USA > New York > Oneida County > Camden > Pioneer history of Camden, Oneida County, New York > Part 13
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LEMUEL STEADMAN.
A little way beyond the home of Nathaniel Wetmore a road leads off 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.
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Lyman Steadman and his wife Elizabeth 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-Lyman, Cyrus, Martha, Benson, all living but Mary and Lyman. Mrs. Chapin the daughter of Mary, the only descendant now living in Camden. Lyman 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. Mary, wife of John Myers, died January 30, 1892.
ELIASAPH BARKER.
Following the main road east, on Preston Hill, we next come to the place known as the Ireland farm. Here Eliasaph Barker located as early as 1800. He was born Jan. 4, 1779, in Plymouth, Conn., coming to Camden in 1799. Six years later, he married Clarissa, second daughter of Daniel Parks. In this house four children were born-Lanson Levant, Cyrus Sydney, Volney Park, Clarissa Esther. Eliasaph Barker was a man of great Christian zeal, and was a leader of the Preston Hill 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 day was harnessed, and tied at Mr. Barker's door. He probably thought it was time to attend the meeting, and he must surely be there, he freed himself from his fastening and trotted leisurely towards the place of worship, where he was found under the shed some time later, in his usual place, waiting until the time came for him, to return home. One of the sons, Sydney Barker. was book-keeper for J. D. Caverly, until his health failed, and he later died with consumption. Volney Park Barker married Cor- nelia Bailey, went West to live, and died in Cincinnati. Clar- issa Esther Barker married William Ireland, went to New Lon- don to begin their married life: they 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 her.
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
William Ireland came from Cambridgeshire, 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 cast, the next house we see, which has been very materially altered, is the one owned and occupied by
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Mr. Seth Dunbar.
Mrs. Seth Dunbar.
the late Benj. Drought. Seth Dunbar came to Camden with his father. He was married to Jerusha Cowls in Plymouth, 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-
12
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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 73 years. His wife died June 30, 1852, aged 73 years.
ANDREW CRAIG.
The first house west of the school-house was built in 1815, by David Blakesley, whose first home was on the River Road. After residing here for a number of years, he sold to Rily Scovel, who
Andrew Craig'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
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THE 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 own 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 he 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 (S:ınday being the 25th), the ar niversary 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
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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:
' Oli, noble flag. 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.
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
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 carth July 16, 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. Hannalı, 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
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
one eye, and from this cause, he soon lost the sight of both; he was blind 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 Mary 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 1811, 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 Blake'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
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
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
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
his wife continued to reside the remainder of her life. 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. Angelina Blake 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 the 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, who 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
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
wooden pins instead of nails. Here the widow lived with her two sons many years. A great lover of flowers, 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
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
brother Ephraim, 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 were 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, Mr. Spencer often saw bears in the dense thickets. But time has wrought 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 recently a small
Uri Hill House.
unpainted house stood, with the well in front, and shaded on the farther side with old gnarled apple-trees, a veritable pioneer
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
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 Ten- 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 reinodeled. Here they lived together 48 years. Twelve children were born-
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Emily N., Melancthon, James H., Benjamin Franklin, Sylvester C., Eliphalet Johnson, Cornelia, Alonson G., Francis A., Wm. 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 the luxuries of farm life abounded. They were the first to cultivate
Home of Ephraim Sanford.
and introduce the garden strawberry, 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, 1860, aged 71 years. Mrs. Sanford lived to the ripe age of 83 years. She was a con- sistent member of the 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.
MELANCTHON SANFORD.
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. He 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-
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
mina; the former became the wife of Mr. Hongsinger 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 boyhood 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, 1860, aged 49 years. They rest in Forest Park Cemetery.
CHAPTER X.
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HILLSBORO.
H ILLSBORO 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 1828 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 sought 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 Middlefield. Wm. 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 probabili- 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 Hill; 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 place in the forest, with hard work before them.
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