Harriet A. Lewis Washburn - Daughter of George C. & Carolina Camp Lewis

On 16 September 1847, George and Caroline (Camp) Lewis welcomed their second daughter, Harriet A., nicknamed Hattie.  Hattie, too, was born in Sangerfield, Oneida County, New York.
She married James Duane Washburn when she was 22, on 10 May 1871, and they relocated to Hamilton, New York, after the nuptials.  

The 1880 Federal Census enumerator found them in Hamilton, Madison County, New York.  J. D. Washburn (James Duane), 30, was working as a blacksmith and Hattie, 32, was at home. They had one son, Albro D., aged 8, and J.D.'s brother, Lucius H, 17, was living with them learning the blacksmith trade as an apprentice.

James, 50, (born February 1850) was still in Hamilton, according to the 1900 census, and still engaged as a blacksmith in his own business.  Hattie, 52, had with her a niece, Alla Lewis, 12 years old.   (This was the daughter of Etta Caroline Lewis, Hattie's sister, who died in 1888.  Etta had married a Lewis and so retained the surname.  More in the next post on Alla/Olla.)

In 1921, the DeRuyter Gleaner of DeRuyter, New York reported on Thursday, May 20, 1921, that "Mr. and Mrs. J. Duane Washburn of Earlville celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary on May 10."   In just a few months, J. Duane passed away, Hattie followed three months later.

Earlville Standard ,reprinted in the Brookfield Courier on August 31, 1921, page 1: 

 "JAMES DUANE WASHBURN.
James Duane Washburn was born in Brookfield, N. Y., Feb. 17, 1850.  He was the eldest son of a family of eleven children of Charles and Maria Crandall Washburn.  He died at his home in Earlsville on August 17, 1921 at the age of 71 years, 6 months.

Early in life, he was baptized and united with the Seventh  Day Baptist Church at Brookfield, retaining his membership until his death.
On the 10th of May, 1870,he was married to Hattie A. Lewis of Sangerfield.  At this time, he located in South Hamilton in the blacksmith business, living there until about 28 years ago, when he came to Earlsville, continuing in the same business.  About five years ago, his failing health compelled him to retire from active work which was taken over by his son, Albro.

Besides his wife, he is survived by one son, Albro Duane of this place,and an adopted daughter, Mrs. Gertrude Spicer of Norwich, four grandchildren and five brothers.
The funeral services were held at his late home on Saturday afternoon, August 20., Rev. Harry VanderLinden of the First Baptist Church officiating.  A large congregation of relatives and friends gathered to pay their last tribute of love, and the wealth of beautiful flowers expressed the sympathy of all."

Photo from www.findagrave.com

In November, The Courier, Brookfield, NY, reported on Wednesday, November 16, 1921: 

"OBITUARY - MRS. J. D. WASHBURN

Hattie A. Lewis was born in Sangerfield, N. Y., Sept. 16, 1847, and was the second daughter in the family of five children born to George and Caroline Camp Lewis.  She died at her home in Earlville on November 1, 1921, at the age of 74 years.

The deceased was married to James Duane Washburn of Brookfield, N. Y., on May 10, 1870, and lived in South Hamilton, later moving to Earlville, where she has resided until the time of her death.
 In 1867, she was baptized and united with the Second Seventh Day Baptist Church of Brookfield, always retaining her membership.  Although living away from Sabbath keepers, she always tried to faithfully keep the Sabbath of the Lord, the seventh day of the week.

There are left to mourn her loss one son, Albro Duane, of this place; an adopted daughter, Mrs. Gertrude Spicer, of Norwich;four grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Sarah Cook of Sangerfield, N. Y.
The funeral services were held at her late home on Saturday afternoon, November 5, Rev. Harry Vander Linden of the First Baptist Church, officiating, and she was laid to rest in the Earlville Cemetery.  Earlville Standard "

The presence of the name, Gertrude Spicer, in each obituary was interesting and led me on quite a search, which is still not totally resolved.  But that's for the next post!

Book Review: Death by the Book by Julianna Deering

Death by the Book

by

Julianna Deering

When murders occur in the small English village of Farthering St. John, Drew Farthering, resident of the local manor, finds himself drawn into the investigation and eventually, working with the police.  The killer leaves the calling card of a cryptic message attached to the dead with a hat pin.  Drew and Birdsong, the constable, have a tenuous relationship, but Drew is a thinker, and even Birdsong begins to have respect for his opinions as they search for the killer.

Drew is truly a gentleman – tactful, unpretentious and friendly to all – and deeply in love with an American girl, Madeline, who dallies in giving him an answer to his marriage proposal.  Enter also, Madeline’s grumpy aunt, come to protect her poor niece from Drew’s advances.  The dialogue among these characters is charming and clever, and definitely a strong point of the novel.  Using lines from Shakespeare’s plays as part of the killer’s clues was also intriguing.

It was refreshing to read an “old school” murder mystery where romance and violence do not dominate, and red herrings and clever detective work take prominence.  I was also totally inept at guessing the identity of the killer until almost the reveal! 

This is the second of the Drew Farthering Mystery Series, which begins with Rules of Murder.  I only give five star ratings to books that capture me completely, and this is one of those books.

This book was provided to me by Bethany House Publishers for my honest review.

 

Emma Elizabeth Lewis - Daughter of George C. & Caroline Camp Lewis

Emma was the oldest daughter of George and Caroline (Camp) Lewis, born 20 September, 1845.  Named Emma Elizabeth, she was born in Sangerfield, Oneida County, New York.  Living with the Lewis family in 1860, according to the census, was Albert Beebe, 22, a farm hand.  This same Mr. Beebe became the husband of Emma, when he was 23, and she was but 16.  

Albert Beebe did well for himself, as his obituary revealed. He died about ten years before Emma.  From The Courier, Brookfield, NY, October 30, 1907:

"An Old Resident Gone.
Mr. Albert Beebe, son of Thomas and Dorcas Loomis Beebe, was born at Alexandria, St. Laurence County, February 16, 1838, and died at his home in this town, October 28, 1907.  When nine months old, he came with his parents to this town wehre he has since made it his home.  On December 31, 1861, he was married to Miss Emma Lewis.  Forty five years have flown by since the establishing of their home, and for the first time, the Grim Messenger entered it in the early morning of October 26.  He was the last of six brothers and sisters. A faithful wife, one daughter, Mrs. Frank Williams, and a  son, Erlo, are left to know how the heart can ache...

In this age of change, it seems almost incredible that he had for 42 years made it his home in the house where he died.  With his own way to make in the world, he, with integrity and industry, became a successful, self-reliant man of business with whom it was enjoyable to come in contact.  A genial, social man, it was a pleasure to hear him give reminiscences of his school days in the old school house on Beaver Creek.  His apt word pictures of the people who made up  the society in those days were often quite amusing, for along with a well stored memory, he had a keen since of the humorous.  He was a thoughtful friend, ever watching for opportunities to lend a helping hand to others.  He will be greatly missed in the community where he so long resided.

The funeral was held at the Beebe home at 11 a.m. today and at 1 o'clock at the Baptist church in this vilalge, conducted by Rev. Walter S. Greene.  Burial in Brookfield Rural cemetery.

Brookfield Rural Cemetery, Brookfield, New York

  

 Brookfield, New York - The Courier, Wednesday, June 27, 1917, page 1:

"Emma Elizabeth Lewis Beebe.
At her late home, a few miles north of this village, last week, Tuesday, occurred the passing of Mrs. Emma Elizabeth Lewis Beebe, who for many years had lived the quiet, helpful life in home where she died.  Her greatest pleasure had been found in caring faithfully for the members of her household and in lending a helping hand to the needy whenever they crossed her path.  Naturally of a quiet and retiring disposition, her deeds of love and charity were modestly carried on, and all the more appreciated by recipients.

Emma Elizabeth, oldest child of George and Caroline Camp Lewis, was born in the old Lewis homestead in Sangerfield, September 20, 1845, where her girlhood was passed.  She was married to Albert Beebe December 31, 1861.  The following July, he answered the call of his country, and leaving his youthful bride in sorrow at her father's home, marched to the south.  Upon the completion of the war, January, 1866, they moved to the farm in Brookfield, which for fifty one years has been her home.  She was the mother of two children, Mrs. Lina L., wife of Frank B. Williams of this village, and Erlo L., who has faithfully cared for his parents in their declining years.

Mrs. Beebe's husband preceded her across the great divide October 26, 1906.  Since then, her life has been lonely, especially during the last four yearsk, when poor health prevented her from doing her accustomed duties, and much of the time making her 'shut-in.'  Last fall, she sustained a shock, making her still more feeble and impairing her speech; failing eyesight prevented her reading and also intensified the loneliness.
Two weeks ago, she became much worse and was confined to her bed.  She steadily lost strength until late June 19th, the loving heart ceased beating and the patient spirit flew to its Maker.  Besides the daughter and son mentioned, one brother, Israel G. Lewis, of the old home in Sangerfield and two sisters, Mrs. Hattie Washburn of Earlville and Mrs. Sarah Cook, of Sangerfield, remain to mourn her.  A sister, Mrs. Etta Lewis, of Friendship, died many years ago.

The funeral was held at the Seventh Day Baptist Church last Saturday, June 23rd at 1:30 p.m., Rev. J. E. Hutchins, pastor, officiating.  Burial was made in the Brookfield Rural Cemetery by the side of her late husband." 

Book Review: Lost & Found by Sarah Jakes

Lost & Found – Finding Hope in the Detours of Life

by Sarah Jakes

Sarah, daughter of well-known pastor T. D. Jakes of Dallas, had an idyllic childhood in a loving, Christian home.  However, she always felt the expectations and pressure of being a PK, preacher’s kid, especially as the family became more in the public eye.  Sarah began to explore the world outside the confines of church and family and eventually found herself pregnant at 13 and a mother at 14.  Add that to a shaky college experience and relationship and a marriage to a man addicted to lies and infidelity.  Her secure life became one of anger, unhappiness, insecurity, and hurt.

Sarah's self-esteem plummeted and her faith was shaken, but luckily, she had strong family support.  Sarah’s journey back to valuing herself as God’s child and accepting His grace will be so meaningful to many readers.  As she analyzes her life decisions and how she reacts, and the way she wants her life to be, her relationship with God grows again.  I admired her willingness to share, and understand that she holds back some details to protect those involved. 

So many people are in trouble or in despair, trapped in unhealthy relationships or situations; this book shows how one person worked her way through her lowest points back to the forgiving, embracing arms of the Father.  As a former teacher and counselor, I found myself thinking of all those who could benefit from this read, especially teens struggling with life decisions.  But that’s not to say that I didn’t take away some good lessons myself.  Most of us are, after all, lost and hopefully, found at some points in our lives. 

This book was provided to me by Bethany House Publishers for my honest review.

The Children of Moses and Chloe Camp - Caroline Lewis

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) 

When Chloe and Moses Camp were both about 43, their last child was born on 2 July 1820.  It was another daughter whom they named Caroline.  Caroline was just three years younger than Sophia Camp, our great-great grandmother.

Caroline married George Cameron Lewis on 1 January 1845, and the couple settled in Sangerfield Township, Oneida County, New York, near their extended families.  By the 1850 census, they already had three children: Emma E, 5, Harriet A., 3, and Israel G, 0.  

In 1850, New York also had an agricultural census and that enumerator visited George on 14 September 1850.  At that time, George reported that he had 100 acres improved and 55 unimproved, with a cash value for the farm of $3000.  His livestock consisted of 17 milch cows and 6 other cattle, 3 horses, 21 sheep and 12 swine.  On his land, he had a yield of 45 bushels of Indian corn and 150 bushels of oats.  For his time, he seemed to be a very successful man.

The Lewis family had expanded by 1860 when the census enumerator came on 22 June.  George, 42, and Caroline, 40, were the parents of five children: Emma E., 14; Harriet A., 12; George I. (Isaac), 10; Ettie C., 8; and Sarah, 3.  George's real estate value had also increased to $4000 with a personal estate of $1000.  Albert Beebe, 22, lived with the family as a farmhand.  Young Albert would soon marry the eldest Lewis daughter, Emma.

This 1874 map shows many of the Camp family living in Sangerfield Twp., Oneida County, NY

The Lewis family continued to prosper with farm values going up and children marrying and beginning their own households.  By August 1870, George's land was valued at $6000 and his personal estate at $2000.  Emma and Harriet had both moved out, so left were Israel, 20, and Etta, 17, and Sarah, 13.  Israel was listed as a farm laborer on the home farm on the census of that year.  

George, at 62, and Caroline, 59, were a very successful farm couple who, in their later years, attained more and more livestock and did less actual farming.  In the agricultural census of 1880, he had a dairy herd of 10 cows and he sold 4500 gallons of milk and he had 10 cattle currently and had sold 15.  He raised and sold sheep and their fleeces, swine and poultry, selling their eggs.  His farming ventures seemed more subsistence level, with 3 acres of Indian corn, 5 acres oats, 2 acres hops, 2 acres potatoes, and 10 acres apple orchard.  He mowed 35 acres for hay and also made molasses and cut 150 cords of wood.  He reported he had help 52 weeks of the year and paid out $250 in wages.  

In the Federal Census of 1880, George J. Root, 23, was living with the family and working as a farmhand.  Israel, 30, was still at home working on the farm and unmarried, and Sarah, 23, was still at home, too.

Caroline Camp Lewis died on 13 January 1889, at the age of 68 years, 6 months and 11 days.  Notice of her death appeared in the Courier of Brookfield, NY:
 "Mrs. George C. Lewis, residing about four miles north of this village, died on Monday of this week. Funeral services were held from the house today, conducted by Rev. J. M. Todd.  Much sympathy is expressed for Mr. Lewis in this affliction..."

On 23 January 1889, an obituary for Caroline appeared in the same paper:
"Obituary.  Mrs. Caroline A. Lewis.
Mrs. Caroline A. Lewis, wife of George C. Lewis, died at their home in Sangerfield, New York, on the 13th day of January, 1889, after an illness of about two weeks duration.  Her disease was heart failure accompanied with pneumonia.  She was never very strong, and for some years, has been in failing health.  Still, most of the time, she had attended to or directed the duties of her household.  Her maiden name was Camp, and Platt Camp, late of Waterville, was her brother.  
Mrs. Lewis was the mother of five children, one son and five daughters, all of whom grew up to mature life.  One of them, Mrs. Etta C. Lewis, wife of A. B. Lewis, died in October last.  The others are all living, and the daughters have homes and families.  The husband and son are left in loneliness and sorrow on the farm where their lives were spent.
The deceased was of a sweet, amiable disposition, a living Christian, and enjoyed the comforting presence of the Lord Jesus Christ during her illness.  She was a member of the Seventh Day Baptist Church of Brookfield, where she will be greatly missed.  Funeral services were held at the family residence on the 16th, conducted by her pastor, Rev. J. M. Todd, and attended by a large number of people, and the weary mortal form laid to rest."

 Caroline was buried in the Brookfield Rural Cemetery; her information may be seen on the right side of the stone in the photo.  It reads:

Caroline A. Camp Lewis

born July 2, 1820  N.Y.

died Jan. 13, 1889 N.Y.

68y 6m 11d

dtr. of Moses and Chloe Stoddard Camp

Sleep, mother, sleep, with your hands on your breast.

Poor, weary hands.  They needed their rest.

Well have we loved you, but God loved you best.

He has given you rest.

George C. Lewis lived ten more years, passing away on 27 January 1899.  He was buried at the tombstone that he had so lovingly placed after Caroline's death.

His inscription reads:

George Cameron Lewis

born Apr. 24, 1818

died Jan. 27, 1899

Husband of Caroline A. Camp

Home is not home, father's not there;

Dark is his room, empty his chair.

Angels have taken him out of his care, lifted him over life's span.

Although I could not find an obituary for George, I did locate his will in the Oneida County records of wills, Vol. 51, pg. 256:

"I, George C. Lewis, of Sangerfield, Oneida County, New York, do make and publish this my last will and testament.
First, I will and order my executor to pay all my past debts and funeral expenses.
Second, I give and bequeath one thousand five hundred dollars and all my shop tools to my son, I. G. Lewis.
Third, all the rest and remainder of my property, after satisfying the above claims, I direct shall be divided into five equal shares and I give and bequeath to my daughter, Emma E. Beebe (one share), Hattie A. Washburn (one share), to my son, Israel G Lewis (one share).  To Etta C. Lewis heirs one share to be put in trust for them until they become of age and to Sarah L. Cook (one share)."

The will was written in June 1891, and Israel, his only son, was appointed executor.  In March 1899, it was presented at court and by September of that year, Israel was ready to sell the land at auction.  The Brookfield Courier carried the notice of sale:
"Israel Lewis, executor of the estate of George C. Lewis, announced an auction on Wednesday, October 4, 1899 for the farm and premises known as the George C. Lewis farm, south part of Brookfield, 155 acres and 4 acres, "the Wolcott lot" 1/2 mile south of the farm, also 20 acres adjoining the farm on the northeast corner.  Also a house and lot in the village of Brookfield, Madison County, New York, presently occupied by Harold Bryant.
September 9, 1899   Israel G. Lewis, Executor"

Harriet, Daughter 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) 

Harriet Camp was the unmarried sister of great-great grandmother, Sophia Camp Case.  One obituary gave her birthdate as December 26, 1817 which would be in conflict with Sophia's age, also obtained in an obituary.  One may be incorrect.  A document concerning Harriet was what really led me on the Camp family research path.  Among the things belonging to Emillus Case, her nephew and Sophia's son, in Indiana, was the document below regarding the estate of Harriet. 

With its many names and locations, it was extremely helpful in making connections and locating the relatives of Harriet, which would also have been the family of great-great grandmother, Sophia.  In this way, nieces and nephews were discovered, and at this point, there is only Minnie Tobias that I have not been connected into the family.

Harriet Camp lived almost all of her life on the family homestead with her brother, Platt.  Later, she moved into a house her brother had built in Waterville.  It seemed that various nieces and nephews stayed temporarily with her, according to their needs and hers. From her will, we know that her niece, Ellen Buckley, was staying with her in her last days.

On April 25, 1891, Harriet wrote her will, naming Francis F. Gorton as her Executor.  Dr. Francis Gorton "was a successful physician and an ornament to his community", according to his obituary.  Her will was found among the New York Probate Records, Oneida County Wills 1890-1894, on www.familysearch.org.  (Image 187, pp. 282+)

"In the name of God, Amen.
Know all that I, Harriet Camp, of the village of Waterville, Oneida County and State of New York of the age of seventy three years, and being of sound and disposing mind and memory, do make, publish, and declare this my last will and testament in the words and language following, that is:

First, I truly desire and direct the payment of all my just debts and liabilities and the payment of all my funeral and testamentary expenses. 

Second, I hereby give and devise and bequeath until my dear niece, Ellen R. Buckley, now of my residence, the sum of fifteen hundred dollars, the sum to go to her at my decease, her heirs and assigns forever, and in case there should be a deficiency of personal assets out of which to pay her the said legacy of fifteen hundred dollars, then in that case, I hereby expressly charge all of the real estate of which I may (be seized?) with the full payment thereof and make the full payment thereof a first lien and charge upon such real estate.

Third, I hereby give, devise and bequeath upon my dear niece, Alida Burhyte of North Brookfield, Madison County, New York,the sum of one hundred dollars, the sum to go to her, her heirs and assigns forever at my decease, and if necessary to secure the payment thereof to her, I hereby make the payment thereof of a lien and charge upon said estate, but to be secondary to the lien thereon of the legacy to the said Ellen R. Buckley above mentioned.

Fourth, I hereby give, devise and bequeath all of the rest and residue and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, equally share and share alike between my dear nieces - Emma E. Beebe of Brookfield, Madison County, New York; Hattie A. Washburn, Madison County, aforesaid; and Sarah E. Cook of Sangerfield, Oneida County, New York, the same to go to them equally share and share alike at my decease, their heirs and assigns forever.

Fifth, I hereby constitute and appoint my friend, F. T. Gorton, M. D., of Waterville, aforesaid, sole Executor of this, my last will and testament, to sell and convey any and all real estate of which I may be seized and out of the avails, pay the first two legacies herein mentioned, in the order mentioned, and divide the remainder equally, share and share alike, among the residuary legaties mentioned and execute all necessary  papers and conveyances for that purpose and thereby further authorize and empower him to settle, comfound, and compromise any and all claims that be in favor or that may be presented against my said estate, doing all that may be necessary and with a view to the best interest of those concerned and hereby revoking all former wills by me made."

The will was signed April 25, 1891; Harriet died on September 29th of that same year.  Her obituaries  give us some insight into her life and condition.

Utica Weekly Herald , Tuesday, September 29, 1891
"Miss Harriet Camp, who has been sick for some time, died at her home on Putnam avenue, Sunday night.  She was 74 years old.  The funeral will occur at the house at two o'clock today. Rev. L. J. Silcox will officiate."

Waterville Times, September 31, 1891
"On Wednesday afternoon, at her late residence, No. 12 Putnam avenue, were held the funeral services of Harriet Camp, the Rev. L. J. Silcox officiating.  She was born December 26, 1817, of a family of eight children, of which but one, Mrs. Sarah Worden of North Brookfield survive.  Miss Camp came to Waterville in 1874.  The house in which she died was built by her brother, Platt, as a house for himself and sister.  February 5, 1891, Miss Camp fell and dislocated her hip.  She was not out of the house again.  By her close confinement, chronic ailments were aggravated that resulted in her death." 

 

Is this Harriet Camp?  In 1865, she would have been about 48.

In other documents related to the will, the final disbursement indicated the following:
Ellen R. Buckley received 1341.15. 
Ella Beebe - $590.82
Hattie Washburn - 578.66
Sarah E. Cook - 568.57

Alida's hundred dollars is not mentioned, nor are the other heirs named on the earlier delivered notice regarding the estate.