Platt Camp, Son of Moses and Chloe Camp

The children of Moses and Chloe Camp were:

Chloe - (1803 - 1873)

Julia - (1804 - 1872)

Electa - 1806 - 1887)

Sarah - (1813 - 1892)

Lydia - (1814 - c 1830)

Platt - (1815 - 1876)

Harriet - (1817 - 1891)

Sophia - (1817 - 1898)

       Caroline - (1820 - 1889) 

Not much is known of Lydia Camp, except that she died at the age of 16.

Platt Camp was the only son of Moses and Chloe Stoddard Camp, born in November 1815, in Sangerfield, NY.  Platt never married, spending his whole life with his parents and his unmarried sister, Harriet, on their homestead until their later years when they moved into town.  

In 1850, he lived with his elderly parents on the farm, and he is listed on the New York agricultural census, also, on September 14, 1850.  At that time, his parents were 73 years old, so at 35, Platt was in charge of the farm.  The agricultural census indicated that he had forty improved acres on a farm valued at $1500.  Three horses, 2 milch cows, 46 sheep, and 4 swine comprised the livestock count.  Eighty bushels of Indian corn and 30 bushels of oats had been harvested in the prior year.

By 1860, Platt's parents had both died, and Platt, at 45 years old, and Harriet, also unmarried, were living alone on the farm.  Platt's real estate was valued still at $1500, but his personal goods now were at $3,139, a wealthy sum for the time.  Harriet also had a personal estate of $500.  Platt served as a supervisor for Sangerfield Township from 1863 - 1876, and seemed to be a prominent, involved member of his community.

Could this be Platt Camp? 

Because of the tax stamp, we know the above photo was taken between 1865 and 1866.  It is the only male photo among the Camp unidentified photos and the age seems right for Platt - about 50 or 51.  He would also have been wealthy enough and prominent enough to go to Utica to have this photo taken.  Only speculation...but he seems a likely candidate.

By 1870, Platt's real estate value had grown to $5000.  Perhaps he purchased more land?  His personal goods were valued at $6870, and Harriet's had grown to $1000.

Platt Camp died on 11 January 1876, at the age of 60 years, 2 months.  His obituary appeared in the Waterville Times on 13 January 1876:

"DIED.  At Waterville, on the 11th inst., Platt Camp, aged 60 years and 2 months.
Mr. Camp was born in the town of Sangerfield, in which he resided till his death.  He was a man highly esteemed in the community for his honesty and integrity; and whose prominence and usefulness in our midst will cause him to be very much missed.
For the period of seven years, prior to 1863, he held the office of Supervisor of this town, and on account of his merits and qualification to discharge the duties of the office, he ranked among the most influential members of the Board.  It is not in any respect uncomplimentary to others, to say that no man did more honestly, fairly, and faithfully consult the interests of the town, in the discharge of his duties as Supervisor, than Mr. Camp.  About two years ago, he removed from his farm to this village, where he became pleasantly situated, surrounded by the reasonable comforts of life, and somewhat retired from the more active and laborious duties to which he had previously been accustomed.

On Friday afternoon and evening, he was on the streets, and in several places of business, as genial and in as good health, apparently, as usual.  But after retiring that night, he was attacked with severe and unexpected sickness, which ended in death on Tuesday following.  By his death, the community in which he resided has sustained the loss of an upright, useful man, whose death is sincerely mourned.
The funeral services will be held at his late residence on Putnam Avenue at 11 o'clock a.m. Thursday."

Platt Camp wrote his will on the day before he died, on 10 January 1876.  The will was recorded on 11 May 1876.  The will was quite useful in determining some family members and their relationships.

(p 460, Oneida County, NY Wills)
"I, Platt Camp, of the Village of Waterville in the county of Oneida and state of New York, and being of sound mind and memory, do make, publish, and declare this my last will and testament in manner following, that is to say:

First, I give and bequeath to my nephew, Delos Spink, the sum of one hundred dollars.  (son of Platt's sister, Julia)
Second,  I give and bequeath to my neice (sic), Melissa Wright, the sum of one hundred dollars.  (daughter of Platt's sister, Julia)
Third, I give and bequeath to my niece, Selinda (sic) Newton, the sum of one hundred dollars.  (daughter of Platt's sister, Julia)

Fourth, I give and bequeath to my nephew, Levi C. Lockwood the sum of two hundred dollars.  (son of Platt's sister, Chloe)
Fifth, I give and bequeath to my nephew, Samuel T. Lockwood, the sum of two hundred dollars. (son of Platt's sister, Chloe) 
Sixth, I give and bequeath to my niec (sic), Sarah Munson, the sum of two hundred dollars.  (daughter of Platt's sister, Chloe)

Seventh, I give and bequeath to my sister, Harriet Camp, in lieu of all claim for services rendered by her for me, the sum of five hundred dollars.
Eighth, I give, bequeath, and devise all the rest, residue, and remainder of my personal and real estate of what nature or knid (sic) whatsoever, to my sisters, Electa Buckley, Sophia Case, Sarah Worden, Harriet Camp and Carolina Lewis, to be divided equally between them, share and share alike.

I do hereby appoint George Lewis and Laurinda Buckley, executors of this, my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this tenth day of January in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and seventy six."

The nieces and nephews remembered in this will were those of the two sisters who lived in Oneida County, Chloe and Julia.  It was also good to know that her brother, Platt, did not forget his sister who had moved to Indiana years ago - Sophia Camp Case, our link to the Camp family and great-great grandmother.

 

Alida Worden Burhyte, Daughter of Sarah Camp Gorton Worden

Sarah and Delos Worden had one child together who survived into adulthood, Alida.  Alida was enumerated in the New York state census of 1875 with her mother and father, and again in 1880, with just her mother who was widowed by that time.  In both of those censuses, she was listed with the last name of Burhyte and was married.  Her first name, actually Alida, was Alyde and Elida in those censuses. 

I wondered where her husband was, but later learned he was a buyer and shipper of hops, so I'm sure he traveled extensively in that position.

Without the 1890 census to help, Alida disappeared for awhile until the Federal Census of 1900, Brookfield, Madison, NY.  She was with her husband, Herman Burkhyte  Burhyte), 53, born August 1846, who was a hop buyer.  Alida, born November, 1852, and 47 years old, reported that she had had two children, but only one was living.  (Walter Worden Burhyte,their son, shares a tombstone with his parents - 1889-1893.)  Their daughter, Hattie Pauline, born July 1895, was five years old.  The couple also had a boarder, Ethel Payne, age 3, born January 1897.   By this time, Alida and Herman had been married 28 years, making their marriage date 1872.

In 1910, they were still in Brookfield, and at 63, Herman was still working as a hop broker, buying and shipping hops.  Hattie P., 15, was still at home, too.

By 1920, Herman, 73, was slowing down, but was now working as an insurance agent.  Alida was 67.  In 1922, Herman died.  His obituary appeared in The Courier, Brookfield, NY:

"Herman C. Burhyte, a life-long resident of this village, passed on to the higher life on Friday night at 9 o'clock.  For many years, he has suffered form a bronchial and lung trouble.  Notwithstanding this affliction, he was always cheerful and put the best side out.  He had the happy faculty of making friends with those he met.  He would have been 76 years of age on August 3d.

Mr. Burhyte was the oldest living son of Egbert and Paulina B.  His wife, Alida, and daughter, Hattie Burhyte Sweet, survive him, besides three brothers, Charles W. of N. Brookfield; Augustus of S. Brookfield; and O. W. Burhyte, M.D. of Sanquoit.  

He was a faithful and loyal member of the Baptist church for 46 years, and served as church clerk for 40 years, and nearly the same time as church and society clerk.  He was a liberal giver, and kept the appointments of the church whenever possible and was thoroughly posted on the rules and regulations governing Baptist churches.

In earlier years, he was a hop buyer for Green, Brainard & Co., of Waterville, giving entire satisfaction.  He was insurance agent for Mr. Waters of Sherburne for many years.  In politics, he was a Republican and always voted the ticket, and was county committeeman and always upheld the standard of his party.  He was a notary public and postmaster for 8 years and filled at other times various offices.

His generosity and friendliness won for him many friends, especially was this so with the young people, with whom he was on terms of good fellowship.  He will be greatly missed in the community where he lived.  Many came to him for advice and counsel on secular affairs and other matters.  His judgment was generally sound and good.

The funeral was held at the Baptist church on Monday at 2 p.m., Rev. Frank Mattison of Burlington officiating.  There was a large attendance and many beautiful floral pieces.  Burial was in the family plot in Sweet's Cemetery."

After her husband's death, Alida moved in with her daughter, Hattie, and family on the county road between Hubbardsville and Hamilton, Madison County, NY.  In the 1930 census, it was reported that Hattie P. was 35 and had been married 13 years to Roland S. Sweet, a dairy farmer.  Roland was originally from English Canada, naturalized in 1908.

They had two children - Florence I., 11, and Harold L., 9.  With them lived Alida Burhyte, mother-in-law, 77 and a widow.

Alida died on New Year's Day, 1939.  Her obituary appeared in The Courier on January 4th:

"Mrs. Alida Burhyte.  On Sunday, January 1, 1939, Alida Worden Burhyte passed to her eternal hope.  She was born in North Brookfield on November 8, 1852, and was the daughter of Delos and Sarah Worden.  She lived there most of her life and when young, married Herman C. Burhyte.  Two children, Walter and Hattie, were born to them.  

Walter died at the age of five years.

She was a member of the North Brookfield Baptist Church for many years where she sang alto in the choir and acted as organist for 50 years.  In the later years, she has been attending the East Hamilton M. E. Church.  She was a valued member of the community and her life was an example of loyal Christian living.

For the past eighteen years since the death of her husband, she has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Roland Sweet, who with three grandchildren, are left to mourn her loss.

The funeral will be held at her home on Wednesday afternon at 2 o'clock, the Rev. F. G. Cotham of E. Hamilton, officiating."

Julia Worden Ball

Julia was the first of Sarah Camp (Gorton) Worden's children to pass away - in 1919.  Although most likely a step-daughter, I felt she was treasured as a daughter in all ways, remembered equally in Sarah's will.

Her obituary was in The Courier, Brookfield, New York, October 8, 1919:

 "This community is again called to mourn the loss of one of its old and highly esteemed residents in the death of Mrs. Julia A. Ball, which occurred Saturday evening, October 4th, at about 10 o'clock.  The deceased had been in failing health the past two years, but was able to be around. Last Tuesday night, she fell and broke her hip, which was a contributing cause of her death.

Her parents were Deloss A. Worden and Polly Franklin and she was born in this village, July 15, 1840.  She was married to Charles H. Ball October 22, 1857, and was always a resident here.  She united with the Baptist church of this place 42 years ago and was a member of the choir for over 50 years.  Always a generous giver of her time and means to the church, she will be greatly missed, not only by the church and her husband, who is left alone, but by a large circle of friends and acquaintances throughout this section.  

She is also survived by one sister, Mrs. H. C. Burhyte.  The funeral will be held from the Baptist church this afternoon at one o'clock, Rev. Frank Malleson of Burlington Flats conducting the service.  Burial in the cemetery at Sweets.

The stepbrothers, Orson and Oscar were not mentioned, not sharing a common parent with her.  To me, this is further evidence that Sarah was not Julia's natural mother.

Her husband, Charles, lived until 1925, although he was often sickly according to many newspaper references among the "social" news.  His obituary appeared in the Waterville Times on October 30, 1925:

"Charles H. Ball, an esteemed resident of this village, passed away Wednesday afternoon, death being due to infirmities of old age.  He was a member of the Baptist church, a devoted Christian.  Frail in health,he bore his afflictions patiently.
Mr. Ball was the son of Silas and Ann Bartlett Ball, and was born in Waterville December 14, 1935 (sic 1835).  October 22, 1957 (sic 1857), he was married to Julia Worden, who passed away October 5, 1919.  Since that time, he has been cared for by his brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Bentley.  
He is survived by Mrs. S. W. Bentley and Mrs. O. W. Burhyte of Sanquoit.  Funeral services were conducted at his home he loved Friday at 2 p.m. by the Rev. A. A. Sturgeon.  Burial at Sweet's Corners."

I have not yet found the burial place, Sweet's Corners.  Could anyone help with that? 
 

Oscar M. Gorton, second son of Sarah Camp (Gorton) Worden

Orson's brother, Oscar Gorton, also made his living as a wagon maker for many years, until the automobile stole away the need for wagons.  But, just as his brother did, Oscar found an alternative occupation - he grew hops to be used in the making of beer.  This area of New York was known for this industry, and it seemed that Oscar thrived as a farmer.
 
Born in 1837, he died in December, 1924, and his obituary appeared in the Waterville Times on December 19, 1924 on page 6.

"North Brookfield.  
Oscar M. Gorton, Prominent Resident, Dies At His Home
North Brookfield, December 18.  The funeral of Oscar M. Gorton, who died at his home here Sunday, was held at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon from his late residence.  Sanger Lodge No. 129, F & A M, Waterville, conducted the Masonic services.  Mr. Gorton was the oldest member of the lodge.

Born in 1837, in Adams, Jefferson county, son of Samuel Gorton, whose father was an early settler in New York from Rhode Island, Oscar Gorton spent most of his early life in the Gorton Hill neighborhood near Brookfield.
Mr. Gorton was a wagon maker by trade, following the occupation for more than a quarter of a century.  He also engaged in farming to some extent, raising hops and other produce.  Mr. Gorton began work as a wagon maker in 1858 at a salary of $7 per month, boarding himself.  He worked for Fitch & Boone, as well as two other factories, including one operated by his brother, Oscar [*Orson] S. Gorton. When horses and carriages lost their prominence as conveyances for pleasure seekers, Mr. Gorton abandoned his trade and became a hop farmer.

Mr. Gorton was always a staunch Republican, casting his first ballot for Lincoln in 1860, and always thereafter voted a straight Republican ticket.  Though interested in public affairs,he never held any political office, but was appointed a member of the Board of Education and its treasurer when the new school was built.
During the Civil War, he enlisted in the New York State militia, drilling at Eaton and Sherburne.  He joined the Masons in 1865, being a member of Sanger Lodge at Waterville.  He attended the Baptist church.

In 1863, Mr. Gorton was united in marriage to Miss Helen Burdick of North Brookfield, who survives him.  He was always deeply interested in ornithology and had collected a large number of stuffed birds as a hobby.  He was a thrifty, thorough going, business man, being successful in every venture.  Mr. Gorton was a man of truth and veracity, honorable and upright in all his dealings, tending strictly to his own business and working hard at it.  He possessed a large circle of friends who will mourn his demise, knowing they have lost a true friend."

And in The DeRuyter Gleaner, DeRuyter, New York, December 25, 1924:
"Oscar Gorton, 87, native of Adams, Jefferson County, one of Madison County's prominent hop growers in the days before prohibition, died at his home in North Brookfield Sunday afternoon.  For twenty-five years he was a wagon maker."

Brookfield Cemetery, Madison County, New York

I have found no evidence that Oscar and Helen had any children.

Orson Samuel Gorton, son of Sarah Camp (Gorton) Worden

It has been interesting to follow up on the lives of the children of Sarah Camp (Gorton) Worden.  The newspapers were full of their lives, so to continue a bit on Orson, Oscar, Alida and Julia...

Sarah's first son, Orson Samuel Gorton, did quite well for himself, securing at least two patents on improvements in wagon springs and wagon gears.  One newspaper called them, "one of the greatest improvements on wagons that has been made in the 19th century."  Quite an entrepreneur, he had his hand in many investments and was incredibly active in his community.

 His obituary from The Courier of Brookfield, NY, August 22, 1923:

"Orson S. Gorton.  
On August 16th, Orson S. Gorton passed on to a higher life.  He was a lifelong resident of North Brookfield and was born near the village October 19, 1835, on what is called 'The Gorton Lake Farm.'  He was of pioneer ancestry, the great-grandson of Captain Samuel Gorton of the fifth generation who settled on a hill a little above Gorton Lake, in 1795, and built a log cabin where the old homestead now stands.  Capt. Gorton was a descendant of Samuel Gorton, an associate of Roger Williams in the foundation and government of historic Rhode Island Colony.
 Orson Samuel Gorton was the son of Samuel and Sarah Camp Gorton.  He was a wagon and carriage manufacturer in earlier years, and was identified with other enterprises.  He had large holdings in oil wells in Pennsylvania and after selling out there, he went to Florida and purchased a tract of land and set out an orange grove, which he later sold.
In 1877, he united with the Baptist Church at North Brookfield, and previous to this, he was chorister and organist for 30 years.  He was one of the trustees of the church the same length of time.  He was a faithful and loyal member, keeping the appointment of the church whenever he could.
His political preferment was for the Republican party.  He served several years as one of the inspectors of the election and several times was justice of the peace.
A great lover of birds, Mr. Gorton had a cabinet of mounted birds, collected from all parts of the state, with many rare specimens from the Southland, especially from Florida. Connoisseiurs have pronounced his collection second to none in the state.
Mr. Gorton was twice married, his first wife, Sarah Isabell Warren of East Hartford, Connecticut, died May 10, 1903.  Later he married Miss Mary Morris of Cassville, who serving and who has won praise and admiration of everyone for her faithful and untiring care of him.  His illness resembled palsy, which gradually wore him out.  For the past three years, he had been confined to the bed, requiring constant care.
He was a successful businessman and a good citizen, having the respect and confidence of all whom he came in contact.  Besides his wife, he leaves one brother, Oscar M. Gorton, also a half sister, Mrs. Alida Burhyte of N. Brookfield.
Funeral services were held from the home Sunday afternoon, Rev. Seeley York, pastor of the Baptist church, conducting the services.  Mr. York, who has been closely associated with the deceased, gave a very comforting address.  Mrs. G. A. Hardy of Utica rendered most exquisitely two solos, 'My Father's Land' and 'The House of the Soul.'  Many beautiful floral pieces, besides the home flowers from the neighbors' gardens, were tokens that went to show the high esteem in which the deceased was held.  A large gathering of relatives and friends was present from Utica, this place and the surrounding villages.  C. W. Burhyte, C. W. Talcott, F. E. Hibbard, and C. K. Mason acted as pall bearers."

Brookfield Cemetery, Madison County, NY

 I have found no evidence that Orson and his wife had any children.

The children of Moses and Chloe Camp - Sarah Gorton Worden

The children of Moses and Chloe Camp were:

Chloe - (1803 - 1873)

Julia - (1804 - 1872

Electa - 1806 - 1887)

*Sarah - (1813 - 1892)

Lydia - (1814 - ?)

Platt - (1815 - 1876)

Harriet - (1817 - 1891)

Sophia - (1817 - 1898)

Caroline - (1820 - 1889) 

On September 11, 1813, Moses and Chloe were blessed with a fourth daughter they named Sarah.  James Madison was President of the United States for a second term and the War of 1812 was raging on.  

Sarah married Samuel Gorton (b. 16 Feb 1810) on November 9, 1834.  The couple were married only five years before Samuel died on October 27, 1839, before the age of 30.  The young widow, Sarah, was left with two small sons - Orson Samuel Gorton, born October 19, 1835, and Oscar M. Gorton, born August 31, 1837, both born in Jefferson County, NY.  Orson was 4 and Oscar not yet 2 at the time of their father's death.  (Dates reported in the Life and Times of Samuel Gorton, 1907)

In another area - Brookfield in Madison County, New York -  Mr. Delos Worden and his wife, Polly Franklin Worden, welcomed a little daughter on July 13, 1840, and they named her Julia Ann.  Sometime between that birth and July 12, 1850, Polly died, and Delos remarried to the widow, Sarah Gorton.  Little Orson and Oscar now had a sister.  (The information is only surmised from the obituary of Julia and information on the 1850 census for an estimation of a marriage date.  I have not found primary records as yet.)

The 1850 census taken in Brookfield on July 12th found Delos Worden (spelled Wordon by the enumerator), 38, a blacksmith, and his wife, Sarah, 38, with their children: Orson S. Wordon, 14; Oscar M. Wordon, 12; Julia A. Wordon, 10; and little Ella V., 2, and Moses Wordon, 1.  Oscar and Orson were mistakenly given the surname Worden by the enumerator, rather than Gorton.  Delos owned real estate valued at $2,000.  Because Ella was 2, I would estimate the marriage date as at least three years prior to 1850.

The couple were again enumerated in the New York census of 1855 in Brookfield, Madison County, NY, which was south of Sangerfield and Waterville in Oneida County.  From this census, we learned that Delos was born in Otsego County, but lived in Madison County for 35 years.  Since he was 43, that meant he moved there as a child at about the age of 8.  Sarah, on the other hand, had lived in Brookfield for 14 years, or from about 1851.  Did she marry at that time?  The children in the family, according to this census, were Julia Ann, 15, daughter; Elbert D., 5, son (the same age as Moses...same boy?), Alida, 2; Orson Gorton, 19, working as a blacksmith and Oscar Gorton, 16, stepsons.  What happened to baby Ella from the 1850 listing?

 

This map shows the three counties just discussed - Jefferson - where Sarah had the Gorton sons, Oneida -where she was born and raised, and Madison- where she resided with her second husband, Delos Worden.

  
On October 22, 1857, the very young daughter, Julia Ann Worden, married Charles Ball, and it was a marriage that lasted.  They celebrated a fiftieth wedding anniversary as reported in The Courier, Brookfield, NY:

"North Brookfield.  Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ball Celebrate Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary.

The fiftieth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ball was celebrated at the home of Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Nash, Tuesday, October 22.  There were present beside the host and hostess...Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Bentley of Oriskany Falls, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Benedict of Waterville and Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Ball and it was a pleasant and enjoyable ...(unreadable)."

Charles worked as a painter at the wagon works.  As The Courier reported, 

 "The Studebaker Wagon Works sent many wagons to the expert painters at N. Brookfield to be stripped, Joel Avery and Charles Ball were among the expert painters." 

(The Courier, April 14, 1977, p 4, "Bits of History - Town of Brookfield.")

The 1860 census noted that Delos A. Worden, 48, now had real estate worth $3,000 and personal wealth worth $2,088.  Still a blacksmith, he and Sarah, 48, had only Oscar Gorton, 22, a wagon maker, and Frances A. Worden, 7, living at home.  The little boy/s Elbert/Moses must have died.  I believe Frances was Alida as the age is correct, and it was just an interchange between first and middle names.

By 1870, only Alida Worden remained at home with her parents.  She was 17 and at school, but by the time of the New York State Census in 1875, Alida was married, but still living with her parents.  She married Herman C. Burhyte who was a hops buyer and shipper, probably often away from home.  Though married, they were not found together in a census until 1900.  Alida stayed with her parents, probably helping to care for them as they aged.  So in the 1875 census, she was enumerated as Alida Burhyte, 22, married daughter.

On May 2, 1877, in the Morning Herald, Utica, New York, it was reported:

"Delos Worden, and old and much respected citizen of this village, had an attack of apoplexy Sunday morning, which resulted in paralysis of the left side.  He now lies in critical condition."

Sarah Camp Worden lost her husband, Delos, on 4 May 1877.  The Courier on May 9, 1877, gave this report of his funeral:

"Funeral of Delos A. Worden.

Buried in Masonic Honors.

They Pay the Last Tribute to an Esteemed Brother.

A Vast Assemblage in Attendance.

Mr. Delos A. Worden, an honored and respected citizen of North Brookfield, died on Friday last, at his residence in that village after a short illness.  Mr. Worden was a member of Sanger Lodge and Warren Chapter; and those two lodges in masse, and delegates from Bridgewater, Hubbardsville, Hamilton, Eaton, and this village managed the ceremonies of the occasion.

The procession formed in front of the residence and headed by the Waterville Cornet Band, marched to the Baptist Church.  The corpse was placed in front of an altar, and after introductory services, a very impressive sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Travis of Waterville.  His text was from Micah 6:8 and Revelation 5:17.  The sermon was followed by customary Masonic services, after which a grand procession was formed in front of the church and immediately proceeded to the cemetery near the depot. The band played a dirge which increased the solemnity.

At the grave the Masonic rites were enacted in an imposing manner.  John Jones W. M. conducted the ceremonies.  A portion of the burial service was read by Hon. Bro. H. J. Cogglshall.  The last token of affection was given to their deceased brother in a becoming manner and his remains returned to Mother Earth.

The assembly then returned to the village where the Masonic fraternity and the band were treated to a wholesome and refreshing lunch in Park's new building by the Waterville lodges.  Thus ended the grandest, yet the saddest funeral service, ever witnessed at N. Brookfield."

 

North Brookfield Cemetery, Madison Co., NY.  Note the Masonic symbol on the stone.

In 1880, Sarah Worden, 68, a widow, lived with her daughter, Elida (Alida), 27, her married daughter.  Just a few houses away lived her son, Oscar, 42, and his wife, Hellen; Oscar worked in the wagon shop.  Also living close by was her oldest son, Orson, 45, a wagon maker, and his wife, Sarah.  Julia and Charles Ball were also there in Brookfield.

Sarah Camp Gorton Worden died on February 6, 1892 and it was reported in The Courier several times.   
"Death has again entered our village and claimed another aged one.  Mrs. Sarah Worden, after long and severe suffering, joined those she loved on the heavenly shore the evening of February 6th.  For her, there is peace and blessedness unending.  Her children will miss her as only a mother can be missed as they go onward in the march of life..."
and
"Mrs. Sarah Worden died at her residence at North Brookfield on the evening of February 6, 1892, at the advanced age of 80 years and five months.  Mrs. Worden has been sick for a number of weeks and her death was expected.  She was surrounded in her last sickness by her children who lovingly ministered to her comfort, making her departing days as bright as possible with the suffering she endured.
She was born in Sangerfield September 11, 1813, and was twice married, there being children born by each marriage, two children by the first marriage, Orson S. and Oscar M. Gorton, and three by the second of whom Mrs. Julia Ball and Mrs. Alida F. Burhyte survive.  Mr. Orson S. Gorton, who spends his winters in Florida was not here at the time of her death.
Mrs. Worden was for 46 years a devoted and consistent member of the Baptist church and active so long as her health permitted.  She was a kind neighbor, always to be found helping in time of sickness or distress, thereby gaining a place in the hearts and memory of the people who knew her...
The funeral services occurred Wednesday at the family residence, conducted by her pastor, Rev. F. L. Foster, who preached from the words found in Hebrew xi.4 - "Being dead, yet speaketh."  A large congregation gathered to pay their last respects to the memory of the deceased."

(So, here we have Julia named as Sarah's natural born child, but a later obituary will present another piece of information that makes more sense, considering years and age.  Until a birth record is found for Julia, I can not be sure.)

Sarah left a will.  She wrote it when she was 68 years old, and when she died at age 80, her sons and executors filed it on April 11, 1892.  It was judged to be a valid will on April 23.  

"In the name of God, Amen, I, Sarah Worden, of the Town of Brookfield, County of Madison and State of New York, of the age of sixty-eight years, and being of sound (mind) and memory do make, publish, declare this to be my last will and testament, in manner following, that is to say:

First, I give and bequeath until my daughter, Mrs. Alida Burhyte as follows, to wit, viz: 
My sewing machine, my melodrone*, my two best geese feather Beds, my annalysis of the Bible.  Also her Board and wearing apparel that may be necessary to her comfort, also her Doctor's bills as long as she stays and lives with me, and also Three Hundred Dollars in money.  The above is given in lieu of any service she may render unto me or my estate at any time, and shall be considered as full payment for any such services as said Alida has heretofore or may hereafter render unto me or my estate and shall be a bar to further claims for services.
(*Melodeon, perhaps...a small reed organ)

Second, I bequeath unto Mrs. Julia Ball as follows, to wit, viz:  
My Black Walnut BedStead, Ash Beauro (bureau), our Geese feather bed, my best Family Bible, my large Rocking chair upholstered in hair cloth, my Parlor center table and Three Hundred Dollars in money.

Third, I give and bequeath unto Oscar M. Gorton as follows, to wit, viz:
Three hundred and seventy dollars in money.
Fourth, I give and bequeath unto Orson S. Gorton, as follows, to wit, viz: 
Three hundred and seventh dollars in money.  

Fifth, I give and bequeath unto Alida Burhyte, Julia Ball, Oscar M. Gorton and Orson S. Gorton, all the rest, residue and remainder of my property...share and share alike."

She named Oscar and Orson as executors and signed the document on January 1, 1880.  Remember, Delos had died in 1877, so she was intent on getting her own business in order.  I have not been able to find a tombstone for Sarah, although it would seem logical she is buried in North Brookfield Cemetery in Madison County, NY where her second husband and all her children are buried.
   

Electa Camp Buckley - Part Two

After celebrating their Golden wedding anniversary in 1883, Electa Camp Buckley lived just four more years.  She died on 20 March 1887 at her family home.  
The Waterville Times carried this obituary:

"DEATH OF MRS. BUCKLEY.
Died Suddenly of pneumonia in the west part of the town, Electa Camp Buckley,wife of Chester Buckley, March 20, 1887, aged 81 years, 5 months and 18 days.
The deceased was the second child of Moses Camp, one of the early settlers of this town.  Born and brought up on the farm lately owned by Platt Camp till she was married February 19, 1833, she then moved March 12, 1834 to the home where she died and always since lived.  She is the fifth of a family of nine children, that have died, leaving now living Sophia Case, of Spencerville, Indiana; Sarah Worden, North Brookfield, New York; Harriet Camp and Caroline Lewis of this town.  
She united with the now extinct Congregational church at the Center, June 3, 1825, being the last with two or three exceptions of the surviving members.  She had a great desire to live as long as her aged husband, who is now nearly 83 and is so infirm in mind that he did not seem to realize her death but for a moment, and now after her burial, does not seem in the least to miss her.
And thus another has gone who has sat many an hour by the side of the sick bed and whose good memory to the last has related circumstances that took place sixty or seventy years ago with as clear an understanding as persons of younger years.  Ever cheerful, trying to make the best of everything, with that blessed hope of a better life beyond this vale of tears and sorrows, she was very much respected by neighbors and friends."

Her tombstone contradicts her obituary concerning her age.  The stone reads 82 years.

 Chester lived a little more than a year and a half after Electa's death, probably with Lansing and Ellen who were still single and at home.
Chester's obituary appeared in the Waterville Times on Friday, November 22, 1888.

"Obituary.  Died, at his home in this town, November 15th, Chester Buckley, aged 84 years, 5 months, 23 (?) days.  The deceased was the second son of Ezra and Louis Sanderson Buckley, who were among the early settlers of the west part of this town.  Mr. Chester Buckley was the last one of a family of seven children.  He was born and brought up only a short distance from where he resided and spent the greater portion of his life, owning and running what was called the Tenney saw mill, taking possession of it in connection with Ebenezer King, November 1, 1828 (?) and working in the same until six years ago last January when he had a fall causing a fracture of the hip, which prevented further work in the mill.  
He was the oldest native, save one, resident of this town.  He was what we might call a home man, not staying away from it a night in more than 30 years and never out of New York state.  The funeral was held at the house, November 17th, the Rev. J. M. Hutchinson officiating."

A little more than two years later, their son, Lansing Buckley, became ill.  From his obituary, it was revealed that he and Ellen sold the family farm and moved in with their aunt, Miss Harriet Camp. 
Lansing's obituary, from the Waterville Times:

"LANSING BUCKLEY.  
Lansing Buckley died at the residence of his aunt, Miss Harriet Camp, on Putnam avenue, in this village, Sunday, March 8th at 3:30 p.m.  Naturally a frail man, he was prostrated July 3d by hemorrhage.  Contrary to appearance, and to the great joy of his many friends, he regained his strength so as to be about.  In November, he sold the old homestead, three miles west of Waterville where he was born in 1836, and came with his sister to reside with Miss Camp.
January 7th, hemorrhage again set in, continuing till he was so reduced as to be obliged to take his bed where he was a great sufferer from extreme weakness to the hour of his departure.  He longed to go.  For nearly thirty three years, he had been an earnest, consistent member of the Waterville Baptist church.  Wednesday afternoon, beneath an evergreen tree, a symbol of the memory in which he is held, his brethern tenderly laid his emaciated body to rest, feeling that the best man among them had gone."

Lansing was buried in the Sangerfield Cemetery, as were his parents and siblings.

Four years later, Ellen, his sister died.  Her brief obituary appeared in the Waterville Times in December, 1895: 

"Buckley.  At her home on Sanger Street, Waterville, New York, on Friday, December 20, 1895, Miss Ellen Buckley, daughter of the late Chester and Electa Buckley, aged 54 years."

That left only the youngest child of Electa and Chester, Rollin E.  Rollin was born to Electa when she was in her forties and he was almost 13 years younger than his closest sibling, Pauline.  Rollin married Anna P. Avery, born in Boonville, New York, and they spent their early married years in Sangerfield.  In 1880, Rollin, 28, a farmer, and his wife, Anna, 24, and their firstborn, Bertha, 3, were enumerated in Sangerfield.  Living with them was a farm laborer, Lawrence Hitzeroth, 18.

At some point, Rollin and family moved to the city of Holyoke, Hampden County, Massachusetts.  In the 1900 federal census, Rollin, 49, was employed as a carpenter.  It was reported that he was born in New York in July, 1851, and he and Anna had been married for 24 years.  They rented their home in Ward 7 of the city and Rollin was not employed three months of the year.  Their children were Bertha, born February, 1877, in New York; she was 23 and a drawer.  Her sister, Lena, 16, born June 1883, also worked as a drawer.  In a list of definition for old occupations, I found that a drawer was one who made wire by drawing the metal through a die.  Their younger brother, Howard, 14, born May 1880 in New York, attended school seven months of the year.  (The date of his birth and birthplace indicated that the Rollin Buckley family was still in New York in 1886.)
In 1900, the Buckleys had taken in four boarders - four men of various occupations: Frank Dunn, 24, a gardener; Jeorge Walker, 22, a merchant; Allen Willis, 22, a laborer; and Leslie Davis, 24, a clerk.  

On January 5, 1903, Rollin's oldest daughter, Bertha Buckley Moore, now the wife of Fred C. Moore, died.  The Massachusetts death records indicated she died at the age of 25 years, 10 months of puerperal hemorhage and heart failure.  Puerperal fever results from an infection of the reproductive organs and is contracted during or following childbirth.  In those days, there were no antibiotics to fight this disease marked by high fever and abdominal pain.  The cause of infection was probably the poor hygiene of people or equipment during childbirth.  Bertha died in Springfield, Massachusetts, and her parents were named in the records as Rollin Buckley and Anna P. Avery.

So, by the time the census was taken in 1910, the family consisted of Rollin (reported as Roland), 50, married 30 years, a house carpenter, and his wife, Anna P., 45, who had three children, but two were alive.  Those two were single and living at home with their parents: Lena, 22, a clerk/saleslady at a bakery, and Howard R., 19, a stone mason and cement worker.
On August 8, 1911, Lena B. Buckley married William L. Brown.  Lena was 29 years old and William was 39 and divorced.  When they married, they lived together at 72 Northampton Avenue in Springfield, he a papermaker and she, a clerk.  William's parents were Samuel Brown and Laura Payne, and (here's where it gets interesting), Lena's parents were Rollin Buckley and Margaret Jenkins.
Margaret?  What about Anna?  Was Lena adopted?  A love child?  Another little mystery to follow or a mistake in the records?

In 1920, only Howard was left at home with his parents.  At 33, he worked as a repairman on the street railway.  Rollin (Roland, again) was still working as a carpenter at the age of 68; Anna was 60 and they were still in Holyoke.
In 1929, Electa's youngest son, Rollin, died; he was listed as Rollie E. Buckley in the Massachusetts death records.

That left Anna and her son, Howard, to be enumerated the next year in the 1930 census.  That census listed Roland E. Buckley, 44, single and head of the household.  That obviously should have been Howard's name, as the occupation was repairman in the railroad shed.  He and his mother, Anna,a widow were renting a home for $35 a month.
Anna died in 1930.  I have not been able to find their burial place or any photos of them.

In 1940, Howard lived in a boarding house and was working as a laborer on a WPA project.  He was 52 years old and he worked 36 weeks a year for an annual income of $430.  He marked that he was seeking work.  Howard died in 1950.

At this point, I am not sure of what happened to Lena and William L. Brown.