USA > New York > Oneida County > Camden > Pioneer history of Camden, Oneida County, New York > Part 38
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ANCIENT LODGE I. O. O. F., NO. 154.
This organization was instituted May 7th, 1845. with the fol- lowing officers: Noble Grand, Aaron H. Thompson; Vice Grand, Rufus Byington; Quarterly Sec .. Orange Dayton; Permanent Sec., Aaron Stone; Treasurer, David Sears.
According to records, the lodge was abandoned in 1856. The present Lodge of Odd Fellows, No. 718, was instituted October II, 1894. Membership at the present time 54.
ROYAL ARCANUM.
Instituted August 22, 1889. Present membership 61.
THE ORDER OF AMERICAN MECHANIC, NO. 65. Instituted June 8, 1892. Present membership
THE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
Instituted January 16, 1895. Present membership 46. KNIGHTS OF MACCABEES.
Instituted September, 1895. Present membership 40.
IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN. Instituted May 9th, 1895. Present membership 31.
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
CORALLINE SOCIETY.
One of the oldest literary societies of the town, if not the first ever organized in Camden, whose membership consisted entirely of ladies, was the Coralline Society. On the evening of February 1, 1866, an informal meeting was held at the residence of J. 11. Munger, Esq., on Church Street, for the purpose of forming a literary society. One week later, a complete organization was effected, fourteen young ladies becoming members. They se- lected the name of Coralline Society, gaining knowledge as the coral increases, little by little. Miss Flora Potter was elected President, Miss Cynthia Tuthill Vice President, Miss Sarah Phelps Secretary, Miss Augusta Squires Assistant Secretary, Miss Libbie Jameson Treasurer. From the Secretary book we copy the following: "The object of this organization is to acquire that most valuable accomplishment, reading aloud, and purify our taste in literature, and to acquaint ourselves with the stand - ard authors of the day." After the meetings were formally opened, some one who had been appointed to that office, would read from "Irving's Life of Washington" part of the evening. and the rest of the time was spent reading "Ivanhoe." with a sociable time to discuss the matter read. In later meetings, other works were read, both prose and poetry, and the time thus spent was found to be both profitable and enjoyable.
The membership increased until 34 names were on the roll call. They were all enthusiastic workers, and gave many enjoy- able entertainments for the purpose of raising funds to establish a loan library, and to conduct a lecture course. Some of the finest talent in the lecture field at that time appeared before a Camden audience, under the auspices of the Coralline Society. The course was opened for the winter of 1800-67 by the Res Henry Millburn, the blind preacher: his subject was "What a blind man saw in England." January 5. 1867. L. M. Hewlet lectured on "Hits of the Times." January 24. Prof. Upon of Hamilton College delivered a lecture, and the last of the course for the season was given by L. J. Bigelow, whose subject was "Heroic Womanhood." The following winter Prof. Upson was again engaged to deliver one of the course. B. F. Taylor's name appears as one of the lecturers. Mr. Pierson gave an illus.
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trated lecture, taking for his subject "School from the Scholars' Side." A. D. Shaw delivered one of the course. Anna Dickinson was also engaged for March 19th, but on account of a severe snow storm she was unable to reach Camden, so the lecture was postponed until April 13th. Woodin's Hall was engaged for her lecture, and it was a large audience which greeted her, as she stepped upon the platform. She generously gave back the sum of 25 dollars to the ladies' treasury.
This society also established a loan library, and from time to time added books as they accumulated funds for that purpose. At the first it was located in the jewelry store of Robert John- son for several months. Librarians were appointed from the members of the society, and it was opened at stated intervals to the public. The charge was five cents per week, and two cents a day additional for all books kept over two weeks. Later it was placed in the store of Gamble & Upson, where the post- office was located. July 30, 1868, it was moved to George Ab- bott's store, and A. W. Abbott engaged as librarian. At that time the library consisted of one hundred and sixteen volumes.
After the churches burned, in 1867, many of the charter men- bers were actively engaged in church work, which occupied nearly all of their time, and their interest in the Coralline So- ciety diminished. New members joined to take their places, but in 1868 few of the original names appeared on the roll call. and during that year the society died a natural death, the books being divided among the remaining members. Only seven of the names recorded in the secretary's book are still living in Camden, viz .: Miss Clara Curtiss, Emily Shepherd More. Helen Abbott Mann, Carrie Phelps Conant, Charlotte Johnson Gam- ble, Emma Phelps Frisbie, Susie McGuinn Aird. Nine have passed away from earth, and the rest are scattered in different localities.
THE CAMDEN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Was formed December 6. 1890. The towns-people had for some time felt the need of a Public Loan Library. In response to a call through the "AAdvance-Journal" (the village paper), asking all ladies interested in an organization of the kind to meet at the home of Mrs. W. T. Stevens, some forty ladies responded.
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
A brief statement of the formation of such organizations Was given by Mrs. W. J. Frisbie, after which Mrs. C. H. Gule was chosen chairman, and Miss Annie Shanley secretary pro. tem. The following officers were elected by ballot to hold office one year:
President, Mrs. Elizabeth T. Pike; Vice President, ist. Mrs. W. T. Stevens: Vice President. 2d. Mrs. Jane F. Williams; Secretary, Miss Tessie M. Durr; Treasurer, Mrs. M. B. O-born. An executive committee was also chosen.
Being organized without either money or books, it was de- cided that by the payment of Și a year each lady became a mem- ber of the Association. Thirty-nine ladies became members.
List of members from December 1, 1890. to December 1. 1891 .- Mrs. Martha S. Adams. Mrs. Ida B. Becker, Mrs. Ella S. Conant, Mrs. Caroline P. Conant. Mrs. Grace S. Cook, Mrs. Susan O. Cromwell, Mrs. Philoma W. Curtiss, Mrs. Grace S. Case, Mrs. Elma D. Davies, Mrs. Emma F. Dorrance. Mrs. Ellen L. Dorrance, Mrs. Nancy E. Edic. Mrs. Nellie D. Ewart. Mrs. Emma P. Frisbie, Mrs. Charlotte J. Gamble. Mrs. Caroline P. Harvey, Mrs. Mame 11. Harding. Mrs. Phoebe J. Miller. Mrs. Maria B. Osborn. Mrs. Irene N. Stevens, Mrs. Lida T. Stoddard, Mrs. Jane S. Strong, Mrs. Jane F. Williams, Mrs. Mary A. Stansfield, Mrs. Harriet M. Phelps, Mrs. Fontella H. Farnsworth, Miss Tessie M. Durr, Miss Lelah Miller, Miss An- nie Shanley, Mrs. Lois S. Kendall, Mrs. Jennie H. Morse. Mrs. Elizabeth T. Pike, Mrs. Clara H. Stoddard, Mrs. Louisa W. Stone, Mrs. Helen H. Wolcott. Mrs. Julia C. Upson. Mrs. Hel- en A. Mann, Mrs. Etta S. Gunther, Mrs. Ellen B. Dorrance.
The organization met with much encouragement. The public saw the ladies were thoroughly in earnest. and realized what the work was they had undertaken. Mrs. Emma P. Frisbie contri- buted the first books, 13 in mimber: others followed with gifts of books. So volumes were contributed by W. C. Stone from his loan library. (This gift was very encouraging to the ladies. and received by them with great pleasure). An additional num- ber was donated from the Presbyterian S. S. Library. These had been put aside for want of new binding, which were soon placed in shape for loaning. A book social at the home of Mrs.
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Irene N. Stevens added a number more. The ladies, upon con- sultation, decided that the organization were in possession of a sufficient number of volumes to put them in circulation. August 1, 1891, 218 volumes were upon the shelves, and on this date the room in B. A. Curtiss block (back of the hall stairs) was opened to the public. The furnishing of the room was lent by the mem- bers. The book shelves borrowed from the M. E. parsonage. December 6, 1891, by individual gift, the number of volumes had increased to 549. The ladies have worked with much zeal, and at this date the association has deposited to its credit in Savings Bank, toward a building fund, $500.95. This fund is the economical earnings of cents, nickels and dimes. October, 1894, the library having outgrown its little room, took quarters in larger rooms across the street, in the Opera House Block, and in January, 1896, removed to permanent quarters in the New Town Hall. From the report of Mrs. Grace S. Case (the efficient librarian since August, 1894) the number of volumes on the accession book, including papers bound, is 1422. Circula- tion of volumes for the year 1896-11,822. Average weekly cir- culation, 226 volumes. The present flourishing condition of the library is the result of earnest hard work by the ladies of the Association, particularly the former librarian (Mrs. Grace S. Case), and is looked upon with pride by all citizens of Camden. Following are the list of officers elected at the last annual meet- ing, July 2. 1897: President, Mrs. Nancy E. Edic; Vice Presi- dent, Mrs. M. Tipple: Secretary, Mrs. H. L. Borland; Treasurer, Mrs. W. J. F. Van Allen. During the year 1894 the library was placed under the State Regents at Albany, making it free.
CURTISS HALL.
After the fire of 1863, which destroyed the east side of Main Street, Hastings F. Curtiss, one of our most prominent and pub- lic spirited townsmen, erected a brick block, and finished the second story as a hall for public use. Prior to this, the upper room in the old Town Hall had been used for entertainments, as well as for various other purposes. The new Hall was far superior to this, and was considered a spacious room, and adequate to the needs of the town. Mr. Curtiss generously donated the use of it many times for church purposes. Some
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
of the finest talent in the concert and lecture fields appeared upon this stage, and choice and appreciative audiences have as- sembled before them.
Time can never efface from the memory of the older people of the present generation, the many enjoyable social gatherings held here, the fairs, festivals, band concerts, amateur theatricals. singing schools, concerts, &c .; and at the present day there is no place where the young people enjoy a social party more.
CAMDEN OPERA HOUSE.
As the town prospered, and the conveniences of city life were adopted within its limits, such as electric lights, public water works, modern and beautiful homes, and business structures, an Opera House was considered necessary, and in keeping with other improvements. The town had grown so rapidly that a building was needed with a larger stage, and a greater seating capacity.
November 7th, 1892, twenty-two of our citizens organized an Opera House Company, with E. Il. Conant as president, who from the first inception of the enterprise, gave it his personal attention, and to him, largely, is credit due that Camden pos- sesses such an attractive edifice. The company did not invest their money so much with the view of large returns, as to pro- vide a suitable place of amusement in our model village.
January, 1893, a lot was purchased of Penfield & Stone on the west side of Main Street, north of the "Advance Journal" office. 51 feet front, and extending to the bank of Fish Creek in the rear, and arrangements were immediately begun for the erection of a building. The plans were drawn by Leon H. Lampert of Rochester; the contract for the building was awarded to Ray mond Bros. of Camden, and ground broken about the first of June. The stockholders were E. H. Conant. G. F. Conant. D. J. Crimmins, W. T. Stevens, A. H. Maloney. E. Edic, B. A. Curtiss. A. C. Woodruff, W. C. Stoddard, Gardner & Dana. C. M. Tibbitts, Library Association. Camden Knitting Mill (i) . Elizabeth T. Pike. A. G. Robson, W. C. Stone. E. A. Harvey. James H. Gamble. Penfield & Stone. J. G. Dorrance. Daniel Crimmins, Harold T. Conant.
We copy the account of the opening, which occurred Thurs-
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day night. January 18th, 1894, from the "Advance Journal." "Last Thursday evening was the opening of this grand enter- prise. About six hundred persons attended the performance of the great Swedish play, 'Ole Olson.' The transition from the rainy and disagreeable atmosphere outside, to the interior of the Opera House was like a sudden change into fairy land. It was very possible to imagine you were visiting some city play-house -it was so dazzling in its freshness and rich beauty. The audi- torium and balcony were soon a sea of expectant and happy faces, and praises without stint were showered upon the beauty. ar- rangement and convenience of the place.
The house was manned as follows: Ticket seller, W. C. Stone: ticket taker, main floor, D. H. Stone: gallery, Clar- ence Doten: ushers, main floor, George Frisbie, Frank Mann. Charles Edic. Myron Simmons. H. J. Kittrick: gallery, Robert Robson. Arthur Barnes: stage director. F. J. Gatley of Rome : assistants, Charles Parke of Camden. Sidney Gilbo of Rome: keeper of check room. Arthur Parke. The per- manent stage director will be Mr. Parke."
Since the opening of the Opera House the towns-people have had rare opportunities of hearing many fine theatrical companies from New York, as well as excellent rendering of fine musical programmes. It is conceded by professionals who come here. to be a gem in its way, and to far surpass amusement halls in many larger places.
CAMDEN BANKS.
The first bank in Camden was organized under the laws of the State, and began business March 1. 1848. The officers were Hiram J. Miner, President, and William B. Storm. Cashier. Among its stockholders were Hiram J. Miner, Lyman Curtiss. Hiram Smith, Stephen Cromwell, W. B. Storm, Edwin Rockwell and Orson Norton. Lyman Curtiss succeeded Mr. Miner as president. The bank was located on the second floor of the Miner store, but later moved to the second floor of the Trow- bridge store, which stood on the south-west corner of Main and Mexico Streets. It ended in failure the latter part of the year 1854.
During the year of 1859 Hastings T. Curtiss opened a private
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
bank, occupying for a time the small office on the second floor. directly over the room in which he carried on the banking business for a number of years, and which is now occupied by Gamble's shoe store. March 1. 1867. he entered into partnership with J. B. Carmen. One year later. H. T. Curtiss withdrew, and was succeeded by A. Curtiss, the business being continued by A. Curtiss and Carmen until they failed March. 1876.
Mr. Daniel G. Dorrance, who was for many years extensiveh interested in banking pursuits, together with his son J. G. Dor- rance, established a bank in Camden May 16, 1876, which was succeeded on January 26, 1880. by the First National Bank of Camden, N. Y., with a capital of $50,000. Its officers were Dan- iel G. Dorrance President. A. T. Van Valkenburg Vice Presi- dent, J. G. Dorrance Cashier. Edwin A. Harvey was Vice Presi dent from January 13. 1885. until his death July 6. 1896. After the death of D. G. Dorrance, which occurred March 26. 1896. J. G. Dorrance was elected President, and Daniel J. Dorrance, his son, was appointed cashier, occupying these positions at the present time.
CHAPTER XXII.
MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS.
In the early history of our country, owing to its unsettled state, it was necessary to maintain an army, which could be relied upon in any emergency. By the laws of the State, when a young man reached the age of 18 years, he must be enrolled as a military subject, and continue such until he reached the age of thirty- five years. Each town must organize a military company, and if there were not men enough within its territory, then two or three towns would unite in forming a company. The earliest military organization we can learn of in Camden is the 68th New York Militia, commonly known as "Stoddard's Regiment." In the records of the War Department at Washington (which are very incomplete) there are but three muster rolls of this regi- ment. It was made up from the towns of Camden, Vienna. Anns- ville and Florence, and composed largely of sons of the brave men who fought for freedom. The names upon the muster rolls of field and staff are as follows: Israel Stoddard, Major, served from October 6th, 1814, to October 31, 1814: Ephraim Smith, Adjutant, served from October 6th, 1614. to November 16th, 1814: Samuel W. Johnson, Quartermaster. served from Oc- tober 6th, 1814, to November 16th, 1814: Joel Rathburn, Sur- geon, served from October 6th. 1814. to November 11th, 1814: Lyman Huntly, Surgeon's Mate, served from October 6th, 1814. to November 11, 1814: Daniel Fellows, Quartermaster. served from October 6th, 1814, to November 13th, 1814. The muster rolls of the two companies are as follows: One company was known as the Camden Co., of which Nathan N. Elton was Captain Jehiel Higgins, Ensign: Samuel Morse, Captain: Isaac Graves, Corporal; and the following among the privates: Beri Blakesley, Enoch Strong, Asa Lamphere, Merrit Parker, John L. Nichols. The other and final company bears the following names: Martin Wright, Captain: Silas Cook, Corporal, and the following names among the privates: Calvin Dawley, Edwin Barnes, Fowler Penfield, Thomas Empey, Daniel Wilcox, Amos
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Johnson. As the regiment was known as the 08th New York Militia, the officers received their commission from Governor Daniel Tompkins, holding the office at that time; he was largely instrumental in organizing military organizations in the State. to take up arms against the British. Major Stoddard was sub- sequently commissioned Colonel.
During the latter part of the war of 1812, Stoddard's Regiment went to Sackett's Harbor, but were not called into active service. They remained in camp two or three months, living in idleness, and longing to be at home, where they were so much needed both by their families, and the necessities of a home-making in a new country. Ship fever and smallpox became prevalent in camp, and soldiers were dying by the score almost daily, and to add to the other hardships their rations were quite limited. It is little wondered that they became discontented at this almost unbearable state of prolonged hardships. Realizing the trials his men had to endure. Col. Stoddard went to Gen. Collins, the general in command, and asked that under the circumstances his men might be discharged. The General flatts refused to allow it. Col. Stoddard returned to his men, and told them the General was not willing to grant his request. but he thought they would all soon be discharged. He said. "Don't one of you go home, but if one goes, all go." As he said this, he turned his horse's head towards home, and all followed closely behind him, and reached their homes in safety. But two or three days elapsed before the regiment was mustered out at Smith's Mills. Jefferson County.
We can learn little more concerning this regiment until 1822 At that time the brigade inspector was Major Eli Savage of New Hartford. He was a man of splendid physique, and when scated on his fine large horse, was an object of admiration, especially to the boys, who would. watch intently for his arrival. After Major Savage resigned. Major Pratt was appointed to that office. he was succeeded by Barnum P. Foster, who made a thoroughh good officer. He was the last one to hold the office of Brigade Inspector of the 68th New York Infantry. These officers received eight dollars per day while on duty.
About this time Nelson Dawley of Annsville was appointed
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Colonel, succeeded by Uri Ilill. Richard Empey was appointed Lieutenant Colonel June 27th, 1827, by Dewitt Clinton, Govern- or of the State of New York. He was later commissioned Colonel of the regiment, and made a fine looking, as well as a most efficient officer. His staff were, Lieutenant Colonel. Rufus Byington, Major. Woodard Perkins. After Col. Empey resigned. Rufus Byington was promoted to fill the vacancy, and Martin H. Stevens was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel, Eli Brigdes succeeded in the office of Major. Cyrus Stoddard was appoint- ed by Governor Seward July 16th, 1842, Colonel of the 68th In- fantry. The chaplain was Rev. E. W. R. Allen of the M. E. Church ; Adjutant, Levi S. Wilcox: Quartermaster, Israel Dean ; Drum Major. Israel Stoddard: Fife Major, Miner Parke. Colonel Cyrus Stoddard was the last colonel of the old regiment. Alex- ander Rae of Vienna was Lieutenant Colonel. and John A. Bet- tis Major. The following discharge paper we copy from the original document.
State of New York-Brigade Orders.
Brig. Gen. H. S. Beardley has accepted the resignation of Col. Cyrus Stoddard of the 68th Regiment, 13th Brigade, 13th division of the militia of the State, and he is hereby at his own request honorably discharged from the said office.
August 12th, 1844.
H. S. Beardley, Brig. Gen., 13th Brigade of Infantry.
About this time a company of invincibles made large demon- strations, which is said to have made the old military training. at least, unpopular.
During the year 1825 or 1826, a man bearing the name of B. F. Beard, a hat-maker, came into the town. He was a tall fine look- ing man. He conceived the idea of organizing an independent Infantry Company, and he accomplished his purpose. He pro- cured enough volunteers to form a good sized company, and drilled them night after night, until they were well-versed in military tactics. Their uniforms were white trousers with red bottoms, and bell buttons on the side, blue trimmed coats, high leather caps, with white feather and red tip. When they made their appearance in public, they were a fine looking company.
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
and much surprise was manifested to see them so well drilled. Eventually Captain Beard left town, and other officers were ap- pointed from time to time, until the Company finally disbanded.
At one time, many years ago, there was a rifle regiment in Camden. They made a fine appearance with their rifles, gray coats, and caps with green feather. Gen. Lyman Curtis was commander of this regiment. Another company was called the Old Camden Militia Company. Pliny Barnes, who hved in the Seventh township, was captain for a time. Some of the names connected with this company were J. C. Sperry, Sherman Sperry, Andrew Sperry, Solon Cook, Sylvester and Horace Wilson, AI den Rathbone, Sherman and David Osborn. The last captain of the Camden Military Company was AAsahel Allen, who made a very good captain. The names of some who belonged to the band of martial music in the Camden Company were Reuben Root. Linus Stevens, Miner Parkes, fifers. The snare drummers were J. F. Mix. Julius Cook. Jeremiah Bailey was the bass drummer. 11 wore a white roundabout coat trimmed with red. Samuel Whaley was bugler. At this time peace had settled over the eastern States, and it was no longer necessary to maintain these military organizations, it was a useless tax upon the people. Military affairs had had their day, and the attention of the residents of cities and towns was turned toward developing the resources of the new country, and building up a great nation. Nearh all of the local companies were disbanded.
In the early part of the nineteenth century, regimental train ing was the greatest day of the year. Holidays were not as coll- mon then as now; the weeks and months were made up of days of wearisome toil; the brightest bit of sunshine was the antici- pation of a holiday, when the daily tasks could be leid aside, and the people, old and young, could enjoy to the inflest estela, the short time given them for recreation and general training What a day that was for Camden! And the other great dis a fine Fourth of July! There was more patriotism they chat now People did not need greased poles, and balloon asculsi ais, or a flaming poster to tell them how the Fourth of July was to be celebrated. The spirit of patriotism was burning brighth in the breasts of these hardy sons of freedom, and fresh oil was
34
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
added to the flame by rumors of the unsettled state of the coun- try. General training day brought out nearly all of the people from the surrounding towns, which made quite a large gather- ing. Sweet cider, ginger-bread and molasses candy was for sale, and a boy with twenty-five cents could not only purchase enough of these to supply his own wants, but could treat his friends generously.
Previous to the general training day, each town had its com- pany training; also all of the officers of each company met in Camden for officers' drill. The first Monday in September was general training day. Col. Israel Stoddard's regiment used to form in the business part of the town. march up Main Street. turn to the right, and enter a field, which was Deacon Billias Pond's meadow land. and through which Second Street was later laid out. This was the parade ground. until the town in- creased to such an extent, the land was needed for building lots to accommodate the new comers. Later the parade ground was the land north of Col. Israel Stoddard's residence (nearly opposite Forest Park Cemetery), which gave them plenty of room, before the tracks of the R. & W. R.R. were laid through the ground. The later companies used to drill on the village green. and when drawn up in line reached from the corner where B. F. Hinckley's store now stands, diagonally to the corner of Main and North Park Streets. Military discipline was not very strict at this date, and the men used to have quite easy times. Their afternoons were mostly spent lying in the shade of the Congregational Church .*
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