USA > New York > Oneida County > Camden > Pioneer history of Camden, Oneida County, New York > Part 36
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Dr. Horatio Torbert turned his study to medicine; he read with Dr. Harrison, Health Officer of the port of New York, and was graduated from the Medical University of that city in 1822. A visit to his father in Williamstown in 1824 became the occasion of his settling in Camden. In 1828 he married Clarissa, daughter of Dr. Joshua Ransom. She died in 1839, leaving three children. In 1841 he married Louisa, his first wife's sister: she survived him 26 years, dying August 25, 1895, aged 76. She was the mother of three children, Willard H. Torbert of Dubuque, Iowa. the only one living. Clarence D. Torbert died in 1866, aged 18. Theodore Torbert died in Dubuque, lowa. September. 1876, aged 24. George Torbert died April 3. 1805. aged 65. Maria Torbert Bickford died March 22, 1893. aged 60. Dr. Torbert was a faithful husband and father, and a beloved physician. He was an efficient deacon in the Union Congrega- tional Church for many years. After the organization of the Presbyterian Church he was a leading member and a prominent ruling ekler.
DR. DAVID ELY
Came to Camden prior to 1826; he was in the office with Dr. Joshua Ransom for about two years. After Mr. Ransom's death he built an office in his yard, where he had built a capacious home on the south side of Main Street. now owned and occupied by Mrs. Frazee. He married Angeline Upson, sister to our fellon - townsman Ballard Upson. He was a member of the First Con- gregational Church, his name being entered on the records in
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
1830, with his friend Capt. Baird. He was a man of strict integ- rity, and was one of the chief executive officers of the church. He was a practicing physician here for 25 years, then moved to Rochester in 1853, where he died, much respected, June 7. 1875, aged 76.
DR. JOSIAH S. WRIGHT
Read medicine with Dr. Thomas Spencer of Fenner, N. Y. He was a botanical physician and surgcon of the Thomsonian school. He came to Camden sometime in 1830. and married Marion, daughter of Curtiss Johnson. in 1838. She was born in 1816, and died in 1840. Dr. Wright married Miss Maria Bucl for his second wife: after her death he married Lordiska Wheelock for his third wife, who survives him. Dr. J. S. Wright died March. 1887, aged 76. He was a practicing physician for many years. One son was born to him by his first wife. Curtiss J. Wright. formerly of Camden. now of Utica.
DR. JOHN A. SEEWIR.
Known as the Swiss doctor, came to this country in 1836, and be- ·came a resident of Camden in 1837. We find in an old account
Dr. John A. Seewir.
book: "Rented the Mad River house to the Swiss doctor, March 1. 1837." The said house was the one painted yellow, that was in
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THE TOWN OF GARDEN.
the valley near Conant's chair factory. Soon after he bought a house on Main Street, with his office in the yard, which goes by the name of Dr. Seewir's office to the present day by some of the old inhabitants. He first secured the confidence of the people, and many years his practice was large and remunerative, which must have caused a little jealousy, as he frequently had a notice in the paper that some evil disposed person was acting as agent without his consent. His oldest son, John, studied with his father. He was a resident of Lawrence, Kansas, where he died. The children were: Elizabeth Seewir, who died February 12. 1853, aged 23. Julius died in Syracuse, May 21. 1861, aged 25 years. Two children died in infancy. The only one living is Mr -. Maria Cummings of Syracuse. Dr. J. A. Seewir was born in 1798, and died Saturday, January 7, 1854. He was buried from Trinity Church, the roth; sermon preached by Rev. J. T. Har- rison. Mrs. Seewir survived her husband thirty-two years. She was also a native of Switzerland, and a lovely type of mother and friend. The writer remembers the lovely flower garden that was between the house and the office, and this dear old lady diligently working among her roses, in which she took so much pride. Now this same plot is used for beans or potatoes, which was once a delight to the passers by. Mrs. Seewir died at her daugh ter Maria's in Syracuse: was brought to Camden for burial, and laid beside her loved ones, which had gone before She died August 8, 1886, aged 84.
DR. F. BROWN.
A physician from Asia, established an Infirmary on the third floor in the old Exchange Building, in the fall of 1842. His stay was short, for the lack of confidence in his Asiatic treatment.
DR. ROBERT JAMIESON
Was born in Paisly, Scotland. April to, 1810. He turned huis attention to medicine, and graduated at Glasgow University. June, 1833, where he received a prize for excelling in his class. He practiced in Paisly eight years. Through the influence of some of his friends in his early boyhood days, who had come to the new world, he sailed from Glasgow on the 7th of June. 1842. on the ship "Wandsworth," landing in New York July 29. Went
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
directly to Amboy, N. Y., among old acquaintances, where lie was very successful in several cases of severe sickness, which paved his way for a successful practice in this village. He settled in Camden, and then sent for his family in Scotland.
Dr. Robert Jamieson.
Dr. Robert Jamieson was married to Janet Wilson of Paisly, June 26. 1836. in the West Relief Kirk, by John Thomson min- ister. May 29. 1843. Mrs. Jamieson with her children and mother sailed from Glasgow on the ship "Caledonia," arriving in Camden August 25. Their children were Samuel, Matthew, Jane, William. Elizabeth, Janet, Ella. Marion and Agnes-only four living at the present time. Mrs. Jamieson's father. Mr. Wil- son, was a manufacturer of shawls at Paisly, and died there, his widow came to this country with her daughter, with whom she spent the rest of her days. Dr. Jamieson practiced in Camden 14 years with great success, winning many grateful friends by his skill in relief from all diseases. In the winter of 1857. on going to visit a sick person in Florence in a severe snow storm, he con- tracted a cold. settling on his lungs, from which he never recover- ed. He died in New York. August 24th. 1857, and is buried in the Jamieson family plot. Greenwood Cemetery. Brooklyn. N. Y.
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
The four surviving daughters are Jane. Ella. Elizabeth and Min nie, all of Brooklyn, N. Y.
JOSEPH GARDNER, JR .. M. D.
Bought out Dr. Ely, and was a physician and surgeon here for a number of years; he married Miss Potts of Williamstown m 1847. To this place he removed, and made his permanent home.
Dr. J. Gardner, Sr., and wife lived here for a few years. They emigrated from England to this country in 1831, with 11 chil- dren. They both died in Osceola .
HUREBERT WOODRUFF. M. D.
Was born in Watertown, Conn., April 1. 1825. He graduated at Trinity College, Hartford, Conn., in 1847, and the same year was married to Calista Abbott, in Trinity Church, New Haven, Conn. He removed to North Salem, Westchester Co .. N. Y., and there commenced the practice of medicine. In 1851 be removed to Camden, N. Y., and in company with Walter Merrick opened the first drug store in this village. He continued the practice of medicine at Camden until his death, which occurred November 2, 1881. Mrs. Woodruff was born in Middlebury, Conn .. and died in Camden November 27. 1895. Their children are, Mrs. E. A. Wagner of Troy: Arthur. Homer and Eben of Camden.
DR. JOSHUA TRACY
Graduated from Geneva Medical College February, 1845. He has never been a practicing physician here.
DR. BICKFORD
Was born at Peterboro, Hillsboro Co., New Hampshire. He graduated at the New York Medical College, and commenced practice as a physician and surgeon in Camden, May, 1851, where he was successfully employed until failing health obliged him to retire. In his professional employment he held several offices of trust. He represented Camden in the Board of Supervisors in 1859. In 1861 he was appointed postmaster: this office he held until his death. He left a wife and two children: his wife sur- vived him 24 years. His son Horatio died AAugust, 1884. Dr. A. Bickford died September 4. 1869, aged 43 years. The only one remaining of this family is Mary, wife of Charles Wetmore. When
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
the Doctor moved to Camden, his father, mother, and brother Sidney came with him, and an adopted sister, now Mrs. Orson Woods.
DR. ROBERT FRAZIER
Was born in the town of Bethlehem, Albany Co., N. Y., February 7. 1817, and died in Camden May 10, 1891, after one week's ill-
Dr. Robert Frazier.
ness from broncho-pneumonia. His father, Robert Frazier, mar- ried Mary Moore, of Scotch descent, at Bethlehem. Dr. Frazier was graduated from the Vermont Medical Academy in 1838, and immediately after commenced practice at McConnellsville, Oneida Co., N. Y. Here he met Miss Theresa McConnell, whom he married in 1844. In 1857 he removed to Camden, where there was a wider field of practice. Seven children were born to them, one son and six daughters. The death of their only son and two very bright daughters was a heavy bereavment to them. Dr. Frazier became a very influential man ; for twenty years he was president of the Board of Education, and also the president of the first Board of Water Commissioners. He was of an intelli- gent mind, an enthusiastic member of the Burns Association. He had a vigorous intellect, and uncommon memory. As a man,
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
he was upright, sincere and honest, and was held with high es teem. His death was sudden, and the community was unpre- pared for the shock. The death of this truly valuable physician was an event most deeply afflictive and painful. His widow and three daughters are residents of Camden, and one daughter resides in Rome. N. Y.
DR. MCLAUGHLIN.
Pursued his studies, and graduated in Philadelphia in 1867, and was a practicing physician here until his early death. October 1887, aged 46. He left a widow and three children.
Since 1869 there have been several other physicians that have located in Camden, Dr. Turk. Dr. Scudder. now of Rome, and two German doctors, and Dr. Jackson, now of Fairbault, Minn .. and Dr. Stockwell.
Dr. G. A. Stockwell since his residence here has been a great traveler, and was a writer for a magazine. and now is the editor of a medical journal.
DR. BRADY
Was graduated from Queen's College, Kingston, Canada. April, 1891. came to Camden June following. He now resides in Ro- chester.
The physicians of the present time are: Dr. Leonard, who came here in 1869. He was graduated from Miami College. Cincinnati, Ohio, March 14. 1856, and has been a very successful physician and surgeon.
DR. DUBOIS
Graduated from the University of Buffalo in 1866, commenced practice here in 1869, and has his share of patronage.
DR. A. SMITH
Graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons. . New York City, and located in Camden, in 1880. where he practices his profession.
DR. TOWSLEY
Graduated in New York College, became a resident of Camden m 1887.
DR. BACON
Graduated from Albany Medical College, settled in Camden May. 1887.
32
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
DR. BORLAND.
Graduated from the University of the City of New York, came to Camden July, 1895.
DENTISTRY.
The first record is from an advertisement in the first volume of a Camden paper, 1842: "Dr. Herrington of Syracuse will remain in Camden one week at Colton's Hotel for dental work.
June 22, 1842"
Doctor Wakefield, a dental surgeon, was here a few days.
1843. Dr. A. C. Woodard came for a few days.
As early as 1852, Dr. A. T. Van Valkenburgh was a permanent dentist here: his office was over Warren Mix's store on Main Street. In the same paper it refers to his being Deputy Sheriff of that year. Dr. Van Valkenburg was a resident here for many years. A few years ago he moved to Canastota, where he now resides. His son, the only child living, has followed his father's profession.
Dr. Otis Doten has been a practicing dentist for 25 years.
1881. Dr. II. F. Winchester had an office in Barnes Block. Several others have been here for a short time-Drs. Willard, Heminway and Hungerford.
Dr. Mandeville came here in 1887, and remained nearly four years, then returned to Adams, where he now resides.
Dr. Frank Miller, son of P. B. Miller, graduated from Philadel- phia Dental College in 1891 ; commenced practice here the same spring : removed to Whitestown in 1895.
Dr. Van Allen graduated at Philadelphia College in 1891, came to Camden from Canada June 5th of the same year.
Dr. Budlong also graduated at Philadelphia in 1878: bought out Dr. Miller in the fall of 1895, and removed here from Sandy Creek.
LAWYERS.
The first in town as a permanent resident was Judge I. Stod- dard. He was what they termed a pettifogger, trying small cases. He was equal to the settlement of all strife and contention that seldom appealed to courts for arbitration.
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
James Southworth was the first lawyer who came here prior to 1824. After a number of years he removed to Illinois.
D. M. K. Johnson was born in Cazenovia in 1815. He came to Camden soon after he was admitted to the bar, in 1837. He re- moved to Rome in 1844. Was a prominent lawyer in this see tion.
James Abrams was here as early as 1841 or '42.
Jairus H. Munger was born in Fenner, Madison Co., N. Y., October 7, 1812, died in Camden October 28, 1878. He com- menced to read law in 1837 with Benj. P. Johnson of Rome. Ile was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of this State in 1841. Not long after he came to Camden, and opened a law office with Elliot Stewart, and the firm went by the name of Mun- ger & Stewart. Later we find that he had an office alone in the Camden Exchange Building over Truman Spencer's hat store, in August, 1843. In 1843 he married Irene Gillette of Fenner. Mrs. Munger lives with her daughter Mary. She married Prof. Mas- sey, now of Dunkirk, N. Y. Their two sons, Henry and Charles Munger, are residents of Herkimer, N. Y.
Stephen Cromwell was admitted to the bar in New York State in 1844, located in Camden, and entered the office of D. M. K. Johnson. He succeeded, and conducted an extensive business until 1887, when he retired. In 1845 he married Jeanette, daughter of Elihu Gifford of West Camden. Three sons were born to them: James, William and Charles. James is the only one living, and resides in Glen Ellen, California. Mrs. Cromwell died in 1884. Mr. Cromwell married the second time Mrs. Susan Owen of Utica. Mr. Cromwell died in 1895. His second wife survives him. Among those who read law with Mr. Cromwell were Ivers Monroe. L. J. Conlan, now one of the Judges of New York City, Hon. Wm. 11. Steele of Oswego, and Geo. F. Morse of this village.
Ivers Munroe became a resident of this town in 1846. He en- tered as a student the law office of Stephen Cromwell. Was admitted to the bar in 1848, and entered into partnership with his able instructor. The firm went by the name of Cromwell & Munroe for 20 years. Mr. Mimroe moved to Clinton, lowa, and remained there several years. On account of impaired health.
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
he returned to this State, and settled in Oneida, where he still resides.
Nelson Stevens was born in 1827 in Connecticut, and died in Seneca Falls in 1892. He was a resident of Camden for many years. He learned the printer's trade, and did considerable editorial work for our early papers. He occasionally contributed articles under the nom de plume "Boz." He studied law with J. H. Munger, was admitted to the bar at Oswego in 1849. In 1852 the name of the firm was Munger & Stevens. Ile practiced his profession in this county for nearly 20 years. He moved to Lockport in 1867, and from there to Seneca Falls in 1884. He married Hannah, daughter of Erastus Upson. She died in 1893. leaving four children: L. B. Stevens of Buffalo, N. Y .: F. N. Stevens, Tina and Mamie of Seneca Falls.
Kiron Carroll was born in Springfield, Otsego County, January 26, 1820. He graduated at Union College with honor, and studied law with Judge Carey of Cherry Valley. In 1850 he be- came a resident of Camden, and practiced law for seven years. He married a daughter of Ami Hinckley while here. Subse- quently he moved to Rome. He died suddenly while on his way to take the early morning train from Rome to Camden to attend the funeral of his brother, George K., to whom he was very much attached. His wife and two sons survive him, and are residents of Michigan. Kiron Carroll died January 5. 1878, aged 57 years.
Geo. K. Carroll was born in Springfield, N. Y., April. 1832: he became a resident of Camden in 1853, and entered the law office of his brother, K. Carroll, as a student. He was admitted to the bar in 1855. and practiced law here over 20 years. Was a member of the Assembly in 1872. He married Caroline Linkfield in 1855. Mr. Carroll died very suddenly January 2. 1878. aged 46, leaving a wife and four daughters, Ada. Theresa .. Genevieve and Grace. Ada married F. L. Wager of Rome. Theresa married A. C. Woodruff, one of Camden's leading lawyers, they have two children. Carroll and Lawrence. Gene- vieve married Prof. C. V. Parsell of Ithaca. Grace married A. HI. Middangh of Rochester.
There were other lawyers practicing here for a short time.
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
M. M. Baldwin, Henry Garber, Wm. B. Williams, Charles B. Howell, Marvin Milliken, V. V. Becker. W. W. Harmon and Egbert Moore. The present lawyers are A. C. Woodruff, who was admitted to the bar in Buffalo in 1873.
Hon. J. C. Davies was admitted to the bar in 1878, and located in Camden the following year, opened an office with Frank Budlong. The firm name was Budlong & Davies, now it is Davies, Johnson & Coville. Mr. Davies was elected to the .As- sembly in 1887. He is now Deputy Attorney General. He married Elma, daughter of J. G. Dorrance, September 9, 1890. They have three children, Marjora, Gladys and Dorrance.
Hon. Russell Johnson was admitted to the bar in 1886, elect- ed to the Assembly in 1890 and 1891.
Geo. T. Morse read law with Stephen Cromwell, and was admitted to the bar in 1880. He married Jennie, the eldest daughter of the late John and Elizabeth Hume, October 14. 1885. Mrs. Jennie Morse died May, 1895, leaving two little children, Hume and Alice.
P. H. Fitzgerald was admitted to the bar at Binghamton. September, 1888, and married Miss Anna Shanly in 1804.
George J. Skinner was admitted to the bar December, 1804. He married Miss Shorey in 1895. He holds the office of Town Clerk, 1897.
WATSON SPENCER.
Mr. Watson Spencer was another old resident of Camden. He was born in Vermont in 1796. Was the son of Mr. Israel Spencer, a physician. At the age of five years. Watson Spen- cer came to Williamstown, Oswego County. N. Y., with his father. When ten years of age he came to Camden to reside. making his home with a family named Warner. Four years later he took up the blacksmith's trade. In early manhood he married Caroline, daughter of Bartholomew Pond, and worked at his trade with industry and success. He lived in the house on the east side of Main Street, which was many years later purchased by E. A. Harvey, and materially changed into a larger and much finer residence. His blacksmith shop stood near by, and was eventually converted into a dwelling. now
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
known as the Nelson House. He continued in the business un- til 1862, when he retired from active life, with a well-earned competency. His wife died during the year of 1838. The year following he married Miss Eliza Wilson of Camden. Her death occurred in 1865. He married again in November, 1866, Mrs. Mary Spencer of North East, Pa., who was left a widow the second time, Mr. Spencer's death occurring in 1869, aged 73 years. He left no children or descendants.
ALEXANDER WAUGH
Was one of the pioneers of Camden, emigrating here about 1800. from Connecticut, and located in the northern part of the town, near what is known as the Bates District. His wife's maiden name was Elizabeth Throop. Their children were all born in Litchfield, Conn., Dan, Norman, Freeman, Irene, Rhody, and Elizabeth. Alexander Waugh and wife are buried in Hamilton, N. Y. Daniel, his oldest child, married Irene Smedley in 1794. and were among our early settlers. About 1811 he moved to Lewiston, N. Y., where he died January 30, 1812. His wife died in 12 days after, leaving eight children. They were brought back to Camden by their uncle Norman, and found homes among their relatives. Norman was the second son of Alexan- der. He died at Scriba, New York, in 1821. Freeman was the third son of Alexander. He moved to Wisconsin. Gideon. second son of Daniel, married Minerva Miner at Scriba. They had 6 children. This family roved about, and in the year 1833 they went in a sailing vessel from Oswego to Ohio, and settled in the northwestern part of the State. He was the third settler in the town of Henrietta. A town was set off from Henrietta, Gideon Waugh suggested the name of Camden in honor of his early home in Camden, Oneida County, N. Y. His son James, born August 24, 1833, was the pioneer baby of Camden. Ohio.
CHAPTER XIX.
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BANDS.
CAMDEN SAXHORN BAND.
In the year 1855 men of musical talent were anxious for a band. Much discussion arose as to the best plan for promoting its organization. It was believed by those interested, that money enough could be raised among the citizens of the town, to equip it in a desirable manner. One evening, in the store of J. D. Cavarly, several of the representative business men were congregated, and the subject was renewed. One man said he would subscribe liberally to the support of the object. He was not a rich man, but generous. Another blessed with prosperity and plenty, but care- ful in spending his money, considered that it would be per- fectly safe to promise as much again as the first one would give. Good, shrewd business men thought it wise to secure proof of this promise, so repaired with him to a near-by law office, and had his agreement put into legal form. In a quiet way estimates of the amount necessary to properly provide them with instru- ments, music, &c., were made, and it was thought one hundred and fifty dollars would be sufficient. Fifty dollars of the amount required was placed in the generous man's hands, and then one hundred claimed from the other (more careful one). It was rather hard to give it up, but there was his written promise, and do it he must, and did. Immediately Mr. Clark Sperry was chosen to go to New York to purchase necessary instruments It was enough to secure all but the "big bass drum," which Mr George Wood generously gave them as a private contribution. It was organized under the name of the "Camden Saxhorn Band." They secured the services of Prof. (perhaps Joseph) Arnott of Utica, who was a composer, and instructor of the Old Utica Band. For a time they met for practice at the store of
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
Jacob Wiggins, where Dorrance & Smith were in later years. at the south corner of Main and Mexico Streets, owned by Ar- temas Trowbridge. Nelson B. Stevens was their leader. We are pleased that through the courtesy of Messrs. John A. Bettis and Joshau H. Tracy we can state these facts. We give members' names and their instruments, as below:
First soprano. N. B. Stevens: second soprano, J. H. Tracy: third soprano, Wm. Bird: first alto, Augustus Stone: second alto, Jacob Wiggins : tenor. Win. Wells: baritone, A. T. Van Valken- burg; bass. J. A. Bettis: double bass, Robert Robertson: cym- bals, Roswell Ballard.
They were told by George W. Wood that when they could play their first tune, without notes, they should be given a sup- per at the hotel. This they soon accomplished. the number being an arrangement of the "Marseillaise Hymn." They were accordingly dined at the hostelry of A. B. Hildreth. This was the first "Saxhorn" band hereabouts, and created much interest among the residents. Mr. Wm. Bird's death was the first in the ranks, and the organization attended the funeral in uniform. the horn used by the deceased being placed upon his casket. Fitting selections were played in the march to and from the cemetery, and pausing before his place of business in their re- turn, an appropriate farewell selection was rendered. In an old record of the Congregational Sunday School of 1856 it is re- solved to "invite the Camden Saxhorn Band to join in a celebra- tion the Fourth of July, and favor us with music."
A few years later changes were made, Mr. Wiggins and J. A. Bettis removing to other localities: and Jacob Rush and Charles H. Ray filled their places. We copy from an issue of the "Cam- den Journal" of 1862. the following, which does not agree as to the age of the "Saxhorn Band" with the statement we make:
"The Camden Saxhorn Band gave their 16th Annual Band promenade concert, January. 1862. We understand the Saxhorn Band have under consideration one or more propositions to join the army of the Potomac."
We are right, however, in the date of its organization-1855. The above mentioned promenade concert was a financial success, and netted them fifty dollars, which was used for the purchase of a superior bass instrument. played by C. H. Ray.
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