The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 127

Author: Haddock, John A., b. 1823-
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Albany, N. Y., Weed-Parsons printing company
Number of Pages: 1098

USA > New York > Jefferson County > The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894 > Part 127

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"I congratulate this congregation on the event of this hour and I congratulate the president and the committee of arrangements ou their plan of bring- ing in unison the two events which we celebrate to- day. It may be inquired why we join these two things in one celebration. It is characteristic of the American people to be self-sacrificing. The self-

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, CONTAINING THE CHIME OF BELLS.

MRS. MARIETTA PICKERING HAY'S GIFT TO SACKETS HARBOR,

ON the 23d of February, 1894, at Sackets Harbor, a double celebration took place, of unusual interest. The affair that took pre- cedence was the celebration of the birthday of Washington and the presentation of a chime of bells to that historic town hy Mrs. Hay, as a living commemoration of her father, Captain Augustus Pickering, the man who commanded the first vessel that ever entered the port of Chicago. The second event grew out of the first, heing an appro- priate tribute by his townsmen, to Col. W. B. Camp, for the perseverance, fidelity and

sacrifice of George Washington is self-evident. And here is the benevolence of this good woman by whose kindness we are enabled to share in the harmony of this beautiful chime of bells.

Mr. M. Gurney spoke for the Masons. He said :

As a Masonic organization, we assemble here to- gether to commemorate the memory of a great mon. We commemorate him as a boy who could not tell a lie. We commemorate him as a man. the leader of his country. We honor his memory as once the chief magistrate of this nation. We honor him as a brother who knelt at the same altar and wore the same emblem-the apron. We have also met to honor the donor of these bells. We hold her name in great esteem. She has done nobly by this. her native town, and in the evening. when our children's children listen to the notes pealed from this church tower, may they reflect that it was a noble gift from

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a noble woman. It is a pleasure, also, to include in our expressions of esteem, Col. Walter B. Camp. to whose activity and generous spirit much of the credit of this accomplishment is due. Our only re- gret is that he is not a brother Mason.

M. H. Clark, of the G. A. R., said :

During the march of Washington and his army through New Jersey, the army encamped one night just opposite my grandfather's house. The General and his staff were invited to partake of my grand- mother's hospitality, and during his visit his social, home-like manner, made a deep impression. My grandmother never tired in telling of the incident, and I relate it, hoping that a knowledge of his plain sociability will increase the respect in which he is held. In closing, let me speak of the new chimes. We owe a large debt of gratitude to the donor, and we are glad to note that in her wanderings she appreciates the fact that there is no place like home.

Pickering won the proud distinction of owning the first ship that ever floated upon the waters of the now famous port of Chicago.

Aod to Col. W. B. Camp, our contemporary, loyal and royal citizen. we voice our hearty appreciation of the liberal public spirit which again prompts a generous offering, that so well supplements the gift of the Pickering memorial.

Manifesting much emotion, Col. Camp feelingly said :

I am very thankful for the kind words that have been said of me, and for the good wishes of my friends. They bave taken me by surprise. But if you think I am deserving of all this that has been said, I am very grateful. It makes one feel happy to know, in the latter part of life, that one is respected by his neighbors Nothing can give me more satis- faction. Traveling in many places throughout the world, great joy has come to me from hearing the

INSPECTING THE GUARD. Taken in Perspective, which Gives a Peculiar Appearance to the Men.

The response for the civil authorities of the village of Sackets Harbor was very in- teresting. It was read by Wilbur L. McKee :

It is a pleasing coincidence that this chime should be presented in the Columbian year, when all eyes have been turned to Chicago-remembering as we do that 60 years ago Captain Augustus Pickering's schooner Illinois, built in this place, sailed from here May 12, 1834, with 104 passengers, for the distant vil- Jage of Chicago, arriving off the mouth of Chicago creek June 14. 1834.

There being a formidable bar across the mouth of the creek, passengers were put ashore in the ship's yawl. The people of the village, wishing to acknowl- edge the compliment paid their State by the name "Illinois," proposed possible. to carry the schooner across the bar, that it might be said that a vessel had actually entered the harbor. With some difficulty the feat was accomplished, and Captain

voice of some old home-friend or schoolmate calling to me in the old familiar terms of boyhood. I can only repent that I am deeply grateful for all that has been said.

In September, 1892, a communication of a very pleasurable nature came directly to me, charged to secrecy as to the author, in which was included the name of our respected townsman and mutual friend, Mr. Caufield.

The lady surprised us by proposing to place in the Presbyterian or Episcopal church tower. a chime of nine bells. leaving to our judgment which of them was more desirable for selection.

We found, after careful examination. that neither was suitable in dimensions or strength to carry the weight and answer the requirements of the bell- foundry company.

Friends in Buffalo, Marietta, Ga., Watertowo, Brooklyn and Dakota, joined with some patriotic citizens at home to inform Mrs. Marietta Pickering Hay, of Tarrytown, the lady who had hidden behind

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the bells. that the tower of this church would be re- built according to the requirements and her under- standing with Meneely & Company of West Troy.

Six months from February 14. 1893, was given us to make ready for the reception of nine bells, to weigh with fixtures about five tons, the largest one in G to weigh 1.6 0 pounds.

The bells speak for themselves They are not only a joy now, but for all time. Many a wanderer from the hearthstone can return with pleasant anticipa- tions. that if other voices are stilled that once cheer- ed and stirred his soul there remains a solace and welcome, as to him who heard the

" Bells of Shandon sound so grand upon The River Dee."

We have shortened, for want of space, the printed account of this unique celebration- an occasion honorable to all concerned.

THE ILLINOIS.

The growth of our commerce on the lakes, even during the life of one man, is simply marvelous, utterly transcending the dreams of fiction. The details of its history read like fairy tales ; but in a historical article it is impossible to give more than an outline of the most remarkable development of marine traffic the world has ever known.

In the winter of 1833-34 Augustus Pick- ering, of Sackets Harbor, New York, huilt what was then called a large vessel-a schooner with dimensions thus stated by Geo. L. Dickinson (now of Muskegon, Michigan), who was one of the carpenters who helped to build it: This vessel was as large as could be got through the wooden locks of the Welland canal, its length being 80 feet, hreadth 20 feet, and depth of hold 8 feet. It was called the "Illinois," and it sailed from Sackets Harbor on May 12, 1834, with 104 passengers, for the village of Chicago. Mr. Dickinson and his young wife were among the passengers. The cargo consisted of the household goods and farming implements of the passengers, bound "for the far west," who availed themselves of this means of transit as the most convenient at the time- railroads being unknown, and steam vessels hardly out of their earliest stage of experi- menting.

After calling at numerous places, for rest- ing the passengers and replenishing the stock of "sea stores," the Illinois arrived off the mouth of the Chicago river (creek) about June 14, 1834, hut it could neither land nor enter the " harbor," for there was no barhor, but instead a formidable bar across the mouth of the creek. There being no docks in what was called the harbor, no lights, no tugs, no anything but mud-mud in the streets and out of the streets-the passengers and light goods were put ashore by means of the ship's yawl, the heavier goods going by raft as the weather would admit. The only ho- tel being full, the passengers housed them- selves as hest they could, some finding shelter in a two-room log-cabin called a tavern, on the west side, though Captain Pickering suc- ceeded, a short time after, in securing a small house from Mr. McKinzie, a govern- ment Indian agent.

After the cargo of the little schooner had heen discharged, the people of the village told Captain Pickering that, as he had been gallant enough to name his vessel after their State, they wished to acknowledge the com- pliment in some fitting manner, and proposed to take his schooner over the bar (which showed but four feet of water), if such a thing were practicable, so that it might be said that a vessel had actually been in their "harbor." After due consultation the idea was decided to be feasible. Accordingly anchors were carried out, a purchase rove to the windlass, and with much vigorous shout- ing, rolling of the schooner's booms, and heaving at the windlass, the thing was done, and the little schooner "Illinois" floated proudly in the port of Chicago-the first ves- sel that ever graced that harbor.

VILLAGE OFFICERS.

The officers of the village of Sackets Har- hor are as follows :

E A. Hovey, president ; H H. Lane, treasurer ; W. L. McKee, clerk ; George But- terfield, R. M. Earl, M. C. Symonds, as- sessors ; John Parker, police justice ; Wil- liam Mclaughlin, Dr. S. D. Lord, Norman Gurney, George M. Read, L. W. Day, H. J. Lane, trustees.

BUSINESS OF SACKETS HARBOR.

The following are the names of the busi- ness people of Sackets Harbor :

Mrs. J. McHenry, restaurant.

Dr. M. S. Lord, physician and surgeon.

Clark M. Stearns, deputy collector of cus- toms.

N. N. Washburn, harness maker.

James Boyd, blacksmith.

John D. Francis, wagon-repairing shop.

Miles Van Alstyne, blacksmith.

Henry Czech, tailor.

Dr. S. D. Lord, physician and surgeon.

John Parker, justice of the peace.

Benjamin Scroxton, dealer in hardware.

Mrs. P. W. Koppenhaver, 5 & 10 ct. store.

Isaac N. Aseltine, baker.

J. F. Mabb, restaurant.

Fred Gowin, boat and canoe livery.

George M. Read, dealer in coal and wood.

D. McKee & Son, foundry and machine shop.

Frederick Hovey, dealer in coal and wood. John A. Fitzgerald, postmaster.

James A. Wilson, planing mill and lumber yard.

John Eveleigh, dealer in mortar, lime and cement.

Thomas H. Leach, station and express agent.

M. Taggart, flour and feed.

Gurney & Pettit, dealers in drugs, medi- cines, chemicals, paints, oils, etc.

J. G. Carswell, artistic boot and shoe maker.

J. R. Jones, agent, dealer in cigars, to- bacco, furnishing goods, notions, patent medicines, fruits and candies.

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

W. H. Ayres, publisher of the famous Se- lect Editions of Orchestra, Military Band and Banjo Music.

D. W. McEvoy, dealer in choice Western and Jefferson county beef, fine groceries and provisions, select teas and coffees.

John Scroxton, dealer in stoves, ranges, and manufacturer of tin, sheet iron and cop- per ware.

Graham House, John Graham, proprietor. Good livery attached. Newly furnished throughout.

A. Stearne, dealer in general merchandise. Connected with Telephone Exchange.

James E. Herron, dealer in newspapers, periodicals and magazines, choice confection- ary, cigars, tobacco, etc.

Dr. C. N. Lord, dentist.

E. A. Hovey, coal, wood and ice.

Dr. Alexander L. Ladd, physician and sur- geon.

W. H. Jones, proprietor Eureka laundry, opposite Graham House.

James Brooks, groceries and provisions.

Elisha A. Parker, fine groceries and provis- ions, fruits, vegetables, etc.

Earl House, James Galloway, proprietor.

H. J. Lane, dry goods, carpets, clothing, boots, shoes, hats, caps and crockery, manu- facturer of Lane's Excelsior baking powder and Lane's liver medicine.

W. H. Clark, justice of the peace.

C. S. & C. C. Earl, druggists and grocers. Robert Baker, boots, shoes and rubbers. hats and caps, gents' furnishing goods, hard- ware and jewelry.

Giles L. Marsh, jeweler, P. C. Silva Lodge, No. 113, K. of P., Whatcheer, Ia .; Rep. of Grand Lodge, Iowa; Sackets Harbor Lodge, No. 368.

George E. Butterfield, funeral director and undertaker.

Hastings House, A. B. Hastings, proprie- tor. First-class accommodations for fishing parties.

William McLaughlin & Son, dealers in fresh and salt meats, lard, poultry and game.

H. L. Potter, dealer in rich and plain fur- niture, mattresses, springs, window shades.

G. D. Ford, dealer in groceries and provis- ions. Agency for the Home, Niagara and Caledonia Fire Insurance companies and the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance com- pany.

COLONEL WALTER B. CAMP

GEORGE CAMP, father of the subject of this sketch, came to Sackets Harbor in the winter of 1816-17, and established the first printing office in Sackets Harbor, issuing the first number of the Sackets Harbor Gazette in March, 1817. At this time his family con- sisted of Talcott Hale Camp, now president of the Jefferson County National Bank, and George Hull Camp, an extensive manu- facturer, now a resident of Marietta, Ga. George Camp married Elizabeth Hitchcock, a native of New Haven, Conn., who, at the time of their union was a resident of Utica.

Walter Bicker Camp, the subject of this biography, was born in Sackets Harbor, October 1, 1822, and has remained a resident through all its changes and vicissitudes, to the present time. Mr. Camp was to the "manor born," and it has been his ruling passion that the place of his nativity might advance in importance, as its natural location and surroundings seemed to justify, and in accordance with the spirit that inspired its founders. The commercial and military spirit in this locality was so happily com- bined, and each of foremost importance, that Mr. Camp imbibed its influence with the younger generation that stamped the earlier history of the village, and he has not ceased in his endeavors to save, as far as possible, the prestige of this historic locality. To that end all the enterprises that were calculated to retain Sackets Harbor in its commercial and military consequence obtained a large share of his time, means and services. The build- ing of the first railroad here, from Sackets Harbor to Pierrepont Manor, enlisted his

earnest endeavors, hoping for the successful accomplishment of an enterprise that would retain the commercial importance of the port of Sackets Harbor. About $400,000 was spent in the construction of this road by the enterprising citizens of this town, Henderson and Ellisburgh, to which Mr. Camp was no mean contributor, and acted as custodian and local director for two years, before the abandonment of the road. That portion of his available means, realized from the sale of the road, was donated by Mr. Camp to the Presbyterian Church Society, as a perpetual fund for the purchase of books for the Sun- day-school, and for repairs of the church.

When the War of the Rebellion broke out, Mr. Camp was chosen by Governor Morgan as the one to whom he would intrust the management and occupancy of the military depot at Madison Barracks, Sackets Harbor, and accordingly appointed him to that com- mand, with the rank of colonel, October 17, 1861. Mr. Camp considered the appointment not only complimentary, but almost obliga- tory, and entered upon his duties immedi- ately, and in 24 hours one company had been enrolled into the service, and in 18 days the 94th Regiment had perfected its organiza- tion. Governor Morgan was very reluctant to open any more depots, and feared serious results from the want of proper direction of the improviscd depots about the State. When the 94th moved from camp and reach- ed Albany the following day, Gov. Morgan called upon Col. Camp, who had accom- panied the regiment, and complimented him by saying "he was proud of the 94th; that

Walter B. loanif

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it had given them little or no trouble during its organization ; was composed of splendid material; was in magnificent form and dis- cipline, had been recruited and maintained at $20,000 less expense than any like regi- ment in the State; and instead of losing 20 or 30 men, it had gained two on leaving camp."

The depot now being established, it became the active centre for enlistments and organi- zation during the war. The 10th N. Y. Heavy Artillery was organized, and Col. Camp was appointed the town war com- mittee, and, with Senator Bell, of Brown- ville, took the quotas of that town and Houndsfield, and formed the company com- manded by Capt. O. H. Gilmore and Lieut. Flowers.

After the war General Sherman was dis- posed to break up the military post here, there being no railroad for the effective transportation of troops. To meet this ob- jection measures were immediately taken to extend the Utica & Black River Railroad to Sackets Harbor. Col. Camp was untiring in his efforts to prevent the removal of the post, and to secure the completion of the road to this village. Meetings were held on the line of the contemplated road; and the towns along the route, with the hearty co-operation of their enterprising citizens, secured the completion of the road in 1873.

During the occupancy of the barracks by Gen. Ayres, the officers' quarters, to the east of the commander's dwelling, were burned. General Sherman was opposed to any outlay ; but with the hearty co-operation of Congress- man Bagley, Mr. Camp succeeded in getting an appropriation of $25,000 to rebuild. Un- favorable influences continued for years, un- til Gen. Grant was seen by Col. Camp, with whom for a long time he had retained a most intimate acquaintance. With his valued ser- vices in presenting to Gen. Sherman the desirability of retaining the military post there came a marked change, and from that time Madison Barracks has received the at- tention from the government the importance its position demanded. On General Sherman arriving here with the 12th Regiment, under General Wilcox, he expressed himself capti- vated with the location. In this matter Col. Camp had been an interested actor, and con- siders himself fortunate in having an ac- quaintance in the army among many of its most illustrious characters, being related to Admiral Foote and Commodore Hitchcock on his mother's side, and upon the paternal side to the first and most conspicuous member of the Hale family, the descendants of whom have marked their way by deeds of patriotism and valor. In May, 1885, he was unanimously elected, with title, associate member of the Military Service Institution on Governor's Island, of which Gen. Hancock was president.

Col. Camp followed the business estab- lished hy his father after the latter had dis- posed of his printing establishment in 1821, continuing it to 1884. In the meantime he

travelled extensively upon the continent of Europe, and far and wide over our own territory, bounded by the different oceans.

In 1844 the family came into possession of the mansion and grounds formerly owned and occupied by Col. Melancthon Woolsey, and, although never married, Col. Camp has, for the past 30 years, entertained with a re- fined and generous hospitality.

He also was deeply interested in the organization of the Jefferson County Histori- cal Society, of which he is the first vice- president. In 1885 he succeeded in securing the old battle-ground, as executor of the estate of Elisha Camp, as a gift to the Jeffer- son County Historical Society and the village of Sackets Harbor, which was dedicated with imposing ceremonies.

Col. Camp has given much time and at- tention to the study of the aboriginal history of the county of Jefferson, upon which sub- ject he has written some valuable papers, and has secured a choice collection of relics which characterize the race that so fully oc- cupied this locality, and were extinct at the time of the advent of the white race to these shores ; and which has brought him in com- munication with the Smithsonian Institute; and, as correspondent of the Oneida County Historical Society is brought in contact with many distinguished men of like taste. He has an inherent and decided talent for music. In visiting his delightful home we find it supplied with many accessories to give it expression. He is a lover of fine animals, and has his farm stocked with blooded cattle. He has been an ardent devotee of Nimrod and Isaak Walton, and finds pleasant com- panionship in good horses, and with his friends he is happy to say : "Whatever we possess is douhly valuable when we are so happy as to share it with others."

DANIEL MCCULLOUGH.

AMONG the men who have been promi- nently identified with the social and business interests of Sackets Harbor, was Daniel Mc- Cullough, who located there in 1826. He was from Massachusetts, and located at first in Martinsburg, Lewis county, where he learned the wagon-making and blacksmith's trades. On arriving in Sackets Harbor he purchased a shop on Main street and com- menced work. He built a pair of four-horse coaches, which were, perhaps, the very first manufactured north of Utica. During the frontier troubles of 1838, he served with the volunteers who were called out at that time. Jonah Woodruff, the well-known citizen of Watertown, portrait painter, of sleeping- car fame, worked at one time in Mc- Cullough's factory. It is related of him that he sold a wagon to a man who went West, and as he could get no cash he consent- ed to take a lot in the then village of Chicago. That lot is one of those upon which the Sherman House is built and Mr. Mccullough received $25,000 for it.

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HON. JAY DIMICK

WAS born in Redfield, Oswego county, N. Y., April 30, 1821, which would make his age 73 years and 8 months. He received a good education, taught school more or less, was superintendent of schools in the town for some time. He built, largely with his own hands, the buildings upon his farm He was supervisor of his town for several years, and afterwards represented his Assembly dis- trict in the State Legislature at Albany for two terms, 1869 and 1870. Since then he has not taken a very active part in politics, but has lived a retired life on his farm. He was a charter member of Star Grange, and had its interests near to his heart. and his presence at its meetings could always be depended upon.

The writer heard him deliver there one of his inimitable and characteristic speeches only a few weeks since. He was the son of Richard and Abbie (Spinning) Dimick, who came into the town of Houndsfield in 1824, from Redfield, but were originally from New England. They settled upon the farm they occupied for so many years, situated on the road from Sulphur Springs to Sackets Harbor. They reared eight children : Orange, Laura, John, Marinus, Betsey, David, Jay and Giles.

Jay had the benefit of the common schools, completing his scholastic education at the Black River Literary and Religious Institute. He taught school after completing his edu- cation, and subsequently learned the trade of

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a carpenter, serving an apprenticeship with Egbert Dodge, at Field's Settlement. In 1849 he married Miss Sophia Maxon, eldest daughter of Hon. Benjamin Maxon, of Houndsfield. In that year he commenced farming, and that has been continuously his occupation ever since. In 1869 he was elect- ed to the Assembly from the first district of Jefferson county, and was re-elected in 1870. He was supervisor of Houndsfield for several terms, has been justice of the peace and school commissioner. Mr. Dimick was one of the most successful apiarians in Northern New York, sometimes turning out 2,500 pounds of honey per year. He has at present 85 swarms of bees, but has had as many as 200.

In many respects he was an unique charac- ter, but modesty and ability were his pre- dominant traits. He was a pure-hearted man, singularly free from guile or jealousy. Himself honest and unassuming, he gave to others credit for being as good as himself.

Perhaps we might say that the chief char- acteristic of Jay Dimick, as a public speaker and writer, was his great fund of wit and humor, but below that lay true and correct principles, like the bed-rock of the ages below the surface soil. His fund of humor was his chosen method of illustrating the essential principles which governed his social, political and religious action. If fault there were in his method, it was that wit and humor overlaid rather too deeply the principle he sought to impress. He was true to the principles of the best American citizen- ship-industry, temperance, education and liberty in religion, recognizing the good in all creeds, and tolerant of all differences from his own individual views.

The above is nearly what we had prepared in relation to our dear friend, previous to his death. He was in consultation with the author of this History only the day before his death, the details of which horror we append, from the Watertown Daily Standard, of date December 31, 1894:

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The growth of a century: as illustrated in the history of Jefferson county, New York, from 1793-1894, Part 127

Author: Haddock, John A., b. 1823- Publication date: 1895 Publisher: Albany, N. Y., Weed-Parsons printing company Number of Pages: 1098

Author: Haddock, John A., b. 1823-
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Albany, N. Y., Weed-Parsons printing company
Number of Pages: 1098