i^s^ CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY EX ILBRIS JOHN SPARGO DATE DUE '^?:T^^ ,-? M iii^ r^t^SUi iii.i >■■ h GAYLORD PRiNTEDINU.S.A. Cornell University Library F 59P4 B32 Reunion celebration : togetiier with an h olin 3 1924 028 838 245 Cornell University Library The original of tinis book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924028838245 I. K. Batchelder. REUNION CELEBRATION TOGETHER WITH AN HISTORICAL SKETCH P K RU, BENNINGTON COUNTY, VERIMONT, Its Inhabitants from the First Settlement of the Town. By IRA K. BATCHELDER. brattleboro: PHCENIX JOB PRINT— E. L. HILDRETH & CO. i8qi. PREFACE. At the Centennial Celebration of the settlement of Peru, or reunion of her sons and daughters, they were of the opinion that the town had a history worth preserving, and the very complete historical paper read on that occasion by Hon. Ira K. Batchelder suggested him as the proper person to prepare it. A resident of the town for most of his life, well acquainted with nearly all the early settlers, and prominent in its affairs for half a century, no one among the number was so well equipped for the work as he. After considerable persuasion. Judge Batchelder consented, and the following History of Peru is the result. A great deal of time has been spent in gathering the facts for which Mr. Batchelder receives no remuneration except the gratitude of his former townspeople and those who shall come after, which we are sure he will receive in large measure. In some respects it is not as full as he would have been pleased to have made it, and soma families may have been omitted, or mentioned very briefly where a longer account would have been desirable, but this is the common fault of all such histories, where the money received for the sale of the book will not admit of a lengthy work. For this reason the interesting papers read by Hon. James M. Dudley and Dr. Asa Bigelow at the reunion are not inserted. In part they would have been a repetition of what Mr. Batchelder has written. As he very modestly omits all mention of his own family, the lack is partially supplied by the brief notice printed under the head of Biographies. D. K. SiMONDS, LIST OF PORTRAITS. Ira K. Batchelder, Frontispiece Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Barnard, Following page 8 Dea. John Batchelder, " 16 Israel Batchelder, " '8 Edmund Batchelder, " 20 Stowell Barnard, " 28 Peter Dudley, Jun., " 3^ Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Lyon, " 4° Mrs. I. K. Batchelder, " 46 Mr. and .Mrs, David Simonds, " ' 4'"^ Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Hapgood, " S^ Mr. and Mrs. Asa Simonds, " 64 H. O. Davis, "• 68 Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Beard, " 72 Jesse Warren, " 76 Mr. and .Mrs. J, L. Haynes, " 80 Hon. De.xter Batchelder, " 84 Mark Batchelder, " 90 Rev. A. F. Clark, " 102 Gen. Stephen Dudley, ' "122 Dea. O. P. Simonds, "' 126 M. J. Hapgood, " 134 INDEX. Attractions of Peru, Biographies, Bromley, Organization of, Buildings Lost by Fire, Casualties, Cemeteries, Charter, Churches, Church Buildings, Doctors, Early Physical Condition, Early Settlers, Epidemics, First Known White Persons, Hotels, Longevity, Mail, Mechanics, Military Companies, Mills, Reunion, Fourth of July, Roads, Schools and Schoolhouses, Soldiers of the Rebellion, Stores, Town Officers, Wild Animals, Page lo 120 84 117 116 120 13 99 107 119 21 27 118 18 IIS 143 90 III 90 112 I 82 95 92 116 8S 26 INDEX. FAMILIES. CHILDREN OF CHILDREN OF Adams, Joel, P age 34 Farnum, John, Page 40 " Joel, Jr., 34 Gould, H., ' 58 Abel, 34 Hapgood, Josiah, ' ' 36 " Moses, " 39 J. J., ' 55 John Q., 39 Holton, Frederick, ' 34 Aldrich, Willis, " 63 Howard, Joseph, ' 59 Ballard, Dea, Benjamin, " 35 Lakin, James, ' 76 Barnard, Benjamin, 29 Lampson, Reuben, 80 ' " Benjamin. Jr., " 46 Lincoln, Capt, James ' 61 Stowell, '• 32 Long, Isaac, 73 Batchelder, Mark, " 54 " J. P., 74 Israel, 61 Lyon, Dea. Seth, ' 31 Dea. John, 71 "" Joel, 3'i " Dea. Edm'd, 71 " Freeman, ' 32 Edmund, 72 " Seth, 32 Charles, 72 Mellendy, J. G., 51 Levi, " 73 Messenger, Edward, 47 F. P., " 73 " Amherst, 47 Amos, " 133 Xourse, Joel, ' 52 Bennett, Jonas, " 64 Phillips, Asa, ' 41 " Francis, 74 Priest, Moses, ' 69 Bigelow, Reuben, 28 Rider, Moses, ' 43 Brown, Jesse, Sen., 51 Jesse, ' 43 Bryant, Royall, " 53 Roby, Moody, ' 68 Burt, Scammel, " 37 Russell, Ira, ■ 46 Burton, Aaron, " 13^ Nathaniel, 75 Byard, Aaron, 40 Sawyer, John, ' ' 63 " Aaron T., 40 David, ' 6s Chandler, John, " 56 Siraonds, Elijah, ' 44 " E. P., " 57 Asa, 44 Cook, Hinckley, " 53 David, SI Coolidge, Harle}', 75 " 0. P., 54 Davidson, Dea. John, 75 Smith, David, ' 62 Davis, H. 0., 33 Stiles, Ebenezer, 66 " Grovneur, 82 Francis K., ' 67 " G. K., " 132 Stone, Samuel, ' • 69 Dudley, Gen. Peter, " 48 Josiah, 71 " Gen. Stephen, " 48 Tuttle, E. H., 81 INDEX. CHILDREN OF CHILDREN OF Wait, James, Page Si Whitney, Elisha, Page 57 Walker, Goodell, " 45 " Nathan, 60 " Reuben, " 46 Williams, Benjamin, 41 Warren, Jesse, '■ 49 Wyman, Dea. Thomas, 30 Whitney, W., " 55 " Oliver, " 31 BIOGRAPHIES. Barnard, Benjamin, Page Charles E., Eatchelder, Mark, " " John, " Israel, " " Edmund, " " Ira K., " George, " " Amos, " F. P., " Dexter, " Charles, " Dea. Edm'd, " " Edward, " Bennett, James, " " Jacob, Bigelow, Reuben, Burton, Aaron, Byard, A. T., Chandler, Ezra P., Davis, G. K., " John W., " Henry, " Dudley, Gen. Peter, " Peter, " Stephen, " " Rev. Myron S., " " James M., Farnum, J. W., 125 134 124 126 127 127 1 29 131 133 134 137 137 139 140 134 136 120' 131 139 132 132 141 T41 122 128 129 138 139 142 l-arnum, James, Jr age 143 Hapgood, J. J., " 125 L. B., •' 136 C. M., " 136 " Jonathan, " 140 M. J., " T42 Haynes, James L., " 131 Lakin, J. C, " 137 Lincoln, Stillman W., '■ 136 Long, Joseph P., " 135 " C. F., " 139 Lyon, Dea. Seth, " 123 " Freeman, '• 124 " Joel, " 124 '• Charles, " 133 " Mark B., " 137 Sawyer, John H., " 142 Simonds, Dea. David, " 127 Stephen D., " 134 Dea. 0. P., " 135 Joseph H., " 135 D. K., ■' 138 Stiles, Samuel, " 137 Stone, Harvey, " 133 Hezekiah, " 133 Walker, Goodell, " 141 Wyman, Dea. Thomas, " 123 Thos. Jr., " 123 GRAND FOURTH OF JULY REUNION. Dear Sir: The citizens of Peru have made arrangements for a grand reunion on July 4th, 1879, 'o which you are cordially invited. It is expected that many of the old residents who have removed to other localities will be present and it is desirable to have as many join with us on that occasion as possible. The exercises will consist of AN ORATION BY HON. JAMES M. DUDLEY, Of Johnstown, N. V. A HISTORICAL ADDRESS BY HON. IRA K. BATCHELDER, Of TOWNSHfiND, Vt. A POEM BY HON. D. K. SIMONDS, Of Manchester, Vt. There will also be a dinner with Toasts and Responses. If you decide to come please reply to that effect as soon as convenient. Robert I. Batchelder, For Committee. Peru, Vt., June 2d, 1879. The above invitation was sent to all resident and non-resident citizens and friends, who made a generous response, saying they would be present to unite with residents and friends of their native home in the festivities of the day, to rejoice with friends who had been so long separated by time and distance, and to breathe the pure air and drink of the sparkling water of their native hills on the Green mountains. 2 REUNION AT PERU. Among the responses to be present is the following, which I insert to remind us of David: Londonderry, Vt., June ii, 1879. To Robert I. Batchelder and Committee of Invitation of the Reunion at Peru, July 4, 1879. Dear Sir and Friends; We, mother of the original stock, David a limb of the same, Samuel Dudley and his broods, distinguished company far fetched, Carrie and Molly and broods, all limbs and sprouts of Peru stock; and George J., L. A., and F. Arnold Starbuck from a distance may be, and will endeavor to be on hand, and perhaps a city lawyer from New York, branches and limbs as aforesaid. ^'ery respectfully yours, David Arnold. Also the following from iMrs. Lucy Gray, formerly Lucy Simonds: Dekalb, III., June 24, 1879. Mr. Robert I. Batchelder. Dear Sir: I received your kind invitation to be present at the reunion of old settlers at your place on the Fourth. I assure vou that it would be highly gratifying to me to be present and see the home of my childhood, and renew the associations I once enjoyed, but age and infirmity prevent. I am in my eighty-second year, and will have to content myself in the far off region of the West. 1 know when that day comes my thoughts will go back to my old home in the East, and will be present in spirit though not in form. May it be a good day to all of you and not without profit, and I do rejoice that our country is free. Yours with respect, Mrs. Lucy Gray. Many responded by writing who could not be present m person, but said they should be present in spirit, and sent their congratu- lations to all present with good-will and love. The Manchester Journal's Account of the Reunion: Not less than three thousand people attended the reunion celebration the 4th, two hundred of whom were old residents, most of the old families being represented. Of the Bigelow family. Dr. Asa Bigelow, of Toledo, Ohio, Mrs. Fairchild, of Wisconsin, and Mrs. Dr. Whiting, of Chester; of the Warren family. Rev. S. Mills Warren, of Roxbury, Mass., and Herbert Marshall Warren; of the Dudley family, Hon, J. M. Dudley, of Johnstown, N. Y., Mrs. David Arnold and Mrs. Jesse Rider, of Londonderry, and Mrs. Curtis, of Hoosick, N. Y.; of the Barnard family, Luke and Seth Barnard, and REUNION AT PERU. 3 Mrs. Haynes, of Wilmington, diaries Barnard, of Illinois, Mrs. I. K. Batchelder, of 'I'ownshend, Mrs. J. J. Hapgood, of Cambridge, Mass., Mrs. Eviline Whitney, of Glens Falls, Mrs. Eleanor Gillson, of Chester, Mrs. Lydia Allen, of Greenfield, Mass., Mrs. Emma Button, Mrs. F. P. Batchelder, of Ludlow; of the Batchelder family, Hon. Ira K. Batchelder and Edward Batchelder, of Townshend, Edward and John L. Batchelder, Mrs. Ira Cochran and Mrs. D. L. Kent, of Dorset, F. P. Batchelder, of Ludlow, J. G. Batchelder, of Wilmington, and Jas. K. Batchelder, of Arlington; of the Lyon family, Charles Lyon, of Shushan, N. Y., and H. M. Lyon, of Massachusetts; of the Burton family. Dr. R. B. Burton, of New York City, Mrs. Charles Lyon, of Shushan, N. Y., and Mrs. A. J. Gray, of Manchester; of the Hapgood family, L. B. Hapgood and Miss Charlotte Hapgood, of Cambridge, Mass., and Charles Hapgood, of Easton, Pa.; of the Simonds family, S. D. Simonds, of Illinois, Oscar Simonds, of Pennsylvania, Mrs. A. F. Clark, of Leverett, Mass., Mrs. L. Howe, of Brattleboro, and Mrs. Simpson of Hoosick, N. Y. There were many more old residents present, some of whom we did not see, but we mention the above as fair specimens of those present and to show that the reunion was a success. Besides old residents there was a lai'ge crowd of people present from neighboring towns. The procession was formed under the direction of Geo. K. Davis, Esq., marshal, at to a. m., and reached from the village to the grove, as closely packed as an ordinary road would allow. The exercises at the grove were opened by Dexter Batchelder, Esq., president of the day, who welcomed the guests in a few fitting words, and introduced Rev. A. F. Clark, who was for many years pastor of the Congregational church, who offered prayer. Hon. James M. Dudley, orator of the day, was next introduced, and spoke for nearly an hour, his address being very appropriate to the occasion, well written and well delivered, and it was received by the audience with many tokens of approval. His references to incidents and events in the early history of the town moved the audience, especially the old residents, sometimes to laughter, sometimes to tears. Hon. Ira K. Batchelder followed with an historical sketch which included the early settlement of the town, with an extended acc:ount of all the prominent families. After speaking half an hour signs of rain caused an adjournment to the church, where Mr. Batchelder finished, occupying nearly two hours in all. The history must have cost a vast amount of labor and was very interesting, 4 REUNION AT PERU, especially to old residents. This was followed by dinner, which was furnished by the residents, and fully sustained their enviable reputation for deeds of hospitality. The shower somewhat interfered with the culinary arrangements, but did not spoil a good dinner nor prevent its thorough appreciation by the hungry, guests. After dinner the exercises were resumed in the church, opened by a poem by D. K. Simonds, which appeared to be well received. Dr. Asa Bigelow followed with a short address containing many amusing reminiscences, especially interesting to the older persons present. This was followed by the following sentiments and responses under the direction of J. B. Simonds, who acted as toastmaster. The day we celebrate; response by the Londonderry Cornet Band. The ladies of Peru; responded to by D. K. Simonds. Peru: May the moral character of its people be as high and prominent as its mountains; responded to by Rev. Asa F. Clark. The home of our childhood; response by a vocal trio, "Home Again Returning." Vermont: May its institutions of learning and the religious character of its people be everlasting; responded to by Hon. A. L. Miner. May there be many happy returns of the day to all present; response by the Weston Cornet Band. Peru: A good place to raise lawyers but too elevated to support them; responded to by J. K. Batchelder. The family: The foundation of State, may its influence in Peru be preserved pure and intelligent; responded to by Samuel M. Warren. Morality from religious principles the foundation of true manhood; responded to by Rev. R. D. Miller. Education: May our young people ever prize it above all other gifts; response by Ira K. Batchelder. Our old families; responded to by James M. Dudley. Our children at home: May they keep the fires burning brightly in order to welcome back the friends of "Auld Lang Syne;" responded by M. J. Hapgood. Should auld acquaintance be forgot; response by all singing, "Auld Lang Syne." The responses were all appropriate and added much to the interest of the occasion. Almost every speaker during the day feelingly referred to the high character of the old residents of the town who have passed away, and testified to their appreciation of the old Puritan influences under which they were brought up. It was five o'clock before the speaking was finished, and some of the visitors were so much interested in the occasion that they would have prolonged the meeting far into the night if left to themselves. The showers during the day made it very unpleasant for those who could not REUNION AT PERU. 5 find room in the church, and no doubt some went home disgusted, but the rain could not be helped, and but for that the celebration would have been satisfactory to everybody. The citizens of Peru did everything possible to make the occasion pleasant and one long to be remembered by those present. The Londonderry and Weston Cornet Bands made plenty of excellent music and added much to the interest of the occasion. The latter band has been organized but a short time, but played very nicely, and with more practice can become one of the best bands in the State. The Londonderry Band has already gained a good reputation, which they fully sustained on this occasion. After the celebration the Londonderry Band serenaded Mrs. .Anna Simonds, who is eighty-eight years old, and was not able to be present at the celebration. Among the pleasant incidents of the occasion was the contribution of a purse of one hundred dollars to the Peru Congregational Society by friends from abroad, to assist in repairs on the church and parsonage. A movement was also made for printing a complete history of the town, and a committee, composed of Ira K. Batchelder, D. K. Simonds and M. J. Hapgood, was appointed to take such steps as may be necessary to attain that object. We would be very glad to publish in the Journal the orations, etc., in full, but our limited space forbids. If the proposed history is published no doubt they will be included in that work. The following letter, which has been received by the Committee of Invitation of the Peru reunion, expresses the sentiments of nearly all the guests. New York, July 8, 1879. To R. I. Batchelder and others: Dear Sir; The charming retrospect of that reunion is so charming that I cannot refrain from expressing my great thanks to you for your invitation, and to all others concerned. It seems as if all the arrangements from first to last were planned by inspiration. The selection of orator, historian and poet was faultless. The music and all of the subsequent exercises were carried on with the best possible effect. The dinner was good and your hospitality was boundless. If Peru has decreased in popu- lation it surely has not in the quality of what is left. I think really only one such event can happen in our lifetime, but I rejoice to think that we can carry the remembrance of it to our last moments. Very respectfully, Dr. R. B, Burton, REUNION AT PERU. THE POEM, Great times we have at our house, the boys are on their way To visit the old homestead on Independence Day, And their sisters and cousins and aunts, and the Lord only knows who Will be here that day to join in the mighty hullabaloo. And Sarah Jane and I have been as busy as a bee In putting everything to rights for the boys and girls to see. We are bound they shan't go hungry, we know they'll not be sad, For haven't we worked like beavers to make their coming glad. Our house is filled with good things, pies, puddings, pork and beans, Ham, turkey, chicken hxins, and well, I think there's greens; Doughnuts ? Yes, there's doughnuts, you can bet your life on that, For Sarah Jane, she fried a cart load and used up all the fat. Last night 1 killed the fatted calf, the prodigal is sure to come. And 1 wa'nt that when he gets here, he'll find the folks at home. 'Tis true we're getting rather old, good Sarah Jane and I, But if you'd seen us fixing up you'd thought us dreadful spry, For everything about the house was getting rather slack And it really makes us young again to have the boys come back. Mother's afraid they'll be stuck up and put on city airs. But if they're a mind to be such fools I'd like to know who cares. 'Tis true most all have done quite well and some have done first rate. But they will leave their stuck up airs outside the front yard gate; Of course they know we're homespun folks that never put on style And won't expect kid gloves and sich in tillers of the "sile."' How I would feel in stovepipe hat and shiny broadcloth suit. And mother in a damask silk with frills and lace to boot! You might as well hitch up a cow and put her in a gig. And speed her on a trotting course, as to put us in such rig. But when you come to honest toil, though we are past our prime, A working in the house or field, you'll find us every time; And the boys will never fail to find a welcome kind and true Whenever they see fit to come away up to Peru. But bless me how they're scattered, from Maine to Iowa; They've gone to seek their fortins and bound to make it pay. But then it is no wonder, whether we won't or will. We know that men, like water, are bound to run down hill. The water from Old Bromley runs north, south, east and west, And so our sons and daughters take which course each likes best; They surely can't go higher up, unless in a balloon, And even they will hardly try a journey to the moon. But we will trust these boys of ours, for don't we surely know That they will show their bringing up no matter where they go; And they were never taught at home to cheat and steal and lie, Nor loaf around bad whiskey shops, or drinking on the sly; But they were all brought up to work and earn their daily bread, REUNION AT PERU. 7 To rise not later than the sun, and with the sun to bed. I know it seems a little hard, but then they had their fun, And all the sweeter, too, for them, with all their labor done; Such boys we know will make their mark, and never bring disgrace Upon the man who brought them up or on their native place. You'll pardon me for words of praise, indeed I can't do less Than tell the truth behind their backs, and that won't hurt I guess; The world has need of just such boys in every spot and place. They'll all pull true, and never balk or stumble in the race. But 1 must tell you about the boys we expect to see, A better lot you'd seldom find beneath a family tree; There's Jim we sent away to school because he would not work, And every time the job was hard he'd always try to shirk. He studied law, of course he did, the law's the place for him. But who'd a thought they'd ever made a judge of lazy Jim ? There's Ira K., he bought a farm and worked it very well. And always raised enough to eat, with plenty left to sell. And so he got a little proud and thought he'd rather go Where people have more rocks and where there is less snow; And so he went, but quickly found though snow is pesky stuff That water, too, is rather bad when one has more'n enough. Then there's U. K., we always thought he'd come to some bad end. For every cent that he could get he'd find a way to spend; He went to school and studied law, but never made much stir. And now he's settled down into a country editor. I quite forgot, he's been gone so long, to mention Asa B., Though he was jolly when he was young and dearly loved a spree; And then there's another Asa B., whom all of you must know, He's rather high, although you see his name is Bige/oiy/ And Moody, too, who stayed at home till he was eighty-one. Before he went across the hill to have a little fun; And Wot, a hard-working boy and always full of pluck, But somehow things would not go right, he never had no luck. And Asa F., who used to preach, and tried to practice too, Which is a great deal better than, I fear, some preachers do; There's Luke and Charles and Seth, three honest boys and true, Who manage to save their coppers and a little silver too; Charles he went to Illinois, and thinks he hit the mark, For farming there is easier than peeling hemlock bark. Ed and John did not go far before the critters found What proved to be a very good opening — in the ground. They did not go quite far enough to be rid of Vermont rocks. But the kind they have is very good and always raised in blocks. Then there's Luke B., a merchant prince, at least he might have been If he had staid in the old store and settled down his tin, But he must go and try his hand way down in big Boston, And now, though he may have less cash perhaps he has more fun; REUNION AT PERU. And there's James K., a lawyer, too, of good ability. Whether you lose or win your case, he'll never lose the fee; But then you hardly ever see, at least I never saw A man who got exceedingly rich by always going to law. And then there's Oscar, who will come from Pennsylvania, Who has found, it seems, that even there life is not all child's play, But he has done his very best to help his fellow men By trying to support his wife, also his children ten; There's Elb, who used when he was young, to flirt with all the girls. And always sure to lose his head at sight of pretty curls; But long ago he steadied down and sticks to work I suppose. For marriage is a sure cure for all such freaks as those. And then John G., <; jolly boy and always full of fun. And every chance that he could get to Landgrove he would run; And Samuel M., who used to be clear up above them all, For he lived high, I don't mean fast, nor extremely tall. And Mahlon too, an honest boy, a lover of his books, A doctor now, though one would hardly think it from his looks; And there is Charles, a curious boy, who likes it seems, a span. And is, as everybody knows, a stiff, cold water man. And Porter J., who left his farm, but still we all agree That he will make, if he keeps on, a first rate deputy; And Aiden, a rather puny boy and slender of his age. Who expects to be a conductor on the narrow guage; Aiden he will sure be here, his senses in a whirl. For he, like any good young man will bring along his girl. And others too we shall expect, while others cannot come. Though we would like right well to see all the boys at home. Now I've thus far only told you of the boys who roam. But I must also say a word of those who staid at home; Some good, some bad, but on the whole I think they will compare In every good and honest work with boys raised anywhere. There's Tom, my eldest, always stiddy, never shirked his meals. And still he's happy, though old age, like twilight, o'er him steals; And Frank, a very steady worker, and always hearty too. And never really, truly happy without a heap to do; And Edmund, another stiddy boy, whom we always knew Would be a deacon if he lived, a very good deacon too. And while I'm on the deacon list I must not skip O. P., Who always would stick to the last like bark unto a tree. And then there's Deck, a jolly boy, who rather likes his ease. But makes a living off his farm, and sometimes he makes cheese; There's John, Ide and Seth, and also Merrill G., If they should go away from home they'd sure to be all at sea. And Jonathan sticks tight at home and minds his little biz. And hardly comes to town to find out whether butter's riz. There's Harvey S, and Kiah, too, now better boys are scarce, Mrs. Benjamin Barnard. Benjamin Barnard. REUNION AT PERU. 9 And girls who ketch and marry them might do a great deal worse; And John, but he is caught at last, indeed we know he's gone, A pretty girl just smiled on him, and then 'twas goodbye John. I need not tell you of Geo. K., of course you know him well, He's one of those who just know how to keep a good hotel; Then there's Mark B., Clark J., and others too, but I have said enough, And fear you'll think what 1 have said is naught but silly stuff. I'd like to tell you of our girls, of whom we raised a crop. But should I get to praising them I fear I'd never stop. But you'll soon see what they can do, in fact they can't be beat In getting up a rousing meal for hungry folks to eat; And now I think you've heard enough about our family, And if you ever come to town, drop in, and stay to tea. D. K. SiMONDS. ATTRACTIONS OF PERU. As to the scenery, let him judge of it who has ever crossed the mountain upon the turnpike from IVIanchester. As he rounds the top, suddenly there bursts upon the view a sight which no one whose heart is at all akin to nature can ever forget. Stretched in full glory below him lies the whole broad valley of the upper West River and its tributaries, while beyond the vision follows range after range, and is lost only amid the giants of the White Mountains. But by far dearer to me is the journey across the Notch. As you reach the top, the eye rests upon a broacj stretch of wilderness, extending for miles in every direction. Half way down, where a half dozen brooks gather, I have camped each year for weeks at a time. No sound, save the rustle of a leaf and the rush of the mad, leaping waters, with an atmosphere wafted into the face such as kings or emperors, in their gorgeous palaces, never breathe. I take my rod, I fish for miles, north, south, east or west. I cross no clearing and pass over no boundary line. I follow the main branch, which is the head-waters of the Ijattenkill, two miles to the north, cross a slight ridge, alight upon the head-waters of the Otter Creek, fish it down another two miles, until I arrive at that incomparable sheet of water, Buffom Pond. All of this time I have been traveling due north, and have not left the bounds of my native town, or been within two miles of a clearing. I might have gone south with nearly the same result. When I reach Buffom, I am there ! Where? — in Paradise, or as near Paradise as I can well get on earth. Time and again I have traveled the Adirondacks, but there is nothing there in that magnificent region to surpass it. With a hard, stony shore and bottom, all around is the virgin forest, as yet unpolluted by the hand of man. The heavy, dense fir trees crowd in on all sides in the vain endeavor to fill the watery space. You shout, and the woods echo and re-echo your voice until it reaches the mountains ATTRACTIONS OF PERU. ii that surround you upon all sides, but no ear, save the ear of the sportsman, catches the sound. Everywhere is nature, just as the Creator made it, wild, strong, full, running over, romantic! One cannot stay here but a short time and not get hungry. Yet don't get alarmed, friend, or bring in with you your stale cooked provender. Nature has made ample provision. In those deep, still waters floats meat fit for the gods, and such, I ween, as the gods very seldom get, rich, fire red, just large enough to spin the reel and set the nerves all a quiver as you draw them out, these speckled, smooth skinned beauties are ahead of anything which Jay Gould can purchase with his two hundred millions. For over twenty years I have visited this region annually, and never yet failed to get my fill, and only those who have been with me can have any idea, whatever, what that means. And I can truthfully boast of sport obtained right here in my native state, unique, unexcelled, even by your Maine or Canadian professional. Standing upon a well balanced raft, and moored in water twenty feet deep, four times in succession I have hooked with my seven ounce rod three trout at a time, weighing from four to sixteen ounces each; at the last cast the fourth hook was taken by a sixteen ounce bull head. I have followed up a wild stream, unfished since I left it the year before, stood at the foot of a round basin ten feet acros,-;, and laid out, one by one, upon the bank, as my wife cast them quivering towards me, twenty-seven plump, fat, legal trout. For nearly a week at a time I have camped, with ladies, in the heart of this wilderness, with only the ground for a floor and a bark roof, all open in front, for a cover; and carried in hardly more than a single loaf of cooked food. I have myself put upon the bark table, steaming hot, ready for simultaneous consumption, well cooked trout, pork, pancakes, potatoes, maple syrup and coffee. Well, you only who have been there know what it means, with only the open fire to cook over. Outsiders can have no more idea of it than a crocodile has of music. Often I have gone for months without a meal of victuals, although I have one of the best cooks in the parts at the head of my household. I go through the ceremony of eating, and manage to dispose of a large amount of fodder, yet only when I get back to the old camp and come in after a hard day's tramp, with fire to kindle, trout to dress, and supper to get, with its aroma tantalizing my nostrils, do I feel like eating? But mind one thing, some one else washes the dishes, or else they go until morning. 12 ATTRACTIONS OF PERU. "And now conies still evening on, And twilight, grey. Has in her sober livery, all things clad.'' "The other member of the party" throws fresh fuel upon the camp fire. The woods around glimmer with the wavering light. Fantastic shadows dance hither and thiiher. High overhead the paled stars shine dimly out. Somehow I manage to move a little to where the balsam boughs lie in thick profusion under the projecting bark. Some kind, considerate friend hands me a cigar. Slowly, calmly, fully I taste the fragrant weed, and watch the wreaths of smoke as they curl gracefully up. That most important of all events, viz: digestion, is, undoubtedly, now taking place. I feel at peace with all mankind and all creation. I doubt whether, if that most hated of all enemies, the mosquito, should now alight upon me that I should raise a hand to crush it. Even though he who nominated me as church committee, should now look upon me, 1 think that 1 should smile upon him. But hark! What sound is that, repeated at long, full intervals? Ah, comrades! You have fallen, fallen ignominiously, without a struggle. ^Vell, sleep — the best, strongest, sweetest, most health-giving sleep known to mortal, is yours. The fire will soon die out, yet the stars will grow brighter and watch over you. Soon the full orbed moon will start in her course westward across the sky. No nightmare, no dreams even, will be yours. And in the morning the scent of the balsam will be in your clothes. Your hands will rub it into your eyes, and melting dew will carry it everywhere through the air. Not even a plunge into the cold, pure water, will wash it away. Ah me! As I sit at my desk at mid-winter, I can live over again the only real, true part of my life. Yes, I am fully convinced that no other place in these parts offers equal attractions for the tired and dejected denizens of our cities who seek rest, recreation and quiet. We have a telegraph line and a daily mail from each direction; and a landlord whose tables even now millionaires drive miles out of their way to enjoy. No description of our town would be at all complete without mention of our honored host, Mr. G. K. Davis, whose name shall fittingly close our wayward description. M. J. Hapgood. HISTORY OF PERU. The history of a small country town, and that in no way conspicuous among its neighbors, can hardly be expected to furnish much to interest the general reader. Such a work must be made up of particulars and minute details. It is seldom that great or distinguished characters occur to give interest to the story. The narrative must derive its claim to the reader's attention mainly from his acquaintance with the scenes, or his connection with the actors described. The problem of history may be thus stated, giving the present state, condition and character of the people, to determine those influences in the past which have tended to produce these results. It is the task of the historian to trace the development of these influences and so to arrange the history of events as to give a miniature of the character and spirit of the age which he describes. He must set before us not only the great statesmen and scholars, but also ordinary men in their ordinary dress, and engaged in their ordinary employment. He must visit the dwellings of the pour and the abodes of misery as well as the palaces of wealth and luxury. No anecdote, no familiar saying is insignificant which can throw light upon the state of education, morals or religion, or mark the progress of the human mind. Since the natural features of a country have an important influence upon the character of its inhabitants, they must be described in their primitive wildness as well as in their present state of cultivation and improvements. CHARTER AND DOINGS OF THE ORIGINAL PROPRIETORS. Peru lies in the northeast corner of Bennington county, bounded on the north by Mount Tabor, east by Landgrove, south by Winhall, west by Dorset. It was chartered at Portsmouth, 14 HISTORY OF PERU. N. H., by Benning Wentworth, October 13th, 1761, as colonial governor of the Province of New Hampshire, receiving his appointment from King George the Third, by the name of Bromley, for the due encouragement of settling a new plantation within said province under certain reservations and conditions. Province of New Hampshire. I, George the Third, By the Grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith. To all to whom these presents shall come: For the encouragement of settling a new plantation within our State Province by and with the advice of our trusty and well beloved Friend, Benning Wentworth, Our Governor and Commander-in-Chief of our Province of New Hampshire and of our council of said Province, Upon the conditions and reservations hereinafter made, given and granted, and by these presents for us and our heirs and successors, do give and grant in equal shares unto our loving subjects, inhabitants of our said Province and our other governments, to their heirs and assigns forever, Whose names are entered on this grant to be divided among them into 72 equal shares all that tract or parcel of Land situate lying and being within our said Province, containing 23,040 acres, according to a plan and survey made by our Governor's order and returned into our Secretary's office, butted and bounded as follows. Viz., Beginning at the northwest corner of Winhall, Thence due north si.\ miles to the southwest corner of Harwich (Mt. Tabor), Thence east six miles to the southeast corner thereof. Thence due south six miles to the northeast corner of Winhall, 'llience due west by Winhall to bounds began at, and the same is incorporated into a Township by the name of Bromley, and the mhabitants that do or shall hereafter inhabit said Township are enfranchised with and entitled to all the privileges that other towns exercise and enjoy, and as soon as there shall be fifty families residing and settled thereon, they shall have the liberty of holding two fairs, and a market may be opened one or two days in a week, and the first meeting for choice of Town Officers agreeable to the laws of our Province shall be held on the first Monday of November next; said meeting shall be notified by Samuel Gilbert, and the annual meetings for the choice of Town Officers shall be held on the second Tuesday of March annually. To have and to hold said tract with the appurtenances thereof to them and their heirs and assigns forever upon the following conditions: HISTORY OF PERU. 15 1. Every grantee, his heirs or assigns, shall plant and cultivate five acres of land for every 50 acres owned, and shall continue to do so upon penalty of forfeiting his grant of said Township. 2. All white or pine trees suitable for masting our Royal Navy shall be carefully preserved for that use. 3. Before any division of said land shall be made among the grantees, a grant of land as near the centre of the Township as may be, one acre of Land allotted to each grantee for a Town Lot. 4. Yielding and paying to us, our heirs or successors, one ear of Indian corn on the 25th day of December for ten years. 5. 'Every proprietor settling or inhabitating shall yield or pay unto us, our heirs and successors on and after the 25th day of December, 1772, one shilling, proclamation money, to any officer appointed to receive the same. There is no record of any proprietors' meeting until 1797. A meeting of the proprietors was called by the request of the proprietors by Moses Warner, Justice of the Peace of Andover, to be held at the Inn of Jonathan Butterfield in Bromley the 2nd day of March, 1797. Proprietors met agreeable to warning. Chose Joseph Bullard, Moderator; Ebenezer Hurlburt, Proprietors' Clerk; Joseph Bullard, Treasurer; John Waters, Collector. Chose a committee of three, consisting of Nathaniel Leonard, Benjamin W. Willard and John Waters, instructed them to run the out lines of Bromley. Voted that persons who have made pitches and improved and built on them, be quieted, have them instead of their lot; if they had any legal title to a right. Voted the committee be instructed to lay out and survey three lots of one hundred acres to each proprietor's right, to be numbered first, second, and third division of said right, and to be drawn separately. The record of said division and draft is found on the 80th page of proprietors' record and onward. The whole expense of surveying, according to the above record, was $917.63. At a proprietors' meeting held June 6, 1798, voted that 1I13.90 should be assessed to each proprietor's right, to be collected and paid into the treasury before the 7th inst. The meetings of the proprietors were kept alive by adjournment from time to time, year after year. September 6th, 1798, adjourned June 5th, 1799; then adjourned to September loth, 1800, A. D. Cho.se Reuben Bigelow, Proprietors' Clerk, Bromley, September loth, 1800. Meeting opened according to adjournment. Chose a committee of Ebenezer Hurlburt, Esquire Kimball of Harvard, and i6 HISTORY OF PERU. Reuben Bigelow to be empowered in behalf of the proprietors to treat with Asa Utley and others respecting the land in the east part of Bromley, which Utley and others pretended to claim. It is said and thought that the Utleys, who were the first settlers, found the east and west lines were over six miles, allowance having been made for the high mountains which lay in the west part of the town. Utley made the east line further west than the original survey, claiming the land as a part of the gore now Landgrove. Several law suits grew out of it, and it was finally settled by the Legislature establishing a jurisdictional line in 1835. Also said committee to prosecute Asa Utley and others or defend to final judgment any suit which may be brought or commenced respecting this land. Voted to dissolve this meeting; Attest R. Bigelow, Proprietors' Clerk. Reuben Bigelow defended suit brought by Asa Utley and others against the proprietors of Bromley. His bill for the same was $283.88, which amount was allowed by the proprietors the 29th day of September, 1802. By request of more than one-tenth of the proprietors a meeting was warned to be holden at the house of Reuben Bigelow the 29th day of September, 1802, by Robert Pierpoint, Justice of the Peace. Meeting called by Proprietors' Clerk. Voted to assess each right $4.17 to pay expense of law suit. Proprietors' meetings were held and adjourned each year until 1809. Another law suit was had between Asa Utley and others and the proprietors of Bromley in regard to the disputed land in the easterly part of the town. No settlement was effected. The proprietors had to pay a bill of cost amounting to $341.22. At a meeting held by the proprietors September 14th, 1809, they voted to raise a tax on each right of individual land of $5.17, which was raised and paid. At a meeting of the proprietors held September 3rd, 1815, a committee of two from each town of Landgrove and Peru, who had been appointed, made a report establishiuLC the line surveyed by Esquire Dunton in part, and completed by Daniel Ormsby, county surveyors, A. D. 1803. Report dated January 3rd, 1814. Jonathan Twist, Nathan Burton, committee for Peru; Asa Utley, Peabody Utley, committee for Landgrove. The report was accepted by the proprietors at a meeting of the proprietors. At a subsequent meeting the acceptance was reconsidered; no settlement was effected under the proprietors' administration. The disputed land in the easterly part of the town without further suits for the soil. A pauper suit grew out of it. After one or two suits was settled Dea. foHN Batchelder. HISTORY OF I'KRU. 17 another generation occupying the land, old feuds and (luanels are forgottea. Peter Dudley and Josiah Barnard were .elected a committee to lay out and survey a fourth division of lots on the undivided land. In their report they reported 15 acres were divided to each proprietor's right. Johnson Marsh, Surveyor; expenses of the same, $58.50. September 24th, 1824, meeting adjourned to the 2nd Wednesday in September next. No record of another proprietors' meeting until May 15th, 1853. A meeting of the proprietors was warned to meet at L. Howard's hotel in Peru on the 14th day of July, 1853, by Welcome Allen, Justice of the Peace. Peru, July 14th, 1853, proprietors met agreeably to above warrant. Chose O. P. Simonds, Moderator; O. P. Simonds, Proprietors' Clerk; Johnson Marsh, Collector; George Marsh, Treasurer. A^oted to make a fifth division of all the undivided land in Peru. Chose Johnson Marsh committee to allot said land by employing a surveyor and other helii necessary to do it. Voted that said division and survey be completed and presented to proprietors at L. Howard's hotel in Peru on the 30th day of November next, at one o'clock p. m. At Peru, November 30th, 1853, at the hotel of L. Howard, Johnson Marsh, committee to allot and survey the undivided land in Peru, reported he had performed the duties and divided said land into 32 acre lots, and made a draft for each proprietor's share. Voted to accept the above report as valid and correct. Cost of the survey and division, $96.63. Annual meeting of the proprietors was held by adjournment until May 2ist, 1857, A. I). No record of any further meeting of the proprietors can be found. 'i'his last and final division was of the land on the west mountain, south of the notch road, being east of Dorset east line. The Colonial Governor of the Colony of New York, in his surveys on New Hampshire Grants, surveyed all the territory embracing Peru, giving it the name of Brindley. It is not known that he granted it to any individual or chartered it to any number of individuals, and no person ever claimed title under a grant from New A'ork officials. I am indebted to Judge Wheeler, who furnished me with these facts, and who has a plot of Brindley in connection with adjacent towns. It is found in the documentary history of New York at Albany. I presume this survey of the New York Governor was i8 HISTORY OF PERU. subsequent to the charter granted by Governor Wentworth in 1761. FIRST KNOWN WHITp: PERSONS IN TOWN. The first white men who trod on the soil of Peru were a company of eighteen men under command of Captain Eleazer Melvin, who started from Northfield, Mass., on the 13th day of May, 1748, on an expedition against the Indians on or about Lake Champlain. The record of the journey says: "Marclied the first day to No. 2, camped; May 14th, the}' marched to No 4; from No. 4 (Charlestown) marched north- westerl}' over the mountains to the Lake. On May 25th fired at the Indians from a point about a mile from Crown Point. The Indians being so numerous they retreated east three or four miles, thence traveled southeast ten miles, camped; May 26th, marched southeast about five miles, south about eleven miles further; May 27th, marched southeast to Otter Creek, one mile below the first falls, and marched about four miles above the falls; May 28th, marched up Otter Creek to the Crotch, about six miles, up south branch ten miles; May 29th, marched up the south branch to the head of it, thence southeast over a large mountain, leaving another large mountain on the northwest, keeping course down the mountain, crossed several streams supposed to be the head waters of Saratoga River (now Battenkill), marched this day about sixteen miles; May 30th, marched south southeast about six miles, came upon a branch of West River, traveled down the river about eight miles, camped; May 31st, our provisions being very short we began our march before sunrise and traveled till about half-past nine o'clock, being beside the river. Several of the company desired to stop to replenish, being faint and weary, whereupon we halted and began to take off our packs and sat down, and in about a half minute after our halting the enemy rose from behind a log and several trees about twenty or thirty feet at the furthest distance and fired about twelve guns at us, but do not know whether any men received any hurt though so near. Whereupon I called to the men to face the enemy and run up the bank, which I did myself, and several others attempted, but the enemy was so thick they could not, I had no sooner jumped up the bank but the enemy were so thick just upon me 1 discharged my gun at one of them about eight feet from the muzzel of my gun, who I saw fall about the same time that Israel Batchelder. HISTORY OF PERU. 19 I discharged my gun. The enemy fired about twenty guns at us, killed four men, viz.: John Hayward, Isaac Taylor, John Dod and Daniel Man. The men who were alive, or most of them, fired immediately on the enemy, several of which shots did execution, as can be witnessed by several who saw the enemy fall, but seeing the enemy numerous and their guns being discharged, they retreated, several ran across the river, where some of them had a chance, or opportunity, to fire again at the enemy. Some ran up the river and some down, and some into the thicket on the same side of the river. For my own part, after I saw my men retreat, and being beset by the enemy with guns, hatchets and knives, one of which, or a bullet, I cannot certainly tell which, carried away my belt, and with it my bullets, all except one I had loose in my pocket. I ran down the river and two Indians followed almost side by side with me, calling, 'Come, Captain, Now, Captain,' but upon my presenting my gun towards them, though not charged, they fell a little back and ran across the river. I charged my gun, moved a few steps and one of them fired at me, which was the last gun fired. I looked back and saw nine of the enemy scalping the dead men, and six or seven running across the river and several about the bank of the river, all very busy, which I apprehended were carrying off their dead. I then, being alone, went to the side of the hill in sight of the plan of battle, and there seated myself to look for some of my men and to see if the enemy made any shout, as is customary with them when they get the advantage. But hearing no more of them, nor seeing any of my own men, I made the best of my way to Fort Dumrner, where I arrived the next day before noon. One of my men got in an hour before me, eleven more came in a few hours in different companies. Six men were killed in the fight. Captain Melvin returned the next day with forty men to bury the dead." The above was copied from Melvin's Journal, in New Hampshire Historical Collection, Volume 5, pages 109, no and III. Ensign Taylor was taken captive by the Indians between Hinsdale and Fort Dummer the 17th day of August, 1748. He was taken up West River over the Highlands to the head-waters of Otter Creek. Taylor, on hi.s return from captivity, gave an account of passing over the ground where Captain Melvin's affair happened. There is no doubt but that Captain Melvin's party were the first white persons ever passed through Peru, and Ensign Taylor 20 HISTORY OF PERU. was taken up West River, passed over the high land to the liead- waters of the Otter Creek, through Peru, A. D. 1748, and Indian arrows were found in the sand bed below the Ma3'nes mill about 1825. I am indebted to Judge Wheeler, of Rrattleboro, for furnishing these facts. It is an established fact that the Indians, during the time the French owned and occupied Canada, frequently crossed the mountains in their predatory excursions upon the frontier settlements on and east of the Connecticut river, foUm^ing up the streams to the low places on the mountains, then down the branches that run into the Connecticut river and vice- Tcrsa. Captain William Utley came from Connecticut with his family in 1769. He settled on the spot where Menzie Thompson's house stands. Undoubtedly he expected and knew that he was in the Township of Bromle}'; as evidence that he thought so he attended three of the early conventions of the State as delegate from the town of Bromley, viz.. He was a delegate at Dorset in 1776; on October 30th, 1776, was delegate at a session held at Wc-tniinster; also delegate at a session held at Windsor, November 9, 1777. It \vas said the line of the town was east of the Utley house called the Mun line. Rromley being surveyed, more than six miles allowance was made for the high mountain; its being measured from the west line six miles without allowance for the mountain brought the line a half mile or more west of Utley's house, leaving Utley on the gore of land between Weston and Bromley. This was a bone of contention for years. The difficulty was referred to commissioners at different times, but no settlement was concluded until 1835. The citizens agreed on a line which was established hy the legislature as jurisdictional line and each town acquiesced. William Barlow in 1773 came from Connecticut, built a house near where the old house stood below the road on M. B. Lyon's farm. It is not known what became of him; some say he left during the war, but returned and died in Peru. He was buried on the place in the corner of the Holton lot, where others were buried. In 1777, Ira Allen, secretary of a convention held at Manchester, wrote in pressing terms to Meshech Weare, president of the provincial council assembled at Exeter, N. FI., to send troops or soldiers to Verinont. On the 9th day of July, 1777, President Weare sent a letter to Ira Allen, stating that "They have now determined that a quarter part of the militia of twelve regiments shall be immediately drafted, formed into three battalions under the Edmund Batchelder. HISTORY OF PERU. 21 command of Brigadier General John Stark, and forthwith sent into your State to oppose the ravages and coming forward of the enemy." It was furthermore stated that the troops would depend for provisions upon Vermont. It was also requested that proper persons be sent to No. I (Charlestown), to meet General Stark, and advise with him relative to the route and disposition of his troops. It is supposed that Cieneral Warner met Stark at No. 4, perhaps others with him. In a history recently published by C. C. Coffin, it is said General Stark found a cannon at No. 4, which he m.ounted on cart wheels and took along with him. It is pictured in Coffin's history, the horses tugging to take the cannon along, the men lending a hand to get it over hard places. The route they traveled was through Springfield, Chester, Andover, Landgrove, Bromley (Peru), corner of Winhall into Manchester. 'I'he troops found a road cut through the wilderness to ("aptain Utley's in Landgrove, but here the road ended. They dined with Captain Utley, and for a part of their rations he prepared a potash kettle of mush, or in Yankee terms, hasty pudding. From this place they followed the scarred trees, removing the impediments in the way or going around them. For si.x or eight miles there was no road, and but one opening in the wilderness, that was on the farm where M. B. I.yon lives, where it is said a part of the troops camped, the rest going further on and camping near where Gen. Dudley built his house. He found two bayonets near the spring, and other indications of a camping place. Judge Munson, in his History of Manchester, says General Stark was on the mountain the 6th of August, 1777, and on the 7lh came down to Manchester. This was the largest company of men that ever traveled through Peru. After this it is probable the delegates attending the early conventions of the State passed over the mountain on this route. EARLY PHYSICAL CONDITION. Bromley, now Peru, was chartered to be six miles square. It is bounded on the north by Mount Tabor, on the east by Landgrove, on the south by Winhall, and on the west by Dorset. It is a mountain town. The west half of the town is a high mountain range running north and south through the town, with only one notch where a road could be made, nearly midway between the north and south lines of the town. This mountain is the backbone of the Green Mountains, the water-shed where the water divides. 22 HISTORY OF PERU. The Mac} Tom rises on the mountain, runs west to East Dorset, where it unites to form the Battenkill river. South of this the Little Mad Tom runs west into the Kill. These waters flow south and west, and empt)' into the Hudson a little above the monument that marks the spot of Burt;;oyne's surrender. North of Mad Tom are the head-waters of the Otter Creek, which run west and north to Lake Champlain at A'ergennes, thence into the St. Lawrence. The waters on the east side of the mountain flow into the West River, thence southeasterly into the Connecticut and Long Island Sound. The waters of Peru run to the ocean in three different directions. The streams are small but afford good mill privileges for the use of man, and there is not any country (in earth that affords cleaner or purer water than flows from the sides of these mountains. Buffom Pond is high on the mountain, containing several acres; it lies in Peru and Mount Tabor, is noted for its good trout fishing. Mud Pond is in the southeasterly part of the town, is a small pond, but is noted for its blood-suckers. The west part of the town is not susceptible of cultivation on account of the steepness and ruggedness of the mountains. The east half was accessible to the early adventurers; it lies pitching to the east and southeast. It was originally covered with a heavy growth of timber, consisting of spruce, hemlock, balsam, pine, white and sugar or rock maple, white and yellow birch, white and black ash, beech, basswood, and some elm. A few lots in the town still have the primitive growth of timber, and are more valuable than much of the cultivated land. The soil is various; in some sections it is a wet, loamy mixture of clay, while other parts are dry and gravely. The land that was covered with hard wood produced bountifully when first cleared, but the more it is cultivated the poorer it becomes. That part covered with dark timber is not as good when first cleared, but cultivation improves it, and is the most desirable for farming purposes, being warmer, more free from stones, and more easily worked than the hard-wood land is. The first settlers had much to contend with in the early time of the town. With plenty of timber of the best kind, there were no mills to cut it into boards, and it could be used only in its primitive state, hence log houses and barns were the primitive buildings of the first settlers. The first thing for immigrants to do was to select a spot near some spring or rivulet on which they could erect their mansion, then dig a hole in the ground to substitute for a cellar, HISTORY OF PERU. 23 where through a trap door a ladder was put for stairs, with which to go down for such vegetables as they might have; they were always sure to have a pork barrel well filled, also such fruit as grew natural on the trees. As for a barrel of cider there was no place to get it into the cellar, but that was not the worst of it, there was no cider to put in. Then clear the spot of brush and trees, and cut logs for the dimensions of the house, which was usually one room with a large stone chimney in one end, with a fireplace large enough to hold half a cord of wood. The foundation was laid with logs on the ground, on which the superstructure was erected with logs rolled one upon another, notched at the corners so that the logs would be held in place and lie near together. Cross timbers would be put on for the chamber floor, then the timber for rafters, on which cross ribs were pinned covered with spruce bark or long shingles riven and shaved, which made a roof. The door was made of split timber, and hewn with an axe, but it was not long before boards could be obtained. The fireplace was large, with a wide stone hearth, the chimney built to the chamber floor with stones, topped out with split sticks laid cob house fashion, well daubed over with clay mortar to make it proof against fire. The cracks between the logs were filled wiih mortar to keep the cold out and the heat in. A window of six lights on each side gave light in winter and let in air in summer. A doorway was cut out in which was hung a door made of rough boards, nailed together with cleats, anampson, lives in Idaho. Mariah S. m. Ralph Weston, lives in New Hampshire. James Franklin, died. An infant died. Jane D. m. George Richardson, lives in Landgrove. Hannah R. m. N. Fuller, lives in New York. Betsey E. m. John Davis, lives in Manchester. Allen S. M. Betsey Tuttle, lives in Springfield. George, died young. Amanda L. m. Richard Cook, lives in Manchester. James F. m. Mary Lockwood, lives in Vermont. Victoria H. m. Frank Jones, lives in Peru. Shepherd Aldrich built all the buildings on his farm, being the first one that settled on the lot. He also built a mill in the north part of the town, which does some business. Mr. Aldrich married Emily Gould and has seven children. The farm is situated in one of the most sightly locations in town. Samuel Stone came from Gardner, Mass., in 1802, and began on the farm where John Priest now lives. He was born in Gardner, Mass.. in 1779, and was .one of eleven children, all of whom grew up to marry and settle down in life. Samuel Stone married Susannah Haynes the same year that he came to Bromley. He commenced clearing the unbroken forest with strong hands and a determined will that overcame all obstacles, soon having a clearing large enough to build a log house. All the windows in the house were made of white paper, greased, and then pasted on to the sash. They lived in H. O. Davis. HISTORY OF PERU. 69 this house several years and then built the one now occupied by John Priest. Mr. Stone was a man who lent a willing hand in making improvements in a new country, such as making roads, building schoolhouses, and erecting churches. He was chosen to all the important offices of the town, was elected justice of the peace, sent as delegate to a constitutional convention, and was tythingman for a long time, which required him to see that the boys and girls who sat in the square boxes in the gallery sat up straight and gave revesent attention to the instructions proclaimed by the preacher in the high pulpit. The first time that Mr. and Mrs. Stone went to Gardner, Mrs. Stone rode horseback, while he accompanied her on foot. In the fall of 1825 the whole family, with the exception of Mrs. Stone, had the typhus fever, and one son died. In 1837 he sold the farm to James Bennett and went to Pittsfield, Ohio, where, with the help of one son, he cleared a farm and erected new buildings. It did not tend to lengthen his life by emigrating. He died in 1845, aged 66 years. CHILDREN OF SAMUEL STONE. Martha m. Francis K. Stiles, lives in Peru. Samuel died in Peru of typhus fever in 1825. Susan M. H. S. Farmer of PittsTield, Ohio. Reuben m. Hannah Whitney of Peru, moved to Pittsfield, Ohio, in 1835. He started for the west, with his young bride, in an emigrant wagon, carrying all he could, the most prominent being his axe and gun. He lived in Oberlin and died there in 1886. Joseph M. in Ohio, died in 1854. Willis M. Eliza Barnard, went to Ohio; died in 1848. Betsey went to Ohio with her parents in 1842. James Bennett lived on the Stone farm two years, then selling it to John Whitney, who came with his family from Rindge, N. H. He lived on the farm until Moses Priest bought it, when he moved back to Rindge. Mr. Priest died on this farm, and his son, John Priest, then took possession, occupying it at the present time. CHILDREN OF MOSES PRIEST. John D. M. Edith Scott of Mt. Tabor, lives in Peru. Mahlon studied medicine, settled in New York as a physician and druggist. Caroline lives in Plymouth. Clarissa m. Amos Smith, settled in Weston. Joseph Stone came from Gardner, Mass., in 1804, and lived with yo HISTORY OF PERU. his brothers, Samuel and Josiah. He made cardboards, which were used for carding wool and tow in the domestic factories of the land, transporting his goods to Gardner by team. Uncle Joe would inspect the wilderness to find smooth beech, of which he made his cardboards, and no landmarks interfered with his right to do this. Mr. Stone married Polly Stiles in 1828, and moved on to the place which his children now occupy. He began new on this place, erected all the buildings and made the road. Mr. Stone died in 1S56, aged 75 years, leaving three children, Harvey, Hezekiah and Lenora, who are all unmarried and living on the old homestead. Mrs. Stiles died in 1879. Capt. Josiah Stone came from Gardner in 1808, and began on a new lot east of his brother Samuel's. He built the best log house in the town, it being made of peeled spruce, long and straight, nicely laid up, and all made square at the corners. The house had two large rooms, with a stone fireplace in the centre of each, and a comfortable chamber. The house was shingled, and the family occupied it about thirty years as it was first built. Capt. Stone soon had cultivated land in place of the forest, and planted an orchard, where he had a quantity of grafted fruit, which the boys would watch and sometimes take. It was not long before he commenced making sugar, at first using troughs to catch the sap, but soon had the best pine buckets, which he made himself. He boiled the sap in a three-barrel kettle, made more than an inch thick, and shaped liked an earthen bowl, it having ears on the sides bv which it was hung over the fire. \\'hen the fire was in full blaze the sap would boil furiously, but a slice of pork thrown into it would prevent its running over. If this sugar was not as nice as our modern sugar it was sweet and palatable, even if it had been strained in order to get the coals and leaves out of it, and everybody was invited to try it in the sugaring time. Capt. Stone was skilled in manufacturing salts for market. He would cut and pile the maple and birch, then burn it and collect the ashes, obtain lye, boil it and run it into casks or kettles to harden. On one occasion he had a five-pail kettle of salts that had hardened, and in trying to split the salts, for which he used an iron wedge, he split the salts and the kettle as well. Mr. Stone held many town offices, and in 1823 was captain of a militia company. He sold the farm and moved to the mill, occupying the house that J. P. Long now owns, but emigrated to Ohio in 1837, where he and wife died soon after. Benjamin Stiles owned and lived on this place until 1839, when he HISTORY OF PERU. 71 sold it to K. P. ISatchelder, who sold it to Zachariah Whitney. He Hved on the farm until 1854, when he sold it to >. B. Smith, who sold it to the Stone brothers, the present owners. CHILDREN OF JOSIAH STONE. Mary died in May, 1827, aged 16 years. Josiah died in May, 1827, aged 14 years. Eunice went to Ohio, married there; now dead. Susan went to Ohio, married there; now dead. Martha went to Ohio, married, now lives in Peru. Ezra went to Ohio, married; died in 1881. John Batchelder began new on the farm now occupied by his sou. Deacon Edmund Batchelder. He built the first framed house east from present house in 1805, cleared up the land and built the wall. In 1S23 he built the present house and moved into it, his son Edmund taking the old house. The farm has been in the hands of father, son and grandson for ninety years, and is now in the posses- sion of Edmund Batchelder and his son Hildreth. Improvements^have recentl}' been made on the house, and two new barns, which are the best in town, have been built. CHILDREN OF DEACON JOHN BATCHELDER. Mark m. Ro.xby Conant of Grafton, lived in Peru; died in 1S63, aged 60 years. Fanny al Lawrence McMullen, died in New York State in 1835, aged 30 years. Eliza yi. Rev. Benjamin Springer, lived in New York State, moved to Ohio; died in 1846. John died at Peru in 1822, aged 13 years and 7 months. Edmund ,m. Sophia Simonds, who died October 27th, 1856, aged 41 years. Mary m. David Parker of 'Derry, lives there. Mahala ,^L Thomas Manley of Dorset for her first husband, and Clinton Lord of Putney for her second; she died in 1865. Josiah died in infancy. CHILDREN OF DEACON EDMUND BATCHELDER. Harlan i\l Elsie Lakin, died at Peru in 1868, aged 30 years. Martha died young. Clark .^L Josie Hard, lives in Ayer Junction, Mass. Newton m. Jennie Burnham, lives in Newfane. Hildreth ^\. Ida Davis, lives in Peru. There was another son that died young. 72 HISTORY OF PERU. Joseph Dodge came from Amherst, N. H., in 1S04, and began on the farm now owned by Charles Batchelder. He built part of the house and cleared some of the land, remaining there until 181 8, when he sold out to Edmund Batchelder and moved to Manchester, afterwards going to New York State, where he died. Edmund Batchelder came from I\It. Vernon, N. H., in 181 9, and erected all the buildings now on the place, also cleared and improved the farm until he had over 300 acres of good land. He died on the farm in July, 1869, aged 83 years, and his wife died the same month, aged 85 years. Charles Batchelder, Edmund's son, now owns the place. CHILDREN OF EDMUND BATCHELDER. Ira K. M. Nancy Barnard, lived in Peru, moved to Townshend. Francis P. m. Abigail Barnard, lived in Peru until 1869, then moved to Ludlow, afterwards to Iowa, now living in Dakota. Roxana \i. Jonas Dale of Weston, moved to Jamaica, where he died in 1S45, and she then married William L. Waterman; she died at 'Derry in November, 1868. Amos M. Lucretia Jones of Waitsfield, lives in Peru. Daniel m. Betsey Utley of Landgrove, lived in South 'Derry; died in 1886. Hannah m. G. S. Hobart of 'Derry, died in 1S70. Charles m. Abbie Davis, lives in Peru. James died October 24th, 1835, aged 6 years. CHILDREN OF CHARLES BATCHELDER. Charles K. .m., lives in Beaufort, S. C. Frank ^L, Hves in Boston. Nellie m. Robert I. Batchelder, lives in Peru. Mark, unmarried, lives in Beaufort, S. C. Edna lives with her parents, Kittridge Mather began new on the farm where he lived in 1839, and erected the buildings and cleared the land, living on the place for more than 40 years. He was married twice. Mr. Mather died in 1883. Levi Batchelder commenced on the farm north of Charles Batchelder's in 1829, clearing the land and building a frame house. He was an active, industrious man, and did a good deal of work for other people besides looking after his own farm. He was a useful member of the Methodist church, and led a good, Christian life. Mr. Batchelder lived an active life almost to the time of his death, which occurred in 1856, at the age of 60 years. After his Mrs. Aaron Beard Aaron Beard. HISTORY OF PERU. 73 death the farm was run by F. B. Smith, his son-in-law, and Mrs. Ratchelder, who lived with him until she died. CHILDREN OF LEVI BATCHELDER. Mary yi. John Gregg of New Boston, N. H,, lived and died there. Eben C. m. Miss Kittridge of Mt. Vernon, N. H., lives in Milford, N. H. Belinda m. John Hart, lived in New Hampshire; died in Peru •n i873> aged 53 years. Betsey m. William Davis, lives in Weston, Vt. Ann M. F. B. Smith, lived on the homestead; died in 1888. Noah M. in Amherst, N. H., lives in Lowell, Mass. Levi, unmarried, lived in Peru; died in November, 1885. Sarah ^L T. J Lakin, died at Landgrove in 1882. Fanny m. A. P. D. Simonds, lived in Peru; he was killed with a mower. Fanny then married Clark Bryant, lives in Peru. CHILDREN OF F. P. B-^TCHELDER. Rosette m. J. L. Israel, lives in St. Louis. Mary Emma u. Mr. Stewart, lives in Colorado. Luella M. Mr. Knight, lives in St, Louis. Herbert u. in Iowa, lives there. Lizza -M. Mr. Crank, lives in Iowa. The lot on which J. P. Long resides was began by Isaac Bigelow, one of the early settlers, who built a log house and barn on the right of the road, and in the corner of the lot. In 1819 he sold the farm to Joseph Stone and moved to Pawlet, John H. Dudley using the log house for a schoolhouse. Joseph Stone put up the frame of the present house in 1825, covered the outside, and sold the place to Josiah Stone, who finished the house and lived in it until 1837, when he sold out to Oliver Wyman, he buying the mill at the same time. Isaac G. Long bought the farm and mill a year or two later, and, with the help of his son, carried on the farm, they also improved the mill by repairing the dam and putting in turning works. The mill was kept running until Mr. Long's death in 1850, when his sons sold it, with the land connected with it, to Holland Tarble. J. P. Long has made great improvements in the farm, and has erected some good buildings. CHILDREN OF ISAAC G. LONG. Remembrance m. James Farnum, lived in Peru; died in ]886. Joseph P. M. Elvira Lakin, she died in Peru in 1859; he then married Widow Oliver Lincoln, lived in Peru. Joseph died in 1885. 74 HISTORY OF PERU. Charles m. Martha Eatchelder, Hved in Detroit, Mich.; she died in 1S89, and was interred at Manchester. Mary m. Elijah Carlton, lives in 'Derry. CHILDREN OF J. P. LONG. Madison enlisted in the army during the war, was sent tn Brattleboro, where he was taken sick, never fully recovering. He died in 18C6. One son died young. Henry m., lived in Peru, moved to Manchester. Francis Bennett came from (Proton, Mass., in 18 19, and began on the lot east of Edmund Batchelder's farm, living on the Atkins place until 1821, when he had a comfortable log house to move into. The land was covered with maple, birch, beech, hemlock, spruce and balsam, which, with the help of his boys, Mr. Bennett cut down, soon having a good farm. He cultivated hops for several years and made it pay, but finding that they spoilt the soil he gave it up and used the land for other purposes. Mr. Bennett held several town offices, and was a prominent and useful member of the Methodist church. After he had put up all the buildings that are now on the farm he sold out to S. W. Lincoln, and lived on various farms in town until he moved to Troy, N. Y., from which place he went to Salem, Mass., where he died in 1868. He had moveil more times than any other man in town, and a neighbor, " Uncle Fred," once asked him if he would be contented when he got to Heaven. There were nine children in the family. CHILDREN OF FRANCIS DENNETT. Francis enlisted in the army in 1825 and went to St. Paul, but returned for a short time, when he went away and roamed over the country until his death. Lucinda m. Joseph Barnard, but did not live with him long; she married again and went to New York State. Jacob was a merchant in New York, died of cholera in i8ji. James married a lady from Boston, lived in Peru and Rocking- ham, afterwards went into business with his son in Boston. William went to sea and was never heard of since. Thomas married in Green Bay, Mich., lived there. Rufus married and went to Michigan; now keeps a hotel, Samuel died at Peru in 1839. George went South in 1842. Caroline .\l Mr. Davis of Rockingham, moved West. HISTORY OF PERU. 75 Deacon John Oavidson came from Plymouth, Vt., in 1837, and bought his farm from S. W. Lincohi. He was quite advanced in years when he came to town, some of his children being at that time settled in different places, while some came with him. l^eacon Davidson represented the town two years in the legislature. He helped to build the church and parsonage, and was always ready to help support any good cause by his means and presence. On his eighty-fourth birthday he rode two miles on horseback to attend the weekly prayer meeting, saying that it was his eighty-fourth birthday and he had lived to enjoy twelve years of Sabbaths; this was the last meeting he attended. He died on December 2Sth, 1858, aged 84 years. 'After his death the farm was carried on by his son-in-law, Harley Coolidge, who died in 1889, leaving the farm to his son John, the present occupant. CHILDREN OF DEACON JOHN DA\IDS0N. ' Lydia m. Daniel Coolidge, lives in Ludlow. Sarepta, unmarried, died at Peru in 1872. Clarissa m. Harley Coolidge, died at Peru in 1875, aged 64 years. Sarah and Mary died in Peru when young. Daniel went to Illinois about 1845, married there. Flavel died when a young man in Peru. CHILDREN OF HARLEY COOLIDGE. Chalmers m. Nellie Wise, he is a clergyman in Fairfield, Vt. Sarah m. Romaino Spaulding, lives in Weston. Mary Emma .m. Job Scott, lives in Weston. John w. Ina Smith, lives in Peru. Nathaniel Russell came from Jamaica in the autumn of 1838, and settled on the farm where Burkett Simonds lives, where he stayed five years, selling out to F. P. Batchelder. In 1844 he and his son bought the place where M. J. Walker lives, and lived on it twelve years, when Mr. Russell sold his share to Samuel and bought the Silas Staples farm in company with his son, O. N. Russell. They rebuilt the barns and improved the house, also made great improvements in the farm, but sold the place in 1867 to J. G. Batchelder and moved to Arlington, where Mr. Russell died in 1870, aged 74 years. Mrs. Betsey Russell, his wife, died at Deacon Batchelder's residence at Peru in 1879, aged 76 years. CHILDREN OF NATHANIEL RUSSELL. Samuel B. -M. Hannah Lawrence, lived on his farm in Peru some years and then moved to Landgrove, where he still lives. 76 HISTORY OF PERU, Philetus H. m. Mary \Vyman, lived on the Ira Wait farm, the Joel Adams farm, and on the Jackson farm, but afterwards mo\ed to Arlington, where his wife died. Laurin, his only son, enlisted in the army in 1863 and was killed in the war, Philetus now resides in Michigan. Ziba M. Sarah Robbins, enlisted in the army from Lawrence, Mass., and was killed in the war. Lysander m. Mary Simonds, lives in Natick, Mass, Obadiah N. m. Janett Walker, she died at Peru in 1863, aged 22 years. Obadiah enlisted in the army at the time of the war, and after his discharge married Sarah Ann (Simonds) Quackenbush. He died at Arlington in 1867. Joseph G. Whitney came from Westminster, Mass., in 1805, and began new on the lot where Clark Lakin lives, putting up the first buildings on the place. Soon after he settled his father came to see him, was taken sick in the house with typhus fever and died, he being one of the first that was buried in the north cemetery. Mr. Whitney was a useful man, both to the town and to societv. About 1814 he sold the farm to Capt. James Lincoln and moved to West- minster. Capt. Lincoln kept the farm two or three years, selling out to Norman Whitney, who came to town with his father, Elisha Whitney, Norman having worked several years for Gov. Skinner in Manchester. He married Belinda Batchelder of Landgrove, and lived on the farm until 1827, when he sold out to James Lakin and moved to Andover, from there to Chester, and then to Putney, where they both died, leaving one daughter, who is still living there. Mr. Lakin built the present house and improved the barns, living there until he died in 1875, aged 68 years, when his son Clark continued to carry on the farm. CHILDREN OF JA.MES LAKIN. Laura died at Peru in 1850, aged 19 years. Susan died at Lowell in 1859, aged 25 years. Harriet died in Massachusetts. Jane m. W. H. Eddy of Winhall, lives in Townshend. Clark R. m, Elvira Rideout of Dorset, lives on the homestead in Peru. Annie jl E, B. Batchelder, lives in Townshend. Elsie M. Harlan Batchelder for her first husband, and Elliot Morse for her second. Addie m. S. E. Crarfield, lives in Townshend. Jesse Warren. HISTORY OF PERU. 77 The farm on which Rocius Fairbanks lives was a pitched lot, made by Asa Hull, and was under the jurisdiction of Landgrove until the present jurisdictional line was made and established in 1836 or '37, when it became part of Peru. Mr. Hull built the buildings in 1S18, but sold out to Nathaniel Richardson, who sold it to his son Ralph. Ezra Dodge bought the place from him in 1839 and lived on it about ten years, when he sold out to William Davis, who occupied it a few years. He sold the place to Zimri Lathrop, who was burnt out while living there, but, with the help of the citizens, he built another house, living in it several years. T. J. Lakin next bought the place, and lived on it a few years, when he sold out to Mr. Ballard, who sold it to George Richardson, he selling it to Sarah Russell. Rocius Fairbanks then bought the place and lived on it until i88g, when he sold out to George Richardson, who is the present owner. There was a lot north of the Hull farm know as Mather's clearing, with a log house, a barn, and a large apple tree on it. The place can be remembered as far back as 1820, but nothing is known of the person who built and cleared the place. It is now owned by John Coolidge. The place east of the Mather lot was began by Mr. Scripture, who sold it to Jonathan Bruce. He erected comfortable buildings and had a very good farm, but after his death it was deserted. The place is now owned by R. Fairbanks, who has removed all the old buildings. The farm east of John Coolidge's was commenced by Jacob Bennett, a brother to Francis Bennett, about 1825, and who built a log house and cleared some of the land. After living on the place a few years he sold it to James Farnum,who improved it and then sold out to Martin Granger. He lived there a while and sold the place to Charles Farnum, he selling it to Charles W. Jenkins, who improved the buildings and land very much. Mr. Jenkins died on this farm April 17, 1883, aged 43 years. Charles Moffat is the present owner and occupant. The farm on which Burkitt Simonds lives was bought from Peter Allen by Joel Adams, Jr., about 1825, it being then in its natural state. Mr. Adams cleared some of the land and built a house and barn, remaining on the place until 1839, when he sold out to N. Russell. About four years later F. P. Batchelder bought it, but did not live on the place. Freeman Lyon and G. W. Carlton 78 HISTORY OF PERU. both lived on this farm before Asa Simonds bought and occupied it. William Simonds came into possession of the place, and made great improvements in the buildings and land. Dana Wyman built the house on the lot east of W. B. Simonds's farm, and it has been occupied by Freeman Lyon, Allen Benson and Nahum Russell. Joseph and Albert Simonds bought it as an addition to their farm. Joel Nason began on a lot south of A. T. Byard's farm, but sold out to Jesse Lanphere, who cleared the land and built a house. He was hurt by a horse while working on the farm and never fully recovered. Duane Walker was the next one that lived on the farm, and died there about 1855, when James H. Wait bought it, This place was in charge of P. T. Wyman for some time. The farm that is now owned by A. T. Byard was begun in 1835 by Asa Phillips, who built a log house and barn and cleared the land. He afterwards erected a frame house and barn, and sold out to J. H. Simonds, who made some additions to the buildings. P. D. Wyman next bought the farm and lived on it several years, selling out to A. T. Byard, the present owner. Josiah Brown came from Princeton, Mass., in 1803, and built a house on the old road that runs from M. B. Lyon's house, through the Whitney lot, to Deacon Wyman 's old house, and not far from Deacon Seth Lyon's house. Mr. Brown lived on this place several years and then returned to Manchester, no one ever living on the place since. George W. Whitcomb built a house where F. Lyon now lives, and occupied it until about 1822, when he left town, selling the place to Thomas Wyman, who lived there a year or two. Anna Lawrence next owned the place, and afterwards Thomas Lawrence, he occupying it for nearly thirty years. He died at the house of his son-in-law, S. P. Russell. N. Russell occupied this place a year or two, then sold it to Charles Farnum, who sold out to Nathan Lillie. The present owner and occupant is Freeman I^yon. The schoolhouse near Freeman Lyon's house was built in 1831, and a summer school was kept in it when it was only boarded up on the outside, but was finished before the winter school commenced. All the children from the village, the Lyon, Bigelow and Holton farms went there to school. This house was used as a schoolhouse about fifty years, when the one east of it was built. Linden Jenkins built his house and barn near the Haynes mill HISTORY OF I'ERU. 79 in 1870; he also erected a blacksmith shop, in which he has since worked at his trade. Henry Long built a house on the opposite side of the road from Mr. Jenkins's place, and lived in it a short time. It has been occupied by several families since he moved out. Asa Bailey lived on the place west of the Hapgood farm for a short time. Mr. Hutchins ne.\t occupied the place, and built a shop on the brook near the schoolhouse, where he manufactured chairs, using water power to cut and turn his stock. He left town about 1 82 2, John Chandler and Parker Wyman buying the place and manufacturing rakes there. Isaac G. Long next bought the place, and lived on it until 1838, when he sold out to Oliver Wyman, who occupied it several years. He sold the place to William Whitney, and it was he that built the present house, but lived there only a few years, selling out to Zimri Whitney. Mr. Whitney lived on the farm until he died, when his daughter, Mrs. Penfield, came into possession of it. Joseph Hapgood, A. C. Sloan, Freeman Lyon, and several others have lived on this farm. It was owned bv Nathan Lillie a short time, but he never occupied it. The house at the fork of the road on the way to the Burt farm was built by Eliab Stone. Asa Phillips, Jr., and Dana Wyman both lived on this place. John Q. Adams bought it and built a barn, but did not keep it long. Capt. William Utley came from Connecticut in 1769, cutting his road from Chester to Bromley, and settled on the farm now owned by Menzie Thompson, the place still being known as the Utley flats. He attended two of the first conventions of New Hampshire Grants as delegate from Bromley. He soon found that there was a gore of land west of Andover and 'Derry, and east of Bromley, not included in the charter of any town, and he, with others, obtained a charter of the gore from the government of Vermont. They proceeded to survey the gore and establish a western line between the town of Bromley and the gore, but the proprietors of Bromley did not acquiesce in Utley's western line. He remained on his land, but did not attend any more conventions as a delegate from Bromley. William Barlow came to town in 1773 and settled on the farm where M. B. Lyon resides. He built his house near a spring on the lower side of the road, not far from the present house. It is supposed that he died in town and was buried in the south-west corner of the Holton farm. It is not known as he had any family, probably not. 8o HISTORY OF PERU. Asa Farnum and wife came to town in 1811 and settled in school district No. 6, building a log house on the land now owned by Luther M. Tuttle. His house was built without any chimney, having a hole in the roof to let the smoke out, and his only floor was the bare ground. He did not stay in town many years, but went to live with his son-in-law, Grovneur Davis, where he died in 1861, aged 82 years. Mr. Farnum was a soldier in the war of 1812. About 1803 Deacon John Batchelder cleared a piece of land on the lot now owned by the heirs of Joseph Utley, which he used as a pasture until he sold it to Stephen Tuttle and his son, E. H. 'I'uitle, who built a house on it. This was in 1826, and was the first per- manent settlement in district No. 6. Stephen Tuttle died on this farm on November 23, 185 i, and his wife died on October 20, 185 i. E. H. Tuttle sold his interest in the farm to his brother, Stephen Tuttle, who married Rebecca Lampson. Stephen died on the farm of typhus fever on October 5, 1856, aged 56 years, leaving five children, namely: Cyrus, who died in Andersonville prison, James, Lucinda, Sophronia and Norman. The next one that owned the farm was George Pease, he selling out to Joseph R. Utley, who died on the farm on November 3, t88i. His only daughter married Merritt Cook, who now lives on the farm with the widow of Joseph R. Utley. Reuben Lampson's farm was began by E. H. Tuttle and Moses Leonard, who sold out to Joseph Holt. He sold the farm to Ebenezer H. Lampson, who came from Weston. Both Mr. and Mrs, Lampson died on the place, the place going into the hands of their son Reuben. He married Miranda Woodward for his first wife, and Widow Diantha (Cook) Whitney for his second. There were si.x children by the first wife and two by the second. Reuben and his son Rodney now live on the farm. CHILDREN OF REUBEN LAMPSON. Wallace m. Miss Smith, lives in Manchester. Rodney m. Katie Whitney, lives in Peru. Amasa, Lewis, Geary and Elmer. After E. H. Tuttle sold the Lampson farm he went out of town. His wife died in Grafton on October 26, 1839, and he then married Hannah Felton, who died in 1880, aged 71 years. On his return to Peru he lived on the farm now occupied by his son, Luther M. Tuttle. Mr. Tuttle built a mill on this place about 1842, and occupied it until 1850, when he sold it, with one acre of land, to ::#;S^v« ^" ^J;'it'^C^-X<->> Mrs. J. L. Haynes. J. L. Haynes. HISTORY OF PERU. 8i Moses Smiley. Mr. Tuttle died on this farm on June 9, 1875, aged 75 years. CHILDREN OF E. H. TUTTLE. Malvina, Keziaii, Rosette, William E., Sarah, Amanda, Charles W., Warren C, George, Betsey, Miranda, Abby, Lucy, Emma, Irene, and Luther M Mr. Smiley erected a house on the piece of land sold to him by E. H. Tuttle, and then sold the place to Hiram Davis, who sold out to William E. and Warren C. Tuttle. E. H. Tuttle purchased the place of them and sold it to Edward Burnap, he selling it back again to .Mr. Tattle, who then sold to Warren C. Tuttle. He sold it to the present owner, Oscar J. Esterbrook. James Wait came from \\'eston, Vt., in 1835, and settled on the present Wait farm. He cleared a small piece of land and soon had a comfortable house built on it. In the fall of 1835 he returned to Weston, but came back again the next year, when he cleared his land and erected a saw mill, giving energy and thrift to the whole school district. School was kept in his house until 1839, when a schoolhouse was built. Esquire Wait was a strong, muscular man, and very energetic in all his movements to carry out his plans, whether of a public or a private nature. He was a strong Democrat, and held town offices at different times. Mr. Wait died on the farm on .March 10, 1854, and his widow then went to live with her son Albert, where she died in 1879. CHILDREN OF J.-VMES WAIT. James H. .m. Nancy L. Wyman, lives in East Dorset. Nelson m. Jane Miles of Weston, died in Weston. Albert m. Sarah Davis of Londonderry, lived on the homestead several years, moved to East Dorset; died there in 1877. Lucretia, died young at Peru in 1844. The lot north of the Wait farm was begun by Hiram Barney and Roswell Rowell about 1832, but they sold the place to John S. Rumrill, who sold it to William Strong. It is now owned by the Stone brothers. There is no building on this lot. The lot west of the Barney place was begun by Thomas K. Hall, who was killed soon after he commenced work on the place by a tree falling on him. Royal Bryant owned this place a short time, but sold it to Martin Granger, who lived on it several years, then selling out to George Emerson, he being the last occupant. It is now owned bv the Stone brothers. 82 HISTORY OF I'ERU. The Grovneur Davis farm was begun by Isham Purely about 1827, who built a frame house and barn and lived on the place several years. He sold it to Mr. Thrasher in 1833, and he sold it to G. Davis, who improved the farm and erected new buildings, living on it 49 years. He moved to Landgrove in 1882, and lived with his son-in-law until he died in 1884. Mrs. Davis is still living. Robert, Mr. Davis's son, now occupies the farm. CHILDREN OF GROVN'F.UR D.WIS. Betsey Nancy m. Daniel Eddy. John M. Amanda Roby, lives in Manchester. Henry Ji., keeps a hotel at Factory Point. Ann M. Myron Piper. Robert 11. Josephine Nichols. Sumner Wait began on a lot north of the G. Davis place about 1832, and lived there a short time, selling out to Mr. Kingsbury, who lived on it for a time. It has not been occupied since. It has been impossible to find out who built the house in which Herbert C. Woodward now lives. It has been owned and occupied by the following: Wellman Hale, E. H. Tuttle, Amos Jenkins, William Camp, William E. Tuttle, Jefferson French, John l^avis, and H. C. Woodward. ROADS. The first highway laid out in Bromlev was in 1787, on the west side of the mountain, (now in Dorset). The committee who laid it was Aaron Dewey and Mr. Byrns, with Jonathan Aikin as surveyor. The first road laid on the east side of the mountain was in June, 1797, by a committee appointed by the legislature at a session held in 1788, consisting of Cjeorge Sexton and Asa Utley. They were empowered to lay a public road through the town, and expend a tax of two cents, granted by said legislature, on each acre of land m said town for making roads and building bridges. The road laid by said committee commenced 3^ miles and 40 rods north from the south- east corner of the town in the east line of the town, thence running westerly and south-west by Charles and Edmund Batchelder's place below the stone mill, up the Stratton hill by David Stratton's house, across the Chandler brook, where it does at this time, thence back of the house occupied by Nathan Lillie, also on the hill back of M. G. Walker's house, thence runs on the we.^t of the orchard and brick yard on the Deacon Wyman farm, by the old mill near I. R. HISTORY OF PERU. 83 Walker's, by the Gen. Dudley buildings, through the Benjamin Barnard farm, by the Butterfield tavern on top of the mountain, thence westerly down the mountain, through Peru and Winhall to Manchester. This road ran in Peru 6 miles and 94 rods. In 1800 this road, from the Chandler brook by Esquire Bigelow's, was altered to its present location. This was the main traveled road across the mountain until the turnpike was built in 1816, on which the travel has been to the present time. In 1799 the legislature granted another land tax of three cents per acre for making roads and bridges. The committee appointed to lay out roads and expend the money were Jonathan Butterfield and Aaron Killam. The second road laid commenced at the south-east corner of M. G. Walker's farm, thence west on a line between 4th and 5th ranges of lots, 212 rods to the Holt place, known as the Moss farm. Also a road from David Stratton's, running west thirty-five degrees, north 223 rods, to Isaac Jackson's house. Also another road commencing at the south corner of Reuben Bigelow's land, running east, then south by Aaron Killam's house to Benjamin Barnard's (Sen.) place. Also laid a road from Aaron Killam's to Landgrove line. This road was laid on the brook through the burnt meadow. Also in 1 80 1 a road was laid from the great road, commencing at a stone standing half-way between the houses of Deacon Seth Lyon and Josiah Brown, (these houses stood on W. W. Whitney s land), thence east and south by the cellar hol_e in G. K. Davis's garden to the Bryant shop, east of the line between the Hapgood place and M. B. Lyon's pasture, running by the Burt house to the William Pollard house. Jonathan Butterfield and Aaron Killam were appointed to lay out and make these roads, which were made by the land tax granted in 1799, expended by the above committee. After this time the roads were laid by the selectmen and made by the inhabitants of the town. The main roads have been well built and kept in good repair, but the back roads are not so good. In 1814 the legislature granted a charter for the Peru turnpike, commencing near the Lovell farm, running westerly five miles towards Manchester village to the east line of Manchester. It was laid out and built as it is now, with the exception of a short piece in Winhall, by the spot where the Chapin mill stood, which has been altered. Three-fourths of this road is in Winhall. Work was com- menced on it in 1815, and was finished in i8i6. Gen. Peter Dudley 84 HISTORY OF PERU. had the job of building the road, and worlced on it repairing for more than twenty years, keeping it in excellent condition. A great amount of teaming and travel was done on the road until 1850, when the railroads diverted the travel to other places. At the time that it was built it was convenient to all towns east of it to the Connecticut river. The travel from Boston to Saratoga and west crossed the mountain here. In 1820 commissioners were appointed by the Supreme Court to lav a road and alter the stage road from Chester to the east end of the Peru turnpike. The alterations made in Peru began at the place where Freeman Lyon now lives, by laying a new road westerly to the place where Everett Adams lives. The old road ran by the Holton farm to the road running north and south from M. B Lyon's house, back of John Adams's house, south-west of the wall that divides W. \V. Whitney's land from land belonging to the hotel lot to the Wyman place, where it was discontinued. A road was made from M. B. Lyon's house to the tavern house in 1S21. In 1849 fi^d 5° Ira ("ochran erected the notch mill, coming up the Mad 'I'om on the west side of the mountain. He petitioned for a road across the mountain to Peru. The first committee laid the road from Dorset to the mill, the town paying for it. A subsequent committee laid the road over the mountain to Peru in 187 1, and is of use to the north part of the town and Landgrove. It made a heavv ta.K on the town, and is a bill of expense to keep it in repair. The early or first roads made in Peru were built with money raised by land tax granted by the legislature on all the land in town, and expended by a committee appointed by them,. The last land tax granted was about 1823, and amounted to three cents per acre, the committee appointed to expend the money being Capt. James Lincoln and Parker Wyman. ORGANIZATION OF BROMLEY. The west line of Bromley was about 200 rods east of the depot in East Dorset. The west part of Bromley was settled earlier than the east side of the mountain. A petition for a warning of town meeting is as follows: Bennington County. Dorset, January 30th, 1802. I have this day received a petition signed by four of the respectable inhabitants of the town of Bromley and County aforesaid, praying that I warn a meeting, 3(1. town, for the purpose of organizing 3d. town, and to Hon. Dexter Batcheluer. HISTORY OF PERU. 85 appoint officers to govern 3d. town as the law directs. Meeting- duly warned and signed. Joseph Curtis, Justice of the Peace. Bromley, March 2nd, 1802. The inhabitants met, agreeable to notice, in the dwelling of E. Hurlburt, and chose John Brock, town clerk; David White, Aaron Killam, and Ebenezer Hurlburt, selectmen; John Brock and Jonathan Butterfield, listers; Reuben Bigelow and David Colson, constables. Attested by John Brock, town clerk. The next town meeting was appointed to be held at the Butter- field Inn, on the height of land between Manchester and Peru. The people on the west side of the mountain demurred, but attended the first meeting held there, after which they petitioned to be set to , Dorset, but Dorset would not receive them. They then applied to Mt. Tabor, which received them, and a tract of land two hundred rods wide and six miles long was set to Mt. Tabor, and received the cognomen of Mt. Tabor Leg. This piece of land was afterwards set to Dorset. TOWN OFFICERS. SELECTMEN. 1802 1803, 1804 1805 1806 1807 1808 1809 i8io 1811 1812, 1813 1814, 181S 1816 1817, 1818 1819 1820, 1821 David White, Aaron Killam, Ebenezer Hurlburt. Moses Hill, John Brock, Thomas Wyman. Reuben Bigelow, Thomas Wyman, John Brock. Reuben Bigelow, Samuel Cooper, Ellas Beebe. Aaron Killam, Seth Lyon, Elijah Simonds. Joseph Fairbank, Peter Dudley, Jeduthan Bruce. Joseph Fairbank, Peter Dudley, Jeduthan Bruce. Joseph Fairbank, Peter Dudley, Jeduthan Bruce. Joseph Fairbank, Peter Dudley, Jeduthan Bruce. Joseph Fairbank, Thomas Wyman. John Batchelder. Reuben Bigelow, Thomas Wyman, John Batchelder. John Batchelder, Elijah Simonds, Israel Batchelder. John Batchelder, Elijah Simonds, Israel Batchelder. Reuben Bigelow, John Batchelder, Elijah Simonds. Reuben Bigelow, John Batchelder, Elijah Simonds. Reuben Bigelow, Elijah Simonds, Samuel Stone. Reuben Bigelow, Samuel Stone, Josiah Barnard. Reuben Bigelow, Samuel Stone, Josiah Barnard. Reuben Bigelow, Samuel Stone, Seth Lyon. Peter Dudley, Samuel Stone, Seth Lyon. 86 HISTORY OF PERU. 1822. Peter Dudle\', Samuel Stone, Josiah Barnard. 1823. Josiah Barnard, 'I'homas Wyman, Seth I.yon. 1824. Josiah, Stone, Setli Lyon, Thomas Wyman. 1825. Seth Lyon, Israel Batchelder, [osiah Hapgood. 1826. Seth Lyon, Israel Batchelder, Josiah Hapgood. 1827. Daniel Tuthill, Peter Dudley, Edmund Batchelder. 1828. Peter Dudley, Edmund Batchelder, Benjamin Barnard, Jr. 1829. Peter Dudley, Edmund Batchelder, Benjamin Barnard. 1830. Benjamin Barnard, Edmund Batchelder, Francis Bennett. 1831. Binjamin Barnard, Edmund Batchelder, Francis Bennett. 1832. Benjamin Barnard, Reuben Bigelow, Peter Dudley. 1833. Benjamin Barnard, Reuben Bigelow, Peter Dudley. 1834. Benjamin Barnard, Jr., Peter Dudley, James Lincoln. 1835. Benjamin Barnard, Peter Dudley, James Lincoln. 1836. Peter Dudley, Nathan Whitney, Stillman W. Lincoln. 1837. Israel Batchelder, Jonas B. Bennett, Amherst Messenger. 1838. Jonas B. Bennett, .\mherst Messenger, Jonathan R, Wvman. 1839. Benjamin Barnard, Francis Bennett, J. J. Hapgood. 1840. Benjamin Barnard, Aaron Burton, Joel Lyon. 184T. Benjamin Barnard, Joel Lyon, Freeman Lyon. 1842. Benjamin Barnard, Aaron Burton, Ezra Dodge. 1843. James Wait, Benjamin S. Ballard. Ezra Dodge. 1844. James Wait, Benjamin S. Ballard, Ira K. Batchelder. 1845. Ira K. Batchelder, Ezra Dodge, (reorge Batchelder. 1846. George Batchelder, Stephen Dudley, Cephas Bailey. 1847. George Batchelder, Stephen Dudley, Cephas Bailey. 1848. Jesse Rider, Mark Batchelder, Z. F. Whitney. 1849. Jesse Rider, Aaron Burton, Z. F. Whitney. 1850. Jesse Rider, Edward Batchelder, Stephen Dudley. 1S51. Jesse Rider, Edward Batchelder, Stephen Dudley. 1852. Edward Batchelder, .\aron Burton, Mark J?atchelder. 1853. .Aaron Barton, Mark Batchelder, Stephen Dudley. 1854. Aaron Burton, Mark Batchelder, Stephen Dudley. 1855. Z. F. Whitney, J. (;. Mellendy, Cephas Bailey. 1856. Ira K. Batchelder, Joseph Long, Jonathan Hapgood. 1857. Ira K. Batchelder, J. P. Long, Jonathan Hapgood. 1858. Ira K. Batchelder, Dexter Batchelder, John G. Mellendy. 1859. Ira K. Batchelder, Dexter Batchelder, Jonathan Hapgood. i860. Ira K. Batchelder, Dexter Batchelder, Jonathan Hapgood. 1 86 1. Ira K. Batchelder, Harvey Stone, Stephen D. Simonds. HISTORY OF l^ERU. Sy 1862. Ira K. Batchelder, Harvey Stone, Stephen U. Simonds. 1863. Ira K, Batchelder, Jonathan Hapgood, Ira R. Walker. 1864. Ira K. Batchelder, Jonathan Hapgood, Ira R. Walker. 1865. Ira K. Batchelder, Jonathan Hapgood, Ira R. Walker. 1866. Ira K. Batchelder, Jonathan Hapgood, Ira R. Walker. 1867. Jonathan Hapgood, Ira R. Walker, G. K. Davis. 1868. Ira R. Walker, G. K. Davis, J. H. Simonds. 1869. Jonathan Hapgood, J. P. Long, Harvey Stone. 1870. Jonathan Hapgood, Harvey Stone, J. P. Long. 1871. Jonathan Hapgood, Harvey Stone, J. P. Long. 1872. Harvey Stone, A. C. Norirse, John G. Walker. 1873. A. C. Nourse, John G. Walker, Charles Batchelder. 1874. A, C. Nourse, A. H. Williams, Samuel Stiles. 1875. Harvey Stone, Jonathan Hapgood, James C. Lakin. 1876. Harvey Stone, Jonathan Hapgood, James C. Lakin. 1877. John G. Walker, M. B. Lyon, E. R. Hart. 1878. John G. Walker, M. B. Lyon, E, R. Hart. 1879. ?:. R. Hart, Samuel Stiles, A. H. Williams. 1880. Samuel Stiles, A. H. Williams, G. K. Davis. 1 881. J. G. M'alker, G. K. Davis, J. C. Lakin. 1882. J. G. Walker, G. K. Davis, W. B. Simonds. 1883. J. G. \\'alker, W. B. Simonds, M. B, Lyon. 1884. J. G. Walker, M. B. Lyon, J. C. Lakin. 1885. J. G. Walker, M. B. Lyon, J. C. Lakin. 1886. J. G. Walker, M. B. Lyon, J. C. Lakin. 18S7. J. C. Lakin, R. I. Batchelder, W. J. Farnum. 1888. R. I. Batchelder, \V. J. Farnum, Samuel Stiles. TOWN CLERKS. John Brook, 1802. William Pollard, 1803 to 1807. Joseph Fairbank, 1807 to 1S12. Reuben Bigelow, 1812 to 1835. Russell Tuthill, 1835 to 1837. Israel Batchelder, 1837 to 1839. Thomas Baldwin, 1839 to 1845. Ira K. Batchelder, 1845 to 1852. O. P. Simonds, 1852 to 1869. Charles W. Whitney, 1869 to 1873. O. P. Simonds, 1873 to 1889. 88 HISTORY OF PERU CONSTABLES. Aaron Killam, 1803 to 1812. Seth Lyon, 1804 to 1805. Joseph Fairbank, 1805 to 1810. Mendal Fosgate, 1807 to 1809. Silas Clark, 1808 to 1809. Josiah Barnard, 18 12 to 1818. Asa Simonds, 1818 to 1821. Nathan Whitney, 1821 to 1828. Peter Dudley, 1828 to 1829. Nathan Whitney, 1829 to 1836. Mark Batchelder, 1836 to 183S. George Batchelder, 183S to 1840. Stephen Dudley, 1840 to 1843. Freeman Lyon, 1843 to 1S46. George Batchelder, 1846 to 1847. F. P. Batchelder, 1847 to i860. J. H. Simonds, i860 to 1861. James Lincoln, 1861 to 1864. P. J. Walker, 1864 to 1868. M. B. Lyon, 1868 to 1869. Wesley Woodward, i86g to 1870. James Lincoln, 1870 to 1872. George K. Davis, 1872 to 1880. J, B. Simonds, 1880 to 1883. ^L G. Walker, 1883 to 1885. George K. Davis, 1885 to 1890. JUSTICES OF THE I'EACE. Reuben Bigelow, Peter Dudley, Israel Batchelder, Samuel Stone, Daniel Tuthill, Josiah Barnard, Seth Lyon, Sen., James ^\"ait, Amherst Messenger, J. G. Walker, M. B, Lyon, J. C. Lakin, A. C. Nourse, Ira R. Walker, C. M. Russell, Freeman Lyon, B. S. Ballard, I. K. Batchelder, James Lincoln, K. H. Tuttle, Stephen Dudley, J. H. Simonds, F. K. Stiles, J. P. l^ong, Jonathan Hapgood, J. R. Utley, M. J. Hapgood, E, R. Hart, J. Chadwick. MEMKERS OF LEGISLATURE. Reuben Bigelow, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1828. Peter Dudley, 1808, 1809, 1810, 1812, 1814, t8i6, 1818, 1832, 1833. HISTORY OF PERU. 89 Benjamin Barnard, Jr., 1834, 1835, 1839. Mark Batchelder, 1836, 1852, 1853. Israel Batchelder, 1837, 1838. John Davidson, 1840, 1841. Freeman Lyon, 1842, 1843. George Batchelder, 1844, 1845. Jesse Rider, 1846. Ezra Dodge, 1847, 1848. Ira K. Batchelder, 1849. Edward Batchelder, 1850, 1S51. F. P. Batchelder, 1854, 1855. A. T. Byard, 1856, 1S57. Dexter Batchelder, 1858, 1859. Joel Adams, i860, 186 1. Edmund Batchelder, 1862, 1865. Amos G. Bowker, 1863, 1864. O. P. Simonds, 1866, 1867. J. P. Long, 1868, 1869. Jonathan Hapgood, 1870, 1S71. Hiram Griswold, 1S72. Charles Batchelder, 1874. Wm. K. Simonds, 1876. George K. Davis, 1878. M. J. Hapgood, 1880. John G. Walker, 1882, 1884. James C. Lakin, 1886. M. B. Lyon, 1888. DELEGATES TO CONSTITUTIONAL (JONVENTIONS. Peter Dudley, 1814, 1821. Josiah Barnard, 1828. Samuel Stone, 1836. Mark Batchelder, 1843. Gen. S. Dudley, 1850. .MEMBER OF THE SENATE. Ira K. Batchelder, 1850, 1851. SIDE JUDGES. Ira K. Batchelder, 1864, 1865. Dexter Batchelder, 1888. 90 HISTORY OF PERU. MAIL. The first mail was carried from Chester to Peru on horsel^acli by Francis Fuller of Chester as early as 1815 (or earlier), and for four years Peru was the end of the route, the carrier returning to Chester the same day. He passed through Andover, Weston, and Landgrove Flats, distributing newspapers from house to house. In 1819 the route was continued to Manchester, but it is not known how often it was carried, or by what route. In 1822 Simeon I. eland established a line of daily stages front Charlestown No. 4 to Manchester, and Peru had a daily mail each way until 185 1. At the introduction of railroads into A'ermont the coach and four was discontinued, and a mail stage was run from 'Derry to Manchester one da}', returning the next, and is in use at the present time. The postmasters were as follows: Reuben Bigelow, rst.; Daniel Tuthill, 2nd.; Russell TuthiU, 3rd.; M. Smalley, 4th.; O. P. Simonds, 5th, 1839 to 1850; Cyrus Hatch, 6th, 1850 to 1851; O. P. Simonds, 7th, 1851 to 1866; L. B. Hapgood, 8th.; T. K. Snow, 9th.; C. W. Whitney, loth.; G. K. Davis, nth.; O. P. Simonds, 12th.; G. L. Richardson, 13th. MILITARY COMPANIES. .\ military company was organized in the town in 1805, with Peter Dudley, first captain, John Batchelder, first lieutenant, and the usual number of non-commissioned officers. The annual training was held on the first Tuesday in June. The captain issued his orders to the orderly sergeant, who delivered them to the corporals to warn the men on their lists to be on hand at the appointed time and save themselves from being fined. The C(.)mmissioned officers were equipped with a military coat, with round brass buttons as large as a cherry, sash, epaulettes, sword, and a cockade hat with a tall plume in the top. The privates were equipped with a gun, bayonet, knapsack, canteen, cartridge box covered with leather, two spare flints, priming wire and brush. They usually had a fall training. A regimental muster, held within the bounds of the regiment, was held at We-ston Island or 'Derry. In 1825 Brigadier-General Dudley had a brigade muster at Manchester. Joel Adams was baggage master for the company at Peru. The only rations furnished was a few gallons of New England rum, which was paid for by the commissioned officers in honor of their office, and the only pay that the soldiers received was their exemption from poll tax. All able Mark Batchelder. HISTORY OK PERU. 91 bodied citizens over the age of 18 and under 45 were subject to duty. One practice prevailed which would not be tolerated in these days; the soldiers would be at the residence of the commissioned officers any time after midnight on the morning of the training day to wake up the ofificers, which was accomplished by the discharge of their guns around the house, this being an invitation to the officers to come out and treat, which was promptly done. These trainings were kept up by practice and law until 1844, when the company was disbanded. No one knows of any records of the company being in existence. The captains were promoted to regimental officers or discharged after three or four years service, which exonerated them from military service, and the under officers were promoted by the vote of the company. It was considered wrong to promote a lower officer over a higher one, and it was not often done. The band consisted of fifes, bass and tenor drums. The tenor drummers were Mark Batchelder and Alfred Sawyer; bass drummer, Joel Adams; fifers, Russell Wyman and Abel Adams. The captains of the company were Peter Dudley, John Batchelder, James Lincoln, Joseph Whitney, Israel Batchelder, Josiah Stone, Asa Simonds, Joel Lyon, Mark Batchelder, Joel Adams, F. K. Stiles, Stephen Dudley, and Ezra Dodge. The trainings were held on the common where the old meeting house stood, and the soldiers were allowed to occupy the church when necessary. The day was spent in calling the roll, examining the equipments, drill, company marching, and closed with a lively game of ball or a trial of the strong and active ones in wrestling. The June training was about the best holiday that the boys had during the year, and men of all ages would be present. The boys, in imitation of their fathers, organized a company, elected a full board of officers, who called out all the boys in town between the ages of 14 and 18, and went through all the manoeuvres of the older ones, handling the wooden guns with dexterity and a great deal of ambitious pride. NAMES OF SOLDIERS IN THE REVOLUTION WHO HAL) A PEXSIOX. Peter A. Gould, Elijah Simonds, Benjamin Barnard, Sen., Stephen Bennett, David Sawyer, Ebenezer Stiles, Asa Farnum, Moody Roby. 9- HIS'J'ORV OF PERU. ^ H-1 w CQ w ?: 'r- ri - ro fO ro.- J a; oj ^ Q O ' -Si ^ O iJ oJ O -tJ ' " 3 D O U ^ O ' ■ ^r- T^ _' - o ^ c "2 ^ "5] rO~ O \> o ^ ot (J rg 'z{. ^ ^ LO OJ ' o ■— ' u ^ c^ , (M :\ aj OJ U r-^ 1 — 1 Q -■ S5 QQ .^ MO^tCOfOH-u-jTt-ncODO COCn'-'m :-^ ^ ^ ^ f^ = ^ Xj X; U "^ !-( ~; ,^-, .- ffl . a rx , Pi PQ 'J J O . t/5 ^ ;q X 1) jy i3 jt: , *" rt S S £ c 5 rt c^ cd U X ? U K '_) — 1) ,. ii — ^ c: 37 b = jS = c i 1) HI' HISTORY OF PERU. 93 LO LO "^ LD . U-i . iJ"j VD MD • ^ -MD u-^^O u~)\0 . ^^ un- \0 ' 4 -f- ^ ^ ro ^ ro . O o -, _ - J^i I-, M '-' ^^° '^ " , :z; - P P D ^ :r; -' 'ci ' — '' — •' — ' 1 — .' — , ^ ^ f^ ^ 4-1 O^ ^ ^ ~ n o c-o o. (n O O O c c O "^ '^ bJ)'^ 2-a-3-^ __. QJ QJ V (U i; OJ .^ ^ n o. ■^ ^ s O (L> J^ ^-^ 1 — , !-< ■^ ^.jiX: ~ ?. ^ ■- 1 •— rj > c c o '^^ S 5 g !-■ ill V p V " 5 " > o _c c ; :z;r -^ fi; A-ii u K-^ Pi kI, t^ H 5; ;mffi. .Pi h o. : P ■ Mi 5 ex ^,5 n 0/ CO prf U OJ h/i ^ a ^ E o U o 4-) . — ^ .^ 00 w Hi )-, ^ p cS ^ > -1 >H c/; fT'i '^ CCi id U .5 ong, to deal and work in stone. After doing a successful business for some time, he sold his share in the company and moved to Iowa, where he lived several years. He is now living in Ypsillanti, Mich. Although Mr. Long's health has always been delicate, he has been able, by care, to lead a very active life, and has been successful in all his undertakings. He married Martha Batchelder, of Peru, who died in 1888, aged 58 years. Mr. Long is a liberal supporter of society, both by his means and presence. Edward Batchelder, son of Israel Batchelder, is a nati\e of Peru, and spent his youthful days on his father's farm. At maturity he went to Massachusetts and worked in different shops. He married Harriet \\'yman, of Peru. Mr. Batchelder then bought the Ballard mill and run it a short time, selling out to Gustave Albee. He next worked as a wheelwright, and afterwards bought the brick hotel, which he run about a year and sold to O. K. Davis. Mr. Batchelder was a useful citizen, and besides being elected to many town offices, represented the town in the legislature two years. He moved to Pkist Dorset, and is now foreman in D. L. Kent lV Co.'s marble mill. After Mr. Batchelder's first wife died, he married Widow Vials, of Dorset. Jonathan Hapgood, son of Josiah Hapgood, was born in Peru, and spent his early days in the village. He did his life's work on the farm where he was born, caring for his father and mother in their old age. He married Aurelia (Davis) Marsh, of Reading, ^'t. Mr. Hapgood built the new house and made great improvements on the farm. He was a man who worked for the improvement of the institutions of the town, and held many important offices; he was also elected to represent the town two terms. Mrs. Hapgot)d died in 1882, and Mr. Hapgood in 1883. 'Phey were living at their son's residence in Manchester when they died, but were brought to Peru for burial. James H. Wait, son of James Wait, came to Peru in childhood with his parents, who settled in district No. 6, in 183^ and which was an unbroken wilderness at that time. He assisted his father in clearing the farm during the summer months, and attended school in HISTORY OF PERU. 14 1 the winter, where he soon proved to be a good scholar. He learned the joiner's trade, and has always worked at it. Mr. Wait married Nancy \\'yman, daughter of 'J'homas Wyman, and settled in p]ast Dorset, where he built a house. He was always an indu.strious man, and one who enjoyed his prosperity. John W. Davis, son of Grovenor Davis, came into town with his parents when he was four years old. He received his education at the common school of the district in which he lived. When quite young he commenced peddling tinware, but finally moved to Manchester, where by perseverance and industry he soon had a large business. Mr. Davis married Betsey Roby, of Peru. The business is now carried on under the name of John ^\■. Davis & Son, and deals in tinware, sheet iron, stoves, lead pipe, and all kinds of goods kept in such establishments. Henry Davis, second son of (Irovenor Davis, received his education at the school in district No. 6, and worked on his father's farm until he became of age. Early in life he commenced running Thayer's hotel at Factory Point, but left it in a few years and moved into the Colburn House, where he run a popular hotel for about twenty years. Mr. Davis retired from the hotel business with the credit of being a popular landlord. Si.x sons of Goodell \\'alker, whose names are John C,., Ira R., Seth I,., Duane, Merrill G., and Peter J., were all born in Peru and received their education in the village schools. They worked on the farm with their father until they were twenty-one years of age. All of them married and first settled on farms in Peru, John G. being the first one to break the ring and leave town. He has lived in several towns, but has spent most of the time in Peru, and has owned different farms and dealt in real estate. Ira R. has lived on several farms, but for more than twenty years has occupied the house where he now lives. He married Catherine "Wyman, of Peru, and had one daughter, who died when quite young. Seth L. bought the Dudley farm, and has lived on it ever since. All the large buildings were struck by lightning and burnt down, but better ones have taken their place. He married Mrs. Abbie Drury, of ^Veston, who died in 1889. Duane married Irene Stoddard, of South 'Derry. He died in 1863, aged 30 years, and is the only one of the six brothers who is dead. Merrill G. married Rosette Stiles, of Peru. He owned several farms in town, the last one being the Bigelow place, on which he built a fine house. He finally bought a farm, saw mill, and jelly factory in 142 lllS'l'ORV D-l'' J'ERXi Manchester, where he is now doing business under the name of M. G. Walker t\: Son, Porter J. came into possession of the paternal acres, which he sold and moved to Manchester, where he built a house. He is now doing business for himself in Inglewood, 111. All the si.x brothers were industrious and useful citizens, taking an active part in town affairs, and holding offices at different times. John twice represented the town in the legislature. The}' all helped to support society, and were members of the church. Merrill G. and Porter J. were active members in the church and Sunday school, and their help was much missed by the society. Of the large famil)- of John H. Sawyer, only two are living. John married in ?\Iassachusetts, and then went to California, where he has prospered. Sarel, the third son, after the death of his father, entered into an engagement with his mother and the heirs to remain on the farm, take care of his mother, and pay a small sum to the heirs, which he did until he came into possession of the homestead. He re-built the saw mill, put in new machinery, and otherwise improved the premises. Mr. Sawyer is a man of great muscular power, and has done a good deal of hard work on his farm. He married Jane Conable, of Pernardston. Mass., and has three daughters, ail of whom are married. M. J. Hapgood, son of J. J. Hapgood, was born at Peru in 1849. He attended the village school, and then went to PJurr & ]jurton's Seminary to prepare for college. After he had finished his cour.se at Williams College, he studied in different law offices and attended lectures at the Harvard Law School, afterwards being admitted to the bar. Mr. Hapgood commenced business with the firm of J. J. Hapgood & Co. in the mercantile store at Peru, and continued in the business for a number of years. He entered the lumber business, bought large tracts of land, and erected a steam mill on the mountain, which has done a large business. Mr.' Hapgood does more to support society and the institutions of the town than any other citizen. Of the six sons of J. W. Farnum who were born and brought up in schoo-1 district No. 4, David is the oldest. He married Miss P. Purton, of Manchester, and went to live in Herndon, Va., but now resides in Maryland, where he has prospered. Aaron, the second son, was suddenly killed by the bursting of a stone in a grist mill at Arlington, A't., leaving many friends to mourn his loss. Henr}', the third son, married .Miss Jienedict, and resides on the farm formerly HlS'l'OllY OF IM^^RU. 143 occupied by Mr. Benedict in Arlington. He is a useful citizen of that town. Charles E., the fourth son, married a lady from New Hampshire, and is 'settled in Washington, D. C, where he is a master builder, with an extensive business. Lycena, the fifth son, married a lady at Peru. He moved to Arlington, and is doing well at farming. The sixth and youngest son is married and settled in Dorset. The oldest daughter, Miriam, married Edwin S. Simonds, and lives in Herndon, Va. Mr. Simonds holds an office at Washington, D. C. Amanda, the other daughter, married F.rank Rand and lives in Townshend. James Farnum came to Peru about 1835, and married Remembrance Long. He owned several farms in town, but the latter part of Mr. and Mrs. Farnum's life was spent with their son, where they both died, aged about 73 years. Charles, the oldest son, married Maria Carlton, and lived on various places until about 1865, when he purchased the Killam farm, on which he is doing a good business. He has a family of girls. Wallace, the second son, married Miss Estabrook, of Manchester, and has always lived in town. He now owns tiie Aaron Byard farm, and is a successful farmer. Fayette, the third son, married Miss Simonds, of Peru, and settled at Manchester Depot. He is a mechanic, and is doing a successful business. These three brothers are industrious men and good citizens. LONCiEvrrv. Widow Sarah Killam Stiles was the oldest person who ever lived in town. She died in t808, aged 102 years and six months. Her one hundredth anniversary occurred on Sunday, and was celebrated bv holding a meeting at her residence and uniting with her in celebrat- ing the Lord's supper. Rev. M. A. Cates officiated. Her mind continued bright and clear almost to her last days. In the family of Reuben Bigelow there were eight daughters who grew up to womanhood in Peru, and were as follows. Abigail, died in Chester in 1888, aged 92 years; Susan, died in Manchester in 1S68, aged about 70 years; Lucinda lives in Illinois; Demietta lives in Illinois; Deborah lives in Michigan; Laura lives in AVisconsin; Orrilla and Caroline live in Virginia. The combined ages of the sisters that are alive is 503 years, which averages 83^-^2 years each. 144 HISTORN' OF PERU. NAMES OF THOSE OVER NINETY' YEARS. Sarah Fanium, 92; Lucy Wood Barnard, 97; Mrs. John Batchelder, 92; Mrs. Joel Adams, 95; Widow Lovina Hapgood, 97; Aaron Byard, 95; Mrs. A. Byard, 95; Mrs. Abigail Long, 93; Mrs. Sally Farnum, 95; Jesse Brown, 92; Mrs. Sally Cook, 94; Mrs. Anna Simonds, 94; Mrs. Peter A. (Jould, 93; Ebenezer Stiles, 92; Mrs. Scammel Burt, 92; Parker Wyman, 91; Widow Sarah Messenger, 96. NAMES OF THOSE OVER EIGHT\' YEARS. ]\L-s. Benjamin Williams, 82; Mrs. Joel Lyon, 84; Peter A. Gould, 82; Mrs. J. L. Haynes, 80; Horace Gould, 80; Mrs. Elijah Simonds, 84; Daniel Wood, 83; H. O. Davis, 82; Polly Stone, 83; Oliver Wyman, 85; Deacon Seth Lyon, 83; Dana Wyman, 83; Joel Adam.s, 82; David Simonds, 83; Moody Roby, 88: Asa Farnum, 86; Stephen Tuttle, 83; Deacon John Davidson, 84; Widow Strat- ton, 87; Zimri \\'hitney, 86; Jesse Brown, 87; Mrs. Zimri ^^'hitney, 82; David RobbinS; 85; Mrs. Lydia Walker, 82; Moses Rider, 86 Mrs. Asa Snnonds, 80; P>eeman Lyon, 80; Mrs. John Brown, 87 Elisha Whitney, 84; Freeman Lyon, 2nd, 80; Benjamin Barnard, 87 Mrs. Reuben Bigelow, 83; ATrs. Deacon Lyon, 87; Stephen Bennett, 84; Mrs. Jesse Brown, 81; Edmund Batchelder, 83; Mrs. Edmund Batchelder, 84; Mrs. Isaac G. Long, 84: Mrs. Asa Farnum, 82; Benjamin Barnard, Jr., 82; iMrs. Benjamin Barnard, 88; ]Mrs. Stowell Barnard, 82; Mrs. John Brown, 87; Mrs. Stephen Bennett, 82; Mrs. David Robbins, 87; Moses Adams, 85; Stephen Tuttle, 83: Mrs. Ira Russell, 80; Elijah Simonds, 85; iSlrs. Daniel Wood., 83; Mrs. Elisha ^^'hitney, 81; Jane Taft, 80. r ,^.'