USA > New York > Oneida County > Camden > Pioneer history of Camden, Oneida County, New York > Part 26
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EDWIN ROCKWELL.
Edwin Rockwell was a native of Vermont, born in 1801. At an early age he taught school in Norway, N. Y. In 1827 he journeyed on horseback from his home to Redfield, N. Y .; here he purchased a farm situated on Salmon River, 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 until his death, in 1874. He was thrice married: First. to Miss Manley, who was the mother of three children, viz .:
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Horace, Cornelia and Lucius. His second wife was Miss Nichols, and mother of Edwin Rockwell of Brooklyn, N. Y. His third wife was Mrs. Melissa Norton.
JOHN KENT, SEN.
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 Vose and daughters Mary and Lizzie). Their first home was a portion of the dwelling on Miner avenue, now the residence of Joel House. This dwelling was moved from the west side of Main street.
Mr. Alfred Brooks came to Camden in 1850 and later mar. ried Miss Mary Vose. Mrs. Richard Vose died September 4, 1867, aged 78 years; Miss Lizzie Vose died April 2, 1878. aged 55 years; Mrs. John Kent, died January, 1886, aged 72 years; Mr. John Kent died February, 1872. aged 83 years.
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 him home after his day's labor. He named his home after himself. Years have passed, and he, too, is gone. This place has had many occupants. It is the only typical home in Camden village, whose architecture remains unchanged This property is owned by Mrs. Silas Allen.
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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 wife of Israel Butler, and Thomas D., who died in early life, were born. About 1832 Mr. Simmons re- turned to Vienna, and 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 & Tiffany 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 wagon 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. R. Simmons, born in 1847. Mr. Sim- mons was of colonial stock; his father was a Revolutionary sol- dier. The old musket he carried was used by the son at general trainings, and is now in the possession of Myron H. Simmons. Mr. Simmons died in 1853, aged 53 years. The only grand- children were those born to James Edwin Simmons, viz .: Mrs. G. H. Smith; Miss Minnie Simmons, for years a teacher in the Union School; and Mrs. H. J. Newland. Of these only Mrs. G. H. Smith survives. Mr. Edwin and Myron Simmons car- ried on the business of their father for many years, as long as health would permit.
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GEORGE EMPEY.
George Empey's father was from Scotland, and later settled in the northern part of Ireland, in the County of Fermanach. With his family he emigrated to this country in 1783 and settled in Cambridge. He was born in 1737; died December 20, 1823, aged 86.
Anthony Empey, his son, married Margaret Livingston at Cambridge, Washington County, N. Y., in 1793. He moved to Florence in 1808, and bought land of George Scriba; the deed was given October 10, 1808. In early days he was 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 find he owned prop- erty on Second street, between Union and Empey avenue, and sold to Charles Trowbridge in 1837. Col. Richard 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 old when his father came to Florence. Col. Empey lived at home until 16 years old, then came to Camden and made his home with Dr. Joshua Ransom until he was of age. In the year 1829 he married Elima Putnam,
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daughter of Capt. Daniel Putnam, a veteran of '76. They went to housekeeping in the Priest Smith house at the head of Main 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. T. Stranahan. In 1837 he returned to Camden, and lived on Main street until he sold to Anson Strong. In 1844 he built this house. The same
The Empey Homestead.
year was elected to the Assembly. In early life he was a men- ber of the State Militia, in which organization he gained the title of Colonel. His certificate, which was signed by Dewitt Clinton, is well preserved in a frame, and hangs on the wall in this home he took so much pride in building. He was one of the original members of the Camden Industrial Association; also the Cemetery Association, and the first Spring Water Company; the latter at one time was in a flourishing condition. Six children were born to them-Clarissa married A. P. Pond in 1852, and died in 1858; Louisa married W. I. Upson in 1854. and died in 1868: James died November, 1861, unmarried; Nancy married Edward Edic in 1868, who owns and occupies
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this homestead. They have two children. Clara and Charles E. Lafayette Empey married Ann Holley of Ehnira; they went to Illinois ; Mrs. Empey died in 1880, and left four children; Addic, the only daughter, died in 1894. Isaac resides in Macomb, Ill .; Lafayette, Jr., in Iowa, and James in Elmira, N. Y. Lafayette. Sen., married Mrs. Jennie Cox, of Williamstown, 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 Pemberton 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, S. C., where he was in a camp which was situated on the race-course, about one month; and from here was sent to Florence. S. C., and confined there until the middle of February, when the pris- oners were all sent North. He was paroled at Goldsborough, N. C., February 24, 1865, and sent into our lines near the rail- road bridge, twelve miles north of Wilmington. N. C. Here he remained about two weeks, when he was sent to parole camp at Annapolis, M1. At this place he procured a furlough, and came home about the 20th of March. Returned to parole camp the last of May, and received his honorable discharge June 20, 1865.
Horatio Empey died in 1871, leaving a widow who died in 1881. Col. Richard Empey died February 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 New- ton, Mass., October 9, 1767. and died in Camden, N. Y .. No- vember 2. 1839. aged 72 years. Nancy Chamberlain, wife of Isaac Stone, was born at Worcester, Mass .. July 21, 1770, and died at Camden, February 1, 1838, aged 67. Isaac Stone was a descendant of Simon Stone, born in Hartford. England. in 1590: came to America in ship "Increase" in 1635; settled at Cam- bridge, Mass., becoming by "Stone's grant" owner of all that part of Cambridge now around Mt. Auburn Cemetery, including
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the old farm and home at Newton, where Isaac Stone was born. He came to Camden some time in the twenties, and first settled on a small farm on Mexico street, purchased of Bartholomew Pond, Jr. He afterwards bought land in the village, of Billious 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. Eight children were born to them-Artemas Woodard, born 1793, died 1813: Betsey, known as Eliza, born 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 1800: Zebina, born at Fitchburg in 1817, died 1868. The five older ones were born at Keene. N. H. Isaac Stone and wife died in their home on Union street. Aaron and Thomas Stone returned East to finish their trade as cabinet makers. Thomas went to Massachusetts to learn carving. Aaron went to Keene, N. H. While on a visit
Aaron Stone.
in Swanzee, he became acquainted with Miss Amanda Parsons; they were married in 1832, and immediately came to Camden,
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and lived the first two years with his father and mother. In 1834 Aaron and Thomas Stone built the double house now on Union street, in the rear of the original site on North Park street.
Aaron Stone was a man very highly esteemed, and held many offices of trust. Of the three children born to them, only 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, N. Y. S. V. "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, Va., June 1I, 1864, aged 30 years. The news of his death brought sorrow to his friends and the community. His remains were brought to Camden and buried in Forest Park Cemetery, 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;
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he went into the banking business with Alfred Smith, also of Camden, where they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Stone went to Clinton, Ia., in 1870: Mrs. Stone survived her husband fifteen years, dying January, 1890.
Mary Stone married a Mr. Fielding of Rome.
Thomas Stone.
Thomas Stone married Britannia E. Penfield, March 11, 1835, at Camden; went to housekeeping in the house Mt. Stone had recently built. In 1837 he went East 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 building, forty feet square, with a dome on top, and be completed before the fall meeting." This estab- lishes the date when the first Town Hall was built. Thomas Stone returned from the Fast and lived the remainder of his
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days in their first home; he died in 1860, aged 51; his wife sur- vived him until February 9, 1897, and died aged 87. 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; Jennie Hume, the late Mrs. George Morss; Thomas Hume resides in New York city; Hattie Hume is the wife of Dr. Frank Miller of Whites- town. Nancy Stone married Judge Truax of New York city; died in 1886, leaving three children: Arthur, Bessie and Nannie. The three sons are living-Fowler Stone of Wausau, Wis .; Dis- brow Stone of Colorado Springs, and Hon. B. 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, Florence, 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. When he was about ten years of age his parents moved to Deansville, then called Brothertown, in Oneida County, N. Y. In 1823 he came to Camden, and in 1826 married Abigail. daughter of Capt. John Smith. She was born in Milford. Con .. in the year 1805; married in Camden. In 1838 Mrs. Burr died. To Robert and Abigail Burr were born three daughters-Fran- ces, Almira and Mary; Almira married Mr. P. HI. 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 Neville Brown of Brooklyn, 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 purchased prop- erty in the lower part of the town, adjoining property later owned by Patrick Durr. He was a tailor by trade, the building
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where he first commenced being a part of the house now owned by William Bartlett, then standing a little 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 store of C. J. Wright, the Dorrance store and others that stood in the row of business building's 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, assisting J. D. Cavarly in his store and teaching school. Later he studied medicine with Dr. David Ely in Camden. In 1845 he graduated from Geneva College, prac- ticed medicine in the South about three years: but his health failing, he returned to Camden, and after his recovery entered into partnership with J. D. Cavarly in the mercantile business. In 1851 he married Miss Elizabeth S., daughter of Linus Stevens, and resided on Second street-their present home. In 1860 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 Waterville, 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 loyal to his party. Mrs. Tracy is also fond of reading, is
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most agreeable in conversation, and has a remarkable memory of things that occurred in her young womanhood. Has not lost much of the comeliness said to have been hers in youth.
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 was 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 built by their son Martin 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. llis remains rest in Mexico Street Cemetery, marked by a stone bearing above date. Thirza Tyrrell Stevens was born at Nauga- tuck, Conn., in 1778. While on a visit to her old home, she was called higher, at the ripe age of 82 years, in the year 1850. Their daughter 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 25. 1806.
24
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He was the fourth child born to them. After a boyhood spent at "Pond Hill," he had arrived at the years when a young man chooses for himself a vocation in life, and came to Camden in 1826, when about nineteen years of age. The year following, 1827, his parents came here to reside, he having built a home to receive them. For a few years he worked for George Ferris, but later he, with his brother Hopkins, began a furniture trade, con- tinning some years. The shop, remembered by many, stood on the east side of Main street, and was purchased of Gen. Curtiss. For several years he was engaged in the purchase and sale of lumber with New 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 Cemetery. In 1836 he again married, his second wife being Miss Emma A., daughter of Jesse Fish, Esq .. of Williamstown, Os- wego County, N. Y. In 1846 he purchased one-third of an acre of land about where the "Commercial House" now stands, of Jesse Fish-land joining Nancy Thatcher's-which latter must have been the Reed Hotel property. Hereon he erected a home for himself. Mr. Stevens held many offices in the militia when "general training" days were of much interest and import- ance. The commission papers showing his appointments are at hand. In February, 1830. he was sergeant under Capt. Ammi Hinkley, 68th Regiment, Col. R. Empey. In May, 1831. Ensign, John A. Dix, Adjutant General; signed E. T. Throop. In May. 1832, lieutenant in 68th Regiment, Infantry; signed Enos T. Throop. In August, 1835, captain in 68th Regiment, Infantry; signed W. L. Marcy. August, 1838, major of 68th Regiment: signed Win. L. Marcy; and in 1839, lieutenant colonel of same regiment : signed William H. Seward. It is said of him by those who recall those days of enthusiasm, that he made a fine figure in his uniform, carrying himself with much military dignity. To Mr. and Mrs. Stevens were born two children, Walter Tyrrell and Helen Martha, born 1841. Helen M. died in 1861, at the age of 20 years. She was a young lady of much beauty of char- acter, a favorite with all, especially with those of her age, among whom she had a host of friends. It was a heavy affliction for
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her parents to bear, and the poor mother grew weary in her deep sorrow. To speak of the kindly character of Mr. and Mrs. Stevens is fitting and proper in these pages. For those in afflic- tion there was always a heart full of sympathy; those in want ever found open hands to aid them, and in sickness they pre- scribed remedies and soothed the weary, pain-racked bodies. Mrs. Stevens would lay aside her own work if an aged friend (and they were many) needed a cap, and without a seeming ef- fort fit her with one, the material provided from her store. The writer speaks from positive knowledge 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 bow 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, by Mrs. Stevens. She was an earnest, devout member of the Episcopal Church, and her daily life was a benediction. Mr. Stevens' kind- ness and attention to children was remarkable. If they were ragged and dirty he made no distinction between them and those more tidy in appearance. If he were driving, at least a half dozen were in the party; or if walking. a troop would follow, and at last find their way to the confectioner's, where a treat of candy 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 summons from the Master to come higher and receive the reward he merits for his deeds well done. He is spending his declining days with his only son, Walter T., and is in his g1st year. His mind is in the main bright, and memory retentive. Mrs. Emma Stevens died December 10, 1875. aged 65 years, and was laid to rest beside her daughter Helen. in Forest Park Cemetery.
W. T. STEVENS.
Walter Tyrrell is the only surviving child of Martin H. and Emma A. Stevens, born July 3. 1839. He gained an insight into his father's business through the years of his boyhood and young manhood, and in 1860 assumed the proprietorship 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
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Linus Stevens house, turning the old house around with the end toward the street-the building now used as the post-office. Here he continued 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 Williams & 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 Tafft of Baltimore, Md., is the only surviving one. Mr. Stevens purchased the home of his wife, that of Orson 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 Pond, in 1810 or 1811. He was the father of Mr. Franklin 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.
Franklin Stevens was 18 years of age when he left Camden and 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 youngest. Wilhelmina, and the mother yet survive. their home being at present at Sylvan. Mr. Franklin Stevens died in 1896, aged 83 years. Buried at Sylvan.
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