CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME 
 OF THE SAGE ENDOWMENT 
 FUND GIVEN IN 1891 BY 
 
 HENRY WILLIAMS SAGE 
 
Cornell University Library 
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 History of Franklin and Grand Isie count 
 
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 The original of this book is in 
 the Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://archive.org/details/cu31924028837544 
 
HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 Franklin '^^^ Grand Isle Counties 
 
 VERMONT 
 
 WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME 
 OF THE PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS 
 
 Edited by LEWIS CASS ALDRICH 
 
 SYRACUSE, N. Y. 
 
 d. mason & co., publishers ( ; i 
 
 i8qi 
 
PRESS OFQ 
 D. MASON A. CO., 
 
 SYRACUSE, n . t. 
 
INTRODUCTORY. 
 
 SAMUEL JOHNSON said : " He who hath much to do will do 
 something wrong, and of that wrong must suffer the consequences." 
 Possibly that observation might be applied to this work, for in the prep- 
 aration of an elaborate history of Franklin and Grand Isle counties 
 something has been said that doubtless may be an error, while there 
 may have been left unsaid something which should have been narrated. 
 
 Franklin county has a rich and interesting early history, there hav- 
 ing been enacted within its boundaries a series of events that were not 
 common to the state. During the period that covered the years ex- 
 tending from the close of the Revolution down to and including the War 
 of 1 8 12-15 the region of Northern Vermont was the central seat, of 
 operations and events of national importance and bearing, and while 
 some of these occurrences have found their way into history many of 
 them have been passed over as of no special value to local or public 
 records. The reader of the present volume has but to refer to the gen- 
 eral history to learn many things as transpiring within these counties, 
 Franklin and Grand Isle, as now constituted, that were not carried into 
 the counties south of them, and which had much to do with the early 
 history of the state of Vermont. 
 
 But it is not the purpose of the writer of this work to in any manner 
 apologize for what has been done, but rather to explain the means used 
 in accomplishing whatever has been done, and in acknowledging in a 
 general way the assistance he has received in the preparation of the 
 work which is now presented to the reader. And here it may be said, 
 publicly and without reserve, that with but a single exception the com- 
 piler and editor has received at the hands of the people and the custo- 
 dians of records all the assistance that could be desired to enable him 
 
6 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 to make the work as complete, thorough, and reliable as possible. Not 
 only this, but turning to the general and local departments, the fact will 
 be disclosed that a number of the ablest and best writers in the county 
 have contributed important chapters to the work. Chapter II., that 
 relating to the Indian occupation of the region, was contributed by 
 L. B. Truax, of Swanton ; Chapter XVIIL, a thorough and comprehen- 
 sive history of Free Masonry in Franklin county, is from the pen of Col. 
 Alfred A. Hall, of St. Albans. In the preparation of the press chapter 
 the editor has to acknowledge the assistance of Counsellor J. H. Mon- 
 tefiore, of St. Albans. The history of the banking institutions of St. 
 Albans, revised by committee, was written by Hon. E. A. Bowles. A 
 chapter on Odd Fellowship is likewise contributed by P. G. M. Will- 
 iam D. Wilson, but was received by the publishers at a date too late to 
 admit of its incorporation in the general history. This explains its 
 somewhat peculiar position in the work. 
 
 Among the writers of local chapters, to each of whom also is due the 
 thanks of the editor and the publishers, may be mentioned these : O. S. 
 Bliss, for the history of the town of Georgia ; Luther B. Hunt, for assist- 
 ance in the preparation of the history of Fairfax ; Mrs. James G. Powell, 
 for the history of Richford ; Hon. O. N. Kelton, for the chapter relating 
 to Montgomery ; O. G. Start, for the history of Bakersfield ; E. R. 
 Towle, for the history of Franklin; P. B. B. Northrup, for the history 
 of Sheldon ; H. C. Jennison, for assistance in writing the history of 
 Highgate; Ralph O. Sturtevant, for the history of Swanton ; and Mrs. 
 Harriet J. Riggs, for the history of Fletcher. 
 
 To each of the persons whose names have been mentioned as con- 
 tributing material to this volume the editor and the publishers extend 
 their thanks and acknowledge a debt of gratitude. But it is to the 
 generous people of the towns of Franklin and Grand Isle counties who 
 by their hearty and unrestrained support have made this work success- 
 ful, that the publishers acknowledge a special indebtedness That 
 support, freely given, made the work possible, and in return the pub 
 hshers confidently believe that they have prepared for the counties an 
 authentic and reliable and therefore valuable record. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Tlie Subject — The Older Counties under Vermont Authority — Counties under Jur- 
 isdiction of New York — A General Geographioal and Topographical View of 
 Franklin and Grand Isle Counties — Mountain Ranges and Peaks— Principal 
 Water Courses — The Missisquoi and Lamoille Rivei-s and their Tributaries 
 — Avery's Gore, an Unorganized District — Evidences of Prehistoric Occupa- 
 tion — Introductory to the Indian History of the Region of the Counties 17 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 INDIAN" OCCUPATION AND RELICS 25 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Early Explorations and Discoveries — The French in the Canadas — The English in 
 the East and South — The I'uritans in New England — The Dutch m New York 
 — Samuel Champlain Visits the Lake — Its Name — Occupants of this Region in 
 1609 — Early French Settlements in Vermont — Fort St. Anne on Isle La IMotte 
 — Captain De la Mothe — Troubles Among the Indian Nations — Beginning of 
 Troubles Between the French and English 38 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Relations of the French and English Colonies in America — Arming the In- 
 dians—Progress of French Settlement — Events of the Early Wars — An Occa- 
 sional Peace —Operations in the Champlain Region — Forts Built — The Out- 
 
History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 break in 1744 — Treaty of Aix La Chapelle — Convention of the Colonies at 
 Albany — Campaigns against French Strongholds — Their Result? — The French 
 Abandon their Forts — Retire to Isle Aux Noix — Major Rogers's Expedition 
 against St. Francis Indians — Decline of the French Power ^Its Final Over- 
 throw — Surrender of Montreal — France Cedes to Great Britain — The Trench 
 Seigniories on Lake Champlain — The Grants in Franklin and Grand Isle 
 Counties — British Government Declines to Confirm them 44 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Early Land Grants — Dispute Concerning the Boundary between Massachusetts 
 and New Hampshire — Its Settlement — Conflict of Authority Respecting the 
 First Settled Locality in Vermont — Benning Wentworth Becomes Governor 
 of New Hampshire — Grants made by Him— His Right Disputed by New 
 York — Grants within the Region of Franklin County — The Claims of New 
 York Founded on Grants to the Duke of York — Correspondence between 
 New Hampshire and New York— The Controversy Referred to the King — 
 His Decree— New York Extends to Connecticut River — New Hampshire 
 withdraws from the Controversy— Policy adopted by New York— Resisted by 
 the Inhabitants— The Leaders of the People— The Green Mountain Boys — 
 Treatment of New York Officers- Counties Formed by New York— Albany 
 
 and Charlotte Counties Embrace this Region— Progress of the Controversy 
 
 Rewards offered by New York- Proclamations on Both Sides— Events East 
 
 of the Mountains— The People United— The Massacre at Westminster 60 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Tlie Controversy Resumed— Proceedings on the Part of Vermont— Ethan Allen's 
 Achievement at Ticonderoga— Seth Warner at Crown Point— Vermont Seeks 
 Admission to the Federal Union— The Declaration of American Independence 
 —The Dorset Conventions— Vermont's Independence Declared— The State 
 Formed-Name of New Connecticut-Changed to Vermont-Proceedings of 
 Congress upon Vermont's Petition— The Subject Dismissed— Framing the 
 State Constitution— First Union with New Hampshire Towns— Its Dissolu- 
 tion-New York, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts Claims— Vermont's 
 Appeal-Action of Congress-Second Union with New Hampshire Towns— 
 The Eastern Union-Their Dissolution-Negotiations with Canada-Their 
 Results-General Washington's Reply to Governor Chittenden's Letter-New 
 York Ceases Opposition to Vermont's Independence-The States Choose 
 Commissioners-The Controversy Settled- Vermont Admitted to the Union 
 — The Act of Congress . 
 
 ^ ■. 74 
 
Contents. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 During the Revolutionary War — Then no Permanent Settlement in this Region — 
 Causes of the War — Allen Captures Ticonderoga — Warner Takes Crown Point 
 — Arnold Secures Control of Lake Champlain — Invasion of Canada — Seth 
 Warner Chosen Commander of the Green Mountain Boys — Allen's Defeat and 
 Disappointment — His Subsequent Action and Capture — Taken to England — 
 The Campaign of 1775 — Events of the Succeeding Tear — Disaster Follows 
 Success — Americans Withdraw from Canada — The English Regain, Lake 
 Champlain — The Naval Engagement — Destruction of the American Fleet — 
 Carleton's Singular Conduct — He returns to Canada — Campaign of 1777 — 
 Burgoyne Commands the British — Ticonderoga Taken by Hill — Mount Inde- 
 pendence Evacuated — Battle at Hubbardton — St. Clair Retreats to Fort 
 Edward — Warner's Regiment at Manchester— Gen. Stark Comes to Vermont's 
 Aid — The Battle at Bennington — Defeat of the British — Gates and Burgoyne 
 at Stillwater — Their Battles — British again Defeated — Surrender of Burgoyne 
 — Indian Depredations in Vermont — Negotiations with Canada — Its Effects 
 on Vermont and the Country — Ingratitude of Congress 89 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 County Erections under New York— Those East and West of the Green Mount- 
 ains Cumberland County — Albany County Erected — Charlotte County Set 
 Off—The County Seats — Counties formed by Vermont— Bennington and 
 Cumberland — Washington County Erected — Changed to Rutland — Addison 
 County Formed — Chittenden County Created — Organization of Franklin 
 County— Of Grand Isle County — Towns o£ Franklin and Grand Isle Counties 
 — How They Were Granted — Their Organization 106 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Organizatioji of the Counties— Locating the County Seat of Franklin County— The 
 County Originally Called " York "—Name Changed to " Franklin "—Courts and 
 ■Court-Houses— The Jails— Franklin County Civil List— Organization of Grand 
 Isle County — Delays in Bringing about the Desired End— Several Petitions 
 Presented — The County Buildings and First Courts — Civil List of Grand 
 Isle County ^^^ 
 
lo History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Events Preceding the War of 1812-15 — British Occupation of Alburgh and other 
 Points South of the Line — Troubles Following the Town Organization of Al- 
 burgh — Disturbances on the Northern Frontier — Canada and Vermont Estab- 
 lish Trade Eelations — Vermont Favored by the Governor-Greneral — Difficulties 
 Between the United States and Great Britain — British Aggressions — The Em- 
 bargo Laws — Operations of Smugglers — Franklin and Grand Isle Counties 
 Become Important Points — The Black Snake— John Jay's Treaty of Amity 
 and Trade — British Aggressions Resumed^-War of 1812-15 — Political Situa- 
 tion in this Region — British Invasions and Depredations — Swanton Plundered 
 — Attack on Burlington — The Vermont Militia and Volunteers — Battle of 
 Plattsburgh — Land and Naval Engagements — Defeat of the. British — Franklin 
 County Troops Take Part — British again Threaten Invasion — Proposed Win- 
 ter Campaign — The Treaty of Ghent— Close of the War — Peace Again Re- 
 stored 127 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 An Era of Peace and Prosperity — Growth and Increase in Franklin and Grand 
 Isle Counties— Population at Various Periods— The Patriot War of 1837-39 
 
 — Occurrences in these Counties— Citizens' Meetings — Resolutions Adopted 
 
 Some Events of the Period — Generals Wool and Nason — The Surrender 
 
 Militia from Both Counties on the Frontier I54 
 
 CHAPTER Xn. 
 
 FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES DURING THE RESELL 
 
 10^ ■■ 160 
 
 CHAPTER Xni. 
 
 THE ST. ALBANS RAID— THE FENIAN RAID.. 
 
 206 
 
Contents. i i 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 THE BENCH AND BAR OF FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES.. . 214 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 THE MEDICAL PROFESSION — ITS SOCIETIES AND REPRESENTA- 
 TIVES 255 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 THE PRESS 206 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 HISTORY OF VERMONT AND CANADA, VERMONT CENTRAL, CENT- 
 RAL VERMONT, AND CONSOLIDATED RAILROAD COMPANIES... 273 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII, 
 FREE MASONRY IN FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES 295 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF ST. ALBANS, AND OF THE INCORPO- 
 RATED VILLAGE OF ST. ALBANS, THE SEAT OF JUSTICE OF 
 FRANKLIN COUNTY 310 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SWANTON 391 
 
12 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BNOSBUEGH 417 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF RICHFORD 447 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF FAIRFAX 4G6 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF FRANKLIN 481 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF FAIRFIELD 50, 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI, 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BAKERSFIELD 5,3 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BERKSHIRE 
 
Contents. i 3 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF FLETCHER 541 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MONTGOMERY 551 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF GEORGIA 5C4 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OP HIGHGATE 5<ja 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SHELDON 61 1 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF ALBURGH 628 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF GRAND ISLE 644 
 
14 History of Frankxin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF ISLE LA MOTTE 653 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI. 
 ■ HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF NORTH HERO 6C1 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVII. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SOUTH HERO G70 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
 
 HISTORY OF ODD FELLOWSHIP IN FRANKLIN COUNTY 679 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL gg2 
 
 CHAPTER XL. 
 
 FAMILY SKETCHES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 73^ 
 
 CHAPTER XLI. 
 
 FAMILY SKETCHES OF GRAND ISLE COUNTY 
 
 800 
 
HISTORY 
 
 OP 
 
 Franklin and Grand Isle 
 
 COUNTIES, VERMONT. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 The Subject — The Older Counties under Vermont Authority — Counties under Ju- 
 risdiction of New York — A General Geographical and Topographical View of Franklin 
 and Grand Isle Counties — Mountain Ranges and Peaks — Principal Water Courses — 
 The Missisquoi and La Moille Rivers, and their Tributaries — Avery's Gore, an Unor- 
 ganized District — Evidences of Prehistoric Occupation — Introductory to the Indian 
 History of the Region of the Counties. 
 
 THE civil and political history of any county naturally begins with 
 its organization, and separation from the territory or jurisdiction of 
 which it was formerly a part. Therefore, were the scope of this vol- 
 ume Hmited alone to the counties of Franklin and Grand Isle, since the 
 former was set off from Chittenden county, much that is of historic in- 
 terest would necessarily be omitted from the present work. To prop- 
 erly narrate the early events of this region it will be necessary to refer 
 frequently to the older county on the south — Chittenden — which surren- 
 dered its territory to the erection of Franklin on the Sth of November, 
 of the year 1792. Chittenden county was brought into existence by 
 legislative enactment on the 22d of October, 1787, being then organized 
 from the territory of Addison county, which latter was formerly a part 
 3 
 
1 8 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 of Rutland, and set off therefrom on the i8th of October, 1785. Rut- 
 land county, the immediate parent of Addison county, was itself form- 
 erly a part of the ancient jurisdiction of Bennington county, and was 
 separated from it by an act passed by the General Assembly, and con- 
 curred in by the Council, on the 8th of November, 1780, and its name 
 therein given was Washington county. This act was printed, but not 
 put upon the record, and in that situation remained until the next ses- 
 sion of the Assembly holden at Windsor, in 1781. Then, on Febru- 
 ary 13th, a new and slightly modified bill was passed, and by it the new 
 jurisdiction was named Rutland. The old county of Bennington was 
 created by the independent government of Vermont, through the me- 
 dium of an act passed at the March session of the Assembly of the year 
 
 1778, although its boundary lines were not defined until February 11, 
 
 1779. This county — Bennington — comprehended all that region of 
 Vermont that lay to the westward of the main chain of the Green Moun- 
 tains, and therefore included all that now comprises the counties of 
 Franklin and Grand Isle. The western boundary of the old county was 
 by the act declared to be the center of the deepest channel of Lake 
 Champlain ; which was followed to the south line of the province of 
 Quebec. 
 
 All of the foregoing county erections and organizations, except those 
 the subject of this work, the reader will understand, were made under 
 the authority of the then independent jurisdiction of Vermont; a juris- 
 diction and authority not then recognized by the Federal government, 
 nor was it until the year 1791. Therefore the only exception to be made 
 to the statement above is that the territory now comprising the counties 
 of Franklin and Grand Isle, or nearly all of it, was organized into the 
 county of Franklin after the statehood of Vermont had been recognized 
 by the general government of the United States. In the same manner, 
 as will be shown more at length in succeeding chapters, the territory 
 now comprising Franklin and Grand Isle counties was organized into 
 counties, or parts of them at least, under the authority of the provincial 
 government of New York, and as a part of that jurisdiction. The first 
 county organization under New York that included this particular re- 
 gion was known by the name of Albany, and this country west of the 
 mountams was brought into annexation with it in 1766; but Albany 
 
Geographical and Topographical. 19 
 
 county was divided in 1772, and the northern part west of the Green 
 Mountains was erected into a county by the name of Charlotte, having its 
 shire town at Skeenesborough, now the site of the village of Whitehall. 
 
 Thus, from what has been said, the reader will understand that the 
 proper and intelligent narrative of events concerning the region calls 
 for frequent reference to the older counties from which Franklin and 
 Grand Isle are descended. In fact, the early history of these counties, 
 the special subject of this volume, is a part of the history of the entire 
 state ; auxiliary to but not co-extensive with it. 
 
 But before going at length into the subject of early civil and politi- 
 cal history, the attention of the reader may first be properly directed to 
 a general geographical and topographical view of the counties ; and as 
 the configuration of the surface has not materially changed during the 
 last hundred years, this description may be given in the present tense. 
 
 The physical features of Franklin county are not unlike those of the 
 other civil divisions of the State bordering upon Lake Champlain, ex- 
 cept that, perhaps, between the lake on the west, and the Green Moun- 
 tains on the east, there appears to be a, greater extent of level lands than 
 are to be found in some of the counties to the southward. These com- 
 paratively smooth areas prevail more particularly in the towns of Geor- 
 gia, St. Albans, Swanton and Highgate, but none of these can be said 
 to be entirely free from mountainous localities, for they do exist, how- 
 ever limited in extent, especially in the east parts of the towns named. 
 And even among the inland towns, such as Fairfax, Sheldon, Enosburg, 
 and Richford, there are extensive level areas, exempt from untillable 
 mountain peaks, and the lands are susceptible of a high degree of culti- 
 vation. These desirable lands prevail throughout the valley of the Mis- 
 sisquoi River ; and it may be said as an undeniable fact, that the region of 
 this valley has the best and most productive farming lands in the entire 
 county. And the farms bordering on this stream are occupied, im- 
 proved and enjoyed to as great an extent as any in the whole State, and 
 there appears to be no occasion, in this locality at least, for the Com- 
 missioner of Agriculture to colonize the lands with foreign importations, 
 as has been found necessary in some towns in other counties. 
 
 The more mountainous towns of the county are Fletcher, Bakersfield 
 and Montgomery; to which, perhaps, maybe added the small unorgan- 
 
20 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 ized district called Avery's Gore. This last named division — Avery's 
 Gore — is one of a number of small tracts of land which were granted to 
 Samuel Avery, under the above name, and is annexed to Franklin 
 county. It contains 9,723 acres of land, and never had to exceed forty- 
 eight in population, and not sufficient polls to warrant its organization. 
 The census of 1880 gave it but sixteen inhabitants. It is subject to the 
 authority of Franklin county. No further record, except an occasional 
 mention, will be made concerning this district in this volume. 
 
 Among the mountainous towns of the county, Montgomery stands at 
 the head; but this even has level and fertile lands, although they may 
 be the exception rather than the rule. But Montgomery has resources 
 other than its farming interests, for it has an abundance of timber tracts, 
 and reasonably good water privileges, derived from Trout River and its 
 numerous tributaries ; and this power is utilized to a considerable ex- 
 tent, and the town abounds in manufacturing industries of various kinds. 
 Although most remote from the county seat, it cannot be called the 
 least in importance of the county's towns. 
 
 The eastern district of the county may be said to lie fairly within the 
 Green Mountain range, but nowhere are to be observed extreme 
 heights, such as approach to Jay Peak, on the east. Across the south- 
 east portion of Enosburg there extends a considerable range of high 
 hills, almost mountains, which divide the town, forcing the inhabitants 
 on the east side to associate and trade with the Montgomery interests. 
 Bakersfield has a share of this range of hills, rendering its eastern bor- 
 der of mountainous character, which, in connection with others in vari- 
 ous localties of the town, makes that rank only second in point of high 
 altitudes in the county. 
 
 And in this same connection Fairfield and Fletcher, and the south- 
 eastern part of Fairfax, as well, must not be forgotten ; for in divers 
 localities throughout each are hills of no mean height; but Fairfield has 
 vast areas of level land as well as hill-tops, Epecially is this the case in 
 the valley of Black Creek, and of its tributaries Fairfield River and Fair- 
 field pond. Also between Georgia and Fairfax is a considerable range 
 of hills, and as well in the eastern part of the towns of St. Albans and 
 Swanton. But the latter are such marked exceptions to the general 
 physical features of the towns, that they are looked upon as nature's 
 
Topographical Features. 21 
 
 favors, rather than objections. In the town first named the higher tops 
 are designated by names, being called, respectively, Prospect Hill, Belle- 
 vue Hiir, and Aldis Hill, from each of which can be obtained an excel- 
 lent view over the waters of the lake, to the celebrated Adirondacks of 
 northern New York; while from at least one peak in the town there can 
 be seen, under favorable circumstances, the city of Montreal. 
 
 The topographical characteristics of Highgate and Franklin differ 
 from those of other towns only in that the hills are more on the order of 
 independent peaks than anything partaking of the range nature; and in 
 the former town the elevations approach nearer to the bay, or the lake 
 waters, than in localities farther south. Between Missisquoi Bay and 
 the little ponds. Proper's and Cutler's, are a few heights, the more im- 
 portant being commonly called Teachout Hill. Also in the east part is 
 the elevation called Rice Hill. In Franklin the hills are occasionally 
 designated by name, there being, among others, Bridgman in the west 
 part, and Minister and Shingle in the north part. East and south of 
 Franklin pond, on the lines between Sheldon and Berkshire, respect- 
 ively, and this town, are hills of less prominence, comparatively, though 
 of themselves fair elevations. Sheldon is not without hilltops, but they 
 are small and scattered. 
 
 The county of Franklin has two principal water courses, one of them 
 — the Missisquoi River — being classed among the largest waterways of 
 the state. This river drains the entire north portion of the county, and 
 in its course passes across six of the towns. The Missisquoi enters the 
 county in the northeast part of Richford, and thence courses generally 
 southwest into Berkshire, crossing the southeast part of the latter, and 
 enters Enosburg from the north; thence turning westerly, by south, it 
 flows across the northwest part of Enosburgh, and on into the central 
 western portion of Sheldon, where it turns ofT northwest into Highgate, 
 through which its course is exceedingly devious and winding. Leav- 
 ing Highgate on the south boundary, the river enters Swanton, a south- 
 west course, but at Swanton village changes abruptly to the northwest, 
 and so continues until its waters are finally discharged into the Missis- 
 quoi Bay and the lake, forming a " delta " at its mouth. 
 
 The Missisquoi River does not appear to receive the waters of any 
 considerable streams on its north side; in fact, it seems that a short dis- 
 
22 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 tance north of the general course of the river there is a "divide," or ele- 
 vated ridge that turns the smaller streams toward the north, into the 
 province of Quebec. The principal tributaries of the Missisquoi from 
 the south are the Black Creek, Tyler's branch, and Trout River. The 
 first named stream has its source in the mountainous districts of Bakers- 
 field and Fletcher; thence it crosses Fairfield, receiving in that town the 
 waters of Fairfield River and Fairfield pond, and into Sheldon, where 
 it empties into the main stream. 
 
 Tyler's Branch is the principal stream of Bakersfield, draining its en- 
 tire central and northern portions ; and in Enosburgh as well, it re- 
 ceives the discharge waters of the southern and eastern parts. Its 
 course lies mainly in these towns, but it empties into the Missisquoi in 
 Sheldon. Trout River is the chief stream of Montgomery, in which 
 town it has numerous tributaries, some of them of note. It also drains 
 from Richford, slightly from Enosburgh, and discharges into the Missis- 
 quoi near East Berkshire. Each of the towns bordering on the Missis- 
 quoi have other streams that are tributary to the river, but they are of 
 small size, and will be mentioned in connection with the descriptive his- 
 tory of the several towns through which they run. 
 
 The La Moille River, the second in importance of the streams of the 
 county, touches only three of the towns, Georgia, Fairfax and Fletcher, 
 in the latter forming the boundary between this county and La Moille on 
 the south. The river crosses the entire south part of Fairfax, and in its 
 course passes over a huge mass of rocks, giving the stream a fall of 
 nearly one hundred feet in flowing but a few rods. This point is called 
 Fairfax Falls, than which there is no grander display of waterfall in the 
 whole county. And here, too, is unquestionably the best water-power 
 in all northern Vermont, but it is not utilized except for a single factory, 
 while its capacity would furnish motive power for a full score of manu- 
 facturing industries. 
 
 In Fletcher the principal tributaries to the La Moille are Dead brook 
 and Stone's brook, both of which discharge into it from the north The 
 brook first named is the outlet of Metcalf pond, so called, a considera- 
 ble body of water lying in the northeast part of the town In Fairfax 
 the La Moille receives the waters of the streams Mill brook and Beaver 
 Meadow brook, and others smaller, all of which discharge from the 
 
Topographical Features. 23 
 
 north, while Brown River, a stream of some magnitude, is the main trib- 
 utary on the south side. Georgia, also, has its Beaver Meadow brook, 
 which is the only tributary to the La Moille, of any note, in the town, 
 except, perhaps, Stone brook. 
 
 In the towns bordering on Lake Champlain there are no streams of 
 importance, except the Missisquoi and La Moille rivers, that discharge 
 therein. In fact, nearly all the larger brooks of the county are tribu- 
 tary to the rivers already named. In Georgia the stream called Mill 
 River is perhaps the greatest that pays direct tribute to the lake, while 
 in St. Albans, Tullar's brook does the same, the lattef- emptying into 
 St. Albans Bay, near its head. Swanton and Highgate both have 
 streams and rivulets that flow into the lake, but the great part of the 
 small streams of these towns discharge into the Missisquoi. 
 
 In Grand Isle county there are none of the peculiar physical charac- 
 teristics that mark its companion, Franklin, for the whole surface is ex- 
 ceedingly level and fertile; and although the land may be gently rolling 
 throughout the several towns, there is neither hill nor vale nor streams 
 of any considerable size. Yet these five small towns comprise one 
 county of the state ; a county more rich in agricultural resources than 
 any in this whole commonwealth ; a veritable Eden set in the middle 
 of Lake Champlain. The greatest of Grand Isle's subdivisions is the 
 town of Alburgh, and its location is farthest north, abutting the Canada 
 line. South of it, and lapping its east side, is the island called North 
 Hero, while in the same relative position on the opposite side appears 
 that little gem. Isle La Motte, one of the most historic localities of Ver- 
 mont. South of North Hero lies the other towns of the county. Grand 
 Isle first, and then South Hero on the extreme south. 
 
 In the vicinity of each of these subdivisions that comprise Grand Isle 
 county, are smaller islands, each of which is attached for jurisdictional 
 purposes to the main body nearest to which it is situate. All of these 
 will be made subjects of further and more detailed mention in the sev- 
 eral chapters relating to town history, on the later pages of this volume. 
 
 The counties of Franklin and Grand Isle comprise nineteen subdivis- 
 ions or organized towns, and these, jointly and severally, are the subject 
 of this work. Here the question naturally arises, where does their his- 
 tory commence ? If with their organization into counties, the events 
 
24 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 1 
 
 occurring in the region of what is now Grand Isle county, prior to the 
 year 1802, must be passed unnoticed; for it was then that Grand Isle 
 county was erected, by taking from the older counties of Franklin and 
 Chittenden ; and if whatever is recorded as the history of Franklin 
 county should commence with its particular erection, then all events of 
 earlier occurrence than 1792, must be left unmentioned. But such a 
 compilation would be manifestly unfair and unjust, for the fact appears 
 that this region was the first within what is now the state of Vermont in 
 which civilized settlement was made; and that by the French, about 
 the middle of the seventeenth century. 
 
 Even prior to the French occupancy and dominion, this whole region 
 and country was the place of abode of the North American Indians, but 
 when that occupation began even unreliable tradition gives us no satis- 
 factory understanding. And there are scattered evidences that tend to 
 show that this particular region was at some ancient day the dweUing 
 place of a prehistoric race of people. Of this fact there are, as has been 
 said, scattered and meagre evidences, but the work of investigators is 
 not yet sufficiently advanced to warrant more than incidental reference 
 to so uncertain a subject. 
 
 Of the Indian occupation of the general region of Franklin and Grand 
 Isle counties, no local work prior to this has made that a special subject 
 of discussion. To be sure there have been works published that related 
 to the Indian history of particular localities, Swanton for instance, but 
 none that assumed to furnish reliable information concerning the entire 
 region of the counties of which we write ; and inasmuch as this subject 
 concerns an occupancy that began prior to civilized white settlement, it 
 is proper that that branch of the county's history be first narrated. 
 
Indian Occupation and Relics. 25 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 INDIAN OCCUPATION AND RELICS.' 
 
 WHILE there is no possible means of knowing how long man has 
 existed within the territory now known as FrankHn and Grand 
 Isle counties, yet. to any thinking investigator or relic hunter, the fact 
 soon becomes plain, that man has existed here for a long period. The 
 depth at which many of the specimens are found, is alone strong proof 
 of this fact; also the condition of the specimens themselves. 
 
 Relics are found in many places from one to three feet below the 
 present surface of the soil, not stray pieces, that might by some means 
 have been covered, but many pieces in a strata of flint chips, bits of 
 pottery, with traces of a darker earth, the remains of a one-time surface 
 soil. Of course in some localities the depth at which a specimen lay 
 would be no means of judging its age, light sandy soil, like that upon 
 what is locally known in Swanton as the Hempyard, where the earth 
 moves and piles up like the drifting snow, one season might cover ob- 
 jects to a depth that would require centuries in another place. But we 
 must remember that even there the work of the winds and storms was 
 comparatively as nothing before the land was cleared. In a narrow val- 
 ley, subject to the wash from the hills, a strata of specimens would also 
 soon become deeply covered. But from the sum of evidence of many 
 localities, some favorable to rnpid deposit and others not, we can but 
 decide that man to have left his relics at tlie depth in the soil that they 
 are found, must have lived here at a time so remote that all historic 
 past is but a matter of to-day. 
 
 At West Swanton, upon the farm of A. NiJes, in digging for the foun- 
 dation of a barn an ancient fire-bed was discovered about four feet below 
 the surface, under the gravel and upon the clay ; fragments of pottery 
 and several implements were also found. At East Aiburgh, upon what 
 is known as Fox Hill, is a deposit of chippings, pottery fragments, fire- 
 
 ' A chapter of great value written expressly for this work by Mr. L. B. Truax, of 
 Swanton, Vt. 
 4 
 
26 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 stones, etc., at a depth varying from one and one-half to three feet. On 
 an interval, about two miles below the village of Swanton, is a well de- 
 fined strata of relics, at least two feet below the surface. Several years 
 ago a spring freshet washed away the soil at this place for a number of 
 rods along the river, exposing a great quantity of chippings, pottery 
 and implements. Of course this place is subject to an annual overflow 
 and a deposit of alluvial, but how long a time must it have taken to make 
 soil two feet in depth ? Mention might be made of any number of such 
 places. 
 
 That there were periods when this territory was not inhabited by any 
 settled people is proved by history, as well as evidence from the field. 
 In 1609, when Champlain made his voyage of discovery up the lake that 
 bears his name, he had with him a number of Indians from the vicinity 
 of Montreal. They were Algonquins, one of the great races that inhab- 
 ited this country, made up of many tribes and occupying nearly all 
 of New England, all of the Province of Quebec and scattered over 
 much territory west and south. As Champlain entered the region of 
 the lake, his Indians were fearful of an attack from the Iroquois. This 
 was another nation of Indians that inhabited North America, and con- 
 sisted at that time of five tribes, the Mohawks, the Oneidas. the Sene- 
 cas, the Cayugas and the Onondagas. In 17 12 the Tuscaroras were 
 added, and the confederacy was afterwards known as the Six Nations. 
 They inhabited what is now the State of New York, considerable terri- 
 tory west of it, and part of western Vermont. They were a powerful 
 people, with a good system of confederation and wise laws; and were 
 deadly enemies of the Algonquins. That they inhabited part of this 
 section of country is plain from Champlain's account, viz.: "I saw four 
 beautiful islands ten, twelve and fifteen leagues in length, formerly in- 
 habited, but abandoned since they have been at war, the one with the 
 other. Continuing our route along the west side of the lake, viewing 
 the country, I saw on the east side very high mountains capped with 
 snow. I asked the Indians if these parts were inhabited ? They an- 
 swered me, yes ; and that they belonged to the Iroquois, and that 
 there were in those parts beautiful valleys, and fertile fields bearing as 
 good corn as any I had eaten in the country, with an infinitude of other 
 fruits." Thus the Iroquois, while inhabiting the southern portion of 
 
Indian Occupation and Relics. 27 
 
 the State, westward of the mountains, probably had not any extensive or 
 long continued settlement east of them, but quite likely occupied for a 
 time the territory along the base of the Green Mountains, well to the north. 
 The country now comprising Franklin and Grand Isle counties, and 
 probably part of the region along the Sorel River, was disputed terri- 
 tory. We find in many places in this region beds of relics, separated by 
 from one to three feet of clear earth, without a specimen in it, show- 
 ing different and long separated periods of occupancy, and with an in- 
 tervening period when at least these special places were abandoned; 
 yet, while this region at Champlain's time was unoccupied, it belonged 
 to the Iroquois, probably by right of conquest, their claim seemingly 
 acceded to by the Algonquins. In 1798 the surviving representatives 
 of the Iroquois presented a claim to the Legislature of Vermont for the 
 payment for about two million acres of land. This claim has been pre- 
 sented many times since, last in 1888. 
 
 But, though the Iroquois undoubtedly owned this section, they after- 
 wards withdrew tb the west of Lake Champlaiti, then a tribe of the Al- 
 gonquin race, the "Abenaqui," came in, possibly back, to their own land 
 from which they had been driven by the Iroquois. They were the peo- 
 ple found here by the early white settlers, and were afterwards known 
 as the St. Francis Indians, from the fact that a large number of them 
 were at one time settled at the village of St. Francis. Their principle 
 village seems to have been located upon the banks of the Missisquoi 
 River, and while evidence of occupation in the way of relics of every 
 kind is abundant for many miles along its banks, the greater number 
 are to be found about two miles below the village of Swanton, where 
 many hundreds of specimens have been picked up. The writer alone 
 has collected upwards of one thousand from this locality. These relics 
 are probably in part the remains of this last race, while others were 
 doubtless left by the Iroquois ; and there is no question but that some 
 of these relics are of a people that dwelt in this region at a period much 
 earlier than that of the Algonquins or Iroquois. 
 
 The tribe of Abenakis, or St. Francis Indians, probably settled here 
 about 1650, and became strong allies to the French in the early wars, 
 seemingly bound to them by religious ties, through the efforts of the 
 Franciscan and Jesuit priests. About 1725 those in the immediate vicin- 
 
28 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 ity of the village on the river left because of a fatal plague that raged 
 among them, and settled at St. Francis, but fifteen years later they had 
 mostly returned, and it was what the old records call " a large Indian 
 town," which continued about the same until 1763, when a treaty of 
 peace was signed between England and France, by which this region 
 and the entire northeasterly possessions of the French in America were 
 ceded to the English. The Indians who had sided with the French in 
 the wars of the past, were now left in the land of their enemy, and 
 their gradual withdrawal from this territory followed. They con- 
 tinued to occupy, however, up to at least as late as i860, and it is 
 said by old inhabitants, that they were in the habit of drifting back in 
 bands of eight or ten families to favorite camping grounds to spend part 
 of the year, up to as late as 1835 or 1840. That the Abenakis were en- 
 gaged in the expedition against the infant settlements to the ?outh is 
 certain, as the following extracts from an old French diary preserved in 
 the colonial history of New York gives a clear idea of the methods pur- 
 sued ; the French supplying an outfit to, the Indians doing the work. 
 " March i6th 1746. — The Abenakis went toward Boston and returned 
 with some scalps and prisoners." "A party of twenty Abenakis of Miss- 
 kiou set out towards Boston and returned with some scalps and prison- 
 ers." " May 24. — Party of eight Abenakis of Missiskow fitted out, went 
 
 in direction of Boston, returned with prisoners and scalps." "June 12. 
 
 Equipped party of ten Abenakis who made an attack in the direction of 
 Boston." 
 
 It seems probable that some of the Abenakis were with the party in the 
 expedition against Deerfield, Mass., February 29, 1704, as the Rev. John 
 Williams,, who was captured at that time, and taken by the Indians to 
 Canada, says is his memoirs entitled "The Redeemed Captive Return- 
 ing to Zion," that after going some distance on the ice up the lake from 
 the mouth of the French (Onion) River, "We went a day's journey from 
 the lake to a company of Indians who were kind to me, giving me the 
 best they had, which was moose flesh, ground nuts and cranberries " 
 " We stayed at a branch of the lake and feasted two or three days on 
 geese we killed there." It is likely that the " branch of the lake " was 
 Missisquoi Bay, and that the geese were killed, and the cranberries 
 picked in the marshes about the mouth of the river. Mrs. Jemima 
 
Indian Occupation and Relics. 29 
 
 Howe's captors were also Abenakis. She was taken from Vernon, Vt., 
 i'l ''7SS> ^nd, after being held captive in this vicinity for some time, was 
 taken to St. Johns and sold to a French gentleman. She described this 
 locality in after years very closely, particularly " the cove " about two 
 miles above the village of Swanton. 
 
 Ancient Village Sites. — There are many places in this region that bear 
 evidence of habitation. Some of course were a mere cluster of homes, 
 while in other places the great quantity of implements, cliippings, etc., 
 that are found, indicate large and populous towns, and long continued 
 occupancy. The result of an active investigation and study of this re- 
 gion, extending over a period of ten years, leads the writer to the belief 
 that the number of people inhabiting this region in the past, has been 
 very much underestimated by writers and students of the subject. John 
 B. Pei ry, the only scientist who ever gave this region a thorough inves- 
 tigation, must have been in error when he said in his " History of Swan- 
 ton:" "In many localities indeed, Indian relics have been found. Chips 
 of chist, as I well remember, are met with in one place in considerable 
 abundance." There is probably not a farm in Grand Isle county but 
 that will show some evidence of ancient occupation, and throughout 
 Franklin county they are nearly as abundant. For fifteen miles along 
 the banks of the Missisquoi River, and for one and one-half miles back, 
 there is hardly a field but upon which can be found some traces of 
 ancient occupancy. The same may also be said of the shores of Frank- 
 lin pond, and in fact the entire country. A few scattered chips and 
 fragments of pottery of course would not mean a village site, but 
 rather an isolated home ; places where the ground is literally filled with 
 such indications, like for instance, many acres on the Burton farm in 
 Swanton, seem to indicate thickly populated villages. Many other places 
 beside this one are to be found in this region. 
 
 Implements, and their Probable Uses — In describing the use to which 
 an Indian implement might be put we are apt to judge from the stand- 
 point of our own necessities, forgetting that the race that used the stone 
 axe and spear were different from ourselves, and under different condi- 
 tions of life, and that their needs were not our needs. 
 
 Taking relics in classes, the arrow point, is the first to attract attention, 
 both by reason of number and importance. These are found in abun- 
 
30 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 dance throughout this entire region, and are too familiar an object to re- 
 quire either illustration or description. The material used in making the 
 arrow-head is generally some of the varieties of quartz, yet arrow points 
 of slate are occasionally found, either chipped or worn into form, and 
 sometimes one is found made of copper. All the usual forms are found 
 in this region, the serrated, or barbed point, being the rarest. The writer 
 knows of but one typical specimen of that variety being found here. The 
 arrow point was probably one of the most useful implements primitive 
 man had, it being his dependence in both the chase and war. 
 
 Plate I. shows a collection of the chipped implements. No's i, 2, 3, 4 
 and 5, are, without doubt, spear-heads. No's 2 and 4, the usual form 
 found in this section. No's i and 5 are rare forms, 5, particularly 
 so. This is a beautiful specimen, finely chipped from jasper, and re- 
 sembles the western specimens in both form and material. It was found 
 in Highgate. No's 7 and 8, and 10 to 13, inclusive, are of a class of spec- 
 imens that are found quite commonly. They are usually called spear- 
 heads, yet their size and weight is such. that they would hardly be suit- 
 able for that purpose ; neither is there any provision made in the way 
 of notches to aid in tieing them securely to a shaft. It is the writer's 
 belief that these were agricultural implements, and were used as a spade 
 or hoe. The fact that many of them are found worn smooth, as though 
 by long use, seems to bear out this theory. No's 6 and 9 are typical 
 turtle-backs, and are usually called knives. 
 
 Plate 2 shows objects of worn stone. Nos. i, 2, and 3, are the 
 ordinary ungrooved axe or celts. They are common in this locality, 
 and show great variety of form, size and workmanship. These imple- 
 ments were undoubtedly intended for some particular use, but were 
 probably made to serve many purposes, according to necessity. As 
 skinning tools they would seem to answer the purpose very well. No 
 3, however, seems to be more particularly intended for that work • the 
 blade or sharp edge of this specimen extends up the curved side nearly 
 half its length. The blade is always carefully worked, and rarely shows 
 any marks of severe use. Most of the specimens are "bush ham- 
 mered" above the blade, probably with a piece of angular quartz Some 
 are found polished over the entire surface, and yet others are merely 
 rough pieces of stone, which show no work upon them, excepting a 
 
Indian Occupation and Relics. 
 
 31 
 
 PLATE 1. 
 
32 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 sharpened edge. No. i is a fine specimen of the polished celt. No. 4 
 is a fine example of the grooved axe. These are rare in, northern Ver- 
 mont ; so very rare, indeed, that the writer, in making a collection of 
 about 3,000 specimens of stone implements, has succeeded in obtain- 
 ing but three grooved axes. The grooved axe was probably used as a 
 weapon, and with an elastic handle fastened to it with raw hide, it would 
 answer that purpose admirably. Nos. 6, 7 and 8 are types of the gouge. 
 No. 6 is an elegant specimen, finely wrought from very compact sand- 
 stone, and nicely polished. No. 7 is a rare piece, a combined gouge and 
 celt. The probable use of the stone gouge has been the cause of much 
 discussion and study among collectors. The suggestion that they were 
 used for tapping the sugar maple, is of course too unreasonble to deserve 
 a moment's thought. The most plausible theory is that they were used 
 in making wooden dishes and canoes, for digging away the wood after it 
 had been charred Champlain tells of the manner in which the Indians, 
 whom he met on the coast of Maine, made canoes by charring and dig- 
 ging away the charred portion, and keeping up the process until the de- 
 sired shape was obtained. Early travelers among the Southern Indians 
 also speak of gouges, made from bones and shells, being used in making 
 wooden dishes and canoes, by charring and scraping. The stone gouge 
 seems to be characteristic of New England, and especially so of Ver- 
 mont. As near as the writer can ascertain, they are seldom if ever 
 found in the West, and but very few have been found in the South. 
 They are certainly not common in this locality, yet they form an im- 
 portant and interesting part of local collections. They are seldom found 
 showing marks of severe use. 
 
 Plate 3 illustrates the more ornamental forms of ancient work. No. i 
 is a rare and beautiful object of slate. It is symmetrical in form, and 
 highly polished over its entire surface. A cross section of it is triangu- 
 lar, precisely like a modern bayonet. This object was unquestionably 
 used as a knife or dagger. There is a series of notches upon one end ; 
 which is also beveled to admit of its being properly hafted. Nos. 2 
 and 3 are the rare and wonderful stone tubes. These were found in an 
 ancient burial ground, upon the farm of WiUiam Frink, in the town of 
 Highgate, about two miles north of the village of Swanton. As far as 
 the writer can ascertain, this is the only place, with the exception of 
 
Indian Occupation and Relics. 
 
 33 
 
 PLATE 2. 
 
34 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Palatine Bridge, N. Y., in which this exact form of tube is found. The 
 burial ground is of great antiquity, and of its origin, and of the people 
 whose remains were placed here, the later Indians had not even a tra- 
 dition. When this region was first settled by the whites, upon these 
 graves immense pines were growing, and there is no knowledge of the 
 number of trees that had previously matured and gone to decay. Within 
 these graves tubes have been found to the number of about twenty-three 
 It is to be regretted that more than half of these have been taken out 
 of the state. They are from five to fifteen inches long, and the bore is 
 usually three-eighths of an inch in diameter at one end, and three- 
 fourths at the other, running remarkably uniform, in the larger and 
 smaller specimens. At the end where the bore is largest, they are bev- 
 eled both inside and out, so as to make a chisel edge, while at the other 
 end they are square across. The material in the larger specimens is 
 usually stone, in the smaller, sometimes stone, and often sun-dried clay. 
 One specimen that I have seen was burned like pottery. Some of them 
 when found were " plugged" at the small end with a bit of stone, nicely 
 ground, and which fits perfectly when dropped in from the other end. 
 There is, of course, no possible way of accurately determining the use 
 of these tubes. Professor G. H. Perkins, who has made a special study 
 of the implements from this place, believes them to.be tobacco pipes, 
 from their similarity to wooden tubes used as pipes by certain of the 
 Northwest tribes ; and also from the fact that nothing else in any way 
 resembling a tobacco pipe has ever been found in these graves. With 
 all honor to so good authority, I cannot believe this theory is correct, 
 for these reasons : In the first place, the size of some of these tubes is 
 an argument against such a use ; and again, the diameter of the bore is 
 so nearly uniform throughout the entire length, that it would be impos- 
 sible to get proper suction, while in the wooden tubes, known to be 
 pipes, the diameter of the bore at the end intended to be placed in the 
 mouth is much smaller than at the other. The writer believes that 
 the name given them by the old settlers, when they were first found, 
 viz., "Moose Calls," is nearest correct, and that they are, and were used 
 as musical instruments. 
 
 A person who understands how to produce a tone upon the class of 
 wind instruments with which the tone is made by an impulse, not by 
 
Indian Occupation and Relics. 
 
 35 
 
 PLATE 3. 
 
36 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 blowing, can, with any one of these tubes, sound a clear, penetrating 
 tone of great carrying power. They range m pitch according to length 
 and size. A person, with the necessary skill and practice, can produce 
 the tones represented by the open tones of a cornet called the first, fifth 
 and the octave ; and possibly by long continued practice could make 
 the third, fifth and double octave in the higher register. Furthermore, 
 there are methods by which scales and tunes can be produced from these 
 tubes; the writer himself has heard a skilled musician play upon one of 
 these the complete diatonic scale, a portion of the chromatic scale, and 
 also such simple melodies as are written within their compass. The 
 writer has been informed by Mr. Carlton Pratt of Highgate, Vt., a gen- 
 tleman of unquestioned veracity, that some fifteen years ago he found 
 in a grave, at this ancient burial- place, a tube perforated with four holes, 
 like a flute. Unfortunately it was afterwards stolen from him, and he 
 has since been unable to get any trace of it. With a tube like this of 
 course a greater number of tones could be produced, each perforation 
 in fact giving a new range of two octaves; a practiced musician can un- 
 derstand that a company of performers, provided with tubes of different 
 size and pitch, some of them perforated, could produce music of no 
 mean order. The natural tone or pitch of No. 2 is E, fourth space, G 
 clef; that of No. 3 is G, second line, G clef, the larger tubes of course 
 running lower, a tube fifteen inches long being pitched well down in the 
 bass clef. No. 4 is a miniature celt, beautifully wrought and polished, 
 and probably used as a toy. Objects of this kind are quite often found, 
 and can only be considered as the work of some idle aborigine, and be- 
 ing purposely made for children's toys. No. 5 is a perforated object that 
 was probably intended for a rub-stone, although this particular specimen 
 shows no marks of use. All others that the writer has seen like it have 
 such marks. No. 6 is a typical two-hole stone. These are usually made 
 from ribbon slate, and are singularly uniform in size and shape. There 
 has been advanced a theory that these were to tie to the wrist to protect 
 it from the bow string, but this is questionable, as the shape and the po 
 sition of the perforations would render them unsuitable for that puijiose. 
 The writer is inclined to consider them as having been ceremonial ob- 
 jects, or emblems of authority. No. 7 is a remarkable specimen made 
 from soapstone, hollowed out upon the plane side quite deeply, with 
 
Indian Occupation and Relics. 37 
 
 two parallel perforations running through on either side of the apex of 
 the convex side. It is difficult to conceive of any use to which this 
 object might be put ; the only reasonable theory that can be advanced 
 is that it was used as a shuttle for weaving. It is known that the 
 process of weaving was understood by the Indians, for in some of the 
 graves there has been found traces of a coarse fabric, made probably 
 from fibers of hemp. The writer has seen six of these objects, all found 
 in or near the the Frink burial-ground. No. 8 is a unique object, made 
 from slate, the handle of which is broken off. This specimen is proba- 
 bly classed with the agricultural implements. Nos. 9 and 10 are pipe 
 bowls, made of soapstone. No. 9 is very rare in form ; in fact, the only 
 one of the kind the writer has ever seen. It has two bowls precisely 
 alike, and with but one orifice for the insertion of the stem. No. 10 is in 
 shape very like a modern pipe, and may be one made after the intro- 
 duction of the English tobacco pipe However, we must remember 
 that the American Indians were the first to introduce the pipe and 
 tobacco. No. 10 is a pipe of convenient form and the one likely to be 
 adopted by the Indians. Nos. 11, 12, and 13 are types of drills. They 
 were probably used in making pipes, hole- stones and other perforated 
 objects, and in slate or soapstone will make rapid progress. Nos. 14, 
 15 and 16 are objects that the writer has never seen described, yet they 
 are quite numerous in this region. They are sharply convex or beveled 
 upon one side, and are as concave upon the other as the skill of the 
 workman and the character of the material would permit. They were 
 probably used as scrapers for dressing skins and removing adhesive bits 
 of flesh. Nos. 17 and 18 are pestles. These are comparatively common 
 in this region, much more so than what we should consider to be their 
 necessary adjunct — the mortars. They range from eight to twenty 
 inches in length. Pestles are often found that are made to represent 
 some object. No. 17 is a good example of the serpent pestle ; the shape 
 of the head and the undulations of the body being well shown. In the 
 college museum at Burlington is a pestle found at St. Albans Bay, 
 which has a nicely wrought and well defined bird's head upon it. 
 
38 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 CHAPTER ni. 
 
 Early Explorations and Discoveries— The French in the Canadas^The English in 
 the East and South — The Puritans in New England — The Dutch in New York — Sam- 
 uel Champlain Visits the Lake — Its Name— Occupants of this Region in 1609— Early 
 French Settlements in Vermont— Fort St. Anne on Isle La Motte— Captain DelaMothe 
 — Troubles Among the Indian Nations — Beginning of Troubles Between the French 
 and English. 
 
 ALL authorities unite in according to Christopher Columbus, sailing 
 from Spain, the honor of having discovered the American continent, 
 in the year 1492. The news of this event having spread throughout 
 the European countries, other powers sought to fit out expeditions of 
 exploration and discovery in the new world, but it was not until the six- 
 teenth century that this business appears to have commenced in earnest, 
 although adventurous navigators were pressing the rulers of their respec- 
 tive countries to that end some years before the royal permission was 
 obtained. And singular as it may appear, when these expeditions were 
 being carried along, the commanders of them seem to have reached dif- 
 ferent points along the Atlantic coast and not to have interfered with 
 the explorations of other governments. Thousands of miles was it be- 
 tween the points of operation and discovery of Columbus and James 
 Cartier, the latter sailing under the government of France during the 
 year 1534, at which time was explored the region of the Gulf of St. Law- 
 rence, and where, in 1535 he founded what afterwards became the city 
 of Montreal. Cartier returned to France, bijt twice afterward visited 
 this region, last in 1540 when an unfortunate and devastating malady 
 lost him the lives of many of his followers. More than half a century 
 passed before any further extensive effort at exploration was made by 
 Europe, and it was not until the beginning of the seventeenth century, 
 the year 1603, that France sent another navigator to this part of the 
 world ; and this year's voyage was more of a private character than 
 otherwise, being that commanded by the French nobleman, Samuel 
 Champlain. However, it was not until the year 1608 that this able nav- 
 igator could persuade his government to fit out a fleet for the purpose 
 
Early Explorations and Discoveries. 39 
 
 of further explorations with a view to settling a colony in America. 
 And about this time, too, other powers were making preparations to the 
 same end. In the year 1607 the English voyagers succeeded in effect- 
 ing a settlement in Virginia on tKe banks of the James River, and about 
 the same time planted another colony in what afterward became the 
 State of Maine. "In 1614," says Thompson, "Captain John Smith ex- 
 plored the sea coast from Penobscot to Cape Cod, drew a map of the 
 same and denominated the country New England." In 1609 Captain 
 Hendrick Hudson, in the service of Holland, made a voyage to America, 
 and up the stream which he called Hudson River, in allusion to his own 
 name. At the mouth of this river Hudson planted a colony on the is- 
 land which he named New Amsterdam, and to the whole region of his 
 explorations he gave the name New Netherlands. The island is now 
 the great city of New York, and the range of country to which the name 
 of New Netherlands applied extended up the river to the vicinity of 
 what is now Albany and Schenectady, although it was some time 
 later that permanent settlements were effected at both these places. 
 They built a fort on the site of the first named city, which was called 
 Fort Orange, while at the latter was constructed a stockade of no sub- 
 stantial strength. 
 
 In 1620 that famous band of Puritans, English subjects who had been 
 driven out of their native country and taken refuge in Holland, landed 
 in this country on the New England coast at Cape Cod, and soon there- 
 after, during the same year, founded a colony at a place called by them 
 New Plymouth, now the municipality of Plymouth, in Massachusetts. 
 
 Thus the reader will observe that settlements were made in this coun- 
 try during the early years of the seventeenth century by these different 
 European nations; each of which grew to acquire considerable power 
 and strength in the land. On the north were the French, on the south 
 were the Puritans, on the east the English and on the west were the 
 Dutch; and from each of these there germinated other settlements, all 
 extending toward the region of the then uninhabited district that after- 
 ward became the State of Vermont. On the east the English extended 
 their frontier settlements and outposts gradually up the valley of the 
 Connecticut River, as far as Deerfield, and later in the year 1724, to the 
 point where Fort Dummer was built, now near Brattleboro in this State. 
 
40 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 And up the Hudson came the Dutch, branching out from their set- 
 tled communities on both sides of their river; and there is evidence 
 tending to show that they made settlements within the jurisdiction of 
 what is now this State, in the particular region of Bennington county, 
 where their peculiar names were applied to streams and localities. But 
 the Dutch dominion and authority in the Netherlands was overthrown 
 by the English, and that government became the recognized power in 
 the region of New York and New England, except in such portion of 
 of the latter as the French had possession by virtue of discovery and oc- 
 cupation. 
 
 But it is hardly within the proper scope of this work to inquire into 
 or discuss these events of early national history, except as may be nec- 
 essary by way of introduction for succeeding chapters, that the reader 
 may have a sufficient understanding as to how settlement by various 
 powers was made ; and as these powers or nations afterward fell into 
 disputes over the territory, and had recourse to arms to determine the 
 questions, not of rights, but of mastery, some reference to these events 
 of general history is unavoidable; and not only that, but necessary. 
 
 As has already been stated, Samuel Champlain first visited this coun- 
 try in the year 1603. He extended his explorations over the same re- 
 gion as had Cartier, and then returned to France to communicate the 
 results of his investigation to the king and court, with the hope that his 
 government should be induced to found a permanent colony in the new 
 land. But it was not until the year 1608 that the hopes of the adven- 
 turous navigator were realized, and not until then that he again visited 
 the scene of his former explorations. At the expense of the French 
 government a fleet was fitted out and in the spring' of that year set sail 
 for this country, at which he arrived during July and founded a colony 
 at the place called by the Indians Quebec. Here he remained until the 
 next year engaged in exploring various localities and winning the na- 
 tives over to his interests, advancing both the power of France and the 
 Roman Church. 
 
 In the spring of 1609 Champlain, having won the affections and con- 
 fidence of the natives, set out on an expedition of discovery, accompan- 
 ied by two other Frenchmen and a party of Indians. Proceeding up 
 the rivers St. Lawrence and Richelieu, Champlain arrived at a vast body 
 
Early Explorations and Discoveries. 41 
 
 of water, which, after his own name he called Lac Champlain; a name, 
 which, translated into English has been preserved to the present day, 
 and which will be, in all human probability, so long as time endures to 
 man. To the Indians themselves the lake was known as "Pe-Tonbon- 
 que," or "The waters which lie between;" that is, between their country 
 and the land of the Iroquois. The Iroquois called it "Caniaderi Guar- 
 unte," "The Lake, the Gate of the Country; " but to the Dutch and 
 English it was known as "Corlear." 
 
 And it is recorded that Champlain and his companions voyaged up 
 the lake for many leagues ; and as they passed along, the commander 
 saw, off to the east, some high mountains, and asked the natives if the 
 country there was inhabited. To which they replied that it was ; that it 
 had "villages of their enemies, who grew corn and vegetables and fruit." 
 The mountains referred to were undoubtedly the Green Mountains, and 
 the heights most noticeable to Champlain were probably Mansfield and 
 Camel's Hump. The "enemies" were the Iroquois beyond question, 
 for they were the only people in the region who were at enmity with the 
 Canadian Indians. But here it may be said, parenthetically perhaps, 
 that the Iroquois could not have long inhabited this region after the 
 commencement of the frequent wars between England and France, for 
 the country here was too isolated from the chief seat of the Iroquois pos- 
 sessions, that being west of the lake, and there their greatest power was 
 concentrated. But it is well established that the men of the confeder- 
 acy claimed right of possession to the country east of the lake, and 
 claimed, furthermore, compensation at the hands of the local govern- 
 ment for lands alleged to have been taken from them by the encroach- 
 ments of advancing white settlement. And the Legislature of this State 
 has frequently been importuned, by claimants under the Iroquois titles, 
 for remuneration for lands alleged to have been taken. 
 
 Returning from this digression, history further tells us that Champlain 
 continued his passage up the lake to its very head, and that he discov- 
 ered another body of water, smaller than that named for himself, and to 
 which he gave the name Lac St. Sacrament, but which was variously 
 known to the Indians as "Horicon," and "Canideri-oit," the latter mean- 
 ing "the tail of the lake," from its connection with " Caniaderi- Guar- 
 unte," the greater body. This body ot water was the same now called 
 Lake George. 
 
42 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Many past writers, particularly those who treated of general history, 
 have speculated at some length regarding the various points of land at 
 which Champlain probably touched in the course of his voyage up the 
 lake; and one of these has indulged largely in romancing about the 
 navigator's probable feelings as he entered the waters of the lake and 
 comprehended the splendid view that opened before his vision. That it 
 must have been grand no one can doubt; it is so even to this day, not- 
 withstanding the destruction of the forests by the hand of man. Some 
 writers have endeavored to show that Champlain must have made land- 
 ings at various points along the lake, and he probably did do so; but if 
 there was any particular place more than another, which should have 
 attracted the first attention of the doughty navigator, that place natur- 
 ally would be one of the beautiful islands in the main channel of the 
 lake; and of these the first of considerable extent would have been Isle 
 La Motte, one of the subdivisions of the present Grand Isle county. 
 Whether Samuel Champlain touched this point of land is not known, 
 nor would the fact be particularly important if it could be shown; but 
 to this same island there attaches at least one event of historic promi- 
 nence, for here it was that there was made the first white civilized set- 
 tlement in what became Vermont ; and that settlement was the build- 
 ing of a fort by the French during the year 1665. This occupation and 
 construction was a part of the plan pursued by the French in extending 
 their possessions up the lake, and was built for the purpose of protect- 
 ing any settlement thereafter made. The work of erecting Fort St. 
 Anne, for such was its name, was done by Captain De la Mothe, an of- 
 ficer in the service of France. In his honor, the island itself was named 
 "La Mothe," but subsequent changes brought to it the present name of 
 Isle La Motte. 
 
 It has been generally conceded until quite recent years that the first 
 white settlement within what is the state of Vermont was made by Eng- 
 lish pioneers, coming up from the province of Massachusetts and estab- 
 lishing an outpost and fort (Fort Dummer) near the site of the present 
 village of Brattleboro. This was done in the year 1724, and soon after 
 that time other settlements were made further up the valley of the Con- 
 necticut River, as far as the point called Newbury. But the work of 
 more recent investigators has developed the fact that the French settle- 
 
Early Explorations and Discoveries. 43 
 
 ment on Isle La Motte was made more than a half century earlier than 
 that at Fort Dummer. And it is claimed too, on good authority, that a 
 settlement was made within this state, and in what is now Chittenden 
 county, at Colchester Point, at about the same time as that on Isle La 
 Motte; and further, that during the spring of 1666, a party of ten or 
 twelve men and two French officers were killed while out hunting, by a 
 party of Mohawk Indians. After this occurrence Captain de Sorel, a 
 French officer, was sent with a force of some three hundred men to the 
 vicinity to "chastise the barbarians." 
 
 Between the various Indian tribes of the Canadas and the Iroquois 
 confederacy there existed a long continued and deadly enmity, and nei- 
 ther ever lost an opportunity of making a sudden and unexpected attack 
 upon the other. And the colonization of Canada by the French and 
 of the southern localities by the English, had not the effect of subduing 
 this feeling of hatred between these great Indian nations. In fact, both 
 the French and the English cultivated the most friendly relation with 
 the savages of their respective localities, and each in order to hold them 
 within their power, were compelled to promise aid in making war upon 
 the other; and when these wars commenced the Mohawks, who were 
 allied to the Iroquois, were obliged to quit the country east of Lake 
 Champlain and find refuge with the main body of the confederacy, 
 whose abode lay west of the Hudson, though their claim to possessions 
 of land was never limited. 
 
44 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Relations of the French and English Colonies in America — Arming the Indians — 
 Progress of French Settlement — Events of the Early Wars — An Occasional Peace — 
 Operations in the Champlain Region — Forts Built — The Outbreak in 1744 — Treaty of 
 Aix La Chapelle — Convention of the Colonies at Albany — Campaigns against French 
 Strongholds — Their Results — The French Abandon their Forts — Retire to Isle Aux 
 Noix — Major Rogers's Expedition against St. Francis Indians— Decline of the French 
 Power — Its final Overthrow — Surrender of Montreal— France Cedes to Great Britain 
 — The French Seigniories on La,ke Champlain — The Grants in Franklin and Grand 
 Isle Counties — British Government DecHnes to Confirm Them. 
 
 COMMENCING with the closing years of the seventeenth century, 
 and from that continuing down to the final overthrow of the French 
 power in America, the French and English on this side of the Atlantic 
 were in a state of almost continual hostility, if not of open war. Dur- 
 ing this period of nearly three quarters of a century, or from about 
 1689 until 1763, on the other side of the ocean the mother govern- 
 ments, France and England, had frequent recourse to arms to settle 
 their disputes, and with each outbreak, the American colonies were 
 likewise engaged. But in America there was no cessation of hostilities 
 when the mother countries were at peace, for the Indians were not 
 accustomed to the same manner of terminating warfare as were their 
 white neighbors, and they refused to be appeased when the govern- 
 ments were under treaty of peace. The result of this condition of 
 things was that the "colonies were kept at war through the acts of their 
 allied Indians, when harmony prevailed on the other side of the ocean. 
 The whites, among other things, furnished the Indians with firearms, 
 and taught them their use, thus making them more formidable antagon- 
 ists than they would have been with only their simple weapons. 
 
 The French by extending their possessions up the lake as far as Fort 
 St. Frederic (Crown Point) were in a position to learn much concerning 
 the movements and progress made by the Enghsh ; and more than this, 
 they could not only watch the gradual progress of EngHsh settlement, 
 but they cherished a strong desire to themselves possess and settle the 
 country of the Iroquois, and at the same time to lend assistance to their 
 
French and English. 45 
 
 allied Indian brethren in the extermination of the latter. But by this 
 time the English had succeeded, by divers arts, in forming an alliance 
 with the confederated Five Nations, and the latter were desirous of Eng- 
 lish assistance in a war upon the Canada Indians. The English settlers, 
 too, looked with feelings of alarm and suspicion at the French advance 
 in settlement in the southern lake region, and were anxious to oppose 
 its further progress. 
 
 But the French were first to move in offensive operations. In 1689 
 they planned an expedition against Fort Orange, at Albany, and other 
 English posts in the locality, but before it could be carried into execu- 
 tion the Iroquois made a sudden descent upon Montreal, burned and 
 plundered the settlement and destroyed other villages. The result was 
 that the French were unable to gather their forces for the attack upon 
 Albany, so the project was abandoned. But to offset this calamity and 
 to appease the anger of the Indians, General Frontenac, the French 
 commander, determined upon two other expeditions against English 
 settlements, the first upon the fort at Salmon Falls in the province of 
 New Hampshire, and the other against Schenectady in the province of 
 New York. 
 
 In March, 1690, M. Hertel set out with a party of Canadians and 
 Indians and on the i8th of that month attacked the settlement at Sal- 
 mon Falls, killed thirty of the settlers, and carried fifty-four others cap- 
 tives to Canada. The other expedition was no less successful, the as- 
 sault upon Schenectady being made on the evening of February 8th, 
 when the people were in their houses, and least prepared for an attack. 
 This resulted in the killing of no less than sixty persons, while twenty- 
 seven more were made prisoners and taken to Canada. 
 
 To avenge these depredations, Colonel Schuyler, in the summer of 
 1691, with a party of English and Iroquois, made an attack upon the 
 French outposts on the Richelieu River, and killed 300 of the French 
 and savages, and destroyed the settlements. This was met in 169S by 
 a French and Indian attack upon the Mohawks, who were with Schuy- 
 ler on his expedition to the Richelieu region, but the savages were met 
 by an equal force of English and Iroquois and put to rout. This 
 ended the depredations for the time, as two years later, 1697, France 
 and England made a treaty of peace, which was respected on both sides 
 for about five years. 
 
46 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 With the beginning of the Eighteenth Century, there came a renewal 
 of hostilities between the English and French colonists and their allied 
 Indian followers. In 1702 the mother countries again had recourse to 
 arms, and of course that outbreak extended to this side of the ocean. 
 The first and principal move was made by the French in an expedition 
 against Deerfield, a frontier settlement in the colony of Massachusetts, 
 during the latter part of the winter of 1804. The attacking party pro- 
 ceeded up Lake Champlain, the great thoroughfare of travel during this 
 period, as far as the river Winooski ; thence up that stream as far as 
 boats could be used, and thence to the Connecticut and down the same 
 to the place of attack, where the battle was fought on February 29th, 
 and which resulted in the capture and destruction of the Deerfield set- 
 tlement. 
 
 These disastrous events became of such frequent occurrence that the 
 English determined upon a complete conquest of Canada and the sub- 
 jugation of its Indian tribes ; but it appeared that as often as such an 
 expedition was planned, so often did some untoward event occur that 
 prevented its carrying out. In 17 10, both the English colonists and the 
 mother country provided for a strong force to make a descent upon the 
 troublesome French colonists, but by the time the arrangements were 
 completed, the season was so far advanced that it became necessary to 
 delay until the next year. When the time at length arrived, the expe- 
 ditions, one against Quebec, and the other against Montreal and neigh- 
 boring settlements, set out with the full determination of destroying the 
 enemy. But that part of the force that proceeded through the valley 
 of Lake Champlain, on their way to attack Montreal, had proceeded but 
 a short distance when it was learned that the fleet which had previously 
 sailed to reduce Quebec was overtaken by a terrible storm, eight ships 
 lost and at least 1,000 of the force drowned. This ended the expedi- 
 tion for the year, and the land force returned to Fort Orange. 
 
 About this time France and England concluded another treaty of 
 peace, which had the effect of temporarily ending expeditions on the 
 part of their American colonists against each other , but not so with the 
 Indians, for they respected no peace treaties between the governments, 
 but continued to make war against their enemies and the white settle- 
 ments in whatever locality promised the greatest return in plunder, cap- 
 
French, and English 47 
 
 tives and scalps. But at last these savage warriors tired of their butch- 
 ery, and agreed upon a peace that was maintained generally for nearly 
 ten years; but about the year 1720, and for five years afterward, they 
 were at constant warfare with each other, and this northern region, 
 although the home of the Canadian Indians and within the region of 
 the claimed French possessions, was frequently overrun by marauding 
 bands on their way to the country south. The French spurred on their 
 Indian followers to deeds of plunder among the English settlements, 
 while the English themselves were likewise urging the Six Nations to 
 make a war of extermination upon the savages of Canada. Such was 
 the situation in this region at the end of the first quarter of the eight- 
 eenth century. The Indians of this locality were allied to the cause of 
 France, while the persuasive arts of the Jesuit priests had brought them 
 under the standard of the church of Rome; which latter relation only 
 served to urge them on to greater deeds of murder, and intensified their 
 hatred of the English and their old enemies, the Iroquois. 
 
 Following the year 1725, for a period of nearly twenty years, the 
 American colonists enjoyed an era of peace hitherto unprecedented in 
 the history of the country. But this was only the calm that preceded 
 the great storm of war that broke in 1744, and that raged with brief in- 
 tervals for nearly twenty years thereafter, and finally ended in the over- 
 throw and extinction of the French dominion in America, and in the 
 acquisition of the whole country to Great Britain. 
 
 During this long interval of quiet, the American colonies, both French 
 and English, appear to have understood, intuitively perhaps, that an- 
 other outbreak was certain to come, for each with wonderful zeal and 
 energy sought not only to extend their possessions, but as well to fortify 
 every settlement by the construction of strong fortresses. By this time 
 colonization in America had extended almost throughout the eastern 
 provinces, and as far west as almost to the Mississippi River. Along the 
 Ohio River and on the borders of the Great Lakes, even as far as De- 
 troit, were built a series of fortifications, the greater number by the 
 French, and all within convenient traveling distance from each other. 
 
 In the region of the present State of Vermont at that particular time 
 there is understood as having been but few settled or occupied locali- 
 ties. The French had their forts on Isle La Motte, at Colchester Point, 
 
48 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 the latter, however, but little more than a station, and at Addison, so- 
 called, within the limits of the present county of that name; but whether 
 these points were garrisoned by any force of men is perhaps question- 
 able, for they were, with the exception of the first named — that on Isle 
 La Motte, (Fort St. Anne), within the country of the Iroquois, and liable 
 at any time to an attack from that nation. And further up the lake, 
 even to Crown Point (Fort St. Frederick) had the crafty Frenchmen 
 extended their line of fortifications. Fort St. Frederick was built in 
 1 73 1, and in the same year the French built up a settlement at Chimney 
 Point, within the limits of this State. 
 
 On the other hand, the English were not so active in pushing their 
 settlements and fortresses to the farthest frontiers, their only fort within 
 this State being that built in 1724, called Fort Dummer, and that with 
 the belief that the locality was within the province of the Massachusetts 
 Bay colony. But along the Massachusetts frontier, and in the province 
 of New York, near the settlements of the English and Dutch, were the 
 great part of their fortifications erected. Therefore by the time in which 
 came the next outbreak of war between England and France, and con- 
 sequently between their respective American colonies, both countries 
 were reasonably well prepared for the struggle. After the erection of 
 Fort Dummer, the English built others in the same region to protect the 
 several localities in that frontier. One of these was Fort Number Four, 
 at Charleston, N. H.; another was Bridgman's and Startwell's Fort, at 
 Vernon, Vt, then, 1744, supposed to be within the province of New 
 Hampshire. 
 
 In 1744 war was again declared between England and France, and its 
 contagion was soon communicated to the colonies in America. In this 
 country the scenes and events of the war were enacted throughout a 
 vastly larger area than previously, on account of the extended posses- 
 sions of both governments. But in this region the French held the vant- 
 age ground, for they were strongly entrenched at Fort St. Frederick, 
 and held there a strong body of troops ready for any expedition and 
 emergency. To the northward, on both sides of the lake, were their 
 own people and possessions, and from that direction, and from the east, 
 as well, they had no fears of an attack. The enemy's country lay to the 
 south of them, and they were able to make a sudden attack and with- 
 draw at their pleasure. 
 
French and English. 49 
 
 But it does not become this chapter to detail the events of this strug- 
 gle other than as they transpired in the region of this State, and this 
 narrative will therefore be confined to the scenes of this locality, except 
 as may be necessary to keep perfect the connection of occurring events 
 by referring to other operations elsewhere. And all that this volume 
 need disclose is a mere synopsis of the events of the period. 
 
 During the first years of the war, the struggle on this side of the At- 
 lantic at least, was feeble and indecisive, and the first event of note in 
 this locality was the expedition by the French and Indians, commanded 
 by M. de Vaudreuil, which proceeded from Crown Point against the 
 fort and garrison at Williamstown in the province of Massachusetts, 
 during the month of August, 1746. The attacking party numbered 900 
 men, French and Indians, while the defenders of the fort, — Fort Hoosic, 
 — were but thirty- three, including women and children. After a strong 
 resistance, Colonel Hawks, the commander of the fort, for lack of ammu- 
 nition, was obliged to surrender. In this same year, and earlier in the 
 season, a party of Indians made an attack upon Bridgman's fort in Ver- 
 non, but were repulsed with considerable loss. The next year, how- 
 ever, the fort was again attacked and demolished, and its occupants 
 either killed or made captives. 
 
 After this disaster the settlers in the other forts, being apprehensive 
 of a similar attack, took their families to the larger settlements in the 
 south part of the province. This was a fortunate move, for in 1747 a 
 strong body of French and Indians under M. Debeling made an attack 
 upon Fort Number Four, but after a long struggle were repulsed with 
 considerable loss. This fort was defended by Captain Phineas Stephens 
 and forty men, while the attacking party numbered 400. The forego- 
 ing events comprise all of importance that occurred within this region 
 of the country, except that the Indians in their insatiate thirst for blood 
 and plunder were continually harrassing the frontier English settle- 
 ments, and every move they made was instigated by the French com- 
 manders. Soon after this came a period of armistice between the con- 
 tending governments, but the Indians kept the colonists in a state 
 of terror by their marauding depredations. 
 
 By the terms of the treaty of Aix la Chapelle, in 1748, the contro- 
 versy between the belligerent countries respecting claims in America 
 7 
 
so History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 was referred to commissioners appointed by the sovereign powers of the 
 two nations. The commissioners met in Paris in 1752, but, after labor- 
 ing some time to establish the rights-of the litigants, were forced to 
 abandon the subject, and the countries were once more involved in war. 
 It is a somewhat remarkable fact that this combination of events gave 
 birth to the conception of a union of the British colonies in America, 
 which was consummated by the Declaration of Independence. On the 
 4th of July, 1754. ^ convention of delegates from the several colonies 
 was held at Albany for the purpose of devising some general and effi- 
 cient plan of operations in the impending struggle. The deliberations 
 resulted in a resolution to apply to Parliament for an act constituting a 
 grand legislative council, to be composed of delegates from the colonies, 
 the proceedings of which were to be subject to the negative of a presi- 
 dent-general chosen by the Crown. The plan, however, was rejected 
 by both the colonies and the mother country ; the former fearing that 
 it conceded to the Crown prerogatives which would jeopardize their 
 liberties, and the latter supposing it would vest the colonial assemblies 
 with powers which it was not prepared to acknowledge. Furthermore, 
 it is a singular fact, but nevertheless true, that the Declaration of Amer- 
 ican Independence was promulgated exactly twenty-two years after the 
 colonial union was proposed by the convention at Albany. 
 
 The events of the region during the two years next following 1752 
 were of no special importance so far as the war was concerned, but the 
 interim had been employed by the French in strengthening their posi- 
 tions and extending their line of defenses; so that, when hostilities were 
 renewed they were much belter prepared than before the armistice went 
 into effect. But the meeting of delegates, at Albany, of the British col- 
 onies had the effect of cementing a friendly relation through the several 
 provinces, and they were thereafter more ready to act in concert than 
 had been their previous custom. Early in 1755 Governor Shirley as- 
 sembled the provincial assembly of Massachusetts for the purpose of or- 
 ganizing a force to attack the French in their strongholds in the Cham- 
 plain valley; and to this meeting the governor also invited a represen- 
 tation from other colonics. The result was another general convention 
 of the governors and commanders from the several British colonies and 
 provinces, held at Albany during that year, at which it was determined 
 
French and English. 51 
 
 to prepare and set out four expeditions against the French. At about 
 this time General Braddock arrived in Virginia with two regiments of 
 Irish troops. The English force being thus augmented, the four expe- 
 ditions were decided upon as follows: one under Braddock against Fort 
 Duquesne; one under Shirley, against Niagara; one under Colonel 
 Johnson, against Crown Point; and one under Colonels Moncton and 
 Winslow, against the French settlements in Nova Scotia. 
 
 But these several expeditions, however well planned, did not meet 
 with the results hoped for by the committee. Braddock set out against 
 Fort Duquesne, but not being acquainted with the Indian methods of 
 warfare, and disregarding the advice of his American subordinates, fell 
 into an ambuscade and was terribly beaten and his forces put to route. 
 General Shirley's expedition for the reduction of Niagara accomplished 
 nothing beyond strengthening the British position at Oswego. John- 
 son placed General Lyman in command of his five or six hundred pro- 
 vincial troops, which he had collected at Albany for the expedition 
 against Crown Point, and sent him forward to the site of the present vil- 
 lage of Fort Edward, where they erected a fort, to which the name men- 
 tioned was given. On the lOth of August, Johnson moved forward from 
 Albany with his troops, and took a position at the south end of Lake 
 George, about fifteen miles distant from Fort Edward. Here he was 
 informed that the French had taken possession of Ticonderoga, a posi- 
 tion that commanded the communication between the lakes; and before 
 Johnson could bring his artillery into position to dislodge them, the 
 French had so securely intrenched and fortified their positions as to ren- 
 der an attack of little use. In the meantime the French, being apprised 
 of the English movements, hurried forward Baron Dieskau with a strong 
 body of French and Indians to re- enforce their positions. And not to 
 be on the defensive, the ambitious French commander determined to at- 
 tack the English at Fort Edward, and moved forward for that purpose; 
 but from this he was dissuaded by officers in his command, and then re- 
 solved to assail Johnson's troops at Lake George. The battle was at 
 once made, the French were repulsed, their brave commander himself, 
 Dieskau, receiving a mortal wound. The garrison at Fort Edward came 
 to the scene and attacked the French in their retreat. In this engage- 
 ment the loss to the English amounted to one hundred and thirty killed, 
 
52 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 and sixty wounded, among the former being Colonel Williams, founder 
 of Williams College; Major Ashley and Captains Ingersoil, Porter, Fer- 
 rel, Stoddard and M'Ginnes, while Colonel Johnson was among the 
 wounded. Among the Indians killed was Hendricks, a famous Mo- 
 hawk sachem. The French loss was about seven hundred. Colonel 
 Johnson did not follow up his victory by pursuing the French, but de- 
 voted the balance of the season to building the fort, William Henry, at 
 the end of Lake George. 
 
 The years 1756 and 1757 resulted in general disaster to the English 
 arms. Notwithstanding the mother country had sent large re-enforce- 
 ments of men and oflScers to the colonies, they were so inactive in per- 
 forming and vacillating in policy as to accomplish no good, while the 
 French, on the contrary, under the daring Montcalm, were prosecuting 
 the war with great vigor and success. They reduced the English strong- 
 hold at Oswego, and captured a large number of prisoners and a great 
 quantity of military stores. In March, 1757, Montcalm set out to cap- 
 ture Fort William Henry, which place he attacked on the 20th, but was 
 repulsed with serious loss, and retired to Ticonderoga and Crown Point. 
 A few weeks later Colonel Parker was sent down the lake with 400 
 men to attack the French at Ticonderoga; but his force fell into an 
 ambuscade and were seriously beaten, only two officers and seventy 
 men making their escape. Stimulated by this success, Montcalm again 
 determined upon the reduction of Fort William Henry. To this end he 
 collected his entire army of 10,000 men, regulars, Canadians and Indi- 
 ans, and set out on the expedition. In the meantime General Webb 
 had succeeded Lord Loudon in the command of the English troops, and 
 was in charge at the time Montcalm was marching against the fort. 
 Webb was informed of the movement, and himself withdrew to Fort 
 Edward, but afterward sent Colonel Monroe with a thousand men to 
 strengthen Fort William Henry. The next day after their arrival 
 Montcalm's army reached the fort, and at once demanded its surrender, 
 which was refused. Then he laid regular siege to the place, which con- 
 tinued nearly ten days, during which time Monroe frequently sent to 
 Webb for assistance, but that cowardly officer gave him no aid, but 
 finally advised him to surrender. Articles of capitulation were agreed 
 upon, and the English troops marched out of the fort; but, instead of 
 
French and English. 53 
 
 affording them protection as he had promised, the French commander 
 stood indifferently by and permitted the Indians to perpetrate the most 
 devilish deeds of massacre and murder that the country had ever wit- 
 nessed. The ferocious savages, not content with depriving their victims 
 of life, mangled their dead bodies with scalping-knives and tomahawks, 
 in all the wantonness of Indian hatred. On the following day, when 
 Major Putnam arrived upon the scene, he found the fort entirely demol- 
 ished, all the buildings a heap of ruins, while more than a hundred 
 women, brutally and shockingly mangled, lay upon the ground. 
 
 These disasters to the English arms on this side of the Atlantic had 
 the effect of urging the British government to adopt a more decisive 
 policy with reference to her American colonies. The first great change 
 and the one which proved most productive of good results, was that by 
 which William Pitt was brought into the English ministry; and from 
 that time forward the tide of affairs in the colonies took a most favora- 
 ble course. While previous years were marked by disasters in succes- 
 sion, those following were equally prominent in the grand results ac- 
 complished. For the campaign of 1758 England sent large bodies of 
 troops and numerous vessels of war to America. The plans for the 
 year contemplated three expeditions, to be carried forward against the 
 French at the same time, as follows: One, under General Amherst with 
 12,000 men was to move against Louisburg, in the island of Cape Bre- 
 ton; the second, under General Forbes with 8,000 men was to proceed 
 against Fort Duquesne, in the west; while the third army commanded 
 by General Abercrombie 16,000 strong was to attempt the reduction of 
 Ticonderoga, Crown Point and other French strongholds in the Cham- 
 plain region. The first two of these expeditions were entirely successful, 
 and the third, although it accomplished material results, did not termi- 
 nate in the destruction of the enemy. On the 5th of July, 1758, Aber- 
 crombie embarked his army of 7,000 regulars and 9,000 provincial 
 troops at Fort William Henry, and landed the next day at the north 
 end of Lake George. He formed his men into three columns and 
 moved forward towards the French, whose advance lay entrenched be- 
 hind a breastwork of logs. They retreated before the English, who fol- 
 lowed them, but soon became entangled in the dense mass of fallen tim- 
 ber and undergrowth of brush. Lord Howe and Major Putnam were 
 
54 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 in the front of the center column. A skirmish occurring on the left 
 with the enemy, these officers filed off at the head of a hundred men and 
 soon became engaged. The first fire was fatal to Lord Howe, but his 
 fall only urged the troops to avenge the loss, and they attacked the en- 
 emy with such vigor as to cut entirely through their lines, killing 300 
 and taking 148 prisoners. With this victory the English troops returned 
 to their landing place and camped till the next day. Next came the ad- 
 vance on Ticonderoga, which was garrisoned with 6,000 French troops, 
 while a re enforcement of 3,000 more was daily expected. General 
 Abercrombie hoped to take the fort before the re-enforcing party ar- 
 rived, and to this end he sent an engineer to examine its defenses. The 
 report being favorable, an advance was at once ordered with the inten- 
 tion of taking the place by musketry assaults, but in endeavoring to ac- 
 complish this work the men became entangled in the mass of brush and 
 felled timber, and at the same time under a destructive fire from the en- 
 emy, so they were compelled to retreat to their encampment. In this 
 attack the loss to the English amounted to 1,800 men and 2,500 stand 
 of arms. From here the determined Abercrombie next dispatched Gen- 
 eral Stanwix to the carrying place between the Mohawk and Onondaga 
 Rivers, where he built a fort. At the same time General Bradstreet 
 with 3,000 men, mainly provincial troops, was sent against Fort Fron- 
 tenac, at the outlet of Lake Ontario, with the result of the destruction 
 of that fortification, and the capture of a large number of cannon, mor- 
 tars and small arms, a considerable quantity of ammunition and army 
 stores, and all the armed vessels of the enemy on the lake. 
 
 The generally favorable results achieved by the British during the 
 year 1758 determined the plans for the campaigns of the succeeding 
 year. With the opening of spring the French forces were found to be 
 withdrawn from many of their outposts, and concentrated nearer the 
 Canada provinces. In the early part of 1759 the plans of the British 
 were decided. General Wolfe was to command an expedition against 
 Quebec, General Prideaux and Sir William Johnson, the latter with his 
 faithful Iroquois, were to proceed against the French strongholds at Ni- 
 agara and others in that region, and General Amherst, commander-in- 
 chief of the British forces in America, was to attempt the reduction of 
 Ticonderoga, Crown Point and other posts in the Champlain region. 
 
French and English. 55 
 
 General Amherst organized his troops as no officer had done before, 
 and at once moved to the seat of operations, in front of Ticonderoga. 
 But the French garrison there was but poorly prepared for a siege, and, 
 after a feeble resistance, on the 27th of July, abandoned and demolished 
 the fort, retiring to Crown Point. Amherst at once took possession, 
 rebuilt the fortress, furnished it with a garrison of troops, and then 
 marched against Crown Point. But this post, too, the French had 
 abandoned, but not destroyed, and had retreated down the lake, both 
 by land and water, and made a stand at Isle aux Noix, which point 
 commanded the communication between Lake Champlain and Canada. 
 The French forces concentrated here amounted to 3,500 men, together 
 with four vessels, mounted with cannon, and sufficient artillery to make 
 a formidable resistance. Amherst, being apprised of the French move- 
 ment and of the strength of their position, determined not to pursue 
 them until fully prepared for battle both on land and lake. He dis- 
 patched a strong force to occupy and strengthen Crown Point and its 
 fortifications, and then set about building vessels for transportation and 
 warfare. In the meantime, with a view to punishing the Indians on ac- 
 count of their murderous depredations on the New England frontier set- 
 tlements, he sent out an expedition under command of Major Rogers, 
 the force comprising 200 men, who were charged with the duty of de- 
 stroying the Indian village of St. Francis, and the killing of as many 
 savages as lay in his power. On the I2th of September Rogers em- 
 barked at Crown Point and proceeded down the lake in bateaux. On 
 the fifth day of his voyage, while encamped on the east side of the lake, 
 the accidental explosion of a keg of gunpowder seriously injured a cap- 
 tain and several men. These were at once sent back to Crown Point in 
 charge of a detail of men, by all of which Roger's force was reduced to 
 142 effective men. He pushed on, however, to Missisco Bay, where he 
 left the boats concealed in the bushes, and guarded by two of his rang- 
 ers, and then advanced by land in the direction of the Indian village on 
 the St. Lawrence. Two days later Rogers was overtaken by the men 
 left to guard the boats, who informed their commander that a strong 
 body of French had captured the boats, and were then coming in pur- 
 suit of Rogers's force. Upon this Major Rogers sent eighteen of his 
 men with the two rangers back to Crown Point to request General Am- 
 
56 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 herst to send provisions to Coos, on the Connecticut River, by which 
 route he had decided to return. He then pushed rapidly toward St. 
 Francis, determined if possible to accomplish the object of his expedi- 
 tion before being overtaken by the French. On the 4th of October he 
 reached a point near the village, and himself went forward in Indian 
 garb for the purpose of reconnoiter, giving his faithful men an opportu- 
 nity for needed rest. Rogers discovered the savages engaged in an In- 
 dian dance, rejoicing over some recent victory. He then returned and 
 brought his men forward to within 500 yards of the village, where they 
 lay concealed until about four o'clock the next morning. By this time 
 the dance was ended and the village entirely quiet, for the savages were 
 wearied by their orgies. Rogers and his men then improved their op- 
 portunity and commenced the attack, in Indian fashion, asking no mercy 
 and granting none. Their determination to wipe out the whole village 
 was greatly increased by the horrible sight of several hundred white 
 scalps hanging from poles, around which the Indians had been dancing. 
 The village had 300 inhabitants, and of this number 200 were killed out- 
 right, while twenty were made prisoners. Rogers's loss amounted to 
 one killed and six wounded. After completely destroying the settle- 
 ment, Rogers at once directed his course toward the Connecticut River, 
 proceeding by way of the St. Francis, thus hoping to avoid a meeting 
 with the pursuing French party. He was overtaken, however, and sev- 
 eral times attacked in the rear, with a loss of seven men. He therefore 
 formed an ambuscade on his own track and utterly routed his pursuers. 
 As he had been requested, General Amherst sent Samuel Stevens 
 and three others with a supply of provisions to Coos for Rogers and his 
 men, but the relief party, when advanced as far as the mouth of the Pas- 
 sumpsic River, became frightened at what they supposed were Indians, 
 and fled in terror to Fort Number Four, Charlestown, N. H. The very 
 same day Rogers and his men reached the spot, and although they saw 
 the fires of the relief party still burning, they were greatly disappointed 
 in obtaining no provisions. So disheartened, indeed, were some of the 
 men that they died within twenty-four hours thereafter. Of those that 
 survived nearly all made their way to Charlestown, but a few died be- 
 fore reaching that place. From thence Rogers conducted his men back 
 to Crown Point, arriving there on the first of December with less than 
 a hundred followers. 
 
The French and English. 57 
 
 During all this time General Amherst was busily engaged in con- 
 structing his fleet of boats, and when all was ready for action the season 
 was so far advanced as to render impracticable an attack upon the 
 French at Isle Aux Noix. However, Amherst did make a demonstra- 
 tion in the direction of voyaging down the lake, but was met with such 
 adverse weather that he returned to Crown Point and camped for the 
 winter. 
 
 The opening of the next season, that of 1760, found the French still 
 weaker than in the year preceding. Quebec had fallen, though that 
 victory cost the English the life of the noble Wolfe, while to the French 
 was lost the equally brave Montcalm. Montreal was now the only 
 stronghold of importance in the hands of the enemy, and to this point 
 the English forces directed their efforts, Murray, from Quebec up the 
 St. Lawrence ; Haviland by the way of Lake Champlain ; and General 
 Amherst by the way of Lake Ontario. The latter commanded the en- 
 tire expedition. By a similar coincidence, the three branches of the at- 
 tacking army reached Montreal on the 6th and 7th of September. Am- 
 herst at once laid siege to the city, but before commencing the attack, 
 he received a flag of truce from General Vaudreuil, the French com- 
 mander, asking terms of surrender. The proposals were made and ac- 
 cepted ; and on the 8th day of September, 1760, the whole province of 
 Canada was surrendered to the British. By a treaty of peace, signed at 
 Paris February 10, 1763, the Canadian province was formally ceded to 
 the king of Great Britain. 
 
 Thus ended the French dominion and power, not only in Canada, 
 but in America. From the time that James Cartier first sailed up the 
 gulf to which he gave the name St. Lawrence, in 1534, to the final 
 treaty of Paris, in 1763, the French held possession and power in this 
 country ; and held them by the same rights as did other nations, that of 
 discovery and settlement. And she yielded those rights, not volunta- 
 rily nor willingly, but under the compulsion of superior strength of the 
 British government ; the same power and strength that had previously 
 overthrown the Dutch dominion in the New Netherlands. 
 
 The French, during the continuance of their power in America, had 
 acted much in the same manner, and were governed by the same gen- 
 eral rules as were the English, with reference to their possessions of land 
 
S8 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 in this country. The French king made grants of extensive areas of 
 land, called seigniories, to divers persons, as rewards for fealty, as spe- 
 cial favors, or for consideration, as best suited the royal inclination. 
 And it so happened that the greater portion of the lands that now crm- 
 prise the counties of Franklin and Grand Isle were within what were 
 claimed to be a part proper of the French possessions. As preceding 
 pages have already narrated, the French extended their possessions 
 throughout the entire Champlain region of country, even as far south 
 as Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and on both sides of the lake ; and 
 throughout this vast district the French king made grants of land to va- 
 rious persons. Had the French conquered the English in their wars 
 for supremacy in America, then the colonists would have been brought 
 under the government of France, and the grants of land made by the 
 ruling king would havebeen recognized as of binding force, but as the 
 French were vanquished the grants made by the king were nullified and 
 disregarded. 
 
 It was during the long interval of peace which followed the treaty of 
 Utrecht that the greater number of seigniories were granted by the king 
 of France. During the years immediately following 1725, the reader 
 will remember, the French made most extraordinary efforts at extending 
 their line of possessions up Lake Champlain, and it was during those 
 years that the greater part of the seigniories were created. In the year 
 1732, M. Angier, the king's surveyor, made a survey and map of the 
 Champlain country, which map discloses the names of persons to whom 
 grants were made. The v/hole of Grand Isle county was surveyed and 
 mapped, but the localities of Franklin that lay remote from the lake do 
 not appear to have come within the scope of the surveyor's labor; and, 
 for some inexplicable reason, that which now forms the greater part of 
 St. Albans, and a small part of the south side of Swanton, appears not 
 to have been surveyed or granted. The seigniories, all of them, were of 
 considerable extent, greater even than the large townships, and were 
 measured and described by leagues rather than miles. 
 
 Concerning the seigniories within the region of the counties Franklin 
 and Grand Isle, but little can or need be said, for it is not understood 
 that any of them, except, possibly. Isle La Motte, were occupied or set- 
 tled in pursuance of the grant. And in relation to Isle La Motte it may 
 
The French and English. 59 
 
 be said that that island was occupied and a fort built thereon more than 
 half a century before the same was pretended to be granted. The lands 
 included within the present towns of Georgia, Fairfax, and a very small 
 part of St. Albans, together with Milton in Chittenden county, com- 
 prised the seigniory of M. Douville ; Swanton, and possibly parts of 
 Highgate and the towns next east, are supposed to be included within 
 the seigniory of M. de Beauvois, jr., while a small part of Highgate was 
 also a part of M. Lusignan's grant. That which is now Alburgh was parts 
 of seigniories granted to M. Faulcaut and M. Lafontaine. The district 
 now comprising the towns of North Hero, Grand Isle and South Hero, 
 formed one seigniory, the grant of M. Contrecoeur. Isle La Motte is 
 not designated as having been granted, but is presumed as having been 
 the grant of La Mothe, the builder of Fort St. Anne, which stood thereon 
 for many years. 
 
 After the termination of the French and English wars numerous ap- 
 plications were made to the British government asking for a ratification 
 and confirmation of the grants made by the king of France. . These pe- 
 titions were made by the grantees, and occasionally one would be con- 
 firmed, but the greater part were nullified. This was especially true 
 with reference to the seigniories granted within the jurisdiction of the 
 province of New York, which included Vermont, or at least assumed to 
 include it. The only claim the petitioner could make was an appeal to 
 the generosity of the British government, which latter never amounted 
 to much, but when the petition was opposed by the authorities of the 
 New York province, the result was an almost invariable refusal. 
 
 The statement has been made, incidentally, that the province of New 
 York assumed to exercise jurisdiction over what is now Vermont. But 
 that claim or assumption was exercised not only with reference to the 
 French seigniories, but with regard to the right of ownership and con- 
 trol over the whole region of this State. This claim gave rise to a long 
 and bitter controversy between the provincial governors of New York 
 and New Hampshire, and in which the governor of Massachusetts be- 
 came involved ; and which controversy was continued from its com- 
 mencement in 1749 to 1791, when Vermont was finally admitted to the 
 Federal Union. The events of this period, in relation to that contro- 
 versy, will be made the subject of the succeeding chapter. 
 
6o History of Franklin and Grand Isle CoIjnties. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Early Land Grants — Dispute Concerning the Boundary between Massachusetts and 
 New Hampshire — Its Settlement — Conflict of Authority Respecting the First Settled 
 Locality in Vermont — Benning Wentworth Becomes Governor of New Hampshire — 
 Grants Made by Him — His Right Disputed by New York — Grants within the Region 
 of Franklin County — The Claims of New York Founded on Grants to the Duke of 
 York — Correspondence between New Hampshire and New York — The Controversy 
 Referred to the King— His Decree — New York Extends to Connectirut River — New 
 Hampshire withdraws from the Controversy — Policy Adapted by New York — Resisted 
 by the Inhabitants — The Leaders of the People — The Green Mountain Boys — Treat- 
 ment of New York Officers— Counties Formed by New York — Albany and Charlotte 
 Counties Embrace this Region — Progress of the Controversy— Rewards offered by 
 New York — Proclamations on Both Sides — Events East of the Mountains — The Peo- 
 ple United^The Massacre at Westminster. 
 
 DURING the period of the early wars between the English and 
 French, that region of country now known by the name of Ver- 
 mont was almost constantly being traversed by troops of armed men, 
 on their march from the settled provinces of New Hampshire, Massa- 
 chusetts and Connecticut to the frontier country that bordered on Lake 
 Champlain and the Hudson River. But during that same period, or at 
 least the early part of it, there were no substantial settlements and im- 
 provements within the jurisdiction named, for the reason that any at- 
 tempt at colonization and settlement would subject the pioneers to the 
 murderous attacks of the Canadian Indians. And even the established 
 outposts in the Connecticut Valley, however close they were to the more 
 thickly populated districts of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, were 
 themselves the objects of Indian depredations, plunder and murder. 
 
 However, by these early wars the character of this region became 
 known to the men of the military organizations of the southern and 
 eastern provinces, and through their report there became a strong de- 
 sire on the part of numerous persons to possess them. As early as the 
 year 1724, the governor of the Massachusetts province made a grant of 
 land in what he assumed or claimed to be the lawful jurisdiction of his 
 province, which grant constituted a township on the Connecticut River, 
 and within which Fort Dummer was built. But the lands in the local- 
 
Early Land Titles. 6i 
 
 ity of this grant were claimed by the provincial governor of New Hamp- 
 shire to be within his jurisdiction, and at the time of making the said 
 grant a controversy was in progress between these respective authori- 
 ties as to the right of jurisdiction over the territory. This controversy 
 was not finally settled until the year 1740, when an order of the king 
 in council fixed and determined the north boundary of the province of 
 Massachusetts at a point some miles south of the site of Fort Dum- 
 mer, leaving that settlement within what was understood as part of New 
 Hampshire province. Here it may be stated that a number of past 
 writers of Vermont history have claimed that the first settlement within 
 the state was that at Fort Dummer, in the year 1724. In respect of this 
 being the first English settlement within the state, the statement is quite 
 true, but there is abundant evidence showing that civilized settlement 
 was made within the jurisdiction of the state as early as the year 1665, in 
 the occupation of Isle La Motte by the French officer Captain La Mothe, 
 who built a fort on the island at that time ; and soon after this time the 
 French established posts in the localities of the counties south of Frank- 
 lin and Grand Isle, all before the erection of Fort Dummer. But, per- 
 haps, as to the question of permanent settlement, that at Fort Dummer 
 may stand in the lead. 
 
 In 1 741 Benning Wentworth was commissioned as governor of the 
 province of New Hampshire ; and he assumed that the western bound- 
 ary of his province should be the continuation northward of the western 
 line of the provinces of Massachusetts and Connecticut, as the latter had 
 been established by the royal determination. This assumption and 
 claim, had it become subsequently recognized and confirmed by the 
 king, would have brought all the territory now called Vermont within 
 the jurisdiction of the New Hampshire province; but Governor Went- 
 worth so considered and treated it until the royal decree of 1764, which 
 determined the district to be a part of New York. New York, on the 
 other hand, had always claimed that the eastern boundary of that prov- 
 ince was the west bank of the Connecticut River ; and rested that claim 
 upon two charters and letters patent, executed by King Charles the 
 Second to his brother James, the Duke of York, dated, respectively, the 
 1 2th of March, 1663, and June 29th, 1764, by which all the lands be- 
 tween the Connecticut River and Delaware Bay were erected into 
 
62 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 that province. The province of Connecticut was brought into being, 
 according to the New York governor's interpretation, by virtue of an 
 agreement made with New York about the year 1684, and afterward 
 confirmed by King William. But as to the province of Massachusetts, it 
 was claimed that the people therein had " possessed themselves thereof 
 by intrusion, and through the negligence of the authorities of New York 
 had continued their possessions, the lands not being private property." 
 This was the statement made by the Governor of New York to Benning 
 Wentworth, of New Hampshire, in explanation of the fact regarding 
 the situation of those provinces within the region ot the grant to the 
 Duke of York, they being in part to the westward of the Connecticut 
 River. 
 
 During the first ten years of Governor Wentworth's incumbency, the 
 whole country was in a condition of agitation occasioned by the preva- 
 lence of the French wars ; and although those wars were by no means 
 ended when that governor commenced making charters and grants of 
 townships on the disputed territory, he had b}'^ that time acquainted 
 himself with the character of the land and the political situation with 
 reference to New York. So, when applications for grants were made to 
 him, the worthy governor felt it incumbent on himself to exercise the 
 functions of his office in this direction, and by so doing somewhat in- 
 crease the emoluments of the executive, in the same manner as his pred- 
 ecessor had done, and as other governors were then doing. But, a large 
 portion of the lands within his own conceded province had already been 
 granted, therefore he turned his attention to the territory west of the 
 Connecticut, apparently with the honest belief that if Connecticut and 
 Massachusetts provinces extended to a line twenty miles east from the 
 Hudson River, his jurisdiction also must extend to the northern contin- 
 uation of the same line. 
 
 Under this assumption, on the 3d of January, 1749, Governor Went- 
 worth made a grant of a township, thirty-six square miles of land, near 
 the southwest corner of his assumed province, abutting the imaginary 
 twenty- mile line, to which he gave the name of Bennington ; and im- 
 mediately after this action, he acquainted Governor Clinton, of New 
 York, with what had been done, for the purpose of having the boundary 
 between the provinces, as Wentworth assumed it to be, satisfactorily 
 
Early Land Titles. 63 
 
 fixed and determined. In reply to this communication, Governor Clin- 
 ton informed Governor Wentworth that the territory within which the 
 grant had been made was a part of New York; that the latter extended 
 east to the west bank of the Connecticut River, and that under the New 
 York authority grants of townships had already been made in the dis- 
 trict. And further, he asked Governor Wentworth to recall the grant 
 he had wrongfully and under misapprehension made. It was in the 
 course of this correspondence, and that which followed, that there was 
 brought to light the statements already made with reference to the 
 provinces of Massachusetts and Connecticut. 
 
 However, notwithstanding the explanations and protests made by the 
 governor of New York, Benning Wentworth not only failed to recall the 
 grants he had made, but refused to do so. And it appears that he was 
 not willing to accept as true all that Governor Clinton had to say and 
 write concerning the extent of his province ; but, disregarding them, he 
 continued to issue grants and charters promiscuously and indiscrimi- 
 nately, and to such extent that by August, 1764, he had issued no less 
 than one hundred and thirty-five of them to sets of persons or individ- 
 uals. And the worthy governor seems not to have employed any reg- 
 ular system in thus disposing of his claimed lands, but granted them ac- 
 cording to the tenor of the applications, in whatever locality was sought 
 to be acquired ; and of course in each grant to be made, a proper con- 
 sideration moved the executive will, all of which was gratefully received, 
 but not mentioned either in grant or charter, except in a general way. 
 
 But it must not be understood that the governor of New York quietly 
 submitted to this disposition of lands, for such was hardly the case. 
 On the contrary that officer kept up a constant correspondence with 
 Governor Wentworth, protesting against his action, and finally propos- 
 ing to submit the matter in controversy to the royal determination. At 
 the same time, on the 28th of December, 1763, Cadwalader Colden, 
 the lieutenant-governor of New York, issued a proclamation, "com- 
 manding the sheriff of the county of Albany to make a return of the 
 names of all persons who had taken possession of lands under New 
 Hampshire grants," for the purpose of having them brought to justice 
 and punished as trespassers and transgressors. This was met by a coun- 
 ter proclamation, issued by Governor Wentworth, reaffirming his right 
 
64 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 to make grants, defining the extent of his jurisdiction, and enjoining 
 upon his grantees and the settlers under his charters, "to be industrious 
 in clearing and cultivating their lands, agreeable to their respective 
 grants;" and further did he command all civil oflScers "within this 
 Province, of whatsoever quality, as well those that are not, as well those 
 that are inhabitants on the said lands, to continue and be diligent in 
 exercising jurisdiction in their respective offices, as far westward as 
 grants of land have been made by this government ; and to deal with 
 any person or persons, that may presume to interrupt the inhabitants 
 or settlers on said lands, as to law and justice do appertain ; " the pre- 
 tended right or jurisdiction mentioned in the aforesaid Proclamation, 
 (Governor Colden's) notwithstanding. 
 
 Such was the situation of affairs between the contesting provinces 
 with reference to the lands on the New Hampshire grants, as the district 
 was then called. The greater portion of Governor Wentworth's char- 
 ters were not made until the closing years of the last French war, and 
 it was not until after the year 1760 that any permanent settlement was 
 made in any part of the granted townships ; for had settlement been 
 made earlier, the inhabitants would only have been slaughtered by the 
 merciless Canada Indians, whose frequent expeditions brought them 
 throughout this region more, perhaps, than any other. Of the towns 
 granted by Governor Wentworth, the first to be settled were in the 
 southern and southeastern portions of the state ; and, although grants 
 were made that covered a part of what is now Franklin county, but none 
 that comprise Grand Isle, by Governor Wentworth, prior to 1764, none 
 of these had any permanent settlement until after the close of the War 
 of the Revolution. On the 17th of August, 1763, the towns of St. Al- 
 bans, Swaiiton, Highgate and Georgia were granted. On the i8th of 
 the same month and year, the other towns of Fairfax, Fairfield, Smith- 
 field and Hungerford were in the same manner brought into existence. 
 But Smithfield was afterward absorbed in part by P'airfield, and partly 
 by adjoining towns, and is not now known to the county, while Hun- 
 gerford is now known by the name of Sheldon. 
 
 The governors of the two provinces, having agreed to submit their 
 controversy to the rojal determination, did so, with the result that the 
 district then and for some time afterward known by the name of the 
 
Early Land Titles. 65 
 
 New Hampshire Grants, now the state of Vermont, was declared to be 
 a part of the province of New York, the eastern boundary of which was 
 fixed at the west bank of the River Connecticut. This decree by the 
 king and council was decided upon and promulgated on the 20th of 
 July, 1764, and by it, notwithstanding the frauds charged to have been 
 practiced by New York's governing authorities in obtaining it, the ju- 
 risdiction and authority of Governor Wentworth over the district was 
 brought to an end. With the people on the grants at that time, it made 
 no material difference whether they were under the jurisdiction of New 
 Hampshire or New York, but had their preferences been consulted in 
 the matter they would have chosen to remain a part of what they con- 
 sidered the mother province — New Hampshire. At the decision of the 
 crown they were greatly surprised, but not alarmed, and they quietly 
 submitted to the authority of the province to which they were annexed. 
 But it was when that new control attempted to dictate and order that 
 the inhabitants should surrender their charters and purchase new ones 
 from New York that they rebelled against the authority of that prov- 
 ince, or its right to compel such a course of action. According to their 
 interpretation of the king's decree, they did not understand that the de- 
 cree was to be retroactive in its operation, but merely that they were to 
 undergo a change of jurisdiction, and that their charter rights should 
 be confirmed to them without repurchase ; to the change of jurisdiction 
 they passively submitted, but they firmly refused to again pay for the 
 lands once purchased, which they had at great expense of time and labor 
 cultivated and improved, and upon which they had built up their homes. 
 But the New York officers were obdurate and tyrannical, and would 
 make no concessions whatever. To compass their ends they caused the 
 authority of Albany county to be extended over the inhabited district 
 of the grants, and directed the shrievalty to arrest the rebellious subjects 
 and bring them to trial at Albany, the shire town of that county. 
 
 Thus reduced and oppressed to the last extremity, the distressed in- 
 habitants sought the royal intervention by dispatching Samuel Robin- 
 son to England with a petition for relief from the unjust burdens put 
 upon them by the governing province. The result of this was that the 
 king in council ordered and charged the governor of New York not to 
 " presume to make any grants whatsoever, of any part of the lands de- 
 9 
 
66 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 scribed, until his Majesty's further pleasure shall be known," etc But 
 notwithstanding the king's prohibition, the governor of New York did 
 continue to make grants of townships, and did order the civil authorities 
 to make arrests, issue writs of ejectment against settlers, and appointed 
 justices of the peace in the towns, (persons, of course, who were favor- 
 able to New York,) and other officers who were to act wholly in their 
 interests. 
 
 Finding no substantial redress in the king's decree, the people of the 
 several towns assembled in convention at Bennington, and resolved to 
 support and maintain their rights by force, as law and justice were de- 
 nied them. To this end they caused to be organized a military associ- 
 ation, of which Ethan Allen was made colonel, and Seth Warner, Re- 
 member Baker, Robert Cochran, Gideon Warner and others, captains. 
 This was the incipient organization that afterward became known 
 throughout the civilized world as the Green Mountain Boys; an organ- 
 ization that made itself effectual not alone in resisting the oppression of 
 New York, but one as well that rendered yeoman service during the 
 darkest period of the revolution. Although bitterly and strenuously 
 opposed to the New York usurpation, they never once wavered in their 
 loyalty to the cause of American Independence ; and to their efforts 
 mainly belongs the honor of having administered the first decisive de- 
 feat to the British arms. The Bennington convention of inhabitants, be- 
 sides providing for the military association above referred to, also pro- 
 vided foi the appointment of committees of safety in the several towns, 
 whose duty it was to conduct the affairs of respective localities, and in 
 cases of violation of any of the rights of the people therein, especially in 
 regard to their opposition to New York, and report the same to the as- 
 sociation, whose members took upon themselves the responsibility of 
 punishing the offenders, after their own primitive but nevertheless effect- 
 uil manner. And cases, many of them, are not wanting in which these 
 determined leaders of the people visited their penalties upon New York's 
 representatives on the grants, or upon persons whose conduct was en- 
 imical to the interests of the loyal inhabitants. In the formation of this 
 association, and in the operations of the organization itself, there was 
 laid the very foundation of the new and independent state ; and more 
 than that, in this body and its institutions lay the foundation of the 
 
Early Land Titles. 6^ 
 
 Vermontconstitution, the germ from which it originated and grew into 
 existence. 
 
 The organization known by the name of Green Mountain Boys, came 
 into existence soon after the decree was promulgated that transferred 
 the jurisdiction of the New Hampshire grants from the mother prov- 
 ince, and vested it in New York; and it continued in being until the ob- 
 ject of its mission was finally accomplished, the recognition of Vermont 
 as a state, and her admission into the Federal Union. In the course of 
 their administration of the affairs, the Green Mountain Boys adopted the 
 somewhat novel, though perhaps unusual means of punishment, which 
 generally consisted of " viewing " a person, or visiting upon his naked 
 back the impressive effects of the "beach seal," as it was called. View- 
 ing was done almost exclusively in Bennington, where the large sign- 
 post in front of the Green Mountain tavern afforded the best facility for 
 the operation. By this means of punishment the offending person was 
 placed securely in an arm-chair, and then hoisted with ropes to the top 
 of the sign, and then left until the law was deemed to be satisfied, ex- 
 posed to the gaze and derision of the assembled multitude. The appli- 
 cation of the "beach seal" was'the most popular method of punishment, 
 and was executed by securing the offender to a tree or other convenient 
 place, barring his back, and then laying on the beach rod stout and 
 strong to the satisfaction of the judges; the judges being generally 
 members of the military association. 
 
 The Green Mountain Boys were a continual source of trouble and 
 annoyance to the New York authorities, and, do what they might, 
 they never could bring them to justice, although a price was set upon 
 the heads of the leaders. But, notwithstanding the annoyance caused 
 them, thp Governor of New York and his Provincial Assembly contin- 
 ued to make hiws for governing the district of the grants, and appointed 
 officers charged with the duty of executing their laws ; but as often as 
 any attempt was made to enforce these laws, just so often were the of- 
 ficers visited with the punishments prescribed by the chief officers of 
 the Green Mountain Boys. 
 
 A preceding paragraph has made mention of the fact that the juris- 
 diction of Albany county was made to extend over the district of the 
 grants. On the 3d of July, 1766, the Assembly of New York erected 
 
68 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Cumberland county out of a part of the district, and fixed the county 
 seat at Chester, (now in Windsor county) ; but this locality was found 
 to be uncongenial, consequently the shire town was changed to West- 
 minster, where there was less opposition to New York. But the king's 
 decree of June 26th, 1767, had the effect of annulling this proceeding of 
 the provincial legislature ; but notwithstanding that, and the further 
 prohibition contained in the decree of July 24th following, the New 
 York Assembly, on the 20th of February, 1768, repassed the act which 
 had been annulled, and proceeded with the county organization. The 
 county of Cumberland extended from the south line of the grants north 
 to the south line of the towns of Tunbridge, Strafford and Thetford, 
 while its western boundary was the main mountain range. On the 7th 
 of March, 1770, the same authority erected another county — Gloucester 
 — out of the lands north of Cumberland county, east of the mountains. 
 Two years later, March 12th, 1772, Charlotte county was created, com- 
 prehending all the district west of the mountains and north of the 
 north lines of the towns of Arlington and Sunderland. The part south 
 of the last named line still remained a part of Albany county. The 
 county seat of Charlotte county was established at Skeenesborough, now 
 Whitehall, N. Y., and Philip Skeene was appointed its judge of the 
 Common Pleas Court. The county of Charlotte of course included 
 what now comprises the counties of Franklin and Grand Isle, but as the 
 sole occupants of these counties at that time were none else than Indi- 
 ans, and an occasional Frenchman, it is not probable that Judge Skeene 
 was called upon to exercise his judicial functions in this region. 
 
 But this organization of the district into counties had not the effect 
 of bringing the inhabitants into a state of ready submission to the New 
 York authority. On the contrary they were only stimulated to use 
 greater endeavors in preventing the exercise of any authority on the 
 part of New York ; and when officers, civil and otherwise, were chosen 
 from among the residents on the grants, they were under constant sur- 
 veillance from the followers of the Green Mountain Boys, and the shght- 
 est manifestation of authority on their part, or any attempt at executing 
 process, or even attempting to persuade wavering persons to be out- 
 spoken in favor of New York, only brought upon them a visitation of 
 the penalties prescribed for such cases. New York exercised a wise 
 
Early Land Titles. 69 
 
 discretion in fixing the county seats well within the bounds of her own 
 province, for the governor and members of her provincial legislature 
 well knew the results of locating them east of the twenty- mile line. 
 The situation east of the mountains, however, was somewhat different, 
 for in that region was shown less resistance to the authority of New 
 York ; in fact there was a strong element in favor of that control. 
 More than that, there had not been the same oppressive measures em- 
 ployed, as was the case west of the mountains, in bringing the inhabit- 
 ants into ready submission, and in some cases the town charters were 
 surrendered and new ones taken from New York without more than a 
 nominal consideration being charged therefor. On the east side, too. 
 New York found it more politic to use peaceful measures with the 
 settlers, for if otherwise it would have been a great inconvenience and 
 expense to enforce authority in a locality so remote from the seat of 
 government. Therefore, the inhabitants east of the mountains not hav- 
 ing special grievance against the New Yorker, did not generally join in 
 resisting the controling authority. This was the situation in general, 
 although there were towns whose inhabitants were in full sympathy 
 with the cause for which the people west of the mountains were con- 
 tending, and they rendered substantial aid to that cause in many ways. 
 Concerning the stirring events of the period of which we write, the 
 editor feels constrained to refer to the inhabitants of the New Hampshire 
 grants who were leaders of the opposition to New York authority ; and 
 in so doing makes free to quote from an early writer of Vermont his- 
 tory : " Notwithstanding the attempt which had been made to arrest 
 the progress of the controversy, it does not appear that the government 
 of New York had, at any time, taken measures to restrain the location 
 and settlement of lands under New York titles. The bone of conten- 
 tion, therefore, still remained ; and the failure of an attempted reconcil- 
 iation had served to embitter the resentment of the contending parties, 
 and produced a state of hostility more decided and alarming. The 
 mass of settlers on the New Hampshire grants consisted of a brave, 
 hardy set of men. Their minds, naturally strong and active, had been 
 roused to the exercise of their highest energies in a controversy involv- 
 ing everything that was dear to them. Though unskilled in the rules 
 of logic, they nevertheless reasoned conclusively; and having once 
 
70 History of Franklin and Grend Isle Counties. 
 
 come to a decision, they wanted not the courage or conduct necessary 
 to carry it into execution. Foremost among them stood Ethan Allen ; 
 bold, ardent and unyielding ; possessing a vigorous intellect and an un- 
 common share of self-confidence, he was peculiarly fitted to become a 
 successful leader of the opposition. In the progress of this controversy 
 several pamphlets were written by him, exhibiting, in a manner peculiar 
 to himself, and well suited to the taste of public feeling, the injustice of 
 the New York claims. These pamphlets were extensively circulated, 
 and contributed much to inform the minds, arouse the zeal, and unite 
 the efforts of the settlers. So far as the documents of this period shed 
 any light on the subject, it appears that the inhabitants residing in the 
 present counties of Bennington and Rutland had formed an association 
 by committees from the several town, which met, if not statedly, at 
 least on extraordinary occasions, to adopt such measures as the public 
 exigencies required. Among other acts of this body it had been de- 
 creed, ' that no person should take grants, or confirmation of grants 
 under the government of New York.' And an order had also been 
 made, ' forbidding all inhabitants in the District of the New Hampshire 
 grants to hold, take, or accept, any office of honor or profit under the 
 colony of New York; and that all civil and military officers, who had 
 acted under the authority of the Governor or Legislature of New York, 
 were required to suspend their functions on pain of being viewed.'" 
 
 During the course of the controversy there had been some negotia- 
 tions between the association and the inhabitants and Governor Tryon 
 of New York, by which it was hoped might result an amicable adjust- 
 ment of the existing difficulties ; and to this end Captain Stephen Fay 
 and Jonas Fay were sent to New York to treat and possibly make terms 
 with the controling authorities. The agents of the settlers, the Messrs. 
 Fay, were provided with a document which set forth the arguments 
 urged in defense of their action by the leaders, which document was 
 duly signed by Ethan Allen, Seth Warner, Remember Baker and Rob- 
 ert Cochran. But while the negotiations were pending certain of the 
 Green Mountain Boys proceeded to Otter Creek, and there dispossessed 
 Colonel Reed, a New Yorker, of a certain milland other property which 
 he had claimed and forcibly possessed himself in opposition to the rights 
 of the first occupant under the New Hampshire charters. This action 
 
Early Land Titles. 71 
 
 so incensed Governor Tyron that he dispatched a letter to the inhabit- 
 ants demanding Colonel Reed's reinstatement in the property as a con- 
 dition precedent to further negotiations, and his favorable intercession 
 with the Crown in behalf of the distressed people. To this demand 
 Ethan Allen, as clerk for the committees, made reply, re affirming the 
 rights of the original owner of the property, and of Colonel Reed's un- 
 just action in dispossessing him ; and further justifying the action of the 
 committee in ousting Reed, and declining to yield to the governor's de- 
 mand. This again widened the breach between the contending factions, 
 and left them in much the same condition as previously they had been. 
 On the 5th of February, 1774, the Assembly of New York was con- 
 vened, and a committee of that body recommended that the governor 
 issue a proclamation offering a reward of fifty pounds each for the ap- 
 prehension and arrest of Ethan Allen, Seth Warner, Remember Baker, 
 Robert Cochran, Peleg Sunderland, Silvanus Brown, James Breaken- 
 ridge and John Smith, as " principal ringleaders of, and actors in, the 
 riots and disturbances aforesaid," etc. This was followed on the 9th of 
 March, 1779, by the passage of an act by the Assetnbly entitled "an 
 act for preventing tumultuous and riotous assemblies in places therein 
 mentioned," etc. ; meaning in the counties of Albany and Charlotte, and 
 referring to the alleged riotous acts of the so-called Bennington Mob. 
 
 The foregoing recommendation by the committee the act of the As- 
 sembly, and the proclamation by the governor of New York, setting a 
 price upon the heads of the leaders of the people on the grants, 
 amounted to a virtual declaration of war against the designated persons 
 as well as all who followed their leadership. But, however severe and 
 formidable that action may have appeared, it did not have the effect of 
 producing consternation among the masses at whom it was directed, 
 nor did it result in tempering the severity of the feelings of the leaders. 
 On the contrary, the result of that action found them only the more de- 
 termined in their resistance to the New York authority and oppression. 
 The proscribed persons, on the 26th of April, 1774, held a meeting and 
 issued a counter proclamation, defending their actions, and giving the 
 New Yorkers an understanding of what they might expect should they 
 attempt to enforce arrests on the grants ; and further they addressed 
 their " friends and neighbors" on the grants, asking their co operation 
 
72 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 and assistance in resisting tlie unjust and oppressive authority of New 
 York, and declaring their intention to "inflict immediate death" upon 
 whoever shor.ld undertake to arrest them. 
 
 What might have been the result of this controversy had it been con- 
 tinued on the lines marked out by the contending parties, would indeed 
 be difficult to conjecture. But at that time or very soon afterward the 
 whole country was thrown into a state of high excitement growing out 
 of the relations of the American colonies with the mother country. 
 The acts of oppression heaped upon the colonies by Great Britain were 
 of such a character as to call for something more than mild protestations, 
 and the final result was a strong inclination on the part of the people to 
 til row ofif the British yoke, and establish an independent nation and 
 government. To the growing sentiment in favor of such a course all 
 the colonies were attracted, and by it local strifes and controversies were 
 for the time forgotten. New York, at this time, was a royal province, 
 the government of which differed somewhat from that of other colonies. 
 Its governor was appointed by the Crown, and all others were supposed 
 to be chosen directly under the sanction of the king ; and it was the 
 tardy action of that province in approving of the resolutions of the 
 Congress of the colonies, held September 5th, 1774, that had the effect 
 of alienating from her the affections of the people on the grants east- 
 ward of the Green Mountains. From this time forth the cause of the 
 people became a common one, and they were ever afterward united. 
 
 Following the meeting of this Congress there came a general suspen- 
 sion of the royal authority on the part of nearly all the colonies, and 
 New York, almost alone, still held firm to the British authority and con- 
 trol. Holding that authority paramount, the dilatory province at- 
 tempted to hold a session of court in Cumberland county on the 13th 
 of March, 1775, and knowing that opposition would be made, and fear- 
 ing results, an armed force accompanied the officers to the court house. 
 The building was found to be in possession of strong and determined 
 men, so, after some parley, the proceedings were delayed until the next 
 day. But about midnight of the same day the court party returned 
 and made an attack upon the building, resulting in the killing of Will- 
 iam French and wounding of several others. On the next day, the 
 14th mstant, the loyal colonists were reinforced by some 200 armed 
 
Early Land Titles. 73 
 
 men from New Hampshire, and many of the royal party were arrested 
 and placed in confinement. This affair, which has ever been known as 
 the " massacre at Westminster," brought the people on the grants into 
 a closer union with each other, uniting them not only as against the 
 mother country, but against New York as well. 
 
 During the period of the Revolutionary War, the civil policy of the 
 district commonly known as the New Hampshire grants partook of a 
 character somewhat different from that theretofore adopted by its lead- 
 ers. Prior to that time the people of the district apparently only desired 
 that the charters under New Hampshire should be confirmed by New 
 York when the latter assumed authorized jurisdiction in pursuance of 
 the king's decree of July 20th, 1764, but as years passed, and one act 
 of oppression followed another in quick succession, there developed a 
 sentiment among some of the stronger minds of the district in favor of 
 a new and separate jurisdiction. To this consummation the stalwart 
 leaders were bending every energy, but they never openly presented 
 the subject to the masses. To establish an independent colony or prov- 
 ince in the face of the New York opposition was no easy thing to ac- 
 complish. A favorable opportunity was necessary, and that was pre- 
 sented in the outbreak of the Revolution. 
 10 
 
74 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 The Controversy Resumed — Proceedings on the Part of Vermont — Eth.m Allen's 
 Achievement at Ticonderoga— Seth Warner at Crown Point — Vermont Seeks Admis- 
 sion to the Federal Union — The Declaration of American Independence— The Dorset 
 Conventions— Vermont's Independence Declared— The State Formed— Name of New 
 Connecticut — Changed to Vermont— Proceedings of Congress upon Vermont's Petition 
 — The Subject Dismissed — Framing the State Constitution — First Union with New 
 Hampshire Towns — Its Dissolution — New York, New Hampshire and Massachusetts' 
 Claims — Vermont's Appeal — Action of Congress — Second Union with New Hampshire 
 Towns — The Eastern Union — Their Dissolution — Negotiations with Canada — Their 
 Results — General Washington's Reply to Governor Chittenden's Letter — New York 
 Ceases Opposition to Vermont's Independence — The States Choose Commissioners — 
 The Controversy Settled — Vermont Admitted to the Union — The Act of Congress. 
 
 THE outbreak of the War of the Revolution actually commenced 
 with the 19th of April, 1775, and by it the American colonies be- 
 came united in a common cause against the mother country. New 
 York, notwithstanding her tardiness in action, at length alienated herself 
 from the crown, and united with the other provinces in the contest for 
 independence. For the time being her governing authorities diverted 
 their attention from the controversy with the people on the Nejv Hamp- 
 shire grants, and gave special heed to the more weighty matters pertain- 
 ing to the nation's welfare. This was the opportunity for which the peo- 
 ple on the grants were anxiously awaiting, and their leaders did not fail 
 to profit by the occasion Yet, they were in a decidedly singular and 
 embarrassing situation; they had renounced any and all allegiance to 
 New York; they had never been recognized as a province by the crown; 
 they had no representation nor participation in the Continental Con- 
 gress ; and they were a practically isolated community, having no es- 
 tablished government, no resources and no means of public revenue 
 other than the determination of their leaders to create the fcrmer, and 
 the willingness of the people at large to contribute to the latter. But 
 these people, if anything, were fruitful of expedients. Their leaders 
 determined to demonstrate to the Continental Congress that, notwith- 
 standing their disloyalty to New York, they nevertheless held true to 
 
Controversy with New York. 75 
 
 the cause of American independence: and this spirit of loyalty was 
 made perfectly manifest in Allen's splendid achievement in the capture 
 of Ticonderoga. on the 9th of May, 1775, in the name of the "Great Je- 
 hovah and the Continental Congress;" an independent performance, the 
 conception of his own fertile brain and the fruit of his own daring deter- 
 mination and spirit. At the same time Seth Warner, on whose head, 
 too, as well as Allen's, the New York authorities had set a price, with a 
 body of the Green Mountain Boys, captured the British posts at Crown 
 Point. 
 
 With this achievement standing to their credit, and beheving that 
 Congress, as a matter of right and simple justice, would give heed to 
 their requests, the people on the grants on the 17th of January, 1776, 
 prepared a memorial for presentation to Congress, wherein they set forth 
 the claims on which their past action had been based, protesting loyalty 
 to America in the contest then waging, and asking that tliey be recog- 
 nized as a jurisdiction independent from New York and expressing per- 
 fect willingness to do military duty as such. The convention at which 
 this petition was prepared was held at Dorset, being assembled Janu- 
 ary 1 6th, and adjourned to the next day. The committee nominated 
 to present the petition to Congress, comprised Lieutenant James Break- 
 enridge. Captain Heman Allen and Dr. Jonas Fay. The persons chosen 
 duly repaired to the assembled Congress, presented their petition, but 
 the action of that body only recommended that the petitioners, for the 
 present, submit to the government of New York, but without prejudice 
 to their rights or claims; and that Congress would, after "the present 
 troubles are at an end," make a final determination of their rights 
 through judges to whom the matter should be referred. Than this re- 
 sult nothing could be less satisfactory to the committee or the people on 
 the grants; therefore, at his request, Heman Allen was given leave to 
 withdraw the petition. Thus were the inhabitants on the grants pecul- 
 iarly situated when on the 4th day of July, 1776, Congress declared and 
 published to the world the independence of the United States of Amer- 
 ica. By this Vermont became indeed a separate jurisdiction, but not 
 of the character her people most desired. Had the efforts of her lead- 
 ers resulted as they had hoped, Vermont would have been one of the 
 original States, but fate decreed otherwise; and it was not until the 
 
y6 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 year 1791 that that consummation was reached. However disappointing 
 may have been the action of Congress, the people on the grants were 
 neither dismayed or discouraged by it; nor had that action, or the rec- 
 ommendation of Congress, any force in incbning the people to submit 
 to New York for any purposes whatever. The leaders sent circulars and 
 documents to the several towns asking for another convention, which 
 assembled at Dorset on the 24th of July, 1776, but soon afterwards ad- 
 journed to meet again at the same place on September 25th following. 
 On being again assembled at the time and place specified, it was found that 
 delegates were present from most of the towns west of the mountains, 
 while some of the eastern towns were represented by letters from the 
 principal inhabitants. Among the several acts here proposed and dis- 
 cussed was one by which it was voted without a dissenting voice, "to 
 declare the New Hampshire grants a free and separate district." And 
 for the purposes of an organization, a committee of seven was chosen to 
 prepare a covenant or compact, to be signed by the delegates represent- 
 ing the several towns, which should clearly set forth the situation of the 
 people on the grants and what was proposed to be done with reference 
 to their future conduct. The material part of this covenant was as fol- 
 lows: "We, the subscribers, inhabitants of that district of land com- 
 monly called and known by the name of New Hampshire grants, being 
 legally delegated and authorized to transact the public and political af- 
 fairs of the aforesaid district, for ourselves and constituents, do solemnly 
 covenant and engage that, for the time being, we will strictly and religi- 
 ously adhere to the several resolves of this or a future convention, con- 
 stituted on said district by the free voice of the friends to American lib- 
 erties, which shall not be repugnant to the resolves of the honorable, the 
 Continental Congress relative to the cause of America." 
 
 From the meeting at Dorset the convention adjourned to reassemble 
 at Westminster on the 15th day of January, 1777, at which time there 
 were present representatives from towns both east and west of the moun- 
 tains; and here, at this convention, the delegates, in their own names 
 and in behalf oi their constituents did pubhcly declare, "that the district 
 of territory, comprehending and usually known by the name and de- 
 scription of the New Hampshire grants, of right ought to be, and is 
 hereby declared forever hereafter to be considered as a free and inde- 
 
Controversy with New York. j"] 
 
 pendent jurisdiction, or State; by the name, and forever hereafter to be 
 called, known and distinguished by the name of New Connecticut, alias 
 Vermont, etc." 
 
 In explanation of the name just mentioned, it may be stated that 
 Slade, Thompson and other standard authorities on Vermont's early his- 
 tory have agreed that the name was given by the Westminster conven- 
 tion as above recorded; but more recent writers, particularly Hiland 
 Hall, who made, perhaps, more thorough research into the ancient arch- 
 ives of the state than any of his predecessors, is inclined to the opinion 
 that the name originally given the new jurisdiction was New Connecti- 
 cut, and that alone; that the addition, alias Vermont, was an after- 
 thought, and substitution, it being subsequently learned that the name 
 New Connecticut had already been given to a colony in what is now the 
 state of Pennsylvania. Whatever the fact was is of no material conse- 
 quence in the present connection, but suffice it to say the independence 
 of the state was then and there declared. And that Congress might 
 have knowledge of the matter, the convention caused to be prepared a 
 memorial of their proceedings, and duly transmitted to that body at 
 Philadelphia. New York, too^ had taken due cognizance of what was 
 taking place among her refractory subjects, and also reported the result 
 to Congress, enlarging upon and exaggerating the occurrence to suit 
 her special purposes. After considerable delay Congress took action 
 concerning the matter, but instead of giving countenance to the pro- 
 ceeding on the part of the people on the grants, only refused to recog- 
 nize the independence of the separate district, censured the delegates 
 for their proceeding, and then dismissed them-and their application for 
 representation in the national body. 
 
 While the subject of recognition was pending before Congress, the 
 people on the grants were quietly proceeding with their state organiza- 
 tion. On the first Wednesday of June, 1777, the delegates from the 
 towns again assembled at Windsor, and there revised the declaration of 
 separate independence, and substituted the name Vermont for New 
 Connecticut, as originally adopted. They also transacted other import- 
 ant business, principal among which was the appointment of a commit- 
 tee to prepare a draft of a constitution. Again, on the 2d of July, the 
 convention met at Windsor, when the committee presented the original 
 
78 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 draft of the state constitution. This was under consideration when 
 news was brought that Ticonderoga had fallen into British hands, and 
 that General Burgoyne was spreading desolation throughout the entire 
 region. This intelligence so disconcerted the members that they were 
 at once inclined to abandon further proceedings in the convention and 
 set out for their homes. But the friendly intervention of a thunder 
 storm gave them time to reflect, and they resumed consideration of the 
 measures before their body. The matter being completed and adopted, 
 the temporary affairs of the commonwealth were placed in the charge of 
 a Council of Safety, after which the convention adjourned. 
 
 Among other things, the convention appointed that the first election 
 of state officers should be held in December, 1777, but the invasion of 
 Burgoyne produced such a state of excitement that this event did not 
 take place. The Council of Safety summoned the delegates together at 
 Windsor on the 24th of December, at which time the constitution was 
 revised, and the day of election fixed for the first Tuesday of March 
 1778, and the setting of the first General Assembly on the second 
 Thursday of the same month. 
 
 This singular and unprecedented action on the part of the leading 
 spirits of Vermont was viewed by New York with the greatest anxietv 
 and concern, and caused the authorities of the latter to redouble thei'r 
 protests and complaints to Congress; and not only that, but the worthy 
 governor of New York issued a proclamation and circulated it through 
 out the infant state, demanding that the inhabitants renounce allegiance 
 to the unlawful jurisdiction or government, and return to the authority 
 of the rejected province. But, strong and forcible as this was, it was 
 met by a proclamation of equal strength of argument, issuing from the 
 fertile brain of Ethan Allen. The latter fully answered every argument 
 of the former, and as its result but very few persons deserted from the 
 new standard. 
 
 In accordance with the direction of the Windsor convention, the first 
 election of officers under the constitution was held in March, 1778, and 
 on the 1 2th of the same month the General Assembly convened at 
 Windsor. After the house was organized, the body proceeded to count 
 the votes given for governor, and it was found that Colonel Thomas 
 Chittenden was elected, "by a great majority of votes." The votes for 
 
Controversy with New York. 79 
 
 deputy governor being called for, there was found to be no majority for 
 any candidate, whereupon the Assembly proceeded to ballot, with the 
 result that Colonel Joseph Marsh was chosen. Also, no choice being 
 made, by the suffrages of the people, for treasurer, the Assembly elected 
 Ira Allen to that office. The councilors, elected by the freemen, were 
 these: Joseph Bowker, Jacob Bayley, Jonas Fay, Timothy Brownson, 
 Peter Olcutt, Paul Spooner, Benjamin Carpenter, Jeremiah Clark, Ira 
 Allen, Thomas Moredock, John Throop, Benjamin Emmons. The of- 
 ficers chosen by the Assembly were as follows: Secretary of State, Ma- 
 jor Thomas Chandler; speaker of the House, Nathan Clark; clerk of the 
 Assembly, Benjamin Baldwin. 
 
 Among the numerous matters of importance that came before this 
 first General Assembly of Vermont was a bill presented to the House 
 by the Governor and. Council, by which the territory of the State was 
 divided into two counties, one on the west side of the mountains called 
 Bennington county, and the other on the west side called Unity. The 
 latter, however, was soon afterward changed to Cumberland county. 
 This first division of the district into counties, under Vermont authority, 
 was made and the names given on the 17th of March, 1778, but the 
 lines were not definitely described for either until the February session 
 of 1778. Bennington county being that portion of the state west of 
 the Green Mountains, of course included what is now Franklin and 
 Grand Isle counties, although the latter were not brought into exist- 
 ence until a number of years afterward, the former in 1792, and the last 
 named in 1802. 
 
 Another subject of much importance that was presented for the con- 
 sideration of the authorities of the newly created State was a petition 
 from the residents of certain towns east of the Connecticut River, who 
 desired that Vermont's jurisdiction should be extended so as to include 
 their territory. This petition was presented on the loth of March, 
 1778, and caused much embarrassment to the local assembly; so much, 
 indeed, that the question was submitted to the vote of the towns for de- 
 termination The result was that thirty-seven towns voted in the af- 
 firmative, and twelve in the negative. Therefore, on the nth day of 
 June, 1778, sixteen towns theretofore conceded to be within the prov- 
 ince of New Hampshire were brought within the jurisdiction of Ver- 
 
8o History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 mont — an independent state, opposed to the authority of New York, 
 and not recognized by the general government. But this union with 
 New Hampshire towns was not destined to be of long continuance. The 
 Ljovernor of that state created much disturbance by his protests against 
 Vermont's action, and a rupture between the commonwealths became 
 ;it once imminent. Concerning the matter much correspondence passed 
 between the respective governors, and, in the meantime, Ethan Allen 
 was sent to Philadelphia to ascertain the sentiment of Congress regard- 
 ing the matter. Congress, according to Allen's report, appeared to 
 view the annexation as revolutionary and unjust, so Vermont received 
 no comfort from that quarter. Then, too, some of the towns east of the 
 mountains and in this state were much opposed to the annexation from 
 the beginning, and, when further questions became involved, threatened 
 to. and did, in fact, withdraw from and renounce allegiance to Vermont. 
 They held meetings, assembled general conventions, and themselves 
 looked about for annexation with some adjoining state. Thus, so 
 marked became the opposition to this measure on the part of Vermont, 
 that her very institutions were threatened with destruction ; therefore 
 the Assembly, on the 12th of February, 1779, adopted a measure by 
 which the union with the New Hampshire towns was declared totally 
 void, null and extinct. 
 
 The dissolution of the eastern union had the effect of quieting in a 
 measure the ill feeling created by it, but in certain quarters, particularly 
 in Cumberland county, there was a strong element of opposition'to Ver- 
 mont authority, and an equally strong desire that New York should be 
 the governing province. Under the latter authority a military associa- 
 tion was formed in Cumberland county for the purpose of resisting the 
 Vermont authority. The commander of the association was Colonel Pat- 
 terson, who held a commission from the governor of New York. Such an 
 organization in the state, having for its purpose an end directly antag- 
 onistic to Vermont's interests, could not be tolerated. Therefore Gov- 
 ernor Chittenden directed Ethan Allen to raise a troop and proceed to 
 the disaffected locality and bring them into subjection. This Allen un- 
 dertook to do, and accomplished his mission most successfully, and in his 
 own effective manner, though his own force was inferior in numerical 
 strength to that he was sent to oppose. The Cumberland county peo- 
 
Controversy with New York. 8i 
 
 pie then appealed to New York for protection, whereupon the governor 
 at once issued a proclamation in which the protection sought was prom- 
 ised ; but it never came except in the way of assurances and promises. 
 At the same time the worthy but troubled governor of New York be- 
 took himself again to Congress, to which body he represented the truly 
 unhappy condition of his faithful subjects on the district of the grants ; 
 hat they were not only wronged and oppressed by the rebellious ad- 
 herents to the independent government, but that an armed force, under a 
 desperate leader, had actually perpetrated various acts of violence against 
 the persons and property of loyal subjects of New York ; " that he 
 daily expected he should be obliged to order out a force for the defense 
 of those who adhered to New York ; that the wisdom of Congress 
 would suggest to them what would be the consequences of submitting 
 the controversy, especially at that juncture, to the decision of the sword ; 
 but that justice, the faith of government, and the peace and safety of 
 society, would not permit them to continue any longer passive specta- 
 tors of the violence committed on their fellow citizens." And the na- 
 tional body seems to have been moved to action in the matter pertain- 
 ing to the troubles existing in this region, as, on the 1st of June, 1779, 
 a committee. Ellsworth, Edwards, Witherspoon, Atlee and Root, was 
 appointed " to repair to the inhabitants of a certain district known by 
 the name of the New Hampshire grants, and enquire into the reasons 
 why they refuse to continue citizens of the respective states which here- 
 tofore exercised jurisdiction over the said district," etc. It was while 
 the proceedings were pending that resulted in the above Congressional 
 action that Allen marched against the Cumberland county militia and 
 made prisoners of its officers ; and this being duly reported to Congress 
 by New York, brought forth from that body a further resolution, dated 
 June l6th, 1779, by which it was declared that the imprisoned officers 
 ought to be liberated ; and further directed the committee to inquire 
 into the matters represented by the governor of New York. 
 
 But this Congressional committee, like some of later periods, did 
 nothing in the matter of the object of their appointment. Of their num- 
 ber only two, Witherspoon and Atlee, visited the district, and these. only 
 held informal conferences with the people at Bennington. They did, 
 however, learn something of the Vermont side of the controversy, but, 
 11 
 
82 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 not constituting a quorum, made neither report nor recommendation to 
 Congress ; they were therefore discharged by that body. On the 24th 
 of September of the same year Congress again took cognizance of the 
 dispute, and recommended to the states of Massachusetts Bay, New 
 Hampshire and New York, that they pass laws " expressly authorizing 
 Congress to hear and determine all differences between them relative to 
 their respective boundaries," etc., and promising and resolving that 
 Congress " will, and hereby do, pledge their faith to carry into execu- 
 tion and support their decisions and determinations in the premises in 
 favor of whichsoever of the parties the same may be ; to the end that 
 permanent concord and harmony may be established between them, 
 and all cause of uneasiness removed." Thus it will be seen that Con- 
 gress did not appear to recognize the existence of such a thing as the 
 government of Vermont, and never even mentioned the name of it in 
 connection with the controversy, but treated the entire matter as a dis- 
 pute between the states regarding their boundary lines. But the reso- 
 lution quoted above was soon afterward repealed and rescinded by ac- 
 tion taken October 2d, and in its stead Congress passed a modified 
 resolution recommending the three states to authorize Congress "to 
 proceed to hear and determine all disputes subsisting between the 
 grantees of the several states aforesaid ;" " to be heard and determined 
 by ' commissioners or judges' to be appointed," etc. 
 
 A copy of the resolutions of Congress was at once sent to Governor 
 Chittenden, and he then laid the matter before the Council and Assem- 
 bly. At the same time he opened correspondence with the governor 
 of Massachusetts relative to the claim that state had made to a part of 
 Vermont's territory. The faith of this claim is questioned, it having 
 been believed that it was interposed more for the purpose of eventually 
 aiding Vermont in her dilemma than otherwise. But Governor Chit- 
 tenden at that time treated the question seriously. That the interests 
 of the state of Vermont might be fully represented before Congress, 
 the legislative bodies selected a committee to appear at the proper oc- 
 casion at Philadelphia. This committee comprised General Allen, Hon. 
 Joseph p-ay, Paul Spooner, Stephen Row Bradley and Moses Robinson. 
 During the pendency of the hearing, the same being set for February 
 1st, 1780, there was published and circulated throughout the land, un- 
 
Controversy with New York. §3 
 
 der the authority of this state, that splendid presentation and argument 
 concerning Vermont's rights and claims, entitled and known in history 
 as " Vermont's Appeal to the Candid and Impartial World ;" the produc- 
 tion of Hon. Stephen Row Bradley, an able lawyer, one of the first in 
 Vermont, and one of the foremost men of his time. 
 
 Contrary to all expectations, Congress did not take the promised ac- 
 tion on the 1st of February, nor was it until the 2 1st of March following 
 that the subject was presented at all, and then only to be postponed, as 
 nine states; exclusive of those which were parties to the controversy, 
 were not represented. On the 2d of June, 1780, the subject was again 
 taken up, and the action of the independent state was declared to be 
 " highly unwarrantable, and subversive of the peace and welfare of the 
 United States." At the same time Congress resolved " as soon as nine 
 states, exclusive of those who are parties to the controversy, shall be 
 represented, proceed to hear and examine into, and finally determine 
 the disputes and differences," etc. This ended the matter for the time, 
 but during the month of September the subject was resumed in due 
 form. Then Ira Allen and Stephen Row Bradley represented the inde- 
 pendent state, while Luke Knowlton appeared for Cumberland county, 
 under New York authority. Other agents, representing other interests 
 and claims, were likewise present. But it plainly appeared to Messrs. 
 Allen and Bradley that Congress would not recognize the independent 
 jurisdiction they represented, although the agents themselves were ad- 
 • mitted before the body ; whereupn they withdrew, sent a letter of in- 
 dignant protest to the president of Congress, and then returned to their 
 homes. However, after all the delay on the part of Congress the only 
 action taken was that on September 27th, 1780, by which it was resolved 
 "that the farther consideration of the subject be postponed." 
 
 In relation to the situation in which the people of this state were 
 placed by the action of Congress, Slade says : " Vermont did not cheer- 
 fully yield to the policy that had produced an indefinite postponement 
 of a decision on this question; for, although it evinced that her claims 
 to independence had made some impression on the mind of Congress, 
 yet it forbid the hope of an immediate recognition of that independence 
 and her admission to the Union. Irritated by the pertinacious adher- 
 ence of New York and New Hampshire to their claims, and wounded 
 
§4 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 by the humiliating treatment of her agents at Congress, she resolved on 
 a different policy — a policy which should present Vermont in an impos- 
 ing attitude, and convince the claiming States that it would be wise to 
 yield to power what had so long been denied to the claims of justice. 
 Notwithstanding the rebuffs and affronts and discouragements experi- 
 enced by the state, there were inhabitants of other jurisdictions who 
 were in full sympathy with her cause, and who were willing to assist in 
 bearing the burdens put upon her. And notwithstanding the unhappy 
 results of the former union with the towns east of the Connecticut River, 
 there were others in the same locality that were now willing and anxious 
 to become united with the Vermont jurisdiction. After several meet- 
 ings and conventions had been held by the people of these towns an ap- 
 plication was made on the loth of February, 178 1, to the Vermont 
 Legislature praying for admission into a union with the state. The ap- 
 pHcation was duly received and considered, wilh the final result that on 
 the Sth of April, 1781, the union was perfected, and pn that day repre- 
 sentatives from thirty- five towns east of the Connecticut River took 
 their seats in the General Assembly of Vermont, and the territory over 
 which the jurisdiction was extended became, in fact, a part of the state. 
 The question as to whether this union should be made was referred to 
 the vote of Vermont towns for determination, and the result was thirty- 
 six in the affirmative, seven in the negative, and six not voting. 
 
 While were transpiring these events relative to the extension of her 
 civil jurisdiction the authorities of the state of Vermont were at the same • 
 time conducting her internal affairs of government with the same earnest 
 determination that characterized their course in other directions. Dur- 
 ing the entire period of the controversy both with adjoining states and 
 with reference to obtaining admission to the Union, the population of 
 the several towns was constantly and rapidly increasing, and the time 
 at length came when it was necessary that the territory of the state 
 proper should again be divided in order that the affairs of the common- 
 wealth might be jnore conveniently administered. On the west side of 
 the mountains the growth in settlement and population had been remark- 
 able, insomuch as to necessitate the erection of another county out of 
 the territory of old Bennington. Accordingly on the Sth of No'vember 
 1780, the Council and Assembly passed an act establishing Washington 
 
Controversy with New York. 85 
 
 county, which included all that part of the State lying north of the 
 south lines of Pawlet, Danby and Mount Tabor, and consequently in- 
 cluded all that comprises the present counties of Franklin and Grand 
 Isle. The act was passed as above stated, but not put upon the records. 
 On the 13th of February, lySl.a new bill was passed, and recorded, by 
 which the same district of territory was erected into a county and named 
 Rutland. At the same time, February, 1781, the old county of Cum- 
 berland was divided, and out of its territory three new counties were 
 formed, — Windham, Windsor and Orange. From that time forth, the 
 old county of Cumberland, in name and in fact, has been unknown to 
 Vermont, except in history. On the west side of the mountains no fur- 
 ther county erections were made until October 18, 1785, when Addison 
 was formed, which latter included all the territory of both Franklin and 
 Grand Isle. 
 
 But it appears that not only the inhabitants of the New Hampshire 
 towns sought a union with the state of Vermont, for, while the prelimi- 
 nary proceedings were in progress that terminated in the second east- 
 ern union, a similar desire became manifest on the part of several towns 
 belonging to the New York jurisdiction, through a petition duly signed 
 and presented to the local legislature. After the customary conferen- 
 ces, held in order to learn the true sense of the petitioner's desires, the 
 union agreed to it and became of effect on the i6th day of June, 1781. 
 The territory acquired by this proceeding comprised several towns form- 
 erly a part of New York state, which were annexed to the county of 
 Bennington of this state, and given corporate franchises from Vermont 
 or brought into union with already existing towns in this jurisdiction. 
 
 During the early part of the year 1780 there was inaugurated a de- 
 cidedly singular proceeding in which the independent State of Vermont 
 had an important part, and the result of which was a virtual suspension 
 of hostilities between the British arms and the authorities and people of 
 this state. By the conduct of this proceeding the British officers hoped 
 to induce Vermont to return to her allegiance with the mother country, 
 and take up arms against the American states; and in this hope and 
 desire, the agents of the crown did not fail to enlarge upon the hope- 
 lessness of Vermont's attempt at being an independent state, and so 
 recognized by Congress. But on the part of Vermont's leaders, for 
 
86 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 knowledge of these negotiations was confined to very few men, this cor- 
 respondence was carried along through a period of more than two 
 years, for the sole and only purpose of protecting the frontier, and the 
 entire state as well, against a British invasion, and the consequent over- 
 throw of the infant institutions of the commonwealth ; for at that par- 
 ticular time the people were in a greatly distressed and embarrassed sit- 
 uation on account of troubles then existing, and they could not well 
 muster either men or means sufficient for defensive warfare. Also the 
 jurisdiction was deserted by her sister states, on account of troubles 
 she had caused them, and Congress had persistenly refused to recognize 
 the existence of her separate statehood; therefore how little could Ver- 
 mont hope that either Congress or the other states would rally in de- 
 fense of her people should an invasion take place. In the Canadas the 
 British had a well equipped force of io,000 men, ready for any service, 
 and the whole Vermont frontier was exposed and unprotected. But 
 good fortune, and still better diplomacy, pointed out to Vermont's lead- 
 ers a way out of their affliction, and they, failed not to profit by h. 
 Those to whom the matter was entrusted not only countenanced the 
 negotiations, but invited them ; and not only that, but managed to con- 
 tinue the proceedings through a period of years, until the war was vir- 
 tually at an end, and the independence of America was assured. These 
 proceedings have always been known in history as the "Negotiations 
 with Canada," and the Haldimand Correspondence; the latter from the 
 fact that the British general in command was named Haldimand, and it 
 was he who hoped to erect the flag of Great Britain on Vermont soil, 
 and rally the people there to its support. 
 
 But, during the same period, Vermont was not idle with reference to 
 obtaining recognition from Congress. No sooner were the eastern and 
 western unions completed than the state sent other agents to represent 
 her interests and cause before the national body, and when, on the 7th 
 of August, 1 78 1, Congress again moved in the matter, these agents were 
 found present and prepared. On this occasion was taken the first ac- 
 tion by Congress that had the slightest semblance of recognition of such 
 a district as Vermont, for resolutions then adopted so mentioned it by 
 name, and provided for a committee to confer with persons to be ap- 
 pointed by the district, respecting their claims to an independent state; 
 
CONTRONEKSY WITH NeW YoRK. 87 
 
 and ten days later, Congress instructed the comnnittee to confer with 
 the " agents of Vermont," which agents were Jonas Fay, Ira Allen and 
 Bezaleel Woodward. The conference took place on the i8th, and on 
 the 20th the committee reported to Congress; whereupon that body re- 
 solved that "it be an indispensable preliminary to the recognition of the 
 independence of the people " (meaning Vermont), that the eastern and 
 western union be dissolved. The resolution also defined what should 
 be the west boundary of Vermont, which, inasmuch as it referred to 
 the lands in the region of Franklin and Grand Isle counties, is given at 
 length, as follows : Beginning at the northeast corner of the state of 
 Massachusetts, thence running twenty miles east of Hudson River, so 
 far as the said river runs northeasterly in its general course ; then by 
 the west bounds of the townships granted by the late government of 
 New Hampshire, to the river running from South Bay to Lake Cham- 
 plain ; thence along said river to Lake Champlain ; thence along the 
 waters of Lake Champlain to the latitude of forty- five degrees north ; 
 excepting a neck of land between Missiskoy Bay and the waters of Lake 
 Champlain." This exception brought Grand Isle county within Ver- 
 mont. 
 
 The governing authorities of Vermont, however, did not accept the 
 terms laid down by Congress, nor did they then consent to dissolve the 
 eastern and western unions; on the contrary they reaffirmed those alli- 
 ances, and denied the right of Congress to interfere concerning disputes 
 between states ; that when Congress should recognize and admit Ver- 
 mont as a state of the union, that local controversies could be settled 
 by competent means and not otherwise. This somewhat arbitrary and 
 possibly unreasonable action on the part of Vermont gained no favor 
 for her cause with Congress, and only provoked the New York Senate 
 and Assembly to still further oppose the creation of a state out of Ver- 
 mont territory ; whereas, had the towns composed by Congress been 
 accepted by Vermont, New York would not have resisted further, how- 
 ever reluctantly she may have consented to it. 
 
 The extremity in which the people of Vermont now found themselves 
 placed was the occasion of much concern to even her acknowledged 
 leaders; and, as affairs were rapidly approaching an alarming crisis, 
 Governor Chittenden addressed a letter to General Washington, con- 
 
88 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 corning the situation and asking his advice. On the 1st of January, 
 1782, General Washington replied by letter, in which he counselled that 
 Vermont comply with demands of Congress, which being done that 
 body, in his opinion, would recognize Vermont's claims to independ- 
 ence. To use a trite saying, this reply from so distinguished a person 
 " set the people a thinking"; and its result was that on the 23d of Feb- 
 ruary, 1782, the eastern and western unions were dissolved by the acts 
 of the Vermont Legislature. But, by this action on the part of Ver- 
 mont, the desired end was by no means readily attained. Congress, on 
 the 17th of April, following, again had the matter under consideration, 
 through its committee duly constituted, but no decision was reached. 
 The committee reported as favorable to recognize Vermont as a state, 
 but recommended the appointment of a committee, to confer and treat 
 with the agents of the state regarding the terms and manner of com- 
 pleting the admission. This is all that was done at the time. The sub- 
 ject was subsequently referred to, but as frequently postponed, and 
 finally dropped. Finally, after much of trials and tribulations, in 1789 
 New York ceased her opposition, and, by an act passed July 15th, ap- 
 pointed commissioners to meet a similar body from Vermont, and ad- 
 just and determine everything which obstructed the union of Vermont 
 with the United States. Vermont chose her commissioners October 23, 
 1789. The only material point at issue between the bodies of commis- 
 sioners was the amount of compensation to be paid citizens of New 
 York for lands which had been claimed by them and regranted by Ver- 
 mont ; but after two or three meetings these questions were amicably 
 settled. This having been accomplished, on the 7th of October, 1790, 
 the commissioners on the part of New York declared the consent of the 
 Legislature of that state, that Vermont be admitted into the union of 
 the United States of America. The commissioners on the part of Ver- 
 mont pledged that their state should, on or before the 1st of January, 
 1792, declare that, on or before the ist of January, 1794, pay the state 
 of New York the sum of thirty thousand dollars. The further provis- 
 ion was made that immediately from such declaration by Vermont, all 
 rights and titles to lands within the state of Vermont, under grants 
 from New York, should cease and determine. All the conditions and 
 stipulations being complied with. Congress, upon the petition of Ver- 
 
Vermont Admitted to the Uniun. 89 
 
 mont, passed an act, which was approved by George Washington, pres- 
 ident of 'the United States, on the i8th day of February, 1 791, by which 
 it was declared " That on the fourth day of March, one thousand seven 
 hundred and ninety one, the said State, by the name and style of the 
 ' State of Vermont,' shall be received and admitted into this union, as a 
 new and entire member of the United States of America." 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 During the Revolutionary War — Then no Permanent Settlement in this Region — 
 Causes of the War — Allen Captures Ticonderoga — Warner Takes Crown Point — Ar- 
 nold Secures Control of Lake Champlain— Invasion of Canada — Seth Warner Chosen 
 Commander of the Green Mountain Boys— Allen's Defeat and Disappointment^His 
 Subsequent Action and Capture — Taken to England — The Campaign of 1775 — Events 
 of the Succeeding Year — Disaster Follows Success— Americans Withdraw from Can- 
 ada — The English Regain Lake Champlain— The Naval Engagement — Destruction of 
 the American Fleet — Carleton's Singular Conduct — He Returns to Canada — Cam- 
 paign of 1777— Burgoyne Commands the British — Ticonderoga Taken by Hill — Mount 
 Independence Evacuated — Battle at Hubbardton — St. Clair Retreats to Fort Edward 
 — Warner's Regiment at Manchester— General Stark Comes to Vermont's Aid— The 
 Battle at Bennington — Defeat of the British— Gates and Burgoyne at Stillwater— Their 
 Battles— British again Defeated— Surrender of Burgoyne — Indian Depredations in Ver- 
 mont—Negotiations with Canada— Its Effects on Vermont and the Country — Ingrati- 
 tude of Congress. 
 
 PRIOR to and during the period of the Revolutionary War there is 
 understood as having been no settlement or occupancy of any of 
 the towns that comprise Franklin and Grand Isle counties under the 
 New Hampshire charters. To be sure there is evidence tending to show 
 that Jesse Welden had a place of abode in the town of St. Albans as 
 early as the year 1778, for on the 4th of February of that year, the 
 council issued to Welden a pass, under which he was permitted to visit 
 "his home in St. Albans." But the events of the war compelled the 
 pioneer to soon vacate the locality, and he did not return until after it 
 had closed. 
 
 At the time of the breaking out of the war there were in existence as 
 12 
 
90 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 towns but eight that now comptise these counties; and all of these 
 towns were chartered by Governor Wentworth during the year 1763. 
 But the closing years of the war found nearly all of the remaining terri- 
 tory of both counties erected into townships, under the authority of the 
 independent state of Vermont ; for by so creating towns, and selling 
 them to various persons and companies, was the only reliable means 
 possessed by the new state through which to create a revenue for gov- 
 ernmental and military operations. And here it may also be stated 
 that through the sale of her ungranted lands, and the sale of confiscated 
 estates of enemical persons in already established townships, the author- 
 ities of Vermont were enabled to raise the greater part of the money re- 
 quired for the state's administration of affairs, both civil and military ; 
 and thus, by this fortunate possession of lands, the people were for some 
 years saved from the burdens of taxation. 
 
 The war for American independence was the direct outgrowth of and 
 caused by the excessive taxations levied upon the colonies by the 
 mother country, that the latter might pay the indebtedness occasioned 
 by the French wars. Great Britain and Parliament contended that the 
 American colonies were the greatest beneficiaries by the final result of 
 these wars, and therefore should pay the expense incurred in their pros- 
 ecution. But the policy pursued by Parliament toward the colonies was 
 not only oppressive, but tyrannical in the extreme, and at the same time 
 the latter were not allowed a representation in the affairs of English 
 government, either at home or abroad. The American colonies, too, 
 were willing to pay a just proportion of the indebtedness created by the 
 prosecution of the early wars, but they felt and realized that the burden 
 put upon them by Great Britain was altogether too grievous, and they 
 resisted it, and finally severed their relations with the mother country. 
 
 The war with England was actually and in fact commenced with the 
 battle at Lexington on the 19th of April, 1775, at which particular time 
 no colony or jurisdiction was less prepared for either aggressive or de- 
 fensive warlike operations than the people inhabiting the so-called New 
 Hampshire grants ; for the residents of that district were not acknowl- 
 edged by themselves as forming a part of the colony of New York, and 
 had nothing in common with that or any other jurisdiction. Nor had 
 they at that time any definite form of government, other than the asso- 
 
During the Revolution. 91 
 
 ciation known as the Green Mountain Boys, and this was organized for 
 the express purpose of resisting the New York authority. But such as 
 thi s association was, it proved a powerful factor in accomplishing great 
 results for the cause for which the colonies were contending. The 
 strength and determination of this organization was known to the au- 
 thorities not only of New York, but as well to the colonies of Massachu- 
 setts and Connecticut ; and to the latter attaches the honor of having 
 first induced the organization to attack the British posts in the Cham- 
 plain region. The importance of possessing these commanding posts 
 was known to all the eastern colonies, but the New Connecticut was the 
 first to move. They procured a fund of $i,8oo for the purchase of am- 
 munition and arms, then at once proceeded to Bennington and easily 
 obtained consent from Ethan Allen to lead his famous host against Ti- 
 conderoga and other posts in the lake region. 
 
 About the same time the Massachusetts Committee of Safety com- 
 missioned Benedict Arnold to raise troops for a similar service, but 
 when the latter overtook Allen, he (Arnold) demanded that he as- 
 sume command. This was not acceded to by Allen, but Arnold was 
 allowed to accompany the expedition with the rank of colonel, but hav- 
 ing no command. Moreover, the entire force numbered but 270 men, 
 of whom 230 were Green Mountain Boys. On the 9th of May, 1775, 
 the little troop reached Orwell, opposite Ticonderoga, but had not the 
 means of crossing the lake. That this might be provided a Mr. Doug- 
 las was sent to Bridport to obtain a scow, but while on his way he fell 
 in with one Chapman, whom he enlisted and told his errand. Their 
 conversation was overheard by two young men, James Wilcox and Jo- 
 seph Tyler, and the latter conceived the idea of securing a large boat 
 belonging to Major Skeene, a British subject, which lay anchored off 
 Willow Point in charge of a colored servant of Skeene's and two 
 other persons. The young men procured a jug of lum, and with that 
 decoyed the boat party ashore, remarking as a pretext that they wished 
 to cross the lake. Those on the boat were at once made prisoners, and 
 the successful party returned to Allen's waiting-place. Other boats 
 having also been provided, the determined commander and eighty-three 
 men crossed over the lake, landing near the fort. The boats were sent 
 back for the remainder of the troops, but as daylight was approaching. 
 
92 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Allen resolved on making the attack before their arrival. He addressed 
 his men, asking if any wished to turn back, but not a man wavered. 
 Thus assured, Allen led the men, passed the gate, overcame the sentry, 
 and demanded admittance to the quarters of the commander, Captain 
 de La Place, which was granted. Allen at once demanded the sur- 
 render of the fort, but the officer inquired upon what authority ? The 
 reply was the famous remark known to every school-boy in the land : 
 "In the name of the great Jehovah and the Continental Congress." De 
 La Place hesitated, whereupon Allen threatened him with his sword, so 
 the officer yielded and surrendered the fort to the American com- 
 mander. By this capture there fell into Allen's hands, on the morning 
 of May loth, fifty prisoners, 120 pieces of cannon, besides a considera- 
 ble quantity of small arms, stores and supplies. Immediately after this 
 capture, Seth Warner started with a small force to take Crown Point, 
 which he easily accomplished, and by which were captured twelve pris- 
 oners, sixty- one cannon fit for use and over fifty that were worthless. 
 Stimulated by these successes, the victors determined to command the 
 entire lake by capturing an armed British sloop which lay near St. 
 John's. To this end they armed and manned a schooner and a number 
 of bateaux ; but at this juncture Arnold, who had marched with Allen 
 and quietly shared his victory, now demanded to be allowed to com- 
 mand the expedition. The other officers, however, refused to accede 
 to the proposition, and at once elected and commissioned Alien as their 
 leader. However, in the disposition of his forces on the expedition, 
 Allen gave Arnold command of the schooner, while he himself took 
 charge of the bateaux. The wind being fresh from the south, the 
 schooner outsailed the bateaux, which enabled Arnold to first reach St. 
 Johns, and gave to him the honor of the capture which resulted; and 
 then, the wind having shifted, he sailed back with the prize and met 
 Allen still on his voyage down the lake. By these several achieve- 
 ments thebe leaders had an opportunity to distinguish themselves, and 
 more than that, by the victories the whole lake and its fortresses passed 
 into the hands of the Americans. 
 
 With these results accomplished. Congress determined to invade Can- 
 ada with a strong force, hoping to induce the Canadians to join the 
 American army, and thus augment its strength. Accordingly about a 
 
During the Revolution. 93 
 
 thousand men were collected and placed under command of Generals 
 Montgomery and Schuyler. At Ticonderoga and Crown Point a large 
 number of bateaux and flat boats were prepared for the expedition, but 
 intelligence was soon received that General Carleton with a British force 
 were about to enter the lake and repossess it. Montgomery at once set 
 out to prevent this, and proceeded as far as Isle La Motte, where he 
 was overtaken and joined by Schuyler. Jointly they proceeded to Isle 
 aux Noix and took a position to meet the British advance and oppose 
 their entry into the lake. From here they sent out proclamations to the 
 Canadians, assuring protection, and inviting them to join the American 
 arms; which effort met with rather indifferent success. Carleton's 
 forces not arriving, the Americans, on September 6th, proceeded fur- 
 ther down to a point about half a mile from the fort at St. Jolm's, where, 
 while reconnoitering the fort, their left was attacked by a party of In- 
 dians, but the latter were repulsed after a sharp fight in which three 
 Americans were killed, and eight wounded. The fort at St. John's was 
 found to be well protected and prepared for an attack, upon which the 
 Americans retired to Isle aux Noix to await expected re-enforcements. 
 From here Schuyler returned to Albany. On the 17th of September, 
 Montgomery again moved fofward, having re- enforced his command, 
 and laid siege to the fort. He first detached the Indians from the Brit- 
 ish standard, and then as successfully rallied the Provincials under his 
 own flag. On intelligence received from the Canadians, he dispatched 
 a strong force against Fort Chambly, which was captured, together with 
 a large supply of ammunition and military stores; also the standard of the 
 British Seventh Regiment. This was the first trophy of its kind cap- 
 tured during the war, and was duly transmitted to Congress. Mont- 
 gomery next directed his forces against St. John's fort, but the garrison 
 there was strong and strenuously resisted, encouraged, no doubt, to hold 
 out until re- enforcements promised by General Carleton should arrive. 
 And the latter were on their way to relieve the besieged fort, but as 
 they were embarking at Montreal the Green Mountain Boys under Seth 
 Warner observed their movements from the opposite shore, and at once 
 prepared to meet them. The British were allowed to approach within 
 easy range when Warner's command opened fire with guns, and grape 
 from a four-pounder, with such effect as to put them to route and re- 
 
94 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 treat precipitately. Thus disappointed in expected relief, Major Pres- 
 ton, commander at St. John's, on the 3d of November, surrendered that 
 post, with its garrison of 500 men and more than lOO Canadians, to the 
 Americans. 
 
 But, the reader will inquire, how was it that Seth Warner and not 
 Ethan Allen, happened at this time to be in command of the Green 
 Mountain Boys? In explanation, it may be said that after the succes- 
 ses, of these leaders at Ticonderoga, Crown Point and other posts in the 
 lake region, the troops returned to their homes, or at least to the south- 
 ern localities of the lake. And by this time the committees having in 
 charge the affairs of the district of the grants had made more formal 
 preparations for the war ; and in the organization of the military forces 
 of the district the selection of a commander was left to the men. Its 
 result was the election of Seth Warner as colonel, and the defeat of 
 Allen's ambition in that direction. Seth Warner was the junior of 
 Allen by some twelve years, being then but about thirty-three, while 
 Allen was not iar from forty-five years of age. The physical and mental 
 characteristics, too, of these men were directly opposite, Allen being bold, 
 outspoken and even slightly tyrannical in manner, and of strong, com- 
 manding physique, while Warner, on th% contrary, was timid, reserved 
 in action and speech, and of more slight frame. But both were admired 
 and respected as copnpanions and as officers; but, when it came to the 
 choice of a permanent leader, Warner developed the greater popularity 
 among, the men. Though disappointed and disgusted by his defeat 
 Allen by no means refused to longer serve his country or district. To 
 prove his loyalty, and possibly he had it in mind to demonstrate his 
 ability as a military leader too, he caiUed about him a handful of admir- 
 ing followers, and proceeded to Canada on. an expedition of his own 
 planning, but which resulted disastrously. He was induced by Major 
 Brown to co-operate with the latter in a campaign against Montreal, 
 Allen to cross the river and appear on the north side of the city with 
 his little force of eighty men, (a few Americans, but mainly Canadians 
 and Indians whom he had rallied around him,) while Brown was to at- 
 tack the place from the south side. Allen made his position success- 
 fully, during the night, and was ready for the signal to attack, but 
 Brown's plans failed to work. The morning found Allen still in readi- 
 
During the Revolution. 95 
 
 ness, when he could have made a successful retreat before daybreak 
 without being observed; but he imprudently resolved to hold his posi- 
 tion. The British under Carleton at once marched out against the rash 
 but daring Allen, and a sharp battle followed. But Allen's troops, ex- 
 cept a few, were not of fighting material, and they threw down their 
 arms and fled for their lives. Allen and his faithful few fought desper- 
 ately for a time, but were compelled to yield to the greater number of 
 Carieton's men. All were captured — Allen and thirty-eight men who 
 stood bravely by him, and made prisoners of war. This occurred Sep- 
 tember 25, 1775. Subsequently they were sent on board a British man- 
 of-war, heavily ironed, and carried to England. Here they were impris- 
 oned for a long time, but finally Allen was released. He returned to 
 his home in Vermont, for it was then a state, and at once became one 
 of the foremost men of his time, giving the independent jurisdiction val - 
 uable service both in civil, political and military affairs. 
 
 Seth Warner and his troops, after having beaten the relief force sent 
 out from Montreal, proceeded to the Richelieu River and built a fort 
 near its mouth, thus controlling the entrance to the lake. But there 
 came no further aggressions from the enemy in this region, for in No- 
 vember Montreal was abandoned, and on the 13 th the Americans occu- 
 pied the city. The British retired to Quebec and built strong fortifica- 
 tions around the place. Their force here numbered 1,500 men. To- 
 ward this place Colonel Arnold, having come with 700 troops by way 
 of Maine and Canada, directed his march, and before the city on De- 
 cember 1st he was joined by Montgomery and about 300 men. The 
 battle commenced by artillery fire which proved ineffective; whereupon 
 a general assault was made, but which resulted disastrously to tine 
 Americans, for Montgomery was slain. Arnold severely wounded, and 
 nearly half their men either killed or made prisoners. Colonel Arnold, 
 hoivever, continued to blockade the city, awaiting re enforcements from 
 the southern New England provinces. 
 
 While the campaign for the year 1775, especially in this region of the 
 country, resulted generally successful to the American arms, the events 
 of the succeeding year, in the same quarter, were not so fortunate. Ar- 
 nold had maintained the blockade before Quebec throughout the winter, 
 but the re-enforcements did not arrive there until about the ist of May. 
 
g6 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 And then, when an assault against the city became possible of success, 
 the American soldiers were attacked by a small-pox plague so serious 
 as to reduce the number of available men to 900, whereas the total force 
 amounted to about 3,000 men. The ravages of this disease were such 
 as to produce great alarm and the well men were about to disperse to 
 their homes. A council of war was held and it was determined to raise 
 the siege and retreat from Canada. About the same time a British fri- 
 gate and two men-of-war vessels cut their way through the ice and 
 brought a strong force to relieve the city. This arrival caused the 
 Americans to retreat in greater haste. At Montreal Arnold was in 
 command, he having been raised to the rank of brigadier general. 
 From his position he sent out detachments on various expeditions, but 
 they were unfortunate in results. On the 15th of June Arnold marched 
 from Montreal to Chambly, where the Americans were dragging their 
 artillery and stores up the rapids. This was finally accomplished, and 
 then commenced the passage up the lake, while the British soon began 
 a similar work at the rapids. The British forces in Canada at this time 
 amounted to 13,000 men, while the whole strength of the Americans 
 was greatly inferior in point of numbers. The British were commanded 
 by General Burgoyne, and the Americans by General Sullivan, he hav- 
 ing superseded General Thompson, the latter being the successor of 
 General Thomas who had died from small-pox early in the season. 
 Burgoyne was sent in pursuit of the Americans, whom he hoped to at- 
 tack at St. Johns, but that post had been abandoned and burned, and 
 its garrison had joined the main army at Isle aux Noix. Sullivan soon 
 afterward continued his retreat to Crown Point, while the enemy were 
 vainly endeavoring to get their vessels over the rapids at Chambly. 
 This effort cost the British many weeks of hard labor, and it was not 
 accomplished until some of the vessels were taken apart, carried in sec- 
 tions over the rapids, and then reconstructed. The work was not fully 
 completed until the 1st of October. 
 
 On the 1 2th of July General Gates succeeded General Sullivan in the 
 command of the American army, and he at once abandoned Crown 
 Point and concentrated his fftrces at Ticonderoga and on Mount Inde- 
 pendence, on the opposite side of the lake. Also he es;tablished a hos- 
 pital for the sick, and soon put his army in fair condition for service. 
 
During the Revolution. 
 
 97 
 
 Besides the land force under Gates, the Americans had a number of ser- 
 viceable vessels on the lake, all under command of General Arnold. 
 The vessels were the schooners Royal Savage, the Trumbull, the Con- 
 gress, the gondola New York, and the galley Washington, besides a 
 number of small craft, flat-boats and bateaux. The English fleet was 
 larger and stronger, consisting of the Inflexible, the Maria, the Carle- 
 ton, the Thunderer, each of which was well armed; and besides these 
 were flat-bottomed radeau, a number of gondolas, and four long boats, 
 each having ample armament. On the 4th of October Carleton began 
 a careful advance, and by the loth his entire fleet was in motion. Ar- 
 nold, being informed of the enemy's approach, moved his fleet in the 
 bay between Valcour Island and the mainland, a position approved by 
 General Gates, but which proved to be unfortunate from the fact that it 
 left the main channel of the lake open to the British. Arnold soon saw 
 the mistake but it was then too late to remedy it. The engagement be- 
 gan on the nth and resulted disastrously to the Americans. The de- 
 tails of the engagement are unnecessary here, but sufficient it is to say 
 that the British were successful throughout the day, and only night 
 saved the whole American fleet from destruction or capture. The Brit- 
 ish suffered some loss, but slight in comparison with that of the Ameri- 
 cans. Darkness ended the battle. In the night Arnold succeeded in 
 running the British blockade, escaping with the Trumbull in the lead, 
 then following with the gondolas and small vessels, then the Washing- 
 ton, and last of all the Congress with Arnold himself on board. Carleton, 
 surprised and angered at this marvelous escape, at once got under way 
 in pursuit, and on the morning of the 14th discovered the fugitives near 
 the Island of Four Winds. Before one o'clock he again attacked the 
 ships, soon compelling the Washington to strike. Arnold, on the Con- 
 gress, kept up a running fight for nearly five hours, giving a number of 
 other vessels a chance to escape to the protection of Ticonderoga, and 
 then he went ashore in the mouth of a small creek in Panton, set fire to 
 his vessel, formed his men on shore and marched off in perfect order. 
 Carleton was now in possession of Lake Champlain and all of its de- 
 fenses north of Ticonderoga. He at once occupied Crown Point, and 
 proceeded to invest Ticonderoga, which was garrisoned with not more 
 than 3,000 troops while 2,500 men comprised the force at Mount Inde- 
 13 
 
98 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 pendence. Carleton was informed of the weakness of the defences at 
 these posts, and of the small amount of ammunition and provisions with 
 which the Americans were supplied, but for all that he announced a 
 determination to return to Canada and go into winter quarters. Even 
 before this determination Carleton had been superseded by General 
 Burgoyne, but news of the fact had not then reached him. However, 
 reprehensible may have been this unusual performance by Carleton it 
 was a fortunate occurrence for the Americans, for Ticonderoga had not 
 sufficient strength to withstand a siege of a day's duration. 
 
 The year 1777 was by far the most memorable of any in the early his- 
 tory of Vermont; for, in January the delegates to the Dorset Conven- 
 tion had openly asserted their intention to declare the district of the 
 grants to an independent jurisdiction or state, and at a subsequent sim- 
 ilar assemblage at Westminster, that independence was formally declared. 
 Thus was brought into existence a new State, although, as the preced- 
 ing chapter has narrated, the rights of such an organization were not 
 acknowledged by the United States until some fourteen years afterward. 
 The early spring of 1777 found the British in full possession of Lake 
 Champlain and its defences north of Ticonderoga and Mount Independ- 
 ence. On the 6th of May General Burgoyne arrived at Quebec, under 
 orders to supersede General Carleton as commander of the British forces. 
 Burgoyne also brought to the province a considerable re-enforcement 
 of men and large quantities of ammunition and arms. Early in June he 
 started on the campaign of the year, designing to not only invest and 
 occupy the New York and Vermont frontiers, but as well to cut his way 
 through every opposition and join forces with Lord Howe in New York, 
 thus confidently expecting to overcome the colonies that had rebelled 
 against the English authority. But it appears that the campaign ter- 
 minated quite differently from Burgoyne's anticipations. On the isth of 
 June the British advanced from St. Johns into the lake, and proceeded 
 to Williston Point, where he was joined by about 400 Indians; thence 
 continuing without opposition, the invading army appeared before Ti- 
 conderoga on the 1st of July and camped preparatory to laying siege 
 to the fortifications held by the Americans. The forces of the latter 
 did not exceed 2,500 effective men. while the British strength amounted 
 to 7.000, all well armed, equipped and disciplined, besides a large body 
 
During the Revolution. 99 
 
 of Indians. General St. Clair, in command of the American army, at 
 once saw the hopelessness of a defense against such an overpowering 
 force, and at once made preparations to evacuate both Ticonderoga and 
 Mount Independence. On the night of the 4th he sent all the sick men 
 and a quantity of stores and supplies to Whitehall in boats, while the 
 rest of the garrison he marched into Vermont, on the old military road 
 leading to Hubbardton. It was the news of this evacuation that so ser- 
 iously disconcerted the proceedings of the Windsor Convention, which 
 had under consideration at the time the constitution of the new State; 
 and which proceedings would have been abruptly terminated had not a 
 severe thunder-storm prevented the delegates from leaving Windsor for 
 their homes. 
 
 On evacuating the lake region, St. Clair at once marched to Hubbard- 
 ton. leaving Seth Warner and his Green Mountain regiment and Colo- 
 nel Eben Francis with a regiment of New Hampshire troops to guard 
 the retreat in the rear. Under orders from Burgoyne, Colonel Fraser 
 with twenty companies of English grenadiers, and Colonel Riedesel's 
 infantry and reserve corps, started in pursuit of the retreating Ameri- 
 cans. The latter were overtaken near Hubbardton, but instead of flee- 
 ing in confusion the rear guard suddenly turned and made a vicious at- 
 tack upon the pursuers. Francis charged the British three times in 
 rapid succession, and only desisted when he fell from a serious wound. 
 Colonel Warner's men fought steadily and with vigor but Colonel Ried- 
 esel's reserve coming up, compelled them to break and flee to the woods. 
 Warner, however, before his command became scattered, told them to re- 
 pair at once to Manchester. While this battle was in progress St. Clair 
 with the main force of 2,ooo men marched to Fort Edward. The British 
 did not continue the pursuit farther, but made their way back to the 
 main army at Ticonderoga and adjacent posts. 
 
 The defeated Americans as soon as possible made their way to Man- 
 chester, where they went into camp for much needed rest and recuper- 
 ation. Here their number was considerably increased by new recruits, 
 so that the original strength of the regiment was soon restored. On 
 the 15th of July the Vermont Committee of Safety met at Manchester, 
 and determined to raise as great a force as possible in the hope of check- 
 ing Burgoyne's advance on Fort Edward. At the same time the com- 
 
loo History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 mittee called upon New Hampshire and Massachusetts for aid, with the 
 result that General John Stark, a veteran of the French war and who 
 had served with credit at Bunker Hill, was commissioned by New Hamp- 
 shire to march to the relief of the distressed Vermonters, and serve un - 
 der a Continental commander, or independently, as he himself should 
 elect. Stark, accompanied with about 8oo men, at once set out for 
 Manchester, crossing the Connecticut at Charleston, and thence over the 
 mountains by way of Peru to Manchester, where his command encamped 
 for a few days. General Stark was here placed in command of War- 
 ner's regiment, which amounted to. nearly 600 men, making his total 
 strength about 1,400 men. After three days of rest, Stark, accompanied 
 by Warner and the New Hampshire troops, proceeded to Bennington 
 and held conferences with the leading residents regarding the future de- 
 fences of that locality and the probable designs of the British. War- 
 ner's regiment remained at Manchester under command of Major Saf- 
 ford. 
 
 While these events were occurring in Vermont, General Schuyler, 
 commander of the main army of Americans in New York, had aban- 
 doned Fort Edward before the gradual approach of Burgoyne and taken 
 a position at Saratoga; and on the 14th again retreated to one of the 
 islands at the mouth of the Mohawk River. Schuyler was a cowardly, 
 inefficient officer; continually promising resistance, but ever retiring be- 
 fore the enemy. No sooner did he learn that General Stark had a con- 
 siderable force in Vermont than he demanded that it should be joined 
 to his army; and when Stark declined to comply with the demand, 
 Schuyler reported to Congress, wi*-h the result that Stark was censured 
 by that body. But at that particular time Vermont was mindful solely 
 of her own interests, and Stark was in full sympathy with the state in 
 this effort. 
 
 At the same time Burgoyne was slowly progressing southward, and 
 reached the carrying-place between Lake George and the first navigable 
 waters of the Hudson, where he was obliged to camp while the army 
 baggage, artillery and stores were being transported from the lake to 
 the river. While this was being accomplished Burgoyne found himself 
 short of provisions and therefore at once set about replenishing his stock. 
 He was informed by tories, many of whom had sought the British pro- 
 
During the Revolution. loi 
 
 tection, some of them from Vermont, that at Bennington was a large 
 store-house well filled with such supplies as were most needed by the 
 British army. That these might be secured, Burgoyne detached about 
 SCO regulars, German troops or Hessians, together with a number of 
 Canadians and Indians and a number of tories, all under command of 
 Colonel Baura, to proceed to Bennington. Burgoyne also sent two 
 other detachments to protect and assist if necessary this expedition; 
 the one taking position on the east bank of the Hudson opposite Sara- 
 toga, and the other making a stand at Battenkill. Towards the objec- 
 tive point Baum at once set out, arriving at Cambridge twelve miles 
 northwest from Bennington on the night of August I2th. On the T3th, 
 learning that a party of Indians had been seen at Cambridge, Stark sent 
 Lieutenant- Colonel Gregg with 200 men to check their advance, but 
 was soon informed that a large body of British were coming on in rear of 
 the savages. Stark at once prepared to march, and sent a messenger 
 to Manchester ordering Warner's regiment to come to his aid. The 
 next day he started for Cambridge, but had marched only about seven 
 miles when he met Gregg's force retreating, with the British only a mile 
 behind them. Stark at once prepared for action and was ready when 
 Baum appeared; but the latter, perceiving the strength sent to oppose 
 him, halted, and soon began to intrench himself on a commanding piece 
 of ground. For a day or two nothing was done on either side on ac- 
 count of stormy weather, but on the i6th. Stark having matured his 
 plan of action, the British works were surrounded, much to Baum's sur- 
 prise, and a simultaneous attack made on every side. The battle com- 
 menced at three o'clock in the afternoon and raged fiercely for two 
 hours, resulting in the complete defeat of the invaders. Baum, himself, 
 was mortally wounded and made a prisoner, while the greater part of 
 his force was also captured. The prisoners were marched under guard 
 to Bennington, and the Americans then scattered in quest of plunder 
 and rest. All of a sudden, Breymann's force of British, which had been 
 stationed at Battenkill, came up and commenced an attack upon the 
 Americans. Surprised and confused, the latter made some resistance, 
 but gradually fell back, and just when the tide of victory seemed turning 
 against the Americans, the timely arrival of the Green Mountain Boys 
 from Manchester re-enforced the wavering troops and gave them new 
 
102 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 courage. After a sharp fight which lasted till dark the British were 
 again defeated and many of them captured. During the day the 
 Americans lost less than thirty killed and about forty wounded, while 
 the British loss was twice as great Of the 692 prisoners taken, 400 
 were Hessians and the balance Tories, Canadians and English. Baum, 
 the British commander, was mortally wounded. By this achievement 
 at Bennington, although the battle was in fact fought on New York soil, 
 the British army received its first decisive check. Connected with it 
 there followed a complete train of events that directly led to the sur- 
 render of Burgoyne's army and the consequent success of the American 
 arms in the country. General Stark commanded the entire militia force 
 of the Americans, but he was ably assisted by the intrepid young War- 
 ner. The troops engaged on the side of the victors represented the 
 three states, Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. 
 
 Following the battle of Bennington, there came to the British army 
 still other and greater disasters during the year 1777. The failure on 
 the part of Colonel Baum not only prevented Burgoyne from obtaining 
 much needed supplies, but had the effect of causing desertions from his 
 ranks of many of his Indian followers, and of a number of his Provincials 
 and Tory sympathizers. Instead of increasing his forces he found his 
 strength rapidly decreasing. His army remained in camp opposite Sar- 
 atoga for some time, awaiting the arrival of Colonel St. Leger with re- 
 enforcements and supplies, but the latter officer was forced to abandon 
 his relief expedition on account of great disaffection among the Six Na- 
 tion Indians. Burgoyne was now reduced to a desperate condition and 
 determined to effect a retirement to Canada by way of Lake Champlain. 
 By this time, however, the inefficient Schuyler had been succeeded by 
 General Gates in the command of the American army in New York, 
 and he not only fortified and otherwise strengthened his position near 
 Burgoyne, but had cut off the means of British retreat by taking the po- 
 sitions at Lake George, Ticonderoga and elsewhere in the Champlain 
 region. On the 13th and 14th of September Burgoyne marched out 
 his whole army, designing to attack Gates, who had taken a position on 
 Bemus Heights, crossed the Hudson at Schuylerville on a bridge of boats 
 and advanced toward Gates' position, but soon found his further pro- 
 gress checked unless the Americans could be effectually dislodged. 
 
During the Revolution. 103 
 
 Following this Burgoyne occupied some days in developing his plan of 
 attack, but on the 19th the contending armies met in battle, which, be- 
 coming general, waged fiercely for about three hours, and until evening, 
 with varying results, the chief advantage being with the Americans 
 from the fact that they held their position and succeeded in crippling the 
 British force, from which condition they could not recover. This was 
 what has ever been known as the first battle at Stillwater. From the 
 20th of September to the 7th of October the armies lay near each other 
 and engaged in frequent skirmishes. On the 7th Burgoyne determined 
 to make a grand reconnaissance, and, if he could not defeat the Ameri- 
 cans, to at least make a successful retreat with his own army. By the 
 actions and maneuvers of his officers Burgoyne evidently invited an at- 
 tack, which Gates at once accepted. The result was another Stillwater 
 engagement, which commenced at four in the afternoon and lasted until 
 night, in which the British were utterly and totally defeated with seri- 
 ous loss. As a last resort Burgoyne once more determined to effect a 
 retreat, but without giving battle to the Americans. To his great dis- 
 may, he soon learned that the possibility of escape had been cut off, 
 upon which he asked for a suspension of hostilities with a view of nego- 
 tiating terms of surrender. This being granted him by Gates, the terms 
 of capitulation were agreed to, and received the British commander's 
 signature on the 17th of October; and signed by Burgoyne notwith- 
 standing the fact that intelligence had been brought to him on the i6th 
 to the effect that a strong re -enforcement was marching up the Hudson 
 to his relief. Burgoyne himself was for delaying the surrender, but his 
 council decided against him. By this surrender the number of British, 
 officers and all who fell into the American hands, was 5,791 ; there 
 were, besides, 1,856 prisoners of war, including the sick and wounded, 
 which Bargoyne had abandoned. The total loss to the British in this 
 northern campaign was near 10,000. 
 
 With the defeat and final surrender of the British army under Bur- 
 goyne, the campaign of the year 1777, so far as this region of the coun- 
 try was concerned, was settled. In the successes of the year's campaign 
 the Green Mountain Boys played a prominent and important part, and 
 they shared the successes of the American army, with which they had 
 voluntarily become connected. And so far as Vermont was poncerned 
 
I04 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 the campaign of 1777 practically ended the war, for her troops were not 
 aftervvard led forth to battle against the British. Notwithstanding this, 
 the governing authorities by no means abandoned their military organi- 
 zations, but constantly added to their strength and established defences 
 along the northern and western frontiers This became necessary for the 
 purpose of protecting the settled towns against the Indians, who were con- 
 stantly invading the territory, burning and plundering the settlements, 
 and either murdering the inhabitants or carrying them in capitivity to 
 Canada. And it was the constant fear of these depredations that so ma- 
 terially retarded settlement in the fertile regions of northern Vermont. 
 Although the war was virtually closed in this part of the country, the 
 English were organizing another army in Canada, and it was partially 
 through their instigations that the Indians so frequently invaded this 
 state; and as late as the year 1780 they plundered and burned the town 
 of Royalton, on the east side of the mountains. In this affair, as well as 
 others of a similar character, the great thoroughfare of travel was down 
 the western borders of what is now Franklin county, among the islands 
 that now comprise Grand Isle county, to the Onion or Winooski River, 
 and by that stream eastward across the mountains. It is net surprising, 
 therefore, that this particular region of the state was not occupied or 
 settled until after the war had closed by the treaty of peace with Great 
 Britain, and until the Indians had withdrawn permanently from the re- 
 gion, 
 
 In due course of time another army was collected in Canada by the 
 English, to be used for both aggressive and defensive purposes, and 
 once more the state of Vermont was threatened with invasion by a civ- 
 ilized foe; but at this juncture the British commander became cognizant 
 of the peculiar situation of Vermont with reference to the adjacent states 
 of New Hampshire, Massachusetts and New York, and of her relation 
 to the Congress of the United States concerning the oft repeated refus- 
 als of that body to recognize the separate jurisdiction and independence 
 of Vermont as a commonwealth. Knowing this singular situation, the 
 British commander sought to form an alliiince with this state through 
 her leaders; and to that end opened correspondence with Ethan Allen 
 (who by this time had been released from English imprisonment) and 
 others, controlling state affairs. The latter were astute enough to 
 
During the Revolution. 105 
 
 see the advantages to be derived by such negotiations as the British 
 proposed, and at once gave attention to the subject, soliciting further 
 correspondence and subsequent personal interviews So earnest, indeed, 
 was the Enghsh officer in hoping to bring about an alliance that he 
 agreed to an exchange of prisoners with the negotiators on the part of 
 Vermont, which was duly accomplished. The correspondence was car- 
 ried on with the utmost secrecy, and was not known at all to the great 
 mass of the people in the state or elsewhere. The negotiations, too, 
 were continued throughout a period of many months, about two years, 
 although the English frequently became impatient at the apparent un- 
 necessary delay, but they were as frequently satisfied by the plausible 
 excuses and explanations offered by Vermont. This proceeding has al- 
 ways been known as the "Negotiations with Canada" or the "Haldi- 
 mand Correspondence." And not only did Vermont profit by these ne- 
 gotiations, in the release of her people from imprisonment, in protecting 
 by diplomacy her borders and territory from hostile invasion, but a 
 great benefit likewise accrued to the United States in that during the 
 period of their continuance an English army of 10,000 men was kept in 
 a state of inactivity, and never left Canada to invade the territory of the 
 United States. The war at length closed, peace was again restored, but 
 Congress, on account of the persistent opposition of New York, would 
 not recognize Vermont's great service to America by granting her a 
 separate existence; nor was that end attained until nearly a half score 
 of years afterward. Thus proves again the saying that nations are un- 
 grateful. 
 
 14 
 
io6 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 CHAPTER Vin. 
 
 County Erections under New York — Those East and West of the Green Mountains 
 Cumberland County — Albany County Erected— Charlotte County Set Off— The County 
 Seats — Counties Formed by Vermont — Bennington and Cumberland — Washington 
 County Erected— Changed to Rutland— Addison County Formed — Chittenden County 
 Created— Organization of Franklin County— Of Grand Isle County— Towns of Frank- 
 lin and Grand Isle Counties — How They Were Granted — Their Organization. 
 
 A PRECEDING chapter of this volume has already mentioned the 
 fact of the division of the territory of Vermont into counties under 
 the authority of New York. This action was first taken soon after the 
 king's order of July 20, 1764, had decreed the territory of this state to 
 be a part of the province of New York, although the right of jurisdiction 
 had been previously claimed and contended for. But, as there were 
 then no settlements in this northern part of the state, there were no 
 contendons nor controversies regarding the lands hereabouts, except as 
 the grantees of the French seigniories sought to have their titles con- 
 firmed by New York, which was scarcely ever done, as the EngHsh gov- 
 ernment had no affection for the French, and when the New York repre ■ 
 sentatives were disposed to resist the French claims, which they invaria- 
 bly did, the mother country had no option other than deny the applica- 
 tions for confirmations. Therefore, in the present chapter it will not be 
 necessary to refer again, except incidentally perhaps, to the French pos- 
 sessions in this region, as under them it is understood that no settlements 
 were made and continued after the extinction of the French dominion 
 in America by the treaty of 1763. 
 
 At the time in which the king's order decree was made, and even be- 
 fore that, the jurisdiction of Albany county included all that now com- 
 prises Vermont, but when that decree was promulgated, that there 
 might be no doubt on the subject, the jurisdiction was formally ex- 
 tended over this territory by New York's governor. The county seat 
 was at Albany. In 1766, on the 3d of July, the district of the so-called 
 New Hampshire grants was erected by New York into one county, by 
 the name ol Cumberland and its county seat was fixed at Chester, now 
 
County Organizations. 107 
 
 in Windsor county, Vermont, in which locality there was less resistance 
 to the authority of New York than in the towns west of the mountains; 
 but even there the opposition was such as induced the removal of the 
 county seat to Westminster, the latter being the stronghold of New 
 York in the district. But this plan seems not to have operated to the 
 entire satisfaction of the Yorkers, and was continued in existence only 
 until 1772. And in 1770, by a proceeding had March 7th, New York 
 erected Gloucester county, comprising all the district east of the mount- 
 ains and north of the south line of the towns of Tunbridge, Strafford and 
 Thetford. In 1772 New York made a change in the county organiza- 
 tions west of the mountains for the purpose, as the act recited "that of- 
 fenders may be brought to justice, and creditors may recover their just 
 dues." By this act, which was adopted March 12th, the county of Char- 
 lotte was created, comprising the district of the state west of the mount- 
 ains and north of the north lines of Sunderland and Arlington. Within 
 the jurisdiction of this county was of course included all the territory 
 that now comprises Franklin and Grand Isle counties. The county 
 seat was fixed at Skeenesborough, now Whitehall, a place concededly 
 within the province of New York, and so fixed that "justice," as under- 
 stood by New York, might be administered with less interruption than 
 would have characterized the proceedings of the court had the shire town 
 been located east of the twenty-mile line. The remaining portion of 
 the district of the grants, west of the mountains, was at the same time 
 annexed to Albany county, with Albany as the county seat, and for the 
 same reasons that moved the authorities to designate Skeenesborough 
 as the shire town of Charlotte county. As thus created, these four 
 county erections were continued without material alteration so long as 
 New York exercised or attempted to maintain jurisdiction over the dis- 
 trict of the grants; and they passed out of existence when that state 
 ceased to oppose the separate statehood of Vermont, just before the in- 
 dependence of the latter was recognized by Congress, in 1791. 
 
 In 1777 the convention of delegates representing the several towns of 
 this district declared the independence of Vermont; and in pursuance 
 of the plan of government soon afterward adopted by her authorities, 
 the territory was divided into two counties — Bennington, west of the 
 mountains, and Unity, afterward changed to Cumberland, on the east 
 
io8 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 This division into counties was made in March, 1778, although the act 
 estabhshing the dividing Hnes or boundaries of the counties was not 
 passed until February, 1779. Each county was granted shire towns, 
 those of Bennington being fixed at Bennington and Rutland, respect- 
 ively, while the shires of Cumberland were located at Westminster and 
 Newbury, respectively. The first division of Bennington county was 
 made on the 8th of November, 1780, by the passage of an act, but not 
 recorded, which created the county of Washington, but which act was 
 re-passed on February 13, 1781, and the name Rutland given the 
 county. Rutland county embraced all the lands of the state that lay 
 north of the present north line of Bennington county, and of course in- 
 cluded what is now Franklin and Grand Isle counties. 
 
 During the years immediately following this division of Bennington 
 county, the war was ended, the independence of America was estab- 
 lished, and the hostile Indians had generally withdrawn to a more con- 
 genial locality than was offered by longer inhabiting northern Vermont. 
 And during the same time, too, the government of the state had made 
 extensive grants of unchartered lands in this region, for the purpose of 
 replenishing the state exchequer, which had become exhausted on ac- 
 count of the events of the war and the controversy with New York. 
 These grants by the state were generally made on condition that the 
 land should be occupied and settled within a certain time after settle- 
 ment could be made with safety. The ending of the war and with- 
 drawal of the Indians made settlement possible, and, as a result, the 
 lands in the northern region of the state were rapidly taken up and oc- 
 cupied. To such an extent had the population increased that by 1 785 
 the organization of a new county west of the mountains became neces- 
 sary; therefore, by an act of Assembly, passed October i8th of that 
 year, Addison county was created, taking all the territory west of the 
 mountains and north of the present north line of Rutland county. (It 
 may be stated, however, that a slight change was afterwards made in 
 the southern boundary of Addison county.) The towns of Addison and 
 Colchester were designated half shires of the county. 
 
 Only two years later, by an act of Assemby passed the 22d of Oc- 
 tober, 1787, Addison county was, in turn, divided and its northern por- 
 tion erected into Chittenden county. This last creation embraced all 
 
County Organizations. 109 
 
 the territory between the north lines of Ferrisburgh, Monkton, Bristol, 
 Lincoln and Warren, and the Canada line; was bounded on the west 
 by the west line of the state, which line followed the deepest channel of 
 the lake, passing east of the Four Brothers and west of Grand Isle and 
 Isle La Motte. 
 
 On the Sth day of November, 1792, the General Assembly passed an 
 act by which Chittenden county was divided, and out of its territory 
 Franklin county was created. The descriptive part of that act was as 
 follows: "Beginning at the northwest corner of Chittenden county, 
 (meaning the contemplated northwest corner,) thence easterly on the 
 northerly line of Chittenden county to the southeast corner of Sterling; 
 from thence northerly on the easterly line of the towns Sterling, John- 
 son, Belvidere, Avery's Gore, Montgomery and Richford, to the north 
 line of the state; from thence westerly on the line of the state, to the 
 west line thereof; from thence southerly on the west line of the state, 
 to the place of beginning." The above description, although purporting 
 to be according to the original act, is taken from the act that was passed 
 by the Assembly in 1797, at which time the bounds of the several coun- 
 ties were particularly defined. 
 
 According to the foregoing description, and as a matter of fact, the 
 towns now known as South Hero and Grand Isle were not included 
 within Franklin county as created by the act of 1792, nor did they or 
 either of them ever form a part of that county, but remained integral 
 parts of Chittenden county until the erection of Grand Isle county, in 
 1802. 
 
 In the course of events Franklin county has twice been called upon 
 to surrender of its towns to new county formations ; first, by an act 
 passed November 9, 1 802, that took the towns of Alburgh, Isle La 
 Motte and North Hero, which, with South Hero and the present town 
 of Grand Isle, they being taken from Chittenden county, were erected 
 into Grand Isle county; and second, by an act passed October 26, 1835, 
 which took the towns of Belvidere, Cambridge, Johnson and Sterling, 
 and constituted them a part of Lamoille county. 
 
 Now, having erected the counties of which this work is designed to 
 treat, the attention of the reader is briefly called to the several towns 
 that comprise the counties, for the purpose of learning by what power 
 
I lo History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 they were brought into existence. Of the fourteen towns that now com- 
 prise Franklin county, only eight were created under the so-called New 
 Hampshire charters. These were St. Albans, Swanton, Highgate, 
 Georgia, Fairfax, Fairfield, Smithfield and Hungerford. The first men- 
 tioned four were granted by Governor Wentworth on the 17th of Au- 
 gust, 1763, and the others on the i8th following. Six of these, and all 
 except Smithfield and Hungerford, are known to the county by the 
 names originally given to them, but of those excepted the latter was 
 changed to Sheldon, while the former, both in name and territory, sub- 
 sequently became materially changed. Smithfield and Fairfield were 
 chartered on the same day, August 18, 1763, of the same size in acres, 
 and to the same persons, Samuel Hungerford and others; but in 1792 
 the Legislature passed an act, approved October 25th, by which the ter- 
 ritory of both townships, together with Knowlton's Gore, so- called, were 
 formed into two towns and called Fairfield and Bakersfield. The other 
 townships of both counties were created by virtue of grants and charters 
 issued under the authority of the state of Vermont. 
 
 The town of Bakersfield is understood as having been, in the main, 
 granted by Vermont February 27, 1787, to Luke Knowlton, containing 
 10,000 acres of land, and called Knowlton's Gore; and the grant was 
 confirmed by charter from the same source, of date January 25, 1791. 
 By the proceeding referred to in the preceding paragraph this gore, 
 with part of Smithfield, was erected into a town, and called Bakersfield. 
 On October 31, 1798, Knight's Gore was annexed to the town, and at 
 the same time a part of Bakersfield was set off" to Enosburgh. Again, 
 on the 26th of October, 1799, a part of Colt's Gore was annexed to Ba- 
 kersfield, giving to it a total of about 26,000 acres. The town was or- 
 ganized March 30, 1795- 
 
 Berkshire, one of the towns bordering on the Canada' line, was granted 
 on the 13th of March, 1781, which grant was confirmed by charter dated 
 June 22, 1781, and issued to William Goodrich and his associates, fifty- 
 nine in number. The town was intended to contain the usual area of 
 thirty-six square miles, or its equivalent of 23,040 acres, but by an error 
 in surveying the east boundary the east and west measurement was in- 
 creased, so that the town actually has about 25,040 acres. Berkshire 
 was organized March 7, 1 796. 
 
Town Organizations. i i i 
 
 Enosburgh was granted March 12, 1780, and chartered May 15th fol- 
 lowing, to General Roger Enos and fifty-nine associates. The town 
 was named in honor of its chief proprietor, General Enos, the faithful 
 friend of Vermont and Governor Chittenden. On the 31st of October, 
 1798, a part of Bakersfield was annexed to the town. Enosburgh was 
 organized September 8, 1795. 
 
 Fairfax, as has been stated, was chartered by Governor Wentworth of 
 New Hampshire, on the 18th of August, 1763, with an area of 23,040 
 acres. The town was organized March 22, 1787. 
 
 Fairfield, one of the towns already referred to, was chartered Au- 
 gust 18, 1763, with, as originally contemplated, 23,040 acres, but by the 
 annexation of Smithfield its area was increased to 38,000 acres, thus 
 making it the largest town of the county. Fairfield was organized in 
 March, 1790. 
 
 Fletcher was granted November 7, 1780, by Vermont to Moses Rob- 
 inson and sixty-four others, having an area of thirty- six square miles, 
 or 23,040 acres; but an act of the State Legislature passed November i, 
 1841, took of the town's lands and annexed them to Cambridge. The 
 charter of the town was dated August 20, 1781. Fletcher was organi- 
 zed March 16, 1790. 
 
 Franklin was granted October 24, 1787, and chartered March 19, 
 1789, to Jonathan Hunt and five others, under the name of Huntsburgh, 
 and so called in honor of its chief proprietor, but which was changed to 
 Franklin, in pursuance of an act of the Legislature passed October 25, 
 18 17. Organized 1792. 
 
 Georgia was one of the original towns of the county of Franklin, hav- 
 ing been granted by Governor Wentworth on the 17th of August, 1763. 
 The first town meeting was held and the town organized on March 31, 
 1788. 
 
 Highgate, also one of the towns chartered by Governor Wentworth, 
 was brought into existence on the 17th of August, 1763, the original 
 'grantees being Samuel Hunt and sixy-four associates. The town was 
 organized March 31, 179 1. A part of the town of Alburgh was an- 
 nexed to Highgate by virtue of an act of the Legislature passed Novem- 
 ber I, 1792. Also Marvin's Gore was annexed by a similar act passed 
 October 23, 1806. Highgate surrendered part of its territory to Swan- 
 ton in pursuance of an act passed November 3, 1836. 
 
112 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Montgomery was granted under Vermont authority on the 13th of 
 March, 1780, but does not appear to have been chartered until Octo- 
 ber 8, 1789. The town contained originally 23,040 acres, but in 1859 
 an act of the Legislature added to its area some 7,000 acres, which were 
 taken from Avery's Gore and the town of Lowell. Montgomery was 
 not given a town organization until March 12, 1802. 
 
 Richford, the northeast corner town of the county, was granted 
 March 13, 1780, and chartered on the 21st of August following, to Jon- 
 athan Wells and his associates, fifty- nine in number. The town was 
 organized March 30, 1799. 
 
 St. Albans, the shire town of Franklin county, was the creation of 
 Benning Wentworth, governor of New Hampshire, and was chartered 
 August 17, 1763. Johnson's Island, afterward known as Potter's Island, 
 was annexed to St. Albans on the 28th of October, 1842, and Wood's 
 Island on the 27th of October, 1845, both by acts of the State Legisla- 
 ture. St. Albans was organized July 28, 1788. 
 
 Sheldon, under the original name of Hungerford, was chartered by 
 Governor Wentworth on the 18th of August, 1763. Samuel Hungerford 
 was its principal grantee and in his honor the town was first named. The 
 name was changed to Sheldon by act of the State Legislature, passed No- 
 vember 8, 1792. The town was organized in 1791. 
 
 Swanton was chartered under the New Hampshire authority on the 
 17th of August, 1763, to Josiah Goodrich and others, proprietors, hav- 
 ing an area of 23,040 acres, or thirty- six square miles of land. On the 
 3d of November, 1836, the area of the town was increased by annexa- 
 tion of a part of Highgate. The town was organized on the 23d of 
 March, 1790. 
 
 Alburgh, the largest by far of the subdivisions of Grand Isle county, 
 was granted by Vermont to Ira Allen and sixty- four associates, on the 
 23d of February, 1781; but before that time, and on the ist of Novem- 
 ber, 1744, the territory now called Alburgh had been granted by the 
 king of France to Francis Focault, and that grant was subsequently con- 
 firmed by the king of Great Britain. From Focault the title passed to 
 General Haldimand; thence through Henry Caldwell to John Caldwell, 
 all being British subjects, and became known as Caldwell's Upper 
 Manor. The lessees or grantees of Caldwell occupied and improved 
 
Town Organizations. 113 
 
 the territory, and were in possession when Governor Chittenden granted 
 Alburgh to Allen and his fellows. Then followed a conflict of title and 
 much disturbance, but the Caldwell title was declared to be invalid for 
 the reason that it had not been recorded in New York. Concerning 
 this subject relative to the troubles over the titles to Alburgh, more ex- 
 tended notice will be found in one of the succeeding general chapters of 
 this volume, and also in connection with the history of the town. Al- 
 burgh has also been called various names, such as Point Algonquin, 
 Point du Detour and Point Detourer, after the French ; and from its 
 peculiar form, Missisco Tongue, Missisco Leg, Caldwell's Upper Manor 
 and lastly Alburgh, a contraction from AUenburgh, the latter for Ira 
 Allen, its chief grantee. The town was organized in June, 1792. 
 
 Grand Isle originally formed a part of a certain tract of land that was 
 granted to Ethan Allen and Samuel Herrick and their numerous associ- 
 ates, under the name of the "Two Heros." This grant included all that 
 now comprises the townships of North Hero, Grand Isle and South 
 Hero, and was executed by the governor of Vermont on October 27, 
 1779. On the 2 1st of October, 1788, the territory was divided into two 
 towns and called, respectively. North Hero and South Hero. Again, 
 on the 7th of November, 1798, South Hero was divided, and the north 
 part constituted one township called Middle Hero. The latter name was 
 changed to Grand Isle on the 5 th of November, 18 10. Grand Isle was 
 organized, as Middle Hero, on the 7th of March, 1799. North Hero 
 was organized in 1789, and South Hero on the 10th of March of the 
 same year. 
 
 Isle La Motte, the first settled locality within the present state of 
 Vermont, was granted under authority of the state, on October 27, 
 1779, to Benjamin Wait and others. Also, it was one of the French 
 grants or seigniories, and received its name from Captain La Mothe, a 
 French officer, who built here Fort St. Anne, during the seventeenth 
 century. On the ist of November, 1802, the name was changed to 
 Vineyard, but on November 6, 1830, the original name was restored, 
 except that the final e was dropped. The first town meeting was held 
 and the town organized March 24, 1791. 
 
 Such, then, is the character of the organization of the towns of Frank- 
 lin and Grand Isle. This brief allusion to each of the several subdivi- 
 
 15 
 
114 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 sions has been made for the purpose of bringing to the reader's atten- 
 tion the means through which each was brought into existence; and the 
 reference has been made exceedingly brief for the reason that each town 
 is made the subject of a special chapter in this volume, in which will be 
 found more extended mention of the granting and subsequent organiza- 
 tion of the towns, and as well, their subsequent history. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Organization of the Counties— Locating the County Seat of Franklin County— The 
 County Originally Called " York "—Name Changed to " Franklin "- Courts and Court- 
 Houses— The Jails— Franklin County Civil List— Organization of Grand Isle County 
 —Delays in Bringing about the Desired End— Several Petitions Presented— The County 
 Buildings and First Courts— Civil List of Grand Isle County. 
 
 THE chapter immediately preceding has shown through what chan- 
 nels the counties of Franklin and Grand Isle were brought into ex- 
 istence; and how the several townships that comprise those counties 
 were themselves created, and when they were organized by their re- 
 spective inhabitants. Of these counties Franklin was some ten years 
 the older, and when brought into existence was so formed as to com- 
 prise the greater part of that now called Grand Isle county, all of the 
 latter, except the towns South Hero and Grand Isle, as at present 
 known and distinguished. 
 
 On the formation of Franklin county the first duty that devolved 
 upon its people was to designate one town as the county seat, in which 
 should be erected the county buildings; nor did this duty fall alone or 
 entirely on the people, for, had such been the case, an argument as to 
 Its location would have been exceedingly doubtful, as nearly every di- 
 vision of the county would have put forth a claim for the desired des- 
 ignation, however inconsistent their action might appear. That the 
 question might be determined the usual custom of appointing disinter- 
 ested persons was employed, with the result of the selection of St Al- 
 bans as the shire town. Then came the question of precise locality 
 
Organization of Franklin County. 115 
 
 within the town, or site on which the court-house should stand; and 
 this was determined upon as that now occupied, a point not far from 
 where Robert Cochran and Seth Ford "set out the stake" for the cen- 
 ter of the town. But St. Albans Bay and its denizens were not without 
 aspirations in the matter of having the county buildings at their burgh, 
 and in this desire their sentiments were shared by not a few of the res- 
 idents in the island towns; for at the Bay was the chief landing place of 
 the islanders, and here, too, at that particular period was the most im- 
 portant trading center of the town. But the site was designated near 
 the common, or green, as more familiarly called, and here the first 
 court-house was erected. 
 
 Although a fact that perhaps should have been recorded or at least 
 mentioned in one of the earlier chapters of this work, it will not be con- 
 sidered altogether out of place here to state that, according to the orig- 
 inal intention of the framers of the act by which Franklin county was 
 erected out of Chittenden, the idea was not only contemplated, but act- 
 ually carried out, of naming this new erection York county. This state- 
 ment would appear to find corroboration in the following extract from 
 the " Governor and Council," and as part of the proceedings of that 
 body, had on the 5th day of November, 1792; which extract reads thus: 
 "An act dividing Orange and Chittenden counties and erecting four 
 new ones, was read and concurred with the amendments following; that 
 in lieu of organizing in the year 1793, that 1795 and 1796 be inserted, 
 and that the name of York be that of Franklin." 
 
 It is generally conceded by all authorities that Franklin county was 
 incorporated and set off from Chittenden, by virtue of the act of Novem- 
 ber 5, 1792, the same date on which the above action by the higher 
 branch of the state government was taken. The construction of the 
 above sentence seems to imply that the General Assembly had pre- 
 viously passed an act by which several counties were brought into life, 
 among them being York, but when the enactment of the lower house 
 was presented for concurrence or otherwise to the Governor and Coun- 
 cil, as was required, that body made the amendments referred to in the 
 quoted section as given. The extract, too, presents another fact to the 
 reader in that it appears that the time fixed by the Assembly for the 
 county organization was the year 1793, but which was amended by the 
 Governor and Council by delaying the time until 1795 and 1796. 
 
ii6 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Franklin county was organized in i/gs in pursuance of legislative en- 
 actment, approved and concurred in by the upper house on the 8th of 
 November of that year, and thereafter the first county officers were 
 chosen. ' But the court-house was not commenced until the year 1800, 
 and prior to that time and even later the terms of court were held at the 
 house of Silas Hathaway, in the northern part of the village of St. Al- 
 bans. On the 17th of September, 1800, the land on which the court- 
 house was erected was deeded by Colonel Halloway Taylor and Silas 
 Hathaway to the selectmen of the town and their successors in office, 
 the lot having a frontage of seventy- six feet, and extending back a dis- 
 tance of one hundred and sixteen feet. From the most reliable author- 
 ity obtainable it appears that the court-house building was begun in 
 1800, but was not fully completed until 1803, and was then used, and 
 ever since has been, jointly by the town and county. The first struc- 
 ture was a plain wooden one, costing somewhere about $5,000. Be- 
 sides these occupancies, the old building was used by various church 
 societies as a place of worship; and George F. Houghton is authority 
 for the statement that an addition was afterward made to the building, 
 and used by the Universalist society. And further, that in 1810, the 
 ladies of St. Albans raised by subscription a fund, with which was pur- 
 chased a bell for the court-house; that the bell was afterward cracked, 
 then re-cast and again placed in the building. 
 
 With the lapse of years the old court-house became insufficient for 
 the purposes of the county, and therefore was substantially remodeled 
 and repaired, and enclosed with brick, in which condition it remained 
 until 1872, when the present court-house was erected. This structure 
 while not absolutely devoid of ornamentation is nevertheless an exceed- 
 ing plain building. It is of brick, with granite foundations and sanded 
 trimmings. At the front corners are towers extending not far above 
 the roof. The interior presents a more attractive appearance than the 
 outside, from the fact that convenience, comfort and the entire safety of 
 public records seem to have controlled the mind of its architect rather 
 than a desire to produce something beautiful. And this same remark 
 might well apply to the exterior, for, while not an attractive appearing 
 building, it is altogether substantial and firm. The lower floor is occu- 
 pied by the county officers and town clerk, and the upper or second 
 floor for judges and jury rooms and the court-room. 
 
Franklin County Buildings. 
 
 117 
 
 While the county has thus been able to transact all necessary business 
 with but two substantial court-house buildings, it has had six county 
 jails or places of confinement. It is understood that the first of these 
 was built about the year 1796, about the time the county was organized 
 and was a part of the old Coit house, or rather an addition to it. The 
 second, called the "old bass wood" jail, stood a little east of where is 
 now the Welden House, and was so arranged that the sheriff of the 
 county maintained a residence therein. In iSiOthis building gave way 
 to the third jail, of brick and stone, the latter standing not far from the 
 site whereon is now the Episcopal Church. This jail was destroyed by 
 fire in 1813, on Christmas day, and was succeeded by the fourth, built 
 of frame and stone; the frame part being used as sheriff's residence and 
 the stone part for prisoners. This jail stood not far from the present 
 similarly used building, but was burned in 1827, having been used only 
 three years. The fifth was erected on the same site, of the same mater- 
 ials as its preceding one, but which was afterward renewed and re-con- 
 structed into the present jail and sheriff's residence. This was done in 
 1852. The present jail building, although the best of its kind the county 
 ever had, is by no means a secure place for the confinement of pris,on- 
 ers; and it is a common remark among people that unless prisoners are 
 exceedingly well treated there they are apt to become provoked and 
 quit their quarters. 
 
 The several structures above described and referred to comprise sub- 
 stantially the possessions of Franklin county in the matter of public 
 buildings. The early part of the present chapter has mentioned the 
 erection and organization of the county, the latter in 1796; and as a 
 concluding part of this division of the county's history it is proper to re- 
 cord the names of those persons who have been chosen to administer 
 the civil affairs of the county in various capacities, from the time of or- 
 ganization to the present day. In this connection, however, it is proper 
 to state that from 1778 to 1835 inclusive, the executive branch of the 
 State government consisted of the Governor and Council. In the latter 
 year the Senate superceded the Council. Likewise, prior to 1826 the 
 judicial power of the county was vested in one chief judge and two as- 
 sistants, but the re- organization of the judiciary, in 1825, abolished the 
 chief judgeship. 
 
ii8 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Franklin County Civil List. 
 In United States Senate.— ]^m&s Fisk.i i8 17-18 ; Lawrence Brain- 
 
 erd, 1 354-55- 
 
 Representatives in Congress. — James Fisk, 1805-09, 1811-15 ; Ben- 
 jamin Swift, 1827-31 ; Joiin Smith, 1839-41 ; Augustus Young, 1841- 
 43; Alvah Sabin, 1853-57; Homer E. Royce, 1857-61; Worthington 
 C. Smith, 1867-73; Bradley Barlow, 1879-81. 
 
 Presidential Electors. — John White, 1808; Asa Aldis, 1824, 1828; 
 Benjamin Swift, 1844; Lawrence Brainerd, 1856; George T. Childs, 
 1884 
 
 Governors. — Horace Eaton, 1846-48; Stephen Royce, 1854-56; 
 J. Gregory Smith, 1863-65. 
 
 Lieutenant-Governor. — Horace Eaton, 1843-46. 
 
 Secretary of State. — Alvah Sabin, 1841-42. 
 
 State Auditors. — Jeptha Bradley, 1860-64; E. Henry Powell, 1878- 
 92. 
 
 Secretaries of Civil and Military Affairs. — George F. Houghton, 
 1848-50; Wilbur P. Davis, 1858-60. 
 
 Presidents of Senate. — Horace Eaton, 1843-46; Mason B. Carpenter, 
 1872-74. 
 
 Speakers of House. — John Smith, 1831-34; J. Gregory Smith, 1862- 
 61 ; Henry R. Start, 1 890. 
 
 Judges Supreme and Circuit Courts. — Asa Aldis, 1815; William 
 Brayton, 1817-21; Stephen Royce, jr , 1825-26, 1829-51; Bates Tur- 
 ner, 1827-28; Asa O. Aldis, 1857-64; William C. Wilson, 1865-69; 
 Homer E Royce, 1870-90. Homer E. Royce became chief judge of 
 the Supreme Court in 1882 ; Henry R. Start, 1890-91. 
 
 Councilors from Franklin Comity. — ^John White, of Georgia, 1794-98, 
 1801-08; Ebenezer Marvin, of Franklin, 1791-1802, (prior to 1794 re- 
 siding in Tinmouth) ; Zerah Willoughby, of Fletcher, 1809,1814; Fred- 
 erick Bliss, of Georgia, 1809-13, 1815-19; Seth Wetmore, of St. Albans, 
 1819-29; James Davis, St. Albans, 1829—30; Josph H. Brainerd, St. 
 Albans, 1831-34; George Green, Swanton, 1834—35; Herman R. 
 Beardsley, St. Albans, 1834. 
 
 ' At the time of his election James Fisk was a resident of Barre, Vt. 
 
Franklin County Civil List. 119 
 
 Franklin County Senators. — 1836, Nathan Smilie, Joshua Willard, 
 Homer E. Hubbell ; 1837, Nathan Smilie, Timothy Foster, Horace 
 Eaton; 1838, Homer E. Hubbell, Nathan Smilie, Alden Sears ; 1839, 
 Horace Eaton, Timothy Foster, Joseph Waterman ; 1 840, same as 1839; 
 1841, Horace Eaton, Moses Fisk, Alvah Sabin ; 1842, Horace Eaton, 
 Homer E. Hubbell, William Green; 1843, Alvah Sabin, George Green, 
 Jonathan H. Hubbard; 1844, same as 1843; 1845, Hiram Bellows, 
 William Clapp, Alvah Sabin; 1846, Hiram Bellows, William Clapp, 
 George W. Foster; 1847, George W. Foster, Lucas R. Beeman, Rufus 
 Hamilton; 1848, Rufus Hamilton, Lucas R. Beeman, Jonathan H. Hub- 
 bard; 1849, Homer E. Royce, Jacob Wead, John S. Foster; 1850, 
 same as 1849; 185 i. Homer E. Royce, George Green, Harmon North- 
 rop; 1852, Harmon Northrop, George Green, Silas P. Carpenter; 1853, 
 Silas P. Carpenter, Romeo H. Hoyt, Orlando Stevens ; 1854, James H. 
 Farnsworth, Paschal P. Leavens, Romeo H. Hoyt; 1855, James H. 
 Farnsworth, William H. Blake, Paschal P. Leavens; 1856, William H. 
 Blake, Horatio N. Barber, Heman S. Royce; 1857, Horatio N. Barber, 
 Heman S. Royce, Delazon D. Wead; 1858, Delazon D. Wcad, Will- 
 iam C. Wilson, John G. Smith; 1859, John G. Smith, William C. Wil- 
 son. Alonzo Green; i860, Alonzo Green, Samuel H Stevens, Cyrus 
 Hotchkiss; 1861. Cyrus Hotchkiss, Samuel H Stevens, William W. 
 White; 1862. Harvey D. Farrar, Hiram F. Stevens, Alfred Keith; 
 1863, same as 1862; 1864, Worthington C. Smith, William S. Rublee, 
 Norman F. Wood ; 1865, Worthington C. Smith, William S. Rublee, 
 Albert G. Soule ; 1866, Albert G. Soule, Joshua Clapp, Bradley Bar- 
 low; 1867, Joshua Clapp-, Henry A. Burt, Victor Atvvood ; 1868, Brad- 
 ley Barlow, Henry A Burt, William R. Hutchinson; 1869, William R. 
 Hutchinson, Robert J. Saxe, Homer E. Royce ; 1870, Robert J. Saxe, 
 Dana R. Bailey, Arvin A. Brown; 1872, Dana R. Bailey, George A. 
 Ballard, William H. Stiles ; 1874, Albert Clark, William C. Robie, Vic- 
 tor At wood ; 1876, Edward A. Sowles, Oscar S. Rixford, Ethan A. 
 Hull ; 1878, Albert Sowles, E. Henry Powell, Chester K. Leach ; 1880, 
 Henry R. Start, Arthur W. Wood, Alfred G. Safford ; 1882, Herbert 
 Brainerd, Otis N. Kelton, Charles P. Hogan ; 1884, Edward G. Greene, 
 Henry Baxter, Daniel Morin ; 1886, Carmi L. Marsh, James G. Powell, 
 John F. Draper; 1888, F. Stewart Stranahan, W. H. Giddings, E. R. 
 Bell; 1890, Henry M. Stevens, E. P. Adams, William H. Fairchild. 
 
I20 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Chief Judges County Court. — Ebenezer Marvin, 1 796-1 803 ; Jona- 
 than Jones, 1803-08; Ebenezer Marvin, 1808-09; Joseph D. Farns- 
 worth, 1809-15; William Brayton, 1815-16; Joseph D. Farnsworth, 
 1816-24; Zerah Willoughby, 1824-26. This office was abolished in 
 1825. 
 
 Assistant Judges of County Court. — John White, 1796-97; Samuel 
 Barnard, 1796-98; Silas Hathaway, 1798; Isaac Smith, 1799; Elna- 
 than Keyes, 1799-1800; Jonathan Jones, 1800-02; Zerah Willoughby, 
 1801-05, 1813-14, 1818-20, 1822-23; Amos Fassett, 1803, 1806, 
 1809; Frederick Bliss, 1804-12, 1815-17; Joseph D. Farnsworth, 
 1807-08; Joseph Benning, jr.. 1810-11 ; Martin D. Follett, 1812 ; 
 Chauncey Fitch, 1813-15; Peter Saxe, 1816-18; Amasa I. Brown, 
 18 19-2 1 ; Thomas Waterman, 1824-25; Joel. Barber, jr., 1824-31; 
 Samuel Wead, 1826-28; George Green, 1829, 1832-37; Joseph Smith, 
 1830-34, 1842; Austin Fuller, 1835-36: Cornelius Wood, 1837, 1839- 
 41; Seymour Eggleston, 1838; Jesse Carpenter, 1838; Augustus 
 Burt, 1839-41, 1843-45 ; Luther B. Hunt, 1842; James Uavis, 1843- 
 44; Jonathan H. Hubbard, 1845-47; Alvah Sabin, 1846-51; Will- 
 iam C. Wilson, 1848-50; Augustus Young, 1851-54; Preston Taylor, 
 1852-53; John C. Bryant, 1854-56; Valentine S. Ferris, 1855-57; 
 Rufus Hamilton, 1857-59; Seth Oakes, 1857-59; Samuel Kendall, 
 1859-61; Horatio N. Barber, 1860-61; Robert J. Saxe, 1861-62; 
 Romeo H. Hoyt, 1862-65; Royal T. Bingham, 1863-64; Warren 
 Robinson, 1865-66; George Adams, 1866-67; Walter C. Stevens, 
 1867-69; John K. Whitney, 1868-69; Paschal P. Leavens, Hiram B, 
 Soule, 1870-71; Leonard W. Leach, John P. Olds, 1872-73; Will- 
 iam H. Blake, William S. Rublee, 1874-75 ; Caleb R. Brewer, Moses 
 Wightman, 1876-77; Rodney Whittemore, Daniel Leach, 1878-79; 
 E. H. Cleveland, Spencer S Bedard, 1880-81 ; Edwin C. Thompson, 
 William H. H. McAllister, 1882-83; George N. Goff, Edwin C, Thomp- 
 son, 1884-85; Silas P. Carpenter, E. G. Dunning, 1886-87; Silas P. 
 Carpenter, William H. Stiles, 1888-91. 
 
 State's Attorneys. — Levi House, 1796-1804; Asa Aldis, 1804-06; 
 Ebenezer Marvin, jr., 1806-16 ; Stephen Royce, jr., 1816-18 ; Israel P. 
 Richardson, 1818-23; Joshua K. Smedley, 1823-26; John Smith, 
 1826-33; Henry Adams, 1833-35 ; George W. Foster, 1835-38 ; Je- 
 
Franklin County Civil List. 121 
 
 rome J. Beardsley, 1838-39; Orlando Stevens, 1839-42; Homer E. 
 Royce, 1846-48 ; John S. Royce, 1848-49; Augustus Burt, 1849-51 ; 
 George F. Houghton, 1851-53; Heman S. Royce, 1853-55 ; Henry G. 
 Edson, 1855-57; Myron Buck, 1857-59; WiUiam W. White, 1859-60; 
 Henry A. Burt, 1860-62; Norman F. Wood, 1862-64; Julian H. D. 
 Dewey, 1864-66; Dana R. Bailey, 1866-68; Willard Farrington, 
 1868-69; George A. Ballard, 1870-72; E. Henry Powell, 1872-74; 
 George W. Newton, 1874-76; Henry R. Start, 1876-78; Charles P. 
 Hogan, 1878-80; Harry E. Rustedt, 1880-82; Alfred A. Hall, 1882- 
 84; George W. Burleson, 1884-86; Stephen L. Halliman, 1886-88; 
 Alfred K. Brown, 1888-92. 
 
 County Clerks. — Samuel Willard, 1797-98 ; Seth Pomeroy, 1798- 
 1805; John White, jr., 1805-07; Seth Wetmore, 1807-08; Jonathan 
 Janes, 1809-13; Abijah Stone, 1814; Abner Morton, 1815; Jonathan 
 Janes, part of 18 16; Horace Janes, December 24, 18 16, to March 15, 
 1834; Joseph H. Brainerd, April 15, i834,.to September, 1872; Wil- 
 bur P. Davis, September, 1872, to the present time. 
 
 Sheriffs. — Prince B. Hall, 1796-1804; Thomas Russell, 1804-07; 
 Oliver Day, 1807-09; Seth Wetmore, 1809-II ; Solomon Walbridge, 
 1811-13; Joseph H. Munson, 1813-15; Benjamin Fay, 18 15-17; Shiv- 
 eric Holmes, 1817-21; Joseph Weeks, 1821-28; Timothy Foster, 
 1828-33; Seymour Eggleston, 1833-35; Jeptha Bradley, 1835-39; 
 Decius R. Bogue, 1839-43; John S. Foster, 1843-48; Orson Carpen- 
 ter, 1848-52; Addison Burr, 1852-56; Alvin H. Mason, 1856-60; 
 Rensselaer R. Sherman, 1860-66; Andrew J. Soule, 1866-68; James P. 
 Place, 1868-73; Dana G. Morrell, 1874-75; Julius Halbert, 1876-83 ; 
 Thomas B. Kennedy, 1884-87; Rigney D. Marvin, 1888-89; Barney F. 
 Kelley, 1 890-9 1. 
 
 Judges of Probate. — ^Jonathan Hoit, from 1790 to 1795 as district of 
 Chittenden county; Jonathan Hoit, 1796 to 1805 of Franklin county; 
 Jonathan Janes, 1806-12; Frederick Bliss, 1813; Abner Morton, 1814; 
 Seth Wetmore, 1815-29; William Bridges, 1830-32; Stephen S. 
 Brown, 1833-34; Joel Barber, 1835-36; William Bridges, 1837-44; 
 James Davis, 1845-48; Jeptha Bradley, 1849; James Davis, 1850; 
 William Bridges, 1851-52; James Davis, 1853; William Bridges, 1854; 
 James Davis, 1855; William Bridges, 1856; Amos J. Samson, 1857- 
 
 16 
 
122 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 66; Myron W. Bailey, elected in 1867 and served continuously to the 
 present time. 
 
 The task of bringing Grand Isle county into existence was by no 
 means accomplished so easily as was that by which Franklin and other 
 counties were created; and even when Franklin was incorporated the 
 people on the islands were greatly displeased at the prospect of having 
 their little territory divided, and leaving a part of it still within the ju- 
 risdiction of Chittenden county. Whether they were a part of Chittenden 
 or Franklin made no material difference to the people, but the division 
 of their district by having it part of two jurisdictions was not at all agree- 
 able, and was the occasion of much criticism of the action of the state. 
 The division being made, the only course to be pursued was to obtain 
 legislative action in the direction of creating still another county, to em- 
 brace within its boundaries all the island district from the Canada line 
 south. This subject was agitated soon after the erection of Franklin 
 county, in 1792, but nothing definite was done and the matter assumed 
 no tangible form until 1794, when, in the month 'oi September, a peti- 
 tion was prepared to be presented to the Legislature, praying for the 
 erection of a new county, to be called "Hero," or "The Hero," within 
 the jurisdiction of which should be included all the islands belonging to 
 the state lying north of Colchester Point, and including Alburgh as far 
 as the Canada south line. This petition was signed by twenty-three 
 residents of Alburgh, twenty-nine from North Hero, sixty-three from 
 South and Middle Hero and eight from Isle La Motte. 
 
 This petition was thereafter duly presented to the General Assembly 
 and Governor and Council at their session held at Rutland on the 2 1 st of 
 October, 1794, and on the same day was referred to a joint committee 
 from both bodies. Nothing, however, was done in the matter at that 
 time, and the committee afterward was discharged without recommend- 
 ation or action. On the 20th of October, 1796, the subject was revised 
 and the petition again referred to a similar committee ; and on the 31st 
 the Council took action, as follows: "A bill brought in by Judge White 
 for the purpose of forming the North Hero, Isle La Motte, Alburgh and 
 the adjacent islands into a probate district. Read, and by the Council 
 resolved that the same be sent to the General Assembly to be passed 
 into a law of this state." This was the only proceeding had at the time 
 
Formation of Grand Isle County. , 123 
 
 but in 1799 it appears that the subject came up in somewhat different 
 shape, as the following will show: "A petition signed by the selectmen 
 of South Hero, North Hero, Alburgh and Isle La Motte, in behalf ot 
 their respective towns, praying that a new county may be created out 
 of said towns, with the adjacent islands, with all the privileges and im- 
 munities of other counties, except that all appeals that shall be carried 
 from said county to the Supreme Court of judicature, when sitting in 
 the county of Franklin, was sent up from the House of Representatives, 
 with the following entry made thereon, etc." 
 
 Without referring further to the proceedings, suffice it to say that this 
 petition, like the others, was referred to a joint committee of both 
 branches of the state government, but no action appears to have been 
 taken in regard to it at that time, nor until the 13th of October, 1801, 
 when the Assembly again had cognizance of the matter, this time re- 
 ferring to a " petition from North Hero, another from South Hero and 
 Middle Hero, another from Alburgh and the fourth from the Isle La 
 Motte, all praying for a new county, etc."; this, too, was referred to a 
 special committee. The Legislature of 1802, on the 28th of October, 
 referred to a petition "from sundry inhabitants of South and Middle 
 Hero, stating that the towns of Alburgh, Isle La Motte, North Hero, 
 Middle Hero, South Hero and the islands adjacent, being separated by 
 the waters of Lake Champlain from the rest of the state, are greatly in- 
 commoded by being connected with the counties on the main, as the 
 ferries are wide, and the winds often so tempestuous that a passage is 
 impossible for several days together, and various other inconveniences, 
 and praying that said towns and islands may be erected into and con- 
 stituted a separate county, and be duly organized, was sent up from the 
 House of Representatives with this order thereon: 'In General Assem- 
 bly, Oct. 28th, 1802. This petition, together with the petitions from 
 Alburgh, Isle La Motte and North Hero, referred, etc.'" 
 
 By this time the members of the Legislature appear to have recog- 
 nized the necessity of relieving the condition of the' people on the is- 
 lands by erecting their territory into a new and distinct county ; there- 
 fore on the 9th of November, 1802, the General Assembly enacted as 
 follows: " That the towns of Alburgh, Isle La Motte and North Hero, 
 in the county of Franklin, and the towns of South Hero and Middle 
 
124 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Hero, in the county of Chittenden, together with all such as lie in the 
 state near the above mentioned towns, and are more than a mile from 
 the main land, in the counties of Chittenden and Franklin, be, and they 
 are hereby constituted a distinct county, by the name of Grand Isle." 
 And further, "That at the session of the Legislature in October, 1805, 
 the said Grand Isle county shall be organized for the transaction of all 
 legal public; business as a county." The bill as passed at once went to 
 the Governor and Council, when that body ordered as follows: "A bill 
 passed in the House of Representative, entitled, ' An act constituting 
 the towns of Alburgh, Isle La Motte, North Hero, South Hero and 
 other small islands in Lake Champlain, a county by the name of Grand 
 Isle,' was sent up for revision, etc.; and the same being read. Resolved, 
 to concur with the House in passing the said bill into a law." 
 
 The county being duly erected, its organization followed as provided 
 by the above act. In 1803 the county seat was fixed at North Hero, 
 and the county buildings, when constructed, were built at what is now 
 termed ''the city." But no court-house was built prior to 1824-25, the 
 hotel building of Jed R Ladd being previously fitted for that use, was 
 found sufiScient for the purpose for the time being, In 1824 the county 
 caused a court-house to be built. And in one respect Grand Isle county 
 is distinguished from the others of the state, in that its county building 
 is of native marble quarried on Isle La Motte. The jail forms a part of 
 the court-house, and is entirely secure as a place of confinement, both for 
 debtors and criminals, there being special apartments for each class of 
 offenders. In size the building is forty by fifty feet, two stories in 
 height. On the first floor are apartments for the sheriff's office and res- 
 idence and jail, while the upper floor is used for court purposes. While 
 not a handsome building, the Grand Isle county court-house is never- 
 theless substantial, and therefore attractive in appearance. Towards its 
 construction the town contributed $500, and this that the people might 
 use the court- room as a place for public worship and other proper gath- 
 erings. 
 
 The previous pages of this chapter having mentioned the succession 
 of officers who have represented Franklin county in various capacities 
 It IS therefore necessary that some reference be made to those who have 
 hkewise served in Grand Isle county. 
 
Grand Isle County Civil List. 125 
 
 Grand Isle County Civil List. 
 
 Representative in Congress. — Asa Lyon, 1815-17. 
 
 Presidential Elector. — Samuel Adams, 1852. 
 
 Auditor of Accounts. — Jed P. Ladd, 1876-78. 
 
 As Cotmcillor, Asa Lyon appears to have been the only person 
 chosen from the county, in 1808. 
 
 Chief Judges County Court. — Asa Lyon, 1805-07; Benjamin Adams. 
 1808; Asa Lyon, 1809; Benjamin Adams, 1810-13; Asa Lyon, 1814; 
 Phillyer Loop, 181 5; Benjamin Adams, 1816-23; Lewis Sowles, 
 1824-25. 
 
 Assistant Judges County Court. — Nathan Hutchins, jr., 1805-07; 
 Alexander Scott, 1805-07 ; Stephen Kinsley, 1808 ; James W. Wood, 
 1808; Nathan Hutchins, jr., 1809; Lewis Sowles, 1809-13; Abner 
 Keeler, 1810 13; Caleb Hill, 1814; Phillyer Loop, 1814; Alpheus 
 Hall, 1815-17; Jed P. Ladd, 1815; Ephraim Mott, 1816; Lewis 
 Sowles, 1817-23; Joel Allen, 1818-23; Charles Carron, 1824-25; Sam- 
 uel Adams, 1824; Melvin Barnes, jr., 1825-30; Lewis Sowles, 1826- 
 30; John M. Sowles, 1831-36; Samuel Adams, 1831-36; William 
 Wait, 1837-39; Calvin Fletcher, 1839-42; Samuel Adams, 1843; I^a 
 Hill, 1843-44; William H. Lyman, 1844-45; Wallace Mott, 1845; 
 Henry Reynolds, 1846-47; Lorenzo Hall, 1846-47; David Marvin, 
 1848-49; William Mott, 1848-49; Wallace L. Sowles, 1850-51; Dan- 
 iel Wait, 1850-51 ; Albert C. Butler, 1852; Gideon H. Rice, 1852-54; 
 Jabez Ladd, 1853; Martin Reynolds, 1854-55; Orange Phelps, 1855- 
 56; Henry H. Reynolds, 1856-57; Asahel Allen, 1857-58 ; Frederick 
 Hazen, 1858; Buel Landon, 1859-60; Calvin F. Robinson, 1859; 
 Harry Hill, 1860-61 ; Lewis W. Sowles, 1861-62; Dorus V. Goodsell, 
 1862-63; David S. Sweet, 1863-64; Gilbert Allen, 1864-65; Allen R. 
 Manning, 1865-66; Jabez Ladd, 1866; Ransom W. Darby, 1867-68; 
 Wyman C. Hoag, 1867-68; Alfred M. Kinney, Nelson S, Hill, 1869; 
 Alfred M. Kinney, Peter Fleury, 1870-72 ; William T. Sowles, Ibri C. 
 Minkler, 1872-74; William T. Sowles, Jerome P. Hall, 1874-76; Ran- 
 som Hall, A. S. Pearl, 1876-78; A. S. Pearl, James A. Bronson, 1878- 
 80; Fessenden G. Kingsley, Henry H. Hill, 1880-82; Dexter B. Town, 
 Barber W. Reynolds, 18,82-86; Seneca H. Pike, Stephen Hoag, 1886- 
 90; S. H.Pike, Stephen Hoag, 1890-91. 
 
126 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Senators from Grand Isle County. — Melvin Barnes, 1836; Joel Allen, 
 1837-38; Samuel Adams, 1839-40; William L. Sowles, 1841-42; 
 Wallis Mott, 1843; Henry H. Reynolds, 1844; Lewis Ladd, 1845; 
 Giles Harrington, 1846—47; Solomon J. Davis, 1848; Frederick Hazen, 
 1849; David Marvin, 1850-51; Ira Hill, 1852-53 ; Horace Wadsworth, 
 1854-SS; Asa Reynolds, 1856-57; Orange Phelps, 1858-59; Orville G. 
 Wheeler, 1860-61 ; William H. Lyman, 1862-63 ; Asahel Allen, 1864- 
 65; Henry C. Hill, 1866-67; Jed P. Ladd, 1868-69; A. K. Hibbard, 
 1870-72; Asa Reynolds, 1872-76; Buel Landon, 1876-78; George W. 
 B'eardsley, 1878-80; Elisha R. Goodsell, 1880-82; J. A. Chamberlain, 
 1882-84; Henry Mott, 1884-86; J. P. Hall, 1886-88 ; Nelson W. Fisk, 
 1888-90; Hardy L. Reynolds, 1890-92. 
 
 States Attorneys. — Philo Berry, 1805-06; Solomon Morgan, 1807- 
 08; Eleazer Miller, 1809-10; I. P. Richardson, 1811 ; Asa Robinson, 
 1812-13; James Davis, 1814; Truman A.Barber, 1815-17; Amos 
 Blodgett, 1818-20; Charles H. Perrigo, 1821; Amos Blodgett, 1822-23; 
 Truman A. Barber, 1824; Benjamin H. Smalley, 1825 ; Hector Adams, 
 1826-28; Frederick Hazen, 1829-31 ; Giles Harrington, 1832, Hector 
 Adams, 1833-36; Frederick Hazen, 1837-40; Hector Adams, 1841 ; 
 William W. White, 1842; Frederick Hazen, 1843, 1845-46, 1853, 
 1855; William W. White, 1844; Giles Harrington, 1847-49, 1854; 
 Henry Adams, 1850; John M. Sowles, 1851-52; Henry C. Adams, 
 1856-60; Loyal L. Elbridge, 1861-62; Harry Hill, 1863-64,1867; 
 Sumner E. R. Ladd, 1865 ; John M. Hawrican, 1866, 1868-70; Giles 
 Harrington, 1872-74; Josiah H. Adams, 1878-84; Henry Harrington, 
 1884-86; Elisha R. Goodsell, 1886-90; Jed P. Ladd, jr., 1890-92. 
 
 Sheriffs.— Amos Merrill, 1805-07; Melvin Barnes, sr., 1808-11; 
 Jedediah P. Ladd. 1812; Ephraim Mott, 1813 ; Calvin Fletcher, 1814- 
 26; John M. Sowles, 1827-29; Franklin Robinson, 1830-34; Harry 
 Hill, 1835; Henry B, Mott, 1836-38; Gary Whitney, 1839-43; Abel 
 Brown, 1844; Albert C. Butler, 1845; David G. Dixon, 1846-47; 
 Thomas D. Fletcher, 1848-49; Charles H. Clark, 1850-55; Senaca H. 
 Pike, 1856-57; Solon Reynolds, 1858-59; Edwin Adams, 1860-61; 
 Serens G. Macomber, 1862-63; Giles H. Hawrican, 1864-66; Ran- 
 som L. Clark, 1867-72; Luther Pixley, 1872-74; Henry S. Holcomb, 
 1874-78; George H. Sowles, 1878-80; Henry W. Conro, 1880-84; 
 Marcus O. Kinney, 1884-88; Heman W. Marvin, 1888-92. 
 
Previous to the War of 1812. 127 
 
 County Clerks. — Alpheus Hall, 1805-07; Jedediah Hyde, jr, 1808; 
 Alpheus Hall, 1809; Jedediah Hyde, jr., 1810-24; Joel Allen, 1825-47; 
 Elijah Haynes, 1848-51; William H. Russell, 1852; Gary Whitney, 
 1853; Wyman Clark, 1854-57; Jed P. Ladd, 1858-64; Elisha R. 
 Goodsell, 1865-66; S. H. Williams, 1S67; Elisha R. Goodsell, 1868-71 ; 
 J. M. Hawrican, 1871-77; Rodney R. Hathaway, 1877-go. 
 
 Judges of Probate. — Nathan Hutchins, 1805-06; Thomas Cochran, 
 1807; Nathan Hutchins, 1808-27; Joel Allen, 1828-43 ; Jabez Ladd, 
 1844; Augustus Knight, 1845; Jabez Ladd, 1846-47; SeaJand Whit- 
 ney, 1848-52; Elijah Haynes, 1853-60; Augustus Knight, 1861-66; 
 Heman W. Allen, 1867-77; Flavius J. Hazen, 1879-85; Heman W. 
 Allen, 1886-90. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Events Preceding the War of 1812-15 — British Occupation of Alburgh and other 
 Points South of the Line — Troubles Following the Town Organization of Alburgh — 
 Disturbances on the Northern Frontier — Canada and Vermont Establish Trade Rela- 
 tions — Vermont Favored by the Governor-General — Difficulties Between the United 
 States and Great Britain — British Aggressions— The Embargo Laws — Operations of 
 Smugglers — Franklin and Grand Isle Counties Become Important Points — The Black 
 Snake — John Jay's Treaty of Amity and Trade — British Aggressions Resumed — War 
 of 1812-15 — Political Situation in this Region — British Invasions and Depredations — 
 Swanton Plundered — Attack on Burlington — The Vermont Militia and Volunteers — 
 Battle of Plattsburgh — Land and Naval Engagements — Defeat of the British — Frank- 
 lin County Troops Take Part— British Again Threaten Invasion — Proposed Winter 
 Campaign — The Treaty of Ghent — Close of the War — Peace Again Restored. 
 
 IT would appear that after the long continuance of the French and 
 English wars in America, and this region in particular, and after final 
 determination of the Revolution itself, and after all the troubles exper- 
 ienced by Vermont on account of the controversies with New York and 
 New Hampshire, that this people would be entitled to at least a brief 
 period of absolute peace, but even this seems to have been denied them ; 
 and although the other states were in a condition of general peace after 
 the treaty of 1783, until the outbreak of the second war with Great Brit- 
 
128 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 ain, Vermont was engaged in an almost double warfare against" New 
 York and Congress on the one hand and against the British in Canada 
 on the other, that kept the state in a condition of unrest and disturbance 
 until 1794. One great victory gained for Vermont was her admission 
 to the Union in i79i,from which time forth, until the British withdrew 
 their armed force from the northern fromier, this state was relieved of 
 part of her burden of troubles by the general government of the United 
 States. 
 
 The treaty of peace made in 1783, duly ratified and confirmed, fixed 
 the forty- fifth parallel of latitude as the boundary hne between the prov- 
 ince and the states, except as otherwise determined ; but the British 
 claimed that the people of the United States had frequently violated the 
 provisions of that treaty to such an extent that the Canadian govern- 
 ment felt constrained to maintain an armed force along the frontier, ex- 
 tending as far west even as Detroit. But in pursuance of her line of 
 policy that government not only assumed to protect its own possessions, 
 but actually trespassed upon American soil, having full knowledge of 
 the fact, but determined to show proper resentment of what were claimed 
 to be American breaches of the treaty stipulations. The result of the 
 Revolution defeated the expectation of England in compelling the 
 American colonies to pay the debt occasioned by the earlier wars, there- 
 fore, after the treaty of peace, the mother country directed that all im- 
 portations to the States through Canada should be subject to duties; 
 and that the same should be collected, custom offices were established 
 along the province hne. But, before this rule was adopted and as early 
 as June, 1784, all commercial intercourse between the province and 
 states was strictly prohibited; and not only that, but no person was 
 permitted to pass from Canada into the states without permission. 
 These strained relations between the powers worked to the great disad- 
 vantage and distress of the people of Vermont, as many of the necessa- 
 ries of life were obtained through the channel of Canada. But the Eng- 
 lish government, likewise her Canadian auxiliary, had for some years 
 looked with favorable eye upon the struggling Vermonters, the latter not 
 being treated by Congress as one of the United States, and still hoped 
 for an allegiance between this government and Canada, notwithstanding 
 the results of the war just closed; therefore when the authorities of this 
 
Previous to the War of 1812. 129 
 
 state sought to establish reciprocal trading relations with the province 
 that consummation was reached without difficulty, although limited by 
 certain restrictions. On the 29th of October, 1784, the legislative 
 bodies of Vermont passed an act lor the purpose of establishing a free 
 trade to and through the province of Quebec, and appointed a commit- 
 tee, with Ira Allen at its head, to negotiate with the authorities of Can- 
 ada. 
 
 General Allen at once set about the business entrusted to him, and laid 
 the subject before the governor-general of the province, with the result 
 of that officer's referring the question to the crown but in the meantime, 
 pending the royal determination, agreeing that the produce and manufact- 
 ures of Vermont should be admitted into the province, and the produce, 
 manufactures and merchandize of the province admitted to Vermont, all 
 duty free, except peltries and other specified articles of foreign growth and 
 manufacture. This relation was established only with Vermont, and to 
 the exclusion of other states. The effect of this reciprocity treaty resulted 
 very advantageously to Vermont so far as providing necessaries for life 
 and comfort were concerned, but some person learned of the relation and 
 at once addressed a secret letter, which found its way into the public 
 prints, and thence to Congress, representing that "Commissioners from 
 Vermont are in treaty with the British at Montreal, to bring about a 
 union with the old government;" also, "troops are pouring into Nova 
 Scotia and Canada, from home (England) every day; the posts in the 
 United States are daily fortifying, the garrisons are increased. A storm 
 is gathering over your republics, more terrible than they have ever ex- 
 perienced," etc. This letter, written October 30, 1786, was of course 
 sent out for the purpose of creating greater prejudice against Vermont 
 in her attempts at obtaining recognition in Congress, and was therefore 
 wholly in the New York interest; and the motives it imputed to the 
 Vermont government were false and mahcious. To show the animus 
 of the New Yorkers, not only in the above letter, but in other direc- 
 tions, we quote from an article that appeared in the Vermont Journal, 
 November 20, 1786, the same number in which was the letter referred 
 to. The article was: "It is currently reported, and the report gains 
 credit, that secret emissaries from New York, and creatures corrupted 
 by their influence, are secretly at work in every part of this state, fo- 
 
 17 
 
I30 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 meriting uneasiness among the people, and promoting insurrections. 
 The first essay is said to be to raise a jealousy respecting us in the 
 United States, by industriously spreading reports that we are in secret 
 treaty with Great Britain, and on any future emergency shall espouse 
 her cause." . . "Arise, ye freemen of Vermont! Defend your 
 
 injured independence! Let no insidious foe precipitate your ruin, by 
 persuading you to raise the arm of desperation against your own life, 
 liberty and property." 
 
 On the 1 8th of April, 1787, Lord Dorchester, who was no other than 
 Sir Guy Carleton, issued a proclamation, by which he opened trade 
 with the states bordering on his province, for the admission of such 
 commodities as Canada and Great Britain most needed, but could not 
 produce, and likewise permitted exportatioijs to the states of every kind 
 of growth, produce and manufactures of the dominions of Great Britain, 
 except only furs and peltries. On the 30l:h of April, 1787, the Legis- 
 lative Council of Canada passed an ordinance of the same tenor as his 
 lordship's proclamation, and on the 14th of April, 1788, passed afurther 
 or amendatory act, providing for exports substantially as above, but 
 modifying the importation clause by stating "if the same be made by 
 the route or communication of Lake Champlain and the river Sorel or 
 Richelieu, and not otherwise," thus as far as possible favoring Vermont; 
 for the worthy governor-general had in December, 1787, written that 
 he could not "tolerate any separate intercourse with the people of Ver- 
 mont without infringing the peace of 1783." 
 
 Returning from this digression to the British claim that the United 
 States had violated the treaty stipulations, it may be said that the fourth 
 and fifth articles of the treaty provided that the creditors in either coun- 
 try should meet with no impediment in the collection of debts, and that 
 Congress should earnestly recommend to the several states to provide 
 for the restitution of confiscated estates belonging to British subjects. 
 But, by those articles Vermont could not be bound, unless she was a 
 part of New York state, for she was not then recognized by Congress as 
 one of the states of the Union. Her government was at that time act- 
 ing independently; and in pursuing her policy had quieted James Gra- 
 ham in the possession of lands in Putney, which were claimed by Chief 
 Justice Smith, a British subject. Also, Alburgh was granted by Gov- 
 
Previous to the War of 1812. 131 
 
 ernor Chittenden in 1 781, to Ira Allen and his associates, which terri- 
 tory was a part of Caldwell's Manor, owned and occupied by subjects of 
 the crown, and their rights had been confirmed by the king as a true 
 descent of title through rightful owners from an original grant by the 
 king of France in 1744. The act of Governor Chittenden in granting 
 Alburgh in 1781 was done before the war ended, but it was occupied 
 by British subjects at that time, and whose title was not only not con- 
 firmed in conformity with Congress recommendation, but which was 
 afterward set aside as invalid, in that it was not recorded in New York. 
 Therefore, considering this grant as an element of treaty violation, the 
 British posted garrisons at Dutchman's Point in North Hero, at Point au 
 Fer opposite to Alburgh, as well as at various other places along the 
 northern frontier, even as far as Lake Superior and all within the United 
 States as conceded by the terms of the treaty. 
 
 But the mere granting of Alburgh by Governor Chittenden did not 
 occasion this occupation by British troops, for the territory was claimed 
 by Vermont adverse to New York, and the officers of Canada were fa- 
 vorably disposed to the people of this state, and gave them needed as- 
 sistance; but it was when Vermont had been admitted as one of the 
 United States, and sought to organize Alburgh as a town by electing 
 officers, that the trouble with Canada was commenced, and afterward 
 throughout the region. The various acts of aggression and retaliation, 
 however, were occurrences particularly of Franklin and Grand Isle 
 counties, although the latter had not then been created. In addition to 
 the garrisons heretofore referred to, the British likewise had on the lake 
 an armed schooner, with a full complement of sailors, gunners and ma- 
 rines, which was stationed at Windmill Bay, between Alburgh and 
 Point au Fer, and its commander had supervision of all boats passing 
 through the lake in any direction. 
 
 The first collision between the Vermont authorities and the British 
 appears to have occurred during the month of June, 1792; and it also 
 appears that the British had some sort of an organization in the district 
 of Alburgh, or Caldwell's Manor, for one Patrick Conroy assumed to 
 act as justice of the peace in the town, without authority or warrant 
 from Vermont. Upon learning this the attorney-general of the state 
 made representation of the fact to Elijah Paine, justice of the Supreme 
 
132 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Court, and the latter issued a warrant to Stephen Pearl, sheriff of 
 Chittenden county, directing him to apprehend Conroy and summon 
 him to appear before the court at Burlington. The warrant was given 
 to Enos Wood of North Hero, deputy sheriff of Chittenden county, for 
 service and execution. And it further appears that Wood had a writ 
 of attachment in favor of " Widow Grant, wife of the late Major Grant," 
 against Patrick Conroy, by which he was commanded to levy on his goods 
 and chattels to the amount of fifty pounds. Wood proceeded to Con- 
 roy's home and there found one Minard Yeomans, by whom he was told 
 that Conroy had gone to Missisquoi Bay. He then informed Yeomans 
 that he proposed to attach Conroy's cattle in pursuance oi the writ, but 
 Yeomans forbade the proceeding and called on the people in the house 
 for pistols to resist the attempt. Then Wood and his companions, Ben- 
 jamin Butler and Captain Nathan Hutchins of North Hero, and Nathan- 
 iel Wood of Georgia, took the cattle, and Yeomans as well, and started to 
 return to the ferry at the head of the town. Yeomans was released on 
 promising good behavior, and at once notified Captain Savage of the 
 British garrison, which officer directed him to report the affair to Cap- 
 tain Dechambault, commander of the British sloop; which being done, 
 that officer sent a party of soldiers after the Vermont party and over- 
 took them at the tongue, where they were about to cross over on the 
 ferry to North Hero. The British made prisoners of all four of the 
 Americans, taking the two Wood's and Butler to St. Johns, but releas- 
 ing Captain Hutchins on the ground that he had no part in the affair. 
 The prisoners were placed in the guard house at St. Johns and kept 
 there some days before being released. 
 
 About the same time, on the I2th of June, 1792, Benjamin Marvin 
 was arrested by a party of British headed by Patrick Conroy, for no 
 other reason than his being a justice of the town under the Vermont 
 authority. He was subsequently paroled and released, but not until 
 his commission as justice had been taken from him. And Joseph Mott, 
 the Vermont constable at Alburgh was taken in the same manner,' 
 charged with acting under the state government. Both of these men 
 were ordered to leave Alburgh within two months; and the officers at 
 Point au Fer told Marvin that he had orders to arrest and take into cus- 
 tody all persons or officers acting under any power other than Great 
 
Previous to the War of 1812. 133 
 
 Britain. On the same day Captain Timothy Allen, of South Hero, was 
 stopped by the commander of the Maria, the British sloop, subjected to 
 examination and then allowed to pass on. Major Jacob Smith, of South 
 Hero, made affidavit to the same facts testified to by Captain Allen. 
 
 The occurrence of these events became known to Governor Chitten- 
 den and he directed an investigation by a committee. The report of 
 that committee will show the situation of affairs on the frontier; there- 
 fore, that the present reader may have an understanding of the subject, 
 we make free with Ebenezer Marvin's narration of the occurrence, as 
 follows: "The committee to whom were referred the communications of 
 his excellency the Governor, respecting the disturbances at Alburgh, in 
 June last, beg leave to state the following facts: That Alburgh is a 
 tongue of land connected with the eastern shore of Lake Champlain and 
 lies on the south (should be north) side of this and the United States. 
 The British had, at the time of the late peace, and still have a post at 
 Point au Fer, on the western side of Lake Champlain, some miles south 
 
 of the line of the United States The British have another 
 
 post at a place called Dutchman's Point, on Grand Isle, (North Hero) 
 about half a mile south of Alburgh. The garrison at Point au Fer have 
 never prevented the civil officers of the state of New York from exercis- 
 ing their offices, but have uniformly declared that they had nothing to 
 do with the inhabitants, except within three hundred yards of the gar- 
 rison. The garrison at Dutchman's Point have never interfered in any 
 way with the inhabitants, or done anything beside keeping their own 
 sentries. The people of Alburgh, from the first settlement of the place 
 until June last, have been without the exercise of any government, 
 either civil or military, when they met in town meeting and organized 
 themselves, and chose town officers under the authority and laws of 
 Vermont; when the inhabitants of the town generally took the free- 
 man's oath, and the officers took the oath of allegiance, and government 
 has since been regularly administered, except in the instance mentioned 
 in the communications of his Excellency, on the 8th of June last and 
 from that time until the 12th day of the same June, the British officers 
 of the garrison at Point au Fer interrupted the officers of this state in 
 the execution of their offices, by imprisoning them, taking from them 
 property which they had taken by virtue of writs issued by the author- 
 
134 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 ity of this state and taking their writs from them, etc." The report 
 closes with commendation of Governor Chittenden's course in the mat- 
 ter, both in his letters to Canada and to the president of the United 
 States; and recommends that the governor procure affidavits sufficient 
 to prove to the president that Alburgh is not (October 20, 1794,) occu- 
 pied by British troops, nor under their protection, to convince the pres- 
 ident that the government of Vermont had not, as was charged in cer- 
 tain quartfers, wantonly attempted to disturb the peace of the Union, or 
 interrupt any negotiation between the United States and any other 
 power. 
 
 But the reader must not understand from the extract above that the 
 British troops had been withdrawn from the vicinity of Alburgh and 
 North Hero at the time Councillor Marvin's report was made, for such 
 was hardly the case. What that report undoubtedly meant to state was 
 that the British were not there through any secret understanding with 
 the Vermont authorities, nor as the result of any connivance with the 
 Vermonters. Some persons, enemies of Vermont, were constantly re- 
 porting such statements to Congress and the president, and the latter 
 was in frequent communication with Governor Chittenden relative 
 thereto; and the proofs adduced and forwarded to the president were 
 for the purpose of convincing him that Vermont was acting in entire 
 good faith towards the United States, and that her people were actual 
 sufferers by the British presence on their soil. Without doubt Vermont 
 could and would gladly have sent a force to Alburgh and driven out 
 the invaders, but deferring to President Washington's wishes and re- 
 quests, the power of the Green Mountain Boys was not invoked to that 
 end. 
 
 Vermont was charged with endangering the peace of Great Britain 
 and the United States in 1794; a matter concerning which the "Gov- 
 ernor and Council " says: "The British posts in the United States were 
 steadily maintained, to the annoyance of our government and people, 
 but the discussion between the United States Secretary of State and the 
 British minister was temperate until 1794. In Vermont the statu quo 
 was maintained on both sides without any serious difficulty until the 
 same year, the British troops holding their posts, and Alburgh going 
 on peaceably as an organized Vermont town. But the two nations 
 
Previous to the War||of 1812. 135 
 
 were drifting rapidly to a dangerous point. On the lOth of February, 
 1794, Lord Dorchester publicly declared that he would not be surprised 
 if there should be a war with the United States in the course of that 
 year ; and the movements of the British troops in Canada and events 
 in the United States favored this opinion. On the i6th of April, in a 
 message to the Senate nominating John Jay as envoy extraordinary to 
 Great Britain, President Washington said that the aspect of affairs was 
 serious, and that such a mission, ' while it corresponds with the solem- 
 nity of the occasion, will announce to the world a solicitude for a friendly 
 adjustment of our complaints, and a reluctance to hostility.' On the 
 9th of May of that year Congress authorized the president to detach 
 80,000 troops from the militia for service in any emergency. Such be- 
 ing the aspect of affairs, it is not surprising that the British on the bor- 
 der were more than usually insolent — their chief had encouraged that ; 
 and it is creditable to Vermont that neither its governor nor people 
 gave any provocation for it, but patiently awaited the action of the na- 
 tional authorities." Of the militia for emergency service, Governor 
 Chittenden responded to the president's requisition by ordering out a 
 detachment of three regiments of state militia, numbering 2,129 nien i" 
 all, to be held in readiness as minute men. On the 30th of May pre- 
 ceding. Major- General Ira Allen, anticipating an outbreak, had ordered 
 out the militia of Alburgh and the adjacent islands, now forming Grand 
 Isle county, which of course surrounded the British garrison on North 
 Hero, but there was no collision of troops. During the same year, too, 
 the British not only amassed troops on the frontier, but built two ships 
 of war for lake service, and mounted them with a full complement ot 
 guns. The indignities and insults to American subjects were contin- 
 ued. Royal Corbin was a merchant of Alburgh, and was not permit- 
 ted to pass either up or down the lake, not even to go to Isle La Motte, 
 without special permit from the officers on the Maria. On the 12th of 
 August, two men in a boat approached the shore designing to land their 
 cargo, consisting of forty bushels of salt and a puncheon of rum, for Mr. 
 Corbin's store, but the British fired at the boat from the ship and port 
 at Point au Fer. This not stopping the men, a ship boat was sent in 
 pursuit, which compelled the Corbin boat's return and its cargo confis- 
 cated. These facts were represented to Governor Chittenden by the 
 
136 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 statement of Mr. Corbin himself, and the affidavits of Samuel D. Searle 
 and Roswell Mills. Another of the atrocities of the period was that of 
 the occasion of four English subjects going to the home of John McCall 
 in the town of Sheldon, and committing an assault on that person; for 
 which offense the perpetrators were arrested and fined, but on account 
 of which fining the English authorities complained that Vermont was 
 brutally maltreating her subjects. 
 
 After the appointment of John Jay as minister to Great Britain, the 
 seat of negotiations was transferred from this country to England; and, 
 as the result of his mission, a treaty was finally agreed upon, but not 
 before General Anthony Wayne had an opportunity of administering 
 severe punishment to the Indians and Canadian provincial troops in a 
 sharp fight on the Maumee.on the 20th of August, 1794. In this battle 
 was one company of Vermont men, but none of them from this north- 
 ern region. John Jay's treaty of amity, commerce and navigation was 
 concluded November 19, 1794, and proclaimed February 29, 1796. By 
 the second article of the agreement, the British ports in the United 
 States were to be evacuated on or before the first day of June, 1796, 
 which was ultiniately complied with. Thus ended an embryo war, 
 which, in Vermont, was confined to events enacted wholly in Franklin 
 and Grand Isle counties. 
 
 The amicable adjustment of existing difficulties between the United 
 States and Great Britain was followed in due time by the withdrawal of 
 the British troops from the states, and a friendly relation between the 
 countries was once more established. The effect of the treaty proved 
 most beneficial to the people of Franklin and Grand Isle counties, for in 
 them occurred most of the disturbances in Vermont. The result was 
 the complete establishment of all necessary institutions throughout the 
 towns, all of which within a very few years thereafter became organized. 
 Settlement could now be made without the fear of interruption. In 
 1791 the population of the towns comprising FrankHn county was only 
 1,472, while that of the islands was 1,292. By 1800 the former had in- 
 creased to 6,426, and the latter to 3,787. The chief occupation of the 
 people was agriculture, but to make their lands available for this pur- 
 suit, forests were cut down and lands cleared. The principal manufac- 
 ture was timber, which was shipped or rafted by the lake to Canada, 
 
Previous to the War of i 812. 137 
 
 and there found a ready sale for cash or exchange for such commodities 
 as could not well be made in this northern region of the state. Also 
 pot and pearl ashes were staple productions of the Vermonters, and 
 these, too, found a good market in the province. Thus, by a continual 
 exchange in trade and manufactures, a strong friendly relation was built 
 up between the residents on each side of the line, to sever which, as 
 they were soon called upon to do, was a great sacrifice both in trade 
 losses and friendship, and a few years later they were again at war. 
 
 But the friendly relations that characterized the lives and dealings 
 of the people in this special region did not extend to or exist between 
 the governments, for Great Britain was jealous of the rapidly increasing 
 power of the United States, and saw in that growth a corresponding de- 
 crease m her own strength among the nations of the earth. During a 
 period of several years preceding the second war, the objectionable and 
 odious acts of Parliament were the subjects of much anxiety and regret, 
 and aroused feelings of animosity against Great Britain on this side of 
 the Atlantic. Besides the ofifensive acts of Parliament, the English offi- 
 cers claimed the right to search American vessels, seize all who were 
 suspected of beirig subjects of the king, and force them into their serv- 
 ice. Under cover of this claim the greatest outrages were perpetrated, 
 and by it many loyal persons were pressed into the service of Great 
 Britain, against the well established proof of their identity. These and 
 other equally insulting and injurious occurrences at last forced Con- 
 gress to act; the result was that on the 22d of December, 1807, that 
 body passed the "embargo act," and on March 12, 1808, still another, 
 called the " land embargo." The first had no material effect upon the 
 welfare of the people of this locality, but the latter prohibited commer- 
 cial intercourse with Great Britain and her dependencies. This last 
 was a general act, extending throughout the country, but in no locality 
 did its provisions fall more heavily than upon the people in northern 
 Vermont, whose very comfort depended largely upon the trade relations 
 existing between the people there and in the province ; and they were 
 not slow in expressing disapproval of Congress' action, which was done, 
 in many instances, by calling town meetings, preparing and adopting 
 resolutions, and transmitting them to Congress. Party feeling, too, ran 
 high, and for the time the Federalists were in the ascendency, while the 
 
 18 
 
138 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counffes. 
 
 following of the Democratic and Republican party, (then meaning the 
 same), was correspondingly diminished. But the necessaries of life the 
 people must have, and through the customary and established channels; 
 therefore, notwithstanding the interdiction by Congress, many persons 
 resorted to the act of smuggling commodities from over the border. 
 This was carried on to such an extent that Collector Penniman was 
 taxed to the utmost of his energy to prevent it, but without the desired 
 result. As a consequence that officer, upon the advice of Asa Aldis 
 and C. P. Van Ness, addressed the secretary of the treasury to the effect 
 that it was impossible to execute the law without employing military 
 force. This alarming intelligence coming to President Jefferson, he at 
 once issued a proclamation, addressed particularly to the people of this 
 region, commanding them to cease combining against the government 
 for disobedience of its laws, and disperse to their places of abode. But 
 it is quite evident that the president was misinformed concerning the 
 situation, for it does not appear that there was any combination of the 
 people to violate or resist the laws of Congress : and against the impu- 
 tation of such the town of St. Albans addressed the president, denying 
 the extremity of the situation, or the existence of any combination of 
 "insurgents," or "insurrectionists," but that "if individuals, finding 
 themselves and their famihes on the verge of ruin and wretchedness, 
 have attempted to evade the embargo restrictions, and have actually 
 accomplished their purpose, this could never furnish a just cause for 
 proclaiming to the world that insurrection and rebellion were chargea- 
 ble on the good people of this district ; and with confidence your me- 
 morialists declare their belief that nothing more than this had taken 
 place." 
 
 Notwithstanding this protest, and similar ones from other towns, the 
 power of the military was invoked to assist the custom officers in execut- 
 ing the laws. General Levi House ordered out a detachment of the first 
 regiment of his Franklin county brigade, and stationed them at Wind- 
 mill Point, in Alburgh, for the special purpose of preventing several 
 rafts of lumber from passing into Canada. The rafts, however, did pass 
 the guard, sailing under the cover of darkness, assisted by. 'favorable 
 winds. This escape raised the question of the efficiency of Franklin 
 county's militia, and on the 31st of May, a detachment of 150 Rutland 
 
Previous to the War of 1812. 139 
 
 county militia was called to the place on the same service, and were 
 soon reinforced by a detachment of United States artillery. Thereupon 
 all but seventy- five of the Franklin county men were discharged, to the 
 great indignation of themselves and their brigade. On the 17th of June, 
 1808, a convention of the commissioned officers of the brigade was held, 
 at which was adopted an address to the public, declaring that they had 
 acquitted- themselves with honor, "though they could not command 
 the wind and the waves," and that the ordering of Rutland county mi- 
 litia to stations within the limits of the brigade was an "open, direct, 
 and most degrading insult." However, by October following, all the 
 Vermont militia had been withdrawn, and their places filled by United 
 States troops. Concerning the events of this period, Walton says : 
 "The resort to force by the government served on the one hand to in- 
 crease the fervor of the Federal party and give them the victory at the 
 ensuing election of state officers ; and on the other hand it stimulated 
 the smugglers to desperate and deadly resistance, such as would neces- 
 sarily have called for the interposition of force. They met force by 
 force repeatedly, but the most lamentable example occurred August 3, 
 1808. A party of twelve of the Vermont militia had captured a noto- 
 rious smuggHng vessel called the Black Snake, then moored in the Wi- 
 nooski River, and as they were taking it down the river to the lake, the 
 smugglers repeatedly fired upon them, kilHng Ellis Drake of Claren- 
 don, and Asa Marsh of Rutland, and wounding Lieutenant Daniel Far- 
 rington of Brandon, who commanded the party. Just before the last 
 gun was fired. Captain Jonathan Ormsby of Burlington joined the gov- 
 ernment party to aid in arresting the murderers, and was killed with 
 Marsh. The sergeant commanding the remainder of the militia imme- 
 diately seized all the smugglers except two, who escaped but were sub- 
 sequently arrested. A special term of the Supreme Court was held at 
 Burlington, commencing on the 23d of August ; on the 26th the grand 
 jury returned true bills against Samuel I. Mott of Alburgh ; William 
 Noaks, Slocum Clark, and Truman Mudgett of Highgate; Cyrus B. 
 Dean and Josiah Pease of Swanton; David Sheffield of Colchester, and 
 Francis Ledyard of Milton. Mott, Dean and Sheffield were convicted. 
 Dean was sentenced to death on October 8th, but was respited until 
 November nth, when he was executed. New trials were granted to 
 
I40 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Mott' and Sheffield, both of whom, with Ledyard, were convicted of 
 manslaughter at the January term, 1809. All three were sentenced to 
 stand one hour in the pillory, to be confined ten years in the state 
 prison. In addition Mott and Sheffield received fifty lashes. All were 
 subsequently pardoned by the governor. 
 
 The presence of United States troops on the border, together with the 
 vigilance of the custom officials, had the effect of substantially stopping 
 smuggling operations, but the process was still indulged in to a limited 
 extent by certain parties, and conducted so covertly as to escape the 
 notice of the officers. At the same time the action of the president in 
 sending troops from the other states to guard against violations at 
 home, where were organised miUtia, was the occasion of much adverse 
 criticism on the part of the Federalists, who used the fact as an argu- 
 ment by which they hoped to show to the people, and thus increase 
 their strength, that the Federal government had little or no confidence 
 in Vermont and its institutions, and thereby create more widespread 
 opposition to the policy of the president in enforcing the embargo laws. 
 In January, 1 809, the secretary of war caused circular letters to be sent 
 to the several governors, one to Governor Tichenor of Vermont, by 
 which it was requested that he should select some officer of " the mili- 
 tia, of known respect for the laws, in or near to each port of entry within 
 the state, with orders, when applied to by the collector of the district, 
 to assemble immediately a sufficient force of militia, and to employ 
 them efficaciously to maintain the authority of the laws respecting the 
 embargo," etc. Yet, in this letter the secretary seems to have known 
 that the embargo act was unpopular with the Federalists and others of 
 the people, but he appears also to have viewed its enforcement as a nec- 
 essary evil, and one which was of a temporary nature, and would soon 
 be abolished. In consequence of this communication, Governor Tiche- 
 nor made a visit to this northern region with a view to learning the true 
 situation of affairs and the necessities of the occasion ; and as well to 
 augment the political power of his own party, for he was known to pos- 
 sess strong Federalistic leanings, and therefore opposed to the govern- 
 ment pohcy. 
 
 During this year, 1809, Vermont again came under the cloud of sus- 
 picion, in that her authorities were once more charged with negotiating 
 
Previous to the War of 1812. 141 
 
 with the British officers in Canada. The ground of this charge was to 
 the effect that Governor Tichenor, under pretense of corresponding with 
 the governor- general of Canada relative to the apprehension of counter- 
 feiters, was secretly making terms with that government for an alliance 
 in the event of another war between the countries, of which war there 
 were then existing certain unmistakable indications, and its outbreak was 
 only a question of time. And about this same time the governor general 
 of Canada had a secret emissary in New England to learn the sentiment 
 of the people of the several states, with a view of learning whether 
 an alliance could be made with any party of them in the event of war. 
 The disclosures afterward made to the president developed the fact that 
 this emissary had reported to the governor- general that, should war be 
 declared, Vermont could be relied upon in supporting the cause of Great 
 Britain. This, of course, in no way implicated Vermont in any ques- 
 tionable transactions; it was simply the opinion of an individual, but 
 based upon what he supposed to be the prevailing sentiment of the peo- 
 ple of that state. That John Henry was mistaken in his conclusions 
 was clearly demonstrated by the active part taken by the loyal men of 
 Vermont during the period of the war, and that notwithstanding the 
 opposition and obstructive measures offered by the Federalists, who, 
 perhaps, were the dominant party at the time. 
 
 During the five years next preceding 1812, the entire country was in 
 a state of nominal peace; still, throughout these years there was gath- 
 ering in the political horizon that dark cloud which was destined to 
 again plunge the nation into foreign war. The events which led to the 
 second war with Great Britain were numerous. The United States had 
 scrupulously observed the provision of the peace treaty made with Great 
 Britain at the close of the Revolution. There had been maintained, 
 too, a strict neutrality during the progress of the Napoleonic war with 
 the British kingdom, when every consideration of gratitude should have 
 induced a participation in it against the mother country. The embargo 
 laid by Congress on the shipping in American ports was found so inju- 
 rious to commercial interests that it was repealed, and the non inter- 
 course act passed in its stead. In April, 1809, the English ambassador 
 in Washington opened negotiations for the amicable adjustment of diffi- 
 culties, and consented to a withdrawal of the obnoxious " orders in 
 
142 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 council" so far as they affected the United States, on condition that the 
 non-intercourse act be repealed. This was agreed upon, and the presi- 
 dent issued a proclamation announcing that on the lOth day of June, 
 trade with Great Britain might be resumed; but the English govern- 
 ment refused to ratify the proceedings, whereupon the president re- 
 voked his proclamation, and the non-intercourse act again became op- 
 erative. On the 1 2th of June, 1812, President James Madison sent a 
 confidential communication to Congress, in which he recapitulated the 
 long list of British aggressions, and declared it the duty of Congress to 
 consider whether the American people should longer passively submit 
 to the accumulated wrongs and insults perpetrated by the British ; and 
 at the same time he cautioned the house to avoid entanglements in the 
 contests and views of other powers. War was formally declared on the 
 19th day of June, 18 12, but the measure was not universally supported 
 throughout all parts of the Middle and New England States. The op- 
 posing element was embraced in the Federal party, its chief ground of 
 opposition being that the country was not prepared for war. The Fed- 
 eralists constituted a large and influential minority of the political ele- 
 ment of Congress, and had a considerable following in the several states 
 not active in politics. They asked for further negotiations, and met the 
 denunciations made by the ruling party (that is, the Democratic and 
 Republican, for it went by both names,) upon the English government 
 with savage and bitter attacks upon Napoleon, whom they accused the 
 majority with favoring. 
 
 Before war had been formally declared the president, apprehending 
 coming events and in pursuance of an act of Congress, issued an order 
 for the detachment of 100,000 militia to be prepared for any emergency. 
 Of these troops to be raised 3,000 were apportioned to Vermont, and 
 Governor Galusha immediately issued orders for raising his designated 
 contingent. At that time this state had something like 15,000 militia- 
 men, with 11,000 muskets, 5,000 bayonets, 6,000 cartridge boxes, to 
 which the United States government added 2,500 muskets. On the 6th 
 of November, 18 12, the Vermont Legislature authorized and directed the 
 raising of sixty-four companies of infantry, two of artillery and two of 
 cavalry, to be divided into two brigades for service as troops of the 
 United States for a period of one year. Also, during the same year an 
 
During the War of 1812. 143 
 
 act was passed that prohibited, under severe penalties, any person pass- 
 ing from Vermont into Canada, and contra, without permission from the 
 governor; and also forbid the transportation of any merchandize, prop- 
 erty or goods across the line. This order or act gave rise to great dis- 
 satisfaction and many abuses, and out of it grew many suits against en- 
 forcing officers, which were prosecuted both in the courts of the United 
 States and in Franklin county. So great indeed was the opposition to the 
 act that it was finally repealed in November, 18 13. The troops raised 
 by Vermont for the regular army were in the Eleventh, Twenty-sixth, 
 Thirteenth and Thirty-first regiments of infantry. The Eleventh was 
 organized in 1812, and served throughout the war. The other three 
 were raised ia 1813 to serve one year, and but a portion of the last two 
 was in the Plattsburgh battle September 11, 1814. 
 
 During the year 18 12 in this particular region there occurred no 
 events of importance; the auth )rities employed the occasion in the or- 
 ganization of the regiments for United States service, who were moved 
 to Plattsburgh, and comprised about half the force stationed at that 
 place. They were under command of Major-General Henry Dearborn, 
 a Massachusetts officer. The duty of the troops at Plattsburgh was to 
 guard the northern frontier of New York and the Champlain region of 
 Vermont against any British invasion from Canada in this locaHty. On 
 the i6th of November General Dearborn moved his force northward and 
 crossed the line into the province, designing an attack upon the enemy 
 under Major Salaberry. On the 20th an attack was made and resisted 
 by the Canadians and Indians, but, by an unfortunate mistake, two de- 
 tachments of the Americans found they were firing upon each other, 
 the British escaping in the meantime. After this affair the troops re- 
 turned to Champlain and thence to Plattsburgh. The Eleventh Regi- 
 ment was sent to Burlington and the militia discharged. 
 
 The early part of the year 18 13 was occupied in enforcing the 
 provisions of the Vermont non-intercourse act, and in this business 
 Colonel Clark with the Eleventh Regiment was employed on the north- 
 ern state lines, both in this state and New York. In this service the 
 Eleventh was assisted by the militia under Lieutenant- Colonel Edward 
 Fifield, but on May 13th Colonel Clark's command was ordered to 
 Sackett's Harbor, leaving the militia alone on frontier duty. During the 
 
144 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 month of June Lieutenant Macdonough received intelligence of depre- 
 dations committed by several British gun-boats at the north end of the 
 lake, whereupon he ordered Lieutenant Smith to command an expedi- 
 tion of the two sloops Growler and Eagle for the purpose of destroying 
 the enemy's boats, should they again appear on the lake. On the 2d 
 of June, Smith proceeded to Rouses' Point and anchored about a mile 
 south of the line. The next morning he sailed on down to the Riche- 
 lieu, discovered the gun-boats and at once gave chase, having the wind 
 in his favor; but this favor soon worked to Smith's disadvantage, as he 
 found himself within firing distance of the British works at Isle aux 
 Noix. He then sought to beat back against the wind, but the enemy 
 had begun an attack by both land and water with the result that both 
 American vessels fell into the hands of the British, together with their 
 crews. The captured vessels were refitted by the British, their names 
 changed to Finck and Chub, and used against the American fleet at 
 Plattsburgh in September, 1 8 14, when Macdonough retook them. In 
 July, 1813, after the American troops had been moved to Sackett's 
 Harbor, the British under command of Colonel Murray, their strength 
 comprising two war sloops, three gun -boats and forty- seven long-boats, 
 with more than 1,400 men, made a voyage up the lake as far as Platts- 
 burgh, where they plundered the town, destroyed its main defenses and 
 much public and private property. This was done with the full knowl- 
 edge of Major-General Wade Hampton, commander of the American 
 forces at Burlington, he having near 4,000 men within twenty miles of 
 the scene; yet he did nothing to prevent it. After the British had left 
 the town he sent a party there who captured the picket-guard of twenty- 
 one men left by Colonel Murray. On his return down the lake, Mur- 
 ray sent t>vo long-boats to Swanton, where they destroyed the barracks 
 and plundered the dwellings of several citizens. At the same time Mur- 
 ray sent two sloops and other boats to destroy American transportation 
 boats beyond Burlington. On passing Burlington they fired several 
 shots at the place, but withdrew beyond range as soon as the bat- 
 teries opened fire. On the 2d of August, of the .=ame year, the British 
 made another and more determined attack upon Burlington, bringing 
 into action two armed sloops and several galleys. Their fire was re- 
 turned from the shore batteries, and several of the American vessels 
 
During the War of 1812. 145 
 
 sailed out into the lake, but no engagement took place. The British 
 took a number of merchant boats well laden with provisions, and de- 
 stroyed others. At this time Burlington was garrisoned with more 
 than 3,000 available troops. To offset the British attacks and outrages, 
 the secretary of war determined upon a general campaign against Cana- 
 dian posts, to be commanded by General Wilkinson, whose authority 
 gave him control over all the troops of the ninth military district, in- 
 cluding Vermont and northern New York. Hampton retained com- 
 mand of the Vermont troops, and was to co-operate with the general 
 movement of forces into Canada, and did so, in part ; but he failed to 
 agree with his superior regarding the plans of the invasion and attack 
 upon Montreal, with the result of a virtual failure of the expedition, 
 and the Vermont troops had no part in whatever battles did occur that 
 brought to them any special honor. Hampton resigned his command 
 in April, 18 14. In November of the same year Governor Chittenden 
 fell into a dispute with the Vermont militia, on account of the fact 
 of a portion of the Third Brigade, under Lieutenant-Colonel Dixon, 
 crossing the lake and joining Hampton's command in New York ; the 
 governor contending that the Vermont troops were to operate exclu- 
 sively in the defense of their own state, except under extreme condi- 
 tions. In his displeasure Governor Chittenden issued a proclamation 
 in which he severely criticised the conduct of the state militia, and 
 which was received and replied to by the troops in much the same spirit 
 in which it was given. 
 
 For the campaign of 18 14 the cabinet formed a plan of action some- 
 what similar to that of the preceding year, only on a more comprehen- 
 sive and extended scale. It was decided to send a strong expedition 
 into Canada for the reduction of various British strongholds, Croghan to 
 proceed against the enemy on the upper lakes, Brown on the Niagara 
 frontier, while General Izard was to operate in the Champlain region 
 with a view to cut off communication on the St. Lawrence between 
 Montreal and Kingston. In the distribution of troops for these move- 
 ments the Vermont men were so divided as to form a part of two dis- 
 tinct commands : Clark's detachment of the Eleventh Regiment was to 
 join in the expedition against the Niagara frontier, and the remainder, 
 with Colonel Fassett's Thirtieth and Colonel Dana's Thirty-first, were 
 
 19 
 
146 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 to form a part of General Izard's forces. Without' attempting a detail 
 of the preliminaries, it is sufficient to say that Colonel Clark, on the 
 17th of March, 18 14, entered the enemy's country and took a position 
 at Missisquoi Bay, after having made a sweep to the northward, close to 
 Isle aux Noix, in which he took a! few prisoners, a number of cattle and 
 horses, and sixty stand of arms. Early in April he broke camp, crossed 
 the lake and joined General Wilkinson's command, and with that army 
 moved on toward La Colle Mills. Here a spirited engagement took 
 place, lasting some hours, but the British were so strongly intrenched 
 behind the heavy stone walls of the mills that all eflforts to dislodge 
 them were fruitless. The loss to the British was very light, on account 
 of the strengh of their works, while that of the Americans was consid- 
 erable, they being forced to fight from an open position. During the 
 battle a regiment of British relief troops came to the field, but were 
 quickly repulsed by the Americans, and with some loss. The artillery 
 proving insufficient to breaking the walls of the mill, the Americans re- 
 tired and went to their camping place. 
 
 By the early part of April the British had a considerable fleet of war 
 vessels on Lake Champlain, and their movements were such as to indi- 
 cate an attack upon Macdonough's boats that were building in Otter 
 Creek. Therefore upon application being made to him. Governor Chit- 
 tenden ordered out the militia of Franklin, Chittenden and Addison 
 counties, 500 to be posted at Burlington, and 1,000 at Vergennes, to 
 guard shipping and public property on the lake. By the 22d a strong 
 fortress or battery was built at the mouth of Otter Creek, which being 
 accomplished the militia were discharged. On the 14th of May the 
 British appeared in force on the lake and at once began an attack on 
 the battery at Otter Creek, but which made a determined resistance. 
 The sudden appearance of Macdonough with his new war sloop and 
 several gallies, which also gave battle to the British, had the effect of 
 driving them off, with the loss of two of their boats. The enemy, too, 
 met with a further loss by an attempt at seizing some government stores 
 on Boquet River. Soon after this battle Macdonough came on the lake 
 with his entire fleet, and anchored in Cumberland Bay. off Plattsburgh 
 where he afterward achieved a signal victory. Following these occur- 
 rences, no further important events were enacted in the lake region for 
 
During the War of 1812. 147 
 
 some months, but elsewhere the pubHc attention was diverted by the 
 campaigns progressing with much vigor. On the 2d of July Fort Erie 
 fell; and following up that victory, Scott drove the British to the Chip- 
 pewa Plains, where, on the 4th, another battle took place, with success 
 to the American arms. On the 2Sth of July occurred the famous night 
 battle at Lundy's Lane, in which the Americans were worsted, but not 
 seriously beaten; and on the night of August isth was the third battle 
 at Fort Erie. In each of these engagements was a strong contingent of 
 Vermont men. 
 
 While these scenes were being enacted in other localities the British 
 and American forces were being strengthened and increased on both 
 land and water in the Lake Champlain region, and it remained only a 
 question of time and opportunity when one or the other should com- 
 mence an aggressive mc>vement. In early August Generals Macomb 
 and Bissell, both being in General Izard's command, were at Champlain, 
 watching the movements of the British under Sir George Prevost, the 
 latter having the greater strength, yet showing no immediate intention 
 to move. At this juncture General Izard received orders to proceed 
 with 4,000 men to the Niagara frontier, which he did reluctantly, know- 
 ing that so great a reduction of the army would leave the region almost 
 entirely at the mercy of the enemy. On the 29th of August Izard set 
 out for the west, and on the 30th the British moved toward the south, 
 General Brisbane taking possession of Champlain, while Macomb and 
 Bissell retired before the enemy's approach. Sir George Prevost, the 
 British commander, employed tactics much similar to those of Bur- 
 goyne of Revolutionary times : he issued a proclamation, in which he 
 assured the people not under arms that they had nothing to fear, that 
 their property should not be molested, and that the better way to keep 
 it secure was to remain at home. But at that time, however, strong 
 as may have been the British commander's opinion to the contrary, the 
 people through whose country he was about to pass had but Httle sym- 
 pathy for the cause of Great Britain; and however much of disaffection 
 might have originally existed in Vermont, or elsewhere, regarding the 
 advisability of carrying on the war, that sentiment had been wiped out 
 by subsequent events, and now the whole people were a unit in defeat- 
 mg British success. But the proclamation had the effect of arousing 
 
148 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 the country, for it informed them of the invasion and gave them an op- 
 portunity to meet it. 
 
 At this time the British army amounted to 14,000 men, well armed, 
 and in thorough discipline, and admirably commanded, while the whole 
 American force numbered only about 3,500 serviceable men, com- 
 manded by General Macomb, a brave and efficient officer, but whose 
 army was not trained nor well equipped. Knowing the weakness of his 
 force, Macomb at once called upon New York and Vermont for assist- 
 ance, which was promptly given, and so enabled him to strengthen and 
 fortify the defenses at Plattsburgh. One of these was Fort Brown, 
 which was garrisoned by Vermont men, from the Thirtieth and Thirty- 
 first Regiments of infantry. Macomb acted on the defensive, and sent 
 out detachments to skirmish with the enemy, and retard their advance 
 by destroying bridges and placing obstructions in their road. But the 
 Bri):ish gradually advanced, both by land and lake, each force co-oper- 
 ating with the other. The Saranac was at length crossed, and Platts- 
 burgh reached. Both armies now began preparations for the coming 
 battle, while on the lake Macdonough's fleet was anchored in Cumber- 
 land Bay, off shore and beyond range of the forts. This left the Brit- 
 ish fleet to take whatever position best suited Commander Downie. 
 
 On the morning of the nth of September the British boats passed 
 round Cumberland Head and neared the Americans. This was the sig- 
 nal for the battle both on land and water. For a brief account of the 
 battle between the land forces the writer quotes from the report made 
 by General Macomb to the secretary of war on the 15th of September, 
 four days after the engagement. " It was ascertained before daylight on 
 the 6th that the enemy would advance in two columns on the two roads 
 before mentioned, dividing at Sampson's, a little below Chazy village. 
 The column of the Beekmantown road proceeded most rapidly ; the 
 militia skirmished with his advance parties, and, except a few brave men, 
 fell back most precipitately in the greatest disorder, notwithstanding the 
 British troops did not design to fire on them, except by their flankers 
 and advance patrols. The night previous I ordered Major Wool to ad- 
 vance with 200 men to support the militia and set them an example of 
 firmness. Also Captain Leonard of the light artillery was directed to 
 proceed with two pieces, to be on the ground before day, yet he did not 
 
During the War of 1812. 149 
 
 make his appearance until 8 o'clock, when the enemy had approached 
 within two miles of the village. Major Wool with his party disputed 
 the road with great obstinacy, but the militia could not be prevailed 
 upon to stand, notwithstanding the exertions of their general and staff 
 officers , although the fields were divided by strong stone walls, and 
 they were told the enemy could not possibly cut them off. Finding the 
 enemy's columns had penetrated within a mile of Plattsburgh, I dis- 
 patched Lieutenant Root to bring off the detachment at Dead Creek, 
 and to inform Lieutenant- Colonel Appling that I wished him to fall on 
 the enemy's right flank. The colonel fortunately arrived just in time 
 to save his retreat and to fall in with the head of a column debauching 
 from the woods. Here he poured in a destructive fire from his riflemen 
 at rest, and continued to annoy the column until he formed a junction 
 with Major Wool. The field pieces did considerable execution among 
 the enemy's columns. So undaunted, however, was the enemy that he 
 never deployed in his whole march, always pressing on in column. 
 Finding that every road was full of troops crowding us on all sides, I 
 ordered the field pieces to retire across the bridge and form a battery 
 for its protection, and to cover the retreat of the infantry, which was 
 accordingly done. The enemy's light troops occupied the houses near 
 the bridge, and kept up a constant firing from the windows and balco- 
 nies, and annoyed us much. I ordered them to be driven out with hot 
 shot, which soon put the houses in flames, and obliged these sharp- 
 shooters to retire. The whole day, until it was too late to see, the en- 
 emy's light troops endeavored to drive our guards from the bridge; but 
 they suffered dearly for their perseverance. An attempt was also made 
 to cross the upper bridge, when the militia handsomely drove them 
 back. From the 7th to the nth the enemy was employed in getting 
 on his battering train, and erecting his batteries and approaches, and 
 constantly skirmishing at the bridges and fords. By this time the mili- 
 tia from New York and the volunteers of Vermont were pouring in from 
 all quarters. The militia behaved with great spirit after the first day, 
 and the volunteers from Vermont were exceedingly serviceable. It was 
 reported that the enemy only awaited the arrival of his flotilla to make 
 a general attack. About eight on the morning of the i ith, as was ex- 
 pected, the flotilla appeared inside round Cumberland Head, and at nine 
 
ISO History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 bore down and engaged our flotilla at anchor in the bay off the town. At 
 the same instant the batteries were opened on us, and continued throw- 
 ing bomb-shells, shrapnels, balls, and congreve rockets until sunset, 
 when the bombardment ceased, every battery of the enemy being 
 silenced by the superiority of our fire. The naval engagement lasted 
 but two hours, in full view of both armies. Three efforts were made by 
 the enemy to pass the river at the commencement of the cannonade and 
 bombardment, with a view of assaulting the works, and had prepared 
 for that purpose an immense number of scaling ladders. One attempt 
 to cross was made at the village bridge, and another at the upper 
 bridge, and a third about three miles from the works. At the first he 
 was repulsed by the regulars, at the ford by the brave volunteers and 
 militia, where he suffered severely in killed, wounded, and prisoners ; a 
 considerable body having crossed the stream, but were either killed, 
 taken, or driven back. The woods at this place were very favorable for 
 the operations of the militia. A whole company of the Seventy-sixth 
 (British) Regiment was here destroyed, the three Heutenants and 
 twenty- seven men prisoners, the captain and the rest killed. At dusk 
 the enemy withdrew his artillery from the batteries, and raised the 
 siege; and at nine, under cover of the night, sent off in a great hurry 
 all the baggage he could find transport for, and all his artillery. At 
 two the next morning the army precipitately retreated, leaving the sick 
 and wounded to our generosity ; and Prevost left a note with a sur- 
 geon, requesting the humane attention of the commanding general. 
 Vast quantities of provisions were left behind and destroyed, also an in- 
 numerable quantity of bombshells, cannon balls, grape shot, ammuni- 
 tion, flints, etc. A great deal has been found concealed in ponds and 
 creeks, and buried in the ground, and a vast quantity carried off by the 
 inhabitants. Such was the precipitancy of his retreat, that he arrived 
 at Chazy, a distance of eight miles, before we discovered he had gone. 
 The light troops, volunteers, and militia pursued immediately on learn- 
 ing of his flight." 
 
 In this land engagement at Plattsburgh the Vermont volunteers and 
 militia bore an important part and acquitted themselves with distin- 
 guished honor, for all of which they were especially mentioned by sev- 
 eral military authorities of high repute. No sooner had the news been 
 
During the War of 1812. 151 
 
 spread abroad that the British army and fleet were coming up the lake, 
 than the loyal sons of Franklin county, and others of the state, at once 
 started for the scene of expected battle, and in the scenes that covered 
 several days of constant skirmishing they were worthy actors, doing a 
 full share to check the enemy's advance and hinder their movements. 
 The names of the volunteers from towns of this county who saw service 
 not only at Plattsburgh, but in various other places during the war, are 
 known, and appear in connection with the history of the town in which 
 they respectively belonged ; therefore, need not be repeated here. At 
 the battle of Plattsburgh Bakersfield had a company of twenty- two 
 men, commanded by Captain Stearns; Berkshire furnished for the same 
 occasion six men, under Captain Elias Babcock ; Fairfax sent a strong 
 company under Captain Joseph Grout ; Fairfield was represented by 
 Parson Wooster's company. The Georgia company numbered thirty- 
 six men; Sheldon's contingent was small, having twelve men, com- 
 manded by Captain Weeks ; St. Albans furnished one large com- 
 pany, under command of Captain Samuel H. Farnsworth and Lieut. 
 Daniel Dutcher. Besides these were undoubtedly others of whom 
 mention has never been made. The call for volunteers was so promptly 
 and numerously responded to that many who served escaped notice by 
 their union with the first troops they happened to reach after crossing 
 the lake. 
 
 But before closing this branch of the present chapter, it becomes nec- 
 essary to furnish an account of the naval engagement on the lake, op- 
 posite Plattsburgh, which commenced simultaneously with the battle on 
 the land. The following account is extracted from the official report of 
 Commander Macdonough, of the American fleet : "At 8 A. M. the look- 
 out boat announced the approach of the enemy. At 9 he anchored in 
 a line ahead, and about 300 yards distance from my Hne ; his ship op- 
 posed to the Saratoga, his brig to the Eagle, his galleys, thirteen in 
 number, to the schooner, sloop, and a division of our galleys ; one of 
 his sloops assisting their ship and brig, the other assisting their galleys; 
 our remaining galleys with the Saratoga and Eagle. In this situation 
 the whole force, on both sides, became engaged, the Saratoga suffering 
 much from the heavy fire of the Confiance. I could perceive at the 
 same time, however, that our fire was very destructive to her. The 
 
152 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Ticonderoga, Lieutenant-Commander Cassin, gallantly sustained her 
 full share of the action. At half-past ten o'clock, the Eagle not 
 being able to bring her guns to bear, cut her cable, and anchored 
 in a more eligible position, between my ship and the Ticonderoga, 
 where she very much annoyed the enemy, but unfortunately leaving 
 me exposed to a galling fire from the enemy's brig. Our guns on 
 the starboard side being nearly all dismounted or not manageable, a 
 stern anchor was let go, the bower cable cut, and the ship winded, 
 with a fresh broadside on the enemy's ship, which soon after surren- 
 dered. Our broadside was then sprung to bear on the brig which sur- 
 rendered in about fifteen minutes after. The sloop that was opposed 
 to the Eagle had struck some time before, and drifted down the line ; 
 the sloop which was with their galleys having struck also. Three of 
 their galleys are said to be sunk, the others pulled off. Our galleys 
 were about obeying, with alacrity, the signal to follow them, when all 
 the vessels were reported to me to be in a sinking state ; it then became 
 necessary to annul the signal to the galleys, and order their men to the 
 pumps. I could only look at the enemy's galleys going off in a shat- 
 tered condition, for there was not a mast on either squadron that would 
 stand to make sail on ; the lower rigging, being nearly all shot away, 
 hung down as if it had been just placed over the mastheads. The Sar- 
 atoga had fifty-five round shot in her hull ; the Confiance 105. The 
 enemy's shot passed principally just over our heads, as there were not 
 twenty whole hammocks in the nettings at the close of the action, which 
 lasted, without intermission, two hours and twenty minutes. The Sar- 
 atoga was twice set on fire by hot-shot from the enemy's ship. In 
 this engagement the American fleet comprised the ship Saratoga, 
 commanded by Macdonough himself; the brig Eagle, Captain Henley; 
 schooner Ticonderoga, Lieutenant Cassin; sloop Preble, Lieutenant 
 Charles Budd ; and the galleys Allen, Burrows, Borer, Nettle, Viper, 
 Centipede, Ludlow, Wilma, Alwyn and Ballard, manned by 882 men' 
 mounting in all eighty-six guns. The British fleet was composed of the 
 frigate Confiance, thirty- seven guns, 300 men, commanded by Captain 
 Downie; the brig Linet, Captain Pring, sixteen guns, 120 men; the 
 sloop Chub, Lieutenant McGhee, and the sloop Finch, Lieutenant 
 Hicks, carrying eleven guns, and about forty-five men each. To these 
 
During the War of 1812. 153 
 
 vessels were added twelve gun-boats of about forty-five men each. 
 The total British armament was ninety- five guns, and more than 1,000 
 men." 
 
 These signal victories by the Americans over the greatly larger Brit- 
 ish forces utterly discouraged the Canadian authorities, and taught them 
 a lesson equal in value to that of General Gates in his meeting with Bur- 
 goyne at Saratoga in 1777. The defeated British at once withdrew to 
 Canada, and made ho further demonstration in the states during the re- 
 mainder of the season. However, during the winter following, a cam- 
 paign was planned having for its object the destruction of the American 
 war vessels then laying off Whitehall. In this proposed expedition the 
 British troops and train were to be carried to th.e place of attack by 
 sleighs. But the authorities of Vermont, and of the United States gov- 
 ernment as well, were informed of all that was contemplated by the en- 
 emy, and took effectual measures to resist and defeat such a scheme. 
 At that time the British army aggregated 16,000 men, besides a heavy 
 train of artillery. Major-General Samuel Strong had command of the 
 American force, with headquarters at Vergennes. He was ever on the 
 alert, and had such an organization of his troops as to be able to bring 
 them into readiness for action on brief orders. And his efforts, too, 
 were ably aided and seconded by the good offices of Governor Martin 
 Chittenden. 
 
 The British, however, never made the proposed attack, nor ventured 
 to again invade the territory of the United States. Great Britain had 
 by this time her fill of war with the Americans, and readily agreed to 
 the Treaty of Ghent on the 24th of December, 18 14; the same being 
 ratified by the United States on February 17, 18 15. America had now 
 fought her last battle with a foreign foe, and peace and plenty thereafter 
 prevailed on every hand for many years. 
 
154 History of Frankmn and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 An Era of Peace and Prosperity— Growth and Increase in Franklin and Grand Isle 
 Counties — Population at Various Periods— The Patriot War of 1837-39— Occurrences 
 in these Counties— Citizens' Meetings— Resolutions Adopted— Some Events of the 
 Period— Generals Wool and Nason— The Surrender— Militia from both Counties on 
 the Frontier. 
 
 FOLLOWING the close of the War of 1812-15, the people of Frank- 
 lin and Grand Isle counties, as well as of all the country, entered 
 upon an era of peace and prosperity not hitherto enjoyed by them in 
 the history of the locality, or of the state. Down to the year 1815, 
 even from the first occupation and settlement in this region, the people 
 knew nothing of peace or of its attendant blessings ; the state itself was 
 brought into existence amid the turmoil of war and the unpleasantness 
 of controversy. And when Franklin county was created, though the 
 war was past, and the controversy settled, yet the unsatisfied and inso- 
 lent Britains, in a spirit of jealousy and covetousness, still assailed the 
 infant institutions of the Commonwealth, and sought to promote dis- 
 cord among the people of every community 'in the northern region ot 
 the state. In 1792, the year in which Franklin was created, the British 
 were maintaining garrisons of troops in the towns on the northern front- 
 ier, while their armed vessels sailed about the lake, capturing boat 
 loads of merchandise and other private property, respecting neither cit- 
 izen nor commonwealth, and yielding nothing without exacting prom- 
 ises of loyalty or due and sufficient consideration. By the terms of a 
 treaty made between John Jay, on the part of the United States, and 
 representatives of the Crown, on the other .side, an amity and a reciprocal 
 relation became estabhshed, and the offensive presence of the king's 
 troops was removed across the borders. 
 
 And when Grand Isle county was incorporated, although a nominal 
 peace existed between the two governments, there nevertheless pre- 
 vailed a certain feeling of disquiet, produced in part by the jealousy of 
 Great Britain on account of the rapid advancement in every branch of 
 trade and commerce throughout the United States, and in the almost 
 phenomenal increase of population, which was destined, unless checked 
 
Growth of Population. 155 
 
 to place this government high up in the scale among the more powerful 
 nations of the earth. The aggressive and insulting acts of Great Britain 
 perpetrated during the years just preceding the outbreak only precipi- 
 tated the war, and hastened its final ending. In 1775 and the years 
 next following the American colonies fought for their independence, and 
 in 1 8 12 and succeeding years again contended against the same power 
 from which that independence had been forcibly wrested; and, although 
 between those periods there was no open rupture, there was neither har- 
 mony nor friendship between the governing countries. But, with the 
 peace that followed the second war, the people of this region were given 
 an opportunity to cultivate and increase their land, establish and build 
 up their villages, plant their industries, and bring riches to the country 
 they possessed. 
 
 In 1 791,' the year in which the first Federal census was taken, Frank- 
 Hn county had a population of but 1,472, while Grand Isle numbered 
 only 1,292. Ten years later Franklin had increased to 6,426, and the 
 Islands to 3,787. During the next ten years Franklin increased to 12,- 
 1 19, while Grand Isle fell off to 3,445. The census of 1820 gave Frank- 
 lin 14,635, and Grand Isle 3,727 population. In 1830 Franklin in- 
 creased to 20,977, but Grand Isle decreased during the same period to 
 3,696. Both increased in the next decade, Franklin to 24,553, '^"d 
 Grand Isle to 3,883. In 1850 FrankHn had 29,586, and Grand Isle 
 4,145. In i860 Franklin was found to have yielded somewhat to the 
 western emigrating population, the census of that year showing but 27,- 
 271, but by 1870 it had increased to 30,291, the highest point ever 
 reached; and from that to the present time the population has remained 
 nearly stationary. In Grand Isle county in i860 the highest point was 
 reached, being 4,276; and while there has been a subsequent falling off 
 in population, the decrease has been immaterial and hardly noticeable. 
 
 The years 1837, 1838 and 1839 constituted a brief period of excite- 
 ment and some disturbance in the history of Franklin and Grand Isle 
 counties, growing out of an abortive attempt on the part of a few rebel- 
 lious French subjects in Canada to overthrow the British government in 
 that province. This feeble and ill-advised movement, although it had 
 
 'The figures here given are the same as in the late Gazetteer of the counties, which 
 differ somewhat from other computations. 
 
156 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 numerous sympathizers this side of the line, especially among French 
 settlers here, received no countenance or support from the great body 
 of the American people. But, on account of the fact that certain refu- 
 gees from Canada, and others, plotters and conspirators whose aim was 
 to extinguish the British power in the province, found this region a safe 
 abiding place in which to plan and develope their schemes, the opinion 
 became current on the other side of the line that the United States or 
 the state of Vermont was lending assistance to the threatened over- 
 throw of power. This the Canadian press openly charged with all man- 
 ner of base and unjust insinuations, to such an extreme as to create 
 much of sympathy for the rebellious subjects in the hearts of many peo- 
 ple who otherwise would have scorned the idea of such revolutionary 
 measures as were permitted to be concocted in the state. A number of 
 the leaders of the insurrectionists took up a temporary abode in the vil- 
 lage of St. Albans, among them being R. S. M. Bouchette, a young man 
 of splendid abilities and fine personal appearance; Cyril 'Cate, a physi- 
 cian of prominence and large influence; P. P. Demary, a notarial officer 
 of St. John's, and others of greater or less degree. These were the 
 leaders of the insurgents in this locality, and had a considerable following 
 of adherents who came with them or soon afterward. And Swanton 
 and Alburgh, too, were likewise the center of operations of other per- 
 sons allied to the same cause; and it was but a natural consequence that 
 the end for which these leaders contended should arouse a feeling of 
 sympathy among the French residents in these localities, but whatever 
 action was had or meetings held by them, were conducted secretly, and 
 furnished no occasion for interference by either local or state authorities. 
 Concerning their operations, Mr. Butcher's account says: "They se- 
 cured two small pieces of cannon, some muskets of various paterns, 
 and a small quantity of ammunition and stores. These were mainly pur- 
 chased with money, but it is probable that some portion of them were 
 contributed by sympathizing friends. It was their plan to force their 
 way through the loyal population of the border, to the French country 
 beyond. Having been re-enforced by the arrival of 70 habitans from 
 L'Acadie, and numbering in all just 96 men, they left the village of 
 Swanton Falls, Dec. 6th, at 2:30 p. m. As soon as they had crossed 
 the provmce line, they commenced enforcing levies, upon the loyal op- 
 
The Patriot War. 157 
 
 ponents, of horses and provisions. When the party left Swanton, and 
 again when they reached the forks of the road at Saxe's mills and turned 
 to the right, intelligence was sent forward to the British authorities of 
 their movements. In a straggling and disorderly manner they pro- 
 ceeded slowly, entering houses by the way, when, about eight o'clock 
 p. m., they were fired on by a body of militia at Moore's Corners. This 
 militia force consisted of several hundred men, thoroughly armed and 
 well supplied with ammunition. From a chosen position by the road- 
 side, on a steep, rocky hill, they kept up an irregular fire upon the in- 
 vaders. The rebel party were rallied as soon as it was possible, in the 
 darkness and confusion, and proceeded to return the fire as well as they 
 were able, by firing in the direction from whence the attack seemed to 
 come, but without a living object against which to direct their aim. 
 They stood the fire directed upon them for about fifteen minutes, when 
 they broke and retreated back to Swanton, leaving one dead and two 
 wounded men, with most of their stores, behind." 
 
 The hospitality extended the insurgents by friends this side the line 
 was the occasion of much concern and still more criticism on the part 
 of the Canadian authorities, and they in public assemblages and the 
 newspapers denounced the alleged action as revolutionary aid calculated 
 to precipitate another rupture between the countries. But there was no 
 such sentiment among the people as was charged; they neither favored 
 nor gave aid to the insurgents, but rather looked upon the whole matter 
 in the light of a jest, and the violent denunciations by the British created 
 no alarm in the community, but only served to prolong and intensify 
 the excitement existing on their own side. But at last the Canadian 
 authorities became so vehement and unreasonable in their expressions, 
 threatening to invade the state, destroy villages and property, and an- 
 nihilate the inhabitants, that some serious action became necessary in 
 order to put an end to these inflammatory proceedings on the other side. 
 For this purpose a mass meeting of the citizens of Franklin county was 
 held at St. Albans, on the 19th of December, at which time a select 
 committee was chosen to express the sentiment of the county regarding 
 the threats of the troubled Canadians and their government. Henry 
 Adams was chairman of the committee, and as such made report that 
 "the following facts are clearly established by the testimony of numbers 
 
158 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 of intelligent and credible witnesses, etc.," viz.: "i. That frequent 
 threats have been publicly made, by men of standing, both at St. Ar- 
 mand and Missisquoi Bay, to burn the villages of St. Albans and Swan- 
 ton Falls, and the dwellings of citizens in other places. 2. That fre- 
 quent threats have been made by men of standing in Canada, to cross 
 the line and kidnap those Canadian patriots who have fled to our terri- 
 tory for protection from British tyranny. 3. That armed men acting 
 as British guards, and under command of a British officer, have often 
 been seen at night on this side of the line; and, on one occasion, while 
 in our own territory, made proposals for the kidnapping of one of our 
 own citizens. 4. That a large number of our citizens in various parts 
 of the country have been threatened, as well by the armed guards sta- 
 tioned along the line as from other quarters, with arrest, imprisonment 
 and trial by court-martial, for acts done and opinions expressed within 
 the jurisdiction of the United States; and that lists containing the names 
 of our citizens have been given to the armed guards, with orders to ar- 
 rest the persons therein named. 5. That several of our citizens have 
 been arrested by the armed guards without any just cause; have been 
 prevented from pursuing their lawful business; detained under arrest 
 for several hours, stripped of their clothes, and otherwise treated with 
 abuse and insult. 6. That some of the leaders of the tory faction in 
 Canada, relying on the forbearance of our fellow citizens, have come 
 among us and disturbed the pubUc peace, and brandished their pistols 
 in places of public resort." 
 
 These resolutions and declarations were based on affidavits of respect- 
 able and reliable persons, who had knowledge of the facts stated; and 
 they being, as above stated, read to the meeting were fully approved 
 and sustained. Public meetings were held in other sections, some gen- 
 eral and others local, at which the situation was discussed, and resolu- 
 tions adopted. During the winter following, that of 1837—38, the rebel- 
 lious subjects made more extensive preparations for invading Canada, 
 and during the latter part of February, believed themselves sufficiently 
 strong and well equipped to make a conquest of the province and effect 
 the overthrow of its government. Alburgh and Swanton seem now to 
 have become the seat of operations of the self-styled patriots, and from 
 these points they next moved against the enemy; but the British gov- 
 
The Patriot War. 159 
 
 ernment was informed of every movement and fully prepared to meet 
 and repel the invaders. In the meantime the Federal authorities of the 
 United States had information of what had previously occurred, and of 
 what the insurgents were then proposing to do, using the states as a 
 place of rendezvous, and to which they might safely retreat in case they 
 were overpowered or outnumbered. Therefore, when the rebels assem- 
 bled at Alburgh and Swanton, on the 27th and 28th of February, and 
 soon thereafter crossed the line into Canada, they found themselves con- 
 fronted on the north side by a superior force of British troops, while on 
 the south were Generals Wool, of the United States army, and Nason, 
 of the Franklin county militia. Knowing that aggressive action in 
 either direction would result disastrously, the rebels chose a course 
 thought to be attended with the least punishment as a consequence of 
 their evil doing, and at once fell back and surrendered to General Wool. 
 This surrender ended the disturbances for the year so far as the assem- 
 bling of troops and using either Franklin or Grand Isle counties as a 
 rendezvous was concerned; but the spirit of rebellion was rife throughout 
 other portions of the province, and several collisions took place with the 
 usual result of failure on the part of the patriots. And cases are not 
 wanting in which residents of Vermont found themselves within the 
 ranks of the patriots, and when conflicts occurred and captures were made 
 they were treated as rebels and punished accordingly. The spring of 
 1839 found the same spirit still rampant, and occasionally the British 
 themselves, or their subjects, would perpetrate some act of outrage on 
 this side of the line. To protect the people and property of the north- 
 ern towns, it became necessary that the strength of General Nason's 
 regiment should be again called into service on the frontier, during the 
 month of April of that year. More particular reference to the events of 
 this brief but eventful warHke outbreak will be found in the chapters of 
 town history, in which will be narrated company and individual per- 
 formances in each locality affected. 
 
 From the time of the close of the Patriot War down to the outbreak 
 of the Rebellion of 1861-65, there occurred no untoward event to dis- 
 turb the happiness or prosperity of tl?e people, but some years before 
 the Southern states seceded from the Union there were certain unmis- 
 takable indications of coming strife, but no person in the whole land 
 
i6o History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 for a moment believed that so serious a calamity was about to fall 
 upon the nation, and involve its people in a civil war of nearly five 
 years duration. 
 
 CHAPTER Xn. 
 FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES DURING THE REBELLION. 
 
 THE record made by the volunteers of Franklin and Grand Isle coun'- 
 ties from the first blaze of hostile cannon until secession was bur- 
 ied at Appomattox by the surrender of General Lee's sword, forms one 
 of the most brilliant of the many grand chapters of their history. To 
 faintly picture their service it will be necessary to refer to the records of 
 the regiments to which the volunteers belonged, which forms an un- 
 broken chain of testimony to demonstrate the patriotism of the counties' 
 soldiery. But the well-known martial spirit of these counties was not 
 born with the outbreak of the Rebellion ; it was alive when the sturdy 
 pioneer first settled the forest, that prosperous towns might spring up, 
 agricultural interests be enlarged, and the mechanical arts add to the 
 wealth of the progressive inhabitants; it was in being when Franklin 
 county itself was brought into existence, for at that time, although a 
 nominal peace prevailed, there was nevertheless an armed British force 
 both on land and lake within the borders of the county, sent thither by 
 the English government to annoy the settlers in the possession of their 
 lands and properties, under the spurious claim that the region then was 
 a part of the British province. That same determined spirit was inher- 
 ited by a later generation of sons of Vermont, and became manifest 
 when in 1812 and the years following the government of Great Britain 
 again sought to wrest the control of America from the people that held 
 it ; for, despite the opposition of the Federalists, and their obstructive 
 measures, the loyal men of the region again marched in defense of the 
 country and performed well their part in driving the invaders from the 
 land, thus preserving intact our national institutions. 
 
 Following the second war with England, that spirit slept, and the 
 only manifestation of its presence was on the grand old days of " gen- 
 
War of the Rebellion. i6i 
 
 eral training," when the farmer, the mechanic, and woodsman aban- 
 doned toil, and hied away to the "muster," to eat Yankee gingerbread 
 and drink new cider, and boast of the prowess of the American eagle. 
 
 In connection with the military history of Franklin and Grand Isle 
 counties, during the late civil war, one singular circumstance becomes 
 noticeable, and that in the fact that there was hardly a command organ- 
 ized or recruited in this region, whether infantry, cavalry, artillery or 
 any other arm of the service, but that had among its members at least 
 a small representation from this locality ; and while no entire regiment 
 was recruited in the county, the men appear to have been scattered 
 throughout various commands to an extent more noticeable than in the 
 majority of counties in the state. 
 
 Perhaps the most distinguished officer in the service from Franklin 
 county was General George J. Stannard, whose greatest honor came in 
 connection with his splendid service at Gettysburg in July, 1863, when 
 he, at the head of the Vermont Brigade, an organization hardly less 
 famous than its valiant commander, seeing and accepting the grand op- 
 portunity, swept into the rear of Pickett's division, on the occasion of 
 that general's historic charge, and turned the tide of battle in favor of 
 the Union arms. Had General Stannard failed to act on this moment- 
 ous occasion, he would have been remiss in a plain duty, but it was in 
 observing closely the enemy's movements, and striking at the right 
 time, and so effectually, too, that brought honor and glory both to com- 
 mander and men. 
 
 George J. Stannard was born in Georgia, on the 20th of October, 1 820, 
 and at the time of his enlistment was a resident and business man at St. 
 Albans, being then connected with the Foundry Company in a clerical 
 position. And it is said of him, that he was the first man in the state 
 to offer his services as a volunteer, but he does not appear to have been 
 associated with the first regiment of Vermont troops, as the governor 
 had determined to reserve him for another command which he had de- 
 cided to recruit.' 
 
 The First Regiment. 
 This command was raised in April, 1 86 1, and mustered into service on 
 the 2d of May. The greater portion of its strength from FrankHn county 
 21 
 
1 62 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 was in the "Ransom Guards" of St. Albans and the "Green Mountain 
 Guards" of Swanton, both of which were organized companies and vol- 
 unteered at once on the call for men. But other towns of the county, 
 with two or three from Grand Isle, also formed a part of the First, as will 
 be seen from the roll appended. On the field and staff of this regi- 
 ment was Adjutant Hiram Stevens of Enosburgh, while the company 
 officers from the county were Captain Lawrence D. Clark, First Lieu- 
 tenant Albert B. Jewett, Second Lieutenant John Sheriden, all of Swan- 
 ton, of company A ; Captain Charles G. Chandler, First Lieutenant 
 Hiram E. Perkins, and Second Lieutenant Freeborn E. Bell, all of St. 
 Albans, of company C. The First Regiment was mustered into service 
 May 2, 1861, and mustered out August 15, 1861. 
 
 Roster First Regiment. — Bakersfield, Thomas Ryan, private, com- 
 pany A. Berkshire, Orloff H. Whitney, private, company C. Enos- 
 burgh, George E. Cutting, private, company C; Austin W. Fuller, pri- 
 vate, company C ; Ephraim S. Leach, private, company C. Fairfax, 
 Osman V. Bellows, musician, company C ; Josiah B. Bowdrich, private, 
 company C; Albert Graham, private, company H. Fairfield, Israel 
 Blair, Hamilton S. Gilbert, Squire A. Marvin, Romeo W. Merrill, 
 Henry Phelps, Ephraim S. Reed, Joseph E. Rodgers, John H. Sturte- 
 vant, all privates in company C. Franklin, Edson Alger, John Saw- 
 yer, jr., Edward F. Sisco, privates, company A ; George W. Burleson, 
 George Currier, privates, company C. Georgia, Frederick F\ Bliss, 
 James Cavenaugh, Frank B. Eustace, Joseph Pocket, Charles Turner, 
 Edward Warner, Charles A. Wightman, privates in company C; By- 
 ron J. Hurlburt, private, company A. Highgate, Clark Barr, corporal, 
 company A ; George A. Beebe, private, company H; Antoine Bouvier, 
 Edgar Burns, WiUiam Church, Robert A. Clark, Frederick Cowley, 
 Oramel Cummings, Frank Dragon, William Edwards, Cornelius Frink, 
 Barney McClusky, Luther Morets, Chester F. Nye, Myron H. Pelton, 
 WiUiam H. Penniman, Levi Smith, Edwin W. Skuls, Hiram F. Smith, 
 Mathew Stockwell, Charles E. Thomas, George E. Vaiighn, Henry H. 
 Wooster, all privates of company A ; Loren Chappell, Dewey Sand- 
 ford, privates, company C. Sheldon, George Bradley, John S. Sulli- 
 van, privates, company A; William H. Button, Miner E. Fish, Will- 
 iam H. Wells, privates, company C. St. Albans, Henry Gilmore, 
 
War of the Rebellion. 163 
 
 sergeant, company C, mustered out of service August 25, 1861 ; George 
 H. Kittredge,- William H. Livingston, Lewis McD. Smith, sergeants, 
 company C; Edmund Brigham, Morgan A. Doty, Henry P. Duclos, 
 Alonzo R. Hurlburt, corporals of Company C; Luther A. Green, mu- 
 sician, company C ; Napoleon Batoon, Osgood Blanchard, Charles H. 
 Bradley, Thomas Byrnes, Nelson E. Carl, Daniel S. Foster, Lester B. 
 Green, Sidney S. Green, Aaron B. Harris, Robert McCarroll, Charles A. 
 McCluskey, John C. McGowan, Theron Mitchell, Andrew E. Miller, 
 Edward C. Morton, John W. Moss, Carter H. Mason, Daniel O'Drian, 
 John H. Parsons, Jess B. Perkins, George W. Roberts, Brainerd H. 
 Stickney, Lucius G. Stiles, Andrew Stevens, Lawrence Stone, John 
 Stone, William Welchman, Allen Wright, privates of company C; War- 
 ren W. Conger, Charles M. Cook, William W. Garvin, ^Stephen Hurst 
 (deserted May 11, 1861), Diamond B. Mitchell, Anson W. Washburn, 
 privates of company A. Swanton, Valentine G. Barney, Friend H Bar- 
 ney, George G. Blake, Horace A. Hyde, sergeants of company A; Ed- 
 gar N. BuUard, Hiram S. Currey, Martin B. Rugg (died at Brattleboro, 
 Vt., August 16, 1861), corporals of company A; James D. Mason, 
 Henry G. Stearns, musicians, of company A ; George Allen, Philip D. 
 Arsino, William H. Bell, William H. Blake, 2d, Samuel G. Brown, Al- 
 exander W. Chilton, Richard Coolumb, Andrew J. Crawford, Sumner H. 
 Jennison, James Kingsley, Perry Lake, George S. Mansur, Guy C. Mar- 
 tin, Harrison H. Meigs, William A. Merrick, Bradford S. Murphy, Ben- 
 jamin Peak, Lorenzo F. Pratt, James H. Rood, Zelah Seymour, Will- 
 iam H. Spencer (died at Brattleboro, Vt, August 18, 1861), William C. 
 Tracy, privates of company A ; Romeo W. Bullard, Seymour H. Wood, 
 privates of company C. 
 
 The Second Regiment. 
 
 The recruiting posts in Franklin county for the reception of volun- 
 teers in the various companies that comprised the Second Regiment of 
 Vermont troops, were in the towns of Fletcher and Franklin, but the 
 greater part of the county's contingent of men was from Bakersfield, 
 Fairfax and Fletcher, the latter leading in number. The volunteers, 
 regardless of locality, were mainly in company H, while D and G had 
 a few. The Second was organized immediately following the First, and 
 
164 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 was mustered into service on the 20th of June, 1861. Tlie final mus- 
 ter out was July 15, 1865, a fair proportion of the men having veteran- 
 ized, and serving four years and nearly a month more. 
 
 In arranging for the commanding officers of the Second the colo- 
 nelcy was given to Henry Whiting, then a regular army officer, gradu- 
 ate from West Point, and stationed in Michigan. George J. Stannard 
 was commissioned lieutenant- colonel June 6, 1861, from which position 
 he was promoted to colonel of the Ninth Regiment on May 21, 1862. 
 Melvin J. Hyde, of Isle La Motte, was commissioned assistant-surgeon 
 September 12, 1863, and promoted surgeon August i, 1864. Of the 
 company officers Joshua P. Sawyer, of St. Albans, enlisted as private in 
 company H, May 7, 1861 ; promoted sergeant June 20, 1861 ; second 
 lieutenant company H, January 25, 1862; first lieutenant company C, 
 September 26, 1863; wounded May 25, 1864, and was mustered out 
 June 29, 1864. Jerome B. Case, of Fletcher, was commissioned first lieu- 
 tenant company H, May 23, i86i ; resigned September 4, 1861. Ches- 
 ter K. Leach, of Fletcher, was commissioned second lieutenant com- 
 pany H, June 20, 1861 ; first lieutenant September 12, 1861 ; mustered 
 out June 29, 1864. George Buck, jr., of Fairfax, was enlisted as pri- 
 vate company H, May 14, 1861 ; promoted corporal June 20, 1861 ; 
 sergeant August I, 1863; re-enlisted January 31, 1864; wounded May 5, 
 1864; first sergeant September i, 1864; mustered out July 15, 1865. 
 
 The Second rendezvoused at BurUngton, June, 1861, and went into 
 Camp Underwood, where the men were drilled preparatory to active 
 duty in the field. While in camp the regiment was uniformed, the cloth 
 being of Vermont manufacture ; and here, too, the boys were furnished 
 old pattern smooth bore muskets, much to their dissatisfaction, for they 
 expected modern rifles. In due season the regiment was ordered to 
 Washington, where, on the morning of June 26th, it camped on Capi- 
 tol Hill, but on the loth of July moved into Virginia, and was brigaded 
 with the Third, Fourth and Fifth Maine regiments under O. O. Howard. 
 In the fall of 186 1, at the suggestion of General W. F. Smith, otherwise 
 known as "Baldy" Smith, the Second was organized with other Ver- 
 mont regiments into the "Vermont Brigade." 
 
 Battles of the Second Vermont.— In 1861, Bull Run, July 21. 1862 
 Lee's Mills, April 16 ; Williamsburg, May 5 ; Golding's Farm, June 26 '; 
 
War of the Rebellion. 165 
 
 Savage Station, June 29; White Oak Swamp, June 30; Crampton's 
 Gap, September 14; Antietam, September 17; Fredericksburg, De- 
 cember 13. 1863, Mary's Heights, May 3 ; Salem Heights, May 4; 
 Fredericksburg, June 5; Gettysburg, July 3; Funkstown, July 10 ; Rap- 
 pahannock Station, November 7. 1864, Wilderness, May 5 to 10; 
 Spottsylvania, May 10 to 18; Cold Harbor, June i to 12; Petersburg, 
 June 18; Charlestown, August 21; Opequan, September 13; Winches- 
 ter, September 19; Fisher's Hill, September 21 ; Mount Jackson, Sep- 
 tember 24; Cedar Creek, October 19. 1865, Petersburg, March 25 and 
 April 2 ; Sailor's Creek, April 6. 
 
 Roll of Second Regiment. — Term of service three years. Bakersfield, 
 John Ayres, Sanford R. Barnes, Oramel W. Doane, Stores W. Start, 
 Robert N. Worthing, James M. Worthing, Charles E. Tupper, Lewis M. 
 Wilson, Charles L. Holmes, John B. Lute. Enosburgh, Benjamin F. 
 Coffin, Sylvester Turner. Fairfax, Sarvarnard Blake, George Buck, 
 Jed. C. Butler, Norman Dunbar, Joseph C. Felton, Moses L Hamblin, 
 Isaac C. Lathe, Lucius J. Loveland, Hampton L. Maxfield, James Mc- 
 Cartney, Adrian J. Merrill, Francis J. Naylor, Alonzo Paris, Walter S. 
 Picknell, Hiram E. Soule, Zadock Ufford, William L. Wells. Fairfield, 
 Walter Chase, William Cooley, Jay Hogaboom, William Mulhulum, 
 Amos Warren. Fletcher, Caleb A. Aldrich, Charles W. Bingham, Le- 
 roy M. Bingham, Charles R. Blair, Bingham Chase, Walter Chase, 
 George Crown, Samuel Crown, David H. Davis, Edward D. Ellis, Fred- 
 erick D. Ellis, Eli EUenwood, Robert N. Fulton, Sherman Griffin, 
 Alonzo Kingsley, William L. Kingsley, Albert G. Leach, William H. 
 Leach, Edward Metras, Edgar K. Montague, Hollis R. Montague, Sum- 
 ner E. Parker, LaFavour C. Perkins, Vernon D. Rood, Samuel W. 
 Royce, Alfred Riggs, George E. Robinson, Philander W. Reed, Wait 
 Scott, William Slater, Charles Spaulding, Ezra W. Squires, Charles H. 
 Stowe, James W. Ryan. Georgia, Henry L. Ballard, Chellis Kingsley, 
 Joseph Papin. Montgomery, Edwin W. Leatherland, Joseph S. Clark. 
 Sheldon, Thomas C. Ross. St. Albans, Harrison Clair, Orlando R. 
 Green, James Kneeland, Charles Labell, WiUiam McDonald, James 
 Ryan, Joshua P. Sawyer. Grand Isle, George Crown. Isle La Motte, 
 Melvin J. Hyde. South Hero, Peter Akey, Henry W. Conroe, Win- 
 field S. Fletcher, Charles C. Landon, Benjamin Martin, Thomas Martin, 
 Noah Martell. 
 
i66 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 The Third Regiment. 
 
 The organization of the Third Vermont followed closely upon that of 
 the Second, being mustered into service on the i6th of July, 1861; and, 
 like the Second, this command had recruits from nearly every town in 
 Franklin county, Bakersfield, Fairfield and Richford furnishing the 
 greater number of men. Grand Isle county was also represented, the 
 contingent, however, being quite small. 
 
 In the organization of the Third, Captain William F. Smith, of the 
 United States army, was commissioned colonel, but in August following 
 was promoted brigadier-general of U. S. Volunteers. To all intents and 
 purposes Colonel Smith might be considered a Franklin county contri- 
 bution to this command, he having been born in Vermont, and a nephew 
 of J. Gregory Smith, of St. Albans. The only other field and staff offi- 
 cer from this county was Waterman F. Covey, of Fairfield, who was 
 commissioned first lieutenant company H, June 3, 1861, and adjutant 
 September 25, 1861, resigned July 24, 1862. Thomas F. House, of St. 
 Albans, was commissioned captain company H, June 3, 1861, resigned 
 October 16, 1862. Sidney S. Brigham, enlisted private, company H, 
 June I, 1861 ; promoted first sergeant July 16, 1861 ; second heutenant 
 company A, August 10, 1861 ; transferred to company H, October 16, 
 1861 ; promoted first lieutenant September 22, 1862; captain Janu- 
 ary 15, 1863 ; mustered out July 27, 1864. Romeo H. Start, of Frank- 
 lin, second lieutenant company H, June 3, 1861 ; first lieutenant Novem- 
 ber 7, i86( ; captain company E, September 22, 1862; resigned May 19, 
 1863. John S. Tupper, of Bakersfield, enlisted private, company H, 
 June I, 1861; corporal July 16, 1861 ; sergeant June i, 1863; veteran 
 December i, 1863; transferred to company K, July 25, 1864; first ser- 
 geant August 27, 1864; first lieutenant October 18, 1864; mustered 
 out July II, 1865. 
 
 The Third was rendezvoused at St. Johnsbury, on the Caledonia 
 county fair grounds, "Camp Baxter," the last company arriving there 
 on July 3d. On the i8th of July the regiment was ordered to Wash- 
 ington and reached that city on the 26th, but marched the next day to 
 Georgetown Heights, and there encamped. From the latter part of 
 July until early September the men of the Third enjoyed a compara- 
 
War of the Rebellion. 167 
 
 tively easy life, but commencing with the affair at Lewinsville, and from 
 that until the first part of April, they experienced all the hardships and 
 privations of army life. The story is best told by the list of engage- 
 ments, viz.: In i86r, Lewinsville, September 11. 1862, Lee's Mills, 
 April 16; Williamsburg, May 5 ; Golding's Farm, June 26; Savage 
 Station, June 29; White Oak Swamp, June 30; Crampton's Gap, 
 September 14; Antietam, September 17; First Fredericksburg, De- 
 cember 13. 1863, Mary's Heights, May 3; Salem Heights, May 4; 
 Fredericksburg, June 5; Gettysburg, July 3; Funkstown, July 10; 
 Rappahannock Station, November 7. 1864, Wilderness, May 5-10; 
 Spottsylvania, May 10-18; Cold Harbor, June 1-12; Petersburg, June 
 18; Ream's Station, June 29; Washington, July 11; Charlestown, 
 August 21; Opequan, September 13; Winchester, September 19; 
 Fisher's Hill, September 21-22; Cedar Creek, October 19. 1865 
 Petersburg, March 25, 27, and April 2. 
 
 Roll of Third Regiment. — Term of service three years. Bakersfield, 
 John S. Tupper, Edgar D. Fletcher, Erastus B. Fletcher, Orange N. 
 Flood, Solomon Niles, Truston Robinson, Robert Monroe. Joseph Mar- 
 tin, Worthington G. Paige, Henry R. Start, Lucius D. Willett. Berk- 
 shire, Cassius B. Fisher, Horatio N. Hogaboom, Orrin Hogaboom, Will- 
 iam Kelton, Salem Vagien, Alvin A. Woodward. Enosburgh, Bernard 
 Cogan, Timothy Green, Henry Lozir, Henry Martin, Eli W. Nobles, 
 Samuel Page, Edward H. Smith, Salem Viggin, Levi R. Whitney. 
 Fairfax, Frank A. Johnson. Fairfield, Clarence Barlow, William Belcer, 
 Joseph Blainshaw, Nelson Bro, Egbert C. Colburn, Edgar D. Leach, 
 Wesley Mitchell, Harmon D. Olds, Antoine Provost, Ephraim H. Reed, 
 David A. Searles, Allen B. Sturges, Ezra B. Sturges, Smith Sturges. 
 Fletcher, Patrick Ryan. Franklin, Benjamin D, Atwood, Joseph Blair, 
 Felix Burnor, Chauncy Elrich, Michael Maloney, John C. Patten, Abra- 
 ham R. Proper, Paschal P. R. Richley, George W. Truax, Merritt A. 
 White. Highgate, George W. Hogaboom. Montgomery, John E. 
 Searle. Richford, Myron W. Bailey, Milo S. Barber, Tristian C. Blanch - 
 ard, Leonard S Bolton, William Chatfield, Almiron Davis, Austin Da- 
 vis, Michael L. Fay, George Mercer, George W. Rogers, John D. Smith, 
 Peter Tondro, John Work, Mercelles D. Williams. Sheldon, George H. 
 Allard, Benjamin F. Flood, Henry Plumb, Barton Gilbert. St. Albans, 
 
1 68 History of Fkanklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Sidney J. Bush, Michael Bergin, Isaac H. Draper, Evelyn F. Garvin, 
 Charles E. W. Howe, Michael Kegan, Peter Kelly, Clark Oliver. Swan- 
 ton, Patrick Dolan, George L. Donaldson, Edwin C. Lake. Alburgh, 
 John B. Brown, Baily B. Brownson, Henry B. Butler, Hardy H. Ladue, 
 Asahel A. Manning, Merritt Manzer, George M. Mott, Sumner A. Niles. 
 Grand Isle, Aimon B. Moody, Byron A. Hoag, David W. Phelps, Will- 
 iam W. Smith. Isle La Motte, Benjamin F. Bell, John D. Bowman. 
 
 The. Fourth Regiment. 
 
 In the Fourth Regiment of Vermont volunteers were perhaps as few 
 Franklin county men as in any of the three years' commands sent from 
 the state into the service. From Grand Isle county there were no men 
 in this regiment. The local contingent was so small that none of the 
 commissioned officers were from the county. The Fourth was mustered 
 into service September 20, 1861, and mustered out July 13, 1865. The 
 first engagement in which the regiment participated was at Lee's Mills, 
 April 16, 1862, from which time forth the battles were substantially the 
 same as mentioned in connection with preceding regiments. 
 
 Roll of Fourtli Regiment. — Bakersfield, Joseph Dudley, Lawrence M. 
 Felch, Joseph Girard. Fairfield, Isaac P. Simpson. Fletcher, Cyrus M. 
 Sanderson. St. Albans, Hypolite Alix, Charles Burnham. Swanton, 
 John C. Truax. 
 
 The Fifth Regiment. 
 
 Towards the numerical strength of the Fifth Regiment the county of 
 Franklin contributt-d as many volunteers as it did to any other three 
 years' command during the war, with the possible exception of the First 
 Cavalry. Every town in both counties was represented in the Fifth. 
 Franklin's contingent aggregated nearly 250 men, while Grand Isle sent 
 thirty-five men. Berkshire, Enosburgh, Fairfield, Highgate and Shel- 
 don were prominently represented in the Fifth, while each of the other 
 t )wns furnished a fair number of recruits. The principal recruiting sta- 
 tions in Franklin county were at St. Albans and Swanton, but the other 
 towns had the means of enlistment for all who volunteered. 
 
 The Fifth Regiment has always been looked upon and regarded as a 
 Franklin county organization, and one in which the people have ever 
 
War of the Rebellion. 169 
 
 felt great interest, and this notwithstanding the fact that less than half 
 the regiment was from the county. The Fifth rendezvoused at St. Al- 
 bans on the Seymour farm, jusL north of the village. The camp was 
 named "Camp Holbrook," in honor of Vermont's then newly elected 
 governor. Before the middle of September, 1861, the companies were 
 all arrived at the camp, and were mustered into service on the i6th and 
 17th. The command of the Fifth was given to Colonel Henry A. Smal- 
 ley, formerly captain of artillery, U. S. A. Nathan Lord, jr., was com- 
 missioned lieutenant- colonel and Redfield Proctor as major. Among 
 the field and staff-officers were a few from Franklin county, some of the 
 names being now familiar to the people of the county. Aldis O. Brain- 
 erd, of St. Albans, held the commission of quartermaster, dating from 
 August 24th, but his muster as an officer of the Fifth occurred Septem- 
 ber 1 6th. Quartermaster Brainerd served with the Fifth until May 28, 
 1862, when he resigned to perform more important service for the gov- 
 ernment. Volney M. Simons, of Swanton, was mustered as chaplain 
 September 16, 1861 ; resigned March, 1862. Charles G. Chandler, of 
 St. Albans, was commissioned captain company A, but resigned May I, 
 1862. Alonzo R. Hurlbut, of St. Albans, commissioned first-lieutenant 
 company A, September 3, 1861 ; promoted captain June 15, 1862; 
 died June 9, 1864, of wounds received at Wilderness May 5, 1864. 
 John D. Sheriden, of Swanton, commissioned captain company C, Sep- 
 tember 5, 1861 ; resigned July 10, 1862. Friend H. Barney, of Swan- 
 ton, commissioned first lieutenant company C, September 5, 1861; 
 captain July 9, 1862; wounded May 5, 1864; mustered out of service Sep- 
 tember 15, 1864. Louis McD. Smith, of St. Albans, second lieutenant 
 company A, September 3, 1861 ; promoted first lieutenant June 15, 
 1862; captain March I, 1863; mustered out September 15, 1864. 
 William H. Wright, of Fairfield, enlisted private company C, Septem- 
 ber 9, 1861 ; sergeant September 16, 1861 ; first sergeant, re enlisted 
 December 15, 1863; first lieutenant June 9. 1864; captain Novem- 
 ber 10, 1864; mustered out June 29, 1865. Miner E. Fish, of Sheldon, 
 enlisted private company C, September 9, 1861 ; promoted sergeant 
 September 16, 1861 ; wounded June 29, 1862; regular commissioned 
 sergeant December 2, 1862; second lieutenant company K, March 28, 
 1863 ; transferred to company D, November 22, 1863 ; promoted cap- 
 33 
 
I/O History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 tain June 9, 1864; honorably discharged for wounds received at Wild- 
 erness May 5, 1864. Jesse A. Jewett, of Swanton, commissioned sec- 
 ond lieutenant company C, September 5, 1861 ; first lieutenant July 9, 
 1862; captain company K, March 21, 1863; resigned May 29, 1863. 
 Joseph M. Foster, of Montgomery, enlisted private company A, Au- 
 gust 28, 1861 ; corporal September 16, 1861 ; sergeant, re enlisted, De- 
 cember 15, 1863; wounded May 5, 1864; first sergeant September 16, 
 1864; first lieutenant company G, November 10, 1864; mustered out 
 June 29, 1865. William Symons, of Fairfax, commissioned first lieu- 
 tenant company K, September 12, 1861 ; discharged for disability 
 April 19, 1862. Isaac Farnsworth, of St. Albans, private company D, 
 September 14, i86i ; regimental quartermaster- sergeant November 2, 
 1861 ; second lieutenant company A, August 2, 1862 ; resigned Octo- 
 ber 19, 1862. Matthew G. Gilder, of Georgia, private company A, Au- 
 gust 23, 1861; corporal, veteran December 15, 1863 ; sergeant June 12, 
 1864; firstsergeant January 2, i86s;first lieutenant June 4, 1865; mus- 
 tered out as first sergeant June 29, 1865, Ephraim S. Leach, of Enos- 
 burgh, private company C, August 21, 1861 ; first sergeant Septem- 
 ber 16, 1861 ; second lieutenant December 2, 1862; mustered out 
 September 15, 1864. 
 
 The history of the services of the Fifth is much similar to that of 
 other regiments raised in Vermont during the first year of the war; the 
 order to proceed to the front came on the 17th of September, and on 
 the 23d the boys started for Washington, reaching that city on the even- 
 ing of the 25th. Two days later the regiment went into Virginia, and 
 camped near their Vermont comrades of the Second and Third. From 
 this time forth the men of the Fifth shared the fortunes of their com- 
 rades in other commands, and became a part and parcel of the Vermont 
 brigade. The official Hst of battles of the Fifth was as follows: In 1862, 
 Lee's Mills, April 16; Williamsburg, May 5 ; Golding's Farm, June 26 ; 
 Savage Station, June 29; White Oak Swamp, June 30; Crampton's 
 Gap, September 14; Antietam, September 17; Fredericksburg, De 
 cember 13. 1863, Mary's Heights, May 3; Salem Heights, May 4; 
 Fredericksburg, June 5; Gettysburg, July 3; Funkstown, July lO; 
 Rappahannock Station, November 7. 1864, Wilderness, May 5-10; 
 Spottsylvania, May 10-18; Cold Harbor, June 1-12; Petersburg^ 
 
War of the Rebellion. 171 
 
 June 18; Charlestown, August 21; Opequan, September 13; Win- 
 chester, September 19; Fisher's Hill, September 21-22; Cedar Creek, 
 October 19. 1865, Petersburg, March 25, 27 and April 2. 
 
 Roll of Fifth Regiment. — Bakersfield, Peter Girard, Robert Tyler, 
 Harrison Packard, Joseph A. A. Gigon, Danforth Ayres. Berkshire, Ja- 
 cob Arnold, William Bashaw, Frank Broner, Henry H. Clement, John 
 Dorsey, Daniel Z. Foster, Ambrose L. Hall, Charles Henry, Amos 
 Holt, Simon D. Holt, Antoine Hope, William S. James, Nelson King, 
 Elijah W. Loverin, Hiram Larancy, Marshall W. Larnard, Charles 
 McCarty, James B. Mudgett, George R. Orcutt, Joseph Pierson, Or- 
 lando S. Stephens, Horace Safford, Thomas J. Sayer, William Travyaw, 
 James H. Varvey, David Traxeau, Milo A. Willard, Orrin R. Ward, 
 Rodman E. Welch, William H. Yates. Enosburgh, Simon Cross, Nel- 
 son N. Cross, William Doolan, Antoine Duseau, Abraham Duseau, 
 Charles K. Emory, Joseph Gochie, George W. Hartwell, Benjamin W. 
 Hodges, William H. Hodges, Silas J. Holmes, Harrison J. Jeffords, John 
 Lesse, John B. Rummels, Charles L. Rounds, John Randville, James 
 Tracey, John A. Watkins, Oscar D. Watkins, George Witherell. Fair- 
 fax, Eben Brown, Azro Caswell, OrrJn B. Colby, Albert French, Ed- 
 win J. Foss, Albert Graham, Arthur Maxfield, John H. Maxfield, Han- 
 nibal Minor, Joseph E. Rogers, Reuben M. Rogers, Thomas N. Rogers, 
 John Shirley, Joseph St Johns, Charles Warner, Stoughton Wood. 
 Fairfield, Arthur W. W. Bartle, Michael Carroll, Peter E. Carroll, Ru- 
 fus Conger, Garland Fassett, Joseph Fernix, Barney Finnegan, Lewis 
 Gommon, Joseph Hamel, Noah Parker Leach. Hubbell Lee, Julius H. 
 Marvin, Squire A. Marvin, George Mitchell, John Nicholas, Antoine 
 Nodon, Harmon D. Olds, Homer Sherwood, Frank Shortliff, John 
 Smally, John H. Sturdevant, William H. Wright. Fletcher, Urzel Gil- 
 bault. Franklin, William H. Coon, Creighton French, George K. Lo- 
 verin, Leonard K. Manley, Sidney M. Parker, Edmund Reynolds, Al- 
 fred A. Simpkins, Dalazon Wood, William E. Wheeler. Gecygia, 
 Daniel Barnett, Matthew G. Gilder, Henry S. Huntley, Ebenezer W. 
 Hill, Chester F. Laflin, Antoine Rye, Baptiste Rye, Herman W. Shores. 
 Highgate, Edward Banyea, Lewis Banyea, Peter Bovatt, Charles Bovatt, 
 Loren Chappell, Isaiah Clair, Samuel Cook, William Hagen, Francis 
 Hill, James C. Hunt, John Jabott, Amos L. Jonas, Asa O. Lackey, Jo- 
 
172 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 seph Lambert, Loren Langdon, Theodore Lombard, Joseph Martin, 
 Louis Martin, Joseph Martin, Alfred Mason, William Oliver, Roa- 
 well M. Robinson, Israel Raymond, Marshall Raymond, jr., Orange 
 Seward. Montgomery, Benjamin F. Coffin, Seth Combs, Joseph M. 
 Foster, Solomon Fushey, Charles Haile, Thomas C. . Hendricks, Silas 
 Larock, George H. Parker, Israel E. Puffer, Amos A. Wright, Rich- 
 ard R. Wright, Smith H. Wade. Richford, Asahel Barber, Israel 
 Blanchard, John Brown, John Dufer, Byron Draper, John W. Good, 
 Leonard B. Graham, Edwin Hays, Sidney S. Jenne, Luman Judd, 
 Hiram Miller, Edward Powers. Sheldon, Abram N. Alexander, Tim- 
 othy Bancroft, Antoine Bashaw, Richard Bell, William H. Britton, Pat- 
 rick Gallon, George L. Carpenter, James L. Clark, Henry Crow, Leigh- 
 ton J. Day, Thomas S. Finson, Miner E Fish, John Graver, Stephen V. 
 Hines, George Husband, Lucian G. Ingraham, Amos L. Jones, Charles 
 Lebatt, Daniel Lebatt, Henry Leonard, Victor Levia, William Note- 
 mere, John Rayea, Antoine Rayza, Josiah Reed, Lewis Reya, Lord W. 
 Rixford, Nelson Sheldon, George Simpkins, Nicholas Smalley, William 
 Smalley, Alonzo Stoughton, John D. Sullivan, John Tibets, Adelbert 
 Tracy, William H. Tracy, Peter Whittemore, Nelson Willard, William 
 Wires. St. Albans, Nelson E. Carle, George L. Curtis, James Coyne, 
 Charles S. Darwin, Peter Dewey, Isaac Farnsworth, Adolphus Fegrett, 
 Stephen Hurst, John Kennedy, Edward Keenan, Zeba Lesseur, Seth A. 
 Leavenworth, Edward A. Morton, William Parker, Asahel Puffer, Israel 
 Roy, Charies Rich, George B. Stiles, Lewis Willett. Swanton, Lewis 
 Bovatt, John Coty, John Crawford, Franklin Cook, John Crown, Henry 
 Dugan, Thomas Fortune, WilHam Henry, George F. Houghton, John 
 Jabbot, Samuel W. Keyes, Philo Micha, William L. Micha, William 
 Micha, Benjamin Peak, Joseph Sears, Suffield Raymo. Alburgh, 
 Frank W. Burnett, James I. Goslin, Hardy Hensienger, Thomas Hughes, 
 George Humes, Andrew Lyndon, William A. Norris, Marcus E. Parker 
 Henry C. Pike, James Sutton, Lucius D. Sturgeon. Grand Isle, Patrick 
 Hart, Michael McDonald, Nelson Poquette, Benjamin Tuckerman, Li- 
 nas Woodworth. Isle La Motte, Eben R. Craft, John H. Fiske, Julius 
 Fiske, Samuel H. Fiske, Augustus L. Holbrook, Francis Holcomb, Lo- 
 renzo B. Holcomb, Henry Near, James M. Pike, Giles Racy, William O. 
 Wait, Henry C. Pike. North Hero, Joseph Catury, Albert Chappell, 
 
War of the Rebellion. 173 
 
 Edward A. Clark, Nelson Poquette. South Hero, George Bean, Abra- 
 ham Mayhew, David Mayo. 
 
 The Sixth Regiment, 
 
 In the composition of the Sixth the county of Franklin furnished sub- 
 stantial aid, but not to so great an extent as in the Fifth. In Grand Isle 
 county all the towns except South Hero were represented, although the 
 aggregate was quite small. The regiment was recruited mainly in the 
 middle and southern portions of the state, and within twelve days from 
 the time the order was issued 900 men were recruited. There appears 
 to have been no recruiting offices in either of the counties for this com- 
 mand, but volunteers were constantly offering their services in various 
 localities ; therefore, being in readiness, the enlisted men of Franklin 
 and Grand Isle counties were accepted to complete the numerical 
 strength of the regiment. The Sixth rendezvoused at Montpelier in 
 "Camp Smith," so designated in honor of Hon. John Gregory Smith, of 
 St. Albans. Here the organization of the regiment was perfected in 
 the selection of Nathan Lord, formerly of the Fifth, for the colonelcy, 
 and Asa P. Blunt as lieutenant colonel. The only original selection for 
 the field and staff from this county was that of RoUin C. M. Woodward, 
 of St. Albans, he being commissioned surgeon October 10, 1861, dis- 
 charged for disability October 29, 1861. Elisha L. Barney, of Swanton, 
 was commissioned captain company A, October 15, 1861; wounded 
 September 14, 1862; promoted major October 15, 1862; lieutenant- 
 colonel December 18, 1862; colonel, March 18, 1863; died May 10, 
 1864, of wounds. Alfred H. Keith, of Sheldon, commissioned second 
 lieutenant company K, October 15, 1861 ; promoted first lieutenant De- 
 cember 8, 1862; captain March 8, 1863; discharged September 4, 1864, 
 for wounds. Thomas B. Kennedy, of Sheldon (now of St. Albans), en- 
 listed private company K, October 8, 1861 ; promoted sergeant; sec- 
 ond lieutenant March 8, 1863; first Heutenant February 11, 1864; cap- 
 tain September 19, 1864; honorably discharged April 25, 1865, for 
 wounds received in action at Cedar Creek, Va., October 19, 1864. 
 George W. Burleson, of Franklin (now of St. Albans), enlisted private 
 company K, September 30, 1861 ; promoted sergeant October 15, 1861 ; 
 regimental quartermaster December i, 1862; veteran December 15, 
 
174 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 1863; first lieutenant company F, October 29, 1864; transferred 
 to company C, October 16, 1864; promoted captain April 22, 1865. 
 Lucius Green, of Highgate, first lieutenant company K, October 15, 
 1 86 1 ; resigned December 26, 1862. Bradford S. Murphy, of Swanton, 
 private company K, September 25, 1861 ; sergeant October 15, 1861 ; 
 sergeant-major June 24, 1862; first lieutenant March 18, 1863; dis- 
 missed the service Octobers, 1863. Charles S. Shattuck, of Sheldon, 
 enlisted private company K, July 16, 1862; sergeant July 13, 1863; 
 promoted captain and commissioner of subsistence United States volun- 
 teers February 21, 1865. 
 
 The Sixth Regiment was mustered into service on the 15th of Octo- 
 ber, 1861. The original members who did not re-enlist were mustered 
 out October 28, 1864, but the veterans and recruits were consolidated 
 into six companies on October 16, 1864. The regiment was finally mus- 
 tered out of service June 26, 1865. The Sixth rendezvoused in Camp 
 Smith until the 19th of October, and then proceeded to the National 
 Capitol, arriving there on the 2ist, and going into camp on the "Hill " 
 on the next day. On the 24th the regiment marched twelve miles to 
 Camp Griffin and joined the Vermont brigade, with the fortunes of which 
 it was afterwards identified. The battles of the Sixth were the same as 
 those in which the Fifth were engaged. 
 
 Roll of Sixth Regiment. — Berkshire, James Judd, Zeb Martin, Dio 
 Peno, Albert Johnson. Enosburgh, James Clark, John Clark, Lewis 
 Fletcher, Charles Spicer, George W. Spicer, Leroy C. Spicer. Fair- 
 fax, Benjamin Davison, James House, Vernon W. Halbert, Erastus 
 McGlauflin. Fairfield, James Boylin, Patrick Clarey, William H. Forbes 
 Joseph Green, Orrin Holmes, Martin Maloney. Fletcher, John Brabyi 
 Austin Edwards, Hollis Reynolds. Franklin, George W. Burleson, Rod- 
 ney R. Barnum, John Betney, Tallus Carraway, Abel L. Cartwright, 
 Watson Cheney, Clark Clapper, Charles M. Clow, Harrison Clapper^ 
 Dwight S. Cleveland, Miles Dawson, William E. Dawson, William A.' 
 Green, Thomas Gilbert, Atwood Glading, Manville Green, Edwin J. 
 Hines, Claphas Jenno, John H. Lane, William J. Maloney, William 
 O'Here, George A. Patten, Henry C. Pomeroy, Charles E. Powers, 
 Horace M. Proper, Henry Spaulding, Thomas Tatro, Jacob Tatro, Har- 
 rison Ward, Caleb Heath. Georgia, William Call, Francis Gabree, 
 
War of the Rebellion. 175 
 
 Francis H. Randall, Francis M. Randall, John Scott, Bartholomew 
 Sherbert, Louis Sherbert. Highgate, Clark Barr, George Barr, Lewis, 
 Christian, jr., James R. Elliott, Joseph Greenyea, David Hunter, 
 Charles Johnson, Peter Mosier, Joseph Salisbury, Peter Salisbury, Al- 
 bert L. Thompson, Albert Thompson. Montgomery, Joseph Caraway, 
 Dexter C. Davis, Stephen Gilbert, Elisha J. Hendrick, Jackson Lackey, 
 Philo Lamphere, James Magogan, Michael Mason, Palmer Morgan, Al- 
 phonzo Peck, Nahum Potter, Samuel A. Wright. Richford, Hartwell 
 Blaisdell, Peter Blair, Charles Bickford, DeWitt C. Davis, Silas Fletcher, 
 William Fletcher, George Friot, John C. Gross, Henry R. Heath, 
 Charles P. Kellogg, Harvey Kellogg, Samuel O. Ladd, Lucas Miller,_ 
 Citra Papineau, Daniel A. Rogers, Frank C. Sears, Sherman W. Sears, 
 James A. Shequin, Silas Westover, Andrew J. Williams, Charles W. 
 Woodward. Sheldon, David Burns, George Bocash, Lewis Bocash, jr., 
 John Cafineaugh, Daniel C. Clark, Joseph S. Clark, Horatio Clary, John.E- 
 Chamberlain, Daniel M. Dumas, Cyrus R. Keith, Thomas B. Kennedy, 
 Peter Lucia, John McClure, Moses McClure, John A. McFeeters, Sam- 
 nel McFeeters, William J. McDonald, Henry J. Myott, Lewis Odett, 
 Richard O'Neil, Alexander Parker, Abram Richardson, Charles S. Shat- 
 tuck, Francis Sloane, Franklin Spaulding. St. Albans, James Burns, 
 Patrick Fitzpatrick, Warren W. Green, Jed Irish, Edward Lawrence 
 Jeremiah H. Sanborn, Oscar H. Sears, Francis B. Taylor, Harmon 
 Vernal. Swanton, Jerry Arsino, Phillip D. Arsino, Joseph Bassailon, 
 George Belrose, Joseph Belrose, Darwin A. Blaisdell, Ralph E. Burnell, 
 Alonzo C. Butterfield, jr., John Columb, Joseph Columb, Richard Col- 
 umb, Henry Fisher, Felix Gonnio, Ira D. Hatch, Joseph Louiselle, 
 Guy C. Martin, William A. Merrick, jr., Alexander Micha, David 
 Moore, Bradford S. Murphy, Joseph Peno, Isaiah Ramo, Amos Robin- 
 son, Lucius D. Sturgeon, James M. Tabor, jr., Edward Vincelle, Hi- 
 ram F. Walker, Melvin Watson. Alburgh, John Campbell, Michael 
 Casey, James Hanley, George LaMudge. Grand Isle, Elliot Robinson, 
 Henry C. Van Tyne. Isle La Motte, Joseph E. Averill, John Newsted. 
 North Hero, Spellman Hazen, Ciarrence K. Hazen, Hector Hutchins, 
 Eli Lombard, Reuben Magoon. 
 
 The First Brigade. — In his first annual report under date of Novem- 
 ber I, 1862, the adjutant- general of Vermont states that the Second, 
 
176 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Third, Fourth. Fifth and Sixth regiments of state troops constituted the 
 "Vermont Brigade," under command of General W. T. H. Brooks, "and 
 have participated in some of the severest fighting on the Peninsula, and 
 during the recent campaign in Maryland. It is a matter of state pride 
 that no braver troops are to be found than those from Vermont." 
 
 It was somewhat against the policy of the government to brigade to- 
 gether any considerable number of regiments from one state, but never- 
 theless the secretary of war consented to such an organization at the sug- 
 gestion of General William F. Smith, in the fall of 186 1. The Vermont 
 regiments were associated together in close proximity all during the con- 
 flicts and campaign of the summer and early fall of 1861, but the brigade 
 proper was not organized until about the time of arrival at the front of 
 the Sixth Regiment, which arrival made a sufficient strength of troops 
 from the state to organize the brigade for active and efficient military 
 services. Previous to the commencement of brigade operations the reg- 
 iments that comprised the command were in constant service, doing 
 guard and picket duty, ever encamped in the vicinity of the enemy, or 
 reconnoitering his positions, but it was not until the campaign of 1862 
 was determined that the brigade was actively engaged. 
 
 On the i6th of April, 1862, the brigade participated in the engage- 
 ment at Lee's Mills, in which it won the commendation of its command- 
 ing officers. Again on the Sth of May, at Williamsburg, the brigade 
 rendered efficient service. The Third crossed the dam on Fish Creek 
 and became actively engaged. On the next day the brigade supported 
 Hancock's brigade, but was not actively engaged. In the succeeding 
 operations about Golding's Farm, Savage Station, and White Oak 
 Swamp from January 26th to the 30th the brigade participated ; at the 
 first named a part of the Fifth and the Sixth became engaged in sup- 
 port of the Fourth, which was under a heavy fire. The men will remem- 
 ber leaving Savage Station on the 29th for the purpose of marching 
 to James River, the order to return and repel an attack, and the warm 
 time that followed for the Second, Third and Sixth. General Brooks 
 said of their behavior, that " the conduct of the troops in this action was 
 generally very commendable." Proceeding to the James River country 
 the brigade next participated in the battle at Crampton's Gap on the 
 14th, and Antietam on the 17th of September; at the latter place be- 
 
War of the Rebellion. 177 
 
 ing under fire for forty-eight hours. Next came Fredericksburg on the 
 13th of December, the brigade being then commanded by Colonel 
 Whiting of the Second. The losses here amounted to twenty-six killed 
 and 141 wounded, ten of the killed being men of the Fifth. 
 
 The campaign of 1863, so far as concerned the First Brigade, opened 
 with the affair at Mary's Heights on the 3d of May, followed by that 
 at Salem Heights on the 4th. These engagements were followed by 
 the battle at Fredericksburg on June 5th. At Mary's Heights the 
 brigade lost thirteen killed and 109 wounded, and at Salem Heights 
 sixteen killed and 123 wounded. On the 5th of June the brigade 
 crossed the Rappahannock at Fredericksburg, assaulted and carried 
 the enemy's works, taking a number of prisoners. Then commenced 
 the march northward to intercept the Confederate army under Lee, 
 who was invading Pennsylvania. The brigade reached Gettysburg, but 
 took no active part in the battle, the honors of that occasion having 
 fallen upon their brethren of the Second Brigade of Vermonters. At 
 the Funkstown battle on July loth the First Brigade rendered efficient 
 service, holding a skirmish line without support for three hours, and op- 
 posed during the time by a much larger force. Following these events 
 the brigade was ordered to New York city to assist in enforcing the 
 drafts of that year. Returning to Virginia in the fall they were sta- 
 tioned near Culpepper. From the 1st of October until early November 
 the brigade was kept constantly on the move from one point to another, 
 and occasionally having a "brush" with the enemy until the 7th of No- 
 vember at Rappahannock Station, where the men were under a heavy 
 artillery fire, but did not themselves become actively engaged. Subse- 
 quently, after various movements, the brigade went into camp at Brandy 
 Station, remaining there till late in February, 1864, when a week's rec- 
 onnoissance to Orange Court-House was made. After this the troops 
 remained in camp till May. 
 
 The operations for the year 1864 opened with the battles and move- 
 ments at the Wilderness, lasting from the Sth to the lOth of May, in all 
 of which the First Brigade had an active part, their daily positions being 
 such as to bring them in almost constant conflict with the enemy for 
 two days. Their hardest fighting was done on the 5th and 6th, during 
 which time the brigade losses in killed and wounded amounted to 1,232 
 23 
 
1 78 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 men, forty-five being killed. On the 7th the brigade started for Chan- 
 cellorsville, arriving on the 8th, when a part of the command were en- 
 gaged. Then followed the scenes at and about Spottsylvania, covering 
 the period of a week, from May loth to i8th. During this time the brig- 
 ade, either as a whole or in part, was constantly changing position, and 
 therefore almost as constantly in conflict with the rebels, and the total 
 loss in killed, wounded and missing was 1,650 men, more than half its 
 entire strength. On the isth of May the arrival of the Eleventh Ver- 
 mont Regiment considerably augmented the strength of the brigade, 
 but the character of the re-enforcing command had previously been by 
 special order changed from infantry to heavy artillery. After Spottsyl- 
 vania the brigade was kept on the move almost without intermission, 
 marching to Guinness's Station ; thence to Harris's Store ; to North 
 Anna River ; to Little River, where the railroad was destroyed ; thence 
 to Chesterfield Station ; thence across Pamunky River, above Hanover 
 Town ; and thence toward Hanover C. H., where two days' rest was 
 granted. From here on the 29th they marched to a new position on 
 Tolopotomy River, where they remained two days more. 
 
 The series of engagements at Cold Harbor commenced June ist, and 
 continued until the 12th. In them the brigade was frequently engaged, 
 and met with serious losses. From the 3d to the i ith the brigade held 
 the front line at two important points, and on the 12th moved back to a 
 new position in the rear, but on the 13th marched for Petersburg, where 
 a battle occurred on the i8th. From June to August the brigade with 
 the Sixth Corps, to which it belonged, performed a variety of move- 
 ments in the region of the Weldon Railroad at Washington and other 
 points, and on the 21st of August was at Charlestown battle; on the 
 13 th of September at Opequan; on the 19th at Winchester ; on the 21st 
 and 22d at Fisher's Hill; and on the 19th of October at Cedar Creek. 
 For the year 1865 the brigade participated in the operations at and near 
 Petersburg, being engaged on the 2Sth and 27th of March, and on the 
 2d of April. 
 
 The Seventh Regiment. 
 
 Notwithstanding the fact that six regiments of troops from this state 
 had been mustered into the United States service by the 20th of Octo- 
 
War of the Rebellion. 179 
 
 ber, 1 86 1, yet the state was two regiments short of the quota required 
 of her. That these regiments might be raised, Governor Holbrook in 
 his message communicated the facts to the Legislature with the result of 
 an act authorizing the raising of two more three years' regiments, one 
 of which was to serve with the command then being organized by Gen- 
 eral Butler, and designed to operate in the extreme South, and the other 
 "to serve in the army of the United States until the expiration of three 
 years from the ist day of June, 186 1." Under this latter provision the 
 Seventh was organized, but was not formally mustered into service until 
 the i.2th of February, 1862. 
 
 To the strength of the Seventh every town except Berkshire in Frank- 
 lin county, and every town except Isle La Motte in Grand Isle county, 
 contributed. Company F of the regiment was known as a Swanton 
 company, although in it were a number of men from other towns. In 
 the organization of the regiment George T. Roberts of Rutland was ap- 
 pointed colonel, and Volney S. FuUam of Ludlow lieutanant- colonel ; 
 and notwithstanding the fact that Franklin and Grand Isle counties 
 together furnished nearly 200 men for the Seventh, neither county 
 was recognized in the personnel of the field and staff, as at first estab- 
 lished. Edgar N. Bullard, of Swanton, was commissioned first lieuten- 
 ant company F, January 8, 1862; promoted captain August 28, 1862; 
 major September i, 1865, being retained in service one month beyond 
 muster-out as recruiting officer. Loring D. Brooks, of Swanton, was 
 commissioned captain company F, January 9, 1862; killed in action 
 near Vicksburg, Miss., July 23, 1862. Dexter B. Town, of North 
 Hero, enhsted as private company F, December 11, 1861 ; promoted 
 sergeant, first sergeant, veteran February 16, 1864; first lieutenant, 
 company F, May 23, 1865; captain October 27, 1865; mustered out 
 March 14, 1866. Rodney C. Gates, of Franklin, commissioned second 
 lieutenant company F, January 9, 1862; first lieutenant August 28, 
 1862; resigned May 11, 1863. Nathan L. Skinner, of St. Albans, en- 
 listed' private company F, January 8, 1862; promoted corporal, ser- 
 geant, veteran February 7, 1864; promoted first lieutenant October 27, 
 1 865 ; mustered out March 14, 1866. Henry G. Stearns, of Swanton, 
 enlisted private company F, November 22. 1861 ; promoted first ser- 
 geant February 12, 1862; second lieutenant August 28, 1862; resigned 
 
i8o History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 January 27, 1863. Edgar T. Burns, of Highgate, enlisted private com- 
 pany F, December 11, 1861; promoted corporal; veteran February 16, 
 1864; sergeant November 12, 1864; first sergeant February 11, 1866; 
 second lieutenant March I, 1866; mustered out March 14, 1866. 
 
 The service of the Seventh was performed in a field far remote from 
 the other Vermont men, who comprised the First and Second Brigades; 
 and although the Seventh had not as many battles standing to its credit 
 as had some of the earlier regiments, it is quite doubtful whether any 
 single regiment in service from the state suffered more of hardships and 
 privations than the Seventh, for what was not accomplished by the 
 bullet was more than made up by the ravages of disease that fell upon 
 the men in the extreme southern region. The Seventh left the state of 
 Vermont 943 strong, and lost by death from all causes 406 men. There 
 were discharged for disability 241 men, and deserted 100 men. The 
 aggregate strength of the regiment during its entire term of service was 
 1,571 men, of whom were lost from all causes 806 men. The battles 
 placed to the credit of the Seventh Regiment were as follows : Siege of 
 Vicksburg, June and July, 1862; Baton Rouge, August 5, 1862; Gon- 
 zales Station, July 15, 1864; Mobile campaign and Spanish Fort, 
 March 17 to April 11, 1865 ; Whistler, April 13, 1865. 
 
 Roll of Seventh Regiment. — Bakersfield, Thomas Ryan, Oramel 
 Doane, Barney McEnany. Enosburgh, Albert Gilbar, Eli Gilbar, Will- 
 iam S. Gilbar, William B. Hall, Oscar S. Keith, WilHam McDowell, jr 
 Fairfax, Orrin Dorwin, John Lawyer, Edward Quirk. Fairfield, Frank B 
 Atwell, Charles B. BuUett, John Wesley Croft, James L. Fitch, Jacob R 
 Fowler, Thomas Gardner, Chauncy D. Griffin, Alfred Hatch, John E 
 Hatch, John Kennedy, Joseph Montefoire, John McKinney, Joseph Noe 
 Elroy S. Stickney, Mathew M. Teange, John Teange, William M. Parker 
 Fletcher, William DrlscoU. Franklin, Henry H. Bell, William Betterly 
 Joseph Bordo, John Brittle, Silas Coburn, William Conklin, Henry W 
 Dow, John Glover, Trifley Messia, Harrison H. Patten, Alvin T. Pome- 
 roy, Henry Pomeroy, Erastus Sartwell, Jared M. Spaulding, John Swal- 
 low, Joseph Tatro, Thomas Truax, Abel S. Ward, Philip R. Yates, Alex- 
 ander Young. Georgia, Alexander Bean, Walter S. Field, David Tebo, 
 Peter Tebo, John Wenterburn. Highgate, Benjamin Allen, George B. 
 Allen, David Butler, Joseph Benoit, Emerson W. Bordo, Eugene Bordo, 
 
War of the Rebellion. i8i 
 
 Joseph Bouvin, Edgar T. Burns, Henry Bovat, Andrew A. Carley, Will- 
 iam Church, Wilham Edwards, David Forkey, Edward Forkey, Stubbitt 
 Forkey, Horatio Guilgan, Frank Hill, Charles O. Kane, jr., Francis O. 
 Kane, Malantton B. Lord, Barnard McClusky, James McClusky, Elisha 
 Magee, Willard Olds, Miles E. Putnam, Abram Sargeant, Henry H. 
 Wooster. Montgomery, William L. Brown, Theophilus La Porte. Rich- 
 ford, Joseph Barean, Edward Benjamin, Homer C. Davis, Leander Davis, 
 Ellis B. Draper, Dana Dufer, Artemus T. Gilmaii, Gilbert F Goff, Ru- 
 fus D. Grimes, John E. Larkins, Lucius R. Parker, Thomas Ryan, Eber 
 Wright. Sheldon, Edward F. Young, James Rice, Daniel McCarty. 
 St. Albans, Delos F. Brooks, Royce Brook, Charles Bushey, Oliver 
 Bushey, jr., John J. Bunkley, John Casey, Joseph Champeau, Alvin D. 
 Collins, Martin V. B. Conner, Supliant Constantien, John Dewey, Peter 
 MaCasso, Eli B. Mitchell, James P. Mclntyre, Alfred Reno, Nathan L. 
 Skinner, Warren Schryer, George Schryer, Benjamin H. Wooster, Eli- 
 jah P. Webber. Swanton, Byron B. Barney, Urial Bundy, Stephen B. 
 Clark, Andrew J. Crawford, David Currie, William Depar, John H. Dun- 
 ning, Joseph Gadbois, Henry F. Hogle, William HoUenbeck, Joseph E. 
 Joyal, James T. Lamphere, James D. Mason, Francis McNally, John Mc- 
 Nally, James Miller, Robert G. Miller, Robert J. Miller, Robert Mulhern, 
 Bradford S. Murphy, Alexander Petit, James Rood, Thaddeus Rood, 
 Charles Sides, Erastus Stearns, Henry G. Stearns, John H. Stearns, Ben- 
 jamin Washer. Alburgh, Joseph Alexander, Thomas Baxter, Adolph 
 Labodie, John Miller, Robert G Miller, James P. Mclntyre, James Mul- 
 len WiUiam Dunnivan, William A. Hayes, Howard H. Hinman, Henry 
 McGregor, Oscar McGregor, James McNeal, Samuel Thompson, Icha- 
 bod E. Niles, Nathaniel C. Niles. Grand Isle, Dominick Lawrence, 
 V. W. Albee. North Hero, Louis Catury, William Cray, Henry J. Hall, 
 George W. Johnson, Oscar B. Knight, Melvin B. Peters, Norman E. 
 Peters, Dexter B. Town, Augustus Bachant, Almon Chappell, Archie 
 Mclntyre, H. Harrison Potter, Rodney W. Potter, Antoine Young. 
 South Hero, Henry H. Kibbe. 
 
 The Eighth Regiment. 
 The Eighth Regiment was recruited during the same time that the 
 Seventh was in the same process, the local company, company F, being 
 
1 82 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 raised mainly through the efforts of Hiram E. Perkins, of St. Albans, 
 who also was the recruiting officer and likewise the chosen captain of 
 the company. The regiment, however, was principally raised in the cen- 
 tral and southern portions of the state. Captain Perkins was commis- 
 sioned on January 3, 1862, and was discharged for promotion to a com- 
 mand in the U. S. Colored Troops on May 31, 1863. Daniel S. Foster, 
 of St. Albans, was commissioned first lieutenant company F, January 3, 
 1862, and promoted captain April 9, 1862. Carter H. Nason, of St. 
 Albans, commissioned second lieutenant January 3, 1862; dismissed the 
 service June 2, 1863. Franklin H. Carpenter, of St. Albans, enlisted 
 private November 25, 1861 ; promoted corporal, veteran January 5, 
 1864; wounded October 19, 1864; promoted second lieutenant Decem- 
 ber 8, 1863 ; mustered out June 28, 1865. 
 
 The field service of the Eighth was much like that of the Seventh, ex- 
 cept that more engagements stand to their credit; and the men likewise 
 suffered as did those of the Seventh, from climate affections and diseases 
 induced by life in the unhealthy regions of the extreme south. The ag- 
 gregate of strength of the Eighth, from all sources, during its term of 
 service, was 1,772 men, of whom the regiment lost as follows: Killed in 
 action, 71; died of wounds, 33; died of disease, 213; died in rebel 
 prisons, 28. Total loss by death, 345. Besides these 224 men were 
 discharged for disability. Official list of engagements : Occupation of 
 New Orleans, May, 1862; Boutte Station and Bayou Des Allemands, 
 September 4, 1862; Steamer Cl?^^«, January 14, 1863; Bisland, April 12, 
 1863; Port Hudson, assault. May 27, 1863; Port Hudson, night engage- 
 ment, June 10, 1863; Fort Hudson, assault, June 14, 1863; Opequan, 
 September 19, 1864; Fisher's Hill, September 21-22, 1864; Cedar 
 Creek, October 19, 1864; Newtown, November 12, 1864. 
 
 Ro/l of Eighth Regiment.— ^i!&&x?&.e^A, Chester W. Barnes, Julius 
 Bordeau, jr.. Paul Bronsky, jr., George Clemens, Lewis A. Davis, He- 
 bron Ellworth, Allen Gould, Peter Henchey, Thomas H. Henchey, Da- 
 vid LaRock, jr., Abner Niles, Jacob Robinson, George W. Scribner, 
 Jonathan L. Squires, Stephen O. Tillotson, Henry D. Whitney, James 
 Henshaw, Joseph Laduke, Henry Shiner. Enosburgh, Alonzo G. Aus- 
 tin, Alfred Provo. Fairfax, Osmand F. Bellows, Cassius C. Chittenden, 
 John C. Wiswell, Peter Minor. Fairfield, Levis Barker, Patrick Clary, 
 
War of the Rebellion. 183 
 
 John Inglis, Gustavus F. Jennings, Richard Kirk, Samuel Monahan, 
 Henry W. Phelps, Columbus Provost, Hiram Wedge. Fletcher, Je- 
 rome B. Case, Rufus Kingsley, William L. Kingsley, William W. Kings- 
 ley, Henry Whitney, Robert Wood. Franklin, Jacob Clapper, Eral 
 Dapotha, Stephen M. White, Xenophon W. Wood. Georgia, Charles C. 
 Colton, Dr. W. C. Hurlburt, Byron J. Hurlburt, Ezra E. Janes, John 
 King, Charles A. Prentice, John E. Wright. Highgate, William Hunter, 
 Cephas Robinson. Montgomery, William B. Page. Sheldon, James 
 Collins, James Johnson. St. Albans, Peter Allard, Napoleon Bertrand, 
 Napoleon Bertrand, jr., Lovell Brusso, Franklin R. Carpenter, Michael 
 Carroll, William T. Church, Charles Demour, Edward Ducharme, John 
 Duling, George W. Fairfield, George N. Faneuf, Francis Forbes, Robert 
 Forbes, Henry H. Garvin, Elisha A. Goddard, James Goff, Luther A. 
 Green, David Larmi, Charles A. McClusky, John W. McCanley, Dia- 
 mond B. Mitchell, John W. Moss, George Myers, Andrew Pareau, Peter 
 Patnow, William H. Rowley, George G. Smith, Elvy J. Stickney, Law- 
 rence Stone, Joseph Sweeney, jr., Levi Watson. Swanton, Zeri Campbell, 
 Constant Merrick, William A. Merrick, Napoleon Patwin, John Pague, 
 Frank C. Staples. Alburgh, Joseph Zed. Deyo, William A. Decker, 
 Elijah E. Norris. North Hero, Zeria Cadret, Joel T. Hazen, Dighton L. 
 Payne, Henry Wheeler. South Hero, Frederick L. Keeler, George 
 Lamson, Benajah Phelps, George Tracy. 
 
 The Ninth Regiment. 
 
 With the departure of the Eighth Regiment for the front, it was con- 
 fidently hoped that the government had men enough in the field to sub- 
 due the rebellious South without further taxing the resources of the 
 Northern states in the raising of troops. But no sooner had the cam- 
 paign of 1862 got fairly under progress than General Banks met with a 
 serious repulse and disaster in the Shenandoah Valley, necessitating a 
 call for still more troops for service in that region. On the 2 ist of May 
 Governor Holbrook received a message from the War Department, ask- 
 ing for still another regiment of men frOm Vermont; and no sooner had 
 the governor learned the fact than he ordered the Ninth to be raised as 
 quickly as possible. So nobly did the men respond, that by the 14th 
 of June the Swanton company was organized, the others following soon 
 
184 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 afterward. The regiment was mustered into service on the 9th of July, 
 1862, and at once proceeded to the field of action; and be it said to the 
 ho lor of Vermont that the Ninth Regiment was the first in the land to 
 be forwarded to the front in response to the then latest call for troops. 
 One reason, perhaps, that impelled the men of the state to respond so 
 promptly to this call for troops, was the fact of the presence of Colonel 
 George J. Stannard, who had been authorized to visit the state for the 
 purpose of assisting in the organization; and when it was organized 
 Colonel Stannard was placed in command. Among the field and staft" 
 officers there also appears the name of Valentine G. Barney, of Swanton, 
 who was appointed captain of company A, June 14, 1862 ; promoted 
 lieutenant-colonel May 24, 1863, and mustered out of service June 13, 
 1865. Franklin E. Rice, of Isle La Motte, was commissioned quarter- 
 master October 19, 1864, having enhsted June 17, 1862, as private; 
 promoted commissary- sergeant November 20, 1862, and then regimen- 
 tal quartermaster; mustered out June 13, 1865. Horace P. Hall, of 
 St. Albans, commissioned assistant surgeon June 30, 1862 ; resigned 
 March 13, 1863. Story N. Goss, of Georgia, commissioned assistant 
 surgeon September 26, 1862; resigned October 15, 1863. Linus E. 
 Sherman, of Montgomery, first lieutenant company A, June 14, 1862 ; 
 promoted captain May 24, 1863; mustered out June 13, 1865. Eras- 
 tus W. Jewett, of St. Albans, commissioned second lieutenant company 
 A, June 14, 1862; promoted' first heutenant May 24, 1863; resigned 
 November 21, 1864. Edmund F. Cleveland, of Richford, private com- 
 pany A, June 4, 1862 ; promoted corporal, sergeant, first sergeant, sec- 
 ond lieutenant company A, May 24, 1863; first lieutenant Novem- 
 ber 28, 1864; mustered out June 13, 1865. John S. Halbert, of Fair- 
 fax, private company A, May 29, 1862; promoted sergeant, first ser- 
 geant, second lieutenant November 28, 1864. John W. Roberts, of 
 Montgomery, private company H.June 8, 1862; promoted corporal, 
 sergeant, first sergeant, second lieutenant June 13, 1865. 
 
 Battles of the Ninth Regiment: Harper's Ferry, September 13 and 
 15. 1862; Newport Barracks, February 2, 1864; Chapin's Farm, Sep- 
 tember 29, 1864; Fair Oaks, October 27, 1864; Fall of Richmond. 
 April 3, 1865. 
 
 Roll of Ninth Re^imenl.—Bakersfield, William Barber, Elias W 
 Baker, Daniel R Bartram, Edward Belvel, Luther E. Fitch, George 
 
War of the Rebellion, 
 
 185 
 
 Hagan, Joseph G. Lamondy, Moses Lamondy, Thomas O'Regan, 
 Luman R Puffer, Eleazer Stanley, Theodore E. Turner, Orange s! 
 Whitmore, Wesley C. Williams, John Hays, Henry W. Perkins. Berk- 
 shire, Daniel Johnson, jr.. Caleb A. Stanley. Enosburgh, Ami Arrell. 
 Theophilus Blodah, Shelden A. Buzzell, Dolce Cartier, Henry O. 
 Elliott, Heber E. Jackson, Charles A. Kilburne, Moses Larabee, Will- 
 iam Larabee, James Leplant, Samuel M. Maynard, Mitchell Messier, 
 Francis Parento, George Papaw, Harlow C. Smith. Edwin Spicer, 
 George W. Spicer, Andrew Tanshet. Lewis M. Trundell, Edmund Vin- 
 cent, Simeon O. Whipple, John S. Woodward. Fairfax, Benjamin M. 
 Blake, Josiah B. Bowditch, John S. Halbert, Harrison Lowell, Roger W. 
 Van Ormand, Edward E. Stickney. Fairfield, Edgar P. Bessey, War- 
 ner Eldred, John D. Finnegan, Elbridge H. Gilly, George A. Gilly, 
 Lucius W. Leach. JuHus Wilcox. Fletcher. Horatio P. Fulton, Joshua A. 
 Flanders, Harrison Lowell, Henry B. Lee. Gideon Wood. Franklin, 
 Emery S. Parker, Flavey Young. Georgia, Augustus T. Bushnell, 
 Joel W. Cummings. Columbus W. Carr, Nelson H. Carr, Edward D. 
 Clarey. Silas S. Clarey, Orrin A. Clarey, Cornelius E. Clarey, Allen 
 Church, Carlos Church, Joseph P. Church, Warner O. Campbell. Patrick 
 Kiely, George H. McGrath, Wright Packard, 'David J. Pattee, Tyler 
 Tuttle, Neil Trefren. Highgate, Charles D. Bradley, Lewis Castor. 
 William J. Coney. Patrick Hannagan. John Martin, John Morits, Will- 
 iam Sartwell, Alexander Shaw. Montgomery. William Barnard, Trifley 
 Bashaw, Aaron W. Bundy, Darius Barnis, Charles K. Crook, Theodore M. 
 Carey, George W. Gushing, Edward N. Davis, Sylvanus A. Davis, Will- 
 iam C. Hair, Samuel Davis, Monroe Ingles. Prieste La Fleur, William J. 
 Mincen, Hiram H. Morgan, Talma H. McAllister, Loyal S. Ovitt, Will- 
 iam Parker, Charles E. Potter. John W. Roberts, Simeon H. Russell, 
 Artemus Rockwell, James E, Smith, Levi T. Smith, Edward G. Thomas, 
 Sylvester Thomas, Seymour Trowbridge, Laniel E. Wright, William 
 Waters. Richford, Charles E. Barry, Edmund F. Cleveland, Levi Judd^ 
 Austin Kennedy, Albert K. Rogers. Sheldon, Michael Carner, Francis 
 Curtis, Michael Dynan, Joseph Marco, Joseph Murray, Peter Pelkey, 
 Charles E. Stoliker, John Sullivan, Horatio Stoliker, Burchard E. 
 Webster. St. Albans, Joseph G. Bartlett, Edgar L. Eaton, James 
 Hearren, Leander Lario, Isaiah Massi, John Massi, John Nary, William 
 24 
 
1 86 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Shelley, Louis Tonchet Swanton, Franklin Belrose, Harrison S. Meigs, 
 Charles W. Walker, Henry Westover. Alburgh, Thomas Canlifife, 
 Dennis Cronin, Charles Cullin, John Dwyer, Joseph Parent, John Sab- 
 berville, Albert L.Olena, Jason Vosburgh, Stephen H. Curtis, Charles H. 
 Partlow, Marshall Cannon, Nathan Donaldson. Grand Isle, John Bill- 
 cock, Edgar Minckler, Frederick Brezette, Edward M. Buck, Wendell W. 
 Jackson, James M, Tobias, Charles Watkins. Isle La Motte, Joseph 
 Campbell, Franklin E. Rice. North Hero, Wellington Blanchard, Dan 
 Hazen, Wayne Hazen, Henry Jackson, Oberon Payne, Thomas H. 
 Pettit, Herman W. Phelps. South Hero, Abner B. White. 
 
 The Tenth Regiment. 
 
 "Organize your Tenth Regiment. It is needed by the Government." 
 This was the tenor of a message sent by Secretary of War Stanton to 
 Governor Holbrook, in reply to a letter by the latter informing the sec- 
 retary that the Ninth was nearly ready for service, and that another 
 could be raised during the next fifty days. At once Governor Holbrook 
 set about organizing the Tenth, for which purpose recruiting offices were 
 established in various towns of the state, two of them being in Franklin 
 county : the one at Swanton, under charge of' Hiram Piatt, and the 
 other at St. Albans in charge of Charles G. Chandler. These men were 
 chosen captains of their respective companies, Captain Piatt's being or- 
 ganized August 6th, and Captain Chandler's on the I2th. But not only 
 Swanton and St. Albans contributed to the companies organized in this 
 county, but as well every town in the entire county, while the islands 
 were represented by men from Grand Isle, Isle La Motte and South 
 Hero. Companies F and I, held most of the local contingent, while D 
 had more than a few, the last named being Captain Giles Appleton's 
 Burlington company. 
 
 In the organization of the regiment Franklin county was not forgotten, 
 as its commander was selected from Swanton, in the person of Albert B. 
 Jewett, who was commissioned colonel on August 26, 1862, and who 
 resigned April 25, 1864. Charles G. Chandler was commissioned cap- 
 tain company I, August 11, 1862; major October 17, 1862; lieutenant- 
 colonel April 26, 1864; dishonorably discharged December 24, 1864. 
 Charles H. Reynolds, of St Albans, enlisted private company I, Au- 
 
.^ 
 
 ~D 
 
War of the Rebellion. 187 
 
 gust 5, 1862; promoted regimental quartermaster January i, 1863; 
 promoted captain and assistant quartermaster U. S. Volunteers Decem- 
 ber 12, 1864. Charles W. Wheeler, of St. Albans, enlisted private com- 
 pany I, August 5, 1862; promoted corporal, first sergeant, second lieu- 
 tenant August 9, 1864; wounded October 19, 1864; first lieutenant 
 company K, February 9, 1865 ; regimental quartermaster March 22, 
 1865 ; mustered out June 28, 1865. Hiram Piatt, of Swanton, commis- 
 sioned captain company F, August 6, 1862; resigned April i, 1864. 
 Chester F. Nye, of Highgate, commissioned first lieutenant company F, 
 August 6, 1862; captain June 6, 1864; wounded October 19, 1864; 
 discharged for wounds December 27, 1864. William White, of Sheldon, 
 enlisted private company I, August 9, 1862; promoted sergeant, first 
 sergeant, second lieutenant April 2, 1864; first Heutenant August 9, 
 1864; wounded June i, 1864, and October 19, 1864; captain June 15, 
 1865 ; mustered out as first lieutenant June 22, 1865. Alex. W. Chilton, 
 of Swanton, commissioned second lieutenant company F, August 6, 
 1862; first lieutenant company I, December 27, 1862; captain com- 
 pany K, August 9, 1864; mustered out June 22, 1865. William R. 
 Hoyt, of St. Albans, enlisted private company I, September 23, 1863; 
 promoted corporal, sergeant, sergeant-major, second lieutenant com- 
 pany C, first lieutenant company A, March 22, 1865 ; mustered out 
 June 29, 1865. Charles D. Bogue, of St. Albans, enlisted private com- 
 pany I, July 14, 1862; promoted first sergeant, second lieutenant com- 
 pany C, November 8, 1862; first lieutenant January 19, 1863; mus- 
 tered out June 22, 1865. Silas H. Lewis, jr., of St. Albans, enlisted 
 private company I, July 23, 1862; promoted sergeant, first sergeant, 
 second lieutenant company F, first lieutenant company D, November 2, 
 1864; brevetcaptain April 2, 1865, for gallantry; mustered out June 22, 
 1865. Charles M. Start, of Bakersfield, commissioned first lieutenant 
 company I, August 11, 1862 ; resigned December 5, 1862. Darwin K. 
 Gilson, of St. Albans, enlisted private company I, July 23, 1862 ; pro- 
 moted sergeant September i, 1862; first sergeant February 26, 1865 ; 
 second Heutenant company I, February 9, 1865 ; first lieutenant June 15, 
 1865; mustered out June 22, 1865. Edward Vinclette, of Swanton, 
 enlisted private company F, July 12, 1865; promoted sergeant, first 
 sergeant, second Heutenant company K, first lieutenant, mustered out 
 
i88 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 June 29, 1865. George W. Burnell, of Richford, enlisted private com- 
 pany F, July 15, 1862; promoted sergeant, second lieutenant Janu- 
 ary. 19, 1863; discharged for promotion to U. S. Colored Troops. 
 Ernest C. Colby, of St. Albans, commissioned second lieutenant com- 
 pany I, August II, 1862; resigned January 16, 1863. George Church, 
 of St. Albans, enlisted private company I, August 12, 1862; promoted 
 corporal, sergeant, sergeant-major, second lieutenant June 15, 1865. 
 Austin W. Fuller, of St. Albans, enlisted private company I, August 9, 
 1862; promoted sergeant September i, 1862; regimental commissary 
 sergeant January 19, 1863; second lieutenant company K, June 16, 
 1864; wounded severely October 19, 1864; honorably discharged for 
 wounds December 15, 1864. Of the men of the Tenth, and from this 
 county (Franklin), some were advanced to command of United States 
 Troops, viz : Lieutenant George W. Brunell, of company C, was ap- 
 pointed captain Nineteenth Regiment U. S. Colored Troops ; Sergeant 
 E. Henry Powell, of Richford, was appointed lieutenant-colonel Tenth 
 U. S. Colored Troops ; Charles A. Powell, of Richford, appointed first 
 lieutenant in Tenth U. S. Colored Troops; Leander C. Leavens, of 
 Berkshire, appointed first lieutenant Thirty-second United States Troops 
 
 The Tenth Regiment was mustered into service September i, 1862. 
 Original numbers, and recruits whose term would expire previous to 
 October i, 1865, were mustered out June 22, 1865. The remainder 
 was mustered out June 29, 1865. Official list of battles of the Tenth : 
 Orange Grove, November 27, 1863; Wilderness, May 5 to 8, 1864; 
 Spottsylvania, May 10 to 18, 1864; Tolopotomy, May 31, 1864; Cold 
 Harbor, June i to 12. 1864; Weldon Railroad, June 22-23, 1864; Mo- 
 nocacy, July 9, 1864; Winchester, September 19, 1864; Fisher's Hill, 
 September 21-22, 1864; Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864; Petersburg' 
 March 25 and April 2, 1865 ; Sailor's Creek, April 6, 1865. 
 
 Roll of Tenth Re^^zment.—Bakersheld, Albert Davis, David Foster, 
 Theodore Hutchinson, Sanford Newell, Asa A. Start, John Ryan! 
 Berkshire, Levi R. Darling, Charles Dingham, William S. Dingham 
 John Doyen, Nathan F. Hamilton, Clark A. Hall, William A. Jewetti 
 Edson B. Larabee, Charles Lature, Leander C. Leavens, George w' 
 Monteith, John Monteith, Smith J. Peacock, Thomas D. Riley, Hannibal 
 Whitney, Michael Carty, Joseph Russell. Enosburgh, John Cosgrove 
 
War of the Rebellion. 189 
 
 Roderick Chaplin, Jules Derex, Silas E. Farnsworth, Hugh Green, 
 Michael Green, Charles Hackett, Reuben Hamblett, Francis L. Hopkins^ 
 John La Fountain, Peter La Fountain, Henry Lagro, Joel Lagro, Henry 
 Larose, Stephen B. Maynard, Richard Smith, Amos W. Samson. Fair- 
 fax, John Cross, Jerome B. Casavant, Noble B. Daniels, Hiram H. 
 Davis, Norman Dunbar, Myron W. Hickok, Edgar O. Howard, Fred- 
 erick W. Howard, Alvah N. Leonard, Nelson Leonard, Edgar D. 
 Mudgett, Jay O. Mudgett, Edward Naylor, Harmon H. Searls, Will- 
 iam S. Shepard. Fairfield, John Baraboo, Stephen A Eldred, Wooster S. 
 Flood, Lewis L. Fisher, Hannibal H. Gould, Palmer C. Leach, James 
 McNany, Joseph Minor, Charles A. Powell, Edward H. Powell, Ibra 
 Schoolcraft, Charles St. Germain, John St. Germain, Addison Wheelock, 
 Alden D. Wheelock. Fletcher, John Taylor. Franklin, Charles Bill- 
 ings, Erastus Cheney, John Chabannaux, Edward Gorman, George C. 
 Hines, Joel L. Hoag, Dawson W. Johnson, William Lowe, Lewis Shiney, 
 William G. Smith, Lewis B. Vincent. Georgia, Henry D. Batchley, 
 John Bnasia, Lewis Darent, Henry Falkins, George Galore, David Goch- 
 ney, James Manley, Lyman Maxfield, Ransom J. Smith, Romeo Smith, 
 Samuel W. Smith, Albert C. Vandusen, Lyman Weeks. Highgate, 
 Albert H. Allen, Carlos L. Cray, George Dart, Jacob Decker, Nelson 
 Flinton, Harrison Flinton, Bernis W. Hines, George B. Hogaboom, 
 Newell Lambert, Theodore Lambert, John Larose, Charles T. Magee, 
 Orcemer R. McGowan, Albert N. Nye, Thomas L. Phelps, Eramus H. 
 Rice, Lucius Sheperd, Horace L. Stimets, James Shaw, jr., John Shaw, 
 Mitchell Tatro. Montgomery, Joseph Brooks, P'rancis Lapiere, Peter 
 Shova. Richford, Nathaniel A. Bangs, Lawrence Burke, George W. 
 Burnell, Marshall S. Bliss, Erastus Carpenter, Joseph Cassavant, Charles 
 Downey, Marshall H. Downey, Martin M. Downey, Azro R. Doyne, 
 Johnson Gibson, Burritt W. Goff, James. M. Goff, Daniel P. Hamilton, 
 Hermon H. Hamilton, William Miner, George A. Parker, Milo E. 
 Royce, Enos W. Smith, James W. Smith, John T. Willey. Sheldon, 
 George Austin, William H. Bailey, Adolphus Burt, John Hines, Thomas 
 Hogle, Loyal P. Sheldon, Peter Tower, Mike Tower, Joseph Theberge, 
 Moses Vancore, Oscar E. Wait, William White, Charles H. Whittle- 
 more. St. Albans, Edward E. Bates, William Bates, Charles D. Bogue, 
 William P. Brown, John W. Carpenter, Michael Cavanagh, George 
 
I90 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Church, Peter W. Crady, John Cross, William Curtis, Joseph R. Cornell, 
 Allen E. Daniels, Benjamin B. Davis, John Dunn, Francis Delaney, 
 Alvin J. Folsom, Austin J. Fuller, William W. Garvin, Darwin K. Gilson, 
 Felix Hackett, Stephen D. Hopkins, William R. Hoyt, William Kelley, 
 Charles Lavelle, David Lawrence, Silas H. Lewis, jr., Ronald McDougal, 
 Orrin S. Powers, Charles H. Reynolds, De Will B. Sexton, James T. 
 Smith, Andrew Stevens, Edwin W. Skeels, Charles W. Wheeler, Gid- 
 eon D. Williams. Swanton, Philip Arsino, Alanson M. Aseltyne, 
 John M. Aseltyne, Merritt B. Aseltyne, Albert Belloir, Phillier Belloir, 
 Benjamin F. Brown, Charles M. Brow, Emanuel Brunetts, James Cald- 
 well, Peter Campbell, Frank Gainley, Charles Garron, Elijah Grover, Al- 
 bert Janes, John Louiselle, John Martin, Joseph Martin, John McNally, 
 Washington W. Munsell, Thomas Proper, Levi H. Robinson, Charles 
 Roby, jr., Jean B Rouilliard, Edward Vinclette, Alanson Watson. 
 Grand Isle, James Carroll, Silas Dickinson. South Hero, John Mayo, 
 Augustus Mercey. Isle La Motte, Duncan Carron. 
 
 The Eleventh Regiment. 
 
 The Eleventh was the last of the three years' regiments raised in Ver- 
 mont during the period, of the war. Also it was raised during the same 
 period in which the Tenth was in course of organization, and was mus- 
 tered into the United States service on the ist of September, 1862. To 
 the numerical strength of the regiment every town in Franklin county 
 contributed, and as well Grand Isle county furnished to it as many if 
 not more men than the county had placed with any previous command. 
 The Eleventh Regiment was raised and organized for the infantry 
 branch of the service, but on account of the scarcity of artillery compa- 
 nies and regiments then in the field, an order of the War Department 
 transformed the Eleventh into an artillery command under the name 
 " First Artillery Eleventh Vermont Volunteers," with authority to in- 
 crease its numbers to twelve companies of 150 men each. The change 
 was made on the loth of December, 1862. 
 
 Upon the organization of the Eleventh notwithstanding the splendid 
 contribution of men from these counties, no representation of either ap- 
 pears to have formed a part of the field and staff of the regiment ; but 
 George D. Sowles, of Alburgh, who raised and was the original captain 
 
War of the Rebellion. 191 
 
 of company K, was promoted and commissioned major on the i6th of 
 October, 1864. Major Sowles while captain was wounded June i, 1864. 
 
 Of the line officers Alvin G. Fleury, of Isle La Motte, enlisted as pri- 
 vate company K, July 30, 1862; promoted sergeant September i, 1862; 
 second lieutenant company K, December 28, 1863; first lieutenant 
 company E, May 13, 1865 I transferred to company B, June 24, 1865 ; 
 promoted captain company A, July 10, 1865; mustered out as first 
 lieutenant August 25, 1865. John D. Sheriden, of Swanton, enlisted 
 private company E, December 21, 1863; promoted sergeant, second 
 lieutenant company M, September 2, 1864; first lieutenant company 
 L, May 23, 1865 ; captain May 23, 1865 ; transferred to company A, 
 June 24, 1865. Charles H. Brush, of Fairfax, enlisted private com- 
 pany K, August 7, 1862; promoted corporal, sergeant, first sergeant, 
 second lieutenant, September 2, 1 864 ; - transferred to company L, 
 May 31, 1865; transferred to company B, June 24, 1865; promoted 
 captain June 26, 1865. John R. Halburt, of Fairfax, commissioned first 
 lieutenant company K, September i, 1862; discharged for incompe- 
 tency March 14, 1863. William D. Fleury, of Isle La Motte, commis- 
 sioned second lieutenant company K, August 15, 1862; promoted first 
 lieutenant March 29, 1863. Nathan Martin, of Alburgh, enlisted private 
 company K, August 12, 1862 ; promoted corporal, sergeant, commis- 
 sary, quartermaster-sergeant, first sergeant, second lieutenant May 13, 
 1865 ; mustered out June 24, 1865. Official list of battles of the Elev- 
 enth: Spottsylvania, May 15 to 18, 1864; Cold Harbor, June i to 12, 
 1864; Petersburg June 18, 1864; Weldon Railroad, June 23, 1864; 
 Washington, July 11, 1864; Charlestown, August 21, 1864; Gilbert's 
 Ford, September 13, 1864; Opequan, September 19, 1864; Fisher's 
 Hill, September 21-22, 1864; Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864; Peters- 
 burg, March 25, 27 and April 2, 1865. 
 
 Roll of Eleventh Regiment. — Bakersfield, Charles Barns, Charles B. 
 Chase. Berkshire, William H. Shepard, Enosburgh, Lewis Tatro, jr.. 
 Nelson M. Tracy, John McMurray. Fairfax, Abram K. Beach, 
 Jerome W. Bell, Manly E. Bellus, Charles H. Brush, Julius M. Buck, 
 Benjamin F. Chamberlain, Lysander I. Davis, Patrick Driscoll, James C. 
 Farnsworth, Lionel Hammond, John S. Howard, Keyes Howard, Fred- 
 erick S. Hunt, George Hunt, Henry H. Hunt, Palmer Hunt, Benjamin 
 
192 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Kenfield, David F. Kennison, Nelson Kidder, Stillman A. Pierce, Henry- 
 Provost, Nelson Provost, George A. Robinson, Calvin J. Rowley, Jona- 
 than M. Roberts, Henry Shepard, George H. Safford, Stephen W. 
 Spaulding, Lewis Thomas, Page Ufford, Jacob Weaver. Fairfield, Jason 
 Newton. Fletcher, Michael Carroll, Jolin Noonan. Franklin, Edward 
 Duval, Leonard K. Manley. Georgia, Andrew S. Loveland. Highgate, 
 John Dyer, John E. Fisher, John Hunt, Michael McCarty, John Robin- 
 son, Harland Warner. Montgomery, Charles Barnard, Morris D. Bra- 
 man, Joseph Bresette, Peter Frasio, Reuben Jackson, Edgar Lackey, 
 Joseph La Fountain, Peter Lambria, Antoine Laporte, John Larock, 
 Joseph Larock, Frank Manosh, John Manosh, jr., Michael Manosh, 
 Harding G. Moore, Henry L. Wright. Richford, Francis S. Bannister, 
 Daniel Bronson, Reuben Bronson, Richard Colette, Homer C. Davis, 
 Richard Gamelin, Thomas J. Gamelin, Artemas Gilman, Clemon Leasot, 
 Edmund Lovelette, Moses Lovelette, Julius Minor, Antoine Rivers. 
 Sheldon, George W. Dyke, Philo Johnson, David Ryan, Richard Shufelt. 
 St. Albans, George Austin, Daniel Bird, Willard M. Davis, Albert 
 Guyott, Fransic Lacroix, Joseph/Lacy, William D. McCIure, Matthias 
 Mclntyre, Henry H. Pettingill, Peter Plant, William Wilson, jr. Swan- 
 ton, Martin L. Clarke, Albert M. Donaldson, William R. Donaldson, 
 Michael Hoar, John Jordan, Perry Lake, jr., Gardner C. Mead, Edward 
 Medqre, Maxham Murray, Thomas Patterson, John D. Sheridan, 
 Henry G. Stearns, George H. Smith, Riley Watson. Alburgh, Thomas 
 Babcock, William H. Babcock, Norman O. Bell, William H. Bell, James 
 Bennie, Mitchel Campbell, John Clifford, Jackson Eddy, Willard Fox, 
 Lewis Gonia, Joseph Gonga, John S. Heald, David Hemenway, Merritt 
 Ingalls, Peter Labardie, Elmore Labardie, Nelson Labardie, Matthew 
 Lillie, Jeddy Martin, Nathan Martin, Peter McKenna, George Moning, 
 Edward H. Norris, James A. Norris, John O'Connell, Newcomb Parker, 
 James Parr, Charles Patterson, John Roach, George C. Sherman, 
 George D. Sowles, George H. Sowles, Austin O. Spoor, Hiram J. Spoor] 
 Horace W. Stockman, William H. Stockman, John Sturgeon, Michael 
 Sullivan, William Williams, James Ashline, John Bronson, George 
 Burke, Abraham Campbell, Albert Campbell, George N. Carter, Fred- 
 erick Gonga, Richard Sturgeon, George Labardie, Edward Searles, 
 Homer Searles, Joseph Martin, Jesse Bohonnon, Napoleon Bumbard] 
 
War of the Rebellion. 193 
 
 Henry Lapoint, Herbert Phelps. Grand Isle, Joseph Gardner, Will- 
 iam C. Irish, Joseph La Point, Orlando Maconder, David Martin, Mi- 
 chael Savage, Charles Tobias, Henry B. Tobias, Andrew M. Weed, 
 Mathew Patten. Isle La Motte, William Buchanan, Battice Busha, Mo- 
 ses Demarse, Oliver Fadden, Edson Fiske, Charles L. Fleurey, John H. 
 Fiske, Allen Fleurey, Alvin G. Fleurey, William D. Fleurey, Julius 
 Goddard, George W. Jordan, John Norman, Heman G. Pike, George P. 
 Kelley. South Hero, Proctor Landon, Bartney Lawrence, Albert 
 Phelps, Peter Akey, Nelson Baker, Michael Mercy, Lewis Trowville, 
 Peter Trowville. 
 
 The Twelfth Regiment. 
 
 The Twelfth was the first regiment of Vermont troops recruited for 
 the nine months' service. The order under which the regiment was 
 raised called for the enlistment of the enrolled militia, but the state at 
 that time appears to have been short of the material, as the organized 
 militia had formerly been in the three months' service, and the great 
 majority of the men had enlisted in subsequent three years' regiments. 
 However, the governor ordered the enrollment of all persons between 
 the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, from whom should be taken a 
 number sufficient to fill the quota of the state, which amounted to 4,898. 
 As fast as the companies were recruited they were organized into regi- 
 ments, and when the quota became filled the whole was formed into the 
 Second Vermont Brigade, comprising the Twelfth, Thirteenth, Four- 
 teenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth regiments To the Twelfth the towns 
 of Fairfield, Franklin, Georgia and St. Albans contributed company E, 
 while the five from North Hero were a part of company C. The com- 
 pany first named was known as the Ransom Guards of St. Albans, 
 although but" a small part of the company was from the town. The 
 Twelfth was mustered into service October 4, 1862, and mustered out 
 July 14, 1863. None of the field and staff officers were from either of 
 these counties. Hamilton S. Gilbert, of Fairfield, was commissioned 
 captain of company E, September i, 1862, and served until muster-out. 
 George W. Robinson, of Georgia, was commissioned first lieutenant 
 September l, 1862, and served throughout the term of enlistment, and 
 George H. Kittridge, of St. Albans, was commissioned second lieuten- 
 ant September l, 1862, and served till muster-out. ^5 
 
194 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 The Twelfth left Brattleboro on October 7th and reached Washing- 
 ton on the 9th, where it camped on Capitol Hill, and was attached to 
 Casey's Division of the Reserve Army Corps in defense of the city. On 
 the 30th, by which time the other Vermont regiments had arrived, all 
 were organized into the Second Brigade, under temporary command of 
 Colonel Blunt of the Twelfth. 
 
 Roll of Twelfth Regiment. — Fairfield, James Belcher, Herbert C. 
 Brown, Nelson H. Bush, EHas H. Dimon, Edward Dockey, Joseph 
 Dorkins, Thomas Enright, John A. Fitch, Levi Gilbert, Lyman E. Gil- 
 bert, Edwin R. Hill, Edgar E. Hubbell, William D. Hyde, Charles 
 Little, Alvert Mayer, William McColiff. William McDermot, Peter 
 McEnany, Oscar J. Merrill, Silas J. Mitchell, Julian N. Northrup, Will- 
 iam O'Neal, Nelson N. Page, Hiram J. Parady, Edgar Rye, William 
 Rye, Ralph Sherwood, Albert Sturgess, Noah D. Sturgess, John Ter- 
 ney, Bartholomew Twiggs, Walter Wakeman, Lester J. Warren, Da- 
 vid B. Wescott, Hiram N. Wescott, Wallace W. White, Isaac Whitney. 
 Franklin, Jonathan Bailey. Georgia, Edward Austin, Charles H. Baker, 
 Dana L. Ballard, Cyrus H. Bliss. Frederick K. Bliss, William O. Boy- 
 den, Charles Burgoyne, James Burnett, Henry Bushnell, Homer A. 
 Caldwell, Albert W. Clark, Edward P. Clark, James B. Denton, War- 
 ner W. Hadley, Calvin J. Jocelyne, Homer Kimball, Simeon L. Kimp- 
 ton, Oscar S. Martin, Charles H. Pettingill, Willard C. Pierce, William 
 Prentiss, Ira B. Warner, William Warner, Lewis Young. St. Albans. 
 Hiram Andrews, Wilson Brainerd, Elisha J. Brooks, Charles Busha, 
 Oliver Bussey, Frank Camil, Martin J. Corliss, Bartama Contermarsh,' 
 James P. Davis, John Dewey, Aurel Dubois, Thomas Follan, Charles 
 Gardner, Luther B. Hunt, jr., Charles Londre, William H. MiUington, 
 Henry Patterson, Joseph Shambo, EHsha D. Tracy. South Hero, Al- 
 bert B. Boardman, Orrin B. Landon, Henry Martin, Julian p'arot, 
 Luther Pixley. 
 
 The Thirteenth Regiment. 
 
 The Thirteenth was raised at the same time and for the same service 
 as the Twelfth, and was mustered into service October 10, 1862 and 
 mustered out July 21, 1863. The contingent from Franklin county was 
 m company G known as the Bakersfield company, and company K or 
 
War of the Rebellion. 195 
 
 the Highgate company, although other towns than these named aided 
 in furnishing men. Besides these companies others in the regiment 
 were represented by men from Franklin, and also from Grand Isle 
 county, the majority of them being in company H. Laurence D. Clark, 
 of Highgate, was commissioned major September 24, 1862; resigned 
 March 31, 1863. Orloff H. Whiting, of Franklin, commissioned adju- 
 tant September 24, 1862; promoted captain company H, January 22, 
 1863. Marvin White, of Enosburgh, commissioned captain company G, 
 September 11, 1862; died of disease September 13, 1862. Merritt B. 
 Williams, of Bakersfield, first lieutenant company G, September 11, 
 1862; promoted captain December 13, 1862; wounded July 3, 1863. 
 George G. Blake, of Swanton, commissioned captain company K, Sep- 
 tember 27, 1862. Edward L. Hibbard, of Frankhn, enlisted private 
 company K, September 11, 1862; sergeant-major, second lieutenant 
 company D, February 23, 1863; first lieutenant June 4, 1863. Ste- 
 phen F. Brown, of Swanton, commissioned first lieutenant company K, 
 September 11, 1862. Sidney S. Morey, of Swanton, enlisted private 
 company K, September 1 1, 1862 ; promoted first sergeant; second lieu- 
 tenant company E, June 4, 1863. Nelson Goodspeed, of Montgomery, 
 commissioned second Heutenant company G, September 11, 1862. 
 Carmi L. Marsh, of Franklin, commissioned second lieutenant Septem- 
 ber II, 1862; resigned February 17, 1863. 
 
 Roll of Thirteenth Regiment. — Bakersfield, Harvey Barnes, Lewis 
 Bovan. William O. Brigham, James Conklin, Justin Converse, George C. 
 Corse, Samuel W. Cutting, Martin N. Dodge, James A. Edwards, Mun- 
 son L. Hull, John J. Hill, Joseph W. Hitchcock, James McEnany, 
 Charles F. Orvitt, Isaac S. Randall, George H. Scott, Philip Schoolcraft. 
 Marshall Turner, John Teauge, Henry W. Wells, Fernando C. Willitt. 
 Berkshire, Marcus A. Andrews, Hanson Burelson, Edward Cantwell, 
 John Combs, William B. Dwyer, Norman Hogaboom, Lewis A. Hix, 
 Ezra Keyes, Silas Larock, Artemas Rockwell, Chester W. Searles, 
 Henry Wellman. Enosburgh, Rodman Bessy, Joel W. Bliss, Edwin R 
 Brown, Edwin Carroll, Warren Corse, George E. Cutting, Nelson S. 
 Davis, Dennison S. Dow, John B. Fassett, Henry Fassett, Homer C. 
 Fletcher, Lewis Giddings, John S. Hayes, Joseph Kidder, George W. 
 Ladd, Thomas Langley, Henry McNall, Joel McNall, Jude Newcity, 
 
196 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 John Senton, Orville Smith, Thomas T. Snell, Henry W. Stevens, Ed- 
 mund Vincent, Sumner Warner, Albert Wells, Orville Wheeler, Guy 
 Woodward. Fletcher, Eugene Bellows. Franklin, William Burgess, 
 Jackson Chadwick, Alonzo Chamberlain, Allen Corey, Edward Gorman, 
 Belden A. Greenslit, James Hagan, Edward L. Hibbard, Eli Hoag, 
 Charles A. Marvin, Roswell Olmstead, William P. Olmstead, George E. 
 Proper, Orville H. Prouty, Edgar F. Sisco, William A. Skinner, Sam- 
 uel A. Smith, Edwin C. Wilson, Richard Young. Georgia, Oliver L. 
 Kezer, William Ryan. Highgate, Marcus A. Best, Peter Bovat, James N. 
 Burns, William Church, Martin L. Clark, Wellington W. Clark, Burton 
 Dean, Smith Decker, John EUiott, Cornelius T. Frink, Cadmus S. Gates, 
 James HoUoway, James H. Hogaboom, James Judkins, Robert Kfeenan, 
 Isaac Ladue, Henry B. Meigs, Lorenzo L. Pomeroy, jr., Martin Pope, 
 David Unebec, Joseph Unebec, Patrick Shahey, Hiram S. Smith, Levi 
 Smith, Philip R. Smith, Freeman H. Sunderlin, George H. Sunderhn, 
 James Walker, John M. Waterburn. Montgomery, Roswell A. Chap- 
 Iain, George H. Fuller, William Hendrick, Albert T. Kingsley, Orange 
 Lackey, Levi. Lafleur, Octave Lafleur, Orville K. Rogers, Eleazer Rush- 
 ford, Ira Russell, Solomon Russell, Henry Shiner, Ira A. Smith, Major B. 
 Smith, Eli Trudell, Joseph W. Warner, Friend B. Woodward, Hart- 
 ford P. Woodward. Richford, Abram Benjamin, Horace D. Blaisdell, 
 John H. Dwyer, George W. Fletcher, Henry K. Heath, John E. Lar- 
 kins, Charles Lovelette, Edward Lovelette, Lewis Mack, John Wilson. 
 Sheldon, Silas Mosier. St. Albans, Jeremiah H. Searle. Swanton, 
 George L. Barney, Charles A. Burr, John W. Brean, Hanlan P. Bullard,' 
 Charles Burnell, Homer A. Burnell, Clark H. Butterfield, Orange A, 
 Comstock, Edgar Currier, Myron C. Dornon, Frank E. Felt, Deforest W. 
 Hatch, Martin V. Hicks, Oscar B. Hubbard, George H. Jennison, Sum- 
 ner H. Jennison, James Kingsley, Lewis G. Lavounty, Perry Lake, 
 James Maloney, Daniel Monahan, George A. Mead, John Mollo, Sid- 
 ney S. Morey, Rodney Orcutt, Sidney Orcutt, Oliver Parigo, Eli H. 
 Richardson, Henry Roby, Ralph O. Sturtevant, Byron Fuller, Jeremiah 
 Vancellette, William A. Wright. Grand Isle, John Chappel, Melvin B. 
 Corey, John Thibodean. North Hero, Eli Brown, Joseph Brown, Nel- 
 son Catarack, Thomas Collins, Patrick Lane, John Leonard, Stephen O. 
 Parkhurst, Julius F. Reynoles. South Hero, Antoine La Rose, James L. 
 Martin, Michael Mercy, John Trowille. 
 
War of the Rebellion. 197 
 
 The Second Brigade. — The order for the consolidation of the nine 
 months' regiments into the Second Vermont Brigade was issued and 
 reported on October 26, 1862, and the organization itself was effected 
 on the 29th, and the brigade placed for the time under the command of 
 Colonel Blunt. The brigade broke camp the next day and proceeded 
 at once to the seat of operations, but did not engage in any set battle 
 during that season, being assigned to various duties of guard and picket, 
 and held in reserve for an emergency. On the 7th of December the brig- 
 ade was placed under command of General Stoughton, and so continued 
 until the capture of that officer by Moseby's guerrillas on the 9th of 
 March, 1863. On the 20th of April following General George J. Stan- 
 nard succeeded to the brigade command, and under him the organiza- 
 tion attained to its greatest glory on the bloody field of Gettysburg, 
 when he ordered and executed the famous flank movement on the rebel 
 General Pickett, and turned the doubtful tide of that memorable battle 
 in favor of the Union. It is not necessary here to detail the events of 
 even that remarkable conflict, nor even the part taken in it by the Sec- 
 ond Brigade. The valor of the Vermont troops is sufficiently demon- 
 strated by quoting the words of General Doubleday, who, when he saw 
 the movement of Stannard's command, cried aloud: "Glory to God, 
 Glory to God ! See the Vermonters go it ! " 
 
 The Seventeenth Regiment. 
 
 In the composition of the Seventeenth every town in Franklin county 
 except Franklin, and every one in Grand Isle county except North 
 Hero, contributed men. Company A of this regiment was distinctively 
 a FrankUn county organization and the first to be organized, but other 
 companies had strong contingents of local men among their numbers. 
 Each was mustered into service when organized, and sent to the front. 
 Seth W. Langdon, of Fairfield, was commissioned assistant surgeon No- 
 vember 21, 1864, being a recruit from the Fifth Regiment. Stephen F. 
 Brown, of Swanton, commissioned captain company A, November 11, 
 1863; discharged August 22, 1864, for wounds received at Wilderness 
 May 6, 1864. Henry Gilmore, of St. Albans, commissioned second 
 lieutenant company A, November 12, 1863 ; first lieutenant August 22, 
 1864; captain November I, 1864; honorably discharged for wounds re- 
 
igS History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 ceived at Spottsylvania Court-House. Henry D. Jordon, of Isle La 
 Motte, enlisted private company A, November 4, 1863; promoted first 
 sergeant, wounded May 12, 1864, and April 2, 1865 ; promoted first 
 lieutenant company A, March 11, 1865 ; captain June 26, 1865. Cas- 
 sius W. Ellsworth, of Berkshire, enlisted private company B, Septem- 
 ber 30, 1863; first sergeant January 5, 1864; wounded May 6, 1864; 
 first Heutenant March 11, 1865. The Seventeenth was not long in ser- 
 vice, but no regiment raised in the state performed more arduous or se- 
 vere service during the same period than this, as may be seen from the 
 following list of battles : Wilderness, May 6 to 9, 1864 ; Spottsylvania, 
 May 12 to 15, and May 18, 1864; North Anna, May 25-26, 1864; 
 Tolopotomy, May 31, 1864; Bethesda Church, June 3, 1864; Cold 
 Harbor, June 7 and 8, 1864; Petersburg, June 17. 1864; Petersburg 
 Mine, July 30, 1864; Weldon Railroad, August 21, 1864; Poplar 
 Spring Church, September 30, 1864; Hatcher's Run, October 27 and 
 28, 1864; Petersburg, April 2, 1865. 
 
 Roll of Seventeenth Regiment. — Bakersfield, William Barber, Harvey 
 Buskey, Jay Buskey, Philo Dean, Charles K. Emery, Michael Roddy, 
 Philip Schoolcraft, Dennis Ward. Berkshire, Joseph Block, William T. 
 Dickens, Cassius W. Ellsworth. Enosburgh, Rodman Bessey, Franklin 
 Buskey, Warren Corse, James Purinton, Amherst C. Phillips. Fairfax, 
 Chester R. Burns, Albert E. Gordan, Samuel J. Kennison, Lewis 
 Minor, jr., Lewis Minor, sr., Andrew J. Marvin, James Maher, Francis 
 Naylor, Prosper Parizean, John Seymour, Barney Tulley, Marvin E. 
 Tuttle, Cyrus H. Whitford, Lewis Young, jr. Fairfield, Arthur W. 
 Bartte, James Belcher, Daniel C. Brown, Merritt Brown, George C. 
 Corse, Henry M. Doane, Lav. Frazier, Peter Frazier, jr., Curtis A. Holmes, 
 Orrin Holmes, John Larock, Hubbell Lee, Isaac Mitchell, Harvey E. 
 Searles, John W. Tweedale. Fletcher, John McAvoy. Georgia, Heze- 
 kiah Blake, Peter Gabree, Elicom Gilbert, George Gilbert, Warner W. 
 Hadley, William Hadley, Oliver L, Kezer, Noah La Flamme, Charles A. 
 Pettingill, James E. Raichard, Charles Rivet, Edgar Young, Phineas 
 Young. Highgate, George B. Bradley, Elwyn S. Brewer, Shuba'el Burns, 
 Henry M. Carley, Moses Carley, Peter W. Carley, Gilbert Church, Will- 
 iam W. Clark, Noah La Flamme, James Maloney, Antoine Martin', Peter 
 Messier, John H. Nokes, Peter Traver. Montgomery, Abraham' Bres- 
 
War of the Rebellion. 199 
 
 ette, John Mason, Joseph W. Warner. Richford, James Brown, jr., 
 George W. Eldred, John Haligan, Lemuel Leavitt, Patrick Macklin. 
 Sheldon, John Anderson, William Bashaw, Isaac Currier, Royal B. 
 Fanton, Clement Longway, William Wells. St. Albans, Cornelius Adle, 
 Daniel Alford, Abram Bissette, Joseph Bissette, James H. Boyle, Wil- 
 son B. Brainard, Edgar B. Brooks, Gedos Burnor, Patrick Carroll, 
 James P. Davis, Theophilus Faneuf, Joseph Fassett, Albert Fletcher, 
 Albert S. Green, Luthur A. Green, Joseph Hamel, John Harker, George 
 Hills, Uriah Hoit, Austin Humphrey, Joseph Ladobosh, Nelson Lado- 
 bosh, Thomas Lazna, John Minor, Austin Plend, John W. Plumstead, 
 Ezab Plend, Eustace Rich, Horace Rowley, Truman S. Sanderson, 
 Henry Shaw, Ebenezer Smith, George W. Tomlinson, Joseph Vario, 
 Leonard S. Warren, John Young. Swanton, Francis Curtis, William H. 
 King, William Moore, Antoine Raymond, William Shoreham. Alburgh, 
 Asahel A. Manning, Hiram D. Straight, Joseph Perrault, Henry Camp- 
 bell, Giles Campbell, John Cormick. Grand Isle, Homer H. Hurlburt, 
 William Mercy, Joseph Stone, Lucius Bailey. Isle La Motte, William H. 
 Canada, Henry M. George, Calvin N. Holbrook, Henry D. Jordan, 
 Peter Divide. South Hero, James Sweeney. 
 
 The First Vermont Cavalry. 
 
 The First Cavalry was raised in Vermont during the fall of 1861. 
 Although recruited within the state its organization was made under 
 special authority of the War Department, obtained by Lemuel B. Piatt, 
 of Colchester. Mr. Piatt had informed the secretary that he could raise 
 such a regiment in the space of forty days, and that he fulfilled the 
 promise is shown in the fact that in just forty-two days the regiment, 
 'uU and strong, was ready for service. In the composition of the First 
 Cavalry both Franklin and Grand Isle counties were represented by a 
 strong contingent of men, company B being distinctively a Franklin 
 county company, to which nearly every town furnished men, and some 
 from Grand Isle as well, while other companies were also represented by 
 a fair contribution of men from both counties. The regiment was mus- 
 tered into service November 19, 1861, and a good share of the men be- 
 came veterans on November 18, 1864, and served throughout the war. 
 At the time of organizing the field and staff command there appears to 
 
200 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 ha\e been no representation therein from either county, but before the 
 muster-out a number of men from this locality were numbered in that 
 department of the regiment. Eugene Consigny, of Svvanton, enlisted as 
 private company M,, October 6, 1862; promoted sergeant, first sergeant, 
 first lieutenant company M, February 9, 1865 ; adjutant June 4, 1865. 
 Herbert Brainerd, of St. Albans, private company L, August 16, 1862; 
 commissary, quartermaster-sergeant September 29, 1862; regimental 
 quartermaster sergeant September i, 1863; quartermaster April i, 1864, 
 William H. Eastman, of St. Albans, private company L, August 15. 
 1862; company commissary sergeant September 29, 1862; regimental 
 commissary sergeant August 31, 1864; regimental commissary June 
 4, 1865. Elmore J. Hall, of Highgate, private company L, August 
 21, 1862; assistant surgeon January i, 1863; resigned September 15, 
 1864. George P. Conger, of St. Albans, raised and was commis- 
 sioned captain company B, October 12, 1861 ; resigned September 12, 
 
 1862. William M. Beeman, of St. Albans, commissioned first lieuten- 
 ant company B, October 12, 1861 ; captain October 30, 1862 ; prisoner 
 October 1 1 , 1 863 ; paroled, mustered out December 1 7, 1 864. Henry C. 
 Parsons, of St. Albans, commissioned captain company L, September 18, 
 1862 ; discharged for wounds January 4, 1864. John W. Newton, of St. 
 Albans, first lieutenant company L, September 18, 1862 ; captain Jan- 
 uary 5, 1864; resigned February 27, 1864. Henry O. Wheeler, of 
 South Hero, private company A, October 2, 1861 ; promoted corporal, 
 sergeant, wounded May 5, 1864; first lieutenant September 24, 1863 ; 
 prisoner October 7, 1864; paroled, mustered out March 8, 1865. 
 Walter H. Burbank, of St. Albans, private company L, August 16, 1862 ; 
 promoted commissary quartermaster-sergeant, wounded May 2, 1864; 
 second lieutenant company A, February 9, 1865; first lieutenant 
 May 17, 1865. John Sawyer, of Highgate, private company B, Sep- 
 tember 23, 1861 ; sergeant, second lieutenant, first lieutenant April i, 
 
 1863. Horace A. Hyde, of Swanton, private company B, September 18, 
 1861 ; promoted sergeant, first sergeant, second lieutenant, prisoner Oc- 
 tober II, 1863; died at Andersonville, Ga., prison. Williard Farring- 
 ton, of Highgate, private company L, August 20, 1862 ; sergeant Sep- 
 tember 29, 1862; second lieutenant company L, February 9, 1865; 
 first lieutenant June 4, 1865 ; transferred to company C. F. Stewart 
 
War of the Rebellion. 201 
 
 Stranahan, of St. Albans, private company L, August 15, 1862; first 
 sergeant September 29, 1862; second lieutenant January 5, 1864; first 
 lieutenant February 28, 1864; resigned and honorably discharged as 
 second lieutenant August 28, 1864. Jedd P. Clark, of Sheldon, com- 
 missioned second lieutenant company B, October 12, 1861; resigned 
 November 17, 1862. Charles H. Pixley, of Enosburgh, private com- 
 pany B, September 23, 1861 ; commissary quartermaster-sergeant No- 
 vember 19, 1861 ; second lieutenant February i, 1863; drowned in 
 Broad Run, Va., February 18, 1863. Charles B. Stone, of Berkshire, 
 commissioned second lieutenant company B, April 14, 1865; transferred 
 to company E, June 21, 1865 ; enlisted private company B, August 25, 
 1862; wounded September 19, 1864; promoted sergeant, second lieu- 
 tenant April 14, 1865. 
 
 Battles of First Cavalry. — 1862, Mount Jackson, April 16; Port Re- 
 public, April 27; Middletown, May 24; Winchester, May 25 ; Luray 
 C. H., July 2; Culpepper C. H., July 10; Orange C. H., August 2; 
 Kelly's Ford, August 20; Waterloo Bridge, August 22; Bull Run, Au- 
 gu.st 30; Ashby's Gap, September 22. 1863, Broad Run, April i; 
 Greenwich, May 30; Hanover, June 30; Huntersville, July 2; Gettys- 
 burg, July 3 ; Monterey, July 4 ; Lightersville, July 5 ; Hagarstown, 
 July 6; Boonesboro, July 8 ; Hagarstown, July 13; Falling Waters, 
 July 14; Port Conway, August 25, September i ; Culpepper C. H., 
 September 13; Somerville Ford, September 14; Raccoon Ford, Sep- 
 tember 26; Falmouth, October 4; James City, October 10; Brandy 
 Station, October 11 ; Gainesville, October 18-19; Buckland Mills, Oc- 
 tober 19; Morton's Ford, November 28. 1864, Mechanicsville, March i ; 
 Piping Tree, March 2 ; Craig's Church, May s ; Spottsylvania, May 8 ; 
 Yellow Tavern, May 11; Meadow Bridge, May 12; Hanover C. H., 
 May 31; Ashland, June i; Hawe's Shop, June 3; Bottom Bridge, 
 June 10; White Oak Swamp, June 13; Malvern Hill, June 15; Ream's 
 Station, June 22 ; Nottaway C. H., June 23 ; Keyesville, June 24; Roa- 
 noke Station, June 25; Stony Creek, June 28-29; Ream's Station, 
 June 29; Ridley's Shop, June 30; Winchester, August 17; Summit 
 Point, August 21 ; Charlestown, August 22 ; Kearneysville, August 25 ; 
 Opequan, September 19; Front Royal, September 21 ; Mooney's Grade, 
 September 21; Milford, September 22; Waynesboro, September 28; 
 
 26 
 
202 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Columbia Furnace, October 7 ; Tom's Brook, October 9 ; Cedar Creek, 
 October 13-19; Middle Road, November ii ; Middle and Back Road, 
 November 12; Lacy's Spring, December 20. 1865, Waynesboro, 
 March 2 ; Five Forks, April i ; Namozine Church, April 3 ; Appomat- 
 tox Station, April 8 ; Appomattox C. H., April 9. 
 
 Roll of First Vermont Cavalry. — Bakersfield, Lewis Brenell, Philo 
 Brousky, Ellis Draper, Curtis L. Field, Dennis Ward, Charles Avery, 
 Christopher Newhouse, John McGrath. Berkshire, John Armstrong, 
 Orson F. Bigelow, Edwin B. Brewer, Joseph E. Brewer, Ossian Burlison, 
 Abner Boomhour, Albert G. Call, John Cantell, Abel H. Coburn, David 
 Coburn, Chester L. Dwyer, Cassius W. Ellsworth, Josiah Emery, An- 
 drew Farrand, Joseph B. Farrand, George W. Fay, Joseph Fay, Harri- 
 son S. Foster, Rodney R. Foster, Hannibal S. Jenne, James M. Lake, 
 Dennis G. Leachy, William McCarty, Addison A. Oney, Amherst W. 
 Rublee, Harly T. Sawyer, Frank Snay, Isaac W. Stetson, Lafayette 
 Stanhope, Horace B. Stetson, Charles B. Stone, Merritt H. Stone, Na- 
 than P. Sweet, Myron Witherell. Enosburgh, Calvin B. Anderson, 
 Charles S. Baker, James N. Ballard, Malcom S. Corse, George E. Cut- 
 ting, Milo L. Currier, Darius Dormina, Orrin C. Farnsworth, Priest O. 
 Dormina, Milo Farnsworth, Edward King, jr., Horatio N. Leach, Isaiah R. 
 Perley, William H. Perley, Nelson M. Perry, Charles H. Pixley, Lewis 
 Peo, Simeon Porter, William RowHen, WiUiam L. Saxby, Henry J. 
 Smith, Francis Tonchett, Leonard Tracy. Fairfax, Orvis P. Beeman, 
 Jude Brown, Charles Hickok, Hiram B. Johnson, Hiram F. Jackson, 
 Benson J. Merrill, Thomas G. Ryan, Eugene B. Soule, Robert Strong, 
 Samuel Ufford, Edmund Yates. Fairfield, Seymour Avery, Samuel 
 Blair, Job R. Dane, Simon Dufer, Harmon D. Hall, George J. Hull, 
 John Hand, Romeo W. Merrill, Edgar S. Minor, Edward Nailor, Jo- 
 seph A. Page, Louis Robash, Bradford Sherwood, Sanford Sherwood, 
 Mai shall St. Germain, Josiah Sturtevant, Seth Sherwood, Patrick Shan- 
 ahan, William Smalley, John Sutham. Fletcher, Cornelius W. Ellis, 
 Silas Kingsley, Hilkiah P. Nichols, George Wi-lkinson. Franklin, George 
 Currier, Judson A. Dodge, Samuel F. French, John Hutchinson,'Peter P. 
 Hutchinson, John Sawyer, DeForestE. Shattuck, Squire Shed, Lucian g' 
 Town. Georgia, George A. Bliss, William H. Cleaveland, Byron -Col- 
 lins, Alvah Deso, George B. Dunn, Frank B. Eustace, Reuben A. Evarts, 
 
War of the Rebellion. 203 
 
 Franklin B. Joslyn, Hiram N. Killey, Noyes N. H. Learnard, Emmet J. 
 Libbey, Elisha Manley, Scott J. Merritt, George A. Nay, William W. 
 Rogers, Charles Turner, Hiram L. Waller, Wesley J. Warren. High- 
 gate, Alphonzo Barrows, William H. Barrows, Frederick Cowley, Francis 
 Dragon, Albert H. Drury, Willard Farrington, Daniel Fosburgh, El- 
 more J. Hall, Nelson L. Hungerford, Francis L. Pedneau, John Sawyer. 
 Montgomery, John Smith, Patrick Rush. Richford, John Brown, Jo- 
 seph Collett, John Labree, Rufus Noyes, Ahira H. Perkins, Daniel H. 
 Rogers, Isaac Ryan, John Wadsworth, Abel W. White. Sheldon, Bron- 
 son Bovven, Loren Durkee, John W. Erwin, Charles S. Erwin, George H. 
 Erwin, Francis E. Ferry, Jackson M. Hurlburt, John Hurlburt, David 
 Late, Andrew McFeeters, John Pierce, Leonard Sartwell, Palmer N. 
 Scott, Mitchell Sharrow, George W. Sharrow, Truman B. Webster, 
 Daniel F. Wilder, James L. Willard. St. Albans, Arthur Alexander, 
 Charles C. Bennett, Charles H. Bradley, Herbert Brainerd, Joseph A. 
 Brainerd. Joseph P. Brainerd, Antepas Brigham, George Brown, Azel N. 
 Brush, Walter H. Burbank, James Cavanagh, Henry Chiott, William A. 
 Clapp, Claude H. Clark, Thaddeus H. Clark, Warren W. Conger, 
 Charles M. Cook, Charles M. Cornell, Clarence H. Cornell, Charles 
 Cowley, James M. Cowley, Albert F. Cox, Henry A. Curtis, Noble A. 
 Daniels, Patrick Dillon, Paul Dumas, William H. Eastman, Byron Egar, 
 Antoine Fortuna, Herbert A. Garvin, Felix Gandreau, Albert Girar- 
 deau, Hazen Gott, Albert R. Green, Cyrus Green, Sidney T. Green, 
 Warren W. Green, Frankhn Greenwood, Charles D. Harvey, Charles W. 
 Hayward, Peter Hughes, Austin Humphrey, Albert B. Hutchins, Will- 
 iam H. Jure, Peter King, William Malcolm, Charles Marchassault, Joseph 
 Martin, George Martin, Peter Mayette, Charles H. McCarroll, William 
 McGuire, Andrew E. Miller, Hugh Mooney, John C. Murray, Joseph 
 Pachette, John H. Parsons, Henry L. Patterson, Sanford H. Potter, Peter 
 Rock, Zimri Rushford, John B. Ryan, Ensebe Sansonci, Francis San- 
 sonci,' Ira E. Sperry, Lucius G, Stiles, Edward A. St. Louis, F. Stewart 
 Stannahan, William H. Welchman, William H. Wright, Lyman C. 
 Wright, Allen Wright. Swanton, William Bailey, Rufus M. Bliss, Otis H. 
 Brainerd, Eugene Consigney, Thomas Caine, Myron Craig, William M. 
 Depar, Horace A. Hyde, Perry Lake, William H. Munsell, Franklin B. 
 Newto'n, William Trendell, Alfred K. Wanzer, Seymour H. Wood. Al- 
 
204 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 burgh, Guy Haynes, Thomas Owens, Henry Trombly, William A. Clark, 
 Joseph Hodge, Andrew Lament, Joseph Bero. Grand Isle, Josiah H. 
 Adams, Wyman A. Robinson, Willard Jackson. North Hero, Peach T. 
 Knight, Orris P. Knight, Joseph Brown. South Hero, Zebina Landon, 
 Lucius L. Shonion, Henry O. Wheeler, David Dillon, Bertrand A. Con- 
 roe, Albert Upton. 
 
 First Regiment U. S. Sharpshooters. — Bakersfield, Rodney C. Worth- 
 ing. St. Albans, William Cooley. Alburgh, John Kaanan, Jerome T. 
 Niles, Peter Laflin, David Loran, George Squire. Isle La Motte, Will- 
 iam F. Dawson, William P. Fleury, George G. Holbrook, Benajah Gor- 
 don, Charles Jordan. 
 
 Second Regiment U. S. Sharpshooters. — Bakersfield, Nathan W- 
 Leach, Welcome G. Leach. Fairfax, Waitstill Bliss, William G. King, 
 Ezekiel B. Northrup. Fairfield, Walter Chase, Aquilla Darling, Thomas 
 Fleury, James Low, jr., John Low, jr., Luther Leach, Napoleon Leach, 
 Felix W. McGetric, Wallace W. White, Lyman B. Leach. St. Albans, 
 David J. Howe, George B. Joiner, Ledru M. RolHns. Isle La Motte, 
 Caleb N. Hill, Preston M. Pike. 
 
 Second Vermont Battery. — Berkshire, Albert Johnson. 
 
 Third Vermont Battery. — Bakersfield, Byron K. Oakes, Hiram G. 
 Pearsons, Henrich W. Raspil. Fairfax, Peter Bentch, George Minor, 
 Peter Minor. Georgia, Henry Bullock, Joseph J. Turner, George Tebo. 
 Montgomery, Frederick Lapoint. Richford, Silas B. Carr, Ahira Heath, 
 Hiram E. Rogers, Parker C. Thomas. St. Albans, Ohver Cherrier, 
 Andrew Swallow. 
 
 Frontier Cavalry. — Bakersfield, Stephen C. Houghton. Fairfax, Will- 
 iam McNeal. Fairfield, William A. Burrows, jr. Highgate, Cornelius 
 T. Frink. Sheldon, Eleazer Broe, Ellery J. Wilder. S wanton, Rufus L. 
 Barney, Clarke H. Blake, Hotia W. Farrar, Daniel Manahan. 
 
 In United States Navy. — Fairfield, Albert Minor. Fletcher, Cyrus O. 
 Blake, Don W. Blake. Georgia, Israel Fountain, three years ; John J. 
 Parker, three years ; Eugene J. Ranslow, one year ; Armede B Tatro, 
 one year; Lewis Young, one year. St. Albans, George W. Bogue^ 
 Charles E. Clarke, Nelson P. Guard, Edwin L. Kemp, Robert McCarroll] 
 Homer E. Rand. Swanton, Levi Morse, Philander Winters, both one 
 year. 
 
War of the Rebellion. 205 
 
 United States Army. — Swanton, Henry Jersey. 
 
 Fifty -fourth Massachusetts Colored Regiment. — St. Albans, Peter 
 Brace, William A. Davis, Daniel Prince, Isaac Prince. Swanton, Will- 
 iam Charity. 
 
 Not accounted for. — St. Albans, Oliver Fortune, company H, Third 
 Regiment; Peter Govan, company A, Fifth Regiment; John Sutton, 
 company B, Sixth Regiment; Charles J. Wells, company C, Sixth Reg- 
 iment. 
 
 Veteran Reserve Corps. — Enosburgh, Lewis Bonah. Fairfax, 
 Charles H. Hickok. Fletcher, Charles Adams, Peter Martin, Francis 
 Young. Franklin, George W. Loverin. Georgia, Napoleon Bertram, jr., 
 Gilbert Brunell, Sirrill Brusseau, Michael Carroll, Patrick Carroll. 
 Highgate, John Glover. St. Albans, John Bain, James A. Butler, Jo- 
 seph Douglass, jr., Eli Hibbard, Samuel Reed, Charles W. Weaver. 
 
 Grand Isle County, Miscellaneous. — Enrolled men who furnished sub- 
 stitutes : Alburgh, Jed P. Ladd, Gilbert Gonjeaw ; furnished under 
 draft and paid commutation, H. C. Adams, Ichabod N. Clark, Elex- 
 ander Griggs, Myron Niles, Benjamin H. Reynolds; procured substi- 
 tutes, Chauncey Bohannon, Thomas Chilton, C. N, Goodrich, George 
 Reynolds, Sumner J. Rockwell, Elias Starke, James Young; credited, 
 nine men ; in First Corps, Joseph Bonner, Elijah Norris. Grand Isle, 
 furnished under draft and paid commutation, Hiram F. Hoag ; pro- 
 cured substitutes, Edward Gordon, Daniel M. Hatch, Henry Phillips, 
 Hiram Tobias ; entered service, Tindley M. McComber ; First Corps, 
 Richard C. Cheeseman. Isle La Motte, furnished under draft and 
 paid commutation, Ira A. Hall, Almon Rarey ; in navy, Edward 
 Ryan ; credited, not named, three men ; entered service, John P. 
 Price. North Hero, furnished under draft and paid commutation, 
 Frederick Harton ; procured substitutes, Flavius J. Haven, Charles 
 Hyde, Henry C. Mooney ; in navy, Riley Dodds ; in Veteran Re- 
 serve Corps, Hanan Wheeler; credited, not named, four men. South 
 Hero, furnished under draft and paid commutation, Hiram E. Ferris; 
 drafted, Joseph La Rose ; procured substitutes, Walter Martin, Calvin 
 McBride, John B. Robinson, Ralph T. Stinehour, Joseph Girard, Gra- 
 ham Phelps; in service, Edmund H. Hart; credited, not named, five 
 men. 
 
2o6 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Unassigned Recruits. — Bakersfield, Otis Baker, William McClarty. 
 Berkshire, Joel Bashaw, John Bonah, Peter Collins, Thomas Dougan, Lu- 
 cius McClarty, John Murray, Edward Lavoy, Mathew Walker. Enos- 
 burgh, Alexander Bruce, George Clark, Henry H. Davis, Lewis Peo, jr., 
 Eli F. Wetherby, Charles Witherell. Fairfax, John Drinkwine, Mitchell 
 Trombly, Albert N. Vibbert, Nelson Vibbert, Charles James. Fairfield, 
 Jacob Clark, Wesley M. Mitchell, William Symonds. Fletcher, Zeno 
 Shepardson. Franklin, Levi Green. Georgia, Joseph Gabree, Michael 
 Ryan. Highgate, John E. Bradley, Thomas Casey, Webster Johnson, 
 Peter Lazonne. Montgomery, William Hendricks. Richford, Gilbert R. 
 Gross, Oliver Cherrier. Sheldon, Frank Gurtin, Turnus Masterinon, 
 Abraham Tibbits, Dorastus Wright. St. Albans, Charles R. Ames, Na- 
 poleon Cross, Peter Jordan, Samuel Reed, Michael Rider, James Ross, 
 Walter A. Sharp, James Somers. Swanton, Joseph Burdois, Joseph 
 Brown, James Dorand, Alfred Hendrickson, Albert Juat, William H. 
 Moritts, Wallace Sartwell, Jeremiah Vanslette. 
 
 CHAPTER Xni. 
 THE ST. ALBANS RAID— THE FENIAN RAID. 
 
 IN July, 1863, S. R. Mallory, Secretary of the Navy of the so called 
 Confederate States of America, sent twenty-seven commissioned 
 officers and forty petty officers to Canada to organize an expedition 
 against Johnson's Island in Sandusky Bay, in the state of Ohio, for the 
 purpose of releasing several thousand Confederate prisoners' of war 
 there held by the United States government. These persons arrived in 
 the Canadian province before the 20th of December, 1863, and began to 
 organize plans for making incursions on the northern states. Among 
 the leading men engaged therein were C. C. Clay, jr., George N. San- 
 ders, Beverly Tucker, John Porterfald, Jacob Thompson, J. Wilkes 
 Booth, Dr. Blackburn, Bennett H. Young, Bennett G. Buriey, John Y 
 Beal, and others. They organized what they called the Provincial 
 Army of the Confederate States of America, which included in their 
 
The St. Albans Raid. 207 
 
 numbers between thirty and forty thousand Confederate soldiers who 
 had sought asylum in Canada. Their plans were to commit depreda- 
 tions on the northern frontier by a system of terrorism so as to call 
 back the Union army to protect the loyal homes of the region, and by 
 breaches of neutrality on the part of Great Britain to involve the United 
 States and that power in warfare, hoping thus to secure the independ- 
 ence of the Southern Confederacy. To this end they planned to capt- 
 ure American vessels on the northern lakes ; to assassinate President 
 Lincoln and his cabinet and other leading Union men; to send infected 
 clothing into northern cities ; to poison northern aqueducts ; to burn 
 and plunder northern cities and villages ; and such other like acts. 
 These things to a certain extent were accomplished by the expedition 
 to Lake Erie, by the assassination of Mr. Lincoln by Booth, by the like 
 attempt against the life of Secretary Seward, and by the performances 
 of Drs. Blackburn and Beal, for which the latter was hanged, and by 
 Bennett H. Young and his associates in the raid upon St. Albans. 
 
 This conspiracy was fully established by the evidence taken in " the 
 trial of the conspirators for the assassination of Abraham Lincoln before 
 a military commission over which General Hancock presided, which 
 resulted in the hanging of Mary E. Surratt, David E. Herold, George 
 A. Atzerodt, Lewis Payne, and the imprisonment of O'Laughlin, 
 Spangler, Arnold and Dr. Mudd for life. But this paper is designed to 
 be restricted to that part of the " Great Conspiracy " known as the St. 
 Albans Raid, which occurred on the 19th of October, 1864, under Lieu- 
 tenant Bennett H. Young. On that memorable day at about the same 
 hour that Sheridan was pursuing the rebels at the battle of Cedar Creek, 
 and a company of St. Albans boys were hotly engaged with the rebels, 
 about three o'clock in the afternoon, parties of from three to five per- 
 sons, numbering in all from twenty to fifty persons, in the form and 
 appearance of a military array, took forcible and armed possession of a 
 part of the village of St. Albans. They were armed with large navy 
 revolvers, concealed under a loose coat, and had belts and traveling 
 bags or haversacks thrown across their shoulders. 
 
 They made a secret and simultaneous attack upon the three banks in 
 the village, closed the outer doors, and made prisoners of those inside. 
 In the First National Bank Albert Sowles, the cashier, was present. 
 
2o8 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 One of these strangers approached the counter on the other side of 
 which he was standing. As he came up to the counter he suddenly 
 drew a large navy revolver, cocking and presenting the same said : " If 
 you offer any resistance I will shoot you dead; you are my prisoner." 
 At this moment two other similarly armed strangers came into the 
 bank, one of them remaining at and guarding the door, while the other 
 passed behind the counter where Mr. Sowles was standing, went to the 
 iron safe in rear of his position, and commenced stuffing in his pockets 
 bank bills, bonds, treasury notes and other securities. After filling his 
 own pockets he threw other bonds, notes, securities and other private 
 papers across the counter to his confederates on' the other side, who 
 took them and filled their pockets in like manner. Mr. Sowles was 
 greatly intimidated and considered his life in danger. While these 
 things were going on one of the party said, " we represent the Confed- 
 erate States of America, and we come here to retaliate for acts commit- 
 ted against our people by General Sherman. He said it will be of no 
 use to offer any resistance, as there are a hundred soldiers belonging to 
 our party in your village. He said you have got a nice village here, 
 and if there be the least resistance to us, or any of our men are shot, we 
 shall burn the village. He said these are our orders, and each man is 
 sworn to carry them out." 
 
 They took $58,000 from this bank. The cashier was taken prisoner 
 and placed under guard in the public park in front of the banking 
 house. As they were marching out of the bank William H. Blaisdell 
 came up and caught hold of one of the guard and threw him down to 
 the ground. Two of the party rushed back, one of them shouting, 
 "shoot him, shoot him," giving his directions to the man under Blais- 
 dell. They then placed Blaisdell under guard. 
 
 These men were Joseph McGrority, Alexandar P. Bruce and Caleb 
 McDowell, the latter a nephew of the late Senator Crittenden of Ken- 
 tucky, General John Nason, over eighty years of age was in the bank, 
 but his deafness prevented his hearing what was said ; and he said to 
 Sowles. " What gentlemen are those ? It seems to me they are rather 
 rude in their behavior." Upon this one of the raiders said, "Shoot the 
 old cuss," but another said, " No, he is an old man." 
 
 At the St. Albans Bank similar occurrences took place, at which time 
 
The St. Albans Raid. 209 
 
 Cyrus N. Bishop, cashier, and Martin A. Seymour were present. Mr. 
 Bishop inquired "what is your programme?" Upon which they re- 
 pUed that they were Confederate soldiers from General Early's army ; 
 that they had come here to rob us and burn our town, and they had it 
 under their control at that moment. They then said they would ad- 
 minister the Confederate oath to Mr. Bishop, and compelled him I0 raise 
 his right hand and take the oath ; and further made him swear that he 
 would not give an alarm or fire upon the Confederate soldiers. At the 
 same time they threatened Mr. Seymour's life, and administered a sim- 
 ilar oath to him. Samuel Breck, a customer of the bank, came in, and 
 they took his money and made him prisoner. They took from this 
 bank $73,522. Mr. Bishop afterward identified three of the gang iii 
 open court, who gave their names as Thomas B. Collins, Marcus Spear, 
 and Squire Turner Tevis. 
 
 At the Franklin County Bank M. W. Beardsley, cashier, and one Jack- 
 son Clark, a wood sawyer, were present, and the treatment of these 
 men was extremely brutal in character. They covered them with re- 
 volvers and said, " We are Confederate soldiers. We will blow your 
 brains out if you stir an inch." They robbed the bank of $70,000, and 
 put Beardsley and Clark into the vault of the bank and shut two sets of 
 iron doors which inclosed the vault, and turned the bolts from the out- 
 side, and then told them they were going to burn the building. In 
 about twenty minutes Beardsley and Clark were liberated by Dana R. 
 Bailey and J. R. Armington. William H. Hutchinson was the only 
 person identified at this bank. 
 
 The occurrences in the public streets immediately after the plunder 
 of the banks were best described by Captain George P. Conger, an old 
 veteran of the cavalry service, who had just returned from the South, 
 and who had seen many raids of more serious nature in Virginia. He 
 says: " On that day I saw a great crowd of people around the Ameri- 
 can House and one of the banks. I met Stephen Basford running his 
 horse towards me, and he said, ' What is going on down street ? There 
 are men with pistols, taking horses from the stables' ; and he wanted to 
 know what it all meant. I said to him it is a regular raid. I then 
 jumped from my wagon and soon met Lieutenant Young. He said : 
 'Are you a soldier? ' I said no, and he then said, ' You are my prisoner,' 
 27 
 
2 to History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 I walked with him, and when we got opposite the Franklin County Bank 
 Young said 'Halt!' and said to his orderly, 'You take him across the 
 street,' where there were a number of men under guard. I got away 
 from them, ran down Lake street, and halloed to the people, ' Bring on 
 your arms for a fight, there is a regular raid on St. Albans.' I began to 
 rally the people and fire-arms began to come in. The band saw the 
 arms coming and they began to move north ; then Lieutenant Young 
 fell in the rear with his orderly. He said, ' Keep cool boys. Keep 
 cool.' Loren Dowing said, ' Here is a rifle, sure fire and well loaded.* 
 I snapped it three times at Young, but it did not go off. I followed on, 
 when Young and his orderly both fired at me twice. He then said, ' Keep 
 cool boys,' a second time. His command at this time were all on horse- 
 back. I then overtook them again with a large number of citizens op- 
 posite the Tremont House and tried to fire. Then the firing began on 
 both sides, and continued a running fire all through the streets until the 
 band was driven out of the village towards Canada. 
 
 " While this firing was going on Elinas J. Morrison was shot in the 
 bowels and died of his wounds October 22, 1864. Lieutenant Young 
 claimed afterwards that the ball was intended for E. D. Fuller, who was 
 trying to fire a revolver at them from behind one of the large elm trees 
 opposite the Tremont House. C. H. Huntington was also shot by 
 Young while walking in the streets, and was in a critical condition for 
 several weeks. Leonard Bingham was also wounded in the abdomen. 
 The American House was set aflame with Greek fire in several places, 
 as well as the store of Victor Atwood, upon which water had but little 
 effect, and it had to be hewn out with axes in order to arrest it. 
 
 " Captain Conger and his pursuing party followed the marauders into 
 Canada, where they captured a number of them on Canadian soil, but 
 were compelled to release them to the provincial authorities. Among 
 the pursuers were Wilder Gilson and Stephen Conger. The former shot 
 one of the raiders in the back while on horse, and he was helped by his 
 comrades and only after much trouble reached Canada, Young Conger 
 kept up the pursuit on horseback and wounded several of the invaders, 
 one of whom afterwards died in Montreal. 
 
 "General Dix telegraphed Redfield Proctor, who forwarded the mes- 
 sage by Officer L. A. Drew to Colonel Benton, of St. Albans, and thence 
 
The St. Albans Raid. 211 
 
 by Drew to Captain Conger at Frelighsburgh, Canada, as follows: 'Send 
 all the efficient force you have and try to find the marauders who came 
 from Canada this morning. Put a discreet officer in command, and in 
 case they are not found on one side of the line pursue them into Canada 
 if necessary and destroy them.' 
 
 " On receipt of this despatch the pursuing party, by the aid of Cana- 
 dian officials, succeeded in capturing fourteen of the number on Canadian 
 soil and securing $86,500 of plunder, which was placed in the hands of 
 Canadian officials as evidence against the raiders, which was afterwards, 
 by the treachery of Judge Coursal, the Canadian judge, given up to the 
 rebels or their agents in Canada for which the Canadian government 
 made but a partial restitution. 
 
 " The news spread with the rapidity of lightning throughout the land, 
 and threw consternation into the homes and villages along the entire 
 northern frontier, contiguous to the province of Canada, especially on 
 the borders of Vermont, where it was expected the attacks would be re- 
 newed, carrying all the horrors of war to our very homes and firesides. 
 
 " At this time the Vermont legislature was in session, and after a 
 council of war Governor Smith telegraphed Lord Monck, governor- 
 general of Canada, as follows : 'A party of raiders from the province of 
 Canada have invaded this state, have robbed all the banks at St. Albans, 
 killed several citizens, and are plundering and destroying property.' On 
 the 2ist of October Lord Monck repUed : 'Your telegram has been re- 
 ceived. You need entertain no apprehension that the law will not be 
 impartially administered. An able magistrate. Judge Coursal, of Mont- 
 real, has charge of the case.'" 
 
 The writer, for want of space, has given not more than a mere outline 
 of this great and important event at St. Albans, but while the material 
 exists which would fill a volume further mention must be reserved for 
 some future occasion when wider latitude and greater space can be 
 given. The reader of history will remember the conspiracies to assassin- 
 ate Egdon, the king of Moab, resulting in his destruction— that of 
 Mornt, the French Revolutionary leader, sharing the same fate— that of 
 Guy Fawkes to blow up and destroy the English Parliament, though of 
 no greater scope and importance in their results than this great conspir- 
 acy, have each been given a record in history which will perpetuate 
 
212 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 them through all its annals. It may not be presumptuous then to con- 
 jecture that this conspiracy, though its details are not fully known, will 
 yet be ranked in importance as one of the greatest conspiracies ever 
 known, attempting in part to subvert and destroy a great government 
 and throw it into slavery. Caesar's bloody garment threw Rome again 
 into slavery, but all the machinations of slavery conspirators, of which 
 this raid was a prominent one, did not destroy this great Republic. 
 
 The Fenian Raid. 
 
 In the year 1866, on the 1st day of June, there suddenly appeared in 
 the shire town of Franklin county a large body of some three hundred 
 or more strange men, both old and young. They came unbidden, and 
 their coming was not expected until their arrival was a fact. And they 
 were a motley crowd, unprepossessing in appearance, poorly clad in the 
 main, looking somewhat rough and uncanny, yet they offered no affronts 
 nor injuries to person or property of the residents. They came from 
 the south by rail, and the trains arriving later brought large re-enforce- 
 ments to their ranks, of persons of much the same general appearance 
 and manners as the first arrivals. They did not patronize the hotels of 
 the village, but were fed with provisions supplied by their apparent 
 leaders and purchased at the shops and markets of the village. 
 
 This strange and unexpected arrival did not fail to create great excite- 
 ment among the people of the village, but it produced no fear or con- 
 sternation among them, for it soon became known that this formidable 
 force of invaders constituted the right wing of the Army of Ireland, and 
 that the purpose of the troops was to overthrow the British rule in the 
 Canadas, and thus avenge the wrongs heaped upon the suffering people 
 of Ireland by the English government. Such being the avowed object 
 of the leaders, the people felt reassured as to the character of the un- 
 wonted gathering, and whatever of alarm might at first have existed 
 was soon dispelled, and one and all of the population became interested 
 in future proceedings, for the average Vermonter does like fun. 
 
 During its brief sojourn in St. Albans the army camped on the green, 
 while those that could found shelter from the night air in some friendly 
 barn or out-building. All told, the force numbered some 1,200 men; 
 but they were not armed while here that night and on the next morn- 
 
The Fenian Raid. 213 
 
 ing they dispersed, marching without order or form toward the north 
 and east. But the army had arms and uniforms, although they may 
 not have donned the latter These were concealed in various towns of 
 the county, noticeably in Fairfax and Fairfield, and possibly elsewhere. 
 And it appears that through some mistake or misunderstanding much 
 of their fund of equipments never reached them, but remained where 
 deposited until after the remarkable raid was over and passed into his- 
 tory. 
 
 On Wednesday, the 6th of June, the army concentrated and rendez- 
 voused in the quiet town of Franklin ; and although its approach was 
 heralded throughout the locality, the people there were somewhat dis- 
 quieted and looked carefully to the security of their movable property ; 
 even, it is said, the fowls sought the topmost branches of the tallest 
 trees. The army remained over night in this town, (the people there, 
 however, were satisfied witii a short visit,) lodging as previously in barns 
 and wherever else they could find shelter from the wind and rain, for 
 as usual on occasions of importance it rained that night in FrankHn, but 
 on the morning of the 7th the commanding officer ordered an advance 
 into Canada. On reaching British soil the army was addressed by the 
 commander, General Spear, who enjoined upon the men that they re- 
 spect the women and children and do them no injury,, but urged upon 
 them the importance of their campaign and his full confidence of its ul- 
 timate success. About seventj' rods across the line was established the 
 headquarters of the army, and here within convenient reach of the 
 United States territory the troops camped. On the 8th a detachment 
 made a descent upon Frelighsburgh, plundered several stores, for the 
 men were hungry, fired a few shots, and removed the flag from the Brit- 
 ish custom-house at the place. This was the first aggressive attack on 
 the part of the Army of Ireland, and it was successful in a measure, as 
 the plunder captured temporarily satisfied the hunger of the troops. At 
 this time all Franklin and hundreds from other towns were up along the 
 line enjoying the fun, for such it was to them. 
 
 But notwithstanding the temporary success of its arms the invaders 
 were not satisfied with their situation and a feeling of discontent per- 
 vaded the whole army. Their leader saw this and called a council of 
 war, at which it was decided best to abandon further invasion ; but the 
 
2 14 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 worthy commander, in order to show his own courage and confidence, 
 called for volunteers to step from the ranks and remain with him, to 
 which only sixteen men responded. Now commenced the return march 
 to St. Albans, a tramp the men performed with greater dispatch than 
 was exhibited on their northward journey ; and they arrived at the vil- 
 lage line just in time to fall into the hands of the United States troops, 
 which had been sent to this point to enforce the neutrality laws and pre- 
 vent riot and disorder on the part of the insurgents The presence of 
 the United States troops, under the command of the hero of Gettysburg, 
 General Meade, had the effect of completely reassuring the local peo- 
 ple and removed all apprehension of danger to their property, fowls in- 
 cluded, from the famous Army of Ireland. But General Meade and his 
 command did more than merely preserve order: through him the strag- 
 glers were furnished transportation by rail to their homes, much to the 
 satisfaction of the people of the village. More than this, the United 
 States troops remained some two weeks encamped on the park green, 
 and the Third Artillery band daily discoursed excellent music to the 
 great enjoyment of the people of the locality. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 THE liENTCH AND BAR OF FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES. 
 
 TO properly unders and and fully appreciate the history of the judici- 
 ary of any commonwealth, and the worth and attainments of the 
 magistrates and practitioners at its. bar. some knowledge of the origin 
 and development of the machinery and spirit of this branch of govern- 
 ment is necessary. 
 
 The sentiment is commonly expressed that the judicial system of Ver- 
 mont is largely copied or derived from the common laws of England, 
 and slightly from the civil law of the continent. In many respects this 
 is true, and resemblances may be traced therein ; there are certain 
 changeless principles running throughout the laws of every state and 
 nation from the time of Moses to Elizabeth. The statute and common 
 
The Bench and Bar. 215 
 
 laws of England are the recognized fundamental principles upon which 
 were based the legislative and constitutional enactments of this com- 
 monweatlh, although directly the constitution of Vermont was molded 
 and based upon that of the state of Pennsylvania. But, unlike Penn- 
 sylvania and in striking dissimilarity to every other state in the Union, 
 the early history of Vermont discloses so much of " individual personal 
 independence that we are not surprised at a bold and fearless disregard 
 of precedent, nor that a territory that presented the most notable exam- 
 ple of independence of any of the states of the Union should establish a 
 state and conduct its affairs for fourteen years before she was received 
 into the Union, with no help from otiiers, admitting no allegiance to 
 others, and no obligations save those assumed when her leaders pledged 
 their lives and fortunes to assist the older states to cast off the British 
 yoke. In every department of government they were a law unto them- 
 selves." 
 
 Long before the adoption of a constitution for Vermont the people of 
 the region were living under a form of government established by New 
 York, by which the district was made directly subservient to the laws of 
 that jurisdiction. Counties were erected, and courts organized, but that 
 judicial authority was questioned and opposed, and finally set aside. 
 
 An old adage teaches that " necessity knows no law"; and it is well 
 known that necessity — stern necessity — made it indispensable to the 
 safety of the inhabitants of the New Hampshire grants that some means 
 should be devised whereby the opponents to the policy advocated by 
 the majority of the people might be held in check, that the inimical con- 
 duct of the Tory element should not become dangerously contagious ; 
 for, if once become rampant, that obnoxious element would certainly 
 have endangered, if not entirely overthrown, the institutions of the in- 
 fant state, and passed its control into the hands of the New Yorkers. 
 And it was stern necessity, too, that impelled Ethan Allen and his com- 
 patriots to establish an informal court for the trial and punishment of the 
 New York officers sent to the grants with warrants of disposses and ar- 
 rest; but the penalty and judgment of this court seldom went beyond a 
 severe reprimand, or the not infrequently impressive effects of the 
 "beech seal." Necessity, also, made it incumbent on the authorities of 
 the " separate jurisdiction " to establish courts of confiscation, not alone 
 
2i6 History of FranKUn and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 that Toryism might be checked, but that the means might be provided 
 wherewith to defray the expenses of the government in civil affairs, and 
 as well to provide and maintain an armed force for aggressive and de- 
 fensive warfare, which, during that period, was waging against Great 
 Britain. But after the independence of Vermont had been declared, and 
 after the constitution of the state had been adopted, assuming these 
 transactions to have been absolutely right regardless of the fact that they 
 were not then sanctioned by the general government, then the authori- 
 ties were in a position to organize courts of justice and administer the 
 affairs of the state more " in due form of law." 
 
 The fourth section of the original constitution of Vermont declared 
 that " Courts of Justice shall be established in every county in this 
 State." This was adopted in 1777, but it was not until the succeeding 
 year that officers were chosen under its provisions, the affairs of the state 
 in the meantime being entrusted to the " Council of Safety." This 
 brought into existence the first courts of the counties of Bennington and 
 Cumberland, which then embraced almoit the e.itire district of the state. 
 It is not clear just how or when justices of the peace were first appointed, 
 but there is found a record " of the justices of the peace cho.sen and au- 
 thorized by the act of Assembly at Bennington, June 17, 1778." The 
 first evidence tending to show the establishing of higher courts is that 
 disclosed by the Assembly journal for the year 1778, wherein reference 
 is made to the " Superior Court appointed by the Legislature," but for 
 lack of record the powers and jurisdiction of this court cannot be related. 
 
 In February, 1779, at a session holden in Bennington, the General 
 Assembly passed an act " constituting and establishing one Superior 
 Court in the State of Vermont." This court consisted of five judges 
 with unlimited jurisdiction in all causes of action, except in cases where 
 the matter in demand did not exceed twelve pounds (appeals excepted), 
 and where, for the year ensuing, the question of the title of land was in- 
 volved. The same legislature, on a later day of the session, passed an- 
 other act, entitled "An Act regulating Trials and Appeals," which 
 reads m part as follows: " Whereas no County Courts have been estab- 
 lished m this state, which makes it necessary that all such cases or ac- 
 tions as would otherwise be heard before such County Courts, should 
 now be heard and determined in the Superior Court, Be it enacted " etc 
 
The Bench and BaR. 217 
 
 — directing County Court actions to be determined in the Superior 
 Court until County Courts be established. But the acts passed at this 
 session of the Assembly were declared to be " temporary laws," and to 
 remain in force only until the "rising of the General Assembly in Octo- 
 ber next." In October, however, an act was passed extending the op- 
 eration of all laws previously adopted until the close of the Assembly's 
 business in March, 1780. Also the October Assembly passed an act 
 directing that the judges of the Superior Court be chosen by the joint 
 ballot of the Governor and Council and the House of Representatives ; 
 and further, another act fixed the fees of an attorney practicing in the 
 Superior or County Court at six pounds. This act, however, was re- 
 pealed November 8, 1780. 
 
 The Court of Chancery was established by an act of the legislature 
 passed at the October session in 1779, by virtue of an act which consti- 
 tuted the Superior Court of the state a Court of Equity ; and by subse- 
 quent enactment the judges of the Supreme Court were made chancel- 
 lors, and the " powers and jurisdiction of the Chancery Court to be the 
 same as those of the Court of Chancery in England, except as modified 
 by the constitution and laws of the state." 
 
 Probate Courts were established under an act passed June 17, 1780, 
 
 but it was not until October 20th following that judges of probate were 
 
 first designated. As originally constituted the Probate Court was made 
 
 a court of record, having a seal; also having special original jurisdiction 
 
 . of the settlement of estates and appointment of guardians. 
 
 The Supreme Court was established in June, 1782, superceding and 
 supplanting the Superior Court, by an act of the General Assembly, con- 
 curred in by the Governor and Council, which provided "that there shall 
 be and hereby is constituted a Supreme Court of Judicature within and for 
 this State, to be held and kept annually at the respective times and 
 places in this act hereafter mentioned, by one chief judge and four other 
 judges, to be chosen by ballot by the Governor, Council and General As- 
 sembly annually at their October session." From the time of its organ- 
 ization until 1786 the Supreme Court consisted of one chief judge and 
 four assistants; from 1786 to 1825 of three judges ; from 1825 to 1827, 
 inclusive, of four judges; from 1827 to 1850 of five judges; from 1850 to 
 1857, on account of the re arrangement of the judiciary of the state, of 
 
 28 
 
2ig History oP Franklin aNd Grand Isle CoiIntiES. 
 
 three Supreme and four Circuit judges; from 1857 to 1870 of six judges; 
 and under the law of 1870, and from that until the present time, of "one 
 chief judge and six assistant judges," that number constituting the pres- 
 ent Supreme Bench of the state. Courts of Insolvency were established 
 in 1870, and judges of probate given jurisdiction of the settlement of in- 
 solvent estates. 
 
 According to the present disposition of the judicial powers of the state 
 the Supreme Court judges are also judges of the County Courts of the 
 several counties of the state, in which character they are associated with 
 two assistant judges, chosen locally, and who may or may not be learned 
 in the law, there being nothing more than the ordinary requisites of cit- 
 izenship to qualify them for this office. 
 
 In 1792, when Franklin county was erected, and in 1802, when Grand 
 Isle was likewise created, the local judiciary comprised one chief judge 
 and two assistants; and inasmuch as Grand Isle county was mainly a part 
 of Franklin prior to its separate erection, the general statement that the 
 judges whose jurisdiction extended throughout Franklin also included 
 Grand Isle may be treated as substantially correct. The organization of 
 the courts of Franklin county was completed in 1796, the year after that 
 in which the county itself was fully organized. The first court was held 
 during that year in the Hoit residence on Main street, as afterward 
 known, and there they continued to be held until 1803, when the court- 
 house was completed. The first court was presided over by Chief Judge 
 Ebenezer Marvin, while John White and Samuel Barnard officiated as as- 
 sistants. General Levi House was state's attorney; Prince B. Hall, sher- 
 iff"; John White, county clerk and clerk of the courts. 
 
 In 1802, as is fully narrated in a preceding chapter. Grand Isle county 
 was erected, taking the greater part of its territory from Franklin, and a 
 lesser part from Chittenden county; but it was not until the year 1805 
 that Grand Isle county was fully organized, and not until March, 1806, 
 that the first term of the County Court was held. Asa Lyon was the 
 first chief judge, while the assistants were Nathan Hutchins and Alex- 
 ander Scott; clerk of the court and county clerk, Alpheus Hall; sher- 
 iff", Amos Morrill; state's attorney, Philo Berry. 
 
The Bench and Bar. 219 
 
 Chief Judges of the County Court. 
 
 Ebenezer Marvin, the first chief judge of the County Court of Frank- 
 lin county, was a native of Connecticut, born in April, 1741. His early 
 life was passed on the farm, but he afterward studied medicine and be- 
 came a physician of prominence. After residing for a time in various 
 towns in Connecticut, Vermont and New York, Dr. Marvin in 1794 be- 
 came a citizen of this county, making his home in Franklin, where he 
 died in November, 1820. The life and public services of Mr. Marvin 
 were various and valuable. Says the "Governor and Council": " His 
 first military service was as captain of a company of volunteers who 
 marched to support Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold at Ticonderoga ; 
 but he subsequently served as surgeon in the Continental service, and 
 in that capacity was present at the battle with and surrenderer of Bur- 
 goyne in October, 1777. He was judge of the Rutland County Court in 
 1786, and from 1788 to 1794, when he removed to Franklin; was judge 
 of Chittenden County Court from 1794 until 1796, and of Franklin 
 County Court from 1796 until 1802, and again from 1808 until 1809. 
 He represented Tinmouth in 1783, and from 1786 until October, 1791, 
 when he took his seat in the Council. His services in that body con- 
 tinued for eleven years, until 1 802." Describing Judge Marvin the late 
 Chief Justice Royce said : " In person Judge Marvin was august and 
 impressive, being at least six feet in height, with broad shoulders, full 
 chest and stout limbs, every way strong and muscular, and withal quite 
 corpulent. A larger human head than his is rarely if ever seen. In 
 politics he was a FederaHst of the Washington school, and in religious 
 preference and profession an Episcopalian." 
 
 Jonathan Janes, the successor to Judge Marvin, took his seat on the 
 local bench in 1803, and continued until 1808. He was a native of 
 Connecticut, from which state he came to Vermont at an early day, prior, 
 it is said, to the organization of Franklin county. His first place of resi- 
 dence in the county was at Richford, which town he represented from 
 1799 to 1802. In 1800, 1801 and 1802 Mr. Janes was assistant judge 
 and moved to the county seat, and became chief judge in 1803. He was 
 county clerk from 1809 to i8i3,and again in 1816; was judge of pro- 
 bate from 1808 to 18 12. Judge Janes died in 1824. 
 
220 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Joseph D. Farnsworth, the third of the chief judges of the County 
 Court, was born in Middletown, Conn., December 22, 1771. He be- 
 came a practicing physician in 1789, being then but eighteen years of 
 age, and came to Vermont in 1790, locating in Addison, but in 1795 
 moved to Fairfield, and thence to Charlotte in 1824, to St. Albans 
 in 1836, and to Fairfax in 1839, ending his days in the latter place Sep- 
 tember 9, 1854. Dr. Farnsworth was assistant judge in 1807—08, and 
 succeeded to the chief judgeship of the County Court: in 1809, and con- 
 tinued in that capacity until 1815, and again served from 1816 to 1824. 
 
 William Brayton. — For sketch of Judge Brayton see " Supreme 
 Court Judges." 
 
 Zerah Willoughby, the last of the succession of chief judges of the 
 Franklin County Court, was a resident of Fletcher, and first appears in 
 local history as one of the assistant judges, serving from 1801 to 1806. 
 He was councilor in 1808 and 18 14; again assistant judge in 18 13-14, 
 1818-23, and chief judge in 1824-25. By occupation Mr. Willoughby 
 was a farmer and merchant, being the pioneer of the latter industry in 
 his town. He represented Fletcher for four years, commencing with 
 1821 ; also during 1821 he was town clerk. 
 
 In Grand Isle county Asa Lyon was the first of the succession of 
 chief judges of the County Court, concerning whom a recent publica- 
 tion says: "Rev. Asa Lyon was born in Pomfret, Conn., December 31, 
 1763 ; graduated at Dartmouth College in 1790; was pastor of the Con- 
 gregational church at Sunderland, Mass., from October 4, 1792, to 
 September 23, 1793. He organized the Congregational church in 
 South Hero, in conjunction with Grand Isle, in 1795, and was its first 
 minister, though he never was installed, but was elected by its mem- 
 bers. After a few years a difficulty arose as to his support, when he 
 declared that his pastoral services should be gratuitous. Beginning 
 with a valuable farm, and living in the most frugal fashion, he became 
 the wealthiest man on the islands without the aid of a salary." Mr. 
 Lyon represented South Hero from 1799 till 1803, from 1804 to 1807, 
 and part of the year 1808, until chosen councilor, serving as such one 
 year. He represented Grand Isle from 1 8 1 2 to 1 8 1 5 , being then elected 
 to Congress and serving to March, 1817. He was chosen chief judge 
 of the Grand Isle County Court, first in 1805, and again in 1806, '07, 
 '09, and '14. 
 
The Bench and Bar. 221 
 
 Benjamin Adams succeeded to the chief judgeship of the County Court 
 in 1808 upon the election of Judge Lyon to the Council, but was him- 
 self succeeded in 1809 by his predecessor. In 18 10 Judge Adams was 
 re-elected, and continued in office until 18 14, when Judge Lyon was 
 again chosen. In 18 16 Judge Adams was again elected, and served 
 without intermission until 1824. In 1819 and 1820 Mr. Adams repre- 
 sented South Hero in the Assembly. 
 
 Phillyer Loop, the third in the succession of chief judges, first went 
 on the bench in 18 14, in the capacity of assistant judge, and succeeded 
 to the chief position in 1815, serving only one year. In 1810 Mr. 
 Loop represented Alburgh in the General Assembly. 
 
 Lewis Sowles was elevated to the chief judgeship in 1824, and con- 
 tinued until the next year, when the office was abolished. As early, 
 however, as 1809 he was chosen assistant judge, and served until 181 5 ; 
 and again from 181 7 until 1824, when he took the chief position. Like- 
 wise, when the Circuit judges became the presiding officers, Mr. Sowles 
 was again elected assistant judge, serving from 1826 to 1831. 
 
 Of the persons heretofore mentioned as having served in the capacity 
 of chief judges of the County Court of Frankhn and Grand Isle counties, 
 none, save one, were members of the bar of either county, and were not, 
 therefore, men of whom it can be said that they were learned in the law 
 within the strict meaning of that term. That they were men who pos- 
 sessed at least the average of intellectual abilitjr, that they were men 
 who had a fair understanding of legal maxims and legal principles, no 
 person for a moment can doubt ; for other than such men the people 
 and the legislatures of the period in which they lived were not in the 
 habit of electing to responsible and important positions, either on the 
 bench or in the other leading civil offices of the counties. But with the 
 radical changes made in the character of the judiciary in 1825 it be- 
 came one of the fixed rules of law of the commonwealth to select for the 
 office of judge none except men possessed of full legal education, mem- 
 bers of the bar duly and regularly admitted to practice in the state; and 
 even before the changes made at the time indicated justices of the 
 Supreme Court were elected and appointed by the legislative power of 
 the state only from that portion of the people who were identified with 
 the profession of the law. Therefore it will become the province of this 
 
222 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 chapter in succeeding pages to recognize and refer only to such persons 
 as have been or are members of the legal fraternity, if such characteriza- 
 tion may be allowed. 
 
 Of the magistrates on the bench and the practitioners at the bar of 
 the courts, past and present, in the counties of which we write, many 
 have attained distinction, and some eminence. Among the leading legal 
 minds of this commonwealth these counties have furnished their full 
 quota. On the bench and at the bar have been found lawyers of strict 
 integrity and rare ability ; men of worth, men of character, men whose 
 social and mental qualities have made them famous; men whose marked 
 attainments have made for them a high standard in the legislative halls 
 of the state and of the nation ; men whose influence has been so salu- 
 tary and all-pervading that the whole bar seems to have caught some- 
 thing of its spirit, and maintained a freedom from all unworthy methods 
 as can be found in very few communities. 
 
 Supreme Court Judges. 
 
 Asa Aldis. — The elevation of Judge Aldis to the Supreme Bench of the 
 state was the first apparent recognition by the appointing power that 
 Franklin county had a bar of sufficient strength to warrant the selection 
 of one of its members for this high office. At the bar of the county at 
 that time were many strong and able legal minds ; but Judge Aldis was 
 the peer of any of them, and his selection for judicial honors was re- 
 ceived with much favor by his associates, and by the profession gener- 
 ally throughout the state. Asa Aldis was born in Franklin, Norfolk 
 county, Mass., in 1770. At the age of five years he became an orphan, 
 and then was taken into the family of an aunt, where he remained until 
 he was fourteen years old. His early education was received under a 
 private tutor, after which, in 1792, he entered Rhode Island College, 
 and was graduated in 1796. He then commenced a course of law study 
 with Judge Howell of Providence, R. I., and in due time was admitted 
 to the bar in that state. For the practice of his profession he located at 
 Chepachet, and remained there some two or three years ; but as this 
 place did not appear to offer the success he desired to attain as an attor- 
 ney he made a journey to the then new West, with a view to locating in 
 that country; but not finding a promising locality he returned East, 
 
The Bench and Bar. 223 
 
 coming by the way of St. Albans. Here he saw an opportunity for a 
 young and active lawyer, and at once determined to make that point his 
 future home. Accordingly he settled his affairs at his former residence 
 and became a resident of St. Albans in i802, and a member of the 
 Franklin county bar in 1803. During the next year he formed a law 
 partnership with Bates Turner, which continued until the latter moved 
 to Fairfield. Mr. Aldis at once took a prominent place in the local bar, 
 being considered by all people of the region as an attorney of more than 
 usual ability. In 1804 he was elected state's attorney, and served in 
 that capacity until 1806. He does not appear to have held any other 
 office until 1815, when he was chosen to the position of chief justice of 
 the Supreme Court of the state, his associates on the bench at the time 
 being Richard Skinner and James Fisk. Judge Aldis remained on the 
 bench but one year, and then resumed practice at the local bar, where, 
 in 18 19, he formed a partnership with James Davis, then a leading mem- 
 ber of the profession in the county, a resident of the county seat, and 
 who was admitted to the bar in August, 18 12. This relation was main- 
 tained until 1832, when Mr. Davis retired, his place being taken by 
 Asa O. Aldis, son of Asa, the firm thus formed continuing practically 
 until the time of Judge Aldis's death, October i6th, 1847. Judge Asa 
 Aldis was a member of the Council of Censors of 1820. He was one of 
 the Vermont presidential electors in 1824, and again in 1828. 
 
 William Brayton. — The second representative of the Franklin county 
 bar on the Supreme Bench of the state was William Brayton ; and he is 
 understood as having been an attorney formerly a resident of Swanton, 
 possibly a native of the town. Judge Brayton was admitted to practice 
 in Franklin county in February, 1807, and was the only lawyer of the 
 county who was elected chief judge of the County Court during the con- 
 tinuance of that office in the county, his term of service as such cover- 
 ing the years 1815 and 18 16. The next year, 18 17, Judge Brayton was 
 elected to the Supreme Bench and served five years, and until succeeded 
 by Judge Charles K. Williams, in 1822. The practicing attorneys of the 
 present time will undoubtedly remember Judge Brayton more particu- 
 larly through " Brayton's Reports," which were published during the 
 period of his incumbency of the judgeship. 
 
 Stephen Royce, the peer of any man who ever occupied a place on 
 
224 History of Franklin and Granid Isle Counties. 
 
 the Supreme Bench of Vermont, in the halls of the state legislature, or 
 in its gubernatorial chair, was born in Tinmouth, this state, on the 1 2th 
 of August, 1787 ; came with his parents to Huntsburgh, now Franklin, 
 in 1 79 1, and two years later to Berkshire, where he ever after made his 
 home, although during the course of his busy career he resided tem- 
 porarily elsewhere at various times. There were no established schools 
 in Berkshire prior to 1800, but young Royce, nevertheless, laid the foun- 
 dation for his education through parental instruction, beside learning 
 much by absorption and observation, for he was unusually bright and 
 intelligent, even as a child, and seemed to gain knowledge from every 
 surrounding object in nature, such was the peculiar construction and 
 character of his mind. When he was but thirteen years of age young 
 Stephen was sent to Tinmouth for the purpose of attending school, 
 where he remained for some time, but not without interruption, as he 
 was occasionally called back to Berkshire, his services being required on 
 the farm. He entered Middlebury College soon after the incorporation 
 of that institution, and was graduated with the class of 1807. Return- 
 ing home he afterward taught school in Sheldon, at the same time pur- 
 suing a course of law study under the instruction of his uncle, Ebenezer 
 Marvin. In August, 1809, he was admitted to practice in Franklin 
 county. In his early years of practice he is found in various places : 
 first for two years in Berkshire ; then one year with his uncle in Shel- 
 don; after which he went to St. Lawrence county, N. Y., for a time, but 
 returned again to Sheldon. From 18 16 to 18 18 he was state's attorney 
 for this county, and during 1815-16 represented Sheldon in the legis- 
 lature. In 18 1 7 the young counselor moved to the county seat, and in 
 1822 '23 and '24 represented St. Albans. In 1825 he was elected to the 
 Supreme Bench, serving during that and the next year, but in 1827 was 
 succeeded by Bates Turner. However, in 1 829, Judge Royce was again 
 elected to the bench, and served with honor and even distinction con- 
 tinuously till the close of his term in 185 i, then decHning a proffered re- 
 election. From 1 846 to the time of his retirement our subject was 
 chief judge of the Supreme Court. But the people of the state had still 
 other honors for their late chief justice, for in 1854 and '55 he was 
 elected governor of Vermont. After two terms of honorable incum- 
 bency in the highest office in the state, and being grown " weary and 
 
The Bench and Bar. 225 
 
 old with service," Judge Royce retired to private life, taking up his 
 abode on the old home farm in Berkshire, where he ever after remained 
 until the end of his days, on the nth of November, 1868, then being 
 more than eighty years of age. 
 
 After the death of Judge Royce, at a meeting of the bar in St. Albans 
 held January 19th, 1869, the eulogist of the occasion, B. H. Smalley, 
 speaking of the life of the late chief justice, said : " That character, pub - 
 lie and private, has become the property of the nation in general, and of 
 Vermont in particular; and it is well to set forth its virtues as the proud 
 heritage of our state and an example to the rising generation. In all 
 his relations in life he was guided and controlled by the highest princi- 
 ples of moral rectitude. Not that rectitude which is said to make a 
 man ' honest within the statute ' ; it had a larger scope, a more solid 
 basis, than any mere human law in his own strong intuitive sense of jus- 
 tice. In his personal transactions, where there was any doubtful mat- 
 ter, he always gave the benefit of the doubt to his opponent, more 
 anxious to do entire justice to others than to exact it from them to him- 
 self . . . As a jury advocate he was the equal of any at the bar. 
 He had the capacity of so stating the case to the jury that the simple 
 statement was often more effective than the most elaborate argument of 
 his opponents. In analyzing and presenting the evidence to the jury 
 his quick eye and keen perceptions enabled him to detect distinctions 
 and shades of difference that often escaped the notice of his opponents. 
 
 . . . His manner was pleasing, grave and serious ; his language 
 strong, measured and temperate, not designed to amuse by sallies of wit, 
 or to startle by paradox, but to instruct and convince. ... To 
 the younger members of the profession, especially if timid and em- 
 barrassed, he was always polite, kind and encouraging, and would never 
 allow them to be thrust aside by their more impudent and overbearing 
 brethren. . . . When he expressed legal opinions he gave his own 
 thoughts ; not merely the sayings and doings of others. His written 
 opinions will be received as authorities upon legal questions, and appre- 
 ciated as the most perfect specimens of judicial literature. In deliver- 
 ing opinions he said all that was necessary for deciding the case before 
 him and nothing more." 
 
 Bates Turner. — The incumbency of Judge Turner on the bench was 
 
 29 
 
226 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 during the years 1827 and 1828. He succeeded Judge Stephen Royce 
 at the time first mentioned, and was himself succeeded by his prede- 
 cessor in the fall of 1828. Judge Turner does not appear to have gone 
 through the formality of admission to the local bar, nor to have been 
 conspicuous in the affairs of either town or county ; only as having rep- 
 resented the town of Fairfield in the legislature of 18 13. Bates Turner 
 was born in October, 1760, at Canaan, Conn., where he received his 
 early education ; and where, at the age of sixteen, he joined the Ameri- 
 can army and served during the first war with Great Britain. His legal 
 education was acquired afthe law school in Litchfield, Conn., and there 
 he became one of the legal profession. In 1798 he came to Franklin 
 county, locating at Fairfield, with the belief, it is said, that the county 
 seat would eventually be located there ; but being mistaken in that im- 
 pression he came to St. Albans and entered into active practice. In 
 1804 he formed a law partnership with Asa Aldis, which relation con- 
 tinued for some time, and until Mr. Turner removed to Fairfield. It 
 was during his residence at this place that Mr. Turner achieved his 
 greatest prominence, for he opened a law school and turned educator, 
 fitting students for the legal profession, thoroughly and with much dis- 
 patch. In this particular relation Mr. Turner became quite famous, and 
 his name and high repute spread throughout the region ; and it is said 
 that no less than 175 students were graduated from his institution, or 
 at least that that number entered it with the intention of becoming law- 
 yers. In 1812, seeking a wider field of operations, Mr. Turner went to 
 Middlebury, for the purpose of opening a law school, but his success was 
 quite indifferent, and he soon returned again to Fairfield and, in 1815, 
 to the county seat. Here he practiced until 1827, when he was elected 
 to the Supreme Bench, serving two years. After his term upon the 
 bench Judge Turner resumed practice, and so continued until the burden 
 of increasing years compelled his retirement. Bates Turner died April 
 30th, 1847. 
 
 Asa O. Aldis, the next succeeding Franklin county incumbent of the 
 Supreme Court judgeship, was born in St. Albans, on September 2d, 
 181 1. The early education of our subject was acquired in the district 
 school of the village, and at the age of about twelve years he was sent 
 to the French college at St. Hyacinthe, Canada, where he stayed seven 
 
^vUl.^ ^ Vv'Wv^ 
 
The Bench and Bar. 227 
 
 months. Then returning home he fitted for college at the St. Albans 
 Academy. In August, 1825, young Aldis entered the University of Ver- 
 mont, and was graduated in 1829. He then began a course of law 
 study in his father's office, and attended the law lectures of Judge Turner 
 at St. Albans. In April, 183 1, he entered the Harvard Law School, re- 
 maining during that year, and in January, 1832, went to New Haven 
 and entered the Yale Law School, where his studies were continued till 
 June, when he returned home. 
 
 At the September term of the FrankHn County Court, in 1832, Mr. 
 Aldis was admitted to the local bar. He at once commenced practice 
 at the county seat, and so continued until October, 1857, when he was 
 elected judge of the Supreme Court of Vermont, serving thereafter in 
 that capacity for a term of eight years ; and then, on account of the ill- 
 health of his family, he resigned his office September, 1865, and decided 
 to change his place of residence. Upon his resignation Judge Aldis 
 was appointed consul at Nice, in the south of France. He resided 
 abroad for five years and then returned to this country. In March, 1871, 
 General Grant, then President, appointed Judge Aldis president of the 
 Southern Claims Commission, upon which he moved to Washington, 
 taking up his residence there that month, and where he has ever since 
 resided. Judge Aldis at once entered upon the duties of the commis- 
 sion, which continued until March, 1880, when it expired. In this lat- 
 ter year the United States and the French Republic by treaty established 
 a commission for the settlement of French and American claims, and 
 President Hayes appointed Mr. Aldis a commissioner on the part of the 
 United Statjs. The appointment was made in July, 1880, and he held 
 the office till the term of the commission expired — in April, 1884. 
 
 William Campbell Wilson was born in Cambridge, Vt, July 12, 1812. 
 He remained on his father's farm until the death of the latter, and 
 attended the district school'until his eighteenth year, and then went to 
 Jericho, Vt., and attended the high school for two terms. He had not 
 the means of acquiring an education except that earned by teaching 
 school and working on a farm. He commenced reading law while teach- 
 ing school, but soon afterward entered the office of Hon. Homer E. 
 Hubbell, of Fairfax, where he remained some time and until he became 
 a student in Judge Turner's law school at St. Albans. At the Septem- 
 
228 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 ber term of the Franklin County Court, in 1834, Mr. Wilson was admit- 
 ted to the bar, he then being twenty-two years of age. He at once 
 located for practice at Bakersfield, and there remained until elected to 
 the Supreme Bench, in October, 1865. 
 
 While residing in Bakersfield Mr. Wilson was closely identified with 
 every measure having for its purpose the improvement and building up 
 of the town ; was one of the projectors of the Bakersfield North Acad- 
 emy, established in 1844. He also built a Methodist church and a hotel 
 in the town. For many years before going on the Supreme Bench Mr. 
 Wilson had a large and lucrative law practice in Franklin and Lamoille 
 counties; and in 1850, in connection with his regular professional work, 
 he established a law school in Bakersfield, at which a large number of 
 students were fitted for professional life. Mr. Wilson was state's attorney 
 in 1844 and '45 ; assistant judge of the County Court in 1849, '50 and 
 '5 1 ; a member of the State Constitutional Convention of 1 843 and 1850; 
 state senator in 1848 and '49; and member of the lower House of the 
 legislature in 1863, '64 and '65. He was judge of the Supreme Court 
 from the time of his election, in 1865, until December, 1870, dechn- 
 ing further service on account of failing health. In 1871 Judge Wilson 
 moved to Rochester, Minnesota, where he lived until his death, April 16, 
 1882. Although his health was much improved by the change in place 
 of residence he was not able to engage in active practice after leaving 
 his native state. Upon the death of Judge Wilson his remains were 
 brought back to Bakersfield for burial. 
 
 Homer E Royce, the recent chief judge of the Supreme Court of 
 Vermont, and nephew of the late Judge Stephen Royce, was born in 
 the town of Berkshire, on June 14, 1821. At the age of eight years 
 Homer was left to the care and instruction of his uncle, who was then 
 on the Supreme Bench of the state, and in whose family he was brought 
 up. For a time he attended the common district school of Berkshire, 
 and afterward came to St. Albans and became a scholar in the academy, 
 boarding for the time in the family of Bates Turner, for whom he 
 worked and did chores in payment for his living. After one term at 
 St. Albans young Royce went to Enosburgh, and there attended the 
 academy about two terms. Having thus laid the foundation for his ed- 
 ucation in the common schools and academies before mentioned we 
 
The Bench and Bar. 229 
 
 next find our young man entering upon a course of law study under 
 the direction and in the office of Thomas Child, of Berkshire ; and in 
 April, 1843, at the term of the Franklin County Court, he was admit- 
 ted to practice as an attorney of the court. But it appears to have been 
 the custom of all young practitioners, and some older ones, perhaps, to in- 
 dulge sHghtly at least in politics, and to aspire to political office. To 
 this custom Counselor Royce seems to have been no exception, for in 
 1846, and again in 1847, he was elected to the lower branch of the state 
 legislature, representing the town of Berkshire ; also, from 1846 to 
 1848 he was state's attorney for Franklin county. In both of these po- 
 sitions Mr. Royce fulfilled the duties incumbent on him to the entire 
 satisfaction of the people he represented. In 1849 and '50 he was 
 elected to the higher branch of the legislature, — the state Senate, — in 
 which body he was placed on .some of the most important committees. 
 Having now been incidentally engaged in politics, as well as contin- 
 uing in the active practice of his profession, and in no manner neglecting 
 it, and having become established as one of the leading young lawyers 
 of Northern Vermont, we find Mr. Royce stumping the district in the 
 interest of Hon. Alvah Sabin, then a candidate for Congressional honors,' 
 and not only that, but in 1857 Mr. Royce himself was the nominee of 
 his party for the office of representative in Congress, to which he was 
 duly elected, and in which he served twp terms, being re-elected upon 
 the expiration of his first term. In 1861 Mr. Royce returned from 
 Washington, resumed his professional work, and at the same time 
 assumed the care and management of his farming interests in his native 
 town. Again, in 1869, Mr. Royce was elected to the state Senate, and 
 during the same year moved to the county seat to reside; In 1870, 
 during the legislative session of that year, he was elected by the legis- 
 lature to the position of assistant judge of the Supreme Court, in 
 which capacity he continued until 1882, when he was chosen chief judge 
 of the court, a position he still holds.i 
 
 Register of the Franklin County Bar, showing names and dates of 
 admission of applicants : — February term, 1797, John Mattocks ; March, 
 
 ' Since the above sketch of Homer E. Royce was written it is learned that he declined 
 a re-election to the bench, aUhough the position was his had he desired it. However, 
 his retirement was justly earned, and he leaves the highest judicial office in the state 
 with as much of honor as any of his predecessors in the chief judgeship. — Editor. 
 
230 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 [799, Eleazer W. Keyes ; March, 1801, Ebenezer Marvin, jr.; Novem- 
 ber, 1801, Heman Allen (of Milton); March, 1802, Roswell Hutchins, 
 John P. Williams; March, 1803, Asa Aldis; August, 1805, Abner 
 .Morton; August, 1806, Cornelius P. Van Ness; February, 1807, 
 Eleazer Miller, William Brayton, Benjamin. Spencer; August, 1807, 
 Isaic Warner, Asahel Langworthy, William H. Cooley, Francis Davis ; 
 August, 1808, Benjamin F. Prentiss, Elijah Wollage, Warren Loomis, 
 , Elijah Lovell, jr., Augustus Burt, Joseph D. Learned; February, 1S09, 
 Azor Wetherbee, Oliver Hubbell ; August, 1809, Gardner Child, Daniel 
 S. D. Houghton, Stephen Royce, jr.; January, 1810, Sanford Gadcomb ; 
 August, 1810, John W. Young, Augustus Young, John Smith, Joshua 
 K. Smedley ; January, 1812, Jeremiah Everts, Nathaniel B. Eldridge, 
 Stephen Brown, Chauncey Brownell ; August, 18 12, James Davis, Jacob 
 Collamer, David M. Camp, Jabez Parkhurst, Davis Stone, Coggswell 
 H. Himes, Truman A. Barber, John Brunson, William Noble ; January, 
 1813, Gustavus V. Willard, Luther B. Hunt; August, 1813, Luther 
 Hunt; August, 18x5, Joel Clapp, Amos Blodgett ; November, 1817, 
 Darius S. Barlow, Origen D. Richardson; November, 1819, Orlando 
 Stevens; March, 1821, Albert G. Whittemore ; September, 1821, 
 Stoughton D. Richardson; September, 1822, Rodney C. Royce, Joshua 
 W. Sheldon, David Read; March, 1823, Charles Linsey, Calvin C. 
 Waller; March, 1824, Levi Joslin ; November, 1824, George F. Porter, 
 Henry Adams; March, 1825, Gideon O. Whittemore; September, 1825, 
 Norman L. Whittemore, Joseph H. Brainerd, Ebenezer Barlow, Anson 
 Soule; April, 1826, Charles Russell; September, 1826, Orrin W. 
 Butler, Guy C. Sampson, Sidney Smith, Herman R. Beardsley ; April, 
 1827, George W. Foster, Erastus D. Hubbell, Nathan Allen; Septem- 
 ber, 1827, Homer E. Hubbell, Marshall P. Witters; April, 1828, Julius 
 Rice, Frederick Hazen ; September, 1828, Nathan S. Hill, Aaron S. 
 Beaman, Samuel Sumner, jr.; September, 1829, Samuel P. Bascom, 
 Homer F. Redfield ; December, 1829, Rodney D. Hill; September! 
 1830, Pallas Phelps, John R. Skinner; April, 1831, George Allen, 
 David A. Smalley; September, 1831, Solomon Wires, Barnwell D. 
 Bassford, Jeiome J. Beardsley, John J. Deavitt ; September, 1832, 
 Asa O. Aldis; April, 1833, Horace R Johnson, Romeo H. Hoyt; 
 Zebulon M. P. Spaulding ; September, 1833, Levi B. Vilas, Lyman Y. 
 
The Bench and Bar. . 231 
 
 Gillett, Josiah Turner, jr., Artemas B. Larabee, Hannibal H. Gould ; 
 September, 1834, William C. Wilson, Harlow P. Smith; April, 1835, 
 Jasper Rand, J. Allen Barber; September, 1835, Stephen D. Brown ; 
 April, 1836, Lafayette H. Nutting, William A. Boardman ; September, 
 
 1836, John S. Royce, Madison Scott, Douglass A. Danforth ; April, 
 
 1837, Ezra W. Sherman; September, 1837, Benjamin Feake ; April, 
 
 1838, Jesse Carpenter ; September, 1838, Isaac B. Bowdish, George W. 
 Brown; April, 1839, R- S. M. Bouchette, Henry E. Seymour; Sep- 
 tember, 1839, Jackson Nutting, Thomas Child, jr., Norman Boardman ; 
 September, 1841, John Gregory Smith, George F. Houghton ; Sep- 
 tember, 1842, Alonzo E. Searles ; April, 1843, Homer E. Royce; Sep- 
 tember, 1843, John G. Saxe, Edward W. Nichols, Daniel G Sawyer, 
 Hiram B. Smith, Bryant Hall, Lorenzo A. Babcock ; April, 1844, 
 Heman S. Royce; September, 1844, Corydon Beckwith, Lucius E. 
 Chittenden, Henry G. Edson, James Saxe; April, 1845, Bushrod B. 
 Howard; September, 1845, George G. Hunt, Martin W. Sargeant ; 
 April, 1846, Patrick H. Cooney ; September, 1846, Daniel B. Hale, 
 Jonathan J. Marvin ; April, 1847, Hubbell D. Bogue, Orlando F. 
 Stevens; September, 1847, H. C. Wilson, John A. Child ; April, 1848, 
 Albert Searles; September, 1848, Amherst W Stone, Joseph A. 
 Cutler; April, 1849, Benjamin Allen; September, 1850, Lucas X. 
 Stannard ; April, 185 i, James S. Burt, Alexander P. Hodges ; Septem- 
 ber, 185 I, Chauncey H. Hayden; June, 1852, William H. Hoyt; Decem- 
 ber, 1852, Azro B. Chaffee, John Lewis, Henry A. Burt, Newell Hib- 
 bard, Benjamin E. Crocker; June, 1853, Thomas H. Baker, Daniel W. 
 Ellis, Lyman A. Ellis, Brainerd Babcock, Phineas V. Swan ; June, 1854, 
 Myron Buck, Oscar F. Perkins, Cyrus Twitchell, Elverton Claflin ; 
 December, 1854, Henry Clay Adams, Loren H. Edson, William P. 
 Wells; June, 1855, Ebenezer M. Smalley, Charles Soule, Solomon S. 
 Burleson; June, 1856, John K. L. Maynard, William Lockren ; June, 
 1857, William D. Wilson, John B. Abbott, Ira S. Blaisdell ; April, 1858, 
 Edward A. Sowles; September, 1858, Martin B. Rugg; April, 1859, 
 Julien H. Dewey, Garland Pollard, Romeo H. Start, Dana R. Bailey, 
 Jeptha Bradley ; September, 1859, Walter D. Crane, Norman F. Wood; 
 April, i860, Ashton C. Dixon, Henry I. Armington, Myron W. Bailey; 
 September, i860, Alfred L. Smith, Daniel Dutcher, Milton R. Tyler, 
 
232 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Charles M. Start ; September, i86r, Chester W. Witters, William W. 
 Shepard, Jeremiah Everts, George A. Ballard, Henry D. Bailey, George 
 W. Burnell, Guy C.Noble; April, 1862, Alex. W. Chilton, William 
 S. Blaisdell ; September, 1862, George W. Newton, Willard Farrington, 
 Clinton S. Kinsley, Charles C. Colton ; April, 1863, Ira W. Clark, 
 Truman F. Hackett ; September, 1863, George C. Ellsworth; April* 
 1864, John A. Fitch, William D. Tyler; April, 1865, Charles A. Rogers; 
 September, 1866, Chester F. Nye, Edward H. Powell, Isaac J. Rochus- 
 sen; April, 1867, Ralph O. Sturtevant, Edward J. Tyler, Henry R. 
 Start, Charles R. Saunders; September, 1867, William R. Hoyt, Alfred 
 G. Safford, Franklin Mclntyre, Josiah H. Adams; April, 1868, Anson 
 S. Ladd; September, 1868, Felix W. McGettrick; April, 1869, Crom- 
 well Brown, Albert R Cross, Joseph H. Montefiore, Hartson F. Wood- 
 ward, Waldo B. Worthing, George G. Smith ; September, 1869, Alanson 
 A. Kendall, Oscar D. Scott; April, 1870, C. G. Austin; September, 
 1870, William R. Rowell; April, 1871, Mason B. Carpenter, Walter 
 Wakeman, Wilder A. Wheelock ; September, 1871, Albert D. Tenney, 
 George C. Brainerd; April, 1873, Harry E. Rustedt, W. D. Stewart, 
 Alfred A. Hall, G. D. Field; September, 1873, Charles J. Rowell; 
 September, 1874, Hiram F. Stevens; April, 1875, Armstong Taylor, 
 Homer E. Powell; September, 1875, George T. Mooney, Loren H. 
 Edson; April, 1876, Nathan N. Post, B. C. Hall, George W. Burleson; 
 September, 1876, Alexander W. Hogan, H. A. Burt, F. E. Alfred,' 
 D. G. Furman; April, 1877, William Keyes ; September, 1877, F. w! 
 Smith, H. B. Leavens, E. Curtis Smith, Otis N. Kelton, W. H. Fair- 
 child ; September, 1878-, P. Coleman; April, 1879, Frederick S. 
 Tupper; September, 1880, F. M. Northrup, M. S. Gates, Reed Buck, 
 George E. Edson, J. H. Minnus, E McFeeters, W. B. Locklin ; April! 
 1881, H. M. Furman; September, 1882, A. K. Brown; April, 1883] 
 M. H. Alexander, I. B. Spooner; October, 1884, Stephen L. Hallimani 
 October. 1886, Eugene A. Ayers, Isaac N. Chase. Hiram P. Dee, 
 Charles Douglas Watson; October, 1887, Ezekiel A. Ashland, Homer 
 Charles Royce ; October, 1889, Alvah H. George; October, 1890, 
 Edward B. Flynn, Daniel Steele. 
 
The Bench and Bar. 233 
 
 The Present Bar. 
 
 Of the present bari of Franklin county he who now occupies and most 
 worthily fills the highest judicial office of the state undoubtedly stands 
 at the head ; but a preceding portion of this chapter has already suffi- 
 ciently mentioned Homer E. Royce, wherefore nothing further need be 
 said in the present connection. 
 
 Silas Piatt Carpenter, the senior of the present assistant judges of the 
 Franklin County Court, was born in the town of Richford, January 3, 
 182 1. His life has been passed mainly in his native town, where, during 
 his youth, he attended the common schools and worked in and about his 
 father's store and other business enterprises. For a time Mr. Carpenter 
 attended the academy at Enosburgh, and afterward engaged in mercan- 
 tile pursuits, and so continued until about 1854. In 1861 he was ap- 
 pointed deputy collector of the customs department at Richford, and 
 held that position until 1885. Three times Mr. Carpenter represented 
 his town in the Assembly, and for two years was one of the senators for 
 the county. In 1885 he was appointed by the governor as assistant 
 judge of the County Court, and was thereafter elected in 1886, '88 and 
 '90. In i8;^S Judge Carpenter was one of the founders and corporators 
 of the Richford Savings Bank and Trust Company, was elected its first 
 treasurer, and has ever since held that office. 
 
 William Howard Stiles, the colleague of Judge Carpenter on the 
 County Court bench, was born in Enosburgh, June 21, 1823. His 
 early education was acquired at the district schools and the Enosburgh 
 Academy. In 1846 he moved to Montgomery and engaged in the man- 
 ufacture of butter tubs, a business with which he has ever since been 
 connected, either directly or indirectly. In local affairs of the town Mr. 
 Stiles has been quite prominent, having held the office of justice of the 
 peace about thirty-five years, has been lister and selectman, represented 
 the town in 1858 and '59, and in 1872 was elected to the state Senate. In 
 1888 Mr. Stiles was elected assistant judge, and re-elected in 1890. 
 
 John James Deavitt was born in Brunswick, Rensselaer county, N. Y., 
 May 3, 1808. In 1820, with his parents and their family, John came to 
 Milton, Vt., where he lived and attended the district school until he be- 
 
 ' Arranged, so far as possible, in order of seniority of admission. 
 30 
 
234 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 came eighteen years old. In 1826 he came to St. Albans and entered 
 the academy, and also a part of the time taught school in the vicinity. 
 In 1828 he secured an appointment at the United States Military Acad- 
 emy at West Point, but was compelled, on account of poor health, to 
 resign. Returning to St. Albans, Mr. Deavitt commenced the study of 
 law under Stephen C. Royce, and also attended Judge Turner's lectures. 
 In September, 1831, he was admitted to practice. In February of the 
 next year the young counselor went to Troy, N. Y., and practiced for 
 a time, but soon returned to St. Albans and went into practice there. 
 From 1837 to 1853 Mr. Deavitt lived and practiced in the town of 
 Franklin, and during ten years and more of that time was customs ofifi- 
 cer at that point. Since 1853 he has been a resident of the shire town. 
 In i860 he was appointed postmaster at St. Albans, and held the office 
 two years. In 1874 he was a candidate for the office of municipal judge, 
 but through some pohtical methods was, as he relates, counted out ; 
 but in 1875 he was unanimously elected, and declined an offi;r of re- 
 election in 1876. Judge Deavitt is and for years has been an active 
 Democrat; nevertheless he was elected to office in a strongly Repubhcan 
 town. Although past his 82d year Judge Deavitt is still in active practice. 
 
 Jasper Rand, more familiarly known as Judge Rand, was born at 
 Greensboro, Vt, August 17, 1811. He became a member of the 
 Franklin county bar in April, 1835, and from that until the present has 
 been recognized as one of the profession in the county, although for 
 some years he has been out of active practice owing to the infirmities of 
 his advanced age. During the many years of his practice in -this county 
 and vicinity Judge Rand was recognized as one of the prominent mem- 
 bers of the profession. The firm of which he was for some time a member 
 was styled Edson & Rand, and later Edson, Rand & Cross. 
 
 John Gregory Smith was born in St. Albans, on July 22, 1818. He 
 was educated at the St. Albans Academy, and in 1834, being then six- 
 teen years old, entered the University of Vermont, taking the regular 
 classical course, and was graduated in 1838. After that he read law in 
 his father's office for about a year, and then, for a like period, attended 
 the law school at New Haven, Conn. He was admitted as an attorney 
 of the courts at the September term in Franklin county in 1841. His 
 practice commenced at once in association with his father, under the 
 
The Bench and Bar. 235 
 
 firm style of J. & T. G. Smith, which relation was continued until the death 
 of the senior member in 1858. Soon after that event our subject suc- 
 ceeded to the vacancy occasioned by his father's death, in the receiver- 
 ship of the Vermont Central and Vermont and Canada Railroads, with 
 which roads, in one capacity or another, he has ever since been connected. 
 J. Gregory Smith in 1858 and '59 was a senator for Franklin county; 
 in i860, '61 and '62 represented the town of St. Albans in the Assem- 
 bly; was speaker of the House in i86i and '62 ; and in 1863 was elected 
 governor of the state, and re-elected in 1864. After his appointment 
 as receiver and manager Governor Smith practically relinquished the 
 general practice of his profession, but continued in it in connection with 
 the duties of his office. 
 
 Henry George Edson was born in Swanton, January 2, 1822, and was 
 the third of eight children born to Seth and Lydia (Clark) Edson. 
 Henry G. Edson was educated at the Swanton Academy, and afterward 
 read law in the office of Judge Stephen S. Brown, of St. Albans, and 
 later with Smalley & Adams, of the same place. He was admitted 
 to practice at the Frankhn County Court at the September term in 1847, 
 and has since resided and practiced at the county seat. During the 
 many years of professional Ufe Mr. Edson has been associated with a 
 number of law firms: first, with Orlando F. Stevens, under the style of 
 Stevens & Adams, which continued some five or six years ; next, with 
 his brother, Loren H. Edson, followed by a partnership with his son, 
 also named Loren H. Edson, a young man of much promise, but now 
 deceased. Next Jasper Rand and Mr. Edson practiced as a firm, but 
 in 1877 Albert P. Cross was taken into the office, the firm style then 
 being Edson, Rand & Cross. In 1881 Judge Rand retired, and the firm 
 became Edson, Cross & Start, Henry R. Start becoming a member of 
 the firm at that time. This partnership was dissolved January.!, 1884, 
 by the withdrawal of Cross and Start.whereupon was restored the style of 
 Edson & Edson, George E. Edson becoming the junior partner. Henry 
 G. Edson has been in active practice since 1847, a period of forty-three 
 years and more ; and his attention has been directed to his profession 
 rather than to politics, the only office of importance which he has filled 
 being that of state's attorney, during the years from 1855 to 1857. 
 PoHtical honors have awaited Mr. Edson, but he has been without 
 aspirations in that direction. 
 
236 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Henry Adams Burt was born in Sheldon, February 10, 1828. He 
 was educated in the common schools, and also at the St. Albans and 
 Bakersfield Academies. In 1845 he entered the University of Vermont, 
 and was graduated with the class of 1849. He read law in the offices 
 of his father, Augustus Burt, and brother, James Stuart Burt, and was 
 admitted to the bar at the December term of court in Franklin county 
 in 1852. Mr. Burt practiced in Fairfield for about four years after his 
 admission, but after that came to his present location in Swanton. From 
 December, i860, to December, 1862, Mr. Burt was state's attorney for 
 this county;- was town representative from Swanton in 1865-66; and 
 in the senate during the years 1867 and 1868. Again in 1869 he rep- 
 resented the town in the Assembly, but in 1870 absolutely declined the 
 re-nomination that was tendered him. The law partnerships with 
 which Henry A. Burt has been connected, during the long period of his 
 practice, have been Burt & Hall, Burt, Hall & Burt, and Burt & Burt, 
 the latter being the present firm style, the members comprising our sub- 
 ject and his son, Henry Augustus Burt. 
 
 Myron Buck was born in Fairfax, on the 17th of December, 1823, 
 and is descended from one of the pioneer families of that town. His 
 early education was acquired in the district schools, and his earliest legal 
 education in the office of Anson Soule, one of the old practitioners of 
 the county, and but recently deceased. In 1844 Mr. Buck entered the 
 University of Vermont, and was graduated with the class of 1848. He 
 then went South, living for a time at Augusta, Ga., where he continued 
 his legal studies and attended Prof Gould's law lectures. Returning 
 home, Mr. Buck was admitted to practice at the April term of court in 
 Franklin county in 1854. He practiced at Fairfax until 1858, when he 
 was elected state's attorney, and thereupon moved to the county seat. 
 While in Fairfax Mr. Buck practiced with Anson Soule, and after mov- 
 ing to St. Albans had a partner, for a time, in the person of Reed Buck, 
 who is now a resident of Portland, Oregon. 
 
 Charles Soule, the son of the late Anson Soule, was born in Fairfax, 
 and studied law in his father's office ; was admitted to practice in this 
 county at the June term in 1855. Mr. Soule has always practiced in 
 this county, and was formerly of the firm of A. & C. Soule & Buck 
 After Mr. Buck's removal to the county seat the firm name became 
 A. & C. Soule, and so continued for a number of years. 
 
The Bench and Bar. 237 
 
 Henry Clay Adams was born at Grand Isle, July 3, 1828. He was 
 educated at the North Hero and St. Albans Academies ; commenced 
 reading law in 1852 with Henry Adams, at Swanton, and afterwards 
 read with Beckwith & Johnson, at Plattsburgh ; was admitted to 
 practice in New York state in July, 1854, and admitted to practice in 
 this state, at St. Albans, in December, following. In 1856 Mr. Adams 
 was elected state's attorney for Grand Isle county, continuing in that 
 office five years. In 1861 he represented Grand Isle town in the 
 Assembly. In 1867 he came to St. Albans to reside and practice his 
 profession. While living in Alburgh Mr. Adams bad as partner Hon. 
 Jed P. Ladd; and after locating in the FrankUn county shire town 
 practiced in partnership in the firm of Bailey, Davis & Adams, and still 
 later the firm of Davis & Adams. Since 1876 Mr. Adams has practiced 
 alone. 
 
 William De Forest Wilson was born in Bakersfield, October 5, 1836, 
 and was the son of William Campbell Wilson, one of the judges of the 
 Supreme Court of Vermont, a sketch of whose life appears on a pre- 
 ceding page. Our subject was educated at the Bakersfield Academy, 
 and for a time attended the University of Vermont, but did not grad- 
 uate, his term of instruction there being something less than two years. 
 At that time young Wilson had not formed a determination to enter the 
 legal profession, but was inclined to business pursuits. However, in 
 1855, he commenced a course of law study in his father's office, and 
 under his immediate instruction, and was admitted to practice at the 
 Franklin County Court at the June term of 1857. In this same year 
 he began practice at Troy, Orleans county, and remained there nearly 
 ten years, after which, in February, 1867, he entered into law partner- 
 ship with Col. R. C. Benton, of St. Albans, under the firm style of 
 Benton & Wilson. This relation was maintained until November, 1869, 
 when our subject withdrew from the firm, having determined to locate 
 in some western city or town ; but from this determination he was in- 
 duced to recede, upon wl'ich he resumed practice at the county seat, 
 and continued without a partner until January i, 1874, at which time 
 the present firm of Wilson & Hall was formed. 
 
 Edward Adams Sowles was born in Alburgh, Grand Isle county, Oc- 
 tober 23, 1 83 1. He first attended the common schools of his town, and 
 
238 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 worked about his fathers store, but when old enough made preparation 
 for college under the instruction of his uncle, Henry Adams, a leading 
 lawyer of St. Albans. This instruction was supplemented by attendance 
 at the Johnson Academy, and in September, 1853, he entered the Uni- 
 \'ersity of Vermont for the regular course, from which institution he was 
 graduated with the class of '57. During the same year he entered the 
 Albany Law School, and was graduated in 1858, and admitted to prac- 
 tice in New York state. Returning to St. Albans he was admitted to 
 the Franklin county bar, on motion, and soon afterward formed a law 
 partnership with Hon. William W. White, which was continued until the 
 death of Mr. White in June, 1862. From that time Mr. Sowles prac- 
 ticed alone until he was chosen the successor of Mr. Bellows, as president 
 of the First National Bank of St. Albans, whose death occurred in Octo- 
 ber, 1876, and which appointment had the effect of drawing our subject 
 away from the diversity of the general practice, although he has ever 
 since been identified with the profession. Mr. Sowles was admitted in 
 1875 to practice in the United States Supreme Court, on the motion of 
 Hon. Matthew Carpenter. His admission to practice in the United 
 States Circuit Court dates from 1870. In 1876-77 Mr. Sowles was one 
 of the PVanklin county senators in the legislature. 
 
 Myron Winslow Bailey was born at Waterville, Vt., November 9, 
 1847, and at that place in the common schools, and at the People's Acad- 
 emy at Morrisviile, his early education was acquired. It was his inten- 
 tion to enter college, to which end he prepared, but an unfortunate acci- 
 deftt- produced ill-health, thus compelling him to rehnquish his purpose. 
 About the year 1857 Mr. Bailey moved with his parents to Montgomery, 
 and while residing there pursued a course of law study in the office of 
 Homer E. Royce, at East Berkshire. Following that he entered the Al- 
 bany Law School, from which he graduated in May, 1859, then becoming 
 an attorney of the New York Supreme Court. He was admitted to prac- 
 tice in Franklin county at the April term in i860. He located for pro- 
 fessional work at Richford, and was so engaged when, in 1861, he enlisted 
 in Company H, Third Vermont Volunteer Infantry as private. In Sep- 
 tember following he was seriously injured while' on picket duty, and 
 was mustered out of service in February, 1 862. Returning home, Com- 
 rade Bailey resumed his professional work in Richford and Montgomery 
 
The Bench and Bar. 239 
 
 and so continued until 1867, when he was elected judge of probate of 
 Franklin county, and has since been re-elected at the expiration of each 
 term. The duties of this office necessitated Judge Bailey's removal to 
 the county seat. 
 
 Merrill Jackson Hill is a native Vermonter, and was born at Danville ; 
 entered the University of Vermont in 1847, and was graduated in 1851 ; 
 read law with J. L. Edwards of Derby, and was admitted to practice in 
 i860; came to St. Albans in 1868, and has since resided and practiced 
 at the shire town. 
 
 Chester W. Witters was born in Milton, on the loth of June, 1837. 
 His education was acquired mainly at the Georgia Academy, after which 
 he read law: first with Robert Boyd, of Bristol, 111., to which place Mr. 
 Witters had gone and was engaged as teacher, being there about one 
 year, and afterward completing his course in the offices of H. B. Smith, 
 of Milton, and H. S. Royce, of St. Albans. He was admitted to the bar 
 at the Franklin county term of court held in September, 1861. Mr. 
 Witters located at Milton, and practiced generally in Chittenden and 
 Franklin counties until 1885, when he moved to St. Albans, having then 
 been appointed receiver of the defunct First National Bank of that 
 place. Mr. Witters has not sought political preferment since his resi- 
 dence in this county, but while living in Chittenden he was state sena- 
 tor for the term of 1878-79. Political preference Republican. 
 
 George A. Ballard. — For sketch of Counselor Ballard see chapter on 
 town of Fairfax. 
 
 Guy C. Noble. — Mr. Noble is not now a member of the Franklin 
 county bar, except in remembrance ; and while it is not generally within 
 the province of this chapter to make mention of persons not of the 
 present bar, a single exception will not materially violate any propriety. 
 Guy ChapHn Noble was born in Franklin, Vt, October 9, 1839. At 
 the age of eleven years he became a student at the Franklin Academy, 
 and three years later entered the New Hampton Institute at Fairfax, 
 for both the English and classical courses. At the age of nineteen he 
 entered Harvard Law School, and was graduated with the class of '61. 
 He then read law for a time in "the office of Royce & Edson, of St. 
 Albans, and was admitted to the bar at the September term of Franklin 
 County Court in 186 1. Mr. Noble applied himself diligently and earn- 
 
240 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 estly to professional work, and soon took a place among the leading 
 men of the bar. His practice was continued without material interrup- 
 tion from the fall of 1861 to the time of his death, May 21, 1889. 
 
 During the period of his practice Mr. Noble was associated with some 
 of the best lawyers of the county. His first law partner was J. A. Ken- 
 nedy, now in successful practice in Minneapolis, Minn., but their asso- 
 ciation in business was of brief duration, Mr. Noble becoming successor 
 to the firm after a few months. In October, 1862, the law firm com- 
 prised of our subject and Julian H. Dewey, his brother-in-law, was 
 formed, and continued until the death of the latter. Among his later 
 partners were George Gregory Smith, Edward Curtis Smith, sons of 
 J. Gregory Smith, Hiram F. Stevens, now of St. Paul. Minn., and Park 
 Davis. 
 
 Mr. Noble was a stalwart Republican, yet had no political ambition. 
 He held offices of trust and responsibility in village affairs, and once 
 represented St. Albans in the lower House of the legislature. He was 
 interested in politics, but had no inclination for office. Upon the organ- 
 ization of the National Republican League Mr. Noble was the Vermont 
 member of the executive committee. 
 
 Willard Farrington was born in Winchester, N. H., October 31, 1835. 
 While he was very young his parents moved to this county, locating in 
 Highgate. Willard acquired his early education in the common schools, 
 and went for three terms to the Franklin Academy. Later he read law 
 in the office of Dana R. Bailey, of Highgate, and was admitted to the 
 bar at the September term of the County Court in 1862. During the 
 same fall Mr. Farrington enlisted in Company F, First Vermont Cavalry, 
 and served with that regiment until August 10, 1865. On entering the 
 service Comrade Farrington was appointed sergeant, but was first lieu- 
 tenant when mustered out. Returning from the service he devoted 
 some time to the study of law before commencing practice, for during 
 the time he was South other things than the law demanded his atten- 
 tion. In September, 1868, he was elected state's attorney for the 
 county, from which time his active practice may be said to have dated. 
 The next year he was re elected to the same office. About the time of 
 his election in 1868 Mr. Farrington entered into a law partnership 
 with Frank B. Mclntyre, which continued until the death of the latter, 
 
The Bench and Bar. 241 
 
 in 1876. In March, 1878, Nathan N. Post, a former student in the 
 office, became the law partner of Mr. Farrington, under the firm name 
 of Farrington & Post, now one of the active firms of the county seat. 
 In 1889 Mr. Farrington was appointed to succeed H. F. Brigham as 
 commercial agent of the United States at Stanbridge, P. Q. 
 
 John Ashley Fitch was born in Sheldon, this county, April 25, 1839. 
 He attended the district school of his town, and afterward the academy 
 at Franklin and also at Bakersfield. In 1858 he entered Middlebury Col- 
 lege, and was graduated in 1862; read law with Dana R. Bailey, of 
 Highgate, and was admitted to practice at the April term of court in 
 1865. But before his admission, and in 1862, Mr. Fitch enlisted in 
 Company E, Twelfth Volunteer Infantry, and served nine months. His 
 first law partner was G. W. Newton, the firm being Fitch & Newton, 
 and place of practice Highgate. This firm continued about ten years, 
 after which Mr. Fitch continued alone until May, 1 890, when he moved to 
 the county seat and became one of the firm of Ballard, Burleson & 
 Fitch. During his residence in Highgate, and for a period of twenty- 
 one years, Mr. Fitch held the office of deputy collector of customs. In 
 1886 he represented Highgate in the Assembly. 
 
 Edward Henry Powell was born in the town of Richford on the 3d of 
 September, 1839. He was educated at the institution in Fairfax, and 
 at the Potsdam (N. Y.) Academy. In 1862 he enlisted and was ap- 
 pointed sergeant in Company F, Tenth Vermont Infantry, but was after- 
 ward transferred by order of the war department and commissioned 
 lieutenant-colonel of the Tenth United States Colored Troops. Return- 
 ing from the service in 1864 Mr. Powell entered the University of Ver- 
 mont, but w,^s not graduated. He located for practice in his native 
 town,' where he has ever since resided. In i865 he was appointed in- 
 spector of customs for the Richford district, and held during that and 
 the succeeding two years; was state's attorney in 1872 and '73 ; repre- 
 sented the town in 1874; and was elected to the Senate in 1878. In the 
 same year, also. Colonel Powell was elected state auditor, and has smce 
 been re-elected with the expiration of each term of office. 
 
 Ralph Orson Sturtevant was born in Weybridge, Addison county, Vt, 
 the 3d of September, 1839- While young. Mr. Sturtevant learned the 
 trade of painting and worked at it from his thirteenth to his twenty-first 
 
 31 
 
242 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 year of age. He attended the common and select schools of Weybridge, 
 and also the Bakersfield Academy, and from 1859 to 1866 taught school 
 during the winters in the towns of Weybridge, Cambridge, Fairfield, 
 Swanton. and Franklin, except during the single school season of 1862- 
 63, when he was in the army. Our subject enlisted in August, 1862, 
 in Company K, Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers, and served 
 during one year, during the time participating in the memorable Gettys- 
 burg battle, his command forming part of Stannard's famous brigade. 
 In 1865 Mr. Sturtevant commenced reading law with Judge Wilson, 
 afterward continuing with Hon. E. A. Sowles, and was admitted to 
 practice in 1867. He continued with Mr. Sowles until 1869, when he 
 came to Swanton for practice and permanent location. Mr. Sturtevant 
 has been prominent in temperance organizations and work ; was dele- 
 gate of the General Lodge of Vermont to the R. W. Grand Lodge of 
 the worid at London, England, held in July, 1873. Also he was 
 elected G. W. C. T. of the Grand Lodge of the state in January, 1880, 
 and January, 1881. 
 
 Henry R. Start,i (-jje present speaker of the House in the Vermont 
 legislature, was born in the town of Bakersfield, on the 20th of Decem- 
 ber, 1845. He acquired his early education at the Bakersfield and 
 Barre Academies ; read law in the office of M. B Taylor, and was admit- 
 ted to the bar at the April term of the Franklin County Court in 
 1867. He at once opened and has ever since maintained an office for 
 practice in his native town, but he has also a partnership relation with 
 Counselor Albert A. Cross, the firm having an office at the county seat. 
 In Bakersfield Mr. Start was formerly associated in practice with 
 Harry E. Rustedt, now of Richford, who was a student in Mr. Start's 
 office. In January, 188 1, our subject became a member of the firm of 
 Edson, Cross & Start, of St. Albans, but two years later the firm was 
 divided, and the present law partnership of Cross & Start became estab- 
 lished. Mr. Start is not unknown in either town, county or state poli- 
 tics, he having been for years recognized as one of the Republican 
 leaders in Franklin county. In 1876 he was elected state's attorney, 
 serving two years; was senator in 1878. In 1880 he was elected by 
 
 'Since this sketch was written Mr. Start has been elevated to the judgeship of the 
 County and Supreme Courts, the successor to Judge Royce, who declined a re-election- 
 
The Bench and Bar. 243 
 
 the legislature one of the trustees of the Vermont Reform School, a 
 position he held eight years, and then declined a re election. In Sep- 
 tember, 1890, Mr. Start was chosen to represent the town in the Assem- 
 bly, and on the organization of the House in October was elected 
 speaker. 
 
 Felix W. McGettrick was a native of Fairfield, born November 20^ 
 1847. -^s a youth he attended the common district school in his town, 
 but his early education was limited, even in this attendance, for his par- 
 ents lived two and one-half miles from the school, too great a distance for 
 a child to walk regularly. When a little older young McGettrick had 
 the benefits of a few terms at select school, but in 1864, when not quite 
 seventeen years old, he entered the army, enlisting in Company E, Sec- 
 ond United States Sharpshooters, and joining that command at Brandy 
 Station, Va. Comrade McGettrick served about a year and a half, and 
 was mustered out in July, 1865. Returning to Vermont he com- 
 menced a course of law study with C. J. Alger of Burhngton, and at the 
 same time attended the Fairfax institution. He afterward read in the 
 office of Edson & Rand, of St. Albans, and taught school during the 
 winter season. Mr. McGettrick was admitted to the bar of Franklin 
 county at the September term of court in 1869, and taught school even 
 after becoming a lawyer. Counselor McGettrick first practiced in 
 Fairfield, but soon took up his residence at the county seat. He is 
 known throughout Northern Vermont, and it is no fulsome compliment 
 to say, either, as one of the keenest and brightest criminal lawyers in 
 this region. More than that, Mr. McGettrick is a leading Democrat in 
 the county, and one whose voice has been heard on the stump through- 
 out the state, and even beyond its borders. 
 
 Charles P. Hogan was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, on the 27th 
 of August, 1843. He was educated in Ireland under an EngUsh 
 master, and at the age of thirteen years came with his parents to this 
 country, and to Vermont. Our subject attended the academies at John- 
 son and Morrisville both before and after the war of 1861-65. His en- 
 listment dated December 30, 1 861, as private in Company E, 7th Ver- 
 mont Volunteers, and his service continued three years. Returning 
 from the service Mr. Hogan resumed his academic studies, which in 
 due time being completed, he read law in the office of Powers & Gleed 
 
244 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 of Morrisville, and was thereafter, in May, 1868, admitted to practice in 
 Lamoille county. Mr. Hogan further pursued his legal studies, even 
 after admission, by a course in the law department of the University of 
 Michigan, at Ann Arbor, from which institution he was graduated in 
 1869. In January, 1870, he commenced practice in Sheldon, this 
 countj'', and there remained till October, 1889, when he came to reside 
 at the county seat. Counselor Hogan is an active practitioner in the 
 county, and also one who stands higli in the councils of the Republi- 
 can party in both county and state; but he has not been a persistent 
 office seeker or holder, his term as state's attorney from 1878 to 1880, 
 and his term in the Senate, for the session of 1882-83, comprising his 
 principal political holdings. 
 
 Albert Parker Cross was born in the city of Boston on the 29th of 
 May, 1846. While our subject was an infant his parents moved to the 
 Canadian province, settling at or near Freiighsburgh, and here he was 
 educated at the common and academic schools. Later in life he read 
 law with M. J. Hill at West Berkshire, and afterwards with Benton & 
 Wilson at St. Albans; was admitted at the April term in 1869. Locat- 
 ing for practice at the county seat Mr. Cross became the law partner 
 of R. C. Benton, which continued about two years, when our subject 
 and C. H. Benton went to Minneapolis, Minn,, and "went into law busi- 
 ness." This was in the fall of 1872, but in July of the next year Mr. 
 Cross returned to St. Albans. About January i, 1874, he became one 
 of the law firm of Benton, Hill & Cross, which continued about a year. 
 After this Mr. Cross engaged for a time in journalism, but in April, 1 876, 
 became the law partner of Gov. Underwood at Burlington. In Febru- 
 ary, 1877, Mr. Cross returned to St. Albans as one of the firm of Edson, 
 Rand & Cross, which continued till January, 188 1, when Judge Rand 
 retired, and Henry R. Start entered the firm, the style then changing to 
 Edson, Cross & Start. This firm was dissolved January 1st, 1884, and 
 the present active firm of Cross & Start was then formed. Mr. Cross 
 has been a somewhat prominent person in the politics of Franklin county, 
 but has not appeared as a successful candidate for general offices. In 
 fact, as is very well known, Mr. Cross is a radical Democrat, while the 
 majority of the voters of the county are followers of Republicanism. 
 But this is nothing against Mr. Cross's personal or professional popular- 
 
The Bench and Bar. 245 
 
 ity, for in the county town he has been called to fill responsible posi- 
 tions, and that notwithstanding the opposing majority of electors. In 
 1887 he was chosen one of the village trustees, and in i888 elected presi- 
 dent of the board, holding two years. In 1890 he was the Democratic 
 nominee for the Senate, but, as was expected, was defeated 
 
 Joseph H. Montefiore was born in St. Albans on the 19th of March, 
 1849. He was educated in the common schools and the academies of 
 St. Albans and Lawrenceville. He became a printer, a practical printer, 
 and further acquired a fair knowledge of journalism in general, but he 
 turned his attention to the law, reading in the office of Counselor Myron 
 Buck, and was admitted in April, 1869. During his law clerkship, and 
 even after his admission to practice, Mr. Montefiore was publisher of the 
 Vermo7it Transcript, a paper that afterward merged into the Messenger. 
 After this he established the St. Albans Transcript and managed it 
 about six months, then selling out and devoting himself to the law. In 
 1873 Mr. Montefiore emigrated to Baldwin, Minn., where he practiced 
 law and edited the Baldwin Bnlletin, continuing in that double occupa- 
 tion until 1879, when he sold the paper and became city editor at Still- 
 water of the Minneapolis Tribune. In 1880 our subject returned to St. 
 Albans and resumed the law practice. 
 
 Chauncey G. Austin was born in Westford, Vt, October 21, 1845, and 
 became a member of the Franklin county bar by admission at the April 
 term of court in 1870, after a course of law study under the instruction 
 of Counselor George A. Ballard, of Fairfax. Mr. Austin, upon his ad- 
 mission to practice, at once located at Highgate, where he has since re- 
 sided, devoting his entire attention to the work of the profession, and 
 having no lot or parcel in politics. 
 
 Harry E Rustedt, the present county supervisor of public schools, is 
 an Englishman by nativity, having been born at Thorne, Yorkshire, De- 
 cember 25, 1849; but when our subject was ten years old his parents 
 came to America, locating at Sudbury, this state, where his father had 
 the pastorate of the Congregational church. Our subject prepared for 
 college at the Barre Academy, and, in 1867, entered the University of 
 Verrnont, and was graduated with the class of '71. He read law with 
 H. R. Start, of Bakersfield, at the same time teaching school in that 
 locality, and was admitted to practice law at the April term of 1873. 
 
246 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 After practicing with Mr. Start for about a year Mr. Rustedt located at 
 Ricliford, at which place he has since resided. In 1880 our subject was 
 elected state's attorney, and held the office one term ; his appointment 
 to the supervisoiship of county schools was made by the county board 
 in May, 1889. 
 
 William D. Stewart was born in Fairfield, on the nth of January, 
 1 849 ; was educated at the New Hampton Institute, at Fairfax, the 
 State Normal School at Johnson ; read law under the direction of Will- 
 iam C Wilson at St. Albans; was admitted to practice at the April term 
 of the County Court in 1873. He practiced with Mr. Wilson for about 
 a year, and then opened an office at Bakersfield, where he is still located, 
 devoting his attention exclusively to his profession, and enjoying a fair 
 share of the law practice of his locality. 
 
 Alfred A. Hall, more popularly known as Colonel Hall, a title which 
 came to him through his connection with the state military organiza- 
 tions and his position on Governor Pingree's staff, is a native Vermonter, 
 and was born at Athens, Windham county, on the 31st of December, 
 1848. His early education was acquired in the common schools, and 
 supplemented by three years' attendance at the Leland and Gray Semi- 
 nary at Townshend, following which he taught school several winters in 
 Windham county, and came in 1870 to St. Albans and entered upon a 
 course of law study in the office of Davis & Adams, then practicing at- 
 torneys of the county seat. At the April term of County Court in 1873 
 Mr. Hall was admitted to practice in the County Court; his admission 
 to the Supreme Court dated January, 1874. On the 1st of January, 
 1874, the law firm of Wilson & Hall was formed, a partnership that has 
 existed to the present day ; and it is a somewhat noticeable fact that 
 although both members of this firm are comparatively young men, their 
 partnership is one of the oldest in the profession in the county ; more 
 than that, it is recognized as one of the strongest. Although he takes 
 considerable interest in political affairs Colonel Hall is by no means a 
 politician or political office seeker ; and such positions as he has ac- 
 cepted have been those connected with the institutions of the village of 
 St. Albans, to which he could give proper attention without interfering 
 with his professional work. In the Masonic order Colonel Hall stands 
 specially prominent, not only locally, but throughout the state. To 
 
■-'T:,iai.i.BD3ttm. 
 
The Bench and Bar. 247 
 
 his generosity are the readers of this volume indebted for the chapter on 
 Free Masonry. 
 
 Herbert F. Brigham was born in Bakersfield, July 13, 1852, and, of 
 course, as a native of that town, must have received at least a part of his 
 early education at the academic institution which has made the town 
 celebrated. His legal education was acquired in the office of Henry R. 
 Start of Bakersfield, supplemented by a course of law study in the Uni- 
 versity of Michigan. Mr. Brigham was admitted to the Franklin county 
 bar in 1873, and entered the university afterward. After a few years 
 spent in the extreme West Mr. Brigham returned to his native town and 
 engaged in practice. In 1882 and 1884 our subject was elected repre- 
 sentative of his town in the General Assembly. In 1885 he was ap- 
 pointed commercial agent of the United States at Stanbridge, P. Q., and 
 served in that capacity four years. In 1890 Mr. Brigham was nomi- 
 nated by the Democratic State Convention to the office of governor; 
 but of course he was defeated at the polls, but the nomination was none 
 the less a compliment, and the general pubUc, without the distinction of 
 party, say that it was worthily bestowed. Further than this, when Mr. 
 Brigham's successful opponent — the present governor — appointed his 
 staff, our subject was recognized, and made its chief. 
 
 Nathan Nichols Post was born in Georgia, on March 10, 1852; was 
 educated in the common schools and at the Georgia Academy ; read law 
 with Farrington & Mclntyre, of St. Albans, and was admitted to prac- 
 tice at the April term of court in 1876. After his admission Mr. Post 
 remained in the office, taking the place of Mr. Mclntyre, who was out 
 of health at the time; and upon his death our subject succeeded to the 
 firm, the style then changing to the present name— Farrington & Post. 
 
 Bennett C. Hall was born in Fairfield, December i, 1850; was edu- 
 cated at the common schools, the normal school at Johnson, and the 
 New Hampton Institute; read law with E. A. Sowles, esq., of St. 
 Albans, and was admitted to practice at the April term in 1876. In 
 connection with his practice Mr. Hall has for some years been justice 
 of the peace, and is now serving on his fourth year as collector of 
 
 George W. Burleson was born in Berkshire, March 23, 1845, and was 
 descended from one of the old families of that locality, and of Revolu- 
 
248 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 tionary stock. Our subject was educated at the Franklin Academy, and 
 read law in the office of John A. Fitch. He was admitted at the April 
 term of County Court in 1876. But Captain Burleson is entitled to 
 mention in a connection other than the legal profession. In May, 1861, 
 he enlisted as private in Company C, First Regiment Vermont Volun- 
 teers, and served throughout the term of three months In October, 
 1861, he re-enlisted as sergeant in Company K, Sixth Regiment ; was 
 promoted regimental quartermaster-sergeant December i, 1862; was 
 promoted first lieutenant of Company F, but transferred to Company C ; 
 and was promoted captain of the latter in April, 1865. It was not until 
 after his return from the army that Captain Burleson read law and was 
 admitted to practice at the bar. For a number of years he practiced 
 in Franklin and Fairfield, but in 1885 formed a partnership at the county 
 seat with George A. Ballard, the firm name being Ballard & Burleson, 
 which so remained until May, 1890, when Mr. Fitch came into the firm, 
 and the name then changed to Ballafd, Burleson & Fitch. Captain 
 Burleson is a Democrat, and as such he was elected state's attorney in 
 1884, for a term of two years; but on April i, 1886, he resigned the 
 office to accept the appointment of deputy collector of 'customs at the 
 port of St. Albans, which position he held until succeeded by Major 
 Seymour H.Wood in March, 1890. He was then appointed customs agent 
 of the Central Vermont and Grand Trunk roads, having local charge at 
 St. Albans and general charge on the road 
 
 D. G. Furman is a practicing attorney of the county, residing at the 
 village of Swanton. Mr. Furman came to the local bar by admission 
 at the September term in 1876, but further than this the writer cannot 
 say, for the most persistent effort to obtain data for a suitable sketch 
 has proved a failure. 
 
 Henry Augustus Burt was born in Fairfield, September 15, 1853. 
 He was educated at the Swanton Academy, and prepared for college, 
 after which he entered the sophomore class at Norwich University, and 
 from which he was graduated in 1873. He read law in the office of his 
 father, Henry Adams Burt, and was admitted to practice at the Septem- 
 ber term in 1876. For some time after his admission Mr. Burt was in 
 the western country engaged in civil engineering, but on returning to 
 Swanton engaged in law practice with his father, the firm now being 
 
The Bench and Bar. 249 
 
 Burt & Burt. For several years our subject held the responsible posi- 
 tion of superintendent of public schools in Swanton. 
 
 Edward Curtis Smith was born in St. Albans, January 5, 1854- He 
 was educated at the local academy, and at Phillips Academy at Andover, 
 from which latter he was graduated in 1871 ; entered Yale the same 
 year, and was graduated with the class of 1875 ; entered Columbia Law 
 School in 1875, and was graduated in 1877. From 1877 to 1884 Mr. 
 Smith practiced law in St. Albans, but with the last named year found 
 himself gradually withdrawing from the general practice, and his atten- 
 tion given almost wholly to the arduous responsibilities of railroad work 
 and management in connection with the Central Vermont company, of 
 which he became one of the vice-presidents. In September, 1890, Mr. 
 Smith was elected to the legislature by an almost unanimous vote. 
 
 Otis N. Kelton was born in Montgomery on the 3d of April, 1844; 
 was educated in the common schools and at the Brandon Academy ; 
 read law in the office of J. S. Tupper of Montgomery, and was admitted 
 at the September term of court in 1877. Mr. Kelton was also a grad- 
 uate of Eastman's Business College, a somewhat noted institution of 
 Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Mr. Kelton has also practiced in Montgomery, 
 and in connection therewith has held nearly all the town offices, having 
 been treasurer since 1867, town clerk since 1879, besides on occa- 
 sion holding the offices of hster, town agent, and member of the county 
 board of education. Likewise, in 1874 and 1876, he represented his 
 town, and in 1882 was a member of the higher branch of the legislature. 
 
 William Henry Fairchild was born in Fairfield, January 31st, 1853, 
 and has ever since been a resident of the town, and is now one of its 
 active business as well as professional men. Mr. Fairchild was admitted 
 to the bar in Franklin county at the September term in 1877, and his 
 general and legal education embraced courses of study in the common 
 schools, the Vermont Methodist Seminary, Wesleyan University, Iowa 
 State Agricultural College, and the Law Department of the University of 
 Michigan. He commenced practice at Fairfield in 1878. Mr. Fair- 
 child has held numerous town offices, and was elected state senator in 
 
 1890. 
 
 Frederick S. Tupper was born in Bakersfield, December 31, 1853, 
 and lived and worked on the farm until he was of age. He then entered 
 
 32 
 
2 5o History op Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Barre Academy, and was graduated in 1867. In 1877 he attended 
 Harvard Law School, and afterward read law with H. R. Start, and was 
 admitted to the Franklin county bar at the April term in 1879. Mr. 
 Tupper practiced at Troy, Vt, until 1 880, when he located at East 
 Fairfield. 
 
 Morello S. Gates was born in Franklin, April 22, 1858; read law 
 with Captain George W. Burleson, then in. practice at East Fairfield, 
 and with Charles P. Hogan, then of Sheldon, and was admitted to the 
 bar in September, 1880. Mr. Gates has always practiced at East Fair- 
 field. 
 
 Stephen E. Royce was born in Berkshire on the 13th of October, 
 1852. He was educated at the common schools of the county, and 
 under private instruction. About 1876 he commenced reading law 
 with his father, Judge Homer E. Royce, and was admitted to the local bar 
 in September, 1879. Mr. Royce practiced in St. Albans until 1886, 
 when he became interested in manufacturing ; and when the Willard 
 Manufacturing Company was organized he was chosen its president. 
 His duties in connection with this industry have had the effect of sub- 
 stantially withdrawing Mr. Royce from professional work. 
 
 George Edward Edson was born in St. Albans, March iSth, 1855 ; 
 was educated at the Norwich University ; read law in the office of his 
 father, Henry G. Edson, and was admitted at the September term of 
 court in 1883. The firm of Edson & Edson, of which George E. Edson 
 is the junior partner, was formed in January, 1884. 
 
 John H. Mimms, more familiarly known as Captain Mimms, by 
 reason of his prominent connection with the military company of St. 
 Albans, was born in Southwark, shire of Surry, England, on February 
 19th, 1852. He was educated at the Queen Elizabeth School of London, 
 and came to the United States, and to St. Albans, in 1873. At the 
 September term of the County Court in 1880 Captain Mimms became a 
 member of the legal profession, but has never given his attention par- 
 ticularly to its practice, being fully engaged with the duties of court 
 reporter. During the legislative sessions of 1886, '88, and '90 Captain 
 Mimms served in the capacity of reporter for the House. 
 
 Emmet McFeeters was born in Sheldon, April 22d, 1855; was 
 educated at the Franklin and Bakersfield Academies; read law with 
 
The Bench and Bar. 251 
 
 C. G. Austin of Highgate ; attended the Law Department of the Univer- 
 sity of Michigan ; was admitted to practice in Michigan in February, 
 1880, and in Franklin county, Vt, September following. In 1881 Mr. 
 McFeeters made a permanent location at Enosburgh Falls, at which 
 place he is still in practice. 
 
 William B. Locklin was born in Fairfield, December 21, 1854; was 
 educated at Barre Academy ; read law with Harry E. Rustedt, and was 
 admitted in September, 1880. During the year next after admission 
 Mr. Locklin went West and practiced at Tower City, Dakota, until 1887, 
 when he returned to Vermont. He is located at the thriving little vil- 
 lage of Richford, in association with Counselor H. E. Rustedt. 
 
 Alfred K. Brown, the present state's attorney for Franklin county, 
 was born in the town of Sheldon, May 14, 1859. He was educated in 
 the common schools, and at the famous Burr & Burton Seminary at 
 Manchester, Vt, graduating therefrom in 1876. He then entered Dart- 
 mouth College, but was compelled by sickness to leave at the end of his 
 first year. After that he spent -a year in Wisconsin, but in 1880 entered 
 the Law Department of the University of Michigan, and remained there 
 one year. He then returned to Vermont and his native town, and be- 
 gan a course of law study with Counselor Charles P. Hogan, and was 
 admitted to practice at the September term in 1882. In the fall of the 
 same year Mr. Brown was chosen secretary of the Senate, and re-elected 
 in 1884. In January, 1883, he commenced practice at Richford, in 
 partnership with Colonel E. H. Powell, a relation that has been ever 
 since maintained. In 1888 Mr. Brown was elected state's attorney, and 
 re-elected in the fall of 1890. 
 
 Fuller C. Smith was born in St. Armand, P. Q., February 16, 1862, 
 and moved to Enosburgh Falls in 1871 ; was educated at Brigham 
 Academy, Bakersfield ; studied law and was admitted to practice in 
 October, 1885. For three years Mr. Smith practiced at Vergennes, the 
 law partner of Hon. F. E. Woodbridge. In February, 1888, our sub- 
 ject assumed editorial management of the Vermont Sentry, a newspaper 
 published at St. Albans ; and although Mr. Smith figured as the youngest 
 editor in the state he nevertheless more than doubled the circulation 
 and influence of the paper during the period of his control over it. On 
 April I, 1890, Mr. Smith retired from the Sentry and was appointed 
 
252 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 deputy collector and cashier in the United States customs office at the 
 port of St. Albans. 
 
 Eugene Albert Ayers was born in Bakersfield, March 26, 1861 ; 
 attended the Brigham Academy and read law with John A. Fitch and 
 C. G. Austin ; was admitted at the October term in 1886. Mr. Ayers 
 has practiced in Swanton. 
 
 Isaac N. Chase was born in Fillmore county, Minnesota, May 2, 1833, 
 and came with his parents to Vermont when he was but four years of 
 age. His early education was acquired at the common schools and the 
 Brigham Academy, after which he read law with Captain Burleson, Far- 
 rington & Post, and Ballard & Burleson, and was admitted at the gen- 
 eral term in October, 1886. For a time after his admission Mr. Chase 
 acted as deputy county clerk, but later went into practice at East Fair- 
 field. In March, 1889, he was appointed deputy collector and inspector 
 of customs at St. Albans, a position 'he now holds. 
 
 Hiram Post Dee was 'born in Georgia on January 31, 1858, and is 
 descended from one of the pioneer settlers of that town. Our subject 
 received his early education at the Georgia Academy, and read law in 
 the office of H. C. Adams, of St. Albans. He was admitted to the bar 
 at the general term of court at Montpelier the 28th of October, 1886. 
 Mr. Dee practiced at the county seat until February, 1 890, when he 
 became editor of the Vermont Sentry. 
 
 Charles Douglas Watson was a native of St. Albans, born the 29th of 
 July, i860. He was educated at the St. Albans graded school, and was 
 graduated from the high school in June, 1880. The same year he en- 
 tered the University of Vermont, but was compelled, on account of 
 sickness, to retire before the completion of his course. In September, 
 1883, he entered the office of Noble & Smith for a course of law study, 
 and there remained until October, 1885, when he entered the Boston 
 University Law School. He completed his course here in one year, 
 receiving a diploma June 3, 1886. By permission of Judge Royce he 
 at once commenced practice, although he was not regularly admitted 
 until October following. Mr. Watson has always practiced at the county 
 seat, and is not entirely unknown in the politics of the county and state. 
 He is a firm Democrat, and as such is one of the leaders of that party 
 in Northern Vermont, and occasionally its candidate. In the fall elec- 
 
The Bench and Bar. 253 
 
 tion of 1890 Mr. Watson was the nominee of his party for the office of 
 state's attorney, but persons acquainted with Franklin county politics 
 know full well that the Democratic candidates are not frequently elected 
 unless something happens to overthrow the large majority on the other 
 side. 
 
 Ezekiel Augustus Ashland was born in Champlain, N. Y., the loth 
 of June, 1857 ; '■ead law with Wilbur H. Dunn, at Champlain, for two 
 years, but in August, 1886, came to St. Albans and finished his course 
 with Wilson & Hall. He was admitted at Montpelier in October, 1887, 
 and has since practiced at St. Albans. 
 
 Alvah H. George was born in St. Albans on February 8th, 1868 ; 
 was educated at the St. Albans High School, graduating with the class 
 of '86 ; read law with Farrington & Post, and was admitted at the Octo- 
 ber term in 1889. Mr. George is now in practice at St. Albans. 
 
 Edward B. Flinn was born in Milton, October 24, 1863, and became 
 a resident of St. Albans in 1887. His early education was acquired 
 while living in Chittenden county, being a course at the Essex Classical 
 Institute and a private course under Prof CiUey, of Jericho, Vt. Mr. 
 Flinn taught school for sixteen terms, and was for a time principal of the 
 Milton graded school. He read law with Noble & Smith and Ballard & 
 Burleson, and was admitted at the October general term in 1890. 
 Counselor Flinn was appointed justice of the peace in 1889, and 
 elected in 1890 ; also he is grand juror of St. Albans. 
 
 Daniel W. Steele was born in Highgate on October 13th, 1862; was 
 educated in the common schools, and also the Franklin County Gram- 
 mar School. He taught school for twelve terms In 1887 he com- 
 menced reading law with C. G, Austin of Highgate, and was admitted 
 to practice in October, 1890. He is located at Highgate Center. 
 
 Register of the Grand Isle County Bar. — Philo Berry, I. P. Richard- 
 son, Samuel Miller, Eleazer Miller, Asa Robinson, Solomon Morgan, 
 W. C. Harrington, Samuel Holton, Morey Woodworth, Alvan Foote, 
 Stephen Royce, Asa Aldi.s, Truman A. Barber, Giles Harrington, 
 FVederick Hazen, Charles H. Pecrigo, Benjamin Swift, John Smith, 
 Orlando Stevens, Stephen S. Brown, James Davis, B. Paddock, Bates 
 Turner, Levi Richardson, John Brownson, John Gregory Smith, H. R. 
 Beardsley. Asa O. Aldis, C. Beckwith, William W. White, A. G. Whit- 
 
254 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 temore, Isaac B. Bowdish, John M. Sowles, David G. Dixon, Julius S. 
 Fisk, Levi Underwood, L F Edwards, H. B. Smith, George F. Ed- 
 munds, E. R. Hard, T. E. Wales, Jeremiah French, Charles J. Alger, 
 R. S Taft, William G. Shaw, Harry Hill, S. E. R. Ladd, Josiah H. 
 Adams, Paul Dodge, C. P. Van Ness, George Robinson, Daniel Bene- 
 dict, Elnathan Keyes, William A. Griswold, Charles Adams, Phineas 
 Lyman, Asahel Langwortiiy, T. Ricli, Levi House, Heman Allen, N. L. 
 Whittemore, Henry Adams, B. H. Smalley, J. F. Thompson, B. F. 
 Bailey. Amos Blodgett, Sanford Gadcomb, A. W. Hyde, Charles Russell, 
 D. A. Smalley, Milo L. Bennett, Hector Adams, L. F. Nutting, George F. 
 Houghton, H. E. Seymour, John J. Deavitt, James S. Burt, Edward A. 
 Sowles, Henry G. Edson, Henry C Adams, E. M. Smalley, Henry A. 
 Burt, Jed P. Ladd, L. D. Eldridge, John M. Haurican, Solon S. Clark, 
 James A. Brown, Heman S. Royce, Jasper Rand, Julian Dewey, Guy C. 
 Noble, Dana R. Bailey, R. C. Benton, Park Davis, William D. Wilson, 
 James Brown, Henry Harrington. 
 
 The foregoing purports to be and is a list of the attorneys who have 
 practiced at the bar in the county, regardless of the fact whether or not 
 they were residents of the county ; as a matter of fact it may be stated 
 that the majority of the persons named have not been at anytime resi- 
 dents of the county, but were admitted to practice therein in compliance 
 with the requirements of the rules of the court. 
 
 Tlie Present Bar. — At the present time the Grand Isle county bar is 
 comprised of but four legal gentlemen, and two of these are substan- 
 tially out of practice, while the third is but an embryo lawj-er, not being 
 admitted, but nevertheless recognized in the profession and at present 
 holding the office of state's attorney for the county. This person is 
 Jed P. Ladd, jr., the son of Hon. Jed P. Ladd of Alburgh Springs, the 
 senior practitioner now at the bar in the county, and the only lawyer 
 therein now in active practice. 
 
 Jed P. Ladd was born in the town of North Hero, September 28th, 
 1828. He was educated at the St. Albans and Georgia Academies, and 
 read law, commencing in 1844, with Giles Harrington. He was ad- 
 mitted to practice law in Grand Isle county in 1858, and has ever since 
 practiced in the region of Northern Vermont. In Grand Isle county 
 there has been no man more prominently connected with its civil and 
 
The Medical Profession. 255 
 
 political history during the last thirty- five years than Mr. Ladd ; and 
 there has been hardly an ofifice, either town or county, in the gift of his 
 fellow people that he has not held. He lived in North Hero till thirty- 
 five years of age and then moved to Alburgh, his present residence. 
 He was town clerk of North Hero; county clerk from 1856 to 1862; 
 state's attorney by appointment for a time ; represented Alburgh from 
 1874 to 1878; senator in 1868 and '69; state auditor and comptroller 
 from 1876 to 1878. During the war of 1861-65 Mr. Ladd occupied a 
 prominent position, being superintendent of the recruiting service in the 
 county. Although r;ot eniirely out of professional work, Mr. Ladd 
 justly feels that he has earned his retirement and devotes much of his 
 time to his private affairs and interests. 
 
 Josiah H. Adams was born in Grand Isle, July 24th, 1840; was edu- 
 cated in the common schools and the Swanton and South Hero Acad- 
 emies ; studied law with Hon. George F. Edmunds at Burlington, and 
 with Beckwith & Johnson at Pl.ittsburgh, and was admitted to the bar in 
 May, 1861. He has practiced in New York state, Colorado and Ver- 
 mont ; was state's attorney for Grand Isle county from 1875 to 1879, 
 and from 1881 to 1885. Mr, Adams now resides in Grand Isle town. 
 
 Solon S. Clark is the third attorney of the courts now resident in 
 Grand Isle county, and a dweller on the island of South Hero. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 THE MEDICAL PROFBSSION-ITS SOCIETIES AND REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 WHEN we consider the importance and elevated character of the 
 science of medicine— its object, the preservation of the health 
 and lives, the healing of diseases, and the amelioration of the physical 
 and mental sufferings of our fellow human beings— its extent embrac- 
 ing a knowledge of all science— it is evident that medical education 
 should engage the earnest attention of the entire profession. The ad- 
 vances made in all the branches of knowledge, and especially in the 
 science of medicine, during the past century have exceeded in extent 
 
256 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 and value those of all past ages; and it is no longer possible to com- 
 press its vast domain within the narrow limits of the " seven professor- 
 ships." The present age owes its wonderful progress to experimetital 
 and scientific research. 
 
 Evolution and development are the talismanic watchwords of the 
 nineteenth century, and the doctrine is now being accepted that things 
 in the world do grow, and are not made ; it is no longer universally 
 believed as a matter of religious faith that the world was created by 
 supernatural power, for many of our deepest thinkers, men of the most 
 profound understanding, believe that it has been gradually unfolded by 
 the action of natural causes. But, not wishing to be accused of heresy, 
 it may be stated that whether the theory be according to Darwin or 
 Hackel or Spencer, or some other philosopher, the law will be the same 
 in any case, and away back, behind "protoplasm," "germinal matter," 
 and "cellular germ," there still exists abundant proof of a " first great 
 cause," of an " Infinite Wisdom," for the depth of which language hath 
 not expression. A flood of light on this subject is now pouring forth 
 on the world, but its acceptation as a convincing truth rests in a great 
 measure with the individual. 
 
 Science and enterprise have spanned the continent with electric wires, 
 cabled the Atlantic Ocean, given us the measurements of revolving 
 planets, spread forth the canvass to the gale, and made the trackless 
 ocean a highway through the world. By the use of scientific and 
 cunningly devised instruments bleak skies and rude winds are foreseen, 
 and the navigator places himself in safety. The electric light has dis- 
 placed gas as effectually as the latter did the " tallow dip," and is 
 established upon a secure commercial basis. School- houses, churches, 
 newspapers, and books open up to the poorest the lights and oppor- 
 tunities of knowledge. 
 
 The wealth of nations increases, and we see all the arts of life ap- 
 proaching nearer and nearer perfection. In science, art, and literature 
 each succeeding generation is wiser than its predecessor. The mistakes 
 of past experience serve as beacon- lights to warn us off the rocks and 
 shoals of error, and guide us to the port of truth. 
 
 The great and wide advancement in the different branches of medical 
 science within the last generation is as much a marvel as the progress 
 
The Medical Profession. 257 
 
 made in any other of the arts and sciences. The poorest laborer can 
 now obtain advice and medicine far superior to that which royahy 
 could command one or two centuries ago. 
 
 " The advance of medical knowledge within one's memory," says 
 Sir James Paget, " is amazing, whether reckoned in the wonders of 
 science not yet applied, or in practical results, in the general lengthen- 
 ing of Hfe, or, which is still better, in the prevention and decrease of 
 pain and misery, and in the increase of working power." 
 
 The dawning of medical science, which now sheds its light through 
 the world, began with Hippocrates nearly 2,300 years ago, and he first 
 treated of medicine with anything like sound or rational principles. He 
 wrote extensively, much of which has been translated, and serves as a 
 foundation for the succeeding literature of the profession. He relied 
 chiefly on the healing powers of nature, his remedies being exceedingly 
 simple. He taught that the people ought not to load themselves with 
 excrements, or keep them in too long ; and for this reason he prescribed 
 " meats proper for loosening the belly," and if these failed he directed 
 the use of the clysters. 
 
 Through all the centuries from the beginning of the Christian era 
 down to the time of the discovery of the circulation of the blood by 
 Harvey, 1619, medicine shed but a glimmering light in the midst of the 
 darkness then enshrouding the world, and the greatest strides in the ad- 
 vancement of the various branches of medical science have been made 
 in the last one hundred years, and most of them may be placed to the 
 credit of the last half century. 
 
 Physiologists no longer believe with Paracelsus in the sixteenth cent- 
 ury, that the planets have a direct controlling action on the body, the 
 sun upon the heart, and the moon upon the brain ; nor do they now 
 believe that the vital spirits are prepared in the brain by distillation ; nor 
 do they admit that the chyle effervesces in the heart under the influence 
 of salt and sulphur, which take fire together and produce the vital flame. 
 On the contrary modern physiology teaches that the phenomena of the 
 living body are the result of physical and chemical changes; the tem- 
 perature of the blood is ascertained by the thermometer ; and the differ- 
 ent fluids and gases of the body are analyzed by the chemist, giving to 
 each its own properties and function. 
 33 
 
258 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 While the eighteenth century witnessed greater advancement in the 
 department of medical science than any or all its predecessors, the 
 crowning achievements seem to have been reserved for the nineteenth — 
 the present century. Among the thousands of elements that comprise 
 this century's advance in medical science mention will be made of but 
 one, and that among the first discoveries, the use of anaesthetics, which 
 benumb the nerves of sensation, and produce a profound but transient 
 state of insensibility, in which the most formidable operation may be 
 performed while the patient sleeps and dreams of home and happy hours, 
 and the physician is left to the pleasing reflection that he is causing no 
 pain or suffering. 
 
 But it appears that as rapid as has been this advance during the last 
 hundred years, so, correspondingly, have there developed new forms 
 and phases of disease to baffle the skill of the most eminent physicians 
 and scientists in the land ; and while diseases, malarious in their char- 
 acter, have for a time defied the attempts to overcome them, they have, 
 nevertheless, been subdued and conquered. Medical skill has proved 
 equal to every emergency. 
 
 There is, to-day, known to botanists over one hundred and forty 
 thousand plants, a large proportion of which are being constantly added 
 to the already appalling hst of new remedies. Many of these new 
 drugs possess little if any virtue, save as their sale adds to the exchequer 
 of some enterprising pharmacist. A drug house in New England re- 
 cently issued a circular in which they advertised thirty-three syrups, 
 forty-two elixirs, ninety-three solid extracts, 150 varieties of sugar- 
 coated pills, 236 tinctures, 245 roots, barks, herbs, seeds and flowers, 322 
 fluid extracts, and 348 general drugs and chemicals. 
 
 The ancients were not so well supplied with drugs. It was the cus- 
 tom among the Babylonians to expose the sick to the view of passengers, 
 in order to learn of them whether they had been afflicted with a like 
 distemper, and by what remedies they had been cured. It was also the 
 custom of those days for all persons who had been sick, and were cured, 
 to put up a tablet in the temple of Esculapius, wherein they gave an 
 account ol the remedies that had restored them to health. Prior to the 
 time of Hippocrates all medicine was in the hands of the priests, and 
 was associated with numerous superstitions, such as sympathetic oint- 
 
The Medical Profession. 259 
 
 menta applied to the weapon with which a wound was made, incanta- 
 tions, charms, amulets, the royal touch for the cure of scrofula, human or 
 horse flesh for the cure of epilepsy, convulsions treated with human 
 brains. 
 
 While all this credulous superstition of early ages, born of ignorance, 
 existed to a vastly large extent, it has not been fully wiped out by the 
 generally advanced education of the present day. The latest appeal to 
 the credulity of the masses of the people is an invention to relieve the 
 unfortunate sick, and is known as "Christian Science " and the "Faith 
 Cure." The persons seeking to popularize these means of cure are either 
 deceived themselves or are deceiving others. Upon this point a popu- 
 lar writer says : " If the disease be an incurable one, all the prayers in 
 the world will not cure it. Filth brings fever ; prayer cannot interpose." 
 
 There is probably no department of medicine at the present time 
 more promising of good results than is sanitary science. While physi- 
 ology and pathology are making known to us the functions of the hu- 
 man body, and the nature and cause of disease, sanitary science is stead- 
 ily teaching how the causes of disease may be removed or avoided, and 
 health thereby secured. 
 
 Progress during the coming one hundred years, if only equal to that 
 of the past, will more than have accomplished great works in the ad- 
 vancement of sanitary science ; but the accomplishment of this work 
 calls not only for the labor of the physician, but for the intelligent co- 
 operation of the people. If anything really great is to be done in the 
 way of sanitary improvement, and of preventing disease and death, it 
 must be done largely by the people themselves. This implies that they 
 must be instructed in sanitary science ; must be taught what unsanitary 
 conditions most favor the origin of disease, how disease is spread, and the 
 means of its prevention. If it is true that that knowledge is of the greatest 
 value to us which teaches the means of self-preservation, then the im- 
 portance of a widespread knowledge of how to prevent disease and pre- 
 mature death cannot be overestimated. 
 
 The village of St. Albans now ranks third in point of population and 
 commercial importance among the municipalities of Vermont, while 
 Swanton is second in size in Franklin county. In the former of these 
 villages there is almost constantly prevalent a most malignant and obsti- 
 
26o History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 nate type of disease, bred, it is believed, by the character of the land 
 surface and insufficient drainage of the western portion, and augmented 
 and increased by the refuse discharge from manufacturing establish- 
 ments in the same locality, all of which have created highly unsanitary 
 conditions. But of late there has been commendable action on the part 
 of the authorities looking to the abatement and removal of the nuisance 
 character of the vicinity, by constructing closed drains and sewers in- 
 stead of permitting the refuse matter to stand in an open brook, a men 
 ace to the life and health of.every resident in the western part of the 
 village. However, there is room for further improvement. 
 
 But what can be said here concerning the history of the medical pro- 
 fession in these two counties, and who were its first representa- 
 tives? Bearing upon this question there appears but little of record, 
 and still less of reliable tradition. During the period of the early his- 
 tory of the practice of medicine and surgery there were not the restric- 
 tions and requirements governing the qualifications of the members of 
 the profession that now exist and are enforced. At that time the state 
 had not the thorough, training schools and colleges that now afford op- 
 portunities for medical education, but even then it became necessary 
 that the practice should be in a measure restricted so far as the capac- 
 ity of the practitioner was concerned ; therefore the legislature passed 
 acts and laws establishing medical societies in various parts of the state, 
 the third of which was made to include the physicians residing and prac- 
 ticing in the counties of Chittenden and Franklin, and was known and in- 
 corporated as "The Third Medical Society in Vermont." This act was 
 passed at the legislative session held at Windsor in the month of Janu- 
 ary, 1804. The corporators were John Pomeroy, Benjamin Chandler, 
 Joseph D. Farnsworth, Nathaniel Wilson, Truman Powell, David Tracy,' 
 Ephraim Little, Julius Hoyt, and Horatio Powell. 
 
 Besides containing the usual provisions incident to such incorporating 
 acts, that in question conferred upon the society established by it the 
 power "to judge and determine with respect to the qualifications of such 
 person or persons as shall offer themselves for examination." In fact 
 the act authorized the society to become medical examiners, and to 
 grant or withhold the privileges of the practice of medicine and surgery 
 within the jurisdiction prescribed, the counties of Chittenden and Frank- 
 

The Medical Profession. 261 
 
 lin, which of course then included the present Grand Isle county. The 
 original act also provided that the first meeting of the society should be 
 held at the court-house in St. Albans on the second Monday in May, 
 1804; but for the reason that the medical public were not generally in- 
 formed of the provisions of the same an amendatory act was passed, by 
 which the time of the organization meeting of the society was desig- 
 nated as the first Tuesday in January, 1805, the place being the same as 
 previously fixed upon. 
 
 In accordance with the acts above referred to the Third IMedical So- 
 ciety was brought into existence and duly organized by the election of 
 the officers provided for. And it is quite probable, indeed a fixed fact, 
 that the society held undisputed sway in the matter of granting licenses 
 to qualified applicants for a period of about eight years, and until the 
 society itself was legislated out of existence by the act of 181 3 that in- 
 corporated and established the Vermont Medical Society, a state institu- 
 tion with powers and privileges similar, but perhaps more extended, to 
 those granted the old Third Society. But unfortunately there appears 
 not to have been preserved any record of the proceedings of the Third 
 Society; therefore these pages can give no account of acts done, officers 
 elected, or applicants admitted to practice in the profession. 
 
 The first section of the act of November 6, 18 13, provided " that all 
 those practitioners who have heretofore belonged to any medical society 
 under a legislative act or acts, of the state, together with the following 
 physicians and surgeons in the county of Franklin: Benjamin Chandler, 
 Medad Parsons, Ephraim Little, Joseph D. Farnsworth, Amherst Wil- 
 loby, Chauncey Fitch ; and in the county of Grand Isle, Melvin Barnes, 
 Melvin Barnes, jr., David Taylor, Artemas Goodno, Swift Berry, Sim- 
 eon Clark, Josiah Law, Jonathan Berry, be and they are hereby author- 
 ized to meet in the several county towns of the counties in which they 
 respectively belong for the purpose of forming into a society by the 
 name of the Medical Society of the county in which such society is 
 formed." The officers provided to be chosen for the societies, under this 
 act, were a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, librarian, and 
 three or more censors. And further it was provided " that no student 
 shall be admitted to an examination by the censors unless he possess a 
 good moral character, and shall have pursued the studies of physic and 
 
262 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 surgery at least three years, and, being by said censors approved, shall 
 receive a diploma from the president, which shall entitle him to all the 
 privileges of a member of said society." The State Medical Society 
 was, by other provisions of the above act, constituted by the meeting of 
 three delegates from the several county organizations. 
 
 The organization of the Franklin County Society was effected the 
 loth day of January, 1814, at the office of Dr. Benjamin Chandler, in 
 St. Albans, by the election of the following officers : President, Benja- 
 min Chandler; vice-president, Joseph D. Farnsworth; secretary, Chaun- 
 cey Fitch ; censors, Samuel Butler, Joseph D. Farnsworth, Chauncey 
 Fitch ; librarian, Benjamin Chandler ; delegates to State Society meet- 
 ing, Drs. Chandler, Farnsworth, and Fitch. On the second Monday in 
 March a meeting was held at which was adopted a code of by laws for 
 the society's government. 
 
 Now for the purpose of bringing as prominently as possible before 
 the reader the names of the persons admitted to the society, there have 
 been taken from the records the names of the physicians so admitted, as 
 follows : Shilometh S. Hall, Amos Town, Norman Barber, Caleb Stev- 
 ens, Bingham Lassell, David G. McClure, Eliphaz Eaton, Charleg Hall, 
 Calvin Conant, Theodore England, Joseph Carter, jr.. Ami R. R. Butler, 
 Asahel Clapp, Charles McCrady, Elisha Sheldon, Charles Parsons, Jon 
 athan Berry, John L. Chandler, Chester Abell, Henry Fassett, Chester 
 Keyes, Lewis Jaynes, Thomas Chamberlain, Levi Cushman, Joseph B. 
 Cutler, Orlando W. Cushman, John Page, Isaac N. Foster, Moses M. F. 
 Page, Samuel Chesson, B. S. Minor, Horace P. Blair, Dr. Weeks, 
 Hosea P. Cobb, David H. Bard, Harding C. Whittemore, Minor M. Rob 
 erts, Wm. L. Richards, Horatio H. Brayton, Nathaniel W. Perry, Ho 
 ratio N. May, I Chamberlain, I. Brown, B. W. Fuller, F. W. Judson, 
 S.^ P. Barnum, Wm. C. Ellsworth, John Huse, Horace Eaton, Samuel 
 
 L'Hommedieu, Farnsworth, David Grant, John B. Cilley, F. W. 
 
 Judson, Michael Hatch, P. F. Fuller, C. N. Burleson, N. H. Ballou, A.M. 
 Brown, George S. Gale, John Branch, M. N. Babcock, J. Butler, Benj. B. 
 Searles, B. W. Fuller, R. Eaton, O. F. Fassett, W. R. Hutchinson, A. 
 Pixley, G. S. Goodrich, S. K. Day, D. J. Morrill, H. F. Stevens, George 
 Briggs, E. J. Hall, C. F. Hawley, J. B. Morgan, J. H. Hamilton, George 
 M. Hall, S. E. Parks, J. O. Crampton, H. O. Bartlett (Milton), D. 
 
The Medical Profession. 263 
 
 Fosburgh, O. S. Searle, N. A. Fairchild, George Hall, Horace P. Hall, 
 Chapman Smith, Charles E. Teele, H. N. Baxter, S. W. Langdon, Dr. 
 Hatch, R. C. M. Woodward, R. F. Hamilton (Sutton), Ralph Sherwood, 
 S. S. Wilbur, Dr. Leonard, Drs. Miller, Woodworth, Leach, Damon, 
 Fairchild, Brigham, Knight, J. B. Kendall, S. S. Clark, Dr. Harding 
 (S. Hero), H. R. Wilder, W. H. Giddings, George Dunsmore, R. E. 
 Welch, R. R. Clark, Dr. Fletcher (Georgia), W. R. Prince, L. G. Lat- 
 ourneaux, H. D. Belden, E. M. Brown. 
 
 The foregoing list purports to be and is a roll of the physicians and 
 surgeons who became, from time to time, members of the medical soci- 
 ety, and therefore became licensed physicians. This'is as shown by the 
 records of the society, but the roll cannot be accepted as furnishing the 
 names of all who have practiced throughout the jurisdiction, for as years 
 passed, and medical universities and colleges were founded, students who 
 completed a course in them became entitled to diplomas without the 
 formality of submitting to examination before the board of censors of 
 the society, or of even becoming members of the local society. In 
 truth, after the first thirty or forty years of its existence, the society lost 
 much of its usefulness as a physician-creating power, being superceded 
 by the authority conferred on medical colleges and universities. But 
 the old society was an institution of considerable worth in its palmy 
 days, having large powers which it did not fail to exercise ; but there is 
 no evidence tending to show that its powers were ever abused, or dis- 
 torted and prostituted to unauthorized purposes. Had the contrary 
 been the case the society could never have continued in existence from 
 the time of organization under the act of 1813 until the present day, 
 which existence, as a matter of fact, has so continued, although there 
 have been years in which no meetings appear to have been held. 
 
 To give the reader something of an idea of the form and style of the 
 diplomas granted by the ancient society a copy of the " sheepskin " 
 granted to Dr. Lewis Janes is here furnished. At the upper left-hand 
 corner is a picture representation of a physician giving counsel to a 
 younger person ; or, to be slightly humorous, the scene apparently rep- 
 resents an " office call " Surrounding this picture is the motto : 
 " Scrutare assidue : Delegatio tua magna est. Cut miilta dantur, ex 
 es multum requiretur." In the opposite corner on the upper right-hand 
 
264 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 is the representation of the physician at the bedside of a sick person in 
 the act of " ascertaining the pulse." The surrounding inscription reads : 
 " Experientia docet. Vita brevis est, ars longa ; Experimentum pericu- 
 losum ; hidiciiim difficile." 
 
 The diploma reads thus: "STATE OF VERMONT. THE MEDI- 
 CAL SOCIETV, as by Law established, in the County of Franklin ; The 
 Censors having examined and approved Lewis Janes relative to his 
 knowledge of the healing art, he is admitted a Member of this Society, 
 and is entitled to all its privileges, honors and immunities ; and we hereby 
 recommend him to the Public as a person well quaHfied for the prac- 
 tice of Physic and' Surgery. 
 
 "Witness, our President and the Seal of the Society, affixed this fjth 
 day of November, A. D. 1820. 
 
 "J. D., p-ARNSWORTH, Pres't. 
 
 " Attest, Chas. Hall, Sec'y." 
 
 At a meeting of the society held at Enosburgh Falls, May 13, 1856, 
 (at which time, by the way, Drs. W. R. Hutchinson and O. F. Fassett 
 became members,) there was established a schedule of prices for pro- 
 fessional services, by which the members pledged themselves to stand. 
 From the records of this meeting there is extracted the following tariff 
 rates : For extracting teeth, bleeding, for an emetic, cathartic, or portion 
 of medicine of any kind, 25 cents ; for a call, when passing, and prescrip- 
 tion, 50 c; visit and pres., one mile and less, 75 c; one to two miles, 
 $1.; two to three miles, $1.50; three to five miles, $1.50 to $2.00; 
 five to six miles, $2.50; for obstetric case, if not detained over six 
 hours, $4.00 ; for cases of twins, $5.00 ; for instrumental delivery, extra, 
 $5.00; for reducing dislocation, fracture, each, $25.00; vaccination, 
 50 c; "Resolved, that we charge clergymen for our services the same 
 as others." 
 
 The succession of presidents of the county society have been as fol- 
 lows : Benjamm Chandler, 1814-17; Joseph D. Farnsworth, 1818-24; 
 Jonathan Berry, 1825 ; Ephraim Little, 1826-27; Charles Hall, 1828- 
 35; Samuel S.Butler, 1836-37; Joseph D. Farnsworth, 1838; S. S. 
 Butler, 1839; O, W. Cushman, 1840-41 ; John Branch, 1842-45 ; S. S. 
 Butler, 1846-48, 1856-57; John Huse, 1858-60; H. F. Stevens, 1864; 
 John Branch, 1865, 1870-71 ; George Hall, 1866 ; A. M. Brown, 1867 ; 
 
The Medical ProfEssiont. 265 
 
 G. N. Briggs, 1868; R. C. M. Woodward, 1869; S. S.Clark, 1872-74; 
 O. F. Fassett, 1875-76; C. F. Hawley, 1877-78; William R. Hutch- 
 inson, 1879-80; J. H. Hamilton, 1881 ; G. S. Goodrich, 1882; J. B. 
 Hall, 1883; H. R. Wilder, 1884; W. H. Giddings, 1885-86; R. E. 
 Welch, 1887; B. W. Davis, 1888; Ralph Sherwood, 1889; E. M. 
 Brown, 1890. 
 
 Present members of the society : S. S. Clark, R. E. Welch, H. R. 
 Wilder, J. B. Hall, G. S. Goodrich, George Dunsmore, B. W. Davis, 
 W. R. Hutchinson, J. H. Hamilton, H. D. Belden, A. M. Brown, W. W. 
 Hutchinson, E. M. Brown, W. H. Giddings, J. N. Jenne, E. A. Bates, 
 O. G. Stickney, S. W. Paige, R. W. Pelton, F D. Robertson, Frederick 
 S. Hutchinson, Ralph Sherwood, C. R. Draper, William G E. Flanders, 
 Frederick Ladue, C. E. Allen, D. O. Powers, A. E. Moody, H. A. 
 Phelps, Dr. Dunton, C. S. L. Leach, C. F. Hawley, M. A. Powers, Dr. 
 McBurney. 
 
 Officers of the society for 1890: President, Dr. E. M. Brown, of 
 Sheldon; vice-president, William Watson Hutchinson, of Enosburgh ; 
 secretary and treasurer, H. R. Wilder, of Swanton ; censors, S. S. Clark, 
 of St. Albans, J. H. Hamilton, of Richford, G. S. Goodrich, of Berkshire, 
 W. H. Giddings, of Bakersfield, C. F. Hawley, of Fairfax, O. G. Stick- 
 ney, of Isle La Motte, E. A. Bates, of Highgate. 
 
 The practicing physicians of the several towns of Franklin and Grand 
 Isle counties, at present or recently resident therein, respectively, are as 
 follows : 
 
 Bakersfield, W. H. Giddings, George C. Cutler. Berkshire, G. S. 
 Goodrich, Dr. Johnson. Enosburgh, William R. Hutchinson, William 
 W. Hutchinson, Frederick S. Hutchinson, C. R. Draper, A. J. Darrah, 
 Achille G. Payment. Fairfax, A. G. Brush (eclectic), C. F. Hawley, 
 F. A. Petty, Morton A. Powers, C. E. Mudgett (eye specalist). Fairfield, 
 William G. E. Flanders, A. D. Patten. Fletcher, W. R. Morrow. 
 Franklin, E J. Powers, R. E. Welch, James B. Hall, Dennis O. Powers. 
 Georgia, Dr. Stickney. Highgate, E. A. Bates, Henry Baxter, O. S. 
 Searle, Dr. Piette. Montgomery, Bateman W. Davis, Chapman C. 
 Smith. Richford, Jamin H. Hamilton, W. S. Manuel, R. W. Pelton, 
 Saline T. Fuller. Sheldon, Seth W. Langdon, A. B. Brown, E, M. 
 Brown. St. Albans, S. S. Clark, George Dunsmore, Ralph Sherwood, 
 34 
 
266 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 J. N. Jenne, H. D. Belden, F. D. Robertson, S. W. Paige, Dr. Daig- 
 nault, Theodore R. Waugh (homeopathist). Swanton, H. R. Wilder, 
 C. E. Allen, C. S. L. Leach, Mrs. Hannah Asseltine, Dr. Dunton. 
 Alburgh, A. J. Howard, C. B. Anderson, Fred Ladue, Herbert Phelps. 
 Grand Isle, A. H. W. Jackson, B. Haynes. Isle La Motte, A. E. 
 Moody, O. G. Stickney, B. E. Lingfeld. North Hero, Melvin C. Hyde. 
 South Hero, Charles W. Petty. Drs. Moody and Hyde are now in 
 Isle La Motte, Dr. Jackson is deceased, and North Hero has no resi- 
 dent physician. By reference to the chapters of town history there will 
 be found further and more extended mention of the past and present 
 physicians of the counties. 
 
 The St. Albans Village Medical Association was organized in April, 
 1 871, through the efforts of Drs.. O. F. Fassett, Horace P. Hall and 
 John Branch, three leading physicians, not only of the village, but as 
 well of the county, and chief of the three, and the principal organ - 
 izer, was Dr. Fassett. The society was in all respects a worthy one, 
 and productive of great good to the profession in the village. Its meet- 
 ings were regularly held for a period of ten or twelve years, but then, 
 after the death of the originators and guiding spirits of the society, the 
 interest appears to have waned until the association passed out of 
 existence. Upon the death of the prominent men and founders, Drs. 
 Fassett, Branch and Hall, the burden of maintaining the society fell 
 upon Drs. Clark and Dunsmore, who nobly su.stained it for a time, but 
 the younger practitioners did not seem to take the interest in its welfare 
 as did the older members, wherefore the decline and eventual death of 
 the organization. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 THE ,PRE.SS. 
 
 EDUCATION is the great civilizer, and printing its greatest auxil- 
 iary. Were it not for the aid furnished by the press the great mass 
 of people would still be groping in the darkness of the middle ages, 
 and knowledge would still remain confined within the limits of the 
 cloister. It is surprising, when searching our libraries, to discover how 
 little has been written of the "Art preservative of all Arts," and the 
 educator of all educators. While printing has been the chronicler of all 
 
The Press. 267 
 
 arts, professions and learning, it has recorded so little of its own history 
 as to leave even the story of its first invention and application wrapped 
 in mystery and doubt. The first regular newspaper published was called 
 The Certain News of this Present Week. It was issued in London, 
 England, in 1622. In 1682 advertisements first appeared in a paper 
 called the Mercurius Politicus. In 1787 the first American daily 
 journal, the htdependent Gazette, made its appearance in New York. 
 From the old Ramage press, which Faust and Franklin used, capable of 
 producing only a hundred impressions per hour, we have now the 
 ponderous machine which turns out one thousand printed, pasted and 
 folded papers per minute. 
 
 In glancing over the pages of history we discover the gradual develop- 
 ment in the arts and sciences. We notice that they go hand in hand — 
 one discovery points to another, one improvement in the arts leads to 
 others continually, and the results of the last few centuries show that 
 observations of no apparent use led to the most important discoveries 
 and developments. The falling of an apple led Newton to unfold the 
 theory of gravitation and its relation to the solar system ; the discovery 
 of the polarity of the loadstone led to the construction of the mariner's 
 compass ; the observation of the muscular contraction of a frog led to 
 the numerous applications of galvanic electricity ; the observation of the 
 expansive force of steam led to the construction and application of the 
 steam engine ; the observation of the influence of light on the chloride 
 of silver led to the art of photography ; the observation of the com - 
 munication of sound by the connected rails of a railroad led to the in- 
 vention of the telephone ; the impressions cut in the smooth bark of the 
 beech tree led to the art of printing — the art which transmits to pos- 
 terity a record of all that is valuable to the world. 
 
 Thus is progress discernible in every successive generation of man. 
 Gradually has he advanced from a state of rude barbarism and total 
 ignorance to a degree of perfection which gives him almost absolute 
 dominion over all elements, and in the pride of glorious and enlightened 
 manhood he can exclaim with Cowper : 
 
 ''I am monarch of all I survey, 
 My right there is none to dispute ; 
 
 From the center all 'round to the sea 
 I am lord of the fowl and the brute." 
 
268 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 So long as mind shall occupy its seat, so long will progress be the 
 watchword of man, and onward and upward will be his march to an 
 endless and limitless ascent — where all the hidden and occult secrets of 
 creation will unfold their mysteries to his comprehension and crown him 
 master of them all. 
 
 The printing office has well been called the "Poor Boy's College," and 
 has proven a better school to many ; has graduated more intellect and 
 turned it into useful, practical channels, awakened more active, devoted 
 thought, than any alma mater on the earth. Many a dunce has passed 
 through the universities with no tangible proof of fitness other than his 
 insensible piece of parchment — himself more sheepish, if possible, than 
 his "sheep-skin." There is something in the very atmosphere of a 
 printing office calculated to awaken the mind to activity and inspire a 
 thirst for knowledge. Franklin, Stanhope, Beranger, Thiers, Greeley, 
 Taylor, and a host of other names, illustrious in the world of letters and 
 science, have been gems in the diadem of typography, and owe their 
 success to the influence of an apprenticeship in a newspaper office. 
 
 The newspaper has become one of the chief indexes of the intelli- 
 gence, civilization and progress of the community in which it is pub- 
 lished, and its files are the footprints of the advancement and refine- 
 ment of the period of its publication ; and the printing office is now 
 deemed as essential as the school- house or church. It has taken the 
 place of the rostrum and the professor's chair, and become the great 
 teacher. No party, organization, enterprise or calling is considered per- 
 fect without its " organ " — the newspaper. 
 
 The St. Albans Adviser, Rufus Allen, editor and proprietor, was es- 
 tablished at St. Albans in 1807, and was published for about one year, 
 when it died for lack of support. 
 
 The Champlain Reporter was the name of the next journalistic 
 venture. It was issued from the office of Ambrose Willard in 1809, on 
 the corner of Fairfield and Main streets, St. Albans. It was a sheet 
 that measured 24 by 19 inches It was edited by Abner Morton, a 
 lawyer of eminence and ability. The paper advocated the claims of the 
 Federal party. In 18 11 it was discontinued for want of patronage. 
 
 The Repository was the third newspaper venture. Colonel Jeduthan 
 Spooner in October, 1821, commenced the publication of the Repertory 
 
The Press. 269 
 
 in Burlington and continued its publication until May, 1823, when the 
 office was moved to St. Albans and the name of the paper changed to 
 The Repository. It became one of the leading papers of the state and 
 was continued until April 26, 1836. It took strong grounds against the 
 anti-Masonic movement, lost its support and was obliged to suspend. 
 
 The Franklin Journal was started as an anti- Masonic paper at St. 
 Albans, May i, 1833, under the editorial management of Samuel N. 
 Sweet, who was succeeded by Joseph H. Brainerd, who continued its 
 publication until December 7, 1837, when the paper passed into the 
 hands of Enoch B. Whiting. 
 
 The Franklin Messenger, Enoch B. Whiting, editor and proprietor, 
 St. Albans, made its first appearance December 14, 1837, and continued 
 under the proprietorship of Mr. Whiting and editorial management 
 successively of Wilbur P. Davis, J. McLellan, William H. Whiting, 
 Henry C. Parsons, Almont Barnes and Albert Clarke, until August i, 
 1870. In 1 86 1 Mr. Whiting started a daily paper called the Telegram, 
 which was afterwards changed to the St. Alba7is Daily Messenger, the 
 name of the weekly being changed at the same time to its present name. 
 August I, i870,it came into the possession of Albert Clarke and J. Dorsey 
 Taylor, by purchase, who also purchased the Vermont Transcript and 
 consolidated it with the Messenger. Mr. Clarke became sole proprietor 
 in 1874, by the death of Mr. Taylor. In September, 1880, Mr. Clarke 
 sold the paper, S. B. Pettengill becoming nominal proprietor, and the 
 latter also obtained the St. Albans Advertiser and consolidated the 
 two, since which time it has been known as the Messenger and Adver- 
 tiser. In May, 1882, S. B. Pettengill retired and was succeeded by 
 D. W. Dixon as chief editor. In March, 1885, Dixon retired and was 
 succeeded by the present editor-in-chief, Warren Gibbs. In 1837 the 
 proprietor promised " to make it a welcome messenger to every fireside 
 circle where religion, morality, useful knowledge and general informa- 
 tion are respected," and he and his successors have kept the promise. 
 The Messenger and Advertiser of to-day stands at the head of Vermont 
 
 journalism. 
 
 The Franklin RepublL in, of Sheldon, appeared in 1837, J. W. Tuttle, 
 editor and proprietor. It was a creditable sheet and edited with ability. 
 It was continued until 1839, when it ceased. 
 
2/0 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Tlie North American, of Swanton, made its first appearance April lo, 
 1838, under the management of H. P. Tliomas. It was edited by sym- 
 pathizers with the so called " Patriot war" of Canada, until the close of 
 the Canadian rebellion, when it passed into the hands of J. B. Ryan, 
 who continued its publication until August 13, 1841. 
 
 The Vermont Republican was started at St. Albans, July 16, 1839, by 
 C. G. Eldridge, who was succeeded by D. A. Danforth, who continued its 
 publication until April, 1846. 
 
 The Loco-Foco,2X Swanton, made its appearance August 15, 1839. It 
 was a small political sheet and survived but a few weeks. 
 
 The Swanton Herald was established at Swanton in 1852 by Ripley 
 & Chamberlin, and published by them until the spring of 1853, when it 
 passed into the hands of Rev. A. J. Samson, who continued its publica- 
 tion until 1854. 
 
 The Democrat was started at St. Albans, by Myron F. Wilson, in Au- 
 gust, 1852. In 1853 it passed into the hands of Darwin Mott, who 
 continued its publication until 1855. In August^ 1858, it was revived 
 by Myron F. Wilson and George Church, who continued its publication 
 until the fall of 1861, when Church enlisted in the army and the paper 
 was discontinued. 
 
 The Franklin County Herald appeared November 5, 1853, at Swan- 
 ton, under the management of the Drury Brothers, Lucius H. Drury 
 being editor. The paper was discontinued in 1855 
 
 Tlic Vermont Tribune was established at St. Albans by Samson & 
 Somerby, January 5, 1854. After a few months the paper passed into 
 the hands of Z. K. Fangborn. After a struggle of about one year the 
 paper was discontinued. 
 
 The American Journal, at Swanton, was established by an association 
 of citizens, under the management of H. N. Drury, with Revs. Will- 
 iam A. Miller and A. J. Samson as editors, March 10, 1855. March 14, 
 
 1856, Messrs. Miller & Samson withdrew and H. N. Drury became 
 manager, with Albert Sowles as editor. The paper was discontinued 
 March 27, 1857. 
 
 The Sivanton Journal, hsned at Swanton Falls, appeared May 15, 
 
 1857, under the management of H. N. Drury, with Albert Sowles as 
 editor. It was discontinued November 6, 1857. 
 
The Press. 271 
 
 The Synchronist, by John Sawyer, jr., editor and publisher, appeared 
 at Swanton, September, 1859, as a bi-weekly, and afterwards as a weekly. 
 It was a spicy, well-edited sheet, but for want of patronage suspended 
 pliblication after one year. 
 
 The Franklin County Herald and Swanton Advertiser was issued at 
 Swanton Falls, March 7, 1862, by J, Ketchum Averill, editor and pro- 
 prietor. The paper was continued six months at Swanton, when a 
 change of base was made to St. Albans, but before a paper was issued 
 from the St. Albans office Mr. Averill gave up his venture and enlisted 
 in the Seventh N. Y. Volunteers. 
 
 The Vermont Transcript was established at St. Albans, in March, 1864, 
 Henry A. Cutler was its publisher, and George F. Houghton its editor 
 until May 20, 1866, when Wilbur P. Davis became its editor and owner. 
 In May, 1868, Mr. Davis commenced the publication of The Daily Tran- 
 script. In 1868 C. H. Baker and J. H. Montefiore became editors and 
 proprietors. In 1870 the paper was sold to Clarke & Taylor, who 
 merged it with the Daily a.nd Weekly Messenger. The paper had gained 
 a large circulation, and was one of the leading papers of the state, as 
 the price paid for it attested. It was sold for $5,000. 
 
 Le Protecteur Canadienne was what its name implied, a French paper. 
 It was commenced at St. Albans in 1869, by Rev. Z. Druon. Mr. Druon 
 was succeeded by A. Mousette, with Fred Houde as editor. In 1872 it 
 was sold and removed to Worcester, Mass. 
 
 The St. Albans Transcript was established August i, 1870, by J. H. 
 Montefiore and A. N. Merchant. In November of the same year A. N. 
 Merchant became sole proprietor, with J. P. Stapleton as editor. Its 
 publication was continued until 1872. 
 
 The Franklin Journal, A. N. Merchant, editor and proprietor, was 
 commenced in Swanton. After about one year the press on which it 
 was printed was removed to St. Albans, and the publication continued 
 about three years, the last year under the proprietorship of C. S. Kins- 
 ley, of Burlington. 
 
 The Vermont Temperance Advocate was issued at St. Albans, by Clark 
 & Taylor, in 1871, with W. H. H. McAllister as editor. It was estab- 
 lished as the organ of the Good Templars of the state. It suspended 
 after a year's struggle. 
 
272 History of FrankLin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 The St. Albatls Advertiser was established in 1873, as a morning 
 daily and weekly paper, by a stock company. A. J. Samson was its first 
 business manager, and Lucius Bigelow its first editor. Hiram S. Hart, 
 A. P. Cross and J. F. McGowan followed one after the other as business 
 managers, Stephen E. Royce, Edward S. Sears and S. B. Pettengill 
 acting as editors. The morning edition was discontinued after about 
 two years, and the daily issued at noon, then at 5 P. M. Once or twice 
 the daily was discontinued and a semi-weekly edition substituted. 
 When the daily was finally re-established the weekly was discontinued. 
 After thousands of dollars had been sunk in the enterprise it was con- 
 solidated with the Messenger in September, 1880. 
 
 The Swanton Courier, T. M. Tobin, editor and proprietor, was com- 
 menced at Swanton, March 10, 1877, and is still continued with enough 
 patronage to make it a paying venture. 
 
 The Fairfax Advertiser, bi-weekly, was commenced at Fairfax, in 
 1879, by F. H. Sanborn. It was a small sheet and existed a little over 
 one year. 
 
 The Enosburgh Reporter was established at Enosburgh, as a weekly, 
 in 1879 by W. S. Roberts. It was discontinued in 1880. 
 
 The St. Albans Herald was established at St. Albans by Eastman & 
 Mombleau, in November, 1881. It was a spicy, aggressive little weekly 
 that made things lively for mock reformers and "rule or ruin maniacs." 
 It was sold by copy only, and often as many as 2,000 found ready sale 
 each publication day. It was consolidated with the St. Albans Home 
 Jotirnal Mny i, 1882. 
 
 The St. Albans Home Journal "^42.% established by Charles H. Hibbard, 
 October i, 1881, and issued weekly by him until June, 1882, when it 
 was purchased by J. H. Montefiore, and consolidated with the Vermont 
 Record. 
 
 The Vermont Record v/a.s issued June 29, 1882; J. H. Montefiore, ed- 
 itor and proprietor. It was a neat, twenty-eight-column weekly. After a 
 prosperous career of six months Mr. H. M. Mott, of Champlain, N. Y., 
 became the proprietor and editor by purchase. The paper continued 
 under Mr. Mott's management about four weeks, when it suspended. 
 
 The Vermont Sentry was established at Swanton, February 2, 1882, 
 by Fletcher Tarble, and was managed by Charles R. Jamason until that 
 
Railroads. 273 
 
 gentleman became editor and proprietor. The press and material of the 
 office was moved to St. Albins, and the paper issued by Mr. Jamason 
 until November, 1887, when the office was purchased by a syndicate of 
 gentlemen, who issued the paper under the editorial management of 
 Hiram P. Dee until the following February, when F. C. Smith became 
 editor. Mr. Smith held the position until March 15, 1890, when he was 
 succeeded by Hiram P. Dee as editor. 
 
 The Vermont Partners' Advocate was established by George P. Beard, 
 editor and proprietor, March i, 1891. The Sentry plant was purchased, 
 and the first number of the Advocate issued March 5, 1891. It aims 
 specially to advance the interests of farmers by advocating the farmer's 
 cause, and discussing the living issues of the times. It has secured the 
 confidence of the leaders of the farmers' movement, and is the only 
 farmers' paper at present published in the state. 
 
 The Frontier Sentinel was established at Richford, in 1866, by M. K, 
 Wilson. The paper soon passed into the hands of J. B. Bowditch, wh^) 
 edited the paper for a period of about eight years with marked ability, 
 when he retired from its control. The paper passed through several 
 hands until 1878, when it was discontinued. 
 
 The Richford Gazette was established at Richford in 1878; M. J. Ma- 
 loney, editor and publisher. It is an aggressive, wide-awake sheet, es- 
 tablished on a firm, paying basis. 
 
 The Green Mountain Journal made its first appearance October 15, 
 1878; Charles L. Reed, editor and proprietor. In 1881 the name of tiie 
 paper w^s changed to the Richford Journal, under which name it is now 
 published. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 HISTORY OF VERMONT AND CANADA, VERMONT CENTRAL, CENTRAL 
 VERMONT, AND CONSOLIDATED RAILROAD COMPANIES. 
 
 THE first effectual act incorporating a railroad company, whose line 
 of road was designed to run through Franklin county, was passed 
 by the General Assembly of this state on the 31st of October, 1845. 
 By its provisions Benjamin Swift, John Smith, Lawrence Brainerd, 
 
 35 
 
i74 rtlSTORY OF F'raNKLIN and C^RANp IsLE C^Otil^Ttfi^. 
 
 Sanford O. Gadcomb, Victor Atwood, Abel Houghton, Gardner G. 
 Smith, Romeo H. Hoyt, Samuel W. Keyes, Stephen S. Keyes, Timothy 
 Foster, George Green, Bradley Barlow, Peter Chase, Jacob Wead, Will- 
 iam Green, Hiram Bellows, Homer E. Hubbell, Isaac Patrick Clark, 
 Alvah Sabin, Joseph Clark, Albert G. Whittemore, Daniel H. Onion, 
 Oscar A. Burton, Horace Eaton, William Clapp and Asa O. Aldis, 
 and their associates and successors, were constituted a body corporate 
 by the name of the Vermont and Canada Railroad Company, with a 
 capital stock of $1,000,000. 
 
 As originally contemplated it was the purpose of this company to 
 build " a railroad, with single or double track, from some point in High - 
 gate, on Canada line, thence through the village of St. Albans to some 
 point or points in Chittenden county, most convenient for meeting, at 
 the village of Burlington, a railroad to be built on the route described in 
 the act to incorporate the Champlain and Connecticut River Railroad 
 Company, and to some point or points in Chittenden county most con- 
 venient for meeting a railroad to be built on the route described in the 
 act to incorporate the Vermont Central Railroad Company ; and with 
 the right and for the further purpose of extending a railroad from any 
 point in the aforesaid route to some point on the western shore of Grand 
 Isle county, passing across the sand bar to South Hero, as the said com- 
 pany may hereafter designate," etc. 
 
 The same act, by subsequent provisions, while it fixed the capital 
 stock of the company at one million dollars, also authorized its increase 
 beyond that amount, if found necessary in order to complete the con- 
 struction and proper equipment of the road. Samuel W. Keyes, Ste- 
 phen S. Keyes, Abel Houghton, Lawrence Brainerd, John Smith, Hiram 
 Bellows, Joseph Clark, Lemuel B. Piatt and Daniel H. Onion were by 
 the act appointed commissioners to receive subscriptions to the capital 
 stock of the company in the counties of Franklin, Chittenden and Grand 
 Isle; their proceedings to commence within five years, and to be con- 
 ducted in conformity with the law and custom governing such corporate 
 organizations. And it was further provided by the act that when one 
 thousand shares of the stock should be taken then the commissioners 
 were authorized to call a meeting of the stockholders for the purpose of 
 perfecting the organization of the company. 
 
Railroads. 275 
 
 The requisite amount of stock being in due time subscribed to and 
 taken, the organization of the company followed, in the choice of a 
 board of directors, comprising John Smith, Charles Paine, S. S. Lewis, 
 S. M. Felton, Lawrence Brainerd, William Farrar and Heman Carpen- 
 ter ; also of officers as follows : John Smith, president ; Samuel H. 
 Walley, treasurer ; Lawrence Brainerd, clerk. 
 
 But it appears the Vermont and Canada road was not built in accord- 
 ance with the original design of its corporators. It was understood 
 that the Ogdensburg road, so called, would have its terminus at Platts- 
 burgh, and had it been so constructed the passage from the lower Hero 
 to the opposite side of the lake might become advisable ; but the Ogdens- 
 burg company changed their eastern terminus to Rouse's Point, making 
 it a wise policy on the part of the Vermont and Canada company to so 
 alter their route as to complete a connection between that point and 
 the village of Burlington, and the Vermont Central and the Rutland 
 and Burlington roads, and to abandon that part of the original line that 
 contemplated crossing the sand bar. This proposition not only met 
 with determined but with the most bitter opposition on the part of cer- 
 tain Burlington people and the hostile element elsewhere. But it was 
 nevertheless accomplished, as the legislature of 1847 passed an act by 
 which was repealed that portion of the original act that established the 
 proposed line of the road across the sand bar. 
 
 The route of the road having been satisfactorily established, the com- 
 pany at once proceeded with the work of construction, and that despite 
 the fact that its finances were not sufficient in amount to build more 
 than a tenth of the road ; but in this extremity the managing officers of 
 the Vermont and Canada company negotiated and agreed upon a lease 
 of their road of date August 24, 1849, to the Vermont Central com- 
 pany, by the terms of which it became of vital importance that the work 
 of construction be hastened with all possible speed. To this end John 
 Smith and Lawrence Brainerd of St. Albans, and Joseph Clark of Milton, 
 gave both their means and energies to the enterprise, with the result of 
 the completion of the road by the summer of 185 i. 
 
 The Vermont Central Railroad Co., to which occasional reference has 
 been made, was brought into existence by virtue of an act of the legis- 
 lature passed October 31, 1843. ^^^ capital stock of the company 
 
276 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 was fixed at $1,000,000, and the commissioners appointed to receive 
 stock subscriptions were Charles Paine, John Peek, Wyllys Lyman, 
 Daniel Baldwin, E. P. Jewett, Andrew Tracy and Levi B. Vilas. The 
 company was organized on the 23d of July, 1845, by the choice of a 
 board of directors, and with Charles Paine, president ; Samuel H. 
 Walley, treasurer ; E. P. Walton, clerk. The route of this company's 
 road, as finally established, extended from Windsor up the Connecticut 
 River to the mouth of White River; thence to the summit in Roxbury, 
 and down the valley of Dog River, entering the Winooski Valley near 
 Montpelier ; thence continuing in the Winooski Valley until it reached 
 the western terminus at Burlington. The work of constructing this road 
 was commenced in 1847, but was not completed until the fall of 1849, 
 the first train passing over it in November of that year. 
 
 As already stated, the Vermont and Canada company, on the 24th 
 of August, 1849, by its president, John Smith, entered into an indenture 
 of lease with the Vermont Central company, by its president, Charles 
 Paine, by which lease, with supplements and amendments afterward exe- 
 cuted to the original, it was agreed that the Vermont Central should 
 equip and operate the lessors' road as one continuous line with their own 
 for the period of fifty years, and pay to the lessor company the annual 
 rental of eight per cent, of the entire cost of their road, buildings, fixt- 
 ures, lands, and property. And further, the parties to the lease agreed 
 that in case the Vermont Central should default in the payment of the 
 rental, and the same should remain four months in arrears, then the Ver- 
 mont and Canada company was given full power and authority to 
 enter and take possession, not only of their own road, but as well of the 
 Vermont Central proper, and themselves operate and manage the entire 
 line, applying the receipts to the payment of the rent in arrears, and 
 the balance acrue to the benefit of the lessees. Still further, for the pur- 
 pose of carrying into full effect the stipulations of the lease, the Ver- 
 mont Central, for due consideration, granted, bargained and conveyed 
 " unto the Vermont and Canada Railroad Company all lands, depots and 
 easements, property, rights and privileges," which the Vermont Central 
 might or could, by any way or means, lawfully sell or convey, as an 
 earnest or guarantee of performance on their part, to be void if the con- 
 ditions were fulfilled, but otherwise operative. 
 
V>?-2.- 
 
Railroads. 277 
 
 It may be stated in this connection that the total cost of the Vermont 
 and Canada road, construction, buildings, fixtures, lands and appurte- 
 nances, amounted to the sum of $1,348,500, upon which the company 
 was entitled to receive rent at eight per cent, per annum, payable semi- 
 annually, amounting to $104,880, and to be continued for the term of 
 fifty years, if the conditions and stipulations should be faithfully carried 
 out by the lessee company ; but which, as a matter of fact, were not so 
 faithfully executed and observed after June i, 1854. 
 
 The Vermont Central company duly entered upon the management 
 of the continuous line of road, but in the construction of their road, and 
 the equipment of the joint lines, there had been incurred a considerable 
 indebtedness, for the payment of which the company had not the means 
 at immediate command. To relieve themselves from this embarrass- 
 ment the directors, on the 13th of October, 185 i, authorized the officers 
 to issue their obligations to the extent of $2,000,000 to pay the persons 
 to whom the company was indebted, which obligations were provided 
 to be secured by the execution and delivery of a deed of trust or mort- 
 gage of their road, franchise and property, to William Amory and 
 Charles O. Whittemore, of Boston, and John Smith, of St. Albans, who 
 were appointed by the directors as trustees for the purposes of the deed. 
 The deed itself was executed the 20th day of October, 1851, and 
 covered not only the property of the Vermont Central company, but 
 their leasehold interest in the Vermont and Canada road, subject to the 
 rights of the latter company under its lease and amendments and sup- 
 plementary agreements. The conditions of the mortgage deed to the 
 above named trustees provided that in case the grantors failed -to fulfill 
 in the matter of payment of principal or interest of their obligations, 
 then the grantees, trustees, or their successors were authorized and 
 empowered to take possession and manage and control the roads, and 
 apply the receipts to the purposes of the trust. 
 
 On the 20th day of May, 1852, the president and treasurer of the 
 Vermont Central company, in pursuance of an order and authority 
 from the board of directors for the purpose of paying other debts ere- 
 ated in the completing and full equipment of their road, issued their 
 obhgations to the creditors to the extent of $1,500,000, and secured the 
 same by the execution of a second mortgage deed, in trust, to H. H. 
 
2/8 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Hunnewell, G. Hovvland Shaw, and W. H. Gregerson, covering the 
 same property, and with substantially the same provisions as contained 
 in the first mortgage deed, and subject thereto, and to the rights of the 
 Vermont and Canada company by virtue of their lease. 
 
 On the I2th day of May, 1854, the Vermont Central company, hav- 
 ing become embarrassed by the constantly accumulating indebtedness 
 of the road, and being unable to longer meet its obligations, executed 
 a deed of surrender to the trustees of the first mortgage bondholders ; 
 and, likewise, on the 21st day of June thereafter, executed a similar 
 deed to the trustees of the second mortgage bondholders, thus passing 
 the control of the Vermont Central and the Vermont and Canada roads 
 into the hands of the trustees. At the time of executing the first deed 
 of surrender the trustees of the first mortgage creditors were John 
 Smith, of St. Albans, and William R. Lee and John S. Eldridge, of 
 Boston; and when the second deed of surrender to the trustees repre- 
 senting the .second mortgage creditors was executed the latter com- 
 prised William H. Gregerson, John C. Pratt, and Peter Harvey, all of 
 the city of Boston. 
 
 Having thus been put into the possession and control of the joint 
 lines by virtue of the deed of surrender the trustees of the first mort- 
 gage bondholders, Smith, Lee and Eldridge, at once assumed the man- 
 agement of the roads and entered upon the performance of the duties 
 connected therewith ; but they had not been long possessed before they 
 were brought into court at the suit of the Vermont and Canada com- 
 pany, who filed a bill in chancery against the Vermont Central, the trust- 
 ees, and others, with the result of an order dispossessing them and 
 passing the management of the roads over to the orators by virtue of 
 the prior and paramount rights of their company under the lease with 
 the Vermont Central. This order was made on the 17th of May, 1855, 
 by Chancellor Luke P. Poland ; but was upon condition that the Ver- 
 mont and Canada company execute to the trustees a bond in the penal 
 sum of $250,000, to save harmless the said trustees from all debts and 
 liabilities incurred by them in their management of the roads ; also a 
 further bond in the sum of $50,000 that the bounden party should pru- 
 dently manage the road. 
 
 Under the order of the Court of Chancery the Vermont and Canada 
 
kAiLkoAbs. 27§ 
 
 company, for the first time during its existence, had the management 
 of its own road, as well as that of the Vermont Central, but even this 
 possession was not long continued, for, on the 6th of May, 1856, Chan- 
 cellor Poland made an order directing the Vermont and Canada com- 
 pany to surrender back the possession and management of the joint 
 roads to the trustees of the first mortgage creditors of the Vermont 
 Central company, which trustees were now John Smith, John S. Eldridge 
 and Lawrence Brainerd, the latter the successor of Trustee Lee. And 
 these trustees, by this order of restoration, were directed to hold, man- 
 age and operate the roads under the direction and subject to the order 
 of the court. 
 
 The character of the office of these trustees was that of receivers and 
 managers of an insolvent corporation ; in fact the petition of the orators 
 asked for the appointment of a receiver, and the question was passed 
 upon and determined to that end. Under all ordinary conditions the 
 only purpose of a receivership would be the settlement, liquidation and 
 final winding up and closing the affairs of the insolvent concern, but in 
 this particular instance it became the duty of the court to constitute not 
 only a receivership, but more than that, a board of management, not for 
 the purpose of terminating the operations of the company, but having 
 for its object the continuance of the business formerly and then con- 
 ducted for the public good and benefit; and in connection with the 
 duties of the management it became necessary for the court to order and 
 direct that the trustees and managers should make considerable invest- 
 ments of money in providing equipments for the road, increasing its 
 facilities, extending its business, improving its property, and enlarging its 
 capacity in various material directions. And for this purpose it became 
 incumbent upon the Court of Chancery to authorize the receivers and 
 managers to borrow moneys on divers occasions, and therefore to execute 
 obligations in their fiduciary capacity, they being at the time neither 
 more nor less than officers of the court. For all these operations it so 
 happened that the law furnished no precedent. It was an independent 
 and compulsory action, founded upon the exigencies of an occasion, the 
 Hke and fellow of which were previously unknown ; and founded upon 
 exactly the same principles and laws of necessity as were the very insti- 
 tutions of the state itself. In the estabhshing of such a law, and such an 
 
2§o History of Franklin and Grand IsLe CoITntiES. 
 
 extended power in a constituted trust and receivership, the Court of 
 Chancery of Vermont acted only in the capacity of pioneer, for the 
 action here became an established, safe precedent, upon which was based 
 similar subsequent action in many other states, and which was upheld 
 and sustained by the highest courts. 
 
 But all these things were not accomplished at once, nor hastily, nor 
 by the same board of officers. They extended throughout a long period 
 of years, from one generation to another, and from one court to another. 
 The order made by Chancellor Poland on the 6th of May, 1856, that 
 restored the management of the roads to the trustees, and constituted 
 those officers as receivers and managers, by no means terminated the 
 controversy between the litigant parties, for the case was continued in 
 court and reviewed by the highest judicial authority in the state, with 
 final determination and judgment in July, 1861. The final decree of 
 Chancellor Poland was made in pursuance of a mandate and judgment 
 of the Supreme Court, which latter held and determined that the lease 
 made August 24, 1849, between the Vermont and Canada company and 
 the Vermont Central, was a valid and binding instrument ; and that the 
 additional lease executed on July 9th, 1850, in which it was agreed 
 that in case rents should become due to the Vermont and Canada, and 
 remain unpaid for more than four months, the Vermont and Canada 
 company should have the right to enter into posession of both roads and 
 use and operate the same, etc., was valid and binding upon the parties 
 to it, and all subsequent incumbrances so far as to entitle the Vermont 
 and Canada company to have the tolls and income of the roads directed^ 
 to and applied in hquidation of the rental indebtedness. In accordance 
 with the findings and judgment of the Supreme Court the Chancery 
 Court was directed to find, which was accordingly done. 
 
 During the pendency of this action, and before its final determination, 
 the burden of the work of operating and managing the roads, and as 
 well the onus defending the litigations that were in constant progress, 
 fell upon the trustees, John Smith, Lawrence Brainerd and John S. 
 Eldridge. At that time John Smith was an attorney of the courts of 
 the state, resident at St. Albans, and otherwise largely interested in the 
 institutions of the village and county, as well as being one of the trustees 
 and managers under the appointment of the Court of Chancery. He 
 
R.AlLROAt)S. 281 
 
 does not appear as having been the attorney of record in any of the 
 series of litigations, for the reason that his position constituted him an 
 officer of the court; and while he was the chief manager and director of 
 the affiairs of the trust his efforts were ably seconded by the wise 
 counsel and rich business qualities possessed by Lawrence Brainerd. In 
 1856 Mr. Eldridge resigned his position, and G. M. Dexter was ap- 
 pointed and duly qualified in his stead. Again on November 20, 1858, 
 John Smith, who had ever been the master spirit in founding and carry- 
 ing forward this vast enterprise, was stricken and died. In his stead, 
 on the 6th of December, the surviving trustees, Messrs. Brainerd and 
 Dexter, appointed John Gregory Smith, who was entirely familiar with 
 the afifairs of the road, and who had been for some time the attorney and 
 counsel for the trustees and receivers. Still further, on the iStli ot 
 January, 1859, George M. Dexter resigned, and the vacancy in the 
 board of managers thus created was filled by the appointment of Joseph 
 Clark of Milton ; all of which appointments were confirmed by the 
 Court of Chancery. Other than has been stated there was no 
 change in the receivership and management of the roads until the i6th 
 of August, 1867, when, upon the petition of Lawrence Brainerd, Joseph 
 Clark and John Gregory Smith, setting forth that since their appoint- 
 ment the business and affairs of the roads had very largely increased, 
 requiring for their proper administration a very much larger amount of 
 time and labor than at the date of the decree (1861); that the business 
 requirements of the roads and the accommodation of the public had 
 made needful the obtaining of a loan of large sums of money, on the 
 credit of the roads and their business and property, whereby an import- 
 ant class of persons and capitalists have become interested in the roads, 
 in connection with the funded bond creditors of the Vermont Central 
 and the stockholders of the Vermont and Canada roads ; that, in the 
 judgment and belief of the petitioners, the business interests of the roads 
 will be advanced by such a modification of existing orders as will admit 
 to the management a representation of the bondholders and creditors, 
 and requesting that Lawrence Brainerd and Joseph Clark might have 
 permission to resign and be discharged from their offices of receivers 
 and managers, and in their stead there be appointed a board of mana- 
 gers, who should have power and authority, under the supervision and 
 
 36 
 
282 History of pRANiiLiN and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 order of the court, to manage and conduct the affairs of the roads. The 
 court took due cognizance of the matter, approved the same, and ordered 
 that the resignation of Lawrence Brainerd and Joseph Clark, as receivers 
 and managers, be accepted, and that Benjamin P. Cheney of Boston, 
 and Robert F. Taylor of Philadelphia, be appointed receivers and man- 
 agers with said John Gregory Smith ; and the said Lawrence Brainerd, 
 Joseph Clark and J. Gregory Smith, trustees under the first mortgage 
 of the Vermont Central company, with said J. Gregory Smith, Benja- 
 min P. Cheney and Robert F. Taylor, receivers and managers, constitute 
 a board of management of the roads, with power and authority to make 
 all needful rules, orders and regulations for the management and opera- 
 tion thereof, subject to the orders and decrees of the court. 
 
 But this was not the first conciliatory agreement between the factions 
 contending for the control and operation of the roads, for there had 
 been previous amicable negotiations during the year 1863, in the nature 
 of an agreement entered into between a committee of the board of 
 managers of the Vermont and Canada company and a like committee 
 representing and in behalf of the first mortgage bondholders of the 
 Vermont Central company, which resulted in what was called a com- 
 promise decree, made by Chancellor Poland, January 19th, 1864. By 
 the stipulations and provisions of this agreement and decree, and agree- 
 able to an act of the legislature, the Vermont and Canada company was 
 authorized to increase its capital stock to $2,000,000, and on that sum to 
 draw eight per cent, rental as provided in the lease heretofore mentioned, 
 and the rental to be a first lien on the income of the roads. This 
 increase of stock was made for the purpose of converting the arrears of 
 rent into principal, upon which, being so converted, the receivers and 
 managers agreed to pay rent according to the terms of the original 
 lease of August 24, 1849. Moreover, it was agreed and adjudged that 
 the trustees, receivers and managers should construct an extension or 
 addition of the Vermont and Canada road from Swanton to Highgate, 
 and pay for the same out of the revenues of the roads, and should also 
 pay the Vermont and Canada company the sum of $97,000 within three 
 years from June 1st, 1864, with accrued interest. And it was further 
 provided, by this decree, that the income of the roads, after paying for 
 the construction of the Highgate extension, should be applied toward 
 
Railroads. 283 
 
 the payment of the first and second mortgage bonds, in succession, 
 and the remainder, if any, to the Vermont and Canada. Also it was 
 provided that O. W. Davis, Joseph Andrew and Otis Drury, committee 
 of the first mortgage bondholders of the Vermont Central company, 
 constitute an advisory board in respect to the management of the roads 
 and property. 
 
 A preceding paragraph has mentioned the fact that the petition of the 
 receivers and managers asked the Chancery Court to change somewhat 
 the character of the management of the roads, a request made necessary 
 on account of increased business, and of extensions in the operating line 
 of the roads, which of themselves called for an increased outlay of means 
 and the borrowing of large sums of money from various capitalists, who, 
 in the judgment of the petitioners, should be entitled to a representation 
 in the management of the roads. The decree above referred to was that 
 made by Chancellor William C. Wilson, on the i6th of August, 1867. 
 Now, in view of this observation, it becomes necessary to relate briefly 
 the occasions and necessities that produced these results, and brought 
 about this change, together with such other facts as may properly be 
 stated in that connection. But in the same connection it may be stated 
 that prior to the appointment of J. Gregory Smith to the receivership, 
 as the successor of John Smith, who died suddenly on November 20th, 
 1858, the seat of operations of the roads was at Northfield, in this state ; 
 and even after that time, and until the board of receivers and managers 
 comprised the said J. Gregory Smith, Lawrence Brainerd and Joseph 
 Clark, the base of operations had been maintained at the place named. 
 But with the accession of the just named persons to the management, 
 through their influence and efforts, and to the great benefit and advan- 
 tage of the people of this region, the seat of operations was changed 
 from Northfield to St. Albans. For the purposes of the management 
 and operation of the roads these officers caused to be built at St. Albans 
 such structures as were required, both for the public accommodation 
 and the necessities of the roads in the way of shops, depots and other 
 buildings. This removal was made during the early sixties, and the 
 structures were built as required and paid for out of the revenues of the 
 roads by the receivers and managers, and with the sanction and approval 
 of the Chancery Court 
 
284 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 On the 14th of April, 1866, Chancellor Pierpoint, upon the petition of 
 the receivers and managers, and the representatives of the first and sec- 
 ond mortgage bondholders of the Vermont Central company, and others, 
 looking to a consolidation and refunding of the outstanding bonded in- 
 debtedness of the Vermont Central, made a decree by which it was 
 ordered and adjudged that the principal of the first mortgage bonds be 
 called and fixed as the sum of $3,000,000, on the 1st of June, 1866, and 
 that the same be refunded by the issue of new bonds running twenty 
 years and bearing seven per cent, interest ; and that the principal sum 
 of the accumulated indebtedness of the Vermont Central under the sec- 
 ond mortgage bonds be fixed and called $1,500,000; and that therefor 
 there be issued new bonds running twenty-five years, bearing interest at 
 seven per cent., but subject to the prior lien of the first bonded re-issue, 
 and both subject to the priority of lien of the Vermont and Canada com- 
 pany by virtue of their lease. This adjudication and re-issue of bonds was 
 ordered by the court, with the consent of all interests ; and was another 
 step in the direction of consolidation and harmonizing conflicting in- 
 terests that had ever embarrassed and obstructed the good order and 
 proper management of the roads; and the result accomplished was 
 brought about largely through the efforts of those who were then en- 
 gaged in the direction and operation of the roads under the supervision 
 of the court. 
 
 The decree authorizing the first equipment loan, so called, was made 
 by Luke P. Poland, chancellor, on the 7th of September, 1865. In the 
 petition made and presented to the court by the receivers and managers 
 Lawrence Brainerd, Joseph Clark and J. Gregory Smith, it was stated 
 that the gross income of the roads and business for the year ending June 
 1st, 1864, amounted to $1,227,807.35, that the gross expenses were 
 $940,843.59, leaving a balance of $286,963.76; that for the year end- 
 ing June I, 1865, the gross income was $1,434,631.15; the expenses 
 (estimated, the year not being completed), $1,265,803.33, leaving a bal- 
 ance of $168,829.82. The petitioners reasonably account for the in- 
 creased expenditures of the last year in that they were due to the increase 
 in cost of labor, materials and supplies needful in operating the line 
 owing to trade and finance disturbances caused by the Rebellion. And 
 they further relate that from .the earnings of the business they had ex- 
 
Railroads. 285 
 
 pended in the construction of the Swanton branch the sum of $320,000 ; 
 that in supplying the constant demand for increased fixtures and equip- 
 ments they had been compelled to purchase thirteen locomotives, 253 
 freight cars, and twelve passenger cars, at a cost of $350,000, which 
 equipments had been mainly acquired since 1861; that when the re- 
 ceivers began their offices as such, under the decree of 186 1, they oper- 
 ated only about 166 miles of road, but with subsequent extensions they 
 at present operated over 270 miles ; that to provide for and accomodate 
 the increasing business of the road there should be provided sufficient 
 structures, fixtures, equipments and appliances to carry all passengers 
 and freight usually applying for transit, with promptness, safety, and 
 dispatch. Upon the foregoing and other representations of fact the 
 managers related to the court that a considerable amount -of money 
 would be required, among other things, for the following purposes; 
 The construction of a new car shop at St. Albans, (in place of that de- 
 stroyed by fire on July 4th, 1865,) costing from $50,000 to $60,000 ; a 
 round-house, for storing and cleaning engines, from $25,000 to $30,000; 
 for the re-construction and enlargement of the station-house at St. Al- 
 bans, from $30,000 to $40,000 ; for a station-house at Burlington, from 
 $25,000 to $30,000; for increased facilities for storing freight on the 
 wharf at Burlington, $25,000; for ten new locomotives, $180,000; for 
 350 new freight cars, $280,000; for eight new passenger cars, $40,000. 
 These facts being presented to the court, Chancellor Poland ordered 
 that the receivers and managers be authorized and empowered to borrow 
 such sums, not exceeding $750,000, as in their judgment should be 
 necessary for the uses and purposes mentioned in the petition. And to 
 secure this sum the receivers and managers were authorized to issue 
 their notes or obligations, themselves being exempt from personal liabil- 
 ity, running ten years, and at interest not exceeding eight per cent, per 
 annum. They were further authorized to pledge certain equipments of 
 the road as security for the payment of the notes so issued, and to 
 create a sinking fund from the general assets of the receivers, to meet 
 the obligations when due. And it was further ordered that in case the 
 notes were not paid when due the holders might apply to the court for 
 relief, and for leave to pursue their securiety ; and that in case of failure 
 to negotiate the loans the receivers were authorized to make a tem- 
 porary loan on the credit of the trust. 
 
286 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Under the authority vested in them by this decree of chancery the 
 managers of the road were enabled without serious difficulty to realize 
 on the notes and obligations issued by them, and with the avails thereof 
 not only provided increased facilities for the traffic and business of the 
 road, but as well caused to be erected at St. Albans the large and per- 
 manent structures that are now in use : the main office building, the 
 addition to the depot proper, the car and repair shops, and the large 
 engine-house. These improvements, for such they proved to be, were 
 erected on the line of the Vermont and Canada road, and were of ma- 
 terial benefit to the property of that company, although no part of the 
 expense of them was chargeable against that company at the time, and 
 not until consent was obtained therefor, and then by the issue of their 
 stock and not by an investment of money. But notwithstanding the 
 strenuous efforts of the receivers and managers to equip and operate the 
 roads, and maintain them without again calling upon the court, they 
 found themselves unable to do so ; and they found, moreover, that the 
 interest of the roads, and those connected with them as creditors and 
 otherwise, demanded that the line should be increased by acquiring the 
 Stanstead, Shefiford and Chambly road, which was accordingly done by 
 the purchase of its stock and bonds secured by mortgage, at an ex- 
 pense of about $364,000; and the managers also found themselves re- 
 quired to extend the Vermont and Canada road from Essex to the city 
 of Burlington, which they did at a cost of about $450,000 more. 
 With these extraordinary expenses falling upon them, the outlay for 
 which was not only advisable, but absolutely necessary for the good of 
 the roads and the faithful fulfillment of their obligations as trustees, the 
 receivers and managers, on account of obligations soon coming due,' and 
 other expenses, were a second time compelled to petition the Chancery 
 Court for an equipment loan, with the result of an order and decree, 
 granted by Chancellor Pierpoint the 1st of May, 1867, by which the ac- 
 tion of the receivers and managers was sanctioned and' approved, and 
 by which the Vermont and Canada company were directed to increase 
 the issue of their stock by the amount of $250,000, and deliver the same 
 to the receivers; and the latter to pay the Vermont and Canada com- 
 pany out of said stock or its avails the sum of $97,000, and the balance 
 to be apphed m reduction of the trust liabiHties. And further, the man- 
 
RAILkOAt)S. 287 
 
 agement was authorized to issue their obligations, without personal Ha- 
 bility, to the gross amount of $300,000, bearing interest at seven per 
 cent, payable in twenty years from July i, 1867, and secured by a 
 pledge of the entire capital stock of the S., S. & C. Company, to create a 
 fund to be applied in payment of the obligations soon to become due, 
 and for other necessary purposes in connection with the management of 
 the roads and the reduction of their indebtedness. It was the issuing 
 and sale of these obligations that induced the receivers and managers, 
 Brainerd, Clark, and Smith, to petition the court for an order permit- 
 ing the first two named to resign their offices, and in their stead there 
 should be appointed men who had made large advances of money to 
 the management on the notes and securities authorized under the first 
 and second equipment loans. This petition, being considered, was duly 
 acted upon with the result of the establishment of a board of manage- 
 ment, comprised and constituted as stated on a' preceding page. 
 
 On the 22d of May, 1868, Chancellor William C. Wilson, upon the 
 petition of the board of management, made an order by which was mod- 
 ified and relieved of doubt and ambiguity the decrees relating to the 
 first and second equipment loans ; but there was nothing in the order of 
 May 22d that has any material interest for this narrative, except the fact 
 that it was the result of a harmonious conference (as far as harmony is 
 possible where conflicting railroad interests are at hazard) between the 
 various interested parties representing each branch of encumbrance 
 against the joint and several lines of road. The decree was the result of 
 an agreement entered into between these parties : Lawrence Brainerd, 
 Joseph Clark, J. Gregory Smith, B. P. Cheney, Robert F. Taylor, trust- 
 ees and managers ; John Porter, Edward Blake, Samuel Atherton, com- 
 mittee of directors of Vermont and Canada Railroad Company ; J. M. 
 Pinkerton, Otis Drury, committee of first mortgage bondholders ; W. P. 
 Hacker, M. Hall Stanton, Robert F. Taylor, committee of second mort- 
 gage bondholders; and B. P. Cheney, J. M. Pinkerton, Edward Blake, 
 Otis Drury, R. F. Taylor, Lansing Millis, Lawrence Brainerd, Joseph 
 Clark, holders of the equipment loan. 
 
 But notwithstanding the increase in the facilities for transportation 
 and traffic afforded under the former equipment loans, the business in 
 the hands of the receivers and managers had soon assumed such pro- 
 
2§g History of PrankLin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 portions that it became necessary to still further enlarge the capacity of 
 the roads ; and for this purpose a still further loan was required to be 
 made by the management, as all the income and revenues then avail- 
 able were needed in the payment of the obligations already outstand- 
 ing, and the repairs and additions incident to the operation of the lines. 
 Therefore, on due application, and the consent of the several interested 
 parties. Chancellor Wilson, on the 13th of April, 1869, ordered and au- 
 thorized the receivers and managers to issue their obligations to the 
 amount of $500,000, payable in not exceeding twenty years, and bear- 
 ing not more than eight per cent, interest, and to be secured by the 
 pledge of rolling stock not already hypothecated. 
 
 On the 26th of February, 1870, the board of management again 
 besought the Court of Chancery, not for permission to negotiate a fur- 
 ther loan, but for a decree of approval and sanction of their action, 
 which in their trust and receivership capacity, and as officers of the 
 court, they had performed. The petition in this application recited, 
 among other things, the fact that the said receivers had found it neces- 
 sary to the interests of the roads they represented as receivers and man- 
 agers to negotiate a contract for traffic and transportation between the 
 Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain Railroad Company, on the one part, 
 and the Vermont and Canada company and the petitioners on the 
 other part, for all of which they asked the sanction and confirmation of 
 their action by the court. This was granted by a decree made by Chan- 
 cellor Wilson, of date March i, 1870. 
 
 About this time there occurred events that occasioned a change in 
 the personnel of the management of the roads. During the early part 
 of the year 1870 Robert F. Taylor resigned his office of receiver and 
 manager, which resignation was duly accepted by the court. And on 
 the 9th of May of the same year the management sustained a most 
 serious loss in the death of Lawrence Brainerd. As will be seen by 
 reference to the preceding pages of this chapter, Mr. Brainerd first ap- 
 pears in connection with the trust management of the roads as the suc- 
 cessor of W. Raymond Lee, who resigned his office of trustee of the 
 first mortgage bondholders during the month of June, 1856. But prior 
 to this time, and even as early as the days during which the project of 
 building a railroad through the county was first agitated and discussed, 
 

 ^/^^'i;-<i-<i^ c^c<L-iL^<^-c^^ 
 
Railroads. 289 
 
 in an informal way, the name of Lawrence Brainerd was prominently 
 associated with the subject, for he was one of the founders of the enter- 
 prise, and one of the corporators of the Vermont and Canada company 
 in 1845. With that company he continued in various capacities and 
 relations for a number of years, and during that period, and after he suc- 
 ceeded to the receivership, he was the safe counselor and faithful co- 
 worker of his close friend, John Smith, the founder, in fact, of the road ; 
 and when, in 1858, Mr. Smith suddenly died, and his place was filled by 
 the appointment of his son, J. Gregory Smith, we find existing in the 
 new board of trustees and managers the same spirit of harmony, the 
 same wise and just course of policy and operation that had character- 
 ized its predecessor. The last connection in which appeared the name 
 of Lawrence Brainerd as one of the board of management of the roads 
 in receivership was that which reported to the court the action of the 
 board in making the contract for traffic and transportation with the 
 Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain company ; which report, receiving 
 the sanction of the Court of Chancery, may truthfully be said to have 
 brought to Mr. Brainerd and his associates the grand realization of their 
 cherished desire of causing their lines of road to form one continuous 
 connecting thoroughfare of travel and transportation between the large 
 New England cities and seaports and the great chain of lakes reaching 
 to the far West. Worthington C. Smith and Lawrence Barnes succeeded 
 to the vacancy in the board of management occasioned by the death of 
 Mr. Brainerd and the resignation of Mr. Taylor. 
 
 The Missisquoi Railroad Company was brought into existence by 
 virtue of an act of the Vermont legislature, passed the 13th day of 
 November, 1850; and in pursuance of the authority conferred by the 
 act the company was organized and proceeded upon the construction of 
 their road, which extended from the village of St. Albans to the village 
 of Richford, a distance of about twenty-eight miles. But before the 
 road was completed, in pursuance of a lease made and executed by and 
 between Homer E. Royce, agent appointed for the purpose by a vote 
 of the stockholders of the road, and the board of managers of the 
 Vermont and Canada and Vermont Central companies, the completion, 
 equipment and operation of the Missisquoi road devolved upon the man- 
 agement aforesaid. The lease aforesaid was entered into under the 
 
290 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 authority and with the approval of the Court of Chancery, by an order 
 dated September 26, 1870. On the 31st of October, 1870, the Court 
 of Chancery, in furtherance of the business interests of the road, upon 
 the presentation of a petition from the board of managers, ordered and 
 decreed that the action of the management and Vermont and Canada 
 company, in contracting for traffic with the Northern Railroad Company 
 and the Boston and Lowell Railroad Company, be ratified and approved. 
 Also on the Sth of January, 1871, the court made a decree confirming 
 the lease of the Rutland Railroad, entered into between that company 
 and the Vermont and Canada, and the trustees and managers. Still 
 further, on the 17th of May, 1871, Chancellor Royce, upon petition 
 asking therefor, authorized the Vermont and Canada company to issue 
 additional stock, amounting to $500,000; also a loan of $100,000, 
 guaranteed by the said Vermont and Canada company. Chancellor 
 Royce also, on September 18, 1871, ratified the action of the manage- 
 ment in entering into a contract with the Northern Transportation Com- 
 pany of Ohio. 
 
 On the 6th of December, 1872, the trustees and managers were again 
 brought into court on the suit of the Vermont and Canada company, 
 and others who, in the prayer of their petition, asked that they be paid 
 arrears of rent under their old lease, to the amount of $120,000, the 
 moneys for which payment, they claimed, had come into the hands of 
 the management, but had not been paid, but used for other purposes, 
 unauthorized and unlawful, and in violation of the trust relation ; and 
 the Vermont and Canada company also filed a petition in chancery by 
 which they asked and demanded that the board of management be re- 
 moved and ousted, and that the petitioners be again restored to the pos- 
 session and operation of the roads. And on the 19th of February, 
 1873, another suit was brought against the above defendants, the board 
 of managers, by certain bondholders of the Vermont Central company, 
 who also asked that the managers be removed from their office. The 
 first named suit came before Judge Royce, as chancellor, for hearing and 
 determination, on the 17th of March, 1873, with the result of a with- 
 drawal of their petition on the part of the plaintiffs. But before the 
 commencement of the actions above referred to, there was in progress a 
 movement on the part of interested persons, having for its object the 
 
Railroads. 291 
 
 concentration, harmonizing, and consolidation of conflicting interests in 
 the several Hnes of road then and previously operated by the board of 
 managers. The first definite action in this direction was taken when, on 
 the 23d of November, 1872, the legislature passed an act incorporating 
 the Central Vermont Railroad Company, with an authorized capital 
 stock in amount sufficient to purchase and retire the first and second 
 mortgage bonds of the Vermont Central Railroad Company, and such 
 additional amount as should be authorized by vote of a majority of the 
 stockholders voting for that purpose. 
 
 The first section of the act of incorporation reads as follows : " Such 
 bondholders under the first or second mortgages of the Vermont Central 
 Railroad, and such other persons as shall hereafter become stockholders, 
 are hereby incorporated under the name of the Central Vermont Rail- 
 road Company, for the purpose of purchasing the Vermont Central and 
 Vermont and Canada Railroads, or either of said roads, and for the pur- 
 pose of purchasing or retiring, by exchange or otherwise, the stock and 
 bonds of the Vermont Central and Vermont and Canada Railroad Com- 
 panies, and for the purpose of operating and maintaining said roads," etc. 
 
 In pursuance of the authorization, and for the purpose of carrying out 
 the objects of the company, an organization was effected on the 21st of 
 May, 1873, by the choice of directors, as follows : WiUiam Butler Dun- 
 can, S. L. M. Barlow, Trenor W. Park, J. Gregory Smith, John B. Page, 
 Benjamin P. Cheney, John Q. Hoyt, George H. Brown, John S. Schultze, 
 Worthington C. Smith, Joseph Clark, J. G. McCuUough, and James R. 
 Langdon. On the 27th of May, following, these officers were elected : 
 J. Gregory Smith, president; W. C. Smith, vice-president; George 
 Nichols, clerk ; J. Gregory Smith, S. L. M. Barlow, Trenor W. Park, 
 John S. Schultze, executive committee. Also, Duncan, Sherman & Co. 
 were chosen financial agents; J. W. Hobart, general superintendent; 
 L. Millis, general freight agent. 
 
 With the Central Vermont Railroad Company thus fully organized, 
 the old board of management, comprised of J. Gregory Smith, Joseph 
 Clark, Worthington C. Smith, Benjamin P. Cheney and Lawrence 
 Barnes, presented their petition to the Court of Chancery on the 2d of 
 June, 1873, and asked that the Central Vermont Railroad Company, or- 
 ganized and officered as above stated, be substituted in their place and 
 
292 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 stead, and clothed with the same powers and authority as they had been, 
 and subject to the order and direction of the court. Upon proper pres- 
 entation, and due notice to all interested parties and corporations, Chan- 
 cellor Royce, on the 15th of July, 1873, ordered and decreed that the 
 Central Vermont Railroad Company " be and they are hereby consti- 
 tuted and appointed receivers and managers, from and after the date of 
 this order, in the place and stead of the said J. Gregory Smith, Worth- 
 ington C. Smith, Joseph Clark, Lawrence Barnes and B. P. Cheney, and 
 as such they are authorized to assume the possession and control of all 
 the railroads, lines of transportation and other property now under the 
 control of said receivers and managers, as aforesaid." 
 
 Now, before further pursuing the subject on the line of the narration 
 thus far adhered to, the attention of the reader is for the moment di- 
 rected to the work accompHshed by the receivers and managers, Gov- 
 ernor Smith and his associates, who were in control and operation of the 
 joint lines of road, in their peculiar capacity as officers of the Court of 
 Chancery. The original board of managers and receivers were author- 
 ized and directed to operate the lines of road owned by the corporations 
 known as the Vermont Central and Vermont and Canada .companies. 
 Had the efforts of the first receivers and their successors only and solely 
 been directed to the operation of those lines it is a serious question 
 whether they could have been sustained and maintained for a single year 
 but the necessities of the public convenience, the interests of a vast mul- 
 titude of people, the welfare of the state of Vermont, and as well the en- 
 largement of interests outside the state, demanded that the lines of road 
 under receivership be increased and extended. It became necessary to 
 do all these things, and even more ; it became necessary that the receiv- 
 ers and managers should, at certain times, antagonize other interests, and 
 create, as they undoubtedly did, contentions and strifes, with their con- 
 sequent ill-feelings and litigations. But now, when the passion and ex- 
 citement of the period have been allayed by time, no man will seriously 
 assert but that whatever was done was for the greatest good to the great- 
 est number of people. The history of railroading in this country, from 
 first to last, should it be investigated by the reader, will disclose the 
 truth of the fact that the management of the Vermont roads, during the 
 period of their receivership, was not materially different from that of 
 
Railroads. 263 
 
 other roads in other states, nor were the rulings and orders of the Court 
 of Chancery at variance with the decisions in other commonwealths by 
 similar courts. It so happened, in the course of events, that the condi- 
 tions arose in Vermont earher than in other states, and that the prece- 
 dents were mainly established here ; and when like conditions arose in 
 other locahties there were always the same grievances, the same conten- 
 tions, the same hurling of anathemas, epithets, charges of unfairness, and 
 charges of subornation of the courts, juries and legislatures alike as 
 characterized the feeling in certain quarters in this state. But now, when 
 all the animosities are healed, when all the differences and difficulties are 
 settled and adjusted, all conflicting interests consolidated, who shall say 
 that what was done was not for the best, or all that under the circum- 
 stances could have been done ? 
 
 When the Court of Chancery ordered and directed that the Central 
 Vermont company be substituted in the place of the preceding board 
 of management, and subrogated to its rights, powers, privileges, and lia- 
 bilities, there were transferred to the former, by formal act, and they be- 
 came the managers of the several original and extended lines of road, 
 as follows: The Vermont and Canada, the Vermont Central, the boats 
 of the Northern Transportation Company, the Ogdensburg and Lake 
 Champlain, the Stanstead, Shefford and Chambly, the Rutland road, the 
 Vermont Valley, the Vermont and Massachusetts, the Addison, and the 
 Missisquoi, all of which were in operation by the board of management, 
 or, more particularly, the trustees, receivers, and managers, constituted 
 and appointed and under the direction of the Chancery Court. By the 
 time the transfer and substitution were made the business of the man- 
 agement had assumed such proportions that it became imperative there 
 should be established an organization more in conformity with the gen- 
 eral character of railroad corporate companies, not alone for the inter- 
 ests of the business itself, but for the general public good, and the wel- 
 fare and proper conduct and reputation of the several lines and branches 
 of road brought within the control of the informal and limited manage- 
 ment, and made a part of a single system. Therefore the Central Ver- 
 mont company was chartered and organized with executive and depart- 
 mental branches in the same manner as are all well conducted railroads 
 throughout the land. 
 
294 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 The Central Vermont connpany assumed the management of the sys- 
 tem of roads immediately upon the order of the court, and have been in 
 its operation from that time continuously to the present. But during 
 this period the character of the ownership of the stock, and therefore of 
 the roads themselves, has undergone a material change, brought about 
 by foreclosures of mortgage liens, and other similar processes of law and 
 the courts, which resulted in the centralization and consolidation of in- 
 terests, and finally culminated in the organization of the Consolidated 
 Railroad Company of Vermont, an association formed under the pro- 
 visions of the revised laws of the state, on the 23d day of April, 1883, 
 which company is now the recognized owner of the roads, while the 
 Central Vermont company operate and manage the lines in the charac- 
 ter and capacity of lessees. The consolidated company was organized 
 at Boston, on May 10, 1883, by the election of a board of directors, com- 
 posed of J. Gregory Smith, Joseph Hickson, James R. Langdon, E. C. 
 Smith, B. P. Cheney, E. H. Baker, and W. H. H. Bingham. Officers : 
 J. Gregory Smith, president; James R. Langdon, vice-president; D. D. 
 Ranlett, treasurer; George Nichols, clerk. The present directors of the 
 consolidated are J. Gregory Smith, Joseph Hickson, J. R. Langdon, 
 E. C. Smith, B. P. Cheney, John Bell, W. H. H. Bingham ; and of the 
 Central Vermont, J. Gregory Smith, Joseph Hickson, J. R. Langdon, 
 E. C. Smith, B. P. Cheney, Robert Wright, and W. H. H. Bingham. 
 The officers of the Central Vermont company are J. Gregory Smith, 
 president ; James R. Langdon, first vice-president ; E. C. Smith, second 
 vice-president ; J. W. Hobart, general manager ; D. D. Ranlett, treas- 
 urer; E. G. Lucas, general auditor; J. M. Foss, general superintendent; 
 S. W. Cummings, general passenger agent ; George T. Childs, clerk. 
 Superintendent Missisquoi division, Thomas M. Deal. 
 
Free Masonry. 295 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 FREE MASONRY IN FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES.' 
 
 FREE MASONRY in Vermont antedates the admission of the state 
 into the Union, and its centennial as an organization will be cele- 
 brated but three years later than that of our commonwealth. The first 
 charter for a lodge in this jurisdiction bore the autograph of Paul 
 Revere, and the first warrant for a chapter that of De Witt Clinton. 
 Vermont Lodge received its charter from St. Andrew's Grand Lodge of 
 Massachusetts, November 10, 1781, and was located at Cornish. For some 
 time its meetings were held on the other side of the Connecticut in 
 Charlestown, later in Springfield, and it finally found a permanent home 
 at Windsor. North Star Lodge, of Manchester, was chartered by the 
 same Grand Lodge, January 20, 1785 ; Dorchester Lodge, of Vergennes, 
 received a warrant from Sir John Johnston, Bart, grand master, of the 
 Province of Quebec, under date May 5, 1791 ; while Temple Lodge, of 
 Bennington, and Union Lodge, of Middlebury, received their charters 
 from the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, dated respectively May 18, 1793, 
 
 and May 15, 1794- 
 
 On the 7th day of August, 1794, representatives of these lodges met 
 at Manchester and by adjournment at Rutland, October 10th, where 
 they remained in session five days. The result was the formation of a 
 body styled and known as the "Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient Free 
 and Accepted Masons of the State of Vermont, independent and gov- 
 erned solely by its own laws," a title which it bears to-day, and a pre- 
 rogative which it has always maintained. To men who had won their 
 independence and bought their laws by dearest blood the last clause had 
 a peculiar significance, and the history of the Grand Lodge clearly dem - 
 onstrates that the sons have not failed to appreciate the legacy of the 
 
 fathers. 
 
 For thirty- five years Free Masonry had a steady growth in the state, 
 and numbered among its members men occupying high positions in the 
 councils of the state and nation. The Grand Lodge during that time 
 
 By Alfred A. Hall, Past Grand Master, etc. 
 
296 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 added, to the original five, sixty- eight lodges, five of which were located 
 in the county of Franklin and two in the county of Grand Isle. 
 
 A Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons wa« organized at Rutland, 
 December 20, 1804, and a Grand Encampment (now styled Command- 
 ery) of Knights Templar in 1824. Owing to the intense feeling created 
 in this state by what is known as the "anti- Masonic war," resulting in 
 Vermont's casting its electoral vote, alone, for the anti- Masonic candi- 
 date for President, the Grancj Lodge practically suspended labor from 
 1833 to 1846, and many of the subordinates followed the example, while 
 a few determined and fearless members, conscious that the organization 
 to which they belonged, instead of being the enemy to good order and 
 law, was the hearty supporter of both, and that they were bound by 
 their obligations "to support the government of the country in which 
 they lived," continued to hold meetings during the darkest days of prej- 
 udice, at the expense of social and political position, and lived to rejoice 
 over the fact that they neither surrendered nor joined in a truce. 
 
 In 1846 the Grand Lodge re-organized; the Grand Chapter and 
 Grand Commandery resumed work soon after. In 1854 a Grand Coun- 
 cil of Royal and Select Masters was formed, and in 1868 the Grand Con- 
 sistory, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, was established in Ver- 
 mont. Since the re- organization Masonry has been in a flourishing 
 condition, steadily increasing in numbers, influence, and popularity, and 
 it stands to-day as the leading moral and beneficial society in the state. 
 
 Franklin County. 
 
 Franklin Lodge, No. 4, St. Albans.— Kx. the third annual communica- 
 tion of the Grand Lodge held at Windsor, Oct. 13-14, A. L. 5797, the 
 records show that " a petition signed by Ebenezer Marvin, Seth Po'me- 
 roy and others, praying a charter for a lodge to be holden at St. Albans, 
 by the name of Franklin Lodge, was read, the prayer thereof granted^ 
 and it was ordered that a charter issue accordingly." This was the first 
 chartered lodge north of Burlington and the fifth after the formation of 
 the Grand Lodge. Its charter members were Ebenezer Marvin, wor- 
 shipful master ; Seth Pomerpy, senior warden ; Solomon Morgan, junior 
 warden ; Silas Waterman, John White, Asa Holgate, Enos Wood, Isaac 
 Smith, Prince B. Hall, Aaron Heustingsand WiUiam Nason. It was num- 
 
Free Masonry. 297 
 
 bered ten and held that number until the re-organization. It is proba- 
 ble that early meetings were held on the site where S. S. Allen now lives, 
 on S. Main street. At a later day they were held in the Barlow House 
 (now American), in the Dr. Hoit house on the corner of Main and 
 Hoyt streets, in the old Weeks's block, in a block on the site of Union 
 block, in the Wheeler block, and for the past twenty years in Brainerd's 
 block on the corner of Main and Bank streets. The charter under which 
 the lodge now works is a copy of the original issued June 1 1, 1869, and 
 from the certificate upon the same it appears that the original and a 
 former copy were both destroyed by fire. Although the records prior 
 to 1867 are destroyed, it is well known that the lodge was purged by 
 fire in 1821, again in 1869, and it is also thought that itsuffered by the 
 fire that destroyed the Weeks's block. 
 
 Among its early prominent members were Ebenezer Marvin, an emi- 
 nent physician, who served as surgeon in the Continental army and 
 subsequently held offices of honor and trust, among them that of 
 county judge, discharging the duties with such fairness and ability as to 
 win from the late Chief Justice Royce the high compliment of being 
 "a great common sense lawyer"; Seth Pomeroy, its second master, 
 was one of the first citizens of the county, and for many years clerk of 
 the courts ; Rev. Jonathan Nye, a noted clergyman, and for many years 
 grand chaplain and the third grand master of the Grand Lodge ; Will- 
 iam Bridges, for many years judge of probate; Luther B. Hunt, an 
 eminent lawyer and the co-laborer in office of Nathan B. Haswell and 
 Philip C. Tucker, ranking between the two for several years until 1829, 
 when he was elected to the office of deputy grand mai,ier, but declined 
 in favor of his friend Tucker, and accepted a re-election as grand senior 
 warden. The list would be incomplete without the name of General 
 John Nason, who was as prominent in Masonry as in military and civil 
 
 affairs. 
 
 The lodge had a healthy growth and furnished many of the charter 
 members for Lamoille, Missisquoi. Columbus, Isle of Patmos, Seventy- 
 six and Liberty Lodges, chartered in Franklin and Grand Isle counties 
 prior to 1830. Owing to the anti-Masonic feeling, before alluded to, it 
 suspended work early in the thirties and did not resume until about the 
 time of the re-organization in 1846, under which it ranked as No. 4, and 
 
 38 
 
298 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 has since held that position on the Grand Lodge register. It was soon 
 re established upon a firm and healthy basis, and has steadily prog- 
 ressed in growth and influence to the present time. Few lodges in 
 the state have stood better or had greater influence in Masonic councils, 
 and none have been more highly honored. Membership, 142. 
 
 Past masters : Ebenezer Marvin, Seth Pomeroy, Jonathan Nye, Eph- 
 raim Little, Benjamin Chandler, Samuel H. Farnsworth, Nathan B. El- 
 dredge, Asahel Langworthey, William Bridges, Luther B. Hunt, John 
 Nason, Heman Green, Orlando Stevens, William M. Beeman, Seth R. 
 Day, Park Davis, J. Pliney Fisk, George H. Kittredge, Alfred A. Hall, 
 James Myers, Fred R. Woodward, Alfred G. Saffbrd, George N. Willis- 
 ton, S. S. Allen, George Cassidy, Arthur L. Weeks and Silas H. Dan- 
 forth. 
 
 Past grand officers : Rev. Jonathan Nye, Park Davis and Alfred A. 
 Hall, past grand masters ; Luther B. Hunt, past grand senior warden ; 
 Hiram F. Stevens, past grand senior deacon ; George Cassidy, past 
 grand junior deacon 
 
 Lamoille Lodge, No. 6, Fairfax. — In the year 1 806, on the 8th day 
 of October, Rev. Jonathan Nye, then the grand chaplain, presented 
 the petition of Zerah Willoby and others, praying a charter for a lodge 
 to be located at Cambridge (then a part of Franklin county), and on 
 the same date a charter was granted to Zerah Willoby, Simeon Lester, 
 Elias Fassett, Eli Greene, Thaddeus Wherdock, Theophilus Blake, Phin- 
 eas Page, Isaac Warner, James Farnsworth, Asa Stone and Isaac B. 
 Farrar, Zerah Willoby being the first master The lodge was num- 
 bered 25, and does not appear to have been represented in Grand Lodge 
 in 1807 or 1808, but at that session a petition was presented " request- 
 ing the liberty of surrendering up the charter for the present," which 
 was granted, and in 1809 it is reported as " extinct." 
 
 In 181 5 the Grand Lodge records show that a number of brethren 
 from Fairfax presented a petition to revive Lamoille Lodge, which was 
 granted, giving them the " liberty of holding their future communica- 
 tions at Fairfax instead of Cambridge as given them in their charter," 
 and the lodge was honored at that time by the appointment of one of 
 its leading members, James Farnsworth, as grand sword bearer. Its 
 members were prominent in the Gratid Lodge until it suspended work on 
 
Free Masonry. 299 
 
 account of the anti-Masonic feeling, but as the records prior to 1846 
 were destroyed by fire it is irnpossible to give anything but a meager 
 outline of its history prior to that time. It was one of the first lodges to 
 join in the re-organization and was re-numbered 6. Since that time it 
 has had a fairly prosperous growth, and is at present in good condition 
 Membership, forty- three. 
 
 Past masters : Zerah Willoby, Joseph D. Farnsworth, Ira Farnsworth, 
 Joseph Parmalee, S. B. Hunt, I. T. Parish, Myron Spear, L. C. Lee, E. S. 
 Butler, Herbert Giddings, Luther B, Hunt, Edgar M. Strait, N. C. Dem- 
 mic, and N. W. Reynolds. 
 
 Past grand officers : Joseph D. Farnsworth and James Farnsworth 
 past grand senior wardens. 
 
 Missisquoi Lodge, No. 9, Richford.—ln October, 1814, a charter was 
 granted to certain brethren in the northeast part of the county, " con- 
 stituting them a lodge in Berkshire, by the name of Missisquoi Lodge, 
 No. 38." The charter members wei-e Solomon Wilhams, jr., Solomon 
 Benjamin, jr., Pennel Leavens, Edward Cook, Thomas Fuller, jr., Henry 
 Marble, Dan Huse, Sam S. Butler, Robert Barber and Joseph Wheeler. 
 No higher compliment can be given to the early members of this 
 lodge than to point to a history unmarred by the blank of suspension. 
 While every other lodge in the county closed their doors for a longer or 
 shorter period between 1830 and 1846, the Masons of Berkshire and 
 vicinity continued to hold their meetings and work, and at the re-organ- 
 ization they joined with other lodges and took rank as No. 9. For a 
 score of years after the re- organization the lodge continued at East 
 Berkshire, when Richford upon the one side and Enosburgh Falls upon 
 the other 'outstripped the little hamlet, and in obedience to natural laws 
 the members were divided, part going to a new lodge at Enosburgh, and 
 the old lodge that had borne so proud a record for over half a century 
 was removed to Richford, where it has since been located, growing and 
 flourishing with that pleasant and enterprising village. Membership, 
 
 sixty-seven. . t- n 
 
 Past masters: Solomon Williams, jr., Elihu M. Royce, Austm Fuller, 
 Charles Gallup, Samuel S. Butler, Asa Wheeler, William S, Rublee, 
 George Corhss, L. R. Parker, James H; Hamilton, Lyman H. Smith, 
 George W. Gibson, O. W. Wright, Stephen G. Marvin and John S, 
 Dailey. 
 
300 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Seventy-six Lodge, No. 14, Swanton. — On the 12th day of Febru- 
 ary, 1828, a dispensation was granted by M. W. Nathan B. Haswell 
 jor the formation of a lodge at Swanton, under the name of Seventy- 
 six ; the following names appear in the dispensation : Rev. Jonathan 
 Berry, worshipful master ; Cornelius Wood, senior warden ; George W. 
 Foster, junior warden ; Harvey Ingalls, James Fisk, Benjamin C. Web 
 ster, H. B. Sanderson, James Piatt, Z. B. Thomas, Abram Hollenbeck, 
 Amherst Thayer, H. P. Cobb, Amasa Soule, Roswell Fisk, Benjamin 
 Robinson, James Stearns, Daniel Wood, Nelson Bullard, Stephen Rob- 
 inson, jr., Daniel Meigs, Ira Church, John Barney, Jesse Carpenter, 
 Samuel Farrar and Rev. E. H. Dorman. On the 8th day of October of 
 the same year a charter was granted, and the lodge was numbered sev- 
 enty-two. Although it organized with a large membership, and started 
 out under the most favorable circumstances, it was caught in the fanat- 
 ical storm and forced to suspend three years thereafter. 
 
 On the Sth day of January, 1847, a dispensation was issued by M. W. 
 Philip C. Tucker, grand master, authorizing the lodge to resume work, 
 and giving it rank as No. 14. Its first meeting was held in the Bullard 
 hall, then standing upon the site now occupied by W. H. Blake 2d- after 
 the first meeting it occupied the Ira Church hall until about 185 1. 
 From that time until 1 868 the lodge room was over the James Piatt 
 store ; later, over A. D. Smith's store until destroyed by fire February 9, 
 1877; from that time it was in the Blake block until April, 1890, and is 
 now pleasantly located in the third story of the Dorman block, where it 
 has one of the best appointed and furnished halls in the state. 
 
 The lodge has always been noted for its strength and stability, and has 
 furnished some of the ablest officers in the grand bodies of the state. 
 Among the prominent men whose names are found upon its roll may be 
 mentioned James Fisk, at one time United States senator; Abram Hol- 
 lenbeck, father of our venerable past grand secretary ; Dr. George M 
 Hall, grand master of the Grand Lodge of Vermont for three years; and' 
 Colonel A. B. Jewett, who held the office of grand commander of the 
 Grand Commandery. Membership, 106. 
 
 Past masters : Jonathan Berry, James Piatt, Ira Church, A. D. Story, 
 George M. Hall, D. J. Morrill, N. A. Lasell, A. B. Jewett, Ralph o' 
 Sturtevant, R. D. Marvin, S. S. Morey, F. W. Baxter, George W. Squier, 
 C. H. Stone, Charles C. Gilmore, and B. C. Sheldon. 
 
Free Masonry. 301 
 
 Past grand officers: George M. Hall, past grand master; Rigney D. 
 Marvin, past grand junior deacon. 
 
 Haswell Lodge, No. 39, Sheldon. — In 1819 M. M. Chamberlin, Cyrus 
 Keith, John S. Gallup and others petitioned the Grand Lodge to estab- 
 lish a subordinate lodge at Sheldon, but were refused ; in 1828 the peti- 
 tion was renewed, and on the 8th day of October, the same year, a char- 
 ter was granted, the lodge taking the name of Liberty, No. 73. It soon 
 suspended work, and when, after the re- organization, the brethren of 
 Sheldon applied for recognition they seem to have preferred to name 
 their lodge for an honored past grand master, whose labors in behalf of 
 Masonry in this state are without a parallel, rather than resurrect old 
 Liberty, and on the 15th day of January, 1857, ^ charter was granted to 
 Henry Carlisle, Charles Gallup, Edward Trudeau, Seth Sturges, Na- 
 thaniel Wait, Joseph Bowdish, Samuel White, W. W. Wright, A. K. 
 Nichols, H. C. Nichols, A. E. Searles, N. Y. Gallup. Jehial Hull, H. G. 
 Hubbell, Joseph Fairbanks, D. G. Horton, George Willard, William 
 White, J. C. McGowan, A. L. Nichols, and D. Wright. For many years 
 the lodge was prosperous, but the formation of lodges in adjoining towns 
 was a serious draft upon its membership and tended to cripple it; fortu- 
 nately its present prospects are brighter than for some years. Member- 
 ship, twenty- four. 
 
 Past masters : Charles M. Gallup, Henry Carlisle, Chandler R. Haw- 
 ley, John A. Fitch, Charles P. Hogan, Samuel B. H. Stufflebean, and 
 Herbert J. Sturgess. 
 
 Eagle Lodge, No. Sy, East Fairfield — At the communication of the 
 Grand Lodge in 1864 a petition was presented for a dispensation to 
 form a new lodge at Bakersfield. The same was referred to the committee 
 on dispensations and charters, who reported favorably, and their report 
 was adopted. Pursuant to said vote Grand Master Englesby issued a 
 dispensation on the 15th day of January, 1865, to Eagle Lodge, and on 
 January 13, 1865, the lodge was chartered and numbered 67. The char- 
 ter members were Merritt Barnes, Henry J. Armington, C. S. Barnes, 
 C. T. Maynard, H. B. Woodward, Daniel C. Isham, A. C. Ayers, L. E. 
 Armington, J. S. Wheeler, L. M. Wilson, and others. Its early growth 
 was healthy, but with railroad facilities at East Fairfield the lodge was 
 naturally attracted there and it changed its location with the consent of 
 
302 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 the Grand Lodge in 1878. Since that time it has maintained itself in a 
 creditable manner, and is in a healthy condition. Membership, forty- 
 nine. 
 
 Past masters : Merritt Barnes, D. C. Isham, Milton R. Tyler, George 
 D. Stevens, H. H. Scott, Harmon D. Warren, George W. Burleson, 
 Ezra B. Sturgess, Isaac N. Chase, and Isaac B. Hull. 
 
 Frontier Lodge, No. 74, Franklin. — On the i ith day of January, 1866, 
 Frontier Lodge, No. 74, was chartered, with the following members : 
 Maynard E. Felton, James Randall, Sidney P. Gates, Rodney C. Gates, 
 Henry D. French, William Randall, H. F. Wright, Oakley Pomeroy, 
 O. F. Fish, E. L. Hibbard, E. C. Wilson, H. L. Ford, A. Goddard and 
 B. M. Sowles. 
 
 Maynard E. Felton was its first master, and as a country lodge it has 
 prospered financially and numerically, and stands to-day as one of the 
 strongest lodges in the county. Membership, sixty. 
 
 Past masters : Maynard E. Felton, James Randall, Edwin R. Bell, 
 John Webster, Harrison L. Ford and Charles H, Bell. 
 
 Lincoln Lodge, No. 78, Enosburgh Falls. — In 1866 jt became evident 
 that old Missisquoi must be divided, one lodge going to Richford and 
 the other to Eno.sburgh Falls ; with this object in view the brethren 
 made an equal division of their property, and the old lodge recommended 
 the granting of a dispensation to the new one, which was issued in 1867, 
 and the lodge was regularly chartered by the name of Lincoln Lodge, 
 No. 78, on the nth day of June, 1868. The first officers were Salmon 
 Stebbins, worshipful master; D. B. Stetson, senior warden; William H. 
 McAllister, junior warden ; Ralph Stebbins, treasurer ; G. W. Sprague, 
 secretary ; John Lawrence, senior deacon ; Alvin House, junior deacon ; 
 Henry House and M. B. Bessey, stewards ; and E. W. Noble, tyler. As 
 this was the natural offspring of Missisquoi it partook of the spirit which 
 enabled the mother lodge to maintain herself when so many were clos- 
 ing their doors, and the new lodge opened with an enthusiasm that 
 insured success. Free Masonry in this stirring and pushing village has 
 been marked by the same life and vigor, its leading members being the 
 leading men of the town. Membership, fifty-two. 
 
 Past masters : Salmon Stebbins, John G. Jenne, Birney J Kendall, 
 Daniel C. Isham, Arthur J. Darrah, Nathan A. Gilbert, Allen H. Man- 
 ley and William H. McAllister. 
 
Free Masonry. 303 
 
 Englesby Lodge, No. 84, St. Albans. — From i860 to 1870 the growth 
 of St. Albans was rapid owing to the location of railroad shops and 
 offices in that village. Many prominent men connected with the road 
 were Masons, affiliated with the lodges in the places whence they came, 
 and the result was the formation of a new lodge. On the 3d day of 
 June, 1868, a charter was granted to John W. Hobart, R. Camp, J. D. F. 
 Barker, A. Kent, M. W. Bailey, David B. Clark, Eugene Putnam, A. F. 
 Cool, J. C. Crampton, H. P. Aldrich, Abner Forbes, W. E. Campfield, 
 Samuel Williams, J. W. Taylor, J. M. Seavey, S. K. Goldsmith, M. W. 
 Beardsley, C. T. Hobart, H. K. Cobb, Warren Gibbs, Charles Rollo, 
 George L. Stone and J. S. Walker, authorizing Englesby Lodge, No. 
 84, to work as a Masonic lodge. It was duly constituted by Past Grand 
 Master Park Davis, then grand junior warden, the July following, and 
 joined the other Masonic bodies in the occupancy of the hall on the 
 site of the Union block, and with them shared the misfortunes of the 
 fire a year later. Since that time it has occupied the halls in Wheeler 
 and Brainerd blocks, with the other Masonic bodies. 
 
 It was named for Hon. Leverett B Englesby, an able and earnest 
 Mason, grand master at the time the charter was granted, and with a 
 list of zealous members standing high in the community its success was 
 assured from the first. While it is one of the younger lodges it has 
 always stood in the front rank in this jurisdiction, and has sent out into 
 the great West not only some of the brightest Masons, but the best 
 railroad men in the country ; its records, complete from organization, 
 are models of neatness, and its members are a credit to any com- 
 munity. Membership, ninety-eight. 
 
 Past masters : Samuel Williams, George L. Stone, James Halloway, 
 R. McDougall, Thomas S. Miller, William H. Hunt, Homer E. Bentley, 
 W. Tracy Smith, E. D. Nash. 
 
 Past grand lodge officer: James Halloway, past grand senior deacon. 
 
 Oriental Lodge, No. 88, Montgomery .—\x\ 1868 Oriental Lodge, No. 
 88, was chartered and located at Montgomery ; its first officers were 
 John S. Tupper, worshipful master; George H. Fuller, senior warden; 
 Aaron Gates, junior warden; Silas E. Farnsworth, treasurer; A. S. 
 Samson, secretary ; William Dwyer and David Domina, stewards; and 
 Joseph M. Foster, tyler. Located, as it was, in a small town with lodges 
 
304 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 on two sides, and a mountain barrier upon the others, its material was 
 limited, and the removal of members rendered a suspension advisable. 
 In 1888 it surrendered its charter, and is now extinct. 
 
 Past masters : John S. Tupper, A. W. Rublee, S. E. Farnsworth, 
 William Dwyer, Aaron Gates and O. N. Kelton. 
 
 Champlain Chapter, No. i, St. Albans. — On the 23d day of Septem- 
 ber, 1 805, Cephas Smith, jr., issued a dispensation to Seth Pomeroy, Car- 
 ter Hickok, Asaph Chandler, Simeon Lester, Benjamin Chandler, Reuben 
 Evarts, Abel Allis, Solomon Benjamin, jr., and Zerah Willoby, to form 
 and open a chapter of Royal Arch Masons at St. Albans, to be known 
 as Champlain Chapter. A charter was granted March 11, 1806, and it 
 was numbered two upon the Grand Chapter register. This chapter was 
 the only one in Northern Vermont prior to 1828, and its growth and 
 prosperity were not excelled by any in the state. It suspended labor in 
 December, 1832, and resumed under dispensation from M. E. Nathan B. 
 Haswell, grand high priest, August 20, 1849. In October of the same 
 year the Grand Chapter of Vermont convened at St. Albans. The 
 original charter was destroyed by fire, and a duplicate was issued June 
 19, 1850. 
 
 As early as 1815 we find the chapter securing the services of Jere- 
 miah L. Cross as " lecture master," and in 1820 John Barney, the cele- 
 brated'Masonic instructor, was its teacher. Since the re-organization 
 Champlain Chapter has ranked as No. i, and it is not claiming too much 
 to say that it has held that position in every sense of the term ; no 
 brighter or abler members of the capitular craft have ever graced the 
 roll of a chapter in this state. A perusal of the old records discloses 
 many pleasing incidents connected with its history ; it seems to have 
 been an accommodating body, for on April 23, 1850, we find that " the 
 chapter was opened, and on account of the ' court people ', wanting the 
 hall, adjourned." 
 
 Under date of October 19, 1864, a day never to be forgotten by resi- 
 dents of St. Albans at that time, on account of the Rebel raid, we find 
 the following in the familiar hand and graphic style of Judge Bridges, 
 who was secretary of the chapter: " Being about to confer the degree 
 of Past Master upon Brother Wilcox, when Satan, the Prince of Devils, 
 commenced a raid upon the banks in St. Alb.ans (money being the root 
 
Free Masonry. 305 
 
 of all evil), and robbed them of many thousand dollars. About twenty 
 of the infernal imps of the lower regions, cut and covered with impunity, 
 killed Mr. Morrison, a worthy citizen, wounded others, stole horses and 
 robbed the citizens, which created a great excitement in our quiet vil- 
 lage for a half hour, until the troops of his Satanic majesty had departed, 
 which was the reason for not conferring the degree upon our worthy 
 brother, J. M. Wilcox." 
 
 Among the many distinguished members who have " gone before " we 
 may mention Rev. Jonathan Nye, General John Nason, Col. Heman 
 Greene, Hon. Augustus Young, Hon. William Bridges, Hon. Orlando 
 Stevens, Hon. L. L. Dutcher, Dr. George M. Hall, General George J. 
 Stannard, (the typical volunteer soldier who received his degrees in 
 Champlain Chapter just a year before his brilliant and decisive, move- 
 ment at Gettysburg,) and Thomas S. Miller, one of the best Masonic 
 workers in the state. Membership, 127. 
 
 Past high priests : Seth Pomeroy, Rev. Jonathan Nye, Carter Hickok, 
 Benjamin Chandler, Zerah Willoby, Joseph D. Farnsworth, Asahel 
 Langworthey, John Nason, Jonathan Berry, Luther B. Hunt, Augustus 
 Young, D. R. Bogue, George M. Hall, Thomas H, Campbell, Heman 
 Greene, George F. Houghton, Seth R. Day, Park Davis, George H. 
 Kittredge, James Halloway, Alfred A. Hall, G. N. WiUiston, Thomas 
 S. Miller, E. J. Chamberlain, S. Story, jr., Charles A. Converse, George 
 Cassidy, and George W. Burleson. 
 
 Past grand officers : Thomas H. Campbell and Alfred A. Hall, past 
 grand high priests ; Jonathan Nye and Carter Hickok, past grand kings ; 
 Joseph D. Farnsworth, John Nason and James Halloway, past grand 
 scribes ; Park Davis, a former member of the chapter, grand high priest 
 of South Dakota. 
 
 Lafayette Chapter, No. 4, Enosbiirgh Falls.— ht the annual convoca- 
 tion of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons held at Rutland, June 
 18, 1828, a petition for a dispensation or charter was presented, signed 
 by' Austin Fuller and ten others, residents of Berkshire and vicinity, 
 praying that a chapter might be established at that place, to be known 
 as Lafayette Chapter. On the same day a favorable report was made 
 by the committee to whom it was referred, and Franklin Mark Lodge, 
 that had been in existence for several years at Enosburgh, was permit- 
 39 
 
3o6 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 ted to surrender its charter, and transfer its furniture, funds, and jewels 
 to the new chapter. Amherst Willoughby was appointed first high 
 priest; William Barber, king; and Thomas Fuller, scribe. A charter was 
 issued under date June 28, 1828, and it was numbered 15. In 1830 
 it was represented in Grand Chapter and reported as the preceding year's 
 work twenty-one exaltations. It was represented at the annual and two 
 special grand convocations of the Grand Chapter in 183 1, and its delegates 
 took part in the important action by which the Grand Chapter refused 
 to accept the majority committee report, favoring a dissolution of the 
 Grand Chapter, on the ground of public sentiment demanding it, and 
 sustained Companion Philip C. Tucker in his minority report and bold 
 assertion that " to such claims no freeman can submit — they in- 
 volve a dictation of opinion, and an attempt to control the judgment of 
 men, at which in this free government every man ought to revolt." 
 At the re-organization, July 18, 1849, it was represented and it was as- 
 signed to rank as No. 4. The chapter was in a flourishing condition at 
 East Berkshire for years, but drifted naturally to the larger business 
 center, and has since been established at Enosburgh Falls. Membership 
 twenty-one. 
 
 Past high priests: Amherst Willoughby, Samuel S. Butler, W. S. 
 Rublee, R. Stebbins, E. L. Hibbard, Salmon Stebbins, John G. Jenne, 
 A. M. Gladden, and A. R. Bell. Past grand officer : Samuel S. Butler, 
 past deputy grand high priest. 
 
 Franklin Mark Lodge, No. 12, Enosburgh. — As early as 18 19 certain 
 Mark Master Masons made report from Enosburgh to the Grand Chap- 
 ter, under the name of Franklin Mark Lodge. The same year a charter 
 was granted, and the lodge continued to work until merged in Lafay- 
 ette Chapter, in 1828. 
 
 Lamoille Mark Lodge, No. 15, Fairfax. — In 1823 a charter was 
 granted to Luther B. Hunt, and others, establishing Lamoille Mark 
 Lodge, No. IS, at Fairfax. The following year it reported twenty as 
 " advanced," but as it does not appear to have been represented in 
 Grand Chapter thereafter it undoubtedly merged in Champlain Chapter 
 at St. Albans. 
 
 Columbus Council, No. i, St. Albans.— Q,o\\xmhws Council existed and 
 was associated with Champlain Chapter prior to the formation of the 
 
Free Masonry. 307 
 
 Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters in 1854. At the organiza- 
 tion Companion Thomas Campbell, a worthy member of Columbus 
 Council, was made grand steward. It has been prosperous at times, but 
 has never received the attention that the other Masonic bodies in St. Al- 
 bans have. Membership, forty-nine. Past thrice illustrious masters : 
 George M. Hall, Heman Greene, F. S. McFarland, James Halloway, 
 G. N. Williston, Alfred A. Hall, and George W. Burleson. Past grand 
 officer : F. S. McFarland, past most illustrious grand master. 
 
 Lafayette Council, No. 7, East Berkshire. — Like Columbus Council, 
 Lafayette, No. 7, had an existence prior to the formation of the grand 
 body. As long as the Masonic organizations remained at East Berk- 
 shire it had a healthy growth, but with the removal of the other bodies 
 it lost its life, and finally surrendered its charter in 1873. Past thrice 
 illustrious masters : Anson Hull, Samuel S. Butler, and Ralph Stebbins. 
 
 Lafayette Commandery, No. 3, St. Albans. — Lafayette Commandery 
 was chartered by the Grand Encampment (now Ccimmandery) of Ver- 
 mont, September 15, 1829, and located at East Berkshire. Its charter 
 members were Samuel S. Butler, John S. Webster, Isaac Hull, Amherst 
 Willoughby, Dan H. Benjamin, E. Willington, jr., John Nason, David 
 Colburn, and D. L. Farnham, names familiar to the student of Masonic 
 history in this state. As might be expected from its location and mem- 
 bers, it did not suspend its labors, and its charter was endorsed by the 
 Grand Encampment of the United States in August, 1850. In 1868 
 itremovedto Swanton, where it remained until 1879, when it was located 
 at St Albans, and now has a membership of seventy-four. It has been 
 highly honored by the Grand Commandery, Samuel S. Butler having 
 been grand commander in 1851 and 1852; George M. Hall in 1865, 
 1866 and 1867; Albert B. Jewett in 1876; and Alfred A. Hall in 1883 
 and 1884. Rigney D. Marvin was deputy grand commander in 1881, 
 and at the present time George W. Squier is grand captain general. John 
 S. Webster, one of the charter members, subsequently took a discharge, 
 affiliating with Burlington Commandery, No. 2, and while a member of 
 that commandery held the office of grand commander. 
 
 Past commanders: Samuel S. Butler, 1829 to 1852; William S. 
 Rublee, 1853 to 1866; George M. Hall, 1867 to 1872; Albert Jewett, 
 1873 to 1876 ; Myron W. Bailey, 1877 ; Alfred A. Hall, 1878 to 1880; 
 
3o8 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Thomas S. Miller, 1881 to 1883, 1887, 1889; George W. Squier, 1884, 
 1886; John H. Mimms, 1888. 
 
 Grand Isle County. 
 
 Columbus Lodge, No. 11, Alburgh. — At the annual communication of 
 the Grand Lodge in 1797 a petition signed by Joseph Allen, William 
 Goodrich, and others, praying that a lodge might be established at 
 Alburgh, was presented and for some reason, not appearing in the 
 record, was dismissed. In 1819 the brethren of Alburgh seem to have 
 been more fortunate, for on October 25th of that year a charter was 
 granted to Joseph Sewalt, Ira Hill, William Sowles, Peter McMillen, 
 Stephen Pettis, Taber Sewall, James Badger, Samuel Mott, Lewis 
 Sowles, Thomas Marvin, Philip Loop, Nicholas Waggoner, Ezra Pike, 
 Henry Denio, Consider Hammond, Artemas Goodnow, and Samuel 
 Rosevelt, authorizing them to work under the name of Columbus Lodge, 
 No. 50- The members of the lodge were prominent men in the county, 
 and being zealous Masons it had a steady growth until about 1828, 
 when it suspended and did not resume its labors again until 1848. 
 Under the re-organization it was numbered 11. Hon. Ira Hill and Rev. 
 Thomas Marvin died at the advanced ages of ninety-seven, and at the 
 dates of their decease were among the oldest Masons in the country. 
 Hon. Lewis Sowles, Hon. Ezra Pike and Hon. William Sowles were 
 prominent and influential men in their time. The early meetings of the 
 lodge were held in the stone house on the west shore, about one-half 
 mile from the station. In 1866 it removed to its present quarters over 
 the town hall, where the members have commodious and well furnished 
 rooms, the property of the lodge. Membership, forty-six. 
 
 • Past masters : Ira Hill, Danford Mott, M. T. Mott, Lafayette Sowles, 
 Henry L. Sowles, Charles M. Clark, Herbert S. Mott, Herbert C. 
 Phelps, Halsey H. Adams and Fred L. Ladue. Grand officer: Halsey 
 H. Adams, grand sword bearer. 
 
 Isle of Patmos Lodge, No. 17, South Hero. — The Masons of the 
 southern part of the county seem to have been as unfortunate as their 
 brethren in Alburgh in gaining a charter. In 1799 a petition was pre- 
 sented to the Grand Lodge, praying that a lodge might be established 
 at Middle Hero (now Grand Isle). It was referred to a committee, but 
 no report is found and no charter was granted. In 1807 the petition 
 
Free Masonry. 309 
 
 was renewed and action was deferred until 1808, when the matter seems 
 to have been indefinitely postponed, for no charter was ever granted to 
 the Masons of Middle Hero. October 9, 1821, a charter was granted to 
 Isle of Patmos Lodge, No. 54. Its charter members were Abner Keeler, 
 Nathaniel Healey, Alson Landon, Abiel Adams, Ephraim Beardsley, 
 Bird Landon, Ebenezer Allen, Jonathan Worthing, Consider Belding, 
 Franklin Robinson, William Gale and Timothy Allen. It continued 
 work until 1828 and suspended until January 5, 1850, when it was again 
 received into the Grand Lodge and re-numbered 17. Its territory is 
 limited, and its membership small, numbering, at last report, thirty- c-ne. 
 
 Past masters : Robinson Ferris, Horace Wardsworth, Stephen Wards 
 worth, Socrates Reynolds, William M. Fletcher, George B. Keeler, 
 Henry W. Conro, Charles W. Petty, and Fred W. Sears. 
 
 Isle La Motte Lodge, No. 81, Isle La Motte. — On the 28th day of No- 
 vember, 1867, a charter was granted to Ira Hill, Harry Hill, N. S. Hill, 
 Elisha R. Goodsell, Harry J. Hill, Winfield S. Carrow, Henry H. Hill, 
 N. G. Hill, B. E. Lengfield and C. J. Thomas to establish a lodge on Isle 
 La Motte. It was a compliment to Hon. Ira Hill, who had then been a 
 Mason for more than half a century. The little island affords but few 
 candidates, but the lodge owns a building well adapted to its use, and 
 has been noted for its able and well posted members. No more zealous 
 Masons could have been found fn the state than Hon. Ira Hill, Hon. 
 Harry Hill and Dr. B. E. Lengfield. Membership, twenty-two. 
 
 Past masters : Harry Hill, Henry H. Goodsell, B. E. Lengfield, James 
 Hurst and R. W. Hill. 
 
 Hill Chapter, No. 14, Alburgh. — Another compliment to Hon. Ira 
 Hill was the granting of a charter October 3, 1866, to Ira Hill, Jason 
 Washburn, Danford Mott, and others, for a chapter at Alburgh, named 
 for him, and numbered 14. Ira Hill was the first high priest, and the 
 chapter joined Columbus Lodge in the occupancy of the hall in the town 
 house. Although having few members it is a body of life and given to 
 the best social entertainments of any Masonic body in Northern Ver- 
 mont. Its patrons are earnest and zealous, and a bright and prosperous 
 future is well assured. Membership, twenty five. 
 
 Past high priests : Ira Hill, H. L Sowles, M. T. Mott, P. A. Wheeler, 
 George Lyman, H. C. Phelps, Henry Mott and H. R. Titus. 
 
3IO History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF ST. ALBANS, AND OF THE INCORPO- 
 RATED VILLAGE OF ST. ALBANS, THE SEAT OF JUS- 
 TICE OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 
 
 ON THE 17th day of August, in the year 1763, Benning Wentworth, 
 provincial governor of New Hampshire, granted charters for four 
 separate towns, St. Albans, Swanton, Highgate and Georgia, each of 
 which bordered or touched upon the waters of Lake Champlain. 
 
 As provided in the charter the boundaries of the town of St. Albans 
 were as follows : " Beginning at the northeasterly corner of Georgia, a 
 town this day granted, which lies on the east side of Lake Champlain ; 
 from thence running westerly by Georgia line to Lake Champlain; then 
 turning off northerly and running by the shores of said lake to a stake 
 and stones by the side of the Like, at six miles distance on a straight line 
 from the northwesterly corner of Georgia aforesaid ; then turning off 
 easterly, and running on a parallel line with the northerly side of 
 Georgia, so far as that a straight line drawn to the northeasterly corner 
 of Georgia aforesaid, the bounds began at, shall make and include the 
 contents of six miles square." 
 
 This is the fair and clear description of the town boundaries of St Al- 
 bans as provided in the charter made as aforesaid, by Governor Went- 
 worth ; and it will be observed that the same calls for a square tract of 
 territory. In fact the charter itself has a map or plan of the town out- 
 lined on the back of the instrument, and it is there represented as 
 being in the form of an almost perfect square. Governor Wentworth, 
 prior to the making of charters, had caused surveys to be made of each 
 town, and the plan of each was made a part of the charter to which it 
 related. 
 
 The grantees under the charter of this town were sixty-four in num- 
 ber, but the number of shares was seventy, there being reserved to the 
 grantor a tract embracing five hundred acres, which was to be accounted 
 two shares, the same being situate in the southeast corner of the 
 town. The other public rights or shares were one for the incorporated 
 society for the propagation of the gospel in foreign parts; one share 
 
Town of St. Albans. 311 
 
 for a glebe for the Church of England as by law established ; one share 
 for the first settled minister in said town ; and one share for the benefit 
 of a school. 
 
 The conditions upon which the charter was made were these : First, 
 that every grantee, his heirs or assigns, should plant and cultivate five 
 acres of land, within the term of five years, for every fifty acres he owns ; 
 and to continue to improve and settle the land on penalty of forfeiture 
 of his right or share. Second, that all white or other pine trees " fit for 
 masting our Royal Navy" be carefully preserved. Third, that a tract 
 as near the center of the town as the land will admit shall be reserved 
 and marked out for town lots, one for each grantee, of the size of one 
 acre each. Fourth, " yielding and paying for ten years the annual rent 
 of one ear of Indian corn, if lawfully demanded," the first payment to be 
 made on the 25th of December, 1763. Fifth, every proprietor, settler 
 or inhabitant, shall yield and pay, from and after the expiration of ten 
 years from said 2Sth day of December, 1763, commencing on December 
 25th, 1773, one shilling proclamation money for every hundred acres he 
 so owns or possesses. 
 
 But the worthy grantor, Governor Wentworth, never realized the 
 shilling proclamation money from the grantees or from their assigns. 
 He supposed, or at least acted on the supposition at the time the char- 
 ter was executed, that the granted lands were within the jurisdiction of 
 the province of New Hampshire, and he as its chief executive was duly 
 authorized to convey them at pleasure. But this right was disputed by the 
 governor of the province of New York, who claimed the right of juris- 
 diction over the whole territory that is now Vermont; and in July, 
 1764, both governors having sought the royal determination of the con- 
 troversy, the king declared the eastern boundary of the province of New 
 York to be the west bank of the Connecticut River. So far as Governor 
 Wentworth was concerned this decree ended his authority over the 
 region, and he never received his annual shilling of proclamation money 
 from the proprietors or their grantees. The five hundred acres, too, was 
 lost to him, and was finally vested in the proprietors under the original 
 
 charter. 
 
 And the province of New York, or its governor, does not appear to 
 have attempted the granting of towns in this immediate locality, pos- 
 
312 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 sibly for the reason that the region was at that time in possession of a 
 warlike race of Indians, and a people who were at enmity with the con- 
 federated Six Nations of the former province. Then, again, there had 
 been no settlement in the neighborhood of St. Albans, and it was not 
 the policy of New York to make charters of unoccupied lands on this 
 side of the lake, although there may have been exceptional instances. 
 But it does appear that the south part of what is now, and was originally, 
 St Albans was granted by the king of France, but at what particular 
 time cannot now be determined by the references obtainable. During 
 the period of the French dominion in America there was granted by 
 the king a number of seigniories, or town tracts, on both sides of Lake 
 Champlain ; and one of ihese, number thirty-seven, seems to have in- 
 cluded the south part of what afterward became St. Albans, and em- 
 braced all of the district that now comprises the town of Georgia. Just 
 or about when this grant was made there is no present means of deter- 
 mining, but the map {carte) shows that the survey was made by Mon- 
 sieur Anger, the king's surveyor, in 1732, M. Douville seems to 
 have been the grantee of the seigniory referred to. But this is a subject 
 that is sufficiently discussed in the earlier chapters of this volume, and 
 this allusion is made only for the purpose of establishing the fact that 
 French grants of territory were made of a part at least of the town of 
 St Albans. All the other towns of this county that border on the lake 
 were granted under the above authority, but it appears that only a 
 small part of St. Albans was chartered. 
 
 The charter made by Benning Wentworth in 1763, of the town of 
 St. Albans, of course vested the proprietary in the hands of the sixty- 
 four grantees therein named, but it is understood that none of them ever 
 became residents of the town. Their early meetings were held else- 
 where than in the town, and their proceedings, contrary to the usual 
 custom, were never deposited with the record and cannot now be found. 
 The proprietors, it is und(;rstood, sold and transferred their rights, or at 
 lease a large majority of them, to the Aliens, Levi and Ira, and to 
 others, who were speculators, and bought them for small consideration 
 for the purpose of realizing handsome profits on a small expenditure. 
 Levi and Ira, the latter particularly, were well acquainted with the lo- 
 cality, and knew the lands to be among the best in the province. They 
 
Town of St. Albans. 313 
 
 and the other proprietors caused a new survey of the town's lands to be 
 made, and, that they might obtain the choicest of the territory, caused the 
 lines to be run in a manner seriously at variance with the original 
 boundaries, those prescribed by the charter. In fact the whole pro- 
 ceeding partook of the nature of a nefarious scheme, having for its sole 
 purpose the gaining of the most desirable lands, with the most utter dis- 
 regard for the original or inteaded lines, or of the intent of the charter. 
 The present irregular outlines of the town show that a serious fault rests 
 somewhere, and that the proprietary were parties to the wrong doing 
 there is no doubt The surveyors, too, were either interested in the 
 scheme, or were grossly negligent in the performance of their plain 
 duty. 
 
 But St. Albans was not the only town in which this ruthless proceed- 
 ing was had, for other and adjoining towns were similarly outlined. It 
 seemed to be the prevailing custom in this region to get the best to be 
 had that was not already taken, and subsequent engineers were obliged 
 to run by the lines already established, however irregular they might 
 be, and the only care they exercised was to include the full amount of 
 lands within each town granted by the charter. Cases are not wanting 
 in which later surveys determined that some towns embraced a large 
 excess beyond the quantity provided by the charter. And then, too, 
 there were surveyors who, in running Hues, made extensive " gores," 
 and these they themselves acquired and reahzed handsomely from their 
 unfaithful labors. 
 
 Ira Allen became possessed of a large part of the lands of the town, 
 and he afterward figured as an extensive grantor. Among those who 
 became actual settlers in the town, and who purchased from Ira, were 
 Andrew Farrand, Nathan Green, Jared Farrand, Jesse Welden, Josiah D. 
 Dean, Daniel Meigs, Silas Hathaway, David Powers, and others whose 
 name's might be recalled. Levi Allen sold lands to WiUiam Coit, Jesse 
 Welden, Joseph Kellogg, Freeborn Potter, Silas Hathaway, and others 
 as well. Silas Hathaway also became largely interested in the town's 
 lands, and likewise became kn extensive grantor. The names of Timo- 
 thy Bradley and Daniel Baker may also be mentioned in the same 
 
 relation. 
 
 Levi Allen was clerk for the proprietors (charter grantees), and as such 
 
 40 
 
314 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 kept the records of their proceedings, but he never transmitted them to 
 the town clerk. Ira Allen was a prominent personage in connection 
 with the government of Vermont during the early days of its existence; 
 and, being so prominent, he had a strong influence with the controlling 
 power. This he used to his own advantage. He proposed and exe- 
 cuted measures for the extensive cutting of roads through the towns in 
 which he was interested ; and this he did through the legislature, by 
 acts directing it to be done. But the expense of these improvements 
 fell upon the struggling pioneers of the several towns, and proved to 
 them to be a burden grievious to be borne. The expenses of these im- 
 provements fell heavily upon the people of St. Albans, and the oppres- 
 sion at last became such as to call for an expression from the town meet- 
 ing, after this wise: "March 26th, 1789. Whereas, the General As- 
 sembly of this state at their session in October last (1788) did assess this 
 town of St Albans the sum of eight hundred pounds in the list, and did 
 grant a tax of five pence on the pound on said list, the town consider 
 themselves unjustly taxed ; but do agree to pay a tax of five pence on 
 the pound on the ratable estate of the town, amounting to 7 pounds, 8 
 shillings, five pence." And they also voted to indemnify the selectmen 
 on account of not paying the tax. But this was not the first occasion, 
 nor the last, on which the town was heavily taxed to pay for the im- 
 provements forced upon them by the redoubtable Allen and his associ- 
 ate proprietors. 
 
 There was a time during the early history of St. Albans in which a 
 part of its lands were sold for taxes, but whether before or subsequent 
 to the occasion just referred to cannot be now determined. As is under- 
 stood it was what is commonly known as a " vendue sale," and was 
 brought about by certain parties for the purpose of obtaining title to 
 coveted lands. Abraham Ives was the officer who conducted the sale. 
 From what can be learned concerning this transaction it appears that 
 at the appointed time and place a good number of persons were present 
 to protect their own and the town's interests, but this did not please cer- 
 tain men who wanted the land at a low figure. As a consequence Ives 
 adjourned the sale till twelve o'clock, meaning, presumably, the next 
 day at twelve, for it was then afternoon ; but he added in an undertone 
 to those near him, " twelve o'clock to-night." At midnight those who 
 
Town of St. Albans. 31 S 
 
 were parties to this nefarious scheme were at the place and "bid in" the 
 lands at a merely nominal price. 
 
 Abraham Ives, the tool of these land sharks, was sheriff of Rutland 
 county in 1780 or 178 1. He conducted similar sales in other localities, 
 and, on account of his openly corrupt methods, was obliged to leave the 
 country. Strange as it may appear, the courts afterward confirmed his 
 sales as valid, on the ground that too many titles would be unsettled, 
 and endless litigation follow, should they be set aside. It was con- 
 ceded, however, that the sales were grossly irregular. 
 
 Early Settlement and Town Organization. — All writers of St. Albans 
 town history have invariably agreed that the first settlement within the 
 bounds of the town was made by Jesse Welden, a former resident of 
 Sunderland, Vt , but who was a native of Connecticut. But it appears 
 that no contemporary has attempted to fix the date of Mr. Welden's set- 
 tlement in this locality ; nor will the present writer endeavor to settle 
 this question at this time. Jesse Welden came to the town prior to the 
 Revolutionary war, and built his home at what is called St. Albans Bay ; 
 but the events of the war were of such a character, and the attitude of the 
 Canadian Indians was of such a hostile nature, that our pioneer left the 
 region and returned to the southern part of the state. Other pioneers 
 came to the locality soon after Jesse Welden's settlement, among whom 
 can be recalled the names of Dorsey, Dunn, and Spafford ; but these, 
 too, were driven away by the events of the war. 
 
 It has been said by some writers that Jesse Welden was captured by 
 the British, during the war, but that he soon afterward made his escape. 
 Whether this be so or not is immaterial, but there is no reason to doubt 
 the statement, as the pioneer was known as a somewhat daring and vent- 
 uresome person, and his capture was not unlikely, for he visited this lo- 
 cality during the year 1778, or at least he was given permission to do so, 
 as will be seen from the following order : 
 
 "In Council, BENNINGTON, Feb., 1778. 
 " The bearer, Jesse Welder (should be Welden), having this day taken 
 the oath of allegiance to the United States of America, is permitted to 
 pass to his home in St. Albans, within this state, and there to remain 
 unmolested until further orders from this Council." 
 
 The purpose of this order was to furnish our pioneer with a safe pass- 
 
3i6 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 port to his home in this town, and to provide against his apprehension 
 and arrest by the vigilant authorities acting in the interest of the newly 
 and independently created state of Vermont. Throughout the several 
 towns of the state were persons who were covertly serving the British, 
 who were Tories, guilty of inimical conduct, and against whom the 
 Green Mountain Boys were very bitter and only wanted some slight 
 cause to visit upon the offenders condign punishment after their own 
 methods. The capture of Welden may have been effected while on 
 the visit to "his home," as stated in the order, for the passport could 
 afford him no protection as against the British or their Indian allies. 
 
 After the close of the war, upon the restoration of peace and quiet, 
 both as against British aggression and Indian depredations, settlement 
 in the town was again commenced, and continued rapidly until a large 
 part of the lands were taken and occupied. Among the first to come 
 was Jesse Welden, the pioneer of former years, who renewed his abode 
 at the Bay, but only for a time, for he soon purchased lands and 
 built a log house a few rods south of the village, and on the west of what 
 is now South Main street. Although not a pretentious dwelling, Mr. 
 Welden's was one of the most prominent in the settlement, and its 
 occupant was likewise one of the important personages of the region. 
 In his house the first meeting of the inhabitants, for the purpose of town 
 organization, was held, and many similar gatherings were subsequently 
 assembled at the same place. And the front door of Mr. Welden's 
 house also seems to have come in for a share of early history of the 
 town, for the freemen designated it as the " sign post," on which all 
 pubhc notices should be placed. The owner himself was chosen one of 
 the first board of selectmen of the town. Mr. Welden afterward built 
 another log house in the same locality as that above referred to, but on 
 the opposite side of the highway. But our worthy pioneer came to a 
 tragic end, being accidentally drowned off Isle La Motte, in October, 
 1795, while returning to the town from St. John's with a boat-load of 
 salt. He left a goodly estate, amounting, it is said, to something like 
 four thousand dollars ; and out of his accumulations there was given to 
 the University of Vermont the sum of fifty dollars, which sum he had 
 previously subscribed. Besides Jesse Welden there were two others of 
 the same surname among the early settlers in the town. These were 
 
Town of St. Ai,bans. 317 
 
 David and Jonathan Welden, but what their relation was to J'esse no 
 person of the present age will venture to positively state. 
 
 Jesse Welden, as the pioneer of St. Albans, has always been remem- 
 bered by succeeding generations. In his honor there has been named 
 not only the largest hotel in the village, but one which is justly reputed 
 the best and most complete in the state. One of the many pleasant 
 residence streets of the village also bears the name — Welden. So, too, 
 the Welden National Bank of St. Albans was in the same manner named 
 in honor of the pioneer. 
 
 The settlement of Jesse Welden in 1785, on his return to the town in 
 that year, was soon afterward followed by others, who sought a home 
 in the then new country. In 1786 common consent on all sides agrees 
 that the pioneers Daniel Meigs, Andrew Potter, Amos Morrill, Freeborn 
 Potter, Job and Nathan Green, Daniel Baker, Thomas Gibbs, and per- 
 haps others with their famihes came and made settlements in the town. 
 The Aliens and their few associates were energetic men, and had, par- 
 ticularly through Ira's name and influence, not much difficulty in in- 
 ducing families to occupy the lands. Of course whoever did come was 
 expected to purchase farms, and for these efforts the proprietary reaped 
 a rich harvest. So rapid, indeed, was settlement in St. Albans that the 
 year 1788 found the town possessed of sufficient population to entitle it 
 to full organization ; that is, to the election of officers for the internal 
 government of the town, and the administration of its own affairs. But, 
 notwithstanding this, the proprietors continued their own meetings 
 among their own members, outside the town, and kept making improve- 
 ments, such as cutting roads and the hke, independent of the town 
 organization, but they never once forgot to charge the expense of their 
 labors to the struggling pioneers on the land, and made them pay for 
 it, too, however great the burden might be. 
 
 The "warning" for the first meeting of the inhabitants was issued 
 and signed by John White, of Georgia, assistant judge for Chittenden 
 county, and the date of his warrant was July 12, 1788. Ihe meeting 
 was directed to be held at the dwelling house of Jesse Welden, on the 
 28th of July following, and accordingly it was held as provided. 
 " Baron " Silas Hathaway was chosen moderator ; Jonathan Hoit, town 
 clerk ; Jesse Welden, David Odd, and Andrew Potter, selectmen ; Dan- 
 iel Meigs, constable. 
 
3i8 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 The second meeting was held at Jesse Welden's house on January 7, 
 1789, and was called for the purpose of determining whether the town 
 " will assess the inhabitants according to a tax laid by the General As- 
 sembly." It was voted that the selectmen, with Jonathan Hoit and 
 Ichabod Randall, be a committee to assess the town. The duty per- 
 formed by these persons produced the first " List of Polls and Ratable 
 Estate of the Town " that was ever made ; and a list of the persons 
 therein named will show to the reader who were the taxable inhabitants 
 of St Albans during the early part of the year 1788. The list, together 
 with the individual assessment in pounds and shillings, was a follows : 
 
 Eliphalet Edmonds, 8 pounds ; Job Green, 8 ; Hananiah Brooks, 1 1 ; 
 Noel Potter, 22; Jonathan Colvin, 14 pounds, lOshiUings; David Pow- 
 ers, 2-5 ; Freeborn Potter, 19-15 ; Nathan (probably Green), 8 ; 
 
 Timothy Winter, 8 ; Ichabod Randall, 8 ; Azariah Brooks, 16; Daniel 
 B Meigs, 17-15; Benjamin Bradley, 18; Andrew Potter, 44; Solo- 
 mon Hinds, 8 ; Richard Biddlecome, 8 ; David Odel, 8 ; James Chadey, 
 8 ; Jonathan Hoit, 8 ; Simeon Spencer, 6 ; Jabez Colvin, 6 ; Thomas 
 Gibbs, 10; David and Isaac Gibbs, 14-10; William Griffin, 8 ; Eleazer 
 Brooks, 6; David Welden, 8 ; Silas Hathaway, 18-10; David Camp- 
 bell, 6 ; Jesse Welden, 28. The total amount of the list on this assess- 
 ment was £364, 5s. That of the, year following, 1789, increased the 
 grand list to ^540, 5s. 
 
 Now for the purpose of bringing to the notice of the reader the 
 names of as many as possible of the early settlers of St. Albans it is 
 proposed to here give the names of all persons who took the "freeman's 
 oath" between the years 1788 and 1798, as the same are found recorded 
 in the first book of town business. But it is not improbable that there 
 were some persons residing in the town who failed to take the prescribed 
 oath ; and it is also possible that a few persons exercised the rights of 
 freemen without having taken the oath at all : September, 1788, Daniel 
 Meigs, Hananiah Brooks, Ichabod Randall, Simon Spencer, Jonathan 
 Colvin, Job Green, Solomon Hinds, David Welden, James Tracey, 
 James Harrington^, William Abbey, William GriflSn, Noahdiah Saw- 
 yer, Jonathan Welden, Winthrop Hoit, Azariah Brooks, Samuel West, 
 Samuel Orton, Barber West, Asa Wyman, Joseph Hinds, David Odel, 
 
 ' Probably an error on account of poor writing by clerk. 
 
Town of St. Albans. 319 
 
 Thomas Gibbs ; September i, 1789, Eliphalet Edmonds, Nathan Green, 
 Oliver Franklin; September 7, 1790, Valentine Jenkins, jr., David 
 Campbell; September 6, 1791, Christopher Dutcher, Elijah Rude, 
 Henry Tibbitts, Eleazer Brooks, Johnson Jones, EHsha Rude (or Rood), 
 Elijah Hulburt, Isaac Powers, Asa Warren, Randall Arnold, Warren 
 Colvin and Hazael Tupper ; September 4, 1792, Samuel Calkins, Caleb 
 Welden, Abraham Van Duser, Elisha Tripley, D. Powers, jr. ; September 
 3, 1793, Eleazer Jewett, Jonas Larrabee, Joseph McLin, Sylvanus Bur- 
 dick, Abraham Spoor, Thomas Bursh, James McEvers, Ebenezer War- 
 ren, Elijah Williston. John Kellogg; September 2, 1794, Phny Wills, 
 Silas Butler, Stephen Kellogg, Oliver Day. Samuel Calkins, jr., Nathan 
 Scovill, John Colvin, Wijliam Bell, Eleazer Webster, Ezekiel Wells ; 
 September i, 1795, Josiah D. Dean, Asa Tarbell, Samuel Wells, Josiah 
 Colony, Abner Eastman, Levi Hungerford ; September 6, 1796, Daniel 
 Ryan, WiUiam Hurlbut, Solomon Calkins, Joseph Fay, Oman Tullar; 
 February 10, 1797, John Mattox, Samuel Niles, Gilbert Prentiss, Theop- 
 olis, Jonathan Bowen ; September 5, 1797, Joseph Andrews, Amos 
 Beadle, Elijah Boardman, William Nason ; September 4, 1798, Reuben 
 Jones, Gardner Green, Potter Conger, Benjamin Fay, George Washing- 
 ton Clark, John Church, Ithamer Hibbard, Justin Wells, Elihu Tracy. 
 
 That the readers of this volume may have a full understanding as to 
 the early settlers of St. Albans it has been deemed advisable to furnish 
 the names of all who were residents of the town during the year 1800, 
 as is shown by the grand list for that year. In 179 1, according to the first 
 Federal census, St. Albans was found to possess a population of two hun- 
 dred and fifty- six persons, being exceeded by only two towns of the 
 county — Fairfax with three hundred and fifty-four, and Georgia with 
 three hundred and forty. In 1800 this town's population had increased 
 to nine hundred and one. 
 
 The following is the grand list of the town of St. Albans for the year 
 1800, together with the amount assessed against each taxable inhabitant : 
 
 Joseph Carter, $125.25 Benjamin Goodwin, $ 73.50 
 
 Samuel Burton, 402.50 Reuben Tullar, jr., 122.00 
 
 William Griffin, 26. 50 William Kettle, 60.00 
 
 Joseph Mears, 1 08.00 Charles Kettle, 1 30 00 
 
 Daniel W. Eager, 44-00 Eleazer Jewett, 178-25 
 
 Jonathan Mitchell, 46.50 Isaac Spoor, 87.50 
 
320 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 John Colfax $31.50 
 
 Abraham Spoor, 26.50 
 
 Roswell Wickwire, 44.00 
 
 Uri Hibbard, 58.00 
 
 Thomas Chapin, 36.50 
 
 Robert Oliver, 84.50 
 
 Jonathan Hoit, 21 8.00 
 
 David Campbell, 224.00 
 
 Jonathan Prentiss, I47-SO 
 
 Oliver Day 47.00 
 
 Solomon Morgan, 33-50 
 
 Daniel Coit, 52. 50 
 
 Daniel Ryan, 48.25 
 
 Prince B. Hall, 69.34 
 
 Seth Pomeroy, 1 19-50 
 
 Thaddeus Rice, 252.75 
 
 James S. Allen, 33-50 
 
 Oman Tullar 43-SO 
 
 John Gilman, 271.50 
 
 William Nason, 22150 
 
 Enos Wood 7i-50 
 
 Levi House, 3 26. 50 
 
 Benjamin Bradley, 148.00 
 
 William Isham, 73-00 
 
 Samuel Wells, 77- 50 
 
 Ezekiel Wells, 58-25 
 
 Elihu Tracy, S4-00 
 
 Freeborn Potter, '. 326.00 
 
 John Whittemore, 107-50 
 
 Bradley Wilson, 64.00 
 
 Daniel Clark 53-50 
 
 David Clark, 5 1.20 
 
 Benjamin Howard, 107.00 
 
 Abner Eastman, 28.50 
 
 Warren Munson, 190.00 
 
 Josiah Cheney, 53-00 
 
 Elijah Broadman, $26.50 
 
 Josiah D. Dean, 163.00 
 
 John Warner, 125. OO 
 
 Eldad Butler, 195.00 
 
 Asahel Church, 105.00 
 
 Oliver Webster, 53-50 
 
 Silas Hathaway, 540.50 
 
 Alfred Hathaway, 152.50 
 
 Lewis Walker, 136.50 
 
 Elijah Davis, 137-So 
 
 Richard Whittemore, 46.50 
 
 Job Conger, 248.75 
 
 Asahel Hyde, 165.50 
 
 Solomon Calkins, 50.OO 
 
 Amos Merrill, 332.00 
 
 James Brackett, 78.00 
 
 Gilman Goodwin, 38.25 
 
 Theopholis Merrill, 125.25 
 
 Theopholis Mansfield,. . . . 38.50 
 
 Seth Wetmore 38.20 
 
 Benjamin Hoar, 67.00 
 
 Eleazer W. Keyes, 52.00 
 
 Christopher Dutcher 202.50 
 
 RulufifDutcher, 26.50 
 
 Samuel Lane, 53-00 
 
 Nathan Green, 19525 
 
 Job Green 154.50 
 
 David Powers, 186.50 
 
 Josiah Colony, 26.00 
 
 David Powers, jr., 43.00 
 
 William Powers, 20.00 
 
 Isaac Powers, 33-50 
 
 Thomas Hatch, 2.3.50 
 
 John Ray, 84.25 
 
 John Corey, 107.50 
 
 Samuel Parsons 20.00 
 
Town of St. Albans. 
 
 321 
 
 AsaTarbell, $ 37-SO 
 
 Robert Love well, 54-75 
 
 Richardson Emery, 78.00 
 
 Jabez Delano, 40.25 
 
 Barnabas Langdon, 26.25 
 
 Lemuel Marsh, 72.50 
 
 Isaac Reynolds, 1 19.00 
 
 Potter Conger, 20.00 
 
 Orange Carter, 90. 2 5 
 
 David Doty, 64.00 
 
 John Armstrong 44.00 
 
 Joseph Jones, 104.00 
 
 Abraham Baldwin, 38-50 
 
 Henry Tibbitts 104.00 
 
 Reuben Sackett, 56.50 
 
 Jonathan Winslow, 1 1 1.50 
 
 Ira Baker, 108.75 
 
 Jethro Bonny, 60.00 
 
 Parsons Cook, 133.00 
 
 Jared Winslow, 70.50 
 
 Carter Hickok, ■ 69.00 
 
 Reuben TuUar, 212.75 
 
 Chester TuUar, 53-25 
 
 Noah Moody, 47.00 
 
 Nathaniel Burton, 337-25 
 
 Timothy Doty, 103.25 
 
 Adonijah Brooks, $ 98.50 
 
 Eleazer Brooks, 1 1 i.OO 
 
 Alfred Crippen, 130.50 
 
 Ebenezer Chapman, 88.00 
 
 Barnabas Hatch, 131. 00 
 
 Jonathan Gates, 104.50 
 
 Nathaniel B. Torrey, 6.87 
 
 Gustavus Swan, 132.50 
 
 Benjamin Pitcher, 43-00 
 
 Thomas Pitcher, 26.50 
 
 WilHam Emery, 36.50 
 
 Benjamin Thurber, 38.00 
 
 Francis McQuave, 26.50 
 
 Est. David Hickok, 116.50 
 
 Est. David Warner, 40.50 
 
 Ira Church, 40.00 
 
 Nathan Wood, 132.00 
 
 H alio way Taylor^ 431-25 
 
 David Stevens, 69.25 
 
 Peter Drury, 38-50 
 
 William Hurlbut, 33- 50 
 
 Eli Hendricks, 26.50 
 
 Noel Conger, 20.00 
 
 John Taylor, 200.00 
 
 Est. Judge Lane, ii9-50 
 
 Oliver Smith, 33-50 
 
 A zariah Brooks, 199. OO 
 
 A summary of the foregoing list shows the town to have possessed a 
 total of 125 polls, each assessed at $20, making a total of $2,400. 
 There were also found to be at that time 2,136 acres of improved land, 
 assessed at $1.75 per acre, or a total of $3,734- Houses, in the whole, 
 were assessed at $266, while other assessments brought the total valua- 
 tion to $14,028.58. From this sum there was deducted seventy-two 
 militia polls, at $20 each, or $1,440, and twenty cavalry horses at $13.50 
 each, or $270. These exemptions reduced the total assessed valuation 
 to $12,318.58, on which the taxes of the town were levied. 
 
 41 
 
322 HisTorv of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 From the list for the year 1800, just above given, there will be brought 
 to the attention of the reader many names that are not now known in 
 the town; and at the same time there will be noticed the names of 
 nearly all the pioneers who resided in the town during or previous to the 
 year 1800, a number of whose descendants still live here. And there 
 are some, too, recorded in the list, of whom the oldest living residents 
 will have no remembrance, and possibly a few who were never supposed 
 to have resided in St. Albans. But nowhere in the town records is there 
 found any data to establish the fact that either Ira or Levi Allen ever 
 made this a dwelling-place. That they were here frequently cannot be 
 disputed, for they had large interests in the town, and it is quite proba- 
 ble that in connection with their sales of lands one or both of those noted 
 persons visited here and may have remained for some time, but it is 
 hardly to be assumed that either became actual residents. 
 
 It would, indeed, be difficult to determine just when pioneer settle- 
 ment in the town ceased, but to the ordinary observer it would seem 
 that when a town had acquired the population that St. Albans was found 
 to possess in the year 1800, subsequent comers would hardly be en- 
 titled to the distinction of being designated as pioneers, however closely 
 such new arrivals may have been identified with the events of the locality 
 after the time of their settlement. 
 
 It was the custom throughout the several towns of the state during 
 the early period to have recorded in the town books the names of the 
 children, or "progney," of the heads of families. This custom was in 
 accordance with laws of the state at that time in force, but it was not 
 universally comphed with ; and as a result of that non-compliance some 
 famihes are not found on the record that were numerous and important 
 in their respective localities. And it may be that the records themselves 
 are not entirely reliable in all cases, for children may have been born in 
 some of these families after the parents had handed in the names ; and if 
 such omissions occur here the reader will attribute the fault to the rec- 
 ord rather than to careless compilation. 
 
 Freeborn Potter's family. — Captain Freeborn Potter came to St. Al- 
 bans from Bennington county in 1786, and made his settlement on the 
 lands that more recently have been a part of Governor Smith's farm. 
 Captain Potter's wife was Dolly Irish, and they had a family of eleven 
 
Town of St. Albans. 323 
 
 children, as follows: Lyman, Moeeley, Solon, Dolly, Eliza, Syba. Arvin, 
 Freeborn, jr., Fidelia, Daniel R., and Miranda. Captain Potter, the pio- 
 neer, died August 9, 1845. The eldest child, Lyman Potter, was born 
 in St. Albans, November 18, 1790. 
 
 The Greene family. — Nathan and Job Greene were among the earliest 
 settlers in St. Albans, having come to the town during the year 1786. 
 Nathan Greene was born in Rhode Island, November 7, 1767. He mar- 
 ried one of the only two single females in the town at that time, having 
 the choice of a life partner in Susan Alford or an Indian squaw. He 
 preferred the former, a native of Bennington, born February 26, 1774, 
 whom he married, and by her had a family of fourteen children, as fol- 
 lows: Heman, born September 13, 1792; Gardner, Decembers, I796; 
 Armanda and Miranda (twins), July 19, 1803; Nathan C, May 30, 
 1806; Susan, May 4, 1808; Sally, Augusts, 1794; Eliza, May 30, 180 1 ; 
 Nathan, May 30, 1806 ; Henry C., December 6, 1810; Anson Draper, 
 September 16, 1812; Fanny Adeline, February 10, 1815; Luther A., 
 February 4, 18 17; Almira, June 22, 18 19. Job Greene's children were 
 Sylvia, Noel, P., Lephe, Orrin and Edward (twins), Clarissa, Leman, 
 Henry, Harriet. Caleb and Clarissa Greene's children : Ohve, Samuel 
 Smith, Fanny Fidelia, John Whittemore. 
 
 Reuben and Esther Tullar's children. — Almon, Lucretia, Hiram, Da- 
 vid G., George W., Reuben, Eliza, Louisa, Esther, Electa. Esther, wife 
 of the pioneer, died April 11, 1822. Samuel Tullar's children: Sea- 
 bury Butler, Alonzo Chadoc, Betsey L., Sarah Emeline, Mary Eveline, 
 Samuel Miller. 
 
 Children of Oman and Persis Tullar. — Adaline, Benjamin F., Billison, 
 Oman B., Lucy Maria, Lydia Ann, Harriet, Alvin H. 
 
 Lewis Walker's family. — Lewis Walker is to be mentioned among the 
 pioneers of St. Albans. He was a prominent person in connection with 
 the early history of the town. His wife was Mary Potter, who had eleven 
 children, as follows : Amanda, William, Sally, Harvey, Nathan, Orange, 
 Edward P., Olive E., Lewis, jr., Mary Maria, and Porter. 
 
 Children of David and Anna Powers. — Pliny W., born May 25, 1796; 
 Edward, September 10, 1798; Polly, February 20, 1800; Harry, Sep- 
 tember 30, 1801 ; Lydia, July 4, 1803; Sally, February 14, 1805; Han- 
 nah, August 12, 1806; Osah, December 28, 1808; Elam, February 19, 
 181 1 ; Seth P., June 13, 1814; Anna, September 11, 1816, 
 
324 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Seth Wetmore's family. — Seth Wetmore was a native of Massachu- 
 setts, and came to St. Albans about and just prior to the year 1800. He 
 was a lawyer prominently connected with the affairs of the town, and at 
 one time was sheriff of the county, from 1809 to 18 11. The children of 
 Seth and Nancy Wetmore were William Shepard, Charles Wright, 
 Nancy, Salome Smith, and Seth Downing. 
 
 Josiah Colony's family. — Josiahand Esther Colony, husband and wife, 
 came to this town some time prior to 1795. He took the freeman's oath 
 in September of that year, and was quite prominent in the affairs of the 
 new to\yn. His children were Millie, Hiram, Solomon, James B., Sa- 
 mantha, Henrietta, Josiah, John G., Mary P., Allen H., and Timothy C. 
 
 Children of Willard and Patience Jewell. — Dana B., Patience W., 
 Mary H., Lydia B., Lucy M., Joseph C, and Patty B. 
 
 John Gates's family. — Captain John Gates was a native of Massachu- 
 setts, and became a resident of St. Albans during the latter part of the 
 last century. He had seen service during the war for independence, 
 having served under General Knox. His wife was Abigail Ball, by 
 whom he is said to have had twelve children, the record, however, show- 
 ing only these : Abigail Ball, James Wilder, Susanna, Horatio Nelson, 
 Martin Luther, Naham, and John W. 
 
 A record of the Marsh family. — Parmale Marsh, born April 20, 1793 ; 
 Walter, November 25, 1794; James Anson, July 17, 1796; Rosanna, 
 January I, 1798; Josiah, July i, 1800; Joseph, December 6, 180 1 ; Lem- 
 uel Lucius, December 22, 1803 ; Orrin, February 18, 1806; Hollis, Jan- 
 uary 3, 1808; Julius W., March 27, 18 10. 
 
 Joseph Sawyer's children. — Hannah, born April 9, 1799 ; Rachel, Oc- 
 tober 16, 180 1 ; Noah, September 1 1, 1803 ; Luke, May 29, 1805 ; Joel, 
 February 12, 1807; Levi, February — , 1809; Silva, October 27, 18 11. 
 
 Richard Holyoke's children.— Josiah Penn, John Ball, Martin, Silas 
 Gates. 
 
 Gibson and Polly Savage's children. — Roxia, Jehial, Hiram, Patty, 
 Sabina, William Gibson. 
 
 Robert Lovewell's children.— Rachel, Robert, Nehemiah, Polly, Patty 
 Adeline and Anna Avaline (twins), John, Nathan. 
 
 Daniel and Nancy Dutcher's children. — Luther Loomis, born July 31, 
 1802; Caroline, October 8, 1804; Rosanna, May 28, 1811 ; Nancy R., 
 December 12, 1813 ; Amanda, July 5, 18 16; Mary, October 24, 1817! 
 
Town of St. Albans. 325 
 
 Children of Asa and Elizabeth Fuller: Joseph, Marietta, Mary Ann 
 Park. Levi Simmons's children : Nalvira, Isaiah Thomas, Mary Dill, 
 Edward Babbitt, Elizabeth Cornelia. Potter Conyer's children : John, 
 Harriet, George, Jason, and Job. Thomas Chapin's children : Lucina, 
 Uriel, Alonzo, according to the record. Children of William and Olive 
 Foster: William, jr., Olive, Simeon, Samuel H. Claudius F. Cheney's 
 children : Sarah, Alice, Orbanus, Lucina. 
 
 Jeremiah Merrill was born February 23, 1785 ; died March 8, 1815. 
 His wife, Peggy, was born September 5, 1784. Their children were Jo- 
 seph, Joseph, 2d, Jeremiah, Charlotte. The children of William and Bet- 
 sey Merrill were William Ray, Eveline E., Hannah A., Greenleaf B., 
 Sarah C, Betsey A., Theophilus, and Mary. Children of Asahel and 
 Esther Hyde : Persis, Isaac Tichenor, Emily, Alvin, Jacob, Sarah Ann, 
 Benjamin, Hiram, and Asahel Safford, the latter being born in 1809. 
 Children of John H. and Mary Burton: John A., Albert Sidney, Oscar 
 Alexis, Edgar Mandelbert, Carlos Colton, Mary Malvina, Agnes T., Jo- 
 siah H., Theodore M. 
 
 The Meigs family. — Daniel Meigs was one of the pioneers of the town, 
 and not only that, but he was one of the foremost men of his day. His 
 son, John Meigs, was the first white male child born in the town. So 
 near as can now be learned the children of Daniel B. Meigs were Guy, 
 Lorain, John, Daniel, Bronson, and Timothy. Daniel Meigs never com- 
 plied with the law that required recording the names and dates of birth 
 of children with the town clerk. The pioneer himself was the first con- 
 stable chosen at the organization meeting, in 1788. 
 
 Paul Brigham's family. — Deacon Paul Brigham was a Revolutionary 
 soldier, and his settlement was made in St. Albans in March, 1803. He 
 died of apoplexy on November 1 7, 1 838. His wife was Fanny Brigham, 
 by whom he had these children : Pierpont, born August 2, 1785 ; Josiah, 
 August 5, 1787; Lovina, April 11, 1789; Sumner, December 13, 1791 ; 
 Elbridge, March 10, 1794; Jonah, January 25, 1797; Paul, July 7, 1799; 
 Elijah, July 31, 1801 ; Elisha, October 31, 1803; William D., Janu- 
 ary 14, 1806; Moses W., February 29, 1808; Lummus, July 24, 1810. 
 
 John Watson came from Linconshire, England, and took up his place 
 of abode in this town during the year 18 16. His wife was Elizabeth 
 (Speed) Watson, by whom he had eight children, viz. : John S., Ed- 
 
326 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 ward T., Mary Ann, Betsey E., William W., Henry J., Worthington J., 
 and Adelaide. 
 
 Daniel Clark was born December 25, 1768; his wife, Phebe, was 
 born July 9, 1770. They were married December 9, 1790, and had 
 children, viz.: Rebekah, born May 27, 1791 ; Amos, born December 
 21, 1793, died May 11, 1890; Hiram, born September 27, 1795 ; Mary, 
 born September 13, 1797; Jeremiah, born January 21, 1799; Anna, 
 born March 2, 1801 ; Ruby, born January 18, 1803 ; Phebe, born April 
 16, 1805 ; Daniel and David, twins, born September 14, 1807 ; Abizal, 
 born March 24, 1810; William C, born March 25, 1812 ; Moses, born 
 July 2, 1814. 
 
 Closing, for the time being, this record of old families of St. Albans, 
 the attention of the reader is now directed to the proceedings of the 
 inhabitants of the town in the relation of its civil history. At a meeting 
 held at the dwelling house of Alfred Hathaway, on June 12, 1792, there 
 was appointed a committee composed of Colonel Robert Cochran, 
 Captain Seth Ford, and Colonel Stephen Pearl, for the purpose of set- 
 ting " out a stake for the center of the town." 
 
 This was a proceeding of considerable importance in the town, for in 
 the locality in which the stake was to be " set out," and around it, 
 there was to be laid out the green, or common, and on the several sides 
 of the common were to be laid out the town lots referred to on earlier 
 pages of this chapter, of which lots, of the contents of one acre each, 
 one was to belong to each proprietor. This proceeding founded what 
 is now the village of St. Albans. The report of this committee seems 
 to have contemplated only the erection of a " meeting-house " on the 
 land designed to be marked, but these worthies, in fact, designated the 
 spot about which has been laid out the most beautiful park in the state 
 of Vermont. The report was as follows : 
 
 "Whereas, We, the subscribers, being appointed a committee to 
 look out and appoint a suitable spot for a meeting-house in St. Albans, 
 and after considering every circumstance necessary for that purpose, do 
 declare it is our candid opinion the best suitable and most beautiful 
 place to accommodate the whole town be about thirty-seven rods south 
 of the north line of lot No. thirty-two, and about seventeen rods east 
 
Town of St. AlBans. 327 
 
 of the middle of the road passing north and south through the town 
 (Main street) as may appear by a stake and stones on the spot. 
 "St. Albans, June 28, 1792. 
 
 Signed, " Robert Cochran, i 
 
 " Seth Ford, \ Committee." 
 
 " Stephen Pearl, ) 
 
 This green, as it was called, was afterwards, by the inhabitants, desig- 
 nated as the place for public buildings. And at a meeting held May 
 22, 1794, the town " voted that the sign post, stocks, and pound be placed 
 on the green, where is most convenient for the pound, so as not to dis- 
 commode the green for other buildings." In accordance with the 
 " vote " the stocks, sign post, and pound were located near what is now 
 the northwest corner of the park ; but before these necessary appurte- 
 nances v/ere established, by direction of the town, " Mr. Welden's 
 and Esquire Hathaway's (the Baron) barnyards " were designated as 
 pounds "for the time being." On March 31, 1796, the selectmen were 
 directed to " set up the sign post and stocks and build the pound in 
 some place on the main road, near the intersection of the road leading 
 from Wells to the Bay, in the best place the grounds will admit." In 
 accordance with this direction the erections were made near the point of 
 meeting of what is now Main and Lake streets. In May, 1796, the 
 contract for building the pound was let to David Campbell for $30, 
 and the building of the stocks and sign post to Levi House for $4. 
 
 In the year 1792, by an act of the legislature passed November 5th, 
 the county of Franklin was incorporated, and with this action there im- 
 mediately arose in several towns a strong desire to be designated as the 
 seat of the new county. This designation would of course bring to the 
 town so fortunate as to secure it the county buildings, and a consider- 
 able increase in population as well. Among the towns which contested 
 for the much desired designation were St. Albans, Enosburgh, Sheldon, 
 and Fairfield, and the efforts made by the champions and advocates of 
 each were something extraordinary for that period. But, without going 
 into the details of that local contest, sufficient it is to say that St. Albans 
 was chosen the shire town in 1793, but it was some time later that county 
 buildings were erected. In 1800, on September 4th, the town voted a 
 tax of eight cents on each acre of land in the town, public rights ex- 
 
328 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 cepted, to defray the expenses of building the court-house. If at that 
 time the town had 23,040 acres, and the public rights amounted to 
 1,254 acres, which it is claimed they did, the amount realized for the 
 purpose of the erection was nearly $1,750. With this sum the first 
 court-house of the county was in part built. The total cost of the 
 building was $5,000. The land on which the court-house was erected 
 was deeded by Halloway Taylor and Silas Hathaway to the selectmen 
 of the town, on the 17th of September, 1800. The lot had a frontage 
 of seventj'-six feet, and extended back one hundred and sixteen feet. 
 But this is a subject that will receive more extended notice on subse- 
 quent pages of this chapter; therefore it requires no further discussion 
 at this tim€. 
 
 One of the early customs of the inhabitants of towns throughout the 
 state was to provide for preaching or religious services of some char- 
 acter, to be supported at the general expense of the people. Among 
 the first ministers to visit the town were Rev. Eben Hibbard and Rev. 
 Z. Ross, the former in 1792 and the latter in 1795. But it is not under- 
 stood that either of these reverend gentlemen came to the town at the 
 formal invitation of the inhabitants, but rather as missionary workers in 
 a field that they undoubtedly supposed offered excellent opportunities. 
 
 The town first took action in the matter of procuring a minister " to 
 preach for them" in 1796, when, at a meeting held September 6th, 
 Jonathan Hoit, Levi House, and David Nichols were appointed a com- 
 mittee for that purpose ; and for the " support of a preacher " the town 
 at another time voted to raise the extraordinary sum of eight dollars on 
 the grand list. But the town meeting took action quite frequently in 
 this matter, sometimes voting to hire a preacher, and afterwards nullify- 
 ing such action at subsequent meetings, and it was not until the year 
 1 803 that any decisive action may be said to have been taken. At a 
 meeting of the inhabitants held in May of that year Levi House, 
 Azariah Brooks, Bates Turner, Joseph Carter, and Jonathan Hoit were 
 selected a committee to make proposals to Rev. Joel Foster with refer- 
 ence to his engaging to preach for the good people of St. Albans ; and 
 it was proposed by this meeting to offer Rev. Foster the sum of $500 
 annual salary, on condition that he should give a sufficient bond to the 
 town, or to the committee or selectmen for the town, that he would deed 
 the minister's right of land (provided by the charter) to the town. The 
 
Town of St. Albans. 329 
 
 proposition was duly made by the committee to the worthy divine, and 
 he made prompt response, to the effect that the meeting at which the 
 committee was created and their powers delegated was but poorly at- 
 tended ; that he would like to have another meeting called, which 
 should be more generally attended, and a better expression of the sense 
 of the people obtained. And the Reverend Foster proposed that the 
 sum of $300 be raised for him by subscription or otherwise, one-half to 
 be paid in three months and the balance in nine months after installa- 
 tion, and that his salary be fixed at $450 per annum. 
 
 Mr. Foster's letter to the committee was a rather pretty literary pro- 
 duction, but almost too long to be furnished here. It was addressed 
 thus : " To the Church and People at St. Albans; Grace and Peace be 
 Multiplied," etc. 
 
 At a meeting held by the people on the 2d of July, 1803, Mr. Fos- 
 ter's proposition was voted upon and accepted, the tally showing thirty- 
 one to seven in favor of his settlement. 
 
 After Mr. Foster's labors were ended in this community Rev. Jona- 
 than Nye preached at the public expense ; and he it was that deeded the 
 "minister's right" to Colonel Halloway Taylor, about which land the 
 people and Colonel Taylor afterward had a controversy. Why Rev. 
 Nye should have taken it upon himself to transfer is a question not 
 proper to be discussed here, but he did convey the " right " as stated, 
 except about 100 acres. 
 
 As has already been stated, these early preachers were hired by the 
 town, and their salaries were paid by a tax on the grand list. And it 
 cannot be said that the early meetings for worship were strictly denom- 
 inational, or at least they were not designed to be so, but were for the 
 general welfare of the inhabitants of the town ; and the preacher was 
 expected to conform himself to the " condition that confronted him," 
 and labor for the whole people. But there was a way in which any per- 
 son could relieve himself from the payment of taxes for the minister's 
 support, and a number of this town's people availed themselves of it. 
 The manner in which this was done is perhaps well enough illustrated 
 by the following certificate filed and recorded with the town clerk : 
 
 "June 2, 1807. I do not agree in religious sentiment with a ma- 
 jority of the inhabitants of this town. Seth HoiT." 
 
 42 
 
330 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Similar certificates were filed by Johnson Hoit, Samuel Crippin, Jere- 
 miah Morrill, Robert Wilson, David Doty, Samuel Greenman, Abra- 
 ham S. Cummings, Daniel Hubbard, and Josiah Witters ; but whether 
 they took such action because they were of some other faith, or for the 
 purpose of relieving themselves from paying taxes for the preacher's 
 support, is a question that cannot be answered at this time, and it is, per- 
 haps, better that no explanation be attempted. 
 
 The First School District. — In the year 1799, after the town had 
 acquired a considerable population, after the shire town was established 
 and the necessary and usual institutions were firmly fixed, and after it 
 became an assured fact that St. Albans was destined to become a popu- 
 lous community, the inhabitants began to cast about for the proper 
 division of the territory of the town into convenient school districts. At 
 a meeting held during the summer of 1799 there was chosen a com- 
 mittee to make the proper division. The committee was comprised of 
 Amos Morrill, David Powers, and Prince B. Hull, and they reported their 
 division at a meeting held in November following. They divided the 
 lands of the town into six districts, and their action was approved by the 
 inhabitants. But as the population continued to increase from year to 
 year frequent changes in the districts were necessary ; and in 1805 the 
 town was so much increased by new settlers that the districts were in- 
 creased to nine in number. From that time forward, for a period of 
 some thirty or forty years, alterations and enlargements, both in number 
 and size of districts, were frequently made as circumstances required, 
 and nearly every March meeting of the inhabitants records some pro- 
 ceeding by which the school districts of the town were in some manner 
 affected. In 1811, according to an enumeration of the school popula- 
 tion then made, St. Albans was found to have 532 scholars between the 
 ages of four and eighteen years. In 18 13 there were chosen trustees 
 for the respective districts as follows : First, South Middle District, Daniel 
 Dutcher; Center, Newton Hayes; Third, Josiah D. Dean; Conger's 
 District, Richard Sacket ; Fifth, Oman Tullar ; Sixth, Urial Smith ; 
 Northwest Corner, Adam Beals ; Middle Point, William Foster ; Point, 
 Eleazer Brooks. 
 
 In 1842 the number of districts was increased to eighteen, and in 185 1 
 Jephta Bradley, B. B. Newton, and Jeremiah Clark were chosen a com- 
 
Town of St. Albans. 331 
 
 mittee to re-district the town ; and although this committee made con- 
 siderable changes in the boundaries of the several districts the number 
 was not materially affected, and has not been to the present time, now 
 standing as it did in 1842. Some of them, however, are joint or frac- 
 tional districts, as commonly known. In addition to the regular annual 
 appropriation of public money for schools, which now averages from 
 $4,000 to $5,000, the town has the annual income from the Huntington 
 fund, which amounts to about $265. 
 
 Early Militia Organizations. — The laws of the state at an early day, 
 somewhat after the fashion of the present time, provided for the organ- 
 ization of militia in the several towns ; but at the time of which we 
 write, during the early years of the present century, and even earlier, 
 those persons who belonged to some regular company had the benefits 
 of an abatement of their poll tax, an advantage not now derived from 
 membership in such organizations. And horses that belonged to cavalry 
 members were likewise exempted, to a certain extent at least. That 
 such organizations existed in St. Albans as early as the year 1800 is 
 evidenced by the fact that the grand list of that year, given on a pre- 
 ceding page, was reduced in the gross sum of $1,710, on account of 
 seventy- two militia polls and twenty horses of cavalry. But there can- 
 not now be found any record showing who of the people of the town 
 were members of the militia companies of that year. The records for 
 the year 1808, and about that period, show the names of company 
 members with certificates by the commanding officers to the effect that 
 the persons named were members of the respective companies. 
 
 The first record to be found furnishes a roll of Captain Clark Hub- 
 bard's company, which was made up as follows : Captain Clark Hubbard, 
 John Nason, William Foot, Timothy W. Osborn, William H. Taylor, 
 N. W. Kingman, Willard Jewell, Ashbel Smith, Jared Secor, James 
 Williams, Abel Wilder, Robert Crawford, Sanford Gadcomb, Russell 
 Fott, Charles Kittle, Potter Conger, Jeremiah Morrill, Samuel Smith, 
 Gardner Smith, Nathan Smith, James Bentley, sr., Moses Folensby, 
 Henry Stonehouse. Each of these persons the commanding officer 
 certified as belonging to " my troop of Cavalry, and are equipped 
 according to law." 
 
 It may be that this famous cavalry company was the same that Mr. 
 
332 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Adams so graphically describes in his most excellent work as being "a 
 troop of horse, the uniform of which was very unique, consisting of 
 yellow cap with gold band and red feather, red flannel jacket, and 
 yellow breeches." 
 
 Then following, on June 25th, 1808, the record furnishes a roll of 
 Captain Oliver Day's company, probably infantry, being as follows : 
 Oliver Day, captain ; Benjamin Ball and John Bowen, lieutenants ; and 
 privates Josiah Colony, Holton Jewell, Abner Eastman, Urial Smith, 
 Abner Ward, William Warner, William Beals, Trowbridge Brigham, 
 Pierpont Brigham, Thomas Horseman, Ham Brown, Aug. Marsh, Ben- 
 jamin Weeks, Peter Stone, Orange Wells, Ephraim Jewell, jr. 
 
 But the largest by far of the local militia companies, and perhaps the 
 most thoroughly organized and equipped, was that known as Captain 
 Christopher Dutcher's command. This had greater numerical strength 
 than both the others, and was, withal, partly uniformed. And Captain 
 Dutcher's company, as the record states, belonged to the First Regiment 
 of the third division of militia of Vermont. It is possible, however, that 
 the companies heretofore named were attached regularly to the state 
 militia, but if so there appears nothing in the record to show it. 
 
 The personnel oi Captain Dutcher's company was as follows : Captain, 
 Christopher Dutcher ; lieutenant, John Whittemore ; ensign, Daniel 
 Benedict; sergeants, Adonijah Brooks, jr., John Wilder, John Oilman, 
 Ira Bentley; corporals, Richard Sackett, Nicholas Spoor, John Bell, 
 Herman Hoit ; " soldiers," R. West, Richard Beals, Caleb Green, Daniel 
 Clark, John Tucker, Levi Locke, Leman R. Weed, Benjamin Warner, 
 Samuel Greenman, Benjamin Hendricks, Luke Stewart, William Foster, 
 Solomon M. Wealthy, Harrington Brooks, Francis Boardman, Andrew 
 Campbell, Jehial Holdridge, jr., Asa Langworthy, Robert Crawford, 
 Dan L. Buffum, Josiah Brigham, Aaron Austin, John Woodward, 
 Henry Aynesworth, Levi Johnson, Asahel Isham, Shepard Beals, Asa 
 Tarbell, David Markin, Chauncey Dutcher, John Smith, Jonathan Dan- 
 forth, jr., Reuben Tullar, jr., Isaac Spoor, Thomas Gibbs, jr., Erasmus 
 Stratton, Eleazer Brooks, George Markin, Samuel Crippin, Daniel Titus, 
 Philip Goodwin, Moses Fassett, William Thomas, William Leonard^ 
 Richard Holyoke, Samuel I. Mott, Aaron Hayward, Nathan Wheeler, 
 Joshua D. Cram. 
 
Town of St. Albans. 333 
 
 Neither of these mentioned military companies are understood as 
 having participated in the second war with Great Britain, but were 
 organized in time of peace in order to be prepared for the possibilities 
 of the unknown future. But they did have long and hard- fought battles 
 on the grand old days of " general trainin' " and " muster," and their 
 enemies conquered were mainly of the Yankee gingerbread and sweet 
 cider stamp, but their victories were those of peace. 
 
 During the War of 1812-15. — By the treaty of peace made in 1783, 
 between the representatives of the United States of America and the 
 British government, the independence of the former was reluctantly 
 acknowledged by the latter, but from that time forward until the 
 countries again had recourse to arms the government of Great Britain 
 never lost an opportunity of perpetrating some act of oppression, or 
 offering some indignity or ungenerous action as an insult to the Ameri- 
 can people and their authorities ; and at last these affronts were indulged 
 in to such a degree that the home government was compelled to take 
 cognizance of and concerning them. The events of that period are 
 sufficiently detailed in an earlier chapter of this work, and all that need 
 be said here is a mere reference to them. It became a necessary action 
 on the part of our Federal government to lay an embargo upon foreign 
 vessels in American ports, and prior thereto to put into operation what 
 was called the " non -intercourse " act, prohibiting the entry of foreign 
 productions into the states, and providing for the maintenance of such 
 affairs of the government service and armed troops as were necessary to 
 the carrying out of the provisions of the act. 
 
 In St. Albans, the same as in many other towns in the region, this 
 act became operative at a time when the people were in a peculiarly 
 distressed condition, and the strictures it laid upon importations added 
 materially to their embarrassment. They were accustomed to trade 
 and barter with the people across the border, and the denial to them of 
 this privilege was indeed a hardship ; and, as a result of the situation, 
 the only relief offered to their condition was to resort to secret trans- 
 portation of goods and merchandise across the line, or, in other words, 
 to smuggle wares into the locality. This led to what has been con- 
 veniently termed the " Embargo " war, commencing with the year 1807, 
 and continuing — well, it has always continued to a greater or less 
 extent. 
 
334 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 That smuggling was indulged in to a considerable extent by numbers, 
 of dwellers in St. Albans cannot be denied by any reasonable person. 
 Collisions between the officers of the government and the violators of 
 the law were frequent, but serious results were fortunately rare. On 
 the 3d of November, 181 1, the officers were in pursuit of a young man 
 of the town, Harrington Brooks, and in order to prevent his escape he 
 was shot and killed. Young Brooks was attempting to smuggle into 
 the town a boat-load of salt. Two years later, during the progress of 
 the war, another officer shot and killed one Silas Gates, but this occurred 
 while attempting to effect the arrest of the unfortunate man as a de- 
 serter. Alvah Sabin, he who was afterward a highly respected resident 
 of Georgia, and a somewhat celebrated divine, fired the shot that ended 
 the life of young Gates. 
 
 The enforcement of the provisions of the embargo and non -intercourse 
 laws in this town had the effect of alienating the sympathies of many 
 of the people from the cause for which the United States was contend- 
 ing. In fact it appears that a majority of the towns-people were 
 opposed to the policy of our government ; and at a meeting, regularly 
 warned and assembled, they expressed themselves in this manner : 
 
 " Holding sacred that provision of the Federal Constitution which 
 guarantees the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition 
 the government for a redress of grievances, and considering under the 
 present suffering and fearful situation of our unhappy country that a 
 becoming and respectful exercise of this right is a duty solemnly incum- 
 bent upon all ; and in the opinion of this meeting is calculated to check 
 in some measure at least the further progress of that experimental and 
 temporizing policy which has dried up the resources of individual and 
 national wealth, exhausted the accumulated treasures of the Union ; 
 worse than neglected the commercial, consequently the agricultural, in- 
 terests of the nation, and brought the only surviving republic on earth 
 to the borders of national ruin, to the very confines of foreign war— a 
 war to be waged we know not why, and to be prosecuted we know not 
 how. 
 
 "Therefore, Resolved, that the foregoing petition is approbated by 
 the inhabitants of this town ; that the same be circulated for their sig- 
 natures; and that the selectmen be requested to sign the same in their 
 official capacity, and transmit it to Congress as soon as may be." 
 
Town of St. Albans. 335 
 
 These lamentations certainly betrayed strong Federalistic tendencies 
 on the part of at least all who participated in the meeting, but that they 
 were not an expression of the sentiment of the whole town is quite evi- 
 dent; and while the majority of those present may have, and undoubt- 
 edly did, oppose the war they nevertheless made certain preparations 
 for offensive and defensive measures, in that the meeting voted to raise 
 one hundred dollars for the purpose of providing a military magazine 
 for the town, "agreeable to the laws of the state." And subsequently, 
 in October, 1814, the town voted a tax of five mills on the dollar for 
 the purpose of purchasing powder and lead. 
 
 Unfortunately there cannot be procured the names of the signers to 
 the petition provided for by the preamble and resolution set forth above, 
 nor is it now known who all of the petitioners were, nor the names of 
 the prime movers of the same. The selectmen, they who were " re- 
 quested to sign the same in their official capacity," were Asa Fuller, 
 John Gates, and Eleazer Brooks ; but whether they did affix their offi- 
 cial signatures and transmit the document to Congress is a matter that 
 cannot now be determined — probably they did. 
 
 However strong may have been the sentiment of many of the people 
 of the town during this particular period, it cannot be said that the 
 majority of the town were of the same opinion, for such was not the 
 case ; and the fact stands clear, that of its population, considering the 
 peculiar condition of the people, and the affront they had lately received 
 in the enforcement of the non-intercourse laws, no town was more loyal 
 to the cause of America than St. Albans. While existing records show 
 that the contribution of men to the American service numbered nearly 
 150 reliable tradition furnishes the information that something like fifty 
 or seventy-five more were in some manner identified with the service 
 during the period of the war, but the latter may not have been regularly 
 organized and equipped, as the laws provided, and they may not have 
 been attached to any regular command actually under the orders of su- 
 perior officers. 
 
 The first company recruited in the town for service during the War 
 of 1812-15 was that commanded by Captain John Wires, and entered 
 the service on the last day of November, 1813. Captain John Wires 
 was a Cambridge man, but raised his company in St. Albans. The 
 
336 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 other officers and the privates of this company were as follows : Lieu- 
 tenants, Reuben Salisbury, Elisha Smith, Benjamin Fassett; ensign, 
 Stephen Webb ; sergeants, Levi Beardsley, Benjamin R. Dodge, John 
 W. Drury, Uriah Rogers, Ira Mix, Moses Turner, Alexander Jennings, 
 Gibson Savage ; corporals, Philetus Brookins, William Smedley, Levi 
 Bishop, Zenas Baker, George Carlton ; fife-major, David Goodwin ; 
 drum-major, Reuben Wellman; fifer, Samuel G. Safford ; privates, Ste- 
 phen Angrum, Joseph Brown, James H. Blackman. John Brown, Eras- 
 tus Brown, Charles Belden, jr., Samuel Brevost, Shubael Bullock, Bradley 
 Bliss, C. A. Buck, Peter Beebe, J. W. Cheeney, George Campbell, S. 
 Campbell, Paul Cook, Caleb Dykeman, Daniel Drake, Charles Davis, 
 Ira Dickinson, Benjamin F. Drake, Erastus B. Ellsworth, John Farnham, 
 Ezra Fisher, Humphrey Gorham, Timothy Glynn, Levi Gregory, Phi- 
 lander Gregory, Noel P. Green, Bridgman Grant, Jonas Hagar, Joseph 
 D. Halbut, William Hodgkins, Daniel Hunt, Seth Hoard, Joseph Hay- 
 ward, Ira Hawley, William Jones, Thomas Johnson, Henry Johnson, 
 Isaac Kellogg, Charles Kellogg, Solomon Kinsley, Benjamin A. Kings- 
 ley, Theodore King, jr., Frederick LaughJin, Moses Mason, Stephen 
 Mosley, Kingsley Mosley, Reuben Merrill, Daniel McCoy, John Nichols, 
 Jeremiah Olmsted, A. Palmer, Samuel Palmer, Abiel Pierce, John Pit- 
 kin, Russell Pitkin, William Pattison, Anthony Phillips, Henry Peck, 
 Daniel Perkins, Daniel Parker, Reuben Peters, John Rumsay, A. Rich- 
 ards, Aaron Reynolds, William Rice, David Shepard, Thomas Shepard, 
 P. H. Snow, Isaiah Smith, William Smith, Levi Simmons, Robert Simp- 
 son, E. Tryon, jr., E. Tucker, A. Thatcher, H. B. Thompson, John 
 Thomas, Harry Tuttle, David S. Whitehead, Paul White, Thomas Wil- 
 cox, S. Wood, John Wood worth, Benjamin Wood worth, Levi Wells, 
 William Walbridge, S. Waterman. 
 
 Captain Farnsworth's company was raised and organized in the town 
 during the latter part of August and the early part of September, 1814, 
 and was in the field and participated in the memorable battle at Platts- 
 burgh, on the nth day of September, of the year named. The events 
 of that engagement are sufficiently narrated in an earlier chapter of this 
 volume, and all that need be said in this connection is to furnish a roll 
 of the men that comprised the company, which was as follows : Captain 
 Samuel H. Farnsworth; lieutenant, Daniel Dutcher; privates, Pierpont 
 
^^.:r^6i. 
 
Town of St. Albans. 337 
 
 Brigham, J. M. Blaisdell, George Calkins, Jonas Calkins, Ira Church, 
 Francis Davis, Orrin Davis, John Dimon, Moses Dimon, Thomas Dut- 
 ton, Orrin Fisher, William Foster, Sanford Gadcomb, Caleb Green, John 
 Haines, Ora Hall, Festus Hill, Stephen Holmes, Truman Hoyt, Henry 
 Jones, Stephen Lawrence, Asahel Langworthy, Levi Lockwood, Robert 
 Lovell, Jobiah Newton, Thomas Pierce, Freeborn Potter, Mosley Potter, 
 Anson D. Prentiss, Thomas P. St. John, Ebenezer Sanderson, Richard - 
 Sackett, Jesse Tryon. 
 
 The events of the War of 1812-15 continued to be the uppermost 
 topic of conversation among the people of the town for many years 
 after the period of its occurrence, and those who participated in that 
 struggle were ever afterward looked upon as patriots and honored as 
 heroes. Although the war was as wide- spread almost as the country 
 itself, the great interest in this locality was centered on the one event — 
 the battle at Plattsburgh — in which a goodly number from St. Albans 
 had an active part. The roar of the battle was heard in this town, and 
 the principal elevations, Aldis Hill and Bellevue, were points of look- 
 out, from the summits of which many people directed their attention 
 toward the battle-ground, but all they could observe was the cloud of 
 smoke created by the artillery fire and an occasional movement by the 
 armed vessels on the lake. 'T was a great day for Vermont, that event- 
 ful nth of September, 1814, and when'the news of the result reached 
 the town congratulations and rejoicings were indulged in in every quar- 
 ter and by .every citizen ; and the volunteers, when they returned, were 
 lionized and applauded for their splendid conduct. 
 
 For nearly a quarter of a century after the close of the second war 
 with England the warlike spirit of the town was allowed to slumber, 
 and the entire people gave themselves wholly to the arts of peace ; new 
 farms were cleared and improved, new commercial, mercantile, and man- 
 ufacturing enterprises were established, and an era of prosperity every- 
 where prevailed. At that time, and during that period of twenty and 
 more years, it appeared that St. Albans Bay might become the impor- 
 tant trading point of the town. Here were prominent merchants' stores 
 and dwellings, and here, too, were the commercial interests centered, for 
 nearly all, if not quite all, the heavy consignments of goods and wares 
 were brought into town by boat and landed at the Bay ; and it was not 
 43 
 
338 History ok Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 until the construction of the railroad that the village became master 
 over the Bay as a center of trade, although in point of population the 
 village was the greater hamlet, and had been for many years. 
 
 To show something of the continual and healthful growth of the town 
 from the beginnmg of the present century down to the year 1890 
 recourse may be had to the Federal census reports made at the begin- 
 ning of each decade. In 1800 the town had a population of 901 ; in 
 1810 it had increased to 1,609, but during the next ten years, or until 
 1820, it had enlarged only to 1,636. In 1830 there were 2,395 inhab- 
 itants, and in 1840 the number was increased to 2,702. During the 
 next ten years the increase was less rapid, the census showing but 2,814 
 souls, but in i860 the number went to 3,637. In 1870 this latter num- 
 ber was nearly doubled, the census of that year showing 7,014, and in 
 1880 the enumeration gave a population of 7,195. The present popu- 
 lation of St. Albans, according to the census for the year 1890, is a total 
 slightly less than 8,000. 
 
 The Canadian Rebellion. — The next event of importance that had the 
 effect of disturbing the peace and quiet of the town was that known 
 variously as the Canadian Rebellion, the Patriot war, and the Papineau 
 war ; and while none of the scenes of strife were enacted within the 
 limits of the town the period of its continuance was one of excitement 
 on the part of the people hereabouts. The possible results of the re- 
 bellion might have involved the country, and to maintain peace among 
 the people this side of the line, and to prevent any contemplated in- 
 vasion by the Canadian soldiery, it became necessary to call into service 
 on the frontier the militia of the several towns, among them the local 
 organization of St. Albans. 
 
 The village of St. Albans also seems to have been made a place of 
 rendezvous, or at least of refuge, by a number of the leading insur- 
 rectionists of that period, and here were matured the plans by which it 
 was hoped by the rebelHous French that the English dominion in Can- 
 ada might be overthrown. Naturally enough the French patriots (for 
 so they would have been termed had their plans been carried out) found 
 many sympathizers in this locality, and no doubt exists that they received 
 much substantial aid from friends here as well as elsewhere. 
 
 The war, if such it may be called, was of brief duration, and its con- 
 
Town of St. Albans. 339 
 
 tests were not attended with serious and numerous fatalities. The com- 
 mand of the local militia devolved upon General John Nason, every 
 inch a soldier, whose very commanding presence and dignified military 
 bearing had much to do with awing into respectful submission the over- 
 zealous element of the rebellious subjects of Great Britain who might 
 have presumed too much upon the friendship of Americans. This out- 
 break also had the effect of calling into St. Albans two distinguished 
 persons, — Generals Scott and Wool, — but their most efficient service was 
 performed at General Nason's banquet table. Many and interesting are 
 the tales related concerning the visit of these military heroes, but a re- 
 cital of them here would not be of value. 
 
 During the latter part of January and the greater part of February, 
 1838, the St. Albans company commanded by J. K. Conger rendered 
 service on the northern frontier. The personnel of that cornpany was 
 as follows: Captain, J. K. Conger; lieutenant, William H. Bell; pri- 
 vates, H. O. Green, O. B. Tuller, A. D. Green, Nelson Isham, Hiram 
 Beals, Silas G. Holyoke, Harry Bascom, M. C. Clark, Chester Bascomb, 
 Henry Green, Luther A. Green, W. Williams, A. S. Mears, Henry 
 Beals, Shepard Burnham, Eben Burnham, Joseph Woodworth, H. A. 
 Green, N. A. Draper, J. G. Clark, Charles Clark, J. D. Dean, Nathan 
 Dean, Otis Barnard, Allen Stiles, George A. Pike, M. White, Lyman 
 Hoit, Jerome B. Lobdell, E. A. Smith, Allen M. Sargent, Lawrence 
 Brainerd, Rodney Whittemore, F. C. Bell, C. R. Deouse, J. C. Curtis, 
 A. H. Fuller, E. F. West, Myron G. Hickok, Seymour Eggleston, Hor- 
 ace D. Hickok. 
 
 During the year 1839, from the 6th to the iSth of April, Captain 
 Victor Atwood's Fourth Company of the Eleventh Regiment of Ver- 
 mont militia were on duty along the northern frontier. The members 
 of the company were as follows: Captain, Victor Atwood; lieutenant, 
 H. Ainsworth; sergeants, J. Reynolds, jr., and E. L. Brooks; corporals, 
 J. S. Brigham and A. W. Brooks; privates, R Adams, J. McClure, 
 M. Ballou, George Pike, C. Durkee, J. W. Smith, H. B. Foster, A. 
 Green, David Newton, H. Bradford, A. B. Laselle, O. Maynard, B. F. 
 Fuller, A. S. Barton, A. Holdridge, G. E. Daniels, D. McClure, Ralph 
 Laselle, S. Collins, H. S. Eggleston, C. Jewell, B. F. Sias, R. Laselle, C. 
 Gibson, J. H. Brooks, A. Prindle, I. Soule, jr., P. C. Palmer, S. Soule, 
 
340 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 George Conger, E. Curtis, C. Burton, C. H. Hall, M. Ladd, E. Burnell, 
 Otis Hayward, Calvin Tilton, G. S. Daniels, I. C. Palmer, A. Durkee. 
 
 The excitement created by the Papineau war soon passed away, as its 
 attending incidents caused more merriment than otherwise. After it 
 had subsided the subject was soon forgotten, but to this day the older 
 people recall that particular period with feelings of pleasure. To them 
 it was a vacation from the dull monotony of every day life, and the service 
 of the local soldiery on the borders was hardly more severe than the 
 usual muster on the green, at the Bay, or in front of General Nason's 
 famous hostelry. There came no further outbreak that required the 
 arming of troops until the year i86l. 
 
 The Town's Poor. — As is the custom throughout the state, each town 
 makes provision for the support of its people who are unable to care for 
 themselves ; but in St. Albans a course somewhat different from that 
 prevailing in most towns is employed. The records seem to throw no 
 satisfactory light on the procedure by which the indigent poor of the 
 town were supported at a very early period, except that occasional men- 
 tion is made of the fact that the paupers were given in charge of certain 
 persons at a specified sum per week. But when the town had acquired 
 a considerable population there was of course an increased number of 
 poor people, and it became necessary for the authorities to look more 
 carefully to the expense of their keeping. This matter came before the 
 March meeting of 1847, at which time Luther B. Hunt, Cornelius Stil- 
 phen, and Oscar A. Burton were appointed a committee to purchase a 
 farm and erect suitable buildings thereon, to be used as a poor-farm. 
 The result was the purchase, in 1848, of what was known as the Dan- 
 forth farm in Georgia, at a cost of about $2,500, perhaps a little more. 
 
 This farm was used by the town for several years, but it appears that the 
 plan of maintaining such an institution outside the limits of the town did 
 not find approval from the people in general, and the question of the sale 
 of the Danforth place was frequently discussed in town meetings, and 
 the result was the final sale and transfer of the Georgia property, under 
 the direction of a special committee, comprising Alfred H. Huntington, 
 William W. Thorp, and Theodore W. Smith. This committee was se- 
 lected at the meeting of June 25, 1855, "but the sale was not effected 
 until 1861. The town then joined with the Sheldon Poor-House Asso- 
 
Town of St. Albans. 341 
 
 ciation, using a part of the funds arising from the prior sale for the pur- 
 chase of an interest in the association. Here the poor of the town of 
 St. Albans have ever since been maintained, the annual expense thereof, 
 according to the last report of the overseer, William P. Walker, being 
 as follows: Amount paid for provisions, $449.17 ; shoes and clothing, 
 $14.62; coal and wood, $164.21; physicians and medicines, $366. 19 ; 
 boarding transients, $93.25 ; care of sick, $32.25 ; board and care of 
 sick at hospital, $187.67 ; burials, etc., $433.50; transportation, $48.26; 
 rents for sick, $14; Sheldon poor-house, $771.90; services of overseer, 
 $150. This, as may be seen, makes the total expense to the town for 
 the care and support of poor persons the gross sum of $2,725.02. 
 
 During the War 0/ 1^61-6^. — The next event cf importance in con- 
 nection with the history of St. Albans in general was the part taken by 
 the town and its people during that period known commonly as the war 
 of the Rebellion. No sooner was the news announced that Sumter had 
 fallen, that the war was in fact begun, than the local military organiza- 
 tion — the Ransom Guards — was made ready for active duty, and in 
 answer to the President's call for 75,000 men was mustered into the 
 United States service as Company C, First Regiment of Vermont troops, 
 on the 2d of May, 1861. At the same time the people of the town at 
 large were making efforts in other directions, such as were considered 
 necessary for the occasion. The equipment and preparations of the 
 Guards for active service in the field required much attention and some 
 revenue. To meet the expense incurred by the hasty fitting out of the 
 company the town held a meeting on the nth of May and voted to 
 raise twenty-five cents on the dollar; also voted to exempt the volun- 
 teers from paying taxes, and further provided for the support of such 
 families of volunteers as were unable to sustain themselves. For this 
 expense the selectmen were authorized to make an outlay of seven hun- 
 dred dollars per month. 
 
 The service of the Ransom Guards continued from the time of mus- 
 ter-in. May 2, 1861, until the time of enlistment expired; the company 
 was discharged and mustered out on August 15, following. But before 
 the term of the Guards' enlistment had expired other companies were 
 in process of organization, and many of the first command afterward be- 
 came members of subsequent companies, and in view of their previous 
 experiences not a few were made officers of the new formations. 
 
342 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 There was hardly a regiment of Vermont volunteers but had in its 
 ranks more or less of men from St. Albans. The total number of men 
 credited to the town, according to the adjutant and inspector general's 
 reports, was four hundred and seventy- four, classified as follows: In the 
 three months service, forty- seven; volunteers for three years previous 
 to call of October 17, 1863, 194; volunteers for three years subsequent 
 to the call of October, 1863, 115 ; volunteers for nine months service, 
 twenty-two; volunteers re-enlisted, veterans, thirty- five ; drafted men 
 who entered the service, six ; drafted and procured substitutes, fourteen ; 
 enrolled men furnished substitutes, four ; miscellaneous credits, not 
 named, twenty- five; drafted and paid commutation, twelve. The num- 
 ber of men from the town who actually entered the service was four 
 hundred and sixty-two. Of this total number there were but thirty- 
 eight opposite to whose names was marked " deserted." 
 
 But the town of St. Albans did more for the support of its volunteers 
 than is mentioned in connection with temporary relief offered and 
 granted the Ransom Guards and the families of its members. On the 
 7th of August, 1862, when it became necessary to send more men to 
 the service, the town voted a tax of twelve cents on the grand list for 
 the purpose of paying a bounty of forty dollars to each of thirty recruits ; 
 and on the 28th of January, 1863, there was voted on the list a tax of 
 seventy-two cents on the dollar for the purpose of creating a fund with 
 which to pay bounties. The report of the selectmen, presented at the 
 March meeting of 1863, showed that they had paid bounties of forty 
 dollars to each of thirty-two men, and a bounty of one hundred dollars 
 each to sixty men, making an aggregate, to that time, of seven thou- 
 sand three hundred and twenty dollars. 
 
 In 1863, at a largely attended town meeting, held on the 2d of Decem- 
 ber, there was considerable discussion relative to the subject of voting a 
 still greater sum of money for the purpose of payingbounties. And there 
 seems at this time to have been some opposition to the raising of further 
 funds for the purpose indicated, the principal opponent being Alonzo W. 
 Brooks, while Victor Atwood, Henry G. Edson, Dr. Hiram F. Stevens, 
 Worthington C. Smith, and Heman S. Royce advocated the raising of 
 the funds for bounties. After a free discussion of the subject Mr. Royce 
 offered a resolution, and it was adopted by a large majority, that a tax 
 
Town of St. Albans. 343 
 
 of one hundred and ten cents be laid on the grand Hst for the purpose 
 of paying a bounty of three hundred dollars each to forty six men ; and 
 the selectmen were also authorized to pledge the credit of the town in 
 creating this fund. 
 
 And further, during the next year, 1864, at the meeting of June 14, 
 the selectmen were directed to borrow the sum of six thousand dollars 
 to pay bounties. August 11, following, the same officers were author- 
 ized to offer a bounty of one thousand dollars in order to secure men 
 for the service. And at the same time the grand list was taxed to the 
 extraordinary extent of three hundred and fifty cents on the dollar for 
 the raising of funds. 
 
 This is the record of the town as disclosed by the minutes of the meet- 
 ings held at various times, but in addition thereto there should be made 
 mention of the efforts of individuals of which there stands no record. 
 That the town was true and loyal to the Union no person for a moment 
 doubts ; but in every community throughout the land there were per- 
 sons who opposed the propositions that contemplated the creation of a 
 town debt for the payment of large bounties ; but in St. Albans this op- 
 position was never construed into a sentiment of disloyalty, but rather 
 it was regarded as a feeling of dislike of and opposition to the practice of 
 borrowing money on the credit of the town. But it will not be consid- 
 ered essential to this chapter to refer at greater length to the part taken 
 by this town or by its people during the late war. The period of its 
 continuance is made the subject of special and extended mention in one 
 of the earlier chapters of this volume ; and in that connection there will 
 be found a brief record of the part taken by each company from this and 
 the other towns of the county during that great struggle ; and there will 
 be found, too, a complete roll of the county.'s contribution of men for 
 the service during the period of the war. 
 
 The St. Albans Raid. — Next in the succession of events there should 
 here be made some reference to that which has been known in history as 
 the St. Albans Raid, being nothing less than a well-devised and precon- 
 certed attack upon the money vaults of the banking institutions of the 
 village of St. Albans. But such was the peculiar character of this fam- 
 ous event, having a national rather than local significance, although 
 local bank's alone suffered through the raid,>hat it is made the subject of 
 
344 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 particular and special reference in the general chapters of this work. 
 However, a history of St. Albans without some allusion to this remark- 
 able occurrence would indeed be incomplete. 
 
 The event referred to just above took place on the 19th of October, 
 in the year 1864, at that particular time in which the dark cloud of war 
 hung heaviest over our nation, and at a time when there were, perhaps, 
 more of our nation's soldiers in the field than before or afterward ; at a 
 time when the frontier was the least prepared for an invasion from the 
 Canadian provinces. But it cannot be said that some depredation 
 was wholly unexpected, for there were men within the village who were 
 able to see the possibility of the attack in the strange relation borne by 
 the people under English rule to the Confederacy ; men who could di- 
 vine from singular and unusual utterances that a storm was nearing from 
 the northern provinces. Keen-sighted men could not be mistaken in 
 the meaning of strange visitants to the alien country northward, nor in 
 the occasional presence in this town, about the time of and just preceding 
 the raid, on the part of certain crafty though remarkably intelligent per- 
 sons. These were the shadows that coming events cast before them, 
 and to discerning men the results were plain, although the particular 
 character or kind of storm about to burst could not be anticipated no 
 more than it could have been thwarted. An effort was made, however, 
 on the part of some leading citizens to have the national government es- 
 tablish here some defensive force, but at that special period the govern- 
 mental mind was too much engrossed with other and possibly more im- 
 portant cases to give much heed to the warnings or petitions from 
 remote localities. That the raid of October 19, 1864, was conceived in 
 the Southern mind no sane man has ever doubted, and that it received 
 the sanction and was aided and abetted by English subjects, if not by 
 its government, on this side of the Atlantic, there appears also to be no 
 reasonable or serious doubt. Certain it is that the raid was made, and 
 equally certain it is that the same was executed by at least a number of 
 British subjects under the leadership of persons warm in the affections 
 of the rebellious South. But without entering further into the details of 
 the raid, being sufficiently narrated in the general history, all that is 
 necessary to state in this connection is that the raid was made and car- 
 ried out according to its original conception, and by it the bank vaults 
 
Town ok St. Albans. 345 
 
 were looted to the extent of $208,000. One person was killed, Elinus J. 
 Morrison, and a number of others were more or less seriously wounded. 
 The pillagers gained their desired plunder, captured and mounted horses, 
 and made their way to Canada with all possible speed. Of course they 
 were pursued as soon as the residents regained their self-possession, but 
 the invaders made good their escape from the country. Subsequent 
 efforts on the part of the towns-people, state, and Federal government 
 succeeded in having restored to the plundered banks the equivalent of 
 $88,000, so that the total loss was reduced to something like $120,000; 
 but this sum was exclusive of the expenses incurred by interested per- 
 sons in their efforts at regaining the loss, and also exclusive of the loss of 
 and damage to horses and other properties stolen by Young and his com- 
 panions, and with which they crossed the border. 
 
 In connection with the many incidents, accidents, and mishaps that 
 attended the raid upon the St. Albans banks there occurred one that 
 tends to show that, although nations are said to be ungrateful, towns are 
 not always so. The town records disclose nothing relative to the raid 
 itself, except as the following incident may show. It appears that a cer- 
 tain citizen of the town, whose name is not mentioned, but might be 
 recalled, in his anxiety to do something to check the proceedings of the 
 raiders, suddenly seized a gun, not his own, and started in pursuit of 
 them, but in the excitement and turmoil of the occasion the weapon be- 
 came lost and was not recovered. The owner of the gun afterward de- 
 manded payment to the extent of its value, and the unlucky citizen 
 sought the intervention of the town to make good the loss, on the 
 ground that he was acting in the public interest. Upon the presenta- 
 tion of the facts the town voted to pay the owner the price of the gun, 
 thus substantially holding that its loss was " the fortune of war," and 
 one that should be borne by the public. 
 
 The Fenian War. — Of the many warlike events that have occurred 
 to affect the tranquihty of this locality perhaps the least in importance 
 was that known as the Fenian raid, which was nothing more than an 
 attempt on the part of certain Irish persons to accumulate a sufficient 
 army to overthrow the English dominion in the Canadas. But coming, 
 as it did, close on the heels of the war in our own country, and the dis- 
 astrous raid on the local banks, the people were in a proper frame of 
 
 44 
 
346 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 mind to be easily disturbed by any uprising in the vicinity, no matter 
 how trivial the cause or how limited its extent. 
 
 That has ever been remembered as the Fenian raid, and occurred 
 during the month of June, r866, when, on the first day of the month, 
 the trains from the south brought to the village about three hundred 
 men ; a motley crew who marched from the depot to the public square, 
 and there, uninvited and unwelcomed, pitched their camp. Of course 
 such a visitation could not but throw the community into a state of ex- 
 citement, but the invaders made no hostile demonstration against our 
 people or against local institutions. They were unarmed, and paid in 
 cash for whatever of accommodations they required. They character- 
 ized themselves as " the right wing of the army of Ireland," and soon 
 declared their intention of invading Canada for the purpose of over- 
 throwing the British rule in the Dominion. The people here had seen 
 a similar demonstration some years before, and the avowed declarations 
 of the Fenians had the effect of removing any suspicion that the people 
 of the town or its business interests were to be made the subjects of 
 attack. 
 
 But the " army " did not remain long in the village. They soon took 
 up the march toward Canada, but suddenly they appeared to be reason- 
 ably armed and equipped, which fact shows conclusively that they had 
 friends in this and adjoining towns, to whom the munitions of war had 
 been previously intrusted and by them held in readiness for the coming 
 of the troops. Whatever occurred after leaving the town is not neces- 
 sarily a part of this chapter, but their' attack upon the province met 
 about the same fate as did that of the French during the years 1837-39. 
 Many people from St. Albans and other localities accompanied the 
 Fenians on their march to Canada, not having any interest in expected 
 results, but for the purpose of " seeing the fun." But that happened to 
 be a particularly muddy time, and their pleasures were not really en- 
 joyable ; some persons, too, in their enthusiasm came near being capt- 
 ured by the British troops, having got into a dangerous position " over 
 the hne." 
 
 Three days after the arrival of the Fenians in St. Albans there was 
 sent to the place, by the President's order, a strong force of United 
 States troops, but all the several detachments did not arrive at the same 
 
Town of St. Albans. 347 
 
 time. All told, there were about 1,000 men, who encamped on the 
 green, and remained about two weeks. They were under command of 
 General Meade. The disheartened and misguided Fenians soon re- 
 turned from their bootless expedition, and, as they reached the village 
 limits, were relieved of their arms by the Federal troops. General Meade 
 offered them rail transportation to their homes, in the larger cities to the 
 South, and this they eagerly accepted. So ended the famous Fenian war. 
 The Centennial of St. Albans. — An event of much importance in the 
 history of the town of St. Albans was the celebration of its hundredth 
 anniversary. The subject of a fitting celebration was first suggested at 
 one of the town meetings held in 1863, and the time named for the ex- 
 ercises was August 17th of that year, the centennial anniversary of the 
 charter granted by Governor Wentworth. But it so happened that 
 during the year 1 863 the whole country was involved in the uncertainties 
 of civil war, by reason of which it was deemed advisable to postpone the 
 affair until the hundredth anniversary of the organization of the town, 
 or to the 28th day of July, 1888. The year at length arrived, and pre- 
 ceding the time the people of the town made preparations for its com- 
 ing. The proper committees were chosen at a public meeting, and the 
 4th of July — Independence Day — was designated for the centennial ex- 
 
 ercises. 
 
 But without devoting space to the preliminary arrangements, or to 
 the various committees selected to arrange the program, sufficient it is 
 to say that the occasion was fittingly and appropriately celebrated and 
 observed. It was one of the grandest days in the history of the town, 
 and the village was thronged with thousands of citizens of the county 
 and interested visitors from distant localities. The exercises were held 
 at Athletic Park, and were presided over by Hon. Worthington C. 
 Smith, of St. Albans. The order of exercises was as follows : Music by 
 St. Albans brigade band ; invocation by the Rev. George A. Smith ; 
 vocal selection, "To thee, O Country ! " by male chorus of twenty- four 
 voices; historical address, by Rev. John A. MacColl ; music, " Loyal 
 Song," by the chorus; centennial poem, written by Mrs. Sarah A. Wat- 
 son, read by Mr. W. W. Hopkins; "America," by chorus and band ; 
 benediction, pronounced by the Rev. O. M. Hilton. 
 
34^ History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Localities, Hamlets, and Villages. 
 
 It can hardly be considered as essentially within the province of this 
 chapter to declaim at length on the subject of beautiful locations and sit- 
 uations in the town of St. Albans, for, if attempted, it would be exceed- 
 ingly difficult to designate any single site as superior to all others as a 
 point of view. Whether the visitor be on Rocky Point, at the head of 
 the bay, at Lake View, or on the higher points back from the lake — either 
 Aldis Hill or Bellevue — there is presented to the eye of the beholder 
 that same magnificent panorama of nature. From almost any point 
 within the town there can be seen the famous Adirondack Mount- 
 ains and their equally calebrated sunsets. Aldis Hill, in the northeast 
 part, and Bellevue, in the southeast, appear to vie with one another as 
 points of advantage; and while the same splendid lake and mountain 
 view is obtained from either, the former is perhaps most used as a look- 
 out, being nearer to the village and more easy of ascent. From the 
 commanding heights of Bellevue there can be seen, on a clear day, the 
 distant city of Montreal, more than seventy miles away. And from points 
 within the village of St. Albans, in the vicinity of Smith street, and par- 
 ticularly from the upper windows of A. S. Richardson's residence, when 
 the atmosphere is clear, away in the southwest there can plainly be seen 
 that magnificent peak, Mount Marcy, the king of the Adirondacks. 
 
 The town of St. Albans has something like ten or twelve miles of front 
 on Lake Champlain, inclusive of its bays and small indentations ; and all 
 this great body of water bounding the town on the west is known by the 
 distinguishing name of Great Back Bay, the famous fishing-ground of 
 the lake region, and the native home of the small- mouthed black bass. 
 One of the principal islands of the Back Bay, or at least of those that 
 lie adjacent to this town, is Potter's Island, recently called Burton's 
 Island, comprising 300 acres, and lying a short distance southwest from 
 Rocky Point. This island was annexed to the town of St. Albans on 
 October 28, 1842, and is now owned by Mr. Sidney B. Burton. To the 
 northward from Burton's Island, and opposite Lapam Bay, is another 
 body of land, containing over 100 acres, and called Wood's Island. 
 This was annexed to the town October 27, 1845. Among the other 
 
Town of St. Albans. 349 
 
 e 
 
 large islands in this vicinity are Butler's and Knight's, both of which are 
 parts of Grand Isle county. To the south of Potter's Island is one 
 smaller, known variously as "Ball's," "Bull's," and " Welden'.s." Th 
 small islands at the mouth of St. Albans Bay are respectively known 
 as Ram and Rock. Another small island, or rather a large rock, stands 
 prominently out of the water not far from the residence of George W. 
 Stilphen, and is called by the name of " Popasquash." 
 
 Rocky Point.— Kt the southern extremity of St. Albans Point proper 
 is the locality that has received the comparatively new name of Rocky 
 Point, but which was formerly known as St. Albans Point and as Hath- 
 away's Point, the latter from the name of the owner of the lands in the 
 vicinity. It should be stated, however, that the name of Rocky Point 
 was given this locality, not only as descriptive of the character of the 
 point where it juts out into the water, but in part from a comfortable 
 summer hotel that has been built by local capitalists on this desirable 
 site. The house itself is not large, but was built with reference to con- 
 venience rather than magnitude or extravagant outlay of money. Its 
 chief patronage comes from St. Albans village, six miles away, but its 
 most recent management has succeeded in drawing to the locality a good 
 number of people from the large cities of New England and New York. 
 
 Lake View. — Whatever of prominence this locality has attained as 
 one of the charming resorts of St. Albans is due almost wholly to the 
 efforts of Henry L. Samson, the present proprietor of the Lake View 
 House. The locality of Lake View borders on the Great Back Bay, and 
 is about three miles distant from the head of St. Albans Bay, to the 
 northward from it. Here has been the home, for many years, of James 
 P. Wilson, one of the substantial residents of the town, and whose par- 
 ents came to the place at an early day. Mr. Wilson was a farmer, but 
 his son, Charles E., made the first move in the matter of establishing 
 a resort at the place during the year 1870. He then built the old Lake 
 View House and managed it for three years, when, on account of indif- 
 ferent success, it was closed. The old building was but twenty-five by 
 fifty feet in size, and had only five rooms for boarders. Mr. Samson, 
 who was the son-in-law of James P. Wilson, took the property in 1878, 
 and, with some intervals, has since been its proprietor. In 1884 he sub- 
 stantially re-built the house, enlarging its capacity to the extent of fur- 
 
350 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 nishing accommodations for sixty people ; and since that time he has 
 made frequent changes and enlargements as necessity has required. 
 
 The Lake View House stands close to the shores of the lake, a drive- 
 way and a well-kept lawn only intervening. One of the attractive 
 features of the place is the pavilion, but the boating accommodations 
 must not be left unmentioned. There are twenty of them, all staunch 
 craft, and can be used either by pleasure parties or those who prefer the 
 enjoyments of bass fishing in the bay. This particular locality is noted 
 for its excellent fishing-grounds. 
 
 Si. Albans Bay. — By every consideration of desirability of location 
 it would seem that the village of St. Albans ought to have been built 
 upon the site now occupied by the hamlet called St. Albans Bay ; for 
 here it would have enjoyed the advantages of lake commerce as well as 
 the more modern means of transportation by rail. And had it been 
 within the power of the worthy commissioners, Robert Cochran, Stephen 
 Pearl, and Seth F'ord, to " set out the stake " for the town lots in what- 
 ever locahty they deemed best for the interests of the future generations, 
 they would probably have selected a site at the head of the bay. But 
 the committee was undoubtedly guided solely by the provisions of the 
 charter, which stated that the lots should be laid out as near the center 
 of the town as the character of the land would admit. This action alone 
 made the east village at once the rival of the hamlet at the head of the 
 bay, although a number of years passed before St. Albans became the 
 most important point for trade and industry. 
 
 That the reader may have a clear understanding concerning the early 
 history of St. Albans Bay the present writer feels constrained to copy 
 certain extracts from the work recently prepared by that versatile writer, 
 Henry K. Adams, as follows : " This region still retains many of its 
 aboriginal names. The Bay is often called ' Bella Maqueen.' Ma Quam, 
 then known as Bopquam, while the rocky isle north of Samson's is now 
 known as Popasquash, which peculiar formation of nature was much 
 larger than at the present time, being encircled with more land, of 
 which we have a tradition, was the scene of many powwows or Indian 
 councils, which Indians are said to have been ' the Maquas.' ' 
 
 ' It is questionable whether these Indians were indeed the Maquas. That was a 
 name given by the Dutch to the men of the Iroquois, the Five, and subsequently the 
 Six Nations. The English called them Mingoes ; the French, Iroquois.— El). 
 
Town of St. Albans. 351 
 
 "The first clearing at the Bay was a tract of land extending south of 
 the meeting-house, (the lake road not then being laid out,) on the lake 
 shore, including the Ralph Lasell and Buck places. We have evidence 
 that several branches of business were carried on as early as 1790, with 
 a tanner, a shoemaker, carpenters and joiners, and a potash, etc., which 
 latter commodity was shipped into Canada, in exchange for lumber, 
 tobacco, nails, kettles, etc., sloops having been built previous to this 
 date in BurHngton, which frequently entered our bay for patronage. 
 
 " And as early as the year 1793, when the question of the shire was 
 agitated, there was considerable hesitancy in deciding whether the 
 county buildings should be located there or in the village, which demon- 
 strates that there was an influential element there, but the population 
 had increased here (in St. Albans village) much more rapidly than at 
 the Bay by 1796. ... As early as 1800 there were merchants at 
 the Bay,, and there must have been some enterprise among the inhabit- 
 ants, as a petition for water works was presented to the legislature at 
 that early date. 
 
 " In 1808 the commerce was extensive enough to call for two military 
 companies' to protect it. In 1814 and 1815 sloops were built there. 
 In 1823 the vessel heretofore described (the Gleaner) was built, and was 
 the first to sail through to New York. In 1827 a steamboat was built 
 at the Bay, and another in the year following. 
 
 "On March 27th, 1828, the inhabitants of St. Albans were requested 
 to meet at Wilkins's Inn at the Bay, on Monday, the 31st inst., for the 
 purpose of selecting a suitable name for the village and port at St. 
 Albans Bay. Uriel Smith was chosen chairman, and George W. Brad- 
 ford, secretary. The committee were Captain William Burton, Jedediah 
 Freeman, esq.. Rev. Orris Pier, and Mr. John H. Burton. Agreeably 
 to the notice, etc., by the citizens of St. Albans a full meeting was 
 convened. The committee appointed reported the highly favored name 
 of Port Washington, which name was seldom used." 
 
 From the same writer, and from divers other sources of information, 
 it appears that the Bay, or, more properly stated. Port Washington, 
 increased and multipled, both in population and industry, until it became 
 
 ' These were probably Captain Christopher Butcher's and Captain Day's companies, 
 referred to heretofore. — Ed. 
 
352 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 a village of much importance. The place had its banking house, stores, 
 hotel, Ind a number of fine residences ; some of the latter of brick, 
 which are yet standing, though occupied mainly by persons not versed 
 in the history of their ancient burgh. The old ship yards, i in common 
 with nearly all its old institutions, have long since gone to ruin, but 
 occasionally one sees some relic of the former greatness of the place. 
 Even the old planing-miU owned and operated by James Madison 
 Haynes has disappeared, but its former proprietor still lives in the neigh- 
 borhood, still hale and hearty in spite of his advanced age. The business 
 interests of the Bay at the present time are briefly enumerated, comprising 
 the mercantile houses of George Younger and Nelson Cook, the black- 
 smith shop of Peter Little, and some few others of less importance. 
 
 George Younger at this time enjoys the distinction of being the most 
 extensive merchant of the locality. He came to the village in 1843 
 and set up a tailor shop, and engaged in making and repairing clothes. 
 After eighteen years he started a small grocery, but gradually enlarged 
 his stock and business until there are now but few more extensive and 
 enterprising merchants in the entire town. From 1870 until about 1887 
 Mr. Younger was postmaster at the Bay. Nelson Cook then succeeded 
 for a brief time, but in January, 1890, Mr. Younger was re-appointed, 
 and so continues to the present. 
 
 Nelson Cook commenced business at the Bay during the period of 
 the late war, and has been so engaged to this time. The immediate 
 charge of his trade is left to his son, while he is engaged in various other 
 caUings, among them being farming and looking after his boating inter- 
 ests on the lake and bay. Under President Cleveland Mr. Cook was 
 postmaster at this point, but when the administration changed Mr. 
 Younger succeeded to the office. 
 
 Peter Little has been the local blacksmith at the Bay since 1874. 
 
 ' The St. Albans Steamboat Company was chartered by the state the 4th of Novem- 
 ber, 1826, and organized by the election of Nehemiah W. Kingman, N. B. Wells, 
 Luther L. Dutcher, John Lynde, and John Palmer, directors, and the appointment of 
 Mr. Kingman as president, and Mr. Dutcher as clerk. In 1827 the company built the 
 steamboat Franklin and in 1828 the MacDonoitgh. The latter was commanded by 
 Captain William Burton. She ran for several years between St. Albans Bay and Platts- 
 burgh, and in January, 1835, was sold to the Champlain Transportation Company, 
 together with the franchise and interests of the St. Albans Steamboat Company. In 
 1835 the Winooiki, under Captain Flack, ran between Burlington and St. Albans Bay. 
 
Town of St. Albans. 353 
 
 The only other considerable industry of the locality of the Bay is that 
 known as the St. Albans Point Creamery, which was started as a stock 
 company during the year 1882. The industry, with various changes, 
 has continued until the present time. The buildings were erected just 
 north of Governor Smith's farm dwelling. During the spring of 1890 
 the creamery and part of its contents were destroyed by fire, but the 
 buildings were restored and business resumed with but little interruption. 
 
 There are at least two other noticeable industries that have a place 
 within the precincts of what may properly be termed St. Albans Bay, 
 although neither is a part of the village itself These are the farms and 
 buildings of ex-Governor Smith and Mr. John M. Foss. Each com- 
 prises several hundred acres, the former being the larger ; and it is a 
 common remark that there are no better appointed or more productive 
 farms in this county, if indeed there are in the state. Both owners re- 
 side in St. Albans village, and operate their agricultural lands for pleas- 
 ure and recreation, as well as the profit they find in that pursuit. 
 
 The St. Albans Bay Methodist Episcopal church, the only society 
 having a church home at the Bay, was organized during the year 1856, 
 then having a membership of but twelve persons. However, services 
 of this society were held in the locality at a much earlier day ; as early 
 almost as those of the same denomination in any part of the town. 
 Methodist meetings were held in the vicinity of the Point and Bay as 
 early as the year 1809, and one of the most prominent persons connected 
 with them was Nathan Green, the pioneer. This society held camp- 
 meetings between the village and the Bay as early as 1815. The church 
 here became a separate organization in 1856, with Rev Simeon Gardner 
 as pastor. The first church edifice of the society was built of wood in 
 1857, but was replaced in 1874 by the more substantial brick struct- 
 ure that still stands. Its cost was about $2,000. The present mem- 
 bership of the society numbers about eighty persons. 
 
 The tannery industry referred to on preceding pages as having been 
 in operation 'at the Bay was started there in 1790 by Christopher 
 Dutcher, one of the pioneers of that locality, and one of the prominent 
 men of the town at an early day. Mr. Dutcher was also captam of one 
 of the local militia companies, the largest of the three that had an ex- 
 istence about the time of the embargo war. But after a few years 
 45 
 
354 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Captain Butcher moved his tannery to a point south of, and near, the 
 village of St. Albans, locating on a small stream that afterward bore the 
 name of Dutcher's Brook. Captain Dutcher lived in the town till 1814, 
 when he died, his wife, Rosanna, having died the year before. Their 
 son, James Clark Dutcher, died May i, 1813. 
 
 Among the early settlers in the vicinity of the Bay were the families 
 of the brothers Brooks : Eleazer, Adonijah, Azariah, Hananiah, and 
 Asahel. They each raised to maturity large families, and many of their 
 descendants still live in the locality. Julius H. Brooks has a fine farm 
 just at the head of the bay, opposite to Governor Smith's large buildings; 
 and although somewhat advanced in years, Mr. Brooks is still in the en- 
 joyment of good health and a comfortable fortune. Likewise Mr. 
 Brooks has been a somewhat prominent person in town affairs, but he 
 has never sought political preferment. 
 
 Eleazer Brooks, one of the brothers before mentioned, came to the lo- 
 cality in 1785. He raised a large family of children, twelve in number. 
 Eleazer Brooks, one of the sons, still lives on the home farm. 
 
 Adonijah Brooks is said to have come to the locality in 1788 or 1 790. 
 His wife was Betsey Gates, by whom he had these children : James, 
 Halloway T., David G., Smith A., Betsey E., Victorice, Anson B., 
 Luke H., Electa R. Smith A. Brooks, the fourth child born of these 
 parents, still lives near the Bay and is now past his eightieth year. 
 
 Before concluding this branch of the present chapter, and before en- 
 tering upon that portion that relates more particularly to the incorpo- 
 rated village of St. Albans, previous custom has established the rule of 
 furnishing the names of those persons who have served the town in the 
 respective capacities of clerk and representative. These have been as 
 follows : 
 
 Town Clerks. — Jonathan Hoit, 1788 to 1799 ; Seth Pomeroy, 179910 
 1807; Francis Davis, 1 807; Seth Wetmore, 1808-09; Abijah Stone, 
 1809-13; Abner Morton, 1813-15; Abijah Stone, 1815-25; Elihu 
 L. Jones, 1825-26; Abijah Stone, 1827-28; John Gates, 1829-36; 
 William Bridges, 1836-62; Cassius D. Farrar, 1862-77; Joseph S. 
 Weeks, 1877-87; Benjamin D. Hopkins, 1887-90. 
 
 Town Representatives y — 1788, Jonathan Hoit; 1789-90, Silas Hath- 
 
 ' Those previous to 1852 compiled from Deming's "Catalogue." 
 
Smith A. Brooks. 
 
Village of St. Albans. 355 
 
 away; 1791-92, Jonathan Hoit ; 1793, Noel Potter; 1794-96, Silas 
 Hathaway; 1797, Levi House ; 1798-99, Silas Hathaway ; 1800-01, 
 Seth Pomeroy; 1802, Levi House; 1803-05, Seth Pomeroy ; i8o6, 
 Nathan Green; 1807, Seth Wetmore ; 1808, Asa Fuller; 1809, Carter 
 •Hickok; 1810, Nathan Green; 1811, Jonathan Hoit; 1812, Abner 
 Morton; 1813, Benjamin Swift; 1814, Jonathan Hoit; 1815, Abner 
 Morton; 18 16, Nehemiah W. Kingman ; 1817, J. K. Smedley ; 1818, 
 none; 1819, Samuel Barlow; 1820, Silas Hathaway; 1821, Asa 
 Fuller; 1822-24, Stephen Royce ; 1825-26, Benjamin Swift; 1827-33, 
 John Smith; 1834, Lawrence Brainerd ; 1835-37, John Smith; 1838, 
 A. G. Tarleton; 1839, Stephen S. Brown; 1840, Isaiah Newton; 
 1841-42, Cornelius Stilphen ; 1843, John Gates; 1844, none; 1845, 
 Orlando Stephens; 1846-47, William Bridges; 1848, H. R. Beardsley ; 
 1849, Benjamin B.Newton; 1850-51, William Bridges; 1852-53, C. N. 
 Hayden ; 1854-55, T. W. Smith; 1856-57, Hiram F. Stevens; 1858- 
 59, A. G. Soule; 1860-62, John G. Smith; 1863, Worthingtoh C. 
 Smith; 1864-65, Bradley Barlow; 1866, Charles Wyman ; 1867, E. F. 
 Perkins; 1868-69, George G. Hunt; 1870-72, Edward A. Smith; 
 1874, Park Davis; 1876, J. W. Newton ; 1878, Edward Green ; 1880, 
 Herbert Brainerd ; 1882, Guy C. Noble ; 1884, F. Stewart Stranahan; 
 1886, Spencer S. Bedard; 1888, Henry M. Stevens ; 1890, Edward C. 
 Smith. 
 
 The Village of St. Albans. 
 
 The history of the village of St. Albans is the history of its various 
 institutions and business interests, the first of which were in being some 
 years prior to the erection of the county itself, and long before there 
 had been passed any act by which the village was separated from the 
 town for municipal organization and conduct. In fact the village has 
 never become entirely separate from the town, for there are annu- 
 ally elected officers whose jurisdictions extend alike throughout the 
 town and village, and who are chosen upon the joint ballot of both or- 
 ganizations or bodies corporate. The first step taken in the direction of 
 erecting the municipality of St. Albans occurred on the 25th of Janu- 
 ary, 1855, when a petition was presented to the selectmen of the town, 
 requesting that body to " establish a fire district in the village of St. 
 
356 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Albans," agreeable to the provisions of an act of the legislature, passed 
 and approved the lith of November of the preceding year — 1854. 
 
 There appears no evidence tending to show that there was any munic- 
 ipal organization of the village prior to that time, and in this respect 
 this locality seems to have been an exception to the great majority of the 
 villages of the state that held any considerable population. The first act 
 of the legislature that authorized embryo village organizations was 
 passed somewhere about the year 181 8; and this empowered the select- 
 men of the several towns of the state, upon the petition of resident free- 
 holders, to define certain limits within which animals should not be per- 
 mitted to run at large. But of the provisions of this act the people of 
 the village of St. Albans seem never to have availed themselves ; and it 
 was only in pursuance of the enabling act of 1854 that the limited vil- 
 lage organization of St Albans was effected soon after that time. The 
 petition upon which the village of St. Albans was erected into a fire dis- 
 trict was dated the 25th day of January, 1855, ^nd was addressed to 
 the selectmen of the town — Romeo H. Hoyt, Cornelius Stilphen, and 
 Thomas Campbell, as follows : 
 
 " To the selectmen of St. Albans : We, the subscribers, request you 
 to establish a fire district in the village of St. Albans, in accordance 
 with an act of the legislature of this state, approved November nth, 
 1854." Signed, " L. L. Butcher, B. B. Newton, Charles Wyman, 
 Theodore W. Smith, A. S. Hyde, C. H. Huntington, Levi Webster, 
 Azel Church, William Fuller, E. B. Whitney, William Farrar, V. 
 Adams, J. Saxe, William O. Gadcomb, S. S. Robinson, Bildad Paul, 
 A. O. Brainerd, A. Evans, Charles B. Swift, L.Gilman,M. M. Beardsley, 
 C. F. Saft'ord, H.Livingston, A. Hagar,A. H. Huntington, L L. Chand- 
 ler, L M. Brown." 
 
 In pursuance of the petition the selectmen caused a survey of the town 
 to be made, the work being done on the 30th of January, 1855, by 
 Heman Green, engineer and surveyor ; and in accordance with his re 
 port Fire District No. i of the town of St. Albans was established. The 
 boundaries of the district are on record in the office of the town clerk, 
 but are not considered of sufficient importance to warrant their publica- 
 tion here. 
 
 The first meeting to complete the organization of the district was held 
 
Village of St. Albans. 357 
 
 on Wednesday, the 7th day of February, 1855. Romeo H. Hoyt pre- 
 sided, and Asahel H. Hyde was chosen clerk, Henry M. Stevens was 
 elected collector, and Theodore W. Smith, Victor Atwood, and William 
 Farrar were constituted the prudential committee. The establishment 
 of the boundaries of the fire district by Surveyor Green gave rise to a 
 slight feeling of dissatisfaction in certain quarters, and resulted in another 
 petition signed by twenty interested citizens, asking that the lines be 
 altered and re-established. This request was presented to the select- 
 men, Hiram F. Stevens and Jeptha Bradley only acting, and they, on 
 the 28th of December, 1855, caused the district to be altered according 
 to the prayer of the petition so that the village embraced something less 
 than 640 acres area, a little less than one square mile. On the 20th of 
 April, 1855, the people of the district were called together for the pur- 
 pose of acting on a proposition that contemplated an outlay of not ex- 
 ceeding $3,000 for the purchase of apparatus to be used as a protection 
 against fire. The proposition, however, on being put before the meet- 
 ing, was dismissed. 
 
 This was the character of the first recognized municipal organization 
 of the village of St. Albans ; and, such as it was, was necessitated by the 
 rapid, almost phenomenal, growth of the place, brought about mainly by 
 one single enterprise, the construction of the railroad through the town 
 and the establishing of the main ofiices of the company in the village. 
 But it was not alone the location of the business departments of the road 
 here that occasioned this wonderful and sudden increase in population, 
 as one of the chief factors in working the village's early prosperity was 
 the starting of the construction and repair shops, which act of itself 
 brought to the place a large number of people and caused it to grow and 
 increase constantly until it soon became the third in point of population 
 and commercial importance among the municipalities of Vermont, a 
 position it has maintained to the present time. But St. Albans was not 
 destined to long remain in the character of a fire district ; that was but 
 the first step in the march of municipal advancement. It was sufficient 
 for the occasion, but not of the class of government to which the village 
 soon thereafter became entitled to belong. 
 
 The village of St. Albans was incorporated by virtue of an act of the 
 legislature of Vermont, passed and approved the i8th day of November, 
 
3S8 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 1859, the first section^ of which act was as follows : "That part of the 
 town of St. Albans included within the limits of the fire district in said 
 town, recorded on the town records in said town, in volume twenty sec- 
 ond, page seventy-nine, and such part of the town of St. Albans as has 
 been included in said village corporation since November, 1859, shall 
 hereafter be known by the name of the village of St. Albans ; and the in- 
 habitants of said village are hereby constituted a body politic and cor- 
 porate, with the usual powers incident to public corporations, to be known 
 by the (name of the) village of St. Albans; and they may alter the bounda 
 of said village with the consent of the person or persons whose residence 
 or property will be included or excluded thereby; such alterations and 
 written consent being first recorded in the town clerk's office in said 
 St. Albans." 
 
 Subsequent sections of the same act made provision for the character 
 of government of the village, designated the several offices to be filled, 
 and the powers and duties of whoever should be called to fill them. To 
 the act amendments were made from time to time, as occasion required ; 
 but in November, 1876, at the meeting of the legislature of that year, 
 there was passed an amendatory or supplementary act that had the eflfect 
 of substantially revising the village charter, or, perhaps better, creating a 
 new one, so radical were the changes made and so greatly increased 
 were the powers conferred by the act passed at that time. Under the 
 provisions of these acts of the legislature has the village of St. Albans 
 been governed to this present time. In its several departments the 
 proper officers have been chosen for the conduct of its affiiirs, and than 
 this there is no better regulated municipality in the state of Vermont. 
 The chief object in separating the village from the town was that the 
 former might have the benefits of such improvements as its people, 
 through its officers, saw fit to inaugurate from time to time, which im- 
 provements were designed particularly for the village alone, and for the 
 expense of which the residents outside were not wiUing to contribute, 
 either by subscription or by tax on their property. It could hardly be 
 expected that the jurisdiction of the fire department should be made to 
 extend beyond the village limits, and, as it thus afforded no protection 
 to outside property, the people not benefited could not be charged with 
 
 ' The amended section. 
 
Village of St. Albans. 359 
 
 the expense of its apparatus or its maintenance. So, too, with the 
 water supply of the village and its other local improvements usual to 
 municipal corporations. But it can hardly be considered proper, in this 
 connection, to enter into a discussion of the various causes that made it 
 necessary that the village become incorporated, and thus separated from 
 the town to which it belonged prior to the passage of the act of 1859. 
 But the district of territory that now comprises the beautiful village 
 of St. Albans had an existence in the nature of a hamlet almost as 
 ancient as the town itself The first permanent settlement in the town 
 was made during the years 1785 and 1786, by a handful of venturesome 
 pioneers, who came and occupied the lands under the rights conferred 
 upon the grantees in the New Hampshire charter. And- one of the 
 provisions of that charter declared for the laying out of town lots as 
 near as practicable to the center of the town, thus contemplating the 
 after-building up of a village on the designated lands. In carrying out 
 these provisions Robert Cochran and Seth Ford set tlie proverbial 
 stake for the center of the town, about which the town lots were to be 
 laid out ; and by that action they located what afterward became and 
 now is the village of St. Albans. The report of their proceedings was 
 made to the town on the 28th of June, 1792. 
 
 By this time, the year 1792, there were already built a number of 
 dwelling houses, but they were scattered over the territory and erected 
 wherever were the owner's lands. During this year Captain Charles 
 Whitney started a store, the first of its kind, it is supposed, to be located 
 here. In 1793 William Jackson also commenced merchandising in the 
 south part of the village, near where was afterward built the Nason 
 Tavern, the latter not having been opened until about 1797. 
 
 The part of the village in which the Nason Tavern was built seems to 
 have been a strong rival to the section further north, about the common, 
 during the early period, and the chief center of operations there seemed 
 to be the tavern itself. It stood in the rear of what is now the residence 
 of S. S. Alien, while the barns connected with the hostelry stood about 
 on the site of the present Locke house. But all traces of these early 
 occupancies have disappeared, and this is now one of the pleasant resi- 
 dential localities of the village. 
 
 The road that is now Main street was constructed through the town 
 
360 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 by the efforts of the proprietors under the leadership of Ira and Levi 
 Allen. It was laid out at a width of six rods, or ninety-nine feet: a 
 wise provision, and one for which all subsequent residents have ever 
 been grateful to the proprietors, although its construction was a burden 
 of expense to the early settlers. Naturally the majority of the early 
 structures, of whatever kind, were built along this highway, and the lo- 
 cality was more of the nature of a scattered settlement than like a com- 
 pact village or hamlet. 
 
 But the designation of St. Albans as the shire town of the county was 
 the first prominent event that promised a considerable population to the 
 village in the then future ; and the selection of the site for the county 
 buildings at once made the locality of the common a place of impor- 
 tance, for here trade and settlement were destined to come and remain 
 for all future time. Although it was a number of years after the selec- 
 tion was made before the buildings themselves materialized, the growth 
 of the place in their immediate vicinity was noticeable, and this region 
 soon became the principal center of trade ; and while the south village 
 held its position for a time, it nevertheless gradually declined as the 
 north part progressed. In 1801 the place was found to be of sufficient 
 importance to warrant the government in establishing a postoffice at 
 St. Albans, with the pioneer Daniel Ryan at its head, under commission 
 from the proper authorities. This leads us to the succession of post- 
 masters of the village, with the dates of the appointments of each, to the 
 present time, which has been as follows : 
 
 Postmasters of St. Albans. — Daniel Ryan, April i, 1801 ; Horace 
 Janes, December 24, 1806; Samuel H. Barlow, May 15, 1829; Luther L. 
 Dutcher, February 5, 1841 ; Oscar A. Burton, June i, 1841; Luther L. 
 Dutcher, February 15, 1843; Edward J. Hicks, September 27, 1848; 
 Seth P. Eastman, May 30, 1849; Hiram B. Sowles, April 27, 1853; 
 Charles H. Reynolds, December 18, 1856; John J. Deavitt, July 14, 
 i860; Horatio N. Barber, January 15, 1862; Benjamin D. Hopkins, 
 March 30, 1 871; George T. Mooney, August 3, 1886; Austin W. Fuller, 
 May 7, 1890. 
 
 Educational Institutions of the Village. — The history of the village of 
 St. Albans does not appear to have been marked by the founding and 
 subsequent downfall of numerous academic institutions, such as has been 
 
Village of St. Albans. 361 
 
 the case in many other locahties of the state similar to this ; but from 
 the very first those that have been established have been enduring, and 
 were productive of much good. To be sure there have been changes, 
 a number of them, and there have been schools of various degrees that 
 were started, and afterward passed out of existence ; but, at the same 
 time, there has been a noticeable absence of rivalry among ambitious 
 educators to found and have in operation during the same period several 
 schools, each claiming superiority on account of special advantages 
 afforded the youth of the community in the way of education. 
 
 There was no school established in the village and supported at the 
 public expense prior to the year 1799, although there is evidence tend- 
 ing to show that Rev. Eben Hibbard taught a select school for some 
 time, in connection with his engagement as preacher in the community. 
 But the worthy dominie by no means conducted a parochial school, 
 for such things were hardly known at that time, but his was maintained 
 that the youth of the town might learn from his store of knowledge ; 
 and his goodly eye, too, might have seen visions of increased earnings 
 by the way of tuition fees from the parents whose children attended his 
 school. The period of Rev. Hibbard's teaching is said to have com- 
 menced somewhere about the year 1792 ; and the place of his labors is 
 believed to have been about where J. G. Moore's marble works now 
 stand, at or near the corner of Congress and Main streets. 
 
 During the year 1799 the people in town meeting took action relative 
 to the formation of school districts, and the establishment and mainte- 
 nance of schools therein. This was the first action on the part of the 
 town, and by it the territory was erected into six districts. And during 
 this same year there was brought into existence an institution that has 
 been, though with many viscissitudes, maintained to the present day. 
 This has always been known as the Franklin County Grammar School, 
 but as such specialty it has lost its identity, and is now known as the 
 St. Albans High School, maintained and supported mainly by the resi- 
 dents of School District No. 4, of the town of St. Albans, under the 
 direction of the prudential committee as from year to year constituted 
 and established. 
 
 For the following narrative of the history of the Franklin County 
 Grammar School the writer has made bold piracy upon the sketch 
 
 46 
 
362 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 prepared by Mr. Houghton and published in the Vermont Gazetteer, 
 which, with slight modifications, was as follows: In the towns of "Berk- 
 shire, Enosburgh, Fletcher, Franklin, Montgomery, and Richford there 
 are lands reserved in the charters for the use and benefit of the ' County 
 Grammar School' ; and the rights or shares of land were appropriated 
 by a special act of the legislature, passed November 7, 181 5, 'to the use 
 of the Franklin County Grammar School, instituted and established at 
 St. Albans.' " 
 
 The Franklin County Grammar School was established at St. Albans, 
 by an act of the General Assembly of Vermont, passed November 9, 
 1799. Board of trustees named in the charter: Silas Hathaway, Levi 
 House, Joseph Jones, Nathan Green, Seth Pomeroy, Jonathan Hoyt, 
 Elisha Sheldon, and Joseph Robinson. The first building erected at 
 St. Albans, for the use of the Franklin County Grammar School, was a 
 capacious and tasteful wooden one, with a large hall in the second 
 story, built under the direction of Joseph Jones, Levi House, and Jona- 
 than Hoyt, a committee appointed by the trustees. It stood near the 
 site of the present Union school-house, and after several years was re- 
 moved upon the public green, where it remained several months, and 
 was then removed to Main street, having been in recent times furnished 
 with a brick front, and converted into stores and occupied until burnt in 
 January, 1865. 
 
 In place of the wooden building so removed the trustees erected a 
 two-story brick building in the year 1828, which was used until i860, 
 when it was sold to Benjamin F. Rugg, who removed it to Lake street, 
 and converted it into a building which is now occupied for mercantile 
 purposes. In 1861, the premises having been leased by the Franklin 
 County Grammar School to Union School District Number Four, in St. 
 Albans, a committee of said district, consisting of Bradley Barlow, John 
 Gregory Smith, and William W. White, erected the large building now 
 standing thereon. By the terms of the lease the Union School District 
 is bound to provide, free of rent, on the first or second floor in said 
 building, a capacious and conveniently furnished room or rooms, to ac- 
 commodate at least 100 students, for the exclusive use, occupancy, and 
 control at all times of the trustees and their successors in office ;' and 
 subject to the further proviso: "That said district shall not use or oc- 
 cupy any portion of said premises for other than school purposes." 
 
Village of St. Albans. 363 
 
 However much this parent school has lost its identity, by reason of 
 the lease to School District No. 4, would be difficult, perhaps, to accu- 
 rately determine, but it is still one of the recognized institutions of the 
 locality; it is still in existence, in combination with the succeeding 
 school, so harmonized and managed that to the average attendant he 
 recognizes neither one from the other. 
 
 During the year 1884 the legislature passed an act that nearly de- 
 prived this institution of the rental of some of the lands that the act of 
 1815 had granted. In the last named year the Richford Grammar 
 School was incorporated, and the act that effected that end contemplated 
 the turning of the land rents of Richford, Fletcher, and Montgomery to 
 the benefit of that institution. This proposition led to litigation, with 
 the final result that the act of 1884 was declared to be unconstitutional: 
 that lands once granted forever could not be diverted to the use of an- 
 other purpose. 
 
 The present educational system of St. Albans contemplates the main- 
 tenance of two schools, the high school and the Elm street school. The 
 first has four departments, designated respectively primary, intermedi- 
 ate, grammar, and high ; and each division is graded according to the 
 advancement of its pupils — the primary comprising the first and second 
 grades ; the intermediate the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh ; 
 the grammar the eighth, ninth, and tenth ; and the high the grades 
 called freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior. The Elm street school 
 has two departments only, primary and grammar, the first comprising 
 the first, second, and third grades, and the latter the fourth, fifth, sixth, 
 and seventh grades. Pupils farther advanced than the course at this 
 school contemplates are required to attend the high school on Church 
 street. 
 
 The members of the last prudential committee, Messrs. M. Magifif, 
 Homer E. Bentley, and F. F. Twitchell, in their recommendation to the 
 district regarding the expenses for the current year of 1890, suggested 
 a tax of forty-five cents on the dollar on the grand Hst of $25,692.31. 
 They also placed the probable expense of the schools, for the year, at 
 $14,105, but to be reduced by tuitions, $500; grammar school fund, 
 $65 ; and public moneys, $2,400 ; leaving to be provided by assessed 
 tax the sum of $11,040. 
 
364 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 The Banking Institutions of St. Albans. — The history of the banks 
 of St. Albans has been one of remarkable events. The first concern of 
 the kind, of which there appears any reliable tradition or record, is said 
 to have been established somewhere about the year 1 807, as a branch 
 of the Vermont State Bank, having its place of business at the corner of 
 Main and Congress streets. There is, however, some doubt expressed 
 concerning the relation of the local bank to the state bank, for the latter 
 was not brought into existence until 1806, when branches were established 
 at Woodstock and Middlebury ; and in 1807 other branches were organ- 
 ized at Burlington and Westminster only. The more probable theory 
 is that the bank here was some sort of a moneyed concern, started in 
 the town about the time named, but was of a private character, and 
 without organization or perpetuity. 
 
 In 1825 the Bank of St. Albans was organized under and in pursu- 
 ance of a special charter, which was secured October 29th of that year, 
 with an apparent capital stock of $100,000, but with a paid in capital of 
 $50,000. It was organized by the election of Nehemiah W. Kingman 
 as president, and A. Plympton as cashier. In 1829 Abel Houghton 
 came to St. Albans, and was chosen cashier ; and he, with Lawrence 
 Brainerd as president, retained their respective positions during the after- 
 existence of the institution. The bank ceased active business at the 
 expiration of its charter, on January i, 1855. The Bank of St. Albans 
 issued bills which were secured by the responsibility of the association 
 and the individual bonds of its directors. These bills circulated quite 
 extensively, and were given additional circulation by means of their re- 
 demption by the Suffolk Bank of Boston, to which tribute had to be 
 paid by all Vermont banks for that service. 
 
 This local bank was a great convenience to the business men of the 
 community, and proved a profitable investment to its stockholders, 
 under the able management of its principal executive officer, Abel 
 Houghton, during its almost entire existence. It had some losses by 
 burglary and failures, but these were partially recovered under pecul- 
 iarly favorable circumstances. Its safe was once broken open by a 
 French Canadian called Bodra, during its eariy existence, and robbed 
 of the sum of $3,000. The burglar, who was a blacksmith in the town, 
 evaded all suspicion and detection for some time, but eventually came 
 
Village of St. Albans. 365 
 
 under surveillance by reason of having been seen under suspicious cir- 
 cumstances in the town of Highgate about the time of the robbery. 
 This led to an investigation before one of the justices of the peace, who, 
 from that circumstance alone, " bound him up" for further investigation 
 by the grand jury of the county, and for want of bail he was committed 
 to jail. The prisoner at once sent for Hon. Henry Adams, an attorney 
 of the firm of Smalley & Adams, through whom the fact subsequently 
 became understood that Bodra desired that his whereabouts should not 
 become known to the Canadian authorities ; and, as the price of his 
 freedom, he offered to disclose the place in which the stolen money was 
 hidden. The money was recovered and the burglar released, but only 
 to be subsequently arrested, tried, and hanged for murder in St. Louis, 
 Mo. Subsequently this same bank suffered heavy losses through the 
 failure of its redeeming agent in New York city, but of this loss it 
 partially recovered. 
 
 In 1849 Oscar A. Burton secured a special charter for the Franklin 
 County Bank at St. Albans Bay, with a capital stock of $100,000, which 
 was fully paid in. The bank was organized by the choice of a board of 
 directors, of which Mr. Burton was made president, and Edward W. 
 Parker, cashier. Subsequently, in 1853, this bank was removed to St. 
 Albans village, and did a successful business under the same manage- 
 ment, (with the exception that Marcus W. Beardsley afterwards became 
 cashier, and N. A. Lassell, Eben Barlow, and Albert Sowles, tellers, in 
 the successive order named,) until it was entered by a band of raiders, 
 under command of Lieutenant Bennett H. Young, on the 19th of Octo- 
 ber, 1864, and about $72,000 of money was taken from its tills and 
 vault, the money consisting largely of the bank's own currency, to stop 
 the payment of which it became necessary to suspend and cease business. 
 After the bank was plundered the cashier, Mr. Beardsley, and one Jackson 
 Clark were placed in the vault and then locked in, and remained until 
 their assailants had fled from the town. This bank afterward secured 
 about $30,000 of its loss from the Canadian government 
 
 At the October session of the legislature of 1853 Hiram B. Sowles 
 secured a special charter for the St. Albans Bank, with a capital stock 
 of $150,000, which was fully paid in and the bank organized by the 
 choice of Hiram B. Sowles as president, and Henry Howes as cashier. 
 
366 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Subsequently, in January, 1857, Mr. Howes resigned as cashier, and 
 Bradley Barlow was appointed in his stead. The bank remained thus 
 officered until it was plundered by the Confederate raiders under Lieu- 
 tenant Young, on the 19th of October, 1864. Its tellers, Martin A. 
 Seymour and Cyrus N. Bishop, were overpowered by the raiders, and 
 after being relieved of about $87,000 of currency they were compelled 
 to take the oath of allegiance to the Southern Confederacy, and the 
 banditti made their escape with the plunder. 
 
 This bank was unable to avoid the payment of its currency, in that it 
 was so indiscriminately mixed with the currency of other banks that it 
 could not be designated, for the want of " ear marks"; and the bank 
 continued to do business until it was compelled to suspend by reason of 
 the rigid and discriminating provisions of the National Bank Act, which 
 placed a direct tax on all circulating currency of state banks, amounting 
 to a practical prohibition against the issuance of circulation, which was 
 the principal source of profit to the bank. It received from the Cana- 
 dian government about $20,000 in gold, for which the bank realized 
 about $30,000. 
 
 On the 24th of February, 1864, the First National Bank of St. Albans 
 was organized under the National Banking Act, having a capital stock 
 of $100,000, and with Hiram Bellows as president and Albert Sowles as 
 cashier. The charter bore the date of February 8, 1 864 This bank 
 was a designated depository and financial agent of the United States, 
 and received subscriptions, as such agent, to the extent of about $1,500,- 
 000 of bonds for the government during the Rebellion. This bank was 
 hkewise raided on the eventful igth of October, 1864, and relieved of 
 about $57,500 of United States currency, bank bills. United States bonds 
 and treasury notes. The latter were held in trust for the United States, 
 and after ten years of hard labor, before the next commission under the 
 twelfth section of the treaty of Washington, for the settlement of Ameri- 
 can and British claims, occasioned by depredations committed by al- 
 leged breaches of neutrality on American territory and citizens during 
 the war of 1861-65, the claim was disallowed by reason of contributory 
 negligence on the part of citizens of the United States in connection 
 with the depredations. Congress, however, appropriated the sum of 
 $28,650 to partially make good the bank's loss. 
 
Village of St. Albans. 367 
 
 The year 1883 witnessed great financial crises in the banking insti- 
 tutions of St. Albans, which resulted in the failure of the St. Albans 
 Trust Company and the Vermont National Bank of St. Albans, on the 
 7th day of August of that year. The First National Bank weathered 
 the storm for some eight months, when, through an unfortunate occur- 
 rence, brought about in part by the treachery of one of its correspond- 
 ents, one of its drafts went to protest, and the concern soon passed into 
 the hands of Receiver Daniel Roberts, but afterward superceded by 
 Chester W. Witters, followed with all the consequences of a receivership. 
 An examination into the affairs of this bank also disclosed the fact that its 
 officers, as well as those of other banks, had seriously impaired its solid- 
 ity by speculative indulgences, unauthorized and unwarrantable, which, 
 of themselves, independent of other occurrences, were sufficient to work 
 its downfall and ruin. 
 
 The Vermont National Bank of St. Albans, the immediate successor 
 to the St. Albans Bank, was organized under the National Banking Act 
 in October, 1865, with a capital stock of $200,000; and its doors were 
 opened for business on June i, 1866, with Worthington C. Smith, presi- 
 dent, and Bradley Barlow, cashier. Subsequently Mr. Barlow became 
 its principal owner and president, with Cyrus N. Bishop as cashier ; and 
 so continued until the collapse on the 7th of August, 1883, when the 
 bank and the St. Albans Trust Company suspended business at the same 
 time. The downfall of the Vermont National was almost directly at- 
 tributable to railroad speculations in Canada, which proved disastrous. 
 These events cast a gloom over the entire business community, and 
 well-nigh brought disaster to many other interests and industries, as it 
 did to some. The deposits of this bank at the time amounted to about 
 $450,000, and that of the Trust Company was about $580,000, which 
 were 'principally owned by depositors residing in the immediate vicinity, 
 many of whom became nearly frantic over their misfortunes, and sus- 
 picious of all like institutions to such an extent that other banks m the 
 region became demoralized and adversely affected by their action. 
 Comptroller of the Currency John J. Knox immediately visited St. Al- 
 bans and at once decided to and did appoint Hon. George W. Hendee 
 receiver of this bank, the Verniont National, and the affairs of the same 
 are still in process of liquidation. 
 
368 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 The St. Albans Trust Company, the succeeding institution of the 
 National Trust Company, (the United States statutes prohibiting the 
 use of " national " in designating any other than a national bank,) was 
 organized in pursuance of an act of the Vermont legislature, on the l8th 
 day of November, 1868, as a guast-hank with a capital stock of $100,000, 
 and with Lawrence Brainerd as president, and Martin O. Seytpour as 
 treasurer, the latter being afterward succeeded by H. E. Burgess. The 
 disaster to this institution was precipitated by its executive officers 
 becoming extensively involved in various schemes, swappingaccommoda- 
 tions, and more particularly in the Norwood Lumber Company, of Nor- 
 wood, N. Y., of which Mr. Brainerd was likewise president and princi- 
 pal owner. The embarrassment of this bank resulted in an application 
 to Chancellor Homer E. Royce for the appointment of a receiver, and 
 Charles W. Rich was shortly thereafter so appointed. At his decease, 
 in 1889, Henry M. Stevens succeeded to the position, and he after much 
 effort succeeded in closing the affairs of the institution by an order of 
 the Court of Chancery. 
 
 The Welden National Bank of St. Albans was organized under the 
 national bank laws, on the 26th day of April, 1886, having a capital stock 
 of $100,000. The first board of directors were John Gregory Smith, Ed- 
 ward C. Smith, J. W. Hobart. J. M. Foss, Henry L. MiUis, D. D. Ran- 
 lett, and Frank O. Squire. This board chose officers as follows : Presi- 
 dent, J. Gregory Smith ; vice-president, Edward C. Smith ; cashier, 
 F. Stewart Stranahan ; assistant cashier, John C. Stranahan. 
 
 From the first election of officers to the present time there has been 
 no change, but in the directory Mr. Millis and Mr. Squire have re- 
 tired, and their places filled by the selection of Bradley B. Smalley of 
 Burlington, and F. Stewart Stranahan of St. Albans. The Welden Na- 
 tional Bank is certainly in a prosperous condition under its present man- 
 agement, having a surplus of $io,ooo, and undivided profits amounting 
 to $10,400. 
 
 The People's Trust Company of St. Albans was brought into existence 
 by virtue of a special act of the Vermont legislature, passed and ap- 
 proved November 12th, 1886, by which act J. M. Foss, John Branch, 
 Chester W. Witters, Henry R. Start, and Olin Merrill were designated 
 commissioners to open books and receive stock subscriptions. Having 
 
Village of St. Albans. 369 
 
 performed their duties the commissioners called a meeting of the stock- 
 holders to be held on the 1st of January, 1887, for the purpose of elect- 
 ing a board of directors, and turning over the stock books and charter 
 from the state to the completed organization. The board of directors 
 elected were these : J. Gregory Smith, D. D. Ranlett, J. M. Foss, C. W. 
 Witters, Olin Merrill, A. W. Woodworth, Edward C. Smith. The offi- 
 cers were elected as follows : President, J. Gregory Smith ; vice-presi- 
 dent, D. D. Ranlett; treasurer and clerk, John Branch. In the directory 
 A. W. Woodworth has retired, and Henry M. Stevens appointed in his 
 stead ; other than this there has been no change in the personnel of the 
 board or officers of the company. The statement of the condition of 
 the Trust Company, as shown by the report at the close of business 
 June 30th, 1890, was as follows: Assets, loans on real estate all in Ver- 
 mont, $102,607.66; loans on town orders, $11,979.75 ; loans on town 
 bonds, $8,726; loans on personal security, $26,607.01 ; loans on mort- 
 gage collateral, $12,700; loans on bank stock collateral, $1,000; loans 
 on deposit books, $250; town, village, and school bonds, $115,855 ; 
 U. S. bonds, $50 ; cash on hand, $6,940 27. Liabilities : Capital paid 
 in, $40,000 ; due 955 depositors, $233,299.64; surplus, $10,000; profit 
 and loss, $3,416.05. 
 
 The Warner Home. — In the northeast part of the village of St. Al- 
 bans, on a commanding elevation that overlooks the entire western part 
 of the town, and as well the waters of the lake with its beautiful island 
 towns, stands the Home for Little Wanderers, a lasting monument to the 
 generosity and public spiritedness of Chauncey Warner, of Cambridge, 
 Vt. In 1 88 1 Mr. Warner made a magnificent donation of money, to 
 the amount of $25,000, to the ladies of St. Albans who should become 
 properly organized and associated for its receipt for the purpose of es- 
 tablishing the Home, but on condition that the Ladies' Association 
 should raise the additional sum of $5,000 by subscription for the pur- 
 chase of a site. This was done and the Home in due season established 
 on the site now occupied by it. The institution, being purely charitable 
 in its character, is under the direction of trustees and a board of mana- 
 gers, and is in all respects a worthy home for indigent children. 
 
 St. Albans Hospital. — In the year 1882 Chauncey Warner, of Cam- 
 bridge, made the magnificent gift of the sum of $25,000 to an associa- 
 
 47 
 
370 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 tion for the purpose of establishing a general hospital for sick and 
 injured persons in the village of St. Albans. For the purpose of carry- 
 ing out the objects of this contribution the legislature passed an act 
 November 28, 1882, by which John Gregory Smith, Bradley Barlow, 
 Theodore R. Waugh, George Dunsmore, A. M. Brown, Silas P. Carpen- 
 ter, George A. Ballard, A. G. Soule, and Reuben Brush were named in- 
 corporators. The Hospital Association was duly organized thereafter, 
 and purchased the Edward A. Smith homestead on Main and Ferris 
 streets, at a cost of $8jOOO, which was remodeled to the extent neces- 
 sary to convert it into hospital use and appointments. 
 
 But notwithstanding the worthy character and object of this institu- 
 tion it was not exempted from misfortunCj for in February, 1888, it 
 was virtually destroyed by an unfortunate fire, and not rebuilt until July 
 following ; but when it was again established and furnished it appeared 
 second to none of its kind in the state. Its management was and is en- 
 trusted to competent officers, those for the year 1 890 being as follows : 
 John Gregory Smith, James M Foss, Silas P. Carpenter, George 
 Dunsmore, George A. Ballard, Theodore R. Waugh, M. P. Perley, 
 Reuben Brush, and E. M. Brown, directors ; George Dunsmore, 
 G. A. Ballard, J. M. Foss, executive committee of directors ; John 
 Gregory Smith, president; J. M. Foss, vice-president; Charles D. Wat- 
 son, secretary; Theodore R. Waugh, treasurer and superintendent; 
 H. D. Belden, assistant superintendent; Dunsmore, Brush, and Watson, 
 trustees. In addition to the $25,000 first given by Mr. Warner for the 
 establishment of the hospital the same generous person afterward en- 
 larged the same by giving to the management a fine farm in Lamoille 
 county and an extensive tract of woodland near Belvidere, Vt. The 
 funds and property are invested and controlled by the trustees, and the 
 institution derives an annual income from about $20,000. The whole 
 property and estate of the Hospital Association are estimated to be worth 
 about $49,000. 
 
 Taylor Park was so named in honor of its principal donor. Colonel 
 Halloway Taylor, a pioneer and likewise extensive land owner in this 
 vicinity. The name Taylor Park, however, is of comparatively recent 
 appHcation, and was brought about by action of the town meeting. The 
 park itself has become one of the institutions of the village, and a locality 
 
Village of St. Albans. 371 
 
 the fair name and fame of which are known throughout the state. In 
 1792, on the 28th of June, Robert Cochran and Seth Ford "set out the 
 stake " for the center of the town, and brought into being the green, 
 around which should be laid out the division of town lots for a village 
 site ; but httle did those worthies think that they were in fact designat- 
 ing the location for one of the most beautiful parks in Vermont; never- 
 theless such was the fact. The park in size is twenty by fifty rods, but 
 was not so according to the original intention, the legal construction and 
 interpretation of what constitutes a donation to public use having some- 
 thing to do with its present area. 
 
 The park tract was once known as the "green," and has subsequently 
 passed through the stages and conditions of " green " and "common," 
 and thereafter became the modern park. During its existence as a 
 green there was built and maintained for a time within its limits the 
 stocks and whipping-post, recollections of ages passed and gone. These 
 stood in its northwest corner, about opposite to the Brainerd block. The 
 pound, likewise, was in the same tract, but only for a very short time. 
 The only public building that ever stood within the park was the old 
 school- house, which was moved there by force of circumstances, pro- 
 duced by litigations ; but this was only a temporary occupancy. 
 
 The magnificent double row of maple and elm trees that now grace 
 and adorn this locality were planted in 1838; but the southern- central 
 portions of the park were kept free even from trees, for here was the 
 common, which was brought into use on market days and other occa- 
 sions for such uses as caravans, public assemblages, and the like. Foot- 
 ball, a modern pastime, comparatively, is here at present indulged in 
 by the grace of the local civil authorities. 
 
 But Taylor Park has received much of its later adornment from the 
 efforts of the civil officers of the village, and from the generous labors of 
 the Improvement Society. The laying out of walks and promenades, in 
 which was displayed much skill in that special art, was the work of Mr. 
 Marshall Mason, the superintendent of streets and of the water works of 
 the village. The magnificent display fountain, which is constructed in 
 the northern portion of the park, was the generous gift of John Gregory 
 Smith to his native village. South of the fountain is a pretty Httle arti- 
 ficial lake, spanned by a substantial iron bridge, the latter the gift of the 
 Vermont Construction Company. 
 
372 History of Franklin and Grand Isle' Counties. 
 
 The Village Water Supply. — The necessity of an ample supply of pure 
 and wholesome water for family use as well as a protection against fire 
 was fully realized by the people of St. Albans for a number of years 
 prior to any definite action being taken in the matter of procuring the 
 supply. In 1869 a disastrous conflagration destroyed the building in 
 which the village records were kept, and again in 1871 property to the 
 value of at least $10,000 was destroyed from a similar cause. These 
 events had the effect of awakening the people to a full sense of their ne- 
 cessities, with the result of a public ineeting and a determination upon 
 the immediate introduction of water into the village. The further re- 
 sult was, in brief, the agreement on the part of the St. Albans Aqueduct 
 Company to construct the system of water supply, laying mains through- 
 out the streets of the village, placing fire hydrants at convenient points, 
 and in fact performing each and every act requisite to the construction 
 of a complete system sufficient for the wants of the municipality. This 
 was done in due time, the source of supply being established in the 
 north part of Fairfax, and the water brought to the village through a 
 main pipe. When completed the company, in accordance with its 
 agreement so to do, transferred to the village of St. Albans the entire 
 plant. This perhaps unusual method of operation was necessary that 
 the village might be invested with power to acquire and hold real prop- 
 erty outside its own boundaries. For the purchase of the system the 
 village was authorized to bond to the»extent of $150,000, which was 
 done, the sale of the bonds realizing $131,250. The agreement of 
 transfer was executed by its directors, Lawrence Brainerd, Edward A. 
 Smith, George G. Hunt, James M. Foss, and Reuben C. Benton ; while 
 the trustees then acting for the village were Charles Wyman, M. G. 
 Elliott, Guy C. Noble, F. S. Stranahan, and J. S. D. Taylor. This in- 
 strument was executed April 23, 1872, and the transfer was effected 
 March 12, 1874, the directors then being the same persons as already 
 mentioned, while the accepting trustees were Messrs. Elliott, Noble, 
 Stranahan, H. C. Adams, and S. A. Smith. 
 
 The benefits that accrued to the village by the construction of its 
 water works were indeed material ; the old well system of supply for all 
 purposes was discarded, and property owners generally availed them- 
 selves of the new method. The effect of this innovation on the old fire 
 
Village of St. Albans. 373 
 
 department, however, was disastrous, for the engine thereby lost its 
 usefulness. But the boys that " ran with the machine " very willingly 
 accommodated themselves to the new order of things, and in 1880 re- 
 organized the department. The present apparatus of this body now 
 comprises the hose cart and truck, with sufficient hose for any ordinary 
 occasion. These appliances for use in case of fire are- managed by an as- 
 sociation of young and strong men, and a more willing and active set of 
 hands never responded to an alarm of fire. 
 
 Churches and Church Societies. — Among the pioneers of the town of 
 St. Albans, the same as in all old settled communities, there was more 
 strict observance of the Sabbath than can be said of some of the later 
 generations of people ; yet from this statement it must not be inferred 
 that the present generation has shown any marked disregard of the Sab- 
 bath, but rather that the strict rules of conduct so closely adhered to by 
 our Puritanic forefathers have been greatly relaxed by the advanced 
 and more liberal views entertained by a fair proportion, if not by the 
 majority, of the present generation of people. The first settlers of the 
 town had no place for public worship other than their own dwellings, or 
 barns, or, perhaps, in warm seasons, some convenient grove. But after 
 the town had acquired a considerable population, and after its institu- 
 tions had become fixed, the people at once cast about in the matter of 
 employing a minister, who should preach and labor for the general wel- 
 fare, not in the interest of any denomination. The major portion of 
 the settlers for the first ten years were inclined to the Congregational 
 form of worship, had been reared and instructed in that church's faith 
 and government, and, as a consequence, the first ministers employed 
 were of that church. They were hired at the town's expense ; the salaries 
 were paid by tax on the grand list ; but did any person object to being 
 taxed for this purpose he had only to record with the town clerk a cer- 
 tificate to the effect that he was not in harmony with the views of the 
 employed preacher in order to relieve himself 
 
 The Congregational Church of St. Albans had its inception in the 
 primitive meetings for worship held by the first settlers, but it was not 
 until some years afterward that the society had definite organization or 
 pastoral head. As early as 1792 meetings were held by Rev. Ebenezer 
 Hibbard, who was a Congregational clergyman; and in 1795 Rev. 
 
374 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Zephaniah Ross officiated. Neither of these ministers were ordained 
 pastors, nor was the society organized as a result of their labors. The 
 first settled minister was Rev. Joel Foster, in May, 1803. The society 
 was the outgrowth of the efforts of Rev. Joel Foster, who came to die 
 town in 1802, the organization following the next year. The first mem- 
 bers were Samuel Smith, Patience Smith, Paul Brigham, Fanny Brig- 
 ham, Antipas Brigham, John Hastings, Samuel Sumner, Lucy Farrar, 
 and Noah Ripley. 
 
 The property and church edifice of the Congregational Society are 
 situated at the corner of Bank and Church streets, fronting the park. 
 The edifice is a plain, substantial brick structure, with spire and belfry. 
 The interior is arranged somewhat after the old style of construction, 
 the basement or ground floor being for use as a lecture and prayer room, 
 while the auditorium is up a half-flight of stairs. The church was 
 ererted in 1863, at a cost of some $30,000. The congregation of this 
 society is perhaps the strongest in point of members and affluence of 
 any of the churches of the village. 
 
 The first settled pastor was Rev. Jonathan Nye, whose term of con- 
 nection with the church continued from 180510 1809. From the time 
 of Rev. Mr. Nye's resignation the succession of officiating clergymen, 
 either in the pastoral relation or as ministers in charge, has been about 
 as follows : Revs. Mr. Hazen, William Dunlap, Willard Preston, Ben- 
 jamin Wooster, Henry P. Strong, Worthington Smith, Ebeneze^ Cutler, 
 David Dobie, J. Fames Rankin, John Q. Bittinger, Herman C. Riggs, 
 Charles Van Orden, John A. MacColl, and_D. Sage Mackay, the latter 
 being the present pastor of the church and society. 
 
 The Methodist Episcopal Church of St. Albans had its origin in the 
 locality during the closing years of the eighteenth century, and its so- 
 ciety therefore is to be numbered among the ancient institutions of the 
 place. The first meeting-house was commenced in 1819, a plain brick 
 structure, which, with various enlargements and repairs, answered the 
 purposes of the society until the year 1875, when it was replaced by the 
 large and elegant edifice that adorns the village. Its location is on 
 Church street, fronting the park, and about midway between Bank and 
 Fairfield streets. The cost of this edifice was about $30,000. 
 
 The early meetings of the people who were of the Methodist faith 
 
Village of St. Albans. 375 
 
 were held in this locality during the years from 1795 to 1800, in private 
 dwellings, barns occasionally, and sometimes in groves. The Essex 
 circuit of New York state was made to extend over this region, and 
 laboring therein was found the redoubtable Lorenzo ,Dow, whose ex- 
 hortations have been heard throughout the state, and he was associated 
 in his work here with Nehemiah Sabine. In 180I St. Albans and this 
 vicinity were changed from the Essex to the Fletcher circuit ; and during 
 the same year Laban Clarke formed the Methodist class in this town, 
 being the first religious society organized in the town. The circuit 
 " riders " during this time were Henry Ryan and Elijah Hedding. The 
 first baptized persons were Samuel Crippen, George Martin, Sally Cleve- 
 land, and David Crippen. In 1807 others were added by the same 
 service, as follows : Azariah Brooks, Lydia Brooks, Sarah Harrington, 
 and Sarah Waters, all baptized by Reuben Harris. 
 
 During the first half century of the society's history and existence 
 its membership included all the Methodists of the village and town. A 
 fair number of these members lived in the western part of the town, and 
 held their meetings at the Bay as well as joining with the society at 
 the village ; but during the 'fifties, or about 1855 or 1856, the Bay society 
 became a distinct body, built its own house of worship, and in fact 
 became entirely separated from the parent church. Of the Bay society 
 mention has been made on a preceding page of this chapter. The con- 
 gregation and membership of the Methodist Episcopal Society and 
 church in the village are large, and their property is among the best in 
 the county. 
 
 St. Luke's Church {^Protestant Episcopal). — The seed of this church in 
 St. Albans was sown in the early part of the year 18 16, by the mission 
 services conducted by the Rev? Stephen Beach in the old court-house. 
 At that time the church people of the village and town numbered hardly 
 more than half a dozen families, but others were added by Mr. Beach's 
 labors, he conducting services at the request of the Congregationalists, 
 who at that time happened to be without a pastoral head. But this ar- 
 rangethent bred a feeling of dissatisfaction, with final result in the with- 
 drawal of the church families from the use of the court-room and the 
 signing of articles of association as follows : 
 
 " We, the subscribers, do voluntarily associate and form ourselves into 
 
376 HisTORV OF Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 a society by the name of the Episcopal Society in St Albans ; and by 
 that name do organize ourselves under the first section of an act entitled 
 'An act for the support of the Gospel.' St. Albans, Vermont, Aug. 26, 
 1816. (Signed) Ashbel Smith, Benj. Chandler, Abijah Stone, Abner 
 Morton, Samuel Barlow, Orange Ferris, Joshua Brooks, B. B. Downs, 
 Joseph Carter, jun., Hubbard Barlow, John Nason, Bingham Lasell, 
 Abijah Hubbell, Austin Bryan, John Wood." 
 
 As may be seen from these articles the society of the church was or- 
 ganized in i8i6, but following that time was a season of adversity and 
 misfortunes, with the result that no church home was provided until the 
 year 1824, and then not completed until the succeeding year. The 
 edifice itself was a plain frame structure, of modest proportions and 
 cost, and built by general subscription, but largely by the people of the 
 society. It was substantially remodeled and repaired during the rector- 
 ship of Rev. W. H. Hoyt, from 1838 to 1846, and at the same time that 
 generous rector gave the organ to the church, it costing him some 
 $1,200. But at length the old church became insufficient for the large 
 and growing society ; therefore, in i860, the beautiful stone edifice was 
 erected at a cost of $14,000. It was consecrated by Rt. Rev. J. H. 
 Hopkins, bishop of the diocese of Vermont, on the 25th of July, i860. 
 
 Succession of officiating rectors or clergymen in charge: Stephen 
 Beach, Jordon Gray, Elijah Brainerd (deacon in orders), Nathan B. Bur- 
 gess, Joseph S. Covell, Louis McDonald, Sylvester Nash, George Allen, 
 William Henry Hoyt, Josiah Ferry, Charles Fay, J, Isham Bliss, Na- 
 thaniel F. Putnam, Thomas Haskins, Thomas Burgess, A. B. Flanders. 
 
 Church of the Immaculate Conception (Roman Catholic). — Prior to 
 1825 there were no regular Catholic services held in St. Albans, except 
 those conducted by the occasional ancfTregular visits to the town of 
 French priests from Canada, whose labors were of a missionary character. 
 From the time stated until 1830, the same as before, the priests made 
 visits, said mass, and gave an occasional discourse, but in 1830 the Rev. 
 J. O'Callaghan commenced more systematic missionary work in this 
 locality, maintaining, however, his residence in Burlington. Father 
 O'Callaghan continued in the field until 1841, and was then succeeded 
 by Rev. William Ivers. Soon after an effort was made to raise funds for 
 the erection of a church, but such difficulties were encountered that the 
 
Village of St. Albans. 377 
 
 project was abandoned for the time. However, in 1848, a lot of land 
 with a house thereon was purchased, and this was used for services until 
 a suitable church could be built. The foundation for the church edifice 
 was laid during the summer of 1849, the corner-stone being placed, with 
 proper ceremony, in August of that year. The work of building the 
 superstructure was thereafter forwarded as rapidly as the limited means 
 of the parishioners would permit, and the building itself was formally 
 dedicated by the bishop in 1864. 
 
 The church property of this parish, including the priest's home, con- 
 vent, and parochial school, is undoubtedly the most valuable of any in 
 the village. The church itself is a splendid brick structure, of admira- 
 ble style and proportion, and occupies a commanding site on Fairfield 
 street, facing the west. Near the church is the pastoral house, while on 
 the opposite side of the street, also fronting the west and as well the 
 north, is the large, commodious, and well appointed convent and paro- 
 chial school ; and this is an exceedingly well conducted institution, 
 under the charge of sisters from the famous Notre Dame of Montreal. 
 This school and the grounds on which it stands were the generous 
 gift of one of St. Albans's former business men. 
 
 The succession of priests in charge of the parish has been as follows : 
 Fathers J. O'Callaghan, WiUiam Ivers, George A. Hamilton, Henry 
 Lennon, T. Shahan, E. McGowan, T. Riordan, S. Danielou (appointed 
 in 185 s to take charge of the French Catholics of the parish), F. Clavier, 
 and L. Druon, the latter having come to the parish in 1865 and re- 
 mained to the present time. 
 
 The Church of the Holy Guardian Angels, situate on Lake street, is 
 practically an offshoot from the mother church of the village, that last 
 above mentioned. The congregation of the Guardian Angels church is 
 composed largely of French Catholics, many of them being residents of 
 the locality in which the church is built. The bishop of the diocese of 
 Vermont began to look particularly after the welfare of the French 
 Catholics in this vicinity about the year 1855, when Father Danielou 
 was sent to the parish in St. Albans, charged with that especial 
 duty. In 1856 Father Danielou was recalled and Father Clavier suc- 
 ceeded him, but in the pastoral charge of the Immaculate Conception 
 church and parish. The division of the parish of the church was effected 
 
 48 
 
378 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 after the year 1872, and the new parish formed. In 1886 the splendid 
 church edifice at the corner of Lake and Elm streets was erected under 
 the then pastoral charge of Father Joseph Daignault. The building 
 has a seating capacity of 1,100, and its cost was about $26,000. Con- 
 nected with the parish is the Convent of the Holy Cross, in charge of 
 five sisters, who conduct the parochial school, numbering 200 pupils. 
 
 The First Baptist Church. — Prior to the year 1865 there had been no 
 services held by the people of the Baptist church in the village of St. 
 Albans, the few famihes who were of that denomination having united 
 with the Congregational Society, at least so far as concerned attend- 
 ance at public worship. In the year named Rev. Dr. J. F. Bigelow 
 came to St. Albans, and gathered together the Baptist famihes and or- 
 ganized a society with a membership of twenty-six persons. At this 
 time Dr. Bigelow officiated in the pastoral relation, while D. M. Walker 
 and Marshall Mason were chosen deacons ; L. J. Swett, clerk ; and S. S. 
 Robinson, treasurer. In due time, and after some difficulties, the little 
 congregation and society, with some help from outside, built a church 
 home ; but just as the labor of completing the payment of the cost of 
 the structure was accomplished the church was destroyed by an unfort- 
 unate fire. The building was soon afterward replaced by the splendid 
 brick edifice now standing on the north side of Congress street. The 
 church property, lands, and buildings of the Baptist Society will bear 
 favorable comparison with any in the village. The succession of pastors 
 in charge of the church and society has been these : Dr. J. F. Bigelow, 
 William G. Walker, M. G. Smith, J. A. Johnston, George S. Pratt, 
 George A. Smith, and Lyman S. Johnson, the latter having come to 
 the pastorate in September, 1889. The new brick church, that now 
 occupied by the society, was built during the pastorate of Rev. George 
 S. Pratt. The present church membership numbers 112 persons. 
 
 The First Universalist Church of St. Albans was established on the 
 6th of March, 1859, by the adoption of a declaration of faith, signed 
 originally by Francis Davis, Bradley Soule, E. Burgess, Henry Greene, 
 Orrin Greene, Philo Weeks, J. J. Burgess, and L. B. S. Clarke, but to 
 which number was subsequently added other names, giving the society 
 reasonable numerical strength. The organization of the society or par- 
 ish was effected by the election of vestrymen Curtis Pierce, J. J. Bur- 
 
Village of St. Albans. 379 
 
 gess, Francis Davis, N. Beech, R. Camp, jr., J. S. Watson, T. A. Miles, 
 A. Hawkins, and Lucius Smith. These officers were chosen : Senior 
 warden, Curtis Smith; junior warden, T. A. Miles; secretary, John J. 
 Burgess ; treasurer, John S. Watson ; sexton, William Watson. On the 
 lOth of January, 1864, a constitution for church government was adopted, 
 and on the 14th the parish voted to call Rev. J. O. Skinner to the pastoral 
 charge. The call was accepted, and Mr. Skinner remained at the head 
 oi the society for about a year, when, from a variety of causes, the par- 
 ish declined in interest and strength, and finally became practically ex- 
 tinct. During the period of its existence the meetings were held in the 
 old court-house. 
 
 After the lapse of fifteen years a successful effort at re-organization 
 was made, and the constitution adopted in 1880 was signed by forty- 
 four persons. At this time J. H. Farnsworth was state missionary, and 
 gave much attention to the revival of the church and parish. In 1881 
 the members began to discuss the subject of building a church edifice, 
 with the final result of the completion by May i, 1883, of the substan- 
 tial building now in use on Bishop street, at the entire cost, inclusive of 
 pipe organ, of $13,000. On March 26, 1883, the parish voted to extend 
 a pastoral call to Rev. J. Clarence Lee, who accepted and was duly in- 
 stalled the head of the local church. He was succeeded in this relation 
 by the Rev. O. M. Hilton, and the latter in turn by Rev. F. W. Whip- 
 pen, the present acceptable pastor. The present membership numbers 
 fifty families. The present officers are WiJlard Farrington, chairman ; 
 S. C. Greene, treasurer; S. H. Wood, clerk; and J. M. Haynes, Man- 
 chester Chase, E. G. Lucas, and George C. Story, who, with the officers 
 named, comprise the board of trustees. 
 
 Mmiufacturing Industries of St. Albans. — Notwithstanding the unu- 
 sual facilities for shipment and transportation afforded by the several 
 railroads centering in St. Albans, the village has never achieved any 
 special prominence as a place of manufacture ; and it is almost an un- 
 deniable fact that the total of manufacturing industries in operation at 
 at any one time until within the past year might be counted on one's 
 fingers. This may be in a measure accounted for in the fact that the 
 village and town contain no streams of sufficient magnitude to furnish 
 even the lighl^est power, and such factories as have been in the past and 
 
38o History, of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 are at the present in existence have had recourse to steam as a motive 
 power for propelling machinery. But regardless of the fact that St. 
 Albans has not had a diversity of industries, such as have found an 
 abode within the place have been of importance, and have furnished 
 employment to many persons. Perhaps the oldest, and by far the most 
 extensive, industry of the village is the works connected with the Cent- 
 ral Vermont Railroad Company, being their vast repair and construc- 
 tion shops, which give employment to several hundred men ; but this is 
 not a manufacturing enterprise except in a certain sense. In the same 
 connection, too, may be mentioned the railroad itself, which employs 
 other hundreds of men year after year without intermission, who also 
 have a place of residence within the village, and contribute largely to its 
 business and enterprise, for they must be fed and clothed and housed, 
 to the advantage of the mercantile branch of the municipality. These 
 shops were moved to St. Albans soon after the appointment of Gover- 
 nor Smith to the office of receiver and manager of the old Vermont Cent- 
 ral and Vermont and Canada companies, and to him and his efforts is 
 almost wholly due the credit of having caused the removal from North- 
 field to this place. 
 
 The Vermont Construction Company is an enterprise comparatively 
 new to St. Albans, but of older establishment in New England, the local 
 branch under the above name having been estabhshed here but a few 
 years. Since the location of a branch in St. Albans the company -has oc- 
 cupied the building formerly owned and used by the old defunct rolling- 
 mill company, but in the year 1890 the Construction Company had in 
 process of erection more suitable buildings in the northern part of the 
 village, near the railroad. This company builds bridges, both for rail- 
 road companies and for towns and cities. That theirs is a successful 
 business is evidenced in the fact of the buildings recently erected. The 
 local managing officer of the Vermont Construction Company is D. E. 
 Bradley, who, also, is its treasurer. E. B. Jennings fills the position of 
 consulting engineer. 
 
 The St. Albans Foundry Company, as the succeeding enterprise to 
 the St. Albans foundry, had its organization in May, 1890, but the 
 older concern dates back for origin to 1840, and was, therefore, one of 
 the pioneer industries of the village. Of the old firm Worthington C. 
 
x^ 
 
 \ 
 
 il/\ ! 
 
 ///71^/^^^y^^ ^'- 
 
Village of St. Albans. 381 
 
 Smith was leading proprietor, and of the new he is president. The 
 business of the company is the manufacture of general machinery and 
 castings, forgings, agricultural implements, railroad horse-powers, thresh- 
 ing machines, fodder shredders, circular and drag-sawing machines, car 
 wheels, and in fact all the principal manufactures incident to extensive 
 foundry and machine shop enterprises. The works of the company, 
 and general offices, occupy the site at the northeast corner of Lake and 
 Foundry streets, having a considerable frontage on each thoroughfare. 
 The present president of the company is Hon. W. C. Smith ; vice-presi- 
 dent, secretary, and treasurer, W. T. Smith ; general manager, N. C. 
 Hyde. 
 
 The National Car Company was organized in pursuance of an act of 
 the legislature passed November 18, 1868, with a capital stock of $500,- 
 000, but which stock has by subsequent authorization been increased 
 several fold. So far as St. Albans is concerned the company has no 
 more than a nominal existence, its manufactures being produced else- 
 where, mainly in Detroit, Mich., and Elsdon, 111. However, the offices 
 of the company are located in this village, in connection with which are 
 employed a number of persons. The present officers of the National 
 Car Company are James R. Langdon, president ; H. L. Millis, vice- 
 president ; F. S. Stranahan, secretary and treasurer ; and John B. 
 Fletcher, superintendent. 
 
 The Willard Manufacturing Company, succeeding the firm of R. S. 
 Willard & Co., was incorporated in 1886, by action taken in pursuance 
 of the provisions of the statutes of Vermont. The original concern was 
 established in 1884 as a Swanton industry, but was moved to St. Albans 
 in 1885. The manufactures of the company are the Eclipse overall, 
 overshirts, office coats, seersucker coats and vests, water-proof sporting 
 suits, hose supporters, and shoulder brace and hose supporter combined. 
 The office and place of business of the company is on Lake street, south 
 side, and west of Main street. The officers of the company are Ste- 
 phen E. Royce, president; W. B. Fonda, vice-president; H. P. Jones, 
 secretary and treasurer. 
 
 Frederick Butcher & Son's Fly-Paper Factory is one of the established 
 industries of the village, and is the outgrowth of a business founded in 
 1850 by the pioneer drug firm of L. L. Butcher & Son. The factory 
 
382 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 for the manufacture of fly-paper, warranted to destroy these trouble- 
 some insects, is situated on Pearl street, in the western part of the vil- 
 lage This business furnishes employment to some ten or a dozen 
 persons, and the annual output reaches thousands of reams of paper, 
 which is sold to the trade generally throughout the land. 
 
 The St. Albans Gas Light Company became incorporated in Novem- 
 ber, 1859, and was organized for the ostensible purpose of lighting the 
 village with gas. The purposes of the company were satisfactorily 
 carried out for many years, and as long, perhaps, as local capital was 
 interested in its management; but the plant afterward fell into the 
 ownership of non-residents, who have changed essentially the character 
 of material used in producing the gas, with the result quite frequently 
 of an inferior article, being more of a smoking rather than lighting 
 agent. 
 
 The St. Albans Cold Storage Company, although by no means a manu- 
 facturing enterprise, is nevertheless regarded as one of the fixed and 
 useful business interests of the village. The company was incorporated 
 in 1889, having acapital stock of $10,000, an amount sufficient to build 
 the storage-house. This building was erected in 1889, three stories in 
 height, 40 by 80 feet on the ground, and having a storage capacity of 
 one million pounds. - The officers of the company are James M. Foss 
 president; G. W. Crampton, vice-president; T. M. Deal, secretary, 
 treasurer, and manager. 
 
 The Franklin County Creamery Association was formed and organ- 
 ized in the year 1890, in conformity with, and in pursuance of, the stat- 
 utes of the state, with a capital stock of $roo,ooo. It is the object and pur- 
 pose of the association to erect a creamery building of large dimeqsions, 
 being 45 by 147 feet, in which is to be made as much as possible of the 
 butter which the county can produce. In each town there will be estab- 
 lished separators to which the farmers may take their milk, as has been 
 the previous custom, but the cream will be conveyed to St. Albans and 
 there wrought into butter. It will then be placed in cold storage and 
 held in readiness for the market, and when the demand and price are 
 agreeable the butter can be placed in market in a very few hours. It 
 is hoped and confidently expected that the founding of this enterprise 
 will result in better returns to the farmer for his milk product. The 
 
Village of St. Albans. 383 
 
 association is officered as follows : John Gregory Smith, president ; 
 George W. Crampton, vice-president ; Thomas M. Deal, manager. 
 
 The foregoing statements embrace about what there is in the way of 
 manufactures in St. Albans at the beginning of winter in 1890; but the 
 spring of 1891 will undoubtedly find in operation an extensive granite 
 and marble works, also a large sash, blind, and door factory. These 
 things are promised, and in fact have passed the agitation period, but 
 are not yet in operation. 
 
 Hotels of St. Albans. — Any publication having for its object the mak- 
 ing of a record of the industries and business interests of any munici- 
 pality, and which failed to mention so important an adjunct as the public 
 houses thereof, would indeed be imperfect. The village of St. Albans is 
 provided with an ample number of hotel buildings, and of the five that 
 are in active operation each is well suited to its especial purpose, and in 
 . all respects a well conducted institution. On the west side of North 
 Main street stands a large building that was formerly known as tlieTre- 
 mont House, which was erected way back in the early 'thirties, but 
 which fell short in results contemplated by its projectors and proprie- 
 tors. Having thus failed in its main purpose the old building has since 
 been put to various uses, being now in part occupied as the office of a 
 newspaper publication, a furniture repair establishment, joiner's shop, 
 and other businesses not usual to hotel buildings. 
 
 The American House, the pioneer of its kind now in operation in the 
 village, stands on a site that has long been occupied for hotel purposes, 
 and has had landlords and proprietors almost innumerable ; but under 
 no management or proprietorship has it enjoyed the business prosperity 
 brought to it by its present owner, S. I. Stroud. The location of the 
 house is altogether desirable, being in the business center, having four 
 open sides, two street fronts (Main and Lake), while on the east is the 
 celebrated Taylor Park. The American is deservedly well patronized. 
 
 The Welden is the name of the largest and best equipped hostelry in 
 Northern Vermont ; in fact it enjoys the reputation of being the best 
 hotel in the state. Its location in the village is at the corner of Bank 
 street and Maiden lane, with front on the former, therefore on the 
 park. In a part of the building proper is the postoffice and the only 
 national bank of the village. The Welden is a four- story and mansard 
 
384 History of Franklin and Grand Jsle Counties. 
 
 brick building, having a capacity for accommodating 300 guests, and in 
 every essential regard is a complete metropoli an house. The hotel has 
 been in use for something like a quarter of a century, and was erected 
 at a time when the cost of building and furnishing was much in excess 
 of present governing prices, either of labor or materials. The money 
 that has been invested in the Welden, were it stated, would amount to 
 an almost fabulous sum, but its cost to the present owner, Mr. John 
 Greenway, of Syracuse, N. Y., was far less than the expenditure for its 
 erection. 
 
 Strattoris Hotel. — This name marks the site of one of the most pleas- 
 ant hotel buildings in St. Albans. Its location is at the corner of South 
 Main and Fairfield streets, and opposite the south end of the park. The 
 hotel has not been without former proprietors, but under no manage- 
 ment has it enjoyed a better reputation, or been productive of greater 
 revenue to its landlord, than it now has under the proprietorship of 
 J. H. Stratton. The only cause for complaint regarding the house is 
 that it has not the capacity for accommodating the number of persons 
 who would assemble and live here ; but as it is conditioned the house 
 is generally crowded to the utmost of its capacity. 
 
 The St. Albans House is the name of a large and comfortable frame 
 hotel that stands on Lake street, near the depot. Its owner is Willard 
 Pierce, a progressive resident of the village, who leases the house to 
 responsible persons and devotes his personal attention to other in- 
 terests. 
 
 The Grand Central is situated on Lake street, about midway between 
 the railroad and Main street. This is a comfortable hostelry, three 
 stories in height, of brick construction, and under the proprietorship of 
 Mr. Shedd. 
 
 Present Mercantile Interests. — A number of past writers have referred 
 at considerable length to the business interests of the village as they 
 existed during the early days of the town's history, and have generally 
 ignored those who were so engaged at the period ol their publication; 
 and while it is not within the proper province of the present work to 
 remark^concerning any branch of business, by way of aiming to adver- 
 tise the trade, there can be no reasonable objection to the mention of 
 the bare names of proprietors of the several business interests now be- 
 
Village of St. Albans. 385 
 
 ing in operation. And if, from whatever of mention is here made, the 
 merchants can derive any of the benefits that accrue from advertising 
 in general they are certainly welcome to them. 
 
 At no time in the history of St. Albans has there been a greater di- 
 versity of business interests than at present ; while every branch of mer- 
 cantile trade is well represented there is nothing to indicate that it is 
 overdone; yet there is noticeable a gradual increase in trade, and in the 
 number of persons engaged, but this is due to the increasing demand 
 caused by enlarged population. The business blocks and buildings of 
 the village at the present time will bear comparison with those of any 
 municipality of like size. The greatest period of building up of the 
 substantial brick blocks covered the years running from 1870 to 1880, 
 but from the latter to the present year a fair number have been erected. 
 The present representatives of business in the line of clothing, furnish- 
 ings, and tailoring are.Twigg Brothers, John F. Locke, J. A. Bedard, 
 C. H. Morton, and Blaisdell Brothers as general dealers, and H. J. Wat- 
 son, E. T. Watson, and Joseph Milo as principal custom tailors. The 
 general dry goods business of the village is represented by four large 
 and well stocked establishments, under the proprietorships, severally, of 
 F. F. Twitchell & Co., L. J. Morton, Richardson, Twigg & Co., and 
 W. S Bailey. The druggists of the village are Frederick Dutcher & 
 Son, C. L. Capron, R. Brainard, and Daniel Dutcher, the latter being 
 in business on Lake street, the others on Main street. In the gen- 
 eral grocery and provision trade are Henry M. Stevens & Co., A. S. 
 Hyde & Son, A. S. Olmsted, George W. Shattuck, F. L. Brainerd, 
 W. H. Ellis, G. W. Lepper, L. J. La Fleur, L. A. Curtis, W. T. Merritt, 
 M. F. Sullivan, Lester K. Corliss, E. Thibault, L. Coureville, George C. 
 Storey, Fred. Woodward, and perhaps others. The jewelers and watch- 
 makers of the village are Charles Wyman & Son, C. H. Place, and B. 
 Guinaud ; dealers in hardware and stock usual to such stores are Charles 
 H. Atwood, successor to the pioneer house of Victor Atwood, subse- 
 quently V. Atwood & Son ; Hatch & Clark, and Hale & Burgess. The 
 boot and shoe dealers are A. L. Weeks, Marceau & Vincent, P. Mitch- 
 ell, E. Deschenes, R. R. Sweeney. Booksellers and stationers: A. F. 
 Lane, W. Gibbs, and Wallace Printing Co. Furniture dealer : C. H. 
 Harvey. Harnesses and horse goods : J. A. Bedard, L. Button. Dealer 
 49 
 
386 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 in flour, grain, and seed: Hiram B. Weeks. Coal merchants and jum- 
 ber dealers : I. S. Bostwick, W. B. Fonda. Granite and marble dealers : 
 J. G. Moore and O. S. Cummings. Carriages : S. S. Bedard. Stoves 
 and tinware : Green & Clark, J. Scofield, F. Paquette. In addition to 
 these business interests there may also be named others, viz.: in the line of 
 life, fire, and accident insurance are Isaac S. Borley, Tenney & Watson, 
 and H. H. Farnsworth ; liverymen : E. D. Fuller, S. I. Stroud, D. 
 Gilmore, G. Bocash ; photographers : R. H. Smith, W. D. Chandler, 
 N. Jarvis ; dentists : Drs. Gilman, Wells, Soule, Sherrar, Campbell, and 
 Comjges; marketmen : F. L. Allen, J. J. Finn, John Ryan, H. C. Allen, 
 A. H. & S. S. Royce; milliners: E. C. Maxham, M. G. Gilder, Mrs. 
 Sullivan, E. A. Wright, Mrs. Dougherty, M. Sweeney ; music dealers : 
 H. A. Lyon, Daniel Dutcher. 
 
 Societies and Orders. — A preceding chapter of the present volume is 
 devoted to the local history of the two principal orders. Free Masonry 
 and Odd Fellowship ; and the subject is there so thoroughly and ex- 
 haustively treated that the branches of those orders that have an abid- 
 ing place in the village need no mention in this place. In a large and 
 comfortably furnished hall in the Barnes block, on Lake street, a number 
 of local societies have a place of meeting. The hall is particularly the 
 home of the temperance organizations that have been and are in exist- 
 ence in the village and locality, but the life of the average society of this 
 kind is of brief duration in Vermont ; in fact, this being a strictly prohi- 
 bition commonwealth, it is not to be supposed that temperance societies 
 have a great field for operations ; hence their transitory life. But the 
 hall in question is also used by the Knights. of Pythias and the depart- 
 ments of tlie G. A. R., which virtually sustain the place as a hail. 
 
 A. R. Hurlbut Post, No. 60, G. A R., was chartered October 4, 1883, 
 as the succeeding organization to the still older " Baldy " Smith Post, 
 No. 20, wliich was chartered during the pioneer days of such societies. 
 But the old post became involved in difficulties, and its members lost 
 interest in its welfare, whereupon the charter was surrendered. Hurlbut 
 Post is in no manner the outgrowth of the senior society, but an inde- 
 pendently chartered organization, containing, however, nearly all the 
 members formerly in the old commander post. Hurlbut Post boasts of 
 the splendid membership of 1 50, and is the strongest and most healthful 
 
Village of St. Albans. 387 
 
 organization of its kind in the county. The post commanders have 
 been George T. Childs, H. E. Perkins, A. W. Fuller, E. W. Bordo.D. K. 
 Gilson, S. W. Cummings. Officers in 1890: James Halloway, com- 
 mander; A. S. Fleury, S. V. C; A. S. Green, J. V. C; S. Story, jr., 
 adjutant ; S. H. Wood, Q. M.; H. D. Belden, surgeon; Rev. L. S. John- 
 son, chaplain ; J. H. Montefiore, O. of D.; N. Bertrand, O. of G.; C. W. 
 McArthur, Q. M.-S.; J. G. Moore, sergeant-major. 
 
 A. R. Hurlbut W. R. C. is an organization formed for work in con- 
 nection with the post, and has a membership of nearly sixty ladies. The 
 present officers of the Relief Corps are as follows : President, Mrs. 
 Sue S. Gilson ; S. V.-P., Mrs. Jennie A. Montefiore ; J. V.-P., Mrs. 
 Sarah M. Shedd ; secretary, Mrs. Rosa J. Wooster ; treasurer, Mrs. 
 Louisa J. Switzer ; chaplain, Mrs. Mary J. Conant ; conductress, Mrs. 
 Hattie J. Moore; G., Laura A. Wells. Past presidents, Mrs. Libbie R. 
 Sherwood, Mrs. Celia M. Allen. 
 
 George T. Childs Camp, No. 36, S. of V., was chartered April 19, 
 1887. Its present membership numbers seventy-two young men. Pres- 
 ent officers : Frank L. Green, captain ; Ferrand S. Stranahan, first lieu- 
 tenant; L. G. Young, second Heutenant ; C. A. Searle, chaplain; C. H. 
 Anderson, first sergeant; E. B. Francis, quartermaster-sergeant; George 
 O. Webster, sergeant of guard ; M. C. Burnet, color sergeant ; H. R. 
 Marvin, principal musician ; J. W. Gilson, corporal of guard ; G. S. 
 Conger, camp guard ; F. E. Ingraham, picket guard. Past captains, 
 C. A. Searle, M. C. Garey, B. B. Perkins. 
 
 Unity Lodge, No. 3, K. of P.—Tht order of Pythian Knights is one of 
 recognized power, and was founded only a quarter of a century ago. Its 
 purpose is to bind together in one harmonious brotherhood men of all 
 classes and opinions. And it is a purely beneficient organization, char- 
 itable and helpful to its members. The strength of the order in the 
 country reaches beyond 250,000, represents every state in the Union, 
 and its jurisdiction is unlimited. The lodge in St. Albans was instituted 
 January 3, 1889, and has more than eighty members. For the year 
 1890 the officers were these : C W. Cole, S. P. C; A. H. George. C. C; 
 G. W. Lepper, V. C ; A. Ross, P.; M. Sowles, K. R. S.; E. Wilder, 
 M. F.; J. M. Bullock, M. E.; W. P. Conger, M. A.; C. La Pointe, I. G.; 
 J. Lewis, O. G. 
 
388 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Among the employees of the various lines of railroad that center 
 and have their seat of operations in St. Albans there are several associ- 
 ations or societies, each of which is an auxiliary or subordinate branch of 
 a national order or brotherhood. 
 
 The Order of Railway Conductors has a local branch in St. Albans, 
 which was formed about the year 1 870, and now has a membership of 
 about fifty persons, under the chief conductor, J. E. Maun ; secretary 
 and treasurer, J. B. Wiley. 
 
 The Independent Order of Railway Conductors is a comparatively new 
 organization in the country, having been founded in the city of New 
 York, July 13, 1890. It is distinguished from the older order in the 
 fact that its members are unalterably and absolutely opposed to strikes 
 among employees of any road or system of roads. Its president is E. D. 
 Nash, of St Albans. The local branch has a membership of thirty -two 
 persons, the president being J. C. Sweeney ; James Finn, secretary and 
 treasurer. The Independent Order is purely a benefit organization, an 
 amount not exceeding $1,000 being payable to members on proper 
 occasion, and no member being assessable for more than one dollar on 
 each claim for benefit. 
 
 Green Mountain Division, No. 330, of the Brotherhood of Locomotive 
 Engineers, has an abiding place in St. Albans, and a membership of 
 about fifty persons. Chief engineer, G. E. Taylor ; secretary, W. H. 
 Washburne ; treasurer, Frederick Maloney. 
 
 Champlain Division, No. 352, is the name of the local branch of the 
 National Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen. It has about fifty mem- 
 bers, governed by John Sweeney, master ; John McGarighan, secre- 
 tary ; and H. P. Hill, treasurer and collector. 
 
 Green Mountain Division Brotherhood of Railway Brakemen is an ■ 
 other of the local societies, and has for its purpose the same worthy 
 object as those heretofore mentioned, and is likewise well conducted in 
 a;il material respects. 
 
 Libraries. — The town of St. Albans was at one time the custodian of 
 a library of agricultural works, which had been purchased by subscrip- 
 tion and placed in the care of the town clerk for general use. But the 
 town is indebted to the liberality of Henry J. Hunt, esq., for its present 
 library. Mr. Hunt, by his last will, bequeathed the sum of $1,000 to the 
 
Village of St. Albans. 389 
 
 town of St Albans, to be used in the establishment of a free library 
 provided the town furnished an equal amount of money. The citizens 
 of St. Albans owe a lasting debt of gratitude to Mr. Hunt for his 
 thoughtful generosity, and should show their appreciation thereof by 
 supporting this library generously, keeping up its supply of books, and 
 thus carry out to the fullest extent his evident intentions. The records 
 show the first meeting of the trustees of the library fund to have been 
 held April 15, 1862, when Hon. R. H. Hoyt was chosen chairman, and 
 Hon. George F. Houghton, secretary. At this meeting Messrs. Farrar, 
 Huntington, and Oilman, as prudential committee of School District 
 No. 4, offered the trustees the use of the library room in the academy. 
 There is no record of any meeting held from March 13, 1862, until 
 March 30, 1863, at which time Cassius D. Farrar was elected secretary. 
 The intervening time had been fully occupied by the trustees in secur- 
 ing by subscription the amount necessary to comply with the terms of 
 the bequest. In addition to the sum of $1,000 received from Mr. Hunt, 
 there had been paid in $1,011. Of this amount $1,000 was invested, 
 and the remainder used in the purchase of books. Some time during 
 the year 1863 the nucleus of the present library was purchased and 
 placed in circulation. For several years the library was kept in the 
 town clerk's office, Mr. Farrar, then town clerk, acting as librarian. On 
 June 21, 1866, a code of by-laws was adopted, and an organization 
 effected by the election of a board of officers, consisting of a president, 
 secretary, and treasurer, of a book committee, and a library committee. 
 In the fall of 1866 Mr. Amos D. Wardwell was elected librarian, and con- 
 tinued to serve until March, 1879. In the latter part of 1869 the stock- 
 holders of the Agricultural Library presented to the present association 
 the remains of their once valuable collection of agricultural works. 
 There are no records of any meetings from March 21, 1873, to March 11, 
 1875. So far as we can learn the first report of the trustees of the 
 library fund to the town was presented with the report of other officers 
 at the annual meeting in 1876. Since that time the report of the trust- 
 ees has appeared annually with the town office reports, and has been 
 recognized as one of the public institutions of the town. In the year 
 1877, through the liberality of Hon. Herbert Brainerd, a suitable room 
 was prepared in Brainerd block for the reception of the library, and for 
 
390 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 the first time in its liistory it had a home. In 1878 a few men, who de- 
 sired a place where they could meet for reading, conversation, and intel- 
 lectual pursuits, organized the Franklin Literary Club. A room was 
 secured in the Harvey blook, and for some time was kept open day and 
 evening, warmed, lighted, and in charge of a competent attendant, ber 
 ing well supplied with the daily papers and current literature. Early 
 in 1879 negotiations were begun between the managers of the club and 
 of the library looking to a union of the two organizations, and on 
 March 14, 1879, the library was removed to its present quarters, and 
 Miss Annie Thorne elected librarian of both organizations. This change 
 of location marked the beginning of a new era in the history of the 
 library. Borrowers now had access to the library each week-day, and 
 there was an immediate increase in the demand for books. The utterly 
 inadequate number of books, made manifest to the rapidly increasing 
 number of borrowers, created in their minds such a desire for more 
 books that very soon a sentiment was aroused in favor of public support 
 of the library. In the year i88i the Library Association received from 
 Horatio Seymour, esq., the sum of $500, all of which was expended in 
 the purchase of the much needed new books, and a small sum in the 
 hands of the trustees was used in repairing old books and preparing a 
 new catalogue. Some time in 1882, the health of Miss Thorne having 
 failed. Miss Carrie Jennison was appointed hbrarian. Out of the accu- 
 mulation of interest from the investment of $1,000, and money received 
 from other sources, some books were purchased during the years of 
 1886-87. In 1889 the present incumbent, Miss Hattie Brown, was 
 elected to the position of librarian. The library at present contains 
 about 3,000 volumes, and includes several valuable books of reference, 
 works of history, travel, biography, and well selected works of fiction, 
 together with standard charts and maps. The best evidence that the 
 library is appreciated as an auxiliary to the public schools, as furnishing 
 means for the gratification of the literary tastes of the whole people, is 
 the fact that both the town and village municipahties are contributing 
 to its support by handsome appropriations Such appropriation is a 
 most wise and judicious economy, and will insure benefits as permanent 
 as those derived from our public schools. 
 
 The Vermont Central Library Association was established at North- 
 
Town of Swanton. 391 
 
 field, in or about the year 1852, in connection with the general offices 
 and management location of the Vermont Central Railroad Company, 
 and for the use of the employees of the road ; and when the base of 
 operations of the roads and system was transferred to St. Albans the 
 Library Association likewise moved to the same place, and now occupies 
 a large and well lighted room on the ground floor of the main office build- 
 ing of the company. The library is supported and sustained in part by 
 the income of a thousand-dollar consolidated railroad bond, and in part by 
 the sale of Hbrary stock and personal assessment of members. The num- 
 ber of volumes now on the shelves reaches about 2,600, about one-half of 
 which are works of fiction, the rest being of a historical and biographical 
 character. The officers of the association are Alfred Coote, president ; 
 Mark b. Greene, secretary and treasurer; John Burke, librarian. The 
 board of directors comprises nine persons. The library is opened on 
 each Saturday afternoon and evening. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SWANTON.' 
 
 THE town of Swanton is situated in the northwestern part of Frank- 
 lin county, and is bounded on the north by Lake Champlain and 
 the towns of Highgate and Sheldon ; on the east by Highgate, Sheldon, 
 and Fairfield; on the south by Maquam Bay and St. Albans; and on 
 the west by Lake Champlain. It lies about six miles south of the 
 northern boundery Hne of the state of Vermont, and is properly a lake 
 town. About twenty miles of its western boundary is washed by the 
 waters of Lake Champlain. All along these shores are numerous 
 fishing-grounds, from which, in spring and fall, large catches of fish 
 
 are taken. 
 
 The area of Swanton is nearly 27,000 acres. The surface of the town 
 is slightly rolling, but generally quite flat, and in some places low and 
 swampy. The land gradually rises fro m the lake on the west to "Swan- 
 
 ' By R. O. Sturtevant, esq. 
 
392 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 ton Hill " on the extreme east. There are two considerable elevations 
 or ridges between " Swanton Hill " and the lake, extending across the 
 town from north to south, between and on either side of which are quite 
 large and beautiful valleys, rich in soil and very productive, especially 
 in hay and grain. The farms in these valleys are well watered and 
 sufficiently timbered, and are counted among the best in town. 
 
 Lime rock is found near the surface about two miles east from the 
 lake shore, from which the very best of lime in large quantities has been 
 annually manufactured for many )'ears past. The lime rock ledges near 
 Swanton village are inexhaustible. The burning of lime rock is one of 
 the leading industries of the town. 
 
 The westerly and more elevated ridge is rocky and mountainous, run- 
 ning across the town from north to south, about two miles east of the 
 lake or Maquam Bay, and is rich in colored marbles, mottled in great 
 variety ; and this marble is extensively quarried, is finished at Swan- 
 ton Falls, and shipped far and near to the many cities of the United 
 States. It is generally used in large public buildings for inside finish. 
 
 The soil of Swanton is varied in character from rich alluvium to white 
 sand. There is some clay and considerable loam mixed with the gravel ; 
 here and there are marl and muck. The soil is generally strong and very 
 productive. Many valuable farms are found here, and no town in Ver- 
 mont can boast of better or more of them of equal size. Oats, wheat, 
 barley, backwheat,corn, potatoes, and hay are extensively raised, though 
 hay and dairy among the farmers are the principal industries. 
 
 The northwestern part of the town, along the lake shore and on either 
 side of Missisquoi River, is quite level, and in places low and marshy. 
 In that part of the town now called "West Swanton " (vulgarly called 
 " Hog Island ") are located the great huckleberry and cranberry 
 marshes, containing hundreds of acres. In these marshes the inhab- 
 itants for miles around go to gather the luscious fruit, unmolested save by 
 the water snakes and mosquitoes, which are annoying, but not dangerous. 
 It is said that the depression where these marshes are was caused by an 
 earthquake in an early day. More likely the marshes, long before the ad- 
 vent of the redman, were a part of Lake Champlain, from which, by the 
 overflow of Missisquoi River and rank vegetable growth, the present 
 condition has come. This marshy land is very attractive to the sports- 
 
Town of Swanton. _ 393 
 
 man, for it is the home of a great variety of game birds and ducks that 
 find their way here in summer to hatch and raise their young. 
 
 In this part of the town, too, are many small inlets or coves, setting 
 back from the lake into the land, up which a variety of fish run to feed 
 and spawn. It is claimed that the great abundance of fish and game 
 in this region densely populated the banks of the Missisquoi with the 
 redmen long before the Iroquois, the Algonquins, or the St. Francis 
 tribes made this section their dwelling-place and hunting-grounds. The 
 many Indian burial-grounds and numerous Indian relics, found in the 
 immediate vicinity of Swanton Falls of the Missisquoi, warrant the belief 
 of early settlement and continuous habitation down to about the time of 
 the visit to this locality by Champlain, in the summer of 1609. 
 
 The natural scenery, as viewed from the traveled highway as it runs 
 along and over the rocky ridge crossing the town, is unsurpassed in 
 beauty and grandeur — commanding as it does, a plain view of Mount 
 Marcy and Wall Face of the Adirondacks in the south, Montreal 
 Mountain and St. Lawrence Valley in the north, Lake Champlain, dotted 
 with islands and fringed with numerous inlets and bays, in the west, and 
 a mighty stretch of the great Champlain Valley that lies between the 
 Green Mountains and the Adirondacks — a magnificent and charming 
 sight, a wonderful panorama of nature. 
 
 The principal stream flowing through the town is Missisquoi River : 
 entering the town from the east, running westerly for two miles and 
 more, and then bending around gradually and moving northerly for 
 some eight miles through the west part of the town, and finally discharg- 
 ing its waters through three branches, or mouths, into Missisquoi Bay. 
 Of the many valuable water- powers on this stream none are better or 
 more extensively used than the one at Swanton Falls. The first saw- 
 mill in the state was built on the Missisquoi River, at Swanton Falls, in 
 an early day, by the French, years before the French and Indian war. 
 
 At Swanton Falls the first dam built was in the year 1789, by Thomas 
 Butterfield, agent of Ira Allen. The Missisquoi is navigable from the 
 lake to Swanton Falls, seven miles, and was used by the early white set- 
 tlers to float their rafts of lumber down to the lake on the way to Que- 
 bec, then their only market. In later years pine and other lumber and 
 the finished marble from the mills at the Falls were shipped to New York 
 50 
 
394 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 by way of the Missisquoi, Lake Champlain, Champlain Canal, and Hudson 
 River. Now many small steam yachts, owned by the well to do dwellers 
 of Swanton village, ply up and down the river from the Falls to the lake 
 on pleasure excursions, and to hunt and fish. Occasionally one of the 
 large boats of the lake, during the season of high water, comes sailing 
 up the river, loaded with blocks of black marble from Isle La Motte, to 
 the marble-mill. There are two small creeks, or inlets, called Maquam 
 and Charcoal Creeks. The former, in high water, empties into Maquam 
 Bay and the latter into Missisquoi Bay. 
 
 Swanton took its name from Captain William Swanton, an officer in 
 the British army, who visited this section during the French and Indian 
 war. The town of Swanton was chartered in 1763, by Benning Went- 
 worth, governor of New Hampshire, to Isaiah Goodrich and sixty-three 
 associates, with the customary royal reservations and conditions, in 
 seventy shares, comprising in the whole, according to the charter, 26,- 
 040 acres. The town is very irregular in shape, though no doubt orig- 
 inally intended to be nearly square. It is nearly twenty miles from the 
 Fairfield line on " Swanton Hill " to Lake Champlain on the northwest. 
 A few hundred acres were added to the area by change of town lines 
 with Highgate and Fairfield. 
 
 Settlements. — None of the original grantees mentioned in the Went- 
 worth charter ever settled in the town, or even visited the lands so 
 generously bestowed, but transferred their claims; and as late as 1786 
 it appears that fifty-nine of the sixty-four original shares were owned 
 by Ira Allen, who about this time caused a new survey to be made and 
 took measures to have the town settled, and the water-power of the 
 Missisquoi, at what is now Swanton Falls, improved and used. 
 
 The first white settlements in this section were on the banks of the 
 Missisquoi River, near and at Swanton Falls, and were made by the 
 French, coming in by the way of Quebec and Montreal by water, about 
 the year 1740. It is quite certain from all that can be ascertained that 
 the first white settlement effected by Europeans within the present limits 
 of Vermont was on the Missisquoi at Swanton Falls. It is a fact that 
 a concession of a large tract of land, including what is now the town of 
 Swanton, was made by the French government in 1734. This part of 
 Vermont, at the time of the French concession, was included in the do- 
 mains of New France. 
 
Town of Swanton. 395 
 
 At the time of the French and Indian war there were two white set- 
 tlements near the present village of Swanton, on the Missisquoi banks, 
 with every indication of many years of habitation. A French mission 
 was established just below the Falls in an early day, by the Jesuits, on 
 the north bank, and a stone church or building erected, and considerable 
 done by these missionaries in an endeavor to elevate and convert the 
 St. Francis Indians, who dwelt here, to the faith of the Cross. The 
 plague depopulated the missions and Indian villages, the survivors re- 
 turning to St. Francis, and there remained until about 1741, about which 
 time they turned their faces southward again, and soon re-occupied 
 their old hunting-grounds and deserted fields, and raised and repaired 
 their dilapidated or fallen wigwams. The St. Francis Indians continued 
 in considerable numbers on the lands in this vicinity until long after the 
 coming of the first English settlers, and even some persons now living 
 here remember the occasional visits by the remnants of this tribe to 
 the lands of their fathers to hunt and fish and to lay claim to right of 
 soil. 
 
 Though white men had settled on the Missisquoi at and near what is 
 now Swanton Falls, and some improvements had been made by Thomas 
 Metcalfand James Robertson, prior to the commencement of the Ameri- 
 can Revolution, yet no permanent settlement was made here until after 
 the beginning of hostilities between the colonies and Great Britain. 
 
 The first permanent white settler in this town was John Hillicker. 
 He came with his family in 1779, and settled on the south bank of the 
 Missisquoi River, about two miles below the Falls, on what has for many 
 years been known as the Vernon farm, now owned by E. H. Rood. 
 Mr. Hillicker was of Dutch descent, born at White Plains, N. Y., in 1745. 
 He Hved on the land taken up by him, and died September il, 1828, 
 aged eighty-three. There are quite a number of his descendants who 
 still reside in the west part of the town. For a number of ye^s Mr. 
 Hillicker's nearest white neighbor, except the Jesuit missionary, lived 
 on Colchester Point, on the lake shore, some thirty miles to the south. 
 An old stone chapel, surrounded by a considerable Indian village, stood 
 just across the river from his home in 1779, and the bell that hung in 
 the chapel rang daily for morning and evening worship. The Jesuit 
 missionary was still an active factor among the fast depleting Indians of 
 
396 liisTORY OP Franklin and (5ran0 Isle C^oUNxifis. 
 
 the St. Francis tribe. The chapel and village were on the A. A. Brooks 
 farm, now owned by William Janes. In after years the old stone chapel 
 was taken down, and the stone moved as they came, in canoes by the 
 Indians, to British soil, and used in building a chapel at Moscow, 
 Canada. 
 
 The first English settlement was effected on the Missisquoi River not 
 far from 1765, and considerable business was done by way of trade with 
 the Indians and in the manufacture of lumber. There was a time be- 
 tween 1765 and 1776, when Thomas Metcalf and James Robertson were 
 engaged here, that the village at the falls must have numbered a hun- 
 dred or more, mostly engaged in manufacturing lumber and traffic with 
 the Indians. The French took their departure just before, about 1760, 
 but some of their improvements remained. The lumbering was done 
 I entirely by man labor. No horses or oxen were used in this section 
 until after 1776. The second saw-mill was built hy Matcalf and Robert- 
 son at the Falls between 1765 and 1768. The first proprietors' meeting 
 was held June 20, 1763, in the colony of Connecticut, and after in Con- 
 necticut and Vermont. One was held at Fort Frederick, on Onion 
 River, Vermont, in 1774, and one a little later, 1775, at a place called 
 Sunderland, at the house of Brigadier-General Ethan Allen (the hero of 
 Ticonderoga). 
 
 Immediately following the close of the American Revolution the 
 settlement of Swanton commenced under the New Hampshire Grants, 
 the English, by the treaty, having relinquished their claims to lands 
 lying south of 45° north latitude. The first to locate in this vicinity 
 after John Hillicker was John Wagoner, who came in 1787. He was 
 very soon followed by Adams Mills, Orange Smith, and they by Michael 
 Lampman, Henry Lampman, John Hoyle, Stephen Lampman, Conrad 
 Asselstyne, and some others, all of whom came previous to 1790. 
 
 Settlements were made in other parts of the town as early as 1787-88. 
 One of the first, if not the first, to settle in the southern part of the 
 town, between the Falls and St. Albans, was Asa Abell, who located on 
 the place more recently known as the Gadcomb farm, where for many 
 years past limekilns have been successfully operated. Lemuel Laselle 
 arrived from Lanesboro, Mass., sometime in the year 1788, and located 
 north of Mr. Abell about two miles, and between Mr. Abell and the 
 
Town otf SWanI-oN. 39; 
 
 Falls, on land now known as the C. H. Mead farm, owned by Charles 
 L. Bullard. It is asserted with good reason that Messrs. Abell and La- 
 selle were the first settlers on what is now the direct road from Swanton 
 Falls to St. Albans village. 
 
 John Nokes settled on Hog Island, now called West Swanton, as early 
 as 1787, coming with his wife and five children in a canoe from White- 
 hall down the lake, took up land, and built and lived thereon for many 
 years. The place is now known as the Richard Moore farm, and is 
 owned by E. S. Tabor. Mr. Nokes was very soon joined by a man 
 called Thomas Clark, who, it is claimed by Major L. D. Clark, a grand- 
 son now living here, was descended on his mother's side from the great 
 Mohawk nation. He took up land about one mile west of Nokes, on the 
 west shore of the island. To this part of Swanton a little later came 
 Asa Lewis, Daniel Beagle, Hugh Donaldson, James Donaldson, and 
 others, who took up lands, built log houses, cleared up farms, and 
 established good and comfortable homes. Many descendants of these 
 early and hardy settlers still live in West Swanton, prosperous farmers, 
 contented and happy. There is nothing to show any permanent settle- 
 ment in the east part of the town prior to 1790. 
 
 About the year 1790 Israel Robinson, who was the pioneer of this 
 section of Swanton, settled in the east part of the town, just west of 
 " Swanton Hill," and he was very soon followed, the same year it is said, 
 by Asa and William Green, Thomas Armes, John Adams, Isaac 
 Lackey, George Hall, Stephen Robinson, Noah Brown, and James 
 Tracy, who settled in East Swanton about 1794. Major George W. 
 Foster and Mr. Schoolcraft located here, too, in 1797, and very soon 
 others followed. 
 
 The middle part of the town, directly north from what is now St. Al- 
 bans village, was settled some later, and first by John Baker, who settled 
 near St. Albans line, on the place now called the Bronson Warner farm, 
 and he was soon followed by Ezekiel Goodrich, Ephraim Smith, Daniel 
 Geer, Silas Robinson, Benjamin Bowers, Joshua Calkins, and Captain 
 Wheeler Branch, all settling near each other and previous to 1798, 
 locating their farms on either side of what is now called the middle 
 road. Nehemiah Ordway, Asa Wilson, and John Crawford, with their 
 families, settled on " Swanton Hill " in the year 1798, and there cleared 
 up farms. 
 
398 History of FkANKLiN and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 The early settlers of Swanton were of two classes : those settling in 
 the west part of the town being of low Dutch descent, coming in from 
 near the headwaters of Lake Champlain, tinctured with Toryism, intend- 
 ing to settle (no doubt) on British soil; those who settled about the 
 Falls and south. and east were mostly of the Yankee type, and firm 
 believers in popular government, and many of them were in the Ameri- 
 can army during the Revolution. 
 
 The first regular town meeting of which we find any record was held 
 here on March 23, 1790. Jonathan Butterfield was chosen moderator; 
 Thomas Butterfield, town clerk ; John Asselstyne, constable ; Conrad 
 Asselstyne, John Nokes, and Jonathan Butterfield, selectmen. Town 
 meetings have been regularly held ever since. 
 
 While an article has been prepared for this chapter on the Indians of 
 this section, by Mr. L. B. Truax, it may not be out of place to say that as 
 late as 1793 there were living on the banks of the Missisquoi, near Swan- 
 ton Falls, seventy or eighty Indians who claimed all the land in this part of 
 the Missisquoi Valley, who threatened the settlers as they came, and were 
 a great source of disquietude among the English settlers and hinder- 
 ance to progress. They all, however, disappeared before 1799, only 
 occasionally visiting in small parties the lands of their once powerful tribe, 
 to hunt and fish and renew the claim to the soil. These Indians were 
 principally the remnants of the St. Francis tribe, who joined their asso- 
 ciates, and under General Burgoyne, in his invasion during the Ameri- 
 can Revolution, moved southward, taking a conspicuous part in murder- 
 ing and plundering, making prisoners of the men, and leaving the women 
 and children and- aged to survive without food and shelter. 
 
 When John Hillicker (before referred to) took up his home here this 
 section, as far as eye could see, was a dense wilderness, then inhabited 
 only by the redmen and the wild denizens of the forests ; the lake, 
 river, and creeks the only highways of travel ; wild meat and fish the 
 only food, and these not always obtainable in frozen winter, and then 
 birch bark tea was resorted to in order to keep soul and body together. 
 
 Very soon a little land was cleared and corn raised, and the lonely, 
 courageous settler took hope, and with an iron will and strong arm soon 
 established a home. Neighbors were far away, to whose houses occa- 
 sional visits were made, guided by blazed trees ; no mills to grind their 
 
Town of Swanton. 399 
 
 corn except far away generally, and hence each family had a mill of 
 their own, called a plumping- mill, in which to grind corn. These were 
 made by rounding out a hole in the top of a hardwood stump, like a 
 large mortar, in which the corn was pounded with a large pestle, with 
 pegs in the sides for handles, attached to a spring-pole, and then moved 
 up and down till the corn was cracked and ground fine enough for use. 
 Very soon after 1789 a mill was built at the Falls, to which the settlers 
 came from far and near with grain to be made into meal and flour. 
 
 The first marriage of which there is record was that of William 
 Crocker and Percis Hardley, January 12, 1796. It is said others oc-- 
 curred before this, and it may be true, for marriages were not always in 
 that early day recorded (nowadays they are often a matter of record 
 before actually married) ; but times and customs have changed. After 
 the settlement here under the New Hampshire Grants the first children 
 born were Laban Lasell, George W. Greene, and Allen Pratt in 1791. 
 The first girl born of Yankee parentage was the daurjhter of Thomas 
 Butterfi.eld (town clerk). She became the wife of William Keyes, and 
 mother of William Keyes, jr., a noted family in this town for many 
 years. William Keyes, jr., is now living here, having recently returned 
 from Virginia, where he has lived for a number of years past. He is 
 eighty- two years of age, and is still a smart man. Some of his family 
 also reside in town. 
 
 In the year 1800 the number of names or polls set in the grand list 
 were 160. The only watches owned in town in the years 1801 and 
 1804 were the property of Silas and Shadrack Hathaway, and these were 
 set in the grand lists of 1801 and 1804. A watch or even a clock was 
 a rare article among the pioneers. The first census was taken in 1800, 
 and showed a population of 858. The town has gradually increased in 
 population and wealth to the present (1890), and now, according to the 
 census report of 1890, we number 3,231. 
 
 The embargo act and non-intercourse with England made quite a 
 disturbance in some of the towns lying near the Canada line, especially 
 Swanton, which was very favorably situated, on account of water com- 
 munication to carry on the business of smuggling English merchandise 
 into the states and articles of home manufacture into Canada. The 
 business was lucrative and exciting, and a goodly number of the other- 
 
400 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 wise loyal Swantonians now and then took part in the traffic, and some 
 impelled by gain followed it as a regular occupation. Government offi- 
 cials were numerous and vigilant, and on the alert night and day. Yet 
 the many cunning devices resorted to by the smugglers often proved 
 successful. Many are the thrilling stories now told by the old residents 
 of exciting scenes in early days connected with smuggling. The incen- 
 tive for great gain and rapid accumulation of wealth was too much for the 
 cupidity of many an honest Yankee in this region. They were in great 
 need of gold and silver, and so could not see the harm. In the summer 
 of 1808 quite a large boat called the Blake Snake was fitted up for smug- 
 gling purposes by parties living in St. Albans, Swanton, Highgate, Al- 
 burgh, and other towns along the lake, and under command of Captain 
 Mudgett commenced business. 
 
 The Blake Snake had no abiding headquarters ; its forays were in the 
 night. By day she was hidden away in some cove or slough in the 
 back marsh north and west of the Falls; now here, now there, as pru- 
 dence might suggest. About this time many came ostensibly to settle, 
 but in fact were attracted on account of the favorable location of the 
 town for traffic with Canada. Swanton Falls was headquarters at this 
 time and many years after for all main movements connected with the 
 customs department of Vermont. Smuggling was carried on so exten- . 
 sively that the government stationed troops here to aid in enforcement 
 of the law. Barney says in his book on Swanton "that the women 
 were never known to engage in smuggling." If he had lived a few 
 years longer before writing he could not have thus praised our women. 
 I will revise his book by saying that, in these later times of female suf- 
 frage, woman's rights, etc., the smuggler's occupation is not confined to 
 the sterner sex ; women now and then engage in the disgraceful and 
 unlawful business, doubtless an inherited idiosyncrasy. The profit nowa- 
 days to be sure is small, and the risk great, still the desire to smuggle 
 lingers, and occasionally the hand of law is gently laid on the gentler sex. 
 
 The Black Snake made many successful trips, but finally the United 
 States revenue cutter Fly pursued and run her up the Onion River, and 
 then captured her after a desperate fight; three men of the govern- 
 ment were killed, the smugglers arrested and tried, and one by the name 
 of Dean, from Swanton, sentenced to be hung, others to be whipped at 
 
Town of Swanton. 401 
 
 the public whipping- post and sent to state prison, and others acquitted. 
 A full account of this unfortunate affair may be found in Volume 2d 
 of Miss Hemenway's " Gazetteer," commencing on page 342. 
 
 Smuggling continued to be quite brisk and pretty thoroughly followed, 
 not only by those who lived in this region, but by many who came to 
 this town and section from the cities of Boston and New York, down to 
 1820. Later it died out to some extent, but during the war of the Re- 
 bellion, 1861-65, the business revived, and some of the stirring scenes 
 of the early days were again enacted. No smuggling is now done by 
 Swantonians, or but little in this vicinity ; the people are better or the 
 temptation much less. 
 
 Swanton, on account of its proximity to the Canada line and the 
 lake, became very early in her history a military post, and soldiers were 
 stationed here and barracks and store -houses erected as early as 1812. 
 A regiment of Vermont militia, under Colonel Williams, was stationed at 
 the Falls in July, 18 1 2, and remained until the following December. 
 Then Colonel Fifield, with his regiment of militia from the east side of 
 the state, came and remained until the summer of 18 13, and sometime 
 in June was ordered away, leaving a few sick as guard. 
 
 A British force of 1,400 strong invaded the northern part of Cham- 
 plain Valley, coming by water up the St. Johns River into Lake Cham- 
 plain, landing first at Plattsburgh, N. Y., July 30, i8i3,and after burn- 
 ing the barracks, and destroying all the government property, sailed 
 across the lake to Burlington, Vt; and when on their return down the 
 lake they sent a detachment of 600 soldiers to Swanton for the purpose 
 of destroying the government property. They landed at Maquam Bay, 
 August 6, 18 13, pressed old Mr. Manzer into service as guide, and came 
 direct from the lake through the woods and swamp to Swanton Falls ; 
 crossed the river in a scow just above the dam, set fire to the barracks, 
 and burned and destroyed all the United States property they could find ; 
 and after the soldiers had committed numerous acts of wantonness and 
 pillage on the inhabitants they hastily returned to their boats and back 
 to Canada, whence they had come. 
 
 Another regiment, under command of Colonel Dixon, was sent to 
 Swanton, September 13, 18 13, one company of which was recruited at 
 Swanton, and among them were Ezekiel Goodrich, first sergeant ; 
 
 51 
 
402 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Amasa I. Brown, Stephen S. Brown, Ira Church, Rufus L. Barney, 
 Samuel Emery, Abraham Manzer, John Pratt, and others. They re- 
 mained in town awhile, and then went to Burlington, and were then sent 
 into the state of New York and stationed at Cumberland Head until 
 November loth of the same year, when they were discharged. 
 
 Swanton was much interested and greatly excited at the time of 
 Plattsburgh's battle, in September, 1814; many of the citizens volun- 
 teered to take part in the conflict, and men organized for the pur- 
 pose. The years 181 5 and 18 16 were the scarce years (so called), but 
 the inhabitants of Swanton had resort to their fine fishing- grounds, and 
 fish were never more plenty than in those years. The fishing seines were 
 operated night and day during the fishing season. Many came from 
 surrounding towns, bringing maple sugar and other barter to exchange 
 for fish. 
 
 Swanton Falls was a sort of headquarters for the Patriots, as they 
 were called in the Radical war, or the Canadian rebellion, in 1837-39. 
 The Vermont and Canada Railroad was built through the town, pass- 
 ing through the village, in 1850-51. This event gave new impetus to 
 the village, but did not do for the village what was anticipated ; still it 
 was, and always has been, a great benefit. 
 
 The great event of the war of the Rebellion, commencing April, 1861, 
 and ending in the spring of 1865, stirred the people of this town into a 
 great fever of excitement. The military feeling was at once aroused, 
 war meetings held, and the absorbing question was war, and all agreed 
 that the Rebellion ought to be put down and must be at all hazard. 
 Nearly all, men, women, and children, seemed fired with the same kind 
 of patriotism that characterized the followers of Ethan Allen and General 
 Stark. Occasionally a copperhead could be found, but such were given 
 to understand that no rebellious sentiments would be tolerated in our 
 midst — silence or Canada was the ultimatum. 
 
 The " Green Mountain Guards," an independent military company 
 organized a few years previous, were well drilled and equipped, and were 
 anxious to go and take part in the conflict. This company offered its 
 services at once to the governor of our state, and they were accepted 
 and became the first company enrolled for the suppression of the Rebel- 
 lion from Vermont. They were mustered in Company A, First Regi- 
 
Town of SwanTon. 403 
 
 ment, May 2, 1861. This was a three months' regiment, and went in 
 response to the first call for volunteers made by President Lincoln. L. D. 
 Clark was captain ; A. B. Jewett, first Heutenant ; and F. E. Bell, sec- 
 ond lieutenant. Quite a large proportion of the men who went out in 
 this company returned later to the service, and some became quite 
 prominent as officers, discharging duty with great credit to themselves 
 and honor to the town of Swanton. 
 
 Nothing ever occurred in the history of the town that so disturbed 
 the social fabric and embittered the landowners, one against another, as 
 the measure resulting in bonding the town for $75,000 to aid in the 
 construction of the Lamoille Valley Railroad. The feeling engendered 
 at that time was so strong that even now, after more than twenty years 
 have passed, the survivors have not forgotten the pet names by which 
 each side was called. It is claimed, but without any foundation in 
 fact, that Rufus L. Barney, who had a large grand list and favored bond- 
 ing, so regretted his course that just before his decease, in February, 
 1 874, he provided by will a legacy of $20,000, which sum was duly turned 
 over to the town of Swanton. If this railroad has been, and is, a ben- 
 efit to the village of Swanton Falls it is well to remember that no one 
 man contributed so largely to its success as Colonel A. B. Jewett, de- 
 ceased. His labor in connection with this railroad enterprise shortened 
 his days. 
 
 Manufactures. — The first effort in this town was at the Falls, where a 
 saw- mill for manufacturing lumber (pine logs into plank and boards) 
 was built in the days of the French settlement, some years prior to the 
 French and Indian war; the exact date cannot be ascertained. The enor- 
 mous growth of white pine in this section, and the demand at Quebec, 
 to which there was water communication, led to the erection of a saw- 
 mill here at so early a period. When Thomas Butterfield and others 
 came here under Ira Allen's directions, in 1789, they found hundreds of 
 pine saw- logs piled up on both sides of the river above the falls, ready 
 to be rolled into the river and floated down to the mill at the falls to be 
 cut up. Many of these logs were still quite sound, though having been 
 cut many years before. The French settlers had gone and the mill had 
 been destroyed. Before any dam was built across the river at the Falls 
 water-power was provided by cutting a channel around the rapids, on 
 
404 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 the east bank from Tinker's Bay (so called), just above the Lamoille 
 Valley Railroad bridge, to the site of the present dam. In many places 
 may be seen evidences of the old channel. 
 
 The next year after the dam was completed, the year 1 791, Mr. 
 Allen caused a saw and grist-mill to be put in operation on the east- 
 erly side of the river. The grist-mill was built on the same site now 
 owned by the village of Swanton Falls, where the building is in which 
 are the pumps used for the water system of the village. The next grist- 
 mill was erected on the ledge of rocks on the west side of the river at the 
 head of Goose Island (so called), just below the brick wagon shop, 
 owned by James Bullard, built in 1804-05 by Isaac Hull, and carried 
 oiif by a flood in 1813. The next grist-mill was put up on the east side 
 of the river at the upper end of the old tannery property, in 1808 or 
 1809, and was called the "Little Mill"; and the next was on the 
 same side of the river a few rods below, and built in 18 16, and was suc- 
 cessfully run as such for many years, attended by John Dunbar and his 
 son, grandfather and father of George B. Dunbar and Almon C. Dun- 
 bar, who are also millers. George B. is now a merchant of our village, 
 and Almon C. is a modest farmer living on the bow of the river a mile 
 above the dam. The large brick grist-mill now standing near the east 
 end of the dam was next in order, and was built in 1833 by J. A., V. S., 
 and E. M. Ferris. This was erected at great expense, and when com- 
 pleted was equal in equipment to any in the state. This has been in 
 successful operation since its erection, and now is owned and managed 
 by Vilas, Hawly & Lapelle. In the years 1889-90 the owners made ex- 
 tensive repairs, extending the plant and largely increasing the facilities in 
 order to meet the rapidly growing demand for grinding corn and other 
 grain for their trade. They erected quite a large grain elevator on the 
 west side of the river, directly across the road from the old Scott house, 
 and sheds adjacent, for storage of flour and feed ; built a side-track to 
 the elevator and connected with the Central Vermont Railroad, and then 
 put in a conveyor which carried the grain from the elevator on a wide, flat 
 rubberbelt, running on numerous little round rollers, through an inclosed 
 box to the grist-mill, where it was emptied, ground into meal or feed, 
 and then returned to the elevator in the same way, there to be loaded 
 into cars and shipped to customers. The conveyor runs overhead 
 
Town of Swanton. 405 
 
 through the covered bridge that spans the river. It is said a car-load 
 of corn can be unloaded at the elevator and carried across to the grist- 
 mill in the conveyor in thirty minutes. This mill does a large business, 
 and often grinds and ships several car-loads in a day. The mill, ele- 
 vator, and conveyor are run by water-power furnished under the grist- 
 mill. This company attached to their plant in 1890 a large steam en- 
 gine for use in case of low water or accidental loss of water-power. The 
 firm laid out by way of said improvements nearly $25,000. The busi- 
 ness is managed by Captain Frank J. Hawly and Frank D. Lapelle, 
 two enterprising and first-class business men, who moved into town 
 some eighteen years ago from New York state as young men, and have 
 grown up with the town and village, enjoying an enviable reputation 
 among the citizens. 
 
 Another grist-mill was erected in 1863, on the east side of the river, 
 right along side of the big brick grist-mill, further out into the stream, 
 by Lorenzo Laselle, by whom it was operated for quite a number of years, 
 and then sold. It is now owned by A. Lapelle (father of F. D. Lapelle), 
 and run as a custom mill. This mill has a large custom patronage and 
 is run acceptably to the public. Mr. A. Lapelle is a born miller, honest, 
 happy, and clever, and never tires of conversation. 
 
 In an early day there was erected, on the west side of the river, on the 
 site where stands the saw and plaster- mill now owned by George Web- 
 ster, forges for making wrought- iron from the bog ore which was ob- 
 tained from the swamp land just east of the village. The manufacture 
 of iron commenced in November, 1800. The first forge was erected 
 and operated by Captain Rufus Barney and his brother, Elisha Barney, 
 who came here in the fall of 1798, and purchased of Silas Hathaway a 
 one-half interest in 200 acres of land on the westerly side of the river, 
 at the Falls, which included all the water-power below the dam on the 
 west side. The Barneys commenced work, getting ready to make iron, 
 in the spring of 1799, building a forge-dam, a long flume from the main 
 dam to what is now Forge Pond, and from there digging a channel 
 through to the forge-dam below, and then a ditch or channel to the 
 river. All along where the channel was dug at that time stood a heavy 
 growth of pine. This channel made an island and a brook, now called 
 Goose Island and Forge Brook. 
 
4o6 HisToftV of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 The first frame house on the west side was erected by the Barneys 
 in the summer of 1799. It stood a few rods east from where now stands 
 George Webster's saw and plaster-mill. After the above purchase had 
 been made, and plans agreed upon for prosecution of work, the brothers 
 returned to their homes, Captain Rufus to Bennington, Vt., and Elisha 
 to Taunton, Mass. Captain Rufus Barney returned in the spring of 
 1799, with men and teams, and commenced work, giving the enterprise 
 his attention until it was completed and well under way doing a success- 
 ful business ; in 1803 he gave up his interest to his son, Lemuel Barney, 
 and son-in-law, Levi Scott, and returned to his home in Bennington, Vt, 
 where he died. 
 
 Elisha Barney returned with his family, wife and two children (Rufus 
 and Evaline), in February, 1800, and at once moved into the small frame 
 house built the previous summer. The advantages of this locaHty for 
 manufacturing wrought-iron led to the settlement of the Barney family 
 in Swanton, where they have been ever since more or less conspicuously 
 connected with the business interests of village and town. 
 
 The manufacture of iron continued for many years under the man- 
 agement of some of the Barney family, and in fact until wood for coal 
 was too costly and bog ore too scarce to make the business profitable. 
 The drainage of the swamp lands east of the village destroyed the 
 accumulation of ore, and nothing has been done in the business for many 
 years. 
 
 One of the enterprises commenced here at an early day, in 1808-09, 
 was manufacturing potash from wood ashes for the Montreal market. 
 This business was engaged in by many, for in this way a little money 
 (which was hard to get) could be obtained by sale of ashes and potash, 
 and at the same time clear up the land. 
 
 Lime was manufactured here to a considerable extent before 1 800. 
 The first hmekiln it is believed was built at the lime rock ledge near 
 "John's Bridge." Benjamin Joyal carried on this limekiln seventy or 
 eighty years ago. 
 
 Subsequently the Ferrises carried on the lime business on a large 
 scale. In 1850 C. W. Rich, esq., erected some kilns of an improved 
 kind, from which great quantities have been made and shipped to market, 
 and are still in successful operation, being run by John P. Rich, son of 
 
Town of Swanton. 407 
 
 C. W. Rich. W. Beecher Fonda has carried on an extensive lime busi- 
 ness on what is called the Gadcomb farm for twenty years past. In 
 1878 E. W. Jewett & Co. (Col. A. B. Jewett, C. W. Rich, and E. W. 
 Jewett) commenced burning lime from the Nelson Bullard ledges, one- 
 half a mile south of the village. The Hme is first-class and known as 
 " Champlain lime." This plant is now owned by John P. Rich, whose 
 careful attention and business ability has won for him an enviable repu- 
 tation among the consumers of lime in New England, and he is doing a 
 large and prosperous business. The lime rock is first-class and inex- 
 haustible, and the advantages of this plant for manufacture and ship- 
 ment are superior. This industry is one of the best and most valuable 
 in town, giving constant employment to a large number of men. There 
 are three separate plants, all operating some fifteen kilns, which run most 
 of the time during the year ; hundreds of barrels are made each day, and 
 immediately shipped to New England cities and towns for use in manu- 
 facturing establishments. The lime rock is a "gold mine" to this town, 
 producing many thousand dollars every year, mostly paid out for labor 
 and fuel (wood), adding to the prosperity and wealth of the village and 
 town. The increased demand for Swanton lime is constantly developing 
 the business. 
 
 Woolen-mills, so far as this town is concerned, are industries of our 
 earher history ; not even buildings or machinery remain to tell the story 
 of the busy past, when the manufacture of wool into cloth was the lead- 
 ing business. The first establishment or mill was erected in 1806, by 
 Luther Drury, at first starting with a carding machine, and from that 
 date down to 1872 many at different times were engaged in the busi- 
 ness, who achieved more or less success, and among the men who en- 
 gaged in it may be mentioned the Hopkins, Robinsons, Ferrises, Reed, 
 Jackson, Platts, Tuttle, Story, Laselle, Ives, Carlton, Higgins, Twitchell, 
 Converse, Story, Smith, Hinkley, and last E. S. Miegs ; and all of 
 these men, who ever made it a regular business, except Alanson Piatt 
 (now living in Highgate), are dead. These mills were run by water- 
 power now used to propel other industries. 
 
 The Marble Industry. — Sawing of marble at the Falls from Swanton 
 quarries, in mills erected for the purpose, has been a leading business 
 since the construction of the first mill in 18 12. Time and customs have 
 
4o8 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 made many changes as to the purposes for which the products have 
 been used, as well as the kind and amount at different periods required. 
 Swanton for many years has monopolized in the market production of 
 many articles finished at her mills. The calico marble (called Lyon- 
 nais) is found here in great abundance and variety, mottled in beautiful 
 shades of red, white, chocolate, dove, yellow, black, and gray, blended 
 in such a manner that each successive layer in the same quarry is differ- 
 ent, is unsurpassed in texture, and not found elsewhere in this country. 
 To Joseph Atkinson belongs the distinction of erecting the first mill in 
 this section of the state for sawing marble. It was located on the east 
 side of the river, where once stood the old tannery, between the high- 
 way and the Barney Marble Company's present marble-mill. In 
 1815 John Ferris, of New York, built a marble- mill on the easterly 
 side, close up to the old dam. In the year 1820 Underhill & Ferris, 
 of New York, erected a marble- mill on the site now occupied by 
 A. Lapelle's grist-mill. This last mill was especially designed for get- 
 ting out mantels and pieces for furniture for the New York city mar- 
 ket. It was shipped direct by water, and the first boat- load of finished 
 marble from here was sent to New York city in 1823. Julius H. Rice 
 put up a mill on the T. B. Marvin privilege, now owned and used by 
 Swanton village for obtaining power for the village water system. The 
 next mill put in operation was in 1825, and was located near the high- 
 way, on the upper end of the old tannery plant. This was built by one 
 Seth Edson. It was burned in 1831, and re- built by V S. Ferris & 
 Company the same year. In the year 1829 Elisha Barney erected a 
 marble- mill on the west side of the river, on the site where stood E. M. 
 Prouty's manufacturing establishment, which was burned June 18, 1891. 
 The year 1 840 marked a new era in the marble industry, which led 
 George Barney to build a large mill with six gangs of saws, on the east 
 side of the river, nearly on the same ground where now stands the large 
 mill of the Barney Marble Company. Mr. Barney's mill, for a number 
 of years, was principally engaged in sawing and finishing hearths from 
 Isle La Motte marble, shipped in boat-loads to New York city. Another 
 mill for the same purpose was built just below James Bullard's wagon 
 shop, on Goose Island, by H. B. Farrar in 1843. The increased de- 
 mand for hearths and mantels from Isle La Motte black and gray and 
 
Town of S wanton. 409 
 
 Swanton dove marbles induced Lorenzo Perry to put up a mill, and 
 this was located on the east side of the river, below the bridge and op- 
 posite A. Lapelle's grist-mill, about the year 1852. 
 
 Hervey and H. M. Stone, also about this time, repaired and fitted up 
 the Julius H. Rice mill for manufacturing hearths. The supply very 
 soon exceeded the demand and hearth and mantel business declined, 
 and operations in these two mills were suspended. All of the above 
 mills were, from time to time, changed and repaired, and most of them 
 owned by many difterent parties. The demand for grave- stones and 
 mantels from Swanton dove, hearths and mantels from Isle La Motte 
 black and gray marble, made the business lucrative until about 1837, 
 when from change of fashion to cheaper, light-colored, Italian marbles, 
 and the general financial disaster of the country, the marblemen of 
 Swanton were compelled to. suspend and wait for better times or a new 
 demand for the marble. 
 
 In 1840 there was a fair demand for hearths from what was called the 
 Isle La Motte hearth marble, and some of the mills started up and con- 
 tinued in this line for a few years, and the other mills were either con- 
 verted into other uses, or suffered to go to decay. 
 
 George Barney, the most enterprising and successful of all, continued 
 in the marble business from the time he commenced in 184010 his 
 death, October, 1883. The first mill was built for sawing out grave- 
 stones from Swanton dove marble, for which there was a great demand, 
 and the numerous stones set up in the burial-places throughout North- 
 ern Vermont and New York is evidence of the amount of business done, 
 and the durability of the marble for the purpose. 
 
 The peculiar color of this dove marble attracted the eye of the New 
 York city Quakers, and very soon a demand came from there for man- 
 tels, and a large business was done in this line for many years. From 
 the same quarter came a little later a demand for a black marble for 
 hearths and mantels, and this was quarried at Isle La Motte, and in Can- 
 ada just across the line, brought to Swanton, sawed and finished, and 
 shipped by water to New York. This marble took a very high polish, and 
 for years was very popular among the well-to-do builders of the cities. 
 Swanton, and Glen Falls, N. Y., controlled the market, and prices went 
 up, and then Italian white marbles for the same purposes were thrown on 
 52 
 
4IO History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 the market so cheap that the demand for black native marble was very 
 much limited. This change was a serious blow and discouraging to the 
 dealers of Swanton, and then followed the manufacture of hearths for a 
 season, for which there was only a limited demand. The above men- 
 tioned conditions and circumstances compelled the local dealers to look 
 for some other use for the products of their mills or abandon the business 
 of sawing entirely. About this time, 1848, George Barney, the principal 
 man in the business, impelled by a strong desire to keep up the business at 
 the Falls and to continue in it as an occupation, began an investigation and 
 ascertained that all the tile used in this country for floors was imported 
 from Italy, and, the color being of a light and dark blue, concluded that 
 the Isle La Motte black and gray and other Vermont marbles might be 
 successfully introduced in competition with the Italian tile, and so the 
 same year commenced sawing and finishing tile from Isle La Motte 
 marble. The first made were used for the floor of the then new Free 
 Masons' building. Grand street. New York, and these were the first made 
 in this country. This new avenue thus opened revolutionized the marble 
 industry at Swanton Falls; the mills were changed and fitted up for tile- 
 making, and for many years after tilemaking was the principal business 
 of the mills ; even now tile is one of the leading products of the Barney 
 Marble Company, made from Vermont marbles. About 1870 the vari- 
 gated marbles of Swanton began to be used for inside finish of costly 
 buildings. The demand was largely due to the efforts of George Bar- 
 ney and his son, R. Lester Barney, who were in partnership, and sawed 
 and finished the Lyonnais marble for their trade. 
 
 Very soon after George Barney's decease R. Lester Barney induced 
 the Hon. John N. Baxter, of Rutland, Vt., and others to come to Swan- 
 ton and examine the marble quarries there with a view of engag- 
 ing with him in the marble business. The effort resulted in the organi- 
 zation of the "Barney Marble Company" in 1888, and preparations were 
 at once commenced for extensive operations. All the marble quarries 
 of value in the vicinity were either bought or leased. The new mill 
 erected by George Barney just before his death was thoroughly repaired 
 and equipped with the most improved machinery and appliances, and 
 everything done regardless of cost to make the plant first-class in every 
 particular. The old mill was operated until the new was ready, but 
 
Town of SwanTon. 411 
 
 long before business was commenced in the new mill the new firm was 
 flooded with orders that would take them months to fill, and thus has it 
 been to the present time, the mill running night and day to meet the 
 increasing demand. 
 
 The new firm opened a quarry on the farm of Charles L. Bullard, 
 where they found a great variety of mottled marble of fine texture, and 
 in shades from dark solid red to light red, mottled with many shades of 
 red and chocolate, spotted with white, yellow, green, and other colors, 
 making when finished a beautiful surface of superior quality. It has no 
 equal in this country. 
 
 The Barney Marble Company sends their finished marble all through 
 the United States and Canada. The demand is so great that they have 
 recently purchased the old tannery property, and are contemplating to 
 erect soon a large mill, and thereby more than double their present ca- 
 pacity. They employ now from sixty to seventy-five men in the mills 
 and in the quarries, paying out weekly for labor and other expenses from 
 $700 to $1,000. The pulsations of business in village and town are 
 quicker, and the outlook for Swanton on account of this industry alone 
 is quite flattering. It makes a home market, and thousands of dollars 
 are paid out annually that find their way into the legitimate channels of 
 trade, and the grocer, merchant, and farmer find quick sale for their 
 wares in exchange for ready cash, and are happy. John N. Baxter, esq., 
 is the head and front of the concern and business manager, and so long 
 as he remains identified with the enterprise prosperity will attend. The 
 colored marbles of Swanton are inexhaustible and accessible. The Mis- 
 sisquoi River furnishes ample power to propel the numerous gangs for 
 sawing the marble and rubbing beds for smoothing and polishing the 
 same. Shipping facilities are good by rail or water. The Lyonnais 
 marbles of Swanton have already made the town famous, and the indi- 
 cations are that only a few years will be required in developing our 
 marble to have it do for the town what the white marbles have done for 
 Rutland, Vt. 
 
 Tanning and Ta?ineries. — As early as 18 14 the business of tanning 
 hides into leather at Swanton Falls was commenced, and the first to en- 
 gage in it was Henry Steinhour, who located his plant on the flat land on 
 the banks of the Missisquoi, just above the dam, and between the public 
 
412 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 mall or park and the river, directly in the rear of Merchants' Row. The 
 tanning business has been carried on in town ever since, but often, as at 
 present, in a limited way. E. W. Babcock came here from New Hamp- 
 shire in 1840, purchased the old Steinhour plant, made extensive repairs, 
 and did a good business for many years, down to about 1854, in the 
 meantime moving the plant and business down below the bridge at 
 the east end, to have water-power and better facilities for using modern 
 appliances and machinery in the process of tanning. Nelson Gallup 
 bought this plant at the end of the bridge in 1856, made general repairs, 
 put in new machinery, and carried on a large business until he sold out 
 to Richard Skinner and Cadmus S. Gates, in 1868. Skinner & Gates 
 carried on the business for a year or two, when the property went back 
 into Nelson Gallup's hands, and he then sold out, in 1 872, to A. M. & P. D. 
 Moore, of Plattsburgh, N. Y., who were owners of several tanneries in 
 Northern and Eastern New York, conducting an immense trade. A. M. 
 & P. D. Moore made such repairs as were necessary, and at once com- 
 menced and did a thriving business. Mr. Richard Skinner, who was 
 engaged by the Moores as foreman, having died in 1872, H. F. Martin, 
 of Peru, N. Y., came here and became a partner with A. M. & P. D. 
 Moore, and assumed charge and managed the business until the fire of 
 February 7, 1874, which destroyed the building and contents. 
 
 The burning of the tannery threw out of employment a good many 
 men, besides being a heavy loss to the owners, and depressing to the 
 business community, who depended on the earnings of the men em- 
 ployed for trade and continued prosperity. The village people were 
 deeply interested, and were much grieved to have so prosperous an in- 
 dustry so suddenly and disastrously terminated. The regret and sym- 
 pathy of the enterprising citizens were so intense that substantial induce- 
 ments were offered the owners if they would re-build. Very soon a 
 stock company was organized with a capital of $25,000, under the name 
 of the Swanton Tanning Company, The stockholders were A. M. 
 Moore, of Plattsburgh ; P. D. Moore, then of Boston ; A. L. Wright, 
 George Barney, and Edwin S. Miegs, of Swanton. 
 
 Additions were made to the plant by purchase of the old woolen- mill 
 (then owned by E. S. Miegs), a vacant lot and water-power owned by 
 George Barney, and a new brick building erected, and everything fitted 
 
Town of Swanton. 413 
 
 up in the best possible manner for tanning and manufacturing upon a 
 large scale. The good will of many citizens was manifested by their 
 generous contributions, which influenced the Moores in their decision to 
 re-build and continue the business at Swanton. The Swanton Tanning 
 Company commenced business in tanning and manufacturing leather in 
 the .spring of 1875, and continued until 1882, employing, in connec- 
 tion with the business, on an average forty men per day, doing an im- 
 mense business, tanning mostly South American hides, and finishing 
 the leather for Boston market, where the Moores owned a leather store. 
 
 The death of P. D. Moore and decline in the leather trade led to the 
 closing of the business of the Swanton Tanning Company. In 1882 
 Walter Kimball, of Andover, Mass., came here and associated himself 
 with C. A. Howe, who had been foreman for a number of years for the 
 Swanton Tanning Company, (both practical tanners,) and they leased the 
 plant, carried it on about two years, and then gave it up because of the 
 constant decline in the leather trade, having lost from $6,000 to $10,000 
 during the two years. A very small business was done here, after the 
 dissolution of the firm of Kimball & Howe, by Howe & Marcia, in 
 the summer of 1884, which was the last done on this plant and in the 
 village of Swanton Falls. The tannery buildings, from want of use and 
 care, rapidly decayed and commenced to tumble down, and finally, in 
 the spring of 1890, A. M. Moore sold the real estate to the Barney 
 Marble Company, who, during the summer of 1890, took down the 
 buildings and cleared away the rubbish, with a view of building a large 
 marble- mill on the site. The new mill is to be erected, it is said, this 
 year (1891). The tanning of leather on a small scale was commenced 
 by Frederick Gove in 1815, on the west road, near the Daniel Bullard 
 place, and kept up by him until about 1845. Another small tannery 
 was started by Daniel Dean in 1846, on the same road, about a mile 
 farther south. Dean was followed by James Malony, Elias Burnell, and 
 R. T. Wood, and Wood and his son still carry on the business in a very 
 small way. This is the only tannery, however, in town at present in 
 operation. B. D. Wood commenced tanning at his home place in 1862, 
 but after a few years abandoned the business. 
 
 It is said that other small tanneries were run for awhile in different 
 parts of the town, which is quite likely, but just when and where the 
 
4i4 HisTorV of Franklin And Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 writer is unable to ascertain. A few years ago (say thirty) there were 
 many tanneries in successful operation in this section of the state, but 
 now, on account of the scarcity of hemlock bark in this section, and the 
 tendency to combine, nearly all have been driven out of the business in 
 this and other parts of Vermont, and the tanning business transferred to 
 the hemlock forests of other states. 
 
 The only cotton-mill operated in this part of the state was built on 
 " Swanton Hill," about 1820, by William O. Gadcomb, then of St. Al- 
 bans. The only article manufactured was cotton yarn, and this was in 
 great demand among the settlers, being used as warp in the hand-loom 
 in making linen and other cloth for family use. The mill was erected 
 on a small stream that empties into Fairfield Pond a few rods below the 
 site of the mill. The writer visited the spot a few years ago, and the 
 walls and parts of water-wheels and other machinery still remained. 
 On this same site and on the old walls a saw-mill was built quite 
 recently by Lewis & Morton, of St. Albans. The cotton for the old 
 mill came by way c-f Lake Champlain to St. Albans Bay, and then 
 through the woods by horse and ox- teams to the mill. 
 
 Ship Building. — In 1820 S. W. & S. S. Keyes built a first-class 
 boat, sloop style, at the Falls just below the dam ; this was the first 
 built here or in this section, and the launching was a great event, and the 
 country people came in for miles around to witness the novel scene. It 
 was christened, as it plunged into the river, Montgomery, and was 
 used by the Keyeses in shipping lumber from Highgate and Swanton to 
 Whitehall. In 1823 another large boat, canal style, schooner- rigged, 
 was built by Julius H. Rice, Samuel Hoffman, and Thomas Clark. This 
 boat was named the Washington, and was run by Captain Thomas 
 Clark for many years. Thomas Webster, becoming the owner of 
 the Washington, rebuilt her, after which she was commanded by 
 George W. Webster, running up and down the lake and to New York 
 city, and it is said did a good business for years. The Royal Oak 
 was next, and was built in 1825 by Samuel BuUard. After the opening 
 of the Champlain Canal these boats were mostly engaged in carrying' 
 pine lumber from the Falls direct to New York, also spruce and 
 hemlock later on ; but the shipping of lumber from Swanton ended 
 about 1848. These boats, on their return trips from New York, brought 
 
Town of Swanton. 415 
 
 cargoes of merchandise for the merchants of Swanton, Highgate, and 
 towns east. Iron from, the Barney forge and marble from the marble - 
 mills were taken in boats through the lake to New York markets. Since 
 1880 quite a number of steam yachts have been built here, the largest 
 of which was the Hattie Belle, built by George F. Atwood at an ex- 
 pense of $1,500 or more. She was adapted for river and lake, and in 
 fact was a staunch, fine boat. Atwood sold her to Charles C. Gilmore, 
 and he made many trips with her up and down the river, through the 
 lake, down to St. Johns, P. Q., and wherever he or his friends desired 
 to go in pursuit of game or pleasure. The Hattie Belle did the car- 
 rying trade for the camping, fishing, and hunting parties starting out 
 from Swanton Falls for a number of years. Gilmore sold her in the 
 summer of 1890 to St. Albans parties. Captain F. J. Hawly and F. D. 
 Lapelle own a good steam yacht, built by them to be used in summer 
 in going to and from camp, and in making forays on fish and game down 
 the river and in back bays and creeks. Boat-houses line the banks of 
 the river below the dam where the yachts and small boats are housed 
 during the winter and when not in use. Steam yachts are also owned 
 by Dorman & Jewett, Barnes & Hosinger, Furman, Brown & Allen, 
 and others. The Missisquoi, from the Falls to the lake, cannot be ex- 
 celled for pleasure boating. 
 
 Public Houses or Hotels. — The first hotel was located where Lorenzo 
 Laselle now owns and lives, and was run by Asa Holgate fiom 1793 to 
 '98. This was the first hotel in town. Mr. Holgate dying, his widow 
 continued to manage it until 1802. She was succeeded by Theophilus 
 Mansfield to about 1821 ; then John R. Phelps, Capron, Harrison Ste- 
 vens, and lastly Thomas Webster, in 1826. The next hotel at the Falls 
 was built on the site where stands the residence of William H. Blake, 2d, 
 and at first called the old Stevens stand. Ezra Jones was landlord from 
 1805 to 181 2 ; Nathaniel Stearns from 18 12 to 1825; James Brown from 
 1825 to 1826; Rice from 1 826 to 1828; Nelson Bullard, 1828-33 ; Cal- 
 vin Perry, 1833-37; William Cain, 1837-41; Nelson Bullard, 1841-49; 
 L. D. Trurrill, 1849-58. This old-time and popular stand was burned 
 in 1858. TliL next in order was called the Eagle Hotel, on the same 
 site where stands the Central House, now owned and managed by J. F. 
 Kelly. The first landlord was Thomas Webster, 1825 ; James Brown, 
 
4i6 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 1827; Samuel Curtis, 1830; Mts. Samuel Stevens, 1831; Lorenzo 
 Perry, 1833 ; Daniel B. Marvin, 1835 \ Thomas Dimon, same year, 1835 ; 
 W. Keys, 1836; Samuel Stevens, 1837; Harry Asselstyne, 1838-41 ; 
 William Cain, 1842 ; Homer E. Loveland, 1844-46; Mrs. Samuel Ste- 
 vens, 1847; Ward Barney, 1848.; Stiles Faxon, 1851; William Keys, 
 1852; Horace Stearns, 1853; William Keys again in 1854, and he 
 changed the name to "Central"; Erastus C. Jennison, 1856-66; 
 Widow Jennison & Sons, S. H. and Stephen, 1866-69; Griggs, 1869- 
 70; C. F. Smith, 1870-80. The Central was enlarged and generally 
 repaired by C. F. Smith. Mr. Smith sold to J. C. Babbitt, who leased 
 it to a Brattleboro man by the name of Lawrence. Thomas S. Babbitt, 
 son of J. C, succeeded Lawrence in 1882, and managed it until 1884; 
 then S. H. Jennison, son of Erastus, came here and leased it, and oper- 
 ated it for one year, and he was succeeded, in the spring of 1885, by J. F. 
 Kelly, the present landlord. This hotel is now one of the best in the state, 
 and is as well managed and as popular as any. Mr. Kelly has made a good 
 many improvements to the property outside and in, by building, repair- 
 ing, painting, etc. It is of brick and a fine looking structure, standing 
 on the corner of Grand avenue and First street. On the west side of 
 the river at the Falls the first to open a hotel were Ira and Erastus 
 Church, in 1823. Ira Church and widow continued down to 1854, 
 when Stiles Faxon ran it for awhile; William Keys followed in 1856- 
 65 ; Hammond, 1865-69; Wilh'am Keys again, 1869-72; J. I. Gibbs, 
 1872-74. In 1874 R. Lester Barney bought the hotel property, moved 
 back the old building, and put up a new modern building, fitted it up 
 and named it the Barney House, and a man by the name of Thomas 
 Bolack was the first landlord under the new name. It was sold in 1 876 to 
 Charles & William Pease, who managed it until 1878, when it was sold 
 to A. T. Kellogg. In 1 880 the property came into the possession of E. A. 
 Sowles, esq. He added a third story and changed the name to the 
 " American House," and leased it to J. F. Kelly, who ran it until 1885, 
 since which time it has been run by A. P. Herrick, jr., and F. B. Martel, 
 and by a Mr. Hill. In the east part of the town, at a place known as 
 Green's Corners, a hotel was opened in 1796, and run, first, by William 
 Green, a pioneer in that section ; after by Scofield, Jackson, Butler, 
 Ordway, and George Green. There has been no hotel in this part of 
 
Town of Enosburgh. 417 
 
 the town since 1833. On the middle road Clark Hubbard commenced 
 keeping hotel in 1798, and he was followed by Jarib Jackson, Ora Wil- 
 lard, Daniel Campbell, Daniel B. Miegs, and Seth W. Hathaway ending 
 in the year 1831. On the west road, near the Daniel Bullard brick 
 house, Levi Hathaway commenced keeping hotel in 1797. Nathaniel 
 Stearns, John R. Phelps, Adam Andros and John B. Keep followed him 
 in the same building, but after 1834 it was abandoned as a tavern. On 
 the same road, a mile or more farther south, and the same house now 
 owned and occupied by Samuel Bullard, was the hotel known as and 
 called the Old Stone Tavern. This was built by Samuel Bullard, grand- 
 father of the present owner, in 18 19, and was run by him, his widow, 
 and son Charles until 1832, and was the half-way house between Swan- 
 ton Falls and St. Albans village. There is a summer hotel on the lake 
 shore, near Maquam dock and the terminus of the St. Johnsbury and 
 Lake Champlain Railroad, owned by the railroad company, erected a 
 few years ago by the Maquam Land Company. It was first built at 
 Sheldon, Vt, taken down and brought here by railroad and put up, and 
 finished and furnished in first-class manner, intended for summer travel 
 and city boarders, and is open in the summer season only. It is quite 
 an imposing building and nicely located. It is about two miles west 
 from Swanton village, and is. now under a lease to C. F. Smith, who 
 opens it in summer for city patronage mainly. There are only two 
 regular hotels in town at present. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF ENOSBURGH. 
 
 THE town of Enosburgh was brought into existence through the 
 medium of a grant issued by Governor Thomas Chittenden, under 
 the recommendation of the General Assembly, during the year 1780. 
 At this particular period the authorities of the state were greatly m need 
 of funds with which to conduct the affairs of government and provide 
 
 53 
 
4i8 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 for military defenses on the northern frontier ; therefore, on the loth of 
 March, 1780, a committee of the Assembly, chosen for the purpose of 
 providing for frontier defenses, made a report by which it was recom- 
 mended that the governor grant, or order to be granted, four, five, or six 
 townships of land " if it can be found without danger of lapping on the 
 former grants." 
 
 In pursuance of this report, on the 12th of March, Governor Chitten- 
 den made grants of six towns — Berkshire, Enosburgh, Richford, Mont- 
 gomery, Wyllis (Jay), and Westfield ; all being, as will be noticied, in 
 the northern region of the state, and of lands not previously granted! 
 
 The conditions upon which Enosburgh, and the others as well, was 
 granted were: "That each proprietor of said townships pay to the 
 treasurer of this state, or a committee hereafter to be appointed, the 
 sum of eight pounds, lawful money, to be made good as it passed current 
 in the year 1774. That the proprietors of Enosburgh and Westfield 
 make payment to the said committee on or before the first day of June 
 next, on payment of which charters of incorporation will be given. And 
 each proprietor of the above townships, his heirs, or assigns, shall plant and 
 cultivate five acres of land, and build a house at least eighteen feet 
 square on the floor, or have one family settled on each respective right 
 or share of land within the term of four years after the circumstances of 
 the war will admit of a settlement with safety, on penalty of the forfeiture 
 of each respective right or share of land in said townships, and the same 
 to revert to the freemen of this state, to be by their representatives re- 
 granted to such persons as shall appear to settle and cultivate the same. 
 And said committee is empowered to erase the names of such proprie- 
 tors as shall not appear and pay the money aforesaid, and enter others 
 in their stead. And that five sixty- fifth parts in said township be re- 
 served for public uses in this state, as shall be hereafter described in the 
 charters of incorporation for said towns, as also all pine and oak timbers 
 suitable for a navy." 
 
 Such was the character of the act by which Enosburgh was created ; 
 and such were the conditions on which the grant was made. But the 
 proprietors or those holding under them never complied with the strict 
 requirements of their grant, nor, on this account, does it anywhere ap- 
 pear that there was any forfeiture of rights by any of the grantees. 
 
Town of ENosfeURGrt. 419 
 
 The war closed in 1783, and settlement could have been made with 
 safety very soon after that year, but none was made by that time, nor 
 within the specified four years thereafter. As provided by the grant 
 the grantees, Roger Enos and his associates, paid the consideration re- 
 quired of them by the state, and thereafter, on the isth of May, 1780, 
 Governor Chittenden issued a charter for the town, giving to it these 
 boundaries : " Beginning at the southwest corner of the town of Berk- 
 shire ; thence east in the south line of Berkshire, six miles ; thence 
 southerly on such points as to gain six miles on a perpendicular from 
 the south line of said Berkshire; thence west parallel with said south 
 line of Berkshire, to the easterly line of the land heretofore granted by 
 New Hampshire (Sheldon or Hungerford) ; thence northerly in such 
 line, to the bounds began at, as will contain the contents of six miles 
 square, and no more. And that the same is hereby incorporated a town 
 by the name of Enosburgh ; and the inhabitants that do or hereafter 
 shall inhabit the said town, are declared to be enfranchised, and entitled 
 to all the privileges and immunities that other towns within this state do 
 by law exercise and enjoy. To have and to hold the said granted and 
 described tract of land, as above expressed, with all the privileges and 
 appurtenances to them, and to their respective heirs and assigns forever.' 
 
 Of the "five sixty- fifth parts," reserved for public uses, specified in 
 the grant, the charter provided that one share be set apart for the use 
 and support of a seminary or college within the state; one share to the 
 first settled minister of the gospel, to be disposed of for that purpose as 
 the town shall direct; one share for the use and support of the ministry; 
 one share for the support of the grammar schools throughout this state ; 
 and one share for the use and support of a school or schools within said 
 town. 
 
 The town of Enosburgh was named by Governor Chittenden in honor 
 of its chief proprietor, Major- General Roger Enos, who entered the 
 Continental army at the opening of the Revolutionary war. In the ex- 
 pedition conducted by Brigadier- General Arnold through the forests~of 
 Maine to Quebec, in the autumn of 177S, General Enos commanded the 
 rear division of the army, which consisted of eleven hundred men. 
 When the difficulties were so great as to make the enterprise question- 
 able a council of war was held, and it was determined to go on, and 
 
4^0 History of FraNkliN and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Enos was ordered to bring up his strongest men and leave the sick and 
 feeble to return, but Enos took upon himself the responsibihty of return- 
 ing with his whole command. His conduct was severely criticized, but 
 his action was excused on account of the circumstances that prompted it. 
 Says a recent writer : " General Enos first appeared in Vermont history in 
 March, 1780, when the town of Enosburgh was granted to him and his as- 
 sociates. He next appears as above, commander of all Vermont troops in 
 service, where he was among the few cognizant of the Haldimand Cor- 
 respondence, and governed his military movements accordingly. His 
 residence was in Hartland until after 1791, as the record shows that he 
 represented that town on several occasions from October, 1782, to Octo- 
 ber, 1792. The closing years of his life were spent with his daughter, 
 Mrs. Ira Allen, in Colchester, where he died October 6, 1808. He was 
 a major-general in the Vermont militia." But whatever prominence 
 may have come to General Enos by virtue of his connection with the 
 civil and military affairs of the state, and whatever riches may have been 
 acquired by him in connection with the charter of this town, he never- 
 theless became reduced in circumstances in later life, and was confined 
 in jail under the act authorizing imprisonment for debt; but for this 
 misfortune he was subsequently released under a special act of the legis- 
 lature. Neither Roger Enos nor any of his fifty-nine associate grantees 
 are understood as ever having become permanent residents of the town. 
 Although the town of Enosburgh was granted as early as March, 
 1780, the proprietors do not appear to have done anything looking to 
 its settlement and improvement until some fifteen years later, except to 
 have caused a survey to be made of the town's boundaries. .But the 
 state in 1789 seems to have assessed the town to pay the sum of twenty 
 pounds, six shillings, and threepence, expenses of surveying town lines, 
 done by Ira Allen and James Whitelaw, who had been successive sur- 
 veyors-general about that period. In this connection, upon the making 
 of the above assessment, the proprietors protested, and said they had al- 
 ready caused the survey to be made, upon which the collection of the tax 
 was suspended until an investigation should be made. An examination 
 into this matter showed that the proprietors had made the survey and paid 
 the cost of it as they alleged. But Enosburgh did not always continue 
 according to the boundaries described in the original grant, for an act 
 
ToWn of ENOSBURGri. 42 1 
 
 of October 31, 1798, took a tract of land from Bakersfield and annexed 
 it to this town. 
 
 Tlie first meeting of the proprietary of Enosburgh, of which there 
 appears to be any present record, was that held the 8th of September, 
 1795, in pursuance of an " advertisement" issued by Councilor Samuel 
 Safford, dated Bennington, July 18, 1795. By this warning the pro- 
 prietors were directed to meet at the house of Joseph Baker in Bakers- 
 field, at nine o'clock in the forenoon of the day named. In pursuance 
 of the warning the meeting was held, at which time Captain Jedediah 
 Hyde was chosen moderator ; Martin D. Follett, proprietors' clerk ; 
 Stephen House, collector; Levi House, treasurer. Jedediah Hyde, 
 Stephen House, Samuel B. Sheldon, Levi House, Amos Draper, Joseph 
 Baker, and Martin D. Follett were chosen a committee to allot the town 
 in one or more divisions and to lay out and clear roads. To meet the 
 expense of this work there was voted a tax of ten dollars on each pro- 
 prietor's right, On the 9th of September the proprietors held a meeting 
 at Cambridge, at which time it was voted to lay out ten acres of land for a 
 public parade; and at a meeting held at Bakersfield, October 24, 1795, 
 it was voted to give Stephen House forty acres of land for building a saw 
 and grist-mill in the town. Proprietors' meetings were held at various 
 times and places until about the year 1823, when they were dropped, or be- 
 came merged in the town meetings held by the inhabitants; at least no 
 record appears to be in existence showing such meetings of date more 
 recent than 1823. 
 
 Tradition has it that the first settlement in Enosburgh was made dur- 
 ing the year 1796, by a family named Balch, whose abode was in the 
 west part of the town, on what was called Balch Hill ; that the child 
 of this family, Enos Balch, was the first born in the town ; that it was 
 cradled in a sap-trough, but notwithstanding this hardship it afterward 
 became a man of much prominence — a respected clergyman of the 
 Methodist Episcopal church. Other authorities contend that Anna 
 Fish Farrar, the daughter born to Isaac B. and Anna Farrar, was the 
 first born in the town, the date of that event being June 4, 1798. 
 
 In 1797 there was found to be a sufficient number of inhabitants and 
 " right " owners to justify the full organization of the town, by the 
 election of town officers and the administration of affairs within the juris- 
 
4^2 HtSTORV ot FkAnklIn And GRA>fD Isle CoUNtiES. 
 
 diction independent of the proprietors ortheir proceedings. Accordingly, 
 on the I2th of December, 1797, Justice of the Peace Jason Kingsley, of 
 Cambridge, issued a warning as follows : " These are to notify all the 
 inhabitants of Enosburgh, in the county of Franklin, who are qualified 
 by law to vote in town meeting to meet at the dwelling house of Samuel 
 Little on the third Monday of March next, then and there to act," etc. 
 In pursuance of this warning the inhabitants met at Samuel Little's 
 house on the 9th of March, 1798, and transacted business as follows: 
 Chose Jonas Brigham, moderator ; Isaac 15. Farrar, town clerk ; Charles 
 Follett, Samuel Little, and Martin Deming, selectmen; MosesFarrar, con- 
 stable; Benjamin Follett, surveyor of highways; Joseph Terrill, hog reefe. 
 At a meeting held later in the same month the records disclose what 
 would now appear to be a highly unwarrantable proceeding on the part 
 of the selectmen, being a "license" granted thus: "Enosburgh, March 
 27, 1798. This may certify that we do approve of Mr. Lewis Sweet- 
 land's entertaining, and retailing Hquors by small quantity, as'an inn- 
 keeper, at his house in Enosburgh, for one year from this date. Charles 
 Follett, Martin Deming, Samuel Little, selectmen." 
 
 Town Officers Chosen in 1799. — William Barber, moderator; Samuel 
 Little, clerk /w tempore; Wheelock Peet, town clerk ; Martin Deming, 
 Isaac B. Farrar, Martin D. Follett, selectmen ; William Barber, treas- 
 urer ; Moses Farrar, constable ; William Barber, Edward Baker, Nathan 
 Pierce, listers; Moses Farrar, collector; Lewis Sweetland, grand juror; 
 Martin D. Follett, Amos Balch, Micah Rockwood, Edward Baker, sur- 
 veyors of highways; WilHam Barber, Wheelock Peet, Anson Hull, hay- 
 wards. 
 
 Now for the purpose of bringing to the reader's attention the names 
 of as many as possible of the pioneer residents of Enosburg, it has been 
 suggested that there be made a record of those who took the " freeman's 
 oath " at various times down to and inclusive of the year 18 10, at which 
 time it is fairly conceded that pioneership was at an end. The following 
 persons became qualified freemen at the time indicated : September 3, 
 1799: Stephen House, Erastus Swift, Challis Safford, Lewis Sweetlandi 
 Samuel Little, Moody Clark, Amos Lawrence, Wheelock Peet, Martin 
 D. Follett, Martin Deming, Henry Hopkins, Ralph Stern, Edward 
 Baker, Amos Fassett, Stephen Jones, Anson Hull, Micah Rockwood, 
 
■ Town of Enosburgh. 423 
 
 David Fassett, James Follett, Talma Hendrick, Oliver Hutchins, Amos 
 Balch, Joshua Miller, Amaziah Clark, Nathan Pierce.CyrusBalch, Thomas 
 Richards, John Coburn. 1800 : Solomon Gilbert, Charles Rozier, David 
 Davis, John Barber, Paul Duell. 1802 : Samuel H. Taylor, David Fas- 
 sett, jr., Amos Fassett, jr., Israel H. Gunn, Robert Barber, Ebenezer 
 Farrar, PhiletusSweetland, Benjamin Holden. 1804: Solomon Dimick, 
 Solomon Crook, Samuel Todd, Rhoderick Owen, James Eaton, James 
 Bassett, Elisha Fassett, S. Smith, Isaiah Phelps, S. Smith, Henry Albrow, 
 Enos Pease, Elisha Boyce, Jonathan Eagar, Isaac Baldwin, Amos Under- 
 wood, George Bassett, Henry Putnam, Horace Jones. March 26, 1806 : 
 Thomas Emmons, Artemas Taft, Jehiel Barnum, Leonard Read, Leon- 
 ard Read, jr., Josiah Baldwin, John C. Waller, Ebenezer Phelps, Joseph 
 Waller, Moody Clark. September 2, 1806: Daniel Stevens, Eliphaz 
 Eaton, Harvey Durguy, Grove Griswold, Jonas Boutelle, Elijah Nichols, 
 
 Myer Wright, Benjamin Dutton, Fassett, John Perley, John 
 
 Kingsbury, Stephen Davis, Benjamin Smith, David Perley, Benjamin 
 Kinne, Levi Chapman. Septembers, 1806: Benjamin Albee, Elisha 
 Nichols, Clark Gilbert, John Whitcomb, Moses Whitcomb, Timothy 
 Dimmick, Ebenezer Bogue, Ephraim Adams, Samuel Cooper, Jedathon 
 Baldwin. September, 1808 : Charles Comstock, John Arbuckle, Daniel 
 Johnson, jr., Enoch Johnson, John Ripley, Enoch Pease, Abijah Rice, 
 Holcomb Fassett, Asa Chamberlain, Lewis Sweetland, jr., Thomas 
 Fuller, Daniel Johnson, 2d, Thomas Burbank, Daniel Johnson, Job 
 Thomas, Peter Allard, Asahel Whitcomb, Amos Dunning, Ebenezer 
 Baldwin. September, 1809: Spaulding Day, Elisha Taylor, Caleb 
 Stevens, William Granger, Michael Jepson, Samuel Bessee, Calvin 
 Stewart, Daniel Finn, Thomas Richardson, Charles Burbank, Thomas 
 Stevens,' Asa Rozier, Anthony Bessee, James Arbuckle, Nathaniel 
 Brown, Charles Montgomery, George Flint, William Morey, Gideon 
 Mott, Theodore B. Haight, John Flint, Thomas Sawyer, Ebenezer Hoyt, 
 William-Gay, Joseph Waters, James Lockwood, Henry Burbank, Bishop 
 Burnett, Amos Allen. September, 1810 : Samuel Rowley, Rufus Ward, 
 Thomas E. Richards, Jeremiah Hutchings, Jonathan Kellogg, Nehe- 
 miah Phillips,' Solomon Hurd, Gilbert Hayes, Anthony Gay, Horatio G. 
 Hawkins, Jacob Pomeroy, Dolphus Paul, Benjamin Smith, jr.,Valentine 
 Sergeant. 
 
424 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Town Clerks and Selectmen. — 1798: Isaac B. Farrar, clerk; Charles 
 Follett, Samuel Little, Martin Deming, selectmen. 1799: Wheelock 
 Feet, clerk ; Martin Deming, Isaac B. Farrar, Martin D. Follett, select- 
 men. 1800: Challis Safford, clerk; Edward Baker, Nathaniel Gris- 
 wold, Wheelock Feet, selectmen. 1801 : Amos Fassett, clerk ; Martin 
 
 D. Follett, Nathaniel Griswold, Samuel Little, selectmen. 1802 : Will- 
 iam Barber, clerk ; Amos Fassett, Stephen House, James Tracey, select- 
 men. 1803: William Barber, clerk ; Amos Fassett, Stephen House, 
 Martin D. Follett, selectmen. 1804: William Barber, clerk ; Amos Fas- 
 sett, Challis Safford, James Tracey, selectmen. 1805 : WilHam Barber, 
 clerk ; Challis Safford, James Tracey, Henry Hopkins, selectmen. 1 806 : 
 William Barber, clerk; Thomas M. Pollard, Ephraim Adams, Nathaniel 
 Griswold, selectmen. 1807 : W. Barber, clerk ; T. M. Pollard, E. Adams, 
 N. Griswold, selectmen. 1808: Wm. Barber, clerk ; JEphraim Adams, 
 William Barber, Harvey Durkee, selectmen. 1809: William Barber^ 
 clerk ; Ephraim Adams, William Barber, Challis Safford, selectmen. 
 1810: William Barber, clerk; Martin D. Follett, John C. Waller, 
 Harvey Durkee, selectmen. 1811 : Eliphaz Eaton, clerk; Martin D. 
 Follett, Ephraim Adams, John Adams, selectmen. 1812: E.Eaton, 
 clerk ; Martin D. Follett, Jehiel R. Barnum, Jonas, Boutelle, selectmen. 
 1813 : E. Eaton, clerk; Martin D. Follett, Jehiel R. Barnum, Jonas 
 Boutelle, selectmen. 1814: E. Eaton, clerk; Jonas Boutelle, William 
 Barber, Nathaniel Griswold, selectmen, 1815 : E. Eaton, clerk; Jonas 
 Boutelle, William Barber, Thomas Fuller, selectmen. 1816: E. Eaton, 
 clerk; Caleb Stevens, Joseph Waller, Levi Nichols, selectmen. 18 17: 
 
 E. Eaton, clerk ; Levi Nichols, Solomon Williams, Joseph Waller, select- 
 men. 1 818: E. Eaton, clerk; Joseph Waller, Charles Stevens, Challis 
 Safford, selectmen. 1819: E. Eaton, clerk; Jonas Boutelle, Joseph 
 Waller, Charles Stevens, selectmen. 1820: E. Eaton, clerk ; Joseph 
 Waller, E. Eaton, Charles Stevens, selectmen. 1821 : E. Eaton, clerk; 
 John Adams, Samuel Todd, Jonas Boutelle, selectmen. 1822 : E, Eaton, 
 clerk; Jonas Boutelle, John Adams, Samuel Todd, selectmen. 1823: 
 E. Eaton, clerk ; Jonas Boutelle, John Adams, Samuel Bessee, select- 
 men. 1824: E. Eaton, clerk ; Jonas Boutelle, Samuel Bessee, William 
 Ovitt, selectmen. 1825: E. Eaton, clerk; William Barber, Austin 
 Fuller, Thomas Fuller, selectmen. 1826: E. Eaton, clerk; William 
 
Town of Enosburgh. 425 
 
 Barber, John Adams, Austin Fuller, selectmen. 1827: Thomas Fuller, 
 clerk; Jehiel R. Barnum, John Adams, Martin D Follett, selectmen. 
 1828: Thomas Fuller, clerk; J. R. Barnum, John Adams, Jonas Bou- 
 telle, selectmen. 1829: Thomas Fuller, clerk; J. R. Barnum, Samuel 
 Bessee, Jonas Boutelle, selectmen. 1830: Horace Eaton, clerk ; Jonas 
 Boutelle, J. R. Barnum, Samuel Kendall, selectmen. 1831: Horace 
 Eaton, clerk ; Jonas Boutelle, J. R. Barnum, Samuel Kendall, selectmen. 
 1832: H. Eaton, clerk; Jonas Boutelle, Jehiel R. Barnum, Bennett 
 Eaton, selectmen. 1833: H. Eaton, clerk; Samuel Kendall, Thomas 
 Fuller, Timothy K. Adams, selectmen. 1834: H. Eaton, clerk; Tim- 
 othy K. Adams, John Adams, Jonas Boutelle, selectmen. 1835 : 
 H. Eaton, clerk ; Timothy K. Adams, Harding Allen, Bennett Eaton, 
 selectmen. 1836: H. Eaton, clerk; Timothy K. Adams, Horace 
 Adams, Bennett Eaton, selectmen. 1837: H. Eaton, clerk; Timothy 
 K. Adams, Horace Adams, Bennett Eaton, selectmen. 1838 : H. Eaton, 
 clerk ; Jonas Boutelle, Charles B. Maynard, Horatio N. Barber, select- 
 men. 1839 : H. Eaton, clerk ; Jonas Boutelle, Horatio N. Barber, C. B. 
 Maynard, selectmen. 1840: H. Eaton, clerk; Jonas Boutelle, H. N. 
 Barber, P. E. Smith, selectmen. 1841 : H. Eaton, clerk; Jonas Bou- 
 telle, H. N. Barber, R E. Smith, selectmen. 1 842 ; H. Eaton, clerk ; Will- 
 iam N. Smith, Timothy K. Adams, Clark Barnes, selectmen. 1843 : H. 
 Eaton, clerk; WilliamN. Smith,Clark Barnes, Chester Waller, selectmen. 
 1844:' H. Eaton, clerk ; C. B. Maynard, Clark Barnes, Chester Waller, 
 selectmen. 1845: H. Eaton, clerk; C. B. Maynard, Clark Barnes, 
 Tonas Eaton, selectmen. 1 846 : H. Eaton, clerk ; C. B. Maynard, Clark 
 Barnes, Bennett H. Eaton, selectmen. 1847: H. Eaton, clerk; C. B. 
 Maynard, Bennett Eaton, Caleb R. Brewer, selectmen. 1848 : Theo- 
 dorus Piatt, clerk ; C. B. Maynard, Bennett Eaton, F. C. Kimball, 
 selectmen 1849: Theodorus Piatt, clerk; C. B. Maynard, George 
 Adams, F. C. Kimball, selectmen. 1 850 : T. Piatt, clerk ; C, B. Maynard, 
 George Adams, J. M. Dean, selectmen. 1851 : T. Piatt, clerk; C. B. 
 Maynard J. M. Dean, Caleb R. Brewer, selectmen. 1852: T. Piatt, 
 clerk- J C.Bryant, George Adams, Clark Barnes, selectmen. 1853: 
 T Piatt, clerk; J. C. Bryant, F. P. Leach, A. S. Ladd, selectmen. 
 1854: T. Piatt, clerk; J. C. Bryant, F. V. Leach, A. S. Ladd, select- 
 men. 1855 : T. Piatt, clerk; F. P. Leach, A. S. Ladd, J. P. Baker, 
 54 
 
426 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties, 
 
 selectmen. 1856: T. Piatt, clerk; H. N. Barber, John P. Baker, C. F. 
 Eish, selectmen. 1857: William R. Hutchinson, clerk; H. N. Barber, 
 John P. Baker, C. F. Fish, selectmen. 1858: W. R. Hutchinson, clerk ; 
 H. N. Barber, L. Nichols, J. C. Parker, selectmen. 1859 : W. R. Hutch- 
 inson, clerk; J. C. Bryant, J. C. Parker, E. B. Ladd, selectmen, i860: 
 W. R. Hutchinson, clerk ; E. B. Ladd, C. R Brewer, A. B. McAllister, 
 selectmen. 1861 : W. R. Hutchinson, clerk ; E. B. Ladd, C. R. Brewer, 
 
 A. B. McAllister, selectmen. 1862: W. R. Hutchinson, clerk; E. B. 
 Ladd, C. R. Brewer, A. B. McAllister, selectmen. 1863 : W. R. Hutch- 
 inson, clerk ; Ellison Maynard, John P. Reed, A. H. Baker, selectmen. 
 1864: W. R. Hutchinson, clerk; C. R. Brewer, A. H. Baker, Daniel B. 
 Stetson, selectmen. 1865 : Caleb R. Brewer, Daniel B. Stetson, T. P. 
 Baker, selectmen. 1866: W. R. Hutchinson, clerk; C. R. Brewer, 
 F. P. Baker, C. S. McAllister, selectmen. 1867: W. R. Hutchinson, 
 clerk ; C. R. Brewer, D. B. Stetson, Samuel H. Dow, selectmen. 1868 : 
 W. R. Hutchinson, clerk; Samuel H. Dow, A. W. Wood worth, J. B. 
 Croft, selectmen. 1869: W. R. Hutchinson, clerk; S. H. Dow, A. W. 
 Woodworth, J. B. Croft, selectmen. 1870: W. R. Hutchinson, clerk; 
 S. H. Dow, A. W. Woodworth, J. B. Croft, selectmen. 1871 : W. R. 
 Hutchinson, clerk; A. W. Woodworth, J. B. Croft, E. H. Sayles, select- 
 men. 1872 : W. R. Hutchinson, clerk; Gardner S. Fassett, F. R. Per- 
 kins, John G. Jenne, selectmen. 1873 : W. R. Hutchinson, clerk ; G. S. 
 Fassett, J. G. Jenne, F. R. Perkins, selectmen. 1874: W. R. Hutchin- 
 son, clerk; G. S. Fassett, E. B. Ladd, B. H. Rice, selectmen. 1875: 
 William W. Hutchinson, clerk ; C. R. Brewer, B. H. Rice, William H. 
 McAllister, selectmen. 1876 : W. W. Hutchinson, clerk ; C. R. Brewer, 
 
 B. H. Rice, W. H. McAllister, selectmen. 1877: W. W. Hutchinson, 
 clerk ; C. R. Brewer, W. H. McAllister, L. S. Woodworth, selectmen. 
 1878 : W. W. Hutchinson, clerk ; C. R. Brewer, W. H. McAllister, L. S. 
 Woodworth, selectmen. 1879: W. W. Hutchinson, clerk; A. M. For- 
 sythe, D. B. Stetson, G. S. Fassett, selectmen. 1880-82 : W.W. Hutch- 
 inson, clerk; A. M. Forsythe, D. B. Stetson, G. S. Fassett, selectmen. 
 1883: W. W. Hutchinson, clerk; G. S. Fassett, Lyman Gilbert, S. N. 
 Howe, selectmen. 1884: W. W. Hutchinson, clerk; G. S. Fassett, 
 Lyman Gilbert, A. M. Gladden, selectmen, 1885 : W. W. Hutchinson, 
 clerk; S. N. Howe, G. H. Nichols, A. M. Gladden, selectmen. 1886: 
 
ToWn of EnosBurgm. 427 
 
 W. W. Hutchinson, clerk; S. N. Howe, G. H. Nichols, John Whitney, 
 selectmen. 1887: W. W. Hutchinson, clerk; G. H. Nichols, Richard 
 Smith, A. P. Leach, selectmen. 1888: W. W. Hutchinson, clerk ; G. H. 
 Nichols, Richard Smith, Alpheus P. Leach, selectmen. 1889: W. W. 
 Hutchinson, clerk; Richard Smith, Lyman Gilbert, Allen H. Manley, 
 selectmen. 1890 : W. W. Hutchinson, clerk ; Gardner S. Fassett, Stan- 
 ley Sayles, Allen H. Manley, selectmen. 
 
 Representatives in General Assembly. — William Barber, 1 798-1 800 
 none in 1801 ; Stephen House, 1802-07; Martin D. Follett, 1808 
 William Barber, 1809; Martin D.Follett, 1810; John Adams, 1811-15 
 Nathaniel Griswold, 1816-17 ; Martin D. Follett, 1818-23; Austin 
 Fuller, 1824-25; Thomas Fuller, 1826; Jehiel R. Barnum, 1827-28; 
 Horace Eaton, 1829-30; Oliver H.Robinson, 1831-32; John Adams, 
 1833-34; Horace Eaton, 1835-36; Jonas Boutelle, 1837-38; Samuel 
 Kendall, 1839-40; Horatio N. Barber, 1841-42; Bennett Eaton, 1843- 
 44; Charles B. Maynard, 1845-46; Caleb R. Brewer, 1847; James M- 
 Dean, 1848-49; Henry Walbridge, 1850; none in 1851-53; C. A. 
 Cramton, 1854-55; Anson S. Ladd, 1856-57; A. W. Woodworth, 
 1858-59; none reported in 1860-63; William R. Hutchinson, 1864- 
 65; Hazen B. Ladd, 1866-67; Caleb R. Brewer, 1868-69; none found 
 in records for 1870-73 ; Silas Hopkins, 1874-75 ; George Adams, 1876- 
 TT, John G. Jenne, 1878-79; Charles Allen, 1880-81 ; William Wat- 
 son Hutchinson, 1882-83; Lyman Gilbert, 1884-85; Moses P. Perley, 
 1886-87; Samuel H. Dow, 1888-89; Olin Merrill, 1890-91. 
 
 By reference to preceding pages it will be noticed that many names 
 there appear as pioneers of Enosburgh, or as town officers, which names 
 also appear in connection with other towns of the county. The early 
 settlers of Enosburgh were many of them from other and older towns of 
 this county, while others were from more distant localities of the state. 
 The lands through this region of the county had become known to'the 
 people living southward as early as the period of the French wars, but it 
 was then hardly imagined that settlement and improvement could ever 
 advance into a locality so remote from inhabited districts; and, more 
 than that, before the final extinguishment of the French dominion in 
 America it seemed more than probable that the early wars with the 
 Indians would never terminate. But the close of the French and Eng- 
 
428 History of FrankLIn and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 lish war in 1763 had the effect of subduing the Indians in a measure, 
 but their depredations were continued with less frequency until just be- 
 fore the close of the Revolutionary war, thus rendering settlement in 
 the extreme northern region not only hazardous, but actually impossi- 
 ble. The state authorities of Vermont were not ignorant of this condi- 
 tion of things at the time the grant for these towns were made, and 
 the governor wisely provided that the conditions of the grants need not 
 be complied with so far as settlement was concerned until it could be 
 accomplished with safety. 
 
 The grant and charter of Enosburgh were made during the year 1780, 
 yet settlement could not be made with safety until some years later ; 
 but it appears that no settlement was in fact made until about the year 
 1796, a delay that may be in part accounted for in the fact of the 
 troubles existing in the proprietary, and the tardy action of that body in 
 opening the road to settlement and improvement. These land compa- 
 nies and speculators (for they were nothing else) held their estates and 
 towns for some time beyond that provided by the charters in which 
 occupancy should commence ; they had influence with the governing 
 power, and therefore had no fear that their rights would be forfeited, 
 and by holding the lands unoccupied they were able to realize larger 
 prices in their sale when other regions should be taken up and fully 
 settled. 
 
 And another reasonable explanation concerning the delay in settle- 
 ment in this region is that, at the period between the granting and ac- 
 tual occupancy, there was a disturbance existing between the subjects of 
 Great Britain in Canada and the United States ; and although there 
 was no open rupture between the countries, there was a feeling of un- 
 pleasantness growing out of land controversies, and the Canadian gov- 
 ernment felt it incumbent upon them to maintain an armed force in the 
 region of now Grand Isle county, and at other points on the frontier. 
 With this feeling existing, it is not surprising that the pioneers of this 
 town, and others as well, were somewhat reluctant about coming earlier 
 than they did. But after John Jay's treaty of amity and commerce 
 the British troops were withdrawn from the state, thus admitting of per- 
 fect security in settlement. In 1800 Enosburgh had a population of 
 143, or its equivalent of about 30 families. By 1810 the number of 
 persons had increased to 704, or about 140 families. 
 
Town of Enosburgh. 429 
 
 Although the pioneer settlers of Enosburgh found many difficulties 
 and obstacles in effecting a permanent lodgment in the town, they were 
 not embarrassed by the almost incredible hardships that attended set- 
 tlement in many other localities at an earlier day. Fortunate it was for 
 the pioneers of this town that their early life here was favored by the 
 trade relation with the Province, for it enabled them to easily obtain such 
 commodities as they themselves could not produce ; and their own 
 productions found a ready market for exchange and barter for such 
 necessaries as were required for their comfort. But the President and 
 Congress of the United States felt impelled to enact and enforce the pro- 
 visions of the embargo and non-intercourse laws; the people of Enos- 
 burgh were directly injured, and had recourse to such methods as were 
 employed in other similarly affected towns ; and when the Federal au- 
 thorities sent armed troops to compel obedience to the laws, and char- 
 acterized as insurgents all who were injured by the provisions of the 
 law, and sought to avoid it in order to obtain the common necessaries 
 of life, then the people met, almost with one accord, and expressed their 
 indignation at what was deemed the Federal outrage. On the first 
 Monday in April, 1809, a meeting was held in the town to take action 
 concerning the situation. A committee consisting of Thomas M. Pol- 
 lard, WilHam Barber, Ephraim Adams, Stephen Hou.se, Martin D. Fol- 
 lett, Nathaniel Griswold, and Eliphaz Eaton prepared resolutions ex- 
 pressive of the sentiment of the town, which were read, discussed, and 
 adopted, and voted to be transmitted to the President of the United 
 States. The resolutions were as follows : 
 
 " Resolved, That it is the sense of this town that the several embargo 
 laws passed by Congress, and more especially the act approved on the 
 9th day of January last, does contain provisions for exercising arbitrary 
 powers grievous to the good people of this community, and dangerous 
 to their common liberties, incompatible with the Constitution of the 
 United States, and encroaching on the immunities of this state. 
 
 " Resolved, That we will ever support the Constitution of the United 
 States according to the true letter and spirit of the same, Embargo acts. 
 Non-intercourse laws. Standing armies, and Proclamations declaring us 
 in a state of insurrection to the contrary notwithstanding. 
 
 "Resolved, That when we have witnessed our common highways 
 
430 HiSTokV of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 guarded with armed troops, seen the property of our fellow citizens 
 wrested from them by an armed force without the least shadow of legal 
 authority, we are constrained to say and declare that, should we continue 
 to suffer all these abuses with patient, submissive silence, the spirits of 
 our patriarch fathers, who nobly fell to purchase our freedom, would 
 reproach us as being unworthy to be called their descendants. 
 
 " Resolved, That we are in duty bound, and shall ever respect those 
 officers and soldiers that are called in defense of their country to repel 
 an invading foe ; but that we do highly disapprove the recent transac- 
 tions of the armed force stationed in this vicinity, and view their conduct 
 incompatible with the laws of this state, for the safe-keeping of the peace, 
 and also of the Embargo laws under which they preterid to act. 
 
 " Resolved, That the minority in Congress are entitled to the thanks 
 of all honest men, and that they ought to have the grateful remem- 
 brance in the heart of every independent American for their faithful and 
 unwearied exertions in supporting the precious liberties of their country." 
 
 The expression of these sentiments disclosed unmistakable tendencies 
 of Federalism on the part of those who participated in the meeting, but 
 it cannot be said that the people were at all disloyal to the Federal gov- 
 ernment, for they expressly affirmed allegiance to the constitution of the 
 United States, and only protested against what was considered an un- 
 just and unwarrantable violation of their established rights and recog- 
 nized custom. But the loyalty of the people of Enosburgh was proved 
 in another way, for, during the War of 1812-15, the town contributed 
 its full proportion of men to the service, although there is no record to 
 show in what particular branch of the service they were engaged, ex- 
 cept duty on the northern frontier. In common with the people of the 
 whole region the men of Enosburgh rallied in response to the call for 
 volunteers just preceding the battle of Plattsburgh, but that engage- 
 ment was virtually ended before the majority of the men reached the 
 front; but although their names cannot be recalled at this time, it is 
 generally understood that a number of men from this town participated 
 in the events of September 11. 1 8 14. 
 
 Preceding the actual outbreak of the war Enosburgh had its organ- 
 ized militia of the same character as had other towns, and the local or- 
 ganization was known as the " Enosburgh Rifle Corps." The company 
 
Town of Enosburgh. 431 
 
 volunteered for duty on the 14th of October, 1813, and continued in 
 service until the 17th of November following. The personnel of the 
 company was as follows: Captain, Martin D. Follett ; lieutenant, Ben- 
 jamin Follett; ensign, John Lewis; sergeant, Andrew Farnsworth; pri- 
 vates, Josiah W. Potter, Thomas Hill, Nelson Brown, A. Fassett, John 
 Stone, Benjamin Austin, A. F. Stone, B. Shaw, Josiah Randall, Anson 
 Sherwood, Raymond Austin, William Colton, Anthony Bessee, James 
 Brown, Salmon Dodge, Henry Follett, John Flint, Page Gould, Samuel 
 Hall, Caleb Hill, Horace Gates, Barnabas Hedge, Nathan Hedge, Sam- 
 uel Hedge, Talman Hendricks, John Lewis, J. Taylor, R. Essex, Aaron 
 Martin, Chauncey Brown, Harris Streeter, John Miller, James Miller, 
 Tolman Miller, John Martin, William Martin, William Osborn, H. 
 Palmer, Obadiah Sherwood, Luther Taylor, Job Thompson, Moses Wal- 
 lace, Lyman West, John Wright, Martin D. Follett, jr., Samuel Cooper, 
 Robert Watson, Anson Curtis, Elijah Cooper, John Thompson, Sanford 
 Fay, Aaron Jackson, George Town, William Rood, William Haskins, 
 E. Bishop, John Douglass, William Wells. 
 
 In explanation of the foregoing roll it should be stated that an error 
 has possibly been made, for there appears to be a conflict of statement 
 between past writers on the subject. By reference to the above roll it 
 will be seen that names appear that were not then known to the town, 
 and the company, moreover, appears to be very large for a town so small 
 in population as Enosburgh was at that time ; Still, it may be a fact that 
 Captain Follett's company was comprised not only of Enosburgh men, 
 but of men from other towns in the vicinity. The papers of Samuel 
 Kendall purport to furnish a list of the persons of the town who were in 
 the service during the War of 1812-15, by which it appears that \k\& per- 
 sonnel of the local company was quite different from that above given ; 
 but which is right 'and which is wrong the reader must be the judge. 
 Again it is quite possible that both accounts are correct, and that Cap- 
 tain Follett had different companies under his command during the 
 period of the war. According to the Kendall papers the officers and 
 soldiers of Enosburgh were as follows : Captain, Martin D. Follett ; lieu- 
 tenant, Benjamin Follett; corporal, Alvin Fassett; musician, Hiram 
 Fassett; privates, Solomon Dodge, Henry Follett, John Flint, Samuel 
 Hedge, Barnabas Hedge, Nathan Hedge, Talma Hendricks, Samuel 
 
432 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Kendall, James Miller, John Miller, William Miller, John Martin, Joseph 
 Pollard, Anthony Bessee, Abijah Rice, Enoch Pease, John Osborne, 
 Laban Brown, Asa Ladd. 
 
 After the close of the War of 1 8 12-15 the town of Enosburgh, in com- 
 mon with the various other sub divisions that comprise the county of 
 Franklin, entered upon an era of peace and prosperity not before en- 
 joyed by its people during the period of its existence; but the history of 
 that period is written particularly in the general building up and improve- 
 ment of farms throughout the town ; in the founding and operation of 
 almost innurrjerable industries for manufacture on the principal streams, 
 the Missisquoi River and the so-called Tyler's Branch. Each of these 
 has afforded an abundant water-power for manufacturing purposes, than 
 which there is none superior in the county ; and while the facilities thus 
 afforded have never been utilized to their fullest capacity, they have, 
 nevertheless, been operated to an extent equal to almost any town in 
 the county. This possession has been of immense advantage to Enos- 
 burgh, and has been a powerful factor in establishing for the town the 
 good repute it has as one of the leading towns of Franklin county. 
 More than this, it may also be said as a fact that at least four of the 
 seven villages or hamlets of the town owe their existence to the devel- 
 opment of the water privileges offered by the Missisquoi and the branch, 
 while Bogue's Branch has likewise been instrumental in contributing to 
 the general progress of the locality in which it has its course. And in 
 the -same connection, too, should be mentioned Cold Hollow Branch, 
 for that has done a full share in the lumber manufacturing interests of the 
 town for many years. But of each of these localities and their indus- 
 tries mention will be made in later pages of this chapter. 
 
 For a period of neariy fifty years after the War of 181 2 the people of 
 the town continued in the quiet and peaceable enjoyment of their prop- 
 erty, and were not disturbed by any event of. unusual importance, or 
 more serious than the rather amusing Canadian rebellion, or the Patriot 
 war, as it has been commonly called, that had its period of occurrence 
 during the years 1837-39. This event furnished a topic of much in- 
 teresting conversation among the people at the fireside and at the 
 usual places of resort, but none of the people for a moment entertained 
 the serious thought that a mere handful of pohtical adventurers would 
 
Town of Enosburgh. 433 
 
 be able to overthrow a government so strong as that which then, as now, 
 ruled Canada, and there is no record to show that the local militia com- 
 pany was called upon for frontier duty, although many citizens went to 
 the " line" to watch the proceedings there taking place. 
 
 But during the period of 1861-65 the town of Enosburgh was seri- 
 ously called upon to contribute both men and means for the prosecution 
 and conduct of the civil war then in progress ; and the support given 
 by the town, both in volunteers and money contributions, forms one of 
 the grandest chapters of its history. But this is a subject that has been 
 so fully discussed in one of the general chapters of this volume as to 
 demand but a passing notice here. In the chapter referred to there will 
 be found not only a record of the part taken by Enosburgh's soldiery in 
 that great struggle, but as well a record of all from the town who parti- 
 cipated in the war. In view of this, and not to hazard a repetition, the 
 present reference will be confined to a summary of the town's part in 
 furnishing men for the service. By reference to the reports of the adju- 
 tant and inspector- general of this state it is found that Enosburgh fur- 
 nished the equivalent of 1 88 men for the service, of which number only 
 four did not go to the front, making a total of 184 that actually entered 
 service. Of this number there may be made the following classifica- 
 tion : Furnished under first call in 1861, for three months' men, four; 
 volunteers for three years previous to call of October 17, 1863, sixty- six 
 men; volunteers for three years subsequent to October 17, 1863, thirty 
 men ; volunteers for nine months, twenty-nine ; for one year, twenty- 
 seven ; volunteers re-enlisted for three years, veterans, ten; drafted and 
 entered service, one; drafted and procured substitutes, six; enrolled man 
 who furnished substitute, one ; miscellaneous credits to the town not 
 named, ten. Of the men who entered the service from the town four 
 were killed in battle, twenty- two died of wounds and disease, twenty- 
 five were discharged for wounds, disabilities, etc., seventeen deserted, 
 eighteen were not accounted for, three were in part not accounted for, 
 and eighty- five were mustered out of service. 
 
 One of the established present institutions of Enosburgh, and one 
 
 which cannot be said to have a fixed seat of operations, but extends 
 
 throughout the town, is that commonly known as the Enosburgh Young 
 
 Men's Total Abstinence Society. This organization has been in contin- 
 
 55 
 
434 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 uous existence in the town for a period of more than sixty years, having 
 been organized in February, 1830, and numbering among its original 
 members such men as Horace Eaton, Bennett Eaton, George Adams, 
 Levi Nichols, Moses Wright, Brigham B. Williams, Thomas P. Law- 
 rence, Jonas Boutelle, and others, men who were prominent, not alone 
 in town affairs, biit in state as well. And this organization was brought 
 into being and grew and prospered at a time when indulgence in strong 
 drinks was popular, and was considered rather in the light of a credit 
 than otherwise. But one peculiar feature of the society lay in the fact 
 that none but young men, those of the ages of thirty years or less, were 
 eligible to hold any office in it, and this feature has been productive of 
 much good in the society, and kept its ranks well filled with young per- 
 sons, but in the selection of officers the older members of course have 
 a voice. The membership in the society may be counted by hundreds ; 
 it was the first of its kind in the county, one of the first in the state, and 
 is the oldest, perhaps, now in existence. Annual meetings are regularly 
 held at the Center, at which addresses are made and the numerical 
 strength of the society increased by signers to the pledge, which act 
 constitutes membership. The present president of the society is Wes- 
 ley R. Ovitt, and the secretary is Marshall P. Hubbell. ■ 
 
 Villages and Hamlets of Enosburgh. 
 
 Enosburgh Center is probably the most ancient of the settled villages 
 of the town, and one that had its foundation almost as early as settle- 
 ment was made in the locality. Here it was that the proprietors voted 
 to lay out the parade ground, being an act nothing less than the dona- 
 tion of lands for the public use. The Center never had any corporate ex- 
 istence, but in a way was once the most important trading and business 
 points in the town ; here was located the usual and indispensable pot 
 and pearlash works, a comb factory, a harness shop, a blacksmith shop, 
 and a tailor shop, which, with the customary two stores, comprised the 
 business interests of the hamlet at an early day. Here, too, was the resi- 
 dence of Dr. Eliphaz Eaton, who came in 1805 or '06 and practiced 
 for many years, besides holding the responsible office of town clerk In 
 this office he was succeeded by his son, Horace Eaton, who likewise was 
 
Villages of Enosburgh. 435 
 
 a physician, and who became not only a person of large influence in the 
 town and county, but was elevated to the high office of governor of the 
 state, being, perhaps, the highest position ever filled by any citizen of 
 the town. 
 
 For many years, and until the stage coach was replaced by more 
 modern means of travel, Enosburgh Center was the chief settled and 
 leading community of the town ; but with the constant march of im- 
 provement and the establishment of modern industries the hamlet has 
 been robbed of much of its former glory, and is now become one of the 
 least important trading points of the town. Its present business in- 
 terests may be summed up in the possession of Woodward's general 
 store, Spooner's hotel (the Central House), a blacksmith's shop, and the 
 legal and justice business performed by Orrin Woodward. The town 
 clerk's office has ever been maintained at the Center, and the incumbent 
 of that position has generally been a physician, the present being Will- 
 iam W. Hutchinson, the successor in office of his father. Dr. William R. 
 Hutchinson. , 
 
 In addition to what has already been referred to as forming the hamlet 
 of Enosburgh, the place has two regularly established church societies, 
 each being the outgrowth of pioneer effijrts and the first founded in the 
 town. These societies are the Congregational and Episcopal. As early 
 as the year 1804 there was an effiDrt made in town meeting to have 
 public worship and preaching at the town's expense, but the proposi- 
 tion did not meet with general approval and was voted down ; but at a 
 later period the subject was again discussed with the final result of es- 
 tablishing a primitive church organization, from which the Congrega- 
 tional church and society of the present day are the direct outgrowth, 
 although it was not until the years 1820 and 1821 that the meeting- 
 house of the society was built. Among the early preachers in this 
 vicinity, whose labors were of the character of missionary work and 
 not presumed to be denominational, were Revs. James Parker, Thomas 
 Skelton, John Scott, Moses Parmalee, J. T. Phelps, J. C. Wilder, J. C. 
 Kent, Moses Robinson, Alfred B. Swift, and perhaps others, who were 
 settled ministers and compensated by payment in grain or provisions, 
 which, for want of cash, were considered and adopted as equivalent or 
 money value. But as the population of the town increased the people 
 
436 MiSTORV OF pRANkLiN ANt) (^RAnC ISLE CotJNttES. 
 
 began to divide themselves into societies according to their inclination, 
 preference, or early teaching in spiritual affairs. In 1820 and '21 the 
 Congregational meeting-house was erected, being the second of this 
 society in the county. In 1849 and '50 the building was substantially 
 repaired, but the society became so strong in numbers and influence 
 that in 1870 the old building was replaced by the present edifice, the 
 latter being of frame construction, and in all respects a commodious and 
 attractive place of public worship. Its cost was about $1 0,000, and its 
 seating capacity is 250. 
 
 Christ's Church of Enosburgh had its origin in the association formed 
 on the 19th of December, 1821, by Nathaniel Griswold, Edward Baker, 
 George Griswold, Joshua Miller, William Barber, Giles Martin, Robert 
 Barber, Moses Wells, and others, to the number of nearly forty, but who 
 never came into the church. The persons whose names are above re- 
 corded formed the association at the time stated, but the church was not 
 formally organized until May 6, 1822 ; and even then no church home 
 was provided, nor until 1839-40, when an edifice was built at West 
 Enosburgh, the society in the meantime having the occasional use of 
 the Congregational meeting-house and the school-house for their serv- 
 ices. The church- was erected at the West village for the accommodation 
 of members living in the west part of the town and in Sheldon. But 
 this proved to be an unfortunate movement for the society, as expected 
 results were not realized ; and again, the church structure was so insuf- 
 ficiently built as to soon become practically valueless ; therefore, in 1857, 
 it was sold and taken down, and the seat of the church moved back to 
 the Center. In 186 1 the church edifice was erected, and was conse- 
 crated on the 9th of February, 1862. 
 
 East Enosburgh, or, as otherwise known, Stoneville, is the smallest 
 and least in importance of any of the hamlets of the town ; in fact it 
 was so exceedingly small as to require much effort in obtaining a post- 
 office for the place, and that end would never have been obtained ex- 
 cept for the influence of prominent farmers living in that remote part of 
 the town. Industries and enterprises of hke character the hamlet has 
 none, but in the region of the place, and northeast of it, is John M. 
 Whitcomb's saw, shingle, and planing- mill, which was started by him in 
 1885, and gradually enlarged as necessity required. The only public 
 
Villages of ENosfeuRGH. 437 
 
 buildings at this point are the school-house of district number three, 
 and the Baptist church, the latter having occasional services by a supply 
 minister. This church was organized in 1 8 lo. The prominent dwellers 
 in this locality are Samuel H. Dow, T. T. Snell, J. H. Chaffee, John M. 
 Whitcomb, Clarence Whitcomb, G. H. Nichols, George Adams, and 
 Gardner S. Fassett, each of whom is a truly representative citizen and 
 progressive farmer. 
 
 West Enosburgh is a pretty little hamlet, situated, as its name indicates, 
 in the west part of the town, on the branch, which stream at this point 
 is of considerable magnitude, and furnishes power for such manufact- 
 ures as are located here, but its capacity in this respect has never been 
 taxed beyond, or even up to, its power. West Enosburgh has also been 
 known as Jacksonville, but the latter name is applied more in derision 
 and jest than otherwise. This place was the home of Judge Austin 
 Fuller, who, in his time, was one of the foremost men of the whole town. 
 The enterprise of Judge Fuller established this burg, for here he built 
 and started, many years ago, a grist-mill, starch factory, and, likewise 
 then an important industry in the town, a distillery ; also Judge Fuller 
 was engaged in merchandising for many years at the West village. But 
 after the Judge's time these industries passed into other hands, and some 
 of them were discontinued. The grist and flour-mills became the prop- 
 erty of C. F. Ovitt, and from him went to his sons, C. L. and W. R. 
 Ovitt, the first named now being in charge of the mercantile business, 
 while' the latter is proprietor of the grist-mill. These, with the Bessee 
 & Webster store and the few minor establishments, such as carriage and 
 blacksmith shops, comprise whatever of business enterprise West Enos- 
 burgh now possesses. A short distance from the village proper there 
 stands an idle building that was formerly a carding and fulling-mill, but 
 being remote from the railroad, and suffering from outside competition, 
 it has gone into disuse. About two miles east from the burg is Lyman 
 Gilbert's tannery, an industry of some note in former years, but now 
 standing idle much of the time. South of the village is a patrons' 
 creamery. The Venture was a newspaper publication founded by C. L. 
 Ovitt at Bakersfield about 1873, and two years afterward moved to West 
 Enosburgh, and there continued several years more. It started as a 
 four-page paper, 8x10 inches in size, but was subsequently enlarged 
 
438 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties, 
 
 to twice its original dimensions. After some six or seven years of life 
 the Venture was discontinued. 
 
 West Enosburgh has one church society, the Methodist Episcopal, 
 which was organized about 1825, under the ministry of Rev. Isaac Hall, 
 and with a membership of fifteen persons ; but for many years pre- 
 ceding that organization Methodist preaching was had in the locality, 
 even as early as 1812 or '14. The church edifice at the West village was 
 erected in 1839, and afterward repaired or remodeled in 1855, and again 
 in 1882. It is a substantial brick building, having a seating capacity 
 for 200 persons. Among the more prominent dwellers in West Enos- 
 burgh and its immediate vicinity there may be named Henry Bessee, 
 Henry H. Cutting, Charles L. Ovitt, Marshall P. Hubbell, A. P. Croft, 
 W. R. Ovitt, C. S. McAllister, and J. P. Hendricks. 
 
 The little burg that rejoices in the name of Bordoville lies in the ex- 
 treme southwest corner of the town, being nearly three miles from the 
 West village, and about six from the Falls. Aside from its single store 
 and Seventh- Day Advent Church there is but little to indicate to the 
 wayfarer the presence of a named hamlet; but for all that Bordoville 
 lives and has a being. The society of the church here was organized 
 in i860, with eleven members, but not until 1864 was the church build- 
 ing erected, costing $700. 
 
 Samsonville, so called in honor of its founder, Dennis Samson, is a 
 station on the line of the Missisquoi Valley Railroad, and on the banks 
 of the Missisquoi River. At this point it is said Samuel Stone built a 
 grist-mill many years ago, probably somewhere about 1825, as old 
 residents state. Samson, the founder of the hamlet, came later and 
 started a starch factory ; also a fulling and cloth-mill at the place ; hence 
 its name. But Samsonville is not by any means destitute of present 
 business interests, for here are operated the extensive mills owned by 
 Silas P. Carpenter, A. W. Woodward, and Daniel Moren, under the 
 name of " The Samsonville Mill Company." John L. Perley became 
 interested in these mills about the year 185 1, then becoming half-owner, 
 but afterward taking the whole plant, operating the saw-mill, grist-mill, 
 and cheese-box factory. In 1887 he sold out to the company above 
 mentioned. 
 
 North Enosburgh is a post station on the Missisquoi Valley Railroad, 
 
Villages of Enosburgh. 439 
 
 and likewise has its site on the north side of the River Missisquoi. Here 
 Thomas Fuller made the first substantial improvements something more 
 than sixty years ago. Here, too, at the intersection of the principal 
 roads, was built, about 1810 or 'i i, a building that is said to have been 
 occupied by Charles Stevens as a hotel or inn. Thomas Fuller "traded" 
 in the little red store building, but afterward built another and larger 
 building near the corner or cross roads, the latter being now occupied 
 by Daniel Woodward, one of the prominent men of the locality. 
 Among the other prominent residents of the vicinity of North Enos- 
 burgh may be mentioned the names of D. M. Perley, Byron Woodward, 
 Edwin P. Stevens, and Horace Read Ingalls, the last two named being 
 residents south of the river. 
 
 Village of Enosburgh Falls. — The village of Enosburgh Falls is by 
 far the most important trading and manufacturing center in the town, 
 but practically within the last quarter of a century has this prominence 
 been attained. Indeed, so rapid and healthful has been the growth of 
 this locality that on the 19th of November, 1886, the state legislature 
 passed an act incorporating the old Seventh School District into a vil- 
 lage, and otherwise provided for the election of trustees, clerk, treasurer, 
 collector, one chief engineer, two assistants, three fire wardens, and con- 
 ferred upon the village the power to govern its district in the same 
 manner that other corporate villages are ordered and governed. 
 
 But Enosburgh Falls as a hamlet had an existence almost if not quite 
 as early as any other settled locality of the town, yet it was not until the 
 construction of the Missisquoi Valley Railroad through the town that the 
 rapid strides in the direction of municipality were made. The hamlet 
 was first started and built up in the vicinity of the falls, where nature 
 designed one of the best of the many fine water privileges of the valley, 
 but which required the arts of man to develope and put into practical 
 use and operation. That this power has been utilized by past genera- 
 tions, as well as by the present, there can be no doubt, for the old build- 
 ings still standing are sufficient evidence of the fact in the absence of 
 other proof, but just when manufacturing commenced here, and what 
 was its peculiar character, none of the present villagers will venture to 
 state. During the early years of the present century Samuel Kendall 
 was numbered among the most prominent men of this locality. In 1 824 
 
440 ' History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 he built and put into operation a woolen- mill, or, as it was then known, 
 a carding and fulling-mill, and manufactured cloth for the few settlers of 
 the locality. Also, that he might profitably turn into cash an accumu- 
 lated stock of corn, he started a distillery, but the latter industry he gave 
 up, not liking the whiskey business. After Samuel Kendall, the pioneer, 
 came his sons Marshall and Samuel, jr., as proprietors of the mill, and 
 about i860, or perhaps earlier, the "red mill" was built by Samuel, jr. 
 The property afterward passed through other hands, and finally came 
 to its present occupancy. 
 
 At an early day Retup Peck built a saw and grist-mill just below the 
 site of the bridge as at present located. It afterward went to Samuel 
 Peck, and was eventually torn down. Horton Hall was early in the 
 saw- mill business, his mill standing where John Lawrence's mill now is. 
 Parley Hall owned it at one time, and after him Reed & Sprague, and 
 finally, in 1866, it was bought by Mr. Lawrence. There, in the same 
 locality, was the old broom-handle factory, owned and operated by one 
 Drake ; but this, too, is numbered with the things that have passed. 
 
 But it cannot be essentially within the province of this chapter to 
 dwell at any considerable length upon these old industries ; they have 
 many of them long since passed into history, have outlived their useful- 
 ness, and are now replaced by new industries, some of like character and 
 others wholly new and different ; but all, both past and present, have 
 contributed their full share in building up and maintaining the reputa- 
 tion that Enosburgh enjoys, as being not only one of the prettiest, but 
 as well one of the most enterprising and prosperous villages in the state 
 of Vermont. The honor of establishing this good name for the place 
 does not belong to the old generation of inhabitants, but to those in the 
 field of business at the present day; and as past writers have alluded 
 mainly to the established institutions of the period of which they re- 
 corded events, so it remains only for the present historian to confine his 
 narrative to the things that are rather than those that were, and, at the 
 same time, taking each subject at its founding and pursuing its history 
 to the present. Manufacturing industries have made Enosburgh Falls 
 the prominent village that it is ; and it can be said, as an undeniable 
 truth, that no village in the entire state, having no greater population 
 than this, can boast of as many or of as great a variety of manufactured 
 
Villages of Enosburgh. 441 
 
 commodities as Enosburgh Falls. The principal manufactures of this 
 village, and those which bring to the place the greatest annual revenue, 
 are proprietary or patent medicines ; and in this special industry Enos- 
 burgh Falls has a reputation second to no place in the state. There are 
 in operation in the village at the present time no less than five firms or 
 companies engaged in this branch of manufacture, each of which appears 
 to be doing a reasonably successful business. 
 
 The B. J. Kendall Company. — Away back in the early 'seventies 
 Dr. B. J. Kendall was the proprietor of a drug store in this village ; and 
 in the course of his business and practice became in some manner 
 possessed of a number of valuable recipes, or prescriptions, or remedies, 
 for application and use in cases of sickness or infirmities in either man 
 or beast. One of these remedies (and how the worthy doctor happened 
 to discover it the world has not yet learned) was found to be peculiarly 
 beneficial when applied to horses affected with the infirmity commonly 
 called a " spavin." This remedy was then a new discovery, and one 
 not in use in the market, and to give it circulation and bring it prominently 
 before the public it was named " Kendall's Spavin Cure," and so adver- 
 tised and published to the world, at least so far as Dr. Kendall's means 
 enabled him to do. But the good and worthy proprietor soon found 
 that the invention and compounding of a medicine, however meritorious 
 an article it might be, was one thing, while putting it on the market and 
 bring in substantial revenue returns was quite another thing, and some- 
 what difficult of accomplishment. In his efforts to advertise and make a 
 market for his remedy the doctor soon found his means were exhausted 
 and his success doubtful ; but in his extremity he applied to Carmi L. 
 Marsh, a resident of Franklin, and a farmer of large means, with the re- 
 sult that the latter became interested in the business under the firm style 
 of B. J. Kendall & Co., in the year 1879. This acquisition to the busi- 
 ness and firm proved highly beneficial, and Kendall's Spavin Cure was 
 freely and liberally advertised throughout the country. Among other 
 things the worthy doctor issued a book publication called " Dr. Ken- 
 dall's Treatise on the Horse," and this was given a wide distribution and 
 circulation, in the form of club inducements and other legitimate devices. 
 But the prominence these measures brought to the company and its 
 business was not wholly due to the firm as at first constituted, but rather 
 
 56 
 
443 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 to the energy and push of Mr. Olin Merrill, who had been brought into 
 the concern in December, 1879, in the capacity of business manager. 
 And it may be said here, and it is no fulsome compliment either, that 
 from the time Olin Merrill became a partner in the firm the business has 
 steadily increased, and it is doubtful whether the annual or monthly 
 output of the company was ever so great as at the present time. Again, 
 in 1 88 1, the firm required additional assistance in its managing depart- 
 ment, therefore Moses P. Perley, then traveling salesman for a Boston 
 house, became an active partner in the business. In 1883 the B. J. 
 Kendall Company was incorporated and subsequently organized, having 
 a capital stock of $200,000, with Dr. Kendall as president ; Carmi L. 
 Marsh, vice-president ; Moses P. Perley, secretary ; and Olin Merrill, 
 treasurer and business manager. The stock of the company was en- 
 tirely owned by the officers. In 1884 Dr. Kendall resigned his position 
 and moved away from the village, whereupon General Marsh was chosen 
 president, the other officers remaining as formerly. But with the young 
 and active business managers of the company Dr. Kendall could not 
 agree ; their methods, however successful they had been, were not his 
 methods, and the result was his offer to sell to them his stock in the 
 concern, which was accepted, upon which in September, 1889, the origi- 
 nal proprietor of this famous cure retired from connection with its manu- 
 facture and sale. 
 
 Previous to 1880 the manufacturing department of the firm was in a 
 small, one-story frame building, but during the year named the firm 
 erected the large and elegant three-story and mansard building which 
 the company now owns and occupies. It stands fronting on Main street, 
 in the north part of the village, surrounded by ample and well-ordered 
 grounds. The building itself is quite attractive in appearance, and its 
 exterior and interior alike are so arranged as to provide comfort and 
 health to its occupants and the employees of the company. The ar- 
 rangements for various branches of the work done inside are admir- 
 able, each department having its own apartment, and all well lighted 
 and ventilated; in fact, everything is done "decently and in order." 
 Much more might be said concerning the business and manufacture of 
 the B. J. Kendall Company, but it could not be desirable or essential in 
 this connection other than to state that, besides the enormous output of 
 
Villages of Enosburgh. 443 
 
 the spavin cure, the company also manufactures the celebrated "Dr. 
 Flint's Condition Powders" and a preparation called "anti-aploplectine." 
 
 Daniel A. Harvey is the proprietor of a large business, and one that 
 had its origin in 1882, when Mr. Harvey and H. D. Kendall became as- 
 sociated in the manufacture of proprietary medicines, but of which busi- 
 ness Mr. Harvey afterwards became sole proprietor. His manufactures, 
 past and present, comprise Kendall's liver and kidney cure, Kendall's 
 sarsaparilla and iron, elixir, cordial, pain cure, pills, soothing syrup, con- 
 dition powders, and, lastly, superior healing oil, this being the leading 
 product, and one that meets with a wide sale, for it is an article of much 
 merit and deserved popularity. 
 
 The firm of Nathan A. Gilbert & Company (the partner being J. W. 
 Beatty) was organized as a patent medicine company in 1886, as the 
 outgrowth of a drug and medicine business formerly established by 
 H. D. Kendall, and in which Mr. Gilbert became interested. The pres- 
 ent firm of N. A. Gilbert & Company manufactures Scotch oil, lung bal- 
 sam, and sarsaparilla bitters, and does a successful business. 
 
 Hamilton Kimball & Co., successors to the former firm of Hamilton, 
 Best & Kimball, began business in the manufacture of proprietary medi- 
 cines in 1888, although the business was in fact started in 1886 by the 
 preceding firm. The present firm puts upon the market a number of the 
 well-known Kendall preparations, and also a variety of extracts. 
 
 McAllister & Green are also one of the patent medicine firms of the 
 village, having been formed in 1886. Their productions comprise 
 Green's blood purifier and nerve tonic, cough elixir, condition powders, 
 besides a silver polish and other products. 
 
 AUard & Burt is the firm name of another proprietary medicine con- 
 cern, the chief manufacture of which is " black oil." 
 
 The Missisquoi Woolen-Mills is one of the substantial industries of 
 the village at the present time, and stands on the site where Samuel 
 Kendall originally built a carding-mill. The present mill is operated 
 by M. A. Kent, of Boston, and superintended by C. A. Nichols. Here 
 are manufactured gloves and mittens, giving employment to about thirty 
 persons. 
 
 The Missisquoi Flouring- Mill was built in 1877, by Daniel B. Stet- 
 son and Nathan A. Gilbert. The mill stands near the dam, on the east 
 
444 HistorV of FkANKLiN AND CJrand Isle CoUntIES. 
 
 side of the river ; a substantial building, well adapted for its use, having 
 four " runs of stone," and equal in capacity to any industry of its kind 
 in the region, excepting only those at Swanton. In 1883 Mr. Gilbert 
 retired from the business, and was succeeded by General C. L. Marsh, 
 the firm becoming Stetson & Marsh, a relation that has ever since been 
 maintained. In connection with the milling business here done the firm 
 has an extensive grain, flour, and feed store on Main street, near the 
 railroad. 
 
 Alanson A. Kendall is the proprietor of a carriage and wagon shop, 
 which is located near the end of the bridge at the falls. This plant was 
 established in 1841, by Nathan Kendall, who managed it some twenty- 
 eight years, and then sold to Frank Eldridge ; later it went to Jere 
 Leach, and finally to Alanson Kendall. Then the old and unprofitable 
 so-called broom-socket shop went also to Mr. Kendall, and forms a part 
 of his carriage works. 
 
 Lucius C. Kendall commenced the manufacture of carriages and lum- 
 ber wagons about the year 1868. His factory stands on St. Albans 
 street, near Main street, but is now used only for the manufacture of 
 wagons, the carriage branch of the business having become unprofitable 
 on account of the cheap product in that line by the factories of the large 
 commercial cities. Still Mr. Kendall deals extensively in carriages and 
 buggies in connection with his manufacturing business. 
 
 Allen H. Manley is the proprietor of the sash and door factory and 
 planing-mill that stands below the bridge at the falls. In 1872 Mr. 
 Manley bought the privilege there, and built the sash and door factory, 
 in addition to the plant formerly there and known as the Sprague & 
 Lawrence planing-mill. The present proprietor has materially increased 
 the capacity of the mill, and made it the prosperous industry that it now 
 is, using it in connection with his extensive business as contracting 
 builder and carpenter. 
 
 John Lawrence's Saw -Mill hs^z^xCiC his by purchase in 1866, having 
 formerly been known as the Reed & Sprague mill, which has already 
 been mentioned in this chapter. 
 
 Theodore H. Armstrong' s Box Factory is one of the established indus- 
 tries of the village, and is located on the river, just off St. Albans street. 
 The water privilege here was formerly used by E. C. & M. Burt in 
 
Villages of EnosSurgm. 445 
 
 running a saw- mill. That firm was succeeded by Gladden & Marsh, and 
 by them the mill was changed into a box factory. Marsh sold his 
 interest to Gladden, and the latter, in 1886, to Mr. Armstrong. Under 
 the present management the business done here is planing and match- 
 ing lumber, all kinds of job work, and the manufacture of boxes for the 
 spavin cure works and other patent medicine factories of the village 
 and vicinity. 
 
 In addition to the manufacturing industries of the village mention 
 may properly be made of some of the mercantile interests of the place. 
 It is a fact that this branch of business is well represented in the village, 
 but at the same time it does not appear to be overdone. The principal 
 business blocks are those occupied and owned respectively by W. H. 
 Billado and M. P. Perley, each of which is a substantial structure, the 
 former two and the latter three stories in height. These proprietors 
 have extensive stocks of general merchandise. Other substantial mer- 
 chants are Messrs. Archambault, Jones & Co., Burt, Jeffords, Rublee, 
 Burt & Potter, Stetson & Marsh, John Burns, and others well known in 
 the town as men of undoubted worth and integrity. The public health 
 is guarded by five worthy and regularly schooled physicians — Drs. W. R. 
 Hutchinson, A. J. Darrah, F. S. Hutchinson, Achille G. Payment, and 
 Charles R. Draper. The attorney of the village is Counselor Emmet 
 McFeeters. 
 
 Chjirch and other Societies. — The recently published Gazetteer of Ver- 
 mont, in recording the history of the several church societies of the 
 town, has devoted much space to that subject ; in view of all this it 
 scarcely becomes this chapter to discuss the several societies of that 
 character at any great length, for their history remains the same, with 
 the exception that a new generation of people has replaced that of twenty 
 years ago. The churches and church societies of Enosburgh Falls are 
 four in number, being respectively the Baptist, Methodist, Episcopal, and 
 CathoHc. The society of the Baptist church was organized in 1830, 
 then having a membership of only twenty-nine persons, but during the 
 next ten years the number was increased to over one hundred. The 
 church building is understood to have been the result of the joint efforts 
 of this and other societies as a union meeting- house, but the others sub- 
 sequently withdrew or sold out their interests, and built for themselves. 
 
44^ History oP Franklin And Grand Isle CouKties. 
 
 The Baptist church edifice is as substantial as any, perhaps, in the village, 
 being of brick construction. It stands on Main street, in the center of 
 the village. 
 
 The Methodist Episcopal Church is an attractively appearing building, 
 of modern style of architecture, but without elaborate ornamentation, 
 and stands on the west side of Church street, in the village. The con- 
 gregation of the Methodist Episcopal church is the largest and finan- 
 cially the strongest of any in the town. 
 
 St. Matthew's Episcopal Church was organized October 7, 1869, then 
 having but three communicants in its parish. In 1872 the church edifice 
 was built on Church street. It is a plain but comfortable wooden struct- 
 ure, having a seating capacity for about lOO persons. The present 
 rector of the parish is Rev. Edward S. Stone. 
 
 St. John the Baptist Church (Roman Catholic) was organized in 1 870, 
 although missionary labors of the church in the community dated back 
 of that time. The church stands in the east part of the village. 
 
 Lincoln Lodge, No. 78, F. and A. M., was granted a dispensation in 
 the winter of 1867, and chartered June 11, 1868. Charter members : 
 Solomon Bradley, Ralph Stebbins, William H. McAllister, J. M. Burt, 
 Michael Hatch, Charles S. McAllister, S. B. Maynard, Alvin House, 
 G. W. Maynard, S. O. Maynard, Eli Noble, George W. Sprague, J. A. 
 Ladd, John Lawrence, C. E. Waller, Samuel Kendall, D. B. Stetson, Solo- 
 mon Stebbins. The present membership is about fifty. Present officers : 
 William H. McAllister, master; Linus Leavens, S.W.; E. H. Hamilton, 
 J. W.; A. H. Manley, secretary; J. H. Burns, treasurer ; Charles Strat- 
 ton, S. D. ; W. L. McCarthy, J. D. ; Hiram Leach and T. W. Sprague, 
 stewards. 
 
 Lafayette Chapter, No. 4, R. A. M., was chartered June 18, 1828, at 
 East Berkshire, but was moved to Enosburgh Falls in 1868, soon after 
 the organization of the lodge at this place. In a fire that occurred in 
 this- village some years ago the records of the chapter were burned. 
 The members, too, have become scattered throughout the country, the 
 society now being able to account for but twenty-two. The present 
 officers are as follows : R. W. Marsh, H. P.; W. H. McAllister, king ; 
 George W. Sprague, scribe; D. B. Stetson, treasurer; J. H. Burns', 
 secretary; N. A. Gilbert, C. of H.; Linus Leavens, principal sojourner; 
 
Town of Richford. 447 
 
 A. R. Bell, R. A. C; George Gibson. M. 3d V,; E. S. Pease, M. 2d V.- 
 W. L. McCarty, M. ist V.; C. A. Hull, guard. 
 
 Pixley Post, No. 102, G. A. R., was chartered in May, 1887, and so 
 named in memory of Lieutenant Charles Pixley, whose remains lie buried 
 in the village cemetery. The post has a membership of about twenty- 
 two persons, and is officered as follows : George A. White, commander ; 
 Richard Smith, S. V. C.; Daniel Burt, J. V. C; E. B. Larrabee, Q. M.; 
 John E. Chamberlain, adjutant. 
 
 In the foregoing chapter the reader's attention may be drawn to the 
 fact that there is but little of eulogy or biography regarding the life and 
 deeds of early residents of the town, when some of them were, per- 
 haps, so prominently associated with town, county, and state affairs as to 
 deserve some special mention ; but as preceding writers of Enosburgh's 
 history have devoted their efforts mainly to that kind of history, the 
 writer in the field to-day feels that further work of that character would 
 be but a repetition of what has already been done, and therefore super- 
 fluous. In view of this, a later chapter is devoted to the lives of men of 
 of the present generation: men who are in some manner identified with 
 the present interests of the town, and who are regarded as worthy of 
 having their records and deeds perpetuated. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF RICHFORD. i 
 
 THE town of Richford lies in the extreme northern part of the state 
 of Vermont, and is oneof the border towns of Franklin county, de- 
 scribed in the charter as containing thirty-six square miles. The Sur- 
 face of the town is very uneven, yet the greater part is suitable for ag- 
 ricultural and grazing purposes, with a variety of soil well watered and 
 fertile. There are also some variety of rocks, valuable as building ma- 
 terial and for the manufacture of lime. In some parts small deposits of 
 gneiss and slate are found. 
 
 ' Written by Mrs. J. G. Powell. 
 
448 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 The first settlement made in Richford was in 1795, by Hugh Miller. 
 In the spring of that year Mr. Miller, with his wife, eight children, and 
 three sons-in law, started from Brandon, Vt , whence, by some wilderness 
 route, they found their way to this place. The sons-in-law were Robert 
 Kennedy, Theophilus Hastings, and Benjamin Barnet. They located 
 about one and a half miles from the falls. About one year later others 
 came : Joseph Stanhope and wife, and a Mr. Loveland. Stanhope settled 
 on a flat known at present as Stanhope flat, and Mr. Loveland on a 
 brook southwest of the flat, which still bears his name . 
 
 In the spring of the year 1795 these immigrants reached their des- 
 tined homes. Their first care was to construct a shelter for themselves 
 and families. This they did by slashing the trees and covering them 
 with boughs and blankets. They then cleared and burned the smaller 
 trees, and converted the groundbetween the larger trees into cornfields. 
 There they grew their corn, usually good crops, and as there were no 
 mills accessible for grinding they converted some of the larger trees 
 into mortars for pounding or grinding their corn. 
 
 Mrs. Miller, the wife of Hugh Miller, was an extraordinary woman, 
 a woman of rare courage, and possessed great powers of endurance. 
 There being no physician in town she was often called upon to visit the 
 sick and suffering. She traveled much in midwinter on snow-shoes, 
 by marked trees. In summer time she was obliged to cross the river 
 by boats, which, many times in midnight darkness, brought her into 
 great danger. The first serrnon preached in town was delivered at her 
 house. It was in the year 1802, by Bishop Hedding, a pioneer of Meth- 
 odism, who, following the trail of the early immigrants, found his way 
 to her home. This good woman survived her husband about ten years, 
 and died in 1820. Her funeral was attended in a barn. She was buried 
 on a hill near her home, beside her husband. 
 
 It was not long, however, before other familiescame from different parts 
 of the state and even outside the state : the Powells from the Massa- 
 chusetts border, the Royces from Tinmouth, and the Carpenters from 
 Rutland. These pioneers made themselves homes in different parts of 
 the state and were seemingly well united, for a time at least, until two 
 distinct parties arose (the result of a political influence exerted by the 
 exciting events of the French Revolution). Party spirit ran high, 
 
Town of Richford. 449 
 
 although our government persisted in preserving a position of strict 
 neutrality and of showing due respect to the mother country. Besides, 
 the commerce of .the country suffered greatly from the rules and regu- 
 lation instituted by England. As a matter of course the people of Rich- 
 ford, occupying territory bordering on Canada, were subjected to many 
 hardships and dangers. 
 
 The earliest settlers of Richford, it seems, were not the original pro- 
 prietors or landowners, but the territory was owned by a company of 
 men, sixty in number, most of them outside of the state, and many of 
 them living in the state of Connecticut. These men, Jonathan Wells, 
 esq., and his associates to the number of sixty, petitioned the legislature 
 of Vermont to grant them this tract of unoccupied land, lying in the 
 northern part of the state, bordering on Canada, " and not heretofore 
 granted." The legislature of Vermont, the Governor and Council, 
 for the purpose of encouraging the settlement of a new plantation, and 
 other valuable considerations, granted their request, " and this tract of 
 land, six miles square, forming a part of the northern boundary of 
 Franklin county, was incorporated into a town by the name of Richford." 
 
 Provisions of the Charter. — " Each proprietor of said town, his 
 heirs or assigns, shall plant and cultivate five acres of land, and build 
 a house at least eighteen feet square on the floor, or have one family 
 settled on each right or share of land in said town within the term of 
 four years next after the circumstances of the war will with safety ad- 
 mit of settlement. This on penalty of a forfeiture of said grant or 
 share of land in said town, which shall in all cases revert to the state. 
 These grants, together with five equal .shares, to be appropriated to 
 public use, as follows : one share for the use of a seminary or college 
 within the state ; one for the use of the Franklin County Grammar 
 School; one for the first settled minister of the Gospel in town; one 
 share for the support of the ministry ; and one share for the support of a 
 school or schools within said town." 
 
 Town Meetings. — The first town meeting was called byStephen Royce, 
 of Berkshire, in a warning dated March 30, 1799, to be held at the house 
 of Jonathan Janes. Agreeable to call the meeting opened and Stephen 
 Royce was chosen moderator, after which the town was organized by 
 the selection of the following officers: Town clerk, Chester Wells; treas- 
 
450 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 urer, Jonathan Janes ; selectmen, Jonathan Janes, Daniel Janes, and 
 Robert Kennedy; constable, Theophilus Hastings. 
 " Grand List for 1799 : 
 
 Sixteen Polls, twenty dollars each $320.00 
 
 Twenty-five acres of land improved 61.25 
 
 One House. 3.00 
 
 Other property : 800.00" 
 
 These landowners, Jeremiah Wadsworth, Daniel Wadsworth, and 
 Timothy Seymour, and others of Hartford, Conn., appointed as their 
 lawful attorney Jonathan Janes, to vote for, and in their names in all 
 legal meetings to draw lots, make, divide, and partition all lands owned 
 by them in said town of Richford. In witness whereof is affixed their 
 names and seals, the first day of July, 1800. That Jonathan Janes was 
 for a time lawful agent for a majority of the landowners of the town is 
 seen by a statement made by him, recorded on page 12, Book i, of the 
 records of the town of Richford, as follows : 
 
 " Be it remembered that for the encouragement of the settlement of 
 the town of Richford, I have this day agreed with Chester Wells (who 
 is now residing in said Richford and owns a number of lots of land in 
 said town) that I will, as agent for a major part of the proprietors of 
 said town, give him a chance to pitch the lots he owns, except those he 
 has already pitched, provided he takes only one lot in a place, and puts 
 a settler on to each lot which he pitches, on any lands that are not al- 
 ready engaged, that I have the care of" 
 
 The same year a tax of six dollars on each proprietor's right was voted 
 for the purpose of paying Jonathan Janes for his services, time, and ex- 
 penses in attending to matters concerning suits before the Circuit Courts; 
 also "voted that John Powell be appointed collector to collect the above 
 tax " About this time there was considerable uneasiness felt in regard • 
 to land titles, and in regard to the division or size of the lots, as no cor- 
 rect record had been kept. On petition of more than one-sixteenth of 
 the proprietors of the town of Richford a meeting was called to consider 
 the subject of re-division. Agreeable to call fifty-seven proprietors, by 
 themselves or duly authorized agents, met at the house of Jonathan 
 Janes, June 21, 1801, and transacted the following business: 
 
 " Voted, That as it is found on examining the lots in said town that 
 
Town of Richford. 451 
 
 some lots contain more than double the number of acres that other lots 
 
 do, which ought to be of equal size ; and as it appears that, by reason of 
 
 the said mistake, the same lands included in some of the lots surveyed 
 
 for a first division are also included in the lines of some of the lands 
 
 surveyed for a second division; and as it also appears by the papers 
 
 handed over to the person who had heretofore, as it is said, been clerk 
 
 for said proprietors, that no division has heretofore been legally made 
 
 of any part of the lands in said town, and if there has been a division 
 
 pretended to be made there appears no record of the same whereby it 
 
 can be ascertained where each proprietor's lots are. It is therefore voted 
 
 that all the former doings of said proprietors, if any have been done, and 
 
 also of the surveys, be considered void and of no effect, and all the land 
 
 be considered as common and undivided until a division shall be made, 
 
 by voting to settlers the lots on which they live, or by drawing for their 
 
 lots as the law directs. 
 
 " Jonathan Janes, Town Clerk." 
 
 At a meeting of the proprietors of the town June 21, 1801, Bradford 
 and John Powell were appointed a committee to lay out, and survey into 
 lots of 105 acres each, three lots to each proprietor's right in said town, 
 and to make an accurate plan and report the same as soon as completed, 
 or at an adjourned meeting June 21, 1802. 
 
 " Met June 21, 1802, and report work not completed ; vote to adjourn 
 to 1803 ; met and adjourned until 1806, when the report of the commit- 
 tee was received and accepted." Still the settlers were not quiet; doubts 
 arose in the minds of some in regard to the legaHty of the doings of the 
 proprietors ; whether the meeting of said proprietors was so organized 
 as to make all doings legal and binding. Although the greatest effort 
 was made to quiet settlers in possession of their lands there was still 
 great uneasiness in regard to the titles, and also as to the size of the 
 lots. Thus matters progressed until February, 1822, when the proprie- 
 tors, by themselves or their agents, met at the house of Stephen Blais- 
 dell,' and appointed Asa Aldis, Stephen Royce, and John Powell a com- 
 mittee to make a full and complete survey of the town, and a division 
 among the proprietors, either by draft, or by voting to settlers the lots on 
 which they were then located. All of this was thereafter done as re- 
 quired by the proprietors. 
 
4S2 rtlStORY OF FrANKlW AND GrAND ISLE CoUNTlfiS. 
 
 The first freemen's meeting was held on the first Tuesday of Septem- 
 ber, 1799, only eleven votes being polled. The vote was unanimous, 
 however, for the following officers : Governor, Isaac Tichenor ; lieutenant- 
 governor, Paul Brigham ; treasurer, Samuel Mattocks ; representative, 
 Jonathan Janes. 
 
 The following is a list of the various town representatives since 
 the organization of the town: Jonathan Janes, 1799-1802; no record, 
 1803; Joseph Parker, 1804; Robert Kennedy, 1805-07; Amherst Wil- 
 loughby, 1808; John Powell, 1809-10; WiUiam Rogers, 1811-12; Jo- 
 seph Parker, 1813 ; William Rogers, 1814; Captain John Powell, 1815- 
 17; Hezekiah Goff, 1818; Captain John Powell, 1819-21 ; Caleb 
 Royce, 1822; Sterling Parker, 1823-26; Jonathan Carpenter, 1827-29; 
 Rev. William Rogers, 1830; Caleb Royce, 1831; William Rogers, 
 1832; JohnHuse, 1833-35; Alden Sears, 1836-37; John Huse, 1838- 
 39; Nathaniel Sears, 1840; Jay Powell, 1841-42; Josiah Blaisdell, 
 1843; Alden Sears, 1844; no election in 1845; Harvey D. Farrar, 
 1846-47; Silas P. Carpenter, 1848-49; Caleb Royce, 1850; Calvin P. 
 Dwyer, 1851-52; no choice, 1853; S. P. Carpenter, 1854; Lucius Goff", 
 1855-56; Josiah Blaisdell, 1857; Charles Royce, 1858-59; Arvin A. 
 Brown, 1860-61 ; Lorenzo Corliss, 1862-63 ; Orvill Smith, 1864-65 ; 
 William Corhss, 1866-67; Caleb Royce, 1868; William C. Brown, 
 1869-70; M. W. Rounds, 1872; E. H. Powell, 1874; A. S. Chace, 
 1876; W.C. Brown, 1878; Alonzo Button, 1880; Richard Smith, 1882; 
 Reuben Combs, 1884; J. S. Dailey, 1886; J. C. Baker, 1888; Henry 
 Heath, 1890. 
 
 The first bridge across the Missisquoi was built at the mill-pond just 
 above the dam. The dam referred to was a little above the present one. 
 It was built by Timothy Seymour, of Hartford, Conn., in 1796. He also 
 built a saw-mill (a little later) near where the present mill now stands 
 and put into the mill a run of stones for the purpose of grinding corn. 
 The mill stones were made from native granite. 
 
 The first store in town was owned by Amherst Willoughby, and lo- 
 cated near the falls. He also built a distillery near the dam. Daniel Janes 
 built a house on the north side of the river, on the site where William 
 Corliss's house now stands. About this time Samuel Shepherd built a 
 trip-hammer shop on the same side of the river. He built a log house 
 
Town of RiCHfoRb. 453 
 
 where G. N. Goff's house is now located, where afterwards John Dwyer 
 built and lived nearly a half century, and was for many years the only 
 blacksmith in the town. F. Steward built of scantling and boards a 
 small house where now stands the house occupied over a half century 
 by WiUiam Goff, one of the early settlers, and now occupied by Ho- 
 mer L. Baker. Nathaniel Rains built a hotel on the corner near the 
 present residence of C. S. Royce, esq. A Mr. Spring built a house near 
 where Hon. Luther Baker lives. Deacon Joshua Smith, Caleb Sanders, 
 and a Mr. Calf built tene'ments on the same road. Samuel Heath built 
 on a road leading to " Hardwood Hill." Chester Wells and Rev. Will- 
 iam Rogers settled on the road leading to North Berkshire, and Stephen 
 Carpenter near where James Conner now lives, on a farm lying both 
 sides of Canada line, with other settlers on the east side of the branch, 
 on what is now Province street, and some in the south part of the village, 
 now Main street. There were others who came about this time, among 
 them Mr. Brayer, Mr. Ladd, Samuel White, Bradford Janes, Jared Farn- 
 ham, and John French. About this time there was a road opened to 
 the head of the rapids, to what is now known as East Richford. Set- 
 tlers were now coming in quite rapidly, and much of the best land was 
 taken. For awhile everything seemed prosperous, and land brought a 
 good price. But a change came. In the spring of 1804 the high water 
 did great damage to the business interests of the town. It took off the 
 bridge and some of the shops and othel- buildings about the falls. The 
 depression of business caused thereby, together with the disturbance in 
 regard to land titles, which had previously agitated the settlers, induced 
 many of the early inhabitants to leave the town. Some moved to St. 
 Albans, some to Berkshire, and some even to other states, and across the 
 border Hne to Canada, leaving the few with their large families to face 
 the trials and hardships of pioneer life as best they could. 
 
 At the time our country declared war with Great Britain, 18 12, the 
 people of Richford found themselves face to face with their old enemy, 
 although Vermont was not compelled to take up arms in the common 
 cause. John and Bradford Powell were then hving at the falls. John 
 was an officer in the customs department, and also kept the only hotel 
 in the place. This served as a rendezvous or barracks for the soldiers 
 then stationed along the line. The company, called militia, who vol- 
 
454 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 unteered to march in defense of the country, went as far as Plattsburgh, 
 the headquarters of the United States forces on the frontier. They 
 were expected to report for duty on arriving at camp. Some of these 
 brave men, however, thought that too severe, and concluded to wait a 
 httle to see if they could not get along without them. It seemed they 
 did. 
 
 The War of 1812-15, and the cold season following, nearly desolated 
 the town. T<he few remaining inhabitants were in a starving condition ; 
 corn could not be purchased for less than three dollars per bushel, and 
 flour comparatively high, and, the worst of all, there was no money in 
 circulation and nothing that would bring money or purchase the neces- 
 sary articles of food. There was no alternative for the settlers but to 
 cut down the trees and convert them into salts and potash, the only 
 articles within their reach that would bring money; meanwhile potatoes 
 and milk supplied the large famihes with food. 
 
 In 1 8 17 the third bridge across the Missisquoi was swept away, and 
 the people were compelled to cross the river in boats until 18 18. Hez- 
 ekiah Goff built a bridge and warranted it to stand fifteen years. In 
 the year 1822 the high water again did great damage to the people of 
 Richford, It carried away the saw- mill, the grist-mill, and the cloth 
 works, and also the bridge. This seemed almost a finishing stroke 
 to the people of the town. By it some were nearly ruined. Stephen 
 Blaisdell was one of the principal losers. It was about this time that 
 the settlers of the town called a meeting of the proprietors at the house 
 of Stephen Blaisdell and voted to have the town re-surveyed, which 
 was accordingly done by Joseph Beeman, of Fairfax, as already stated, 
 and matters so arranged as to give good titles and quiet the settlers in 
 possession of their lands. This gave great encouragement to settlers, 
 and it was not long before others came to town. Enoch Carlton, with 
 his son-in-law, Alden Sears, came about this time. Sears built a store 
 and did quite a successful business for a time. He afterwards built a 
 hotel, which is still standing— a portion of the Union House of Richford. 
 In 1837 Mr. Sears built a starch factory on a brook southwest of the 
 Union House, which gave some relief to farmers for awhile, and until 
 the potato rot cut short the supply, ^r. Sears afterwards converted 
 his starch factory into a distillery. 
 
Town of Richford. 455 
 
 In 1822 William Gofif, of Sheldon, brother of Hezekiah Gofif, came to 
 town, and for the sum of $1,000 bought the falls and much of the land 
 surrounding. He put into the saw-mill previously built by Blaisdell 
 a run of stones for grinding. Mr. Gofif afterwards built the grist-mill 
 now standing. In making repairs on this mill, in 1884, the following 
 inscription was found on the back side of the bolt: "The first grist- 
 mill built in Richford was built by Colonel Seymour in 1797, burnt up 
 in 1800. The second built in 1803, by Jonathan Janes, and stood until 
 William GofT built another in 1824. William Goff built, in 1837, the 
 mill now standing. Men worked on this mill : A. Newton, S. Brown, 
 W. Davis, A. Squire, C. Smith, F. Lamb, J. Wells, Jon. J. Combs, R. 
 Lathrop, J. Harvey, A.. Carr, and J. Upham." 
 
 Village of Richford. — As the population of the town increased the 
 resources of the inhabitants became greater. The business interests of the 
 town gradually centered about the falls, now the village, which is situ- 
 ated on both sides of the river, while one of principal streets crosses the 
 river a little below the falls proper. 
 
 The falls were for rriany years controlled by one man, Mr. Goff, but of 
 late have passed into the hands of different parties, and the power is 
 now being utilized to something of its capacity. Mills have been built 
 and machinery put in operation. As one, speaking of the industries of 
 the American colonies, has said, if we may be allowed the comparison, 
 " all other trades have here fallen into their ranks and places to their 
 great advantage." The building of railroads through the town of Rich- 
 ford (in which the thoughtful and enterprising citizens displayed great 
 interest) gave a powerful impetus to its business interests. In 1870 
 the town of Richford issued bonds to the amount of $39,800, to be u.sed 
 in building the two roads now established. The first road was built in 
 1 87 1, called the Southeastern. This formed a connecting link between 
 the Passumpsic and Chamblee. The other was built a little later, and 
 connects the town with the south and the great southwestern portion 
 of the country. The effect upon the business interests of the town was 
 not only immediate, but lasting. It is growing, and to-day Richford is 
 really one of the most prosperous towns in the northern part of the state. 
 As a port of entry Richford ranks among the first. The amount of 
 goods assessed at this office the past year, the year just closed, was 
 about $500,000, and the duties collected amounted to $230,000. 
 
4S6 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 At present Richford is doing something in the way of manufacturing 
 articles in common use, but the lumber interest exceeds all others. 
 Richford has four mills on the river, and as many more on the smaller 
 streams. The mills on the river are supplied mostly by logs floated 
 down in times of high water. The amount of lumber turned out by 
 these mills is truly considerable. These lumber manufacturers on the 
 river, represented by Baker, Brainerd & Co., C. P. Stephens & Co., 
 Manual, Richards & Co., and Brainerd & Hatch, have of late pooled 
 their interests, by which operation all are supplied from the same stock, 
 and all share alike the profits and control the markets. This organiza- 
 tion has done much towards advancing the business interests of the town. 
 It has given to society certain conditions of security and regularity nec- 
 essary for the benefit and welfare of the people. Not only have they 
 given a permanence and security to the business interests of the village, 
 but they have been a powerful incentive to trade. In the place of two 
 or three variety stores there are now a large number of extensive busi- 
 ness interests, such as grocery, hardware, dry goods, men's furnishing 
 goods stores, etc. There are now in the village two good hotels, the 
 Union House and the American House. 
 
 East Richford, formerly called the " Head of the Rapids," is growing 
 to be a place of some importance. It is located on the Missisquoi. 
 During the War of 1812 soldiers were stationed at this place to guard 
 the frontier. A postoffice is established here, a depot, and a hotel. 
 Grocery and other stores have, within a few years, been started ; also a 
 blacksmith and other shops. The Seventh-Day Adventists have re- 
 cently built here a house for worship. The Methodists hold services 
 occasionally. 
 
 SoiLtJi Richford, so called, is in the southwest part of the town, and 
 was at one time a place of some business. A small stream of water 
 runs through it, on which, in 1802, a saw-mill and gri.st-mill were built 
 by Hezekiah Goff; also other machinery for cloth- dressing, etc., were 
 run for awhile, until the larger streams took away the custom. The 
 hamlet still sustains good schools, and some of the time has preaching 
 on the Sabbath. 
 
 Schools. — The first school- house in town was located on the west side 
 of what is known as the north branch of the Missisquoi. This served 
 
Town of Richford. 457 
 
 not only for a school-house, but for tnany years a place for worship. 
 This was the first school district organized in town. The next, known 
 as No. 2, was afterwards called the village district. The house was 
 located on Province street, near where Mr. McCarty's house now stands. 
 The number of scholars in the second or village district, in 1802, 
 between the ages of four and eighteen, is given as thirty. In 1825, ac- 
 cording to the record of the district clerk, there were belonging to dis- 
 trict No. 2 twenty- two families with eighty- eight scholars of suitable 
 age for school. Richford has now nine full school districts, with two 
 union districts on the border of the town. 
 
 Richford Academy, now in the village, is a two-story building, erected 
 in 1 87 1, capable of accommodating 200 students. The cost of the build- 
 ing was about $5,000. In 1888 an addition was built, capable of ac- 
 commodating nearly as many more. 
 
 Churches. — ^The first church in town was that of the Baptist Society, 
 organized August 12, 1802. The record gives eleven original members, 
 five males and six females, namely : Stephen Carpenter and wife, Rhoda 
 Gibson, F. Brown, J. Rowe, L. Gibbs, S. Scoville, J. French, S. French, 
 and a Mr. Calf. The St. Armand and Sutton churches sent dele- 
 gates to hold recognition services. At a covenant meeting held the 
 same month Mr. Thomas Arms and wife were received into the church. 
 Stephen Carpenter and wife and Rhoda Gibson were the first persons 
 baptized in Richford. This church called to the pastorate Rev. William 
 Rogers, of Stanbridge, R Q., who, in 1804, commenced a pastorate 
 which continued over forty-five years. In 1825, in consequence of some 
 difference in doctrinal views, a number of persons withdrew from church 
 connections, and the result was the formation of another church, a 
 second Baptist society. Several attempts, however, were made to re- 
 unite the two, but to no effect. For a time there were some additions 
 to the first church. Later the loss of these members without additions, 
 together with the natural dimunition by deaths and removals, resulted 
 in the final extinction of the society. The church records show no dates 
 later than February 5, 1848. 
 
 The Second Baptist Church, formed in 1825, existed about eighteen 
 years. Revs. Prosper Powell, James Spaulding, Albert Stone, William 
 Arthur, and Wellington Sornborger were ministers in charge of the 
 
 58 
 
458 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 church at different times. In 1842 this society, in connection with the 
 Methodist Episcopal, built the first meeting-house in town, the building 
 now used for a town house. 
 
 The Third Baptist Church was organized July 15, 185 1, with fourteen 
 constituent members. Delegates from the Baptist churches in Enos- 
 burgh, Montgomery, Fairfield, and St. Armand composed the re-organ- 
 izing council. The first pastor was J. C. Briant, succeeded by Rev. A. 
 Bedell, February 17, 1857. Arnold L. Arms, son of Thomas and Mar- 
 tha Arms, first members received into the First Baptist church of Rich- 
 ford, was ordained to the ministry, and in i860 was called to the pastor- 
 ate of this church, in which capacity he served acceptably for some time. 
 
 The First Methodist class in town was formed in 1825, with these 
 members: Dr. Alvin Lusk and wife. Porter Bliss and wife. Jay Powell, 
 Rebecca Goff, and Rebecca Carr. It was not long before the number 
 increased to thirty or forty members. Dr. Lusk was appointed leader 
 of the class; Jay Powell, assistant leader. Mr. Powell was afterwards 
 appointed leader and steward, which office he held for twenty years or 
 more. At the time of formation the Richford class was connected with 
 the Sheldon circuit, but in consequence of increasing membership of the 
 Sheldon church Richford was set off with the Franklin circuit, and 
 again from the Franklin to the Berkshire; also to the Montgomery cir- 
 cuit. In 1 86 1 the Richford and Berkshire circuit was formed, with 
 headquarters at Richford. In 1864 a parsonage was built, and from that 
 time the Methodists have had a resident minister. Rev. B. F. Living- 
 stone was the first. Under his care the membership increased. In 1867 
 it was nearly 100. The present membership is about 171. 
 
 The Advent Church of Richford was organized in the year 1856, with 
 about sixty members. Rev. S. S. Garvin was the first pastor. Some 
 of the members were formerly connected with the Second Baptist 
 church of Richford, among them Deacon Nelson Smith, Samuel Heath ; 
 also Russell Smith, formerly a member of the Methodist church. Rev. 
 F. H. Peabody was the first minister ordained by this church in 1879. 
 For several years this society had frequent additions to its numbers, but 
 in later years there have been few new members. During the last two or 
 three years the church has sustained preaching only part of the time. 
 
 The Protestant Episcopal Church established a mission in Richford in 
 
Town Of RlcHFORt). 4S9 
 
 1 88 1, called St. Ann's Mission. In 1883 they built a house for worship, 
 which is located on the hill just in rear of the union church, now the 
 town house of Richford. Their present rector is the Rev. Mr. Daggett. 
 
 The Roman Catholic Church of Richford ^nzs organized in 1874, by 
 Bishop L. de Goesbriand, with about 100 members. They now have a 
 large church with rapidly increasing membership. 
 
 There are now five churches and church organizations in Richford 
 village. The first church edifice was built in 1842, located on the hill 
 north of the bridge which crosses the river just below the falls. This 
 was the only church building occupied by the Methodists, Baptists, and 
 Adventists until 1871, when the Methodists built a house on River 
 street and the Adventists one on the south side of the river. In fact 
 the latter was called a union church. The Baptists were invited to oc- 
 cupy the house immediately after its dedication, and filled the pulpit 
 one-half of the time until 1888, when they built a house on the west side 
 of Main street near the Richford Academy. They now sustain preach- 
 ing regularly. Rev. Mr. Schofield has been their preacher since the 
 dedication of their house. 
 
 Societies and Orders. — The Good Templars is the only organization 
 now active. This is kept alive by the constant efforts of Mrs. R. R. Bo- 
 right. The W. C. T. Union was organized in 187 1. 
 
 A lodge of Odd Fellows was organized January 17, 1883. Charter 
 members : H. E. Rustedt, G. F. Smith, J. N. Powell, J. H. Hale, J. C. 
 Baker, L. W. Powers, H. H. Thomas, and H. L. Baker. 
 
 Frontier Post, No. 70, G. A. R., was organized in 1883, and Colonel 
 C. D. Gates was the mustering officer. The first commander was E. H. 
 Powell; adjutant, Lewis S. Hebb; quartermaster, W. W. Kinsley. 
 There have been sixty- six names enrolled, forty-five being the present 
 
 number. 
 
 Descendants of Pioneers.— Among the oldest inhabitants of Richford 
 now living are the Corlisses, descendants of Ephraim Corliss, who came 
 to town in 1804. There are at present living in town three daughters, 
 and three sons, William, Hezekiah, and Lorenzo, men of means and of 
 standing, and representative men withal. 
 
 The Stanhopes are descended from one of the earliest settlers, who 
 came to town in 1796. But few representatives of this name are now 
 
4^0 History of FrankLij? and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 remaining. Two or three families are still in possession of the lands left 
 to them by their ancestors. 
 
 Bradford Powell came to this town as early as 1799, then a young man 
 about twenty-four years of age. Mr. Powell had much to do in the busi- 
 ness of the town. His name appears as one of the first surveyors, as lister, 
 and also deputy collector of customs. He early formed a co-partnership 
 with his brother John and Horace Janes, of St. Albans, and traded for 
 a time in a small store on the corner where Alvin Goft's dwelling house 
 now stands. The firm, however, did not live very long. It was during 
 the troublous times of 1812-15, when Congress placed some proscription 
 on trade, and as many of their goods came from Canada, their trade was 
 necessarily embarrassed. The cold season following Mr. Powell was 
 compelled to place an encumbrance on his real estate, which he was 
 never able to discharge. Mr. Powell married Clarissa Gofif, in April, 
 1803, and was the father of nine children. He died when a compara- 
 tively young man. He was a member 'of the First Baptist church. 
 Mr. Powell has no surviving children, but has several grandchildren liv- 
 ing. Jay Powell, the oldest son, born March 7, 1704, died September, 
 1872. The father of Jay Powell died when Jay was about sixteen years 
 of age, leaving nine children. Jay being the eldest. The care of the 
 family consequently devolved upon him. At the time of his father's 
 death his estate, owing to cold seasons and a protracted sickness of three 
 years, was in an embarrassed condition. Jay managed to provide for 
 the smaller children until places could be found for them. He then 
 went to work, wherever he could find employment, to raise money to 
 pay the debts that were against the estate. In less than five years he 
 had succeeded in paying them all, and saved the property for the chil- 
 dren. In 1824 Mr. Powell married E. M. Smith. In 1825 he became 
 a Christian, and was one of the eight members that formed the first 
 Methodist class in town. He was appointed leader of the class, and 
 afterwards labored for some time as an exhorter. He was ordained 
 deacon in 1824, at Plattsburgh. Mr. Powell never joined the confer- 
 ence, but labored on the plan of the circuit, filling a share of the appoint- 
 ments. He never received any compensation for his labor, but, like 
 most local preachers of early days, worked with his hands during the 
 week and preached on the Sabbath. There being no settled preacher in 
 
Town of RichforC. 461 
 
 town he was often called upon to attend funerals, which called him from 
 his secular business, oftentimes under the most trying circumstances. 
 Mr. Powell never wholly gave up preaching, and for man)? years preached 
 but little. Yet he was always zealous to promote the interests of the 
 church, still, at the same time, liberal in his views. He enjoyed the re- 
 spect and confidence of the people, who honored him in many ways. 
 He was in the legislature in 1841-42. 
 
 Captain John Powell, brother of Bradford Powell, was another one of 
 the oldest settlers. Of his children, three sons and one daughter are 
 now living. Captian Powell was a person who had much to do in town 
 business. He was appointed to survey and make a permanent division 
 of the town ; was also a collector of taxes and of customs. He repre- 
 sented Richford in the legislature in 1809-10 and in 181 5-17. He 
 kept the only hotel in town for several years. His sons now living in 
 town are John F. and James G. Powell. The former was a grocer for 
 many years, but failing health compelled him to give up the business. 
 He was succeeded by his son-in-law, Frank C. Sears, who is doing a 
 prosperous business. Mr. Sears served in the late war. George N. 
 Powell, another son and the father of J. N. Powell, now one of the gro- 
 cers of the village, is still living in Eden, Vt. He was at one tim.e pro- 
 prietor of the Union House, of Richford. James G. Powell commenced 
 business in 1845 ^s a carriagemaker (the first in town), but failing health, 
 and the loss of one arm, put a check on that business. In i860 he 
 opened a grocery store in the village (the first grocery in town). He 
 continued in this business about twenty years. James G. Powell has 
 taken some interest in town affairs, and held many offices ; he was in 
 the Senate in 1886, the only Democrat in the body. Mr. Powell has 
 been the local agent for the Vermont Mutual Fire Insurance Company 
 over twenty- five years. 
 
 Jonathan Carpenter was one of the early settlers of the town. He 
 was born in the southern part of the state. His father came to Berk- 
 shire when Jonathan was quite young, where he lived for a time. Jona- 
 than, however, was soon compelled to rely wholly upon his own efforts, 
 and therefore apprenticed himself to a tanner and shoemaker. He came 
 to this town as early as 1800, and in 1810 married Patience Rogers, 
 daughter of Rev. William Rogers. They settled on a small farm bor- 
 
462 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 dering on Canada, (owned at present by F. Puffer,) where he built a 
 rude log. house and a shop for shoemaking. His vats for tanning 
 leather were made on a flat near the brook, without any covering aside 
 from a few loose boards thrown over them, and covered with tan bark in 
 winter to keep them from freezing. The increasing demand for leather 
 induced Mr. Carpenter in 1826 to sell his farm on the line and remove 
 to the falls. In addition to leather manufacturing and shoemaking he 
 built a store near the north end of the bridge, where he did an extensive 
 business; he also had an ashery on the opposite bank of the river, where 
 Sheldon Boright's store now stands. Mr. Carpenter did a successful 
 business, and he used to say that tanning would be good business as 
 long as children were born barefoot. He had much to do in all town af- 
 fairs, and held nearly all town offices ; he was the first mover in the cause 
 of temperance in town, and a believer in the Christian religion. He 
 represented the town in 1811-12, 1814, and in 1831-32. The descend- 
 ants of Jonathan Carpenter, now living, are four daughters and one son 
 and their families. Previous to 1887, for thirty years or more, there re- 
 sided within the limits of one-half mile five daughters and one son. 
 The .son, Silas P. Carpenter, married a daughter of Dr. John Huse, and. 
 is now living on the site occupied by Dr. Huse during the many years 
 of his life as a physician. Mr. Carpenter has been active in town busi- 
 ness. He was town clerk twenty-five or thirty years, and customs officer 
 from 1861 to 1885. In 1885 Mr. Carpenter was appointed associate 
 justice of the Franklin County Court, which office, by subsequent elec- 
 tions, he still holds. He has several times occupied a place in the body 
 of lawmakers in the House and in the Senate ; he also has been for 
 many years interested in the lumber business, associated with Manuel, 
 Richards & Co. He has two sons interested with him in business, De 
 Forest and J. H. Carpenter. 
 
 Rev. William Rogers was the first settled minister of the town. He 
 was born in Hancock, Mass. His father was a Baptist clergyman, and 
 the first settled minister of that place. Rev. Rogers married Susannah 
 Carr, April 28, 1 791, after which he resided in Hancock five years. He 
 then removed to St. Armand, where he resided until 1804. He was 
 ordained to the work of the ministry in 1802. Ill 1804 he came to 
 Richford, and became pastor of the First Baptist church. 
 
Town of Richford. 463 
 
 Rev. Rogers was a preacher of the old stamp. He enjoyed but few 
 advantages for literary culture, but Providence had given him in greatest 
 plenty that which would be most useful to him in his condition in life. 
 He was a man of close observation and accurate discrimination, permit- 
 ted nothing to pass without his notice, and possessed a rare memory which 
 enabled him to accommodate the knowledge thus attained to the pur- 
 poses of life. His life was governed by fixed religious principles, for 
 whatever he believed to be right he was ever ready to maintain, and 
 ever had the courage to be true to his convictions, and express them 
 boldly, even when such a course placed him in opposition to his friends. 
 His ideas of reform were wholly upon gospel principles. He discarded 
 the idea of forming societies other than church organizations. He 
 several times represented the town in the state legislature. He died 
 March 9, 1851. 
 
 Charles S. Royce is the only one of the second generation of his 
 family now living in town. The other members have in later years re- 
 moved to different parts of the country. Charles is one of the oldest 
 and most influential men of the town, and has, from time to time, been 
 honored with different offices in the gift of the people. 
 
 John S. Royce, also one of the second generation, was a lawyer of 
 some repute, able and well-read for the time in which he lived. He- 
 man S. Royce, also a brother, was a lawyer of the town, but later 
 belonged to the St. Albans bar. 
 
 The Goffs, of Richford, are the descendants of Hezeldah Goff, a soldier 
 in the Revolutionary war. He was also a soldier in theWar of 181 2. In 
 this war Mr. Goff enlisted and took with him two sons, David and 
 Jonathan, twins, seventeen years of age. At the close of the war they 
 all returned unharmed. Mr. Goff has grandsons now living in town. 
 Alvin Goff, son of Hezekiah Goff, 2d, is a harnessmaker of the town, 
 and lives on Province street. 
 
 William W. Goff, son of William Goff before mentioned, is a farmer of 
 ripe old age. Gilbert L, another son, served four years in the war for 
 the suppression of the rebellion, and came home at the close of the war 
 without the loss of a limb or even a woand. His son, Corliss W., stands 
 enrolled among the Sons of Veterans. H. M. and M. R. Goff, grandsons 
 of William and sons of L. H. Goff, are merchants now living in town. 
 
464 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 The Rounds, Joseph, Reuben, and George, were not among the first 
 nor the oldest settlers of the town, yet they were industrious, substan- 
 tial, and useful citizens, who lived long and quiet in possession of the 
 lands early acquired by themselves. 
 
 There are now living two aged sisters, Mrs. Mary Thorn and Mrs. 
 Justice Calkins. A few of their descendants are now living in town. 
 M. W. Rounds, a grandson of Reuben Rounds, is doing an extensive 
 dry goods business in the new bank block, on the south side of the 
 river. 
 
 Some Business Interests. — There are now in town two creameries, one 
 on Troy street, owned by Button & Deal, and one on the north side of 
 the river, owned by Boright %l Smith ; also a furniture, sash, and door 
 factory, owned by Ira J. Sweat & Co. Another successful enterprise, 
 recently started in town, is a veneer-mill, at present owned by Manuel, 
 Hardy & Co. The company now use the mill principally for the man- 
 ufacture of butter trays and boxes. Besides these there are the marble 
 shop, tin, harness, and blacksmith shops, and other industries necessary 
 to the prosperity of the village. The Richford Savings Bank and Trust 
 Company was chartered February, 1875, ^nd commenced business with 
 a capital of $50,000. E. H. Powell is president, and S. P. Carpenter, 
 treasurer. 
 
 Physicians. — Dr. William Samson was the first physician in town, 
 and lived near where C. S. Royce now resides. Dr. Alvin Lusk came 
 to town about 18 16. He had a good practice and remained here until 
 1827. One year later Dr. John Huse came. He was the only practi- 
 cing physician for many years, and was quite successful. Besides his 
 practice Dr. Huse had much to do in the business of the town. He was 
 elected town clerk in 1830, which office he held until 1846, when his 
 son- in-law, S. P. Carpenter, succeeded, and who continued until 1873. 
 Dr. J. H. Hamilton succeeded Dr. Huse as local physician, and is still 
 in practice. Dr. Hamilton has not only had a long and successful prac- 
 tice, but has started a number of young men on the road to success. 
 He is now assisted by Dr. Manuel. Dr. S. L. Fuller has been since 
 1850 one of the physicians of the village. 
 
 Dentists.— Dr. Andrews practiced dentistry in this village for several 
 years, and left town about 1876. About that time Dr. N. F. Hamilton 
 
Town of Richford. 465 
 
 commenced practice. Dr. Hamilton's practice has been successful. 
 Although located in Richford he " draws " for many persons residing 
 in the adjoining towns, and also from Canada. 
 
 Druggists. — There are at present two druggists, F. W. Mitchell and 
 E. G. Garvin, both located on River street. 
 
 Richford has at present two cemeteries, one called the old, the other 
 the new. The new cemetery, situated in the northern part of the vil- 
 lage off Province street, is neatly laid out, though but sparsely settled. 
 The old, on the south side of the river, is not so orderly, but almost 
 every foot of ground within its enclosure is occupied. This burying- 
 ground was given the town by Stephen Blaisdell, one of the early set- 
 tlers, whose mortal remains have long rested there. Hezekiah Goff, 
 one of the early settlers, father of Alvin Goff, was the first person 
 buried in the old cemetery. The first birth in town was that of Sey- 
 mour, son of Theophilus Hastings, the latter the son-in-law of Hugh 
 Miller, the first settler of the town of Richford. 
 
 Newspapers. — The first newspaper published in town was the Frontier 
 Sentinel, a weekly four-page paper, started by Myron F. Wilson (now 
 publishing a paper in Bristol, Vt.) in 1886. In the fall of the same year 
 Josiah B. Bowditch purchased the paper from Mr. Wilson, and continued 
 its publication. The first number bears date October 25, 1866. Mr. 
 Bowditch continued the publication of the Sentinel until 1875, when he 
 sold to Scott & Brown. Brown soon after sold his interest to C. L. 
 Reed (now publishing the Richford Journal), and soon afterward Scott 
 retired. In the spring of 1877 Reed transferred the paper and office to 
 Lyman Bailey, of Richford, and he sold it to a young printer from St. 
 Johnsbury, who neglected to carry out the contract, whereupon the 
 paper ceased issue. Since 1879 there has been published in town two 
 newspapers, the Richford Journal and the Richford Gazette. 
 
 The Gazette, a four-page weekly, published by the Gazette Publish- 
 ing Company and edited by Mr. P. Maloney, is a reliable journal devoted 
 to local and general news. 
 
 The Richford Journal is also a four-page weekly. It was established 
 by C. L. Reed, October, 1878, as the Green Mountain Journal In 188 1 
 Mr. Reed changed its name to the Richford Journal Besides local and 
 general news Mr. Reed gives space for contributions of religious intelli- 
 
 59 
 
 gence. 
 
466 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 As already stated, Richford, in enterprise and business energy, com- 
 pares favorably with other towns in the northern part of the state. The 
 increase of its population and the enterprise of its people are shown by 
 statistics gathered from time to time. In 1800 there were in what is 
 now the village corporation but eight or nine families, with about as 
 many more scattered over the town. In 1890 the population was about 
 2,200, one-half of which is included in the village corporation. The 
 village was incorporated by an act of the state legislature approved No- 
 vember 21, 1878, "to be hereafter known as the village of Richford." 
 It was organized under this act in 1879. The village is provided with 
 water and a board of water commissioners, with hose and an organized 
 hose company, and an electric light plant for the purpose of lighting 
 the village. The business interests of the village and town are about to 
 receive fresh encouragement in the erection of a large grain elevator 
 by the Canadian Pacific Railroad Company. Money has been sub- 
 scribed and land purchased for the company, on which to erect the 
 building, and preparatory worJv has already commenced. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF FAIRFAX. 
 
 FAIRFAX is situated in the extreme southern part of Franklin 
 county, and is bounded on the north by Fairfield ; east by Fletcher ; 
 south by Westford in Chittenden county ; and west by Georgia. The 
 town is pentagonal in shape. The charter was granted by Benning 
 Wentworth, governor of New Hampshire, August 18, 1763, to Edward 
 Burling and sixty-three others, granting to them 23,040 acres of land, 
 for the purpose of encouraging the settlement of a new plantation. 
 
 The surface of the town is broken, and has but very little plain land. 
 Lying between the village and Westford is quite a large tract known as 
 the " Plain," which is very level, and here the first village was laid out. 
 It contains about 600 acres of land. The old stage road, running from 
 
Town of Fairfax. 467 
 
 Huntington to Canada, runs across the same, north and south. A road 
 running east and west was laid out ten rods wide and known as the pa- 
 rade ground. Formerly on the Plain was a store, tavern, pottery, still, pot- 
 ash, and fulling-mill, all of which have now passed away, and what was 
 the first incorporated village of Fairfax is now used for farming purposes. 
 
 Among the original forest trees the pine predominated, with a large ad- 
 mixture of sugar-maple, beech, birch, elm, ash, hemlock, and basswood. 
 In most all cases where the pine was cutoffthe sugar-maple has sprung up. 
 
 The town is well watered by the Lamoille River running through the 
 southern portion, and about half way of its course there is a fall of 
 eighty feet, which is known as the " Great Falls," which is without 
 doubt the best water-power in the state. The stream now called Mill 
 Brook heads in the extreme northern part of Fairfax, and flows a serpen- 
 tine course through the town and empties into the Lamoille River at 
 the village. On this brook are three dams. That which is known as 
 Shepardson or Stone Brook heads in Fletcher, passes through the 
 southeast part of the town, and empties into the Lamoille just below 
 the Great Falls. On this there is one pond. 
 
 Early Proprietors' Meetings. — At a meeting of the proprietors of the 
 town of Fairfax, legally convened at Arlington at the house of Elnathan 
 Merwin, innholder, on the 30th day of August, 1786, according to the 
 monition published in the Vermont Gazette for July, 1786, and occasion- 
 ally in the Vermont Journal at the same time, the following action was 
 taken : 
 
 "Whereas, Application is made to me the subscriber, by more than one 
 Sixteenth part of the proprietors of the Town of Fairfax, County of Ad- 
 dison, State of Vermont, to warn a meeting of said Proprietors; these and 
 therefore to Notify to the sd Proprietors that they meet at the Dwelling 
 house of Elnathan Merwin, of Arlington, in the County of Bennington, 
 State aforesaid, on the 30th day of August next, beginning at Two oclock 
 in the afternoon of sd day, then and there to act on the Following arti- 
 cles : 1st, to choose a Moderator for sd Meeting ; 2d, a Proprietors Clerk; 
 to see if the Proprietors will proceed to lay out the first division Lots ; 
 4th, to see if the Proprietors will raise a sum of Money by Tax to de- 
 fray the necessary charges which may arise in making a division. 
 
 " Isaac Tichonor, Justice Peace. 
 
 "Bennington, July 2, 1786." 
 
468 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 The meeting was properly opened and James Everts chosen mod- 
 erator, and Timothy Todd, proprietors' clerk. 
 
 "Voted, That the proprietors will lay out as soon as may be one hun- 
 dred acres on each right for the first Division in such a manner that the 
 length of the lots shall not more than Twice exceed the Breadth of the 
 same. Voted, That the surveyor be one of our Committee for laying out 
 sd township, and that James Everts be our surveyor, and one of our com- 
 mitte. Voted, That James Horsford be another of our Committee, and 
 that this meeting be adjourned to Fryday the 8th day of Sept. next, to 
 meet at the house of Timothy Todd, in Sunderland, at 3 oclock P. M. 
 
 " Test. TiMY Todd, Proprietors' Clerk." 
 
 At a subsequent meeting held at Sunderland, November 8, 1786, the 
 committee made their report of the survey of the first division of lots, 
 and they were allotted to the several owners. At a meeting of the pro- 
 prietors holden at the house of Reuben Molton, innholder, at Castleton, 
 on the 25th day of October, 1790, it was voted to survey the remaining 
 undivided land in Fairfax, and to employ John Safford, of Bennington, 
 as surveyor. 
 
 The first meeting of the proprietors holden in town was held June 9, 
 1 79 1, at the house of Broadstreet Spafford, at which time Captain Seth 
 Ford was elected moderator, and the oath of office was administered by 
 Thomas Russell, justice of the peace. Nathan Spafiford was proprietors' 
 clerk. At this and subsequent meetings the balance of the lots were 
 surveyed and drawn out. The surveying and dividing the town was 
 not finished until May 7, 1792. 
 
 The first deed recorded in Fairfax was from James Everts, of Georgia, 
 to Joseph Beeman, jr., dated May 20, 1798, deeding to him the whole 
 of the right or share of Thomas Newton, likewise the right of Joseph 
 Newmarch, for $450. 
 
 The first town meeting was held according to the following notice : 
 
 "Cambridge, April 20, 1787. 
 
 " This may certify that the inhabitants of the Town of Fairfax had a 
 legal warning given out to them for a town meeting in sd town on Tues- 
 day, the 22d Day of March, A. D. 1787. 
 
 " Amos Fassett, Justice of the Peace." 
 
 The meeting was held at the house of Captain Broadstreet Spafford, 
 
Town of Fairfax. 469 
 
 who was elected moderator. Thomas Russell was elected town clerk ; 
 Nathan Spafiford, constable; Broadstreet Spafford, first selectman ; Rob- 
 ert Barnett, 2d, second selectman ; and Thomas Russell, third select- 
 man. At that meeting the freeman's oath was administered to Broad- 
 street Spafford, Asa Spafford, Robert Barnett, 2d, Nathan Spafford, Jose 
 Barnett, and Thomas Russell. 
 
 The first birth in town of which we have any record was Martha, 
 daughter of Simon and Prudence Powers, June 10, 1784. 
 
 Town Clerks and Treasurers. — Thomas Russell to 1796; Erastus 
 Safford, 1796 to 1802; Seth Ford, 1802; Erastus Safford, 1803-07; 
 Hampton Lovegrove, 1807-20; Erastus Safford, 1821 ; H. Lovegrove, 
 1822-30; N. W. Perry, 1831-33; Churchill Sampson, 1834-43; 
 James H. Farnsworth, 1844; Silas W. Brush, 1845-56; Elias H. Wells, 
 1857-61 ; Samuel Randall, 1862; Dr. C. F. Hawley, 1863-68; lilias 
 Bellows, i868-8i ; A. B. Beeman, 1882-91. 
 
 The first settlement made in Fairfax was by Broadstreet Spafford, 
 who, with two sons, Nathan and Asa, came from New Hampshire in 
 1783 and began improvement on the farm now owned by Mrs. David 
 Shepardson, on the Lamoille River. In the following year Robert and 
 Jose Barnett came, and a short time after Thomas Russell settled in the 
 town. None of the descendants of these persons are now living here. 
 At that time the nearest known settlers were at Cambridge, some seven 
 miles distant. For supplies they had to go to Burlington, generally on 
 foot, and brought their purchases back on their shoulders. In the spring 
 of 1787 Broadstreet Spafford started to go to Burlington, and as he 
 neared the "Plain" he saw smoke arising, and was surprised to find that 
 a settlement had been made there by Levi Farnsworth, who came from 
 Charlestown, N. H., bringing nothing but his dog, gun, and axe with 
 him. He built a log house on the farm now owned by Mary Ovitt. 
 Mr. Farnsworth went back to New Hampshire that fall, and in 1 790 re- 
 turned bringing his family with him. They returned by the way of 
 Williston, and from there cut a road to Cambridge ; then followed the 
 road of Captain Spafford down the river, and forded that stream just 
 below the Great Falls, whence a road was cut to their homes. Levi 
 Farnsworth was soon followed by Jasper Farnsworth, sr., Jasper, jr., 
 and Oliver and Joseph Farnsworth, all of whom settled on the Plain. 
 
470 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Buck Hollow. — In the northeast part of the town of Fairfax, sepa- 
 rated from the other portions by a high range of hills, is the locality com- 
 monly known as Buck Hollow, and so named from one of the pioneer 
 families of the town surnamed Buck. The pioneer of this family was 
 Gould Buck, who came to the locality called Buck Hollow during the 
 year 1790; but his coming was soon afterwards followed by his brothers, 
 George," Zadock, Nathan, Joseph, and Jesse. Joseph Buck went into 
 the British army, and afterwards drew land in Canada from the English 
 government, on which land he lived and died. Jesse Buck afterwards 
 moved to New York state. 
 
 Of the pioneers but little can be now learned, and whatever is here 
 stated is said on the authority of an old member of the family now liv- 
 ing in the " Hollow." Gould Buck married Hannah Burritt, and had 
 by her nine children. His second wife was Sarah Stone, who bore him 
 two children. George married Lucy Hard, and raised a large family. 
 Zadock married Harriet Murray, but had no children. Nathan married 
 Polly Stone, and had seven children. Joseph married Hannah Hard, 
 and had a goodly family of children. Jesse also married, but his wife's 
 maiden name cannot be recalled. She was always known as Aunt 
 Lydia. They also had a family. The Buck family name is well pre- 
 served in the town, and among its representatives are some of the most 
 thrifty and progressive farmers of the county. 
 
 Another of the old families in this locality was that of which Abijah 
 Hawley was the head. He was the son of Jehiel Hawley, of Arlington, 
 a man prominently associated with the events relating to the early his- 
 tory of Vermont. Abijah Hawley settled in the extreme northern part 
 of what is called Buck Hollow, as early it is said as 1789. He was in all 
 respects the industrious and useful citizen, prominent in town affairs, 
 and highly respected throughout the community. His descendants, 
 though not numerous in Fairfax, are among the leading people of the 
 town. The old home farm is still in possession of the family, though 
 three generations removed from 'the pioneer stock. A part of the old 
 dwelling still stands, and to that ancient structure the present Hawley 
 representatives point with especial pride. 
 
 The Hollow has never been particularly productive of manufactures, 
 the residents preferring the more peaceful aits of agriculture. The 
 
Town of Fairfax. 471 
 
 present efforts in the direction of trade and manufacture appear to be 
 confined to the industry of which W. Harmon Rood is proprietor, being 
 a saw and planing- mill, and incident to it a blacksmith shop. These are 
 situate on Mill Brook, west from the Hollow proper. 
 
 Christ's church (Episcopal) is the only society having a seat of location 
 in this part of the town. The first seed of the church was sown here in 
 the coming of the Buck family, and they were from Arlington, the home 
 of the church in Vermont. Through the influence of the Bucks, Haw- 
 leys, Bradleys, Lobdells, and others mission services were held here as 
 early as the first years of the present century, although it was not until 
 183 s that a parish was formed, the people of the church being previously 
 annexed to the Fairfield parish. Among the early rectors of Fairfield 
 who officiated in this locality were Revs. Beach, Brainerd, Burgess, 
 Bingham, Hard, Humphre}', and Sabin. Abijah Hawley and Nathaniel 
 Chittenden were lay readers. On May 8, 1835, the parish was formed 
 and thirteen persons signed the "Articles of Association," viz.: Alfred 
 Wheeler, Lyman Hawley, Nathan Buck, 2d, James Farnsworth, Hiram 
 Bellows, H. E. Hubbell, Asa L. Gove, Bundle Roys, James Bellows, 
 George Buck, Horace Stearns, Jasper Rand, and Andrew Buck. The 
 organization was perfected in 1836, when the name "Christ church" 
 was applied. Rev. Samuel Crane being rector. In January, 1861, the 
 new church was used for the first time. The building still stands, a 
 plain, comfortable edifice, built mainly through the personal efforts of 
 its people, having a seating capacity for about 200 persons. 
 
 The rectors since the formation of the parish have been these : Silas A. 
 Crane, J. A. Spooner, E. H. Sayles, S. B. Bostwick, E. F. Putnam, J. A. 
 Fitch, C. Fay, R. F. Cadle, F. W. Smith, J. A. Hicks, J. Swett, A. H. 
 Bailey, and Gemont Graves, the latter being the present rector. The 
 present officers of the church and parish are Andrew Buck, C. A. Hawley, 
 wardens; Noble H. Buck, William Buck, Rollin Wheeler, Douglas Buck, 
 A. N. Buck, S. F. Siurgis, and D. N. Buck, vestrymen ; Douglas Buck, 
 treasurer ; D. N. Buck, secretary ; lay readers, N. H. Buck, C, A. Haw- 
 ley, D. Buck, X. C. Wheeler, and D. N. Buck. 
 
 North Fairfax, as the name implies, lies in the northern part of the 
 town, and is a scattered settlement, the occupants of which are farmers. 
 The hamlet proper has two churches, Baptist and Methodist, the former 
 
472 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 having been some years abandoned, and the latter supplied from Geor- 
 gia. At North Fairfax is located the reservoir from which the county 
 seat is supplied with water. A creamery was established at this point 
 about three years ago. 
 
 The Methodist Episcopal church at North Fairfax had its organiza- 
 tion about the beginning of the present century, but the society had no 
 church home at the point until the year 1852, when was built the edi- 
 fice now used. In 1873 it underwent substantial repairs, and it is now an 
 attractive structure. The Baptist church here owes its origin to the labors 
 of Rev. Alvah Sabin, who formed the society January 18, 1828, and was 
 its moderator, while the office of clerk was filled by Elder William Ar- 
 thur, father of the late President Arthur. The church building was 
 erected in 1852, but is now sadly out of repair on account of the lack of 
 interest and the constant reduction in members of the society. 
 
 North Fairfax has a postoffice, smith's shop, and occasionally a store 
 for small trade, but is so near the county seat and metropolis of the re- 
 gion that the people prefer the enlarged facilities for trade at that place. 
 
 Fairfax Falls, commonly and appropriately called the " Great Falls," 
 is unquestionably the most attractive spot in the town ; but beyond this 
 quality there is the more important fact that here is the most excellent 
 and valuable water-power that Vermont can boast. The survey in this 
 locality was made for James Everts in 1791, in the original right of Jo- 
 seph Sackett, but the latter allowed the land to be sold rather than pay 
 the tax laid against it. The first improvement here is credited to Amos 
 Fassett, who built near the falls the first saw and grist-mill in the town, 
 in 1 79 1. In 1824 Crane & Crandall built a cloth- mill on the privilege, 
 the first also of its kind in the town, but which was carried away by the 
 freshet of 1830. Samuel N. Gaut purchased the entire privilege and 
 property in 1849, and operated it extensively until quite recently. In 
 1850 he built the brick grist-mill, having four runs of stone, and soon 
 thereafter started in trade, thus making the falls a considerable trade 
 center. Mr. Gaut also enlarged the saw-mill and changed it to a cloth 
 or woolen factory, in wWch he was assisted by F. W. Shepardson as 
 partner. Their products were flannels, cassimeres, and yarns, and their 
 business was large and successful. Mr. Shepardson withdrew from the 
 business in 188 1, and the property soon passed into the ownership of 
 
Town of Fairfax. 473 
 
 Susan E. Gaut and Harriet G. Minot, the latter being the present pro- 
 prietress. She has entire supervision and control, both general and in 
 detail, of the factory and business, and it goes without saying that the 
 product of the Lamoille mills is not equalled in America. It is no 
 exaggeration, but a fact, that the blankets manufactured at this place are 
 superior to any produced in this country at the present time. 
 
 Fairfax Village. — This is by far the largest and most important set- 
 tled community in the town, and is, withal, a desirable and comfortable 
 place of abode. The village took a certain form of municipality in the 
 year 1820, the people availing themselves of the provisions of an act of 
 the state legislature that authorized the selectmen to prescribe certain 
 limits within which cattle, swine, and other animals should not be per- 
 mitted to run at large. These limits were defined by the selectmen in 
 pursuance of a petition signed by Luther B. Hunt, Hampton Lovegrove, 
 Hiram Bellows, Medad Parsons, Elijah Levens, James Farnsworth, Asa 
 Wilkins, jr., and David Bascom. 
 
 Fairfax village, while an altogether desirable place, is peculiarly situ- 
 ated, being practically divided by a high hill, a part of the business and 
 residences being on the hill and the remainder in the valley. From this 
 situation the people are classed as residents on the " Hill " or in the 
 " Hollow"; and this condition of location has been productive of a di- 
 vision of sentiment among the people, which does not fail to manifest it- 
 self on frequent occasions, and particularly when a postmaster is to be 
 selected, and sometimes in the choice of local officers. At present the 
 "Hollow" folks have the best of their brethren on the "Hill," for they 
 have the coveted office and a majority of business houses. The few who 
 are dwellers along fthe ascent are happily situated, for they enjoy equal 
 benefits from above and below. There appears to be no immediate 
 hope for an adjustment of differences, and each faction will continue to 
 struggle for its own advantage so long as the hill lasts, and it is yet in 
 an exceedingly healthy condition. The up-Hill forces are led by mer- 
 chants John B. Alfred and A. B. Beeman, while the champions of the 
 Hollow are Counselor Ballard, Dr. Brush, S. E. Wilson, John B. Drew, 
 Ira E. Hunt, and others. But all, whether " up or down-hillers," are 
 good men and true, and all interested in the welfare of their pretty vil- 
 lage. And their controversies are buried with each final result, regard- 
 
 ^ , . , . , . 60 
 
 less of which side wins. 
 
474 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 But Fairfax is, and for many years has been, a trade center of great 
 importance, and at no time has there been a greater diversity of busi- 
 ness interests than at present. The village has three churches, two ho- 
 tels (only one now in use), one undertaker's shop, three blacksmith 
 shops, two wheelwright shops, one tin shop, one jewelry store, one mil- 
 linery store, one saw and shingle-mill, five general stores, three drug 
 stores, two hardware stores, four groceries, eighty-two dwellings, two 
 lawyers, four physicians, and two barbers." The population of the vil- 
 lage is about 400 souls. 
 
 The First Baptist Church of Fairfax was organized in 1 792, and its 
 first ordained minister was Rev. Elisha Andrews. In 1801 the Rev. 
 Ephraim Butler conducted services here. He died in the town in 1861. 
 In 1824 the society in association with the Congregationalists built a 
 meeting-house (now a part of the institute building). In 1848 and '49 
 the society built the present church, the frame being furnished by Dea- 
 con Ansel Shepardson and the long timber by Harry Safford. The old 
 union meeting-house was used for the last time on August 19, 1849. 
 The new edifice was repaired and enlarged in 185 i. It is in all respects 
 an attractive and comfortable church home, having received further ma- 
 terial repairs in 1885. The succession of pastors, so far as can be ascer- 
 tained, has been as follows: Elisha Andrews, 1793; Ephraim Butler, 
 1801 ; Amos Tuttle, 1806; Ephraim Butler, 1821 ; Jeremiah Hall, 
 1830; J. C. Bryant, licenciate, 1832; Josiah Huntly, supply; Simeon 
 Fletcher, 1837 ; H. D. Hodge, 1840; Lewis A. Dunn, 1843-71, a pas- 
 torate of twenty-seven years; Jabez Ferris, December, 1871 ; J. S. 
 Webber, 1872; Deforest Safford, 1874; George W. Bower, 1877; 
 W. G. Goucher, 1879; Charles A. Votey, 1884; Henry Crocker, 1887. 
 The Methodist Episcopal Church. — The early cla? s services of the so- 
 ciety of the Methodist Episcopal church of Fairfax village and vicinity 
 date back to the beginning of the century in which we now live, but 
 it was not until a comparatively recent time, or in 1832, that a separate 
 organized society of the denomination was made here. The first meet- 
 ing-house of this society was built in 1 840, and the second and present 
 one in 185 1. Among the prominent early members of the society were 
 Sewall S. Chamberlain, IsaacT. Farris, Reuben Moulton, Zenas Bascom, 
 Kendrick Bascom, George W. Farrar, Flavel J. Butler, Aaron Drew, 
 
Town of Fairfax. 475 
 
 E. J. Rogers, Hiram Stewart, and others. Among the early local preach- 
 ers were Rev. Benjamin Stoddard, in 1822, who continued nearly thirty 
 years. Rev. A. Hazelton, and Rev. O. Pier (preacher and physician). 
 Other early ministers in this circuit were Revs. Solomon Stebbins, Chase, 
 Caryhey, Foster, Leonard, and Campbell. From 1842 to the present 
 time the succession of ministers has been as follows: George McKillips, 
 Zina H. Brown, Chester Lyon, John Fassett, Reuben Washburn, S. W. 
 Clements, Albinus Johnson, A. C. Rose, John Bate, Simeon Gardner, 
 S. B. Whitney, H. F. Austin, George Townsend, H. Warner, M. Spen- 
 cer, H. A. Bushnell, S. L. Eastman, W. Underwood, F. C. Kimball, 
 W. D. Malcom, W. H. Hyde, W. W. Wilder, J. Enright, E. Folsom, 
 and C. A. Smith. 
 
 The Roman Catholic Church at Fairfax village was built during 1872, 
 under the direction of Father M. Pigeon, but there had been Catholic 
 mission services in the town before that time, conducted by the same 
 zealous priest. The church stands on Bridge street, and is a comforta- 
 ble structure built of wood. The society or parish is not large, and the 
 church is supplied from Milton and St. Albans. 
 
 The Society of the Congregational Church of Fairfax was organized 
 on March 28, 1802, by Rev. Purlius V. Bogue, of Georgia, with an orig- 
 inal membership of nine persons, viz.: Josiah Safford, Zenas Palmer, 
 Samuel Dorwin, Giles Swift, Charles Swift, Joseph Parmalee, Jonathan 
 Whipple, Abagail Parmalee, and Sarah Swift. The society as a church 
 has not met since 1852. 
 
 The New Hampton Institute. — During the period in which Fairfax 
 may be said to have attained its greatest prosperity some of the lead- 
 ing citizens of the village and town conceived the idea of establishing a 
 literary and educational institution that should not alone be an orna- 
 ment and honor to their locality, but one as well that afford the youth 
 of the region the facilities for thorough and complete education. To 
 this end they opened correspondence with the managers of the New 
 Hampton Institute, of New Hampton, N. H., with a result of a promise 
 that the same would be moved to this town, provided suitable buildings 
 should be erected free of expense to the management. To do this the 
 enterprising people of Fairfax went deeply into their pockets and suc- 
 ceeded in raising the sum of nearly $10,000, with which such additions 
 
476 History of Franklin and Gran!) Isle Counties. 
 
 were made to the old union meeting-house as made it a large and 
 admirably arranged school building. The leaders of this enterprise 
 were Rev. L. A. Dunn, Rev. H. L. Parker, J. H. Farnsworth, Reuben 
 Dewey, Silas W. Brush, Heman Hunt, S. D. Alfred, Albert Ufford, 
 Damon Howard, Harry Maxfield, H. C. Safford, Franklin Hunt, Ira 
 Hunt, and others. The work of preparing the building was prosecuted 
 with such vigor that during the summer of 1853 the school was ready 
 for occupancy. The school proved to be all that its projectors had ex- 
 pected, and from the very outset and many years thereafter Fairfax 
 enjoyed the reputation of having one of the best educational institutions 
 in Northern Vermont. But in more recent years the school has suf- 
 fered with the general decline in popularity of such throughout the state, 
 yet, unlike many others, it has been maintained to the present day. 
 At the present time the institute is under the principalship of Prof A. G. 
 Cox. 
 
 The Bellows Free Academy. — The late Hon. Hiram Bellows, of St. Al- 
 bans, but formerly a resident of Fairfax, in his will devised four acres of 
 land, situated at the corner of Hunt and Spring streets, in Fairfax vil- 
 . lage, to certain persons in trust for the future erection of a free acad- 
 emy ; and at the same time he bequeathed to the trustees certain shares of 
 Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad stock, of the par value of 
 $25,000, to be invested as a trust fund by the trustees and their succes- 
 sors, and so continued until the same aggregated $150,000. It was the 
 purpose and direction of the testator that this sum be devoted to the 
 erection on the land of a free academy for the use of the town, and if 
 the millenium is not too near the purpose may yet be carried out. By 
 judicious investment the fund is now increased to the gross sum of $90,- 
 053.20, and is now under the charge of James M. Beeman, president; 
 F. Wayland Shepardson, secretary and treasurer ; I. F. Wilcox, I. T. 
 Beeman, and C. A. Hawley, board of trustees. 
 
 Lamoille Lodge, No 25, F. and A. M., is one of the oldest institutions 
 of the village and town, and was charted by the Grand Lodge, October 
 8, 1806, to Zerah Willoughby, Simeon Lester, EHas Fassett, Eli Green, 
 Thaddeus Murdock, Theopholis Blake, Phineas Page, Isaac Warner, 
 James Farnsworth, Asa Stone, and Isaac Farrar, as charter members. 
 The first officers were James Farnsworth, W. M.; A. W. Robinson, 
 
Town of Fairfax. 477 
 
 S. W.; Isaac B. Farrar, J. W. The lodge has a present membership of 
 forty-four persons, and is in all respects a prosperous fraternity. Its 
 officers are as follows : N. C. Dermnich, W. M.; C. E. Mudgett, S. W.; 
 George Northaway, J. W.; F. W. Shepardson, treasurer ; A. B. Bee- 
 man, secretary; A. H. Bell, S. D.; H. L. Pease, J. D.; L. B. Hunt, Will- 
 iam A. Decker, stewards ; Sidney Bascom, tyler. 
 
 General I. B. Richardson Post, No. 92, G. A. R., of Fairfax, was or- 
 ganized November 20, 1885, with the following officers and charter 
 members: L. B. Hunt, P. C; Page Ufiford, S. V. C; George Hunt, 
 J. V. C.; E. G. Minkler, adjutant; Fred S. Hunt, quartermaster; J. S. 
 Howard, surgeon; A. M. Storey, chaplain; S. Sturgis, O. D.; B. S. 
 Davison, O. G. The post was named as above in honor of General 
 Israel Bush Richardson, a native of Fairfax, and a veteran of both the 
 Mexican war and the late RebelHon. In connection with and auxiliary 
 to the post is the I. B. Richardson Drum Corps, under the captaincy of 
 Charles H. Watson, — a uniformed organization which, on proper occa- 
 sions, furnishes martial music. 
 
 In the matter of schools the town of Fairfax will bear favorable com- 
 parison with any town in the county, and as a rule the school buildings 
 are of better appearance than shown in many other towns. Since the 
 early years of the present century, when the town was divided into dis- 
 tricts, there have been frequent alterations both in number and size of dis- 
 tricts, making it quite difficult to correctly follow the changes. At the 
 present time the town comprises fifteen districts, each of which is very well 
 provided with school buildings, and in charge of a competent teacher. 
 The schools are maintained on the district plan. District No. i is com- 
 monly known as the Huntsville district; No. 2 is at Sanderson's Corners; 
 No. 3 is in the Leach neighborhood ; No. 4 is the Buck Hollow district ; 
 No. 5 is in the village ; No. 6 is on the Plain; No. 7 is at the falls ; No. 8 
 is located in the Spafford neighborhood, so called ; No. 9 is the North 
 Fairfax district; No. 10 is in the extreme southeast corner of the town, 
 joint with part of Cambridge town ; No. 1 1 is in the Bellows neighbor- 
 hood ; No. 12 is in the southwest part of the town ; No. 13 lies between 
 North Fairfax and Buck Hollow'; No. 15 joins the Safford district; No. 
 16 hes partly in Fletcher ; and No. 17 includes the " Hill " part of Fair- 
 fax village. 
 
478 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Revolutionary Soldiers who afterward lived in Fairfax. — Captain Oli- 
 ver Farnsworth, Nathan Murray, Stephen England, Thomas Stickney, 
 Josiah Brush, Stephen Holmes, Jonathan George, James Keeler, Zelda 
 Keyes, Jonathan Major, Arad Joy, Hampton Lovegrove, Philip Blais- 
 
 dell, Eunice, widow of Captain John Stark, Robert Wilkins, 
 
 Ward, Oliver Farwell, Edmund Goodrich, James Crissey, Briar Beeman, 
 Brigham Rood, Anthony CUne, Stephen Howard, Stephen Holmes, and 
 Joseph Starkweather. 
 
 Fairfax Company of Eleventh Regiment, U. S. Infantry, War of 
 1812-15. — Joseph Beeman, jr., captain; George Myers, Stephen How- 
 ard, William Blake, Austin Root, Z. C. Howard, Elisha Hoit, Samuel 
 Storey, Joel Tucker, Nathaniel Parker, J. Baker, R. Hubbard, Gary 
 Edwards, Bates Chittenden, Joseph Clark, John Bissell, Stephen How- 
 ard, jr., Joseph Butler, Peter Jesmyer, Elijah Chapman, John Sampsie, 
 John Fox, Frederick Burnham, Thomas B. Read, James Collis, D. W. 
 Collin, Timothy Burdick, Robert Miller, Ansel Follett, R. Estus, Asahel 
 Lyon, Reuben Brown, Ansel Lebanon, Orson Bryant, John Martin, 
 Benjamin Stevens, B. Watson, Noel Frisket, Peter Morse, George Ma- 
 jors, Ephraim Wood, Joseph Wilcox, Benjamin H. Estus, Lewis Mar- 
 berds, John Noles, William Michelon, William King, William Shampar, 
 Ezra Ekstman, William Garland, Joseph Gale, Gardner Wright, Thomas 
 Dukeman, Rufus Austin, Jared Camp, Cyrus Pierce, Amos Casey, 
 George Bates, John Bussels, Stephen Howard, Thomas B. Rood, Nich- 
 olas Turman. 
 
 Fairfax Company at the Battle of Plattsburgh. — Joseph Grout, cap- 
 tain ; Asa Wilkins, heutenant ; Abner Holmes, ensign ; Hiram Storey, 
 David Wilkins, Lemuel Scott, jr., sergeants ; Jesse Higgins, Benjamin 
 Holmes, Joseph Webster, Isaac F. Storey, James Wilkins, corporals ; 
 privates Phineas Chapman, James and Joseph Robinson, Cyrel Cull, 
 John Town, John Randall, Noah Richardson, Samuel Wright, Joseph 
 Cox, Amos Fisk, Marshall Howard, John Andrews, Ebenezer Smith, 
 Sylvanus Crissey, Joseph Story, Allen Loveland, Joseph Kingsbury' 
 Eben Bellus, Joseph Ellsworth, Jonathan Scott, Parker Ingalls, Samuel 
 Bigsby, Levi Lockwood, Andrew Story, David Palmer, Joseph Hunt, 
 George Major, jr., Ezekiel Richardson, Peter Smith, John Major, Samuel 
 Crissey, Samuel Webster, Zacheus Kinney, Elijah Story, Hopkins 
 
Town of Fairfax. 479 
 
 Webster, R. B. Wilkins, Elnathan Burdick, Asahel Farnsworth, John 
 Crissey, Isaac Webster. 
 
 Representatives in General Assembly.— Thom&s Russell, 1787-92; 
 Josiah Spafford, 1788; Nathan Spafford, 1789-90; James Farnsworth^ 
 1791; Jonathan Danforth, 1793-95, '97. and 99; Ross Coon, 1796; 
 Joseph Beeman, jr., 1800-04; Asa Wilkins, 1805-06; Erastus Safford, 
 1807-10; Benjamin Gale, 1811; Samuel Ufford, 1812-13 ; Joseph 
 Holmes, 1814; Stephen Holmes, 1815-16; Erastus Safford, 1817; 
 Samuel Parmalee, 1818; Elias Bellows, 1819-20; Joseph Beeman, 1821; 
 Luther B. Hunt, 1822-24; Reuben Wood, 1826; Erastus Safford, 
 1827; James Farnsworth, 1828; James Bellows, 1829 and '31 ; Joseph 
 Kingsbury, 1830; Joseph Learned, 1832-33; Alanson Webster, 1834- 
 35; Alfred Wheeler, 1836-37; James Bellows, 1838; Lyman Hawley, 
 1839-40; James H. Farnsworth, 1841 ; Asa S. Gove, 1842; Joseph 
 Leonard, 1843-44; Reuben Dewey, 1845-46; Homer E. Hubbell, 
 1847-51, '61; Anson Soule, 1852-53, 1862-63; George Buck, 1854-55 ; 
 Albert Ufford, 1856-57; Lucius Kingsbury, 1858-59; Julius Halbert, 
 i860 and '6y; Rev. L. A. Dunn, 1865-66 and '68 ; George A. Ballard, 
 1869-70; Curtis F. Hawley, 1872 and '74; Harry S. Ufford, 1876; 
 G. G. Orton, 1878; David A. Shephardson, 1880 ; A. J. Merrill, 1882; 
 Jude Fairman, 1884; Adelbert B. Beeman, 1886; George Hunt, 1888; 
 F. Wayland Shepardson, 1890. 
 
 Family and Personal Sketches. — Captain Broadstreet Spafford was the 
 first white settler in the town. He came from Fierpont, N. H., in 1783, 
 and settled on the farm now owned by F. H. Shephardson, where he 
 died. Of his descendants none are now living in town. 
 
 Thomas Russell came about the year 1786 and made the first clear- 
 ing on what is now known as the Swift farm, owned by Solomon Marsh. 
 This is one of the best stock farms in town. Afterwards, at tax sales, 
 he bought several other pieces, so that at one time he was the owner of a 
 large tract of land. In 1804 or '05 he moved to St. Albans. 
 
 Joseph Belcher came to town in 1787. He was a migratory person, 
 a hunter, and a trapper. He made the first clearing in that part of the 
 town known as the village. He cleared a spot and built a log cabin for 
 himself and one for each of his two boys, near the stone house now 
 owned by Lewis Story. Thus the name " The City of Fairfax " origi- 
 nated. He never owned any land. 
 
48o History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Gideon Orton was born in Farmington, Conn., and with his wife, 
 Phebe, came to the town in 1789, locating in North Fairfax. On his 
 farm was the head of Beaver Pond. His son Aaron was born the 
 year he came to town, and lived on the old farm until his death. His 
 wife survived him several years, dying in 1889. The farm than passed 
 into the hands of his son, Gardner G. Orton. 
 
 Stratton B. Hunt, a son of Caleb and Lydia Hunt, was born in Al- 
 stead, N. H., January 12, 1799. At the age of twenty-one years he took 
 his pack upon his back and started for Fairfax to join his brother, Hon. 
 Luther B. Hunt, who was established in business here. He walked the 
 entire distance. He remained here five years, teaching and helping his 
 brother. He then went into the store of Runnels & Hunt, at Cambridge, 
 Vt., as a clerk. On the 8th day of October, 1826, he was married to 
 Abigail C. Parmalee. In 1830 he returned to Fairfax and bought the 
 farm on the Lamoille River where he Uved until 1840, when he bought 
 a place in the village, on Hunt street, where he Hved and died June i, 
 1881. 
 
 Asa Wilkins came to Fairfax from the town of Reading, in this 
 state, about 1797, and settled on the farm now owned by John S. How- 
 ard, 1st, in consequence of its being lease land and hardwood timber. 
 He built the house and barn now standing on the place. He had nine 
 children, John, James, Robert, Daniel, Asa, Polly, Alice, Hannah, and 
 Lucy. Polly married Joseph Hunt; Alice married Palmer Hunt; Han- 
 nah married William Crane ; and Lucy married William Parker. 
 
 Thomas Story came from Bennington, Vt., to Fairfax in 1796, and 
 made the first settlement on a farm near Buck Hollow. His son 
 Thomas, was then six years of age. Thomas Story, jr., married Han- 
 nah Sylvester, of Georgia, in October, 18 14, and on the death of his 
 father succeeded in the ownership of the farm. He died February, 
 1864. His wife died June, 1858. The farm is now owned by his son 
 A. M, Story. 
 
Town of Franklin. 481 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF FRANKLIN. 
 
 THIS town is situated in the northern part of Franklin county, in lat- 
 itude 44° 58' and longitude 4° 2', and is bounded north by St. 
 Armand, P. Q., east by Berkshire, south by Sheldon, and west by High- 
 gate. It contains 19,040 acres, and in form is somewhat irregular, as the 
 surrounding towns were surveyed first, leaving this tract somewhat defi- 
 cient in measure and outline. The surface is somewhat uneven, but not 
 abrupt. There are only two hills worthy of note : Bridgeman Hill, lying 
 west of the Center village, and Minister Hill, about a mile north. The 
 former, according to Prof. Hitchcock, is a peak or " uplift " of the Red 
 Sandrock Mountains, a distinct range running through the northwest 
 part of the state. The soil is generally a gravelly loam, with an occa- 
 sional mixture of clay and sand, and is well adapted to most purposes 
 of agriculture. Stock raising is followed to a limited extent, but the 
 principal business is dairying. The timber consists of maple, beech, 
 hemlock, pine, etc. There are several swamps abounding in cedar and 
 ash that have furnished large amounts of fencing material. There is 
 plenty of stone, but little of it is suitable for building purposes. Slate, 
 limestone, and granite are occasionally found. The only mineral yet 
 discovered is hematite, a species of iron ore. 
 
 Rock River, a small stream that passes through the western part of 
 the town, and the outlet of Franklin Pond furnish the available water- 
 power, which is rather limited. There is now a saw-mill on each of 
 these streams. Formerly there were half a dozen of these with carding- 
 mill, tannery, and machine shop, but these have all disappeared in the 
 march of events. There is a grist-mill a mile to the north of the Cen- 
 ter village. A little east of the center of the town is Franklin Pond, or 
 Silver Lake as it was known among the Indians. This is a fine body 
 of water pleasantly surrounded, about two and a half miles in length 
 from north to south, and one mile wide. Connected whh this by a 
 brook on the east line of the town is what is known as Little Pond, sur- 
 
 61 
 
482 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 rounded on three sides by a marsh which is gradually extending into 
 the water, the pond being only about one-half as large now as in the 
 early settlement of the town. In the north part of the town there is 
 quite an extensive marsh containing 224 acres. There are no natural 
 curiosities worthy of mention. 
 
 This town was not inhabited permanently by Indians previous to its 
 settlement by white men, but the St. Francis, a Canada tribe, employed 
 it as a summer hunting-ground where, game being plenty, they procured 
 their winter's supply of provisions. They used to drive the moose and 
 deer from the hills adjoining Little Pond into the marshes, where they 
 succeeded in killing them, and then prepared their flesh with that of 
 other animals for transportation by drying on racks in the sun. There 
 were plenty of deer, and for a time after the first settlement of the town 
 they were so tame as to frequently feed in the meadows. Bears and 
 wolves were also quite numerous, and made serious havoc in the corn- 
 fields and sheep-folds, and afforded many occasions for the rally and 
 spirited hunt, but these animals have long since disappeared. Otter 
 have been taken in the town, and the remains of beaver dams are conclu- 
 sive evidence that that animal once inhabited these regions. The mink, 
 muskrat, fox, and raccoon are still found, but are gradually disappear- 
 ing, and ere long will very likejy become extinct. 
 
 There have been quite a quantity of Indian relics, consisting of vari- 
 ous kinds of arrowheads, hatchets, hammers, gouges, etc., all made 
 from flint, found at the north end of the pond just west of the outlet 
 bridge. These would indicate that the Indians camped here quite ex- 
 tensively at some time previous to the coming of white men. Edward 
 Powers and Lewis Demarah possess most of these relics. 
 
 From the records it appears that the town of Franklin was granted 
 October 24, 1787, and chartered by Governor Chittenden to Jonathan 
 Hunt and his associates, March 19, 1789, by the name of Huntsburgh. 
 The town was, according to charter, to be divided into sixty-nine equal 
 parts and shared by the proprietors as follows, with the reservations 
 for public purposes : Jonathan Hunt, thirty-one shares ; Samuel Hub- 
 bard, eighteen; Joseph Fay, seven; John Bridgeman, jr., four; Eben- 
 ezer Waldbridge, three; Dr. Ebenezer Marvin, one. Three equal shares 
 were reserved for educational and two for religious purposes, making 
 sixty-nine in the whole. 
 
Town of Franklin. 483 
 
 At a meeting of the proprietors of Huntsburgh, held at the house of 
 Joseph Fay in Bennington, March 18, 1789, all being present, the fol- 
 lowing business was transacted : 
 
 " 1st. Made choice of Hon. Ebenezer Waldbridge, Moderator. 
 
 " 2nd. Made choice of Joseph Fay, Esq., Clerk. 
 
 " 3rd. Agreed to pitch the Public rights, or shares, according to 
 charter. 
 
 " 4th. Agreed to allow Jonathan Hunt to pitch lot No. 2nd in the 
 8th range, and No. 2nd in the 7th range; and John Bridgeman, jr., lots 
 No. 2nd and 3rd in the 6th range ; to encourage them to make im- 
 mediate settlement, erect mills, etc. 
 
 " 5th. Proceeded to make a division of the township, as the law di- 
 rects, having sized the lots for the first division. 
 
 " 6th. Voted to adjourn without date. 
 
 " Ebenezer Waldbridge, Moderator. 
 
 " Joseph Fay, Clerk." 
 
 The first and second division of lots among the proprietors was made 
 at this time, according to charter. The first survey of the town is 
 thought to have been made by a Mr. Waldbridge, under the superintend- 
 ence of Samuel Hubbard. Jonathan Hunt, of Vernon, Vt, the principal 
 grantee, and from whom the town derived its name, was never a resident. 
 He was a prominent citizen of the state, having been elected lieuten- 
 ant-governor in 1794 and '95, and besides held several other important 
 offices. Ebenezer Waldbridge and Joseph Fay, proprietors, were never 
 residents of the town. 
 
 The first settlement in town was made by Samuel Hubbard in 1789. 
 He left North field, Mass., in March of that year with three hired men, 
 one yoke of oxen, and one cow, and came by way of Skenesboro— now 
 Whitehall, N. Y. — down Lake Champlain to Missisquoi Bay, C. E., 
 where he found a few settlers, and ten miles to the eastward of here, in 
 this town, selected the site so long occupied by his son, Hon. J. H. 
 Hubbard, and now in possession of J. E. Wilder. He at once com- 
 menced to clear land, sowed ten acres to wheat, and then returned to 
 Massachusetts. The following spring he came back again, accompanied 
 by his newly married wife and John Webster and wife. The women 
 remained at Missisquoi Bay until suitable habitations could be con- 
 
484 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 structed in the wilderness. Mr. Hubbard constructed the first log house, 
 frame barn, grist and saw-mills, took an active part in all matters of 
 private or public Importance, and, being a large landed proprietor, must 
 have had business transactions with most of the early sel tiers of the 
 town. John Webster settled on lands at the center of the town, where 
 his descendants down to the fourth generation continued to live. 
 
 For fuller information concerning these leading early settlers the 
 reader is referred to the biographical sketches. 
 
 Samuel Peckham settled a little to the west of Mr. Hubbard, where he 
 kept the first public house. He remained here a few years, and then 
 with his son, Samuel, jr., commenced a settlement at the Center, where 
 he resided until his death. 
 
 John Bridgeman, jr., proprietor, made a selection a little to the west 
 of the Center, near the hill that bears his name — time unknown. 
 
 Dr. Ebenezer Marvin, proprietor, was the first physician in town, and 
 a very prominent man. He built the first frame house about a mile 
 north of Mr. Hubbard's, near the province line, which is still standing, 
 although fast going to decay. 
 
 Uri Hill, of Tinmouth, and Stephen Royce, father of ex-Governor 
 Royce, first came to town in 1789, and settled near the Province line, 
 north of the Center. They did not remain here long, as Stephen Royce ■ 
 was the first representative from the town of Berkshire in 1796, and Mr. 
 Hill went either to Canada or Highgate. They had quite an adventure 
 on fiist coming to town in trying to find their "pitch," as related by 
 Ebenezer Hill, of Highgate. They firsj: came upon the northwest cor- 
 ner of the town, and, proceeding a short distance to the east, turned 
 southward, passing through a low hemlock-timbered region ; thence 
 over Bridgeman's hill into the lowlands since occupied by the mill- 
 pond, in the vicinity of the Center village, from which, taking a turn 
 eastward, they came to a "stand-point" in "Cranberry Marsh." Not 
 suited with the "lay of the land," at least of that portion through which 
 they had passed, Royce climbed a tree for the purpose of making any 
 discovery that promised to lead them out of the labyrinth of swamp 
 and hill in which they had unwittingly become involved. After survey- 
 ing the surrounding prospect for a time Hill a.sked Royce "what he 
 saw." " I hardly know what I see" replied Royce, " but I know what I 
 
Town of Franklin. 485 
 
 think. I wish the first man that ever visited Huntsburgh had had his 
 tongue cut out before he had the opportunity for telling any others what 
 he saw," so vexed was he at the unfavorable country through which they 
 had passed, and not knowing but the rest might be something of the 
 same character. Taking a different course they next passed over 
 " Minister Hill," and finally came upon a hardwooded tract of land, 
 the finest they ever saw, found their " pitch," and proved the truth of 
 the adage that " all 's well that ends well." 
 
 Paul Gates, a native of Worcester, Mass., came into town from Or- 
 well, this state, about 1790. He settled a mile south of the Center, 
 where his descendants now reside. He drove the first sleigh into town. 
 
 Samuel Hitchcock lived in town previous to June, 1792, as the pro- 
 prietary records show that the first proprietors' meeting in town was 
 called by him as justice of the peace, and run as follows: 
 
 "Whereas, application has been made to me by more than one-six- 
 teenth of the proprietors of Huntsburgh, in the county of Chittenden, 
 to warn a meeting of said proprietors. This is therefore to warn them 
 to meet in said Huntsburgh, at the house of Samuel Hubbard, on the 
 first Wednesday in October next, at one o'clock P. M., to act on the fol- 
 lowing articles, viz. : 
 
 " 1st. To choose a Moderator and Clerk. 
 
 " 2d. To see if they will establish the boundaries of the late survey and 
 draught of lots in said town. 
 
 " 3d. To see if they will vote an allowance to those proprietors whose 
 lots have been drawn or laid, partially in the pond, or are otherwise defi- 
 cient in quantity. 
 
 "4th. To see if they will provide ways and means to complete the 
 survey, and divide the commonage into severalty, and to do any other 
 business proper to be done when met. 
 
 " Signed, SAMUEL HITCHCOCK, Justice of the Peace." 
 
 "Huntsburgh, 12th of June, A. D. 1792." 
 
 At the meeting Samuel Peckham was chosen moderator, and Samuel 
 Hubbard, clerk. 
 
 " Voted, to establish the boundaries of lots agreeable with the late 
 
 survey. 
 
 " Voted, to establish the late draughts of lots in said town. 
 
486 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 " Voted, an allowance to those persons who drew lots in the pond, by- 
 taking a like quantity on the south and east sides of the Great Pond, so 
 called, if there is a sufficiency, if not, out of the other commonage on an 
 average. 
 
 " Voted, to complete the survey for the division of the commonage 
 in said town. 
 
 " Voted, to choose a committee of three to procure a surveyor to 
 scale the two ponds and pay him. 
 
 " Voted, to choose a Collector, and made choice of Samuel Peckham. 
 
 "Voted, to choose a Treasurer, and made choice of John Bridge- 
 man, jr. 
 
 " Voted, to adjourn this meeting to the last Wednesday in May next, 
 
 to again meet at this place. 
 
 "Samuel Peckham, Moderator." 
 
 The proprietors met according to adjournment, but there is no record 
 of the proceedings of that meeting. As there is no record of any meet- 
 ing of the proprietors of interest until 1807 something more in relation 
 to the early settlement of FrankHn will be given here. 
 
 The town was organized in 1793, Ebenezer Sanderson being first 
 town clerk, Paul Gates first treasurer, and Samuel Peckham first repre- 
 sentative in 1794. As there are no town records in existence previous 
 to 1802 it is possible that some matters of interest are thus rendered 
 unavailable. Clark Rodgers settled early at the Center, and built the 
 first tavern stand at that place, near where the store occupied by Hill 
 Brothers now stands, where many of the proprietary meetings were held. 
 
 Dr. Enoch Pomery came to the town from Southampton, Mass., in 
 1794, taught school, and practiced medicine for a time. He afterwards 
 settled on a farm two miles south from the Center, where Judge Cleave- 
 land now lives. Hezekiah Weed settled in the south part of the town, 
 and was justice of the peace and town representative in 18 11. William 
 Felton, father of the now venerable Charles Felton, came to town in 
 1806 and settled at the Center. He was a prominent and respected 
 citizen. The eastern part of the town was early settled by quite a num- 
 ber who only remained a few years and then removed West. The time 
 of settlement of these is not definitely known, but probably extended 
 from 1794 down until 1 800, or perhaps later. 
 
Town of Franklin. 487 
 
 Captain William Kendall settled on the farm later occupied by John 
 Hammond, and now by M. L. Kendall. He was killed by the falling of 
 a building a little south of here in the edge of Sheldon in 1798. 
 
 Daniel Dean, or " Elder Dean " as he was familiarly known, (for the 
 reason that in those early days he sometimes officiated on funeral occa- 
 sions in absence of a clergyman,) lived on the farm since occupied by 
 Oliver and his son, William Stanley. 
 
 Salmon Warner, or 'Squire Warner as he was known, settled where 
 Mrs. Lydia Hibbard now lives. He was the first school district clerk 
 in this part of the town, and representative in 1806. 
 
 Captain Lemuel Roberts lived on the farm now owned by Dolphus 
 Dewing. He was in the Revolutionary war, and while a resident of the 
 town published an account of his life and adventures. It is to be re- 
 gretted that a copy of this work has not been preserved, for doubtless 
 matters of interest would have been found therein. 
 
 The first permanent residents of this part of the town were Tristum 
 C. Colcord, John Hammond, Reuben Currier, Reuben Towle, James 
 Stevenson, William Sisco, Asa Fay, Eleazer Olmstead, and others. 
 T. C. Colcord died in 181 5, and at so late a date no clergyman could 
 be found to attend the funeral services, and Elder Dean, previously 
 mentioned, made a prayer on the occasion. 
 
 Where some of these early settlers failed to make a living, and emi- 
 grated westward with ox-teams, others took their places, and by dili- 
 gence and economy transformed the wilderness into fruitful fields, 
 where to-day are to be found some of the best farms in town. This is 
 particularly the case upon the eastern side of the pond, where Dolphus 
 Dewing, Asa Hammond, Lathrop Marsh, and James W. Beatty finally 
 settled and became proprietors of large and productive farms. 
 
 This part of the town is now known as South Franklin. A little dis- 
 tance south of the church John Hammond, from Clarendon, Vt, settled 
 in 1800. He had a family of fourteen children, and was one of the lead- 
 ing farmers of his town, paying much attention to the raising of good 
 stock. A little further on Vernal Himes located quite early, reared a 
 large family, and followed the occupation of blacksmith and farmer. 
 The writer has some carpenter tools made by him in those early days. 
 East of the church Samuel Stanley settled upon the farm that has re- 
 
488 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 mained in the family since. He had a family of twelve children, all of 
 whom lived to be married. Three families in the neighborhood at one 
 time sent seven children each to the district school. 
 
 One thing worthy of note is the fact that, particularly in the eastern 
 part of the town, so many of the farms and homes remain in the same 
 families, even until the fourth generation. It will be difficult finding 
 other places where there are so many instances of this kind. 
 
 Having thus briefly sketched the early settlement of the town refer- 
 ence will again be had to the records for such items of interest as may 
 deserve a place in this chapter. At the first proprietors' meeting held 
 in this town, October 3, 1792, it was voted to choose a committee of 
 three to scale the two ponds and pay them. At a meeting of the propri- 
 etors held May 26, 1807, Samuel Hubbard, of this town, Ebenezer Mar- 
 vin, jr., of Sheldon, and Adolphus Waldbridge, of Burlington, were ap- 
 pointed a committee to scale the several ponds in town to ascertain the 
 number of acres covered by each ; also the number of acres contained 
 in the swamps and other lands unfit for tultivation, and to survey all 
 the undivided land in town for a third division. 
 
 This committee was also to prepare a correct chart or map of the 
 town, with the allotments of the several surveys, divided into sixty- nine 
 rights or shares, with the different ponds, swamps, streams, etc. The 
 report of this committee stated the quantity of land covered by the Great 
 Pond to be 1,684 acres and eighty rods ; by the Little Pond, 140 acres 
 water and marsh ; and by Cranberry marsh, 224 acres and eighty rods. 
 Amos Fay surveyed the town for the committee for the third division 
 of land made March 25, 18 11. This closes the proprietary records. 
 
 The name of the town was changed from Huntsburgh to Franklin, 
 October 25, 18 17. The legislative proceedings in relation to the change 
 are as follows : 
 
 "In General Assembly, October 14, 1817, Mr. Samuel Hubbard, on 
 motion and leave, introduced a bill entitled 'an act altering the name of 
 the town of Huntsburgh to that of Franklin', which was referred to the 
 members from Franklin county. (Journal page 33.) 
 
 "October 18. The members aforesaid made a report that the bill 
 ought to pass and become a law. (Journal page 63.) 
 
 " October 20. The bill was read a second time and referred to Dr. 
 Farnsworth, of Fairfield, for amendment. (Journal page 72.) 
 
Town of Franklin. 489 
 
 "October 22 the bill was passed to be engrossed for a third reading, 
 and October 25, 1817, it became a law." 
 
 The inhabitants of Franklin are mostly farmers and, in general, intelli- 
 gent and successful. Dairying is the leading occupation. Formerly a 
 large amount of cheese was made upon the farms, but that was gradu- 
 ally changed to butter many years since. Now a considerable portion 
 of the milk is made into butter at creameries, and there are located at 
 different points in town several separators, so called, for the purpose of 
 obtaining the cream from the milk. The farms vary in size from 100 
 to 500 acres or more each, and are generally well improved and contain 
 good buildings. 
 
 Franklin Center, a small and pretty village, contains a well-kept hotel, 
 three stores, shoe store, millinery store, furniture store and undertakers' 
 supplies, marble shop, three blacksmith shops, tin shop and hardware 
 store, wheelwright shop, meat market, three churches, postoffice, and 
 fifty or sixty dwelling houses. 
 
 East Franklin has a church, store, postoffice, blacksmith shop, and 
 several residences. The only telegraph office in town is at this place. 
 Eleazer Olmstead was the first settler here, having come from Canada 
 in 1 82 1. His descendants reside in this part of the town, and are thrifty 
 farmers. Bartholomew Whitney came from Clarendon, Vt, to this town 
 in 1812, and settled near the Canada line, a mile from East Franklin, 
 where he lived until his death, leaving numerous descendants. On the 
 road from East Franklin to the Center village Joel Powers settled in 
 1806, William Giddings in 18 14, Matthew Grice in 18 18, and Silas N. 
 Hefflon in 1823. Edwin Proutyhas been a local Methodist minister for 
 forty years. He represented the town in 1890. 
 
 There are no railroads in town. The Canada Junction Railroad, so 
 called, intending to connect West Farnham, P. Q., with the roads at 
 Sheldon Junction, was surveyed through the town several years since, 
 running through East Franklin, along the eastern shore of the pond, and 
 thence into Sheldon Junction. The road was mostly graded and the rails 
 laid to East Franklin, but the financial failure of the projector stopped 
 further work, and the road remains uncompleted. Whether it will ever 
 be put in running order is a question of time and expediency. The only 
 telegraph office in town, belonging to the Great Canada Northwestern 
 
 62 
 
490 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Company, is located at East Franklin. There is a Masonic organization 
 in town of long standing, a lodge of Good Templars in the west part of 
 the town, and a Farmers' League recently formed. 
 
 Ebenezer Marvin, jr., was the first attorney in the town ; first birth, 
 John, son of Samuel Hubbard, August 4, 1791 ; first marriage, No- 
 vember 29, 1792, by Samuel Peckham, esq., Paul Gates to Zerniah 
 Spooner; first death, Susanah, wife of Samuel Peckham, January 30, 
 1796; first cemetery laid out in town, the one adjoining the Center 
 village ; the first person buried therein, Mrs. Susanah Peckham ; first 
 highway surveyed, the one leading south through the town from Sam- 
 uel Hubbard's to some point on the Missisquoi River, in Sheldon, time 
 unknown. John Webster kept the. first articles of merchandise for sale, 
 composed of groceries, ironware, nails, etc., which he brought with him 
 into town from New Hampshire. Thomas and Uri Foot kept store in 
 a log building belonging to Samuel Hubbard, and Thomas erected the 
 first building for this purpose about the year 18 10. The first military 
 company was formed in 1808: Samuel Hubbard, captain; Ephraim 
 Joy, lieutenant; Thomas Foot, ensign; and William Felton, sergeant. 
 
 The first inhabitants of this town, realizing the great importance 
 of education, early made provision for this purpose. Three grants of 
 land were made for educational purposes in the charter of the town : 
 one for the University of Vermont, one for the first county grammar 
 school— which goes to St. Albans, — and one for the schools in town. 
 The rent from these lands goes annually for the purposes mentioned. 
 For 1890 it was about as follows: University of Vermont, $34; St. Al- 
 bans Grammar School, $18; schools in town, $19: total, $71. 
 
 In 1795-96 a school was taught by Josiah Allen in a log house near 
 the dwelling of Samuel Hubbard, a mile north of the Center. This 
 school was small and supposed to be the first in town. In the summer 
 of 1796 Miss Easton taught school in the house of Samuel Hubbard. 
 In the winter of 1796-97 Dr. Enoch Pomery taught in a house in this 
 vicinity, to which scholars came from all parts of the town. There were 
 no school- houses in the town up to this time, the schools often being 
 held in private houses. These were supported by voluntary contribu- 
 tions, Mr. Hubbard paying one-half and others the remainder. In 1798 
 the town was divided into two school districts known as the North and 
 and South districts. 
 
Town of Franklin. 491 
 
 The first school-house— a log one— was built near where Judge 
 Cleaveland now lives. In 1800 a log school-house was built in the 
 North district near the residence of Ethan Vincent. Judge Barnard, a 
 man of liberal education, taught here, and scholars from St. Albans and 
 Vergennes attended the school. In 1809 a school was taught at the 
 Center by John Hubbard. The first school-house built here was in 
 1800. In 1809 a school was taught by Miss Warner on the east side of 
 the pond, in South Franklin, three families furnishing twenty-one schol- 
 ars for the same. The first school-house built here was in 1815, In 
 18 10 there were five districts in town, from which 250 scholars were re- 
 turned. 
 
 In 1820 there were 227 scholars; in 1830,325; in 1840,400; in 
 1850, twelve districts and 500 scholars; in i860, fourteen districts and 
 525 scholars; in 1880, ten districts, eleven schools, aind 385 scholars. At 
 the present time (1890) there are ten districts and eleven schools — there 
 being two at the Center. In i860 the expense of the schools amounted 
 to $1,250, and amount of public money to $440. In 1880 the cost of the 
 schools was $1,290 The expense of maintenance, under the new su- 
 pervision, must be somewhat increased from 1880. Both the schools 
 and the school-houses here will compare favorably with the other towns 
 of the county. 
 
 Franklin Academy was incorporated in 1849 and went into successful 
 operation the following year. A Mr. Smith was the first preceptor. 
 He was followed by ex-Governor Roswell Farnham, Professor A. M. 
 Butler, Miss M. A. Pomery, C. W. Gates, and others. At one time this 
 school enjoyed great popularity, but after a time others came into oper- 
 ation and finally this was discontinued. The academy building is now 
 occupied by the Center district schools. 
 
 Biographical Sketches. — Dr. Enoch Pomery was a native of South- 
 ampton, Mass., and came to this town in 1794, where he taught school 
 and practiced medicine for a year or two. After this he was married to 
 Miss Mary Tinney, of Bennington, and became a permanent resident. 
 He followed the occupation of farming along with the practice of medi- 
 cine, having made choice of the farm now owned by his grandson, 
 Henry C. Pomerj', where he lived until his death. In those early days 
 there were either no roads or very poor ones, and the doctor used to 
 
492 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 visit his patients on horseback, guided on his way by marked trees to 
 the scattered settlements. He reared quite a family of children, one of 
 whom, at least, J. N. Pomery, of East Fairfield, is still living. He and 
 his wife were worthy people and held in high esteem in the community 
 where they lived. He died in January, 1833, aged sixty-two years, and 
 his wife in August, 1863, aged eighty-five years. 
 
 Reuben Towle was a native of New Hampshire. He joined the army 
 of the Revolution at the age of sixteen, and was at West Point when the 
 traitor Arnold undertook to deliver that post to the British. As he lay 
 sick at this place he was visited and talked very kindly to by General 
 Washington. At the close of the campaign he returned home without 
 pay, sick and on foot, and obliged to beg for food and lodging on the 
 way. Not discouraged he enlisted again the following year and served 
 through another campaign. At the close of the war he married and 
 moved to Enfield. In February, 1815, he with his family removed to 
 Franklin and settled in the eastern part of the town, where he followed 
 the occupation of a farmer. His wife, Sarah Towle, traveled from En- 
 field, N. H., to this town, a distance of 130 miles, and back again on 
 horseback, part of the way being through the wilderness with little or no 
 roads, — a feat which the ladies of the present day would hardly care to 
 undertake even with good roads. Mr. Towle had seven children, all of 
 whom married and settled near each other. Descendants of the fifth 
 generation are now living here. He died September 15, 1849, aged 
 eighty- seven years, venerated and esteemed by all. 
 
 James Stevenson was a native of Ireland and came to this country 
 with Burgoyne's army. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Saratoga, 
 and afterwards joined the American forces and served with them during 
 the rest of the war. He was one of the first settlers in the eastern part 
 of the town, living on the farm now occupied by Reuben Towle, where 
 he died in" 1822. In common with others of the early settlers he en- 
 dured many hardships in endeavoring to make a home in the wilderness 
 of a new country. 
 
 William Sisco was one of the first settlers on the east side of the pond. 
 He lived on the farm now occupied by the Asa Hammond family. He 
 served during the entire war of the Revolution. As showing some of 
 the privations to which these early settlers were subjected, it is related 
 
Town of Franklin. 493 
 
 that he had been known to go to Swanton, a distance of fifteen miles, 
 work for a bushel of potatoes, and then bring them home on his back. 
 Notwithstanding privations and unfavorable conditions the people were 
 industrious, thrifty, and excellent managers. Everything that could be 
 raised or manufactured upon the farm was done. Flax and wool were 
 produced in abundance and made into fabrics for home use or to sell. 
 The itinerant shoemaker and tailoress were a necessity in those days, 
 but they have long since ceased to ply their trades, and the spinning 
 wheel and loom are stored away, treasured only as relics of the past. 
 The woolen- mill, also the starch factory, the ashery and tanneries even, 
 have disappeared in the march of time and the changed conditions of 
 production and manufacturing. 
 
 Hon. Samuel Hubbard was born in the year 1763 and spent the 
 early years of his life in Northfield, Mass. He is spoken of as a very 
 industrious boy, exhibiting while young those traits of character that 
 afterwards made him a leading man in the town where he spent the 
 most of his life. He was associated with Jonathan Hunt and ethers in 
 the proprietorship of the town of Franklin, — then Huntsburgh, — and as- 
 sisted in obtaining the charter in 1787. He helped survey the town the 
 next year. Succeeding this he was married to Miss Elizabeth Swan, and 
 in the spring of 1789 came to Franklin with his family, provisions, fur- 
 niture, etc., with horse teams by way of Whitehall, N. Y., and Rutland, 
 to Missisquoi Bay, P. Q. He had previously made his " pitch " a mile 
 north of the center of the town, so long occupied by his son, Hon. J. H. 
 Hubbard, and now owned by J. E. Wilder. He was a leading proprie- 
 tor of the town, and many of those who afterwards became settlers 
 purchased their lands of him. He was noted for his business ability, 
 perseverance, and thrift, and the settlers were indebted to him for many 
 of the advantages which they were permitted to enjoy at this time, as 
 he was a leader in most of the early enterprises of the town. He reared 
 quite a family of children, but one of whom we think, Rev. Thomas 
 Hubbard, is now living. At the age of seventy-two he became inter- 
 ested in religious matters, and with his wife and children became identi- 
 fied with the church and was an exemplary member during the remainder 
 of his hfe. He died in 1 844, at the ripe age of four-score years, honored 
 and respected by all. 
 
494 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Dr. Ebenezer Marvin was a native of Connecticut, and his birth 
 dates back to about 1741. Part of his life was spent in New York and 
 the southern part of this state. He came to this town in 1794 and was 
 one of the original proprietors. He also acquired considerable landed 
 property in the towns of Berkshire and Highgate. He did not here fol- 
 low so extensively his profession as physician and surgeon, but attended 
 more to his farming interests. He was possessed of unusual legislative 
 and executive ability, which being early recognized, he was intrusted 
 with important offices, the duties of which he performed with great fidel- 
 ity and exceptance. For twenty years or more he was a member of 
 the Executive Council of the state and for a time chief judge of the 
 county of Chittenden, then including the town of Franklin. Upon the 
 organization of the county of Franklin he was elected chief judge, which 
 position he held until 1801. Although not educated for the legal pro- 
 fession he is stated to have possessed uncommon qualifications for the 
 important positions he was called upon to occupy, and honored them in 
 the best sense of the word. Succeeding the time of which we speak the 
 remainder of his life was mostly passed in retirement from public duties. 
 Having acquired sufficient competence he was a liberal provider and 
 hospitable entertainer. He lived to a good old age, gassing away in 
 1820, being nearly eighty years old. 
 
 Ebenezer Sanderson, a native of Petersham, Mass., came to Frank- 
 lin in 1790, and settled on a tract of land a little to the south of the 
 Center village, now known as the Chadwick farm. Upon the organ- 
 ization of the town in 1793 Mr. Sanderson was elected clerk, which 
 office he held until his death, which occurred April 19, 1800, his being 
 the first adult death in town. As showing the obstacles these early 
 settlers had to encounter in the wilderness, it is stated that in the spring 
 of 1 79 1 the snow was so deep that Mr. Sanderson was obliged to re- 
 move or transport the most necessary articles of housekeeping for his 
 family on a hand-sled from Missisquoi Bay, P. Q., to his home in Frank- 
 lin, a distance of ten miles. Their first house was constructed of logs, 
 roofed with bark, and had a floor of rifted logs, there being no saw-mill 
 near in those days. The chimney was built of sticks and clay, and a 
 blanket served for a door. This was a fair specimen of the houses of 
 these early settlers. 
 
Town of Franklin. 495 
 
 John Webster was born in Franklin, N. H., in 1755, and was first- 
 cousin to Daniel Webster. He received a liberal education and gradu- 
 ated at Dartmouth College in the year 1778. In the spring of 1789, in 
 company with Samuel Hubbard, he came to this town and settled on 
 lands at the Center, still occupied by his descendants down to the fourth 
 generation. According to reliable information Deacon Webster kept 
 the first articles of merchandise for sale in town, consisting of groceries, 
 nails, ironware, etc., which he brought with him from New Hampshire. 
 He always followed the occupation of farming, and was very retired and 
 unobtrusive in his habits ; consequently he never took an active part in 
 town affairs. He was the principal founder of the Congregational 
 church in Franklin, of which he was a worthy member and officer until 
 his death, which occurred January 7, 1838, in the eighty-fourth year of 
 his age. 
 
 Ellas Truax is supposed to be the oldest person ever having lived 
 in town. He was born July 4, 1772, and died February 4, 1875, 
 being nearly 103 years old. He possessed remarkable vitality, as may 
 be seen from the following : January i, 1863, then being in his 
 ninety-first year, he skated across Franklin Pond and back again, a dis- 
 tance of one and one-half miles, and is said to have done it as cleverly 
 as a~boy of fifteen. He came from Albany, N. Y., in 1792, and at this 
 time there was not a frame building in the large village of St. Albans, 
 the shire town of Franklin county. 
 
 Religious History. — The different religious denominations in town are 
 the Methodist, Congregationalist, Baptist, and Roman Catholic. There 
 was provision made in the charter for the support of the gospel, and two 
 grants of land were devoted to this purpose, the income of which is 
 divided, annually, equally among the different societies. This amounts 
 to nearly $50 a year. Rev. Mr. Nichols, sent out by the society for the 
 promotion of Christian knowledge, from Montreal, is either the first or 
 one of the first who conducted religious services in town. Rev. Mr. 
 Stewart preached here about 1807. He afterwards became bishop of 
 the Diocese of Quebec. Others will be noticed in connection with this 
 history. 
 
 Centenary Methodist Church. — This society occupies that part of the 
 town west of Franklin Pond. .In the year 1799 Lorenzo Dow was sent 
 
496 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 by the New York Conference to labor in Northern Vermont and Can- 
 ada, and preached several times in the south part of this town. The 
 following year Russell Bigalow came from New Hampshire and became 
 the first resident Methodist in Franklin. Religious meetings were held 
 here about this time by a Mr. Wallace from Sheldon, and several con- 
 versions occurred, among them Dr. Pomery and wife and three children 
 of Mr. Bigalow. In i8i2 Rev. Henry Ryan formed the first Methodist 
 class, of twelve members, with Mr. Bigalow as leader. There was only 
 occasional preaching at this time, and no place of worship other than 
 a private house or barn, but each year witnessed addition of numbers 
 and increase of strength. In 1820 the New York Conference extended 
 into Canada and a young man by the name of William Ross preached 
 here. Regular preaching has been maintained ever since. In 1822 the. 
 first Sunday-school was organized with Winsor Pratt as superintendent. 
 
 In 1828 the Methodist and Congregational societies united in building 
 a house of worship, to be occupied alternately by each, and this was so 
 occupied until 1843, when the Methodists sold their interest to the 
 other society and erected an edifice of their own, which they occupy at 
 the present time. In i860 there were 200 members connected with 
 this church. There are at present 141 members, and three Sunday- 
 schools located in different parts of the town. The church edifice has 
 recently been repaired, and Rev. G. L. Story is the present pastor. 
 
 Methodist Church at South Franklin. — Previous to 1809 there was a 
 Methodist class formed on the east side of the pond, in South Frank- 
 lin, with Salmon Warner as leader. But little is known of this class, as 
 most of the members soon went away and it was broken up. In 1822 
 or '23 another class was formed of six members, with Simeon Welch as 
 leader. The last surviving member of that class, Mrs. Sally Chadwich, 
 of Swanton, died only a few years since. At this time there was no 
 stated preaching, but the people assembled on the Sabbath for religious 
 worship, and enjoyed great spiritual prosperity. In 1825 this society 
 was embraced within the limits of Sheldon circuit, when for the first 
 time stated preaching was enjoyed, and which has been continued since. 
 It now belongs with West Berkshire and East Franklin charge, with 
 Rev. W. C. Robinson as pastor. The greatest number of members at 
 one time was eighty, when the society embraced a large extent of terri- 
 
Town of Franklin. 497 
 
 tory. In i860 there were thirty-five, and at the present time fifty- five. 
 There is a flourishing Sunday-school connected with the church. The 
 society worshiped in school-houses until 1886, when a very pretty 
 church edifice was erected. 
 
 Methodist Church at East Franklin. — A Methodist class was formed 
 here in 1838, which at first consisted of only five members. Soon after- 
 wards there was an extensive revival and the number was largely in- 
 creased. Circuit preaching was established in 1838, and has been 
 maintained since. In i860 this society united with other denomina- 
 tions in building a union meeting-house, to be used by each. There is 
 a Sunday-school at this place. The present number of members is 
 forty-seven; total membership of the Methodist church in town, 243. 
 
 The Congregational Church. — This church was organized October 9, 
 18 1 7, and consisted of fourteen members. Like most of the other 
 pioneer churches in this part of the state it had no pastor or stated 
 preaching for years, but succeeded in keeping up its organization and 
 conducted the ordinances of the gospel in accordance with the rules of 
 the denomination. In 1824 the number of members was twenty-seven ; 
 January i, 1855, forty-four; May i, 1861, forty-four; and in 1890 
 twenty-eight, representing twenty families. In 1828 they united with 
 other denominations in building a house of worship, to be used alter- 
 nately by each. In 1844 this society purchased the interests of the 
 others and in the fall called Rev. L. S. French to preach to them. The 
 following May he was installed their first pastor, and for sixteen years 
 held this relation to the church. He has been the only resident pastor 
 up to this time. He died July 10, 1879, aged eighty-two years. Since 
 1 86 1 the church has been supplied with preaching by difTerent clergy- 
 men living out of town. The society has re-constructed its church, 
 built a pretty parsonage, and secured the services of Rev. Wilmot M. 
 Mayhew, of Whiting, Vt, who is to commence his labors at once. 
 There is a flourishing Sunday-school connected with the church. 
 
 The Baptist Church. — The Freewill Baptist church was organized 
 in West Franklin, February 12, 1832, by Rev. Leland Huntly, and con- 
 sisted of twelve members. The church had no regular preaching pre- 
 vious to April S, 1845, but was supplied by itinerant clergymen. At 
 this date Rev. J. Coffrin was installed pastor. In 1861 there were forty- 
 
 63 
 
498 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 two members. The society erected a church in 1859. The society- 
 still retains its church organization, but for the past two years there has 
 been no regular preaching, there being simply quarterly meelings three 
 times during the year. 
 
 The Catholic Church. — For quite a number of years there has been a 
 church of this kind in town. There is a church edifice and quite a large 
 congregation. There has never been any resident priest, the pulpit be- 
 ing supplied from other towns. At present a priest from Highgate 
 officiates. 
 
 Town Representatives. — Samuel Peckham, 1794, 1796-97, 1801, 
 1804; Samuel Hubbard, 1795, 1798-1800, 1802, 1805, 1807-08,1812- 
 17, 1819-20; Salmon Warner, 1806; Samuel Peckham, jr., 1809-10; 
 Hezekiah Weed, 1811; William Felton, 1818, 1824-26, 1829, 1831, 
 1834; Joshua Peckham, 1824; Reuben Towle, 1822-23; Geri Cushman, 
 1827-28; Philip S. Gates, 1830, 1832-33, 1843; Elisha Bascomb, 1835- 
 36; Henry Bowman, 1837-38; Jonathan H. Hubbard, 1839-41, 1846; 
 Dolphus Dewing, 1842; Isaac Warner, 1844; Peter Chase, 1845 ; 1847- 
 49, not represented; Lathrop Marsh, 1850-51 ; John P. Olds, 1852; 
 Solon Kinsman, 1853-54; Charles Felton, 1855; Vincent Horskin, 
 1856-57; Alonzo Green, 1858; John K. W^hitney, 1859-60; Philo 
 Horskin, 1861-62; John Colcord, 1863-64; W. C. Robie, 1865-66; 
 Ai Pearson, 1867. (Commencement of biennial sessions.) J.D.Brown, 
 1868-69; Harvey Olmstead, 1870-71 ; George C. Briggs, 1872-73; 
 John Webster, 1874-77; Carmi L. Marsh, 1878-79; Bartholomew Whit- 
 ney, 1880-81; Chauncy Temple, 1882-83; Reuben Towle, 1884-85; 
 A.H.Shedd, 1886-87; L. H. Felton, 1888-89; Edwin Prouty, 1890-91. 
 
 Town Clerks. — Ebenezer Sanderson, 1794; 1794 to 1802, no record; 
 Samuel Peckham, 1802-04; Samuel Peckham, jr., 1804-12; Samuel 
 Hubbard, 1812-27; Philip S. Gates, 1827-45 ; John Adams, 1845-51 ; 
 Alonzo Green, 1851-53; Vincent Horskin, 1853-59; Alonzo Green, 
 1859-81 ; W. C. Robie, 1881, present incumbent. 
 
 County Officers. — Ebenezer Marvin, chief justice, 1796-1802, 1808; 
 Jonathan H. Hubbard, assistant chief justice, 1845-47 ; Ebenezer Mar- 
 vin, jr., state's attorney, 1807-08, 1812, 1815; Ebenezer Marvin, state's 
 attorney, 1813; assistant judges : John K. Whitney, 1868-69; John P. 
 Olds, 1872-73; E. H. Cleaveland, 1880-81. 
 
Town of Franklin. 499 
 
 zo 
 
 State Senators.— ]ox\2A}az.n H. Hubbard, 1843-44, 1848; Alon 
 Green, 1859-60 ; W. C. Robie, 1874-75 ; Edwin R. Bell, 1888-89. 
 
 Members of Constitutional Convention. — Samuel Hubbard, 18 14; 
 William Felton, 1822 and 1828; Orville Kempton, 1836; John J. 
 Deavitt, 1843; Charles Felton, 1850. 
 
 Justices of the Peace, with Terms of Office.— ]. H. Hubbard, twenty- 
 five years ; P. S. Gates, twenty- three years; Nahum Temple, twenty- 
 two years; Peter Chase, nineteen years; John K. Whitney, fifteen 
 years ; Dolphus Dewing, twelve years ; James Spaulding, E. H. Cleave- 
 land, James Randall, A. L. Galusha, Jonathan Towie, A. H. Shedd, 
 Philo Horskin for quite lengthy terms. 
 
 Attorneys. — The attorneys who have practiced in town are Ebenezer 
 
 Marvin, jr., J. J. Beardsley, Basford, John J. Deavitt, J. E. Ten- 
 
 ney, Romeo H. Start, and George W. Burleson. None reside in town 
 at the present time. 
 
 Physicians. — Drs. Ebenezer Marvin, Enoch Pomery, Geri Cushman, 
 George S. Gale, Enos Pearson, Sheldon S. Searles, C. N. Burleson, E. J. 
 Powers, George S. Briggs, M. H. Powers, R. E. Welch, and J. B. Hall. 
 
 Census. — 1791,46; 1800,280; 1810,714; 1820,631; 1830,1,129; 
 1840.1,410; 1850, 1,647; 1860,1,781; 1870,1,612; 1880, 1,439- 
 1890, 1,300. 
 
 Grand List. — Owing to imperfections of the records the grand list of 
 an early date cannot be obtained. The following is supplied : 1850, 
 $2,785.73; i860, $4,096.31 ; 1870, $4,552.81 ; 1880, $4,168.26; 1890, 
 $7,098.17. 
 
 Military History. — As will be seen in reading this chapter several of 
 the early settlers of the town served at some period during the Revolu- 
 tionary war. Among these were Col. Ebenezer Marvin, Major Leon- 
 ard Keep, Captain Lemuel Roberts, James Stevenson, William Sisco, 
 and Reuben Towle. The following men enlisted in the War of 1812 : 
 John Webster, Jabez Keep, Erasmus Osborne, William Felton, William 
 Wright, Benjamin Sisco, Horace Gates, and Henry Bowman. 
 
 The town of Franklin furnished 130 men for the war of the great Re- 
 bellion, six of whom were commissioned officers, viz.: Romeo H. Start, 
 captain of Company E, 3d Regiment; Orloff H. W^hitney, captain Com- 
 pany H, 13th Regiment ; George W. Burleson, captain Company C, 6th 
 
Soo History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Regiment ; Rodney C. Gates, first lieutenant Company F, 7th Regi- 
 ment ; Edward L. Hibbard, first lieutenant Company D, 13th Regi- 
 ment; Carmi L. Marsh, second lieutenant Company K, 13th Regiment. 
 Out of these 130, twenty-six lost their lives in the service of their country. 
 In memory of these soldiers dead and living the town has caused to be 
 placed in the town hall five large marbleized slate tablets, of beautiful 
 design, with the names of the men, their rank, and the company and reg- 
 iment to which they belonged inscribed in letters of gold. 
 
 Every year Decoration day is observed either at the Center village 
 or East Franklin. There is a flourishing post of the G. A. R. Marsh 
 Post, No. 80, was named in honor of the late Lathrop Marsh, who ren- 
 dered excellent service as a town oflScial during the war. 
 
 At the time of the Confederate raid as it was called, near the close of 
 the war, when a company of marauders in passing through the county 
 toward Canada robbed one of the banks in St. Albans, fired at persons, 
 and created considerable disturbance on their route, a company of 
 " Home Guards " was organized in this town for protection, with 
 Carmi L. Marsh as captain. After guarding the line between the town 
 and Canada for a time, and frequent drillings, there being no further hos- 
 tile demonstration, che company was disbanded. 
 
 During and immediately preceding the War of 1812 a pretty exten- 
 sive business in the line of smuggling was carried on by some advent- 
 urous citizens of this and adjoining towns. Many droves of cattle were 
 taken across the "lines," on which a good price was realized, and nu- 
 merous loads of merchandise found their way "this side," notwithstand- 
 ing soldiers were stationed along the border to prevent the illegal traffic. 
 This being the case there were, as may be supposed, many exciting ad- 
 ventures between the United States officials and the contraband dealers, 
 some of which may still be remembered, as related by those acquainted 
 with the circumstances. The " smuggler's road," as it was termed, ex- 
 tended from some point on the Missisquoi River in Sheldon through 
 this town, on the east side of the pond, to the line adjoining St. Armand, 
 P. Q. As this entire region at that time was a wilderness it aided the 
 smugglers somewhat, but now and then they got caught, while at other 
 times they would fool the officers by playing a double game and get off 
 safely. 
 
Town of Fairfield. 501 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF FAIRFIELD. 
 
 THE town of Fairfield is centrally located in Franklin county, lying 
 in latitude 44 degrees 49 minutes, and longitude 4 degrees 5 min- 
 utes east, and contains nearly sixty square miles, or 38,000 acres. The 
 towns lying adjacent are Sheldon upon the north ; a corner of Enos- 
 burgh and Bakersfield upon the east ; on the south are Fletcher and 
 Fairfax ; and St. Albans and Swanton on the west. 
 
 The surface is very uneven, being broken by short ranges and spurs 
 of hills and alternating valle]'s. The rocks are mainly talcose schist in 
 the eastern part of the town, dipping easterly at an angle of about sev- 
 enty-five degrees, while in the western part they are conglomerate. 
 
 Here nature seems to have vied with herself in the lavishness of her 
 charms. While the scenery is short of the sublime, and seldom grand, 
 it is always beautiful and picturesque. It is well watered by numerous 
 springs, and also by several streams, notably among which is Black 
 Creek, which receives much of its tributary waters from Fletcher and 
 Bakersfield, enters the town not far from the southeast corner, and flows 
 northwesterly into Sheldon, where it falls into the Missisquoi River. 
 
 Fairfield River, having its source in Fletcher, sometimes rises to the 
 majesty of a rushing river, and again retiring within its banks becomes 
 a rippling streamlet. Flowing northerly it unites with Black Creek 
 near the central part of the town. Dead Creek receives the sluggish 
 water of Cedar Swamp in the west part of this town and the eastern 
 point of St. Albans, flows northerly, uniting with the outlet of Fairfield 
 pond, and takes an easterly course into Black Creek near St. Rocks. 
 Among the beauties of this favored region is this miniature lake or pond 
 already mentioned ; the water is pure and clear, being mainly supplied 
 by subterranean springs. This pond is three miles long and nearly a 
 mile in width. 
 
 No minerals of importance are known to exist. The soil in the val- 
 leys is alluvial, and is especially adapted to the growth of grass and the 
 
502 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 principal cereals of the North, while the uplands yield rich and abun- 
 dant pasturage. The timber is principally maple, beech, and birch; 
 hemlock, spruce, butternut, and other varieties abound, while cedar is 
 the principal growth of the swamp. So far as known this town and 
 vicinity was not probably the home of any of the Indian tribes, but it is 
 tolerably well established that this was for a long time one of their 
 favorite hunting-grounds, and that deer, bears, wolves, and beavers were 
 their worthy game. 
 
 August i8, 1763, Governor Benning Wentworth, of New Hampshire, 
 made grants of three towns, Fairfield, Smithfield, and Hungerford, 
 northeast of Lake Champlain, to Samuel Hungerford, of New Fairfield, 
 Conn., and his associates. 
 
 The grantees held their first meeting at the house of Gershom Brad- 
 ley, Fairfield, Conn., February 16, 1774. At an adjourned meeting held 
 on the following day at the house of John Hubbell : " Voted, to pro- 
 ceed to survey and lay out the township." At a proprietors' meeting 
 in April following: "Voted, that the committee for said township shall 
 have power to agree with some suitable person to go and see said town- 
 ship, in order to see what sort of land it is." There seems to have been 
 little business of importance transacted at subsequent meetings until the 
 proprietors held their first meeting in Vermont, at Pawlet, in September, 
 1783, when it was voted to lay out one division of land containing 160 
 acres, and a second division of 100 acres to each proprietor. In April, 
 1789, the proprietors, then meeting in Fairfield, made arrangements for 
 laying out roads. In September, of the same year, there was a third 
 division of 50 acres, a fourth division of 140 acres, and a fifth division 
 of four-acre lots in the cedar swamp made to each proprietor. The 
 swamp lots were valuable for the cedar and other fencing tember, great 
 quantities of which have been used for that purpose. There was' also a 
 "town plot" set off on a hill in the southwest part of the town, in- 
 tended for city lots. The proprietors and all of the first settlers of the 
 town have passed from earth, a century has elapsed, and the intended 
 city is not yet. 
 
 The first permanent settler of whom there is any record was Joseph 
 Wheeler, who came to Fairfield in March, 1787. Soon after, or during 
 the following year, John Sunderland and John Mitchell were succeded 
 
Town of Fairfield. 503 
 
 by James Hawley, William Beaden, and Gabriel Sherwood as settlers 
 from Huntington, Conn. ; Nathan and David Hoyt (Hoit) and Ebenezer 
 Lobdell came from Bridgefield, John Leach and Samuel Roberts from 
 New Fairfield, Conn.; Edmund Town and Joel Barber from Simsbury, 
 Levi Wakeman from Norwalk, and Lucius Hall from New Milford. In 
 1789 New Fairfield, Conn., gave to the new settlement Hubbard Bar- 
 low, Andrew Bradley, and Clark Burlingame. Jabez Burr came from 
 Reading, Conn. In 1790. Dimon Barlow, Samuel, Gilbert, Samuel 
 Hollister, and Jehiel Smith found a residence here. Joseph Soule, from 
 Dover, N. Y., came early in 1791. He had a large family. His sons 
 were Timothy, Isaac Newton, Salmon, Joseph, Hiram, and Harry, who 
 also became residents of Fairfield and Fairfax. 
 
 The town was organized and town officers elected pursuant to the 
 following notice : 
 
 " Whereas, Application hath been made to me the subscriber, by 
 six good lawful Freholders, of the town of Fairfield, for the purpose of 
 electing town officers. 
 
 " These are therefore to warn all the inhabitants of Fairfield, afore- 
 said, to meet at the dwelling house of Mr. Joseph Wheeler, in sd Fair- 
 field, on the 30th day of Instant March, to act on the following busi- 
 ness, viz. : 
 
 " 1st. To choose a moderator to govern sd meeting. 
 
 " 2d. To choose a Town Clerk. 
 
 " 3d. To choose a Selectman. 
 
 " 4th. To choose all other town officers as the law directs. 
 
 " 5th. To transact any other business that may be deemed necessary 
 
 when met. 
 
 "Dated at Fairfield, March 13th, 1791. 
 
 " Hub'd Barlow, Just. Peace." 
 
 At the town meeting held March 30, 1791, town officers were chosen 
 as follows : Joseph Wheeler, moderator ; Edmund Town, town clerk ; 
 Edmund Town, Thomas Northrop, and Ralph Gregory, selectmen; 
 Levi Wakeman, "first" constable; Joseph Wheeler, town treasurer; 
 Salmon Wheeler, Abraham Northrop, and David Hoit, listers ; Nathan 
 Lobdell collector; Joseph Soule, leather sealer; Nathaniel Beardsley, 
 grand jiiror; Ebenezer Lobdell, pound-keeper; Philo Gregory, "tythes- 
 
504 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 man"; Isaac Hull, hayward ; David Hoit, fence viewer; Ezekiel 
 Beardsley, Wetmore Beardsley, and Barzillai Brown, surveyors of high- 
 ways ; Ralph Gregory, sealer of weights and measures. 
 
 The records show that these were duly sworn "as the law directs" 
 and the harmony which pervaded this first town meeting found expres- 
 sion in the following enactment : " Voted, that swine being properly 
 yoked and ringed may run at large." 
 
 The organization of the town, and the fact that the proprietors, as 
 well as others, had already ascertained " what sort of land it is," were 
 sufficient inducements to attract other settlers. In 1792 Isaac Luce, 
 Reuben Crow, and Francis Story became residents. Other early set- 
 tlers, some of whom may have come previous to 1792, were Bates Tur- 
 ner, Joseph D. Farnsworth, Whittemore Beardsley, John Chandler, Sol- 
 omon Bingham, Benjamin Wooster, John Sturtevant, Dyer Sherwood, 
 Morse Warner, Ezra Sherman, Sherwood Whitney, Nathan Lobdell, 
 Ezekiel Bradley, Eli Sherman, Amos Thompson, Abraham Northrop, 
 Bradley Davis, Samuel Barlow, Joab Smith, Ebenezer Barlow, Job 
 Hurlburt, Samuel Payne, Isaac Wakeman, Noah Dimon, Ezra Sturges, 
 Solomon Nelson, Abner Wright, Ezra Gilbert, Samuel Gilbert, Whitte- 
 more Beardsley, Nathan Gilbert, Nathaniel Beardsley, William Morse, 
 
 Benjamin Kendrrck, Story, Andrew Kendrick, Martin Prince, 
 
 Westover Barber, Orange Hall, Norman Barber, Benjamin Fairbanks, 
 John Abotts, Joseph Bowditch, and Jehiel Hull. 
 
 Fairfield as originally chartered contained 23,040 acres; but in 1792 
 the greater part of Smithfield was, by act of the legislature, annexed, 
 thus giving the town its present dimensions, and making it the largest 
 town in Franklin county. The town as thus constituted is regular in 
 outline except that the west side is notched by the eastern extremities 
 of St. Albans and Swanton, and the southwest corner extends in point 
 to a corner of the town of Georgia. 
 
 The hardships and privations endured by the pioneer settlers of Fair- 
 field stand in marked contrast with the comfort and conveniences of 
 the present day. Searching out a wilderness home by traveling miks 
 along a half-distinguishable trail, failing to reach the hut of some pio- 
 neer, and remaining over night where darkness and a clustering thicket 
 gave the only shelter; again taking up the journey and finding all the 
 
Town of Fairfield. 505 
 
 discouragements of the preceding day repeated, and finally locating in 
 a hastily constructed hut which gave little of comfort and less of con- 
 venience; then disputing the possession of their rude dwellings and mea- 
 gre fare with bears or other wild animals — all these were endured by the 
 early settlers, and are but the background of a nearer view, where there 
 are fine farms, and beautiful residences wherein are all the comforts and 
 luxuries of life which convenience may demand or wealth may procure. 
 One or two instances of the scarcity of provisions will suffice to show 
 what not a few endured. One of the Hoit families being destitute of 
 food Mr. Hoit, hearing that a man who resided some thirty miles distant 
 had wheat to sell, started on foot to obtain a supply ; reaching his desti- 
 nation the owner of the wheat told him he had none to sell, but in con- 
 sideration of such destitution would give him as much as he could carry. 
 Venturing the burden of a bushel, and having it ground soon after 
 starting, Mr. Hoit soon came to the relief of the hungering family. 
 
 Andrew Bradley settled in 1789, and planted corn for bread for his 
 family during the coming winter, but it was damaged by frost and ren- 
 dered almost worthless. Pinching want drove him to the necessity of 
 leaving his wife and several small children while he sought some occu- 
 pation by which he might procure something for their subsistence. 
 During his continued absence the only food which his family could pro- 
 cure was this frost-bitten corn which they cut from the cob. 
 
 About this time Jabez Burr came to Fairfield, bringing his family to 
 the house of one of the Hoits, where they remained one night. The 
 next morning the two men started to find the lot upon which Burr was 
 to "locate. This was three or four miles from Hoit's. The lot was 
 found with but little difficulty, and the two sturdy fellows immediately 
 went to work to build a house; when night came the building was 
 ready for occupancy ; the men returned to Hoit's, and Burr and his 
 family took possession the next morning. This dwelling contained par- 
 lors, dining-room, kitchen, dormitory, pantry, and scullery all in one 
 It was a wooden structure, of course, for Fairfield was then m the 
 wooden age. The house was twelve feet square, built of split basswood 
 logs notched at the ends to insure stability and tightness of the walls, 
 and about seven feet to the roof, which was constructed by usmg poles 
 for the support of the outer roofing made of bark peeled from the logs 
 
 04 
 
5o6 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 which constituted the sides. The doorway was closed, when necessary, 
 by hanging a blanket over it. The " windows " were small holes cov- 
 ered with greased paper as soon as it could be afforded. This is not 
 fancy ; there were many similar houses. 
 
 The first child born in Fairfield was Polly Holt (born July 14, 1788), 
 daughter of David and E. Hoit. Smithfield Beaden was born Au- 
 gust I, 1789, in the part of the town then called Smithfield, and being 
 the first male child born in town the proprietors granted him lOO acres 
 of land. 
 
 That the early settlers could not undertake tlie support of non-resi- 
 dent poor appears from the following, which is found in the records of 
 the town meeting held March 10, 1795 : "Voted, that the selectmen 
 prosecute William Beaden for bringing and leaving a woman by the 
 name of Hannah Hollister, with four children, at John Sunderlin's, in 
 said Fairfield, and to take speedy measures for their removal out of this 
 town." 
 
 Steady and vigorous use of the axe soon produced changes which 
 improved the condition of the inhabitants. Forests gave place to culti- 
 vated fields, saw- mills were built along the streams, better houses ap- 
 peared, grist-mills received the custom which had before gone by ox-sled 
 and boat to Plattsburgh, and the manufacture of potash, sugar, starch, 
 and leather were among the new and growing industries. New roads, 
 in addition to those already laid out by the proprietors, early received 
 the attention of the citizens, and the division of the town into school 
 districts in 1795 prepared the way for the establishment of common 
 schools. 
 
 Although the majority of the early settlers were farmers not a few 
 were engaged in other pursuits. Salmon Soule was a blacksmith, and 
 was especially expert in forging and tempering axes. Joseph Soule was 
 a carpenter, and a manufacturer of starch and potash, and a distiller of 
 liquors. Nathan Gilbert came to Fairfield in 1798, built a grist-mill on 
 Fairfield River, where he did a successful business until September, 1804, 
 when he was drowned while endeavoring to save some of his property 
 from destruction by a freshet which carried away his mill-dam. Renf- 
 selaer Read, who came from Cambridge, Vt, in 1808, built the first tan- 
 nery in town, and carried on the business successfully about twenty 
 
Town of Fairfield. 507 
 
 years, and was then succeeded by his son, Charles R. About 18 18 
 Jesse Bush engaged in cloth-dressing and the manufacture of lumber, 
 and subsequently in coopering. 
 
 There seems to have been but little business transacted at the pro- 
 prietors' meetings subsequent to 1800, and the proprietorship was prob- 
 ably ended a few years later. When any of the proprietors' rights were 
 sold for taxes a whole right usually sold for ^^13, los., and ninety acres 
 for ;^i, 8s., 6d. 
 
 Owners of animals made a public record of the ear-marks by which 
 ownership was established. The following are taken from the town 
 records, the names being omitted : " Round hole through both ears " ; 
 " ketch upper side right ear and round hole through left " ; " two half- 
 pennys upper side left ear " ; " slit end of both ears " ; " two ketches 
 under side right ear"; "swallow fork right ear and two nicks under side 
 the same " ; "two ketches upper side left ear " ; "a crop and half-crop 
 on the right ear" ; "sloping crop under side each ear." 
 
 Schools. — At a town meeting held March 10, 1795, Wetmore Beards- 
 ley, Joseph Wheeler, Josiah Briggs, Bates Turner, Joseph Soule, Hub- 
 bard Barlow, and Jpel Barber were chosen a committee to divide the 
 town into school districts. At an adjourned meeting held in May fol- 
 lowing the committee reported the division of the town into ten districts, 
 and the trustees of the respective districts were elected : District No. i, 
 Samuel P. Hull ; No. 2, Jonah Briggs; No. 3, Jabez Burr; No. 4, Hub- 
 bard Barlow ; No. 5, Andrew Bradley; No. 6, Edmund Town ; No. 7, 
 Joseph Soule ; No. 8, Ralph Gregory ; No. 9, Nathan Kingsley ; and 
 No. 10, John Mitchell. The first district school taught in town was by 
 Joshua Miller in 1797. 
 
 Alterations were made in the boundaries of the districts from time to 
 time, and five new districts formed prior to 18 14. In 1828 there were 
 reported 785 pupils in the several districts. The reports of 1830 gave 
 the number of pupils as 855, and in 1842 the number had increased to 
 900. There are (1890) twenty districts having a school-house in each, 
 and parts of four other districts having the houses in other towns. The 
 change from town to county supervision, although not entirely satisfac- 
 tory, seems to have been productive of good. 
 
 Among those who have been successful in passing the more rigid ex- 
 
5o8 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 amination than was formerly required, and arre doing efficient service as 
 teachers in this town, may be mentioned F. E. Sornborger, Frank Mc- 
 Intyre, Misses C. Maude Gilbert, Jennie Carpenter, Frankie Leach, Min- 
 nie La Deux, A. Farrand Elkins, Gertrude Sturges, Hannah Cochrane, 
 Mary Rooney, and Nellie Farley. 
 
 The Cojigregational Church of Fairfield Center was organized Sep- 
 tember 22, 1800, by Rev. Nathaniel Turner, a missionary from Massa- 
 chusetts. Rev. Benjamin Wooster was installed pastor July 24, 1805, 
 and faithfully labored with his chosen people until his death, February 18, 
 1840. When he commenced his labors with the church there were 
 thirty-four members; seventy more were added between that time and 
 1813, and fifty- five others became members prior to 1840. Rev. T. 
 Reynolds succeeded Mr. Wooster and preached until March, 1842. 
 Rev. A. J. Samson came soon after and was installed pastor Febru- 
 ary 15, 1843, remaining until 1849, when Rev. Calvin C. Adams com- 
 menced his pastorate, which ended September, 1856. Rev. James Buck- 
 ham was hired from year to year until June, 1863; the church was then 
 without stated preaching for nearly a year, when C. J. Comings was em- 
 ployed until April, 1867. He was succeeded by Rev. Daniel Wilde, 
 who remained until his death. Rev. Daniel Wilde was succeeded by 
 Rev. Mr. O'Neil, who preached for a time, after which Revs. C. P. Wat- 
 son, Josiah Kidder, C. H. Coolidge, O. G. Baker, and R. D. Metcalf 
 were the officiating clergymen, the last of whom closed his labors in 
 connection with the church in September, 1890, on account of ill health. 
 This society had no meeting-house until 1840, when a neat brick 
 building was erected. 
 
 The first Sabbath-school was organized in 18 18, and although the ef- 
 forts in behalf of such work have had varied success it has been efficient 
 help in church work. There was quite an increase in the membership 
 of the church about 1864, but in consequence of death and removals 
 only a few members remain. 
 
 St. Patrick's Catholic Church. — The Catholic families of Fairfield 
 were first visited by missionary priests in 1830. Among these was 
 Rev. Y. O'Callighan. The first church was built in 1847 under the di- 
 rection of Rev. G. A. Hamilton. Rev. J. McGowan had missionary 
 charge from 1850 to 1855 Rev. Thomas Riordan from St. Albans had 
 
Town of Fairfield. 509 
 
 charge until 1858, when he located at Fairfield as resident pastor, con- 
 tinuing his labors until his death, October, 1861. The church was then 
 attended by Rev. L. Cam from Swanton until December, 1862. Rev. 
 J. M. Duglsee was then placed in charge of the parish, remaining until 
 June, 1864, and was then succeeded by Rev. G. N. Casey, who remained 
 until October, 1868. Rev. M. McAuley's pastorate continued from 
 1868 to October, 1879. The parish was then in temporary charge of 
 Father J. S. Michaud, of Burlington, until October, 1880. Rev. A. J. 
 Glynn was then resident pastor until October, 1881, when there was a 
 vacancy until January i, 1882, at which time Rev. Francis Yoinec took 
 charge, remaining until January, 1884. Rev. P. M. McKenna has been 
 resident pastor from January, 1884, until the present. The new church 
 was built in 1872 by Rev. M. McAuley; it is said to have cost $25,000. 
 The parish contains 180 famihes, numbering nearly 1,000 people. 
 About $300 was expended in 1889 '" repairing and decorating the 
 church edifice. 
 
 Trinity Episcopal Church. — This church was organized by Rev. Rus- 
 sell Catlin, of Connecticut, in June, 1803. Nathan Lobdell and Hubbard 
 Barlow were elected wardens, and Maj. Bradley Barlow, clerk. Barzillai 
 Buckley was the first rector in the parish, closing his labors in 1806. 
 In 1808-09 Rev. Charles Stewart, of St. Armand, C. E., and the Rev. 
 Abraham Bronson, of Arlington, officiated occasionally. Rev. J. P. K. 
 Henshaw spent a few months here during 18 12-13, ^"^d Rev. Parker 
 Adams a few Sundays in 18 13. The State Convention of the church 
 met at Fairfield, June 22, 1814, giving the church new zeal, which re- 
 sulted in the confirmation of thirty persons, by Bishop Griswold, and 
 the building of a church edifice in 1815. The church was consecrated 
 September 20, 1818, by Bishop Griswold; Rev. Stephen Beach, who 
 commenced his labors some time previously, was installed rector, and 
 forty-seven persons were confirmed the same day. In 1822 Rev. Ste- 
 phen Beach left the parish and Rev. Elijah Brainard officiated occasion- 
 ally until July, 1823. Rev. Nathan B. Burgess preached a few months, 
 after which there were no regular services until 1826, when Rev. Moore 
 Bingham took charge of the parish until 1828. He was succeeded by 
 Rev. A. B. Hard in 1829, who resigned the charge in 1831. January 23, 
 1833, the Rt. Rev. John H. Hopkins, bishop of Vermont, confirmed 
 
5IO History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 five persons. Rev. John T. Sabine officiated about one year. Novem- 
 ber, 1838, Rev. John A. Spooner was chosen rector, laboring until 184O. 
 Rev. E. H. Sayles then took charge of the parish and remained until 
 1843. The following year Rev. Edward F. Putnam succeeded, remain- 
 ing until 1847. January 1st Rev. Richard T. Caddie took charge and 
 continued for one year. Rev. John A. Fitch officiated half of the time 
 from August, 1853, until the following spring. Rev. E. H. Sayles re- 
 turned in 1856 and remained until i860, when services were suspended 
 in the church and held in the north part of the town in a school- house. 
 July 7, 1861, Rev. Francis W. Smith began to preach in the church, and 
 continued in charge of the parish until December, 1866. A new church 
 was erected in place of the old one in 1864, was opened for public serv- 
 ice January i, 1865, and was consecrated by Bishop Bissell, August 31, 
 1868. 
 
 Other church organizations have had places of worship, one at North 
 Fairfield, formerly occupied by Baptists and afterwards by Adventists 
 and Methodists; and one at East Fairfield, where there was a church 
 erected in 1866 by the combined efforts of Methodists and Universalists. 
 
 William Arthur preached at North Fairfield for a few years subse- 
 quent to 1829, and during his pastorate his son, Chester A. Arthur, who 
 became one of the chief magistrates of our nation, was born and named 
 in honor of Chester Abel, then a prominent physician of Fairfield. 
 
 Military. — Fairfield has always been loyal to our country's cause, sac- 
 rificing much for national perpetuity and honor. Fifty-five volunteers, 
 Captain George Kimball commanding, were stationed at Swanton in 
 181 3 for the protection of the frontier, and nearly as many more under 
 Benjamin Wooster, as captain, volunteered to go to Plattsburgh on the 
 nth of September, 18 14. Daniel D. Tompkins, governor of New York, 
 appreciating the heroic conduct of Captain Wooster and his men, pre- 
 sented him an elegant Bible and inscribed on one of the blank pages the 
 following: 
 
 "Albany, April 21, 1815. 
 " Reverend Sir: 
 
 "■ • • As a memorial of my veneration for your distinguished, 
 noble, and patriotic conduct on the nth of September, 1814, and of my 
 grateful sense of the eminent benefits which the State and Union have 
 derived from your example and exploits, I request your acceptance of 
 
Town of Fairfield. 511 
 
 this sacred Volume ; and, by you, to convey to your brave associates 
 the assurance of my high estimation of their patrotism and signal serv- 
 ices. Daniel D. Tompkins. 
 
 " To the Rev. Benjamin Wooster, Fairfield, Franklin county, Ver- 
 mont." 
 
 In Captain Wooster's reply he assured the governor that "should 
 such a day as the nth of September, 1814, ever return while we have 
 life, the same men, nay more, will appear in the field as volunteers from 
 Fairfield." 
 
 Volunteers from Fairfield stationed at Swanton, 1813 : George Kim- 
 ball, captain ; Aaron Burr, Heutenant ; William Felton, ensign ; Daniel 
 Morse, sergeant ; Benjamin H. Farmer, Benjamin Ayers, Thomas 
 Potter, Joseph Ladd, James Johnson, Reuben Brown, William Ovitt, 
 Abel Johnson, Joseph M. Potter, Warren Chafy, Jeremiah Meachum, 
 Warren Danforth, Samuel Johnson, Allen Pratt, Samuel W. Morris, Eli 
 W. Bush, Philitus Sweetland, Samuel Hedge, Isaac Bigelow, Simeon 
 Darling, Hiram Fassett, Asa Ladd, jr., Zebulon Leach, John Follett, 
 John B. Mitchell, Wait Hopkins, Samuel Alford, Samuel Corliss, Brinton 
 Freeman, Nehemiah Phillips, William Sanders, Thomas Martin, Jabez 
 Keep, Thomas Hall, David Jewett, David Mitchell, Joseph Wright, 
 Nathaniel B. Beardsley, Abial Hibbard, James Stone, jr., John Johnson, 
 George Peckham, Matthew Beach, John Bradley, James Converse, 
 L. Lockwood, Benjamin F. Barnes, Lyman Leach, John Sheldon, Hub- 
 bell Mitchell, Eli G. Hemenway, privates. 
 
 Only a part of the names of Captain Wooster's company engaged at 
 Plattsburgh, September 11, 1814, are obtainable. Those found are: 
 Benjamin Wooster, captain; Joseph Soule, O. Sherwood, Luther Wright, 
 Eli Sherwood, Elias Sherwood, Thomas Taylor, Salmon Soule, Aaron 
 Burr, J. Soule, John P. Wright, Daniel Read, Anson Buck, Zotman 
 Sherwood, Timothy Soule, Samuel Payne. 
 
 In a preceding chapter will be found the roll of enlisted men belong- 
 ing to their respective regiments and companies who were engaged in 
 the civil war of 1861. The town paid $325 as bounty money in 1863 
 and $1,000 in 1864, and furnished four commissioned officers and 193 en- 
 listed men. 
 
 Town Clerks of Fairfield and the Date of their Election. — Edmund 
 
512 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Town, 1791 ; J. D. Farnsworth, 1801 ; Benjamin Wooster, 1813; J. D. 
 Farnsworth, 1814; Joseph Soule, 1824; A. G. Soule, 1864; W. H. 
 Fairchild, 1864. 
 
 Villages and Hamlets. — East Fairfield, originally called " Puddle 
 Dock," is a growing village in the southeast part of the town, on the 
 St. Johnsbury and Lake Champlain Railroad, which does considerable 
 business in shipments of butter, potatoes, and live stock. 
 
 W. S. Soule has a well stocked store of general merchandise, and 
 H. M. Wells successfully conducts a similar business. There are several 
 other houses doing business in groceries, flour, feed, etc. The Isham 
 block contains a hall and several offices. The Isham House is the only 
 hotel. R. S. Read manufactures lumber and shingles, and supplies 
 Connecticut and other manufactories with hardwood lumber. Burton 
 & Rodee have a grist-mill, which, as well as the saw- mill, has good 
 water-power on Black Creek. Oscar J. Merrill operates a creamery, 
 which is in part supplied by two other separators in the town ; he has 
 nearly forty patrons. Marble monuments and headstones are furnished 
 by J. C. Pringle. E. B. Sturges has coffins and furniture. There is a 
 union church and a school of two departments. 
 
 Fairfield Center, beautiful for situation, is near the central part of the 
 town and Fairfield River ; it has Congregational, Episcopal, and Catholic 
 churches, a town house and school building, two stores, postoffice, one 
 hotel (the " Franklin County House)," saw and feed- mill, and several fine 
 residences. 
 
 St. Rocks is a hamlet on the outlet of Fairfield Pond ; it has a creamery, 
 H. N. Burr's saw-mill, a wagon shop, blacksmith shop, and a few dwellings. 
 
 East from St. Rocks and in the northern part of the town is Pumpkin 
 Village, which is not a village at all, but a community of intelligent and 
 successful farmers, among whom may be mentioned the venerable 
 H. Morey and Hollis N. Sherwood. Towards the northeast corner of 
 the town is North Fairfield, abbreviated to Norfalk, which has a union 
 church, school, cemetery, and a farming community. Between Norfalk 
 and Fairfield Center is Shenang, having both a location and a name. 
 In the eastern part farmers obtain a supply of seed-corn when the crop 
 fails elsewhere, and they call the place Egypt. L. Newton is the mod- 
 ern Joseph. Young Ireland, " Lost Nations," and " Across the Swamp " 
 are localities well known to residents of the town. 
 
Town of Bakersfield. 513 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BAKERSFIELD.' 
 
 THIS tofvn is situated in the southeastern part of Franklin county- 
 It is fifteen miles from St. Albans, the county seat. It originally 
 consisted of 10,000 acres of land, granted by the state to Luke Knowl- 
 ton, February 28, 1787, and known as Knowlton's Gore or Grant. 
 January 24, 1791, this grant was deeded to Joseph Baker. At an ad- 
 journed session of the General Assembly of the state it was voted that 
 this grant be called and known as Bakersfield, after Joseph Baker, the 
 first settler. The secretary was ordered to make put and execute a 
 charter of incorporation. 
 
 October 29, 1794, an act was passed by the General Assembly ap- 
 pointing a committee to alter the lines of several towns, among those 
 specified being Bakersfield, Fairfield, and Smiihfield. The last named 
 town laid west of Bakersfield. In accordance with this act Smithfield 
 was divided, a part being joined to Bakersfield and a part to Fairfield ; 
 also that portion of Fairfield lying south of Bakersfield Common was an- 
 nexed to Bakersfield, October 31, 1798, and a tract of land lying north of 
 Bakersfield, known as Knight's Gore, was annexed to it. Afterwards a 
 part of this gore, in straightening the town line, was joined to Enos- 
 burgh. October 25, 1799, a part of Coit's Gore on the southeast was 
 annexed. The area of the town at present is about 24,000 acres. 
 
 The first settler was Joseph Baker. It is not known in what year he 
 came to town, but some time before he took a deed from Knowlton. 
 There were only three other families here before 1794, when three other 
 families came. From 1794 to 1800 others came, so that at the taking 
 of the first census of the town in 1 800 the population was 222. Among 
 those who came previous to 1800, who were active in the business 
 affairs of the town, were Joseph Baker, Stephen Maynard, Jonas Brig- 
 ham, Jeremiah Pratt, Luke Potter, Jonathan Farnsworth, Joshua Barnes, 
 Oliver Houghton, William Perkins, Joseph Barrett, Moses Start, 
 
 ' By O. G. Start. 
 65 
 
514 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Ephraim Maynard, Uriah Brigham, Amos Cutler, Solomon Davis, Sam- 
 uel Coehran, and Aaron Smith. 
 
 The town was organized and the first town meeting held March 30, 
 1795. The notice or warning for the meeting was signed by Jonas 
 Fisk, a justice of the peace of Cambridge, Vt. This meeting was called 
 at the dwelling house of Joseph Baker. Meetings were called at the 
 same place until there was a school-house built, after whiqh they were 
 called to meet there. The officers elected at this time were: Town 
 clerk, Stephen Maynard ; selectmen, Jonas Brigham, Joseph Baker, Ste- 
 phen Maynard; constable, Amos Cutler; hay warden, Jeremiah Pratt. 
 The only business done at this meeting, besides electing officers, was to 
 vote to keep the swine shut up from the 20th of May to the 20th of 
 October. The same vote was taken at subsequent town meetings for 
 several years. After doing the business mentioned the meeting ad- 
 journed to a fixed day. The first freeman's meeting was held Septem- 
 ber 6, 1796. Votes were cast at this meeting for Thomas Chittenden 
 for governor. Jonas Brigham was elected town representative to the 
 General Assembly to be held at Rutland. 
 
 During the time the embargo law was in force there was consider- 
 able feeling against the law and its enforcement, and against the deputy 
 collector for this town, as will be seen by the following: 
 
 A special town meeting was called to meet October 12, 18 13. Arti- 
 cle 2d of the warning was to take into consideration the peculiar state of 
 affairs both public and domestic, " as regards the rights and interests of 
 the citizens and inhabitants of this town, and adopt such measure or 
 measures in relation thereto as in the opinion of this town the public 
 good and the interest of the town shall require." It was voted to appoint 
 a committee to take into consideration the conduct of Captain Samuel 
 Cochran, deputy collector, and report. Colonel Silas Hazeltine, Joseph 
 Barrett, David Wright, Dana Bailey, and John Dunn were appointed. 
 The meeting adjourned for half an hour. The committee's report was 
 accepted and adopted, which was as follows: 
 
 " Gentlemen : Your committee have taken into consideration the busi 
 ness of their appointment, and beg leave to submit the following address 
 to be presented to Cornelius P. Van Ness, as a result of their delibera- 
 tions : 
 
Town of Bakersfield. 515 
 
 " Sir : The inhabitants of Bakersfield, duly convened in town meeting, 
 wish for the indulgence respectfully to represent to you, that whereas' 
 Captain Samuel Cockran is said to be a deputy collector under you, and 
 it is generally received by the people to be a serious evil. And extremely 
 improper that the said Samuel Cockran should hold the office. It is an 
 evil because the said Samuel Cockran is considered a man wanting in can- 
 dor, truth, honor, and honesty, and it is improper as he often wantonly stops 
 travelers on whom no suspicion of violating the law can rest, and treats 
 some with great violence, and threatens their Hves with arm in his hands 
 in the day-time, when considered lawfully pursuing their business, and 
 in the night patrols our streets and roads, and lurks about our dwelling 
 houses and other buildings, with deadly weapons, to the great disturb- 
 ance of the peace and quiet of the people, and to the injury and dis- 
 grace of the country^-much of which appears evidently to have been 
 done under the influence of prejudice, and from partial and base 
 motives. In short we consider the said Samuel Cockran as the most 
 unfit and unqualified person for this office that can be selected. For 
 these reasons we have full assurance from your high sense of honor, your 
 candor, your moderation, and your ardent desire to protect the just rights 
 of individuals, to promote in the best manner the peace and tranquility 
 of the people, and to do equal and impartial justice to every class of 
 citizens, that you will have the goodness to remove the said Samuel 
 Cockran from the said office, and appoint some suitable person to be 
 intrusted with the said office. In compliance. Sir, with this request, you 
 will fullfil the just expectations of your fellow citizens. 
 
 " Voted, that the address be signed by the Moderator of the meeting, 
 and the Town Clerk." 
 
 Theactionof the town in regard to the War of 18 12-15 will be seen in 
 the following copy of the record of a town meeting held September 12, 
 18 12. Article 2d of the warning was to "take into consideration the ex- 
 posed situation of this town, on account of the present state of war with the 
 inhabitants of the province of Canada, and tocbnsMltand adopt such meas- 
 ure or measures for the benefit and defence of this town as may be thought 
 best calculated for the purpose aforesaid." After considering this article 
 it was voted that every person who would provide himself with a good 
 firearm should be furnished with one-fourth pound of powder, balls and 
 
5i6 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 flints proportionate, from the town stock, to be done by and under the 
 direction of a committee of safety. " Voted, to have a Committee of 
 Safety consisting of six persons." The following named persons were 
 chosen a committee: Colonel Hazeltine, Major Parker, Captain Wilkin- 
 son, Jeremiah Pratt, Captain Billings, Uriah Brigham At a subsequent 
 meeting it was voted to appropriate $50 to purchase powder, balls, and 
 flints to complete the town stock, agreeable to the requisition of the law 
 of the state, and more if thought expedient; also to direct the select 
 men to procure a suitable chest, with lock and key, to contain the town 
 stock of ammunition. Bakersfield furnished twenty-two volunteers for 
 the War of 1 8 1 2-1 5 who were at the battle of Plattsburgh, September 1 1 , 
 1814. Mr. Hiram Smith, a veteran of this war, and who was wounded 
 at Plattsburgh, is now living in this town in his ninety-ninth year. The 
 town furnished for the war of the Rebellion, in 1861-65, 145 men, three of 
 whom were commissioned officers, namely : Merritt Williams, captain 
 Company G, Thirteenth Regiment; John S. Tupper, first lieutenant 
 Company A, Third Regiment; and Charles M. Start, first lieutenant 
 Company I, Tenth Regiment. 
 
 Ecclesiastical. — There are at this time, 1890, three churches in Bak- 
 ersfield : one Congregational, one Methodist, and one Roman Catholic. 
 The principal facts worthy of notice in the religious history of the town 
 are as follows : In the notice for town meeting to be held March 9, 
 1801, an article was inserted : "To see if the town will vote to grant 
 money as a sum, to be paid in produce, to hire preaching three months." 
 " Voted not to raise any money to hire preaching." A similar article 
 was in the warning for town meeting in 1802, but the town voted against 
 raising any money for preaching. At a special town meeting called for 
 that purpose, held June 14, 1804, it was votpd "to give to the Rev. 
 Samuel Sumner' an invitation to settle with us in the gospel ministry, 
 and that his salary be $100, to be paid in marketable wheat, and the use 
 of twenty-five acres of the ministerial land." There was no organized 
 church in town until 18 1 1, when the Congregational church was formed 
 July 4th. This was done after the examination of the state of relig- 
 ion here by a committee appointed by the Northwestern Consociation. 
 
 ' There are no records to show just how long the Rev. Samuel Sumner continued to 
 serve the town as a gospel minister, but the final settlement with him was effected on 
 the 24th day of June, 1813. 
 
Town of Bakersfield. 517 
 
 The organization was made with eleven members. The following 
 named persons were examined by the committee and approved as fit to 
 become members : Josiah Sheldon, Jeremiah Pratt, William Perkins, 
 Joseph Ross, Ezra Allen, Daniel Stebbins, Lydia Perkins, Hannah 
 Hazeltine, Margaret Start, Elizabeth Ross, Lydia Allen. The church 
 had no regular preaching until 1822, when Rev. Elderkin Boardman was 
 ordained and settled over the church. There being no building in town 
 large enough for the occasion the exercises were held on the common. 
 Meetings were held by the church in the old town house, situated near 
 where Thomas Hooker now lives. After the new town house was built 
 they occupied that until the meeting-house was built, near the old town 
 house, which was about the year 183 i. This house was called the Old 
 North Meeting-house. In 1849 a new church was erected on the south 
 side of the common, and since known as the South church. The min- 
 isters who have been settled over the church or supplied the pulpit since 
 its organization are Elderkin Boardman, 1821-26; Samuel Perry, 
 1827-28; S. G. Tenney, 1831-34; Mr. Bachelder, 1838-39; Thomas 
 Canfield, 1840-45; Daniel Warren, 1847-54; C. W. Piper, 1855-61; 
 G. Frederick Wright, 1862-72 ; Richard Hicks, 1872-77 ; J. K. Fuller, 
 1877-79; A. Parker Solandt, 1890. 
 
 There was a Methodist class formed in town about the year 1806. 
 The first house of worship of this society was the chapel which was built 
 in connection with the academy on the south side of the common. They 
 occupied this until the time the house they now occupy was built, at the 
 north end of the village, in 1 854 ; it was dedicated November 14th of the 
 
 same year. 
 
 The CathoUc church purchased the old Methodist chapel in 1867, and 
 afterwards the upper part of the building which was formerly used as an 
 academy. Soon after they purchased the Methodist chapel. This society 
 never has had but one resident priest. The Rev. P. Savoui lived here 
 a while. Since that time the church has been supplied by the priest from 
 Fairfield Center, coming here once a month. This parish includes a part 
 
 of Fairfield. 
 
 Schools.— The first action taken by the town in regard to schools was 
 at a town meeti-ng, November 2r, 1796. At this meeting it was voted 
 to divide the town into two districts, and that the dividing line be south 
 
5i8 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 of Jeremiah Pratt's, to be called the North and South districts. In 1800 
 the town was again divided into districts, adding what was called the 
 East district. The first school taught in town was by Foster Paige, in 
 the winter of 1796—97. The first school-house was built of logs, and 
 was located north of the village near where Albert Rice now lives. As 
 the population increased the town was still further divided into districts 
 and provision made for schools. There are now thirteen school districts. 
 In 1840 what has since been called the South Academy was built by 
 subscription; the Methodist Society contributed, and afterwards owned 
 and occupied the first floor of the building as a chapel. Jacob S. Spald- 
 ing was the first principal of the academy, and held the position twelve 
 years. After Mr. Spalding left L. O. Stevens was chosen principal, 
 and remained two years. He was followed by James A. McLauflin, 
 who remained two years. In 1844 another academy was built, by those 
 who opposed the location of the first, at the north end of the village on 
 the hill north of the hotel. From 1840 to 1852 Bakersfield was noted for 
 its schools. Some of the time there were over 300 pupils in attendance. 
 Rev. H. J. Moore was the first principal of the North Academy; he held 
 the position for several years. This school was early in its history 
 placed under the control of the Troy Conference of the Methodist 
 Episcopal church. From 1852 to 1878 the interest in higher education 
 declined. The South Academy building has been sold to the Catholic 
 society, who bought the lower part of the building from the Methodist 
 society, and is not occupied at present. The North Academy was 
 deeded by the stockholders to the Methodist society. A part of the 
 building is now used for a hall by the Merritt Williams Post, G. A. R. 
 In 1877 Peter Bent Brigham, a resident of Boston, Mass., and a native 
 of this town, died and left by will to his native town $30,000 to be in- 
 vested in a permanent fund, and known as the Brigham School Fund, 
 and the income thereof to be expended for educational purposes, either 
 for district schools or for a school of a higher grade, as the town might 
 direct. The question as to how the money should be used soon began 
 to be agitated, some taking the ground that it should be divided among 
 the school districts, others that it should be used for a high school. 
 
 January 12, 1878, Mrs. Sarah B. Jacobs, of Boston, sister of Peter Bent 
 Brigham, proposed to the town that if they would use the income of Mr. 
 
Q/cj^ 
 
 "7^. 
 
Town of Bakersfield. 519 
 
 Brigham's bequest for a high school she would give the town $5,000 to- 
 wards erecting a suitable school building. February 4, 1 878, Mrs. S. Jane 
 (Brigham) Kendall, of Boston, niece of Peter Bent Brigham, proposed 
 to the town to give $2,000 for a school building on the same conditions 
 that her aunt, Mrs. Jacobs, had proposed to give $S,000, with the further 
 condition that some appropriate notice of her late uncle be taken in the 
 school on the anniversary of his birth, namely, February 4th. Also on 
 February 4, 1878, Mrs. Roxana B. Hankinson, of Boston, proposed to 
 the town to give $1,000 towards erecting a high school building; this 
 last gift was afterwards increased to $2,000. This gift was also on the 
 same conditions as that of her aunt, Mrs. Sarah B. Jacobs. At a town 
 meeting held February 7, 1878, it was voted to accept the bequest of 
 Peter Bent Brigham, and to hold and use the same for the purpose 
 named in his will, and none other. At this meeting appropriate reso- 
 lutions were passed expressing the appreciation of the people of the 
 gift, and to a faithful fulfillment of the conditions of the bequest, also 
 resolutions of thanks to the donors of the building fund, and also to for- 
 ever use the income of the Brigham School Fund in the maintenance of 
 a high school in Bakersfield. At the regular town meeting held 
 March 5, 1878, the town voted that we establish and forever maintain 
 one central or high school, for advanced pupils, and for such pupils 
 as may attend the school from other towns, on the terms and for such 
 tuition as the prudential committee shall determine upon. A pruden- 
 tial committee was elected at. this meeting, and empowered to employ 
 teachers and regulate the terms and qualifications on which scholars shall 
 be admitted. F. G. Nutting, O. G. Start, and J. Barnes were elected pru- 
 dential committee ; H. F. Brigham, H. R. Start, and A. L. Hall were elected 
 building committee. There being a disagreement among the peo- 
 ple of the village as to the location of the building a special town meet- 
 ing was called, at which it was decided by a large majority to allow the 
 donors of the building fund to locate it, which they did, where it now 
 stands. The job to build the house was let to I. D. Sweett & Fawfaw, 
 of Richford, Vt, for $7,167.20. The building was completed early the 
 next winter. Mrs. Jacobs made other gifts of money sufficient to finish 
 and furnish it. The whole amount of gifts for building and furnishing was 
 $10,350. In November, 1878, the executors of Mr. Brigham's will paid 
 
520 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 over to the selectmen of the town, who were by vote authorized to re- 
 ceive and invest it, the amount bequeathed, which they at once invested 
 as a permanent fund, on good land securities, at six per cent, semi-an- 
 nual interest. 
 
 August 13, 1879, the building was dedicated, having previously been 
 named Brigham Academy. Rev. G. F. Wright,^ formerly pastor of the 
 Congregational church, Bakersfield, and Pres. M. H. Bucham, of the 
 Vermont University, delivered addresses on the occasion. Jacob S. 
 Spalding occupied the chair. August 27th school opened, Frank L. 
 Irish, principal, with 100 students: sixty resident, forty non-resident; 
 resident students free tuition. The second year of the school Otis S. 
 Johnson was elected principal, and served until his death, in January, 
 1886. At the beginning of the spring term, 1886, F. E. Parlin, A.M., 
 a graduate of Bates College, Maine, was engaged as principal, and con- 
 tinued in charge until the close of the school year 1890, when he re- 
 signed and Charles H. Morrill, a graduate from Dartmouth College, was 
 elected principal. Mrs. Jacobs's interest in the school continues, and 
 manifests itself in gifts for the benefit of the school by way of books, 
 maps, charts, and apparatus for teaching the sciences. 
 
 Bakersfield never was much of a manufacturing town, not having any 
 water-power of any extent. The earliest of manufactured articles was 
 potash salts. There were several of these potash factories in an early day. 
 Making ashes for the potash was one of the principal ways by which 
 the early settlers got any ready money. The first tanning done in town 
 was by Josiah Sheldon, near where Albert Rice now lives, and later at 
 this point there was a starch factory and a wool-carding- mill, and at 
 one time a potash ; later there was a tannery near where E. H. Beals's 
 hotel now stands. In 1829 Chancey Childs erected a tannery on the 
 branch over the hill back of where the North Meeting-house was erected. 
 He afterwards took his brother Marcus in company with him, and did 
 quite a business in tanning leather and manufacturing boots and shoes. 
 The site of this tannery was formerly occupied by a grist-mill built by a 
 Mr. Wheat, and a clothier's fulling-mill built by a Mr. Lowater and 
 
 ' The Rev. G. F. Wright at the time of the dedication was pastor of the Free Con- 
 gregational church at Andover, Mass. ; at present he is professor in Oberlin College 
 in Ohio. 
 
Town of Bakersfield. 521 
 
 afterwards owned by the late William Boutell. About the year 1824 
 John Saunders and S. B. Hazeltine, who owned a store in company, com- 
 menced to manufacture whisky near where Sylvester Smith's house 
 now stands, at the north end of the village. They also owned a potash 
 situated near their whisky still, and manufactured pearlash. The first 
 grist-mill was owned by Elisha Boyce; it was built in 1794, and stood 
 near where Charles Brown's saw and grist-mill now stands. There was 
 a starch factory on the opposite side of the stream from the mill ; this 
 was owned by Joel Houghton. Brick used to be manufactured in the 
 west part of the town, near the Solon Tupper farm. Lumber is the 
 principal article manufactured at present; there are four saw -mills in 
 town — two are custom mills, the others ship lumber to market, M. R. Per- 
 kins and William E. Pearsons. The capacity of Mr. Perkins's mill is 600,- 
 000 feet of dressed lumber a year; Mr. Pearsons's mill is somewhat less. 
 
 The early settlers moved into town on ox-sleds, there being no roads. 
 Produce used to be hauled to Boston with teams, and goods and gro- 
 ceries hauled back. In 18 14 Moses Start and his brother, George, went 
 to Boston, bought four yoke of oxen, and drew home a load of goods for 
 Austin Fuller, of Enosburgh. When crossing the bridge in the south 
 part of the town the bridge gave way. Moses Start was badly hurt. 
 Some of the goods went over the falls below the bridge, one thing being 
 a hogshead of New England rum, which at that time was considered one 
 of the necessary articles. The town paid Mr. Fuller $286.84 for dam- 
 age on goods, and Captain Start $75 for broken ribs. Later the people 
 did business at St. Albans Bay and Burlington. 
 
 January 4, 1869, the town voted to issue its bonds to the amount of 
 $20,000 to aid in building the Lamoille Valley Railroad, provided there 
 was a station within three miles of Bakersfield village. This road crosses 
 the southwestern part of the town, but the station is at East Fairfield. 
 
 The first census of Bakersfield was taken in 1800, when the population 
 was 222 ; in 1810 it was 812; in 1820, 945; 1830,1,087; 1840,1,258; 
 1850,1,523; i860, 1,451; 1870, 1,403; 1880, 1,248; 1890, 1,163. 
 This shows that the population steadily increased until 1850, when it 
 was the largest ; since then it has decreased. 
 
 Those who have held the office of town clerk since the town was or- 
 ganized were Stephen Maynard, the first clerk elected at the first town 
 
 66 
 
522 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 meeting, 1795, who held the office until 1800; Jonas Brigham, 1800-I I ; 
 Joseph Barrett, 1811-23 ; Silas B. Hazeltine, 1823-80; Isaac N. Ran- 
 dall, 1880, and now in office. Silas B. Hazeltine served continuously 
 from his first election until his death in 1880, making fifty-seven years. 
 His books are a model for neatness and accuracy. 
 
 From the year 1813 to 18 17 it was the practice when persons or fam- 
 ilies moved into town, who, it was thought, would be liable to become 
 town charge, to summon them to depart the town by a warrant issued 
 by the selectmen to the constable. It was found that this practice was 
 operating to hinder the settlement of the town, and was discontinued. 
 Those who became town paupers were supported by being boarded in 
 families at the expense of the town. It was the practice at the annual 
 March meeting to bid for boarding individual paupers. It was called 
 setting up the paupers at vendue. 
 
 August 29, 1857, the town voted to unite with the towns of Fletcher, 
 Richford, and Montgomery to form a poor-house association. The as- 
 sociation was formed and called the Bakersfield Poor- House Association. 
 The organization purchased a farm in the north part of Bakersfield for a 
 poor-farm. 
 
 Town Representatives. — The first representative to the General As- 
 sembly of the state was Jonas Brigham, elected in 1796. In 1797 there 
 was no representative elected. In 1798 Jonas Brigham; 1799, Stephen 
 Maynard; 1800-06, Jonas Brigham ; 1807-08, Silas Hazeltine ; 1809- 
 15, Jonas Brigham ; 1816, Samuel Maynard; 1817-20, Joseph Barrett; 
 1821-23, Silas B. Hazeltine; 1824-26, Thomas Childs; 1827, Silas B. 
 Hazeltine; 1828-29, Azariah Corse ; 1830, Thomas Childs ; 1831-32, 
 Harry Reynolds; 1833, Silas B. Hazletine ; 1834, Thomas Childs; 
 1835-36, Azariah Corse; 1837, Silas B. Hazletine; 1838-40, Azariah 
 Corse; 1841, Charles Stone; 1842-43, H. Taylor Brigham; 1844-46, 
 none; 1847, Carl Smilie ; 1848, none; 1849, Charles Stone; 1850' 
 none; 185 1, Thomas Hooker; 1852-53, none; 1854-55, Stephen 
 Tracey Leonard; 1856, S. Sumner Brigham; 1857, Josiah Fay Brig- 
 ham ; 1858, Stephen Tracey Leonard; 1859-60, Seth Oakes ; 1861, 
 Charles G. Start; 1862, Chancey Childs; 1863-65, William C. Wilson; 
 1866, Stephen Tracey Leonard; 1867-68, Deacon James A, Perkins; 
 1869, Josiah Fay Brigham; 1870, Ira F. Dean; since 1870 the legislature 
 
Town of Bakersfield. 523 
 
 has held biennial sessions; 1872, Simeon Gould Start; 1874, Dr. George 
 B. Cutler; 1876, Josiah Fay Brigham ; 1878, Elisha H. Beals ; 1880, 
 William Harrison Giddings, M.D.; 1882-86, Herbert F. Brigham, esq.; 
 1886-90, Deacon John A. Perkins; 1890, Hon. Henry R. Start, who 
 was elected Speaker of the House and afterwards elected judge of the 
 Supreme Court. Residents of Bakersfield who have served one or more 
 terms in the state Senate are William C. Wilson, 1858-59; Norman 
 Wood, 1864; Henry R. Start, 1880; William Harrison Giddings, 1888. 
 Bakersfield' s Benefactors. — Besides the gifts to the town for a school 
 building, which have been mentioned, there have been other valu- 
 able donations to the town and its churches. Peter Bent Brigham, be- 
 sides leaving $30,000 for the cause of education, also left $10,000, the 
 income of which is to be used in taking care of the cemetery where his 
 parents were buried. This fund has been invested and the income used 
 in accordance with his will. Jesse Knowles Maynard and William B. 
 Shattuck have donated to the town land adjoining the cemetery for the 
 purpose of enlarging it. The original cemetery and common were do- 
 nated to the town by Joseph Baker, esq., the first settler, about 1798. 
 The town voted in 1799 that the selectmen notify the inhabitants to ap- 
 pear on a certain day and clear up and fence the burial-ground. The 
 same vote was also taken in regard to the common at another meeting. 
 In 1870 Ira F. Dean, a native and resident of Bakersfield, gave to the 
 Congregational and Methodist churches $1,000 each to be invested in 
 a permanent fund, called the Dean Fund. In 1878 David Stebbins, 
 of West Brookfield, Mass., donated to the Congregational church a bell 
 at a cost of $300. In 1879 Mrs. S. Jane Brigham Kendall, of Boston, 
 Mass., who had previously given $2,500 for the school building, gave 
 $1,300 to furnish steam heating apparatus for the school building. 
 Mrs. Jacobs gave $590 for putting apparatus for putting out fires into 
 Brigham Academy, and a marble bust of her brother, Peter Bent Brig- 
 ham, which cost $1,000, occupies a spacious niche in the academy hall. 
 She has still further shown her interest for the school and the cause of 
 education by providing for seven scholarships in the Vermont Univer- 
 sity and State Agriculturial College, exclusively for the benefit of grad- 
 uates from Brigham Academy. In 1879 Mrs. Jonathan Northrop, of 
 Sheldon, Vt., a native of Bakersfield and a niece of Mr. Brigham, gave 
 
524 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 a tower clock and bell for the school building, the whole costing $8oo. 
 In 1886 Mrs. Mary Brooks, of Dunham, province of Quebec, presented 
 to the Congregational and Methodist churches each $1,000. Mrs. 
 Brooks was formerly widow of Seneca Paige, who was a native of this 
 town. In 1885 Mrs. Elizabeth Stevens, wife of Dea. H. M. Stevens, of 
 St. Albans, died leaving by will $1,000 to the Congregational church 
 here. Mrs. Stevens was the only daughter of the late Captain Elijah 
 Barnes, of Bakersfield. She passed several years before her mar- 
 riage in the South among the freedmen ; a part of the time she spent 
 in Atlanta, Ga., the remainder in Fisk University. Rev. H. J. Moore 
 left by will his house in Bakersfield for a Methodist parsonage. 
 
 Physicians. — The physicians who have practiced in town for any 
 length of time are Ebenezer Williams, Thomas Lassell, Amos Town, Dr. 
 Sikes, Amos Pearsons, O. T. Houghton, Rollin Woodard, Dr. Day, 
 Harvey Woodard, Dr. Perley, William H. Giddings, G. B. Cutler, and 
 G. B. Stevens. Two of these physicians were natives of the town, namely : 
 O. T. Houghton, who practiced here until he gave up business, and Will- 
 iam H. Giddings, who graduated from the Medical Department of the 
 University of Vermont at Burlington in June, 1866. He commenced the 
 practice of his profession here the September following, and is practicing 
 at this time. 
 
 The name of Brigham has been a prominent one here since the town 
 was first settled. Jonas Brigham was one of the first three families that 
 came to town. He was the first selectman elected, and the first town rep- 
 resentative to the General Assembly. Cheney Brigham, his son, was 
 the first male child born in Bakersfield. Of the Brighams now living 
 in town Bradley, Nahum, Hollis, and Oakley Brigham are descendants 
 of Jonas Brigham. The descendants of Uriah Brigham, one of the early 
 settlers who resided in town, are Albert G. and Herbert F. Brigham. 
 The late Josiah Fay and Peter Bent Brigham were sons of Uriah Brig- 
 ham. The descendants of Joshua Barnes who live in town and bear 
 the name are Wyatt, Harvey, and Austin Barnes. There are none of 
 the descendants of Joseph Baker now living here. Mrs. Dr. G. B. Cut- 
 ler is the only representative of Jeremiah Pratt residing here. There are 
 no descendants of Stephen Maynard now living in town. Betsey, the 
 daughter of Mr. Maynard, was the first child born in town. The'first 
 
'^<^(^/ 
 
 t^'/^-px^ 
 
Town of Berkshire. 525 
 
 death in town was Isaac Freeman Farnsworth in 1798. The first mar- 
 riage was that of John Maynard and Elizabeth Knowles in 1799. Jesse 
 Knowles Maynard, now residing in town, was a son by this marriage. 
 
 The first hotel kept in the village was by Stephen Maynard where 
 Jesse Dunham now lives. There are now two hotels, E. H. Beals's hotel 
 and the Brigham House. In the early history of the town what was 
 called June trainings of the militia and artillery companies were held. 
 The first militia company was commanded by Captain Wilkinson and 
 the first artillery by Captain Moses Start. S. G. Start, son of Moses 
 Start, was promoted from first lieutenant of the company to the rank 
 of captain, June 2, 1840. 
 
 One of the pleasant social features of the town has been the annual 
 gathering of the Start- Perkins families on Thanksgiving day. In 
 April, 1865, S. G. Start was married to Mrs. Betsey Perkins, widow 
 of the late John S. Perkins, of Bakersfield. Mr. Start had six sons. 
 Mrs. Perkins had one son, John A. Perkins, and six daughters. Four of 
 the sons and four of the daughters settled in town. These families have 
 met for the last twenty- five years on Thanksgiving day, with the excep- 
 tion of one year, when on account of sickness there was no gathering of 
 the family. These eight families have alternated in giving a Thanksgiv- 
 ing dinners. The number who meet at these times ranges from thirty- 
 five to fifty. There has been no death in these resident families during 
 the twenty- five years until the death of Mrs. H. R. Start, in July, 1890. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BERKSHIRE. 
 
 THE town of Berkshire is situated in the northeasterly part of Frank- 
 lin county, and is one of the northern border towns of the state 
 of Vermont ; but unlike the majority of the towns bordering on the 
 province Berkshire has received but comparatively few residents from 
 Canada. And it is a fact that there are as few foreigners now living in 
 
526 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Berkshire as in any town similarly situated in this state. But this is 
 readily accounted for in the fact that Berkshire ranks first in agricultural 
 importance (comparatively, of course, for there are larger towns) among 
 the several civil divisions of Franklin county, and there has been less 
 inclination on the part of the people of the town, descendants from old 
 families, to sell their lands and migrate to other places, or even to locate 
 in settled communities in the region. The result of this has been to keep 
 farms in the same families, passing from one generation to another, from 
 the time of early settlement to this present ; and each succeeding gen- 
 eration has seemed to be imbued with the same spirit of thrift as char- 
 acterized their ancestors during the period of pioneership. Therefore 
 the prevalence of this spirit of determination has worked to the great 
 advantage of the town, and held within its borders, even to the present 
 day, a class of inhabitants whose watchwords are thrift, enterprise, and 
 progress. 
 
 But in at least one other material respect is the town of Berkshire 
 different from many others in the county ; and that in the fact that the 
 people wisely determined to free their jurisdiction from indebtedness, 
 and maintain it free and clear. The town, as did many others, 
 bonded for the building and construction of the Missisquoi Railroad, 
 generously aiding in that worthy enterprise, but unlike other towns 
 the people here, under the leadership and advice of good influences, 
 bought up their own bonds and relieved the town of the burden of pay- 
 ing annual interest and the dread of principal to be paid in the future ; 
 and now, when almost every branch of business, trade, and industry are 
 in a depressed and unsatisfactory condition, the people of Berkshire may 
 justly feel rejoiced in having early paid their bonded indebtedness, hav- 
 ing now neither its interest or principal to confront them. This narra- 
 tion may be slightly outside the limits of legitimate history, but the 
 fortunate situation and condition of this town is so marked an exception 
 to generally prevailing rules that it appears worthy of record in these 
 pages. 
 
 Berkshire enjoys, furthermore, the blessings, for such they are, 
 of possessing as rich, fertile, and productive lands as can be found in 
 Northern Vermont; and the character of the land surface, too, is as 
 advantageous as any in the county, for there is a noticeable absence of 
 
Town of Berkshire. 527 
 
 mountain heights or other Hke elevations that are unfit for or not sus- 
 ceptible of cultivation and improvement, for either general products of 
 the farm or grazing. Localities are not wanting in which are found an 
 abundance of stones and rocks, but these lots are turned into good use 
 as pasture lands, and the many fine dairies, for which the town is famous, 
 are evidence that the stony regions are not specially objectionable. 
 The town is situated in the midst of a specially rich and valuable agri- 
 cultural region, to the northward there being one of the fertile Canadian 
 townships; on the east the best part of Richford; on the south the equally 
 fertile Enosburgh ; while on the west side are the productive lands of 
 Eastern Franklin. 
 
 Berkshire, too, is an exceedingly well watered and well drained town, 
 the principal water course being the Missisquoi River. This stream enters 
 the town about midway its eastern boundary, and flows thence southwest, 
 a devious course, and passes on into Enosburgh, and finally discharges 
 its waters into the lake. The Missisquoi is a stream of some considerable 
 magnitude, and in its course through the town receives the waters of a 
 number of tributaries, the largest of which is Trout River, the latter empty- 
 ing into Missisquoi near the village of East Berkshire. Notwithstanding 
 the fact that there are no falls or rapids in the rivers in the town, they afford 
 abundant opportunities for the diversion of their waters to manufactur- 
 ing uses, but there has been no effort in this direction on the part of 
 local capitalists. 
 
 The valley of the Missisquoi in Berkshire is as charming a locality as 
 can be found in Vermont ; and while there are no grand hills to lend 
 additional beauty to the scene in the immediate vicinity, back, away 
 from the valley, both to the west and the east, are elevated lands, with 
 some forest growths, and interspersed with fertile fields more delightful 
 to the eye than any prairie view can offer by way of attraction. Be- 
 tween the river valley and the western part of the town is a considerable 
 tract of elevated tableland, and over this broad area is occasionally 
 seen a hill-top which might be dignified with the name of mountain. 
 A continuous range of elevated land extends from the southern-central 
 part of the town to the middle-eastern portion, forming a divide, thus 
 causing the general course of most of the small streams to be either 
 northwest or southeast. In the northern and western portions of the 
 
528 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 town is the outlet from Franklin Pond, or Silver Lake ; while in the 
 same region are Pike River and Burleson Pond, both in their way be- 
 ing considerable bodies. 
 
 The town of Berkshire was brought into existence by virtue of action 
 of the authorities of the state of Vermont during the year 1780, as the 
 result of an investigation on the part of a select committee, of which 
 Joshua Webb was chairman. In their report the committee recom- 
 mended " that it is our opinion that the General Assembly grant or 
 order to be granted four, five, or six townships of land, if it can be found 
 without danger of lapping on the former grants." This recommenda- 
 tion was made on the loth of March, 1780; and on the 13th the com- 
 mittee appointed to examine the several petitions for grants of lands 
 made this report : " That (in our opinion) we have agreeable to our 
 appointment examined the several petitions severally, and find that 
 there is a large tract of vacant and unappropriated land lying and being 
 in the north part of this state, adjoining to the south line of the Province 
 of Quebec, and west of Lake Memphremagog and the Green Mountains, 
 and bounding west on lands heretofore granted by the government of 
 New Hampshire, contiguous to Lake Champlain ; that your committee 
 are of opinion that a part of the said tract, sufficient to make six town- 
 ships of the contents of six miles square each, may, consistent with the 
 interests of this state, be granted by your honors to the following gentle- 
 men, petitioners and company for the several townships hereafter particu- 
 larly named, viz.: To Major William Goodrich, Barzilla Hudson, Charies 
 Dibble, and company, a township of six miles square as laid down in 
 the plan herewith returned, by the name of Berkshire." The other 
 towns granted at the same time, and under the same recommendation, 
 were those now known as Enosburgh, Richford, Montgomery, Jay, and 
 Westfield. 
 
 Of the whole number of proprietors of the town, according to the 
 grant, there were sixty, and the grant was made on the following terms 
 and conditions : That each proprietor pay to the treasurer of the state 
 or a committee hereafter to be appointed, the sum of eight pounds^ 
 lawful money, to be made good as it passed current in the year 1774; 
 and each proprietor of the above towns (meaning the six towns above 
 named), his heirs or assigns, shall plant and cultivate five acres of land, 
 
Town of Berkshire. 529 
 
 and build a house at least eighteen feet square on the floor, or have one 
 family settled on each respective right or share of land within the term 
 of four years after the circumstances of the war will admit of a settle- 
 ment with safety, on penalty of the forfeiture of each respective right or 
 share of land in said town, and the same to revert to the freemen of this 
 state, to be by their representatives regranted to such persons as shall 
 appear to settle and cultivate the same. And said committee is em- 
 powered to erase the names of such proprietors as shall not appear and 
 pay the money aforesaid, and enter others in their stead. And that five 
 sixty- fifth parts in said town be reserved for public uses of this state, as 
 shall be hereafter described in the charters of incorporation for said 
 towns, as also all pine and oak timber suitable for a navy. 
 
 From the tenor of the foregoing conditions the reader will observe 
 that the shares into which the town was divided by the grant numbered 
 sixty-five, while the proprietors were but sixty in number ; and that 
 each proprietor was required to pay into the treasury, or to the com- 
 mittee, the sum of eight pounds lawful money, as the purchase price of 
 the grant and subsequent charter. There being sixty shares, one for 
 each named proprietor, and five reserved rights, the whole amount paid 
 for the town of Berkshire, exclusive of reservations, was the sum of ;£'48o, 
 or its present equivalent of $2,400. This was undoubtedly a fair con- 
 sideration for the town at the time in which the grant was made, it be- 
 ing then a vast and uncultivated wilderness of woods and wilds, and 
 with the uncertain results of the war then progressing, but it would be 
 an exceedingly poor fifty-acre farm in Berkshire at this time that would 
 not bring the amount orignally paid for the whole town one hundred 
 years ago. It is quite probable that the proprietors considered they 
 had a " good bargain," for their rights were paid for and the charter 
 executed to them on the 22d of June, 1781. 
 
 According to the intention of the grant and the charter, and as laid 
 down on the map or plan of the town heretofore referred to, Berkshire 
 would contain thirty-six square miles, or its equivalent of 23,040 acres; 
 but by an error in making the survey it was found that there was a consid- 
 erable gore of ungranted land, wedge-shaped, but not pointed, between 
 the towns of Berkshire and Richford; which gore was the occasion of 
 much discussion in the town, and frequent action on the part of the state 
 
 67 
 
530 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 authorities as well, and the question was not finally disposed of until 
 some time during the month of November, i8o2. In October, 1797, 
 Ebenezer Marvin, Stephen Royce, and Stephen Pearl presented a peti- 
 tion to the Governor and Council and legislature, in which they re- 
 quested that the gore be granted for the benefit of the proprietors of Berk- 
 shire, and the matter was the subject of frequent act afterward, and until 
 1802, when an act was passed establishing the lines of a number of 
 the towns in this region, among theiri being Berkshire ; and further, 
 directing the sale of the gore lying between this town and Richford. 
 Although there appears no record to confirm the statement, it neverthe- 
 less appears to be conceded that this strip ultimately came to this town, 
 for the south line is known to be about seven miles in length, and the 
 north line about six and one-half miles, thus bringing to the town 
 something like 2,000 acres of land in excess of the quantity provided for 
 by the grant and subsequent charter. 
 
 From the time of granting the charter, in June, 1781, until the town 
 was organized by its inhabitants, in 1796, the affairs of its local govern- 
 ment remained in the proprietary. But it appears that the proprietors 
 did not comply with the condition of the grant which required settle- 
 ment to be made within four years after the same could be effected with 
 safety after the close of the war. The war in fact ended in 1781, but it 
 was not until 1783 that the treaty of peace was agreed to and signed, 
 and there was no time after the year 1780 in which settlement could not 
 have been safely made. But in this regard the state was not particular; 
 the town had been paid for and chartered, and the proprietors were do- 
 ing what they could to induce settlement. They made the survey and 
 plan of the town, and arranged for the division of the lands; moreover, they 
 frequently besought the state authorities for the laying of land taxes, 
 the avails of which were used in cutting roads from this to settled locali- 
 ties, and otherwise preparing the way for future settlement. The sur- 
 veys were completed in 1789, and the lands drawn for, by lot, in three 
 divisions, the first and second being for lOO-acre tracts and the third for 
 140-acre lots. However, it subsequently appeared that the lots were 
 wholly unequal on account of the inaccurate surveys. And not only the 
 proprietors themselves, and the inhabitants in fact of the town after 
 them, interested in the matter of cutting and laying out roads, but the 
 
Town of Berkshire. 531 
 
 state as well seems to have acted in this matter, for as early as 1797 
 the subject of constructing a turnpike road from Berkshire to Brandon 
 was agitated and discussed, and soon after that time the state road, as it 
 was called, was laid out. The final action in this matter was taken and 
 the law establishing it passed in November, 1803. 
 
 There was neither temporary nor permanent settlement within the 
 town of Berkshire until ten years after the close of the Revolutionary 
 war ; therefore there could be no tax upon the inhabitants, either by 
 way of contributions of men or means for that service, as was levied 
 upon some of the towns further south in the state. But after the war 
 was ended, among the early settlers in this town were found several 
 persons who had performed excellent service for the state and country 
 during the period of its continuance. The pioneer of the town, he to 
 whom belongs the honor of having been the first settler, was Job L. 
 Barber, who settled on lands lying on the west bank of the Missisquoi 
 River during the summer of 1792. The pioneer was accompanied by 
 his wife and child, who stayed with him throughout that season; and 
 after he had made a clearing, built a temporary abode, and planted a little 
 tract of land with crops he and his family went to the little settlement 
 in then Huntsburgh, but now Franklin, where they stayed through the 
 winter, returning to Berkshire in the following spring. 
 
 During the season of 1792 Job Barber was not entirely alone in the 
 town, for soon after his coming there followed two other pioneers, 
 Daniel Adams and Stephen Royce, but the latter were not accompanied 
 by their families. Adams's pitch of land lay in the west part of the 
 town, about where is the present hamlet of West Berkshire. Stephen 
 Royce settled on land about a mile south of Barber, and on the river. 
 Both made substantial improvements, after which their families were 
 brought to the town, so t^at the month of April, 1793, witnessed the 
 full settlement in Berkshire of three families, those of the pioneers just 
 named. While each of these men were equally distinguished in con- 
 nection with the early history of the town, and each entitled to honor- 
 able mention as pioneers of an unimproved and comparatively unknown 
 region, the fact remains that of the twain Stephen Royce was without 
 question the most important personage ; not so, however, from the fact 
 that his son became one of the most distinguished men that Vermont 
 
532 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 ever produced, nor from the fact that one of the representatives of a 
 later generation of the same family has also earned a high place and 
 deserved honors in the state government and in the affairs of the nation. 
 Not on account of the abilities and achievements of his descendants is 
 the name of the pioneer Stephen Royce to be' ever honored, but rather 
 on account of his own personal record during the period of uncertainty 
 and doubt which preceded the war for American independence, and the 
 part he took in the affairs of the New Hampshire grants, and as well in 
 the war that soon afterward followed. Stephen Royce came to Tin- 
 mouth, Vt, in 1774, from Cornwall, Conn. He, with Ebenezer Allen, 
 represented that town at the Dorset convention of July 24, 1776, and 
 was one of the signers to the famous document by which the people of 
 the district pledged their lives and fortunes to support the cause for 
 which the colonies were contending. He served during the war, hold- 
 ing a commission as major. 
 
 Also in the year 1793 there came to the town other persons who 
 had likewise been prominent in connection with the war. These were 
 Captain Phineas Heath and Captain David Nutting, each of whom 
 brought large families to the locality. About the same time, and possi- 
 bly a year later, Jonathan Carpenter and James Adams added their 
 families to the little community. Following these there came others to 
 make for themselves homes in the new country ; and it must be that 
 this settlement was very rapid, for in 1796 the town had the requisite 
 number of resident freeholders to warrant its organization and the 
 election of town officers. This event occurred on the 7th of March, 
 1796, and the officers first chosen were these: Town clerk, Captain 
 David Nutting ; selectmen, Stephen Royce, James Adams, and Silas 
 Pollard; constable, Timothy R. Barker. 
 
 In 1800 Berkshire had a population of 173 souls, or, in families, about 
 thirty-five or forty; but small in point of population as the town was at 
 that time, the people were not without some aspirations in the matter 
 of desir!ng the county buildings to be located in their town. They put 
 in a claim for this acquisition, and re-enforced that claim with the in- 
 fluence of a number of strong men of the locality ; but it was of no avail, 
 and the buildings were located at the present shire town. By 18 10 the 
 population of the town had increased to 918, from which time forward 
 
Town of Berkshire. 533. 
 
 there has been shown a gradual increase until 1850, when the maximum 
 number of inhabitants was attained, the census of that year giving a total 
 of 1,955. Since that time, however, there has been shown with each 
 succeeding enumeration a general faUing off in population, so that the 
 town at present contains not far from 1,500 inhabitants. 
 
 Concerning the olci families of Berkshire but little history has been 
 preserved by way of publication, while the traditions held by the later 
 and present generations of their descendants are not reliably accurate. 
 The first settler. Job L. Barber, lived in the town till the time of his 
 death, but his work in life did not bring him a competent fortune to 
 cheer and comfort his later years, and he was compelled to live upon 
 his pension as a soldier of the Revolution. " Captain Heath," says Mr. 
 Royce's narrative, (upon which, by the way, the writer has made bold 
 piracy for recollections of the pioneers,) "died when a little turned of 
 fifty." His daughter became the wife of Jonathan Carpenter, also one 
 of the pioneers, and of that union was born a numerous and thrifty race 
 of descendants. Orson Carpenter was sheriff of the county from 1848 
 to 1852. Captain Nutting lived till nearly sixty years of age and died 
 of consumption. His son, David R. Nutting, was quite a prominent 
 personage in town, he being a carpenter, bridge builder, and surveyor ; 
 also for a time he was the proprietor of an extensive mill privilege on Pike 
 River. He had a liking for the law, was something of a pettifogger, 
 and had two sons who. became lawyers. 
 
 Major Stephen Royce, as has been related, came to Tinmouth from 
 Connecticut in 1774. He there married Minerva, the daughter of Eben- 
 ezer Marvin, on December 8, 1785, and continued to reside in Tinmouth 
 until 1 79 1, when the family moved to Franklin, but two years later moved 
 over into Berkshire, on the improvement made by the pioneers during the 
 year preceding. An interesting incident of Major Royce's journey from 
 Franklin to East Berkshire in 1792 will be found in the chapter on Frank- 
 lin. When the family moved over into the town the goods were carried 
 on an ox-sled, the wife riding, but the husband walking and carrying the 
 young child, Stephen, jr., the future governor of Vermont, then about five 
 years old, the entire distance of sixteen miles through an unbroken forest. 
 Of this child the reader will find a personal sketch in one of the preceding 
 chapters of this work — the chapter devoted to the Bench and Bar of the 
 
534 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 county. In 1799 Major Royce built the first frame house erected in 
 Berkshire, upon which occasion, it is said, all the male population of the 
 town were present. Elihu Marvin Royce, son of Major Stephen, was 
 born in Berkshire, July 19, 1793, being the first white child born in the 
 settlement. He married Sophronia Parker, daughter of Rev. James 
 Parker, by whom he had three children, one of whom became chief 
 judge of the Supreme Court of the state of Vermont, and a biographical 
 sketch of whose life will also be found in the Bench and Bar chapter of 
 this volume. Stephen Royce, the son of Major Stephen, never married ; 
 he died in Berkshire, November 11, 1868. Judge Homer E. Royce, of 
 St. Albans, still owns the old homestead and farm, and it becomes his 
 great pleasure to visit the old place as frequently as possible, for around 
 the old home still cluster a wealth of fond recollections and tender 
 memories. 
 
 Elam Jewett was also one of the pioneers of Berkshire, having come 
 to the town from Addison county during the year 1795. In his family 
 were four sons, two of whom came with their parents and the other two 
 a little later. All grew to be enterprising, industrious men, and contrib- 
 uted not a little to the building up of the town. 
 
 About the same time there also came four brothers, Hiram, An- 
 drew, Francis, and John B. Rublee, who settled in different parts of the 
 town, and soon were reckoned among the leading men of the commu- 
 nity. They were not only industrious and successful men, but as well 
 men of undoubted worth and integrity of character ; and these traits 
 were inherited by their descendants and handed down from one genera- 
 tion to another, even to the present day. The surname Rublee is still 
 represented in this and other towns of the county, nearly all of whom 
 are descended from the same paternal stock. 
 
 About the beginning of the present century there appears to have 
 been a considerable influx of settlers, among whom were the five broth- 
 ers of the prominent family surnamed Stone. The brothers were John, 
 Samuel, Benjamin, George W., and James, the first named of whom set- 
 tled in the west part of the town, while the others took up lands in the 
 Missisquoi Valley or its vicinity. John Stone became familiarly known 
 as Elder Stone, from his connection with the early Baptists' meetings in 
 the town, he not infrequently officiating as minister. In the same pe- 
 
Town of Berkshire. 535 
 
 riod, or about 1800, Oliver Austin came to Berkshire; and about the 
 same time also came the family of Deacon William Samson, who settled 
 on the highland northeast from East Berkshire. Soon after his settle- 
 ment there came his two brothers,*Thomas and Jonathan Samson, who 
 settled in the same neighborhood. This family is still represented in 
 the town, and one at least of the present generation of them is promi- 
 nently identified with the manufacturing interests of Berkshire, for ac- 
 count of which see personal sketches of that town. 
 
 The surname Chaffee stands for pioneership in Berkshire, the first set- 
 tler of the name having been Comfort Chaffee, who came from Claren- 
 don, Vt., in 1803 or '04 and settled in the northwest part of the town. 
 The town now has a number of the descendants of this pioneer, there 
 being among them some of the foremost men of the locality, both in 
 this and the adjoining town of Enosburgh. 
 
 John Lewis was another of the pioneers of Berkshire, having come 
 from New Haven, Conn., about or soon after the year 1800, and located 
 near the center of the town. He, too, left descendants, some of whom 
 have become numbered among the leading business men of the county. 
 The pioneer himself achieved honor through his service during the War 
 of 1812— 15, he having been in the battle of Plattsburgh. Josiah Wheeler, 
 Theopolis Bond, and John Gaines also came to the town about the year 
 1800. Robert Anderson, the pioneer of a thrifty family of descendants, 
 came about 1814; Harrison Brown in 1813, William Larrabee, a vet- 
 eran of the Revolution, in 1806, and Silas Stowe in 18 19. 
 
 Nathan Hamilton was one of the early residents of the town ; he settled 
 in the east part and was the local boot and shoemaker, and a successful 
 farmer as well. None of this family surname are now dwellers in the 
 town, but the name is represented by substantial descendants in Rich- 
 ford and in Enosburgh. Also in connection with the early settlers there 
 may be mentioned the name of Abel Johnson, who built the mills at 
 West Berkshire as early as the year 1800; he was also justice of the peace 
 and town representative at an early date. David Brewer and Asa Sykes, 
 brothers-in-law, were in the town at an early day, as was also Mar- 
 tin D. Follett, who became one of the leading men of the county. 
 Chester Weld came to Berkshire in 1800, or earlier, and settled near the 
 center. He was one of the early town clerks, likewise proprietors' clerk 
 
536 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 and collector of taxes. His wife was a Comings, and her settlement 
 with her husband was the occasion of the coming to the town of her 
 brothers, Samuel and Andrew. From these have sprung the substan- 
 tial families and representatives of the Comings' surname in this and ad- 
 joining towns. Ezekiel Pond, Samuel Todd, John Perley, Dolphus 
 Paul, David Coburn, Augustus Crampton, John M. Woodworth, Pennel 
 Leavens, Robert Noble, Elijah Shaw, Harvey Clark, Aaron Chaplin, 
 Reuben Rounds, and Cromwell Bowen were also early settlers in Berk- 
 shire, and each in his own way and by his descendants helped to build 
 up, populate, and improve the locality, making Berkshire what it many 
 years ago became and to-day is — the foremost of the agricultural towns 
 of Franklin county, and one of the best in the entire state. 
 
 From the location of Berkshire, being in the northeastern portion of 
 the county, the people here were not seriously disturbed by the events 
 that retarded settlement in some of the other localities, which troubles 
 were brought about by maintenance of armed British troops on the fron- 
 tier. To be sure this was and is a frontier town, and during the period of 
 its early history the people here had the most friendly relation with those 
 of the province on the north ; and when the embargo laws were put 
 into operation and enforced the inhabitants were adversely affected and 
 suffered much of inconvenience, and on occasion did not hesitate to ex- 
 claim emphatically against the action of the state and Federal authori- 
 ties in depriving them of what they believed to be their just rights, and 
 the sending of an armed force of troops to prevent them from carrying 
 on trade with the province people. And during the period of the War 
 of i8 12- IS there existed here the same loyal spirit as was shown by some 
 of the pioneers of the Revolution who afterwards came and settled in 
 the town. During this war, the second against Great Britain, the town 
 had its organized militia ; and it had, too, that branch of the body of 
 state troops which were known everywhere by the undignified name of 
 "flood-wood," being so called from the fact that they were not fully 
 uniformed, armed, and equipped. The great event in the region of 
 Northern Vermont during this war was the battle of Plattsburgh, and in 
 that event there were known to have participated at least six men from 
 this town, whose names have been preserved. These were Captain Elias 
 Babcock, Sergeant Scott McKinney, and privates Amos Chadwick, 
 Samuel White, L. Hapgood, and Daniel Foster. 
 
Town of Berkshire. 537 
 
 Followiag the war the town of Berkshire entered upon an era of peace 
 not hitherto enjoyed by its inhabitants during the period of its early his- 
 tory. Every important interest that could add to the prosperity and 
 well being of the people was industriously cultivated and developed, 
 and Berkshire soon became known as the leading agricultural town of 
 Franklin county. In the eastern part the Missisquoi had its course, 
 which stream with but little expenditure might have been made to fur- 
 nish an abundant water-power, but by diverting its waters to manufac- 
 turing uses there would have been created, possibly, an injury to other 
 privileges, both above and below, and therefore no attempt has ever 
 been made in this direction in the town; in fact Berkshire has ever been 
 known to possess such extraordinary natural advantages in character 
 and quality of soil that agricultural pursuits have been sufficient to bring 
 rich returns for the labor of the farmer, without hazard of losing by 
 competition or the multitude of other dangers which are liable to effect 
 manufacturing enterprises. 
 
 In the town from the close of the second war with Great Britain there 
 appears not to have occurred any event that disturbed the peace and 
 prosperity of the people until the outbreak of the Rebellion in 1861. 
 In 1837-39, during the period of disturbance occasioned by the abortive 
 attempt on the part of certain adventurous Frenchmen, there appears 
 not to have been any uneasiness in this locality, and there was no inva- 
 sion of the province from this point, hence nothing to excite more than 
 an amused interest in what was transpiring on the border in the towns 
 farther west. And following the war of 1861-65, during the so-called 
 Fenian raid occurrences, the people of this town felt a great interest in 
 what was taking, place on the frontier, and particularly in the events in 
 Franklin, where the vagrant *' army " was quartered for a night, to 
 which place many Berkshire people then made a visit and enjoyed the 
 pleasure the occasion afforded. 
 
 But during the war of 1861-65 the town made its best record, for 
 there were in control of the affairs at that time men of judgment, men 
 of courage and patriotism, who were able to understand the extremities 
 of the period, and thoroughly competent to meet every emergency as it 
 was presented. By the census enumeration of the year i860 Berkshire 
 was found to contain an aggregate population of 1,890 persons, while in 
 
538 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 1870 the number was found to have fallen to 1,609; therefore it is fair 
 to assume that the number of souls in the town during the last two 
 years of the war could not have exceeded 1,700. Notwithstanding this 
 the town is credited with having furnished a total of 151 men, or nearly 
 nine per cent, of its entire population. Of this aggregate 136 actually 
 entered the service, while the records show that but' four were drafted. 
 Four men from the town were killed in action, twenty died of wounds 
 and disease, and sixteen others were discharged for wounds or disability. 
 Sixteen also are charged with desertion, but this may be fully ac- 
 counted for in the fact that many persons came from the Canadian prov- 
 ince into the town to enlist, being tempted and attracted by the liberal 
 bounty offered by the local authorities; and after enlistment and receiv- 
 ing the bounty money they fled beyond the jurisdiction of the civil and 
 military authorities of the state. A preceding chapter of the present vol- 
 ume is devoted to the services of the volunteers from this and the other 
 towns of the county, in which will be found a full record of their deeds, 
 and as well a full roll of the names of those who entered the service. 
 
 The town of Berkshire, as at present situated, contains three villages 
 or trading centers, each of which is almost as old as the town itself, so 
 far as occupancy is concerned, and each of which was founded by rea- 
 son of the necessities of the early inhabitants. These are respectively 
 known by the names of Berkshire, in the center of the town ; West 
 Berkshire, in the northwest part, and near the Franklin line ; and East 
 Berkshire, in the southeast locality of the town, on the Missisquoi River 
 and the railroad bearing the same name. 
 
 Berkshire Center or Berkshire, the central village, is the seat of gov- 
 ernment of the town, the town clerk's office being located at the place. 
 The public buildings of the hamlet are the school of old district No. 4 
 and a church edifice, built originally as a union meeting-house, but now 
 occupied chiefly by the Baptist society. The village itself contains not 
 more than a dozen or fifteen houses, but is a post station, being reached 
 by mail stage running from the railroad in Enosburgh. The village is 
 situated in the center of a rich farming region, and its stores are patron- 
 ized by the people of this particular locality. The business interests 
 here are few, there being but two merchants— W. B. Jolley and S. I. 
 Sweet— and the customary shops that find an abiding place in such lo- 
 
Town of Berkshire. 539 
 
 calities. The people of the locahty who contributed to the building of 
 the meeting-house at the Center were of the Universalist, Baptist, and 
 Methodist denominations, but later years have worked such changes in 
 these societies that two of them have discontinued their gatherings here, 
 leaving the building in the possession of the Baptist society, and under 
 the pastoral charge of Rev. W. G. Scofield. 
 
 IVesi Berkshire is a small hamlet situated in the northwest part of the 
 town, a little larger than the Center village, and drawing its trade from 
 Franklin as well as from this town, and a very small patronage from the 
 province. Its institutions are a school and Methodist Episcopal church ; 
 it also is the home of Dr. G. S. Goodrich, one of the two physicians of 
 the town of Berkshire. The principal business interests are the mer- 
 cantile stores of John Jolley and W. P. Andrews, and the harncFS 
 factory of C. R. Elrich. Methodism in Berkshire dates back to the 
 early years of the present century, but the organization of the society 
 at West Berkshire was not completed until about 1845, and the meet- 
 ing-house is of later erection. The early meetings were held wherever 
 was most convenient : in schools, dwellings, and, in suitable seasons, in 
 the open air. The present society found increased strength in the ac- 
 quisition of membership from the Center society. The West Berkshire 
 charge is now in the pastoral care of Rev. W. C. Robinson. 
 
 East Berkshire is a clean, pretty little village situated in the south- 
 east part of the town, on the Missisquoi River, and on the line of the 
 Missisquoi Valley Railroad. From the latter the village has derived 
 its greatest importance. Within the limits of the village proper, al- 
 though it has no corporate existence independent of the town, are 
 several stores, two churches, a school, two factories, hotel, and a num- 
 ber of excellent dweUing houses, the homes of some of the most promi- 
 nent men in the county. The merchants are Kiles A. Paul, A. W. 
 Rublee & Son, and H. A. Pond. The manufacturing industries are the 
 horse- power and churn factory of William Samson & Co. and the har- 
 ness factory of Merritt Stone. 
 
 Calvary Episcopal ChiLrch, of East Berkshire, was organized as a par- 
 ish as early as 18 18, at a meeting of church people held at the house of 
 Dr. Titus Samson, but it was not until 1822 that the first church edifice 
 was built. Rev. Jordon Gray is said to have been the first rector, fol- 
 
S40 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 lowed, in succession, by Revs. Richard Peck, Louis McDonald, Rev. 
 Obear, Rev. Cull, E. H. Sayles, and Moore Bingham, all of whom were 
 connected with the church prior to 1850. The present rector is Rev. J. 
 Tragitt. The church services are now held in the substantial edifice 
 that was built to replace the old wooden structure in 1873. 
 
 The East Berkshire Congregational Church owes its organization to 
 the labors of the celebrated Rev. Benjamin Wooster, who was promi- 
 nently associated with the military operations in the region during the 
 period of the War of 18 12 ; and otherwise he was closely identified with 
 the work of the church in Northern Vermont. " Parson " Wooster or- 
 ganized the Congregational society here in 1820, while Rev. Phineas 
 Bailey was the first permanent pastor, his services as such commencing 
 about 1822 or 1823. Succeeding Mr. Bailey the next pastor was E. W. 
 Kellogg ; the third. Rev. Mr. Birge, then John Gleed, Preston Taylor, 
 Phineas Bailey again, Waters Warren, and Elam J. Comings, the latter a 
 native of Berkshire. The present pastor is Rev. George W. Pierce. 
 The first church edifice of this society was built in 1822, and was occu- 
 pied until i860, at which time the present house of worship was erected. 
 
 Schools. — The subject of establishing a school in the town was first 
 discussed by the pioneers during the closing years of the last century, 
 but it is understood that the first school was opened about the year 
 1800. From that until the present time there have been such frequent 
 changes in the number and boundaries of the districts that to follow 
 them would indeed be difficult. Almost with each decade, especially 
 during the first half of the present century during the period of the 
 town's greatest and most rapid growth in population, changes were made 
 in the districts of the town, constantly increasing in number and there- 
 fore decreasing in size. In 1890 the town had thirteen districts oper- 
 ated and supported on the " district" plan as distinguished from the 
 "town" plan; and for these thirteen districts are employed ten teachers. 
 The annual expenditure for the maintenance of the town's schools 
 amounts to $2,235.23, that being the exact amount for the current year, 
 but it may deviate slightly from other years. 
 
 Town Representatives from Berkshire. — Stephen Royce, 1796, 1798- 
 1800; Abel Johnson, 1801-02 ; Amherst Willoughby, 1803; Elam 
 Jewett, jr., 1804; Stephen Royce, 1805; Elijah Littlefield, 1806; Elam 
 
Town of Fletcher. 541 
 
 Jewett, jr., 1807; Elijah Shaw, 1808; Elijah Littlefield, 1809; Solomon 
 Bingham, jr., 1810-11; William Hamilton, 1813; William C. Ellsworth, 
 1814; Harvey Clark, 1815-16; Amherst Willoughby, 1817; Harvey 
 Clark, 1818; Nathan Hamilton, 18 19; WiUiam C. Ellsworth, 1820-21, 
 Fennel Leavens, 1822; George W. Wood worth, 1823-24; Cromwell 
 Bowen, 1825; Brainerd Bradley, 1826; Cromwell Bowen, 1827-28; 
 William C. Ellsworth, 1829-30; Nathan Hamilton, 1831-33; Mitchel C. 
 Stone, 1834-35 ; John S. Webster, 1836-37; Joseph Smith, 1838-39; 
 Nathan Hamilton, 1840-41; Joseph Smith, 1842; Henry FoUett, 1843; 
 Elias Babcock, 1844; Arza Andrus, 1845; Homer E. Royce, 1846- 
 47; Paschal P. Leavens, 1849-50; William S. Rublee, 1851-52; B. B. 
 Smith, 1855 ; L. M. Hart, 1857-58; S. B. S. Marvin, 1859-60; Hiram 
 Darling, 1 861; Homer E. Royce, 1862; Hiram DarUng, 1863 ; George 
 C.Ellsworth, 1864-65; James R. Stone, 1866-67; G.S.Goodrich, 
 1868-69; E.A.Hull, 1870; Henry Ladd, 1872; Henry Comings, 
 1874; H. E. Wheeler, 1876; Daniel Moren, 1878; L. C. Leavens, 
 1880; A. P. Pond, 1882; Spencer Stanhope, 1884; Joseph Yaw, 1886, 
 S. G. Marvin, 1888; Kiles A. Paul, 1890. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVni. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF FLETCHER. 
 
 FLETCHER was chartered August 20, 1 781, by Thomas Chittenden, 
 governor of Vermont, to Nathaniel Brush, David Avery, Rufus 
 Montague, and others, none of whom ever resided in town except the 
 last named. It is bounded on the west by Fairfax , north by Fairfield 
 and Bakersfield, east by Waterville and Cambridge, and south by La- 
 moille Kiver, the south end being quite narrow. The estimated area is 
 24,040 acres. In 1786 Benjamin Fassett surveyed the first division of lots, 
 and in 1789 the second division was surveyed by John Safford. 
 
 The soil of the town of Fletcher is varied, and is well watered by 
 numerous streams, the principal ones being Lamoille River and Stone's 
 
542 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Brook, the latter of which rises in the northern part of the town and 
 flows a southwesterly course into Fairfax. The river farms and some 
 parts of East Fletcher have good interval land, but the greater portion 
 is hilly and in places even mountainous. 
 
 In the northern part of the town, nestled among the hills, lies Metcalf 
 Pond, one mile in length by half a mile in width, and in some parts of 
 great depth. Its outlet is at the southern end, forming Dead Creek, which 
 flows a devious course through Cambridge, again through Fletcher, and 
 empties into Missisquoi River. A mile north of the Center lies a body 
 of water half a mile long by a quarter of a mile in width, crescent-shaped, 
 and for that reason called Half-Moon Pond. Its waters flow easterly 
 into Stone's Brook. Except Lamoille River, on the south, the streams 
 are all small, and there has never been a covered bridge in town. 
 
 Fletcher was organized March i6, 1790, with these town ofiiccrs : 
 Elisha Woodworth, clerk; Elijah Daily, constable; Peter Thurston, 
 Lemuel Scott, and Elijah Daily, selectmen. Levi Comstock, chosen in 
 1 795) was the first justice of the peace, and Daniel Bailey, elected in 
 1797, was the first representative in the legislature. 
 
 John Fullington, of Deerfield, N. H., began the first clearing in 
 town on the river farm now owned by Mrs. Helen Freeman Lee, in the 
 year 1787 or '88. Mr. Fullington put up a shanty and returned to 
 Deerfield, N. H., for his wife and four children. They had one horse to 
 ride and one cow to drive. Marked trees served as guides through the 
 wilderness. Two men who had land in the southeast part of Fairfax 
 were with them. Within the limits of Johnson they encamped for the 
 night near the banks of the Lamoille. Here Mr. Fullington found a 
 patch of turnips and improvidently ate one raw, which produced a se- 
 vere attack of bilious colic, and caused his death in a few hours. Next 
 day he was buried by his companions in a rude coffin improvised from 
 a hollow log. Mrs. Fullington and little ones proceeded down the river 
 to the home provided for them, and here the widow became the mother 
 of the first white child born in town, and named her Lamoille, from the 
 river. When grown she married John H. Law and lived in Cambridge, 
 where she died July, 1880, over ninety years of age. Mrs. Fullington 
 became the wife of Elisha Woodworth, and died in Fletcher of small- 
 pox at the age of ninety-five years. 
 
Town of Fletcher. 543 
 
 Lemuel Scott was the next settler. He came from Bennington in 
 1789, bringing his wife and one child on a sled drawn by a yoke of 
 steers. From Burlington he found his way by marked trees. He set- 
 tled on the farm now owned and occupied by Horace and D. H. Chap- 
 man. His children were Jonathan, Lemuel, — the first white male child 
 born in town, — Seth, Levi, Emily, Abigail, Anna, Jefferson, and Wait. 
 Some of his descendants still live here, George M. and Henry W. 
 Scott being his grandsons. 
 
 Deacon Peter Thurston came next and settled on the south side of 
 Lamoille River, on what is known as the Bishop farm. This farm and 
 two others, contained in a gore of land on -the south side of the river, 
 were annexed to Cambridge by an act of the legislature in 1845. Mr. 
 Thurston was one of the first selectmen, and in 1792 was constable. 
 
 Elijah Daily came about the same time and settled on the farm now 
 owned and occupied by O. G. Carpenter. He was the first constable. 
 
 Elias Blair, Reuben Armstrong, John Kinsley, Samuel Church, Sam- 
 uel Church, jr., Joseph and James Robinson, and Dewey Nichols, all of 
 Bennington, came here in 1795 and settled as follows: Elias Blair on 
 the farm now owned and occupied by his grandson, Noel B. Blair ; 
 Reuben Armstrong on the farm now owned and occupied by his grand- 
 son and namesake, and the last one of the Armstrong descendants left 
 in town ; John Kinsley on the farm just east, owned and occupied by 
 John Brush; the two Churches, father and son, on the farm now owned 
 and occupied by Abial Wetherby, a grandson by marriage, — Nelson W. 
 Church, a grandson of Samuel Church, jr., lives at the Center, and Les- 
 lie J., a great-grandson, lives on a farm cut off from the original Church 
 farm ; Joseph Robinson on the farm now owned and occupied by his 
 only son, Demas, and grandsons, Henry and George; James Robinson 
 on the farm now owned and occupied by Cephas Carpenter; and Dewey 
 Nichols on land now owned by E. K. Montague. Excepting Kinsley 
 and Armstrong, these men all settled at or near the Center. 
 
 Another John Kinsley came from Bennington about the same time, 
 and settled on the farm now owned and occupied by George E. Robin- 
 son. 
 
 Daniel Bailey came with his family from Weare, N. H., in March, 
 1795, and settled in the northern part of the town. His children were 
 
544 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Haynes, Jonathan, Nathan, Achsah, Philip, Betsey, Sally, and Polly. 
 The men became prominent in town affairs, and were large land owners. 
 Daniel Bailey died in 1832, aged eighty-four years. Of his once num- 
 erous posterity residing in town there is not one male descendant left, 
 and only one farm is owned by any of his male descendants. R. W. 
 Bailey, who died in 1889, had for some time been the last of the family 
 name, and was postmaster from 1861 to 1885. 
 
 George King, sr, Joseph and Nathan Holmes, Michael and Jonathan 
 George, Daniel Gregory, and Peter and Cyrus Danforth were the first 
 settlers of school district No. 4, in the western part of the town near 
 Buck Hollow. For several years there was no school-house in the dis- 
 trict, and the school was kept in private families until a building could 
 be erected. Now, for lack of scholars, there has been no school kept 
 for several years. This district has since furnished eleven teachers, four 
 being graduates. Elias Bellows Holmes graduated from Rockport, 
 N. Y., and has since been a member of Congress from that state. Jo- 
 seph Holmes and two sisters graduated from Bakersfield Academy. 
 This district has fine farms, houses and barns, large dairies, and sugar 
 orchards. Hiram Danforth, only son of Cyrus Danforth, married a 
 daughter of George King, sr., and still lives upon the old homestead. 
 J. B. King, son of George King, sr., lives in comfort near the old home 
 where he first saw the light. 
 
 Elias Bingham, born at Windham, Conn., came here with his wife and 
 three children in August, 1809, and settled near what is now called 
 Binghamville. His children were as follows: Betsey, Nathan R., Royal 
 Tyler, W. H. H., Andrew J., Benjamin F., Huldah C, Martha, and 
 Elias, jr., and twins who died in infancy. Betsey married Medad R. 
 Parsons, and lived in the same neighborhood where she was reared until 
 her death, March 5, 1881, aged seventy-five years. She was a woman 
 who lived only to study how she might be useful to others, and conduce 
 to the comfort of her family. She was ever doing for the poor and 
 those who could not recompense her. Five of the six boys located near 
 their father for a time, hence the name Binghamville. Later one went 
 West and another died. This family were all prominent in town affairs, 
 and some of them held offices outside the town. Nathan R. and R. T. 
 still live a't Binghamville at an advanced age. 
 
Town of Fletcher. 545 
 
 Lemuel Chapman, of Rutland county, was an early settler here, locat- 
 ing on a farm just south of the one now occupied by his son, Horace. 
 
 James Lamb came on foot to this town from Townshend in 1820, his 
 capital in cash being only fifty cents. He was twice married, and accum- 
 ulated a good property. Of his six children but one is now left, Andrew, 
 who lives at Binghamville and has in his possession a cane used by his 
 father in his pedestrian journey to Fletcher. 
 
 Joseph Ellsworth was among the early settlers, locating in the western 
 part of the town. He had a family of six sons and two daughters. 
 Three of his sons married daughters of Ellas Blair, sr., and all settled on 
 farms near their father, excepting the oldest and youngest. 
 
 Zerah Willoughby represented Fletcher in the General Assembly in 
 1818, '20, '22, and '23, and in the Constitutional Convention of 1822. 
 He was assistant judge of Franklin county in 1801-06, 1813, 1814, 
 1818-21, and 1822-23, and chief judge in 1824-25; councilor in 1808 
 and 1 8 14; and was a farmer, merchant, and landlord. 
 
 Royal Tyler, son of Elias Bingham, was born August 10, 1810. He 
 filled various offices: was town treasurer for thirty years; represented 
 the town in the legislature in 1858-59; and was assistant judge in 
 Franklin County Court in, 1862 and 1863. 
 
 Ecclesiastical. — The first religious interest manifest in town was in 
 the winter of 18 17. The following spring Joseph Wilcox, living in the 
 southeast part of Fairfax, began meetings and preached once in two 
 weeks for a year at the Center school-house. A Baptist church, of 
 nine members, was organized July 5,1817. In 1830 a temperance so- 
 ciety was organized, causing a division of the church, Elder Ephraim 
 Butler, of Fairfax, opposing the society. Rev. C. W. Babcock, of West- 
 ford, came, and finding the difficulty could not be settled the church 
 was disorganized April 12, 1845. Total membership, 98. James Rob- 
 inson served as clerk and deacon during its whole existence. June 26, 
 1846, another Baptist church was formed of members of the old church. 
 Alvah Chase was chosen clerk, followed by Willis D. Leach in 1852, 
 and he by L. B. Elliot in 1871. James Robinson was appointed deacon 
 and served until his death in 1858, at the age of seventy-seven. Willis 
 D. Leach was then appointed deacon and served until 1871, when Josiah 
 White was appointed He died in 1 880, aged eighty years. L. B. Elliot 
 was appointed deacon in 1890. 
 
 69 
 
546 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 A Congregational church was organized January 8, 1826, composed 
 of some of the best families in town. Three different ministers preached 
 to them one- fourth of the time for a few years, but the society is long 
 since extinct. 
 
 In 1850 three former members formed a Methodist class, and from 
 this small beginning of three sprang the present church, the largest in 
 town. The society owns a neat and tasty parsonage, built at Bingham-- 
 ville in the summer of 1890, on land donated by R. T. Bingham, and 
 near his own residence. 
 
 A Freewill Baptist church was organized in the summer of 185 i, with 
 John Smith as deacon. Its death came soon after. 
 
 A Union church, the beauty of which was freedom from creeds, 
 covenants, and sectarianism, was organized here in 1833, by Rev. Mr. 
 Truair, a former Congregational minister. If was formed mostly of 
 members of the Congregational church, and was short-lived indeed. 
 
 Physicians. — The first physician to locate in Fletcher was Sanford 
 Emery in 1827. He was followed by Drs. Swain, Hatch, and John- 
 son until 1838, when Dr. Cassander Ide came and remained three years. 
 Then followed Drs. Drew, Benedict, and Andrew Parsons. In 1849 
 C. F. Hawley began practice and married here.; he remained nine years, 
 and then removed to Fairfax. Dr. Andrews, from Massachusetts, next 
 came, but was soon succeeded by Sylvester Wilson, of Fairfax, who 
 died April 6, 1866, when Enoch W. Kent, of Fan ton, began practice 
 here and remained one year. Darwin H. Roberts, homoeopathist, of 
 Underbill, came and stayed four years. In 1871 Melburn, S. Briggs left 
 North Hyde Park after a short practice and came here. He had an in- 
 creasing business, both in this and adjoining townSj being eminently 
 successful in acute and some chronic diseases. Dr. Briggs moved to 
 Nebraska in September, 1885. Dr. D. C. Downing, an excellent young 
 man and able physician, came next, stayed one year, then left, and is now 
 city physician of Manchester, N. H. H. E. Bogue, M.D., next came, 
 stayed eight months, and moved to New Haven. The present physi- 
 cian. Dr. W. R. Morrow, has been here but a short time. 
 
 Six of Fletcher's sons have acquired the title of M.D., and six more 
 have been admitted to the bar, but no one of the legal profession ever 
 located in town. 
 
Town of Fletcher. 547 
 
 MercAanis. —]era.h Willoughby opened the first store in town in 1820. 
 It was kept in his dwelling house on the farm now owned by O. G. Car- 
 penter. He kept a tavern in the same house, which was known to trav- 
 elers as the Willoughby House. In those days the travel through La- 
 moille Valley was all on the road which was early made on the north 
 side of the river. To-day nearly all such travel is on the south side of 
 the river, or through another part of Fletcher. 
 
 Levi Carlton and Lucas Lathrop opened a small store at the Center 
 in 1825. This was kept later by Hiram Hopkins, Horton & Armington, 
 Martin Armstrong, and Safford Scott. 
 
 M. P. Blair built the store now occupied by J. & J. M. Robinson in 
 1837. I" 1842 0^1 ^""^ ^'^ ^°"' ^- ^- Safiford, began trade there. Oel 
 died in 1861, but his son continued the business until 1871, when he 
 sold out to P. O. Wetherbee and opened a wholesale store in Burling- 
 ton, where he died in 1889. He was a man of fine intellect, but gave 
 himself wholly to business, in which he showed great acumen. He was 
 reported to have saved about $70,000 while in Fletcher. He married 
 Fannie Effie Majors of this town. P. O. Wetherbee in turn sold out to 
 J. & J. M. Robinson, and the business is still kept up under this name. 
 
 Edgar M. Strait built a store where the postoffice is now kept, and 
 began trade in 1875, his family living in apartments over the store. In 
 November, 1882, his store, with most of its contents, household goods, 
 and wearing apparel, was burned. He went West and is now located in 
 Trinidad, Col. The store was rebuilt in 1884 by L. A. Blaisdell, of 
 Cambridge, who soon failed in business and went West. H. N. Gray, 
 of Cambridge, now stocks the store with feed, groceries, etc., and F. W. 
 Hitchcock, the present postmaster, attends to their sale, as did ex- Post- 
 master L. C. Lee. 
 
 EHas Blair, jr., built a store at Binghamville in 1852, but this was 
 converted into a dwelling house in 186 1. Lovell Putnam built another 
 store just opposite the former one at Binghamville in 1873- Not being 
 a great success this also was changed to a dwelling house. A small 
 feed and grocery store is kept at East Fletcher at the present time. 
 
 Mill sites are afforded in several places in town, but as the streams 
 are small few have been utilized, and these not extensively. Elisha 
 Woodworth built the first saw-mill on Stone's Brook where the present 
 
548 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 saw-mill stands. From 183 1 to 1884 R. T. Bingham was proprietor, when 
 he sold out to E. K. Lamb, the present owner. This mill has a circular 
 saw and does only custom work. 
 
 In 183 1 John and Jesse Carpenter, brothers, built a grist-mill on 
 Stone's Brook on the farm now owned and occupied by J. B. Leach and 
 sons, but the stream proved too small at that point, and the enterprise 
 was given up after they had received $100 bounty for building the first 
 grist-mill. Forty-five or fifty years ago there was a potato starch fac- 
 tory at the Center on the same stream. For several yeafs this factory 
 did a good business. 
 
 In 1885 Marco B. Hooper bought the sap bucket manufactory of 
 Chase Brothers, established at the village called the Center (though by 
 no means such geographically) about thirty years before, and has since 
 added a wheelwright, repair, and blacksmith shop. About one mile 
 east of the Center there was once a tannery which did a thriving busi- 
 ness and received a fair patronage. Forty-five years ago there was also 
 a tannery about twenty rods below Binghamville, run by Mr. Massey, 
 and later by Eli Bell. 
 
 Three years after the first settlement the town had a population of 
 forty-one. In 1800 it was increased to 200 and in 1820 there were 
 about 500 people living in town. 
 
 The principal industry of the inhabitants is dairying, stock raising, 
 and the making of maple sugar. The last named has become a fine art, 
 and most of the sugar orchards are now equipped with all the modern 
 conveniences and improvements, and are a source of large income to 
 their owners. The first postoffice was located at the Center in 1832, 
 Elias Blair, sr., being postmaster. The St. J. and L. C. R. R. extends 
 across the eastern part of the town with a station at East Fletcher. A 
 postoffice is kept in the same building, with Charles N. Morse as post- 
 master and station agent. 
 
 Personal Sketches.— Norman F. Wood, born in Fletcher, November 4, 
 1833, was an earnest scholar and teacher, attended school at Johnson, 
 married Sarah J. Leach, of Fletcher, and went to the state of Georgia 
 as teacher for four years'. Returning he attended the New Hampton 
 Institute at Fairfax, studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1859, and 
 located in Bakersfield. He was recruiting officer through the Rebellion, 
 
Town of Fletcher. 549 
 
 elected state's attorney in 1863, county senator in 1864, and died of con- 
 sumption April, 1865, aged thirty- one years. He left a young daugh- 
 ter who afterwards married Rev. H. Worthing, of Bakersfield. 
 
 Vernon D. Rood was born in Fletcher, April 20, 1842 ; educated in 
 the common schools and New Hampton Institute, Fairfax ; enlisted in 
 Company H, Second Vermont Volunteers, wounded at Savage Station, 
 taken to Libby prison, released on parole after four weeks, transferred to 
 Invalid Reserve Corps, and served as wardmaster. After the war he 
 studied medicine at the U. V. M. C, graduating in 1867. He was super- 
 intendent of public schools in Fletcher in 1865, and represented the town 
 in the legislature of 1867. He began the practice of medicine at North 
 Hyde Park in 1868, and removed to Anita, Iowa, in 1870. He built the 
 first drug store of the town, and was very prominent in its secular and 
 religious growth. Mr. Rood again removed, to San Diego, Cal., in 
 1886. He married Sarah C. Voorhees, of White House, N. J., June 26, 
 1868. 
 
 Leroy Monroe Bingham, born in Fletcher, April 10, 1845, was educated 
 in the common schools at Johnson, Stowe, and New Hampton Institute, 
 Fairfax. He enlisted in Company H, Second Vermont Volunteers, 
 when sixteen years of age, and served three years. He studied medicine 
 at tlie U. V. M. C, and with Dr. J. H. Richardson, of Winooski, receiv- 
 ing his diploma in June, 1870. He practiced medicine in Stowe four 
 years and removed to Burlington. In 1876 he was commissioned as- 
 sistant surgeon of the National Guards of Verhiont, promoted to sur- 
 geon in 1878, and surgeon-general with rank of brigadier-general in 
 1880. This last appointment was by Governor Farnham, Governor 
 Barstow re-appointing him in 1882. Dr. Bingham has served several 
 years as secretary of the Chittenden County Medical Society and is a 
 member of the Burlington Medical and Surgical Club, attending sur- 
 geon to the Mary Fletcher Hospital, and is one of the board of pension 
 examiners. He was demonstrator of anatomy in the Medical School at 
 Burlington from 1876 to '79, and instructor of anatomy and surgery in 
 tKe preparatory course of the same school for the same years. In 1882 
 he was elected to the presidency of the Vermont Medical Society. He 
 married Alma M. Edwards, of Norwich, Conn., February 22, 1871. 
 
 Military. — Fletcher ranks well among her sister towns in patriotism, 
 having furnished three commissioned officers and sixty-seven enlisted 
 
550 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 men during the late war. Of these, the eighth school district furnished 
 twenty, two of whom were first lieutenants and two more were promoted 
 to corporals. Two in the same district paid commutation money and one 
 hired a substitute. There were also many natives of Fletcher living else- 
 where who cheerfully enlisted. 
 
 The proprietors of Fletcher were obliged to pay eight pounds ten 
 shillings per right for their lands. In 1794 the town lines were changed 
 by an act of the legislature. In November, 1797, a land tax was levied 
 upon the town; also October 27 and 29, 1798, and October 30, 1804, an 
 assessment of two and a half cents per acre was made. In October, 
 1804, an assessment of three cents per acre was made for repairing the 
 post road leading through the town, not less than one-third or more than 
 one-half of the sum raised to be expended in repairs. Also in compli- 
 ance with a petition from Fletcher in October, 18 11, for land tax, two 
 cents per acre was levied. October 26, 1827, an assessment of four 
 cents on each acre was made. In November, 1831, the justices of the 
 peace for Fletcher were appointed by a joint committee of both houses 
 of the state legislature. 
 
 Fletcher has a remarkable natural curiosity in the form of a large 
 cave, having an entrance on a hillside just north of Metcalf Pond. The 
 entrance, near the base of the hill, is narrow but high ; quite level and 
 smooth for several rods, when an opening at the right leads^down twelve 
 feet into an apartment having a level floor, the room being twelve or 
 fifteen feet square. From this are openings into other apartments on 
 the same level, and others still lower down. But as it has never been 
 fully explored no minute idea of it can be given. It is supposed by 
 many that a fugitive from justice was once kept concealed in this cave 
 for several days, being supplied with food by friends. 
 
 Town Representatives.— D&melBaW&y, 1797; Lemuel Scott, 1798- 
 1803; John Wheeler, 1804; Lemuel Scott, 1805, 1808-09, 1811, 1813; 
 John Wheeler, 1806-07; Reuben Armstrong, 1810, 1815, 1817,' 1826; 
 Joseph Robinson, 1812; Nathan Holmes, 1814; Daniel Bailey, 1816' 
 Zerah Willoughby, 1818, 1820, 1822-23 ; Ira Scott, 1821 (refused to 
 serve), 1831 ; Elias Blair, sr., 1824-25; Elias Bingham, sr., 1827- 
 Ira Armstrong, 1828, 1830, 1833-34; Ira Scott, 1831; Guy Kinsley' 
 1832, 1835-36. 1850-51; John Kinsley, jr., 1837-38, 1840; Howard 
 
Town of Montgomery. 551 
 
 Watkins, 1839; Ebenezer Bailey. 1841 ; Joseph Ellsworth, 1842-43; Lu- 
 cas Holmes. 1844, 1846; Joseph King. 1847-48; none in 1849; Hor- 
 ace Stearns, 1853; Reuben Armstrong, 2cl, 1854-55; Luther Wells,. 
 1856-57, i860; R. T. Bingham. 1858-59; E. O. Safford, 1861-62; 
 AmosE. Parker, 1863-64; Loren Blaisdell, 1865-66; Vernon D. Rood, 
 1867; "Honest" John Kingsley, 1868-69; none in 1870; B. F. Bing- 
 ham. 1872; C. B. Parsons, 1874; Albert Parsons, 1876; Cephas Kings- 
 ley. 1878; Peter McGettrick, 1880; Elias Ellsworth, 1882; S. C. Shep- 
 ardson. 1884; John Brush. 1886; John Parsons, 1888; G. G. Taylor. 
 1890. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MONTGOMERY.' 
 
 THE town of Montgomery is situated in the northeastern part of 
 Franklin county, in latitude 44 degrees 52 minutes, and longitude 
 4 degrees 23 minutes. When first chartered it contained 23,040 acres, 
 or thirty-six square miles ; but in 1858 some 7,000 acres were added on 
 the south from the town of Lowell, in Orleans county, and Avery's 
 Gore, in Frahklin county, and it is now bounded north by Richford. 
 east by Westfield and Lowell in Orleans county, south by Avery's Gore 
 and Belvidere and Eden in Lamoille county, and west by Enosburgh 
 and Avery's Gore. The act of the legislature in 1858, setting portions 
 of the town of Lowell and Avery's Gore to the town of Montgomery, 
 was ratified by the voters of the towns of Montgomery and Lowell, 
 respectively, at their town meeting in March, 1859. The town was 
 not chartered until October. 1789, though it was granted March 13. 
 1780, to Stephen R. Bradley. Rev. Ezra Stiles, Rev. John Graham. 
 Rev. Daniel Farrand, Rev. Ammi R. Robbins. Rev. Judah Champion, 
 Rev. Abel Newel, Peter Starr, Rev. Hezekiah Gould, Rev. Noble Ever- 
 ett, Rev. Jonathan Edwards. Rev. Buckley Olcott, Rev. David Perry, 
 Rev. Joseph Strong, His Excellency Thomas Chittenden, William 
 Gould, Thomas Ives. Pierpont Edwards. Josiah Fowler, Moses Sey- 
 
 1 By Hon. O. N. Kelton. 
 
552 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 mour, Oliver Wolcott, Alexander Wolcott, Andrew Adams, jr., Nathan 
 Hart, William Burrell, Seth Smith, James Barlow, John A. Dibble, Eli- 
 jah Burr, Aaron Barlow, Seth Sheldon, Giles Pettibone, Comfort Sage, 
 Asa Smith, Jonas Fay, John Hurlburt, Nathaniel Gridley, Enos Mun- 
 son, Seth Lee, Elijah Hurlburt, Reuben Atwater, Russell Atwater, 
 Thaddeus Bradley, Ezra Stiles, jr., Isaac Stiles, Ebenezer Fisk, Solomon 
 Fisk, John Foot, John A. Foot, William L. Foot, Matthew Griswold, 
 John Tainter, Elisha Burton, Ebenezer Brewster, Sarah Fisk, Ruth Fisk, 
 Joshua Smith, Hannah Clark, Ira Allen, John Fassett, jr., together with 
 five equal shares to be disposed of for public uses in manner following: 
 One equal share for the benefit and use of a college within this state; 
 one full share for the use and benefit of county grammar schools 
 throughout this state ; one equal share for the first settled minister of 
 the gospel in said town ; one full share for the support of the ministry 
 in said town; and one full share for the benefit and support of an Eng- 
 lish school or schools in said town. 
 
 The conditions were that each proprietor of said town of Montgx)m- 
 ery, his heirs or assigns, should plant and cultivate five acres of land and 
 build a house at least eighteen feet square on the floor, or have one 
 family settled on each respective right or share of land in said town, 
 within the term of three years from the time the outlines of said town 
 were surveyed, on penalty of the forfeiture of each respective right of 
 land in said town, not so settled and improved as aforesaid,, and the 
 same to revert to the freemen of this state to be by their representatives 
 regranted to such persons as should appear to cultivate the same. When 
 surveyed the town was divided into three divisions, first, second, and 
 third, and each original proprietor given a lot in each division. The first 
 and second division lots were supposed to contain i6o acres each, while 
 those of the third division contained only about thirty- seven acres each. 
 
 The town is quite mountainous and broken, but a narrow and fertile 
 valley extends through the town from its northwest corner, running in 
 a southeasterly course, to the center of the town, thence nearly in a di- 
 rect southerly course to Avery's Gore. The terms North, East, and 
 West Hills, and Notch road are respectively used to designate certain 
 hilly and geographical portions of the town. The south branch of 
 Trout River rises in Avery's Gore, flows northerly to near the center 
 
Town of Montgomery. 553 
 
 of the town, where it unites with the east branch, which rises in the town 
 of Westfield, and flows thence in a northwesterly course and into Mis- 
 sisquoi River in Berkshire, some seven miles distant. The main tribu- 
 taries of Trout River are Mill Brook, flowing from North Hill and unit- 
 ing with it near Montgomery village, and South Brook, flowing from 
 West Hill and uniting with Trout River about a quarter of a mile below 
 the village. These streams in earlier days were abundantly supplied 
 with trout, though now very small and scarce. 
 
 The first permanent settler in the town of Montgomery was Captain 
 Joshua Clapp, a Revolutionary officer of respectability, who with his 
 family moved from Worcester county, Mass., in the spring of 1793. 
 He took up and settled upon a large tract of land lying on both sides 
 of Trout River; in the southwest portion of the town, and land now 
 owned by Alfred Combs, J. B. Martin, A. G. Watkins, F. F. Rawson, 
 W. S. Dingman, B. H. Fuller, Samuel Head, and P. J. Hayes. His first 
 house was of logs, near the bank of the river, on the farm now owned 
 by J. B. Martin, nearly southwest of his present dwelling. In this house 
 the first white child was born in town, and the first town meeting held. 
 The house now standing on this farm was the first frame house built in 
 town, and was erected by Captain Clapp, and is now in a good state of 
 preservation, being a two-story hip-roofed building of good size. In 
 about the year 1795 Hon. Samuel Bannard (a brother of the mother of 
 Captain Clapp), Reuben Clapp, and James Upham moved into town from 
 Massachusetts, and were the immediate successors of Captain Clapp, 
 with the exception of a man by the name of Collar, who came to town 
 and located on the farm now owned by John L. Clapp, on a hilly por- 
 tion east of J. L. Clapp's residence, and that locality is now designated 
 Collar Hill. He, however, remained only a short time. Judge Barnard 
 settled on the farm now owned by Charles P. Clapp ; Reuben Clapp on 
 the one now owned by John L. Clapp; and Mr. Upham on the farm now 
 owned by his grandson, James Upham ; which lasttwo farms have always 
 remained in the famihes of their respective descendants. Soon after this 
 date Stephen and Jonathan Gates, Seth, John, and Jockton Goodspeed, 
 Jonah and Zebulon Thomas, Daniel Barrows, Samuel Lusk, Jonahdab 
 Johnson, Robert Martin, and others, mainly from Massachusetts, moved 
 into town. There also came with Judge Barnard, as a servant in his 
 
 70 
 
554 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 family, a mulatto by the name of Sham Wood, a man of principle and 
 respectability. 
 
 July 27, 1802, a petition was drawn and presented to Jonathan Janes, 
 esq., a justice of the peace, calling on the inhabitants to meet and choose 
 town officers at such time and place as said justice should think proper. 
 This petition was signed by Joshua Clapp, James Upham, Samuel Bar- 
 nard, jr., Phineas Swan, Adonijah Pratt, Eli Barber, Elijah Earned, 
 Henry Marble, Levi Crook, Trajan Richmond, Shearjashub Goodspeed, 
 Stephen Gates, Jockton Goodspeed, Parsons Cook, and Shem Wood. 
 By direction of the said justice the freemen met at the dwelling house of 
 Joshua Clapp, at one o'clock in the afternoon on August 12, 1802, for 
 the purpose of choosing officers in pursuance of the petition. At said 
 time and place Jonathan Janes, esq., presided, and the following officers 
 were chosen: Samuel Barnard, town clerk; James Upham, Elijah Ear- 
 ned, and Stephen Gates, selectmen; Joshua Clapp, town treasurer; Tra- 
 jan Richmond, James Upham, Jockton Goodspeed, listers; Trajan 
 Richmond, constable. Of these early settlers Samuel Barnard, jr., was 
 a son of Samuel Barnard, and resided with him ; Phineas Swan settled 
 on the farm now owned by his grandson, Phineas B. Swan ; Eli Barber 
 came here and remained only a short time; Elijah Earned settled on 
 the farm now owned by Edward Pratt ; Henry Marble settled on the 
 farm now owned by George E. Clapp, and his first dwelling, a log house, 
 was located just below a large willow tree now standing on the bank of 
 Trout River, and where the river channel now flows. Eevi Crook settled 
 on what is known as the Parks farm. Stephen Gates settled on what is 
 now called the William Peck farm, owned by F. E. Goodspeed. Mr. 
 Gates was a carpenter and joiner, and built the large two-story man- 
 sion at East Berkshire, now owned by Hon. Homer E. Royce. Trajan 
 Richmond lived near the village, and gave the old burying-ground site 
 to the town, and was the first person buried in it, having been drowned 
 late in the year 1802. 
 
 The first freeman's meeting was held at the dwelling house of Reu- 
 ben Clapp, September 7, 1802, and sixteen votes were cast for state offi- 
 cers. At an adjourned meeting, held May 9, 1803, "The committee on 
 business of procuring a burying ground report in favor of a spot on 
 which Trajan Richmond was buried, to contain five rods, by four, which 
 
Town of Montgomery. 555 
 
 report was accepted. The town agreed to meet on the ground on the 
 2d Monday in June to clear the land," etc. The warning for the annual 
 town meeting for March 13, 1809, among other things contained the fol- 
 lowing article : " 6th. To inquire for what purpose a military force is sta- 
 tioned amongst us in time of peace, and to inquire by what authority 
 armed men are allowed to parade our streets in the night time, to break 
 open our houses, barns, etc., without the consent of the owners, and 
 without having a legal warrant for that purpose." 
 
 At said meeting Henry Marble, Joshua Clapp, and James Upham 
 were appointed a committee to prepare resolutions on said article, and 
 this committee prepared and submitted the following resolutions : 
 
 " Resolved, That it is the privilege as well as the duty of freemen at 
 all times candidly to examine the measures of government, that as our 
 rulers are responsible to the people if the people neglect to call them to 
 account, all responsibility ceases therefore, although we discard the idea 
 of legislating in town meeting, yet, in the present alarming state of our 
 national concerns, we consider it to be our duty publicly to express our 
 sentiments on the late measures of our national government, and that in 
 our opinion the late act to enforce the embargo, which was approved by 
 the President on the 9th of January last, is in its nature odious and op- 
 pressive, and its provisions are in direct violation of the Constitution of 
 the United States, and subversive of the rights and liberties of the citi- 
 zens of the Union ; that we can see no necessity for a standing army in 
 time of peace, so numerous and expensive as the one raised by the late 
 act of Congress. Large standing armies have been considered as the 
 bane of republics ; therefore, 
 
 "Resolved, That we highly approve of the firm, spirited, and digni- 
 fied sentiments which the senators and representatives of the minority 
 in Congress expressed on the passage of the bill, of which we feel con- 
 strained thus modestly to complain ; that while we are thus compelled 
 to express a want of confidence in the wisdom and impartiality of our 
 national government, we would discountenance every attempt to dis- 
 turb the public peace, and highly recommend all classes of people to 
 preserve tranquility, to support the Constitution, and cherish the union 
 of these United States, and only in a constitutional manner to seek re- 
 dress of their grievances, maintain and defend their liberty, and secure 
 
SS6 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 the blessings of independence so dearly bought and sealed with blood. 
 
 " Henry Marble, For Committee." 
 
 Article second of the warning for a town meeting December 6, 1811, 
 called at the dwelling house of James Upham, reads as follows: "To see 
 if the town will vote to pay the one cent tax granted by the legislature 
 for the use of schools, in grain or produce." At said meeting the fol- 
 lowing action was taken on said article : " Voted, That the one cent tax 
 may be paid in good, merchantable wheat or Indian corn, at the mar- 
 ket price, which shall be regulated by the selectmen in case of dispute." 
 
 We find the following record relating to a highway through Hazen's 
 Notch : 
 
 " This may certify that the committee appointed by the legislature 
 of the state of Vermont at their October session at Montpelier in A. D. 
 1820, to lay out and establish a market road from the mouth of Wells 
 River in Newbury, through the counties of Caledonia and Orleans to 
 the north line of Berkshire, have examined the present traveled road 
 through the town of Montgomery leading through Hazen's Notch by 
 Lusk's tavern, and Fassett's, Samuel Barnard's, and Henry N. Janes's, 
 and have established the same as a part of said market road, except a 
 small alteration on the Thomas Hill, so-called, beginning at a large 
 stump on east side of said hill, on the foot of the same the south side 
 of the present traveled road, from thence run north sixty-six degrees 
 west, twenty-two rods to a stake at top sd hill, north nineteen rods to 
 said traveled road. Said alteration is laid out four rods wide, with 
 the foregoing return in the center of the present traveled road against 
 said alteration hereby set over to the owner of the land took for said 
 alteration. 
 
 " Montgomery, June 23, 1821. "B. P. BALDWIN, ) „ 
 
 "James Mason, 5 '-°'"- 
 
 Before the advent of railroads in Northern Vermont this highway was 
 much used by the people of Northeastern Vermont in the winter season, 
 who transported their produce, butter, and cheese to Montreal, and 
 brought back on their return mainly salt and fish, which they received 
 in exchange for their produce at that market. It was over this road, 
 also, that the first mail route was established, and the mail was for many 
 years carried by an individual on horseback ; and the North Star, a 
 
Town of Montgomery. 557 
 
 weekly newspaper then printed at Danville, was about the only news 
 periodical taken by any of the citizens for some years, and even then only 
 a very few could afford the expense of that amount of reading matter. 
 
 The first highway that led into Montgomery village then ran from the 
 Samuel Head bridge, so called, easterly through the meadow and pas- 
 ture of C. P. Clapp ; thence past the present residence of J. L. Clapp to 
 the village. The first highway leading to West Hill, so called, crossed 
 the mill-pond in the village and led up the hill through the A. S. Sam- 
 son sugar place, and came out to the present road near the residence of 
 H. W. Watkins. Other roads have been changed materially from their 
 first survey, as they then invariably ran on the ridges or higher portions 
 of land to avoid wet and then impassable places. 
 
 Villages. — The town contains two small but very pretty villages of 
 about 250 inhabitants each: 
 
 Montgomery, a post village, is located in the northwest part of the 
 town, five miles from the railroad station at East Berkshire on the Mis- 
 sisquoi Railroad ; it contains two churches (Episcopal and Methodist), 
 two good country stores owned by C. S. Parker and J. M. Robb, a drug 
 store, tin shop, two blacksmith shops, one grist and two saw-mills, 
 and a bobbin factory. There was erected here the past season one of 
 the finest district school buildings to be found in Northern Vermont. 
 The main building is 32 x 64 feet, with a tower 12 x 20 projecting in 
 front. The lower floor contains two large, well-Hghted, commodious 
 school rooms, with a hallway between for hanging the scholars' outside 
 apparel. On the upper floor is a fine and commodious public hall. 
 There is a cellar under the entire building, with a good furnace to warm 
 the whole edifice. The whole was built at an expense of about $3,SOO, 
 and is an ornament as well as a credit to the village and school district. 
 
 Montgomery Center, a post village near the center of the town, con- 
 tains Congregational, Advent, Baptist, and Roman Catholic churches, 
 the last two having parsonages connected with them ; also two stores, 
 a good hotel, tin shop, grist-mill and saw-mill, and a good school build- 
 ing. There are also small villages about the butter tub factories of 
 WUliam H. Stiles & Co., J. C. Hutchins, and Goodspeed & Daigle, with 
 general stores to supply their employees. 
 
 There are no minerals or quarries of any material value in town, but 
 the hilly portions were heavily wooded with spruce timber so that lum- 
 
Ss8 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 bering and the manufacture of butter tubs form the chief industries of 
 the town at the present day. The manufacture of bobbins has recently 
 begun here, and bids fair to become a leading industry. 
 
 Manufactures. — The butter tub industry began to attract attention 
 in this town about the years 1842 to 1844, then being, figuratively 
 speaking, in its infancy, not only in this town and state, but in other 
 states as well ; and packages in which butter was transported to market 
 were crude, without uniformity and in scant supply, and second-hand 
 flour barrels and other loosely constructed receptacles were used for 
 storing and packing butter, when the weather was cool enough to admit 
 of it, and the 50 or lOO-pound firkin or hand-made shaved tub could 
 not be obtained from the cooper. The ash firkin and hand-made 
 spruce tub manufactured by the coopers in those days were not inferior 
 for practical use to the turned work that superceded it. Previous to 
 1844 sap buckets were manufactured in this town and elsewhere from 
 sawed staves, and in this town were so made by Joseph Hutchins and 
 Dudley Roberts in a building adjoining the old grist-mill at the village. 
 The staves, being matched by hand, were then set up in a truss hoop 
 thrust on a revolving drum, fitting the inside of the bucket, and smoothed 
 outside with a concave plane, and to a limited extent smoothed on the 
 inside with a convex hand plane. This, however, being a slow process, 
 and not up to the demand of the times and trade, the idea of making 
 buckets and butter tubs on the patent turned pail principle then in ex- 
 tensive use in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire was re- 
 garded as feasible, and the first persons to engage in the business on 
 that principle in this town, and probably in the state, were Asa Wheeler 
 and Joseph Hutchins, Mr. Hutchins being then a hand cooper and, as 
 he then expressed it, " tired of fishing with a pin hook." Mr. Wheeler 
 furnished the capital for this new departure, and Mr. Hutchins the mus- 
 cle and perseverance. The first skilled workman employed was Luther 
 Hendrix, who had previously been an employee in the patent wooden pail 
 business in Massachusetts. Their manufacturing plant was estabhshed 
 on the site now owned by A. W. Dow and utilized as a furniture manu- 
 factory. Their manufactory was scarcely completed when a disastrous 
 flood swept away their dam and seriously damaged their building. 
 About this time the senior member of this firm, Mr. Wheeler, died, and 
 
k\> 
 
 
 ^PcJk^^ 
 
Town of Montgomery. 559 
 
 but little if anything was done to repair damages till near the fall of 1845, 
 when Hutchins made an arrangement for the purchase of this property, 
 and Hon. William H. Stiles became associated with him in the business, 
 which they carried on for a few years, and established what was then con- 
 sidered quite an extensive business in the manufacture of butter tubs, sap 
 buckets, and cheese boxes. At that time the demand for these articles was 
 confined mainly to Franklin county and two or three of the border towns 
 in Canada. Messrs. Hutchins & Stiles were succeeded by Frederick 
 Hull and Charles Woodward, who carried on business for a few years 
 and were then succeeded by the Hendrix brothers, James Woodard, and 
 Ishmael Comstock, respectively. In 185 i, the demand for uniform and 
 clean looking spruce butter tub packages being decidedly on the in- 
 crease, other manufactories began to be established, not only in this 
 town, but in other sections of the country. Among those in this town 
 was one on the site of the factory now owned by J. C. Hutchins, which was 
 commenced by Hon. William H. Stiles in the fall of 1851, but not com- 
 pleted until the summer of 1852, when John D. Moore and Aaron Gates 
 became associated with Mr. Stiles in the business. Afterwards Joseph 
 Hutchins and J. B. Lumbra were partners with Mr. Stiles in the busi- 
 ness at this place. J. C. Hutchins, the present owner, bought this 
 property about the year 1866, and continued to run the business here 
 until 1876, or thereabouts, when his factory was burned. He immedi- 
 ately rebuilt, and has now one of the largest and best establishments of 
 the kind to be found. The products from this factory have always 
 sustained a reputation for first-class goods in the markets. This factory 
 has a capacity of making from 1,000 to 1,500 tubs per day. 
 
 The mill and butter tub factory at Montgomery Center, now owned 
 by the W. H. Stiles Co., was commenced in 1867 by N. W. Clapp and 
 S. S. Wilber. Mr. Clapp soon after died, and J. B. Lumbra became a 
 partner with Mr. Wilber in the business for a year or two, when Wilber 
 sold his interest to John Campbell, and they continued in business a 
 short time, when Lumbra sold his interest to Campbell and the latter 
 took in his son, H. W. Campbell, as partner, and the firm name then 
 became John Campbell & Son. Subsequently A. B. Nelson and A. G. 
 Bradish became members of the firm and the name was changed to 
 John Campbell & Co. In 1876 John Campbell sold his interest to 
 
S6o History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 F. M. Sherman, and the firm name was changed to Sherman, Bradish 
 & Co. In 1884 Sherman and Bradish sold their interests, and WiUiam 
 H. Stiles bought in and became a partner with Mr. Nelson, and the 
 nam.e of the firm was changed to William H. Stiles & Co., and so 
 remains, although Charles T. Hall is now a copartner in the concern. 
 This factory has been and now is among the leading butter tub factories 
 in the country, and for the past five years has kept three lathes in oper- 
 ation, each turning from 300 to 600 tubs daily. 
 
 The factory now occupied by F. L. Goodspeed and Hector Daigle 
 began the making of butter tubs about the year 1878, and was then 
 owned by J. B. Lumbra, who sold out in 1882 to his son Harvey and 
 son-in-law, A. A. Lepper. Mr. Lepper subsequently sold his interest to 
 Harvey Lumbra, who continued to operate the mill until June, 1888, 
 when a heavy freshet ruined the mill, and, in consequence, its owner 
 was unable to rebuild and sold out. The mill was again rebuilt in 1890, 
 refurnished with tub machinery, and is now doing a successful business. 
 
 Other parties have from time to time made butter tubs in town at 
 different places. For several years H. E. Lewis did a flourishing busi- 
 ness in this line at the mill in Montgomery village, but the three before 
 named are all that now continue the business. It is said that no town 
 in the state manufactures so large a number of tubs per year at the 
 present time as does this. 
 
 In the summer of 1888 the first shop for the manufacture of rough 
 bobbins, in the eastern part of this state, was established at Black Falls, 
 so called, in this town, by the firm name of J. E. Smith & Co. They 
 then put in seven turning and boring lathes, the capacity of which would 
 give two car-loads of stock per week. August 26, 1889, the factory was 
 burned, and without insurance. In the fall of the same year this factory 
 was rebuilt on a much larger scale, and with machinery for finishing 
 bobbins and spools added. In September, 1 889, the concern again began 
 making bobbins, and now has machinery and facilities for making bobbins 
 of every description, such as fly frame, slubber bobbins and skewers, quills, 
 quill filling, warper spools, twister spools, worsted filling, wool filling, etc. 
 The main shop is 50x90 feet, three stories high; /south wing 35 X40, three 
 stories; west wing 30x35, four stories; dry room 20x50, three stories; and 
 the north dry rooms 1 2 x 20, two stories high. The building is equipped 
 
Town of Montgomery. 561 
 
 with the Grinnell system of automatic sprinltlers (260 in number) for 
 protection against fire. This concern has almost an unlimited supply of 
 timber, having some 2,500 acres of heavily timbered lands in the imme- 
 diate vicinity of their mill, and will employ from 100 to 200 hands, and 
 are filling orders for various large factories at Providence, Pawtucket, 
 Fall River, and elsewhere. It will also manufacture spruce boards, and 
 clapboards, and other lumber. Their land and plant are valued at about 
 $100,000. 
 
 Jewett, Gilbert & Co., at Montgomery village, manufacture rough 
 bobbins and do an extensive business in building and dimension 
 lumber. 
 
 Jewett Brothers, on West Hill, do a good business in dimension and 
 building lumber. 
 
 Hiram Mofiatt manufactures largely clapboards and spruce lumber of 
 all kinds. 
 
 Currier & Lumbra manufacture at their mill, in the south part of the 
 town, spruce, hemlock, and hardwood lumber. 
 
 A. R. Gates, at Montgomery Center, does general custom sawing, 
 and manufactures lumber for domestic and foreign markets. 
 
 G. R. Wade manufactures spruce and hemlock shingles at his mill in 
 the east part of the town. 
 
 Some twenty men and teams are constantly required to haul the pro- 
 duct of these different mills to the railroad station at East Berkshire. 
 
 Town Clerks.— ^2.m\x€i Barnard, 1802 to May 26, 1804; Henry Mar- 
 ble, May 26, 1804, to 1 8 14, 1816-18; Rufus Smith, 1815, 1819-28; 
 Luther Martin, 1829-30; B. W. Fuller, 1831-49; Joshua Clapp, 1850- 
 78 ; O. N. Kelton, 1879 to present time. 
 
 Town Treasurers. — Joshua Clapp, 1802-10; Reuben Clapp, 181 1- 
 14; Richard Smith, 1816-17; Robert Martin, 1818-25; Luther Mar- 
 tin, 1826-48; L. W. Martin, 1849; Jonathan Gates, 1850; James Mar- 
 tin,' 1851-52; D. H. Bailey, 1853-54; O. L. Kelton, 1855-67; O. N. 
 Kelton, 1867, and continuously since. 
 
 Constables.— i:x2:]2.vv Richmond, 1802; James Upham, 1803 ; Eben- 
 ezer Cross, 1804-05; Rufus Smith, 1806-07 and '14; Ira Leavens, 1808; 
 Jonathan Kingsley, 1809; William Parks, 18 10; Richard Smith, 181 1-12 ; 
 Francis Barnard, 1813 ; Daniel Barrows, 1815 ; Henry N. Janes, 1816- 
 
 71 
 
$62 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 17; Luther Martin, 1818; S. B. Upham, 1819-27; Russell S. Marcy, 
 1828-32; James Martin, 1833; Henry H. Upham, 1834-36; Jonathan 
 Gates, 1837-46; A. S. Samson, 1847-56 ; William H. Stiles, 1857-59; 
 Charles C. Martin, 1860-67 ; George L. Clapp, 1867-74 ; Heman Hop- 
 kins, jr., 1875-77; B. H. Haile, 1878-80; H. O. Rowley, 1881-85; 
 A. R. Gates, 1886-87; H. W. Coburn, 1888-89; H. O. Rowley, 1890, 
 present incumbent. 
 
 Selectmen. — 1802-03, Joshua Clapp, James Upham, Stephen Gates. 
 1 804, Henry Marble, Joshua Clapp, James Upham. 1805, Joshua Clapp, 
 Henry Marble, Rufus Smith. 1 806, Joshua Clapp, Henry Marble, James 
 Upham. 1807, James Upham, Stephen Gates, SethGoodspeed. 1808, 
 James Upham, Seth Goodspeed, Henry Marble. 1809, James Upham, 
 Seth Goodspeed, Ira Leavens. 18 10, James Upham, Stephen Gates, 
 William Parks. 1811, Rufus Smith, Samuel Lusk, Jockton Goodspeed. 
 1812, James Upham, Seth Goodspeed, Richard Smith. 1813, Samuel 
 Barnard, Seth Goodspeed, Stephen Gates. 18 14, Seth Goodspeed, Ste- 
 phen Gates, Rufus Smith. 18x5, Seth Goodspeed, Stephen Gates, Ru- 
 fus Smith. 1 8 16, Rufus Smith, Jockton Goodspeed, Samuel Lusk. 
 1 8 17, Samuel Lusk, Richard Smith, jr., Zebulon Thomas, i 818, Rich- 
 ard Smith, Barnard Upham, Zebulon Thomas. 18 19, Seth Goodspeed, 
 Eli W. Bush, John L. Clapp. 1820, EH W. Bush, Seth Goodspeed, 
 John L. Clapp. 1 821, Eli W. Bush, Richard Smith, Luther Martin. 
 1822, Richard Smith, Luther Martin, Daniel Barrows. 1823, Seth 
 Goodspeed, Alvin House, Daniel Barrows. 1824, Seth Goodspeed, Al- 
 vin House, Samuel Lusk. 1825, Seth Goodspeed, Samuel Lusk, Lem- 
 uel Robbins. 1826, Seth Goodspeed, Samuel Lusk, Lemuel Robbins. 
 1827, Lemuel Robbins, Levi Johnson, Rufus Hamilton. 1828, Levi 
 Johnson, Seth Goodspeed, Alvin House. 1829, Rufus Hamilton, Daniel 
 Barrows, John Johnson. 1830, Rufus Hamilton, Daniel Barrows, John 
 Johnson. 183 1, Rufus Hamilton, Richard Smith, jr., Samuel Lusk. 
 1832, Richard Smith, Samuel Lusk, Rufus Hamilton. 1833, Richard 
 Smith, Samuel Lusk, Rufus Hamilton. 1834, Richard Smith, J. L. 
 Clapp, William Parks. 1835, J. L. Clapp, Henry King, Lemuel Rob- 
 bins. 1836, J. L. Clapp, Henry King, William Parks. 1837, William 
 Parks, Asa Wheeler, Lemuel Robbins. 1838, William Parks, Asa 
 Wheeler, James Martin. 1839, James Martin, Joshua Clapp, Rufus 
 
Town of Montgomery 563 
 
 Hamilton. 1840-41, Joshua Clapp, Rufus Hamilton, John Johnson. 
 1842, Daniel H. Bailey, Salva Goodspeed, Heman Hopkins. 1843, Dan- 
 iel H. Bailey, O. L. Kelton, William Dwyer. 1844, Daniel H. Bailey, 
 O. L. Kelton, Asa Wheeler. 1845, Asa Wheeler, Hiram Rawson, J. L. 
 Clapp. 1846, D. H. Bailey, Hiram Rawson, Lewis Goodspeed. 1847, 
 H. H. Rawson, Rufus Hamilton, Moses Scott. 1848, D. H. Bailey, 
 H. H. Rawson, Moses Scott. 1849, H. H. Rawson, Henry King, O. L. 
 Kelton. 1850, D. H. Bailey, Jefferson Martin, G. W. Marcy. 1851-52, 
 H. H. Rawson, D. H. Bailey, Jefferson Martin. 1853, H. H. Rawson, 
 J. L. Clapp, L. W. Martin. 1854, D. H. Bailey, Jefferson Martin, Rufus 
 Goodspeed. 1855, Rufus Hamilton, Rufus Goodspeed, Lewis Good- 
 speed. 1856, D. H. Bailey, Jefferson Martin, George C. C. Gates. 1857, 
 D. H. Bailey, George C. C. Gates, Samuel Head. 1858, D. H. Bailey, 
 George C. C. Gates, Salva Goodspeed. i8S9,-D. H. Bailey, O. L. Kel- 
 ton, Salva Goodspeed. 1860-62, William H. Stiles, Samuel Head, Jeff- 
 erson Martin. 1863, William H. Stiles, Jefferson Martin, George C. C. 
 Gates. 1864, William H. Stiles, George C. C. Gates, Jefferson Martin. 
 1865, D. H. Bailey, Nelson Goodspeed, George L. Clapp. 1866-67, 
 Nelson Goodspeed, George L. Clapp, John Head. 1868, Nelson Good- 
 speed, George L. Clapp, Heman Hopkins, jr. 1869-71, Charles P. 
 Clapp, William H. Stiles, D. H. Bailey. 1872, William H. Stiles, John 
 Goodspeed, Rufus Rawson. 1873, William H. Stiles, Samuel Head, 
 W. A. Rawson. 1874, John Goodspeed, D. H. Bailey, H. M. Martin. 
 1875, H. H. Rawson, John Goodspeed, Henry M. Martin. 1876, H. H. 
 Rawson, John Goodspeed, Edgar Crossett. 1877, H. H. Rawson, John 
 Goodspeed, H. M. Martin. 1878, John Goodspeed, H. M. Martin, C. P. 
 Clapp. 1879, C. P. Clapp, John Goodspeed, H. M. Martin. 1880, C.C. 
 Martin, W. O. Parker, H. M. Martin. 1881, H. M. Martin, C. C. Martin, 
 George L. Clapp. 1882, S. M. Dix, George Porter, C. V. Bogue. 1883, 
 B. J. Wade, George Porter, Samuel Head. 1884, George Porter, G. H. - 
 Fuller, B. H. Haile. 1885, G. H. Fuller, B. H. Haile, J. D. Head. 1886, 
 B. H. Haile, Horace Marcy, J. D. Head. 1887, Horace Marcy, S. B. 
 Jewett, J. B. Samson. 1888, S. B. Jewett, H. H. Clapp, L. R. Camp- 
 bell. 1889, L. R. Campbell, H. E. Kingsley, W. G. Mansfield. 1890, 
 B, H. Haile, H. E. Kingsley, C. L. Martin. 
 
 Town Representatives. — Joshua Clapp, 1802-06, 1808-10; Henry 
 Marble, 1 807-1 1 ; no choice, 1809; Seth Goodspeed, 1812-15 ; James 
 
564 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Upham, 1 8 16; Jonah Johnson, 18 17; Jockton Goodspeed, 1818; 
 Henry N. Janes, 1819; Jonathan Janes, 1820; no choice, 1821 ; Sam- 
 uel Lusk, 1822-25, 1828-29, 1834; nine ballots, no choice, 1826; 
 Henry N. Janes, 1827; Selah B. Upham, 1830; Daniel Barrows, 1831- 
 32; Rufus Hamilton, 1833-36; Richard Smith, 1835; B. W. Fuller, 
 1837-39, 1848-49; Asa Wheeler, 1840-41; Joshua Clapp, 1842-43, 
 1854-55; John L. Clapp, 1844-45, 1850-51; Daniel H. Bailey, 1846- 
 47; E. W. Sherman, 1852; no choice, 1853; Salva Goodspeed, 1856- 
 57 ; William H. Stiles, 1858-59; no choice, i860 ; George C. C. Gates, 
 1861-62,1872; Columbus Greene, 1863-64; R. Hamilton, 1865 ; L.W. 
 Martin, 1866-68; Heman Hopkins, jr., 1869-70; O. N. Kelton, 1874- 
 ^6 ; A. T. Kingsley, 1878 ; S. N. Dix, 1880-82; W. A. Rawson, 1884- 
 86; B. H. Haile, 1888; J. W. Goodspeed, 1890. 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF GEORGIA. 
 
 GEORGIA is the southwestern town in Franklin county. It is 
 bounded on the north by St. Albans, about two and a half miles; on 
 the east by Fairfax, about nine miles ; on the south by Milton, a little 
 more than eight miles ; and on the west by Lake Champlain, six miles 
 in a straight line from corner to corner. The chartered area is 23,040 
 acres, but on account of the protrusion of the coast beyond the straight 
 line fixed by the charter on the lake shore it is found by survey to be 
 25,048 acres. Its coast line is for the most part abrupt, but in no place 
 considerably elevated. A fine bay a little to the north of the middle of 
 the coast and the small marsh at the mouth of Mill River afford most of 
 the low coast. The surface is broken, a little ledgy in places, but with 
 the exception of the hill called Mount Pisgah in the southeast corner 
 there are no hills not conveniently tillable ; and with the exception of 
 its western face even that is for the most part valuable agricultural 
 land. 
 
Town of Georgia. 565 
 
 When Ira Allen first explored the tov/n in the summer of 1772 he 
 was much struck with what he regarded as the very superior excellen- 
 cies of the town, as compared with all the many others he had explored 
 in the surrounding region. The growth of timber was simply immense, 
 with a more general intermingling of valuable varieties than he had else- 
 where met, indicating a most exuberant soil. While the greater part of 
 the timber consisted of the more common varieties of hard woods there 
 was a very considerable quantity of fine pine and other useful timbers 
 quite generally distributed over the town ; and yet not over two per 
 cent, of the land was of the thin sandy kind quite common in some of 
 the other towns, and there was not more than one per cent, of swamp 
 and marsh land. He also found distributed well over the town, on strong, 
 clear brooks, not less than fifteen mill sites, having an abundant supply 
 of water for running saw-mills and in close proximity to the timber, and 
 several other sites where there was water for larger mills. The supply 
 of building stone, and especially of limestone, was ample for all pur- 
 poses. Georgia Bay was well situated for a shipping port, and all the 
 surplus lumber and ashes could always find easy access to a ready mar- 
 ket by way of the lake. This was the glowing account of the town he 
 gave to his associates in business on his return from his season of ex- 
 plorations. That his description of the town was not overdrawn was the 
 experience of the settlers who came at a later day. 
 
 The civil history of the tract of country now constituting the town of 
 Georgia dates back to the period when the French, the discoverers of 
 Lake Champlain and the adjacent territory, were sole claimants and 
 occupants of all the surrounding territory by virtue of the discovery. 
 While occupying these points, but when is not definitely known, a few 
 "Royal grants" of lands were made along the eastern side of the lake, 
 one of which covered the present town of Georgia and included a small 
 portion of St. Albans, Fairfield, Fairfax, and Milton. The northwest 
 corner of the seigniory granted to a M. Douville was very near the 
 northwest corner of the present town. The north line ran more nearly 
 due east than that of the town, thus taking in a part of St. Albans, and 
 extended about eight or nine miles from the lake, or a little way over 
 into Fairfield. The south line was of about the same length as the 
 north, and parallel with it, thus running from near the southeast corner 
 of the town to a point in the lake shore near the mouth of Stone Bridge 
 
566 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Brook in Milton. A survey of Lake Champlain and the French occu- 
 pancies along its shores from Chambly to Crown Point was made by 
 "M. Anger, King's Surveyor," in 1732, and a map was made from that 
 survey in 1748 from which this information is principally derived. 
 Whether the seigniory was ever settled is unknown, and must ever re- 
 main so. 
 
 The town of Georgia, as at present organized, was chartered and the 
 town granted in equal shares to sixty-four persons (whose names were 
 written on the back of the charter, but who never otherwise became 
 identified with the history of the town), by Benning Wentworth, then 
 governor and commander-in-chief of the province of New Hampshire 
 under the English crown, on the 17th day of August, 1763, with all the 
 rights, privileges, immunities, conditions, and reservations common to 
 the "New Hampshire Grants." But no attempt was ever made to settle 
 it or procure its settlement by the original grantees or anybody acting 
 under them until after the exploration of the town by Ira Allen in 1772, 
 hereinbefore alluded to. Immediately on the return of Allen to his 
 home in Connecticut he and his brothers inaugurated a movement to 
 buy up the rights of the original grantees. These were dispersed 
 through Southern New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and 
 New York, and one was found at Bennington in Vermont. Heman and 
 Levi Allen were merchants, doing business in copartnership at Salis- 
 bury, Conn., and Levi, an active and shrewd business man, was dele- 
 gated to make the purchases, and in the course of the year 1773 he suc- 
 ceeded in buying fifty shares, while Heman and Ethan Allen and their 
 cousin, Remember Baker, bought three or four more. 
 
 Meantime Ira Allen and Baker, with several men in their employ, 
 were at the falls on Onion or Winooski River in Colchester, making 
 preparations for a grand immigration scheme which they hoped to put 
 in operation the next year. They had already acquired much land in 
 several different towns in that region, which they proceeded to survey. 
 On learning the resu'lt of the effort to get possession of Georgia Allen 
 called a meeting of the proprietors, of which the following record of the 
 meeting is sufficiently explanatory : 
 
 "Salisbury, March 23d, 1774. 
 " Then the proprietors of the township of Georgia, a township lately 
 granted under the great seal of the Province of New Hampshire, now in 
 
Town of Georgia. 567 
 
 the Province of New York, met according to a legal warning in the Con- 
 necticut Currant \Courant'\ at the dwelling house of Captain Sam'l Moor, 
 Innholder, in Salisbury, in Litchfield County, and Colony of Connecti- 
 cut, in New England. 
 
 " I. Voted, That Heman Allen shall be moderator for this meeting. 
 
 " 2. Voted, That Ira Allen shall be proprietors' clerk for said town. 
 
 " 3. Voted, That we will lay out said town, and that every proprietor 
 or proprietors may, on his own cost and charges, lay out all his right 
 or rights as soon as he or they shall think proper. 
 
 "4. Voted, That the proprietors' clerk shall record all deeds of sales 
 and survey bills in this town in this book, when brought to hand, if paid 
 a reasonable reward for the same, and all survey bills shall stand good 
 that are first recorded or received to record without regard to the date 
 of said survey bills. 
 
 "5. Voted, That this meeting be adjourned to Fort fraderick, in Col- 
 chester, on Onion River, to be held on the third of October next. 
 
 "Test, I. Allen, Propr. Clerk." 
 
 The adjourned meeting on the 3d of October following was held at 
 Fort Frederick and adjourned to a future day, as was one other, with- 
 out the transaction of business. Whether the succession of adjourned 
 meetings was kept up does not appear on record, but at an adjourned 
 meeting held on the 1st of May, 1/75, it was voted to "adjourn to the 
 first Monday of September next," of which meeting there is no record, 
 and the succession seems to have been lost then if not previously, and 
 the first proprietors' meeting to have at last died a natural death. 
 
 In accordance with the vote to lay out the town a complete survey 
 was made and probably concluded previous to the adjourned proprie- 
 tors' meeting at Fort Frederick in October. Who made the survey is 
 not known, and there has been some controversy over the question 
 with a view to fixing the responsibility for some alleged irregularities 
 upon James Evarts, who afterwards became largely interested in the lands 
 of the town. Allen was a surveyor himself, and if he did not make the 
 survey he at least directed it, and was responsible for it, and there are a 
 great many references to it in deeds as "Allen's Plan." In making the 
 survey the allowance made in accordance with the provisions of the 
 charter for "highways and unimprovable lands by rocks, ponds, moun- 
 
568 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 tains, and rivers" was excessive, but not sufficiently so to justify the 
 accusation of fraudulent intent or unfaithfulness on the part of either sur- 
 veyor or director, and the survey has always withstood the most for- 
 midable attacks upon its integrity. There is no existing record of the 
 survey bill or plan, but the lines were all so thoroughly marked that 
 they were easily traced thirty years later, when a new survey was made, 
 and new bills made after that survey are of record. The only recorded 
 evidence that the original survey was made in 1774 is a deed from 
 " Remember Baker, of Colchester, in the county of Charlotte and Prov- 
 ince of New York," to James Evarts, of Guilford, in the county of New 
 Haven and colony of Connecticut, which deed is dated November 7, 
 1774, and conveys "two hundred acres in two different hundred- acre 
 lots, and numbered forty-six and forty-seven." 
 
 Allen had fully expected to make a considerable number of sales of 
 Georgia lands during the season of 1774, but the above named sale of 
 two lots to Mr. Evarts was the only one consummated. Before com- 
 mencing the survey of the town he cut out a road from Fort Frederick 
 across the east part of Colchester and Milton to Georgia, by way of 
 what is now known as the Hyde place, on the north bend of Lamoille 
 River, and up the east bank of the river on to the plain above, where the 
 highway ran until the river and the wind cut the bank away, compell- 
 ing its abandonment in favor of the present route farther east. But at 
 the very time he was leaving Connecticut for his summer's work in the 
 woods the controversy over the lands covered by the New Hampshire 
 Grants had broken out afresh, and assumed its most serious and menac- 
 ing aspect, and the settlement of the lands was necessarily delayed until 
 after the close of the war of the Revolution. 
 
 It was almost twelve full years after Allen began to boom the town 
 of Georgia that the first settler, William Farrand, from Bennington, 
 erected his little cabin on the "governor's right," near the lake in the 
 extreme northwest corner of the town. Only a few days later Andrew 
 Gilder ^ came from Egremont, Mass., and following Allen's road from the 
 
 ' This name is given in both Thompson's and Hemenway's Gazetteers of Vermont 
 as "Van Gilder," but it is a misnomer. Gilder was a Stockbridge Indian who had 
 married a Dutch woman, in allusion to which somebody prefixed the "Van" to his 
 name, and it seemed to stick among people not acquainted with the facts, although it 
 was always an annoyance to Gilder, and'never in any manner acknowledged by him. 
 
Town of Georgia. 569 
 
 high falls in Colchester across that town and Milton to the west bank of 
 Lamoille River, a little way above the North bow in Georgia, pitched 
 his tent near where the Hyde barns now stand. On the opposite side 
 of the river above the brook, which there empties into the river from the 
 east, Andrew Gilder, jr., built a cabin. These three families remained 
 in town through the winter of 1785-86, the first persons known to have 
 ever wintered in the town. But neither of these had yet purchased 
 land. 
 
 Frederic Bliss is believed to have been the first purchaser of land for 
 actual settlement and personal occupancy. The condition of the rec- 
 ords of early titles is such that much uncertainty about them exists, and 
 little is actually known of many important transactions beyond what can 
 be gleaned from private sources, which are not always full and explicit. 
 Bliss was a quiet, unassuming, but well informed and genial, young man 
 who, while in the employ of Captain Stephen Davis, of Williamstown, 
 Mass., had several times visited Sunderland, where Captain Davis had lands 
 and other property, and he was personally acquainted with the Aliens, 
 Governor Chittenden, and the other prominent men of the state, located 
 permanently or temporarily, in and near that town, and had taken much 
 interest in Ira Allen's representations of his much praised town of 
 Georgia. He accordingly came in the autumn of 1784 to see for him- 
 self, and, accompanied by Allen from Fort Frederick, devoted several 
 days to exploring this and other towns, and he contracted for the pur- 
 chase of ten lots of land, one for himself, one for his brother Abner, and 
 eight for his uncle. Captain Davis. Allen suggested that lot No. 50 
 would eventually become the center of a flourishing village, and ad- 
 vised that he select that for himself, but he modestly chose the one cor- 
 nering upon that at the southwest, remarking that he had no ambition 
 to plant himself in the center, but would rather locate a little at one side, 
 which as it proved was most unfortunate for the young town. But the 
 lot which he chose finally, by force of circumstances which he depre- 
 cated, became the " center " on which every business building in the 
 village stands. The lot selected for his brother joined his on the south. 
 Lot No. 50, the one adjoining that on the west, and others farther north 
 were selected for his uncle. In 1785 became again, accompanied by 
 his brother, and they remained long enough to make an opening upon 
 
S70 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 each of their lots, but they returned to Massachusetts for the hay har- 
 vest about August 1st. In 1786 they came for permanent settlement, 
 and Captain Davis made them a visit later in the season. When they 
 arrived here in the early spring the three families already alluded to 
 were the only persons living in town. Frederic built his house opposite 
 the place where the old meeting-house now stands, and Abner built his 
 opposite the foot of the road running southeast toward Milton and Fair- 
 fax, about half a mile south of Frederic's. 
 
 Allen now began to see the fruition of his long deferred hope, and 
 during the year received many visits from explorers, not a few of whom 
 became purchasers, and several began improvements, though few of 
 them remained through the winter. Young Blair and Shiverick Weeks, 
 who subsequently married sisters of the Bliss brothers, were among the 
 early settlers, but whether here in 1786 is not certain. Blair was a 
 cousin of the Bliss brothers and the first of a long list of relatives which 
 followed them from Williamstown and Weston, Mass. In 1787 James, 
 Reuben, and John Evarts came. James had bought two lots of land of 
 Remember Baker as early as 1774, when the original survey of the town 
 was made. He was a surveyor and speculator in lands, and had from time 
 to time bought lands in this and other towns. Reuben was a son-in-law 
 of Heber Allen, and became resident representative of the Aliens. He 
 was first town clerk on the organization of the town, and otherwise 
 prominent in town affairs. Colonel Benjamin Holmes, his brother Ste- 
 phen, and several others came in 1787 from Clarendon and neighboring 
 towns, and were among the most public spirited and enterprising of the 
 settlers. Among these were the Loomis brothers, Elijah, Noah, Jonah, 
 and Enos. They brought their families and effects, and were eight days 
 on the road. Judge John White from Arlington came this year, and 
 with him his father-in-law, Stephen Fairchild, and his four sons, Ste- 
 phen, jr., Daniel, Joel, and Truman Fairchild. Judge White was a prom- 
 inent and influential citizen, holding many important public offices not 
 only in the town but in the county and state, and exerted a most benef- 
 icent influence in the settlement. Daniel and Samuel Stannard, jr., came 
 from Fair Haven. Daniel was the second town representative and prom- 
 inent in all town affairs during the few years prior to his early death. 
 Samuel, jr., was the first trader in town, but subsequently refnoved to a 
 
Town of Georgia. 571 
 
 farm near the north end of the town, where he resided to a good old age. 
 He was the father of the gallant General George J. Stannard of Gettys- 
 burg fame. The lists of men who came during this and succeeding 
 years and became more or less prominent in public affairs might be 
 much extended, but it is sufficient to say that when the census of 1791 
 was taken Georgia had become the most populous and flourishing town 
 in all Northern Vermont, with a population of 340, and continued to 
 be the most populous town in Franklin county till about 1825. 
 
 The town of Georgia was organized in accordance with the laws of 
 the state of Vermont on the 31st day of March, 1788. John White, as 
 assistant judge of Chittenden county, of which the town was then a part, 
 warned the meeting and called it to order. James Evarts was chosen 
 moderator; Reuben Evarts, clerk; Stephen Davis, Stephen Holmes, 
 and Richard Sylvester, selectmen; Frederic Bliss, constable; Solomon 
 Goodrich and Abel Pierce, haywards ; William Farrand, Noah Loomis, 
 and Stephen Fairfield, surveyors of highways. This seems to have been 
 but little more than a form of organization, as none of the officers elected 
 were sworn at the time in accordance with the law. Two months later 
 the town clerk took the oath of office, and the selectmen were sworn 
 three months after. At the second town meeting held March 19, 1779, 
 John White was chosen moderator; Reuben Evarts, town clerk; John 
 White, Stephen Holmes, and Francis Davis, selectmen ; John White, 
 treasurer; Titus BushneU, constable; Abraham Hathaway, Nathaniel 
 Naramore, and John W. Southmayd, listers ; Titus Bushnell, collector 
 of town rates ; Noah Loomis, grand juror ; Stephen Holmes, pound- 
 keeper; Solomon Goodrich, tythingman ; and Daniel Stannard, hay- 
 ward. 
 
 " The officers chosen are each sworn to their respective office as the 
 
 law directs. 
 
 "Voted, that Stephen Holmes's yard be a pound for the town of 
 Georgia the ensuing year. 
 
 "Voted, that the town raise forty shillings on this year's Hst for to 
 purchase books for said town's use." 
 
 On the 23d of February, previous to this town meeting, a considera- 
 ble number of the citizens of the town took the oath of allegiance to the 
 state of Vermont, WilHam Farrand, the first settler, heading the list. 
 
572 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 It has been surmised that the reason why the officers chosen in 1788 
 did not perform any duties was that none of the voters had previously 
 taken that oath in town. The name of Judge White appears upon this 
 list, although he had been several years a judge, and had held many 
 minor offices in the town of Arlington previous to his removal here. 
 
 Until 1792 all town meetings and other piiblic gatherings were held 
 at the house of Colonel Benjamin Holmes. The accommodations were 
 very insufficient, and the meetings a great annoyance to the patient 
 family. The erection of some suitable building for the purpose had 
 been frequently agitated by the more enterprising and public spirited 
 of the citizens, who in view of the general prosperity of the people felt 
 that it was due alike to the good name of the town and the general wel- 
 fare of the people that a commodious and respectable public building 
 should be built by the town. Accordingly in the "notification " for the 
 town meeting in 1791 there appeared the following items, the former of 
 which is quoted, not because of its bearing upon this subject, but be- 
 cause both were voted down together without comment : 
 
 " 3d. To see if the town will grant a tax to defray incidental charges 
 for the year ensuing. 
 
 "4th. To see if the town will take into consideration and propose 
 some method for building a meeting-house." 
 
 The town had in like manner the year before disposed of a proposal 
 to establish a burying ground. As a result of the adverse action of the 
 town upon the question of building a meeting-house Colonel Holmes 
 and " Esquire Bliss," as Frederic Bliss had come to be generally called, 
 in 1792, with what little help their more immediate neighbors chose to 
 volunteer, erected a small log building on the land of Bliss opposite the 
 house of Colonel Holmes, and a few rods south of the present brick 
 school-house. Here all public meetings were held until 1799, the "no- 
 tifications" reading "at the school-house near Esq'r Blisses," or "near 
 Colonel Holmes'." In 1799 a school-house was built on "lot No. 50," 
 between the present house of the late Moses Wightman and that of 
 William T. Newton, and that became the public building of the town 
 at the September election of that year, and until after the completion of 
 the meeting-house in 1802, under the designation of the "school-house 
 near Captain Stephen Davis's." 
 
Town of Georgia. 573 
 
 The annual town meeting for 1803 was warned as- usual at the school- 
 house near Stephen Davis's. (This Stephen Davis was the son and 
 successor of Captain Stephen Davis, deceased.) The meeting was or- 
 ganized and then adjourned to the meeting-house. It was then, "4th. 
 Voted, The meeting-house far the future shall be considered as the 
 place where town meetings and freemen's meetings shall be warned 
 and held." But the house so promptly appropriated by the town to its 
 own use was wholly private property, and the town as such had not a 
 dollar of interest in it. From the March meeting in 1791, when the 
 subject was first formally brought before the town, till the second Mon- 
 day in December, 1800, the subject of building a meeting-house by the 
 town had been constantly agitated, and there had been scarcely a year 
 when it had not been brought before the town in regular or special town 
 meeting once or more, only to be in some manner defeated. Numerous 
 committees had been raised and schemes proposed, but all to no effect. 
 Every committee and in fact all the people were in perfect accord as to 
 where it should be located, and that was upon lot No. 50, on or near the 
 center line running east from the main road, the site indicated by Allen 
 when he and Frederic Bliss visited the town in 1784. But Captain 
 Davis owned the lot and was opposed to the whole project, and like a 
 good lawyer determined to yield no point of defense; he obstinately re- 
 jected every overture in relation to the land, and had so far been able 
 to defeat every attempt to vote a tax to build it anywhere. The follow- 
 ing is the record of the last of about a score of town meetings held to 
 take action on the question : "Met according to adjournment and voted 
 that the meeting be dissolved." The people who were interested in the 
 matter then built the house, one of the finest in the state, not on the un- 
 purchasable land of Captain Davis, but on the next lot south of it, a 
 generous portion of which, enough for the site of the house and as fine 
 a park as there is in the state if it were fitted up, was most freely do- 
 nated by Colonel Benjamin Holmes. And then, with a magnanimity 
 worthy of all praise, the proprietors tendered the use of it to the town 
 "for town and other meetings," on condition that it should be kept in 
 condition for use. The cost of the house was a little less than $8,000. 
 
 .But while the meeting-house question had been under consideration 
 another question, that of setthng a minister under the statute of 1773, 
 
574 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 had been constantly agitated. The people of New England had not yet 
 cut loose from the old English idea that the government should support 
 the religious institutions, and the state had made provision for such a 
 course in the statute alluded to. A Congregational church was organ- 
 ized in Georgia in 1793, and most of the inhabitants who had any relig- 
 ious preference were members or adherents of that church and its relig- 
 ious service. Back of all other influences affecting this question in this 
 particular case was the provision in the grant or charter of the town 
 that one of the equal or seventy shares into which the town was to be 
 divided should be set apart for the "first settled minister of the gospel" 
 in the town. While the majority of the people were unalterably op- 
 posed to the support of preaching by a tax there were very many of 
 them wilHng to do so for a short time, " on probation with a view to set- 
 tlement," in the hope to drive a sharp bargain and induce the minister 
 to accept one lot of land and deed the remainder back to the town. 
 The church, if it chose to do so, could have settled a minister who would 
 have held the land, and the town would have had no legal control of the 
 matter whatever; but it very well knew that such a course would cre- 
 ate discord in the town. A considerable number of probationers were 
 hired between 1793 and 1803, six of whom received calls to settle, and 
 either of whom, so far as appears, might have been settled but for the 
 exaction in regard to the land. In one case the town voted to permit 
 the minister. Rev. Josiah Prentiss, to retain 200 acres and deed to the 
 town the remainder of the right, but being absent, before he had time to 
 act upon the proposal, the vote was rescinded and the amount of land 
 which he might retain again fixed at 100 acres. But after ten years of 
 most bitter strife over this question a minister was found who accepted 
 the terms of the town, as appears by the following extract from the re- 
 cord of a town meeting held on the first Monday of April, 1803, the 
 thirty-fifth in which it had been considered: 
 
 "Voted, To give Mr. Publius Virgilius Booge a call to settle in the 
 gospel ministry, in and over the Congregational church and people of 
 the town of Georgia — eighty-three voting in the affirmative and thirty, 
 five neuters who would not oppose, but who wished for longer and more 
 particular acquaintance with Mr. Booge. 
 
 "Voted, sthly; To give Mr. Publius V. Booge seventy-five pounds 
 the first year of his settlement as a salary, and that his salary rise yearly, 
 
Town of Georgia. 575 
 
 as the grand list shall rise, to the sum of one hundred pounds, which 
 shall ever be his yearly salary. Voted, also, that the said Mr. Booge shall 
 have as a settlement one lot or one hundred acres of land, that is to say, 
 lot No. 35, the lot in contemplation for a minister's lot, or if that should 
 not fall to the minister's right, to make him up the value of said lot in 
 other lands or pay — and that the yearly salary shall be paid as follows, 
 viz.: One-quarter of the sum in cash; the other three-quarters in pro- 
 duce, such as corn, beef, pork, and such articles as he shall want." 
 
 This arrangement was all fair on its face, and Mr. Booge accepted the 
 conditions and executed the papers required by the town in relation to 
 deeding to the town the residue of the minister's right, but he soon after 
 discovered that no provision had been made for the assessment, collec- 
 tion, and payment of his salary. The town had got what it wanted in 
 the case, and it was painfully evident that the people would not vote a 
 tax to carry out the provisions of the arrangement. It was now appar- 
 ent that only the beginning of the end of the controversy had been 
 reached. It was well understood that a town meeting to vote a tax for 
 the support of preaching was quite a different thing from one to vote to 
 settle a minister over the Congregational church and people of the town, 
 however much obligation to pay something at some indefinite time in 
 the future might be implied by the transaction. A crisis had been 
 reached, the most important in the history of the town. The question 
 which presented itself to the consideration of every true citizen was 
 whether the re-opening of that controversy should be permitted, or 
 whether by some heroic means the issue should be forever got out of 
 the town's hands. The hopes of all those who saw peace only in the 
 latter course all centered in the enlistment of Frederic Bliss in its be- 
 half Of him the following characterization was written after his death 
 by'one who knew him well: "He was of easy, quiet, unobtrusive hab- 
 its, benevolent almost to a fault, beloved by all, and by all deferred to. 
 He was the peacemaker of the town, the arbiter of all difficulties, and 
 the promoter of every good cause. He was not ambitious of wealth or 
 honors, yet both came to him to his heart's content." He had taken 
 no active part in any of the bitter controversies of the people, and espe- 
 cially those in opposition to taxation for any and all purposes of which 
 his father-in-law, Captain Davis, with his large wealth and wide influ- 
 
5/6 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 ence, had always been the active and persistent leader. At this juncture 
 he undertook the role of peacemaker, and invited the more prominent 
 men of the town to a private conference and proposed the settlement of 
 the ministerial support upon the basis of the following subscription pa- 
 per, which he had had drawn up by John White, jr. Coming as it did 
 at this critical period, and from the most conservative and influential 
 man of the town, it was at once accepted without amendment as the 
 most practicable settlement of the long drawn out difficulty. Captain 
 Davis was dead, but his influence had taken such root that like a pestif- 
 erous weed it not only grew, but scattered seed and became a perpet- 
 ual menace, obstructing progress, and finally proving the ruin of the 
 hopes of those citizens who had expected to maintain the town's early 
 prominence among the other towns of the state. These latter had be- 
 come willing to accept anything or do anything to settle the contro- 
 versy, and every well wisher of the town, except the few of other de- 
 nominations, promptly signed the subscription : 
 
 "Subscription for the settlement of the Rev. Mr. P. V. Booge. 
 
 "We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, believing that the foun- 
 dation of the happiness of society rests on a constant cultivation of those 
 moral virtues denominated religion, and the most effectual mode of ob- 
 taining and continuing such valuable objects is to procure a public 
 teacher of morality, do each for ourselves voluntarily agree to abide by 
 the following articles and conditions, viz.: 
 
 " 1st. That each subscriber shall pay, in a mode hereinafter to be 
 made, his equal proportion, according to his list and ratable estate, of 
 the sum of Two Hundred and fifty dollars to be appropriated to the spe- 
 cial purpose of the first year's salary, to be paid in the manner here- 
 after directed, to Mr. Publius V. Booge ; and after the first year the said 
 Mr. Booge's salary shall rise sixteen dollars and sixty-seven cents a year 
 till it amounts to three hundred and thirty-three dollars and thirty-three 
 cents ; which last sum shall be his yearly salary so long as he shall con- 
 tinue to be the settled minister of the Congregational church and peo- 
 ple of the town of Georgia, and shall continue to preach regularly to the 
 inhabitants of said town ; and that three-fourths of said salary shall be 
 paid in country produce and one-fourth in cash. 
 
 " 2d. That the subscribers agree to meet at the Meeting-House in 
 Georgia, on Tuesday, the third day of May, 1803, at two o'clock in the 
 
Town of Georgia. 577 
 
 afternoon, to choose some suitable persons for a clerk and treasurer of 
 the subscribers, and likewise a committee of three persons to take 
 charge of the prudential concerns of the subscribers, as hereinafter 
 pointed out. 
 
 " 3d. That immediately on the settlement of the said Mr. Booge to 
 the Gospel Ministry, in and over the church and people of the town of 
 Georgia as aforesaid, the committee appointed as hereinbefore directed 
 shall make out a list of the names of subscribers, and deliver the same 
 to the clerk chosen as aforesaid, and it shall be the duty of the clerk ap- 
 pointed as aforesaid, and of all other succeeding clerks, to furnish him- 
 self with the list of the polls and ratable estates of the subscribers an- 
 nually by the first day of November. 
 
 " 4th. That the committee appointed as hereinbefore directed, and all 
 committees hereafter to be appointed, shall some time in the month of 
 December, annually, meet and make out from the list of the subscribers 
 a Rate-Bill, and deliver the same to the collector with a warrant signed 
 by proper authorities for the collection of the same, and also a duplicate 
 rate-bill and deliver it to the said Mr. Booge, so that any subscriber if 
 he chooses may pay his rate, or tax, or proportion to him ; and the 
 said minister's receipt shall be good accounting with such collector for 
 his, her, or their rate. 
 
 " 5th. That no person shall be holden to this subscription after he 
 shall have actually removed from the town of Georgia, in case he has 
 paid all taxes previous to his removal. 
 
 " 6th. That any person becoming a subscriber, who shall at the time 
 of subscribing be a member of any church different from the Congrega- 
 tional church in Georgia, or shall hereafter become a member of any 
 other church, shall have the privilege to withdraw his or her name 
 from the subscription on previously paying all taxes that have arisen. 
 
 " 7th. That all future meetings shall be warned by the clerk chosen 
 by the subscribers, on the application of seven of the subscribers, giving 
 twelve days' notice in said warnings, and shall be governed by two- 
 thirds of the members present. 
 
 " 8th. That this subscription shall not be binding on the subscribers 
 unless there shall be sufficient subscribed, so that the tax on each sub- 
 scriber shall not exceed three cents on the dollar as his proportion. 
 
 73 
 
578 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 " Subscribed by us : William Post, Daniel Lay, Elijah Dee, Nathan 
 Murray, Jesse Post, Joseph Stannard, Frederic Cushman, Ira Hinckley, 
 Asa Stannard, Walter Colton, Jared Watkihs, John Shaw, Ansell Mer- 
 ritt, Nathaniel Merritt, Justus Styles, Titus Trail, George Lamb, Jariah 
 Lewis, Hezekiah Keeler, Francis Davis, Bohan Shepard, James Evarts, 
 John Judd, Samuel Laflin, Elisha Bartlett, Abraham Laflin, Edmund 
 Lamb, Joseph Doane, Ebenezer Booge, Abel Blair, Frederic Bliss, 
 Francis Eldred, Luman Graves, Samuel C. Booge, Martin Merritt, 
 Janna Churchill, Phillip Ellis, Obadiah Wright, Noah Lomis, Samuel 
 Winten, Silas Robinson, jr., Abner B. Nichols, John Lomis, William 
 Hubbard, Abel Post, Janna Churchill, jr., Elisha Bartlett, jr., Roger 
 Lomis, Henry Chapman, Moses Barber, Israel JosHn, Henry Gibbs, 
 Uriah Rogers, John White, Nathaniel Lay, Stephen Goodman, Daniel 
 Stannard, Obadiah Gilbert, Joseph Dinsmore, James Hotchkiss, Holley 
 Witters, Jonathan Danforth, Hira Hill, David Clark, Nathaniel B. Tor- 
 rey, Silas Smith, William Post, jr., Ebenezer Goodrich, Elijah Dee, jr., 
 Simon Ellsworth, Levi Barber, Ethiel Scott, Nathan Perry, Elijah Hunt, 
 Roswell Lomis, David Stevens, Asahel Johnson, Elisha Cleveland, 
 Obadiah Hills, Edward Hall, Joseph Barron, Loammi Pattee, John St. 
 John, Darius Blatchley, Andrew Gilder, Hezekiah Winchell, J. D. W. 
 Kip, Titus Bushnell, Joel Fairchild, Enos Pease, Elisha Hale, Joshua 
 Smedley, Elijah Baker, jr., WiUiam Ballard, Chester Andrews, Noble 
 Clark, William Sanders, jr., Washington Dee, Shiveric Weeks, Abner 
 Bliss, Eben Boyden, Oliver Thayer, Samuel Stannard, jr., Eben Bishop, 
 Levi Goodrich, William Wright, Lomy Blair, Luther Bishop, Richard 
 Davidson, William Powers, Elijah W. Wood, Matthew Blair, Isaac 
 Chamberlain, Richard Sylvester, Jesse Goodrich, Seymour Eggleston, 
 William Wright, jr., John White, jr., Nathan Stevens, Jonah Lomis, 
 Samuel Sanborn, Josiah Hale, OHver Blatchley, Heman Newton, Major 
 Post, John Hart, Joseph Dinsmore, jr., Tim W. Osborne, Peter Dewey." 
 But notwithstanding all this acrimonious strife the people individu- 
 ally were greatly prospered in all their undertakings. Saw- mills were 
 early built and a considerable lumber trade established, the surplus 
 going to Quebec. True, the business was not largely remunerative, but 
 it gave employment to men and teams, and brought cash returns. 
 From the very beginning the manufacture of potash was carried on in 
 
Town of Georgia. 579 
 
 several parts of the town, making a market for all the ashes made in 
 clearing up the lands, and this was a great help to the settlers. But the 
 manufacture of potash implied the manufacture of casks in which to ship 
 it, and cooper shops gave employment to a number of men. These in- 
 dustries led to the building of a wharf, a considerable storehouse, and a 
 store at the lake. Here Nathaniel B. Torrey, an experienced and suc- 
 cessful merchant from Lanesborough, Mass., conducted a profitable 
 business for several years. The burning of Hme at several points along 
 the lake shore, for which there grew up a considerable demand from the 
 towns farther east, even as far as Derby, gave employment to a few men. 
 Lake navigation gave summer employment to several, and "the lakers" 
 made up quite a little colony by themselves upon and near the shore. The 
 policy inaugurated by Captain Davis when he removed here, of letting 
 cattle and sheep on shares, had been very helpful to the poor settlers 
 and those who came from so far that they could not bring stock with 
 them. It has been looked upon as providential that the peculiar circum- 
 stances under which Captain Davis removed here forced that business 
 upon him. He came here in 1786 to look after his land purchase, made 
 by Frederic Bliss, but appearances all indicate that at that time he 
 had no intention of removing here. During the summer of 1787 he 
 became involved in the insurrection against taxation called " Shay's 
 rebellion," was arrested, put in irons, and having escaped came here, 
 and at once began to make preparations to remove his family and 
 effects here. He was the owner of a large stock upon his farm at Will- 
 iamstown, Mass., but such was his resentment against the government 
 of Massachusetts that he determined to remove everything movable as 
 soon as the ice on the lake would permit, and he sent Abner Bliss there 
 to aid and direct the removal. He had no fodder here, but many of the 
 settlers were glad to accept his offer to let cattle for a term of years to 
 double, and he had no difficulty in placing most of the lot. He was the 
 wealthiest man in the town for several years, and an active business 
 man, employed much help, and contributed much toward the material 
 wealth of the town. Every kind of mill, machine, and shop common to 
 the period and the necessities of the people had sprung up like magic. 
 The land was rich and productive and yielded abundant crops, and 
 numerous orchards were already bearing fruit. The population during 
 
58o History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 the nine years between the censuses of 1791 and 1800 had increased 
 more than 200 per cent, and had reached 1,068 against 815 in Burling- 
 ton and 901 in St. Albans. Although there had been and still was 
 some anxiety among the people about the validity of their land titles 
 there was little lacking to make them contented and prosperous, except 
 an intelligent and enterprising public spirit in relation to the public in- 
 stitutions required by the progressive spirit of the period. 
 
 At the time of Ira Allen's departure for Europe questions as to the 
 validity of his land titles had begun to be raised by various interested 
 parties, causing not a little anxiety among the people. Although pos- 
 sessed of considerable interest their discussion at length would occupy 
 unwarranted space in this place. It is sufificient to say that bj' frequent 
 sales by auction for state taxes whatever of legal claim others may at 
 some time' have had was debarred so far as Allen and those holding un- 
 der him were concerned, and it is not known that any title coming from 
 or through him was ever set aside. The last effort in that direction was 
 to procure a new division of the lands, on the claim that by the original 
 survey the allowance for roads, rocks, rivers, etc., as provided in the 
 charter, was excessive, and that certain of the original grantees had bj' 
 the means been defrauded of their rights. A proprietors' meeting was 
 called under the laws of the state, a new survey ordered, and the two most 
 prominent surveyors in the state appointed a committee to conduct the 
 survey. Every lot was accurately surveyed by tracing the old lines, and 
 the surplus, over 104 acres, was set off at the ends of two adjoining lots, 
 and laid out in lots of forty-nine acres each, and called the fourth division 
 of the town. The cost of the survey was $854.80, which the proprie- 
 tors paid by a tax of three cents and eight mills on each acre of land, 
 exclusive of public lands, on the final withdrawal of the claims of the 
 contestants, and the agreement on their part that " nothing shall be 
 construed to operate against the right of the settlers to hold the whole 
 of the land included in the original 'lines of each lot in consequence of 
 the lines separating the lands in each over 104 acres, as marked on said 
 survey." Allen's transactions with the people of Georgia were fully 
 vindicated, although the surveyors found land enough in excess of the 
 104 acres to a lot to make sixty- eight lots of forty-nine acres each, 
 which had been allowed for the various kinds of waste land alluded to. 
 This settlement was effected April 10, 1806. 
 
Town of Georgia. 581 
 
 The condition of the roads of the town was the cause of much dis- 
 content. The route from Burlington to the north had hitherto followed 
 Allen's original "road," which entered the town at the foot of Mount 
 Pisgah, thence to the Gilder place on the north bow of the river, thence 
 across the river and by the most feasible but quite crooked route to 
 Georgia and St. Albans. This was the original stage or post road from 
 BurHngton to St. Albans. In 1798 a court committee, consi-sting of 
 Elisha Sheldon, Jonathan Spafford, and Joshua Stanton, with James 
 Herrick as surveyor, laid a post or stage road six rods wide across the 
 town substantially as it still exists, and the town was assessed $57 as its 
 share of the cost of the commission. This the town refused to pay, 
 which was the beginning of a long and bitter contest over appropria- 
 tions for laying and building roads. The repressive element was in the 
 majority, and voted down every question involving any tax except that 
 imposed by statute. The interests of the business men of the town were 
 suffering, but their protests were in vain. Captain Torrey's wharf, store- 
 house, and store at the lake were burned, and he refused to rebuild, but 
 subsequently sold out to his son, Milton B. Torrey, who in a more lim- 
 ited way afterwards did quite a large amount of business, which reached 
 as far east as Johnson, but which was not nearly as large as would have 
 been the case with better roads, and most of the transportation business 
 was finally diverted to Burlington. 
 
 The cause of education was under the same ban. In 1806, the ear- 
 liest record at hand, there were 602 scholars between the ages of four and 
 eighteen in the eleven district schools of the town. In 1807 626 were 
 reported. Not one of these schools was supported or aided by a property 
 tax beyond the pubhc money provided by law. The merest rudiments 
 were taught in them, and all beyond that must be obtained at private 
 cost, and outside of the public schools. The direct and not unnatural 
 effect of this spirit of repression of every effort to upbuild the town and 
 society was to extrude the better and more progressive element of the 
 population. One by one those who came here with high hopes and 
 ardent expectations gathered their garments about them, shook off the 
 dust of the town, and departed. It has been said on apparently good 
 authority that more than half of the men who took an active part in 
 building the meeting-house left town within seven years, and that not 
 
5 82 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 half of those whose names were on the subscription list were represented 
 in person or by descendants at the end of fifteen years. But notwith- 
 standing this hegira, if such it may be properly called, the population 
 increased about sixty-four per cent, between 1800 and 1810, or to 1,760, 
 and it was still the most populous town of the county, St. Albans at 
 that time having a population of 1,609. During the next decade there 
 was a falling off to 1,703. But in 1830 it was 1,897 ! "^ 1840, 2,106; 
 in 1850,2,686; in i860, i,S47; in 1870, 1,603; 1880, 1,504; in 1890, 
 1,282. The apparent increase between 1840 and 1850 was due to the 
 circumstance that a considerable number of laborers were engaged in 
 building the railroad across the town at the time the enumeration of 
 1850 was made, and the population reported was abnormal. 
 
 Georgia at the outbreak of the War of 1812 had three militia com- 
 panies, all of which were at some time called into the service of the 
 United States. The rolls of all these men were "spirited" away by 
 pension agents when the government first began to grant pensions for 
 that service, and never returned. A company of " troopers," or rather a 
 small detachment from such a company, did service principally as 
 bearers of dispatches in Northern New York for a period of nearly sixty 
 days, but not long enough to entitle the members to a pension for sixty 
 days. Several of them received bounty land, however, among whom 
 only Abner Bliss and Osmond Lamb are positively identified at the 
 present time. There is proof of the transfer by these two of bounty 
 warrants for forty acres each, and subsequently another for the res- 
 idue of 160 acres each under a later act of Congress. Captain 
 Jesse Post with a small company was at Plattsburgh in 1813 at 
 the time Governor Martin Chittenden issued a proclamation calling the 
 militia home. Among the signers of the " protest," in which the offi- 
 cers refused to return until duly discharged by the authority of the 
 United States, appear the names of Elijah Dee, jr., major, and Hira 
 Hill, surgeon's mate, from this town. A considerable number of volun- 
 teers were present at Plattsburgh at the time of the battle, and several 
 others were left along the way for lack of means of getting across the 
 lake. Those who reached the west shore of South Hero organized a 
 company with Elijah Dee, jr., as captain ; Jesse Post, lieutenant ; Sey- 
 mour Eggleston, ensign ; and Alvah Sabin, orderly sergeant. On their 
 
Town of Georgia. 583 
 
 arrival at Plattsburgh the organization was changed by promoting Cap- 
 tain Dee to the office of major, and Lieutenant Post to the captaincy. 
 They were then marched to the fort, where they were supplied with 
 arms. But it appears they took no active part in the battle and soon 
 returned. 
 
 A company of the militia from Georgia was called into service for a 
 short period during the " Radical war " in Canada to guard the frontier. 
 Georgia also furnished its full quota of men during the Southern Re- 
 bellion. That most gallant Vermont officer, General George J. Stan- 
 nard, was a native of Georgia, but had long been a resident of St. Albans 
 before entering the country's service. 
 
 John White was the first citizen of Georgia to hold an official position. 
 At the time of his removal from Arlington he was an assistant judge, or 
 " assistant " as they were generally called for short at that time, an 
 office which he had held since 1783, four years. When Chittenden 
 county was organized in 1787 he was the first assistant judge appointed 
 for that county, and held the office, except in 1793, until the organiza- 
 tion of Franklin county in 1796, in all seven years. On the organiza- 
 tion of Franklin county he was again the first assistant judge for that 
 county, and continued in office two years, making in all thirteen years 
 of continuous service in the three counties with the break of one year in 
 Chittenden county. As assistant judge he organized, under the laws of 
 the state, this and a considerable number of the other towns in this part 
 of Vermont. At the second town meeting he was elected moderator, 
 first selectman, and treasurer of the town, and from that time on was 
 almost invariably elected to some prominent office until in old age he 
 declined to serve longer. He was elected to the legislature in the 
 years 1790, 1794, and 1800, but in 1794, having also been elected a 
 member of the Council, he served in that body, and the town was un- 
 represented in the House. In 1793 he was a candidate for member of 
 the Council and declared elected, but on the 14th of October, four days 
 after he had taken his seat, errors in the canvas of the votes were dis- 
 covered and Jacob Bayley, of Newbury, was found entitled to the seat in 
 his stead. His service in the Council was from 1794 until 1798 and 
 from 1 801 until 1808 — eleven years. He was a member of the Council 
 of Censors in 1792 and 1799; of the Constitutional Convention in 1791 
 and 1793; and a presidential elector in 1808. 
 
5 84 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Frederic Bliss was born in Weston (now Warren), Mass., July 15, 
 1763, and became practically the first settler of Georgia in his twenty- 
 second year and actual resident in his twenty-third year. On the or- 
 ganization of the town in 1788 he was elected constable, and from that 
 time to his death he was almost constantly in some public position. 
 When he was first made a justice of the peace does not appear, but he 
 early acquired the title of " Esquire Bliss," and was almost always known 
 by that name, even in important official documents. He was elected 
 assistant judge for Franklin county in 1804 and held the office till 1813, 
 and again from 181 5 to 1818, twelve years in all. In 1813 he was 
 judge of probate instead of county judge, but in connection with his 
 many other cares the duties of the office were onerous and he declined 
 a re-election. He was councilor from 1809 to 1813 and from 1815 to 
 1819; delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1814; and town 
 representative in 1819. 
 
 Alvah Sabin was born in Georgia, October 23, 1793. His father, Ben- 
 jamin Sabin, was always spoken of as from WiUiamstown, Mass., although 
 his residence was just over the line in Pownal, Vt. His mother, Polly 
 McMaster, was from WiUiamstown, a daughter of Robert McMaster, 
 niece of Mrs. Stephen Davis, and cousin of the Bliss brothers and others 
 of the " WiUiamstown contingent." Mr. Sabin came to Georgia in 1790 
 or 1791, bought and opened his farm, and in January, 1792, returned to 
 WiUiamstown for his wife. He died May 11, 1796, leaving her a widow, 
 with two sons, Alvah and Daniel, one two years of age, the other six 
 months. Alvah's mother was again married in November, 1797, and 
 again widowed in August, 1800. The family now consisted of his 
 mother, himself, his brother, and a half-sister, and another half-sister was 
 born a few months later. Alvah was now seven years old, as ambitious 
 to learn as. his mother was to have him, and as willing to help her in all 
 the numerous cares that fell to her lot. The opportunities for schooling 
 were meager but well improved, and with the aid his mother was able to 
 render he made rapid progress. Picking up what help he could, here 
 and there, and always giving much credit to the crowded condition of 
 the school and the stimulating effect of competition, he early became a 
 teacher himself. His ambition had much influence in the organization 
 of a series of select schools in town which were helpful, and he struggled 
 
Town of Georgia. 585 
 
 on until he finally was graduated from Columbian College in Philadelphia, 
 and became a minister of the gospel. He became a successful preacher, 
 was employed from time to time by several different boards or societies, 
 and supplied churches of his denomination in several places, notably Cam- 
 bridge, Underhill, and Westford. He was ordained pastor of the Baptist 
 church in Georgia in September, 1821. In 1826 he was elected to repre- 
 sent the town in the legislature, and from that time onward was much en- 
 gaged in politics. His earliest active poHtical associations were with the 
 anti-Masons. Later he became much interested in the anti-slavery 
 cause, and was for one year employed as an agent by the State Anti- 
 Slavery Society. He was not, however, a political Abolitionist, although 
 he was a delegate to the first National Anti-Slavery Convention. He 
 was for nearly forty years almost continuously in office, as shown by the 
 following lists which are the best evidence which can be presented of the 
 very high esteem in which he' was held by his fellow citizens, not of the 
 town only, but of the county, the congressional district, and the state of 
 Vermont. But above all the honors and emoluments of office he esteemed 
 the many friendships he had formed in pubhc life, and it was his fondest 
 boast that he had at least one personal friend in every town in Vermont. 
 He removed to Sycamore, 111., in 1867, but subsequently returned to 
 Georgia and acted as stated supply to the church with which he had so 
 long been connected, until the autumn of 1876. He died at Sycamore 
 in January, 1881, and was buried beside his mother in Georgia. 
 
 Town Clerks. — Reuben Evarts, 1788-95; Luman Graves, 1795-1809; 
 Abel Blair, 1809-19; Roswell Hutchins, 1819-20; Ira Hinckley, jr., 
 1820-34; Solomon Bliss, jr., 1834-37; Lorenzo Janes, 1837-50; Au- 
 gustus H.Blair, 1850-53; Nathan Deane, 1853-55; Curtis M. Post, 
 1855-78; Mary B. Post, 1878-87; Lorenzo A. Post, 1887. 
 
 Towtt Representatives. — James Evarts, 1788; Daniel Stannard, 1789, 
 1792; John White, 1790, i8oo; Benjamin Holmes, 1791, 1795, 1797, 
 1801, 1803-04, 1809-10, 1812-13; Levi House, 1793; Reuben Evarts, 
 1796; Stephen Fairchild, jr., 1798; P'rancis Davis, 1799, 1802; John 
 White, jr., 1805; Sardius Blodgett, 1806-08; Elijah Dee, jr., 181 1, 
 
 Note. — The town was not represented in 1794, 1818, 1833-34, and 1888. John White 
 was elected representative in 1794, but, having been elected councilor also, his seat in 
 the House was vacant and the town unrepresented. 
 
 74 
 
5 86 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 1814, 1821-22, 1824, 1828-29, 1836-37; Hira Hill, 1815 ; Solomon 
 Bliss, 1816-17, 1832; Frederic Bliss, 1819; Joel Barber, jr., 1820, 
 1825, 1827; Ira Hinckley, jr., 1823, 1841 ; Alvah Sabin, 1826, 1835, 
 1838, 1840, 1847-49, 1851, 1861-62; Decius R. Bogue, 1830-31; 
 William K. Warner, 1839; Lorenzo Janes, 1842; Solomon Bliss, jr., 
 1843-44; Isaac P. Clark, 1845-46, 1850; David P. Clark, 1852; Reu- 
 ben S. Shepard, 1853; Cyrus Hotchkiss, 1854-55 ; George W. Rans- 
 low, 1856; Moses Wightman, 1857-58, 1874; Curtis M. Post, 1859- 
 60; Hiram H. Hale, 1863-64; Benjamin F. Sabin, 1865 ; Abel Bliss, 
 1866-67; Joseph Purmort, 1868-69; Cephas A. Hotchkiss, 1870, 1876; 
 William A. Caldwell, 1872; Ephraim Mills, 1878; James K. Curtis, 
 1880; Reuben E. Wilcox, 1882; Oscar B. Johnson, 1884; Lorenzo A. 
 Post, 1886; Ephraim L. Ladd, 1890. 
 
 Georgia Academy. — Large families of children were fashionable in the 
 earlier days of Vermont, and as a natural result the schools were large 
 and crowded, and the means and methods of instruction were necessarily 
 such that barely the rudiments of education were obtainable in the pub- 
 lic schools. Ira Allen, though unable by reason of adverse fortune to 
 carry out all his intentions and promises, was practically the founder of 
 the University of Vermont, and by that means provision was early 
 made for a collegiate education. But there was still no provision of law 
 for supplying the means of obtaining the higher elementary and prepara- 
 tory instruction. Private instruction by some minister or lawyer was 
 eagerly sought by aspiring young men. In Georgia ' Minister Bogue 
 and Lawyer Child with all their ijiany other cares were helpful, but far 
 from able to satisfy the many demands upon them, and they lent their 
 aid to the young men in establishing a series of select schools taught by 
 some under-graduate from the college at Burlington, or elsewhere. 
 These were held in any vacant room which could be obtained for the 
 purpose, a vacant store belonging to Capt. N. B. Torrey at the " north 
 end " being the first, and the old red " Downs store," recently removed 
 and converted into a dwelling at the " south end," being the principal seats 
 of the school until the brick school-house was erected in 1827. While 
 the district was building that house for its own use, and after it was well 
 under way, it was suggested by a thoughtful citizen that a second story 
 might be super-added for the select school, which had now come to be 
 
Town of Georgia. 587 
 
 considered a necessary and established institution of the town. The 
 district consented with the understanding that the extra expense should 
 be met by subscription, and that the building when completed should 
 be and remain forever the property of the district and subject to its 
 control. In other words the subscribers should not by reason of their sub- 
 scriptions obtain any property right in or control of the building. In 
 short the district was determined to effectually bar any such strife as had 
 resulted from the mixed ownership in the meeting-house. 
 
 The Georgia Select School here for the first time had a home, and it 
 at once, though in comparatively restricted quarters, became much the 
 most popular school of its class in the county, though dependent wholly 
 upon tuitions for its support. There was no act of incorporation, no 
 authoritative board of control, but a few citizens by common consent ap- 
 pointed a prudential committee, and they in turn appointed Dr. Horace 
 P. Blair as secretary, which practically invested him witli the entire 
 management of the school. The school flourished until 1838, when the 
 feeling became quite general that its quarters were too restricted, and 
 that some more ample provision must be made for it. After much 
 deliberation among the more prominent of its friends and supporters an 
 act of incorporation was procured from the legislature, under date of 
 November S, 1838, and an attempt was made to erect a new house on 
 land which Thomas Northrop proposed to donate for the purpose, just 
 south of the old school-house. Objections to the site sprang up, and it 
 was proposed to locate it on the land deeded to the proprietors of the 
 meeting-house by Colonel Holmes, but it was found that his deed pro- 
 hibited the erection of any other building upon that land. Other sites 
 were proposed and the result was that the project fell through. Mr. 
 
 Northrop, without waiting to dispose of his property, closed his house 
 and removed to Burlington. Others, heretofore active supporters of the 
 school, withdrew their support, and it now began to run down and finally 
 becam'e practically extinct, although the organization, by the active 
 efforts of Dr. Blair, was kept up. From 1839 to 1851 there was occa- 
 sionally a term of school, but the institution was practically dead. In 
 185 I an attempt was made to erect a new building, which finally culmi- 
 nated in obtaining leave of such of the proprietors of the meeting-house 
 as could be found to do off rooms in the upper story of that buildmg 
 
588 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 for the use of the academy. A formal transfer of the rights of these 
 proprietors to the meeting-house was obtained; a subscription of $696 
 raised and collected ; the house was fitted up and supplied with such 
 apparatus as could be obtained; and in 1852 the school was again in 
 operation with a full corps of teachers and a large attendance of scholars. 
 For four or five years it continued to flourish, but the graded school sys- 
 tem in the neighboring towns began to draw off the patronage of the 
 academy and other causes conspired with this to lessen the support till 
 it became no longer able to keep up a sufficient attendance to support 
 the school through the year, and it again fell into decadence. The cor- 
 poration is kept in existence, and the house in fair condition for occu- 
 pancy. A school is maintained a part of each year by some person who 
 is willing to take the risk of collecting sufficient tuition to remunerate 
 him for his labor in getting it up and running it. It exerted a wide and 
 beneficent influence in its day, and its past history still inspires its 
 friends to hope that it may yet be rejuvenated. An active educational 
 interest has been aroused among the people, the best class of school- 
 houses are being erected in the several districts, and many eyes are 
 turned with hope toward " the old academy." A complete list of the 
 teachers might be of much interest to former pupils, but although the 
 names of many of them are obtainable a full and correct list is not, and 
 it is thought best to omit them altogether. 
 
 The Congregational Church. — The first sermon preached in Georgia 
 was by Rev. Mr. Murdock, Congregationalist, of Saybrook, Conn., from 
 whence came several of the families of the town. In 1793 a Congrega- 
 tional church was organized by Rev. Mr. Smith, a missionary, consist- 
 ing of the following members : William Post, Keziah Post, Elijah Dee, 
 Miriam Dee, Nathaniel Perry, Benjamin Sabin, Abraham Hatheway, 
 Hannah Hatheway, Ira Hinckley, Elizabeth Hinckley, Sarah Evarts, 
 Alice Cushman, Anna Ballard, Benedict Alvord, Molly Naramore, 
 Daniel Lay, and Edward Giffin. During the controversy over settling 
 a minister over this church under the statutes of the state, elsewhere al- 
 luded to, several different ministers officiated on trial or as stated supply 
 for short periods. Among these were Mr. Babbitt, Mr. Collins, Mr. 
 Bliss, Mr. Prentice, Mr. Sabin, and others. The Rev. Publius Virgil- 
 ius Booge (or Bogue, as the name has been spelled since about that time), 
 
Town of Georgia. 589 
 
 of Winchester, Conn., a graduate of Yale College, was settled over the 
 church in 1803 and filled the pastorate until October 20, 18 13. For 
 two years subsequent to the dismissal of Mr. Booge the church was 
 without a pastor. October 10, 1815, the church and society extended 
 a call to Eben H. Dorman, a licentiate, to settle over them and the 
 church in Fairfax and divide the time between the two. He accepted 
 the call and was ordained November 15,1815. He was dismissed from 
 Fairfax, December 22, 1823. at the solicitation of the church in Georgia, 
 with a view to devoting his entire time to the interests of that church, 
 but was dismissed from that also on his own request on the third day of 
 the following November. The church was without a pastor until 
 July 21, 1828, when Rev. Luther P. Blodgett was installed as such. It 
 had, in the meantime, enjoyed the pastoral services of Rev. Dana Lamb, 
 a resident of the town and student in the University of Vermont, under 
 whose ministrations fifty- one persons entered into fellowship with the 
 church. Mr. Blodgett was dismissed March 4, 1830. The anti- Ma- 
 sonic excitement which was sweeping over the country at that time 
 struck the church like a modern cyclone and dashed it in pieces. The 
 anti-Masonic element was ascendant, and maintained the organization 
 and held the house of worship, but having lost fellowship with neighbor- 
 ing churches it was unable to obtain a minister. The conservatives 
 proceeded at once to organize a new church, erect a new house of wor- 
 ship, and call the Rev. George W. Ranslow to the pastorate. The 
 house was dedicated in the winter of 1832—33, and Mr. Ranslow installed 
 June 13, 1833. July 12, 1837, the two churches were united as "one 
 indivisible church under the name of the Congregational Church in 
 Georgia." The union was, however, more formal than real. But few 
 of the anti-Masons ever fully accepted the terms of union ; some re- 
 moved elsewhere and others joined other denominations. Mr. Ranslow 
 was dismissed January 31, 1855, after a suecessful pastorate of over 
 twenty- two years. Rev. George E. Sanborne, a licentiate of Andover 
 Seminary, was ordained pastor January i, 1857, and dismissed April 9 
 1 86 1. Rev. C. C. Torrey was installed December 16, 1868, and dis- 
 missed after a pastorate of three or four years. Between and since these 
 several pastorates the church and society have generally maintained a 
 preaching service with either a temporary or stated supply. The Rev. 
 
590 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Charles W. Clark, a native of the town, has been acting pastor since 1 877. 
 The meeting-house has recently (1891) been reconstructed and repaired 
 in more modern style and the most thorough manner. 
 
 The Baptist Church. — Although there were few Baptists then in town 
 a church of that faith was organized October 21, 1793, and Colonel Ben- 
 jamin Holmes and Ephraim Lewis were ordained deacons. Whether 
 they had previously maintained any public service does not appear, but 
 Rev. Roswell Mears became pastor of the church in 1807. At a special 
 town meeting held November loth of that year the town voted to di- 
 rect the selectmen to deed to " the Baptists in Georgia sixty-five acres 
 of land off the east end of the lot that lies near Isaac Maxfield's " as a 
 part of the minister's right. Their claim to a share of the land had 
 been pressed from time to time all through the controversy over that 
 question, and had been before the town several times since the arrange- 
 ment with Mr. Booge was consummated on the plea that it was pledged 
 to them whenever the town should obtain possession of it. That bone 
 of contention now having been removed by the final action of the town 
 another arose. The Congregationalists had heretofore had the unre- 
 stricted use of "the meeting-house." Now the Baptists, having obtained 
 a minister of their own, claimed the right to use it half the time. This 
 was denied by the other party, and a bitter contest over the question was 
 finally settled by dividing the use of the house in proportion to the 
 ownership of the two denominations and their respective adherents. 
 The Congregationalists then bought a store on the southwest of the four 
 corners at the south end of the village, and fitted it up for a "conference 
 house." This was found so much more convenient and comfortable than 
 the large house that most of their meetings were thereafter held there 
 until the erection of the brick meeting-house in 1832, but they reserved 
 their right to use the old house as they had occasion. The Baptists also 
 found the old house too large for comfortable occupancy, and after the 
 brick school-house was built in 1827 they used for some time the upper 
 story, or select school room, for their meetings. From 1833 the Con- 
 gregationalists rehnquished the use of the meeting-house entirely, and 
 the Baptists, who had a few years before put stoves into it, continued sole 
 occupants until about 1847, when they erected a new and commodious 
 house at the "Plain," and also abandoned the old house. Elder Mears 
 
Town of Georgia. 591 
 
 retained the pastorate until 1825, when Elder Alvah Sabin became asso- 
 ciated with him and preached half of the time. In 1828 Elder Sabin 
 became pastor and retained the relation until 1867, when he removed to 
 Illinois. At several different times during his pastorate he was absent for 
 protracted periods of time and others supplied his place. Rev. N. H. 
 Downs occupied that position during a year that he was in the service 
 of the State Convention, Rev. E. B. Smith a part or all of the time of 
 his absence as member of Congress, and others at other times. Be- 
 tween 1870 and 1876 Elder Sabin preached to the church, over which 
 he had so long been pastor, as stated supply. Since 1 876 Rev. Joseph G. 
 Lorimer has been pastor. In 1886 the meeting-house at the Plain was 
 destroyed by fire and another more modern and elegant edifice was built 
 in its stead. The society is in a prosperous condition. 
 
 The Methodist Episcopal Church has an organized society in Georgia 
 which is united with a like society in North Fairfax for the support of 
 the various services and institutions of that church. No records of its 
 organization or early history are to be found. A commodious house of 
 worship was built in Georgia about 1847, >" which services have been 
 maintained with regularity since that time. It has a comfortable par- 
 sonage. The membership is not large, but it sustains all its relations 
 creditably. 
 
 The Emmanuel Protestant Episcopal Church and Mission are pleasantly 
 located at East Georgia, on the River Lamoille and near the railroad 
 station. Some seventy-four or six years ago Bishop Stewart, of Que- 
 bec, happened to spend a night not far from the present site of the 
 church. Miss Sarah Ann Hyde, then a little girl of some ten or twelve 
 years of age, waited on him, and the appearance and words of this ven- 
 erable man so deeply impressed her that she never forgot them, and they 
 proved to be as seeds of a rich gospel fruitage in after years. Although 
 born in St. Albans (on May 15, 1804), yet from early childhood East 
 Georgia was always her home, and she ever felt a deep interest in its 
 religious welfare, and especially so as it had no church or regular min- 
 istrations of the gospel. Baptized, confirmed, and a communicant in the 
 Episcopal church, she prized its services and wished to extend their ben- 
 efit to all. She first began a Sunday-school which met in May, 1863, 
 in the " brick school-house on the hill." In May, and again in August, 
 
592 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 1865, the Rev. Francis W. Smith, of St. Albans, visited the place, 
 preached, and administered holy baptism. In the year 1866 he gave a 
 monthly service, which was afterwards continued some three years, to 
 1869, by the Rev. John A. Hicks, D.D. From 1869 to 1871 the Rev. 
 J. B. Pitman held a semi-monthly service. From 1871 to 1875 the 
 Rev. F. W. Smith held a weekly service, and in his absence of several 
 months the Rev. N. F. Putnam, of St. Albans, officiated several times. 
 When a clergyman could not be present lay reading was had as oppor- 
 tunity offered. William Curtis Post was a lay reader, probably in 
 1873-74, under the Rev. Mr. Smith's charge, and he died much la- 
 mented in May, 1874, aged twenty- one years. The Rev. J. Isliam Bliss 
 officiated from May, 1875, to May, 1880. The Rev. Gemont Graves 
 began services in May, 1880, and has continued them to the present 
 time. Services have generally been sustained in this mission in connec- 
 tion with those at Trinity mission, Milton. They were generally held 
 in the school-house until the church was built. The work for the new 
 church began in May, 1866, by a subscription drawn up by the Rev. 
 F. W. Smith, whose aid and general charge in its building were simply 
 invaluable. In 1869 a site was obtained in a convenient and central lo- 
 cation. In June, 187 1, the corner-stone was laid, five clergymen, be- 
 sides the congregation, being present. On June 20, 1872, the church 
 was consecrated by Bishop Bissell assisted by nine of the clergy and a 
 large congregation. 
 
 The church is of wood, and altogether cost between $5,000 and $6,000, 
 contributed mostly by Miss Hyde, aided by contributions of friends. It 
 seats about 125 persons. The costly chancel window is in loving mem- 
 ory of the Rev. Dr. Hicks, who died in November, 1869. The large 
 opposite window was put in as a gift from and in behalf of the children. 
 This beautiful and commodious church, with its Sundy-school annex, is 
 itself a memorial of its illustrious founder. Among her efficient helpers 
 and pioneers in this church enterprise we note the names of Mrs. Mary 
 B. Post, A. Hyde Grinnell, Phineas Spencer, and others now de- 
 ceased or moved away. Her venerable sister and companion in good 
 works, Mrs. Emily (Hyde) Grinnell, still survives (December, 1890) at 
 the advanced age of some ninety-four years. Miss Hyde herself died, 
 after a long sickness, at the house of her brother, on August 17, 1882, 
 
Town of Highgate. 593 
 
 aged seventy-eight years. The overflowing church at her funeral, and 
 the memorial sermons afterwards preached in several parts of the town 
 and elsewhere, testified to the deep and general regard in which she was 
 held and the irreparable loss sustained. The Sunday nearest the date of 
 her death is annually kept as her memorial day, with service, appropriate 
 sermon, holy communion, offerings for missions (which cause was very 
 dear to her heart), and flowers for the altar and chancel, which latter are 
 afterwards carried in procession and laid on her grave. She left a leg- 
 acy to help pay its current expenses after her decease. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF HIGHGATE. 
 
 ON the 17th day of August, 1763, Benning Wentworth, governor of 
 the province of New Hampshire, made a charter of a tract or town 
 of land in the extreme northwest portion of his supposed jurisdiction, 
 to which was given the name of Highgate. This charter was not un- 
 like the great majority of those made by Governor Wentworth during 
 the period of his authority over this region, which commenced in 1741 
 and terminated in July, 1764. As the reader must have learned from 
 the perusal of earlier chapters in this work the right of authority and 
 jurisdiction over what is now Vermont, by Benning Wentworth, was 
 questioned and opposed by the provincial governor and authorities of 
 New York, they claiming that the jurisdiction of the latter extended 
 east to the Connecticut River. To settle the dispute both governors 
 agreed to refer the question to the king, with the result of an order and 
 decree to the effect that the province of New York did extend east to 
 the river above mentioned. This order was made on the 20th of July, 
 1764, and thereafter Governor Wentworth did not presume to make 
 further grants or charters of towns within the region of what is now this 
 state. But this subject is so fully discussed in one of the general chap- 
 ters of this volume that no further mention of it is necessary in the pres- 
 
 75 
 
 ent connection. 
 
594 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 The charter made by Governor Wentworth, by which the town of 
 Highgate was brought into existence, contained conditions that were 
 to be complied with on the part of the grantees therein named, and if 
 not so fulfilled the grant was to become void ; but as the authority of 
 the grantor was terminated before the limit of fulfillment had expired 
 there was no power to which the town could revert, for the New Hamp- 
 shire jurisdiction had then ceased, so far as this region was con- 
 cerned, and the Green Mountain Boys and the New York authorities 
 were then contending for the mastery, and so continued, in one charac- 
 ter or another, until the year 1791, when the independence of Vermont 
 as a state was recognized by the United States, and she was formally ad- 
 mitted into the Federal Union. 
 
 One of the several provisions and conditions of the New Hampshire 
 charter was to the effect that the town should be occupied and settled 
 within a specified time; but, as a matter of fact, it was not so settled as 
 required, nor is it understood that any settlement was made, of a per- 
 manent character, until more than twenty years after the charter was 
 granted. This long delay of course worked a forfeiture of the charter, 
 but there being no power to accept the surrender the same was not 
 made; and subsequently, in the year 1791 or 1792, the town was or- 
 ganized and officers chosen under the same general provisions as laid 
 down in the original charter. The New Hampshire charter. also pro- 
 vided for the creation of a town which should contain six miles square 
 of land; but viewing the town of Highgate as it is to-day one cannot but 
 express surprise at the gross violation of all propriety shown in estab- 
 lishing the town on its present lines. Yet this condition of things is 
 not single to Highgate alone, but to nearly every town in this county 
 that was chartered by New Hampshire in the first instance, and some 
 chartered by Vermont as well, a result brought about in great part by 
 the operations of Ira Allen and some other surveyors, they being inter- 
 ested parties, who, in their efforts to include the choicest lands within 
 certain grants, distorted and twisted the lines into all conceivable shapes 
 and directions, and were only careful that they included not less than 
 thirty-six square miles within a town, particularly in instances where 
 they had personal interests in the grant. This was done at the very 
 outset, and when subsequent surveys of other towns were made the 
 
Town of Highgate. 595 
 
 more recent surveyors were obliged to conform themselves to lines 
 already established as the boundaries of other towns previously sur- 
 veyed. 
 
 It appears that the town now known by the name of Highgate was at 
 one time known as Woodbridge, though the period of its existence as 
 such was quite brief. The General Assembly of Vermont, on the 26th 
 of October, 1781, passed a resolution, of which the following is a copy: 
 
 ^'Resolved, That there be and hereby is granted unto Major Theodore 
 Woodbridge and company, and unto Mr. Joseph Jones and company, 
 to the number of sixty-five, a township of land containing six miles 
 square, in some of the unappropriated lands within this state. And the 
 Surveyor- General is hereby directed to survey township to the said Ma- 
 jor Woodbridge, Jones & Companies as soon as may be on some part 
 of the unappropriated lands as aforesaid. And the Governor and Coun- 
 cil are hereby requested, as soon as the returns of the Surveyor-General 
 be made as aforesaid, to make out a Charter of Incorporation of said 
 township to the said Woodbridge, Jones & Companies equally ; provided 
 they pay the fees in Lead, Flints, or hard money, under such restrictions, 
 reservations, and upon such Conditions as they shall judge best. 
 
 " Resolved, That the proprietors of the township granted to Major 
 Woodbridge, Mr. Jones & Companies pay nine pounds lawful money for 
 each right." 
 
 Theodore Woodbridge was a citizen of Rhode Island, was major in 
 the Continental service, and in the list of ofificers entitled to half pay 
 under the acts of Congress. Concerning Joseph Jones but little is 
 known, except that he must have been in Congress from Virginia, for 
 such an one was not unfriendly to the independence of Vermont. 
 
 A charter of a town called Woodbridge was subsequently executed, 
 but the grantees failed to comply with the prescribed conditions, and the 
 charter was given by Governor Chittenden to Ira Allen as security for 
 the indebtedness of the state to Allen at the time. From what can now 
 be learned of the matter the charter of Woodbridge describes a town 
 bordering on the east of Alburgh, apparently Highgate, which had been 
 chartered by New Hampshire in 1763. The charter to Woodbridge and 
 company was forfeited for non-payment, and thereafter was regarded 
 and called by Governor Chittenden and others "a flying grant." Oc- 
 
596 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 tober 23, 1783, the House passed an act giving the Governor and Coun- 
 cil " authority to take such measures as to them appear eligible, in the 
 recess of the legislature, to procure such stores, or money to purchase 
 stores, as may be found necessary to enable the surveyor-general to 
 complete a survey of the towns of this state, and to give the surveyor- 
 general such advice and directions as they may think necessary from 
 time to tir^.e in the prosecution of his business." On the next day in the 
 execution of this trust the Governor and Council empowered and di~ 
 rected Ira Allen, as surveyor- genera], to dispose of the town granted 
 to Major Woodbridge, together with other lands, and use the proceeds 
 in the surveys; also to hire money or purchase stores for the surveys, 
 " and to pledge the faith of this state for the discharge of any such debts 
 contracted by him ; and this state will be accountable for the fulfillment 
 of all contracts made by him in behalf of this state." Allen went on 
 with the work, and as he faile'd to dispose of the town of Woodbridge 
 he was compelled to use his own funds in purchasing stores. That Allen 
 continued to furnish funds for the work is shown by the final settlement 
 of his accounts. In September, 1786, Allen was defeated as state treas- 
 urer, which so alarmed him that he called on Governor Chittenden to 
 deliver to him a charter of Woodbridge. The act of October 23, 1783, 
 and the resolutions of the council of the preceding day were still in 
 force; under these Allen had a legal right to dispose of Woodbridge and 
 thirty- five rights in Jay; and the governor himself, with one-half of the 
 councilors, had already given the opinion that Allen was entitled to 
 them on conditions which at this time had been complied with. The 
 legislature met October 12th and the charter of Woodbridge was prob- 
 ably delivered on the loth, as on that day it was recorded in the sur- 
 veyor-general's record. But the charter seems never to have been re- 
 corded by the secretary of the Governor and Council or the secretary of 
 state, yet it was entered by Allen as surveyor-general, and is now in the 
 office of the secretary of state, in a book erroneously marked Volume 2 
 of town charters. All the town charters in this book, Woodbridge ex- 
 cepted, are in the official record. The book was in Allen's possession 
 when he died, and was given away by his son, Ira H. Allen, to be used 
 as an account book. It came into the possession of Joseph Beeman in 
 1824, and was deposited by him in the office of the secretary of state on 
 
Town of Highgate. 597 
 
 the supposition that it was an official record of charters. The charter of 
 Woodbridge given to Allen was dated October 26, 1781, the date of the 
 grant to Major Woodbridge, and it was recorded by Allen on the loth 
 of October, 1786, in this book, which probably was originally intended 
 for a state record, but was withheld on account of the questionable char- 
 acter of the town of Woodbridge. 
 
 Although this is a subject which has not been discussed by past writ- 
 ers of Highgate town history, and the present writer may possibly be 
 treading on slightly dangerous and uncertain ground in putting forth the 
 foregoing narrative, there can be no reasonable doubt as to the main 
 fact that at least a part of the region now included within the limits of 
 Highgate was formerly, and as above stated, granted to Major Wood- 
 bridge and his associates, and was known by the name of Woodbridge. 
 But there is evidence tending to show that after the failure of the grant 
 of the town known as Woodbridge, by reason of the forfeiture on ac- 
 count of non-payment of the granting fees, Ira Allen transferred the 
 name of Woodbridge to the town now known by the name of Troy, in 
 which region he also had interests by reason of the enforcement of his 
 extraordinary claims as surveyor- general of the state. On account of 
 his services Ira Allen became a creditor of the state to a vast amount, 
 something like $15,000, for the collection and enforcement of which he 
 brought suit, and prosecuted the same to judgment (so it is said), and 
 for the payment of which a tax was levied on the several towns. This 
 not being paid in every instance the lands were sold and "bid in" by 
 Allen, or in his interest. In 1792 Caleb Henderson sold nearly the 
 whole town of Highgate for taxes, for the sum of £gs, to Ira Allen, and 
 in pursuance of the sale a deed was executed February 11, 1794, and 
 appeared upon the record in 1803. Again, and still later, Sheriff Noah 
 Chittenden sold the town to Ira Allen for £g, the deed for which was 
 also recorded in 1803. And for a third time in 1798, by authority of 
 the selectmen, for the collection of a tax of one cent, the town was sold 
 by Timothy Winter, as officer, to Isaac Bishop, for $3.15 for each share. 
 Whether the latter sales were subject to those preceding is uncertain, 
 but they probably were, for it is understood that Ira Allen substantially 
 owned the town, and afterward leased and sold it in parcels. It is a 
 fact that to-day there are titles in Highgate held under the Allen leases, 
 
598 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 and it is understood that the reversion rests still with the Allen heirs. 
 A history of the land tiles of Highgate alone would form an exceedingly- 
 interesting chapter, but such a subject is hardly within the province of 
 this work; however, should such a chapter be fully and correctly written, 
 it might have the effect of quieting some uneasiness in the town on ac- 
 count of the possibly uncertain quality of some titles. Concerning the 
 land sales for taxes Judge Robinson has given the town much valuable 
 history, and as well on other material subjects, for all of which the peo- 
 ple will hold him in grateful remembrance. 
 
 But whether Highgate was settled and organized under the New 
 Hampshire charter, or under the Woodbridge grant, or the subsequent 
 Allen titles, is of no material importance ; yet it is a fact that the town 
 does not exist within the boundaries as prescribed by either of these cre- 
 ating powers, nor according even to the intention of the grants, or either 
 by them. On November i, 1 792, a part of Alburgh was annexed to the 
 town,- and on October 23, 1806, Marvin's Gore was hkewise joined to 
 the town ; but on November 3, 1836, a portion of the territory which has 
 long rejoiced in the delightful appellation of Hog Island was taken from 
 Highgate and annexed to Swanton. 
 
 Concerning the early settlement of Highgate the papers of the late 
 Amos Skeels gives us the rehable information that the pioneers of the 
 town were Joseph Reycard, who settled on or near the Canada line; John 
 Hilliker on the Missisquoi, north of Swanton ; Jeremiah Brewer and 
 Thomas Butterfield on the west side of the Rock River, near the lake 
 shore. The persons above named settled during the years 1785 and 
 1786. In 1787 Conrad Barr, John Saxe, John Steinhour, John Shel- 
 ter, George Wilson, John Hogle, Peter Lampman, and Peter Waggoner 
 also made settlements in the town. As the names of some of these seem 
 to imply, they were of Dutch ancestry, and are said to have made their 
 settlements here under the belief that they were locating in the province 
 of Canada. At this particular period the British authorities were claim- 
 ing the right to jurisdiction in Alburgh to a point fully as far south as 
 where any of those just named were located ; and the British troops 
 were then in possession of Alburgh and other points on the lake and 
 were encouraging settlement therein as a part of Caldwell's Manor. As 
 a preceding chapter in this work will show, Alburgh was claimed by 
 
Town of Higiigate. 599 
 
 the English government by virtue of titles dating back to 1744 and 
 originated by a grant from the King of France ; and, by the grantee 
 thereof, regularly transferred and descended to the Caldwells, under 
 whom the claim was made ; and from the Caldwells the title; finally 
 passed to Heman Allen, of Highgate, and in him became extinguished 
 for lack of proper foundation. 
 
 In this same connection it may properly be stated that the territory 
 now included in the town of Highgate was itself originally granted by 
 the King of France, in or about the year 1744, to one Monsieur Lusig- 
 nan ; but in common with the great majority of the French seigniories, 
 for such they were called, the title to this grant was vested in Great Brit- 
 ain by right of conquest, the results of the last French and English war. 
 In the same manner the results of the Revolution, so called, merged 
 the title in the United States, and finally, by the acts of Congress in 
 1 79 1, was ceded to Vermont on the admission of the latter to the Fed- 
 eral Union. 
 
 Returning to the subject of early settlement, from the same authority 
 as heretofore mentioned it is learned that the first children born in 
 Highgate were Henry Steinhour, Abram Reycard, and Catharine 
 Shelter, all during the year 1787; also in the same year the pioneer, 
 John Saxe, built the first grist-mill in the northeast part of the town, a 
 locahty that then became established by the name of Saxe's Mills, and 
 has been so called even to the present day. Between 1789 and 1791 
 other families were added to the town, among whom were those of John 
 
 Stinets, Jonathan Butterfield, Elias Bessy, H. Sisco, Teachout, 
 
 Henry Hoffman, James Bopee, James Moulte, and Thomas Best. In 
 1 79 1 Catharine, the wife of John Saxe, died, which event is supposed to 
 have been the first death in town. In this same year the first school 
 was established, in a house on Conrad Barr's farm, near Saxe's mill, 
 and taught first by Simeon Foster and afterward by Thomas Thorp and 
 Abram Hyatt. In 1797 Andrew Potter built the first saw-mill at the 
 falls, followed soon after by a grist-mill addition. In i799;;Conrad Barr 
 and W. Moulte built the first frame barns, and in 1801 Matthew God- 
 frey and Peter Saxe kept the first store and tavern. The first frame 
 dwellings in the town were built in 1 802 by Elijah Rood, New- 
 comb, and Conrad Barr. Dr. Joseph B. Cutler was the^first physician. 
 
6oo History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 settled in 1806, and lived in the town until his death in 1861. The first 
 furnace was built in 1807 by Abel Drury. Thomas Best built the first 
 brick house in i8ri. In this year the first tannery was started by Jon- 
 athan Loudon ; likewise Nehemiah Sabin and John Clough were pio- 
 neers in blacksmithing in Highgate. 
 
 In 1 79 1 the town of Highgate was credited with having a resident 
 population of 103 souls, a number sufficient to warrant the full organi- 
 zation of the town by the election of officers, which was accordingly 
 done on the 31st of March of that year, and resulted as follows : Moder- 
 ator, John Waggoner; town clerk, Jonathan Butterfield ; constables, 
 Isaac Asseltine and Minard Teachout; selectmen, John Waggoner, Mi- 
 chael Lampman, and John Hilliker; fence viewers, Jacob Hilliker and 
 Peter Lampman. It appears that no representative to the General As- 
 sembly was elected in September of this yeai", but at the election in 1792 
 John Knickerbocker \vas chosen to that office. A list of the represent- 
 atives from Highgate will be found on a succeeding page of this chapter. 
 
 Notwithstanding the embarrassments and difficulties that hindered 
 the settlement of the adjoining town of Alburgh, growing out of the dis- 
 putes and controversies concerning the right to authority and jurisdic- 
 tion over its territory, the people of Highgate were not similarly affi^cted, 
 although the town lay in close proximity to the scene of disturbances. 
 The subject which most seriously affiscted the people. of this town was the 
 uncertain character of their land titles, but this was satisfactorily over- 
 come, and settlement continued to progress rapidly and the growth 
 itself was permanent. As has been stated the whole population of the 
 town in 1791 numbered but 103 persons, while the year 1800 found it 
 to contain 437, and by 18 10 the number had increased to the aggregate 
 of 1,374, it being then fifth in population in Franklin county. But 
 unlike the majority of the towns of the county the early settlers had 
 among their number a fair proportion of sturdy, determined Dutchmen, 
 who at the time of their settlement supposed they were locating within 
 the province of Canada, and who, on learning to the contrary, neverthe- 
 less remained contentedly where they were, and built up for themselves 
 excellent farms and comfortable homes. And among the whole people 
 of the town at an early day there was a number who were leaders, and 
 as such took a prominent part in the affairs of the town and of the 
 

 O G. Skeels. 
 
Town of Highgate. 6oi 
 
 county. In this connection there may be recalled the names of Corne- 
 lius Wilson, Jonathan Butterfield, John and Matthew Saxe, Timothy Win- 
 ters, Hercules Lent, Sylvanus Cobb, Gordon Cray, George Steinhour, 
 Shadrack Norton, Andrew Potter, Thomas Best, James Welch, Nathan 
 Olds, Henry Hughman, Asa Holgate, Thomas Butterfield, Jacob Elmer, 
 John Waggoner, Jacob Cray, John Hilliker, Peter Lampman, John Sti- 
 nets, John Cray, Jeremiah Brewer, Jacob Hortot, Conrad Barr, Samuel 
 Foster, Levi Hungerford, Minard Teachout, George Wilson, John Clow, 
 Elias Berry, Abraham Asseltine, Solomon Percy, Peter Moulte, Noel 
 Potter, Peter Saxe. These men were not only leaders in holding the 
 principal offices of the town during the first ten or twelve years of its 
 organized history, but as well they were leaders of public opinion, of 
 popular sentiment, and the molders of the action of the town with ref- 
 erence to the questions being agitated during the period of their time. 
 While the people of the town were substantially exempted from any 
 disturbing factor during the period of the British occupation as much 
 cannot be said of it during the five years immediately preceding the 
 War of 1 8 12-15, or even during the course of the war itself. The 
 people of the town were peculiarly situated ; they were many of them 
 former residents of the province, and had many things in common with 
 the province inhabitants ; they were accustomed to transport their lum- 
 ber, pot and pearl ashes into Canada, where they were sold, or else ex- 
 changed for clothing, salt, or other commodities, perchance a jug of 
 good rum, which were needed for the comfort and enjoyment in the 
 locality in which they lived and were not there readily obtainable. 
 Therefore when Congress passed the obnoxious embargo and non-in- 
 tercourse laws, and endeavored by the presence of armed troops to en- 
 force them, the people of Highgate as well as of other localities regarded 
 the measures as extremely oppressive, and a direct attack against the 
 liberties they had ever enjoyed, an attack which created intense indig- 
 nation throughout the town, and one which many persons were disposed 
 to resist. Their privileges being denied them, the comforts of life being 
 taken away from them, it was but natural that many persons should re- 
 sort to the secret process of smuggling. This was indulged in to a con- 
 siderable extent, and as the town lay abutting the Canada line it was 
 not difficult to evade the vigilance of the customs officials ; and as for 
 
 76 
 
6o2 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 the militia they were mainly from the county, and themselves in partial 
 sympathy with the distressed people, and were not, therefore, so alert 
 and active in the matter of apprehending offenders as their duties would 
 appear to demand. So secretly indeed were the smuggling operations 
 conducted that there was a noticeable infrequency of arrests in the town, 
 while collisions between officers and violators of the laws are not to be 
 found mentioned in any of the publications of writers of that period. 
 There were three men of Highgate, however, who operated in connec- 
 tion with the somewhat notorious smuggling vessel Black Snake, which 
 fell into the hands of the militia on August 30, 1808, The three High- 
 gaters who were indicted for the offenses charged to have been com- 
 mitted at the mouth of Winooski River were William Noaks, Slocum 
 Clark, and Truman Mudgett. 
 
 But during the period of the war which followed these operations 
 there was no charge of disloyalty or want of patriotism brought against 
 the people of Highgate. The records show that the militia of the town 
 formed a part of the Second Company of the First Regiment -in the First 
 Brigade of detached militia of the state ; and although this company 
 was credited with but eleven men from the town the captain was chosen 
 from the town's contingent, being Conrad Saxe. The eleven were 
 Chester Miller, David Stickney, Samuel Hubbell, Moses Martindale, 
 David Herrick, Nathaniel Johnson, John Carman, Henry Chappell, Da- 
 vid Moore, David Sagar, and Peter Brewer. The remainder of the com- 
 pany was comprised of men from the towns of Swanton, St. Albans, 
 Georgia, Milton, and Westford. In 18 14, when Plattsburgh was the ob- 
 jective point of the British advance, the commander of the American 
 forces called for volunteers to come to his assistance ; and in response 
 to this call Conrad Saxe quickly mustered a company and proceeded as 
 far as Grand Isle, but could not find transportation across the main 
 channel of the lake, much, it is said, to the chagrin and disappointment 
 of his men. 
 
 During this period the inhabitants were not greatly disturbed on ac- 
 count of fear of an invasion and the despoliation of their property and 
 homes by the British, as the commander of the invading army had, as did 
 Burgoyne of old, issued a proclamation declaring that all who remained 
 quietly at their homes should suffer neither molestation nor injury, 
 
Town of Highgate. 603 
 
 either to person or property. But the people of the town, while assured 
 of their safety from British attacks, had not that comforting assurance 
 against the possibility of an Indian invasion with its almost certain ac- 
 companying outrages and plundering. Not infrequently were the peo- 
 ple thrown into a state of consternation by circulating rumors of an In- 
 dian approach upon the town and its settlements, but during the course 
 of the war they were exempted from an invasion in fact. 
 
 The next events of special importance in connection with the history 
 of Highgate were those which occurred during the prevalence of the 
 so-called Papineau war; but whatever then transpired was more in the 
 nature of a useless demonstration and almost wholly without bloodshed, 
 although there are evidences showing that one or two persons were more 
 or less seriously wounded. Highgate being a border town it was to be 
 expected as a matter of course that the insurgents would make the place 
 a rendezvous, for such motley gatherings seldom ventured far into the 
 enemy's country. Therefore in Highgate they assembled to the num- 
 ber of from 150 to 200 men and boys, untrained in the arts of war and 
 miserably armed. They gathered at one time around a school-house 
 in which Judge Robinson was teaching, and against the door of which 
 was posted a radical proclamation, and then gave three rousing cheers 
 for their patron saint, the notorious Papineau. They afterwards marched 
 on their hoped-for conquering tour against the British government in 
 Canada, but being met by an armed force who fired a few shots into the 
 ranks of the insurgents, with the result of routing them and putting the 
 boys to flight, with the exception of burning a barn or two there were 
 no serious depredations within the limits of this town. Notwithstand- 
 ing the weakness of the insurgent force it became necessary to call into 
 action the local miUtia, that the neutrality laws might be enforced, and 
 that neither state or Federal government should become involved in 
 complications with Great Britain either by overt act or negligence. 
 
 During the year 1839 the military of the town was on a number of 
 occasions called into service. These organizations were the Washington 
 Rifle Company, commanded by Captain Conrad Barr, and the company 
 of which Abel Drury was captain. Captain Barr's company was on 
 duty along the northern frontier for nineteen days, commencing March 
 31st. The /^rjo««^/ of the command was as follows : Captain, Conrad 
 
6o4 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Barr ; lieutenant, Uriel D. Fillmore ; sergeants, David Sunderland, 
 W. M. Sunderland, Schuyler Brewer, Philo Drury, Allen Barr ; and 
 privates, G. N. Steinhour, Samuel Sunderland, Joseph Haynes, William 
 H. Steinhour, James Sunderland, S. K. Piatt, Hamilton Wilson, William 
 Fisher, Thomas Haynes, Zimri Daily, Luther Herrick, Fred Fisher, 
 David Anderson, John Chappell, Thomas Higgins, Abel Carlin, John 
 Croystea, jr., Charles Allen, Marshall N. Bisbee, Anson Sweet, William 
 H. Corbin, Ephraim Russell, Benjamin Titus, Sanford Sanderson, James 
 Proper, William R. Hogaboom, Charles R. Blake, William Teachout, 
 Godfrey Steinhour, John Hunter, John Stinets, David Hunter, jr., Asa 
 Rood, Asa Hunter, 3d, Samuel Decker, James Hogaboom, Charles 
 Brown, Henry Hall, William Stearns, H. S. Eggleston, Benjamin Peake, 
 G. G Winter, William B. Allen, Daniel Watson, Vincent Hutchins, 
 N. W. Green, John H. Fairchild, John Butler, Levi S. Fairchild, A. Part- 
 ridge, Horace Austin, E. Wait, Leander Mason, E. Haskins, F. W. 
 Spear, Charles Haskins, Luther P. Rixford, John Shaw, Luther L Rob- 
 inson, James Johnson, David Sawyer, and John Blake. 
 
 Captain Drury's Company : Abel Drury, captain ; Calvin Drury, 
 Hannibal Skelters, lieutenants; Martin Lumpkins, Mason Peake, Alonzo 
 S. Ward, James H. Hogaboom, sergeants ; William Cutler, James A. 
 Spooner, corporals ; and privates, Jacob Brewer, Rensselaer Brewer, 
 James Proper, Nicholas Miller, G. M. Beebe, Ashley Newell, A. G. Cutler,' 
 Joshua Spooner, Josiah Winship, Luther Steinhour, Hiram Best, Peter 
 Van Allen, John Anderson, William Sterns, Eldad Sterns, Timothy Jones, 
 Samuel Curtis, Lovel Barnes, John Hogaboom, Warren Durkee, Daniel 
 Farrington, Jonathan Rice, 3d, Gabriel Carlin, Hiram Blower, Asa Whit- 
 comb, Michael Lee, David Steinhour, Jonathan Blodgett, Ephraim Bessy, 
 James Lane, Duncan McClary, Harley Ricord, John Johnson, jr., Sam- 
 uel B. Upham, William Sloget, Merritt Ricord, Ammon McGee, Justin 
 Twist, John Proper, Peter Carman, John Jewett, Liberty Wood, Jacob 
 Jewett, Orange Seward, Samuel Wood, P. Teachout, Russell Clow, 
 George Averill, Jacob Church, Charles Jewett, Horatio Winters, Cyrus 
 Thompson, William Smith, Edgar Smith, Guy Hogle, George E. Shelters, 
 Francis Duell, Joshua Ripley, L. Frido, Ezekiel Loucks, Mathew 
 Loucks, A. G. Weaver, W. R. Hogaboom, Nelson Austin, Samuel Hoga- 
 boom, Cassius P. Pierce, William Proper, John Peelson, Joseph Stickney, 
 
Town of Highgate. 605 
 
 Nathaniel Johnson, James Johnson, Walter C. Stevens, Homer Johnson, 
 William Stickney, Philip Shelters, Allen Stickney, Robert Clark, Will- 
 iam Cline, Edwin Saxe, Luther K. Drury, B. F. Hollenbeck, Levi Spear, 
 Charles Butler, Peter E. Brewer, Hamilton Wilson, Solomon Johnson, 
 Dawson Johnson, John Mayville, jr., and D. G. M. Kidder. 
 
 Captain Drury organized another company for service, under a special 
 order, during the same year, 1839, which company was as follows: 
 Captain, Abel Drury; A. M. Lamkins, first sergeant; H. J. Saxe, ser- 
 geant ; and privates, Charles McCarty, William Sloget, Garbriel Corbin, 
 William Stearns, Josiah Jones, John Riley, Harley Ricord, John Turner, 
 John Hogaboom, John Mayville, James Hogaboom, Cassias P. Pierce, 
 Alfred Sweet, Justin Twist, William Cline, William Smith, Noah Ricord, 
 George Stickney, Lovel Barnes, Frederick Dulback, and Hiram Blower. 
 
 A preceding chapter in this work has referred at length to the several 
 regiments in which were contributions of men from Highgate during the 
 period of . the war of 1861-65, commonly known as the Rebellion; and 
 in that connection will be found the names of the men furnished by the 
 town, and the company and regiment to which they respectively be- 
 longed. Therefore in this chapter it will not be necessary to refer to 
 and mention more than the aggregate of soldiery sent from the town to 
 the service. During the course of the war this, town is credited with 
 having furnished the total number of 222 men, twelve of whom were 
 killed in battle; twenty- two died of wounds and disease contracted in 
 the service ; twenty-seven were discharged for disabilities ; twenty be- 
 came veterans by re-enlistment. The total number regularly mustered 
 out was III. There were fifteen desertions of enhsted men from High- 
 gate, a number proportionately less than many other towns of the 
 county ; and those charged with desertion were mainly persons who 
 came to Highgate from Canada for the purpose of enlisting and obtain- 
 ing the large bounties offered by the local authorities, and then return- 
 ing secretly to the province, where they could not be pursued. As a 
 matter of fact these Canadians, or many of them at least, never intended 
 to enter the service, but became full-fledged bounty jumpers, and that 
 at the expense of the town and to its great injury. 
 
 Highgate village is about one mile south and a little to the east of 
 the geographical center of the town, on a waterfall of the Missisquoi 
 
6o6 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 River. This fall is one of the best if not the best to be found in the 
 state, with one or two others directly above, at a distance not exceeding 
 two miles, which are almost as good. The village is divided by the 
 river. The south village is called Highgate and that on the north High- 
 gate Center. The bed of the river lies some seventy-five feet below 
 the handsome plain land on which the two villages are built. The 
 banks of the stream are high and rocky, making it a safe and conven- 
 ient water privilege. Any desirable "head" or fall can be obtained. 
 The bed of the river runs rapidly for nearly half a mile through a rocky, 
 deep gorge, and the foot of the gorge is nearly lOO feet lower than the 
 water above the dam. Directly below the dam the river was spanned by 
 an arch bridge built entirely of pine by S. W. & S. S. Keyes in 1824, and 
 was one of the best built bridges in the state, being erected by private 
 enterprise, and was for many years a toll bridge. Kibbee & Hatch were 
 the builders. In 1887 it was thought to be unsafe, and what could be 
 saved of the timbers was taken down, after which the arches were 
 blown apart by dynamite and fell to the bed of the river, a distance of 
 nearly 100 feet. It was replaced the same year by an iron bridge built 
 by the Berlin Bridge Company. 
 
 Andrew Potter built the first house and barn in the hmits of the village 
 about 1795, and the first grist-mill, of logs, about 1800. It was run by 
 an overshot wheel, and the water was conducted to the wheel by a spout, 
 there then being no dam across the river. In 1804 or '05 Andrew Potter 
 and a Mr. Phelps built the first saw-mill, and also a dam across the river, 
 which soon went off In 18 11 or '12 Hemen Allen built a frame grist- 
 mill, which was burned down about a year after. In 1815 Mr. Allen 
 built a grist-mill of brick, which was taken down ten or eleven years after, 
 and rebuilt by S. W. & S. S. Keyes. They also built, about 1826, what 
 was called the new mill, with four runs of stone, which mill, after stand- 
 ing a few years, was undermined by the river and the back part fell into 
 the stream. It was rebuilt by the same parties, but was soon after taken 
 down. What is called the old mill is doing business at the present 
 time, and is owned by Dr. Baxter. The first bridge across the river 
 here was a trestle bridge, near the foot of the falls, built by Allen & 
 Evarts in 18 12, and this went down in the fall of 1822 or '23. The 
 mill-dam was built by Heman Allen in 1811 or '12, and rebuilt by Dr. 
 
Town of Highgate. 607 
 
 Baxter in 1884, and a new wing and bulk head in 1888. This water 
 privilege is used to some extent at the present time : One saw-mill, run 
 by Mr. Hinerth, the grist-mill, the foundry, and machine shops owned 
 by Haskins & Hinerth, and all doing a good business. There are two 
 blacksmith shops in the south village, E. U. Sunderland occupying one, 
 and in connection with it he is doing quite a business in manufacturing 
 wagons and sleighs; the other is run by Sears Sz; Lumbard. There is 
 also a store in the south village, E. D. Herrick's, and an Episcopal 
 church. 
 
 In the north village are two stores doing a good trade, viz.: C. A. 
 Lyon & Sons and J. B. Cross & Son. The Methodist, Congregational, 
 and Catholic churches are also in this village. In the west part of the 
 town is done a large business in manufacturing lime by S. H. Felten. 
 The lime rock is said to be of superior quality. 
 
 The old Highgate spring is situated in the west part of the town, near 
 the lake, and is a favorite resort for invalids and sportsmen. Its cura- 
 tive properties have been known and appreciated for years. The Frank- 
 lin House, kept by L. S. Scott, is a popular hotel, accommodating 150 
 guests, and is filled every season. The hunting and fishing in the 
 vicinity is excellent, making this a great resort for campers. The hotel 
 at Highgate Center is owned and kept by Philip Sheltes, the descend- 
 ant of one of the first children born in the town. 
 
 East Highgate village is situated three miles east of Highgate Center, 
 on the Missisquoi River— a thriving, busy little village, the prosperity 
 of which is mainly due to O. S. Rixford, esq., son of Luther Rixford, 
 who settled there in 1837 and commenced the manufacture of scythes. 
 Mr. Rixford has carried on the business since 1868, and built large and 
 commodious shops for the manufacture of axes in connection with the 
 scythe business. There are two stores, two hotels, and one tannery in 
 this village; one grist-mill, two saw-mills, a creamery separator, school- 
 house, and forty dwelling houses. At the present time there are noth- 
 ing but common district schools in either of the three villages in town. 
 
 The Methodist Episcopal Church was erected at Highgate Center in 
 1869, at a cost of $8,500, of brick, and is a substantial and commo- 
 dious edifice. Rev. Elijah Hedding (afterwards bishop) is supposed to 
 have preached the first Methodist sermon in town, in 1799. Rev. 
 
6o8 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Thomas Best was the first settled minister. The church was organized 
 in 1822. Its first members were E. P. Haskins and wife, Daniel Her- 
 riclc and wife, Luke Hitchcock and wife, Daniel Fillmore and wife, 
 Amasa Joslyn and wife, Thomas Best and wife, with other names un- 
 known. The old records are lost. The list of preachers are as follows : 
 Revs. Samuel Weaver, 1829; DilHn Stevens, 1830-33 ; I. Seward, 1833- 
 35; William Richards, 1835; John Graves, 1836; C. Chamberlin, 1837; 
 B. A. Lyon, 1838 ; O. E. Spear, 1839-41 ; A. Dixon, 1841-43 ; John 
 Seger, 1843-45; Charles Seward, 1845-47; J. D. White, 1847-49; 
 Brown, 1849-51 ; Orrin Gregg, 1851-54; S. H. Climes, 1854-56; J. H. 
 W. R. Puffer, 1856; J. E. Kimball, 1857-59; C. R. Hawley, 1859; 
 H. C. Robinson, i860; J. S. Mott, 1861-63 ; B, Cox, 1863; R. Chrystie, 
 1864; J. M. Puffer, 1865-67; James Robinson, 1867-68; C. Wedge- 
 worth, 1868-70; Milo Barney, 1870-71; D. P. Bragg, 1871-73; Cor- 
 tez Kimball, 1873-75; W. B. Howard, 1875-77; W. R. Puffer, 1877- 
 79; T. Trevellian, 1879-81; W. N. Roberts, 1881-83; S. S. Brigham, 
 1883-87; W. B. Malcomb, 1887-90. 
 
 The Congregational Church. — The first Congregational church of 
 Highgate was organized in a school-house, in the northwest part of the 
 town, October 28, 18 11, Rev. Benjamin'Wooster officiating. The names 
 of the fifteen original members were as follows : Conrad Barr, Hezekiah 
 Harnden, John Johnson, John Stimits, John Barr, Henry Loucks, Eu- 
 nice Teachout, Anna Saxe, Martha Barr, Catherine Steinhour, Rachel 
 Johnson, Sarah Drury, Sarah Williams, Hannah Stimits, and Rachel 
 Harnden. This little flock in the wilderness was watched over by that 
 bold and noble man, soldier of the Cross and of his country. Father 
 Wooster, until the autumn of 18 19. Rev. Messrs. Parker, Cheney, and 
 other missionaries from Massachusetts and Connecticut made them oc- 
 casional visits, traveling on horseback through the woods. Their num- 
 bers increased at every communion except when the leader was away 
 in defence of his country — during the War of 18 1 2. In the autumn of 
 1819 Rev. Phineas Kingsley was installed pastor. Rev. Simon Parmelee 
 preached from the words : " Put off thy shoes from thy feet, for the 
 place whereon thou standest is holy ground." His pastorate, thus begun 
 in the school- house on the south side of the river, closed in September, 
 1829. The next and only pastor installed after Mr. Kingsley was Rev. 
 
Town of Highgate. 609 
 
 E. W. Kellogg, June 7, 1846, Rev. James Dougherty preaching on 
 this occasion. Their new commodious brick church edifice was dedi- 
 cated on the same day. The meetings of the church previous to this 
 time were first in school-houses, then in the town-house, and finally in a 
 house built for the purpose at the center of the town. Mr. Kellogg was 
 dismissed in July, 1852. No record speaks of Sabbath-schools until 
 May II, 1842. The church engaged the stated labors of Rev. Messrs. 
 Pierce, Squires, Cody, and Sampson from the time of Mr. Kellogg's dis- 
 missal till June, 1867, when Rev. E. J. Cummings became their acting 
 pastor and remained until 1871 ; Rev. E. J. Stone, from 1871-76; Rev. 
 J. H. Babbitt, from 1876-87, but resided in Swanton ; Rev. E. J. Rans- 
 low, who also resides in Swanton, from 1887 to the present time. The 
 church has numbered 140, and at other times has been reduced to fifty ; 
 it is now in a prosperous condition. The first Congregational and the 
 first Methodist churches built in town were erected about two and one- 
 half miles north from Highgate Center, about one- half mile apart, be- 
 tween the years of 181 3 and 181 8 ; the exact date cannot be ascertained. 
 The Congregational church was taken down and moved to Highgate 
 Center about 1854 or '55 by the Catholics, and is in use by them at the 
 present time as a place of worship. 
 
 The Catholic Church was built from the old Congregational church 
 about 1854 or '55, and has been supplied from Swanton until the past 
 three or four years, when the society bought a parsonage. Since that 
 time the Rev. Joseph Turcott has officiated. The church is in a fair 
 condition. Its members are largely French, as there are but few Irish 
 Catholics in town. 
 
 St. John's Episcopal Chtirch.—The material from which to make a 
 history of this parish is very limited. The record of several years of 
 its early existence, if one was kept, has been lost. The church was 
 built about the year 1 831, by subscription from the different denomina- 
 tions in town. It is a substantial brick building situated on the south 
 side of the river in a very pleasant location. It was consecrated May i, 
 1833. In 1835 the original building was much improved by the addi- 
 tion of a chancel and vestry room, and by painting the entire structure. 
 This desirable change was effected through the liberality of the business 
 men of the place. In 1837 the Hon. Heman Allen gave a bell, a font 
 
 77 
 
6io History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 of Italian marble, a silver communion service, and books for the altar 
 and pulpit. About the same time an organ of excellent quality and 
 tone was purchased and placed in the church. In 183 i Rev. Anson B. 
 Hard became rector of the parish at that time ; though many in the 
 community were favorable to the church there was only one communi- 
 cant. His ministry, which continued two years, was very successful. 
 After the removal of Mr. Hard the Rev. S. R. Crane officiated in this 
 parish one year, 1836. For that year he reported to the convention 
 three baptisms and ten confirmations. In the fall of 1836 Rev. John S. 
 Sabine took charge of this parish and remained one year. He reported 
 nine baptisms and four confirmations. At that time the number of 
 communicants was above thirty. Though brief, Mr. Sabine's ministry 
 was useful. In 1837 Rev. Charles Fay took charge, and resigned De- 
 cember 30, 1840. During his ministry there were fifty-eight baptisms 
 and thirty-four confirmations. When he left the number of communi- 
 cants was sixty-two. The parish remained vacant about a year, when 
 the Rev. William F. Holsey was called to the charge of it. He re- 
 signed on account of ill health in April, 1843. Mr. Holsey recorded 
 twelve baptisms and four confirmations. He reported to the committee 
 in September, 1842, forty- three communicants. During some part of 
 the year 1845 Rev. John A. Fitch, of Sheldon, officiated in tliis parish. 
 He recorded eleven baptisms and one confirmation. The parish re- 
 mained vacant until July, 1847, when the Rev. C. R. Batchelor was 
 called to its charge. He resigned January 2J, i860, after laboring ten 
 years and five months. During a portion of this time he had a private 
 school in which a number of young men, still living in this and surround- 
 ing towns, prepared for college. During his rectorship he reported sixty- 
 five baptisms, and forty-three confirmations, and forty communicants. 
 In June, 1862, Rev. Edward Winthrop took charge as rector. In 1886 
 he was obliged on account of illness to resign, and died soon after. He 
 was a man of uncommon talent. During his rectorship he reported 
 seven baptisms and eight confirmations. The parish remained vacant 
 until August, 1867, when the Rev. J. B. Pitman was appointed. Twelve 
 baptisms and nine confirmations was reported under his charge. Mr. 
 Pitman remained until 1 871 or '72, and resigned. The Rev. Josiah Swett 
 was called to its charge and remained until his death, which was in 1889. 
 
Town of Sheldon. 6ii 
 
 During his labors he established a school in Highgate which was of great 
 benefit to this and surrounding towns, and it was well patronized. He 
 was a man of rare talent and uncommon theological learning. During 
 the past year services have been held in the church occasionally by his 
 son, who is studying for the ministry. 
 
 Totvn Representatives. — John Knickerbocker, 1792; Jonathan But- 
 terfield, 1793-94; Orange Smith, 179S ; Jonathan Butterfield, 1796; 
 John Cray, 1799; Matthew Saxe, 1800-02; Sylvanus Cobb, 1803-04; 
 Peter Saxe, 1806, 1818, 1827; Simeon Hungerford, 181 1 ; Abel Drury, 
 1812, 1823; Eben Hill, 1815; John Averill, 1820-22, 1824-25; Thomas 
 Best, 1827; John Barr, 1829-31, 1837; Jesse Carpenter, 1832, 1835; 
 Charles H. Jennison, 1836; Luther K. Drury, 1838; William Skeels, 
 1841 ; Luther Meigs, 1843; L. K. Drury, 1845 ; Luther Meigs, 1846; 
 Daniel Watson, 1847-48; no choice, 1852; Jesse Cutler, 1849; A. P. 
 Herrick, 1850; Jacob Carman, 1851-56; Calvin Drury, 1853-54; 
 Asa Wilson, 1855 ; Henry Baxter, 1857; Warren Robinson, 1859-60, 
 1864-65; Amos Skeels, 1861 ; O. S. Rixford, 1862-63; Melvin 
 Church, 1866; J. R. Smith, 1867; O. S. Rixford, 1868-69; Henry 
 Baxter, 1870 ; Stephen Keyes, 1872; H. L. Culter, 1874; Hiram 
 Skeels. 1876; O. E. Sheridan, 1878; O. S. Searls, 1880; O. E. Sheri- 
 dan, 1882; J. B. Sanderson, 1884; J. A. Fitch, 1886; E.J. Phelps, 
 1888; J. B. Sanderson, 1890. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXn. 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SHELDON.' 
 
 ^' r)R0VINCE2 of New Hampshire. George the Third. By the 
 Y Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, De- 
 fender of the Faith, etc. 
 
 I By P. B. B. Northrup, esq. 
 
 ^ This is the only copy of a New Hampshire charter of any of the Franklin county 
 towns given in this volume ; and the copy here furnished is for the purpose of informing 
 the reader of the character of the charters granted by Benning Wentworth. 
 
6i2 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 'To all persons to whom these presents shall come. Greeting. 
 
 " Know ye, that we of our special grace, certain knowledge and mere 
 notion, for the due encouragement of settling a New Plantation within 
 our said Province by and with the advise of our truly and well beloved 
 Benning Wentworth, Esq. Our Governor and Commander in Chief 
 of our said province of New Hampshire in New England and of our 
 Counsil of the said province, HAVE upon the Conditions and Res- 
 ervations herein after made, given, granted, and by these Presents for 
 us, Our Heirs and Successors, do give and grant in equal shares, unto 
 our loving Subject, Inhabitance of our said Province of New Hampshire 
 and our other Government, and to their heirs and assigns for ever whose 
 names are entered on this grant, to be divided to and amongst them 
 into seventy equal shares, all that tract or Parcel of land situated, lying, 
 and being within our said province of New Hampshire containing by 
 admeasurement 23,040 acres. Which Tract is to contain six miles 
 square, and no more, out of which an allowance is to be made for High 
 Ways and unimprovable lands by rocks, ponds, mountains, and rivers, 
 one-thousand and forty acres free, according to a plain and survey 
 thereof, made by our said Governor's order and returned into the Sec- 
 retary's office and hereunto annexed, buttet, and bounded as follows, by 
 
 "Beginning at the North-easterly corner of Smithfield, a township this 
 day granted, from thence running westerly by Smithfield, as that runs to 
 the North-westerly corner there-of, which is also the south-Easterly 
 corner of Highgate, then turning off Northerly and running by High- 
 gate afforesaid, as that runs to the North-Easterly corner thereof, then 
 turning off Easterly and running so far as a parallel line with the North- 
 erly side line of Smithfield afforesaid, as that a straight line drawn from 
 Meets Points to the North-Easterly corner bounds of Smithfield affore- 
 said (the Bend beyond), shall include the contents of six miles square. 
 
 " And that the same be and hereby is incorporated into a township , 
 by the name of Hungerford, and the inhabitance that do or shall here- 
 after inhabit the said township are hereby declared to be En-franchised, 
 and intitled to all and every the priviledges and immunities that other 
 towns within our province by leave exercise and enjoy. And further, 
 that the said town, as soon as there shall be fifty families resident and 
 settled thereon, shall have the liberty of holding two fairs, one of which 
 
Town of Sheldon. 613 
 
 shall be held on the and the other annually, which fairs 
 
 are not to continue longer than the respective following the said 
 
 annually which Fairs. 
 
 " That as soon as the said town shall consist of fifty families, a market 
 may be opened and kept one or more days in each week as may be 
 thought most advantegeous to the inhabitance. 
 
 " Also that the first meeting for the choice of Town Officers agreea- 
 bly to the laws of our said province shall be held on the thirteenth day 
 of Sept. next, which said meeting shall be notified by Benjamin Clapp, 
 who is hereby appointed the moderator of the said first meeting, which 
 he is to notify and govern agreeably to the laws and customs of our 
 said province. And that the annual meeting forever hereafter for the 
 choice of such officers for the said town shall be on the second Tuesday 
 of March annually to HAVE and to HOLD the said Tract of land as 
 above expressed, together with all privaleges and appurtenances, and to 
 them and their respective heirs and assigns forever, upon the following 
 conditions VIZ. — 
 
 " I. That every grantee, his heirs or assigns, shall plant and cultivate 
 five acres of land, within the term of five years, for every fifty acres con- 
 tained in his or their share or proportion of land in said township and 
 continue to improve and settle the same by additional cultivation, on 
 penalty of his grant or share being forfeited in the said township, and of 
 its reverting to US, our heirs and successors to be by US, or them, re- 
 granted to such of our subjects as shall effectually settle and cultivate 
 
 the same. 
 
 " n. That all white and other Pine Trees within the said township fit 
 for making Our Royal Navy be carefully preserved for that use, and 
 none to be cut or felled without our special license for so doing, first had 
 and obtained upon Penalty of the Forfeiture of the Rights of such 
 Grantee, to US, Our Heirs and Successors, as well as being subject to 
 the Penalty of Iny Act or Acts of Parliament that now are or hereafter 
 
 shall be Enacted. 
 
 •' HI. That before any Division of the Land be made to and among 
 the Grantees, a Tract of Land as near the Centre of the said Town Ship 
 as the Land will admit of shall be reserved and marked out for Town 
 Seats, One of Which shall be allotted to each Grantee of the Contents 
 of One Acre. 
 
6 14 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 " Yeilding and paying therefor to Us, our Heirs and Successors for 
 the Space of ten Years, to be computed from the Date hereof, the Rent 
 of one Ear of Indian Corn only, on the twenty-fifth Day of December 
 annually, if Lawfully demanded, the first Payment to be made on the 
 twenty- fifth day of December, 1763. 
 
 " Every Proprietor, Settler, or Inhabitant Shall Yeild and pay unto 
 US, our heirs and Successors yearly, and every year forever, from and 
 after the Experation of ten years from the above said twenty-fifth day of 
 Dec. Namely on the twenty-fifth Day of December, which will be in 
 the year of Our Lord 1773, One Shilling Proclamation Money for every 
 hundred Acres he so owns, settles, or possesses, and so in Proportion 
 for a greater or lesses Tract of the Said Land ; which money shall be 
 paid by the Respective Persons aforesaid, their Heirs or Assigns, in our 
 Council Chamber in Portsmouth, or to such Office or Officers as shall 
 be appointed to receive the same ; and this to be in Lieu of all other 
 Rents and Services What-soever. 
 
 "In Testimony Whereof we have caused the Seal of our said Province 
 to be hereunto affixed. 
 
 "Witness, I, Benning Wentworth, Esq., Our Governor and Com- 
 mander-in-Chief of our Said Province the i8th Day of August. In the 
 Year of our Lord Christ, one-thousand seven -hundred sixty- three, and 
 in the third year of Our Reign, By His EXCELLENCY', Command 
 
 with Advise of Council. , ^ ,,, 
 
 " B. Wentworth. 
 
 "Province of New Hampshire, August 18, 1763, Recorded in Books 
 
 of Charters P 42 & 43. ^ . 
 
 ^ ^^ "P. Atkinson, Jr., Sec." 
 
 Back of Charter. — " Surveyor's Gen. Office. Recorded in the first 
 Book of Charters for the New Hampshire Grants. Pages 200-209-210. 
 
 " For His Excellency, Benning Wentworth, Esq., a Tract to contain 
 Five Hundred Acres Marked B. W. in the Plan, which is to be ac- 
 counted two of the sum shares. One whole share for the Incorperated 
 Society for Propogation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. One whole 
 share for a Glebe for the Church of England, as by Law Established. 
 One share for the First Settled Minister of the Gospel in said Town, 
 & one share for Benefit of the Schools in said town forever. 
 
Town of Sheldon. 615 
 
 "Esq. Allen please, to Record this, and hand it Back again By the 
 Bairer and also the Charter of Ferdinand, which nay son left with you 
 some time ago. „ 3^^^^^ HUNGERFORD." 
 
 Then follows the names of the grantees' plan of the town and certifi- 
 cate of record. 
 
 Upon the map of the state we find the just described town of pen- 
 tagonal shape, occupying nearly the central part of Franklin county. 
 The town, originally called Hungerford, was changed to Sheldon, No- 
 vember 8, 1792. It is embraced between longitude 44" 54' north and 
 latitude 4° i' east, and is bounded on the north by Highgate, Franklin, 
 and Enosburgh ; on the east by Enosburgh; on the south by Fairfield 
 and Swanton; and on the west by Highgate and Swanton. It contains 
 23,040 acres, and is about eleven miles from east to west and four miles 
 from north to south. 
 
 There are no ponds, marshes, or bodies of standing water of any ex- 
 tent within its boundaries. The three principal streams are the Missis - 
 quoi, Black Creek, and Tyler's branch. The Missisquoi derives its 
 name from the Indian words " Missi," meaning much, and " kiscoo" 
 meaning waterfowl, from the great number of cranes, herons, and ducks 
 that formerly frequented this stream and its branches each season. Next 
 to Otter Creek it is the largest and longest in the state. It is eighty 
 miles long and drains the area of about 600 square miles. It enters 
 Sheldon about a mile south of the northeast corner and flows a westerly 
 and northwesterly course through the town, a distance of nearly eleven 
 miles. It affords many fine mill privileges. Black Creek, running 
 through Fairfield, enters Sheldon on the south and empties into the 
 Missisquoi two miles below. It has a good water-power about a mile 
 above its mouth, at Sheldon village, which is thoroughly improved. 
 Tyler's branch, a stream of less size than Black Creek, enters the town 
 on the east, and after running scarcely more than a mile northwesterly 
 it adds its waters to those of the Missisquoi. Besides these there are 
 minor streams emptying into the Missisquoi at different points, the prin- 
 cipal of which are Goodsell and Morrow Brooks. 
 
 The surface of the town is pleasantly diversified by broad valleys and 
 gentle rolling uplands. Bordering upon the Missisquoi and its princi- 
 pal tributaries are wide and extensive intervals, appearing as one un- 
 
6i6 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 broken field of cultivation. The quality of the soil is unsurpassed — a 
 deep rich alluvial. The uplands, receding gradually in most places 
 north and south of the Missisquoi Valley, are of a rich and mellow loam, 
 and very productive. The higher lands are timbered with beech, birch, 
 maple, etc. In the valleys and bordering upon the streams there were 
 formerly valuable tracts of pine and hemlock with a mixture of elm and 
 other soft woods. The pine tract originally predominated in the west- 
 ern part of the town, where the soil was lighter and less productive. 
 
 Geologically there are three distinct general formations crossing the 
 town in lines nearly north and south, with strikes nearly parallel. In 
 the eastern and larger part a strata of slate, beds of chlorite, and consid- 
 erable talcose slate abound. The central part is similar to the former, 
 having more talcose slate. In the western part marble formations exist, 
 together with magnesian and silicious limestone and a strata of magne- 
 sian slate. It is in the eastern part of this formation that the mineral 
 springs are situated, and it is plausibly apparent that the properties de- 
 veloped by chemistry are stoutly and consistently substantiated by its 
 elder sister-science, geology. The dip of the rocks in the eastern part 
 of the town is from 75 to 85 degrees, and in the north and west from 60 
 to 65 degrees. 
 
 The organization of Hungerford, afterwards changed to Sheldon, took 
 place in 1791, the day and month not being known. The following is 
 the record in regard to it : ^ 
 
 " In the year A. D. 1791, On application of a number of the inhabi- 
 tance of the Township of Hungerford, to Daniel Stannard, of Georgia, a 
 Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Chittenden and state 
 of Vermont, to warn a rheeting, agreeable to the Statutes for the afore- 
 said inhabitance to meet and choose Town Officers, a warning was is- 
 sued by the said Daniel Stannard, Esq., for the Inhabitants to meet at 
 the dwelling-house of Elisah Sheldon, Jun., at Hungerford aforesaid on 
 the day of , A. D. 1791, at which time and place the in- 
 habitance aforesaid met in presence of said Justice and proceded to Bal- 
 lot. 
 
 "1st. To choose a moderator to govern said meeting; when Mr. 
 Elisah Sheldon, Jr., was elected, and took his seat. 
 
 Vol. I., Town Records. 
 
Town of Sheldon. 617 
 
 " 2d. Proceeded to choice of Town Clerk ; when Samuel B. Sheldon 
 was chosen. 
 
 " 3d. Elected Elisah Sheldon, Sec, and James Hawly and Elisah 
 Sheldon, Jr., Selectmen to govern the prudential Concern of Said Town. 
 
 "4th. James Herric 2nd Constable. 
 
 "The above officers were sworn agreeable to law in presence of said 
 meeting. 
 
 " Meeting adjourned without day." 
 
 The meetings of the inhabitants, both for the transaction of town busi- 
 ness and for freemen's meeting, were held for some years at either one 
 of two places: " At the dwelling house of Elisha Sheldon, standing on 
 the north side of the river on the so-called Butler place [now Towle's], 
 towards Enosburgh Falls," or "at the dwelling house of Dr. Benjamin 
 B. Searls, a log cabin, at the Corners." They were held oftener, it 
 would seem from the records, at the latter place. At the first freemen's 
 meeting, recorded in 1793, the whole number of votes cast for state of- 
 ficers was forty -five, as follows: For governor, Isaac Tichenor, forty- 
 five; for lieutenant-governor, Jonathan Hunt, forty- one; for lieuten- 
 ant-governor, Peter Shott, four; and for treasurer, Samuel Mattocks,, 
 forty-five. Samuel B. Sheldon was the first representative and the first 
 magistrate in 1791. 
 
 Samuel Hungerford, to whom with seventy others the town of Shel- 
 don was granted in 1763, resided in New Fairfield, Conn. Some of the 
 other grantees lived in Greenwich, Conn , among them being Uriah 
 Field, or " Daddy Field " as he was familiarly called. Field acquired, 
 by purchase or otherwise, the greater part of the town, and it was of 
 him and Timothy Rogers, who lived in Ferrisburgh, Vt, and who was 
 one of the town's first surveyors, that the Sheldons bought the land 
 and gave the town their name. Year after year for nearly twenty 
 years did " old daddy Field " and his two sons, wearing their broad- 
 brimmed hats and quaint suits of gray, visit Sheldon, riding all the way 
 from Connecticut on horseback, to receive their annual pay, which was 
 in part beef cattle, which they drove to New York markets. 
 
 The first of the Sheldons that visited the town was Samuel B., or 
 " Major Sam " as he was afterwards called. He and Elisha, jr., and 
 George were sons of Colonel Elisha Sheldon. It was in 1789 that 
 
 78 
 
6i8 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Major Sam first came to Sheldon. His object in coming was to look 
 the town over and inspect the soil previous to purchasing. Instead of 
 coming as the early settlers afterwards did, by the way of Fairfield alone, 
 unaccompanied by man or beast, he ascended the Lamoille River to 
 Cambridge, and passed through Bakersfield, then an unfrequented wild- 
 erness, striking one of the branches that empties into Tyler's branch, 
 which he descended until he reached the point where the latter stream 
 joins the Missisquoi. Here he stopped until morning, and a large elm 
 tree was long pointed out as the one beneath which he first slept, with 
 no covering for protection save a "portmanteau for a pillow." 
 
 In the spring of 1790 George, the younger son of Colonel Sheldon, 
 accompanied by a sturdy old Scotchman and his wife by the name of 
 MacNamara, together with several negro servants, came to town as 
 '' first settlers," their only means of locomotion being a yoke of oxen 
 and a sled. From the town of Fairfield, the nearest settled point for a 
 distance of ten miles, they marked trees through the dense woods to the 
 Missisquoi. Here upon the north side of the river, opposite the outlet 
 of Tyler's branch, and scarcely more than a stone's throw from the old 
 elm beneath which Major Sam passed a lonely night, they settled. The 
 year previous they constructed a log house, the first one built in town 
 by white men, and now owned by Harrison Towle. Here, also, was the 
 first tree felled, the first ground broken, and the first seed planted. 
 After the crop was harvested the negroes returned to Burlington to pass 
 the winter. George Sheldon also started for his home in Connecticut, 
 leaving MacNamara and his wife to keep watch and ward over things 
 at the settlement until the return of spring. The sufferings and sorrows 
 of this lonely settler, his trust and determination, passed into tradition. 
 Well does it illustrate the stern and unflinching character of the pioneer, 
 the worthy and resolute son of Caledonia. 
 
 On his way home Mr. Sheldon had requested a Mr. Hawley, living 
 in Fairfield, to visit MacNamara and see to him. Hawley agreed to do 
 so, but failed to call even once. Early the next spring Sheldon returned, 
 and when he learned that Hawley had not seen the Scotchman he felt 
 much concerned and hastened on. What was his surprise upon reach- 
 ing the settlement to find that MacNamara's wife had died, and that he 
 had covered the body in a snow bank near the house. She was after- 
 
Town of Sheldon. • 619 
 
 wards buried on the south side of the river, about a quarter of a mile dis- 
 tant, upon a hemlock ridge, and there alone, where no monument or 
 tablet marks the spot, she rests, a striking example of pioneer life and 
 hardship. 
 
 Later in the spring Colonel Elisha Sheldon and his son Elisha, jr.. 
 Major Sam and his son-in-law, Elnathan Keys, with their families, 
 George and family and their servants, and James Herrick and James 
 Hawley arrived in town, settling in different parts. All began in earn- 
 est to clear the .land and grow crops. Meanwhile others joined them, 
 and the settlement advanced with considerable rapidity. The St. Fran- 
 cis Indians were a cause of no Httle apprehension to the inhabitants for 
 a number of years, and even as late as 1812. The Missisquoi and its 
 branches, abounding with trout, and the valleys and hills bordering, af- 
 fording much game, were to them rich fishing and hunting-grounds to 
 which they tenaciously held claim. That large inland peninsula formed 
 by the St. Francis, Missisquoi, and Richelieu Rivers was particularly and 
 reluctantly yielded. Although the Indians never did much injury to the 
 settlers they always appeared sullen and angry, and threatened venge- 
 ance in case of war, especially upon the Sheldons, for whom they had an 
 inveterate hatred, and on one occasion burned a barn of theirs filled with 
 grain. But succeeding years of peace and security ensued, and all 
 thoughts of the tomahawk had long since been forgotten. Wild ani- 
 mals of all kinds common to Northern Vermont abounded in town at 
 the time of the settlement. Of the larger there were moose and bears, 
 together with packs of wolves and herds of deer. Wolves in particular 
 were a great annoyance for a long time. Whole flocks of sheep were 
 sometimes destroyed by them in a single night. Fires would have to 
 be kindled about the barns and lights hung in the barns to frighten them 
 away. Retiring to the hills they would howl dismally through the 
 night, while the hoarse sound of " wolves ! wolves ! " would be shouted 
 from house to house. So bold were they in some instances that prints 
 of their paws had been found upon the snow- covered window-sills in 
 the morning. Bears were so common that travelers were confronted by 
 them and obliged to fly to the nearest tree. Moose were so plenty at 
 first that the permanent presence of the settlers forced them to take to 
 other parts. The only one ever known to have been killed in town was 
 
62 o History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 shot by George Sheldon not far from the late residence of S. B. Herrick, 
 esq. Deer never herded in more congenial places with the tenacity with 
 which they clung to their old " runways," long after a greater part of 
 the forest had been cleared, and until a few years they have been seen 
 coming down from the east part of the town and county, where it is 
 mountainous and wooded. 
 
 What would we of to-day think of going forty miles to get a single 
 bushel of grain ground, or twice that distance if we wished to send or 
 receive a paper or letter? Yet such was the case with the early inhab- 
 itants. The nearest flour- mill was at Plattsburgh, N. Y., and the post- 
 office at Middlebury. But a few years elapsed, however, before the 
 enterprise of the inhabitants caused a better state of things to exist. In 
 1792 Major Sheldon built a saw- mill at the Lower Falls, not far from 
 what is known as Umstead Mills, about two miles from the present vil- 
 lage of Sheldon. It was built there on account of the great amount of 
 pine lumber in the vicinity. A few years later, in 1797, he built a grist- 
 mill on the west side of the creek. In 1799 Israel Keith built a furnace 
 and forge/and for a long time a flourishing business was done, employ- 
 ing much of the time a hundred men or more to supply it with ore and 
 iron. Quite an extensive ore bed was discovered and worked not far 
 from the present residence of Henry Mowry. On account of the good 
 amount of business done by the furnace company iron was long called 
 "Sheldon currency." In 1803 a carding-miU was built and in the same 
 year a postoffice was established. Dr. Hildredth was appointed post- 
 master ; his date of commission was January 15, 1803. Dr. Hildredth 
 was the first physician and the first tavern-keeper in town. The first 
 store was kept by Benjamin Clark, who afterwards sold out to Sheldon, 
 Herth, and Fitch. 
 
 The first freemen's meeting was holden in the eastern part of the town, 
 at the house of Jedediah Tuttle. S. B. Sheldon was chosen representa- 
 tive. 
 
 Town Clerks.— S. B. Sheldon was chosen first town clerk in 1791, and 
 held that office till his death in '1807. Ebenezer Marvin was clerk in 
 1807-13; Chancey Fitch, 1813-15; E. H. Wead, 1815-16; Samuel 
 Wead, 1816-18; E. H. Wead, 1818-19; Charles Gallop, 1819-20- 
 Samuel Wead, 1820-32; E. B. Packenham, 1832-35; Oliver A Keith' 
 
Town of Sheldon. 621 
 
 1835-41; Theophilus Mansfield, 1841-43; A. M. Brown, 1843-85; 
 E. M. Brown, son of A. M., 1885 to present time. 
 
 The Franklin County Republican, a weekly newspaper, was published 
 and edited by J. W. Tuttle. During the greater part of the years 1837, 
 '38, and '39 it was a creditable affair, and would compare favorably with 
 some of the papers published in the state at the present time. The only 
 volumes known by the writer to be extant are in the possession of J. H. 
 Stufflebean. 
 
 Grace Episcopal Church. — Who first preached in town cannot be def- 
 initely ascertained, as there was no church and consequently no church 
 record. Revs. Parker and Worcester of the Congregational church and 
 the Rev. Stephen Beech of the Episcopal church commenced preaching 
 here about the year 1807. The Rev. Mr. Hill, a Methodist, preached 
 here in 18 12. These are the three principal denominations in town, and 
 the only ones that have erected houses of worship, and that have regu- 
 lar Sabbath and Sunday-school services. The first church built was by 
 the Episcopalians. The edifice was erected in 18 12, of wood, and con- 
 secrated the following year. The larger part of the expense was borne 
 by Elder Keith, esq. The edifice was rebuilt upon the same frame, with 
 a brick extension, and supplied with a bell and furniture in 1853. The 
 parsonage was purchased in 1865 and an organ in 1869. The house 
 was again remodeled and newly furnished and consecrated in 1876. 
 The church has been slightly endowed by the wills of the late J. W. 
 Sheldon ($800) and Mrs. Ruth (Dean) Wait ($500). The parish has 
 had the ministrations, generally in connection with some other parish, of 
 the Rev. Stephen Beech (1816-22), the Rev. Elijah Brainard, Rev. Jo- 
 seiph Covell, Rev. Moon Bingham, Rev. Anson B. Hard, Rev. Silas R. 
 Crane, Rev. Louis McDonald, Rev. John Fitch, Rev. Jubal Hodges, 
 Rev. John E. Johnson, Rev. W. Lewis, and Rev. A. H. Bailey for the 
 past twenty-five years. The number of reported communicants in 1 8 16 
 was eleven, which number reached its maximum, ninety- two, in 1834, 
 and has since varied from fifty-five to eighty-eight, the present number 
 being fifty- five. 
 
 The Congregational Church was organized in 18 16. The precise date 
 is not remembered, and there are no records now in existence earlier 
 than 1830. The meeting of its council for a new organization was held 
 
62 2 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 in the school-house standing on the west side of Black Creek, on the 
 site of the present school building. The moderator was Rev. Benjamin 
 Wooster, of Fairfield ; the scribe, Rev. James Parker, of Enosburgh. 
 The following are names of the original members : Samuel White and 
 wife, Samuel Sheldon and wife, Mrs. Isaac Sheldon, Bartholomew Hul- 
 bert and wife, Lucius Cotton and wife, Amos Judd and wife, and Philo 
 White. The clerks of the church have been Samuel White, Alvin Fas- 
 sett, Bruce, D. D. Wead, S. W. Langdon. The deacons have been 
 
 Samuel White, Alvin Fassett, Hezekiah Bruce, Samuel M. Hulbert, 
 Chancey Hulbert, Edward P. Adams, A. T. Leach. Samuel M. Hul- 
 bert and A. T. Leach are still the acting deacons of the church. For 
 the first ten years or more the church was ministered unto by Rev. Ben 
 jamin Wooster, of Fairfield, and by missionaries sent out for short peri- 
 ods from the Connecticut Home Missionary Society. Mr. Wooster 
 preached at Sheldon at different times, and regularly half the time. He 
 must have done this for a number of years, altogether three or four at 
 least, according to the remembrance of Deacon White. Of missionaries 
 the names of Williston and Atwood, in particular, are remembered. 
 Since 1830, the time to which the records now in existence date, we find 
 the names of the following ministers as having supplied the church at 
 different times for longer or shorter periods : James Gilbert, Phinelias 
 Kingley, Preston Taylor, Calvin B. Hulbert, Charles Duren, Charles W. 
 Clark, and George Tolman. The last named was the first and only in- 
 stalled pastor the church has had, and the first settled minister in town. 
 He was ordained and installed July ID, 1862. The following pastors 
 have officiated at various times : C. H. Rowley, C. B. Watson, A. B. 
 Carr, A. T. Clark, and R. B. Fay. In 1865 a commodious parsonage 
 was completed. 
 
 The Methodist Episcopal Church. — In the year 1 8 1 3 the Rev. Isaac 
 Hill, a local Methodist preacher, came to Sheldon from Fairfield and 
 held meetings occasionally. Mr. Hill formed the first class of seven 
 members, viz.: Jacob and Rowena Saxe, Hannah, wife of Alfred Keith, 
 John Potter, widow Asa Dimon, Mrs. Downey, and Mrs. Stephen Kim- 
 ball. Soon after Revs. Gilbert, Lyon, and Buel Goodsil, circuit preach- 
 ers, came here and remained two years, preaching in Sheldon and ad- 
 joining towns. They were succeeded by Rev. Daniel Brayton in 18 16, 
 
Town of Sheldon. 623 
 
 and a young junior preacher. A great revival of religion was enjoyed 
 that year, and most of the first inhabitants of the east part of the town 
 joined the church. At that time there was no stated preaching by any 
 other denomination. Some of those converts afterwards joined the 
 Episcopal church. " Sheldon circuit " consisted of Sheldon, Franklin, 
 and all towns east in Franklin county. The first house of worship, in 
 which the Methodists were largely interested, was built in 1830 as a 
 union house, at the Rock, so called, about two miles east of a village, 
 and in 1830 a union house was erected in the east part of the town. 
 Probably at that time there were as many members in its church as at 
 any time in its history. For several years previous to 1858 Sheldon 
 and Franklin were joined as a circuit and supported two preachers, and 
 afterwards Sheldon and Enosburgh were united. In the spring of 1858 
 Sheldon was set off from Enosburgh and made a station, and undertook 
 to support a minister. Rev. A. C. Rose was appointed by the confer- 
 ence as the first preacher to Sheldon. There was no house of worship 
 and no parsonage. R. J. Saxe gave the use of a house the first year, 
 and he and a few others raised a subscription for a church, which was 
 built in the village in 1859, and was the first Methodist Episcopal 
 church building in Sheldon. The society at that time was quite small 
 and weak financially, numbering probably about sixty members in town. 
 Soon after a parsonage was bought. The church membership now 
 (1890) is about 125, under the pastorship of Rev. A. B. Riggs. 
 
 Mineral Springs. — In Sheldon are the following mineral springs with 
 their proprietors: " Missisquoi,"^ Missisquoi Spring Company, of New 
 York city ; " The Sheldon," George W. Simmons, of Boston ; " The 
 Central," Green & Co.; "The Vermont," Henry Cazan. Of the different 
 springs the Vermont was the last discovered, in 1867. The others have 
 been used more or less for the last seventy-five years. They are 
 located, with the exception of the Central, quite near the banks of the 
 Missisquoi River, and are included within a distance of about three 
 miles, lying mainly to the north of the village, the fartherest being two 
 and one- half miles distant from it. The Central is in the village. In 
 connection with the Sheldon there is an elegantly furnished bathing- 
 house. There are other mineral springs in other parts of the town, and 
 in fact there is quite a strong impregnation in very many springs and 
 
624 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 wells in common family use, but none have been used medicinally to 
 any extent except the above named. The water from the Missisquoi 
 spring in particular is bottled and sent to all parts of the country. The 
 specialty claimed for the water of this spring is a remedy for cancer, scrof- 
 ula, and other diseases of the skin and blood. Many of the cases- of bene- 
 fit are very remarkable. 
 
 Hotels. — In the village is the Portland House, A. C. Marvin, proprie- 
 tor, which is beautifully furnished and well fitted for summer guests, 
 many of whom spend their summers here. The Riverside, located at 
 Sheldon Junction, has recently been refitted and opened by G. D. 
 Thomas, proprietor. Congress Hall, at Sheldon Springs, is the largest 
 hotel in town, and is opened simply as a hotel for summer guests. 
 F. West is proprietor. 
 
 The Raids in Sheldon. — The only advance made upon Sheldon dur- 
 ing the Rebellion was on November 19, 1864, when about a score of 
 " rebel raiders," or " robbers," led by Captain Young, rendezvoused at 
 St. Albans, having their " base " in Canada, but having no distinct Hnes 
 of " retreat." After robbing the banks and shooting some of the un- 
 armed inhabitants they passed through Sheldon on their return to Can- 
 ada. A route so circuitous was not their plan ; they were wrongly 
 guided. Being closely pursued by Captain Conger's party they set fire 
 to the bridge that spans Black Creek at Sheldon, to prevent their cross- 
 ing, but the inhabitants extinguished the fire before it had done any 
 damage. The raiders attempted to enter the Missisquoi Bank, but fort- 
 unately it was closed. Having appropriated to themselves horses and 
 whatever they wished they hurried on, passing along the road on the 
 south side of the Missisquoi until they entered the town of Enosburgh, 
 where they crossed the river at Enosburgh Falls and rode rapidly 
 towards Canada. 
 
 Again, on Monday night, June 4, 1866, Sheldon was the scene of an- 
 other armed gathering. About 800 Fenians (some computing them as 
 high 1,100), who had collected quietly and unobstructed among the 
 Irish residents in the town of Fairfield, arrived. They composed nearly 
 the whole of the Fenian right wing of the army, and passed through the 
 town and village between the hours of nine and twelve at night. They 
 were accoutered and armed, and presented not a poor idea of war. The 
 
Town of Sheldon. 625 
 
 Fenians rendezvoused in the town of Franklin, where they camped over 
 night and then left for Canada. 
 
 Railroads. — The Lamoille Valley Railroad was chartered by the Ver- 
 mont legislature about 1867, and the following year a survey was made, 
 but not being satisfactory three or four more were made in order to 
 ascertain the more feasible route. Work was commenced in 1870, but 
 owing to a lack of funds and the financial crash of 1873 the road pro- 
 gressed slowly, the principal expenditure being made in advertising for 
 help and getting them to work as long as they could by promises, and 
 giving them plenty of tobacco and a few necessaries. They would thus 
 keep the help for about two or three months. The cost to the company 
 through this town was only about $3,000 to the mile till they were 
 ready to lay the iron. In 1877 the road was completed and the first 
 train passed over it July 27th, and soon after regular trains began to 
 run. There are only about four miles of track in the town, and two 
 stations, one at the village and one at the junction with the Missisquoi 
 Valley Railroad. The road after being completed went through various 
 changes. The name was changed in 1880 to the St. Johnsbury and 
 Lake Champlain Railroad and afterwards to the Boston and Lowell Rail- 
 road, which company got possession of it by lease. It finally came un- 
 der the control of the Boston and Maine Railroad, who now operate it. 
 
 The Missisquoi Railroad was chartered in 1869, and a survey was 
 made at once and the work of construction followed, the road being 
 completed in 1870. The first train from Sheldon was on the 4th of 
 July, 1870, and regular trains were soon after put on. There are about 
 eleven miles of the track of this road in town, and there are four stations: 
 Sheldon Springs, Sheldon Junction, North Sheldon, and South Frank- 
 lin. The name of the road has been changed to the Missisquoi Valley 
 Railroad. For a year or so there was quite a business done by this 
 company, but the Southeastern coming to Richford it fell off somewhat. 
 At the present time the road is kept busy, the business having increased 
 during the last few years. 
 
 The Sheldon Agricultural Library Association was formed about 
 1869, and was kept up for several years, but finally ceased to exist as a 
 society, and about ten years since a private library bequest was made to 
 the society by which some additional books were purchased, making 
 
626 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 something of an addition to the books they previously had. The library 
 at the present time has a fair patronage. 
 
 The Franklin County Agricultural and Mechanical Society was formed 
 some twenty-six years ago. It has held an exhibition annually in Sep- 
 tember since that time upon their grounds at the Junction. They offer 
 $2,500 in premiums each year. From all parts of the county people 
 attend, and bring stock, produce, etc., to compete for the prizes. 
 
 Henveel Lodge, No. 30, F. and A. M., is in a flourishing condition, 
 and occupies a hall over the bank, which is elegantly fitted up. The 
 lodge was formed in 1857. The present membership is about thirty- 
 five. 
 
 Highways. — There are about fifty-eight miles of road in town, and 
 owing to the frequent changes made in the laws by the legislature in 
 reference to the highways and on account of freshets they have not been 
 kept in as good condition for the past few years as formerly. The 
 freshet of June 5, 1887, washed out several large culverts, causing about 
 $1,200 damage, and a second one occurring June 15, 1888, caused a 
 loss of about $4,000. In consequence of these freshets the town was ex- 
 cessively burdened by taxes. A freshet the following year was not as 
 severe as either of the other two, the damage amounting to only about 
 $800. In 1890 a cyclone blew down a number of trees on the high- 
 way, unroofed buildings, and nearly carried ofifthe Missisquoi Railroad 
 bridge from its foundation. It was unsafe for travel for some time. 
 
 There are several fine bridges in the town of Sheldon, the oldest 
 being the one at the village, which was built about fifty years ago and 
 thoroughly repaired about twenty- five years since. It is an arch bridge 
 with a double roadway, and is 156 feet long. The single roadway arch 
 bridge at North Sheldon, built some thirty years ago, is strong and dur- 
 able, and is 180 feet long. The iron bridge at the mouth of Black 
 Creek, erected in 1884 by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company, is a sub- 
 stantial structure. It is a parallel truss eighty feet long with afourteen- 
 feet roadway. The state erected a bridge across the Missisquoi River 
 opposite the Junction in 1887, which is of two spans of 148 feet each. 
 It has a fine cut stone pier of Isle La Motte marble. The abutments are 
 of native stone, all being built upon piles. The cost was about $13,000. 
 The town in 1888 purchased of the Berlin Iron Bridge Company a sus- 
 
Town of Sheldon. 627 
 
 pension bridge which they erected that year, and which is 250 feet long 
 from center to center of towers. It has a sixteen- feet roadway. At the 
 time this bridge was erected it was the only suspension bridge in the 
 state. At the west end the anchors are fastened into the ledge upon 
 which the west end abutment is built ; the east shore anchorage is also 
 a ledge, but farther from the abutment and much lower than the floor 
 of the bridge. The cost of the structure was about $7,000. 
 
 The Missisquoi Bank was chartered in 1 847 by the legislature as a 
 state bank, with a capital of $100,000, and it did a good business for 
 sixteen or seventeen years. Mr. Hubbell went to New York with S. B. 
 Green in the fall of 1865 and came back as far as Troy; that was the 
 last seen of him. Whatever became of him will ever remain a mystery, 
 as well as some things connected with the bank near its close. Whether 
 Hubbell was a defaulter or not those who, if alive, can tell never will ; if 
 he was, in all probability there were others as deep in the mystery as he. 
 The affairs of the bank were finally closed up under the receivership of 
 the Hon. D. D. Wead some fifteen years later. 
 
 Schools. — The first school- house in town was built by Major S. B. 
 Sheldon, on the north side of the creek, where the present school house 
 now stands. A Miss Betsey Jennison was the first teacher in town. 
 Sheldon is divided into fourteen districts, or from one to fifteen inclusive, 
 district thirteen having been absorbed by others. Schools are kept in 
 most of them six months each year. 
 
 Industries. — The principal industries are farming and dairying. The 
 milk during the summer is mostly taken to separators and the cream 
 to butter factories to be manufactured. Sheldon is one of the first 
 dairying towns in the state. On an area of four miles square in the east 
 part of the town are kept some 2,000 cows. There are at Sheldon Springs 
 a saw-mill and grist-mill manufacturing lumber and shingles and doing 
 custom grinding. In the village there is a saw-mill and a carriage 
 factory upon the west side of the creek. Upon the opposite side of the 
 stream is a grist-mill which was built some seven years ago. It is well 
 fitted up and has a side-track for loading and unloading grain. There 
 are also two stores and three small groceries. At the Junction the milk 
 from about 1,000 cows is manufactured into butter. 
 
 The Sheldon Poor-House Association.— In the western part of the 
 
628 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 town is the poor-house farm owned and its expenses paid in propor- 
 tion to the grand list by the following towns, each having the privilege 
 of sending here their poor, irrespective of numbers : Berkshire, Enos- 
 burgh, Fairfield, Franklin, Highgate, Sheldon, St. Albans, and Swan- 
 ton. The farm contains about 300 acres, and is well stocked. The 
 average number of inmates is fifty-nine. There were four deaths and 
 three births the past year. The following is a list of inmates present 
 January i, 1890: Berkshire, five; Enosburgh, three; Fairfield, three ; 
 Franklin, ten; Highgate, seven; Sheldon, seven ; St. Albans, fifteen; 
 and Swanton, ten; total, sixty. The total expenses of the association 
 for 1889 for repairs on buildings and maintaining the poor was $2,- 
 220, 02. These expenses were apportioned as follows : Berkshire, 
 $177.40; Enosburgh, $177.40; Fairfield, $200.25 ; Franklin, $163,38 ; 
 Highgate, $178.30; Sheldon, $159.90; St. Albans, $771.90; and Swan- 
 ton, $330.67. It cost seventy cents per week to maintain each inmate, 
 aside from the products of the farm. They are well fed and clothed 
 and the children attend school. They have divine services every two 
 weeks. Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Lampher are superintendents of the house 
 and farm for 1891. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF ALBURGH. 
 
 THE town of Alburgh, like many other towns in Vermont, passed 
 through the most interesting period of its history during the first half 
 century of its existence. To Vermont the town as one of the sub- divis- 
 ions of the commonwealth first became known when, in 178 1, a charter 
 was granted, including its lands, to General Ira Allen and his sixty- four 
 associate proprietors. But long before the Vermont charter was made, 
 and as early even as the beginning of the first French and English wars] 
 in the year 1744, on the 1st of November, the king of France granted 
 the lands now comprising Alburgh, and then known as a seigniory, to 
 Francis Focault, a subject of France. After the conquest of Canada 
 
Town of Alburgh. 629 
 
 and the final overthrow of the French dominion in America this grant 
 was confirmed by the king of Great Britain ; and confirmed, it is confi- 
 dently believed, for the reason that Focault transferred his title to Gen- 
 eral Haldimand, the instigator of the friendly negotiations with Vermont 
 during the latter years of the Revolution. From General Haldimand 
 the title passed to Henry Caldwell, and from him to John Caldwell, all 
 British subjects. During the ownership in the Caldwells the region of 
 the town became kriown as Caldwell's Manor, and in the same control 
 the manor was settled, occupied, and improved. 
 
 As has been stated, the grant of the seigniory comprising what after- 
 wards became Alburgh by the French sovereign was confirmed to its 
 subsequent British owner. However, the American colonies and the 
 mother country at length found themselves involved in a long and terri- 
 ble war, with the final result of the defeat of the latter and the success 
 of the former, followed by the peace treaty of 1783, and the establish- 
 ment of the boundary Hues between the United States and the British 
 provinces in America. And one of the articles of the treaty of 1783 
 provided that Congress " earnestly recommended to the legislatures of 
 the several states to provide for the restitution of all estates, rights, and 
 properties which have been confiscated, belonging to real British sub- 
 jects, and also of the estates, rights, and properties of persons resident in 
 the districts in the possession of his majesty's arms, and who have not 
 borne arms against the United States." This Congress did in due time 
 recommend ; but even before that recommendation was made, and 
 while there was yet existing the possibility of British success in the then 
 waging war, before the treaty was made, Governor Chittenden made the 
 grant to General Allen and his associates. 
 
 But Great Britain insisted that the above quoted article of the treaty 
 had been violated by the United States, in that the manor had been 
 permitted to be granted by state authority and that settlements and 
 transfers of its lands were being prosecuted, and acts of jurisdictional 
 authority were being attempted ; upon which the British commander in 
 Canada sent and maintained an armed force in the town and its immediate 
 vicinity. But the action of Governor Chittenden in exercising authority 
 over the district of Alburgh was based on strong and tenable grounds. By 
 an act, to which Lord Dorchester himself was a party in 1766, the town 
 
630 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 was severed from Canada and remained a part of New York, ?'« law, 
 until tlie controversy between Vermont and New York had been settled; 
 it was assigned to Vermont by the resolution of Congress of August 
 20, 1 78 1, to which New York consented in 1790; by the treaty of 1783 
 Great Britain confirmed it to Vermont, and Congress further confirmed 
 it by the act of 1791, which admitted the state into the Union. Thus 
 in 1792 Governor Chittenden had a perfect right to assert the jurisdic- 
 tion of Vermont, and also to assert that the establishment of civil gov- 
 ernment there had no bearing whatever upon the legal rights of citizens 
 of the town claiming or possessing land there, or of Caldwell or other 
 British subjects. The former had ample remedy in the state courts, 
 and the latter, under the treaty of 1783 and the Federal constitution, in 
 the courts of the United States. 
 
 In 1785 Henry Caldwell appealed to the sympathy and generosity of 
 Vermont, in a letter in the nature of a petition, asking that his title to 
 the manor lands be confirmed to him ; but the prayer of his petition 
 could not well be granted. The settlers under Caldwell, however, held 
 their lands by possession, and Caldwell sold his other interests to He- 
 man Allen, of Highgate, who resorted to the courts with the result of 
 final defeat. The Caldwell title failed because, on one ground at least, 
 it had not been recorded in New York state. 
 
 The town of Alburgh has been variously and numerously known, 
 bearing, perhap.s, a greater number of names than any town in the entire 
 state. From its ancient Indian occupancy it was once known as Point 
 Algonquin, a name applied by the French; also to the latter it was 
 otherwise known as Point Detour and as Point Detouror. To the 
 English the town at one period was called Turn About, from the story, 
 it is said, of a certain man who journeyed to its southern extremity, ex- 
 pecting to pass on south, but found himself obliged to turn about and 
 retrace his steps. It was also called Missisco Tongue and Missisco Leg 
 from the peculiar shape of its lands, forming a promontory and extend- 
 ing far into the lake. Under the English confirmation of the French 
 grant it was Caldwell's Upper Manor ; and finally the name Alburgh 
 was applied, the latter, it is understood, being a contraction of Aliens- 
 burgh, which name was received from its ownership by Heman Allen, 
 purchaser of the Caldwell title, and from Ira Allen, one of the grantees 
 
Town of Alburgh. 631 
 
 under Vermont, and the active agent of the proprietary. The town was 
 once advertised as Allensburgh. 
 
 As has already been stated, Alburgh occupied a singular and interest- 
 ing situation with reference to the disturbances on the northern frontier. 
 The lands here were occupied and settled by the English and a few 
 French under the Caldwell titles, and these settlers were in actual pos- 
 session when Governor Chittenden granted the town in 1781 ; and the 
 settlers, too, had not only possession, but as well a sort of local or town 
 organization, with such officers as were authorized under British customs 
 and laws. And the manor extended north into the province, and was 
 not comprehended within the compass of the Vermont grant. The 
 mere act of granting the town by. Governor Chittenden was not of itself 
 sufficient to occasion much concern among the settlers nor the authori- 
 ties, but was viewed by the Caldwells as dangerous to their titles. 
 But when the proprietary under the Vermont charter sought and as- 
 sumed to create titles of their own, and put settlers on the lands under 
 those titles, then the provincial authorities, from their point of view, saw 
 a flagrant breach of the treaty provisions, and they therefore thought fit 
 to possess the territory with troops and exercise surveillance over the 
 region, both of land and lake. Their garrisons were maintained at 
 Dutchman's Point, in North Hero, and at Point au Fer, in New York 
 state opposite to Alburgh. In addition they exercised a general sur- 
 veillance over the whole country of this town, and Isle La Motte and 
 North Hero as well. But there were no overt acts of hostility, nor con- 
 flicts of authority, until the settlers under the Vermont charter attempted 
 to organize the town in 1792. The period of the British surveillance 
 commenced in 1783, and was continued until 1796, when, in compliance 
 with the terms of Jay's treaty of amity and commerce with Great Brit- 
 ain, the troops were withdrawn and the Vermont authorities left in un- 
 disputed possession of the town. 
 
 The organization of the town of Alburgh under Vermont authority, 
 which seems to have been the occasion of all the troubles in this particu- 
 lar region, and came so near involving the countries in another war, was 
 effected in pursuance of the following warning: "Pursuant to express 
 orders from his Excellency the Governor of the State of Vermont to us 
 directed, These are to warn all the Inhabitants of the town o<i Allburgh 
 
632 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 qualified as the law directs to vote for town officers, to meet at the 
 house of Michael Housinger's on the 7th day of June next at 10 o'clock 
 in the morning for the following purposes : 
 
 " 1st. To chuse a moderator to regulate said meeting. 
 
 " 2d. To chuse such civil officers as the laws directs in the State- 
 And to do any other business that may be found necessary to be done 
 on said day. 
 
 " Given under our hands at Alburgh this i6th day of May, 1792. 
 
 " Samuel Mott, > j^..:..^ _f p„„ .. 
 " Benja. Marvin, 5 Justices ot reace. 
 
 In accordance with the warning the meeting was held, and these offi- 
 cers elected : Town clerk, Thomas Reynolds ; selectmen, Richard Mott, 
 John Chambers, Joshua Manning, Jacob Cook; treasurer, Benjamin 
 Marvin ; constables, Abel Parr, Joseph Mott; listers, Moses Parr, Joseph 
 Weeks, John Ladue, Ichabod Babcock, Alexander Griggs; leather sealers, 
 James Sweet and Gabriel Manning ; grand jurors, William Brandigo and 
 John Ladue ; surveyors of highways, Richard Mott, Daniel Smith, Stephen 
 Sweet, Sylvester Sweet, Titus Clark, Jacob Babcock, John Van Vleet, 
 Philip Cook, Alexander Griggs ; pound keeper, Michael Housinger ; 
 fence viewers, Jacob Mott, Ichabod Babcock, Sylvester Sweet, James 
 Fisher, Peter Carrigan, Frederick Hoxie ; haywards, Michael Duell, Dan- 
 iel Beazall, Joseph Hayden, Peter Truman Joseph Mott, Conrad Burg- 
 hardt, Joseph Sowles; petitjurors, Richard Mott, David Staunton, Michael 
 Duell, John Griggs, Sands Helmes, Timothy Sowles, Abraham Hol- 
 brook, James Andrews; tithingmen, Hendrick Miller and Thomas Rey- 
 nolds ; wardens, Titus Clark and Timothy Sowles. 
 
 Under all ordinary circumstances it would appear somewhat singular 
 that the first meeting of the inhabitants should elect a full complement of 
 officers for the town, but while such was occasionally done the occurrence 
 was not frequent. Governor Chittenden and the proprietary had de- 
 termined upon the full and thorough organization of Alburgh under 
 Vermont authority ; they well knew the sentiment existing in the town 
 on the part of the Caldwell and British adherents, for of the latter there 
 was quite a number, and by his action the governor proposed to and did 
 test the loyalty of the town, those holding under all claims to title ; and 
 the result was an immediate conflict of authority and a threatened open 
 
Town of Alburgh. 633 
 
 rupture between the English government and the United States. In 
 1794 it was openly charged that the action of Vermont had endangered 
 the peace between those countries. On the loth of Februarj^, 1794, 
 Lord Dorchester, then governor- general of Canada, publicly declared 
 that he would not be surprised if there should be war with the United 
 States in the course of that year ; and the movements of the British 
 troops in Canada and events in the states both inclined to establish 
 this opinion. In response to the requisition of President Washing- 
 ton, under an act of Congress of May 9, 1794, Governor Chitten- 
 den, on the 2 1st of June, ordered the detachment of three regiments of 
 Vermont militia, numbering 2,129 ^n^n in all, to be held in readiness as 
 minutemen. Of these Major-General Ira Allen's division was to furnish 
 one regiment. On the 30th of May preceding General Allen had or- 
 dered the militia of Alburgh and the neighboring islands now forming 
 Grand Isle county to be organized as an entire regiment, which of 
 course surrounded the British garrison on North Hero. It is quite prob- 
 able that he expected war on the frontier, but no collision of troops 
 occurred. 
 
 General Allen organized his militia regiment in the island region, and 
 desired and was able to drive the British troops and sympathizers out of 
 the territory of the state ; but from such action he was restrained by the 
 counsel of Governor Chittenden, who had no desire to precipitate an- 
 other war. But at this dangerous crisis the diplomatic correspondence 
 and negotiations between the United States, represented by John Jay, 
 and the British government took definite shape, with final result of a 
 treaty that called for the withdrawal of the British troops from the re- 
 gion before June i, 1796. Still the mihtia organizations were main- 
 tained and kept prepared for an emergency. In 1804 the militia of Al- 
 burgh, with that of North Hero and Isle La Motte, formed a part of the 
 Second Brigade, Third Division, of state troops. 
 
 In 1 79 1, by an act of Congress passed and approved the 2d of March, 
 the whole state of Vermont was formed into a district for the collection 
 of duties on imports, and the town of Alburgh was made a port of entry, 
 and the act required that the collector of the district should reside here. 
 Stephen Keyes was appointed collector of the port. 
 
 It has already been stated that the British troops occupied the terri- 
 
 80 
 
634 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 tory of the northern region of Vermont, and particularly the vicinity 
 of Alburgh, as early as 1783, but that no acts of hostility or oppres- 
 sion were perpetrated until after the organization of the town in 1792. 
 This action by the town seems to have aroused the enmity of the Brit- 
 ish, who from that time forth, and until Jay's treaty was concluded, took 
 every possible occasion to annoy, injure, and insult the people, prevent 
 them the enjoyment of their liberties, and obstruct the administration of 
 justice in every manner. Among the multitude of acts of this charac- 
 ter there may be mentioned a few. In June, 1792, Enos Wood, a dep- 
 uty sheriff of Chittenden county serving under Sheriff Pearl, was charged 
 with the duty of executing a process in Alburgh ; but on reaching the 
 place he was seized by the British officers and soldiers, and with his 
 two companies was carried prisoner to St. John's and held there some 
 days. From the facts in this case it appears that Wood was armed with 
 his writ in an action against Patrick Conroy, in the execution of which 
 he seized the defendant's cattle, and proceeded to drive them south to 
 the ferry crossing to North Hero. Wood was accompanied on this bus- 
 iness by Benjamin Butler, of North Hero, Nathaniel Wood, of Georgia, 
 and Captain Hutchins, of North Hero. The cattle were found to be in 
 possession of one Minard Youmans, in charge of Conroy's premises, the 
 la'tter having gone to Missisquoi Bay; and as Youmans made some offer 
 of resistance he was arrested, but subsequently released on promise of 
 good behavior. But no sooner was he permitted to go than he reported 
 the seizure to the British officers, and they at once started in pursuit of 
 the sherifit's party, whom they overtook just at the ferry. They were 
 made prisoners, and the cattle except one or two returned to Conroy. 
 
 This same Patrick Conroy assumed to act as justice of the peace, but 
 for which he had no authority whatever from the Vermont organization. 
 For this offense he was summoned upon the order of Judge Elijah Paine, 
 of the Supreme Court, to appear in Burhngton, but there does not ap- 
 pear any record of the final disposition of the matter. 
 
 On the i6th of May, 1792, Governor Chittenden instructed the just- 
 ices of the peace of Alburgh, Benjamin Marvin and Samuel Mott, in the 
 matter of their duties, as follows : " It is incumbent upon you as civil 
 magistrates to execute your functions and cause town officers to be ap- 
 pointed and sworn to a faithful discharge of their duty ; it is incumbent 
 
Town of Alburgh. 635 
 
 on the people also to assist you to form such regulations in the town of 
 Alburgh, which is now unquestionably established within this and the 
 United States." In conclusion the governor said : " If your people re- 
 fuse to pay attention to the above requisition I cannot think it will be 
 long before this government will call on them in a different way to sub- 
 mit to the laws thereof Should they be put to the necessity of taking 
 so disagreeable a measure I should not think it strange should they be 
 obliged to pay up all back taxes since you were represented [in Assem- 
 bly], as some towns in this state in like circumstances have done." This 
 was the communication of instructions to the justices upon which the 
 town was organized, concerning which mention has already been made. 
 
 But the worthy justices themselves, Benjamin Marvin and Samuel 
 Mott, were made the subjects of British affront, brought about through 
 the mahce and wanton spirit of this Patrick Conroy. On the 12th of 
 June, 1792, a party of British, headed by Conroy, made prisoners of the 
 justices, and also of Constable Joseph Mott, all residents of Alburgh, 
 against whom was made the charge that they were officiating as officers 
 of the town under Vermont. The British threatened to take the pris- 
 oners to Quebec, but afterwards consented to their release on parole, but 
 charged them that they should not assume to act in their offices for the 
 space of twelve days. It appears, however, that Conroy was the dis- 
 turbing factor in this community, but he must have departed from the 
 town some time in June, 1792, as will be noticed from the following de- 
 position of Rev. Reuben Garlick, which on account of its peculiar gram- 
 matical construction is reproduced literally, viz. : 
 
 " The deposition of Reuben Garlick of Alburg, of Lawful age Tistify 
 & say that the Writs for the Election of a Member in this County of 
 Bedford, in Lore Canaday for a member to their Legislature were sent 
 to the Province Line, & I have been informed the Person that Brought 
 them was directed not to summons any Person south of the Province 
 Line nor have I heard of any Persons being summonsed in Alburg. 
 The Deponent further saith that the Laws of Vermont are in fourse in 
 Alburg, and the sivil officers of Government have met with no opisition 
 from any Person under Pretext of British Government since the Depart- 
 ure of Partrick Conroy & John Savage in June last. 
 
 "Reuben Garlick. 
 
636 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 " Swanton, July 31, 1792. 
 
 " County of Chittenden, ss.: Personally Appeared the Reverend Mr. 
 Reuben Garlick & made solum Oath to the Truth of the above Deposi- 
 tion. Tho's Butterfield, Just. Peace." 
 
 Notwithstanding the sohim. declaration of Rev. Reuben Garlick, who, 
 it appears, was a deacon in orders of the Church of England and a resi- 
 dent in Alburgh, the offensive acts of the British troops were not relin- 
 quished as against citizens and merchants, although there may have been 
 no further interference with magistrates and other officers in the per- 
 formance of their duties. On the i8th of August, 1794, Royal Corbin, 
 of Alburgh, addressed a communication to the governor, in which he 
 related that he was engaged in mercantile pursuits ; that " the repeated 
 injuries and insults this vicinity has suffered from the British are so glar- 
 ing and so very frequent as to rouse the indignation of every one who 
 has the smallest tincture of republican blood circulating in their veins." 
 The much aggrieved Corbin further stated that the British would not 
 suffer him to pass either up or down the lake, nor cross it, and that he 
 was restrained of his liberty and deprived of his rights as a citizen, while 
 his goods were seized and detained. Corbin's statement was corrobo- 
 rated by the affidavits of Samuel D. Searle and Roswell Mills, both of 
 whom testified to the seizure of Corbin's boat with its cargo of forty 
 bushels of salt and a puncheon of rum. (In this connection a citizen of 
 Alburgh of to-day inquires concerning the necessity of so much salt) 
 
 But all these complaints were ended by the treaty made by John Jay, 
 which resulted in the evacuation of the vicinity by the British troops, 
 after which the people suffered no further molestation of their interests 
 or property. From this time forth, until the outbreak of the War of 
 1812-IS, the people enjoyed an era of prosperity hitherto unexampled 
 in its history. The town possessed natural agricultural and commercial 
 advantages not enjoyed by any other similar locality in the state ; and, 
 as a matter of fact, there was not and is not a town in the whole com- 
 monwealth of Vermont that is situated precisely or approximately like 
 Alburgh. It abuts the province line in the same manner as do others, 
 but its entire region south of the line lies within the waters of the lake[ 
 forming a vast promontory some ten or so miles in length, the land 
 of which is peculiarly fertile and productive in a high degree. More- 
 
Town of Alburgh. 6n 
 
 over, the town is by far the largest of the sub-divisions of Grand Isle 
 county, and by far the most important. Its surface is quite level, there 
 being no elevations of consequence, and hence there are no untillable 
 lands in the town. From its level character there can be no streams of 
 importance, and none of sufificient size to furnish any motive power for 
 operating machinery ; therefore Alburgh is of necessity an agricultural 
 locality, and as such enjoys a reputation for productiveness second to 
 none in the state. And in at least one other respect have the people 
 here occasion to rejoice, and that in the fact that there are as few and 
 even less mortgaged farms in Alburgh as can be found in any town in 
 Vermont. More than that there are no abandoned farms, and therefore 
 there exists no occasion for the services of the Commissioner of Agricult- 
 ure in colonizing this town with foreign importation of humanity. 
 
 In 1779 there occurred in Alburgh an event which was the occasion 
 of still further diplomatic correspondence between the governor of Ver- 
 mont and the British authorities in Canada. It seems that John Griggs, 
 a resident of Alburgh, was wanted by the deputy sheriff of Franklin 
 county, who had a warrant for Griggs's arrest. Proceeding to the town 
 the officer learned that Griggs had taken refuge at the house of his 
 brother, across the province line; but the officers pursued and made him 
 prisoner. In returning they put Griggs in a sleigh and came back by 
 traveling on the ice in the lake, but in passing around "the tongue" oi 
 Alburgh the party broke through the ice and Griggs was drowned. 
 Deputy Allen and his associates were indicted in Montreal for murder, 
 and the provincial governor made a demand upon Governor Tichenor 
 of Vermont that the indicted persons be surrendered up for trial. This 
 was not done, nor were they ever tried in Canada or elsewhere ; for the 
 drowning was an accident, and however unlawful may have -been the 
 pursuit into Canada the officers could be in no manner amenable to the 
 laws of the province for the death to a person caused in the states. The 
 only importance this incident has in thi« chapter is that it may show 
 that the Canadian authorities had no friendliness of feeling towards the 
 people and authorities of this locality and state. 
 
 Soon after the occurrence of this event the relations of the countries 
 were again strained, brought about by the acts of oppression heaped 
 upon the United States by the jealous and envious mother country, and 
 
638 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 on account of these contemptible acts it became necessary that Congress 
 retaliate at least in a measure, wherefore the embargo and non-inter- 
 course laws. The enforcement of these laws worked serious injury to 
 the people of Alburgh, for theirs was an agricultural and lumbering 
 town, and they had always depended for many of their commodities 
 upon the traffic and trade with the province, against which this town lay 
 abutting. By the rigid enforcement of these obnoxious laws the peo- 
 ple were driven to dire distress, and to relieve themselves a number of 
 persons resorted to the dangerous art of smuggling; but this had to be 
 done with great secrecy, for Alburgh was a port of entry and the cus- 
 toms officers, the power of the Federal government, were stationed here, 
 and were ever vigilant and watchful in the matter of their duties. Vigi- 
 lant as they were they were not shrewd enough to stop all smuggling 
 operations, and they had but httle sympathy from the towns people who 
 suffered by reason of the laws. At length it became necessary to call 
 into service the militia of Franklin county, and these were stationed in 
 various parts of the town, particularly at Windmill Point, on the western 
 side.of Alburgh. This was in May, 1808. The main purpose of this 
 military force was to prevent certain rafts from passing into Canada, but 
 the purpose was defeated, as the rafts ran the line under cover of dark- 
 ness, and aided by favorable winds reached the province territory. 
 This escape raised a cry against the efficiency of the militia, with the 
 result of their withdrawal from the town and their place filled with mi- 
 litia from Rutland county, and United States troops in addition. 
 
 But even the presence of the United States troops did not effectually 
 put an end to smuggling, for it was carried on to a greater or less extent 
 till the outbreak of the second war with Great Britain. The story of the 
 notorious vessel, Black Snake, is well known to every resident of Alburgh. 
 Among the crew of the schooner was at least one resident of this town, 
 Samuel I. Mott, who was with the party that fired on the militia and 
 killed several of them. Mott with the others was indicted, tried, and 
 convicted of murder. But in his case a new trial was granted, with re- 
 sult in conviction of manslaughter and sentence that he stand in the pil- 
 lory one hour, to be confined in the state prison ten years, and pay costs 
 of prosecution. Mott was pardoned October 15, 18 17. In October, 
 1811, smuggling operations cost the life of young Harrington Brooks^ 
 
Town of Alburgh. 639 
 
 of St. Albans, he being shot while in a boat loaded with salt off the west 
 shore of Alburgh. 
 
 In the War of 1812-15, from its very outset till its close in this region 
 by the battle of Plattsburgh, the situation of Alburgh made it a point of 
 pecuHar interest ; and while there appears no record showing a hostile 
 meeting of armies or troops within the limits of the town the fact that 
 such a collision was at any time liable to occur, and the territory ever 
 subject to invasion, had the effect of keeping the people in a state of 
 constant excitement and prevented them from performing the duties of 
 their business. The main channel of Lake Champlain was just west of 
 the town, and passing to and fro at all times were the British vessels 
 with their armed forces on board, and in the bordering town of Swan- 
 ton there was an invasion and the consequent destruction of property. 
 But from disaster and destruction of property the town of Alburgh was 
 exempted. The inhabitants here had a friendly relation, both social and 
 business, with the people of the province, and this was well known to the 
 British officers and troops ; moreover, just before the last campaign 
 against Plattsburgh the British commander issued a proclamation assur- 
 ing protection to those of the people who should remain at their homes 
 in the care of their property. While this had the effect of keeping many 
 of the enrolled militiamen in the town a number did respond to the call 
 for volunteers, and served faithfully in the battle on the i ith of Septem- 
 ber as well as in the skirmishing, events of the days just preceding. But, 
 unfortunately, there appears not to have been preserved any roll of the 
 soldiery of Alburgh who served in that memorable engagement, for 
 which reason their names cannot be reproduced in these pages. 
 
 Following the close of the second war with England peace and pros- 
 perity returned and reigned supreme. At that time the town had a 
 population of about 1,100 souls, almost double that of 1800, and nearly 
 three times the number of inhabitants in the town in 1791. During the 
 long interval of peace that came after the war the resources of the town 
 were fully developed, the previously unoccupied lands were taken up 
 and improved, and small villages were established in several localities to 
 accommodate the people of their vicinity in trade and barter. But in 
 Alburgh, in contrast with the majority of the towns of the state, the max- 
 imum of population was not attained until i860, the census enumera- 
 
640 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 tion of that year showing a total of 1,793, or more than one-third of the 
 county's population, which then was 4,276. 
 
 So far as concerns communication with adjacent towns of Grand Isle 
 or Franklin counties Alburgh is practically an island, and transportation 
 to neighboring points prior to the construction of the old Vermont and 
 Canada Railroad in 1851 was effected by boats. As early as 1796 
 Enoch Hall was granted the privilege of keeping a ferry between Isle 
 La Motte and Alburgh ; and in the same year Reuben E. Taylor was 
 likewise favored with the right to keep a ferry for hire between Alburgh 
 and New York state. In 1798 an act was asked for a ferry between Al- 
 burgh and Hog Island. David Harvey was also at an early day the 
 proprietor of a ferry between this town and North Hero. The ferry be- 
 tween Alburgh and Swanton was for a long time run by Nathan Niles 
 and his son, John, as successor. Then it descended to Azom Niles, son 
 of John. Still later a ferry company was chartered and organized. 
 
 As every organized town has its first events so has Alburgh. From 
 all sources of information is gleaned the knowledge that the honor of 
 being the first born in the town falls to Agnes, the daughter of John 
 Gibson, who first saw the light on December 15, 1784; the first male 
 child born in the town was William Sowles, in 1778. The first grist- 
 mill was built in or about 1 800, in the northwest part of the town, was 
 run by wind- mill power, and was altogether a primitive affair. The 
 mill itself was circular in form, and was built of stone. The first steam 
 saw- mill was built about 1830, also in the west part of the town, by Will- 
 iam L. Sowles and William H. Lyman. In the same year another mill 
 was built at Alburgh Center. The first physician in the town was Dr. 
 Emerson, who is said to have come in 1786. Reuben Garlick was 
 the pioneer pedagogue, and likewise clergyman and doctor. It is claimed 
 on good authority that the first planing machine was invented in Al- 
 burgh, the product of the genius of Joseph S. Mott ; but it is fair to 
 assume that even Mr. Mott himself, were he now living, would hardly 
 recognize a single principle of his original invention in the planing ma- 
 chines in use at the present time. The first town clerk was Thomas 
 Reynolds. It is said that the first town representative was Thomas P. 
 Loid in 1786, while the town was known as Missisco Leg. The town 
 was not organized until 1792, and it was altogether an unusual thing 
 
Town of Alburgh. 641 
 
 that it should have a representation before having local organization. 
 The query naturally arises, Who elected the representative? On the 
 assumption that the election was a fact and regular it may be said also 
 that Alburgh was represented in 1788 by William Coit, but not again 
 till 1792, when David Staunton was elected; in 1793, Elisha Revnolds; 
 1794-97, Benjamin Marvin; 1798, Timothy Sowles ; 1799- 1800, John 
 Babcock; 1801-02, Samuel Mott ; 1803-04, Elisha Reynolds; 1805- 
 06, Lewis Sowles; 1807, James W. Wood; 1808, Alexander Scott; 
 1809, Lewis Sowles; 1810, Phillyer Loop; 1811-12. Alexander Scott; 
 1813-14, Stephen Pettes; 1815, Lewis Sowles; 1816, Ephraim Mott; 
 1 8 17, Robert Ransom; 18 18, Joseph Sewall ; 1819, L. Sowles; 1820, 
 Truman A. Barber; 1821, Joseph M. Mott; 1822-24, John M. Mott; 
 1825-27, Thomas Mott; 1828-30, William L. Sowles; 1832, Giles Har- 
 rington; 1833-34, Joseph Sewall; 1835, John M. Sowles; 1836-37, 
 G. W. Goodrich; 1838-40, Frederick Hazen ; 1841-42, Nathan Kins- 
 ley; 1843-44. William A. Ladue ; 1845-47, Solomon J. Davis; 1848- 
 49, Alberto. Butler; 1850-51, Job Babcock, jr.; 1852, Hiram L Bullis. 
 The lawyers of the town of Alburgh have been Samuel Holton, Philo 
 Berry, I. P. Richardson, Samuel Miller, Eleazer Miller, Asa Robinson, 
 T. A. Barber, Giles Harrington, Frederick Hazen. John M. Sowles, Da- 
 vid G. Dixon, Jed P. Ladd, B. H. Smalley, Henry Adams, Charles Per- 
 rigo, Henry C. Adams, and Jed P. Ladd, jr., the latter being the present 
 state's attorney for the county, though not yet a member of the bar of 
 the county. The physicians have been Drs. Emerson, Wood, J. Berry, 
 J. S. Berry, Searle, Goodenow, Ransom, Samson, Burgess, Earle, H. H. 
 Reynolds, Butler, L. Reynolds, S. S. Olark, 0. B. Anderson, Howard, 
 Ladue, and Phelps, the last four named being the present medical prac- 
 titioners of the town. 
 
 The next distinguishing period after the Warof 1812-15 in which 
 Alburgh was a central point of operations in occurring events of an un- 
 usual character was during the years 1837-39, or during the prevalence 
 of the so-called Papineau war, being nothing less than an attempt which, 
 by the way, proved wholly abortive on the part of certain adventurous, 
 ambitious, and recalcitrant Frenchmen to overthrow the British rule in 
 the province. A preceding chapter has made considerable mention 
 concerning the events of this period, therefore an extended notice in 
 
 81 
 
642 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 this place becomes unnecessary. Then, too, an admirably written chap- 
 ter on these occurrences has recently been prepared by Rev. David 
 Marvin, to which nothing of later development could be added; and that 
 sketch is already in the family of nearly every reading person in the 
 town. It may be said, however, that, notwithstanding the foolhardy 
 character of the Papineau or Patriot outbreak, it was an occurrence of 
 much singular prominence, and not without significance in our state and 
 national political affairs; and during its prevalence Alburgh was a cen- 
 tral point of operations, and therefore awakened became the dwellers of 
 the locality; and not only that, but Captain Giles Harrington's militia 
 company was called into service on the frontier and performed such 
 duty as was required of it in subduing and quelling the rampant spirit 
 of insurrection among the insurgents. In Alburgh the rebellious sub- 
 jects of the English government not only were permitted to remain for 
 a time, but here they found sympathizers and in a few instances co- Con- 
 spirators against the Crown, all of which gave additional interest and 
 excitement to the occasion. 
 
 But the record made by the volunteers from Alburgh during the war 
 of 1861-65 forms an unusually bright page in its history. The town 
 stands credited with having furnished lOO brave men for the service, 
 some of whom earned straps on their shoulders, but the majority served 
 in the ranks, carried and used the musket, and to good purpose rather 
 than the ineffective brandishing of the sword. But for the full and 
 complete record of the town's soldiery the attention of the reader must 
 again be directed to a preceding chapter^ where will be found a record, 
 not only of men, but of deeds performed by them. 
 
 The evolutions of a century have not worked wonderful changes 
 within the town of Alburgh. In that time at least four generations of 
 people have occupied the land, but could the pioneer return once more 
 to the scenes of his youth he would see the same general pursuits now 
 being carried on as in his own day, but new and strange faces would 
 perplex and puzzle him. One hundred years ago, the same as to day, 
 this was an agricultural community, and the same general products 
 are now raised and cultivated as were then. Then there were but few 
 settled hamlets and only a merchant or two carrying on business, like 
 Royal Corbin, and exchanging stock for produce and occasionally sup- 
 
Town of Alburgh. 643 
 
 plying some trader with a well-filled jug of the then indispensable but 
 now prohibited rum. 
 
 The town of Alburgh owes much of its success of later years to the 
 building of the Vermont and Canada Railroad. This line when com- 
 pleted formed a connection between the northern portion of New York 
 state and the Connecticut River country and the large New England 
 cities on the south and east. Such a consummation proved of incalcu- 
 lable value to this community, as it afforded ready transportation to 
 established markets, and the people were not slow in availing themselves 
 of its benefits. In the town two at least of the four settled hamlets owe 
 their existence to this acquisition, which two are Alburgh Springs De- 
 pot and Alburgh, the former in the east and the latter in the west part 
 of the town. 
 
 Alburgh Springs Depot, or East Alburgh, although a small village is 
 nevertheless an important point in the town, having a postoffice, hotel, 
 a livery, and two merchants. From here is had direct communication 
 with Alburgh Springs, which place has now become a health resort of 
 considerable note. Many years ago the old residents knew of the 
 health giving pi'operties of these springs, but it is only within a compar- 
 atively recent period that they have attracted attention from the outside 
 world. The building of a large hotel has assured the visitor of comforts, 
 added to which is the attraction of the springs themselves. Here, too, 
 the climate and beautiful view both add to the attractions of the locality. 
 The public buildings of the springs are the two churches. Congrega- 
 tional and Methodist, the societies of both of which are nearly as old as 
 the town itself; the public school of District No. 10 and the two hotels 
 in operation during the pleasure season. Added to these are the usual 
 stores, shops, and other business industries which make the average 
 
 hamlet. 
 
 Alburgh Center is practically the seat of government of the town, 
 and is located near the center of population and a few miles from the 
 railroad. Here is the town clerk's office, a Methodist church, three 
 mercantile establishments, and about a dozen dwellings. 
 
 The town of Alburgh has ten school districts, each supplied with suf- 
 ficient accommodations for pupils, and each maintained by the district 
 itself. That the teachers are competent there can be no doubt, as the 
 
644 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 requirements of the recently enacted school law demand a superior ed- 
 ucation on the part of persons who aspire to the position of teacher. 
 
 The Congregational church and society of Alburgh Spa are under 
 the present pastoral charge of Rev. R. Titus, while in the same relation 
 to the Methodist church at that place is the Rev. C. Brigham. Also 
 the Methodist church at Alburgh Center is likewise under the charge of 
 Mr. Brigham. The local minister of the town is the life- long resident. 
 Rev. David Marvin, who has contributed not only to the building up 
 and establishing the church and society in the town, but as well has by 
 his writings preserved many of the interesting incidents of the early his- 
 tory of Alburgh, which otherwise might have been lost to future gener- 
 ations. 
 
 The merchants of Alburgh, at present engaged in business, are N. 
 Young, J. S. Skelly, L. Harvey, John Carl, J. S. Gordon, J. W. Dean, 
 and the firm of Skelly & Morse. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF GRAND ISLE. 
 
 THE town of Grand Isle occupies a position at the northern end of 
 the island originally known as South Hero, but which was char- 
 tered by Governor Thomas Chittenden, on the 27th of October, 1779, 
 under the name of the " Two Heroes," which grant included all the 
 territory that now comprises the distinct towns of North Hero, South 
 Hero, and Grand Isle. The original grant was made in consideration 
 of the sum of 10,000 pounds, to a large number of grantees, for the pur- 
 pose of creating resources for the use of the state in civil and military 
 affairs. Of the number of grantees, of which there were over 300, many 
 neglected to comply with the conditions on which the grant was 
 founded and made, with the result of a material reduction in number. 
 
 The town of Grand Isle formed a part of a seigniory originally 
 granted by the king of France to M. Contrecoeur, an officer of infantry, 
 
Town of Grand Isle. 645 
 
 in the year 1737, but the survey of the island region was made in 1732. 
 This, as the reader will observe, was prior to the French and English 
 wars for the possession of American soil, and was during the period in 
 which both these nations were extending their line of possessions, the 
 former from the Canada provinces toward the south and the latter from 
 the New England, and New York provinces toward the north. As is 
 well known these wars had their final ending in 1763, by the treaty of 
 peace, and with the result of all the American and Canadian provinces 
 being ceded to the English government. Therefore when this treaty 
 was agreed to and signed the region now included by Grand Isle, with 
 others as well, ceased to belong to the French, and their grants of seign- 
 iories became void. And it is not understood that there was any oc- 
 cupation, and certainly there was no permanent settlement, within the 
 limits of the island by the subjects of France. Under the French do- 
 minion the whole of the " Two Heroes " was known a5 la Grande Isle, and 
 so described on the maps and in the grant ; but it was otherwise called 
 in French Isle Longue, meaning long island. From the first mentioned 
 of these names la Grande Isle, the present designation of Grand Isle 
 both for the county and this town, is derived. 
 
 The first settlement was made on that part of the island which is now 
 the town of Grand Isle when the whole region was known by its char- 
 ter name of the Two Heroes, which name was preserved until Octo- 
 ber 21, 1788, when the islands were separated and named respectively 
 North Hero and South Hero, the latter embracing the territory of this 
 town. In 1798, by an act passed November 7th, South Hero was 
 divided, and its northern portion erected into a town of limited jurisdic- 
 tion and given the name of Middle Hero. The limitation just men- 
 tioned lay in the fact that the town was given no separate representa- 
 tion in the state legislature until the year 18 10, but in connection with 
 the lower Hero it was represented as a part of that town, and the officer 
 chosen may have been, at times, a resident of the north part of the is- 
 land. 
 
 It seems to be conceded by most past writers and authorities that set- 
 tlement on the island commenced with the coming thereto of Ebenezer 
 Allen, in the year 1783, but there are certain traditionary evidences 
 tending to show that settlement was made here as early as 178 1. If 
 
646 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 such was the fact that settlement could hardly have been in pursuance 
 of established authority, for it is not understood that the proprietors 
 had made their organization complete before that year, 1783, and the 
 survey of the town was not made until the organization of the proprie- 
 tors was effected. Both of these events occurred in 1783. The first 
 clerk of the proprietors was John Knickerbocker, who was succeeded in 
 1784 by Ebenezer Allen. The proprietors' meetings were held regu- 
 larly from 1783 to 1786, and for the purpose of arranging for and com- 
 pleting the division and sale of the rights to whomsoever desired to 
 purchase and settle on the lands. The survey was made under the 
 supervision of Captain Jedediah Hyde, who also became the owner of a 
 part of the lands by purchase from William Williams, the consideration 
 being ;^I2. 
 
 The honor of the first settlement on that part of the island called 
 Grand Isle seems to belong to Enos Wood, who came with Ebenezer 
 Allen and Alexander Gordon, and these worthies are said to have 
 "drawn cuts" for the first choice of lots, and Wood, being in luck, was 
 given the choice ; and he chose for his location a tract within the pres- 
 ent district of this town, where in more recent years was located the 
 John Knight farm. Alexander Gordon made his " pitch " also in the 
 northern part, in the locality more recently called Ladd's Ferry. Allen 
 located in the southern portion and became the landlord of a hotel. 
 According to a recent and reliable authority the settlers who followed 
 those mentioned, and who came to the locality as early as the year 1785, 
 were as follows : Cyril Reed, William Hyde, Jonathan Griffith, Uzzel 
 Clark, William Campbell, Jacob and Abraham Vantyne, John Minckler, 
 William Hazen, Barnabas Minckler, John Sawyer, Reuben Clapp, John 
 Gibson, and Ephraim Sawyer, jr. From 1784 to 1787 these came and 
 settled on the north part of the island : William Lawrence, Robert 
 Barnes, Willard Gordon, Abishai Allen, Samuel Davenport, Benjamin 
 Bell, Abel Bristol, Samuel Stark, John Folsom, Warren Corbin, Wesson 
 Macomber, Daniel Hoag, John Thomas, Andrew Hazen, Daniel Davis, 
 Isaac Atkins, Daniel Samson, William Samson, Reuben Clapp, Joseph 
 Samson. From 1787 to 1796 settlement continued rapidly,' among 
 those coming to the island during the period being Jedediah, jr., Jonat 
 than, and Elijah Hyde, Jeremiah Armstrong, James Tobias, Jesse Fair- 
 
Town of Grand Isle. 647 
 
 child, Eleazer and David Slosson, Francis Belong, Conrad and William 
 Rossman, Joseph Adams, Andrew Ladd, Stephen Pearl, Simeon Clark, 
 James Gilbert, John D. Fish, Peter Minckler, Daniel Wilcox, Timothy- 
 Nightengale, Abel Peters, Samuel, sr., Samuel, jr., and Enoch Allen, 
 Asa Callender, James Brown, Levi Vaughn, William Hodgkins, and 
 David Merrihew. 
 
 Within the boundaries of Grand Isle town was organized the local 
 government of the Two Heroes, as the territory originally comprising 
 all there is of North and South Hero and this town was called. This 
 was on the 28th of March, 1786, at a meeting held at Alexander 
 Gordon's dwelling house at Ladd's Ferry. At that time officers were 
 chosen as follows: Town clerk, Nathan Hutchins ; selectmen, Ebenezer 
 Allen, Jacob Smith, Alexander Gordon ; constable, Nathan Hutchins. 
 This organization lasted but little more than two years, as, in 1788, on 
 the 27th of October, the legislature passed an act dividing the territory 
 and forming the towns of North and South Hero. The locality of which 
 we write of course formed a part of the Lower Hero, which had its own 
 distinct organization and elected its own officers from the whole of the 
 island, and so continued to do until the year 1798, when its territory 
 was divided and Middle Hero erected. 
 
 The subject of the division of South Hero was agitated and the town 
 voted for a division as early as 1792, but it was not until 1798 that the 
 legislature passed the act that operated to complete the same, and 
 brought into existence the Middle Hero. On March i, 1799, the first 
 town meeting was held at the house of Isaac Atkins, in pursuance of a 
 warning by Justice of the Peace Reuben Clapp. The officers chosen 
 were as follows : Moderator, Reuben Clapp ; town clerk and treasurer, 
 James Brown ; selectmen, Abel Bristol, Thomas Cooper, and Reuben 
 Clapp; listers, Thomas Cooper, sr., James Tobias, William Hazen ; 
 first constable, John Thomas. In addition there was chosen a commit- 
 tee— James Tobias, Reuben Clapp, and Jedediah Hyde, jr.— to settle the 
 claims of South Hero. It was also voted to tax the town one cent per 
 pound on the grand list for town expenses ; also was voted a proposi- 
 tion to build a pound, which was accordingly done by Joseph Merrihew 
 and Timothy Nightengale, at an expense of $27.50. 
 
 Thus organized the town continued to annually elect officers and ad- 
 
648 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 minister its own affairs without material- change or noticeable occur- 
 rence until the year 1809, when, on the 26th of October, the legislature 
 passed an act that authorized the election of a town representative, but 
 none such was in fact chosen until the succeeding year, when Rev. Asa 
 Lyon was elected to the office. And during the year 1 8 10, by an act 
 of the legislature passed November 3d, the name of the town was 
 changed from Middle Hero to Grand Isle, by which it has ever since 
 been known. 
 
 During the period of disturbance that followed the close of the Revo- 
 lutionary war the people living in the Middle Hero were not seriously 
 affected, but with the enactment of the federal embargo laws, and their 
 enforcement by the presence of customs officers and armed troops, they 
 were deprived of many of the necessaries and comforts of life, and con- 
 sequently suffered in common with the whole population of the northern 
 region of the state. That some of the settlers had recourse to the com- 
 mon practice of smuggling-there can be no reasonable doubt, but there 
 is an almost total absence of evidence tending to show that it was re- 
 sorted to in any considerable extent, and whatever was done in that 
 direction was accomplished with such secrecy that the offender was not 
 apprehended. But considering the peculiar situation of the people, and 
 the custom they enjoyed of trading with the province merchants, the 
 enforcement of the embargo laws was a severe blow to the established 
 privileges of the people, and if violated it was for the benefit of suffering 
 humanity, and not through feelings of malice or hatred of the law, or 
 mere wantonness. And during the period of the War of 18 12-15 the 
 people of Grand Isle were entirely and wholly loyal to the cause of the 
 Americans ; and they furnished not only loyalty and patriotism to aid 
 that cause, but as well a number of men who served throughout the 
 period and some in the memorable battle of Plattsburgh. The occasion 
 of this battle, and particularly the naval engagement, had a peculiar in- 
 terest for the islanders, for in its result in a great measure depended the 
 future of their fortunes. But the people had no cause for great alarm, 
 as the British commander had promised by his proclamation that all 
 who remained quietly at their homes should be in no wise disturbed. 
 However comforting may have been the assurances contained in this 
 proclamation it had not the effect of ahenating from the American cause 
 
Town of Grand Isle. 649 
 
 the loyalty or affection, for when the call for volunteers was promulgated 
 many of the Grand Isle townsnaen crossed over to Plattsburgh and took 
 part in the land battle. At this time the greater part of the men of the 
 town were members of the organized militia, a company of which ex- 
 isted on the island, and which was provided with arms and ammunition 
 and under command of Captain Abner Keeler, of South Hero. The 
 persons who crossed the lake and participated in the land battle, as far 
 as can be determined, were Joel Allen, Abisha Allen, Brush Allen, Na- 
 than Adams, Jonathan Hyde, Willard Hyde, William Hodgkins, James 
 Hodgkins, John Atkins, Jesse Reynolds, and Theopholis Bangs. 
 
 The militia organizations of the town, or rather of the island, during 
 this period were both infantry and cavalry, being composed in part of 
 representatives of both towns. The first company of which there appears 
 to be any record was formed in 1794, and of which Adon Ames, Grin- 
 dall Reynolds, and Daniel Samson were captains in the order stated. 
 After the division of South Hero, and in 1800, two companies were or- 
 ganized, one infantry and the other cavalry, the former being the Third 
 Company of the Fourth Regiment of state militia. From the time of 
 organization down to about 1843, when it ceased to exist, the infantry 
 company was commanded by these principal officers, in succession, viz.: 
 Captains, Benjamin Darling, Daniel Wilcox, James Griswold, Samuel 
 Adams, Solon Tobias, Luther Tabor, D. E. Griswold, Nathan Witherell; 
 lieutenants, John Chamberlain, Solon Tobias, Jacob Kent, R. P. Conroy, 
 G. W. Hyde, Hiram Tobias. In 1825 J. W. Huddleston was lieutenant 
 commanding and in 1826 Helmer Kent was captain. 
 
 During the period of what has been commonly known as the Papineau 
 war, from 1 837 to 1 839, the events then occurring had no disturbing effect 
 on the people of this particular locality, for they were too far removed 
 from the seat of operations to feel more than a passing interest in what 
 was taking place ; and there appears no record to show whether or not 
 the local militia company or any other organization of armed men went 
 from the town to the seat of operations. 
 
 During the war of 1861-65 the town of Grand Isle raised from all 
 sources, both by tax and voluntary gift, the gross sum of $11,893.50 
 for the purpose of paying bounties and the support of families of volun- 
 teers of the year 1861. The reports of the state adjutant and inspector- 
 
6so History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 general credit the town with a total of fifty-one men, of whom twenty- 
 two were non-residents. From the town fifteen persons were drafted, 
 of whom five entered the service, one paid commutation, four were ex- 
 empted, and six sent substitutes. The volunteers numbered thirty- six 
 men. A preceding chapter of this volume furnishes the names of the 
 soldiers from the town, which, therefore, need not be repeated in this 
 connection. 
 
 Stimmary of First Events. — The first settlement in Grand Isle town, 
 or that part of the island which is now so designated, was made in 1783, 
 by Enos Wood and Alexander Gordon. The first merchant in the 
 town was John Ferguson, who in 1792 started in trade at Ladd's Ferry, 
 formerly known as Gordon's Ferry. He sold dry goods, groceries, 
 lumber, and liquors. Some of the successors in business to Mr. Fergu- 
 son were G. V. Edwards, A. & W. Brown, Griswold & Brown, Abel 
 Brown, J. W. Brown, Brown & Clark, M. G. Brown & Co., and others. 
 The first highway was surveyed in 1790, but Httle progress was made in 
 its construction prior to 1798. In 1806 the legislature passed "an 
 act granting the right of making and keeping a Turnpike Road from 
 the lower bridge over Onion River in Colchester to the ferry from Mid- 
 dle Hero to Cumberland Head.'' In 1790 John Folsom built a sailing 
 vessel called the Admiral, which was commanded by its owner. In 
 1828 Solon Tobias built the wharf at the place more recently known 
 as Griswold's Landing. The first tavern or public house was kept by 
 Alexander Gordon, and opened in 1790. The first postoffice was estab- 
 lished in 1810. The first physician was Jacob Rofebeck ; subsequent to 
 him were Simeon Clark, George Howes, Melvin Barnes, A. H. Wl 
 Jackson, Benton Haynes, Henry H. Reynolds, Ezekiel Minckler, Will- 
 iam Adams, William R. Hutchinson, A. G. Butler, Jesse Reynolds, E. B. 
 Griswold, Melvin J. Hyde, A. B. Hanna, and Albert Reynolds, all of com- 
 paratively old residence in the town. The first resident lawyer was 
 Giles Harrington, from 1825 to 1829, but later a resident of Alburgh. 
 Following Mr. Harrington were William W. White, from 1851 to 1854 ; 
 H. C. Adams, from 1856 to 1863 ; Josiah H. Adams, from 1857 to the 
 present time. James A. Brown, Ezra Dean, Henry Adams, H. R. 
 Beardsley, and others have lived or practiced in the town. The first 
 grist-mill was built in 1821 and the first saw-mill in 1822, both by 
 
Town of Grand Isle. 651 
 
 Enoch Allen. The forge or furnace was built by Isaac Goodwin about 
 1827, and here were made plows and other utensils. The first tan- 
 nery was built and operated by pioneer Lamberton Allen ; subsequent 
 tanneries were run by John Thomas and Simeon S. Wright. The 
 pioneer blacksmith was Samuel Davenport, who has had numerous 
 successors, Samuel Belding, Reuben Clark, Isaac Goodwin, and Luther 
 Tabor being among the earlier " smiths " of the town after Davenport's 
 time. The first carpenter was Fox Fowler, who flourished about 1796. 
 The first shoemaker was Lamberton Allen, who also was the pioneer 
 tanner. 
 
 The only settled community in the town of any consequence is the 
 hamlet called Grand Isle, which is situated in the eastern part at the 
 cross roads. The village has a postofRce, school. Congregational and 
 Methodist churches, about fifteen or twenty dwellings, and one or two 
 business interests. The post station here is called after the town. 
 Other offices have been established at other points and called Pearl and 
 Adams, both in honor of leading families in the town. 
 
 As early as the year 1786, at the town meeting at which the " Two 
 Heroes " were organized, the town voted to hire a minister to preach 
 for the inhabitants ; but this vote was rescinded at the next annual 
 meeting, and no minister was hired until some years later. In 1795 
 the society of the Congregational church was organized, embracing in 
 its membership residents of both the north and south parts of the island, 
 and was known as the Congregational church of South Hero. The first 
 minister was Rev. Asa Lyon, who preached without compensation for 
 many years, being merely the minister and not the pastor, for he was 
 never ordained. In Grand Isle the separate society, so far as it has 
 ever been separated, was organized in this town, and the first pastor 
 was Rev. O. G. Wheeler, ordained November 5, 1840. This society is 
 and ever has been in association and conjunction with that of South 
 Hero, and the associated name still remains the "Congregational 
 Church of South Hero and Grand Isle." The brick church edifice was 
 commenced in 1853 and finished the next year, at a cost of about $3,000. 
 It was dedicated in September, 1854. Mr. Wheeler remained in the 
 pastoral charge of this society for many years, and until succeeded by 
 Mr. Harris. In the chapter devoted to the history of South Hero the 
 
6s 2 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 reader will find further mention of the church societies of this denom- 
 ination in both towns, and also a reference to the famous oyster suppers 
 by which they are in part supported. The Methodist Episcopal Society 
 of Grand Isle had its origin in the primitive meetings held as early as 
 1802, if not before that time, and while this town formed part of a cir- 
 cuit that included the entire county and some of the Canada towns 
 For the first score and a half of years the meetings of this society were 
 held in school-houses, dwellings, barns, groves, and in fact in any conven- 
 ient place in which a considerable number could be accommodated, but 
 in 1832, on lands leased from Dr. Melvin Barnes, a church home was com- 
 menced, and finally completed in 1834. The Congregational Society 
 also occupied this building for their services on alternate Sabbaths until 
 their meeting-house was erected. In 1857 the house was rebuilt and 
 remodeled. It was occupied by the town under an arrangement with 
 the stewards of the society. The first pastor was Rev. William Anson, 
 who was succeeded by Daniel Bromley, Samuel Cochran, John Rob- 
 ertson, David Lewis, Justus Byington, and others, in the successive or- 
 der named, all of whom preached during the early period of the 
 church's existence. 
 
 Over in the western part of the town of Grand Isle, in the year 1827, 
 the Friends' meeting-house was built. The people who were of this 
 denomination or sect were among the earliest settlers in the town, and 
 numbered some of the most thrifty families of the island. About the 
 year 1800 their first meeting-house was built, of logs, which gave way to 
 the more substantial house of brick erected in 1827. 
 
 In the town is also a mission organization or society called St. John's 
 Episcopal church, the parish of which includes all the church people on 
 the island. The church owes its existence to the labors and generosity 
 of Rev. Charles Fay, of Chicago, 111., who maintained a summer abode 
 on the island and within the town of Grand Isle. 
 
 Grand Isle Representatives in Assembly. — Asa Lyon, 18 10-14; Enoch 
 Allen, 18 15-16; Seth Griffith, 18 17; James Brown, 1818-22; Joel 
 Allen, 1823 ; Jedediah Hyde, jr., 1824; Melvin Barnes, i825-26;'sam- 
 uel Adams, 1827-31 ; Henry C. Boardman, 1832-33; Samuel Adams, 
 1834-38; Lewis Ladd, 1839-40; Jabez Ladd, 1841-42; Benjamin 
 Griffith, 1843; Guy Reynolds, 1844; Samuel Adams, 1845 ; Guy Rey- 
 
Town of Isle La Motte. 653 
 
 nolds, 1846; Abel Brown, 1847-48; Samuel B. Gordon, 1849-; Will- 
 iam Brown, 1850; Samuel B. Gordon, 1851; Wesson Macomber. 
 1852-53 ; William Brown, 1854-55; William Chamberlain, 1856; R. e! 
 Griffith, 1857-58; Edwin Adams, 1859-60; Henry C. Adams, 1861 ; 
 John A. Chamberlain, 1S62-63 ; James McGowan, 1864-65; William 
 C. Irish, 1866-67; S. P. Gordon, 1868-69; S. G. Macomber, 1870; 
 Wesson Macomber, 2d, 1872; Mathias Le Fevre, 1874; Wyman W. 
 Pearl, 1876; William C. McGowan, 1878; James A. Brown, 1880; 
 George W. Hyde, 1882; Juan Robinson, 1884; Solon S. Griswold, 
 1886; Wyman W. Gordon, 1888; Horatio Donaldson, 1890. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF ISLE LA MOTTE. 
 
 THE first record evidence which history furnishes of an occupation of 
 the little Gem of the Lake called Isle La Motte is that by which 
 is made known the fact that the French commander. Captain La Mothe, 
 built upon the island Fort St. Anne in 1665. Most past writers have 
 agreed that the first civilized settlement within the state of Vermont wag 
 that made at Fort Dummer, in the extreme southeastern part of the 
 state, in the year 1724, and that the settlement was then and there made 
 under the belief that the region was a part of the province of Massachu- 
 setts. But more recent investigators have disclosed the fact that within 
 what is now this state were at least two previous settlements, one of 
 of which was that made by the French officer on the island of which we 
 write. And it is believed that the firsf white civilized visitor to the 
 island was Samuel de Champlain, the adventurous French navigator 
 who sailed up the lake during the year 1609 on a voyage of discovery 
 in the then new and unknown country. There is nothing tending to show 
 that Champlain did more than visit the isle and other places farther 
 •^ south, but he paved the way for after settlement and the French occu- 
 pation and possession, which was finally terminated by the fortunes of 
 war in 1763. 
 
6S4 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 But prior to the overthrow of the French power in America the rep- 
 resentatives of the country or nation then in possession of the region 
 had made considerable grants of what we call towns, which were by the 
 French themselves called seigniories, and which grants included the 
 greater portion of the lands lying on both sides of the lake and also the 
 islands ; and while an ancient French map discloses the names of the 
 several persons to whom the seigniories were granted, and the extent and 
 boundaries of the grants as well, there does not appear any evidence to 
 show that this island was specifically granted other than has been inferred 
 that it was a part of the possessions of Captain La Mothe, for whom the 
 island was named, though by common consent the name is changed and 
 accepted as La Motte. But it cannot become important for this chap- 
 ter to present these ancient events at much length, for the French grants 
 in the region were generally set aside and nullified by the conquering 
 power, and after the year 1763, by the terms of the treaty, were ceded 
 to the British government and treated thereaf^ter, and until the estab- 
 lishment of the western boundary of Vermont, as a part and parcel of 
 the province of New York. But if the reader will turn to the early 
 chapters of this volume the fact will appear that, notwithstanding the 
 claim of jurisdiction made by New York, the authorities of the separate 
 jurisdiction, the so-called New Hampshire Grants, also claimed the right 
 of authority over the same district of territory, and in pursuance of that 
 claim, and for the purpose of procuring funds wherewith to manage their 
 government and prosecute the war then in progress against Great Brit- 
 ain, made grants of towns in much the same manner as did New Hamp- 
 shire, one of which grants,. made the 27th of October, 1779, brought 
 into existence the town of Isle La Motte. 
 
 The town of Isle La Motte was granted under and in pursuance of a 
 petition presented to the Governor and Council and General Assembly 
 of Vermont by Benjamin Wait, sheriff of the county of Cumberland, and 
 others, his associates. The matter was first presented for the consider- 
 ation of the authorities of the state at the session holden at Manchester, 
 on the 26th of October, 1779, and at that time the Governor and Coun- 
 cil recommended to the Assembly that they "proceed as soon as may 
 be and grant to Major Benjamin Wait and his associates t\\& Isle of Mott, , 
 agreeable to his petition." On the next day, the 27th, the Assembly ' 
 
Town of Isle La Motte. 655 
 
 resolved to grant, among other towns, one to "Major Benjamin Wait and 
 his associates, the Isle of Mott, agreeable to his petition." The proceed- 
 ings of the state authorities disclose nothing bearing upon the amount 
 of consideration money or other valuable thing or service paid for the 
 grant of this island, but the records do show, inferentially at least, that 
 there was an interruption of the proceedings in some particular, for on 
 the nth of November, 1779, the Governor and Council "resolved to 
 grant to Major Benjamin Wait and ninety-four others, his associates, 
 8,000 acres of land on the Isle Mott in Lake Champlain, including three 
 public rights. Beginning at the south end thereof and extending so far 
 northward as to contain the aforesaid quantity of 8,000 acres." And 
 further it was resolved " that the said grant be made out on condition 
 that the proprietors pay to the committee appointed for that purpose 
 on or before the loth day of January next ^36 on each grantee's right 
 or share." 
 
 From the above statement it must be inferred that the authorities of 
 the state had but a very vague and indefinite understanding of the 
 area of the island, for their resolution only contemplated the granting 
 of 8,000 acres, which was supposed would not include the whole of 
 the island, as their measurement provided that the survey should com- 
 mence at the south end and run far enough to include the number of 
 acres required. It is quite evident, too, that neither the petitioners nor the 
 government knew the true area of the island or had any more than an 
 approximate understanding of its size, or they would not have asked 
 and paid for 8,000 acres when the island embraced considerably less 
 than that number. The first knowledge of reliable character which the 
 American pioneers had of the existence and fertility of Isle La Motte was 
 derived during the period of the early French wars, and also during the 
 early years of the Revolution. But what was then discovered was suffi- 
 cient to satisfy them of the value and fertility of the lands on the island, 
 and of its desirability as a possession. Had they not known this it is 
 quite doubtful if they could have been persuaded into the payment of 
 £16 per right for ninety- five shares, amounting to ;^3,420, or, its present 
 equivalent in our money, $17,100. But then, there is nothing now in ex- 
 istence to show that the consideration money was ever in fact paid, nor 
 is it a matter of much consequence. 
 
656 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 The name of Isle La Motte, applied by the Governor and Council and 
 General Assembly when the grant was made in 1799, was maintained 
 until 1802, when by legislative enactment, approved by the executive 
 the 30th of October, the name was changed to Vineyard. This was a 
 very appropriate and fitting designation, for it is well known now as it 
 undoubtedly was at that time that the island was highly productive of 
 fruits both of the tree and of the vine, and possessed, moreover, a rich 
 and fertile soil for the growth of nearly every kind of staple product of 
 the earth in this latitude. And it may be said as a fact indisputable 
 that Isle La Motte, Vineyard, or by any name whatsoever it may be 
 called contains the richest soil of all Vermont, and fully equal in quality 
 for general productiveness to any in the New England or Middle- At- 
 lantic states. The name Vineyard was maintained until the year 1830, 
 when the legislature, upon a petition therefor, restored the ancient ap- 
 pellation of Isle La Motte less the final e. 
 
 As has already been stated the island was granted a town in the year 
 1779, but the instrument by which it was brought into existence as a 
 town provided, as was the custom of the period, that its settlement need 
 not be made until the circumstances of the war would admit of occu- 
 pancy with safety ; but when the war was ended and peace once more 
 restored the proprietors at once set about the survey and division of 
 the town preparatory to permanent settlement by themselves or their 
 grantees. The survey was made during the year 1785, and the map 
 or plan completed and certified in January, 1786, by John Clark, sur- 
 veyor. The first settlement on the island under Vermont authority was 
 made by William Blanchard, one of the grantees, who also had served 
 during the war then but recently ended. He came to the town in 1788, 
 and lived here until the time of his death. About the same time there 
 came Enoch Hall and his two sons, Elihu and Nathaniel. The latter 
 became heads of famihes and left numerous descendants. Also there 
 settled here at about the same time or soon afterwards Ebenezer Hyde, 
 Ichabod E. Fisk, and Abraham Knapp, all worthy pioneers, and each 
 of whom with those before named were prominently associated with the 
 events of the early history of the town. 
 
 In 1 791 Isle La Motte was found to have sufficient population to war- 
 rant its organization and the election of its own town officers independ- 
 
Town of Isle La Motte. 657 
 
 ent of the proceedings of the proprietors under their charter rights. On 
 the 24th of March of that year the inhabitants met at the house of Na- 
 thaniel Wales, in pursuance of the customary warning, and elected offi- 
 cers for the year ensuing, as follows : Moderator, Abraham Knapp ; town 
 clerk, Abraham Knapp; selectmen, Ebenezer Hyde, Enoch Hall, Na- 
 thaniel Wales; treasurer, Ebenezer Hyde; constable, William Blanch- 
 ard ; collector, Ebenezer Hyde ; listers, Nathaniel Wales, Enoch Hall, 
 William Blanchard; grand juror, Ichabod Hyde; tithingmen, Joseph 
 Rasey, Gardner Wait. In September following the town elected Na- 
 thaniel Wales the first representative to the General Assembly. Dur- 
 ing this same year was made the first census enumeration. The count 
 showed Isle La Motte to possess forty-seven souls; in 1800, nine years 
 later, the population had increased to 135. From this time there was 
 a gradual increase shown at each Federal census until the maximum was 
 attained in i860, the census of that year giving the town a population 
 of 564. From that to the present time there has been a gradual though 
 not a marked decline in the number of inhabitants. 
 
 Among the early settlers were a number who had seen service during 
 the Revolutionary war, and whose names have been preserved as fol- 
 lows : Joseph Williams, who was wounded at the memorable Brandy- 
 wine battle, William Blanchard, Ezra Pike, Daniel Bixby, Gardner 
 Wait, Elisha E. Reynolds, Nathaniel Hall, William Wilsey, Seth Strong, 
 John Fadderi, Henry Scott, and Caleb Hill. Some of these were pio- 
 neers of the town, while others came at a later day. 
 
 The first town representative was Nathaniel Wales ; first town clerk, 
 Abraham Knapp; first minister, Daniel Brumley ; first birth, Laura, 
 daughter of William Blanchard ; first death, child of Abraham Knapp ; 
 first physician, Luther Plympton ; first lawyers, Seth Emmons, Solomon 
 Morgan, and Samuel Holton. 
 
 During the period of years that followed the close of the Revolution 
 and continued down to the termination of the War of 18 12-15 there was 
 not much inducement to attempt settlement in the region of Northern 
 Vermont, for after the close of the first war the British troops continued 
 to occupy the territory south of the agreed line of possession, and exer- 
 cised constant and often tyranical surveillance over the persons and 
 property of all the inhabitants of the locahty, particularly the people re- 
 
 83 
 
6s 8 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 siding in Alburgh ; and as Isle La Motte lay close to and opposite the 
 south part of Alburgh the inhabitants here were not entirely exempted 
 from the general disturbances of the region. And although the records 
 furnish no instances of special acts of hostility or aggression upon the 
 island occasions are not wanting in which the troops and marines came 
 to the town, and their very presence had the effect of disturbing the 
 peace of the little community. But the treaty of amity and commerce 
 made with the British government by John Jay, treating on the part of 
 the United States, resulted in the withdrawal of the troops and left the 
 country free to occupancy and consequent enjoyment. In the years 
 that followed the growth of all the towns was more rapid, but the un- 
 fortunate complications in which the governments soon again became 
 involved, followed by the adoption of the embargo laws and the passage 
 of the non-intercourse acts, had the effect of unsettling and disturbing 
 the peace of the inhabitants and the full enjoyment of the privileges 
 and liberties previously accorded them. While the adoption and en- 
 forcement of those laws was considered for the best interests of the coun- 
 try the action was highly injurious to the people of this locality. And 
 during the years immediately preceding the outbreak of the war, although 
 the countries were nominally at peace, there was such a feeling existing 
 along the border that the people could see the inevitable result, and it 
 came no sooner than was expected. 
 
 During the period of the War of 1 8 12-15 the towns-people of Isle La 
 Motte were almost a unit in favoring the American side of the struggle. 
 Their particular locality lay almost within the main channel of the lake, 
 and the constant passing and repassing of armed vessels kept them in a 
 constant state of excitement, for their houses and property were com- 
 pletely at the mercy of the enemy and liable to invasion at any time. 
 The local militia company was commanded by Capt. Caleb Hill, who 
 died on August 16, 1814, and the arms and accouterments of the com- 
 pany were sufficient for eighteen or twenty m«n, all of which were in 
 charge of the captain and, after his death, of the family. Early in Sep- 
 tember of that year the British came to the island, landed, and com- 
 menced the erection of fortifications, and at the same time kept constant 
 watch over the actions of the people. In the night-time Ira Hill, then a 
 young man of twenty-one years, carried the guns and ammunition to 
 
Town of Isle La Motte. 659 
 
 Grand Isle that they might not fall into the hands of the enemy. For 
 service during the war Isle La Motte was required to furnish one ser- 
 geant and six privates. The persons who performed the duty demanded 
 were these : Orlin Blanchard (sergeant), Ira HiH, Harry Wait, Minard 
 Hilliard, Conrad Denio, Lewis Gordon, and Amos Holcomb. 
 
 The loyalty displayed and exhibited by the people of Isle La Motte 
 during the war of 1861-65 was equal to that of any of the county's 
 towns, but as the smallest jurisdiction in the county it was not to be ex- 
 pected that the town would furnish as many troops for the service as the 
 more populous communities. Nevertheless during the course of the 
 war the town furnished seventy-three men for the service, all but four 
 being volunteers, and of whom eighteen men never came back to the 
 town. Of the whole number, which was nearly one and one-half per 
 cent, of the island's population at the time, there were five commissioned 
 officers, a surgeon, two captains, two lieutenants, ten sergeants, and three 
 corporals. 
 
 As the reader must have learned from what has already been stated 
 on the preceding pages of this chapter Isle La Motte is and for many 
 years has been famous for its production of fruit, grain, and vegetables, 
 but the town is also noted for its marble quarries and their products. 
 And although the marble quarried on the island is not as valuable as 
 some varieties produced in other parts of the state it is nevertheless in 
 constant demand for interior decoration, and is otherwise extensively 
 used for general purposes. The court-house of Grand Isle county at 
 North Hero is built with Isle La Motte marble, as also is a large Cath- 
 oHc church known as the cathedral at Burlington, and other pubhc and 
 private buildings in other localities. At what exact date marble was 
 first quarried on the island would be difficult to determine. 
 
 It appears from the records of the state that the products of marble 
 quarries in Canada were at an early day brought into this country, much 
 to the annoyance and disturbance of that branch of trade in this locality, 
 and to such an extent that Charles Carron, jr., representative from Isle 
 La Motte in 1832, introduced a resolution by which the legislature was 
 requested to ask the senators and representatives of the state in Con- 
 gress " to procure the passage of a law which shall effectually protect 
 our citizens engaged in the manufacture of marble from foreign compe- 
 
66o History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 tition." Of the Isle La Motte marble there are several varieties, each of 
 which is susceptible of high polish. 
 
 The town of Isle La Motte has but one settled village or hamlet, called 
 by the same post name as the town itself. The village proper has about 
 twenty dwellings and perhaps an hundred population, with the customary 
 stores, postoffice, and shops, and it has the only church of the town, the 
 Methodist Episcopal, and a Masonic hall. The society of the Methodist 
 Episcopal church here had its organization during the early years of the 
 century, but the first church building was not erected until 1831. It 
 was built* of native stone and wood. The wooden portion was destroyed 
 by fire in 1847, ^^'^ the church was substantially rebuilt during the same 
 year. 
 
 7^own Representatives. — Nathaniel Wales, 1791-93 ; William Utley, 
 1794; none in 179S; William Goodrich, 1796-97; Daniel Baker, 1798; 
 none in 1799; Daniel Baker, 1800; Truman Clark, 1801 ; Samuel Fisk, 
 1802; Seth Emmons, 1-803-04 ; John Borden, 1805-10; William Wait, 
 1811-12; Caleb Hill, 1 8 13; Charles Carron, 18 14; William Wait, 181 5 ; 
 Jesse A. Clark, 1816-17; Truman Clark, 1818-20; William Wait, 182 1 ; 
 none in 1822; Charles Carron, 1823-24; William Wait, 1825; Ezra 
 Pike, jr., 1826-27; Ira Hill, 1828; Harvey Hill, 1829-30 ; Charles Car- 
 ron, 1831-32; Reuben Pike, 1833-34; Minus McRoberts, 1835; Will- 
 iam Dawson, 1836-37; Enoch Hall, 1838-39; Martin Reynolds, 1840- 
 41; Ephraim A. Holcomb, 1842-43; Elihu Holcomb, 1844-45 ; Hiram 
 Hall, 1846; Simeon Cooper, 1847-48; Dyer Hill, 1849-50; Peter 
 Fleurey, 1851; Doras V. Goodsell, 1852 ; Carmi Hall, 1853; Henry 
 Pike, 1854; JuHus Fisk, 1855-57; Peter Fleurey, 1856; Ezra Fleurey, 
 1858; Doras V. Goodsell, 1859; N.S. Hill, i860; Melvin J. Hyde, 1861- 
 62; S. H. Pike, 1863-64; E. R. Goodsell, 1865-66; Hiram C. Fisk, 
 1867-68; Henry H. Goodsell, 1869-71 ; Ransom Hall, 1872-63; Na- 
 than G. Hill, 1874-75 ; Braman E. Longfield, 1876-77; John D. Bow- 
 man, 1878-79; James Hurst, 1880-81; Nelson W. Fisk, 1882-85; Ja- 
 red P. Hall, 1886-87; Edgar S. Fleury, 1888-91. 
 
Town of North Hero. 66 i 
 
 CHAPTER XXXyi. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF NORTH HERO. 
 
 NORTH HERO, shire town of Grand Isle county, is an island town 
 of 6,272 acres, lying in the northern part of Lake Champlain, in 
 latitude 44° 50' and longitude 3° 40'. It is separated from Alburgh 
 on the north and Grand Isle on the south by channels nearly half a mile 
 in width; it is six miles west of St. Albans and twenty- five miles from 
 Burlington. Although nearly fourteen miles in extreme length the 
 greatest width is but little more than a mile, and in several places con- 
 siderably less. The narrowest part is near the center of the island, 
 where it is but a few rods in width, and is known as the "carrying- 
 place," boats being sometimes carried across at this point in order to 
 save a longer voyage. Government officials have sometimes been foiled 
 in their attempts to capture boat-loads of smuggled goods by their be- 
 ing carried across this " narrow," while the larger vessel in pursuit must 
 go around the island. Butler's Island, Knight's Island, and two or three 
 smaller islands of less importance also belong to this town. 
 
 During the period of French dominion in America the whole of the 
 territory now embraced within the town of North Hero, as well as 
 Grand Isle and South Hero, was granted by the king of France, under 
 the name of la Grande Isle, to one Monsieur Contrecouer, which grant 
 was known to the French as a seigniory and not as a town ; but the re- 
 sult of the last French and English war, which was finally terminated 
 by the treaty of 1763, brought this region under the control of the 
 British government, and the grant was thereafter treated as a nullity. 
 
 The beauty and fertility of these islands, especially Isle Longne as 
 called by the French, for some time attracted the attention of private 
 individuals who desired to obtain grants of land from the governor and 
 legislature of Vermont. Among the petitions presented was the follow- 
 ing unique specimen : 
 
 " To the Hon'le the Gineral Assembly of the State of Varmount Now 
 Setting at Benninton in the county of Benninton by adjorment on the 
 
662 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Second thursday of febuary Instant — the Petition of Elnathan Ives and 
 Con'l Strete Hall of Wallingford in Cornettecut and others — Humbly 
 Shueth that Wharas there is a Large tract of Land the just Property of 
 this state in Pertickler there is in this state two large Hands lying in the 
 Lake Champlain betwine Croun pint & Cannady South line where it 
 crosis the Lake Champlain, the fust grate South Islan is Knone by the 
 Name of Grand Island lying in the lake nere the mouth of Onion River 
 and About aGinst Scodoqua or La Moile rivers mouth s'd river comes 
 Down Nere fairfix — the next Grate Islon North which all most Gines 
 the a bove s'd Hon Which is Knone or Called by the Name long Ilan — 
 the above s'd Grand Hon and long Ilan containing A bout a nof for two 
 toun Ships. We yeour Honnors Pertisnors Prey in' behalf of our Selves 
 and others that the two a bove s'd Hans be granted to us and a Sutible 
 Number of Settleers with all the Good Ragalation toun ships as Your Hon- 
 nors shall See fite in your Grate Wisdom — as yeour Honners Pertishners 
 Shall ever Pray. 
 
 " Datted at Bennaton fabury ye 1 1 A D 1779. 
 
 " Elnathan Ives, 
 
 " Con'l Streete Hall." 
 
 All of what is now Grand Isle county, except Albrugh and Isle La 
 Motte, was included in the original charter by Governor Thomas Chit- 
 tenden of Vermont to Ethan Allen, Samuel Herrick, and 363 others, 
 dated October 27, 1779, by the name of the Two Heroes, from Ethan 
 and Ira Allen. This island was set off as a separate town October 21, 
 1788, and named North Hero. 
 
 Enos Wood came from St. Albans in March of 1783, in company 
 with Ebenezer Allen and Alexander Gordon, and located his claim upon 
 the south end of the island upon a lot afterwards owned by John Knight 
 and subsequently by his son, Guy Knight. Allen and Gordon located 
 upon South Island. The three men brought their families and settled 
 upon their claims August 25th of the same year. Wood and his family 
 were for a time the only residents on the island. The wife of Enos 
 Wood was Asenath Hazen, whom he married in 1782. Mrs. Wood 
 claimed the honor of being the first white woman who had stepped upon 
 this beautiful island shore. Solomon Wood, who was a cousin of Enos, 
 came soon after, and the two families were the only residents of the 
 
Town of North Hero. 663 
 
 town until the following spring, when a few other families came to cheer 
 their isolated, wilderness home. 
 
 These early settlers were people of energy and perseverance, were 
 always ready to do and dare, and were always firm, reliant, and trust- 
 ful. The discouragements they met, the toils they endured, and the 
 privations they suffered fitted them for the keen enjoyment of every 
 success, and made them self-reliant in times of adversity. Their primi- 
 tive dwellings were like those in many other sections of the country: log 
 structures roofed with bark, an opening for exit and entrance, with 
 smaller holes for the admission of light, — no floor save the ground, but 
 blessed by that endearing title, home. These were approachable from 
 the outer world only by cumbrous raft, the rude canoe, or the ancient 
 "dug-out" constructed from the trunk of some forest monarch. Lim- 
 ited supplies of game, fish so easily obtainable, or some laid-away article 
 of food — as on one occasion finding about a pint of wheat which was 
 boiled for temporary relief of a hungering family — carried the early set- 
 tlers through seasons of scarcity and want. All learned and carried into 
 practice those deeds of kindness and hospitality which characterized 
 their lives, and which, transmitted to their posterity, continue to be dis- 
 tinguishing traits in these island homes. For several years subsequent 
 to the treaty which terminated the Revolutionary war the British held 
 possession of a block-house on the west side of the island, at Block- 
 House Point, then called Dutchman's Point. The commandant was one 
 Sergeant Howard, a man of many good qualities, who frequently re- 
 lieved extreme necessities of the islanders by judicious distribution of 
 his supplies. 
 
 To go to mill in those early times implied a journey to Whitehall, a 
 distance of nearly ninety miles, and a lack of water-power precluded the 
 erection of a mill upon the island until 1797, when a wind-mill was 
 erected and operated for a few years with partial success. In this little 
 isolated community first events were of noticeable importance. 
 
 Adin Wood, son of Enos and Asenath Wood, was the first child born 
 in town, November 4, 1785. The second was Dame Knight, daughter 
 of John Knight, November 27, 1786. The marriage of John Bronson 
 to Mrs. Elizabeth Bates, January 27, 1787, was the first placed on record. 
 
 The town was organized and the first town meeting held March 17, 
 
664 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 1789, at the dwelling of Beajamin Butler. Nathan Hazen was chosen 
 moderator; Nathan Hutchins, jr., town clerk; Nathan Hazen, John 
 Knight, and John Bronson, selectmen; Solomon Wood, Benjamin Butler, 
 and Asahel Trumbull, listers; Enos Wood, constable; John Martin, town 
 collector ; Nathan Hutchins, jr., and Ephraim Sawyer, fence viewers ; 
 Nathan Hutchins, Jacob Ball, and Jabez Bronson, surveyors of high- 
 ways. Nathan Hutchins, jr., was the first justice of the peace, and also 
 the first town representative, elected in 1791. He was succeeded by 
 Enos Wood as representative in 1792. Nathan Hutchins and Nathan 
 Hutchins, jr., each represented the town several succeeding years. 
 Nathan was a captain in the Revolutionary war. He died in September, 
 1811, in his ninetieth year. Nathan, jr., was a man of firm decision, 
 marked integrity of character, and a tried and trusted public officer. 
 He died in February, 1839, in his eighty- fourth year. 
 
 Joseph Hazen settled in 1788, reared a large family, several of whom 
 remained in town, and were useful and influential citizens. Of these 
 Daniel and Solomon died at the age of seventy-nine and Uriah at 
 eighty-three. Another prominent early settler was Jedediah P. Ladd, 
 born at Franklin, Conn., in 1766, settled in this town in 1789, held 
 various official positions, kept the first store and hotel, and was promi- 
 nent in local affairs for many years. He died at the age of seventy- nine. 
 The longevity of these and other early settlers of the town is noticeable. 
 People of fine physique, strong constitutions, and well developed minds, 
 they lived useful lives and transmitted to their posterity what they at- 
 tained through discouragements and self-sacrifice. 
 
 The growth of the settlement was comparatively slow. At the enu- 
 meration of 1791 there were only 125 residents in the town. Oliver 
 Russell, Elisha Hibbard, and John Dodd came soon after, and a few 
 succeeding years witnessed a greater increase in population, which in 
 1 8 10 had reached 552. The number of people by the census of 1850 
 had become 730, since which time there has been a slight decrease. 
 The value of land a year after the organization of the town may be in- 
 ferred from the following transaction at the town meeting held March 
 16, 1790 : 
 
 " Voted to give John Knight and Nathan Hazen two dollars for half 
 an acre of land for a burying-ground." This purchase constituted the 
 
Town of North Hero. 66s 
 
 first cemetery in the town. The price of land was materially increased 
 soon after the organization of Grand Isle county, November 9, 1802, 
 and an act of the legislature in 1803, by which North Hero became the 
 shire town of the county. 
 
 At the early settlement of the town but li'ttle provision was made for 
 the construction of suitable highways. At a town meeting held March 
 27, 1792, John Martin, Benjamin Butler, and Nathan Hutchins, jr., were 
 chosen as a committee to solicit subscriptions to defray the expense of 
 cutting a canal through the carrying-place for the passage of boats. 
 Although this project proved a failure the attempt awakened an enthu- 
 siasm for the improvement of highways in which the people of the town 
 have been signally successful. The year 1848 was especially notable for 
 changes made in the roads of the town, by the abandonment of some of 
 those earlier established, and the laying out and improvement of new 
 and more direct routes, especially that leading from the south end of 
 the island to " North Island City." This new road became more partic- 
 ularly convenient after the construction of the Sand Bar bridge, which 
 connects the South Island with the town of Milton. This bridge was 
 completed and opened for travel in 1850. Gravel from the shore of the 
 lake has been annually applied to these roads until they have nearly 
 reached perfection. A bridge for connecting North Hero with Alburgh 
 was a long-felt want. A few opposed the construction of such a work, 
 mainly on account of the cost. The discussions concerning the bridge 
 began to assume a more definite purpose and form at a special meeting 
 held September 27, 1884, by the adoption of the following: 
 
 " Voted, to instruct Giles H. Hawrican, representative to the General 
 Assembly of the state of Vermont, to ask for an appropriation from the 
 state to build a bridge between the towns of Alburgh and North Hero. 
 
 "Voted, to instruct our town representative to ask the lesislature 
 the right to bond the town of North Hero in aid of building said 
 
 bridges." 
 
 Mr. Hawrican was successful in obtaining aid from the state, in com- 
 pliance with these requests, and Warren Clark and D. B. Town as select- 
 men called a meeting for December 13, of the same year, at which time 
 Giles H. Hawrican, R. R. Hathaway, and David Dodds were chosen a 
 committee to act with the selectmen in obtaining estimates, plans, and 
 specifications for the work. 
 
666 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 F. J. Hazen, D. B. Town, and Charles B. Russell were elected select- 
 men March 3, 1885, and two days later they were petitioned by G. H. 
 Hawrican, Spellman Hazen, Winchester Hazen, Jabez Hazen, E. F. 
 Little, R. R. Hathaway, and Edgarton G. Hazen to call a special meet- 
 ing of the town to take further action upon the matter in compliance 
 with the acts of the legislature. A meeting was called for March 19, at 
 which time it was decided to bond the town in the sum of $16,000 bonds 
 bearing five per cent, interest annually, and $1,000 payable on the first 
 day of April, 1890, and a like sum payable April 1st of each succeeding 
 year until the whole should be paid. The contract for building the 
 bridge was let May 12, 1885. to R. F. Hawkins, of Springfield, Mass., 
 for the sum of $45,500. This sum, increased by contingent expenses and 
 the cost of engineeiing, amounted to $47,500, one-half of which was paid 
 by the state. The North Hero bonds, and what was contributed by 
 other towns and individual subscriptions, constituted the remaining half 
 of the expense. The structure consists of four fixed spans of iron bridge, 
 one draw span giving two passages for boats, and several rods of " fill- 
 ing " as approaches. The whole was completed and opened for travel 
 on Thursday, October 28, 1886. The plan of construction called for 475 
 linear feet of stone approach on the east side, 350 feet of the same upon 
 the west side, 850 linear feet of iron bridge, with a draw span of 196 
 feet, supported on piers of cut stone masonry built upon large cribs. 
 The building of these cribs consumed over 2,000,000 feet of timber, 
 12 X 12 and 30 to 48 feet in length. The largest crib is 37 feet high 
 30 feet wide, and 50 feet long, firmly fastened with cross timbers every 
 six feet. The cribs are filled with 9,000 yards of Isle La Motte stone. 
 
 The celebration upon the opening day was a time of rejoicing. For 
 a century the channel had been crossed with inconvenience and fre- 
 quently with danger, and- now that it was securely spanned North Hero 
 met her proudest day. Governor Ormsbee and the other state officials 
 with ladies were present on the occasion. The legislature came en 
 masse. All the heroes were there. So were their friends and relations. 
 The place was at the bridge, and the weather was fine. Giles H. Haw- 
 rican, as master of ceremonies, introduced Hon. Jed P. Ladd, who spoke 
 in fitting words of welcome. State officials and others followed, one 
 after another, with congratulations and good wishes. All rejoiced and, 
 
Town of North Hero. 66j 
 
 rejoicing, hungered. David Dodd's ox was expected to be there, but 
 there were no facilities for the roasting. The good ladies of North Hero 
 were there prepared. They fed the multitude and had provisions left. 
 So closed October 28, 1886. 
 
 March 4, 1793, Nathan Hutchins, jr., John Martin, Elijah Knowlton, 
 and Enos Wood were chosen to divide the town into school .districts. 
 The first school was taught in John Knight's barn by Lois Hazen. A 
 frame building was erected for school purposes about 1803. There are 
 four districts in the town, each having a good school-house, in which 
 there has generally been maintained a successful school. They are 
 known as the North End, South End, Jerusalem, and City Schools. 
 The islands east of the main island at one time constituted a school dis- 
 trict, but they were subsequently annexed to the other districts. The 
 town has a school lot, the rent of which is apportioned, with other 
 moneys, among the several districts. The teachers employed during a 
 part or all of the year 1890 were Amelia McBride, Carrie Town, Win- 
 nie Dodds, Viola Robinson, Joel Allen, Bertha A. Hazen, Emma Dodds, 
 Josie Lewis, and James Tassie. 
 
 Utica slate, with some modifications, constitutes mainly the geologi- 
 cal formation of the island. The soil consists of clay and loam, and 
 produces good crops of grass, corn, oats, beans, buckwheat, potatoes, 
 and onions. All the hardier varities of fruits are successfully grown. 
 
 The majority of the people are engaged m agricuhural pursuits. 
 The fine horses reared at the stock farm of R. C. Blanchard, the well- 
 tilled farms of Matthew Dodds and many others, the fruit cultivated by 
 U. H. Hazen and F. J. Hazen, and the thrift and enterprise of Haynes 
 Brothers, as well as the general interest in farming, show that the people 
 are fully up with the times in this leading occupation. " Island City," 
 situated on the east shore of the island, and fronting a picture of nature's 
 rarest beauty, has been the business part of the town since the organiza- 
 tion of Grand Isle county. Here Jedediah P. Ladd built a hotel in 1803. 
 For more than twenty years it supplied a room for courts and was the 
 only jail. At this place was established the printing office from which, in 
 1833, was issued a semi-religious sheet called the Theological Repository. 
 The court-house was erected in 1825, and within its walls are embraced 
 the court- room, clerk's office, jailer's residence, debtor's-room, and dun- 
 
668 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 geon. R. R. Hathaway and John Tudhope carry on business in general 
 merchandise. H. C. Ladd brings mail from north and south. Here is the 
 town house with church above. The "city" school-house stands con- 
 veniently near. There are also one or two shops and several dwellings. 
 The first circuit minister sent to this town was in i802. Meetings 
 were frequently held in such buildings as could be obtained for that 
 purpose, among which was the public house of Jedediah P. Ladd. When 
 the court-house was built in 1825 the town contributed $500 for the 
 privilege of using the court-room for church services. At the early 
 settlement of the town there were two lots of land set apart for gospel 
 purposes. One was known as the minister's lot and the other as the 
 ministerial lot. The first was to become the property of the first set- 
 tled minister, and the rent of the other to be applied to the payment of 
 the salaries of Protestant ministers. About i860 Rev. A. Eaton, who 
 claimed to be an Independent Methodist, settled in town and laid claim 
 to the minister's lot. November 18, 1862, there was a Congregational 
 church organized in town, and Rev. Stephen H. Williams was installed 
 and settled as pastor by the unanimous vote of the church and society. 
 Mr. Williams became the legal owner of the lot, which he sold after a few 
 years and removed from town. June 3, 1865, the legal voters of the 
 town agreed to relinquish all right and title to the use of the court- 
 house, for town and church purposes, in consideration of a grant of land 
 " on the south front of the court-house square,'" upon which to erect a 
 town-house and church. February 28, 1866, there was an association 
 formed for the purpose of erecting a church over the rqom to be used 
 for town and school purposes. This was to be a union church, and free 
 for any Protestant Christian society to hold meetings therein. The 
 following persons became members of the association, and also contribu- 
 tors to the enterprise : John Dodds, Joel Allen, Charles B. Russell, 
 James Dodds, K. C. Allen, Charles Hyde, Abner Ladd, Fred Parks! 
 James McBride, Jerome Hutchins, A. K. Hibbard. David Dodds, Asahel 
 Allen; Mrs. E. Haynes. John Knight, Mrs. Guy Knight, Augustus 
 Knight, Uriah Hazen, Giles H. Hawrican, Heman W. Allen, and R. C. 
 Blanchard. Joel Allen was chosen president of the association ; Charles 
 B. Russell, treasurer ; John Dodds, Joel Allen, and Charles B. Russell, 
 building committee. The building was erected in 1866, and the lower 
 
Town of North Hero. 669 
 
 part or town-house was used for religious meetings until 1872, when the 
 inner part of the church was finished, and since used mainly by the 
 Methodist Episcopal church and society. Probably the deepest and 
 most thorough religious awakening which this church has had was un- 
 der the Rev. W. H. Hyde, in the fall of 1890, when about fifty persons 
 professed conversion. 
 
 The people of North Hero have always been true and loyal to their 
 country. Joseph Hazen as captain led a volunteer company from this 
 town to participate in the battle of Plattsburgh, September 11, 18 14. 
 The greatest excitement prevailed among those who remained upon the 
 island, as they resorted to the south part of the town to witness the 
 action of the British fleet as it passed up the lake to the attack. A 
 brief extract from the town records of December 14, 1863, will suffice 
 to show the attitude of her townsmen in the war of the Rebellion : 
 
 " Resolved, that the Selectmen of the town of North Hero be, and 
 they are, hereby authorized to pay a bounty, not exceeding $300, to 
 each volunteer who shall be mustered into the United States service 
 before January 6, 1864, and applied on the quota of this town, to be 
 raised under the last call of the President of the United States for vol- 
 unteers. 
 
 " Resolved, that a tax of one hundred and forty-five cents on the 
 dollar of the Grand List of this town is hereby assessed to be collected 
 and paid into the town treasury for the purpose aforesaid, on or before 
 the first day of February, 1864." 
 
 Town Clerks. The town clerks of this town have held office as follows : 
 
 Nathan Hutchins, 1799-1828; Joel Allen, 1828-46; William H. Rus- 
 sell, 1846-47; John W. Brown, 1848; Abner Ladd, 1849-50; Jed P. 
 Ladd, 1851-55 ; Fred Parks, 1855 ; Ransom L. Clark, 1856-57; Charles 
 B. Russell, 1858-65; H. C. Mooney, 1865; Charles Hyde, 1866-71; 
 J. M. Hawrican, 1871-76; Charles B. Russell, 1876-87; John Tud- 
 
 hope, 1887-91. 
 
 Representatives.— "£\iz following are the names of persons who repre- 
 sented this town in the legislature of the state in the years affixed to their 
 names : 1791, Nathan Hutchins, jr., and at other times for six or seven 
 years; 1792, Enos Wood ; i8oi-02,Stephen Kinsley; Nathan Hutchins, 
 about nine years; for several years no record is obtainable; 1833, Augus- 
 
6/0 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 tus Knight; 1834, Benjamin Butler; 1836, Elijah Haynes; i837,Benjamin 
 Butler; 1838-39, Horace Wadsworth ; 1841-42, P. L. Hazen ; 1843- 
 44, John Martin ; 1845, John Hazen ; 1 846-47, William Wilsey ; 1848, 
 David Harvey; 1849-50, Asa Mooney ; 185 1-52, Jabez Hazen ; 1853- 
 54, Jesse Hazen; 1855-56, A. K. Hibbard ; 1857-58, Reuben Hyde; 
 i860, Joseph Hutchins; 1861-62, Hiram Allen; for three years no 
 record found; 1866, Dexter B. Town ; 1867, Addison Hazen. Bien- 
 nial sessions : 1868-69, Fred Parks; 1870-71, A. B. Hazen ; 1872-73, 
 Charles B. Russell; 1874-75, Jerome Hutchins; 1876-77, Orris P. Knight; 
 1878-79, David Dodds; 1880-81, Holland Fefee; 1882-83, Warren 
 Clark; 1884-85, Giles H. Hawrican; 1886-87, Charles Hyde; 1888- 
 89, R. R. Hathaway; 1890-91, John Tudhope. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVn. 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SOUTH HERO. 
 
 THIS beautiful sub-division of Grand Isle county lies the farthest south 
 of any of the five towns that comprise the county, and, moreover, it 
 is one of the richest in productions of any of the towns of the state. In 
 at least one material respect South Hero enjoys an advantage not pos- 
 sessed by the other towns of the county except Alburgh, in that it has 
 direct communication with the mainland over the Sand Bar bridge, or, 
 as more commonly spoken, the Sand Bar. 
 
 The territory of the island of which South Hero forms a part became 
 known to the enterprising people of Vermont and New England during 
 the period of the early French and Revolutionary wars ; and after the 
 independence of the state had been declared, and when the governing 
 authorities had recourse to the expedient of granting towns and other 
 tracts of land as a means of creating a revenue for the civil and mihtary 
 conduct of the state, those who knew the true character and value of this 
 island region were not slow to procure charters and grants of its terri- 
 tory for their own use, whether or not they ever contemplated an actual 
 
Town of South Hero. 671 
 
 residence on the granted lands. But long years before Governor Chit- 
 tenden made the grant of the "Two Heroes," long before Benning Went- 
 worth made grants in this northern region as part of the province of 
 New Hampshire, and even as far back as the period of the French do- 
 minion in America, the lands now embraced within the boundaries of 
 South Hero were granted by the king of France to one Monsieur Con- 
 trecouer, which seigniory (for such it was called) included all of the terri- 
 tory now forming South Hero, Grand Isle, and North Hero, and was 
 known to the French as "la Grande Isle." However there is nothing 
 to show that the French ever possessed the island for more than the tem- 
 porary purposes of survey and grant, but it was surveyed under the do- 
 minion referred to in 1732, and mapped and recorded in 1784. But the 
 results of the last French and English war brought the region here un- 
 der the British rule, and the French seigniories were mainly abandoned 
 and nullified. 
 
 On the 27th of October, 1779, Governor Chittenden, in pursuance of 
 a resolution of the General Assembly of the state, made a grant of all the 
 lands of what is now Grand Isle county, excepting Isle La Motte and 
 Alburgh, to Gen. Ethan Allen, Col. Samuel Herrick, Maj. Benjamin 
 Wait, and their associates to the number of 363 persons, under the name 
 of the " Two Heroes," and so named and called in honor of the services 
 rendered for the infant state by Ethan and Ira Allen. But the substantial 
 consideration of the grant was the sum of ;£'io,000, or, what is about 
 its United States equivalent, $50,000. For the purpose of receiving the 
 consideration money the Governor and Council constituted a committee, 
 comprising Thomas Chittenden and Ira Allen for that part of the pro- 
 prietors who lived west of the mountains, and Benjamin Wait forthose 
 who resided in the north part of Cumberland county, and Lieutenant- 
 Governor Carpenter and Captain Jesse Burk for those residing in the 
 lower part of Cumberland county. It was also and further provided 
 that a committee should be chosen and have power to erase the name of 
 any grantee who should refuse or neglect to pay his part of the consid- 
 eration, and in his place to insert the name of any person who would 
 agree to pay. This committee comprised Governor Chittenden, Ira 
 Allen, and John Fassett, jr. 
 
 The "Two Heroes" remained as originally granted until the 21st of 
 October, 1788, when their territory was divided, the north island being 
 
672 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 called North Hero and the south island named South Hero. But be- 
 fore this division was made, and on the 9th of January, 1783, the Gover- 
 nor and Council passed a resolution providing " that there be six public 
 rights of land reserved in the Two Heroes for the following uses : Three 
 rights or equal shares to be located on the South and three on the 
 North Island, one of which is for the first settled minister of the gospel, 
 one for the support of the social worship of God, and one for the use and 
 support of an English school or schools on each island respectively." 
 
 In the year 1798, by an act passed the 7th of November, the island of 
 South Hero was divided and its territory erected into two towns, the 
 south part constituting South Hero and the northern portion being 
 named "Middle Hero." This division made by an east and west line 
 cut the town into halves, or nearly so. 
 
 The first settler on the island of South Hero was Ebenezer Allen, in 
 the year 1783. Every past writer of the town history has furnished sub- 
 stantially the same sketch of the life of this pioneer, in view of which it 
 would not become the present work to narrate at length that which has 
 already grown old from frequent repetition ; therefore it is sufficient to 
 relate here only that Allen came to the island by raft on the 25th of 
 August of the year stated, having with him the frame for his house and 
 lumber for other buildings, of which he had made a raft before leaving 
 Shelburne Point, and on which he took his family. His landing was 
 made on the south end of the island. He kept a public house and a 
 ferry while living here. About i8oo Mr. Allen moved to Burlington, 
 and died there March 26, 1806, aged sixty-three years. He was bur- 
 ied with Masonic honors. While Ebenezer Allen resided on the island 
 he would relate to his guests (pointing toward Essex Landing, N. Y.) : 
 " With about the same number [forty] of Green Mountain Boys I captured 
 about fifty of the rear guard of the British army on their retreat to Can- 
 ada ; also their boats, horses, cows, goats, and I suppose all the equip- 
 age of Old Ti and Crown Point." It was done, he said, by a ruse repre- 
 senting the woods to be filled with Herrick's Rangers, which struck with 
 terror all the British troops. 
 
 And this same Ebenezer Allen is credited with having emancipated 
 the first slave person ever known to have been in Vermont, although 
 within the meaning of the constitution slavery could not in fact exist. 
 
Town of South Hero. 673 
 
 The records and archives of the state show that Ebenezer Allen with 
 his men took from the British a number of prisoners, among them one 
 colored woman ; but the event is best narrated in the report of Allen 
 himself, of which the following is a copy : 
 
 " Headquarters Pollet, 28th November, 1777. 
 " To whom it may Concern : 
 
 " Know ye Whereas Dinah Mattis, a negro woman with nancy her Child 
 of two months old, was taken Prisoner on Lake Champlain, with the Brit- 
 ish Troops Some where near Col. Gillimer's Patten the Twelfth day of 
 Instant November, by a Scout under my Command, and according to a 
 Resolve Past by the Honnorable Continental Congress that all Prisses 
 belong to the Captivators thereof — therefore She and her Child became 
 the just Property of the Captivators thereof — I being Conscihentious 
 that it is not Right in the Sight of god to keep Slaves — I therefore ob- 
 taining leave of the Detachment under my Command to give her and 
 her child their freedom, I do therefore give the said Dinah mattis and 
 Nancey her Child there freedom to pass and Repass any where through 
 the United States of America with her Behaving as Becometh, and to 
 Trade and to Traffick for her Self and Child as tho' She was Born free 
 without being Molested by any Person or Persons. 
 
 " Ebenez'r Allen, Capt." 
 
 When Captain Allen came to the island to reside he was accompanied 
 by £nos Wood, who settled on the north island, and Alexander Gordon, 
 who located in the north part of this town. Another of the early set- 
 tiers of the Lower Hero was Stephen Pearl, who like Allen had seen serv- 
 ice during the Revolutionary period, and afterwards became one of the 
 leading citizens of Chittenden county, being at one time sheriff. He was 
 one of the committee to "set the stake" for the center of the town of St. 
 Albans. Colonel Pearl moved to South Hero soon after 1786, and lived 
 there several years, but afterwards moved to Burlington. 
 
 Also among the earliest settlers were several who had seen service 
 during the war, their names being, so far as can now be recalled, Daniel 
 Wadsworth, Alpheus Hall, Capt. Thomas Dixon, William Hazen, Isaac 
 Adams, Benjamin Adams, Ephraim Duell, and John Monte, the latter a 
 Frenchman. Other early settlers were Timothy Pearl, Calvm Fletcher, 
 Warren Corbin, Benjamin Landon, Benajah Phelps, Dr. Simeon Clark, 
 
 85 
 
6/4 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 and Thaddeus Langdon. With such men as Captain Allen and Colonel 
 Pearl living on the island it was not a matter of much difficulty to in- 
 duce others to settle here; in fact the character of the land was such as 
 to offer extraordinary inducements to settlement; and as the town lay to 
 the extreme south end of the island system, near the more thickly pop- 
 ulated districts, and more remote from the scenes of disturbance prevail- 
 ing after the close of the Revolution and prior to and even later than 
 1800, there was a constant demand for lands on the Lower Hero, much 
 to the satisfaction of the numerous proprietors. So fast indeed was set- 
 tlement and improvement made that by the year 1791 South Hero had 
 a population of 337 and ten years later of 1,289, but of course this in- 
 cludes the total of what is now South Hero and Grand Isle. In 1800 
 the aggregate of population on the Lower island exceeded the combined 
 population of all the other towns of the county. 
 
 Although the town of South Hero had a sufficient number of inhab- 
 itants to warrant its organization earlier than it in fact was done the 
 people there do not appear to have moved in this matter prior to 1789, 
 when on the loth of March officers were elected as follows : Moderator, 
 Stephen Pearl ; town clerk, Ebenezer Allen ; selectmen, Alexander 
 Gordon, Ephraim Duell, William Hazen, Stephen Pearl, and Ebenezer 
 Allen ; first constable and collector, Isaac Adams ; second constable, 
 Reuben Clapp. 
 
 But at this time and down to the year 1802 the town of South Hero, 
 and as well that part of the island that is the town of Grand Isle, formed 
 a part of Chittenden county, and was not entirely separated therefrom 
 until the full organization of Grand Isle county in the year 1805. In 
 the measures looking to the erection of the island towns into a separate 
 county the people of South Hero took an active part, and were urged 
 to press.their case with increased vigor and zeal on account of the fact 
 that all the island region except this town and Grand Isle, or Middle 
 Hero, as formerly called, was a part of Franklin county, erected in 1792 
 and organized in 1795. This act of the legislature left the Lower and 
 Middle Heroes a part of Chittenden county, and obliged their people to 
 transact county and court business at Colchester and Burlington, to their 
 great inconvenience ; therefore when the subject of creating a new 
 county for the benefit of the islanders was first agitated the people of 
 
Town of South Hero. 675 
 
 South Hero were at once interested in bringing about that end. It was , 
 finally accomplished in 1802, after a struggle that continued all of ten 
 years. 
 
 During the interesting and exciting period that followed the close of 
 the Revolutionary war the people of South Hero were not seriously 
 affected by the events growing out of the British occupation of Alburgh 
 and other points in the northern region ; and when the embargo and non- 
 intercourse laws were passed and enforced there was not the same in- 
 surrectionary sentiment expressed here as in the localities farther north, 
 although the interests here of the people suffered in common with other 
 sections of the county. But during the War of 1 812-15 the South Hero 
 was a central point of interest, for the British boats passed close to the 
 shore in their demonstrations against Burlington and Plattsburgh, and 
 when the great batde on both land and lake was fought South Hero was 
 not only a grand point of observation, but was liable at any time to be 
 invaded by the British, and undoubtedly would have been had that en- 
 gagement resulted differently. It is a fact that a good number of the 
 men of this town had a part in that battle, for the town had its organ- 
 ized militia and was within convenient reach of Plattsburgh by way of 
 Cumberland Head, availing themselves of the privileges of D. Wilcox's 
 ferry to that point. But unfortunately there appears not to have been 
 preserved any record to show who were in the service from the town 
 during the war, or who even were in the memorable battle at Platts- 
 burgh. 
 
 Prior to the year 1847 the people of South Hero communicated with 
 the mainland by boat and ferry travel, either public or private. As 
 early as 1793 the legislature passed an act establishing a ferry- right 
 between the island and Colchester, and in 1795 another was licensed 
 between the island and the town of Milton. In 1796 David Maxfield 
 was granted the right to maintain a ferry between South Hero and 
 Georgia. November 7, 1798, Benjamin Bell was granted the privilege 
 of a ferry between the island and Cumberland Head, N. Y. In 1805 
 Richard Mott and Ira Fox sought to have ferry communication be- 
 tween the town and Milton. D. Wilcox's ferry to Cumberland Head 
 was licensed in October, 1807. Wallis Mott and John Mott were appli- 
 cants for ferry rights in November, 18 14, and Ira Fox was licensed in 
 181 5 to ferry to Milton. 
 
6j6 History or Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 The present established means of communication between South 
 Hero and the mainland of the state is the so-called Sand Bar bridge, a 
 company for the building and maintenance of which was chartered on 
 November 1 1, 1847, with a capital stock of $25,000 in $10 shares. This 
 was a movement for the greatest interest and benefit of the people of 
 South Hero and Grand Isle, for it furnished them direct and ready ac- 
 cess to Milton. The whole island wanted the bridge built, so the people 
 contributed liberally to its construction by taking stock in the company, 
 some men in considerable amounts. The distance across the water is 
 one mile and twenty rods. This part of the bridge was build by Sam- 
 uel Boardman for $18,000. The road through the marsh, a distance of 
 two miles, was built by A. G. Whittemore for $5,500. The entire cost 
 of the structure, houses, and equipments was $24,016.62. While the 
 people of South Hero subscribed liberally to the stock of the company 
 the enterprise has not proved a remunerative investment by way of cash 
 returns, but as a public convenience the bridge is of the greatest advan- 
 tage to the islanders, as their produce is readily carried to Milton for 
 marketing and shipment. 
 
 In a preceding chapter of this volume will be found a roll of the sol- 
 diers who entered the service from South Hero. According to the re- 
 port of the state adjutant and inspector-general the town is credited 
 with having furnished a total of fifty men, all but five of whom were vol- 
 unteers. Of the others one paid commutation while four procured sub- 
 stitutes. In addition to this total the town was credited with five men, 
 swelling the aggregate credit to fifty-five. 
 
 The town of South Hero has two small hamlets or villages, each hav- 
 ing a postoffice, and called respectively South Hero and Keeler's Bay, 
 but the aggregate population of both villages will not exceed 200 per- 
 sons. The town has also two good hotels, which during the heated sea- 
 son have a good patronage, for the island has become something of a 
 summer resort, and the waters of the springs are growing constantly in 
 public favor. The mercantile and trade pursuits of the two villages are 
 small in extent, the people preferring to "shop " in Milton and other 
 large towns where larger stocks are kept. 
 
 The spiritual welfare of the towns-people is guarded in the two main 
 church societies of the Methodist and Congregational denominations, 
 
Town of South Hero. 677 
 
 while there is also a sprinkling of Catholics and Universalists in the 
 community. One of the early efforts of the town was directed to the 
 support of preaching, and it is found that as early as June i, 1789, at a 
 meeting the people " Voted to raise a tax of three pence on a pound to 
 pay a minister, said tax to be paid to the collector by the first day of 
 December following, in wheat at four shillings per bushel, or Indian corn 
 at three shiOings." In March, 1793, Joseph Phelps, Alpheus Hall, Sam- 
 uel Mix, and Ebenezer Allen were chosen a committee to hire Mr. Will- 
 iams to preach for the town, and the meeting at the same time voted a 
 tax of six pence on the pound for the minister's support, payable one- 
 fourth in cash and the balance in grain. This was the germ from which 
 sprung the present Congregational church, although the first meetings 
 were not intended to be denominational. 
 
 The societies of the Congregational and Methodist churches both in 
 South Hero and Grand Isle have for many years lived in the most 
 harmonious relation, which has been productive of the greatest good 
 throughout the island, for through the medium of their famous annual 
 "oyster suppers " there has been established, a social acquaintance among 
 the families with result of lasting friendships. These suppers were es- 
 tablished many years ago for the purpose of creating a revenue for the 
 minister's support, and were in fact a necessity as well as a pleasure. It 
 appears that during the years in which Father Lyon officiated as minis- 
 ter in the locality the people were not in the habit of paying him a sal- 
 ary or any stated compensation, and he, good man that way, continued 
 to preach for the people and otherwise administer to their spiritual 
 wants for pure love of the work; and he continued in this service many 
 years, making no charge and receiving nothing, until at last the people 
 became impressed with the belief that it would never become necessary 
 for them to individually contribute to the minister's support. This belief 
 has in a measure been transmitted from one generation to another, and 
 established a custom which has been found difficult to remove. There- 
 fore the expedient of the oyster supper system annually observed for 
 
 many years. 
 
 There has been but little change in the character, custom, and com- 
 munity laws of South Hero and its people during the last half century. 
 However, when the town had its greatest number of inhabitants there 
 
6/8 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 was then the largest number of farmers and farms. But during later 
 years the smaller operators have been absorbed by the larger with the 
 result of many fine and excellent producing farms, as many of them 
 here, perhaps, as in any of the island towns. The farm of the average 
 occupant of the present day is devoted to general agricultural pursuits 
 and dairying, while the specialty of fruit culture has become a rule as 
 much as an exception. To observe briefly what are the staple products 
 of the Lower Hero the attention of the reader is asked to the names of 
 some of the leading farmers of the last ten or so years, from 1880 to 
 1690. Gilbert Allen's farm of 200 acres supported 125 grade sheep, 
 while his orchard had 200 trees; Horace D. Allen maintained a dairy of 
 13 cows, while his orchard had 250 trees; Captain Warren Corbin has 
 been an extensive farmer and operator, having 600 acres; Henry W. 
 Conro's lands embraced 170 acres and his orchard 200 trees; Charles 
 Debuque, farmer, 103 acres, 400 trees; Jerome P. Hall has been a care- 
 ful breeder of fine Merino sheep and Jersey cattle ; Wallace P. Hall, 200 
 acres, 100 sheep, 10 cows; Hezekiah Kibbe, 235 acres, 90 sheep, 200 
 trees; Alfred M. Kinney, no acres, 600 trees, and fine sheep; Thad- 
 deus L. Kinney, 150 acres, 100 sheep, 400 trees, and 28 hives of bees ; 
 Buel Landon, 180 acres, 10 cows, 400 trees; F. R. Landon, 340 acres, 
 30 cows; Wallace Martin, 130 acres, 85 sheep, 500 trees; Calvin Mc- 
 Bride, 218 acres, grade sheep and cattle, 275 trees; Edward B. Phelps, 
 375 acres, 150 grade sheep, 300 trees ; Henry Robinson, 280 acres, 160 
 sheep, 13 cows, 300 trees. These are a few of the many who have been 
 extensive farmers and producers during the last ten years, but the above 
 figures may vary with each succeeding season, and are given as they 
 were stated on record within the time named and for one year only. 
 
Odd Fellowship. 679 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
 HISTORY OF ODD FELLOWSHIP IN FRANKLIN COUNTY.i 
 
 GREEN MOUNTAIN LODGE, No. i, I. O. O. F., located at Bur- 
 lington, was instituted January 14, 1845, ^^'^ w^s the first organized 
 body in the state. Others followed, and on the 26th day of August, 1847, 
 the representatives of a majority of the eleven chartered lodges met in 
 convention at Bethel, resulting in a petition to the grand sire for a charter 
 authorizing the organization of a Grand Lodge in this state. The prayer 
 of the petitioners was granted, and on the 29th day of December, 1847, 
 the Grand Lodge of Vermont, I. O. O. F., was duly instituted at Mont- 
 pelier, by R. W. Deputy Grand Sire Thompson, assisted by M. W., 
 Grand Master Parmenter, of Massachusetts. Nine of the chartered 
 lodges were represented. Samuel H. Price was elected grand master 
 and Charles S. Dana, grand secretary. A constitution was adopted 
 and other important business transacted. The Grand Lodge started 
 out under most favorable auspices, and has had a steady and healthy 
 growth, now bearing upon its roll forty-four chartered lodges and up- 
 wards of 3,100 members. 
 
 In 1869 a number of Odd Fellows residing in Franldin county, deem- 
 ing it for the best interests of the order and for their own convenience 
 and pleasure, presented their petition to Grand Master Henry R. Hos- 
 ford for leave to establish a lodge at St. Albans, and on the i8th day of 
 September a dispensation was granted to Abner Forbes, L. P. Kimpton, 
 R. Camp, Jefferson Marsh, and Azro Kent to form and open a lodge 
 at St. Albans, under the name of the Charles A. Miles Lodge, No. 31. 
 The lodge was duly instituted by P. M. Ballou, deputy grand master, 
 September 24, 1869, with the following officers: Abner Forbes, noble 
 grand ; L. P. Kimpton, vice grand ; Jefferson Marsh, recording secre- 
 tary ; and Azro Kent, treasurer. 
 
 In 1872, the Sovereign Grand Body having very properly decided 
 not to permit subordinate lodges to be named for living members of the 
 
 ' By W. D. Wilson, past grand master. 
 
68o History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 order, the name of this lodge was changed to St. Albans Lodge, No. 31. 
 Since its organization a large amount of work has been done ; many of 
 its members have left the jurisdiction, and it has also furnished a major- 
 ity of the charter members for other lodfjes that have been established 
 in the county. It has been honored by the presence of the Grand 
 Lodge in annual session, and three of its members have filled the posi- 
 tion of grand master, viz.: Abner Forbes, Horace H. Farnsworth (1878), 
 and W. D. Wilson (1887). Fast Grand Master Wilson has held the 
 office of grand representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge for four 
 years, and other members have held prominent positions in the order. 
 Its first hall was in the William N. Smith block ; later it occupied a hall 
 in the Wheeler block; and in 1889 the lodge fitted and furnished com- 
 modious and elegant rooms in the Darrow block, which it now occupies. 
 The present membership is 126. 
 
 Upon petition the grand patriarch granted a dispensation for an en- 
 campment at St. Albans, and Columbia Encampment, No. i, was insti- 
 tuted June 27, 1887, by J. H. Jones, G. P., with the following charter 
 members : Wilber P. Davis, D. O. Wallace, A. J. Tenney, Ira M. Sum- 
 ner, J. L. H. Allen, O. R. Parker, Lyman W. Hazen, H. C. Sparry, 
 A. M. Bell, C. A. Ryan, W. D. Wilson, and H. H. Wooster. The fol- 
 lowing members were duly elected and installed its first officers : H. C. 
 Sparry, chief patriarch ; D. O. Wallace, high priest ; and H. H. Woos- 
 ter, senior warden. At the following session of the Grand Encampment 
 a charter was duly granted, and it has since been in a prosperous condi- 
 tion. It occupies Odd Fellows' hall and has a membership of sixty- 
 seven. 
 
 Canton Franklin, P. M., was instituted at St. Albans on January 20, 
 1 89 1, by Colonel N. M. Puffer, grand patriarch, with these officers: 
 H. C. Sparry, captain ; B. C. Hall, lieutenant ; Fred Summers, ensign ; 
 E. P. Nutter, clerk; and C. A. Ryan, accountant. The Canton now 
 numbers twenty-seven chevaliers, and its prospects for a large, well or- 
 ganized, and well equipped body of the military order are second to 
 none in the state. Its headquarters are at Odd Fellows' hall. 
 
 Empress Lodge, No. i. Degree of Rebekah, was instituted April 9, 
 1 89 1, by Myron J. Horton, grand master, assisted by J. W. Goodell, 
 deputy grand master. The charter members were E. E. Spaulding, 
 
Odd Fellowship. 68 i 
 
 Mrs. Ethel I. Spaulding, H. H. Wooster, Mrs. Rosa J. Wooster, George 
 Cooke, Mrs. Anne Cooke, Mrs. Louise J. Switzer, Mrs. Annie G. Em- 
 bery, and W. D. Chandler. On the evening of institution the officers 
 of Antonia Lodge were present and conferred the degree upon fifty-one 
 candidates, thus giving the lodge a strong membership at the outset, 
 which has steadily increased. Its meetings are held in the rooms occu- 
 pied by the other local bodies at St. Albans. 
 
 Richford Lodge, No. i8, was instituted at Richford, January 17, 1883^ 
 by Charles Woodhouse, grand master, assisted by a delegation of mem- 
 bers from the St. Albans lodge. The charter members were H. E. 
 Rustedt, G. F. Smith, A. N. Powell, J. F. Hale,' J. C. Baker, L. W. 
 Powell, H. H. Thomas, and H. L. Baker. The charter bears date Feb- 
 ruary 7, 1883. Its first officers were: Jerome F. Hale, noble grand; 
 H. E. Rustedt, vice grand ; and L. W. Powers, recording secretary and 
 treasurer. The lodge has initiated fifty-nine members, furnishing seven 
 of the charter members of a lodge at Troy. It has a pleasant and com- 
 modious hall, well furnished and equipped, and is in good financial 
 condition. 
 
 Missisquoi Lodge, No. 38, was instituted at Swanton, February 6, 
 1888, by Henry W. Hall, with these charter members: E. P. Adams, 
 D. G. Furman, L. B. Truax, H. G. Lyon, C. E. Allen, J. F. Kelley, 
 H. J. Brown, and W. P. Welch. The first officers were: E. P. Adams, 
 noble grand ; D. G. Furnian, vice grand ; H. G. Lyon, recording secre- 
 tary ; and J. F. Kelley, treasurer. At the following session of the 
 Grand Lodge a charter was duly issued. It has had a large accession to its 
 membership and bears upon its roll the leading men of that enterpris- 
 ing village. Its hall is well appointed, its financial condition is excellent, 
 and its prospects are as good as the best. 
 
 Although it is only a score of years since Odd Fellowship obtained a 
 foothold in this county its growth during the past decade has been all 
 that could be desired, and there can be no doubt that a splendid future 
 awaits it. 
 
682 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX. 
 BIOGRAPHICAL. 
 
 BROOKS, SMITH A., is a representative of one of the oldest famil- 
 ies of St. Albans. Adonijah Brooks was originally from Connec- 
 ticut, and during the Revolutionary war came to Pittsford, Vt. He 
 married Olive Harrington. His eldest son, Hananiah, came to St Al- 
 bans in 1788; he had been a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He 
 died in Ohio. Azariah and Eleazer, two sons of Adonijah, came to St. 
 Albans in 1790 with their father; the former removed to Ohio, where 
 he died ; the latter died in St. Albans, The other children of Adonijah 
 were Adonijah, Asahel, Hannah, who married a Sawyer, and Polly, who 
 married Lemuel Lasell. Adonijah died in St. Albans, Octobers, 1809, 
 aged seventy-one years; his wife died March 20, 1828, aged eighty- 
 eight years. Adonijah, son of Adonijah and the father of the subject of 
 this sketch, was born in Granville, N. Y., February 27, 1777, and mar- 
 ried Betsey Gates. They had nine children, one of whom died in in- 
 fancy. The others are James, a resident of Georgia ; HoUoway, who died 
 young; Emery, who also died young; David G., born February 27, 1808, 
 died at St. Albans, November 21, 1880; Smith A.; Victorine' P., widow 
 of Harmon Baker, resides in Georgia ; Luke, a resident of Chateaugay, 
 N. Y.; and Electa A., widow of Hiram Dodge, also lives at Chateaugay, 
 N. Y. Adonijah died in New York state, October 10, 181 5 ; his wife 
 died September 29, 1859, 
 
 Smith A. Brooks was born in St. Albans, January 20, 18 10. His early 
 life was spent on his father's farm, and he had only the benefits of a com- 
 mon school education. He married, March 27, 1834, Alma, daughter of 
 Ebenezer and Judy (Harrington) Kibbee, of South Hero. Their chil- 
 dren were Ebenezer A., of St. Albans; Harriet S., who married Kin- 
 ney Cleveland (deceased), and resides at St. Albans Bay; Judith H., 
 who married Henry Ballard, and died in St. Albans; Fannie E., wife of 
 Charles M. Brooks, of St. Albans; and Betsey A., who married Warren 
 Green, and died at St. Albans. Mrs. Brooks died February 2, 1887. 
 
Biographical. 683 
 
 Mr. Brooks left home at the age of twenty- four years with not over 
 $100 as a starting capital, but by industry and frugality he acquired a 
 competency, and is now in comfortable circumstances. He owns over 
 750 acres of farming lands in Franklin and Grand Isle counties. He 
 votes the Republican ticket, though he is not an active politician. 
 
 JEWETT, Lieut. ERASTUS W., is descended from Eleazer Jewett, 
 who was a son of Thomas Jewett, of Bennington, Vt , and who was 
 a lieutenant under Capt. Elisha Dewey at the battle of Bennington, 
 August 16, 1777, and took the sword from the hand of Colonel Baum at 
 the surrender of the British army. This sword is now in the possession 
 of George W. Robinson, of Bennington Center, Vt. Eleazer Jewett was 
 born in Bennington, September 22, 1769, and came to St. Albans in 
 1793 among the early settlers of that town. He built the first grist- 
 mill in the town, near the Swanton hne. He was county surveyor of 
 Franklin county, and was engaged in farming and lumbering. He mar- 
 ried Mary, daughter of John Pratt, of Swanton, and they had four chil- 
 dren, viz.: Eleazer, Mary, Erastus, and Harriet. Eleazer died in St. 
 Albans, May 20, 1815. Eleazer (the son of Eleazer) was born in St. 
 Albans, December 18, 1796, and resided all his life on the Jewett home- 
 stead. He married Dorothy, daughter of Jesse Abell, of Swanton, and 
 they had a family of ten children, viz. : Jason P., born October 13, 1827, 
 a resident of Swanton ; Albert B., mentioned in another part of this 
 work ; Harriet M., born February 3, 1831 ; Eleazer T., born February 
 22, 1833, who resides in Santa Cruz, Cal; Mary A., born February i, 
 1835, married Robert L. Frazer, and died at Lawrence, Kan.; Jesse A., 
 born May 4, 1837, commissioned second lieutenant Company C, Fifth 
 Regiment, September 5, 1861, first lieutenant July 9, 1862, captain 
 Company K, March 21, 1863, resigned May 29, 1863, and died at 
 Swanton, April 16, 1866, from disease contracted in the army; Eras- 
 tus W., subject of this sketch ; Charles S., born July 22, 1841, resides in 
 St. Albans; Sophia R, born August i, 184S. wife of A. W. Brigham, 
 of New Ulm, Minn.; and Myron H., born March 13, 1848, a resident of 
 Highgate. Eleazer was killed by a premature blast of a maple log 
 February 8, 1864; his wife died in St. Albans, December 14, 1886. 
 
684 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Erastus W. Jewett was born in St. Albans, April i, 1839. He en- 
 listed in Company A, Ninth Vermont Volunteers, and was commis- 
 sioned June 14, 1862, second lieutenant in that company; was promoted 
 May 24, 1863, first lieutenant ; and resigned November 21, 1864. Lieu- 
 tenant Jewett has received a medal of honor from the acting secretary 
 of war " for gallantry and valor at the battle of Newport Barracks, 
 February 2, 1864, while commanding the company, holding the Con- 
 federates back, and burning the railroad bridge, thereby assisting mate- 
 rially in preventing the Union troops from capture." Returning from 
 the seat of war he engaged in the lime and hay business, which he 
 carried on successfully for several years. A Republican in politics he 
 has held the various town offices, and is at present president of the vil- 
 lage of Swanton. He is a member of Jesse Jewett Post, No. 73, G. A. R., 
 and is aid-de-camp on Col. Wheelock G. Veazey's staff with the rank of 
 colonel. He is a member of the Massachusetts Commandery of the 
 Loyal Legion, of the Sons of the Revolution, and is also a prominent 
 Mason. Lieutenant Jewett married Fanny L., daughter of William and 
 Lucy (Doane) Brigham, of St. Albans, and they had four children, viz.: 
 Jesse B., Mary F., who died at the age of two years, Nellie H., and 
 Walter C. Mrs. Jewett died October 5, 1882. 
 
 AUSTIN, HAZARD PERRY, was born in Berkshire, September 28, 
 1820, the second son in a family of four sons and one daughter of 
 Raymond and Abigail (Ladd) Austin. Raymond Austin was one of the 
 early settlers of Berkshire. He located on the farm now occupied by the 
 widow of our subject. His sons Horatio Nelson, Hazard Perry, Ezra, 
 and Alpheus M. all died in Berkshire; his daughter, Abigial Celia, is 
 unmarried and resides in Richford. Hazard P. had only the advantages 
 of a common school education. He worked on his father's farm, and 
 soon after his marriage became owner of the old homestead, where he 
 continued to Hve till his death, May 24, 1887. In politics a Republican 
 he held the offices of deputy sheriff, constable, and collector of taxes for 
 a number of years, and was agent for the Vermont Mutual Fire Insur- 
 ance Company for over thirty years. He married, January 4, 1843, 
 Mary A., daughter of Lucius H. and Mary (Rowley) Wheeler. She was 
 born in Berkshire, April 13, 1824. They have had no children. 
 
Biographical. 685 
 
 BLAKE, Hon. WILLIAM HAMILTON, born at St. Albans, Vt., 
 December 19, 18 12, is the third son of Eleazur and Ruth (Beals) 
 Blake, natives of Northampton, Mass., who located in St. Albans in 
 January, 1800. His father owned real estate in St. Albans and was 
 during the War of 18 12 a deputy collector of customs under C. P. Van 
 Ness, which position he held at the time of his death in January, 18 16. 
 His mother was buried in St. Albans, October i, 1820, and on the same 
 day he came to Swanton and resided with his mother's sister till May, 
 1830. He attended the district school during the winter term, the bal- 
 ance of the year being devoted to work, being called upon to labor much 
 harder than the lads of the present day. 
 
 On the 1 2th day of May, 1830, Mr. Blake went to Fairfield Center, 
 where he was employed as a clerk in a general store. Bradley Bar- 
 low had written to A. B. Larabee, who was teaching school at Swan- 
 ton, asking if he had a pupil competent and honest to fill the position 
 of clerk in his store. Mr. Larabee recommended our subject, who held 
 the place till December 19, 1833. He then taught the district school at 
 Fairfield for four months to the satisfaction of all. Returning to Swan- 
 ton in the spring of 1B34 he formed a partnership with Alonzo Green, 
 and purchased of Gardiner Green the remains of a stock of goods in a 
 store at East Swanton. The firm replenished the stock with purchases 
 made in Troy and New York, and also manufactured pearl ashes. Dur- 
 ing the year 1835 Gardiner Green became a member of the firm, and 
 the corner brick store at Swanton Falls, now occupied by C. D. Rublee 
 (1891), was hired from S. W. & S. S. Keyes. The latter store was 
 opened in May, 1835, Gardiner Green and Mr. Blake having charge, 
 while Alonzo Green- had charge of the store at East Swanton. In 1 837 
 Mr. Blake disposed of his interest to his brother Joseph and came to 
 St. Albans, where he formed a partnership with T. W. Smith, the firm 
 name being Smith & Blake, dealing in general merchandise. In the fall 
 of 1839 Mr. Blake transferred his interest to his partner, and the follow- 
 ing year in connection with his brother Joseph he engaged in business 
 in Swanton under the name of J. & W. H. Blake. This firm continued 
 in business till 1853, when they sold to George Barney. In 1854 Mr. 
 Blake became a partner with Mr. Barney, not only in the sale of general 
 merchandise, but also in the marble business, under the firm name of 
 
686 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Blake & Barney, which was dissolved in 1857. From the latter date 
 until the present time Mr. Blake has been engaged in farming, except- 
 ing during the years 1859-60, when he was in the slaughtering and 
 wool business at Cleveland, O. 
 
 In politics Judge Blake was originally a Democrat, but joined the 
 Free Soilers, and upon the organization of the Republican party became 
 one of its early members. He has been called upon to fill many offices 
 of public trust. He was county commissioner in 1854-55, state senator ' 
 in 1855-56, assistant judge of the County Courts in 1874-75. town treas- 
 urer from 1872 to 1882, deputy collector of customs from 1861 to 1871, 
 justice of the peace for ten years, town lister for about eight years, and 
 selectman in 1853-54. 1861-63, 1865, 1867, and 1869, and during most 
 of this time was chairman of the board. He was for ten years juror and 
 county grand juror, and was chairman of the committee appointed to 
 erect the soldiers' monument in Swanton, which he was authorized to 
 purchase. Judge Blake is one of the present trustees of the R. L. Bar- 
 ney fund, which amounts to $20,000. He married, December 7, 1837, 
 Ann Eliza, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Manzer) Clark, who was born 
 in Swanton, September 20, 18 16. They have had two children: Mary, 
 wife of Dr. E. H. Rawson, a practicing physician of Des Moines, la., and 
 Clark Hamilton, who married Caroline Bell, and has two daughters, 
 Clara Bell and Anna. They reside with Judge Blake in Swanton. On 
 December 7, 1887, the Judge and Mrs. Blake celebrated their golden 
 wedding, but the latter after many years of usefulness departed this life 
 on February 16, 1891. 
 
 K ELTON. Hon. OTIS NELSON, was born in Montgomery. April 
 3, 1844, and is the eldest son in a family of nine children of Otis L. 
 and Sarah L. (Newcomb) Kelton. Otis L, was born in Warwick, Mass., 
 December 16, 1805, and married, December 13, 1842, the daughter of 
 Giles and Lurana Newcomb, of Waterbury, Vt. He was a miller and 
 farmer, and in early life removed to Calais, Vt, and in 1833 he settled 
 at Montgomery Center. Otis N. attended the district schools of his 
 native town and an academy at Brandon, Vt., and studied book-keeping 
 at Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He commenced 
 
Biographical. 687 
 
 the study of law with J. S. Tupper, of Montgomery, and was admitted 
 to the FrankHn County Bar at the September term of court in 1877. 
 He commenced the practice of his profession in Montgomery in the 
 same year, where he has since continued. A Republican in politics he 
 represented Montgomery in the lower house of the legislature in 1874 
 and 1876, and was a member of the Senate of 1882. He has been town 
 clerk since 1879, and is a member of the County Board of Education. 
 Mr. Kelton married, September 11, 1871, Harriet B., daughter of Joshua 
 and Fanny (Smith) Clapp. They have four children : Eva L., born 
 January 31, 1874; Hallie C, born January 25, 1876; Fannie C, born 
 February 28, 1878; and Frank C, born November 25, 1881. 
 
 BORLEY, ISAAC SALTER, was born in England, December 9, 
 1856. He was the second son of William Buckstone Borley and 
 Clara Taylor, and was educated at Greenwich. He came to this country 
 at the age of twenty-one and located at St. Albans, Vt. His business 
 career in America began as freight customs clerk for the Central Ver- 
 mont Railroad. He remained in this position five years, and then pur- 
 chased a half-interest in an insurance agency at St. Albans. Soon after 
 he purchased his partner's share, and ever since has been sole proprietor 
 of the large business which is so widely known throughout the country. 
 In a very short time he became recognized as the ablest insurance man 
 in the state. He has ever been a persistent and tireless worker in ele- 
 vating the insurance profession to the first rank in the business life of 
 Vermont, and as a recognition of his abihty several large companies 
 have made him manager for the state. He is, in short, a thoroughly 
 self-made man, and his word in business circles has always been consid- 
 ered as good as his bond. His high moral character and stern integrity 
 are beyond all question. His sound judgment and keen perception 
 make his advice often sought, and he is frequently called upon to decide 
 important matters outside the province of his own business. 
 
 In 1884 he married Rosina E., eldest daughter of the late Hon. H. H. 
 Bowman, of St. Albans. She lived but three years after their marriage. 
 Although born in England Mr. Borley is thoroughly imbued with the 
 spirit of American patriotism, and continually demonstrates the warmest 
 
688 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 sympathy for our republican institutions. His public spirit and benevo- 
 lence are widely known, and many public institutions of charity can 
 testify to his generosity. He has been vice-president of the National 
 Association of Life Underwriters of the United States ; first vice-presi- 
 dent and treasurer of the Vermont Life Underwriters' Association, 
 which was organized through his individual efforts, and which is now an 
 honor to the state ; and was for several years secretary and treasurer of 
 the Franklin County Board of Underwriters. He is a prominent mem- 
 ber of the Masonic order, the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, and 
 other societies. Local organizations of several towns throughout the 
 state, and even in other states, have testified to his popularity by elect- 
 ing him to honorary membership. Modest of his success in business 
 life, it is his greatest pride to be considered an American. 
 
 JEWETT, Col. A. B., who was born in St. Albans, March 20, 1849, 
 was the second son and child of Eleazer and Dorothy (Abell) Jewett. 
 His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm. He attended the 
 district schools of his native town, and on attaining his maturity he 
 engaged in mercantile business and came to Swanton in November, 
 1851. He afterwards formed a partnership with Elisha L. Barney and 
 kept a general store at Swanton. The breaking out of the civil war 
 found him engaged in mercantile pursuits, but knowing that his coun- 
 try was in danger he left his business and offered his services to put 
 down the Rebellion. He was commissioned first lieutenant of Com- 
 pany A, First Regiment of Vermont Volunteers, April 27, 1861, and 
 was mustered out August 15, 1 861, at the end of his term of service. 
 Colonel Jewett re- enlisted August 26, 1862, and was commissioned Sep- 
 tember I, 1862, colonel of the Tenth Vermont Volunteers. Owing to 
 ill health he was obliged to resign his command April 25, 1864, and he 
 returned to Swanton and again became identified with the business in- 
 terests of that town. During the year 1869 Colonel Jewett became in- 
 terested in railroad matters. The Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad 
 had been built as far as Johnson, Vt., and had become bankrupt, work 
 having been stopped, and to all appearance the project was hopelessly 
 abandoned. To put the road on a paying basis it was necessary to com- 
 
Biographical. 689 
 
 plete it from Johnson to Swanton, and thereby make connections with 
 Ogdensburg and the far West. To accompHsh this herculean task Colo- 
 nel Jewett devoted his time and wholly through his endeavors was the 
 road completed. He retained his interest in the road till it was pur- 
 chased in the fall of 1886 by the Boston and Lowell Railroad. 
 
 Colonel Jewett's death occurred March 6, 1887, and was hastened by 
 his exhaustive and untiring work in the interest of the Portland and 
 Ogdensburg Railroad. His widow, who was Miss Achsah M. Giffin, 
 survives him. They had two children : Frances E., who died at the age 
 of nineteen, and George A., who died at the age of twenty-one. 
 
 HAYNES, JAMES MADISON, was born in St. Albans, April 30, 
 18 1 5. He is the second son of John and Sophia (Fellows) Haynes. 
 His father was an early settler of St. Albans, and was a carpenter and 
 joiner by trade. He emigrated to Ohio with his three sons in 1833, 
 where he and his sons John and Josiah died. James M. Haynes re- 
 ceived only a common school education, and was apprenticed to learn 
 his father's trade. He removed from Ohio to his native town in 1841 
 and worked at his trade till 1843, when he started a sash and door fac- 
 tory at St. Albans Bay, and was one of the pioneers of that manufac- 
 turing industry in Vermont. He carried on this business successfully 
 for twenty years, employing from eight to twelve hands, when he pur- 
 chased his present farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits in connec- 
 tion with fruit growing. Mr. Haynes started in life with no ready 
 capital, but by perseverance and industry he has obtained a comfortable 
 fortune. He is a natural mechanic; his house and outbuildings, besides 
 a number of pieces of furniture, are products of his handiwork. He is 
 a generous and public spirited man, and was one of the founders of the 
 Universalist church of St. Albans, his donations to that society aggre- 
 gating over $4,000. In politics he was originally a Democrat, but since 
 the organization of the Republican party he has affiliated with that 
 body. He married, October 31, 1841, Esther TuUer, who was born in 
 St. Albans, September 13, 1814, and they have had three children, viz.: 
 Theron B., born July 4, 1843, died September 23, 1847; Volna B., born 
 June 5, 1845, died^October 2, 1847; and Alfred M., born November 9, 
 185 1, died May i, 1868. • ^^ 
 
690 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 HALL, Col. ALFRED A., was born in Athens, Windham county, 
 Vt., December 31, 1848. His boyhood days were passed with his 
 parents, R. H. and M. E. Hall, upon a small farm in his native town, 
 where he attended the common schools until prepared to enter upon a 
 course of study in Leland and Gray Seminary in Townshend, Vt. Cir- 
 cumstances preventing the attainment of a long cherished desire of en- 
 tering college, he commenced the study of law in the office of Davis & 
 Adams in St. Albans in 1870. At the April term of 1873 he was ad- 
 mitted to the bar in Franklin county, and later to practice before the 
 Supreme Court of the state and the United States courts. In 1874 he 
 formed a partnership with W. D. Wilson, esq., in St. Albans, where he 
 has since continued the practice of his profession with marked success, 
 earning for himself high rank as an able and conscientious lawyer. 
 
 Colonel Hall is as prominent in social, military, and political circles as 
 he is among his professional brethren. He has been repeatedly called 
 upon to preside over the annual and special meetings of his townsmen; 
 has been twice elected president of the board of trustees of the village of 
 St. Albans, has served as village corporation counsel many years, and 
 was state's attorney of Franklin county for two years ; in every instance 
 winning distinction for himself and reflecting honor upon his constitu- 
 ency. Ever since his academical days, when his winters were occupied 
 with teaching district schools, he has been deeply interested in educa- 
 tional matters. For many years he has been a member of the school 
 board of his adopted town, — a portion of the time its chairman, — and has 
 labored earnestly with the aid of his associates to bring the schools, with 
 which he is thus so closely identified, to the high state of excellence 
 and proficiency for which they are now noted. He is at present one of 
 the trustees of the Franklin County Grammar School. A descendant 
 of Revolutionary stock he is strongly imbued with military tendencies, 
 and has naturally manifested a deep interest in the support and devel- 
 opment of the state militia. In 1876 he was enrolled as a private in the 
 famous Ransom Guards of St. Albans, and retained an active member- 
 ship until proihoted from the ranks to the non commissioned staff, from 
 which he was advanced to the commissioned staff of the First Regiment 
 N. G. V. In 1884 he was appointed upon the staff of Gov. Samuel E. 
 Pingree, with the rank of colonel and A. D. C, and in 1876 closed an 
 
Biographical. 691 
 
 active ten years' service with well earned honors. He is a member of 
 the Sons of the American Revolution. 
 
 Amid the multifarious duties of an otherwise busy life Colonel Hall 
 has found time to devote a portion of his splendid ability and untiring 
 energy to the advancement of Free Masonry in his native state. In fact 
 the history of his Masonic career is in no small measure the history of 
 the institution itself during the past fifteen years. When barely twenty- 
 one years of age he was brought to Masonic light in Blazing Star 
 Lodge, No. 23, in Townshend, Vt. Soon after his removal to St. Al- 
 bans he was admitted to Franklin Lodge, No. 4, of which he was elected 
 junior warden in 1872 and worshipful master in 1873, 1874, and 1875. 
 In 1876 he was appointed grand lecturer by Grand Master Henry H. 
 Smith, serving three years, and at once sprang into prominence before 
 the craft in general by his intelligent and indefatigable efforts to evolve 
 order from the chaos which marked the ritualistic work of that day, and 
 by his familiarity with Masonic law and jurisprudence and the usages and 
 customs of the craft. In 1881 he was elected grand junior warden of the 
 Grand Lodge, and advancing through the chairs retired from the Grand 
 East in 1889 after a brilHant administration of two years as grand mas- 
 ter. He received the chivalric orders of knighthood in 1876 in Lafa3'ette 
 Commandery, then located at S wanton. As a member of this organiza- 
 tion, and later as its eminent commander, he was instrumental in making 
 it one of the most flourishing commanderies in the state. In 1882 he was 
 elected grand generalissimo of the Grand Commandery, and in 1883 and 
 in 1884 grand commander, leaving a record never excelled in that high 
 office. In 1883 he represented the Grand Commandery at the Trien- 
 nial at San Francisco, and at the present time is the representative of 
 the grand master of Knights Templar for the district comprising New 
 York, Vermont, and Connecticut. Colonel Hall is not without distinc- 
 tion in the Cryptic Rite, having received the degrees in Columbus 
 Council, R. and S. M., of St. Albans, and having served as thrice illus- 
 trious rnaster several years. He took a prominent part in the organ- 
 ization of the Veteran Masonic Association of Vermont, and was its first 
 venerable chief. He has also attained to the thirty-third and highest 
 degree A. A. S. R. He was first in Vermont to have been elected grand 
 master, grand high priest, and grand commander, and this sketch would 
 
692 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 be incomplete without further reference to his valuable labors in the 
 several grand Masonic bodies. From his first appearance upon the floor 
 of each he has been prominent in their deliberations, and by continuous 
 service upon committees, notably of jurisprudence, has left the impress 
 of his wisdom and culture upon the most important legislation. A 
 fluent and pleasing speaker, a terse and ready writer, he not only has 
 done much in his public and private addresses and writings to dissem- 
 inate light and instruction among his brethren, but also to elevate the 
 standard of Free Masonry before the world at large. 
 
 In the private walks of Hfe Colonel Hall is genial and sincere, a 
 staunch friend, and a loyal citizen. In his domestic life he is blessed 
 with a devoted wife, nee Abbie L. Austin, with whom he was united in 
 marriage in 1874, and two bright and promising sons, viz.: Harrie 
 Vaughan, aged thirteen years, and Le Roy Austin, aged three years. 
 
 PAIGE, STEPHEN- WILSON, M.D., was born in Barnet, Vt, Au- 
 gust 18, 1852, and is the seventh son and eighth child in a family 
 of ten children of Stephen Peabody and Susan (Clifford) Paige. His 
 father was engaged in farming pursuits, and the doctor's early education 
 was obtained at the district schools of his native town. He never re- 
 ceived an academical course of study, and at the age of nineteen entered 
 mercantile life as book- keeper for E. & T. Fairbanks in their general 
 store at St. Johnsbury, Vt. He remained in their employ till 1878, and 
 by strict economy he saved enough to commence the study of his cho- 
 sen profession. After finishing his business career at St. Johnsbury 
 he was employed for the following two years by Park & Robinson, 
 wholesale grocers of Montpelier, Vt. During this time by constant 
 study he was fitting himself for the medical profession. In 188 1 the 
 doctor went to Barre, Vt, and became a student in the office of Prof 
 J. Henry Jackson, who was one of the faculty of the University of Ver- 
 mont. He remained in Professor Jackson's office till the spring of 1882, 
 when he entered the Medical Department of the University of Vermont, 
 and graduated from there in 1884. In October of the latter year he 
 went to New York city and was instructed in cHnical medicine and sur- 
 gery at the various hospitals of that city. In the spring of 1885 he 
 
Biographical. 693 
 
 commenced the practice of his profession at St. Albans, where he is now 
 located. During the small pox epidemic at Montreal in the fall of 1885 
 Dr. Paige was appointed by the government on the quarantine staff, 
 his duties being the inspection of passengers traveling between Canada 
 and the states. He is a member of the State and County Medical So- 
 cieties, and is one of the attending physicians for the Warner's Home 
 for Little Wanderers of St. Albans. The doctor is a prominent Mason, 
 having received the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite; he is a 
 member of Passumsic Lodge, No. 27, F. and A. M., Haswell Chapter, 
 No. 1 1, R. A. M., Montpelier Council, R. and S. M., and Palestine Com- 
 mandery. No. 5, K. T. He is also an Odd Fellow and a member of the 
 Delta Mu Society of the University of Vermont. In politics a Repub- 
 lican, he has never been an aspirant for public office. 
 
 BALLARD, ORRIS. The first settler in Georgia of the branch of 
 the Ballard family from which our subject is descended was Joseph 
 Ballard, who removed from Tinmouth, Vt, to that town and located on 
 the farm now owned and occupied by his grandson, Joseph Ballard. The 
 pioneer settler was born in Connecticut, February 7, 1766, and married, 
 November 14, 1793, Polly Loomis. The latter was also a native of Con- 
 necticut, where she was born May 5, 1775. Their children were Laura, 
 who married Truman Chase, and died in Westford, Vt.; Orin, who died 
 in the West; Joseph, a Baptist clergyman, who died at Norwalk, Conn.; 
 Hiram, who died in Georgia ; E. Miranda, who married Isaac Chase, 
 and died at Westford, Vt; Rion W., who died at Milton, Vt; Orris; 
 Royal T., who resides in Fairfax, Vt; Polly, who was married, first, to 
 Churchill' Hickok, and second, to Charles Darling, and died in Milton, Vt.; 
 and Loomis, who died in New York state. Joseph, the pioneer, died 
 in Georgia, April 11, 1836, and his wife September 27, 1847. Orris 
 Ballard was born in Georgia, July 7, 1808, and married, September 20, 
 1836, Chloe R Jocelyn, a native of Georgia. Their children were all 
 born'in Georgia, and are as follows: First, Joseph, born July 8, 1838, 
 married Augusta Kingsley. He is a farmer in Georgia, and has four 
 children, viz.: Bert, Julian, Jessie, and George. Second, George A., born 
 October 28, 1839, married Palmyra L. Witters, and has two children. 
 
694 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 RoUa C. and Mabel U. He is an attorney at Fairfax, Vt. Third, 
 Henry, born June i6, 1841, is a farmer at Oxford, Furnace county, Neb. 
 Fourth, Chloe Priscilla, wife of Judson Carr, of Georgia. Fifth, Emily, 
 wife of Stearns Boyden, and resides in Georgia. Sixth, Orris, born 
 January 12, 1849, married Caira Wightman, and has one child, Josie, 
 He is a farmer and customs house official, and resides in Georgia. Orris 
 Ballard was a staunch member of the Republican party. He died in 
 Georgia in May, 1880, and his wife November 17, 1874. 
 
 BRIGHAM, PETER BENT, was born at Bakersfield, Vt, on the 4th 
 of February, 1807. His father was Uriah Brigham and his mother 
 was Elizabeth, daughter of Josiah Fay. His father died leaving several 
 children wholly dependent upon their mother and their own exertions for 
 their support. At that time the subject of this memoir was in his early 
 youth. Like many of our foremost citizens the boy set forth from his 
 home without money, friends, or influence to seek his fortune. 
 
 Experience teaches us that, with few exceptions, men retain their 
 general characteristics throughout life. It is often said that the child is 
 father to the man, and we watch the beginning as prophetic of the future 
 career. But the converse is no less true, for the developed character of 
 mature manhood throws a light upon the acts and efforts of childhood 
 and youth. And so in this case. The fortitude, the indomitable self- 
 reliance, the patience, vigor, and integrity of the prominent and success- 
 ful citizen of Boston were the same which guided the young country lad 
 as he set out from- his home through a comparative wilderness for a dis- 
 tant city, that he might relieve his widowed mother from the care and 
 expense of his support and gain for himself a name and a fortune. 
 
 The first part of his journey was on the back of an old broken-down 
 horse, with saddle-bags containing his food and scant apparel. Long 
 before he reached his destination the horse became useless and he made 
 his way on foot, and by working on a Middlesex Canal boat, to Boston. 
 By assiduous and persevering labor in various occupations, chiefly in the 
 fish and oyster business, he accumulated a little money, and by judicious 
 use of what he had gained he acquired enough to lease the prominent 
 restaurant known as Concert Hall, in Court street, with which for many 
 
Biographical. 695 
 
 years he was identified. But his chief success was in the careful pur- 
 chase of real estate, and in these transactions it is believed that never, in 
 a single instance, did his judgment fail him. At the time of his death 
 his fortune, after deducting all liabilities, was estimated at about 
 $ 1 ,000,000. 
 
 Mr. Brigham never sought public office, but was deeply interested 
 in his adopted home, and in a quiet and unostentatious way did much 
 to promote the welfare of the city of Boston. He might easily have 
 had office in any branch of the municipal government, for which in 
 many respects he was peculiarly fitted, but he preferred to help in his 
 private capacity. As an experienced dealer in real estate his judgment 
 was often sought by the city officers, and especially on important ques- 
 tions of street widening and similar improvements it was found to be of 
 great value. He was one of the original directors of the Fitchburg Rail- 
 road Company, and continued in office up to the time of his death. To 
 that corporation he gave very much of his valuable time and thought, 
 always ready to labor for its interests without favor or reward. 
 
 His habits of life were most regular. Careful as to food, and a total 
 abstainer from spirituous liquors and tobacco, he was enabled to preserve 
 a robust health, so necessary in the arduous labors upon which he had 
 entered. His great success in business was, in a measure, owing to his 
 cordial manners proceeding from a genuine kindness of heart. It was 
 not his method to scatter money here and there and thus to relieve his 
 conscience, but he sought out those who were not only in need, but 
 ready to help themselves, and with his advice and assistance, and perhaps 
 a small expenditure where absolutely necessary, there were many who 
 owed their relief from poverty to him. His sympathy for his fellowmen 
 was especially illustrated in his anti-slavery sentiments and the gentle 
 kindness which he ever showed to the negro race. He was constant in his 
 endeavors to aid them in obtaining employment and to relieve the distress 
 of those as to whom it was clear to him that relief was necessary. Among 
 his papers after his death were found two cancelled wills, of dates prior 
 to 1862, by which he gave the bulk of his estate for the emancipation 
 
 of slaves. 
 
 He often lamented his want of a liberal education, which he could 
 not have obtained on account of the necessities of his situation. Ap- 
 
696 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 predating fully its importance he provided by his will a large endow- 
 ment for the erection and maintenance of an academy in his native 
 town of Bakersfield. This academy is now a most prosperous "institu- 
 tion, and has been a great blessing to the town and its neighborhood. 
 The number of its students at present is over 100, and bids fair to con- 
 siderably increase. Liberal provision was also made by his will for the 
 care and improvement of the cemetery in his native town. 
 
 Mr. Brigham had no issue, having never married, and the careful 
 thought which he gave to the disposition of his estate was characteristic. 
 It was his firm belief that it was far better for any man with health and 
 strength to earn his own living, and that inherited money would be a 
 hinderance rather than a benefit. He therefore was not willing to make 
 provision in his will for the males among his kindred who were able to 
 earn their own support. But for two of them who were disabled, and 
 for his nieces, he made liberal provision, and also for his sister, Mrs. 
 Sarah B. Jacobs, who still survives him, to whose industry and frugal 
 care and affectionate solicitude for his welfare he was much indebted, 
 who was his companion in his home, and to whom he was tenderly at- 
 tached. The bulk of his large fortune, however, was devoted by his 
 will to the establishment, after the expiration of twenty-five years from 
 his death, of a hospital for the sick poor of his adopted city. Fourteen 
 years have now elapsed and the estate in the hands of his executor has 
 increased to a valuation of more than $2,000,000, and it is expected 
 that in the remaining eleven years much more than another million will 
 be added by accumulations, after payment of all annuities with which it 
 is charged. 
 
 A most noble and well directed charity indeed, and it will remain as a 
 perpetual monument to its generous founder in the relief of what seems to 
 be the sum of human suffering — poverty and sickness combined. And 
 when we consider this beneficent disposition of his property at the last, 
 and the testamentary provision which at different times he had made for 
 suffering slaves, may we not well think and believe that in those long 
 years of patient toil in gathering his fortune this benevolent donor had, 
 all the while, a fixed purpose, known only to himself, of using his life 
 and strength for the welfare of his fellowmen? 
 
 After a well-rounded life of remarkable energy and activity, guided 
 
Biographical. 697 
 
 by rules of strict integrity, on the 24th day of May, 1877, Peter Bent 
 Brigham calmly and bravely laid himself down to die in his own home 
 in Boston, at the allotted age of three-score years and ten. 
 
 HOTCHKISS, CEPHAS A., born in Georgia, June 27, 1834, was 
 the only child of Cyrus and Mary (Town) Hotchklss. The pioneer 
 of the family in Georgia was James Hotchkiss, the grandfather of 
 Cephas A. He was born in Ira, Vt , and came to Georgia from Hub- 
 bardston, Vt., in 1798, locating .in the center of the town, but subse- 
 quently removing to the southern part. He married AHce Storey and 
 had a family of six children, viz.: Asenath, who married Nathaniel 
 Bowkfer and died at Potsdam, N. Y.; Cyrus; Hiram, a resident of Lena, 
 Stephenson county. 111. ; Harriet, who married Albert Bliss and died at 
 Freeport, 111.; Charlotte, who married Nathan Pratt and died at Chi- 
 cago, 111.; and James M. James and his wife Alice both died in Georgia. 
 Cyrus,the eldest son ofthe-family.was born in Georgia, December i, 1799, 
 and married Mary, daughter of Edmund and Mary (Macumber) Town. 
 He was engaged in the mercantile business and in fartping. From 1832 
 to 1842 he kept a store at West Georgia, at which place he was burnt 
 out. From 1849 to 1853 he carried on the sale of general merchandise 
 at Georgia Plains. He was originally a Douglas Democrat, but on 
 account of his anti-slavery sentiments he joined the Republican party at 
 its organization. He was a member of the Vermont House of Repre- 
 sentatives in 1858 and 1859 ^"^ o^ ^^^ Senate in i860 and 1861, and 
 held various town offices. He died March 3, 1875. James M., the 
 youngest son of the family, was born in Georgia, May 27, 18 12, and 
 was twice married, his last wife being Mrs. Harriet Hosford. She was 
 native of Cambridge, Vt., and the daughter of John and Rebecca 
 (Whitcomb) Storey. They had one child, Harriet E., the present wife 
 of Cephas A. Hotchkiss. James M., in company with his brother, 
 Hiram, purchased a farm in Fairfax in 1832, but afterwards engaged in 
 the mercantile business at Fairfax, which he carried on for a number of 
 years. He finally removed to Waterville, Vt., where he was engaged in 
 merchandising for nineteen years, and then returned to Fairfax, where 
 he carried on business till 1874. He died in that town May 7, 1877. 
 
 a 
 
698 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 He represented the town of Waterville several years in the state legisla- 
 ture, and was for two years state senator from Lamoille county. 
 
 Cephas A. Hotchkiss, after attending the local schools, took an aca- 
 demical course at the Bakersfield Academical Institution (usually known 
 as the South Academy) and at the Lamoille County Academy at John- 
 son, Vt. In 1852 he became a student at the University of Vermont, 
 where he remained till 1855. Since that time he has been engaged in 
 farming, and is to-day one of the successful agriculturists of his native 
 town, his farms embracing some 575 acres. In politics a Republican, 
 he was elected to the office of hster in 1858 and '59, and from that time 
 to the present has held some town office. He was a member of the 
 Vermont House of Representatives in 1870 and 1876. 
 
 Mr. Hotchkiss married, first, Cordelia M. Ladd, by whom he had six 
 children, viz.: Lewis Francis and Willis, both of whom died in infancy ; 
 and Carlton E., Bertha M., Cyrus T., and Mary C, who reside at home. 
 He married, second, Marian J. Bhss, who died nine months after his 
 marriage. He married, third, October 12, 1887, Mrs. Hattie E. Learned, 
 nee Hotchkiss, by whom he has one child, James M. 
 
 rj 
 
 'ILMORE, CHARLES C, was born in Georgia, Vt, January 28, 
 Vj" 1859, and is the third son in a family of six children of Dennis and 
 Nancy (Fairbanks) Gilmore, four of whom are now living. His parents 
 were both natives of Vermont. The father removed to St. Albans in 
 1 86 1, and our subject attended the district schools of that town, gradu- 
 ating from- the St Albans High School. He then became a student at 
 Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and upon return- 
 ing to St Albans was for a time engaged with his father in the livery 
 business. He finally turned his attention to the mercantile trade, and 
 was employed as a clerk in the blue store in St Albans, which carried 
 on the clothing trade, where he remained one year. He then came to 
 Swanton and was employed for the next two years in H. A. CoUins's 
 clothing store in that village. Mr. Gilmore at this time formed a co- 
 partnership with his brother, Frank, under the firm name of Charles C. 
 Gilmore & Co., and opened a store for the sale of clothing in Swanton. 
 This firm continued in business for two years, when Charles C. disposed 
 
's'-lyFGKe^^Ji^.Vr 
 
Biographical. 699 
 
 of his interest to his brother. About this time a suspender, known as 
 the Atwood suspender, had been patented, and Mr. Gilmore's attention 
 having been called to it he made arrangements to form a stock company 
 to manufacture the article. Mainly through his endeavors the Swanton 
 Suspender Company was formed, and he became secretary and mana- 
 ger of the corporation, which position he now holds. The suspender 
 has been introduced all over the United States, shipments being made 
 to every state in the Union. The capacity of the works has been in- 
 creased over twelve hundred per cent, since its commencement. In 
 1890 Mr. Gilmore assisted in forming a stock company called the Stand- 
 ard Granite Company, which is engaged in the manufacture of monu- 
 mental work at Swanton, and owns quarries in Hardwick and Wood- 
 bury, Vt. He holds the positions of director and treasurer. In politics 
 he is a Republican, but has never been an aspirant for political honors. 
 He is also prominently identified with the Masonic order. 
 
 He married Miss Lillian, daughter of M. E. and Margaret (BuUard) 
 Sprague, who is a native of Addison county, Vt. They have one child, 
 Marion. 
 
 NORTON, JOHN G., the present treasurer and manager of the Ver- 
 mont Construction Company, was born in Canaan, Conn., on Sep- 
 tember 29, 1869, and is the third son in a family of eight children born to 
 P. E. and Sarah A. (Lord) Norton. His father removed to Springfield, 
 Mass , during his childhood, and his education was obtained in the public 
 schools at that city, finishing his school days at the age of fifteen after 
 spending some years at the Springfield High School. Upon leaving 
 school he was employed by R. F. Hawkins, of Springfield, in the draught- 
 ing department of his bridge works, and March 29, 1887, he came to 
 St. Albans as book-keeper and draughtsman for the Vermont Construc- 
 tion Company. Through his individual endeavors he became conversant 
 with every detail of the company's business, and his various promotions 
 are the result of his complete mastery and proficiency of the practical 
 science of bridge building. In politics he is a Republican, and since his 
 residence in St. Albans he has taken a deep interest in all matters per- 
 taining to the growth and prosperity of the village. 
 
 So intimately has Mr. Norton's life been connected with the history 
 
700 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 and development of the Vermont Construction Company that a sketch 
 of that organization will not be out of place here. The company was 
 incorporated under the general laws of the state of Vermont, July 9, 
 1886, the incorporators being R. F. Hawkins, L. J. Powers, jr., of Spring- 
 field, Mass. ; George A. Ayres, of St. Albans ; C. F. Babbitt, of West 
 Winsted, Conn. ; and E. M. Babbitt, of Campton, N. H. The capital 
 stock consisted of 250 shares at a par value of $iOO a share. The first 
 meeting of the incorporators was held at St. Albans, August 3, 1886, 
 and after the adoption of a code of by-laws the following officers were 
 elected: R. F. Hawkins, president ; L J. Powers, jr., vice-president and 
 treasurer; George A. Ayres, manager; and a board of directors con- 
 sisting of the incorporators of the company. 
 
 Previous to the formation of the company R. F. Hawkins had started 
 a branch of his Springfield works at St. Albans, which were in a build- 
 ing formerly used by the St. Albans Iron and Steel Works, located on 
 the west side of the Central Vermont Railroad tracks. These assets 
 were transferred by Mr. Hawkins to the Vermont Construction Com- 
 pany, and the manufacture of iron and steel bridges for railway and high- 
 way purposes was soon commenced. Employment was given to about 
 sixty hands. Since the organization the following changes have been 
 made in its officials: On September 4, 1886, L. J. Powers, jr., resigned 
 as vice-president and treasurer, and S. W. Bowles, of Springfield, Mass., 
 was elected to the position of treasurer, and Guy Noble, of St. Albans, 
 was made vice president. Both of these gentlemen were members of the 
 board of directors. Mr. Bowles resigned March 6, 1888, and D. E. Brad- 
 ley was elected secretary, treasurer, and manager. On the same date 
 George A. Ayres was elected vice-president, which vacancy was caused 
 by the resignation of Mr. Noble. The resignation of Mr. Ayres as vice- 
 president was accepted February 8, 1889, and Paul R. Hawkins, of 
 Springfield, Mass., was elected to fill the vacancy. At the same meeting 
 John G. Norton was elected clerk of the corporation, and at a meeting 
 held December i, 1890, the resignation of D. E. Bradley was accepted 
 as secretary and treasurer, and John G. Norton was elected to fill the 
 vacancy. On the same date D. E. Bradley was elected vice-president. 
 Mr. Bradley filled the position until April i, 1891, when he resigned and 
 Mr. Hawkins was again elected vice-president. On the same date John 
 
Biographical. 701 
 
 G. Norton was elected one of the board of directors and nnanager. The 
 capital stock of the connpany, by a vote of the stockholders at a meet- 
 ing held February 17, 1890, was increased to $50,000. The works 
 occupied proving inadequate for the business of the company nego- 
 tiations were entered into looking to their removal, but satisfactory 
 arrangements were made with the town of St. Albans and the present 
 location was leased from the Central Vermont Railroad, December i, 
 i8go, and buildings erected. The main shop is a two- story building 
 1 80 X 63 feet, to which is connected a machine shop 45 x 30 feet. There 
 is also a handsome and commodious office building on the plant and a 
 tool and supply room 50x30. Their present works are thoroughly 
 equipped with new and improved machinery operated by a Harris- 
 Corliss engine of 125 horse- power. This is the only bridge building 
 company in Northern New England, and they are designers and manu- 
 facturers of iron and steel bridges for railroads and highways, and also 
 viaducts, girders, turn-tables, iron roofs, iron piers, trestles, and every 
 variety of iron construction and iron and steel structural work. The 
 capacity of the works has been doubled and employment is now given 
 to 130 hands, and under the present manager the business has increased 
 over one hundred percent. Among the notable bridges erected by this 
 company is mentioned the following : The largest bridge in New Eng- 
 land, 2,000 feet long, crossing the east channel of Lake Champlain and 
 connecting the island town of North Hero with the mainland, forms 
 one of the series of bridges which connects the different .towns of Grand 
 Isle county. It was built in 1886 and opened to the public in that year 
 with appropriate ceremonies, the governor and members of the state 
 legislature being present, the legislature having adjourned for that pur- 
 pose. The breakwater at Rouse's Point, N. Y., was built under govern- 
 ment contract. The Hartford bridge of the Central Vermont Railroad, 
 650 feet long, tested with twelve locomotives whose combined weight 
 was 854 tons ; Clark bridge, Williston, Central Vermont Railroad, 600 
 feet long; West River railroad bridge near Brattleboro, one span 223 
 feet and another of i lO feet ; highway bridge 330 feet long, crossing the 
 Missisquoi River at Sheldon, Vt. ; Miller's Falls railroad bridge, N. L. N., 
 572 feet; bridge over Deerfield River at Shelburne, Mass., 318 feet long. 
 The company, by the energy and business qualifications of its represent- 
 
702 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 atives, has been successful not only in obtaining large contracts in their 
 immediate vicinity, but has built a large number of bridges for railroads 
 and farms in the Western and Southern states. 
 
 HAZELTINE, Gen. SILAS BERKLEY, was born in Templeton, 
 Mass., July 23, 1790. His father, Col. Silas Hazeltine, graduated 
 from Yale College, September 8, 1779, and married Hannah, the fourth 
 child and daughter of Joseph and Mary (Dealk) Baker. Joseph Baker 
 was born in Massachusetts, May 19, 1736, and about 1790 purchased, for 
 ^500, 10,000 acres of land in Bakersfield, the town being named after 
 him. This purchase embarrassed him financially, and March i, 1800, 
 his son-in-law, Col. Silas Hazeltine, removed from Massachusetts and 
 received a deed of 620 acres of land, which embraced nearly all of the 
 present village of Bakersfield, for which he gave a bond for the life 
 maintenance of Joseph Baker and wife. The former died in Massachu- 
 setts, November 9, 181 1. Colonel Hazeltine was engaged for a number 
 of years in the mercantile business. He had five children, viz.: Silas 
 Berkley, Mrs. Asa Dean, Mrs. Rensselaer Reed, Mrs. AmosTowne, M.D., 
 and Mrs. Hon. David Reed. He was an active member of society and 
 participated in all the affairs of the town up to the tinpe of is death, 
 which occurred June 15, 18 14, aged fifty five years. 
 
 Gen. Silas B. Hazeltine received a fair English education, but ow- 
 ing to the difficulties connected with the early settlement of the town 
 he did not secure the classical course originally designed by his father. 
 He attended the high school at Burlington, where he learned the ele- 
 ments of surveying, which proved of great practical use in after life. 
 He early became interested in military matters, and May 16, 18 12, he 
 was commissioned by Gov. Jonas Galusha ensign of the Fourth Com- 
 pany of Infantrj', Third Regiment, of the militia of the state, and Sep- 
 tember 18, 1817, he was promoted captain of the same company, which 
 latter position he held till July 4, 1820, when he was made major of the 
 Third Regiment. August 28, 1822. he was promoted to lieutenant- 
 colonel of the same regiment, which office he held till October 29, 1841, 
 when he was commissioned brigadier -general of the First Brigade, Sec- 
 ond Division, of Vermont state militia. He resigned October 29, 1841, 
 
Biographical. 703 
 
 and, though always interested, he never afterwards took an active part in 
 the military affairs of the state. Politically General Hazeltine was orig- 
 inally a Federalist, but in 1827 he became a Jacksonian Democrat, and 
 from that time until his death he was an ardent and energetic worker in 
 the Democratic party. He represented Bakersfield in the legislatures 
 of 1821-22, 1824, 1827, 1833, and 1837. In January, 1822, at a spe- 
 cial town meeting he was elected town clerk, and was re elected fifty- 
 seven times, and during the fifty- eight elections he never had but one 
 opposing, candidate, His first record as town clerk was made Janu- 
 ary 20, 1822 ; his last February I, 1879 ; thus completing a period of 
 fifty-seven years and ten days as town clerk. The records during this 
 time are all, save town deeds, in his handwriting, and are noted for their 
 neatness, legibihty, and correctness. He was president of the board of 
 trustees of Bakersfield North Academy from its organization. 
 
 General Hazeltine married, January 10, 1818, Miss Elizabeth Hill, and 
 fifty years afterwards they celebrated their golden wedding. They had 
 three children : Harriet Elizabeth, who died in April, 1848, aged 
 twenty-four years ; Emily Maria, who married Rev. Harry J. Moore, 
 and died in Bakersfield at the age of forty-six years ; and Charlotte M., 
 widow of James Monroe Dean, who resides in Swanton, Vt. The latter 
 is the last living descendant of the family, and through her kindness we 
 are enabled to preserve a likeness of her father in the history of the 
 county with which he was for so many years identified. General Hazel- 
 tine finished a busy and active life February 21, 1879. 
 
 MASON, ALVIN H., was born in Swanton, Vt., April 27, 1817. 
 His father, John Mason, was born in Barre, Mass., in 1782, and at 
 the age of two years came with his mother to Swanton. He was a 
 farmer, and married Ruth, daughter of Daniel Wood, of that town. 
 Their children were WiUiam W., John A., Philemon C., Curtis, Alvin 
 H., Augustus S., George C, Paulina B., Addison P. (now a resident of 
 Buffalo, N. Y.), and Jasper B. (who resides in Ottawa, Kan.). John died 
 in Swanton in 1868. 
 
 Alvin H. Mason married, in May, 1847, Martha, daughter of John 
 and Pamelia (Drury) Barr, of Highgate. They have had four children: 
 
704 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Curtis P., a resident of Salt Lake City, Utah; Minnie E., wife of D. D. 
 Burdett, of Pittsford, Vt.; and John B. and William A,, who both died 
 young. Mr. Mason has always resided in Frankh'n county, and has 
 been a merchant and farmer, but has now retired from active business. 
 For eleven years he was sheriff and deputy sheriff of the county. 
 
 BELL, FREEBORN E., who was born in St. Albans, Vt, January 6, 
 1816, was fourth in a family of seven children born to John and 
 Siba (Patten) Bell. John was one of the pioneers of the town of St. Al- 
 bans, and was a native of Lyme, Vt. The brother and sisters of Free- 
 born E. Bell were Elizabeth, who married Joseph Merry, and died in 
 Illinois; William, who died in Swanton ; Martha N., who married Joseph 
 Garwood, and died at Monroe, Mich.; Mehitable, who married Daniel P. 
 Corliss, and died in Swanton ; Caroline, who died at the age of seventeen 
 years; and Lenora, who died at the age of eleven years. Mrs. Martha 
 N. Garwood was a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church 
 for fifty years or more, and a teacher or superintendent of the Sabbath- 
 school during the same time. Mr. Bell was reared on the farm and has 
 always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He has always been a 
 resident of St. Albans with the exception of a short time spent in Michi- 
 gan and Illinois, when he was twenty-four years of age. His education 
 was limited to the local schools. Mr. Bell is an example of what Ver- 
 mont farmers can accomplish: a practical, self-made man, he is to-day 
 the possessor of 1,500 acres of land located in Franklin and the adjoin- 
 ing counties. He was a member of the Ransom Guards of St. Albans, 
 and served on the frontier under United States authority during the 
 so-called Patriot war of 1837-39. 
 
 July 13, 1847, he married Sarah Purmort, who was born in Georgia, 
 November 6, 18 19, and by her had the following children: AbnerP.,who 
 died in Kansas, and whose widow and three children reside in Swanton; 
 Caroline A. (Mrs. Clark Hamilton Blake), of Swanton ; Josephine M. 
 (Mrs. Samuel Butterfield), of Swanton; and Amanda (Mrs. Leslie B. 
 Traut), of Swanton. Mrs. Bell died February 12, 1858, and he married, 
 November 24, 1859, Harriet A. Hyde, born in Highgate, July 20, 1838. 
 Their children were Merton E., of St. Albans ; Lulie S., who died un- 
 
Biographical. 705 
 
 married ; Freeborn W., of St. Albans ; John G., who died young ; 
 Elmer, who died young ; and Ernest H., of St. Albans. Mrs. Bell died 
 February 1 1, 1888. 
 
 At the first call for troops made by President Lincoln in 1861 Mr. 
 Bell enlisted and was mustered into the service May 2, 1861, as second 
 lieutenant of Company C, First Regiment, and was mustered out at the 
 expiration of his term of service, August 15, 1861. In poHtics origi- 
 nally a Democrat he has been a Republican since the organization of 
 that party, and has been called upon by his townsmen at various times 
 to fill the different local offices: selectman, lister, justice of the peace, 
 and town and county grand juror He is a member and has been one 
 of the liberal supporters of the Methodist Episcopal church. 
 
 BROWN, Capt. STEPHEN F., who -was born in Swanton, April 4, 
 1 841, is the only survivor of three children of Samuel G. and Anna 
 (Crawford) Brown. The other children were a daughter, who died young, 
 and Samuel G., jr., who was first lieutenant of Company A, Seventeenth 
 Vermont Regiment, and died from injuries received at the battle of the 
 Wilderness. Capt. Stephen F. Brown's maternal grandfather was with 
 General Washington at Valley Forge during the Revolution. His pri- 
 mary education was obtained in the schools of his native town, and he 
 afterwards attended the spring and fall terms of the academy at Swan- 
 ton Falls. In winters he taught school, and worked on a farm during 
 the summer months. He thus successfully fitted himself for college, and 
 in the fall of 1862 passed an examination for admission to the Univer- 
 sity of Vermont. Instead of pursuing his collegiate course of study, 
 however, he enlisted in Company K, Thirteenth Vermont Infantry, as a 
 private, but was elected first lieutenant of that company. The Thir- 
 teenth was a nine months' regiment, and was part of the Second Ver- 
 mont Brigade, which was commanded by General Stannard at Gettys- 
 burg. This brigade was in the front and center of the battle line and 
 rendered distinguished service, especially in the closing conflict, against 
 which the rebel general Picket on the afternoon of the third and last 
 day made the last and most desperate charge of the enemy, but they 
 were met by the Second Vermont Brigade on the open plane between 
 
 89 
 
7o6 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 the battle lines in a hand to hand encounter. Here Captain Brown, 
 undaunted by previous loss of his sword on the march, went into the 
 battle with a common camp hatchet and was among the first to meet 
 the advancing charge. With hatchet up-lifted in one hand he seized a 
 rebel officer with the other, demanded his surrender, and at once re- 
 lieved him of his sword and pistol, and putting them on his own person 
 wore them until discharged. He still retains them as mementos of 
 personal experience at Gettysburg, where none but the bravest could 
 withstand the fearful charge. 
 
 The historial in the second volume, page 478, of " Vermont in the 
 Civil War" makes favorable mention of Captain Brown as a soldier and 
 officer. A few years ago he was presented with an elegant and valu- 
 able gold medal for distinguished bravery at Gettysburg. The writer 1 
 was an eye-witness to the facts here stated. 
 
 Captain Brown was injured on the head at Gettysburg by a concus- 
 sion from the explosion of a shell while in the act of aiding one of his 
 mortally wounded men. Corporal William Church. A rebel battery 
 swept the crest of a ridge over which the brigade had to march by flank 
 back to position after the charge. The range was good and every shell 
 exploded in the marching ranks with loss of dead and wounded. It 
 was here that Corporal William Church, of Company K, Thirteenth 
 Vermont Regiment, was slain. Captain Brown, observing Corporal 
 Church as he fell, hastened to his aid and found one leg shot away 
 above the knee. He procured a tourniquet and while endeavoring to 
 stop the flow of blood another shell exploded so near above his head 
 that the concussion came very near proving fatal. Though quite seri- 
 ously injured he refused to go to the rear, saying to Surgeon Nichols 
 that he would remain until the battle was over unless the regiment was 
 ordered from the field. 
 
 He returned from the seat of war with his regiment, and was honor- 
 ably discharged. Subsequently Vermont tried to raise another regi- 
 ment from the veterans of the Second Vermont Brigade, and Captain 
 Brown was commissioned recruiting officer for Northern Vermont. 
 He raised a company of 160 men, and was elected captain of Company 
 A, Seventeenth Vermont Infantry. This regiment was organized in the 
 
 'R. O. Sturtevant. 
 
Biographical. 707 
 
 spring of 1864, and immediately departed for the seat of war. They 
 took part in the battle of the Wilderness, and on May 6, 1864, during 
 that battle Captain Brown, having his left arm extended directing the 
 movements of his men, was struck by a minie-ball, which entered at the 
 shoulder and came out at the elbow. The arm had to be amputated, 
 but owing to the excessive discharge of blood he completely recovered 
 from the injury in the head received at Gettysburg. After his final 
 muster out, and on recovering his health, Captain Brown entered the 
 Albany Law University, where he graduated March 3, 1868. He was 
 admitted to the bar and removed to Chicago, and with a capital of $25 
 commenced the practice of his profession. 
 
 In pursuing the legal profession Captain Brown's courage has never 
 faltered, and invention and enterprise have distinguished his career in 
 Chicago. After the great fire nothing of his law office remained but 
 the key. He rented an office on the corner of Desplains and West 
 Madison streets, in which the landlord generously left a pine table and 
 upon it a copy of the New Testament. The captain was scarcely seated 
 in his new office when a collecting agent came to consult him. The 
 agent had in his possession $100 belonging to one of his principals, 
 which he desired to keep for awhile until the banks re- opened, but his 
 principals threatened to cause his arrest if he did so. The captain 
 stated to his client that he had the latest law on the subject in question, 
 and taking the testament read to him from Matthew 5:25, "Agree with 
 thine adversary quickly," etc. That settled the case. 
 
 It would be impossible in the compass of thisjwork to cite the differ- 
 ent and important cases in which he has been retained as counsel. He 
 has successfully met his legal brethren in the different courts of Chicago 
 and the state of Illinois, and has had in two noteworthy cases such op- 
 posing attorneys as M. W. Fuller, esq. (now chief justice of the United 
 States) and Hon. Robert T. Lincoln (the present minister to the court 
 of St. James). These were Biggs vs. Clupp and Girrard vs. Guetiau, 
 and were carried to the courts of city and state, and in them Captain 
 Brown was successful. He has accumulated a handsome fortune, the 
 results mainly of his law practice. He has for years spent his court 
 vacations with his aged parents in Swanton. Owing to illness of his 
 father (whose death occurred in 1891) he has for the last few years been 
 
7o8 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 obliged to relinquish his business in Chicago and, like a dutiful son, 
 devote all his time to the comfort and happiness of those who by their 
 care and attention in his youth prepared him to engage successfully 
 in the battle of life. 
 
 DUTCHER, LUTHER LOOMIS, son of Daniel and Nancy (Billings) 
 Dutcher, was born in St. Albans, July 31, 1802. The family origi- 
 nally came from Connecticut and settled first at St. Albans Bay, but 
 soon after purchased a farm, built a tannery, and conducted a general 
 boot and shoe manufactory on Dutcher Brook. Luther's educational 
 advantages were limited to the district school and two or three terms at 
 the St. Albans Academy. Through the advice and influence of his 
 uncle, James Clark Dutcher, an alumnus of the University of Vermont, 
 he commenced a course of study with a view to a more hberal education, 
 but the sudden and premature death of his father caused him to re- 
 luctantly adandon his cherished hopes, and soon after he accepted a 
 favorable offer from Dr. G. D. Harmon, of Burlington, a physician in 
 active practice and a dealer in drugs. He was much interested in the 
 study of materia medica and read thp various text books on that subject. 
 At the termination of his engagement he returned to St. Albans and 
 engaged in the general mercantile business. This he continued until 
 183s, when he formed a partnership with Hon. Lawrence Brainerd, 
 and for five years the firm transacted a general produce trade and was 
 extensively engaged in lumbering in Canada. In 1840 this copartner- 
 ship expired by limitation and Mr. Dutcher engaged in business on his 
 own account, having purchased the building now occupied by his chil- 
 dren. He included in this stock the general hne usually kept in country 
 stores, but soon after he turned his attention exclusively to drugs. 
 This was the only drug store between Burlington and St. Johns. In 
 1851 his eldest son was admitted a partner and a few years after a sec- 
 ond son was added to the firm, which continued until dissolved by the 
 death of the head. The firm was interested as proprietors or partners 
 in stores in St. Albans, in Swanton, and in Richford. 
 
 Mr. Dutcher married Miss Almira Brainerd, a sister of Hon. Law- 
 rence Brainerd, a most estimable woman, beloved and respected by all 
 Avho knew her. Her death occurred in August, 1841. His second 
 
Biographical. 709 
 
 marriage was to Miss Caroline S. Webb in 1844. She died June 29, 
 1881, much respected. 
 
 In 1826 he united with the First Congregational church and in 1842 
 was elected one of its deacons, which office he retained to the time of 
 his death. He was clerk of the church for thirty-six years, was choir 
 leader, teacher, and superintendent of Sabbath- school, and represented 
 the church in councils and in general convention. Rev. Charles Van 
 Norden, his pastor, in his memorial sermon said of him : " So great 
 talent devoted to Christ with so generous a love and consuming itself 
 with such fidelity and zeal few churches have at their command, and 
 the like the church may never see again. As his pastor and friend I 
 honor and love him. Never have I known a brother in Christ to stamp 
 his own individuality upon a Christ-ian church as he did, and yet never 
 have I seen a useful public servant of the Master so little dictatorial and 
 so ready to yield to the will of the majority, so loyal to defer to the 
 rights of the pastor." He possessed a more than ordinary literary abil- 
 ity. In an obituary notice of him it was said : " He might have been 
 known in literature if he had not been so much engrossed in business." 
 He contributed largely to the local press with occasional articles in 
 metropolitan journals. He was an honored member of the Vermont 
 Historical Society and one of its officers, and contributed many essays 
 and valuable historical papers to that body. The history of St. Albans 
 with numerous biographical sketches, the history of the First Congrega- 
 tional church, and numerous papers and addresses bear witness to this 
 fact. He was a corresponding member of several historical societies, 
 and was an honorary member of the Vermont Pharmaceutical Society. 
 The University of Vermont conferred the honorary degree of A. M. upon 
 him without his knowledge or solicitation. Mr. Butcher was of a retir- 
 ing disposition. He never sought public office, and whenever a nomina- 
 tion was tendered him by his party he invariably declined it. He was 
 twice appointed postmaster of the town, which office he retained for 
 several years. He was a man of indomitable energy and perseverance. 
 His integrity was never questioned. 
 
 He died September 18, 1878. The church of which he was a mem- 
 ber passed the following resolution regarding his death : 
 
 " Whereas, In the providence of God our beloved brother and father, 
 
7IO History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Deacon L. L. Dutcher, has been removed from us to his rest ; therefore 
 be it 
 
 "Resolved, That we as a church are keenly sensible of our great loss 
 and hereby recognize our indebtedness for fifty years of devoted service. 
 We mourn the loss of one who was never discouraged, never made ex- 
 cuse when the call of duty came, and spared neither time, strength, nor 
 energy in the services of his Master. We return humble and hearty 
 thanks to our Heavenly Father that so great talent and zeal should 
 have been placed at our disposal, and we pray that the mantle of 
 Brother Butcher's energy and devotedness may descend upon the 
 younger members of our communion now called to occupy his post." 
 
 TENNE, JAMES NATHANIEL, M.D., born in Berkshire, Vt., De- 
 J cember 21, 1859, is the eldest son of John G. and Charlotte (Wood- 
 worth) Jenne, the family numbering seven children. His grandfather, 
 Nathaniel Jenne, came from Massachusetts and was one of the early 
 settlers of Berkshire. When the doctor was seven years of age his 
 father moved to Enosburgh, and his education was begun at the dis- 
 trict schools in that town, being furthered by a course at the high 
 school in Enosburgh Falls, where he commenced the study of medicine 
 with Dr. A. J. Darrah. He entered the Medical Department of the 
 University of Vermont at Burlington in 1879, and during the progress 
 of his studies there was the private pupil and under the especial tutor- 
 ship of Dr. Samuel J. Thayer. Graduating two years later Dr. Jenne 
 commenced the practice of his profession in Georgia, Vt., remaining 
 there six years, during which period (September 19, 1883) he married 
 Miss Abbie Cushman, of that place. In 1887 he removed to St. Al- 
 bans, and has since enjoyed a large practice in that town. In addition 
 to constant private readings and study, with a view to keeping abreast 
 of his profession, Dr. Jenne has been a regular attendant on the Post- 
 Graduate School in New York city, receiving a diploma from that in- 
 stitution in 1890. He is a member of the County and State Medical 
 Societies, and was, in 1890, chosen president of the latter. He has also 
 been a member of the State Board of Licensed Censors, and in 1890 
 was appointed member of the Board of Consulting Surgeons of Mary 
 
Biographical. 711 
 
 Fletcher Hospital at Burlington. He has for a number of years been 
 prominently connected with the state militia, and at present holds the 
 office of brigade-surgeon, with the rank of major, of the First Brigade, 
 Vermont National Guard. In politics Dr. Jenne is a Republican, but 
 has never been an aspirant for public office. 
 
 STILES, Hon. WILLIAM HOWARD, born in Enosburgh, Vt., 
 June 21, 1823, was the eldest son in a family of ten children born 
 to Samuel and Hannah (Hendrick) Stiles. His father was a native of 
 Chester, Vt., and came to Enosburgh during his early manhood, where 
 he engaged in farming. William H. attended the district schools of his 
 native town, and was for a time a student at the Enosburgh Academy. 
 After finishing his education he cleared a farm in Enosburgh and was 
 for a number of years engaged in agricultural pursuits. About 1847 he 
 came to Montgomery, where he commenced the manufacture of butter 
 tubs. He sold this plant after operating it three and a half years, and 
 in October, 185 I, located about one mile south of Montgomery Center, 
 where he built a saw-mill and also again manufactured butter tubs. He 
 remained in business here till March, 1883, during which time he was 
 associated with different parties as partner. On the date mentioned he 
 formed a partnership with Alfred B. Nelson, and the manufacture of but- 
 ter tubs was carried on at Montgomery Center. This partnership was 
 in existence at the time of the death of Mr. Stiles. In 1873 he purchased 
 of Columbus Greene his stock in the general store at Montgomery Cen- 
 ter, which business he conducted during his life. In 1883 he built the 
 present store building, his late residence, and a number of other build- 
 ings in Montgomery Center. 
 
 A Republican in politics he represented Montgomery in the legis- 
 latures of 1868 and 1869, and was a member of the state Senate of 1872. 
 At the time of his death he was associate judge for Franklin County 
 Courts, he having been elected to that office in 1888. He married, Sep- 
 tember 25, 1844, Betsey, daughter of William and Mary (Giddings) 
 Miller. Their children are Annette, wife of Samuel N. Dix, of Mont- 
 gomery, and William M., a resident of Montreal, Canada. The judge 
 died suddenly March 31, 1891, mourned and respected by all who knew 
 him. 
 
712 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 RUGG, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. The pioneer of the Rugg fam- 
 ily in Franklin county was Abraham Rugg, who came from Whit- 
 ingham, Vt, in 1791 and settled in the northern part of Fairfax, where 
 his son Alexander built the first saw-mill in that part of the town. He 
 married Hannah Graham, of Scotch descent, by whom he had nine chil- 
 dren, one of whom, a son, died in infancy. The others were Sally, who 
 married a Jewell and died in the West ; Betsey, who married Caleb 
 Briggs and died in New York ; Polly, who married Jonathan George, of 
 Dickinson, and died in New York ; Patty, who died unmarried in Fair- 
 fax ; Harriet, who married Ira Wright and died in Fairfax; Laurancy, 
 who married James Graham and died in Fairfax; and Alexander and 
 Russell, who both died in Fairfax. 
 
 Alexander Rugg, born in Whitingham, Vt, married Philinda King, a 
 native of Hartford, Conn., and a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Mather) 
 King, the latter being a niece of Rev. Cotton Mather. After his mar- 
 riage he settled on a farm in Fairfax, which is now in the possession of 
 his son, Elbridge G. He served as a captain during the War of 18 12, 
 and died in Fairfax in 1874. Of his family of ten children the eldest 
 died in infancy ; Charles was killed by an accident at the age of ten 
 years ; Abraham resides in Milton, Vt. ; Benjamin Frankhn lives in St. 
 Albans ; Giles, Elbridge Gerry, and Charles reside in Fairfax ; Albro 
 lives in Fletcher, Vt. ; Harriet Emeline married C. L. Bullard and died 
 in Swanton, Vt. ; and William H. resides in St. Albans, Vt. 
 
 Benjamin Franklin Rugg was born in Fairfax, June 8, 1820, and 
 passed his youth on his father's farm. His education was hmited to dis- 
 trict schools and a six months' term at the Jericho Academy at Jericho, 
 Vt. Leaving home at sixteen he went to Millbury, Mass., and was 
 employed in the scouring and teaseling department of Parks, Wright 
 & Whitcomb's broadcloth- mills. June 7, 1837, while engaged in putting 
 the rolls of cloth in a steam kettle, and while bearing down on the roll, 
 he slipped and fell into the huge vessel. His whole body was sub- 
 merged in the scalding water, but his head he saved by holding his arm 
 over the edge of the kettle. Mr. Rugg still carries the marks of this 
 scalding on his body. He was so crippled in his left leg and arm that 
 for years he was unable to do any physical labor, and it has affected his 
 health during his whole life. In the fall of 1837 he returned to his 
 
Biographical. 713 
 
 native town, making the distance of 250 miles by wagon. For the next 
 two years he was unable to perform any work, and he then turned his 
 attention to peddUng dry goods and tinware in FrankHn and a part of 
 Chittenden counties. He also carried on an extensive horse business, 
 having in one summer traded over one hundred times. 
 
 On March 6, 1843, he married Stella B., daughter of Benjamin and 
 Lola (Bogue) Richardson. She was a native of Fairfax, and her father's 
 mother, Sarah Cutler, was a sister of the Colonel Cutler who threw the 
 tea overboard in Boston Harbor. She was also a cousin to General 
 Washington. After his marriage Mr. Rugg continued peddling.for a 
 year, and purchased two farms in Fairfax, which he soon after disposed 
 of He was engaged in buying cattle for some two years, and while 
 transacting this business in 1846 he purchased a farm in Berkshire, 
 which after holding one year he sold at a profit of $1,000. This vent- 
 ure was the starting point of a successful business life. Returning to 
 Fairfax he purchased two farms which he retained for four years, when 
 he sold them at a profit of $800. 
 
 In 1852 Mr. Rugg came to St. Albans, where he has since resided. 
 He formed a partnership with A. G. Soule, of Fairfield, under the firm 
 name of A. G. Soule & Co., for the purpose of buying butter, cattle, and 
 produce. This was the pioneer firm in St. Albans. Hiram B. Sowles 
 during the same year became a member of the firm. Mainly through 
 Mr. Rugg's endeavors a market day was established at St. Albans. The 
 firm continued business for three years, when the partnership was dis- 
 solved. Mr. Rugg had displayed so much sagacity and ability as a 
 buyer that O. A. Burton, the president of the Franklin County Bank, 
 offered him all the assistance he required to prosecute extensive business 
 operations. He began to deal largely in cattle, horses, sheep, wool, pro- 
 duce, and real estate, his transactions during some seasons averaging $6,- 
 000 per day. He afterwards engaged in large ventures on joint account 
 with firms in New York and Boston. In 1864 he formed a partnership 
 with his son-in-law, R. B. Kenerson, and M. G. Elliott in the grocery 
 business. This firm continued only one year, but Mr. Rugg had a part- 
 nership with Mr. Elliott until 1874 in the real estate and wood business, 
 and with his son-in-law in the produce business. From 1875 to 1885 lie 
 was interested with his nephew, J. E. Rugg, in a sheep ranch in Wyo- 
 
 90 
 
714 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 ming. This proved a profitable investment. Mr. Rugg has been largely 
 interested in building up the village of St. Albans, having erected 
 about fifty dwellings and two stores, one of the latter being the first 
 built on Lake street in i860, and was thought at the time by many to 
 be a wild scheme. In i860 he opened and built up the street that 
 bears his name. In late years he has made considerable changes 
 in his real estate holdings, at present owning in St. Albans only the 
 store on Lake street and one dwelling house, but he is interested in 
 four farms in St. Albans, five in Fairfax, and one each in Fletcher, 
 Fairfield, and Milton. In politics he wa;s originally a Whig, and since 
 the organization of the Republican party he has affiliated with that 
 body, but has not cast a ballot for fifteen years for the reason that he 
 does not uphold in local affairs the ring of the Central Vermont Rail- 
 road, which he considers detrimental to the best interests of the state 
 and county. In religious belief he was reared in the Methodist church, 
 but after his marriage he attended the Universalist and Episcopal 
 churches. Some fifteen years ago, however, having become convinced 
 that the principles of Spiritualism was the only true religion, he became 
 and continues a firm believer in that faith. Mr. Rugg has two daugh- 
 ters : Ellen P., wife of R. B. Kenerson, of Boston, and Eleanor Maria, 
 widow of George Rhett Walker, of St. Albans. Each daughter has a 
 son, viz. : Benjamin Franklin Kenerson and James Canfield Walker. 
 
 NOBLE, GUY CHAPLIN, is not now a member of the Franklin 
 County Bar except in remembrance. He was born in Franklin, 
 Vt, October 9, 1839. At the age of eleven years he became a student 
 at Franklin Academy, and three years later entered the classical course 
 at the New Hampton Institute at Fairfax, from which institution he 
 graduated, and at the age of nineteen entered Harvard Law School. 
 He was graduated with the class of '61, and admitted to the bar at the 
 September term of Franklin County Court the same year. Mr. Noble 
 was a thorough student, and applying himself diligently to professional 
 work he soon took high rank at the bar. In October, 1 862, the law firm 
 comprised of our subject and Julian H. Dewey, his brother-in-law, was 
 formed and continued until the death of the latter. Among those asso- 
 
Biographical. 715 
 
 ciated with him in later years was Edward Curtis Smith, son of the Hon. 
 John Gregory Smith, and the firm of Noble & Smith, when broken by 
 the death of Mr. Noble, May 21. 1889, had a reputation second to few, 
 if any, in the state. Mr. Noble was a stalwart Republican, and though 
 possessing no inclination for office had held many positions of honor and 
 trust in the town and state. He was for over twenty-two years attorney 
 for the Central Vermont Railroad, and during his professional career was 
 associated with much of the best legal talent of the state. 
 
 SMITH, Hon. WORTHINGTON C, who was born in St. Albans, 
 April 19, 1823, is the youngest son of John and Maria N. (Curtis) 
 Smith. Receiving a collegiate education he graduated in 1843 from 
 the University of Vermont, and commenced the study of law with his 
 father, but abandoned the profession and became an iron merchant and 
 manufacturer. In 1848 he went to Plattsburgh, N. Y., and engaged in 
 the foundry business, remaining there two years. He then returned to 
 St. Albans and purchased the St. Albans foundry, and carried on that 
 business till 1866, when he disposed of his interest to Edward A. Smith 
 and John W. Newton. These parties failing in 1879 Mr. Smith re- 
 purchased the works and the business was carried on in his name till May, 
 1890, when a stock company was formed under the style of the St. 
 Albans Foundry Company. Mr. Smith has also been connected with 
 the railroad interests of Vermont, being one of the early treasurers of 
 the Vermont and Canada Railroad, and from 1872 to 1879 was vice-presi- 
 dent of the Central Vermont Railroad and one of the board of trustees 
 that operated the road for the bondholders. He was manager of the 
 Missisquoi Railroad from 1878 to 1886 and is now president of the 
 Missisquoi Valley Railroad. 
 
 In politics he is a strong and ardent Republican, and has been called 
 upon to fill various offices of trust by his fellow citizens. He repre- 
 sented St. Albans in the legislature of 1863, and was a member of the 
 state Senate of 1864 and 1865, being president of that body in the latter 
 year. In the fall of 1866 he was elected to and took his seat in the 
 Fortieth Congress the following March. His congressional career ex- 
 tended by reelection to the Forty-first and Forty-second Congresses. 
 
7i6 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 He was a member of the Committees on Banking and Currency, Man- 
 ufactures, and Weights and Measures. 
 
 Mr. Smith married Catharine, daughter of Maj. John Walworth. 
 They have five children — three daughters and two sons. The sons are 
 F. Walworth, one of the present members of the Colorado State Senate 
 and resides at Grand Junction, and W. Tracy, vice-president and treas- 
 urer of the St. Albans Foundry Company and secretary and treasurer 
 of the Missisquoi Valley Railroad Company. 
 
 START, Hon. HENRY RUSSELL, born in Bakersfield, December 
 28, 1845, is the youngest son in a family of six sons (all of whom 
 are living) of Simeon G. and Mary S. (Barnes) Start. His grandfather, 
 Moses Start, was originally from Massachusetts, and was among the 
 early settlers of Bakersfield, part of the land he settled upon being now 
 in the possession of Henry R. His father is a native of Bakersfield, 
 where he still resides, his occupation being that of a farmer. Judge Start 
 attended the district schools of his native town and was for one year a 
 student at Barre Academy at Barre, Vt., but he finished his academical 
 course at the North Academy of Bakersfield, Vt. During the late war 
 he was a member of Company A, Third Regiment Vermont Volunteers. 
 In 1866 he commenced the study of law with M. R. Tyler, of Bakers- 
 field, and became a member of the Franklin County Bar at the April 
 term of court in 1867. He commenced the practice of his profession 
 in November, 1867, at Bakersfield, where he continued till January i, 
 1881, when he formed a co-partnership with H. G. Edson and A. P. 
 Cross, at St. Albans, under the firm name of Edson, Cross & Start. 
 Judge Start retained his residence at Bakersfield, and after three years 
 the senior member of his firm retired. The remaining members con- 
 tinued as partners until December i, 1890, when the partnership was 
 dissolved. In politics Judge Start has always affiliated with the Repub- 
 lican party. He has held various town offices, was state's attorney from 
 December, 1876, to December, 1878, was member of the Vermont Sen- 
 ate in 1880, was one of the trustees of the Vermont Reform School 
 from December, i88o, to December, 1888, was presidential elector in 
 1888, and represented Bakersfield in the legislature of 1890 and was 
 
Biographical. 717 
 
 elected speaker of that body. He was elected by the same legislature 
 a member of the Supreme Bench of Vermont, and took his oath of office 
 December i, 1890. 
 
 Judge Start married Ellen S., daughter of Stillman and Sarah E. 
 Houghton. She died July 12, 1890. Their family consisted of four 
 children: Simeon G., jr., a resident of Worcester, Mass. ; Guy H., a 
 student at Dean's Academy, Franklin, Mass. ; and Mabel S. and Bur- 
 dett H. 
 
 THAYER'S WHEELOCK S., emigrant ancestor was Mr. Thomas 
 Thayer, who came from England and settled at Braintree, Mass., 
 about 1640. Ferdinando, one of his three sons, married, January 14, 
 1652, Huldah Hayward, of Braintree, and removed soon afterwards to 
 Mendon, Mass. He died March 28, 17 13. His sixth child, Captain 
 Thomas, married, in 1688, Mary Adams, and died at Mendon in May, 
 1738. William, the eighth child of Captain Thomas and Mary (Adams) 
 Thayer, was born January 22, 1708, and married, November 13, 1729, 
 Abigail Sumner. They had nine children. Amasa, the eighth, was 
 born at Mendon, March 2, 1754, and in 1772 married Perley Wheelock. 
 He died September 24, 1802. Amherst, the eldest of seven children of 
 Amasa and Perley (Wheelock) Thayer, was born in Mendon, December 
 13, 1773, and settled in Swanton in 1800. He married for his first wife 
 Lucy Farrar, by whom he had one child, Millicent M., who married 
 Simon H. Kellogg and died in Swanton. He married for his second 
 wife Barbara Cheney in 18 12. Their children were Amherst C, a res- 
 ident of Carleton, Monroe county, Mich.; Wheelock S.; Andrew M., who 
 died in Swanton, October 3, 1886 ; and Lucy P., a resident of Swanton. 
 Amherst died July 27, 1838, and his second wife November 4, 1826. 
 
 Wheelock S. Thayer was born in Swanton, August S, 181 5. He 
 learned the trade of blacksmithing from his father, which in connection 
 with farming he followed in Swanton until his retirement from active busi- 
 nessin 1876. His education was limited to the district schools. In politics 
 he was originally an old line Whig, but since the organization of the Re- 
 publican party he has voted that ticket. He has filled the offices of 
 justice of peace, town treasurer, and was for more than thirty years town 
 clerk. His handwriting on the town records stands to-day a marvel 
 
7i8 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 of neatness and correctness. Mr. Thayer married, first, Miss Julia S. 
 Church, who died January 15, 1852. His second wife was Miss Juliet 
 Foster, and the issue of this marriage was a son, who died in infancy, 
 and Mary Amanda, who resides with her father in Swanton. Mr. 
 Thayer's third wife was Julia Kitts. 
 
 BRIGHAM, JOSIAH FAY, who died in Bakersfield, Vt.,on Wednes- 
 day, August 28, 1878, was born in that town October 11, 1801. 
 He was the sixth child of Uriah and EHzabeth (Fay) Brigham, who in 
 1796 moved from Marlboro, Mass., to the home in which our subject 
 was born. He was descended from Thomas Brigham, who emigrated 
 from England in 1635 and settled in Cambridge, Mass., about a mile 
 west of the present site of Harvard University. Thomas's son, Samuel, 
 from whom the Bakersfield branch is derived, purchased in the latter 
 part of the seventeenth century a large landed estate in Marlboro, Mass., 
 where his descendants have continued to reside in great numbers to the 
 present day. 
 
 The names of Fay Brigham's father, grandfather, and great-grand- 
 father were Uriah. The grandfather was noted far and wide for his 
 culture, hospitality, and gentlemanly demeanor. His doors were always 
 open to the poor and to foreigners, where they ever found a home until 
 they could make other provision for themselves. Though possessed of 
 a large estate it became so involved that a long time was required after 
 his death to settle it. Among those who came from the older colonies 
 to Northern Vermont soon after the Revolutionary war were Uriah (the 
 great-grandson of Capt. Samuel Brigham), his wife Elizabeth Fay, and 
 two children, moving with an ox-team to the newly settled town of 
 Bakersfield, Vt., where they lived upon the farm now owned by Junius 
 Barnes. Here Fay was born, being the sixth child in a family of nine 
 children. Through the efforts of his father and others of a like mind 
 a small but valuable library was purchased for the use of the pioneer 
 settlement. That taste for historical and philosophical literature which 
 characterized Mr. Brigham's later life was early developed, and was 
 amply gratified by this library. On the death of his father the manage- 
 ment of the estate was thrown upon Fay at the age of eighteen. 
 
Biographical. 719 
 
 The subject of this memoir bore the given name of his mother's 
 father, Josiah Fay, of Southboro, who was a colonel in the Revolution- 
 ary army and died while in service on Long Island. His remains 
 now lie in Trinity Church Cemetery, New York city. Mr. Brigham's 
 brothers and sisters were Mary, who married a Mr. Mitchell, and be- 
 came widely celebrated for her knowledge of medicine ; Elizabeth, 
 who married Cheriey Brigham, the first male child born in Bakersfield ; 
 Uriah, who participated in the battle of Plattsburgh, and died at an 
 early age ; Robert, who died childless in North Burke ; Breck, who died 
 in early youth; Benjamin Gott, who resided in Fairfield, Vt., and was 
 long prominent in the public affairs of the town and county ; Peter Bent, 
 whose biography is printed elsewhere in this volume ; and Sarah, the 
 youngest, who married a Jacobs, and since his death has resided on 
 Bulfinch street, Boston. 
 
 Fay Brigham was three times married. His first wife was Sally Paige, 
 whose death a year after was soon followed by that of an infant son. 
 He married, second, Vina Hall, by whom he had Albert G., now living 
 in Bakersfield, and Sarah Jane (Kendall) and Roxana (Hankinson), both 
 residing in Boston, His third wife, Jane Fay, still survives him, having 
 Herbert F. and Mary F. still with her. Frances G. Brigham, her eldest 
 daughter, resides in Boston. Her youngest daughter died some years ago. 
 
 Mr. Brigham was a man of wide reading, of independent thought, of 
 pure morals, of upright character, kind to his neighbors, and gentle to 
 his family. Being a Democrat in politics he was on the unpopular side 
 in the Green Mountain state, which has always been Whig or Republi- 
 can; yet at three different times (1857, 1869, 1876) he was elected to 
 the state legislature and frequently filled the office of selectman. The 
 last time he was elected to the legislature Dea. Asa Dean, one of 
 the oldest citizens of the town and a life- long Whig and Republican, 
 braved the inclemency of the weather and came out to vote for him, 
 saying that he knew he was voting for an honest man. On relating 
 this fact to a friend in Montpelier Mr. Brigham said, with that frank- 
 ness and simplicity so characteristic of him, that he regarded Deacon 
 Dean's remark as one of the most flattering compliments he had ever 
 received. All through his life he manifested a generous pride in the 
 young men of the town who pursued a liberal course of education, and 
 
720 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 courted the society of such whenever they were at home on vacations. 
 He associated also much, and to great mutual advantage, with the clergy- 
 men of the town whose philosophical and scientific tastes were in any 
 marked degree developed. 
 
 On his death the funeral sermon was preached, August 30, 1878, by 
 Rev. George F. Wright, now professor of the language and literature of 
 the New Testament in OberHn College, Ohio, who chose as his text : 
 " Who hath abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light 
 through the gospel." — 2 Tim.: i. 10. Referring to the personal life of 
 Mr. Brigham he said : 
 
 " The history of Mr. Brigham, whom we follow to the grave to-day, has been a con- 
 stant protest against all those views of life which make sensual pleasure its chief object. 
 To him life indeed has been more than meat and the body. than raiment. From his earliest 
 boyhood the pursuit of intellectual development has peen an absorbing passion. While 
 his father was still living, and the native forests of this town were slowly falling before 
 the woodman's axe. Fay's taste for reading was developed to a remarkable degree. His 
 desires were gratified in the perusal of a small but select library of historical, poetical, 
 and philosophical books, which the far-sighted pioneers brought with them instead of 
 household gods. So long as the father lived nothing was allowed to interrupt the chil- 
 dren when they wished to read ; but when his father died, and Fay at the age of eigh- 
 teen stepped into his place and assumed with his mother the care of the household, it 
 was only an indomitable will which could sustam and gratify his love of literature. Yet 
 through a long life he was a standing example to the citizens of this town that wide 
 reading and considerable enjoyment of literary privileges is consistent with the highest 
 success in the ordinary hie of a farmer. For through diligent attention to his busi- 
 ness, coupled with strictest integrity, success has attended him, and through legitimate 
 farming he has accumulated no mean fortune. When Mr. Brigham went to the city, 
 as he frequently did in the latter years of his life, it was mainly in search of intellect- 
 ual gratification. On those occasions you would not find him in the theaters and play 
 houses of Boston, but in the lecture halls and libraries. His whole life has been a wit- 
 ness that the joys of the mind are superior to those of the body ; and the noble school 
 building now rising to completion in a conspicuous portion of the village, in whose 
 erection he and his family have taken so much interest, will be a standing admonition 
 to the youth of this town that the intellect should be cultivated before the bodily senses 
 are gratified — that the clothing of the mind is of far more account than the decoration 
 of the body. 
 
 " It would not be wise, even on this occasion, to attempt to conceal the fact that upon 
 some points Mr. Brigham difi'ered from many of us in the mode of expressing his intel- 
 lectual convictions. But he was somewhat fond of parodoxical and antithetical modes 
 of expression, and his wide reading brought him into contact with many lines of thought 
 of which the majority of his townsmen were ignorant. But in the words of the ven- 
 
Biographical. 721 
 
 erable Deacon Dean, ' He was a devoted husband, an affectionate father, a faithful 
 brother, a helpful neighbor, a good citizen, and an honest man.' 
 
 "But the occasion reminds us anew that all things earthly pass away, and that the 
 longest life is but as a watch in the night, and like the grass which groweth up in the 
 morning and in the evening is out down and withereth. As Mr. Brigham lately remarked 
 in reference to his being upwards of three-score years and ten, that ' he was living on 
 borrowed time,' so we may say of the entire prolongation of our earthly days that it 
 is all borrowed from eternity ; and the ceaseless roll of time continues, even though we 
 dream our lives away. It is too true, alas! as Pascal remarked, that ' Our imagination 
 so magnifies the present hour, through constantly spending thought upon it, and so 
 belittles eternity, though not thinking about it at all, that we make an eternity of noth- 
 ing and a nothing of eternity.' Friends, ' the night is far spent, the day is at hand. 
 Let us therefore oast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.' 
 For ' now it is high time to awake out of sleep ; for now is our salvation nearer than 
 when we first believed.' " 
 
 S KEELS, ORIN GREEN, who was born in Higligate, July 22, 1806, 
 is the eldest son in a family of eleven children of David and Martha 
 (Greene) Skeels. The Skeelses were originally from Wales, and Amos, 
 David, and John emigrated to America previous to the Revolutionary 
 war, settling at Lanesboro, Mass. At the beginning of the present 
 century David, a descendant of one of these three, came to Highgate. He 
 was born in 1779, and was a blacksmith by trade and manufactured 
 edged tools. He purchased a farm in Highgate, which is still in the 
 possession of his son Orin G. He married, June 8, 1804, Martha, 
 daughter of Jonathan and Martha (White) Greene. She was a descend- 
 ant of Gen. Nathaniel Greene of Revolutionary fame, and was born in 
 March, 1784. The children of David and Martha (Greene) Skeels were 
 Maria, the widow of John Fish, who resides at Beloit, Wis.; Orin G.; 
 Caroline, who died at eighteen months of age ; Catherine, who died un- 
 married in Highgate ; David, who died at De Kalb Junction, N. Y.; 
 Amanda, who married Chester Burnell and died at St. Armand, Can- 
 ada ; Edward, who died a prisoner of war at Danville, Va , during the 
 late Rebellion ; Caroline E., who died unmarried in Highgate ; Al- 
 fred, who died at Stanbridge, Canada ; Nancy, who died single at High- 
 gate ; and Martha A., who married Hezekiah Livingston and died at 
 Swanton, Vt. David, the father, died in Highgate, April 12, 1854, and 
 his wife in Canada, February 22, li 
 
 91 
 
722 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Orin G. Skeels's education was limited to the district schools of his na- 
 tive town. He learned his father's trade, but becoming dissatisfied he 
 turned his attention to farming, which he has followed during his life. 
 He has resided in Highgate except between the years 1837 and 1859, 
 when he lived in Canada. Mr. Skeels married for his first wife Lois, 
 daughter of Edward C. and Lucy (Downer) Haskins. She was a native 
 of Underhill, Vt. They had no children. Mrs. Skeels died at the age of 
 seventy-one years and nine months. He married, second, Hannah, 
 daughter of Addison and Bethania (Briggs) Smith. She is a native of 
 Stanbridge, Canada. 
 
 S EARLS, OSCAR SMALLEY, M.D., was born in Berkshire, Vt, on 
 January 19, 1 820. His grandfather. Dr. Benjamin B. Searls, was 
 a native of England, and with his brothers John and James came to 
 America before the Revolutionary war. He was a drummer boy during 
 that war, and removed from Massachusetts to Berkshire, Vt, where he 
 practiced his profession until his death, at the age of over eighty years. 
 His wife was Eunice Scott, and their children were Orren, Sheldon (a 
 well known physician in Berkshire), Benjamin, Fanny, Phila, Pamelia, 
 and Delia. Orren, the father of Dr. Oscar S., was born in Berkshire, 
 where he died at the age of forty- five years. He married Loretta, 
 daughter of Alfred. Smalley, of Middlebury, Vt., and their children were 
 Rachel, Edgar S., and Oscar S. The latter, after attending the district 
 schools, took an academical course at Jericho Academy. During the 
 years from sixteen to twenty-four his summers were spent on his 
 father's farm and his winters in teaching school. He commenced the 
 study of medicine with Dr. L. N. Burleson, of Berkshire, and graduated 
 from the Castleton Medical College at Castleton, Vt 
 
 In June, 1 847, he came to Highgate and commenced the practice 
 of medicine and surgery. As a surgeon he excelled. He performed a 
 great many important operations successfully, and was considered one 
 of the best surgeons in that section. His rides extended over that and 
 the adjacent towns, and he was actively engaged in practicing his oro- 
 fession till 1880, when on account of ill health he was obliged to relin- 
 quish his business, and of late years he has answered only a few calls 
 from some of his old patients. He is a member of the State and County 
 
Biographical. 723 
 
 Medical Societies ; a Republican in politics he represented Highgate in 
 the House of Representatives of 1880-81, and has held many town 
 offices of trust, including those of justice of the peace and school com- 
 missioner. Dr. Searls married, first, Amanda L.. daughter of John Bar- 
 ney, of Swanton. There is no living i.ssue by this marriage. He mar- 
 ried, second, October 13, 1862, Louise F., daughter of Capt. John D. 
 and Catharine (Corrigan) Reynolds, of Isle La Motte. She was born in 
 Fort Covington, N. Y., in June, 1834. Their three children died in 
 infancy. 
 
 SMITH, Hon. JOHN, was born at Barre, Mass., August 12, 1789, 
 the youngest of four sons of Deacon Samuel and Patience (Gregory) 
 Smith. His father came to St. Albans in 1800 and purchased land on 
 the present site of the village, being located north and south of the main 
 street. He afterwards lost his real estate through some defect in the 
 title. In the town of Barre he was a prominent member of the church, 
 and it is said that he owned the only painted house in the town at the 
 time of his removal to Franklin county. His wife was of Scotch origin, 
 and was a descendant of Robert Ray McGregor, of Scotland. 
 
 John Smith's education was obtained at the district schools, and hav- 
 ing decided to fit himself for the legal profession he commenced the 
 study of law with his brother-in law, Russell Hutchins. His studies 
 were, however, mainly prosecuted in the office of the Hon. Benjamin 
 Swift. He was admitted to the bar in August, 18 10, and soon after- 
 wards formed a co-partnership with Judge Swift. This firm did a large 
 and remunerative business and ranked second to none in ability and in- 
 tegrity, and continued till 1827, when, owing to Judge Swift's election 
 to Congress, it was dissolved. After the dissolution Mr. Smith contin- 
 ued to practice law till 1845, having several partners at difl"erent times. 
 In politics he was a Democrat, and was called upon to fill various offices 
 in the gift of the people. He was elected state's attorney of Franklin 
 county in 1827, and filled that position for the six succeeding years. In 
 1827 he represented St. Albans in the General Assembly of Vermont 
 and was re-elected, except in 1834, till 1838, being speaker of the House 
 in 1832 and 1833. He received the nomination from the Democratic 
 party in 1838 for representative to Congress. The district was strongly 
 
724 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Whig, but the personal popularity of the candidate was such that after 
 three spirited trials he was elected. Owing to the political storm that 
 swept the country in 1840 Mr. Smith was defeated and his congres- 
 sional career terminated March 4, 1841. 
 
 Soon after his retirement from Congress the legislature of Vermont 
 granted charters to several railroads. In 1845 mainly through his 
 efforts a charter was obtained for the Vermont and Canada Railroad 
 which gave the right for the company to build a line from some point 
 on the Canada line through the village of St. Albans to connect with 
 some point on the Vermont Central Railroad. They also received the 
 right to build a railroad from any point on their route to the western 
 shore of Grand Isle county, passing across the Sand Bar to South Hero. 
 This would enable them to make connection with the Ogdensburg road, 
 which would open a through traffic with the great lakes and the West- 
 ern country. The route crossing Lake Champlain at South Hero proved 
 not to be feasible, and the proposed terminus of the Ogdensburg road 
 being Plattsburgh, N. Y., parties at Burlington tried to have the project 
 abandoned and the connection of the Ogdensburg and Vermont roads 
 made at that point by ferry. This connection was of the most vital in- 
 terest to the Vermont and Canada Railroad for the reason that the cap- 
 italists of the country refused to advance any further aid to the Vermont 
 railroads only on condition that an unbroken line could be secured to 
 the great lakes of the West. Mr. Smith proved equal to the emer- 
 gency. He petitioned the Vermont legislature to amend the charter 
 granted the Vermont and Canada Railroad by erasing the words "pass- 
 ing across the Sand Bar to South Hero." He carried this amendment 
 successfully through the legislature and thereby gave the railroad the 
 right to build from any point on their route to any point on the west- 
 ern shore of Grand Isle county. The Ogdensburg road changed its 
 terminus to Rouse's Point, N. Y., and Mr. Smith having purchased the 
 farm in Alburgh directly opposite a wharf was built to the channel of 
 the lake, and the connection was first made by ferry and subsequently a 
 bridge was built. Still the capitalists hesitated to advance the funds to 
 build the road. At this crisis Mr. Smith with two other gentlemen de- 
 cided on a course as bold as it was ultimately successful. They pro- 
 ceeded to prosecute the work, becoming personally responsible for the 
 
Biographical. 725 
 
 expense of same, and borrowed $500,000 before a dollar was realized 
 for subscription to the stock of the company. 
 
 Thus did Mr. Smith by his enterprise and foresight take advantage of 
 circumstances to inaugurate a course of measures that has greatly ad- 
 vanced the material wealth and interests of St. Albans. By his efforts 
 in this matter St. Albans became eventually the home of the Central 
 Vermont Railroad, and thereby became the most prosperous and 
 wealthy village in Northern Vermont. He stands paramount in history 
 as the benefactor of Franklin county and of St. Albans in particular, 
 and should receive the reverence and gratitude of the present as well as 
 all succeeding generations. Mr. Smith was noted for his liberality, 
 pubhc spirit, sagacity, and untiring energy. His sudden death occurred 
 November 20, 1858, and was largely due to his perplexing and exhaust- 
 ive labors. On December 31, 1815, he made a profession of religion 
 by connecting himself with the Congregational church, and continued 
 to his death an active and influential member. He married, Septem- 
 ber 18, 1 8 14, Miss Maria W. Curtis, of .Troy, N. Y. They had the fol- 
 lowing children: Harriet, who married Benjamin B. Newton, and died at 
 PlattsbuTgh, N. Y.; John Gregory ; Edward, who died at the age of three 
 years ; Worthington C; Julia, who married George G. Hunt, and died at 
 St. Albans ; and Francis and Louisa (twins), of whom the former died in 
 infancy and the latter married Lawrence Brainerd and died at St. Albans. 
 
 A beautiful memorial stone of white marble in St. Albans cemetery 
 is inscribed with the following epitaph : " In memory of John Smith. 
 Born at Barre, Mass., August 12, 1789, died at St. Albans, Vt, Novem- 
 ber 20, 1858. His private virtues and the graces of a well ordered 
 Christian life endeared him to his family and friends, and qualified him 
 for the distinguished position which he occupied at the bar, and for the 
 many offices of public and political trusts which were bestowed upon 
 him. This simply indicates the spot where the mortal remains repose 
 of one who by .his perseverance and energy in successfully estabhshing 
 the Vermont and Canada Railroad gave to Frankhn county and St. Al- 
 bans a stimulus for the development of their agricultural and manufact- 
 uring resources." The most enduring and substantial monument to this 
 man's memory is the busy offices and employees of the Central Ver- 
 mont Railroad, which to-day controls and operates about 750 miles of 
 
726 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 railroad in Vermont and other states, and which is the outgrowth of the 
 old Vermont and Canada Railroad, to the success of which he devoted 
 the last years of his life. 
 
 SMITH, Hon. JOHN. GREGORY, born at St. Albans, July 22, 181 8, 
 is the eldest son of John and Maria W. (Curtis) Smith. He was 
 early educated at the district schools of his native town and graduated 
 from the Franklin County Grammar School in 1834. The same year he 
 became a student at the University of Vermont, and graduated from 
 that institution in 1838. Having decided to follow the profession of 
 law he entered the Law Department of Yale College and finished his 
 studies in the spring of 1841, and the following fall term of court he was 
 admitted to the Franklin County Bar. From this time till the death of 
 his father, in 1858, he was associated with him in law practice, and was 
 during the greater part of this time counsel for the Vermont Central 
 Railroad. 
 
 In 1858 he relinquished the profession of law to enter into extensive 
 railroad enterprises. The Vermont Central and Vermont and Canada 
 Railroads having been foreclosed by the bondholders a board of five 
 trustees was formed to operate them, and Mr. Smith became a member 
 of this board, and, like his father, he devoted untiring energy and far- 
 reaching forecast to the railroad interests of Vermont. 
 
 Being endowed with great executive ability he finally brought order 
 out of chaos. The great power exerted and millions of dollars invested 
 by the Central Vermont Railroad are due mainly to his individual ef- 
 forts. Governor Smith continued to be a member of the board of trus- 
 tees until the consoHdation of the Central Vermont Railroad interests 
 under the present system, and since that time he has been its chief ex- 
 ecutive officer. Not only has he been interested in the railroad enter- 
 prises of his native state, but he has been called upon to fill positions in 
 other railroad corporations ; he was several years president of the North- 
 ern Pacific Railroad. 
 
 In the politics of Vermont Governor Smith has been favorably and 
 honorably identified ; always a strong supporter of the Republican party 
 he represented his native town in the legislature of i860, '61, and '62, 
 
Biographical. 727 
 
 being speaker of the House in 1861. He was a member of the state 
 Senate in 1858 and '59. In 1863 he was elected to the highest office in 
 the gift of his native state — the gubernatorial chair. He held this posi- 
 tion from 1863 to 1865, which was during the dark days of the Rebellion, 
 and became one of the best war governors of the times. While he was 
 governor of Vermont the militia ranks were well filled and he was the 
 soldier's friend everywhere. During this time he received hundreds of 
 letters from soldiers asking favors, and none were treated inconsider- 
 ately. He saw them in the camp and on the field, in the hospital 
 wounded and dying, and ministered to their wants. For the sick and 
 starved from Belle Island, returning to Annapolis paroled prisoners, he 
 personally interceded at the War Department and procured furloughs for 
 them to reach home, a privilege granted to the paroled prisoners from 
 no other state in the winter of 1863. 
 
 Governor Smith's love. for his native town has been shown by many 
 generous and liberal gifts, the beautiful fountain which adorns the public 
 park being only one of many illustrations. In his private life he is most 
 courteous and kind, the admired center of ahost of friends; in his business 
 life he is pleasant and affable to all, always willing to lend his time to 
 any who may approach him. His private residence and grounds are 
 among the finest in the state, and they afford a view of the surrounding 
 lake and mountain scenery that is probably surpassed by no place in the 
 country. In business and social life he has been eminently successful. 
 A man of strict integrity, Governor Smith well merits the high esteem 
 accorded him by his fellowmen. 
 
 The governor in his early life did not fail to interest himself in the 
 agricultural interests of the county. The evidences of this are the large 
 and extensive farms operated by him in St. Albans, where employment 
 is given to a large number of men and nature is aided and encouraged 
 to bring forth large and abundant crops. Governor Smith married Miss 
 Anna Eliza, daughter of Hon. Lawrence Brainerd, and has a family of 
 five children, viz.: George, of Minneapolis, Minn.; Anna, who resides at 
 home ; Edward C, president of the Central Vermont Railroad ; Julia 
 (Mrs. A. C. Stevens), of Boston ; and Helen (Mrs. Rev. Donald C. Mc- 
 Kay), of St. Albans. 
 
728 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 e 
 
 WAUGH, THEODORE ROGERS, M.D., was born in Sauquoit, 
 Oneida county, N. Y., November i, 1846, the second son in a family 
 of the four surviving children of Rev. John and Charlotte (Rogers) 
 Waugh. The family is of English descent, and his father, who was the 
 son of Joseph, was born in Carlisle, County Cumberland. England, in 
 March, 18 14, and when a child was brought by his father to Boston, where 
 he grew up. The elder Wangh was an author of some distinction and 
 was of Quaker origin, his ancestors having removed from Scotland to 
 the northern part of England in the time of Oliver Cromwell. Th 
 early settlers of the town of Carlisle, Cumberland county. Pa., were 
 largely from the city of that name in England. On the maternal side 
 Dr. Waugh is descended from an old English family. His mother, 
 Charlotte Rogers, born in New York state, was the daughter of Oliver 
 Rogers, who was the first one to introduce machinery for calico printing 
 in America. His father, the Rev. John Waugh, has been a Presbyte- 
 rian pastor in the state of New York for fifty-one years, and is now 
 successfully laboring at Cohocton, N. Y. He is the author of several 
 works, among which is a sacred epic, " Messiah's Mission," in nine 
 books. 
 
 The early education of Dr. Waugh was obtained at the local schools 
 of his native town. His father about 1855 being called to take charge 
 of a society at Canton, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., he finished his pri- 
 mary studies at that place, and in 1861 became a student at the St. 
 Lawrence Academy at Canton, where at different periods during three 
 years he received a complete academical and collegiate course. His 
 father's financial condition not allowing him at this time to give the 
 doctor as well as his elder brother both a more thorough education, the 
 former was obliged to relinquish his studies, and in 1865 he came to 
 New York city, where he was employed by C. H. Bowman & Co., in whose 
 employ he remained for three years, and the practical knowledge of the 
 dry goods business thus obtained has since been of utmost value to him 
 and has been of great aid in helping him to accumulate the large prop- 
 erty he now enjoys. After leaving New York city Dr. Waugh returned 
 to Canton, N. Y., where his father still resided, and commenced the 
 study of medicine with Dr. Daggett. His father afterwards removed to 
 Carthage, N. Y., and he studied there with Dr. Brown. In 1869 he 
 
Biographical. 729 
 
 entered Hahnemann Medical College at Philadelphia, Pa., and also be- 
 came a private pupil of Prof. Flenry Noah Martin, professor of materia 
 medica in that institution. He graduated in 1872 from this college, and 
 on May 1st of that year came to St. Albans through the solicitation of Dr. 
 Stebbins A. Smith, who was a. practicing homoeopathic physician at that 
 place. Dr. Waugh has since resided in St. Albans, and has by his own 
 endeavors and energetic work built up one of the largest practices in 
 Franklin county. In introducing the new school of medicine he has 
 overcome the prejudices of the people and the prestige of years which 
 have been in favor of his brethren of the older school. He is a member 
 of the Vermont State Homoeopathic Medical Society and has been presi- 
 dent of that body. 
 
 Since his residence in St. Albans Dr. Waugh has interested himself in 
 the welfare and prosperity of that village, and is the owner of many 
 valuable pieces of real estate located within its limits. In politics a Re- 
 publican his life has been too busy attending to his practice and his 
 business interests to become an applicant for political honors. He was 
 one of the incorporators of the St. Albans Hospital, and has since its 
 foundation been one of its board of directors. In 1889 he was elected 
 superintendent and treasurer of the hospital ; the former office includes 
 the duties of house physician. Dr. Waugh married Miss Adah J. Rey- 
 nolds, a descendant of Sir Joshua R. Reynolds, and their first born, 
 Theodora, died at the age of five years. They afterwards adopted a 
 daughter, Marguerite. Their other child is a son, Theodore Rogers 
 Waugh, jr. 
 
 BEDARD, SPENCERS., was born in Stanbridge,P.Q., April 2 1, 1 838, 
 and was the oldest of three children born to John and Philena C. Be- 
 dard. During his youth his father died and Spencer S. then commenced 
 to learn the harnessmaker's trade. In the fall of 1856 he came to St. 
 Albans, but after about two years he went to Montpeher. In the spring 
 of 1862 he went to Boston and found employment, but three years 
 later, in 1865, he returned to St. Albans, at which village he has since 
 resided. On coming to this place Mr. Bedard entered into partnership 
 with his brother, J. A. Bedard, and purchased the harness business 
 formerly conducted by H. M. Stevens, but to this they added a trade in 
 
^30 History OF Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 carriages ; and after the firm dissolved — having been in trade some 
 twelve years — the harness business was continued by his brother, while 
 Spencer took charge of the carriage trade and has since carried it on. 
 Besides this Spencer S. was for a time engaged in the boot and shoe 
 business and in the clothing business at Rouse's Point, N. Y. Mr. Be- 
 dard has not been unknown in the political history of St. Albans, as 
 about 1870 he was elected justice of the peace and held that office about 
 ten years. In 1880 he was chosen associate judge of the County Court, 
 and so continued for two years. In 1885 and 1886 he was one of the 
 selectmen of his town, and in the fall of 1886 he was elected town rep- 
 resentative. In the legislature Judge Bedard was chairman of the Com- 
 mittees on Ways and Means and on Claims. In religious matters he and 
 his family are members of the Congregational church. On arriving in 
 Montpelier in i860 Mr. Bedard married Sarah L. Clark. They have 
 had three children : Jennie (wife ofF. Irvin Butcher), Sarah Grace, and 
 Frederick S. Mr. Bedard's mother was of American birth, but of 
 Enghsh descent. His maternal grandfather was born in France. His 
 paternal grandfather was of Dutch extraction. 
 
 MAYNARD, ASHLEY }., a native of Bakersfield, Vt., was born in 
 February, 1845, the fourth child of James Maynard, who was 
 born in Bakersfield in April, 1809, and reared a family of seven chil- 
 dren. James married Antensia, daughter of Josiah Shattuck, in 1837. 
 Ashley J. was brought up to farm work, received but a common school 
 education, and started out for himself in eariy life as only a common 
 laborer. In 1870 he bought the old homestead, where he has since re- 
 sided. In December, 1874, he married, first, Ella, daughter of Harvey 
 Upton, of Bakersfield, and they have had four children : Sadie, born 
 December 2, 1875 ; Lena, born in July, 1877; Arthur, born inMay, 
 1879; and Grace, born in March, 1881. He married, second, Jennie 
 (Sweet) Barnum, of Lawrence, Mass., June 4, 1890. Mr. Maynard has 
 always been a firm Republican, and in 1887 was lister of his town. He 
 is amember of Eagle Lodge, No. 67, F. and A. M., of Fairfield. He 
 and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal church of Bakersfield, of 
 which the latter is a member. 
 
Family Sketches. 731 
 
 CHAPTER XL. 
 
 FAMILY SKETCHES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 
 
 TO enumerate all of the old and prominent families in Franklin 
 county would in itself make a large and pretentious volume, while 
 it would be practically impossible to give a genealogical sketch of all. 
 We have been compelled, owing to lack of space, to limit these sketches 
 to only those who have felt and manifested an interest in preserving the 
 records of their ancestors. Sketches of many of the early settlers will 
 be found in connection with the chapters containing the history of the 
 respective towns. In this chapter biographical notices have been col- 
 lected and printed of those whose descendants to-day form the business 
 and social life of the stated localities. 
 
 Bakersfield. 
 
 Brigham, Albert G., was born in Bakersfield, March 12, 1836. His father, Josiah P., 
 was a native of the same town, and was born October 11, 1801, a son of Uriah and 
 Elizabeth F., who in 1796 moved from Marlboro, Mass., to Bakersfield, where Uriah 
 died August 28, 1878. Albert &. married, first, Mariette, daughter of Josiah Hough- 
 ton, in April, 1856, and their two children were Charles W., born about 1860, and 
 Fred H., born in 1862. He married, second, Celina, daughter of George Larabee. of 
 Berkshire, October 26, 1869. They had two children: George P., born July 25, 1874, 
 and Cynthia J., born April 22, 1876. Albert G. secured his education in the common 
 schools, and in 1853 he went to Boston, where he was engaged in business for two 
 years. In 1865 he returned to his native town as a farmer, in which with his busine.=;s 
 he has been successful. He is a staunch Democrat, and has been selectman for four 
 terms. 
 
 Brigham, William 0., was born in Bakersfield, May 16, 1836. His father, Samuel S., 
 was also a native of Bakersfield, and married Mary, daughter of Peter Powers, in 1885. 
 They have had four children: William 0.; Juha S., born in 1839, died February 14, 1886; 
 Mary B., born in 1843 ; and Laura E., born in 1851. WiUiam 0. Brigham married Nellie, 
 daughter of John Perkins, of Bakersfield, in February, 1864. They have three children : 
 Clarence and Clara (twins), born February 5, 1867, and John P., born July 18, 1872. 
 Mr. Brigham received his education in the common schools and at Bakersfield Academy. 
 In 1858 he moved to Illinois and was in the employ of S. E. Holmes and W. B. 
 Powers until the spring of 1860, when he returned to Bakersfield and worked on the 
 farm with his father. In September, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company G, 
 Thirteenth Vermont Regiment, and in June, 1863, he received an honorable discharge. 
 Returning to his native town he bought the farm known as the Brigham homestead, 
 and has since been a farmer. He has held most of the usual town offices : selectman, lister, 
 and overseer of the poor for fourteen years. At different times he has been adjutant 
 
 92 
 
732 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 and commander of Merritt Williams Post, No. 20, Gr. A. R., of Bakersfleld. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Brigham are members of the Congregational church. 
 
 G-iddings, William A., was born in Bakersfleld, August 3, 1839. His grandparents, 
 William and Betsey (Harris) Giddings, came from Massachusetts to Bakersfleld about 
 1805. They had nine children, of whom Thomas, father of William A., was the fifth 
 child, born in 1805. He married, first, Salina Eaton, of Bnosburgh, Vt., in December, 
 1829, and they had four children, as follows : Amanda, born November 7, 1830, died in 
 1880 ; Josiah, born August 10, 1832 ; Lorinda, born September 13, 1834 ; and Thomas H., 
 born September 8, 1836. He married, second, Clarissa, daughter of Alanson and Bethiah 
 (Dunham) Kilburn, of Bnosburgh, October 28, 1838, by whom he had one child, Will- 
 iam A. Williain_A. Giddings was reared on a farm and received his education in the 
 common schools. In March, 1869, he married Bmeroy C, daughter of John Ballard, 
 of Bakersfleld, and they have one child, Harry D., born December 6, 1885. Mr. Gid- 
 dings' is a Republican and was elected selectman in 1885. He has been justice of the 
 peace for the six years preceding 1890. Both he and his wife are members of the Bap- 
 tist church of Bast Bnosburgh. 
 
 Giddings, William H., was born in Bakersfleld, October 24, 1840. His father, Will- 
 iam, born in 1796, married Betsey Wallace, of Wentworth. N. H., and had ten children, 
 of whom William H. was the youngest. William, sr., was a blacksmith by trade, at 
 which he worked and carried on a farm in Bakersfleld for many years. Here William H. 
 was reared and secured a common school education. In April, 1863, he commenced the 
 study of medicine with Dr. W. R. Hutchinson, then at Bnosburgh Center, and in the 
 spring terms of 1865 and '66 attended the Medical Department of the University of 
 Vermont at Burlington, graduating from that institution in June of the latter year. He 
 decided after much thought to settle in Bakersfield. February 11, 1868, he married 
 Sarah A., daughter of John S. Perkins, of that town, and they have one child, Flor- 
 ence E., born in June, 1882. Mr. Giddings is a Republican and the present senator 
 from this district. He has been trustee for six years of the Vermont State Asylum for 
 the Insane, and is chairman of that board. In 1870 he was a member of the State Con- 
 stitutional Convention. He is a member of the State Medical Society and in 1890 was 
 president of the Franklin County Medical Society. He has been selectman, and held 
 other offices of trust in his native town. 
 
 Mainard, Ashley J., a native of Bakersfleld, was born in February, 1845, the fourth child 
 of James Mainard, who was born in Bakersfleld in April, 1809, and reared a family of 
 six children. James married Antensia, daughter of Josiah Shattuck, in 1837. Ash- 
 ley J. was brought up to farm work, received only a common school education, and 
 started out for himself early in life as a common laborer. In 1870 he bought the old 
 homestead, where he has since resided. In December, 1874, he married, flrst. Ella, 
 daughter of Harvey Upton, of Bakersfleld, and they have four children : Sady, born 
 December 21, 1876 ; Lena, born in July, 1877 ; Arthur, born in May, 1879 ; and Grace, 
 born in March, 1881. He married, second, Jennie (Sweet) Barnum, of Lawrence, Mass. 
 June 4, 1890. Mr. Mainard has always been a flrm Republican, and in 1887 was hster 
 of his town. He is a member of Eagle Lodge, No. 67, P. and A. M., of Fairfleld. He 
 and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal church of Bakersfield, of which the'latter 
 is a member. 
 
 Maynard, Jesse K, was born in Bakersfield, Vt, March 24, 1808, a son of John May- 
 nard, who was born in Boston, Mass., in 1774. The latter came to Bakersfleld about 
 1795 and settled on a farm. He married Elizabeth Knowles, of that town, about 1797 
 and they had flve children, of whom Jesse K. was the last. John Maynard died in 
 1813. Jesse K. married Lucy M. Taylor in 1828, and they had five children, viz • John 
 K. L., born July 26, 1829; Elizabeth M., born September 3, 1830; Cornelia L born 
 June 23, 1832 ; and two who died in infancy. Lucy M. Maynard died in 1836, and 
 Jesse K. married, second, Lucy Giddings in 1837. Of this marriage one child, Harriet L 
 
Family Sketches. 733 
 
 was born in 1842. Mr. Maynard married, third, Melona (Page) Jeudevine, in Septem- 
 ber, 1874, who died August 2, 1888. His daughter by his second marriage, Harriet L., 
 married Rollin G-. Brown, of Enosburgh, in December, 1878. They had one child, Sum- 
 ner R., born February 1, 1882, who died August 2, 1886. RoUiii a. Brown died De- 
 cember 14, 1881. His widow, Harriet L., lives with her father in Bakersfield. 
 
 Naramore, William M., a native of Chittenden county, Vt., was born October 10, 
 1844. His father, Hawley A., was born in TJnderhill, Chittenden county, October 23, 
 1802, and married Fannie L., daughter of Peter Martin, of the same town. He was one 
 of the original incorporators of that town. They had nine children : Gaines H , born 
 October 19, 1823; Elara M., born March 11, 1836; Frank, born December 20, 1837; 
 Justin, born July 4, 1840; Rollin C, born October 17, 1842, died October 30, 1862; 
 William M.; Fanny L., born September 6, 1847, died February 13, 1873; Fred P., born 
 August 5, 1851, died March 6, 1875 ; and Olive E., born May 9, 1854, died September 
 27, 1855. Hawley A. Naramore died in Bakersfield, February 17, 1885. William M. 
 received his education in the common schools. September 10th he enlisted as a private 
 in Company F, Thirteenth Vermont Volunteers, and served a nine months' term. Au- 
 gust 15, 1864, he re-enlisted in Company K, Seventeenth Vermont Volunteers, was 
 made a sergeant, and was honorably discharged July 14, 1865. He was in the Ninth 
 Corps of Grant's regiment and participated in the Gettysburg and Petersburg cam- 
 paigns. In 1880 he removed to Bakersfield and engaged in trade. He has been com- 
 mander of Merritt Williams Post, No. 20, G. A. R., of Bakersfield, for four years, and in 
 1890 finished his fourth term as adjutant. He served as aid-de-camp on the personal 
 staffs of General Fairchilds and Judge Rugg when they were commanders of the G. A. R. 
 He married Medora L., daughter of Elijah and Mary Porter, of Chittenden county, and 
 they have two children: May, born March 30, 1871, and Burt F., born August 7, 1877. 
 
 Perkins, John A., is a native of Bakersfield, and was born December 1, 1839. His 
 father, John Perkins, was born in Bakersfield and married Betsey Pierson, of the same 
 town, and they had nine children. John A. received his education in the common 
 schools and in the academies of Bakersfield. In 1859 he married Mariah Hulburt, of 
 Bakersfield. In 1864 or 1865 he opened a general mercantile store in Bakersfield, in 
 which he is still engaged. He is a staunch Republican, and served as town treasurer 
 from 1871 to 1890. He held the position of postmaster from 1873 until 1884. In 1886 
 and again in 1880 he represented the town in the legislature and was appointed ppst- 
 master under President Harrison, which position he still occupies. Mr. Perkins has 
 been deacon in the Congregational church tor many years. 
 
 Perkins, ManHus R., a native of Enosburgh, was born March 8, 1>'50. His father, 
 James A., was born in Bakersfield, June 22, 1817, and married Emily, daughter of Jonas 
 Brigham, of Bakersfield, about 1846. They had two children : Manlius R. and Emma. 
 The latter, born December 22, 1861, married John Giddings, of Bakersfield, in 1888. 
 Manlius R. Perkins married L. Georgie, daughter of M. Bradford, January 1, 1877. 
 They have two children : Harry B., born March 17, 1879, and Harlie M., born April 28, 
 1883. Mr. Perkins was educated in the common schools, ■and is a Republican in poli- 
 tics. He is a farmer and millwright. The old circular saw-mill was operated for 
 about two years, when James Ayres put in an upright saw. Mr. Ayres was the first 
 to run a saw-mill in Bakersfield. Mr. Perkins repaired the old circular saw and put in 
 machinery suitable for furnishing lumber ready for market. Since 1887 the mill has 
 been kept running the whole year with the exception of a short time during midsum- 
 mer. The mill now contains a planer, matcher, and a complete shingle-mill, and does 
 an extensive manufacturing business and a large amount of custom work, having a 
 daily capacity of about 6,000 feet of lumber. 
 
734 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Berkshire. 
 
 Anderson, Robert, born in Royalton, Vt., May 31, 1770, moved to Enosburgh, Vt., 
 in February, 1811, and to East Berkshire in March, 1816. He married Ruth Stevens, 
 of Hartland, and was a farmer by occupation. In 1843 his son Robert S. married Har- 
 riet Perley, of Enosburgh, by whom he has had three children, viz.: Florence, born 
 November 27, 1850, married James Hadley, and died December 13, 1878; Isabel, 
 born February 8, 1852, married Ira J. Sweat, of Potton, Canada, and has one child, 
 Leon ; and Robert S., jr., born August 25, 1865, resides at home. 
 
 Anderson, Seth P., son of Robert, was born in Royalton, Windsor county, Vt., Jan- 
 uary 1, 1802. He married Elvina Stone, who was born August 21, 1806. Of this mar- 
 riage there were four children, three of whom are living. Ira S., the eldest, was born 
 May 27, 1831, and has always lived on the homestead. He married, June 1. 1853, 
 Elvina Perley, daughter of Edward Perley, of East Berkshire. She was born August 
 18, 1832. Their children are Annette, Wilbert L., and Mary P. Wilbert L. married 
 Dora Beattie, of Sandusky, 0., and is now a Congregational minister in Muskegon, Mich. 
 Mary P. is teaching in a Presbyterian college in Independence, Mo. 
 
 Austin, Mary Ann, born in Berkshire, April 13, 1824, is the daughter of Lucius H. and 
 Mary Wheeler. Her father was born in Windsor county in 1801, and married Mary 
 Rowley, of Enosburgh, in 1832. They had eight children, of whom Mary Ann was the 
 eldest. She married, January 4, 1843, Hazard P. Austin, a native of Berkshire and 
 the second son of four sons and one daughter born to Raymond and Abigail Austin. He 
 was reared on a farm with but the advantages of a common school education, and 
 started in life without aid, but later became the possessor of a good property. In poll- ^ 
 tics he was a Republican and held several town offices. He died May 24, 1887. His 
 widow, Mary Ann Austin, lives on the homestead and conducts the business. 
 
 Booth, James T., the second in a family of twelve children of Joshua and Sarah 
 (Taylor) Booth, was born in Ireland, February 14, 1820, and came to this country with 
 his parents in 1841, finally removing to Canada. He married Mary Ann, daughter of 
 Robert Armstrong, of Berkshire, August 2, 1848. In 1859 he started a general store at 
 Berkshire, which he continued until 1889, when he sold out to his nephew, William B. 
 JoUey. He was postmaster for twenty-three years at this place preceding 1889. He 
 is a Republican in politics, and hds been selectman and trustee of public money for 
 many years. He is a member of the Episcopal church of Berkshire, and a member of 
 Osissegus Lodge, No. 78, F. and A. M. Mrs. Booth died July 6, 1875. 
 
 Bowen, Cromwell, came from Clarendon to Berkshire about 1808. He had four 
 ■children, of whom Harrison, born in 1813, married Susan, daughter of Silas Stowe, of 
 Berkshire. They had five children, Albert H., who was born July 3, 1836, being the 
 eldest. He worked on the farm and in 1862 bought the homestead. In 1863 he mar- 
 ried Florence, daughter of Allen Thayer, of Berkshire, by whom he had five children : 
 Mary S., born in 1864, married Herbert Cummings in 1885; Maud E., born in 1866, 
 married Dr. C. S. Jenne in 1890 ; Caroline M., born in 1875 ; Florence A., born in 1878 ; 
 and Cornwall A., born in 1879. Albert H. Bowen carries on a general farming and 
 dairy business. He is a Democrat and is the present town clerk and treasurer. Both 
 he and his wife are members of the Baptist church of Berkshire. 
 
 Chaffee, Albert, was born in Berkshire in 1820, and married Nancy C, daughter of 
 Alexander Brice, of that town. Of their six children all died young except Harvey A. 
 and Bianca Gr. The latter, the youngest of the family, married John J. McCarty, of 
 Berkshire, in 1876, and their three children are Grlenna, Gladys, and Grace. Harvey A. 
 Chaffee married, first, Ellen M. Whitehead, of Canada, in 1862, by whom he had one 
 daughter, Alberta E., who married Gardner Armstrong. He married, second, Adelia 
 A., a sister of his first wife, in 1864, and their three children are as follows: Hattie B. 
 
Family Sketches. 735 
 
 (Chaffee) Crandall, of Canada, Etta M., and Albert S. He married, third, Edna M. 
 Page, of Waterloo, P. Q , in 1884. He is a Republican and has served two terms as 
 selectman. He is a member of Lincoln Lodge, No. 78, F. and A. M., o£ Enosburgh, and 
 is a member of the Baptist church of Berkshire. 
 
 Chaffee, John, was born in 1796, and married Priscilla, daughter of Jonathan Dan- 
 forth, of Berkshire, and they had seven children, of whom Homer S. married Mary R., 
 daughter of Daniel B. Burleson, of Berkshire. Mr. Burleson was born March 12, 1801, 
 and married Electa Hawley, December 4, 1823. Homer S. had children as follows : 
 Gertrude E., born March 11, 1873; Homer, born May 20, 1875; and Wilbur, born April 
 8, 1878. Mr. Chaffee is a general farmer on the Chaffee homestead. 
 
 Grant, Noah, son of Reuben a Revolutionary soldier, was born in Lyme, N. H., 
 October 16, 1790, and died in October, 1861. He married, first, a Miss Conant, by whom 
 one son was born. He married, second, Anna, daughter of Blias Lawrence, of Enos- 
 burgh, Vt., and of this marriage six children were born, of whom Joseph L. was the 
 eldest. In September, 1866, he came to Berkshire, where he now resides. He mar- 
 ried Maria Combs, daughter of Caleb Combs, of Montgomery, November 15, 1860, and 
 they have had six children, as follows: Abbie A., born June 9, IS 62, married Benton 
 Wilson in December, 1883; Seth L., born June 14, 1864; Henry R., born August 2, 
 1866; Edwin E., born June 22, 1868 ; Howard C, born December 19, 1871 ; and Mary 
 C, born August 7, 1874. Seth L. and Henry R. are now living in Medfield, Mass. 
 Joseph L. Grant belongs to the Vermont and Quebec Conference of Adventists, while 
 Mrs. Grant is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Montgomery. 
 
 Hoadley, Aaron, jr., was born in Charlotte, Chittenden county, Vt, October 10, 1817. 
 His father, Aaron, was born in Hartland, Vt, and came to Berkshire about 1822. He 
 married Esther Hadasa Higgins about 1803, and they had thirteen children. Mr. Hoad- 
 ley was a farmer, and Aaron, jr., was brought up to farm work. About 1838 the latter 
 commenced learning the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for several years. Jan- 
 uary 3, 1847, he married, first, Ruth, daughter of Samuel Runnells, of Berkshire, by whom 
 he had four children, as follows: Alcy L., born December 14, 1847; Aldath H., born 
 July 8, 1849 ; Eliza A., born March 21, 1851 ; and Harrison, born March 22. 1853. He 
 married, second, Persis, daughter of John Potter, and by her has one child, Arthur 
 J., born May 31, 1863. Aaron Hoadley, jr., had only a common school education, and 
 early began work to help an invalid father provide for a large family. About 1841 he 
 bought fifty acres of land, and has since experienced a successful business career. He 
 is a member of the Baptist church and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal church. 
 
 Hull, Ethan A., was born in Fairfield, Vt, July 1, 1813. His grandfather, Jehial, 
 born in Connecticut, married Jerusha Phelps and had seven children, of whom Anson 
 (father of Ethan A.) was the fifth. Anson Hull, born in 1772, moved from Norfolk, 
 Conn., to Whiting, Vt, and in 1799 he married Susan Whaley, of Fairfield, by whom 
 he had fourteen children. Ethan A. Hull married Melinda L., daughter of Oliver 
 Austin, of Berkshire, February 23, 1842. She was born January 11, 1821. Her grand- 
 father, Wilham Laribee, came from Weathersfield, Vt, in 1807, and married Amy 
 Royce, who bore him seven children. Ethan A. Hull had but a common school educa- 
 tion, and early learned the clothier's trade, at which he worked winters and qn the farm 
 summers. About 1841 he began to speculate in cattle and real estate, and in 1861 came 
 from Cambridge, bought land, and settled on his present home in Berkshire. He repre- 
 sented his town in 1870 and was sent to the state Senate in 1876. He has been select- 
 man and held other town offices many years, and was also one of the railroad commis- 
 sioners who were largely instrumental in paying up the railroad bonds about 1870. He 
 has three children: Clark A., born October 11, 1843; Deha, born June 6, 1845, married 
 Guy Clark, of Berkshire, December 29, 1864 ; and Mark A., born August 23, 1851, who 
 married Belle W., daughter of Chester Wilde, of Berkshire, August 23, 1876. Mark 
 Hull is now living on the homestead, and his two children are Fennom W., born Decem- 
 ber 21, 1878, and Addie M., born February 27, 1880. 
 
•jl6 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Ladd Family, The. — Late in the seventeenth century two brothers by the name of 
 Ladd came to this country from England, one of whom settled in Connecticut and was 
 the father of Asa L., jr., father of Henry, the subject of this sketch. The latter at the 
 age o£ twenty-one years engaged as clerk in the store of Alonzo Green at Bast Swan- 
 ton, with whom he remained six months, when he entered the employ of William 
 Clapp, a merchant at East Berkshire, where he remained for nine years though the firm 
 name changed hands several times during that period. In 1854 he married Celia M. 
 Levins, daughter of Pascal P. Levms, of Berkshire Center, by whom he has two sons, 
 Albert Avery and Pascal P. Mr. Ladd was a war Democrat, and wrote the first 
 recruiting call for Berkshire. He was prominent in the effort to discount Berkshire's 
 railroad bonds by payment at the time of issue, which was finally aeoomphshed. He 
 represented his town in 1872, and has held about all the town oflBces. 
 
 Larabee, William, moved from Weathersfleld, Windsor county, Vt., in 1806, where 
 his son George was born in October, 1800. The latter married Oelina Birch, of Berk- 
 shire, about 1823, and their children were as follows: Harding H., born in 1828; 
 Viola, born in 1831 ; Asa, born in 1833 ; Thirsa, born in 1835; Edson B., born in 1839; 
 PauUna, born in 1841 ; and M. Merritt B., born,in 1843. He married, second, Cynthia 
 Stevens about 1848, by whom he had one child, S. Celina, born in 1846. Edson B. 
 Larabee married, January 2, 1866, Susan B., daughter of Phillip Shufelt, by whom he 
 had two children, viz.: Emma, born in June, 1868, who married Ralph Clark in 1886, 
 and Grace, born in November, 1869. In 1862 Edson B. enlisted as a private in Com- 
 pany I, Tenth Vermont Infantry, and at his first battle — Locust Grnve — in 1863 he was 
 wounded and conveyed to the Mansion House Hospital in Virginia, where he remained 
 for five months. He participated in the following battles : The Wilderness, Spottsyl- 
 vania. North Ann, Gaines's Mills, Cold Harbor, Bermuda Hundred. Monocasy, Charles- 
 ton, Smithfleld, Winchester, Flint Hill, Cedar Run, and the seige of Petersburg. In the 
 fall of 1864 he was promoted to sergeant, and on June 26, 186.5, teceived an honorable 
 discharge. He is now a member- of Pixley Post, No. 102, G. A. R., of Enosburgh 
 Falls, Vt. He is selectman of the town, and both he and his wife are members of the 
 Methodist Episcopal church of Berkshire. 
 
 Moren, Daniel, son of Patrick and Mary (Donnelly) Moren, was born in Ireland, 
 June 15, 1825. In 1831 Patrick Moren left his native country with his family for 
 America. He spent two months in Berkshire, and then returned to Montreal, where 
 he had left his family. He lost his wife and one child shortly after. Daniel was left 
 with Nathaniel Leytch, of Berkshire, m which family he lived until twenty years of age. 
 After having secured a common school education he went to Massachusetts and worked 
 in a paper-mill for three years and a half. In 1849 he went to California, where he was 
 employed in running a steam engine for over three years. He returned home in 1854, 
 but the next year he went to California again. In 1857 he moved to East Berkshire' 
 where he has since resided. He married, in 1863, Catherine -Tewett, of Ohio, a niece of 
 Mrs. Leetch. Mr. Moren formed a partnership with Dolphus Paul, and later' with Kiles 
 A. Paul, son of Dolphus, and retired from business in 1888. He has had seven chil- 
 dren, four of whom are living. In 1878 he represented his town in the legislature and 
 in 1884 became state senator. 
 
 Pand, Theopholas P., was born in Wolcott, Lamoille county, Vt., in August, 1800. He 
 came to Berkshire when thirteen years of age and commenced farming. He married 
 Abbie, daughter of Harding ,Swan, by whom he had ten children, as follows • Fanny 
 (deceased), Jaben F., Addison P., Webster, Emily, Margaret, Harriet, Ezra, Joel and 
 Fanny. Addison P. Pand was born in Berkshire, April 13, 1829. In March 1857 he 
 married Sarah, daughter of Harding Allen, by whom he had one son, Herbert' A. Mrs 
 Pand died in 1862, and he married, second, Fanny Jones, of Berkshire, June 30 1867 
 Of this marriage five children were born, as follows: Alice, born October 3 1868- 
 Catherine born April 19, 1870 ; Edwin, born January 3, 1874, died aged seven ; 'Arthur! 
 born April 19, 1879 ; and Eva, born March 22, 1884. Mr. Pand represented his town 
 
Family Sketches. 737 
 
 in the legislature in 1SS2, has been deputy sheriflFfor fourteen years, and has held other 
 public offices. In poUtios he is a Republican. 
 
 Paul, Dolphus, son of Dolphus and Rhoda (demons) Paul, was born in Wells, Rut- 
 land county, Vt., April 23, 1815, and in 1816 the family moved to Enosburgh, from 
 which place they removed to Berkshire. Dolphus, sr., was a blacksmith by trade, and 
 his son, reared on a farm, was given a common school education. In 1837 the latter 
 married Harriet, daughter of Oliver Austin, of Berkshire, and they have had eight chil- 
 dren, five of whom are still living. In 1857 he engaged in the general merchandise 
 business with Daniel Moren, under the firm name of Paul & Moren, which continued 
 for fifteen years, when Dolphus was succeeded by his son, Kiles A. He was also sta- 
 tion agent at Bast Berkshire for fifteen years, and was selectman and lister for many 
 years. He is a Democrat in politics. 
 
 Paul, Kiles A., son of Dolphus Paul, of Bast Berkshire, was born in Bnosburgh, Sep- 
 tember 13, 1849, and at the age of twenty-one he entered the employ of Paul & Moren, 
 Bast Berkshire, where he continued until 1859, when he became a member of the firm 
 of D. Paul & Co. In 18G2 Mr. Paul retired from the firm, but the year following he 
 became interested in the same business with Daniel Moren, the firm being known as 
 Paul & Moren. In 1887 he bought Mr. Moron's interest, and has since conducted a suc- 
 cessful business at the old stand. December 15, 1875, he married Cora B., daughter of 
 Ira Brown, of New Haven, Vt., and they have two children, viz.: Dolphus W., born 
 September 24, 1876, and Hattie B,, born February 11, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Paul are 
 both members of the Episcopal church. 
 
 Samson, William, the eldest of six children of Erasmus D. and Angeline (Hamilton) 
 Samson, was born in Berkshire.Vt., August 8, 1831. Erasmus D. Samson was a farmer, 
 and William remained with him until 1842. He married, March 4, 1855, Susan, daugh- 
 ter of Jonas Boutelle, of Bnosburgh, Vt., and they have had three children, all of whom 
 are living. In 1872 he commenced repairing horse-powers, and soon after his buildings 
 were struck by lightning and burned. Leaving the farm he established his present 
 plant. In 1876 he took in as partner Jasper A. Rouse, and they are owners of three 
 valuable patents, manufacturing sawing machines, threshing machines, and churns, which 
 are sold throughout New England. Mr. Samson is a successful business man, has been 
 selectman in his town, and is a member of the Congregational church. 
 
 Stiles, Samuel S., was born in Chester, Vt., about 1778, and married Halma, daughter 
 of Talma Hendrick, of Bnosburgh, Vt. They had ten children, as follows : William H., 
 who died March 31, 1891, in Montgomery ; Hendrick, who died in California in 1889; 
 Paschal, who married Caroline Brown, and is now living in California ; ELiie M., who 
 married Charles Jenne, of Berkshire, and died in 1853 ; Benjamin P., now living in 
 Berkshire ; Lydia, who died in Illinois in 1859 ; Harriet N. (Mrs. George Colburn),who 
 lives in Oregon ; Mary Ann, who married a Mr. Carmach, of Illinois, and died in 1858 ; 
 Rhoda P. (Mrs. David Carpenter), who resides in Wisconsin ; and Hannah, who mar- 
 ried a Mr. Carmach, and died about 1862. Benjamin F. Stiles married, in 1856, Sarah 
 Ann, daughter of Nathaniel Jenne, of Berkshire, by whom he had one child, Mary A., 
 born January 19, 1857, who married John M. Robb, of Montgomery, November 13, 
 1878. 
 
 Towle, James C, a native of Berkshire, was born October 15, 1856. His grandfather, 
 Theopolis, a native of New Hampshire, was born March 30, 1790, and married Deborah 
 Miller. J. Clement, son of Theopolis and father of James, was born in Franklin, De- 
 cember 21, 1814, and married Mary, daughter of Allison and Sally Judd, of that town. 
 They had five children, of whom James C. was the youngest. He married, January 
 10, 1879, Lillian 0., daughter of Elmer and Orlana Phelps, of Franklin, by whom he 
 had four children, as follows : Lillian A., born April 27, 1879, died May 30, 1880; Vera 
 M., born June 29, 1881 ; Seth C, born March 31, 1883; and Nellie 8., born October 26, 
 1884, died May 28, 1885. James C. Towle attended the district school and the Frank- 
 
738 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 lin and Bakersfield Academies. He first went to work in Boston, but soon returned to 
 Berkshire and bought the home farm, and began buying butter and conducting the 
 creamery business. 
 
 Weld, Newton, was born in Berkshire, December 23, 1805, and married Anna, daugh- 
 ter of Benjamin Austin, of that town, by whom he had eight children, viz.: Chester, 
 Ruth, Newton F , Susan, Hiram, Norman, Gracia, and Emma A. The first three men- 
 tioned are the only survivors. At the age of twenty years Newton F. Weld began 
 farming, and in the fall of 1858 he moved to Rhode Island and entered the employ of 
 the Providence and Worcester Railroad Company, where he remained two winters. In 
 the spring of 1860 he returned to Berkshire, and bought the Weld homestead. In pol- 
 itics he is a staunch Republican, and is a member of Lincoln Lodge, No. 78, F. and 
 A. M., of Enosburgh Falls. 
 
 Wheeler, Josiah, came from Windsor county to Berkshire in 1806, and settled at the 
 center of the town, where he continued to reside until his death in 1854. He was one 
 of those men peculiar to the early history of Vermont — generous and forbearing to a 
 fault, aiding a friend with the last penny, yet strong in his opposition to what he con- 
 sidered wrong and injustice. * Lucius H. was five years old when his father moved froin 
 Windsor. Being the youngest son he was the one chosen to stay at home and aid in 
 the clearing of the farm, and ultimately to succeed his father in its ownership, while the 
 other sons went out from the parental home to clear farms for themselves. In 1822 he 
 was married to Mary Rowley, of Enosburgh, with" whom he lived for more than fifty 
 years, and who bore him eight children. Although an active, pushing, and successful 
 business man, having occasion to meet his townsmen and others in the most difficult of 
 business relations, he was universally esteemed and respected for his piety and unright- 
 ness of character. He was a life-long Methodist, and before the building of churches in 
 town his house was always open for gatherings of his neighbors for divine worship. A 
 barn now stands upon the farm in which meetings were held in the early days of the 
 settlement, it being the most commodious building in' the neighborhood. He died in 
 1873. When it again became necessary for the sons and daughters of the family to 
 think about their individual prospects for life Marshall S., the youngest son, was the one 
 to whose lot it fell to remain at home and occupy the farm his grandfather and father 
 had cleared. He has always resided upon the farm, and now occupies the same house 
 in which he was born and which was built by his father fifty-seven years ago. Before 
 reaching the age of majority he engaged in mercantile business, and the buying and 
 selling of cattle and sheep with his father, and successfully continued the same until a 
 few years ago, since which time he has attended exclusively to the care of the farm. In 
 1863 he married Hapalona, daughter of Horace Ewins. He has one son, H. Elmer now 
 a law student in St. Albans. ' 
 
 Yaw, Joseph, was born in Franklin county, Vt., September 15, 1825. His father 
 Joseph, was born in Clarendon county, Vt., in 1785, and married Sarah, daughter of 
 Reuben Towle, of Franklin, in 1817. He was killed by a falling tree in 1824 Of 
 his five children Joseph, jr., was the youngest. He came to Berkshire in October 1855 
 and married Mary Ann, daughter of Ebenezer Bowman, of Colchester Vt They have 
 one child, Ada, born October 9, 1863, who married Dwight Weld in September 1881 
 Mr. Yaw is a Republican, and represented his town in the. legislature in 1886 He has 
 al o been selectman two terras and has held other town offices. He is a member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal church of Berkshire. 
 
 Enosburgh. 
 
 Armstrong, Theodore H., was born in Berkshire, March 28, 1849, the son of William 
 and Mary Jane (Booth) Armstrong and the oldest of their six children. He was reared 
 on the farm on which he was engaged until his removal to Enosburgh Falls in 1886 
 
Family Sketches. 
 
 739 
 
 when he turned his attention to manufacture. At that time he bought the box factory 
 on the river, together with the water privilege and about one and one-half acres of 
 land. At the mill and factory are made boxes for use by the numerous medicine firms 
 of the Falls and other places m the county. He also does planing, matching and all 
 kinds of job work in woodworking. Mr. Armstrong has a large business and is meeting 
 with good success. He married, October 4, 1870, Ellen Leach, of Berkshire, by whom 
 he has one son. 
 
 Baker, Niles B., born at Dunham, P. Q., February 9, 1830, has been known to the 
 business community of Bnosburgh Falls and vicinity since 1858. At the age of sixteen 
 he left Dunham and went to Worcester, Mass., as clerk in a grocery store. Later he 
 manufactured " treeing " machines for boot manufacturers, but the latter enterprise 
 proved unsuccessful, and he left the locality and came to Enosburgh Palls in 1858, 
 where he went into trade, having the only general merchandise store at the Falls at 
 that time. In 1860 he built a store, and m 1875 built two others. He was in the flour, 
 feed, and grain trade for several years, selling out and retiring in December, 1887. In 
 1858, on February .3, Mr. Baker married Emily O., daughter of Rev. Merrill Ladd, of 
 Enosburgh. Of this union two children were born. Mr. Baker has no political ambi- 
 tion. He was formerly a Republican, but afterwards became a Prohibitionist, and as 
 such he was delegate to the Butler Convention. 
 
 Billado, William Henry, was born at Broome, Canada, October 16, 1848, and was the 
 third of eleven children born to Stephen and Jane (Loucks) Billado. The father was a 
 carpenter, and at this trade William worked, both in Canada and in various towns in 
 Vermont, until 1876, when, being at Bnosburgh Falls, he determined to become a mer- 
 chant. With his small accumulations he started a grocery store, and from that nucleus 
 has grown the extensive business he now conducts in the most complete brick block in 
 the village. Mr. Billado takes but little part in public affairs, finding his time fully em- 
 ployed in the management of his business. By religious preference he is a Methodist. 
 In 1872, January 1, he married Jennie Willard, of Berkshire, of which marriage one 
 child has been born. They have also one adopted son. 
 
 Brewer, Caleb Royce, was born in Berkshire, May 12, 1813. He was a .=on of Da- 
 vid and Esther (Sykes) Brewer, and the fifth of their nine children. He was reared on 
 his father's farm, but at the age of twenty-one started out to work by the month, and 
 so continued until he married, in March, 1839, Saphronia P. Ovitt, of Enosburgh, by 
 whom he had three children and who died December 5, 1849. After his marriage Mr. 
 Brewer rented a farm in St. Albans, on which he lived for five years, and previous to 
 which he lived in St. Albans for a like time. In April, 1844, he came to Bnosburgh 
 and purchased his wife's father's farm of nearly 250 acres, and on this he has lived to 
 the present day. Judge Brewer, as he is commonly called, is one of the most promi- 
 nent farmers in the county. On February 14, 1850, he married again, his second wife 
 being Mary P., daughter of Nathan Perley. He is not entirely unknown to the poli- 
 tics of the town or of the county. Three times he was elected representative from 
 Enosburgh, on one occasion receiving every vote but one. He has held town oflBces, 
 being frequently elected selectman, and for two years was associate judge of the Frank- 
 lin County Courts. In politics he is a staunch Republican. He became a communicant 
 of the Episcopal church before he was of age, and from that until the present time has 
 been prominently associated with the affairs of that denomination. Since 1844 he has 
 been warden of Christ church at Enosburgh Center. Mr. Brewer's children are all de- 
 ceased but one, a son, who resides with his wife and three children on a fine farm in 
 Fremont county, la., which was presented to him by his father. He is a prominent 
 and prosperous farmer and citizen. 
 
 Cramton, Henry A., the oldest of the six children of Chester A. and Samantha 
 (Miller) Cramton, was born in Berkshire, August 30, 1836. In 1849 the family moved 
 to Enosburgh, and afterwards occupied the farm now owned by Henry A., which came 
 
 93 
 
740 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 to him by inheritance from his father and grandfather Miller's estates. He is inter- 
 ested in the affairs of the town and county, and his name has occasionally appeared on 
 the Democratic ticket for political offices. Mr. Craraton married, December 26, 1876, 
 Alice Rawson, of Montgomery, by whom he has had three children. The family is con- 
 nected with Christ church of Enosburgh Center. 
 
 Croft, Albert B., son of Joseph B., was born in Fairfield, Vt., January 18, 1849. His 
 grandfather, Joseph, came from England and settled in Fairfield, where Joseph B. was 
 born in September, 1825. The latter married Pamelia A., daughter of Philemon Buck, 
 September 14, 1844, and of their eight children Albert B., the second, married, Decem- 
 ber 5, 1871, Ellen Smith. Their four children are as follows: Homer S., born in 1874, 
 died December 24, 1876 ; Vera M., born in 1882; Blaine A., born in May, 1884; and 
 Merle D., born in January, 1887. Albert B. Croft moved to Berkshire in 1872. and set- 
 tled on a farm he had recently bought. Besides conducting his large farm and dairy 
 business he is senior member of the firm of Croft & Towle, who carry on an extensive 
 creamery. They dispose of the milk from about 600 cows, and for the season of 1880 
 their average was 2,000 pounds of butter per week. Mr. Croft is a Republican, and 
 , has been selectman for two years, lister four years, and auditor for 1890. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Croft are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Enosburgh Falls. 
 
 Dow, Samuel H., a native of New Hampshire, was born at Hampton, December 7, 
 1821. His parents were Samuel and Louisa (Smith) Dow, and of their six children he 
 was the fourth. In 1832 the family moved to Enosburgh and settled where Samuel H. 
 now lives, the farm having descended to him on his paying the claims of the other 
 heirs. In 1846 Samuel H. Dow married Joanna, daughter of Deacon Ephraim Adams, 
 of Enosburgh. Of this marriage there have been no children, but they have a son and 
 a daughter by adoption, both married and started in life for themselves. About 1858 
 Mr. Dow united with the Congregational church at the Center, and during nearly all 
 the years since he has been one of the deacons of the society. He has been somewhat 
 prominent in the political affairs of the town, having held all the town offices except 
 constable and clerk. He represented the town in 1888, and was the leading actor in 
 the effort that resulted in obtaining n postoffice at East Enosburgh. 
 
 Draper, Wilson, the third in a family of four children of Alanson and Phebe (Fish) 
 Draper, was born in Sheldon, August 25, 1834. He lived in his native town on a farm 
 until 1867, when he moved to Enosburgh Falls, but soon returned to Sheldon and re- 
 mained there until 1887, when he located permanently at the Falls. He has always 
 been a farmer, but in connection with that calling he has dealt extensively in butter in 
 large quantities for the past fourteen years. Mr. Draper married, in 1857 Martha 
 daughter of Rev. F. C. Kimball, of Enosburgh Falls. In 1886 he represented Sheldon 
 m the General Assembly; m 1859, '60, '86 he served as selectman; in 1878 '79 '80 he 
 v?as deputy sheriff; he was road commissioner in 1886; and has been trustee of the 
 Tillage of Enosburgh Falls, in which capacity he has been instrumental in bringing 
 a,bout many improvements to the locality. In 1888-90 Mr. Draper was door-keeper in 
 the state Senate. 
 
 Fassett, Gardner Smith, is a son of Alvin and Annie (Butler) Fassett. Alvin Passett 
 was for many years a merchant in Sheldon, but the last twenty years of his life were 
 passed on a farm. To the latter occupation the subject of this sketch was brought up 
 and his education was acquired in the common and academic schools, a part of the time 
 in attendance at the Oberlin Preparatory School. At twenty-one years of age Mr 
 Fassett worked at the carpenter's trade, but abandoned it for the farm. His father's 
 family settled in Enosburgh in 1836, and from that time Gardner lived in this town in 
 various places until he became the owner of his present property, which together with 
 Its Jersey stock is second to none in the town. It comprises 128 acres, and is devoted 
 to general agriculture, dairying, and the staple product of maple sugar. December 4, 
 1856 Gardner S. Fassett married Julia, daughter of Hon. George Adams, of Enosburgh 
 :and they have had five children, three of whom are living. Mr. Fassett represented his 
 
Family Sketches. 741 
 
 town in 1872, was a member of the State Board of Agriculture three terms from 1874 
 to 1879, and has held various town offices. In 1886 he became allied with the Prohibi- 
 tion party, and was then its nominee for the office of senator. In 1888 on the same 
 ticket he was the candidate for judge of probate, and in 1890 the State Prohibition 
 Convention honored him with the nomination for the lieutenant-governorship. In 
 1890 he was by the state legislature chosen one of the trustees of the University of 
 Vermont and State Agricultural College. 
 
 Gilbert, Nathan A., born in Fairfax, February 4, 1847, is the youngest of five chil- 
 dren born to Nathan and Cynthia Gilbert. Nathan was brotight up to mill work, and 
 became actively interested in that business in his native town, being half owner with 
 his father of a mill. In 1877 he came to Enosburgh, and with D. B. Stetson built the 
 large flouring-mill at the Falls, but later he sold out to his partner. He then went into 
 the drug business with H. D. Kendall, and some two years afterwards became its sole 
 proprietor. Still later J. W. Beatly became his partner, and in 1886 the business 
 changed to that of manufacturing proprietary medicines, notably the famous Scotch oil. 
 Connected with the business is the preparation of other remedies, such as lung balsam 
 and sarsaparilla bitters, in the sale of which the firm is extensively engaged in New 
 York and the New England states. 
 
 Hamilton, Edgar H., was born in Berkshire, June 5, 1852, the seventh of the eight 
 children of Hannibal and Julia E. Hamilton. At the age of eighteen he left the farm 
 and went to Richford, where he learned the trade of a printer, with which occupation 
 he has been diiectly or indirectly connected ever since, but whatever attention he now 
 devotes to that trade is mainly in connection with the advertising department of the 
 extensive proprietary medicine business in which lie is interested. In 1880, after some 
 years spent as journeyman printer and a short time in the livery business at Richford, 
 Mr. Hamilton came to Enosburgh Falls and became foreman in the packing department 
 of the famous Dr. Kendall, but after a time went on the road selling the doctor's medi- 
 cines. In 1886 he became interested in the manufacture of proprietary remedies as one 
 of the firm of Hamilton, Best & Kimball, which was changed in 1888 to Hamilton, 
 Kimball & Co. In 1873 Mr. Hamilton married Addie L., daughter of Hon. H. D. Farrar, 
 of Richford, by whom he has had three children. 
 
 Harvey, Daniel A., son of Luther and Eliza (Bowers) Harvey, was born in Dunham, 
 P. Q., December 5, 1852. Daniel hved at home until he was fourteen years of age, 
 when he went to St. Albans and entered the employ of L. L. Dutcher, the well known 
 druggist of that place. After five years young Harvey went to work for the Cential 
 Vermont Railroad Company, and about four years later came to Enosburgh Falls, where 
 he went into the general merchandise business with A. H. Rublee, two years later 
 becoming sole proprietor. In 1881 he went to Dakota, but returned the next year and 
 began the manufacture of proprietary medicines with H. D. Kendall. Eventually Mr. 
 Harvey became sole owner of the business, and has succeeded in building up a profit- 
 able trade in his special lines, among which is "Superior Healing Oil," "Kendall's Kid- 
 ney and Liver Cure," " Sarsaparilla and Iron," " Elixir," " Cordial," "Pain Cure Pills," 
 soothing syrup, and condition powders. In 1871 Mr. Harvey married Louisa Rublee, 
 of which marriage one child has been born. In 1872 he was appointed postmaster at 
 the Falls, an office he afterwards held for eight years. 
 
 Hendricks, James Parker, was born in Enosburgh, July 15, 1819, the youngest of 
 twelve children of Talma and Lydia (Thomas) Hendricks. Talma was born in Pownal, 
 Vt., and came to Enosburgh in 1803, bringing his wife and four children. The other 
 eight were born in Enosburgh, but James P. is the only one now living in that town. 
 At the age of twenty years James started out for himself. He married, March 23, 1841, 
 Polly Sails, who bore him five children. His wife died August 15, 1848, and October 
 13, 1885, Mr. Hendricks married, second, Eliza A., daughter of Stephen Brown, of 
 Montgomery,, and widow of Silvaii Gates. Mr. Hendricks is one of the largest farmers 
 of Enosburgh, his lands embracing some 440 acres, devoted to general agriculture and 
 
742 History ok Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 stock raising. He commenced life in a small way, gradually increasmg his possessions 
 until they have reached their present fine proportions. He has been a Republican since 
 that party's organization, but has never sought office. 
 
 Hubbell Timothy, who died in Enosburgh in 1880, was well and favorably known to 
 the residents of the town. He was born in Fairfield in 1833, the sou of Nathan Hub- 
 bell and was a carpenter before his marriage, but after that event he gave his attention 
 to farm work In 1861 he married Eliza K., daughter of Ellison Maynard, and had 
 two children, Chauncey and Marshall L. Mr. Hubbell died in 1880, and his farm passed 
 to his widow and sons, being now conducted by the former and Marshall L. Hubbell. 
 It comprises 153 acres, and sustains a dairy of upwards of thirty-five cows. Mr. Hub- 
 bell during his life was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of West Enos- 
 burgh, and was one of its stewards. He was a Republican and quite prominent in 
 town afi'airs. 
 
 Hutchinson, William R., was born in Grand Isle, December 16, 1824, the eldest of 
 seven children born to John and Eliza Hutchinson. The youthful life of William was 
 passed on his father's farm and as a clerk in the store at Monkton, Vt. At the age of 
 eighteen he commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Stone, of Monkton, 
 and after three years took two courses at the Oastleton Medical College, graduating in 
 1848. Dr. Hutchinson commenced practice at Vergennes, but in 1849 came to Enos- 
 burgh, locating at the Center, and practicing there until 1875, when he took up his res- 
 idence at the Falls, giving to his son his practice at the Center. Dr. Hutchinson has two 
 sons in practice in this town— Dr. William Watson Hutchinson and Frederick Smith 
 Hutchinson. The former is a graduate of the Medical Department of the University of 
 Vermont, and also attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city, 
 commencing practice at the Center in 1874. The last named son graduated from the 
 Burlington institution in 1882, and has since practiced in the town of Enosburgh. Dr. 
 Hutchinson, sr., while his life has been given to professional work, is not wholly un- 
 known to the politics of his county. In, 1864 he represented Enosburgh in the legis- 
 lature, and in 1868-69 he was in the Senate. In 1862 he was appointed county medi- 
 cal examiner. He married, in 1849, Celinda C, daughter of Burrill Smith, of Monkton, 
 by whom he has had two sons (above referred to). Dr. Hutchinson was town clerk of 
 Enosburgh for nineteen years, and while living at the Center he held the position of 
 postmaster. 
 
 Ingalls, Horace Read, or, as he is more popularly known in the north part of the 
 oounty, Read Ingalls, was born in Bakersfield, June 27, 1835, the son of Reuben and 
 Sophronia (Hare) Ingalls, who had a family of seven children. The father was a me- 
 chanic, but Horace worked out and was inclined to speculate in whatever promised the 
 best returns. In 1868 he bought a 200-acre farm in Enosburgh, and there he moved and 
 still resides, carrying on business as a farmer and buyer. Mr. Ingalls's wife was Phi- 
 lenda Stephens, by whom he has had four children : Cortez L., Mary, Carl I., and Dora. 
 The daughter Mary is the wife of Joel Pond, of Eden. 
 
 Kendall, Lucius C, born in Enosburgh, July 22, 1840, was the son of Seth and Polly 
 Kendall, and the fourth of their eight children. Seth was a farmer and carriagemaker, 
 and to that employment Lucius was brought up. He started in business for himself 
 about 1868 in manufacturing buggies and lumber wagons, and has continued in it to the 
 present time, except in 1888, when the buggy department was dropped, although in his 
 stock is now kept an extensive assortment of single and double carriages. November 1, 
 1863, Mr. Kendall married Jane A., daughter of Harlow Woodworth, of Berkshire. 
 Mrs. Kendall died«during the summer of 1890, leaving no children. 
 
 Ladd, Hiram, a native of Enosburgh, born July 29, 1822, was the son of Asa and Lo- 
 vica (Hopkins) Ladd, and th^ fifth of their thirteen children. Hiram lived at home on 
 the farm until he was twenty-four years of age, and attended the district schools and 
 -the Franklin Academy. He taught school at Enosburgh, Berkshire, and one winter at 
 
Family Sketches. 743 
 
 St. Albans. At the age of twenty-four he went to Springfield and engaged in mill 
 work. Thence he went to Lawrence, Mass., engaging in the same employment. After 
 a few years he returned home and went into trade with his brother, but soon sold out 
 and engaged in farming. He retired from active business about the time of the war. 
 On March 2, 1854, he married Lovina A., daughter of Caleb Libby, but no children have 
 been born to them. Mr. Ladd, while no politician, has been honored with several town 
 offices, among them those of lister, justice of the peace, and town treasurer, holding the 
 latter office at the present time. In church affairs he is interested in the Freewill Bap- 
 tist Society. 
 
 Leach, Alpheus P., generally known as one of the most extensive farmers of Frank- 
 lin county, was a native of Enosburgh, and was born December 1, 1838. He was a son 
 of F. P. and Anna 0. (Ladd) Leach, and is their only surviving child. The father was a 
 native of Fairfield and came to this town about 1834. He was one of the most success- 
 ful farmers of the town and acquired a handsome property, which descended to Al- 
 pheus P. Mr. Leach's possessions comprise about 700 acres of land in three good farms. 
 He was selectman two years, but had no inclination for politics. 
 
 Manley, Allen H., born in Franklin, Vt., September 30, 1845, is the son of James H. 
 and Harriet Manley. His father was a mechanic and later a farmer, and Allen was 
 reared on the farm until he was twenty years old, when he learned the carpenter's trade. 
 After working in various places, mainly in Sheldon, he came in 1870 to Enosburgh and 
 from there to the Falls, where he now resides. He is engaged in carpentering and con- 
 tracting, and is proprietor of a planing-mill and sash, door, and blind factory. In 1872 
 he bought the mill plant and built a considerable addition to it. He has contributed 
 much towards building up the Falls. Among other large buildings recently erected is 
 the Burt block. In 1888 Mr. Manley was chosen selectman, a position he still holds. 
 In 1876 he married Lucy Nichols, who died in 1886. In February, 1888, he married 
 Sarah B. Northrup, of Sheldon. Two children were born of the first marriage. 
 
 Maynard, Ellison S., whose farm lies just south of the Center, is a native of Enos- 
 bursh, and was born on the 24th of November, 1844. He was the oldest of the four 
 children of Charles and Cynthia (Adams) Maynard. Like his father he has always lived 
 on a farm. The homestead came to him on his father's death in 1865, but it was re- 
 quired to satisfy the other interests. In 1874 Ellison S. Maynard married Helen R., 
 daughter of Levi Nichols, of Enosburgh, of which marriage three children have been 
 born, only one of whom is now living. In politics Mr. Maynard is a Republican, but 
 takes no active part in political matters. He attends the meetings of the Congregational 
 Society. 
 
 McAllister, Charles Stevens, was born in Enosburgh, Vt., July 22, 1821, the youngest 
 of fourteen children of William and Margaret McAllister. The father and mother were 
 natives of New Hampshire and came to Berlin, Vt., in 1798, and to West Enosburgh 
 in 1810. He was not a public man, but was an industrious farmer, and died in 1825, 
 when the subject of this sketch was about three years old. Like his father Charles S. 
 McAllister has always been a farmer, his estate comprising 500 acres of rich farm land. 
 Mr. McAllister lives on the farm, but the management of the land devolves upon Rich- 
 ard Smith, who married an adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. McAllister. September 
 6, 1848, Charles S. McAllister married Abbie, daughter of Jonas Boutelle, one of the 
 prominent men of Enosburgh. No children were born to them. Mr. McAllister is not 
 wholly unknown in the political history of this town. He has held several offices of 
 trust and responsibility, being overseer of the poor and poor-house director for fifteen 
 years. In 1870 he was a member of the Constitutional Convention of the state. He 
 has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for fifty-six years and one of its 
 officers during the last forty years. A Republican in politics he has voted that ticket 
 since the organization of the party. 
 
 Ovitt, Charles Le Roy, was born in Moriah, N. Y., May 2, 1855, but was descended 
 from the Ovitt family of Enosburgh, who were pioneers in the town, and some of the 
 
744 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 later generations were among its most prominent business men. Charles was the son 
 of Charles Fox and Matilda B. (Foster) Ovitt, and the eldest of their three children. 
 Charles F., the father, was a native of Fairfield. For twenty-eight years prior to his 
 death he was a merohant, fourteen years being passed in Bakersfield and fourteen in 
 West Enosburgh or Jacksonville. Charles L. from youth was a clerk in his father's 
 store, and also worked in the mill, which, too, was his father's. In 1875 he took an in- 
 terest in the business, and when the father died, in 1888, Charles L. took the store and 
 his brother the mill property, of each of which they are now the respective owners and 
 managers. May 3, 1881, Charles L. Ovitt married Mattie L. Keeler, of Essex, Vt., by 
 whom he has one son. October 26, 1889, Mr. Ovitt was appointed postmaster at West 
 Enosburgh. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which 
 he is one of the stewards. 
 
 Perkins, Francis Romeo, born in Bakersfield, October 6, 1834, was descended from 
 the prominent Perkins-Brigham family so well known in that town. About 1836 Mr. 
 Perkins became a resident of Enosburgh, and in 1859 he purchased the large farm prop- 
 erty on which he now lives, and which contains some 400 acres and supports from 75 to 
 100 cows. In connection with it he has a private creamery, and this with his regular 
 farm work erjgages his entire attention, though he is interested in town affairs and has 
 occasionally held town offices. In 1855 Mr. Perkins married Elvira R., daughter of 
 Stephen T. Anderson, by whom he has had four children, two of whom are living. 
 Stephen Anderson, father of Mrs. Perkins, was born in Royalton in 1804, and was the 
 son of William and Freelove Anderson, who settled in Enosburgh in 1818. 
 
 Perley, David Munson, born in Enosburgh, April 30, 1817, is descended from pioneer 
 stock in the town. He was the only son of tlie six children of David and Lncina 
 (Ovitt) Perley. His father died when he was but six years old, and at sixteen David 
 M. started out to make his own way in life. He worked out tor a time, saved his earn- 
 ings, and went to Massachusetts to work on a farm and drive a team on the road. 
 He learned chairmaking and worked at it for about three years, when he returned to 
 Enosburgh and made chairs at the Center for Henry Walbridge. He worked also at 
 Missisquoi Bay and St. Albans, at the latter place becoming for a time the partner of 
 Azel Church. Later he returned to Enosburgh and managed the farm for about twelve 
 years, which by subsequent purchases he has enlarged to nearly 400 acres. For about 
 eight years Mr. Perley was employed by the Fairbanks Company in selling their scales 
 throughout the country. After a Dusy life he settled at North Enosburgh, where he now 
 resides. In August, 1843, Mr. Perley married Laura Ann, daughter of Rev. Moses Par- 
 melee, by whom he has had four children : Moses P., Martha Ann, Candace, and Walter 
 B. In politics Mr. Perley is a Republican. He has held several town offices. 
 
 Perley, Moses Parmelee, born in Enosburgh, June 25, 1844, is the oldest of four chil- 
 dren born to David M. and Laura Ann (Parmelee) Perley. Until twenty-two years old 
 Moses lived or. his father's farm. He then became a clerk in the store of D. D. Wead 
 of Sheldon, and two years later became a partner with Mr. Wead in the drug and 
 grocery business. After three years Mr. Perley sold out and went to Boston becoming 
 travelmg salesman for a grocery house. During the nine years following he was thus 
 engaged, but at the end of that time he returned to Enosburgh Falls and became mter- 
 ested m the manufacture of Dr. Kendall's spavin cure, taking a fourth interest in the 
 busmess, which smce has become a third interest. Mr. Perley is secretary of the present 
 company. Besides the spavin cure interest he owns a large store at Enosburgh Falls 
 domg busmess under the firm name of M. P. Perley & Co., it being one of the largest 
 stores domg a general merchandise business in Northern Vermont On the 11th of Oc- 
 tober, 1875, Mr. Perley married Ella M. Stone, of East Berkshire, of which marriaffe 
 three children have been born. ° 
 
 Potter, John Adams, was born in Sheldon, April 7, 1829, the son of Isaac J. and 
 Emmie (Dyer) Potter. He lived upon a farm until December, 1889, when he removed 
 to Jinosburgh Falls and engaged in mercantile pursuits, becoming one of the firm of 
 
Family Sketches. 745 
 
 W. E. Burt & Co. This was a successful concern and dealt largely in agricultural imple- 
 ments, tin, stoves, lumber, etc. In 1878, while a resident of Sheldon, Mr. Potter rep- 
 resented that town in the legislature. He was its selectman eight years, during seven 
 of which he was first selectman, and has also held other offices. March 26, 1851, he 
 married Mary M. Robinson, of Swanton, who bore him three children. In 1885 his 
 wife died, and in 1887 he married, second, Florence E. Thatcher, of South Burlington, Vt. 
 
 Stetson, Daniel B., born in Newport, Orleans county, Vt., the son of Thomas &. and 
 Hannah (Adams) Stetson, lived at home until he was twenty years old, when he went 
 to Boston, where he worked three seasons on forts in that locality and also peddled ice. 
 In 1849 he came to Enosburgh and bought a farm, which he soon sold and moved to 
 Canada on a farm. He peddled in upper Canada about six years. In 1859 he settled 
 permanently in Enosburgh Falls, engaging in mercantile pursuits. In 1877, with N. A. 
 Gilbert, he built the Missisquoi flouring-mills, but afterwards succeeded to the entire 
 business. In 1887 General Marsh became a partner under the firm name of Stetson & 
 Marsh, the business of which concern is among the largest of its kind in the county. 
 Daniel B. Stetson in 1849 married Sarah Pixley, daughter of Dr. Albert Pixley, of Fair- 
 lee, Vt, of which union five children have been born, of whom two only are living: 
 Daniel P. Stetson, of Rockton, N. Y., and Charles H. Stetson, of Enosburgh Falls. The 
 latter is associated in business with his father. Daniel B. Stetson has held all the prin- 
 cipal offices in his town and village, and represented the town in the state legislature in 
 1870. 
 
 Stevens, Edwin Prentiss, was born in Enosburgh, Vt., April 10, 1842, and was one of 
 eight children of Samuel and Elizabeth Stevens, a well known and highly respected 
 family of the town. Edwin was reared on the farm, but at the age of twenty-one 
 started out to work by the month. He lost the first $2,000 he ever earned, but this did 
 not discourage him. In December, 1865, he married Adelaide Anderson, by whom he 
 had two children, Charles and Ella. November 19, 1882, Mre. Stevens died. Mr. Stevens 
 bought the Stephen Anderson farm of 225 acres, and here he lives the life of a farmer 
 and cattle buyer. The pioneer of the family was Samuel Stevens, who came to Enos- 
 burgh from Hartland about 1800. He was the grandfather of Edwin P. Stevens, and 
 withal a very prominent man in the town. 
 
 Whitcomb, John M., is the representative of a numerous family of Whitcombs, the 
 greater number of whom reside in the southeastern part of the town of Enosburgh. 
 The pioneer of the family was John Whitcomb, who settled about 1800 on the same 
 farm where John M. Whitcomb now lives. Hiram M. and Sophia Whitcomb were the 
 parents of John, the latter being the only one of their five children now Uving in the 
 town. The father being a farmer John M. was brought up to that employment, but he 
 has added to his agricultural labors those of the management of a steam saw, planing, and 
 shingle-mill. Mr. Whitcomb, during the period of agitation about the time of the St. 
 Albans raid, when military companies were organizing throughout the country, was the 
 victim of an accident. He joined the militia and drilled at the Center, but when return- 
 ing home on one occasion was thrown from his horse and received injuries from which 
 he has never recovered. On March 13, 1867, Mr. Whitcomb married Samantha C. 
 Ladd, by whom he has had two children. 
 
 Woodward, Daniel, whose home stands in a prominent locality in North Enosburgh, 
 is a native of Bradford, this state, and was born in 1804. He came to Enosburgh in 
 1821 with his parents, but afterwards lived in St. Albans and in Highgate. At the for- 
 mer place he married Ruth Hendricks, by whom he had thirteen children, as follows : 
 Horatio, Norman, Orrin, Olive, Arkless, James, Betsey, Alse, Guy, Theresa, Byron, 
 Edna, and Josephine. Of these six are still living. In 1834 Mr. Woodward came per- 
 manently to Enosburgh and purchased the Martha McAllister farm. In 1865 he bought 
 the Charles Stevens farm, where the old hotel was built, and still lives in the locality. 
 By trade he is a cooper, but has given much attention to farming. In politics he is a 
 firm Democrat, and in religion inclines to Universalism. He was justice for twenty years 
 and postmaster at North Enosburgh for eighteen years. 
 
746 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Woodward, Norman, the second son of Daniel and Kuth Woodward, was born in 
 Highgate, Vt., January 1, 1830. At the age of four years he moved with his parents to 
 Bnosburgh, where he now lives. He worked on his father's farm most of the time, iill 
 he was twenty-three years old, when he started out for himself with the determination 
 to make his own w&y in life, and worked for H. N. Barber nearly four years. Novem- 
 ber 27, 1856, Mr. Woodward married Luey, daughter of Jonas and Maria Temple, of 
 Bakersfield. He conuucted the Barber farm for two years on shares and then bought 
 the Robert Barber farm for $5,000, for which he ran in debt, and by the help of his 
 faithful wife he succeeded in paying for it. He then bought seventy-five acres more 
 adjoinmg for $4,600. In 1889 he purchased the Chester Waller farm of his father, 
 Daniel Woodward, for $5,000. This is nearly paid for. He now has 400 acres of land 
 in his possession. In 1890 he bought a store at the Center of H. C. Parker, but formerly 
 owned by Thomas Fuller. Mr. and Mrs. Woodward have had born to them a family 
 of nine children, viz. : Nelson E., of Northfield, Minn. ; Ellen M., who died in 1861 at 
 the age of two years ; Albert J., who resides on the Waller farm ; and Maurice S., Mary 
 C, Lee D., Bernice B., Byron N., and Warren S. 
 
 Woodworth, Arthur Wellington, was born in Berkshire, Vt., May 7, 1833. He was 
 the son of William S. and Patience (Stearns) Woodworth, who had fourteen children, 
 and was brought up to carpenter work, but from maturity until he was twenty-seven 
 years of age he worked on a farm. In 1850 Mr. Woodworth married, and to himself 
 and his wife, Adaline, one child was born, Linnie R. Phelps, now of Boston. Upon his 
 marriage Mr. Woodworth bought a farm in Enosburgh, to which he moved and on 
 which he lived until 1853, when he moved to the Palls. In 1887 he purchased the 
 mill in Sampsonville, in addition to which business he has speculated largely. He 
 owns some 900 acres of land in different localities. In local political affairs he has been 
 somewhat prominent, having been selectman, lister, constable, and in 1859-60 repre- 
 sented the town in the lower house and in 1880 was member of the state Senate. 
 
 Fairfax. 
 
 Alfred, John B., one of the prominent business men of Fairfax, Vt., of wh'ch town 
 he is a native, was born April 23, 1845, a son of Samuel D. and Polly Alfred. The 
 surname Alfred seems to be one of adoption, it being by the family variously spelled 
 Alvord, Alford, or Alfred. Samuel D. Alfred was born June 14, 1804, and his first 
 wife, Sally (Willard) Alfred, was born September 20, 1805. Their marriage occurred 
 January 2, 1825. Their two children, Benjamin C. and Roxena, are both deceased. 
 Mrs. Alfred died November 25, 1828, and November 25, 1832, Mr. Alfred married for 
 his second wife Polly Smith, by whom he had these children : Samuel D., Parmelia 
 Mary C. S., Sarah M., Cornwell B., Elizabeth C, John B., Almon S., Chauncy C, and 
 Frank E. Samuel D. Alfred, the father, died May 5, 1889, and his wife, Polly Febru- 
 ary 15, 1890. In 1842 Samuel D. started in trade at the village, and in 1868 he retired, 
 bemg succeeded in business by his son, John B., by whom it has smce been conducted.' 
 May 16. 1866, John B. Alfred married Susan, daughter of Nathan Bradley, of Fairfield 
 of which marriage five children have been born. Mr. Alfred has been one of the lead- 
 ers in the affairs of the town. 
 
 Ballard, George A., the well known practicing attorney of Fairfax,- was born in 
 Georgia, October 21, 1831. He was the son of Orris and Chloe Priscilla Ballard and 
 wag reared on the farm and attended school when opportunity offered, but his early 
 education was acquired mainly at the Georgia Academy and the New Hampton Insti- 
 tute. He read law in the office of Counsellor H. R. Beardsley, of St. Albans, and was 
 admitted to practice in 1862, commencing in Georgia, but moving in July, 1865 to Fair- 
 fax, that place affording a better field for the profession. This town has been his home 
 from that to the present time, although his practice has extended throughout the county 
 
Family Sketches. 747 
 
 and evea beyond it. About 1883 Mr. Ballard formed a law partnership with George W. 
 Burleson, esq., of St. Albans, and this relation has since been maintained. September 
 5, 1865, Mr. Ballard married Almira Witters, by whom he has had two children. He 
 represented Fairfax in the Assembly of 1869 and again in 1870. In 1872 he was 
 elected senator. He held the office of state's attorney from 1872 to 1874. 
 
 Beeman. James Monroe, born in North Fairfax, Vt., May 8, 1816, was the seventh of 
 eight children born to Jedediah and Mary (Osgood) Beeman. He is a descendant from 
 Joseph Beeman, a pioneer of the county and prominently known as an extensive land- 
 owner and surveyor throughout this region. James M. Beeman was reared on a farm, 
 and learned the trade of a blacksmith and wheelwright. He had a shop near where the 
 road in North Fairfax crosses the reservoir creek. In 1839, December 22, Mr. Beeman 
 married Abigail Lewis, of Fairfax, by whom he has these children : Adelaide, born 
 June 8, 1841, died aged two years; Adelbert B., born July 15, 1843, now a prominent 
 business man of Fairfax; Ethel Louise, born August 21, 1845, wife of William Wilson, 
 of Fulton county, N. T. ; Frances L , born October 20, 1850, married Alonzo Frizbee, 
 of New York state; and Susie H., born August 10, 1852, married Dr. Joel Allen, of 
 Johnson, Vt. In 1856 Mr. Beeman moved to Fairfax village for the purpose of edu- 
 cating his children, and embarked in trade there. For thirteen years he was also en- 
 gaged in the manufacture of butter tubs at the Falls. In 1864 he took as a partner his 
 son, Adelbert B. Beeman, under the firm name of J. M. Beeman & Son. Mr. Beeman 
 has now retired from active business. He has been selectman and justice of the peace, 
 and is one of the trustees of the Bellows Academy Fund and president of the board. In 
 politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 Bishop, Ira C, was born in Westford, January 11, 1839, and when an infant his 
 parents moved to Fairfax. IraC. was the youngest of three children of Deacon OrviUe 
 and Electa (Larned) Bishop. He was educated in the district schools, the New Hampton 
 Institute, and attended for a time a school at Fort Edward, N. Y. Prior to his father's 
 death in 1888 Mr. Bishop married Augusta, daughter of Silas W. Brush, of Fairfax, by 
 whom he has had two children, Cyrus H. and Ira B. He has been a leading man in 
 his town, having held the position of selectman and nearly all the other important offi- 
 ces. Mr. Bishop was brought up in the Baptist church, though he does not adhere 
 strictly to that faith. For tvi^enty years prior to his death Deacon Bishop lived in the 
 house now occupied by Ira 0. 
 
 Drew, John B., born in Fairfax, Vt., May 30, 1854, was the youngest son of Aaron 
 and Maria (Scott) Drew. Aaron Drew was a man of public spirit and integrity, a 
 farmer, and the owner of a large amount of real estate, all of which was aocumulaled 
 through industry by his own hands, aided in a large degree by the diligence, care, and 
 economy of his estimable wife. Their children were : Daniel D., who resides in Kan- 
 sas; Truman G. and Reuben W., both of whom died in Fairfax ; Alfred E., a minister 
 of the gospel ; Alma R., wife of Edwin S. Butts, of Lansing, Mich. ; Elbert, who died 
 in infancy ; Harmon 0. and Burton, deceased ; and John B. The father died when 
 John B. was eight years of age, and the latter came four years later to Fairfax village, 
 where he attended the New Hampton Institute for several years. He afterwards 
 attended the Collegiate Institute at Port Edward, N. Y., and in 1878, after a clerkship 
 of several years, he started a drug store with fancy goods and furnishings at Fairfax, 
 in which business he has ever since been engaged. His mother died January 3, 1871. 
 He married, in 1880, Emma M. Loveland, of Concord, N. H., by whom he had two 
 children : Fred L. and Ernest C. In 1883 John B. Drew was appointed postmaster 
 at Fairfax, but was removed during the Cleveland administration in June, 1886. On 
 June 13, 1889, he was again appointed to that office under the Harrison administration, 
 which position he still holds. 
 
 Farnsworth, Asher Palmer, more commonly known as Palmer Farnsworth, was born 
 January 18, 1818 His father. Asahel Farnsworth, was the son of Levi, a native of 
 
 94 
 
748 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 New Hampshire, who came at an early day and settled on Fairfax Plain, but who after- 
 wards moved to Westford. Asahel married Content Wilcox and located in Fairfield. 
 Their children were Seth, Emily, Phyla, Asher P., Harriet, Fanny, and Marcia A. 
 Asher P. Famsworth moved to Fairfax about twenty-five years ago. He has been 
 thrice married, his first wife being Mariette Chase, by whom he had two children. This 
 marriage occurred March 12, 1843, and his wife died in 1856. His second wife, whom 
 he married in 1860, was Nancy Merchant, who bore him one child. His third marriage, 
 September 25, 1873, was with Charlotte McMaster. Mr. Farnsworth is a prominent 
 member of the Baptist church of Fairfax. He is a man of good business qualifications, 
 and has been entrusted with the care and management of a number of estates, which 
 service he has performed with credit. 
 
 Farnsworth, Dr. James H., was born in Fairfield, Vt., April 16, 1809. When a boy 
 he commenced the study of medicine with his father, and entered the Medical Depart- 
 ment of the University of Vermont, graduating in a class of twenty-eight in 1828. 
 April 5, 1830, he married Caroline Martin, of Ferrisburg, Vt., and commenced the 
 practice of medicine in Fairfax, where he continued until his deatji, which occurred sud- 
 denly August 26, 1878. Dr. Farnsworth served his town both as representative and 
 senator, and his counsel was often sought in business matters. He left three daughters : 
 Mary, wife of Eev. J. S. Goodhall, of Essex Junction, Vt., and Caroline and Sarah, 
 who own and reside on the home farm. 
 
 Hawley, Dr. Curtis F., is descended from the pioneer stock in Fairfax, being the son 
 of Lyman and grandson of Abijah Hawley, the latter having settled in Buck Hollow in 
 1790. The wife of Lyman was Betsey Hawley, by whom he had a large family of 
 children. By his second wife, Mehssa Wells, he had two children. Curtis F. Hawley 
 was born August 2, 1826, and lived on the home farm until he was eighteen. He was 
 educated in the common schools and in Bakersfield Academy. He read medicine with 
 Dr. John Branch, of St. Albans, and afterwards attended the Castleton Medical College, 
 from which institution he was graduated in June, 1889. This was followed by a 
 post-graduate course in the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York city, after 
 which he commenced practice in Fletcher in 1849, moving to Fairfax in 1858. Dr. 
 Hawley is a successful practitioner, and an active member of both the State and County 
 'Medical Societies. During the war he had a valuable experience in the hospital at 
 Brattleboro. In 1851 he married Louisa A., daughter of William R. Boynton, of 
 Fletcher, of which marriage four children have been born. He also has one child by 
 adoption. In 1872-r4 Mr. Hawley represented his town in the legislature. He has 
 frequently been selectman, and has held the offices of town clerk, treasurer, and super- 
 intendent. 
 
 Hawley, Cyrus Abijah, born in Fairfax on the 26th of December, 1848, was the son 
 of Lyman Hawley by his marriage to Melissa Wells, whose two children were Cyrus A. 
 and Betsey Marilla, wife of John P. Robinson, of Swanton. Cyrus A. Hawley was 
 born and now lives on the old farm on which his grandfather, Abijah Hawley, settled in 
 1790. On the 19th of January, 1870, he married Elsie E., daughter of Stephen Jef- 
 fords, of Enosburgh. Mr. Hawley has been prominent in town affairs, having served 
 two terms as selectman, two as lister, and held other offices as well. He is a member 
 of Christ church of Buck Hollow. 
 
 Howard, Marshall, married Lavina Smith, and by her had nine children, viz.: Eben- 
 ezer, Charles, Daniel, Polly, Jerusha, Joseph, Harrison, Anna, and John S. Of these 
 only Anna, now the wife of Daniel D. Cox, and John are now living. Ebenezer How- 
 ard, the eldest, married Sarah Goodwin, and had eight children, as follows: Caroline- 
 Keyes, who died in Andersonville prison ; Willard ; Charlotte, wife of John Bostwick; 
 Anna, a school teacher jn Fairfax ; John S.; and Mary, wife of H. R. Learned, of Wis- 
 consin. John S. Howard was born January 10, 1841. He attended the district schools 
 -and one term at the academy, living at home until he entered the army, in which he 
 
Family Sketches. 749 
 
 enlisted as private August 4, 1862, in Company K, Eleventh Vermont Infantry. At the 
 Weldon Railroad raid he was taken by the rebels and confined in the Southern prison 
 pens for five months and twenty-three (^ays. On being released he joined his command 
 and served until the close of the war, never having been wounded. He was mustered 
 out in July, 1865. In December, 1880, Mr. Howard married Flora A., daughter by adop- 
 tion of Daniel D. Cox, of which marriage one child has been born. 
 
 Hubbell, George A., son of Homer E. and Maria L. (Gove) Hubbel],was born in Fair- 
 fax, December 9, lb30. Homer E. Hubbell, the father, was a leading lawyer of Frank- 
 hn county, «nd died in 1890 at the age of eighty-Jive. George A. Hubbell was edu- 
 cated in the district schools of the town and attended Bakersfield Academy for a short 
 time. In 1852 he made a journey to the California gold, fields, where he worked nearly 
 two and a half years. During the most of his life he has been engaged in farming and 
 cattle dealing, though of late years he has lived in the village and given the direct man- 
 agement of the farm, into the hands of his son, Charles G. On July 3, 1856, George A. 
 Hubbell married Jane E., daughter of Orville Bishop, of Fairfax, of which marriage two 
 children were born, viz.: Homer Bishop Hubbell, now principal of the high school at 
 Beaver Dam, Wis., and Charles Gove Hubbell, of Fairfax. Mr. Hubbell is a Democrat 
 in politics. He has held the offices of selectman, lister, grand juror, auditor, and justice 
 of the peace. 
 
 Hubbell, Homer E., born at Cambridge, Vt., August 10, 1805, died at Fairfax, May 17, 
 1890. At the age of nineteen he came to Fairfax and commenced the study of law in 
 the office of Hon. Luther B. Hunt, and was admitted to the Franklin County Bar at St. 
 Albans in September, 1827. In October, 1828, he married Maria L. Gove, and the same 
 year he purchased the practice and real estate business of Mr. Hunt and settled in Fair- 
 fax. He was a membe^ of the Constitutional Convention in 1843, and was a justice of 
 the peace for seventeen years. In 1836. at the age of thirty, he was elected state sen- 
 ator, being the youngest senator ever elected in the state, and was re-elected in 1838 
 and again in 1842. He was elected towu representative seven times. In 1842 he was 
 chosen state's attorney, and as such prosecuted the case of Eugene Clifford, who was 
 convicted of the murder of his wife and child by drowning them in Fairfield Pond. 
 Mr. Hubbell remained iu active practice for fifty years, but in 1880 he was stricken with 
 paralysis, which left his nerves badly shattered, obliging him to retire from professional 
 work. His mind continued clear to the time of his death. In politics he was always a 
 Democrat. Mr. Hubbell left three children : George A., who owns and lives on the 
 homestead ; John C, who has charge of the cold storage at St. Albans ; and Jane M., 
 wife of Daniel H. Smith, of Princeton, III. 
 
 Hunt George, son of Elijah and Louisa (Kidder) Hunt, was born in Fairfax, February 
 5, 1841. His parents had a large family of children, as follows : Lucy A., Fred S., 
 George, Henry, Ira E., Lucilla P., Adelia, Abbie, John F., and Cora, several of whom still 
 live in the town. George Hunt was reared on the farm, where he lived until August, 
 1862, when he enlisted in Company K, Eleventh Vermont Volunteer Infantry, the reg- 
 iment being commanded by Colonel Warner and Company K by Capt. George D. 
 Sowles. The first regular engagement in which the company participated was at Cold 
 H-arbor, and here comrade Hunt was struck by a minie-ball, wounded, and carried to 
 the field hospital, where he remained for a time, being afterwards taken to the general 
 hospital at Washington, whence he was conveyed in December to Burlington, Vt, and 
 there cared for until June, 1863, when he was discharged for disability. In 1867 Mr. 
 Hunt married Ellen S. Brush, of Fairfax, by whom he had one child. In the fall of 
 1889 he was elected representative for Fairfax in the General Assemb.y, and for six 
 years he held the office of first constable. 
 
 Kenfield, Benjamin, was born in Morristown, Vt., October 2, 1820, a son of George 
 and Lucinda (Dike) Kenfield. When six years old his mother died, after which he was 
 sent to hve with an aunt at Cambridge. He was apprenticed to Thomas H. Perkins, of 
 Johnson, a blacksmith, at which he served for four years, when he began business for 
 
750 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 himself. In 1843 he went to Fletcher, where he worked for three years, thence to Cam- 
 brid-'e, where he manufactured axes for two or three years. He then came to Fairfax 
 and worked for Ansel Shepardson; but a little later, with Merrit C. Shepardson, he 
 bought and operated a foundry, saw-mill, and blacksmith shop, the works bemg located 
 in Shepardson Hollow about two miles east of the village. In 1862 Mr. Kenfield en- 
 listed in Company K, Eleventh Vermont Volunteers, and served until May, 1864, when 
 he was discharged for disability. Returning from the army he bought a farm, on which 
 his son now lives, but of late years he has resided in the village, where he carries on a 
 shop. In 1846 Mr. Kenfield married Aurelia Shepardson, of which union seven chil- 
 dren have been born. He and his family are members of the Baptist church. 
 
 Leach Family, The.— The surname Leach stands for pioneership in Fairfield, John 
 Leach having been one of the early settlers, and his wife, Hannah (Page) Leach, was 
 also of pioneer stock in that town. Of their ten children Willis married Betsey Dan- 
 forth, by whom he had six children, the youngest being Cyrus. , The latter, who is a 
 farmer, married, in 1849, Mary B. Hawley, of Fairfax, of which marriage five children 
 have been born, viz.: Myron B., Willard F., Hobart F., Julia A., and Hannah. In I860 
 Mr. Leach purchased and moved to the old Gale farm, which contains about 300 acres. 
 Daring his residence in Fairfax he has been for two or three years selectman, the can- 
 didate of the Republican party. In church affairs Mr. Leach is of the Baptist denom- 
 ination, while fiis wife is a communicant of the Protestant Episcopal church of Buck 
 Hollow. 
 
 Marsh, Salmon S., whose large farm is located north of Fairfax village, was born 
 in Sheldon, March 13, 1818, the son of Thomas and Mary (Stebbins) Marsh, both of 
 pioneer stock in Sheldon. Thomas Marsh was twice married, his first wife being Han- 
 nah Toung, who bore him six children, all of whom are now deceased. By his second 
 marriage he had five children, of whom Salmon S. was the third. Mr. Marsh died in 
 Sheldon in 1842. Salmon S. Marsh married, February 22, 1843, Aurilla Kendall, of 
 Bnosburgh, daughter of Seth Kendall, by whom he had three children. In 1853 he 
 purchased and took up his residence on a farm in Orleans county, Vt., where he re- 
 mained for thirteen years. In 1866 he bought the old Svyift farm of 125 acres in Fair- 
 fax, where he has since resided, having increased this place to 227 acres. The owner 
 is practically retired from active work, the management of the .property being in the 
 hands of Cyrus H. Whitford, his son-in-law. 
 
 Perham, Madison 0., son of Alvin and Harriet Perham and second of their three 
 children, was born in Cambridge, Vt., April 9, 1840. His grandfather, Joel Perham, 
 was a Revolutionary soldier, having enlisted at the age of fourteen. His grandmother, 
 whose name was Grout, was also conspicuous during the early French wars, she having 
 been carried into captivity by the Indians, who eventually released her. At the age of 
 twenty-four Madison 0. married Caroline Harvey, by whom he has four children. 
 Mr. Perham lived in Cambridge until 1867, when he came to Fairfax to reside, taking 
 the James Wilson farm, where he lived until 1888, when he purchased the Alonzo Bel- 
 lows farm of 104 acres, where he now lives, retaining, hovvever, the homestead, Mr. 
 Perham is a Democrat in politics, and has held the office of lister. 
 
 Rugg, Giles, born in Fairfax, January, 29, 1823, is the son of Alexander and Philenda 
 (King) Rugg. Alexander Rugg was one of the substantial farmers of the town, and in 
 this occupation Giles was brought up and has ever since continued, being also interested 
 in a meat market with his son-in-law, C. C. Gillette, of Fairfax. Mr. Rugg married, 
 February 12, 1851, Lurena Mears Ellsworth, a native of Milton, born June 2, 1833. 
 Their children are : Josephus Ellsworth, born January 5, 1852, now living in Wyo- 
 ming; Charlie Frederick, born October 17, 1856, also lives in Wyoming; Eva Lucia, 
 born October 10, 1862, the wife of 0. C. Lane, of Des Moines, la.; and Effie Gertrude, 
 Ijorn August 31, 1864, the wife of C. C. Gillette, of Fairfax. In the matter of belief 
 Mr. and Mrs. Rugg and Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Gillette are Spiritualists. 
 
Family Sketches. 751 
 
 Shepardson, Ansel, jr., was born in Middletown,Vt., July 10, 1793, a son of Ansel, sr., 
 who came with his family to Fairfax about 1805, Ansel, jr., being then about twelve 
 years of age. Mr. Shepardson located on the farm now owned by Curtis H. Wilson, 
 and here by the light of the fire in his father's cooper shop Ansel, jr., obtained his edu- 
 cation. While quite young he opened a school, and for many years taught singing- 
 school. When a young man he built a saw-mill on the stream near by, and for many 
 years did an extensive business in the manufacture of lumoer. He also invented and 
 built a pioneer flax machine, and did a successful business in making and dressing that 
 product. About 1830 he commenced wool-carding and cloth-finishing, which business 
 he continued until 1850, when a new mill was built and machinery put in it for the 
 manufacture of woolen cloth and yarn. He also erected a foundry and blacksmith 
 shop. The locality took the name of Shepardson Hohow,»and became quite a noted 
 place of business. In 1816 he married, first, Aurelia Story, who died in 1822. He af- 
 terwards married Lu Ray Story (both were daughters of Elijah Story, of Fairfax). By 
 the latter marriage he had five children, three of whom are living. In 1857 Mr. Shep- 
 ardson gave up his business to his youngest son. He was a member of the Baptist 
 church, was one of its deacons for half a century, and in every sense was an honest, 
 faithful. Christian man. He died in 1875, nearly eighty-three years old. 
 
 Shepardson, Francis Wayland, youngest son of Ansel and Lu Ray (Story) Shepard- 
 son, was born February 26, 1836. When a child nothing seemed to satisfy him quite 
 as well as constructing miniature saw-mills, foundries, fulling-mills, turning lathes, and 
 such like, and he set them all running on a little waterfall near by. At an early age he 
 became familiar with the details of all the business carried on by his father. At the age 
 of twenty-one he took up the woolen manufacturing business at the old stand' in Shep- 
 ardson Hollow, carrying on the business there for eight years. Being unable to meet 
 the constantly increasing demand for his goods on account of limited power and old 
 machinery Mr. Shepardson purchased new and the most approved machinery that could 
 Ihen be found, and forming a co-partnership with Saumel N. Q-aut, owner of the great 
 falls, they proceeded in 1865 to put in operation the " Lamoille mill." This mill turned 
 out yearly about $30,000 worth of fancy cassimeres, flannel, and yarn, nearly all of 
 which was ordered and purchased by the local trade. The mill gained the reputation 
 of supplying people with the best and most serviceable goods made in Vermont. In 
 1881 he sold his interest in the Lamoille mills, purchased the old Hiram Bellows place 
 at the village, and has since resided there. Mr. Shepardson is a Republican and cast his 
 first ballot for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. He has held nearly every office of honor and 
 trust in town. In September, 1890, he was elected a member of the legislature. At the 
 age of fourteen he united and became identified with the interests of the Baptist church 
 in Fairfax, and has ever been one of its hearty and earnest supporters. He married, in 
 1860, Miss Jennie Kinney, of Milton, and two daughters have been born to them, of 
 whom the youngest, Fannie V., eighteen years of age, is now living. 
 
 Wanzer John, the pioneer of the family, became a resident of the town of Fairfax, 
 Vt about' 1825. His wife was Jerusha (Oolburn) Wanzer, by whom he had ten chil- 
 dren as follows : Willard, Jay, Helen, Dan C, Alfred, Jerusha, John (who died in in- 
 fancy) John, 2d, Sarah H., and Lina C. John Wanzer was born on the farm where he 
 now resides on the 30th of May, 1836. He is the only representative of the family now 
 living in the town. His father died in 1872 and his mother some four years earlier. 
 Mr Wanzer is the owner of the homestead farm, and has also a farm' in Fletcher. He 
 has never married. He was baptized and brought up in the Episcopal church of Buck 
 Hollow. In town affairs he held the offices of selectman three years and road commis- 
 sioner five years. His farms comprise 180 acres in Fairfax and 137 in Fletcher. 
 
 Wilcox, Isaac Farnsworth, was born May 5, 1829, in Westford, Vt. His father, Jo- 
 seph M Wilcox, was a native of Westford, and his mother, Maria (Farnsworth) Wil- 
 cox was descended from pioneer stock of Fairfax. The children of these parents were 
 as follows • Joseph D., born December 17, 1822, now living in Rutherford, N. J.; Cor- 
 
752 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 nelia E., born December 17, 1824, died aged about twenty; Sarah E., born Novem- 
 ber 30, 1826, died aged about seventeen ; Isaac F.; Catherine M., born July 17, 1836, be- 
 came a Baptist minister in 1862 ; and Charlotte Horton, born July 18, 1839. The family 
 came from Westford to Fairfax in 1834, and settled where Isaac F. Wilcox now lives. 
 Joseph M. died in March, 1874, and his wife, Maria, October 31, 1844. At the age of 
 twenty-one Isaac F. Wilcox started to work by the month, but soon found employment 
 in the Fairfax mills, at which he continued for about eleven years. Finally he took up 
 permanently his residence on the farm. In January, 1867, he married Mary, daughter 
 of Ami and Lucy (Perkins) Wilson, by whom he had one child, who died at birth, Mrs. 
 Perkins dying at the same time. Mr. Wilcox, on May 1, 1878, married, second, Hen- 
 rietta, daughter of Benjamin and Roena Merritt, of New York state. Mr. Wilson has 
 been prominent in town affairs, having held nearly all the town offices. 
 
 Wilson, Curtis H., son of Ami and Lucy (Perkins) Wilson, was born August 13, 1841. 
 He was educated in the district schools of the town and attended several terms at the 
 New Hampton Institute. He was brought up on the farm, and by the time he was of 
 age he commenced his business life. About 1872 he purchased the farm formerly 
 owned by his wife's father and known as the Learned farm, comprising about 300 acres, 
 where he now resides. In town affairs Mr. Wilson has been prominent, having served 
 as selectman and lister, being in the latter office for four years. He is a member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal church. January 22, 1868, Curtis H. Wilson married Eliza A., 
 daughter of Newton and Sarah Learned, of which union one son has been born. 
 Ami was twice married, his first wife being Betsey Downs, by whom he had two chil- 
 dren, Maria Prindle and Betsey Chase. His second wife was Lucy Perkins, and their 
 children were as follows : Frederick D., Lewis N., Mary M., Samuel E., Curtis H., and 
 Perkins. 
 
 Wilson, Frederick D., who was born February 18, 1831, was the oldest child of Ami 
 and Lucy (Perkins) Wilson. He was obliged toassist in the farm work, and had there- 
 fore little chance to attend school, yet he is reckoned one of the well informed men of 
 the town. For many years he held the office of selectman. He is a member of the 
 Methodist Episcopal church of Fairfax, in which church his wife is an active Sunday- 
 school worker. Frederick D. Wilson and Hannah Giddings were married in December, 
 1857. They have no children. Besides his home farm of about seventy acres Mr. Wil- 
 son owns another farm of about 125 acres in Westford. 
 
 Wilson, Samuel E., whose store occupies a prominent and conspicuous site in Fairfax, 
 is a native of the town, and was born July 23, 1838, the son of Ami and Lucy (Perkins) 
 Wilson. Ami had by a former wife, Betsey (Downs) Wilson, two children. Samuel 
 E. was educated in the district schools of the town, arid also attended the New Hamp- 
 ton Institute during a portion of two years. When not at school he was employed 
 about his father's farm, but at the age of twenty-one he commenced work at the La- 
 moille mills, where he was employed some six years. After that he came to the village 
 and worked as a clerk in a store for one year, and then started in busmess with 
 Charles E. Cady, the firm of Cady & Wilson being formed in 1867, but in 1872 Mr. 
 Wilson became sole proprietor. He came to his present location in 1876. Mr. Wilson 
 married, in 1867, Samantha Kellogg, by whom he had one child. His second wife 
 whom he married in 1877, was Caroline T. Merritt. After her death, in 1880, Mr. Wil- 
 son married Amanda E. Ballard. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episco- 
 pal church and treasurer and steward of the society. 
 
 Fairfield. 
 
 Flanders, W. G. E., M.D., was born January 6, 1855, a son of George E. Flanders 
 of Concord, N. H., and of a family of five children, three of whom died in infancy' 
 Charles N. Flanders, a brother, resides at Concord, N. H. W. G. B. Flanders received 
 his primary education at Concord, N. H., where he early gave promise of future use- 
 
Family Sketches. 753 
 
 fulness. He graduated from the Penaoook Normal Academy, and commenced his med- 
 ical studies under Dr. A. 0. Alexander, of Penacook, N. H., in 1871. He subsequently 
 spent nearly three years with Dr. L. W. Baker, of Baldwinsville, Mass., at which place 
 he had considerable hospital practice. He was licensed as a pharmacist about 1878, and 
 also received three special diplomas in con.petitive examinations and the degree of Doc- 
 tor of Medicine from the U. V. M. of Burlington, Vt., in July, 1888. He then located 
 at Fairfield, where he is known as a skillful physician, and where he has an extensive 
 and lucrative practice. Dr. Flanders married, October 20, 1886, Mrs. Nettie 0. Wyman, 
 daughter of Isaac P. .G-ould, of Athol, Mass., a lady of refined culture and literary 
 tastes. 
 
 Hurlburt, Mrs. Jane B. Northrop, was born in Fairfield, Vt., June 25, 1816. She was 
 the daughter of Abraham Northrop, a native of Fairfield, Oonn., whose wife was Jane, 
 daughter of Andrew Bradley, who was an early settler of Fairfield at a time when the 
 residents of the town were obliged to go to Plattsburgh to mill. Abraham Northrop's 
 family consisted of twelve children, six of whom were sons. One son and four daughters 
 now reside in Franklin county. Two sons and one daughter died in childhood. Several 
 resided for many years in Franklin county. One of this family, Andrew Bradley North- 
 rop, became a resident of Arcade, Wyoming county, N. Y., and died in 1881. Jane 
 Bradley was one of a family whose mother was Ruth (Wakeman) Bradley. 
 
 Isham, Henry S., was born at St. Albans, Vt., April 8, 1827, and died at East Fair- 
 field, October 2, 1889. His father, Asahel Isham, was a soldier in the War of 1 812. 
 William Isham, father of Asahel, was honored by a badge of merit given by Ool. Zebu- 
 Ion Butler for six years' faithful service in the Revolution. His discharge from the serv- 
 ice is a relic now in the possession of Henry S. Isham, and is in the writing of G-eorge 
 Washington. It bears the date of June 7, 1783, and upon the back is the statement 
 that it .should " be considered in the nature of a furlough until the ratification of the 
 treaty of peace." Henry S. Isham married Eunice, daughter of Willis and Amanda 
 (Soule) Northrop, October 26, 1853. Their children were: Effie M., born October 7, 
 1855 ; Henry J., born June 15, 1857 ; Jennie L., born March 7, 1859, married Horace 
 W. Soule, June 20, 1877, and died August5, 1887, leaving one child, Annie J.; Clara 0.; 
 Gertie J., born October 19, 1863, married Arthur Pomeroy ; and Amanda E., born Au- 
 gust 21, 1869', married Edward B. Chase, December 18, 1888. Henry married Eram^ 
 Prouty, August 10, 1884, and has one son, Walter J., born February, 1888. Henry S. 
 Isham built the Isham House at East Fairfield about 1870, where he resided until his 
 death. His kind and genial disposition so endeared him to his family and friends that 
 they truly felt that '' a place was made vacant in our home which never can be filled." 
 
 Northrop, Thomas, was one of the earliest settlers of Fairfield. He had eight daugh- 
 ters and one son. The latter, Harmon, was born in 1796 and died in 1884. His wife 
 was Sarah, daughter of Benjamin Wooster, who was the first Congregational minister of 
 Fairfield. They had ten children, four of whom are living : Benjamin W. and Julian, of 
 Fairfield ; Joseph, of St. Albans ; and Charlotte, the wife of W. Deming, of Sheldon. 
 Benjamin W. Northrop married Bmeline Smith, February 15, 1841. She was the daugh- 
 ter of Joab Smith, of Fairfield, the so-called " father of the town," and was born Oc- 
 tober 8, 1821, and died April 4, 1884. They had four children, of whom one was killed 
 by lightning at the age of four years ; Eunice married J. M. Carter, and died at Wau- 
 kegan, 111., in 1886 ; Mary, wife of Archibald McArthur, resides in Waukegan, 111.; and 
 J. S. lives on the homestead in Fairfield, The latter married Mary, daughter of Mr. and 
 Mrs. John Hand, of Fairfield. Hazel Bmeline, daughter of J. S. and Mary Northrop, 
 was born April 8, 1889. 
 
 Paradee, Joseph, born in Canada in 1812, died at Fairfield, Vt., February 21, 1885. 
 His wife, A.ngeline (La Grave) Paradee, was also born in Canada, and died August 12, 
 1876. Mrs. Paradee is remembered as a loving mother, a devoted wife, and a helpful 
 friend. Six children were born to them, viz.: Alson, born in October, 1839, resides in 
 the West ; Hiram, born in April, 1842, died May 27, 1863, in a hospital at Alexandria, 
 
754 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Va., while in the service of his country; Mary, born July 17, 1844, married Theodore 
 Peters, November 17, 1866, who died September 23, 1885; Bonaparte, born in 1846, 
 died at the age of twelve years ; Sarah Jane, who died in infancy ; and Bradley, born 
 August 31, 1854, is a resident of Fairfield. 
 
 Prouty, C. C, son of S D. Prouty, a native of New Hampshire, who settled m High- 
 gate, Vt., was born September 20, 1838. His wife was Sarah A. Chase, whom he 
 married September 4, 1858. Their children were : Willie C, born January 2, 1866 ; 
 Frank D., born July 25, 1861 ; Anson N., born November 10, 1865 ; Emma S., born 
 April 1, 1867; and Herbert C, born April 4, 1875. Frank and Anson died in child- 
 hood. Emma married Henry J. Isham on August 6, 1884, and they have one child. 
 Willie 0. married Hattie Hull on January 1, 1884, and they also have one child. Mr. 
 Prouty has been a prominent citizen of the town for ten years, and was elected repre- 
 sentative from Fairfield in 1890. 
 
 Rodee, Charles M., of East Fairfteld, Vt., was born at West Chazy,N. Y., August 23, 
 1856, and has been a resident of Fairfield for ten years. He is a miller by occupation. 
 His father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were also millers. In another branch of 
 the family there was another instance of there being four generations in the same occu- 
 pation. Charles M. Rodee married Maggie Miller, March 25, 1885. She was a resident 
 of Beekmantown, N. Y., and the daughter of Nathan and Margaret (Mason) Miller. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Rodee have a daughter who was born June 15, 1886. D. L. Rodee, 
 father of Charles M., was born June 30, 1828, at Peru, Clinton county, N. Y., and mar- 
 ried Elizabeth N., daughter of Josiah and Sophia (Parsons) Woodworth, of Beekman- 
 town, N. Y. Charles M. is their only son. The parents of D. L. were Peter and Sarah 
 (Lobdell) Rodee. The former was a native of Dutchess county, N. Y., was a soldier in 
 the War of 1812, and participated in the battle of Plattsburgh. His wife was the 
 daughter of Jares and Betsey Lobdell, of Danby, Rutland county, Vt. The ancestry of 
 the Rodee family is traced back through Daniel Rodee, grandfather of D. L., to" the 
 earliest Dutch settlement of New York. 
 
 Soule, A. C, born August 12, 1811, was the son of Joseph and Esther (Whitney) 
 Soule. He first married Elizabeth Pierce Putnam, of Boston, who died in June, 1863. 
 He married, second, Adaliza Sherman, September 13, 1865, by whom he had four 
 children: Albertine Gertrude, born April 30, 1869; Augusta Eugenie, born July 16, 
 1872; Albert Gallatin, born December 24, 1875, died March 17, 1876; and Elizabeth 
 Putnam, born November 6, 1877. Mr. Soule was a thorough business man and a liberal 
 supporter of the Episcopal church, of which he was a member for many years. He 
 held all the important oifices of the town, some of them for many years, performing all 
 the duties incident thereto with a discretion equalled by few. He represented his 
 town in the Assembly, was a senator from Franklin county, and was recognized as a 
 wise and prudent legislator. He followed mercantile pursuits in St. Albans and Fair- 
 field, and had large farming interests which demanded his supervision and care. He 
 carried his keen perception of duty and right into all the relations of life. He .was a 
 wise counsellor and conscientious advisor, and lives in the hearts of those who knew 
 him. He died March 17, 1883. 
 
 Soule, H. Allen, who was born May 4, 1834, is a son of Hiram Allen Soule. He is a 
 farmer by occupation, and was educated in the schools of Franklin county. He married 
 Mahala T., daughter of Andrew and Esther (Lobdell) Buck, October 19, 1857. Andrew 
 Buck, born September 20, 1797, is still hale and hearty in his nmety-fourth year. His 
 portrait in a group of three others, showing four generations, is in the possession of Mr. 
 Soule. The latter's children are : Mira E., born September 30, 1858 ; Marion E born 
 July 23, 1860; Esther L., born December 22, 1864; Arthur B., born August 21 1867 • 
 Andrew W., born August 22, 1870; Carlton A., born August 3, 1876; and Nathan 
 L. B., born August 6, 1878. Marion E. married Charles S. Campbell, of St. Albans, and 
 they have one son, Harold Andrew, born November 26, 1868. Esther L. is the wife of 
 Buell C. Campbell, a Methodist clergyman, of South Newmarket, N. H. A specialty 
 
Family Sketches. 755 
 
 of Mr. Soule's is the raising of thoroughbred (registered) Ayrshire cattle, in which bus- 
 iness he has been very successful. He has been lister and selectman of his town, and 
 served as justice of the peace for fifteen years. Pohtically he is a Republican. He has 
 made transcontinental trips for the settlement of estates and other business entrusted 
 to his charge. 
 
 Soule, Timothy, was one of the first settlers in the town of Fairfield. His father, 
 Joseph Soule, came here from Dover, Conn., about 1790, where he educated and trained 
 a large family to habits of industry and usefulness. Timothy came to Fairfield when 
 about twenty-two years oE age and settled in the west part of the town, where he 
 acquired a handsome property. His life embraced the stirring events of the Revolution 
 and the general features of history of our government and nation. He died in Fairfield, 
 December 27, 1860, aged ninety-two years and ten months. His wife was Betsey 
 Elliott, of Connecticut, who died about 1843, and by whom he had a family of twelve 
 children. James Monroe Soule, son of Timothy, was born June 10, 1817. and died 
 February 15, 1889. He married Mariette E. Payne on May 29, 1853, a daughter of 
 Aaron H. and Polly Ann (Sherman) Payne. Mr. Payne was born in Connecticut, June 
 11, 1779, and died in Cambridge, Vt., April 11, 1887. His wife survived him for about 
 three years. The life of Mr. Payne was marked by integrity of purpose, and of him it 
 is said '' during all his years his character was without reproach." James Monroe Soule 
 was a man of ability and sterling integrity. He declined many solicitations to accept 
 offices of trust and honor, but was a town representative in 1869-70. He was the 
 father of three children, one of whom, Helen Josephine, died in childhood October 4, 
 1859. Ashton P. Soule, a son, succeeds to the parental home, and with his mother 
 occupies the house — now repaired— built by his grandfather. He was born in Fairfield, 
 October 19, 1862, and married Ola J. Cleveland in February, 1888. She is the daughter 
 of Elisha P. and Lydia Cleveland, of Georgia. Mr. Soule is the successful manager of a 
 large farm, and is well informed on all the current topics of the day. Marion Soule 
 was born September 23, 1868, and resides at the family home. 
 
 Soule, W. S., oldest son of Joseph A. Soule, who is a native of Fairfield, Vt., was 
 born in the same town May 26, 1850. He was educated in the schools of Franklin 
 county, at Barre, Vt., and in a business college at Troy, N. Y. He has been in business 
 for the past fifteen years, and for twelve years has been located at Bast Fairfield, where 
 he has a general store. Mr. Soule married Anna S., daughter of ii. S. Read, of East 
 Fairfield, and they have one child, Hubert, aged three. He has two sons, Reuben and 
 Read, aged respectively nine and seven, by a former marriage. 
 
 St. Germain, Marshall, born of French parentage in Canada, November 20, 1836, came 
 to Fairfield, Vt., in boyhood. He enlisted, September 20, 1861, in Company B, First 
 Vermont Cavalry, Capt. George G. Conger, was under General Hatch in the Army of the 
 Potomac, and served under Generals Custer and Kilpatrick with Sheridan. He par- 
 ticipated in many battles, among which were the second battle of Bull Run, a cavalry 
 fight at Brandy Station, Va., October 11, 1863, and at Gettysburg, where he distin- 
 guished himself for his bravery. He also at another time saved his captain's life and 
 his company from capture by his brave action. He went through the battles of the 
 Wilderness ' in 1864 (May), the first engagement being ' at Mine Run. He was taken 
 prisoner in March, 1863, and confined in Libby Prison. Mr. St. Germain was again 
 taken prisoner in May, 1864, was in the hospital at Richmond, was afterwards taken to 
 Andersonville, thence to Camp Florence, S. C, and was paroled in the following autumn. 
 He was at Savannah and afterwards at Annapolis while under parole. His discharge 
 from the service was dated at Brattleboro, Vt., February 6, 1865. He married Philena 
 M., daughter of Aleck and Mary Bashaw, February 18, 1868, and four children have 
 been born to them : Henry H., born December 4, 1869 ; Marshall, born August 25,1870 ; 
 Amelia M., born May 11, 1876; and Laura Emma, born March 12, 1878. 
 
 95 
 
756 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Franklin. 
 
 Bell, Jason, from Connecticut, settled in Chittenden county, and had three sons and three 
 daughters, of whom Norman settled in Malone, N. Y., in 1829, and reared six children, one 
 of whom, Edwin R., born in 1826, came to Sheldon in 1846, and was in mercantile busi- 
 ness there until 1855, when he removed to Franklin and continued in that trade until 
 1860. In 1861 he was appointed deputy collector and inspector of customs, which 
 office he held until 1885. Since then Mr. Bell has been justice of the peace, town 
 agent, and state senator in 1888. He married Mrs. Martha A. Hawley and has one 
 son, George E., who married Miss Emma Chadwick. 
 
 Cleveland, Solomon P., came from Georgia to Franklin about 1838. He had ten 
 children. Two of his sons were Elisha H. and Dwight S. The former was born in 1822 in 
 Georgia, Vt., and was educated at the local schools of Franklin. He has been justice of 
 the peace for twenty-five years, was for two years county judge, and served as selectman 
 besides having held various other town offices. In 1840 he married Lydia M. Cheney, 
 who died in 1888. Their only daughter, Bertha A., married H. C. Pomeroy. Judge 
 Cleveland is a successful farmer and a representative citizen. He is well read and 
 ever ready to promote the interests of his community. 
 
 Felton, William, born in 1779, came from Vernon, Vt., to Franklin in 1803, where 
 he died in 1852. He was a soldier of the War of 1812, was representative in the Gen- 
 eral Assembly seven times from 1818 to 1834, and was a member of the Constitutional 
 Conventions of 1822 and 1828. He married Caroline Connable, and they had seven 
 children, of whom Charles, born in 1811, married Ona Tracey, of Sheldon. Charles Fel- 
 ton was representative in 1855, and member of the Constitutional Conventions of 1849, 
 1856, and l870. He has all his life been an ardent advocate of temperani;e, having been 
 temperance editor of the St. Albans Messenger for thirteen years, and also of the Ver- 
 mont Century. In early life he was prominent in the cause of anti-slavery. He has 
 five sons : Walter and Herbert in Mexico, Emerson and Charles in Chicago, and Ly- 
 man M., an active business man in Franklin and Highgate. 
 
 Gates Family, The. — Simon, Stephen, and Jacob Gates in 1638 came to America from 
 England. Simon had three sons, of whom Simon, jr., settled in Marlboro, Mass., and 
 had six sons. One, Solomon, born in 1721, lived in Worcester, Mass.^ and had six chil- 
 dren, of whom Paul married Zerviah Spooner, November 29, 1792, and had five sons: 
 Samuel, Paul, Philip, Horace, and Clark. They were the first couple married in Frank- 
 lin. Paul, jr., married Eunice Temple, and they had four children : Spooner, Harrison, 
 Martha, and BUzabeth, of whom only Harrison is living. Harrison married Rebecca 
 Shedd, and their son, Charles W., married Mary E. Hayden and is now a merchant in 
 Franklin village. The only descendant of Clark Gates, who married Mrs. Fanny M. 
 Cheney, is D. J. Gates, who married Mary A. Spaulding, by whom he had three sons 
 and one daughter. Mr. Gates is a successful farmer, and is one of the selectmen of 
 Franklin. Samuel Gates had three children : Sophia, Minerva, and Cadmus, all of whom 
 are living. Horace Gates's children were Horatio (deceased) and Zervia. Philip had 
 born to him five children, viz.: Julia, Rodney, Sidney, Helen, and Joan, of whom only 
 Rodney and Helen survive. 
 
 Green, Alonzo, son of George Green, a merchant of Swanton, Vt., was born in that 
 town in 1815, and came to Franklin about 1845 and engaged in trade. He was a lead- 
 ing man in church and town affairs, and held many positions of trust and honor. He 
 was senator in 1859 and in 1860, and was town clerk for about twenty-five years. He 
 married, first, Debbie Marvin, who bore him no children. He married, second, Lucinda 
 Spaulding, by whom he had seven children: George S., a physician at Bnosburgh; 
 William A., who died in the civil war ; Sarah L., who married Judson Cheney ; Charles 
 
Family Sketches. 757 
 
 p., who resides in Washington ; Mary (deceased) ; Winnie, who married Henry Ewing ; 
 and Debbie M., who married J. B. Toof . Mr. Toof was engaged in trade m Franklin 
 for .several years, and although a resident of Canada he is interested and prominently 
 identifled with the business interests of Franklin county. 
 
 Powers, Edgar J., M.D., was educated at the common schools of Franklin and grad- 
 uated from Castleton Medical College in 1R60. He immediately commenced the prac- 
 tice of his profession in Franklin, where he has continued to the present time. He 
 has been an allopathic physician of prominence. His practice formerly extended through 
 fourteen towns in Franklin county and four in Canada, but owing to ill health he has 
 been obliged to curtail it to his immediate vicinity. He married Rosemond Pomeroy, 
 and their children are Blwyn, Dennis 0., Morton H., Mary M., Martha P., Thomas E., 
 Rossie M., and Smiley S. Dennis 0. Powers, who was born in 1857, graduated at Bur- 
 lington and practiced medicine for two years in Highgate, and is now a physician in 
 Franklin. Morton H., born in 1859, graduated at Burlington, practiced four years in 
 Berkshire, and is now a leading practitioner in Fairfax. 
 
 Powers, John, came to Northampton previous to the French and Indian war, in which 
 he served. His son Joel, born in 1763, lived in Massachusetts and moved to Franklin 
 in 1806, locating on the place now occupied by Edward Powers, being one of the first 
 in that part of the town. He married Mary G-alusha, and they had nine children. Sam- 
 son S., William, and Levi settled in Franklin. The former was born in 1794, and mar- 
 ried Margaret Elerick, by whom he had three children : Edward, born in 1826 ; Edgar, 
 born in 1828 ; and Bdoline. Edward Powers married Elnora Fuller and has two chil- 
 dren. Alma W. and Warren. Mr. Powers has taken great interest in the Indian history 
 oE his locality, and has one of the finest collections of Indian relics to be found in New 
 England. He has one of the first mill-stones that ever turned in Franklin. It is of red 
 granite, and was cut from a rock in that town on the old Hubbard corner, by Edwin 
 Prouty's grandfather, taking three months to finish it. The stone was run by Joel 
 Powers. 
 
 Truax, Elias, son of Jacob Truax, was born in 1727, and came from Albany, 
 N. Y., in'l793, and settled in Canada near the Franklin line. He married Elizabeth La- 
 grange, and they had seven children, of whom one son, Elia.=, born July 4, 1772, mar- 
 ried Anna Wightman and died in his 103d year. He had eleven children, of whom 
 Elias, born in 1802, married, first, Lucinda Holden, and second, Melissa, daughter of Dr. 
 Pomeroy. His third wife was Eleanor Hibbard, and his children were Thomas, who 
 enlisted in Company F, Seventh Regiment Vermont Volunteeis, and died near New Or- 
 leans, July 3, 1862; Sewall, who was major of the First Oregon Cavalry'; Lester, of the 
 state of Washington ; Charles E., sergeant First Oregon Cavalry ; and Stephen Pom- 
 ery, a farmer in the north part of Franklin, who married Anna M. Shepard, and has four 
 sons : Herbert, Charles, Frank, and Blburn. 
 
 Welch, Rodman E., was born in Berkshire, Vt., in 1845, was educated at the Literary 
 Institute of Fairfax, and was graduated from the Bellevue Medical College in March, 
 1872. He settled in Franklin the same year, where he has since continued m the practice 
 of his chosen profession. Dr. Welch is an allopathic physician, and is a member of the 
 State and County Medical Societies. He was president of the County Medical Society 
 for two years, and at the present time is health officer of the town of Frankhn. He 
 served eighteen months as a private in Company A, Fifth Vermont Volunteers, was com- 
 mander of Marsh Post, G. A. R., and for three years, in 1890, he was appointed United 
 States pension examiner. He married Emily P. Morrow, of Enosburgh, and they have 
 three daughters. 
 
758 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Georgia. 
 
 Ballard Family, The. — The surname Ballard stands not only for one of the pioneer 
 famiUes of Greorgia, but for a family that has been as prominently connected with the 
 social and political history of the town as any within its limits, and for a family, too, 
 that has contributed as much to the prosperity of the town as any other that can be 
 named. Josiah Ballard, the pioneer, was born February 7, 1766, and died April 11,1 836. 
 Polly Loomis Ballard, whom Joseph married on November 14, 1793, was born May 5, 1775. 
 Their children were asfollows : Laura, born^November 11, 1794, married Truman Chase, 
 of Westford, and had a family of five children ; Orrin, born May 26, 1797 ; Joseph, jr., 
 born July 10, 1799, became a Baptist minister, and died in Norwalk, Conn.; Hiram, born 
 August 25, 1801 ; E. Miranda, born October 28, 1808, married Chloe P. Jocelyn, Sep- 
 tember 20, 1836 ; Royal T., born October 21, 1810 ; Polly, born May 17, 1813 ; and 
 Loomis, born March 1, 1816. 
 
 Ballard, Harrison H., is descended from pioneer stock in Georgia. He was the fifth 
 of seven children of Hiram and Olive E. (Walker) Ballard, and at the age of fifteen 
 commenced farm work, helping his father, who was in feeble health. Eventually he be- 
 came the owner of his father's farm by paying to his brothers and sisters the value of 
 their shares in the property. The place contains 225 acres, and is known as one of the 
 best and most productive farms in Georgia. Besides being a farmer Mr. Ballard has 
 raised some of the best horses in the county. On December 17, 1874, he married Tina, 
 daughter of Frederick Andrews, of Ypsilanti, Mich. By this marriage three children 
 have been born. Mr. Ballard is interested in Greorgia politics, not, however, as an ofBce 
 seeker, but as one who feels an interest in the town's welfare. He is always at the polls 
 at election time, for he knows that in Georgia there are some interesting and exciting 
 contests, and it cannot be said that Mr. Ballard holds entirely aloof from participating 
 in them. 
 
 Ballard, Joseph, the well known and successful farmer of Georgia, was born on the 
 farm he owns, and on which he now resides, on the 8th of July, 1838. He is descended 
 from one of the old families of the town, and of a family each generation of which has 
 produced strong men mentally and physically. His parents were Orris and Chloe 
 Priscilla Ballard, and of their family of seven children he was the second. He has al- 
 ways lived on the home farm, which descended to him upon the death of his father, but 
 lie had to pay the other heirs the value of their shares of the property. The father died 
 in May, 1883. In 1864 Jeseph Ballard married Mariette Augusta, daughter of Chellis 
 Kingsley, of Georgia, of which marriage four children have been born. Mr! Ballard 
 has been an actice man in the political affairs of Georgia and has held a number of town 
 ofiices. For three years prior to 1890 he was selectman, and has served as lister for a 
 number of terms. He is a strong Republican and a leader in his community. 
 
 Bliss, Orville S., born in Georgia on the 27th of June, 1826, is the son of Abner and 
 Eloise (Nichols) Bliss, and of their children the eldest. These children were Orville S.; 
 Harriet, wife of Jared Dee ; Edward C, who died in Mexico in 1869; Edgar E., who 
 ■died in 1858; Frederick F., now of Westford ; and George A., who was killed in the 
 army June 1, 1863. Orville S. Bhss married, November 30, 1853, Eunice H., daughter 
 of Hiram Soule, of Fairfield, of which marriage three children have been born, as fol- 
 lows: Abner, a merchant of Georgia; Clara, now principal of the Elm street primary 
 school of St. Albans ; and Nelle, of Georgia. In 1862 Mr. Bliss moved to Fairfield, 
 but his residence in that town continued only about five years, when he returned to 
 Georgia. He has been a somewhat prominent figure in the political affairs of Georgia, 
 but has never been an office seeker. His ideas on political questions are decidedly radi- 
 ■ca\, for he despises knavery and sham and all things pertaining to machine methods. 
 
Family Sketches. 759 
 
 His attitude has frequently brought upon him the anathemas of his opponents, but his 
 course has always been characterized by fairness and candor. His life has been devoted 
 to promoting the interests of the county and its citizens. 
 
 Caldwell, William A., was born in aeorgia on April 23. 1823. Charles Caldwell, his 
 grandfather, came from Guilford, Conn., prior to 1800,' arid settled in the town of 
 Georgia. His children were Samuel, Ira, George, William, Charles, jr., Allen A., 
 Rachel, Abigail, Harriet, Mary Ann, Catherine, and Susan, the last named of whom is 
 the only one now living. Ira, the second child, was born in April, 1800, and married 
 Mary Blake. They had a family of five children, as follows: Mariette, WiUiam A., Ira 
 S., George, and Homer A. Of these only William and Homer are now living. When 
 William A. Caldwell was ten years old his father died, and the care of the family fell 
 upon the mother, but as the father left a comfortable property the family necessities 
 were easily supplied. In 1856, on February 27th, William A. married Adelia M. Bal- 
 lard, of Georgia. Mr. Caldwell is reckoned among the leading men of his town, and 
 occupying that position he has been frequently honored with town office. He was one 
 of the selectmen from 1869 to 1874 ; in 1872 he was elected representative ; and in 1873 
 he was chosen "town constable and collector, and has since held these offices. Besides 
 this he is well known as a successful business man. He owns the old property at the 
 Center, and is otherwise interested in Georgia's best institutions. 
 
 Conger, George Parker, a native of St. Albans, was born November 24, 1816, the 
 son of Reuben and Sarah (Neil) Conger, and of their nine children the third. The early 
 years of bis life were spent in various occupations, he having worked as wheelwright, 
 speculated, and been in Jhe railroad business for a number of years prior to 1861. In 
 that year, in September, he raised Company B, First Vermont Cavalry, and was elected 
 and commissioned its captain. After serving about a year Captain Conger resigned, and 
 returned home, eventually buying a farm in the north part of Georgia, where he lived 
 until he moved to his present home at the Center. Captain Conger has been three 
 times married, first to Dolly Basford, by whom he had one child, Stephen. His second 
 wife was Fanny (Hyde) Dearborn, a widow by whom he had no children. The third 
 wife, to whom he was married in June, 1881, was Catherine A. Bliss, widow of Abel 
 Bliss, but whose maiden name was Catherine A. Dunham. 
 
 Curtis, James K., son of Elijah Curtis and grandson of John Curtis, was born in Bur- 
 lington on the 20th of February, 1845. His father, Elijah, was born in Stanstead, Can- 
 ada, and came with his father, John, and famijy to St. Albans about 1832. Elijah learned 
 the trade of wheelwright in Burlington, but in 1851 he came to Georgia and became en- 
 gaged in farming. He married Caroline Beals, of St. Albans, and had four children : Joseph, 
 who died in infancy ; James K. ; Sarah C, who married John R. Holyoke; and Ather- 
 ton T., who also died in infancy. James K. Curtis was reared on the farm, and is now 
 known as one of the most successful and enterprising farmers of Georgia. His farm 
 consists of 340 acres, than which there is none better in the whole town. He has been 
 prominent in town affairs, bemg a leading and representative Republican. In 1878 and 
 1879 he was lister; in 1880 he represented the town; he served as selectman in 1881 ; 
 and in 1890 was chosen lister for another term. In January, 1872, Mr. Curtis married 
 Martha E. Allen, by whom he had four children : Atherton T., Helen L., Edward A., 
 and Harry B. 
 
 Dee Family, The. — Elijah Dee came to Georgia from Saybrook, Conn., in 1791, 
 bringing his wife and children and personal effects on an ox-sled in the dead of winter. 
 These children were John, who died in Illinois; Marian, who married Abner Bliss; 
 Elijah, who married Clara Loomis, and after her decease married Polly Post ; Jared, 
 who married Harriet Bliss; Hiram P. ; Ella and Clara (twins) ; and George B., Will- 
 iam, Washington, Hannah, Jeremiah, Parmelia, Mercy, and Polly. Some of these 
 children were born in Georgia. The children of Elijah and Clara (Loomis) Dee were 
 Diana and Augusta, both of whom are now dead. Those by the second marriage were 
 Clarissa, Polly, Harrison, Gustavus, Elijah, Jared, William, Henry, Azuba, Clarissa, 2d, 
 
760 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 and John. Jared Dee, whose home is commonly called " the checkered house " on ac- 
 count of its peculiar construction, is one of the substantial farmers of Georgia. On 
 January 31, 1856, he married Harriet Bliss and has four children, as follows: Hiram P., 
 a lawyer of St. Albans ; Ellen and Olara (twins) ; and George B. 
 
 Hotchkiss, Cephas Appolos, born in Georgia, June 27, 1834, is a son of Cyrus and 
 Mary (Towne) Hotchkiss and the grandson of James Hotchkiss, a pioneer of the town. 
 The latter has a family of three sons and four daughters, but Cephas was the only child 
 of Cyrus and Mary. Cyrus Hotchkiss was a merchant of the town doing business at 
 Georgia Plains, and in the store Cephas A. was educated in mercantile pursuits. But 
 his father was also prosperous as a farmer, and the son, following in the paternal foot- 
 steps, became himself a successful agriculturist. Cyrus died in 1875 and Cephas inher- 
 ited his goodly fortune. In local politics he has been quite prominent. His first polit- 
 ical trust in 1858 and 1859 was as lister, and from that time to the present he has held 
 some town office. In 1870 and again in 1876 he was elected representative. In 1890 he 
 was first selectman. That Mr. Hotchkiss is an extensive farmer is evidenced by the fact 
 that his lands embrace some 575 acres. He has been thrice married. His first wife, 
 whom he married August 10, 1859, was Cordelia M. Ladd, by whom he had six children. 
 She died January 23, 1876, and April 22, 1877, he married Mariam J. Bliss, who died 
 nine months later. His third wife was Hattie M. (Hotchkiss) Learned, to whom he 
 was married October 12, 1887. 
 
 Hubbard, Orrin C, was one of the most enterprising husbandmen of Georgia, whose 
 excellent farm is situated on the road leading from Georgia Center to the county seat. 
 He is not a native of the town, but was born in Swanton, Apr^l 18, 1840. His parents 
 were Curtis B. and Sarah Hubbard, and of their three children he was the second. 
 Orrin worked on his father's farm until he became of age, when he enlisted in the in- 
 fantry service, but on account of his grandfather's sickness he was called to the care of 
 his grandmother and their property. To release himself from his enlistment he was 
 obliged to procure a substitute at a sum of $300. In 1863 Mr. Hubbard became a per- 
 manent resident o£ Georgia and has since lived there. In' 1870. on the 16th of March, 
 he was married to PoUie A. Howard and they have one daughter, Sarah J. About 
 1875 he purchased the Kimball farm, that on which he now lives, of about 175 acres, 
 and his efforts and industry have made it one of the best farms in the town. 
 
 Hurlbut, Adam W., born in Georgia, August 23, 1841, is a son of John J. and Abi- 
 gail (Austin) Hurlbut, the children of whom were Jane, Bdson, Ebenezer, Byron J., 
 Adam W., Hannah B., Walter, and Amanda. John J. Hurlbut was born in 1803 and 
 died about 1873. His wife prior to this marriage was a widow and had one child 
 Diana, who died in Michigan. Adam W. Hurlbut was educated at the common schools 
 and attended one term at the Johnson Academy. When about twenty years of age for 
 the benefit of his heath he went to Massachusetts, and then to sea, where he engaged in 
 mackerel fishing, but afterwards returned to Georgia. In 1870 he married Betsey, 
 daughter of Adam V. Wightman, of Georgia, by whom he had five children, three of 
 whom, John W., Albert E., and Jennie, are living. Prior to his marriage Mr. Hurlbut 
 was engaged in farming, the duties of housekeeper being performed by his sister. He 
 hired the old home farm of his father for some years, but subsequently purchased and 
 still owns it. 
 
 Hurlbut, Bdson B., was born in Georgia, December 15, 1854, the son of John J and 
 Abigail (Austin) Hurlbut. He was educated in the common schools of the town and 
 attended the Bakersfield Academy for two terms, but as he was the eldest son his help 
 was required on the farm. The young man had a strong inclination for the Western 
 country, but he was persuaded to remain in Georgia. In 1864 he purchased the Samuel 
 Barber farm, containing 150 acres, on which he paid down $700. but the balance of the 
 purchase price, $4,300, he paid during the next eight years. (Here is a lesson for some 
 of the now discouraged farmers of Vermont.) After completing his payments Mr 
 Hurlbut rebuilt and repaired the old farm buildings on the place, and his is now one of 
 
Family Sketches. 761 
 
 the finest and most productive farms in the county. In 1 858 Bdson B. Hurlbut married 
 Charlotte Jaynes, of Georgia, and they had a family of nine children, as follows : Ben- 
 jamin Franklin, a Baptist clergyman of Dutchess county, N. Y. ; Elmer, of St. Albans- 
 Wilber and Myrtle, of Bakersfield ; and Chester, Pearl, and two who died in infancy. ' 
 Judd, Sidney L., was born in the town of Fairfield, Vt., September 20, 1843. His 
 parents, Alson S. and Sally C. (Barnes) Judd, had four children, Sidney being the 
 eldest. The father, who was born in Sheldon, was descended from one of the old fam- 
 ilies of that town. In 1858 he moved to Georgia and died there in 1886, his wife hav - 
 ing passed away some years earlier. Sidney was brought up to farm work, and has 
 always been an industrious husbandman. He has raised, too, and furnished for the 
 market some of the best horses bred in his town. His farm comprises about 250 acres. 
 In January, 1866, Mr. Judd married Barbara D., daughter of Elizabeth and Lewis Storey, 
 of Fairfax. They have had a family of four children : Sanford D , Walter S., Henry 
 W., and Lana B. 
 
 Ladd, Ephraim L., born in Milton, July 26, 1832, is the second of four children born 
 to Alfred and Samantha Ladd. He was reared on his father's farm, and attended the 
 district schools of the town, but when he attained his majority he traveled about for 
 some five years. In March, 1848, he married Fanny A. Leonard, after which he came 
 to Georgia and began farming. Five years later he sold out and went to Illinois, and 
 there engaged in the same pursuit, but ten years later failing health necessitated his re- 
 turn to Vermont, where he has since resided. Mr. Ladd, when he started out m life, 
 had no capital save his determination, but his business life has been reasonably success- 
 ful. His father was a substantial and well-to-do farmer, and of the latter's estate he 
 inherited some property. Although not a church member he has contributed to the 
 maintenance of the Baptist church at Georgia Plains, and other societies as well. In 
 town affairs he has held the offices of selectman and lister, and in 1890 he was one of 
 the town auditors. The children of Ephraim L. and Fanny A. Ladd are Oscar B., Caro- 
 line (Mrs. Nathan N. Post), and Hattie (Mrs. Frederick W. Bliss). 
 
 Meigs, Sanford Timothy, was born in St. Albans township, February 18, 1822, and 
 died September 5, 1891. His residence in Georgia began in 1851, when he moved on 
 the farm which has the credit of being the first to be cleared and settled in that town, 
 and on which was born the first white child in Georgia. He was the son of John and 
 Lucretia (Tuller) Meigs, and of their eight children he was the third. John Meigs was 
 a farmer of St. Albans, and on the farm Sanford lived until he reached his majority, 
 when he started out in life to make his own way. He engaged in farming and mechani- 
 cal pursuits, but finally purchased the historic farm in Georgia on which he lived until 
 his death. In 1852 he married Harrier, daughter of Eleazer and Dorothy Jewett, of 
 St. Albans. No children were born of this marriage, but Mr. and Mrs. Meigs adopted 
 and reared two children. Sanford T. Meigs was a self-made man, his starting capital 
 amounting to only $4, but he made his life a successful one. In politics he was a firm 
 and unswerving Democrat. 
 
 Pino, Charles B., an aged and highly respected resident of Georgia, was born April 
 14, 1807. His father, Lawrence Pino, was a native of Paris, France, who, as his son 
 relates, was a schoolfellow with Bonaparte, but he ran away from his native country and 
 came to America. He took up his residence at Plattsburgh, N. Y., but afterwards 
 moved to Burlington, Vt., and was a soldier in the War of 1812. His son Charles B. 
 also seems to have been in this service in the capacity of waiter to Ensign Thomas la 
 Vague, and although a mere child he wore a uniform. The father afterwards moved to 
 Grand Isle and thence to Swanton about 1809. From Swanton he went to Fletcher, 
 thence to Burlington, where he lived until 1813, and then came to Milton, whence he 
 moved in 1817 to "Sodom" in Georgia, where he built a log house in 1819. He died 
 in 1828. In Plattsburgh Lawrence Pino married Elizabeth Sanford, and Charles B. was 
 the only child born to them. In 1831 the latter named married Cornelia Andrews, by 
 whom he has had six children. In 1850 Mr. Pino started in the mercantile business in 
 Georgia, and has ever since followed that industry. 
 
762 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Post, Cephas A., is the owner of one of the best farms in Georgia. The surname 
 Post stands tor industry and enterprise in the locality. Addison S. Post, the father of 
 Cephas A., was during his life-time one of the foremost men of the town. He acquired 
 a goodly property, and this upon his death, in April, 1888, descended to his son Cephas. 
 Addison was the son of Jesse, a pioneer in the town. Three children were born to 
 Addison and Sarah (Seward) Post, viz.: Sophia, who died young ; Ellen, who died at 
 the age of twenty years; and Cephas A. Mrs. Post died April 5, 1890. Cephas A. 
 Post was born October 9, 1843, and has always lived at his father's home. He married, 
 in 1868, Ellen R. Ashley, of Georgia, and they have two children, Emogene S. and 
 Myra E. His farm comprises 140 acres. Although a Republican he has taken no active 
 part in politics of the town, and in religious affiliations is a member of the Georgia 
 Methodist Episcopal church. 
 
 Post, Henry B., was the son of Major and Lucina (Adell) Post, the children of whom 
 were Nelson, Lucina, Curtis M., William D., Albert, Henry B., Oscar, and one other who 
 died unnamed. Henry Bradley Post was born April 28, 1822. He is now and has been 
 since youth a farmer. His present home and farm occupy a commandmg site on a hill 
 on the road leading southeast from Georgia Center to the east part of the town, and 
 comprises about seventy-five acres. In 1844 Mr. Post married Diana Dee, and they 
 have had eight children, as follows : Frank, of California ; Maria (Mrs. Oscar Martin), of 
 Iowa; Miranda (deceased); Charlotte (Mrs. G. S. Conger); Dorman, who died young; 
 Emily A., who married Benjamin Hill, of Georgia; and Bradley H. and Nellie, at home. 
 Mr. Post and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has taken 
 no interest in political affairs beyond what every tax-paying citizen should feel, and has 
 never held office. 
 
 Post, Lorenzo Arthur, the present town clerk and treasurer of Georgia, was born 
 December 7, 1846, and was the eldest of three children born to Curtis M. and Mary 
 (Nichols) Post. The other children were Nathan N. Post, a practicing attorney of St. 
 Albans, and William C. Post, the last named being dead. Curtis M. Post, the father, 
 was town clerk and treasurer of Georgia from 1855 until the time of his death in 1878, 
 after which the mother was chosen to the same positions and filled them (Lorenzo A. 
 acting as assistant) until her death in 1886. At the next meeting our subject was regu- 
 larly elected clerk and treasurer, and still holds the offices. On February 16, 1876, 
 Lorenzo A. Post was married to Frances M., a daughter of Franklin Towne, of Milton. 
 Mrs. Post died September 26, 1887. Mr. Post is not wholly unknown in the political 
 history of his town or of the county. In 1886 he was elected representative. For 
 four years he was assistant postmaster at St. Albans. In religious matters he inclines 
 to Universalism, although he was brought up in the Congregational church. 
 
 Smith Family, The. — The pioneer of the Smith family in Georgia was Josiah, a na- 
 tive of New Hampshire, who came to the town at a very early day. He was born Feb- 
 ruary 4, 1783, and the wife whom he married was Sarah (Whittemore) Smith, who was 
 born December 30, 1793. The children of this union were Richard W., born Novem- 
 ber 7, 1811; Harriet, born July 28, 1813; John 0., born August 4, 1815; Aluna K. 
 born December 15, 1817 ; Henry, born June 25, 1820 ; Edwin, born June 12 1822 • 
 Sarah, born June 12, 1824 ; Andrew J., born March 22, 1828 ; and Lucius D., born De- 
 cember 15, 1830. Lucius D. Smith is known as one of the leading farmers and citizens 
 of Georgia. He is industrious, thrifty, and independent, and a man of strong convic- 
 tions, and fearless and outspoken in expressing them. In politics he is a Republican. 
 In 1890 he was selectman, and so chosen because his townsmen wanted new and strong 
 timber on the board. He has held the offices of road commissioner and overseer of the 
 poor Lucius p. Smith married, April 13, 1852, Freelove Green, and they have had a 
 family of four children. 
 
 Torrey, Milton Hubbell, born in Georgia, March 2, 1810, was one of the four children 
 of Nathaniel and Fannie (Stannard) Torrey who grew to maturity. These children 
 were Milton H., Hannah Maria, Jane, and Sarah Ann. Nathaniel M. Torrey built the 
 
Family Sketches. 763 
 
 substantial stone house in which Nathan D. Hayden, who married Mr. Torrey's grand- 
 daughter, now resides. He was a prominent man in Georgia, and one who held the re- 
 spect and esteem of all of his townsmen. For more than forty years both he and his 
 estimable wife were connected with the Congregational church. Milton R. Torrey mar- 
 ried Mary Ann (Bostwick) Shepard, daughter of Rev. Levi B. Shepard, of Georgia, a 
 prominent family the surname of which is not now known in the town. Of this marriage 
 four children have been born : Fannie P., who married Wyram R. Macomber, of Jeri- 
 cho ; Marian M., who died at the age of twenty-one ; Beach M., who died in 1888 ; and 
 Lottie Parmelia,who became the wife of Nathan D. Hayden and now lives in the old 
 homestead. Milton Hubbell Torrey died August 10, 1886. 
 
 Waller Family, The. — Josephl Waller and Parthenia, his wife, and their children, Wal- 
 ter, Chester, Asahel, Lovisa, Octavo, and Dennison, settled in Enosburgh in 1805. They 
 came from Royalton, Vt., where Joseph is understood as having lived when that town 
 was burned by the Indians in 1780. After the family came to Enosburgh one child, 
 Louisa, was born. Dennison Waller went to Georgia in 1827, and there he married 
 Love Hurlbut and had born to him children as follows : Myron ; Hiram, who was killed 
 in the late war ; Albert, who died while in the army ; Eliza, who married Wheaton 
 Dunster, has a daughter. Love Athelia, and resides in Georgia; and Cordelia (Mrs. Pat- 
 terson), now deceased. Myron Dennison Waller was born on the farm on which he 
 now lives in 1828, but he has lived in the towns of St. Albans, Milton, and Fairfax. He 
 finally settled on the homestead in 1886 or 1887. In 1849 he married l/ucinda Camp- 
 bell, of Swanton, by whom he had one child, Duane Hiram. In 1872 he married 
 Georgianna Witters, and by her has had four children : Emily Love, Ira Hawley, Cor- 
 delia Georgianna, and Myron Dennison, jr. 
 
 Wilcox, Reuben B., a prominent farmer on the shore of Georgia Bay, was born in 
 Georgia, February 13, 1833, the only child of Cyrus B. and Lucy L.(Bvarts) Wilcox, both 
 of whom died when Reuben was young. He was brought up in the family of Capt. 
 Reuben Bvarts, from whom he was named. In 1856 Reuben E. Wilcox married Olive 
 C , daughter of J. W. Barnes, of Fairfax, of which marriage two sons, Fred E. and 
 Bert W., were born. Mr. Wilcox, although generally a busy farmer, has found time 
 to devote to town affairs, and he has been honored by his townsmen with a number of 
 offices, having been representative, selectman several times, and lister. His fine farm 
 comprises nearly 170 acres. 
 
 HiGHGATE. 
 
 Anderson, John, was born in Scotland, was a farmer, and died at the age of sev- 
 enty. He married Rebecca Brimer, of Aberdeen, Scotland, and their children were 
 William and Kirstey. William .Anderson came to Highgate, Vt., in 1818 among the 
 first settlers of this town, where he remained until his death in 1845, at the age of fifty 
 years. He was a manufacturer of linen in Scotland. He married, first, Margaret 
 Brown, and second, Mary Stark. His children were William, David, Charles, Ann, 
 Jame.i, and John. The latter, his oldest son, was born in Scotland and came to High- 
 gate with his father. He lived forty years in St. Albans. He married Mary Ann 
 Sackett of St. Albans, Vt., daughter of Richard and Keziah (Conger) Saokett, and his 
 children are John, William, Stephen, and Hiram. He is now a resident of Highgate, 
 Vt. John and William are residents of Clinton, la. The latter married Annette Brown, 
 and they have one son, Arthur. Stephen Anderson married Frank, daughter of John 
 Pomeroy, and they have one son, George, who is now a commercial traveler and resi- 
 dent of St. Albans. John Anderson, jr., served in the Papineau war. He is now 
 eighty-two years of age, his wife being seventy-five. 
 
 Butler John, was born in the North of Ireland in August, 1805, and came to High- 
 gate while young among the early settlers of the town, where he remained until his 
 
 9.1 
 
764 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 death, April 28, 1874. He was a farmer, and married Mary Jane McFeetus, who was 
 born June 19, 1811, and came to Highgate in 1826. She was a daughter of James and 
 Ann (MoAffee) McPeetus. Their children were John, born in Highgate, Vt., February 
 4, 1837, died January 10, 1884, from injuries received January 8, 1884, on his return 
 from Swanton while crossing the St. Johnsbury and Lake Champlain Railroad near 
 Highgate station, by an express train going west ; Ann Jane, who died September 5, 
 1847, aged nine years; Elizabeth; Ann Jane, 2d, who died June 3, 1868, aged twenty 
 years; and James A., born in Highgate, Vt, May 2, 1843. The latter married Fran- 
 ces 0. Smith, of Swanton, December 21, 1882. She was born in Swanton, December 
 14, 1857, a daughter of John and Caroline (Clark) Smith, natives of that town. Their 
 children are Annie Frances, born September 16, 1883 ; John Smith, born October 23,1885, 
 died September 8, 1886 ; and Mary Caroline, iDorn August 13, 1890. He has been dep- 
 uty sheriff and is now station agent for the St. Johnsbury and Lake Champlain Railroad 
 at Highgate, Vt., where he has been engaged since August 1, 1882. He still owns the 
 homestead farm. 
 
 Cross, Thomas, a native of Nottingham, Mass., was born March 20, 1763, and was 
 active in the War of 1812. He was a Federalist, an anti-Mason, and a temperance man, 
 and moved to Swanzey, N. H., where he lived for many years. Finally he came to 
 Highgate, Vt., at which place he died March 20, 1838, aged about eighty. His wife 
 was Sarah Pemberton, of Swanzey, N. H., and was born June 11, 1764, and died at 
 Winchester, N. H., aged ninety-seven. His children were Peter, Lewis, Henry, John, 
 Lucina, Charles, Sarah, Selinda, Enoch, Rachel, and Nathan. The latter, born in Swan- 
 zey, N. H., September 2, 1790, came to Highgate, Vt., where he died June 28, 1874, at 
 the age of eighty-four. He married Betsey Hammond, of Swanzey, who died in High- 
 gate, May 24, 1872. He was an early settler of Highgate and a hard working farmer. 
 His children were Sylvester H., Lorenzo D., J. Winslow, Sidney R. S., George W., 
 Fanny M., and Joel B. The latter was born in Highgate, July 14, 1821, and married 
 Elizabeth B., daughter of John and Lavina (Bearss) Dillon, and his children are Frank B., 
 Lizzie A., and Fred W. He is now a general merchant in Highgate, where he has 
 been engaged for forty years with marked success. Frank B. Cross married Hattie D. 
 Cutler, of Highgate, daughter of Horace and Helen (Wilson) Cutler, and they have three 
 children, Fred 0., Horace B., and Earle. Mr. Cross is now a general merchant in High- 
 gate with his father. Lizzie A. married Barnard L. Olds, of Franklin, Vt, and had one 
 daughter, Daisy A., now living in Denver, Col. Mrs. Olds died at the age of twenty- 
 six in St. Albans, Vt., May 10, 1879. Fred W. Cross married Jessie E. Carman, of 
 Highgate, and their children are Harry M., Charles E., and Frank B. They are now 
 residents of Moorefleld, Neb. {3-eorge W. Cross was born in Highgate, August 14, 1833, 
 and married Martha Hefflon, of that town, who was born February 22, 1845, a daugh- 
 ter of Session L. and Lucy (Fillmore) Hefflon (married June 10, 1869). Their children 
 were Nathan, born April 19, 1873, and Ethel M., born September 27, 1875. He is now 
 a farmer on the homestead near East Highgate. Daniel Fillmore served in the Revolu- 
 tionary war. Thomas Cross served in the war of the Revolution and drew a land war- 
 rant 
 
 Cushman, Zeri, was born in Castleton, Vt, August 31, 1789, came to Franklin, Vt., 
 where he was a practicing physician and surgeon for twenty- five years, and finally 
 moved to Berkshire, Vt, practicing there until his death in 1844, aged fifty-five. He was 
 representative of the town of Franklin two years, and was a very successful physician. 
 He was also surgeon in the Canadian rebellion. He married Rachel French, who was 
 born August 8, 1789, a daughter of Seeva and Mary French, of Clarendon, Vt., and who 
 died in March, 1870. Their children were Mary Ann, Louisa A., Horace, Happilona, 
 Louisa, Maryette, Caroline, Rosetta, and Leander L. The latter was born in Clarendon, 
 Vt., March 14, 1818, and came to Bast Highgate, where he practiced as a physician and 
 surgeon, having also practiced in the towns of Berkshire, Fairfield, Swanton, Vt, and 
 Black Brook, N. Y. He graduated from the Woodstock Medical College in 1845, and has 
 
Family Sketches. 765 
 
 represented the town of Swanton in the legislature during the years 1852 and 1853. 
 He married, June 20, 1848, Fanny C, daughter of Luther and Sarah (Hawkins) Rix- 
 ford, of East Highgate, and they have had two children : Kate L., born February 5, 
 1851, died March 13, 1851, and Edna Gr.,born in Swanton, April 5, 1852, married Wes- 
 ley A. Shumway, September 19, 1877, son of Jeremiah D. and Orra (Woodward) Shum- 
 way. He is now a resident of East Highgate. Happilona Cushman, sister of Dr. Le- 
 ander L. Cushman, was born in Franklin, Vt, in 1821, on December 25, and married, 
 first, in 1841, John Adams, of Franklin, son of Abel and Sally Adams, of St. Armand, 
 Province of Quebec. They had three children, Adalaide D., Zeri A., and Solon A. She 
 married, second, George Barney in 1867. He died in Swanton, Vt., in 1884, aged sev- 
 enty-two. John Adams was killed in 1864, aged forty-six, by a band of guerrillas in 
 West Virginia during the late war. 
 
 Deal, Francis, a native of Highgate, was killed by accident. He married Katie Shel- 
 ter, and his children were John, Frank, Adam, Martha, Hannah, and Mary. Adam Deal, 
 a native of that town, married Anna Burchall, of England, daughter of James Burchall, 
 and his children are Ralph, Calvin, William, Charles, Celia, Mary, Flinda, and George H. 
 The latter, the youngest son, married Jessie Hoyle, of Canada, daughter of G. L. and 
 Ellen (Mack) Hoyle. 
 
 Dimon, Moses, a native of Connecticut, served in the Revolutionary war and kept a 
 musket and powderhorn marked " M. D.," which is still preserved in the family. He 
 was a farmer, and died at an advanced age in Fairfield, Conn. His children were 
 Noah, Hannah, and Jane. Noah Dimon, born in Fairfield, Conn., March 3, 1766, served 
 in the War of 1812. He had in his possession a Bible, handed down from his father, which 
 was published in 1716 and was a noted relic. He married Mollie Marvin, who was born 
 March 3, 1769, and their children were Eben B.. born April 19, 1790 ; Mose.=, born March 
 2, 1792; John, born November 17, 1794; Hannah, born November 1, 1800 ; and Polly, 
 born June 20, 1803. Moses Dimon married Naomi Burton, of Milford, Conn., daughter 
 of Judson and Sylvia (Barnham) Burton (a relative supposed to be a sister of P. T. 
 Barnura), and came to Highgate in 1841. Their children were Jane B., Lewis J., Eben, 
 Burton, and Moses. Burton Dimon came from Connecticut to Fairfield, Vt., at the age 
 of six 'years, and died in Higheate in 1861, and the age of seventy-seven. He married 
 Laura Mitchell, May 11, 1856, daughter of James and Margaret (Tittemore) Mitchell, 
 and his children are Margaret M., Jennie B., Sylvia M., and Judson B. He is now a res- 
 ident on the home farm of his father in Highgate. Sylvia Dimon married Chellice S. 
 Fuller of the Province of Quebec, and is now a resident of Farnham, P. Q. 
 
 Hinds, William L., son of Elisha and Susan Hinds, of Littleton, N. H., married, July 
 8 1840 Sarah P. RixEord, by whom he had children as follows : Adalaide, Josephine, 
 Jane Emma, Ida, William, Fanny, Clarence, and Oscar L. The latter was born in Brook- 
 lyn 'N Y November 10, 1855, and married Florence A. Darling, of West Berkshire, 
 Vt ' dauo-hter of Hiram and Sarah M. (Noble) Darling, and they have three children : 
 Oscar w!, born September 29, 1878; Harry H., born October 28, 1882;, and Florence 
 D born December 23, 1885. Mr. Hinds is now mterested in the busmess of 0. S. Rix- 
 ford, manufacturer of axes and scythes at Bast Highgate, and is a partner in the 0. L. 
 Hinds Company, of New York, jobbers in dry goods at wholesale. 
 
 Hinerth John, son of John, was born in Hessian Castle, Germany, and came to Belle 
 Isle, Canada, afterward moving to Bedford, Canada, where he died at the age of forty - 
 eight He married Julie Bordo, of Belle Isle, and their children were Matilda, Melinda, 
 George John, Elizabeth, Mary, and Joseph. The latter was born in Stanridge, Canada, 
 March 31 1845, and came to Highgate in 1880, where he married Margaret, daughter 
 of Charles and Zoe (Rushlow) Patnode, and by whom he has had three children: Alice 
 M. Laura, and Constant C. He is now a foundryman at Highgate, where he has been 
 engaged for ten years in the manufacture of stoves and hoUowware. 
 
 Holmes Duncan, was born in Scotland and came to Sheldon in early manhood soon 
 
766 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 after his marriage. He died in Sheldon in 1869, aged sixty-nine. He had eight chil- 
 dren, as follows : Erastus, Adolphus, Loren, William. Mary, Miranda, Malissa, and Sarah. 
 Loren was born in Swanton and came to Highgate in 1855, at the age of twenty-three. 
 He married Mary J., daughter of Hiram and Olive Hemphill, and had one son, George C, 
 who was born in Highgate, November 7, 1858, and married Grace Pelton, of Highgate, 
 daughter of L. B. Pelton, June 18, 1890. 
 
 Jennison, William, son of Captain Israel and Mary (Haywood) Jennison, of Worces- 
 ter, Mass., was born April 12, 1758, in that city, and came to Swanton in September, 
 1803, where he died July 19, 1819, aged sixty-one. He was twice married, his first 
 wife being Elizabeth, daughter of Cornelius and Sevilla Stowell, of Worcester, Mass. 
 She died November 21, 1784, aged twenty-one, and he married, second, Sarah Sumner, 
 of Shrewsbury, Mass., daughter of Hev. Joseph Sumner. She died December 9, 1824, 
 aged sixty. His children were Elizabeth, Joseph S., Nahum B., Charles H., WilHam D., 
 Israel S., Sarah S., Samuel W., and Erastus G. Israel S. Jennison was born May 24, 
 1801, in Shrewsbury, Mass., and came to Highgate about 1816, where he died April 27, 
 1885, aged eighty-five. He was an early settler of that town and held many offices of 
 trust. He married Phoebe Clark, of South Hero, Grand Isle county, Vt., daughter of 
 Dr. Clark, one of the earliest settlers of that county. Their children are Homer C. and 
 Sarah P. Homer 0. Jennison was born at Highgs,te, Vt., December 31, 1834, and is 
 still a resident of Highgate, the only representative of the family now alive. 
 
 Keyes, Col. Stephen, a native of Vermont and an officer in the American army at the 
 opening of the Revolutionary war, died at St. Albans at the age of sixty-five years. 
 He married Elizabeth Sheldon, and their children were Samuel W., Stephen S., Will- 
 iam, Sarah, Eliza M., and Samuel W. The latter was born in Manchester, Vt., in 1785, 
 and in 1818 came to Highgate, then known as Keyes Falls, and was the pioneer of the 
 village. He built two brick grist-mills, a saw-mill, a brick store, and many dwellings. 
 He died in February, 1851, aged sixty-five. Mr. Keyes married Sarah B., daughter of 
 Major Samuel and Lucy L. (Willard) Sheldon. They had one daughter, Lucy B. Keyes, 
 the only one of the family now ahve. She married George H. Mallary, of Highgate, 
 Vt., son of Rollin C. and Ruth (Stanley) Mallary. Rollin C. Mallary was congressman 
 at Washington many years, and was chosen minister to France. 
 
 Mason, John, was born in Barre, Mass., and came to Swanton, Vt., with his mother 
 when he was but two years of age, among the early settlers of the town, where he re- 
 mained until his death in 1868, at the age of eighty-four. He was a farmer by occupation, 
 and married Ruth Wood, of Swanton, Vt., daughter of Daniel Wood, and their children 
 were William W., John A., Philemon C, Alvin H., Augusta S., George C, Paulina B., 
 Addison P., Jasper P., and Curtis. Addison P. Mason is now a resident of Buffalo 
 and Jasper P. resides in Ottawa, Kan. Alvin H. Mason was born in Swanton, Vt., 
 April 27, 1817, and married Martha Barr, of Highgate, Vt., in May, 1847. She was a 
 daughter of John and Pamelia (Drury) Barr. Their children are Ciirtis P., of Salt Lake 
 City, Utah ; Minnie E. (Mrs. D. D. Burdett), of Pittsford, Vt.; and John and William, 
 deceased. Mr. Mason has been a life-long resident of Franklin county, Vt.. being now 
 a resident of Highgate Center. He has been a merchant and farmer, but is now retired. 
 He was county sheriff and deputy for eleven years. 
 
 Morehouse, Mathew, was born in Massachusetts and served in the Revolutionary war. 
 He was present at the battle of Bloody Brook in Massachusetts when the Indians sur- 
 rounded them, he being one of the few who escaped massacre. He afterwards moved to 
 Brome, P. Q., and finally removed to Highgate, Vt., where he died, but there is nothing 
 now to mark his grave. He was about seventy years of age, and had six sons, one of 
 whom was Hiram Morehouse, who was born in Canada and married Jane Coey, of 
 Brome, P. Q., and soon after came to East Highgate, Vt., but later removing to Highgate 
 Center, where he remained until his death in 1879, at the age of seventy-three. He hved 
 m Highgate for forty years, and his children were Melissa, Emeline, and Eli. The latter 
 was born m Bast Highgate, May 20, 1833, and married Sarah R. Carman, of Highgate 
 
Family Sketches. jG^ 
 
 daughter of John and Harriet (Carman) Carman, and his children are Herbert B., born 
 December 8, 1859 ; Hiram D., born August 26, 1862 ; Sarah J., born August 15, 1864 
 died May 30, 1874 ; Gertrude B., born January 12, 1866, died February 23, 1868; Hat- 
 tie C, born January 12, 1868 ; George A., born July 16, 1869 ; Eva A., born November 
 19, 1870; and Cora M., born April 1, 1876. Herbert Morehouse married Minnie H. 
 Guymont, and they have three sons, Eugene H., Hiram 0., and Morton B. The latter 
 died September 26, 1890. They are now residents of Wilmington, Mass. Hiram E». 
 Mor<ihouse married Geneveive Pettis, of the Province of Quebec, and they have one 
 son, George E., born September 9, 1890. They are now residents of Dorchester, a 
 suburb of Boston, Mass. 
 
 Moore, David, a native of New York state, came to Highgate, Vt., with his father, 
 Richard Moore, among the early settlers, clearing a farm in the woods, where he re- 
 mained until his death in 1879, at the age of ninety-one. He served in the War of 1812 
 and drew a pension. He married Ann Tichonte, of Highgate, Vt., and his children 
 are Richard, Jacob, Charles, Laura, John, Elizabeth, Mary, and Humphrey. The latter 
 was born in Highgate, November 15, 1827, and died January 24, 1889, aged sixty-one. 
 He married Sarah A. Donaldson, of Swanton, daughter of Hugh and Waitey L. Don- 
 aldson, and their children were Fletcher T., Jasper R., and Hugh H. His widow, Sarah 
 A. Moore, still survives and resides in Highgate at the age of forty years. 
 
 Nye, Benjamin, was born in Keene, N. H., and came to Fairfield, Vt., with his fam- 
 ily soon after his marriage. They were among the early settlers of the town, where he 
 lived to an advanced age. He died in St. Albans. His wife died in the same town a 
 year or two before her husband. At the time of the battle of Plattsburgh, while he was 
 at church, a call came for soldiers. The minister headed the call with the offer of his 
 services, and the congregation responded. Mr. Nye's children were Margaret, Bliza, 
 Laura, Nelson, Benjamin, and John. His son Nelson was born in Keene, N. H., and 
 came to Fairfield, Vt., with his father, where he married Bliza, daughter of Benjamin 
 Fairbanks, of that town. Their children were Laura F., Benjamin E., Chester F., and 
 Albert N. Benjamin F. Ney was born in Sheldon, Vt., February 7, 1837, and married 
 Helen H. Randall, September 18, 1861, a daughter of WiUiam and .lude (Buzzell) Ran- 
 dall. His wife died December 26, 1883, aged forty-four. His children are B. Emmett, 
 Blanche E., Beatrice, and "Linf ord O. He is now a farmer near East Highgate, where he 
 has lived for twenty-eight years. Albert N. Nye was born in Highgate, Vt., January 
 17, 1840, and married Elizabeth McFeeters, of Sheldon, Vt., daughter of James and 
 Isabella (Riley) McFeeters, and his children are Valencourt H., born November 6, 1871, 
 and William J., born November 11, 1875. Mr. Nye served in Company F, Tenth Ver- 
 mont Volunteers, during the war, and wa.«i wounded at Fisher's Hill, Va., for which he 
 now draws a pension. 
 
 Pomeroy, Enoch, was born in Northampton, Mass., and in 1792 came to Frankhn, 
 Vt., where he died at the age of sixty-two. He was an allopathic physician by pro- 
 fession, and married Polly Tenny, of Bennington, Vt., daughter of Jesse Tenny, and 
 their children were Elijah, Lucien, Enoch, Jesse, Mary, Lorenzo, John, Melissa, Han- 
 nah, and John, 2d. His son, Lorenzo Pomeroy, was born in Franklin, Vt., June 14, 
 1809, and married Martha A. Cutler, of Highgate, daughter of Dr. Joseph B. and Cath- 
 erine (Barr) Cutler. Their children are Rosamond H., Joseph C, Lorenzo, and Helen M. 
 He is now living in Highgate at the age of eighty-one. His wife, Martha A., died 
 April 6, 1885, at the age of seventy-two. Helen M. married Clark R. Lyon, of Swan- 
 ton, son of Chauncey and Elizabeth (Haskins) Lyon, and their children are Henry J. 
 and Charles L. (twins) and Josie H. He is now a dry goods merchant at Highgate 
 ' Center in company with his son, Henry. Charles L. Pomeroy is a graduate of the 
 University of Vermont Medical College at Burlington. 
 
 Redding, Moses, was a native of Plymouth, Mass. His father came from Wales in 
 the early days. He moved to Pittstown, Rensselaer county, N. T., and finally to Bar- 
 
768 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 net, Caledonia county, Vt., where he died at the age of ninety. He was in early life a 
 sea-faring man, as was also his father before him. He had four children, Stephen, Brace, 
 William, and Lemuel. The latter was a native of Pittstown, N. Y., and died at Pel- 
 ham, Mass., at the age of eighty-five. He dealt m West India goods in Boston for 
 many years. He married Eliza J. Wolcott, daughter of William Wolcott. She died at 
 Chelmsford, Mass., in December, 1890, aged eighty-six. Their children were Eunice, 
 Abiah, Abbie, Jaenette, Stephen C, Sarah Jane, Josephine, Lemuel W., and Moses W. 
 The latter is a publisher in New York city, where he has been engaged since 1868 in 
 the publication of Masonic works and in the manufacture of Masonic goods. He has a 
 farm and summer residence at Highgate, Vt., which are a crelit to that part of the 
 state. Eliza J. Wolcott was a lineal descendant of Oliver Wolcott, one of the signers of 
 the Declaration of Independence and a governor of Connecticut. 
 
 Rixford, William, was born in Connecticut in 1755 and died in Winchester, K. H., 
 in 1839, at the age of eighty-four. He was an early settler in Winchester and was 
 very active in clearing the forest. He married Lucy Wilson, who lived to about eighty 
 years of age and died on the homestead. Their children were Luther, William, Lucy, 
 Ephraim, Sally, Artemas, Soloman, Finis, and Harriet. His elde.'t son, Luther, was 
 born in Winchester, N. H., December 16, 1779, and in March, 1837, he came to East 
 Highgate, Vt., where he died in September, 1859, at the age of eighty. He married 
 Sarah, daughter of Stephen and Fanny (Parker) Hawkins, and their children were Jo- 
 sephine, Minerva, Luther P., Sarah P., Bradford, Lucma F., Fanny C, Frinda, Frenda 
 M., and Oscar S. The latter was born in Winchester, N. H., March 2, 1828, and came 
 to Highgate, Vt., in March, 1837, where he now resides. He married Mary Flint, at 
 Castleton, Vt., daughter of Moses and Adaline (Cutting) Flint, and their children are 
 Oscar H., born December 27, 1859 ; Henry C, born August 28, 1862 ; Mary E., born 
 December 20, 1869 ; and Susan K., born September 5, 1876. Luther Rixford with his 
 son L. P., and D. H. Farrington commenced building the scythe shops at Highgate in 
 the spring of 1837, and continued the manufacture of scythes until the spring of 1849, 
 when his son, Oscar S., bought out the concern and in 1880 made an addition to the 
 building, and is now manufacturing axes and scythes, the only manufacturer of that 
 class of goods in Northern Vermont of that extent. They ship ggods through New 
 England and the Middle and Western states. He has been a representative in the leg- 
 islature three terms and has also served in the Vermont Senate. His oldest son, Oscar 
 H., married Elizabeth M. Leach, of Fairfield, Vt., daughter of Horace Leach, and they 
 have one son, Oscar D. Soloman and Henry Rixford, brothers of William, served in 
 the Revolutionary war. 
 
 Sanderson, Sanford, a native of Keene, N. H., came to Highgate, Vt., about 1822 
 among the early settlers of the town, where he remained until his death in 1830. He 
 was a farmer and cloth-fuller by occupation. He married Susanna Lincoln, of New 
 Hampshire, and their children were Lodema, Sanford, Jarib, and Harley. Sanford was 
 born in Keene, N. H., and came to Highgate with his father, where he remained until 
 his death, in 1878, on July 16, aged sixty. He married Jane B. Dimon, of Highgate 
 (formerly of Fairfield, Vt.), daughter of Moses and Naomi (Burton) Dimon, and his 
 children were Jarib L., Judson B., and Moses S. Judson B. Sanderson was born in High- 
 gate, February 14, 1848, and married Elizabeth C. Cutler, of Highgate, Vt., February 16, 
 1870, daughter of Allen B. and Emily (French) Cutler, and his children are Allen J., 
 born August 19, 1871 ; Adella J., born February 5, 1877 : Gertrude B., born August 5, 
 1879 ; and Eva A., born March 25, 1887. Mr. Sanderson is now a farmer and the pro- 
 prietor of Maplewood Creamery in Highgate, Vt., located in the north part of the town 
 called Highgate Gore. He built the Maplewood Creamery in 1884-85, and still runs it 
 in connection with three other creameries in the town. He was elected representative 
 for the town of Highgate in 1884-85 and in 1890-91, served as selectman for five years 
 was lister from 1880 to 1885, and held the office of justice of the peace from 1878 to 
 1884. 
 
Family Sketches. 769 
 
 Shelden, Jacob, was born in Pittsford, Vt., where he died at an advanced age. He 
 had two children, Joel and John, who were born in Pittsford. He came to Sheldon 
 where he cleared afarm, and died in 1872, at the age of seventy-two. He married' 
 first, Hannah Lawson, and second, Honor Hitchcock, and his children were Edward' 
 Leonard, Caroline, Henry, Rosina, Jennie, and Charles. The latter was born in Shel- 
 don in 1845, and married Florence E. Frost, of Highgate, daughter of Edgar Frost, and 
 his children are Jennie, Leonard, Daniel, Edgar, William, and Ernest. He came to 
 Highgate in 1886 and settled on the Frost farm, where he now resides. Penn Frost was 
 a native of Queens county, Long Island, N. Y., where he died at the age of ninety-two. 
 His children were Wright, Zebulon, Daniel, Jarvis, Mary, Phebe, and Lanah. Daniel 
 Frost married Elizabeth Cox, and their children are Abram, Jehial, Ambrose, William, 
 Edgar R., Jarvis, Ehza A., Emily, Mary, and Rosanna. Edgar R. was born on Long 
 Island, married Alzina Fillmore, and his children are Daniel W,, Anne E., Florence E., 
 Ella, and Darwin, all of whom were born in Highgate, Vt. He is now a resident on the 
 homestead farm with his daughter, Mrs. Charles Shelden. Anne E. Frost married M. E. 
 Bert, and has two children, Willie B. and Anne E., both born in Highgate. 
 
 Sheltus, Phillip, was born at Hudson, N. T., and came to Highgate, Vt, among the 
 early .settlers of the town. He was a farmer and remained at Highgate until his death 
 at an advanced age. He was twice married, and his children were Phillip, Matthew, 
 John, Lucinda, Hiram, Andrew, Maria, Marilla, and Nancy. His oldest son, Phillip, was 
 born at Highgate Springs, Vt., in 1764, and died at the age of eighty-eight. He was a 
 farmer and made the first potash in Highgate. He married Hannah Carman, of Rhin- 
 beck, N. Y., who died in April, 1871, aged seventy-eight. She was a daughter of 
 Abram Carman, who served in the Revolutionary war, and their children were Han- 
 nibal, George H., Albert, Horace, Alonzo, Phillip, Ahram P., Minerva A., Cleora, Allen, 
 and Hannah. Allen H. Sheltus was born in Highgate, June 7, 1838, and married So- 
 phia M. Ricard, of Franklin, daughter of Jeremiah Rioard, and their children are Emma, 
 Sidney A., and Lizzie. He is now a farmer in Highgate. Phillip Sheltus, a native of 
 Highgate, Vt., was born March 15, 1821, and married Catharine C. Stinehour, was born 
 April 16, 1822. She was a daughter of Samuel and Nellie (Carman) Stinehour. Their 
 children are Alice, who died in 1888, at the age of forty-three ; Arthur K., born in 1848 ; 
 Amelia A , who died in 1873, aged twenty-two ; Abbie L., born in 1860 ; and Alma A., 
 born in 1864. Alice M. married Darwin Sunderland, of Highgate, in 1886, and their 
 children are Verna M. and Hollis J. Arthur Sheltus married Lulu M. Farrar, of Boston, 
 in 1887, daughter of Benjamin and Marion Farrar. Abbie L. married Moses W. Red- 
 ding, of New York city, in 1888. 
 
 Skeels, WiUiam, son of David and Lydia (Powell) Skeels, who came to Highgate in 
 1806. was born in Lanesboro, Mass., where he lived several years, and finally came to 
 Charlotte, Vt. At the age of twenty years he came to Highgate, Vt., where he lived 
 until his death, aged sixty-eight. He served as minuteman at the battle of Plattsburgh. 
 He married Rachel Best, of Highgate, daughter of Rev. Thomas and Marion (Hyatt) 
 Best, and his children were Hiram, Mary, William B., and Myron P. William B. 
 Skeels was born in Highgate, Vt., August 11, 1834, and married Esther Hyatt, of High- 
 gate, daughter of Joseph and Susannah (Evens) Hyatt. He is now a resident of High- 
 gate engaged in the marble business,, where he has resided for twenty-five years. Myron 
 P. Skeels, now in Bismarck, Dak., was customs house officer at Burlington, Vt., twenty 
 years, and married Laura Keyes, of Highgate, daughter of Stephen and Deororean (Bar- 
 low) Keyes. They have three children, Edith, Barlow, and William. Mary L. Skeels 
 was a native of Highgate, and married George W. Newton, of Swanton, son of Silas 
 and Arthusa Newton, and her children are William S., George G., and J. Henry. They 
 are now residents of Bismarck, North Dakota. Mr. Newton is a practicing lawyer of 
 Bismarck, and very successful in his profession. He was a student at Yale College, and 
 has been a resident of Bismarck for seven years. Hiram Skeels married Mary Ann 
 White, of Malone, N. Y., daughter of Nathan and Lucy (Bartlett) White. He was 
 
770 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 United States consul to Canada, customs house officer for several years, and represented 
 his town in the legislature of 1876. His only son, Charles F., married Angle A., daugh-- 
 ter of John F. and Asenath (Randall) Draper, and they have one son, Hiram. 
 
 Stimets, John, was born in Frankfort, Germany, and came to Highgate, Vt., in 1787, 
 among the early settlers of the tovrn, clearing a farm on which he lived until his death, 
 July 22, 1827. The date of his birth was September, 1747. He married Elizabeth 
 Mauk, of Frankfort, Germany, who was born in September, 1757, and died March 28, 
 1838, in Highgate. Their children were John, Jacob, Betsey, Catharine, and Hannah. 
 Jacob was born in Highgate in 1803 and located on a farm in the north part of the 
 town near Sax's mill, where he died in 1852 at the age of fifty years. He was 
 much respected and very prominent in the community, was deacon in the church, and 
 held many offices of trust in the town. He married Sybil Pierce, of Highgate, daugh- 
 ter of Richard and Betsey Pierce, and his children were Martha A., Mary A., Susan E., 
 Cassius P., Horatio N., George L., Sarah C, Henry A., and Charles C. The latter, the 
 youngest of the family, owns the homestead farm, which comprises about 400 acres. 
 Henry A. Stimets married Mary J. Birchard, March 19, 1875, daughter of Truman T. 
 and Jane F. (Hemenway) Birchard, of Shoreham, Vt., and he is also a resident on the 
 homestead farm. George L. was born in Highgate, May 22, 1842, and married Mrs. 
 Mary E. Place, of Highgate, who was born in 1847, a daughter of Conrad and Sarah 
 (Carman) Barr. Their children are Mabel G., born February 13, 1884, died October 26, 
 1885, and George R., born July 22, 1886. Mr. Stimets is a farmer and justice of the 
 peace, and ha.'! served as lister for eight years. Mrs. Mary E. Stimets married for her 
 first husband Miles E. Place, who died May 12, 1875, aged thirty-two, and her children 
 by him were Mary A., born January 1, 1869, and Sarah R., born April 5, 1875. Cassius 
 P. Stimets graduated from Burlington College, Vermont, and died in July, 1886. aged 
 fifty years. Charles C. Stimets was graduated from the Oswego Normal College in' 1872, 
 and later received the degree of Master of Arts from Rutger's College. On graduation 
 he was made professor of mathematics in the Trenton (N. J.) Normal School, a position 
 he held for four years, and then resigned to become the principal of the Hasbrouck In- 
 stitute of Jersey City, N. J. He still occupies that position. He married, in 1890, Miss 
 Adelene R. Negus, of Jersey City. 
 
 Montgomery. 
 
 Clapp, George L., a native of Montgomery, was born October 8, 1832. His grand- 
 father, Joshua, sr., a twin brother of Caleb, was born in Hardwick, Mass., February 9 
 1752. He married Nabby Barnard, and in 1792 came to Montgomery, being the first 
 settler m the town. They had six children, of whom Joshua, jr., was born February 
 P'lo^^^L^"'^,'"*''"®'^ ^*°°y' daughter of Richard Smith, of Montgomery, September 
 3 1827, by whom he had nme children. George L., the fourth child, married Harriet 
 M daughter of Dr. B. W. Puller, of Montgomery, December 16, 1855. They had two 
 children, William J., born November 28, 1857, who married 8. Alice Stevens, of Crafts- 
 bury August 10, 1882, and Charlotte A., born April 3, 1866. George L. Clapp secured 
 his education in the common and select schools of Montgomery. In 1856 he went to 
 Vi akefipld, Mass., where he engaged as clerk in a hardware store. After two years he 
 returned to Montgomery and bought a small farm adjoining the Clapp homestead. In 
 the fall of 874 he went to New York city, where he held a position of trust in the 
 W ilson Packing Company for three years, having charge of all of the concern's finances 
 He was a republican in politics, and served as selectman several terms, and was elected 
 
 ???A''°.T"'^'°"T ? ^f^- ^^ ^'^^ ^"ff"^' 8, 1891. They were members of the 
 Methodist Episcopal church. His son William J. studied law, and in 1882 went to Da- 
 kota and was admitted to the bar the following year. In 1889 he was a member of the 
 Constitutional Convention of North Dakota and in 1890 was appointed state superin- 
 tendent of public instruction. The daughter, Charlotte A., has given the greater por- 
 
Family Sketches. 771 
 
 tion of her time to the study of music. She attended the high school at St. Albans, 
 spent two years as a tesvcher, was for a time clerk in a law office in Dakota, and is now 
 a teacher of music at home. 
 
 Davis, Bateman W., M.D., a native of Montgomery, Vt., was born July 26, 1844. 
 His father, Joseph, was born inEnosburgh, December 8, 1818, and in 1842 married Mel- 
 vina, daughter of John McAllister, of that town, by whom he had two children : Bate- 
 man W. and Frank E. The latter was born July 21, 1846, and is now living at Eock- 
 ville, Conn. Mrs. Melvina Davis died in 1857, and Joseph W. married, second, Betsey 
 McAllister, by whom he had three children: Mary M., born in 1858, died in 1881; 
 Hattie, born in 1861 ; and Edwin T., born in 1863, now a practicing physician in 
 Ellington, Conn. Bateman W. Davis married Frances H., daughter of George W. 
 Campbell, of Montgomery, in 1867, and they have two children : Elma A., born No- 
 vember 6, 1868, and Roy F., born May 6, 1880. In 1872 Mr. Davis commenced to 
 study medicine with Dr. S.S.Wilbur, of Montgomery, and in July, 1875, graduated 
 from the Medical Department of the University of Vermont and located at Burlington. 
 In the fall of 1880 he attended the Medical Department of the University of the City of 
 New York, and in 1875 he commenced the practice of medicine in Montgomery, where 
 he has since remained. He has been superintendent of schools several years, and is a 
 member of the Vermont State Medical Society and of the Franklin County Medical 
 Society. In 1888 he was vice-president of the latter, and the following year was made 
 president. 
 
 Fuller, George H., a native of Montgomery, was born March 31, 1835. His father, 
 Bethial W., was born September 4, 1800. In 1831 he married Abigail, daughter of 
 Isaac Head, of Montgomery, where Dr. Fuller was a practicing physician for many 
 years. They had three children : William VV., George H., and Harriet. The latter 
 married, in 1857, George Clapp. George H. Fuller married Jane, daughter of William 
 Y. Wightman, of Richford, March 20, 1867, and they have three children, viz.: William 
 W., born in August, 1868; Henry B., born October 80, 1878; and George B., born in 
 May, 1880. George H. Fuller was a carpenter by trade. In July, 1862, he enlisted as 
 a private in Company G, Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Infantry, and afterwards was 
 detailed as sergeant of a scouting party of that brigade. While serving in this capacity 
 he was captured by a squad of Moseby's men and taken towards Richmond, but after 
 two weeks e.scaped and returned to his regiment. He was at the battle of Gettysburg, 
 and in July, 1863, he received an honorable discharge. He returned to Montgomery 
 and entered the employ of L. W. Martm as cierk. About 1869 he moved on a farm 
 and speculated in buying and selling stock. He was selectman from 1883 to 1886 and 
 lister for a number of years. In 1887 he moved to Montgomery Center. He has also 
 been past commander of Charles Hale Post, No. 95, G. A. R. 
 
 Mansfield, Waller G., was born in Montgomery, July 8, 1857. His father, William 
 R., born May 31, 1807, married, first, Sylva, daughter of Jonathan Dexter, of Lanes- 
 boro, Vt., February 5, 1836, and they had three children, as follows: Julina, born July 
 31, 1837, died in April, 1843 ; Linas, born July 10, 1840, died January 30, 1872 ; and 
 Davis, born June 1, 1844. He married, second, Martha P., daughter of Charles Camp- 
 bell of Montgomery, Sentember 12, 1847. They also had three children: William T., 
 born October 7, 1848, died August 22, 1850 ; Walter G. ; and Willie H., born July 9, 1856. 
 Walter G. Mansfield married Abby I., daughter of A. J. Richardson, of Montgomery, 
 December 2, 1875, by whom he had two children. The first, Sylva, born December 10, 
 1880, lived but six months ; Max C. was born January 14,- 1884. Walter G. was reared 
 on a farm and started in life with the help of a common school education. In 1872 he 
 bought the farm known as the Mansfield homestead, which he carried on until the fall 
 of 1889 when he became a member of the firm of Curry, Lombray & Mansfield, owners 
 of a steam saw-mill with a capacity of 10,000 feet of lumber per day. Mr. Mansfield 
 is a Republican in politics, and has held the offices of selectman and lister, the latter in 
 the years 1888-89. 
 97 
 
7/2 History or Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Martin, Henry M., was born in Montgomery, June 29, 1842. His grandfather, Rob- 
 ert, was born October 1, 1760. and married Mercy Pierce. He moved from Putney, 
 Vt' about 1817, bringing with him his wife and a family of eleven children, and settled 
 in Montgomery Center. He died at this place October 29, 1846, and his wife January 
 23, 1850. Of their children Jefferson was born in Putney, Vt., May 1, 1804, and mar- 
 ried Lydia, daughter of Luther Poland, of Waterville, Vt., February 9, 1836, by whom 
 he had four children, of whom Henry M. was the third. He married, March 3, 1863, 
 Angle S Moore, of Brandon, N. T., by whom he has four children: Frances D., born 
 December 16, l^BB, married 0. W. Goff, of Eichford, April 1, 1884; one who died in 
 infancy ; Josephine M., born February 16, 1873 ; and Luke P., born September 9, 1876. 
 Jefferson Martin was a farmer, and Henry M. was reared on a farm. He attended the 
 common schools of his town, and has been the choice of the Republican party for select- 
 man eight years. He has also served as grand juror, and in 1890 became deputy sheriff. 
 Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. 
 
 Parker, Charies S., was born in Elmore, Vt, April 18, 1850. His father, Charies S., 
 a native of Barre, Vt., was born in 1820. He married Eliza, daughter of Seth Tanner, 
 of Barre, and they had a family of five children, of whom Charles S. was the third. 
 Charles S. was a successful farmer, and his sons were brought up to do farm work. 
 He was educated in the common schools and in the Morrisville and Montpelier Acad- 
 emies. In 1870 he came to Montgomery and engaged in teaching school. In 1872 he 
 engaged as a clerk for L. W. Martin, and after being with him one year he started a 
 general store in the village of Montgomery, where he has since conducted a fine trade. 
 He is a Republican in politics, and has been postmaster of Montgomery village since 
 1882. He married Eliza, daughter of Samuel Head, of Montgomery Center, and they 
 have had three children : Caley, born in 1875, died October 20, 1889 ; Howard, bom 
 in June, 1879; and Mabel, born in September, 1886. 
 
 Robb, John M., was born in Durham, P. Q., April 3, 1856. Andrew, his father, was 
 a native of Montreal, Canada, and was born in 1825. He married Anna Brickly, of 
 Durham, about 1850, and they had five children, of whom John M. was the second. 
 John M. Robb came to Franklin county, Vt, in August, 1870. He worked on a farm 
 and taught school in the town of Berkshire for six terms. In 1871 he came to Mont- 
 gomery and was employed as clerk for Stiles & Dix at Montgomery Center. In 1883 
 he became a partner of this company under the firm name of William H. Stiles & 
 Co , and in 1884 he opened a general store in Montgomery village, where he has since 
 conducted a thriving business. He is what may be called a self-made man, having but 
 a common school education and no capital to begin with. He is a Republican in politics 
 and a member of'Richford Lodge, No. 18, 1. 0. O. F. In November, 1878, he married 
 Mary A., only daughter of B. F. Stiles, of Berkshire. 
 
 Smith, Horace. H., was born in Berkshire, Vt, September 13, 1850. His father, 
 Isaac H., moved with his family from Canada to Sampsonville, Vt, about 18S0. In 
 1860 he moved to Montgomery Center and engaged in the manufacture of butter tubs, 
 conducting a flourishing business until his death in 1870. Horace H. went to Canada 
 about 1868 and engaged in mercantile business at Brome, P. Q. He married Cyntha, 
 daughter of Thomas Chapman, of that place, in 1882, and they have had four children: 
 Lena, Minnie, Horace, and Frederick. In 1888 Mr. Smith came to Montgomery and 
 engaged in business with his brother, James E. They rebuilt the latter's mill, and com- 
 menced the manufacture of bobbins for cotton-mills. The firm is known as J. B. Smith 
 & Co., and is composed of Hhe following gentlemen: James B. Smith, Horace H. 
 Smith, Rev. George A. Smith, and J. T. Hughes. Mr. Hughes is an expert bobbin fin- 
 isher, and joined the firm April 1, 1890. The capital stock is $100,000, and the firm 
 owns 2,500 acres of heavy birch and maple timber. The lumber and clapboard-mill in 
 connection with the bobbin factory is the best in Montgomery. Their mills are located 
 at Black Falls, and they give employment to 125 hands. Rev. G. A. Smith, pastor of 
 the Roger Williams Baptist church of Providence, R. I., is a silent partner in the firm 
 
Family Sketches. 
 
 773 
 
 of J. E. Smith & Co. Edward H. Smith, the eldest brother, was a pipe organ builder 
 here, and while assisting at the erection of a smoke stack in Montgomery he was 
 killed. Four sisters are living: Jennie, wife of Col. 0. P. Patten, interested in the 
 Fairbanks scales in Montreal, P. Q.; Adelia, wife of Augustus Rosa, an architect and 
 builder, of Chicago, 111., and Beatrice City, Neb.; Amelia, wife of Ira A. Smith, an 
 architect and builder, of East Berkshire, Vt. ; and Lilia, wife of W. 0. Parker, for- 
 merly of Montgomery, but now a resident of Billings, Montana. Sarah Clark, wife of 
 the late Isaac H. Smith and mother of all these children, is still alive at the age of 
 eighty-two. She resides with her son James. 
 
 Siiles, William H., a native of Enosburgh, was born June 21, 1823. His father, Sam- 
 uel S., born in Chester, Vt., about 1795, married Hannah, daughter of Talma and Lydia 
 Hendrick, of Enosburgh. William H., the first of ten children, was educated in the 
 common and high schools of Enosburgh and earned his own living from an early age. 
 In 1847 he came to Montgomery and started in a small way in the manufacture of but- 
 ter tubs. September 25, 1849, he married Betsey, daughter of William and Mary Miller, 
 of Enosburgh. Mr. Stiles was a member of the old Whig party in politics, and later of 
 the Republican party. In 1858-59 he was sent to the state legislature, and in 1 872-74 
 was senator from his district. He was elected assistant jndge of the County Court in 
 1888, and from 1875 to 1888 was postmaster at Montgomery Center. For many years he 
 has been actively engaged in the general mercantile trade at that place. His business 
 career has been highly successful. Mr. and Mrs. Stiles had two children. The first, 
 Annette, was born in Montgomery, October 28, 1850, and married 8. N. Dix, of the same 
 place, October 28, 1875. Mr. Dix is a general merchant. The second child, William 
 M.,also born in Montgomery, October 26, 1859, married May I. Ranney, of Pittsfield, 
 Vt., June 30, 1885. He is a chemist in the- employ of William Johnson & Co., of Mon- 
 treal, P. Q. 
 
 RiCHFORD. 
 
 Adams, Ransom W., born in Newport, Vt., January 16, 1850, is the son of Abiel A. 
 and Irene (Gray) Adams, and of a family of fourteen children he was the youngest. 
 The father was a mill owner and operator, and Ransom was generally found around the 
 mill at work, so that he became a practical saw-mill man and competent to take full 
 charge of the work of such an industry. In 1881 Mr. Adams purchased an interest in 
 the mill of C. P. Stevens & Co. at the hamlet in the town of Riohford which is called 
 Stevens Mills. But even before becoming one of this firm he had worked at the place 
 as foreman and manager. With his interest in the mill he also acquired a partnership in 
 the mercantile business of the place. In 1870 Mr. Adams married Abbie L., a daugh- 
 ter of Welby Hammond, of Newport. They have had three children. Although by no 
 means -a politician Mr. Adams has taken an interest in the affairs of Richford. In 
 1888-89 he was one of the board of selectmen, and under the Cleveland administration 
 he was appointed postmaster at Stevens Mills, an office he has since held. In pohtics he 
 is a Republican. 
 
 Ayer, Harlow 0., the younger of two children born to William and Sarah (Chadwick) 
 Ayer, was born in the town of Berkshire on October 20, 1852, where he remained with 
 his parents until he finished school. He entered the employ of a produce commission 
 house in Boston in 1872. After returning to his native town in 1875 he was united in 
 marriage to Alma C, daughter of Calvin Hammond, of Franklin, Vt., and they have a 
 family of three children. After his marriage he became interested in agricultural pur- 
 suits, which he followed until 1885, when he removed to Richford, Vt, and became en- 
 gaged in manufacturing and in the hardware trade, which he has since successfully fol- 
 lowed. In 1890 the firm of H. R. Ayer & Co. was formed, and Mr. Ayer became one 
 of the partners. He has always been identified with town improvements, and was one 
 of the projectors and commissioners that built the water works of the town, which is 
 
774 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 one of the best in New England. He is connected with the National Guard of the state, 
 and has always taken great interest in military affairs. Since 1868 he has been first a 
 member of the Third Regiment, then transferred to the Second in 1871, and was mus- 
 tered out in 1872. He was elected first lieutenant of the Second Separate Company in 
 May, 1887, and succeeded Captain Brown in January, 1890, as captain of Company M, 
 First Regiment, which position he now holds. 
 
 Ayer, Horace R., born in the town of Berkshire, May 21, 1846, was the eldest of two 
 children of William J. and Sarah (Chadwick) Ayer. William Ayer will be remembered 
 by residents of Richford and Berkshire as one of the most energetic and prosperous 
 farmers of the latter town. His labors acquired a comfortable fortune, which de- 
 scends to his sons, Horace and Harlow. William J. and Sarah Ayer both died during 
 the year 1889. Horace was reared on his father's farm, and continued his residence in 
 Berkshire until some seven years ago, when he moved to Richford village and engaged 
 in the business of supplying the Central Vermont Railroad with wood, and with which 
 he is still connected. In 1884 he built what is known as the Opera House Rink, the 
 largest and most comfortable place for public assemblages in Richford. In March, 1890, 
 the firm of H. R. Ayer & Co. was formed for the purpose of the manufacture and sale of 
 Sabin's Beeswax Oil Polish, la, recent invention and one that promises well to those en- 
 gaged in its production. October 31, 1866, Horace R. Ayer married Hattie A., daugh- 
 ter of Hubbard Chamberlain, of Sheldon, and of this marriage three children have been 
 born, all of whom are living. 
 
 Boright, Sheldon, the fourth of eight children of Henry and Triphosa Jane (Sheldon) 
 Boright, w^as born in Frelighsburgh, P. Q., April 29, 1832. His father was a farmer, and 
 on the farm Sheldon remained until he reached the age of eighteen, when he went to 
 Providence, R. I., with a brother, where he worked in a store. About two years later 
 he returned to Canada and engaged in the mercantile business with Nelson Boright and 
 two other brothers, in which business he continued until 1869, when he sold out his in- 
 terest and came to reside in Richford. Here he established a general store. He has also 
 been engaged in various other business enterprises. In the spring of 1890 he built and 
 started a creamery in Richmond, but the immediate charge of this business is entrusted 
 to his son.Clinton M. Boright. In all his various enterprises, especially during later years, 
 Mr. Boright has had a valuable assistant m the person of his wife, Rachel R. (Ruthe- 
 ford) Boright, the daughter of Major Rutheford, of Monkton, Vt., whom he married 
 March 19, 1862. Five children have been born to them, of whom four are living, viz.: 
 Ethel L., Clinton M., Eva K, and Sheldon R. Mrs. Rachel R. Boright has been an 
 earnest worker in the temperance cause, particularly in the organization of a juvenile 
 temperance society, which now numbers some eighty members. She is also a prominent 
 member of the Methodist Episcopal church and Sunday-school. 
 
 Combs, Reuben, a native of Richford, was born March 27, 1829. His parents were 
 Caleb and Abigail (Cross) Combs, and they had a family of ten children, of whom Reuben 
 was next to the oldest. Caleb Combs was one of the most progressive farmers of Rich- 
 ford and a man highly esteemed in the town. He left to his children a good inlierit- 
 ance. Reuben was brought up to farm work, and has always been engaged in that occu- 
 pation. He inherited many of his father's characteristics, and is known and acknowl- 
 edged as one of the prominent men of the town. He is a firm Republican and has been 
 frequently honored with town office. In 1884 he represented the town m the state 
 legislature; in 1879 and 1880 he was one of the selectmen; was lister for fourteen of 
 the last twenty-seven years ; and has been justice of the peace. Mr. Combs has been 
 twice married, his first wife, whom he married in 1851, being Harrfet M. Farrar, and by 
 her he had three children, two of whom are living. Harriet (Farrar) Combs died in 
 February, 1879. His second wife, whom he married in March, 1880, was Alice (Stow) 
 Woods, widow of Eugen Woods, of Williston, Chittenden county. The farm on which 
 Reuben now resides comprises 350 acres, and is situated in South Richford. 
 
Family Sketches. 775 
 
 Corliss, Lorenzo D., a man well known and higHy respected in Richford, was a native 
 of the town, being born in 1818, the sixth child of Ephraim and Abigail (Goft) CorUss. 
 At the age of about twenty-three years young Corliss commenced life for himself by 
 purchasing and improving a tract of land in the eastern part of the town. Some sixteen 
 years ago, having acquired a competency, Mr. Corhss retired from the farm and came to 
 reside ia Richford village. Subsequently, however, he again lived on the farm for a brief 
 time. In 1843 he married Mary, a sister of Judge Silas P. Carpenter and a daughter of 
 Jonathan Carpenter, of Richford. No children have been born to them, but they have 
 adopted a daughter, Mary, the wife of Edgar Q-. Garvin. Aboue the time of the war 
 Mr. Corliss was town representative from Richford. He has also served as town lister, 
 and now is and has been for many years overseer of the poor. 
 
 Corliss, William, was born in Richford eighty years ago, or on December 7, 1810, the 
 third of twelve childrbn of Ephraim and Abigail (Goff) Corliss. Both the surnames 
 Corliss and GoflF stand for pioneership and respectability in Richford. Ephraim Corliss 
 was a farmer, and on the farm William lived and worked until twenty years of age, 
 when he hired out by the month for some two or three years. Lie married and soon 
 afterwards purchased a small farm of 105 acres in the north part of the town, on which 
 he lived until 1858, when he bought his present large farm, but still owns the old place. 
 In 1833 Mr. Corliss married Louisa A., daughter of Jonathan Carpenter, by whom he 
 had three children, only one of whom, Mrs. Mary Goff, is living. Mr. Corliss com- 
 menced his business life with a debt of $4: for a pair of boots and $6 for a coat. He has 
 been active in town as vvell as in personal affairs, having three times represented Rich- 
 ford in the General Assembly. He has also been selectman, lister, appraiser of real 
 estate, and held other offices of responsibility. 
 
 Dailey, John 8., was descended from Revolutionary stock. His grandfather served 
 during that war and participated m the battle of Bunker Hill. His father was a volun- 
 teer substitute during the War of 1812. John S Dailey was born at Barnet in 1822, 
 the youngest but one of six children of David and Fanny Dailey. Young Dailey lived 
 with his parents on the farm, but soon after becoming of age he went to Massachusetts, 
 and after about five years returned, remaining at home for some eight years. In 1855 
 he went to California and remained two years, returning in the fall of 1856. He next 
 went to St. Johnsbury, and some two years later went on the railroad as express mes- 
 senger. During the later years of their lives Mr. Dailey cared for his aged parents 
 until their deaths— the father in 1861 and the mother in 1870. In 1871 he came to 
 Richford and started in trade. In 1857 he married Mahala D daughter of James Gib- 
 son, of Canada, by whom he had one child, who died in infancy. In politics he is a 
 Republican, and as such represented the town of Richford in 1884. He has also held 
 several other town ofiBces, and has several times declined offered positions on account 
 of business interests. 
 
 Garvin Edgar G., the enterprising druggist of Richford, was a native of Enosburgh, 
 and was born at that place April 6, 1846. His father, Samuel S. Garvin, was a minister 
 of the Second Advent church, and his mother was Betsey (Stetson) Garvin, and of their 
 three children he was the eldest. The father had charge of several Advent churches m 
 this locality. Some nine or ten years ago he removed to Fort Worth, Texas, with part 
 of his family, where he still resides. When old enough Edgar G. Garvin began work 
 at mechanical employments, and later became clerk, serving as such in various locahties 
 in Franklin Chittenden, and Caledonia counties. In 1885 he established a drug store in 
 Richford. He married Sarah A., daughter by adoption of Lorenzo and Mary (Carpen- 
 ter) Corliss, and to them have been born three children. In politics Mr. Garvin is a Re- 
 publican. He has never held or asked for political office. 
 
 Gibson George W., born in Canada, September 1, 1834, is the son of James and La- 
 mira (Arms) Gibson, being the second of their ten children. He lived with his parents 
 on the farm until about seventeen, when he moved to Hanover, N. H., where he learned 
 the jeweler's trade. Coming to Richford in 1859 as a journeyman jeweler he was m- 
 
•J^6 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 duced to "set up a business" in the store of George W. Arms, from which small be- 
 ginning has grown his present fine business. May 15, 1858, he married Jane E. Shep- 
 ard, of St. Armand, P. Q , and of this marriage thirteen children have been born, eight 
 of whom are living. In politics Mr. Gibson is a Republican, having been selectman and 
 justice of the peace for thirteen years. 
 
 Hamilton, Nathan F., fifth of the eight children born to Hannibal C. and Julia E. 
 (Thompson) Hamilton, was born in Berkshire, November 16, 1845. Hannibal C. Ham- 
 ilton was a farmer. At the age of fourteen Nathan F. began work at the carpenter's 
 trade, but at sixteen he enlisted as drummer boy in Company F, Tenth Vermont Vol- 
 unteers, and served about two and a half years, until the close of the war. He then 
 commenced the study of medicine with his brother. Dr. J. H. Hamilton, which he dis- 
 continued after a year, and took up the study of dentistry under the direction of an- 
 other brother, Merrill T. Hamilton, of Newport, Vt. Nathan F. Hamilton has prac- 
 ticed dentistry in Eichford for about sixteen years, and is one of the leading surgeon 
 dentists of Northern Vermont. In 1869 he married Nettie C, daughter of Alvin Goff, 
 of Eichford, and of this marriage two sons, Claire G. and Percy GofF, have been born. 
 Mr. Hamilton is a Eepublican in politics, and has been justice of the peace for several 
 years. 
 
 Heath, Henry R., the present (1890) capable and efficient selectman of the town of 
 Eichford, was born in that town February 14, 1845, the son of Elisha and Mary (Noyes) 
 Heath, and of their eight children the youngest but two. Elisha Heath, son of the pio- 
 neer, Samuel Heath, was the first town clerk of Eichford. Henry E. Heath has always 
 lived on the farm, and now owns and occupies the old Mark Bannister place, compris- 
 ing seventy-five acres of land. During the war he enlisted as a private in Company G, 
 Thirteenth Vermont Volunteers, and served in all about thirteen months, first with the 
 nine months' men and then re-enlisted in the one year's service. In 1872 Mr. Heath 
 married Cleora, daughter of Stephani Smith, of Eichford. They have had one daughter. 
 Mr. Heath served as town representative in the state legislature in 1890-91. 
 
 Marcy, David, known as a thrifty and enterprising farmer, came to reside in Eich- 
 ford in 1880. He was a native of Montgomery, a, son of Russell S. and Nancy (Fair- 
 banks) Marcy, and the youngest but one of their seven children. His father, Eussell S. 
 Marcy, was born in Stockbndge, Mass., in 1800, and his mother, Nancy Marcy, was 
 born in Keene, N. H,, in 1804. The father died in 1884, at the age of eighty-four year?, 
 and the mother in 1884, at the age of eighty years. David Marcy when about nineteen 
 years old went to Massachusetts and worked there until July, ] 862, when he enlisted 
 as a private in Company H, Thirty-fourth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, with 
 which he served throughout the war, and was present at the surrender at Appomattox. 
 He has in his possession a piece of the famous apple tree, which is a cherished souvenir. 
 Comrade Marcy was mustered out of service July 5, 1865, and returned to Eichford 
 January 1, 1867. He married Zippi, daughter of Bethuel Stone, of Eden, Lamoille 
 county, by whom he had one child, Eussie Marcy. She died in October, 1872 and 
 March 6, 1875, Mr. Marcy married Lorri I., adopted daughter of Morris Hendricks 
 Mr. Marcy is an extensive farmer, his lands in Eichford comprising 180 acres He has 
 a sugar orchard of some 1,600 trees, from which he makes annually over 6,600 pounds 
 of maple sugar. 
 
 Mills, Leonard M., a descendant of Vermont ancestors, was born in Sutton P Q 
 April 25, 1843, the second of eight children born to Reuben and Euth Mills. The older 
 residents of Eichford will remember when Eeuben Mills had charge of the grist-mill 
 there but it is not generally known that the grandfather of our subject, Moses Mills 
 hewed the timber used in the construction of the original mill on the site in 1797 
 Leonard M. Mills was brought up to the trade of his father, and at the age of twenty-four 
 years went to Wisconsin, where he became engaged in this business, and remained six 
 years. In 1872 he came to Richford and purchased the William Goflf grist-mill which 
 
Family Sketches. ■]^]^ 
 
 he has since owned and operated. In 1886 the structure was substantially rebuilt and 
 it is now known as one of the best feed and grist-mills in the county. He has been 
 askod to accept office, but has always declined. In 1882 Mr. Mills married Ruth, 
 daughter of Ephraiin Hawley, of which marriage one child, a daughter, has been born. 
 
 Mitchell, Frederick W., the well known druggist and proprietary medicine manufact- 
 urer of Richford, was born of Irish parents at St. A.rmand, P. Q., July 11, 1859. His 
 father was WilUam and his mother was Margaret Mitchell, and of their five children 
 Frederick W. was the youngest. He remained on his father's farm until his fifteenth 
 year, when he went to Bast Berkshire and entered the employ of W. S. Rublee. Later 
 he was clerk in the store of Richard Smith, of Richford. About 1879 young Mitchell 
 started a drug store in Bast Berkshire, which he continued for about five years, when 
 he sold out and came again to Richford, purchasing the store of his former employer, 
 Richard Smith. In 1890 the Richford Chemical Company was incorporated and Mr. 
 Mitchell was chosen its president. June 7, 1879, Mr. Mitchell married Ella E., daugh- 
 ter of 0. J. Smith, of Richford. Of this marriage four children have been born, of 
 whom three are living. 
 
 Noyes, James, a pioneer of Richford, came with his family to that town in 1806. 
 His children were Joseph, Henry, Mary, Nathaniel, Rufus, and Phebe, and of these 
 only Mary, now the widow of Elijah Heath, is living. Joseph Noyes, the oldest son, 
 married Philenda Carpenter, and by her had six children, as follows : Amos M., Lucius Y., 
 Harvey L., L. Marvin, and Homer B. and Heman A. (twins). Amos M. Noyes was born 
 in Richford, April 21, 1827. He was reared on the farm and his subsequent life has been 
 devoted to this pursuit. Mr. Noyes has been twice married. His Erst wife, whom he 
 wedded in 1860, was Mary Ann, a daughter of M. T. Reed, of Bnosburgh, and by her he 
 had two children, Flora and Laura. His second wife was Alida A., the daughter of Na- 
 thaniel Sears, widow of Lucius Y. Noyes, and by her he had four children : George S., 
 Coralyn, Mabel, and Mary. Mr. Noyes has also been interested in the mill business, he 
 and his father having built in 1855 the saw-mill that now stands on Amos's farm, and 
 is what is known as the upright mill, having power from the stream leading from Hard- 
 wood Hill Pond. 
 
 Powell, Charles A., son of Herman and Julia (White) Powell, was born in Richford, 
 May 16, 1843. In 1862 he enlisted in Company P, Tenth Vermont Volunteer Infantry, 
 where he served as private for nearly two years, when he was made second lieutenant 
 of Company F, Tenth U. S. Colored troops, and subsequently was promoted to the cap- 
 taincy of the same company. After spending several years in farming Mr. Powell 
 went to Massachusetts, at the place formerly Bast Medway, where he managed a fancy 
 stock farm for three years. He then returned to Richford and became a member of the 
 firm of I. J. Sweat & Co., jobbing builders, manufacturers, etc., and about the same 
 time he became interested in mercantile pursuits, being now senior partner in the firm 
 of Powell & Comings, dealers in general hardware. Charles A. Powell married, Feb- 
 ruary 6, 1867, Mornilva, daughter of Lucas Kingsbury, of Fairfax, of which marriage 
 two children have been born. Mr. Powell is a Republican in politics. 
 
 Powell, John N., born in Richford, December 31, 1850, is the son of George N. and 
 Mary (Barrows) Powell. George N. was three times married, his second wife being 
 Mary Barrows, by whom he had two children, Mrs. Rose Kellogg, of Boston, and John 
 N. He was a wheelwright and farmer, and moved from Richford to Eden, Lamoille 
 county, nearly a score of years ago. John N. Powell Uved with his uncle, Calvin P. 
 Dwyer, till his death in 1867, when the charge of the property fell oh him. After his 
 uncle's' death he obtained a clerkship in the store of another uncle, James G. Powell, 
 and subsequently became his partner, a relation that was maintained for some years. 
 In 1881 Mr. Powell built the substantial brick building he now occupies, and started in 
 trade on his own account, his stock being general merchandise. In politics he is a 
 Democrat, and has been frequently honored with his party's nominations. In village 
 
778 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 affairs he was one of the trustees for 1889, 1890, and 1891, and has been justice of the 
 peace for two years. September 19, 1871, Mr. Powell married Alice I., daughter of 
 James M. Thayer, of Berkshire, and they have had two children, one of whom, J. Ber- 
 nice Powell, is living. 
 
 Rounds, McKenzie W., grandson of Reuben Rounds, a pioneer of Richford, was born 
 August 15, 1839. His father was William and his mother was Fanny (Heath) Rounds. 
 The father went to California in 1849 and died there within two years. When a young 
 man McKenzie W. Rounds became a clerk in the store of Lester Rounds, and in 1864, 
 having saved some money, he went into business for himself in the dry goods trade, in 
 which, with the exception of about fifteen years, he has since been en'gaged. In 1865 
 he married Abbie, daughter of G-uy Fletcher. In politics Mr. Rounds is a staunch Re- 
 publican. He held the office of postmaster from 1865 to 1872 and again from 1880 to 
 1885. In 1872 he was elected to represent the town in the General Assembly. Reu- 
 ben Rounds, the grandfather of McKenzie W., raised to maturity a family of fourteen 
 children, but they and their descendants nearly all went to the West, leaving but few 
 representatives of the Rounds surname now in the town. 
 
 Sears, Nathaniel, a pioneer in the county, was a brother of Alden Sears, who built 
 the hotel known now as the Union House. Sherman W., son of Nathaniel, married 
 Catherine Cook, and had by her eight children, of whom Frank C, born May 30, 1846, 
 at Duxbury, Vt., was the second. In August, 1864, Frank C. with his father enlisted 
 as recruits in Company A, Sixth Vermont Volunteers, serving about ten months, and 
 both being mustered out of service at the close of the war on June 11, 1865. April 6, 
 1868, Mr. Sears married Addie C, daughter of John F. Powell, of Richford. In the 
 fall of the same year he started in business in this village as a general merchant, in 
 which he is still engaged. 
 
 Stanhope, Hiram S., born in Richford, March 8, 1816, was the grandson of Joseph 
 Stanhope, a pioneer of the town. His parents, Joseph, jr., and Zebiah (Nutting) Stan- 
 hope, had ? family of eleven children, as follows: Harriet, Hiram S., Eliza, Miranda, 
 Ezra, Samuel, Susanna, Ruth, Hazen, and two who died in infancy. Of these only four, 
 Hiram S., Ezra, Samuel, and Susanna, are living;. Hiram S. Stanhope has always been 
 a farmer, and his is considered one of the best farms between Richford and Stevens 
 Mills. It comprises 130 acres. Mr. Stanhope has been twice married, his first wife 
 being Lavina, daughter of Porter Blis.=. They had a family of nine children : Charles, 
 Lucinda, Pruella, Mary, Amanda, Juliette, Orilla, Leona, and Celinda. His second 
 wife, whom he married in 1866, was Lydia Hendricks, by whom he had three chil- 
 dren : Joseph H., Gideon S., and Ethel L. Adeline (Hendricks) Stanhope was the 
 daughter of Gideon and Adeline (Barrett) Hendricks, both of whbse names stand for 
 pioneers of Richford. 
 
 Willard, William Bliss, only child of Polly and Caleb (Bliss) Willard, was born in 
 Richford, April 16, 1822. Caleb Willard was a native of Hartford and his wife, Polly, 
 of Hartland, Vt. The father was a soldier in the War of 1812, and came to Richford 
 soon after. He died in 1886, at the advanced age of ninety years. William B. Willard 
 has always lived on a, farm. He moved to his present residence nearly a score'of years 
 ago. In 1871 he built the steam saw-mill now standing a few rods northeast of his 
 house, but of late years the management of this industry has been entrusted to his 
 son and son-in-law. In 1884 Mr. Willard married Lavina, daughter of Stephen Davis 
 of Georgia, and they have had seven children, viz.: Louisa (Mrs. W. W. Kinsley) Oscar 
 Emma Jane (Mrs. H. H. Rounds), Sophronia, William D., Cora (Mrs. James Cross), and 
 Etta. Wilham B. Willard is a self-made man, having commenced life with very small 
 means. He has been prominent in Democratic political affairs, serving as selectman 
 lister, overseer of the poor, and justice of the peace. ' 
 
Family Sketches. 779 
 
 Sheldon. 
 
 Gleed, John I., son of John G-leed, a noted preacher, was born in England and came 
 to this country in 1832. He settled in Lamoille county, where he was educated at the 
 Lamoille County Grammar School and at the Belle McQueen Seminary. He studied 
 law with his brother, the Hon. Thomas Gleed, in St. Lawrence county, and came to 
 Sheldon in 1868, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. In 
 1868 Mr. Gleed was apoomted department revenue assessor. He was twice married. 
 His first wife was Amelia Searle and his second was Josephine Piper. They have four 
 children. 
 
 Chamberlin, Ebenezer, born in 175-t at Great Meadows, Mass., came to Burlington, 
 Vt., before 1790. He served in the Revolutionary war. He married Patty Howe and 
 they had fourteen children, of whom two sons, Maynard and Jobn, served as soldiers 
 in the War of 1812 and were at Plattsburgh, and another son, Henry, settled in Sheldon, 
 where he was engaged in business as a tanner and shoemaker. Henry Chamberlin was 
 one of the leading men of his town. He married Desire Ripley, and they had eleven 
 children, one of whom, Henry B., married Priscilla Bliss, a descendant of the Rev. J-ohn 
 Bliss who settled in Helbron, Conn., in 1713. They have four children : John E., 
 Henry L., E. K., and Emma E. John E. Chamberlin, born in 1848, enlisted, July 15, 
 
 1863, in Company G, Sixth Vermont Volunteers. He was wounded September 19, 
 
 1864, at Winchester, and on October 19th was wounded at the battle of Cedar Creek. 
 September 23, 1864, he was promoted corporal, and January 3, 1865, was made ser- 
 geant, serving as such to the close of the war. He married Annette Bliss, daughter of 
 William Bliss. They have four children. 
 
 Martin, Giles, came to Sheldon at an early day and married Lovica Sheldon, a daugh- 
 ter of George Sheldon. She was the first white child born in Sheldon. One of their 
 sons, Nathaniel G., born in 1814, married Anna A. Chamberlain. Nathaniel G. Martin 
 was prominent in town affairs, serving as seleotmw for several years, and was elected 
 representative in 1866 and 1867. He died in 1884, leaving a family of six children, five 
 daughters and one son, the latter being Nathaniel H., who married Arvilla C. Randall. 
 They have one son, Howell N. Their only daughter, Anna A., died in January, 1890, 
 at the age of twenty years. Mr. Martin is the largest farmer in Sheldon, havmg a farm 
 of 520 acres. 
 
 Mason. "William, born in Cheshire, Mass., settled in Malone in 1803, where he re- 
 mained until 1844, when he came to Sheldon and died in 1846. He had a family of 
 eight children, only two of whom settled in Sheldon. They were Phebe, who married 
 J. W. Ohadwick, a son of the Amos Chad wick who settled in Sheldon in 1804; and 
 Mercy, who married John J. Towle, a son of Theophilus Towle, who was born in Frank- 
 lin in 1821 and came to Sheldon in 1854. Mr. Towle was a farmer and one of the fore- 
 most men of his town, taking an active interest in town affairs. He died in 1889, leav- 
 ing William M., a teacher in New York, and Harrison, who resides in Sheldon. 
 
 St. Albans. 
 
 Bedard, Spencer S., was born in Stanbridge, P. Q., April 21, 1838, and was the oldest 
 of three children born to John and Philena C. Bedard. During his youth his father 
 died and Spencer S. then commenced to learn the harnessmaker's trade. In the fall of 
 1856 he came to St. Albans, but after about two years he went to Montpelier. In the 
 spring of 1862 he went to Boston and found employment, but three years later, in 1865, 
 he returned to St. Albans, at which village he has since resided. On coming to this place 
 Mr. Bedard entered into partnership with his brother, J. A. Bedard, and purchased the 
 harness business formerly conducted by H. M. Stevens, but to this they added a trade 
 
 98 
 
78o History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 in carriages ; and after the firm dissolved — having been in trade some twelve years — 
 the harness business was continued by the brother, while Spencer took charge of the 
 carriage trade and has since carried it on. Besides this Spencer S. was for a time en- 
 gaged in the boot and shoe business and in the clothing business at Rouse's Point, N. Y. 
 Mr. Bedard has not been unknown in the political history of St. Albans, as about 1870 
 he was elected justice of the peace and held that office about ten years. In 1880 he 
 was chosen associate judge of the County Court, and so continued for two years. In 
 1885 and 1886 he was one of the selectmen of his town, and in the fall of 1886 he was 
 elected town representative. In the legislature Judge Bedard was chairman of the Com- 
 mittees on Ways and Means and on Claims. In religious matters he and his family are 
 members of the Congregational church. On arriving in Montpelier in 1860 Mr. Bedard 
 married Sarah L. Clark. They have had three children : Jennie (wife of F. Irvin 
 Batcher), Sarah Grrace, and Fi-ederick S. Mr. Bedard's mother was of American birth, 
 but of English descent. His maternal grandfather was born in France. His paternal 
 grandfather was of Dutch extraction. 
 
 Boynton, Samuel H., was born in Burlington in 1815, and became ai-esident of St. 
 Albans in 1839, locating at the place familiarly called Parsonsville, where he became en- 
 gaged in tanning. He soon sold out and acted as overseer for Smith & Whiting, who 
 were also tanners at the same place. In 18i9 Mr. Boynton married Caroline M., daugh- 
 ter of Almon and granddaughter of Reuben TuUar, the pioneer. The children of Sam- 
 uel H. and Caroline Boynton are Frank and Gates C. Mrs? Boynton died in 1869. The 
 farm on which Mr. Boynton lives, and in which he has a life estate, comprises 200 acres. 
 
 Brunson, Lyman, was a pioneer of North Hero, having settled there about ITffi. To 
 his marriage with Janette Strong were born seven children: Esther, Mary, Uriah, 
 David S., Carlisle T., WiUiam Henry, and Hannah. William Henry Brunson, now hv- 
 ing in St. Albans, was born in February, 1810. At the age of eighteen years he came to 
 St. Albans, and learned the trade of tanner and currier under Stephen Lawrence. In 
 1833 he married Harriet, daughter of Joseph Smith, of Georgia, and by her had a fam- 
 ily of five children, viz.: George S., a resident of St. Albans and a magnetic healer of 
 some prominence; Sanford F., of Hartford, Conn.; Sarah Jane, wife of Sanford J. 
 Brigham; Edwin J., of St. Albans; and Willard E., deceased. 
 
 Cook, Nelson, the eldest of the fourteen children of Thaddeus Cook, of Georgia, was 
 born April 7, 1817. He was reared on a farm, and at the age of seventeen years went 
 to New York state, where he remained for two years. Returning he married Lura 
 Brown, of St. Albans, and then removed to New York. About 1850 he settled in St. 
 Albans. During the war he started in the grocery business at the Bay, and has so con- 
 tinued to the present day, but the immediate control of this business is in charo-e of hi.s 
 son, while Mr. Cook looks after his lands and boats. In 1890 Mr. Cook bought the 
 Jewett Tile Works, just over the Georgia line. The children of his marriage with Lura 
 Brown were Charles, Louisa, Dwight P., Elinas M., and one who died unnamed. Mr 
 Cook IS a Democrat. In 1868 he was selected for the office of postmaster, which posi- 
 tion he held for about two years. 
 
 Corliss Family, The.— John Corliss was a native of New Hampshire and a pioneer of 
 St. Albans, havmg settled m that town prior to 1820. His wife was Jane Todd daugh- 
 ter of Samuel Todd, who was somewhat prominent during the Revolutionary period 
 ahe children of John and Jane (Todd) Corhss were: Martin J., of St. Albans- Ozro 
 of Ellenburgh, N. Y.; Daniel, of Swanton ; John R. and Levi, of St. Albans • and 
 bamuel who died m mf ancy. John Corliss was a farmer on land now owned by Ches- 
 ter Colhns He died in 1837, in Bakersfield, to which town he had previously moved 
 His wife died April 19, 1866. John R. Corhss married Lovica Eaton, November 2o' 
 18.50, and had these children: Lester, a merchant in St. Albans; Clark, who resides 
 with his father ; and Ozro, of Barlow county, Kan. Martin J.Corliss was born October 27 
 ^ ;u*° u^f brought up on the farm. April 29, 1846, he married Paulina Skinner' 
 and they had nine children : John A., Mirza G., Joseph A, Mary L., Amy, Daniel Nor- 
 
Family Sketches. 781 
 
 mn\, Albert N., and Geoi'ge Addison, vvlio died in infancy. Martin J. Corliss is a suc- 
 cessful farmer, owning 250 acres in the northwest part of St. Albans. He was a soldier 
 during the late war in the Twelfth Vermont Regiment. He also saw some service dur- 
 ing the famous Papineau war. Levi O. Corliss was born in St. Albans, April 12, 1831. 
 At the age of eleven years he entered the employ of M. S. Skinner, driving three yoke 
 of oxen on a breaking plow at |4 per month. At the age of twenty-eight years he was 
 obliged to seek lighter employment owing to poor health. September 28, 1851, he 
 married Almira P. GrifBn, of St. Albans, and they had six children : Herbert 0., Sarah J., 
 Orson W., Ruby A., Etta M., and Almira R. His wife died June 26, 1862, and No- 
 vember 1st following he married Eliza W., daughter of Solomon Cleveland, of Franklin, 
 Vt. They had two children ; Charles L. and Gracie M. In 1869 Levi Corliss and 
 family moved to BUenburgh, N. Y., where he became engaged in farming and mercan- 
 tile pursuits, but in 1885 he returned to St. Albans Bay, where now resides. 
 
 Herriok, James, one of the early settlers of Sheldon, Vt., came to this locality from 
 Dutchess county, N. Y. He was a surveyor, and ran the town lines, and at one time 
 owned about half the town. He had several children, Leander, Samuel B., Laura, 
 Lucy, and Louisa being the names of those now recalled. Samuel B. Herrick married 
 Alma Hull, of Fairfield, and they had four children : Laura S., Polly E., Alexander H., 
 and La Fayette H. La Fayette Hull Herrick was born April 30, 1840, and was brought 
 up to do farm work. November 29, 1860, he married Spaulding Duclos, a member of a 
 prominent Sheldon family, and they had two children, Ernest D. and Alma Louisa, both 
 of whom are living at home. Mr. Herrick lived for many years in Sheldon. Pie then 
 moved to Swanton, thence back to Sheldon, and then to St. Albans in 1887, where he 
 became the owner of the Duclos farm, formerly the James Brooks place. Mr. Herrick 
 is devoted to the farm, and takes but little part in town affairs. He is not connected 
 with any religious society, but his wife is a member of the Baptist church. 
 
 Holdridge, Ancil, will be well remembered by the middle aged men of St. Albans, 
 particularly by those who were associated with him during his life with in army. He 
 was not a soldier who carried a gun or fought in a battle, but his duty called him to the 
 hospital tent, caring for the sick and wounded as they were brought from the battle- 
 field. In this sphere his services were important, both to suffering humanity and the 
 government. His direct association was with the Christian Commission. He died in 
 May, 1884. His wife was Cornelia, daughter of Reuben Tuller by the latter's marriage 
 with Mary Cooley. Two children were born to them, Cornelia and Catherine. By a 
 former marriage with Esther Yates Mr. Tuller had eleven children. The children of 
 Ancil and Cornelia Holdridge were Milo, who died in 1888, and Frederick. Ancil and 
 Cornelia were married in 1841. 
 
 Pierce, Willard, was born at Stanbridge, P. Q., September 3, 1834, the son of Var- 
 num and Philoma Pierce. His early life was spent on the farm, but at the age of eigh- 
 teen years he came to St. Albans to work for his uncle, Curtis Pierce, m the hotel busi- 
 ness. In 1861 Willard Pierce bought the St. Albans House, which he still owns, and 
 went into business for himself. To the old hotel he has made frequent additions, so 
 that the present buildmg bears but little resemblance to the original. Mr. Pierce mar- 
 ried Sarah Gray, formerly of Kingston, N. Y., and has five children, — three sons and 
 two daughters, — all of whom are Hving. He has resided in St. Albans since his first 
 coming to the place, at times having proprietorship of his hotel, at others leasing it, but 
 of late years it has been continually leased, while its owner gives his attention to his 
 other mterests, which are quite extensive. 
 
 Prindle, Amos D. , who was born in Fairfield, was the eighth child of nine children born 
 to Martin and Phebe (Leach) Prindle, pioneers in Fairfield, the settlement of their fam- 
 ilies being earlier than 1800. Martin Prindle was familiarly called "Judge," from the 
 fact of his long holding the office of justice in the town. Amos D. Prindle, in 1844, 
 married Maria, daughter of Ami Wilson, of Fairfax, and they had two children : Alvah 
 W. now in charge of the large farm in St. Albans, and Fred D., now living at John- 
 
782 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 son, Vt. In 1870 Mr. Prindle came from Fairfield to St. Albans and bought the Addi- 
 son Parnsworth property of 336 acres, lying southeast of the village. He was a suc- 
 cessful and prosperous farmer, but an unfortunate stroke of paralysis in 1888 prostrated 
 him. The care and management of the large farm then fell upon Alvah W. Prindle. The 
 latter married Alice L. Ray, of Einesburgh. Fred D. Prindle married Delia Chase, of 
 Jay. 
 
 Stilphen, Cornelius, the ancestor of a large and respected line of descendants in the 
 region of Northern Vermont, came from New Hampshire to Swanton in 1810 with his 
 family on an old ox-sled drawn by a pair of three-year-old steers. The family at that 
 time comprised a number of children, among them being Sally, Susannah, Mary, 
 Nancy, Betsey, William, Charles, and Cornelius. There were others who did not come to 
 this locality. Cornelius married Deborah Neal, and by her had the following children : 
 George W., Charles W., Martha L., and Warren C. George W. Stilphen, the promi- 
 nent representative of the family now in St. Albans, was born February 5, 1829, and was 
 brought up on the farm and to farm work, but he has become one of the most extensive 
 buyers and dealers in this region. His investments in this locality have brought advan- 
 tageous results, as he is looked upon as one of the foremost men of the town. De- 
 cember 23, 1858, he married Catherine L. Bishop, by whom he had two children, Kate 
 M. and George William. In politics Mr. Stilphen is a Democrat. His grandfather and 
 Charles Stilphen were at the battle of Plattsburgh. 
 
 Stratto'n, Joe H., the well known proprietor of Stratton's Hotel, was born in St. Ar- 
 mand, Canada, June 29, 1840. He was a son of Robert and Ann (Taylor) Stratton, and 
 of their children was the sixth. When Joe was thirteen years old his father died, and 
 the family then came to the town of Franklin and lived with Robert Stratton, jr., older 
 son of Robert and Ann Stratton. Here Joe H. resided and worked on the farm until 
 he was twenty-four, when he commenced buying butter and produce. In 1868 he 
 went to California, where he remained three years, but on returning became engaged 
 in the butter busmess, and continued in the same more or less actively until 1885. In 
 1887 he rented the St. Albans House and managed it one year, after which he became 
 landlord of the Windsor House at Ogdensburg, remaining at that place a year or so. 
 Returning to St. Albans Mr. Stratton leased the Franklin House at the corner of Fair- 
 field and South Main streets, changed its name to Stratton's Hotel, and here he has 
 ever smce been found in the capacity of host. In 1875 Mr. Stratton married Marcia 
 Clement, of Franklin, and they have one child. Landlord Stratton is not unknown to 
 the political history of the county. In the fall of 1886 he was the Republican nominee 
 for the oflice of sherifi", but there was a general bolt on the part of many Republicans 
 on account of a dissatisfaction with other parts of the county and state ticket, and at 
 the polls Mr. Stratton was sacrificed with nearly all other candidates for county offices. 
 But it is doubtful whether an opposing candidate of less strength than Captain Ken- 
 nedy could have beaten Mr. Stratton for the shrievalty. 
 
 Sturtevant, Smith Clark, was born at Weybridge, Vt., October 2, 1845, and was for 
 more than twenty years prior to his death a conductor on the Vermont Central and 
 Central Vermont Railroads. He was a valued employee, but the lamentable accident 
 of February 6, 1887, cost him his life. Mr. Sturtevant was a soldier during the late 
 war, having enlisted at Middlebury in Company B, Fifth Vermont Infantry He mar- 
 ried, November 28, 1865, Emmerette Church, who bore him seven children, as follows- 
 Marshall C, Fred H Verne, Edgar S., Ina Belle, Clyde E., and Frank F. Mrs. Sturte- 
 vant, widow of Smith Clark Sturtevant, on February 20, 1889, was married to Alton 
 Dean. 
 
 Tuller, Melanoton, was born in St. Albans in 1834, the son of Oman and Persis Tul- 
 Z' .r, ,". ."^ "^^^ *® ^^^^ °^ ^ numerous family, his children numbering twelve 
 Ot these Melancton was the youngest. He was reared on the farm and has devoted 
 his hte to agricultural pursuits, and the reward for his labors has been reasonably fair 
 tor his is an excellent farm and its surroundings and appointments are desirable Me- 
 
Family Sketches. 783 
 
 lancton Tuller married Hattie, daughter of Carlton Wright, of St. Albans. They have 
 no children. 
 
 Walker, Lewis, was a pioneer of St. Albans, settling there about 1791. One of his 
 children was Edward 0. Walker, who was born on the farm on which his son, William 
 P. Walker, now lives, in the south part of the town, on March 28, 1805. His life was 
 passed on this same farm. He married Roby C, daughter of David Clark, by whom he 
 had these children : Leonora M., who married Horace Jennison ; William P., now liv- 
 ing on the home farm; and David 0., who died in infancy. WiUiam P. Walker mar- 
 ried Mary Jane Cox, and had two children, Anna R. and Edward C. William Walker 
 lived on the farm until he was of age, and then went to Burlington. At the outbreak 
 of the late war he was assistant-quartermaster at the Marine Hospital, which position 
 he held for three years. Later he was in trade at St Albans village, from 1866 to 1883, 
 but he has always regarded the old farm as his only home, and retired there after clos- 
 ing out business at the village. Mr. Walker is a firm Democrat, living in a strongly 
 Repablican town, yet he was overseer of the poor for fourteen years and justice for 
 twelve years. 
 
 Whittemore, Richard, who was born in Massachusetts, came with his family and set- 
 tled on Johnny Cake Hill about 1790. He had four children : Sarah Beckett, who mar- 
 ried Josiah Smith; John, who married Aluna Kingsbury; Polly, who married Amos 
 Clark ; and Eliza, who became the wife of John French. Richard Whittemore died in 
 1805, aged thirty-six years, and his wife in 1856, aged eighty-nine years. The children 
 of John and Aluna (Kingsbury) Whittemore were Rodney ; Cordelia M., who married 
 Lucius Hulburt; Eliza French; Mary Ann, wife of Dr. S. S. Clark; and Helen, who 
 married Henry M. Miller. The second wife of John was Samantha M. Safford, by 
 whom he had one child, Maria, wife of Rev. E. H. Alden, of Minnesota. Rodney Whit- 
 temore was reared on the farm, and the old home of his father is now owned and occu- 
 pied by him. He desired to retain it, and upon the death of his father he purchased 
 the interests of the other heirs. The father died in 1885, at the advanced age of eighty- 
 nine years. Rodney Whittemore bears the title of "Judge," which came through his 
 incumbency of the position of associate judge of the County Courts in 1886 and 1887. 
 He has also held the office of county commissioner. In politics he has generally been 
 associated with the Republican party, but of late years he has affiliated with the Prohi- 
 bitionists. For many years Judge Whittemore has been prominently identified with 
 the Congregational church. In 1842 he married Maria P. West, by whom he had two 
 children. His wife died in 1874, and in 1875' he married Cora H. Sharp. 
 
 Wilson, Robert, came from New Hampshire at an early day and settled in St. Albans. 
 He had nine children : Anderson, Robert Brooks, James, Samuel, Sarah, John, Patty, 
 and Polly, all of whom are deceased. The boys except John went to Bangor, N. Y. 
 John married Lucretia Spurr, of St. Albans, and had eight children : Paulina, James 
 P., John, William B., Sarah Ann, Raymond S., Mary, and George, of whom only 
 James P. is now living. The latter married Lydia B., daughter of Willard Jewell, and 
 by her had two children, viz.: Julia D., who married H. L. Samson, the enterprising 
 proprietor of the Lake View House at the famous fishing grounds of the Great Back 
 Bay, and Charles Edgar, now deceased. The children of Henry L. and Julia D. Sam- 
 son are Wilson J., George H. (deceased), and Stewart L. 
 
 Wood, Seymour H., was born in Swanton, April 19, 1841. He was educated in the 
 common schools and in Swanton Academy, and lived on the home farm until eighteen 
 years of age. In 1859 he came to St. Albans and became a clerk in the hardware store 
 of George H. Farrar, remaining there until 1861. In April of that year he enlisted in 
 Company C, First Vermont Volunteers, and was mustered out in August following. In 
 August, 1862, he re-enlisted in Company L, First Vermont Cavalry, entering as ser- 
 geant, and was wounded at Hagarstown, Md., July 6, 1863. In December, 1863, while 
 in camp at Stevensburg, Va., he was attacked with inflammatory rheumatism, was sent 
 to the general hospital, was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, and was dis- 
 
784 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 charged in 1865. Mr. Wood is familiarly known as " Major,'' a title that came to him 
 by reason of service in the Vermont militia. He assisted in raising the company called 
 the Ransom Gruard. For twelve years Major Wood was in the flour, feed, and grain 
 business as one of the firm of Weeks & Wood, and was afterwards alone in the same 
 business. He sold out to become deputy collector under General Wells, and when Mr. 
 Benedict succeeded to the coUectorship he became deputy collector in charge of the St. 
 Albans office, a position he now holds. 
 
 Wyman, Charles, born in Chelsea, Orange county, Vt, February 18, 1826, was the 
 sixth of seven children born to Daniel and Anna (Wilson) Wyman. At the age of four- 
 teen Charles went to live with a relative, and learned the trade of jeweler and watch- 
 maker, working under the direction of Foster Grow. This occupied his time for seven 
 years, or until his majority, when he came to St. Albans and became a jeweler and 
 watchmaker in the store of A. H. Huntington. Two years later he became Mr. Hunt- 
 ington's partner in business, a relation that continued until 18-56, when John Wyman, 
 brother of Charles, purchased an interest, and the firm was changed to C. & J. Wyman. 
 In 1862 John Wyman retired and Elihu Huntington succeeded to his interest, and the 
 new firm of Wyman & Huntington continued for about six years, when Charles became 
 sole proprietor. In 1887 John Daniel Wyman, son of Charles, became a partner with 
 his father, and then the present firm of Charles Wyman & Son was formed. Although 
 the senior partner of this firm has found the greater part of his life employed with bus- 
 iness cares and responsibilities he has, nevertheless, found time to take an active inter- 
 est in the affairs of the town. He was once representative from St. Albans and has 
 been grand juror and village trustee, being president of the board for two years. In 
 religious affairs Mr. Wyman has been prominent in the Congregational. church, and has 
 been one of the deacons for more than twenty years. On November 8, 1848, Charles 
 Wyman married Maria E. Densmore, of Chelsea, of which marriage two children have 
 been born, John D. and Anna Maria. 
 
 Younger, George, was born at Essex, N. Y., February 15, 1820, the son of Archibald 
 and Margaret (Brown) Younger, and the second of their seven children. The father 
 was a tailor, and to that trade George was brought up. In 1843 he came to the Bay 
 and opened a tailor shop, making the clothing for the people of the town who could 
 then affijrd the luxury of tailor-made garments. After working about eighteen years 
 Mr. Younger started a grocery on a small scale, but gradually increased his popularity 
 and capacity until no country store in the region is better stocked and patronized than his. 
 In 1850 he married Mary Watson, and they have had three children, "George A., William 
 W., and Nelhe Jane, the latter now the wife of Andrew Simpson, of Southbridge, Mass. 
 The sons are engaged in business with their father. In 1870, under Grant, he was ap- 
 pomted postmaster at the Bay, and held that office until succeeded by Nelson Cook in 
 1888 ; but two years later, in January, 1890, Mr. Younger was re-appointed. 
 
 Swanton. 
 
 Atwood, Jonathan, was born in Middleboro, Mass., and served in the War of 1812 
 He died in that place in 1832, aged eighty-four years. By his wife, Mary Reed Atwood' 
 he had four children, Rhoda, Mary, John, and Daniel L. The latter was born in Ply- 
 mouth, Mass., in 1814, and died in Middleboro, Mass., at the age of eighty-four He 
 married Mary Whitmarsh, of Middleboro, daughter of William and Mary (Standish) 
 Whitmarsh, and his children were William, Daniel W., Mary L., and George F The 
 latter, born in Middleboro, July 7, 1840, came to Swanton, July 10, 1881 He built the 
 Barnes block, Beeman Brothers' building, and the Atwood Manufacturing Company's 
 building, of which latter company he is president. Mr. Atwood served in Company B 
 Jiighteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, during the war, was promoted to first sergeant 
 August 23, 1861, and honorably discharged in February, 1862, for disability His 
 father, Daniel L. Atwood, was colonel of the Third Regiment of Massachusetts militia 
 
Family Sketches. 785 
 
 George P. Atwood married Juliette McCoy, of Gilson, N. H., daughter of Osman and 
 Miranda (Mansfield) MeOoy, and they have four children, Mary M. (deceased), Eva M. 
 (deceased), Hattie B., and Georgia P. Hev^as commandant of the G. A. R and is now 
 surgeon of the post. He is a very active and enterprising man in town affairs, and takes 
 a prominent part in all matters conducive to the welfare of the community. 
 
 Ayers, E. A., son of Albert and Sarah Ayers, was born in Bakersfield, Vt., and grad- 
 uated at Brigham Academy in Bakersfield in May, 1882. He commenced the practice 
 of law in Swanton, Vt., January 1, 1887, where he is now living, and enjoys a lucrative 
 and constantly increasing clientage. 
 
 Babbett, Jacob, was born in 1791, served in the Revolutionary war, and died in Ala- 
 bama, Genesee county, N. Y., October 1, 1830. His son, Joshua 0. Babbett, was born 
 in Graftsbury, Vt., June 24, 1818, and before his marriage came to St. Albans Bay, 
 where he engaged in the dry goods business for several years. He afterwards became 
 captain of the steamer N. States on Lake Champlain, and after that he was captain of 
 the Minnehaha on Lake George. He was ticket agent at Montreal, Canada, for the 
 Vermont Central Railroad, and thence moved to Alburgh Springs, Vt., where he lived 
 nine years, and finally removed to Swanton, where he died in November, 1887, at the 
 age of sixty-eight. He married Cordelia, daughter of Eleazer and Olive (Weed) 
 Brooks, of St. Albans, Vt., and their children were Sarah B., Prank M., Fred W., 
 Thomas S., Sarah R., and Hattie W. Thomas S. Babbett was born at St. Albans Bay, 
 October 5, 1845, and came to Swanton in 1879, where he now resides. He married 
 Florence M., daughter of Anson A. and Minerva A. (Sheltus) Spear, of Highgate, Vt., 
 and their children are Bessie C, Marion S., Cutler A., and Inos S. Mr. Babbett has now 
 retired from business. He served in the late war in Company F, Thirteenth Vermont 
 Volunteers. Sarah R. Babbett, born April 24, 1848, married Gehial B. Brooks, of St. 
 Albans, Vt., son of Levi Brooks. Hattie W. Babbett, born May 20, 1859, married 
 Wilder P. Huntmgton, October 9, 1884, and now resides in Montpelier, Vt. They have 
 two children, Fred B. and Helen E. 
 
 Barney, Elisha, son of Blisha, was one of the early settlers of Swanton village. He 
 was born in Taunton, Mass., July 17, 1776, and married Mehetable, daughter of Rufus 
 Leonard, of that place. May 15, 1795. They had seven children, of whom three died in 
 childhood, viz.: Eveline, Seth Wand, and James Alonzo. The remaining daughter mar- 
 ried Robert Foster, July 22, 1818, and her death occurred January 19, 1835. Elisha 
 Barney died November 1, 1837. His wife, Mehetable Barney, survived him for more 
 than thirty years, dying June 5, 1871, aged ninety-five. Horatio W., one of the 
 three sons who survived their father, died July 19, 1872. Rufus L., the eldest, died 
 February 26, 1874. George, the youngest of the family, was born in Sutton, P. Q., 
 September 16, 1811, and in 1812 he came to Swanton with his father, where he died 
 October 27, 1883. He commenced manufacturing marble, in which he was engaged tor 
 many years, being the leader in the business. He built the main part of the building 
 now occupied in the sawing, and was a general merchant several years. He married 
 Eunice D. Goodrich, of Swanton, Vt , daughter of E. 0. and Lucy (Cook) Goodrich, 
 October 23 1831, and his children are Blisha L., Valentine G., Lucy A., Ellen M., Emma 
 E., Hannah L., George F., and R. Lester. The latter was born in Swanton, February 
 lo' 1846 and married Lucy Pratt, of Swanton, daughter of Hiram R. and Charlotte 
 (Bryiant) Pratt. They have three children: Marbelle E., Boy L., and Carroll D. He is 
 novv a resident of Swanton. Mr. Barney served in the frontier cavalry m the late war 
 at the age of seventeen years. He has been connected with the marble busmess all his 
 life His father George Barney, was the editor and publisher of the town history of 
 Swanton, published in 1882. R. Lester Barney is now engaged in the iron bridge con- 
 struction business, and is a traveling agent and salesman for the Vermont Bridge Con- 
 struction Company, of St. Albans. 
 
 Barney Lemuel, a native of Bennington, Vt.', married Ann Hinnan and soon after 
 came to Swanton, where he died. His children were Rufus, Lemuel, John, Ann, Jane, 
 
786 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Sarah, and Jack. John Barney was born in Bennington, and came to Swanton with his 
 father, where he died in 1890, at the age of eighty-six. He held many offices of trust in the 
 town. He married Esther Hathaway, of Swanton, May 10, 1826, a daughter of Try- 
 phosa (Jewett) Hathaway, and his children were Helen, Amanda L., John, and Byi'on. 
 His widow still survives him, residing in Swanton. Byron Barney was born July 25, 
 1828. He enhsted in the late war as sergeant in Company F, Seventh Vermont Vol- 
 unteers, November 30, 1861, and was discharged August 3, 1864. His brother John has 
 been town collector and constable of Swanton for seven years. 
 
 Beeman, Jedediah, son of Joseph who was the son of Joseph, was born in Warren, 
 Conn., and moved to Fairfax, Vt., where he died at the age of eighty-eight. He par- 
 ticipated at Plattsburgh in the War of 1812. He married Polly Osgood, who died at 
 Fairfax, Vt., at the age of ninety-five. They had six children : Lucy, Polly, Nancy, 
 Clara, Munroe, and Hubbard. The latter was born in North Fairfax, Vt, June 11, 1807, 
 and died at the age of seventy-five. He was by occupation a farmer, and was captain 
 of two companies to defend the lines between the United States and Canada. He mar- 
 ried Rhoda Stratton, of Fairfax, Vt., daughter of Sheldon and Hannah Stratton, of 
 Cambridge, Vt. She died in Swanton in December, 1889, at the age of seventy-six. 
 Their children were: Phebe, who married Rev. W. T. Stearns, a preacher for many 
 years ; they have one son, Clinton B. Sheldon, a resident of St. Albans, who has been 
 foreman in the railroad car shops twenty-five years. Rev. Jedediah Durkee Beeman, 
 born November 26, 1835, is a native of Fairfax, Vt., and graduated from the Wesleyan 
 University of Middletown, Conn., in 1864. He has preached several years, served as 
 presiding elder, and is now president of the Vermont Methodist Seminary at Montpe- 
 lier, Vt. Orris P. Beeman, born in Fairfax, Vt, December 8, 1840, served in the late 
 war in Company B, First Vermont Cavalry, under Capt. William Beeman, and was 
 killed July 3, 1863, on Little Round Top Mountain at the battle of Gettysburg. He was 
 commissary-pergear.t at the time of his death. Leonard L. Beeman, born in Fairfax, 
 Vt, March 12, 1849, is now a Methodist minister at Brookfield, Mass. He graduated 
 from the Methodist Seminary at Montpelier, Vt., and from the Wesleyan University at 
 Middletown, Conn. ^He went from there to the Methodist Episcopal Theological School 
 at Boston, and in 1876 commenced preaching, which he has continued up to the present 
 time. Wilber H. Beeman, born January 25, 1853, died at the age of nineteen. George 
 W. Beeman was born in Fairfax, Vt, December 19, 1845, came to Swanton, Vt, in 
 October, 1887, and married Debbie J., daughter of Lorenzo and Paulina (Carroll) Mar- 
 vin, of Fairfield, Vt His children are Rosooe H., Mina R., and Ethel P. Mr. Beeman 
 is now superintendent and manager of the Beeman Brothers Manufacturing Company 
 at Swanton, Vt , his son Roscoe H. being book-keeper for the same concern. 
 
 Blake, Silas, was born in Boston, Mass. He was a soldier in the Revolution, and was 
 one of the party that threw the tea overboard in Boston harbor. He afterwards moved 
 to Northampton, Mass., where he married and had four children : Elenzer, Silas, Caro- 
 line, and Ruth. He moved to Ashfield, Mass., where he died soon after 1800, at about 
 the age of seventy-five. His son Bleazer, a native of Northampton, Mass., came to 
 St. Albans, Vt, m 1800, where he died. He was a farmer and merchant, and was ap- 
 pointed deputy, collector of customs, a position which he held until the close of the War 
 of 1812. He was wounded in a night attack of smugglers, and died from the effects of 
 a bullet-wound in 1816, aged about thirty-six. He married Lydia Seals, of Ashford 
 Mass., and their children were Endotia S., Joseph, Harriet, and William H The latter 
 was born December 19, 1812, at St Albans, Vt, and in 1820 came to Swanton where 
 he now resides. He married Eliza Clark, of Swanton, daughter of Thomas and Mary 
 (Mauzer) Clark, and they have two children, Mary E. and Clark H. Mr. Blake has 
 served as county judge two years, two terms as state senator, two terms as county com- 
 missioner, ten years as deputy collector of customs, ten years as town treasurer ten 
 years as selectman, and ten years as assessor. Mary E. Blake married, November 7, 
 1863, Charles H. Rawson, and they have four children, now residents of Des Moines' 
 
Family Sketches. 787 
 
 la. C. H. Blake married Caroline Belle, of St. Albans, in 1875, and they have two chil- 
 dren now of Swanton, Vt. 
 
 Bradbury, John, was born in York, Me., where he lived and died, aged about ninety 
 years. He was a deacon in the Congregational church, and followed the occupation of 
 farmer. He married Elizabeth Ingram, of the same town, daughter of Josiah Ingram, 
 and his children were John, Dorcas, Mary, Samuel, and David Bradbury. The latter was 
 born in York, Me., and lived for many years in Hopkinton, Mass., where he died in 1852, 
 at the ase of forty-three. He was a carpenter by trade, and married Sophia Chase, of 
 York, Me., daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth (Grow) Chase. His children were Will- 
 iam B., Elizabeth, Cotton C, Edward, and Jotham C. Cotton C. Bradbury, born in 
 York, Me., November 3, 1814, came to St. Albans in 18-40 as a blacksmith. In 1844 he 
 came to Swanton and settled on a farm where he now resides. He married, first, Har- 
 riet Bowers, of Swanton, daughter of Benjamm Bowers. His second marriage was 
 with Lydia Hongsinger. They have one adopted daughter, Hattie, who married E Fred 
 Corliss, son of Daniel Corliss. They have three children, Frederick, Fletcher B., and 
 Irene M. 
 
 Brooks, Adonijah, was born in Massachusetts, and came to St. Albans in 1788 among 
 the early settlers, being one of the first men who paid a tax in the town and the first 
 settler on a farm. He died October 3, 1809, aged seventy-one. The epitaph on his 
 tombstone reads as follows : 
 
 •' Look, pasisenger, when passing bye, 
 
 As you are now, so once was I ; 
 
 As I am now, so you must be. 
 
 Prepare, therefore, to follow me." 
 He married Olive Harrington, of Massachusetts, who died March 20, 1828, aged 
 eighty-eight. His children were Hannaniah, Azariah, Eleazer, Adonijah, Dolly, and 
 Asahel. The latter was born in Granville, N. Y., and came to St. Albans, where he 
 died December 23, 1836, aged fifty-five years, six months, and ten days. He married 
 Polly Todd, of New Hampshire, and his children were Levi H., Lucy N., Alonzo W., 
 Julius H., Anatetia F., Mary L., Elihu J., Melancton B., and Asahel A. The latter, born 
 August 11, 1822, at St. Albans, Vt., has been a merchant in Swanton, Vt., for twenty- 
 five years, and is also a farmei'. He has held many offices of trust in the town, and is 
 now overseer of the poor. He also served three terms in the legislature. He married 
 Matilda, daughter of Jeremiah and Mary (Parsons) Sanborn, of Swanton, and their 
 children are Cassius L., born August 24, 1844; Merton H., born February 14,1850; 
 Willie H , born June 30, 1856 ; Lucia A., born May 21, 1858 ; George A., born October 
 29, 1860; and Asahel A., born September 13, 1866. Mr. Brooks married, second, Car- 
 oline C. Crampton, of Swanton, daughter of David and Lovina (Abel) Crampton. He 
 is now a resident of Swanton. His chili^ren by his second marriage are Albert C, 
 born June 11, 1872, and Ada E., born December 17, 1874. Hannaniah Brooks served m 
 the war of the Revobition under Greene and Washington, and was at Valley Forge and 
 saw Andre hanged. He died aged ninety-nine. Azariah and Eleazer Brooks were also 
 Revolutionary pensioners. Elihu J. and Melancton served in the war of the Rebellion. 
 Samuel Todd served in the Revolution, and was present at the battle of Bunker Hill. 
 He died May 29, 1840, at the age of ninety-eight. 
 
 Brown William son of William, was born in Massachusetts, and came to Highgate, 
 Vt in 1819 In 1832 he came to Swanton, Vt., where he lived many years, and finally 
 removed to Illinois, where he died at the age of about seventy-five. He married Annie 
 Dodge of Wenham, Mass., and his children were John, Benjamin, Mehitable, Mary, 
 Laura, Josiah, William, Annie, Eliza, Alonzo, and Samuel G. Samuel G Brown was 
 born in New Hampshire, and came to Swanton with his father. June 28 18.}(, he mar- 
 ried Annie M., daughter of Simon and Rebecca (Otis) Crawford, of Swanton His 
 children are Stephen F., Samuel G., and Ann E. He served as first lieutenant oi Com- 
 
 99 
 
788 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 pany A, Seventeenth Vermont Volunteers, and died from wounds at Washington in the 
 fall of 1864. Stephen F. served as captain in Company A, Seventeenth Vermont Vol- 
 unteers, and lost his arm at the battle of the Wilderness. Samuel Gr. Brown enlisted at 
 the first call in Company A, first Vermont Volunteers, for three months, and was hon- 
 orably discharged. He was a farmer on the homestead of the Crawfords, at Swan- 
 ton, and died there on the 2d of May, 189L Concerning his death the Vermont 
 Argus and Patriot said : " An honest man is the noblest work of God, and he was one 
 of them. His life was guided by a moral sense that was controlling." John Otis, 
 grandfather of Mrs. Annie M. Brown, served in the war of the Revolution seven years 
 and drew a pension. He died in Harrietstown, N. Y., at the age of ninety. 
 
 Bullard, Samuel, came to Swanton before 1800, and died here aged about forty-seven. 
 He built the two boats that navigated the Champlain Canal, and was at one time a cap- 
 tain. He also built the half-way house between Swanton and St. Albans, in 1814, 
 known as BuUard's Hotel. His wife was Abbie Scott, of Cambridge, Vt., and their 
 children were Charles, Nelson, and Harry. Nelson Bullard was a native of Swanton, 
 where he died in 1883 at the age of seventy. He was a hotel proprietor for twenty- 
 eight years and followed farming lor some time. He married Fanny Lasell, of Swan- 
 ton, by whom he had the following children : Merton H., Abbie C , Maryette D., Gard- 
 ner, Charles, Julia F., and Edgar N. The latter was born at Swanton, March 8, 1837. 
 He married Jane K. Ladd, of Connecticut, and is now collector of customs in Swanton, 
 which position he has held four and one-half years. He served in the First and Seventh 
 Vermont Regiments in the war of the Rebellion, and was promoted from corporal to 
 lieutenant-colonel and was honorably discharged. He was town representative in the 
 Vermont legislature in 1878-79. 
 
 Butterfield, Thomas, of English descent, was born in New Hampshire, and eame to 
 Swanton soon after his marriage. He was the third man who settled in Swanton vil- 
 lage, where he lived, and died at the age of sixty. His wife, Esther, died at the age of 
 forty-six years. His son, Clark Butterfield, was born in Highgate, Vt., and died in 
 Swanton at the age of fifty-six. His wife, Louisa (Hathaway) Butterfield, bore him 
 seven children : Alonzo, Clark, Texena, Charlotte, Angelia, Hindus, and J. Geiles. 
 Alonzo Butterfield was born in Highgate, Vt., and died in Swanton in April, 1860, aged 
 sixty-nine years. He was a farmer. He married Eunice Wright, of Swanton, daugh- 
 ter of Augustus and Electa Wright, and his children are Giles Clark, Alonzo, George, 
 Esther, Eliza, Elizabeth, and Samuel. Samuel Butterfield, who was born in Highgate, 
 Vt., June 30, 1850, is now a resident of Swanton. He married Josephine, daughter of 
 Freeborn and Sarah (Purmoit) Belle, and his children are Sarah, Hattie, Bstelle, and 
 Lizzie (deceased). He is now secretary and treasurer of the Butterfield Spring Bed 
 Company, which was organized March 23, 1886, at Swanton, Vt., and he is the inven- 
 tor and patentee of all the bed springs and machinery belonging to the company. 
 
 Chamberlain, Bphraim, son of Ephraim, was born in Littleton, Mass., and moved 
 from Albany, Me., and thence to Sweden, Me., where he died in 1846, aged fifty-six 
 years. He was a farmer by occupation, and married Abigail, daughter of Abner Holt, 
 of Albany, Me., and his children are Elizabeth, Abner, Ephraim, Abigail, and Newton' 
 The latter was born May 14, 1837, in Waterford, Me., and came to Swanton, Vt in 
 1869, where he now resides. He married, March 24, 1859, Italia, daughter of Augus- 
 lus and Eunice (Fordia) Hoyle, of Lawrence, Mass., and his children are Maude E. and 
 Katie M. 
 
 Clark, Thomas, was born in Stephentown, N. Y., and married Betsey by 
 
 whom he had eight children, viz.: Slocum, Betsey, Carey, Polly, Sanford, Thomas 
 George, and Hannah. Thomas Clark, jr., was also born in Stephentown, N Y and 
 died m EUenburgh, N. Y., in 1858, at the age of seventy-five. He married Mary 
 Manzer, and his children were Lawrence D., Alanson M., Ann E , and Lester M His 
 son, Lawrence D. Clark, was born m Whitehall, N. Y., m 1812, and has been "a res- 
 ident of Swanton and Highgate for many years. He is now a resident of Swanton. 
 
Family Sketches. 789 
 
 Mr. Clark married Esther S. Barney, of Swanton, daughter of Rufus and Hannah Bar- 
 ney, and hi.s children were Arthur O., Ida M., Lillie E., Nettie G-., and Bertha, all of 
 whom are deceased. Lillie B. Clark married Charles A. Neflf, of Newnort, R. I., and at 
 her death left three children, Charles C, Lillie, and Rhoda M. Mrs. Clark died July 29, 
 1888, aged twent3'"-six. Lawrence D. Clark served in the late war, in Company A, First 
 Regiment Vermont Volunteers, as captain. He re-enlisted in the Thirteenth Regiment 
 as major and served six months. He organized Corapanies A and K as volunteers of 
 Franklin county, Vt. Martin L. Clark, adopted by Lawrence H. Clark, died in Ander- 
 sonville prison at the age of sixteen. L. D. Clark owns a considerable tract of land in 
 Swanton. 
 
 Corliss, Joseph, was born in Wmdhara, Rockingham county, N. H., where he lived 
 and died at an advanced age. He married Marriam Emerson, and his children were 
 Solomon, Ephrairn, Joseph, Benjamin, Peter, John, Sarah, Mary, and Marriam. He 
 married, second, Betsey Utinox, and his children by this union were Betsey, Cyrus, 
 Lydia, Elijah, and Abigail. John Corliss was born in Windham, N. H., and came to St. 
 Albans, V't., in 1816, at the age of thirty. He 'died in Bakersfield, Vt., October 19, 
 1837. He was a farmer by occupation, and married, January 9, 1821, Jane, daughter 
 of Samuel and Jilary (Martin) Todd, of St. Alban.s, Vt. Mr. Todd was a soldier in the 
 war of the Revolution. Mr. Corliss's children are Martin J., Ozro J., John R., Levi 0., 
 and Daniel T. The latter was born in St. Albans, Vt., December 17, 1825, and came 
 to Swanton in 1853, whetie he married, first, Matilda S., daughter of John and Siba 
 (Potter) Belle, and his children by her are Jane, Frederick D., Julius 0., Leonora B., Sarah 
 B., and Martin J. He married, second, Mrs. Samantha R. Marvin, daughter of Benja- 
 min and Zelinda (Jackson) Meggs, and is now a retired farmer residing in Swanton, 
 where he has lived for thirty-five years. He was selectman in 1855-56, and has been 
 lister eight years and justice of the peace two years. His son, Julius 0. Corliss, was 
 born in Swanton, May 3, 1853, and married, March 30, 1882, Hattie F., daughter of 
 Theodore B. and Samantha R. (Meggs) Marvin. Their children are Gaylord M., Lu- 
 netta B., and Sulia F. Mr. Corliss is a farmer on the homestead in Swanton. 
 
 Currie, Robert, who was born in Canada, came to Alburgh, Vt, where he died at the 
 age of forty-four. After moving to Alburgh he married Lucy Niles, of that place, 
 daughter of Nathan and Elizabeth Niles. She died in Alburgh in 1856, at the age of 
 sixty-six. His children were Frances, Janette, Elizabeth, Catherine, Paulina, John, 
 George, Eunice, David, Mary Ann, Clark, and Nathan. Nathan Currie was born in 
 Alburgh, July 25, 1824, and in 1863 came to Swanton, where he now resides. He mar- 
 ried Elizabeth Huxley, of Alburgh, daughter of Harvey M. and Alma (Wing) Huxley. 
 She died at Swanton in 1887, November 23d, at the age of fifty-eight. They had one 
 daughter. Alma (3-., born February 28, 1854, who married Henry Bliss, of Swanton, son 
 of Milton H. Bliss. They also have one daughter, Alma G., born in Swanton, Septem- 
 ber 1, 1873. 
 
 Dwyer, Martin, was born in Ireland and came to Hjghgate, Vt., where he lived sev- 
 eral years, and finally moved to Albany, Vt, where he died in 1873 at the age of fifty. 
 He was a farmer by occupation, and served in the late war in Company H of a Ver- 
 mont volunteer regiment from Highgate, and after three years' service was discharged. 
 He married Mary, daughter of George Gilbert, of Highgate, and their children are 
 Ella A., Margaret, and George W. The latter was born in Highgate, December 8, 
 1862, and came to Swanton in November, 1889. He married Etta May, daughter of 
 Henry and Mary (Campbell) Martin, of Bedford, P. Q., and their children are Glena 
 May, born July 24, 1887; Hazzel Gladys, born August 19, 1889; and Lillian Martin 
 Abbi'e, born June 8, 1891. Mr. Dwyer is the popular proprietor of a livery and sales 
 stable. 
 
 Donaldson, James, was an early settler of the town of Swanton, and died at about 
 the age of eighty years. His children were James, Jane, Roselle, Betsel, Henry, Al- 
 bert Sylvester, and Riley W. The latter was born in Swanton, where he lived until 
 
790 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 his death in 1877, at the age of sixty-five. His occupation was farming. He married 
 Catherine Wing, of Alburgh, Vt., daughter of John Wing, and his children were Syl- 
 vester, Albert, Mary, Alma, Elizabeth, and Sabin W. The latter was born in Swanton, 
 June 9, 1845, and married N'ancy N., daughter of Abraham and Betsey (Collins) Boom- 
 hour, of Swanton. His children are Jessie M., Beeman A., and Daisy M. He is a resi- 
 dent of Swanton, and follows the occupation of farming and carpentering. 
 
 Donaldson, John, was born in the North of Ireland and came to Vermont at the age 
 of sixteen, at the time of the French and Indian war, in which he served as a soldier. 
 He came to Waterford, Vt., where his children were all born. He married Jane Lane, 
 by whom he had nine children. They were Betsey, Henry, Peter, John, David, Katie, 
 Peggy, Hugh, and James. They finally settled in Highgate, where he died, in the 
 western part of the town. His son, Hugh Donaldson, who was born in Waterford, Vt., 
 came to Highgate, where he settled on a farm, and died in 1823, at the age of forty-six. 
 He married Polly, daughter of Stephen and Eleanor Larapman, their children being 
 Jane, Polly, William C, Stephen, Elizabeth, Leonard, Eleanor, and Hugh. The latter 
 was born in Highgate, Vt., November 12, 1811, and came to Swanton at the age of 
 ytwenty-two, where he now resides on a farm. He married, first, Waty Lake, of Swan- 
 ton, daughter of Benonia Lake, and by her had four children, G-eorge, Church, Sarah 
 Ann, and Waty. He married for his second wife Elizabeth Moore, of Highgate, daugh- 
 ter of David and Annie (Titchout) Moore, and his children by her are Romeo, Hecta, 
 Laura, Frederick, Lillie, Mary, Myron, Byron, and Edward. 
 
 Donaldson, Leonard, a native of Swanton, Vt., is now a resident of Bloomingdale, 
 Essex county, N. Y., and follows the occupation of farming. He married Laura, daugh- 
 ter of David Moore, and his children are A.ngeline, Melinda, Mary Ann, and James. 
 The latter was born in Swanton, July 15, 1842, and married, first, C. Augustus Meade, 
 and has one daughter, Annetta. She married, second, Rodney T. Wood, of Swanton, 
 son of Cornehus and Sarah (Stearnes) Wood, and they have one daughter, Fanny j'. 
 They are now occupying the Meade homestead farm in Swanton. 
 
 Dorman, Bbenezer H., was born in Charlotte, Vt., in 1825, and came to Swanton 
 among the early settlers. He was a Congregational minister, and after filling the pulpit 
 for thirty years he died in Swanton in 1862, at the age of seventy-one. Sis son, Den- 
 nison, was born in Georgia, Vt., and came to Swanton at the age of six years. Where he 
 lived until his death, in 1883, aged sixty-six. He was a farmer, and represented Swan- 
 ton in the second legislative term. He married Augusta S., daughter of John and Ruth 
 Mason, and his children were Mary F., now a resident of Pittsford, Vt., and Myron 
 who was born in Swanton, April 18, 1842. The latter married Alice C BuUard of 
 Swanton, daughter of Charles H. and Polly (Pratt) Bullard, and they have three chil- 
 dren, Cora, Sam D., and C. Belle. He owns a stock farm in Swanton, and is the posses- 
 sor of the noted trotting stallion " Starr Ethan." 
 
 Dunbar, John, was born at Taunton, Mass., and came to Swanton, Vt., in 1798 with 
 his wife, Lucinda, whose maiden name was Wilber, on horseback, being among the early 
 settlers of that town. There were then but three log houses to be seen, the one which 
 he built making the fourth near the mouth of Forge Brook. He was a nailmaker by 
 trade, and an honest miller. He died in 1846, at the age of seventy-three. His wife 
 Luoinda, died in 1861, aged ninety-six. There children were Lois, Shadrick John' 
 bailie, Eveline, Nelson, and Almond. The latter was a native of Swanton where he 
 lived until his death in 1886, aged seventy-three years. He was a miller by' trade and 
 niarried Fannie, daughter of Josiah Crawford, of Swanton, and their children were John 
 Almond 0., Elisha N., Sarah B., Alice S., Sidney E., and George B. ' 
 
 1 o?.,"°°i°^' ■?"^^' ^°" °^ Bernard, was born in Ireland, and came to Swanton Vt in 
 1840 where he died in 1878, at the age of seventy. He married Mary King, of Swan- 
 ton, daughter of Ezekiel and Bridget MulhoUand, and their children were Edward James 
 Mary, Ellen, Agnes, and John. The latter served in the late war in Company F under 
 
Family Sketches. 
 
 791 
 
 Captain BuUard, and died in 1875, aged forty. His mother still survives, and resides in 
 Swanton at the age of seventy-two. 
 
 Herrick, Arwiu P., was born in Massachusetts and came to Highgate, Vt., where he 
 died at the age of twenty-eight. He served in the War of 1812, and was at the battle 
 of Plattsburgh. He married Olive Wait, of Swanton, daughter of Oliver Wait, and his 
 children were Stephen L., Arwin P., Harriet, and Caroline. Arwin P. Herrick, a native 
 of Highgate, came to Swanton in 1888, where he now resides. While in Highgate he 
 was in business as merchant for several years. He married Jane Conner, of that town, 
 and their children are Olive B., A. P., jr., and Ida J. He is now seventy years of age, the 
 date of his birth being May 20, 1819. A. P. Herrick, jr., married Mary MoNally, of 
 Swanton, daughter of John and Mary McNally, and his children are Mabel (deceased), 
 Albert R., and Hiram. Mr. Herrick has been proprietor of the American House at 
 Swanton for two years. 
 
 Hyde, John, was born in Colchester and died at Morristown, Vt., at about the age of 
 eighty. He married Mary Carpenter, of Milton, who died in Swanton in 1865. His 
 children were Horace A., Edgar, George, Henry, Mary, and Jedediah. Horace A. Hyde 
 was born at Fairfax, Vt., and came to Swanton. He died in the army. He married Prances 
 E., daughter of WiUiam and Mary Keyes, and had one son, Edgar A. Hyde, who was born 
 in Swanton, March 4, 1860. The latter married Jennie, daughter of Thomas and Mary 
 Oaine, June 25, 1883, and they have one daughter, Sulie B. Mr. Hyde is now a rail- 
 road conductor on the St. Johnsbury and Lake Champlam Railroad, and resides in Swan- 
 ton. Horace A. Hyde served in Company B, First Vermont Cavalry, enlisting in 1860 
 and serving three years. He died in the hospital at Macon, Ga., in 1864, at the age of 
 forty. 
 
 James, John, was born in New Hampshire and came to Starksboro, Addison county, 
 Vt., where he lived many years, and died in 1880, at the age of sixty-four. He was a 
 farmer by occupation, and married Leafy Hall, of Highgate, Vt, who survives her hus- 
 band and resides at Charlotte, Vt., at the age of eighty-five. She was a daughter of Dr. 
 John HalL Their children were Andrew, Edward, Julia, Louisa, Olivia J., Freeman J., 
 George W., and Cornelius W. The latter was born in Starksboro, January 27, 1864, and 
 came to Swanton in 1883. He married, February 28, 1874, Anna Slocum, daughter of 
 George N. and Maranda (Read)Slocum. She was born in Burlington, Vt., December 23, 
 1851. Their children are Carlie L., born July 15, 1877, died November 20, 1883 ; Myrtie 
 A., born August 5, 1879; Haddie L., born February 7, 1881, died November 26, 1883 ; 
 Leila May, bom May 4, 1885; and Harley C, torn December 3, 1887, died April 1, 
 1889. Mr. James is now serving a second year as deputy sheriff of Franklin county. 
 He is carrying on the ice business, and has been a merchant in Swanton for several years. 
 
 Janes, Orin, a native of the Province of Quebec, came to Swanton before his marriage 
 and purchased a farm, being the first permanent settler in the southern part of the town 
 of Swanton. He lived here for forty-two years and died in 1870, at the age of about 
 seventy-five. He married Clarissa, daughter of William and Clarissa Whitman, of the 
 Province of Quebec, his children by her' being Martha, Mary, Ann E., Albert, Laura, 
 Helen, Judson, Francis, Gary, and William. The latter was born in Swanton, Septem- 
 ber 15, 1840, and married Calista Wheelock, of Eden, Lamoille county, Vt., daughter of 
 Stephen and Submit (Jacobs) Wheelock. She was born August 28, 1843. Their chil- 
 dren are Belle M., Agnes L., Frances A., and Orin S. He resides on the homestead in 
 Swanton. Belle M. Janes married E. C. Wood, of Swanton, May 30, 1883, and died 
 November 25, 1888, at the age of twenty-four. They had one son, Charles, who died 
 young. 
 
 Keenan, Alexander, was born in Ireland and came to Swanton while young, where 
 he died in 1888, at the age of eighty -four. He married Rose Madden, of Ireland, and 
 his children were Margaret, Robert, Charles, John, Mary, Elizabeth, Annie, and Rosa. 
 The latter was born in Swanton in 1846, and married Bradley Wright, of Highgate, son 
 
792 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 of Augustus and Electa Wright. He died in 1888, aged fifty-eight. His children were 
 George, Charles, Annie, Ella, Frank, Eddie, Robert, Maggie, Leah, and Fred. His widow, 
 Rosa Keenan, survives her husband at the age of forty -four. Charles Keenan was born 
 in Ireland in 1830, and came to Swanton, where he now resides. He married Annie 
 Coile, of Ogdensburg, N. Y., and is now a manufacturer of sash, doors, and blinds at 
 Swanton. He served in Company D, Seventy -fourth Ohio Regiment, for four years. 
 
 Lampman, Tabe, was a native of Holland and came to Dunham, Canada, and thence, 
 to Swanton, where he lived many years, but afterwards removed to St. Lawrence 
 county, N. Y., where he died at an advanced age. His children were Henry, Ira, Hiram, 
 Peter, Matthew, Isaac, Nelson, Abram, Jane, and Betsey. By occupation he was a 
 farmer. His son, Henry Lampman, was born in Canada, and came to Swanton while 
 young, where he remained until his death in 1881, aged eighty-four. He married Olive, 
 daughter of William Carter, and their children are Norman, Henry, Olive, Polly A., 
 Amos, and Worden. The latter was born at Swanton, June 18, 1819, and married Pa- 
 melia Pearce, of Swanton, who was born January 22, 1818. She was a daughter of 
 Nathaniel and Aurilla (Griffin) Pearce. They had four children : Aurilla, Lucilia, George 
 W., and Martha L. He is now a resident farmer of Swanton. George W. Lampman mar- 
 ried Lois Wheeler, of Alburgh, Vt., daughter of Alson and Diana (Kingsley) Wheeler, and 
 his children are Mabel. A. and Lois B. He married, second, Bell Turner, and by her has 
 three children, George W., Worden E., and Cleveland. 
 
 Lasell, Joshua, was born December 21, 1729, in Lanesboro, Mass., and died at that 
 place September 22, 1807. He was of French extraction, and a farmer. His wife, 
 Hannah, was born in 1738 and died in 1827. His children were Josiah, born in 1757 ; 
 Lemuel, born in 1759, died in 1843 ; Susanna, born in 1762 ; Martha, born in 1765, died 
 in 1841; Hannah, born in 1767; Laban, born in 1770; Elias, born in 1772, died in 
 1855; and Bingham, born in 1775, died August 30, 1819. The latter married Anna 
 Powell, of Lanesboro, Mass., daughter of Dr. John Powell, who died in Swanton, Mass. 
 Mrs. Powell (Annie Lasell) died in Swanton at the age of seventy-eight. The children 
 of Bingham were : John, born in 1801, now a resident of Wisconsin ; Caroline, born in 
 1804 ; Emerson, born in 1815 ; and Lorenzo, born June 23, 1808, in Swanton, where 
 he now resides. Lorenzo Lasell married Lydia A. Martin, who was born in Perrisburg, 
 Vt., in 1811, a daughter of Edward and Betsey (Chase) Martin. Their children were 
 Susan E., born November 12, 1839; Martha A., born June 29, 1843; Agnes F., born 
 August 18, 1845 ; Emery L., born November 26, 1849; Eva, born January°6, 1853 ; and 
 Henry M., born May 15, 1856. He has been a contractor and builder in Swanton, and 
 has served his town as selectman and surveyor of highways. He was drafted and 
 served on the Canada line in 1853 in the Papineau war. Bingham Lasell was the first 
 doctor in Swanton village, where he died. Emma L. Lasell married Charles, son of 
 James and Lydia Wilson, and they have. one daughter, Anna B., now a resident of 
 Swanton. Charles Wilson died iti St. Albans, Vt., July 4, 1879. 
 
 Leach, Charles L., M.D., son of Leonard W. and Harriet (Stevens) Leacb, was born at 
 Enosburgh, Vt., April 12, 1845. He was educated at Bnosburgh and St. Albans schools 
 and graduated from the Medical Department of the University of Vermont in 1868. He 
 commenced practice as an allopathic physician and surgeon at Montgomery Vt and in 
 February, 1870, moved to Highgate, but in 1874 he came to Swanton, Vt , where he 
 has since been located. He married, first, Serena, daughter of Chester A. and Samantha 
 (Mil er) Crampton, and second, Emily, daughter of William L. and Emily (Adams) 
 bowles. Mr. Leach was town superintendent of schools, justice of the peace eight 
 years, lister ten years and trustee of Swanton village. In 1884 he was elected presi- 
 dent ot the bwanton-National Union Bank. Leonard Leach was a native of Fairfield Vt 
 and when twelve years of age he drove an ox-team from Fairfield to Swanton carrying 
 f"ml^ ^'' * company of soldiers at the time of the battle of Plattsburgh in the War 
 
Family Sketches. 793 
 
 Long, Levi, was born in Tolland county. Conn., and came to Eutland, Vt., where he 
 settled on a farm, living there until his death at the age of eighty-seven. Three of his 
 brothers served in the War of the Revolution. By his wife, Abigail, he had eight chil- 
 dren, viz. : Rufus, Levi, Joseph, Jared, Harvey, Lyman, Clark, and Pamelia. Jared 
 Long was born in Rutland, Vt., and after his marriage moved to Highgate, Vt. where 
 he lived fourteen years, and finally removed to Rutland, where he died in 1880, a^ed 
 eighty-eight. He was a farmer, and served in the War of 1812. He married, Decem- 
 ber 25, 1814, Martha Barr, of Highgate, Vt., daughter of Conrad and BUzabeth (Weaver) 
 Barr, and his children are Martha P., Julia A., Alfrea J., Benjamin F., Clark L., Mary 
 E., and Charles 0. The latter was born in Rutland, October 8, 1815, and came to' High- 
 gate at the age of eleven, with his father. On December 11, 1844, he married Sarah 
 A., daughter of Stephen and Betsey (Boland) Fenn, of Rutland. He is now a resident 
 farmer of Swanton, and a dealer in lumber and coal. He lived in Highgate for forty- 
 three years and has hved in Swanton about twenty-six. 
 
 Martin, Reuben, born in Woodbury, Conn, served with his brother Solomon in the 
 Revolutionary war. He married Sally Williams, who was born in Litchfield, Conn., 
 and his children were Jonas, Zadock, Nathaniel, Stoddard, Leonard, Reuben, Stratton, 
 Sally, Sylvia, and Patty. Nathaniel Martin was born in Lanesboro, Mass., and came to 
 Charlotte, Vt., where he died in 1852, at the age of seventy-five. He married Jerusha 
 Hinman of Charlotte, Vt, daughter of Bnos Hmmau, who died in 1876, in Troy, N. Y., 
 aged eighty-four. His children were Annis, Sophia, Laura, Marrilla, Mary Ann, Enos 
 H., Nathaniel W., Reuben, Calvin C, Mynor, and Samuel H. The latter was born in 
 Charlotte in 1807, March 13th, and came to Swanton in 1885, where he now resides. 
 He has been a shoemaker and a tanner. November 5, 1826, he married Sally, daughter 
 of Frederick F. and Sally (Kenney) Fuller, who was born in 1808 and died in 1883 at 
 Keeseville, N. Y., at the age of seventy-five. His children were William N., who died 
 in 1874 at the age of thirty-two, and Henry F., who was born in Ferrisburg, Vt., Feb- 
 ruary 17, 1828. Henry F. Martin married Cordelia Evrist for his first wife, and for his 
 second he married, October 13, 1859, Mariah, daughter of Sanford M. SherriU, of Peru, 
 N. Y. He is now a hardware merchant at Swanton, Vt. His great-grandfather, Enos 
 Hinman. served in the War of 1812, and marched from Litchfield, Conn., to Quebec, 
 serving at the battle of Bennington. 
 
 Mitchell, Robert, who was born in Palmer, Mass., died in Sheldon, Vt., at the age of 
 seventy-eight. He was by occupation a farmer and a blacksmith. His wife was Susan 
 Wheelock, of the above place, who died in Sheldon, Vt., at the age of seventy-six. His 
 children were Alolphus, Joseph, Hernan, Robert, Lucretia, Ameretta, Sarah, Marcia, and 
 John. The latter was born in Sheldon, and died in 1887, at the age of sixty-nine. He 
 served in the War of 1812, and was by occupation a farmer and butcher. He married 
 Elizabeth, daughter of Jonathan and Roxy (Davis) Rice, of Sheldon, and his children 
 were Leroy, Arden, Lucretia, Angelia, and WilUam H. William H. Mitchell, born in 
 Sheldon, August 7, 1840, came from Enosburgh, Vt., to Swanton in 1888. He married 
 Catharine Bolac, of Highgate, Vt., daughter of Paul and Catharine (Kane) Bolac, and 
 their children are Greorge, Clara, and May. Mr. Mitchell is now proprietor of a meat 
 market in Swanton village. He served for three years in Company F, Tenth Vermont 
 Volunteers, was wounded at Cold Harbor, Va., and received an honorable discharge. 
 
 Munsell, Joseph, was a descendant of one of the three brothers of the surname Mun- 
 sell who came from France before the war of the Revolution, and so far as known was 
 born in Connecticut and came to Swanton, Vt., among the early settlers. He was the 
 first permanent settler on a farm known as the Munsell farm, where he died in 1838, 
 aged sixty-five. His wife, Charlotte, died in 1876, aged eighty-six, and his children 
 were Rev. Joseph R., John A., William W., Charlotte, Cleora, Diantha, Euphelia, and 
 Elizabeth. John Munsell lived on the homestead with his brother William until his 
 death and married Eliza C. Wingate, a native of New Hampshire. His children were 
 Wingate W., William H., Lottie E., and John. Wingate W. Munsell was born in 
 
794 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Swanton, February 19, 1842, and married in June, 1877, Mrs. Martha A. Barney, 
 daughter of Joseph Blake. He is now a resident of Swanton. He served in Company 
 F, Tenth Vermont Volunteers, during the late war, was detailed as a musician, and re- 
 ceived an honorable discharge in June, 1865. Mr. Munsell participated in the battles of 
 Cedar Creek, "Winchester, Shenandoah Valley, at the breaking of thS lines at Peters- 
 burg, and at the surrender of General Lee. He has taught instrumental and vocal 
 music from the age of eighteen with the exception of the years spent in the army, and 
 held musical conventions in all of the New England states, in several of the Western 
 states, and in five provinces of Canada. 
 
 Newell, Oliver, M.D., was one of the early settlers in Farnham, Province of Quebec, 
 where he died at the age of seventy years. He was an allopathic physician and sur- 
 geon. His children were George, Seymour, Herbert, Charles, Warren, Cynthia, and 
 Lucy. Herbert Newell was born in Farnham, P. Q., and is now a resident of West 
 Shefford, P. Q., and is a hardware merchant. He married for his second wife Melvina 
 Stone, daughter of George and Hannah Stone, of Stanbridge, P. Q,, and his children are 
 George, Addie, Ednah, and Charles H. The latter was born in Farnham, P. Q., Janu- 
 ary 5, 1861, and came to Swanton in 1879. He married Mattie L. Jewett, of Swanton, 
 September 8, 1886. Mrs. Newell died August 29, 1890, at the age of twenty-six years. 
 Mr. Newell is now a dealer in coal and a member of the firm of Jewett & Newell. 
 
 Percy, Ephraim, born in Troy, N. Y., died in Chateaugay, N. Y., at the age of about 
 eighty years. He served in the War of 1812 with two or three of his sons. By his 
 wife, Elizabeth, he had seven children, Ephriam, James, Samuel, Garret, Robert, 
 Jemima, and Mary. His son Samuel was born in Schenectady, N. Y., in 1875, and 
 died at the age of seventy-five. He married Laura, daughter of David and Anna (Smith) 
 Beach, and died in Chateaugay, at which place his wife also died in 1865, at the age of 
 sixty-seven. Her father was a captain in the war of the Revolution and drew a pension. 
 Their children were Laura A., Samuel, Jackson A., and Orpha R. Laura Percy mar- 
 ried Chauncey Smith, of Chateaugay, N. Y., son of Lines and Mary Smith, and is now 
 a resident of Swanton. 
 
 Reynolds, John, was born in Alburgh, Grand Isle county, Vt., where he died at an ad- 
 vanced age. His wife bore him three children, Lorinda, Lorancy, and Henry L. The lat- 
 ter died at Alburgh in 1837. He married Jane Sowles, of that town, daughter of Lewis 
 and Mary Sowles, and had one son, Charles H. Reynolds, who was born in Alburgh in 
 1835, and came to St. Albans in 1854, where he was postmaster for three and one-half 
 years. In 1875 he came to Swanton, where he now resides. He was elected post- 
 master of Swanton in February, 1887. Mr. Reynolds married Alice H. Blake, of Swan- 
 ton, September, 7, 1876, and their children are Arthur H. and Carlos C. He served in 
 the late war in Company I, Tenth Vermont Volunteers, and was promoted to quarter- 
 master-sergeant, to quartermaster, to captain, and to adjutant quartermaster volunteers, 
 being discharged in December, 1865. He has served as selectman and as justice of the 
 peace in Swanton each two years. 
 
 Rich, Charles Wright, who lived for fifty years on his farm in Swanton, Vt., midway 
 between St. Albans 'and Swanton villages, came here from Richville, in the town of 
 Shoreham, Vt., in 1840. He was the son of Judge Davis Rich and the grandson of 
 Charles Rich, the latter of whom had come among the pioneers to Shoreham with his 
 father and uncle from Warwick, Mass., in 1785, and who was a member of Congress 
 from 1813 until his death in 1824. Charles W. Rich was born March 29, 1817, and died 
 August 27, 1889. In 1836 he graduated from the University of Vermont (where he 
 was a classmate of Bishop Bissell, and a college mate of Alexander Mann and of Henry 
 J. Raymond), and afterwards taught school in Plattsburgh and practiced civil engineer- 
 ing, during which time he helped survey a line for a railroad projected through the 
 wilderness in the northeastern part of New York state, but which was never built. 
 Impelled by a fondness for country life, which he always retained, be determined to de- 
 vote himself to farming, and after some time spent in searching for a locality commend- 
 
Family Sketches. ' ygc 
 
 s 
 
 ing Itself to his taste, in surroundings of natural beauty, he bought the farm of Dea 
 Henjamin Fay. In 1847, having found thereon an abundant store of lime rook he built 
 kilns and commenced burning lime for sale to his neighbors, his trade extending through 
 the county. Lour years later the Vermont Central Railroad was built, and its course 
 lying through his farm the new facilities for transportation brought additional trade 
 and a few years later hme burning had become his principal vocation, although he always 
 preferred to be styled «, farmer, and made various additions to his original farm from 
 time to titne. He was very active in business, for in addition to the lime burning he 
 established and ran for a number of years barrel stock and shingle-mills in Bllenbilrch 
 and Mooers, N. Y., and was the first in this part of the country to engage in pressm"- 
 and shipping hay. Subsequently he ran hay presses in Canada, and engaged in the 
 nianufacture of straw paper at Au Sable Chasm, N. Y. He never aspired to public 
 othce, and discouraged his friends from using his name in connection with politics al- 
 though betook an active interest in all matters of public good, and contributed freely 
 to pubhc anil private chanties. He was an unusally kind hearted and genial man, and 
 had a mind well stored with information, to which he added constantly by readino- and 
 study. His fiist wife was Julia B. Parker, daughter of John G. Parker, of Rochester 
 N. Y., whom he married in 1854, and by her' had two children, Charles and John Par- 
 ker. In 1863 he married Mrs. Louisa H. Hayden, daughter of Benjamin R. Harwood 
 of Boston, by \xhom he also'had two children, Ellen Harwood and Robert Davis. His 
 second wife, with John P. and Ellen H., still survive him. 
 
 Rich, Joseph, was born in St. Johns, P. Q., and in 1883 came to Swanton, where he 
 died m 1884, aged ninety-three years. He served in the English army and fought at 
 the battle of Plattsburgh. He married Margarate Trombly, of St. Johns, and their chil- 
 dren were Alexander, Margarate, Joseph, Rossie, Eliza, Julia, Mary, Louisa, and Edward. 
 The latter was born in St. Johns, June 15, 1836, and came to Swanton in 1836, where 
 he now resides. He married, February 3, 1859, Eliza J., daughter of Christopher and 
 Isabella (Walton) Carr, of Stanbridge, P. Q., and their children are Christopher J., Nel- 
 lie J., and Edward E. 
 
 Richardson, John, was born in Fairfax, Vt., March 7, 1792, and came to Swanton, 
 Vt., where he lived several years, and died in Alburgh,Vt., at the age of seventy. His 
 wife, Lydia Holden, was born August 7, 1794, and died May 24, 1850, at Fairfax. 
 Their children were Lovisa, Amanda, Etta, Serena, Rosetta, Sarah, and Eli. The lat- 
 ter was born in Fairfax and died in Swanton, March 20, 1882, aged fifty-two. He mar- 
 ried, in 1860, Lucia A. Lowell, of Fairfax, daughter of Joseph and Aura (Webster) 
 Lowell. Mr. Richardson served nine months in Company K, Thirteenth VermontVolun- 
 teers. and his widow, who now draws a pension, survives him at the age of forty-nine. 
 She Hves in Swanton and has an adopted daughter, Sadie, who married Oliver Kittridge, 
 of St. Johnsbury, Vt., son of Luther Kittridge, and they have two children, Harry and 
 Allen. Oliver Kittridge is now a conductor on the St. johnsbury and Lake Champlain 
 Railroad. 
 
 Robinson, Stephen, came from Connecticut to Clarendon and from there to Swanton in 
 1800. He was born in 1760, and was among the early settlers of the town, being the first 
 permanent settler on the farm in the northeast part of Swanton. He died February 19, 
 1843,aged eighty-three. He married Phebe Butler, who died in 1840, at the age of seventy- 
 four. He lived on the farm until his death. His children were Stephen, Phebe, Eli, Dura, 
 Isaiah, Hannah, Brown, Olive, Obed, and Warren. Brown Robinson was born in Claren- 
 don, July 12, 1798, and married Sally, daughter of William and Martha (Keith) Orcutt, 
 who were early settlers of the town. His children are William 0., Caroline, Ambrose W., 
 Amos, Sarah, and Horatio. The latter was born in Swanton, September 13, 1822, 
 where he has been a life-long resident. He married, November 15, 1849, Harriet E. 
 Keith, who was horn in York, Livingston county, N. Y., a daughter of Edward and 
 Chloe (Burnell) Keith, and his children are Lizzie E., Henrie H., Nettie &., and EvaM. 
 He is now a resident farmer on the homestead farm of his grandfather, living in the 
 
 100 
 
796 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 same house built in 1807. Nettie G. mariied Walter F. Jennings, of Baltimore, Md., 
 and they have one daughter, Marion F., and are now residents of Boston, Mass. Ed- 
 ward Keith and his son, Edward, were natives of Chesterfield, Mass., and Edward, jr., 
 settled in York, N. Y. He was born in August, 1783, and his wife was Chloe, daugh- 
 ter of Manasseh and Jane (Orcutt) Burnell. They had nine children, who were Eox- 
 anna, Alpheus, Edmund, Edward, Hiram B., Lewis N., Harriet E., Henry, and Mary J. 
 William Orcutt came from Chesterfield, Mass., and was one of the early settlers of the 
 town. 
 
 Eoyce, Hezekiah, born in Claremont, N. H., in 1774, came to Swanton in 1800, set- 
 fling on Swanton Hill. He died in East Swanton in 1867, at the age of ninety-three. 
 His wife, Polly Rhoda Eoyce, died March 18, 1848, aged seventy-two years. His chil- 
 dren were Ruth, Harvey, Lyman, Jotham, Eliza, Jared C, and Harvey. The latter was 
 born at Swanton Hill in 1803, and died at East Swanton, August 27, 1879, aged seventy- 
 six. He married Mary A. Ives, of Salisbury, N. H., a daughter of John and Mary 
 (Thomas) Ives, who was born December 20, 1812. Their children are Rhoda, Mary, 
 Louise, Almira, Albert H., Martha A., Maryette, and Addie. 
 
 Eoyce, Jotham, was born in Claremont, N. H., and settled in Dickinson, Franklin 
 ■county, N. Y., at the time of the War of 1812, where he remained until his death m 1877, 
 at the age of ninety-three. His occupation was that of a farmer. He married 
 Fanny Pierce, by whom he had four children: Albert, Edward, WiUiam, and Adaline. 
 William Royce was born in Dickinson, JSl. Y., where he now resides, at the age 
 of seventy years. He married Elvira Gady, of the same town, a daughter of 
 Reuben and Eliza (Allen) Cady, and a descendant of Ethan Allen. His children were 
 Mary E., Harriet, Angelo, Bella S., Sidney S., RoUa W., Celia, Willard E., Lillian B., 
 and Albert P. Albert P. Eoyce was born in Dickinson, N. Y., November 2, 1847, and 
 ■came to Swanton in 1872. He married, second, Mary Ann Chadwick, of St. Albans, 
 Vt., daughter of Amos and Ehoda Chadwick, and had by her two children, Daisy 0. 
 and Hallie. His first wife was Addie F. Eoyce, of Swanton, Vt., daughter of Harvey 
 and Mary Ann Eoyce. By her he had one son, Herman C, who now resides on the 
 farm known as the Dr. Janes place. Mary Ann Royce survives her husband at the age 
 ■of seventy-seven. 
 
 Sartwell, Jason, son of Jacob and Hannah, and a native of Vermont, came to Swan- 
 ton in 1830, where he remained until his death, August 9, 1878, at the age of eighty. 
 He was a farmer by occupation, and married Lydia Hunkins, of Fletcher, Vt, daughter 
 ■of Moses and Hannah (Schedgell) Hunkins. She died August 10, 1879, aged eighty-six 
 years. His children were Moses H., William, Leonard, Horace, MariahL., Melvina M., 
 and Mary E. The latter was born in Swanton, April 17, 1832, and married Thomas N. 
 Bradley, of Williamstown, Vt., son of Eben and Mary Bradley. He died in 1875, in 
 Williamstown, at the age of fifty-three. Their children were Addie M., Edward T., and 
 Jesse L., the latter of whom was drowned June 15, 1883. Mrs. Sartwell married, sec- 
 ond, William Honsinger, of Alburgh,Vt., a son of Emanuel and Mary Honsinger, who 
 died August 10, 1883, aged seventy-seven. She survives him, and resides in Swanton, 
 -at the age of fifty-eight, with her daughter, Addie M. Bradley. Edward T. Bradley was 
 born m Richmond, Vt., July 28, 1860, and married Abbie M. Blake, of Swanton, daugh- 
 ter of Wdham H. and Helen Blake. They have two children, Ina J. and Mildred V. 
 Mr. Blake is of the firm of Blake & Bradley, at Swanton village. 
 
 Smith, John, born September 27, 1769, in Connecticut, came to Underbill, Vt., where 
 he died June 19, 1815. He married, January 1, 1797, Mary Rogers, who was born Sep- 
 tember 25, 1774, and died January 19, 1849. Their children were Eliza, born October 
 18, 1797; Augustus, born January 6, 1800, died January, 1835; Harry, born March 2 
 1802, died June 16, 1887 ; Frederick, born June 29, 1804, died February 3, 1866 ; Joseph 
 R, born June 8, 1806, died December 31, 1887; George, born January 15, 1809 died 
 ■September 30, 1872 ; Charles, born August 29, 1811, died December 2, 1868 ; and Mary 
 A., born November 2, 1814, died April 14, 1864, Harry Smith came to Highgate Vt 
 
Family Sketches. 797 
 
 in ilay, 184:2, and died in Swanton. He married Almira Naramore, November 15, 
 1827, daughter of Justin and Bethia (Hawley) Naramore, of Underbill, and their chil- 
 dren were Francis B., born January 30, 1829 ; Helen, born February 2, died May 19, 
 1831 ; Maroia B., born October 8, 1832, died November 25, 1833; Marcia B., 2d, born 
 July 5, 1835; Mary, born July 9, 1837, died February 2, 1861; and Harriet, born May 
 23, 1843, died April 23, 1851. Mrs. Almira Smith survives her husband, and resides in 
 Svyanton, at the age of eighty-four. 
 
 Smith, Lines, was born at Athol, Ma.'is., and came to Grand Isle, Vt., but finally moved 
 to Phillipsburg. Can., and died in Brome, Can., at the age of ninety years. His wife, 
 Mary, died at Phillipsburg, Can., at the age of seventy-five. His children were Abner, 
 Asa, Henry, Ohauncy, Lines, Lydia, and Lucy. Chauncy Smith, born at Grand Isle, 
 Vt., January 6. 1808, moved to Alburgh, where he died at the age of eighty-two. In 
 1889, September 28th, he married Mary Steward, of Canada, and his children were 
 Henry, Mary Ann, Barbara, Edward, and Charles F. Charles F. Smith, who was born 
 in Canada, came to Swanton in 1867, where he now reside.'^. He married Frances E. 
 Keyes, of Swanton, daughter of William Keyes, and their children are Mary E., Lena, 
 and Chauncy W. He is now the proprietor of Hotel Champlain at Maquam Bay, Vt, 
 and proprietor of a sales stable and a dealer in carriages, sleighs, robes, etc., at Swanton. 
 His mother, Laura A. Smith, survives her husband m Swanton at the age of sixty-six 
 years. Edwin E. Smith and wife Martha are residents of Sacramento, Cal., where they 
 have lived for sixteen years. Barbara Smith married A. J. Belle, of Swanton, .son of 
 William H. and Eliza (Whitman) Belle, and her children are Andrew J., Willis H., 
 Clarence E., Frederick S., Edward M., and Charles F. The Hotel Champlain was built in 
 1877 by A. B. Jewett and O. M. Gallup (and owned by the Maquam Land Company) 
 at the cost of $100,000, including a farm of 750 acres of land. Edward Belle married 
 Anna Belle Herrick, of Swanton, daughter of A. P. Herrick, April 9, 1890. 
 
 Snow, Barney, was born in Wales in 18u8, and came to Boston, Mass., in 1884, where 
 he died the same year at the age of seventy-six. He was engaged in the iron foundry 
 business. He married Betsey Pitts, of Richmond, Vt., and his children were George, 
 Elibu, Robert, James, Sarah, Jane, Gertrude, Emily, and Mary Ann. Elihu Snow was 
 born in Lewis, Essex county, N. Y., October 3, 1845. He married Mary B., daughter 
 of William H. and Mary (McChune) Hancock, May 14, 1867, and his children are 
 George H., of the Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., William H., 
 Ernest E., Susie M., and Eunice. He was educated at the common .schools in New 
 York and took a thorough Methodist Episcopal theological course. He commenced 
 preaching at Gaysville in 1870, and later in Stookbridge, Windsor county, Vt., where 
 he remained three years. From there he removed to Plainfield, where he remained 
 three years, and thence went to Ludlow, where he was located three years. He then 
 moved to Franklin, where he preached three years, and from Franklin came to Swan- 
 ton, where he has labored two years. He enlisted in the late war at the age of eigh- 
 teen, in Company K, One Hundred and Eighteenth New York Volunteers, for three 
 years, and was honorably discharged at City Point, Va., February 6, 1866, from the 
 Ninety-sixth New York Volunteers. He held the rank of principal musician. Rev. 
 Mr. Snow has held the office of department chaplain of the G. A. R. of Vermont, and 
 was chaplain of the House of Representatives in 1888. 
 
 Stone, David T., was born in Guilford, Conn., October 9, 1769, and his wife, Thank- 
 ful Smith, was a native of Massachusetts. Mr. Stone came to Jericho, Chittenden 
 county, Vt., where he lived several years, and died in Westford, Vt., September 3, 1845, 
 at the age of seventy-s'x. His wife died in Underbill in 1834. Mr. Stone was a farmer. 
 Their children were Hervey, Hiram, and Electa. Hervey Stone was a native of Jeri- 
 cho, and died in Swanton in 1887, at the age of eighty-seven. He married Eliza Smith, 
 of Underbill, Chittenden county, Vt., a daughter of John and Mary (Rogers) Smith, and 
 his children were John S., Mary E., Lucia B. (who died in New Jersey, aged fifty), 
 Harriet M. and Henry M. The latter was born in Jericho in 1828, and in 1852 came 
 
798 History of Fkanklin and Grand Isi.e Counties. 
 
 to Swanton, where he now resides. He married Olive Barker Sawyer, of Rutland 
 county, Vt., daughter of Noah W. and Olive (Barker) Sawyer, September 4, 1851. His 
 children are Charles H., of Minneapolis, Minn.; Emily O., also of Minneapolis ; George 
 B., a clergyman, of Baltimore, Md.; Edward S., a clergyman of Enosburgh, Vt.; Walter 
 H., deceased; Arthur W., a law student in New York city; and Florence M. Mr. 
 Stone has been justice of the peace ten years, and held many offices of trust in the town 
 and county of Franklin. He was associated with F. Tarble in building the water 
 works at Swanton. He has built two stores, and is an extensive dealer in lumber. His 
 mother, Eliza Stone, survives at the age of ninety-two, and resides at Swanton. 
 
 Suter, Samuel, was born in Ober-Bntfelden county, Aaran, Switzerland, where he 
 lived and died at the age of eighty-two. He was a weaver by trade, and was twice 
 married, his children being Andrew, who died in Switzerland at the age of seventy- 
 three; Jacob, who died in New York city ; and Andrew, who married Ann Kiburtz. 
 Andrew Suter had the following children : Theopholus, Jacob, Henry, Anna, and 
 Daniel. The latter, a native of Switzerland, was born March 16, 1837, and came to 
 New York city in 1864. January 20, 1869, he removed to Swanton, Vt., where he 
 now resides. He married Venera, daughter of Daniel and Elmira Walther, of Switzer- 
 land, and his children are Emil, Daniel, Henry T., Louis W., and Charles S. Mr. Suter 
 is now a jeweler and a farmer in Swanton, where he has lived since 1869. 
 
 Thayer, Amasa, born in Massachusetts, came to Swanton from Bennington, Vt., in 
 1800, where he died at the age of seventy-four years. His children were Amherst, Polly, 
 Sumner, Wheelock, and Clarinda. His son, Amherst, a native of Bennington, came 
 to Swanton, where he died at the age of sixty-four. He married Barbara Cheney, and 
 his children were Millicent, Amherst C, Wheelock S., Andrew M., and Lucy P. 
 Wheelock S. Thayer, a native of Swanton, married, first, Julia Samantha Church ; his 
 second wife was Juliette Foster ; and his third wife was JuHa C. Kitts. He has one 
 daughter, Mary A. Mr. Thayer has been a life-long resident of Swanton, and enjoys 
 life at the age of seventy-four. He is a blacksmith and a farmer by occupation, and has 
 been town clerk for thirty-four years, has served as justice of the peace for several 
 years, and has held the office of town treasurer. He is a representative citizen and an 
 enterprising man. 
 
 Tobin, Theabold M., a native of Weybridge, Addison county, Vt., is a son of William 
 and Mary A. (Flannigan) Tobin, and married Sarah Chase, of Fair Haven, Vt., by whom 
 he has three children, Phillip, Mamie, and Don. March 10, 1870, he started the publi- 
 cation of a weekly Republican sheet called the Swanton Courier^ published at Swanton. 
 This is a live paper, containing each week an interesting gist of well-edited news, a 
 particular feature being his original caricatures and sporting notes. It has a circulation 
 of 800 subscribers. Mr. Tobin is a successful editor, outspoken in all that tends to the 
 development of local interests and the welfare of the community. 
 
 Warner, Isaac, son of Capt. John Warner, was born in Swanton, Vt, where he died 
 at the age of about seventy years. He served in the War of 1812, and married Bxperi- 
 ■ence Allen, a relative of Ethan Allen, of Revolutionary fame. His children were John, 
 Nelson, Hiram, Clark, Amanda, Experience, Polly, Isaac, and James A. The latter 
 was born in Swanton, where he died at the age of sixty-eight. He was at the battle 
 of Plattsburgh. He married Sarah Mix, of Stansted, P. Q., a daughter of Samuel and 
 Mary Mix, and she died in 1870, aged sixty-eight. Their children were William P., 
 Laura, Louisa, and Jerome B. Jerome B. Warner was born at Swanton, March 15 
 1839, and married Louisa M. Warner, of New York state, daughter of Lyman Warner, 
 and their children are Nettie, Allen, Edwin, and Van Buren W. The latter is a farmer 
 and resides in Swanton on the homestead. William P. Warner was born in Swanton 
 June 27, 1824, and married, first, Julia, daughter of Isaac Comstock, by whom he 
 had six children, viz.: Frank P., David, Mary A., Orlo C, Bertha F., and Lena I. His 
 second wife was Violetta C, daughter of John B. and Jane (Donaldson) Mack, and by 
 her he has had two children, Rolla A. and Ralph G-. He is now a farmer in Swanton. 
 ■Capt. John Warner was a physician, and served as captain in the Revolutionary war. 
 
Family Sketches. 799 
 
 Wauzer, Hill, a native of Connecticut, died in New Hampshire. His children were 
 John, Hill, Thomas, Jerusha, and Betsey. John Wauzer, also a native of Connecticut, 
 came to Swanton at the time of the War of 1812, in which he served under General 
 Wool, and finally settled in Fairfax, Franklin county, Vt. where he died at the age of 
 , seventy-eight. He married Jerusha Colburn, by whom' he had eight children as 
 follows: Willard, Jay, Helen, Daniel, Alfred, Theoda, Lina, and John. The latter, 
 bom m Berkshire, Vt., in 1826, came to Swanton in 1848 as a section foreman on the 
 Central Vermont Railroad. He married, first, Sarah Webster, of Troy, N. Y., daughter 
 of Thomas and Sally Webster. His secopd wife was Jane, daughter of David and Ja- 
 nette Lawrence. Mr. Wauzer served in Company B, First Vermont Volunteer Cav- 
 alry, enhsting September 16, 1861, and -was honorably discharged December 31,1863, 
 at Stephensburg, Va. He re-enlisted the same day and served until August 9, 1865. 
 when he received his second honorable discharge, this time at Burlington,Vt. He was 
 present at the battles of Cedar Mountain, Chancellorsville, the Wilderness, Cedar Creek, 
 Winchester, and Gettysburg, and was at Richmond at the lime of Lee's surrender. He 
 now draws a pension. 
 
 Wilder, Col. Ransom B., was born in Jericho, Chittenden county, Vt., in 1805. He 
 was colonel of a militia regiment, and was a general merchant in St. Albans Bay for a 
 few years, but finally moved to Sheldon, Vt., where he was a farmer for many years, 
 and where he died April 13, 1860, at the age of fifty- five years. He married Harriet 
 Fish, March 6, 1831, a daughter of Daniel and Sybil Fish, of Sheldon, Vt., who died at 
 the age of fifty-three. They had eight children as follows: Harriet E., James B., Ed- 
 gar, Daniel F., Alanson D., Allen D., Bllery J., and Hoyt R. Daniel F. Wilder served 
 in Company B, Vermont Cavalry, and was commissary-sergeant. He was taken pris- 
 oner at Hagarstown and died a,t Finley Hospital, Washington. He had a hand-to-hand 
 conflict with a Rebel officer, whom he shot to save his own life. EUery J. Wilder served 
 in the late war in the frontier cavalry suggested by the St. Alban's raid. Hoyt R. 
 Wilder, son of Ransom, was born in Sheldon, Vt., October 2, 1848, was educated at 
 Fairfax Institute, and was graduated from the University of Michigan and Detroit 
 Medical College in 1869 and in 1870. In 1872 he came to Swanton, where he has since 
 remained, practicing as general physician and surgeon. After his graduation he prac- 
 ticed for two years in Fairfield, Vt. He married Venia M., daughter of Joseph and 
 Malvinea (Mansfield) Knowles, of Cowansville, P. Q., and his children are Herbert A., 
 Henry L., Florence E., Annie G., and Howard Bdgar. 
 
 Wood, Abraham, a native of Scotland, came to Chesterfield, N. H., where he died in 
 September, 1838, at the age of seventy-two. He married Sarah Loren, of Sudbury, 
 Mass. He was educated at Hartford, Conn., and was a Congregational minister under 
 King George at Chesterfield, N. H. His children were Abraham, Loren, Cornelius, 
 Rebecca, Mary, Sarah, and Flavilla. Cornelius Wood was born in Chesterfield, N. H., 
 and died at the age of eighty-five. He married Fanny Doolittle, of Winchester, N. H., 
 daughter of Benjamin and • Bditha (Field) Doolittle, and his children were Lucy, 
 Stearnes, N. A., Loren, Fanny E., Cornelius B., Mary A., Sarah E., Bben D., Rodney T., 
 and Benjamin D. The latter, born in Swanton, January 11, 1824, married Sophia E. 
 Pratt, of Swanton, daughter of Allen and Asenith (Wait) Pratt, by whom he had these 
 children : Allen A. and Edgar 0. She died in Swanton, July 26, 1886, at the age of 
 sixty-two. Allen A. Wood married Flora Redfield, of Kansas, daughter of J. C. Red- 
 fleld, and has one daughter, Carrie E. They are now residents of Wichita, Kan. Ed- 
 gar C. Wood married, first, Belle Janes, of Swanton, daughter of William and Calista 
 Janes, and had one son, Charles. His second wife is Dora Gaylor, of St. Armand, P. Q., 
 daughter of Orren and Mary Gaylor, and he is now a resident farmer in Swanton with 
 his father, who has lived on the Laselle farm for thirty-two years. Fanny C. Wood 
 married Royal S. Cushman, of Georgia, Vt, son of Salmon and Highley Cushman, and 
 their children are Frances A., Phila E., and Alice L. Phila B. Cushman married Henry 
 G. Hammond, of Dunbarton, N. H., son of Thomas and Hannah Hammond, and they 
 have two children, Alice C. and Phila M. They are now residents of Bnrlineton, Vt. 
 
8oo History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 CHAPTER XLI. 
 FAMILY SKETCHES OF GRAND ISLE COUNTY. 
 
 7"'0 enumerate all of the old and prominent families in Grand Isle 
 county would in itself make a large and pretentious volume, while 
 it would be practically impossible to give a genealogical sketch of all. 
 We have been compelled, owing to lack of space, to limit these sketches 
 to only those who have felt and manifested an interest in preserving the 
 records of their ancestors. Sketches of many of the early settlers will 
 be found in connection with iSie chapters containing the history of the 
 respective towns. In this chapter biographical notices have been col- 
 lected and printed of those whose descendants to-day form the business 
 and social life of the stated localities. 
 
 Alburgh. 
 
 Bell, William, was born in Ireland and came in early life to Alburgh, Vt., among the 
 first settlers, where he died at an advanced age. He married Elizabeth Duell, and his 
 children were Orlando, Michael, William, Job, Blihue, Ralph, Taber S., Phoebe, Polly, 
 Elsie, Ruby, and Jane. Orlando Bell was born in Alburgh, September 21, 1797, and 
 died there October 27, 1882. He married Samantha Blaokman, who was born Decem- 
 ber 28, 1802, and died August 2, 1880. Their children were Flanklin B., born in Bom- 
 bay, N. Y., Norman, Martin, Delia, Phoebe, Mary, Martha, Ada E., Helen A., and Calvin 
 W. All but Franklin B. and Calvin W. were born in Alburgh. The latter was born 
 in Bombay, N. Y., June 29, 1825, and came to Alburgh at the age of five years with 
 his father, where he has remained up to the present time. He married Lydia J. Wy- 
 man, Februarys, 1822, in Milwaukee, Wis., and their children are George W., Alice S. 
 Emma T., Edna M., and Belle. Alice S. married, in 1880, Wilson Sawyer, of Boston, 
 Mass , and their children are Bessie and Edna. Emma T. Bell married Frank P. Pray, 
 of Alburgh, and their children are Nellie, Mildred, and Alice, now of Woodville, N.;H. 
 
 Bremmer, George, was born on the ocean coming from Scotland to America, his pa- 
 rents coming to Ticonderoga, N. Y., in 1770. He served in the Revolutionary war, 
 and was taken prisoner with his family by the Indians and carried to St. Johns, Can- 
 ada, where he died. George, jr., left St. Johns in 1787 and came to Alburgh among 
 the early settlers, locating in the eastern part of the town, where he remained until his 
 death, in 1844, aged seventy-seven. His son, Thomas, married Catharine Bramer in 
 1823, located near his father, and died in 1850. His son George married Minerva Rey- 
 nolds, of Isle La Motte, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Reynolds, and their children were 
 George W., Arthur R., and Cora. He is now proprietor of the Atlantic Hotel at Alburgh, 
 which he has kept for nine years. He has served as justice of the peace nine years and 
 has held other offloes of trust. He is also foreman for the railroad in the construction 
 of bridges. 
 
Family Sketches. soi 
 
 Cheeseman, William, was born in Kent, England, and came to Canada in 1837. re- 
 moving thence to Chazy, Clinton county, N. Y., where he remained until his death in 
 18/1, aged seventy-nine. He was a farmer by occupation, and married Ann Eddie of 
 Kent, England, daughter of Stephen and Maryam Eddie, and their children were Sarah 
 Maryam, John, George, William, Jane, Alfred, and Frederick G. The latter was born 
 m Kent, England, July 13, 1830, and came to Canada with his father at the age of seven 
 years, and thence to Alburgh in 1887, where he now resides. He married in 1854 Lo- 
 vma D. Dewey, of Sabrevois, P. Q,, daughter of Silas and Mary (Miller) Dewey ' and 
 their children are Silas W., Aaron A., Wealthy P., William McG.. Frederick A,, and 
 Bertha J, Capt. Silas H, White, a native of New York, was born in 1793 at Fort Ann 
 Washington county, N. Y., and died at Sabrevois, P. Q,, at the age of ninety- three years 
 andjight months. His wife, a, native of Ireland, died at the above place in Canada in 
 1857, at the age of forty-seven years. 
 
 Harrington, Hezekiah, of Connecticut, was thrice married. His first marriage was 
 on October 1, 1793, to Prudence Kain, of Goshen, Conn.; hia second was on October 18, 
 1807, to Sally Johnson, at Westford, Vt. ; and his third was on January 6, 1824, to 
 Rachel Owen, at Perry, Licking county, 0. His children were Giles, Barney, Nelson, 
 Sally, Harvey, Sylvester, and George. Giles was born at Barkhamstead, Conn., April 
 22, 1801, and died at his farm at Silver Lake, near Au Sable Forks, N. Y., November 22, 
 1873, aged seventy-two years and seven months. He married, December 24, 1825| 
 Phoebe M. Dixson, of South Island, Vt., daughter of Thomas and Lydia Griffith Dixson, 
 and his children were Henry, Armon, William A., Giles, jr.. Hardy W., Edward F., Lee 
 D., and Wyman 0. His widow, Phoebe M., still survives him in East Alburgh at the 
 age of eighty-one. Giles Harrinton came to Alburgh in March, 1827, and opened a law 
 office at Alburgh Center (then called Alburgh City), where he resided for many years. 
 He later removed to East Alburgh, near Alburgh Springs, where he lived until his 
 death. Mr. Harrington had been engaged in the practice of law as an attorney, princi- 
 pally in Franklin and Grand Isle counties, for about fifty years. He had an extensive 
 practice, and was frequently consulted in doubtful cases, his knowledge of legal matters 
 being clear and accurate, and his opinions on legal questions were regarded as sound and 
 worthy of great consideration and respect. He was an honorable man — always advis- 
 ing clients to settle their differences rather than engage in litigation. He was emphati- 
 cally a peacemaker. A writer in the Montpelier Argus thus truthfully does justice to 
 his general character as a citizen : '' To the sterling virtues and incorruptible integrity 
 of Giles Harrington, our pen cannot do justice. He was several times elected as rep- 
 resentative from Alburgh to the state legislature, and was also state senator and judge 
 of probate. At difierent times he was candidate for lieutenant-governor, member of 
 Congress, and also for presidential elector." 
 
 Harvey, Alanson H., was born in Swanton, Vt., November 12, 1839, and came to 
 Alburgh while young. He married Mary M. Harris, of Stanbridge East, Province of 
 Quebec, who was born April 17, 1837. She is a daughter of Alonzo and Phebe Harris. 
 Mr. Harvey is now a general merchant at East Alburgh, where he has been engaged in 
 business for twelve years. He is also serving as postmaster. 
 
 Harvey, Calvin, was born in St. Albans, Vt., in February, 1799, and came to Alburgh 
 Springs in 1843, where he died October 25, 1877. He married, first, Almira Hicks, and 
 second, Mary Hicks, and his children were Caroline, Sally, Julia, Alanson H., Silas, and 
 Charles P. The latter was born in Swanton, Vt., March 25, 1829, and married Cordelia 
 Donaldson, of Alburgh, daughter of Clarissa (Niles) Donaldson, and they have one son, 
 David S. The latter was born in Alburgh Springs, Vt , September 18, 1862, and is 
 now a general merchant at that place where he has been engaged in business for eight 
 years. Charles P. Harvey is a blacksmith by trade. Mrs. C. P. Harvey is postmistress 
 at Alburgh Springs. 
 
 Ladue, Samuel, son of John, was born in Alburgh, Vt., among the early settlers of 
 the town. The family was of French origin, — Huguenots, — persecuted by the Catholics, 
 
802 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 nnd driven to this oouiitry liom Frauoe, lie mwTied SolinnJNowell, who died ftt ilieago 
 of eighty in Beekniftntown, Olintou county, N. Y. Siunuel dimi iil tlie snmeplnoo aj{t>d 
 oi^lity-three. Theii' children wimo Alberl," Newell, Abiani, Lorivce, Sylvosler, and lOnio- 
 linn. Loraeo was born at. Albnrj;li, Vt., nnd died in 18112, at the nj(o ol'tliirty-six. lie 
 was a wheelwright by trade, and married Martha Brown, daughter of James Brown, ol' 
 AllHirijh, and their children were Amelia, Emma, and Fred L. Fred L, l,mlne was born 
 in Beelimanlown, N. Y., September 7, ISOO, and married Nellie A. Young, of Alburgh, 
 daughter ol' Nelson nnd Charlotte M. (Manning) Young, September :i, 18sr., anO they 
 liavo one son, Olendon Y. Mr. Ladue graduated from the Alhaiiy ]\ledieal Oolleffe in 
 lSS:i, and eommeuood as a regular praolioing pliysieian and surgeon at AUiurglt Springs, 
 Vt.,, in April, 1883, where he has continued up to the present linm with nuu-ked sneeess 
 
 Manning, .loshua, was born in Oouneetieul, Seplemlier I'l, IV.'il.and died in Alburgh 
 at an advanced ago. lie came to Alburgh in 1787 among llio eaily settlers, served in 
 the War of 1812, and reeeivod a wound from wliieh he never recovered, lie was 
 twice married, liis ehildren by his first wil'o being .losluia, lieheeea, Absoloni, Harry, 
 John, Thomas, .loseph, Richard, (inliriel, Klonora, and Margaret, liiehard, a native of 
 Alburgh, was born in 17!ili and died in ISfuS, and was a life-long resident of ihat place. 
 He nuirried Lucina Darby, who was born December 25, 1708, and died September 18, 
 IS.'ili. .Slio was a daughter iil' Jonathan Darby. Their children were James li., born 
 March 22, 181(1; Jane A., born January 12, "1S18; Joshua S., born March 22, 1820; 
 IMicebe, born November 17, 1821); Jonathan, born April lit, 1827; Albert W., born 
 April 25, I8;!;i; Gilbert, born March 1, 1837; Mary II., horn September li, 18;!ii; 
 Ocorge II., born August 1, 1812; and Allen, born July .'!(), 1822. The latter married, 
 lirst, liouisa Darby, January 23, 1841, da\ighler of David and llebecca Darby, and sec- 
 ond, Julia .V. Harver, February 16, I85'l, daughter of C^alvin Harvcr. His lliird mar- 
 riage was to Mrs. Mathilde (Clark) Olunnberlain, March M, 1887. She was a daugh- 
 ter of Henry and Alice ClaiMc, llis ehildren arc Gilbert (1., born August 10, 18'! 1; 
 Miranda G., born July 2,'!, 1813 ; Asaliel, born .\ngust 20, 18-15 ; llirain B., born t)eto- 
 l)er30, 1847; (leorge'A,, born March 2, I860; and Roselt.c L., born July 8, 1852. Mr. 
 Manning is now a resident on tlie homestead farm. He served as lirst lieutenant of the 
 first company in town, formed at the time of the St. Albans raid, nnd was an orderly in 
 the French war and received aland warrant for the same. Gilbert and .\saliel both 
 served in the late war and drew pensions. Mr. Manning has served as justice of tho 
 peace for twenty years, and held the offloe of side judge foi' four years, with numerous 
 other offices of IrnsI,. 
 
 McCargar, Thomas, was born and lived until manhood, near tllasgow, Scotland, and 
 came to Kumptville, Province of Ontario, Canada, as a farmer, where he died. He 
 married I'lKcbo Beach, of Kemptville, Canada, daughter of Malvin Beach, nnd their 
 children are Hugh, Ilonry, Benjamin, David, Tyi-ns, Milo, Betsey, Sarah, Min-y, Nancy, 
 and Phix3be, Hugh was born at South Gower, Canada, where the mother was tempo- 
 rarily moved on account of the War of 1812, but he lived and died at Kemptville at the 
 aire of fifty-six. He married Elmina Denmark, of New York state, danghl.er of I'oter 
 Dcmnark, and their children were Margaret, Myron E., rinebe, and William D. Myron 
 E. McCargar was born ut, Kemptville in 1848, and came to Alburgh, Vt., in 1873, 
 where he now roMdes. He married Emma K. Eddy, daughter of John and Adaline 
 Eddy, and they have two children, Merrill E. ami William E. Mr. MoOargar is now a 
 produce dealer, in which business he has been engaged for seven years. lie has held 
 the position of selectman of the town for two years, Tic also owns a farm in Alburgh. 
 Hiigh.MoCargarwas captoin of a company of militia at the battle of the Windmill Point, 
 Presoott, Canada, in the Canada Radical warin 1837, when the rebels from the I'nilecl 
 States were cornered in the windmill I'orrefuge. He was among the men who captured 
 and took them ])riaoners of war. Their leader, General Van Shoults, and several others 
 were hanged before tjnecii Victoria oommutea the sentence to banishment to Van Dic^- 
 man's Land instead. 
 
Family Sketches. 803 
 
 Mills, Samuel H., was born in Williamstown, Mass., July 6, 1779. His father, Abel 
 Mills, served in the Revolutionary war, and soon after the war Samuel H. with his 
 father moved to Colwell's Manor, P. Q.,where Abel remained until his death, March lo, 
 1849. Samuel H. married Harriet Catlin, who was born April 1, 1791, and died March 
 17, 1876. She was a daughter of Wait Catlin, of Bedford, P. Q., and her children were 
 Eraahne A., born January 20, 1808; Adaline A., born October 2, 1819; Eleanor A., 
 born July 5, 1813; James W., born August 18, 1816; Samuel H., born May 19, 1818; 
 Reed M., born June 11, 1820; Minard B., born August 4, 1822 ; Elvira U., born Aug- 
 ust 16. 1825; Guy C, born July 19, 1828; Hamilton A., born November 7, 1830; and 
 Charles L., born March 11, 1834. Hamilton A. married, first, Sarah J., daughter of 
 Jeremiah Peck, of Troy, N. Y., and by her had six children : Henry W., William S., 
 Frank H., Mary E., George B., and Mina D. He married, second, April 17, 1888, Mrs. 
 Mary A. Praj', of Alburgh Springs, Vt., daughter of John and Clarissa (Clawson) 
 Bowen. Her first husband, Fred C. Pray, died November 19, 1881, aged twenty nine. 
 He was a son of David and Eleanor Pray. Mr. Mills is now the propiietor of the Man- 
 sion House at Alburgh Springs, a summer hotel of note, built in 1838, and with a 
 capacity for accommodating 100 guests. This hotel is situated on the banks of the ilissis- 
 quoi Bay at the head of Lake Champlain. He served in the late war in Company A, 
 Thirty-sixth Massachusetts Volunteers, for three years, participating in the engagements 
 at Antietam, Fredericksburg, and South Mountain. He received an honorable dis- 
 charge in 1863. 
 
 Morse, Louis, was born in the Provmce of Quebec, and moved to Newport, Vt., 
 at the age of about eighty-five years, where he died about 1880, aged eighty-eight. 
 His three children were Filander, Lewis, and Betsey, Filander was born in Newport, 
 Vt., and died in Swanton in 1887, at the age of sixty years. He married Ehzabeth 
 Clark, of Swanton, and their children were Clark, Edson, George, Mary, Julia, Alida, 
 Linnie, and Charles L. The latter was born in Swanton, and married Mary A. 
 Bohannan, October 30, 1873. She was a daughter of Andrew and Ann (Gates) 
 Bohannan, and was born in Alburgh, April 13, 1853. Their children are Merton C, 
 born November 4, 1878, and Roy W., born July 3, 1882. Mr. Morse is now a resident 
 of Alburgh, and is engaged in business as a farmer and a merchant. 
 
 Phelps, Abel, was born in Connecticut and served in the War of 1812 at the battle of 
 Plattsbur'gh. He came to South Island at the age of twelve years, and died m Alburgh 
 in 1860, at the age of eighty-five. He was a farmer, and married Mary Pelton, of Otis, 
 Mass., daughter of Bphraim Pelton, and his children were Orange, Ophelia, Benager, Mix, 
 Olivia, Marcellus, Sidney, and Marietta. Marcellus was born in South Hero, Vt., where he 
 married, October 10, 1827, Euphrasia, daughter of William and Phoebe -A.mes Russell, who 
 died in 1875, aged fifty-six. Their children were Eugene, Helen, Herbert C, Herman, 
 Elizabeth,Phoebe, William, and Alice. Herbert C, a native of Alburgh, was born Decem- 
 ber 31, 1844. and graduated from the Medical Department of the University of Ann Arbor, 
 Mich in 1874. He commenced practice as a regular physician and surgeon at Alburgh 
 Center, where he is now located. He served in Company K, Eleventh Infantry Vermont 
 Volunteers, designated also as the First Vermont Heavy Artillery, and participated m the 
 battle of Cedar Creek. He was wounded and received an honorable discharge August 
 31, 1865, and is now drawing a pension. He has been in the government service for 
 twenty-two years as lighthouse-keeper. 
 
 Reynolds Oapt Grindle, was born in Ireland and early came to Grand Isle, Vt., 
 from Connecticut, among the early settlers, dying there at an advanced age. He held 
 many offices of trust in the town. His children were Jackson, Guy, WiUiam Henry 
 H Mary Sally, Betsey, and Julia. Henry H. was born at G^and Isle, in 1804, where 
 he'lived many years. He finally removed to Alburgh, where he died at the age of 
 seventy-two Mr. Reynolds represented the town and county in both branches of the 
 legislature He was three times married, his first wife being Ann E. Hyde, of Grand 
 Iste'- his second being Phoebe Landon, also of Grand Isle; and his third being Mrs. 
 
8o4 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Julia Boardman, of South Hero, Vt, daughter of John Landon. His children were 
 John, Hardy, Charles, Ann E., and Maria. Hardy L. Reynolds was born in Milton, 
 Vt., January 25, 1855, and married Annie E. Gallagher, of Alburgh, Vt., November 9, 
 1878, daughter of Joseph and Ann B. (Curtis) Gallagher. They have two children, 
 Julia C, born November l9, 1879, and Annie R., born February 2, 1884. He is now a 
 farmer and retains the homestead. He was a member of ihe House of Representatives 
 in 1884-86, and was elected state senator in 1890. 
 
 Scott, Darius, was a son oC Lemuel (who died in Montreal, Canada) and Betsey 
 Scott (who died in New York city). Both are buried in Fletcher, Vt. Darius was 
 born in Fletcher, and died in Wolcott, Vt., in August, 1879, at the age of sixty-eight 
 years. He was a farmer and drove a stage from Cambridge to St. Albans for twelve 
 year.o, or until 1862. He married Olive, daughter of Artemas Larrabee, and his chil- 
 dren were William F., Adelia M., and Marcus D. The latter was born in Cambridge, 
 Vt., January 9, 1845, came to Alburgh, December 1, 1889, and married Helen M. Wal- 
 bridge, of Wolcott, daughter of Ira and Martha (Morrell) Walbridge. They have one 
 daughter, Minnie E., who married Henry A. Kusic, of Wolcott, and has one son. Mr. 
 Scott served in Company B, First Vermont Cavalry, enlisting August 15, 1864, and 
 was honorably discharged July 29, 1865, by reason of a gunshot wound through the left 
 wrist at Columbia Furnace, Shenandoah Valley, Va., and on account of which he now 
 draws a pension. He has held many offices of pubhc trust, having been lister, justice of 
 the peace in Lamoille county, and selectman several terms each. He has been comman- 
 der of George P. Foster Post, No. 55, G. A.R., W.M. of Mineral Lodge, No. 93, F. and A. M., 
 and is now deputy collector and inspector of customs at the port of Alburgh Springs, 
 Vt. He is a farmer, and owns a farm of 110 acres in Wolcott, Vt. William F. Scott 
 is now editor of the Barre Enterprise at Barre, Vt., being also one of the oldest printers 
 iu continuous service in Vermont. He learned his trade of Hon. E. B. Whiting, of the 
 St. Albans Messenger, commencing at the age of seventeen years, he being now fifty- 
 two. He married Aljbie Hartwell, of Berlin, Vt. Adelia M." Scott married Harvey A. 
 Rowell, who served three years in the Eleventh Vermont Volunteers, and now resides 
 in Washington, Vt. 
 
 Vantine, Benjamin, a native of Germany, came to New York city with his brother, 
 where they separated, Benjamin coming to Grand Isle, Vt., and from there to Chazy, 
 N. Y., soon after the war of the Revolution, and among the early settlers. He cleared 
 a fine farm, and with his sons, David and John, served in the War of 1812, at Platts- 
 burgh and Sackett's Harbor. The British encamped on Mr. Vantine's farm, where they 
 remained for several days on their way to Plattsburgh, and he never received payment 
 for the supplies they bought of him. He died in 1825 at the age of ninety-three. His 
 wife, Polly, bore him nine children : David, John, Joseph, Emanuel, Peter, Lizzie, 
 Catherine, Dorcas, and Polly. Joseph was born in Grand Isle, Vt., and died in Chazy, 
 N. Y. He married Sophronia Newman, of Milton, Vt., daughter of John and Huldah 
 Newman, and his children are Jane, Catherine, Alvira, Anne B., Mary, George and 
 Peter. The latter was born at Chazy, N. Y., April 24, 1829, and married, first,'Mrs. 
 Leticia Sowles, daughter of Henry and Nancy Greggs, and his children by her were 
 Hardy and Wyman. His second marriage was with Mrs. Phebe Sowles, daughter of 
 Richard and Locina (Darby) Manning, March 18, 1869, who bore him one daughter, 
 Lillie M. Mrs. Vantine's first husband was Charles Sowles, whom she married Decem- 
 ber 3, 1850. He died August 22, 1867. Their children were Edwin B., James, Frank 
 H., Ira C, and Milford. Peter Vantine has been postmaster of Alburgh, Vt., for 
 twenty-two years. 
 
Family Sketches. 805 
 
 Grand Isle. 
 
 Adams, Edwin, bom August 27, 1831, is a son of Hector Adams, who was born at 
 Burlington, Vt., in 1800, and married Laura Mariara, by wriom he had eight children, Ed- 
 win Adams married Maria B. Tobias, November 4, 1853, who was born July 7, 1833. Her 
 parents were Solon and Mary Tobias, life-long residents of Grand Isle. Solon was born 
 June 11, 1793, and died September, 17, 1874. His wife, Mary, was born November 28, 
 1795, and died Marnh 6, 1873, The children of Edwin Adams are : Edna, born October 
 11, 1854; Ellen, born June 1, 1862, died December 15, 1863; Mattie G., born June 22, 
 1868; and Harry B., born December 11, 1869, died January 26, 1891. Edna married 
 Homer E. Griswold, January 12, 1880, and their children are Fannie E., born July 28, 
 1882, and Ellen A., born February 11, 1886, Mr. Adams came from the town of Mil- 
 ton to Grand Isle in 1849, and engaged with D. B. Griswold as a clerk, but soon be- 
 came a partner, and remained about a year. He then spent some time in Wisconsin 
 with a company of railroad engineers and returned to Grand Isle in 1853, engaging in 
 mercantile pursuits and in farming. He represented the town in the General Assembly 
 in 1859-60 and was sheriff of Grand Me county in 1860-61. He went to Michigan in 
 1863, where he was employed for four years in farming and speculation. In 1869 he 
 located permanently at Grand Isle, and has since been engaged in a general store and in 
 farming. He has also been town treasurer, lister, justice of the peace, and assistant 
 United States assessor, 
 
 Ladd, Lewis, born April 28, 1797, at Norwich, Conn., came to Grand Isle with his 
 parents about 1800. He married Maria Hyde, February 28, 1842, and two children 
 were born to them, viz.: Margaret A., born in December, 1842, and Alfred H,, born Feb- 
 ruary 23, 1848, .The former married Wyman M, Gordon, March 23, 1863, Alfred H, 
 Ladd married Jane White, March 18, 1885, and their children are Maria B., born Au- 
 gust 5, 1886; Lewis Alexander, born June 5, 1888; and Margaret Isabel, born Febru- 
 ary 24, 1890. Lewis Ladd was one of four sons who worked together for several years 
 and accumulated considerable property, which was divided about 1847, when Lewis be- 
 came sole owner of the farm at Ladd's Point in the town of Grand Isle, where he re- 
 mained until his death, January 21, 1867, His wife died in December, 1874, She was a 
 descendant of an old English family of distinction and wealth, and upon the mother's 
 side was from a family by the name of Dean, There are now in the possession of A, H, 
 Ladd two pieces of antique furniture, a secretary and an old English sideboard, which 
 were brought from England fully 200 years ago, and have always been owned by some 
 of the family. They are well preserved articles, and excel in workmanship and finish. 
 
 Isle La Motte, 
 
 Hall, Enoch, was born in Connecticut and in 1788 came to Isle La Motte, Vt„ where 
 he lived until his death in 1806, at the age of seventy. He was one of six families that 
 settled in Isle La Motte from Guildhall, Vt., was one of the first three selectmen of the 
 town in 1791 was a very active man in the interests of the community, and held many 
 offices of public trust. He married Sarah Merrill, and his children were Nathaniel, 
 Grace and Elihu. The latter married Roxana Holcomb, and their children were Jamep, 
 Enoch Hiram Simeon, Ira, Laura, Carmi, Charlotte, Diana, Jeremiah, Mariah, and 
 Lovisa Carm'i Hall was born in Isle La Motte and married Polly Pike, by whom he has 
 these children : Ransom, Melissa, Ira A., Jerod P., Ellen M., and Allen M, Ransom 
 Hall married Charlotte A., daughter of Dyer and Martha P. (Hall) Hill, and his children 
 are Addis and Dyer H. The former is now a noted stenographer in Boston, and an 
 inventor of a new system of phonography called Hall's Multum in Parvo Phonography, 
 
8o6 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Hill, Caleb, born at Granville, N. Y., came to Isle La Motte, Vt., about 1806 among 
 the first settlers of the town, where he remained until his death in 1814. He was a 
 hotel-keeper on the north end, and was shot by an American officer in the War of 1812 
 in his own house. He cleared several farms and owned a good share of the land on 
 Isle La Motte at that time. He married Cynthia Strong, of Granville, N. Y., daughter 
 of Seth Strong. Their children are Rhoda, Ira, Calvin, Nathan, Horace, Harry, Hiram, 
 Caleb, Barbara, Maria, Charlotte, and Phoebe. Calvin Hill was born at Granville, N. Y., 
 and came here with hi.s father. He married Mercy Pike, of Isle La Motte, March 14, 
 1816, daughter of Ezra and Polly (Garlick) Pike, and his children were Dyer, Cynthia, 
 Nelson, Calvin, Mercy, Phoebe, Henry, and Franklin. He died at the age of thirty-six 
 on June 25, 1831. His widow, Mercy Hill, still survives her husband at the age of 
 ninety-three, residing on the homestead — the oldest person now living on Isle La Motte. 
 Dyer Hill was born on Isle La Motte in the same house where he has always lived, and 
 is now seventy-two years of age. He married, first, Martha Hall, of Isle La Motte, 
 daughter of Enoch and Hannah (Scott) Hall, and their children are Henry, Alice, Char- 
 lotte, Wilbur, and Julian. Henry and Julian graduated from the University of Ver- 
 mont, Burlington, Henry being a lawyer and Julian a physician, the latter being located 
 in Buffalo, N. Y. Dyer Hill married, second, Hannah Wait, of Isle La Motte, daughter 
 of William and Betsey (Truman) Wait. His grandfather, Gardner Wait, drew a pension 
 from his service m the Revolutionary war. Ezra Pike was also a soldier of the Revolu- 
 tion. Henry C. Hill was born in Isle La Motte in 1828, July 1st, and married Cornelia 
 Scott, of La Motte, daughter of Harry and Cornelia (Wicker) Scott, July 1, 1852. His 
 children are Elvira C, who married Dr. 0. A. Holcombe, of Plattsburgh, N. Y., by 
 whom he has one daughter, Jessie; Herbert E., who married Emma Chrystie, daughter 
 of Rev. Robert Chrystie, and had two children, Edith C. and Hattie C, and died in 1882, 
 March 10th; and Lena L., who, on August 19, 1885, married Frank H. Severance, now 
 editor of the Buffalo Express- Illustrated, and by whom she has one son, Hayward M-; 
 Arthur H., now in New York city ; and May A., who married R. E. Houghton, June 9, 
 1889, and has one son, Roland H. Henry C. Hill has served as town clerk for two 
 years, postmaster for sixteen years, was state senator in 1866-67, and has been a mer- 
 chant for thirty-nine years. Arthur H. Hill married Kathleen W. Simons, June 22, 
 1891. 
 
 Holcomb, Jesse, was born in Connecticut and came to Isle La Motte, Vt., while 
 young. He was among the first settlers of the town, and cleared a farm, where he lived 
 until his death, at the age of seventy-six. He married Mehetable Winchell, and his 
 children were Timothy, Martha, Amasa, Chloe, Spede, Timothy, 2d, Jesse, Electa, Mary, 
 and Ephraim A. The latter was born in Isle La Motte, March 10, 1814, and married 
 Mercy Hill, of Isle La Motte, who was born May 3, 1824, a daughter of Calvin and 
 Mercy (Pike) Hill. Their children were Myron, Byron, and Mahlon B. The latter, a 
 graduate of Burlington College, married Marcia M. Stearns, of Brasier, St. Lawrence 
 county, N. Y., daughter of Nathan Stearns, and they have one son, Frank M. He is 
 now a practicing physician at Keeseville, Essex county, N. Y. Byron T. Holcomb 
 married Laura Duston, of Sun Prairie, Wis., daughter of Frederick Duston, and they 
 have three children, Helen, Myron, and Frederick. Mr. Holcomb is now a resident of 
 Chicago and Evanston, 111., being engaged in a sugar refinery. He graduated at the 
 University of Burlington. Ephraim A. Holcomb served in the Vermont legislature in 
 1842-43 and has held many offices of trust in the town. 
 
 Pike, Ezra, was born in Massachusetts, and came from Hoosick, N. Y., among the 
 first settlers, clearing a farm on which he died at the age of about sixty-eight. He was a 
 pensioner of the war of the Revolution and held many offices of trust in the town of 
 Isle La Motte. He married Polly Garlick, and his children were Ezra, Reuben, Jesse, 
 Jarvis, Jerod, Henry, Sally, Terza, Lucy, Bmeline, Mercy, Polly, and Anna. Ezra Pike 
 was born in Massachusetts and came to Isle La Motte with his father, where he died at 
 the age of eighty-three, in 1873. He married Barbara Hill, of Isle La Motte, daughter 
 
Family Sketches. 807 
 
 of Caleb and Cynthia (Strong) Hill, and their children were William, Preston, Emily 
 Mariah, Albina, Theresa, Mary, Mehitable, and Seneca H. The latter, born on' Isle La 
 Motte, September 13, 1816, married, first, Cynthia E. Hall, of that town, on March 2, 
 1840, daughter of Rev. Ira and Cynthia (Wait) Hall, and his children by her are Perry| 
 Ambrose, Thererina, Seraphina, Ezra, Ira B., Seymour S., Sidney L., Fillmore, Linnie^ 
 and Merritt L. He married, second, March 24, 1888, Martha, daughter of Hiram and 
 Susan (Hall) Hall. Mr. Pike has served as representative of Isle La Motte two terms, 
 and has been justice of the peace for several years. He is now side judge, and has beeri 
 constable twenty-one years. He was twice elected high sheriff of his county, and was 
 captain of the first company organized in the town during the late war, the company 
 being an independent one. Martha Hall married, first, W'infleld S., son of Charles and 
 Lucy (Barney) Carew, and had one son, Herbert L. (deceased). Mr. Carew died March 
 17, 1876. 
 
 Rochester, (Jeorge, was born in Northumberland, England, and in 1819 came to 
 Champlain among the early settlers, where he died in 1855, aged sixty-eight. He mar- 
 ried Jane Teman, of Northumberland, England, and his children were (Jeorge, Waller, 
 Thomas, Alexander, Nancy, and John. John Rochester was born at Champlain, N. Y., 
 September 16, 1819, and married Nancy McGregor, of Alburgh, Vt., daughter of Dun- 
 can McGregor, and their children were Elenora and Elda A. He is now a resident 
 farmer of Isle La Motte, where he has lived since 1865. He has been mate on a steam- 
 boat for twenty-two years. Duncan McGregor was present when Caleb Hill was shot, 
 and helped to extinguish the fire as it caught from the shot. 
 
 Scott, Henry, a cousin of Gen. Winfield Scott, born near Albany, N. Y., November 
 24, 1763, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and came to Grand Isle county with 
 Ethan and Ira Allen, his .cousins, as one of the early settlers. He owned the southern 
 part of the town, and died in March, 1833. He was a descendant of Cornelius Scott, 
 who was a son of William and Sarah (Derrickson) Scott. The latter was a daughter of 
 Cornelia Bogardus, who was a daughter of William Bogardus, who was a son of Annette or 
 Anneke Webber Jansen, or Anneke Jans, who was a granddaughter of King William the 
 Third. Cornelia's husband, Bverordus Bogardus, was the first settled minister in New 
 York city. Henry Scott married Christiana Rowley, and their children were Mary, born 
 July 2, 1785; Attee, born September 14, 1786; Margaret, born April 1, 1788; Belinda, 
 born August 19, 1789; Harry, born October 12, 1790; Christiana, born February 11, 
 1792; Simeon, born May 15, 1794; Hannah, born July 17, 1795; Cornelius, born April 
 28, 1797; Daniel, born July 8, 1799; Sullivan, born February 9, 1802; and Ethan, born 
 March 12, 1803. Harry Scott married Cornelia, daughter of Joseph and Dolly (Knapp) 
 Wicker. She was born in Hardwick, Mass., August 24, 1794. Their children are George, 
 Maria, Harriet, Allen, -Wealthy, Puillia M., Cornelia L., Anson, Amasa, and Elvira. 
 
 North Hero. 
 
 Blanchard, R. C, has resided in North Hero about thirty years. He was born at Isle 
 La Motte in November, 1824, and spent several years in New York state, after which 
 he returned to Grand Isle county. He married Marriette, daughter of John Truman, 
 of Alburgh, in March, 1851, and "they are the parents of six children: Wellington, An- 
 drew, B. C, Annette, Helen, and George. B. C. and Annette reside in this town. 
 The latter is the wife of Eldridge Hutchins and has two children. B. C. Blanchard is 
 with his father on a, stock farm of nearly 400 acres, where they make a specialty of fine 
 horses and cattle. 
 
 Dodds, D. L., born August 18, 1865, resides on the farm which his father owned and 
 occupied' for many years. Mr. Dodds was educated at Barre and Burhngton, Vt., and 
 at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He is a successful farmer and a dealer in produce. His father, 
 David Dodds, came from Scotland in about 1845, and settled at North Hero, where he 
 
8o8 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 soon acquired property which he prudently and successfully managed until his death. 
 He owned about 400 acres of land in the town, and his capacity for business led liim 
 into other pursuits, especially deaUng in grain, etc., which also, yielded him a large re- 
 muneration. He was one of the most active business men of the county. In 1857 he 
 married Sarah J., daughter of Uriah and Mary Hazen, and they were the parents of 
 twelve children: Mary 0., born January 2, 1858, married J. H. Sternburgh; J. Watson, 
 born April 23, 1859, died April 14, 1880 ; Emma J., born January 17, 1861, married R. E. 
 Samson; Oscar H.. born June 11, 1863; David Leslie; William R., born September 5, 
 1867 ; Helen M., born February 20, 1870 ; Warren C, born December 21, 1871 ; John H., 
 born December 20, 1873 ; Walter W., born October 10, 1875 ; Solon A., born December 
 13, 1877; and Clyde R., born October 23, 1879. Mrs. Dodds died April 3, 1881, in her 
 fortieth year. He married, second, Lettie Bennett, in April, 1885. One son, Stanley S., 
 was born to them on March 14, 1886. Mr. Dodds died March 1, 1890, in his sixty-third 
 year. 
 
 Dodds, Matthew W., son of James, was born November 7, 1854, and is a thorough 
 and practical farmer. He married Sarah H., daughter of Jerome and Anna (Hazen) 
 Hutchins, February 20, 1878, and four children have been born to them : Gladys A., 
 born October 28, 1880; Anna B,, born July 27, 1885; Glenford M., born April 23, 
 1888 ; and Babe, born August 26. 1890. James Dodds was born March 6, 1820, came 
 to America in early life and located at North Hero. He was a well known and influen- 
 tial citizen, and a successful farmer and merchant. He died June 28, 1876. His wife, 
 Mary (Herrington) Dodds, died April 3, 1883. Jerome Hutchins was a prominent citi- 
 zen of North Hero, and held offices of respon.sibility, especially that of representative to 
 the General Assembly. He died November 6, 1884, and his wife, Anna, July 10, 1883. 
 
 Hathaway, R. R., born at St. Albans Point, Vt., February 29, 1836, is a son of Hiram 
 and Adaline (Tuller) Hathaway, of St. Albans, who were the parents of seven children, 
 four of whom are living. R. R. Hathaway spent his earlier life upon a farm. He went 
 to California in 1856, and spent several years in raining and in other pursuits. A few 
 years after his return he located at North Hero, where he engaged in business in a gen- 
 eral store. He has held the office of town treasurer for several successive years, was 
 postmaster for sixteen years, has served as deputy sheriff, represented the town in the 
 legislature of 1888, and has been county clerk of Grand Isle county since 1876. He 
 married Elizabeth F., daughter of Joseph and Clarissa Evarts, of Georgia, Vt., in De- 
 cember, 1866. They have three children : Addie B., born February 11, 1865 ;' Charles 
 H., born in September, 1871 ; and Ray R., born February 5, 1885. 
 
 Haynes, Elijah, born at North Hero, May 23, 1803, was educated at Burhngtori, Vt., 
 and became a physician, practicing in his native town for twenty- Ave or more years! 
 He was many times elected by his native town to the different town offices, and was 
 probate judge in Grand Isle county from 1853 to 1860. His first wife was Harriet 
 Darrow, by whom he had one son, Benton, now a successful chysician of Grand Isle. 
 He subsequently married Polly Ann Darrow, who bore him these children : Mary borri 
 July 18, 1840, married 0. P. Knight, to whom was born these children: Fred L.! Ern- 
 est, Abbie, Oscar, Custer, Waldo E., and Hardy. Mary died January 1, 1881 and 
 Abbie died November 4, 1887. Moses, born November 23, 1847. William born Janu- 
 ary 22, 1850. Elson, born in 1853, died in December, 1859. Jessie, born March 8 
 18o6, died June 8, 1881. Luman E., born October 9, 1860. William Haynes was edu- 
 cated at the common schools and at Bedford, Canada. He has held the offices of 
 selectman at North Hero and judge of probate for Grand Isle county. He married 
 Josie, daughter of Julius and Sophia (Frazer) Miner, October 4, 1875, and their chil- 
 dren are Grace, Jay F., Chauncey W., Fannie A., Guy K., and Harry W. Luman 
 Haynes married Edith Race, by whom he has one son, L. B, Haynes, 2d, and with his 
 brother William occupies the homestead. A beautiful grove of maples and other trees 
 planted by Elijah Haynes about forty years ago, beautify the place ' 
 
Family Sketches. 809 
 
 . Ilazen, Joseph, came from Connecticut to North Hero in 1790. He had a family of 
 eight children, six of whom remained in town and were useful and influential citizens. 
 Uriah, the youngest son, resided upon the farm until his death. He was born June 5, 
 1786, and died May 30, 1879. His wife was Polly S. Honsinger, who was born at Al- 
 burgh, June 18, 1810, and died May 14, 1883. They were the parents of three children ': 
 Sarah J., born June 9, 1841, who became the wife of David Dodds; Uriah H., born Sep- 
 tember 21, 1845 ; and Ida M., born May 11, 1863. Uriah H. Hazen married Mary J., 
 daughter of Christopher and Abigail Pillow, in 1866, and their children are IsaM., born 
 June 6, 1867 ; Kate M., born July 23, 1871 ; Henry A., born March 23, 1873; Albert 
 and Allen A. (twins), born September 4, 1875; Dan L., born December 16, 1876; and 
 Rhoda L., born December 30, 1882. Isa M. Hazen married Ira Thorpe, March 1, 1887, 
 and they have a daughter, Iva, born November 26, 1888. Uriah H. Hazen has always 
 remained upon the farm of his father. He has been selectman, town superintendent of 
 schools for four years, and justice of the peace for several successive terms. He is a man 
 of strict integrity, a strong advocate of temperance, a great reader, and a deep thinker. 
 Hyde, Rev. W. H., born May 26, 1833, at East Highgate, Vt., was educated in the 
 schools of Frankhn county, and spent some time in the West in various pursuits. He 
 left these interests thinking that a more useful life would better accord with his taste 
 and judgment, and therefore engaged in the ministry, following this chosen work with 
 the Methodist Episcopal church in the St. Albans district of Vermont for nearly forty 
 years. He has spent several winters in Florida, where he has established a mission 
 school for colored girls where they receive mental and moral training, and where they 
 are also taught industrial pursuits. He married Rhoda J., daughter of Charles P. and 
 Rhoda (Adams) Brown, of Eden, Lamoille county, Vt., in March, 1860, and they have 
 two sons, George B., born March 1, 1863, and William B., born March 21, 1866. The 
 former was educated at Bakersfield, Vt., and at the Vermont Methodist Seminary at 
 Montpelier. He studied medicine and graduated from the Atlanta Medical College, 
 Georgia, and from the Post- Graduate School and llospital of New York city. He engaged 
 in missionary work in Mexico under the auspices of the Missionary Society of the 
 Methodist Episcopal church for nearly five yeai-s, and supplemented his gospel labors 
 by giving gratuitous medical attendance to those for whom he labored, treating several 
 thousand patients annually, among whom were several hundred oases of small-pox. 
 Overwork and climate influence made it necessary that he return to the North, and he 
 is now engaged in the gospel ministry and in the practice of medicine at North Hero. 
 He married Aletha C. daughter of Charles E. and Abbie (Hunt) Halsted, of New York 
 city. May 11, 1886. Their two children are George Edward, born at Tettela de Ocampo, 
 Mexico, March 9, 1887, and Charles Halsted, born June 5, 1890, at Belleview, Fla. Mr. 
 Hyde is honorable secretary of the Egypt Exploration Fund Society, which has been so 
 actively and successfully engaged in archaeological exploration in Egypt during the last 
 two years. The Hyde families are of English descent, their ancestors coming to this 
 country about 1700. 
 
 Tudhope, John, born at Paisley, Scotland, November 12, 1861, is the son of James 
 and Mary Tudhope. His father emigrated to .this country in April, 1865, and the family 
 came about three years later. John was educated in the public schools of Grand Isle 
 county by private tutors and at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He commenced business as a 
 merchant at North Hero in July, 1886, and has been very successful. He has held the 
 office of town clerk since 1887, and the confidence of his townsmen in his ability and 
 integrity found expression in his being chosen to represent North Hero in the Assembly 
 of 1890-91. He is recognized as a conscientious and able representative, and is ever 
 zealous in the interests of his town and county. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 ABENAKIS, the, 28. 
 Aboriginal occupancy, 24. 
 Action of Congress in the land contro- 
 versy, 83. 
 Acts of legislature authorizing railroads 
 
 274. 
 Adams, Benjamin, 221. 
 Adams, Henry Clay, 237. 
 Adams, Josiah H., 255. 
 Advance on the Niagara frontier, 147. 
 Alburgh town, history of, 628. 
 chartered, 112. 
 organization of, 631. 
 town meetings, 632. 
 military history, 633. 
 smuggling, 638. 
 War of 1812, 639. 
 representatives, 641. 
 Alburgh Springs Depot, 643. 
 Alburgh Center, 643. 
 schools, 643. 
 
 Congregational church, 644. 
 family sketches of, 800. 
 Aldis, Asa, 222. 
 Aldis, Asa 0., 226. 
 Algonquins, the, 26. 
 Allard & Burt, 443. 
 Allen marches against the Cumberland 
 
 county militia, 81. 
 American House, the, 383. 
 American Journal, the, 270. 
 Amherst, Gen., captures Trconderoga, 55. 
 Aix la Chapelle, treaty of, 49. 
 Ancient village sites, 29. 
 Annexation to 'New Hampshire agitated, 
 
 80. 
 Armstrong, Theodore H., 444. 
 Arnold, Benedict,- commissioned to raise 
 
 troops, 91. 
 Arrowheads, illustrations of, 31. 
 Ashland, Ezekiel Augustus, 253. 
 
 102 
 
 Austin, Chauncey G., 245. 
 ' Austin, Hazard Perry, biography of, 684. 
 portrait of, 532. 
 Authorities of Vermont and Great Brit- 
 ain, first collision between, 131. 
 Avery's Gore, 20. 
 Ayers, Eugene Albert, 252. 
 
 BAILEY, Daniel, 543. 
 Bailey, Myron Winslow, 238. 
 Bakersfleld town, history of, 513. 
 
 chartered, 110. 
 
 first town meeting, 514. 
 
 in the War of 1812, 515. 
 
 churches, 516. 
 
 schools, 517. 
 
 manufacturing industries, 520. 
 
 census, 521. 
 
 town clerks, 521. 
 
 representatives, 522. 
 
 Poor-House Association, 522. 
 
 gifts and benefactions, 523. 
 
 physician."!, 524. 
 
 hotel.«, 525. 
 
 family sketches of, 731. 
 Ballard, George^A., 239. 
 Ballard, Orris, biography of, 693. 
 
 portrait of, 576. 
 Bank of St. Albans, 364. 
 Battle between Abercrombie and the 
 French, 53. 
 
 of Plattsburgh, 148. 
 
 on Lake Champlain, 97. 
 " Beach seal," the, 67. 
 Bedard, Spencer S., biography of, 729. 
 Beginnings of the War of 1812, 133. 
 Belcher, Joseph, 479. 
 Bell, Freeborn E., biography of, 704. 
 
 portrait of, 336. 
 Bellows Free Academy, the, 476. 
 Bench and Bar, the, 214. 
 
8l2 
 
 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Bennington, battle of, 101. 
 
 conventioD, the, 66. 
 
 town of, granted, 62. 
 Berkshire town, history of, 525. 
 
 chartered, lid. 
 
 settlement, 531. 
 
 population, 532. 
 
 military history, 537. 
 
 Berkshire Center, 538. 
 
 West Berkshire, 539. 
 
 Bast Berkshire, 589. 
 
 Calvary Episcopal church, 539. 
 
 Congregational church, 540. 
 
 schools, 540. 
 
 representatires, 540. 
 
 family sketches of, 734. 
 Bingham, Elias, 544. 
 Bingham, Leroy M., 549. 
 Bingham, Royal T., 545. 
 Biography of: 
 
 Austin, Hazard Perry, 684. 
 
 Ballard, Orris, 693. 
 
 Bell, Freeborn E., 704. 
 
 Blake, Hon. William Hamilton, 685. 
 
 Borley, Isaac Salter, 687. 
 
 Brigham, Josiah Fay, 718. 
 
 Brigham, Peter Bent, 694. 
 
 Brooks, Smith A., 682. 
 
 Brown, Capt. Stephen F., 705. 
 
 Dutcher, Luther Loomis, 708. 
 
 ■Gilmore, Charles C, 698. 
 
 Hall, Col. Alfred A., 690. 
 
 Haynes, James Madison, 689. 
 
 Hazeltine, G-en. Silas Berkley, 702. 
 
 Hotchkiss, Cephas A., 697. 
 
 Jenne, James Nathaniel, M.D., 710. 
 
 Jewett, Col. A. B., 688. 
 
 Jewett, Lieut. Brastus W., 683. 
 
 Kelton, Hon. Otis Nelson, 686. 
 "" Mason, Alvin H., 703. 
 
 Noble, Guy Chaplin, 714. 
 
 Norton, John G., 699. 
 
 Paige, Stephen Wilson, M.D., 692. 
 
 Rugg, Benjamin F., 712. 
 
 Searls, Oscar Smalley, M.D., 722. 
 
 Skeeles, Orin Green, 721. 
 
 Smith, Hon. John, 723. 
 
 Smith, Hon. John Gregory, 726. 
 
 Smith, Hon. Worthington C, 715. 
 
 Start, Hon. Henry Russell, 716. 
 
 Stiles, Hon.. William Howard, 711. 
 Thayer, Wheelock S., 717. 
 
 Waugh, Theodore Rogers, M.D., 
 727. 
 
 Blake, Hon. Willianl Hamilton, biography 
 of, 685. 
 
 portrait of, 344. 
 Bliss, Frederic, 584. 
 
 Board of Managers of the Vermont Cent- 
 ral Railroad, 281. 
 Borley, Isaac Salter, biography of, 687. 
 
 portrait of, 360. 
 Boundary between New York and New 
 Hampshire, 61. 
 
 lines defined, 87-128. 
 Braddock's defeat, 51. 
 Bradley, Andrew, 505. 
 Bradstreet's forces sent against FortFron- 
 
 tenac, 54. 
 Brayton, William, 220-223. 
 Brigham, Herbert F., 247. 
 Brigham, Josiah Pay, biography of, 718. 
 
 portrait of, 324. 
 Brigham, Paul, and family, 325. 
 Brigham, Peter Bent, biography of, 694. 
 
 portrait of, 518. 
 British fleet on Lake Champlain, the, 146. 
 Brooks, Adonijah, 354. 
 Brooks, Eleazer, 354. 
 Brooks, Smith A., biography of, 682. 
 
 portrait of, 354. 
 Brown, Alfred K., 251. 
 Brown, Capt. Stephen F., biography of 
 705. 
 
 portrait of, 196. 
 Buck, Gould, 470. 
 Buck, Myron, 236. 
 Burgoyne, invasion of, 78. 
 
 surrender of, 103. 
 Burleson, George W., 247. 
 Burr, Jabez, 505. 
 Burt, Henry Adams, -236. 
 Burt, Henry Augustus, 248. 
 
 CAMPAIGNS in 1759, 54. 
 Campaigns of 1775, 95. 
 Campaigns of 1814, 145. 
 
 of 1863 and 1864, 177. 
 Canada, invasion of, 93. 
 
 rebellion, the, 156. 
 Canton Franklin, P. M., 680. 
 Carpenter, Jonathan, 461. 
 Carpenter, Silas Piatt, 233. 
 Cartier, Jacques, 38. 
 Census of Franklin and Grand Isle counties, 
 
 155. 
 Central Vermont Railroad Company in- 
 corporated, 291. 
 
Index. 
 
 813 
 
 Certain News of this Present Week, 267. 
 Chaffee, Comfort, 535. 
 Champlain Chapter, No. 1, 304. 
 Ohamplain Division, No. 352, N. B. of 
 
 L. P., 388. 
 Champlain Reporter, the, 268. 
 Ohamplain, Samuel, visits of, 40. 
 Chapman, Lemuel, 545. 
 Charters and grants of lands, 62. 
 Chase, Isaac N., 252. 
 Chief judges of the County Court, 219. 
 Children of old settlers in St. Albans, 322- 
 
 326. 
 Childs, George T., Camp, No. 36, S. of V., 
 
 387. 
 Chittenden county, organization of, 17. 
 Chittenden, Thomas, elected governor, 
 
 78. 
 Civil list of Franklin county, 118. 
 
 of G-raud Isle county, 125. 
 Clark, Daniel, 326. 
 Clark, Solon S., 265. 
 Close of the War of 1812, 154, 
 Colony, Josiah, 324. 
 Columbia Encampment, No. 1, 680. 
 Columbus, Christopher, discovery by, 38. 
 Columbus Council, No. 1, 306. 
 Columbus Lodge, No. 11, 308. 
 Commercial condition previous to the War 
 
 of 1812, 129. 
 Conflict between Vermont and British 
 
 authority, 132. 
 Congress petitioned, 82. 
 
 recognizes Vermont authority, 87. 
 Connecticnt, province of, 62. 
 Conroy, Patrick, 634. 
 Consolidation of roads under the Central 
 
 Vermont Railroad, 294. 
 Construction of the Vermont and Canada 
 
 Railroad, 276. 
 Continental Congress, the, 74. 
 Controversy over land title.', 61-73. 
 
 with New York, 75-88. 
 Convention of governors and commanders, 
 
 50. 
 Conventions convened, 76-77. 
 Cook, Nelson, 352. 
 Corliss family, the, 459. 
 Counties organized, 68. 
 
 formed, 84-85. 
 
 erected under New York authority, 
 106. 
 
 of Franklin and Grand Isle organ- 
 ized, 114. 
 
 County Court, chief judges of, 219.. 
 
 the first, 218. 
 
 seat located, 68. 
 
 -house, the first, IIG. 
 
 of Chancery established, 217. 
 Cross, Albert Parker, 244. 
 Crown Point, expedition against, 51. 
 
 taken by Seth Warner, 92. 
 Cumberland County erected, 68. 
 
 divided, 85. 
 
 DAILY, Eli, 543. 
 Deavitt, John James, 233. 
 Dee, Hiram Post, 252. 
 Democrat, the, 270. 
 Depredations of the Indians, 45. 
 Diploma granted by the old Medical Soci- 
 ety, form of, 263. 
 Division into counties, bill for, 79. 
 of counties. 108. 
 
 of Orange and Chittenden counties, 
 115. 
 Dorset Convention, the, 75. 
 
 action of, in 1777, 98. 
 Dutcher, Christopher, 353. 
 Dutcher, Daniel's children, 324. 
 Dutcher, Frederick & Son, 381. 
 Dutcher, Luther Loomis, biography of, 708. 
 portrait of, 708. 
 
 EAGLE Lodge, No. 67, 301. 
 Early explorations, 40-43. 
 Edson, George Edward, 250. 
 Edson, Henry George, 235. 
 Eighth Regiment, 181. 
 
 roster, 182. 
 Election for State officers appointed, 78. 
 Eleventh Regiment, 190. 
 
 roster, 191. 
 Ellsworth, Joseph, 545. 
 Empress Lodge, No. 1, D. of R., 680. 
 Englesby Lodge, No. 84, 303. 
 English and French, peace between, 28. 
 
 relations between, 44. 
 Enosburgh Falls, churches, 445. 
 
 M. E. church, 446. 
 
 St. Matthew's Episcopal church, 
 446. 
 
 St. John the Baptist church, 446. 
 Enosburgh Reporter, the, 272. 
 Enosburgh town, history of, 417. 
 
 chartered, 111, 418. 
 
 settlements, 420. 
 
 first town meeting, 421. 
 
8i4 
 
 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Enosburgh town officers, 422. 
 
 clerks and selectmen, 424. 
 
 representations, 427. 
 
 Rifle Corps, 430. 
 
 Young Men's Total Abstinence So- 
 ciety, 433. 
 
 villages and hamlets, 434. 
 
 family sketches of, 738. 
 
 Christ's church, 436. 
 
 East Enosburgh, 436. 
 
 West Enosburgh, 437. 
 
 Bordoville, 438. 
 
 Samsonville, 438. 
 
 North Enosburgh, 438. 
 
 Enosburgh Falls, 439. 
 Expedition of M. Hertel, 45. 
 Expeditions against Quebec and Montreal, 
 46. 
 
 against the French, 5L 
 
 contemplated in 1758, 53. 
 Explorations and discoveries, 38. 
 
 FAIRCHILD, William Henry, 249. 
 Fairfax Advertiser, the, 272. 
 Fairfax town, history of, 466. 
 
 chartered, 111. 
 
 town meetings, 467. 
 
 first deed recorded, 468. 
 ; clerks and treasurers, 469. 
 
 settlement, 469. 
 
 family sketches of, 746. 
 
 Buck Hollow, 470. 
 
 Christ's church, 471. 
 
 North Fairfax, 471. 
 
 M. E. church, 472. 
 
 Fairfax Falls, 472. . 
 
 First Baptist church, 474. 
 
 M. E. church, 474. 
 
 Roman Catholic church, 475. 
 
 Congregational church, 475. 
 
 New Hampton Institute, 475. 
 
 Bellows Free Academy, 476. 
 
 Lamoille Lodge, No. 25, 476. 
 
 Gen. I. B. Richardson Post, No. 92, 
 G. A. R., 477. 
 
 schools, 477. 
 
 soldiers, 478. 
 
 Eleventh Regiment, War of 1812, 
 478. 
 
 village of, 473. 
 
 in battle of Plattsburgh, 478. 
 
 representatives, 479. 
 Fairfield town, history of, 501. 
 
 chartered, 111. 
 
 Fairfield town, first grantees' meeting, 502. 
 first town officers, 503. 
 early settlers, 504. 
 family sketches of, 752. 
 Fairfield Center, 512. 
 St. Rocks, 512. 
 Pumpkin Village, 512. 
 North Fairfield, 512. 
 Norfalk, 512. 
 Shenang, 512. 
 Egypt, 512. 
 schools, 507. 
 
 Congregational church, 508. 
 St. Patrick's church, 508. 
 Trinity Episcopal, 509. 
 military history, 510. 
 clerks, 511. 
 East Fairfield, 512. 
 Family sketches of Frankhn county, 731. 
 
 of Grand Isle county, 800. 
 Farnsworth, Joseph D., 220. 
 Farrington, Willard, 240. 
 Fay, Stephen and Jonas, sent to New 
 
 York to negotiate a settlement, 70. 
 Fenian raid, the, 212. 
 Fifth Regiment, 168. 
 
 roster, 171. 
 Fifty-fourth Massachusetts Colored Regi- 
 ment, 205. 
 First Brigade, 175. 
 
 First National Bank of St. Albans, 366. 
 First Regiment, 161. 
 
 roster, 162. 
 First Regiment U. S. Sharpshooters, 204. 
 First Vermont Cavalry, 199. 
 
 roster, 202. 
 Fitch, John Ashley, 241. 
 Fletcher town, history of, 541. 
 chartered, 111. 
 first town officers, 542. 
 settlers, 543. 
 churches, 545. 
 physicians, 546. 
 merchants, 547. 
 military history, 549. 
 representatives, 550. 
 Flinn, Edward B., 253. 
 Fort Chambly, capture of, 93. 
 Dummer, 42. 
 
 Edward, engagement near, 51. 
 Number Four, attack on, 49. 
 Forts erected, 42. 
 Fourth Regiment, 168. 
 France and England, treaty between, 46. 
 
Index. 
 
 815 
 
 Franklin county formed, 114-116. 
 buildings erected^ 116. 
 topography of, 19. 
 towns chartered, 110. 
 in the battle of Plattsburgh, 151. 
 senators, 119. 
 chief judges of the County Court, 
 
 120. 
 assistant judges of the County 
 
 Court, 120. 
 state's attorneys, 120. 
 judges of the Supreme and Circuit 
 
 Courts, 118. 
 councilors, 118. 
 
 representatives in Congress, 118. 
 clerks, 121. 
 Franklin County Bank at St. Albans Bay, 
 
 365. 
 Franklin County Creamery Association, 
 
 382. 
 Franklin County Granamar School, 362. 
 Franklin County Herald, the, 270. 
 Franklin County Herald and Swanton Ad- 
 vertiser, the, 271. 
 Franklin County Medical Society, the, 
 262. 
 officers for 1890, 265^ 
 present members, 265. 
 Franklin County Republican, the, 621. 
 Franklin Academy, 491. 
 Franklin and Grand Isle counties organ- 
 ized under New York authority, 
 18. 
 defined, 87. 
 
 during the Rebellion, 160. 
 Franklin Journal, the, 269, 271. 
 Franklin Lodge, No. 4, 296. 
 Franklin Mark Lodge, No. 12, 306. 
 Franklin Messenger, the, 269. 
 Franklin Rebublican, the, 269. 
 Franklin town, history of, 481. 
 granted, 482. 
 first settlement, 483. 
 first town officers, 486. 
 changed from Huntsburgh to Frank- 
 lin, 488. 
 Franklin Center. 489. 
 Bast Franklm, 489. 
 schools, 490. 
 Academy, 491. 
 family sketches of, 756. 
 Centenary Methodist church, 495. 
 Methodist church of South Frank- 
 lin, 496. 
 
 Franklin town, Methodist church of East 
 Franklin, 497. 
 
 Congregational church, the, 497. 
 
 Baptist church, the, 497. 
 
 Catholic church, the, 498. 
 
 representatives, 498. 
 
 clerks, 498. 
 
 county officers, 498. 
 
 state officers, 499. 
 
 justices of the peace, 499. 
 
 lawyers, 499. 
 
 physicians, 499. 
 
 population, 499. 
 
 grand list, 499. 
 
 military history, 499. 
 Free Masonry, 295. 
 French and English, relations between, 44. 
 
 and Indian war, 28. 
 
 power ended, 57. 
 Frontier Cavalry, 204. 
 Frontier Lodge, No. 74, 302. 
 Frontier Post, No. 70, 459. 
 Frontier Sentinel, the, 273, 465. 
 Frontier Sentinel, the, 465. 
 Fullington, John, 542. 
 Purman, D. G, 248. 
 
 GATES, John, 324. 
 Gates, Morello S., 250. 
 Gates succeeds Sullivan in command of 
 
 the American army, 96. 
 Geographical and topographical, 19. 
 Georgia Academy, 586. 
 George, Alvah H,, '253. 
 General Assembly, the first, 78. 
 Georgia town, history of, 664. 
 
 chartered. 111. 
 
 settlement, 568. 
 
 first officers chosen, 571. 
 
 manufactures, 578. 
 
 schools, 581. 
 
 highways, 581. 
 
 military history, 582. 
 
 clerks, 585. 
 
 representatives, 585. 
 
 Academy, 586. 
 
 Congregational church, 588. 
 
 Baptist church, 590. 
 
 M. B. church, 591. 
 
 Emmanuel P. B. church, 591. 
 
 family sketches of, 758. 
 Gilbert, N. A. & Co., 443. 
 Gilmore, Charles C, biography of, 698. 
 
 portrait of, 698. 
 
8i6 History of Franklin ^and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 Gloucester county erected, 68. 
 GoflF family, the, 463. 
 Grand Central, the (hotel), 384. 
 Grand Chapter E. A. M. organized at Rut- 
 land, 296. 
 Grand Isle county formed, 114. 
 
 erected and organized, 122-124. 
 
 county buildings, 124. 
 
 towns granted, 112. 
 
 chief judges of the County Court, 
 
 125. 
 assistant judges of the County 
 
 Court, 12-5. 
 senators, 126. 
 state's attorneys, 126. 
 sheriffs, 126. 
 clerks, 127. 
 
 judges of probate, 127. 
 soldiers, 20.5. 
 topography of, 23. 
 Grand Lodge, P. and A. M., formed, 295. 
 
 re-organized, 296. 
 Grand Isle town, history of, 644. 
 chartered, 113. 
 settlement, 645. 
 first town ofBcers, 647. 
 military history, 649. 
 churches, 651. 
 representatives, 652. 
 family sketches of, 805. 
 Grants made of Franklin county towns, 
 
 110. 
 Green Mountain Boys, 66-67. 
 Green Mountain Division B. of R. B., 388. 
 Green Mountain Division, No. 330, B. of 
 
 L. E., 388. 
 Oreen Mountain Journal, the, 273, 465. 
 Green Mountain Lodge, No. 1, 679. 
 Greene family, the, 223. 
 
 HALDIMAND correspondence, the, 
 86, 104. 
 Hall, Col. Alfred A., 246. 
 
 biography of, 690. 
 
 portrait of, 246. 
 Hall, Bennett C, 247. 
 Harvey, Daniel A., 443. 
 Haswell Lodge, No. 39, 301. 
 Hawley, Abijah,470. 
 Haynes, James Madison, biography of, 
 
 portrait of, 328. 
 Hazeltine, Gen. Silas Berkley, biography 
 of, 702. 
 
 Hazeltine, Gen. Silas Berkley, portrait of, 
 
 522. 
 Henveel Lodge, No. 30, F. and A. M., 626. 
 Highgate and Franklin, topographical char- 
 acteristics of, 21. 
 Highgate town, history of, 593. 
 
 chartered, HI. 
 
 settlement, 598. 
 
 population, 600. 
 
 military history, 601. 
 
 family sketches of, 763. 
 
 Highgate village, 605. 
 
 East Highgate, 607. 
 
 M. E. church, 607. 
 
 Congregational church, 608. 
 
 Catholic church, 609. 
 
 St. John's Episcopal church, 609. 
 
 representatives, 611. 
 Hill Chapter, No. 14, 309. 
 Hill, Merrill Jackson, 239. 
 Hogan, Charles P.. 243. 
 Holyoke, Richard's children, 324. 
 Hotchkiss, Cephas A., biography of, 697. 
 
 portrait of, 684. 
 Hubbard, Hon. Samuel, 493. 
 Hunt, Stratton B.. 480. 
 Hurlbut, A. R., Post, No. 6, G. A. R., 386. 
 Hurlbut, A. R., W. R. C, 387. 
 
 IMPLEMENTS of the Indians, 29. 
 Independence of the United States, 75. 
 Independent Order of Railway Conductors, 
 
 the, 388. 
 Indian implements, illustrations, 31, 33, 35. 
 
 occupation and relics, 25. 
 Iroquois, the, 26. 
 
 Isle La Motte Lodge, No. 81, 309. 
 Isle La Motte town, history of, 653. 
 
 chartered, 113. 
 
 granted, 654. 
 
 named by the legislature, 656. 
 
 settlements, 657. 
 
 military history, 658. 
 
 marble industry, the, 659. 
 
 representatives, 660. 
 
 village of, 660. 
 
 family sketches of, 805. 
 Isle of Patmos Lodge, No. 17, 308. 
 
 JANES, Jonathan, 219. 
 Jay, John, appointed minister to 
 England, 136. 
 Jenne, James Nathaniel, M.D., biography 
 of, 710. 
 
Index. 
 
 817 
 
 Jenne, James Nathaniel, M.D., portrait 
 
 of, 260. 
 Jewell, Willard's children, 324. 
 Jewett, Col. A. B., biography of, 088. 
 
 portrait of, 186. 
 Jewett, Elam, 534. 
 
 Jewett, Lieut. Erastus W., biography of, 
 683. 
 portrait of, 682. 
 Judges of probate, 121. 
 Judicial power of Franklin county, how 
 invested, 117. 
 history, 214. 
 
 K ELTON, Hon. Otis Nelson, 249. 
 biograpliy of, 686. 
 portrait of, 560. 
 Kendall, Alanson A., 444. 
 Kendall, Lucius C, 444. 
 Kendall, The B. J. Comnanv, 441. 
 Kimball, Hamilton & Co., 443. 
 Kinsley, John, 543. 
 
 LADD, Jed P., 254. 
 Lafayette Chapter, No. 4, 305-446. 
 Lafayette Commandery, No. 3, 307. 
 Lafayette Council, No. 7, 307. 
 Lake View, 349. 
 Lamb, James, 545. 
 Lamoille Lodge, No. 6, 298. 
 Lamoille Lodge, No. 25, F. and A. M., 476. 
 Lamoille Mark Lodge, No. 15, 306. 
 Lamoille River, 22. 
 Land titles, early, 61. 
 
 controversy over, 63. 
 
 granted by the French, 58. 
 
 grants of, early, 60. 
 
 granted by Gov. Wentworth, 62. 
 Lawrence, John, 444. 
 LeProtecteur Canadienne, 271. 
 Lewis, John, 535. 
 Lexington, battle of, 90. 
 Lincoln Lodge, No. 78, 302-446. 
 Little, Peter, 352. 
 Looklin, WiUiam B., 251. 
 Loco-Foeo, the, 270. 
 Loop, Phillyer, 221, 
 Lovewell, Robert's children, 324. 
 Lyon, Asa, 220. 
 
 MANLEY, Allen H., 444. 
 Map of the Champlain country 
 made by M. Angier, 58. 
 Marsh family, the, 324. 
 
 Marvin, Bbenezer, first chief judge, 219. 
 Marvin, Ebenezer's report of the investi- 
 gating committee, 133. 
 Marvin, Dr. Ebenezer, 494. 
 Mason, Alvin H., biography of, 703. 
 
 portrait of, 400. 
 ifasonic history, 295. 
 Massacre at Fort William Henry, 53. 
 
 at Westminster, 73. 
 McAllister & Green, 443. 
 McFeeters, Emmet, 250. 
 McGettrick, Felix W., 243. 
 iledioal profession, the. 255. 
 
 society, the first organized in Ver- 
 mont, 260. 
 Meeting of delegates of the colonies at 
 
 Albany, 50. 
 Meigs family, the, 325. 
 itessenger and Advertiser, the, 269. 
 Miles, Charles A., Lodge, No. 31, 679. 
 ililitary force oiganized, 66. 
 
 maneuvers in 1760, 57. 
 
 measures required to enforce the 
 laws, 138. 
 
 militia engagements in 1756 and 
 1757 52. 
 Miller, Mrs. Hugh, 448. 
 Mimms, John H., 250. 
 Missisquoi Bank, the, 627. 
 Missisquoi Flouring-Mill, the, 443. 
 Missisquoi Lodge, No. 9, 299. 
 Missisquoi Lodge, No. 38, 681. 
 Missisquoi Railroad Company, 289. 
 Missisquoi River, 21. 
 Missisquoi Woolen-Mills, the, 443. 
 Montcalm, General, 52. 
 Montefiore, Joseph H., 245. 
 Montgomery town, history of, 551. 
 
 chartered, 112. 
 
 settlement, 553. 
 
 highways, 556. 
 
 village, 557. 
 
 topography 'Of, 20. 
 
 family sketches of, 770. 
 
 Montgomery Center, 557. 
 
 manufactures, 558. 
 
 clerks, 561. 
 
 treasurers, 561. 
 
 constables, 561. 
 
 selectmen, 562. 
 
 representatives, 563. 
 
 first freemen's meeting, 555. 
 
 topographical, 552. 
 Montreal, campaign against, 94. 
 
8i8 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 NATIONAL Car Company, 381. 
 Naval engagement before Platts- 
 burgh, 151. 
 Naval maneuvers in 1775, 97. 
 Nevir Connecticut, 77. 
 Negotiations with Canada,' 86. 
 New Hampshire Grants, condition of af- 
 fairs on the, 64. 
 New Hampton Institute, the, 475. 
 Newspaper, the first, 267. 
 New York authority ceases, 88. 
 
 jurisdiction over Vermont territory, 
 59-65. 
 Ninth Regiment, 183. 
 
 roster, 184. 
 Noble, Guy Chaplin, 239. 
 
 biography of, 714. 
 
 portrait of, 372. 
 Non-intercourse act enforced, 143. 
 North American Indians, 24, 
 North American, the, 270. 
 North Hero town, history of, 661. 
 
 settlement, 662. 
 
 first officers, 664. 
 
 highways, 665. 
 
 industrial interests, 667. 
 
 churclies, 668. 
 
 clerlis, 669. 
 
 representatives, 669. 
 
 family slcetohes of, 807. 
 Norton, John G., biography of, 669. 
 
 portrait of, 700. 
 
 ODD Fellowship in Franklin county, 679 
 Officers of the Vermont Central 
 Railroad, 288. 
 Order of Railway Conductors, the, 388. 
 Organization of counties, 107. 
 Oriental Lodge, No. 88, 303. 
 Orton, Gideon, 480. 
 
 PAIGE, Stephen Wilson, M.D., biog- 
 raphy of, 692. 
 portrait of, 692. 
 Patriot war, the, 156. 
 People's Trust Company, 368. 
 Personal characteristics of Allen, Warner, 
 
 and the Green Mountain Boys, 94. 
 Petitions for ratification of French 
 
 grants, 59. 
 Physicians, list of, admitted to the Frank- 
 lin County Society, 262. 
 of the several towns, 265. 
 Pipes, Indian, 37. 
 
 Pixley Post, No. 102, 447. 
 
 Plattsburgh, battle of, 148. 
 
 Pomeroy, Dr. Enoch, 491, 
 
 Port Washington, 351. 
 
 Possessions of the French, 44. 
 
 Post, Nathan Nicholas, 247. 
 
 Potter, Freeborn, 822. 
 
 Powell, Bradford, 460. 
 
 Powell, Capt. John, 461. 
 
 Powell, Edward Henry, 241. 
 
 Powers, David's children, 323. 
 
 Present bar of Franklin county, the, 233. 
 
 Presidents of Franklin County Medical 
 
 Society, succession of, 264. 
 Press of Franklin and Grand Isle counties, 
 
 266. 
 Printing office the poor boy's college, the, 
 
 268. 
 Probate courts established, 217. 
 Proclamation of Cadwallader Colden, 63. 
 Progress of medical science, 256-259. 
 Puritans, landing of, at Plymouth, 39. 
 
 RAID, the Fenian, 212. 
 Raid, the St. Albans, 206. 
 Railroads, 273. 
 Rand, Jasper, 234. 
 Rebellion, war of the, 160-206. 
 Reciprocity treaty established between 
 
 Vermont and Canada, 129. 
 Register of the Franklin County Bar, 229. 
 
 of the Grand Isle County Bar, 253. ' 
 Rehos of Indians discovered, 25. 
 Repertory, the, 268. 
 Repository, the, 268. 
 Resume of the War of 1812, 153. 
 Revolutionary war, the, 74. 
 
 the period of, 90. 
 Reward offered for the arrest of Ethan 
 
 Allen and associates, .71. 
 Richardson, Gen. I B., Post, No. 92, 477. 
 Richford Gazette, the, 273-465. 
 Richford Journal, the, 273-465. 
 Richford Lodge, No. 18, 681. 
 Richford town, history of, 447. 
 
 first settlement, 448. 
 
 provisions of the charter, 449. 
 
 town meetings, 449. 
 
 grand list for 1799, 450. 
 
 representatives, 452. 
 
 business interests, 452. 
 
 village, 455, 
 
 East Richford, 456. 
 
 South Richford, 456. 
 
Index. 
 
 819 
 
 Richford town schools, 456. 
 
 churches, 457. 
 
 Second Baptist church, 457. 
 
 Third Baptist church, 458. 
 
 first Methodist class, 458. 
 
 Advent church, 458. 
 
 Protestant Episcopal church, 458. 
 
 family sketches of, 773. 
 
 Roman CathoUc church, 459. 
 
 societies and orders, 459. 
 
 business interests, 464. 
 
 physicians, 464. 
 
 dentists, 464. 
 
 druggists, 465. 
 
 newspapers, 465. 
 Robinson, Samuel, sent to England, 65. 
 Rocky Point, 349. 
 Rogers, Major's expedition, 55. 
 
 attack of, 56. 
 Rogers, Rev. William, 462. 
 Rood, Vernon D., 549. 
 Bounds family, the, 464. 
 Royce, Charles S., 463. 
 Royce, Homer E., 228. 
 Royce, John S., 463. 
 Royce, Maj. Stephen, 223, 533. 
 Royce, Stephen E., 250. 
 Rublee family, the, 534. 
 Rugg, Benjamin P.. biography of, 712. 
 
 portrait of, 712. 
 Rumors of war, 135. 
 Russell, Thomas. 479. 
 Rustedt, Harry E., 245. 
 Rutland county, act establishing, 18. 
 
 SABIN, Alvah, 584. 
 Sanderson, Bbenezer, 494. 
 Savage, Gibson's, children, 324. 
 Sawyer, Joseph's, children, 324. 
 Schedule of physicians' prices established, 
 
 264. 
 Schuyler, Colonel, attack of, upon French 
 
 outposts, 45. 
 Scott, Lemuel, 543. 
 
 Searls, Oscar Smalley, M.D., biography of, 
 722. 
 portrait of, 606. 
 Second Regiment, 163. 
 
 roster, 165. 
 Second Regiment U. S. Sharpshooters, 204. 
 Second Vermont Battery, 204. 
 Seigniories granted, 58-59. 
 Settlements, early, 61. 
 the first, 89. 
 
 103 
 
 Seventeenth Regiment, 197. 
 
 roster, 198. 
 Seventh Regiment, 178. 
 
 roster, 180. 
 Seventy-six Lodge, No. 14, 300. 
 Sheldon Agricultural Library Association 
 625. ' 
 
 Sheldon family, the, 617. 
 Sheldon town, history of, 611. 
 
 chartered, 112. 
 
 early town meetings, 617. 
 
 Sheldons, the, 617. 
 
 clerks, 620. 
 
 Grace Episcopal church, 621. 
 
 Congregational church, 621. 
 
 M. E. church, 622. 
 
 family sketches of, 779. 
 
 Poor-House Association, 627. 
 
 mineral sprmgs, 623. 
 
 hotels, 624.. 
 
 raids, 624. 
 
 railroads, 625. 
 
 library, 62.5. 
 
 Henveel Lodge, No. 30, 626. 
 
 highways, 626. 
 
 bank, 627. 
 
 schools, 627. 
 
 town poor, 627. 
 Sheldons, the, 617. 
 Sheriflfs, 121. 
 Sisoo, William, 492. 
 Six Nations, the, 26. 
 Sixth Regiment, 173. 
 
 roster, 174. 
 Skeels, Grin Green, biography of, 721. 
 
 portrait of, 600. 
 Smith, Capt. John, explorations by, 39. 
 Smith, Edward Curtis, 249. 
 Smith, Fuller G, 251. 
 Smith, Hon. John Gregory, 234. 
 
 biography of, 726. 
 
 portrait of, 288. 
 Smith, Hon. John, biography of, 723. 
 
 portrait of, 276, 
 Smith, Hon. Worthington C, biography of, 
 715. 
 
 portrait of, 380. 
 Smuggling operations, 128. 
 Soule, Charles, 236. 
 South Hero town, history of, 670. 
 
 granted, 671. 
 
 first settlements, 672. 
 
 first town officers, 674. 
 
 early ferries, 675. 
 
820 History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 
 
 South Hero town, bridges, 676. 
 
 Keeler's Bay, 676. 
 
 churches, 677. 
 
 agricultural matters, 678. 
 Sowles, Edward Adams, 237. 
 Sowles, Lewis, 221. 
 Spafford, Capt. Broadstreet. 479. 
 St. Albans Advertiser, the, 269, 272. 
 St. Albans Adviser, the, 268. 
 St. Albans Bay, 350. 
 
 early settlers, 354. 
 
 M. E. church, 353. 
 St. Albans Cold Storage Company, 382. 
 St. Albans Daily Messenger, the, 269. 
 St, Albans Foundry Company, 380. 
 St. Albans G-as Light Company, 382. 
 St. Albans Herald, the, 272. 
 St. Albans Home journal, the, 272. 
 St. Albans Hospital, 369. 
 St. Albans House, 384. 
 St. Albans Library Association, 389. 
 St. Albans Lodge, No. 31, 679. 
 St. Albans Point Creamery, 353. 
 St. Albans raid, the, 206. 
 St. Albans Steamboat Company, 352. 
 St. Albans town, history of, 310. 
 
 chartered, 112-312. 
 
 early settlement, 315. 
 
 town meetings, 317-318. 
 
 early settlers. 318. 
 
 grand list, 319. 
 
 first school district, 330. 
 
 early military organizations, 331. 
 
 during the War of 1812, 333. 
 
 Canadian rebellion, the, 338. 
 
 town's poor, the, 340. 
 
 in the Rebellion, 341. 
 
 raid, the, 343. 
 
 in the Fenian raid, 345. 
 
 centennial, the, 347. 
 
 villages, hamlets, and localities, 348. 
 
 family sketches of, 779. 
 
 ■clerks, 354, 
 
 representatives, 354. 
 ■St Albans Transcript, the, 271. 
 St. Albans Trust Company, 368. 
 St. Albans village, history of, 355. 
 
 incorporation of, 357. 
 
 postmasters of, 360. 
 
 educational institutions of, 360. 
 
 banking institutions of, 364. 
 
 Warner Home, the, 369. 
 
 hospital, the, 369. 
 
 Taylor Park, 370. 
 
 St. Albans village water supply, 372. 
 
 churches and church societies, 373. 
 Congregational church, 373. 
 M. E. church, 374. 
 St. Luke's P. E. church, 375. 
 . Church of the Immaculate Concep- 
 tion, 376. 
 present business interests, 385. 
 societies and orders, 386. 
 libraries, 388. 
 
 Church of the Holy Gruardian An- 
 gels, 377. 
 First Baptist church, 378. 
 First Universalist church, 378. 
 manufactures, 379. 
 hotels, 383. 
 St. Albans Village Medical Association, 
 
 266. 
 St. Francis Indians, the, 27. 
 Stanhope family, the, 459. 
 Stannard, Gen. George J., 161. 
 Stark, Col. John, and his brave men, 100. 
 Start, Hon. Henry Russell, 242. 
 biography of, 716. 
 portrait of, 242. 
 State officers, the first, 79. 
 Steele, Daniel W., 253. 
 Stevenson, James, 492. 
 Stewart, William D., 246. 
 Stiles, Hon. WilUam Howard, 233. 
 biography of, 711. 
 portrait of, 558. 
 Story, Thomas, 480. 
 Stratton's Hotel, 384. 
 Streams and water privileges. 22. 
 Sturtevant, Ralph Orson, 241. 
 Sub-divisions of Franklin and Grand Isle 
 
 counties, 23. 
 Superior Court established, 216. 
 Supreme Court established, 217. 
 
 judges of, 222. 
 Swanton Courier, the, 272. 
 Swanton Herald, 270. 
 Swanton Journal, the, 270. 
 Swanton town, history of, 391. 
 chartered, 112." 
 topographical, 392. 
 settlements, 394. 
 first permanent settler, 395. 
 first town meeting, 398. 
 smuggling operations, 400. 
 family sketches of, 784. 
 manufactures, 403. 
 marble industry, the, 407. 
 
Index. 
 
 821 
 
 r' 
 
 Swanton town, tanning interests, 411. 
 
 ship building, 414. 
 
 hotels, 415. 
 S^nchronist, the, 271. 
 
 TAYLOR Paris of St. Albans, 370. 
 Telegram, the, 269. 
 Tenth Regiment, 186. 
 
 roster, ] 88. 
 Thayer, Wheelook S., biography of, 717. 
 
 portrait of, 716. 
 Theological Repository, the, 667. 
 Third Medical Society m Vermont, 260. 
 Third Regiment, 166. 
 
 roster, 167. 
 Third Vermont Battery, 204. 
 Thirteenth Regiment, 194. 
 
 roster, 195. 
 Thurston, Dea. Peter, 543. 
 Ticonderoga, capture of, 75-91. 
 Towle, Reuben, 492. 
 Towns erected and organized, 110. 
 
 in Franklin county granted, 64. 
 Trade opened between Canada and bor- 
 dering states, 130. 
 Treaty of amity, commerce, and naviga- 
 tion concluded, 136. 
 
 of Ghent, 153. 
 
 of peace between France and Eng- 
 land, 46. 
 
 stipulations violated, 130. 
 Troops and equipments ordered, 142. 
 Truax, Elias, 495. 
 TuUar, Oman's children, 323. 
 TuUar, Reuben's children, 323. 
 Tupper, Frederick S., 249. 
 Turner, Bates, 225. 
 Twelfth Regiment, 193. 
 
 roster, 194. 
 
 UNASSIGNED regiments, 206. 
 Union between Vermont towns 
 perfected, 84. 
 Union vyith New Hampshire towns, 80. 
 United States navy, 204. 
 
 troops stationed on the border, 139. 
 Unity Lodge, No. 3, K. of P., 387. 
 
 V Vermont a separate jurisdiction, 75. 
 Vermont admitted into the Union, 89. 
 
 declared to be part of New York, 
 
 65. 
 named, 77. 
 
 Vermont and Canada Railroad Company 
 
 incorporated, 274. 
 Vermont Central Library Association, 390. 
 Vermont Central Railroad Company, 275. 
 Vermont Construction Company, 380, 699. 
 Vermont Farmers' Advocate, the, 273. 
 Vermont Medical Society, the, 261. 
 Vermont National Bank of St. Albans, 
 
 367. 
 Vermont Record, the, 272. 
 Vermont Republican, the, 270. 
 Vermont Sentry, the, 272. 
 Vermont Temperance Advocate, the, 271. 
 Vermont Transcipt, the, 269-271. 
 Vermont Tribune, the, 270. 
 Veteran Reserve Corps, 205. 
 
 w 
 
 ALKER, Lewis, 323. 
 
 War between England and France, 
 
 War of the Revolution, 90-105. 
 
 of 1812-15, 143. 
 Warner Home, the, 369. 
 Washington county established, 84. 
 Water courses in Franklin county, 21. 
 
 privileges, 22. 
 Watson, Charles Douglas, 252. 
 Watson, John, 325. 
 
 Waugh, Theodore Rogers, M.D., biogra- 
 phy of, 727. 
 
 portrait of, 728. 
 Webster, John, 495. 
 Welden National Bank of St. Albans, 
 
 368. 
 Welden, the (hotel), 383. 
 Wentworth, Penning, commissioned gov- 
 ernor, 61. 
 Westmmster convention, the, 76. 
 Wetmore, Seth, 324. 
 White, John, 583. 
 Wilkins, Asa, 480. 
 
 Willard Manufacturing Company, 381. 
 Williamstown, attack on, 49. 
 Willoughby, Zerah, 220, 545. 
 Wilson, William Campbell, 227. 
 
 portrait of 226. 
 Wilson, William De Forest, 237. 
 Windsor convention, proceedings of, in 
 
 1777, 99. 
 Witters, Chester W., 239. 
 Wood, Norman F,, 548. 
 
 Y 
 
 ORK county organized, 115. 
 Younger, George, 352. 
 
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