We had very warm and pleasant
weather, and there was no rain to hinder us an hour or a
minute. The first night we staid at Taunton, at Dean's Inn.
There grandmother found an old acquaintance; she that was
^lercy King. The next night we stayed at Providence, at
Ridge's Inn, where we were used very well. The next night, at
Gloucester, Chopatchet village, at Peckham's Inn. At Smith-
field, a Mrs. Thon]pson we saw. She seemed verv glad to see
us, and to hear from her friends in Plympton. She was the
daughter of Mr. Daniel Soule's wife. W^e came through many
pleasant and delightful villages, and were four days crossing the
Green Mountains. The road was made on level gmund by the
river, sometimes on the right and sometimes on the left. The
mountains on each side hung almost over our heads. The roads
were as good as anvwhere in the County of Plymouth. Before
we left the Green Mountains we staved at Dewey's Inn. He
22,%
PIONEER HISTORY OF
■was a man that made free use of sj^irits. and treated liimself so
often that he could do nothint^ but walk about and hold a candle,
but treated us very well. The children found plenty of chestnuts
and shagbarks b}- the way. October 27 we passed through
Greenbush, crossed the river Hudson, and through the pleasant
city of Albany. The day following passed the delightful city of
Schenectady. Crossed the river Mohawk, and traveled many
miles among the Dutch. They are a people that live in good
fashion, build their houses two stories high, with their ovens
out of doors. We followed the canal about one hundred miles,
boats passing us every day. We heard their music day and
night. Crossed the Mohawk again at Utica. It is a large and
delightful city, with elegant buildings. There we saw a company
•of engineers which interested us much. The next day we passed
the village of Rome, and November 3rd we arrived at Camden
about nine o'clock in the evening. It is very well situated, and
contains about as many sc|uare miles as Carver, and upwards of
1,400 inhabitants. It has thirteen school districts, one tow^n
school-house, an academ\ , two elegant meeting houses, and a
good minister (Rev. Henry Smith). There are within a mile
five stores, three taverns, three grist-mills, four or five saw-mills,
two hat factories, one coml) factory, two fulling mills, two
potdsheries, one chair factory, one woolen factory, one tin
factory, two tanning establishments. The first tree was cut
down 29 years ago. A few inhabitants then came in from Con-
necticut. They were a very kind and respectable people. We
can give you but a short account of the situation of Camden.
Next Monday I conuuence going to school at the Academy.
My teacher is Mr. Seagur. Mr. \'an Alstvne will keep school in
our district (Peck). Love to all the friends, and Aunt Rickard
in particular. I subscribe myself your nephew.
P.ennett Cobb."
I)e Witt ClinttMi for ("Kwernor. Thanksgiving. Deceml)er 21.
1824.
PAUL TANNERY.
A few rods below the P)ennett Cobb house, the highway
crosses a busy stream, called "Cobb Brook." The fa-
cilities it affords for water jKiwer was early made avail-
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. 20
able, and numerous mills were Iniilt alonji- its course.
In 1855 Benjamin Buell and David Gaylord erected a l)uildin£j
for the manufacture of broom handles. The land was then
owned by Mr. Miner Buell. In later years Mr. Bettis owned and
converted it into a tannery, ?nd for a few years the Costellos
used it for the same purpose. It is still used as a tannery, and
operated by Robert Paul. The land on which it stands was a
part of the Ebenezer Doten, Junior, farm.
EBENEZER DOTEX, JR.,
Was born in Middleboro, Mass., in 1795. In 1819 he married
Miss Deborah Soule, .md came to Camden in 1825. The house
just beyond Cobb Brook was built by him soon after, on a part
of his father's farm. He was a genial, cheerful g'entleman. and
no doubt will be remembered by many at the present time.
His life was full of activity, his duties Cjuietly, but earnestly pur-
sued. Three children grew to mature years. Miss Mary, Otis
and Alfred. Mrs. Doten was one of uncommon geniality of
disposition, brightening" many a dark passage along life's wav,
by her sunny nature. She was always looking for the "silver
Hning" to every cloud; was an earnest Christian, interesting
herself helpfully in the welfare of the community, attaching her-
self warmly to the hearts of her friends. They both attained a
good old age. Mr. Doten died in 1876, aged 81 years, and Mrs.
Doten died in 1886, aged 84 years. Both are buried in I-'orest
Park Cemetery.
Otis Doten is the only one of their family remaining in Cam-
den; has been a prominent dentist here for twenty-five or more
years; is an honest, upright, law-abiding citizen, respected l)y
the community. He was born in this town.
Hannah Doten, sister of Ebenezer and John DoLen, married
Isaiah Tillson in Connecticut. In 1827 Mrs. Tillson came to
Camden with her four children. The journey was then made,
as in earlier years, with the covered wagon, containing the
household effects. She came to be near her brothers, that they
might have a care over her and her family. Much of the way
was made by the older children on foot. The Hudson was
crossed at Albany on a ferry, propelled by horses walking around
a capstan in the centre of the boat. In I)eceml)er, 1843. Mrs.
240
PIONEER llhSTORY OF
Tillson died, aged 52, and Lucy, her dauj^hter, in 1845, aged
19 years. Buried in Mexico Street Cemetery. The two sons still
survive — Calvin Chadflock of this town, the father of ^Irs. L.
Fay, and Charles Edwin of Wayne Countv. who married Mary
A. Curtiss, sister of Mrs. Harry (joodyear. We are indebted to
Mr. Calvin Tillson for many items of interest in ccnmection with
our work.
D()TI-:X lAK.M— ASAIMl \\HJTTLKS1-:V.
The deed of the farm now known as the Doten i)lace shows the
land. 124 acres, to lia\e l)een bought by contract of George
Scriba by Asaph Whittlesey of Wayne County in 1810. Sub-
sequent changes and business dealings show that his wife was
Clarinda, W hittlesex . and his cliildrcn to ha\e l)een named,
Asaph, Cornelia, Melzar, h^ranklin, Charles and Emily. In 1816
Roswell L}-man Colt occupied it a short time, and then disap-
])eared. as did the Whittlese_\s. It is altogether ])robal)le that
while on the place, Mr. W'hittlese_\- died, kaving a famih', for
when Mr. Doten purchased the place in 1824 it was necessarv
to go through a legal process, in which Mrs. Whittlesev and the
children figured prominetly before the title could be made a
clear one.
DOTEN FARM— PHILO SCOMLLE.
Home (if Philo Scoville.
Tn 1817 Philo Sco\ille ap])ears in deeds as owning the ])lace.
lie came from the eastern country, and married Miss Cyrene,
sister of Samuel Cleveland of this town. Her father or sfrand-
THE 7'OllV OF i\\MI)i:\. ^ .
24 I
sire was a Church of England clergyman, coming to America,
and settling in Massachusetts, and in some way related to Roger
Williams. They were also related to the Hulburts and to Mrs.
Micajah Butler (Ruth Warner). It is to be regretted that we
can be no more authentic in this matter, but much time has been
given to unraveling the genealogy to no avail. However, of
Philo Scoville's business career in Camden we have elicited
somewhat. He was an expert in the building and burning of
charcoal pits, and on one occasion he prepared and burned in
one pit the timber from nine acres of ground. This was the won-
der of the town, and great interest was taken by the residents to
learn if it was successful. It was even beyond Mr. Scoville's
most sanguine expectations, for in every part the coal was
burned to the proper gauge. This supplied the iron foundry at
Taberg, v^-here he manufactured five pail kettles, skillets,
&c. His deeds of daring, as related by himself, were of intense
interest. He had a gift of story-telling, was a wit, and made
friends rapidly in the community. One dark night as Eleazer
Peck and Mr. Scoville were returning from Taberg, on horse-
back, Mr. Scoville's horse mistook his course, and plunged over
an embankment, taking his rider with him. Mr. Peck greatly
akrmed, called out, "Scoville, are you dead?" "No," came the
reply. "I am just looking for my horse." Mr. Scoville removed
to Watertown about 1824, and from there to Indiana in 1837.
Further we can not learn.
EBENEZER DOTEN.
The subject of this sketch was born in Plymouth, Carver
County, Conn., in 1762, and died in Camden, N. Y., February
22, 1856, aged 93 years and six months. He married Rebecca
Rickard, born in 1758, and died August i, 1835, aged yy years.
Both were interred in the Mexico Street Cemetery, their graves
suitably marked with stones, yet well preserved. These sturdy
cl-iildrcn of New England came from Middleboro, Mass., to
Camden in 1825. Of the party of pilgrims to this Mecca of the'r
hopes there were fifteen souls, viz.: Ebenezer Dotcn, Sen., and
wife Rebecca; John Doten, Deborah Doten, Lucy Doten, Eben-
ezer Doten, Jr., and wife Deborah, and two children; Bennett
Cotb and wife, and four children. In 1842 Deborah Dotcn.
16
242
i'I(>m:i:u ///n/o/.'v of
daughter of Ebenezer Doten, Sen., died, and in 1843 their
daughter Lucy, aged respectively 48 and 44 years. Both are
buried in Forest Park Cemetery. Mr. Doten located on the
Taberg road, about where the residence of Mr. John Doten now
is. His object in comir.g" to Camden was because of the avail-
ability of land, and its cheapness. He was a shoemaker by
trade, and found employment for all his time- — in pleasant
weather for clearing land, and when inclement, looking after the
needs of his neighbors and family's soles. Mr. Doten was a
genial, hearty man, and won many friends; was a kind neighbor,
good citizen, and was much respected by all. Tliey were truly
Christian people, and it is said of their band, as they pushed
their way through the wilderness, that they came with thanks-
1
L
Ebenezer Dt)ten.
giving; and on one occasion, as their voices swelled the song of
praise to Him who watched and guided them on their way, a
company of Indians paused in passing, and listened in evident
appreciation, only moving on after the song ceased. Of such
earnest, true-hearted people, too nuich can hardly be said. In
sickness ever ready to nurse and care for those who suffered;
THE TOWS or (• 1 !//>/;\
243
in toil lending a helping hand, giving a neighborly attention at
all times of necessity, and missed greatly when they were gone
from their midst. The portrait of Mr. Doten, which we give,
was taken the day he was 91 years of age.
JOHN DOTEN
Was born in Carver, Plymouth County, Mass., in 1801. He was
a son of Ebenezer Doten, Sen., and Rebeka, coming to Cam-
den with his parents in 1824. (See Cobb.) In 1844 he married
Mary, daughter of Ezra Cobb of Lewis County, who was a
cousin of Deacon Bennett Cobb. He resided on the home farm,
ami afler the death of his father removed the old house to the
rear of the present one where it is still used as a carriage bam.
(see illustration of the Philo Scoville house on page 240)
Tie built a more convenient structure for his use. Four chil-
dren were born to them — Myron and William, who died in
childhood; Mary A. and Addie E., who live with their mother,
and conduct the farm. As a young man, Mr. Doten's faith in
God was earnest and deep, and with advancing years it strength-
ened. In a letter written by him to friends left behind, in
1824, he expresses that faith in language that can not fail to be
understood, and describes most interestingly the zeal of Cam-
den residents, in a revival conducted by the Rev. Henry Smith.
Mr. Doten was called to enjoy the blessings in store for him at
the ripe age of 84 years, in 1885. His remains rest in Forest
Park Cemetery. Mrs. Doten is a kindly, hospitable lady, in the
fullness of her mental powers, conversing with much interest
upon matters pertaining to the past. She is carefully ministered
to by her dutiful daughters, and life goes very well with them.
Mrs. Doten was born in 1819, being now seventy-eiglit years of
age.
MABIE PLACE— WILLIAM STEVENS.
William Stevens was born in Connecticut in 1734, and came
from Wolcott, Conn., not far from 1800, and soon after erected
the house now known as the Mabie place. We much regret
that we have been unable to find more than we give concerning
Mr. Stevens and his family. He was a soldier in the War of
the Revolution, serving his country bravely and with much
honor to himself. Prior to his residence in Camden, while a
244
i'i(>M:i:n histoky of
citizen of Wolcott, Conn., he manufactured a celebrated pitch-
fork, but faiHng in the enterprise, came here to find a more suc-
cessful occupation. We give an accompanying illustration of
the house as it now appears in a well preserved condition, owned
by Mr. Spaulding Deck. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens suffered the
l\l;ibie Place.
loss of an amiable daughter, W'clthena, in August, 1812. a Miss,
of jS years, who was shortly to have married Rossiter Pres-
ton; Sylvester, a son, aged 22, who married a daughter of John
Stoddard (brother of Israel and Eliakim) was also removed by
death in 181 2. This double affliction was a blow to them.
Many bright hopes were in anticipation for him, but the enemy^
death, won the race, and he was laid to rest beside the sister in
Mexico Street Cemetery. William Stevens is spoken of as one
of much respectability, and from old records we find him to have
been prominent in church work. A daughter married Adam
Fancher. His son William removed to Camden village, wdiere
mention will be made of him. William Stevens died February
17, 1814, aged 80 years, of cjuinsy; was a half brother of Mar-
tin Stevens, who will be elsewhere mentioned. He rests beside
his children in Mexico Street Cemetery.
JOFL TV S^HTH,
The next owner of the Stevens ])lace, came to Camden from
Kent, Litchfield County, Conn., in I\lay, i8t2. He was born at
New Milford, Conn., February 2, 1788. He married Harriet
Brownson, who was born January i, 1791. at Warren, Conn. His-
'/•///; rr>n-\ or c\mih:\. ^
first Camden home was at the corner of Main and Mexico
Streets, in a small house then already standinj^^. He soon built
a ir.ore pretentious dwelling^, better suited to the needs of his
f.imily. moving the smaller house to form a wing- at the rear of
the new structure. This house stood with the eaves toward, and
very near the street, and became some years later what was
known cis the Cavarly house, occupied by J. D. Cavarly. Here
six of his children were born. He lived on the place for thirteen
years, when he traded his village property with William Stevens
for a farm on the Taberg road. This was his residence for
eleven years, when he became possessed with a desire to go
West, and, selling in 1836, he removed his family to Penfield,
Ohio, in 1837. They had ten children. Myron B. Smith born
November 30, 181 1, in Kent. Conn.; Levi, born October 13,
1812, died young, in Camden; Sarah Stevens, born March 6,
1814, died, aged 24 years; Levi, born December 23, 1815, died
March 6, 1884; Harvey Parke, born June 2, 1817; George Lam-
bert, born December i, 1818, died April 23, 1889; Harriet Eliza,
born Jul;,' 8, 1821. died February i. 1870; Hiram, born Fel)ruary
26, 1824, died January 26. 1881 ; Joel Carleton, born April 9,
1827; Henry Stevens, born January i, 183 1. Mr. Smith was an
architect and builder, serving an apprenticeship of seven years,
and designed his own plans for buildings. He erected the first M.
E. Church — commenced it in 1821, and completed it in 1822. In
1835 he raised it from the foundation, making basement rooms
for Sunday School uses. He also built the "Priest Smith" house,
or the Congregational parsonage in 1817, and Geo. Trowbridge's
house soon after. In the process of building the parsonage,
Mr. Smith sustained quite severe injuries from a fall, making it
necessary for him to rest from labor for a time. The church
still stands, being used as a lumber store-house by C. Boehm,
and stands back of his wagon factory. It was used by the
Roman Catholics as a place of worship for some years. Mr.
Smith was one of a family of ten sons and three daughters — three
of his brothers in the ministry. They were all reared in the fear
and admonition of the Lord. His father's name was Joel, a
man of much means. He gave by will seven hundred and
twelve dollars to each of his children, and to his wife a generous
2^1
PI<)XLi:if HISTORY OF
portion for the times. We give tlie first clause of his will, a
copy of which is at hand:
"In the name of God, Amen. This 7th day of July, 1828, I,
Joel Smith, of Kent, Litchfield, State of Connecticut, being of
sound mind and memory, do make and ordain this my last W'ill
and testament, to wit: I do will my soul to God who gave it,,
and my body to the dust from whence it came, hoping for a
joyful resurrection through the Lord Jesus Christ, in whose
merits alone I trust for happiness beyond the grave, and I re-
commend my executors to give my body a decent and Christian
burial."
Joel B. Smith was a useful man in the community, and it was
with regret that the townspeople learned of his determination
to remove to the West. His death occurred from heart disease,
May 14, 1850, at Penfield, Ohio, aged 62 years. Harriet Brown-
son Smith, his wife, died at La Peer. Michigan. December 4.
i8(56, aged 75 years.
MABIE PLACE.
We do not know from whence Archibald Wing came to Cam-
den. He married Miss Anna Pettys, and settled on this place in
1838. He resided here till the death of his wife in 1845, when he
removed to Schenectady, N. Y., where he died in i860. Mrs.
Wing was aged 44 at her death. He was a deacon in the church,
and a good law-abiding citizen. Was a farmer of thrift and
success, and introduced new varieties of farm products into the
community. For long years after his residence here, there was
the "Deacon Wing potato" cultivated — a favorite with the sons
of the soil.
After Deacon Wing, Riley Scovillc came to this place, in 1850.
About 1856 Stephen G. Mabie bought the place of Mr. Scoville.
He came from Westerlo, Albany County. He was born June
29, 1814. In 1837 he married Phoebe J. Robbins. Mr. Mabie
was an enterprising farmer, and a good citizen. In 1877 they left
the farm, going into the West to reside, scllnig tlioir interests
in Camden. Mr. Mabie died in Rockford. 111.. April 5. 1889;
Mrs. Mabie died April 8, 1880. in Kansas. Their children were
— Edmund R., residing in Kansas; Mary Theresa in Illinois;
Franklin Ci. married first Mary E. Cobb, second Miss Nancy
Till-: T()\v\ OF ('.\ uiii:s.
247
Sartwell, and are residents of Camden. They have one son,
Edwards.; Orlando E. married Emma Fincli, and hves in Cam-
den; Theron O. is in llHnois; Aui^uslus S. (Hed in Idaho Novem-
ber 27, 1890; Clarence G. married Cora Palms. They live in
West Camden, and have one daughter, Kate [. Mr. Stephen
Mabie sold his farm to Rufus Tuthill. Mr. Tuthill sold to
Spaulding Deck, who is the present incumbent (1897).
SYLVESTER STEVENS.
The accompanying illustration is of the liouse built by Wil-
liam Stevens on w'hat was then a part of his farm, for the oc-
«S
^jl^.
W^-f:-^^"^
!^-
pfe-
kS'-" ,'>
W^
m-
X'm
■ ■ ■■* ■ ,
K3!::;-
iitt.i. \
m%
fc™.__
House built by William Stevens for his son Sylvester.
cupancy of his son Sylvester, who married a daughter of John
Stoddard. (John was a brother of Israel and Eliakim Stoddard.)
His life went out in 1812, when he was but twenty-two years of
age; leaving a wife lonely and disconsolate, with a little son,
Sylvester, just beginning life's journey, and a grief-stricken
father and mother to mourn. The disease which caused his
death was typhus fever, and many others passed on of the same
malady. A stone in Mexico Street Cemetery marks his resting
place; and several others by the name of Stevens rest beside
him — all that is left to tell that he ever existed, save the records
kept by the Rev. Leavenworth, of the i^rst Church. 'i'<i th'.s we
have turned again and again, almost reverentially, to learn of
marriages, baptisms and deaths, in years now so remote. Soon
after, John Dean bought this farm and resided here till 1830,
2j[S
i'i(>\i:i:i; nisrouv or
when Elijah Gaylord purchased it, and hved here for 14 years,
or until 1844. While he owned the place, the trees at present
standing, were set by him. He also added the south end of the
house as it is at present. In the east room ui)stairs, for the com-
fort of Mrs. Gaylord's mother, Mrs. Amelia Stearns Curtiss, the
fire-place was built, now to be seen, which warmed the apart-
ment in which she did much spinning. While they were resi-
dents here, two children, Carrie and Jane, were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Gaylord.
The next occupant was Truman Rowell. He married Huldah
Smith. Was a son of Martin Rowell. who came to Camden
in 1809 from Connecticut. His trade was that of wagon-maker.
They had children. — Sophroiiia. Abram and Truman. While
Mr. Rowell resided here he built two saw-mills on the south-
west of his farm on Fish Creek, and carried on finite a thrifty
milling industry.
NATHANIEL KEELER, JCN.
Nathaniel Keeler, Junior, came on to the place next, and was
born at Galway, Saratoga County, N. Y.. September 12. 1792,
and was a son of Nathaniel Keeler, Sen., and Jemima Barnum.
He married Phoebe Hall of Perryville, N. Y., November. 1816.
and to them were born four children, viz.: Emily, born August
26, 1817; married Lewis Hamlin in 1847, ^"cl <^^lied at Perryville
in 1890; Parnell Keeler, born in 1822, married Norman Hamlin
in 1849, lived and died in Plainfield, 111., in 1897; Henry J., born
in 1828, married Plelen M. Sims, is now a prominent mer-
chant of Winona, Minnesota; Charles B., born in 1830, and
died at Winona, Minnesota, in 1863. Mrs. Phoebe Keeler died
May 5, 1834. In 1835 Mr. Keeler married Amanda Gaylord of
Florence, N. Y., born in Connecticut, April 14, iSod. By this
union were two sons. Miles L. and Walter E. Nathaniel Keeler
came from Florence to Camden in 185(5, bought and settled on
this place, and resided here till the year of his death. He en-
listed as a soldier in the war of 1812, at 19 vears of age, and
served to its close; was discharged honorably at Grecnbush on
the Hudson. His father, Nathaniel Keeler, Sen., was a farmer
by occupation, and enlisted at 19 years of age in the War of the
Revolution as a musician and trumpeter over dragoons under
Captain Delevan, Col. Lockwood and others. Afterward settled
in Fenner, Madison County, N. Y. He was deacon of the Bap-
tist church there, and at his former home at Galwav, N. Y.
Tin: v'ouv o/' r i i//;/;v
249
Nathaniel Keeler died January 8, 1873; Amanda Gaylord Kceler
died September 18, 1887. Buried in Forest Park Cemetery.
DANIEL BYINGTON.
Daniel Byington, Junior, was a son of Daniel and Elizabeth
Hall Byington. The senior Daniel was a mechanic by trade, of
W'hom the younger Daniel, our townsman, learned the art. Dan-
iel Byington was born in Wolcott or Farmingburv, Conn., in
the year 1772. He married Hannah Alcott or Alcox, whose
birth occurred in the same year, 1772, at Wolcott. Together
they came to this part of the country about 1800, to seek a home
for themselves and their children. With strong arms, and
earnestness of purpose, they toiled through discouragements and
discomfort, many times coming to the attainment of their hopes
through strivings and endeavors, realized only by those who
settle in a new territory, unimproved and remote from civiliza-
tion. They made their heme on the Taberg road, two and a
half miles from Camden village, still known as the "Bvington
place." His occupation was that of lumbering, and his mill was
situated on Cobb Brook. The dam and ruins of the building
are still seen. The demand for lumber made his lousiness an im-
portant pursuit. Material for many homes in pioneer days was
prepared at this mill, and it was kept running on full time to
supply orders. In later years, houses to accommodate all per-
manent residents had been built; land had been largely denuded
of its timber, so the occupation of lumbering became no longer
a lucrative one. Mr. Byington married three times — first, Han-
nah Alcott, and by this union were born, Polly, Wells, Coral,
Ambrose and William Robinson. Mrs. Byington died December
3, 1835, aged 63 years. Mr. Byington married again after a few
years, Miss Huldah Norton, and by this marriage were born
Zinah, Hiram and Susannah. Mr. Byington was again a
widower, and in the passing of years married Miss Huldah
Wakefield. To them was born one child, Mrs. Hannah Jones
of this town. From the history of Wolcott, Conn., written by
Rev. Samuel Orcutt in 1879, we glean that Mr. Byington. Sen.,
was a man of much excellence of character, and educated well
for the time in which he lived. For twenty-six years and up-
wards he was clerk of the Famiingbury Society (or Wolcott),
keeping a most correct account, almost a model. In another
notice of him it speaks of the years of his clerkship as being
from 1771 to 1798. Mr. Orcutt says of him: "It is with great
pleasure that I record my high appreciation of Daniel Byington
25°
i'i()\i:i:i! iiisToin or
as Clerk of the Society of Farmingbury, whose writings I have
consulted daily for much of the time for three months past, until
I had become familiar with every turn of his pen, and every
form of expression, and until it seemed to me as a communion of
spirits, in which friend Daniel was helping me on in giving to
the world a picture of 26 years of society life in Farmingbury.
Good bye, Daniel, till I am introduced to you on the other side
of the veil." Mr. Byington and his first wife rest side by side in
the Parke Cemetery on Four Mile Square. Daniel Byington
died August 20th, 1843, aged 71 years.
In the pioneer days land was heavily timbered, and before
grass could grow upon it, it must be cleared. After this had
been done, meadows came to be, and after the grass was mown
down, it must be raked. Rakes were scarce, and the- first made
in Camden were by Daniel Byington, who formed a dozen by
hand, cutting the teeth and shaping them with a draw-shave and
jack-knife. These found a ready sale, and soon others came to
the manufacture, and h became an enterprise in the locality
which will be mentioned elsewhere.
AMBROSE BYINGTON.
Ambrose Byington was the fourth child of Daniel and Hannah
Byington, and was born in W'olcott, Conn., in 1813. In 1839 he
married Miss Sallv Porter of Taunton, Mass. She was a sister
Miss Sally I'ortcr— Mrs. Hyinjfton, in her teens.
f
'/'///■; VOUV (>/■' CAMDIJW
2Kt
of William Porter, who lived on the lahel llio;j^ins i)!ace, and the
second Mrs. David Osborn. She was born in 1804. One
daughter blessed their union, Caroline Rhoda, who died in ihTji.
aged 15 vears. Mrs. Byington died in July, 1886, aged 82 years.
Mr. Ambrose Byington is now at the age of 84, a remarkably
well-preserved man, with a sprightly step, of nnich energy, and
a keen memory. We have turned to him for proof that state-
ments were correct, gleaned from various uncertain sources, aiid
have found him a mine of value to us. His memory reaches
back to scenes of his boyhood with an alertness and jw^itive-
ness which would shame a boy of to-day, and all along his life's
wav he has treasured in his mind the happenings in his expc-
rien.ce. We give pictures of Mr. and Mrs. Byington, taken be-
Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Bi-ington.
fore Mrs. Byington"s death a few years. Mr. Ambrose liyington
still lives in the home of his father. Dempster Snow has charge
of the farm, and with the family Mr. Byington lives. He is
cheerful and active, and it has been one of the chief i)leasnres of
our work to meet him, and listen to his stories of "ye olden
tyme." A brother, Mr. Coral Byington, still lives at the age of
25 2 ' i'i()\i:i:i! Hisroh'v or
86 years, in the West. Mrs. Sally Byinc^ton is buried in Poorest
Park Cemetery.
Across the highway from the Daniel Byington farm, on land
now belonging to W. S. Peck, lived one Theodore Taylor. It
has been eighty years and more since the house stood there.
]\Ir. Taylor died, leaving a wife and children. The house burned,
and in it perished a child. In the first book of town records we
find that widow Taylor received aid from the town to the amount
of one dollar and sixty cents, upon the occasion of her child
being burned, in 1801. John W. Bloomfield, Supervisor.
Freeborn Robinson is a name we have seen mentioned in o'd
records, and heard from aged people, and find his home was
on the Taberg road, back from the street as it at present runs,
on the line of the old highway. All trace of his habitation is
obliterated, but his unique name we mention.
Hezekiah Rogers lived on the east side of the highway, on a
knoll. He was a man of much Christian activity. It Vxas his
custom to drive to meetings on the Sabbath, taking a load of
people to enjoy the services of the sanctuary with liim. He
drove a spotted horse; was a man of much i)retension, and our
informant said, he felt "pretty important." This hou:-e is also
among the things that were.
COLBURN FARM.
Jesse B. Alcott (or AUcox as originally) located early on
Taberg Street. He bought about 40 acres of imcidtivated land
lying along the old highway, and built a house. In later years,
or after the survey of the new street, perhaps 1840. he moved the
house to its present site. Jesse Alcott died in Camden, and is
buried in Mexico Street Cemetery, near the graves of Mrs. Solo-
mon Alcott and Maria B. Frisbie. His son, lUakeslee Alcott, con-
tinued on the place till about 1856, when he removed to St.
Charles. Illinois. The children of Jesse Alcott were: Electa,
Wealthy, Sophia, Lucy, Elsie Ami, Jesse Blakeslee.
Warren ( )lcott lived near here for some years, later going
West. The next owner was Eliphas Colburn. His wife was
Phoebe Hoag Cady, she being the widow Cady at the time of her
marriage with Mr. Colburn. Their children were Ann, John,
Betsey, William and Mary. Eliphas Colburn died December 26,
1859, aged yy years. Phoebe Colburn died February 10, 1881,
aged 81 years.
Tin-: 7'oir\ of camukw
353
William Colburn, son of Eliphas, married .Miss Klizabcth,
daughter of David Brown, and resides on the home place; is a
successful farmer and business man. They have three children
— Janet, who married O. A. Pierce, formerly of Camden'; Fred,
who married Miss Clara, daughter of Christien Boehni, and
Charlotte. Fred resides with his father on Tabcrg Street.
ELEAZER I'ECK.
Eleazer Peck was born in Connecticut, January 6, 1793;
Hannah Parke, was born in Chatham, Conn., July 27, 1796;
married February 16, 1815. They settled on the farm now
owned by W. S. Peck, and purchased it of George Scriba, not
far from the year of their marriage. So dense was the forest
about the crude habitation they first occupied, that Mr. Peck,
having spent the day chopping and felling trees, upon his re-
turn to his home after his day's labor, lost his way. At last,
after wandering for some hours, and feeling faint with hunger,
he found a house, at the door of which he applied for food and
shelter for the night. His appeal astonished the occupants, and
his feelings were indescribable when he discovered he was at
his own door asking for bed and board. To Eleazer and Han-
nah Peck were born a family of twelve children. Maria, who
married Israel Stoddard; George; Daniel and Catharine, twins;
Daniel married Julia Waring; Catharine married David Kinner
Amy, married Thurston Palmer; William married Roby How-
land; Temperance married Samuel Wood; Sage; Eleazer, died
unmarried; Sidney; Fannie married B. N. Buell; Harriet.
Eleazer Peck died May 29, 1848, aged 55 years; Hannah Peck
died May 6, 1869, aged 74 years. Buried in cemetery on I'our
Mile Square.
The children of this estimable couple filled useful places in
the comnnmity, being members of the Methodist Clnirch. and
held in very high esteem by those who knew them. All have
passed on to the land of their desires, where a union of the fam-
ily of fourteen is a happy consummation, and an issue out of
their afflictions.
Daniel Parke Peck married Julia A. Waring in 1845, ^nd re-
tained his father's farm. Their home for some years was the
small frame structure of his father's building, but in 1873 he
2^^ i'i(>M:i:ii HISTOID or
built a handsome two-story house, the present home of his son,
W. S. Peck. He was an industrious and successful bvisiness
man, respected by all who knew him, faithful to all trusts, of
kindly, generous impulses, a friend to those in need. He was
earnest in his Christian work, for years connected with the
official and spiritual interests of the M. E. Church. Mrs. Peck
was a faithful helper, aiding- in all ways to render to her family
the daily comforts a mother only can give; was cheerful, hearty
and friendly to all whom she met. Mrs. Peck died March lo,
1881, aged 61 years. Their children were — Emma (Mrs. Stephen
McCall), Louisa (Mrs. Miles Keeler), Hannah (Mrs. Charles
Kniiifin), Mary (Mrs. Otto Johnson), and W. S. Peck of this
town. In 1885 Mr. Peck married Mrs. Hannah Perkins Smith.
In 1894, December 17, Mr. Peck died, after a long illness. He
was buried beside his wife in Forest Park Cemetery.
W. S. Peck, son of Daniel Parke Peck, resides on the home-
stead, and conducts a thrifty farming and dairy industry. He
married Miss Anna Smith, daughter of Daniel Peck's second
wife. Their home is one of the most attractive in town. In
1895 he was elected to the ofifice of Supervisor of the town,
which he still holds, executing his duties to the satisfaction of
his friends. Among his achievements is the building of a new
substantial fence about the pioneer Cemetery on Mexico Street.
McCALL FACTCJRY.
In the fall of 1871, Mr. Stephen McCall, experienced in the
work, erected a building on the farm of Daniel Peck for the
business of corn-packing. The building was 48 feet long, and
26 wide. Later he added to the structure, till it was 84 bv 26,
and a wing 36 feet long, making it of large capacity for the in-
dustry. Many hands were employed in the season, and it was a
busy locality. Mr. McCall pursued the occupation till in 1876
he removed to Hoopeston, 111., where *he engaged in the same
business for some years, or until his health failed him — his
death occurring in February, 1897. The factor\- remained un-
used, and gradually went to ruin. A few timbers remain on the
place, w^hich are being, little by little, cleared away. On this site
in early days stood a crude habitation, in which lived one Joel
Hitchcock.
77//; 7'oir.v or ca \ihi:\.
255
MARSHALL PARKE.
Marshall Parke married Chloe Hic^gins, daughter of Jehiel
Higgins; bought the farm just beyond Culf Brook, containing
twenty acres, and erected a home of logs. He was born in 1798.
in Camden, and was a son of Daniel and Esther Parke. He
lived here a few years, when he removed to the site near Perrv
Parkes, his son, who at present occupies the home farm. '1 heir
children were Lonson, Franklin and Charlotte. Chloe, wife of
Marshall Parke, died March 30. 1832, aged 29 years. The daugh-
ter Charlotte died young. In later years Mr. Parke married a
Miss Hall of Amboy. Their children were, Daniel, Joshua.
Perry, Hannah and Charlotte. Marshall Parke died December
14, 1848, aged 50 years. He is buried beside his first wife, Chloe,
in the Parke Cemetery, on Four Mile Square.
ETHEL HIGGINS
Next owned the place. He was a son of Jehiel Higgins. l)orn
Hovise built by Ethel Higgins, 1827.
in 1807. Was a young man of fine scholarly tastes, excelling
in mathematics, and orthography. There were not a few con-
temporary with Mr. Higgins, who were experts in these same
studies, and the rehearsals of their endeavors, each to outdo
the others, have been of interest. For instance, when Ezra
Parke taught school in the red brick school-house, there were
several boys who were anxious to have perfect lessons, and
studied dilig-entlv to learn them. This was particular!}- so with
356
I'lOSKI'Jf HISTORY OF
regard to spelling. In the lesson occurred two words with the
same pronunciation, but of course differently spelled. The
words were Briton and Britain. We will give no names in
this instance, except to say that Ethel Higgins was one of the
participants or scholars in the class that had this lesson. The
lads were given tw^o trials of a word — if missing the first time,,
tiiey could try again. One word of those we have given had
been spelled when th.e second one was pronounced. The boy
whose turn it was to try stood next to the foot of the class, not
because he was a dullard, but because all were nearly perfect,
and he could only work his way up, as each one took his place
at the foot of the class daily, after enjoying the honor of being
"at the head" of the class for the day. Well, this lad had been
inattentive to the particular word that had been given, when the
next boy, having listened intently, gave it correctly, and "went up
oup.' This was a matter of much interest in the school, and the
boy who "went up" wore a silver piece about his neck (an Eng-
lish shilling) for a time, an honor to the scholar with a perfect les-
son. In 1827 Ethel Higgins married Miss Clarissa, daughtei of
Russell Johnson. In the same year he purchased the farm, built
the house now standing, and here they lived till 1835, ^vhen they
removed to Parnassus Street. To them were born three chil-
dren — Gilbert S., married Emily Stillman, September 29, 1857;
Tirzah R., married Leander Sanford, May i, 1855; Harriet E.,
married Sedgwick E. Dyer, January 12, 1856. Ethel Higgins
died in Florence June 24, 1872, aged 65 years. Buried in Cam-
den.
WILLIAM W. PORTER
Purchased the farm in 1835 from Ethel Higgins, and secured
the remainder of it from the heirs of Roswell Rudd. Mr. Porter
occupied the place for ten years, bringing it under good cultiva-
tion. In 1845 he returned to Taunton. Mass., where he died in
1889, aged 8d years. During the greater ]:)art of his life he was
engaged in the manufacture of Ihitannia and silver ware, in
which business he was one of the pioneers. His sons, h'dnnmd
W. and Lemuel C, are at present engaged in the manufacture
of silver ware under the firm name of the West Silver Co.,
Taunton, Mass.
THE TOWN OF CA.UDE.X. • ,5^
RUFUS B. TUTHILL.
Rufus B. Tuthill resided here from 1875 to 1877. He was
bom in Ava, N. Y., was a son of Davis Tuthill, a brother of
Baldwin and Hubbard Tuthill of this town. He married Miss
Ellen Deck, and to them were born three children. Florence,
Cora and Burnett Davis. Mrs. Ellen Tuthill died December
25, 1881, while they resided on Taberg Street. Subsequently he
removed to Camden village, and in 1885 he married Orissa,
widow of Jesse Fish. She was a daughter of John D. Yager of
Vienna, and the mother of Jesse Fish, Jr., our townsman. In 1890
she died, and in November, 1892, he married Mary Louisa,
daughter of the late Lorenzo and Nancy Wetmore, born in
Camden. They reside on the Wetmore place on Third Street,
just north of the Camden Academy, at present. Of Mr. Tut-
hill's three children, Flora married Charles Lewis of Boonville,
in 1891, where they now reside. When but a child, her mother
died, and she assumed the responsibilities of the household with
an ability that was a marvel to all, and which would have been
a credit to many of mature years. Cora and Burnett are popular
and estimable young people of our village.
DANIEL BLAKESLEE.
Daniel Blakeslee wis born in Harwinton, Conn., in 1788;
Abigail Bennett was born in Harwinton, Conn., and they were
married in 1812.
They settled two mih^s and a half from Camden on the Taberg
road. Their children were twelve in number: Aaron, Benja-
min, Delia, Belinda, Franklin. Louisa, Mary, Marilla, Hiram,
Chalotte, Jay and Cynthia. Franklin, Marilla, Mary, Charlotte
and Cynthia are at present living. Daniel died in 1872. Of the
family, the late Jay Blakeslee occupied the old liomstead; his
heirs at this time its owners. Jay Blakeslee was born October
15, 1823. He married Miss Eunice Lawton September 21, 1821.
Their children are^ — Homer, who lives in Michigan; Louisa and
Grace, who live in Syracuse; Ina; Nellie married Dempster
Snow; Fannie married ]\Ir. Dolan ; and De Wayne. .^.
RITSSELL JOHNSON.
Russell Johnson, seeking a home for himself and family,
came from Harwinton. Conn., to Amboy. Oswego County, not
17
I
V
258
PIOXEEh- HIXTORY OF
1
far from 1802. He made a farm, cleariiii^ and improving land,
a? all new comers had to do, and endured the privations of pio-
neer life with fortitude. Was born June 7, 1782, at Harwinton.
He married Miss Tirzah Smith, born in 1786, also of Harwin-
ton; and they were married there. Their journey was made
with an ox cart, through rough, almost unexplored country.
We suppose those who made the long journeys in those days
would consider walking in about the same light that we, in these
times of rapid transit, would look upon traveling the same dis-
tance l)y an accommodation train. With an ox team, as we would
a journey on the "Chicago Limited;" and if by good
fortune a team of horses was the means of taking
tb-cp.i to their destination, surely it was equal to our
"Empire State Express!" Mr. Johnson and his wife
remained for a few years only in Amboy, when they removed to
Williamstown in the same county, and in 1814 located in Cam-
den, on Taberg Street, about two and a half miles east from
Camden village. Their early home in those days was of logs,
and was situated near the little brook that crosses the highway
a few rods north of the later home of the Johnsons, on the same
side of the street. In a few years he built a frame house, a j^art
of that now standing, in which they resided till their death. They
were the parents of eight children, who grew to manhood and
womanhood respected members of the comnnmity, Emeline
w'as born in Connecticut, and married Earl Frisbie of Auburn,
N. Y.; Clarissa, born in Amboy, and married Ethel Higgins;
Amasa Smith, born in Williamstown, N. Y.; Sylvester, born in
Williamstown, N. Y., and Harriet in Camden. She married
Levi Smith, and they removed to the State of Ohio; Lucv, born
in Camden, and married Wilbur Cutler of Amboy, N. Y. ; George
born in Camden, and died young and unmarried. Life in a new,
undeveloped country is not one of comfort or ease, and Mr. and
Mrs. Johnson were not less free from the trials of it than their
neighbors. Grain had to be taken to a distant mill for grinding,
and Mrs. Johnson had to put her little ones to bed hungrv be-
cause the grist had not returned, on occasions, between plant-
ing and harvest time, feeding them on maple sugar to apj^case
their hunger. No doubt the children were like those of the pres-
ent day, and enjoyed sugar better than bread. Russell Johnson
died August 4, 1858, aged 76 years; Tirzah Johnson died June
19, 1877, aged gi years. Buried in Forest Park Ccmeterv.
2 6o I'lOMJER HIHrORY OF
SMITH JOHNSON.
Amasa Smith was the third child of Russell and Tirzah John-
son, born in VVilliamstown, N. Y., April 20. 1809. Came to
Camden when five years of age with his parents, and resided the
remainder of his life on the farm where they first settled,
March 11, 1835. '''*-' n:arried Sally H. Bloss of Annsville;
one son, Melzo, was born to them, dying the year of his
birth. December 12, 1836, Mrs. Johnson died, in 1846 he
married Miss Sarah C. Stacy, and in 1849 she died, leaving no
children. In 1852. October 6, he married Miss Sarah Jane
West of this town, born October 30. 1829. l>y this
last union there were children as follows: Hattie Johnson,
born August 17, 1853; died March 12, 1881; George, born
January 24, 1855, died February 31. 1894; Myron, born Septem-
ber 7, 1857, died February 21, 1880; Fred D., born February 19,
1861; Russell Smith, born June 7, 1865; Carny, born May i,
i8d7, died May 27, 1873. Both Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were
people of much intelligence, of character and real worth. In the
M. E. Church Mrs. Johnson was one of the active workers, and
in Sunday School a most interesting teacher, giving much time
to the study of the lessons, and imparting her knowledge with
rare ability. Mr. Johnson was a man of much business enter-
prise, conducting his farming interests al)ly, and with profit.
The home of his boyhood he enlarged and made attractive in
many ways, and it was a favorite place for the friends of the
family to visit. After the death of Mr. Johnson. Mrs. Johnson
removed to Camden village to give her. sons better advantages
in educational directions, and resided here until her death. A. .*^.
Johnson died October 30, 1879. aged 70 years: Sarah J. Johnson
died May 14. 1884, aged 55 years. Buried in Forest Park Cem-
etery.
Of the descendants of A. S. and Sarah Johnson, but one re-
mains in Camden. Russell S., of the law firm of Davies & John-
son. In April, 1896. he married Miss Mary, daughter of the
late Ezra Edgett of Newark, Wayne County, atid are residing
on Church Street. Mr. Johnson is a young man of marked
ability in his profession, a diligent, successful Republican leader
in politics, of fine personal appearance, and a most desirable
J
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
261
anember of the community. Mrs. Johnson is amiable, energetic,
of fine musical tastes, an accomplished ])ianist. and a favorite
in social circles.
George Johnson married Delia Kiernan in New York City
in 1884, September 8. Children are Russell and Horace Edward.
Fred Johnson married Carrie P. Robbins of Stittsville, August
23, 1882. They reside in the West.
Perry Parke is a son of Marshall Parke, of whom mention is
made on another page. He married a daughter of Henry Hall,
who resided on Pond Plill. He continues farming on the place
occupied by his father, and is successful in his work. The farm
is productive, and he has brought it to a high state of excellence.
The line between Camden and Annsville is reached, and we
.return to Camden villasfe.
CHAPTER Xl\'.
JACOB CONKLIX.
Going" east from the Florence road near the Sherman
Sperry place, we soon come to the early home and farm
of Jacob Conklin (now known as the \'oorhees place). This
man Conklin was a very early settler, if not the earliest en
this place. Some time in 1830 Robert his son showed consider-
able talent for speaking, and was also a student to some extent.
The ladies of the Congregational Church interested themselves
in him, among whom were Mrs. Dr. Ransom, Mrs. Erastus Up-
son, Mrs. Humphrey Brown, Mrs. Clark Sperry and others, who
thought best to help him to an education with a view of his be-
coming a minister. They clothed him and made arrangements
for sending him away to school, which in those days was an op-
portunity very few could have. This interest the ladies took in
him stimulated his ambition. He was soon able to enter college,
and was fitted for the ministry. His first call was to a Pres-
byterian church in Providence, R. I.. He proved to be one of
the most talented ministers of that State. He was seen a munber
of times by Deacon Erastus Upson in later years, and always
expressed his gratitude for what the ladies of Camden did for
him in his early life. Next was the home of Joshua Kenfield,
now owned by Ira Howland. This primitive home, like others
ill the early days, was of logs. At one time Kendall had a
little mill on Cora's Creek (now Cobb I'rook) for turning wood-
en bowls.
WRIGHT SKIXXER
Emigrated from \'ernon, Albany County, X. Y.. to Camden in
1820, making the journey with oxen and cart. He was in the
war of 1812, enlisting in a regiment that went from Albanv to
Sackett's Harbor. In marching through the north-eastern part
of the town, on the State road, he concluded this would be a
good place to locate, among such fine timber, nmch of which
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
263
would make good material for building ships. After his return
home his two eldest sons, often listening to their father's
glowing accounts of this section, came on prospecting, and
concluded to locate. Building a log house at the turn of the
road beyond the Conklin place, they returned to Vernon for
their parents and the remainder of the family, h^rom the family
Bible this record is copied:
"Wright Skinner born October 5, 1763; died December 18,
1830; his wife Hannah Ten Eyck, born June 2j, \'/TS- Children
— John, Christian, Robert, Christopher, Martha, Francis, Wil-
liam, Reuben, Jacob, Esther, Abraham."
John, the oldest son, was in the war of 1812. He served
on Long Island. He was the father of Luther Skinner, who en-
listed in 1841 in the U. S. regular army at the age of 16 years.
His father took him home; he again enlisted under the name of
Ten Eyke (his mother's name). The Company went to hlorida
to engage in the Seminole War; from thence to California, and
then to Mexico. He was in the First Infantry, Co. E, under
Maj. Dearborn (a Pennsylvania man). The name of the Captain
was Backhurst. The Brigade was under Cien. Taylor; and in
this Brigade was Stonewall Jackson, Longstreet and Lee,
then vouns: cadets fresh from \\'est I'oint.
The Skinner Neighborhood Burial Spot.
On the Skinner farm, a short distance back of the liouse, on a
knoll, is a family and neighborhood burial spot, not enclosed.
Here are the remains of fiftv or more i)ersons. and not a
264
i'n>\i:i:h' history of
stone other than a common field stone to mark the last resting-
place of any. Here are the remains of Wright Skinner and his
eldest son, John, who l^oth served in the war of 1812. Luther
was a son of John, and served in the civil war. We learn
that when the first settlers came into this part of the
town the wolves were very numerous. When the farm-
ers butchered an animal the wolves were attracted by
the smell of the blood, and it was difficult to drive them off.
Powder and shot could not always be procured. Living as w^e
do to-day with comfort and ease, we realize but little what
hardships and privations our ancestors endured.
PETTIS BROTHERS.
Prior to 1835 four Pettis brothers settled on this road. Thev
were Robert Layton, Richard, Hiram and ^'alentine. A few
years later another brother, George, came to this town and
located near his brother Robert Layton. This family was from
Charlton. X. Y. Robert Layton Pettis married in 1835, Miss
Emily, daughter of Jeremiah Ladd of Camden. Eleven chil-
dren were born to them. Mrs. Richard Pettis died in 1846,
aged 41 years. \n the years intervening between 1850 and i860
these brothers removed West, and settled in Henry County, 111.
Valentine Pettis died in Camden at the residence of Charles
Cain, in the winter of i860, while here on business. Three of
the brothers died in Illinois. They are Robert Layton in 1863;
Hiram in 1864; George in 1876. The descendants of these
brothers are all in the West, scattered through the States of
Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas and Nebraska. Charlotte,
wife of George Pettis, died July 17, 1856, aged 32 years and 3
months; Valentine Pettis died February 14, i860, aged 50 years
and 10 months. Those of this family who died in Camden rest
in Forest Park Cemetery.
Simon Brewster married Miss Mary Carr. He came to Cam-
den about 1845, and settled on the Florence road. There were
eleven children, viz. : Amy, Julia, George, Elizal^eth, Mary Jane,
Maria; five died when quite young. He was from Charlton, N.
Y., but came from Parish, Oswego County, to Camden. Simon
Brewster died August 7, 1883, 'iRcd 88 years; Mary, his wife,
died February 20. 1 88(5, aged 87 years.
THE TOWS or <•.{][ in:x.
26:
FROMTABERG ROAD, ACROSS TO WOLCOTT HILL
SCHOOL-HOUSE.
Leaving the Taberg road we approach what is now called the
Finch place, on Cobb Brook, called in the early days Cora's
•Creek, as one by this name lived here, and built the first saw-
mill where the road crosses the stream. Nathaniel Yale lived
here after Cora. He married a sister of Lyman Curtiss. In
1820 Daniel Byington owned this property and rebuilt the mill.
His son Ambrose built a saw-mill below on this stream. On
this place near Mr. Finch's residence is a charming little sheet
of water known as Shady Lake.
The next place was that owned and occupied by Zophar Tut-
tle, now in the possession of Gilbert Ouance. Zophar Tuttle
was born in Connecticut, February 4, 1776; he came from the
town of Salisbur\% Herkimer County, N. Y., to Camden, when
quite a young man. His wife was Betsey B. Bowler, formerly of
Connecticut, by whom he had six children. Hannah, Polly,
James, Delight, Salmon and Zophar. The ancestry of this fam-
ily is of New England stock of English extraction. Zophar
Tuttle died in 1855, aged 80 years.
The next home on this road was that of Royal Root. In 1829
Mr. Root married Elizabeth Wheeler; in 1836 he married for
second wife Louisa R. Kellogg; by the second marriage seven
children were born to them. He removed to Farmington, 111.,
where he died November 10, 1856.
Isaac Wheeler lived on this place, and while he occupied it,
the house was burned.
JOHN BRYAN.
On the east side of the road, next was the home
■of John Bryan. He came from Wolcott, Connecticut,
to Camden, in 1805. Later, about 1812, he bought the fami now
■owned by Theodore Ansen; the house was burned in 1896, and
was the same formerly occupied by him. He purchased this
property of Col. John Smith. The journey from Connecticut
was made with the regulation outfit, a cart, yoke of oxen
and one horse, bringing with them the necessary house-
keeping articles. Mrs. Orissa Mix Barnes has in her possession
the old tabic around which the nine Brvan children stood when
2 66 PlOXEEIi HISTORY OF
eating a meal. John l>ryan was l)orn in 1775 at Watertown^
Conn.; married Sophronia Atwater in 1800. Sophronia Atwater
born August 8, 1777. The names of this couple are found
on the records of the First Congregational Church of Camden,
having joined the church b}' letter in 1806, and in 1809 subscrib-
ing to its support. Their children were — Abigail, who mar-
ried Amos Mix; Julianna married James Frisbie; Rhoda mar-
ried Charles Houghton; Sophronia married Daniel Wheeler;
L'rsula married Wright Abbott. John. Jr.. Asahel, Roderick,
Samuel Treat; these four last settled in the West. In 1819 Mrs.
Bryan died, September 9, and in 182 1 he married jNIehetabel
Alcott Bradley, she being one of nine Alcott sisters. He joined
the troops that marched to Sackett's Harbor in the war of 1812.
His death occurred November 24, 1858, at Clinton, Oneida
County, where the closing years of his life were spent with his
daughter, Mrs. Wright Abbott. His remains and those of his
wife rest in Forest Park Cemetery, Camden.
JAMES FRISBIE.
Records show that in 1834 John Bryan sold to James Frisbie
38 acres of land, being one-fourth part of lot No. 29. town of
Camden, township No. 8 of Scriba's Patent, as surveyed by Ben-
jamin Wright, &c. James Frisbie was born in W'olcott, Conn.,
in 1799; married Maria Bradley. Not far from 1825 he with his
wife located on Wolcott Hill, purchasing a farm partly in the
town of Florence and partly in Camden. Shortly after, he went
to Leyden in this State, where he remained but a few years,
returning to locate on the farm previously owned by John
Bryan, the father of his second wife. Later he purchased a farm
north of the village, of Caleb Rowell, and in 1858 the residence
in the village now occupied by his son, Willard J., on Second
Street. He died in 1862, aged 63 years. His second wife, Juliann
Bryan, survived him 32 years, dying April, i8()5. at the age of
84. His trade was that of clock-maker, in which he was en-
gaged many _\cars. Later, and until liis lieallh failed, he was
in trade in the village. By the tirst marriage there were two
children, Albert M. and Harriet, who married Frank, son of
Ephraim Sanford by the second wife, Frances (Mrs. Stoddard
Sanford) and W. J. Frisbie.
77//; '/'oir.v or (Wmdes. ,,
207
PHILIP WALDROX.
The next place, known as the Story farm, was owned in 18 19
by Abbott, father of Wright Abbott. In 1835 it was purchased
of Chapin Allen by Philip Waldron and his father-in-law, fohn
T. Brogue, who came from Greenville, Green County, X. V.
The next morning after their arrival, which was in the month
of February, upon some member of the family going to the barn,
footprints of a wolf were discovered in the snow. The children
of Philip Waldron were — Oliver, John, Charles, Elizabeth,
Joseph, Rhoda, Miriam, Harriet, Martin and Jane A.
This road is generally known as the Butternut drive, as it
is shaded almost its entire length by butternut trees.
One Joseph Peck lived on this farm very early ; his house was
back from the road further than the present house. He was
called "Uncle Joseph," to distinguish him from the one of the
same name living west of the school-house. North-east of this
farm, on land owned in the early days by Sylvanus Wilson, Jr.,
is an old well, which leads us to believe there was once a house
near it. Tradition tells us that long years since a man hung
himself from a limb of an apple tree close to this well.
SPOOK HOUSE.
The old Spook House of Wolcott Hill must not be forgotten,
as a house thus named was not far fromi the home of Waldron
and Brogue. It was here that the credulous and school children
heard strange noises, and saw unheard of things, such as the
rattling of brass kettles, jingling of pot-hooks on the crane in
the fire-place, imaginary cof^ns seen in the bedroom. One aged
man, whose mind was weak, declared he had seen this house
burn three times; but lo! when morning came the house was
still standing as before. All that now remains to mark this
historic spot is a pile of stones, and a few lilac bushes. This
house was the property of Col. John Smith, and was used as a
tenant house.
ROBERT ALLEN FARM.
This farm was purchased of George Parish, through his
agent, George Trowbridge, in 1833, by ^^'illiam Smith and
Brainard Orton. At that time this part of the town was ihicklv
268
PIONEER HISTORY OF
timbered. These men, with their famihes, did not long remain
here, as in 1836, the land was conveyed to Ehphas Colburn,
and in 1854 conveyed to Robert Allen, and is still in
the possession of his family. Mr. Allen made many im-
])rovemcnts, adding to the original structure, making a
Robert Allen's Farm House.
pleasant and commodious farm house. From old papers per-
taining to this farm, Joseph Peck in 1832 made some arrange-
ments to purchase this land, he built a log house, but soon
concluded to locate in another part of the town, buying north-
west of the Walcott Hill school-house, where his family were
educated.
REUBEN ROOT.
Not far from the home of Zophar Tuttle, and east of it, was
the home of Reuben Root. He married widow Upham for second
wife, who had three children when he married her. She was
Philena, daughter of Arty and Tabitha Allen. Mrs. Allen lived
with her son-in-law the last eleven years of her life. Mr. Root
died in l-'airbank, Iowa. March 3, 1880, in the 8oth year of his
age. He was a resident of Camden for nearly fifty years.
RUSCOE PLACE.
As deed shows, in 1839 Benjamin Ruscoe purchased 40 acres
of land cast of Zophar Tuttle, of George Parish, through his
agent, George Trowbridge. At the time of his purchase a log
house stood where the present house is. W'c regret that we are
rni-: TOWS OF camdex.
260
unable to learn who was its occupant; probably the man was un-
able to fulfill his contract, and the land reverted back to its
original owner. Mr. Ruscoe built the present house. Benjamin
Ruscoe married Polly Dean, daughter of John Dean, in 183 1.
Their children were: Samuel and Ellen. Benjamin Ruscoe was
born in 1809; died in 1889; his wife, Polly Dean, was born in
1808 at Camden; died in 1864. The remains of both rest in
Forest Park Cemetery.
RAY'S CHAIR FACTORY, OX EMMONS' BROOK.
In 1870 Charles H. Ray, moved by a commendable spirit of
enterprise and energy, purchased a right and water privilege of
D. B. Gaylord on the Emmons' Brook, in the eastern margin of
the village, and erected a chair factory thereon. The main build-
ing, 40 by 26 feet, paint shop 30 by 20 feet, a steam and dry
house building 26 by 50 feet, all built in a substantial manner,
and arranged for convenience in the business, and safety from
fire. The water power consisted of a dam, dyke and pond with
10 feet head of water, which drove a 24 inch turbine water wheel
with adequate power and speed, that was put in under the direc-
tion of J. E. Tripp. Mr. Ray manufactured all kinds of wood-
seat chairs for wholesale, and did a good business. He made
good, solid and durable wood-seat chairs of various kinds, plain,
fancy, and rockers. This factory was burned in 1887. Mr. Ray
died August 4, 1887, aged 57 years. His death was thought to
be due to over-exertion at the time of the burning of his factory.
Emmons Brook was so called in 1809. From this brook and
Voorhees spring the village of Camden gets most of its water
supply.
The road from VV^ilcott Hill school-house east, towards Pond
Hill, and terminating on the Taberg road near the Peck farm, is
the one on which the earlv settler Ephraim Smith first located
with his family, as s[okcn of on another page. A drive on this
road over the hills and through the valleys reminds one of old
Connecticut, from v hich State most of the pioneers emigrated.
Descendants of :he:^e early emigrants, consider your blessings
of to-day, and cornpan.- them with those of your ancestors.
Andrew Sperry and Horace Scoville lived near the school-house
2^0 TIOXKER HISTORY OF
off the main road to Florence. They were partners for some time
in the manufacture of hand hay-rakes. The factory was situated
but a short distance from their homes on Emmons Brook. Later
this property was purcliEsed by John W'aldron. Mr. Sperry was
thrice married, first to Aliss Kingsley; second to Miss Catherine
Friz; third to Miss Elizabeth Hubbel. By the first marriage was
a son, fames; by the second marriage was Lil>bie, Rhoda and
William.
DANIEL DEAN.
Daniel Dean m irried Anna Surtliff, and removed to Camden
prior to 1809. lie settled on the farm at present owned by Mrs.
Caroline Birch, perhaps better known as the Ananias Edgett
place. The territory belonging to the farm was of considerable
acreage, comprising that owned by Artemas Peck, near by. Mr.
Dean was a genial gentleman, much respected by his neighbors
and acquaintances. He was a sincere Christian man, and a valu-
able aid in church work. His name in his own signature is
found among the list of those first subscribing to the minister's
salary in 1809. In Rev. Leavenworth's book of records we find
his death occurred in 181 1, aged 67 years. Bom in Connecticut
in 1744. He had two children, viz.: John and Leva. Leva mar-
ried Phineas Castle of Florence. Daniel Dean served in the War
of the Revolution. His name is found in the history of W'olcott,
Conn., as subscribing to the minister's salary in 1794. In 1787
he was school committee as appointed bv the parish society.
Same history mentions his being a taxpayer in 1802.
STEPHEN EDGETT.
Stephen Edgett, father of Ananias and Ezra, removed from
Durham, Greene County, N. Y., in the }ear 1835, ^"fl settled
in Camden on a farm north-east of the village two and a half
miles, and near the W'olcott Hill school-house. Stephen Edgett
married Mary Hubbell, A])ril, 1826. He died at Newark. N. Y..
January 23, 1870, aged 72 years. His wife also died at Newark
January 4, 1891, at the advanced age of qj years and 14 days.
Ezra A. Edgett and brother Ananias began the corn-camiing in-
dustry in 1853 in Camden, having previously learned the her-
THE TOMS' OF CA.UhKX.
metically sealing process in New York City. So little confidence
had the farmers in their plan that it was only after they were
offered $10.00 per acre in advance that they were willing to risk
the planting. The brothers at first did their work of canning in
an old building near the house of their j^arents. which had been
formerly occupied by a family of the name of Parkinson, and
stood between their home and that of Capt. John Smith, then
an aged man. Their first operations were of course on a ver\-
small scale. In August. 1854, the little factory Ijurned to the
ground. Andrew Sperry offered them the use of a part of his
rake factory, and they pluckily resumed work, coming out that
season about $700 in debt. In 1858 Ezra Edgett removed to a
farm on the Seventh, and there continued the corn-canning
business until 1865, when he removed to Newark, N. Y., build-
ing a factory there, and continuing a successful business until
his death in 1889. Ezra Edgett married Miss Harriet Marvin.
Their children w^ere James, Edith and Mary.
COL. JOHN SMITH.
Col. John Smith lived in the early days on the farm known as
the William Wilson place. This vas where his father Ephraim
first settled upon coming to Camden. Col. John Smith emi-
grated from Wolcott, Conn., in 1803 or 1804, having previously
married Lois Alcott. He enlisted as captain in the war of 18 12,
went to Sackett's Harbor with his company, and later was pro-
moted to the office of Colonel of the regiment. Originally a
log house stood where he later erected a substantial, frame house,
which w^as, for those days, considered an elegant structure. This
house was burned after the farm was purchased by William Wil-
son. This farm was long in the possession of Newell Smith, son
of Col. John, who sold to Mr. Wilson and removed to Camden
village, and later to Iowa. Xewell J. Smith died at Clinton. la.,
July 22, 1888, aged 87 years. His wife died June 3, 1869, aged 43
years. Col. John Smith's children were Sophronia, Newell and
Hannah. Col. John Smith was born in 1774, and died in i860;
Lois, his wife, was born in 1780, and died in 1840. Tlie remains
of this familv all rest in Forest Park Cemetery.
2-2 PIONEER HISTORY OF
What is now known as the McKillips farm was early owned
and occupied by Daniel Wheeler, son of Isaac. This farm has
had many occupants, viz.: Stephen Crandall, Ezra Skinner,
Alex. McAdams, and others. Minor Buell settled near here,,
coming from Rome in 183 1. Not far from his home on Cobt3
Brook was a saw-mill built by Abram Sandford, and for ni'iny
years called "The Buell Mill." Beyond the Buell place lived
one bv the name of Felton Muscat he was an acciuaintance and
warm friend of Mr. Buell's. He cpme from Lee to Camden.
Near Dingle Street corner lived Philip Estes, who was from
eastern New York. What is known as the John Shaw farm was
early owned by Clark Mumford, who emigrated from Connecti-
cut. John Shaw was nearly all his life a resident of Camden.
He was born in the town of Annsville, but early in life settled
on this road, near Pond Hill. Besides being a farmer, he con-
ducted a market in the village for a time. He was a man who
had many friends, and was much respected. He died May 18,
1891, aged 64 years. His children were — John H., Delight. Belle
and Robie.
The farm now owned by Frank Parke was early owned by one
Dunham, who was its first occupant, as he purchased of George
Parish. Next this place was that of Arja and Milo Skinner, who
came here from Brownville, N. Y., with their aged father, Thom-
as Skinner, who was a Revolutionary soldier. The last days of
his life were spent with some relatives in Pennsylvania. These
men came to Camden in 1830; they were Vermonters by birth.
BENNETT RUSCOE.
Bennett Ruscoe came to Camden from Connecticut in 1818,.
and settled on what is now known as the Franklin place, near
the Taberg road. He was born in Connecticut in 1782; married
Roxy Mathewson, born 1784. Twelve children were bom to
them: Alexander, Elizabeth, George, Benjamin. C)r.-amus, Mary,.
Sabina, Cynthia, Esther, Ira, Sarah. Edwin.
Mr. Ruscoe being somewhat of an invalid, was induced to
emigrate to this locality (in account of its healthfulncss. as the-
land was then thickly wooded with pities.
77//; 7'OUV OF CAMIiFX.
^ I 3
We are unable to give the liiic of these who occupied these
farms from their earliest settlement, but below are the names
of some of the people who lived on this road at a later date, who
have not been mentioned: J. V. Conover, J. Dopp, G. Rowland,
C. Cain, E. Field, W. Earl, D. Dimblebee, T. Ilowland, H. Hall,
I). Howland, Leonard West and others.
LEONARD WEST.
Mr. Leonard West.
. Mr. and Mrs. Leonard \\'est came to Camtlen from Cherry
Valley, Otsego County, in 1837. with their own conveyance, and
settled not far from the present George Webb place, near the
Taberg road; and later he lived and died just beyond the town
line in Florence. Camden village, at the time of their coming
here, was comparatively new, buildings far apart, many of which
were small and low. There were but two streets, called Front
and Liberty, now Main and Second. From j\Lid River Bridge
to the Town Hall the timber was cut. logs lying about and
stumps standing. Mrs. West is a daughter of Benjamin Allen,
who was a brother of Col. Ethan Allen of Ticonderoga fame.
iS
274
l'lOSEi:ii HJ.STORY OF
Her father was also in the war of the Revolution. Mrs. West,
now (February 1897) in her 94th year, as seen by the writer, is
a remarkably preserved, very intelligent and bright woman, with
a good memory. She well remembers of her father's telling of
his long tedious marches, and of the sufferings of the soldiers;
but like his brother, Col. Ethan, was a man of unflinching loy-
alty, and always spoke with pride of his soldier life. An amusing
incident occurred during the last years of his life, when crippled
by infirmities of age, and he went out but little. He was left at
home alone one Fourth of Tulv, the familv going to attend the
r^
h K f
£j
j^L ^^fc; ^-fr.
HPHp,
«■'
Mrs. Leonard West.
celebration in town. Upon their return his daughter heard
before entering the house, cheers given with great glee, and
on entering found another old soldier with her father. They
had drained their goblets once too often. Surprised, she ex-
claimed, "Why, father, what does this mean?" He replied slowly:
"My daughter, don't chide your old father; you have been en-
joying the day as pleased you best; we, too, are celebrating in
our own way. My old comrade and I have been drinking
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
■bumpers to the old days," and straightening himself up proudly,
said with emphasis, "Remember, my child, your father fought
for this day." Mrs. West was born in 1803, at Saugatuck, Fair-
field County, Conn.; Leonard West was born in 1793, at Still-
water, Saratoga County, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. West were mar-
ried at Charleton, Otsego County. X. Y., April 3, 1822. Mr.
West died October 8, 1888. His boyhood and early manhood
were spent in Montgomery County, N. Y. He was a soldier
•of the war of 1812, and lived in Camden and vicinity more than
sixty years. He was the last pensioner of the war of 1812 rep-
resentative in this vicinity. He was in town July 4th, 1888, sat
on the speaker's stand during the address. He always showed
much patriotism and love for American institutions. He was a
man greatly respected and beloved. He had grandchildren in
the war of the rebellion. His children were Nancv, Vianna,
Ruama, Martha, Mary Elizabeth and Harriet. He was some-
what gifted as a poet. We give a few lines of his relating to the
circumstances that prompted him to come to Camden, entitled,
FROM CHERRY VALLEY TO CAMDEN.
Friends and neighbors, northward bound,
Wrote us saying, — Paradise Found;
One day in early springtime, we grew quite discontent,
And settling up our business, away we quickly went;
We stumbled over stones, we stumbled over logs,
We scrambled up steep hill sides, we lost ourselves in bogs;
We slowly traveled on. nursing up our wrath
When we found our road had ended and we only had a path ;
Following this, weary and foot-sore,
We almost stumbled agamst our neighbor's door;
This is the place we have sought with such cost
This is the heaven, — our Paradise Lost.
On our wooded farm in Camden, as Pioneers we rally,
Yet sometimes lovingly look back to dear old Cherry Valley ;
But wife and little ones are here,— for them we smile and delve.
For rougher paths we've traveled, though way back in 1S12 ;
Brave heart,— strong arm 'twnll never do to dally,
So here's three cheers for Camden, and not a sigh for Cherry Valley.
2^6 PIOXEER HISTORY OF
DINGLE STREET.
What is now knows as Dingle street, was not laid out as a
jiublic highway until 1839; prior to that time there was only a
foot or bridle path. The street extends from the Wolcott Hill
Road to the Florence Road. Dingle street was thus named,
as those living on this road allowed their cows to feed in the
road ,vith bells attached to their necks. On the west side of
this road much of the land is low and swampy, through which
was built a corduroy road from the Skinner neighborhood tO'
shorten the distance to the school-house. Like all roads of the
kind, it was very rough, which caused it to be named "The
Devil's Washboard." On the State road, near this street, was
tlie home of George Pettis, on whose land was the first school-
house, which was built by the Pettis brothers and neighbors for
the double purpose of holding religious meetings and school. It
was built of logs, as were many, or all the first houses. Later the
framed school-house was built on Dingle street. On this street
was a saw-mill, built by Abram Sanford. This mill was owned
and used by Morenus Scoville, who here did a considerable
business. Gideon Cain was the last one that used the mill. It
is now gone to decay. Not far from the mill was the home of
Morenus Scoville, who married Miss Chloe S. Castle, ^larch 2/,
1827. The children were, Lorenzo P., Albro, Castle, Elizabeth
A., Harriet H.. Sarah !'>., Alvira ()., Almira F. — two last twins.
Samuel Stewart was an early settler and built a house in this
vicinity, as did also I^lijah Carswell and his l)rother John and
Leonard West; the latter sold to Arza Skinner. Corner of
Dingle street and Westcott Hill Road was the home of Mr.
Fielding, who sold to Mr. Dennison, who later sold to Andrus
Meeker.
STATE ROAD.
In the northeastern part of the town of Camden is the State
road crossing its corner. In the first town book a survey bill
is tound. reading as follows, and we suppose it must be this road.
Page 36 of book, September 30th, 1801 : "Beginning in the
center of the highway leading from Fort Stanwix by John
Rffgers' and John Spinning's tavern to Salmon River, at a
I
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. . -
beech tree (known as the 12 mile tree) on the Sahiion River
road, in the fourth town, &c."
(."harles Thompson l)uih in i84(S a hotel on this roail. I Ic
married a daughter of Henry Peck. The children were — Svi-
vester. Jerusha, Gilbert, Lois, Alvin. This hotel was burned
several years since.
Andrew Secor was an early settler on this road; he eniioratcd
from Albany County, N. Y. The family consisted of his .vife
and fifteen children, six sons and five daughters. Richard JoOin
settled beyond the Secor home; he was from All)any County
also; his family consisted of wife and five children. Although
the country was new, this road was much used, being the direct
road to Sackett's Harborfrom Fort Stanwix (now Rome). Hotels
then did a thriving- business, and were numerous. William Joslin
built one beyond the home of his father in this town.
MEXICO STREET.
The Oswego County History tells us "the road called Mexico
street was cut or extended from Camden to Vera Cruz, passing
through the present towns of Amboy, Parish and Mexico about
1804." It was the main road from Rome to Mexico, running
through what was later called Vienna, up to Phelps' tavern,
then turning to the left, running up over Preston Hill, coming
out onto what is now a main road from Camden to Mexico,
not far from the Deacon Osborn place. The Mexico street
leading from the village west, past the railroad stations and
which joins this road, was the next street laid out in the village
after Main street. A little log house formerly stood on tho
site of the Masonic Lodge, occupied for a short time by Judge
Williams, who acted as land agent, where new comers would stop
for a night's lodging. When provisions were scarce, as they
must necessarily be in a new country, we are told he would
take his gun, and, wandering along the bank of Fish Creek.
slioot deer, which furnished them with meat.
The name of Curtiss has been associated with this part of
the town for more than half a century. As early as 1795 o-
179'=^. Jesse Curtiss came to this locality and built a saw-mill on
the east side of Fish Creek, near the site of Penfield & Stone's
2^8 PIONEER HISTORY OF
grist mill. We can find no records of the land or of whom he
purchased it, but have been told some of the early land owners
gave him ten acres in this part of the village as an inducement
to come here and build a mill.
Before the town of Camden was separated from Mexico, in
1799, the records of the latter place were lost in the woods while
bemg conveyed to Whitestown, and never recovered; so it is
almost impossible to gain any information concerning land titles
prior to that date.
Tlie millstones used in this early structure were quarried in
Clinton, and are now used by Pliny Phelps in his mill at Phelps-
ville.
From the time Jesse Curtiss first established a business here
this part of the town has been a busy place.
ELIHU CURTISS.
Elihu, son of Jesse Curtiss, came to Camden from Clinton
about the time his father located here. His journey was made
by water, as far as possible, coming up Wood Creek to the great
carr}'ing place, then across to Fish Creek. On the way he found
a tree had fallen across the stream, obstructing his progress,
which had to be removed before he could proceed further. This
is said to have been the first tree cut in this locality.
Elihu Curtiss built a log house near the site of Charles ]\Ic-
Carthy's store. He moved his family here, which consisted of
a wife and four children. Lyman, who married Lucinthia Parke,
and settled in Camden. Eliab was a sailor and lost at sea. Polly
married David Norman Castle, and Hope, who married Olney
Hines.
Elihu Curtiss built the first tavern in town, where Robson's
hardware store now stands. Jesse Curtiss built the first frame
house erected in Camden, in the rear of the log house occu-
pied by his son, Elihu. It was long used as a mill house.
We find this inscription cm a time-worn stone in the Mexico
street Cemetery: "In memory of Elihu Curtiss, who dcparte<)
this life the nth day of Jan., 1815, in the 59th year of his age.
Death is a debt to nature due;
This debt I paid, and so must you."
First Tavern in Camden.
\ .. w of Railroad Bridge from Mexico Street.
77//; roiv.v OF r.i.i//>/;.v.
' I 9
After the death of Eiihu Cnrtiss. Jiu1,g,c Israel Studchird pur-
chased the property, or part of it, in i8iS. It consisted at that
lime of a grist mill, a saw mill, a dwelling house and shed, with
about two acres of land.
Judge Israel Stoddard and Gen. Lyman Curtiss were in com-
pany in 1822, and Edward (jocdycar had a distillery underneath
the mill. At that time all of that corner where the Dorrance
& Wright block now staiKls was a mill yard, covered with logs.
In 1834 Erastus E^pson bcnght or.e-half cf the mill property
and was in company with Lyman Curtiss.
During 1851 Erancis H. Conant purchased an interest in the
business, and the firm was known as Curtiss & Conant. October
23, 1854, Mr. Curtiss sold his interest in the business to Thomas
D. Penfield, and Conarit & Penfield conducted the business for
two years, when Mr. Conant sold his interest to Mr. Thomas
Stone, and the firm was known as Penfield & Stone until the
death of Mr. Stone in 1861. Mr. Penfield carried on the busi-
ness alone until 1867, when B. D. Stone became a partner and
the business was continued under the name of Penfield & Stone.
The mill built by Gen. Lyman Curtiss was destroyed by fire,
but a new one was erected on the site, where an extensive busi-
ness is carried on at the present time.
The first permanent bridge over Fish Creek, on Mexico street,
was built in 1805.
LYMAN CURTISS.
Lyman Curtiss married Lucinthia Parke. Two children were
born to them, who died in infancy and early childhood.
Lyman Curtiss succeeded his father in the interests centered
around what is now the beginning of Mexico street. Across
the bridge, on the south side of the road, was the Lyman Curti-s
farm. He lived in a story and a half house, which was quite
pretentious in those days, until he built the storic In use in 1842.
On the west end of the dam stood a grist mill, i^aiiUe 1 red. con-
sequently it was called the old red mill, \\hen Mr. Curtiss built
the new dam it was moved away on a vacant lot. left unused,
and in some mysterious wav took fire and burned. ( )n the east
2So
i'i()\i:i:h' ii/sToh'Y or
side of Fisli Creek was a saw mill, a grist mill, and a mill house,
paii'icd ii-G, where 1 haddcus Hibl^ard lived and acted "n liie
capacity of mill-tender. His childhood heme was in Hadley,
Mass. He married Miss Sophia iMarsli, who was born in Lev-
eretle, M:ss., in 1798. She was married when only 17 vears
of age. "They left Massachusetts in 1810, and lived for a tinie in
View from Mexico Bridq'e.
Floyd. Tl.cy came to Camden in 1831. Their children \\ ere
Sarah, Allen, Thomas, Irene, Melissa, Sophie, Emeline, ^laria,
Mr. Hibbard died in 1858. His wife survdved him 20 years,
dying in 1878.
Gen. L}-man Curtiss had an adopted daughter, Fdizabeth, who
married Dr. A. T. \'an X'alkenburgh, a i^rominent dentist in
Camden for many years, also belonging to the earlv Saxhorn
Rand.
Two children were born to them, who died with small-pox.
Fdizabeth Curtiss \'an \'alkenbin-gh died August 14, 1863. aged
31 years, (^en. F\-man Curtiss died December 13, 1868. aged
76yeais; Lucinthia, his wife, died April 2, 1850, aged 54 years.
77//-; 7'oir.\ or cAMnKX.
28t
MEXICO STREET CEMETERY.
In lot 69. Seventh township, on the west bank of Fish Crock.
is an old cemetery, which contains the sacred dnst (jf nianv of
the pioneer fathers, who, after their toilsome life in the new
counti V, were laid to rest here in the midst of the growing to\v.-».
The^• had done their work well, and when thev were called upon
to lay down their burdens, others took them up; their loss only
making a slight ripple on the ocean of time. Their sons and
daughters were well fitted to promote the work begun. The
remauis of many have been removed to Forest Park Cemeterv
to rest beside the dear ones who were left to mourn their loss,
and when the summons came to them, were laid to rest in a
more quiet spot. As the years rolled by, Mexico street became
one of the most busy thoroughfares, and it seemed more fitting
that 'the remains of the departed should rest beyond the busy
hum of hurrying feet and active business life. After the ;ie\v
cemetery was ])urchased, south of the village, the use of the old
one was "raduallv discontinued.
Old Cemetery on Mexico street.
282 PIONEER HISTORY OF
It contains nearly two hundred well-marked graves, although
many common field-stones are used for the purpose, bearing
neither name or date. But doubtless many are buried here whose
graves are unmarked, whose names are unknown and forgotten
by aU; but they "sleep well," waiting for the final summons whijii
shall cause them to arise and live. It is sacred ground, nnd
speaks to the passer l^}- of what has been and what shall be in
language too plain to be misunderstood. We find this inscrip-
tion on a timeworn stone near the street: "Bartholomew Pond,,
died March 21, 1810, aged 73 years. The first person buried in
Mex CO Street Cemetery." He owned a large number of acres
of land in this vicinity, and we are told he donated of this land
about three-fourths of an acre for a cemetery. But we find no
trace of it in the County Clerk's of^ce. The thought comes to
us, that having lived more than the allotted time, and knowing
he must soon lay down the burden of life, and desiring to rest
near the scene of his daily labors, he chose this quiet spot, where
the cooling stream in the summer gently laved its grassy bunks^
and where in winter its surface was wrapped in an icy pall, so
emblematic of death. We conclude it was given verbally, and
accepted in the same way. We find that seventeen Revolutionary
sold?irs are buried here, and three of the war of 1812.
Durmg the last year a Chapter of the Daughters of the Amer:-
can Revolution has been formed in Camden, and they havj in-
terested themselves in this cemetery; through their instrument-
alit} , largely, many improvements have been made, by removing
unsiglitly shrubs and dead trees, and otherwise improving the
ground. Through the efforts of our present Supervisor, W. S.
I'eck. a neat board fence, painted white, encloses this sacred
MEXICO STREET.
The site of the first house, which stood beyond the cemetery,
now occupied by the brick residence erected by the late (ieorge
Al)b()tt, was formerly ()CCiii)ie(l 1)\ a rmle structure, where judge
Williams liad an office as kind agent. In 1820 ICrastus I'jison
])urchased tlie property for his mother, and had a tin shop, but
aftf I a short inne he located his business on Main street.
THE TOMS OF (AMDES. 28,
'.riif next occupant of the place was Isaac Allen, who was born
JaniKnry 16, 1769, in Rhode Island. He married Sarah Staples,,
who was born October 3, 1779. Their marriage took place at
Danbury, Vt., February 17, 1799. No children came to them;
and after the death of his wife. September 6. 1840, Artemas
Peck and wife took up their residence there, to care for him mi
his loneliness.
Isaac Allen built the house which was moved back near the
Corbin factory, where the late Amos Alix lived after moving into
the village until his death.
Artemas Peck was born in Dtirham, X. Y.; his parents were
natives of Connecticut. He married Parthurria Caine, born No-
vember 16, 1807. Their marriage took place in Rome, X. Y.,.
fanuarv i, 1824. Eight children were born to them — Alphonse,
Sophie, Marv, Charlotte, Elizabeth, Horace, Reuben and Caroline.
Four children are now^ living — Mrs. Charlotte Roberts of Buf-
falo Elizabeth Howard of Camden, Mr. Horace Peck of Cam-
den, and Mrs. Caroline Harvey, residing in our village. Reuben
Peck enlisted in the 117th Regiment, Co. P., X. Y. X^olunteers;
was taken prisoner, and died in Andersonville prison. Artemas
J^eck died in Camden, July 11, 1888.
The next we can learn about the property is that eight and
three-fourths acres of land were sold by Isaac Allen to Edwin
Seth Dunbar. October zj,. 1847, and by him transferred to Eben
Abbott. The Isaac Allen house had been built under contract
by Seth Dunbar, the date uncertain, but not later than 1835.
The late George Abbott married Louisa Merrick in Connecti-
cut in 1842. They came to Camden in 1850, and settled eventu-
ally in the Isaac Allen house, where they continued to reside
until 1865, when it was moved back near the Corbin works, to
make room for the hue brick house completed in 1868, where his-
widow and daughter. Mrs. D. L. ^lann, continue to reside.
Four generations are living under the same roof: Mrs. Abbott,
her daughter, Mrs. Mann, her grand-daughter, Mrs. Kittnck,
her great grand-daughter, Elma Kittrick. The children of
George Abbott were Helen, who married D. L. .Mann: Anthony,
who married Miss Irene Lamb: Elma, whose death occurred
284 PIOXEEK HISTORY OF
August 25. 1891, unmarried: iM-ank. who married Miss liailis,
and resides in Xew York city. George married Miss Webster,
and resides in Camden; and Marion, who married W. H. Stans-
field, and resides in Syracuse. The death of George Abbott, Sr.,
occurred October 11, 1890.
The next l)uilding west of the residence of the Abbott home,
was the hotel. A description of it will be found in the chapter
pertaining- to the "Early Taverns of Camden." The next was
the store of general merchandise, with which the late Georsje
Abbott was connected nearly all of the years he resided in
Camden.
Just beyond the store we come to the R., W. and ( ». \i. R.
station. This road w^as completed from Rome to Camden during
the year 1850, and the last rail was laid through to W'aiertown
September 3. 185 1, and the road opened with an excursion.
Septemljer 24, the same month. It was leased by the New York
Central in 1890 or 1891 and a few advantageous changes made.
The station was burned and a new one built in 1862. \\'e read
in one of our town papers of that year, that "Manv improve-
ments on the former style were added to the new building-." In
the journal of the Rev. W. Albright of Boston, who has kindly
allowed us to make extracts from it, he writes: "It was just
five o'clock on a cool dam]> morning when I got ofif the train,
the only passenger to be left at Camden. The station was a
dingy looking old building, w-ith an office and a waiting rooni
at one end. and all of the rest devoted to freight. The building
seemed poorly constructed, and cried loudly for care and paint.
I followed the gray horse which was carrying the mail to the
post-of^cc, and at length found myself on the main street of the
village." ?vlr. Albright arrived in Camden several \-ears after
the new station, with its "many improvements," had been built.
Although it has been altered from time to time and the waitiug
rooni is more comfortable than in former years, our beautiful
town is worlhv of a far better station, and had not the efforts
of our to.vns-]ieople been un.availing witli the officials of the road,
a new and modern building would have ornamented the site
ere this, (ieorge Abbott, Sr.. was the first ticket agent. lie
THE 2'OTl'iY OF CAMDEN. «,
was succeeded by George Whalcy. The late II. A. Case held the
position for many years. His son, E. C. Case, was ticket agent
for a time, hut resigned the position to enter the employ ol
F. H. Conant's Sons, where he remains at the ])rcseni time a
valued assistant. W. Buchanan, a young man whose home lias
been in Camden since early childhood, is tlu- ticket agent at
the present writing.
On the opposite side of the road stands the station of the
Lehigh X'alley. It was extended from Cortland to (."amdcn in
1887. under the name of Elmira, Cortland and Northern, a con
tinuation of the E. & C. road. The first train over the road -vaj
an excursion train to Sylvan Beach, Sundav. Julv 10. 18.^7
Byron A. Phelps was installed as ticket agent at this time, and
continued to act in that capacity until it passed into the control
of the Lehigh A^alley road in 1895. The latter part of the sum-
mer of 1862, the first telegraphic communication with Camden
and the outside world was put in working order bv the R., ',\'.
& O. R. R. Co.
DAVID JOHNSON.
David Johnson built the house at the top of the hill on :'ie
right hand side west of the railroad station. For many years it
was the only house in this localit}'. During the last ten or ti'teen
years this part of the town has grown rapidly and it ])resents
one of the most thickly settled portions of the town to-day.
David Johnson married Laura Wilson, Mav 28, 1828. Their
children were Elizabeth. Lucien. Horace. Eliza, and Charlotte.
When playing out of doors while yet a child, an electrical storm
arose; Eliza sought shelter under a tree which was struck by
lightning. While it did not cause her death instantly, she never
fully recovered from the effects, and was laid to rest two years
later. David Johnson died September i. 1872; Laura, his wife,
died February 25, 1867; Charlotte married James H. Gamble,
and occupied the home until 1884, when it was sold to J. M.
Dexter, and they purchased the Franklin Fitield house on the
corner of Second and Union streets, where they continue to
reside. Mrs. Gamble is the last one of the familv living.
2 86
PIOXEER HISTORY OF
MILO POND.
Bartholomew Pond gave his son Milo the land where the old
red house stands, built by Sheldon Sanford. Until a recent date
this was the next house beyond the David Johnson place. Milo
Pond married for his first wife, Sophronia Smith. She died Sep-
tember 14, 1832, aged 32 years. His second wife was Mrs. Sarah
Ballard, who, after the death of Mr. Pond, married Oliver Kin-
ney and lived on Second street at the time of her death. Mr.
Pond's children were. Erastus, Sylvester, Caroline, and Clara.
Milo Pond died January 2, 1854, aged 53 years. Sophronia, his
wife, died September 14, 1832, aged 32 years. Sylvester died
MUu I'ur.J'.s House.
April 17. 1855. aged 30 years: Erastus died April 23, 1855. aged
27 vcars. The house has liad various tenants since the Pond
familv occui)ie(l it, and is still standing, a relic of by-gone years.
We next come to the site of a log house built by Commodore
Rodgers. He married the widow of Zenas Curtiss and left the
property to her son, the late Jeremiah Curtiss. He built a frame
house, which stood here for many years unpainted and weathe."-
<rHE TOWX OF CAMDEX.
287
beaten, but with an air both homelike and pleasing. On iht-
east side of the house a large orchard of apple trees strewed the
ground with their fragrant petals in the spring and in the autuin-i
showered their luscious fruit over the same field. In front, on
either side of the door, lilac bushes grew, with other old-fash-
ioned flowers. Mr. Curtiss married Flora, daughter of Samuel
Howd, and here they lived a peaceful life for many years. One
son was born to them, William Curtiss. Jeremiah Curtiss died
May 2^, 1874, aged 69 years. His wife survived him but six
■days, dying May 29, 1874, aged 67 years.
In i860 George Swanson bought the property of Jerry Curtiss.
Mr. Swanson was a native Scotchman, born May 6, 1824. His
home was near Edinburgh; he came to this countr\- when onl\-
four years old. Ann Wilson, to whom he was married May 23,
1849, was born May j6, 1826. He removed the old house which
he had purchased, and built a fine conunodious house on the
same site, but a few feet farther back from tlie road, where he
expected to dwell with his wife and family, but his wife's health
failed soon after they moved into the new house, and not long
after his own health was undermined. After his death it \va>
sold and is now occupied by Michael Hooks.
HORACE DUNBAR.
Horace Dunbar, son of Seth, married Alice Park. He built
and owned the house which stands on Dunbar street, just ofT
from Mexico street, not later than 1835. It is a sightly place,
commanding a beautiful view of the village, nestling among the
trees. Their children were Cornelia, Mary and Wallace. Cor-
nelia married George \\'haley, had one son: they resided in Cam-
den for many years, then went to Adrian. Mich. Mary married
Mr. Austin, and had one son. Wallace went to Ohio. Horace
Dunbar sold his home in i860 to H. A. Caswell, who occupied
it with his family for a time, then went to Rome. At the present
time it is owned by Samuel Scoville, who resides there and car-
ries on the farm. Alice Park Dunbar died July 23, 1855. aged
48 years. Mr. Dunbar married Helen Snow of Austinburg. O..
for his second wife; had two sons.
288 PIOXEJ:/,' JllsTOh'Y OF
JOHN ELDEX.
John Elden came from England in a British man-of-war some
time during the Revolution. But a short time elapsed aft'jr
landing in Xew York before his sympathies were enlisted in t^.e
cause of freedom, and lie deserted his ^Majesty's army and joined
our forces. He served in the war of the Revolution until honor-
ably discharged. He settled in Plymouth. Conn., where he mar-
ried Elizabeth Curtiss. who also resided in Plymouth. Their
son, John Elden, came to Camden about 1807, bought a large
lumiber of acres of land on Dunbar street, which has been ku'own
tr> later generations as Elden Hill. He cleared one acre and built
a log house, then returned to his former home, and when he
eame back, was accompanied by his father and mother. He
married Euc}- Cook; they had four children — George, Joel, L'ri,
who died while yet a young man, and Sally. They lived in the
log house for several years, tlien Iniilt a frame house a iitt-le
farther on, ^\hich was standing a few years ago, but now only
the old well and the remains of the cellar walls mark the site
where lliey all dwelt so many \ears. The children married and
settled in Camden. Joel married Xancy Woods, remaining or
the farm to care for his parents in their declining years. Two
sons were born to them, George and Walter; the former married
^liss Mary Wetmore. He met with a painful accident, and was
killed while a young man. \\'alter married Mary Williams, and
resides on the farm where two generations have lived before
him. He occupies a new house, which was built a few vears ago
on the opposite side of the road from the old home. John Elden.
Sen., (lied July 4, 1828, aged 76 years; his wife died (X'tober 19,
1833, aged 82 years. The son, John Elden, died in 1848, aged
64} ears; Lucy, his wife, died in 1840, aged 55 vears. L'ri was.
born in 1808, and died August 10, 1830. aged 22 years; Joel
Elden died in 1879. His wife survives him.
ISRAEL BUTLER.
Israel P.utler was among the large number of peojile who
came from Connecticut at an early date. He first settled on the
road which ran up from the (icorge Parks ])lace to the old
THE TOWN OF CAMDK.W
289
.Matthews honic, on rrcstcni llill. It was }uA back of tlic farm
now occupied l)y William llarncs. It was ralluT low and marsliv
land, and has iK'cn called llutler's swamp up t(j a recent date,
lie afterwards sold this farm and houiL^ht land on I3unhar street,
built a house, and near it duj;- a well. There is a s^Tand old
elm tree standinj^- to-da}-, which was planted ab;)ut eit^-htv \-ears
ag"o to cast its cooling- shade ox'cr the well. It stands as a re-
Uiiiuler of the early home of this pioneer. .Micajah liutler, one
of liie sons, was born Jul} 4, 1800. lie married Sibelia Snow,
January 2y. 1825. Her death occunetl Januarx' 7, 1848. For
his second wife he mairied Ruth Warner, born in 1807. ^licajah
Butler died September 16, 1872; Ruth Warner llutler survived
her husband 21 years, living to the advanced age of 86 vears,
when lier death occurred Januar}- 9. 1893. ( )ne son, Israel lUit-
lei , now resides in Camden.
THE DUNBAR MILL.
The tirst record we have concerning the propert\' situated on
\\hat is now called Will street, a road leading to the right, o/I
.■* ^1^.
The Dunbar .Mill.
from Mexico street, and extending through to Oswego street,
a short distance above the village, is from a deed given by Jere-
iv.iah Curtiss, October 26, 1829, to Horace Dunbar and Alfred
19
2 00 I'lOSEER HISTORY OF
Cole. In 1832 Horace Dunbar and Seth Dunljar. his father,
InuU the first mill. Edwin Dunbar owned it at one time, for
\vc lind a deed given l)y him to his brother, Horace Dunbar
in 1S85.
April 1. 1861, l\Ir. William L'aswell ])urchased it. operating h
for one vear. when he sold to Mr. George Swanson. April i, 1S62.
From him it was purcliased by John and Daniel Taylor, but in
ih,-ec vears it again came into the possession of ^Iv. Swans- >n.
He carried on the business until his health failed in 1888, nhen
it was eveiituallv sold and purchased by John G. Dorrancc
At present it is operated by H. M. Carleton.
ED WIN DUNBAR.
On the left side of ^Mexico street, just above Dunbar street,
stands a large fine house, painted white. It was built by Edwin
Dunl)ar. brother to Horace, in 1846. He married Lydia Ann
AM'ott of Aliddlebury, Conn., in 1837. He was born in Cam-
den, January 8, 1813. They had five children^— Caliste, Delan-
cev, Sarah, Edwin, and Marian. With his brother, Horace, he
was largeh- interested in the lumber and milling business. They
were straightforward, upright business men. and gained the es-
teem of all who knew them. The names of both are prom-
inei.tlv mentioned with the history of the town while thev re-
side ' licre. In 1861 Edwin Dunbar went to Michigan to leside,
A\ here his death occurred in Saginaw City, where he had been a
resident about nine years. He was i)roprietor of the Dunbar
House for eight \ears. leaving it in 1868 to reside on a farm
hi the town of Swan Creek, where he was four times elected
Supervisor; the last term he served he was the oldest member
of the board. While living in Camden he was twice elc'-ted
Suj^ervisor: the first time being the youngest member of the
];oard His death occurred in 1883, leaving a wife, one .^-"•n
and two daughters to mourn the loss of a noble husliand and
loving father. Edwin Dunbar sold his house and lands to Jere-
miah Curtiss when he left Camden, where ^Ir. Curtiss resided
up to the time of his death, and which is now occtipied ])y some
of his descendants.
TEE TOWy OF CAMDEy.
291
DAVID OSBORN'S FAMILY.
Deacon David Osborn was horn in Litchfield, Conn., in the
year 1782. Esther Potter, his wife, was horn in I'lvniMutli.
Conn., in 1779. They were married l)y the Rev. Mr. Waterman,
the 22d of December, 1802. In March of tlie followinj; year they
came to Camden, making the jonrney with an ox team. Fiftv
acres of land had been taken up abont a mile and a half fmni the
present village and two and a half acres cleared. Renl)en ( )sborn,
a brother, came at the same time: a log house had been built on
bis land. David and his wife remained there two weeks. Tlicse
primitive houses were erected in a short sj^ace of time, and a log
bouse with a cross-legged table and bench was ready for occu-
pancy at the end of two weeks. The table is still in existence
at the residence of the late David Osborn, a descendant. Mrs.
Osborn brought a bag of sw^eet apple seeds with her from her old
borne, from which sprung the fine old orchard whicli has sn])plied
David Osborn and Wife.
tbe descendants, and many others, with delicious fruit. Possessing
a great love for flowers, she brought from her Eastern home sin-
gle hollyhock seeds, which she sowed in the virgin soil of the wil-
derness; they well repaid her for all her trouble and care: they
grew finely and bore double blossoms of all colors, a thousand-
fr Id. making a glorious blaze of color among the chaos of logs
and brush of that newly-cleared land, cheering the hearts of the
passers-by with a thought of the possibilities of the future. Tliey
292
PIONEER HISTORY OF
lived seven }ears in tlieir first home It stood l)ack of the present
lionse, on a road wliich ran throni^li from Dunbar street, fallen
into disuse many years ago. They abandoned the old house,
moving into one owned by Deacon Lyman Tuttle nearer the
village, and later into the I'enfield house, just off from the main
road. During the year 1817 Mr. Osborn built the frame house
which is still standing in a good state of preservation, known to
all as the Old Deacon Osborn place, and where he died in 1859.
His wife died at the home of her son, David Osborn, a short
DeacDii osborn's House.
distance this side of the old home, and on the land they first
purchased in Camden. Their children were — Potter, Sherman,
Lucy, David, Elam, and Esther, the youngest and only one liv-
u;g, wlio married Isaiah I'). Loomis and resides in Bound Brook,
X. J. To her we are in(lcl)ted for this history of the early settle-
ment of the ( )sb()rn famih'. She has one son, O. P. Loomis.
He entered tlie electrical fielil with Prof. Thomson, at Xew
Britain, Conn., in 1883. and went witli tliat company to Lynn,
Mass., where in 1885 lie devised improvements in the art. from
this time until 1887, when a company called the Loomis Elec-
tric Manufacturing Com])any was incorjiorated. In 1889 they
moved to New York where the ]iatents were transferred to the
Eureka Electric Company. I'ndcr the jiressure of the :^anic
of 1893 this company was suspended and has since gone u \t. of
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
l)UjIiiess. Since this time Mr. Ldoniis lias been eiii,^a<^e(l in the
(lesig-n and manufacture of electrical niachinerv and his appa-
ratus is successfully running in all parts of the world, lie is a
member of the Institute of Electrical Engineers, and has con-
tributed several articles to various journals on the subject. Dur-
ing his career he has taken out over twenty patents for im-
provements, principari}' in the line of electrical engineering.
Reuben Osborn and his family came to Camden with his
brother David. He was one of the trustees of the Eirst Congre-
gational Church. In 1811 he moved to Dover, ()., where he died
March 24, i860, aged 81 years. Lucy ( )sborn died unmarried in
Camden, May 2(5, 1852, aged 45 years.
Elam Osborn, son of David, married Miss Maria Piatt, wlux-^c
home was in Connecticut. He owned and occupied the house
on Second street, which he sold to P. C. Costello when he mined
hi.^, family back to Connecticut. IMr. Osborn was engaged suc-
cessfullv in the mercantile business. Two children were born to
them, Lydia and Piatt, wdiose early childhood was spent in
Camden.
Sherman Osborn built the house just west of his childhood":-
home and moved into it December 4, 1830. He married .Susan
C". Osborn and settled here. They had two children, Hubert and
Mary. His wife died August 10, 1844. After her death he mar-
ried Marilla M. Phelps, by whom he had one son, Miner Osborn,
residing in Camden; Sherman Osborn died April 6, 1859. His
second wife survived him until December 31, 1885. Miner P.
Ofborn is the owner of the electric light plant of this village. In
1887 he commenced obtaining the necessary subscriptions for
the introduction of the electric light, and met with good success.
The system introduced was the Loomis incandescent, manu-
factured by the Loomis Electric Manufacturing Co. of P.oston.
Many of the business places threw out the old mode of lighting
and replaced the kerosene lamps with electric lights. In 1888
an experimental electric light was placed on Main street, oppo-
.^ite Union street, which was so superior to the oil lamps which
had been in use prior to this, that at the present time the whole
294
PIOXEER HISTORY OF
village is lighted with electricity, as well as many private houses.
Mr. Osborn with his wife and one son resides on Church street.
DAMD OSBORX. JR.
David Osborn, Jr., built a house for himself just east of his
childhood's home, in 1854. He married Mercv D. Cobb, daugh-
ter of Bennett Cobb, Sen., by whom he had one son, Henry
S., born October 6, 1842. His wife died . He mar-
ried the second time Mary Porter, who came from Taunton,
Mass. Three children were born, viz.: Benjamin Porter, who
died when a mere child; Betsey Porter, born February 16. 1845,
married Walter D. Mathson of Amsterdam, where her death
occurred; Benjamin L. Osborn, who was born October 25, 1846,
who resides in the old homestead and to whom we are indebted
for this history of his father's family.
Since writing the history of the Osborn family Mrs. Esther
Osborn Loomis was removed by death, Mav 14, 1897, aged yy
years.
BARTHOLOMEW POXD.
Bartholomew Pond, nephew of the one whose eaj-ly burial is
recorded in the old Mexico Street Cemeter\-, was born the first
Homo <>t Harthuloniew I'ond.
of August. 1754. lie was a soldier of the Revolution. Pie mar-
ried Elizabeth Dunbar, lie. with two brothers, came to Whites-
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
295
town, X. Y., in 1787, and before 1800 lie, with his br')thers,
Barnabas and dimothy, came to Camden, ddiey cleared a small
piece of land on the old road leadinc^ from Rome to Mexico.
It was just back of the old iJavid Osborn place. Here they
built a log house and then returned to Whitestown. Later,
Bartholomew came back with an ox team, bringing his wife
and seven children, his l)rothers remaining in Whitestown. When,
late in the afternoon, they reached Fish Creek, where the Mexico
street bridge now spans the stream, the}- found the water so
high they could not cross, and camped on the east bank all
night. The next morning they felled trees and constructed a
rude bridge, over which they passed, and followed the Indian
trail to their new home. He, later, built a frame house on the
New Mexico road. Three sons were l.)orn to them: Merrit and
Milo, who were twins, and Curtiss. Merrit Pond lived in the old
home and cared for his parents. He married Ariadne Soper,
sister of the late Amos Soper. They had six children, viz.:
Amos, Pernette, h^rancis, Walter, Hdward. and ^ [arietta. The
onlv ones living are W alter and Francis, of Chicago, and Pernette
Torbert House.
of this village, who has one son. Also Charles Putnam Pond
and Mrs. T. D. Norton, children of the late Capt. Amos Pond,
who reside in Camden. In this old Pond house one of the de-
296
PIOXEER HISTORY OF
scendants remembers seeing a room full of Indians fast asleep
on the floor, who had entered in the night and wearied with their
long tramp, were not awake when the family arose in the morn-
ing. The Indians used to pass over this road to Amboy to pro-
cure black ash, from which to make baskets. The daughters
of Bartholomew Pond were, Caroline, Minerva, jNIirinda
and Hannah. Minerva married Sheldon Sanford, who built
the old Milo Pond house ; Miranda married Stevens;
Hannah married vSmith. Bartholomew Pond died
March 31st, 1850, aged ninty-five years and eight months.
His wife died November 8, 1839, aged saventy-eight years. Mer-
ritt Pond died June 13, 1856, aged 55 years. His wife, Ariadne
Fond, died in Chicago at the age of 69 years. Her remains were
brought here and buried beside her husband. Curtiss Pond
built and occupied the house known as the Torbert house. Pie
roarrkd Susan Mix. They eventually went to reside in Pennsyl-
vania.
GIDEON NORTHRUP.
Gideon Northrup was born in Plymouth, Conn., in 1753. He
married Hannah Hitchcock, who was born in the same town
in 1775. Thev came to Camden to reside, and their names are
associated with its earliest history. Mr. Northrup purchased a
tract of land nearly opposite the David Osborn place, and. the
deed of it is said to l)e one of the earliest on record in the County
Clerk's office. An old barn is still standing, although in a very
dilapidated condition, a relic of pioneer davs. A ])ump has been
placed over the old well, which is just outside of the fence m
the highway. Thirteen children were born to them, viz.: Luc\,
Anna, Munson, Kbenezer. Jessie, Isaac, Medad, Rebecca, Dan-
iel, Merrit, llaunah. David and I'-slhcr. The mother of (lideon
Northrup ])robably came to the town with her sons, as her rleath
is recorded in the early history of the Congregational Church
as occurring December 1, 1812, aged 86. Hannah, the wife ot
Gideon Northru]), laid down the burden of life at the age of 69
years, September 10, 1SJ4. She n-sts in the Mexico Street
Cemetery. I Icr hu-band married the widow of \oah Tiithill,
and moved to I'orns\ Ivania. wh.ere he died in 1842.
TEE rOTT^Y OF CAMhKN.
2V7
A.\1)RFA\" Tl'lTLI-:.
Andrew Tuttle, son of Xoah, came t(j this town in company
with his father in 1797, bringing wife and one child, Lyman.
Andrew- Tuttle was born November 2, 1772, in the town of W'ol-
cott, Conn. He married Philoma Allen, August 12, 1795. She
was i3orn May 19, 1779. They settled on Mexico street, west of
the Sherman Osborn place. Their children were: Lyman, lorn
in Wolcott, in 1796; Orris, born September 14. 1798, the se'-ond
male child born in Camden; Eliza, born November 19. 1800;
Andrew Tuttle's Home.
Amanda, born June 30, 1804: Thankful, born March 27, iSoS;
Rebecca, November 3, 1810; Amelia, born September 17, 1815
Andrew Tuttle died October 19, 1829, aged 57 years. Philoma,
his wife, died November 7, 1856, aged 77 years.
DEACON LYMAN TUTTLE.
Deacon Lyman Tuttle came to Camden with his father. \\\wn
he grew to manhood he married Sarah Hungerford. Sei)teml)er
27, 1820. He succeeded his father in the old home, but in his
declining years moved into the village, occupying the ho--.^.-
which the late R. Harding moved back on the premises when
he built the fine residence now standing on Main street. Here
he lived with his daughter. Sarah, who marred Calvin I'resttMi.
Deacon Tuttle had tlirce children hv Ids hrst wife— Andrew
298
PIOXEER HISTORY OF
Orris Tuttle, born July 7, 1821. The next was a son, who dicA
in infancy; and Sarah EHza, born October 12, 1829. He married
the second time Sabra Whitney, who was born August 13. 1806.
One daughter was born to tlieni, Helen Or\-illa, October 14,
1838. Deacon Lyman Tuttle died in i8d5, aged 69 years. "He
was one of the earliest inhabitants of Camden, coming when a
mere child, and growing up with the town. He, like many others
of the early settlers, saw the wilderness become a thriving village.
He has seen the rising and setting of a generation." Sarah
Hungerford Tuttle died October 16, 1833. The second wife
died in 1782, aged 66 years; Sarah Preston died October 20.
1871, aged 42 years, leaving one daughter. Helen Tuttle was
one of the earliest teachers in the Union School. She went West
to reside.
MEXICO STREET SCHOOL HOUSE.
Through the kindness of Dr. B. L. Osborn we have obtained
the following facts concerning the Mexico Street School House:
The oldest written record obtainable concerning the school in
District No. 3, Mexico road, is of the date June, 1813. "At a
meeting warned by orders of Conmiissioners of Common Schools,
Philip Barnes was elected President of Proceedings: Eliasaph
Doolittle was elected Clerk; Isaac C. Smith, Oraman Tuttle,
and David Osborn were elected Trustees." The school house
in use at that time, according to the recortls and the recollection
of the two persons now living (1897), Clark Porter and Thomas
D. Penfield, who went to school in the school-house then stand-
ing, was a wooden structure with a door, and a stone chimney,
with a tire ])lace at the end toward the road.
It having been voted on November 2S, 1813, "to procure two
windows with sash and glass," and this apparently not having
been carried out, it was again voted on November 17, 1814, "to
procure two window sashes, also a pair of andirons." On January
24, 1814, it was voted "that a tax be laid for to clapboard the old
school-house with rough clapboards: also to point the cracks
the inside with lime mortar, and tt) put in some joists overhead,
and lay a floor and fix the chinmey, if necessary."
At the annual meeting held ( )ct()ber 5. 1819, it was "Resolved
unanimously to build a stone house, with the school-room, 17
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. „
feet square with a good chimney; and Resolved, That the (jld
school house be sold to the highest bidder, &c."
On November 15. 1819, it was "Resolved by a majority of the
voters present that the vote taken at the last annual meeting
for building a stone house l)e null and void. Resolved, 'idiat the
old school-house be done off in the manner talked of this even-
ing, viz: To be a good floor laid; writing tables on three sides;
ceiled up to the windows; 6 15-light windows; a good chimnev
v.ith 1.500 brick; two doors hung with hinges; nail all loose
boards, clapboards and shingles; the sashes painted; the whole
to be done in a workmanlike manner; to be lath and plastered,
$20 dollars to be paid in cash and the remainder in cattle or
grain."
On December 6, 1819, the above resolution was again unani-
mously voted, with this added, "that the trustees be directed to
lav a tax on the district of $2.75 for the jnirpose of ])ur-
chasing a pair of fire-dogs and a record book."
On November 4, 1830, it was "Resolved to lay a ta.x of four-
teen dollars to purchase a stove for the school-house."
Finally on the evening of October 30. 1840, at the annual
school meeting the old school-house was put up at vendue to
the "lowest" bidder, on this unique plan: The lowest bidder
was to take the old school-house at his bid as half pay, together
with an equal amount of money to be raised by tax, for building
ihe new school-house, and have it finished by the first of July,
following, according to plans furnished by the Trustees.
This seems to have been done, and a sj^ecial meeting called
July 1, i8_|l, which voted to build a tight board fence five feet
high on the east, south and west sides, and a three and a half or
four foot fence in front, with a gate, with iron hinges and a latch."
On December 8, 1852, it was voted to build a wood-house
12x16 feet square, and a tax was laid for that i)urpose.
During the summer and fall of 1862 the matter of building a
lar<:^er and more commodious school-house, with seats in slip5.
larger black-boards, and with arrangements more modern, was
agitated, discussed, and finally voted, chieflv through the efforts
of Delos Penfield, and the school-house now in use (1897) was
built in the winter of 1862-3.
300
PIONEER BISTORT OF
Delos I'enfield and John rilkinj^ton havino- eacli given an
equal :iin(iunt of land, the grounds were enlarged, graded down
and inclosed on three sides with stone wall. This building stands
tnti'-ely hack of where the old school-house stood. Upon the
completion of the new school-house the old one of 1841 was sold
to Abraham A'oorhees. who moved it around the corner on to
the Mix road, and used it for a shoe shoj). The wood-house Iniilt
in 1852 was sold to Clark Porter.
B. L. Osborn, District Clerk (1897.)
PARSONS ALLEN.
Parsons Allen, one of the ]Moneers of Camden, was among
the earliest settlers, and an honored and respected citizen for
more than half a century. He was identified with the earliest
liistorj of the Congregational Church, and a most consistent
menibei of it. He married Chloe, daughter of Noah Tuttle, who
was borr March 13, 1787. He purchased the farm later known as
the \^oorhees place, and built a house, which is still standing,
1)Ut littlf altered on the inside l)Ut materialh' changed outwardly.
He built and operated a tannery near his home, and from the
leather he made boots and shoes, and kept a shoe shop where
they were for sale. His children were, Samantha, Alonzo, Noah,
Edwin and Ilarzilla. Their ba])tisius are recorded in the earlv
records of the Congregational Church in 1813. Parsons Allen
was born in 1792, and died in the town of Munson, 111., June
22, 1867. He left Camden for his western home in 1855. Sa-
mantha .Mien, whose life was one to enlist our deepest svmpa-
thies, was always in feeble health, until it midermined her in-
tellect, and :n this state she remained until she reached the
mature age of 33 years, when she was called from her pain
and suffering to rest, and lu'r remains are mingled with the sacred
dust in the Mexico Street Cemetery. Her death occurred A\n'\\
19. 1839.
DANIEL P. ARTIK )L()MEW.
The next h.or.se beyond the school-house, on the left, -was
owned l:)y Daniel Bartholomew, who came from Connecticut.
P)Ut little can be learned concerning him. He settled here and
built a log house: but ])rior to 1823 he sold the property to
h'owler I'eulii'ld, who during that \ear built the house which
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
was destroyed Ijy fire nuui\ years aoo. Here lie lived with his
family until he went to Westchester County to reside. One
daughter, Susan, was born in the new house.
DELOS I 'ENFIELD.
Delos. son of Fowler Fentield. married Marv liarnes and con-
tinued to reside in the Iiome his fallier had l)uilt until in 1851
he built the fine large house on the opposite side of the road,
now the property of Charles Carleton. Four children were born
to them: Jane. Warner. Julia and Jessie. Only Warner, whose
home is in Xew York, and Julia, who lives in Washington, caring
for her mother, survive. The farm on Mexico street was sold;
the family eoriMug to the village to reside. After several vears
they went to Washington, where the\- have since made theii
home. Delos Penfield died in Xew York, I'ebruary 26. 1887,
and was brought to his native town for interment.
CARLETON FAMILY.
The Carlton family came from Kildare, about twenty mih's
from Dublin. Charles Carleton, one of the brothers, came di-
rectly from Ireland to New York in the "Senator," a sailing
vessel, in Tune, 1849. The ^oyage was a comparatively long
one, taking most of the time for a month before they arrived
in New York harbor. A relative had already arrived in this
cotmtry, settling in Hillsborough, whom he wished to visit. He
decided to mnke his home in this locality. The following No-
vember the farher and mother, with two sons, James and John,
and two daugliters, Mary and Elizabeth, left their homes and
started for the nevv- world and arrived in Camden, where they
have since resided. Mary married David Frice in Ireland,
and Elizabe.li married Richard Frice soon after they arrived
here. The Carleton brothers bought a large number of acres
of land some distance off to the right from Mexico street, of
Horace and Edwin Dunbar. They built large mills, where
James, Jr., continued to reside until tire destroyed the property.
The mother's maiden name was Ellen Raymond. All belonged
to the Church of England in the former home, and soon after
their arrival in Camden, identified themselves with Trinity
Church. lames Carleton, father of Charles, fohn R.. an<l James.
-02 PIOSEER HISTORY OF
jr., died Marcli 25, 1878. aged /2 years. Ellen, his wife died
Tune, 1857. aged 47 years. They rest in I'orest Park Cemetery.
WILLIAM I'EXI-IELD.
William iVnheld settled in Camden just west of the home of
his brother Fowler. He located on the farm now owned by
John R. Caileton. He married Eunice Penfield. They had five
sons who went West and died there. William I'enfield went on a
trip throug'.i the South and when returning was stricken with
yellow fever. He died with it and was buried at sea. His widow
married Wan en. Preston, and located in Pennsylvania. Judge
Israel Stoddard j)urchased the farm and had one of the barns
moved to liis farn; south of the village, where it is still standing.
An old well marks the site of the home.
STEPHEN SCOMLLE.
On the opposite side of the road from the home of John R.
Carleton, .Stej'hen Scoville lived many years ago. Little can be
gathered concerning himself and family. His son. Thompson
Scoville, occupied the home where John R. Carleton now re-
sides. Stephen Scoville married Chloe Cook, sister of Oliver
and Martin Cook. He died May 18, 1849, aged 74 years. His
wife died June 16, 1848, aged /T, years.
CLARK PORTER.
The oldest man now living in Camden is Mr. Clark Porter,
who resides on the left sideof Mexico street, above Charles Carle-
ton's residence. Lewis Porter, his father, came to Camden in
181 1, and settled on the Seventh for a short time, where Clark
Porter, the oldest of six children, was born the following vcar.
Soon after he bought the house where his son, Clark Porter,
now lives. Lewis f^orter died December 27, 1858, aged 75 years.
His wife died November 7, 1877, aged 92 years. Their native
place was Watcrtown, Conn. Clark Porter and wife had three
daughters and one son — Lizzie, who married Andrew Bohem,
died July 15. 1895. Lewis Porter bought the house on Mexico
street of Phineas Tuttle, who had foimerly kept it as a hotel.
ELIASAPH DOOLITTLE.
Eliasaph Doolittle, whose name is closely identified with the
earliest records of the town, was born in Plymouth, Conn., ]\Iarch
77/ y; 7'oir.v of cam den.
7. 17S2. Ik' was (k'sci'iick'd fioni l';ii-li>li parent^ wlio came to
America and settled in IMymouth in 1701). l'".liasa|ili Doi. little
had fonr sisters and six l)r(.thers, viz.: Luey, l\utli. Sallv,
iJetsey, Charles. Miles. Isaiah. I 'otter. Amazi and Charles. Mr
left C'onneeticnt to settle in Oneida Countv, X. Y., In 1S02.
Thisjonrney was performed on foot, with his elothin;;- in a little
pack, which he hnn^- on the handle of the ax he carried on his
slioulder. A ver\ strong- atiection existed between his niotlier
and liimself and it was a hard trial for her to let the dear one
g-Q out into the world alone. She walked with him a lon^- dis-
tance before bidding- him g-ood-bye. After he had parted from
her he looked back and saw her still standing where he left her.
shading her eyes with her hand, gazing after her b()\-. doubt-
less with tears blotting- out the image she was tr\ing to see.
Tears always came to his eyes wheiievcr he related this incident.
His first home was made on Mexico street, on the farm known
to a later generation as the jerry Uailey farm, fie made a small
clearing and l)uilt a log house. At night he sle])t with logs j^Ied
ag-ainst the door to prevent the wolves from entering. In the
morning he often saw their tracks in the ashes where he had
burned brush and logs. In the fall he buried his ])otat(ie> and
walked l)ack to his old home in Connecticut. si)ent the winter
there and earlv in the spring again started for Camden. lie
])aid partlv for his land when he first settled here. W hen he left
home the second time his father gave him sufficient money to
l)ay for the remainder. Me then built a more comfortable Imusc
and otherwise im])roved his land. Two years later he went again
to his old home, and married ]\Iiss Joanna lirace. 1805. His father
gave him a horse and wagon which conveyed himself and wife
to the new home he had prepared for her. In i(Si2-i8i4 he was
mustered into service and went to Sackett's Harbor and (^swcpo.
During his absence his wife was at home alone with small chil-
dren and the howling of wolves around the house at night made
it imiperative for her to keep the latch-string inside the doo-.
lest in some way a wolf might pull it and enter. This fear added
greatly to her loneliness. Mr. Doolittle received a pension in h:'-
later vears in acknowledgement of his services as a soldier.
-„, PIOXEER HL^TORY OF
The farm where he first settled was sold in 1813, and the one
purchased, just at the edge of the village of Camden: and this one
was owned and occupied by the Doolittles until 1892. when it
passed into the possession of (i. S. Watkins. Seven chi'.dreu
were born to Eliasaph and Joanna Doolittle. viz.: Sally. Miles,
W'illard, W'olcott. Lucena, Maria and Herman. The family were
all members of the Congregational Church, one son. ^liles en-
tering the ministr}' when he was 30 \ ears old, clomg the [Master's
work most nobly. He died in the city of Troy, Wis., March 22.
aged 68 years. Wolcott Doolittle married Marian Cronkhite of
Wyoming, N. Y., taking his wife to the house occupied by his
fell her, where they lived all of their married life. Eliasaph Doo-
lif^le was born ]\Iarch 7, 1782; died Xovember 13, 1872, aged 90;
Joanna, his wife, was born April 13, 1784: died in 1S40, aged 56
years. Wolcott Doolittle died in 1850. His wife died in 1891.
No descendants living at the present time in Camden.
JEREAHAH BAILEY.
Jeremiah Bailey bought this place of Eliasaph Doolittle and
settled here. He married branny Scoville for his first wife, and
Xabby Wilson for his second wife. Two children were born by
his first wife, Fanny and . His second wife's children
were Julia and Roxy. Eanu}- married Cornelius McGee: had five
children; Carrie, who married John W. Lirierle}-; Charles W.,
Burdett B., Adelbert S., Worden J.. Clarence C. Julia married,
first, Sidney Clark, and had five children, Julia, Jackson, Afary,
Henry and Cora. Her second husband was John Sanford of this
village; they have one daughter, hdora.
ELIJAH BAILEY.
Elijah Bailey was an early settler in this locality, coming here
with wife and family. He was a soldier of the Revolution. His
children were Roxanna. who died l^eptember 11, 1842, aged 22
years, and Winthrop. who died January 30. 1836. aged ^y \ears
Elijah I5ailey died August 11. 1838. aged 76 years: Jeremiah
Bailey died -. Another brother, James Uailey, lived -vi the
site where the house occujiied by Eben Stevens now st iivls.
After his death his widow married Samuel ("ira\-. Thev had
THE 7'OTr.Y OF <\\MIH:S. -q-
three children, Maria, William and Stci)lien. The dan<;htiT nnir-
ried O. B. Gibson, lived for a time in Camden, then located in
the West.
SAMUEL CLEA\-ELAX1).
Where the new dwelling house of James Carleton now stands,
at an early date, Samuel Cleaveland settled with wife and childicti,
liecoaiing a large land owner. We can onl\- learn of five chil-
dren, Laura, Esther, Eannic, Richard and David. I lis first wife
died August ii, 1820. She rests in Mexico Street Cemetcrv.
He married, the second time, the widow Soper. mother of the
late Capt. x^mos Soper; one son was born to them, Henrv, father
of our well known townsman, Piatt Cleaveland. and his older
brothers, Seth. a prominent business man of Rochester, X. Y.,
and the late John Cleaveland of Bufifalo. Samuel Cleaveland de-
parted this life November 11, 1847, aged 76 vears. The death
of his second wife occurred October 7, aged 80 years. They
rest in the old part of Forest Park Cemetery. In 1819 Samuel
Cleaveland was one of the trustees of District Xo. 3.
JOHN REMINGTON.
John Remington came to Camden from Xew Hartford in
1844, and bought of Horace Dunbar lot 59 in the township of
Scriba's Patent. He had a steam saw-mill on a cross road which
ran through the woods between Mexico street and Hillsborough.
When he came to Camden he brought his wife and two children
with him. John Remington identified himself with the old Ami-
cable Free Masons , which was organized in New Hartford in
1792. He was an honored and useful member of Lodge 164
of Camden. Hisresidencein this town was in or near the house
which was occupied at an earlier date by Samuel Cleaveland,
but after a number of years he moved into the village and kept
the lower tavern. He moved to LTica. April, 1874, where he died
April II, 1890, aged 84 years. His wife died March, 1896, aged
yy years, leaving five children.
ELIPHALET JOHNSON.
Eliphalet Johnson was born in Litchfield. Conn,, in 1746. He
enlisted in Capt. Lathrop's company, Norwich. August 29. 1777,
and went to Saratoga. Dismissed October 23, 1777. He niar-
20
3o6
PIONEER HISTORY OF
ried Chloe , whose childhood home was in Connecticut.
He came to Camden in 1805, bought land and settled on the site
later occupied by the Cash tavern, about three or four miles
frcm the village. He made a small clearing on the land which
he had purchased and built a log house, where he lived alone
tj-.e first year he spent in Camden. After he had the side walls
and the roof covered he left it one day to go to a neighbor's
house, who lived about three miles west of his home, to procure
sorne fresh meat. He made his purchase and started homeward;
while going through the woods he heard the blood-curdling
sourd of howling wolves. They had scented the meat and were
rapidly following him. As they came near he threw it to them
and ran. It satisfied their ferocious hunger for a few moments,
but soon it was devoured, and they came on faster than before.
Tliey were almost upon him as he sprang into the house and
up a ladder into the loft. While in so much danger his wits did
not desert him. There was no floor, and finding a long pole,
he reached down and closed the door, then jumped from the
gable end of the loft, which had not been enclosed, and went to
his nearest neighbors in search of help, which he procured, and
returning, speedily despatched the baffled animals. The following
year he moved his family to Camden, coming from Connecticut
with an ox team. He had eight children, all born in Connecti-
cut, Abram, Eliphalet, Stephen, Miles, Elias, Chloe, Lydia, Amy
and Ansel. Eliphalet Johnson died November 2. 1818, aged 72
years. Chloe, his wife, died February 26. 18 17, aged 63 years.
They rest in the cemetery on Mexico street.
JOHN WEBB.
After the death of Eliphalet Johnson we can find but little
about the place; but in 1837 John Webb owned and occupied it
with his family, and had erected a new Imilding and kept a hotel.
They were an English family. Mrs. Webb was a lace-maker in
her home across the water, and continued to make it for sale
after she came to this country. It was a curious sight to see
her sit hour after hour with the large cusliion before her, the
pattern outlined with pins upon it. and to watch the alertness
with which the bobbins flew from one pin to another with such
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN
307
precision; there was never a mistake. They had one daughter,
Sarah Ann, who married Wilham Cash. After the death of
Mr. Webb, the son-in-law continued to keep the hotel for a time,
Mrs. Webb living with her daughter. He finally sold it to
James Gilmore, who converted it into a private house. In 1857
or 1858, Mr. Gilmore sold to Patrick Keeshan, who lives there
at the present time. Some changes have been made, the ball
room, which was on the east side, has been moved farther on
the road to Amboy, and made into a home for Mr. Keeshan's
brother. John Webb died June 6, 1842, aged 70 years; Sarah,
his wife, died November 14, 1853, aged 81 vears.
The following was handed us to be published in the history
of our town, which we gladly do:
On a certain day in the year 183 1, the startling news was heard
on the street that a person, a Scotchman by the name of Morton,
in the employ of David Johnson, blacksmith, suddenly dropped
down and expired. He resided on Mexico street, some four miles
away, near the Amboy woods, in a log house. The family con-
sisted of husband, wife and nine children, two boys and seven
■girls.
Deacon Lyman Tuthill, like the good man he always was,
when he heard of it, went and called on them and soon saw that
they were in very destitute circumstances, with not enough pro-
visions to last them twenty-four hours. Before leaving he of-
fered up a petition to the Heavenly Father in behalf of the wido;v
and her fatherless children, commending them to His holy care
and keeping. He went home and, with a little efifort, obtained
supplies of the neighbors and sent them to the sorrowing family.
Rev. Lewis Loss preached the funeral seimon, and after the
funeral Deacons Tuthill and Osborn, Linus Sanford, James
Southworth. Gen. Curtiss and others counseled together what
was best to be done for the widow and afflicted family. It was pro-
posed to get them into the York Mills, if possible, and Deacon
E. Upson was requested to write and see if there was any chance
for such. Mr. Walcott replied, Send them right along.
After the reception of the letter, a committee of ladies was
appointed, consisting, among others, of Mrs. Deacon Tuthill
3o8
I'lOXEER HISTORY OF
?nd Osborn, ]\Irs. Pearsons Allen of Mexico street, ]\Irs. Lyman
Curtiss, Airs. Esq. Brown, Mrs. Ransom, Mrs. J. C. Sperry, and
Mrs. Deacon Upson, to look after their wearing apparel and
report at Mrs. Deacon Upson's. The result was that the family
were well provided with clothing until they had time to help
themselves. Men volunteered with teams and transferred them
to York Mills.
Now', reader, let us ring up the curtain for 1842, and notice the
results; the two young men, James and Alexander, had prepared
themselves to enter college by studying mornings and evenings^
working in the mills during the day. They entered college, and
Mr. B. S. Wolcott, the proprietor of the mills, generously aided
and assisted them. They graduated with honors. James entered
the ministry, and was a successful preacher; Alexander conceived
the idea of getting up a pen that should be non-corrosive, an
article much needed. The result was "Morton's celebrated gold
pen." It was a great success and in a short time agencies w-ere
established in all the great commercial centers of the world.
Alexander, the famous inventor, died in the sixties, having ac-
quired a large fortune. Before his death he requested his brother,
James, to take the business and "Push it." James consented,
and crossed the Atlantic eighteen times, and the Pacific twice,
in the interest of the business, but eventualh' made his home in
London the last few years of his life. In the summer of 1895,
James, the brother, died. They were both young men without a
single vice.
The sisters, young ladies, grew up genteel, refined and amiable,
all having good homes; the whole family of nine children orna-
ments of society and a blessing to the world.
I could speak of letters received from her gracious majesty,
Victoria, and other crowned heads and potentates of the old
w'orld, acknowledging in high praise the worth of Morton's gold
pen as a valuable acquisition to the world, but this is not my
purpose. It was to mention those early settlers, those fathers
and mothers, who so nobly aided and assisted the widow and her
fatherless children in those dark days of their bereavement and
extremity.
THE TOWN OF VAMDEW ,„^
309
Perhaps it has not been generally known that several of these
men mentioned were contributors in the eighteen twenties of
$25 each to an endowment fund for Hamilton College, during
the days of Rev. Henry Smith. The reader may smile and think
this rather a small sum, but in those early days of a limited cur-
rency, coming so soon after the Revolution, it was fully equal
to one hundred at the present day.
They were strong society leaders, both male and female. I
grant that there are generally two sorts of society leaders —
those who are the real, actual inspirators, quiet, cultivated, and
refined, if not conspicuous, but who set standards of demeanor
and give the best tone and character to advancing civilization;
and the show-y sort, who inwardly are restless, uneasy, and not
cultivated, scarcely knowing what to do with themselves in order
to pass away the time. They were church goers, and it seems
to be a fact that the best people are church attendants, and dressed
suitably to the occasion. They were persons of strong, generous
personalities, receptive and responsive to spiritualistic influences,
emphasizing by words and deeds the highest, loftiest and noblest
ideals and ends of life. Other instances equally striking, char-
acteristic, and gratifying in their results are not wanting.
Reader, kind reader, I think you will cordially agree with me
that these and such as these are well worthy of pleasant mention
in the History of our Town. Their remains rest in our several
cemeteries. Sacred be their memories. We ne'er shall see their
like again. — Communicated.
ROAD LEADING FROM MEXICO STREET TO HILLS-
BOROUGH ROAD.
The first settlers on this road were Laney Castle and Jesse
Penfield, purchasing their land of Ogden & Murray, land
agents. One David Lewis made a clearing in 1812, near where
George Rush's home is at present date.
Jesse Penfield emigrated from Plymouth. Conn., (where he
was a tax-payer in 1794) to Camden about 180.^. His log house
was the first home on this road, and was built on a rise of ground
near Mexico street. He was a Revolutionary soldier, ser\-ing
with honor in the militia under Capt. Phineas Porter in 1775.
-lo PIONEER HISTORY OF
In 1778 he enlisted in the First Connecticut Troopers, serving-
until 1780, receiving a pension for his services. His wife.
Miss Polly Upson, was also from Plymouth, Conn. From
Mexico street to his home was at first a bridle path (as in the
early times people went from place to place on horseback); later,
trees were cut and cleared, and a cart road constructed, which
bore to the east and south from the present road, at the terminus
of which, on a slight elevation, was the spot selected by Fowler,
son of Jesse Penfield, as his home. He was married by Rev.
Moses Gillett to Miss Jane DeMilt, April 21, A. D. 181 1. On
this spot he built a log house, which was the birthplace of our
much respected townsman, Hon. Thomas DeMilt Penfield.
Fowler Penfield's children were — Britannia Eliza, Thomas De-
Milt, Warner Wood, Delos, Susannah W., George Jesse. The
mother of this family died November 17, 1865, at her residence.
No. 7 Rutger's Place, New York City. Her parents were Peter
DeMilt and Susan K. Warner. Mrs. Fowler Penfield was born
in the city of New York in 1790, but was a resident of Camden
for many years, coming here when nine years of age. In 1846
she, with her husband, removed to Eastchester, Westchester
County; from thence to her last residence in New York city.
When Mrs. Penfield first came to Camden the journey from
New York took four weeks, their manner of traveling being by
horses and carriage. Where now is our village park was then
a forest of lofty pines, with the homes of the first settlers inter-
spersed among them. She was a lady of rare Christian char-
acter and excellence. Polly, the wife of Jesse Penfield, united
with the Congregational Church of Camden in 1809. We can
not ascertain what year this cross road was straightened and
extended across to the Hillsborough road. Others settled in
this neighborhood: Chauncey Woodruff in 1814. Mr. Wood-
ruff came from Harwinton, Conn., where he married his wife,
Miss Rebecca Scoville, in 1817, first coming to Camden and
providing a home for his bride. The trip with his young wife
was made with oxen, the cart containing their household goods.
He purchased his place of Laney Castle (we regret that we can
not learn something more of this early settler), upon which a
THE TOWN OF C A HI DEN. ^
log house had previously been built. Mr. Woodruff had a family
of eight children.
Willis Pond, son of licriah I'ond, lived (in this mad, and still
later others settled here, among wliom wore Joseph I'incv, An-
drew Seubert, John Rush, John Peter Leavenworth, who cam?
in 1841. He was a native of France, and served in the French
war, was six years under King Louis Philippe, coming to America
in 1833. He was married to Miss Mary Ann Reiser of I'tioa in
1836. He was a permanent and respected resident, attaining the
age of 81 years. He died July, 1885. John Rush died in 1862,
aged 65 years; Elizabeth, his wife, died in 1887, aged 87 years;
Joseph Piney died in 1844; Margaret, his wife, June 30, 1853,
aged 74 years.
WEST CA^IDEN.
We will now introduce you to the homes in an enterprising
little village in the north-western part of this town, called West
Camden, where the influence, both secret and silent, direct and
open, conscious and unconscious, have molded the character of
men and women of to-day. Of some of them we can only give
you a passing glance. Among the early occupants of these
homes there was no aristocracy of blood, or of boasting of hon-
ored titles. They were men of moderate means, and would have
made a good living any wdiere there was work. The first homes
that they built were small and rude; in manv instances they were
log cabins, but were the abodes of contentment. Tlie west
branch of Fish Creek runs through this village and gives great
facilities for milling purposes. The pioneers of this locality were
hardy and industrious people, like their neiohbors in other parts
of the town. Thev have l^rought their wild lands and dense
forests to a highly productive state, which shows their diligence
and unremitting labor.
We find the name of David Smith in very o](\ (\cc(]s, wliicii
shows that he owned a large tract of land in its primitive state
at an early date.
Joseph Northrup emigrated here before his father, Gideon,
and bought land here and on Mexico street. They lived to-
gether in PLirwinton, Conn., not far from Allen and John Sper-
312
PIONEER HISTORY OF
ry's, who belong to our pioneers. Their home was near the
Naugatuck River. Joseph Xorthrup married Cynthia, daughter
of Enos Blakeslee, and in buying land here the contract was made
out to Joseph and Cynthia Xorthrup, from David Smith, and
signed by Ambrose Curtiss and David Bartholomew of Plymouth,
Conn. As Mr. Joseph Northrup did not settle here hrst, ne
must have transferred this property to Manning Barnes, the
hrst permanent settler, who came here in 1802, whose deed was
given in 1806, but not recorded until 1825.
Manning Barnes erected a log house and made a clearmg,
and this was the end of the road. It was simply an Indian patM
beyond, only to be traced by blazed trees towards W'illiamstow n.
This was the first clearing within the present limits, and also the
first log house which served as a habitation. He soon brousfht
Manninic Barnes' ki >!ilei^ c,
his newly-wedded wife, Lucw daughter of (iideon Northrup.
The frame of this building was added at different times to the
log house. Soon after settling here he hung out a sign and made
a business of tavern keeping for a good many years. The log
hotise was where now stands the store occupied by Mr. Leigh.
The original road through West Camden ran back of what is now
Lucius S. Smith's farm and S. ^". Palm's, coming out on the
Amboy road on the hill near Mrs. Leigh's house. This road was
altered August 13, 1822 — Enos Blakeslee, Surveyor. Mr. Barnes
lived to see the progress of this place: and well he remembered
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. 3,,
■of visitations in the early days from tlic Oneida Indians tliat
would pass through every autumn on their way to Salmon River
to fish and hunt and lay in their stock of winter provisions. Thev
would stop at Mr, Barnes' to cook and feast. Manning Barnes
vasborn in 1780, in Connecticut, and died in West Camden, De-
cember 31, 1856, aged 76. Lucy, his wife, was liorn in 1788,
and died October i, 1858, aged 70. Their children that grew to
manhood and womanhood were, Amanda, Albert, Lucv, Emeline,
Wilbert and Mary Ann. Albert Barnes married Julia Ann Gil-
lett. Mr. Barnes died June 17, 1836, aged 28. Irlis widow mar-
ried Thomas Henderson of Sand Banks, in 1840; Amanda mar-
ried Selden Munson; Emeline married Marcenus Hyatt, and
lived in Mexico, and also her sister, Mary Ann, who married
Truman Goodell. Wilbert Barnes married Annis Stanton, and
lived in West Camden for a while after marriage. He established
the first store, and was the second post-master. He moved to
Sand Banks and died there February 26, 1879, aged 68. Lucy
married Baldwin Tuthill in 1842.
Mr. Tuthill was a native of Trenton. He left home in 1836,
and came to West Camden soon after, and conducted a store
About 1844 he moved to Camden village and identified himself
with the town in all its advancement of the rising generation in
both church and school, and contributed liberally to the support
of both. Mr. Tuthill died June 4, 1857, aged 62. His wife sur-
vived him twenty-three years, dying in 1880, aged 6y. Four
children were born to them: Mary died in infancy; Hull, a
very promising young man of 18 years, died I-'ebruary i, 1864.
Miss Cynthia Tuthill and Mrs. Mattie Tuthill Forter are resi-
dents of Watertown.
Serajah Comstock married Clemina Austin, and emigrated
here from Norfolk, Conn., in 1805. He settled at the extreme
east of West Camden, on what is known as the Ostrander place,
and followed farming for an occupation. In 1814 he removed
to Williamstown, where he died. He was a Revolutionary sol-
dier and enlisted in the Third Regiment of Connecticut line.
Ten children were born to them. Two daughters died in Con-
r.ecticut; Anna, Flora, Lucy, John and Samuel A., were born in
ei4 PIONEER HISTORY OF
Connecticut; Sylvester was born in \V. Camden; Charles and
Franklin in Williamstown. We find in the records of the First
Church in Camden, that Mrs. Clemina Comstock was a member
in :uSi3. After her husband's death she married a Mr. Austin
of Sand Banks. In a "Western Recorder," a paper published
in Utica in 1826, and edited by Thomas Hastinj^s, this obituary
appeared: "Died — In Williamstown, February 23, in the 66th
year of his age, Mr. Serajah Comstock, a soldier of the Revolu-
tion, and one who also, in the judgment of charity, enlisted a
few years since under the banner of the Great Redeemer. He
continued to walk worthy of the profession he had made, and at
last died in peace."
JOHN SPERRY.
Passing on to the next farm, which was the home of John
Sperry, all traces of the house is gone. As to the date of his
settling here we have been unable to find out. His brother,.
Allen, came to the town in 1805. It is believed that he came not
long after. He must have been a large land owner, as we found
in an old paper that John Sperry and Ann Sperry, his wife, owned
102 acres of land in Camden in i8id, adjoining Williamstown.
His son, Angus, lived next on the south side, the place now
owned by Samuel Belknap; and the other son, Davies, lived
where J. Foster now resides. Davies Sperry married Cande
Upson in 18 12. This shows that this family were early settlers
in West Camden. Their daughter, Rachel, died May 19. 1850.
Marion married a Mr. Northrup.
DANIEL STACY.
Daniel Stacy came to Williamstown from Washington County
in 1810, and erected the first carding mill there. In the fall of
1818 he moved to West Camden and bought water privilege and
built a saw-mill, and added a grist-mill and a small carding-mill.
He raised the dam, which caused the sickness in 1825. His
father, Oliver Stacy, and wife, came with him to West Camden,
and lived where Mr. \\'inchester resides. His brother Orrin
lived opposite. J. H. Taylor's blacksmith shop stands on the
original site of the first shop built by Mr. Ladd in 1822.
Truman Cook came from Connecticut about Jan. i, 183 1, and
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
bought tlie Daniel Stacy home, and in 1850 Russcl Winchester
bought the place, and it has been in the family ever since. There
were three children — the late Mrs. Fargo, and Mrs. A. Gibson,
and H. F. Winchester, who occupies the place now. Russel Win-
chester died March 4, 1875, aged y^; Grace, his wife, February 2,
1876, aged 71.
Miles Spencer lived in this vicinity about 1817; his wife died
and left two children — Miles and Polly. He married a sister of
Lyman Matthews for his second wife; two more children were
born — Coronda and a daughter.
Deacon Charles Spencer lived in a little house that was back
of the blacksmith shop; his wife, Grace Spencer, aged 40, and
daughter Laura, aged 18, both died, December 12, 1813, with a
malignant fever.
The first house that was built where John H. Taylor lives was
built by Ora Ballard in 1812. Ora Ballard married Sally, daugh-
ter of Joseph Northrup. They went as missionaries to the In-
dians at St. Joseph, Mo., returned in old age, and died at her
sister Emily's (Mrs. Riley Preston), in Pennsylvania. Ora Bal-
lard was brother of Deacon Roswell and blind Henry Ballard,
and Mrs. Erastus Upson.
The place now occupied and owned by William Osborn was
the home of Zophar Barnes, Jr., and father of Harvey, and grand-
father of the late Potter Barnes. The latter got his name from
his grandmother, who was sister to Samuel and Zenas Potter,
of Plymouth, Conn.
Samuel Magee's house was built in 1822. Mr. Magee came
here in 1820 from Schoharie County, N. Y. Many of his de-
scendants live in this vicinity.
Miles Johnson was born January 3, 1782, and died September
19, 1826, with the fever that was prevailing at that time. His
remains were removed from the old cemetery to the new one.
There is no stone to mark his grave. He was married twice; his
first wife was Miss Fish, his second, Miss Christina McCulIom.
Elias, his brother, was killed by falling from a tree near by;
they were sons of Eliphalet Johnson, on Mexico road, who died
in 1818.
Abel Munson removed from the Seventh in 1822 to West
,5 PIOXEER HIHTORY OF
Camden. Before coming here he Hved one year in his first
home, in 1809. and then he moved into a log house that stood
a httle west of the Marvin farm, and resided there six years.
Afterwards he Hved in another log house the same length of time,
.and then on the Marvin place, and from there to his new house
in West Camden, now the Palms place, close by the crossing.
Mrs. Munson's maiden name was Lucy Osborn. She died June
2, 1850, aged 70. Abel Munson died October 12, 1831, aged 57.
He was a soldier of 1812.
Leverett Munson's home was east of the Presbyterian Church.
After his father's death he lived in the old homestead. He was
married three times; he first married Elizabeth Potts, who died
in 1826, aged 19; his second wife was the widow of Angus Sperry ;
she died in 1856, aged 63; his third wife was Harriet Morse, who
died in 1869, aged 67. Leverett Munson died October 17, 1868,
aged 67. The only descendant living is Mrs. C. Crawford, of
Iowa.
Lorenzo Munson bought land in Lot No. 16, about half a
mile west on the Amboy road. He married Polly, daughter of
Whiting Barnes, December 31, 1827; moved on to the farm in
1828, and both lived there until their death. Lorenzo Munson
died September 29, 1892, aged 89; Polly, his wife, died Decem-
ber I, 1884, aged 76. Their son, Loren now owns and occupies
ibis farm.
Merritt Munson lived in West Camden for a number of years ;
he moved West, and died in Geneseeo, 111. His first wife was
Harriet Rice, and his second, ]\Irs. Maria Matthews. Merritt
Munson was the first postmaster at West Camden. He held
the office a few years, and at that time the mail was carried
through on horseback twice a week by a Mr. Worden. Xot more
than one or two newspapers came to this oflfice at that lime.
Selden Munson married Amanda Barnes. May 4, 1825. He
bought land adjoining his father on the east, on which he spent
niost of his life after marriage. Five children were born to them.
Lucy Amanda Munson married S. L. Smith; ]\Iary A. Munson
married J- ^^'• Gamble; Almira P. Munson married L. H. Mc-
Kee; Albert S. Munson married Lizzie McWhort; Merritt M.
Munson married Helen Jones. Mrs. Selden Munson died De-
TEE TOWN OF CA.UDES.
3>7
c'liiber 1, 1869, aged 64. Stlden Munson was born in Windham,
N. Y., June 2, 1799, and died in Watcrtown. January 22, 1873.
For more than half a century he was a resident of Camden; he
i,pited with the Congregaticnal Church in 1830. He was a very
er.timable man, and disclosed rare traits of character, which was
a rich inheritance to his children.
MR. S. L. SMITH AND WH-E.
The children of S. L. Smith and Lucy A. M. Smith arc George
H., a merchant, and Dr. Albert Smith, of Camden village, and
Lucius. Annis, and Arma, of West Camden.
Since the above was written Mrs. Smith "entered into rest."
She was ill, but not confined to her bed for a long time. She
bore her affliction with much patience and resignation. Like a
Christian she viewed the gradual but certain approach of the
"last enemy" with calmness and composure. Her death was
sudden, but peaceful. Li the death of ^Irs. Smith her famiK".
the church and the community has sustained a severe loss: but
their loss is her infinite gain.
3i8 PIOXEER HISTORY OF
[The writer wishes to express her gratitude to the family of
the late Mrs. L. Smith for her valuable assistance.]
William Bird and Polly Munson were married in West Cam-
den at the home of the bride, May 8, 1832. Their first home was
in Windsor, Broome County, N Y., where they remained until
1834, then removed to Camden, where they became permanent
settlers. William Bird inherited a great deal of energy and push,
and was considered a "hustler." He was connected with a fine
tailoring trade for those early times. He was right at home
when, with the boys, he could sing and crack a joke, tell a good
story, and above all, a lover of music, of which he could write.
The following lines are not a sample. In Vol. I., No. 8, of the
first Camden paper, we find this advertisement of Mr. Bird:
" Let all those who dote on a good fitting coat,
Whose pockets are filled with the rhino,
Don't be foolish as coots, but for BIRD start your boots.
He'll do it the rightest 'est, I know;
All those that live out in the country about.
That live by your dairy or tillage,
Bring butter or cheese, or just what you please,
I'll take it, says BIRD, of the village.
March 23, 1842."
T here is music in this rhyme which shows great ability of metrical
■composition. Mr. Bird died February 28, 1859. Mrs. Bird -s
still living in her 88th year. The writer is very much indebted
to her for information which has been of great help. Three
daughters were bom to Mr. and Mrs. Bird, the oldest, Mrs.
William Owen, Parkersburg, la.; Mrs. Adelaide Traffern, and
Hattie Bird, of Camden village.
Whiting Barnes came here previous to 1805. His first wife
died in Connecticut, leaving six children. He married the second
time and two more children were born to him. The names of
the children were: Mary, Avert, Hannah. Alfred, Polly, Whiting.
Mary married Gilbert Hyatt, who was a native of Schoharie
County, N. Y. His father came to this section at a very early
date. Gilbert Hyatt was a soldier in the war of 1812. He ,vas
born in 1796, and died in 1888, aged 92. His wife died March
21, 1875, ag^ed 73. Fifty-three years of their married life was
spent in the same home where they died.
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
Avert Barnes married Catharine Hare. He built and lived in
■Lhe house almost 60 years, now owned by Mrs. E. Holt. Hannah
died unmarried; Alfred married Olive Cook, and lived on Preston
Hill; Polly married Lorenzo Munson; Whiting married Almira
■Gififord. The second wife's children were, Zophar and Amanda,
who live in Connecticut. Whitin^^ Barnes, Sen., died "Mav 26,
1825, aged 46.
Zebina Hare lived beyond Mr. Hyatt's, on the Ambov road.
There were seven children. Francis Hare married a daughter
of Arba Cook, and moved to Connecticut. Dolly Ann died julv
14, 1839, aged 24; Sarah married Calvin Johnson of New Jersey;
the other four were Catharine, Emily, Edward, and Laurea*^^te.
Mrs. Hare came with her husband from Massachusetts in 1828;
Mr. Hare died in 1855; Mrs. Hare died March 21, 1875. Georj^e
Hare that lived here for some time was a nephew of Zebina Hare •
lie married Wealthy, daughter of Charles Curtiss, who died Feb-
ruary 18, 1854, aged 25. He returned to his native place in Con-
necticut.
District No. 9 of West Camden is a joint district with the Xo.
9 of the southern part of Florence, where a number of the in-
habitants w^ere the original settlers, who came when this pa'.'t
was in the town of Camden, and were identified with the school
and church work of this little village, and were among our
pioneers.
CLARK CRAWFORD.
Clark Crawford was one of the pioneers of this section; he
i.vas born in Connecticut, and when ten years of age he came
:vith his fatlier, Charles Crawford, in 1799, and settled in Cam-
dfn, now Florence. His bst days were spent in West Camden
with his son, and he is buried in the Seventh, dying November
29, 1875. aged 87; his wife died March 8, 1872, aged y6. Mr.
Crawford had said at the time of their coming here the whole
surrounding counties were a dense forest. There were five or
six families who commenced this settlement, known as the Bates
District, near Robert Sparrow's. Charles Crawford was one of
the first, to whom a bonus of fifty acres of land was given as an
inducement to settle here. The nearest grist-mill for a number
320
PIONEER HISTORY OF
of years was at Rome. Thither the settlers were compelled to
go with ox teams, or on foot, carrying a grist on their backs.
When twelve years old, Mi. Clark Crawford was bound to Nor-
man \\'augh, and remained there until he purchased the farm of
Mr. Waugh, which was his home for nearly 72 years. When a
young man he was in the hal)it, with others, of going to the State
of New Jersey to work on roads during the warm weather. The
journey both ways was made on foot. He assisted in the con-
struction of the old road from Salina Salt Works to Sackett's
Harbor. In 181 2 he entered the army as corporal in a company
of 36 men from Camden, under the command of Capt. Andrew
Palm. On their arrival at Sackett's Harbor with Captain, after-
wards Gen. Weaver's company, from Deerfield, he served three
n'onths; he was soon discharged after Gen. Brown took command.
"Annals of Oneida County" says that the settlement which is
now the town of Florence commenced in 1801. Air. C. claimed
that he came with his father when ten years old, which would
establish the date of the first settlement as 1799.
ASA KELSEY.
Asa Kelsey, Jr., who lives on the line between Camden and
Florence, came from Litchfield, Conn., with his father and mother
in 1803; he was two years old when they settled here; it was in
Camden Township. Florence was taken ofi in 1805.
Mr. Kelsey was 96 years old February 1897, ^"^ is a man
with a wonderful memory. He looks twenty years younger.
There may be a fountain of miraculous water flowing out of
Florence Hill in which he bathes, that has such a wonderful ef-
fect on the youthful looks of a man in his 97th year. His wife
died January 2d, 187 1, aged 61. He now lives with his daughters,
Mrs. Green and Miss Dr. A. Kelsey. There were six children —
F.mily, Aliranda, Adelaide, Sarah. Samuel and Josephine. The
latter married O. P. Clark, and their home is on Mt. AIcGregor,
Saiatoga. Mr. Kelsey gives a description of his father's house,
and how- it was built, and some other incidents in that vicinity
as he remembers them. \Mien his father moved here in 1803.
there were eight children, four boys and four girls. His father
went into the forest one mile further than where he put up his
77//V 7'Oir.V OF f t.i//;/;,v. -J,
liouse. In buildin.c:, he \m\ up the body of lop:s and the rafters.
For the roof he cut small straight poles and fastened them with
withes close enough together to hold the bark, which was four
feet long. He cut red rnd black ash in a swamp, and peeled
the bark from that for th? rcof. After the bark was laid on the
poles another row of poles was laid on the bark, and the ends
of the upper poles were fastened w^ith withes to the end of the
under poles; and that made the roof. The floor was made of
small logs of trees cut throtigh the middle, long enough to reach
across the room; then ho smoothed the split side with an ax as
well as he could. This was their first home. He said that peo-
ple got lost in the woods ?nd stayed out all night; and he remem-
bered one who when he was found was so nearly famished that
he died from over-eating. He told another incident about a
young man trying to cross Mad River before there was any
bridge, and was drowne-' ; which was a great loss to the settlers.
There was a man in the srme neighborhood who w^ent on foot
to Rome and bought a bushel of wheat and brought it home on
his back, walking the long journey of twenty-five miles to where
he lived, for they had no bread in the house. Told by Mr. Kelsey
August 17, 1896. About one mile beyond the home is a little
cemetery with a monument where lie the remains of the pioneers
oi i!iis family. The ii sc liption on the stone is: "Asa Kels'.-y,
died April 20, 18 18. aged 70. Sarah, his wife, died February 2,
iS.jr, aged 84: Anna, the-'r daughter, and wife of Jesse Dennison,
died December 15, 181 5, aged 24."
Since the above was vvritten, Asa Kelsey departed this life on
the 23d day of May, 1897. He retained his intellectual faculties
to the last, and died at the ripe old age of 96 years, and is now-
blessed, it is hoped, w-ith ihe rich rewards of a truly virtuous and
eminently useful life. His oldest daughter died in I-"ebruary last.
ELIAS CHAPMAN.
Nathaniel Chapman ^vas a soldier of the war of 18 12. Most
of his life he lived near \\'est Camden; he was very nnich inter-
ested in all public improvements. His last days were spent with
his son, Elias Chapman. The home was over the town line in
Florence, but belonged to the joint District No. 9 of West Cam-
21
7,22
pioxjjich' iiisTony of
den, and therefore he wis identified with the pioneer church
work, and also was interested in the already established school
After a life of active toil and an unparalleled record as a pioneer,
i
ildiiiL- ol I'.nas L liapnian.
he died April 30, 1884. aged 93. His wife died August 21. 1874,
aged 80. They were married in 1814. Elias Chapman died Sep-
temebr d, 1892, aged 74: his wife died November 2^^, 1893. The
children of E. Chapman wtre, M. (). Chainnan, Mrs. W. Russell.
Mrs. H. |. \\'alker. all of \\'est Camden, and H. H. Chapman,
of Camden village.
ELIHC t;iFE()RD.
Elihu Cifford was born near Xew P.edford. IMass., October,
1797. The house in whirh he was born still stands. He came to
this State when a small boy; his father was a sea captain, and
while pursuing this hazardous vocation, his vessel was captured
by pirates. When the sad news of his death reached his wife,
she fled with her two bo\s. Honuel and Elihu. to a place where
white sails and blue waters are never seen. They came to Smith-
field, Madison County. X. Y.. and lived in the house with Hiratn
Spencer. At the age of 20. I'^dihu married Diana Spencer, who
was onl\- 15. Three years afterwards this voung coujile moved
to Florence and bought of Gerrit Smith Lots 99 and 100. and
lived there ten Acars; tlien bought or traded with Isaac Stearns,
the present home of Hamilton Clifford, and built the house now
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
323
Standing. Tliere was a log house a little to the north, with ten
acres, owned by Pliny Putnam, that he bought and added to this
farm. Four children were born to them; the two that are living
are Hamilton Gififord and Mrs. A. Barnes, of Cleveland, O. Elihu
Giflford and wife were very hospitable people; they kept a room
in the house to give shelter with the open hand of charity, whicli
Ilaniillun Gillurd's Huiul-.
has left a living example of kindness and sympathy. One act
is often told of E. GifTord: He had an unusual large yield of
corn; and the farmers' com in that vicinity was a failure. He
put the price of his corn at one dollar a bushel, so that the rich
and the poor were served alike, and only one bushel at a time
could be bought from him either. He had chances to sell at a
larger price for speculation, but he would not let them have it
to make profit, and sell it beyond the reach of the poor. Elihu
Gififord died March 2, 1883, aged 85: Diana, his wife, died July
10, 1882, aged 80. Hamilton Gififord occupies this farm at the
present day. He has been married twice; his first wife died and
left three children, now Mrs. James, of Syracuse. Mrs. J. H.
Tavlor, of West Camden, and Mrs. J. Saladin, of Camden village.
324
PIOXEER HISTORY OF
He married Miss Hannah Xorthrup for his second wife; she died
in 1893, leaving- five children: William. Elihu, Thomas, Henry
and Rose.
•jfflBI ""'
Eastern View of Hamilton Gilford's Home.
( )n a cross road one-fourth of a mile east of Hamilton Clif-
ford's, is the home of John Gamble. He came to this town in 1834
from Greenwich, Washington County, N. Y. His step-father
and mother, two sisters and one brother were living here. Betsey
married Angus Speny. Clarissa married Caleb Rowell ; James
father of James Gamble of this village, married ( )live Preston.
All of this family are at rest in the cemeterv on the Seventh, l)ut
John. John Gaml)le married Sophronia Curtiss in the fall of
1835, and moved ui)on this place, and it has been their home
ever since. I\Irs. Gamble is the grand-daughter of Major Jesse
Curtiss. and the onlv one living in this vicinit\'. There were six
children born to them — Wesley. Sperry, James. .\nna. Carrie and
Susan.
In Mrs. John Gamble's early day.s the girl who could spin her
run or run and half a day was an accomplished lass.
In crossing the track and the bridge by the railroad station in
West Camden, at the left, on a rise of ground, was an old ceme-
THE TOW^• OF CAMDEN.
tery. As no record had been kept of all the burials, we have been
unable to find the names of many that were Inn-ied there'. When
the ground for the new cemetery was bought, the bodies were
removed there or elsewhere, and this plot of ground was sold to
McKee & Morse for a bark-yard. The new cemetery was in-
corporated September 12, 1861, and consisted of one acre. In
1895 an additional tract of land of half an acre was joined to the
original purchase, and its systematic plan of the lots makes it
one of the neatest in this section, considering the smallness of
this village. The first trustees of the West Camden Cemetery
Association were. L. S. Smith, H. F. Rogers. L. Munson, Elias
Chapman, C. L. Morse. George W. Smith. There were a num-
ber of bodies moved here from the old cemetery; among them
were John Sperry, who died August 8, 1825, aged 75; Anna, his
wife, who died October 27, 1826, aged 72; John Davies Sperry,
who died October 6, 1825, aged 57; Angus Sperry. who died
August 7, 1825. Daniel Stacy and father and mother's remains
were removed to Forest Park Cemetery, Camden village. Daniel
Stacy died September 8, 1825, aged 37; Oliver Stacy died Sep-
tember 26. 1826, aged 69; Azubel, his wife, died November 18,
1822, aged 59; the wife of D. Stacy, who died March 28. 1872,
aged 76. and is buried beside her husband. The first burial in
the new cemetery was a colored man. There were a number of
bodies removed here from Florence Hill; among them were John
Littler, who died March 26, 1846, aged 69; Freideswed, his wife.
A\ho died April 7, 1850, aged 65. They were natives of England,
and emigrated here in 1835. There are many descendants in this
vicinity. Another stone marks the resting place of the wife of
Elder Bates, a woman whose good works live after her. There
have been two hundred and twenty-two burials in this cemetery.
Walter, son of Henry J. Keeler, has charge of this cemetery; his
wife was the adopted daughter of Newell Smith. Their children
were Charles, May, Ellen, and Florence.
RELIGIOUS SERVICES.
The religious services at a very earlv date were held in the
school-house or a private dwelling for many years. November
5. 185 1, the Presbyterian Society at W. Camden was organized
with sixteen members, by a committee appointed by Oswego
Presbvterv. The crovernment was not at first of the Congrega-
[26
PIONEER HISTORY OF
tional form, being connected with the Presb\tery, upon the so-
called accommodation plan. About the year 1883 or '84, the
chiUrch voted to adopt the Presbyterian form in full. It is not
known who preached, or who assembled to hear the first sermon
previous to the coming of Samuel Sweezy. They had occasion-
ally been supplied with preaching from time to time by others —
Rev. Simon Waterman of Connecticut, Rev. Henry Smith, Peter
Gardner and Truman Gillett, a Baptist clergyman. The charter
members were — Charles Curtiss, Sabrina Curtiss. L. R. Smith,.
]\Irs. L. S. Smith, Fannie Gillett, Sophronia Ciamble, John Gam-
ble, E. ]\I. Higbee, Polly Humaston, Christine Litts, Harriet
Litts, Seth Rice, Mary Rice, Daniel Litts, Amanda Kelsey and
Rebecca Winchester. In the fall of 1857 Leverett ■\Iunson gave
the site, and a house of worship was begun, which was finished
Presbyterian Church, West Camden.
Tin: 7'oiv.v 0/-' ('ami)!:n.
327
and dedicated tlie following- auUiniii. I'or aljoiii twenty years
it was used by both the IVesbyterian and Metho(Hst Episcopal
Societies, each society having preaching services everv ahcrnate
Sunday. In 1878 the AlethocHst Society conchided tliat there ap-
peared to be enough ground to l)uild on. and material enough
to build with, by taking hold with a good deal of zeal in the right
spirit. They accordingly began to move for a separate i)lace of
worship, and they started with their subscrijjtion paper and met
with good success. The land was given hv 'Sirs. A. (jibson,
and in three months the church was built and finished. Elihu
II
H
-^^■^■^r
i
,^
ilethodist Church.
Gifford and wife, cjuite advanced in years, were great workers
in this good cause. Mrs. Ciififord was confined to her bed three
years before her death, and while lying there she knit socks and
mittens and pieced ([uills to help pay a subscriinion of twenty-
five dollars. The first trustees of the M. K. Church were Fdias
Chapman. Hamilton GifTord and G. '!'. Luther. West Camden
has had more workers in the missionary held than many places
of a larger size. »
^,0 J'JOXKIJJ! HISTORY OF
DR. ADALIXE D. H. KELSEY.
Among the residents here whose work has given their name
a more than local interest is Dr. Adaline D. H. Kelsey, a daugh-
ter of one of our earlier settlers. After graduating from Mt.
Holyoke Seminary (now college), and the Woman's Medical
College of New York Infirmary, and serving as physician in both
institutions, Dr. Kelsey engaged in medical missionary work in
China, under the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian
Church, until ill health made her return to America uecessarv.
After a brief furlough she took up similar work in Japan, under
the Union Woman's Missionary Society, and on her return to
this country after five years, was accompanied by two Japanese
young ladies, of whose medical education she has had the super-
vision. These young ladies graduated in Cincinnati, April, 1896,
and are looking forward to the time when thev will sail away
to Sunrise Land with a pleasant remembrance of their life on
Daisy Farm in West Camden.
RE\'. JOHN B. DEVIXS.
Rev. John B. Devins spent the early part of his life in West
Camden, at the home of Joshua Chapman, and was at one time a
pupil of Dr. Kelsey. Going to Xew York as a voung man.
he spent some years on the staff of the Xew York Tribune, and
was engaged in the "Fresh Air" movement. Later he studied
theology and l^ecame pastor of Ho]je Chapel, a mission connected
with the F^ourth Avenue Presbyterian Church. He is actively
engaged in many forms of benevolent work, and articles from
his pen on (luestions of practical philanthropv fre(|uently appear
in the leading periodicals. He married the secretary of the Home
of the Friendless, and she is a co-worker with him.
Miss Arma Smith, daughter of L. .^. .'^mith, was for several
years a teacher in the American College for girls in Constanti-
nople. She was abroad three years, stuthing and teaching, and
visited different parts of the CoiUinent.
MLSS CARRIE BATES.
Miss Carrie Rates, dan^hter of the late Rev. Eli Pates, who was
for many years the pastor of the Presbvterian Church in this
place. She was an invalid during her childhood and early
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. 32^
womanhood, and on licr restoration to health she connected her-
self with the Christian Alliance, and is now a niissionarv in
Khamg^aon. India, under that organization.
PUBLIC SCHOOL.
This place had its puhlic school from the first <A their settling
here. The first teachers were, Rachel Ilungerford and .-Knna
Comstock, and they taught in a log house owned hy Manning
Barnes, opposite the blacksmith shop. On this place a frame
building was afterwards erected for a school-house. In 1838 this
was replaced by another, which stood until 1869 or "70, when
the district voted to erect a new one, and purchased a site just
south of the old one. They have now a building with two de-
partments, and it is in a flourishing condition.
MANUFACTORIES.
The precise date of br. ilding the first mill is imknown. There
was one in operation at an early date, but receives distinct notice
when bought by Daniel Stacy in the fall of t8i8. The deed was
reocrded from Ogdcn & Murray to Daniel Stacy, March it,
1823. He built a saw-mill, grist-mill, carding-niill, and added a
rake-factory. January 31, 1831, this propcrtv was deeded to
Samuel Morse and William Plumb, and the same day sold to
Truman Cook of Connecticut. July 18, i84(). it was deeded from
Truman Cook to George Cook, his nephew. January 2, 1850. it
was conveyed from George Cook to Russell Winchester. Win-
chester's heirs sold to Albert Mott, Januarv 12. 1884. These
dates are from the County Clerk's office. Mott Brothers changed
the mill to a circular mill. The first chair factory was owned by
Smith & Weed. It was destroyed by fire, and soon after, .\lonzo
Gibson purchased the site and built another chair factory, which
flourished until the depression of business in 1895. It is now
•owned by Cummings & Brothers, and used for other business.
Tlie first tannery was built bv Henr>- Hawes. who sold to
Potter & McKee; Potter sold his share to Mr. Stone, then the
firm went by the name of Stone, McKee & Co. In 1859 it was
sold to Delemater & Morse, and was bumed April 2. 1876. Mr.
Morse moved here from Jefifersonville, Sullivan County, X. Y.,
in 1859.
230 PIONEER HISTORY OF
WEST CAMDEN POND.
In the year 1825, the pond in West Camden, then owned b\-
Daniel Stacy, caused an epidemic called "pond fever," which
so alarmed the people that many went away and did not return
to their homes. Any one travelin.y- through would make haste
to get beyond this atflicted district. It was several years before
this disease was under control. The dam on the site now owned
by Mott Bros., was raised to a height of eleven feet, flowing the
water on standing- timber, which caused this fever. The mill dam
was indicted as a public nuieance. It was torn down, and when
the propertv changed hands the dam was raised about four feet,
and has remained the same to the present time. There were
so many sick at the time of the epidemic that people from ad-
joining districts went to their aid. In the village of Camden,
five miles away, Rev. Henry Smith, pastor of the Congregational
Church, appointed two for each day among his people to act as
nurses, and they would be seen going and coming every night
and morning. Forty were dangerously ill at one time. Dr.
Torbert of the village was*constant and faithful in his care for
the sufferers. There were a great many deaths; John Sperry's
two sons died of the disease; the father, at the death of Angus,
fell in a fit and died by his bedside; Davis lived but two months
after; Daniel Stacy and father were among the victims, also
Miles Johnson.
Looking back front to-day to those pioneer times of West
Camden, we can hardly realize the contrast between the present
homes and the fertile fields, and those rude homes of their fore-
fathers that were scattered and so far from one another in the
dense, dark forest, that echoed tlie psalms and hymns which
lightened tluir heart as tlieir voices of ])ra\er and praise ascended
to heaven.
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
P AR X ASS US ST K E ET.
Parnassus street begins at Enipey avenue, at the top of the hill,
and extends past Conant Bros.' chair factory to the corporation
limits. This street winds up the rugged and uneven sides oi
]\lt. Parnassus, from which it received its name. The first place
on the left, after crossing Mad River, now owned and occupied
by Mr. Eaton, was in the early days the home of Arty Allen
and Tabitha, his wife, who came to Camden from Springfield,
Mass., in 1804. Much of interest clusters around this home.
In this house are plain doors made from a single pine board,
the same taken from trees that stood where is now our village
park. There are other evidences about the house that show it
was one of the earliest framed houses built in the town. The
name of Arty Allen is found on the first town record book in
1808. The children of Arty Allen were Lucy, Achel.Philenaand
C'hapin. Air. and Mrs. Allen were married at Springfield. Mass.,
January 25, 1799. Arty Allen was born Januar}- 15, 1775. and
died February 26, 181 7. His wife, Tabitha Chapin. was born
August 13, 1770, died May 6, 1861.
Nearly opposite on the right was the home of Abram Hodges,
who came from Ellisburg, Jefferson Countv. in 1826; he bar-
gained for this place from one by the name of Holt, of whom no
information can be gained. In 1829 Air. Hodges built a distiller}-
south of his house, near Mad River. He was unfortunate, and
this property passed into the possession of Artemas and George
Trowbridge; later it was purchased by Henrv Mowers, who here
built a tannery. April, 1869, there was a disastrous freshet on
^lad River, and the tannery was carried down the stream.
On this street was the home of Woodard Perkins, Iniilt by
him in 1845. He set out a grove of maple trees about his house,
many of which are still standing. The i^lace is now owned and
occupied by William Hull. Mr. Perkins was married to Miss
Esther, daughter of Gideon Northrup. in 1822. In 1863 he was
President of the Camden Industrial Association and delivered
the address that year. He was much respected, and a favorite
with the young, who were fond of hearing him repeat incidents
of his earlv life. Before he entered the militia he sent for a book
332 PIONEER HISTORY OF
-on military tactics, and when going to the woods chopping took
this book with him, and while eating his dinner studied. He
made for himself a crude wooden gun to practice with, and in
this way was so advanced when he joined the militia that he
was soon raised to the rank of major. Esther Xorthrup Perkins
was born May 29, 1803, and died Februarv 2, 187 1; Woodard
Perkins born May 20. 1798, died August 12, 1883.
SPRIXCiS AXI) MOUNT.
Mount Parnassus was thus named at an early date, probably
about 1842, by some of the young people who were exceedingly
classical. They often took airy flights upon Pegasus, and as a
matter of course, the mount was their alighting place. It was,
until within a few years, the resort for numerous picnics and
strolls for young and old. The trip up the mount, although
tiresome, is worth the climbing, as one gets an extended view
when the top is reached, and will never regret making the
journey. Nearly at the foot of the mount are springs, the water
of which are clear as crystal, and of most excellent quality.
For many years they were called "The Eliab Dunbar Springs."
The possessor of this property at present date, 1897. Charles
Pond, is a direct descendant of Bartholomew Pond, one of Cam-
den's early settlers, and a Revolutionary soldier, whose remains
rest in the Mexico Street Cemetery. In 1830 Aaron Meeker
lived just over the mount. His home stood where the road is
now; a pile of stones by the roadside marks the spot of the cel-
lar of the house. He came from Middlebury, N. Y., purchased
his land of Heman Byington, some ten or fifteen acres. Mr.
Meeker, while bathing in what is now known as the Conant
Pond, was drowned above the dam. His widow was left with
six sons and a daughter, the names of which were, Erastus.
Jonathan, Ephraim. Sheldon, Howland, ]\[arv. and Lyman.
Later, widow Meeker settled on what is now known as Crop-
per street. Beyond the Meeker place in a log house, Jehiel
Higgins lived prior to 1810. The remains of an old orchard are
here to be seen, and stones and flowering shrubs to designate
the spot where this home stood. Parnassus street extends across
the mount to the Florence road on Wolcott Hill.
1
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
CROPPER STREET.
Cropper street begins at the foot of Mt. Parnassus, and loads
to Florence. John Cropper, from whom the street takes its
name, came from England and settled on this road prior to 1802.
He built a saw-mill on Mad River, and did an extensive lumber
business for those days. Every lover of trout-fishing in this
region can locate this old landmark, as it still retains the name
of its original owner. On the corner of Parnassus and Cropper
streets the land was owned by Ephraini Sanford prior to 1814,
as that year it was conveyed by him and liis wife, Temperance,
to Eliab FJunbar. November 20, 1833, the same was deeded to
A. & G. Trowbridge by Eliab Dunbar and wife. In 1885, by (i.
Trowbridge and wife to Charles P. Pond, its present owner.
Eliab Dunbar was a son of Capt. Joel Dunbar. He married Miss
Rachel Harrison. Their children were — Betsev, who married
Leverett Pond; Charity, who married E. J. Xelson; Julia, who
married Mr. Brackney; and Plumb. Mr. Dunbar's trade was
that of carpenter. His grandson, Brainard [. Xelson, born in
Camden, has been a resident of Oswego, X. Y., for many years.
The first house built on this corner was of logs, erected by Mr.
Dunbar. He removed from Camden to Pennsylvania many years
ago. Chas. Pond has built on this spot a very pretty Swiss cottage.
Some little distance beyond, on this street, at an early date,
was the home of Enos Humaston. In 1839 Wilson Baldwin
purchased it of Sheldon Wilson. The present frame house was
built by Ransom Barnes. When Mr. Baldwin first settled on
this place the cart path leading to his home from Parnassus
street was through a dense woods, and beyond his place towanls
Florence the inhabitants went by marked trees. The road was
surveved in 1825, as records show, by Widow .Mien's, past Fnos
Humaston's. Mr. Baldwin married Miss Marv Mowers in 1837.
Their children were, \\'illiam, Xancy, Henrv and Lydia. Mr.
Baldwin died Xovember 4. 1874, aged (53. He was a resident of
Camden fifty or more years, much re.specte.l, a (|uiet man. in-
terested in all good works for tlie interest of the t.)wn.
Two sons of Joseph Peck had homes beyond the Baldwin
place— Erastus and Seth. Tlieir homes were on the east side
334
PIONEER HISTORY OF
of the road, overlooking the valley to the west. Later, another
brother, Lansing, lived on this road. The children of Erastus
Peck were, Joseph and Helen. Children of Seth Peck were,
Louisa D. and James E. Children of Lansing Peck were, Minor
and George.
Beyond the Peck brothers was the farm of Amos Sweatman,
who came to Camden in 1842. He emigrated from Ellington.
C'onn., (having previously purchased his place of Aaron Stone),
two spans of horses transporting the family, consisting of the
parents and two daughters, Clorinda and Mary, with household
eoods. Thcv were two weeks making the journey. Clorinda
Mrs. Clorinda Miller.
<:ommcnced teaching school at the age of 16 vears in Ellington,
Conn., and followed the same occupation in Camden, all together
teaching between forty anrl fifty terms. Many in reading the
^bove will well remember Aunt Clorinda's unique manner of
punishing her pu])ils. She married Alva iNLller in 1851, and is
living at this date, Oct., 1897, at the advanced age of 93. Alva
Miller was l)orn in i/t)/. and died in 1868; Amos Sweatman
died April 13. 1870, aged (^3: Mary, his wife, died April ]2, 1857;
iDorn in 1777.
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
335
WADSOR SC()\ ILLE.
Wadsor Scoville, son of Ezekicl Scovilk-. lived lu-ar Mad River
Uridge. He was twice married, first to Miss Hannah Kinne in
1846, a most estimable lady, and daughter of Amos Kinne; she
died August 4, 1871, aged 50 \ears. His second wife was Mrs.
Burrill, a widow. Wadsor Scoville died Januarv 22, 1882, aged
58 years. Children of Wadsor and Hannah Kinne Scoville were,
Amos, DeMilt and Kinne.
On Mad River, near the bridge, which was built in 1838, Aner
Mathews srected a saw-mill, the site was purchased of Deacon
Erastus Upson, (as deed in County Clerk's olifice show in 1836,
being a part of lot No. 25) ; it was conveyed to Woodard Perkins
in 1839, and by him in 1854 to Nelson Satchell. The mill has
not been used for some years and consequently fallen into decay,
the spring freshets have taken all traces of it from its original
spot. The road to this mill, in the early davs, was near the river,
■cast from Waterman's, now Scoville's mill.
Falls on ilad River above the Mill.
Every boy who has fished for trout in this locality will remem-
ber this waterfall, and of its beauties in the spring, when the
water is plenty. It is fed from a s]3ring above, and falls from a
large flat rock into the river.
JOHN CRAIG.
Beyond the bridge, and very near it. in 1840. lived Woodard
Perkins, who when he sold the saw-mill to Nelson Satchell. also
336
PIOSEEIt HISTORY OF
sold this house, which was hurned later. Beyond on the same
side of the road, lived John Craig; both he and his wife were
natives of Davrel, Ayrshire, Scotland, but their marriage took
place in America. They were kind neighbors and greatly re-
spected. Their children were, Sandy, Ellen, and Charles. John
Craig died in 1876. aged 66 years; Agnes, his wife, died in
1878, aged 75 \ears.
JONATHAN MEEKER.
The place now owned 1)\ jcjnathan Meeker on this road, was
earlv owned by Benjamin McCall, who here built a log house
near where the present house stands. He came from Connecti-
cut about 1831, Init onl}' remained some two vears. He sold to
Erastus Upson, who sold to Nathan Kinne, who sold to Sheldon
and Ephraim Meeker, who sold to their brother Jonathan
Meeker, its present occupant.
K INN IE DISTRICT.
David Blakeslee came to Camden from Connecticut in 1795.
He bought land in the north part of the town in District No. 8.
The farm is now owned by Mrs. Nathan Kinnie. He first built
a log house, which he occu]iied until he built the jiresent frame
Xal hail K innii
Iniilding. Eater he sold this ])lace and bought a farm on Pres-
ton Hill, now owned and occupied l)y David Craig. ( )f the nine
THE TOWN OF CA.UDKX.
337
children born to tliem, only two remained in L'anulen until their
death. Sarah was the first wife of M. D. Sandford; Wealthy
was the second wife of Nelson Simmons. David Blakeslee was
of early colonial stock, the line of his ancestry running back to
Samuel Blakeslee, a planter at Guilford. Conn., in 1650, who
died in New Haven, Conn., in 1672. Mrs. Wealthy Blakeslee
Simmons w^as identified with the life of the village for many
years. In her early days she was a teacher in Camden and other
towns; and later she carried on a fine millinery business, renting
of H. Minor the old tavern, about 1830. After her husband's
death she resumed business and conducted it successfullv for
many years. At the time of her death, in April, 1891. at the
age of 85, she was the oldest member of the Methodist Church,
having united about sixty years before. David Blakeslee was
born in Thomasville, Conn., in 1771, and died in Camden June
20, 1843, aged /2. In twenty days his wife followed him to their
eternal home, dying July, 1843, aged 68. One of his sons, Nor-
man Blakeslee, died at Perry, Wyoming County, N. Y., Jan-
uary 28, 1877, aged 80. Morris Blakeslee died in West Bloom-
field, Mich., December 26, 1876, aged /2; Joel Blakeslee lives in
Peoria, 111. Sophia, Mrs. Bradley, died in Camden, February 12,
1876; Lucy Blakeslee Morgan died in Farmingon, Fulton
County, 111., November 7, 1867, aged 63.
In 181 5, Amos Kinnie moved to Camden from Clinton,
Oneida County, N. Y. He had four brothers who became resi-
dents here, David, Rufus. Oliver and Stephen. They were from
Pomfret, Conn. Amos Kinne bought of David iUakeslee. When
he came here his faniil_\ was composed of his wife and three
children; nine more Avere born to them in this home; they were
reared and schooled when schools were kept from house to
house and in adjoining neighborhoods. \\'hen Mr. Kinnie first
settled in this home it was at the end of the road;- since that time
the road has been extended to Florence. As the family grew to
manhood and womanhood, they went out from their old home,
free to find new homes of their own, scattering here and there,
until almost every State in the Union holds a representative.
Amos Kinnie died in the old home in 1855, aged 75. In 1857
his widow was laid bv his side in Forest Park Cemetery.
22
338
PIOXEER HISTORY OF
Nathan Kinnie. the oldest son, married Samantha Hodges in
1836. There were five children born to them, only two living,
Nathan, Jr., and one danghter, in Binghamton, N. Y. Mr.
Kinnie was often elected to town offices in succession. For
many years he was Overseer of the Poor. He discharged the
duties of the office with due regard to the needs of the poor, and
with honest economy to the town. Nathan Kinnie died in 1877,
leaving his widow and son, Nathan, to carry on the farm, who
still remain in the old homestead to the present day. Four of
the original family of Amos Kinnie are still living — the widow
of the late Charles Allen, the onl\' one remaining in Camden; her
home is No. 6 Third street; the other three are living in the
State of Michigan.
Oliver Kinnie. brother of Amos, built the house on Main
street, known as the Dr. Sewir house, now occupied by Father
Tiernan. It was built in 1835. He owned through to Second
street; had a carriage shop on the site now the home of A. C.
Woodruff; it was afterwards owned by Enos Humaston. Oliver
Kinnie and Diana, his wife, were the parents of six children.
Helen, Angelina and Oliva died in infancy; E. O. Kinnie died
May 1892; left a widow with four boys; her son Allie died the
same summer in July. Three sons are in Watertown, where she
makes her home. Orland Kinnie lives in the West, and Alfred
in Redfiield.
EDWARD WILLIAMS.
Edward Williams came from Chester, England, was married
at IManchester, and sailed for America, some time during the
year 1838, and soon came to Camden. Thev first lived in a little
house, now head of Third street, and later bought on the river
road, about on the line in Florence. Mrs. Williams has been a
widow for a number of years. She makes her home in Camden
with her daughter. ]\Irs. Walter Elden.
Elijah Perkins bought in lot Xo. tt, in 1803, and lived there
until he died.
ARCHIBALD CRAIG.
Archibald Craig with part of his family, came from Darvel,
Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1832. and bought a farm of Maj. Woodard
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
Perkins, the farm now owned by John Walker. Six children
were born to them: Robert, Andrew, John, Mary, Marion, and
Janet. Robert first lived on the farm in Lot No. 23, near R.
Sparrow's, and later moved near Hillsboro, this side of the Wil-
cox place. Five children were born to them, only one living
now, in Western Colorado; two died in the armv in the civil war;
James belonged to the 117th Regiment; Alexander volunteered
previous to the July call in 1861; Robert Craig died July 17,
1863; Elizabeth, his wife. July 25. 1862, aged 58. Mary Craig
married Archibald Nisbet in Scotland in 1828; came to this
country in 1834; bought of Woodard Perkins land adjoining
her father's. Nine children were born to them, only one son and
four daughters lived to maturity. Marion Craig was married in
1846 to John Walker; he bought of Eliab Humaston in 1845 the
old home. Janet married John Anderson in Scotland; he died
in 1842, leaving three sons and two daughters. In 1847 she
came to America with her children, and settled on Preston Hill:
she was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1802, and died in Camden
February 7, 1891.
Andrew Craig will be connected with the Preston Hill history ;
he with his brother John were among our Scotch poets, twenty
years and more ago. John went West in 1849, when Chicago
was about the size of Rome, and has observed the rapid growth
and development of the western country with interest and won-
der. He is a great reader and admirer of Nature's beauties, and
a true Scotchman. He was born in 1825, in a locality where so
many of intellectual ability were nurtured. IJurns' birthplace
was but a few miles distant in Ayrshire, and it was not far from
where Adam Wallace was burned on Castle Hill, Edinborougli,
for reading his Bible and because he would not renounce his
faith in God. John Craig married Miss Sophia Miller in 185 1,
whose birthplace was Clay, near Syracuse. He returned to Cam-
den in 1859, and was identified as one of our business men. In
1882 he purchased a farm of Allen Joslin. and lived there thirteen
years. His oldest daughter, Jennie E.. married P'. W. Heron,
and resides in Camden. Julia married A. B. LaClere, and Jo-
sephine married George Batchelor. all residents of this town. Mr.
and Mrs. Craic make tiieir home with I\Irs. LaClere.
340
PIOXEER HISTORT OF
Faulkners came in 1848: INIr. William I'aulkner died February
9, 1877, aged 66.
Zenas Humaston settlecl here not far fro'm 1800. and pur-
chased wild land, which is now the farm owned by Richard-
Davis. 'J"he\' had five children — Enos, I'^diab, ( )rren, Laureatt
and Kesiah. Enos married ]Mary (irant: she died July 11. 1837,
aged 33; she is Imried on the Seventh. He married a Mrs.
Scram from Cuba, X. \'.. the second time; he moved from Cam-
den man\' years ago, and died at Dewitt, la., Sei)tember 21,
1867, aged 68 }ears. Elial^ married a daughter of David Brown;
in 1836 moved to Pennsylvania, and from there to Illinois; Orren
married ancl went to Xew London; Kesiah married Roswell Wil-
son; Laureatt married .Smith Hrown. The father of this familv
died December 8, 1833, aged 60. Lucy, his wife, died March
19, 1827, aged ^2.
W'ilson I'.aklwin's Home, built by Ran.som Barnes, (should have been on page 333.)
THE FH^.ST SCHOOL-HOUSE IN DISTRICT NO. 8
Was erected near the (ioodyear homestead, and in 1850 moved
near Mr. Kinnie's. A few years ago religious services were held
there, in connection with a Sunday School every Sundav. and
was well attended. The pioneer teachers of this district were
Sarah Ann Woodworth, Mary Woodcock and Abbie Joslin.
On the direct road leading to the village, John Joslin was the
first settler; he built a log house; his family con.sisted of a
wife and three children, Abbie,, Harriet and Benjamin. This-
THE TOWX OF <\.\inj:\.
.>4»
property was transferred to Street i'.anus. who afterwards built
a frame house, and after his deatli his son Marcnus occupied it
for a number of \ears. (laius Perkins, a son-in-law of Street
Barnes, lived opposite; he sold his farm and moved into the vil-
lage, where he spent tlie remainder of his davs. Florence Hill
road was about one-fourth of a mile west of this road. One of
the first places this side of the Florence line was Capt. (iideon
Smedley's home; Elijah Ransom lived there afterward. At a
later date other families bought and built in this vicinitv.
Lorenzo Goodyear married Mary, the dauirhter of Mr. Ran-
som. He bought land and built the house now occupied by
jMr. L. C. Ball; he sold this place and bought his father's place
in 1862. and sold the old home in 1888. and moved to Illinois.
E I) W A R D ( ; O O r ) Y E A R .
Edward Goodyear married Leva Alcott in Wolcott. Conn., in
1814. They emigrated from Connecticut in 1817, and settled
in Canada. In 1820 they came to Camden and bought this
farm of 170 acres of Xorman Castle the same year. He lived in
the village six vcars. and in the mean time built this house. Their
i;j\vard Goodyear Hiinr.
first home .va > wliat is known as the Willis house, and at that time
from Second street back to Mad River was called Pine lldl; it
Avas all woods. Lucius and Harry Goodyear remember very well
of playing there on the logs with the boys. When they came here
our village was a mere hamlet of a dozen houses. The country
342
PIONEER HISTORY OF
around here soon began to be cleared by the quick descending
blows of the pioneers' ax. Edward Goodyear had a distillery
under the Penficld & Stone mill, when it was owned by Lyman
Curtiss and Israel Stoddard, not far from 1822. Edward Good-
year was the father of eight children. Three living at the pres-
ent time are Harry, Lucius and Leva, now Mrs. P. C. Costello.
Edward and Edwin (twin children); Linus and Prenett died many
years ago. ]\lrs. Costello says that although a mere child, she
remembers the loneliness of her mother when they lived on the
farm in the woods. Her mother would he sitting by the fire-
place, knitting, with her children around her, and telling them
stories of the dear ones she had left in Connecticut and of the
wonderful deeds of their great-granilfather, Capt. John Alcott
of Revolutionary fame. Airs. Goodycar's uncle, Joseph Alcott,
was grandfather to Louisa M. Alcott, the writer. ]Mr. Edward
(joodyear was born in Cheshire. Conn., in 1788, and died in Cam-
den in i8d2, aged 74; ^Nlrs. Goodyear died in 1863. Lorenzo M.
Goodyear died May 29, 1897. aged yy.
Norman Castle Home.
Norman Castle was the earliest settler in this locality; his
farm extended from Waterman's mill to Capt. Smedley's place.
He built this house now (nvned bv John Davis. Mr. \. Castle
77//; T<)]V.\ OF r \yii)i\
-.143
married Polly, daughter of Elilui Curtiss, and sister U) Gen.
Lyman Curtiss. He sold this place and wont to Inchana. Mis
brother, Seth Castle, was a l)lacksmith in the village, and lived
opposite to the Commercial Hotel, lie moved to Syracuse.
Mr. Lawton was the next occupant of this farm after Xorman
Castle; then Mr. Ely; then Smith and Pnndal. In 1832 Wood-
ard Perkins bought the farm, and in 1838 sold it to Aslibei Up-
son, who bought the water privilege in 1849. and built a large
saw-mill, which has l)een doing a good business ever since. In
1854 his oldest son married Louisa, daughter of Col. R. Empey,
and remained on the farm. Mr. Ashbel L'])son bought on Os-
wego street, and lived there imtil his death.
Wilbert Upson lived here uiuil a muubcr of years after the
death of his first wife, in March, 1868. She left six little chil-
dren, only three living now, Eletcher. George and Dora. The
two oldest, Richaid ar.d Wilbcit . died in Nebraska in 1S96. The
mill property changed hands in \SS7: Henry Waterman came
from Taberg with his family, and bought the mill and built a
house opposite. Ciu-tiss Scoville was the next owner of the
mill, and now it is the property of Walter Russell.
^44 PIOXEER HISTORY OF
HENRY WATERMAN
Died December 9, 1892. During his residence here he be-
came a very popular citizen, holding many offices of trust. He
left a widow and two daughters. His wife survived him until
the spring of 1896. dying at her daughter's, Mrs. A. Paddock,
Clinton, la., who brought her mother here in company with her
sister, Mrs. J. H. Conant, to lay her beside their father.
Beriah Pond, son of Bartholomew Pond, Sen., married Sylvia
Sandford in Plymouth, Conn., and on coming to Camden settled
on the Florence Hill road, opposite the Riley Pond place. All
traces of the house are gone. He had a large family — Chauncey,
Porter, Willis, Riley, Lucy B., Celista and Miles, and several
others. Beriah Pond was a cousin to Bartholomew Pond, Jr.
They served in the war of the Revolution together. He was in
Col. Elmore's regiment for one year from April, 1776: afterwards
he was in the corps of artificers, from 1777 to 1783. He died
at his grand-daughter's, Mrs. George Rush, ]\Iarch, 1836,
aged 78.
Willis Pond and wife settled on Lot gq: they came from Con-
nectictit; stayed five years, then returned to Northtield, Conn.
On a visit here some years after, his w ife died and was buried in
the Mexico Street Cemeterx". The inscription reads: "Hannah,
wife of Willis Pond, died December 22, 1857, aged 71. Her aunt,
Laurana Sandford, died while here on a visit in 1837, aged 78."
They are buried side l)y side. Celista married I^)enj. Joslin and
moved to Cattaraugus County. X. Y. Her mother and brother
Porter went and lived with her. Kiley Pond married Abigail,
daughter of Icha1)od Brown: she had two brothers, Xathan and
Riley Brown. Ichabod Brown was a Revolutionary soldier;
went from Cornwall, fmm June, 1776, to DetemlxM- 2^, 1776; he
died ]\Iay 31. 1850, aged ()j. His wife's name is on the First
Church's meml)ershi]i records in 1809.
This cross road that comes out by Russell's mill was sur-
veyed January 17. 1828. from Beriah l*ond's place to Noah
Preston's, on the Oswego road. The romantic name for this
rustic road is "Lovers' Lane." bjjward Mills lived at one time
on the place now owned by Mr. Driscol. "Cncle Ned." as
THE TOWX OF (WMDES.
345
familiarly known, was born in Plunipton, Sussex County, Eng-
land, in 1790. He came to America witli his wife in 1829. Of
the thirteen children born to them, eip^ht are ]ivinJ:,^ but only two
in Camden, Mrs. Judson Hull and Mrs. Jonathan Meeker.
Uncle Ned worked on the first railroad between Albany and
Schenectady, then drifted to Camden, and remained in this
vicinity until his death, in 1887, aged 97 years. Lucv, his wife,
died September 28. 1855, aged 57.
After leaving this place you come to a lane called "Barlow
Lane." We find in the old town book in the survey, of altering
this road, July 17, 1817. The owners of the property on the
corners were Nathan Barlow and Nathaniel Brown. The Barlow
place is the one known as the Newland home, and occupied by
Wilbert Upson, who married Mr. Newland's widow. On the
other corner there is no trace of a building that once stood there.
The last deed given from the first settlers or their descendants
was from Delos Brown.
The next house to the west, now owned and occupied by G.
l^oberts, was built by Warren Preston. This propertv has
changed hands a good many times.
Calvin Johnson's Early Home.
CALVIN JOHNSON,
This is the original part of the house built bv Calvin |ohnson,
who married Honor, daughter of Xoah Presron, Marcli 11. 181 1.
Four children were born to them, Rosetter. Spencer, Lorenzo
and Cornelia. Rosetter, the oldest, was bom December \6. 181 1,
346
PIONEER HISTORY OF
and his first recollection was when liis father went to assist in
defending the State against the attack of the British in the war
that began in 1812. He said his father took him tip and kissed
him "good-bye," and then placed him in the arms of his weeping
mother, who explained that his father had gone to the war and
might never return. He returned very soon, as the government
did not need any more volunteers. IMarch 30, 18 19, Mrs. John-
son died at the age of 27. Calvin Johnson sold in 1828 and
moved to Ripley, Chautauqua County, where he died in 1844.
Rosetter went to California in 1849, and became a very proni'-
inent man in San Francisco; he died May, 1886.
ELISHA HOWLAXD.
Elisha Howland next owned this place; he added the upright
part, which was moved near the fair ground a few years ago by
George Upson, the present owner. Elisha Howland was the
father of eleven children — Gideon. Chauncey, Ira, Philip, Peter,
Rebecca, Mary, Lydia, Roba, Lizzie and David. Elisha How-
land was born February i, 1772; died October 26, 1846, aged
73 years and 8 months. Mrs. Howland was born December
21, 1785. Philip and Ira Howland, the only descendants here,
are the sons of David.
The house opposite Barlow lane and now owned by W. Hal-
stead, was built in 1845 or 1846 by Anthony Bush; he lived there
one year, then exchanged places with Caleb Rowell, and moved
to West Camden.
MARTIN SMITH.
Martin Smith came to Camden February 1822. from Claver-
ack, Columbia Co., X. V. He was born in Xew Milford. Litch-
field County, Conn. Ho was in the war of 18 12; enlisted at the
age of 16 in the cavalry. He married Betsey Place in 1818, at
Claverack, her native town. In coming to Camden he first lived
in a house that stood on the corner of Second and Giurch streets.
He bought land now owned by George Ui)son, and while build-
ing this home he lived in the house then owned bv Warren
Preston. He also built a shoe shop near by; he was a tanner
and currier and shoemaker by trade. He sold this place to
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
347
Rufus Baldwin in 1826, and moved in 1S27 on Mexico street,
near Osborn's Hill. The shoe shop was moved down what is now
Union street, and converted into a dwellino^ house, and was oc-
cupied by Chauncey Woodruff for many years. In 1.S28 Mr.
Smith moved to \>rona, and in 1834 returned to Camden, and
Martin Smith Home.
bought of Nathaniel Wetmore on Preston Hill, cast of the
Marvel Hall farm. They moved into the villaj^e in 1855. (3f the
eleven children born to them, five are living now; two died in
infancy; Ambrose died in i86o; Betsey in 1831; ^Nlary. a young
girl, while at the barn to assist her brother, was kicked by a horse
and died from the injury at the early age of nine years, in 1851;
George died in 1877. leaving a large family. M. A. Smith is
in the furrier business, which is of a long standing; he learned
the hatter business of Truman Spencer in connection with it.
LYMAN SMITH.
Lyman Smith, now of Chicago, has become noted with his
great inventions; one of the most prominent of these was the
pneumatic elevator for unloading grain. His latest is in storing
grain in air-tight tanks, preserving it in its natural state. This
idea he got from the fact that grains have been sealed with mum-
mies for thousands of years, and when planted have grown and
produced luxuriantly. He was born in the first house his father
built in Camden. Jay Smith is a farmer in Minnesota; Morris is
a grain dealer in Cambridge, 111. Sarah is the widow of Julius
348
PIOSEEU HISTORY OF
Allen of this village. R. C. and E. W. are the sons of the late
George Smith. Martin Smith died January 4, 1875. aged jj.
His wife died October 29, 1876, aged 78.
ASHBEL UPSOX.
This farm changed hands about 1840, and different ones had
owned it until Ashbel Upson bought it in 1854. It has been in
the family ever since. George Upson is now the occupant ot the
place. Ashbel Upson's children were, Dorlisca, Wilbert, George
and Bleecker. Dorlisca and Bleecker died a number of years
ago. Mr. Ashbel Upson died July ist, 1881. aged 77; Betsey,
his wife, died August 7, 1875, aged 65.
ELIASAPH DOOLITTLE.
The next place was the home of Eliasaph Doolittle. Their
life in Camden will be written in the ■Mexico street history. This
property was bought by Edward W'atkins in 1892. He has laid
it out in streets, and it is now so thickly settled it looks like a
little village by itself.
ALBERT GODFREY.
The Elden house was built about 1845 by Albert Godfrey;
he married Rosina Putnam; four children were born to them —
Jane, George, Julia and Gertrude. In 1850 they sold and moved
into the village. Mrs. Rosina P. Godfrey died at her daughter
Julia's, August 18, 1891. Gertrude, wife of Ranney Park, died
July 15, 1873; George L. Godfrey lives in I-'airbault. ]\Iinn; Mrs.
O. L. Hall and daughter, Mrs. T. D. Norton, and family, are
the only descendants in town.
GEORGE ELDEX.
In 1850 George Elden bought this place, and Mr. Elden and
Col. Empey bought 18^ acres of land belonging to the Priest
Smith heirs, where now is Railroad, Liberty. Elm. Elden and
Payette streets. This last street did not belong to the former
purchase; Mr. Elden bought it later of Hiram Smith. These
streets were carefully laid out. with Aaron ^latthews as sur-
vevor; tliev had a hard struggle to get the bridge across on
Railroad street. Mr. Empey being a mechanic and Mr. Elden a
commissioner of the town, they succeeded, and the bridge was
built and the road extended to the depot. All the buildings
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
34^
about the depot and the above named street have betTi erected
since that time. They soon extended IJbertv street to Dvnibar
mill. The last two lots of the orie^inal purchase were sold in
1894. In 1851 this plot was all bush pasture, filled with pine
stumps. Now these streets are nearly all settled with comfort-
George Elden.
able homes. ]\Ir. Elden was in the produce business for about
thirty years; for thirteen years of this time Joseph Stark was his
business partner. George Elden was a native of Camden, and
for more than three-score years he walked the streets of his town-
ship and mingled with his people. He was firm and unflinching
in regard to his duties. He became a member of the M. E.
Church in 1835, and an official member for many years. George
Elden married Amelia Stanton in 1832; she was sister to Annis,
the first wife of Wilbert Barnes of Sand Banks. Mr. George
Elden died Septetiiber 24. 1895, aged 85; his wife died April i,
1887, aged 75 years. Judson. their adopted son. lives in Syra-
cuse. This place is now the property of Mr. Miller.
ISAAC BARNES.
The next place would be the farm now owned and occupied
by Lucius Goodyear, north of the cottage, head of Main street.
Isaac Barnes, who married Martha Atwater, sister of Mrs.
35^^
PIONEER HISTORY OF
James I""risbie's mother, lived here. In January, 1816, with his
wife and four children, he left Camden and made the long jour-
ney to Ohio with his own conveyance. He stayed there a short
time, then started again for Missouri, as a missionary to the In-
dians; he settled on the little Osage River, a branch of the
Missouri. He returned to Ohio, and settled in the town of
Medina, and stayed there several years, during which time two
daughters were born to them. His two oldest sons were stu-
dents in Hudson College: George, the oldest, graduated; Carlos
made a specialty of surveying, and started w^ell in business, but
after a few years his health failed, and he died while yet a young
man. In 1830 the spirit of adventure again seized Mr. Barnes,
and he left Ohio for Michigan, the beautiful peninsula, and after
roaming the southern part of the State, he turned his steps north-
ward and landed on the beautiful prairie named Gule prairie,
from its nearness to Gule Lake, so named by its surveyors. He
was the first to settle there, but other families soon followed, and
in the fall of 1832 there was a thriving community of intelligent
people there. After a few years of rest on the prairie, further
desire of adventure beset Mr. Barnes, and he roamed through
the pine forest of Allegan County until he found a stream where
he thought there was a good site for a mill, and he decided to
make that his home, and built a log house, moved his family, and
subsequently erected a mill as he planned: but his work was
nearly done; a few days of sickness and he w^as laid to rest in
his beautiful pine grove, and in three weeks his wife was laid
beside him. Thus, after life's fitful fever, the\' rest peacefully
beneath the wide spreading branches of the stately forest trees.
Thus ended t.he lives of the true pioneers of the great West, as
well as of Camden.
In 1862 Lucius Goodyear purchased tiic land once owned by
Isaac Barnes and erected a fine residence. His first wife was
Miss Arma Smith; they lived together many years. As they
had no children of their own, they kindly gave a home to seven
children, only two living in Camden now, Mrs. W. Frazee and
Mrs. W. Parks. Mrs. Goodyear died January 3, 1893. Mr.
Goodyear married for his second wife IMiss Elizabeth A. Schuyler
of Chittenango, N. Y., in 1895.
THfJ TOWN OF CAMDEN. ,^,
BARTHOLOMEW POND.
In the book, "Our County and Its People," edited by the late
Daniel Wager, we learn: "In the spring of 1796 P>artholomew
Pond owned what has since been known as the Royce farm, in
Clinton." We learn also: "Mr. Pond donated to the society of
Clinton an acre of land to be used as a burial yard." About 1805
Samuel Royce made an additional donation of land, therefore,
we conclude, upon his return to Clinton, Samuel Royce ex-
changed property with Bartholomew Pond, who succeeded Mr.
Royce as the owner of the property in the northern part of this
town. Mr. Pond was already a large land-owner in this locality.
He was born in Bradford, Conn., in 1737. He married Lucy
Curtiss, and at the date of his arrival here had a family of nine
children. In the early records of the town we find the last town
meeting held at the home of Samuel Royce occurred in 1803,
and the next one was appointed to be held at the home of Bar-
tholomew Pond, which establishes the date he first occupied
the property at the head of Main street. In a short time the log
house gave place to a two-story frame house, with a wing on
the east side. The old well which receives the overflow of the
fountain was under the woodhouse; it was the starting point
tor the survey of many of the streets as well as much of the
land in this vicinity. He also owned all of the land east of Main
street to Mad River, and north of Union street, including the
land in the valley, the site of the Conants' chair manufactory.
The land east of Main street was his farm, under good cultivation.
The orchard was in the part where Third street was laid out.
Some of the old apple trees are still standing, or were a short
time ago, back of the old Stewart place. The remains of Bar-
tholomew Pond and his wife rest in the Mexico Street Cemeter>-;
they lived fifty-three years together before they were separated
by death.
Iri Pond, son of Bartholomew, married Lctticc Blakeslce.
He was a soldier of the American Revolution. He died suddenly
while walking on the street in Camden, but the date of his death
is uncertain. His wife died August 10, 1848, aged 85 years. Iri
Pond, their son, built the house where Dr. Leonard now resides.
352
PIONEER HISTORY OF
and had a wagon shop near. The first hearse used in Camden
was made by him. It was a rude and cheap affair, but the dead
made no objection to it. We find this advertisement in an old
town paper, which is uni(jue, and a convincing proof that while
there was little competition, and no facilities for transporting
goods from distant towns, it paid to advertise:
WAGON AND SLEIGH MAKING.
The subscriber grateful to the last.
Returns his thanks for many favors past,
And gives his friends this timely information.
He still remains at his old former station,
And carries on his very useful trade,
In wagons hne, as good as e'er were made ;
Wagons and sleighs, all sizes, coarse and fine,
All kinds of work within the carriage line,
He keeps on hand always, both neat and clean,
West of the church, and near the Camden Green.
Come rich, come poor, both grave and gay.
My wares are good, I boldly say,
Cheaper by ten per cent, or more
Than in this place were sold before.
I'll be content with little gain.
And take my pay in cash or grain ;
Call at my shop and take a look,
I can't be beat in Kinderhook. Iri Pond.
Camden, April 20th, 1S42.
Iri Pond, jr., died February 17, 1848, aged 64 years. The
death of his first wife occurred April 23, 1846, aged 62 vears.
He married the second time the Widow^ Birge of W'atertown,
and left her a second time a widow; she is well remembered as
tlie "\\'idow Pond," while she remained in Camden.
niLLIOUS POND.
Billicus Pond, son of P>artholomew, married Rhoda Orton,
and continued to reside in the home after his father's death. He
was a deacon in the Congregational Cluu-ch, and looked upon as
an exemplary man in every respect, which meant much in those
early days. Put lie fell from grace one Sabbath morning in a
way which to the eyes of the present generation would have
added to his reputation as a man of strong ]M-inciple; but to those
THE TOWS OF CAMDEN.
Puritanical fathers was considered an open violation of the
Fourth Commandment. In the year 1836 or 1837, one (|uiet,
peaceful morning, the restful stillness of the Sabbath unbroken
by any sound of manual labor, Deacon Pond started for the
sanctuary, undoubtedly in a proper frame of mind, conducive
to religious thoughts, when someone rashly informed him a bear
had been seen on the outskirts of the village. Time and place
were instantly forgotten; he returned home, procured his gun,
and hunted it successfully, to the delight of the more timorous
ones, but to the detriment of his good name. That a deacon of
tlie church could so far forget himself as voluntarily to be ab-
sent from church and do such a deed on the holy Sabbath dav,
was beyond their comprehension. He must be made to repent
in the depths of his soul; no circumstances could justify the deed.
They labored with him in vain. A man who could, single-handed,
hunt and kill the wild beasts of the forests was not to be in-
timidated by any body of men. He boldly told them it might
have killed some one, and under like circumstances, he would
do the same thing again. The effect of this answer upon his
judges has not been recorded. The children of Billions Pond
were — Billions, who married Temperance Northrup; Rhoda
married Truman Catlin, who built the Hildreth house on the
west side of Main street; he also owned all of the land north as
far and including the Doolittle farm, now known as the Watkins
Addition ; Amanda married Reuben Bettis ; Adeline died unmar-
ried; Samuel, Zavier, Parmela and Hannah Smith. Billions
Pond, Sen., sold his property in Camden about 1839 or 1840,
and with most of his children and their families went to Illinois
to reside. His wife died, and after settling in the West he mar-
ri-^d again.
JOHN JAMIESON.
John Jamieson came from Glasgow, Scotland, in the early part
of the present century and settled in Amboy. In 1840 he pur-
chased the property at the head of Main street, of Bartholomew
Pond. Falling heir to considerable money from his native land,
he soon began preparations for a fine house, to be erected on the
site of the old Pond homestead. The house then occupying the
23
354
I'lOXKhJIi HISTOin' OF
ground was moved to the corner of Empey avenue and Second
street, where it stood many years unchanged. l)ut has been re-
modeled and made to acconmiodate two famihes. by F. H. Co-
nant s sons, who own the property, ^[r. Jamieson built the "Cot-
tage." the name he gave it. farther back from the street than the
other house had stood. It was patterned after the houses in his
former home, and was considered the finest residence for many
miles around. A circular drive led up to the wide entrance door.
The Jamieson Cottage.
with manv flowers l)ordering it. and numerous choice trees and
shrubs. The grounds were spacious and well imi)roved. l-'ive
children were born to them. viz.:John, Robert. James. Lillias and
Marian. The last named married Elliott Stewart, tiie editor of
the "Camden (iazette." They eventually settled near lUiflfalo.
John settled in or near Amboy; James died while a young man:
Robert died in Mexico.
Lillias Jamieson was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1814. She
came to America with her parents at an early age. She married
Alphonso. only son of Dr. Joshua Ransom. After the death of
the father and mother. Mr. and Mrs. Ransom continued to reside
in the "Cottage." Here two children were liorn. Man- and
Lillias.
Tin: TOWS OF CAM It i:s.
Alphonso Ransom kept a store, flcalini; in ^roct-rifs and drugs.
In 1862 he was appointed notary piiljlic by the (iovernor. The
death of Mr. Ransom occurred February i6th, 18O6. After the
death of her husl)and. Airs. Ransom went to fohnstown. X. V..
to reside with her daughters, who had married and settled there.
She died January 2j, 1874. Her remains were brought U) Cam-
den to rest beside her Inisband in Forest I'ark Cemetery. |ahn
Jamieson (bed December 6. 1849: Mary, liis wife, died May 20,
1845, aged 56 years. They sleep in Forest Park Cemeterv.
After the death of Mr. Ransom "The Cottage" and grounds
were sold to G. B. Miller, who occupied it for a time, but upon
his removal from the town, it was again for sale. Tlu' purchaser
was y\. R. Cook, who occupied it for a time. In 1871) K. H.
Conant purchased the entire property, where the familv now
reside.
HENRY BACOX.
Henry I'acon was born in Litchfield, Conn., in 1807. He mar-
ried, first, Sally Maria Edwards, May 2, 1829. by whom he had
two children: Charles C. and Ai'ulia C. Mrs. Bacon died August
Home of Henry Bacon.
II, 1832. January 29, 1834. Mr. I'acon married his second wite.
who was ]\Iiss Betsey Jones of .Xew Haven. Conn. I'.y the la.<t
wife he had six children: hVancis, H. Clifford. Edward. l'>ed-
erick, William and Anna. Henry Bacon moved to Camden from
New Haven, Conn., in the fall of 1836. and started the business
;56
PIOXEER nrSTORT OF
of manufacturing- and selling boots and shoes, which he con-
tinued until his death. On his arrival in Camden he purchased
the house on the corner of Main street, (the A. B. Hildreth
place), just north of the new residence of \\'. J. Frisbie. This
was bought of Mr. Catlin, and 'Mr. Bacon resided here about
five years, when he sold, and bought the place just south of
Lhauncey McCall (W. J. iM-isbie's) where he spent the remainder
of his days. Of the children, Frederick died in infancy; H. Clif-
ford died in Watertown, where he was employed in the office
of the Superintendent of the Rome & \\'atertown Railway, in
1862: Charles died in Homer, X. Y.. in 1863. He left two sons.
Will am H. died at Loj Angeles, Cal, May 18, 1878; Ajulia, at
Wilton, la., November 7, 1896. The living are. Mrs. B.
Bacon, who resides with her daughter, IMrs. Anna Durrell, at
Los Angeles, Cal., and is 88 years of age. Edward resides at
the same place. Mr. Francis Bacon, with whom we are better
ac(|uainte(l, from frequent visits to Camden, has been a resident
of Wilton, la., for many years. His children are: Charles C,
John E. and ^lary.
Henry Bacon died in Camden, October 25, 1881, aged 74
vears. He was buried in Forest Park Cemetery. Ajulia Bacon's
remains were brought to Camden and interred there also.
Mr. Henry Bacon was a man of much intelligence, having
strong convictions upon many (luestions which arose in politics,
government, religion, &c. He was an ardent supporter and
member of the Episcopal Church, attending with remarkable
regularity upon all its services. His responses were given in a
clear, earnest, correct manner, and his life was in accordance
with his profession. No doubt nuich of the success of the estab-
Hshment of the Episcopal Church was due to his earnest interest
in its well being.
We copv from an old paper Mr. Bacon's advertisement of his
business, which interested us and will many of our readers:
" SHOE STORE ! !
THE subscriber woidd respectfully inform his friends and the
public generally, both of this and adjoining towns, that he con-
tinues at his OLD STAND, next door to L V. ^Miner's Dry
Goods Store, the business of
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
3)7
BOOT AND SHOE MAKIXG
in all its various branches. It is not connnon that 1 in(Uilgc in
poetic strains, but tliere are exceptions:
Cheap for cash my shoes I'll lay
To those who down the cash will pay;
Your products are good, exchanged for work.
As grain, butter, cheese, beef, hams or pork.
Cash is the best — come try the test,
Ye worthy folks who have it ;
You'll be convinced, by your good sense,
That truth will favor merit.
To those who'd like to trusted be,
Of worthy stamp I fain w^ould see.
Call at my shop, my shoes behold !
I tell you they're as "good as gold."
To those who never pay, I'll simply say,
I do not like to trust 'em —
And at my shop you're not forgot,
I can live without your custom.
I intend to keep such a general assortment on hand as patron-
age will warrant, at all seasons of the year, and those who wisli
to be accommodated at all times please rememl)er the si)ic qua
non necessary for the perpetuity of business.
Camden, April 5th, 1842. HEXRY r.ACOX."
NICHOLAS SALLADIX.
Anthony Salladin, father of Nicholas Salladin, emigrated to
America with his wife and family in 1830, from Muntbroun,
France. The trip was made from Havre to Xew York in a sail-
ing vessel. The vessel was 58 days in making the trip. I'rom
New York to Albany the journey was made bv boat uj) the Hud-
son River, and thence by canal to Syracuse, where they were
met by a Frenchman who had been sent bv their friends with
wagon and oxen to convey them to their new home in the
woods, four miles from ]^Iexico village. The family consisted
of the parents and eight children. A daughter of two years died
on the vovage and was buried at sea. nuich to the grief of the
familv. Nicholas was at this time ten years of age. The father
w^as a sculptor by trade. He served seven vears under Xapoleon
Bonaparte during the French and British war: was wounded in
Spain, taken prisoner, transported to England and imi>ris.->ned.
358
I'lO.MJh'h' HISTORY OF
experiencing' much suffering-. At the time of exchange of pris-
oners Napoleon got two men for one. INIr. Salladin was among
the soldiers exchanged at that time. He re-entered the
French army and remained until Xapoleon engaged in war
with Russia. Nicholas Salladin, at the age of 17. made his first
visit to Camden, having heen sent by his father for medicine
from the old Swiss, Dr. Seewir. The journev was made on horse-
back, a distance of twent}-five miles. The night was spent at
the Cash tavern, on the Amboy road, then ke])t b\- John Webb
and wife, wlio were fine old types of English people. When 24
years of age he came to Camden with a load of four tomi) stones.
His establishment might well be called "a marble sho]:) on
wheels," for when he made a sale he l)oarded witli the \n\r-
chaser's family while cutting the inscri])tionand placing the stone.
His first work was for Iri Pond and I^leazer Peck to mark the
resting place of mother and wife. In 1841; he came to Camden
from Jordan, N. Y., and has remained here ])ermanently since.
He first occu])ie(l Iri Pond's wagon sho]) for his work, and the
home now the residence of Dr. Leonard. Some two years later
he purchased his present residence on the east side of Main
street, of Nancy Thacher. He built a marble shop near it.
where he continues the same business. He married Miss Lu-
cinda 'SI. Riley of N'erona. X. Y.. December 25, 1846. She died
April 16, 1880. aged 55 years. I-'ive children were born to them,
viz.: Martha L., Mary M., John H.. hjunia lane, who died at
the age of two years, and Will X.
KDWIX ROCKWELL.
Edwin Rockwell was a native of X'ermont, Ijorn in 1801. At
an early age he taught school in Norway, N. A'. In 1827 he
journeyed on horseback from his ht:)me to Redfield, N. Y. ; iiere
he ])urchased a farm situated on Salmon Kiver, about two miles
below Redfield. Square, and soon moved his family to their new
home. In 1840 he came to Camden to reside. He at once be-
came interested in town and village affairs. In 1842 he was
elected Justice of the Peace, which office he held almost con-
tinuously mitil his death, in 1874. He was thrice married: First,
to Miss Manle\'. who was the mother of three children, viz.:
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
Horace, Cornelia and Lucius. His second wife was Miss Xicliols,
and mother of Edwin Rockwell of llrooklvn. X. ^■. His third
Avife was Mrs. Melissa Norton.
JOHN KEXT, SI'.X.
John Kent, Sen., of New York city, with his wife and son
came to Camden in 1840; with this family also came Mrs. Kent's
mother and two sisters (Mrs. Richard \ose and daughters Mary
and Lizzie). Their first home was a ])ortion of the dwelling on
]\Iiner avenue, now the residence of Joel House. This dwelling
was moved from the west side of Main street.
yir. Alfred Brooks came to Camden in 1850 and later mar-
ried Miss Mary \'ose. Mrs. Richard \'ose died September 4,
1867, aged 78 years; Miss Lizzie \"ose died Aj^ril 2. 1878. aged
55 years; Mrs. John Kent, died January, [886, aged '2 years;
jNIr. John Kent died February, 1872, aged 83 vears.
FORT NEWTON.
Fort Newton stands near the head of Third street; it was built
prior to 1824 by Nelson Newton, it has no war history. New-
ton was proud of his fort, for here were his wife and children
always to be found happy to welcome liim home after his day's
labor. He named his home after himself. Vears have i)asscd,
and he, too, is gone. This ])lace has had manv occupants. It
is the only tv] ical home in Camden village, whose architecture
remains unchanged This property is owned by Mrs. Silas
Allen.
360
PIONEER HISTORY OF
Edwin Sweet, a painter by trade, and for many years a resi-
dent of Camden, was in early life drum major at Fort Warren,
Boston harbor.
NELSON F. SIMMONS.
Nelson F. Simmons was born in Dover, N. Y.. in 1800. He
moved to Vienna and was married to Eunice Hawkins of Floyd
in 1824. James, Edwin and Myron H. Simmons were born
there. He moved to the Seventh about 1828. and here Eunice
A., who became the w'ife of Israel Butler, and Thomas D., who
died in early life, were born. About 1832 Mr. Simmons re-
turned to Vienna, ana in one or two years returned to Cam-
den; he lived in a house on the ground where T. D. Penfield's
residence now stands, and had a blacksmith shop just east of his
home. Here there was one more added to this family. Sarah,
now the wife of Archibald Wilson. After a time he purchased
the land now occupied by the Nichols & TifTany block, and
later, land extending to Second street. He moved a shop from
near the head of Main street on to this lot. Mr. Simmons then
purchased of Aaron and Thomas Stone a cabinet shop, moved
it to this lot and used it as a w-agon shop. Next east was the
engine house, where the fire apparatus was kept. This was also
purchased and used as a paint shop. He also bought land on
the side of Second street, extending from the Loveland home
to Mrs Q. Barber's, and built a house on the north part, which
was remodeled a few years ago. Having lost his wife, he was
married in 1845 to Wealthy Blakeslee. There was one child
from this union. Rev. J. 1\. Sinnnons, ])orn in 1847. Mr. Sim-
mons was of colonial stock; his father was a Revolutionar\- sol-
dier. The old nnisket he carried was used bv the son at general
trainings, and is now in the possession of ?^lyron II. Sinnnons.
'\\r. Simmons died in 1853, aged 53 years. The onlv grand-
children were those born to James Edwin Simmons, viz.: Mrs.
G. H. Smith; Miss Minnie wSimmons, for years a teacher in the
Union School; and Mrs. H. J. Newland. Of these only Mrs.
G. H. Smith survives. Mr. Edwin and ]\Iyron Sinnnons car-
ried on the business of their father for manv vears. as long as
health would permit.
Tin: TOWS OF (AM DEW
}6i
GEOROE 1-:M1>EV.
. George Empey's father was from Scotlaiul, atul later settled
in the northeni part of Ireland, in the County of Fermanach.
M'ith his family he emigrated to this country in 1783 and settled
in Cambridge. He was 1)orn in 1737; died December 20, 1823,
aged 86.
Anthony Empey, his son, married ]*klargaret Livingston at
Cambridge, Washington County, N. Y.. in 1793. He moved to
Florence in 1808, and bought land of Cjeorge Scrilia; the deed
was given October 10, 1808. In early days he Vvas associated
with this town. He was received by letter in the First Church
in Camden from Cambridge Presbyterian Church, May 6, 1810.
His wife united later. In an old deed we tind he owned prop-
erty on Second street, between Union and Empey avenue, and
sold to Charles Trowbridge in 1837. Col. Ricliard Empey was
Col. Richard Empey.
the sixth child of the ten that were born to them; he was born
July 5, 1801, therefore was seven years oUl when his father came
to Florence. Col. Empey lived at home until 16 years <ild. then
came to Camden and made his home with Dr. Joshua Ransom
until he was of aee. In the vear 1S29 he married Flima Tutnam.
.62 PIONEER HISTORY OF
daughter of Capt. Daniel Putnam, a veteran of '~6. They went
to housekeeping in the Priest Smith house at the head of ^lain
street. In 1830 he built the house two doors south, and lived
there a few years, then rented his home and went to Florence
village to superintend the tannery of ' . S. V. Stranahan. In
1837 he returned to Camden, and lived on Alain street until he
sold to Anson Strong. In 1844 he ])uilt this house. The same
II Mil ;: isiriiiiffliiTO^^^^
?;.:i.aife^
The Empey Homestead.
year was elected to the Assemblw In early life he was a mem-
ber of the State Militia, in which organization he gained the
title of Colonel. His certificate, which was signed 1\\ Dewitt
Clinton, is well preserved in a frame, and hangs on the wall in
this home he took so much jiride in building. Me was one of
the original members of the Camden Industrial Association;
also the Cemetery Association, and the first .^])ring Water
Comjiany ; the latter at one time was in a flourishing condition.
Six children were born to them — Clarissa married A. P. Pond in
1852. and (lied in 1858; Louisa married \V. I. Upson in 1854,
and died in i8(^S; James died Xovember, 1861, unmarried;
Nanc\- mru-ried l^dward VaWc in 186S, who owns and occupies
77//; TOWS OF CAMDKS. -g-
this homestead. The)- have two children. Clara and Charles E.
Lafayette Enipey married Ann Holley of Rlmira; tliev went to
Illinois; Mrs. Empey died in 1880, and left fonr children: Addle,
the only danghter, died in 1894. Isaac resides in Maconih, 111.;
Lafayette. Jr., in Iowa, and James in Elmira, X. N'. Lafavette.
Sen., married Mrs. Jennie Cox, of W'illiamstown, in the fall of
1896, where he now resides.
September 1. 1862, Lafayette Empey enlisted in Co. E, 146th
Regiment, was taken prisoner June 2. 1864, near Cold Harbor,
Va., and commenced his prison life in the I'eniberton building *
at Richmond, called "Castle Pemberton;" remained there nine
or ten days. One night was spent in Libby prison ; from there
"he was sent to Andersonville, where he remained a prisoner
nearly three months; then was transferred to Charleston. .^. C,
where he was in a camp which was situated on the race-course,
about one month; and from here was sent to l-'lorence. S. C.
and confined there until the middle of Eebruarw when the pris-
oners were all sent North. He was paroled at (ioldsborough,
N. C, February 24, 1865, and sent into our lines near the rail-
road bridge, twelve miles north of Wilmington, X. C. Here he
remained about two weeks, when he was sent to ])arole camp at
Annapolis, M 1. At this place he ]M-ocured a furlough, and came
home about the 20th of March. Returned to i)arole camp the
last of May, and received his honorable discharge June 20, 1865.
Horatio Empey died in 1871, leaving a widow who died ni
1881. Col. Richard Empey died Februarv 15, 1881, aged 79
years. His wife died March 28, 1887, aged 83 years.
ISAAC STONE.
Isaac Stone, son of David and Mary Stone, was born at Xew-
ton, Mass., October 9, 1767, and died in Camden. N. ^ .. Xo-
vember 2, 1839, aged 72 years. Nancv Chamberlain, wife of
Isaac Stone, w^as born at Worcester, Mass., July 21. 1770, and
died at Camden. February i. 1838. aged 67. Isaac Stone was a
descendant of Simon Stone, born in Hartford. I-Jigland. in 1590:
came to America in ship "Increase" in 1635; settled at Cam-
bridge, Mass., becoming by "Stone's grant" owner of all tliat
part of Cambridge now around Mt. Auburn Cemetery, inclu.ling
364
PIONEER HISTORY OF
the old farm and home at Xewton, where Isaac Stone was born.
He came to Camden some time in the twenties, and first settled
on a small farm on Mexico street. ]3urchased of Bartholomew
Pond, Jr. He afterwards bought land in the village, of Billions
Pond, the property of the late Mrs. Thomas Stone. Their first
house was moved on land he also owned, situated where, later,^
Union street was laid out: the house is still standing, just east
of Mrs. W. R. Paddock's residence, lught children were born
to them' — Artemas Woodard. born 1793. died 1813; Betsey,,
known as Eliza. 1)orn 1795, died at the residence of Mrs. T.
Stone in 1870; Nancy, born 1798; Isaac Herring, born in 1800,
died in 1822; Aaron, born 1803, died 1875; Mary, born in Salem,
Mass., in 1807; Thomas Stone, born in 1809; Zebina, born at
Fitchburg in 1817, died 1868. The five older ones were born
at Keene. X. H. Isaac .^tonc and wife died in their home on
Union street. Aaron and Thomas .Stone returned East to finish
their trade as cabimt makers. 'I h(jmas went to Ixlassachusetts
to learn carving. Aaron went to Keene. X. H. While on a visit
Aaron .Stone.
in Swanzee, he became ac(|uainted with ^liss Amanda Parsons;
they were married in 1832, and innnediately came to Camden,
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. ,/•.-
and lived tlu- first two years with hi> father and mother.
In 1834 Aaron and Thomas Stone built the double house now
on Union street, in the rear of the oriq^inal site on North Park
street.
Aaron Stone was a man very hio-hly esteemed, and held many
offices of trust. Of the three children born to them, onlv one
is living now. Angeline, born in 1835. lived but one year. J.
Parsons Stone, born in 1833 enlisted in the war of the rebellion,
A. Stone & Son's Drug' Store.
and was made Captain of Co. B, 117th Regiment, X. Y. S. X.
"As a soldier, with his bravery and courage and genuine kind-
ness of heart, he gained the confidence and respect of his com-
rades." He was killed at Petersburg Heights, \'a., June 11,
1864, aged 30 years. The news of his death Ijrought sorrow to
his friends and the community. His remains were brought to
Camden and buried in Forest Park Cemeten-, with the honors
of war, in the presence of a large crowd of mourning citizens
that were anxious to testify to his worth when living, and to
honor his memory when laid away to rest.
Augustus Stone was in company with his father many years
in the drug business. Augustus L. Stone married Miss Kittie
Angell of Pulaski in 1864. They moved to Clinton, la., in 1870;
366
PIOXKKh' HISTORY OF
- 'f
he went into the banking business with Ah'red Smith, also of
Camden, where they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Stone
went to CHnton, la., in 1870; Mrs. Stone survived her husband
fifteen years, dying January, 1890.
Marv Stone married a Mr. I'ielihng of Rome.
"f^*i
1
*I^
M
I^BiT ^v^
in
^
^^^v ''*'tm
HBjk
1
.
Thomas Stone.
Thomas Stone married Britannia E. Penfield, March 11. 1835,
at Camden; went to housekeeping in tlie house ^Ir. Stone had
recently built. In 1837 he went luist with his wife and oldest
daughter, and was gone two or three years. In reading a letter
written by Isaac Stone to his son Thomas, we find these few
items of interest, written June, 1838, at his home on Union
street. He writes: "Stacy has built a house opposite ours, and
it is painted bright yellow," the place owned and occupied now
by Stoddard Sanford. "And the town at their annual meeting
voted that their money should be laid out in a house for their
use. It is to be a framed ])uil(ling, inviy feet S(|uare. with a dome
on top, and be completed before the fall meeting." This estab-
lishes the date when the first Town llall was built. Thomas
Stone returned from the East and lived the remainder of his
THE TOWS OF (ASIDES. ^
(lays in tlieir first home; lie died in iSOo. aged 51 ; his wife sur-
vived him until February 9, 1897, and died ap^ed X7. Six chil-
dren were born to them — Jane Stone died in 1855; Mrs. Eliza-
beth Stone Hume died December, 1883, leaving four children.
Her daughter, Alice Hume, died in 1888; lennie Hume, the
late Mrs. George Morss; Thomas Hume resides in .\-/\v \'ork
city; Hattie Hume is the wife of Dr. Frank Miller of W hites-
town. Nancy Stone married Judge Truax of Xew Wnk citv;
died in 1886, leaving three children: Artluir, liessie and Xannie.
The three sons are living — Fowler Stone of W'ausau. Wis.; Dis-
brow Stone of Colorado Springs, and Hon. !>. D. Stone, one
of our prominent citizens of Camden.
B. D. Stone married Elma Berry in the spring of 1868; Mrs.
Stone died December. 1870, leaving one child, l-'lorence. the
late Mrs. Lyman Carr of Chicago. He married for his second
wife Lizzie H. Putnam of Saratoga Springs; three little girls
entered their home, Sally, Ruth and Barbara; Ruth is the only
one living. Fowler Stone married in Wisconsin, where he re-
sides, and has three children, two sons and one daughter.
ROBERT BURR.
Robert Halsey Burr was born in Barnstable, Mass., in the year
1801. \\hen he was about ten years of age his parents moved
to Deansville, then called Brothertown. in Oneida County. X.
Y. In 1823 he came to Camden, and in 1826 man-ied Abigail,
daughter of Capt. John Smith. She was born in Milford, C"onn.,
in the year 1805; married in Camden. In 1838 Mrs. Burr died.
To Robert and Abigail Burr were bom three daughters — Fran-
ces. Almira and Mary; Almira married Mr. P. II. Costello. for
many years a resident and business man of the town. (See Tan-
nery article). To them were born three children — .Alfred C. of
New York, Ella, who married Dr. Theodore Xcville IVown of
l^rooklyn, with whom is Mrs. Costello's home, and J. C. Cos-
tello of Costello. Pa. Mary Burr married a Mr. Audas. and re-
sided in Camden until her death, which occurred a few years
since. In 1843 Mr. Burr married for his second wife Miss Han-
nah Smith. Soon after coming to Camden he inirchased prop-
erty in the lower part of the town, adjoining property later
owned by Patrick Durr. He was a tailor by trade, the building
368
PIONEER HISTORY OF
where he first commenced being a part of the house now owned
by WilHam Bartlett, then standing a Httle distance farther north.
The house which he owned just below the bridge was pur-
chased by Mr. Burr of Calvin Wimple. Mr. Burr was a man of
quiet, unostentatious manner, sound business judgment, ener-
getic in his occupation, and successful in his career. He held
the highest regard of his fellow-men, and was respected by all.
He built in late years a business block on the west side of Main
street, in which was the Craig bakery and a wholesale liquor
store, kept by Dempster Chamberlain. This burned when the
siore of C. J- \\Vight, the Dorrance store and others that
stood in the row of business buildings south of Mexico street,
were burned, which will find mention in the list of great fires
in Camden. In 1884 Mr. Burr died at the ripe age of nearly
84 years and is buried in Forest Park Cemetery.
J. H. TRACY.
Joshua H. Tracy is a son of Hezekiah and Caroline C. Tracy,
and was born in Norwich City, Conn., in 1816. He came to
Camden in 1832, assist mg J. D. Cavarly in his store and
teaching school. Later he studied medicine with Dr. David Ely
in Camden. In 1845 ^^^ graduated from Geneva College, prac-
ticed medicine in the South about three rears: but his health
failing, he returned to Camden, and after his recovery entered
into partnership with J. D. Cavarly in the mercantile business.
In 1 85 1 he married Miss Elizabeth S., daughter of Linus
Stevens, and resided on Second street — their present home. In
i860 Mr. Tracy was elected School Commissioner for the Third
Commissioner District. Oneida County, and served nine con-
secutive years. At the expiration of his term of office he agair
engaged in mercantile pursuits, and continued till 1882, since
which time he has not been in active business at any itme. There
were three children born to them that reached maturity — Eliza-
beth E., who married William T. Jones of Watervillc, where
they reside; Fernando, a physician in Western New York, and
Miss Fannie of this town. Mr. Tracy is a man well preserved,
of unusual intelligence, reading much and keeping pace with all
leading topics of the day. In politics he is a Democrat, staunch
and loNal to his party. !\Irs. Tracy is also fond of reading, is
THE TO\YN OF CAMDEX. ^f^-
■most agreeable in conversation, and has a remarkable nieinory
of things that occurred in her young womanhood. lias not lost
much of the comeliness said to have been hers in voutli.
MARTIN STEVENS.
Martin Stevens was born in Naugatuck, Conn., in 1767. Was
a son of William Stevens of Naugatuck, who was a Revolution-
ary soldier. Martin married Miss Thirza, daughter of Thomas
Tyrrell. Mr. Tyrrell was a Revolutionary soldier, a lieutenant
in Col. Jedediah Huntington's Regiment, under Captain John
Ripley of the tenth company. Was wounded, and in hospital at
Harlem Heights. His wife rode on horseback, with a three
months' old babe in her arms, a distance of one hundred miles,
taking three days to make the journey, to see him. The home
Avas in a locality called "Pond Hill," and was also the home of
•other families bearing the same name — Stevens. When Mrs.
Martin Stevens was yet Miss Tyrrell, at 18 years of age. she
taught school, and received the sum of ninety-two cents per
week. With her wages she purchased a calico dress, paying
therefor ninety-two cents per yard — the first calico dress she
ever had. In 1827 they removed from Connecticut to Camden,
and resided in the house now owned by James P. Owen, and
hi.ilt by their son M^irtin for their occupancy. Near by it. on
the site of the George Wood house, stood his blacksmith shop,
where he made steel pitchforks— the first introduced into this
country. During Mr. Stevens last illness the shop burned, and
the danger to the residence was so great that they moved him
out of it on a stretcher. It did not burn, however, and still re-
mains, though much changed from its former appearance. Their
children were. Hopkins. Thirza, Martin H., Laura, and Pernett.
Martin Stevens died February 14. 1839. aged 72 years. His
remains rest in Mexico Street Cemetery, marked by a st«ine
1>earing above date. Thirza Tyrrell Stevens was born at Xauga-
tuck. Conn., in 1778. While on a visit to her old home, siie
was called higher, at the ripe age of 82 years, in the year 1850.
Their daugliter Laura, and son Martin, still survive.
MARTIN H. STEVENS.
Martin Henry Stevens was a son of Martin and Thirza Tyrrell
Stevens, and was born in Naugatuck, Conn., December 2^. 1806.
24
--„ pioxi:i:n f/isronv of
3/°
He was the fourth cliikl born to thciii. After a boyhood spent
at "Pond Hill,'" he had arrived at the years when a young man
chooses for hiniseh' a vocation in hfe. and came to Camden in
1826. when about nineteen years of age. The year following,
1827, his parents came here to reside, he having l)uilt a home to
receive them. I'Or a few \ ears lie worked for Cieorge Ferris, but
later lie. with his brother Ho;)Kin>. began a furniture trade, con-
tinuin*; some vears. The shop, remembered 1)\ many, stood on
the east side of Main street, and was purchased of (ien. Curtiss.
h'or several years he was engaged in the purchase and sale of
Km.ber with Xew York parties about the '50's. In 1831 he mar-
ried Miss Helen, daughter of Riley Preston, in 1833 they sus-
tained the loss of a little son, Henry Dwight, aged one year.
In 1835 Mrs. Stevens died, and both are buried in Mexico Street
Cemeter\ . In 1836 he again married, his second wife being Miss
Knuna A., daughter of Jesse Msh. Esq.. of \\'illiamstown. Os-
wego County, X. Y. In 1846 he purchased one-third of an
acre of land about where the "Commercial House" now stands,
of [esse Fish — land joining Xanc\' riiatcher's — wliich latter
must have been the Reed Hotel pro])erty. Hereon he erected
a home for himself. i\Ir. Stevens held many offices in the militia
when "general training" days were of much interest and import-
ance. The ctmnnission ])apers showing his ai)i:)ointments are at
liand. In l\bruar\ . 1830. he was sergeant mider Cajit. Annni
Hinkley, ()8th Regiment. Col. R. l^mpey. In .Ma\ , 1831. hhisign,
John .A. Dix, .Adjutant (ieneral: signed 1'.. 1. Throo]). In May.
1832, lieutenant in 08th Regiment, Infantrv: signed h'nos T.
Throop. In .August, 1835. ca])tain in 68th Regiment. Infantry;
signed W . L. .Marcy. .August, 1838, major of 68th Regiment;
signed W ni. L. .Marcy: and in 1839, lieutenant colonel of sanie
regiment: signed William II. .Sevard. It is said of him b\- those
who recall those days of enthusiasm, that he made a fine figure
in his uniform, carrying himself with much militar\- dignitv. To
Mr. and .Mrs. ."^tevens were born two children, Walter TvrreU
and Helen .Martha, born 1841. Helen M. died in 1861, at the
age of 20 years. She was a yoimg lad\' of much beauty of char-
acter, a favorite with all, especiall\ with those of her age. among
whom she had a host of friends. It was a heav\' affliction for
Till: /'oir.v (;/' r \\iin:s.
Ikt parents to l)car, and the poor nioilur -reu wean in lu-r deep
sorrow. To speak of the kindly eliaracter of Mr. and Mrs.
Stevens is tittino- and jjmper in these pa.i,a'S. l"or those in at'tlic-
tion there was always a heart full of synii)athy ; those in want
ever found open hands to aid them, and in sickness they pre-
scribed remedies and soothed the weary, i)ain-racked bodies.
Mrs. Stevens would lay aside her own work if an ai,a-<l friend
(and they were many) needed a ca]). and without a secininj^ ef-
fort ht her with one, the material ])rovide(l from her store. The
writer speaks from positive knowle(li,'-e of the fact, that no ap-
peal to Mrs. Stevens for assistance in childish troubles was in
vain. A doll's dress or bonnet, a how or a belt for the child
herself, a hat made or a dress fitted and made: all these things
have been done, not with complaints and excuses, but with evi-
dent pleasure in the act and satisfaction with results, bv Mrs.
.'^tevens. She was an earnest, devout member of the I^piscopal
Church, and her daily life was a benediction. Mr. .Stevens' kind-
ness and attention to children was remarkable. If thev were
rag"g"ed and dirty he made no distinction between them and those
more tidy in appearance. If lie were driving, at least a hall
<'o,/en were in the part\ ; or if walking, a troop would
follow, and at last tind their way to the confectioner's, where a
treat of cand\' and fruit rejoiced their hearts in the getting, and
his in the giving. Mr. .Stevens is aged and infirm now , waiting
a little for the simmions from the Master to come higher and
receive the reward he merits for his deeds well done, lie is
spending his declining days with his onl\- son. Walter 'I., and
is in his 91st year. I lis mind is in the main bright, and memory
retentive. Mrs. l-juma Stevens died December 10, 1S75, aged
65 years, and was laid to rest beside her daughter Helen, in
I'^orest Park Cemeterx'.
W. T. STEXEXS.
Walter Tyrrell is the only surviving child of .Martin II. an<I
Emma A. Stevens, born July 3, 1839. He gained an insight into
his father's business through the years of his bovhood and young
manhood, and in i860 assumed the i)ro])rietorshii) entire, con-
tinuing for some years at the old stand. In 1868 he erected a
new and more commodious place of business on the site of the
-^2 PIONEER HISTORY OF
Linus Stevens house, turning the old house around with the
end toward the street — the building now used as the post-office.
Here he contintied the same business, enlarging and improving
it from year to year, till it became the largest of the kind in town.
In 1893 he sold to \\ illiams & Norton, and retired to a life of
ease and quiet. In May, 1863, he married Irene M.. daughter
of the late Orson B. Norton. Several children have blessed
their union. Grace Irene, born August 6, 1867, the wife of
Rev. Robert TafTt of Baltimore, Md., is the only surviving one.
Mr. Stevens purchased the home of his wife, that of ( )rson B.
Norton, in 1876, and resides there at present.
WILLIAM STEVENS, JR.
William Stevens, Jr., son of William Stevens, married Ma-
rinda. daughter of Barthoolmew roiul, in 1810 or 1811. He
v.'A? the father of Mr. l-'ranklin Stevens, born in Camden,
1813. and of the late Samuel Higley Stevens. He owned
where T. D. Penfield now resides, and had a blacksmith shop
about where the Episcopal Church is. He was much respected
in the community. He was in service during the war of 1812.
Mr. Stevens also owned where the R., W. & O. depot stands —
about seven acres of land.
Eranklin Stevens was 18 years of age when he left Camden
^nd went to Cleveland to engage in the furniture business. He
married there, and three children were born to them — daughters.
Two died after reaching maturity — Miss Ellen and Lavina. The
voungest, Wilhelmina, and the mother yet survive, their home
being at present at Sylvan. Mr. l-'ranklin Stevens died in 1896,
aged 83 years. Buried at Sylvan.
Sanmel Higley Stevens died in Camden in 1866, ageil 69 years.
Mr. Higley Stevens married Miss Susan, daughter of Timothy
W. Wood. They had one son. Jay Stevens, now living at La-
conia, N. ^'. William Stevens was chosen trustee of the Congre-
gational Society in 1810.
LINUS STEVENS
Was l)orn in Cheshire, New Haven County, Conn., November
29, 1800. At Naugatuck, Conn., Deceml)er 6. 1821, he married
Miss Fannie Smith. Thev removed to Camden in 1836. and
THE TOWS OF <• \ \IIU:\
purchased a house of Hopkins and Martin Stevens, which is
the present post-office buikHng, then stancHnj; witli the caves
to the street. The}- reared a family of children— Lawrence S.,
Elizabeth S., Nelson B., Anson L., F. Ellen, Fernando D., and
(leorge L. Lawrence married Kate Daniels of Lockport, N. Y.;
i-^hzalnth married Joshua H. Tracy of Camden, X. ^■.: XcUor
R. married Hannah Upson of Camden, N. Y.; Anson S. Mis>
Julia lleecher of Naugatuck, Conn.; h^llen. (iershom I'.. I'.radk-v
of Westport, Conn.; Fernando D., unmarried; George L.. Miss
Mary Ransom of Camden. Mrs. Tracy is the only member of
the family residing in Camden. They were a family of nnich
talent in music, literature and conversation. Stearns was a min-
ister of the gospel. Nelson the editor and ]niblisher of a West-
mi New York newspaper. Ellen. Ceorge L.. and Xelson.
also had fine taste for music, the former giving instruction in
the same. Mr. Stevens resided in Camden thirty-seven years.
He w^as greatly respected and beloved in this community for his
(juiet and unostentatious character and his honest. u])rig]n, in-
dustrious life. In his 75th year Linus Stevens died at Johns-
town, N. Y., in 1875: Mrs. Stevens, in Camden, in April. 1885.
They passed away in old age, crowned with the joys of a correct
and well-spent life. I'uried in Forest Park Cemetery.
ORANGE DAYTON.
From Mr. Melville E. Dayton of Chicago, 111., we have the
following concerning his father's residence in Camden: ■■.M\
father. Orange Dayton, went to Camden in 1842 or 4,^. and left
there, 1 think, in 1852; was born in Hadlev, in Xorthcrn Xew
York, married at \'ernon Center to Miss Mary IMiinney. lie
had five children — Samuel James, Lois Amelia, Melville Emory.
A\'ilber Fiske and Oscar Milton. His first wife, my mother,
died in Camden, and is buried in the church-vard on the road
to Rome. A few years later he married Miss Irinda Skiff War-
ner, who then lived near \'ernon. N. Y. After leaving Camden.
my father took up his residence in Clinton. X. ^ .. where he
continued to live till 1881, in which year his wife died. He
then lanie to Chicago to live with his children, residing here
w'ith my brother Oscar and myself, and die<l later in the same
year, at the age of yS. My father went to Camden from llamp-
374
1'I()m:i:i! iiisiojn of
ton, X. v.. wlu-re he had l)een cngag'cd in tlie shoe l)usiness.
He started in luisiness in Camden, as a i>ai'tner in the firm of
I)a\ton & P.ettis. which conducted tannint^-, curr\ing- and slioe-
mal<ing. This was done at the south end of the Ijridge on Alain
street, where the Costellos sul^seijuently l)uilt up a very large
manufactory of leatlier. Later my father conducted a slioe busi-
ness bv himseif mainly, in a building' nearh' oi)i)osite the Spen-
ci r bioik. (We believe it to ha\'e been the checkered store.)
His daughter, Lois Amelia, was a student and teacher of fine
attairiments. and married the kev. Dr. Abel Stevens, a distin
guislKci author in the AL E. Church. ('History of Methodisiu.'
in seven volumes; also 'IMadame De Stael. a story of her life
and Times,' and other works of high literary character, were
among the results of his life's labors). Mrs. Stevens lived but
a veir after her marriage; her death occurred at Brooklyn, N.
"S"., at the age of 35 years. \\'ill)ur T'iske Davton died at Clin-
ton, X. ^'., al about the age of ^,2. After the experience of mov-
ing to (.'amden. 1 do not recall any incidents of special interest.
The iro\'e referred to was remarkable, inasmuch as it was ef-
fectedi in April, over more than four feet of snow, a fact that
1 have heard conmien.ted upon as somewhat untisual. and which
T i)ers(.nally remember fn^n having been tipped out of the box
sleigh, in which the family were transpt)rted.into the snow banks.
I recall that among the friends of my father were Mr. Km])e\',
"Nfr. Spencer and Mr. P.ird, and some others. N'ery cordially
and respectfully yours. M. 1'^ Dayton."
LE\'I ALVITHIAWS
Lived in town somewhere; we have not been al)le to locate the
sjjot. lie married I'olly. daughter of l^liakim Stoddard. They
had a family of seven children, viz.: Chloe, Irene, Mendana, Mar-
cia, Aivero, Lorin and Ransom. This information was given
us by George Matthews, son of Aivero. Ransom Matthews and
Solon C 00'. were playing s(|uirrel in a tree; Ransom was striving
to make his escape from the tree before it fell. He attempted
to come down from the tree, up which he liad climbed, and
.'^o'on. who had been using a new a.\ to cho]) it. hurried
to get in another clip, and fell it beftu^e Ransom escaped.
The residt w as tlreadful ; the ax sinking into his leg and partly
THE TOWS OF <\MI)i:\.
.11 3
severing it from his body. Ur. ChattieUl was sent lor. a dislancc
of four or five miles. Anaesthetics were tlien unknown : surj^crv
was but little practiced, and the anipntatii)n t'niished with nnicii
pain with a saw. taking a half day to comijlete it. The shriek.s
( f the pocr afflicted boy were heard a great distance. Kansoni
Matthews lived and learned the trade of a tailor, and had a busi-
ness in Tal)erg. A circumstance of the dishoneslx- of one of his
customers comes to our knowledge. A coat had been made bv
Mr. Matthews for this customer (name withheld), which he
claimed was too small, and he flatly refused to i)ay for it. where-
upon Mr. ^latthews prosecuted him to recover for the coat. The
dishonest customer appeared in the court room with the garment
on his back, which surely enough, was too small. Of course the
jury gave a verdict in his favor, and inviting a few friends to a
near-by bar, the victor treated, and disclosed to them the secret
of the shrinkage of the coat. Underneath he had dressed him-
self generously with several shirts and two or three vests, which
]nade it impossible for a well-fitting coat to go around.
ERASTUS UPSOX.
Deacon Erastus Upson moved to Camden from the Seventh
in 1820. He bought the property on Mexico street, west of the
cemeter}-, for his luother, and also carried on a tin shop. .\ little
later he purchased the tavern which stood where Robson"s hard-
ware store now stands, built by Elihu Curtiss. who sold it to
E. Goodyear, of whom Mr. Upson bought it. He also jnir-
chased a small red building just north of it. in which he carried
on a general store in connection with the tin shop, using the
tavern as a dwelling house. Some time afterwards he .sold this
properly to H. J. Miner, reserving the tin bnisness and con-
tinuing it in what is now the dining-room of the Crinnnms
House. He erected this building for the purpose. It was uni-
versal in those days to make a bee for raising buildings, and in-
viting all to come, and when the work was done to pass liquor
around very freely; but on this occasion they were told, when
invited, he had made up his luind to depart from the n.--.:al cus-
tom and provide only cake and hot coffee. All were on hand.
howTver, and the building raised very c|nicklv. One man left
376
PIONEER HISTORY OF
shortly after the work was done and came back with a jug of
whisky, and very pleasantly invited the boys to go over across
the street into the mill yard and have a good time, but greatly
to their credit, not one accepted. About this time Erastus Upsoa
purchased of the Huntingtons of Rome nearly all of the land
lying south of Union street, to Mad River on the east, and Fish
Creeiv and the top of the bank (near the Raymond house) on the
south, across to Second street, up to the Ranney Park's house
(now owned by Dr. Bacon), embracing nearly all east of Second'
Street mal-mg him one of the largest land owners in the corpora-
tion. This part of the town was called Pine Hill, being covered
with partly burned log heaps and pine stumps. After his pur-
chase Erastus Upson proposed to the town to throw up the
road leading diagonally from the Town Hall, and running back
of the John Stewart residence, and down the hill back of the
(lodfrey place, coming out just south of the place where the
blacksmith shop now stands, crossing the three branches of
the river, on as many bridges, and substituting in the place a
road from Second street to Mad River, now Union street, and
opening Church street to Mad River, and crossing it on one
bridge, instead of three, tlius changing materially the eastern
part of the town. Tn 1837 he purchased the land lying south
of Empey avenue, and the rear line of lots on the east side of
Main street, embracing all north of L'nion street, and including
all of Second and Third streets. He built the house at the top
of tlie hill in 1842, where Union .ind ("liurcli streets join, and
ihere he spent tlie remainder of his da\s. TCrastus I'pson de-
parted this life January 3. 1850. aged 61 years. Cynthia, his wife,
died Mav 20. aged 75.
Th ; children of T^rastus and Cynlliia Upson were Angeline,.
Cynthia, Hannah, Mary. lirdlard and l.arne I'crrine, the latter a
bright l)oy of eleven years, who died \nL;iist t). 1821), and sleeps
in the old cemetery on Mexico street. .Ml are dead but Ballard,
who with his wife and one son. Ceorge, continues to reside in
the ol(' home, to whom we are indebted for this history of Eras-
tus I'pson.
THOMAS I). PKN'FIKM).
37S PWSEEIi HISTORY OF
THOMAS DEMILT T'KXl-IELD.
^J!•. I'enHcId has l^een a ;ife-lnn_Q- resident of Camden. He
came from his heme in the countr\- to the villag^e before he had
.attained liis majority, to learn the h(K)t and shoe trade, and has
l)een identified with it since, lie has honored the village and the
village had honored him. Its improvements and advancements
have been his ])ride and pleasnre. He bnilt a fine residence on
"Main street, whicli he no\v occn])ies. He has been identified
with the i'cnfield is: .Stone tlonr and grist mill since 1854. In
■[)olitics he has alwa\ s l)een an ardent Democrat. His public
life was inaugurated as School Connnissioner in 1842. He next
:str\ed as justice of the Peace and as Justice of the Oneida
County General Sessions. l'"or eleven tern.is he represented the
town in the I'oard of Supervisors, his first term was in 1851 and
liis last in 1886. In 1856 he was elected to the State Assembly
as a Democrat, and again in 1862. For years lie has been prom-
inent in county affairs, its religious, agricultural and mamifac-
turing industries. .As a meml)er of the ( )neida Agricultural
.Society he has man\ times been its President and member of
its Executive CcMiimittee. He has been nine times President of
Camden village; served as Water Conmiissioncr, and several
times Commissioner of Highways for the town. He was Sheriff
of Oneida County, duly (|ualif\ing |anuar\- i, 1883. Air. Pen-
field has been twice married; his first wife being Miss Ann,
■daughter of Rev. Eliakim Stoddard; his second wife, Aliss Lu-
cinthia, daughter of Judge Israel Stoddard.
FRAXXIS H. COXAXT.
Francis H. Conant was born in All)an\-, X. A'., September 19,
1815. He married Alary ( iates in Stow, Mass., October 2^. 1836.
where they remained until the following spring, when they
came t(^ X(~)rth \\i\y. this .*^tate. and remained about twelve years.
TItcv returned to their I'.astern heme, but in 1851 came to Cam-
den to reside, and Air. Conant entered into partnershi]) with Cen.
Toyman Curtiss in the milling business. During the \ear 1854
he bought the property in the valkw, and engaged in the busi-
ness of manufacturing chairs and furniture. !n 1865 he jnir-
chascd the Detroit C"hair A!anufactor\-. wliicli he managed for
4
FRANCIS H. CON'AXT.
38o
PIONEER HISTORY OF
several years. While in business in that city he was also asso-
ciated with S. P. Duffiekl in the manufacture of fluid extracts
for medicinal purposes. Later he went to Adrian, Mich., where-
he lived several years, but returned to Camden, his former home,
where he continued to reside until the death of his wife, which
occurred June 25, 1882, in Toledo, while on a visit to her son,
Walter N. Conant. She was broug-ht to Camden and laid to
rest in Forest Park Cemetery. Mr. Conant was a man of un-
usual activity, energy and enteri)rise. He was a member of the
Congregational Church, and always interested in its welfare.
He was superintendent of the Sunday School, and was for man\-
vears a trustee of the society. At various times he was elected
a trustee of the Corporation and a member of the P)Oar(l of Edu-
cation. Six sons were born to Mr. and ^Irs. Conant. The two
older ones died in infancy. The rest grew to manhood. I'rank
E. Conant enlisted in the late -civil war and was killed at the
battle of Antietam September 17, 1862. when but nineteen \ ears
of age. His remains were l)rt)ught 1)ack to his liome for in-
terment.
Weaker .\. Conant married Mar\- ( iatchel of this town, and
eventually settled in Toledo, ( )., where he became an extensive
furniture manufacturer and dealer. Two children were born to
them. Mary and l''rank. Ixitli residing in Toledo. Walter Co-
nant's death occurred in Los Angeles, Cal., December, 1891,
where he had gone on business.
E. H. Conant was born in North I')a\, and came to Camden
with his family when al)out si.x years old. He married Caroline
E. Phelps, a resident of Camden. Their children are — Harold
T. Cdnant, .Mice I'., and .Mar\- E. Conant: all reside in Camden.
John Alexander Conant was btirn in this town. lie married
Genevieve Waterman, also a resident of Camden. rhe\ reside
in Clinton, la., at the ])resent time.
(jeorge \'\ Conant, the youngest son, is a native of this town.
He married l\lla .^picer of .\<lanis, .\". N'.: tluw ]ia\e two chil-
dren. Clarence and r.ertha Conant.
After the death of his wife I'rancis 11. Conant went West
to reside. |ul\' 25. 1S83. he married Mrs. .Sarah lleach inv his
second wife. They lived in C"old\vater, Mich., the home of Mrs.
Conant. where his death occurred May 12. 1887. aged 71 years.
77//; 7'o||\ o/' r \ ]ll)i:\. ,u.
Mis remains wu-c hituiolit to Caiudcii to rest in tlir taniilv
Ijnrial jilace.
RFA'P,l-:\ lUHTlS.
John Bettis. now residing- in Cedar Rapids. la., gives us the
followino- account of his own and his father's Hfe while thev
lived in Camden :
Reuben JJettis came from W'estmorehuid t(t Camden (hiriuL,'
the year 1822. He located just south of I'ish Creek bridge,
l>ought several acres of land, and built a home for himself, which
st(M_)d on the east sideof the road. Hebuilt the lirst tannerx in that
locality and conducted the business until it was well established,
when he took Calvin Wymple as a partner, who conducted the
business, and Mr. Bettis moved into the IJvington tavern, where
lie remained for a time, then lived in I^s(|uire Timotln Wood's
house about one year. At this time Mr. Wood was a widower.
Reuben Bettis married Amanda Doolittle in Westmoreland: one
son was born to them. John Bettis. who was four \ears of age
when his father came to this town. The first wife of Mr. Iletti>
died October 26. 1832. aged 33 \ears. Me married the second
time. Caroline, daughter of Ihllious Pond. Xo children came
to their liome; her death occurred ( )ctober 2ji,. 1836. aged ^^^^
years. He married again Miss Mary Peck of Brooklyn. X. \'.
'Pheir children were Xathan. who died in infancy: I'annie. who
married \Mlliam Spcrrv. and resides in Denver: and James, who
located in Little Rock. Ark. He is the editor of a paper in that
jilace. ]*"or man\- \ears the family resided in the old Pettis '' mii'
on the north-west corner of Washington and Second streets. It
has been very materially changed in these later days. Reuben
Bettis and son John established a boot and shoe store on the
■east side of Main street. They suffered from the fire which
swept through that ])art of the village in 1856. but immediately
resumed business, and continued it until 1862. when, on account
of failing health, thev sold out the business, and Reuben llettis
retired from active life. His death occurred Sei)teniber 15. iJ'62.
His wife survived him and found a home in the West with her
children. As business men this firm were upright and honorable,
commanding the respect of their ])atrons in every instance.
3^2
i'i<)\i:i:ii nisTonv of
joHX i]p:ttis.
John I5cttis married Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel B. Hink-
ley. They made their home on Second street, where Aaron Cor-
nish now resides, but later occupied the house on North Park
street, now owned by Christian Boehni. Mr. and Mrs. Bettis
were most consistent members of the Con.e^regational Church
and were prominent members of the choir. Mrs. I>ettis was one
of the sw'eetest singers among the number. Xo nmsical circle
was complete without their presence.
Four children came to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bettis, viz.:
Willie, who died in infancy; ( )tis. Bruce and John. Jr.. who re-
side in the West. In 1864 Mr. Bettis bought all of the land
south of Church street, and east of Fourth street, except one
John Bettis.
tier of lots on the east side of Fourth street, of ]^Irs. Cynthia
Gatclul. The land was covered with stumps and but little had
been done to ini])rove or beautify it. He cleared the land and
then extended Miner avenue through to J. C. Sperry's land, now
;
Tin: TOWS OF camdlw ,q,
the property of Alfred Stoddard; ilun laid out i'ifti, and >i\tli
streets, and sold the lots for buildini^- purposes. It is imw a I'mk-
part of our beautiful villas^e. It was with sinetrr r(.<;i-ti tjiat
Camden lost this most desirable citizen. lb' moved with his
family to IJergen, in the western part of the State, on a liiiii farm,
i.ater he sold the property, and hx-ated in Cedar Kapids. la...
where he contimtes to reside. 'The death of hi^- wife oeevnTed
Sei^tember loth. 1888.
WILLARl) W. WILLIA.MS.
W'illard W'. Williams was born in Rome. .\'. \'. Me eoni-
nienced his business career in Higginsville. where he married
jane, daughter of the late Silas l->azee. In 1S62 he came to
Camden and purchased the boot and shoe establislnnent of Reu-
ben P)ettis & Son. where he l)uilt up an extensive business. He
was associated with his brother-in-law. Davton Locke: also for
a time with O. Uarber, but at the time of his death was sole
proprietor of the business. He erected the house on .*^econd'
street, Vihcrc his wife continues to reside. In iS()>^ he nniteil with
the M. E. Church in Camden, becoming a de\out rmd consistent
member, and devoted much of his time to the Master's work.
For fourteen years he was Su])eriinendent of the ."Sunday School^
doing the work most successfullw In 1S70 he was licensed a
local ]:)reacher. frequently occup\ing the ])ulpit in this village,
and often going to surrounding towns. i)reaching the plain gos-
]:)el to his fellow men. As a l)usiness man his example is worthy
of imitation; as a citizen, he had the rcs])ect of the conmninity
at large, by whom his loss was dee])l\' mom^ned. Me died .\'o-
vember 24. 1883. aged 49 years.
Dayton Locke married Harriet b'razee and came to (.'aniden
in 1862. Was associated several }ears with W. W. Williams iir
the boot and shoe business, but eventualh moved to .Mailisoiu
Wis., where his death occurred May 14. i^'o.v leaving a wife :iutl
one daughter.
A. G. OLI\LSTKAl).
A. G. Olmstead came to Camden in 1844. At thi> time his
family consisted of his wife and two children, haxette W . and
Maronctte P. Thev drove two horses, with their effects in a
wagon It being late in the evening when they arrived, their
2^^ rioMii:!; iiisrom or
goods were unloaded in Truinan Si)encei"'s F,xchan_!:i'e buiUling".
In the fall of 1847 ^^^- ^ ^Inistead purchased of Linus Stevens
the lot upon which his house now stands. A blacksmith shop
was on the lot at the time; this was sold to S. Crt)uch and moved
across to the east side of Main street, south of Martin Stevens'
cabinet shop. During- the winter of 1848 Alexander Kili)atrick
taught school in what was called the Lower District: he boarded
around, as was the custcm at that tiiue. While stopping with
Mr. ( )lnistead he told of the brick-kiln which lie had \)\\X up
the fall before in \iehna. It contained thousands of l)rick that
he desired to dispose of to raise money sufficient to attend school
at Cazenovia. Mr. ( )lmstea(l. intending to build soon, bargained
for the entire kiln at two dollars and fifty cents i)er thcnisand.
with which his house was built. It was the tirst brick building
])Ut u]i in the corporation. Lorenzo j. W'etmore was the mason.
A. (i. ( Imstead was married January. 1831^. to Miss Almira
I'huuley of Sand} Creek. In 1852 Mrs. ( )lmstead died, leaving
four children. Layette \\'., Maronette I\. Mary and Francis.
Fayette W . married Miss Jennie, daughter of James .^tark; their
home is in California; ^ilaronette I', is unmarried and lives in
Toledo, ().; Mar\- married I'. L. lloadley, and they live in New-
ark, X. J. I""rancis married Jas. H. W'orden of ( )range. X. J.
In 1856 Mr. Olmstead married Miss Martha V. Cropsey of
I'ulaski, the mother of William and ( ieorge ()lmstead; she died
in 1859. In i860 Mr. ( )lmstead married Miss Melinda Lathers,
who with Mr. ( )lmstead still survive and reside in the brick-
house. Mr. Olmstead's life was a busy one for man\ \ears. He
carried on the dry goods business for some time, and later, was
engaged with his son, h'ayettc, in the clothing trade, both readv-
made and custom work. In late years he has l^een more in re-
tirement, and less active, but interested in all local matters.
CHAPTER XV.
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST IN CAMI )i:.\'.
Tlu- first records of the Church of Clirist in Camden were
made l)y Ctirtiss Pond, whose handwriting^ is vcrv plainlv to he
<iiscerned at this time. In the first book of Town Ivecords his
chirograph}- also appears frecinently, legible, full, letters wt-Il
formed, spelling correct, and of all the specimens of either found
in these interesting pages, none are so perfect as those of Cur-
tiss I'ond. Much of the penmanship, we must admit, is inferior
— extremely so — and some of the spelling far from scholarl}-;
vet we have gleaned many items by carefully studying the pages,
and feel we owe a debt of gratitude to them for what we know
of their early achievements.
As in Xew England, the meeting house and its services were
paramount in the hearts of the people; so here, in the formation
of a new town, its settlers must have the privilege of religious
worship. Congregationalism was then the most widely accepted
of all denominations in the Eastern States, and as our pioneers
were from families who settled the colonies, and were reartd in
that faith, it was natural that they should form themselves into
a Congregational body, which they called the "iMrst Church of
Christ in Camden." They were descendants of Pilgrims and
Puritans, strong in body, in mind and endeavor, recognizing the
leadership of God in all they did, desiring libertv of thought and
worship more than worldly gain. They were largely from \ er-
mont. Massachusetts and Connecticut, and of sturdy .Xew b-ng-
land stock. }\lany Camden settlers of those early days, in tlieir
seekings after a new home, seemed to have tarried first at Paris.
< )nei(la County. There, was a church, and from it came the
first eight organic members of this Camden Church, wliich was
established February 19, 1798. Its first communicants were Uen-
iamin P>arnes, Jemima Barnes, Xoah Tuttle. Thankful Tuttle.
Phihp Barnes. Laura Barnes, Marshal Merriani. and P.enjamin
Barnes, fr. The first sermon was preached bv the Kev. Joshua
THE TOWX OF <A\[IU:y. g
Johnson of Rcdtield. Text, Isaiah, 35 : 1 : "Tlic wihU-rncss and
the soUtary place shall be f^lad for them, and the desert shall re-
joice and blossom as the rose." A more appropriate selection
could not have been chosen, and in the p^rowth of this pretty vil-
lag-e from the howling wilderness of a hundred vears ago, behold
its verification! Full and complete record does not commence
until 1806. Previous to this time there had been no book for the
purpose, but at an annual meeting they voted to buv one to re-
cord the "doings of the meetings." Into this necessarv article,
bought December 26. A. D. 1806. the earlier history of the
society was copied, and from it we choose such items as we be-
lieve will be of interest to the general reader of our work. We
know its authenticity is beyond dispute. On its first page we
find: "A register of the names of those who have signed the
articles of the First Society in Camden. These names were
copied from other records and put on this book this 3d day of
January. A. D. 1807. by me. Curtiss Pond: Jessie (.'urtiss, Ahner
Matthews. Aaron Matthews, Joel Dunbar, Elihu Curtiss. lchabo<l
Brown, Daniel Parke. Ephraim Wright. Gershom Holdridge.
Sanmel Pond, Gideon Xorthrup, Sylvanus Wilson. Israel ."Stod-
dard. Abner Legg. Lemuel Corey. William Weaver, [•".liasaph
Preston. Elisha Curtiss, Eliab Diuibar. Eliasaph Parker. I-lzra
Barnes. Philip Pond, Calvin Stafford. Henr\- I-'ilkins. Abner
Preston, Erastus Deverise, Truman Baker, Daniel .Mien. Isaac
Barnes, Jonah Sanford, Bartholomew Pond. Giles Sanford,
Darius Wiard, Jesse Pond, Elnathan Thrasher, John .^mith.
Fzra Gatchell, Isaac Barnes. 2d, William Smith. lohn Thrasher.
William Stevens, Heman Byington, Daniel Dean. Allen .^perry,
Joseph Curtiss, Phineas Castle, Amos Soper, Samuel Porter.
Seth Dunbar, Eliphalet Johnson, Billions Pond, Oliver Cook.
Joshua Ransom. Warren Preston. Abel Collins. Persons Allen.
David Matthews. Linus Sanford. John Dean. Sanmel 1). Castle.
Curtiss Pond, Conet Scoville. Benjamin Phelps. Joseph T. Sco-
ville, Lyman Matthews, James Whaley, Isaac Pond. Treadwell
Soper, John Wilson, Jr., John Wilson, Sr., John Bryan. Martin
Cook. Jehiel Higgins, Samuel Beech. Jesse Penfield. I'liineas
Tuttle, David Osborn, Reuben Osbom, Orrimon Tuttle. Henry
Holly, Daniel Fellows. Sylvester Curtiss. Ransom Barnes,
38S
PIONEER HISTORY OF
Thomas 15. Segur. I'hilip IJarnes, Daniel nartholoniew, Arty
Allen, Xoah Preston, Harman Hardaway, Calvin Johnson."
These subscribers were not necessarily all members of the
church, but those who were willino^ to aid in its support. (W'e
have learned from a previous chapter how it was first established
in the "Seventh Township," and it* history brousrht down to the
union of the two societies.) It must be remembered that relig^ious
matters were not looked upon lightly. It was their duty to at-
tend service on the Sabbath. What if the church was remote
from their homes, the roads thereto rough and long, the con-
veyance a lumber wagon drawn by oxen? What though the day
was cold and the clothing insufficient for their comfort? What
if the seats were rough boards and the house of worship cold
and uninviting? The fervor of their love for their ^Master was
sufficient to make smooth the way to the sanctuary : it shortened
the distance which must be traversed, and the warmth in their
hearts gave comfort to the meeting, and the long prayers and
longer sermons were relished with intense pleasure. They
wended their way homeward invigorated, renewed and fortified
against the trials of the days to follow. As we enjo\ the comfort
of our present houses of worship it is difficult to imagine the
early pioneers endtiring such crude and unpleasant surrovmd-
ings. Could our early ancestors have penetrated the future to
this period, and have discovered the cari^eted floors, cushioned
pews, warmed and lighted rooms, and music proceeding from
a pipe organ, with other convenient accessories, ^\hich we feel
are absolutely necessary to our spiritual well being, it is safe to
assert they would have considered our salvation a very doubtful
(juestion, and heartaches would have been added to their other
discomforts. While religious matters are as deeply and heartily
enjoyed as in days of yore. Scripture is interpreted differently,
and the beauty of its truths more earnestly sought after and
taught the young. Little hearts do not ])eat with fear of
dreadful j)unishment from a loving Father if. in their childish
innocence, they commit some misdemeanor, but they are rather
shown the kindly interest He has in them, the depth of His love,
and are led by that love to know how much better it is to do
right than wrong. Love, not fear, is their guiding star to
Heaven. These early settlers were (lescendants of I'uritaii
fathers and mothers, with mueh of the severe discipline and
training of the Puritans instilled into their minds, anrl it is not
strange that they believed it the true and onlv wav. In many
families work ceased with Saturday night at sundown, and the
quiet of the Sabbath fell about them. All secular matters were
laid aside and preparation for the morrow begun by prayer and
scriptural reading. Voices were subdued. stei)s (|uiet. and a holy
peaceful atmospliere pervaded their homes. We imagine thev
did not sing praises with joy. but the strains of eld "Windham."
perhaps, were chanted in the minor key. Surely the sentiment
found sympathy — "Broad is the road that leads to death." Chil-
dren were admonished in stern tones to be still, and laughter was
immediately suppressed. Perhaps the severity of their early
training tempered the discipline of the home in our day. and we
have escaped the rigors of the Puritan religious homi'. We
know \\c have ris sincere, pttre. Christian fathers and motliei."-" as
those early pioneers had. The minister himself was held in high
regard by his church people. To him they repaired for the settle-
ment of all diflficidties. religious, domestic, secular. His field of
labor was a w-ide one. and full of elTort. He must preach and
pray in public twice on the Sabbath. On week days he must
attend to lectures, prayer meetingsand pastoral calls: often bcmg
appealed to in medical and surgical cases; till the soil, i)repare
his firewood, often going to the forest for the fuel, and attending
death-bed scenes. The best of God's bounties to the members
of the church were shared generously with the pastor. He must
have the choicest fruits, vegetables, meats of their store, and
these were willingly bestowed from a sense of duty. Lands of
the largest value were set aside as "glebes," or "minister's land."
That now owned by Churchill & Tibbitts, on Mexico street, was
the "glebe" lot in 1809, and is often mentioned in the first book
of records. There are the names of several earlv members who
had the courage to declare their disagreement with the church
on many doctrinal points, who were summoned to ai)pear before
the council, admonished, examined, "found wanting." and
excommunicated. There were those who were fond of tlie cup
which intoxicates. They were visited by the church examiners,
2 o I'lOXEKh' HISTORY OF
expostulated with, earnestly enjoined to live sober, useful lives,,
to no avail. Thereafter they were not considered suitable mem-
bers, and were denied the privilege of further communion with
the church. Yet, as a rule, the men belonging to this Congrega-
tional band were of strong character, good principles, straight-
forward in their dealings with each other, firm in purpose, just
in all wavs. I>\- such was the foundation of our community laid,
and we feel no wonder that the same elements are found in our
men of to-day that characterized them nearly one hundred years
ago. Now we shall keep more closely to the old records:
"This Record was copied from other records by me, Curtiss
Pond, this 3d day of January, 1807."
"1801. — A Register of the Names of the first Trustees chosen
in the First Society in Camden: Joel Dunbar, Ezra l>arnes,
Israel Stoddard, Ephraim Wright, Samuel Pond."
"December, 1802. — At an election held at the house of Elihu
Curtiss, and chose Abner Matthews Moderator, and Isaac Harnes
and Ezra P)arnes Trustees for the year ensuing."'
"December 12, 1803. — At an Annual Society meeting held at
the house of Elihu Curtiss, was chosen Bartholomew Pond and
Gershom Holdridge Trustees, and Elihu Curtiss Clerk for said
Society."
"March 22, 1804. — -"^t a meeting held at the house of Elihu
Curtiss, and chose Jesse Curtiss Moderator, and voted to hire
Mr. Spencer one year if the other societ\- in Camden would join
with them, and desolved."
"April 12. — At a meeting held at the above mentioned place,
and voted that Jonah Sanford and Darius W'iard and Jesse
Pond should be lawful voters in said society, and adjourned to
the house of Daniel Parke, on the igth dav of Ai)ril, the present
month."
"A]:)ril 19, 1804. — A society meeting was held at the house of
Daniel Parke, and desolved."
"December 10, 1804. — A society meeting was held at the house
of Elihu Curtiss. and chosen Darius Wiard for one of the Trus-
tees of sd. Society, and adjoin-ned to tlie same place."
"December 17. — At a meeting of sd. society, cliose Elihu Cur-
THE T(>\\\ or C.i.UDKX. ,oi
tiss Clerk, and Aaron Matthews Moderator for tlu- vcar ensuinp,
and adjourned to the 24th instant, and opened on the same."
"Decendier 9, 1805. — Tlie annual societ\ meetini;- was uarnc-d
and held at the Union School House, and chose h'.zra I'.arncs
and Hcman i'>yini^ton Trustees of sd. societx."
Here we will ])ause to ex])lain that hdihu C'urtiss. who kept
the ■■rul)lick House," was located at wliat is now the- site of A.
G. Rol)son's store, north corner of Main street and Miner ave-
nue. Further mention of the Klihu Curtiss house will he seen
elsewhere in this work. Daniel Parke's house was locaic<l one
and one-half miles south of the villajTe. who will he mentioned
in another article also. This is the first reference made to the
Union School-House.
In Deccmhcr. 1807. "" l!arlht)lomew I'ond. Al)el Collins. l-'lihu
Curtiss. and Jesse Curtiss, with their wives, all of Canulen. con-
vev 1)\' deed to Heman Uvin^ton. Israel .Stoddard, ivcuhi'n ( )s-
born. Klihu Cm-tiss. and FJisha Curtiss, Trustees of the Conij;re-
ijational Societv, about 3-)4 acres of land, to be held b\- the so-
ciety which thev represent, and to be .s^overned by their succes-
sors in ofifice, to them and their uses, and for the beneiit of pub-
lic buildint'S aiid uses forever." This land is in i)art ovn- l)eau-
tiful villao^e park, and that on which the Coniire.^atioiiid Church
stands is also a pcrtion of it. h'urther. "That the said 'ITustees.
and their successors in ofifice. shall and ma\ from time to time
and at all tunes forever hereafter. b\' force and virtue oi these
presents, lawfnll\-. ])eaceably and ([uietly have, hold, use. occup_\ .
possess, and cnjox- the said ])remises. I hit if the ile-
scribcd ] remises shall 1)\' any jxiwcr of said Trustees, or their
successors in ( ffice, l:e ap])lie(l to anv uses other than public
buildings and purposes, then the above bargained premises, with
appurtenances, shall revert to ard become the iroi)ertv of the
donors. Since that far away time. Church street. Xorth a!:d
South I'ark streets, and Second street, have been surveyed
through it. Encroachments have been made upt)n its bound-
aries, as originally surveyed, reducing its area somewhat. \\ e
have, as a conununity, reason to congratulate ourselves that a
l)ark so near to our village center h is been saved to us by so
fortunate a business transaction. Could those generous men
392
i'Ium:i:i{ iii.-<rui;Y of
possibly have foreseen our needs in the (Hstant future? It really
seems so. In 1806 it was voted "that if there can l)e raised eight
liundred dollars 1)_\' subscription for the puri)ose nf building- a
meeting- house, it shall be l)inding- on the sig-ners the sum the\-
subscribe: also that it shall be paid (juarterh-. beginning- at Janu-
ary, 1808, and ending at January. i8o(j.'" The meeting house
was slow in its process of building, and services and annual meet-
ings were held in L'nion School-House during 1807. About this
time it was "voted to call the Re\'. Mr. Hubbard for three
months, provided he will receive for his labor, (jne-half his salary
in grain, and the other half in nioncN." The amount of the salarv
is not stated. Evidently he ccndd not fill the pulpit, for no fiu"-
ther mention is made of him. In 1809 the society extended a call
to the Rev. Ebenezer Leavenworth to become their ])astor at a
salary of $300 ])er annum. Xow they have a clnu"ch edifice 56
by 44 feet. It is enclosed, Init stands without foundation except
at corners and under cross-l)eams. Sheep crawl under it for
protection from sun and storm. Seats are rotigh and they have
no fires. Foot-stoves are brought by the feminine jiortion of the
worshipers, and the more hard}' men endiu'e. It wordd seem that
with so manv trials to beset them in the new country, so little to
enjo\- of real comfort, that they wotdd have been reluctant t-)
pledge themselves to do more. lUit we can realize how intense
was their zeal in the servict of the Master when the\ . without
miu"nnn'ing-. enter upon the task of building a church or "meet-
ing house." They find time, material and mone\ . and contribute.
Tliose who have a knowledge of architecture give to the framing
and construction: those having woixl land furnish timber and
shingles, and those who have time, and but little else, assist in
the u.^e of the hammer and saw. while few give of ready cash. Thus
slowlv. but steadih' and surelv. the building grew, and though
far from com])lete, they call to their leadershij) the Rev. Leaven-
worth. .\ record of his |)astorate in Camden was kept by him.
of births, deaths and marriages. Rev. Leavenworth was called
(^)ctober 16. i8oc;. and ordained December 6, t8o<). He gave to
the church a library of fifty volumes, the first in Camden. Sep-
teml)er 11, 181 1, "\'oted to have a paper circulated for members
of the Second .*^ocietv to sign to ha\e the Re\-. Lea\-en\\orth
77//; 7'(>\l\ o/' r 1 i//*/;.\. ._,
])reach tjiic-tjuartcr of one year in the ollu-r society in the town
of Camden." He remained the pastor till ( )et()l)er i,^. 1X13,
when he recjuested that he be dismissed — a recjuest a|L,M-ecal)le to
the clnirch people. About thirty-six were added to the list oi
membershi]) during- his pastorate, and several strieken from it.
An impleasantness arose between him and some of his Hock, and
he was vindictive. To relate a little story in connection with hi>
labors while here, will verify the assertion made heretofore, that
the pastors often were oblig-ed to ijet their own firewood.
Rev. Leavenworth's story — an o'er true tale. — 1 between Mr.
Leavenworth and his churchman, Hubl)ard Tnthill. there had
arisen an unpleasantness. Mr. Tuthill was a tanner, and Mr.
Leavenworth had secured a new harness made from
leather of Mr. Tuthill's tanning;-. The reverend i^entleman
dwelt in the house now owned by Mrs. Orissa Uarnes, but whicli
in those davs stood where the late (ieorge Abbott's house wnv is.
The day was one Saturday, in winter, rain\ and disai^reeable.
\\'ood was needed in the parsonai^e. and to have a cheerful
hearth on the approaching- Salibath he must go to the "glebe
Jot" for it. Lie accordingly put the harness before-mentioncl
upon the horse, hitched him to a sort of jumper, and drove to
the woodland for his supply. He was obliged to cut and get it.
into convenient shape to load, which took him some time. Hav-
ing accomplished the task, he found it necessary to walk to
his home, which he tlid, leading the horse by the
bridle. Deeplv eng^aged in meditation, no doubt, upon
his Sundav sermon, he thought no further of his load
till he reached home, when turning to unhitch his horse
he was amazed to find the sleigh nowhere in sight. I he tugs
Ix-coming: water-soaked, had stretched: the horse walked on. but
the load remained in the wood. He backed his horse enough
to loosen and remove the harness, put the beast in the barn,
threw the harness over the hitching post and left it. awaitmg
results. Sunday morning he of^ciated as usual. '1 he day was
mild and pleasant. Upon his return home, he found that as his
harness dried the leather had contracted in the same proportion
as it had stretched, and the load of wood was drawn to the door.
This must be a true story, for the Reverend related it.
]!i the autumn of 1815 a spirited revival took place under the
earnest efTort of Reverend Saiuuel Sweezv. which together with
394 I'BE TOWN OF CAMDEN,
tlie religious fervor of tlie following winter, added about fifty
to the church list. In September the same vear, it was "Re-
solved to have a committee appointed to draft a plan of the inside
of the meeting- house, with a view to making some improve-
ments." A little later it was voted "that the meeting house be
finished with pews, and that tliey be made without l)annisters."
Heretofore the worshipers had been seated on Ijoards. This
committee were Joel B. Smith. Seth Dunbar and Isaac liarnes,
ji-., all practical carpenters. The 23d day of October. 1815. "a
meeting of the inliabitants of the Town of Camden, for the pur-
p'Ose of forming a Congregational Society according to the law>
of the State of New York, was held at the meeting house.'
1 rustees, Isriel Stoddard, Erastus Upson, Svlvanus \\'ilson, Sr..
Ambrose Curtiss, Sr., Ashbel Upson. Hillious I^ond. Phineas
Tuttle. Joel Rathbone and Daniel Parke. At this time the luiion
ot the societies in the Seventh and Eigiith Townships took place.
ir.d thus united became "The Union Congregational Societv of
Camden." About four years elai)sed between Rev. Leavenwdrth's
time and the coming of the next settled pastor, and various
j^reachers came to minister to the s])iritual needs of this people.
In February. 1817. the society decided thev would call the Rev-
erend Henry Smith to be their pastor, and at a meeting warned
• or Miat purpose, they "Resolved, first, that they wished him to
become their pastor; second, that they would give him six hun-
<lvcd. dollars a year for his ministerial lal:)ors. and six hundred
in ni.'iterials to build him an house and firewood for three vear:-,,
for a settlement; also build him a barn. "Resolved that the Trus-
l-'cs draw a subscription for the purpose of raising $600 per year
to hire Mr. Smith." That this was a ])owerful call was denion-
sttated by his accepting it willingly. He was first a sort of suj)-
ply here for some time, had endeared himself to the people, and
the} felt it was well to make an extra efYort to retain him 'f
])ossil)le. lie was a yoinig man. zealous in the cause of saving
souis. a faithful pastor, an agreeable gentleman, and highly re-
s]H'o'.ed in the comnumity. His labors here conunenced with a
reiiiarkable revival of religion, which drew manv into the fold.
The ordination sermon was preached October 8, 1817, b\- the
Rev. John I'rost c^f Whitesboro. .\ ])ani]^hlet coi)\- of it is in a
THE yOir.V uF CAM DEN.
3''S
good state oi preservation. It was printed hv W illiani W illiani>
of Xo. do Genesee street. 1817. "at tlie re(|nest of tlie clnirch and
congregation in Camden."' fext, 1 Tinioiln iii : i : -'riiis is a
true saying: If a man desire the office of a liislioi), he desireth
a good work." The clirrt-e to tlie I'.isliop was i)\ the Rev.
Israel Brain.ird of X'erona. Tlu- right hand of fellowshiii. l)v the
Rev. Moses Gillet of Rome; cliarge to the i)eo])le. Rev. Xoah
Coe of New Hartford. We copy a few words from Re\. IVost's
address:
Rev Henry Smith.
'"We have reason to liope tliat the conection now formed will
be followed by the most happy conse(|uences to both ])arties and
to the rising generation. Stud\ to ])reserve that peace and har-
mony which at present prevail. 15e punctual in the fultilment of
your pecuniary engagements. Let no Irithng excuse prevent a
regular attendance on the means of grace. Look upon your
pastor as a messenger for good to you from the King of /ion.
Receive him as one of the richest gifts that God ever ])estows on
earth. Treat him with afifection and respect. To your service
he is consecrating his talents in the flower of his days, and on
your kindness his happiness and his usefulness most essentially
depend. Over his faults, if yon see any. (and all are imi)erfect).
throw the mantle of charitv. We will hope and pray that both
396
J'lOXJJKIi tn STORY OF
you and your pastor may so live together on earth as to meet at
last on Mount Zion. there to mingle _\our voices with that in-
numerable company in their endless alleluias."
Mrs. Csrrs Stoddard says of him: He first came to Camden
as a home missionary in 1817; was a native of Xew Hampshire,
the son of c.n eminent jurist; graduated from I'owdoin College
and Andover Seminary, and a classmate of Daniel Webster.
After a few months' residence here he received a call to become
their pastor, which he accepted. A house for worship was nearly
completed on the ground where now stands the brick church.
He was ver}- zealous and active, doing much to build up the
•church and society. In 1818 he married Miss Hannah Hunt-
ington, daughter of George Huntington of Rome, X. Y., and
immediately came to Camden, shortly after occupying the house
just compleied at the head of Main street, owned till within a
I'riest Smith Ht>use.
:short time !.\ his children, Hannah of San jose. Cal.. and Henry
of lUiffalo. It is at present the property of L. \\ Haviland.
The few livirig who remember him speak of his acts of kindness
and love. He occasionally made trips by private conveyance to
his New Hampshire home, accompanied bv his wife. I pon his
return from one of these trips, it was whisi^ered by his people
that he was preparing to ask for dismission. This came to his
knowledge, and at a meeting quickly following the rei)ort he told
them of having heard it. but that it was untrue, and said he. "I
expect to live with this people, and die with this people, and to
rise with this people at the resurrection." No further fears w^ere
entertained of his leaving them. His death, which occurred in
1828. was most sincerelv mourned bv a wide circle of admirers
Tin: TOWS or r.i.i//>/;.v.
397
in church and sociotx. .\t abovii forty years df ai^o, being
stricken with a fever, he (hed, ami was buried in the old cemctcry
ow Mexico street. Mr. Smith must have been possessed of un-
usual magnetism. Much has been said of him by older residents-
in the highest praise, and all seemed drawn to him bv his tender
sympathy and interest in them. A sweet meniorv lives after him.
Upon the unpretentious stone, (see illustration), which marks
his grave is this inscri])tion:
"Sacred to the Memory
of
REV. HENRY SMITH,
Second Minister of the
l-'irst Congregational Church
And Society in
Camden.
Faithful in his sacred calling
And successful in his missionary
And pastoral labors.
He departed in peace
July 19, 1S28, in the
40th year of his age. and nth of his ministry
'The memory of the just is blessed.""
39»
PIOXEKI! HISTORY OF
His people were left to mourn him as sheep without a shep-
herd. It was after his decease, and upon calling- anotlier pastor,
that they found themselves without a parsonag^e, and decided it
was best not to bestow "an house" upon Rev. Mr. Loss. Early
in Mr. Smith's life amcrg- them occurred the first renting of
pews. We have a copy of a deed entitling (iideon Xorthrup to
a seat in the church, January i, 1818, for "one-third part of Pew-
No. 37," paying nine dollars and fift\' cents therefor. It is worded
much as the present deeds of pro])erty are. and is a document
about the size of a foolscap sheet. The pews were sold for the
benefit of supporting the gospel, and "those holding them shall
have right, from time to time, to direct where their money shall
be appropriated, eithtr at the meeting house or at the academy
i'.i said society, for the support of the gospel."
These pews were of the old-time style; square, with seats on
lliree sides. In changing them and making slips, a bottle of some
>ort of li(|uid was discovered near one of the prominent members'
pews. It was under the moulding which finished the tO]) of the
enclosure. The contents of this bottle smelled suspicioush' like
something not orthodox beverage, and to determine acciu-ately
what it might be, several men, judges of fluids of all kinds, cau-
tiously tested and pronoimced it whisk^•! Surelv either the mem-
ber or the carpenter put it there, and we will be charitable, giving
the good brother the benefit of the doubt.
A gallery was on three sides of the church. Across the front
?nd opposite the pulpit, the choir were seated in the first row.
I'acl. of the choir sat the younger portion of the congregation
-.u-uaM\ , and higher above them, probablv under the tower of the
olr! church, sat the "tithing man." whose dutv it was to discover
all disturbers of the peace of the sanctuarv and cause them to be
announced from the pulpit, if their errors were persisted in.
Neither were slumberers tolerated. If from toil and the weari-
ness of travel through long distances to the house of God. a
Cjuiet restful hour invited sleep, and the monotony of the parson's
voice lulled them into realms where all was peace, thev were not
longer indulged in the sweet enjoyment than it took the "tithing
man" to journey from his post of observation to their pew, when
he promptly reminded them of their shortcoming.
THE TOWS OF <\MIH:\. .
The 26th clay of December, 1824. the first Sabbath School was
•org?nized, called the Camden Sabbath School Union, and was
.auxiliary to the Oneida Simday School Union. Any could
become members upon the payment of 125/. cents annually.
C)'Ticers were: President, Vice President. Secretary. Treasurer,
three Directors and thirteen Visiting Committee, annuallv chosen
the third Wednesday in August. Rev. Ilenrv Smith was first
President; Benjamin Phelps. Nice President. In 1S25 Mr.
PJielps was chosen a director. Sabbath Schools were organized
in the various outlying districts, under the direction or control
•of the Camden S. S. Union. In 1827 and 1828 Albert I'helps
was Superintendent in District No. 5, in the l)rick scliool-house.
Was also one of the conmiittee to arrange for music suitable for
the work.
It is altogether probable that up to this time. 1824. the singing-
had been wholly congregational: l)ut now a vote is taken to aj)-
point "a conmiittee to promote good singing." Accordingh-
the following men were chosen to attend to the. matter: h'li
Wilson. Lyman Tuttle, Artemas Trowbridge, (iarrett .Suiith.
Aslibel L'l^son, ISillious Pond. lu'astus I'ond, ( ieorge L. ("oe.
L'riah Hill. Jerry IJailey, Benjamin Phelps, Daniel Tuthill, Reu-
ben Bettis, Lent L'pson. Joseph Peck. Leverett Th-yant, Curtiss
Pond. Eli Wilson led the first choir, pitching the tune with a
"fork." These were all of them singers of "ye olden tynie."
\\'ho the feminine portion of the choir were, we can not find in
full, but mention some who lifted their voices in song: Miss
Charity Dunbar, Honor Preston. Eliza S])erry. ."^usan Doolittle.
Caroline l\Dnd. Sally Bailey, Angeline Upson.
It must have been delightful to hear the songs of Zion sung
in the good old wav, with hearts attmied to praise. \\'e give a
little incident, related bv one who w.dl remembered the circum-
stance of the introduiction of a bass viol into the church to lead
the choir. The matter had been agitated for some time, though
opposed by a few members of the congregation, but at last the
conmiittee for promoting "good music" summoned courage to
try it. It was accordingly taken to the church, and the hynm
being announced, the tones of the viol went out over the room
PI()XKJ:I{ JUSTOh'Y OF
sweet and full, the voices of the choir cind cong:reg-ation joined to
swell the notes of praise, wh.en from a j^rominent i^ew near the
puljnt there issued a male member of the flock, and he strode
from the presence of this "instrument of the devil. "" indii^iuant and
wrathful. As he passed into a less polluted atmosphere, with
fists clenched and face livid with ra...^?- lie ejaculated: "I will not
stav to hear that old bull fiddle!" The ladv relating- the cir-
cumstance said she well remembered it. He had a bald head,
and to i)revcnt himself from taking- cold, wore over it and tied
under his chin, a red bandanna handkerchief. The matter cre-
ated much amusement wijh the lari^er ])art of the society, but it
was some time before all were please 1 with it. \\"e believe Cur-
tiss Pond to have been the man who i)laved the instrument, but
have not been able to verifv it. This was the first instance of
instru:nen.tal music in a Camden church that we Trnd recorded.
It appears that a bell was not secured at the time desired, for.
October. 1826. "the Trustees of this Society are directed to pro-
cure a bell for the meetino- house, to weig-h 700 jMounds. or there-
abouts, and that the_\- adoi)t the m.)St ex])edient method to ac-
comidish the same." Mr. John A. I'ettis of Cedar Rapids, la...
sends us the following" account of it'.- arrival and adjustment:
"It was in 1825 cr 1826 that a bell was |)urchased for the Con-
g'regational Church. When ^aid bell arrixed in town, ])eople
were so elated over it. that the\- nmst manage in some way tc^
hear it. Ksciuire \\'(^od's log cart was ])laced on the (Ireen near
the church. It had large wheels and a high axle. The bell was
drawn up underneath, a heavy rope tied to the end of the tongue,
when it was reaclv for use. Any one that desired to ring it could
do so. Crowds gathered abt)ut and it was kei)t gt)ing for some
time. Finally Uncle Eliasa])h Dooliltle. a strong, heavy man.
thought to try its loudest tone, and ga\-e it a i)ull with the force of
his whole strength. The bell must have been defective, for it
cracked. That settled the matter of a l)ell in the church, for a
while at least. It was lowered and sent back to be recast, and
in (\uc time another one c^nne. This remained ur.uscd until it was
hung- in the belfry. Soon it was announced that it would be raised
on a certain day. Everybody gathe-ed about to w itness the feat
of placing- it in pc sition. Tilly (Tillotson) liarnes superinten.ded
THE TOMS OF VAilDEX. ^o,
the jol). The tackle was ])hicc(h aiul wlicn all was made ready
Air. Barnes gave orders: "Weak men stand back. Stroni,^ men
take the rope!" and mounting astride the bell it was hoisted into
place without accident, Mr. Karnes guarding it from contact with
the sides of the belfry. There it hung jind did dutv till the burn-
ing of the church in 1867. This was the first bell of which there
is record. It was rung and tolled for divine service, for ('eaths.
fires, marking the hours of time as they passed, warning people-
to repair to their homes — a veritai)le voice in the connnunitv.
In 1827 they vote to re-seat the church. In 1828 it is recorded:
"\'oted to have the bell rung at noon, and at nine o'clock in the
evening during the week." We have heard it said that "curfew
used to ring in Camden," and this verifies the statement. In
1828 the Rev. Henry Smith, stricken with fever, is removed by
death and in 1829 they call the Rev. Lewis Loss, "voting to give
him 600 salary, y^ in grain and y2 in cash." He came pursuant
to the call, remaining a year and a half. \\'e imagine that it
was hard to please the congregation after the jiastorate of one so
gifted as Reverend Smith. However, a powerful revival of re-
ligion took place under his preaching and many were "joined
unto the church." W'e copy a clause from the Rev. fahan Cur-
tiss' "Historic Discourse" of the ch.urch: "This revival was
peculiar on account of the pungent convictions of its subjects.
Men and women of the strongest nerve were prostrated on the
floor, both at home and in the house of worshi]). and Christians
were often called u]) at midnight to ]jray with and guide them to
the Savior. A portion of the church, l)oth male and female,
manifested great faith and power with God, and obtained signal
answers to ])ra_\-er. The Masonic excitement was ])re\ailing at
this time and greatly hindered the work. A convert who was a
Mason, offering himself for church membership, objections were
made, and the church was compelled to act in the case. The
Alasonic brethren vrere required to abstain from the meetings of
the lodges, which created dissension, in conse(|uence of which
Mr. Loss felt constrained to ask for dismission at the end of the
year. This was reluctantly granted."
Following Rev. Loss, the Rev. William Lusk occupied the
pulpit for a few months, and was succeeded by the Rev. John
26
^0 2 PIOSKHR HI, STORY OF
Barton, wlio labored among the people eight years with enxour-
agemcnt and success — from 1836 to 1845. I" 1836 it was "voted
to raise $1,000 to use in altering the house, taking out the pews
and making slips, changing the galleries and making a new pul-
pit; building on a porch and making a session room above; and
after the necessary amount shall have been raised., the Trustees
be instructed to make contract for such repairs." In December,
1836, we conclude it was so far done that meetings were held. In
Dec. the "Trustees are instructed to insure the meetinghouse." In
1839 t^^^y I'aise "fifty dollars for singing and discontinue the ring-
ing of the bell except for church service, but in 1840 return to
the ringing of the curfew." In this same year they buy a new
fjible and psalnx book for the pulpit. In 1842 they vote to pay
IVlr. Doolittle twenty-five dollars to conduct the singing, and
Mr. Pr\-or fifteen dollars to play the flute with the choir for one
'.car. In 1843, "^ oted to tender thanks to the Young Ladies'
Sewing Societv, for their liberality in furnishing blinds for the
meeting house and lamps and trimming for the pulpit.' In Oc-
tober, 1845, they call Rev. Richard Kirk to watch over the flock.
In this }ear "a committee was ap])ointcd to make arrangements
to build a parsonage house or to circulate a subscription for
that object. In i8_(6. forty years after the gift was made to the
society, the Trustees are instructed to record the deed of the
Public Green, to survey it and clear it of all encroachments. In
1847 t^^icy "fence the ( ireen and pay Horace Dunbar fifteen dol-
lars for a clock." We suppose the fence which at present is
about the door yard of ^Ir. Robert Craig's house, is what re-
mains of that old "( ireen" fence. In 1849 it is "\'oted that the
Trustees take efticient means to shingle the meeting hotise; also
to plaster and jiJiint the inside. Also the partition be removed
and a chapel be built." November 26, 1849, they \-ote to pav a
salary of seven Inuidred dollars. Bad boys disturb the meeting,
and if the\- further oft'end their names will be announced from
the desk. This same year "Miss Hannah Smith presents a Bible
to this society, of which her father, Rev. Henr\ ."^niith, was for-
merly ])astor." In 1854, "N'oted to raise monex' to pui a fur-
nace into the church." and in 1855, "That the Tru-lees ])n)cecd
THE TOWN OF C AMD EX
•nun-
to pay for the same, and are recommended to take an uidcL...
fying bond that it shall heat the liousc when a new chinmey
shall have been built." Iq the same year they call the Rev.
Henry Budge, at a salary of $700 a year. In 1857, "It is decided
to invest the legacy of Sylvester Pond to be a permanent fund,
loaned out at interest, said interest to be used annually for the
benefit of sd. society." They vote unanimously in 1859, t<^ call
the Rev. Budge at a salary of eight hundred dollars a year, but
he decides not to accept. The Rev. George B. Rowley is called,
and comes to be their pastor. This first "Book of Records" has
brought us down to 1859, and here a new book begins. The
most important items it contains we have copied, at least those
we thought would be of the greatest interest to the general
reader. We have followed it from its first beginnings through
about sixty years of its history, to the point where thev have a
well equipped, permanent house of worshijx
The twenty-second day of June, eighteen hundred and sixtv-
seven. the disastrous fire occurred which destroyed many build-
ings in Camden, and the old Congregational Church was one.
About the time of the building of the present edifice differences
arose in the congregation not easily adjusted, and the Presby-
terian Church was established. The present house of worship,
the "First Congregational Church," was- erected in 1868, and
its first pastor w^as the Rev. Ethan Curtiss. in 1868. who con-
tinued with them nineteen years. It is at present a flourishing
church, under the leadership of the Rev. Edward Evans, with
a large membership. The work of the church has been blessed
in many ways, ever tending upward and onward with steady
progress. »
SUCCESSION C)E PASTORS FROM i8o<) 'l( ) 1807.
< living the date of their settlement and disiuissal.
Rev. Ebenezer Leavenworth. Dec. 6, 1809 Oct. 1.^. 1813.
Rev. Henry Smith, Oct. 8, 1817 July 19. 182S.
Rev. Lewis H. Loss, Nov. 11, 1829- Jan. 26. 1831.
Rev. William Lusk, Feb. 19, 1834 1835.
Rev. John Barton, 1836 Jan. 29. 1845.
404
PIONEER HISTORY OF
Rev. R. R. Kirk. Oct. 7, 1845 -"^^pt-- 1849.
Rev. E. G. Town send. 1850 July 6, 1852.
Rev. H. H. Morgan, Xov. i. 1852 May, 1853.
Rev. Henry Budge. 1855 1859.
Rev. George B. Rowley, July 1. 1859 July i, 1864.
Rev. W. S. Franklin, Oct. 31, 1865-
Rev. Ethan Curtiss, Oct. 14, 1868-
Rev. M. L. Dalton, April i, il
Rev. Robert Tufft. June i. 1891-
Rev. W. F. Berger, Oct. i, 1892—
Rev. Edward Evans, Xov. 18. 1895-
— May 14, 1867.
—Xov. 5, 1887.
—April I, 1891.
April I, 1892.
-May I, 1895.
Present pastor.
Old Town Hall, M. E. Church and Parsonage.
METHODISM IX CAMDEX.— 1801-1882.
Historical Discourse of the Methodist Ei)isco|)al Church in Cam-
den. Delivered by Rev. H. M. Danfurth. Jan. 15. 1S82. Willi
a list of the Pastors from 1801, and tlie Present ( )t¥icials of
the Church.
Methodism, as a distinct form of cluirch life and i)olity. dales
from ihe rexival of religion in Englan<l, under the labors oi ihe
A\'esleys.in 1729. The Methodist Episcopal Chiu'ch in the
Cnited States was formally organized in 1784.
The first information we have of Methodism in ihe town of
Camden comes to us from Mrs. IMioebe Park, a former resident
of Camden, and a memDer of the church as early as, or ])revious
to 1818. She related to me what she could recall <~)f the early
history of the church. It is as follows:
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
"In the siiniiner of 1801. Mrs. l-'.stluT I'ark and Mrs. Harris
walked from Camden to Western, a distance of eighteen miles,
to attend a ([uarterly meeting-. At that meeting they met the
Rev. David Dunham, a circuit preacher, and invited him to
come to Camden and preach. He came that summer, and
formed a class of tive persons; their names are as follows: Mrs.
Esther t'ark, Mrs. Harris, Oliver Case and wife, and a Mrs.
Fish, sister of Mrs. Harris. Oliver Case was the first male mem-
ber. At that time there was no conference in these jiarts: the
preachers were sent out as missionaries from the Kaltimore Con-
ference. There was what was called the "Herkimer Circuit,"
and the preachers on that circuit traveled four hundred miles to
meet their appointments. In 1803 the Rev. William Keith and
Rev. Henry \\'illis traveled the circuit, and when tlie weather
was favorable they visited Camden once in four weeks."' That
the Methodists did commence their labors in the town as earl\-
as the time men.ticned by Mrs. Park we learn from another
source. In 1802, Rev. lohn Taylor was sent by the Missionary
Society of Xew Hampshire to visit the lUack River country, and
in his printed journal we find this:
"Camden, Tuesda\-, Aug. 24. — The people of this town an- >aid
to be all Congregationalists l)ut two. This people will, however.
well united at present, very soon be divided l)y the Methodists."
To return to Mrs. Park's statement: "In 1803 there was a
revival, and a number were added to the church or class, some on
what was then called "The Flat.' and some on Preston Hill, .\inong
those on the Mat were Mr. Lemuel Corey, who lived on the
Deacon Laney place. Lemuel Corey and all his family were
converted, and his son Zadock was an exhorter. .Among those
on Preston Hill was Caleb Preston, who was licensed to preach.
In 1804 they held their first quarteriy meeting in a l(-)g barn on
Preston Hill." And Mrs. Park was of the o]Mnion that this was
the only quarteriy meeting held until 1810. "I'rom 1803 untd
1806 Lorenzo Dow traveled through this part of the country
and preached. In 1804 and 1805, Rev. Knowlton and Rev.
Paddock preacheci to the class. There were only two Methodist
sermons preached in the village of Camden until the church was
4o6 PIONEER HISTORY OF
Iniilt, in 1822, one at the funeral of Mrs. Collins, preached by
Rev. Eliakim Stoddard, in the Congregational Church, the other
l,y Rev. A. (1. GifTord, at the burial of Mrs. Israel Stoddard.
Previous to 18 10 there was a revival which spread throughout
tlie country, and many were added to the class. Among them
were Martin Tyler and wife, Zadock Kord and wife, Mr.
Barker and wife. Jesse Blake and wife, Lyman Stj; d-
man and wife, Mr. Humphrey and wife, Caleb Preston's
family and Eliphalet Johnson and family. In 1810 a class was
formed on Preston Hill, consisting of the following: Eliakim
Stoddard, Caleb Preston, E. Barker, Jesse Blake, Russel John-
son, Ephraim Sanford, Hannah Tuthill. Lois Stoddard, Jehiel
Higgins. Sally Castle. Temperance Sanford; later, the names of
Jesse Penfield 'and wife. John Bryan and wife and others whose
names we do not get. In 18 10 the second cjuarterly meeting
^\'as held in a little building which stood by the roadside, opposite
the old Israel Stoddard liome. (now owned by John X. Stod-
dard). In 1818 (ieorge S. Park and two of his sisters. Solon
Cook. Isaac Allen, with many others, united with the class. In
1812 and 1813, Rev. Charles Giles traveled the Western Circuit
and preached in Camden. Rev. E. Lambert. Sanmel Lowery.
Isaac I'uffcr, Rev. Stebbins, Rev. Corey, Rev. Soten, George
Harmon, Rev. Pomeroy and Rev. Halstead were some of the
l^reachers who labored in Camden ])revious to 1831. The first
1 'residing Elder was Rev. William Case. The first camp-meet-
ing in this part of the country was held in X'ienna. in 1811. In
1816 Rev. Eliakim Stoddard, a local preacher, moved from
A'ienna and settled in Camden, and became one of the leading
members of llie new society, as the records will show."
This is the |)ortion of the history as given by Mrs. Park. The
first official record connnences in 1820. and is as follows: C^ii
the first page of the 'I'rustees' Pxxik we hnd this pledge:
"We, the undersigned, having attached ourselves to the
Methodist Episcopal Society in Camden, agreeable to the stat-
utes of tlie State i)f Xew \'(.)rk. in such case made and provided
lor the regulation of religious societies, as contained in the
REV. ELIAKIM STODDARD.
^Qg i'I()m:i:i! iustohy of
st\-ci;l;! ;t.c:i':n rf said act, do litreby engage to support the
Mctlux;i.-t niir.iscrv. agreeable to the (hscipHne of said church.
Heman I)yingtoii.
Silvanus Wilson.
Ezra S. I'ark. Clerk for said Soei-'ty.
Camden, Sept. lo. 1820."
The record cf tlie tirst meeting reads as follows: At a meet-
ing of the male members and congregation of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, in the town of Camden, according to due
notice given (and in conformity to the statutes of the State of
Xe\v York in such case made and |.rovided). the sixteenth day
of Cctober, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and twenty, to take into consideration the expediency of erecting
a house of worship of Almighty ( iod, and for appointing trus-
tees and other officers of the same. At this meeting James Low-
den and Martin Tyler were elected Presidents; Eliakim Stod-
dard, Jehiel Higgins, Sage Park, David Kinnu, Timothy Hyde,
Lvman Steadman. Elijjhalet Johnson, Matthew d hompson,
Stephen Kinne, were elected trustees under the title and forever
hereafter to be known by the name of the Trustees of the Meth-
odist Ei)iscopal Church in the town of Camdeti. As witness c)ur
h.ands and seals the day and year first above written.
James Lowden. |L. S.]
ALirtin Tyler. |L. S.]
1 certif\ the above wi'itten organization to lie a true cop_\' of
the origir.al, as transcribed by me.
Ezra S. Park.
Clerk of the above stated Church and Societx'.
( )r,(.'i(!a Cour.t}", ss.
< 'n this, tlie ic^th day of ( )ctober. 1820. jiersonally a])])eare(l
l)efore me James Lowden and Martin Tvler. to me known to be
the persons within named as Presidents, and dulv acknowledge-!
the execution of the same, and that the within certificate was
made agreeable to the statutes in such ca^e matle and provided.
Let the same be recorded.
Israel Stoddard. Connnissioner.
Till-: TOWS OF r.i !//>/•; \
Clerk's ( )fficc, ( )!K'i(la C"(tunt\-. ss.
Recorded this eigiUeentli day of ( )etol)(.'r. one lliousand (.•i-dil
luuidred and twenty, in I'.ook A of kelij^ions Societies. i>a^-<'s
117, 118.
Tlionias r.loo(l«r,„,(l. Clerk.
At a meeting- of the male nienil)(.Ts of the Methodist Fins*-,)-
■pal Church in (."aniden, held in the i'>rick Schooldiousc. on tlie
23(1 day of ( )ctober. 1820, the trustees were authorized to ])ur-
chase a site for ?aid hoViSe of worship.
At an adjourned meeting;-, held on the first Monda\- in .\'o-
vember, 1820. at the lirick Scln^ol-house, the trustees r.-uor'e.l
that a site had been ])urc]iased for the clnu'ch in the villaijc of
Camden, and the land staked out. The report was accc])te(k
The land was ]n>rchased from Joel and Abel Collins, and there
are two different deeds, tne first from Joel C'ollins iL,nvin_!.;- the
tritstces, for the sum of twentv dollars, a piece of land in the
town of Camden, i'lfty feet on a parallel with the i)ublic s(iuare.
containing' abc ut twelve rods of land. This dvva was acknowl-
edged before Israel Stoddard, Conmiissioner, ( )ctober 24. 1820.
The second deed was given b_\- Al)el Collins, granting to the
trttstees. for the sum of thirty dollars, a ])art of lot nuiuber fifty-
two, containing- about thirt_\- rods of land. This dee<l was ac-
Imowledged before Samuel Morse, Connuissioner. on the ^otli
<lay of Xovemljcr, 1821, ar.d recorded in the County Clerk's
office the 12th day of August. 1823, at two o'clock p. ni.. hi
Jjook I'". V. of L'ceds, pages 509 and 510.
l-diasaph Dorchester. Clerk.
Another deed, given to the trustees by Thomas 1). IVnfield in
1854. adds to the church lot about nine rods of land, for which,
they paid eighty-five dollars.
At the time the trustees were authorized to locate and pur-
chase a site for the church, the strength of the society was on
Preston Hill, and efforts were luade to locate the church there.
At a meeting held February 5. 1821, at the house ..f kann.-.
Park, a onuuittee was apjiointed to procure timl)er and other
materials for the building of a church. A contract :or
l)uilding the church was made with ]oc\ W. Snuth. The house
4IO
PIONEER HISTORY OF
was 40x50 feet, and Air. Smith Ijound himself to have it enclosed
and the outside \York finished by the 15th day of September,
1821. He further bound himself to provide pike poles, sag
poles, scafifold poles and ladders, and the trustees bound them-
selves to invite the hands and furnish liquor for the raising.
At a meeting held in the school-house on Preston Hill. De-
cember 31, 1821, Jesse Blake was elected trustee in the place of
Stephen Kinnie, and at the same meeting the trustees were in-
structed to contract for the finishing of the church. In May,
1822. a contract was made with Joel 15. Smith to finish the inside
of the church, for which lie was to receive the sum of six hun-
dred dollars. He was to have it ready for plastering by tiie first
day of ( )ctober. 1822. At this time the following were the
trustees :
First Class — Isaac Allen. Ephraim Sanford. Jesse Penheld.
Second Class — E. Hinn])hrey. E\man Steadman. l'".li])halet
Johnson.
Third Class — Eliakim Stoddard. Sage Park. Jehiel Higgins.
The church was dedicated in the spring of 1823. The sermon
for the occasion was preached by the Rev. Charles (iiles. at that
time F*residing Elder of ( )neida District. The text was Prov-
erbs 9:1, 2: "Wisdom has builded her house, she hath hewn
out her seven pillars; she hath killed her])easts; she hath inmgied
lier wine: she hath also furnished her table." The building of
the church was a great undertaking for the young society, not
one of them rich in worldly things, yet rich in faith and filled
with zeal for the cause of ( Jod. So self-sacrificing were they that
some gave their last cow to help pay the church debt.
In 1822 Heman Pyington and Silvanus Wilson countcted
themselves with the societ\-. h>om June, 1823, to 1827. ih tc
are no records of the doings of the society. We learn that dur-
ing the years 1825 and 1826 powerful revival meetings were held
every day and evening in both churches in Camden and in the
school-house on Preston Hill, at which time a large number
united with the churches, i'revious to 1826, Rev. Alason (iif-
ford and James Ih'own traveled the circuit and ])reached at
Camden, in 1827 Rev. I'.each preached to the society.
TUi: 7'ou\ or <AMin:\.
On the 20th day of ( )ft()l)cr, 1S27. tlurc was a nuctinj,-- i.f tlic
male members of the society for the i)ur])osc of incorporatiii}^'
themselves according to the act to provide for the ineorjxjration
of religious societies, (ieorge Harmon and l-'diakim Stoddard
were chosen to preside; ]*:iiakini Stoddard. Al)ner i'reston and
William Plumb were elected trustees. The societv lo be incor-
porated should be called the Iwrst Society of the .Methodist
Episcopal Church in the town of Camden, ( )neida Countv. State
of New York.
This act, signed and certified to by (ieorge liarni<jn and
Eliakim Stoddard, before Sanuiel Morse, Commissioner. At-
test. Ephraim Sanford. Clerk. Recorded in the ( )neida Countv
Clerk's office, Xov. 2/, 1827, at one o'clock ]). ni., in l'>ot)k .\.
pages 177. 178.
[. M. ( )strom. Clerk.
In 1828 and 1829 jehiel Higgins and Jeremiah llaile\- were
elected trustees. At the same meeting they ado])ted ndes to
govern the renting and sale of the horse-sheds which had been
erected at the church. The purpose was to keep the sheds in
the hands of the societv. The following respecting the erecting
of the sheds, was related bv Solon Cook: The society having
secured a desirable location for their church, and land sufficient
for a parsonage, jealousv was awakened in the hearts o; some,
and they conceived a ])lan to depreciate the value of the site.
After the frame of the church was up the jealous ones had the
street surveyed and marked out, running south nt the church,
dividing the lot, leaving two narrow strips on each sifle. Ihis
looked discouraging for t.ie young society; but after advising
with Judge Stoddard, a number of the men went into the woods
about three miles from Camden, and in one day felled the trees,
hewed them and framed the timbers for a long horse-shed. The
next night they put it on wagons, drew it to the village and put
up the sheds across the east side of their lot. and in the uiornnig.
when the inhabitants of the (piiet village were astir, there stootl
the heavy frame of the shed across the new wished-for street.
In 1831, Camden was made a station at the session of the
Oneida Conference in Lowville. Rev. ( ieorge Cary was Pre-
4t2
riOSELR UtSTOin ill
siding" Elder, ar.d Rev. Robert l'\)x was a])])ointe!,l lo Camden;
Rev. Eliakini Stoddard, local j^reacher; Asa Rlakeslee and
]Michael Donovan.exhorters; Solon Cook. Eleazer Peck.Eliasapli
Ijarker, Isaac Palmer, I'ros. Cjifford and Loveland. leaders.
Ephraim Sanford and Asa Blakeslee reccjgnized as stewards, tliey
having been stewards on the circuit. Solon Cook, Jeremiah
Hailey and John Cady were added to the Poard of Stewards.
Rev. Goodwin Stoddard was appointed to Camden in 1832.
Solon Cook and Jeremiah Bailey were elected trustees, and Sam-
uel Rowells. Isaac Crawford, Xathau Thompson, John Wilson,
Jr., E. Gififord, and M. H. (iifford were leaders, David Target
and David Tremain were leaders, and this year their classes were
connected with the X'ienna circuit.
hi 1833 a camp meeting- was held in hdorence. l-dorence at
this time was connected with Camden, but set ofT to \\ illiams-
town circuit in September. We judge of the strength of the
society at this time by the following record found in the steward's
book: "Sunday, 19th of September. 137 members i)artook of
the sacrament of the Lord's Supper."
July, 1834, George (iary, presiding elder: Rev. Eliakim Stod-
<lard, preacher in charge; Elijah Gaylord. exhort er; Truman
Spencer, steward: Jesse Blake and Lyman Hungerford. leaders.
In December the name of Silas Sears appears as an exhorter.
In 1835 Rev. E. iJowen was ])residing elder: Rev. E. Stoddard,
])astor. In 1836 Rev. Reuben Reynolds was employed by the
])residing elder to preach in Camden until the return of Rev.
C. Danforth from the South, where he had g(jne for his health.
( )n his return, finding the wtirk well su])])lied b}' Bro. Reynolds,
Rev. Danforth returned to the South, and after a few years died
at St. Augustine, Idorida. Rev. Reynolds served two years. In
1832 M. I). Sanftird united with the church. an<l is still a meni-
])er. In 1836 the Black River Conference was organized, and at
its session in September Rew .\. lUackman was a])i)ointed to
Camden, serving one year. T. 1). I'enfield and I. Stoddard united
with the church in 1836, and are members at the present time
(1882.) These two brothers, with ( ieorge i'dden and M. 1). San-
ford. have served the church as official members for fortx-four
THE roirv o/' ('\\ii)i:\. . ,
years. The Sal)hath Sciiool re])ort for i,S_^S is as follows:
Scholars. 50: number of teachers, 1 1; Williain Tnthill. .^n|)iTiii-
teiulent.
The records show that h'zra S. I'ark was the first clerk of tlu-
I'oanl of Trustees, serving;- for seven years; h'.phraiin Sanfonl
served as clerk tor eleven years, and Truman .'^i)encer served for
seventeen \ears. ICphraini Sanford was secretarv of (Juarterlv
Conference and Recording" Steward for tliirtv vears.
At the Ouarterl\ C'onference held June (j, 1H3S. Kcv. !■". (iav-
Ujrd was recommended for admission to the annual conference.
Henry X'oorhees' name appears as trustee. In 1831). T. I). Pen-
tield as leader. In 1839. Rev. E. W. R. Allen was pastor, serv-
ing- one \ear. In 1840. Rev. (i. C. Woodruff was appointed to
Camden, serving" two years, closing" in 1842. The Sabbath School
reported in 1841, 90 scholars; 13 teachers. This year the official
list was as follows: Rev. A. Adams, ])residing" Inkier; Rev. (i.
C ^\'oodruff. pastor; Rev. \i. Stoddard, local deacon; K. (iay-
lord, Silas Sears, local preachers; Solon Cot)k, Jeremiah Railey,
T. Spencer, K. Higgins. stewards; 11. 11. (iifford, J. Iliggins.
H. Rodgers, T. D. Penfield. William S. Tuthill. 11. \oorhees.
C. Woodruff, leaders; V. S.Tifoid, secretary. The following reso-
lutions were passed.
Resolved. That in the opinion of the members of this Quar-
terly Conference, instrumental music does in no respect tend to
the edification or spirituality of the church; nor does it redound
to the glory of (jod or His kingdom on the earth, and therefore
shall not be encouraged.
The leader of the choir had taken a violin into the gallery.
Time changes all things, and the children of these fathers ;ui<l
mothers in Israel are ncnv led in their songs of praise by a tw(»
thousand dollar organ.
Jehiel Higgins, D. Castle, hdla Reck. Jeremiah Railey and
Hall Doolittle were leaders in the singing from time to time.
also Henry N'oorhees. They sang the good old tunes in the
good old way, not for the ear alone, but from the heart to the
heart. After this, for many years. (;corg:e Elden and wife led
in singino". then the choir for a number of years consisted of
414
PIOXEER HISTORY OF
M. P. ]). Cook and wife, Mrs. (i. C Huyck. (ieorge Shepard and
Miss Hattie IWrd, with Zopliar More at the organ. Later the
clioir was led by Wilhani J. Hull, with Miss Cornelia Hincklev
at the organ. In 1840, the name of Amos Mix appears as one
of the ofificiaJs.
Up to this time the society had been united and ]>rosperous.
The faithful, godl}' men antl women had not praved in vain.
God had been with them. lUit a difference of opinion as to the
action of the (General Conference of 1840, on the subject of slave-
ry, resulted in dividing the church. In 1842 a number, amon;.;
them several prominent members of the society, left the church,
and many feared that the old society would become extinct; but
soon after the secession occurred, peace being restored, a re-
vival of religion took ]>lace; about eighty were added to the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 1842 Rev. Harvey Cha])in was appointed to the Camden
church and served two Acars. During his term the first parson-
age was built. At a Quarterly Conference, held October, 1843,
Rev. W. \\\ Nine was ]:)residing elder, and the name of \V. R.
Paddock appears as one of the leaders. In 1844, Rev. Bur-
roughs Holmes was presiding elder, and Rev. Russell West
the pastor. He was the first pastor that occupied the parsonage,
which had l)een built and finished during Rev. Chapin's pastor-
ate. In 1845 Rev. P. I). ( iowie was appointed to Camden, serv-
ing two years. During his stay Mrs. Gowie died and was buried
in the C/amden cemetery. The name of Calvin Johnson and M.
M. Rice ai)i)ear in the ofticial list, the latter as an exhorter. He
became a very able preacher, was a member of the Xorthern
New York Conference; the church that sent him out will never
have cause to regret it. Daniel Wilson, Anthony Whipple, O.
Davton, I. M. IMant and William Wilson are new names that
appear on the official list. In 1847, Rev. N. Salsbury was pre-
siding elder, and the Rev. Ezra S. Scfuier the preacher in charge.
The names of Wesley \\'ilson, W. C. Clark and H. Clark appear
on the ofticial list. Rev. I'l S. S(|uier was earnest and zealous in
liis w(irk, but of a frail constitution. Near the close of the sec-
ond \ear his health failed entirely. On Sundav morning, the
THE TOWX OF CAMDEy.
4tli of March, 1849. ^Ih' .^xkxI man went from laljor to ri'st. He
was l)uried in the Camden Cemetery.
In 1849, Rev. F. H. Stanton commenced his work in Camd-n;.
whicli ct)ntimied two years.
The repc^rt of the Sabl^ath School in 1850 was as follows:
( )f^cers and teachers, 15; scholars, 100.
The name of D. P. Peck appears in the offtcial list. .At the
conference in 1851. Rev. Almon Chapin was appointed to the
Camden chnrch, and served two years. The names of l-'rank
Park. J. Dick, Israel Stoddard and D. P)arl)er appear as mem-
bers of the ( )fTficial P)Oard in 1849. Inuring- the ])astorate of R-;v
A. Ciiapin the old church ])uilding' being too small for the so-
cict}-, it was sold and a larger building was built in its ])laci?.
The present building was commenced in jime, 1852, and
dedicated the 22(1 day of December, the same vear. f{.
H. Hapg'ood presiding- elder, Rev. J. Irwin ])reaching the
sermon. To com])lete their new church the society great!\-
needed a Ixdl. Init having paid liberally for the building of their
church, did not feel able to purchase one. M. 1). ."^anford wrote
to his brother, Mr. H. V. Sanf(jr(l, of Cincinnati, who was for-
merl)- a member of the Camden church, stating the circum-
stances of the society. Mr. Sanford, kindly remembering the
church of his father and mother, and the i)lace where in his l)oy-
hood he learned of things divine, sent to the society one hun-
dred dollars. With this to head their subscription they soon se-
cured suflficient to ]>urchase a bell, wliich now calls the people
to worship.
It is proper to state that since the societ\- was organized they
have built two church edifices, also remodeled and improved the
present one several times, } et the society has never been em-
barrassed with a clun-ch debt. The earnest, liberal, self-.^^acri-
ficing- fathers and mothers remain with the children, and it
may be truthfully said of the peojile of Camden, they have been
and are liberal in their support of the churches, and no place of
its size can boast of better church accommodations than are af-
forded by the five churches in this village. At the opening: of
the new church the officials were. Rev. I'.liakim Stoddard.
4 1 6
PIONEER HLSTOh'Y OF
Ephraim Sanford. Solon Ccjok, 'I'runian Spencer. Tliomas De-
Milt I'enfield, ( leort^e I'.lden. M. 1). Sanford. Amos Mix. A. T.
J<ice, Israel Stoddard. II. 1). Minor. Alvin Johnson. David Sears..
George S. Park. A. U. Alcox. Daniel I'. I'eck. l-raneis I'ark.
and S. Scotield. In i(S53 the .Stuida}' School numbered 140'
scholars; infant class. 43. Since 1X51 Myron Simmons has had
charge of the church as sexton, and is still faithful and true to
his trust. 1882.
In 1853. Rev. (ieorge (iarv was a])])ointed to the Camden
Church, and served on.e \ ear. In 1854 Rev. ( ). M. Legate was
pastor, and remained two years. In 1855 and 1857 J. Rush. 15.
X. liuel and M. R. Cook, became members of the ( )fficial Hoard.
In 1856 Rev. I). M. Rogers was pastor, followed by Rev. Will-
iam lones. who remained two years. Rev. (ieorge ."^awyer was
presiding elder. John Wall er, A. S. Johnson and John Wilson
were the ( -tticial luiard. In i85(j Rev. J. T. Alden was presiding
elder. Rev. W. S. Titus preacher in charge: .V. \'oorhees. M.
'ri])])le and Xathan Kinnie were trustees in i860. Rev. W. S.
Titus remained two years, and in 1861 was followed by Rev.
Lemuel Clark. Rev. A. J. liiel])S being the i)residing elder at
this time, and M. 1). .Sanford Suiierintendent (jf the .Smiday
School. Rev. L. Clark remaine<l two years, and was followed
in 1863 by Rev. |. T. Alden. In 1861 the name of Z. L. Jones
appeared in the ot^cial list. During the sunnner of 1864 IJrother
Alden responded to the call of the Christian Connnission for
cha])lains to labor among the soldiers in the hospital, and at the
front. In August he was taken seriously ill and started for his
home in Camden, which he reached Monday morning, just in
time to spend a few hours with his famil} . ( )n the evening of
the same daw August 2t;. he calmly passed to the better land,
leaving his blessing with his w eeping familw and feeling that he
was dying among those wlu, were his friends. '■Reaceful. ( )h.
how i)eaceful." were the last words he spoke, lie was buried in
the Camden C"emetery. After his death Rev. J. C. \ andercook
supplied the i)ulpil until the annual conference of i8()3. when
Rev. I. II. Lamb was apjiointed to the church and ser\ed two
\ ears.
Tin: TOWS OF r.[.\ini:\.
In 1867 Rev. I!. S. Wrioln was ])rcsi(liiio- (.•I.Ict. and k«.-v. i).
C. Cole pastor. During- Rev. L\)le"s terin [hwv was an i-xH-iisivt-
revival, a lar_<;e number were added io the clmreli. many f)t
whom remain to this day. I'.rother Cole served three vears. the
first under the three year rule. In i<S6i; the Hoard of 'rrnstee;;
was reduced to three, viz: T. I). Pentield. janifs Iv 'Iri])]). Adin
Fhelps; and in 1870 it was increased to five, viz.: .M. \i. Cn^k
J. D. Chamberlain, I). P. Peck, with T. I), i'enfield and lames
E. Tripp. In 1868 W. W. V. illiams was elected SnpLrintendent
of the Sunday School, and has, with the exce])tion (,f or.e vear,
remairicd in tliat ];;ositi()n i-ntil the ];resent. (ieor^-e iVioK- was
superintendent one ^'ear.
In the ofiicial list of ic68 we find the following- names: Stew-
ards. O. Barber, T. I). Penfield, F. Washburn, Al. P. P.. Cook.
Solon Cook, D. P. Peck. B. X. Buel. A. X'oorhees, and W'illiani
Wilson; leaders. A. T. Rice. George Klden. M. D. S'anr)rd.
Daniel Wilson, A. S. Johnson, Francis Park, Jacob Rush, Israel
Stoddard, John Walker, Lyman 15. Peck; trustees, M. R. Cook,
M. D. Sanford, T. I). Penfield, Adin Phelps, j. K. Tripp; Sun-
day School Superinten.dent, W". W. Williams. This brings us
so near the present time that we omit mentioning the changes
in the ( )fficial Board, and give onl_\- the names of the pastors and
the time they served. In 1871. Rev. H. M. Danforth was ap-
pointed to the Camden Church, aiul remained three years. Ik-
was followed in the spring o{ 1873 by Rev. T. Richey, wlio
served two years. Rev. H. M. Danforth. presiding elder, 'n
1875. Rev. A. L. York was appointed to the work, and during
his two years' service there were revival meetings held every
evening for a number of weeks; the jastor assisted by his breth-
ren. Many were added to the church; some remained only for
a short time, like the ""stony ground hearers." they soon witii-
ered; others arc in tlic church at the present time. Rev. P.. 1-.
Barker, presiding elder. In 1877, Rev. P.. T. Barker was ap-
pointed to Camden and remained one year, followed in 1878 by
Rev. \\\ R. Cob:\ who served two years. A. L. ^'ork. presiding
elder. In 1880. at th.e conference held in Ilion. Rev. H. M.
Danfcrth was appointed to the Camden Church, and at the tini-.?
?7
4,8 PIONEER HLSTORY OF
of writing;", is near the close of the second year of the second
term of service. Rev. H. Skeel, presiding elder.
And here we must close the hasty and imperfect review of the
eighty years of Methodism in the town of Camden, and sixty-
one years of their church organization. Few churches can show
a better record, or present a braver set of Christian workers than
were the early ^Methodists of Camden. For sixty years the
church has stood with open doors, and her ministers have pro-
claimed a free gospel to a lost world.
During this time she has been a i)ower for good, restraining
and saving hundreds of men and women from the sin and temp-
tation of a wicked world, and in her Sabbath .School the truths
of the gospel have been tatight, and impressions for good made
upon the hearts of the young.
We will be grateful for the past, use the present, have faith
to work on
'' 'Till in God's good time
We reap the fruit
In crowns that do not fade."
PASTORS.
The names of the pastors who served the Camden Circuit and
charge from 1801 to 1882:
Rev. David Dunham. Rev. William Keith. Rev. ITcnry Willis
Rev. Lorenzo Dow, Rev. Knowlton, Rev. ik F. I'addock, Rev.
M. Gifford, Rev. Charles Giles, Rev. E. Lambert, Rev. Samuel
Lowerv, Rev. Isaac Puffer, Rev. Stebbins, Rev. Alonzo (iiftord,
Rev. James IJrown, Rev. James Ijeach. Rev. R. Fox, Rev. Good-
win Stoddard, Rev. FZliakim Stoddard, Rev. Reuben Reynolds,
Rev. A. Blackman, Rev. Borrotigh Holmes, Rev. E. W. R.
Allen, Rev. G. C. WoodrulT, Rev. Harvey Chapin, Rev. Russell
West, Rev. V. D. (iowie, Rev. E. S. Squires. Rev. T. H. Stanton,
Rev. A. Chai)in. Rev. George Gray. Rev. (). M. Legate. Rev.
D. M. Rodgers. Rev. William Jones, Rev. W. S. Titus, Rev.
Lemuel Clark, Rev. J. T. Alden, Rev. J. C. \andercook. Rev.
J. H. Lamb, Rev. O. C. Cole, Rev. II. M. Danforth. Rev. T.
Richey, Rev. A. L. \'ork. Rev. Ik T. F.arker, Rev. W . R. Cobb.
Rev. H. yi. Danforth, present })astor.
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. ^,p
OFFICIAL BOARD FOR 1882.
Leaders.— Israel Stoddard, (jcorge Elden, AL I). Sant'onl,
Francis Park, John Walker, George Cook. W. W. WilliaiHN,
Charles Giles, Lyman Peck.
Stewards.— D. P. Peck, A. Voorhees, 15. X. P.ucl, M. Hall,
E. E. Spencer, George Watts, J. H. Watkins, T. F. C. Locke,
Walter C. Stoddard.
Trustees.— T. DeMilt Penfield, F. A. ITarvey, M. 1). Sanford,
J. Rush, J. P. Newland.
Local Preachers. — W. W. Williams, George Flden.
Exhorter.^— Lyman Peck.
LADIES' SOCIETIES.
The ladies of the society are ever active in their wtirk. having
a Ladies' Aid Society in active operation, with Mrs. W. A. Stod-
dard, President; Miss Minnie Simmons. Secretary: Miss Mattie
Bird, Treasurer. They have also the Ladies' Foreign Missionary
Society, active and successful in their work, with Mrs. M. M.
Danforth, President; Mrs. O. H. Kniffin, Secretary; Miss h'lor-
ence Voorhees, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. M. H. Sinnnons.
Treasurer.
SABBATH SCHOOL— OFFICERS AND TEACHERS.
Superintendent— W. W. Williams.
Assistant Superintendent — O. H. Kniffin.
Secretary and Treasurer — Fred Johnson.
Chorister — William J. Hull.
Organist — Miss Hattie Bird.
Librarians— Elmer Johnson. Will R. Paddock. Flnu-r ]•:. San-
ford.
Teachers— Mrs. M. Tipple, Mrs. C. C. Huyck, Mi>s Minnie
Simmons, Miss Florence \'oorhees. Mrs. R. Paddock, Miss L.
Blenis, Mrs. Thomas Smith, Mrs. O. 11. Kniffin. Mrs. Adin
Phelps, Mrs. M. H. Simmons, Miss Clara Harvey. Mrs. A. S.
Johnson, Mrs. Mary Elden. Mrs. I\I. D. Sanford. Mr. Z. L.
Jones, B. N. Buel. G. G. Ccok. F. A. Harvey. W. C. St.uldard.
J. C. Davies, H. M. Danforth.
The discipline makes it the duty of the pastor to organize the
420
PIONEER HLsTOh'Y OF
l^aptized chiUlrcn of tlic church into classes, tliat ina\' ])e in-
structed in the nature and design and ol^hoation of baptism and
the truths of rehgion, necessary to make them "wise unto salva-
tion." In January, 1882, such a class was formed, consisting of
twenty members.
SERXICES.
1. Public worship on the Sabbath is held at 10' 1. <rclock
a. m.
2. Class-meeting- and Sabbath school at the close of the
morning' service.
3. l*ublic worship Sabbath evening /j/j (7 in winter).
Prayer meeting- the hour preceding- public worship.
4. Class-meetings Tuesday and P>iday evenings.
5. Prayer meeting- Thursday evening-.
Strangers and those who do not have stated sittings are wel-
come.
Ushers. — J. C. Davies, hred D. Johnson, William I. Sttxldard.
Charles W. Stewart.
A X M \ " E RS A R \' HI ST( ) R V.
AI. K. Cluirch Snnda\- School, Camden.
An Interesting paper edited and carefully prepared for the occa-
sion by Mrs. .Saral; Scjuires Tipple, giving its historv in Ijrief.
[Published in "Camden Journal," h'el). 13, i8g6.|
Last Sunday evening the aiiniversary of the Salibath School of
the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Camden was celebrated
\\ith appropriate ]i!ogranime, which was listened to by a large
cr)ngregation. The paper read by Mrs. Ti]iple showed a large
amount of research, and was ably ])resented. \\"e give it in full.
kriowing that a histor) of this department of one of the oldest
reh'gious denominations of Camden will prove cjf interest to read-
ers, as it is a part of the im])ortant historv of Camden.
In writing the history of an organization, no great difhcult\-
v ould be experi.'.iced if complete records had been made and
])reserved. The \> riter, when asked to give a histcjry of our Sun-
day School, the b^irst Metlujdist l'^pisco])al Sunda\- School of
Camden, began to look for facts concerning it, and found very
ff'W on file. There may have been more, and in the changes that
have been made from time to time, been lost. What of historv is
Tin: TOWS (>/•• (\Mi>i:s.
here presented to \(iu, has l)een lar.^elx colkn-ted fnmi tlu- me-
mories of those tliat liave been connected with llu- school, more
],Trticnlarly those of its early da\s. To the lars^e i)arl of this au-
(hence asseml)led, the fore part of this history will not he espe-
cially interestint;-. hut there are those that hear me to whom tlie
Hitre mention of th.e names of its founders and faithful workers
\:']\ cause their very souls to thrill within them. We have en-
deavored to get a complete list of superintendents. If anv have
been omitted, we regret it exceedingly. We have also tried to
place each in his respective place as to succession and date, and
think we have succeeded fairly, but do not think that of vital im-
portance. The first church that stood on this spot was dedicated
to (lod in the spring of 1823 by brother Charles (liles; the ser-
n^' .n being from the text, "Wisdom hath builded her house, she
liath hewn out her seven pillars, she hath builded her house, she
iiath min^gled her wine; she hath also furnished her table." From
thai time we do not learn of a Sunday School or class among
Aiethodists here until 1831. To us, that seems strange, when the
church of to-day is largely, 1 might say. almost entirely, fed from
the Sunday school; that the Sunday school is a great part of
the body politic. The greater portion of the good people in that
day, thoug-ht with suspicion upon the i)roject of establishing a
Stuiday school. When first an attempt was made, they felt it
would be an intrusion, that the word of God should be taught by
the call of God from the pul])it, and that such a scIdmI would do
more harm than good. We believe they were most sincere, and
needed the experiment of a Sunday school.led by Christian teach-
ers, to have convinced them of its great benefits. Some of them
lived to see that time. It was a struggle to get a Sunday school
started, but in the summer of 1821. with Rev. Robert l-'ox as
pastor, it was given out that on such a Sunday, a Sunday school
class would be formed. The time came, and they met in the gallery
of the old church (now in use by Hoehm I'.ros. as a storehouse),
the class-meeting- being- held in the same room, only below stairs,
where the congregation sat for service. There was then only the
one room. If I were to call the roll of that class to-nigl.t. there
is one here who would say. "present"— Mrs. Huldah Stoddard
Judson. and it is (|uite certain there is but one other person liv-
ing who helped to compose that class of 15 or 20 souls; that is
^2 2 PIONEER HISTORY OF
the widow of Rev. Dr. Hibbard. Tlie two named were intimate
girl-friends, and have so continued, although to human vision,
Mrs. Hibbard is nearer the "crossing." As I have said, the class
gathered and tilled two seats.
Soon Rev. Eliakim Stoddard, a local preacher, and an uncle of
Mrs. Judson's, with Chauncey Woodruff, came from the class-
meeting, and opened the Sunday school class (for school it could
not be called). Rev. E. Stoddard making a prayer which almost
might have brought heaven to earth. Mr. Woodruff sang that
still familiar and soul-searching hymn, "A charge to keep I
have." A few general catechism cjuestions were asked by Rev.
E. Stoddard, and the scholars were given the first chapter of
Matthew to commit to memory, ten verses to be learned each
week. Singing again closed the first meeting of the class. They
continued to meet each Sabbath during the summer, with the
same teacher, being visited and questioned by the pastor. In
the fall it was closed for the winter. Those mentioi:ed as being
scholars have always respected and reverenced the memory of
all who interested them but at their meetings in late years, and
living over the old days, could see a pleasant, funny side to that
first gathering of scholars for a Sunday school class. 1832 and
summer again; pastor Rev. Goodwin Stoddard, a nephew of Rev.
Eliakim Stoddard; class met together in same place, and if the
roll were called. No. 2 might say "present," Melancthon D.
Sanford, who was converted just previously, and joined the
church. H. H. Gifford was the teacher. Class closed for win-
ter, and convened in the summer of 1833. Rev. Goodwin Stod-
dard, pastor; Elijah Gaylord, teacher. 1834. Rev. Eliakim Stod-
dard preacher in charge; Truman Si)encer teacher. 1835, Rev. E.
Stoddard, pastor; Truman Spencer continued as teacher. 1836,
Rev. A. Blackman. pastor (who is still living). The class met
again, and we find Elly (Eleazer) Peck teacher. Did we not
speak truthfully that souls would thrill at the sound of their
names? These were men who feared God, and worked righteous-
ness.
We now come to 1837-38. Rev. Borroughs Holmes, pastor.
1837 was the year the Sunday school was organized, with Wm.
Tuthill as superintendent, as it was given to me from the pen of
Melzar D. B. Cook, whom many will remember. The Sabbath
the meeting was called to organize a school, after the morning
service, mother took me l)v the hand (T remember n well), and
Tin: rows or (\\U)i:\.
led nu' in one of the mimcrous cow paths over lo the ("oii-
i^reoational I luirch, where she knew even ijody. an»l which she
was al)out leavino-. to join the Methodist KjMscopal C"hurch.
We went in, and mother talked with some of them a few minute^,
and then led me back to the meetini;- at the M. I-".. Church.
'Jdiere were about twenty or thirty perscjns. mosth laches, cou-
vened. There was talking in little coteries, but no ori^^anizatiou
was etTected. Idiere was no basement under the church at that
time. A class meeting luust meet somewhere at noon, and this
meetiuo- could not be held at the same time and i)lace with the
school. An arranoement was made for the class meeting to
meet in the study room of the Academy that stood beside the
Simmons blacksmith-shop, wdiere the st(jres of TifTanv and
Nichols now are. Soon another meeting was called, and an or-
ganization effected, the school occupxing the church, which [
think the next summer was raised, and thereafter the class meet-
ing was held in the basement. I do not now recall I^ut one living-
person. exce])t myself and sister Elizabeth (Mrs. O. Harherl.
who could have been a member of that school at its beginning.
We might now call the roll, and that one would res])ond. and
from the sound of his voice you would say at once. Thomas I).
Pentield. This was an eventful year to .Mr. I'entield: settling in
married life with Miss Ann. a daughter of Rev Kliakim Stoddard.
She was a "sweet singer in Israel." and ever after a remarkably
self-sacrificing Christian worker, until taken home, it seemed
l)rematurely. ( )nly a short time ago in answer to roll call one
more would have responded, the Christian worker for many
years. George Elden. We shall learn more of his work as this
article progresses.
Report of Sunday school — 50 scholars. 1 1 teachers. Trmuau
Spencer, superintendent. In 1839, Rev. V.. \\ . \\. .\llen, pastor:
Thomas D. Penfield, superintendent. 1840-41. Kev. < .. C
Woodruff pastor; Jas. Foster, superintendent in 1840: I'.lly Teck
in 1841. Re])ort, go scholars. 13 teachers. 1842-43. Kev. Har-
vey Chapin pastor; Elly Peck superintendent, in 1842 several
])rominent members chose to leave the church, and form a W es-
leyan church. This weakened the .M. M. Society, but a gracious
revival of religion took place that year, and eighty were added to
this church. 1844, Rev. Russell West, past.^r. being the first to
424
l'[()M:i:h' HISTORY OF
occup\- the ])arsonai^c that was moved, and is new the home of
Dr. \'an Allen. The late George Elden, superintendent. 1845-
46. Re\'. D. P. (Jowie pastor; George Elden superintendent.
1847-48, Rev. Ezra S. Squier, father of writer of this article,
pastor. Here he finished his work at 34 }ear? of age. and God
took him to himself. We shall know whw if we are accourited
worth \' to enter where he is. During these two years, ( ). J. H\de
was su])erintendent. Amelia, daughter of Mr. Hyde (now ]\lrs.
I'oot), was sent b}- the Foreign Missionary Society as a medical
missionary to India. During the summer of 1848 Miss ( ). lanthe
Randall (now the widow of Rev. Charles Burritt), and Miss
Julia Spencer (now Mrs. W'm. Crawford), who had just been
converted, started an infant class. It opened with seven scholars,
the writer being No. 6 on the register. Cieorge G. Cook, Xo.
16, joining soon after. In looking over the list of names we find
the great majority have entered the imseen. Some are still with
us, faithfully carrying out the instructions of early years. I'll
not mention their names, for if here they might look sharply at
me. Prizes were offered in those days for verses conmiitted to
memor}-. Islv. Hyde offered a red luorocco Bible to the one who
could repeat the 119th Psalm. Christina Cleland (now Mrs.
W'm. Ford) secured the boo'k. She was from the ])rimarv class,
and of course the teachers were (|uite proud of her. It was not
vu uncommon thing to hear repeated in the schoc^l a whole chap-
ter, and even two or three, by one scholar at the same time,
'^'here were Sunday school books in those da\s, for records
s])eak of Truman Spencer as librarian, when not su]KM'inten(lent.
\\\' know the infant class were pnn-ided with them, frimi an in-
cident we remember plainly. The class met at 9 o'clock A. M.
Sundax . ( )ne Simday during the morning sermon, the writer
heard in sweet but emphatic voice, "Daughter, put u]) that book."
l hat reproof would have been heeded, had it been given in the
(|uiet (^f the parsonage. L'ndoubtedly other hands were to\ing
with books, to his annoyance, and he ])referre(l to make an ex-
am])le of his own child. .Snrely we were not looking in Ihem for
p'ctures. They were not there as at the present time. Children
who attended other churches used to meet with the class, even
as now they do with the "junior League." There was a nice
little colored i-irl in the class. b\- the name of AIar\ Hazel.
77//; TOWS or (• A \iiu:\.
['feasant suninicr days \vf used at times to ^o to Mt. Parnassus
or 15ald\vin"s woods, for pleasure, niarcliiny- two 1)\- two with a
banner carried in front of the procession. Xone of us enjoyed
niarchino- with colored Mary, therefore she usualh {ook the
lead with the teachers.
1849-50, Rev. F. H. Stanton pastor; ( )rani,a- Dayton su|)crin-
tendent the former year, the latter year the ever-faitliful child of
God. whom we so recently mourn, Quincy Barber. Amelia, the
daughter of Mr. Dayton, married a ])rominent minister and
editor, the late Rev. Dr. Abel .Stevens. Report of Sunday scliool,
100 scholars, 15 officers and teachers. Infant teachers. Miss
Julia Spencer and Miss Caroline Park.
1851-52, Rev. Almon Chapin pastor; 0. r)arl)er superintendent.
Infant class teachers, Aliss Spencer and Miss Amanda I'addock
(now Mrs. F. \\'hipple). During part of 1852, the Sunday school
met in the Town Hall, as this was the year the church we now
have, was built and dedicated by Presiding Elder Rev. ]. I^rwin,
of sainted memory. I will read to you the memorandum as
preserved of February 8, 1852, 44 years ago to-day:
"The pastor of the church visited the school and (|uestioned the
scholars on the lesson. During the past week one of our scholars
died. Huldah Blake, aged 8 years, a good scholar, and attentive,
almost alwavs in her place. She died very sudden, taken sick
Friday night, died Saturday morning. We miss her to-day in
the school."
185;. Rev. Geo. Garry pastor; George Elden superintendent.
Report of Sunday school. 140 scholars. 16 teachers. Jnfant class
43-
1854-55, O. M. Legate pastor; H. 1). M. Minor and Daniel
Wilson superintendents. Miss Julia S])encer was married m
1854, leaving the infant class in charge of Miss Amanda Paddock,
who married in 1855, when the record shows class closed April
29, with $2.35 missionary money on hand. There had been 170
scholars in the class.
1856, Rev. D. M. Rogers pastor; O. P.arber superintendent.
1857-58, Rev. Wm. Jones pastor; George Elden superintendent.
1859-60, Rev. W. S. Titus pastor; M. P. I!. Cook, superintend-
ent in '59. In \86o M. D. Sanford was elected from the class
4 26 PIONEER HISTORY OF
room. Mr. Cook still continuing", by ai^reenient. for two years,.
to explain the Sunday school lessons before the school.
1861-62, Rev. L. Clark pastor; M. 1). Sanford superintendent.
1863-64, Rev. J. T. Alden pastor. He was taken from earth
to heaven in August, 1864, dyinf;-. ( )b, so peacefully. His body
awaits the morn of resurrection in our cemetery. Rev. J. C.
Vandercook supplied the pastorate the remainder of the year.
M. D. Sanford was superintendent, and the winter of 1864 we
had our first Sunday school Christmas tree. A beautiful pine
tree was secured, but the following year a hemlock was used.
The heat of the candles on the ])ine tree, and warmth, caused
quite an unpleasant experience.
1865-66, Rev. J. 11. Lamb pastor; Q. l>arber superintendent.
Mrs. Lamb as teacher gathered an infant class together that met
at the same time of Sunday school (noon) in the north class room.
1867-68-69, Rev. ( ). C. Cole pastor; Q. Barber, supeintendent
in 1867-68. In 1869 W. W. Williams was elected superintendent.
It will not be out of place to say he had not always been associ-
ated with Sunday school work, or even church work. He was
converted when past the prime of manhood, and developed rare
qualities for a Sunday school superintendent. It seems, to look
back, that he ran to do the Master's work the fe^\■ }ears that were
left him. We cherish his memory. In 1867 the writer was given
charge of the primary class, and has been allowed to retain it
until the present time.
1870-71-72, Rev. H. ^I. Danforth pastor; W. W. Williams
superintendent.
1873-74, Rev. T. Riche\- pastor, W. W. Williams sui)erintend-
ent.
1875-76, Rev. A. S. York pastor; (ieorge G. Cook suiierintcnd-
ent in '75, W. W. \\^illiams in '76.
1877, Rev. U. V. Barker pastor; W. W. Williams superin-
tendent.
1878-79, Rev. W. R. Cobb pastor: W. W. ^\■illiams superin-
tendent.
1880-81-82, Rev. H. M. Danforth pastor; W. W. Williams
superintendent in 1880, (jeorge G. Cook in '81, W . W. Wiliams
in '82.
THE roWN oF CAMDEN.
427
1883-84-85, Rev. W. L. Tisdale ])astor. Mr. W illianis aJ,^'li^
elected superintendent in '83, but was soon taken ill, and "was
not, for God took him." Walter C. Stoddard as assistant sujjer-
intendent took charge of tiie school the remainder of iIk- year.
1884-85, lames Watkins superintendent, who so recently, we
believe, joined the triumphant host.
1886 to 1890 inclusive, Rev. C. II. * iuile i)astor and superin-
tendent. The wSunday school prospered under his sui)ervisi()n.
The Sunday school rooms were enlarged, beautified and refitted.
We felt we had model rooms.
i89i-'92-'93, Rev. W. Demster Chase jiastor and su])erinten-
dent. The attendance was large during this ])eriod. In 1891 a
Sunday school missionary society was formed. Miss Jennie
Spencer secretary.
1894-95 brings us to the present 59th anniversary of the
school's organization. We regret we cannot give the names of
every officer and teacher since its beginning. Most of the super-
intendents served in other relations to the school. Additional
assistant superintendents were Mrs. Emeline Paddock, 'I honias
Owen, Martin R. Cook, Z. W. Moore, B. X. lUiel and Dr. Tows-
ley. Z. W. Moore for thirteen consecutive years led the singing
in Sunday school, and played the organ both there and at ])ublic
worship, his remuneration being the "rromise of the l-"ather.'"
During those years it is doubtful if he was absent as many Sab-
baths as the pastor, (^f the teachers, a few names of those who
have closed their eyes, we expect, to open in heaven, were Miss.
Olive Loomis, Mrs. Ann Stoddard Penfield, Mrs. ^\■ealthy
Blakeslee Simmons, V>. V. Whipple, Miss Lucy I'.owen, Ceorge
Greene, A. Kilpatrick, Lucina Woodrtifif, Sophronia Byingtc)n.
Mrs. Eunice Butler, Maricle Cook, Mrs. A. S. Johnson (mother
of Hon. R. S. Johnson). Mrs. Maggie Caswell Linkfield, Daniel
Peck, :^Irs. Israel Stoddard, Mrs. Sarah Broughton, Mrs. i-anny
Peck Buel, ^lary Alden, the former Mrs. O. C. Cole, an.l Mrs.
Solon Cook, who was probably a teacher in this school longer
than any other person. We can see her now with her P.ible in
hand, and a smile on her face, going from the morning service
to the Sunday school room. She was a godly woman, believed
the Bible to be divinely insjMred, and that gave her advantage
over doubting teachers. She knew nuich of the llolv Scriptures
428 I'liJXEFAi Hl.STOh'Y OF
h}- lieart. The Bible was truly (kxl's word to her. She had a
large Bible elass, and not until the weight of four score vears
crowded upon her did she lay down the work. The Internation-
al lessons were introduced earl\- in the seventies. There were
some who considered them an iiuiovation, but do we not love to
stud}- the ( )ld Testament better, see the analogy Ijetween that
and the Xew Testament clearer, and will not the generation of
t(j-day know more of Abraham and Isaac, of ^Nloses and David,
with many others, for having these lessons? We will not forget
that it is the Holy Bible we are studying and teaching, and im-
press it upon our scholars.
E. A. Harvey has been a warm friend and supporter of the
Sunday school. Especially is the primar\- class nmch indebted
to liim for the generous gifts of l)ooks and ])ai)ers. Two only
of the earliest workers in the school remain with us, M. 1). San-
ford and T. D. Penfield. Although cpiite vigorous, the twilight
has overtaken them. As they go out into the night, may the
light of the years shine brighter and brighter to them.
The list of officers for 1895 was: Superintendent, Rev. W. I*".
Brown; ist Assistant Superintendent, R. C. Knapp; 2nd assist-
ant, Mrs. J\l. Tipple: Secretary, H. (i. Littler: Assistant, Harry
Curtiss, Ernest I. Castle; Treasurer, Mrs. H. G. Littler: Libra-
rian, E. Matteson, Arthur Barnes, Rodney Cook: ()rganist. Miss
Hattie Bird; Chorister, Mrs. A. B. TrafTarn; Artist, h^rank Hynes.
Missionary Society, Secretary, Mrs. Lillian Curtiss \'andewalker;
Treasurer, Mrs. Jennie Chapman Castle; Teachers, Rev. W. V.
Brown, Mrs. Lillian Smith, Miss L. Blenis. ]\Irs. Adin Rhel])s,
Mr. Lloyd Thomas, Miss Julia Sanford, ^liss Mary Munroe.
Mrs. George Anson, Airs. Solon Smith, Dr. \'an Allen, (1. (i.
Cook. Mrs. L. Curtiss \'ande\valker, D. 1). \'an Allen, Mrs. A.
B. Trafifarn, Miss Ida Munroe. Mrs. C. j. ISacon, l-~rank Mc-
Adam. R. C. Kna])]), Mrs. Al. Ti])])le, Miss Carrie Bark. Miss C.
Clark. Miss May Watkin: Sub-teachers. Mrs. M. 1). Sanford.
Mrs. B. A. Curtiss, Mrs. E. A. Harvey, Mrs. M. W. Wilkinson,
Miss Delia Dick. Miss Minnie Sanford, T. C. Ellis. K. A. Har-
vey, Rodney Cook. W^alter C. Stoddard.
The list of 1896 is nearly the same. Walter C. Stoddard was
elected superintendent; assistant, C. G. Clark; Xo. of scholars in
school. 460; ofificers and teachers. 42; ]irimarv, 70. The history
TUI-: TOWS OF f.i \u)i:\
429
of a Suiulay school, even with the eoinpletest records and the
fullest information, how frntile to attempt to i)ut on paper a his-
tory of what has heen accomplished. If one had a perfect kiicnvl-
edge of every teacher who has taught during all tiiese vears, and
of all the scholars who have been taught; if a minute record of
every session of the school had been kept, what was said by the
superintendents, the pictures on the blackboard, the hvmns sung,
the words in whicn the lessons were taught b\- the manv teach-
ers, the cjuestion asked, the answers given. With all this kn<jwl-
cdge a complete history could not be written here. Thcie is onlv
one who is competent to write an adequate history of this or anv
Sunda_\- school. He is keeping the records up yonder, and not
until the books are opened shall we know what has been accom-
plished during these years. What burdens have l)een lifted, what
comforts given, what hope inspired, what sleeping consciences
awakened, what souls ttirned from darkness into light. Seed
dropped into desert hearts may not yet have come to blossom,
but the word of the Lord shall not return unto him void. The
pravers of these years are registered in heaven. The words
spoken are treasured in unnumbered hearts. hVoni this school
have gone to the west, and to the east, to the south and north.
not a few who received their early impressions of truth and ( iod
at these altars. The power of their lives is being felt in other
fields. The influence of this school is literally reaching unto tlie
ends of the earth. Some word spoken by some teacher may be
to-day breaking upon some distant shore in benediitions of
peace. The little things are not insignificant. .\ bit of water
freezing, bursts the rock, a spark of tire ignites the powder tram,
a violet scents the valley, a single drop of water mirrors the whole
sky. a bird dipping in his rapid flight, strikes with his wings' tip
the topmost flake of snow on the mountain's crown, and starts
the mighty avalanche down the mountain's side, a single smile
of some teacher may have led a soul to Jesus, a tract given may
have brought another. Richard Baxter was saved by a tract.
A few flowers may have given great joy to some tired clnld of
earth. A little girl held a bunch of violets in her hand as she
died, and the mother treasures the poor withered things yet: but
thev are all she has now. Results! The power of a consecrated
.-o riOXEER HIHTORY OF
life cannot be measured by any arithmetical process. These are
sums for which exist no expressive numbers.
When St. I-Vancis, who went from the cloister to the town one
(lav for the purpose of preaching, returned at the day's close
without having- spoken a word, his companion of the journey ex-
pressed disappointment that their mission had not been accom-
plished. "We have been preaching as we walked." was St. TVan-
cis" reph'. Xt)t all of the instruction of this Sunday school has
been given within these walls. Many a life has spoken though
no word has been uttered. You have preached though you have
taken no text. There has been a living of the gospel, the in-
iluence of which cannot be estimated. There is but One who
can measure the organic force of a timely pressure of the hand,
the weight of a falling tear from the eye of sympathy, the
courage which leaps from a loving trustful heart into some cham-
ber of despair, flooding it with new hopes, the new aspirations
l:,egotten of contact with a life impelled by the love of God.
Result. We nmst not seek to determine the full measure of
the good that has been done in this school, and out of it, by the
consecrated workers, until the day of judgment, and the books
are opened, nor measure the reward of such faithful service as
lias been rendered bv these manv officers and teachers. The
dividends for Christian work are declared as rapidly as the work
done. The regard is in the blessedness of doing service. As
Lowell says:
"'Tis not the grapes of Canaan that repay,
But the high faith that failed not by the vay."
W^e w^ait not for the crown at the end of the race, but are daily
crowned with the jov of the T.ord, and the sweet sense of peace.
The work is taxing, but Oh, how glorious! How divine is the
compensation for unselfish service! Xot one has expressed this
more beautifully than Mrs. Browning:
• ' Thy love shall chant its own beatitudes
After its own life working. A child's kiss
Set on thy sighing lips shall make thee glad ;
A poor man served by thee shall make thee rich ;
A sick man helped by thee shall make thee strong;
Thou shalt be served thyself by every sense
Of service which thou renderest,"
TllK TOWN OF CAM DBS.
43"
So with the consciousness of (iod's ])i-esenl favor, with thank-
fuhiess for the blessed privilege of working for Kim, with the joy
of knowings that our "lalior is not in vain in the Lord." with a
tear in memory of the honored and remeni1)ered dead, with
supreme confidence in the power of Cod's Holv Spirit, and of
our final entrance, if we are faithful unto the end, we go to our
work again singing that beautiful h\-nui of W'hittier in our
Hymnal :
It may not be our lot to wield
The sickle in the ripened field ;
Nor ours to hear, on summer eves,
The reaper's song among the sheaves.
Yet when our duty's task is wrought
In unison with God's great thought,
The near and future blend in one,
And whatsoe'er is willed is done.
And ours the grateful service whence
Comes, day by day, the recompense,
The hope, the trust, the purpose stayed.
The fountain and the noonday shade.
A.nd were this life the utmost span.
The only end and aim of man,
Better the toil of fields like these
Than waking dream and slothful ease.
But life, though falling, like our grain.
Like that revives and springs again ;
And, early called, now blessed are they
Who wait in heaven their harvest day.
WESLFA'AX MI"ri 1 ol ) I ST.
In 1843. some sixteen members of the Methodist I-:piscopal
Church withdrew from that body, forming a society, calhng
themselves Wesleyan Methodists. They were: A. CifTord. W .
S. Tuttle. A. Raymond. J. W'ingate. H. 11. ( iiffonl. I,. Stead-
man, E. Gaylord, A. Skinner, antl eight others.
In 1864 this societ>- was disbanded, many of its male meni-
bers having- enlisted, and many having fallen in defense of their
country's liberty.
A Free Methodist Society was organized in August. 1S87.
^^, PIOXEER HISTORY OF
?n(l purchased the framed church formerly owned 1)\- the W'es-
Itvan Metho(hsts. It was remodeled in 1895. and is to-dav a
llourishin^' society.
MILLKRITES.
In 1842 there was a religious body in Camden calling them-
selves ■"Millerites." They sprang from one }kliller by name,
called ""'rhe F.nd of the World Prophet." We do not know that
an\- of this faith are now living in the town.
TRI.\IT\' CHURCH.
The next church U) be estal:)lished in Camden was the Protest-
ant h-piscopal. A few families of that faith had come here to
locate, and they soon b^egan to feel the need c^f a church hom:.\
where the\- could join in the services so familiar to them, b'rom
the journal of the Diocesan Convention of Western Xew \'ork
for tlie year 1839. we find that Rev. Xathaniel r)Uroess. a mis-
sionary, came to Camden from Rome, and held three Sunday-
services, and of^ciated dur'ng" Lent of the same year, once a
week lecturing- on the festivals and fasts of the church, in his
report he says: "1 found a few families Episct)palians, organized
a Sundav School, with a su])erintendent and four teachers; com-
municants, twent}--eig-ht." Th.e mission thus organized was
called St. Thomas Mission. I.i 1843, the Rev. Edward Kennicut
had charge of the mission. Artemas Trowbridge represented the
church at the convention which was held at Auburn, X. V.,
August 16, 1843. There were fifty families at this time connected
with the mission, one lumdred and thirty-eight adtdts and nincty-
r,ine children. Services were held in an upper room of the
academy, which was kicated on the south side of the village
I)ark. Put the society was anxit)us to have a ck.urch l)uilding
of its own, and funds were raised with that object in view.
While the n-iembers of the mission were putting forth e\-ery ef-
fort to raise nionev for the building fund, Mr. Artemas Trow-
bridge, who was engaged in the mercantile business, went to
Xew ^'ork to purchase goods. He called on the \\ ardens and
X'cstrymen of old Trinitv Church, told them of the .--niall band
of Episcopalians in ("amden. strug-glir.g; to litiild a cJnirch home
for themselves. h'rom their abundance thev "enerousK- j-ave
Tin: yoir.v of camhes.
433
f.ve hundred dollars, providing; the new church should hear ihc
name of Trinity, a namesake of their ou n. Mr. Trowbridge re-
turned with the needed funds, which warranted the l)e,tjinning of
the new church edifice. Mrs. John Jamieson.amost devout church
woman, and one who gave generously, donated the land. jus',
south of T. D. I'enfield's residence, where the present edifice
now stands. After her death, a marble tablet was erected on the
west wall of the church, on the south side of the chancel, to Iier
memory, wdiich was destroyed at the time of the fire. Worl.
on the church was begun in 1843, ^^d on the 28th of I'el^ruar •.
1844, it was consecrated to the worship of Almightv dod. by
the Right Rev. William Heathcote DeLancey. Bishoj) of West-
ern New York, by the name of Trinity Church. The following
day the Bishop held service, and confirmed seventeen persons,
and administered the Holy Communion. It was a large s(|uare
unpretentious building of wood, painted white, with a long tligh.t
of steps reaching almost across the entire front, leading from the
walk to the entrance door. It stood nearer the street than the
present church, crowned with a square tower, from which the
sweet toned bell, given by the congregation, sounded the call
to prayer. Four or five long windows graced each side of the
l)uilding, and one each side of the entrance door in front. Tiie
large, box-like pews were very comfortable, and were rented by
their occupants, as w^as the custom in all churches at that time.
A gallery ran acrosss the east end of the building, opposite the
chancel, where a fine organ was placed, the first in the town, a
gift of Artemas Trowbridge. The choir was led by Roswell Bal-
lard, and Miss Jane I'right was the organist. The services were
hearty and the singing unusually good for a country i)arisli.
The chancel was beautifully furnished with royal purple velvet.
with heavy fringe, and tassels on the comers of pulpit and desk
cushions. The material was given by Mrs. Jamieson. During
the building of the church, services were held in the upper room
of the Town Hall, and the church society were at the expense
of placing seats there for the privilege of using the buildmg.
The wardens and vestrymen at the time of the organization
were. Artemas Trowbridge. Senior Warden: Henry Bacon.
Junior Warden. John Jamieson, George Trowbridge, F.dwin
Rockwell, Hiram Miner, JefTerson Colton, Edwin Dunbar, \'cs-
trymen. The latter part of the year 1844, the Rev. Steven Doug-
28
434 PIONEER HISTORY OF
lass was appointed missionary at Camden and Constantia. in
place of the Rev. Edward Kennicut, who was compelled to re-
sign his work on acccnmt of failing- health. The fnncral of Airs.
John Jamieson, who had been a most active member, and one
whose loss the church and community mourned deeply, was
the first held in the iiew church. The first wedding was that of
the organist, Miss Jar.e Bright, to Mr. Roswell Rallard. For
many years they were connected with the choir, and only severed
their connection with the church when they made their home
elsewhere. In the early days of the Episcopal Church in Cam-
den there wr.s no railroad connnunication to or from the town
nearer than Rome or Oswego. Before a clergyman was placed
]u>rmanently in charge of the mission, he must drive all of the
way from Rome by stage on Saturday evening for Sunday ser-
vice. When the Bishop r/.rale a visitation, one of the parishion-
ers went to Rome v.ith his private conveyance, brought him to
Camden, and after the service drove !iim to the appointed place
for his next service. A private school for girls was opened in
the basement of the church. The first teacher was Miss Dan-
forth, from Dover, X. H. Miss Byington, who resided in Cam-
den, succeeded her. The attendance was good and the teachers
interested in the progress of their scholars, gaining both their
love and respect. Erom time to time they were succeeded bv
other teachers, until it was decided best not to rent the basement
longer. After the church was fully established the societx pur-
chased a parsonage, the residence latelv owned and occui)i'-'d
by A. G. Timian, on Washington street. W'e have Ijefore -.s a
printed invitation to an "ice cream partv," which we copv: "Tho
ladies of Trinity Church, Camden, will give a social party on
Tuesday, the loth of Aug. in the afternoon, at the Town Hall,
where a variety of refreshments will be served, with the fruits
of the season. Admittance 123^ cts. Also in the evening will
b.e given a concert of \'ocal and Instrumental music with a
variety of nice things to please the eye and taste. AdmittaiK'e
12^ cts. The proceeds are to be devoted to the jnu'chase of
blinds for the church, ^'our attendance is earnestly solicited.
Camden, Aug. 3, 1847. '\v order of Committee." The entov-
tainment was probably a success, both socially and financially,
as the blinds were jnirchascd. adding much to the appearan-";?
of the church on the outside, and toning the light in a jileasing
manner for the eyes of the congregation. In May, 1867, it was
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
decided to sell the parsonage and use the proceeds towards {\w
expenses of the church. At this time the society was in a fairly
flourishing condition, with the Rev. Francis Gilliatt as recto-.
The high flight of wooden steps had been taken away and the
entrance door lowered; the steps leading up each side to tin-
audience room fronn the interior. But in many wavs it was not
satisfactory. At a meeting called May 29th, it was decided to
sell the building and lot and erect a new churcli in another |<art
of the town, location not decided upon.
We find in one of the town papers T.rinity Church and loi
was to be sold at public auction the 15th dav of June, i<S67. lUit
for some unknown reason the sale was delayed, and on the 2_":
of June the building was destroyed by the destructive fire which
passed over that section of the village, with nearly all of its con-
tents. On account of the prospective sale of the i)ropertv the
insurance, which had run out, had not been renewed.
In one short hour the people saw the building where their most
devout prayers had been offered, where their infants had been
baptized, where young men and maidens had been united in the
holy bonds of matrimony, and where the funeral services ^.^i
nianv a loved one had been chanted ere he was carried to his
last resting place, and for which they had labored with untirirg
■energy, reduced to ashes with all its contents. l^>ut a short time
elapsed before the strong love they had for their church awoke
an earnest desire to again own a place of w'orship, and iiuniediat j
steps were taken to rebuild. They foimd they had n*) right to
sell the land, which had been given for the use of the society.
S. Cromwell, H. A. Case and A. L. Stone, men who had been
identified with the best interests of the former church, were ap-
pointed a building committee, and active operations were begun
towards erecting a new house of worshij). with but little else be-
side a strong faith that God would aid them to the completion
of their work.
A subscription paper was circulated: the towns-jieople as-
sisted them in a noble way, and many contributions were re-
ceived from members of other denominations, who gave freely
to their own churches, but did not forget those who were strug-
gling hard to make good their great loss. In the meantime.
services were held in the Town Hall and W'csleyan Church.
Work was begun clearing away the debris from the site of the
old church, and the work pushed rapidly forward. ( ^n the uth
436
PIONEER HISTORY OF
day of September the corner stone of the present structur-j was
laid. The services were conducted by Bishop Coxe and the rec-
tor, Rev. Francis Gilliatt, to whose untiring energy and inton.-u
Interest in the new structure for divine worship, the society i;
greatly indebted.
Work progressed satisfactorily; the brick walls were com-
pleted, and the long heavy rafters were up to the top ot the
high ])eaked roof, but not covered. On the 2d day of November,
a terrific wind-storm passed over this section, doing consider-
able damage, but the severest loss was to the new Episcopal
Church. It blew down the west wall and that, together with the
roof timbers, fell into the building, injuring the east end and side
walls. Several men were at work when, seeing the storm corn-
New Trinity Episcopal Church.
ing, they went outside to procure timbers to strengthen the roof.
J'ortunatelv for them, the walls fell while thev were away. The
THE TOWiY OF CAMDfJS.
43/
damage to the huildino- was between six and seven Inuulred dol-
lars, which fell heavily on the small society. Af^ain the towns-
people and neighboring- parishes were called upon and gave
freely. With renewed energy the work was pnshed forward.
The new church was consecrated I'ebruarv 24th. i8C)(;, by the
Right Rev. P.ishop Coxe, Bishop of Western .\ew York.
assisted by eleven of the clergy of neighboring parishes. Tlic
financial statemert was read by S. Cromwell. Es(i.; the instru-
ment of donation, by the Rev. I'rancis r.illiatt. former rector ot
the parish, and the sentence of consecration by the Rev. \'a;i
Deusen of Utica. Morning p:ayer was read 1)\ the Rev. Dr. Bab-
cock of Watertown, assisted by the Rev. Clark of Rome, Rev.
Miller of Jordan. Rev. Metcher of Constablcville. Rev. ."^tanton,
and Rev. Winslow of Watertown, Rev. Weaver of F!ast Flor-
ence, and Rev. Boyer of Pulaski. The sermon was flelivered
by Bishop Coxe extemporaneously, from the text. "My soul hath
a desire, vea. a longing to enter into the courts of the living
God."
Six persons presented themselves for confirmation, and tlu^
Holy Comimunion was celebrated. The teachers and scholars
of the Sunday School, with the assistance of the rector, pur-
chased the beautiful chancel window with the most appropriate
design. Christ blessing little children, and presented it to the
church.
At the present time the church is in a flourishing condition,
imder the charge of C. J. Lambert; not a large society, but all
tmited and working earnestly for the glory of the church mili-
tant and the spread of the gospel.
SUCCESSION OF PASTORS.
Rev. E. D. Kennicut became rector about the first of .Sep-
tember, 1842. and resigned the first of August, 1S44. Kev.
Stephen Douglass had charge of the parish from .\ugust 1. 1S44.
until May. 1846. He was succeeded by Albert P. Smith, who
had charge of the parish from August 1, 1846. until June i.
1850. S. Chipman Thrall officiated from Pecember 12. 1850.
until 1853. Rev. J. L. Harrison, from the i4tli of July. 1853,
until he resigned lulv 28th. 1856. J. Winslow (deacon) com-
43* PIONEER HISTORY OF
nienced officiating- under the I-5ishop, Deceml^er 2y. 1857, and
continued in charg-e until August 29, 1858. Rev. A. E. Bishop
succeeded him fanuar\- 2. 1859, ^""^^ remained until ( )ctober 16,
1859. Rev. Francis (iilliatt had charge of the parish from De-
cember 25. 1865. until 1868, when he was succeeded by Rev.
James A. Brown, who was rector from November 7, 1868. until
February i, 1870. Rev. Charles P. Boyd (deacon) had charge
from October i, 1870, until Faster Sunday, Aj^ril 9, 1871. Rev.
J. Winslow was rector of the parish the second time, from April
12, 1871, until August I, 1875. Rev. L. X. Freeman from
August I, until June 12, 1876. Rev. F. (). (irannis, from August
23, until September 11, 1876. Rev. Charles A. Pool (deacon)
took charge October 15, 1876. He was succeeded by Rev. Hugh
15ailey July i, 1878. Rev. Mr. Birch more had charge during
the year of 1881. For a few weeks- in the sununer of 1882 Sidney
Cook, a divinity student from Syracuse, officiated as lay reader.
He was followed by M. M. Goodwin (deacon), who took charge
of tlie parish in 1883. He was ordained in Trinity Church. Cam-
den. Deceml)er 13, 1883. Rev. Sidney Cook (deacon) had charge
from A])ril, 1884, until April. 1886. In June, 1885. he was or-
dained in Syracuse. Rev. Joel Davis officiated from August
5, 1886, and continued in charge until he sent in his resigna-
tion August 1. 1894. Rev. C. J. Laml)ert began his labors in
the parish ()ctobcr 21, 1894, and is the rector in charge at the
present time.
ROMA.V CATHOLIC CHCRCH.
In September, 1852, thrcnigh the efforts of heather l-'itzpatrick
of i'lorence, the old Metliodist Church was purchased. Previous
to this the building had been moved from the place where the
Methodist Church now stands to the ]>resent site of the Roman
Catholic Cluu-ch. It was owned by a man named Carpenter, of
whom tile Catlu)lics ])urchased it. At this time only foiu" families
of the Roiuan Catholic faith resided in Camden, h'or twenty-
four vears it was a mission church, being attended by the priest
of Florence. Fatlier John Ludden held service once a month
for nearly twent\- years, coming frt)m Morence tor that ])ur-
pose. Rev. P. H. lieecham, the first resident pastor, was a[)-
pointed January. 1876. He labored successfully for ten years.
THhJ TOWS OF (AMICUS.
A.V)
«Teatlv inipixtvinL;" tlie society and addini,^ to tlic irn'mhiTsliip oi
the clnirch. A cemetery was purchased mainly throut^di his
efforts. In March.. i<S86, leather I5eecham was succeeded hy
Rev. ). I. lirennan. who in turn was succeeded by Rev. J. II.
iMcCiraw. SeptemlM?r. 1887. .\sh WechiesfUiy morninl,^ March.
1889, some time after the close of the early service, the church
was partially destroyed by fire. The building- in its ruined state
was sold to r.ohem I'.ros., and j-athcr McCraw. with a small
band of helpers, but united in their /.eal and enertiy. at once
set about the task of rebuilding-. The fine church standing on
the site of the old edifice is a monument to his success. May.
1894. I'ather McCraw was succeeded by J. S. Tiernan. the pres-
ent pastor. Th.e church is out of debt and is in a Hourishing
condition.
I'RESHYTERIAX ClURLlI.
Formerlv the Congregational and Presbyterian Societies wor-
shiped together in the Union Congregational C"hurch. but when
First Presbyterian Chureli.
It was destroyed bv fire it seemed expedient that each shotdd
erect a house'of worship. Accordingly on the 25th <lay ..f juh .
1867 thirtv-two members of the Cnion Congregational t hnrC
received chsnnssion at their own rec|uest. and shortly after .c-
^^ , PIONEER UlSTOUy Ol'
cured Cuitiss Hall for tlie purpose of holding' services. The Sun-
da\' and Thursday eveuing" prayer meetings were instituted; also
a Kible class, superintended by Mr. Ralph L. Howel. for the con-
gregation. On the 17th day of September, J867, the following
persons were cliosen trustees, viz.: John Lanibie. Lucius W.
(j-oodvear, James Stark, (liles S. \Wtmi re aiid John Dorrance.
men wh.ose names have been identitx^d with the church in manv
ways. The society was organized as the I'irst Presbyterian
Church of Camden, under the Presliytcry of L'tica. Dr. H. 'I'or-
bert and I'hiletus W. Laney were installed as ruling elders. Rev.
Selden Hair.s of Rome, ministered to the congregation for the
first three moritl:s, and was largely instrumental in organizing
the society. I'ebruary 2. i8d8. it was decided to erect a church;
subscription and building committees were ap])ointed. Hastings
I'". Curtiss donated tlic land on the west side of Main street,
being part of the site of the Park Hotel, and st)uth of the Episco-
pal Church. W'crk was begun the 25th of May. and the corner
stone laid June 30lh ; the first sen'ice was held in the lecture
room January 3. 1S69. The 30th day of the following March,
the new edifice, completed and furnished, and free from indebt-
edness, was dedicated. It is a fine brick structure, containing a
good organ. It ac'ds greatly to the improvement of the town,
standing to-day as one more monument of Christian faith in the
community.
Reccr;tl\' fine memorial windows have been placed in the
church to the memor}' of Dr. Horatio Torbert, and the two Airs.
Torberts, l)y the widow of (ieorge Torbert. son of the first wife,
and \\'illard. son by the second wife, living in Dubuque. la. The
church contains a fine toned bell, presented by S. [■". W. Sanford.
M. D.. of Ravenswcod. L. I. Rev. K. X. Manle\ was called to
the pastorate in .\ovember, and the 1st of January, 1868. com-
menced his labors, and June 30, 1869. was installed as i)astor
of the h'irst Presbyterian Church of Camden. He purchased a
home and resided here twent\-two years, serving his jieople
faithfull}' and gair.irg- the esteem r:Ot cnily of his own congrega-
tion, but (f the ct mnuuiit\- at large.
77//; Towx or cwidks.
441
SUCC1<:SS[()X Ol' I'ASTokS.
Rev. Seidell Haines for a few nioiuhs. Jamiarv 15, iSr)X. Rev.
E. X. Alanlev. until at his own recjuest the pastoral relation was
■dissolved by the Presbytery April 13. 1886. |ul\ 1. 1886, Ki-v.
Albert W. Allen, until April 14. i8(;o. July 1. \<v\. (ic-or^'e
l)enauo;h, until Xoveniber y. 1891. January 11. i8i)2. Rev. C.
L. Patcliell, for a few weeks. January (j. i8(j3. Rev. Wfsk'v \\ .
Cole, until October 29. 1894. May 1, i8()5. Rev. Uiehard .\b-
Ibott. who has chars^e at the present time.
EARLY .SCHOOL.S.
We may well suppose that our forefathers, in many cases
l>ringing young children with them when the\- sought a liome
:in the wilderness, considered education second onlv to religious
worship; and that the establishment of a place where their chil-
'dren could attend school followed closely the formation of a
■church society. A school-house stood at a very early date,
■probably as earl}- as 1800. or soon after, ujxju what is now our
beautiful village park, then a barren ])iece of land, covered with
•pine stumps. It stood nearly ojiposite the site of the M. Iv ])ar-
sonage. Unfortunately but few facts can be learned concerning
it. That the people of the town were all interested in the estal)-
lishment of a school, we gather from the old Congregational
records, where we find at one time it was a (|uestion whether
money which had been raised should be expended for the church
or school. Miss Putnam, who later married C"ol. Richar<l
Empey, taught there, commencing May 7, 1821. 'i'he school in-
:spectors were Linus Sanford. Joshua Ransom and iiillious Pond.
■On the old roll many names were recorded whose descendants
are living in Camden, and possibly attending the preseiu acad-
emy. George Curtiss, Hannah Curtiss, Edwin Dunbar. Louisa
Dunbar. Charity Dunbar, Wolcott Doolittle. Lucinda Doolittle.
Joel Elden. Sarah Elden. Henry Cioodyear. Lucius ( ioodyear.
Spencer Johnson. Cornelia Johnson. Rossiter Johnson. Lliar-
lotte Johnson. Cataline Preston. Helen Preston. William P.
Preston, Erastus Pond. Martha Pond. Adeline Pond, Sanniel V.
Pond. Maria Peck, Cleantha Parke. Elijah Parker. Katharine
Plumb, Clarissa Ransom. George Robinson. Samuel Sanf«»r<l.
PIONEER HISTORY OF
442
Wallace Sanford, Xancy Sanford. Angeline Sanford, Louisa
Sanford. Myron Smith. Sarah Smith. Levi Smith, Har\'ey
Smith. Munson Sanford, Rebecca Smith, Mary Smith. Philander
Smith. 1^'ranklin Stevens, and many others.
After the new Academy was built, school was no longer held
there and the old building stood vacant. The late Mr. Franklin
Stevens relates a circumstance which occurred, showing that
boys of pioneer days had natures as destructive as those of later
generations, though their surroundings were so different. About
a dozen lads amused themselves by throwing stones at the win-
dows, of course shattering them, and continuing their work
until not a whole ])ane of glass was left. They were caught
doing the deed and reported to the proper authorities: were sum-
moned to appear and answer to the charges made against them,
found guilty and sentenced to a term of imprisonment. ( )ne, the
ringleader, escaped from his captors. As the rest were very
young offenders, they were released with a severe reprimand
and so thoroughly frightened and penitent they never forgot it.
The old building was moved down on the bank of hlsh Creek
and converted into a dwelling house; S(|uire Timothy Woods,
mill tender, lived in it.
The new Academy was built during the year 1823. It was
located on the south side of the park, near the site where the
Nichols & Tiffany store now stands. The contract for construct-
ing the Academy was let to the lowest bidder, ("dies Sanford
secured it; he immediately began work and had the foundations
laid, the sills on, timbers framed, and men all through the town
were invited to the raising. It was to be a large two-story build-
ing, and much help was needed. A few men prominent in the
Congregational Church. Linus Sanford as the leader. ft)rbade
them to proceed any further with the building, as the school dis-
trict had no right to the land. It caused hard words and bitter
feelings for a time, but being determined men. and knowing U
was for the good of the conununity at large, they continued their
work, and it was finally completed. The new Academy had a hall
running through the center, with stairs leading to the second
storv from the rear, dividing the building into four rooms. We
have before us an interesting letter relating to the school, by
John A. Dann, a former resident, which we coj)y :
THE TOWS OF (AMDh'X.
"In recalling- to mind old buildings, many of the oitk-r inlial)it-
ants will remember the Academy, which stood on the south side
of the park. Its construction took place during the vt-ar iSj^.
Mr. Linus Sanford taught the school on the west side of the
hall, and Mr. Thomas Segar taught a select school in tlic second
story, in the east room in the winter of 1823-1824. .Kfter that a
new school-master appeared every winter. Miss Freelove South-
worth opened a school for young ladies and little girls in 1824.
and taught geography for the children, drawing. i>ainting and
copying from maps, with a pentagraph for young ladies; also
painting on velvet for toilet baskets, manufactured from pa])er
and sewing silk. In the dim light of the past I can see a group
of happy young girls gathered around their teacher and busy
with the pretty work. At intervals through the winter, spelling
schools were given by the different schools wliicli were consid-
ered a privilege to attend." Aaron Matthews taught school one
or two winters here. Miss hdora Stoddard, a daughter of Rev.
Eliakim Stoddard, also taught a select school for children some
time between the years 1825 and 1830. After a time the stairs
from the rear of the hall were taken away and the two rooms on
the second floor were thrown into one. the stairs leading to it
from the outside. We have a copy of a comjKisition written by
Louisa Sanford. who married Andrew J. Stone, giving a descrip-
tion of Camden Academy: "The Acadeniy stands in the center
of the village, facing the Presbyterian Church in front an<l
Methodist on the left; it is an old building, with some i)anes of
glass out. which causes us some trouble on a cold day. 1 he
steeple is in the center, resembling a haystack, with a flight ot
stairs on the west side. It is occupied by a district school below
and a public school above, instructed by .Mr. S. S. Sheldon.
When the scholars are out below we have all kinds of nmsic. As
you may judge, we have not the pleasantest situation that couhl
be imagined, and so 1 must confine mv description within tiie
school-room. Our school is supported by eighteen or twenty
young gentlemen, and as many young ladies, who are i)ursunig
the studies, from the spelling-book to the highest branches of
philosophy and Latin, but all the studies <lo not exceed the
compositions we are compelled to write. lUit to some of our
. . . PIONEER HISTORY OF
444
young students it does not appear like a hard task, for they take
great dehght in writing al)out the ladies' large crown l)onnets.
Thev had better look at home (I think) and see their hats with
high crowns and narrow brims, lined and bound with black,
whicli they think shows their complecktion to an advantage. But
they make a most detestable appearance. I should rather see
an old-fashioned Methodist minister's hat with low crown and
brim as wide as too hands. I hope no one will take this as an
offense, and if any one wishes for more information, I refer them
to the young student who mentioned the read shoj), for he
must frequent it to get his information."
Miss Adeline Pond taught school in 1833; Miss Lettice lUakes-
lev taught school in 1834. A school was taught in a small house
which stood on the site of the Torbert house, lately purchased
bv C A. Phelps. One of the merchants, Mr. Ammi Hinkley, had
a good private library, and generously loaned any book asked
for. This is the first we hear of a library in the town.
The old Academy was finally sold to Bamum Foster between
1840 and 1850. and moved over to Main street, about where W.
I. Stoddard's store now stands, and converted into a dry goods
store.
Among those who taught in the Academy we find the names
of Miss Wealthy Blakeslee, Miss Ruth Warner, Mr. Walter
Jerome, and sometimes his twin brother, William. Both became
Methodist ministers. Up stairs Rosanna and Marian Reynolds,
daugliters of a Methodist preacher, who boarded with Mr. Tru-
man Spencer, instructed the children.
Innumerable ])rivate schools were started in different parts of
the village, and we find many advertisements in the early town
papers of different teachers opening schools. In 1843, a young
ladies' private school was taught by Miss T. C. Stone, in the
office formerly occupied by Es(|. Sanford. In addition t(_) the
common English and higher branches, she taught drawing and
flower painting.
In 1842, we find Elliott W. Stewart taught a select school in
the Town Hall. That same year the Camden Institute was
opened in the room occupied by Elliott W. Stewart, by
Donalfl ("i. Erazier, who was formerly principal of the ^'ork Lit-
THE TOWN OF CAM DEN.
445
erary and Scientiric Institute. It was to begin the 7th of August.
He "was prepared to receive gentleman and ladies who wislid
to acquire an accurate and thorough knowledge of the common
and higher branches of a good English education, and also such
as desired to qualify themseves for any standing in the collegiate
course, for the study of a profession or for business. Tuiticm
same as E. \V. Stewart's school."
In the Camden Gazette of 1844, we tind the following: --In
accordance with a resolutiou of the county and town superin-
tendents, a temporary Xormal School will be opened in the vil-
lage of Camden on Tuesday, Sept. 24th. and close on Friday.
Nov. 1st. Mr. S. R. Sweet, w^ho taught with eminent success
the first normal school in the State, has been engaged as prin-
cipal. The tuition for the term is two dollars; and board can
be had from one dollar to one dollar and a half per week."
We copy the following from a publication of a later date: "Tlie
Xormal School was opened yesterday, in the Town Hall, under
more flattering prospects than we had anticipated. It was an
experiment with the people in this county, and we feared that
it might not be properly aj^preciated : but its opening tells well
t\jr its future jirogress. Mirny have already arrived from ( )s-
wego County. This school seems to be awakening a new spirit
of inquiry among the teachers in this part of the county. \\ e
are glad to see this progress; let all attend this school, as the
term is short. Those who design to attend should conuuence
immediately."
We find Camden had a high school in 1847. beginning the
13th of ^lay, under the charge of J. T. Clark.
Tuition (for a term of 12 weeks).
Common English branches. $3.00.
Mathematics and Higher English. Natural Philosophy and
Chemistry. &c., $4.00.
Languages. Ancient and Modern, $5.00.
Contingent Charges. 12 cts.
Miss A. Howd also advertises a select school to be opened in
the basement of the Episcopal Church the same year. The
school to continue a term 0+ 12 weeks. Tuition per term from
^1.50 to $2.00.
446 PIONEER HISTORY OF
For many years Miss Lucy Bowen taught a select school in
the house now occupied by L. S. Sanford on Union Street. Mrs.
C. Babcock opened a select school on the opposite side of the
street, Init was later engaged to teach the primary scholars in the
I'nion .*^cliool. Miss Sarah West, who married Mr. Smith John-
son, and was the mother of our honored townsman, Hon. Rus-
sell S. Johnson, was associated with Miss Bowen.
During the year 1835, the subject of district schools was dis-
cussed, and a meeting held ( )ctober 15th. Eliasaph Doolittle,
Linus Sanford and Emerson Marsh were chosen trustees. Iri
Pond, Sheldon \\'ilson and Watson Spencer were appointed a
conmiittee to select a site for a school-house, and report. Sala
Sanford, (ieorge Wood and Charles Trowbridge were appointed
<i committee to make a draft for a school-house. The site was
jiurchased at the upper end of Second street, and the school-
I'louse built, the mone}' necessary for the purpose being raised
by taxation. The annual meeting of District No. 13 was held
the following year, October 11, 1836, in the new building. Two
years later it was deemed advisable to procure a library, and
Artemas Trowbridge was appointed Librarian. Among the
names of those who succeeded him, were Aaron Stone, T. D.
Penfield, Linus Sanford, Henry Bacon, John T. \\^ashbum and
others. It was decided to employ a male teacher through the
vinter, who was to board around, and who was to receive two-
thirds of the money expended for a teacher, and a female teacher
for the stuiuner term, with the same conditions as to board, who
•A as to receive the remaining third for sendees. It was decided
that no religious meetings were to be held in the new school-
house, h^ive dollars had Ixcn ])aid the librarian each vear, but
in 1847, it was either considered too nuich. or more than they
could afiford to pay, conse(|uently it was decided the person who
\vould kee]) it properly for the least money be engaged for li-
br-irian. Enos V. Humaston offered to keep it for $1.75 a year.
At one time the school was taught 1)\- Miss Sweatman, known
to later generations as Aunt Cdorinda Miller, and many j^eople re-
siding in Camden, as well as those who have gone to other places
to live, remember attending the red school-house which stood
uear an overspreading l)utternut tree. Only the trunk of the
THE TOWX OF CAMDEN.
447
tree is standing- to awaken the fond recollections of happy
school days in the long ago.
The school house of District Xo. 13 was converted into a
dwelHng house and is occupied by Riley Rush at the present
time.
In District No. i, at the lower end of Second street, another
school-house was built, similar in construction to the red school-
house of the upper district, where those in the lower part of
tl:e town early began to master the rudiments of an education.
\W^ find this district also had a library, and that William 11.
Shepherd was at one time librarian. It was abandoned after the
two districts were united in one building, and eventually sold to
Mr. Reuben Bettis for a shoe shop, after the fire of 1856 had de-
stroyed his place of business, and it was moved onto the east
side ol Main street, a front added, where it stood uiuil it was in
time destroyed by fire.
In the old record of Union District Xo. 1 of Camden, we find
this entry: "Pursuant to an appointment of William K. I'addock.
Town Superintendent of Common Schools, the first regular
meeting of Union District X"o. i, formed l)y the consolidation
of Districts 1 and 13. in the village of Camden, was held at tho
Town Hall in said village May 1 1, 185 V Tbe meeting was called
to order by Thomas Stone, to whom was directed and who read
the notice for the meeting issued by the superintendent: when,
on motion, the meeting organized by appointing Artemas '1 row-
bridge President, and Xelson B. Stevens, Escj.. Secretary, .\fler
brief and appropriate remarks from the chairman. Dr. 11. (1.
Torbert, D. A. Gatchell and others, explaining the object of the
meeting and showing the benefits of the union school system.
it was, on motion, voted that the trustees of said district be all
voted for upon the same ballot. The following officers were
elected: Trustees— Baldwin Tuthill. for one year: Thomas Stone.
for two years: and Albro Phelps for three years. Clerk. Roswoll
S. Ballard: Librarian, Franklin l-ifield: Collector. William X.
Shepherd."
At this meeting the trustees were instructed to e.xannne miw
for a school-house, consisting of one or two acres of groimd.
It was voted that the trustees be instructed to sell the n\[
^^8 I'lOXEER HISTORY OF
school-houses and tlie land on which they stood, after they w-re
no lono-fr recjuired for schcol purposes. After nmch animated
discussion with reo;ard to a proper site for the huilding. the land
lying southeast of Lorenzo W'etmore's residence was purchased
of Ranney Parke, containing two hundred scjuare rods of ground,
which was satisfactory to all concerned. It was voted to raise
$3,300 for the purjjose of erecting a properly constructctl
school-house and all other necessary belongings. It was car-
ried without one dissenting voice. The following vcar it w.'is
found necessary to raise $1,300 1)\- tax. with which to complete
the building, and make it ready for occu])ancy. After it >vas
completed the trustees were instructed to have it i;:sured u<r
not less than $3,000 or $3,500, as they deemed best. The bund-
ing was completed in 1S53, and scIkmjI opened with Mr. jack
son as principal. Miss Helen 'j\ittle. Miss Maggie IJright ar.-.l
Miss as assistant teachers in the several rooms.
During the first year after its completion the building was
burned. It was rebuilt in 1855.
It was voted and carried at a meeting. October 7. 1856. "That
the trustees allow no concerts or meetings of any kind in the
school-house for pay. except school meetings and lectures on
school education."
-After the L'nion School House burned, school was opened in
the Town Hall. Miss Maggie I)right and Miss Wakefield were
the teachers.
In 1856 the new building was com])leted and school opened
with Mr. Call as principal, with a corps of eflficient teachers.
It contiiiued to increase in the nunil)cr r.i pupils until, in 1890,.
it would no longer accommodate the large number of si.di'.'lars
who wished to attend, at home as well as from adjoining to'vns.
The building was enlarged by a tine and commodious addition
on the north-west side, the whole making a building which any
town might well be ])roud to possess. Always a fine schoi>l,
within the last ten years it has attained a degree of excellence
surpassed by few if any schools in larger towns. Prof. D. D.
Van Allen and his wife have had charge of it since 1888, and
under their care it has a reputation which constantly :)riiigs
manv from other tcnvns, until soon it will be imperative that the-
THE TOW^■ OF CAMDEX.
449
town provide another Imildino-. 'I'lie scIkj.,! is dividd in., a
high school and academic department, with several grades in
the lower rooms. The school has a fine library nnml.cring 350
well-selected volnmes. and has reached a standing the i,,\vn mav
well feel prond of.
IXCORPORATIOX 01- CAMI)l-:.\ \ ILLA(,[-..
Camden village was incorporated jnne 2/, 1834. in conipr.mcv;
with the fifth section of an act entitled. "An act to incorporite
the Village of Camden, in the County of Oneida." This meeting
was held at the inn of T. G. Chidsey. The following persons
were elected the first officers of the corporation for one \ear:
For Trustees — Lyman Curtiss, Humphrey I'.rown, Hul)l.;'.'-d.
Tnthill, Ammi H. Hinckdey, Aaron Stone.
For Assessors — Rufus Byington. David lohnson. ( ieorge
Trowbridge.
For Collector — Martin H. Stevens.
For Treasvirer — Robert H. Burr.
For Constable — Martin H. Stevens.
On motion, the next annual meeting be held at the i-i'.e.'ii
now occupied by Rufus Byington. Adopted. The meeting
then adjourned. Stephen S. Shelden. Clerk of the meeting.
Same year, July 6, a meeting of the trustees held at the store
of A. & G. Trowbridge, present: Humphrey Brown. Lyman
Curtiss, Aaron Stone, Ammi H. Hinckley and Hubbard Tuttle.
Humphrey Brown was chosen President of the Hoard; A.
Trowbridge w^as chosen Clerk. Adjourned, to meet at .\ 11.
Hinckley's store.
July 9, the board again meet, and agree to purchase for the
use of the village, to aid in extinguishing fires, one ladder. 30
feet long, and two feet in width: two ladders 25 feet long, and
two feet in width: two ladders 14 feet long, and two feet in width,
with hooks at the top to support them on the roofs of ])uildings.
The limits of the corporation shall be one road district for the
present year, and Lyman Sanford, Esq.. shall be the i)verseer.
and he shall cause all the highway labor assessed by the over-
seers for the term to be performed on the roads and sidewalks.
except such as has been expended before the organizati..n of
said corporation.
The trustees require of every householder residing within the
29
^-o PIONEER HISTORY OF
limits of the corporation, within ninety days from the pnbHsh-
ing of this ordinance, to provide and always keep one good and
suf^cient leather fire-bucket. And further, if any person shall
throw the carcass of any dead animal or any offals into the mill-
pond or any part of Fish Creek within the limits of the corpora-
tion, on conviction of such offense he shall pay the sum of two
dollars for the use of the corporation. And further, if any person
shall ride or drive any horse on any of the sidewalks in this vil-
lage, he or she shall forfeit for each offense the sum of one dol-
lar. If any person injure maliciously any ornamental tree planted
by any of the sidewalks of the village, he shall forfeit for each of-
fense, on conviction, one dollar.
July 26, the board met, and decided that no cattle or horses
should run at large within the corporation limits. Any person
finding them could take tlitm to the pound. A person upon
claiming his beast, shall pay the pound-master his fees and an
additional fifty cents. All swine running at large may be taken
to the pound. Aaron Stone and Anmii Hinckley to be a com-
mittee to procure ladders for the corporation.
August 18, Board met. No lighted lamps or candles shall be
used in any stable or other place where hay or straw is kept,
unless the same is well secured in a lantern, under the penalty
of one dollar. Nor shall any person carry a lighted pipe or
cigar into any shed, barn or stable under the penalty of fifty
cents. All ordinances, regulations or motions shall be pub-
lished by posting a copy of the same at the inns of T. G. Ched-
sev, Jefferson Colton, and Rufus IJyington.
Jan. 27, 1835, Board of Trustees convened. Resolved. That
the collector ascertain the names of those who have procured
fire-buckets, and those wh-> have not. Resolved, That any per-
son who shall at any time take any of the ladders belonging to
the corporation for any other purpose than to extinguish fire,
shall be subjected to a fine of one dollar. Resolved, That a lock
and chain be procured to secure the ladders with, and that Wat-
son Spencer be charged with the execution of the same, and that
Ranney Parke be the keeper of the key. Resolved, That a fine of
three dollars be imposed on all who neglected to ])r(>cure fire-
buckets under the ordinance of May 2d, 1837.
February 6, 1838. Board met. Ordered, That there be a hook
and ladder company. Richard Empey was appointed captain,
to enlist nie men io serve in such capacity. That Ranney Parke
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
45»
show cause why he docs not make returns n\ ihr (K-Hiu|uents of
fire-buckets.
February lo, Board met. Richard F.nipey was excused from
serving as captain of hook and ladder company, and WilHani
Bird was appointed in his [lace.
March lo, WilHam Bird, captain of hook and ladder conii)any,
made returns of his enlistments: William Bird, captain; William
R. Paddock, John A. Bettis, Horace Mclntyre, Thomas DeMilt
Penfield, Aaron Stoiie, Hiram J. Miner, Heman Diliman. Cebina
Leonard, J. L. Babcock, members.
August 6, Board met. Resolved, That Jacob Sherman <s: Co.
liave permission to exhibit theatrical performances for a term
not to exceed six evenings, on paying the clerk of the corpora-
tion $2.50 for each evening. It is ordered, That the barn now
occupied by Charles C. and Epaphroditus Houghton be used for
a pound, and that Epaphroditus be appointed keeper. \'oted,
That the Trustees be em])owered to procure a carriage for the
Old Fire Engine and Old Town Hall Bell.
hooks and ladders, and also provide a convenient place for
keeping the same. That the Trustees levy a tax to defray the
expenses aforesaid.
Marcli 22, i8.:;9. Board met, &c. Richard Empey is appointed
452
PIONEER HISTORY OF
to procure tlie carriage for the hooks and ladders. ( )rdered^
That any person depositing" their ashes in wood pails, l^arrels
or baskets, or in any unsafe place, on any premises within the
corporation, shall be subject to a fine of $3.00 for every offense.
July 13, at a special nueting of the inhabitants of the village
of Camden at the Town Hall, on motion of (ieorge h'erris. to
raise $250 for the purchase of a fire engine, it was carried by a
vote of 27 ayes, 16 nays.
September 18, 1840, Hoard met. Richard hhnpew Trest.
Resolved, That H. j. Miner be paid money from treasury due for
the fire engine in consideration of his pacing- interest until called
for by the note given William C. Watson, agent for ( ireat b'alls
Manufacturing Co. ( )rdered. That the clerk draw an order
cn the treasurer for $200. A petition is sent in from ladies and
gentlemen of the corporation, to have the sidewalk cleaned of
snow the coming winter. Samuel B. Hinckley was ap]>ointed for
this purpose, he to be allowed a reasonable compensation for
same, and that he clear the snow on the sidewalks from the
lower bridge to the premises of John Jamieson on Main street.
June 2, 1841. at a special meeting. Resolved. That a connnit-
tee of three be appointed to make an estimate of the expenses
of building a house for the fire engine: also hooks and ladders:
same committee to look for a site. Alex, (hfford. Sala Sanford.
Iri Pond, committee.
June 5, Board met in session room of Presb\terian Church.
Report of committee was had: estimated ex])enses of buildini^
engine, hooks and ladder house. $11)5.00. exclusive of site. At
this meeting, Richard Empey. James Abrams. Aaron Stone
were appointed a connuittee to Ux)k for a location and report
expense of site of same.
August 20, at a special meeting Samuel V>. Hinckley was ap-
pointed captain of fire engine company, with power to enlist
24 men.
August 28. Samuel B. Hnickley. captain of hre engine com-
pany returned the following names as members of said compan_\-:
Samuel B. Hinckley, Captain; Henry Bacon. Xekson 1*\ Sim-
mons, Martin H. Stevens, Srmuel B. Lobb, Alva Knapp, CJeorge
S. Ferris. Nelson E. Benedict, George W. Wood, Harvey Sweet.
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
45J
Albro Phelps. James j. I'a.^e, Merrit Munsuii. |.,lin A. I'.ettis.
Warren Mix. Abram 1'. IMuiiih, W. W. TcMilield. Keiihcn I'.ar-
ber. Hiram Hammond, 1). ( aiiie, (Iiauiu-ex W . .\K-( all, 1). I'm-
nam Cox, Allx-rt (iodfrey. Alfred A. Hazen, Kanney I'arke.
March 25. iSj ;, I'oard met. ( )r(lered. That at everv alarm
of fire in the ir'dU time every male inhabitant shall assemble
forthwith at the i)lace of said fire, ttndcr the i)enalt\- nf two dol-
lars. ( )rdered. That at every alarm of fire in the ni,<;ht time,
every family shall ptit at least one lij^hted lain]; or candle in a
window next the street, nnder penalty of fift\ cents for each
neglect or refusal.
This will give our readers an idea of how the business of the
village corjDoration was conducted in the early days. George
Trowbridge was Clerk of the Ijoard of Trustees for about thir-
teen years.
In the "Camden Freeman" of September 26, 1861. we find.
''The new fire bell is now lump", and readv for service." In fin-
J
Q,
i
)
r^ 1
w
:
nm
1
^^%^B.^
X
^1^
Two Fire Buckct.s.
ishing our article u])on the incorporation of our village we give
the readers an illustration of two fire buckets 'used in the early
days.
454
PIOXEEIi HISTORY OF
I'IRMS IX CAMDEX.
Since 1856 ncarl\- the entire l)r.siness portion of Main street,
in Camden, has been destroyed l;y fire. Indeed the town has
been visited by more tlian its share of disastrous conflagrations.
On nearly every site, new and finer buildings have been erected,
adding greatly to the beauty, and increasing the prosperity of the
town .
The first large fire in Ccimden occurred June 26, 1856. It
burned the entire east side of Main street from the corner where
B. A. Curtiss' store now stands to the old Miner store, now occu-
pied by Adam Robson. The buildings were all of wood, which
made them an easy prey to the hungry flames. The town had no
means of fighting fire, only the little old engine, with the primi-
tive way of carrying water in pails, and the "bucket brigade"
was of little use in extinguishing the devouring element. The
passenger train going south, arrived in Camden while the fire
was fiercely burning, and perceiving the great danger, ran to
Rome and returned in a short time, with a hand-engine. The
Romans succeeded in arresting the fire at the Miner store, after
the building had been partially destroyed.
The burned district was rel)uilt niosth- with wooden buildings.
The "Kldorado," built bv W.'irren ^[ix.
THE TOWN OF VAMDEN.
455
and in 1863 they were again burned, from the site where Curtiss
Hall now stands, north to the park. After the fire of 1856 the
village purchased a hand-engine, with 700 or 800 feet of hose,
and a few hooks and ladders, which were in use many years.
After the fire of 18^3 the burned district was rebuilt with sub-
stantial brick buildings.
In 1864, the "Eldorado," a three-story building of wood,
owned by J. D. Cavarly, standing on the west side of Main
street, was discovered to be on fire. The south part of the lower
story was occupied by J. H. Tracy as a dry goods, gnx-erv and
drug store; the north part was rented to J. Phillips for a saloon.
The second story was used as a printing office. The third story
was occupied by the "Loyal League" for a club room. The
origin of the fire was unknown; it started on the first Hoor. The
fire company responded prcmptly to the call and managed the
fire so skillfully the village was saved from a most disastrous
conflagration.
August 15, 1866, a fire occurred on South Park street, which
buirned a wagon shop belonging to A. G. Mott. the paint shop of
Julius Allen, the blacksmith shop of Myron and I-jlwin .'Sim-
mons; on the latter there was no insurance, and the loss was
about $1,200. In time this part of the village was rebuilt.
The next large fire occuired June 22, 1867. It originated in
the barns of the Whitney House, opposite the village i)ark. on
the west side of the street. The alarm was given about half-
past one in the afternoon. The barns were connected with the
house, and the flames spread so rapidly tliat but little could I)e
saved from the rooms on the second floor. A strong wmd was
blowing from the southwest, which carried sparks and burning
cinders a long distance. The men were needed to work the hand-
engine, and in many instances women and children were obliged
to ascend to the roofs of their homes and watch lest the wm<l
should carry some burning shingle, and it should cause the
building to ignite. The fire raged fiercely in fiendish glee, con-
suming Trinity Church on the north, and extending south to an
alley, just below the site of the present Barnes block, where it
was checked. A call for help had been telegraphed to R.^me.
and again the Romans resp.onded and sent a steamer and hose
-tS*" I-WXEhlt lIlHTOItY or
carriage. Xot until late i„ the afternoon was the ^vil.l revel of
the hre fiend subdned, and tlte people had tinte to reahze their
OSS. W h, e tl,e energies of the people were taxed to the utmost
tryntg to check the rapi.lly sprea<li„g Hantes. a thin curl of smoke
was seen to ascend tron, the top of the belfrv „hich cro«ne<l tl,e
old Co.tgregational Church. The people looked a. i, a^jhas,
kno«u,g instantly it was doonted. .Vo strean, of water could be
thrown to so great a height with the facilities for fightino- fire
. .e.v possessed. Little tongues of flan.e darted in and an.und
the h,gh steeple, now outvieing the sun in brightness, then
c oude<l u, smoke, seeming to mock the tear-diu,me<l eve< of
tlie awe-stricken people with their wild revelrv. .Soon the flames
ran down u, earnest, and ignited the buil.ling. .^s the burnino-
tmrbers of the steeple toppled over, the town clock, ^^h^eh had
.■struck the knell of passing hours n.any vears. for the last time
where Tc w"7"7 """" """" ^'°°" °" ■'^-°"" ^t-"-
where A. C. Woodrufifs residence now stands, and owned bv
John Owen, caught front the flying cinders, and was totalh-
< estroyed. It was only the courage an<l hard work of wives and
clnhlren, ,o,oetl,er with the thick foliage on onr beautifnl shade
rees, winch preve„te<l many other hontes fron, sharing the sa.ne
ate. The following day was Sunday, and the upper part of the
l-ntsmess portion of the village was a drear,- looking place The
sun was sinning on a sorrowing people. Two congregations
^yere ho.neless. Where the fire raged so fiercelv that |,n,e <lav
thetemtory is now covere.l with fine brick buildings, 'an orna-
ii'ent to any town.
( )n the morning- of Jannary 4. ^^72. fire was diseovered in the
shoe sliop of John Stuart, on the west side of Main Street
which consumed all of the Inhlding-s from tl,e corner of Alevico
street south to A. ( ;. Oh.stead's residence. A fine I)lock now
ornaments the corner, erected by J. ( ;. I )orrance and C |
Wright. Xearlv ah of t.,e burned chstrict has been rebuih.
On the ,6th of September. 1876. the cliair manufactorv of V
H. Conant s Sons was destroyed by fire. The fiames consumed
<dl ot il-.e buddmgs on the west side of the street. The factory
vas rebudt un a more extensive plan and is now. as then, one of
West side uf Main Street, burned 1872.
fC5M^
^»niiiiiti(„i (^
rark Hotel, burned 1867.
77//; rows or cwmnx.
457
tiK- Icadino- indiu^lries ot" tl:- i.,\vn, and iIkmi- -....ds an- in dmiaiid
all over the United States, as well as in luiropc and Australia.
WlsI 8id:' ul' Mam Stit-fl burntii m
In 1882 fire swej^t through the west side of Main street, north
of Mexico street. Jhe alarm was i^iven ahout three o'clock a. ni.
The niorn.ing- was cleru'. without a l)reath of wind, it orijt^inated
in a buildino- ten feet wide, occupied by Mr. ."^hort as an ice
cream saloon, which connected the corner store with the C'entral
Hotel, the property of j. D. Cavarly. The fire deiiartment re-
sponded tphcklv to the alarm and worked faithfully, and while
the capabilities of the hanvl-cns^ine were limited, the department
did splendid work, and wrre the means of saviuij: a vast amount
( f properlv. h^-om the stire in which the tire started it exteiulcil
Ijoth ways, burning- the corner store, occupied by j. 11. I racy.
iiround to Fish Creek on the west, consuming everything in its
course, and extending northwards to the I'.arnes block, where it
was checked. Among the heaviest losers by this fire were the
J. D. Cavarly estate: J. H. Tracy, clothing merchant: Mrs. C.
C. Hornung-. millinery store: J. M. I'eek. druggist: j. Olden.
hotel contents: Churchill ^: Tibbitts. meat market: T. I >. Teii-
458
PIONEER HISTORY OF
field, Exchange Building and barn; C. S. Parke, harness shop;
L. Duncan, jeweler; E. Edic, restaurant fixtures and furniture,
and many others.
August i6th, 1883, fire destroyed the tanner}- of P. and P. Cos-
tello. The alarm was promptly given, and the firemen responded
quickly, but the flames spread with amazing rapidity, and it soon
ignited all of the btiildings. The only one approachable with
water was the l^ark and leather shed. This contained about 40,-
000 dollars worth of leather, and the efiforts of the firemen were
concentrated on this btiilding. part of the contents were saved, '
but much of it in a damaged condition. The tannery was run-
ning to its greatest capacitw containing a larger stock than ever
before. A car load, of leather was waiting to be shipped, which
added to the heavy loss. Xew buildings were erected on the
site, and business resumed for a few years, but the firm eventually
moved the business to Pennsylvania.
In 1883 fire was discovered in the grist mill of Penfield & .^tone.
which totally destroyed it. l-'ortunately there was no wind and
the firemen, with heroic elTorts, kept the flames from spreading.
This fire, as well as nearly all of the others, was considered to be
of incendiar\- origin; but, as in the case of the others, no ])ossible
reason could be assigned for such a deed. The following year
a new mill was erected on the site, where a larger business is
transacted than before.
CAMDEN KNITTIXC; MILL. jM
About half-past two o'clock in the afternoon of March 29. 1893,
the alarm of fire was given from the Camden Knitting Co.'s plant,
at the foot of Main street. The fire started in the old Costello
tannerv. on the second fli)or, and it was thought to have ignited
from fricticMi with some metallic substance mingled with the wool.
The automatic sprinklers with which tlie building was equipi)ed.
worked well, but had no effect in subduing the flames, the
floors being so ])erfectly saturated witli oil from the wool. 1 he
fire spread rapidly and raged with sucli fury that it was with dil-
ficultv the employes escaj^ed from the l)uilding luiharnied. 'I he
fire companies responded promi)tly. but could do little towards
saving the biu-ning Imilding. It seemed like jiouring water from
a sprinkling pot ujion a -nama/ine of ])owder. Ihiring the fierce
THE TOWN uF CAMDEN. .-„
4 39
conflagration, when the fire readied the l)()iU-r house, it huriit-d
the cord attached to the whistle, wliich caused it to shriek and
make spasmodic trills for n:ore than half an hour, finally belch-
ing forth one prolonged cry, like tlie agonizing wail of a hugt-
monster, gradually dying away as the fury of the flames was spent.
All who heard it will recall its echo for many days to come.
Within one hour from the time the alarm was given three large
buildings were reduced to ashes. A brisk wind was blowing fmni
the south, which fanned the flames and carried the burning cin-
ders broadcast over the village, carrying them fully half a mile
from the scene of the conflagration. At this time there were
from 250 to 300 hands employed, who were thrown out of work.
The loss was estimated to be from $70,000 to $80,000. The fire
occurred at a time when they were filling large orders.
The business was started in 1879 by Willard J. 1-risbie ami
William H. Stansiield, former dry goods merchants of this town,
on a safe basis, with careful and excellent judgment as to the
needs of the trade. They commenced the business on the sec-
ond and third floors of the Barnes block in 1881. and in the
same year placed machinery in the Huyke woolen mill, m the
vallev, where they also manufactured yarn. .\ fine location
was purchased of George Abbott, at the foot of Masonic avenue,
in 1883. and a commodious building, three stories in height
erected. The entire business was moved to this place, l-rom
time to time additions were made to accommodate- the growth
of the enterprise.
Mr. C. F. Kendall, formerly connected with a similar busi-
ness in Boston, was interested with Frisbie & Stansfield from the
first, and it is largely through liis experience that the g.xids
manufactured by the Camden Knitting MWh are so well known
all over the countrv.
During the vear of 1887 the site of the Costello tan.iery. with
buildings, was purchased and fitted for the puri)Ose ot conduct-
ing the business, which had become so extensive as. to nee.l
more room for manufacturing. The business was operated in
both localities four vears. During the year of .801 the buildings
on Masonic avenue were leased to the Corbin Lock Co.. an.
the entire business located at the foot of Main street, s.n.th of
460
PIONEER HISTORY OF
the bridge, where they erected more and larger buikhngs to ac-
commodate the ever increasing trade.
After the fire new and commodious buildings were erected
on the site, and they are an evidence to-day of the increasing
prosperity and growing demand for the goods this firm manu-
facture. At one time W. H. Stansfield superintended a branch
manufactory in Jerse}- City, but it was considered best to dis-
continue it. and the business was all transferred to Camden.
The firm have factories manufacturing knit goods in Syracuse
and Ctica. the latter conducted by George A., a son of \\". J.
Frisbie. W. H. Stansfield has charge of the establishment in
Syracuse.
After the fire of January 4. 1872, Jairus H. Plunger and A. Cr.
Olmstead drew up an amendment to the village charter, and
sent it to our member of Assembly. It was passed and returned
to the Trustees. They established fire limits, and the village
Tjegan to grow with substantial brick buildings.
THE WATER WORKS.
Camden Water Works were established b}' the corporation in
1886. The many springs and small streams of pure water
abounding in the eastern p^irt of the town, on the hills, served
to make the gravity system preferable to all others. The reser-
voir is situated about three miles from the village, allowing 170
feet fall, with y6 pounds of pressure to the scjuare inch. h>om
fifty to sixty hydrants are scattered throtigh the corporation,
■with several miles of pipes connecting them. The citv water is
largely used in the homes of the towns-peo]:)le, and is considered
pure and healthful.
Since the extensive system of water works was introduced.
l)ut few fires have occurred and the town has sustained l)ut
small losses therefrom, with the exce])tion of the Camden Knit-
ting Mill plant, which was almost like pouring water u])on oil.
from the nature of the material used in manufacturing.
o :o
MERCHANTS.
TIMOTHY WYLDE WOOD.
T. W. Wood was Camden's first merchant and postmaster.
His home and place of busiiiess was the same building. It was
situated on what is now the corner of Main and Mechanic
streets, on the property owned by Charles ^IcCart\-. Then, as
Tin: T<)w\ OF ct !//>/;.v. ,^,
now, the few inhabitants were eager to get their mail. It is
related that in meeting Mr Wood on the street he was t)ften
asked if there were any letter. He always replied in a gruff voice.
"Do you suppose I carry the mail in my pocket?" He was the
first justice of the Peace, and lield tlie courts in the parlor of
his house until 1820. Mr. Wood came from Stainvi.x (now
Rome) to Camden in 1801. He came with his family, which
were conveyed in a cart drawn b\- oxen. There l)eing no road.
the line was followed by marked trees. He followed the business
of surveying, was a carpenter and millright. Soon seeing the
needs of the .settlers, he opened a general store. Loaf sugar
being scarce, he would sell it only for the sick. In 1816 there
were genuine hard times for the inhabitants: Mr. \\()(jd invested
a large sum of money for those days in flour, and sold it in quan-
tities of 50 pounds to a customer, not allowing any one person
more.
The Indians often came to his home, and they were very
friendly. Mr. Wood traded rum and tobacco for furs. They
were allowed to lay about the fire at night. They called his
wife. Mrs. Wood. "Wood's pretty squaw." Mr. Woo<l was bom
in Xottinghamshire, England. April 8. 1757. and died Septcml>er
10. 1835. Squire Wood was buried at the extreme south end of
Second street; later, his remains, with others, were removed.
He emigrated to America in 1792, and settled in New York city.
where he married. May 5. 1797, Susanna DeMilt. widow of
Peter DeMilt. and daughter of Richard J. Warner of New York.
Mrs. Wood died January 15, 1826, aged 53 years. I'.y her first
husband she had two children, a daughter, jane, who married
Fowler Penfield. and a son, Thomas, who died early in lite.
The remains of this early settler, his wife and those of her two
children, rest in Forest Park Cemetery. Mr. Woo<l was natural-
ized in New York citv, i795- He owned mills and water privi-
lege in Camden. The children of Timothy Wood and Susanna
W^arner, were: Peter, who married Miss Sophia Tuttle of
Oneida Castle; George A\'.. married jane S. Sweet; Hannah.
married Seth Blake; Susanna, married Higley Stevens: Mary.
■ 1 r-i 1 A\-i.o^i,.r- Sarah Elizabeth, married Amnii
niarned Charles Wtieeler. .>aran hi^-ckj^i.
Hinckley.
^62 PIONEER HISTORY OF
AMMI HAMILTON HINCKLEY.
Ammi Hamilton Hinckley and his brother, Samuel Bradford
Hinckley, were early in the century prominent men of Camden.
They were sons of Jared and Hopestill Brewster Hinckley. Mrs.
Hinckley was a lineal descendant of Elder William Brewster, the
fourth signer of the Mayflower compact. The descendants of
these men may well be proud of them and their Mayflower an-
cestry. Their birthplace was Windsor, Vt. Ammi H. Hinckley
w^as born July 9, 1800; married December 24, 1828, to Sarah
Elizabeth W^ood. born at Camden, April 2, 1812. She was the
daughter of Timothy \\'. Wood. Nine children were born to
them, viz.: Frances Jane, Mary Ellen, Henry Bradford, Sarah
Elizabeth, Martha Ann, Henr\' Augustus. Charles Ammi. Kate
Hopestill, Lillie Regai. Mr. Hinckley died in Camden March
9, 1856: Sarah, his wife, died at Clinton, N. Y., June 28, 1874.
Their remains rest in Forest Park Cemetery. The exact date
of A. H. Hinckley's coming to Camden can not be ascertained.
He was one of the earliest merchants, establishing a general
store, containing dry goods and groceries. Prior to 1833 he
was Colonel of the (58th Regiment, T3th Brigade, of New York
State Militia, as is found by commission papers signed by him,
belonging to Martin Stevens. He passed through every grade,
from corporal to colonel, and no man in Oneida County was more
prominently known or mere highly respected. He once re-
fused nomination for member of Congress. He was magistrate
for many years.
SAMUEL BRADFORD HLNCKLEY.
We are led to believe that as the name of Bradford is retained
in this family, they must be descendants also of Massachusetts'
first Governor, who came over in the Mayflower, and was the
second signer of the compact. Tf we are right in our supposi-
tion, the descendants of these men may be doubly proud of
their ancestors. William liradford started in life with a record,
and left one. h>om the day of his advent into the world, where
he was eventually to become so important a factor, he associated
himself with William Brewster. William Brewster was William
Bradford's dearest friend and wisest jruide. Samuel Bradford
77//; 7'oir.v OF (.[Mi)i:.\. .
4 '.}
Hinckley M-as born in 1802; married Aliss Catharine D. Hender-
son of Sand I5anks, X. \'., in 1 S2S. Tliey came to Camden to
reside in 1830. Seven chikiren were born to them, viz.: Jared
H., Elizabeth J., Jchabod Brewster. Samnel Bradford, I^rig^'s
T., Marion G.. and Catharine Cornelia. Samuel Bradford Hinck-
ley died September 17, 1850; his wife Catharine I)., died Aiyril
26, 1878, aged 68 years. The remains of both rest in I'orrst
Park Cemetery. Mr. Hinckley was a man highly respected, and
was appointed to offices of trust. He was Supervisor in 1839.
and again from 1844 to 1845, besides holding other offices. Was
in the mercantile business with his l)rother for several years and
postmaster at the time of his death.
ARTEMAS TR( )\\BR1 !)( ,E.
Artemas Trowbridge came to Camden in 1824 from Litcli-
field Conn., having been engaged there in the mercantile busi-
ness. His birthplace was Pomfret, Conn.; born in 17S0. Mr
was one of the pioneers in the general mercantile business of
the place, and largely identified with the early improvements
and progress of the village of Camden. He remained in trade
imtil 1850. owning the property on tlie south corner of Main
and .Mexico streets, which he rented until the spring of 1865.
Avhen he sold to D. C. Uorrance. November 8. 1865. j. ( i.
Dorrance commenced business on this corner, and remained
until 1876, when he sold to Ceorge H. Smith and I ). ( i. H<»r-
rance. jr. Smith & Dorrance remained in lousiness together
onlv three years. George H. Smith has occupied the store
since 1876, and is still its occupant. Mr. Trowbridge was largely
instrumental in the establishment of Trinity Church of tliis vd-
lage. He filled the office of warden for many year>. In 18O4
he removed with his family to Newark. X. V. In 1^77 l^^' ^R^'"
removed to Palmyra, a town near. March. 181 3. he was initiated
into Masonry at Bridport. \t.. and shortly after advanced to
the Royal Arch. He filled various offices in Lodge and Chapter
with credit. At different times he was honored with the ap-
pointment of Deputv (^,rand Master of his district. At the time
of his death he was an honorary member of Palmyra Lodge
No. 248. He died at his home in Palmyra. November 21. 1879.
aged 90 vears. being the oldest Mason of the lodge
464
PIONEEll HISTORY OF
where he was initiated. His wife was Miss Ehza Leaworthv of
Westmoreland. The cliil(h-en were, Susan, Mary A., [Maria,
James L., \\'illiam W'., Lawrence Del*".
(;k()R(;e trowi'.ridck.
George Trowbridge came to Camden from Pomfret, Conn.,
in 1826, and was engaged in the mercantile business with his
1
(ieorge Trowbridge.
brother Artemas for a number of years. The store then stood
on Main street, nearly ojjposite W'asliington. Later, this build-
ing was moved down on tc the corner of Main and Mexico
streets. He was identified with the schools of this town for
many vears, holding the office of School .^u]>erintendent. He
was an active, energetic and infiuenlial citizen. He was land
agent not only for lands in Camden, Init also in Morence and
\'ienna. He was born at I'omfret, Conn., August 11, \/q(i:
died September 23, 1888. His wife, Juliana Allen, was born at
Providence. K. I.. May Jc, 1805, and died March 24. 1892.
Their remains rest in the fcuuily i)l()t in h'orest Park Cemetery.
Their children were: Charles Edward, Julia A., William Henry,
l^lizabeth P., and (ieorge l-'rederick. The homestead Mr. Trow-
THE TOWN OF CAMDES.
^6:
., i» ju^_i'" w py y ' i ^> ^ :»^.;';fe»<» 8W > wan i 't ^=a»^.-
Trowbridge Homestead.
bridge built in 1827, cornet- of Alain and Washington streets,
is owned by his children, and outwardly is the same as when
first built.
TRUMAN SPENX1^:R.
Truman Spencer was a merchant hatter, coming from Litch-
field, Conn., in 1828, and settling in Camden througli the in-
fluence of Artemas Trowbridge. His residence was where now
stands the Harding home, and his hat store, shop and factory
was just north. He was born in Litchfield, Januan- 3, 1806, and
was married to Miss Electa Merriman of the same place, April,
1828, and three days later started for the then l"ar West. In
1839 Mr. Spencer built a three-story building in the business
portion of the village, on west side of Main street. This build-
ing was not only used by Mr. Spencer, but was rented iov various
kinds of business. David Sears occupied a portion for his jew-
elry business; Mrs. Froud and Samantha Plumly. milliners:
William Bird, tailor shop: several lawyers' offices were in the
building. On the third flcor was the oflSce of the '-Camden
466
PIONEER HISTORY OF
Truman Spencer.
Gazette," E. C. Hatten, editor. This building was called Spen-
cer's Exchange. Truman Spencer died December 7, 1854; his
Ii.\cliange.
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. ^,
4 ''7
wife, Electa, died October 5, 1F62. a^^d 59 years. Tla-ir remains
rest in Forest Park Cemetery.
HIRAM J. MINER.
Hiram J. Miner came to Camden in .March, iS^o, throngli
the influence of Rev. Louis V. Loss, then pastor of the Con-
gregational Church. He made arrangements with Dea. ICrastus
Upson for the rent of his tin shop, and purchased of him his few
goods. (The farmiers in the vicinity at this date wc-rc most of
them poor, and paid for their goods in rye, Indian corn and lum-
ber, which constituted the staple produce in and around Cam-
den.) Goods were purchased in New York, came by canal from
Albany to New London, and from thence to Cam<lcn 1)\- teams.
Mr. Miner opened his store May 6, 1830, for trade. The first ar-
ticle sold was a copy of the New Testament at 25c., which he con-
sidered a good beginning. He boarded at Deacon Upson's and
slept under the counter. The store was the front end of the tin shop
18 by 22 feet. The Deacon, meantime occupying the rear for his
business. At this time there were three other mercantile firms
in the place, Ammi H. Hinckley and brother, Sanniel !'>., .\.
& G. Trowbridge and Cavarly & Sheldon. Almost everything
wanted by the inhabitants could be had at some one of these
stores, although kept in so small quantities that one customer
would sometimes break the merchants' assortment. The nearest
bank was in Utica. Most of the iM-ead used in those days was
of rye and Indian corn. Mr. Miner was the first to ofTer wheat
flour by the pound or barrel. His first purchase in tliis article
was a lot of three barrels, superfine, from Ctica. the cost of
which at his store was $6.00 per barrel, sold at $6.23. 'Hie first
customer who ventured on so large a supply as to take a whole
barrel was Reuben Bettis. His first barrel of salt was sold to
Mr. Elannagan of Amboy. In 1832 Mr. Miner purchased the
entire premises of Deacon Upson, together with a small dwell-
ing house adjoining. In 1839 he built the store now occupied
by A. G. Robison; the cost was about $4,000. He was api>ointed
postmaster in 1841, and resigned the ofi^ce in 1847. Mr. Mmcr
had associated with him in business during his stay in Camden,
his brothers Isaac and Heman. Hiram J. Miner left Camden
468
PIOXEfJn HISTORY OF
Store built by H. J. Miner.
in 1849, selling- to his two brothers, and going first to Utica and
then to Fredonia, X. Y., where he opened a private bank July 4,
1850. His wife was Miss Adaline Hungerford of N'ernon Cen-
ter.
Following the Miner Bros, the Cook Bros, occupied this
building (Melzer and Martin) ; later Judson X. Strong and others,
John F. Mix and A. G. Robinson here established a tin shop
and hardware store. This building stands to-day, the oldest
building block on the street, a monument of the architecture of
nearly 60 years ago.
BARROWS' STORE.
Some time about 1812 Mr. Barrows had a store in Camden
on the west side of Main street, about where the present Presby-
terian Church stands. It was a small wooden structure, and is
supposed to have been the second store opened in the place.
Later, nearly opposite Mechanic street, on Main, was a general
store kept by one of the name of Hurlburt, who sold out his
stock to a ^\r. Mcrriman. Prior to 1824 Deacon Erastus Up-
son had a tin store and a few articles of merchandise in a build-
ing which he owned that stood on what is now the north corner
of Miner avenue and Main street.
THE TOWS OF CAMDES
469
MAJOR J. D. CANARLY.
Major J. D. Cavarly and wife, with one child, came to Can,-
•'Icti in 1828. Mr. C. became a prominent citizen and business
Major J. D Cavarly.
man. He was one of the early merclianls. Iii> store was
situated on the north corner of Main and Mexico Streets.
and the home was north on Main Street. His stock
in trade consisted of dry goods and groceries. In 1830 the
firm was Cavarly & Sheldon. In 1843 it was Cavarly i't Osborn
(the latter a son of Deacon David ( )sb()rni. This firm advertised
drugs, in addition to dry goods and groceries. Mr. l"avarly was
from New London, Conn.
Benjamin F. Beard, called Capt. Heard, was a citizen of Cam-
den prior to 1829. He was a merchant, highly respected and
interested in all that pertained to the advancement of the village.
WILLIAM R. PADDOCK.
William R. Paddock was one of Camden's earliest and most
influential citizens. He was widely known and highly respected
throughout the county. He was born in \ienna in 1812. being
^.-o PIONEER HISTORY OF
at the time of liis death 70 years of ai^e. W'lien 17 years of age
he came to Camden, and entered as a clerk in the boot and shoe
store of Wimple & Cook. After clerking for several years, in
company with Don A. (iatchell, he engaged in the grocery
business. He was Justice of the Peace for many years. He
married Miss Cordelia Hallock of Westmoreland. X. Y. They
had but one child, Albert, who married Miss Dell Waterman of
Camden; they removed to Clinton, Iowa, where one son, William,
was born. Mr. Albert Paddock, a lawyer by profession, is a man
highly respected in Clinton, as is shown by the many offices of
trust he holds.
FRANCIS SNOW.
PVancis Snow, born at Belchertown, Mass., is of Mayflower
ancestry, he being a descendant of Nicholas Snow, who came
to America in the ship "Ann," 1627. Nicholas married Con-
stance, daughter of Steven Hopkins, who was the fourteenth
signer of the compact. Hon. Nicholas Snow was the founder
of Eastham, Mass. hrancis Snow came to Camden in 1842.
Soon after coming he opened a barber shop in T. D. Penfield's
shoe shop; later, the same year, his shop was located in Spen-
cer's Exchange. Below is a portion of his first advertisement:
"NEW BARBER SHOP. THIS WAY!
EMPORIUM OF FASHION.
All who want your noddles dressed,
The modes de Paris — latest,
At Snow's j-ou'll get it done the best,
And shavings! Oh, the neatest."
Mr. Snow has been engaged in various kinds of business in
the town. At one time he was in company with J. D. Cavarly
in the dry goods and clothing business. He married Miss Sarah
Johnson, a most estimable lady, who died June 17. 1894. Five
children were born to them, viz.: Marion, Jennie, Lois and Wil-
liam. A daughter died young. The only one living in Camden is
Lois, who married Mr. C. F. Kendall. They have two children,
Lois Marjory and Charles Hallett. Mr . Snow resides with this
daughter.
Barnum Foster, prior to 1842, was one of Camden's mer-
chants. He dealt in foreign and domestic dry goods, groceries,
crockery, &c., east side of Main street.
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
47'
J. M. Jamieson had, as he advertised Jan. _'S. 1X42, a cheap
cash store, east side of Main street, near llie I'uIjHc (Ireen. Xot
only dry goods, but hardware, crockery, bonnets, family j^ro-
ceries, paints, oils and dye stuffs.
David Sears, prior to 1842. ke])t a jewelry store in Silencer's
Camden Exchange Building
J. L. Babcock had cabinet-ware and furniture for sale in
1843. He was to be found a few doors Ijelow Miner's store,
where he established his business in 1840.
Cottage Store.
Hugh McCabe and brotlier Thomas, were merchants on the
east side of Main street in 1858. occupying the Cottage Store,
built by Orson Norton. These brothers came from Clinton,
N. Y.,to Camden. Hugh left Camden in 1867.
Ambrose Curtiss, in 1861. purchased the property, corner of
Main and South Park streets, of Parker Hallock. and in 1862
erected the present brick block owned and occupied by his son,
Bvron A. Curtiss.
FT FIELD BROS.
F. F. and F. D. Fifield were brothers, born in Warren. X. H..
F. D., in 1820. The family came to WilHamstown in 1836. Thc>
472
I'lOM.Ei: HISTORY OF
were in Williamstown until 1848, at which date they removed
to Camden and entered into co-partnership in the hardware
trade. In 1856, in company with James E. Tripp, they con-
ducted for some years the foundry and machine shop at the
foot of Main street, now used for the same purpose by Wood &
Percival. The lirm was changed by the withdrawal of F. F.
Fifield from the business, which continued under the manage-
ment of Tripp & F. D. Fifield until about 1878. I-. D. Infield
died suddenly of heart disease, September 14, 1881, aged 61
years. Francis F. Fifield married Miss ^Nlary Frisbie. This
estimable couple resided for many years corner of Second and
Union streets, now the residence of J. H. Ciambol. I*'. F. Miield
conducted the hardware business alone after the dissolution of
the firm in the machine sliop. In 1883 he removed to New-
ark, N. Y., where he spent the remainder of his days. He was a
prominent business man in Camden for 34 years. He died at
Newark, May 9, 1893, aged 76 }ears. His remains rest in For-
est Park Cemetery, Camden. This couple had no children of
their own, but two estimalile ladies spent their childluiod and the
years until their marriage in their home and care. Mrs. Mfield
came to Camden after the death of her husband, and made her
home with her niece, Mrs. W. H. Dorrance. In delicate health,
she survived her husband but a short time, ])assing awav in 1896,
and was laid to rest by his side. Mr. hiheld was one of the
original members of the Prosl)yterian Church, and for many
years a ruling elder.
CILES V>. MILLER.
Giles 15. Miller purchased the dry goods business of Hastings
F. Curtiss hi 1859. ^^^- Curtiss, at this time, was in business
on the west side of Main street. Mr. Miller commenced his
business on the east side of the street, in the store occupied at
present l)v Daniel Crinnnins as a clothing store. Mr. Miller was
the first occupant of this brick block. December 1. 1873. W. J.
Frisbie and W. j. Stansfield entered into co-i)artnership, pur-
chasing the stock of goods of (hies 15. Miller. They remained
in trade until A]>ril. 1884, when they sold to Phelps Bros, (sons
of the late Albert Phelps), who continued the business until
1890 in this block. They then removed to their own store on
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
4/ 3
the west side of the street, where the business is still ctjiuimied.
Miss Ella DeVoy established the niilliiK-rv business for Frisbic
& Stansfield in 1878, and rcniained with them until 1884. when
she purchased their stock in the millinery line of j^oods. and
still continues the business in the Phelps block. Miss Maggie
Robison entered the store of Giles P.. Miller in 1871 as sales-
lady. She was with F"risbie & Stansfield while they were in the
dry goods business remaining when they sold to tiie Phelps
Bros., and is still a faithful employe of the latter.
ABBOTT STORK.
Abbott store was built in 1853 by E. S. Dunbar, Lyman Ray-
mond and George Abbott. The business was carried on under
the firm name of Dunbar, Raymond & Al)bi)tt, commencing in
the fall of 1852. This j^artnership was of short duration, and
George Abbott carried on the business alone until 1857, when
he was associated for two years with his brother-in-law. L. L.
'Clarke, under the firm name of Abbott & Clarke. i'"n>m Ma\ i.
1859, to April I, 1882, he again carried on the business alone.
( )n the latter date he took as a partner his oldest son, .A.nthony
W., which partnership continued until July i<). 1890. under the
firm name of Geo. Abbott & Son. He then retired fn.m the busi-
ness on account of failing health, and it has since been conducted
by his sons. Anthony W.. and George H., under the firm name
■of George Abbott's Sons. It was first kept as a store of gen-
eral merchandise, but the present firm deal in coal. lune. gro-
ceries and building material.
JUDSON N. STROXG.
Judson X. Strong was one of Camden's merchants: lH)rn in
Bolton, Conn. He came from Chicago to Camden in 1864.
having been in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroail. in
their office. He entered into partnership in this village with
Charles and Edwin Spencer in the dry goods and grocery l)usi-
ness. Later he was engagec' in the produce business. He died
at the home of his son. Arthur, in Windsor, Conn., OctolxT 24,
1894, and was buried at M?nchester, Conn.
474
PIONEER HISTORY OF
QUINCY BARBER.
Uuiiicv Barl:)cr was idertified with the l)usiness interests of
Camden for 46 years. He was engaged in several business en-
terprises. ¥ov eight years he was a nieml)er of tlie firm of
W'ilHanis, Locke & Barber, who conducted a shoe store. He
was engaged in the manufacture of sash, bhnds and doors,
with Gardner, Wakefield & Co. Later, and at the time of his
death he was associated with ex-Postmaster B. T. Hinckley in
the grocery and produce business. He died June 2, 1895, ^.?ed
y2 years.
EDWIN A. HARVEY.
Edwin A. Harvey was one of Camden's most influential citi-
zens. He descended from a distinguished Connecticut family
which furnished three (ioveinors, several eminent jurists and a
general of the United States army. He was reared on
his father's farm in X'ienna, X. Y., and attended school during
the winter months. After leaving school he engaged in various
occupations, and in 1864 removed to Camden. Here he started
in partnership in the grocery and provision business. In the
following year he bought out his partner's interest and con-
ducted it until two years before his death. Mr. Harvey was a
public-spirited man, and always had the interests of the village
at heart. His generosity, particularly to the poor and suitering,
was proverbial. In politics he was an ardent Democrat. He
served several times as Trustee of the village, was a member of
the Board of Education anci Treasurer of the Board of \\'ater
Commissioners; also Treasurer of the village, and was \'ice
President of the First Xatioi;al I]ank of Camden for twelve years;
a member of Philanthropic Lodge, Xo. 164, F. and A. M., and
was its treasurer for many \ears. He became a member of the
M. E. Church in 1872. and acted as its trustee for some time.
He married Miss Caroline, daughter of Artemas Peck, of this
town. His wife and live children survive him. E. A. Harvey
died July 6, 1896, aged 54 years.
<
CHAPTER XVI.
»
EARLY TAXKRXS ( )E CAMDEX.
The first tavern or inn in Canulen was l)uilt by Elihu Curtiss^
and kept by him. It stood in what is now Miner avenue. The
old well is yet in existence under the jiiazza of the Whitney
House. The old tavern stood about half way in the street. It
now stands on Third street, and is occupied as a dwelling.
Woodard Perkins, in speaking: of this building, said it was run-
ning in 1803, and was the first painted building he ever saw in
Camden.
BYINGTOX TAVERN.
I'Tom records in Oneida County Clerk's Office it is found that
in 18 1 5, Heman Byington purchased of George Scriba a piece
of land situated in the south of the village, east sitle
of Main Street, near the bridge crossing I'ish Creek. L'|H:)n this
piece of property Mr. Byington built a tavern in 181 0. By his
will this propert}' was conveyed to Patience his wife, and to iiis
sons Rufus and Ira Byington. Will dated May 3. 1831. In 1835
Rufus Byington and Mary his wife, Ira S. Hyington and wife
Harriet, conveyed it to Elam Burton. January 9, 1837, ^^ ^^'^s the
Reed's Hotel.
property of Hubbard Tnttle. March 17, 1838, it was conveyed
from Hubbard Tuttle and wife Hannah, to .\ancy Thatcher for
$2,000. April zcj, 1850, Xancy Thatcher conveyed it to (icorgc
476
PIONEER HISTORY OF
Wood in consideration of $1,700. In 1857 George \V. Wood and
wife Jane S. Wood conveyed it to Joseph Wheeler for $1,700.
Same year, June 24. 1857, Joseph Wheeler and wife Caroline,
conveyed it to Charles Wheeler. In 1859 Charles Wheeler sold
to John S. Remington. October 19, 1861, John S. Remington
and wife Harriet conveyed it to James A. Woodin. Alarch 17,
1862, James A. Woodin sola to Seymour Scoville, consideration
$1,000. September 13, 1864, Seymour Scoville and wife conveyed
the property to James A. Woodin. In 1875, August 15, James
A. Woodin and wife conveyed the property to George \\\ Reed.
We give an illustration of the building as it was when burned in
1886. This old landmark was rented to many individuals; we
give the names of those only who held title to it. Mr. Byington
must have been a man universally respected, as in our researches
where his name is found, it is prefixed with "Esq."
RANXEY PARKE TAA'ERX.
Where to-day stands 15. A. Curtiss" brick store, corner of Main
and South I'ark Streets, was early in the centur\- a tavern. A
V
Mr. Ranney Parke. Mrs. Ranney Parke.
long wooden structure, and as remembered by some living to-day,
had a piazza its entire length on Main Street. Im-oui early private
papers we find that Ranney Parke jiurchased this property the
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
47:
20th of October, 1817, of Luciui Tuttlc, who resided at ihat lime
in Wolcott, Conn, 'ihis property was deeded earher U) Win.
Tuttle and Ephraini Smith, by Jesse Curtiss and his son I'AWnx
(the latter was father of Gen. Lyman Cnrtissj. It is supposed
these parties buiU the l)uilding. Later it was occupied by (jtliers.
While the property was in the possession of Mr. I'arke, he made
many improvements, among which was the additicjn of a ball-
room. This the Masons used as a meeting place for several
years. In this room was held shows and various entertainments.
We believe it was Camden's first Opera House. In 1827 Mr.
Parke sold this property to Emerson Marsh. It was rented fur a
fime to Jefferson Colton. Later this building was converted into
a dwelling house and store. Ranney Parke came from Chatham,
Conn., in 1794; he was married to Miss Phoebe Parker of X'ienna,
N. Y., in 1817. Nine children were born to them, \iz. : Kstiier
R., Byron P., William Short, Harvey S., Amanda l\, Amanda F.
2nd, Caroline M., Phoebe S., and Willard ^1. In 1827 Mr.
Parke built the home on Second Street, now owned and occupied
by Dr. Bacon. He removed to Ruscoe, 111., July, 1865. Ranney
Parke died at his residence in Ruscoe, September 6. 1877. aged
88 years. His wife, Phoebe Parker, died also at Ruscoe, August
26, 1888, in the 93d year of her age.
COLTOX TA\'ERX.
JefTerson Colton was born in Louisville, C^tsego Co.. X. ^ ..
uuuyuyu uuuuuu
m
CoUun Tavern.
Tanuary 28, 1809. He came to Camden in 1830. and purchased
of Hopkins Stevens a building which he used as a cabinet shop
478
PIONEER HISTORY OF
and salesroom. Mr. Colton converted it into a tavern. It stood
opposite onr present park, on the west side of Alain Street. In
the fall of 1838, on account of failing health, I\ir. Colton sold this
property to Levi Brainard, who came from Norway, N. Y.
Mr. Brainard enlarged and improved the building. After
two years of rest, Mr. Colton's health so improved that he
purchased his old property, and remained proprietor of the tavern
until 1847, two years before his death, which occurred May, 1849.
He was then living at the corner of Main and Xorth Park Streets.
He was a man of decided characteristics — firm, frank and out-
spoken. He considered his word a pledge to be fulfilled; his
hospitalitv was proverbial; always in sympathy with the poor
and afflicted; associated in all good works for the improvement
and advancement of his home village; always looking on the
bright side of life, although for many years in poor health. Da-
vis S. Barrett kept this tavem for a short time. In 1847 ]Mr.
Colton sold to Wm. McCune, who sold to A. B. Hildreth, who
sold to Moses A\'hitney.
CAMDEN HOUSE.
The tavern called for many years the "Camden House," and
which stood on Main Street on land now owned and occupied by
B. D. Stone, was intended for a Masonic Hall, as that organiza-
tion put up the frame. George L. Coe ptirchased it in 1829, the
Masons reserving the right to the second floor of the main part
of the building as a meeting place for all Masonic ])urposes, giv-
ing Mr. Coe the right and title to the whole premises. Mr. Coe
constrticted what for those days was a spacious and convenient
tavern stand. He sold to T. G. Chidsey. In the spring of 1838
this property was sold to Jefferson Colton, and for a time while
lie owned it. the tavern was kept by S. Crouch. Afr. Colton, in
1842, sold the property to Jwnia Seymour, who came to Camden
from Monticello with his wife Mary (called Polly) Smith, who
was l)orn in 1806. and died in 1857, Junia Sexmour born
in t8o6, died in 1872. Their children were: Dwight Clin-
ton, Burge Wiles. Mary, l-lnmia Sophia. James Delos, Or-
risa, Clark B. (twins), Andrew Jackson, Mary Estella. George
Washington. Maria Louisa. Lovina D.. Albert Tunia. The Cam-
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
479
>den House was burned in i860, at that time kept by Ire.l J.^ncs,
who came to Camden from BoonviUe, X. V.
From "Camden Gazette" of June 22. 1842, uc copy Mr. Sey-
mour's tavern advertisement:
"TO THE i'L'l^LlC.
Friends and Fellow-Citizens:
The practice of inn-keeping, or keeping a public house for the
entertainment of travelers, has been followed from time imme-
morial, and that such houses have been a place of resort f(jr the
■most illustrious and august personages that ever appeared on thi>
terrestrial ball, we have indubital)le proof if we credit the sacred
'listorian (so called). The God of Israel condescended to call
his servant Moses at an inn. and the reputed babe of JJethlchem
would have been born in an inn had it not been thronged with
company on the night of his birth. An inn, according to the an-
cient etymology of the term, is a public house designed for the
■entertainment of travelers and strangers. A tavern is a i)lace
where \\ines and lic|uors are sold; l)ut the laws of our land consid-
er the terms synonymous, and we may reasonably concUide tliat
the ancient inns were early converted into taverns, for we learn
from the same high authority that Moses commanded the people
to tithe the increase of their flocks and fields, and eat it before
the Lord; and if the place of worship was too far to carry it.
they were allowed to turn it into money, and to lay out the money
for whatever their soul did lust after: for oxen, sheep, wine or
strong drink, and to rejoice with their household: hence we may
conclude that wine and strong drink were sold near the place of
■worship. That these inn or tavern-keepers were honest, uj)-
right men. we may infer from the trust conunitted to one of
them bv the gentleman journeying between Jericho and Jeru-
salem. The example of the Samaritan is worthy of our imitation,
and the two pence left with the landlord at that early period no
doubt was equivalent to a large treasury note of these days. Tt
also admonishes us that a tavern-keeper ought to possess all the
moral qualifications of a Christian bishop. We find Paul meeting
bis brethren at Appii Forum and the 'three taverns." A,gam we
find Paul boarding at a tavern in Corinthus. kept by Gains. Tins
48o
PIONEER HISTORY OF
landlord no doubt belonged to the church, as the church gener-
ally met at his house.
Having selected these few ((notations from a number of others
of the same high authority, I shall leave them for theological
criticism, and the consideration of a large and respectable por-
tion of the conmiunity, who manifest a zeal, but not according to
knowledge. After serving the public a number of years in the
arduous capacity of tavern-keeper, 1 retired from the field with
those self-approving sensations whicli virtue's votary feels when
he sums up the thoughts and actions of a well-spent day. Ikit in
the course of human events, I have been induced once nuire to
embark again in this responsil)le business. This I shall do (with
permission) calm as a voyager to some distant land, and full ot
iiope as he. Having purchased the convenient and well-known
tavern stand in Camden village formerly kept by Mr. J. Colton..
and lastlv bv Mr. S. Crouch, I shall endeavor, by adding to my
former limited experience, a few of the more jM-ominent moral
(jualifications, to keep a tavern on the most approved principles;,
that is, by giving strong drink to those that are readv to perish,
and wine to those who are heavy of heart. To name a public
house in these days appears to he as necessary as to name a
ship. As for the name, it is called the 'Camden House," which I
shall not attempt to alter; and from the ]:)eculiar construction of
the house, together with its location, as it stands near the centre
of one of the most beautiful and respectable villages in western
New York, and nearly opposite the far-famed German Doctor
Seewir's of^ce, it is emphatically the Camden House. .A.S for
myself, I shall earnestly strive b\- unremitted ap])lication, to
merit a share of that blessing which conse(|uentl\- results from
watching at wisdom's gate, and waiting at the ]mst of her door.
Here then T shall be found at my ]Kist, firm as a Camden jiatriot,
ready to receive all classes, from the sturdy mastifif that howls at
the treasury door, to the most starveling turnspit that 1 arks on the-
farthermost verge of otu- frontier. Having respectable and long-
tried comjietitors in this \'illage, 1 shall not dream of halycon
days, or sufTer my vanity to soar into regions of golden humbtigs,.
biU shall be content to gain m\- bread b\- the sweat of m\- face.
As T am not constituted a judge in Israel, should an\- come-
THE TOWS OF CAMIHLS. o
481
neither eating- or drinking-. 1 sliall not infer Iruni thence tliai they
have a devil; should others come eating and drinking, 1 sjiall not
denounce them as gluttons, wine-hihbers and friends of publicans
and sinners; and claiming those inalienable rights of life, liberty,
and the pursuit of happiness, 1 shall be ever ready to grant them
to others, circumscribing my p(jlitical and religious creeds with-
in the following distich :
For forms of government let fools contest,
What'er is best administered, is best;
For modes of faith let graceless zealots fij^ht,
He can't be wrong whose life is in the right.
The usual style of thanking for past favors and soliciting fu-
ture patronage has become so hackneyed by prostituted learning,
that I shall dispense with it, being so well known, that 1 cannot
gull the public with unmeaning epithets. 1 shall now close this
epistle by subscril)ing myself the ])ublic's humble ser\ant.
Camden, March 24. 1842. j. .Scx ni<»ur."
ABBOTT H()L"SI<:.
The Abbott Hotise was built about 1853. b\- Isaac and Daniel
Rhines, who were its first landlords, succeeded by I^ben Abbott,
Sen.; at his death, in 1857. succeeded by his son F.ben, jr. and
later occupied by Samuel J. Andrus, H. II. Woodruff. William
Moses, H. H. Woodruff again, Wm. Ryder, James Cinnhnghani.
Sold about 1876 to Wm. Erwin, and b\- him conducted some two
years, and by his brother James, then l)y William again for about
two vears, or until 1880, when it was ])in-chased l)y the present
landlord, M. (i. Ronan.
MALOXE HOTEL.
Ihiilt by Amos I'ond; was later owned by I'rank firay. and still
later bv William Moses, who sold it in the present owner. Patrick
Malone.
W^HITXEY HOUSE.
W^as originally the private residence of |(>hn !•". Mix. who sold
to Moses Whitney. The latter enlarged it. and converted it into
a hotel. In 1876 this property was conveyed to D. (•. Crinunins.
who has enlarged it, and made many improvements.
PATRICK DCRR
Purchased the Dr. \\Tight residence, and converte*! it into a
hotel. It is at present the "American." and its proprietor Mc-
Daniels.
31
482
PIONHER HlSTORy OF
WELCH HOTEL.
In i860 Welch kept a hotel for a short time at the head of
j\Iain Street. This property was purchased b\- A. U. Hildreth.
COMMERCIAL HOCSE.
Joe Lewis, from Florence, purchased a small dwelling-house
west side of Main Street, fitted it over into a small hotel; later it
became the property of John Olden. While in his possession this
building" was destroyed by fire. ^Ir. Olden then erected another
building" for a hotel on this spot, which was purchased of his
widow by C. L. Roberts, who is its present proprietor. Mr. Rob-
erts has made many modern improvements in this building, and
converted it into a convenient hotel.
SPEXXER'S EXCHANGE
Was arranged for a hotel by A. 11. Hildreth. and kept by his
son Charles. It also had other occuiiants, viz: Fay. Kernan and
lohn Owens.
^^'ILES HOTEL.
in i860 John Wiles converted the j. D. Cavarly home into a
hotel. In 1867 ]\Ioses Whitney purchased the business of Mr.
Wiles. Amos Kenfield was proprietor at one time, and John
Olden when it was burned. John Wiles came to Camden in
1858. His wife was Miss Mary Casler. Children, Isabel, Joanna,
Walter. William and Marv.
4
1
CPl AFTER XVII.
FACTORY \ ILLAGE.
The hand of time has been heavily laid on the valley at the foot
of Third Street, not to destroy, but to make changes, removing
those who first began the different manufactories in that busy
part of the town, to a better land. I'ire has passed over it, but in
most cases, it has only tended towards the erection of larger
buildings, and the increase of business. At the beginning of this
■century, it was a quiet spot, disturbed only by the song birds, and
the ripple of the waters flowing peacefully through the land.
But the white man came, and gazing ujion it. innuediatelv saw
.the possibilities of the future.
Squire Timothy Wood purchased all of the land on Main
Street, north of the bridge, to what is now Miner Avenue, across
to the foot of the hill at the south end of Third Street, as well as
a large share of the water power, al)out 1800. lie built the first
saw-mill in the valley, which was later owned and operated by
John Richmond. A primitive affair it was. but it was c(|ual to
the work required of it.
The next account we can find of this property is in 1.SA3.
when we find recorded "Alvah Raymond bought the land and
water privilege of Roswell Ballard and his wife jane." He ini-
mediatelv removed the old structure, and built a more inodi-rn
mill, with increased facilities for business. Fire destroyed it. but
it was rebuilt, and the business conducted by Mr. Raymond and
sons. During the year of 1864 Mr. Raymond bought the old
Ballard homestead, at the top of the hill, at the l.nver end of
Main Street, where he continued to reside until his death, and
where his son James lives at the present time. April 2. i8t;i. the
property came into the possession of A. C Robson. It is now
owned and operated by Herbert Giles.
Alvah Raymond was one of our most respecteii citizens. He
was born in West Monroe. Oswego County. February 18. 1815.
lie w^as a millwright by trade, his work extending over a wide
territorv in Central New York. He was married in 1837. and
484
PIOSEER niSTORY OF
came t(3 Canulcn in i860 with his wife and four children. After
the mill property passed out of his hands he devoted his time to
moving buildings, and was considered an expert in the business.
He possessed an iron constitution, and met with man\- accidents
that nearly cost him his life, and which made him a cripple.
I'.ut he was ambitious to the last. His children were Aaron A.
and James S. Raymond of this village, and Mrs. A. 1). Shaw of
^Vaterville, and Sarah, deceased. His death occurred I'ebruary
16, 1897, surviving" his wife but a little more than a year.
THE WOOLEN FACTORY.
The first woolen factory was established in the vallc}'. but the
exact date can not be ascertained. As earl\- as 1842 it was in
the possession of James Wright. In a publication of that \ear
we find this advertisement: "Wanted, 15,000 pounds of wool, at
the Factory \'illage." He moved the original building back,
and built a new one, and with ini|)roved machinery "was prepared
to ])lease all customers."
. Sanuiel ( )lmstead and John Sears at one time put in machinerv
in the old Iniilding, and started a last factory, but after two or
three \ears discontinued it. Later it was fitted for a dwelling
house, and occu]jie<l by several families at ditYerent times. Init
finally used only for a store house. The new factory was pur-
chased by Roswell Ballard about 1850. and the business con-
ducted successfully by his sons Roswell and Charles. It was a
ver\" common occurrence for wagons to arrive at the factory,
coming from the surrounding country, bringing large bundles
of wool to be carded into long white rolls, which the busv house-
wife would later spin into stocking yarn for the winter's su])ply,
or left at the factor}- to be woven into cloth.
During the year i8()0, Roswell IJallard met with a terrible acci-
dent. I L' was caught in a belt while attending a machine, and
his arm torn completely otT at the shoulder. This was followed
the ensuing vear b\ the destruction of the factory bv fire, which
was a total loss. It was rebuilt, but greatly to the sorrow of the
community, in 1865 he sold the pro]~)erty. and moved to Water-
ville. ( )neida Count}'. Conradt V. Huyck ]>urchase(l the factory,
and continued the business of "roll carding, cloth dressing, and
TUB TOWS or (.\Ml)t:\.
custom nianufaoturing.- ilis sons. Lcnanl an.l ( .arry. were
associated with him in the business.
June, 1873, the building was again destroyed In tire, a total
loss to its owners. It was again rebuilt. 1'. 1). I'enfield of komc,
fomierly of Camden, was for a short time interested witli Mr.
Huyck in the business. Later, A. \ oorhees and .\. 15.* I'owcll
were associated with Mr. Huyck. April. 1885. Wakefield. ( iard-
ner & Co. purchased the property, Mr. Huyck retaining a five
years lease of the upper floor for roll carding.
In 1886 O. Barber purchased an interest, and the firm was
known as Wakefield. Gardner & Co. Later, X. S. Wakefield sold
his interest to George Dana. Gardner finally withdrew, leaving
the business to (ieorge Dana, who is sole j^roprietor at the pres-
ent time. The business, after it passed out of Mr. Huyck's posses-
sion, was changed. Every detail of woodwork needed for build-
ing is manufactured here, with a large stock of lumber in the
yards.
THE FOl'XDRY.
The first foundry was built in the valley at the foot of Third
Street, in 1832. by Horace Mclntyre and James Barber. During
the year 1837 or 1838 it was purchased by the firm of Wood i\:
Phelps. The men were George Wood, father of A. G. and I). T.
Wood, and Albro Phelps, father of Theron and IJyron .A. Phelps.
all living in Camden. These parties continued in business to-
gether until 1853, when the death of Mr. riieli)s occurred, and
Mr. Wood continued the business alone until 1858. when his son
A. G. Wood entered into partnership with him. Ten years later
George Wood withdrew, leaving his two sons. A. < 1. and Henry
D. Woods, to continue it.
In 1881 William G. Percival was admitted, and WikkI I'.rothers
and Percival commenced die manufacture of the famous turbme
wheel, of which :\Ir. Percival was the inventor. The death .>f
Henry D. Wood occurred October i8t]i. 1883. and three years
later A. G. Wood and W. G. Percival bought out the i-Merest of
the estate of Henry D. Wood. In 1882 they bought the ol<l
Eagle Foundry at the foot of Main Street, just north of the
bridge, and transacted business at both establishments. The
Eagle Foundry was originally owned by Josiah W..o<l. who soM
4S6 PIONEER HISTORY OF
the property to Tripp & Fifield, of whom it was purchased by
W^ood Brothers and Percival. The parent foundry in Factory
Milage was burned September, 1884, and the entire business was
transferred to the Eagle Foundry, the ruins of the burned build-
ings left to mark the spot of what "had been."
PLANING MILLS.
Another industry which was started in the valley was a plan-
ing mill, built by Hiram Hammond and Aaron Stone in 1838.
In 1840 Charles Allen came from Scotland, settled in Camden,
and purchased an interest in the planing mill, and the business
was contintied tmder the firm name of Hammond & Allen. In
1850 Mr. Allen's brother, \\'nliam, bought out the share of Mr.
Hammond, and the brothers carried on the business for many
years. William Allen died, and Mr. Silas Frazer, who had come
to Camden to reside, purchased an interest in it, and it went un-
der the firm name of Frazer & Jones for three years, when Air.
Allen again resumed the business alone. At one time the build-
ing was burned, but it was immediatel}' rebuilt, and the l)usiness
carried on as before. This was the only original sash and blind
factory in town for many years. Mr. Charles Allen, after a
long life, remaining in business almost to his last days, died in
May, 1894, aged 75. Mr. Charles Wheeler occupied the lowest
story, where he had a turning lathe, and made broom handles,
mop handles, clothes pins, and other articles usuall\- made in
such establishments.
In 1852 Daniel P. and .Sanniel Cox started a planing mill in the
valley, between the Woolen h'actory and I'ish Creek. Two
years later Andrew J. Stone was taken in as a partner, and for
many years the business was continued imder the name of Cox
& Stone. In 1871 the firm name was Stone. \\ illiams & Co..
successors to Cox & Stone, the members of the firm being .An-
drew [. Stone. ( ieorge Williams, lames (Irossart and Jacob
Rush. Mr. Cox having withdrawn, and with his family gone to
Clinton, Iowa. In 1879 Messrs. .Stone and Crossart retired, leav-
ing Williams and Rush to contimie the business. In 1884 Mr.
Williams withdrew\ and the business was conducted by ]\Ir. Rush
alone. TTis sons. Howd and Horace, eventually succeeded him
for a time, when Ibnvd Rush sold his interest to L. Smith, who
THE roUA OF VAMDLS. .o,
rinally withdrew, leaving Jloiace Rush lu cany uu the business
alone, which he has done up to the present time. Like all of the
other manufactories in the valley, it lias been destroyed by f,re.
and rebuilt. The fire occurre<I in 1861, which also consumed
the Woolen h'actory.
F. W. CUNANT'S S( )XS' CM I AIR MAXLT-ACT( )RV.
.Mad River rises in Lewis County, and flowing through the
town of Florence, enters Camden at its north-eastern boundary,
and flows nearly south-west, until it unites with l'"ish Creek
below the village. In summer it is a peaceful stream, flowing
through the pleasant valley, in places, a mere thread of silver,
but in the spring and fall, swollen l)y tlie melting snows of the
northern country, and heavy rains, it rushes with lightning
rapidity, sweeping away bridges and all obstacles, overflowing its
banks, nuaking of the meadow lands broad rivers, and in nianv
places washing out new and permanent channels. ( )ur fathers
rightly named it Mad River. This stream was largely utiliz-ed
for running sawmills in the early days of tliis century, and later,
large manufactories have taken the places of the primitive mills.
The valley at the head of Second and Third Streets has seen the
rise of man}- industries, and has been a busy ])lace during the
present century. It was included in the early purchase of Sam-
uel Royce, and consequently became the property of 1 Bartholo-
mew Pond, when the land in this part of the town came intt) his
possession. He built a saw mill at a very early date, the first
building in the valley. As early as 1822. Riley Preston had a
cloth dressing and carding establishment on the east side of the
road. When the business was discontinued, the building was
moved to the west side of the road, a little farther north, and
converted into a dwelling house. It has long since fallen to the
ground beneath its weight of years.
In 1836 all of the land in the valley was sold to Richard j-jnpey.
He built a grist-mill on the west side <if the road, on the south
bank of the river, which he operated, together with the saw-mill.
March i, 1847, Shepherd ^Marvin purchased the proi)erty. but
sold it October 12, 1852, to Edward X. Hills and Alexander
Gififord, from whom Francis II. Conant purchased it March i.
1854. He converted the building into a chair and furniture
488
1'1(>m:i:i: iiistol'Y or
factorw enlarg'cd it. and started a business, which increased
rapidly as the years went h\-. His oldest son, Walter X. Conant,
was associated with him in the ])usiness for a time, Ijut eventuall}'
went West. In the fall of iS/d all of the buildings on the west
side of the street were destroyed by tire. At that time the busi-
ness was conducted b\ ]•". H. Conant and son, luigene 11.
Conant being the junior member of the firm. After the fire h'.
H. Conant withdrew from the l)usiuess. Larger i)uilding"s were
erected, with increased facilities for manufacturing g'oods. the
firm being- designated as F. H. Conant's Sons. K. 11. and (1. 1\
Conant being the sole proprietors. The reputation of this firm
is almost world-wide in tlieir line of business, which at the
present time is the exclusive manufacture of chairs.
This extensive business has grown from a small establishment.
Mr. V. H. Conant and ?^Ialchus Harrington j^urchased the oil
mill of j. C. Sperry situated where the (irove Mills were erected
later, some time during the year of 1852. They manufactured
chairs only, d he business was continued two vears, when Mr.
Harrington sold his interest to F. H. Conant, and in a short time
it was trar.sferred to the present site, where the business has
since been continued.
( )n the north side of the stream, \\ H. Conant built a tannerv.
which he operated for a tuue, but sold to Jacob More in 1864,
who with increased facilities, carried on the business until some-
time during the late sunnner or fall of 1865. it was destroxed b\-
fire, and the lan<l came into the possession of Mr. (Onani. where
now the lumber yard is situated.
Januar\- 2^. 1866. Leonard Wood and Capt. Tuxdmer pur-
chased land of Mr. l'-m])ey on the east side of the road, where
they built and operated a distillery imtil September y. 1869.
when it was sold to John Lambie. May 22, 1871, ]•". H. Conant
purchased the proiJcrty, and the building was con\erted into a
paint sho]), and the distillerx business discontinued. ihe man\'
industries in the valle_\' have had their rise and fall, and the chair
manufactory at the present day covers the site of nearly all other
structures.
chaiti-:k will,
PR(.) F[-:SS I ()\ A L Ml-X.
DR. JOEL RA'rill'.rKX
\\'as the pioneer ])liysician of Canideii. lie first came to this
town about 1801. He married and settled on the Seventh in 1802,
where there is farther notice of him. Those who were associated
with him about that time were Dr I'reeman of Williamstown, Dr.
Beach of Annsville, and Dr. Daniel C'hatheld of \ieima. all
members of the Philanthropic Lod^e of V. & A. M.
DR. JOSIIL'A RA.WSOAI.
Was the second practicing" [physician in town: he came about
1807 or 1808. He was always an energetic and hard working
man, and was successful in his profession, lie was a great
hearted friend, whose busy life was a blessing not only to the
village but the surrounding country, lie built his office on the
site now occupied by "Wood's h'ive Cent .'^tore." He died with
consumption about 1830. Xotice of him ebewhere.
DR. WHITAIAX RAX.s( ).\1.
A brother of Dr. Joshua Ransom, and a son of h)shna Ransom
the elder, studied medicine with his l)rother. and evinced no mean
skill in his treatment of serious cases of illness. Was nnich em-
ployed by residents of Camden, and socially a favorite. Al-
though not of Camden at the time of his death, it is meet
that he should receive a brief sketch. It was with regret the
citizens of Camden heard of his intention to make hi.'? home at
McConnellsville, where he saw a field for larger practice than
here. Alche Parker, a niece of judge Israel .^toddard.
whose familv he had felt a sincere interest in. an<l had watched
their course in life with a father's care, removed early fnMii
Camden to McConnellsville to make a home for her brother. Dr.
Abiram Parker. In 1817 Dr. Whitman Ransom met Miss Alche
when she was but fifteen years of age. The wily little Cupid led
his heart toward her: and tliev were married I'ebrnarv 20. 1817.
49°
riOSEEli HISTORY OF
and began life in earnest. Xovember 15 of tlie same year Dr.
Ransom was stricken with typlioid fever ar.d died, leaving a deso-
late wife, a mother and a widow within a year. He died in the
25th year of his age, cnt down in the beginning of a nseful
career. A stone is standing in the Mexico Street Cemetery,
inscribed "Dr. Whitman Ransom, died Xovember 15. 1817, in
his 25th vear." 'Idle little danghter born to Dr. and Mrs. Ran-
som became the wife of David Mattoon of Albany, and mother
of Mrs. C. A. Phelps of Camden, and 3^1 rs. b'itzpatrick of Al-
bany.
HORATIO (;ATES TORr>I':RT. M. D.
Was born in Xew York City jannary 2y, 1802: died in Camden
October 4. 1869. in his 68th year. His father. Dr. .Sanntel Tor-
II
Horatio Gates Torbert. M. D.
bert, was a physician of long practice. In 1804 he bought a
tract of land in Willianistown. and bnilt the first grist mill.
which was in ojieration until burned hebruary 20. 1897. We find
in a "Western Recorder." ])rinted in Ctica in 1825. this obituary:
"Died — In Willianistown, on I'ridav. the 2(nh of Mav. Dr. Sam-
THE 70 UA Of r\MI)i:.\. ....
491
uel Torberl, aged 61 years. Ik' lias left a widow and six chil-
dren, and many friends and acqnainiances to lament their irrepar-
able loss. He was blessed with a scnmd mind and a wonderfully
strong- constitution, having enjoyed uninterrupted health until a
short period before his death. He was Ixjrn and eilucated in the
State of Pennsylvania. He removed to the City of New York,
where he was distinguished as a physician; and from thence he
removed to this town. Previous to his death he observed to his
companions and friends that he felt entire reliance on the merits
of Christ Jesus for his salvation, to whom he had made a pro-
fession some years since. "Blessed are the dead who die in the
Lord."
Dr. Horatio Torbert turned his study to medicine: he read with
Dr. Harrison, Health Ofificer of the port of Xew \'()rk, and was
graduated from the Medical L'niversity oi that city in 1822. A
visit to his father in Williamstown in 1824 became the occasion
of his settling in Camden. In 1828 he married Clarissa, daughter
of Dr. Joshua Ransom. .She died in 1839, leaving three children.
In 1841 he married Louisa, his first wife's sister: she survived
him 26 years, d}ing August 25, 1895. aged 76. She was the
mother of three children, Willard H. Torbert of I)ubu{|ue. Iowa,
the only one living. Clarence i). Torbert died in 1866.
aged 18. Theodore Torbert died in l)ul)U(|ue, Iowa.
September. 1876, aged 24. (ieorge Torbert died April 3. 1895..
aged 65. Maria Torbert P.ickford died March 22, 1893. ag^**l 60.
Dr. Torbert was a faithful husband and father, and a beloved
physician. He was an efhcient deacon in the Cnion (."ongrega-
tional Church for man\ vears. After the organization of the
Presbyterian Church lie was a leading member and a prominent
ruling elder.
DR. 1)A\II) l•:L^'
Came to Camden prior to 1826: he was in the (jffiee with Dr.
Joshua Ransom for about two years. After Mr. Kansonrs deatii
he built an office in his yard, where he had built a capacious home
on the south side of Main Street, now owned and occupied b>
Mrs. Frazee. He married Angeline Cpson. sister to our fellow-
townsman Ballard I'pson. He was a member of the I-irst Con-
o-reeational Church, liis name being entered on the records in
49-
I'lUSEEli UliiTOltY OF
1830, with his friend Capt. Uaird. He was a man of strict integ-
rity, and was one (;f the chief executive officers of the church.
He was a practicing physician here for 25 years, then moved to
Rochester in 1853, where he died, much respected, June 7, 1875,
aged 76.
DR. j( ).^IAH .S. WRI(;HT
Read mechcine with Hr. Thomas Spencer of i-'enner, X. V. He
was a liotanical physician c.nd surgeon of the Thomsonian school.
He came to Camden sometime in. 1830, and married Alarion.
daughter of C'urtiss Johnson, in 1838. She was iK^rn in 1816.
and died in 1840. Dr. Wright married Miss Maria Huel for his
second wife; after her death he married Lcrdiska W'heelock for
his third wife, who survives him. L^r. J. S. Wright died March,
1887. aged 76. He was a ])racticing ] Insician for manv vears.
One son was l)orn to him h\- his first wife, Curtiss T. Wriglit.
formerly of Camden, now of I'tica.
DR. JOHX A. SEEWIR.
Known as the Swiss doctor, came to this country in 1836, and be-
•cam.e a resident of Camden in 1837. We find in an old account
l)r. Iiihn A. .St-uwir.
book: "Rented the .Mad l\i\er house to the .Swiss doctor, March
I, 1837." The said hnuse was the one painted yellow, that was in
Till-: 7'on.v (>/■• i'.\'.ii)i:\. . ,
the valley near Conaut"s chair factory. Scmmi alter he hought a
house on Main Street, with liis office in ihe yanl, which goes by
the name of Dr. Seewir's office lo the present day hy some of the
old inhabitants. He first secured the confidence of tlie jK-ople,
and many years his i)ractice was large and remunerative, whicli
must have caused a little jealousy, as he freciuenlly had a notice
in the paper that some evil disposed person was acting as agent
without his consent. His oldest son. John, studied with his
father. He was a resident of Lawrence. Kansas, where he died.
The children were: Elizabeth Seewir. who died i'ebruarv \2.
1853, aged 23. Julius died in .Syracuse. -May 21. i<Sr)i. aged 25
years. Two children died in infancy. The only one living is Mrs.
Maria Cummings of Syracuse. Dr. |. .\. Seewir was Ijorn in
1798. and died Saturda\-, January 7. 1854. He was buried from
Trinitx' Church, the loth; sermon preached by Rew j. T. Har-
rison. Mrs. Seewir stirvived her husband thirty-two years. She
was also a native of Switzerland, and a lovely ty|)e of mother and
friend. The writer remembers the lovel\- flower garden that was
between the house and the of^ce, and this dear old lady diligently
working among her roses, in which she took so much pride.
Xow this same plot is used for beans or potatoes, which was
once a delight to the passers by. Mrs. Seewir died at her daugh-
ter Maria's in Syracuse: was brought to Camden lor burial, and
laid beside her loved ones, which ha<l gone before. Siie <Ued
August 8. i88d. aged 84.
DR. F. P.ROWX,
A physician from Asia, established an Infirmary on the tiiinl tloor
in the old Exchange lUiilding, in the fall of 1842. His stay was
short, for the lack of confidence in his .Asiatic treatment.
DR. Ror.ERT jA.Mll-.So.X
Was born in Paisly. Scotland. April 10. 1810. He turned his
attention to medicine, and graduated at (ila.gnu Cniversity.
June. 1833. where he received a prize for excelli.igv i„ his class.
He practiced in Paislv eight years. Through the influence of
some of his friends in his early boyhood days, who had come to
the new world, he sailed from Cdasgow on the Jtb of June. .842.
on the shin 'AX-andsworth.- landing \u Xew York Jtdy 2.,. W cut
494
PIONEER HISTORY OF
directly to Amboy. X. V.. among old acquaintaiices. where he
was very successful in several cases of severe sickness, which
paved his way for a successful practice in this village. He
settled in Camden, and then sent for his family in Scotland.
I
I )r Kohert jamieson.
Dr. Robert jamieson was married to Janet Wilson of Paislv.
June 26. 1836, in the West Relief Kirk, bv John Thomson min-
ister. May 29, 1843, Airs, jamieson with her children and
mother sailed from (dasgow on the shi]) "Caledonia," arriving
in Camden August 2=^. Their children were Sanniel, Matthew,
Jane, \\'illiam, I'dizabetli, Janet, I'dla, Marion and Agnes — only
foiu" living at the i)resent time. .Mrs. jamieson's father, Mr. ^^ il-
son. was a manufacturer of shawls at Raisly, and died there, his
Avidow came to this countr\ w iili her daughter, with whom she
spent the rest of her days. Dr. jamieson jiracticed in Camden 14
vears with great success, winning manv gratefid friends by his
skill in relief from all diseases. In the winter of 1857, on going
to visit a sick person in Florence in a severe snow storm, he con-
tracted a cold, settling on his hmgs, from which he never recover-
ed. Tie died in Xrw ^'ork, .August 24th, 185". and is buried in
the Jamieson family ])lot, (h'eenwood CenK'ter\-. Rrooklvn. X. Y.
II
77//; 7'oii.v or c \.\ii)i:\.
495
The four surviving (laughurs arc Jane, l-.lhi. l-:iizal)i-ili and Min-
nie, all of l')rookl\n, X. W
JUSEIMI (.AKI).\|-:k. ]\<., M. 1).
Bought out Dr. Ely, and was a physician and surge .n iit-rc l. -r a
number of years; he married .Miss I'otis n\ W illiani>tu\vn in
1847. To this place he removed, and made his permanent hunie.
Dr. J. Gardner. Sr., and wife lived lure for a few vcars. Thcv
emigrated from h^ngiand lo this country in iSj^i. willi 11 chil-
dren. They both died in ( )sceola .
HL'RLIlh:RT \\( )( )l)Uri"l". M. 1).
Was born in Watertown, Conn., April 1, 1S25. lie graduated at
Trinity College, Hartford, Conn., in 1847. '"i'' ibc same year was
married to Calista A])bott, in Trinit\- Ihurch, Xew Haven. Conn.
He removed to Xorth Salem, Westchester L"o.. .\. ^'.. and thc-re
commenced the practice of medicine. In 1851 he removed to
Camden, X. Y., and in com])any with Waller .Merrick opened the
first drug store in this village. He continued the practice of
medicine at Camden imtil his death, which occurrefl Xovembcr
2, 1881. Mrs. Woodruff was born in .Middlebnry, Conn., and
died in Camden Xovember 27, i8(j3. Their children are, Mrs. K.
A. \\'agner of Trov; Arthur, Homer and F.jjen of C"amden.
DR. JOSHUA TRACA"
(rraduated from (ieneva Medical College lA-brnary, 1845. He
has never been a ])racticing ])h_\sician here.
DR. IUCKI-( )K1)
Was born at Peterboro. Hillsboro Co., Xew Hampshire. He
graduated at the Xew York Medical College, and conunenccd
practice as a phvsician and surgeon in Camden, .May. 1851. where
he was successfullv emi,l.^ve<l until failing health obliged him to
retire In his professional emi)loyment he held several offices of
trust. He represented Camden in the I'.oanl of Supen-isors .n
1859 In 1861 he was appointed postmaster: this office he held
umil his death. He left a wife and two chil.iren: lus w,fe sur-
vived him 24 vears. His son Horatio died August. .884. Dr. A.
Bickford died September 4. 186.). aged 43 > ^'a-"^- ' ''^^ '^"'>^;;"^
retnaining of this fanuly is Mary, wife of Charles Wetn.ore. ^^ hen
496
PIONEER niHTORY OF
the Doctor moved to Canulen, liis fatlKT, mother, and brother
Sidney came with him, ar.d an ada])ted sister, now Mrs. Orson
Woods.
DR. ROBERT FRAZIER
Was born in the town of Bethlehem, Albany Co., X. V., l-'ebruary
7, 1817. and died in Camden May 10, 1891, after one week's ill-
Dr. Robert Frazier.
ness from broncho-pneumonia. His father, Robert Frazier, mar-
ried Mary Moore, of Scotch descent, at Bethlehem. Dr. Frazier
was graduated from the Vermont Medical Academy in 1838, and
immediateh- after conmienced ])ractice at McConnellsville,
Oneida Co., X. Y. Here he met Miss Theresa McConnell, whom
he married in 1844. In 1857 he removed to Camden, where there
was a w ider held of practice. Seven children were born to them,
one son and six daut^hters. The death of their only son and two
very brio^ht daughters was a heavy bereavment to them. Dr.
Frazier became a very influential man ; for twenty years he was
])resident of the Board of TMlucation. and also the ])residcnt o\
the first Board of Water Commissioners. He was of an intelli-
i^ent mind, an enthusiastic member of tlie lUirns Association. He
had a viu"or(ius intellect, and unccmnion memorv. As a man.
THE TOir.Y OF VAMDES. ^,
he was ui)nglil, sincere and hunest. and was held with hij,di es-
teem. His death was sudden, and tlic coinniunitv was unpre-
pared for the shock. The deatli of this truly vahiahle physician
was an event most deeply afflictive and ])ainful. His widow and
three daughters are residents of Camden, and one dau^jhtcr
resides in Rome. X. Y.
DR. McLAl(,HLl.\.
Pursued his studies, and graduated in Phila(leli)liia in 1867. and
was a practicing jWiysician here until his early death. ( )ct<)l)er
1887. aged 46. He left a widow and three children.
Since 1869 there have been several other i)hysicians that have
located in Camden, Dr. Turk. Dr. Scudder. now of Rome, and
two German doctors, and Dr. Jackson., now of I'airhault. Minn.,
and Dr. Stockwell.
Dr. G. A. Stockwell since his residence here has been a great
traveler, and was a writer for a magazine, and now is the editur
of a medical jotirnal.
DR. BRADY
Was graduated from Queen's College, Kingston, Canada, April,
1891, came to Camden June following. He now resides in Ro-
chester.
The physicians of the present time are: Dr. Leonard, who
came here in 1869. He was graduated from Miami College.
Cincinnati, Ohio. ^Nlarch 14, 1856. and has been a very successful
phvsician and surgeon.
DR. DUBOIS
Graduated from the University of Buffalo in 1866, commenced
practice here in 1869. and has his share of patronage.
DR. A. SMITH
Graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons. New
York City, and located in Camden, in 1880, where he practices
his profession.
DR. TOWSLEY
Graduated in New York College, became a resident of Canulen in
1887.
DR. BACOX
Graduated from Albany Medical College, settled in Cam.lcn May.
1887.
.3 J
498
PIONEER HISTORY OF
DR. BORLAXD.
Graduated from the Universit\ of the Cit}- of New York, came
to Camden jul_\-, 1895.
DENTISTRY.
The first record is from an advertisement in the first volume of
a Camden paper, 1842: "Dr. Herrington of Syracuse will remain
in Camden one week at Colton's Hotel for dental work.
June 22, 1842"
Doctor Wakefield, a dental surgeon, was here a few days.
1843. ^^i"- -^- ^- ^^'oodard came for a few days.
As earlv as 1852, Dr. A. T. \'an X'alkenhurgh was a permanent
dentist here; his oflfice was over Warren Mix's store on Main
Street. In the same paper it refers to his being Deputy Sheriff
of that } ear. Dr. \'an N'alkenburg was a resident here for many
vears. A few years ago he moved to Canastota. where he now
resides. His son, the onlv child living, has followed his father's
profession.
Dr. Otis Doten has been a practicing dentist for 2^ years.
i88t. Dr. H. F. Winchester had an office in l>arnes Block.
Several others have been here for a short time — Drs. Willard,
Heminway and Hungerford.
Dr. Alandeville came here in 1887, and remained nearl}' four
years, then returned to Adams, where he now resides.
Dr. Frank Miller, son of P. B. INIiller, graduated from Philadel-
phia Dental College in 1891 ; commenced practice here the same
spring; removed to Whitestown in i8(j5.
Dr. A'an Allen graduated at Philadelphia College in 1891 . came
to Camden from Canada June 5th of the same vear.
Dr. Budlong also graduated at Philadelphia in 1878; bought
out Dr. Miller in the fall of 1895, and removed here from Sandy
Creek.
LAWYERS.
The first in town as a permanent resident was Judge I. Stod-
dard. He was what they termed a pettifogger, trying small
cases. He was equal to the settlement of all strife and contention
that seldoiu appealed to courts for arbitration.
THE TOWN OF VAhlUES.
-iV'J
James Soulliworth was the first lawyer who came here prior
to 1824. After a number of years he removed to Illinois.
D. M. K. Johnson was born in Cazenovia in 1815. He eanie to
Camden soon after he was admitted to the bar, in 1837. lie re-
moved to Rome in 1844. Was a prominent law\ er in this sec-
tion.
James Abrams was here as early as 1841 or '42.
Jairtis H. Munger was born in Fenner, Madison Co., .\. V.,
October 7, 1812, died in Camden October 28, 1878. lie com-
menced to read law in 1837 \\''tli ij<^'nj. 1'. Johnson of Rome, lie
was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of this State in
1841. Not long after he came to Camden, and opened a law
of^ce with Elliot Stewart, and the firm went by tlie name of Mun-
ger & Stewart. Later we find that he had an office alone in the
Camden Exchange Building over Truman Spencer's hat store, in
August, 1843. Ii"" 1843 lie married Irene Gillette of I'Vnner. Mrs.
Munger lives with her daughter Mary. She married I'rof. Mas-
sey, now of Dunkirk, X. Y. Their two sons. Henry and Charles
Munger, are residents of Herkimer, X. Y.
Stephen Cromwell was admitted to the bar in Xew Wnk .^lau-
in 1844, located in Camden, and entered the office of 1 ). M.
K. Johnson. He succeeded, and conducted an extensive
business until 1887, wlien he retired. In 1845 he married
Jeanette, daughter of Elihu Gififord of West Camden. Three
sons were born to them: James. William and Charles. James i.s
the onlv one living, and resides in Glen Ellen, (."alifornia. Mrs.
Cromwell died in 1884. Mr. Cromwell married the second time
Mrs. Susan Owen of Utica. Mr. Cromwell died in i8t)5.
His second wife survives him. Among those who read law with
Mr. Cromwell were Tvers Monroe, L.J. Conlan, now one of the
Judges of Xew York City, Hon. Wm. 11. Steele .>f ( )swego, an<l
Geo. F. Morse of this village.
Ivers Munroe became a resident of this town in I8-^6. He en-
tered as a student the law office of Stei)hen Cromwell. Was
admitted to the bar in 1848, and entered into i)artnership with
his able instructor. The firm went by the name of Cronnveli &
Munroe for 20 vears. Mr. Munroe moved to Clinton. Iowa, and
remained there several vears. On account of impaired health.
^co riONEER HISTORY OF
he returned to this State, and settled in Oneida, where he still
resides.
Nelson Stevens was bom in 1827 in Connecticut, and died in
Seneca Falls in 1892. He was a resident of Camden for nian\
years. He learned the printer's trade, and did considerable
editorial work for our early papers. He occasionally contributed
articles under the noni de plume "J'>oz." He studied law with j.
H. Munger, was admitted to the bar at Oswego in 1849. in
1852 the name of the firm was Munger & Stevens, lie practiced
his profession in this county for nearly 20 years. He moved to
Lockport in 1867, and from there to Seneca Falls in 1884. He
married Hannah, daughter of Erastus Upson. She died in 1893.
leaving four children: L. B. Stevens of Buffalo, X. Y.; F. X.
Stevens, Tina and ]\Iamie of Seneca h^alls.
Kiron Carroll was born in Springfield, Otsego County. January
26, 1820. He graduated at Cnion College with honor, and
studied law with Judge Carey of Cherry X'alley. In 1850 he l)e-
came a resident of Camden, and practiced law for seven years.
He married a datighter of Ami Hinckle\' while here. .Subse-
quently he moved to Rome. He died suddenly while on his
way to take the early morning train from Rome to Camden to
attend the funeral of his l)rother, George K., to whom h.e was
very much attached. His wife and two sons survive him, and
are residents of Michigan. Kiron Carroll died January 5. 1878.
aged 57 years.
(leo. K. Carroll was l)orn in SpringheUl, X. \'., A])ril. 1832:
he became a resident of Camden in 1853. and entered the law
oi^ce of his brother, K. Carroll, as a student. He was admitted
to the bar*in 1855, and ])ractice(l law here over 20 years. \\ as
a member of the Assembly in 1872. lie married Cariiline
Linkfield in 1855. Mr. Carroll died very suddenly January 2,
1878, aged 46, leaving a wife and four daughters. Ada. Theresa,
(ienevieve and Grace. Ada married V. L. Wager of Rome.
Theresa married A. C. Woodruff, one of Camden's leading
lawxers, thev have two children, Carroll and Lawrence. Gene-
vieve married Prof. C. \'. Tarsell of Tthaca. (irace married A.
H. ^liddaugh of RochesUM".
There were other law\ers ])racticing here for a short time.
THE TO WN OF CA J/ 1) hS .
M. M. liakhviii, Hcniy (iai-l)cr. Win. i;. Williams. C liarlcs IJ.
Howell, Marvin Alillikcn, \ . \. Ik'ckcr. W. W. Harmon and
Egbert Moore. The present lawyers are A. ( . Woodruff. u|j.j
Avas admitted to the bar in lUiffalo in i<S73.
Hon. J. C. Davies was admitted to the bar in 1878. and located
in Camden the following- year, o])ened an office with l-"rank
lUullong-. The firm name was lUidlong & Davies. now it is
Davies, Johnson & Coville. Mr. Davies was elected to the As-
sembly in 1887. He is now Deputy Attorney (icneral. He
married Elma, daughter of j. (i. Dorrance, September <). i8«;o.
They have three children. Marjora, (iladys and Dorrance.
Hon. Russell Johnson was admitted to the bar in 1886. elect-
•ed to the Assembly in 1890 and 1891.
(ieo. T. Morse read law with Stephen Cromwell, and was
admitted to the bar in 1880. He married Jennie, the eldest
•daughter of the late John and Elizabeth Hume. ( )ctol)er 14.
1885. Mrs. Jennie Morse died May. 1895. leaving two little
■children. Hume and Alice.
P. H. Fitzgerald was admitted to the bar at r.inghamton.
September. 1888, and married Miss Anna Shanly in 1804.
George J. Skinner was admitted to the bar December. i8<;4.
He married Miss Shorey in 1895. He holds tlie office of Town
Clerk. 1897.
WATSOX SPEXCER.
Mr. Watson Spencer was another old resident of ("amden.
He was l)orn in \ermont in 179C'. Was the son of Mr. Israel
Spencer, a physician. At tht age of five years. Watson Spen-
cer came to Williamstown, Oswego County. X. Y.. with his
father. When ten years of age he came to Camden to reside.
making his home with a family name.l Warner. I'our years
later he took up the 1)hK-ksmith-s trade, in early manhoo<l he
married Caroline, daughter of Bartholomew Pon.l. and worke<l
at his trade with industry and success. Me lived in the house
on the east side of Main Street, which was many >ears later
purchased bv E. A. Harvey, and materiallv changed into a
larger and much finer residence. His blacksmith slv^p stood
near bv, and was eventually converted into a .bvelling. now
ro2 PIONEER HISTORY OF
known as the Nelson House. He continued in the lousiness un-
til 1862, when he retired from active life, with a well-earned
competency. His wife died during the year of 1838. The > ear
following- he married Miss Eliza Wilson of Camden. Her death
occurred in 1865. He married again in November, i8(16. Airs.
Mary Spencer of North East, Pa., who was left a widow the
second time, Mr. Spencer's death occurring in 1869, aged /T,
years. He left no children or descendants.
ALEXANDER WAUGH
Was one of the pioneers of Camden, emigrating here about 1800
from Connecticut, and located in the northern part of the town,
near what is known as the Bates District. His wife's maiden
name was Elizabeth Throop. Their children were all born in
Litchfield, Conn., Dan, Norman, Freeman, Irene, Rhod\', and
Elizabeth. Alexander W^augh and wife are buried in Hamilton,
N. Y. Daniel, his oldest child, married Irene Smedley in 1794.
and were among our early settlers. About 1811 he moved to
Lewiston, N. Y., where he died January 30, 1812. His wife
died in 12 days after, leaving eight children. The}" were brought
back to Camden by their uncle Norman, and found homes
among their relatives. Norman was the second son of Alexan-
der. He died at Scriba, New York, in 1821. k'reeman was
the third son of Alexander. He moved to Wisconsin. Gideon,
second son of Daniel, married Minerva Miner at Scriba. They
had 6 children. This family roved about, and in the vear 1833
they went in a sailing vessel from Oswego t(~> ()hio, and settled
in the northwestern part of the State. He was the third settler
in the town of Henrietta. A town was set off from Henrietta,
Gideon Waugh suggested the name of Camden in honor of
his early home in Camden, ( )neida County, .\. Y. His son
James, born August 24, 1833, was tlie ])i()neer bal)y of Camden.
Ohio.
chaiti-:r XIX.
UAXDS.
CAMDEN SAXHORN L5AX1J.
In the year 1855 men of nnisical talent were anxious for a
band. Mucli discussion arose as to the l)est ])hui for promoting
its organization. It was l^eHeved l)y th^se interested, tlial monev
enough could be raised among the citizens of the town, tu
equip it in a desirable manner. ( )ne evening, in the store of |.
D. Cavarly, several of tlie representative business men
were congregated, and the subject was renewed. < )ne
man said he would subscril)e liberally to the support
of the object. He was not a rich man, but generous.
Another blessed with pros|)erity and plenty, but care-
ful in S])ending his monev, considered that it would bt- per-
fectly safe to promise as much again as the first one would give.
Good, shrewd business men thought it wise to secure proof of
this promise, so repaired with him to a near-by law office. an<l
had his agreement put into legal fomi. In a (|uiet way estimates
of the amount necessary to properly ])rovi(le them with instru-
ments, music, &c., were made, and it was thought one hundred
and fifty dollars would be sut^cient. l-'ifty dollars of the amount
required was placed in the generous man's hands, and then one
hundred claimed from the other (more careful onet. It was
rather hard to give it up, but there was his written promise, and
do it he nnist, and did. Inunediately Mr. Clark .^perry was
chosen to go to New ^'ork to purchase necessary instruments.
It was enough to secure all but the "big bass drum." which Mr.
George Wood generously gave them as a private contribution.
It was organized under the name of the -Camden Saxhorn
Band." They secured the services of IVof. (perhaps J.xscph)
Arnott of I'tica, who was a comiioser. and instructor of the ( )1<I
Utica Rand. For a time they met for i)ractice at the store of
504
PJOXEEIi HISTORY OF
Jacob Wii^gins. where Drn'rance & Smith were in later years,
at tlie south corner of Main and Alexico Streets, owned by Ar-
temas Trowbridge. Xelson P). Stevens was tlieir leader. We are
pleased that through the courtesy of Messrs. John A. I'.ettis and
Joshau H. Tracv we can state these facts. We give members"
names and their instruments, as below:
First soprano, X. 15. Stevens: second soi)rano, J. H. Trac}';
third soprano, Wm. Ilird: hrst alti), Augustus Stone: second alto.
Jacol) Wiggins: tenor, Wm. Wells: baritone. A. T. \'an X'alken-
burg; bass, J. A. Bettis: double bass. R(l)ert Robertson: cym-
bals, Roswell Ballard.
They were told b\- George W. Wood tliat when they could
play their first time, without notes, they should be given a sup-
per at the hotel. This they soon accomplished, the number
being an arrangement of the "Marseillaise Hvmn." The\' were
accordingly dined at the liostelry of A. B. Hildreth. This was
the first "Saxhorn" band hereabouts, and created much interest
among the residents. ]\Ir. ^^"m. Bird's death was the first in the
ranks, and the organization attended the funeral in uniform.
the horn used by the deceased being placed u])on his casket.
Fitting selections were played in the march to and from the
cemetery, and pausing before his place of busin.ess in their re-
tiu-n, an appropriate farewell selection was rendered. In an old
record of the Congregational .Sunday School of 1856 it is re-
solved to "invite the Camden Saxhorn Band to join in a celebra-
tion the Fourth of July, and favor us with music."
A few years later changes were made. Mr. Wiggins and ]. .\.
Bettis removing to other localities: and facob Rush and C'harles
11. Ray filled their places. We co])\' from an issue of the "Cam-
den Jtjurnal" of 1862. the following, which does not agree as
to the age of the "Saxhorn Rand" with the statement we make:
"The Camden Saxhorn liand gave their 16th Annual IJand
])romenade concert. January. 1862. We imderstand the Saxhorn
Band have under consideration one or more ]iropositions to join
the army of the i'otomac."
We are right, however, in the date of its organization — T855.
The above mentioned promenade concert was a financial success,
and netted them fifty dollars, which was used for the purcliase
of a su])erior bass instrument, played by C. If. Ray.
THE TOWN OF (A SI I) EN. ^0^
June 6, 1861. Copied from a '■Journal" ni thai date, "'riic
Band! The band fairly outdid itself on Wednesday eveninj; last,
on the occasion (jf the departure of the vohuiteers. The execu-
tion of "Kver of Thee." elicited e>])ecial praise. The arran^'einent
of the piece being remarkably beautiful and artistic, was fuIK
sustained in its renderini:^ by the ])layers. ."Several other pieces
were liardl}- inferior in beauty and harmouv. .\fter the (U-par-
ture of the train llie l)and proceeded lo the Park, wiiere
played several tine selections, those mentioned amon;jj the inui:
ber. to the inunense gratification of a large concourse of listeiuT>.
We will be parcUmed for calling attention to the i)erforiner on
the small drum, xoung in years. btU advanced in pircepti«)n.
Scarcelv old or tall enough to sustain his instrument. Master
George llallard ])la\ed it in a manner that made practical drum-
mers envious. He is evidentl\ the gem of the organization.
Their deserved rei)utation is rapidlx extending. Their ability is
certainlv exceeded b\ no ban.d in Central \e\v \'ork. if we ex-
cept the I'tica Brass I'ard, and we are ])leased to notice a grow-
ing apprcciatic n abroad."
The Camden T.rass i'.and was a ceintirmalion of the Canulen
Saxhorn Hand, taking its i.ew rame in i8()i. The accom|)anying
illustrali( n was taken by 1'.. T. Hinckley. January 1. iS/k^. Its
members were as follows:
Charles R. I'.essee. Charles X. liihlreth. Willard W. Williams.
Theron I'helps. (;e(irge J. Williams. Chamicey i 'helps. Robert
Robertson, Wm. C. Wells, Augustus C. Wood. A. T. \ an
\'alkenburg. liriggs T. Hinckley. Jack Carrity. Jacl) Ku>h.
Wallace W. Mix and William I'ook.
In 1870 they procured new uniforms, at an expense of hity
dollars for each suit. To say that thev made a fine api.earance
is needless. Each one of the members was an accomplished
performer on his i)articular instrument, and ren<lere«l de-
lightful music. This v,as considered the most excellent bami
in Central and Xorthern Xew ^'ork. having fre(|uent calls to
Watertown. Pulaski, Oswego, Syracuse, an.l Rome, which latter
place called them for several years to play at the County l-'a.r—
a three davs" engagement each time. Central and Xorthern Xew
THE TOWX OF CAMDE.W
\ork, as well as L'anulcn, wtrc justly pnm.l ni tiif (. ain«k-n
Band, and no excursion or large celel. ration was coiisi.lered
complete unless it was in line. I':xcursions to the IIkuj-
sand Islands, as well as Oneida Lake, and I'renehnian's Island.
were favorite trips, and each sunnner the hand j^ave tlieir friends
opportunity to join them in visits to these well-known resorts.
Most appropriate for the occasion, when on an excursion to Lake
Oneida, was a selection played with rare good taste — ••Moon-
light on the Lake." This arrangement was a favorite number
with the Camden L.rass Band, and each member seemed to give
expression and feeling to his nuisic, making the whole charming
to listen to. After a few years several members moved from
town, and in 1881 the organization disbanded, to the regret of
all, and Camden was without a hand for many years.
In the summer of 1883 the Camden Cornet liand was organ-
ized with the folhnving membership and instrumentation: ( ieo.
H. Abbott, solo alto and director; W. J. Hull and Carl I')oeliler.
cornets; Edgar LHirst and Fred A. N'oorhees. altos; A. M.
Leonard and Henry I>ouck, tenors; (ieo. L. Traffarn. baritotie;
Joseph A. Hull and Riley AL Rush, basses; C. S. Parke, small
drum; Albert E. Gunther, l)ass drum. To this membership
was added within a year or two. W'infred I-"-, and Martin L. Jones.
cornets, and Geo. H. Rush, tenor, the latter taking the ])lace of
A. \l. Leonard, who thereafter played ]nccolo.
After a successful existence of five or six \ears. the organiza-
tion died a natural death, the moving from town of several of
the members contributing to its collapse.
In 1886 the late C harles H. Ray organized and directed for a
few weeks wdiat was later christened the Camden I'.rass I'and.
\vith the following membership and instrumentation; Charles H.
Ray, E flat cornet and Director; Lewis E. Smith. L. flat cornet:
Howd B. Rush. John K. Littler and Chas. A. Thompson, altos;
Frank Mover and A. H. I'ercival. tenors; Richard Collins, bari-
tone; Benjamin Jackson, \\illiam Hynes and Horace J. Rush.
basses; Clark I. Afeeker, small drum; Charles W. Graves, bass
drum; John H. Cook, solo I! flat cornet; and T. A. Farnsworth.
B flat clarinet, joined the band a little later, and the following
winter George L. TrafTarn was engaged as solo comet player
5o8
PIOXEER HISTORY OF
and director. This organization had a hfe of three or four
years, when it followed in the wake of its predecessors, leaving-
yet another set of instruments, uniforms and accoutrements as
monuments to its memor}'.
In the earl}- 9o"s a band was organized, the membership being-
confined exclusively to members of the local lodge of the Order
of United American ]^Iechanics. This band, however, was
short-lived, and never attained to any considerable proficiencv,
mainly through lack of interest on the part of the members.
In 189 — the Camden Military liand was organized l)y W. J.
W'inchell, who directed it for a time, being succeeded b}' Fred
Anson. In July, 1895. the band secured the services of George
L. TrafYarn as director, and has retained him in that capacity
up to the present time (1897). The membership and instru-
mentation is now as follows: George L. Trafifarn, solo P> fiat
cornet and director: Sperry !>. Snow, solo i» fiat cornet: Charles
( iil)bs and William Sanford. E Hat clarinets: A. Rayniond, 1!
rtat clarinet: S. \\. Hinckley, John Daly and Leonard \'an
Winkle, cornets: Charles Edic, P^arl Randall. William Rush
and Clinton 1 'helps, altos; Cieorge H. \\'ilHams and Robert II.
Robertson, trombones; \\illiam Tabor, baritone; Joseph H.
()rr and Robert E. Robson. basses; Edw^ard St. Alary and Clar-
ence Doten, drums. The following are additional officers, elect-
ed annnallv: Secretarv, J. H. ()rr; Treasurer, Charles Edic:
Executive Committee. Charles Edic. Charles Gibbs, R. I".
Robson.
This is an organization of the young men of the town, who
play exceedingl}- well. The weekly concerts in the village park,
given on Monday evenings, from the band stand (erected l)v the
enterprising ladies of Camden in 18^5). are occasions of rare
enjoyment, attracting- large, enthusiastic crowds of listeners,
who arc ])roud of the musical talent Camden ]:)Ossesses. Chil-
dren gather in large numbers, and with them it is a gala day —
a time when they can give play to their youthful spirit, dancing
about to their hearts' content, the music giving time and anima-
tion to their steps, ^^'e trust this organization may enjoy a long
life.
CHAITICR XX.
xi-:\\si'An-:Rs.
The first newspaper published in L'ain<leii. s.. far as \\c have
learned, was called the -(. aniden ( iazette," and its editc^r. ]'.. (..
Hatton. The ])aper was a weekly i)ul)lieati()n, the hrst issue May.
1842, and the office in the huildino- called ••Spencer's Camden
Exchange." It was quite a live i)ai)er for the times. Tliere was
not much of personal mention, in the numbers we have seen.
We have copied such articles as seemed of interest. The
first colunm was devoted to advertising- the sheet, and the sec-
ond contained matter as follows:
"The Muse's Uower."
"It is the gift of poetry to hallow every place in which it
moves; to breathe around nature an odor more ex(|uisite than
the perfume of the rose; and to shed over it a tint ninre magical
than the blush of the morning."
Then follows an article which we believe to be of local historv.
in the form of a story of some romantic interest; but lacking the
papers containing the begiiming and the end. we can n<it give
it, as we would like to do. Then follows a colunm of matter
on husbandrx . In the ladies' department is an able, original ar-
ticle t^n music. A (piotation from Shakesjjeare introthices the
subject, which is treated in a maimer showing the writer to have
been of no ordinarx intellect. It gratifies us to know and give
the name of the author — .Xelson I'>. Stevens. •"Iloz" his nom de
])lume. The second ])age is of foreign and .American news: one
cohmm, however, devoted to local matters, which could not have
interested Mr. Hatton's local reporter deeplx'. <ir else there wa;:
nothing to mention. \\'e .give the only one we find.
"Found — Last Monday night a poor drunken loafer picked up
in the street — no 'sense' in his head, no 'cents' in his pocket,
powerful 'scent' to his breath, 'sent' to tlie penitentiary."
Camden in those far-away days had a spirit of enterprise and
pride, as will be seen from the column we f|uote:
5*'
PIONEER HISTORY OF
" (Jur Success — Business — Camden — Its Neatness — Spring —
Rides — Ladies, etc., etc."
"Scarcely had the sun of our hopes — bright though it may be
— dared to anticipate such splendid schemes of success, as have
in reality crowned the issue of the first numl^er of our 'Gazette.'
Although we printed a large edition, we found it necessary to
refuse to sell single copies within a few hours after the edition
was worked off, and we have now in the office ])arel}- a liundred
copies, which will not more than suffice the demand of new
subscribers the present week. This exceeds our most visionary
expectations, and we are compelled to believe that the folks in
otir goodly village of Camden are as public spirited as those in
any part of the world; and as we have in us the elements of suc-
cess, there is no doubt but that our jM-esent enterprise will be a
triumphant one. Business channels are getting a little more
clear, and money a little easier. Our merchants have been doing
a brisk business since the arrival of their spring supplies, which
has called to the village many of the surrounding farmers, whose
visits are sensil)ly felt in the ])Ockets of many of our business
men, and instead of the elongated visage and care-dinmied eve
with which we have been wont to meet for months p'd^t. we are
greeted at every turn by faces ilhuninated 1)\- the light of smiles,
beaming with the cheering rays of hope, and bearing the impress
of anticipated prosperit}-. S]:)ring is fairlv upon us — her
pleasures, her anxieties, her flowers, her tears, have all in their
turn held rule over our senses, and we are now in the blooming
laj) of May. (irass is as large as it was twenty days later last
year, and fruit trees are in their gayest drapery. Farmers are
getting on finely with their spring work, and silver-tongued hope
])romises the husbandman another abundant harvest. The wheat
crop looks particularly favorable, and grass, if the weather con-
tinues its assistance, must come in very heavy. Our \'illage. per-
haps never looked better than it does at jiresent. Everything
in the shaj^e of rubbish has vanished before the pride of its citi-
zens, vacant lots have been converted into beautiful gardens;
by-places into grass-plots, the old fashioned post and rail have
given way to the tasty, oj)en work, ornamental fence, and all
objects in art whereon old time has left the prints of his finger,
have been rendered new by the painter's art. The shade trees
THE TOWN OF CAMDES.
which hue hu' walks arc pvnini- l.irtli ihcir hriiad leaves ol grccii
and crimson; and a ihuusan.l -raiclul udorsarc showered from
the l)lossoni-ci)vcrc<l occupants (.! her garden lawns. The car
of improvement has received a new impulse, and no part of the
village susceplil)Ie nl being bettered by its touch ha> been
suffered to go unnoticed.
With spring comes a tlujusantl pleasures and recreations,
beautiful only in their season. A ride on horseback is not
among the least of these; we mean with half a dozen voung
ladies — to rise with the sun, and outstrip the gale in si)ee(l on a
gay courser through some neighboring field, o'er the moist ant!
dustless earth, ere the sun has dried the jjearK' locks of nmrning
in his beams. Ihen we meet natin-e unmarred bv the haml of
man — and in the glittering dew-droj), the song of l)irds. tlie
gush of streams, and the sweet harmony of nature, we fmd food
for reflecticju. The benefits of such recreations are mnnerous — •
besides their jjromoting a healthful circulation of the fluids, and
producing more decidedly the secretions of the system, it gives
one more vigor for business, and pre])ares the mind for ni<ire
arduous duties. It softens and cultivates the finer feelings of nur
nature; makes smooth our rugged as])erities; dissipates the
temptations of folly, and the deafening clash of interest gives way
to an influence which our grosser senses may not investigate.
A\'alking. perhaps, wotdd answer most of these i>in-pose>; but
then, there is no poetry in walking, and besides, every U)afer
walks; we want something full of life, gayety, animation— where
the zephvr's most trifling touch causes e.xcitement. I'.nt in ri-
ding do not permit your horses to ])ace; were it not for taking air
vou might as well be at home, or in your counting room, or
office, as to travel at this unnatural, lounging gait. Those who
are too much confirmed in their attachment to such easy mo-
tions as are produced by a pacing horse, had better stay at home
and swing on a gate. Take this advice, and you will enjoy health
and a clear conscience. The gentlemen will make better beaux.
and better husbands; the ladies be prettier and make UM^rc agree-
able companions." (Ed.)
In T847, April, much space is given in the "Gazette" to the
subject of intemperance; and we conclude public feeling must
^2 PIOSEKR HISTORY OF
have been ver\" strong" against license. An article on scandal was
written for this paper. W'e give the clipping in Inll.
'■JYivate scandal should never be received and retailed willing-
Iv, for though the defamation of others may, for the present,.
gratif\- the malignitv or pride of xour heart, vet cool reflection
will draw very disadvantageous conclusions from such a disposi-
tion. In scandal as in robbery, the receiver is always thought as
bad as the thief. ( ), think of this, you who assemble together to
injure and defame the character of your neighl)or, remember
the e\e of (iod is upon yi)U. and for all these things He will soon-
er or later bring \ou to judgment."
In 1844 and 1845 \^"^' *^'i*' ^'i*-' "^-Jazette" edited and published
by Munger & Stewart.
In 1847 the "Camden Ciazette'" was published l)y K. M. Hig-
bee, a com])lete file of that paper being in existence. It contains
but few local items, its colunms being devoted to foreign news,
and that of our (jwn countr\-. which com])are favorably. I-'very
number has the latest news of the Mexican war, which was a
topic of interest to the whole ccnmtry. .\t this time many meet-
ings were called for the purpose of building a ])lank road from
Rome to ( )swego. and the railroad from Rome to ( )swego was
an assured fact.
\'an Amberg's circus was also ad\ertised in one number, but
no subsequent mention is made of it, so it |)robably tlid not a])-
pear. In 1848 it was ])ublished by I-jlwin I'ickard and Henry
Hill, who in the same \ ear dissolved copartnershi]), Mr. Higbee
resuming the business. In a Sejjtember issue, 1848. a meeting-
was announced as follows: "'A meeting of the stockholders of
ihe office of the "Camden Cazette" will l)e held on the 28th
instant, at 7 o'clock I'. Al.. at said office. .\. full attendance is
])articularl\- reciuested, as special business will be brought before
them."
In 1849 the "(Jneida Mirror" was ]mblished by ICdward
Pickard. In 1852 the "■Xorlhern Light" was edited and imb-
lished by Ira D. Rrown. W'e give his message to the people of
this vicinity:
"To the readers of the 'Xorthern Light.' — The connection of
the undersigned with this i^aper closes with this nimiber. The
causes which have led me to withdraw from the 'Light' arc
77//; TOW.S OF (AMiUJ.S.
pretty well known to the readers lliereol. an<l furllier explaiialiuii
is unnecessary. In taking leave of my readers, and of Camden,
1 have no regrets to express, except that the connecti(jn I liavc
had with this paper has not proved more gratifying to my read-
ers, and more profitahle to myself. 1 am not hy])ocrite eiiuiigli
to rettini thanks for the patronage which has been l)estowed
upon me, when J think uo thanks are due. The most of those
who have patronized me have done so only because they could
not help it, and paid me only because they were obliged to. Still
it must not be forgotten that a few faithful friends have stood by
me during my brief sojourn here, and rendered me all the as-
sistance in their power. It is now jviinful to part with those
friends, and 1 shall remember them with gratitude so long as I
live. The 'Light' will be hereafter published by Merritt & Stone,
two voung printers whom I earnestly recommend to the citizens
of Camden as every way deserving of better treatment than I
have had. The editorial department will be conducted by N.
B. Stevens, Esq., a gentleman for whose abilities I have a high
regard. It is probable then that this change will please the
majoritv of mv readers, and that they will have no cause to regret
mv withdrawal. Hoping this may be the case. I bid them fare-
well. l''<'i '^- r.rown.
Camden, June ii. 1852."
Thiscopv is from the twenty-sixth iuuul)er of X'olume birst. so
his editorship in Camden was brief. We find in an issue of the
"Camden Freeman" of 1862, that "because of ill health he is
about to sever his connection" with some ( )swcgo paper, and
going south in search of health.
"Camden Courier."— E. O. I-arrell, editor. October i85.v
In 1 86 1, "The Monitor," by E. Henderson.
"Camden Freeman."— L. Henderson, editor. March. 1862.
"Camden Freeman."— C. Sink, edit-^r. July 17. iShj.
"Camden Freeman."— E. Henderson. Editor. July 24. 1862.
"Camden Journal."— J. H. Mungcr. March, 1864.
"Camden Xews."— Ciles and Franklin, editors. March 27.
1867.
From different issues of 1848 we take ^ome notices and items:
, , , I'WXEER HISTORY OF
■■\\ hcreas in\' wile has left ni\- bed and board without cause
or provocation, and 1 forbid any person harljoring or trusting
her on my account, as 1 shaU pay no debts of her contracting,
nor allow any to harbor her. — Parley Draper.
Camden, August 14, 1848."
In several advertisemenis and articles this vicinity is called the
"hish Creek Nation."
Camden, August 28, 1848.
J borrowed, from the residence of the subscriber, while he
\ as away on a visit between the i/th and 24th of this month, a
new wood-saw , and if the borrower has got his job done, please
return the same, and he shall be rewarded in the next world, if
not in this. Mine instead of yours. John Sanford."
"I'osgate's Cordial, an effectual remedy for many ills, for sale
by I''. Snow."
"Travelers may now go from P>oston to \\ ashington. 1). C, in
tliirty-seven hours." — 1842.
In the "Camden Freeman" of 1861, in June, we find the fol-
lowing: "We can not avoid being enraptured with our l^autiful
shade trees. They gracefull}- arch every street, and shade ever\-
desirable walk in the place. Majestically lifting their heads over
the neat white cottages beneath, silently throwing out their ten-
der shoots towards the warm simshine, growing with our growth.
but becoming more beautiful and strong as we become wrinkled
and infirm, they stand noble and worthy monuments of our de-
parted friends. New supplies and tender care by us will be grate-
fullv remembered by those who come after. We could not do
without our beautiful maples. Deprive us of them, and nature
would be shorn of her smiles. Take away the mantle of a
bountiful Providence, and our village would be left naked and
forbidding."
In 1864 T. H. Munger established the Camden Journal, and
continued it till his death in 1878. when his son. Charles S..
conducted the business till its consolidation with the "Camden
Ad\'ance" in 1883, the ])ublijsher. W. C. Stinn', Mr, Munger re-
moving to 1 krkimer. The Advance-Journal is a bright sheet,
newsv. interesting, and up to date in every way. It was es-
tablished 1)y ^\r. Stone in 1873, and is at present the only pub-
lication we ha\e in the newspaper line.
THE rOWN uF CAMUEN. 515
in the winters of i860 luul '61 a course of lectures was given —
talent contributed by professional men of the town. All desiring
to sustain the course gave the modest sum of twenty-tive cents
to become members of the association. We regret that we can
tind no list of lecturers. In December, 1861, a course of lectures
was arranged for '61 and '62, and from a i)ai)er of that date we
take as follows:
"We are happy to announce that the executive committee of
the association have secured Curtiss Hall, and made all nece^-
sarv arrangements for an attractive course of lectures here dur-
ing the winter; and we hope and believe the public will show
their appreciation of this effort to furnish them with literary en-
tertainment, and profit, by greeting with overflowing liouses
the several lecturers who generously contribute of their time
and talent to sustain the course. Notices will be given of speak-
ers from time to time.
Ambrose Curtiss, Fres. X. 1'- Stevens, Sec'v."
Opening Lecture by the
1. Rev. Lemuel Clark, January 6, 1862. at 7 o'clock. Subject.
-The Distinctions between Automatic Excellence and
Moral Desert."
2. I. Parsons Stone. January 11, 1862. Subject, "Culture.-
3. Rev. C. Sink, January 15, 1862. Subject--Modern Spirit-
,ualism."
4 Dr Robert I-'razier. la.n.ary 23. '862. Subject-"Mcrit.-
5. Hv,gh McCabe. January zg. i8d2. Subject-"Liboral S,„.b,-
in Relation to tlie Wants of a I'ree State.
6. Stephen Crontwell, I-ebrnary ;. ,86.. Subject--l'."rr an,l
Hamilton."
7 Rev G B. Rowlev, l-ebruary, 1862.
g' J. H. Munger, March 3. i^^-'- Subject-"Thon.as leffers..,,:
His Life. Services and Opinions."
The men spoke to crowded houses, an.l the associatio,, ntc.
expenses, we are glad to say. Of two loctnrers n, the cours. o,
ten we have no mention.
5i6 PIONEER HISTORY OF
J'O.sr (OFFICE.
The post-t)ffices of the L'nitecl States were located at accessible
points. Frequently small villages were granted postal facilities;
the mails were transjDorted in sulkies or on horseback until the
use of coaches. In 1807 the first post-of^ce in Camden was
established, and the appointment given to Timothy Wood; he
held the office 2;^ years. The next postmaster was George
h'erris, who was appointed in 1830; at that time postage on let-
ters was 18 cents. The office was then and for a number of years
afterwards accommodated in the stores of the office holders.
Mr. Ferris' store and the office was where G. vShepherd's grocery
store is now. He lived in a little yellow house nearly opposite.
The next postmaster was Hiram j. Miner; he was succeeded b\-
W'm. R. Paddock; next S. H. Hinckley; then Ambrose Curtiss.
Aaron Stone received the next appointment; then Dr. A. Bick-
ford, afterwards Martin Tipple and wife held the office 12 years.
The office was removed wdiere it has remained through several
appointments, to the present time by Reman Snow. His deputy
was Judson X. Strong. After holding the office four vears.
James Owen succeeded; then the next posmaster was Briggs
Hinckley. D. Crimmins is the present postmaster.
ciiAi'-ri-:k wi.
MASOXIC LO I )(;!•:.
September 9. 1816, riiilaiUhroi)ic Lodge, Xo. 188, 1-". & A.,
was organized under a charter from the ( iraiid Lodge of Xew
York, of which De Wilt Chnton was (irand Master, by whose or-
der Right Worshipful I5rother Joseph Enos. (i. \'., installed the
following officers: Oney Hines. W. M.: Asa T. Smith, S. W.;
Joshua Ransom, J. \\'.; Heman Uyington, Treasurer; Lyman
Mathews, Secretary; Joel Rathbun and W'm. West. Stewards;
Wni. Hempstead, Aaron Bailey, Deacons; Jeremiah Merrels.
Tyler. Brothers present, Warren i'>eac]i. Asa Harnes. Linus
Sanford. Voted that the Tyler receive 50c. a night for attendance,
also 50c. for every candidate initiated. \'oted that the time of
opening Lodge shall be on the Thursday preceding the full moon
in every month, at 2 o'clock P. M., and close at 7 o'clock 1'. M.
Lodge closed in due form. Among the names of the brothers of
that year we find Dr. Samuel l'>eeman, Ezekiel Cady. Elijah
Eggleston, Joshua (Godfrey, Joel I!, .^mith. Wm. Plumb, John
Kinne, Stephen H. Kinne, Oliver Kinno, Warren Deach. F.lijah
Perkins, Elisha Parke, Reuben Smith, Sanuiel W. Johnson, Jesse
Penfield. During the year 18 16 the Lodge had no regular place
of meeting. The body often met in private houses in Camden.
A'ienna and Taberg, until June, 1817. at which time they had
permanent quarters in a chamber of P.r. Ileman Uymgton s
tavern, where they continued to meet until the spring of 1818.
when they removed to a room in the tavern of Ranney Parke.
located where B. A. Curtiss' store now stands. In .Xpril. 1820.
the Lodge donated $10 towards the erection of the M. E.
Church. Among the names of its members at tliis time is Sam-
uel W. Johnson. RetdxMi Smith. ( iaston (".. Comstock. David \.
Castle, Warren Preston, Dr. Daniel Chatt^eld (and later. 1827 to
1834), Israel Stoddard, Lyman Curtiss. Dr. II. C Torbert. and
Artemas Trowbridge, who was for several years W. M. of the
Lodge. Chas. Trowbridge was also W. M for two years.
In 1820 Antimasonry was rampant here: meetings were se-
5'8
PIONEER HISTORY OF
cretlv held in private houses. The last three initiations before the
Lodge closed its doors was in the brick tavern of Albert Phelps,
below the village. In 1849 the Lodge reopened for instruction.
The first time the Lodge opened under a dispensation from the
Grand Lodge was April 5, 1850, for the purpose of attending
the funeral of Br. Wm. Plumb. The first initiation under the
dispensation was that of H. H. Frisbie, who removed to Ken-
tucky. July 24th of same year was the first communication held
under the renewed warrant from the most worshipful Grand
Lodge of the State of Xew York. The Lodge number was then
changed to 164, and since then it has had a steady healthy
growth. Gaston G. Comstock was the first member buried be-
longing to this Lodge, witli ^Masonic honors, in 1818.
ANCIENT LODGE I. O. O. F., NO. 154.
This organization was instituted May 7th, 1845. ^^'i^'^ ^^^^ ^o^"
lowing ofificers: Noble Grand. Aaron H. Thompson; \'ice Grand,
Rufus Byington; Quarterly Sec, Orange Dayton; Permanent
Sec, Aaron Stone; Treasurer, David Sears.
According to records, the lodge was abandoned in 1856. The
present Lodge of Odd Fellows, No. 718, was instituted October
II, 1894. Membership at the present time 54.
ROYAL ARCANUM.
Instituted August 22, 1889. Present membership 61.
THE ORDER OF AMERICAN MECHANIC, NO. 65.
Instituted June 8, 1892. Present memliership
THE K NIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
Instituted January 16, 1895. Present membership 46.
KNIGHTS OF MACCABEES.
Instituted September, 1895. Present membership 40.
1MPR()\ k:r) ORDER OF RED MEN.
Instituted May 9th, 1895. Present membership 31.
TUE TOWW or r.lMDlJS.
CORALLIXI-: S( )(li:iN'.
One of the oldest literary societies of the town, if not the tirai
ever organized in Camden, whose membership consisted entirely
of ladies, was the Coralline Society. ()i\ the evening of i-"cbruary
1, 1866, an informal meeting was held at the residence uf J. II.
Alunger, Esq., on Church Street, for the purpose of forming a
literary society. ( )ne week later, a complete organization was
elTected, fourteen young ladies becoming members. 'Ihe} >e-
lected the name of Coralline Society, gaining knowledge as the
coral increases, little by little. Miss I'Mora Potter wa-^ elected
President, Miss Cynthia Tuthill \'ice President. Mi.'is Sarah
Phelps Secretary, Miss Augusta Scjuires Assistant Secretary,
Miss Libbie Jameson Treasurer. From the Secretary book we
copy the following: "The object of this organization is to accjuire
that most valuable accomplishment, reading aloud, and purify
our taste in literature, and to actjuaint ourselves with the stand-
ard authors of the day." After tlie meetings were formally
opened, some one who had been appointed to that otifice. would
read from "Irving's Life of Washington" part of the evening,
and the rest of the time was spent reading "Ivanhoe," with a
sociable time to discuss the matter read. In later meetings, other
works were read, both prose and poetry, and the time thus spent
was foimd to l^e l)oth profitable and enjoyaljle.
The membership increased mitil 34 names were on the roll
call. They were all enthusiastic workers, and gave many enjoy-
able entertainments for the purpose of raising funds to establish
a loan library, and to conduct a lecture course. Some of tlu-
finest talent in the lecture field at that time appeared before a
Camden audience, under the auspices of the Coralline Society.
The course was opened for the winter of 1866-67 by the Rev.
Henrv Millburn. the blind preaclu-r: his subject was -What a
blind man saw in England.- January 3, 1867. I.. M. liovKt
lectured on "Hits of the Times." January 24. Prof. Cp.M.n of
Hamilton College delivered a lecture, and the last of the course
for the season was given by L. J. P.igelow. whose subject was
"Heroic Womanhood." The following winter Prof. I'pson was
again engaged to deliver one of the course. P.. F. Taylor's name
appears as one of the lecturers. Mr. Pierson gave an illus-
520
I'lOSEER HlHTOin OF
trated lecture, taking for his subject "School from the Scholars'
Side." A. D. Shaw delivered one of the course. Anna Dickinson
was also engaged for March lyth, but on account of a severe
snow st(.rni she was luiable to reach Camden, so the lecture was
postponed until April 13th. WOodin's Hall was engaged for her
lecture, and it was a large audience which greeted her, as she
stepped upon the platform. wShe generousl} gave back the sum
of 25 dollars to the ladies" treasur)-.
This society also established a loan library, and from time to
time added books as they accunudated funds for that purpose.
At the first it was located in the je\velr_\- store of Robert John-
son for several months. Librarians were ai^puinted frcjm the
memljers of the society, and it was opened at stated intervals to
the public. The charge was five cents per week, and two cents
a day additional for all iDooks kept over two weeks. Later it
was placed in the store of (iambic & L'pson, where the post-
ofifice was located. July 30, 1868, it was moved to (ieorge Al)-
bott's store, and A. W. Abbott engaged as librarian. At that
time the library consisted of one hundred and sixteen volumes.
After the churches burned, in 1867, many of the charter mem-
liers were actively engaged in church work, which occu])ied
nearly all of their time, and their interest in the Coralline So-
ciety diminished. New members joined to take their i)laces,
but in 1868 few of the original names ap])eared on the roll call,
and during that }'ear the society died a natural death, the books
being divided among the remaining meml)ers. ( )nly seven of
the names recorded in the secretary's book are still living in
Camden, viz.: Miss Clara Curtiss, Emily Shepherd More, Helen
Abbott IMann, Carrie Phelps Conant, Charhitte Johnson Gam-
ble. Emma 1 'helps I-^risbie, Susie McGuinn Aird. Xine have
passed away from earth, and the rest are scattered in different
localities.
THE CA^fDEX LTRRARY ASSOCIATIOX
Was formed December 6. 1890. The towns-i)e()])le had for some
time felt the need of a l'ul)lic Loan Library. In response to a
call thn ugh tlie ■■Ad\ance-J(Uu-ual" (the village i)aper), asking
all ladies interested in an organization of the kind tt) meet at the
home of Mrs. W. T. .^te\-ens. some fort\' ladies resi)on(led.
77//; 7'Oir.V OF (AMI IKS.
A brief statciiK-iU of the toriiiatioii oi .such orjjanizaiioiis was
given by Mrs. W . J. 1 risbie. after wliicli Mrs. (.'. II. ( iuik- was
chosen chairman, and Miss Annie Slianley secrelarv pro. tcni.
The foUowino- officers were elected by baU.it to liold ofticc one
year :
President. Mrs. l-'Jizabeth T. I'ikc; Nice I'rc'sident. i>t. Mrs.
W. T. Stevens: \ice President. 2d. Mrs. Jan*.- !•". Willianis;
Secretary, Miss Tessie M. Durr; Treasurer, .Mrs. .\1. I'.. ( )sborn.
An executive connnitlee was also chosen.
Being" organized without either money or books, it was de-
cided that by the ])aynient of Si a \ lar each lady l)ecanie a mem-
ber of the Association. Thirty-nine ladies became memln-rs.
List of members from December i, 1890. to December 1,
1891. — ]\Irs. Martha S. Adams, Mrs. Ida I'.. I'.ecker. Mrs. Ella
S. Conant, Mrs. Caroline \\ Conant, Mrs. ( irace .S. C'ook, Mrs.
Susan C). Cromwell, Mrs. I'hiloma W. Curtiss, Mrs. (Irace S.
Case. Mrs. Elma D. Davies. Mrs. ICnnna 1". Dorrance, Mrs.
Ellen L. Dorrance, Mrs. Nancy E. Edic. Mrs. .\ellie I), l-lwart.
Mrs. Emma P. Frisbie. Mrs. Charlotte J. Gamble, Mrs. Caroline
P. Harvev, Mrs. Mame II. Harding. Mrs. Phoebe I. Miller.
Mrs. Maria 15. ( )sborn, Mrs. Irene .\. Stevens, Mrs. Li<la 'T.
Stoddard, Mrs. Jane S. Strong. Mrs. Jane E. Williams. Mrs.
Mary A. Stansfiekl. Mrs. Harriet M. I'lielps. Mrs. lontella H.
Farnsworth, Miss Tessie ^I. Durr, Miss Lelah Miller, Miss .An-
nie Shanley, Mrs. Lois S. Kendall, Mrs. Jennie 11. Morse. Mrs.
Elizabeth T. Pike, Mrs. Clara H. Stoddard. Mr>. Louis;i \V.
Stone, Mrs. Helen H. Wolcott, Mrs. Julia C. Vp^nn. Mrs. I Li-
en A. Mann, Mrs. Etta S. Gunther, Mrs. T'.llen 1'. Dorrance.
The organization met with much encouragement. The public
saw the ladies were thoroughly in eamest, and realized what the
work was they had undertaken. Mrs. Ennna I'. I'risbie contri-
buted the first books, 13 in number: others followed with gifts
of books. 80 volumes were contributed by W. C. Stone from
his loan library. (This gift was very encouraging to the ladies,
and received by them with great ])leasurei. .\n additional num-
ber was donated from the Presbyterian S. S. Library. These
had been put aside for want of new binding, which were soon
placed in shape for loaning. A book social at the home of Mrs.
522
FIOXJJIJR lUSTORY OF
Irene X. Stevens added a nunil)er more. The ladies, upon eon-
sultation, decided tliat tlie organization were in possession of a
sufficient number of volumes to put them in circulation. August
I, i8yi. 218 volumes were upon the shelves, and on this date the
room in I). A. Curtiss l)lock (back of the hall stairs) was o])ene(l
to the public. The furnishing of the room was lent b} the mem-
bers. The book shelves borrowed from the Al. E. parsonage.
December 6, i8yi, by individual gift, the number of vc^lumes
had increased to 549. The ladies have worked with much zeal,
and at this date the association has deposited to its credit in
Savings Bank, toward a building fund, $500.95. This fimd is
the economical earnings of cents, nickels and dimes. October,
1894, the library having outgrown its little room, took quarters
in larger rooms across the street, in the Opera House Block,
and in January, 1896, removed to permanent quarters in the
New Town Hall. From the report of Mrs. (jrace S. Case (the
efficient librarian since August, 1894) the number of volumes
on the accession book, including papers bound, is 1422. Circula-
tion of volumes for the year 1896 — 11,822. Average weekly cir-
culation, 226 volumes. The present flourishing condition of the
library is the result of earnest hard work by the ladies of the
Association. ])articularl} the former librarian (Mrs. Grace S.
Case), and is looked upon with pride by all citizens of Camden.
I'Tillowing are the list of officers elected at the last annual meet-
ing, Jul\ 2. 1897: President, Mrs. Xancy E. Edic: Alee Presi-
dent, Mrs. M. Tipple; Secretary, Mrs. H. L. Borland; Treasurer,
Airs. W. J. E. \"an Allen. During the year 1894 the library was
l)laced under the State Regents at Albany, making it free.
CURTISS HALL.
After the tire of 1863. which destroyed the east side of Main
Street, Hastings F. Curtiss, one of our most prominent and pub-
lic spirited townsmen, erected a brick block, and finished the
second stor\ as a hall for public use. i'rior to this, the upper
room in the old Town Hall had been used for entertainments, as
well as for various other purjioses. The new Hall was far
superior to this, and was considered a spacious room, and
adequate to the needs of the town. Mr. Curtiss generously
donated tlie use of it many times for church purposes. Some
TUE TOWN OF VA.\IIH:.\.
5»3
of the fiiicsl lalciu in ilio coiicltI and Icctnrc- fields appeared
upon this stage, and clioice and appreciative auiHeiices liave aN-
senibled before them.
'J'inie can never efface from the memnrv of the older peii|)le
of the present generation, the many enjoyable social gatherinjis
held here, the fairs, festivals, band c<jncerts, amateur theatricals.
singing schools, concerts. &c.; and at the i)resent day there is
no place where the young i)eople enjoy a social party more.
CAM D EX ori-lRA HULSI£.
As the town prospered, and the conveniences of city life were
adopted within its limits, such as electric lights, public water
works, modern and beautiful homes, and business structures,
an Opera House was considered necessary, and in keeping with
other improvements. The town had grown so rapidly that a
building was needed with a larger stage, and a greater seating
capacity.
November 7th, 1892. twenty-two of our citizens organized an
Opera House Company, with i:. 11. Conant as president, who
from the first inception of the enterprise, gave it his personal
attention, and to him, largely, is credit due that Camden pos-
sesses such an attractive edifice. The company did not invent
their money so much with the view of large returns, as to pro-
vide a suitable place of amusement in our model village.
Tanuarv. 1893, a lot was purchased of Penfield & Stone on the
est side^of Main Street, north of the "Advance Jounial" office.
I feet front, and extending to the bank of Insh Creek .n the
and arrangements were immediately begun f.u the erection
of a building. The plans were drawn by Leon 11. Lamport ot
Rochester; the contract for the building was awarded to Ray-
mond Bros, of Camden, and ground broken about the hrst
of [une. The stockholders were K. H. Conant. C. l". Conant.
D 't Crimmins. W. T. Stevens. A. H. Maloney. h. l.d.c. '.. A.
Curtiss A C. Woodruff. \\-. C. Stoddard. C.ardner & Dana.
C T^I Tibbitts, Librarv Association. Camden Knitting Mdl Co..
Elizabeth T. Pike. A. G. Robson. ^^^ C. Stone. E. A. Harvey
James H. Gamble. Penfield & Stone. T- G. Dorrance. Dan.ol
Crimmins. Harold T. Conant.
We copv the account of the opening, which occur^-l ll-r.-
w
rear
5^4
I'lOSEER UlUTURY OF
day night, January i8th. 1894. from the "■Advance- journal."
"Last Thursday evening- was the opening of this grand enter-
prise. Aljout six hundred persons attended the performance of
the great Swedish play. '( )le Olson.' The transition from the
rain}- and disagreeable atmosi)here outside, to the interior of the
( )pera House was like a sudden change into fair}- land, ft was
very possible to imagine you were visiting some cit}- plav-house
— it was so dazzling in its freshness and rich beaut} . The audi-
torium and l)alcony \\ere soon a sea of expectant and liapp\' faces,
and praises without stint were showered u])on the beaut\ . ar-
rangement and convenience of the place.
The house was manned as follows: Ticket seller. \\'. C.
Stone: ticket taker, main door, I). H. Stone: gallerx , Clar-
ence Doten: ushers, main door, (ieorge l-"risbie. 1-Tank
Mann. Charles Edic. M}ron Sinmions. H. j. Kittrick;
gallery. Robert Rcbson, Arthur P.arnes: stage director. E.
J. Galley of Rome; assistants. Charles i'arkeof Camden, Sidiiev
Gilbo of Rome: keeper of check rciom, Arthur I'arke. The per-
manent stage director will be Mr. Parke."
Since the opening of the ( )pera House the towns-peoide have
had rare o]:)i)ortunities of hearing man\- fine theatrical companies
from New York, as well as excellent rendering of fine musical
programmes. Tt is conceded by professionals who come here,
to he a gem in its way. and to far surpass amusement lialls in
man}- larger ])laces.
CAMDEN BANKS.
The first bank in Camden was organized under the laws of the
-State, and began business March i. 1848. The officers were
Hiram J. Miner. IVesident. and William V>. Storm. Cashier.
Among its stockholders were Hiram |. Miner. Lvman Curtiss,
Hiram Smith, .Stephen CrtMnwell. W. P). Storm. Edwin Rockwell
and Orson Norton. Lyman Curtiss succeeded Mr. Miner as
president. The bank was located on the second floor of the
Miner store, but later moved to the second floor of the Trow-
])ridge store, which stood on the south-west corner of Main and
Mexico Streets. It ended in failure the latter part of tlie }ear
1854-
During the year of 1859 Hastings T. Curtiss oi)ene(l a private
Tin: TOWS or t\Min:\. ^^^
l^ank, (iccu])\ ihl;- lor a time the small nfticc on ilu' sfcimd n<M)r.
directly over the room in which he carried on the l>ankin^
business lor a niiniher of years, and uliich is now (KCU|)ic<l by
(jaml)le s shoe store. March i. iS^j. he entered into partiUTship
with j. II. (. arnien. ( )ne year later. 11. T. ("nrtiss withdrew, and
was succeeded 1)\ A. (nrtiss. the business l)ein}.^ continne<l l>y
A. Ciirtiss and I arnien until the\ failed March. 1876.
Mr. Daniel ( i. Dorrance. who was for many years extensively
interested in banking" pursuits, toi^ether with his son j. ( i. Dor-
rance, estal)lished a l)ank in Camden May i(). \i^j(), wliicli was
succeeded on lanuarx 26. iSSo. by the hirst .X'atiunal I lank of
Camden. X. ^'.. with a capital of $50,003. its officers were Dan-
iel G. Dorrance President. A. '1". \'an X'alkenburt,' \'icc Presi-
dent, I. (i. Dorrance Cashier. Mdwin .\. 1 larvey was \ ice Presi-
dent from January 13. 1885. until his death July 6. i8<j6. After
the death of I). (1. Dorrance. which occurred March 26. l8«>rt, J.
G. Dorrance was elected 1 'resident, and Daniel |. Donance. his
son, was apj^ointed cashier. occupyin!.i- these positions at the
present time.
CHAPTER XXII.
MILITARY ORdAXIZATK )XS.
In tlie t'cirl}- histor_\- of i)ur country, owing to its unsettled state,
it was necessary to maintain an army, which could be relied upon
in any emergency. By the laws of the State, when a young man
reached the age of i8 years, he must be enrolled as a military
subject, and continue such imtil he reached the age of thirty-
five years. Each town must organize a military company, and if
there were not men enough within its territory, then two or
three towns would unite in forming a company. The earliest
military organization we can learn of in Camden is the 68th Xew
York Militia, commonly known as ""Stoddard's Regiment." In
the records of the \\'ar Department at \\'ashington (which are
very incomplete) there are but three muster rolls of this regi-
ment. It was made u]) from the towns of Camden. X'ienna, .A.nns-
ville and Florence, and composed largely of sons of the brave
men who fought for freedom. The names upon the nuister rolls
of field 'and staff are as follows: Israel Stoddard. ^lajor. served
from October 6th, 1814, to ( )ctober 31, 1814; l^phraim Smith,
Adjutant, served from ( )ctol)er 6th, 1614, to .Xovember 16th,
1814; Sanmel W. Johnson, Quartermaster, served from ( )c-
tober 6th, 1814, to Xovember i6th. 1814; Joel Rathburn, Sur-
geon, served from ( )ctober 6th, 1814, to Xovember 11th, 1814;
Lyman Huntly. .Surgeon's Mate, served from October 6th. 1814,
to X"^ovember 11. 1814; Daniel Fellows, Quartermaster, served
from October 6th, 1814, to Xovember 13th, 1814. The nuister
rolls of the two com])anies are as follows: ( )ne com])anv was
known as the Camden Co., of which X^athan X^. Elton was
Captain Jehiel Higgins, h'nsign; Sanuiel Morse, Captain: Isaac
Graves. Corporal; and the following among the privates: Beri
Blakesley, Enoch Strong, .\sa Lani])here, Merrit Parker, John L.
X'ichols. The other and final company bears the following
names: ?^lartin \\'right. Captain: Silas Cook, Corporal, and the
following names among the privates: Calvin Dawlew Edwin
Barnes. I*"owler Tonfield. Thomas Empev, Daniel Wilcox, .\mos
THE 7'oir.v or <\.\n>h:s.
Johnson. As the rc^inK'nl was kn<i\\n as thr nStli W-u ^■orl^
Militia, the officers received their eonmiission fnun ( invernor
Daniel Tompkins, holdin.^- the office at that time; he was largely
instrumental in ort^anizinL; n)ihlary ortjanizations in tlie State.
to take 11]) arms ai^ainst the I'.ritisji. .\|;ij..r .^l...l«lanl wa> sul)-
sequently commissioned L'olonel.
Durino- the latter part of the war of iSi_', Stoddard'^ kej^inieiil
Avent to Sackett's Har])or. hnl were not called into active service.
They remained in camp two or three months, livini.,' in idleni-s>.
and longino- to he at home, where they were so much needed
both l)y their families, and the necessities of a home-makiuL,'' in a
new country. .Ship fever and smallpox became prevalent in
camp, and soldiers were dyin^' b\ the score almost <Iail\. an<I to
add to the other hardshi])s their rations were <|uite limileil. it
is little wondered that thev became discontented at this almost
unbearal)le state of ])rolon^ed hardships. Kealizin}^ the trials
his men had to endure. Col. .Stoddard went to ( len. (.'ollins. the
g^eneral in conmiand. and asked that under the circumstances
his men might be discharged. The (ieneral flatly refused tn
allow it. Col. .Stoddard returned to his men. and told them the
General was not willing to grant his re(|uest. but he thought
thev woukl all soon be discharged, lie said, "Don't one of you
go home, but if one goes, all go." .\s he said this, he turne<i
his horse's head towards home, and all followeil closely behind
him. and reached their homes in safet\. I'ut two or three day.s
elapsed before the regiment was nuistered out at Smith's Mills.
Jefferson County.
We can learn little more concerning this regiment until iSjJ.
At that time the brigade insijector was Major h'li Savage of New
Hartford. He was a man of splendid physi(|ue. and when seated
on his fine large horse, was an object of admiration, especially
to the boys, who would, watch intenllv for his arrival, .\fter
Major Savac^e resig:ned. Major I'ratt was appointed to that office:
he was succeeded by liarnum V. h'oster. who made a thoroughly
good officer. He was the last one to hold the office of nHpado
Inspector of the 68th New York 1 nfantry. These officers received
eig-ht dollars per day while on duty.
About this time Nelson Dawlev of AnnsviUe was appointed
528
PIONEER HISTORY OF
Colonel, succeeded by L'ri Hill. Richard luiipey was appointed
Lieutenant Colonel June 27th. 1827, l)y Dewitt Clinton., ( lovern-
or of the State of Xew York, lie was later connnissioned.
Colonel of the res^iment. and made a tine looking-, as well as a
most efiticient officer. His staff were. Lieutenant Colonel, Rufus
Byington, Major, W'oodard I'erkins. After Col. k'nipex resigned,
Rufus Byington was promoted to till the vacancy, and Martin
H. Stevens was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel, Eli llrigdes
succeeded in the office of Major. Cyrus Stoddard was appoint-
ed l)y Governor Seward Jul\- 16th, 1842, Colonel of the 68th In-
fantrv. The chaplain was Rev. J'^. W. R. Allen of the M. 1.
Church ; Adjutant, Levi S. Wilcox; Quartermaster, Israel Dean;
Drum Alajor, Israel Stoddard ; hife Major, ^liner I'arke. Colonel
Cyrus Stoddard was the last colonel of the old regiment. Alex-
ander Rae of Vienna was Lieutenant Colonel, and John A. llet-
tis Major. The following discharge paper we copy from the
original document.
State of New York — Brigade ( )rders.
Brig. (ien. H. S. Beardley has accepted the resignation of
Col. Cyrus Stoddard of the 68th Regiment, i^tli I'rigade, i^rh
division of the militia of the State, and he is herel)\- at his own
recpiest honorabl}' discharged from the said office.
August 1 2th, 1844.
H. .S. Beardle\-, Brig. Tien.,
13th Brigade of Lifantrv.
Al)out this time a comi)any of invincibles made large demon-
strations, which is said to have made the old mililar\- training,
at least, unpopular.
During the year 1825 or 1826, a man bearing tlie name of B. I".
Beard, a hat-maker, came into the town. I le was a tall fine look-
ing man. He concei\'ed the idea of organizing an in(le])endent
Infantry Company, and he accom])lished his purpose. He ])ro-
cured enough volunteers to form a good sized com]:)anv, and
drilled them night after night, until the\- were well-versed in
military tactics. Their uniforms were white trousers with red
bottoms, and l)cll buttons on the side, blue trinnned coats, high
leather caps, with white feather and red ti]). When they made
their apjiearance in i)ublic, they were a hue looking comiiany.
'
Tin: TOWS or camdhs. .^n
and much surprise was niaiiil'cslcd lo sec iIk-im m) well tlrillcMl.
Eventually Captain Beard left town, and other officers were ap-
pointed from time to time, imtil the Company fnially disbanded.
At one time, many years ago, there was a rifle regiment in
Camden. They made a tine a])])earance with their rifles, gray
coats, and cai)s with green feather. ( len. Lyman Curtiss was
commander of this regiment. Another company was called the
Old Camden Militia (.'ompany. I'liny liarnes. who lived in the
Seventh township, was captain for a time. .*^ome of the nantes
connected with this company were J. C. .'>i)erry. Sherman .'^perry,
Andrew Spc;rr\, Solon Cook, S\ivester and Horace Wilson. .\1-
den Rath])one, Sherman and David ( )sl)orn. The last captain of
the Camden Military Compan\ was Asahel .Mien, who ma<le a
very good captain. The names of some who belonged to the l)anil
of martial nuisic in the Camden Company were Reuben Root.
Linus Stevens, Miner I 'arkes, lifers. The snare drunnners were J.
F. Mix, lulius Cook, jereiuiah I'.ailey was the bass drummer, lie
wore a white rt)undal)out coat trinnued with red. Sanuiel Whaley
was bugler. At this time peace had settled over the eastern
States, and it was no longer necessary to maintain these military
organizations, it was a useless tax upon the people. Military
affairs had had their day. and the attention of the residents of
cities and towns was turned toward developing the resources o\
the new country, and building up a great nation. \earl\ all of
the local companies were disbanded.
In the early part of the nineteenth century, regimeiual train-
ing was the greatest day of the year. Holidays were tiot as com-
mon then as now: the weeks and m.nuhs were made up of day.<
of wearisome toil: the brightest bit of sunshine was the antici-
pation of a holiday, when the daily tasks could be lai.l aside, and
the people, old and v.mng. could enjoy to the fullest extent, the
short time given them for recreation an.l general training. What
a day that was for Camden! And the other great day was the
Fourth of Ttdv! There was more patriotism then than n.m-.
People did n<.t' need greased poles, and ballo.m ascensions, or a
tlamiuo- poster to tell them how the Fourth of Julv was to be
celebrated The spirit of patriotism was burning bnghtly in
the breasts of these hardv sons of freedom, and fresh o.l was
,34
53°
nOXEEIi HISTORY OF
added to the flame by rumors of the unsettled state of the coun-
tr}-. General training day brought out nearly all of the people
from the surrounding towns, which made quite a large gather-
ing. Sweet cider, ginger-bread and molasses candy was for sale,
and a boy with twenty-five cents could not only purchase enough
of these to supply his own wants, but could treat his friends
generously.
Previous to the general training day. each town had its com-
pany training; also all of the officers of each company met in
Camden for officers' drill. The first ^londay in September was
general training day. Col. Israel Stoddard's regiinent used to
form in the Inisiness part of the town, march up Main Street,
turn to the right, and enter a field, which was Deacon Rillias
Pond's meadow land, and through which Second Street was
later laid out. This was the parade ground, until the town in-
creased to such an extent, the land was needed for building
lots to acconnnodate the new comers. Later the parade ground
was the land north of Col. Israel Stoddard's residence (nearly
opposite Forest Park Cemetery), which gave them plenty of
room, before the tracks of the R. & W. R.R. were laid through
the ground. The later companies used to drill on the village
green, and when drawn up in line reached from the corner
where B. F. Hinckley's store now stands, diagonally to
the corner of Main and Xorth Park Streets. Military discipline
was not very strict at this date, and the men used to have quite
easy times. Their afternoons were mostly spent lying in the
shade of the Congregational Church.*
THE CA^IDEX GRAYS.
\\'hen the late civil war broke out. nearly all of the towns of
any importance organized militar\- companies, for the purpose of
quelling riots or any local disturbances which were likely to oc-
cur during the unsettled state of the country, also ready to go to
the front if needed. The Camden Grays, a company of the most
reliable young men of the town, were organized .September 20th.
II
♦The authors realize this is not a verv full account of the earlv military organiza-
tion of Camden ; but no pains have been spared to procure facts concernin.sr them, but
without the success they would like. The account we have sriven, we consider authen-
tic ; many of these facts have been gathered from the records in Washingfton. while for
others we are indebted to John Bettis. Col. Cyrus Stoddard and Samuel Woods.
THE TOWS OF VAilDEN.
1861, belongino to the 40th Regiment. Jist Hrigade, Oil. Divis-
ion of the New York State Mihtia. with Richard Savcry of
Tabero as Colonel, and Louis Roth of Rome Lieutenant Colonel.
v.ho later succeeded Col. Savery. This company was under the
efficient command of Capt. A. S. l-.dgett. with L. Henderson ist
Lieutenant, and X. Salladin Jnd Lieutenant. l)ut who later was
commissioned ist Lieutenant. Their uniforms were gray, with
deep yellow stripes on the sides of the trowscrs. blue caps, with
gold trinnnings.
\\ e have before us an invitation to an exhibition drill and
promenade concert of the Camden Crays. which was held in
Curtiss Hall. Friday evening. February 21st. 1862. The com-
mittee of arrangements were Capt. Edgett. Lieut. Henderson,
Lieut. X. Salladin. Sergeants M. Tipple and .A. Bickford. The
invitation conunittee were Corporal j. P. Stone. Sergeant R.
Robathan. Charles R. Bessee. Room managers. .\. T. \'an
\'alkenburg. John F. Wolcott. The Camden Saxhorn Band was
engaged to give the concert, which was to begin at seven o'cK^k
P. M., after which a drill was given by the Camden ( irays. fol-
lowed by the Gansevoort Light Cuards of Rome, who intrtvjuced
their favorite zouave drill. Dancing followed.
During the riot in Xew York City, on account of tiie Conscrip-
tion Act. the Camden Cirays were called to assist in (|uelling the
disturbance. When they reached Palatine Bridge, they re-
ceived orders to halt, and about two hours later, were sent back
home, the trouble being over. They arrived in Camden the ne.xt
morning. It was a sore disappointment to many of the young
men that thev were not allowed to help maintain jicace. and S(X>n
after thev enlisted and marched to the fmnt. June 5th. 1868.
after the country had again settled down to peace an<l ]>rosperity.
the Camden Cray? were disbanded.
THE G. A. R.
The first branch of the G. A. R. in Camden was organized in
the fall of i860. The majority of the charier members originally
belonged to the TT7tli Regiment. It was called W. Bradford
Willis Post, after a comrade who died for his coimtry. The
late Amos Soper was Commander of this first organization.
Their meetings were held in the old Town TTall: the room used
532 PIONEER HISTORY OF ^-*
for the purpose was the one occupied l)y the firemen. About
two years after their organization they disbanded.
The J. Parson's Stone Post was organized in this town May
1 2th, 1884, with twelve charter niemlDers, C. H. Ray Command-
er, [t was given this name in honor of one of Camden's most
promising young men. wh(j enhsted in the 117th Regiment, was
captain of a compan\-, and (hed in the service of his country.
At the present time tliere are eighty-two memliers connected
with this organization, in good stan(hng. with Mr. Ivaiia \\'ard
as Commander. They have well-furnislied rooms in the third
story of the Penfield lUock, on the east side of ]\Iain .Street,
where their meetings are held, and many enjoyable entertain-
ments given.
A Woman Relief Corps has been in existence many years, in
connection with the ]. Parson's Stone Post.
Soldiers of the War of the Revolution, 1812. Mexican, and the
Rebellion of i86i, who went from Camden, or are buried
there.
The first list of loyal nearted men buried here, went in defense
of their country in 1776, caused by England overtaxing the
colonies without any representation in parliament.
Elijah P)ailey was in the Sixth Regiment of Connecticut Line
of 1777 to 1871, under Cul. Wm. Douglas and ]\Iajor Ely Eeaven-
worth. E.nlisted from Milford as private Februarv 2^ for three
years, discharged December 2. 1780. Pensioner in Xew York
1818, died 1838.
Jonathan Itarnes was in Sandford's C(imi)any. 5th Regiment,
Connecticut Line of T777-1781, March 18th, 1781. He was
dnunmer under Col. Phili]) P.urr liradlev. He is buried in Flor-
ence not far from the line of Camden.
Zophar P)arnes was in the war of 1776. Died in Camden 1842.
David I'rown went from Durham, Conn. Enlisted Tanuarv ist.
1780. taken iirisoner near Fort (ieorge, X. V. He was Ix^rn
in T760.
Tchabod Pnjwn went as private in Capt. Edward Roger's
Company. Second Battalion Wadsworth Brigade, Col. Gav's
Regiment from Cornwall, raised in Time to reinforce \\'ashinfr-
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
ton at New York,recruits from lai-min-i.,n, Siinsl)ur>. Windsor,
Hartford, Conn. Enlistment from lunv t-. DircmhiT 25. 1776.
Died 1850.
John Cain in tol. Marinns W illci W-w Wnk KcKiinc-nt. (apt.
Garret. Putnams Co.. Enlisted jnly, 1780. disohar^'ed at Fort
Plain on or about the ist of April. 1781. He then reiiilisted in
the same company and regiment, and served as Sergeant. Died
1840.
Abel Collins. In the 3d Regiment. Connecticut Line. 1777 to
1778. Capt. Judds Company. Enlisted from Hartff)rd. Conn..
March 4th, 1778. discharged August 8th. 1778: he was a wag-
oner. He camped at White Plains with Washington's arniv.
Col. Sheldon's Regiment. Died, 1838.
Oliver Cook. Enlisted at Litchfield in 1776 for four months.
afterwards re-enlisted at Harwinton under Capt. .-Xrd I'.ucll and
Coi. Sheldon's Regiment. Died. 1838.
Serajah Comstock enlisted January 1. 1781. to December 31,
1 781, in tht Third Regiment. Connecticut Line, under Samuel
B.Webb. Capt. Parson's Company. Pensioner in 181? • died in
AMlliamstown 1826.
Benjamin Curtiss. In Col. Elisha Sheldon's Light i)rag«K)n.
1777 to 1783. He was in the Sixth Troop. Enlisted ^L^rch 6.
1777; was a farmer from Salisbur\-. Pensioner in 1818: died 1823.
Jesse Curtiss. In 1774 when Congress resolved on non-inter-
course with Great Britain, he was appointed with two others as
committee to see that no tea. molasses, sugar, coflfee. spices. &c..
were brought into town, and sold at Waterburx . Conn. He went
to the Lexington Alarm in 1775 for 25 days. May. 1775. he
went as Captain until Decemljer. next as Major f<^r a regiment
formed in Waterbury. Conn. Died 1821.
Daniel Dean. Enlisted in the Continental Regiment. 5th
Company, from ^..ay 8 to December 18. 1775. Re-enlisted in
Gen. Erastus Wolcott's Brigade from ^Larch io June. 1777. at
Peekskill. In Col. Hooker's Regiment. Capt. Bray's Company.
from April 3 to Alay 10. 1778.
Joel Dunbar enlisted and went as drummer XovemlH-r 2^,
T775. in the Continental Regiment of Connecticut. Re-enlistcd
in 1776 in Col. Elmore's Regiment, at German l-"Iat«:. Died.
1827. at Camden.
^34 PIONEER HISTORY OF
John Elden was a iiritisher. He deserted and joined our
army, and remained there until honoralily discharged. Died,
1828.
Ehphalet Johnson was in the mihtia at Saratoga. Enhsted
August 29, 1777; discharged October 2;^. They were ordered to
reinforce Gen. Gates at Saratoga in 1777. He was in two battles,
September 19 and October 9. Upon their dismissal after the sur-
render of Burgoyne, Gen. Gates spoke of them as two excellent
regiments from Connecticut. They were commanded by Col.
Jonathan Latimer of New London, and Thaddeus Cook of
Wallingford, Conn. Died 1818.
Joseph Johnson, brother of Eliphalet, was in the Lexington
Alarm April 19, 1777. He was from the town of \\'indhani;
served four days. He enlisted May 6, 1775; discharged Decem-
ber 18, in Gen. AA'ooster's Regiment, Ca])t. Benedict Arnold
5th Company.
Joseph Johnson, Connecticut Line, 1777 to 1781, recruited
mainly in Windham and New London Counties, Col. John Dur-
kee 4th Regiment. Private in Capt. Webb's Company. Enlist-
ed from Canterbury, Eebruar>- 2^, 1778, for the war. Appoint-
ed Corporal March i, 1778, discharged March 1, 1780. He died
1830; buried in Mexico Street Cemetery.
Levi Munson. Was in the Lexington Alarm, April, 1775.
September i, 1775, he enlisted in the Quebec Expedition, under
Benedict Arnold, Xew Haven, Conn.; discharged June 21. 1776.
Here-enlisted Jaiuiary 1, 1777: he was conmiissioned 2(\ Lieu-
tenant; he resigned September 8, 1780, died 1814.
Bartholomew Pond first belonged to the minute men and
volimteers, afterwards he enlisted for one year, April ist, 1776,
in Col. Elmore's Regiment; died 1850.
Beriah Pond enlisted for one year in Col. Elmore's Regiment,
1776. Re-enlisted in Capt. Wilcox Company in the corps of
artificers, 1777 to 1783; died 1836.
Tri Pond was in Jesse Curtiss' Company, (icn. Hooker's Regi-
nunt; stationed at Peekskill from A])ril 5 to May 25 in ^777.
Jesse Penfield. Eirst under Gen. Wooster in the First Regi-
ment, 8th Company of Capt. Phineas Porter. He enlisted No-
vember 28, 1775, in the Continentals. Afterwards in Col. Elisha
TUB TOWN OF CAM 1) U.S.
Sheldon's Liglit Dragoon, 1777 [n 17S3. lie ^c-c•^li^t^•(l K-b-
ruary 15, 1778, and was in tlu' army until the dost- of tlu- war;
pensioner in 1818; died 1834.
Daniel Parke. In the Lexington Alarm fn.m the town of
Chatham. luilisted in Col. ['arson's 6th Regiment, tirsl eall for
troops, from April, 1775, to April, 1776. He was also at \allcy
Forge; died 1836.
Aaron Riee. In Ih-adley Kattalion, \\a<lsworlh I'.rigade. un-
der Co. Philip I'.urr Pradley, in Capt. Coueh's ("onipanv. This
company was ordered to be raised May. 1776, for the general
defense of New York State at Fort Washington, lie was taken
prisoner with the whole garrison November 16.
Jonah Sandford in Col. Hooker's Regiment, Capt. Jesse
Curtiss' Company. Enlisted A]iril (). 1777; discharged Ma\ Ji :
was a pensioner; died 1824.
Lemuel Steadman. In the 2(\ IJaitalion. W'oodsworth I'.rigade,
under Col. Gay in Capt. Stanle\ 's Com])any; enlisted as private
June 24, 1776; re-enlisted in the Miscellaneous Roll. Lenniel and
Samuel Steadman in Capt. Bray's Company, under ( ien. ( Jates
in the vicinity of Ticonderoga from July to Xovember. 177^.
Wm. Stevens enlisted in 1775 in the (nh Regiment under Col.
Parsons. He was in the 9th Company; re-enlisted from July
I to December 18. in the Continental Regiment 1777 to 1781.
Capt. John Wilson enlisted in Col. Seth Warner Regiment
January 2, 1779, which was raised at Litchfield C'ounty. Conn.;
died 1839.
Samuel Woods. In 5th Regiment uiitkr Col. Waterbury in
1775; re-enlisted in the 8th Company, Capt. J(^se])Ii .'^mith; en-
listed Mav 8, discharged Xovember 2: died 1S37.
Timothy Wood enlisted for three months June 2t). 1778. in
Col. Enos' Regiment on the Hudson in Capt. \V\<«] r.mH.-.nv •
died 1835.
Theophilus Whaley enlisted near Lake Cieorge; clied m 1827.
Ashbel L^pson, Sen., enlisted at Plymouth. Conn., served two
years under Col. P.aldwin and Capt. Wilcox; died 1831.
Jonathan Harvey was 16 years of age at the time of his first
enlistment in 1777. he served 8 months as private in the Con-
necticut State Troops. In 1780 he enlisted in the same State for
536
riOXEER HISTORY OF
9 nioiitlis, serving as corporal. He also served one term in the
militia, and two months as sergeant. He is buried just over the
line in the town of \'ienna. in the family lot. He was grand-
father of the late E. A. Harvey.
After thirt}' years, England still ])ersisted in acts of t\ranny,
until it became unbearable. June j8, 1812, an act was passed
in the House of Representatives, by a vote of 79 to 49, and in
the Senate by a majority of 19 to 13. to declare war against ( ireat
Britain. Their princi])al reason was the iniiirisonment of Am-
erican seamen l)y the liritish.
i SOLDIh:RS ( )E 1812,
■ And Date of Their Death.
Isaac Allen, 1848; Mr. Beckwith. ; Isaac Barnes. 183 ;
John liryan, 1858: Solon Cook, 1876; Nathaniel Chapman, 1884:
Clark Crawford, 1875; Charles Curtiss, 1854; Lyman Curtiss,
1868; Ibri Curtiss, 1840; Seth Dunbar, 1850: Ebenezer Doten,
[856; Honuel (hfford, 1882; Elijah Ciaylord, 1891; James Har-
ris. 1881: (hlbert Hyatt, 1887; David Johnson. 1872: Calvin
Johnson, 1844; Street Barnes. 1853; Xathaniel Keeler. 1873;
Abel IMunson, 1831; Jacob Park, 1827; Eleazer Peck, 1848:
Prowler Penfield, 1857; Benjamin Phelps. 1840; Rosetter Pres-
ton, 1876: Dr. Joel Rathburn, 1820; Seth Rice, 1886: James
Rowell, ; Alvero Alathews, 1885; Col. Israel Stoddard,
1859; Ca])t. John Smith, i860; Garret Smith. 1883: ^Martin
Smith, 1875; Hiram Smith, i860; .Sala Sandford, 1866; Eph-
raim Sandford, i860; Linus Sandford, 1842; John Skinner, — — ;
Wright Skinner, 1830; Elijah Perkins, 1833; Erastu?. I'pson,
1850; James W'haley, ; Junius Woods, 1865; Leonard West.
1888; Capt. Samuel T. Woods, 1824; Reuben Whaley, 1850.
The War with ]^Iexico was caused by a dis]nited boundar\- line.
Only three that ever lived here, as we can find, were among the
soldiers — Luther .Skinner, died 1897; Leonard Woods, died
T875; Xewell Pangborn, .
Half a century after the war of 1812 was the late civil war
for the preservation of the I'nion against secession.
TEE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
537
List of the soldiers from Camden, toq-etlicr with thm t\.i;,iiirnt,
and date of their death.
Adams, Earl S., ri7th, iSr.c.
Adams, Charles, 117th.
Adams, Marcus M., 117th.
Adams. Augustus. 14th, 1875,
Allen, Henry B., 117th.
Allen, Julius, sotli, 1873.
Allen, F. Fairbanks,
Alden, Rev. James, 1864.
Ashpole, John, 1864-
Allen, Albert B., 22 months in rebel
prison.
Barnes, Henry, 117th
Bai"nes, A., 8ist.
Barnes, Marshall, 32d.
Barnes, D. Potter, 22d, 1874.
Becker, VanV.. 146th, 1863.
Beebe, Jacob. 117th. 1S62.
Beebe, Nathan, 15th.
Beebe, Charles, 32d.
Beeman, Richard, 183d.
Betson. Thomas, 32d, 1S62.
Belknap, vSeth.
Blakeslee, George.
Bristol, Joseph, 117th.
Brosmer, William, 2d Art,
Brown. Jr., Thomas. 146th.
Brodock, Peter, 2d. 1S64.
Brodock, Moses, 117th, 1894.
Burton, Delos, soth.
Burnham, Richard.
Burnham, William, 146th, 1863.
Burnham, Addison, Q3d.
Burnham. Harrison. ()3d.
Butler, O., tsth.
Cain, Frederick, 15th.
Cain, Hiram J., Sth Cav.
Carlton, Henry, 15th.
Caswell, Henry, 146th.
Cleveland, John, 15th.
Clifford, Robert, 117th, 1S65.
Cook, George W., 117th.
Coe, F., 15th.
Coe, Wallace, 93c^-
Coon, Jairus, 2d.
Corey, Norman. 15th.
Collins, John, 15th.
Collins. Anthony.
Cobb, Frederick, 117th, ififij.
Cobb, Allen, 15th.
Cook, Flijah, 32d, 1S64.
Cole, Richard, U. S. N.. i86j.
Cole, James. U. S. N., 1S63.
Conant. Francis E., in'th 1-1.3.
Coy, Henry, 18(95.
Chamberlain, J.
Chrisham, John. 146th.
Craig, James, 117th.
Craig, Alexander, 32d, 18S2.
Craig, David, 3d.
Craig, A. W., 146th, 1863.
Crawford, George, 146th.
Crandall, F., 15th.
Curtiss, Elhanan. 146th
Costello, Edward.
Dana, Alfred, Sist.
Davidson, William, 61 st.
Dimond. Frederick. 146th. 1-^64
Dimond. Lawrence, 32d. i>f)2.
De.\ter, John, 117th.
DriscoU, William, i04tii.
Drought, xVrthur. 2d Art.
Dunbar, Delancy, 8th.
Drury, William H.. 15th. i--;.
Dimond, Adam, 15th.
Drought, George. 2cl.
Drought. John, (j3d.
Elden, Bronson, 146th,
Empey. Lafayette, 1S64.
Evans, Henry. 146th.
Evans, Evan J.. 14th.
Elden, Walter W., 14th.
Eaton. William H.. i;th.
Farley, William C.
Fritz, Alexander, 2d.
Foskett, Eldridgc, 117th.
Fenton. William, 117th. iS<<3-
Ford, Jabez, 15th.
Falkner, William R., i4t'th.
Frazee. Hiram, 2d Artillery.
Grosbeck. John H., 14th-
Godtrey. George, 15th.
Gavlord. David.
538
PIONEER HISTORY OF
Gaylord, George M., 114th, 1S64.
Gibson, Alonzo, 146th.
Gibson, Orson, 146th.
Goodrich, Henry, 117th.
Goodrich, Peter, 93d Infantry, 1892.
Goodman, Ephraim, U. S. Aitillery.
Gifford, James H., 14th.
Glenn, James, 147th.
Howd, Frank.
Harrington, Truman, 1S91.
Harrington, Irvine, 117th.
Harrington, Myron, 146th 3d N. Y.
Houghton, John, 146th.
Howland, PhiUp, 15th Eng.
Hughes, John.
Henderson, Lester, 2d Artillery.
Hart, James, 32d.
Hungerford, A.
Hunt, W.
Hinkley, Briggs T. , 14th.
Irvine, D. N., 14th Infantry.
Johnson, Bradford, 3d.
Jones, George, 3d Artillery, 1S6S.
Johnson, George, 1870.
Johnson, Robert. 1883.
Johnson, Lucius, 1862.
Jeffrv, H., 117th.
Jones, George W.
Kniffen, Daniel, 146th.
Killips, James, 146th.
King, John, 11 6th.
Kelly, Charles. 15th.
Kent, John, 7th Artillery.
Kelly, William T., 15th, 1S64.
Kinnie, Orlando, 14th.
Lambie, Capt. Gavin, 146th, 1S63.
Littler, John, 8th N. Y.
McGowen, Francis, 2d.
McGraw, Nelson, iSth.
Morse, Edwin, 146th.
Morse, Orson, 117th.
Mclntyre, Bruce, 117th, IS 72.
Miller, Smith, 8ist, 1885.
Miller, Perry B. ' 117th.
Mabie, Edmond, 117th.
Morse, John, 146th.
Mergandoller, John, 15th, 1885..
Myers, George, 15th.
McLaughhn, W. H., T4th.
Murphy, Millard, 2d.
Nisbit. Archibald, 32d.
Orth, John M , 117th, 1SS7,
Osborn, John, iioth, 1S62.
Olmstead, Fayette.
O'Rourke, John, iioth.
O'Rourke, Henry, Oswego R.
Osborn, Ambrose, iioth.
Osborn, Chester.
Parks, Franklin H.
Platter, Matthew, 50th.
Pilkington, William H,, 146th.
Patchen, Daniel N., 146th.
Parsons, Albert W. , 1 1 7th.
Parks, William S., 146th, 1S65.
Peck, Reuben W., 117th, 1864.
Parsons Hiram, 32d Infantry, 1862.
Parke, Ranney T. , 15th.
Podd, Nicholas, 146th.
Porter, Benjamin, 146th.
Pond, Capt. A. P., 14th, 1S94.
Peterson, A. R., 1892.
Phalen, Patrick, 117th.
Perkins, Joseph.
Quance, Gilbert. 157th.
Redmond, Nathaniel, 117th.
Ruscoe, Edwin, 146th.
Robothan, Robert, 117th.
Rogers, Henry. 146th.
Ray, Charles H., iSgth, 1887.
Remore, James, 32d,
Rae, Matthew, 14th.
Shaw, Melvin,
Sanders, Sylvester, 1864.
Sanders, Harvey. 117th.
Smith. Thomas, 14th.
Snow, E. N., 97th, 1S65.
Snow, Ebenezer, Sist.
Skinner, John N., 117th.
Skinner, Robert, 117th, 1863.
Skinner, Luther, 145th, 1S97,
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
539-
Skinner, Alva, i4()lh. 1864.
Skinner, James, 32d.
Skinner, W. W., 2d.
Scoville, Joseph, rsth, iSq,.
Steadman, Benson, 32d.
Stewart, James, 15th, 1S73.
Shephard, Nathaniel, 93d.
Scoville, James, Qvth.
Sperry, William F., 117th.
Seynaour, James, Sist.
Stanton, E-, 50th.
Sandford, Charles, Sist.
Sandford, Raphael, 81st.
Secor, Francis, 146th, 1864.
Secor, James, 146th.
Swanson, James, 146th, 1S64.
Swanson, John, 146th.
Starkweather. L., 146th, 1864.
Starkweather, H. W. 146th, 1S63.
Smith, Solon, 117th.
Spencer, George, 117th.
Simmons, Theodore, 517th.
Sullivan, Orrin, 146th.
Stephens, George, 117th.
Stone, Capt. J. Parsons, 117th. 16(14.
Simmons, W., ist N. Y. H.
Starkweather, C. W., 117th.
Schofield, S., 146th.
Sweet, H6race, Sth.
Soper, Capt Amos, ISgth.
Sears, H.
Snow, v.
Scoville. Albert. 146th. 1864.
Sanders. Stephen, 146th. i8(>4.
Trask, Francis, 146th,
Tuttle. William, 117th, 1S64.
Tall man, Jacob, 146th.
Tyc, (ieorge, i883.
Tracy. Samuel, 8ist.
Tipple, George.
Tye, Henry, 18S9.
Teachout, S., 117th
Trowbridge, Henry, Mass, Reg.
Voorhees, Albert, 146th, I864.
Worden, B. J., 117th.
VVolcott, John F., 50th, iS()4.
Wood, Dewitt, 117th.
Woods, Orson C, 146th.
Willes. Wm. a., 117th, iSf.4-
Wilkens, Andrew, 117th.
Wilson, John, 32d, 1862.
Wheeler, Joseph. 146th.
Waldron. Joseph. 117th.
Wilson, Joseph. 149th. 1S64.
Woodruff, Theo. M.. 15th.
Wilson, John W.. 15th.
Waldron. Martin. 15th.
\\'ilson, Leonard.
Ward, James.
The 29th annual re-union of tlie iijtii X. ^■. \'. was liol.l
in Camden August 20tli. 1891.
The 31st anniversary of tlio 146th X. \'. \ . was held in
Camden October 10th. 1S93.
CHAPTER XXIII.
FOREST PARK.
In speaking of our beautiful I'^orest Park, we feel that too
much can scarcely be said in praise of those who have been
most instrumental in acciuirint;- it for the use and benefit of our
towns-])eo])le. It is rarely that a village of Camden's modest
pretensions is so richlv possessed of natural woodland con-
tiguous to its boundaries. A'isitors among us are most en-
tlnisiastic in their admiration of its charms and express sur-
prise that we are so favored. Come with us to this lovely place
— into nature's solitudes, and let us seek inspiration, where
her voices only are heard. The giant trees, the rustling branch-
es stirred 1)_\- the breath of the Divine — music of water, w hich has |
been since the hand of the ( )nmi])otent fashioned its course:
w^arbling of birds, like a symphon_\- from heaven's grand
•orchestra: chirrup of chipmunk : barking of sc|uirrels: drum
of the partridge: the hoarse, fault-finding note of the crow
— the little fiowers at our feet: dainty maiden-hair fern: those
■of a larger growth, seeming to be a production of the tropics
— a thousand other beauties, demonstrating the ])ower and
love of the Creator, are here to l)e found. Here we may
roam at our will, and gain recreation and instruction from na-
ture's teachers. This tract of woodland was own.ed l)y the heirs
of the late Dr. Joshua Ransom as late as 1833. (Earlier date we
have not found).
It was ])urchased from the Ransoms by the late Alva Ray-
mond in i860, and was for years known as Raymond's Woods.
It became a pojuilar resort for those who enjoyed "sweet com-
munion with nature" long before its i)urchase as a public
benefit. The late Dr. Robert b'razier found nuich delight in
visiting its (|uiet sweetness and beaut\-: never wearied of
speaking its ])raise, and not infre(|uently he was accompanied in
his rambles liy gentlemen of similar tastes — Mr. 1. X. Strong,
Job Batchelor. A. (i. Wood, J. ( i. Dorrance, P.. A. Curtiss. and
'Others. It is (nn'te likelv that in the minds of these "lovers of
Tilt: Tiiws or (wtni.w.
54 ^
the beautiful, ■■ the idea ha<l nrin^inaled of sceiirinjj the laixi •
a pleasure park loiii; before a means of doiiij^ so coiiM b.
vised.
juue 25, l8yi, the TruslL-es of iln' C'emelerN Associalioii. i;^
members beiui,^ — b)b llalchelor. iVesideiit ; (1. II. Smith. Sec-
retary; A. (i. Wood. Treasurer: J. < 1. Dorraiiee and Dr. II. < ..
Dubois, matured a plan for its purchase. Having soim- sur-
plus funds in the treasury of the .Association, and the lam!
beino- for sale, they desired to secure it from the axe of the-
woodman, but could not act excei)t by petition of tli.
owners. .\ ])ai)er was drawn up, settinj.^ forth tiieir aini>. auM
presented to each claimant of cemetery plots for his sii;naturc.
Some objected. Init the majorit\ favored the move, and accord-
ingly about sixty-two acres of the territory was ])nrchasc(! of A.
G. Robson (for in the course of events it came into his p<jsscs-
sion) at an outlay of sixteen hundred dollars. As \\c under-
stand the matter, the Trustees are obliufed to use one half of
the vearl\- receipts in the improvement of the cemetery
grounds, which is done. The accumulation of fuutls over rn"!
above one half, they utilized in acquiring- l-'orest Park
Appmach to Forest Park
c-ood sense of their expenditure is surely to he commended.
This tract of land is reached by a drive ruiminj; al..ntr the
boundary of the present cemetery at the f.xit of the hiijh K'num*!.
which skirts its northern limits. 'This drive is perhaps a fourth
of a mile in lenoth, an<l leads directly to the I\-irk. which tcr-
-542
I'lOSEEU HI STORY OF
ritory is east, and back of tlic cemetery. The wisdom of their j
purchase was empliatically ciuestioned b\- many, but l^y the
more progressive men and women of the community they were 1
sustained. It is quite probable that aside from the fine system
of waterworks (which found its opposers also) nothing has
been done more to the comfort and pleasure of our residents *
than the provision of this admirable resort. Now to its im-
provement. In June of 1892 it was suggested to the ladies of |
Camden that they endeavor by some means to raise funds to aid )
in making the Park attractive. Ever ready to lend assistance
in all good ways, the}- accordingly met and organized into a
"Forest Park Improvement Society," and immediately com-
menced active work. Their first step was to call upon every
woman or girl in town soliciting contributions of five cents and
upwards. In this way one hundred and forty-six dollars was
realized. This was paid over to the Treasurer of the Cemetery
Association. This same sunmier a clam bake was iriven bv 1
the gentlemen of the village, netting them forty-six dollars,
and an excursion to the Thousand Islands, which added eighty-
two dollars. With these amounts the drive around the park
was made, and nmch done in trinnning trees and clearing out
unsightly logs and stumps.
The Trustees extended the courtesy of naming the drive to
the ladies of the Park Improvement Association. They met.
Kiuraiui.- lo W.Kidl.iULi A\ciuie.
and after deliberating upon several names proposed, decided by
ballot — "Woodland Avenue" receiving the highest favor. Tlius
it was placed on record in the Trustees or Secretary's book.
77//; rows or camdhs.
543
It is meet to speak of Mr. Andrew Meeker in tliiN e(»niu-eli<»n as
one whose ^ood taste and (.arnest efYort has lielpcil t«j develop
the beauty of this spot, lie saw. and still sees, possihilitics
of future ini])rovenient and enihellishment. aeeoniplisliiii^ j^rcal
ends, with a ver\ wise outlay of niean>. Mis was the artist's
eve that first saw the eourse of ;i drive throui,'h it. an«l attended
to the trinuuinj; of the trees, the eiUtin«; away of inisi>.jlilly
bi-ambles. &c. In the sununer of iSt^^ the ladies insiij^'ated a
"bee," eallinj; u])oii all male resirlents of the town, askiiij; that
thev contribute a day's work, or the price of it (one dollar). A
liearty response was ^iven. and a day fixed ui)on lor the event.
]\Ien were seen hurrying- to the scene with saws. axes. hoes.
cuid such implements as were needful, while teams, waijons. and
Drive at foot of hiil east ot tin.- Ceinclcry.
drivers were not at all in the minority. The ladies were ready
at the hour to give the laborers a hearty meal in the form of a
picnic, and the interest taken by all in the matter of park, and
the dinner, was evidenced bv the zeal witli which thev
worked. This year something over forty-five dollars was i)aid
by the ladies for blasting stumps with dynamite. In April of
1894. the voung people of the town gave a "l-emale Minstrel-
entertainment, one hundred an.l twenty-six <l..llars an.l ninety
cents added to the treasurer's record. This fund was to be
used toward building a pavilion for shelter in the park. Plans
were submitted bv two or three local architects, but the ex-
pense was in excess of the sum deemed wise to expend, and
c , , I'lONEEIi HISTORY OF
544
there the matter rests as yet. A balance left from one of the
season's lecture courses was divided between the Library and
Forest l*ark Associations, g:iving- to the Park fund about sixty-
eij^ht dollars. This and other small amounts made a total
deposited in the l>ank for the pavilion fund a hundred and
ninety-six dollars, or a little more, h'rom this amount the ex-
pense of putting- in the water has been paid, and buildino: a
l)ridge over I'ish Creek on the foot ])ath to the Tark. This, or
perhaps the vear following, a narrow strip of land was pur-
chased of Richard (iardner (paid for by subscription from the
citizensj. in all perhaps four or five acres, which affords a short-
er route to the I 'ark for pedestrians. This commences in the
vallev at the foot of Third Street, crosses h'ish Creek east of the
factories in that locality, and intersects Woodland Avenue not
far from the entrance. The drive is about three-fourths of a
mile in extent, shailed and archetl In luxuriant foliage. Large
Kast Side Drive.
numl)ers of oiu- citizens advantage themselves of its cool, restful
(|uietu(le. and doubtless many a brilliant idea has had its incep-
tion within the confines of this sylvan retreat. Here we can "look
through nature up to nature's God," and commune vrith Him
whose hand ever fashions the beautiful. The same Trustees are
in office at present as were at the time of its purchase, except
that a vacancv was left when ^Ir. I^atchelor was removed by
death, and Afr. Andres Meeker chosen to fill it. In 1897 anoth-
er tract of land, fortv acres in extent, lying adjacent to Forest
THE TOWS or r.\Mi)i:s
545
Park, and joining it on the cast, was ..l.tainnl I.n tl,,- Trustees
of the Cemetery Association. This was, in carlv i.n.cs. a por-
tion of the Daniel Parke estate, at his death hec.Mning the prop-
erty of his son. (ieorge, thence to liis heirs, and fnially pur-
cliased by the Cemetery Association from Andres Meeker. This
land is generously tinilKTe.l with a growth .,i pine, and a portion
was known as "tlie pines." ( )ur former t..wn.man. the Hon. i'.
Tlie Pine>.
C. Costello. now of Xew York City. generon>!\ offered to <'ive
one thousand dollars to build a drive through tiiis territory, and
ciherwise improve it, if the towns-peoi)le would |)urci)ase the
land. As before, the Trustees of the Cemetery .Association did
not feel at liberty to make this business arrangement without
the consent of the lot-holders. To obtain their minds in the
matter, a petition, as before, was circulated by W . T. ."^tevens.
who labored untiringly and zealously in favor of the purchase.
The former experience was repeated: some objected, but a
majority were in favor of accpiiring it. who eucourageil the
Trustees to secure it. I'artics were negotiating, or taking step.<
to obtain it. with a view to cutting i)ff the timber for lumber.
thus removing a valuable pleasure resort, when their aims came
to the knowledge of one who had desired to see it in the pos.«»es-
sion of some one who would preserve it in its pristine beauty.
It was Mr. Meeker who had this in mind, and its acciMuplishmcnt
he has lived to see. Seven hundred and seventy-five (li>llars was
35
546
PIONEEIi HISTORY OF
the purchase price. Mr. Costello's promised gift to the town was
already in hand, when the land became a part of Forest Park.
It was understood that Mr. Meeker should build the drive, and
be allowed the timber which he cut in its course. Innnediatel} ,
operations commenced, and a fine carriage drive twentv feet
^vi.de, and about a mile and a half in length is the result. This
is named "Costello Road" as a courtesy to the generous donor.
All praise to the level-headed business men who are the Trustees
oi the Cemetery Association; to Mr. Costello for the princely gift
to his fellow townsmen; to Mr. Meeker for his interest and labors
in our behalf. The benefits of their al)ility and generosit}' will
remain to future generations, and a grateful memory will live
long after they have passed away. Would there were more who
could and would foresee the needs and pleasures of those con-
temporary, and those who come after them, in some such useful
substantial manner. It is better to build while we live to see the
results of it, than to leave a fund for some one to direct the use
of after we are gone. It often happens that our desires are un-
fulfilled, and it never meets our ]nir])ose. These men stand in
the light of public benefactors to the village and town, and our
people will not cease to appreciate the benefits of their thought-
fiuness and foresight.
Early Implements.
CHAPTER XXIV.
Following' is a list of the Supervisors rt-j^rescnting die town
■of Camden from its organization as a town down to and includ-
ing the present year.
1799.
John W. Bloomficld.
Value Real
Estate.
Value Pergonal
RHtato
1800.
John W. Bloomf^eld.
1801.
John W. Bloomfield.
1802.
1803.
John Rogers.
John Humiston.
1804.
John Humiston.
1805.
[ohn Humiston.
1806.
Israel Stoddard.
1807.
Israel Stoddard.
1808.
Israel Stoddard.
1809.
Elihu Curtiss.
I8I0.
Elihu Curtiss.
18II.
Phineas Tuttle.
I8I2.
Phineas Tuttle.
I8I3.
Seth Dunbar.
I8I4.
Seth Dunbar.
I8I5.
Seth Dunbar.
I8I6.
I8I7.
Seth Dunbar.
Israel Stoddard.
$222,930
$10,189
t8i8.
Israel Stoddard
222,930
8.421
1819.
1820.
Israel Stoddard,
Israel Stoddard,
195.844
192.744
10.935
8.663
1821.
1822.
1 1823.
! 1824.
1825.
1826.
1827.
, 1828.
Israel Stoddard
Israel Stoddard.
Israel Stoddard,
Israel Stoddard.
Seth Dunbar.
Israel Stoddard,
Israel Stoddard,
Israel Stoddard,
193.194
186.82A
196,693
T, U.I 78
I2I.l6<)
123.124
122,525
124.586
9.262
io.<>44
9.263
10.102
6.327
7.776
7.667
6.290
548
PIONEER HISTORY OF
Value Real
Value Personal
Estate.
Estate.
1829.
Seth Dunbar,
124,301
4,482
1830.
Seth Dunbar,
135-300
5,414
I83I.
Seth Dunbar,
141,900
1832
Israel Stoddard,
141,014
6,860
1833
George L. Coe,
145-157
10,429
1834.
Lyman Curtiss,
144,860
8,650.
^835-
Garrit Smith,
149.990
7,230
1836.
John Smith,
154-250
6,150
1837-
Samuel B. Hinckly,
151,040
6,260
1838.
Samuel B. Hinckly,
156.314
6,220
1839-
Seth Dunbar,
1 70,090
7,510
1840.
Don A. Gatchell,
169,480
5-040
I84I.
Junius Woods,
I (59,980
9,590
1842.
Junius Woods,
170-770
I 1 ,400
1843-
Samuel B. Hinckly,
176.570
9.040
1844.
Horace Dunbar,
180,620
9,240
1845-
Horace Dunbar,
175. IIO
8.860
1846.
Ambrose Curtiss,
177.320
7.930
1847.
Ambrose Curtiss.
180.200
I 1 ,980
1848.
Horace Dunbar,
184.685
10,400
1849.
Edwin S. Dtmbar,
183,380
117.430
1850.
George W. Wood,
180,500
I 70,300
I85I.
Thomas D. Penfield,
452.590
164,840
1852.
Thomas D. Penfield.
347,260
149.390
1853.
Thomas D. Penfield.
343.850
i27.(5oo'
1854.
E. S. Dunbar.
337.720
113,100
1855-
Jairus H. Munger,
311.250
17.560
i85(5.
Horace Dunbar,
306.490
4.230
t857-
Horace Dunbar,
303.220
3.6o(^
1858.
Alfred Cliamberlain,
294.849
9.300
1859-
Thomas D. Penfield.
293.589
9.550
t86o.
Albert Bickford,
294.040
7.750
1861.
Tliomas D. Penfield.
276.115
T 3.750
1862.
Pliny Phelps.
290.405
14.400
1863.
Patrick C. Costello,
293.970
T 3.000
1864.
Patrick C. Costello,
300.370
14,000
1865.
Patrick C. Costello,
296.550
8.350
t866.
Patrick C. Costello.
318.850
9.250
TUE TOWS OF CAUOtS.
Voluo Kci > ...■ir I rrv.nal
HBtate. K.ljue
J6O7. llcnn .S. WaUTinaii, 316,250 i^jti^
1868. Henry S. Watcriiiaii, 338,450 12.350
J869. Benjamin 1). Stone; 341,880 «;,i5o
1870. Benjamin IX Stone, 348.940 10,150
1871. Curtis j. Wright, 350,220 io,5(X)
1872. Curtis 1. Wright, 354.I70 7,800
1873. Spencer J. L'pson, 353-530 6,650
1874. Spencer J. Upson, 345-335 4.250
1875. Byron A. Curtiss, 346,240 3,900
1876. Byron A. Curtiss, 1,329,144 140,750
1877. Thomas D. Penfield, 1,107,810 1 16..S00
1878. Thomas D. Penfield, 892,410 io^},75o
1879. Thomas D. Penfield, 868,260 77.-250
J 880. Thomas D. Penfield, 870,890 88,170
j88i. Thomas D. Penfield, 875.460 84.850
1882. Benjamin D. Stone, 880,610 80.370
1883. Benjamin D. Stone. 896.753 77.' 50
1884. Chauncey jNI. Phelps, Total i. 031. 963
1885. Chauncey M. Phelps, 1.072.288 ^J^MOJ
1886. Thomas D. Penfield. Total, i. 014.593
1887. Jabez Ford. 851,200 13.600
1888. Jabez Ford, 926.000 73 .600
1889. Andrew W. Craig. 876.810 -29.^50
1890. Andrew W. Craig. Total real and personal. 916,167
1891. Orson C. Woods. 832.110 60.800
1892. Orson C. Woods, 839.1.^0 64.150
1893. William H. Gifford, 843.610 62.900
1894. William H. Gifford. 859.740 62.550
1895. William H. Gifford, 1.004,093 3-'.'50
189^. William S. Peck. 87O.540 ^-'.900
1897. William S. Peck.
Following are the Supervisors ser\'ing ni-ir than one trmr
John W. Bloomfield
John Humiston
Israel Stoddard
Elihu Curtiss
Phineas Tuttle
c^o PIONEER HISTORY OF
Seth Dunbar 9«
Samuel B. Hinckly 3
Horace Dunbar 5
Ambrose Curtiss 2
Edwin S. Dunbar 3
Thomas D. Penfield 11
Patrick C. Costello 4
H. S. Waterman -'
Benjamin D. Stone 4
Curtis J. Wriglit 2
Spencer J. Upson 2
Byron A. Curtiss 2
Chauncey M. Phelps 2
Jabez Ford 2
A. W. Craig .....' 2
( )rson C. Woods 2
William H. Cififord 3
rilAl'TI-.K XW.
CLIMAX lX(iS.
Married.
At Camden. X. ^■., hy ilir Kw. Ilenry .'^niith. May jS. iSj.S.
David Johnson and Miss Laura Wilson. (I'arcnts mi* Mrs.
James H. ( Iambic).
Isaac Porter established the first brick kiln in Camden in
1804. It docs not appear where it was located.
Tn 1842 when John Jamieson built the house at proent the
home of Mr. Kuij^ene Conant. an unusual ceremony took place.
After the frame was erected, the rafters in place, and all rea(j\ .
James Jamieson. a son of the builder, mounted upon one of tiie
timbers, broke a bottle of cham])a5^ne. ])ourin<j it on the
wood, christening" the structure ■■The Cottage." a name it still
bears. It was a matter of much comment, and in those days,
when champagne did not flow as freely as now. was considered
a "waste of material" by men of judgment.
\\'hen the famous Dan Rice first started in the circus business,
Camden was one of the towns in which he first exhibited in 1820.
Xearlv one half his audience were (Ineida Indians. .\t that
time thev were ver\- nimierous in this vicinity, as they went
from their Fish Creek Reservation north, to ( )scet»la and the
Salmon River country, for fishing and trap|)ing.
Tn earlv times, before Second Street was extended north,
what is now Washington Street was then a foot path, ami was
called "Rig Alley."
It was a primitive ])astimc for the early white settlers in Cam-
den to place coppers on a stump, which stood in front of the Col-
ton Tavern, and give them to the Indian who shot at and hit the
mark. A co])per was seldom missed by the arrow of the red man.
When our informant was a young girl, her father had some
dealings with the Indians, which occasionally brought them to
the house. A string of bright beads which she wore about her
neck, was removed and carried awav by one of them, to the re-
^5 2 I'JOXEElt HISTORY OF
grct of the child. l)ul it was thotight best to let it pa^s witliout
making trouble, so she did not recover her treasure.
Early settlers kejjt their coals with which to start tires buried
in the ashes through the night. In the family of Mr. Abrani
Hennis, who dwelt in the "■( )ak ( )pening," thev were allowed to
"die out" b\ the children, who in the absence of their parents, did
not kiKjw how to keep them alive. To get a fire to cook
their stippers, they must go to a distant neighbor's through the
forest, for a shovel full. In making the trip a black
bear crossed the ])ath of the child, and both being frightened,
fled in opposite directions. We believe the child to have been
Katharine tiennis (the late Mrs. James Jones). ^latches were
an unknown article in those days. ( )lder people understood how
to get a spark from a flint, l^ut children could not do it.
An Indian and a white man once ran a race through Main
Street to the bridge, at the foot of it. The prize was a jug of
rum, and the white man won it. He was c[uite sober at the start,
however, which could hardly be said of the competitor. The
poor red man had been made tipsy l)y the friends of the winner,
previous to the start.
It is related that in 1814 Jonathan Barnes was in need of
material for bread f(M- his family. (loing to his rye field he pro-
cured some, thrashed enough to get a half btishel of grain, took
it to Cropper Mill, got it ground, returning home at 9 o'clock
at night. His wife made a short-cake. He had not tasted a
mouthful (jf bread for three days. This was the best he ever
ate, althotigh it was as black as his boot.
"Pat No-Doul)t,"' as he was known, came from Ireland to
Camden about 1850. as he often told the children, "on horseback,
betw^een two shi]is." He had an insatiate love for whisky, and
after taking a "dro]) too much of the craythur," would relate
exaggerated stories. Upon one occasion he ran into the bar-
room of a public house, out of breath, and much excited, de-
claring thai a thousand boys were ])iu"suing him. "( )h no. Pat,"
said the proprietor, "there are not one thousand boys in the
town." Then said Pat, "there are five hundred, and no doubt
of it." "Not as many as that, Pat," replied the inn-keeper.
"Well, then there were one lumdred comiiiij- after me as fast as
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. .^.
•ever they could run, ami no doubt of it.'* "Vou arc mistaken,
Pat, there eouKl not have been one hundred boys after you."
"Then there were fifty." rejoined the son of l-'rin. "Xo. not fifty
Pat, for had there been. I should iiave heard them." said the
landlord. "Well then it was Lein J^tnith's l)oy. and some other
■one, and you need not doubt it." I'roni this time on he was
called "Pat Xo-Doubt." and was never known by an\ other
name.
The first house built on Church .^ireet was the .\lunj41r liouse
built b\' William ^'ork in 1842. and soon after the I'pson house
was built.
The first house on Second .*~^treet north of Union .Street was
built bv Freeman Washburn, now owned and occupied by W.
I. Stoddard.
The first house on Third .'street was I)uilt and owned l)y
Horace IMcIntire.
In the earlv days of our town a worthless si)ecimen of human-
itv, fond of drink, and a decided distaste for lalior. spent much
time at the lower tavern. He was offered a dollar if lie would
stand all day on a pine stump opi)osite the tavern— the proposi-
tion made him by Capt. Bainl. lie accepted it. and sto.^1 all day
Jono- in the l)itter cold air. choppint^- visjorously to keep warm.
COX'CLUDIXG CHAPTER.
The work iH'cessar\- to the makiii!^' of this l)ook has l)een per-
formed with the .greatest pleasure. thoiii>'h prosecuted some of
the time under circumstances of disadvantage and discourage-
ment. Now that it is done, we have no apologies to offer, nor
regrets to express, save that those who form the subject of this
volume have not received from our pens as high connnendation
as they deserve. It must be remembered that early in our work,
we asked, through the columns of the "Advance-journal,"" for
items of local pioneer interest from ever}- one. If any are omit-
ted, it surely is not our fault. Undoubtedly, with all care taken,
such will be the case. Some will be found to have been unmen-
tioned, and perhaps undue prominence given to others — due
alone to the interest, or lack of it, by their descendants.
Mistakes and misapprehensions in a work of this kind are un-
avoidable, especiahy in such matters as were never l^efore
brought into history, and derived from so many different
sources. Especially will the reader l^e gratified with the faces
of honored citizens, familiar still to some, and greatly revered
by all. Alany pictures that enrich these pages have been long
cherished as priceless treasures by relatives and friends. They
Avill be warmly welcomed in many homes, and w ill give to future
generations a more vivid realization of the days and scenes with
which the}- were connected. The public will join with the
authors in thanks to those persons who have so generously aid-
ed in the reproduction of these valuable pictures. Others which
were greatly desired it has been imi)ossible for various reasons
to secure.
As some of the records of events come down to the present
time, it seems biU fitting that our pictures -should include a
life-long living representative of the town, Hon. 'i'homas De
Milt Penfield, which his friends and constituents will highly
value. Oateful thanks are due to the many friends who have
given the writers invaluable information. Below we give the
names of some who have aided us in the work: Mr. H. "M.
THi: 7f>U.V (fF r.WtltKS.
Chapman, Dr. A. II. Smith. W iUiam Swansoii. Harry <ioo<J)car,
Lucius (joodyoar, .Xmhntsi- I'.v iiii^toii. .Mr. ami Mrs. Cynis
Stoddard, Thny I 'helps. .Mr>. .\. S. I'arkt-r (deceased). Martin
H. Stevens, M. 1'. I'.. ( .M.k. .Mrs. Ilarher. (ieorge I'ltelps.
J. H.Tracy, W . II. (iifford, Mrs. .Sarah Allen. .Mrs. linldah Jud-
son, and many others. \\ ith this, our lal)ors end in this direc-
tion. We earnestly hojjc the hook will meet with the approval of
its readers, antl candidly admit that it has entailed niore o( time
and researcli than w r liad an idea of when first considering it.
Something more than two years have heen given by each of the
authors to compiling it. The time has heen willingly given, and
we cordiallv submit the result of our efforts to the reader.
556
PIONEER HISTORY OF
HISTORY OF FRE.XCHMAX'S ISLAND.
From an issue of the "Camden Journal" of 1877, we copy the
foUowing, which may interest readers of to-day; also to pre-
serve to our community the history of a spot so many visit liv-
ing in Camden. As follows:
"As much interest is being manifested this season in this
pleasant summer resort, we copy the following interesting
sketch from the "Utica Herald," of September 17, 1859, kindly
fr.rnished by H. A. Case, Esq.:
"Frenchan's Island, situated in Oneida Lake, about three
miles west of Constantia village. Oswego County, contains
twenty-eight acres of land, and derives its name from a histor-
ical incident of no little interest, which has been made the
theme of much elegant romance in books and pamphlets. Even
history has lent the weight and authority appertaining to its
name and general character to the narration and embellishment
of pretended facts, gathered from the vague and uncertain tradi-
tions current in the neighborhood of the island, without any re-
gard to their authenticity, when real facts were pulilished thirty
years ago, and were familiar in all well-informed circles of so-
ciety in this country. We propose to vindicate truth, and re-
vive real facts, by presenting a brief outline of them. During
the French Revolution, and after the overthrow of the monarchy
.-.rd the succession of the Robespierre reign in 1793. the nobil-
ity were brought to the block by scores every day, and their
property confiscated.
The spirit and energy of the revolution was directed against
rank, property and social order. Flight, therefore, was the only
security for life among the higher classes, and the emigration to
this country was immense. Families of high distinction left
their homes and property without a moment's preparation; and
in the train of exiles to the United States were crowned princes
and dukes of the royal household. In the general rush came a
}T'ung nobleman with a young and beautiful wife. They
landed on our shores, and followed the trail of emigration west,
until they reached Oneida Lake, which then lay in the great
thoroughfare of trade and travel. Attracted by the beautiful
i;-land and the primitive forest with which it was covered, they
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN. ,,-
landed on it, erected a neat cal)in, and made llnjir home tlierc.
At the period of their arrival on the island, ( ieorgc Scriba,
proprietor of Scriba's Patent, had connnenced a settlement ai
Constantia, which he called Rotterdam, in ijij^^, and had a
large number of mechanics employed there, in erecting dwc-ll-
ings, mills, stores and public houses. The inmates of the luiinble
dwelling upon the island became at once the objects of curiosity
and speculation among Scriba's settlers, and the navigators of
the lake. A light canoe lying at the island's home indicated
that its owner was in communication with the main shore on
the north bank of the lake, and is said to have sold gold and
silver trinkets to a blacksmith at Constantia. for double the
price of old iron, lioatmen navigating the lake had seen a
young lady of surpassing beauty, habited in a foreign garb,
laboring with her own hands in a little garden, and also heard
the notes of a violin when passing at the hour of nightfall. The
dw^ellers in the most magnificent palaces, and the members of
the most polished society of the Old World, seemed to realize
in the profound solitudes of nature the very natural desire for
'A lodge in some vast wilderness: some boundless contiguity
of shade.' As time rolled on, the place of their residence be-
came more and more extensivly known, (^f its duration we
have not at hand any authentic data, but infer, from contempo-
raneous results, that it must have been a year or two. At length
Chancellor Livingston, who acted as minister at the French
Court, under the commission of the Continental Congress
during the revolution, which post he resigned at the close of
the war. and before the treaty of Paris in 1783. heard of the
exile, and made a tour to Oneida Lake. His visit there is de-
scribed in an article entitled 'The Exile.' published in 1830, in a
book called 'The Scrap Table.' compiled from matter previous-
ly published in newspapers and pamphlets, from which we de-
rive nianv of our facts, authenticated by the Chancellor himself.
He went to the island alone in a skifT. and landed near the door
of the cabin, and the manner of his reception as an entire
stranger, and the interview that followed, in which the Chan-
cellor made himself and his business known, were of the most
touching character; but the limits assigned to our article will
not adnn't of details. The reception, which was rather bcliger-
558
PIONEER HlSTOIii Oi'
ent, was soon followed by explanations, and a most affecting
scene. When the conversation reached that point of amicable
relations, at which the Count of St. Hilary introduced his lady
with all the titles of nobility attached to her name, the Chan-
cellor exclaimed, 'Heavens! can it be possible? Do I indeed,
behold the daugnter of Clairmont? Is it in the wilds of Ameri-
ca that the l^elle of Ouartier St. Germain holds her levee?" The
lady and her husband looked astonished. 'Do you not remem-
ber me?" continued the Chancellor. 'Have you forgotten the
Champs Ely sees and the fete given in honor of your l^irthdav,
in which I participated so largely as your father"s American
friend?" As if awakened from a dream, the lady threw herself
upon her husband's arm, and wept. The Chancellor was so
moved by the ])laintive tones of her voice, and the unaffected
expression of her grief, as to shed some natural tears in spite of
himself. After mutual explanations, and a welcome to the hos-
pitalities of the cabin, the Chancellor expressed his happiness
at having found the very ])ersons about whom he had been so
deeply solicitous, and ended by offering them an asvlum under
his own roof, and the society of a family who would be devoted
to their comfort. After hearing a relation of the horrid trage-
dies they had witnessed, their escape from Paris to England,
and their arrival in Xew York, and the misfortunes that had
driven them into solitude, the Chancellor seized the hand of
the Countess, and urged lier not to delay her departure for a
moment. "The hospitality 1 have shared in your father's home
shall, in all but its s])lendc)r, be returned in mine; come on the
l)anks of the Hudson, and await trancpiility, and the restoration
of your fortune.' The Chancellor ordered up his batteau, and
took them off with their most valuable effects, to his splendid
mansion on the east bank of the Hudson, which he named
Clairmont. as he did the first steamboat that navigated the Hud-
son, in honor of the lady's family. Here occurs an interregnum
in the written history of Comit St. Hilary; but subsequent facts
justify the inference, that upon the restoration of order in
France, under the iron rule of Xapoleon. they returned to Paris.
One morning in 1803. Chancellor Livingston appeared at Paris
by appointment, with a number of Americans, on the banks of
TUE TOW.\ Of CAMDKS.
559
the Seine, to witness a second experiment or attempt of Robert
luilton to navigate the river witli a small steamboat in which
the Chancellor was interested, "h was presently seen,' says the
Chancellor, 'coming along with ttjlerahle speed, and all were
proud of the ingenuity of our countryman, and were intently
gazing upon this specimen of his talent, when a dashing
equipage came rolling along, and drew up near the place where
we stood.' "l-'di bien,' said a lovely woman in the prime of life,
seated on the back seat of the carriage. '(.)ui, ( )ui.' replied a
gentleman who sat next her. on whose breast a red ribbon was
displa\ed. A recognition innncdiatelv t(Jtjk i)lace. and the
Chancellor says. "In an instaiu 1 was at the side of the fair
Genevieve, and the Count St. Hilary. Our nnitual adventures
were quickly related. 1 learned that fortune had smiled upon
the interesting exiles. They were again in atVluence and ease.
and as one who had known them intimately on the banks of
the Hudson. 1 was the object of their marked attention and un-
varying friendship. 1 was soon, although an undistinguished
traveler, in the enjoyment of a l)rilliant society, and the re-
ceived guest in a circle never to l)e forgotten." To return to
'Frenchman's Island." 'Ine sudden manner in which the cabin
and its furniture was left, gave rise to all sorts of conjectures
and stories among the dwellers ui)on the lake shore. Some be-
lieved the islanders had been murdered and thrown into the
lake, others that they had run away. The blacksmith at Con-
stantia was grieved that he had not ])urchased more of the
Countess' jewels, which by virtue of his art. he estimated at
double the price of old iron. The remains of the cabin and
fruit trees planted by St. Hilary are still to be seen on the
island.""
To keep the historic importance of this romantic spot in the
minds of our residents, it is deemed wise to reprint it in our
hook. From time to time newspaper accounts have been given
of it. but such are destroyed. We wish to record it.
^'
