USA > New York > Oneida County > Camden > Pioneer history of Camden, Oneida County, New York > Part 34
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
AMMI HAMILTON HINCKLEY.
Ammi Hamilton Hinckley and his brother, Samuel Bradford Hinckley, were early in the century prominent men of Camden. They were sons of Jared and Hopestill Brewster Hinckley. Mrs. Hinckley was a lineal descendant of Elder William Brewster, the fourth signer of the Mayflower compact. The descendants of these men may well be proud of them and their Mayflower an- cestry. Their birthplace was Windsor, Vt. Ammi H. Hinckley was born July 9. 1800: married December 24, 1828, to Sarah Elizabeth Wood, born at Camden, April 2, 1812. She was the daughter of Timothy W. Wood. Nine children were born to them, viz .: Frances Jane, Mary Ellen, Henry Bradford, Sarah Elizabeth. Martha Ann, Henry Augustus, Charles Ammi, Kate Hopestill, Lillie Regai. Mr. Hinckley died in Camden March 9, 1856: Sarah, his wife, died at Clinton, N. Y., June 28, 1874. Their remains rest in Forest Park Cemetery. The exact date of A. H. Hinckley's coming to Camden can not be ascertained. He was one of the earliest merchants, establishing a general store, containing dry goods and groceries. Prior to 1833 lie was Colonel of the 68th Regiment, 13th Brigade, of New York State Militia, as is found by commission papers signed by him, belonging to Martin Stevens. He passed through every grade. from corporal to colonel, and no man in Oneida County was more prominently known or more highly respected. He once re- fused nomination for member of Congress. He was magistrate for many years.
SAMUEL BRADFORD HINCKLEY.
We are led to believe that as the name of Bradford is retained in this family, they must be descendants also of Massachusetts' first Governor, who came over in the Mayflower, and was the second signer of the compact. If we are right in our supposi- tion, the descendants of these men may be doubly proud of their ancestors. William Bradford started in life with a record, and left one. From the day of his advent into the world, where he was eventually to become so important a factor, he associated himself with William Brewster. William Brewster was William Bradford's dearest friend and wisest guide. Samuel Bradford
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
Hinckley was born in 1852; married Miss Catharine D. Hender- son of Sand Banks, N. Y., in 1828. They came to Camden to reside in 1830. Seven children were born to them, viz .: Jared H., Elizabeth J., Ichabod Brewster. Samuel Bradford, Briggs T., Marion G., and Catharine Cornelia. Samuel Bradford Hinck- ley died September 17, 1850: his wife Catharine D., died April 26, 1878, aged 68 years. The remains of both rest in Forest Park Cemetery. Mr. Hinckley was a man highly respected. and was appointed to offices of trust. He was Supervisor in 1839. and again from 1844 to 1845, besides holding other offices. Was in the mercantile business with his brother for several years and postmaster at the time of his death.
ARTEMAS TROWBRIDGE.
Artemas Trowbridge came to Camden in 1824 from Litch- field Conn., having been engaged there in the mercantile busi- ness. His birthplace was Pomfret, Conn .; born in 1780. Ile was one of the pioneers in the general mercantile business of the place, and largely identified with the early improvements and progress of the village of Camden. He remained in trade until 1850, owning the property on the south corner of Main and Mexico streets, which he rented until the spring of 1865. when he sold to D. G. Dorrance. November 8. 1865. J. G. Dorrance commenced business on this corner, and remained until 1876, when he sold to George H. Smith and D. G. Dor- rance, Jr. Smith & Dorrance remained in business together only three years. George H. Smith has occupied the store since 1876, and is still its occupant. Mr. Trowbridge was largely instrumental in the establishment of Trinity Church of this vil- lage. He filled the office of warden for many years. In 1864 he removed with his family to Newark, N. Y. In 1877 he again removed to Palmyra, a town near. March, 1813. he was initiated into Masonry at Bridport. Vt., and shortly after advanced to the Royal Arch. He filled various offices in Lodge and Chapter with credit. At different times he was honored with the ap- pointment of Deputy Grand Master of his district. At the time of his death he was an honorary member of Palmyra Lodge No. 248. He died at his home in Palmyra. November 21. 1879. aged 90 years, being the oldest Mason of the lodge
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
where he was initiated. His wife was Miss Eliza Leaworthy of Westmoreland. The children were, Susan, Mary A., Maria, James L., William W .. Lawrence DeF.
GEORGE TROWBRIDGE.
George Trowbridge came to Camden from Pomfret, Conn., in 1826, and was engaged in the mercantile business with his
George Trowbridge.
brother Artemas for a number of years. The store then stood on Main street, nearly opposite Washington. Later. this build- ing was moved down on to the corner of Main and Mexico streets. Ile was identified with the schools of this town for many years, holding the office of School Superintendent. He was an active, energetic and influential citizen. He was land agent not only for lands in Camden, but also in Florence and Vienna. He was born at Pomfret, Conn., August 11, 1796: died September 23, 1888. His wife, Juliana Allen, was born at Providence, R. 1 .. May 20, 1805, and died March 24, 1892. Their remains rest in the family plot in Forest Park Cemetery. Their children were: Charles Edward, Julia A., William Henry. Elizabeth P., and George Frederick. The homestead Mir. Trow-
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
Trowbridge Homestead.
bridge built in 1827, corner of Main and Washington streets. is owned by his children, and outwardly is the same as when first built.
TRUMAN SPENCER.
Truman Spencer was a merchant hatter, coming from Litch- field, Conn., in 1828, and settling in Camden through the in- fluence of Artemas Trowbridge. His residence was where now stands the Harding home, and his hat store, shop and factory was just north. He was born in Litchfield, January 3. 1806, and was married to Miss Electa Merriman of the same place. April, 1828, and three days later started for the then Far West. In 1839 Mr. Spencer built a three-story building in the business portion of the village, on west side of Main street. This build- ing was not only used by Mr. Spencer, but was rented for various kinds of business. David Sears occupied a portion for his jew- elry business: Mrs. Froud and Samantha Plumly, milliners: William Bird, tailor shop: several lawyers' offices were in the building. On the third floor was the office of the "Camden
30
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
Truman Spencer.
Gazette," E. C. Hatten, editor. This building was called Spen- cer's Exchange. Truman Spencer died December 7, 1854; his
AAN
Spencer's Exchange.
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
wife, Electa, died October 5. 1862, aged 59 years. Their remains rest in Forest Park Cemetery.
HIRAM J. MINER.
Hiram J. Miner came to Camden in March, 1830, through the influence of Rev. Louis F. Loss, then pastor of the Con- gregational Church. He made arrangements with Dea. Erastus Upson for the rent of his tin shop, and purchased of him his few goods. (The farmers in the vicinity at this date were most of them poor, and paid for their goods in rye, Indian corn and hun- ber, which constituted the staple produce in and around Cam- den.) Goods were purchased in New York, came by canal from Albany to New London, and from thence to Camden by teams. Mr. Miner opened his store May 6, 1830, for trade, The first ar- ticle sold was a copy of the New Testament at 25c., which he con- sidered a good beginning. He boarded at Deacon Upson's and slept under the counter. The store was the front end of the tin shop 18 by 22 feet. The Deacon, meantime occupying the rear for his business. At this time there were three other mercantile firms in the place, Ammi H. Hinckley and brother, Samuel B .. . 1. & G. Trowbridge and Cavarly & Sheldon. Almost everything wanted by the inhabitants could be had at some one of these stores, although kept in so small quantities that one customer would sometimes break the merchants' assortment. The nearest bank was in Utica. Most of the bread used in those days was of rye and Indian corn. Mr. Miner was the first to offer wheat flour by the pound or barrel. His first purchase in this article was a lot of three barrels, superfine, from Utica, the cost of which at his store was $6.00 per barrel, sold at $6.25. The first customer who ventured on so large a supply as to take a whole barrel was Reuben Bettis. His first barrel of salt was soll to Mr. Flannagan of Amboy. In 1832 Mr. Miner purchased the entire premises of Deacon Upson, together with a small dwell- ing house adjoining. In 1839 he built the store now occupied by A. G. Robison; the cost was about $4,000. He was appointed postmaster in 1841, and resigned the office in 1847. Mr. Miner had associated with him in business during his stay in Camden, his brothers Isaac and Heman. Hiram J. Miner left Camden
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
-
Store built by H. J. Miner.
in 1849, selling to his two brothers, and going first to Utica and then to Fredonia, N. Y., where he opened a private bank July 4, 1850. His wife was Miss Adaline Hungerford of Vernon Cen- ter.
Following the Miner Bros, the Cook Bros. occupied this building (Melzer and Martin) ; later Judson N. Strong and others, John F. Mix and A. G. Robinson here established a tin shop and hardware store. This building stands to-day, the oldest building block on the street, a monument of the architecture of nearly 60 years ago.
BARROWS' STORE.
Some time about 1812 Mr. Barrows had a store in Camden on the west side of Main street, about where the present Presby- terian Church stands. It was a small wooden structure, and is supposed to have been the second store opened in the place. Later, nearly opposite Mechanic street, on Main, was a general store kept by one of the name of Hurlburt, who sold out his stock to a Mr. Merriman. Prior to 1824 Deacon Erastus Up- son had a tin store and a few articles of merchandise in a build- ing which he owned that stood on what is now the north corner of Miner avenue and Main street.
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
MAJOR J. D. CAVARLY.
Major J. D. Cavarly and wife, with one child, came to Cam- den in 1828. Mr. C. became a prominent citizen and business
Major J. D Cavarly.
man. He was one of the early merchants. His store was situated on the north corner of Main and Mexico Street -. and the home was north on Main Street. His stock in trade consisted of dry goods and groceries. In 1830 the firm was Cavarly & Sheldon. In 1843 it was Cavarly & Osborn (the latter a son of Deacon David Osborn). This firm advertised drugs, in addition to dry goods and groceries. Mr. Cavarly was from New London, Conn.
Benjamin F. Beard, called Capt. Beard, was a citizen of Cam- den prior to 1829. He was a merchant, highly respected and interested in all that pertained to the advancement of the village.
WILLIAM R. PADDOCK.
William R. Paddock was one of Camden's earliest and most influential citizens. He was widely known and highly respected throughout the county. He was born in Vienna in 1812, being
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
at the time of his death 70 years of age. When 17 years of age he came to Camden, and entered as a clerk in the boot and shoe store of Wimple & Cook. After clerking for several years, in company with Don A. Gatchell, he engaged in the grocery business. He was Justice of the Peace for many years. He married Miss Cordelia Hallock of Westmoreland, N. Y. They had but one child, Albert, who married Miss Dell Waterman of Camden; they removed to Clinton, Iowa, where one son, William, was born. Mr. Albert Paddock, a lawyer by profession, is a man highly respected in Clinton, as is shown by the many offices of trust he holds.
FRANCIS SNOW.
Francis Snow, born at Belchertown, Mass., is of Mayflower ancestry, he being a descendant of Nicholas Snow, who came to America in the ship "Ann," 1627. Nicholas married Con- stance, daughter of Steven Hopkins, who was the fourteenth signer of the compact. Hon. Nicholas Snow was the founder of Eastham. Mass. Francis Snow came to Camden in 1842. Soon after coming he opened a barber shop in T. D. Penfield's shoe shop; later, the same year, his shop was located in Spen- cer's Exchange. Below is a portion of his first advertisement : "NEW BARBER SHOP. THIS WAY! EMPORIUM OF FASHION.
All who want your noddles dressed, The modes de Paris-latest, At Snow's you'll get it done the best, And shavings! Oh, the neatest."
Mr. Snow has been engaged in various kinds of business in the town. At one time he was in company with J. D. Cavarly in the dry goods and clothing business. He married Miss Sarah Johnson, a most estimable lady, who died June 17, 1894. Five children were born to them, viz .: Marion, Jennie, Lois and Wil- liam. A daughter died young. The only one living in Camden is Lois, who married Mr. C. F. Kendall. They have two children, Lois Marjory and Charles Hallett. Mr . Snow resides with this daughter.
Barnum Foster, prior to 1842, was one of Camden's mer- chants. He dealt in foreign and domestic dry goods, groceries, crockery, &c., east side of Main street.
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
J. M. Jamieson had, as he advertised Jan. 28, 1842, a cheap cash store, east side of Main street, near the Public Green. Not only dry goods, but hardware, crockery, bonnets, family gro- ceries, paints, oils and dye stuffs.
David Sears, prior to 1842, kept a jewelry store in Spencer's Camden Exchange Building
: J. L. Babcock had cabinet-ware and furniture for sale in 1843. He was to be found a few doors below Miner's store, where he established his business in 1840.
Cottage Store.
Hugh MeCabe and brother Thomas, were merchants on the east side of Main street in 1858, occupying the Cottage Store, built by Orson Norton. These brothers came from Clinton, N. Y., to Camden. Hugh left Camden in 1867.
Ambrose Curtiss, in 1861, purchased the property, corner of Main and South Park streets, of Parker Hallock, and in 1862 erected the present brick block owned and occupied by his son, Byron A. Curtiss.
FIFIELD BROS.
F. F. and F. D. Fifield were brothers, born in Warren, N. H., F. D., in 1820. The family came to Williamstown in 1836. They
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
were in Williamstown until 1848, at which date they removed to Camden and entered into co-partnership in the hardware trade. In 1856, in company with James E. Tripp, they con- ducted for some years the foundry and machine shop at the foot of Main street, now used for the same purpose by Wood & Percival. The firm was changed by the withdrawal of F. F. Fifield from the business, which continued under the manage- ment of Tripp & F. D. Fifield until about 1878. F. D. Fifield died suddenly of heart disease, September 14. 1881, aged 61 years. Francis F. Fifield married Miss Mary Frisbie. This estimable couple resided for many years corner of Second and Union streets, now the residence of J. H. Gambol. F. F. Fifield conducted the hardware business alone after the dissolution of the firm in the machine shop. In 1883 he removed to New- ark, N. Y., where he spent the remainder of his days. He was a prominent business man in Camden for 34 years. He died at Newark, May 9, 1893, aged 76 years. His remains rest in For- est Park Cemetery, Camden. This couple had no children of their own, but two estimable ladies spent their childhood and the years until their marriage in their home and care. Mrs. Fifield came to Camden after the death of her husband, and made her home with her niece, Mrs. W. H. Dorrance. In delicate health, she survived her husband but a short time, passing away in 1896, and was laid to rest by his side. Mr. Fifield was one of the original members of the Presbyterian Church, and for many years a ruling elder.
GILES B. MILLER.
Giles B. Miller purchased the dry goods business of Hastings F. Curtiss in 1859. Mr. Curtiss, at this time, was in business on the west side of Main street. Mr. Miller commenced his business on the east side of the street, in the store occupied at present by Daniel Crimmins as a clothing store. Mr. Miller was the first occupant of this brick block. December 1, 1873, W. J. Frisbie and W. J. Stansfield entered into co-partnership, pur- chasing the stock of goods of Giles B. Miller. They remained in trade until April, 1884, when they sold to Phelps Bros. (sons of the late Albert Phelps), who continued the business until 1890 in this block. They then removed to their own store on
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
the west side of the street, where the business is still continued. Miss Ella DeVoy established the millinery business for Frisbie & Stansfield in 1878, and remained with them until 1884, when she purchased their stock in the millinery line of goods, and still continues the business in the Phelps block. Miss Maggie Robison entered the store of Giles B. Miller in 1871 as sales- lady. She was with Frisbie & Stansfield while they were in the dry goods business remaining when they sold to the Phelps Bros., and is still a faithful employe of the latter.
ABBOTT STORE.
Abbott store was built in 1853 by E. S. Dunbar, Lyman Ray- mond and George Abbott. The business was carried on under the firm name of Dunbar, Raymond & Abbott, commencing in the fall of 1852. This partnership was of short duration, and George Abbott carried on the business alone until 1857. when he was associated for two years with his brother-in-law. L. L. Clarke, under the firm name of Abbott & Clarke. From May 1. 1859. to April 1, 1882, he again carried on the business alone. On the latter date he took as a partner his oldest son, Anthony W., which partnership continued until July 19. 1890, under the firm name of Geo. Abbott & Son. He then retired from the busi- ness on account of failing health, and it has since been conducted by his sons, Anthony W., and George H., under the firm name of George Abbott's Sons. It was first kept as a store of gen- eral merchandise, but the present firm deal in coal. lime, gro- ceries and building material.
JUDSON N. STRONG.
Judson N. Strong was one of Camden's merchants; born in Bolton, Conn. He came from Chicago to Camden in 1864, having been in the employ of the Ilinois Central Railroad, in their office. He entered into partnership in this village with Charles and Edwin Spencer in the dry goods and grocery busi- ness. Later he was engaged in the produce business. lle died at the home of his son, Arthur, in Windsor, Conn., October 24, 1894, and was buried at Manchester, Conn.
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
QUINCY BARBER.
Quincy Barber was identified with the business interests of Camden for 46 years. He was engaged in several business en- terprises. For eight years he was a member of the firm of Williams, Locke & Barber, who conducted a shoe store. He was engaged in the manufacture of sash, blinds and doors, with Gardner. Wakefield & Co. Later, and at the time of his. death he was associated with ex-Postmaster B. T. Hinckley in the grocery and produce business. He died June 2, 1895. aged 72 years.
EDWIN A. HARVEY.
Edwin A. Harvey was one of Camden's most influential citi- zens. He descended from a distinguished Connecticut family which furnished three Governors, several eminent jurists and a general of the United States army. He was reared on his father's farm in Vienna, N. Y., and attended school during the winter months. After leaving school he engaged in various. occupations, and in 1864 removed to Camden. Here he started in partnership in the grocery and provision business. In the following year he bought out his partner's interest and con- ducted it until two years before his death. Mr. Harvey was a public-spirited man, and always had the interests of the village at heart. His generosity, particularly to the poor and suffering, was proverbial. In politics he was an ardent Democrat. He served several times as Trustee of the village, was a member of the Board of Education and Treasurer of the Board of Water Commissioners; also Treasurer of the village, and was Vice President of the First National Bank of Camden for twelve years: a member of Philanthropic Lodge, No. 164, F. and A. M., and was its treasurer for many years. He became a member of the M. E. Church in 1872, and acted as its trustee for some time. He married Miss Caroline, daughter of Artemas Peck, of this town. His wife and five children survive him. E. A. Harvey died July 6, 1896, aged 54 years.
CHAPTER XVI.
EARLY TAVERNS OF CAMDEN.
The first tavern or inn in Camden was built by Eliliu Curtiss, and kept by him. It stood in what is now Miner avenue. The old well is yet in existence under the piazza of the Whitney House. The old tavern stood about half way in the street. It now stands on Third street, and is occupied as a dwelling. Woodard Perkins, in speaking of this building, said it was run- ning in 1803, and was the first painted building he ever saw in Camden.
BYINGTON TAVERN.
From records in Oneida County Clerk's Office it is found that in 1815, Heman Byington purchased of George Scriba a piece of land situated in the south of the village, east side of Main Street, near the bridge crossing Fish Creek. Upon this piece of property Mr. Byington built a tavern in 1816. By his will this property was conveyed to Patience his wife, and to his sons Rufus and Ira Byington. Will dated May 3, 1831. In 1835 Rufus Byington and Mary his wife, Ira S. Byington and wife Harriet, conveyed it to Elam Burton. January 9, 1837, it was the
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Reed's Hotel.
property of Hubbard Tuttle. March 17, 1838, it was conveyed from Hubbard Tuttle and wife Hannah, to Nancy Thatcher for $2,000. April 29, 1850, Nancy Thatcher conveyed it to George
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
Wood in consideration of $1,700. In 1857 George W. Wood and wife Jane S. Wood conveyed it to Joseph Wheeler for $1,700. Same year, June 24, 1857, Joseph Wheeler and wife Caroline, conveyed it to Charles Wheeler. In 1859 Charles Wheeler sold to John S. Remington. October 19, 1861, John S. Remington and wife Harriet conveyed it to James A. Woodin. March 17, 1862, James A. Woodin sola to Seymour Scoville, consideration $1,000. September 13, 1864, Seymour Scoville and wife conveyed the property to James A. Woodin. In 1875. August 15. James A. Woodin and wife conveyed the property to George W. Reed. We give an illustration of the building as it was when burned in 1886. This old landmark was rented to many individuals; we give the names of those only who held title to it. Mr. Byington must have been a man universally respected, as in our researches where his name is found, it is prefixed with "Esq."
RANNEY PARKE TAVERN.
Where to-day stands B. A. Curtiss' brick store, corner of Main and South Park Streets, was early in the century a tavern. A
Mr. Ranney Parke.
Mrs. Ranney Parke.
long wooden structure, and as remembered by some living to-day, had a piazza its entire length on Main Street. From early private papers we find that Ranney Parke purchased this property the
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
20th of October, 1817, of Lucius Tuttle, who resided at that time in Wolcott, Conn. This property was deeded earlier to Win. Tuttle and Ephraim Smith, by Jesse Curtiss and his son Elimin (the latter was father of Gen. Lyman Curtiss). It is supposed these parties built the building. Later it was occupied by others. While the property was in the possession of Mr. Parke, he made many improvements, among which was the addition of a ball- room. This the Masons used as a meeting place for several years. In this room was held shows and various entertainments. We believe it was Camden's first Opera House. In 1827 Mr. Parke sold this property to Emerson Marsh. It was rented for a time to Jefferson Colton. Later this building was converted into a dwelling house and store. Ranney Parke came from Chatham, Conn., in 1794; he was married to Miss Phoebe Parker of Vienna, N. Y., in 1817. Nine children were born to them, viz .: Esther R., Byron P., William Short, Harvey S., Amanda F., Amanda F. 2nd, Caroline M., Phoebe S., and Willard M. In 1827 Mr. Parke built the home on Second Street, now owned and occupied by Dr. Bacon. He removed to Ruscoe, Ill., July, 1865. Ranney Parke died at his residence in Ruscoe, September 6, 1877, aged 88 years. His wife, Phoebe Parker, died also at Ruscoe, Angust 26, 1888, in the 93d year of her age.
COLTON TAVERN.
Jefferson Colton was born in Louisville, Otsego Co., N. Y ..
Colton Tavern.
January 28. 1809. He came to Camden in 1830, and purchased of Hopkins Stevens a building which he used as a cabinet shop
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
and salesroom. Mr. Colton converted it into a tavern. It stood opposite our present park, on the west side of Main Street. In the fall of 1838, on account of failing health, Mr. Colton sold this property to Levi Brainard, who came from Norway, N. Y. Mr. Brainard enlarged and improved the building. After two years of rest, Mr. Colton's health so improved that he purchased his old property, and remained proprietor of the tavern until 1847, two years before his death, which occurred May, 1849. He was then living at the corner of Main and North Park Streets. He was a man of decided characteristics-firm, frank and out- spoken. He considered his word a pledge to be fulfilled; his hospitality was proverbial; always in sympathy with the poor and afflicted; associated in all good works for the improvement and advancement of his home village; always looking on the bright side of life, although for many years in poor health. Da- vis S. Barrett kept this tavern for a short time. In 1847 Mr. Colton sold to Wm. McCune, who sold to A. B. Hildreth, who sold to Moses Whitney.
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