3 9002

i^-*-

¦¦^Wt

'' r.:''':^

^L i>l

HISTORY

WELLS, VERMONT,

FIRST CENTURY AFTER ITS SETTLEMENT;

HILAND PAUL,

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

ROBERT PARKS, Esq.

RUTLAND ;
TUTTLE & CO., JOB PKINTERS.
1869.

INTRODUCTOUY.

The writer of this brief and simple historical sketch was
urged against his wishes to write the history of this town, and
at first declined on account of his inability to do justice to the
subject ; but, after much entreaty of friends, finally accepted
the task, though without change of opinion respecting his
fitness. Adopting no particular plan in preparing this sketch,
we have endeavored to write intelligibly and with simplicity,
knowing that we could not, if we would, make " much ado
about nothing."
We have been somewhat discouraged at times, at the small
degree of interest manifested in this little work, which is
written with no expectations of reward for time and labor
spent in its preparation. We acknowledge that it is far from
complete, for much of the early history of the town that would
be interesting, has passed away in obscurity. Yet amid dis
couraging circumstances, we have persevered in preparing this
sketch — our little work of good-will for our native town —
foreseeing, that with the past already forgotten, the aged men
who are with us to-day, will not probably long remain to refresh
us with their memories of the more recent past, but may soon
lie beneath the sods of the valley.
Though errors may exist, our aim has been to be correct in
giving the facts, that would be of interest, so far as we have
been able to obtain them. We hope this may be acceptable
until another more worthy is written to succeed it.
Therefore, with all its simplicity, it is presented, hoping that
it may meet with the favor of our towns-people ; and in the
dim future, be of some little interest to our successors.
Octoler 3, 1868.

HISTORY OF WELLS.

This town is situated in the southwestern part of Rutland
county, and is bounded on the north by Poultney and a part
of Middletown, east by a part of Middletown and Tinmouth,
south by Pawlet, and west by Granville, N. Y. It is not at
present known whence the name of the town originated, or to
whom the honor of naming it belongs.
The Charter was granted by J3eniiing Wentworth, then
Governor of New Hampshire, September 15, A. D. 1761,
and was in the form usually given in granting townships at
that time — September 15, 1868, it was 107 years old — and
may now be seen at the Town Clerk's ofiSce, and, although
worn, by folding, into numerous fragments, is still legible.
There is also on record at said office a copy of the charter
together with a plan of the town. The town was laid out
six miles square, containing 23,040 acres, and the usual
allowance was made for " highways and unimprovable lands
by rocks, ponds, mountains and rivers, 1,040 acres free,"
etc. The north-east corner of the town was originally a
short distance to the northward of what is at present Middle-
town village. The town was chartered to Capt. Eliakim
Hall and sixty-three others, whose names are here given :
Eev. Edward Eales, John A. Tertius, Caleb Merriman,
Daniel Murwin, Jr., Aaron Persons, Dr. Isaac Hall,
Isaac Hall, Jr., Stephen Ives, William Williams,
Thomas Murwin, John Ives, Nathan Williams,
John Hulls, Stephen Peck, John Pierce,
Reuben Ives, Dr. Caleb Hall, Asahel Thomas,
John Moss, Joel Holcom, Titus Culver,
Samuel Jerome, Hezekiah Hall, Nathan Hulls,

HisTOEY OF Wells.

Samuel Hall, Esq.,
Joseph Murwin^
Noah Andrus,
Bartholomew Andrus,
Asahel lieach,
John Avery,
Abel Ives,
Stephen Murwin,
Sam'l Sharp Beedels,
Caleb Culver,
Levi Moss,
Stephen Hall,
Dr. John Dickinson,

Thomas Thibets,
Jared Spencer,
Titus Ives,
Hezekiah Wadsworth,
Titus Beach,
Daniel Clark,
Jacob Parker,
Andrew Beardsley,
Joseph Francis,
Joseph Newmarch,
H. Wentworth,
Jared Lee,
Abraham Parker,

Miles Johnson,-
Eliakim Hall, Jr.,
Abel Austin,
Benjamin Roys,
Joseph Bishop,
Samuel Bishop,
David Lyman,
John Beecher,
Zebulon Frisbie,
Joseph Brnnson,
Gersham Knot,
Eobert Hazzard,
Samuel Hall.

It is generally considered that very few, if any, of the
original grantees settled in town, and the early town records
show that most, if not all of them, resided in Connecticut.
In the charter there is a plan of the town, wherein we find
a portion in the south-west corner laid out and marked " B.
W.", and the following is recorded, viz: His Excellency
Benuing Wentworth, Esq. A tract of land to contain five
hundred acres, as marked B. W. in the plan, which is to be
accounted two of the within shares. One whole share for
the incorporated society for the propagation of the gospel in
foreign parts ; one share for the Glebe for the church of
England as by law established ; one share for the first settled
minister of the gospel, and one share for the benefit of a
school in said town — making in all seventy shares or rights
of land originally.
" The settlement of this town was commenced by Ogden
Mallory, who moved his family here about the year 1768,"
(Thompsov^s Vt. G-azetteer'). If so the present year would
be the centennial anniversary of our town's settlement.
" Daniel and Samuel Culver came into town in 1771 and
moved their families here the following year."

HiSTORT OF Wells. 7
OEGANIZATION,
This town was organized March 9, 1773, and the following
business was transacted at the first town meeting, viz :
" Wells, March 9, A. D. 1773.
" At a town meeting warned by the charter and held in
said town —
"1st. Voted, Ogden Mallory, Moderator.
" 2d. Voted, John Ward, Clerk.
" 3d. Voted, Ogden Mallory and Abner How a Com
mittee to look out a road, and mark out the same in the most
convenient place through said town.
"4th. Voted, that the road shall be six rods wide through
said town.
"Sth. Voted, Ogden Mallory pathmaster for the south part
of the town, and Abner How pathmaster for the north part of
the town.
"6th. Voted, that Daniel Culver, Joseph Lawrence and
Ogden Mallory should search and find a couvenient place for
a burying yard in said town.
"7th. Voted, that this meeting be adjourned to the first
Monday in November next, at the dwelling house of Ogden
Mallory. "Per me John Ward, Clerk."
The adjourned meeting was held according to the previous
vote, November 1, 1773, and " John Ward and Ebenezer
Welton were appointed a committee to lay out a burying
yard in a convenient place, and Ogden Mallory, Daniel
Culver, Joseph Lawrence, Abner How and John Ward were
chosen selectmen."
At a town meeting held in regard to the afiairs of the
grants, February 25, 1774, Abner How and Joseph Moss
were appointed a committee to attend the general meeting in
Manchester. The meeting thus alluded to was held at Man
chester, in March, 1774, when the committees there assem
bled, from the several adjoining towns, having considered "the

8 History of Wells.
despotic act of the New York Assembly, for the suppression
and apprehension of the Bennington mob," voted in reference
thereto, " that as a country we will stand by and defend our
friends and neighbors, who are indicted, at the expense of
our lives and fortunes."
The " despotic act " above referred to, was passed March
9, 1774, wherein certain riotous acts were declared to be
felony, for which the offender was to suffer death without
benefit of clergy. The act names Ethan Allen, Seth Warner,
and others, eight in number, who prepared an appeal to the
public, showing the justice of their cause, and that they were
determined to mainain it at all hazards.*
At the town meeting above mentioned the inhabitants here
voted, that " there should be no York authority take place
in said town," which plainly shows the spirit of the times that
animated the early settlers of this town, in regard to the
formation of an independent State. There were many long
years of strife, anxiety and bloodshed after this vote was
taken before Vermont became ( in 1791 ) one of the United
States ; though in one sense it became an independent state
from the years 1776-77, for the inhabitants would not recog
nize the authority of New Hampshire or New York, though
both of these states claimed title to this disputed territory,
which was then known as the New Hampshire grants.
At the time this town thus voted, history informs us, that
the subject of making the gi-ants an independent state began
to be discussed, and in 1776 a convention was held at Dorset
to consider this important measure ; and after deliberation
resolved " to take suitable measures, as soon as may be, to
*See Hiland Hall's History of Vermont.

History of Wells. 9
declare the New Hampshire grants a free and separate
district." Ogden Mallory and Zacheus Mallory represented
this town in that convention. At an adjourned meeting of
the same convention, held in Westminster in January, 1777,
a new and separate state was voted, and proclaimed to the
world, under the name of " New Connecticut." (And in
the supplementary declaration published by the June conven
tion in the Connecticut Courant, of June 30, 1777, where
the name Vermont was officially adopted. The reason
for the change is stated to be that when the name
New Connecticut was given to the state, it was unknown to
the convention that there was already a territory of that ^
name on the Susquehanna river, and it is then declared that
"instead of New Connecticut the said district shall ever be
known by the name of Vermont."*) And that it was finally
recognized by Congress as a separate state was mainly due
to the persistent efforts, the superior wisdom of Thomas
Chittenden, the first Governor of this state, and to the
bravery and sagacity of the brothers Ira and Ethan Allen,
aided by Col. Seth Warner and the early settlers — worthy
heroes all — who were equal to their tasks on every occasion.
We have no doubt but that the inhabitants of this town per
formed well their part to acquire a result so desirable. We
should ever hold in lasting remembrance the names and
memories of these men who performed so great a work, and
founded our state on those noble principles of justice and
equal rights. May their posterity always be ready to labor
with equal zeal to promote the same cause.
April 4, 1774, a committee was appointed to procure
timber for building a bridge across the channel, which connects
*Soe Hiland Hall's History of Vermont, page 498.

10 History of Wells.
the two ponds that form Lake Austin. At this meeting the
town voted that the soldiers should have three shillings a day
for their services.
The first marriage is thus recorded : " Ebenezer Welton
and Catharine Culver, the 18th of May, 1775." The first
birth is recorded as follows : " Joseph Moss, son to Joseph
Moss by his wife Esther, born September 8, 1775."
Ogden Mallory, Timothy Moss and Reuben Searls were
the first listers elected in this town, March 11, 1777, and a
vote was taken that the lists should be carried in to the listers
on the first day of April. We find recorded April 14, 1778,
the following vote, that " we would dissolve the union with
the towns east of the Connecticut river." It may be proper
to add here an explanation of this vote, which we glean from
history, and think substantially correct.
A short time previous to this, sixteen towns on the east
side of the Connecticut river proposed to separate from New
Hampshire, and unite with Vermont. The proposition met
with favor among many of the people of Vermont. The
subject came before the Legislature, which submitted the
question of annexation to the decision of the people. A
majority voted for annexation, but the people on the west
side of the mountains, especially near the Lake border,
opposed the measure. So the Legislature at their adjourned
session in June, 1778, in pursuance of the vote of the people,
admitted said towns. As this action on the part of this state
was likely to produce war on all sides, the result was, the
Legislature in February, 1779, resolved that the said union
be dissolved and made totally void.
While we should think from the above Recorded vote of
this town, that an union had previously been formed with

History of Wells. II
those towns east of the Connecticut river, yet we should
judge, that they intended to convey the idea, that the
people of this town (in common with those near the Lake
border,) were opposed to uniting with said towns ; as the
vote of the town was recorded in April, while the Legislature
which admitted those towns did not convene until the following
June. We give below the names of the freemen living in this
town in 1780, as found in the town records, some of whom
will be noticed in the biographical sketches :
Ogden Mallory, Timothy Moss, Jonathan Webb,
Gideon Searls, Barnabas Moss, Alexander Gordon,
Abel Merriman, John Moss, Ebenezer Sumner, Jr.,
Eeuben Seails, Eichard Crouch, Joshua Culver,
Increase Eudd, Samuel Culver, Ebenezer Welton,
Zacheus Mallory, Gill Mallory, Daniel Culver,
Silas Mallory, Benjamin Eichardson, Daniel Mcintosh,
Caleb Smith, Abner How.
In " Thompson's Vermont," in connection with remarks
concerning Shay's Insurrection in Massachusetts, in 1786-87,
we find the following notice of a convention holden in this
town : " So early as the spring of 1784, a convention from
several towns was assembled at Wells, by which sundry
resolutions were passed in relation to the general sufferings
and embarrassments of the people, and a liberal amount of
execration was meted out to the lawyers and sheriffs, but no
disposition was manifested in this state to oppose the collection
of debts by force till the year 1786."
We have no record of this convention, but suppose the
"general sufferings" above alluded to were caused chiefly by
the Revolutionary war, which, continuing so long, had impov
erished many of the people, who, at its close, being unable

12 History of Wells.
to pay, were dissatisfied, especially when the payment of debts
came to be enforced. We are informed that much dissatis
faction prevailed throughout this county at that time, and
give here in addition, the folloving extract from Frisbie's
history af Middletown, viz : " Joseph Spaulding was captain
of the miUtia in this town, and held that office at the time of
the Shay's rebellion in 1786, and when the mihtia of the
county were called on to sustain the courts at Rutland, he
started with his company for that place, but on his arrival at
Castleton was permitted to return, as the mob had been
dispersed by militia nearer at hand."
This town remained as it was originally chartered until
October 28, 1784, when 6,118 acres were taken from the
north-east corner of the town, for the formation of Middle-
town, and October 31, 1798, the north-west part of the town
was annexed to Poultney, by the following act of the Legis
lature, viz : "It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly
of the state of Vermont ; That the north-west part of the
town of Wells, in the county of Rutland, be, and the same
is hereby annexed to the town of Poultney, in said county,
to-wit : That part of said Wells lying north of the following
line ; beginning at the west corner of the town of Middletown
thence west to the east hne of thc town of Granville, in the
state of New York. And the inhabitants of said north-west
part of Wells, so annexed to the town of Poultney, shall be
forever hereafter entitled to the same privileges and immu
nities in common with the other inhabitants of said Poultney."
We have thus far narrated in chronological order what
was transacted at the several town meetings mentioned, that
seemed, to be worthy of record.

HiSTORt OF Wells. 13
This town now comprises only about 13,000 acres. The
eastern part is mountainous, the western part moderately
even and rolling. The soil is generally good, and as it
produces rich, sweet grass in abundance, is well adapted to
the grazing of sheep and cattle, and to the keeping of a dairy.
Sheep husbandry, in a pecuniary point of view, compares
unfavorably with the rearing of cattle, chiefly on account of
the low price of wool and the high price of butter and cheese.
Consequently few sheep are kept in this town, at the present
time — having gradually decreased in numbers since the close
of the late civil war. Then wool was worth one dollar or
more per pound, while now at forty cents per pound there is
but little call for it. With the reduction of sheep, the dairy
interest is increasing, most of our farmers keeping cows, as
butter and cheese are the chief staples at present. A cheese
factory was established in 1865, by James Norton, and milk
is brought to it from farms more than two miles distant.
During the year 1867 Mr. Norton received the milk of 315
cows, and made about 120,000 pounds of cheese. Another
factory was established this spring in Tinmouth, a few rods
from the town line, by Rollin Cook, which accommodates the
farmers living in the eastern part of the town.
Since the Rutland & Washington Railroad was established
in 1851, the raising of potatoes for market has become quite
a specialty with the farmers in the western part of the town,
some of them raising from 1000 to 2000 bushels annually.
Land has increased in value since the close of the late
war, and most of the dairy farms in town, under judicious
management, have increased in quality as well as in price.
Some forty years ago the farm now owned by James Norton
was sold for $2,800. Now with its many improvements it

14 History of Wells.
could not be purchased for $17,000. Its present proprietor
is a Quaker, and is well known in common with others of his
sect, as an enterprising and industrious farmer. But not all
the farms in town have increased likewise in price, though
many have increased nearly as much. Most of the farmers
have new and painted dwellings, with comfortable out-build
ings, indicating enterprise and prosperity.
It may be well, and perhaps interesting, especially to
those who are, to follow in our footsteps, were we to note here
somewhat of the past — the past which has forever fled. One
century has passed ' since Ogden Mallory, the first settler,
came into this town, which was then a dense forest inhabited
by wild beasts, and, if not then, we presume not long before,
the Indians had made it their dwelling place, as relics are
occasionally found near our streams of water — the writer
having now in his possession their flint arrows, found on his
father's farm, in the eastern part of the town. We are also
informed that such relics have been found near the lake. It
is hardly possible at this day to conceive of the many obstacles
which even fifty and seventy-five years ago our fathers had
to contend with, in preparing homes for their families, who
often suffered for the want of food, and withal were scantily
clothed. The older people of to-day remember when they
were obliged to go barefooted the greater part of the year,
often suffering from the severe cold weather. It causes
feeUngs of sympathy to think of the sufferings and sacrifices
involved in their necessary avocations, and in providing for
the many wants of their families ; when, for instance, having
neither stoves nor matches, they were obliged, in case the
fire should expire in the fireplace, to borrow of some more
lucky neighbor. We presume it would tax very much the

History of Wells. 15
ingenuity of the young ladies of the present day, and their
patience more, were they obliged to bake and perform the
other necessary work by a fireplace, that their grandmothers
did before them. Stoves were not introduced here until
about 1820, and were cast in Tinmouth.
In those days the cattle and sheep generally had to endure
the long cold winters without shelter. In the autumn, we
are informed, the farmers of this vicinity were accustomed
to carry their surplus grain, especially wheat, and other
farm products, to Troy, N. Y., some sixty miles, with their
oxen teams, (of which nearly every farmer possessed one, and
some, two pair — whereas by way of contrast, we should here
mention that now scarcely one farmer in ten has one yoke of
oxen,) and those who were so fortunate as to own horses
hauled their freight with them, and returned laden with the
necessaries of life, or with goods for the country merchants.
Troy was the principal market until about 1824, when the
canal from Whitehall to Troy was established changing, in a
great measure, the current of trade. Our farmers then
hauled their produce to Fort Ann and vicinity, until the
Rutland & Washington Railroad was established. Our
fathers, struggling with poverty, labored with undaunted
courage and perseverance to surmount obstacles in this then
wilderness, in order to obtain a homestead wherein their
children and children's children might dwell in peace and
security. Those were " the days that tried men's souls."
It is stated by the older people, that a better brotherhood of
feeling existed then than at the present day, that the people
were more social and neighborly, and we doubt it not.
The apple orchards that were first planted here, long since

16 History of Wells.
filled out the measure of their usefulness and are fast disap
pearing, so that formerly apples were very plenty, and we
should judge that cider was then more highly prized than at
present, for we are informed that many of those noble and
generous hearted old men were not wholly contented unless
they had a liberal supply of some five or twenty barrels of
cider stowed away in their cellars, to ward off' the severe cold
of winter. Then in their frequent family visits the cider
would be forthcoming, and the evening spent agreeably in
story-telling and friendly intercourse.
If they had not our means of education, they seem to have
possessed as strong common sense, if not sounder minds, than
their descendants. Though they were deprived of many of
the comforts and luxuries of the present time, we must admit
from all accounts, that they were stronger and healthier than
the men of to-day.
Reflecting on the past, do we, the younger portion of com
munity, fully realize and appreciate the benefits that result
to us from the efforts of their hard labor ? Do we, con
sidering our advantages, improve our opportunities to the best
of our ability ? Do we not rather shut our eyes to this pain
ful truth (of neglected opportunities,) and thus regardless of
our own interests fall short of the end for which we were
created ? Can we not obtain wisdom from the experience of
our fathers ?
Many of the first settlers of this town came from Massa
chusetts and Connecticut, and consequently brought with
them many of those old Connecticut notions and prejudices
inherited of the Puritans, and handed down from generation
to generation for the last two hundred years. They have
existed so long that they seem to be hereditary, and, indeed,

HiSTORT OP Wells. 17
have not all died out as yet. Many of us are very careful about
commencing to plow or plant, or almost any kind of work, on
Friday, it being considered (and we fear always will be) an
unlucky day. Corn, potatoes and garden seeds must be
planted " at the right time of the moon," if we would be
sure of a good crop, etc. It is not essential to add to the
list, as, we presume, much that is necessary and more that
is not, will be transmitted from generation to generation.
Since the early settlement of the town, time has wrought
many and marked changes both natural and social. The
first settlers here, full of courage and self reliance, brought
but little with them, relying mainly on their own strong
arms to furnish, subsistence to sustain life. It was with great
difficulty that they could obtain the necessaries of life for
their families, when first they came here ; for after erecting
cabins to shelter their families, and protect them from wild
beasts, they were obliged to, cut down and fall into heaps
many a noble pine, as well as oak and maple, and then burn
them in order to raise their wheat and corn.
Much land in town has been cleared of its timber within
the memory of our older inhabitants. Bordering upon
swamps many trees were fallen therein as the easiest way to
get rid of them, consequently timber has become so scarce,
that the necessity for destroying it no longer exists. In the
early settlement of the town, there was an abundance of heavy
pine timber in the vicinity of the village, as the stump fences
now do plainly indicate. These pine stumps have well
withstood the ravages of time, and to all appearances will be
serviceable for many years to come. Pine trees five feet ia
diameter at their base, and oak and maple trees four feet,
are among the things of the past, though the stumps of such
2

18 History os Wells.
trees are occasionally seen. But few of the first growth of
the above mentioned trees remain — mementos of the past —
and with the scarcity of other timber it becomes farmers,
even now, so soon after the first settlement of the town, to
be judicious in the management of their timber lands.
There has been a remarkable change also in the price of
manual labor, as well as in the price of produce, within the
last fifty years ; due, in a great measure, to the introduction
of machinery. Prices have increased threefold, in many
instances. The price paid a laborer in haying and harvesting
has increased from seventy-five cents a day to two dollars
and two dollars and fifty cents ; butter from twelve and
fifteen cents per pound, to forty and fifty cents ; cheese from
four and five cents, to twelve and sixteen cents per pound ;
corn from fifty (jents to one dollar and a half per bushel ;
potatoes from twenty cents to fifty cents, and frequently one
dollar per bushel, and oats likewise.
And such is the enormous influx of emigrants from all
parts of the world to this country, that we may look for an
increase rather than a diminution of the above prices.
Notwithstanding the independence of the farmer who reaps
in a measure the benefits of these high prices, and the fact
that those who now hold property in land are well recom
pensed for their industry and economy, we may be allowed
to state as our own humble opinion, that too many of our
young men endeavor to obtain a livelihood from other sources,
because less labor is required, which often proves a failure
and leaves them in poverty.
In the extreme western part of the town good building
stone is found, while about one hundred and fifty rods east
of this range, both black and purple slate abound in large

History of Wells. 19
quantities; and intermediate, but on lower land, appearances
at the surface would indicate extensive deposits of red slate.
Notwithstanding the large amount of slate mined in this
vicinity, the slate interest is increasing — large quantities of
it being sent off yearly on the Rutland and Washington
railroad — and not only are roofing slate manufactured from
this rough looking material, but elegant table-tops and
mantles, beautiful coffins, tomb-stones, and wash-stands, and
various other useful articles. As yet but one quarry is
worked in this town, which is situated in the south-western
part of the town. This quarry was opened about 1854-5,
and, we are informed, has very recently passed into the
hands of Evan Jones, of Granville, N. Y. A large and
convenient building has been erected the past season, wherein
is an engine and other machinery, for preparing slate for
market. The slate of this quarry is highly prized on account
of its purple color.
Before railroads existed in this vicinity, there were four
distilleries in town, which manufactured brandy from cider,
and whisky from rye and corn. The first distillery was
owned by Peter King, was located on the site of the Union
Store, formerly owned by Orlin Lewis, and was run previous
to 1800, and subsequently. The next distillery was estab
lished about 1809 by Abel Potter, and was located at the
foot of Pond Mountain, near the cold spring now owned by
John S. Hulett. The next was established about 1826, by
Samuel Rust, and was located near the residence of Winslow
Goodspeed. The last was owned and run by Elijah Parks,
about 1829, was located near the residence of the late Hobert
Parks, and was closed several years since.

20 History of Wells.
Among the many interesting curiosities of the past we
should mention the whipping.-post, where punishment was
meted out to evil-doers. It was about eight inches square
and was erected in the latter part of the eighteenth century,
and stood about seven feet in hight, and on the green west of
the Universalist Church. The last person who was whipped
at this post, was a man about forty years of age, and for
stealing, was sentenced by Justice Samuel Lathrop to receive
ten lashes. The punishment was inflicted by the constable,
and took place about 1807, but the post, it is stated, remained
until it decayed, a memento of former laws.
Some three or four families of this town, in Revolutionary
times, by their devotion to British rule, brought upon their
heads the name of tory, and their lands were sold for
"traitrous conduct."
Of remarkable seasons we might mention the year 1816,
which is remembered as the cold, dry summer. Some fifteen
sheep, owned by Jason Tyler, who lived at that time in the
western part of the town, near the residence of Howell Clark,
were found frozen to death in his barn, about the 8th of
June, having been sheared but a short time before.
We are informed that in 1824 the spotted worms appeared
in great numbers in this vicinity, eating the leaves of the
forest and fruit trees, as 'they passed from west to east.
Many maple trees being special objects of their attack, were
destroyed. In 1826 there were so many grasshoppers as to cause
much damage to the grass and growing crops.

HiSTORT OP Wells. 21

THE MOUNTAINS.
Pond mountain on the east side of the lake, though not the
the highest in town, rises very abruptly to the hight of eight
hundred feet, and is so naked and barren that from places
one mile or more to the westward it somewhat resembles a
haystack when one half has been cut down and removed.
The scenery presented to view from its summit is picturesque
and varied, and for the time spent in ascending it, will well
repay him who admires Nature in all its romantic forms.
From its summit one may realize his own weakness and
insignificance, while at the same time he perceives the power
and goodness of Him whose wisdom is manifested unto man
in the works of His hands. A short distance to the eastward
of the Pond mountain range are Moose-horn mountain. Pine
Hill and North-east mountain, lying in another- range running
north and south. Between the last named mountains there
is a tract of land, (owned by Joseph Parks previous to his
decease, the past summer,) called Bear Swamp, which years
ago was frequented by bears that often committed depredations
on the cornfields and the neighboring flocks of sheep.
The following anecdote was furnished us by Mr. Parks,
when over eighty years of age, and is given nearly in his
own words :
" Among the early settlers was one Daniel Goodsell, who
living near this swamp, thought he would try his skill in
setting a trap. Having procured one he had the good luck
to catch a small bear, which was very fat though not very
black. With the idea of selling the skin, he carried it to
John C. Bishop, who kept a store in Granville, N. Y. Mr.

22 History of Wells.
Bishop did not like to give him his price, because the skin
was not large enough nor black enough. But Goodsell
finally sold him the skin, and asked him how much he would
give for the largest and the hlachest one he ever saw. Bishop
said he would give him four dollars, and Goodsell agreed to
catch him such an one. About one month thereafter he
caught one, the largest and the blackest that had ever been
caught by any of the neighbors. He carried the skin over
to Mr. Bishop according to agreement, unrolled it, and
asked him if it was not the largest one he had ever seen.
Bishop said it was. He then asked him if it was not the
hlachest one he ever saw. Bishop said it was, but that the
fur was not good. Goodsell said to him, that if he had told
him that he wanted the fur good he would have caught him
such an one. Mr. Bishop being an honest Quaker, saw that
he was caught, paid him the four dollars, and Goodsell left
him to his own reflections."

LAKE AUSTIN, or ST. AUSTIN.
This lake commonly known as Wells Pond is a beautiful
sheet of water, surrounded as it is by hills and mountains,
and is situated in the western part of the town, extending
into Poultney.
In " Thompson's Vermont Gazetteer," it is called St,
Augustine ; and it further appears that, as early as 1767, it
was called St. Catherine, and in relation thereto we give the
following extract of a letter from the Hon. Hiland Hall,
of Bennington.

HiSTORT OF Wells. 23
Bennington, Nov. 12th, 1868.
Dear Sir : It appears from the N. Y. Land Papers, in
the office of the Secretary of State, at Albany, that, April
24th, 1767, a survey was returned of 5,000 acres of land
for Col. John Maunsell, " in the County of Albany, on the
west side of Lake St. Catherine," and that the same land
was granted him March 7th, 1771. A map prepared under
the direction of Gov. Tryon and published in London in 1779,
purports to give the locations of the several grants made by
the governors of New York up to the period of the revolution,
of which map a copy on a reduced scale is given in the first
volume of the Documentary History of New York. On this
map, Maunsell's tract is marked as lyiiag on the west side of
a body of water designated as " St. Catlie," — doubtless an
abbreviation of St. Catherine. The New Hampshire town
ships are ignored on this map ; but " Wells " is engraved
just east of the lake, and " Pawlet " south-east, leaving it
beyond doubt that your Wells body of water was intended.
It is not unlikely that Maunsell gave the name when he made
the survey, and as he made no settlement under his patent,
that knowledge of it did not reach others."
HILAND HALL.
We are of the opinion that the name " St. Catherine," as
applied to this lake, is of New York origin, as the oldest
inhabitants of the town, who are over eighty years of age, do
not remember of hearing it called otherwise than Lake
Austin, or Lake St. Austin. This lake is about five miles in
length, its greatest width is nearly one mile, and is estimated
to cover some 2,000 acres.
It is well supplied with all kinds of fish that are common to
such lakes in this State. Pickerel were introduced here
from Whitehall about 1821. They were caught through' the
ice in- Lake Champlain, brought here packed in snow, and
placed in the Zuriel Lewis spring on the west side of

24 History of Wells.
the lake, whence the most of them after thawing out swam
into the lake. About 1820, three Beer were killed on this
lake in the winter, by the brothers Clark and Samuel Lamb,
and Cyrus Geer.
It is related that the hunters of this and adjoining towns in
early times were accustomed to meet occasionally on the
banks of the stream, south of Lyman Grover's residence in
the village, hang up their venison and other game in the
surrounding trees, spend a few days in friendly intercourse,
and that Ethan Allen frequently met with them.
The lower part of this lake, commonly called the Little
Pond, is about three-fouths of a mile in length, by one-half
mile in width. The following incident occurred in (Connection
with this pond in the early settlement of the town : Abel
Merriman, much disposed to merriment js his name would
indicate, sold this pond in the winter season, when covered
with ice and snow, as " an elegant tract of intervale land,
with no trees or stumps upon it," and deeded the same.
Much land, at that time, was sold by description to people
living at a distance. A public house, called the Lake House,
was built on the west side of the lake in 1859, by Merritt
Lewis. This house is situated on a beautiful little eminence
in a pleasant grove, about ten rods from the lake. It passed
into the hands of Charles W. Potter in 1867, and, the past
year, has been fitted up in elegant style and provided with
modern comforts and improvements, for the accommodation
of pleasure parties and of those living in the city who wish to
spend the warm summer months in the country. It is
located amid delightful scenery and fine fishing grounds, and
is a place of great resort for pleasure parties, who find, much
enjoyment in fishing and sailing on the lake^

HiSTORT OF Wells. 25
In the early settlement of the town fever-ague prevailed
in the vicinity of the lake.
In a descriptive sketch of the State of Vermont, printed
in London in 1797, and in the possession of Sylvester Clark
of this town ; we find the following : " Castleton, Wells and
Tinmouth have each a small lake of water, that in Wells is
much the largest. These lakes prove very detrimental to
the inhabitants, (notwithstanding they supply them with great
quantities of fish) for they are, at different seasons of the
year, seized, and often cut off, with fever-ague; and experi
ence has proved that the primary cause of this destructive
disease originates from the stagnated waters of these lakes ;
for when that at Castleton has been drained (as has some
times been the case) they have never been scourged with the
pestilence ; but as soon as they shut up the outlet of the
water, it directly produces the fever again."
Though this town has no rivers to furnish an abundance of
water power, it is well supplied with springs and small brooks.
The principal stream is the outlet of the lake, and on this are
located a saw-mill and planing mill, owned by Wilder Lewis ;
a wagon shop, owned by Carlos Parker ; a woolen factory,
owned by Benjamin Lewis, and a gristmill, owned by Mrs.
Julia Goodrich. There were formerly a saw-mill above
Lewis' factory, and one near James Norton's residence ; also
a tannery just west of Parker's wagon shop, owned by Levi
Lewis. The woolen factory was built by Benjamin Lewis in
1853, was enlarged in 1856, and has capacity for manufac
turing one hundred yards of cloth daily. This is the third
factory erected on the same site, the others having been
destroyed by fire. The first factory was built some fifty or

26 History of Wells.
sixty years ago by John Blossom. The gristmill was built in
1808, by Roswell Goodrich.
There is another stream which rises in Tinmouth and flows
in a westerly direction through the southern part of the town.
On this stream there is only one saw-mill and bobbin shop,
owned by Winslow Goodspeed. There were, years ago, two
gristmills on this stream ; one located near the residence of
Joshua Howe ; the other a few rods below the residence of
Hiram Francis. This stream was once well supplied with
trout, and frequently one would be caught that would weigh
one pound or more. Now, but few trees line its banks that
afford them a safe retreat, and consequently they are caught
before they reach the size they formerly attained.
The village is pleasantly situated in the southern part of
the town, near the outlet of the lake, and contains about
thirty dwelling houses, three churches, two blacksmith shops,
formerly three stores, though now only one, two wagon shops,
one school house, one public house, one grocery, one saw-mill,
and a post office. A new store, a short distance west from
the village, has this season been completed and furnished by
Benjamin Lewis and his son, R. M. Lewis, which does honor
to them as enterprising and public-spirited men.

COMMON- SCHOOLS.
Our first school houses, we are informed, were built of
logs, warmed by a fireplace, as there were no stoves here
then, and provided with rude benches. The scholars were
instructed in reading — in the old English Reader or American
Preceptor, (copies of which are now seldom seen) ; in arith
metic, which the teacher was not always master of beyond

HiSTORT Of Wells. 27
the rule of three ; in penmanship, in a rude hand, and in
spelling. (Grammar was not taught.) The teachers were
paid in grain, flax, or some other farm products. At a later
day, better school houses were built, and generally provided
with a continuous bench around and on three sides of the
school-room, the scholars facing the center of the room.
In 1779, the inhabitants voted " to divide the town into
two districts, as nater has divided it, for schooling." This is
supposed to refer to the Pond Mountain range as the dividing
line, running north and south, making the western part of the
town one school district, and the eastern part another. We
hear it related that, formerly, more or less strife existed
between these two sections, at elections ; especially to elect
a town representative.
In 1786, the town was divided into six school districts,
and, though we believe there have been eleven, there are now
only seven, with two fractional districts.
In 1803, the number of scholars, between four and eighteen
years of age, was 401 ; in 1830, 288 ; in 1840, 224 ; in
1846, 293 ; in 1850, 244 ; in 1860, 169.
The decrease in numbers noticed above, arises probably
from a variety of causes, but mainly from the fact that the
small farms have been gradually absorbed by the more
industrious and wealthy landowners, consequently causing
the number of families also to diminish. Another cause
arises from the fact that many of our young men on attaining
their majority remove to the great West or some other part
of the country, seeking their fortunes where there are greater
inducements than at home. Still another cause is due to the
decrease in the number of children born in almost every
family.

28 HiSTORT OF Wells.
GENERAL CENSUS OP THE TOWN.
The population of this town, as shown by the United States
census, was in 1791, 622 ; in 1800, 988 ; in 1810, 1,040 ;
in 1820, 986 ; in 1830, 880 ; in 1840, 740 ; in 1850, 804 ;
in 1860, 642 ; in 1868, (town census,) 687.
We are not informed that any of the early settlers of this
town ever lived to attain the age of one hundred years. The
following are some of the more remarkable instances of
longevity, viz : Mrs. Avis How died in 1857, aged 97 years,
3 months and 24 days ; Abigail Nye was 97 years, and John
Davis was 96 years of age at his death. Two aged persons
have died in this town the present year (1868), Mrs. V^insa
Goodspeed in her ninetieth year, and Joseph Parks, aged 84.
EARLY CHURCH HISTORY.
In April, 1774, the town voted to build a " meeting
house " on the east side of the channel which connects the
two ponds that form Lake Austin, and a committee of five,
viz : — Caleb Lewis, John Ward, Zaccheus Mallory, Ogden
Mallory and Enoch Mallory — was appointed to select a site
for its erection. At a subsequent meeting, the following
October, a committee of five, viz : — Timothy Alling,'Timothy
Moss, Daniel Culver, Roger Rose and Abel Merriman — was
appointed to hire a minister.
Thus it appears that the inhabitants of this town, though it
had not been organized but little more than one year, deemed
diviae worship of so much importance, that they at once
sought a situation to build a church. We notice that, in

HiSTORT OF Wells. 29
1780, a committee of three men was appointed to hire a
minister, also that, in 1785, the minister's name was 
Murdock, which is the first minister's name we have seen in
the early town records.
We presume the services were held at some private
residence, as we have no accounts that any church was built
for some years thereafter.
In May, 1789, a committee appointed for the purpose,
selected ten acres of land, and on this tract the town voted
" to build a church 36 feet in length, by one story and a half
high." The exact boundary of this ten acre lot is not at
present known. This land is now owned by Alvah Mitchell,
and is situated on the rise of land about midway between the
pond bridge and pond mountain, and on the north side of the
highway. This place was selected because it was considered
the center of the town. The following year, 1790, the church
was built, but the work inside was never wholly finished.
This, we are informed, was the first church built in town, and
was not confined to any particular denomination. This
church building, having been used for a barn a number of
years, was blown down during a storm, March 27th, 1847.
On this tract of land the first burial ground was laid out,
though on the east side of the hill, and there too are buried
some of the first settlers of this town,with no monuments
reared to mark the graves of those long since departed.
In 1799, a committee of five men, viz : Simon Francis,
Joshua Culver, Joseph Button, Samuel How and Jonathan
Paul — was appointed " to circulate a subscription paper to
procure means to build a house for public worship and town
privileges. The following year, 1800, the second church
was built in the village, on the site where the Universalist

30 History of Wells,
church now stands. This, we suppose, might be called an
union church, as it was built by subscription and held in
common by the several denominations then existing here —
Methodists, Episcopalians and Universalists, — and the town
meetings were held therein until 1855. it was some forty
or fifty feet square, and was without a stove or chimney until
about 1825, It was two stories high, and was furnished with
four rows of square pews, running north and south, and
a gallery on three sides ; and had an entrance on the west
side and south side. At the time it was built, it was
the largest church in this vicinity. With its large roof and
no steeple, it resembled a large bar.i more than a church.
It was in this old brown church that the following exhibi
tion took place, as related by the Hon. Horace Greeley, in
an article on Dramatic Memories, written for the New York
Ledger, (January, 1868,) wherein he mentions, with other
reminisences of his boyhood day's, the following incident that
transpired here in 1828, and is given in his own words,
as follows : " While an apprentice at Poultney, an ' exhibi
tion ' was advertised to come off one evening in the church at
Wells, six miles south of us ; so a party was made up to
attend it, I being one of that party. Wells had rather a
hard reputation in those days, (perhaps from the ill-behavior
of those who went thither from neighboring towns to ' carry
on,') which fame I trust it has since outgrown. It was late
in winter, with deep snow, but thawing ; so that, to protect
us from the balls of ice and snow constantly thrown at us from
our horses' feet, a long board had been set up on edge across
the front of our rude sleigh, or rather sled; and this, in
passing a point of rock which projected into the narrow road
through the forest which skirted ' Lake St, Austin,' (other-

HiSTORT OF Wells. 31
wise Wells Pond), was caught and held so as to rake the sled
clear of its human freight, I received a hurt on my right shin
which remained unhealed for years. But no one complained,
all laughed ; and we were soon all on board and in motion again,
reaching Wells in good time for the ' exhibition.' The church
was crowded with eager though not very critical auditors ;
the players were considerably older than we of Westhaven
were at the date of our maiden effort ; and I presume the
playing was better, mainly because it could not easily be
worse. There were several pieces (most of them literally
so) on the bills, and all were duly undergone ; yet, their
names have escaped me. One peculiarity remains firmly
imbedded in my memory. There was a scene in one of the
plays wherein a man snugly hidden amid the thick branches
of an evergreen tree overheard a plot to commit robbery,
and perhaps murder also. Whereupon he bides his time,
and duly precipitates himself on the robber (or robbers) in
the very act, putting him, or them to death or flight, and
gallantly rescuing the intended victim. Well, here is where
the laugh comes in. The tree — a substantial pine or hemlock,
some eight inches through and twenty feet high — had been
firmly implanted in the stage before the ' exhibition ' began ;
and there it remained to the end — forming a noticeable, but
very congruous, portion of the furniture of every parlor,
boudoir, prison-cell, court-room, &c., from first to last. If
city audiences were less fastidious, I suspect that managers
might have learned how to retrench their expenses for
furniture, fixtures, scenery, attendants, &c., by studying that
Wells ' exhibition.' Unluckily, some of my companions on
that excursion were of the ' won't go home till morning '
stamp, and could not see why any one should go to Wells

32 HiSTORT OF Wells.
unless to have a ' high old time.' They controlled the team,
and would neither set it on the road to Poultney, nor permit
the rest to do so, until late the next day. Meantime they
would neither sleep nor tolerate slumber on the part of any
one else. The performances of the latter part of the night
were a little wilder and rougher than I was ever before
or since implicated in, however innocently, and Wells was no
wise to blame therefor. I never saw the respected village
save during this single visit ; and I sincerely trust that
my reputation there is not based on the average conduct of
my party on that exceptionally boisterous occasion. It was
never before nor since so hard for me to work as during the
afternoon and evening following our return to Poultney."
Though that exhibition occurred forty years ago, there are
some in town who remember of being present, and the people
of that day generally concur with Mr. Greeley respecting the
"reputation" of the town at that time, and would cite as an
instance in proof, the " carrying on" of his own party, though
naught is treasured up against the honorable gentleman on
account of his trip to Wells.

HisTORT OF Wells. 33
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
BY WM. H. HULL.
The history of Methodism in this town dates back as far
probably as it does in any town in the State. From the
want of record or authentic oral tradition, we are unable to
give any thing more than a brief outline of its history.
The first Methodist preacher who visited Wells, inquired
for the poorest family in town, and was directed to the house
of Nathaniel Lewis, who resided in the north part of the
town. He preached at his house, and he and his wife and
some of his children and neighbors were converted. A small
class was formed and Mr. Nathaniel Lewis appointed leader.
One of his children became an acceptable local preacher.
The name of this first Methodist preacher, the year in which
he made his first visit, or the number of members in the class
organized, can not be ascertained at the present time. The
event probably took place about 1780 or a little later.
In 1789, Rev. Darius Dunham came to Wells as a preacher,
but whether he came as a missionary or circuit preacher, it
is impossible for us to determine. Considering the newness
of the country, and the sparseness of the population he was
successful in the promotion of an extensive and powerful
revival, embracing the heads of many families, and some of
the most prominent citizens of the town. As nearly as can
be ascertained, there were about thirty conversions. We
enumerate below some of the subjects of this great revival.
Rev. Shubael Lamb ; Joseph Lamb and wife ; William
Robinson and wife ; Nathan Robinson and wife ; John Lewis
3

34 HiSTORT OF Wells.
and wife ; Michael Clemens and wife ; Wm. Lamb and wife ;
Mrs. Susannah Derby.
After this revival, a class was organized in the east part of
the town and Michael Clemons was appointed leader and
steward, and, being a man of more than ordinary talent, and
having considerable pecuniary means, he was a prominent
pillar in the church. He officiated as steward and leader
very acceptably until his decease, a period of about thirty
years. Rev. Shubael Lamb, one of the subjects of this revival,
was born in Litchfield, Conn., in 1771. He came to Wells
with his father and family in 1780. Soon after his conversion
he obtained license to exhort and soon after to preach. In
1805, he was ordained Deacon, by Bishop Asbury at the
Ashgrove Conference, and, in 1830, he was ordained Elder,
by Bishop Hedding, at the Poultney Conference.
He was a man of deep consistent piety, and fair preaching
talent. He officiated as a local preacher with usefulness and
acceptability for*nearly sixty years. He closed the scene of
his earthly pilgrimage in Middletown, Vt., July 25th, 1852,
in the consolation and assurance of that gospel he had so long
and faithfully recommended to others.
Lorenzo Dow frequently preached in Wells about the years
1797-98. In 1829, a man preached here, calling himself
Lorenzo Dow, but those well acquainted with the original
Lorenzo Dow, said that he could not have been the same
person. He was judged to have been about thirty years of
age, and Lorenzo Dow at that time must have been consider
ably older. (Lorenzo Dow was born in Coventry, Conn., in
1777 ; died in 1834, and was buried in Washington, D. C.
In the fall of 1820, under the labors of Rev. Ehsha Dewey,

History of Wells. 35
a very earnest, zealous young man, the east part of the town
was the scene of revival influence, and some peculiar physical
manifestations called the jerks. This revival resulted in the
conversion of about twenty-five persons. Some ten or fifteen
different persons were subjects of the jerks, and in a few
instances the wicked were affected by them. They were
affected by a peculiar jerking of the head, hands, or feet, and
sometimes the whole body, being accompanied by boisterous
shouting, clapping of hands, &c. Some, under this influence,
would fall helpless to the floor and remain unconscious for some
length of time, and others would whirl around and around,
or skip and hop about, going through a kind of irregular
dance. The subjects of these manifestations claimed that
this condition afforded them a high state of spiritual enjoy
ment, and that they could not always resist that influence,
and that, when they did, it brought a consciousness of
condemnation. These manifestations continued over a year
and gradually subsided.
In 1826, there was a revival at the village under the
ministerial labors of Rev. Lyman Prindle, at that time a
young man, but possessing more than ordinary preaching
talent. About twenty persons professed the christian faith.
A class was formed in this part of the town, and Frederick
Pember appointed leader. He was a man of good judgment,
and consistent christian example. He identified himself with
Methodism in its early history, bearing the responsibility and
reproach of the church with inflexible adherence to his
convictions of truth and duty. He closed the scene of life,
September 21st, 1859, 78 years of age, in the peaceful
assurance of immortality and eternal life, having been a
member of the church over forty years.

36 History of Wells.
Rev. Levi Lamb, Jr., was brought to the faith of Christ
under the ministry of Rev. Joseph Ames, in 1827. He was
a local preacher severar years previous to his death, which
took place in 1849. He was endowed with a capacity to
plunge deep into the investigation of moral truth, and was an
easy natural speaker, rendering his ministrations instructive
and interesting.
In 1854, Rev. J. B. Searls was appointed to this circuit.
He commenced his labors under very discouraging circum
stances, but in the fall the work of moral reform commenced
in East Wells and extended to the appointment at the
village. This revival resulted in the conversion of between
fifty and sixty persons, being the most extensive the church,
in this place, has ever witnessed.
He was young in ministerial experience, but was endowed
with a peculiar faculty to instruct his audience, and being
possessed of a spirit of persevering activity and faith in the
use of means, success attended his efforts.
The M, E, Church, in this town, has only been a separate
pastorate during two or three conference years, but has
generally been associated with other towns forming what is
called a circuit. The membership of the church, by
removals, deaths, delinquencies, and some other causes
combined, has been reduced so that at the present time it is
in a weak condition.*
In the early history of the church, the circuit of which
this town formed a part, was hundreds of miles in extent.
Quarterly meetings at this period formed an inspiring and
interesting' religious festival, being attended by the member
ship from a great distance, and the irreligious also. Those
occasions, at East Wells, were sometimes attended by

History of Wells, 37
hundreds of persons from a distance, so that great numbers
had to be stationed and provided for during the meeting.
Some families there, at these festivals, provided for' fifty aiid
sixty persons. In those days they came from Asb grove,
Whitehall, Brandon, Pittsford, Rutland, and all the inter
vening country around.
The following were among the early preachers who labored
in Wells : Samuel Deapen, B. Goodsell, Jacob Beaman,
Samuel Covel, Anthony Rice, Tobias Spicer, J, B, Stratton
and James Quinland.
Since 1836, the following preachers have been appointed
to this circuit : S. Young, Wm, Richards, Adam Jones, A,
L. Cooper, P. H. Smith, Valentine Brown, SaUsbury Ford,
Wm. Bedell, P. P. Atwell, B. S. Burnham, J. B. Searls,
James J. Bailey, Nelson Boist, G. H. Townsend, Moses
Spencer, J. E. Walker, Wm. A, Miller, H, C. Farrer, A.
Robbins and Wm, Tiffany,
The village was associated with Pawlet from 1860 to 1864 ;
since that time it has been associated with Granville, N. Y,,
and East Wells with Middletown and Clarendon,
The first Sunday School was organized at East Wells in
1823, and Levi Lamb, Sr., appointed Superintendent. The
same year, a Sunday School was also organized at the village,
and Levi Lewis appointed Superintendent. Facilities
unknown at that time to make them instructive and inter
esting have been brought into requisition. These schools,
when organized, did not have any Ubraries, but for several
years past they have had respectable libraries in both places.
The first M. E, Church edifice was erected in East Wells
about 1805 or 1806, It was erected on a site about one-half
mile south of the church now occupied in that part of

88 HiSTORT OF Wells.
the town. It was a rude structure of considerable size and
only partially finished. In 1813, it was taken down and
removed to the present site of the church and finished in a
plain style. In 1842, a neat commodious church was erected
at the village. In 1856, the old church at East Wells,
which was remodeled in 1813, was taken down and a new one
of modern structure erected on the same site, finished in a
neat substantial style.
Three camp-meetings have been holden in this town— the
first one in 1855, on land owned by Lyman Grover in the
south-east part of the town. The other two were held in the
years 1856 and 1858, on land owned by John S. Hulett, east
of the village.

UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.
BT KOBEBT PARKS.
Quite a number professing this faith were early settlers of
this town, whose sentiments were the final holiness and
happiness of mankind. Among those who were members of
this faith, in the early days of this town, were Samuel Culver,
Wm. Potter, Josiah Goodspeed, Winslow Goodspeed, Ansel
Goodspeed and Elijah Parks. These were members prior to
1800. From that time accessions were made, and among
those were Samuel Culver, Jr., Joseph Parks, Jared Francis,
Benjamin Lewis, Alby Geer and John Parks, who were
members previous to 1820. Since that date, we may add the
names of Alvah Mitchell, Winslow Goodspeed, Jr., Ethelbert
Lewis, Benjamin Lewis, Jr., and others. This society
generally united with those of the same faith who resided in

HiSTORT OF Wells. 39
Pawlet, and made a respectable congregation. There was
no service except by occasional appointments until 1821,
when Rev. Aaron Kinsman located as a settled minister, and
remained until 1826, when he left town.
In 1826, the General Convention of Universalits convened
in this town. We have no record of the minutes of that
convention. In 1855, a neat and commodious church was
built, and furnished with a bell, and was dedicated by Rev.
Eli Ballou, of Montpelier.
Among those who have officiated at this church, are
the following named ministers : Rev. Mr. Page, Rev. Mr.
AspinwaU, Rev, H. P. Cutting, Rev, E, S, Foster, Rev.
Mr, Knappin and the Rev, A, N. Adams, of Fairhaven.
The members of this church have not decreased in numbers
by death and emigration, as their ranks have been filled up
by descendants and others, so that they are numerically
greater than any denomination in town.

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
BY JOHS C. HOPSON JE.
Soon after the settlement of the town of Wells, several
Episcopal families, mostly from Connecticut, moved into
town; among whom were Lewis Davis, Daniel Goodrich,
Robert Hotchkiss, John Pray, and perhaps some others.
They were destitute of Episcopal services, except occasionally.
The first minister we have an account of was the Rev, Bethnel
Chittenden, brother of Gov, Thomas Chittenden, of Vermont.
He held services here a part of the time. The Rev- Abraham
Bronson, residing in Manchester, Vt., also held services here
occasionally.

40 HiSTORT OF Wells.
About the year 1810, Rev. Stephen Jewett came into this
section and preached for a time in Wells and Pawlet,
I think in 1815, there was an Episcopal churchi edifice
erected at Granville Corners, N. Y. About that time, the
Episcopahans of this town united with those of Granville, and
became members of that parish. The Rev. Stephen Jewett
became Rector, and preached for a number of years. After
he left, several different clergymen held services there and
also in this town,
A Protestant Episcopal Church, known as St. Paul's
Church, was first organized in Wells, in April, 1824.
The first members of the organization were Robert Hotch
kiss, Raymond Hotchkiss, David Lewis, Daniel Goodrich,
John Pray. John C. Hopson, David B. Lewis, Rufus Graves,
Harvey Parks, Almon Hopson, John C. Hopson, Jr., and
John H. Pray.
Rev. Palmer Dyer officiated as Rector, both in Wells and
Granville. In 1836, Rev. Darwin B Mason became Rector
of the parish and remained two or three years.
In 1839, Eev. Lucius M. Purdy became Rector, and
during his ministry the church edifice was built. On the
26th day of January, 1842, the church was consecrated by
the Right Rev. John H. Hopkins, Bishop of the Diocese of
Vt., setting it apart from all worldly and common uses, and
consecrating it to the worship of God and for the administra
tion of the sacraments.
In 1841, Rev. Louis McDonald became Rector and
remained until 1844, and perhaps some longer. After he
left. Rev. Moore Bingham, from Hampton, N. Y., preached
occasionally for a time. .In 1847, the Vestry gave a call to
Rev. Oliver Hopson to become Rector of this partsh^ which

History of Wells. 41
was accepted. He commenced services in May, 1847, and
continued Rector of the parish until August, 1868, when he
resigned. As near as can be ascertained from the records,
there have been in St. Paul's Church, Wells, (since the Rev.
D. B. Mason had charge of the parish.) baptisms of adults,
23 ; of infants, 41 ; marriages, 16 ; confirmations, 47 ; burials,
35. There are, at present, belonging to the parish, thirty
communicants, three of whom reside in Pawlet.

PROTESTANT METHODIST CHURCH.
A few years since, this society built a small church near
the residence of Russell Lamb. Nelson Lewis, Thomas
Pratt and a few others are members of this church. Rev.
George Smith, of Hebron, N. Y., has been occasionally the
officiating minister.
SOLDIERS' RECORD.
By referring to the biographical sketches in this book, it
will be noticed that some of the early settlers of this town
participated in the Revolutionary War, and the war of 1812.
Unto those noble patriots of the Revolution, who endured
the trials and hardships incident to a new country, and were
led on to victory by General Washington, are we indebted for
America — a free republic ; which, in the course of events,
has been made free indeed by the southern rebellion, instituted
for the perpetuation of slavery, but the chief cause of its
downfall. Unto them also are we indebted for our nationality,
won by them and transmitted to us their successors, and
of which every American may justly feel proud.

42 History of WellS.
But unto the surviving heroes of the rebellion of 1861, led
on to victory by General Grant, when this same nationality
was threatened with destruction by members of its own
household, are we deeply indebted for its preservation and
still further perpetuation. We have no honors too great, nor
gifts at our disposal too precious, to bestow upon those men
who fought for their country in its hour of peril. The greater
part of our soldiers, when their term of service had expired
or the war had closed, returned to their homes, have become
peaceful citizens and are engaged in agricultural pursuits or
some other worthy employment. Many a patriot, who had
escaped death on the field of battle, returned with health
impaired and weary, to lay himself down to rest from labors
well performed.
But, alas ! the joy of our greeting the survivors, is mingled
with sorrow for those who died of hunger within prison- walls,
and those, who far from their friends, perished on the battle
fields " which their own valor had already half won."
Many a family, to-day, misses a once familiar face, and
mourns the loss of some dear friend. Let us cherish tenderly
the memory of those who thus perished, and by their sufferings
and death, gained for us the victory and restored to us an
undivided nationality, which, we hope, may never more be
disturbed by (civil) war, and which we are now obligated to
preserve and defend.
" How sleep the brave, who ^ink to rest
By all their country's wishes blest!
When Spring, with dewy fingers cold
Eeturns to deck their hallowed mould.
She there shall dress a sweeter sod
Than fancy's feet haye ever trod.

History of Wells. 43
By fairy hands their knell is rung;
By forms unseen their dirge is sung;
Their honor comes, a pilgrim gray,
To bless the turf that wraps their clay;
And freedom shall awhile repair,
To dwell a weeping hermit there I "
When bounties were required in the civil war of 1861, this
town adopted the wise policy of paying promptly their bounty
taxes, so that at the close of the war the town had but a small
indebtedness. This town paid for expenses incurred in the
late war, for the preservation of the Union, $15,057, as
- certified by the selectmen. The bounties ranged from $ 1 00
each for the nine months men, up to $1,000 and $1,150 for
three years men. One only, we are informed, received
$1,150 for three years. The largest bounty, according to
term of service, was paid for two men to fill our quota under
the last call for more men, viz, $550 each for one year.
Volunteers from this town who enlisted before the 14th
Vt. Regiment was mustered in, received no town bounty.
Volunteers from this town who served in this regiment
received a town bounty of $100.
We give below the names of the soldiers who served in
the late war, and the regiment to which each soldier
belonged. Those in italics, were not residents of the town.
FIRST VT. CAVALRY.
Lewis Conger, Charles Cowles, Peter Bichey, George
Livingston and Andrew Taylor ; Lewis Conger was taken
prisoner at Getty sburgh. Pa., and died from the effects
of starvation, at Libby prison, Richmond, Va., aged 22 years.
SECOND REGIMENT.
Charles D. Castle, Ozro Sprague and Willard Woods.
Charles D. Castle died in the hospital at Windmill Point,

44 History of Wells.
Va., aged 22 years. Ozro Sprague served in this regiment
until discharged on account of sickness, when he returned
home, and, after his health was partially restored, he
re-enhsted in the 93d N. Y. Regiment, and died of wounds
received at the battle of the Wilderness, in 1864.
FIFTH REGIMENT.
Albert Brookins, Roswell Fuller, William H. Lincoln and
Hiram D. Monroe. H. D. Monroe was a prisoner at
Andersonville, Ga., about two years, and returned home a
mere skeleton. A. Brookins and R, Fuller had the good
fortune to return home unharmed,
SIXTH REGIMENT,
John Upton. SEVENTH EEGIMENT.
Henry Beebe, Harvey Guilder, Ariel Howard, Edwin
Saunders, James Sprague, Albert J. Reid, Thomas C. Reed,
Thomas Bowning, John Moore, John Newcomb, Charles
Riley and John Watts.
This regiment was mustered into government service,
in 1862, for three years, and was on duty in unhealthy
districts in Florida and Louisiana, where many died of
disease. James Sprague died in the hospital at Carrollton, La.,
September, 1862, aged about 30. Albert J. Reid died
about the same time, at the same place. He was about 23
years of age. Thomas C. Reed served three years, returned
home and re-enUsted in the same regiment, receiving $500
town bounty. NINTH REGIMENT.
Herbert Barden, Hiram Wood, Nye 0. Blake, Franklin
Aceome aud Wm. T. Fry.

History of Wells. 45
This regiment was on duty in unhealthy districts in N, C,
and Va,, and suffered greatly from disease. It was mustered
out at the close of the war 'under Col. E. H, Ripley, of
Rutland, TENTH REGIMENT.
Homer Bradley. ELEVENTH REGIMENT.
Edward M. Cree. FOURTEENTH REGIMENT,
Phinehas C, Paul, (promoted to Lieutenant), Wilder
Lewis, Alfred Lewis, Merritt Lamb, Wm, Moody, Lysander
Palmer, Warren A. Pierce, Geo. F. Brown, Seth Geer,
Elisha Wales and David F. Youngs.
Seth Geer died after his return home, of measles. Elisha
Wales died from fatigue in V^a., a few days after the battle
of Gettysburgh, aged about 45. David F. Youngs died in
the hospital at Brattleboro, on his return home, aged 26.
This regiment enlisted for nine months, under Col. Wm. T.
Nichols, of Rutland, and was mustered into government
service in October, 18G2. It was assigned to duty in the
vicinity of Fairfax Court House, Va., but, the second and
third days of July, 1863, it participated in the memorable
battle of Gettysburgh, where it fought with valor and
acquitted itself with honor ; showing that the Green Moun
tain boys were still worthy successors of the hero of
Ticonderoga. The following named persons were in the naval service : —
Cyrus Foster, Edwin F. Lewis and Theodore F. Lewis,
and, like the soldiers who first enlisted, received no bounty
from the town.
Edwin F,, and his brother Theodore, were commissioned

46 History of Wells,
by the Government, in 1862, as engineers, and after serving
until the close of the war, were honorably discharged,
Theodore was promoted and well rewarded for gallant
services, rendered in capturing a blockade runner, the
English Steamer Minnie, which was endeavoring to enter
Wilmington, N. C. *
The following named persons were drafted in August,
1863, and paid commutation, $300 each: — Adams Barden,
Marcellus Francis, Geo. W, Hadaway, Edward Hopson,
Hiram W, Lewis, Orestes J. Merrill, Hiland Paul, James H,
Potter and Horace Spaulding,
Harlan P. Lewis was drafted at the same time, and
procured a substitute at an expense of $325.
The following persons, residents or natives of this town,
enlisted in other States :
HARRIS LIGHT CAVALRY, OR FIFTH N. Y.
Robert H, Parks, Henry Clark and Edgar B, Henshaw,
Robert H, Park died of measles in the hospital at Alexan
dria, Va,, 1861. NINETY-THIRD N, Y, REGIMENT.
Wm, Cooper and Alix P, Ayott,
Wm, Cooper having served too years in the 22d N, Y.
Regiment, re-enlisted in the 93d N. Y. Vet, Vol, and served
until the close of the war. A. P. Ayott enlisted May 10th,
1861, served one year and two months, and was then
discharged on account of disability. In 1863, he re-enlisted
in the 93d N. Y., and served until the close of the war.
He lost one finger at the battle of the Wilderness, also
another at Poplar Grove Church, in 1864.

History of Wells. 47
ONE hundred AND TWENTY-THIED N. Y. REGIMENT.
Wm. Norton, PhiUp Potter, Franklin Cook, Horace
Tooley and Wm. Tooley.
Wm. Norton lost an arm at the battle of Gettysburgh.
Horace Tooley was wounded at Dallas, Ga., May 16th, 1864,
and died in the hospital June 25th, aged about 29.
Wm. Tooley was killed at Raleigh, N. C, April 10th,
1865, in the last skirmishing of Gen. Sherman's army,
having followed him unharmed from Atlanta, Ga., to the
Ocean, and from thence to Raleigh on the homeward march.
He was about 26 years of age.
THIRTEENTH ILLINOIS REGIMENT.
Elvin Reid, who died at Jacksonville, Fla., May 16th,
1865, from the effects of starvation, having suffered one year
in Andersonville prison. He was about 25 years of age.
FIFTH MINNESOTA REGIMENT.
MiltonH. Pember.

48 History of Wells.
LINES ON MY FIFTIETH BIRTH DAY.

by obidiah a. bowb, [See 0. A. Bowe in biographical sketches.)

Youth, Childhood, Infancy— adieu!
The dearest friends must part you know;
I've spent a good long time with you —
The hour is late and I must go.
" Old age,'' a sober friend of mine,
Says I must come with him to stay j
Heaven knows I cannot well decline —
I'm Fifty Yturs of Age, to-day.
How strange it seems to be so old!
How sad to be so little wise I
What wrecks of time do I V-chold,
As back I turn my failing eyes!
Old home, where first I saw the dawn.
And felt the life-blood at my heart!
Where is tliy life and freshness gone?
How desolate and sad thou art !
What radiant hopes of boyhood's time.
What cherished dreams have pass'd away!
The friends of youth's unclouded prime
My father's household — where are they ?
My schoolmates two-score years ago,
The dwellers round on every side;
So many forms I used to know
Are all dispersed, and must have died.

History op Wells, 49

by o. a: bowb.

Sick of surrounding care and strife,
I turn away my mental gaze,
Flee for a time from actual Ufe,
And hie me back to happier days;
When childhood's sun upon me shown,
And lighted up a work of joy.
Where, clouds and shadows all unknown,
I was a merry-hearted boy.
I tread my old familiar home.
And press again familiar hands.
Back from the grave the perished come
And wanderers, wide from distant lands;
The sun-rays tinge the neighboring hills.
As brightly as in days of yore.
And singing birds and laughing rills
My joyous morn of life restore.
How truly blest those Eden hours!
How gay and gorgeous are their dreams!
How bright the hopes, how fair the flowers,
With which that age of promise teems!
Far in the depth of coming years
The varied scenes of manhood lie.
Nor scarce a glimpse of age appears
To cast its shadow on the sky.
Anon there comes a rising cloud
The echoing thunder peals amain —
The lowering heavens in storm are bowed,
And lo! the dash of Summer rain!
The fitful storm is overpast,
The gladdening sun his radiance darts.
And wide the beams of joy are cast.
And cheer again our sorrowing hearts.

50 Histort of Wells.

The years that slow in youth recede
And linger long to childhood's eye,
Gain, as they roll, increasing speed.
And rush at length in thunder by!
We miss the pleasures of our prime,
As round us fancy vainly steals ;
We feel the burdens brought by time.
Nor care to stay his chariot-wheels !
New York, March, 1837.

Lines suggested hy a visit to an ancient Burial Crround, near
Long Island.

BY o. a. bowe.
They rest — the village fathers —
In a lonely, grassy glen,
A furlong from the pathway
And daily haunts of men ;
The summer breezes vainly
Blow o'er that valley's breast—
They may not glad the sleepers.
Nor win them from their rest.
They were thither borne in sorrow.
With breaking hearts and tears.
And there have calmly slumbered
Through many rolling years;
Rough is the blast of Winter —
High foams the angry deep
Just o'er the neighboring hillock —
Yet cannot mar their sleep.
Whene'er such spot I visit,
Apart from earthly strife,
And briefly from my bosom
Dismiss the ills of life —
I muse in thoughtful silence
Upon the change to clay, —
And if the dead are sorrowless,
I fain would be as they.

Histort of Wells. 51

MY CHILDHOOD'S HOME.

BY MRS. CLARA BL HOSFOBBl
I see again " my childhood's home,"
The house where I was bom;
The rose-bush tended by my hand
In childhood's snnny morn^
The orchard, the old apple tree
I used to call my own;
The grove, the fields, where culling fruits
And flowers, I loved to roam. ^
I see tho well, — its water pure
With curb secured around ;
Within which swings 'neath shady trees,
The " backet iron-bound;"
Those dear old maple trees, — ^how oft
Beneath their kindly shade
Have I in childhood's happy days.
With brothers, sister, played.
The birds within their leafy boughs
Warbled forth music sweet ;
There robin red-breast came with joy.
Spring's first approacti to greet;
And oft in hours of sporting glee
We tossed the new mown hay,
How little dreamed we then of care.
Or sorrow's evil day,
I turn unto the rising sun
And view the mountain high.
Whose top I often wished to scale.
Thinking the bright blue sky
I then could reach, and nearer view
The glorious source of light.
Shedding o'er mountain, hill, and vale
His beams so warm and bright.

52 Histort of Wells.
St. Austin's lake that lies beneath, -
In beauty, oft is seen.
Reflecting like a mirror bright
The mountain-side so green ;
Reposing when the winds are hushed
Like innocence asleep;
Until the storm clouds hover near.
And fierce winds o'er it sweep.
And yonder stands the little church
Pointing the way to Heaven ;
Where oft we met to worship God
And plead for sins forgiven :
How quickly time has sped since I
With another by my side.
Made there the vows that last till death.
And left this home a bride.
Life's changing years leave their trace —
Deep sorrow brought to me
And loved ones given, have passed away.
Into Eternity;
He too, with whom I left this home.
Has gone — forever gone;
Now as I view these scenes alone
They point to Heaven our home.
This landscape is in summer robe
A spot of beauty rare;
But soon like all earth's fairest things
'The robe of death 'twill wear;
And we too, like the leaves must fall.
Like them must fade, and die;
Ah ! many " loved ones " once with ns, —
In yonder grave-yard lie.
And now I go — my childhood's home
And friends, a fond farewell 1
Perchance I ne'er again shall view
These scenes I love so well;
But still— whatever may betide,
I trust it may be given.
That those once sheltered 'neath thy roof.
May meet again in Heaven. Hydeville, September, 1855.

History of Wells. 53

" COLUMBIA IS FREE ! '

BT MRS. CLARA H. HOSFORD.

'Tis New Year's day — 'tis Freedom's day —
Freemen ! resound the glorious lay —
The song of Liberty.
Throughout the land — from strand to strand,-
Besound the song; ye patriot band!
"Columbia is free!"
'Tis New Year's day — 'tis Freedom's day —
What power on earth will dare to stay
The song of Liberty ?
Resound the song — its strains prolong —
Shout the glad chorus of the song —
"Columbia is free!"
'Tis New Year's day— 'tis Freedom's day-
Let discord cSase — and sing the lay —
The lay of Liberty.
The rehd bondmen are set /rec —
The " woodman " has not spared the tree —
" Columbia is free! "
'Tis New Year's day— 'tis Freedom's day —
Shall brothers meet in bloody fray ?
No ! sing of Liberty —
Come patriot brothers ! swell the strain —
Brave soldieis join the sweet refrain —
" Columbia is free."
'Tis New Year's .day— 'tis Freedom's day-
Cur God holds undisputed sway —
The God of Liberty.
Speed the glad song! the strain prolong—
TiU o'er the sea it rolls along; |
"Colttmbia is free."

54 HiSTOET of Wells.
This day 0 God of Freedom!— bless—
Remember all our past distress —
And give us Liberty.
May we the gladsome strain prolong —
Till angels join the haUowed song —
" Columbia is free!"
This New Year's day — bowed hearts will pray —
Thinking of loved ones pass'd away
For Peace and Liberty.
Prayers wiU arise— unto the skies —
From hearts that gave a sacrifice
To make Columbia free.
This New Year's day— let each heart pray —
That all her stains be washed away —
She bless'd with Liberty.
Arise and shine — with light divine —
Tbe praise 0 Godf shall be thine
Who mak'st Columbia Tree.
Columbia's stains all washed away —
Crown Thou! her royal brow to-day? —
With Peace and Liberty.
Onr heart's best blood has wash'd her stains ;
Shout! (for the Lord Jehovah reigns)
Colombia is free!

Histort of Wells.

55

SELECTMEN.
Herein is annexed a list of the Selectmen who have served
in town since 1773, with the first and last years, and the
number of years of service.

a

g

E

a

a

1

NAMES.

u

'i.§

NAMES.

h

O
li
?^
1813
1816
i
Ogdon Mallory,
1773
1775
3
Benjamin Lumbard,
4
Daniel Culver, -
1773
1783
9
Benjamin Lewis,
1817
1818
2
Joseph Lawrence, -
l773
1773
1
Jared Francis, -
1819
1823
6
Abner How,
1773
1777
6
Joseph Park,
1820
1843
l7
John Ward,
1773
1773
]
Stephen Paul,
1823
1823
1
Zaccheus Mallory,
1775
1777
3
Seth Blossom, -
1824
1824
1
Caleb Smith, -
1775
1775
1
Aaron Tyler, -
18-25
1827
3
Caleb Lewis,
1775
1775
1
Frederick Pember,
1825
1827
3
Gideon Searls,
1778
1781
4
Elijah Button, -
1828
1829
2
Abel Merriman, -
1778
1790
3
Samuel Culver, Jr.,
1828
1829
2
Timothy Moss,
1779
1779
1
David B. Lewis,
1830
1838
9
Barnabas Moss, -
1780
1780
1
Amasa Rust,
1836
1836
1
Ebenezer Sumner, -
1780
1784
4
John Barden,
1837
1852
n
Joseph Spaulding,
1781
1781
1
Nelson Paul,
1839
1861
8
Beuben Searls,
1782
1784
3
Wesley Clemons, -
1839
1849
7
Isaac Andrews, -
1783
1783
1
WUliam Lamb, -
1839
1843
5
Joshua How, -
1784
1786
3
John S. Hulett,
1844
1855
10
Jehiel Beardsley,
1785
1786
2
Nathan Francis, -
1849
1853
3
Daniel Wyman,
1785
1786
2
John C. Hopson, -
1850
1854
4
Abner Cone
1787
1790
2
James Cox,
1854
1862
4
Samuel Lathrop, -
1787
1789
2
Allen Grover, -
1855
1857
3
Joseph Button, -
1787
1801
8
Winslow Goodspeed,
1855
1868
4
David Lewis, -
1788
180?
8
Henry Goodspeed, -
1856
1858
3
James Paul,
1789
1789
1
Orlin Lewis,
1858
1859
2
GiU Mallory. -
1791
1797
4
Alonzo^tevens,
1858
1858
1
David C. Blossom,
1795
1796
2
Wilder Lewis, -
1859
1859
1
Israel Johnson,
1795
1796
2
Calvin Farrar,
1859
1859
1
Andrew Clark,
1796
1818
14
D. A. Everts,
1860
1860
1
Azariah Darby,
1798
1799
2
Russell Pember,
1860
1S60
1
Josiah Goodspeed,
1798
1808
9
Alvah Mitchell, -
1861
1867
3
John Pray,
1802
1835
15
Darwin Hulett,
1861
1864
3
Jedediah Darby,
1804
1805
2
James Parks,
1862
1866
i
Elijah Park, -
1806
1807
2
Rodney Lewis,
1863
1863
1
Socrates Hotchkiss,
1808
1809
2
Phinehas Paul, -
1864
1864
1
Samuel Culver,
1809
1809
1
Marcellus Francis,
1864
1864
1
Simeon Park,
1809
1811
3
Darius Park,
1865
1865
1
Alona Rust,
1810
1811
2
Martin Park, -
1866
1866
1
Levi Lamb,
1810
1812
3
Nathan CrandaU,
1867
1867
1
Aaron Mosher,
1812
1819
8
Alfred Lewis, -
1867
1868
2
Raymond Hotchkiss, - _,
18ia
1827
8
B. F. Hadaway, -
1868
1868
1
56 Histort of Wells.

TOWN KEPRESENTATIVES.
We give below a list of those who have represented the
town in the General Assembly, since 1778 : Daniel Culver,
March 12th, 1778 ; Ithamer' Hibbard, October, 1778-9 ;
Barnabas Moss, 1780 ; Daniel Culver, 1781 and 4 ; Abel
Merriman, 1782, 8, 5, 6, 8 ; Samuel Lathrop, 1787, 9, 90,
1, 3, 5,6,7; Joseph Button, 1792, 4, 1811 ; Simon Francis,
1798, 9, 1800, 1, 2, 3, 5 ; Andrew Clark, 1804, 6, 7 ;
Samuel Mix, 1808 ; Ira Mix, 1809 ; Wm. Potter, 1810 ;
Aaron Mosher, 1812, 13, 14, 16 ; Shubael Lamb, 1815, 17,
1826 ; Ansell Goodspeed, 1818, 19, 20, 1, 9; Jared Francis,
1822-3 ; Seth Blossom, 1824, 5, 7, 8, 30 ; Wm. Potter, Jr.,
1831, 3 ; Caleb Munroe, 1832 ; Joseph Park, 1834, 5, 6 ;
Samuel Culver, 1837 ; Allen Grover, 1838-9 ; David B.
Lewis, 1840-1, 54; John Barden, 1842, 3, 4, 5, 60, 1;
John S. Hulett, 1846, 7 ; Harvey Parks, 1848, 9 ; John C.
Hopson, 1850-1 ; Nathan Francis, 1852-3 ; Nelson Paul,
1855, 6, 7 ; James Cox, 1858-9 ; Hiland E. Paul, 1862-3 ;
James Parks, 1864-5 ; Marcus D. Grover, 1866, 7, 8.

TOWN CLERKS.
We add here a list of the Town Clerks who have served
in town since 1773, with the number of years of service :
John Ward, 1773, 4, 5, 6 ; Caleb Smith, 1777 ; Nehemiah
Higbe, 1778 ; Abner How, 1779-80, 1 ; Isaac Andrews,
1782, 3, 4 ; Asa Osborn, 1785 ; Thomas Lathrop, 1786, 7,
8, 0, ©0', Elij^ Park, 1791, 2^ 3, 4, -6, 6, 7, «.; -Ansell"

Histort of Wells. 57
Goodspeed, from and including 1799 to 1845, making 46
years of continual service; Artemas Lewis, 1845-6 ; Wm.
Lamb, from 1847 to 1864 ; Rodney M. Lewis, from 1864 to
the present time.

CONSTABLES.
We give below a list of Constables from 1774 to the
present time, with the date of their service : Caleb Lewis,
1774; Ogden Mallory, 1775; Abel Merriman, 1776;
Samuel Culver, 1777, 8, 83, 4, 90, 1, 2, 3, (4, 5,) 6, 7, 8 ;
Reuben Searls, 1779-80 ; Joshua Culver, 1781 ; Joseph
Lamb, 1782 ; Shubael Sumner, 1785 ; David C. Blossom,
1786 ; Gill Mallory, 1787 ; Simon Francis, 1789 ; James
Dunscomb, 1799 ; Socrates Hotchkiss, 1800-1 , Ansell
Goodspeed, 1802 ; John Pray, 1803 ; David Lewis, 1804-5 ;
Seth Potter, 1806-7 ; Simeon Park, 1808 ; Reuben Lewis,
1809, 12; Joseph Lumbard, 1810, 11, 13; Aaron Tyler,
1814, 15, 16 ; Nathan Mitchell, 1817-18, 20 ; John
Broughton, 1819; Levi Thompson, 1821, 2, 3 ; Wm, Lamb,
1824 ; Jared Francis, 1825, 6, 7 ; Wm. Blossom, 1828 ;
Allen Grover, 1829-30, 1, 45-6 ; Apollos Hastings, 1832-3 ;
Hiram Hastings, 1834, 5, 6 ; Orlin Pember, 1837, 8, 9 ;
John Howe, 1840, 1, 2, 3, 4 ; Joseph Smith, 1847 ; Hiram
Francis, 1848, 9, 50 ; Barden Beals, 1851 ; Janes Hastings,
1852-3 ; James J. Rowe, 1854, 6 ; Charles Lamb, 1855 ;
Hiram W, Lewis, 1857, 8, 9, 60, 1, 2, 3, 4 ; Edgar Barden,
1865 ; Robert Wakely, 1866 ; Henry Clark, 1867-8,

INTRODUCTION TO BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

In preparing this work, many difficulties have attended us
in compiling the following family sketches of this town. Of
the early settlers, none are remaining ; and our facihties for
obtaining their hisotry are from the few of their descendants
that yet remain, and those are impaired by age, that a full
reliance cannot be placed upon their recollections of events
that have so long since transpired. But the means of which
we have been enabled to collect and arrange in the form of
a town history, has been a subject of many difficulties.
Over two years we have been collecting statistics of our early
settlers. We are aware that our labors are yet imperfect,
yet we still indulge ourselves in the hope that the good
citizens of this town will remember, that this is the first
attempt made by any of our citizens to gather facts relative
to its history. And a moments reflection upon this work,
they will pardon us of the errors and imperfections that may
occur. In the accomplishment of this work, we have devoted
much time and labor in order to have the following history
as correct as possible, and have endeavored to render it such
as to meet the approbation of its citizens.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

Alien, David B., came into town in 1825, from Whitehall,
N. Y. ; his wife's name was Mary Callender ; resided on the
farm now occupied by D. S. Parks. They had a family of
three children, viz : Emily, William and Mary. He removed
back to Whitehall in 1836, where he still resides.
Amidon, Davis, lived on the turnpike road in the West
part of the town ; he kept a public house several years ; his
wife's name was Anna Stocker. The names of the children
were Hannah, who married Benjamin Hadaway, of Poultney ;
Harriet married James Bennett, and moved West ; Annis
married a Mr. Taylor ; John and Mary both went West, and
Jackson who married Phebe, daughter of David Howe, of
this town. Mr. Amidon left town many years since.
Andrews, Joseph, came from Granville, N. Y., in 1801,
and resided in the West part of the town ; he married
Elizabeth Staples. He raised a family of four daughters :
Mary who married Wm. Sprague, by whom she had two sons
Elieda and Joseph ; Roxana who married Ozias Beebe, he
having died, she next married Stephen Clark, Esq., and after
his death she again married John L. Conant, of Pawlet, who
died in 1830 ; Amelia married Joseph Ensign, of Granville,
N. Y. ; Mehitabel married Richard Andrews of this town,
having two children, Richard and Abigail ; she with her
husband moved West. Mr. Andrews died in 1821, his wife
in 1829.

62 Biographical Sketches
Andrews, Isaac, was one of the first settlers in town ; he
was town clerk some years prior to 1790 ; his wife's name
was Mabel Messenger, and their children's names were
Isaac, Jr., Elisha, Mary and Mabel.
Atwater, Simeon, came into town in 1800, and lived in the
western part of the town, near where Mr. Henry Shaw now
resides. He first came from Connecticut to Pawlet, where
he lived a few years ; from thence to this town. The names
of the children were Daniel, Jonathan, Stephen, Abigail and
Hannah. Abigail had four husbands ; the first was James
Moody, the second was John Davis, the third was Caleb
Lamb, the fourth was Ransom Bateman, of Poultney.
Hannah married Ira George. No records of their deaths or
ages can be obtained.
Atwater, Daniel, married Lois, daughter of Asa Stevens^
and lived in town till his death, which occured in 1861 ; his
wife died the day before, and both were buried in one grave.
Their children were Linas, who now resides in Illinois ; Lucius,
who is now West ; David Socrates, who resides in Syracuse,
N. Y. ; Loisa, Nancy, Olive and Laura. Asa resides on
the homestead with his sisters Nancy and Loisa.
Atwater, Jonathan, married Sabrina Perry, of Middletown,
and Uved in town till 1832, when he removed to Middletown,
and resided there till his death which occurred in May, 1868,
aged 75 years ; his wife is still living. He left three sons
and two daughters, viz: Jonathan, Merritt, Philander,
Sabrina, and one name unknown.
Atwater, Stephen, married Patience Richards, of Poultney,
and now resides in Middletown. The children's names were
Lyman, who married Jane Gilman, of Wallingford, Vt. ;
Susan married Orange Campbell, now of Poultney, she died

OF Wells. 63
in 1849, aged 27 years ; Mary married Orlando S. Tenner ;
Sarah married George Ware ; both daughters with their
husbands reside in Morengo, 111. ; Esther married James
Palmer, and is now dead.
Barden, Bethuel, moved to Wells in 1816, on the Azariah
Derby farm ; his wife's name was Mary. His children's
names were Shubael, who now resides in Rupert ; John,
Polly, who married John Cross, and Lydia, who married David
Beals. Mr. Barden died in 1831, aged 69 years ; his wife,
in 1835, aged 69 years. Another son, named Felix, hved
in Savoy, Mass.
Barden, John, son of the above, married Susan, daughter
of Levi Lamb ; his sons names are Edgar 0., Adams L.,
Ferrin and Herbert E. ; the daughters were Mercy A., Mary
A., Almira, who died young, and Amelia. Edgar 0. married
Gertrude, daugther of Nathan Francis, and died in 1866,
aged 29 years ; he left two children, Helen and Frank.
Adams married Annette, daughter of Russel Lamb, 2d., and
resides in town. Ferrin married Emily, daughter of Samuel
Woods, of this town ; Herbert married Emily Harwood, of
Rupert, Vt. ; Mercy married Robert E. Wakeley, who, for
some years, lived in this town, died in 1867, his death was
caused by the falling timbers of a barn, which struck his
Lead and killed him instantly. Mr. Wakeley was a respect.
able citizen, inoflfensive in manners, industrious and honest.
Mary married Carlos A. Parker, and lives in town. Amelia
married Nathan. Spaulding. Mr. Barden has represented
this town several years in the Legislature, and for a number
of sessions has held the office as door-keeper of the House of
Assembly of the State, besides holding many different town
offices.

64 Biographical Sketches
Beals, David, married Lydia Barden ; he came from Plain-
filed, Mass., in 1816, and lived in town several years ; big
wife died in 1823, aged 27 years, by whom he had one son
named Barden ; he next married Sally Keyes, of Middle-
town. He removed to Poultney, where he died, in 1836, hy
being buried with earth while working in a well. His son,
Barden, married Eveline, daughter of Abel Parker, he now
lives in Poultney, occupied in the grocery business.
Beebe, Robert, married Abigail Martin, both from Con
necticut ; he was an early settler in the western part of the
town. The children's names were Ephraim, who married
Aseneth Hale ; Aaron married Clarissa Comstock ; Ozias
married Roxana Andrews ; Silas married Levina Clark ;
Robert and Sally. Mr. Beebe died in the year of 1813,
with the apoplexy.
Beebe, Ozias, family consisted of five children, viz : Levi,
who married Polly Simond, of Poultney, Vt., by whom he
had two children. She soon after died ; he next married
Electa Searls, of Whitehall, N. Y., by whom he had four
children : Joseph, Roxana, who married Robert Wilkinson,
who is now dead ; Henry married Lucy Cornish, of Poultney,
and John. Mr. Beebe died a few years since with the
cancer ; his widow still resides in town.
. Beebe, Martin, married Lucinda Huff, by whom he had
two children and moved West, his wife dying soon after, he
returned to Wells, where he died in 1841. Ozias, jr., went
West at an early day ; Harriet married Thomas Hall, of
Powlet, and is dead; Abigail married Amos Winchell, and
resides in town ; they have one son living, named Carlos.
Bellamy, Samuel, came into town at an early day ; his
wife's name was Margaret Woodard, both from Connecticut ;

of Wells. 65
he died in 1835, aged 78 years. His family consisted of
five children, three sons and two daughters ; the sons names
were Jared, Ahimen and Robert H. ; the daughters were
Anne and Hannah. Ahimen married a Miss Searls, of
Whitehall, N. Y., and left town nearly 40 years since;
Robert H. went to Maine, where he married and died in
1845, aged 37 years ; Anne married a Mr. Taylor, who
entered the U. S. service in 1812, and never returned. She
next married Lyman Nelson. Hannah married Sheldon
Geer, and died soon after.
Blossom, David, early came into town and settled on the
place now occupied by H. W. Lewis, one of the first pioneers
of this .town ; he came from Massachusetts. His family
consisted of three sons and one daughter, viz : David C,
WiUiam, Joseph, and Chloe, who married MUton, son of
Andrew Clark ; David C. married Lucy, daughter of Daniel
Goodrich, and resided in town until 1816, from whence he
removed to Pawlet ; children's names were Paulina, Anna,
Laura, David G., Hiram S., Henry and Bethiah; he died in
1868, aged 84 years ; his wife, in 1852, aged 65 years.
WiUiam married Phebe, daughter of David Lewis, and
resided in town until the year of 1832, when he left town and
has resided for the most part of the time in Pawlet ; his
family consisted of four children: Benoni, William, Joseph
and Rebecca. Joseph was a physician and practiced in
GranvUle, N. Y. Mr. Blossom left town in 1804.
Blossom, Peter, came with his brother David into town
and lived where Rodney M. Lewis now resides ; he was
twice married; by his first wife he had two sons, namely:
Seth and John, and one daughter named Hannah, who
married Seth Potter, Sen. John went west at an early day,
5

66 Biographical Sketches
Mr. Blossom was a privateer in the American service during
the Revolutionary War, and used to pride himself by relating
some of his feats, both bold and daring.
Blossom, Seth, married Nancy Bidwell, from Pawlet, and
resided iu town until his death, which occured in 1859 ; he
was a man that was blessed with worldly goods, but left no
children to inherit his estate by heirship. He was Repre
sentative from this town several years. His wife died in
1864, aged 77 years.
Brookins, PhUetus, married Desire Ashley; came from Poult
ney in 1828. The following are the names of his children :
James who married Saphrona Smith of Middletown, and now
lives in Wisconsin; Alfred and Albert (twins) the former re
sides in Wisconsin, the latter married Amoretta Hutchins,
and lives in town, Lucy married the writer hereof ; Emerilla
married William D. Clemons, and resides in Dorset ; Eliza
married Daniel Merrills, who died in 1853, aged 35 ; Sally,
married Alexander G. Clemons, she died in 1854, aged 27 ;
Laura married Melancton Duel of GranvUle, N. Y. Mr.
Brookins died in 1849, aged 65, his widow stUl survives at
the age of 84.
Bent, Earl P., from Mount Holly, resided several years
on Bod-fish hill so called. His wife's name was Lepha
Clark ; the children were Clark, who married Ann Pepper;
Henry married Catalina, daughter of Danforth Dean ;
Saphrona married Levi Munson of Poultney ; Ilona married
Ashbel Pepper of Pawlet ; Mary married Charles Goddard,
who left town some years since.
Bowe, Amos, from Middletown, Conn., was an early set
tler, and lived a short distance from Pond Bridge; he was
twice married. By his first wife he had three children,

OP Wells. 67
Titus, Amos and Emily ; Titus married Sarah, daughter of
Michael Clemons, she died in 1821 ; he then moved West;
Amos went west while, young and died in Harmony, Chat-
auque Co,, N. Y,, a few years ago aged 66, Emily went
west where she married. By his second wife he had four
children, Obadiah A, Abner, Rebecca, and Esther Ann ;
Abner left town some forty years since and is dead, Mr,
Bowe was a first class scholar for those times, A lover of
literature. In his religious sentiments he was an Episcopa
Uan. He died in 1844, in the 74th year of his age. His
widow and daughters left town soon afterwards.
Bowe, Obadiah A., was born in town in 1807 ; in his
younger days he sought to be a Printer, and by permission of
his father, he obtained an apprenticeship in the Northern
Spectator office, at Poultney, Vt., and for a time he was
with Horace Greeley, learning the art of printing. After
serving his time he went to New York city and continued his
occupation as Printer for some time. He afterwards became
Editor of several periodcals. He was a violent anti-slavery
man, and delivered many speeches and lectures for the cause.
He was a poet, and his compositions were extensively circu
lated and published. He died in 1859 while employed in
the Sun office in New York city, aged 52.
Broughton, Samuel, was an early settkr from Connecticut;
his wife's name was Rachel Dowd, by whom he had two chil
dren: Sophia who married John Parks, and Emilia who went
to Ohio and was married. Mr. Broughton moved to Moriah,
N. Y., in 1825, and died there in 1864, aged 95. He was
noted for his love of litigation, so much so that he became
the terrbr to the community in which he lived. It seemed to
be his ruUng passion during his long life. He won an impor-

68 Biographical Sketches
tant suit when nearly 90 years old. As a neighbor he was
always ready to assist or help when needed. He was often
troubled with a lung difficulty, and so impressed was he, that
if he could get the heart of a rattlesnake and swallow it, it
would relieve him and cure him of his complaint. It so hap
pened as Mr. Joseph Parks was going to meeting one Sabbath
from his house to WeUs, he chanced to kiU a rattlesnake ; at
that instant Mr. Broughton chanced to come along, and re
quested Mr. Parks to get the heart of that snake for his own
use. Mr. Parks extracted the heart as requested and put it
stUl beating into Mr. Broughton's hand, the first attempt was
too revolting, but his second trial was a complete success,
this was in 1821. But he always averred that he was effect
ually cured by swallowing the heart of the snake.
Burton, Henry C, from Granville, N, Y,, in 1860, his
wife's name was Sarah Pierce. They have a famUy of two
sons, whose names are Charles C, and George.
Broughton, John, brother of Samuel Broughton, came
early into town, and lived on the farm now occupied by
Hiram Francis. He married Betsy McGraw of Mass. The
family consisted of nine children : Thomas, Carlos who went
west whUe jpuiag; Lorrin who married Sally Johnson; Patty,
Eunice, Parmelia, CaUsta, who married James Hamden of
this town; Sally who married Henry Mosher of Tinmouth,
and another son named Darwin. Mr. Broughton with his
family left town in 1828.
Button, Matthias, came with his son Joseph to reside in
town in 1785, He married the widow of Joshua Howe and
died in 1811, aged 79,
Button, Joseph, son of the above, settled in the north east
part of the town, on the farm that Nathan Francis now owns.

of Wells. 69
Being then an unbroken wilderness. He came from Nor
wich, Windham Co., Conn. His wife's name was Sarah Glass,
The names of the children were, Rufus, Joseph, Elijah, Polly
married a Mr. Butts, Phebe married Eliud Smith of Gran
vUle, N. Y, , Eunice married Enos Lewis of this town; Lury
married Elijah Herrick also of this town; Sally married John
Bently of Granville, N, Y,, Charlotte married Zachariah
Lathrop, both of whom died in 1795, on the same'day and
were buried in the same grave, leaving a daughter named
Cynthia, Mr. Button was Justice upward of 40 years ; a
member of the Legislature two years. His wife died in 1821;
he afterwards married Betsy, widow of Simeon Parks; he
died in 1826, aged 73,
Button, Rufus, married a Miss Page, and lived in Middle-
town until 1827, he then moved to Westfield, Chatauque Co.,
N. Y.; he raised a family of fifteen children. He died in
1854, aged 80.
Button, Joseph Jr,, lived on the homestead of his father
till 1833, when he sold and moved to Harmony, Chatauque
Co., N, Y, He married Polly Gifford of this town, by whom
he had seven chUdren. Alvin married Lodema, daughter of
Jesse Dowd of Poultney; Benjamin married Harriet, daughter
of Rufus Button of Middletown, who moved west in 1828,
and died in 1836, aged 31 ; Lucius who married Almira,
daughter of Levi Lamb of this town; Joseph F. and Osmond,
The girls were Ruby, who married Ezra Wightman, and is
dead; Almira who married Keyes Limzey, they moved to
Wisconsin, Mr, Button died in Harmony, N. Y,, in 1859,
aged 79 ; his wife in 1867, aged 84,
Bryant, Jonathan, married Sally Perkins and moved in
town at an early day, and Uved east of the Howe place. Hia

70 Biographical Sketches
chUdren were Lucy, who married Truman Stevens; Eli and
Levi who were twins, and went west ; Julia, who married
Jonathan Morse and is dead, and Roxana. Mr. Bryant died
nearly fifty years since, his widow and Roxana moved to
Chester, N. Y., many years since.
Button, Elijah, married Rhoda daughter of David Ward,
and resided in town until 1830 ; he then removed to Chat_
auque Co., N. Y. Their children's names were John, Char
lotte, Esther, Sally and Chloe.
Butts, Ebenezer, from Canterbury, Conn., county of New
London, came into town about the year 1787. He married
Prudence Glass. He settled on Butt's hill, so called in com
memoration of his being the first settler in that part of
the town. He reared a family of seven children, viz: Rufus,
. who married a Miss Hazleton of Middletown; Nathan married
Betsy, daughter of James Hall ; Ezra who went west at an
early day; James married Lydia daughter of Matthew Hall
of this town ; Sally married PhUo Hall ; Asenath married
Daniel Hubbard of Middletown ; Sybil married Joel Francis
of WeUs. Mr. Butts ^died nearly 40 years since, his wife
died some years before, neither monument or record are left
to ascertain,their ages.
Buxton, Eliphelet, from Danby, Vt., in 1820; he first mar
ried a Miss Hulett of Pawlet ; she died leaving one son
named Benjamin, who lives in Danby. He next married
Maria, daughter of Amos Tooley. The family consisted of
ten children, John who is now living in Pennsylvania; Amos
who married Orrilla Wait of Middletown and resides there ;
Hiram married Emily, daughter of Nathan Francis and went
to Wisconsin, and died there in 1855; Samuel married
Emily Hulett of Pawlet, and resides in town ; J ames K.

OF Wells. 71
who is in Hebron, N. Y.; Harriet married a Mr. Woods of
Danby, and resides there ; Julia Ann married Oscar Sprague
of this town ; Amanda married Henry Hubbard of Middle-
town ; Sally married Horace Clark of Pawlet ; Fanny who
died in 1862. Mr. Buxton died in 1859 aged 69, his wife in
18 .
Castle, Tracy, from Pawlet, lives on the Pond road leading
from the bridge to Poultney. He has raised a large family,
his son Charles D. enlisted in 1862, and died in service.
His mother receives a pension; one of his daughters married
Albert Culver, who also was in the Union service, and was a •
good soldier. He met with a fatal accident in repairing or
fixing a pocket revolver ; it chanced to discharge, the ball
entered the ball of his hand, and lodged in his wrist, infla-
mation set in, which terminated his existence in a few days.
He was a son of Mr. Erastus Culver, late of Pawlet; another
daughter married Rodney Chittenden, and is mother of
seven children. And one other daughter married Walter
Scott. Clark, Andrew, from Cheshire, Conn., came to town in
1790, his wife's name was Mary Robinson. He settled in
the west part of the town on the west street road so called ;
his family consisted of ten children. John, Milton, who mar
ried Chloe Blossom, and moved west at an early day near
Buffalo, N. Y. Lurenda married Ira Mix, who also moved
west; Mr. Mix was representative in 1808. Mehitabel
married WUliam Wyman, he died leaving a family of five
children, Lorinda, Lois who died in 1821; Semantha,
WUliam, and a son's name not known. She afterwards mar
ried David Ward Sen,, who died soon after, she next married
Benjamin Rider, who also died in 1824; she then moved west

72 Biographical Sketches
to Chatauque Co., N. Y,, where she died. Andrew jr., who
married Sophia, daughter of Ansell Goodspeed, Lois, who
married John Blossom; Augustus who went west when young;
Polly who married Samuel Culver, jr.; Sylvester who died in
his 8th year of the canker-rash; Freelove who married
Samuel Hyde of Poultney, and is living, her age is 91. Mr.
Clark died in 1819, aged 64, his wife in 1841, aged 87.
Mr, Clark was a selectman 14 years.
Clark, John, son of the above, lived on the place that
Russell S. Wells now occupies; his first wife's name was
Nancy daughter of Elijah Park, by whom he had two chil
dren, Linus and Anna; his wife died in 1808; he next mar
ried Polly Farewell of Poultney, by whom he had one
daughter named Lucy who married Russel S. Wells, by
whom she had two chUdren; she died in 1860, Linus mar
ried Adeline, daughter of Zurial Lewis of Poultney; they had
two chUdren, both are now dead, Anna married David
Lawrence of Weybridge, by whom she had four chUdren.
Julia who married Halsey Goodrich ; Mary who married
Raymond H. Lewis; Dwight who died of consumption a few
years since, and David who went to Michigan, Mrs, Law
rence died some years since in Michigan. Mr. Clark died
in 1845, aged 66, his wife in 1839 aged 56.
Clark, Stephen, one of the early settlers, resided in the
western part of the town on the farm now occupied by Henry
Shaw; he married Patience Grannis, both from Connecticut.
Their children's names were Luman, who died in 1809;
Stephen L, married Polly, daughter of Daniel Church;
Lovina married SUas Beebe; Patty married David Lawrence
of Weybridge, Vt.; Lydia married Stephen Barbour of
WhitehaU, N. Y.; Eather married Jared Thompson ;. they

OP Wells, 73
resided in town some years and then moved west ; they had
three children: Jared, Orah, and Fanny; Betsy married Ira
Brownal of WUliston, Vt, Mrs, Clark died in 1809,
Shortly after Mr. Clark married widow Roxana Beebe, by
whom he had one son named Bishop. Mr. Clark was a
Justice of the Peace a number of years and in the early part
of his life he was a teacher, and was long remembered as to
his manner of reading and spelling; he died in 1827. Bishop
his youngest son when in his 17th year, was engaged with
David B, Lewis in felling a tree to repair his cider mill,
when Mr, Lewis's ax came off from the helve and entered
the young man's thigh causing his death in a few hours ; no
blame was attached to Mr. Lewis.
Clark, Roswell, came from Cheshire, Conn., he married
Thankful Hotchkiss. They came on horseback with all their
effects, and settled a few miles north of his brothers ; he
lived there a few years and then bought the place where his
son Hoel now resides, and lived there until his death which
occurred in 1837, aged 75. Mr. Clark's second wife was a
widow Cook of WeUs. By his first wife, who died in 1809
aged 50, he had the following children : Hubbard, Amos,
Clarissa, Rozina, Julia, Polly, Roswell, Hoel and Minerva.
Hubbard married Sally Mallary and removed to Walworth
Wayne Co., N. Y., and afterwards to Michigan, Amos
married Hannah, widow of Abel Clark, and went to Poult
ney, and is dead. Clarissa married Wm. Martin of Poultney,
and now lives in Wyoming N, Y.; she was thrice married.
Rozina married Loren Smith and femoved to western New
York. Julia married Horace Potter ; they also went west.
Polly married Prince Goodspeed, and moved to Sardinia, N.
Y., she has since died. Roswell married Rebecca Good-

74 Biographical Sketches
speed of Pawlet, and now resides in Hampton, N. Y., he has
raised a family of three sons and one daughter : Hoel,
Edmund, Thomas and Sylvia. His wife died in 1852, aged
52. Mr. Clark is a devoted member of the Methodist
Church. Hoel married Jemima Smith of Pawlet, and raised
one chUd, Mary Jane, who married Hiland Paul. Mr.
Clark purchased the first piano introduced into town. Min
erva married Isiah Gray of Middletown ; she afterwards
married Horatio Dana of Bennington, Vt, Mr, Clark by
his second wife had three children : Thankful, Laura, and
Prince ; she with the two youngest removed to Panama,
Chatauque Co., N. Y.
Clark, Andrew, jr., his family consisted of eight children:
Rufus, Ira, Sylvester, Henry, Andrew, Hermon, Judson
and Mary, two are now living in town, viz : Henry, who
married Eliza Thompson of Granville, N. Y., Sylvester mar
ried Cordelia, daughter of Joseph Parks ; he has one son who
now resides in GranviUe, N. Y., and keeps a drug store, he
married Fanny Martling of WhitehaU, N. Y.
Cole, Anthony, resided in town several years, andjived on
what is called the Cole lot, now owned by Russell Pember.
He removed west in 1813. His son Enos married and left
town in 1825, also a daughter named Rhoda, who went west
and was married.
Grossman, WiUiam, moved into town in 1796, and lived
on the place now owned by Michael Cullen. He commanded
a company in the revolutionary war ; he married Eunice W.
Lewis ; his children's names Avere Jacob L., Pamelia, Wm.
jr., all born in town. He left town many years ago. He
was one of that Spartan band who fought heroically for the
independence we now enjoy.

OF Wells. 75
Church, Daniel, resided on the place now owned by James
F. Cone, near the bridge named after said Church. But
little is known of his family. As near as we can learn he had
one daughter, who married a son of fctephen Clark ; he left
town nearly sixty years ago.
Cook, Seth, from GranvUle, N. Y., came to town in 1857.
He married Catharine Richardson, by whom he has reared a
large family. Hannah married Frank Johnson ; Diantha
married Edson Whitney, who enlisted in the union service in
1862, and died in service; she afterwards married Reuben
Lampson, and now resides in Peru, Vt.; Mary married Otis
Ma«on and resides in Williamstown, Mass.; Richard married
Lorette A., daughter of Moody Roby, and resides in Man
chester ; Nathan R. married Isabella A., daughter of James
F. Cone, and resides in town ; Amy H. married Shubael Bar
den of Rupert ; Franklin married Florence, daughter of
Robert Parks of Wells ; Roxie, Alzina, Merritt, and Louisa.
Clemens, Thomas, came into town in 1783, and settled in
the eastern part of the town. His wife's name was Mehitabel
Colburn, both from Worthington, Mass. The chUdren's
names were Michael, Joel, Colburn, Mehitabel and Betsy.
Clemons, Michael, married Eunice, daughter of Joshua
Howe, and settled on the homestead of his father. He
raised a large family ; Wesley, David married LoriUa Hill of
Pawlet, and lives in Canton, N. Y. John married PoUie
Downie of Pawlet, and lives in lUinois ; WiUiam A., Polly
married Hira Law, son of John Law, and moved to Le Roy,
N. Y.; Sarah married Titus Bowe, son of Amos Bowe and
died in town in 1822, aged 34 ; Rhoda married Adolphus, son
of KUes Paul of Royalton, Vt.; Eunice married KUes Paul
jr., of the same place, and now resides in lUinois. Cynthia

76 Biographical Sketches
married Johnson Stevens of Enosburg, Vt,, and is now
living, Cordelia married John Lewis, and resides in
Poultney, Clemons, Wesley, son of the above married Lucretia Smith
of GranvUle, N. Y,, and resided on the homestead of his
father. He was a useful and worthy citizen, holding the
office of Justice for many years, also holding various town
offices almost continually until his death, which occurred in
1849, A worthy member of the M, E, Church, he was a
delegate of the Constitutional Convention in 1834, In
driving some sheep a short distance from his house, he fell
dead instantly ; on a surgical examination the aorta, or main
artery leading from the heart, had become ossified, which
with additional exercise caused his death. His age was 46;
he left a family of eleven children. Henry who married
Amanda Perry of Middletown, and removed to California
some years since ; Stephen P, who now resides in Rutland ;
Emery and Wesly, The girls were Eunice, who married
Tolmon Howe; Marion who married Montgomery P, Frisbie,
resides in Illinois, Sarah married Nathan Barlow, they
also reside in Illinois, Lucy married Daniel Culver of
Poultney ; Susan, Delia Ann, and Annis, the three last with
Emery and Wesly removed with the widow to Marengo,
lUinois. Clemons, Joel, lived on the place now owned by Hiram
Francis. He married Betsy Brewer of Dedham, Massachu
setts. Their family consisted of 9 children, two sons and
seven daughters, viz : Asa, Thomas, Lydia, who married
Nathaniel West, and died in 1823, age 27, Patience mar
ried James Sumner of Middlebury, Vt.; Lucy married Zal
mon Hall of this town ; Anna married tTabez D. Perry of

OF Wells." 77
Middletown ; Hannah married Washington Perry of Middle-
town, and is dead ; Bethiah married Daniel Pettis, who re
moved west. Orrilla married James Brewster, they went
to Michigan where she died. Mr. Clemons died in 1831.
Clemons, Asa, married Mary Dimon of Argyle, N. Y.
The children were, Wm. D., who married Emerilla daughter
of PhUetus Brookins, and Uves in Dorset; Alexander
G. married Sally Brookins, sister to the above, she died in
1855, aged 27, leaving three children, Henry, Mary Jane,
and Sally E.; he next married widow Eliza MetrUl, by whom
he had two children, Fred and Alice. Joel who lives on the
homestead, Mary who married Andrew Perry and lives in
Poultney ; Celia married Fred Nourse of Melrouse, Mass.,
and now resides there ; Louisa married a Mr. Cowen of
Boston, she died in 1865. Mr. Clemons died in 1865, aged
76 ; his widow still survives.
Clemons, Thomas, married Angeline Starkweather, and
lived on the place now owned by Franklin Haddaway. He
had one son named Merritt. He moved to Chatauque Co.,
N. Y., in 1845.
Clemons, Thomas M. son of Kilborn Clemons, married
Mary, daughter of Ormund Lamb, late of this town and
reside in the eastern part of the town.
Clemons, WiUiam A., married Eunice McCreep of Green
wich, N, Y,; children's names were Martin V, B., who enlisted
in the union service and died while in the army. Hugh went
prior to the rebellion to reside with his sister in Georgia, but
was conscripted into the rebel service, and there compelled
to fight his union friends till the battle of Gettysburg, when
he deserted and come to the union Unes ; Martha married a
Mr. Ives of Georgia, where she stiU resides ; Sally married

78 Biographical Sketches
Newton, son of Chauncy Howe ; and Jennet. Mr. Clemons
moved to Luzerne, N. Y., in 1850, and now resides there.
Cox, James, from Pawlet, was twice married, his first
wife was Electa Perkins of Pawlet, his second wife was
Lovina, daughter of Whiting Grover of this town, by whom
they have one daughter named Carrie. He was a member
of the Legislature two years ; he removed to Poultney in the
spring of 1868.
Cone, Enoch, from Poultney in 1829, married Miss Parly
Lindsey of this town, by whom he had one daughter named
Jane, who married Socrates H. Goodspeed of this town. His
next wife was Ann Dowd of Poultney, she died in 1862, age
59. He next married widow Hagar of Middletown, she died
in 1867. Mr. Cone now resides in town at the age of 73.
Cone, James F-,from Poultney in 1852, married Hannah,
D. daughter of Elijah Parks, and lived on the Lindsey farm
so called. The chUdren are James F. jr.. who married
Helen BaUard of Poultney; Judson F., Enoch E., and Edson
E. The daughters names are IsabeUa A., Hannah D., and
Laura E. Isabella married Nathan Cook and lives in town;
Hannah D. married Albert H. Lewis, also of this town.
Laura E. died some years since from a disease of the heart.
Cook, GUes, came into town about the year of 1780 ; he
settled about one fourth of a mile east of the village; his wife
was a" Miss Francis ; his chUdren were Charles, Francis mar
ried Susan Roback, by whom he had a son named Lucius,
and a daughter named Lury. Benjamin married Eunice,
daughter of Ansel Goodspeed, and moved to Chatauque Co.,
N. Y. EUzabeth married Enoch Cone Sen., of Poultney.
Susan married Charles Tripp and went west ; and Rebecca,
Mr, Cook went west more than sixty years ago.

of Wells, 79
Cobb, Willard Capt,, from Pawlet 1821, and resided three
years, the children were. Burr, Rice, Hartley and Marietta,
He removed to Fort Ann, N. Y., in 1824,
Cone, Abner, was one of the earliest settlers in town, and
lived on the place now occupied by James H, Parks, then an
unbroken wilderness. He was compelled to pen his sheep
every night to keep them from being devoured by the wolves.
His children were Abner jr., who married Fathie Leffingwell of
Middletown ; Enoch married Elizabeth Cook, Noah, Lydia,
Rachel, Polly, John and Joseph.
Cowdry, William, came into town in 1787, and settled in
1794 on the place we now occupy. The name of his wife
was Rebecca Fuller, both from Conn. He remained in town
till 1809, he then went to Middletown ; his wife dying, he
again married and lived several years in Poultney, from
thence he went to Ontario Co., N. Y.. The chUdren were,
Warren who married Patience Simonds of Pawlet; he was a
Physician and practised as such in Wells and Pawlet several
years, and afterwards went west. Stephen, Erastus, Dyer,
Lyman, Oliver, Sally and OUve. Both of the daughters went
west, married, and joined the Mormons. Oliver the youngest
son, was the scribe for Joe Smith, the founder of the book of
Mormon. Smith being illiterate was incapacitated to write
his wonderful revelations, employed this Oliver Cowdry to
perform the duties of a scribe. We well remember this same
Oliver Cowdry when in our boyhood, the person who has
figured so largely in giving to the world the wonderful reve
lations that many dupes seek to follow. He attended school
in the District where we reside in 1821 and 1822. He
then went to Palmyra, N. Y. There with Joe Smith and
others in translating mormonism. This book contains 588

80 Biographical Sketches
pages, and also the testimony of three witnesses, Oliver Cow
dry, David Whitmore and Martin Harris, that "They know
that these books have been translated by the gift and the
power of God, for His voice hath declared it unto us.
Wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true."
Cowdry went with the Mormons to Kirtland, Ohio, where he
published periodicals espousing their cause. Cowdry followed
the deluded Mormons no further than Ohio. He adhered to
their tenets, but turned his attention to the practise of the
law, and went to Wisconsin.
Judge Frisbie, in his history of Middletown, writes at con
siderable length concerning the origin of Mormonism, that
it took its rise in Middletown from a class of persons denomi
nated as "rodsmen," and that one Winchell or Wingate, a
refugee from justice in the eastern part of Vermont, and
sought his abode in back or secluded places, and that he
spent one winter with this same WUliam Cowdry, whose
sketches we are now giving, and that Cowdry was connected
with them. We have taken considerable pains, if the state
ments of the Judge could be verified. We find that Win
chell did reside with Mr. Cowdry in the winter of 1799 and
1800. Two men of this town by the name of Benjamin and
Joseph Lillie were connected with this crew of impostors, for
we can call them by no other name. There was a man
named Mr, Harmon, who lived under Pond Mountain, who
was so infatuated, that the money they were seeking was
put there by two Spaniards, and that he often see them in
the air. We received a letter a few days since from an old
lady who was born in this town and whose veracity is beyond
reproach. She is now in her seventy-ninth year. "Mr.
Parks, sir, I have read your letter and will answer your

OF Wells, 81
request as far as I know them. As for Mr, Cowdry's people,
I know but little about their history. The first of them,
they were living on a place above where Capt. Parsons lived.
They lived there all the whUe we lived in Vermont ;
after we came away his wife died of consumption, and he
married again a woman living in Middletown, so he moved
there, but I do not know as he ever lived in Poultney, I was
born in the year '90, and it must have been when I was 10
or 11 years old, when the rodsmen were there; I was about
11 when we moved away from there, and Mr, Cowdry's
oldest child, Warren, was but a little older than me, so I
think OUver — he was the youngest — was not in being at that
time ; if any one was engaged in it, it must have been the
old gentleman ; I rather think it was, but won't be positive.
This money was thought to be put there by the Spaniards ;
old Mr, Harmon, who lived down under Pond Mountain, was
extensively engaged in it ; he could see the Spaniards at
work in the day time, in the rocks ; they came in the air ; I
think Mr, Hubbard, that married Prudence Butts, was one ;
not a word must be spoken while digging for money ; if they
did the money would fly away. There was an old Mr. Fry,
who lived down by Mr. Howe's ; he was digging one day
alone ; he came on to one box and he got it out, but it was so
heavy he could not lift it, so he went for some one to help,
and when they returned the box was gone ; he supposed the
Spaniards got it ; they could often strike their spades through
on to tho boxes, but before they could be excavated they
would move away ; it was like going to the bottom of a rain
bow for a treasure. One Sunday they came into our house ;
I saw their rods, all made of witch hazel so they would turn
in their hands and point where the money lay ; then they

82 Biographical Sketches
went and looked Train (Pine) HiU rocks all over, in every
crevice ; they scrutinized it well but found no money ; but it
took years for it to die out ; there were men from Middle-
town engaged in it ; they had quite a number of rodsmen
engaged in the business. Nancy F. Glass."
Where the old lady, speakhig of Mr, Harmon, the same
was corroborated by Joseph Parks, as to Mr. Cowdry being
connected with the rodsmen, as stated by Judge Frisbie, we
had it verified by Joseph Parks and Mrs. Charles Garner
of Middletown ; that part of the letter speaking of Mr, Fry,
we have heard the same told by the widow of John Francis,
who was, at the time, Mr, Fry's nearest neighbor,
A young woman by the name of Ann Bishop suddenly
disappeared ; she lived at that time on Rust Hill ; she wag
last seen near the State line ; the rodsmen gave out word
that she was murdered and was put in the pond, and by their
rods they found where she was deposited, and a day was
appointed to drag her mortal remains from the watery deep ;
the day came, the rodsmen assembled in full convention, and
the place thoroughly hauled, but the body could not be
obtained ; they gave up in despair and left for their homes.
In a short time Ann Bishop returned. The greater portion
of the rodsmen were from Middletown, with one Woods as a
leader. It would interest any one to read the history of
Middletown ; we think the ideas of the Judge would be coin
cided by every impartial reader.
Cross, Josiah, moved into town near the close of the last
century ; his wife's name was Betsy Miles ; he settled on
the north part of the farm now owned by Calvin Farrer ; his
family consisted of the following names : Reuben, who went
to Hague, N. Y. ; John married Polly, daughter of Bethuel

OF Wells, 83
Barden ; Jackson, who married Emily, daughter of Aaron
Mosher, Esq. ; Orrin, Polly, Betsy, and Hannah who mar
ried Calvin Merrills ; the whole family moved to Roxbury,
Vt., in 1833,
Cross, Samuel, brother of Josiah, came into town at the
same time ; his chUdren were Daniel, Samuel, and Judith ;
he removed to Remson, N, Y,, over fifty years since.
Culver, Daniel, came and settled in town in 1771, Among
the early records we find there were Titus and Caleb, who
were original land proprietors of the town, but whether they
ever moved for a permanent settlement we are uninformed ;
Joshua and Samuel came and resided here ; there was a
daughter named Catherine who married Ebenezer Welto.i in
1775, the first marriage in town on record, Mr, Daniel
Culver was the first representative elected to the General
Assembly from this town.
Culver, Samuel, son of the above, settled on the place
now owned by Henry McFadden, then an unbroken wilder
ness ; by perseverence and industry he acquired a good
property. His family consisted of five children : Roger,
Samuel, Sarah who married Alvin Lumbard, Amanda mar
ried David B. Lewis. Mr. Culver dealt largely in wild land
by buying the rights from the original proprietors ; he planted
the first nursery in that part of the town and reared an
abundance of fruit, for which he reaUzed a large profit. In
his politics he was a democrat, a firm supporter of Jefferson
and Madison. A Universalist in his religious belief. He
held many responsible town offices, and was many years
Proprietor's clerk. He died in 1831, aged 83; his wife
in 1841.
Culver, Joshua, came in town at the same time with hig

84 Biographical Sketches'
brother Samuel, and settled on the place now owned by
James Norton. We can obtain no further information of
the history of his family ; there is no monument or record by
which we can gain any information.
Culver, Samuel, Jr,, married Polly, daughter of Andrew
Clark, by whom he had five children, viz: Chalina, who
married Benjamin Lewis, Jr., Erastus, Samuel 3d, Daniel
and Seth ; she died in  ; he next married Miss Curtis
of Rupert, by whom he had three children, Sylvester, John
and Polly E, ; Erastus married Amanda, daughter of Joshua
Potter of Pawlet, and lived on the Titus F, Cook place in
Pawlet, where he died in 1865, aged 52, Samuel married
Betsy, daughter of Joshua Potter, and now resides in Pawlet,
where he has reared a large family ; Daniel married Lucy
Clemons and resides in Poultney, Mr, Culver moved to
Wisconsin in 1848, accompanied by the three last children.
Seth went to St, Lawrence Co,, N, Y, Mr. Culver died in
Wisconsin some years since.
Culver, Rogers, succeeded to the homestead of Joshua
Culver, The following are the names of his family : Horace,
who married his wife in WUliston, Vt,, and moved West ;
Lura, who unfortunately became deaf ; Amanda married a
Mr, Gregory of Pawlet, Mr, Culver moved to Michigan in
1832. Dart, Ebenezer, was a resident in town several years ; he
was in the revolutionary war throughout, and received a
pension therefor. His wife's name was Hannah Pratt. He
died near fifty years since.
Davis, John S,, from GranviUe, N, Y,, in 1815 ; his wife's
name was Tryphena Olds ; he reared a large family, viz. :
John married Lois Smith, Clarendon, Vt.; George married

OF Wells. 85
Flavina Woodworth of GranviUe, N. Y. ; Stephen died in
1867, in Argyle, N. Y. ; Ira married Lura, daughter of
I. D. Beardsley ; Cyril married Barbara Moody of this town,
and resides in GranvUle, N. Y. ; Polly, Annis, Lucretia,
Sarah, Tryphena, Esther married John Rowe of this town,
and Betsy who married Orsamus Huff. Mr. Davis served
in the Revolution, and received a pension for many years
preceding his death which occurred in 1845, aged 96.
Dean, Danforth, from Pawlet in 1840, married Narcissa
Pepper, also from Pawlet; his occupation was a bricklayer
and mason ; he raised a family of five children, viz : Simeon,
Phipps, Danforth, Seth, Jane, and Catalina. He died iu
1856, aged 72,
Derby, Azariah, from Connecticut, and settled on the
farm now owned by John Barden, Esq, ; he left town in
1816 ; he married Susannah  , also from Conn, ; the
children's names were Chester, who married a Miss Church
of Pawlet ; Azariah, Jr,, married his wife in Middletown
(name cannot be obtained) ; Susannah married Guy C.
Newell of Tinmouth, and died shortly after, and was buried
in this town, aged 17, in the year 1805 ; Orilla married
Jedediah Derby, Jr., and Letitia, who was unmarried. The
family moved West.
Derby, Jedediah, came with .his brother Azariah, and set
tled east of the Methodist meeting house in East Wells ; he
married widow Elizabeth Carey, also from Connecticut. The
children's names were, Jedediah, Jr,, married Orilla Derby ;
John married Laura, daughter of John D. Beardsley, then
of this town ; Nathan married Harriet Beardsley, sister of
the above ; Betsy married Abijah Paul of Tinmouth ; Polly
married Waterman Perkins of Middletown. Mr. Derby

86 Biographical Sketches
moved West in 1816, where his wife soon after died; he
then married the widow of Simon Francis, daughter of the
late Samuel Lathrop of this town.
Farrar, Calvin, moved into town in 1832, and hved on the
Josiah Cross place ; he came from Rupert ; he married
AbigaU, daughter of Shubael Barden ; the names of the
chUdren were Lydia Ann, who married K, C, Thompson,
and lives in town ; Ellen, who married Merritt Woods ;
PhUetus, who married Annis Jones of Rupert ; Emmet, who
married Sarah Jane, daughter of L. D, Lewis, and Seymour.
They all reside in town,
Fenton, Walter, married  Cone, and Uved on the
farm now owned by Enoch Cone, He reared a family ; one
daughter named Laura, married David Howe ; another, named
Aurora, married Benjamin Goodspeed ; the sons were Abner
and Noah ; Abner married Polly, daughter of Stephen Good-
Speed ; ho went to Ohio, leaving one son named Franklin ;
Noah resides in Poultney,
Fenton, Franklin, married Laura Ann, daughter of
Alfred Munson, and resides on the premises formerly occu
pied by Dr, Joseph Munson, and carries on the carriage
making business,
Francis, Nathan, came from WaUingsford, Conn,, in 1783,
and with him came three brothers, viz : Jonathan, who marj
ried AbigaU, daughter of Abel Merriman, and soon after
died ; another, named Hezekiah, died soon after coming to
Wells, and Joel, noticed below. Nathan married Miss
Abigail Thompson, also from WaUingsford, and settled on
the place now possessed by widow Lucinda Francis ; he
raised a large family, viz : Lola married Alvin Goodspeed ;
Polly married a Mr. Smith of Castleton ; Sally married a

OF Wells. 87
Mr. AUen of Whitehall, N, Y, ; Lucinda Amanda married
Roswell Woodworth, and one son named Jared, Mr, Francis
had nearly completed his dwelling house, and went to Poult
ney to obtain glass and other materials for its finish, was
taken sick and died in Poultney ; this was in 1794. His age
was 42. Jared, his son, married Temperance, daughter of
Jacob Sykes of Pawlet ; two sons and four daughters were
the fruits of their marriage. Nathan, Alvah, who was acci
dentally shot by the careless use of firearms at a meeting to
count the game of a squirrel hunting party, where the writer
now resides ; he was in his thirteenth year ; EmUy married
Perrin Lewis, in December, 1825, and died in November,
1826, in the 20th year of her age, deeply lamented ; Lucina
married Winslow Goodspeed, Jr. ; Emeline married Jonathan
Francis of Middletown ; he died some years after. She next
married Robert R. Woodard of the same town. By Mr.
Francis she had one daughter named Temperance who mar
ried Cephas Stone, and has moved West, and one son.
Delia married Martin Parks and resides in town. Mr.
Francis' wife died in 1827, aged 39. He afterwards mar
ried widow Lucinda Coy of Middletown. He died in 1846,
aged 61. The widow lives with her daughter in Castleton.
Mr. Francis was a member of the legislature two years,
besides holding various town offices. Nathan married Harriet,
daughter of Enoch Cone of Poultney, and resides on the
Joseph Button farm, so called. He reared a family of seven
children ; Arcus, who died in 1853, aged 20 ; Marcellus ;
Emily, who married Hiram Buxton who died in 1855, in
Wisconsin. She returned home and afterwards married
George Hadwin of Danby, where she now resides ; Ellen
married MUetus, son of Nelson Paul, Esq., and lives in

88 Biographical Sketches
Middletown ; Gertrude married Edgar 0, Barden, and is a
widow ; Cornelia and Eliza, who died in 1861, aged 14.
Mr. Francis was representativ-e from this town in the legisla
ture of 1852 and 1853 ; he has held the office of Selectman
and Overseer ; Marcellus, his son, married Elizabeth Lyon
of Danby and has three children, Malon, Hattie and Georgie.
He resides near his father's,
Francis, Joel, married Sybil Butts, by whom he had three
chUdren, James, Joel Jr., and Elizabeth, his wife dying in
1809 ; he next married Clarissa Colvin of Manchester, sister
of the Colvin said to be murdered by the Bourns in Man
chester. By this marriage there were the following children :
SybU married Thomas Pratt, and died in 1838, aged 37 ;
David, who married Zilpha Stevens ; she died in 1849, he
stUl remains a widower ; Hiram lives in town, on the John
Broughton place ; he, for a number of winters; was a school
teacher, and held the constable's office several years ; Samuel
married Laura Lincoln of Poultney, and lives in Middle-
town ; Daniel resides in town, at his trade making carriages
and cutters. Clarissa married Aaron Stevens and lives in
town, Francis, John, from WaUingsford, Conn,, in 1783, married
Sarah Blakeley ; then a wUderness from Goodspeed's saw
miU to the east line of the town. We have heard Mrs.
Francis state that they crossed Mill Brook from the saw mill
spoken of to where the Joel Clemons house stands, to the
number of fourteen times. They raised a large family ;
Hannah marrid Joshua Parks ; Esther married Zachariah
Emory of Lysander, N. Y. ; Sylvia married Palmer Frisbie
of Middletown ; Mary married Consider White of Tinmouth.
Dosia married a Mr. Butts of Lysander, N. Y. ; Nicy mar-

OF Wells, 89
ried John Mosher of Tinmouth ; Sally married Lemuel Fuller
of Middletown ; John Jr, married Harriet Stevens of Mid
dletown, and moved West in 1829, Mr, Francis moved to
Middletown, and died in 1813 ; his widow afterwards mar
ried Robert Hotchkiss of this town.
Francis, Simon, brother of John, came from Wallinsgford,
Conn. He married Elizabeth Lathrop, daughter of Samuel
Lathrop, Esq. He was a member of the Legislature several
years. He moved West, where he died several years since.
Some of his descendants stUl remain there.
Fuller, Timothy, came from Barnstable, Mass., in 1794,
and settled on the farm that Hiram Francis now owns. He
married Mary Rider, and raised a large family, all of whom
have left town, Mr, Fuller was an inoffensive and withal an
honest man, and often became a victim to his credulity, by
beUeving others to be as honest as he himself was. One
circumstance we wUl relate. He, in company with Erastus
Coy of Middletown, and Azariah Derby, Jr., took turns to
watch bears that infested a certain cornfield. A staging
was buUt in the centre of the field ; it being on a side hill
it was a considerable distance from the top to the ground on
,the lower side. It was Mr, Fuller's turn to take his position
on the staging one night with his gun to watch the wUy
intruder, Mr, Coy loaded the gun, but the charge was a
large quantity of powder but no buckshot, and told Mr,
Fuller if he heard a cracking among the brush, he must
shoot, even if he did not see the bear, Mr. Coy crept slily
to the edge of the field and commenced breaking some dry
sticks across his knee. The noise soon raised Mr. Fuller up
to a sitting position, and bringing the gun to his shoulder to
give bruin a good reception. He waited a moment to hear

90 Biographical Sketches
the noise again ; in a moment the .brush cracked ; no sooner
than heard, he pulled the trigger, and in an instant Mr.
Fuller found himself and gun several feet in the field below
the stand ; the report soon brought some to the spot and
inquired if he had killed the bear, Mr. Fuller was not
certain that he had been fortunate enough to kiU the bear,
but thought the bear would have been in more danger had
he been at the other end of the gun.
Fry, Levi, came into town in 1783, and lived in the eastern
part of the town. He was a believer in the rodsmen's hum
bug. It was he who pretended to find the chest of money
alluded to by Mrs. Glass (see Cowdry's sketch). He died
about the year of 1820.
Fry, David, brother of the above, had one son named
David, who married Almira, daughter of Jesse Doud of
Poultney. She died in 1823, leaving one daughter named
Almira. Next he married Relief Pierce by whom he had
three chUdren, James, Benjamin and Mary ; the two last
live in Conn. ; James was killed in Poultney a few years
since by the falling of a tree. Mr. Fry married a widow
Mary Robbins for his second wife. She came into town with
her husband in 1778 ; she was of Dutch descent. They
buUt their hovel a few rods east of Pond Bridge, near an
alder swamp. We have heard her relate about the starving
time in 1789 ; she would go to the pond and catch some fish,
dress and cook them before the fire, adding a little salt ;
this constituted her daily meals for some time. She died in
1841, aged over 90. She had one daughter named Maria, who
married a Mr. Kilborn of Poultney. They moved to Rupert
and lived in that part of the town called Clark Hollow ; it
tvas there she chased and treed a bear with a chUd in her

OP Wells. 91
arms, and watched Bruin till some neighbors came and killed
him ; we had this from her own mouth. She died in Mid
dletown in 1866, aged 93,
George, King, lived in the eastern part of the town. He
married Mary Hall, daughter of Mathew Hall, He had
two sons, Ira and Eli, who died young ; his wife died in
 . He next married a widow Dimon of Argyle, N, Y,
He had a step-son named Anson Nichols ; he enlisted in
1823 in the naval service of the United States, under Com
modore Porter, in his expedition against the pirates, and
never returned. Ira married Hannah, daughter of Simeon
Atwater, and resides in town. The chUdren were Margaret,
who married Charles Aldice, of GranviUe, N. Y. ; she died,
leaving a daughter named Minnie; Mary C. , who married
David Logan of Washington City, where they now reside ;
Emily, who married WUUam Cooper of GranviUe, N. Y. ;
they reside in town. Mr. Cooper served with credit in the
late war.
Geer, Alby, lived in the south western part of the town ;
his wife's name was Cynthia Bennett, of Pawlet. He raised
a large family of chUdren ; Temperance, Elias married
Lovina Paul; Cyrus married Lucy, daughter of Phineas
Lamb ; Cromwell, Alphonso Alonzo ; Sheldon married Han
nah, daughter of Samuel Bellamy ; Polly, Lucy and Lotie.
With the exception of Cyrus the children all left town. Mr.
Geer died about fifty years since. Cyrus resided in town
until his death, which occurred in 1862. His son Seth
married Laura, daughter of Walter Lewis ; she died soon
after. He next married Mary Pierce of Pawlet, by whom
he had two chUdren. He enlisted in 1862 in Co. B, 14th
Reg. Vt. Vols., for the term of nine months. He was in

92 Biographical Sketches
the battle of Gettysburg ; whUe in service he contracted a
disease from which he never recovered ; he died in 1863,
soon after he returned home, aged 33. His widow after
wards went to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.
Glass, Rufus, from Connecticut in the year of 1786, settled
on the farm now owned by J. J. Rowe. His wife's name was
Huldah Fuller. He had a family of eight children ; Rufus,
who married Abigail Webb ; William married Jerusha,
daughter of Gould Styles of Middletown ; Polly, who was
unmarried, and died in Marengo, IU.; Arunah, who married
Sarah Smith ; AUce, who married Gould Styles jr. ; she
died in 1810 ; Susanna married Solomon Brown ; Lucinda,
who married Elijah Pray ; Roxana, who married Oliver
Smith of GranviUe. N. Y. Mr. Glass and his wife both
died in the spring of 1813, with the epidemic.
Glass, Arunah, lived on the homestead of his father until
1855, when he moved West to Marengo, 111. He had two
sons, Rufus and Henry. Rufus married Louisa Glass of
PavUlion, N. Y., both of whom went with their father West.
Mr. Glass died in 1860, aged 64. His son Henry married
Betsy Hulett of Granville, N. Y.
Glass, Samuel, from Connecticut in 1786, married AbigaU
Munger, and resided on a farm adjoining his brother Rufus.
His family consisted of Anthony, EH, Calvin who married
Lura Cone of Poultney; Eunice who married a Mr. Wood-
worth, Ruby, and Charlotte who married Elieda Sprague ;
Anthony died of consumption when young ; Calvin moved
west in 1817, and is now Uving in Henderson Grove, IU. ;
Charlotte is a widow and lives in Rupert, Vt. Mr. Glass
died in the Spring of 1813, and his wife in 1834, aged 76.

OF Wells. 93
She was a woman of kindest feelings, and her attentions to
the needy and sick wUl long be remembered.
Goodspeed, Josiah Sen., came into town 1794. He mar
ried Jemima Blossom. He came from Barnstable, Mass.
His family consisted of Ansel, Josiah jr., Alvin, Sylvia who
married Samuel Goodspeed ; Hannah who married Timothy
Nye. Mr. Goodspeed and his wife lived together nearly
sixty years, and both died in the spring of 1826, each of the
age of 79.
Goodspeed, Ansel, came into town in 1794 ; he married
Lydia Marston ; the names of his children were Eunice, who
married Benjamin Cook ; Sophia married Andrew Clark jr.;
Oliver married Laura Collins of Clarendon ; Clarissa married
Septon Smith ; Prince married Polly Clark, who is dead ;
Sally married David Cooper and moved to New Hampshire,
and is dead ; Lydia married Alvah Mitchell and now resides
in town; Peter, Amanda married Abel Parker, jr., and is
dead ; Paulina married Ethelbert Lewis ; Socrates H. mar
ried Jane Cone, and moved to lUinois several years since ;
Ansell jr. married Abba, daughter of Steven Goodspeed.
Mr. Goodspeed was town clerk forty-six years ; for many
years a justice of the Peace, a representative two years.
He was one of God's noblest work — an honest man ; he was
kind, even to a fault. He died April 15th, 1847 ; his wife
in 1850, aged 80. •
Goodspeed, Peter, son of the above, was a young man of
promise, and was highly esteemed and respected by his
acquaintances ; but his life was cut short by a most melan
choly accident on the 4th of July, 1821 ; in jumping out of
a wagon he broke his leg ; care, all that could be bestowed
upon him, was rendered ; his hmb was amputated but of no

94 Biographical Sketches
avail; he lingered a few days in direst agony and then died,
aged 21.
Gifford, Gershom, moved to Wells in 1786, and settled on
the place now owned by Hoel Clark ; he married Miss Thank
ful Wightman ; he came here from Bennington ; his father's
house stood on the ground where the battle was fought ; the
family took refuge in the cellar to shield them from the bul
lets, but their stay was short ; they were soon obliged to
leave, as the house took fire in height of the battle, and was
consumed. Mr. Gifford died in 1795 ; his children were
John, Samuel, David, Sally, and Polly who married Joseph
Button jr. Mr. Gifford's widow afterwards married a man
by the name of Kennedy, and had one daughter by the
name of Anna ; she died in Poultney in 1837, aged 85.
GUlet, Jonathan, was one of the first settlers in the
eastern part of the town ; he settled on a lot a few rods
north of the residence of Franklin Hadaway ; he had two
sons and one daughter ; one of his sons lived and died in
Tinmouth ; his name was PhUarmon. Mr. GUlet came to
his death by falling off from a hay mow upon a rake stale
standing upright against the mow ; the force of his descent
caused it to enter his body which kUled him instantly.
Gibbons, Garret, from Ireland, married Mary Meeua, and
resides on the Shubael Lamb farm ; he had three chUdren,
James, who married Joanna Dobbin ; Mary, who died in
1869, aged 15, and John.
Goodrich, David, came into town in 1832 ; he came from
GranviUe, N. Y. ; he reared three children : Orrin, who
left, a few years after coming to town ; WUliam married
Abba, daughter of Benjamin Lewis, by whom he had three
children; Edwin, who is now a merchant in Fairhaven;

of Wells. 95
Rensselaer, who lives with his brother ; Melissa married
George Carter ; Mr. Goodrich's daughter Julia married
Benjamin Giddings of Poultney, where they now reside.
Mr. Goodrich died in  , aged 74.
Grover, Calvin, married Nancy Leach of Middletown;
the children were Cyril, Mary who married Merritt Lewis of
this town ; James B., WUUam and Martha. William enlisted
in the Union service in 1861, a member of Co. F, Harris'
Light Cavalry, N. Y., and died in service. Mr. Grover
moved to Middletown some years since.
Grover, Lyman, married Aseneth, daughter of the Rev.
Shubael Lamb of this town, and now resides in town. He
has no family.
Goodrich, Daniel, was an early settler on the west street,
so called, on the farm now occupied by Ira Goodspeed ; he
married Bethiah Shepherd ; he reared a large famUy :
RosweU, George, Daniel jr., Ilalsey, Viana, Ruth, Lucy,
Hannah and Laura. Roswell lived in town several years
and buUt the grist mUl now occupied by OrvUle Goodrich,
in the year of 1808. A few years after, he sold his mill
and left town, George and Daniel went to WUliston, Vt. ;
Halsey resided on the homestead till the year of 1833. He
then purchased the grist mill that was built by his brother
RosweU, which he owned tiU his death in 1857, aged 60.
He married Julia Lawrence of Weybridge, Vt. ; he had a
family of five chUdren ; OrviUe, who occupies and owns the
miU ; Adna and Anna died ; Mary and Erwin H. ; Viana
married Raymond Hotchkiss, and died in 1804, aged 24 ;
Ruth married Albmarle WUUams ; Hannah lived unmarried,
and died in 1865, aged 72 ; Lucy married David C. Blossom,
and died in 1852, aged 65. Laura married Lucius Cook,

96 Biographical Sketches
and resides in Chatauque Co., N. Y. Mr. Goodrich died in
1826, aged 74 ; his wife in 1826, aged 67.
Goodsell, Daniel, settled on the farm now owned by D. S.
Parks, then an unbroken wilderness. The foUowing letter
we received from Mrs. Nancy F. Glass, a daughter of his,
and we copy it entire ; she now resides at Marengo, IU. :
" In a very early day, grandfather Isaac Goodsell went to
Wells, Vt., and purchased land, settled on it, calculating to
make that his future home ; but soon the Revolutionary war
broke out, and the depredations of Indians were fearful, so
he returned with his family to Washington, Conn., where he
formerly resided ; his wife's name was Elizabeth How. In
the year of 1787, Daniel Goodsell, his son, came to take
possession of those lands ; he married a wife in old Canaan,
Conn. ; her name was Abiah Dean ; he moved his wife and
chUd to Wells in the year of 1788, where he resided sixteen
years ; he had a family of six children ; his mind then
set for the west ; he sold his possessions, moved to Honeoye,
Ontario Co., N. Y., where he Uved tiU he was 61 years old,
when he departed this life ; his wife remained tiU she was
76. The chUdren were scattered over a considerable terri
tory. The, oldest son, Hiram, died in Ohio, at the advanced
age of 74 ; two died in Richmond, Ontario, one in infancy,
three yet living ; Beebe is in Iowa, near the City ; his age
is 72; and two are living in Illinois, one at the advanced age
of 78, and the age of the other is 66. A little incident
occurred soon after Mr. Goodsell went there to live ; one
evening as he was walking up from Wells city to his resi
dence, between Pond Mountain and Moose Horn, the road
dark and narrow, densely studded with pine, beech and
other foliage, a bear presented herself before him, dancing

OF Wells. 97
about, asking for a supper; soon another came behind him;
he told them to look out, and be off, and away with them
selves; they would stand upon their hind paws, and fall at
full length before him, and often changing their positions
around him, almost touching him as they passed ; he kept
scolding at them, and he finally thought if he could reach a
feunch of shingles, which was lying by the roadside, he could
scare the bears ; he finally pressed his way onward till he
reached the shingles; he accordingly drew two from the
pack and made them snap Uke a pistol; the bears were
frightened and ran up Pond Mountain, making the rocks and
stdnes rattle ; he soon reached his place of abode in safety,
thankful that he had escaped so awful a death. But several
of these voracious animals had to pay the penalty of death
where he set his deadfalls ; they were caught and poor
Bruin had to die. Pioneers of a new country have many
perils to undergo. One year there was a great scarcity of
bread and all kinds of vegetables, and it seemed as if many
would starve before harvest ; one woman rubbed out rye for
herself and children, with her own hands, then boiled it, for
three weeks ; then came the harvest ; Mr. Goodsell brought
a bushel of wheat from Shaftsbury to Wells on his shoulders,
by which his family did not suffer, as many others did.
When my father moved to Wells, he moved in with Mr.
Elijah Parks, lived there till he built a house* on his own
land ; there they lived like two brothers till he moved to the
west. Now I have done, and have written this imperfect
sketch with my own hand which is trembling, my eyes
faUing, the silver chord is loosening, and the pitcher broken

*This house is still standing.
7

98 Biographical Sketches
at the fountain ; and I about 78, shaU soon go to my long
home. I was born in Wells, in the year '90.
Nancy F. Glass."
To Mr. R, Parka,
Goodspeed, Winslow, from Barnstable, Mass., came to
town in 1794 ; married Lydia Merchant of GranviUe, N. Y.;
she died a short time after ; he next married Vinsa Swift ;
he raised a large famUy : Jonathan S., who resides in Gran
ville, N, Y,, Winslow, Aaron who is a physician and resides
in GranvUle, N, Y,, Almon who lives in town, Norman,
Abel, and Gad ; none of the last reside in town ; the latter
went to Ohio and died there ; the daughters were Lydia,
Vinsa and Persis ; Lydia and Vinsa died with the consump
tion ; Persis resides in town, Mr, Goodspeed died in 1842 ;
His wife in 1868, aged 90, Mr. Goodspeed was a teacher
of music, and chorister, in the early days of this town,
Goodspeed, Winslow jr,, married Lucina, daughter of Capt,
Jared Francis, and resides east of the vUlage ; his family con
sists of the following, viz : Frances L., who married Phineas
C. Paul, and died in 1863, aged 23 ; WiUiam and WaUace
(twins) ; Leonora, who married Andrew Green of GranviUe,
N, Y, ; James, George S., and Franklin, Mr. Goodspeed
has held various town offices, and discharged his duties with
attention and promptness. He owns the saw-mill on Mill
Brook, so called, and also a turning machine from which an
extensive business is carried on.
Goodspeed, Alvin, lived on the place now owned by WUder
Lewis ; his wife was Lola, daughter of Nathan Francis ; she
died in 1852, aged — ; the chUdren were: Alma, who
married Hiram Hastings, now of Chicago, 111. ; Polly mar
ried John Rust, and moved to Ohio in 1837 ; Sylvia married

OF Wells. 99
John Potter ; Lola married James Bigart of Pawlet, and is
dead. Mr. Goodspeed went west to Wisconsin some years
ago, and is stiU living ; he had one son named Alvin, jr.,
who resides with him.
Goodspeed, Ira, son of Stephen Goodspeed, lives on the
Daniel Goodrich farm ; he married Mary Capon, from Sara
toga Co., N. Y. ; he has a family of two chUdren.
Goodspeed, Henry, married Hannah McCreef of Green
wich, N. Y. ; the children were : Malvina, who married D. M.
Hulett ; Catherine married Joseph Potter of Granville, N. Y.;
Henry, Marsena, and Luna who married Abner Perry.
Goodspeed, Josiah jr., married Susan Marston ; he, with
the rest of the Goodspeed families, came from Barnstable,
Mass. ; the children were : Clemon, Benjamin, Ira went
west, Owen, Anson, Minerva who married Jacob Sykes of
Pawlet ; he died in 1836, aged 42 ; she next married Samuel
Woods of this town ; CaroUne married Aaron Haskins of
Tinmouth ; they went west ; he soon after died. Mr.
Goodspeed and his wife went west nearly twenty years ago,
and both are dead. Clemon married Sally Hudson of St.
Lawrence Co., N. Y. ; the children were : Charlotte, who
married Horace Green of Middletown ; Malinda married
Obadiah Kelley of Danby ; Lorancy, Minerva, Albert and
Henry ; the four last, with the parents, have recently gone
to Illinois. Benjamin married Aurora, daughter of Walter
Fenton, and reared a family of seven chUdren, viz : Ira,
Laura, Collins, Eunice, Ann, Eugene, and Juliet, Mr.
Goodspeed went west nearly twenty years since. Owen
married Paulina, daughter of 0. B. Hulett of Danby, and
went to Wisconsin in 1854, where he now resides. Anson
lives in lUinois.

100 Biographical Sketches
Goodspeed, Stephen, from Barnstable, Mass,, in 1794,
married Polly Howard ; they reared a famUy of chUdren ;
their names were : Thaddeus, Leonard who married Nancy
McCreef, and now resides in Tinmouth ; Henry, Ira, Polly
who married Abner Fenton, by whom she had one son named
Franklin ; she died a few years since ; Sally married Levi
Capen ; Betsy married Samuel Hawley, late of this town ;
Abba, who married Ansel Goodspeed jr,, and resides in
Pawlet. Mr. Goodspeed died in the spring of 1845, aged
69 ; his wife in  . Another daughter named Orpha
married Charles Howe of this town.
, Goodspeed, Thaddeus, married Esther McCreef; they
have two children, Jane Ann and Cornelius.
Green, Ebenezer, settled on the farm now owned by
Franklin Hadaway ; he married a widow, a sister of John
Burnham, sen,, of Middletown ; he had one son named
George, and a daughter named Charlotte ; they both went
west ; Mr, Green left town at an early day.
Gray, David, from Arlington in 1794, and settled east
of the Rider farm, then a wilderness ; he married Sally Cole ;
the children were : Harry, who was a member of the legis
lature from Arlington in 1853 ; Richard, Fedro, Polly,
David, Lyman, and Harriet who married Joseph T, Sherman
of Danby, and died of the consumption in 1812, Mr, Gray
left town in 1813.
Grover, Nathaniel, from Massachusetts, settled in the
eastern part of the town, near the first of the present cen
tury ; he married Betsy, daughter of Thomas Clemons ;
they reared a family of eight children : Whiting, WUliam,
AUen, Lyman and Calvin ; Relief married Benjamin Lincoln
of Poultney; Elizabeth married Charles Lamb now of Mid

OP Wells. 101
dletown, and is dead. Lucinda married Reuben Robison of
Poultney, and is also dead. Mr. Grover was twice married ;
his second wife was widow Lovina Cox ; she died in 1865 ; his
first wife died in  ; he died in  , Whiting married
Nancy Adams of Manchester, They had two chUdren, Lo
vina married James Cox of Wells ; Catharine L. married
Alfred Lewis of this town, WUliam married Harriet daugh
ter of Joshua Paul of Tinmouth, Their children were
Lyman J, married Henrietta Weller of Chester, N. Y, ;
Joshua P, who married a Miss Vail of Danby, and Luna
who died young, Mr, Grover and sons now reside in Hn-
mouth, Grover, Allen, married Rachel, widow of Samuel Harndon,
her maiden name was Crane, she was a resident of Poultney.
Their family consisted of three children, Luthera, Allen C.
and Mf^rcus D. Mr, Grover was a teacher eleven winters
of common schools. He also carried on the mercantUe busi
ness upward of thirty years, he held the office of Selectman
Constable, &c,, several years. He represented this town in
the State Legislature two years, Luthera married W, H
Hull, and lives in town ; Allen C, is a physician and
practices as such in town ; Marcus D, is a lawyer, and has
represented this town in the Legislature three years, the
youngest ever elected in town. Mr, Grover died in 1865
aged 63,
Hadaway, Benjamin, from Poultney, resided in the western
part of the town. He married Hannah daughter of Davis
Amidon ; the children were : Helen married Stephen Chellis ,
FrankUn, George, Edward, Thankful, Mary, Charles and
Henry ; Franklin married Semantha Thompson, and lives in
town, and has a son ; George married Thankful, daughter of

102 Biographical Sketches
David Howe, and has a family of five chUdren ; AddeUa,
David, Frederic, Edna, and one name unknown. He resides
in town, Mr. Hadaway with his family lately moved to
Rupert. Haynes, Doct. Backus H, from Middletown in 1841, mar
ried Emily McClure of the same place. He continued in
practice till the year of 1855, he then removed to Granville,
N. Y. He now resides in Rutland,
Hastings, Heman, come from Pawlet in 1827, and lived in
town until 1837, when he moved to Wisconsin ; Heman, jr,,
married a Miss Scrapie of Middletown. He died a few
years since in Middletown ; Hiram married Alma daughter
of Alvin Goodspeed, he removed to Chicago where he still
resides ; Apollos married Nancy Hulett of Pawlet, he lives
in Milwaukee, Wis. ; Charles married a daughter of the late
Rev. Palmer Dyer, and lives in Wiscqnsin ; Janes married
Amanda daughter of D. B. Lewis, and now resides in Bran
don ; and a daughter who married Seth Potter, Jr.
Hall, Matthew, from Stratford Conn., came to town in
1804, married Mary Baker ; Zalmon married Lucy daughter
of Joel Clemons ; Anna married Luther Peck ; Loruma mar
ried Isaac Nichols; Mary married King George ; WUliam
married a wife near Lake George ; Cloe married Daniej
Shaw of the same place ; Philo married Sally daughter of
Ebenezer Butts. Mr. Hall moved to CaldweU, N, Y,
HaU, James, settled in town in 1790; he married Betty
daughter of Joseph Lamb ; they had three chUdren : Abner
who married and moved to Tunbridge, Vt,; Betsy who mar
ried Nathan Butts ; Rhoda married -John Lewis, Mrs,
Hall became insane, by which the family was separated.

OF Wells. 103
Mr. Hall left town soon after. His wife lived with her
relatives untU the winter of 1813, when she died.
Hall, Zalmon, married Lucy, daughter of Joel Clemons,
and lived in town many years. He now lives on the line
between Poultney and Wells. He has reared a large family ;
Joel, who was drowned in 1852, aged 35 ; Matthew, Milo,
Thomas, who resides in Poultney ; Lucy, Hannah, who is
dead, and Eliza. Mr. Hall is 76 years old, and to whom we
are indebted for many subjects of our sketches.
Herrick, Elijah, lived on the western parts of land now
owned by Joshua How, He married Lucy, daughter of
Joseph Button, The following are the chUdren's names ;
Emily, who married Duncan McCall, and lives in town ;
Pamelia married Itharner Stevens, and lives in Illinois ;
Caroline married John How, and resides in Salem, N, Y, ;
Abba, Delia and Ephraim left town and are married, Mr.
Herrick died with the consumption. His widow lives in
Salem, N, Y,
Hopson, John C, came from WaUingsford, Conn., and was
an early settler of this town. He was twice married. His
first wife was Persis Swift, by whom he had six children :
Almon, John C, jr., Oliver, Raymond H., Persis and Almira,
Oliver is an Episcopal Clergyman, He studied for a time
with the Rev. Stephen Jewett, of New Haven, Conn, A
few years after he was ordained as Doctor of Divinety; for
several years past he has alternately preached in Wells and
Poultney. He has recently removed to Connecticut, Persis
married Col, Amon Bailey, of Poultney, now deceased ;
Almira married Califf Monroe, of Poultney, He formerly
resided in this town, and was Representative to the Legisla.
ture in 1832,. Mr. Hopson's second wife was widow Betheah

104 Biographical Sketches
Lewis, by whom he had two children, Orrin and Bethiah,
who resides in Connecticut, His first wife died in 1811.
His second wife in 1840, aged 60 years. He died in 18 — ,
aged 87 years.
Hopson, Almon, resides on the hill west of the little pond.
He married Clarisa Chandler, of GraijviUe, N. Y,, by whom
he had two chUdren, Persis C, and Almon C, Clarisa
married Mr, Hosford, of Poultney, he died a few years since.
Almon C. resides in WhitehaU, N. Y., his wife died in 1827.
He next married Esther, sister of his former wife, by whom
he had three chUdren ; Heber, who died young ; Edwin, who
resides in WhitehaU, and EUen, who married Joseph Lewis,
who died recently in Poultney. Mr. Hopson has held several
official stations in town, has also been employed as a school
teacher over twenty winters almost in succession. We
remember him as our first schoolmaster in the winter of 1817.
Hopson, John C, jr , res-ided South of his brother Almon ^
untU about a year ago, he moved near the village. He
married Louisa, daughter of Benjamin Lewis. His chUdren
were Caroline, who married  Colvin, then of Poultney,
but LOW resides in Pawlet ; Warren married and left town }
Henry married a Miss Sprague, of Poultney, daughter of
George W. Sprague. Mr. Hopson represented this town in
the Legislature two years, and held various town offices
besides. Hopson, Raymond H., lives in the viUage. He formerly
carried on the blacksmithing business until his health became
so much enfeebled, that he was compeUed to relinquish the
business. Since, he has been in the grocery business. He
married Hannah Irish, of Danby, The children were Oliver
and Almira, OUver married Helen E. Cook, of Hydeville,

OF Wells. 105
and resided several years in New York, but returned the
last season to Wells, where he lives with his father. Almira,
a young lady of much promise, feU a victim to the most
direful disease, the consumption, in 1864, in the 19th year
of her age. Mr. Hopson has also held many town offices
with abihty and credit.
Hotchkiss, Socrates, Dr., came from Cheshire, Conn., m
1795. His wealth consisted of one horse and forty dollars
worth of medicine. He commenced his practice as a
physician soon after he came to town. He soon won the
reputation of being a man of skUl in his profession; his
practice was extensive, not confined to his own town, but in
adjacent towns. He resided with Samuel Lathrop, Esq., a
short time, and won the affections of the family, especiaUy
Bethiah, whom he soon after married. He built the house
now occupied by D. M. Hulett. By this woman he had two
daughters ; Laura, who married Jesse Tryon, jr., of Pawlet,
•and Sally, who married Harlow Hosford, of Poultney, where
she still resides. His wife died in 1803, aged 24. He next
married Mary Ann Doolittle, aunt to the Hon. J. R.
Doolittle, of Wisconsin, by whom he had two daughters;
Bethiah, who married Joseph Leffingwell, of Middletown,
and Mary Ann, who married Dr. Sylvester G. Mattison, also
of Middletown. Doctor Hotchkiss died in 1810, aged 36,
deeply lamented. His life was cut short ere it had reached
its zenith. With the exception of Mrs. Hosford, the family
left Vermont for the far West.
Hotchkiss, Robert, came into town in 1796, and settled
near the Lathrop place, on lands now owned by Alva Mitshell.
lie resided there until 1810, when he moved to- the north
eastern part of the town, on the farm now owned by Michael

106 Biographical Sketches
Mooney. He was thrice married ; first, to Hannah Hotch
kiss, by whom he had three chUdren : Raymond, Oliver and
and Malenda. The two last went to Ohio, By his second
wife, he had one daughter named Hannah D.,who married
Elijah Parks, jr. Her name was Lucy Matthews, a widow.
Mr. Matthews died while serving in the revolutionary war.
Mr. Hotchkiss died in 1829, aged 75. His wife in 1821,
aged 73. He served in the revolutionary war, and was with
Montgomery at the taking of St. Johns. His third wife was
Sarah, widow of John Francis. She died in 1834, in Mina,
N. Y., aged 76.
Hotchkiss, Raymond, married Viana, daughter of Daniel
Goodrich ; she died in 1804, aged 24. He next married
Polly P., daughter of Jason Tyler, He lived some years on
the Cowdry farm, and moved to Pawlet in 1830 ; in 1837,
he went to GranvUle, N, Y., and lived there until his death,
which occurred in 1855, aged 76 ; his wife in 1861, at
Castleton, aged 76, They raised no family. Mr. Hotchkiss.
served as Captain, under Col, Martindale, six months in the
war of 1812, He filled many different town offices, and was
justice several years. He was elected justice in Granville,
in 1849, when over 70 years old.
Howe, Joshua, came from WaUingsford, Conn,, in 1783,
and settled on the place now owned by his grandson Joshua.
He buUt the first grist mill in town. He married a Miss
Blakely of the same place ; his cliUdren were, David ; Asa,
who married Eunice Buck, sister of the Hon, D, A, A.
Buck ; Samuel, Joseph, Joshua ; Ruth, who married Sam
uel Stevens ; and Eunice who married Michael Clemons.
Mr. Hoive was noted for his placidity of temper, never
known to be excited, let what would come. In raising his

OF Wells. 107
grist miU, he stood near a post, and as it entered the mortice
the end of the post came upon his toes and held his foot
firmly, he spoke to his son Joseph in his usual moderate
manner, " Joseph get the iron bar and raise up this post, I
should like to get out my toes from under it." He died in
1800. His widow afterwards married Matthias Button.
Howe, Samuel, married a widow Herrick, and settled on
the western part of the old homestead of his father. The
children were : Samuel, jr., who went to the war of 1812,
and never returned; Charles, Chauncey, (twins), Joshua,
Abigail and Avis ; Abigail still resides with her brother
Joshua; Avis married Orrin Spaulding, and lives in town f
Chauncey married Achsah, daughter of Samuel Stevens ,
Charles married Orpha daughter of Stephen Goodspeed,
they removed to Luzerne, N. Y., over 20 years since ,
Joshua resides on the old homestead, he married Betsy
daughter of John Reynolds, by whom they had three chil
dren ; Pherorus who married Lucetta daughter of John
Lewis, and lives with his father; Joshua jr,, and a daughter
who was accidentally drowned a few years ago, Mrs.
Samuel Howe died a few years since at the advanced age of
98 years.
Howe, Joseph, married Annis daughter of Kyles Paul of
Royalton, and resided on the homestead of his father, Joshua.
His chUdren were: Joseph, jr., Jerry, John and Tolman;
Joshua married Thedosia, daughter of Joshua Stevens ;
Jerry married Alavander, daughter of John Reynolds, both
removed to Michigan, both are dead ; John married Caro
line Herrick and lives in Salem, N. Y.; Tolman married
Eunice daughter of Wesly Clemons, Esq., and resides in

108 Biographical Sketches
town. They have three chUdren living ; Emma married
Theron Howe ; Emmet and Jerry.
Howe, David, married Phebe Cole ; he had three sons and
several daughters, his sons were Jesse, Obed, and David ;
Jesse married Polly Holt ; he had two chUdren, named
J esse and Roxana ; Jesse lives in Poultney; Roxana mar
ried James Whedon of Pawlet ; David jr., married Laura,
daughter of Walter Fenton ; their children's names were,
Thankful married George Hadaway ; Phebe married Jack
son Amidon ; Theron married Emma, daughter of Tolman
Howe. Mr. Howe, jr., had a grandson named John ; he
served in the late war tUl its close, returned home and was
drowned in Wells Pond while bathing, in June 1866. He
is now a widower, his wife having died several years ago.
Mrs. Howe died a few yew years since aged 95.
Hulett, John S., came from Pawlet in 1832, and resides a
Uttle west of the village. He married Anna daughter of
David B. Lewis ; their chUdren's names were, Darwin M.
who married Malvina, daughter of Henry Goodspeed, and
lives near the residence of his father ; Laura who died
young ; Cornelia and Paul, both of whom died the same day,
and were laid in the same grave ; and Edna. Mr. Hulett
has held many offices of trust in town, and was representa
tive two years, 1846 and 1847.
HuU, Rev. WUliam H., from Saranac, N. Y., married
Luthera, daughter of Allen Grover, Esq., and resides in the
village. He came to town in 1844 ; his clerical duties are
of a local sort ; for several years he has been in the mercan
tUe business. He was appointed Postmaster in 1861, which
office he stUl occupies. He has one son named DeForest,
who has been confined to his bed for some years, now in his

OF Wells, 109
eighteenth year, he bears his afflictions with Christian resig
nation. Hunt, WiUiam, married a widow Pratt of Hartford, N, Y,,
he resided in town several years ; he was born in England,
but espoused the cause of independence, and served in the
Continental Army during the war, he was in the battle of
Yorktown, at the taking of CornwaUis, He received a pen
sion until his death, which occurred in 1820,
Ives, Aaron, came to town in. 1785, and settled hi the
north part of the town, near what is now called the Howard
pond. He was from WaUingsford, Conn, He died in 1801,
aged 53, Mr,. Ives had one son named Aaron, jr., who
was kUled in Middletown, in 1831, by the faUing of a tree.
Kellogg, Aaron, early settled on the farm now owned by
Calvin Farrar. The names of his chUdren were Warner,
BetseJ»and WiUiam. Mr. Kellogg moved to Stowe, Vt.
Knapp, Elnathan, from Queensbury, N. Y., in 1814 ;
married Polly Orton, He was a blacksmith and lived a
short distance north of the village. He was ingenious in his
mechanism ; also a great hunter, be caught several deers
whUe here. He had the foUowing children : Aseneth married
Jesse Pray ; Justus Uves in Saratoga ; Lyman died in
Benson ; Albert E. resides in Poultney. He married Freelove
Broughton, and is a merchant, and also in the slate business,
Mr. Knapp moved to Benson.
Lamb, Joseph, from Norwich, Conn., came into town about
the year 1778. His wife's name was Betsey  ; he
settled in the north-east part of the town on a place called
Lamb HUl. His family consisted of six chUdren : Shubael,
Levi, Jarus, WUliam, who married Sarah Cole ; Betty, who
married James Hall, and Sarah, who married GiU MaUary,

110 Biographical Sketches
Jarus went West at an early day. Mr. Lamb died in 1809,
aged 73 ; his widow in 1825, aged 92.
Lamb, Levi, married Mercy Butler, of Middletown, and
lived on the homestead of his father. Their children were
Ormand, Russel, Susan, who married John Barden ; Levi
and Almira, who married Lucius Button. Mr. Lamb's wife
died ia 1825. He afterwards married widow Merrills, from
Pittsford. Mr. Lamb was a worthy citizen and was respected
as such ; he died in 1835, aged 59.
Lamb, Ormand, married Miss Hannah Thom is, of Man
chester, by whom he had three children : Laura, who married
Elisha Wales, of Whitehall, N. Y. ; Mercy married Thomas
M. Clemons, and Russel, 2d. He died in 1833, aged 32.
His widow afterwards married Thaddeus Merrills.
Lamb, Russel, married Diodama, daughter of John Pratt ;
the chUdren were, Stephen P., who married Melissa, daughter
of Abner Stevens ; William, Mary, Laura and Ann E. His
wife died in 1849. The family have gone AVest,
Lamb, Phineas, came into town in 1804, and settled in
the north part of the town, on lands now occupied by widow
Fanny Parks, His wife was Anna Garfield, she died in
1834, aged 72 ; he raised a large family, viz : Dolly mar
ried Nathan Palmer of Granville, N, Y.; Betsy married
Ambrose Lewis ; Susan married John Wolcott ; George mar
ried and moved to GranvUle ; Nancy married John Palmer
of GranviUe ; WiUiam, Polly who died young ; Harriet mar
ried Wm, Potter, jr.; Lucy married Cyrus Geer; Samuel
married Harriet, daughter of William Potter, and enlisted in
the year of 1831, to fight the Indians under Gen, Dodge,
and never returned ; Clark married a Miss Hyde of Poult
ney, aud died in service in the late war ; Betsy and Hannah.

OF Wells. Ill
Mr, Lamb was in the revolutionary war, and was taken
prisoner by the British under Burgoyne,
Lamb, Capt, William, son of the above, married Caroline,
daughter of Jonathan Bidwell of Pawlet, they had two chil
dren ; Laura Ann, who married Abner Pember ; Charles,
who went to Minnesota some years since, and is one of the
pioneers of that young and growing State, Mr, Lamb was
captain of the Militia several years, constable, selectman,
justice of the peace, and town clerk seventeen years ; ven
erable in years, he'stUl lives in our community respected and
esteemed. His wife is still living,
Lathrop, Samuel, was an early settler in town, and held
the office of justice till his death, which occurred in 1801, at
the age of 64 ; one son named Zachariah married Charlotte,
daughter of Joseph Button, Esq. ; both died the same day,
and were buried in the same grave ; he left one daughter
named Cynthia, who married Abel Potter ; another son
named Azariah, and two daughters ; Bethiah, married Soc
rates Hotchkiss; and Elizabeth who married Simon Francis.
Law, John, resided in the north part of the town, and
owned a saw-mill on Endless brook, so called, wHch was car
ried away by the freshet of 1811, and soon after left town ;
his wife was a Miss Brougton ; he had two sons, Ahira and
Elijah, the latter owned a carding and clothing establishment
east of Winslow Goodspeed's saw mill, but was washed away
in 1811 ; and a daughter named Lydia. The whole family
left town nearly sixty years ago.
Lathrop, Azariah, married Esther, daughter of Barnabas
Lewis, and resided in town until the year of 1836, when he
moved to Illinois ; he had a large family ; his eldest
daughter Esther, married J. Howard Pray, and now resides

112 Biographical Sketches
in Harmony, Chautauque Co., N. Y.; SaUie went west and
is married; Anna, and two sons, one named Azariah jr.
" Lewis, Barnabas, (by A. Lewis, Esq.) was from Ches
hire, Conn.; he married his first wife, by whom he had two
sons, David and Benoni ; Benoni died young ; David moved
into Wells previous to the revolutionary war ; he married
Rebecca Hotchkiss. His father Barnabas married a second
wife, Rachel Curtis, by whom he had nine chUdren ; Zurial,
Sarah, Rachel, Marion, Levi, Amarillus, Benjamin, Barna-
bus, Esther ; Zurial and Levi came into town sometime pre
vious to 1800. The parents and Benjamin, moved from
Cheshire with their famUies into Wells about 1807 ; Zurial
married Lucy Bunnell ; Marion married Titus Andrus ; Levi
married Bethiah Lumbard ; Atnarillus married Aaron B,
Tyler ; Esther married Azariah Lathrop ; Benjamin married
AbigaU Hitchcock ; Barnabus married a Miss Bradley. We
may add that Barnabus moved to Canada soon after" coming
to Vermont.
Lamb, Rev,, Shubael, came with his father Joseph, and
lived in town untU his death, which occurred in 1850, He
was a local preacher for nearly 60 years; he was twice
married. The name of his first wife was Rhoda Patterson ;
she soon died, leaving one daughter named Rhoda, who
married James Merrill, He next married Clarisa Bushnell,
also from New London, Conn, He resided on Lamb HiU,
so-called ; he reared a large family, viz : Charles, Shubael,
jr., Madison, Clarisa, who married a Mr, Paul and went
West ; Abigail married and went West, and is dead ; OriUa,
who died in 1823 ; Asceneth married Lyman Grover, and
resides in town ; Eliza married John Tracy, of Monkton, and
is dead; Harriet married Nelson Mead, also of Monkton, and

OF Wells. 113
now resides in Irasburgh, Vt, Mr, Lamb represented this
town two years in the Legislature. He died in 1850, at the
age of 80 ; his wife in 1866, aged 86,
Lamb, Charles, married Elizabeth, daughter of Nathaniel
Grover, His chUdren were, Charles Wesley, who went
West ; Hiram, Mary Jane, who married William Blossom, of
Pawlet; and Asceneth, He moved to Middletown nearly
thirty years siace, where he now resides.
Lamb, Shubael, jr,, married Nancy, daughter of John Pratt,
He had a family of six chUdren : George, Lewis S,, Betsey
went to the northern part of New York and was married ;
Lorinda married a Mr. Phelps, and resides in Schroon, N.
Y, ; Clarisa also went W^si", and Avis is in Iowa, Mr.
Lamb died in 1834, of the cholera. His widow went to the
northern part of New York and was married.
Lamb, Madison, married Sylvia, daughter of WUliam
Lewis, and Uved with his father untU his death, which occurred
in 1849, aged 34.
Lamb, Levi, jr., married Olive Mead, of Monkton, Vt.,
and lived on the homestead of his father. The names of his
chUdren were : James, who died in 1847, aged 12 years ;
Adelaide, who died a few years after. Mr. Lamb died about
a week after the death of his son, with the consumption. His
widow died the following winter, leaving the daughter an
orphan. She was taken by her grandfather Mead to Monk-
ton, and died as above stated ; by her decease, the family
became extinct, a sad case truly, Mr, Lamb and his wife
were iu the meridian of life, respected, and were useful
members of Society, They were members of the M, E.
Church. Mr. Lamb was,' at his death, 37 years old, and
his wife 38. 8

114 Biographical Sketches
Lamb, Russel, 2d, resides in the eastern part of the town,
on the Wesly Clemons place, so-caUed. He married Lydia,
daughter of Walter Lewis ; the children's names were :
Annette, who married Adams Barden ; Adelia and Freddie.
Mr. Lamb is the only one left ia town, who is of male
lineage. Lamb, Caleb, from Fort Henry, N. Y,, married Lurana
Roberts, by whom he had two sons and one daughter, who
married Wm, Moody ; Merritt married Mary, daughter of
Elias Palmer, and lives in town and has a family ; Leonard
is West, Mr, Lamb's second wife was a widow Davis. He
died in 1867, when she married Mr, Ransom Bateman, of
Poultney. Lewis, David, settled on the west street and occupied and
owned the. farm that Oscar Sprague now lives on. The
chUdren were : Aaron, David B. and Phebe, who married
WUliam Blossom ; Aaron married a Miss WUcox, of Pawlet,
and resides in Poultney, at an advanced age, Mr, Lewis
held the office of justice several years. In his religious
tenets, he was an Episcopalian. He died in 1845, at the
advanced age at 88 ; his wife died in 1837, aged 76,
Lewis, David B., occupied the homestead of his father till
a few years since ; he sold out and removed to Poultney, and
resided there until his death, which occurred in 1866, aged
73. He married Amanda, daughter of Samuel Culver, and
raised a family of eight chUdren. They are as follows :
Anna married John S, Hulett ; Laura, who died in 1842,
aged 24; David B.,jr,, Amanda married James Hastings ;
Phebe, who is now the wife of Robert Wickham, of Pawlet ;
Joseph, Raymond II. and Rebecca, who married Wilder

o^ Wells, 115
Lewis ; David B., jr., married Hannah, daughter of Eliud
Smith, and Avent to IlUnoi'3, and died a few years after ;
Joseph married Ellen, daughter of Almon Hopson, Esq., and
died in 1887, leaving two chUdren ; Raymond H. married
Mary Lawrence, and died in California ; his widow went
West, where again she married. He had one son named
John ; Flanklin married and, with his wife, went to Califoi'nia
in the spring of 1868. The widow is stUl living.
Lewis, Levi, lived a short distance north of the village, on
the .site of ground now owned by Nathan Crandall. His
children were .• Artemus, Levi, Orlin, Norman and Theodore,
He was a tanner by trade ; he died in 1811, aged 37,
Norman moved to Ripton, Vt. ; Theodore was a physician,
and died many years since.
The following incidents which occurred in Mr. Lewis
family, was pubUshed in the " Mental Repast," in 1807, a
periodical printed at Bennington, Vt., by Anthony Haswell.
" One Mr. Lewis, a tanner in Wells, was engaged in the
concerns of his caUing, his horse at t-he same time being in his
mill grinding bark. The wheel drawn by the horse was very
wide, proportionably high, and above a ton in weight. It
was made of wood, and filled with long and hard cogs, or
trunnions, for the breaking of the bark. His child, a boy of
two or three years of age, had followed him out and,
unobservedly, got within the circle of the wheel, near the
stake. Soon after, the chUd in attempting to get out to his
father, was knocked down by the shaft and the pondrous
wheel ran over his head and crushed it in a dreadful manner.
Two skiUful surgeons were immediately sent for, and soon
arrived ; the chUd lay apparently almost lifeless, his breathing
was scarcely perceptible. On examination, the scull was

Il6 Biographical Sketches
found to be much fractured behind by one of the cogs, and
over one eye by another ; from the fracture behind several
pieces of loose bone were taken out, and nearly a spoonful of
the brain removed from the wound. The opinion of the
Burgeons was, death must inevitably and speedily ensue, and,
therefore, to attempt to trepan the scull would be but to
give pain, without the most distant prospect of reaping any
advantage. The wounds were, therefore, only cleansed in
the most tender manner ; and without hope, the afflicted
parents and sympathetic neighbors attended, expecting every
moment the child would breath his last. Its breathing,
however, became more ""and more perceptible, tUl at length
he opened his eyes and asked his mother for something to
eat. He accordingly received food, and was apparently
refreshed thereby. Nature, the handmaid of Heaven,
wrought a surprising work in his favor, and he is now
apparently healthy, active and sensible as the chUdren in
general in the neighborhood of his residence."
" The chUd referred above, is Mr. Levi Lewis, now liv
ing in this town, upwards of 65 years of age."
Lewis, Artemus, Esq., married Pamelia Loomis, of Gran
ville, and, with his brother Levi, resided in the village. The
chUdren were Edwin F. and Theodore ; Edwin went to New
York where he married. He had one son, named Theodore,
who resided with his grandparents, and died in the summer
of 1861, a smart and intelligent boy, aged 10 years. Theodore
went to New York, where he enhsted into the U. S. naval
service and served during the late war ; Edwin also served
in naval service. Both were in a number of engagements
with the enemy. Mr. Lewis has served in the capacity of

OF Wells. 117
justice of the peace upwards of 20 years. His brother Levi
resides with him and is unmarried.
Lewis, Orlin, married Martha Worden, of Granville, N.
Y. The names of the chUdren were, Hiram W,, Edgar,
Lucius and Laura ; Hiram W. married Cornelia, daughter
of Ethelbert Lewis, and resides in town ; Edgar went to
Fairhaven, where he married; Lucius and Laura are
unmarried. Mr. Lewis was postmaster several years, and
held several town offices with ability. In his religious belief,
be was an Episcopalian. He died in 1865, with the cancer.
His widow resides on the homestead,
Lewis, Wilder, married Rebecca, daughter of David B.
Lewis, Esq, ; they have one daughter named Ida ; Mr.
Lewis resides near the Pond saw-mill, which he owns ; this
mUl, since it has come under his supervision, has undergone
a thorough repair ; a circular saw takes the place of the old
gated concern ; he has added a planing machine which is
doing good business,
Lewis, Alfred, married Catherine, daughter of Whiting
Grover, and lives on the James Cox place ; the children are,
Burton, Chester, and Elmer,
Lewis, Abisha, married Julia Pratt of Burlington ; she
died in 1867, leaving two children ; Mr. Lewis resides in
the western part of Tinmouth.
Lewis, WiUiam, came from Pawlet in 18 — , and resided
on the Shubael Sumner farm ; the children were, William,
jr., who married Lovina Downie of Pawlet, by whom he had
four chUdren: Mariett married Alfred Bookins ; Amanda,
Ermina, and Palmer ; he died in 1836, aged 36 ; Alva mar
ried Jerusha, daughter of Frederic Pember, and resides in
Weston, Vt. ; John, Orrin who died in 1854, Hannah married

118 Biographical Sketches
John Morse, and lives in Idaho ; Sylvia married Madison
Lamb, who died in 1849 ; she next married Harris Stevens,
and is again a widow.
Lewis, John, son of the above, married Cordelia, daughter
of Michael Clemons, and resided on the homestead of his
father untU 1864; he removed to Poultney; the children
were, Lucetta who married Pherorus How ; David, a gradu
ate of Union College, is a Methodist minister, and is on a
circuit in York State ; Cassius, Ida, and Fanny.
Lewis, Zenas, married a Miss Pratt, and resided on the
place now owned by Nelson Lewis ; he removed to Tinmouth
about the year of 1843 ; the children were, Wesley who
married Elvira, daughter of Walter Lewis, Lorenzo D'.,
Darwin who married Jennet, daughter of Calvin Brewer,
now of Rutland ; Newman married Betsey Young of Tin
mouth, where he now resides ; Rosetta, Lucina married
James Wales, Maria married Haskins B. Carpenter and
resides in town.
Lewis, Lorenzo D., married Mary Ann, daughter of Wil
liam Lewis; the chUdren are as follows, viz: Adelia S. married
Franklin D. Youngs; they had two children, Ida and WiUis.
Mr. Youngs enlisted in the 14th regiment of Vermont vol
unteers, and died in Brattleboro in 1863, on his way home ;
Mary E. married Chauncy Robinson of Pawlet ; Sarah Jane
married Emmett Farrer of this town ; Lorenzo E., Edna E,
and WiUiam ; Mr. Lewis resides in Wallingford.
Lewis, Walter, moved to town in 1832 ; the name of his
wife was Temperance Smith, chUdren were. Nelson, WUder,
Abisha Alfred, Elvira who married Wesley Lewis, and died
several years since ; Viola married Poltus KeUy, Lydia mar
ried RusseU Lamb, 2d, Laura married Seth Geer, and soon

OP Wells. 119
after died ; Mrs. Lewis died soon after moving to town ; Mr.
Lewis died in 1867, aged 76.
Lewis, Nelson, married Caroline Barden of Rupert ; the
chUdren were, Mahala, who married Levi Finney of Pawlet,
MoseU who is dead, Charles, and Barden ; his wife died in
1858 ; he next married Eunice Pratt of Burlington, by
whom he has two children, Ellsworth and Arthur.
Lewis, Nathaniel, was an early settler and lived on the
farm now owned by Enoch Cone, in the northern part of the
town; he had four sons, Nathaniel, jr., Reuben, Enos, and
John ; Nathaniel jr. married a Miss Cole ; Reuben married
 , and was a practical physician in town
several years, and then went west; Enos married Eunice,
daughter of Joseph Button, by whom he had four children :
Perrin, who married Emily, daughter of Jared Francis ; she
died the next year , he next married Lury, daughter of
Francis Cook ; Bradley, who went to the Florida war and
never returned ; one daughter married Elijah Bennett, and
another unmarried. Mr. Enos Lewis's family left town in
1832, and reside in Harmony, N. Y. ; John married Rhoda,
daughter of James Hall, and moved west ; he had one son
named Abner, who was born in this town ; and by perse
verance and close application to his professional studies, he
won his way to honor and respect ; he was county judge of
Chatauque county, N. Y., and was a member of Congress
two years from the western district of New York. Young
man, think of this, and imitate the noble example set forth
by this poor boy, born in a log cabin, in the early days of
our town, winning his way to distinction and honor,
Lewis, Samueh, resided on the place that Michael CuUeu
now owns ; he left town over thirty years since ; he had one

120 Biographical Sketches
son named Benjamin, who married Abigail Wyman of Tin
mouth ; he had one daughter named Mary ; she married a
Mr, Baldwin of Rutland, and is dead,
Lewis, Benjamin sen,, came hito town in 1807, and settled
on the place now owned by Hiram W, Lewis ; their chUdren
were, Louisa who married John C. Hopson, jr. ; Ethelbert,
Benjamin jr., Amasa H., and Abba who married William
Goodrich, Mr, Lewis died in 1847, his wife in 1862,
Lewis, Ethelbert, married Paulina, daughter of Ansel
Goodspeed ; their chUdren are ; Cornelia married Hiram
W, Lewis ; Jairus married and resides in Poultney ; he was
iu the service, in the late war of the rebellion, and nobly did
his part as a soldier ; Oscar, who went to Pike's Peak a few
years since, and Wilbert, who married Amanda, daughter of
Alonzo Smith, of Pawlet,
Lewis, Benjamin jr., married Chalina, daughter of Sam
uel Culver jr. ; their children's names are, MatUda, who
married Jay Goodrich of GranvUle, N. Y., and resides in
Tinmouth ; Merritt married Mary, daughter of Calvin Grover,
and now resides in GranviUe, N. Y. ; Rodey M.; Harlan P.
married Helen, daughter of Robert R. Vfoodard, Esq., of
Middletown ; he, with his brother Merritt, is occupied in the
marble business in Granville, and Rollin. Mr. Lewis, with
his son Rodney, carries on an extensive manufacturing estab
lishment ; a store has been added to the firm, known as the
firm of B. Lewis & Son ; Rodney M. married Maria Foster ;
he is the present town clerk, and does honor to the office.
Lewis, Amasa H., married a Miss Jones of Pawlet, and
has two chUdren : Albert, who married Hannah D., daughter
of James F. Cone, and Abba ; he resides in town.
Lewis, Ambrose, lived on the place now owned by Wins-

OF Wells, 121
low Goodspeed ; he married Betsy Lamb of this town ;
children's names were : Orson, who married a Miss Hyde of
Poultney ; Horace married Orah Stevens of Middletown,
went to Michigan, and is dead ; JuaUne married John Stevens
of Middletown ; they went to Iowa ; and Emeline, who,
with Mr, Lewis, moved west nearly 40 years ago,
Lindsay, Matthew, settled on the place now owned by
James F, Cone ; he married a Miss Keyes of Middletown ;
his family consisted of six children : Harry married Sally,
daughter of Cyrus Beardsley, of Poultney ; he removed
with his family to Michigan in 1839 ; Rufus H, married
Julia, daughter of William Potter, and left town many years
since ; WiUiam went west in 1829 ; Keyes married Almira,
daughter of Joseph Button, and resides in Wisconsin ; Parla
married Enoch Cone, and is dead ; Maria married Marver-
ick Rudd of Middletown ; Mr, Rudd went west in 1837,
Lounsberry, M, Nathan, from Pawlet, lived near where
Capt, William Lamb now resides; he had one daughter
named Sophia, who died in 1841 ; Mr. Lounsberry was a
soldier in the revolutionary war ; he removed to Rutland in
1828, and died in Clarendon at the age of 100 years.
Lumbard, Benjamin, ( by A. Lewis, Esq., ) married
Patience Goodspeed, in Barnstable Mass.; they had seven
children, all born at that place; in 1797 they moved to Wells ;
the names of their children were : Alvin, who married
Sarah Culver ; Bethiah married Levi Lewis ; Olive and Anna
both died young ; Ebenezer married Pamela McClure; Joseph
married Betsey Malory ; Benjamin married Lucinda Tyler.
Some of the grand-children are now living in Wells.
Malory., Ogden, was the first settler in town ; he came to
town in 1768, and built the first framed barn in Wells, It

122 Biographicaj, Sketches
required aU the aid that could be obtained in Wells, Poultney
and Pawlet, to ra^se the frame-work of this building ; the
site of this barn was near the dwelling house where Rev.
Wm, H, Hull now resides ; this buUding was taken down
thirty-five years ago. His chUdren were Silas, GiU, Stephen,
and Justin who had a daughter named Sally ; she was
drowned in Lake Champlain in 1823; Olive, who married Asa
Stevens, Mr,Malorydiedin 1811,aged 91. Malory Gill mar
ried Sarah, daughter of Joseph Lamb ; he had two daughters,
named Polly who married Dr. Nathan Mitchell, and Amy.
Mr. Malory went west in 1827.
Malory, Zacheus, came into town about the same time that
his brother Ogden came. We learn from the records that
he was a delegate from this town, at a convention held at
Dorset in 1771. As to his family history, we can obtain
no records.
Merriman, Abel, moved into town in 1771 ; he married
Betsy Merriman ; his family consisted of the following chil
dren : Caleb, George, Samuel, and Abigail who married
Jonathan Francis, who died soon after ; she next married
Timothy Hibbard of Poultney; from thence they went to
Orwell. Merriman, S. Samuel, married Polly Cross, and settled
south of the vUlage, on the place now owned by Nathan W.
Crandall ; the chUdren were, Robert, Polly married John
Reynolds who died in 1827 ; she next married Hezekiah
Winchell who died in 1865 ; Betsy married a Mr. ScoviU,
and resides in Warsaw, N, Y. ; Martha married Joseph
Morse, by whom she had the foUowing chUdren : Samuel,
John who married Julia Bryant ; she died ; he next married
Hannah, daughter of William Lewis, and resides in Idaho ;

OF Wells. 123
Carlos, who went to Illinois, and enUsted into the Union
service, where soon after he died ; Betsy and Sarah; Hannah
married Lyman Ware, and is a widow ; Samuel jr., who
died in 1827, and Elihu who married Climena, daughter of
Eleazer Crosby of Pawlet, and now resides in Marengo, 111.
Mr. Merriman died in 1847, aged 86 ; his wife in 1845,
aged 74.
MerriUs, Hallowel, from Worthington, Mass., settled on
the farm now occupied by his son Thaddeus, ; he married
Mehitable Clemons; the children were Thaddeus, and Calvin
who married Hannah, daughter of Josiah Cross ; he removed
to Roxbury Vt. Mr. Merrills died in 1818, aged 63 ; his
wife in 1840, aged 73. Thaddeus Merrills married widow
Hannah Lamb, by whom he had two children, Betsey and
Polly ; Betsey married Wesley Wales and resides in town ;
Polly married Russell Wales, she died in 1858, leaving one
child named Vine. Mr. Merrills is in his 77th year, to
whom we are indebted for a portiDn of our family sketches.
Merrills, Nathaniel, resided on Butts Hill ; he married a
Miss Thompson ; both were from Connecticut ; the children
were, Nathaniel who married Lucinda Bassett of Salem,
N. Y., and moved to Chatauque Co., N. Y.; James married
Rhoda, daughter of the Rev. Shubael Lamb ; he, with his
family, removed to the town of Day, N. Y.; Walker, Lorin,
and Rhoda who married Amos Stevens. Mr. Merrills and
his wife both died in town many years since ; no monument
or record is left by which their ages can be ascertained.
Merrills, Daniel, from Tinmouth in 1845, married Eliza,
daughter of PhUetus Brookins ; the names of the chUdren
were, Orestus J., who married Eunice Cull of Pawlet ;
Loraine married WiUiam License of GranviUc/N. Y,; Cynthia

124 Biographical Sketches
died young ; Daniel, PhUetus and Fayette ; Orestus lives in
Pawlet, and the remainder reside in town. Mr. MerriUa
died in 1853, aged 35.
MiUard, Jonathan, resides on Butts HUl ; he married
Margaret Nelson of GranvUle, who died in 1864, aged
34 ; he has one daughter named Mahala, who resides with
her father.
MerriUs, Levi, from New Hampshire in 1813, settled on
the Gray place ; he had a large family ; he sold and moved
to Middletown in 1833 ; his son Whiting died in Middletown
three years since, and leaves a widow and two chUdren.
Mosher, Aaron, Esq., son of Daniel Mosher of Tinmouth,
married Ruth Richardson of Coventry, Conn., by whom
he had nine children, viz.: Aaron jr., Susan married Asa
Brown of Tinmouth, Olive married John Lobdil of Pawlet ;
they now reside in Wisconsin ; Maria married Milton Brown
of Danby ; Emily married Jackson Cross, and removed to
Roxbury, Vt., where she died ; Julia married John Earls of
Fort Ann, N. Y. ; Austin was a clergyman and married a
Miss Earls, also of Fort Ann ; Arch went west when young ;
his wife died in 1816 ; he next married the widow of Dr.
James Mosher, by whom he had two children ; Betsy and
Myron both went west when young. Mr. Mosher was repre
sentative to the Legislature two years, and a Justice of the
Peace for many years ; he, with his family, went to Erie Co.,
N. Y., where he died at the ripe old age of 90 ; his widow
still survives.
Mosher, Aaron jr., married Remembrance, daughter of
Benjamin Rider ; he lived some years on the Hunt lot ; he
then sold and went to Ellington, N. Y., where he still resides ;
he left town in 1824.

OF Wells. 125
Moss, Timothy, from Farmington, Conn., settled in
town in 1772; his wife was Mary ChurcheU, of Middletown,
Conn.; she was sister to the Churchells who settled Hub
bardton. Mr. Morse served in the French war, and took an
active part in the Revolutionary war. We have heard him
tell of the trials that our ancestors had to endure. At the
time when a portion of the British army, under Burgoyne,
were marching south by the way of Castleton, flushed with
their success at Hubbardton, they pressed the retreating
Americans with vigor. As soon as the inhabitants got news
of their approach, they quickly left their habitations for
Bennington; they buried their cooking utensUs and other
articles that they could not carry with them ; a bed was put
upon a horse's back which served as a pillion for the woman
to ride upon, while the husband would shoulder his musket
and walk on foot. Several of our first settlers marched to
Bennington in this .tiresome manner. He had a brother
named Joseph ; he settled on the place that R. S. Wells now
owns ; but being a tory he was obliged to leave his new
home, and seek a more safe place in Canada. He had two
brothers who came into town, but soon moved away. Mr.
Moss died in 1828, aged 90 , his wife in 1833, aged 87.
Mr. Moss never had, in a long life, an attending physician
tUl his last sickness, and never had an Ulness of _any kind to
deter him from partaking his daily repast.
Mosher, Doct. James, married Betsy, daughter of Jason
Tyler ; he practiced in town a few years^ but his usefulness
was cut short while his life was full of promise ; he died in
1816, aged — . He left one son named Darwin, who went
to Rochester, N. Y,, and died in 1833, aged 21.
Moody, James, married Abigail, daughter of Simeon

126 Biographical Sketches
Atwater ; the chUdren were, Charles who married Loverna
Wilkins, and resides in Poultney ; John married Caroline
Smith of Poultney; William married Jane, daughter of
Caleb Lamb of this town. Mr, Moody died many years
since ; his widow now lives with her fourth husband, Mr. Ran
som Bateman of Poultney; William served in the 14th
Regiment Vt. Volunteers. A fatal accident befell a little
boy of his, by being run away with a team attached to a
wagon ; the boy was in the carriage at the time ; he was
thrown out upon the ground, and terribly mutilated ; when
his father came to him he said, " Pa, I have got to die ;"
he lingered in great agony tUl the next day, when he expired.
This took place in 1868.
Mitchell, Ichabod, married Joanna Root ; he had two sons,
Alvah and Nathan ; the latter was a physician, and died in
1823, aged 33. He married Polly, daughter of GiU Mallory.
He left one son named Safford. She afterwards married a
Mr. Witheral of Moriah, N. Y. Mr. MitcheU died in 1829,
aged 74.
MitcheU, Alvah, resides on the Seth Potter farm, west of
Pond Bridge ; he married Lydia, daughter of Ansell Good-
speed ; he has one son and a daughter, Isaac and Paulina ;
the latter married Darius S. Parks ; Isaac married Elizabeth
Foster ;. they have one son named Alva. Mr. Mitchell has
by his Industry accumulated a large estate.
Munson, Doct. Joseph, came to town in 1828, from Salem,
N. Y,, and practiced as such tiU age unfitted him for his
practice. He married Anna Beardsley of Poultney ; his
chUdren were, Alfred, Laura Ann, and Roxanna who died in
1841, aged 27, Alfred married Miss Minerva Beckwith by
whom he had two daughters, Laura Ann and Helen ; Laura

OF Wells, 127
Ann married Franklin Fenton, and Helen married John S,
Wells, Doct, Munson died In 1852, aged 72,
McArthurj Samuel, married Louisa Simms of GranviUe,
N, Y,, and Uved in town untU his death, which occurred in
1859, He raised a family ; his son Franklin enlisted in the
7th Vt, Regiment, and died soon after, while in service,
McFadden, Henry from Granville in 1860, and lives on the
Samuel Culver farm, married CaUsta Rogers ; the children
are : Charles, Mary, Sarah Alice, Benjamin and Albert,
Nichols, Dr, Charles C, from Castleton in 1856, and has
practiced as physician in town to the present time. He
married a Miss Spaulding, by whom he has had two chUdren
— Jennie, a promising girl, but died while young, and Carrie,
Nott, Epaphreus, came into town about the year of 1783 ;
he was a cooper by trade, and lived near Mr, Joshua Howe's
residence. He married Jemima Sumner. He moved west
to central New York, in 1798, and died in 1848, aged 98.
Norton, James, from GranviUe, N. Y.; he resides on the
Roger Culver farm ; he is a member of the society of
Friends, or Quakers. He is the proprietor of the cheese
manufacturing establishment, which he has carried on for a
few years with success ; the milk brought to this estabUsh
ment is from the west part of this town, and the northwestern
part of Pawlet. The name of his present wife was Cynthia
Carpenter ; he has a son named Amos.
Norton, James T., resides on the Conant farm, in the
western part of the town ; he came from Granville, N, Y,
He married Louisa, daughter of Abijah WUUams of Poultney,
Parker, Abel sen., from Poultney; he was twice married ;
by his first wife he had three children — Willard, Abel jr.,
and Clarissa who died of consumption, Mr. Parker's second

128 Biographical Sketches
wife was Miss Eleanor, daughter of David Howe, of this
town, and reared a family of children. He owned the grist-
mUl till 1837, when he sold to Halsey Goodrich, and removed
to Illinois,
Parker, Abel jr,, married Amanda, daughter of Ansell
Goodspeed, Esq,, and resided on the place now occupied by
Thomas Pratt; his children were : Carlos A,, Eveline who
married Barden Beals ; Sophia J, married Charles W.
Potter; Delos J., who went to lUin'ois ; Amanda A., who
married Myron WiUard, and is dead ; Wilbur F. , who resides
in Rutland, and is in the jewelry business of the firm of
BaUey & Parker. Mr. Parker died in  ; his wife in
1867. Parker, Carlos A., married Mary A., daughter of .John
Barden, Esq., and resides near Pond saw-mill ; he has a
shop, with machinery attached, and carries on an extensive
business. The children are Dwight and Mary.
Parks, Elijah, from Canterbury, Conn., in 1787, and
settled on the farm now owned by Russell Pember. He was
twice married, first to Anna Smith — she died in 1793 — by
whom he had four children: Joseph, Elijah jr., Nancy who
married John Clark, and died in 1808 ; Elthea, who died in
1808, aged 16. He next married Margaret Walker of
GranvUle, N. Y., by whom he had eight chUdren : John,
Loren who went west, Simeon who went to lUinois and is
dead. Royal went to Mississippi, where he resided many
years ; it is supposed he was killed by the tornado at
Natchez as nothing has been heard from him since that time ;
it occurred in 1837 ; Almon lives in French Creek, in
Chatauque Co., N. Y.; Sally, Polly, and Eunice, aU of whom

OP Wells. 129
went west. Mr. Parks was town clerk from 1790 to 1799 ;
he taught school for nearly twenty winters ; he was in the
battle of Saratoga, under General Gates, in the taking of
Burgoyne; he resided in town untU 1811, when he removed
to GranviUe, N. Y., where he died in 1821, aged 63.
Parks, Joseph, resided on the farm now occupied by his
son Martin untU 1848 ; he removed to the place now occu
pied by Sylvester Clark. He married for his first wife,
Betsy, daughter of John Wilcox of Pawlet — she died in
1848, aged 62— by whom he had three children, Cordelia
who married Sylvester Clark ; Darius S., and Martin. He
next married Phebe, sister of his first wife ; she died in
1862, aged 62. Mr. Parks held many offices ; he was
representative to the State Legislature the years of 1834,
1835, 1836 ; he held the office of Selectman longer than
any other person in town ; he was overseer a number of years,
and was the only surveyor in town ; and to whom we are
indebted for many items of our sketches. He lived to a
good old age, esteemed and respected by the community.
His death occurred in 1868, at the age of 84.
Parks, Darius S., married Paulina, daughter of Alva
Mitchell, and resides in town ; the children were Emma,
and Alta, both of whom died young ; Alva M., Lydia M.,
Frank and May.
Parks, Martin, lives on the former home of his father ;
he married Mary, daughter of Jared Ives of Tinmouth ; she
died in 1846, aged 23 ; he next married Delia M., daughter
of Jared Francis ; his children are Joseph II., Chester who
died in 1862, aged 6 ; Linna L., Nathan F., Delia and
Mary. Parks, Elijah jr., married Hannah D., daughter of Robert
9

130 Biographical Sketches
Hotchkiss ; he hved in the north part of the town ; the
chUdren were Robert, Lucy who died in 1836, aged 23 ;
Anna married Royce Tyler, and lives in Canada ; Viana mar
ried Ezra Howard, aud died in 1854, aged 37 ; Hannah D.
married James F. Cone ; Polly P. married Orson Ives of
Tinmouth, and Hobert E. Mr. Parks died in 1859, aged
69 ; his wife in 1842, aged 52. He, in 1843, married
widow Sally Hutchins ; she died in 1863, aged 71.
Parks, Robert, was born in this town, and has always resided
here ; his occupation has been various ; farm labor, except the
winter months, and for twenty-eight winters taught school ; Jie
married Lucy Brookins, and had a family of seven children ;
Jane C, Robert IL, Elolsa, Helen who died in 1860, aged
20 ; Octavia, Florence, and Sarah. Robert H. enlisted at
Fairhaven, Sept, 10th, 1861, and was transferred to Co, F,
Harris Light Cavalry, New York, where he died with the
measles, Dec, 19, 1861, aged 25 ; Jane C, married Edmund
Hubbard of Middletown ; he was two years in the Union
service. In the 22d New York ; he was in the second battle
of Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Antietam, etc.; Eloisa married
Emmett H, Woodard of Middletown, where they now reside ;
Octavia married Sylvanus L. Whitmore of Ira ; he enlisted
in 1861 as a Sharpshooter under Col, Berdan, in the Ver
mont Co. commanded by Capt. Weston, and he was in the battle
of WUliamsburg, and in the seven days fight, and disabled
at Malvern Hill, and carried from the field ; Florence married
Franklin Cook of this town ; he was in service nearly three
years, in the 123d Reg't N. Y. Vol, and he was with Sherman
in his march through Georgia.
Parks, Hobert E,, married Fanny, daughter of Amo

OP Wells. 131
Hutchins, and resided on the homestead of his father until
his death, which occurred In 18G8, aged 38. There were
four chUdren, Cornelius who died In 1861, aged 6, Addie,
LiUIan, Edna, and Fanny L.
Parks, John B., married Sophia, daughter of Samuel
Broughton, and Uved In town until the year 1826, when he
moved to Moriah, N. Y., and afterwards to Warren, Ohio ;
he had three sons, viz.: Samuel, Cephas, and John B. Mr,
Parks caught the last rattle snake that was ever captured in
town. Parks, Simeon, from Canterbury, Conn., came to town in
1787, and resided on the place now owned by Martin Parks.
He afterwards moved on the Abner Cone place, where his
grandson, James H. Parks, now resides ; he married Betsy
Curtis, and reared a large family — Curtis, Lucius, Alonson,
Harvy, Elisha, and Simeon B.; Curtis and Lucius went to
western New York ; Elisha married Alice Oatman of Middle-
town, and went west in 1835 ; he died a few years since,
Simeon B. went to Jamestown, N, Y., where he still resides.
the daughters were : Betsy, Melissa, and Elthea ; they all
went west, Mr. Parks died in 1817, aged 49. His widow
afterwards married Joseph Button, Esq.
Parks, Harvy, married Laura, daughter of Solomon
Giddings, Esq., of Poultney, and resided on the homestead
of his father; the chUdren were WUUam IL, Fannie C,
James H., and Laura ; WUliam H,, studied physic
and is practicing as such in Great Barrington, Mass. ; James
H., Fanny C, and Laura reside on the homestead. Mr.
Parks was much respected by the community ; he was repre
sentative two years in the State Legislature, besides holding
many and various town offices, which he discharged with

132 Biographical Sketches
ability. He died of a cancer in 1867, aged 67 ; his wife in
1860, aged 57.
Parks, James H., has held various town offices, and was a
member of the State Legislature in the years of 1864 and
1865, and is a prominent member of the Episcopal church.
Paul, James, was one of the first settlers in the eastern
part of the town. He was accustomed to spell his name
PauU, as did Stephen, his youngest child who always lived
with him, (^nd the other children for aught we know,) and
it will soon appear that in very early records the name was
spelt with one 1, and again with two. He located among the
hills, as did many of the first settlers here, because the hUls
then yielded a better return for their labor than the wet and
marshy intervale land. He came from Dighton, Mass., in
1786, of which tract of land, one of the original proprietors,
nearly 200 years ago, was one WiUiam Paul.
We give here an extract from a letter addressed to HUand
Paul, which will give some further particulars :
Dighton, August 22, 1868.
Dighton ffas originally purchased of King PhUlip in 1672,
by a company in Taunton, and was caUed " Taunton South
Purchase," and among the proprietors was one William
Paul, (spelt with one 1 in the proprietors' records). StUl
later I find in said records one James Paul, probably his
son ; but after that the records were not well kept ; but the
conclusion I have arrived at is that aU the Pauls in the
country are descendants of the above named WUliam Paul.
The records of Taunton were aU burnt in the great fire in
said town about thirty years ago, and thus the best source

OP Wells. 133
of tracing the genealogy of our family is lost — Dighton
having been for many years a part of Taunton.
My great grandfather, in my opinion, was the great grand
son of WUliam Paul, one of the proprietors of Taunton
Sputh Purchase. He went to Vermont, I think, eariier than
1780, but the exact date I do not know. He came back to
Dighton and stayed some time with his son Peter White
Paul, (my grandfather), then returned to Vermont where
he died," All of his children I ever knew of were Peter
White, and John, who were both large men. I have heard
father say that his uncle John weighed at one time 350
pounds. John Paul was one of the twelve men who, under
Col, Barton, entered the British lines in Rhode Island during
the Revolutionary war and took the English commander
Prescott, prisoner, from his own bed, in the night. So far
as I know, only one of our historians, Quackenboss, men
tions this expedition. It was while hurrying Prescott through
the stubble, barefoot, that he complained that the stubs hurt
his feet. Uncle John, who was leading Prescott on one side,
took off his shoes, handed them to Prescott, and said, " see
if they are large enough for you." Prescott was a very
smaU man, . » *
Albred W. Paul.
Paul James, the subject of this sketch, married AbigaU
KUes, by whom he had a large family of children. Mr.
Paul died May 10th, 1805, in the 80th year of his age.
AbigaU his wife died in 1813, aged 85. We give the names
of their children that we have been able to ascertain : Paul
Edward, was born April 10th, 1749, went to Greenwich,
Conn. ; Paul, James, went to Williamstown, Mass, ; Paul
David, is supposed to have settled at or near Dighton, Mass, ;

134 Biographical Sketches
Paul, KUes, settled in Royalton, Vt, ; Paul, Daniel,' settled
in Newport, N, H, He raised a family of seven sons and
three daughters, of whom Luke, Ira, and Daniel, Jr,,
remained in Newport. Daniel, Jr., died a few years since,
leaving two sons, Epaphras and Doddridge. Paul, Abigail
married Daniel Hulett, one of the early settlers of Pawlet ,
where many of their descendants stUl live ; she died in 1838,
aged 83. Paul, Ruth, married Jesse Johnson and removed to
the West, Paul Jonathan located southwest of, but adjoining,
his fathers farm, and was twice married ; first to Betsey
Bellomy, by whom he had four sons and one daughter ;
Betsey, David, Lemuel, Adams, who settled in Aurora, N.
Y, ; and Ebenezer, who studied medicine^ settled in Royalton,
Vt., and died a few years after of consumption. His second
wife was Hannah Thompson, by whom he had two sons,
Jonathan and Jesse, and three daughters, Hannah, Sally and
Lucy, who married Orsemus Morrison of Aurora, N. Y., by
whom she had one son and two daughters ; Hannah, who
married  Spafford, and Lucy who lives with her mother.
They removed to Chicago, 111., about 1832, when Chicago
was in Its infancy, and have acquired a large property, Mrs,
Morrison stUl resides in the city.
Paul, Jonathan, died in Aurora, N. Y., in 1828, aged 63.
His wife died at the same place in 1836, aged 71.
Paul, Joshua, settled in Tinmouth, about one-half mile
from his father. He married Anna Rood, by whom he had five
sons and four daughters, the most of whom removed to
Western New York. Abijah, Jeremiah, David, Pliny,
Adams, Sophia, Luna. Eliza, and Harriet, who married Wm.
Grover, of Wells. They finally removed to her father's
homestead in Tinmouth, where she Uved at the time of her

OP Wells. 135
decease in 1867, aged 68. They raised up one daughter,
Luna, (now deceased) and two sons, Lyman P. and Joshua
P. Grover, who live in Tinmouth. Paul, Joshua, died in
1840, aged 73 years. His wife died in 1850, aged 77
years. Paul, Stephen, the youngest chUd, succeeded to his
father's homestead ; was born Dec. 31st, 1773, and we are
told was thirteen years of age when his father settled in
Wells. He was thrice married. First to Clarissa Perry, of
Tinmouth, by whom he had four sons and six daughters, viz :
Stephen Paul, Jr., EUakim, James, Clarissa, Sabrey, Emily,
Sophronia, Asenath, Lydia and Nelson. His second wife
was Lovisa Cavanaugh. His third wife was Ruby Griswold,
of Middletown, who still lives on the homestead, aged about 81.
Paul, Stephen, died In 1843, aged 70. His first wife died
in 1814, aged 38 ; his second wife died in 1834, aged 51.
Paul, Stephen, Jr., the oldest chUd, was born in 1796 ;
married Desiah Rider, of Wells. He died in 1849, aged 53.
Paul, Eliakim, became a physician, went into practice in
Middletown in 1822, and has followed his chosen profession
nearly one-half a century ; has represented his adopted town
in the State Legislature eight years, and filled many other
offices of trust and usefulness. He married Juna Coleman,
of Tinmouth, by whom he had two sons and one daughter ;
Emmet, who died in 1846, aged 18; Daniel W., who was
graduated at Harvard College in 1860, and is now practicing
law in St. Louis, Mo. ; and Sabra, who married Edwin
Copeland, of Middletown, and died in 1867, aged 42, leaving
two sons, Frank and CharUe. She was universally respected
by all her acquaintances.
Paul, James, removed to Michigan. We learn he is held

136 ElOGRAfHICAL SKETCHES
in high esteem where he is known. He married Fanny
Church, by whom he had one son, George, (now deceased),
and one daughter Emily, who is married and lives with her
father in Coloma, Berrien County, Mich.
By the following extract from a letter addressed to the
writer, it appears that this name (James) has been connected
with the Paul family for many generations.Dighton, Nov. 23d, 1868.
* * * "I here give the oldest records,
except proprietors division, which was in 1683, with names
as there spelt. «
James Paull, the son of James Paul by Mary his wife,
was born in May, 1725.
Benjamin Paull, the son of James Paull by Sarah his wife,
was born July 2d, 1750.
Edward Paul the son of James Paul by AbigaU his wife,
was born April 10th, 1749.
James Paul, the son of James Paul by Abigail his wife,
was born Feb. 10th, 1750." .... *
Alfred W. Paul.
Paul, Clarissa, the oldest daughter of Stephen Paul,
removed to Western New York. She married Michael
Hutchinson, and has lived for many years in Eden, Erie
County, N. Y.
Paul, Sabrey, married Hezekiah Coleman, of Tinmouth,
by whom she had one , son, Marshall, who now resides in
Rupert. She died when about 19 years of age. He married
Sarah Austin, by whom he has six children, viz : Charles,
Sabra, Col. Fremont, George, Frederick and Helen M.
Paul, Emily, married David Griswold, of Middletown, and

OP Wells. 137
raised up a family of four daughters, viz: Clarissa, who
married Albert Porter and lives in Wisconsin; Electa, who
married Henry Youngs, of Middletown ; Asenath ; Juhaette ;
and one son, Stephen A., who enlisted in the 7th Vt.
Regiment, and died of fever at Pensacola, Florida, Nov. 3d,
1862, aged about 26.
Paul, Sophronia, removed to Western New York, married
Rufus Tuttle, of Fredonia, lived there several years, but now
resides in Michigan. She has one daughter EUa, who
married Jesse Brown, of Fredonia.
Paul, Asenath, married George Eastman, of Newport, N.
H., and lived there until his death, in 1855. She now
resides with her brother Nelson.
Paul, Lydia, died when three years of age.
Paul, Nelson, the youngest chUd, was born in 1813, and
succeeded to his father's homestead, which has been in the
hands of the Paul family since James Paul first settled here.
He has represented this town three years in the State
Legislature, has been a selectman eight years, and held other
positions of usefulness and honor In town. He married
Maryette Haskins, daughter of Aaron Haskins, of Middle-
town, by whom he had four sons and one daughter. Hiland
E, who was born Dec. 31st, 1 836, was elected in 1859 town
Superintendent of Schools, and held the office for four years ;
represented this town in the State Legislature in 1862-63 ;
married Mary J., daughter of Howell Clark, of Wells, by
whom he has had one daughter, Mary Eva, who died in
1864, about two years of age, and one son Charlie. Phinehas
C, who first married Frances, daughter of Winslow Good-
speed, of Wells, who died in 1862, leaving one son Elmer.
Next he married Ellen Weller, and lives in Tinmouth on the

138 Biographical Sketches
Phinehas Coleman farm. MUetus, who married Ellen,
daughter of Nathan Francis, of Wells, and now lives in
Middletown ; George who intends to become a physician,
and Eugenia the youngest child^ both now live with their
father. Mrs. Maryette Paul died Jan. 31st, 1868, aged 53 years,
lamented by a large circle of friends.
" Things we prize are first to vanisli ;
Hearts we loTe to pass away."
Parsons, Jesse, settled on the farm now owned by Michael
Mooney. He came into town in 1787 ; he left town in 1804,
and went to Genesee, N. Y. His wife's name was Lydia,
daughter of Peter Stevens. The chUdren were Lydia, David,
Charlotte, Amanda and Aura, who now reside in Le Roy,
N. Y.
Pearce, James, settled in the western part of the town, on
the turnpike. He had two sons and one daughter, who
married and went to the north part of the State. Isaac and
James, who ma'rried Amanda, daughter of John Pray, went
West over thirty years since. Mr. Pearce served in the
revolutionary war. He died about the year of 1830.
Pember, John, sen., married a Miss Bill and settled in the
north part of the town at an early day. He had the follow
ing sons : John, jr., who married and lived in Poultney ;
Frederic, Harvey and MUton._ The two latter went with
their father to Chatauqua Co., N. Y., over fifty years since.
Pember, Frederic, married Sally, daughter of Peter
Stevens, and raised a large family, viz : Laura, married
James J. Rowe, and resides in town ; Orlin married Fidelia
Hyde, and removed to Luzerne, N. Y. ; Russel, Lorenzo D.,

OP Wells. 139
Ruel, Harriet, who married Alonzo S. Stevens, and now
resides in Westminster, Vt. ; Jerusha married Alva Lewis,
and resides in Weston, Vt. ; Sophia married Arch. Herrick ;
he died In 1853 ; she next married Deacon Julius Spaulding,
of Poultney, where she now resides. By Mr. Herrick she
had one son named Edgar, who enlisted in the 5th Vt. Reg.
and died in service ; Abner married Laura Ann, daughter of
Capt. WiUiam Lamb, and now resides- in Minnesota ; Orah
married and moved to Weston ; Frederic, jr., who went to
Illinois, married there ; enlisted in the Union army, where he
died, leaving five chUdren, one named Erwin lives in town
with his uncle, Russell Pember. Mr. Pember was a member
of the Methodist Church nearly 60 years. He died in 1859,
aged 79 ; his widow In
Pember, Russell, lives on the place first settled by Elijah
Parks, sen. He has been twice married ; his first wife was
Miss AdeUne Hyde, by whom he had one son named MUton
H., who enlisted in April, 1862, in 5th Minnesota Reg't.'
went out as Sergeant, received commission as 1st Lieutenant
in June, 1863, contracted a fever during the siege of
Vicksburg, and received his discharge In the month of
August, 1863 ; he returned to Wells, and soon after went to
Mount Tabor, where he married Miss F. Ann Croft, and
where he now resides ; Mr. Pember next married Emily,
daughter of Jonathan BidweU, of Pawlet, by whom he had
another son named Emmett R., who has enjoyed several
academical courses of study, and devotes the winter seasons
to teaching.
Pember, Lorenzo, D., married Alice, daughter of Gould
StUes, jr., by whom he had one son named Ira. His wife
dying in 1838, he next married Mariam, sister of his first

140 Biographical Sketces
wife ; he moved to Mount Tabor, Vt., where he now resides ;
his son died in 1863, aged 31.
Pember, Ruel, married Maria Tanner, of Granville, N.
Y., and Uved in town tiU 1840, when he moved to GranviUe,
and now resides there ; he had one son and two daughters ;
his oldest daughter, Emeline, died in 1838, aged four years ;
his second daughter's name was Delia M. ; she was a young
woman of much promise, a good scholar, having attended
several terms in the Troy Conference Academy ; she died of
consumption in 1856 in her 20th year ; Franklin T.
lives with his father, and is married. Mr. Pember has held
the office of Justice in GranviUe many years.
Perry, Jabez D., lived in town several years ; married
Anna, daughter of Joel Clemons. His children were Jabez
D., jr. ; Andrew, who married Mary Ann, daughter of Asa
Clemons, and lives in Poultney ; Seth, Betsy, and Ruth
married Vfetmore, and a daughter who married Joseph
Hazen. Perry, Jabez D.,jr., married Thankful, daughter of Benoni
Munson, and lives in town. He has one son named Abner,
who married Luna, daughter of Henry Goodspeed.
Potter, WiUiam, Capt., from New London, Conn., married
Phebe Woodard, sen., of the same place. He first settled in
Pawlet, but moved into town in the latter part of his life ; he
was a seafaring man when young ; he had the command of a
trading vessel, from whence he derived the name of Captain.
The children, Joshua who married AbigaU Hall and lived on
the homestead in Pawlet and died in 1863, aged 81 ; his wife
the same year ; WUliam, jr., Seth, John, who married Eunice
Francis and went to the Schroon Country, where he became
a trader in the Balsam oil business ; Abel, Samuel, Thomas,

OP Wells. 141
who was a musician and died in New York city ; Phebe
married Joseph Wyman ; Sally married Eber Ward ; Abigail
married John Wyman ; Deborah married Dr. Reuben Lewis.
Mr. Potter died in 1827 ; his wife in 1835.
Potter, WUliam, jr., married Experience Francis, and
reared a large family ; WiUiam 3d, Hezekiah, Richard, who
went to Michigan ; Jonathan married Sylvia, daughter of
Alva Goodspeed, and has gone West ; Phillip lives in St.
Lawrence Co., N. Y. ; Pelo Pidus resides also in St.
Lawrence Co. ; Julia married Rufus Lindsey, and is dead ;
she died in St. Lawrence Co. ; Harriett married Samuel
Lamb, and is dead ; Mrs. Potter died in ; Mr. Potter
then went to the Schroon country, where he died a few
years since, over 90 years of age.
Potter, WiUiam, 3d, married Harriet, daughter of Phineas
Lamb. The childrens names were : Mary Ann, who married
George W. Sprague, of Poultney ; Lucy married Andrew
Clark, of Poultney, and is dead ; Henry married Sarah,
daughter of Franklin Goodrich, of Poultney, and keeps a
Public House in East Poultney ; Joshua enlisted in the
7th Regiment of Vt. Vol., and served three years ; he
re-enUsted and died while in service. Mr. Potter was a man
noted as a legal counselor in matters of law, and practiced
as such many years He died in 1852, aged 56.
Potter, George, resides in the viUage ; he married Sylvia
daughter of Eliakim Oatman, of Middletown ; his children
are Delia M. , James, who married Ellen Gorham, of Poultney ;
Albert and Merritt. Mr. Potter was a son of Joshua Potter,
of Pawlet.
Potter, Samuel, Dr., first practiced in this town as a
physician for several years, and then moved to Pawlet, where

142 Biographical Sketches
he resided till his death, which occurred in 1835. He
married Avis, daughter of John CoUins, of Ira ; he reared a
large famUy ; the foUowing are the names of the children :
Collins is a millwright, Fayette is an attorney, both reside in
Pawlet ; Samuel, George, Charies W., Edwin, Phebe, Helen,
and Lovina ; Charles W. married Sophia, daughter of Abel
Parker, jr., and resides in town ; he is proprietor of the
Lake House ; he has built an addition to the former building,
a most splendid and commodious mansion suited for the
accommodation of those who wish to enjoy the most pleasant
and beautiful scenery in our State.
Potter, Seth, married Hannah, daughter of Peter Blossom,
and lived on the place now owned by Alva Mitchell ; he had
several children ; Seth, jr., married a daughter of Heman
Hastings, and went west in 1834 , Fidelia married a Mr.
Lee, of WUliston ; John went west ; Harry also went west ;
Hannah married and died in Texas ; Laura married James
Moffit, of Schroon, N. Y. ; and Isaac who went west.
Potter, Abel, married Cynthia, daughter of Zacherlah
Lathrop, and resided in the vUlage where his nephew George
Potter now resides ; he went west about the year 1826, to
Rochester, N. Y., where he died some years since; his
chUdren were Zacherlah, Obed, William, Charlotte, who died
in Rochester, N. Y. ; Polly married a Mr. Moffit ; Annis
married a Mr. Law, of Sandgate Vt; Bethia and Saphronia ;
none of the family are left in town.
Pratt, John, from Hartford, N. Y., and resided on Butt's
HUl ; he married Betsy Scofield ; children were Polly, who
married Joseph Sprague and lives in Illinois, and is a widow .
Nancy married Shubael Lamb, jr. ; Diodama married Russel
Lamb, and died in 1849 ; Lury Ann, who died in 1833, and

OF Wells. 143
Thomas. Mr. Pratt died in 1861, aged 79. His wife in
1849. Pratt, Thomas, son of John Pratt, married SybU, daughter
of Joel Francis ; she died in 1838, aged 27, leaving one son
named Alonso : he next married Betsy, daughter of Jonathan
Merrills, of Tinmouth, by whom he had eight children ; Lury
Ann who married Myron WUlard ; Sellick married ^usan,
daughter of Herbert Hutchins, of Middletown ; Melissa died
young ; John, Amelia, Phebe, Levi, and Benjamin, who died
in 1868, aged six years ; Alonso married Nancy Munroe, of
Poultney, where he now resides. Mr. Pratt still resides in
town. Pray, John, sen., came with his son John, jr., in 1778;
he died a few years afterwards, and was burled in the
cemetery first laid out in town, a short distance East of Pond
bridge ; he came from Connecticut.
Pray, John, jr., married Elizabeth Bellamy and settled on
the farm now owned by Tolman Howe ; he raised a large
family of children, as follows : Elijah, John Howard, who
married Esther, daughter of Azariah Lathrop, and now resides
in Harmony, Chataqua Co., N. Y. ; he for a time foUowed
the mercantile business, but recently turned his attention to
the profession of the law ; studied with the Hon. Abner
Lewis. Marcia, Amanda, married James Pearce ; Malinda,
married John Fuller ; Betsy, married Orlin H. Miner, brother
of the Hon. A. L. Miner, of Manchester ; he went to Ohio
in 1833, and died soon after ; Kezia died in 1827 ; Maria,
Sally, and David. Mr. Pray was much esteemed and
respected as a citizen ; a member of the Episcopal church.
He held the office of Selectman many years. Mr. Pray went
west in 1835, to Harmony, N. Y., and died in 1844, age 74.

l44 Biographical S:M!TCHes
Pray, Elijah, married Lucinda, daughter of Rufus Glass ;
the children were : Alice, who married and resides in Fort
Ann, N. Y. ; Rhoda married. Backus H. Stiles, Maria Jane
married and lives in Weston, Vt. ; Oliver married Emily,
daughter of Clark Lamb, of Poultney ; Orrin, Huldah, who
resides in Weston, Vt. ; Amanda, married Warren
Hulet, and Uves in Marengo, 111. ; and Franklin, who
enlisted in the union service. Mr. Pray died in Fort Ann
in 1867, aged 74 ; Mrs. Pray died in 1855.
Reynolds, Joshua, married a Miss Darling ; he built the
house that Thomas M. Clemons resides in ; he had three
chUdren, Newall, Mary and Palmer.
Reynolds, Palmer, married Polly, daughter of Daniel
Cross, and raised a family, viz: Polly, Susan, Harry,
Hannah, Olive and Martin. Mr. Reynolds died in 1829.
, Reynolds, John, married Polly Merriman and lived in the
eastern part of the town ; his chUdren were Alavander, who
married Jerry Howe ; Laura married Jehial B. Parks, of
Middletown ; Betsy married Joshua Howe, and resides in
town. Mr. Reynolds died many years ago.,
Reynolds, John, sen., resided in town and raised a family ;
the children were Kizza, married Ralph Bell ; Charity and
John. Reed, Ephriam, married a daughter of Titus Andrews,
and lived in the western part of the town on Bodfish Hill ;
he had two sons who enlisted in the late war, and both died
in the army. He removed to Tinmouth in 1868.
Reed, John, resides in tbe eastern part of the town, on
the farm formerly owned by David Blakely, of Pawlet ; he
married Philura Hutchins, of Middletown ; he has two
chUdren.

OF Wells. 145
Rider, Benjamin, from Barnstable, Mass., and settled in
town in 1794 ; his wife's name was Anna Jones ; chUdren's
names as follows : Benjamin married a Miss Searls, of White
hall, N. Y. ; Nathaniel, both went west ; Desiah married
Stephen Paul, jr. ; he died in 1851, age 52; she stiU Hves
on the old homestead ; Remembrance, who married Aaron
Mosher, jr., and Hves in Chataqua Co., N. Y. ; Anna married
Epraim Ferguson, of Manchester; she died a few years
since , she had two daughters ; one died by her clothes
taking fire ; the other, named Elvira married Daniel LobdaU,
of Pawlet ; Caroline, Bathsheba, Elvira, and Lodema ; the
four last went west where they married. Mr. Rider died ia
1824, aged 55 ; his wife in 1821, aged 46.
Ripley, Linas, from Tinmouth in 1829 ; married Mahala,
daughter of John Mosher ; he had four children : Jared F.,
Nicy, Lois and Edson ; Nicy married Douglass Sykes, and
lives in Whitewater, Wis. ; Lois lives in Illinois ; Jared F.
went to Wisconsin, entered the Union service, and was kiUed
at the battle of ShUoh ; Edson also enlisted and died in the
hospital at Washington City. Mr. Ripley died in 1850, aged
44 ; his wife in 1858, aged 46.
Rowe, Joseph, came into town about the year of 1810. He
married widow Lois Forest ; her maiden name was Daniels ;
the chUdren were John, who married Esther, daughter of
John S. Davis, and went west ; James J., David, who went
west ; Sally married Daniel Tooly, and lives in La Crosse,
Minnesota ; Hannah married Cyrus Burnham, and resides in
Whitewater, Wisconsin ; Betsy and Lucinda, who live at St.
Paul, Minnesota. Mr. Rowe and hia wife have been dead
several years. 10

146 Biographical Sketches
Rowe, James >J., resides on the farm formerly owned by
Rufus and Samuel Glass ; he married Laura, daughter of
Frederic Pember ; they have three chUdren, Harvey, Wesley,
and Emily ; Harvy married Annie, daughter of Jacob LyoUj
of Pawlet ; she died soon after leaving one son, named
Freddie ; he afterwards married Sarah Cole, and resides in
Poultney ; he, in company with Mr. Cole, have built a
hardware store, and doing a good business ; Wesley married
Emily Lyon, sister of the above, aud has two children, viz :
Duane and Merrit ; he lives on the Rufus Glass place.
Rust, Aloney, came from Connecticut, and was an early
settler on a hill west of the Pond, and Is called Rust HUl ;
his wife was Esther Doud ; the chUdren were Amasa, who
married Charlotte, daughter of David Ward ; he raised a
large famUy and went to Michigan in 1837, and is dead ;
Samuel, Ezra died in 1827, aged 27 ; John married Polly,
daughter of Alvin Goodspeed ; PoUy married Abner Goff.
Mr. Rust, with his sons Samuel and John, went to Ohio and
died there.
Stufdivent, Caleb, settled on the place where Calvin Farrar
now resides, at an early day ; he married a daughter of
Joshua Howe ; the chUdren were David, Anna, AbigaU and
EmUla ; he moved west in 1813.
Smith, Eliad, from GranviUe, N. Y., iu 1832 ; he was
twice married ; first to Betsy Smith ; she died in 1808, leaving
a family of four children ; Henry E., who died when young ;
OUver married Roxana Glass and went West ; Sarah
married Arunah Glass ; and ' Ludretia married Wesley
Clemons, Esq., of this town ; his second wife was Phebe,
daughter of Joseph Button, Esq., by whom he had the

OF Wells. 147
following chUdren : Betsy married Wm. Buxton, and died in
1854, aged 44 ; Lucy married a Mr. Davis and died a few
years after, leaving two chUdren, Ellen and Charles ; both
are in Marengo, IU. ; Joseph B. married Lydia Giles, of
of Pawlet, and lives in St. Lawrence County, N. Y.
Hester, Ann, married James, son of George Lamb, of
GranvUle, N. Y. ; he resided in town several years ; he^was
in company with Benjamin Lewis, jr., known as the firm of
Lewis & Lamb, in the manufacture of woolens ; he moved
to Fort Ann, N. Y. ; Hannah, M., married David B. Lewis,
jr., who went to Illinois, and is dead. Mr. Smith resided on
the place that Sylvester Clark now occupies. He died in
1843, aged 73 ; his wife in 1853.
Sprague, Elida, married Charlotte, daughter of Samuel
Glass, and resided on the homestead now owned by James J.
Rowe ; he had a family of six children ; Ruby married Orin
Wheeler; Osker married Julian, daughter of Eliphalet
Buxton, and resides in town, and lives on the David B. Lee
farm ; he has one son named Hiram ; James married MeUssa,
daughter of Daniel Van Guilder ; he enlisted in the 7th Vt.
Reg., and died near Baton Rouge, in 1863, leaving a widow
and three children ; one was burned to death soon after by
her clothes taking fire ; Mary Ann, who died in 1838, aged
13 ; Osro enlisted in the 2d Vt. Reg., and served for a time
when he was discharged ; he afterwards re-enlisted in a New
York Reg., and was wounded in the battle of the WUderness,
from which he soon after died, aged 34 ; Eveline married
George Hays, of Rupert, who soon after died ; she is still a
widow, and resides with her aged mother in Rupert. Mr.
Sprague died in 1860 ; aged 64.

l48 Biographical Sketches
Spaulding, Orin, from Danby, married Libbie ; she died
in 18 — ; by whom he had three children ; Horace who went
west ; Ann, M., who married Lyman Johnson, of Poultney,
and now resides in lUinois ; and George, who resides in town.
Mr. Spaulding next married Avis, daughter of Samuel
Howe, and now resides in town.
Stevens, Peter, from Connecticut in 1786 ; married Lois
Glass and raised a large family ; Asa married Olive, daughter
of Ogden MaUory, and moved west in 1820, where he died
many years since ; James married and went to Potsdam, N.
Y., and died there ; Abner, Joshua, Nathan, who left town
when young; Rufus, Samuel married Ruth, daughter of
Joshua Howe ; he enlisted in the war of 1812, was wounded
in the battle of Chippeway, and died soon after from the
same, leaving Ada, who died in 1823 of consumption, aged
18 ; Temperance, who married Wm. Johnson, of Poultney,
and died in 1836, aged 35 ; Achsah married Chauncy Howe,
and lives in Luzerne, N. Y. ; Joshua was drowned in
Tinmouth in 1826 ; James H., who was a Methodist preacher
and now Uves in Iowa ; Amos, Luther, married PhiUnda
Cole ; Lydia married Jesse Parsons ; Sally married Frederic
Pember ; and Lois, who married Jezeniah Howe. Mr. Howe
was a naUer by trade ; he went west in 1820 ; one of his
sons named Chester was a member in the New York Legis
lature in 1838. Mr. Stevens died in 1821 ; his wife in
1820. Stevens, Abner, married Jerusha West, and resided on
lands now owned by Hiram Francis. The children were
Abner, jr., Ithamer married Pamela, daughter of Elijah
Herrick, and went to lUinois ; Aaron, John, and Elizabeth,

OF Wells. 149
who now resides in town at the age of 75. Mr. Stevens and
his wife died a few years since.
Stevens, Abner, jr., married Lois Nichols. They had two
chUdren, John M., and Melissa M., who married Stephen P.
Lamb, and have gone west ; Mrs. Stevens died in ; he
next married Calista, step-daughter of Roswell FuUer, by
whom he has two children, Perley and Pernie. Mr. Stevens
Uves in town.
Stevens, Aaron, married Clarissa, daughter of Joel Francis,
and has a family of six children : Emmet, Sybil A., Elbert
B., Rosina L., EUison, EUa M. He resides in town.
Stevens, Joshua, lived alternately in this town and Pawlet ;
he had a family of children, two sons and three daughters ;
Alonso S., married Harriet, daughter of Frederic Pember,
and resides in Westminster, Vt. ; another son who went west ;
Theodosia married Joseph Howe, jr. ; CaroUne married
Gamaliel Washburn, of Montpelier, Vt. ; Ann Eliza, married
Mr. Smith, who removed to Rutland.
Sumner, Daniel, lived in the eastern part of the town ; he
married DeUla Reynolds, and reared a family of seven
children ; Lucina married John Stevens ; Ollis, Sally,
Hannah, DUla, Joshua and Palmer. They went west at an
early day.
Sumner, Shubael, married Lucy Grover, of Granville, N.
Y., and resided on the farm now occupied by Theron Howe.
He left town in 1814.
Stevens, Harris H., married Caroline Hyde and resided
north of , the village; the children were John D., married
Mary, daughter ol the Rev. Mr. Atwell ; Ermina, who died ;
Selinda and Phebe D. His wife died in 1851 ; he next

l50 Biographical Sketches
married Sylvia, widow of Madison Lamb, and went to Fort
Edward, N, Y., where he lately died.
Stiles, Gould, jr., resided in the north part of the town ;
he married Alice, daughter of Rufus Glass, by whom he had
one son named Andrew ; she died in 1810 ; he next married
widow Laura Huntington ; her maiden name was Haynes,
sister of Hezekiah Haynes, of Middletown ; by Mr. Hun
tington she had two daughters, Sally and Laura ; by Mr.
StUes she had five children ; Bacchus K., who married Rhoda,
daughter of Elijah Pray ; he left town in 1856, and died in
Kansas a year or two since with a cancer ; Sanford went to
Michigan and married ; Alice married Lorenzo D. Pember ;
she died in 1838 ; Jerusha married George W. Brown, of
Middletown, and resides in Poultney ; they have one son
named George W,, jr. ; Mariam married Lorenzo D, Pember,
and resides in Mount Tabor, Mr. Stiles died in 1867, aged
83, His son Andrew is in Illinois.
Sturdivent, Caleb, married a daughter of Joshua Howe ;
he settled on the place now owned by Calvin Farrer ; chUdren
were David, Anna, Elizabeth, and EmUla. Mr. Sturdivent
moved west in 1813.
Taft, Otis, came- into town in 1856 ; his wife's name was
Chariotte Sprague ; she died in 1862 ; Mr, Taft had three
sons in the army, Lewis, Austin and Cyrus. He next married
widow Porter, of Poultney ; she also had three sons in the
late war, Edwin A,, Albert L., and Lensey 0. ; Edwin A.
enlisted in Co. G, Vt. Cavalry ; he was taken prisoner in a
raid near Richmond, under KUpatrick, and confined for a
whUe in Libby prison ; Albert L,, served in a New York

OF Wells. 151
regiment of heavy artUlery ; Lensey also enlisted in a New
York regiment,
Tooly, Amos, came from Poultney about the year of 1815 ;
he reared a family ; the names of his children were : Daniel
married Sally, daughter of Joseph Rowe ; Maria married
Eliphalet Buxton ; Anna and Russell, (twins,) Lucy married
Elhanan Mc Wayne, of Pawlet, and is dead ; and SaUy
married Joseph Jennings of Pawlet. Mr. Tooly died in
1822 ; his wife in 1859, aged 90.
Tooly, Cyrus, resides in the western part of the town ; he
married Sophrona, daughter of Alvin Lumbard ; the children
were WiUiam, Horace, Samuel and Norman ; William
enlisted in the 123d Reg. N. Y. Vol., and was kiUed near
Goldsborough, in N. C, a short time before Johnson's sur
render to Sherman ; Horace also enlisted in the same
regiment and at the same time ; he was wounded at DaUas,
in Georgia, and died soon afterwards. They were both good
soldiers, and their deaths were heroic.
Turner, Moses, came into town in 1808, and buUt over
the grist mUl formerly owned by Joshua Howe ; his wife
died in 1810 ; he soon afterwards left town.
Tyler, Jason, from Cheshire, Conn. ; was one of the
first settlers in town ; married Rhoda Bellamy, also from
Cheshire ; the chUdren were, Aaron B., Lucinda married
Benjamin Lumbard ; Polly P. married Raymond Hotch
kiss ; Betsy married Doctor James Mosher, who died in
1816 ; she next married Aaron Mosher, Esq. ; Aaron B.
married AmarUlus, daughter of Barnabas Lewis, by whom he
had four chUdren, Lucinda, Polly P., Aaron B., jr., and
FloriUa ; Lucinda married George Richardson ; Polly P.

152 Biographical Sketches
married WiUiam Austin, of GranviUe, N. Y. Mr. Tyler
died in 1819. With the exceptiotfof Mrs. Austin the family
left town in the spring of 1834. Mr. A. B, Tyler was a
Justice several years, and held many town offices besides ;
the widow also left town at the same time, and died the
following year,
Wales, Elisha, from WhitehaU, N, Y. ; married Laura,
daughter of Ormund Lamb, and lived on the place formerly
owned by the Rev, Shubael Lamb ; he enlisted in the 14th
Vt. Reg., was in the battle of Gettysburg, and died on his
way home in Vernon, Maryland, and was buried there. Mr.
Wales was a good citizen, and respected by his friends. His
widow resides in town.
Wales, Russell, brother of the above, married Polly,
daughter of Thaddeus MerrUs, who soon after died, leaving
a son named Vine. He soon after went to Middlebury,
where he again married.
Ware, Ziba, married Rachel Dart, by whom he had one
son named Lyman ; he was a blacksmith by trade ; his wife
died about 40 years since ; he next married a widow Richards
of Poultney ; he died nearly 20 years since ; no record of
his age ; Lyman married Hannah, daughter of Samuel S.
Merriam, by whom he had four sons and one daughter ;
George, who married Sarah, daughter of Stephen Atwater ;
WUliam married Eliza Wilson, of GranvUle, N. Y. ; Sidney
married Calista Pratt ; Merritt married Sarah, daughter of
Roswel FuUer, and Rachel ; the three last reside in town.
George went to Illinois ; Lyman Ware died in 1839 ; hia
widow still resides. in town.
Ward, David, was an early settler in town on the place

OF Wells. 153
where Seth Cook now lives ; he married Charlotte Pray ;
his chUdren were Samuel, Eber, Zael, married Susan Page,
they went to Michigan ; Kezia married Amos Lewis and
went west ; Rhoda married Elijah Button and lives in
Harmony, Chatauqua Co., N, Y, ; John died young; Char
lotte married Amasa Rust, who went to Michigan in 1837 ;
and David was a physician, and Uves in Green Bay in
Michigan, Wells, RusseU S,, from Poultney, first married Delia
Shumway, of Poultney, by whom he had three sons, Henry
S,, Albert and John S., who married Helen, daughter of
Alfred Munson, and resides in Rutland ; he next married
Lucy, daughter of John Clark, by whom he had two daughters,
Delia, who died young, and Fanny. Mrs. Wells died in
1860, aged 49. Mr. Wells stiU resides in town.
WiUiams, Abijah, settled in the western part of the town ;
his chUdren were, Albemarle, married Ruth, daughter of
Daniel Goodrich ; he was a physician, and died in Dorset in
1830; Abijah, jr., resided in Poultney, where he died;
Amos married a Mi^ Andrews, of Poultney ; Ambrose, «<
Cogswell, and Josiah, and one daughter named Eunice, who
married George Davis, of Poultney. Mr. WUUams mi^ved
to Poultney in 1810, where he died in 1829, aged 75.
Woods, Samuel, from Poultney in 1833 ; married Minerva,
widow of Jacob Sykes, jr., of Pawlet; by Mr. Sykes she
had six chUdren, Oliver married Jane Parkhurst and moved
to Cavendish, Vt. ; Josiah, who Is in Kansas ; Jacob married
Martha WUson, of GranviUe, .N. Y., where he now resides;
Sidney married a Miss Perry, of Middletown, and went to
Wisconsin ; Douglas married Nicy, daughter of Linas Ripley,
11

154 Biographical Sketches op Wells,
and lives in Whitewater, Wisconsin ; and Susan, By Mr,
Woods she had four chUdren ; * Merrit married Ellen,
daughter of Cial vin Farrer, and has three children; Iliram,
who is unmarried ; CaroUne married Alex, Ayott, and has
three chUdren ; Emily married Pherrin Barden. The
chUdren reside in town,
Woodworth, Roswel, married Amanda, daughter of Nathan
Francis, and settled on the farm now owned by Nelson
Lewis ; the children were Betsy, married Daniel Hulet, of
Pawlet ; Harmony married Joshua Hulet, also of Pawlet ;
Josiah, Downer, RosweU, jr., Sally, Sophronia married James,
son of Joel Francis; Loisa, Patty, Samuel, Charles aud
Socrates. Mr, Woodworth went west about the year of 1816,
Woodworth, Philo, stepson of WiUiam Fisk, and resided
in town till he was of age. He was a studious scholar, and
by close application acquired a good education. He became
a minister of the Methodist order, and Is now Presiding
Elder in Rochester, N, Y,
Wolcot, John, Uved on the place that Tolman Howe now
owns ; he had two sons named John, and Chauncy, who mar
ried Lydia, daughter of Gould StUes of Middletown, and went
to Michigan at an early day, Mr, Wolcot died of the cancer,
Wyman, Daniel, settled on the place that Alva Mitchell now
occupies. He had four sons : Daniel, John, Jacob who married
and went to West Haven, and WUUam, who married Mehitalel,
daughter of Andrew Clark, by whom he had four chUdren ;
Lois, who died in 1821, aged 18 ; Cemantha, who resides in
Panama, Chatauqua Co.,N. Y. ; WiUiam and Franklin, who
also went west. Mr. Wyman died in 1787, being the first
person Interred in the village burying ground.

*w

i? ^:

¦%:¦¦ >"¦ -^ »