Ward Park takes its name from Deacon Levi Ward, whose family settled here in June 1807. His son, Dr. Levi Ward, became the first supervisor and assemblyman of Murray, part of which was named Bergen in 1813. Dr. Ward was responsible for mail delivery, the development of roads, canals, and railroads, and the construction of churches, stores, and schools as the community grew. Martin C. Ward, grandson of Deacon Ward, developed the village of Wardville, which was renamed Bergen in 1877.