USA > New York > Oneida County > Camden > Pioneer history of Camden, Oneida County, New York > Part 16
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WOLCOTT HILL SCHOOL-HOUSE.
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....
The first school taught on Wolcott Hill was in a room of the log house of Dickerman S. Castle, about 1823. Miss Lydia Brockett (later Mrs. Smith Miller, mother of Perry B. Miller) was the first teacher. She came from Waterbury. 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, Rodell, also taught in this district. The date of building the first framed school-house cannot be ascertained. The one now standing is the second framed build-
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
ing, and was built by contract by Jacob Wiggins. Very near this school building is a wide spreading maple tree set out by Charles Waldron about 1840, long before Arbor Day was thought of. Many a child now grown to manhood and woman- hood can tell of how good the noon dinners, put 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 pleasant shades afforded. Deacon Stephen Bryant has been clerk of this district (No. 7) for twenty-one consecutive years, and still holds that office (1897). In 1851 a record shows that the young men of Wolcott Hill had a debating society, or as they named their organization, "Wolcott Hill Lyceum." Its members were George M. Gaylord, A. M. Frisbie, Newell T. Smith and Ezra A. Edget. Many amusing discussions took place before this au- gust body, as is found by 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 of 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 County, N. Y., to Camden in the spring
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of 1821, purchasing this farm. He was married October 17 of the same year, to Miss Lavina Butler. Five daughters were born to them. Mrs. Root died June 25, 1834, aged 31 years, and is buried in Mexico Street Cemetery. Mr. Root removed to Galesburg, Ill., in 1836, where he died February 22, 1870, aged 75 years. 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 much of the first surveying here. as the 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., carly in the settle- ment of the town, as his name is found on the first Congrega- tional Church record book in 1817. 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, Arn, Bennett, Mary and Armarilla.
SAMUEL DICKERMAN 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 Waterbury. Com. He married Sally Brocket, born January 20, 1789. He first came to Camden in 1806, walking from Water- bury in company with several other young men (his brother Phineas being one who settled in Florence), took up land from
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
an agent and built a log house beyond and on the left of where now stands the Wolcott Hill school-house. Returning to Con-
Mr. S. D. Castle.
Mrs. S. D. Castle.
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
necticut, he was married during the year 1807, and again started for Camden, now with his 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. One time on 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 the corn-fields. He was fond of setting traps, and in this way caught many. Shooting foxes and catching wild pigeons 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 vears. Children of Samuel D. and Sally Brockett Castle: Chloe S., Lovido, Grace Angeline, Almira, Samuel, Orson, Giles, Elmira, Harriet, Flora, Sally, and Polly.
ALLEN SPERRY.
What is now known as the Deacon Stephen Bryant farm was the home of Allen Sperry. Mr. Sperry emigrated from Water- bury, Conn., in 1805, with a portion of his family (his three old- est children remaining in Connecticut until 1813. These were Anson, Josiah Clark and Philomelia). He built first a log house on the opposite side of the road from the present framed dwel- ling, now the residence of Deacon Bryant, and with his family endured the hardships and privations of early settlers. This farm later passed into the possession of his son Anson (who re- turned to Connecticut about 1812. He enlisted as sergeant at Bridgeport, under Charles Park, and served from July 12 to September 9, 1814), and later it was owned by Major J. D. Cavarly, from whom it was purchased by Deacon Leverett Bryant, father of Stephen. The children of Allen Sperry and Abigail his wife were all born in Connecticut. They were An- son, Josiah Clark, Philomelia, Ira, Rhoda, Andrew, Polly and Sherman. About 1836 Andrew and Sherman Sperry formed a co-partnership for the manufacture of hand hay-rakes. Mrs. Abigail, wife of Allen Sperry, united with the Congregational
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
Church in 1809. Andrew Sperry died 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 death, 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 many years leader of its choir He had but one son, Clark Sperry, 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 July 24, 1855. aged 48 years. His second
Home of Deacon Stephen Bryant.
wife 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
I5
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
swept across a portion of this old farm, uprooting fourteen large apple trees near where the log house was built. The old weil which was near the house is the only trace left to mark this early home.
JONATHAN BARNES.
What for many years was known as the McGovern farm was owned in 1802 by Jonathan Barnes, who emigrated from Water- bury, 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 spoken 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- oids of Revolutionary soldiers, it is found that Jonathan L'arnes enlisted March 10, 1778, for the war, in the 3rd Regiment Connecticut Line Formation of 1777-1781, Champions Co. January 1, 1780, he was drummer 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 Sybil Bartholomew was married No- vember 22, 1781.
Polly Barnes, bearth August 23, 1782.
Stephen, bearth December 28, year 83.
Sally, bearth May 5, 1786.
Merrit, bearth August the 30. year 88.
Ransome, October 5, year 90.
Garry, bearth October 12, 92. Harriet, her berth August 2, 1794. Carra, her berth March 1. 1797. Cloe, her berth March 28, 1803. Cloe, death March 24, 1804. Stephen, death November 3. A. D. 1806 Harriet, death September 13, 1812. Garry, death October 24, 1812."
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
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 many acres. Harry built a saw-mill on the northi 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 1, 1823. Their children were: Char- lotte, Emeline, Adeline, Caroline, Hannah, Hiram, Lucy, 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 Philanthropic Lodge F. and A. M. In 1864 he enlisted in Co. I . 15th Regiment of New York Volunteers' 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 XII.
ISAAC BARNES.
Isaac Barnes came from Watertown, Conn., in 1801. With him came his wife and six children-Ezra, Isaac. Jr .. Loly. Lois, Tillotson and Demas. When they came, there were neither bridges across the streams, nor a road, except trees marked to guide them in the way after they left Fort Stanwix, then little more than a military post. They located half a mile east of the village, on the way towards Taberg, on the farm now known as the John Craig place. It would be difficult to describe the hard- ships they encountered on the way, and after their arrival here. But with stout hearts, and willing hands, they bent to the task before them, and made for themselves a home with as many comforts as were desired. Mr. Isaac Barnes was somewhat crippled, so rendered unable to be 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 their children a permanent church home, molding characters, fitting 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 place, and cared for them till their death. Isaac Barnes died May 29, 1819. aged 75 years. Lucy Barnes died February 18. 1819, aged 67 years. Buried in old cemetery on Mexico street, by the pond. Of their children. Ezra will be spoken of elsewhere. Loly married Ichabod Com- stock, the father of the late Elliott Comstock. He resided in Williamstown, and died there. There were three brothers, sons of Loly and Ichabod, viz: Edward, Tillotson and Elliott. Edwin resided in Williamstown, and Elliott also, for many years. 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 by A. G. Wood. Mr. Wood married Margaret. Elliott's daughter, 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
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mother, Mrs. Samuel Plumb; then Tillotson, Elliott, Mrs. Com- stock, and Margaret. Another daughter of Mr. Comstock married Mr. Benjamin French of Williamstown, and still resides there. Tillotson Comstock was unmarried, and Edwin had no children. All were interred in Williamstown, but Mrs. Wood, who rests in Forest Park Cemetery. Of 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 16 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., who 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, with later additions.
Home of Tillotson Barnes.
Tillotson was a millwright and machinist by trade, but skilled in all handicraft. In 1825 or 1826 he formed a copartnership with Clark Sperry for the manufacture of rakes and linseed oil.
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
The building had formerly been used as a clock factory, that being Mr. Sperry's trade. Mr. 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 year 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 build and improve spir- itually and temporarily. Often in conversation, Mr. Barnes is referred to by the older residents of Camden at the present day. In his Michigan 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 up 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 bring him home. This they 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-day who would render a similar humane service to an unfortunate brother? Mr. Barnes recovered, and it must have been a life- long, pleasant memory, to treasure in his heart that so many friends uprose to do him kindness when necessity required it. The hearty, impulsive responses of our forefathers to any call for aid, is what we of this generation should emulate, without stopping first to consider whether we shall receive in dollars and
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
cents a return for our assistance. The Heavenly Father will attend to that.
Five of Tillotson Barnes' children are yet living, one in Kan- sas, and four in Kalamazoo County, Michigan. 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 interesting writer, and has lent us inestin- able aid in our work. Her memory reaches back to 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 years of age.
Demas Barnes, while yet a young man, followed his brother Ezra to Ontario County, N. Y., and bought a farm near him. After a time he married 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 papernotremote 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. Ilis wife died not many years later, leaving one daughter. In later years he married a Miss Blakeslee, 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 property 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 Gifford, David Gaylord, John Craig and others, who have mention in
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
other parts of our work. Mr. Craig' resided here from 1882 till 1895, when he sold to Cyrus E. Simmons, the present owner. Mr. Bauer occupies a portion of the house.
JOHN FREDERICK LOUIS BAUER.
John Frederick Louis Bauer was born at Darmstadt, Hessen, Germany, July 16, 1816. His education was obtained in prom- inent schools of excellence in Germany. 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 present Finch home, owned then by George Strong. Here they lived till 1860, when they bought of Byron Earll on Four Mile Square. In 1887 he removed to the Ebenezer Doten house on Taberg Street, which was his home till 1896. Mrs. Batter 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 but voices the sentiments of all who have the honor of his ac- quaintance, as follows: "I consider it a rare privilege to have enjoyed the acquaintance of the subject of this sketch. To know him is to esteem and love him, for he is one of those singularly pure-minded and unselfish characters which is occasionally met with in the journey of life. A man of strict honor and integrity. equable in temper, genial in manner. and a pleasing conversa- tionalist, his society is enjoyable in a very high degree. Posses- sed of good educational advantages in his younger days, the results are evident to every one who converses with him. There is in him a delightful combination of the scholar and the phi- losopher, 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. plants and flowers, is accurate and extensive, and such as would be no discredit to a professional scientist. I could say much
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
more of Mr. Bauer, who is so deservedly loved and respected. but I may say in brief, that the charm of his character consists in the great kindliness of his disposition, and in his unwavering trust in the Higher Power who controls all things. I shall re- tain through life, among my most pleasing memories, the many hours I have spent in the society of Mr. Bauer." Mrs. Bauer is buried in Forest Park Cemetery.
CHAPTER XIII.
COBB PLACE.
A family by the name of Welton lived on this farm first, and N. Welton 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 March 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 by 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 few rods north of the present Cobb house, and it was here Henry Peck died. While they lived here, a son, Melzar, was drowned in Fish 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 Ohio. Both Mr. and Mrs. Peck are buried in the cemetery on Mexico Street.
BENNETT COBB.
Deacon Bennett Cobb was born at Plymouth, Conn., Noven- ber, 1785; died in Camden, N. Y., April 8, 1870, aged 84 years and five months. He married Miss Mercy Doten, a sister of Ebenezer Doten, Sen., at Plymouth. Mr. Cobb belonged to a family noted for longevity, an uncle living to the remarkably great age of 107 years. Strong in body and full of energy, Mr. Cobb was not content to remain where possibilities 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-
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
mined him to settle in this locality we do not know, but suppose it to have possessed all the qualities that the New England home lacked. Here land abounded in timber; it was to be had cheap- ly, and in any number of acres desired; it was tillable, produc- tive, free from the stones which make so much of the New Eng- land soil difficult to cultivate, and no doubt all these points were 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 expen- sive was stony, hilly, bleak, and only to be cultivated under difficulties. These matters well weighed in the minds of worthy
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Deacon Cobb.
pioneers, they determined upon removal to a fairer clime. Ac- cordingly they made preparations for the journey. 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 them on the way, imploring Him who never slumbers nor
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