Seneca Ray Stoddard

Obituary

Source:  "Proceedings of the New York State Historical Association; The Nineteenth Annual Meeting, with Constitution, By-Laws and List of Members,"  Vol. XVII, Published by the New York State Historical Association, 1919, page 266.

Seneca Ray Stoddard was born at Wilton, Saratoga county, N.Y., May 13, 1844, and died at his home Glens Falls April 26, 1917.

He had done more than any other person, probably, towards making the Adirondack region known to the outside world and to be admired and loved by nature lovers the world over; and in return, that region had been the means of making him known and admired by multitudes of people who never saw his face.  By pen and pencil, by published books and spoken address he had for many years proclaimed the charm of the great north woods and he had his reward in seeing the Empire State assume the protection of this wilderness and the region beome one of the nation's play grounds and sanitariums.

His interest in this section of the State began nearly fifty years ago, when it was yet a genuine wilderness, and thenceforth he gave his best efforts to make its charms known.  His published works include "Chart of Lake George," "In Mediterranean Lands," "Lake Champlain," "Map of Lake George," "Map of Adirondack Wilderness" and "Under the Midnight Sun," and a series of Guides to the Adirondacks published annually from 1873 to and including 1915.

Mr. Stoddard's preparation for his life work was obtained like that of so many useful and even eminent Americans in our public schools.  He had a keen, artistic sense which was cultivated and developed by the business, or "trade" which he learned that of an "interior decorator."  In mature life he became something of a traveler, faring north as far as to Alaska on one trip, to Palestine on another and to the land of the midnight sun - Norway - on a third voyage.

He was twice married, first to Miss Helen A. Potter and after her death to Miss Emily Doty, who survived him, as do also his two sons by the first wife, namely Charles H., a lawyer, and LeRoy R., a physician, both of New York City.


Some Hamilton County Photos by S. R. Stoddard

Click on Image for a Larger View


Blue Mountain Lake

Long Lake

Islands in Raquette Lake (State Land)

St. Hubert's Isle - Raquette Lake

Effect of a Dam on the Raquette River

Raquette River at the Sweeny Carry

 

Last Updated: Wednesday, 14-May-2008 13:13:50 PDT
Copyright © 2000-2004:  Lisa K. Slaski