USA > New York > Oneida County > Camden > Pioneer history of Camden, Oneida County, New York > Part 6
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In 1860 more space was needed for interments, and the Trustees were authorized to purchase added land for such pur- pose.
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
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CEMETERY GROUNDS.
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
In 1869 we copy: "Whereas the Trustees of the Camden Cemetery Association have purchased the undivided half of ten acres and eighty-eight hundredths acres of land of Alva Ray- mond for additional cemetery ground, therefore, Resolved, That the President draw from the Treasurer on order the sum of five hundred and seventy-one dollars to pay for said land, and any incidental expenses." This passed into the hands of the Associa- tion in 1872. In this new part a remarkable instance occurred in the burial of Conet Scoville, the first body placed in the new part. The lots or plots were made larger in the new addition; convenient walks and drives arranged throughout. It was also improved back to the bank, but no lots laid out in that part. This year it was resolved to introduce running water into the cemetery, which was accordingly accomplished. A spring was found on the farm of P. W. Laney, contiguous to the ground, and soon a fine fountain graced the entrance, much appreciated by all. Not far from this date the old hearse house was moved, and used as a frame to the present receiving-vault-a much needed convenience. In 1897 the beautiful tract of wood-land known to us as "Forest Park," was secured by the Association, a pleasant drive made through it, which continues to be a source of great pleasure to the community. At the present writing, September 1896, as nearly as can be determined, there are the remains of 2,300 resting in this burial plot. The Roman Catho- lics purchased territory contiguous to the Protestant Cemetery. not far from 1876, and at this time about 45 bodies repose there.
We have, through the kindness of Mr. George Shepard and Mr. Robert Robertson (the present sexton) had access to records covering all but five years of the time intervening between 1845 and 1896. Mr. Horace McIntyre and Mr. Erastus Sanford were sextons during the five years, but no records can be found, though effort has been made to do so.
ISRAEL STODDARD.
Judge Israel Stoddard was born in Watertown, Conn., in 1776. He is numbered among the "Pioneers of Camden," and was con- nected largely with its early business interests. A man of great
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
1. .
Israel Stoddard.
capability, intellectuality, of strong character, and mitch execu- tive force. He soon became a considerable land holder, as many oid documents prove. He came for a prospecting tour from Connecticut on horseback, the usual mode of traveling in those days, in 1798, and stopped over night with his old friend Henry Williams, who then lived where the Julius Cook house now is. 0
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
That structure was of logs. He fully intended pushing on further into the wilderness, but Mr. Williams called his attention to the farm (then somewhat under improvement) now owned and occupied by Israel Stoddard, Jr., then owned by Ezra Devereux. This he purchased, and the transaction determined his settlement in Camden. The following winter he returned to Connecticut, and married Miss Polly Wilson (a sister of Syl- vanus, Sr., and Eli Wilson of Harwinton, Conn.), in the spring of 1799, coming again to Camden with his bride to take up his permanent residence here. He lived on this farm till 1802, when he sold to John Wilson, Sr., and in 1805 bought nearer town the farm now known as the "Judge Stoddard place," about a mile south of the village. In the very early years of this century he was actively engaged in milling interests with Rufus Byington,
THIN
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Judge Stoddard's Place.
in the locality described in another article. In the war of 1812 le marched with a company of militia from Camden to Sackett's Harbor. They were there about three weeks without seeing active service. Camp fever and dysentery prevailed among the soldiers, and many died. The barracks were on low, damp ground. The officer in command was appealed to in behalf of the poor fellows, by Mr. Stoddard, asking that they be allowed to move their quarters to higher ground, a little back from their
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
present camp ground. His reply was, "We have plenty of hem- lock boards for boxes, and men left to bury those who die, and dirt to cover them." An unfeeling officer! The Camden soldiery had left many cares behind; their farms needed their attention, and they were restless-anxious to go home and attend to their interests. Mr. Stoddard well understood this fact, and his sym- pathies were with his men. So sitting on his horse with much military dignity he addressed them, "Boys, it is an honor to serve in defence of your country. You came expecting to do duty, leaving wives, homes, children. I know there is a longing to see them. Cares call you loudly to return to them. I can not blame you for wanting to go. If you should go, don't let me see you." The boys, seeing a twinkle in their leader's eye, as he turned and rode away, interpreted it as they chose, and ere long they were on the march homeward. Peace was soon declared, and nothing further was heard of their desertion. We very much regret that an official list of those who went from Camden in the war of 1812, can not be found. Mr. Stoddard was a man of strong sympathies for those in distress, and his many deeds of kindness are often referred to. His love for children was another manly characteristic.
In 1820 Mrs. Polly Stoddard died, aged 45 years, leaving no children. Some time after, Mr. Stoddard married Miss Mary Wilson, a cousin of his former wife, and the mother of all his children-a lady of much beauty of character. Israel Stoddard died April 4, 1859, aged 83 years. His wife survived him till May 22, 1869, when, at the age of 70 years, she, too, followed him to her reward. A long, useful life was spent in the com- munity, and their memory lives after them. We see in the exemplary lives of their sons and daughters, the emulation of the good example their parents instilled into their youthful minds. Their children were: Cyrus L., married Charlotte Sperry ; Samuel Hicox, deceased; Huldah B., Judson; Joanna P., deceased, mar- ried Lansing McConnell; Martha P., deceased, married Mr. Baker; Wells A. married Elizabeth Cook; Israel E. married Caroline Wood; Lucintha C., married Thomas D. Penfield; Mary W .; John N.
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
HICOX STODDARD.
On the east side of the highway, about where the Roman Catholic Cemetery now is, was the house at present standing on the west side of the highway, known as the Hicox Stoddard house. Perhaps no house in town has traveled as far intact as this same. It was built about 1802 on the site where stands Israel Stoddard, Jr.'s, or a little below the present home, by John Wil- son. This, Judge Stoddard moved from 3 miles south of the vil- lage, to the site below the Protestant Cemetery, about 1854. where it was a tenement, occupied by Mr. Houghton for some years, and later by David Dick, Miss Dela Dick's father. In 1876 it was again moved to its present location. The two large maples form the gateway which are a feature of the accompany- ing illustration. On the east side of the highway, Cyrus Stoddard
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John Wilson House.
and his wife make their home in the commodious house erected by Judge Israel Stoddard in 1843. This establishment was as fine a farm home as Camden possessed in those days, and has lost none of its attractiveness at this present writing. They have reared a family of three sons, Clark of Washington, D. C., At- wood in the West, and Alfred of Camden. On the west side of the street, further on, stands the house built by Sage Parke.
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
SAGE PARKE
Was born at East Haddam, Conn., June 7th, 1783, and the parish records show him to have been baptized there. He was the third child of Daniel and Esther Parke, and came to Camden with his parents in 1794, when but II years of age. November 1, 1803, he married Almira Preston, daughter of Caleb Preston, and soon after built the house now designated as the McNute house, about a mile and a quarter below the village. He was a soldier of the war of 1812. In 1821 he removed to Amboy, Oswego County, and the house then passed into the possession of Eli, son of Elihu Curtiss. Was engaged in the milling interests of the town for many years. In 1830 or '31 he was elected to the Supervisor- ship of the town, serving acceptably, and was otherwise chosen to represent it from time to time. He died at the residence of his son-in-law. September. 1848, aged 65 years. Sage and Elmira Parke are both buried in Amboy. In 1848 we find it advertised by one W. Clark as follows: "House and lot for sale. The subscriber offers for sale the house and lot situated about one mile from the village of Camden, on the Rome and Oswego Plank Road, between the residences of Judge and Eliakim Stoddard. The lot contains about one acre of land in a high state of cultivation. There is a good dwelling, wood-house and barn on the lot, all of which are in good repair, and sufficient- ly large to accommodate one or more families. Termis easy." A few years later, David McNute occupied it,and continued to do so until about 1870, when it passed into the hands of several different ones in the course of a few short years. It is at present owned by Albert Patterson.
EDWARD PHELPS.
In the house known as the Eliakim Stoddard home, on the west side of the highway, next below Sage Parke place, is the home of Edward Phelps, who is the eldest son of Ranney and Clarinda Phelps, and who was born April 7, 1840. His first wife was Emile Hosmer. Two children were born to them, Leroy of McConnellsville, and a daughter living in the State of Michigan. After marriage, and until after the death of Mrs. Phelps, Mr. Phelps resided West, interested in the manufacture ot hardware. Again returning East, in 1891, he married Miss Cora Dyer of
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
Annsville, N. Y. Mr. Phelps is interested in the industry of corn packing.
ELIAKIM STODDARD.
Eliakim Stoddard first came from Watertown, Conn., to this locality. He was born in 1773. His earliest connexion with the country hereabouts was in the town of Vienna, where he was a land owner in Bengal and Orange, and was the first Supervisor of Vienna in 1799. He was closely interested with Judge Israel Stoddard, his brother, in real estate, their names appearing in many deeds and documents pertaining to lands in various local- ities. He married in 1801 Miss Lois Matthews, daughter of deacon Abner Matthews. They commenced life by establishing themselves in a home built on the site of the present Douglas Hubbard home, and remained here a period of five years, when he sold to Gershom Holdridge, in 1806, and returned to Vienna. The winter of 1803 or 1804 was one of intense severity, and a great depth of snow covered the earth. Land had been but little cleared, and grass to cut for winter supplies was not plenty. Mr. Stoddard kept a cow, and to afford her a fresh nip of food he drew browse of hemlock from the near-by forest. Regularly there came a deer to share bossy's dainties, and throughout the winter these daily visits were made. Mr. and Mrs. Stoddard's kindly interest in the animal suggested supplies for it, which were placed in its way, and which it ate with evident relish and con- tentment. It seemed to be alone, the depth of snow making it impossible for the little creature to travel in search of others of its kind, so it sought the company of the cow, and shared its cheer. With the return of spring it disappeared, either having been slain by the huntsman, or gone in search of company of its own sort. Miss Lois Matthews was born in Claremont, Cheshire County, New Hampshire, April 23, 1781, and when twenty years of age was married to Mr. Stoddard. Mr. Stoddard was a man of much religious thought and practice, and a circuit preacher for many years. It is said of him by one of his descendants, that he had married over a thousand couples. In those early years ministers of the gospel were not as numerous as now, and no
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
doubt many swains and lassies awaited his visits with impatience. His grand-daughter, Mrs. Martin Cook, remembers to have heard him tell of one thankful party who gave him for a mar- riage fee a load of fence rails, and another a half bushel of beans. The usual fee for marriages was one dollar. After some years, probably about 1816, Mr. Stoddard took up his residence in Camden permanently, locating about one mile and a quarter south of the village, just below the Sage Parke place. The house was built by Seth Dunbar for Mr. Stoddard, on the site of the late George Stoddard's home. Now the building stands one door north, and is occupied and owned by Edward Phelps, eldest son of the late Ranney Phelps, having been moved there in 1861. About this time he became a leader in the M. E. Church. To them were born eight children, as follows: Philomela married Mr. Searles; Cynthia; Polly married Levi Matthews; Ann mar- ried T. D. Penfield; Israel married Maria Peck; Flora; Eliakim; George married Rebecca Owen, 1852.
Mr. Stoddard had veneration for black cats, evincing a belief in the old time tradition that with them comes good luck to the persons to whom they appear, and he never allowed them to come to harm, when he could prevent it. Before us is an ancient warrant appointing Mr. Stoddard to be "Drum Major of the 68th Regiment, 13th Brigade and 13th Division of Infantry of the Militia of the State of New York, under command of Col. Ira Byington, 1841." This dates back to the days of "General Train- ing." Their children were quite gifted intellectually. Flora was an artist of merit, also a teacher; Eliakim was a lawyer of prom- inence in Utica; Ann married T. D. Penfield, his first wife, and was noted for her kindness to the poor, for her affectionate dis- position and her unspotted character. Her life was filled with kind deeds. Mrs. Morse was gifted in the art of letter-writing, and also composed some fine poems. Rev. Eliakim Stoddard died February 28, 1860, aged 87; Lois Stoddard died December 12, 1842, aged 61. They lie in Forest Park Cemetery.
DANIEL PARKE.
We find upon searching records kept by Daniel Parke, at an early date, that he came into this country about 1795. We copy
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
as follows: "A memorandum of coming from Chatham, Conn .. to Fort Stanwix. Left Chatham October 2nd, 1794, and reached Fort Stanwix October 24, 1794; cameby water; cold snow storm; building my house; moved into my log hut November 13, 1794. Fine warm weather follows, and much rain till after Christmas, then comes snow and cold. Made plenty of maple molasses last of December." His family resided a few months in Lee, Oneida County, during which time Mr. Parke attended Baron Steuben's funeral, in November, 1794. He had been with Washington's army during the memorable winter at Valley Forge, and was a personal acquaintance of Mr. Parke's. It is remembered by his descendants that when Fannie, his daughter (born September, 1795) was six weeks old, they came to Camden. The oldest book of records in the Town Clerk's Office contains the following:
"Mexico, May 28, 1796.
This book was bought for the use of this town, for which the town stands indebted to me 28s. Daniel Parke."
Mr. Parke first located about a mile and a half below the vil- lage of Camden, on the territory called "the flats" in those days, and later known as the Plank Road. His house was a rude one built of logs at first, but he built a better one, a frame dwelling, with the approach of summer. He came alone and superintended the construction of a habitation, then returned for his family to Lee. For several years he kept a public house. We copy from the first book of town records the following:
"Resolved, That Daniel Parke, of the Town of Camden, is of good moral character, and of sufficient ability to keep an inn or tavern, and that he has accommodations to entertain travelers. and that an inn or tavern is necessary at the place where the said Daniel Parke now lives, for the accommodation of travelers.
Camden, 20th of May, 1802.
-, Trustees of same." -,-
This house stood with the caves toward the street in those days, and a veranda built across the entire front. There were posts supporting it, and we have a description of the holiday ap- pearance of this early hostelry when arrayed for the following Fourth of July celebration.
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
From the pen of C. A. Thompson: "The first Fourth of July celebration, I think, was in the summer of 1804 or 1805. The inhabitants determined to celebrate the day in a manner and style fitting the occasion. But at that time there was no cannon to be had nearer than Whitesboro, so a committee was appointed, of whom Capt. John Wilson was one, to go and procure a cannon for the occasion. Nothing more fleet-footed than a yoke of oxen could be found for the journey, so Mr. Wilson, equal to the emergency, yoked his team and started. It took three days to accomplish the task, but the cannon was on hand in time, and loudly proclaimed the sentiments of the new colony. The cele- bration took place on the "Flats," and at the residence of Daniel Parke, father of the late Geo. S. Parke, where old and young participated hcartily in the festivities. Among the speakers. Judge Israel Stoddard, in his earnest and eloquent strains, caused shouts of applause, and anon, the tears to flow, as he reverted to the infant settlements, and the fact of their separation from the homes of their childhood and friends in the New England States. The celebration wound up with an old-time ball. The cannon was returned in the same manner as brought, and three dollars per day paid for its use." Thus, in those primitive days, did our forefathers find time for enjoyment; and no doubt if now and then a day was given to pleasure, it was a keener delight than if cccasions were more frequent. For this important celebration of the nation's independence, the columns of the veranda before mentioned were wound with vines of evergreen. A raised plat- form was erected for the speaker, choice edibles, and a quantity of them were prepared for the event, and a goodly crowd par- took. A fine military parade took place on grounds near by, a band of martial music enlivening the scene, and cheer after cheer was given for host Parke as the throng dispersed.
Mr. and Mrs. Parke were both devout church members, as appears in the records of the old parish church of Chatham; and in the early history of the first church in Camden we find their names prominent on the pages of its history. His name also ap- pears in the records of town matters, as one actively interested in its progress, assisting in its official matters wisely and well.
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
He had large landed possessions, and was associated in milling industries on Mexico Street, as ancient deeds indisputably prove. From land records at the Chatham Town Clerk's Office, we find he had considerable real estate, which he disposed of prior to his removal to Camden, some of it mentioned as land willed him by Mary Bevin. Thus we feel positive that he came with means at his disposal. He was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, seeing more than four years of service. He responded to the Lexington call for troops, and immediately following that, en- listed to serve a longer term. He was in the army with that portion which spent the winter of suffering at Valley Forge. The results of his exposure during those dreadful months caused decreptitude, which brought him a pension. His regiment was sent to the relief of Fort Stanwix, and it is not unlikely that this locality and its desirability may have been revealed to him during that period. The accompanying sketch is of a powder-horn
Daniel Parke's Powder Horn.
carried by him during his service in the War of the Revolution, and is remarkable for the etchings of the plan of the fortifications, which are discernible upon it. Inscription on powder horn: "Daniel Parke, His Horn. Roxbury-1776." It is owned by Charles Parke. He owned a large farm and other real estate at the time of his death, having been successful in financial transactions. He passed >way at his home, with his son George, Oct. 8. 1836, at the ripe age of 86 years. It is remembered by descendants that he bought the first covered carriage in town-on two wheels. Of Mrs. Daniel Parke we quote her obituary notice, which speaks volumes for her, printed in the "Utica Recorder" of May, 1818:
"Died, in Camden, on the 24th inst., Mrs. Esther Parke, con-
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
sort of Mr. Daniel Parke, aged 57 years. The deceased was among the first settlers of the town, and introduced into life a numerous and respectable family, who are now reaping the benefit of her instructions and example. She performed the re- lative duties with more than ordinary fidelity. As a wife she was amiable and condescending; as a mother, tender and indulgent, and obliging as a neighbor. To the poor she was generous and compassionate. These natural qualities were sanctified by relig- ion. Her only hope of acceptance with God was founded upon the righteousness of Christ. This was her consolation under the ravages of a long and painful malady, inspiring unqualified sub- mission, and in the decisive hour, enabling her to resign her weary spirit to her Savior, in the confident hope of a better world. 'The memory of the just is blessed.' The memory of her kind- ness to the poor and distressed is yet treasured by descendants of some who were recipients of her kindly feeling for them, and we know of the spirit of sympathy inherited from her by her children. They have come within our own lives. Truly, 'The good she did lives after her.'"
Both are buried in the old cemetery near the Parke farm, on the road leading from the "Old Plank" to the Taberg road; and near them lie the remains of their children, Marshall, Hannah, Fannie and Clarissa, with their husbands.
Daniel Parke was born in Chatham, Conn., April 6, 1753; Esther Ranney was born in Chatham, Conn., January 8, 1751. They were married April 14, 1779.
Children born and baptized in parish church, Chatham, Conn. -Polly Parke, born February 27, 1780; Clarissa Parke, born August 10, 1781 ; Sage Parke born June 7, 1783; Sally Parke, lorn December 4, 1785; Johnson Parke born May 30, 1788; Ranney Parke born March 10, 1790; Elisha Parke, born March 21, 1793; Fanny Parke, born September 10, 1795.
Born in Camden-Hannah Parke, born July 27, 1796; Mar- shall Parke, born March 1, 1798; George Parke, born July 12, 1800, died an infant; Esther Parke, born August 27, 1802; George Parke, born November 27, 1804.
Daniel Parke died October 8, 1836. Esther Parke died May 24, 1818.
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
Daniel Parke married a second time Mrs. Catharine Hulburt of Holland Patent, who survived him till 1840. There were no children by the second marriage. After Daniel Parkes' death, his son George occupied the farm from 1836 to his death, having lived on the homestead a period of seventy-nine years. George Parke was the youngest child of Daniel and Esther Parke, and
Daniel Parke Place.
was born in Camden in 1804. In December, 1828, he married Amelia, daughter of Ambrose Curtiss. Sen. Together they com- menced life in the home of Mr. Parkes' birth, and to them were born six children, Lafayette, Daniel, Clarissa, Esther, Theresaand Ranney. Lafayette married Miss Lydia A. Buskirk of Camden; Daniel married Miss Sabra Towner of Camden: Clarissa married John Halstead of Blossvale; Esther married George Cook of Camden: Theresa, unmarried, died 1885: Ranney married Ger- trude Godfrey (both are dead): Amelia Parke died in 1883, aged 75 years ; George Parke died in 1883,aged 79 years The old home is still owned by the heirs of George Parke. Of the descendants of George and Amelia Parke are Charles Parke, son of La- fayette. William, son of Daniel, Walter and John Cook, sons of Esther, living in Camden.
CALEB ROWELL.
On the east side of the street, directly opposite the Daniel
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
Parke place, stands the house occupied by the late Caleb Rowell, built for his use in 1853. Caleb Rowell was a son of Martin Rowell, and was born in 1796. He married first Clarissa Gamble, who died June 2, 1836, aged 28 years. In 1837 he married for his second wife Fannie, eighth child of Daniel and Esther Parke. They resided for some years just north of the village, on Oswego Street, selling in 1854 to James Frisbie, and making their abode in the before-mentioned house, down the Plank Road, one and a half miles south from the village. Here they lived for many years. Mrs. Rowell died in 1875, aged 80 years. After her decease, living in the house a few years, Mr. Rowell finally went to pass his remaining years in the home and care of Pliny Phelps and family. He died in 1883, aged 87 years. Both are buried in the cemetery on Four Mile Square.
SYLVANUS WILSON.
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