USA > New York > Oneida County > Camden > Pioneer history of Camden, Oneida County, New York > Part 32
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New Trinity Episcopal Church.
ing, they went outside to procure timbers to strengthen the roof. Fortunately for them, the walls fell while they were away. The
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
damage to the building was between six and seven hundred dol- lars, which fell heavily on the small society. Again the towns- people and neighboring parishes were called upon and gave freely. With renewed energy the work was pushed forward.
The new church was consecrated February 24th, 1869, by the Right Rev. Bishop Coxe, Bishop of Western New York, assisted by eleven of the clergy of neighboring parishes. The financial statemert was read by S. Cromwell, Esq .: the instru- ment of donation, by the Rev. Francis Gilliatt, former rector of the parish, and the sentence of consecration by the Rev. Van Deusen of Utica. Morning prayer was read by the Rev. Dr. Bab- cock of Watertown, assisted by the Rev. Clark of Rome, Rev. Miller of Jordan, Rev. Fletcher of Constableville. Rev. Stanton, and Rev. Winslow of Watertown, Rev. Weaver of East Flor- ence, and Rev. Boyer of Pulaski. The sermon was delivered by Bishop Coxe extemporaneously, from the text. "My soul hath a desire, yea, a longing to enter into the courts of the living God."
Six persons presented themselves for confirmation, and the Holy Communion was celebrated. The teachers and scholars of the Sunday School, with the assistance of the rector, pur- chased the beautiful chancel window with the most appropriate design. Christ blessing little children, and presented it to the church.
At the present time the church is in a flourishing condition. under the charge of C. J. Lambert : not a large society, but all united and working earnestly for the glory of the church mili- tant and the spread of the gospel.
SUCCESSION OF PASTORS.
Rev. E. D. Kennicut became rector about the first of Sep- tember. 1842, and resigned the first of August, 1844. Rev. Stephen Douglass had charge of the parish from August 1, 1844. until May, 1846. He was succeeded by Albert P. Smith, who had charge of the parish from August 1. 1846, until June 1. 1850. S. Chipman Thrall officiated from December 12, 1850. until 1853. Rev. J. L. Harrison, from the 14th of July. 1853. until he resigned July 28th, 1856. J. Winslow (deacom) com-
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menced officiating under the Bishop. December 27, 1857, and continued in charge until August 29, 1858. Rev. A. E. Bishop succeeded him January 2. 1859, and remained until October 16, 1859. Rev. Francis Gilliatt had charge of the parish from De- cember 25. 1865, until 1868, when he was succeeded by Rev. James A. Brown, who was rector from November 7, 1868, until February 1, 1870. Rev. Charles P. Boyd (deacon) had charge from October 1, 1870, until Easter Sunday, April 9, 1871. Rev. J. Winslow was rector of the parish the second time, from April 12, 1871, until August 1. 1875. Rev. L. N. Freeman from August 1, until June 12, 1876. Rev. F. O. Grannis, from August 23, until September 11, 1876. Rev. Charles A. Pool (deacon) took charge October 15, 1876. He was succeeded by Rev. Hugh Bailey July 1, 1878. Rev. Mr. Birchmore had charge during the year of 1881. For a few weeks in the summer of 1882 Sidney Cook, a divinity student from Syracuse, officiated as lay reader. He was followed by M. M. Goodwin (deacon), who took charge of the parish in 1883. He was ordained in Trinity Church, Cam- den, December 13. 1883. Rev. Sidney Cook (deacon) had charge from April, 1884, until April, 1886. In June, 1885, he was or- dained in Syracuse. Rev. Joel Davis officiated from August 5, 1886, and continued in charge until he sent in his resigna- tion August 1. 1894. Rev. C. J. Lambert began his labors in the parish October 21, 1894. and is the rector in charge at the present time.
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
In September, 1852, through the efforts of Father Fitzpatrick of Florence, the old Methodist Church was purchased. Previous to this the building had been moved from the place where the Methodist Church now stands to the present site of the Roman Catholic Church. It was owned by a man named Carpenter, of whom the Catholics purchased it. At this time only four families of the Roman Catholic faith resided in Camden. For twenty- four years it was a mission church, being attended by the priest of Florence. Father John Ludden held service once a month for nearly twenty years, coming from Florence for that pur- pose. Rev. P. H. Beecham, the first resident pastor, was ap- pointed January, 1876. He labored successfully for ten years,
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
greatly improving the society and adding to the membership of the church. A cemetery was purchased mainly through his efforts. In March, 1886, Father Beecham was succeeded by Rev. J. J. Brennan, who in turn was succeeded by Rev. J. H. McGraw. September, 1887. Ash Wednesday morning. March. 1889, some time after the close of the early service, the church was partially destroyed by fire. The building in its ruined state was sold to Bohem Bros., and Father McGraw, with a small band of helpers, but united in their zeal and energy. at once set about the task of rebuilding. The fine church standing on the site of the old edifice is a monument to his success. May. 1894. Father McGraw was succeeded by J. S. Tiernan, the pres- ent pastor. The church is out of debt and is in a flourishing condition.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Formerly the Congregational and Presbyterian Societies wor- shiped together in the Union Congregational Church, but when
First Presbyterian Church.
it was destroyed by fire it seemed expedient that each should erect a house of worship. Accordingly on the 25th day of Juh. 1867. thirty-two members of the Union Congregational Church received dismission at their own request. and shortly after -
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
cured Curtiss Hall for the purpose of holding services. The Sun- day and Thursday evening prayer meetings were instituted: also a Bible class, superintended by Mr. Ralph L. Howel, for the con- gregation. On the 17th day of September. 1867, the following persons were chosen trustees, viz .: John Lambie, Lucius B. Goodyear, James Stark, Giles S. Wetmore and John Dorrance, men whose names have been identified with the church in many ways. The society was organized as the First Presbyterian Church of Camden, under the Presbytery of Utica. Dr. H. Tor- bert and Philetus W. Laney were installed as ruling elders. Rev. Selden Hairs of Rome, ministered to the congregation for the first three months, and was largely instrumental in organizing the society. February 2, 1868, it was decided to erect a church; subscription and building committees were appointed. Hastings F. Curtiss donated the land on the west side of Main street, being part of the site of the Park Hotel, and south of the Episco- pal Church. Work was begun the 25th of May, and the corner stone laid June 30th; the first service was held in the lecture room January 3, 1869. The 30th day of the following March, the new edifice, completed and furnished, and free from indebt- edness, was dedicated. It is a fine brick structure, containing a good organ. It adds greatly to the improvement of the town, standing to-day as one more monument of Christian faith in the community.
Recently fine memorial windows have been placed in the church to the memory of Dr. Horatio Torbert, and the two Mrs. Torberts, by the widow of George Torbert, son of the first wife, and Willard, son by the second wife, living in Dubuque, la. The church contains a fine toned bell, presented by S. F. W. Sanford. M. D., of Ravenswood, L. 1. Rev. E. N. Manley was called to the pastorate in November, and the ist of January, 1868, com- menced his labors, and June 30, 1869, was installed as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Camden. He purchased a home and resided here twenty-two years, serving his people faithfully and gaining the esteem not only of his own congrega- tion, but of the community at large.
-
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
SUCCESSION OF PASTORS.
Rev. Selden Haines for a few months. January 15. 1868, Rev. E. N. Manley, until at his own request the pastoral relation was dissolved by the Presbytery April 13. 1886. July 1. 1886. Rev. Albert W. Allen, until April 14. 1890. July 1, Rev. George Benaugh, until November 9, 1891. January 11, 1892, Rev. C. L. Patchell, for a few weeks. January 9. 1893. Rev. Wesley W. Cole, until October 29. 1894. May 1. 1895. Rev. Richard Ab- bott, who has charge at the present time.
EARLY SCHOOLS.
We may well suppose that our forefathers, in many cases bringing young children with them when they sought a home in the wilderness, considered education second only to religious worship: and that the establishment of a place where their chil- dren could attend school followed closely the formation of a church society. A school-house stood at a very early date. probably as early as 1800, or soon after, upon what is now our beautiful village park, then a barren piece of land, covered with pine stumps. It stood nearly opposite the site of the M. E. par- sonage. Unfortunately but few facts can be learned concerning it. That the people of the town were all interested in the estab- lishment of a school, we gather from the old Congregational records, where we find at one time it was a question whether money which had been raised should be expended for the church or school. Miss Putnam, who later married Col. Richard Empey, taught there, commencing May 7, 1821. The school in- spectors were Linus Sanford, Joshua Ransom and Billions Pond. On the old roll many names were recorded whose descendants are living in Camden, and possibly attending the present acad- emy. George Curtiss. Hannah Curtiss, Edwin Dunbar, Louisa Dunbar, Charity Dunbar, Wolcott Doolittle, Lucinda Doolittle. Joel Elden, Sarah Elden, Henry Goodyear. Lucius Goodyear. Spencer Johnson, Cornelia Johnson, Rossiter Johnson. Char- lotte Johnson, Cataline Preston, Helen Preston, William B. Preston, Erastus Pond, Martha Pond. Adeline Pond. Samuel P'. Pond. Maria Peck. Cleantha Parke, Elijah Parker, Katharine Plumb. Clarissa Ransom. George Robinson, Samuel Sanford.
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
Wallace Sanford, Nancy Sanford, Angeline Sanford, Louisa Sanford, Myron Smith, Sarah Smith, Levi Smith, Harvey Smith, Munson Sanford, Rebecca Smith, Mary Smith, Philander Smith, Franklin Stevens, and many others.
After the new Academy was built, school was no longer held there and the old building stood vacant. The late Mr. Franklin Stevens relates a circumstance which occurred, showing that boys of pioneer days had natures as destructive as those of later generations, though their surroundings were so different. About a dozen lads amused themselves by throwing stones at the win- dows, of course shattering them, and continuing their work until not a whole pane of glass was left. They were caught doing the deed and reported to the proper authorities; were sum- moned to appear and answer to the charges made against them .. found guilty and sentenced to a term of imprisonment. One. the ringleader, escaped from his captors. As the rest were very young offenders, they were released with a severe reprimand and so thoroughly frightened and penitent they never forgot it.
The old building was moved down on the bank of Fish Creek and converted into a dwelling house: Squire Timothy Woods. mill tender, lived in it.
The new Academy was built during the year 1823. It was. located on the south side of the park, near the site where the Nichols & Tiffany store now stands. The contract for construct- ing the Academy was let to the lowest bidder. Giles Sanford secured it: he immediately began work and had the foundations laid, the sills on, timbers framed, and men all through the town were invited to the raising. It was to be a large two-story build- ing, and much help was needed. A few men prominent in the Congregational Church. Linus Sanford as the leader, forbade them to proceed any further with the building, as the school dis- trict had no right to the land. It caused hard words and bitter feelings for a time, but being determined men, and knowing it was for the good of the community at large, they continued their work, and it was finally completed. The new Academy had a hall running through the center, with stairs leading to the second story from the rear, dividing the building into four rooms. We have before us an interesting letter relating to the school, by John A. Dann, a former resident, which we copy:
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
"In recalling to mind old buildings, many of the older inhabit- ants will remember the Academy, which stood on the south side of the park. Its construction took place during the year 1823. Mr. Linus Sanford taught the school on the west side of the hall, and Mr. Thomas Segar taught a select school in the second story, in the east room in the winter of 1823-1824. After that a new school-master appeared every winter. Miss Freelove South- worth opened a school for young ladies and little girls in 1824, and taught geography for the children, drawing, painting and copying from maps, with a pentagraph for young ladies: also painting on velvet for toilet baskets, manufactured from paper and sewing silk. In the dim light of the past I can see a group of happy young girls gathered around their teacher and busy with the pretty work. At intervals through the winter, spelling schools were given by the different schools which were consid- ered a privilege to attend." Aaron Matthews taught school one or two winters here. Miss Flora Stoddard, a daughter of Rev. Eliakim Stoddard, also taught a select school for children some time between the years 1825 and 1830. After a time the stairs from the rear of the hall were taken away and the two rooms on the second floor were thrown into one. the stairs leading to it from the outside. We have a copy of a composition written by Louisa Sanford, who married Andrew J. Stone, giving a descrip- tion of Camden Academy: "The Academy stands in the center of the village, facing the Presbyterian Church in front and Methodist on the left: it is an old building, with some panes of glass out, which causes us some trouble on a cold day. The steeple is in the center, resembling a haystack, with a flight of stairs on the west side. It is occupied by a district school below and a public school above, instructed by Mr. S. S. Sheldon. When the scholars are out below we have all kinds of music. As you may judge, we have not the pleasantest situation that could be imagined, and so I must confine my description within the school-room. Our school is supported by eighteen or twenty young gentlemen, and as many young ladies, who are pursuing the studies, from the spelling-book to the highest branches of philosophy and Latin, but all the studies do not exceed the compositions we are compelled to write. But to some of our
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
young students it does not appear like a hard task, for they take great delight in writing about the ladies' large crown bonnets. They had better look at home (I think) and see their hats with high crowns and narrow brims, lined and bound with black, which they think shows their complecktion to an advantage. But they make a most detestable appearance. I should rather see an old-fashioned Methodist minister's hat with low crown and brim as wide as too hands. I hope no one will take this as an offense, and if any one wishes for more information, I refer them to the young student who mentioned the read shop, for he must frequent it to get his information."
Miss Adeline Pond taught school in 1833: Miss Lettice Blakes- ley taught school in 1834. A school was taught in a small house which stood on the site of the Torbert house, lately purchased by C. A. Phelps. One of the merchants, Mr. Ammi Hinkley, had a good private library, and generously loaned any book asked for. This is the first we hear of a library in the town.
The old Academy was finally sold to Barnum Foster between 1840 and 1850, and moved over to Main street, about where W. I. Stoddard's store now stands, and converted into a dry goods store.
Among those who taught in the Academy we find the names of Miss Wealthy Blakeslee, Miss Ruth Warner, Mr. Walter Jerome, and sometimes his twin brother. William. Both became Methodist ministers. Up stairs Rosanna and Marian Reynolds, daughters of a Methodist preacher, who boarded with Mr. Tru- man Spencer, instructed the children.
Innumerable private schools were started in different parts of the village, and we find many advertisements in the early town papers of different teachers opening schools. In 1843, a young ladies' private school was taught by Miss T. C. Stone. in the office formerly occupied by Esq. Sanford. In addition to the common English and higher branches, she taught drawing and flower painting.
In 1842, we find Elliott W. Stewart taught a select school in the Town Hall. That same year the Camden Institute was opened in the room occupied by Elliott W. Stewart, by Donald G. Frazier, who was formerly principal of the York Lit-
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
erary and Scientific Institute. It was to begin the 7th of August. He "was prepared to receive gentleman and ladies who wished to acquire an accurate and thorough knowledge of the common and higher branches of a good English education, and also such as desired to qualify themseves for any standing in the collegiate course, for the study of a profession or for business. Tuition same as E. W. Stewart's school."
In the Camden Gazette of 1844, we find the following: "In accordance with a resolution of the county and town superin- tendents, a temporary Normal School will be opened in the vil- lage of Camden on Tuesday, Sept. 24th, and close on Friday. Nov. Ist. Mr. S. R. Sweet, who taught with eminent success the first normal school in the State, has been engaged as prin- cipal. The tuition for the term is two dollars; and board can be had from one dollar to one dollar and a half per week."
We copy the following from a publication of a later date: "The Normal School was opened yesterday, in the Town Hall, under more flattering prospects than we had anticipated. It was an experiment with the people in this county, and we feared that it might not be properly appreciated: but its opening tells well for its future progress. Many have already arrived from (s- wego County. This school seems to be awakening a new spirit of inquiry among the teachers in this part of the county. We are glad to see this progress; let all attend this school. as the term is short. Those who design to attend should commence immediately."
We find Camden had a high school in 1847. beginning the 13th of May, under the charge of J. T. Clark.
Tuition (for a term of 12 weeks).
Common English branches, $3.00.
Mathematics and Higher English, Natural Philosophy and Chemistry, &c., $4.00.
Languages, Ancient and Modern, $5.00.
Contingent Charges, 12 cts.
Miss A. Howd also advertises a select school to be opened in the basement of the Episcopal Church the same year. The school to continue a term of 12 weeks. Tuition per term from $1.50 to $2.00.
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For many years Miss Lucy Bowen taught a select school in the house now occupied by L. S. Sanford on Union Street. Mrs. C. Babcock opened a select school on the opposite side of the street, but was later engaged to teach the primary scholars in the Union School. Miss Sarah West, who married Mr. Smith John- son, and was the mother of our honored townsman. Hon. Rus- sell S. Johnson, was associated with Miss Bowen.
During the year 1835, the subject of district schools was dis- cussed, and a meeting held October 15th. Eliasaph Doolittle, Linus Sanford and Emerson Marsh were chosen trustees. Iri Pond, Sheldon Wilson and Watson Spencer were appointed a committee to select a site for a school-house, and report. Sala Sanford, George Wood and Charles Trowbridge were appointed a committee to make a draft for a school-house. The site was purchased at the upper end of Second street, and the school- house built, the money necessary for the purpose being raised by taxation. The annual meeting of District No. 13 was held the following year, October 11. 1836, in the new building. Two years later it was deemed advisable to procure a library, and Artemas Trowbridge was appointed Librarian. Among the names of those who succeeded him, were Aaron Stone, T. D. Penfield, Linus Sanford, Henry Bacon, John T. Washburn and others. It was decided to employ a male teacher through the winter, who was to board around, and who was to receive two- thirds of the money expended for a teacher, and a female teacher for the summer term, with the same conditions as to board, who was to receive the remaining third for services. It was decided that no religions meetings were to be held in the new school- house. Five dollars had been paid the librarian each year, but in 1847, it was either considered too much, or more than they could afford to pay, consequently it was decided the person who would keep it properly for the least money be engaged for li- brarian. Enos F. Humaston offered to keep it for $1.75 a year.
At one time the school was taught by Miss Sweatman, known to later generations as Aunt Clorinda Miller, and many people re- siding in Camden, as well as those who have gone to other places to live, remember attending the red school-house which stood near an overspreading butternut tree. Only the trunk of the
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
tree is standing to awaken the fond recollections of happy school days in the long ago.
The school house of District No. 13 was converted into a dwelling house and is occupied by Riley Rush at the present time.
In District No. 1, at the lower end of Second street, another school-house was built, similar in construction to the red school- house of the upper district, where those in the lower part of the town early began to master the rudiments of an education. We find this district also had a library. and that William 11. Shepherd was at one time librarian. It was abandoned after the two districts were united in one building, and eventually sold to Mr. Reuben Bettis for a shoe shop, after the fire of 1856 had de- stroyed his place of business, and it was moved onto the east side of Main street, a front added, where it stood until it was in time destroyed by fire.
In the old record of Union District No. 1 of Camden, we find this entry: "Pursuant to an appointment of William R. Paddock. Town Superintendent of Common Schools, the first regular meeting of Union District No. I, formed by the consolidation of Districts I and 13, in the village of Camden, was held at the Town Hall in said village May 11, 1853. The meeting was called to order by Thomas Stone, to whom was directed and who read the notice for the meeting issued by the superintendent: when. on motion, the meeting organized by appointing Artemas Trow- bridge President, and Nelson B. Stevens, Esq .. Secretary. After brief and appropriate remarks from the chairman, Dr. H. G. Torbert. D. A. Gatchell and others, explaining the object of the meeting and showing the benefits of the union school system. it was, on motion, voted that the trustees of said district be all voted for upon the same ballot. The following officers were elected: Trustees-Baldwin Tuthill, for one year; Thomas Stone, for two years: and Albro Phelps for three years. Clerk, Roswell S. Ballard: Librarian, Franklin Fifield: Collector, William N. Shepherd."
At this meeting the trustees were instructed to examine sites for a school-house, consisting of one or two acres of ground. It was voted that the trustees be instructed to sell the old
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
school-houses and the land on which they stood, after they were no longer required for school purposes. After much animated discussion with regard to a proper site for the building, the land lying southeast of Lorenzo Wetmore's residence was purchased of Ranney Parke, containing two hundred square rods of ground, which was satisfactory to all concerned. It was voted to raise $3,300 for the purpose of erecting a properly constructed school-house and all other necessary belongings. It was car- ried without one dissenting voice. The following year it was found necessary to raise $1.300 by tax, with which to complete the building, and make it ready for occupancy. After it was completed the trustees were instructed to have it insured for not less than $3,000 or $3.500, as they deemed best. The bund- ing was completed in 1853, and school opened with Mr. Jack- son as principal, Miss Helen Tuttle, Miss Maggie Bright and Miss ---- as assistant teachers in the several rooms.
During the first year after its completion the building was burned. It was rebuilt in 1855.
It was voted and carried at a meeting, October 7, 1856, "That the trustees allow no concerts or meetings of any kind in the school-house for pay, except school meetings and lectures cn school education."
After the Union School House burned, school was opened in the Town Hall. Miss Maggie Bright and Miss Wakefield were the teachers.
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