Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 127

Author: Haddock, John A. 1823-
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Sherman
Number of Pages: 1094

USA > New York > Jefferson County > Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894 > Part 127

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The government caused a house to be

erected over the New Orleans early in the thirties, but that was finally destroyed, al- though the place was visited by hundreds of tourists and curiosity seekers each season. In 1882 Congress ordered the sale of the New Orleans at auction. Alfred Wilkinson, of Syracuse, bid her in for $400. While being demolished under his orders the accident oc- curred. Wilkinson, it is said, cleared about $4,000 from his investment.

THE G. A. R. HONOR AN OLD FRIEND.

The Watertown Standard of March 30, 1894, devotes a colums to details of a recep- tion to Col. W. B. Camp, by James K. Barnes Post, G. A. R., of Sackets Harbor. Commander Butterfield's remarks will per- haps best explain the wishes of the soldier boys, and we print them for that purpose. He spoke as follows :

COL. CAMP. - In tendering you this reception it is intended to convey to you an expression of the high esteem entertained for you by the comrades of this post, as a citizen having a loyal and patriotic desire, always, to sustain the government and flag, for your consistent and warm regard for the soldiers who, for their great love of country. periled their lives to pre- serve its unity. For these and the many expressions of kindly feeling and acts toward the Grand Army of the Republic, as a body. but more especially mani- fested to the comrades of Joseph K. Barnes Post No. 360, one of its integral parts, are we here to-night, and the comrades of this Post desire to express their high sense of regard for you as a truly loyal citizen, and their appreciation of you as a man who believes in the motto of our order, Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty, by the adoption of the following resolu- tions :

Resolved, That in tendering the hospitality of Joseph K. Barnes Post, in open assembly, and offer. ing this reception to Col. Walter B. Camp, it is not the outcome of simply courteous action, but the hearty expression of fraternal feeling of its com- rades.

Resolved, that as comrades we believe in a manly and honestly warm heart, so many times manifested by Col. Camp, by the friendly greeting, in the tokens of friendship, evident by the many beautiful objects which adorn our quarters; his invariable response where material aid was required to assist in relieving an unfortunate comrade or his family, and above all this, his manv acts and his constant desire to pro- mote the interests of his native village. We pray the Supreme Commander to bless him abundantly. and make the future of his life one of pleasant and joyful hours.

Colonel Camp was evidently deeply moved by the hearty welcome he received when he arose to reply. He referred in happy terms to the great pleasure it gave him to be present, and said that their warm words of appreciation were all too generous. He had taken great pride in the old boys in blue. and any little attentions had been only incident to a des re by him to show how he regarded the heroes of the great struggle. He referred to the dedication of the old battle field in 1886, and spoke of the words of John Seymour on that notable occasion. Col. Camp related several deeply interesting reminiscences of the war days, notably his connection with presenting the flag to the 94th N. Y. Volunteers at Alexandria, Va. The feeling response of Col. Camp was highly entertaining and characteristic. Evidently he was moved with feelings of gratitude for the reception he had received at the hands of his fellow-citizens.

Colonel A. D. Shaw was called upon by the com- mander and was very cordially received.

He spoke in highly eulogistic terms of the charac- ter and public services of Colonel Camp, and said that it gave him great gratification to be present when his old friend was made the recipient of such rare and felicitious resolutions of respect and good will, from his neighbors and life-long friends. Such evidences of esteem and confidence were deserved. It was a noble thing to have such tokens of regard presented while living. The rule was to pass and

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print resolutions of condolence after one was dead : but in Col. Camp's case, the more impressive and fit- ting way of filling the heart of the living with joy by references to work well done and acts well perform- ed, had been adopted. Col. Camp had won the high esteem of his many admirers by a genial and happy individuality, and now, in the sunset of life, one of the greatest honors of his career had been extended him. He congratulated him on his good fortune, and trusted that many happy years would be meted out to him in which to enjoy the felicity of friends and have a part in every good work of life. Captain Macgowan was called upon and made a neat speech. He caused much mirth by referring to Col. Camp's references to some of his early reminiscences, and expressed himself as greatly pleased with the oppor- tunity of being present on the very interesting occas- ion. Excellent music was rendered.

After the speaking was over, the commander in- vited all present to remain and partake of a bountiful supper, which the Woman's Auxiliary had prepared.

patriotic spirit displayed in carrying out the wishes of Mrs. Hay in the many details necessarily connected with such a gift. The G. A. R. Post and the Masonic fraternity took part in the procession, in which also the firemen, different societies and citizens generally joined. Colonel Camp opened the exercises, the church and chapel being filled to their uttermost. Rev. M. E. Reynolds, of the M. E. Church, said :

"I congratulate this congregation on the event of this hour and I congratulate the president and the committee of arrangements on their plan of bring- ing in unison the two events which we celebrate to- day. It may be inquired why we join these two things in one celebration. It is characteristic of the American people to be self-sacrificing. The self-

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, CONTAINING THE CHIME OF BELLS.

MRS. MARIETTA PICKERING HAY'S GIFT TO SACKETS HARBOR.

ON the 23d of February, 1894, at Sackets Harbor, a double celebration took place, of unusual interest. The affair that took pre- cedence was the celebration of the birthday of Washington and the presentation of a chime of bells to that historic town by Mrs. Hay, as a living commemoration of her father, Captain Augustus Pickering, the man who commanded the first vessel that ever entered the port of Chicago. The second event grew out of the first, being an appro- priate tribute by his townsmen, to Col. W. B. Camp, for the perseverance, fidelity and

sacrifice of George Washington is self-evident. And here is the benevolence of this good woman by whose kindness we are enabled to share in the harmony of this beautiful chime of bells.

Mr. M. Gurney spoke for the Masons. He said :

As a Masonic organization, we assemble here to- gether to commemorate the memory of a great mon. We commemorate him as a boy who could not tell a lie. We commemorate him as a man. the leader of his country. We honor his memory as once the chief magistrate of this nation. We honor him as a brother who knelt at the same altar and wore the same emblem-the apron. We have also met to honor the donor of these bells. We hold her name in great esteem. She has done nobly by this, her native town, and in the evening. when our children's children listen to the notes pealed from this church tower, may they reflect that it was a noble gift from

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a noble woman. It is a pleasure, also, to include in our expressions of esteem, Col. Walter B. Camp, to whose activity and generous spirit much of the credit of this accomplishment is due. Our only re- gret is that he is not a brother Mason.

M. H. Clark, of the G. A. R., said :

During the march of Washington and his army through New Jersey, the army encamped one night just opposite my grandfather's house. The General and his staff were invited to partake of my grand- mother's hospitality, and during his visit his social, home-like manner, made a deep impression. My grandmother never tired in telling of the incident, and I relate it, hoping that a knowledge of his plain sociability will increase the respect in which he is held. In closing, let me speak of the new chimes. We owe a large debt of gratitude to the donor, and we are glad to note that in her wanderings she appreciates the fact that there is no place like home.

Pickering won the proud distinction of owning the first ship that ever floated upon the waters of the now famous port of Chicago.

And to Col. W. B. Camp, our contemporary, loyal and royal citizen. we voice our hearty appreciation of the liberal public spirit which again prompts a generous offering, that so well supplements the gift of the Pickering memorial.

Manifesting much emotion, Col. Camp feelingly said :

I am very thankful for the kind words that have been said of me, and for the good wishes of my friends. They have taken me by surprise. But if you think Iam deserving of all this that has been said, I am very grateful. It makes one feel happy to know, in the latter part of life, that one is respected by his neighbors Nothing can give me more satis- faction. Traveling in many places throughout the world, great joy has come to me from hearing the

INSPECTING THE GUARD. Taken in Perspective, which Gives a Peculiar Appearance to the Men.

The response for the civil authorities of the village of Sackets Harbor was very in- teresting. It was read by Wilbur L. McKee :

It is a pleasing coincidence that this chime should be presented in the Columbian year, when all eyes have been turned to Chicago-remembering as we do that 60 years ago Captain Augustus Pickering's schooner Illinois, built in this place. sailed from here May 12, 1834, with 104 passengers, for the distant vil- lage of Chicago, arriving off the mouth of Chicago creek June 14. 1834.

There being a formidable bar across the mouth of the creek, passengers were put ashore in the ship's yawl. The people of the village, wishing to acknowl- edge the compliment paid their State by the name "Illinois," proposed if possible. to carry the schooner across the bar, that it might be said that a vessel had actually entered the harbor. With some . difficulty the feat was accomplished, and Captain

voice of some old home-friend or schoolmate calling to me in the old familiar terms of boyhood. Ican only repent that I am deeply grateful for all that has been said.

In September, 1892, a communication of a very pleasurable nature came directly to me, charged to secrecy as to the author, in which was included the name of our respected townsman and mutual friend, Mr. Canfield.

The lady surprised us by proposing to place in the Presbyterian or Episcopal church tower. a chime of nine bells, leaving to our judgment which of them was more desirable for selection.

We found, after careful examination. that neither was suitable in dimensions or strength to carry the weight and answer the requirements of the bell- foundry company.

Friends in Buffalo, Marietta. Ga., Watertown, Brooklyn and Dakota, joined with some patriotic citizens at home to inform Mrs. Marietta Pickering Hay, of Tarrytown, the lady who had hidden behind

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the bells. that the tower of this church would be re- built according to the requirements and her under- standing with Meneely & Company of West Troy.

Six months from February 14. 1893, was given us to make ready for the reception of nine bells, to weigh with fixtures about five tons, the largest one in G to weigh 1.6 0 pounds.

The bells speak for themselves They are not only a joy now, but for all time. Many a wanderer from the hearthstone can return with pleasant anticipa- tions. that if other voices are stilled that once cheer- ed and stirred his soul there remains a solace and welcome, as to him who heard the

" Bells of Shandon sound so grand upon The River Dee."

We have shortened, for want of space, the printed account of this unique celebration- an occasion honorable to all concerned.

THE ILLINOIS.

The growth of our commerce on the lakes, even during the life of one man, is simply marvelous, utterly transcending the dreams of fiction. The details of its history read like fairy tales ; but in a historical article it is impossible to give more than an outline of the most remarkable development of marine traffic the world has ever known.

In the winter of 1833-34 Augustus Pick- ering, of Sackets Harbor, New York, built what was then called a large vessel-a schooner with dimensions thus stated by Geo. L. Dickinson (now of Muskegon, Michigan), who was one of the carpenters who helped to build it: This vessel was as large as could be got through the wooden locks of the Welland canal, its length being 80 feet, breadth 20 feet, and depth of hold 8 feet. It was called the "Illinois," and it sailed from Sackets Harbor on May 12, 1834, with 104 passengers, for the village of Chicago. Mr. Dickinson and his young wife were among the passengers. The cargo consisted of the household goods and farming implements of the passengers, bound "for the far west," who availed themselves of this means of transit as the most convenient at the time- railroads being unknown, and steam vessels hardly out of their earliest stage of experi- menting.

After calling at numerous places, for rest- ing the passengers and replenishing the stock of "sea stores," the Illinois arrived off the mouth of the Chicago river (creek) about June 14, 1834, but it could neither land nor enter the " harbor," for there was no harbor, but instead a formidable bar across the mouth of the creek. There being no docks in what was called the harbor, no lights, no tugs, no anything but mud-mud in the streets and out of the streets-the passengers and light goods were put ashore by means of the ship's yawl, the heavier goods going by raft as the weather would admit. The only ho- tel being full, the passengers housed them- selves as best they could, some finding shelter in a two-room. log-cabin called a tavern, on the west side, though Captain Pickering suc- ceeded, a short time after, in securing a small house from Mr. McKinzie, a govern- ment Indian agent.

After the cargo of the little schooner had been discharged, the people of the village told Captain Pickering that, as he had been gallant enough to name his vessel after their State, they wished to acknowledge the com- pliment in some fitting manner, and proposed to take his schooner over the bar (which showed but four feet of water), if such a thing were practicable, so that it might be said that a vessel had actually been in their " harbor." After due consultation the idea was decided to be feasible. Accordingly anchors were carried out, a purchase rove to the windlass, and with much vigorous shout- ing, rolling of the schooner's booms, and heaving at the windlass, the thing was done, and the little schooner "Illinois" floated proudly in the port of Chicago-the first ves- sel that ever graced that harbor.

VILLAGE OFFICERS.

The officers of the village of Sackets Har- bor are as follows :

E A. Hovey, president ; H H. Lane, treasurer ; W. L. McKee, clerk ; George But- terfield, R. M. Earl, M. C. Symonds, as- sessors ; John Parker, police justice ; Wil- liam McLaughlin, Dr. S. D. Lord, Norman Gurney, George M. Read, L. W. Day, H. J. Lane, trustees.

BUSINESS OF SACKETS HARBOR.

The following are the names of the busi- ness people of Sackets Harbor :

Mrs. J. McHenry, restaurant.

Dr. M. S. Lord, physician and surgeon.

Clark M. Stearns, deputy collector of cus- toms.

N. N. Washburn, harness maker.

James Boyd, blacksmith.

John D. Francis, wagon-repairing shop.

Miles Van Alstyne, blacksmith.

Henry Czech, tailor.

Dr. S. D. Lord, physician and surgeon.

John Parker, justice of the peace.

Benjamin Scroxton, dealer in hardware.

Mrs. P. W. Koppenhaver, 5 & 10 ct. store.

Isaac N. Aseltine, baker.

J. F. Mabb, restaurant.

Fred Gowin, boat and canoe livery.

George M. Read, dealer in coal and wood.

D. McKee & Son, foundry and machine shop.

Frederick Hovey, dealer in coal and wood. John A. Fitzgerald, postmaster.

James A. Wilson, planing m.ll and lumber yard.

John Eveleigh, dealer in mortar, lime and cement.

Thomas H. Leach, station and express agent.

M. Taggart, flour and feed.

Gurney & Pettit, dealers in drugs, medi- cines, chemicals, paints, oils, etc.

J. G. Carswell, artistic boot and shoe maker.

J. R. Jones, agent, dealer in cigars, to- bacco, furnishing goods, notions, patent medicines, fruits and candies.

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

W. H. Ayres, publisher of the famous Se- lect Editions of Orchestra, Military Band and Banjo Music.

D. W. McEvoy, dealer in choice Western and Jefferson county beef, fine groceries and provisions, select teas and coffees.

John Scroxton, dealer in stoves, ranges, and manufacturer of tin, sheet iron and cop- per ware.

Graham House, John Graham, proprietor. Good livery attached. Newly furnished throughout.

A. Stearne, dealer in general merchandise. Connected with Telephone Exchange.

James E. Herron, dealer in newspapers, periodicals and magazines, choice confection- ary, cigars, tobacco, etc.

Dr. C. N. Lord, dentist.

E. A. Hovey, coal, wood and ice. .

Dr. Alexander L. Ladd, physician and sur- geon.

W. H. Jones, proprietor Eureka laundry, opposite Graham House.

James Brooks, groceries and provisions.

Elisha A. Parker, fine groceries and provis- ions, fruits, vegetables, etc.

Earl House, James Galloway, proprietor.

H. J. Lane, dry goods, carpets, clothing, boots, shoes, hats, caps and crockery, manu- facturer of Lane's Excelsior baking powder and Lane's liver medicine.

W. H. Clark, justice of the peace.

C. S. & C. C. Earl, druggists and grocers.

Robert Baker, boots, shoes and rubbers. hats and caps, gents' furnishing goods, hard- ware and jewelry.

Giles L. Marsh, jeweler, P. C. Silva Lodge, No. 113, K. of P., Whatcheer, la .; Rep. of Grand Lodge, Iowa; Sackets Harbor Lodge, No. 368.

George E. Butterfield, funeral director and undertaker.

Hastings House, A. B. Hastings, proprie- tor. First-class accommodations for fishing parties.

William McLaughlin & Son, dealers in fresh and salt meats, lard, poultry and game.

H. L. Potter, dealer in rich and plain fur- niture, mattresses, springs, window shades.

G. D. Ford, dealer in groceries and provis- ions. Agency for the Home, Niagara and Caledonia Fire Insurance companies and the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance com- pany.

COLONEL WALTER B. CAMP.

GEORGE CAMP, father of the subject of this sketch, came to Sackets Harbor in the winter of 1816-17, and established the first printing office in Sackets Harbor, issuing the first number of the Sackets Harbor Gazette in March, 1817. At this time his family con- sisted of Talcott Hale Camp, now president of the Jefferson County National Bank, and George Hull Camp, an extensive manu- facturer, now a resident of Marietta, Ga. George Camp married Elizabeth Hitchcock, a native of New Haven, Conn., who, at the time of their union was a resident of Utica.

Walter Bicker Camp, the subject of this biography, was born in Sackets Harbor, October 1, 1822, and has remained a resident through all its changes and vicissitudes, to the present time. Mr. Camp was to the "manor born," and it has been his ruling passion that the place of his nativity might advance in importance, as its natural location and surroundings seemed to justify, and in accordance with the spirit that inspired its founders. The commercial and military spirit in this locality was so happily com- bined, and each of foremost importance, that Mr. Camp imbibed its influence with the younger generation that stamped the earlier history of the village, and he has not ceased in his endeavors to save, as far as possible, the prestige of this historic locality. To that end all the enterprises that were calculated to retain Sackets Harbor in its commercial and military consequence obtained a large share of his time, means and services. The build- ing of the first railroad here, from Sackets Harbor to Pierrepont Manor, enlisted his

earnest endeavors, hoping for the successful accomplishment of an enterprise that would retain the commercial importance of the port of Sackets Harbor. About $400,000 was spent in the construction of this road by the enterprising citizens of this town, Henderson and Ellisburgh, to which Mr. Camp was no mean contributor, and acted as custodian and local director for two years, before the abandonment of the road. That portion of his available means, realized from the sale of the road, was donated by Mr. Camp to the Presbyterian Church Society, as a perpetual fund for the purchase of books for the Sun- day-school, and for repairs of the church.

When the War of the Rebellion broke out, Mr. Camp was chosen by Governor Morgan as the one to whom he would intrust the management and occupancy of the military depot at Madison Barracks, Sackets Harbor, and accordingly appointed him to that com- mand, with the rank of colonel, October 17, 1861. Mr. Camp considered the appointment not only complimentary, but almost obliga- tory, and entered upon his duties immedi- ately, and in 24 hours one company had been enrolled into the service, and in 18 days the 94th Regiment had perfected its organiza- tion. Governor Morgan was very reluctant to open any more depots, and feared serious results from the want of proper direction of the improvised depots about the State. When the 94th moved from camp and reach- ed Albany the following day, Gov. Morgan called upon Col. Camp, who had accom- panied the regiment, and complimented him by saying "he was proud of the 94th; that

Halter B. leamp

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it had given them little or no trouble during its organization; was composed of splendid material; was in magnificent form and dis- cipline, had been recruited and maintained at $20,000 less expense than any like regi- ment in the State; and instead of losing 20 or 30 men, it had gained two on leaving camp."

The depot now being established, it became the active centre for enlistments and organi- zation during the war. The 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery was organized, and Col. Camp was appointed the town war com- mittee, and, with Senator Bell, of Brown- ville, took the quotas of that town and Houndsfield, and formed the company com- manded by Capt. O. H. Gilmore and Lieut. Flowers.

After the war General Sherman was dis- posed to break up the military post here, there being no railroad for the effective transportation of troops. To meet this ob- jection measures were immediately taken to extend the Utica & Black River Railroad to Sackets Harbor. Col. Camp was untiring in his efforts to prevent the removal of the post, and to secure the completion of the road to this village. Meetings were held on the line of the contemplated road; and the towns along the route, with the hearty co-operation of their enterprising citizens, secured the completion of the road in 1873.

During the occupancy of the barracks by Gen. Ayres, the officers' quarters, to the east of the commander's dwelling, were burned. General Sherman was opposed to any outlay ; but with the hearty co-operation of Congress- man Bagley, Mr. Camp succeeded in getting an appropriation of $25,000 to rebuild. Un- favorable influences continued for years, un- til Gen. Grant was seen by Col. Camp, with whom for a long time he had retained a most intimate acquaintance. With his valued ser- vices in presenting to Gen. Sherman the desirability of retaining the military post there came a marked change, and from that time Madison Barracks has received the at- tention from the government the importance its position demanded. On General Sherman arriving here with the 12th Regiment, under General Wilcox, he expressed himself capti- vated with the location. In this matter Col. Camp had been an interested actor, and con- siders himself fortunate in having an ac- quaintance in the army among many of its most illustrious characters, being related to Admiral Foote and Commodore Hitchcock on his mother's side, and upon the paternal side to the first and most conspicuous member of the Hale family, the descendants of whom have marked their way by deeds of patriotism and valor. In May, 1885, he was unanimously elected, with title, associate member of the Military Service Institution on Governor's Island, of which Gen. Hancock was president.

Col. Camp followed the business estab- lished by his father after the latter had dis- posed of his printing establishment in 1821, continuing it to 1884. In the meantime he

travelled extensively upon the continent of Europe, and far and wide over our own territory, bounded by the different oceans.

In 1844 the family came into possession of the mansion and grounds formerly owned and occupied by Col. Melancthon Woolsey, and, although never married, Col. Camp has, for the past 30 years, entertained with a re- fined and generous hospitality.

He also was deeply interested in the organization of the Jefferson County Histori- cal Society, of which he is the first vice- president. In 1885 he succeeded in securing the old battle-ground, as executor of the estate of Elisha Camp, as a gift to the Jeffer- son County Historical Society and the village of Sackets Harbor, which was dedicated with imposing ceremonies.

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Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 127

Author: Haddock, John A. 1823- Publication date: 1894 Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Sherman Number of Pages: 1094

Author: Haddock, John A. 1823-
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Sherman
Number of Pages: 1094