USA > New York > Oneida County > Camden > Pioneer history of Camden, Oneida County, New York > Part 8
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stamina of the owner, having produced a permanent rheumatic condition of his hip-joints, that precluded his ever performing any severe or heavy manual labor, after he was 35 or 40 years of age. On pleasant days, with the support of two canes, he walked about the farm, the writer often meeting him on the road leading to the creek, and once he even walked over to Solon's, about three-fourths of a mile, and took dinner, but was carried home. He always kept a horse for his own driving, and in an odd little wagon, that he brought from Connecticut, often drove to the village, generally with apples or other goodies that boys like, in his pockets. Said boys were always on hand to fetch the "Cam- den Gazette," or to do any other errand he might chance to want done. When about 60 years old he set out an apple orchard, and afterward grafted the trees, whose natural fruit was not desirable. One of his neigbors espying him engaged in directing the tree setting, went over and asked him why he was such a fool as to set out an orchard, for others to eat its fruit, as he would be dead long before it could come into bearing. "Uncle Martin" re- minded him that much of all our labor is done for posterity, and continued his enterprise. His orchard became the best in that part of the town, and he lived to enjoy its fruit. The Indian trail from the east, which, in their immigration, they followed in from Taberg, ran along between the house and the road, over which the Indians often passed, and frequently called for food. This was a house from whose door no che was ever sent hungry away. One day a party of them from the north-west stopped and asked for meat. It so chanced there was none on hand except smoked hams, one of which was offered. The applicant eyed it with disgust, and with the remark, "Me no want black nigger meat," this copper colored "lord of the soil" withdrew to his company, and they soon disappeared on the south-eastward trail. One bright spring day while entertaining a Connecticut visitor in a walk on the bank of the creek that then bounded his farm. about forty rods below the present bridge, they discovered a large fish basking in the sunlight, which the visitor stayed and watched while his host went to his barn half a mile away, and got a pitchfork, with which they speared the fish, and found it to be a salmon of more than thirty pounds weight. Martin was a
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Whig and Congregationalist. His family consisted of six sons and five daughters, viz .: Solon Cook, born September 30, 1795. He married Elvira Byington April 3. 1815, who died May 4, 1822. For second wife he married Elizabeth Peck, October 25, 1824, who died September 12, 1885, and Solon died July 2, 1876. Dotha, born in Harwinton, December 15, 1797, married Augus- tus Byington, who died in 1823. In 1825 she married John Julia, who deceased in Camden in 1868, aged 70 years, and Dotha fell asleep and was laid by his side in 1870. Didama was also a Har- winton girl, born December 4, 1799. She married Junius Wood, and died March 6, 1866. Orson was born July 19, 1802. He married Sarah Doolittle February 28, 1827. In 1832 he moved to Ripley, Chautauqua County, N. Y., and from there, in 1845. went to Wisconsin, then to Freeport, III. His wife, Sarah D., was born September 17, 1805, and died January 14, 1872. Orson died in July, 1880, and both were buried at Freeport, Il. Lucintha was born July 13, 1804, married Isaac Northrop, and died September 3. 1856. Rebecca was born October 1, 1806, married Pliny Barnes, and died March 8, 1882. Oliver Wolcott was born January 8, 1809, married Sarah Winne, who was born in Schenectady, N. Y., May 1, 1807, and died in Camden May 22, 1871. Mr. Wolcott died February 22, 1870. Thomas was born March 1, 1811, married Mary Warring. They moved to Richland in 1855. Thomas died March 17, 1872, and his wife June 6, 1881. They are both interred at Richland, Mich. Norris was born July 27, 1813, married Syrena A. Warring of Annsville, N. Y., January 19, 1834. He went to California in the winter of 1848-9 in an old sailing vessel around Cape Horn, was six months on the voyage, the last trip the rotten old ship made. After six years he returned in the spring of 1855. October 19th, the same year he removed with his family to Richland, Mich. After three years he went again to California, and stayed about five years. During the war he returned to Richland, bought a place in the village of Climax, Mich., where he died November 27, 1879. Syrena A., his wife, was born April 27, 1817, died June 5, 1892, and was buried at Climax beside her husband. Julius was born November 10, 1815, married Sally Elden Feb- ruary 22, 1838, who was born January 6. 1814, and died August
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
25, 1895, and was interred by the side of her husband, who died January 24, 1892. Olive was born January 6, 1818, married Alfred Barnes in January, 1836.
Between Martin and "Aunt Clara," his wife, there were no "family jars," and, apparently, no differences of opinion. Theirs was a model, pioneer household. They grew and manufactured
1
Mrs. Martin Cook.
Martin Cook.
their own wool and flax, and were sufficient unto themselves in all temporal things, even making their own corn brooms, flax ropes and tallow dips. The rope walk, the methods of rotting, breaking, swingling, hatchling, carding and spinning flax, were primitive, and would seem odd in our days, but they were efficient and successful. They were good citizens, good parents, and the writer can testify that he found them gracious and kind grandparents. Martin died March 20, 1855, and "Aunt Clara" August 28, 1848. They were entombed in the then "new cem- etery," about half way down from the road, on the eastern side.
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
JULIU'S COOK.
Our book would be incomplete without mention of Julius, son of Martin Cook. Who that knew him but remember the kindly voice, the genial countenance, the hearty salutation, the words of manly sympathy, the ever-ready help in time of need? These were the characteristics of this Christian man. He was the ninth child of Martin and Anna Cook, born November 10, 1815. His birthplace was Camden, and he spent his life in our midst, on the
farm where he first saw the light, for the greater part of his life. In February, 1838, he married a most estimable woman, Miss Sally, daughter of John Elden. To them was born three chil- dren that reached maturity: Lucy, who married Henry Dwight Wood; Theresa M., who married Daniel Potter Barnes, June 11, 1868. (In January, 1874. Mr. Barnes died in the Far West. of consumption. After some years Mrs. Barnes married James H. Meagley of Toledo. Ohio. They reside at present at Minne- apolis, Minn.) Their son Rodney married Miss Maggie Hawkes, and resides in Camden, a well known and highly respected citi- zen. The virtues of Mrs. Julius Cook can not be too
THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
highly spoken of. Gentle and amiable, she was admired and be- loved by those who knew her. There seemed never a hasty word, an unkind act, or an unjust judgment. Ever refined and sweet in her manner, she won all hearts. They spent the de-
Birthplace and Home of Julius Cook.
clining years of their lives with Mrs. Wood, in this village. Mr. Cook was a member of the military band in old training days, and in later years played the fife with simliar musical organiza- tions. In politics he was a Whig in earlier times, and later a Republican. Through the courtesy of Rodney Cook, son of Julius Cook, we are able to copy his military discharge, from the original document :
"This May sertify that Julius Cook has had the office of drum Major for the space of 4 years, and don duty according to the law in the 68th Regiment, 13th Brigade and 13th Division of Infantry of the militia of the State of New York, and is hereby Onerably dis charged from military duty. Dated Camden Sep- tember 7th, 1841.
T. S. Byington, Col. 68 Reg't."
Julius Cook born 1815, died January 24, 1892; Sally Cook born 1814, died August 25, 1895. They rest side by side in Forest Park Cemetery, and await the resurrection of the just. Surely crowns are prepared for such as these, set with jewels of
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rarest worth. Mr. Rodney Cook has two children. James and Florence.
OLIVER WOLCOTT COOK.
Oliver Wolcott Cook was the seventh child of Martin and Clara Cook, born January 8, 1809. He married Sarah, daughter of David Winne, who was born in Schenectady, N. Y., May 1, 1807. They resided all their married lives on the farm of Martin Cook. The site of their early home is marked only by a well and an old barn used in connection with the house. It was on the east side of the Plank road, a short distance north from the crossings of the R. W. & O). and Lehigh Valley R. R.'s. In later years Mr. Cook built a new house. the one at present standing, a few steps north of the older structure. (It is now owned by the heirs of the late Dr. H. H. Woodruff.) Their chil- dren were Clarissa, Melissa, Henry, Francis and William. Clarissa married James Mitchell; Melissa, George Lingham, who was a railroad engineer ; Henry wasalso an engineer, and died in Texas. Ile married Miss Ann, daughter of Homer Abbott; Francis married Dewitt Wilson-his second wife, and died March 23, 1875. at 35 years of age. William is an engineer, and married Miss Anna, daughter of the late John Wiles. O. W. Cook died February 22, 1870, aged 62 years; Sarah W. Cook died May 22, 1871, aged 64 ycars. Buried in Forest Park Cemetery.
ERASTUS DEVEREUX.
We have deeds for our information which indicate that Eras- tus Devereux lived on the street running west from the Ben- jamin Phelps homestead, occupying the place now owned by Wm. Robinson, as early as 1812. He was the father of Ezra Devereux, and old residents remember other children, but not their names. In 1817 Erastus Devereux removed to the place now owned by Mr. Pliny Phelps, his dwelling standing a few rods to the north of Mr. Phelps' present home, the old well still in existence. This farm of 24 acres was a part of a larger tract owned by John Wilson, of whom he purchased it. In after years, about 1833. Ezra Devereux, who had lived a few years on the place now occupied by George Cook, purchased the remaining interest of John Wilson in this farm, and removed there, so the
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
Devereux owned all the land west of the highway from Mar- tin Cook's to Benjamin Phelps'-a fine farm. In the years that follow, Erastus seems to have sold his interest to Ezra and Zephaniah Devereux, and after a time the property was sold on a mortgage, and passed out of their possession. The old house that was the home of Erastus Devereux is now a portion of the horse-barn used by Mr. Pliny Phelps. John Wilson lived in the house now owned by Judge Stoddard's heirs, which has been previously mentioned, which stood a little south of Israel Stoddard, Jr.'s, present home. Erastus Devereux was a brick- maker by occupation, and one of the earliest to mould and make them ready for the use of the new settlers. He is remembered by old residents as one of a jovial nature. We fail to find the name of any of the family on record after about 1834, and be- cause of it, we are led to believe that they went out from this section into some other, after the sale of their farm.
The present owner of the farm is Israel E., seventh child of Israel and Mary Stoddard, born June 1, 1831. He grew to young manhood, and at the age of twenty-three, in 1854, mar- ried Miss Caroline J., daughter of the late George Wood of this village. A year previous to his marriage, he had built the house now standing on the site of the John Wilson house. To them was born one child, William Israel, February 9, 1857. He is a prominent business man in this village, well known by all. Mr. and Mrs. Israel Stoddard are people of much geniality, kindness and hospitality. Children find their home a joy in vacation days, when both Mr. and Mrs. Stoddard deem no sacrifice too great if they give pleasure to the little ones. Business ceases, and time is devoted to their happiness. Mr. Stoddard has followed the pursuit of farming for a few years, doing a thrifty business in corn packing. William Israel, son and only child of Israel E. and Caroline Stoddard, was born February 9, 1857. In 1883. April 5, he married Clare A., eldest child of Edwin A. and Caroline Peck Harvey. For a time he remained on the home farm, but soon came to the village to reside, and subsequently purchased the grocery and drug business of E. A. Harvey, which he successfully conducts at present. They have one child, Hul- dah, aged 12 years.
S
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
PLINY PHELPS.
Mr. Pliny Phelps is the fourth son of Benjamin Phelps. In 1846 he bought the lower portion of the Devereaux farm. In 1847 he married Miss Nancy Phelps. In 1849 he built the home which they at present occupy. Mr. Phelps was born in 1816, and is now at the advanced age of 81 years. His occupation has been farming, with somewhat of lumber interests, throughout his life. He has also been an intelligent student of the political affairs of his country, and a staunch Republican, loyal to his party at all times. He was elected to the office of Supervisor in 1860, and Commissioner of Highway in 1858-59 and '60, discharging his duties acceptably to his townsmen. His children are Byron, who married Miss Ellen Hendley; William married Sarah Lam- phere ; Delia married Charles Paddock; Sophia married M. L. Keeler, and Jennie, who married Elinci Yager, the present owner of the home. William resides in Taberg, the others are residents of Camden. Both Mr. and Mrs. Phelps are living, and reside with their daughter, Mrs. Yager, on the homestead, three miles south of Camden village.
At this point we will retrace our way back to the street just south of the Daniel Parke place. There in early times was a highway, surveyed in 1803, which took a north-westerly course over the hills, intersecting the Preston Hill Street, just west of the present William Barnes place. On this street were several habitations, the sites discernible at present, and springs or wells are yet found which gave supplies of water in those far-away days. Among those who made homes there were a Mr. Filkins a Mr. Carr, and Israel Butler, Sen. The two former pioneers moved on to Williamstown a few years later. and became identi- fied with Williamstown interests. The names are perpetuated by younger generations, still living there.
"Camden, May 13, 1819.
This may certify that the road leading from the place formerly occupied by Lyman Matthews (deceased) to the intersection of the road near Daniel Parkes, is disannulled, and no longer a publick highway.
Jolın Segur. Joel Rathbun, Com. Highways."
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
The course of this street is still to be seen, and perhaps some of the corduroy road is yet to be found. A few years later, the present highway, leaving the Plank Road just north of Daniel Parkes' place, was surveyed, and declared public in 1808. We can only find the name of Eliab Dunbar as an early settler on this street, and his residence there was not long, as we find him subsequently nearer town. In later years, perhaps 1835 or 1840, a family of Dennisons lived about half way between the Plank Road and Preston Hill Street. No other resident appears till we reach the corner of these streets. Here we turn our course to the left, going eastward. Directly on the corner lived first
MILES SPENCER.
He came here very early, when nothing had been done to im- prove and cultivate the land, and settled in this lonely place. His near neighbors were Joel Dunbar and Eliab his son. In 1811 his wife and a daughter aged 16 years died, as we find such entries in Rev. Leavenworth's book of records. He was a subscriber to the support of the First Church here, and figured somewhat in early town interests.
We will relate an exciting bear story in connection with Mr. Spencer's residence in this isolated region. One night in early autumn, a hog was taken from its enclosure; and was traced by unmistakable evidences of blood and tracks to a point not far away, near a brook that crosses the highway near Wil- liam Robinson's present home, then Erastus Devereux'. Here it was found, partially devoured, undoubtedly by a bear. Mr. Spencer at once set about devising means of securing his foe. Having but little faith in his own ability as a trapper or marks- man, he repaired to Captain John Wilson's, in whose family lived an aged man skilled in all the arts of primitive warfare. He opined that the creature would return the following night for a meal from the remainder of the carcass. Mr. Davis (for this was the old man's name) was crippled and infirm, but had the enthusiasm of youth, and discussed the situation till he was so fired with zeal, that he said if the neighbors would go with hin, and remain near to assist him if necessary, he was sure he could kill him. The evening came, and the whole community were agitated and ready to lend assistance. Mr. Davis was taken to
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the place, looked it over carefully, considered the situation well, and finally took his position where he thought he could com- mand a view of the spot. He was seated in a rocking chair, for his weight of years were heavy upon him. A trusty gun was brought with him. Two neighbors were not far away, with a lantern to use when occasion came. Not long had they to wait. The old man hearing a noise directly behind him, felt that his game was approaching, and taking aim, fired. The aids in wait- ing came immediately to him to learn particulars, and examine into results. They found a trail of blood, which they followed for some rods, where a huge bear was found, dead. The old man was somewhat overcome with fright at the appearance of his prey at a point so unexpected to him, but his satisfaction was very apparent, and the night's adventure was the theme of con- versation for many an evening's gathering thereafter.
In 1822, or thereabouts, Miles Spencer's name appears iden- tified with West Camden interests. He married for second wife a Miss Matthews, sister of Lyman Matthews. He died July 22, 1834, aged 66 years, in West Camden, and is buried in the Seventh burying ground.
ELI WILSON.
The next occupant of this farm was Eli, brother of Sylvanus Wilson, Sen., and Polly Wilson, wife of Judge Israel Stoddard. He came from Harwinton, Litchfield County, Conn. He mar- ried Miss Julia Candee, and together they came to Camden young married people, and located on the above mentioned farm in 1818. He was an active business man, earnest in all good en- deavors, prominent in church work, a trustee of First Church in 1819. In 1828 he occupied pew 21 in the old church, and had a seat in the gallery, slip No. 3. In 1829 he led the singing in the M. E. Church. Their children were: Julia, George, Levi, Pomeroy; Sarah married Royce, son of Parsons Allen; Mar- garet and Candee. Perhaps there were others, but we have no record. We copy the following:
"Know all men by these presents, That I, Eli Wilson of Cam- den, Oneida County, New York, bind myself in the penal sum of one thousand dollars to execute a good warranty deed to Curtiss Johnson, of the farm on which I now live, meaning to convey all
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THE TOWN OF CAMDEN.
the land included in the old deed from Miles Spencer to Israel Stoddard, reference being had to the same on or before the first of April (1834) next, and possession given at that time. Done at Camden this 12th day of December, 1833.
Witness my hand and seal,
Eli Wilson."
For about a year longer Mr. Wilson lived in what was known as the Tyler house, near Horace Wilson's, and the year following went west to reside. His death occurred at Farmington, Fulton County, Ill., in 1875, in his eighty-sixth year.
CURTISS JOHNSON.
Following Eli Wilson, Stephen Curtiss Johnson came on to this farm. He was a son of Solomon and Olive Curtiss Johnson, who were married in Stratford, Conn., in 1782. Curtiss was born there August 31, 1786, and lived in his native State till six- teen years of age, when the family removed to Clinton, N. Y., in 1802. About 1810 he married Miss Lois Heacock, and they continued their residence at Clinton till 1834, when Mr. Johnson · purchased the farm two miles from Camden village, of Eli Wil- son, containing one hundred acres. He added many improve-
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ments, clearing and cultivating the ground, setting fruit trees, shrubs, and otherwise enhancing its value. He was blessed with a mind of more than ordinary strength and activity, which he much improved by study. Was a practical botanist, and well understood the habits of the plants and vegetables lie so de- lighted to cultivate-was a deep, original, intelligent and in- dependent thinker, arriving at logical conclusions. Was reared among the Presbyterians, and baptized in that faith, kind in heart and disposition, an indulgent husband and father, a good neighbor and friend. Mr. Johnson evinced fine taste in selecting shrubs and trees, choosing with an eye to beauty and quality. At the time he sold his place, many choice fruit trees, plum, cherry, apple and pear, were growing luxuriantly, which afforded in after years plentiful supplies for use. A famous barberry bush grew in the garden, covering much space. There were many shrubs of a decorative character about the place, which in after years came to adorn the vard of the Jamieson cottage at the head of Main Street, being much admired for their beauty by Lady Jamieson. The children born to Curtiss and Lois Johnson were Emerson, Esotus, Marion, who married Dr. Josiah Wright; Sarah married Frank Snow; Robert married Mary Gould: and Lois married William Wilson of Herkimer. Mrs. C. F. Kendall, daughter of Sarah, (Mrs. F. Snow), is the only descendant living in Camden at present. The next proprietor of this place was
ELAM BURTON.
In 1839 Elam Burton bought the farm of Curtiss Johnson. Mr. Burton, in 1835, married Mary, daughter of Jesse Fish, Esq., of Williamstown, Oswego County. Mr. Burton formerly resided in Floyd, Oneida County, but came to Camden about 1835. For a few years they resided elsewhere, but came to this farm as be- fore stated in 1839. He was an enterprising business man, and conducted the farming interests with ability and profit; was a man of sound judgment, and was frequently called upon for ad- vice in weighty matters. In 1869 he sold his farm to Marvel Hall, and removed to Williamstown, where his sons were all en- gaged in various pursuits. He resided there till his death, in 1875. Of his family, Delos and George still remain in Williams- town; Alfred H. lives in Rome; Jesse in the West; Jane married
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THE TOWN OF CAMIDEN.
Chas. Wombough, and her home is Hornellsville, N. Y. With her Mrs. Burton made her home after her husband's death, till she laid aside life's cares in February, 1895. Both Mr. and Mrs. Burton were interred in Forest Park Cemetery. Mr. Ilall owned this farm till his death, which occurred June 1, 1890, and it after- ward became the property of Matthew Wakefield, who repaired the house somewhat, and at present resides there.
WILLIAM ROBINSON.
The farm lying between Benjamin Phelps' and Miles Spen- cer's had for its first owner, Andrew Palms. No facts relative to him are obtainable. From his time Zephaniah Smith, Darius Jewell, Ezra Devereux, Samuel Clark, J. C. Jones, have lived there, but we are unable to gather anything further of them or their families. The present occupant is William Robinson, who has lived there for many years. He is a son of John and Catlı- arine Hennis Robinson, who came from Schoharie County previous to 1840. Their other children were Nancy (Mrs. Pliny I'helps), Catharine (Mrs. James Jones), Caleb, John, Jr., who (lied some years since: (Sophronia(Mrs. George Spencer), Ammi and Betsey (Mrs. Wilkinson). John Robinson, Sen., was killed at Lynche's Mills in 1841, one mile east of Rome, by driving off the abutment of a bridge which had been washed away by the high water. His remains were interred in MeConnellsville. Mrs. Robinson survived him many years, passing away at the age of 67. She was buried in Forest Park Cemetery.
BENJAMIN PHELPS.
Benjamin Phelps can justly be called a "pioneer" settler of the town of Camden, having come here about the year 1800. We do not know the circumstances which directed him hither, but suppose some one from the place where he lived preceded him here, and returning, represented this locality as a desirable one in which to locate. He was born in old "Simsbury," now North Canton, Connecticut, December 14, 1782. At the age of four years his father died, and Benjamin went to live with an uncle at Torrngton, Conn. Benjamin's American ancestor was George Phelps, who came from Tewksbury, England, in 1630. In 1635 his was one of the forty families who removed from
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PIONEER HISTORY OF
Dorchester, Mass., to Windsor, Conn., and established a church and settlement, so Benjamin descended from Puritan stock. He seemed to have inherited something of their spirit of independ- ence and adventure, to have had the courage to come to this almost unexplored country. He came in company with Joseph Scoville, and began clearing land in the locality of the home of the late Ranney Phelps. He worked in Camden during the summer and returned to Connecticut to teach school during the winter months. This he did for three successive years. His interests here becoming considerable, he afterwards remained to attend to them. He could not get a good title to the land upon which he first settled, so, after toiling there some two or three years he gave it up, and settled on the road toward Hillsboro from the Plank Road, back about three-fourths of a mile. Here in 1803 or 1804 he built a log house, and in 1805 he married Miss
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