return to Town Histories    

BENNINGTON (continued)

Chapter XX.

Bennington Center as it was Sixty Years Ago.

Aldrich, Lewis Cass, editor; History of Bennington County, Vt. © 1889, pages 275-286

Sixty years ago the present village of Bennington, then contemptuously called "Algiers," and just beginning to be designated as the East Village, had increased in population during the previous fifty years very slowly. There may have been in 1829 two hundred or three hundred inhabitants, within the present limits of the village. Bennington Center, or "the hill," as it was termed, at this time was at the height, or had seen its days of greatest prosperity and renown, if, in comparison with other parts of the town, business and numerical strength only are taken into consideration. It was here that the important secular business of the town and much of that of the State from its infancy had been transacted; that the first and only church for public worship was located, and where for sixty-five years the inhabitants from all parts of the town had gone up weekly for spiritual food and nourishment; that the court-house building for the business of the county was established, with a jail within its walls for the incarceration of criminals, and for years after this time where debtors were often confined for inability to meet their pecuniary obligations; that the more pronnnent lawyers of the county resided, constituting with members from other towns, a legal bar second to none in the State; that schools were supported, bringing honor to the town, and giving educational ambition to the youth of both sexes; that a printing office, so rare an acquisition in a town at the time, was established, and where from the year 1783 the Vcnnont Gazette had been published; that nearly all the stores and places for traffic, including wagonmaking and blacksmithing, were located; that the stages, on the great mail route between Albany and Boston, across the mountain, carrying the United States mail, with coaches drawn by four horses, called for a relay, and passengers or guest accommodations at the State Arms House then kept by George Brannock, and at Hicks Hotel in the lower part of the village; and that it was necessary for the convenience and comfort of nearly the whole population of the town that frequent visits should be made to the only post-office and to other places, for business or the interchange of thought and feeling upon matters intimately connected with the interests of the town, both moral and social.

The court-house on the upper hill, in which Chief Justice Williams presided with such aptitude for the speedy transaction of business, with General Henry Robinson as clerk, was located a few feet south of the residence of the late A. M. Huling, then the Cushman Tavern, and was destroyed by fire in October, 1846. Here the town meetings were held, and at this time party politics often ran high, and with the efforts made, when parties were nearly equally divided, to carry an election, frequently the excitement was great. The street
between the court-house and the State Arms House opposite was the arena for much electioneering and the scene of fist fights, and sometimes of the throwing of stones by some who would let their passions run away with their better judgment, or were under the influence of drink.

By the laws of the State every able-bodied male citizen between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years were liable to perform military duty, and was required to meet, duly armed and equipped, on certain days during the year, or at the call of the proper military official on special occasions. A certain day in June was one of the stated periods, fixed by law, when the militia of the county would meet in front of the State Arms House, under the regularly appointed regimental, field, staff, commissioned and non-commissioned officers, for drill, discipline, inspection and review. It was a high time, and one in which the people turned out almost en masse making it a holiday occasion, usually bringing their dinners and lunches for men, women and children. The streets were generally lined with peddlers selling fruits, watermelons, and large supplies of baker's gingerbread, in the shape of large cards, the thought of which would sharpen the appetite and make the mouths of the youth "to water." How many of both men and children could be seen wending their
way homeward after the pleasures and fatigue of the day with a large melon or card of the gingerbread under their arm. These trainings were invariably accompanied by several wagons, in which were borne barrels of cider on draught, to warm up or cool off the customers, as they might happen to be in condition.

There was, in addition to the regular militia who carried muskets, a company of artillery, dressed in showy uniforms, carrying swords, and who during a portion of their drill would draw the "old brass" cannon through the village with drag ropes, firing often and sometimes making a rattling of window-panes from the concussion produced.

There was also a cavalry company, under the command of Henry Scott for years, which wore a uniform cap and a sword, and had pistols or short firearms, which were carried in a "holster" attached to the saddle in front. The "bugle" was blown for years by Seth Dunn, whose soul-stirring notes would thrill the whole community as he would lead the company in their riding practice, through the streets or distant parts of the town. There was no music but martial for the foot companies, which was of the best and soul inspiring, and which aided the multitude in keeping up the spirit which had been instrumental in gaining the nation's independence. Eleazer Sibley was a remarkably good snare drummer, and was often accompanied upon the base drum by his cousin John. These with Uncle Jim Wittum, who had the reputation of having split a fife while blowing it at the battle of "Lundy's Lane," in the War of 1812, would furnish such music as it seemed could hardly be improved. Companies from other towns brought their selected corps of music, vieing with each other in their skill and proficiency. Here too, yearly, when the 4th of July came round, the boys and youth would always be prepared with cannon and cartridges, to parade the streets as soon as the clock would strike twelve at midnight, after watching through the evening of the 3rd. One or both of the cannons, "Dread" and "Trainor," would be in use, accompanied
by the ringing of the village bells, and the noise would often bring to the doors or windows night-caps or white dresses, with the request that the firing must or should be stopped, or the cannon be moved farther on. Sometimes the request would be made in such a spirit that it would be thought best to give one or two more salutes, and in other cases it would be in such a kind and persuasive tone that the patriotic band would pass along without firing. And so of the l6th of August, which was also made a day of great rejoicing, though it was usually set apart and appropriated by the citizens for celebrations, when addresses and orations would be delivered and toasts given, together with a display of martial music, and the firing of cannon.

North and a little west of the Cushman Tavern, and as it would seem extending into the street, was a block of buildings fronting both south and west, a portion of which was used as the Vermont Gazette printing office, and a bookstore and bindery kept by Solomon Clark. In this block also was the hat and cap store of Cushman and Corey, who manufactured their own goods, as was generally the case by dealers at this period, and whose trade extended into the towns in this vicinity, where nothing of the kind was done. There is not a vestige of these buildings left to mark the spot where they stood. North of here lived B. R. Sears, a carpenter by trade, who, with Elisha and Hiram Waters, in the south part of the village, each with their shops well manned and equipped were ready for anything in their line that might be wanted. In the construction of the residence of the late B. R. Sears were used some of the timber and lumber from the first building erected for a church, which were taken from the forest over one hundred and twenty-five years ago. North of here was where Bisbee and Farwell carried on the butchering business, the only establishment of the kind in town, most of the animal food being slaucghtered by farmers, and served out to their neighbors from their farm homes. Nearly opposite lived Henry Fassett, in the rear of whose house was the site of the old "Continental storehouse."

The "State Arms House," which still stands as in those days, outwardly, kept by George Brannock, has been charged within, and the outbuildings entirely removed or materially altered. The old "tavern shed" on the north, facing the road toward the east, where there were gatherings on June training days, of the active and athletic who were wont to try their skill at wrestling, and where the amateur "Barum's" exhibited their shows and wonders, has long since been removed. At this time a caravan, which had been advertised as "the largest traveling one in America," was exhibited. The shed had perhaps thirty feet of open space in front, and poles were set up and canvass drawn around them, making the grounds, with the shed, thirty by fifty feet more or less. People came from all directions, and the show consisted of a horned horse, black bear, zebra, babboon, camel, an ostrich, a snake, some monkeys and a Shetland pony upon which rode a monkey with a cap on its head, while the pony was led about the inclosure.

On the site now occupied by Tarrant Sibley lived William Haswell, so long the town clerk of Bennington, but whose good wife did much of the writing and business of the office. A little north lived Anthony Haswell, who is remembered by some as the carrier of the Vermont Gazette at this time, going weekly on horseback, with his saddle bags, through the county, and delivering it to subscribers in many of the towns. South of the State Arms House, on the road running west, was located the boot and shoe shop where Childs and
Forbes made work for nearly the whole village, though at this time men were employed by some families to make shoes at their homes, whose occupation was designated as "whipping the cat." There was also shoemaking done in the lower part of the village. Just west was C. S. Pool a harnessmaker, one of three or four in this business, the famous drummer, who on "June training days" would amuse the multitudes by the dexterity with which he could handle and throw about and catch his drum-syicks, still keeping perfect time with the music of the fife. Captain David Robinson occupied the house on the corner above, where when in practice he also had his law oftice, and which home he gave to the first church for a parsonage, which is now the residence of Rev. M. L. Severance.

The Lyman Patchin store was next south of the court-house, where a large mercantile business was done, and in which business he became a wealthy man for the times. Both the store and his residence were burned to the ground several years since and there is nothing left to obstruct the wind from sweeping over the now cultivated grounds. The location of the old "pillory" had been by the side of the road, about half way between the old store and the north line of the Patchin lot which reached to the court-house. The "whipping post" stood a little north of opposite of where the pillory had been located, in front of Judge Jonathan Robinson's house, but had at this time been removed. Martin S. and Elijah Norton occupied near here a stone blacksmith shop, where a large business was done, and opposite to which was the Pickett store then kept by Brown & Fay for general mercantile trade, including drugs. The law office of Governor John S Robinson was just north as was also his residence. On the brow of the hill, looking upon the lower part of the village, stood the grand old house of General David Robinson, built in 1795, which is now in good condition, and owned and occupied by his grandson, George W. Robinson, whose information with reference to incidents and localities in the history of the town is, perhaps, not equaled by any hving person. The building carries us back nearly a century, and suggests that there was culture and an appreciation of art and convenience in those far off days when there were means to make them available. At this time General David, who was in the battle of Bennington and over seventy years old, was often seen upon horseback, riding at a fast rate, and frequently upon an animal considered unsafe for many younger persons, with his long cue streaming in the air. On the opposite side of the street there had recently been built the brick bank and dwelling house for the occupation of S. C. Raymond, who came from Manchester to manage the old first bank in Bennington and which proved a failure, though it made money for business purposes more plenty for a time. Some of the old bills of the bank, which should have been destroyed, were found as late as during the rebellion, and being filled out at convenience by the soldiers, were circulated and used as money in the army at the South. The ruse did not long succeed as the Yankees were not asleep long at a time. One of the buildings still standing in connection with which there are so many fond memories and associations is the old "brick academy," then in a flourishing condition. James Ballard, a principal of the academy, had about this time, on account of some difficulty with the school committee, rallied a party of friends and erected the seminary buildings lower down in the village and was carrying on an opposition school, which increased the number of students attending each. The cabinet business was carried on in the building lately occupied by A. B. Gardner for a law office by Mr. Kendrick or F. W. Coffin, sending their wares through this and the adjoining towns. Sanford & Brown were successfully prosecuting the mercantile business in the store now kept by Charles R. Sanford; Gay R. Sanfurd of the firm, was connected with the manufacture and sale of clocks in Connecticut, and also was manufacturing tinware quite extensively in a shop opposite the present residence of his son, Charles R. His peculiar genius for trade and traffic, with stories told the boys who were hanging about the shop, led them to imagine the assortment taken out by the peddlers was not really complete without a fair proportion of "wooden nutmegs and pumpkin seeds." Diagonally opposite, on the corner south of the church, was the store of Franklin Blackmer, who was prosecuting a good mercantile business. It was a place of resort in the evening for the "sitters" of the village to talk over the occurrences of the day. Among the half dozen or more of those usually present were Major Aaron Robinson, Captain Plinny Dewey, Asahel Hyde, and Jonathan Hunt from "Algiers," familiarly known as Jack Hunt, who was as regular, perhaps, with his lantern in hand, as any other of the members.

On the opposite side of the street was the printing office where was published in 1828-9 The Journal of the Times, with William Lloyd Garrison, editor, afterwards the eminent American abolitionist. It was about this time, perhaps a year or two later, that a speaker who had been advertised to deliver an address in the church upon the slavery question was hissed out of the house by some of the first men of the town, when it was learned that the audience would not quitely listen to him. Thus we are able to note the change in sentiment and progress which had been made in relation to this institution in the thirty years to the time of the rebellion. It was a few rods south of here that the first school-house in town was located. Farther down was the tailor shop of Isaiah Hendryx, who, with Richard Carpenter in his shop at the north end of the village, was able to do the necessary cutting and making of clothing for the town and vicinity. There was no ready-made clothing sold in those days, people having their garments either cut and made by a tailor, or which was
much the more common, cut by a tailor and made in their homes by a tailoress with what help they could give one. We pass the large carpenter shop of Hiram Waters, an esteemed citizen and now the oldest male resident in town, whose business has been commented upon, before reaching the blacksmith shop of Samuel Chandler, who was assisted by his aged father and others in the work of the shop, quite an item of which was the shoeing of oxen of which, at the present time, there is probably not a half dozen yoke in the whole town.
Just east of here, on the north side of the small stream that ran under the shop, was the cider-mill of Pliny Dewey, where large quantities of apples were brought from different parts of the town and laid waiting to be ground in turn in the mill, which was operated by a horse attached to a long sweep. The cider was taken to the homes of the farmers, where a good deal was drank, or to the distillery, which was situated lower down the bank, and made into cider brandy of which also much was used.

Nathaniel Dexter, the watchmaker or jeweler, did the work in this line necessary for the accommodation of the inhabitants. The manufacture of wagons, sleighs and coaches by Joseph Ogden, a little west of the Hicks Hotel, was carried on more extensively than at any other time in Bennington, requiring quite a number of employees, as there was a large paint shop besides the wagon and blacksmith shop, required for the business done here. There was a shop about a mile west carried on by Samuel Scott where work of this kind was done, and which at the time was considered as belonging to the village. The pottery which was then located south of the village, was operated by the older Nortons, and was soon afterwards removed to the east village. The clay which was used in the manufacture of stoneware as well as that for earthen pans, which were extensively in use for holding milk, but which have been superseded by tin, was now ground by horse-power, and it was principally to get the advantage of water power that the change was made. Norman Norton here made and repaired guns and rifles, which at this time were discharged by the old "flint-lock" attachment, the sight of which would now be a great curiosity to the young.

In the valley through which a small rivulet flows, on the west side of the road north of the "blue hill," was a tannery where was manufactured for a long time much of the leather consumed in town, in close proximity to which Jonathan Rogers plied his hand at the trade of shoemaking. The road has since been changed and carried around to the west, so that the steep hills each way from the tannery have been avoided, the new one coming out south of and beyond where Dr. Jonas Fay had his residence in early times.

The law offices have not been mentioned, but are worthy of note, being often frequented as places of business, for with the eagerness with which many rushed into the law, and the difficulty with which they could get extricated when once in, made much activity in this direction. Of those who had retired from the active duties of the law were Colonel O. C. Merrill, Captain David Robinson, James Hubbell, Truman Squier, and Governor Isaac Tichenor, who is remembered as wearing a long cue, and dressing in Continental style with knee breeches and buckles. The others who occupied offices for court or collecting business were John S. Robinson, Uel M. Robinson, Samuel H. Blackmer, Henry Kellogg, Hiland Hall, Pierpont Isham, and William S. Southworth.

The physicians were Drs. Noadiah Swift and Heman Swift in the lower part of the village, and William Bigelow and George O. Gilbert in the upper. The most of their ride was upon horseback with the old fashioned saddle-bags thrown over the saddle or in the two-wheeled sulky. When they entered the house on their professional calls, and threw the bags upon their knee to get at the contents for a prescription, the odor would remind one of a drug store where quantities of medicine were compounded and prepared. There has been quite a change in the opinion and practice of the medical fraternity as to the quantity of medicine necessary to be used since these honored physicians were in the performance of their professional duties.

There was now a large amount of driving and teaming between here and Troy, for bringing goods and groceries for the different stores and shops, for the transportation of iron from the furnaces in the east part of the town, and the carrying of flour and other conmodities across the mountain into towns beyond, and for sending the produce of the farms to the city market. All this, with the great importance of the stage business, as frequently fifty passengers and sometimes many more, through and local, were transported daily each way, led capitalists to construct a macadamized road to Troy, grading down the hills, and thus making it a noted thoroughfare of the day. The principal stockholders were from the city and the project proved a poor investment.

Thus the village with its industries and the advantages heretofore enioyed for trade was considered one of the most prosperous in the State, and the population of the town was exceeded by only one, that of Burlington.

There has been an endeavor to give something of an idea of what was being done here when attention was called more particularly to manufacturing, and those industries which have done so much to build up and give importance to many of our New England towns and villages. Though many of the dwellings have been destroyed by fire and others gone to decay or been torn down or otherwise removed, many of the old residences yet remain, and have been kept in good repair, or have been remodeled, while others have been erected.
It is a beautifid village in which to reside, and with the additional improvements which may be expected in years to come, an earnest of which is the progress made in the last few years, it will continue to be one of the pleasantest in all New England.

The Bennington Battle Monument, standing proudly on the summit of this historic ground, and so near the objective point to which the army was aiming when the decisive blow was struck, will ever be the admiration of the world, and will fix for all time the place where untold thousands will delight to go up to catch the inspiration which the towering pile will give in a degree to the merely curious, but in a higher and holier sense to the poetic and the patriotic. All arrangements having been consummated necessary to release the funds
appropriated by Congress and the States of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont for the building of the monument, at a meeting of the Monument Association January 12, 18/7 "full powers were given the board of directors to make contracts and build the monument after the design approved by the association." The location had been fixed "in the center of the highway on the crest of the hill, as nearly opposite the site of the Continental storehouse as practicable." A contract was made with W. H. Ward, of Lowell, Mass., for
building "a monument not less than three hundred feet high and substantially in accordance with the 'Rinn Plan,' at a cost of $75.ooo." This contemplates an inside staircase of wood, which will undoubtedly be superseded by one of iron, so as to render the structure perfectly fireproof.

The 16th of August, 1887, one hundred and ten years from the day of the battle, was fixed upon for the "laying of the corner stone," and all preliminary arrangements were made to carry out the plan proposed. The earth had been removed and a satisfactory rock bottom reached; the foundation had been laid to the surface from a depth of about fifteen feet in solid masonry, and with much care. Ex-Governor B. F. Prescott of New Hampshire was president of the day. The governors of the States of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and
Vermont were present with other eminent men, adding interest by their presence. The procession composed of the military companies of the States; of companies from Massachusetts and New Hampshire with one from the State of New York, and of thousands who had gathered to witness the ceremonies, with Colonel George W. Hooker as marshal, came from Bennington village, accompanied by a number of "brass bands" and "drum corps," and occupied the seats, platforms and stands which had been erected for its accommodation.

But a small proportion could find seating or standing room within hearing of the speakers, and the multitude were obliged to make themselves as comfortable as possible during the exercises, which were intensely interesting to those within certain limits. The corner stone was laid by the Masonic Grand Lodge of Vermont, inclosing "the Bible," Governor Hall's Early History of Vermont," "Rev. Isaac Jenning's Memorials of a Century," historical account relating to the battle monument, manuscript copy of the contract for the erection of the monument, "Biographical Encyclopedia of the Nineteenth Century, Vermont,"copies Bennington Banner, newspaper; copies Bennington Reformer, newspaper; other Vermont newspapers, Troy and New York newspapers, printed laws relating to monument, battle of Bennington and Vermont centennial, "History of Odd Fellowship," report ot Masonic Grand Lodge of Vermont, 1887, official programme of laying of corner stone, August 16, 1887, memorial medal, bank notes of the banks in Bennington, copper coins, brigade order and roster, and regimental order from adjutant-general's office for muster of 1887. Addresses of much interest and merit were made during the exercises by Grand Master Alfred A. Hall, Governor Ebenezer J. Ormsbee, ex-Governor Benjamin F. Prescott of New Hampshire, and the orator of the day, ex- Governor John W. Stewart. The ceremonies being concluded the benediction was pronounced by Rev. Isaac Jennings, pastor of the first church, when the procession returned to Bennington village, where the military companies were in camp. Gratifying progress has been made in the erection of the monument, and it has now reached the height of one hundred and twenty-five feet. It is forty feet square at the base, is built of a very durable dark bluish limestone from a quarry near Sandy Hill, N. Y., and is expected to be completed this year, lifting its apex three hundred and one feet from the base.

Ecclesiastical. — Rev. Jedediah Dewey was pastor of the Congregational Church first organized in the town of Bennington. He was from Westfield, Mass., coming in 1763, and took an active part in the early difficulties of the settlers, bearing many secular burdens which providentially seemed to fall upon him and ever proving himself "a man of God, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." He died December 24, 1778, universally lamented. He left a large family of children and his descendants are among the most respectable inhabitants of the town.

Rev. David Avery resigned as chaplain in the army, and became the settled pastor of this church May 3, 1780. His relations with the church and people were not altogether pleasant, as he insisted on his right to hold a colored woman as a slave whom he had brought to live in his family, and the pastoral was dissolved at the end of three years.

Rev. Job Swift, D.D., was the next pastor, being settled February 27, 1786. He remained with the church over sixteen years, proving himself a worthy minister of Christ; but party politics running high and dissensions arising he felt it his duty to ask for a dissolution of the pastorate, and which was concluded June 7, 1801. He removed to Addison, Vt., where he was settled in the ministry, and died in 1804, aged sixty-one.

Rev. Daniel Marsh was first "hired for one year," March 27, 1805, and at a meeting May 12, 1806 a vote was taken "to unite with Mr. Marsh in calling a council for his installation." He preached the dedication sermon of the present church on New Year's Day, 1806. It had been occupied, though not completed, for some time previous to this. This sermon was published, as also were sermons afterwards preached, one before the State Legislature, and one on the l6th of August, 1809. He was regularly dismissed April 25, 1820.

Rev. Absalom Peters succeeded Mr. Marsh, being installed July 5, 1820. His pastorate was one of great satisfaction to the people, which he lett December 14, 1825, to accept the secretaryship of the United Domestic Missionary Society, in which capacity he aided in forming the American Home Missionary Society, of which he was the secretary. One quite competent to judge says of him, "with a graceful style in sermonizing, and great ardor in his work, he attracted large audiences, and was blessed with numerous additions to the
church."

Rev. Daniel A. Clark was installed as pastor June 14, 1826, coming from Amherst, Mass., to Bennington. He was a powerful preacher, and his plainness of speech in attacking vice and immorality of every form, with his outspoken opinion upon any subjects being discussed in the community made him unpopular, and he closed his connection with the church Octobet 12, 1830. There have been two volumes of his sermons published, which have have quite an extensive reading, and many of them have been pronounced of superior merit, and of great beauty of style." One of his sons. Rev. Frederick G. Clark, was pastor of churches in New York and Brooklyn for several years. He lived a number of years in the pleasant residence he erected on the site of Governor Moses Robinson's old mansion, and which he occupied for a summer residence during his last pastorate over the Second Presbyterian Church in Troy, N. Y., until decease in 1887. He was a man of marked ability, and was greatly beloved as a friend and pastor.

Rev. Edward W. Hooker, D.D. became pastor February 21, 1832. He was a descendant of the elder President Jonathan Edwards. He was a faithful preacher of the Gospel, and spent what time he could without neglecting other duties in visiting his people, and in calling upon the sick. His parishioners were much attached to him, and during one of the years of his stay here ninety were added to the church. His dismissal occurred May 14, 1844, and he immediately entered upon the duties of professor of sacred rhetoric and ecclesiastical history in the Theological Institute, at East Windsor, Conn.

Rev. J. J. Abbott followed Dr. Hooker, being installed April 26, 1845, and remained a little over two years.

Rev. Richard C. Hand became pastor of the church January 20, 1848. During his ministry, which closed November 26, 1852, forty-one united with the church.

Rev. Isaac Jennings was installed pastor of this church June 1, 1853. He was born at Trumbull, Conn., July 24, 1815, spending his youth in Derby, that State. He was a graduate of Yale College, of the class of 1837, in which were included Hon. William M. Evarts, United States Chief Justice Morrison R. Waite, Hon. Edwards Pierpoint, and Hon. Samuel J. Tilden. For a few years he taught successfully in Washington and New Haven, Conn., when he left that vocation and pursued a theological course at New Haven and Andover, graduating at the latter institution in 1842. His first pastorate was in Akron, O., which he entered upon June 14, 1843, and which he left to serve an important church in Stamford, Conn., his native State, in 1847. Before leaving Akron he had married Miss Sophia Day, of Mansfield, O., with whom in the most affectionate and tender relations he lived until his decease, and to whom were born nine children, eight sons and one daughter. Mrs. Jennings and six sons survive him. Isaac, to whom was given his father's name, is pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Elmira, N Y. Frederick B. is a lawyer in New York City, and Charles G. R. is a physician in Bennington.

Mr. Jennings was the author of the "Memorials of a Century," a volume of over four hundred pages published in 1869, and of great value, containing a very large collection of facts and memoranda connected with the history of the town. The work is indispensable to any one interested in its affairs in bygone days, whether of a religious, political, military, social or biographical nature. It was suggested by his preparation of a centennial discourse to be delivered on January 4, 1863, in his church, much of which is embodied in its pages. The occasion was of great interest, and the church was filled to its utmost capacity. The delivery occupied more than two hours, but was listened to with unabated attention to the end.

The "Battle Monument" enterprise was one in which he took much interest, and in which he occupied a prominent position, being a member of the association and secretary of the board of directors. His last public act was pronouncing the benediction at the close of the ceremonies of laying the corner stone of the monument on the 16th of August, 1887.

He was a model minister, ever exhibiting in his intercourse with others that Christian courtesy which won the respect and love of all His ministerial labors were greatly blessed in bringing among others many of the young to confess Christ, and ins quiet and unobtrusive ways in living and proclaiming the word, have gained for him a name more to be prized than any honor or fame that merely wealth or official station could give. The sentiment conveyed by the anecdote which he relates in his sketch of Rev. Absalom Peters, would
apply with equal pertinency to his own standing, where he says a "woe" was pronounced upon him by an entire stranger from a distant part of the State, saying: "Brother Peters, 1 havc come to warn you, to pronounce a woe upon you. 'Woe unto yon which all men shall speak vell of yon.'" Undoubtedly, in Mr. Peters's case, all was not sunshine in his relations with the world, but there was such a consistency in his walk that few ragged edges protruded to wound or irritate.

His pastorate ceased at the time of his decease, August 25, 1887, after a brief illness, casting a deep gloom over the entire community, and finishing a successful ministry of over thirty-four years There were added to the church during the first nine years of his pastorate one hundred and forty-two members. It was said by one of the church soon after his death in a personal notice of him, "he had lived a life of singular honesty, purity and Christian fidelity, and became a great factor in the life of the people, possessing the love and confidence of all without regard to age, race or sect." The funeral was from the church, which had been tenderly and tastefully draped by loving hands of his parishioners, prayer having been offered at the parsonage previous to gathering here. Rev. P. S. Pratt, of Dorset, officiated, assisted by Rev. A. B. Lambert, D.D., of Rupert, Rev. J. L. Harrington, of Sandlake, N. Y., and Rev. Z. Martin, of Bennington. The sermon by Rev. Pratt was based on Psalms, lxvii, 6; and five sons with three deacons of the church bore thc casket to the grave. In the one hundred twenty-five years since the organization of the church, Mr. Jennings was the second pastor to be buried here, the first. Rev. Jedediah Dewey, having died nearly one hundred and nine years before.

The Rev. M. L. Severence was given a call, and began to supply the church in April, 1888. He was installed as pastor September 27 of that year, and is the present member. The parsonage was a gift made by Captain David Robinson, who before his decease, in March, 1858, had executed a deed of his residence to the church and society.

Aldrich, Lewis Cass, editor; History of Bennington County, Vt. © 1889, pages 275-286

North Bennington.

It has been handed down as true, and is generally believed, that Captain
Samuel Robinson, one of the first settlers of Bennington, a prominent man in
both religious and secular affairs, was often asked by new comers with reference
to where to locate, and that having le.irned their religious belief or proclivities
would advise them if Congregationalists to settle in Bennington, if Baptists to
go to Shaftsbury, it Episcopalians to Arlington, and if of no particular per-
suasion to settle in Pow nal Whether this is wholly true or only partially, the
history of these towns show that such advice might have been given, and also
h,eeded, for the different denominations spoken of flourished in the first three
mentioned towns, as might have been expected had it in fact been given and
adopted. The polity of these different sects was fostered and built up, and for



Town of Bennington.


287


a long time each was the prcvailinij denomination in these towns.^ As has been
elsewhere said there was none but the First Congregational Church at Ben-
nington Center in town for sixty- five years, and no church in North Benning-
ton for seventy-three years, when a Universalist Church was erected, which
was purchased in 1849 for an academy, and which is now the Roman Catholic
Church, having been considerably enlarged. Si.xty years ago the inhabitants
generally went to Bennington Center, though there was the First Baptist
Church of Shaftsbury situated about half a mile north of the village. A large
majority of the influential families in the northwest part of the town were con-
nected with the Center church as members of it, or as regular attendants. It
should be taken into consideration that it was not considered so great a hard-
ship in those times to drive a little distance to meeting as it is now, for the
world was not moving so fast, nor did it so often seem necessary to use the
time of Sunday to get ready to start on Monday morning in season to get spe-
cial advantages in the way of business.

Commencing on the county road going north of the old court-house hill the
Robinson and Harwood families were ever found loyal to the taith of their
fathers, and went up weekly to the house of worship. From the foot ot the hill
by Saft'ord Robinson's, now the residence of James Litii, we have the names of
Samuel Robinson, James Nichols, Charles 1 licks. Deacon Jonathan French, now
the Northrup place Uriah Edgerton, and Deacon Calvin Bingham, now the
residence of F. B. Jennings, h'ollowing the river down from the Hathaway
Corner should be mentioned many of the Walbridge family, the Hendersons,
the Hinsdells, the IVeckenridges, .uid Henrys. William Henry, sen., resided
where his grandson, Deacon E. J5. Henry now lives, a part of the dwelling luiv-
ing been built in 1769. He h.id four sons, William, jr., who also lived here,
James, who resided where George Hinsdell now lives, David, the father of Paul
M., who lived in the old house on the Northouse farm, and John who lived on
the farm now owned by Lewis J. Lillie. The last named was the father of
Richard W, who resided on the homestead; Hiram who located where John
Biggart now resides, and John, who resided near where Charles Knapp now
lives. These, not to mention others, were all attendants of the First Church
in Bennington Center, and but few, comparatively, went anywhere else. The
Presbyterian Cluirch organized in Hinsdellville in 1S34 was made up largely
of the families of the above mentioned, and when it disorganized the members
returned to the Center Church.

When the First Baptist Church in Shaftsbury, which was organized in 1768,
"disbanded by a vote of its members to reorganize in a thriving village half a
mile south in Bennington," in 1844, there was no cluirch in North Bennington
but the Universalist, and that in not a very flourishing condition. There were

' A " rrotest.int Episcopal Cluirch" was organized at Arlington as early as 17S4, and a
church was built soon after.


288


History of Bennington County.


but a few families in the village that went into the enterprise, but the strength
came from the nci<'-hborhood around S'.iaftsburv, White Creek and Hoosick.
The result has been all that could reasonably be expected. The church has
been prospered, and by the earnest work of faithful chsciples very many have
been reached, and like other New England churches, it has sent abroad those
who have gone into distant parts of the country, and especially the West, car-
rying that leaven the influence of which can only be known in eternity.

In I 865 the Methodist denomination had established a society and purchased
the property before used for a Presbyterian Church, and continued meeting
there until about three years since. In 1868 the village of North Bennington
having increased in population, and there appearing to be a demand for another
society, as one could not bring in the different elements of which the village was
composed, there was a Congregationalist Church organized which held meet-
ings in Bank Hall for a few years and then erected a house of worship. There
has seemed to be room for both societies to grow, and the congregations in each
have been usually as large as attended church when there was but one jjlace
for worship, the number of course increasing or diminishing as the business and
population of the village has varied.

The present pastor of the Baptist Church is Rev. A. S. Gilbert, who suc-
ceeded Rev. George Shepard a little more than a year since. He came from the
northern part of the State, bringing with him the experience necessary for mak-
ing a pastorate the most successful. Rev. Charles H. Peck, of Griswold, Conn.,
accepted a call to the pastorate of the Congregational Church, and entered
upon his duties April 21, 1889. He came from his first settlement of seven
years to fill the place vacated by Rev. G. R. Hewitt the preceding December.

With railroad facilities unequaled by any village in this part of the State,
there has seemed to be a fatality attending some of the business enterprises
here which has in a measure crippled the prosperity of the place. The manu-
facture of print cloths which was formerly carried on here in both mills, has
been for the last decade [)rosecuted by the larger mills, both north and south, to
such an extent that competition has rendered it unprofitable generally to make
them. The Vermont mills have for two or three years been making y.irns of
different kinds as affording a better margin, which is being sent into difierent
sections of the country. With the wheel running at the Stone Mill, which by
a vote of the town this spring the capital invested in any business which might
be started there would be exempted from taxation for five years, the village
would again be on the highway of progress and prosperity. The filling this mill
with knitting and other paying machinery would make, with the other enter-
prises already here, the large paper interest, the manufacture of stereoscopes,
with which the three factories nearly supply the world, and the manufacture of
erasive rubber goods, and of hat, coat, and towel racks, would give an outlook
that would encourage others to invest their capital.



Town of BfJNNiNOTON.


289


The large reservoir made by the railroad embankment, and which has taken
the name of Lake Parva, has become quite a [)lace of resort for boating, and
its shores are often used by families or gatherings for promenade or tea parties.
It may not be generally known that about the year 1783 a grist-mill was built
on the north side of the stream near where the water ceases to set back, which
was known for years as the Allen Mill, it having been erected byZebulon and
Abial Allen. Gideon Olin of Shaftsbury purchased a half interest in the mill
and retained it till April 12, 1791. It continued to be operated until after iSoo,
when it was abandoned. About the year 1832 a flax-mill was built here which
was used for a year or two when it was given up.

Bennington Falls has received quite a business impulse within a few years.
Charles W. Roberts has erected an extensive pulp-mill here, having first nearly
doubled the water power by blasting out the wheel-pit and raceway, and turn-
ing the water from the tail-race some ways down the stream. His residence
is fitted up so as to be attractive, and the mill property is in such condition as to
suggest thrift and prosperity. Mr. Roberts is engaged with Olin Scott, of Ben-
nington, in manufacturing his improved machinery for grinding wood into pulp,
which machines are sold into many of the States of the Union.

This town furnished, in answer to calls for troops by the government dur-
ing the war for the Union, from April, 186 1, to the close of the war, three
hundred and fifty-eight men, which is a surplus above its quota of fourteen.
The response shows that the patriotism of her sons had not died out in the Rev-
olutionary struggle or in the War of 1812, for if the free States and Terri-
tories had raised an equal proportion, according to their population, it would
have made an army of over one million and a half of men. The following is a
roster of the field, staff, and company officers, from the town of Bennington,
their age at the time of entering the service, and the date of their last commis-
sions: Colonel, James H. Walbridge, age 34, com. February, 9, 1863; New-
ton Stone, age 23, com. April 2, 1864; lieutenant-colonel John E. Pratt, age
26, com. March 14, 1865; major, Eugene O. Cole, age 27, brevet lieutenant-
colonel. April 2, 1865; William D. Coll ms, age 37> com. November 19, 1861;
Nathanial B. Hall, age 36, com. September 25, 1862; adjutant, Guilford S.
Ladd, age 30, com. June 11, 1861; captain, William H. Cady, age 24, com.
May 21, 1862; Alvah R. Haswell, age 19, com. May 9, 1865; P^rank Ray,
age 23, com. April 28, 1863; Rousom O. Gore, age 28, com. August 27,
1862; Madison E. Winslow, age — com. September 1862; lieutenant, Abel K.
Parsons, age 32, com. August 27, 1861; Dennis M. Blackmer, age 22, com.
April 10, 1862; PZdward N. Thayer, age 28, com. August 27, 1S62; Edward
W. Appieton, age 23, com. January 25, 1862; Gideon H. Burton, age 23,
com. July 17, 1862; second lieutenant, Otis V. listes, age 25, com. October
17, 1862; Charles Albro, age 22, com. August 27, 1862; George Hicks, age
23, com. April 9, 1864; brevet-captain, July 6, 1864; sergeant-major, Rus-
37


290


History of Bennington County.


sell Fisk, age 36, com. June 7, 1865; quartermaster Fourth Regiment, J. Hal-
sey Cushman, at^e 32, com. September 21, 1861; Henry T. Cushman, age 18,
com. January 29, 1863, enlisted as regular quartermaster-sergeant March,
1862; captain commissary of subsistance, Alonzo B. Valentine, age 32, com.
March 2, 1864, enlisted as quartermaster July 31, 1862, brevet- major, June
28, 1865; colonel com. of subsistance, George D. Harrington, age — stationed
most of the time at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, enlisted May 3, 1 8C2,
com. July 24, 1865; captain of regimental band, in service at Washington,
July I, 1861, Frank M. Crossett. I'he names of privates and non-commis-
sioned officers are no less deserving of mention, but the space alloted w ill not
allow of their being enumerated here.

William S. Southworth, esq., was born in Dorset, Vt, July 14, 1807, and
was the second in a family of four sons, all of whom he survived. His father,
Gordon B. Southworth, was for many years a justice of the peace, and for
eight years an assistant judge of the County Court. The influence of the in-
telligent father, who was a friend of education, good morals and religion, and
that of the mother, a daughter of the Rev. Daniel Kent, of Benson, a woman,
of eminent piety and strength of character, was not lost upon the children
and they became, though self taught, with the help of the common schools,
well-read and able men. Being the son of a farmer he pursued the occu[)ation
of farming until he began the study of law in this town, with the e.vception of
teaching in a district school. After being admitted to the bar he entered into
partnership with Highland Hall, under the firm name of Hall & Southworth.
Soon after, Mr. Hall being elected to Congress, the Hrm was dissolved, and he
continued in practice for a number of years in Bennington Center. Of studious
habits he became posseesed of high legal attainments, and was soon acknowl-
edged to be one of the first lawyers in southern Vermont.

When the march of events foreshadowed that East Bennington was the
future ground for the largest practice in his profession he removed his office
and home here, and, as it seemed, was located permanently. But he was called
to become managing agent of the Lawrence Manufacturing Company, in
Lowell, Mass., in 1849, to succeed Hon. John Aiken, formerly of Manchester.
The situation was a lucrative one, and could be satisfactorially filled only by a
man of good legal ability and sterling integrity. He had been selected, and
the invitation came to him unsolicited, and to his great surprise. He accepted
it, leaving his large law business, and fulfilled the duties of the responsible
trust for the period of seventeen years. He had united on profession of faith,
with the First Church at Bennington Center about the year 1835, and thence-
forward had been an active Christian, his example and influence as such being
felt in all his work, municipal, educational, humane and religious. He was a
member of the prudential committee of the American Board of Commis-
sioners for Foreign Missions from 1S60 to 1865, and his services as such


Town of Bennington.


291


were highly valued. He resigned his position in Lowell in 1866 and returned
to Bennington, where he again built up a good practice in his profession.
The following to his memory is taken from a more lengthy sketch by ex-
Governor Hiland Hall : " His thorough knowledge of the principles of law, his
readiness in applying them, as well as his ability in presenting them to the
consideration of the court and jury, enabled him to take a leading position at
the bar, while his courteous demeanor towards the court and opposing counsel
secured him universal attention and respect." We also quote a sentence from
the resolutions of respect by the Bennington county bar, adopted September
3d, soon after his decease: "As a lawyer, studious and learned; as a coun-
selor, faithful and always trustful; as an advocate, earnest, eloquent and digni-
fied; and as a citizen one against whom no word of calumny was ever justly
spoken. In his death we recognize a great public and private loss. He was
married May 10, 1840, at Westmoreland, Oneida county, N. Y., to Miss Jen-
nette Miller, who survives him. To them were born three daughters — the
widow of the late William T. Hurribin of Colioes, N. Y., Mrs. Henry Hopkins,
wife of Rev. Henry Hopkins, D D. of Kansas City, Mo., and one who died in
early youth. Air. Soutluvorth went to Cohoes, to reside with his son in-law in
April 1874, and to assist him, who was then in poor health, in his extensive
business. His health, however, began to fail the next spring, and his death
occurred August 31, 1875. His remains were brought to Bennington, and the
funeral services were conducted by Rev. Calvin B. Hulbert, pastor of the Sec-
ond Congregational Church, of which Mr. Southworth and wife were members,
assisted by Revs. C. H. Hubbard and Isaac Jennings. The interment was in
Bennington Center Cemetery.

Hon. Abraham B. Gardner, a prominent lawyer of Bennington, and ex-
lieutenant governor of the State, was born in Pownal, September 2, 18 19.
His father, David Gardner, was a respectable farmer, and his mother, Eunice
Wright, was of the best blood of the town. He was a good student, and ob-
tained his preparatory education in Bennington, entering Union College,
Schenectady, where he graduated in 1841. He studied law with his uncle
Isaac T. Wright in Castleton, Vt., and was admitted to the bar in 1844. After
entering upon the practice of his profession he resided in Bennington Center,
having his office there until during the later years of his life, when he was asso-
ciated with Henry A. Harman with an office also in Bennington village. He
was register of probate nine years from December I, 1857, state's attorney two
years from December 1, 1855, and bank commissioner twelve vears from
1855. He represented the town five years, from October i860, and was the
last two years speaker of the House of Representatives. He was elected lieu-
tenant governor in 1865-66, and in 1870 was made county senator for the
term of two years. He was a lawyer of much ability and of high character,
ever demonstrating a deep interest in the prosperity and welfare of the town.


292


History of Bennington County.


Both as an advocate and legal adviser Mr, Gardner held a high rank, and his
name attached to many of the cases upon the court docket always showed the
confidence those who had business in the courts had in his ability and reputa-
tion. The endorsement of the nomination of Horace Greeiey by the Demo-
cratic party in 1872 drew over Mr. Gardner tf) its support, and he afterwards
affiliated with that party, though President Hayes's candidacy received his
cordial support. He was connected with the business of the Kagle Square
Manufacturing Company of Shaftsbury, and for years its president, and also a
vice-president of the l^^nnington Battle Monument Association. He was presi-
dent of the Bennington and Rutland Railroad at one time and counsel for it,
and also attorney for the Troy and Boston Railroad. He was a firm sup-
porter of the old First Church, and habitually attended worship there. His
death occurred November 23, 1881, and the funeral services were conducted
by his old pastor, Rev. Isaac Jennings. A large number assembled to pay
the last tribute of respect to his excellence, the bar of the county being
present in a body. He was thrice married, one of his daughters being the
accomplished wife of Dr Charles G. R. Jennings.

Dr. William Bigelow was born in Middletown, Vt., November 7, 1791.
He studied medicine, and removed to Fairhaven in this State, and entered
upon the practice of his profession. He had married Miss Dorinda Brewster
of Middletown, October 9, 18 I 5. She was a lady of rare worth, abounding in
the Christian graces, and as a mother while willing to gratify her children and
delighting in all that should give them pleasure, she was firm and inflexible in
her opinions, and in their prosecution of what she considered right and proper.
She was a lineal descendant of Elder William Brewster, one of the pilgrims who
landed at Plymouth, having left home and friends for the privilege of worship-
ing God according to the dictates of their own consciences. The family tree

shows hers to have been the ^^eneration from this renowned " Elder of

Plymouth," who was born at Scrooby, England, in 1566, and died at Ply-
mouth April 16, 1644. At Scrooby was the starting point of the Pilgrim
Fathers, and in his father's residence the "Protestant Nonconformists" gath-
ered as a church, with Brewster as ruling elder, and John Robinson as teacher.
In 1607, after repeated persecutions, he with the little band emigrated to
Amsterdam, where they stayed a year and then went to Leyden. He became
quite poor from the charities he dispensed and his aid to his struggling breth-
ren, and was compelled to give lessons in English, aclopting a grammar of his
own composition for the use of his pupils. In 1620 a part of the congregation
sailed for the "wild New England shore," with Elder Brewster as their spirit-
ual head. Not having been ordained he did not administer the sacraments,
but preached regularly on the Lord's Day

Dr. Bigelow came to Bennington in 1829, and entered at once up<.in an
extensive practice, immediately taking a high position among the eminent phy-



Town of Bennington.


293


sicians who were already located here. He possessed uncominon social quali-
fications, and with his native ahabihty he was a most genial y^entieman to meet,
and if the conference continued there would be ideas imparted that would in-
struct as well as interest. He was a graceful speaker, and beiny gifted with an
easy flow of language he was sometimes called upon for an impromptu speech,
as it was expected he would be ready for any extreme occasion. It is said of
him, " he was an impressive speaker. Gracetulness of mind and person con-
tributed to this. His manner was dignified, and his feeling genuine. This
talent he frequently exercised in gatherings of his fellow- citizens, but more
constantly in the prayer and conference meeting. He regarded the duty as
sacred. In no place was his influence more happy than in business meetings
of the church." His pleasant, cheerful bearing, with the Christian spirit ac-
companying it, ever gave a moral atmosphere to the sick room, and he is re-
membered not only as the physician of the body, but as often giving hope and
comfort to the wavering, questioning soul. He was elected to represent the
county for one term in the Senate of the State, which position he filled with
credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Owing to failing health
he was obliged to give up his professional practice, and in 1858 he went to
Springfield, Mass., where his son Edmund lived, and with whom he afterwards
resided. He died at Springfield April 13, 1863, and by his request the inter-
ment was in Bennington. Mrs. Higelow lived a widow twenty years after his
decease, most of the time with her daughter Sophia, Mrs .S. B. Sanford, in
Bennington, where she died July 16, 1883, at the advanced age of 88. They
rest side by side in the cemetery of the old village where they had lived so long
together.

Benjamin I*". Morgan, M.D., was born in Pownal, Vt., September 30, 1799.
His early education was in the common schools of his town, and with what he
could obtain by his own exertions he entered Williams College. He was obliged
to battle against pecuniary difficulties, and left college in his senior year to
earn the means, by teaching, to pursue his chosen profession, that of medicine.
He began his medical study with Dr. Noadiah Swift, of Bennington, with whom
he remained some time, supplementing it with a course at the Medical School
in Castleton, Vt. He graduated with the highest honors of the class, and pur-
sued a further course of instruction at a celebrated Philadelphia institute.
Having completed so thorough a preparation he settled into the practice of his
life work in his native town. Though not forward in pressing his opinions in
regard to town affairs, his good judgment went far in the quiet way in which
he gave any advice that was askeil, so that his influence was felt more than
that of many of more stirring ways. His practice was extensive, he being for a
long time almost the only physician in town, as any other must be called from
Bennington or Williamstown. Thus the people became much attached to him,
and, in addition to their honoring him with various town offices, he was elected


294


History of Bennington County.


to represent them in the State Legislature, and also by the county as its sen-
ator. In 1856 he removed from Pownal to Bennington Center, leaving his
practice there to be prosecuted by his son, Dr. E. N. S. Morgan, who after-
wards removed to Bennington, and who died before his father. His ac-
quaintance with a large number of the inhabitants, and having been so often
called as physician or counsel by many, he at once had all the calls he could
well attend to. He became a member of the Mount Anthony Lodge of Ma-
sons in 1857, and was faithful in his obligations to the society, as he was in ail
other duties which he assumed. In 1862 he received the appointment from the
government of surgeon inspector-general for this department, with his head-
quarters at Rutland. The office he held until the close of the war when he was
regularly discharged, receiving the approbation and thanks of " the proper
officials for the most complete and perfect reports and suggestions rendered to
them during the war." He was a constant and thorough student in medical
science of the best and latest authors, and in the most advanced thought of the
profession.

In 1880 when it was doubtful as to the success of the Republican party he
was selected as the standard bearer, and his personal popularity made it an
easy victory to elect him to represent the town in the General Assembly. In
his younger days he had an office temporarily with William Lloyd Garrison,
near the residence of Charles \V. Swift, in which they, with some others, it is
said, organized the first anti-slavery society, long before such a party was known,
or the subject had become a matter of national politics. Dr. Morgan made a
pubUc profession of religion late in life, and united with the old First Church
at the Center. He was married to Miss Harriett Jewett of Pownal in 1S25, who
still survives him, and with whom he shared over sixty years of happy conju-
gal life. His death occurred February 4, 1886, and at the funeral services Rev.
Isaac Jennings said: "He professed religion late in life, but those who knew
him, saw him at the couch of suffering, cannot doubt but that years before he
had taken the course of practical Christianity, which needed only the public
profession for the crown to his character."

Seth B. Hunt was born in Bennington in February, 181 1. He was the son
of Jonathan Hunt who came here about 1795, and was permanently located as a
jeweller. At an early age he went to New York as a clerk in the store of
Arthur Tappan & Co., then the largest dry goods house in the citv. Al-
though a youth he made rapid progress, taking a high position for his commer-
cial ability. He drank in the spirit of earnestness and benevolence of the
senior member of the firm, and was through life a friend of the slave or the
needy under all circumstances. Soon after he became of age. he, with his
brother Jonathan, the sixth of the same Christian name in direct succession,
went into business at No. 18 Exchange Place. They were successful mer-
chants, and being popular with country dealers who then visited the city at


Town of Bennington.


295


least twice a year, they received the patronage of most of the merchants from
this section of thc State. He went to Manchester, England in 1849, and was
a member then of the firm of Stavert. Hunt & Zigomala, whose business rela-
tions were extensive, reaching over much of the continent. He returned in
1854, but did not enter again into business until i860, when he organized the
firm of Hunt, Tillinghast & Co., of which he was the senior member. They
were manufacturing woolen shawls at Leeds, N. Y., and the business being
very profitable he was led to erect the large mills in Bennington village, cost-
ing nearly a half million of dollars. He also erected on the old homestead a
fine summer residence in connection with which there is a fountain throwing
water hardly second only to any in the world. The residence is now used as
the Vermont Soldier's Home.

Mr. Hunt was an ener^^etic business man, and with good judgment and
executive ability his well laid enterprises generally succeeded. His strong ab-
olition views gave offense to many of his Southern customers before the war,
so that his business suffered considerably, but his wealth enabled him to stem
the tide and continue master of the situation. l-Ie aided largely the I'ree Soil
party in Kansas in its early strug<^les, and did much, financiall}', to bring that
territory into the Union as a free State. A firm supporter of the war, he was
liberal in his gifts and means towards raising and fitting out regiments for ser-
vice. In church matters he was particularly helpful He contributed gen-
erously to Oberlin College, Ohio, and assisted in founding several churches in
New York and Brooklyn, as well as giving liberally to churches in his native
town. He was a long tried friend of Rev. George B. Cheeam, D.U., in New
York and an attendant at the Broadway Tabernacle Church. With T. W. Park
he presented the village of Benninyton with the Free Library building, and
the library which has done so much for the education and reputation of the
village.

His first wife was Frances Raymond, of Bennington Center, who died in
1866, leaving a daughter, Mrs. Julius Catlin, whose husband was at one time
his partner in the importing and commission business. He was married the
second time to a daughter of the late Rev. J. P. Thompson. D.D., of the
Broadway Tabernacle Church, New York. Mr. Hunt died April 20, 1880, at
his winter residence. No. 35 West Nineteenth Street, New York, leaving a
widow and four children as the fruit of the second marriage. The funeral ser-
vices were conducted by Rev. William M. Taylor, D.D., of the Tabernacle
Church, and the interment was in Greenwood Cemetery.

History of the iNcoRroRATED Village of Bennington.

It was not that the people of the pretty little hamlet of Ik'nnington "on the
hill," seriously opposed the project of building up a town on the site of what
they were pleased to term " Algiers," that created the strong feeling of unpleas-
antness between the citizens of tlie two places. The residents of the iipjjer vil-
lage realized full well the fact that the lower villas^e j)ossessed natural advanta-
ges of situation along the Walloonisac with its abundant water power that
made it certain that a village would sooner or later grow upon tlie lands bor-
dering on that stream; but it was when the lower village had attcmjitcd to take
from the older town the county buildings, the post-office, and other of her
loved institutions, that an unpleasant feeling began to manifest itself But
the lower or east village soon threw oft its "Algerian " condition and took the
name of East Bennington by the establishment of a post-office there January
14, 1844, with General Henry Robinson as postmaster. At this time the pop-
ulation of the village numbered several hundred, and was considerably larger
than the older town on the hill. It had also no less than four established and
prosperous church societies — the Methodist, Episcopal, Congregationalist, and
Baptist.

In May, 1846 the authorities at Washington caused the East Bennington
post-office to be discontinued, from the fact that it was nearer the upper village
office than the regulations of tiie department then permitted But during tl;e
next year the accommodating incumbent of the Bennington post-oftlce being
actuated by a desire to serve the majority of his people, caused the otTice build-
ing to be drawn on timbers, using several teams of oxen as a motive power, to
the lower village and placed on the lot at the corner of Main and South streets
opposite the Putnam House site This was an occasion of great rejoicing in
East Bennington. Bells were rung, and the whole people turned out and cele-
brated the event as a jubilee. I he Bennmgton people, however, felt deeply
offended at this usurpation of authority and most unwarranted action on the
part of their postmaster, J C. H.iswell, and at once sent a comm.ittee, David
Robinson, John S. Robinson and Benjamin F. Eay, to Washington, to lay their
grievances before the proper authorities That visit resulted in the removal of
the office back to the old town, and the vindication of the rights of its people.
Then they rejoiced, and the citizens ot East Bennington were correspondingly
depressed in spirits.

J. C. Haswell, the village postmaster, as is well known, was the editor and
publisher of the Vermont Gazette, and with the removal of the post-office also
came the removal of the newspaper office as well. The former he was com-
pelled to restore to its proper town, but the authorities had no control over the
paper, which thereafter became one of the institutions of the east village. But
the upper town's people suffered not this indignity to pass unnoticed; the\- at
once established another printing office in their town and christened its issue
the " Vermont Gazette," being the same name the other paper carried at its
head. But this led to confusion; Mr. H.iswell still remained postmaster, and
as such had the first handling ol all mail matter; how then could he distinguish
whether matter addressed to the Gazette was intended for his or his oppo-



297


nent's perusal? This latter complication of affairs led to the appointment of a
new postmaster for Bennington in the person of Henry Kellogg. Mr. Haswcll
was not charged with improperly handling the mails, but the good of the serv-
ice demanded his removal from the position. When a permanent post office
was established at the cast village he was appointed postmaster. That was in
January, 1848. The Gaai'fh- \.h:it issued from the office "on the hill" proved an
unprofitable investment for its projirietors, Messrs. Aiken and Lull, who, in
order to save themselves, purchased the opposing paper and published that,
letting the other drop.

The struggle for supremacy between the two villages continued for some
time. The removal of the post-office was but the "beginning of sorrows" for
the upper place. On the 28th of October, 1846 the court-house was burned,
and. following that disaster the Mast Bennington people made a strenuous eftbrt
to obtain the new building for their town; but the upper townsmen were rather
too sharp in the proceedings that followed, and retained the county buildings
in their locality for a score of years longer. But when the court-house was
again destroyed by fire in March, 1869, the laws of necessity and convenience
demanded that the building be erected at the east village, which was accord-
ingly done, and without opposition from the people on the hill.

But another thing. A noted writer has said : "He who steals my purse
steals trash; but he who robs me of my good name takes from me that which
cannot enrich him, and only impoverishes me." This old .saying is brought
again to mind by knowledge of the changes that have taken place in tlie names
of these rival towns. The name Bennington was given the little hamlet on the
hill more than a hundred years ago, and long before the idea was conceived of
building up a village such as now enjoys that name; and the old village, that
was entitled to the name by every consideration of reason and propriety, has
been compelled to yield that also along with its institutions and industries, in
favor of the new-comer. Bennington on the hill was continued to be so called
until the authorities at Washington, in answer to a general demand, changed
the name of the post-office to West Bennington, in 1849; and on the same day,
July 1 2th of the same year the post name, Bennington, was re-established at
the lower village, and Horace T. White was made postmaster. Thus has time
witnessed the downfall of the one, and the uprising of the other. Then, again,
West Bennington was subsequently dropped, and in its place we now have the
present name of" Bennington Center." But for all this the town has lost none of
its historic interest or value. The loss of its court-house and name has been par-
tially compensated for in the erection of a magnificent monument commemo-
rative of the famous battle of Bennington; and in front of where once stood
the famous old Catamount Tavern there stands another substantial stone mon-
ument to mark the spot. And these shall be as enduring as time. Benning-
ton Center is a delightfully situated village around which clusters a wealth of


298


IllS'lOKY OF BEiNNINGTON COUNTY.


historic memories that can never be forgotten while the moniitneiits stand; and
Beimington village, as the name is now applied, is a busy little municipalitv,
noted for its large industries and the general progressiveness of its people.

Such, in brief, was the situation of affairs at Bennington at and immediateiy
prior to the time of its incorporation. But the village, whether under the name
of Algiers, or East Bennington, or Tigertown, or Polly wogs, or such other appel-
lations as were ap[)lied to it, was in existence long years before the act of incor-
poration was passed, and was a thriving little hamlet with a number of indus-
tries of what was then considered much importance. In truth, if well verified
tradition is to be relied upon, and in this case it certainly is, within the limits of
the present village of ]5ennington there was built and in operation the first tiour
or grist-mill in the State, and it stood upon or very near the site of the present
extensive works of the Cooper Manufacturing Company. A grist-mill was in
operation here until about the year 1^53, when Benton and Jones bought the
water privilege, and converted the grist-mill into a paper-mill.

The old mill was known as the Saffurd Mill from the fact that it and the
lands adjoining were the [)roperty of Samuel Satford. Opposite to the old Saf-
ford grist-mill stood at an early day a saw-mill, and this, too, was of ancient
origin, its erection dating back quite as far as the old grist-mill; in fact, it is
believed that the lumber used in building the grist-mill was sawed here. The
old saw-mill went out of existence many years ago, probably about the begin-
ning of the present century. At a later day there was built on the site now
of the Cooper Company's east building, near the corner, the blacksmith and
wagon shops owned and conducted by Deacon Enoch Winslow. Here was,
it is thought, the first smith's shop in the village, if not in the town. All evi-
dence of its existence is now destroyed. It is possible that some person still
lives who remembers the old chair shop that stood on the site of Charles Coop-
er's machine works, and was operated by Dewey and Wood worth. When it
was built we know not, but it was run here for a time, and until succeeded by
the tannery business of Buckley Squires. The latter business was discontinued
between the years 1843 and 1846, after which the water privilege remained un-
used until about 1865, when Charles I. Cromack built and operated a planing-
mill there. Some time after his death Milo G. Remington became proprietor,
and converted the mill into a wagon shop, but it finally passed into the hands
of Henry W. Putnam who rebuilt it for its present use.

Another tannery building used to stand on the east side of North street,
north of the main stream, and for many years was run by Newell Squire. It
was not a particularly successful enterprise, and was unoccupied for a number of
years before its destruction by fire, and the latter event must have occurred
over forty years ago. The building stood about where Elbert Putnam's resi-
dence is now located. On the west side of North street, several rods north of
Main street, there stood another tannery that was built about 1838, and owned

Village of Bennington.


299


and operated by Daniel CoIlklint,^ After liis deatli tlie building remained idle,
but Enos Adams finally bou|:,d)t the plant, run it as a tannery tor a time, and
then converted it into a pottery. In this same building also was another in-
dustry, the grinding of ([uartz and feldspar for the manufacture of porcelain
ware. The pottery machinery was put in about the year 1859. About 1865
Mr. Adams commenced the manufacture of steel g(wernors here, which he still
makes in connection with his other extensive manufactures.

At a very early day there stood a little tannery building on Main street,
about opposite the present Free Library Hall. Its use as a tannery was dis-
continued prior to the year i 830. On the same site and in the building Messrs.
Godfrey & Adkins afterward operated a wadding-mill, but the latter was
burned down about 1838 or 1840. On the site of the ruins was erected the
first planing-mill of the village, built by Lyman Harrington, A. P. Lyman and
others. This firm also had a cooperage works in connection with their other
business, and manufactured [)Owder-mill kegs. The old building still stands,
although frequent repairs and enlargements have destroyed its original appear-
ance. The property at length passed into the hands of A. D. Stewart, who
run the planing-mill department and leased the upper part to Sylvester Peelor
for the manufacture of sash, blinds and doors. About two years ago Mr. Stew-
art sold to James Lindley, the present owner. This is now a well-known and
prominent building on Main street, and is occupied for several uses.

In mentioning these of the early industries of the village some mention
must also be made of the woolen cloth manufacture conducted by Joel Valen-
tine on the site of the present large and substantial building occupied by the
Valentine Knitting Company. Joel V^alentine established business here in
1824, although the privilege was in use some ten or a dozen years earlier than
that time. The business commenced by Mr. Valentine, or his predecessor in
occupancy, led to the founding of the extensive business now in operation here.
The old building was destroyed by fire in 1836, but was at once rebuilt and
continued nine years longer, when again the factor)- was burned. It wasth.en
rebuilt by Alonzo B. Valentine, son of the founder of the business, and by him
continued and enlarged upon to its present vast proportions.

Then there is to be mentioned among the old industries of the village, all
of which contributed so largely to its growth and prosperity, the old pottery
that was established in 1793 by Captain John Norton, in the south part of the
township, on the road leading from Bennington Center to Pownal. In the year
1833 the works were moved to Bennington village, then generally known as
Algiers, when the business was enlarged and continued to the present time,
although its management has been changed several times, as will be seen bv
reference to the pages devoted to the present manufacturing interests of the
village.

These were but a part, although perhaps a major part of the manufacturing




300


History of Benningt(jn County


industries of tlie infant days of IJenniii^ton, and in cxistcncu before its act of
incorporation was passed, and before the villai;e became separated from tlie
township of which it formed a part. And as the proportion of pcjpulalion and
manufacture then stood, so, also, was tlie proportion of mercantile and other
business interests, as well as institutions for the spiritual and educational wel-
fare of the townspeople. There was the Methodist Chureli, the si>ciety of
which was organized in 1827; the Ba])tist society, (;ic;ani/ed during' ihe same
year; St. Peter's lipiscopal Church, formed in 1834, while the Second Conj^re-
gational, an offshoot of the old society at the upper village, was formed in 1836.
Fifty or sixty years ago, and perhaps longer, the village had two hotels, one
kept by Isaac Weeks on the site of the present Putnam liouse, and .mother
further up Main street, presided over by Jacob Lyon. The school liouse, a
plain frame structure, stood on Union street.

There may be living witliin the township or village a number of persons
whose memory can carry them back to the time when the greater part of the
tract now covered by the buildings in the village was used mainly for farm
and garden purposes; and if memory will tiuis serve them, they may recall lo
mind the old trotting course that must have been a mile in circumference, and
was situated between the soldiers' home and what is now Pleasant street.
And they may remember, too, how certain Sabbath-breaking persons were
wont to assemble here on the first day of the week and engage in trotting and
speeding their horses, to the great annoyance and disgust of the respectable
element of society. And it was customary too for persons from New York
State to meet here on Sunday and trot their horses for money and other prizes.
Public sentiment strongly opposed these numerous acts of desecration, but still
they were continued week after week, and until the Rev. Dr. Peters announced
from the pulpit of the old First Church that on the following Sunday he would
make this indulgence the subject of special mention in his discourse. The
sermon I was duly delivered and the public sentiment was aroused to such a
pitch of excitement that the law abiding citizens of the community put an
effectual stop to such ruthless proceedings in the future.

Incorporation of the Village. — Long before the year 1840 the majorit\-, if
not all, of the water privileges along the Walloomsac were taken up with man-
ufacturing enterprises. These brought a good population to the town, and its
growth became rapid and permanent, necessitating the extensive building of
houses and mercantile buildings; still, in 1848, the hundreds of population in
the village proper could be counted on one's fingers. J^ut even with this com-
paratively small number of inhabitants it was found not only desirable, but
necessary, that the village should be incorporated that its internal affairs might
be administered by the residents separate and distinct from the township of
which it had hitherto formed a part. It is a well-1 cnown fact that the average
rural resident has but little interest in measures that should be taken for the


Village of Bennington.


improvement of a hamlet or village, all of which call for an expenditure of
money, and fron\ which he could derive no return or [)robabie comfort, and,
therefore he naturally op[)Oses any project for tlie impr(jvemcnt of a locality
from which he can have no direct benefit, but for which he is called upon to
pay an additional tax. Therefore, if the inhabitants of any unincorj)' jratcd vil-
lage desire to materially improve their locality or condition at the public ex-
pense, they must have recourse to municipal organization; and, as this condi-
tion practically confronted the people of the village of Bennington they availed
themselves of the statutes of the State and separated the village from the town-
ship by means of an act of incorporation.

Of the provisions of this act it is not essential that a detailed mention
should be made other than to describe the lands taken for village purposes, as
follows :

" Beginning at the southwest corner of Jedediah Dewey's farm, and running
thence north, nine degrees east on said Dewey's west line, one hundred and
thirty rods, to A. P. Lyman's land; thence northwardly to the center between
the dwelling house of said A. P. Lyman and the dwelling house of Lyman
Harrington, in a straight line to the north side of the highway, and on the
south line of said Dewey's land; thence westwardly on the north line of said
highway, to the north corner of said Dewey's land; thence northwardly on the
west line of said Dewey's land, to the lands owned by Lyman Patchin; thence
eastwardly on said Patchin's south line to the west bank of the river; thence
down the said river upon the west bank thereof, to its confluence with the Roar-
ing Branch; thence up the said branch, upon its south bank, to the west bank
of Colvin's canal; thence south on the west bank of said canal; and onward
thirty-two and a half rods, to a small cherry tree; thence south sixty-nine de-
grees west to the road, and onward on the south line of S. L. Godfrey's land,
and across the mill pond to the hii^hway leading to the Weeks farm; thence
south, four degrees east, on the east line of said highway, seventy-nine rods, to
the southwest corner of M. C. Morgan's land; thence north, seventy-nine de-
grees west, on the south line of original lots, three hundred and one rods, to
the place of beginning, shall hereafter be known by the name of the village of
Bennington; and the inhabitants of said village are hereby constituted a body
politic and corporate, with the usual powers incident to public corporations, to
be known by the name of the village of Bennington."

It was, therefore, by this act of the Legislature of Vermont that the corpo-
rate village of Bennington was brought into existence. The act was approved
and became a law on the 3d day of November, 1849. Among other things it
was provided that "an annual meeting of the said corporation shall be held on
the first Monday of January," (1850), and that at this and every annual meet-
ing held thereafter the freemen shall proceed to elect a moderator, who shall
preside at all meetings; a clerk, who shall keep a record of all the proceedings


302


History of Bennington County.


of tlie corporation, seven trustees, wlio shall have the management of the affairs
of the corporation, and ihe necessary puwer for that piir[)ose; a treasurer and
collector. A subsequent provision of the same act authorized tlie election of
seven fire wardens wIkjsc duty it was to suppress all tumults and riots, to di-
vide the labor of all persons [)resent, and to look to the protection of goods
and property in cases of fire.

As provided by tiie act the first meeting for the election of village officers,
and otliers autliorized by the act of incor[)oration, was held at the town house
on the i6th of January, 1850. A temporary organization was effected by
choosing J. P. Godfrey, moderator, and David F. Squires, as clerk, pro tem-
pore. But it appears tiiat the officers for the year were not elected at this
meeting, a motion having been made by Calvin Gilson that the meeting stand
adjourned until the 30th of Jrinaar)' following. On that day the freemen again
met, chose Joel Valentine moderator, and then proceeded to select village offi-
cers. On motion of A. 1*. Lyman a committee of ten was appointed to nomi-
nate suitable persons for officers of the corporation for the ensuing year; which
motion being carried, the committee was as follows: Samuel Rockwood, Moses
Harrington, Samuel H. Brown, Abel H. Wills, Paul lioynton, Jedediah Dewey,
Luther R. Graves, George W. Harman, James PL Bennett and Christopher W.
Fenton. This committee reported the nomination of the village officers who
were duly elected by the meeting, as follows: A. P. Lyman, moderator;
David F. Squires, clerk; Charles S. Colvin, George W. Harman, Peter H.
Story, Abel II. Wills, Zadock L. Taft. Albert Walker, and Samuel H. Brown,
trustees; Asahel Booth, Lemuel Grover, Buckley Squires, Madison K. Wins-
low, James H. Bennett, Calvin Gilson. and Moses Harrington, fire wardens;
Henry F. Dewey, collector, and Luman Norton, treasurer. The meeting also
appointed a committee consisting of George W. Harman, A. P. Lyman and
David F. Squires, to prepare by-laws for the corporation.

The act by which the village of Bennington was incorporated has been sev-
eral tunes amended, and upon some occasions the corporate limits have been
extended. As at first laid out the lands taken were parts of what have always
been known as the Dewey, Pratt, and Safford tracts, so called from their pio-
neer owners.

The annual meeting for the election of officers was continued to be held in
January until the year 1874. at which time a change was made, and the elec-
tions were thereafter, and until 1881, held in April; but in 1S81 the corporate
laws of the village were radically revised, and a reorganization practically ef-
fected. Under this revision the village had a president, and the aft'airs of the
corporation were conducted with more formality than had been the previous
custom.

Prior to the early part of the year 1856 it was the practice of the freemen
to choose their trustees from the village generally, and without especial refer-


Village of Bennington.


303


ence to locality, as there was no subdivision of the village into wards or dis-
tricts before to that time. P)Ut at a nicetin^^ held on the 6th day of February,
1856, a by-law or ordinance was adopted by which the villa^^g was divided
into seven wards, constituted as follows:

Ward No. I shall include that portion of the village lying west of the east
line of South street, and west of the east line of North street, and south of the
south bank of the river running from the Safford pond to l^ooth's pond and
onward.

Ward No. 2 shall include that portion of the village lying west of the east
line of North street, and north of the south bank of said river.

Ward No. 3 shall include that portion of the village lying east of the east
line of North street, west of the east line of Pottery street, and north of the
south bank of said river.

Ward No. 4 shall include that portion of the village lying east of the east
line of North street, south of the south bank of said river, and north of the
north line of Main street.

Ward No. 5 shall include that portion of the village lying east of the east
line of South street, west of the west line of Morgan street, and south of the
north line of Main street.

Ward No. 6 shall include that part of the village lying east of the west line
of Morgan street, and west of the west side of the Saftord bridge, and south of
the north line of Main street.

Ward No. 7 shall include that [)art of the village lying east of the east line
of Pottery street, north of the north bank of the river to the Safford bridge,
and thence by the north line of Main street.

The section of the I'^^^'- by which this division was made, also provided
that "until the next election of trustees," James L. Stark, jr., shall have spe-
cial jurisdiction over ward number one, S. M. Robinson, jr., over ward number
two, Hiram Bingham over ward number three, Joel Valentine over ward num-
ber four, George W. Ilarman over ward number five, George Benton over
ward number six, and M. C. Morgan over ward number seven. The second
section provided that when future trustees were elected one should be taken
from each ward of the village.

This custom was continued in force until the annual meeting held in Janu-
ary, 1867, at which time a preamble and resolution were adopted that returned
to the old practice of choosing trustees generally, and without regard to ward
residence. The resolution was as follows : " Whereas, the increasing popula-
tion of the village of Bennington, with the many streets and highways which
have been added within the limits of its charter since its organization have
rendered the different wards disproportionate and unecjual, it is therefore re-
solved, that the by-laws of this corporation are so far amended that the trus-
tees for 1867 be chosen without regard to the particular ward in which they

304


History of Bennington County.


may respectively reside; and that said trustees shall so divide the moneys \'>
be expended, and the services to be performed, ainont;- their number in sucl:
manner as may, in their opinion, be for the best interests of the village."

The same resolution also requested the trustees to examine the boundaries
of each ward in the village and after making such alterations as the interests
of the village suggested, to report tlie same to the next annual meeting for the
consideration of the freemen there assembled. Another resolution passed at
this same meeting authorized the election (jf two auditors, whose duty it should
be to examine the accounts of all officers of the village and settle with them
according to their services.

But the re-arrangement of the wards of the village was not brought up for
consideration until tiie annual meeting of January, 1869, at which time the by-
laws were amended, and the village territory again divided into the following
wards :

Fi'rsi zvard. — All that portion of the village lying west of the west line of
South street, and south of the north line of Main street.

Second ivard. — All that portion of the village lying west of the east line of
North street, and north of the north line of Main street.

Third ivnrd. — All that portion of the village lying east of the east line of
North street, and west of the east line of Saftbrd street, and north of the south
line of Gage street.

Fourth ward — All that portion of the village lying east of the east line of
North street, and west of the east line of Safford street, and north of the north
line of Main street, and south of the south line of Gage street.

Fifth ward. — All that portion of the village east of the west line of South
street, and west of the east line of Silver street, and south of the north line of
Main street.

Sixth zvard. — All that part of the village lying east of the east line of Sil-
ver street, and west of the east line of Morgan street, and south of the north
line of Main street.

Seventh ivard. — All that part of the village lying east of the east line of
Morgan street and Safford street.

On the 25th day of November, 18S4, the Legislature of the State passed
an act that atnended and consolidated all previous enactments relating to the
corporation of Bennington, and established its institutions on a more firm and
definite basis than it had heretofore enjoyed. The second section of the act of
1884 defined the boundaries of the village corporation, wliich ordinarily, would
not be of importance in this chapter, except for the fact that the original
boundaries are already given, and to show the changes that have been
made, and the growth of the town it may not be enlarging too much on this
subject to give the limits of the village as they at present exist, as follows:
"Beginning at the northwest corner of lands owned by Charles E. and Elijah
Dewey, situate on the north side of Main street; thence easterly along the north



Village of Bennington.


305


side of said Dewey's land to llie wc;t bank of the Walloomsac River; thence
down the said river upon the \ve.-.t bank thereof to its conHuence witla tlie Ivoar
ing Branch; thence up the said Branch u[)on it-i soutli bank to the west bank
of Rockwood's canal; thence south on the west bank of said canal, and cross-
ing Main street, thirty and one-half rods to a point about eij^ht feet westerly
from the southwest corner of Isaac Moon's wagon shop; thence soutli, seventy
degrees west, to the highway, or r)eech street, so called; thence onward, on
the south line of S. L. Godfrey's Linel and across the mil! pond to the highway
called Morgan street; thence s >utli, four degrees west, on the east line of said
street, seventy-nine rods; thence southerly along the west side of said high-
way the following courses and distances : South, six and one-fourth degrees
west, twenty-six rods; south, seven and one-half degrees west, thirty-two rods;
south, fifteen degrees west, twelve rods; south, forty-two and one-half degrees
west, twenty-nine rods; south, twenty and one-half degrees west, forty rods,
to the southeast corner of lands owned by Isaac T. Pratt; thence west, twelve
degrees north, one hundred and forty rods in line of lands owned by said
Pratt, to South street; thence same course (west, twelve north,) about one
hundred and fifty rods; thence north, twelve degrees cast, two hundred and
fifty rods to the Lebanon Springs Railroad; thence northwesterly along said
railroad, about twenty rods to the southwest corner of Mrs. V. L. Robinson's
house lot; thence north, twelve degrees cast, on tlie west line of said Robin-
son's house lotto the north line of Main street; thence westerly along the
north line of Main street to the southwest corner of said Dewey's land; thence
northerly along the west line of said Dewey's land to the place of beginning,"
etc. Section 3 of the act provides that tlie annual election of village officers
shall be held on the third Tuesday of March. Section 4 provides that there
shall be elected annually, by ballot, the following officers: A president of the
village, seven trustees, a clerk-, treasurer, collector, and three auditors. The
trustees shall be elected one by each ward, and the trustee elected by a ward
shall be president of that ward. T;ie other officers are elected by the vil-
lage at large. The appointive officers to be chosen annually by the board
of trustees are one street commissioner, seven fire wardens, one from each
ward; and not to exceed more than seven police officers, one of whom they
shall designate as chief.

This is a brief outline of the history of this branch of the municipal govern-
ment of the village of Bennington; and in closing this department of the chap-
ter it is not out of place to mention the names of those who have from year
to year been called upon by the votes of the people of the village to repre-
sent them in the various offices established by the acts of the Legislature, from
the time the village was first incorporated, in i S49, to this present. The suc-
cession of village officers, except those connected with the fire and police de-
partments, of which mention is made hereafter, has been as follows;




3o6


History of IJenningtcjn County.


1850. — Moderator, A. P. Lyman; clerk, D. F. Squires; collector, Hccry
F. Dewey; treasurer, Luniaii N<jrtoii; trustees, Charles Colvin, Gcor^re w
Ilarman, Peter H. Story, Abel 11. Wills, Zaduck L. Taft, Albert Walker,
Samuel H. Pirovvn.

185 1. — Moderator, A. P. Lyman; clerk, \). F. Squires; collector, Memy
F. Dewey; treasurer, Lumari Norton; trustees, Joel Valentine, Lnos Adaiim^
Julius Norton, George W. Ilarman, Peter II. Story, Jcdediah Dewey, Cliarle.s
S. Colvin.

1852. — Moderator, A. P. Lyman; clerk, D. F. Squires; collector, llcnry
F. Dewey; treasurer, Luman Norton; trustees, Charles S. Colvin, George W.
Ilarman, Zadock L. Taft, Joel ViUentine, Julius Norton, Luther R. Graves,
Moses Harrington.

1853. — Moderator, George W. Ilarman; clerk, David I'\ Squires; col-
lector, Henry F. Dewey; treasurer, George W. Harman; trustees, Mason C.
Morgan, Enoch Davis, Zadock L. Taft, Joel Valentine, S. Mason Robinson,
Charles E. Dewey, Bernard Golden.

1854. — Moderator, Joel Valentine; clerk, David F. Squires; collector,
Henry F. Dewey; treasurer, George W. Ilarman; trustees. Mason C. Mor-
gan, Henry G. Root, Charles S. Colvin, S. Mason Robinson, Nathaniel B.
Hall, Henry Norton, Robert II. Coventry.

1855. — Moderator, Decius W. Clark; clerk, David F. Squires; collector,
Henry F. Dewey; treasurer, Sirrene P. Peck; trustees, John D. Fisk, Lafay
ette D. Hamlin, Henry S. Norton, S. Mason Robinson, Calvin Norton, James
L. Stark, jr., Edward Norton.

1856. — Moderator, Joel Valentine; clerk, David F. Squires; collector,
Henry F. Dewey; treasurer, Sirrene P. Peck; trustees, James L. Stark, jr., S.
Mason Robinson, Mason C. Morgan, Joel Valentine, George W. Harman,
George Benton, Hiram Bingham.

1857. — Moderator, Joel Valentine; clerk, David F. Squires; collector,
Henry F. Dewey; treasurer, Sirrene P. Peck; trustees, Luther R. Graves 1st
ward; Peter H. Story, 2d ward; Isaac Weeks, 3d ward; Joel Valentine, 4th
ward; Lafayette D. Hamlin, 5th ward; Asahel Ilarwood, Cth ward; Charles
S. Colvin, 7th ward.

1858. — Moderator, Joel Valentine; clerk, David F. Squires; collector,
Henry F\ Dewey; treasurer, Thomas J. Tiffany; trustees, Norman B. Har-
wood, Lemuel Grover, Loan J. Marsh, Edward Norton, Lafayette D. Hamlin,
Asahel Harwood, George Rockwood.

1859. — Moderator, Hymen Tuttle; clerk, David F. Squires; collector,
Henry F. Dewey; treasurer, Thomas J. Tiftany; trustees, Henry D. Hull,
Lemuel Grover, Resolvy Gage, Alonzo B. Valentine, John R. Gates, James H.
Bennett, George Rockwood.

1860. — Moderator, S. M. Robinson, jr.; clerk, Thomas J. Tiftany; col-


Village of Bennlngton.


307


lector, John E. Pratt; treasurer, (none chosen); trustees, Hymen Tuttle, S. M.
Robinson, jr., Resolvy Gage, Henry A. Norton, Frank Purdy, Henry H.
Bradford, Z. L. Taft.

1861. — Moderator, George W. Harman; clerk and treasurer, Thomas J.
Tiffany; collector, John E. Pratt; trustees, Henry E. Bradford, A. AT. Day.
H. G. Root, S. M. Robin.son, jr., Z. L. Taft, A. B. Valentine, Resolvy Gage.

1862. — Moderator, Z. E. Taft; clerk and treasurer, Thomas J. Tiffany;
collector, H. G. Root; trustees, H. E. Ikadford, A. M. Day, H. G. Root, S.
M. Robinson, jr., Z. L. Taft, A. B. Valentine, Resolvy Gage.

1863. — Moderator, Joel Valentine; clerk and treasurer, Thomas J. Tiffany;
collector, Buel Rockwood; corporation attorney, George W. Harman; trus-
tees, Buel Rockwood, John G. Harwood, L. D. Hamlin, Charles E. Dewey,
Albert Walker, Resolvy Gage,.S. M. Robinson, jr.

1864. — Moderator, Thomas White; clerk and treasurer, Thomas J. Tiffany;
collector, Henry F. Dewey; trustees, Isaac Weeks, J. H. Loring, William
Bates, Z. L. Taft, Buel Rockwood, Henry F. Dewey, S. M. Robinson, jr.

1865. — Moderator, Joel Valentine; clerk and treasurer, Thomas J. Tiffany;
collector, Henry F. Dewey; corporation attorney, George W. Harman; trus-
tees, S. M. Robinson, jr., J. II. Loring, Joel Valentine, Henry E. Bradford.
Henry F. Dewey, Isaac Weeks, R. B. Godfrey.

1866. — Moderator, Isaac Weeks; clerk and treasurer, Thomas J. Tiffany;
collector, Leander Powers; trustees, S. M. Robinson, J. H. Loring, Luman P.
Norton, Henry E. Bradford, Henry W. Putnam, Isaac Weeks, R. B. Godfrey.

1867. — Moderator, Hiram Bingham; clerk, Thomas J. Tiffany; treasurer,
George W. Harman; collector, Leander Powers; auditors, G. W. Harman,
William S. Southworth; trustees, Henry E. Bradford, Charles E. Dewey, E.
S. Pratt, H. W. Putnam, H. W. Booth, George Jienton, Isaac Weeks.

1868. — Moderator, James B. Meacham; clerk, Thomas J. Tiffany; treas-
urer, George W. Harman; collector, David Love; auditors, George W. Har-
man, and William S. Southworth; trustees, Isaac Weeks, Henry W. Putnam,
H. W. Booth, George A. Wood, L. D. Hamlin, Buel Rockwood, and J. H.
Woodman.

1869. — Moderator, George W. Harman; clerk, Thomas J. Tiffany; treas-
urer, George W. Harman; collector, David Love; auditors, William S. South-
worth, and George W. Harman; trustees, Henry W. Putnam, Henry G. Root,
Sylvester Peelor, Albert Walker, G. A. Wood, L. D. Hamlin, and Buel Rock-
wood.

1870. — Moderator, William S. Southworth; clerk, Thomas J. Tiffan_v; treas-
urer, Luther R. Graves; collector, David Love; auditors, George W. Harman
and William S. Southworth; trustees, Henry G. Root, Henry W. Putnam, Hi-
ram Bingham, L. D. Hamlin, R. B. Godfrey, Sylvester Peeler, and J. A.
Hotchkins. . '


3o8


HlsnjRY nl- I5ENN1NGT0N Cf^UNTY.


1871. — Mudcr;itor, Joliii R. Gates; clerk', Thomas J. Tiffany; treasurer,
Luther R. Graves; collector, James 1*. Meacham; auditors, William S. South
worth and George W. Harnian; trustees, Milo ivcmin^(ton, Heury W. I'm-
nam, Sylvester I'eelor, Olin Scott, Ilirani l^.inf^ham, L. IJ. Il.unlin, and R. 1',
Godfrey.

1872. — Moderator, John R. Gates; clerk, John R. I'urtoii; treasurer, Lu-
ther R. Graves; collector, James ]5. Meacham; auditors, William S. South-
worth, George W. Ilarman; trustees, Milo G. RemiiiLjton, Peter II. Storj-,
Andrew M. Johnson, Ulin Scott, Daniel lluling, L. D. Hamlin, and R. ];.
Godfrey.

1873. — Moderator, George W. Marman; clerk, Jr)hn R. Burton: treasurer,
Luther R. Graves; collector, J.imes B. Meacham; audittjrs. Iliram Binc^ham,
Thomas J. Tiffany; trustees, John L. Ouackenbusli, Joseph II. Lorinc^, Lucius
M. Holton, Lyman F. Abbott, George A. Wood, John V. Carney, and Charles
W. Benton.

1874. — (Annual meeting held in April, instead of January, as heretofore).
Moderator, Henry J. Rotter; clerk, John R. liurton; treasurer, Ellis A. Cobb;
collector, C. F. Sears; auditors, Thomas J. Tiffany and Daniel McEowen;
trustees, Milo G. Remington, Josei)h II. Loring, Thomas V. Burton, Thomas
A. Hutchins, George W. Ilarman, John V. Carney, and Charles Colvin.

1875. — Moderator, Henry J. Potter; clerk, John R. Burton; treasurer, I'l-
lis A. Cobb; collector, James B. Meacham; auditors, George A. Wood and
Thomas J. Tiffany; trustees, Henry G. Root, George W. Ilarman, J. P. Ikir-
ton, J. H. Loring, T. A. Hutchins, John T. Shurtleff, Charles S. Colvin.

1876. — Moderator, Henry J. Potter; clerk, John R Burton; treasurer, Ei- '
lis A. Cobb; collector, James 15. Meach.im; auditors, George W. Harman and
Thomas J. Tiffany; trustees, Samuel Keyes, Josepii H. Loring, L. M. Holton,
T. A. Hutchins, George A. Wood, Randall J. Crawford, M. B. Morgan.

1877. — Moderator, Henry J. Potter; clerk, M. B. Morgan; treasurer, Dan-
iel McEowen; collector, James }i. Meacham; auditors, George W. Harman.
Thomas J. Tiffany; trustees, Samuel Keyes, Joseph H. Loring, D. W. Hyde,
C. F. Sears, George A. Wood, R. J. Crawford, and Buel Rockwood.

1878. — Moderator, John Sibley; clerk, M. B. Morgan; treasurer, George
F. Graves; collector, James B. Meacham; auditors, Dwight P. Gates, Levi L.
Lewis; trustees, John Sibley, Daniel Guiltinane, G. K. Morse, Dwight Riddle,
David Bushnell J. F. Clark. M. B. Morgan.

1879. — Moderator, S. F. Harris; clerk, M. B. Morgan; treasurer, George
F. Graves; collector, James B. Meacham; auditors, Levi L. Lewis and Dwight
P. Gates; trustees, R. W. Bennett, Daniel Guiltinane, A. M. Johnson, Frank
Cromack, C. A. Hawks, David F. Squires, M. B. Morgan.

1880. — Moderator, John T. Shurtleff; clerk, Henry A. Harman; treasurer.
George F. Graves; collector, Charles F. Sears; auditors, Olin Scott and Dwight


Village of Bennington.


r. Gates; trustees, ICd, N. S. Morgan. Charles S. Clapp, Levi Bradbury, Henry
M. Tuttle, Josej)!! V. Huiif, Franklin L Hlake, Kufus li. Godfrey.

1881. — (Annual meeting changed to be held in March). Moderator, John
T. Shurtleff; clerk, James Carroll; treasurer, George 1'". Graves; collector, James
B. Meacham; auditors, John R. Pilling, Asaph l-". Childs; trustees, O. D.
Adams, Francis Guillinam, Frank Tit'tan}', R. Goldsmith, G. Jl Sibley, J. W.
Scranton, Bucl Rockwood.

1882. — Moderator, John T. Shurtleff; clerk, lulvv.ird L. Bates; treasurer,
George V. Graves; collector, James B. Me.ichain; auditors, George W Ilar-
man, George A. Wood; trustees. L. M. Mclnlire, J. R. Pilling. A. M. Jolm-
son, C. "E. Graves, David Carpenter. R. J. Crawford, and Rufus U. Godfrey.

1883. — Moderator, Thomas J. Tiffany; clerk, Edward L Bates; treasurer.
George F. Graves; collector. James B. Meacham; auditors. Henry M. Tuttle,
Olin Scott; trustees. Orrin D. Adams, William OT3onnell, I'Vank Tiffany, D.
P. Gates, H. M. Harris, C. A. Hawks. C. W. Benton.

1884. — Moderator, John T. Shurtleff; clerk, Charles F. Graves; treasurer,
George F. Graves; collector, James B. Meacham; auditors, William B. Shel-
don, Olin Scott, Charles E, Graves; trustees, Orrin D. Davis, William O'Don-
nell, James Lindley, M. W. Stewart, Dwight Riddle. F. L. Blake, C. W. Benton.

1885. — President, Lunian P. Norton; clerk, Buel Sibley; treasurer, George
F. Graves; collector, James B. Meacham; auditors, William B. Sheldon, Charles

E. Graves, Orrin D. Adams; trustees, Orrin D. Adams, Daniel O'Donnell,
M. Cullerton, Melvin W. Stewart, Dwight Riddle, Irving E. Gibson, Rufus B.
Godfrey. Buel Sibley resigned his clerkship, and the board of trustees elected
Charles E. Graves to the oflice. James B. Meacham was elected, by the board,
to the office of village attorney. Samuel Keyes was elected trustee of ward i,
in place of Orrin Adams, resigned. Samuel Keyes was also, on April 27th,
appointed street commissioner.

1886. — President, John V. Carney; clerk, John II. Kelso; treasurer, George

F. Graves; collector, James B. Meacham; auditors, Luman P. Norton, Orrin
D. Adams, John R. Pilling; trustees, Samuel Keyes, Daniel O'Donnell, M. Cul-
lerton, Melvin W. Stewart, Dwight Riddle, Irving E. Gibson. William H. Brad-
ford. Appointed officers: Health officer, E. B. Daly; village attorney, James
B. Meacham; street commissioner, Arthur C. Sweet.

1887. — President, John V. Carney; clerk, John H. Kelso; treasurer, George
F. Graves; collector, James B. Meacham; auditors, Charles H. Mason, John
R. Pilling, Dr. II. C. Day; trustees, Samuel Keyes, (resigned, and William
Martin elected to fill the vacancy), Daniel Guiltinane, Dr. E. B. Daly, M. W.
Stewart, John V. Carney, I. E. Gibson, Edward D. Moore; appointed officers,
village attorney, James B. Meacham.

1888. — President, John V. Carney; clerk, John H. Kelso; treasurer, George
F. Graves; collector, James B. Meacham; auditors, Charles II. Mason, C.


310


History of Bennington County.


Darling, Dr. H. C. Day; trustees, W. G. T. Wright, Thomas McGrath, F. M.
Crawford, EH Tiffany, George A. Wood, George N. Pliillips, John Coleman;
appointed officers, village attorney, James P. Meacham; chief of policL-,
James E. Hurley; fire wardens, Charles A. Pierce, Arthur J. De\vey, Michael
McKeon, Charles M. Wakefield, Andrew J. Downs, F.duard L. liates, George
M. Sibley; street commissioner, Henry M. Tuttle; health officers, Emmett
B. Daley and Henry J. Potter.

The Bennington Fire ])cpartnicnt. — There is no department of municipal
government organized f(M- a more laudable purpose than that for the prevention
and extinguishing of fires; and in a village like Bennington a double credit is
due to the members of its fire department from the fact that their services must
necessarily be gratuitous. The village of l^ennington seems to possess the nec-
essary means for fighting fire far beyond that found in villages of the same or
even greater population. This is a wise precaution, for the extensive manu-
facturing interests here demand protection, and any outlay of means for the
maintenance of the efficieney of the department is certainly well expended.
While the village of Bennington has not suffered from destruction by fire to
any greater extent than other places similarly situated and conditioned, there
have been during and even before its corporate existence, a number of disas-
trous fires with consequent heavy losses, and the older inhabitants will remem-
ber the period of years between 1856 and ii>6o, when it seemed that the place
was especially afllicted with fire losses of an incendiary origin, and which called
for an offer of a reward of five hundred dollars for the discovery of the guilty
parties.

The history of the fire department of the village of Bennington, at least so
far as its early organization, continuance and prosperity is concerned, has been
much the same as that of its otlicr institutions. The days of the old "bucket
brigade" have long since passed away, and in its place there came the old hand
engine, either light or heavy, according to the period of its use, and when this
machine became in general use it was thought that the art of inventing imple-
ments for extinguishing fires had reached its greatest height, but in the jiresent
age the hand engine is to the modern steam apparatus about as the pail and
bucket were to the hand engines. In ]>ennington the use of the steamer is
unnecessary in many instances for the reason that the water pressure on the
mains is so great as to afford all the power the firemen may need in ordinary
cases; still, Bennington could hardly aftbrd to entirely discard the use of the
steamer, as there are districts in which the water mains do not extend, and over
which the protection of the fire department must be extended.

The act of the Legislature that was passed in November, 1849, by which
the village was incorporated, also provided for the annual election of seven fire
wardens, and defined their duties and powers. Those elected to serve in this
.capacity during the first year were: Asahel Booth, Lemuel Grover, Buckley





Village of Bennington.


Stjiiires, Madison R. Winslow, James H. Bennett, Calvin Gilson and Moses Har-
rinj^ton. The freemen of the vill.ige, at this same Ineetin<^^ also voted that
a committee, consisting uf (ieorge W. ilarman, A J'. Lyaian, and iJavid F.
Scjuires should draft suitable by-laws for muiiiciijal use and control. As ap-
pears by the old records in the village cleric's office about the first work of this
committee was to prepare an ordinance for the reirulation of tiic fire depart-
ment, the first section of the first article of which reads as follows: "There is
hereby constituted and established witiiin the village of Bennington, an asso-
ciation to be called 'Bennington Vive Department,' to consist of such persons
and officers, and such number of engine companies and hook and ladder com-
panies, as shall from time to time be ordered and directed by said village."

Section two of the same article adopted at the same time, but amended in
185 I, reads: "There shall be formed by the fire wardens two engine compan-
ies, the members of which shall reside within the limits of said village, which
companies shall be regulated and controlled by such b> -laws as tlie several
companies shall establish for the government of themselves," etc.

Proceedings were at once instituted for the complete organization of the
department. Asahel Bootli and Lemuel Grover were appointed to purchase
two engines and other necessary fire apparatus at an expense not beyond fif-
teen hundred dollars, and contracts were made for the erection of two engine
houses on lots purchased for that purpose. In due time all the purchases were
made, the buildings erected, and the companies organized — the latter in No-
vember, 185 I. The two companies were organized with twenty members each,
and these were "the boys who ran with the machine."

Firsi Company. — Archibald Robertson, Lucius G. Welch, Henry G. Root,
James B. Chandler, Iliram Bingham, Henry D. Hall, George Cady, George C.
McEowen, Charles Dewey, William B. IJooth, Hudson Smith, Leonard Barney,
Sidney Squires, Horace T. White, Calvin Norton, Andrew M. Johnson, S. Ma-
son Robinson, Oran S. Newton, Merritt Allen, James L. Stark, jr.

Secoftd Company. — Asahel Harwood, Sirrcne P. Peck, Alonzo B. Valentine,
Russell B. Judd, William hmierson Olds, J. Halsey Cushman, Lafayette D.
Hamlin, Charles II. Rockwood, John F. Hale, Warren Sibley, Anson Peelor,
John CoUord, Thomas Riddle, Franklin B. Norton, George W. Hall, Gordon
N. Squires, David C. Harwood, William Morgan, Newton Gould, Daniel Mc-
Eowen.

These were the original members of the two companies. Of course addi-
tions were made to their number, and the names of some were dropped from
the rolls. The names adopted to designate the companies were "Spartan
I'-ngine Company, No. i." and "Protection lingine Company, No. 2."

In pursuance of a by-law passed at a meeting of freemen held on the 31st
day of March, 1852, the members of the fire companies met on the 7th day of
April thereafter, and elected the following ofilcers of the fire department: Chief




312


History of Bennington County.


engineer, David C. Marwuod; first assistant en^nnccr, Anson Peelor; scconii
assistant engineer, r.cniucl Grovcr; ckrlc of the department, IMerritt Allen,
Tiiis by law was subsequently repealed, hut the resolution by which the repeal
was effected was its; !!' rescinded, and the law slootl until amended in January,
1858, by wliich amendment there was [provided U> be elected annually a chief
and first and second assistant eni^diieers of ihe de[)artnient, subject, however,
to approval by the fire wardens of the village; in fict the fire wardens were
vested with control over the several companies of the department. On the
28th of January, i<S58, the department elected its officers as follows: Chief en-
gineer, Daniel McKowen; first assistant, F. A. Rouse; second assistant, Jo-
seph H. Lorint;.

This was about the period when fires were occurring with alarming fre-
quency, and the greatest effijrts of the department and tlie other residents of
the village were required to subdue them. They were of incendiary origin,
and so disastrous that the vill.ige trustees offered a reward of five hundred dol-
lars for evidence to convict the criminals. About this time too, a movement
was set on foot for the organization of a hook and ladder company as a part of
the fire department of the village. In the year 185S the necessar}' apparatus,
trucks, hooks and ladders were purchased at a very moderate cost, and ready
for use, but of the formation of a new company for the |)urpose of using these
implements in particular the records disclose no knowledge. Nor in these
records is there to be found a succession of the fire department officers as they
were, or should have been, annually elected; such only as appear are given.
At the annual meeting of the fire department in 1868 the following ofYicers
were chosen: Chief, George W. Hall; first assistant, John V. Carney; second
assistant, Rufus Ix Godfrey.

In this same year also, there was much discussion of the subject of purchas-
ing one or more steam fire engines for the use and increased protection of vil-
lage property against fire; and this matter came up in due form at a meeting
of the freemen held on the 30th day of November, at which time Henry W.
Putnam, G. S. Bradford, David Love, Olin Scott and George W. Hall were
chosen a committee to ascertain and report to the freemen the cost of such en-
gine or engines, with other apparatus required to place the fire department in
first claims condition.

At a freeman's meeting held on the 21st day of December thereafter the
committee made their report, and recommended the purchase of two third class
engines, but the estimated expense of the purchase seems to have staggered the
voters present, therefore, when S. L Godfrey moved that the whole subject
be dismissed, and that the meeting adjourn si'/ic die, the motion was carried
promptly.

The department officers for 1869 are chief, John V. Carney; first assistant,
Rufus B. Godfrey; second assistant, John Kehoe; clerk, John R. Burton.

Village of Bennington.


313


Department officers for 1 870. — Chief, William H. Cady; first assistant, James
R. Siblev; second assistant, Frank 151ake; secretary, J. R. liurton.

Officers for 1871 — Chief cnc^ineer, Henry W. Putnam; first assistant, George
S. Bradford; second assistant, Frank Blake.

At a meeting of the electors of ihe village held July 17, 1871, Judge Har-
man moved that the village purchase two steam fire engines, but J. Malsey
Cushman moved an amendment that but one engine be purchased with hose
sufficient to supply the same. Judge Marman accepted the amendment and
the proposition was carried.

Officers for 1872. — Chief engineer, John V. Carney; first assistant, C. G.
Cole; second assistant, C. W. Benton.

The purchase of the steamer was followed by the organization of a com-
pany for it, which became known as the Stark Steamer Company. Jackson
Hose Company came into existence about the same time.

Officers for 1877. — Chief engineer, Olney Fuller; first assistant, C. \V. Ben-
ton; second assistant, C. C. Kimball.

Officers for 1879 — Chief, Olney Fuller; first assistant, WiUiam Mooc; sec-
ond assistant, J. A. N. Williams.

Officers for 18S0. — Chief, Olney Fuller; first assistant, Edward D. Morse;
second assistant, James A. N. Williams.

Officers for 1882. — Chief, W. II. Robertson; first assistant, J. P. Sibley;
second assistant, W. Stewart.

Officers for 1883. — Chief, Rufus B. Godfrey; first assistant, H. Mortimer
Harris; second assistant, Mortimer Mamlin.

Under the act of the Legislature passed in November, 1S84, it was pro-
vided that the firewardens of the village be appointed by the board of trustees,
and not elected by the freemen, as had been the custom theretofore. Inas-
much as the foregoing portion of this chapter has, so far as the village rec-
ords permitted, given the succession of officers of the village, and occasionally
the officers of the fire department, it is proper that there should also follow the
succession of village firewardens, and that before describing the fire depart-
ment companies, apparatus, etc., as they e.xist to-day, the several persons who
have served in the capacity of firewardens of Bennington from the time the
village was incorporated, or from the time of the first annual election in 1 850,
with the years of their service, may be mentioned as follows:

1850. — Asahel Booth, Lemuel Grover, Buckley Squires, Madison E. Wins-
low, James H. Bennett, Calvin Gilson, Moses Harrington.

185 I. — Asahel Booth, Samuel L. Godfrey, jr., Resolvy Gage, Decius W.
Clark, Mason C. Morgan, James H. Bennett, Luther R. Graves.

1852. — A,sahel Booth, Mason C. Morgan, Samuel L. Godfrey, jr., James H.
Bennett, Albert Walker, James Boardman, William E. Olds.
40


314


History of Bennington Countv.


1853. — Asaliel Booth, James H. Bennett, Samuel L. Godfrey, jr., IVt'.r li
Story, Ilymcn Tattle, James lioardnian, Alon/.o H. Valentine.

1854. — Asahel Booth, James 11. Bennett, Samuel L. Godfrey, jr., Peter li
Story, Hyman Tuttle, James Boardnian, Russell J5. Judd.

1855. — George Benton, George W. Ilall, Henry W. Booth, Asa D. Stew-
art, William B. Booth, Joel T. Shippey, Ivesolvy Gage.

1856. — George Benton, George W. Ilall, Henry W. I^ooth, Asa D. Stew-
art, William B. Booth, Charles S. Colvin, Resolvy Gage.

1857. — W. Barker Wright, George W. Hall, Andrew M. Johnson, Asa I).
Stewart, David C. Harwood, Zadoch L. Taft, Henry E. Bradford.

1858. — Henry G. Root, Decius W. Clark, Knos Adams, Asa D. Stewart,
David C. Harwood, Zadoch L. Taft, Henry E. Bradford.

1859. — Madison E. Winslow, S. Mason, Robinson, jr., John Boyntoii,
George Benton, Luther D. Hamlin, Chauncey L. Shaw, Henry E. Bradford.

1860. — John R. Gates, S. L. Godfrey, jr., Luther D. Hamlin, Joseph li.
Loring, Samuel H. Brown, Peter H. Story, James H. Bennett.

1861. — Silas Buss, George Benton, George S. Bradford, George W. Har-
man, Thomas P. Burton, Hudson P. Smith, Hymen Tuttle.

1862. — Silas Buss, George Benton, George S. Bradford, George W. Har-
man, Thomas P. Burton, H. P. Smith, Hymen Tuttle.

1863. — George S. Bradford, Rufus B. Godfrey, George Benton, L. M. Hol-
ton, Joseph H. Loring, Luman P. Norton, Peter PI. Story.

1864. — George S. Bradford, Rufus B. Godfrey, George Benton, L. M. Hol-
ton, Joseph H. Loring, Luman P. Norton, Peter H. Story.

1865. — George S. Bradford, Rufus B. Godfrey, George Benton, L. M. Hol-
ton, Joseph H. Loring, Luman P. Norton, Peter H. Story.

1866. — George S. Bradford, Rufus B. Godfrey, George Benton, L. M. Hol-
ton, Joseph H. Loring, Luman P. Norton, Peter H. Story.

1867. — George S. Bradford, Charles S. Colvin, Daniel McEowen, Joseph H.
Loring, Rufus B. Godfrey, Hiram Bingham, Albert Walker.

1868. — Daniel McEowen, Lyman F. Abbott, George A. Packer, John E
Pratt, Clark Rice, William H. Cady, George Rock wood.

1869. — Joseph H. Loring, Milo Remington, George Albro, Daniel Mc-
Eowen, John E. Pratt, Hiram Bingham, Lyman ¥. Abbott.

1870. — D. W. Hyde, Levi Bradbury, George A.Wood, Lucius Holton, Al-
bert Walker, H. W. Booth, Buel Rockwood.

1871. — D. W. Hyde, Levi Bradbury, George A. Wood, Lucius M. Holton,
Alonzo B. Valentine, William H. Grover, Buel Rockwood.

1872. — George A. Packer, J. H. Woodman, Sylvester Peelor, Alonzo B. Val-
entine, George A. Wood, John V. Carman, Buel Rockwood.

1873. — Milo G. Remington, Daniel O'Donncll, J. H. Woodman, T. A.
Hutchins, John E. Pratt, W. H. Grover, Martin Stickney.



Village of Bennington.


315


,874 —William Martin, C. G. Cole, Daniel Cronin, R. M. Luther, PI. M.
Harris, C. C. Kimball, J. P. Sibley.

1875. — Levi Bradbury, C. G. Cole, Daniel Cronin, R. M. Luther, H. M.
Harris, C. W. Benton, C. C. Kimball.

1%^^. — Milo G. Remington, C. G. Cole, Levi Bradbury, R. M. Luther, H.
M. Harris, C. C. Kimball, C. W. Benton.

1877. — Milo G. Remington, C. G. Cole, Levi Bradbury, R. M. Luther, H.
M. Harris, C. C. Kimball, Charles W. Benton.

1878. — Milo G. Remington, C. G. Cole, Levi Bradbury, Rev. R. M. Luther,
H. M. Harris, C. C. Kimball, Charles W. Benton.

1879. — Samuel Keyes, Thomas Barron, Nelson Molds, Charles B. Riddle,
Edward Gilson, S. B. Pike, Rufus B. Godfrey.

1880. — Orin D. Adams, Joseph H. Loring, Norman M. Puffer, P'rederick
Godfrey, George B. Sibley, George A. Smith, William H. Bradford.

1881. — Frank Remington, Alexander Dougherty, Frank Dwyer, M. W.
Stewart, J. W. Williams, G. A. Smith, C. W. P.enton.

1882. — Milo G. Remington, Joseph H. Loring, Levi Bradbury, N. M. Puffer,
H. M. Harris, L. D. Hamlin, Charles W. Benton.

1883. — John Purcell, Robert Drysdale, E. R. Buss, M. W. Stewart, W. G. F.
Wright, H. M. PLamlin, E. W. Bradford.

1884. — John P. Purcell, M. J. Guiltinam, E. R. Buss, Charles Galusha,
Charles B. Riddle, M. F. Plamlin, E. W. Bradford.

1885. — Elected by village trustees: R. W. Bennett, Robert Drysdale, Eu-
gene Brown, Frank Cromack, W. D. Newton, George Phillips. Vacancy in
Seventh ward.

1886. — Orin D Adams, Robert Drysdale, Elmer Peelor, W^ N. Hyde, W.
D. Newton, G. N. Phillips, E. D. Moore.

1887. — Charles A. Pierce, Robert Drysdale, Michael McKeon, C. H. Wake-
field, F. S. Pratt, George N. Phillips, George Sibley.

1888. — Charles A. Pierce, ward i; Arthur J. Dewey, ward 2; Michael Mc-
Keon, ward 3; Charles H. Wakefield, ward 4; Andrew J. Downs, ward 5; Ed-
ward L. Bates, ward 6; George M. Sibley, ward 7.

The Present Village Fire Department. — As will be seen from the foregoing
pages, the fire department of Bennington since its first organization in 1850 has
undergone many changes and reorganizations, making it exceedingly difficult
to trace the existence of the several companies that have, from time to time,
constituted the village department. It is not an unusual occurrence among
fire companies that dissatisfaction and dissensions arise, and that companies
disband and reorganize under a different name; and while this has occasionally
occurred in the Bennington department, such acts are not exceptional, but are
to be found in every community throughout the land. The old companies.
Spartan No. l, and Protection No. 2, of course, have passed out of existence, as



3i6


History of Bennington County.


well as the old hand engines that they manac;ed so well and efficiently, and it is
believed that not one of the old original members of either of these compani-',
is connected with the present department. Tlie General Stark Steamer Com-
pany has also disbanded as an organization, though the engine itself remain^
and is ready for use in any emergency. The excellent system of village water-
works has rendered the use of the steamer unnecessary, and the only companif
or apparatus required for protection against fire are the hose and hook and laii-
der organizations, with which the village is now very well supplied.

The fire department ot Bennington at the present time consists of tlie \V.

H. Bradford Hook and Ladder Company No. i, the Stark Hose Company Xo.

I, the F. M. Tiffany Hose Company No. 2, and Putnam's Hose Company Xd.
3. The quarters of the several companies are as follows: The Hook and Lad-
der Company on Main street above the factories; the Stark Hose Company on
Pleasant street near North street, on the location formerly of old Spartan en-
gine company; the F. M. Tiffany Hose Company on Main street, and Putnam
Hose Company, the junior of the fire organizations of the village, on River
street.

The Bennington Fire Department has its own organization and elects its
own officers; so also is constituted each of the companies that form the depart-
ment, but it can hardly be within the province of this chapter to record the
names of the various officers chosen by the companies or the department for
self or social government. The department at the present time is under charge
of Rufi's B. Godfrey, chief engineer; Robert Drysdale, first assistant engineer,
and Fr' . LL Tiffany, second assistant engineer. The department is in better
condition tor efficient service at the present time than it has been at any other
time during its existence.

Tlie Police Department. — This branch of the municipal government of Ben-
nington is perhaps of the least importance, so far as this cliapter is concerned,
of any of its various departments, and demands but little mention in these
pages. The existence of the police regulations and protection began with the
incorporation of the village, and has kept even step with the growth of the
place to the present day. Even before the village became separated from the
township the constables saw that order and peace were maintained, but the
office of constable was then, and still is, more of a process server than of a peace
officer, and it was only when the acts of incorporation became operative that a
pohce department can be said to have been organized, and as the act passed in
1849 contained no provision for the establishing of a police force, or adopting
police regulations, the local constabulary and the sherift'of the count)- per-
formed police duty, but, fortunately, their labors were not particularly burden-
some. But under an act of the Legislature passed in November, 1S55, the
trustees of the village were authorized to appoint police officers to the num-
ber of seven; and in pursuance of this power so vested in them they appoint-


Village of Bennington.


317


cd on January 30, 1S56 Georj^^e W. Hall, John V. Carney, William E. Olds,
Henry F. Dewey, Lafayette D. Hamlin, Chauncey J. Olds, and Benjamin
Gregg police officers for the cor[)oration of Bennington These appointments
were made for the year next ensuing, but the appointees were to serve until
their successors were appointed, whether the time be more or less than one
year. If the old village records are to be relied upon there were no further
police appointments until the year 1859, when on July 15th Henry F. Dewey,
Madison E. Winslow, Enoch Moore, Joseph H. Loring, Alonzo H. Bennett,
Clark Rice, and John E. Pratt were chosen by the trustees as the conservators
of the peace within the village. The act of 1884 made no radical changes in
the police regulations of the village, hut it did provide that of the seven jjolice-
men authorized to be appointed annually one of the number shoidd be desig-
nated as chief Under this act the subsequent appointments have been made,
but it has not been the custom of the board of trustees to make the same reg-
ularly; still a sufficient force has been regularly maintained, under whose watch-
fulness general good order is assured to the people of the village.

Educational Institutions. — For a period of more than twenty years after the
village of Bennington was incorporated and became an independent jurisdic-
tion, it still remained attached to the township so far as its educational institu-
tions were concerned; and it was not until the latter part of the year 1S70 that
the people of the village were enabled to free themselves from the township
and establish a graded school system, such as would not only be an honor to
the place, but would give the youth of the locality the benefits of a modern
school in which they could receive instruction in the higher branches.

Prior to the passage of the act by which the village was incorporated into a
graded school district the territory embraced within the village limits was di-
vided into no less than five school districts of the township, and these even were
subject to any change desired to be made by the freemen of the town at any
regular meeting; and being thus divided it was utterly impossible that the chil-
dren of the village should have the advantages of a higher education than could
be had at any country school. Therefore it was not unnatural that a feeling of
dissatisfaction should be created among the progressive people of the corpora-
tion, and that their desire for better educational advantages, together with their
united efforts, should lead to the separation from the district school system of
the township, and the establishment of the magnificent institution that now
adorns the village. Of the town or district schools that have been erected on
the village plat the first was probably that built soon after the incorporation of
Union Academy, October 30, 181 7, which some few of the older residents will
call to mind. Another stood about on the site of the Stewart property, not far
from the site of that just named. Another town district for a time had a school
in the basement of the Methodist Church on Main street. Another was built
on what is now known as Depot street. But perhaps the most pretentious of



3i8


History of Bennington County.


the old school buildings was that on South street, which was built about 184^
or 1846, and was considered the leading school of the locality. Hut since tin-
completion of the graded school these old buildings have lost their usefulnes:;
as educational institutions, and are either removed altogether or occupied for
other purposes than schools.

"'On the 14th day of April, 1870, at the instance of George W. Harmon,
Eugene O. Cole, Alonzo 11 Valentine, Henry E. Ikadford, Olin Scott, and oth-
ers, a town meeting was called to see if the legal voters of the town would con-
solidate the five districts in the village, viz.: 4th, 15th, 17th, I 8th and 23d, thus
forming one district. The assembled voters of the town took action upon the
proposition and decided to consolidate the districts. The following persons
were appointed to act as the prudential committee of the graded school dis-
tricts thus organized: Henry IC. Bradford, Olin Scott, and Eugene O. Cole.
Some time in June of the same year the opponents of the graded school enter-
prise called a town meeting to see if the town would reconsider its vote of ti e
April meeting consolidating the districts. This the town did and divided the
one district into the original number. Thereupon the friends of the system not
to be foiled in this way in their endeavors to establish a graded school in the
village, circulated a petition among the legal voters thereof, of which the fol-
lowing is a copy : ' To the Honorable General Assembly of the State of Ver-
mont, session of 1870. Your petitioners, legal voters of the village of Ben-
nington, would respectfully pray vour honorable body to incorporate a graded
school under the name of Bennington Graded School, comprising the territory
within the corporate limits of said village. Bennington, Vt., September 24,
1870.' The names of two-thirds of the legal voters of the village representing
three-quarters of the grand list were on this petition. The Legislature granted
the request of the petitioners and passed an act of incorporation. Thus was
established the graded school system in the village by the official act of the
General Assembly of Vermont."

In accordance with the provisions of the act above named a call for a meet-
ing for the purpose of electing officers of the district was issued on the 26th day
of October, 1870, and the meeting was ordered to be held at Free Library Hall
on the 9th day of November thereafter. The meeting was organized by the
election of George W. Harman, moderator, and Thomas J. Tiftany, clerk. On
motion of J. Halsey Cushman a committee of seven, one from each ward, was
appointed to nominate district officers; and upon the presentation of this com-
mittee the following officers were elected: Trustees, Luther R. Graves, Charles
E. Dewey, Sylvester Peelor, Daniel McEowen, David Carpenter, John Car-
ney, and Buel Rockwood; treasurer, George W. Harman; collector, Rudolph
Goldsmith. At a subsequent meeting held December 19, 1870, William S.
Southworth, Hiram Bingham, and Henry E. Bradford were chosen district audi-


' From the sketch prepared by C. H. Hubbard, and deposited in the corner stone receptacle.




Village of Bennington.


319


tors. The early meetings of the school trustees were devoted mainly to the
rcorfanization work necessary to be done, the employment of proper teachers,
and the vast amount of preliminary discussion in contemplation of the purchase
of a lot, and the erection of an appropriate school building thereon. Of course
this undertaking was not to be accomplished at once, and it v\ as in fact some
four years, or in 1874, before the new building was ready for occupancy; in the
meantime the old schools were used, but after the completion of the new build-
ing the others were sold, and the avails of the sales were turned into the school
fund.

In June, 1873, the trustees were directed to purchase from Henry E. Brad-
ford and Lyman ¥. Abbott the lot of land on School street, on which the build-
ing is erected, at a cost of three thousand five hundred dollars; but this lot was
subsequently enlarged by a . further purchase from Henry W. Putnam, costing
eight hundred dollars; but of this latter sum the district only paid six hundred
dollars, the balance having been contributed by Major Alonzo ]1 Valentine.
At a meeting held on the 27tb. day of October, 1S73, the trustees reported the
plans and specifications for a school building, the estimated cost of which was
not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars. After hearing the report this res-
olution was offered and adopted: '^Resolved, That it is hereby ordered that a
school building be erected in the district, for the accommodation of the school
children of the district according to their several grades; such building to be
substantially in accordance with the plans before this meeting, the same being
drawn by Mr. M. F. Cummings, of Troy, N. Y., and recommended by the school
trustees." A further resolution passed at the same meeting authorized the trust-
ees to contract for the building of a school-house upon the lot above named.

But about this time there seems to have been rampant a strong sentiment
of opposition to the graded school enterprise, brought about largely, undoubt-
edly, by the dread of the heavy burden of taxes that must fall generally upon
the people of the district, and partially by reason of the fact that there were per-
sons who had opposed the project from the very beginning, they being satis-
fied with the old district school system, however insufficient or unpopular that
system might be. But, after a fair and impartial discussion of the whole subject,
a meeting of the district was held, and the propositions of the warning — to see
if the district would reconsider the previous vote to build a school- house — to
sell the land purchased from Henry E. Bradford and others, and to indefinitely
postpone the collection of the necessary tax for building purposes, voted at the
previous meeting, were dismissed by a very large and emphatic majority.

No further serious obstacle was encountered by the committee to impede
the progress of their work; the contract was let and the building at last com-
pleted. Its location, situation and attractive appearance are fiimiliar to every
resident of the township, and to a great number of the people of the county,
and therefore needs no minute description in these pages. Notwithstanding


320


History of Bennington County.


the best efforts of tlic trustees it was found impossible to keep tlie expen-e f f
erecting the building within the estimated sum of twenty-five tliousand dollars
and the school structure cost, in fact, twenty- nine thousand dollars, to which
must be added the further sum of three thousand dollars for furnishing, and still
another like sum for heating apparatus, making a total cost of the whole prop-
erty complete of something like forty thousand dollars.

General School Rules} — The scIkjoIs under the care of the trustees of tlie
Bennington Graded School District shall be classified as follows: Prin",arv, In-
termediate, Grammar and High. The Primary Schools shall consist of tl.ree
classes: Seventh, si.xth. and fifth; the Intermediate of one, the fourth, and the
Grammar of three, the third, second, and first. The High School shall be
divided into classes according to the course of study pursued. The time speci-
fied for each class in the course of study is designed to be one year of thirty-nine
weeks. For convenience of study and recitations each class may be divided
into sections. No teacher shall have more than two classes under her charcre

o

unless the school is so small it cannot be otherwise arranged.

Branches of Instruction. — Instruction shall be given in the Primary, Inter-
mediate, and Grammar Departments in Temp crance, Physiology, Iveading,
Spelling, Writing, Arithmetic, Language, History, Grammar, Composition,
Declamation, and Vocal Music. The courses of study for the High School,
which are four in number, viz.: i, a commercial or business course of two years;
2, a general course of three years; 3, a full English course of four years; 4, a
classical course preparatory for college of four years. The instruction in the
High School is in six departments, embracing the following studies; I, Classics
— Latin, and Greek; 2, Modern Languages — Phench, and German; 3, Com-
mercial— Book-keeping, Phonography, Type- writing, Mechanical Dravring,
Commercial Arithmetic, Business P'orms and Commercial Law; 4, Mathematics
— Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Surveying; 5, BclliS-
lettrcs. History, etc. — Critical study of PZnglish Language, Theme-Writing, and
Declamation, Rhetoric, Plnglish Literature, American Literature, Ancient Me-
diajval and Modern History, Civil Government, International Law, and Logic,
Vocal Culture, Music; 6, Natural Sciences — Physical Geography, Temperance,
Physiology, Natural Pliilosophy, Natural Plistory, Botany, Astronomy, Geol-
ogy, Chemistry, Meteorology,

The honor, and certainly an honor it is, of having built up and maintained
the most excellent reputation of the Bennington Graded School belongs alike
to faculty and trustees, for both have been zealous in their efforts to establish
in Bennington an educational institution second to none in the State, and the
present condition of the school shows that those efforts have been crowned with
abundant success.

In the preceding portions or divisions of this chapter some mention has


From the Bennington Graded School Catalogue of 1887.



Village of Bennington.


321


hfcn made of the officers connected with the various branches of the munici-
'I il •'ovcrnment of the village; therefore this subdivision would hardly be cjm-
plcte without some allusion to the persons who have comprised the board of
trustees of the district, as well as other officers connected therewith; but it is
dc-emed inexpedient to here furnish a complete roll of the teachers of the school
from the time of incorporation to this present.

Assuming to be correct the compilation of district officers published in the
school catalogue of 1887, the same is herein copied literally, except that the
names of such officers as have been elected subsequent to that publication are
here added. The followinej list is designed to show the names of such persons
as have been officers of the school district from the time the same was organ-
ized.

Moderators. — George W. Harman, 1870 to 1880; John T. Shurtleff, 1880
to 1884; John V. Carney, 1884 to 1888.

Clerks. — Thomas J. Tiffany, 1870 to 1880; Charles E. Graves, 1880 to 1885;
Henry D. Fillmore, 1885 to 1888; Dr. Henry C. Day, 1888.

Treasurers. — George W. Harman, 1870-71 to 1880-81; Ellis A. Cobb,
1871 to 1880, 1881 to 1884; Luther R. Graves, 1884 to 1885; George F.
Graves, 1885 to 1888.

Collectors. — Rudolph Goldsmith, 1870 to 1872; James B. Meacham, 1872
to 1882, 1883 to 1888; David Carpenter, 1882 to 1883.

Auditors. — Hiram Bingham, 1870-'77; Henry E. Bradford, 1870-'74; Wil-
liam S. Southworth, 1870-'74; Daniel McEowen, 1874-'77; John T. Shurtleff,
1874-'8l; Orrin D. Adams, 1877-'80; A. P. Childs, 1877-'82; Olin Scott,
l880-'82; L. P. Norton, 1880-'81; Charles E. Dewey, 1882-'84; John V.
Hall, 1882-'84; Thomas White, 1882-'84; John V. Carney, l884-'88; Irving
E.Gibson, 1884-'88; George W. Harman, 1884-'87; John T. Shurtleff, 1887-
'88.

Trustees. — Bradford, Henry E., 1874-'77; Bradbury, Levi, 1881 -'84; Ben-
nett, E. D., 1886-'89; Carney, John v., 1870-'71; Carpenter, David, 1870-'71;
Childs, A. P., 1882-'85; Cole, Charles G, 1884-'86; Cooper, Charles, 1884-
'86; Day, Henry C, 1884-'90; Dewey, Charles E., 1870-'71. 1874-'82; Drys-
dale, William, 187l-'74; Graves, Luther R., 1870-'71; Hall, John V., 1874-
'78; Hawks, William E., 1875-'81, 1883-'84; Hamlin, Lafayette D., 1871-75;
Harman, George W., 1874-'80; Hubbard, Chauncey H., 1871-'74; Hurlburt,
H. H, 1877-'83; McEowen, Daniel, 1870-'73; Morgan, E. N. S., 1878-'83;
Peelor, Sylvester, 1870-'75; Pierce, Charles A., 1887-'90; Potter, Andrew,
l884-'87; Potter, Henry J., 1875-'81; Rockwood, Buel, 1870-'74; Scott,
Olin, 1882-'88; Scranton, J. N., 1884-'87; Squire, F. N., 1886-'88; Tiffany,
Eli, 1883-'89; Tiffany, Thomas J.. 188o-'84; Valentine, Alonzo B., 1873-'82;
Walbridge, J. Ed., 1887-'90; White, Francis C., 18&i-'84; Wood, George A.,
1871-'74. The present officers of the district are as follows: Moderator, John
V. Carney; treasurer, George F. Graves; collector, James B. Meacham; clerk,
Henry J. Fillmore; auditors, Irving E. Gibson, John T. Shurtleff and J. F,d,
Walbridge; trustees, Charles A. Pierce, ist ward; F. N. Squire, 2d ward;
Henry C. Day, 3d ward; Lyman F. Abbott, 4th ward; K. D. Bennett, 5th
ward; J. Ed. Walbridge, 6th ward, and Eli Tiffany, 7th ward. Lyman F. Ab-
bott is the present president and Dr. H. C. Day, secretary of the board of
trustees.

Churches of Bennington. — Tt has been said by some one that the village
of Bennington is not at all noted for its churches. What spirit may have an-
imated the utterer of this assertion is quite uncertain, but it is positively a fact
that the churcli edifices of the village are equal to those to be found in any
other place similar to this, and the congregations are as large at every service,
whether on Sunday or any other occasion, as is the case in any like commu-
nity. At all events, he who says that the spiritual welfare of the people of the
village is not as carefully looked to by the several pastors and their co-workers
in the societies, is most assuredly laboring under a misapprehension of fact, to
use the mildest contradiction. It may be true that there are villages in Ver-
mont whose church edifices are more pretentious in appearance, but it is ex-
ceedingly doubtful if any village no larger than Bennington can show much
better churches than the Second Congregational or the First Baptist, and the
new Catholic Church when completed will probably compare favorably in
architectural design and construction with any in New England. And the
other church buildings, while not erected with reference to elegance, are sub-
stantial and convenient for their intended use.

The First Baptist CJiurcIi. — This is the oldest established religious society
of the village, having been organized in April, 1827, although it was not until
1830 that a church home was erected. The early meetings were held at vari-
ous places about the village until the society was sufficiently strong in num-
bers and means to build an edifice for church worship. The old building stood
on the site of the present one and was taken down that the latter might be built
in its stead. The first church was used by the society for forty- eight years,
and at the time of its reduction was too small to accommodate the growing
society. The present edifice of the Baptist Society is one of the most at-
tractive, and, withal, one of the best arranged and most desirable churches of
Vermont. Its interior is arranged according to the most modern idea of church
architecture, the seats being in the form of circles, and the rear part of the au-
ditorium some three feet higher than the front, thus affording equally desirable
sittings in the back part of the room. Tlie building is of brick with appropriate
trimmings about corners, doors and windows The cost of the edifice was less
than twenty-five thousand dollars, but the value of the entire church property is
considerably in excess of that sum. The first pastor of the Baptist Society was
Rev. F. Baldwin, who officiated from 182S to 1830, when he was succeeded by



Village of Benningtox


323


Kcv Thomas Teasdale who also remained in charge for two years. The third
J, istor was Rev. Jeremiah Hall, who stayed until 1835, when Rev. Samuel B.
Willis succeeded for one year only. In 1S36 Rev. Stephen Hutchins was called
to the church, remaining until 1841. Rev. William W. Moore succeeded Rev.
Hutchins, and in the fall of 1843 was himself succeeded by Rev. Cyrus \V.
Hodges, whose pastoral relation continued until the latter part of 1848, and he,
in turn, was succeeded by Rev. Edward Conover. Following the retirement
of Mr. Conover, in 1852, the succession of pastors has been as follows: Revs.
A. J. Chaplin, Warren Lincoln, W. S. Apsey, S. K. Dexter, R. M. Luther, (from
1871 to 1880), C. G. Baldwin, jr., L. Martin, the latter being the present in-
cumbent.

The Methodist Episcopal Church. — The organization of the Methodist So-
ciety of Bennington village took place in the year 1827, but one month later
tlian the time of organizing the Baptist Society. The society, like that last
above mentioned, also held its early meetings at convenient places, and did not
acquire a regular church edifice until the year 1833, when the stone church on
Main street, between North and School streets, was built. This is a small, plain
stone building and will comfortably seat about four hundred and seventy- five
persons. The church has undergone occasional repairs and enlargements, but
retains much of its original appearance and form. It is not what might be
styled a modern building, but, notwithstanding that, its old appearance, to-
gether with the fact of its being the oldest structure of its kind in the village,
lend a charm to the place that is hardly desirable to remove. Some of the first
families of the village have been connected with this society. The custom of
the Methodist Church is to have the records kept at the seat of the conference
of the district; therefore it is difificult to obtain a succession of pastors from
local sources. The Methodist pastor is not generally stationed long in a single
society, but changes frequently, according to the laws governing the church.
But among the earlier ministers in charge of the society the names of some
can be recalled, as follows: Revs. Cyrus Prindle, John M. Weaver, Wright Ha-
zen, Henry Burton, Henry Smith, — Hubbard, C. R. Wilkins, Jesse Craig, J.
W. Belknap, H. B. Knight, R. Wescott, Merritt Bates, H. R. Smith, Ensign
Stover, J. E. Bonner, C. R. Morris, and others. All of the above, except,
perhaps, the last named, were here prior to the year i860. The present mem-
bership of the church numbers about three hundred persons, and the society is
is under the present pastoral charge of Rev. Frederick Widmer. In 1883 the
society erected a comfortable pastor's residence at the corner of School and
Pleasant streets.

St. Peter s Church, (Episcopal.) — The society of St. Peter's was organized
in Bennington on the 24th of July, 1834, but not until two years later was the
church edifice built. Among the persons and families prominently connected
with this society during the early period of its existence there can be recalled





History of Bennington County.


the names of Norton, Squires, Doolittle, Leavenworth, Safford, Canfield, {• •,.
erett, Tliatchcr, Rouse, Lyman and (^tliers, leadinj^ families of the comniuiiitv

In 1836 the church edifice was built. It stands at the nortlieast coriw;
of Pleasant and School streets, a small though substantial brick building, (Jc-
signed for a comfortable and modest church home rather than a display i.i
architectural skill. The church was consecrated with appropriate services 0::
the 22d of July, 1839.

The first rector appointed to the parish was Rev. Nathaniel O. Preston,
whose pastorate continued until 1844, when he was succeeded by Rev. C. I.
Todd, the latter remaining but one year. The third rector was Rev. C. I'en-
nington, who remained but a few months. Rev. Dr. George B. Manser canic
to the rectorship of the parish in 1850, and continued many years. Under his
charge the church grew largely in influence and membership, increasing be-
tween the years 1850 and 1863 from fifty to one hundred and twenty commu-
nicants. Subsequent to Dr. Manser's retirement the rectors have been Revs.
Phillips, Bliss, Jones, Graves, Barrow and Walker, the latter, the Rev. Wil-
liam Bogert Walker, having assumed pastoral charge of the parish in February,
1888, succeeding Rev. A. J. Barrow. The present number of communicating
members in St. Peter's is about one hundred and fifty.

Tke Second Congregational C/inrch. — This society was organized in April,
1836, by residents of the town of Bennington, who had theretofore been co.i-
nected with the old Congregational Society of Bennington Center, but who,
desiring a church of their denomination at the East village, more convenient
for their people living in that part of the town, separated themselves from the
old organization and formed the new, taking the name of " Second Congrega-
tional Church of Bennington," under the pastoral charge of Rev. Aretas G.
Loomis. In 1838 the society built a church edifice. This was a plain wood
structure of sufhcient size at the time of its erection, but the society rapidly
increased in members, necessitating the building of a large addition; but on
August lith, 1864 the edifice was destroyed by fire, leaving the society with-
out a church home, in which situation it remained until the erection of the
large and elegant structure that now adorns the northeast corner of Main and
School streets. This was built in 1873 at a total cost of from $45,000 to
$50,000.

The church proper fronts on Main street, and in the rear, and connected
with the main edifice is the chapel or lecture-room. Beyond this, and occu-
pying the corner of School and Pleasant streets, is the pastor's residence, a
convenient and attractive brick dwelling. Thus the church property of this
society extends from Main to Pleasant street, and has a frontage the entire dis-
tance between these on School street, a most desirable and valuable location.
The main edifice is of brick and stone, tastefully trimmed, and the architecture
of the whole property is appropriate and beautiful, although not extravagant,



Village of Bennington.


325


leaving to the observer the impression that comfort, convenience and dura-
bility were the aim of its desij^ners rather tiian unnecessary display.

The society of this church is unquestionably the largest and most affluent
of Bennington, if not of the entire county. The present membership is two
hundred and fifty- two. As is elsewhere stated, the first pastor was Rev. Arctas
G. Looniis, whose connection with the society continued until the early part
of November, 1850, when he was succeeded by Rev. C. M. Beverage, the son-
in-law of the former pastor. Since that time the succession of pastors has
been as follows : Revs. C. H. Hubbard, C. B. Hurlbert, K. G. Reed, F. J.
Mundy, Dr. C. C. Kimball, and Charles R. Seymour, the latter coming to the
church October 1st, 1888.

Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, (French Catholic.) — Prior to the year
1880 there was no Catholic Church whatever within the corporate limits of tliis
village, and all the people of this faith were obliged to travel to the west vil-
lage in attending church service. Among the Catholic population of the place
were a number of French families, who believed themselves sufficiently strong
to organize a French Catholic Society. Accordingly appHcation was made to
the bishop of the di(jcese, and by that officer the church was established in
1880, although it was two years later that a church edifice was built. It
stands on School street, about a block north from the Graded School building.
The society is not large, and is composed almost exclusively of the French
people of the village and township. Prior to the erection of the church build-
ing the services of the society were held in Noyes' Block, on Main street. The
Rev. Father Joseph Audet is priest of the parish.

The Neiv Catholic Church. — On a large and elevated tract of land, situate
just west of the Dewey homestead, is already laid the foundation for an elegant
Catholic Church edifice, to be occupied when completed by the society of St.
Francis De Sales' Church, who are now compelled to attend the service near
Bennington Center, nearly a mile west of the large village of Bennington,
while the majority of the congregation reside at the village last named. It
this structure is built according to the present design, it will unquestionably be
the most elaborate and costly building of its kind in southern Vermont. The
priest in charge of the work is Rev. Father IMichaud, who also is pastor of
St. Francis De Sales' Church on the hill. The latter was established in 1855
by Father Druon.

Banks of Benjiington. — The first banking institution established at the vil-
lage of Bennington was the old Stark Bank, which was brought into existence
in 1848, with William S. Southworth, president, and George \V. Harman,
cashier. Its capital stock was $100,000, in shares of $50 each. The bank
building was on the site now occupied by Counselor Meacham as a law ofiice,
on Main street west.

The career ot the old Stark Bank, while not particularly brief, was at least




History of Bennington County.


eventful. It did not "live out" its charter, but liquidated under the State law
on account of a ten per cent tax, the payment of which the business of the in-
stitution would hardly warrant. Mr. Harman remained ca.shier throughout
the existence of the bank, but Mr. Soutiiworth was succeeded in the presi-
dency by David Love, and the latter, in turn, by Isaac Weeks. When the
affairs of the bank were closed it was found that four thousand df)llars of its
currency was not returned for redemption, and it never came. The Stark Bank
succeeded the still older Bank of Bennington, an institution of the " village on
the hill."

The First National Bank. — Had it not been for a sliglit defect in the orig-
inal application for the charter for the First National Bank of Bennington that
institution would have been the first organized in Vermont under the National
Banking Act; but on account of the delay occasioned by the error this bank
had to take a place " further down the line." However, it was incorporated in
1863, and took the number one hundred and thirty in the country's banks.
The capital stock was $1 10,000. The bank opened its doors for business dur-
ing the fall of 1863, with officers as follows: President, Luther R. Graves;
vice-president, Henry E. Bradford; cashier, Henry G. Root; board of direct-
ors, Luther R. Graves, Henry E. Bradford, Henry G. Root, William R. Graves,
and Willard Gay of Troy. The original charter expired in 1S83 and was then
renewed.

Luther R. Graves has continued president since incorporation; Mr. Root,
after the first year, was elected vice-president, Ellis A. Cobb succeeding to the
cashiership. The institution now shows a surplus of about $55,000, and is in
all respects a successful concern. For five years the bank did business in the
building next west of its present location, but in 1868 it was moved to the sub-
stantial brick building now occupied, the cost of which was some $1 1,000, with
$5,000 additional for vault and safe.

The present officers of the First National Bank are : President, Luther R.
Graves; first vice-president, Henry G. Root; second vice-president, Lyman P\
Abbott; cashier, George F. Graves; directors, Luther R. Graves, Henry G.
Root, Lyman F. Abbott, William R. Graves, and Willard Gay.

The Bennington County National Bank. — This corporation was chartered
in August, 1878, having a capital stock of $100,000, and organized with the
following officers: President, Charles Thatcher; vice-president, S. M. Sibley;
cashier, Ellis A. Cobb; directors, Charles Thatcher, S. M. Sibley, J. T. Shurt-
lefif, William E. Hawks, Charles E. Houghton, George A. Wood, Luman P.
Norton, David Carpenter, Noble Phillips.

No material change has been made in the board of executi\ e ofiicers, ex-
cept that upon the death of Cashier Cobb, Clement H. Cone was appointed to
that position. The bank does a business in the Park Building, on South street.
Its surplus is over $i6,000. The present board of directors is Charles That-


Village of Bennington.


32f


cher, S. M. Sibley, John T. Shurtleff, William E. Hawks, I. F. Paddock, George
A. Wood, since deceased, David F. Squires, E. D. Fillmore, Charles E. Hough-
ton. K^- '

Bennington County Savings Bank, chartered October 27, 1876, organized
January 12, 1878. First officers: President, Henry E. Bradford; vice-presi-
dent, Luman P. Norton; treasurer, Ellis A. Cobb; trustees, Henry E. Brad-
ford, Luman P. Norton, George W. Harman, Alonzo B. Valentine, David Car-
penter, William E. Hawks, George A. Wood.

In 1879 Luman P. Norton succeeded Mr. Bradford as president, and Major
Valentine was elected vice-president in the place vacated by Mr. Norton; also,
January 8, 1879, Judge Harman was made treasurer. (3n April 21, 1883 Ma-
jor Valentine was chosen president, William E. Hawks becoming vice-presi-
dent at the same time, in each of which positions they have since respectively
remained. In February, 1886, Judge Harman resigned his office as treasurer
and John T. Shurtleff was appointed in his stead; at the same time Judge Har-
man was chosen secretary of the corporation, and keeper of the records. The
deposits of the savings bank now amount to about a quarter of a million dol-
lars. The funds are placed with the Bennington County National Bank by
whom the business of the savings bank is done, a peculiar but not objection-
able manner of operating savings funds.

Bennington' s Manufacturing Interests. — In the early part of this chapter,
relating to the village of Bennington, mention was made of some, a few of its
pioneer manufacturing interests, but not all of its early business enterprises of
this character were noted, nor is it possible that all can be noticed in this
branch or division of the subject But there were some not heretofore named
that will be mentioned incidentally as having formerly stood on the site ol
some prominent industry of the present time, while there were probably oth-
ers that may now be entirely forgotten. The question is often asked : " How
is it that the comparatively small village of Bennington possesses so many knit-
goods factories ?" The answer is simple enough. When the Bradfords, Gen-
eral George and Henry E., started the business in the village (for these persons
are conceded to have been the pioneers of this industry in the place) their en-
terprise was in a measure experimental, but before long it became known that
the experiment was decidedly successful. This induced others to engage ia
the like manufacture, which also being being a success, firm after firm was or-
ganized, and the final result came that gave Bennington its present enviable
reputation as an important manufacturing village.

The Bradford Mills. — The name just used is coined for convenience, and is
not used by tlie proprietors as a distinguishing term. In 1853 Henry E. Brad-
ford built a little frame building just back of the present factory, and in the
following year commenced the manufacture of woolen cloths, and so continued
for about three years, when he changed the machinery and commenced the

328


History of Bennington County.


manufacture of knit underwear, shirts and drawers. The building he occupied
was twice destroyed by fire, but as frequently rebuilt. After a short time
George Bradford became interested with liis brotlier, and so continued until
1863, but at the latter date withdrew and took what was known as the Upper
Works. When George Bradford went into the concern the firm style of H. E,
Bradford & Co. was adopted, and has ever since been used, and that notwith-
standing the fact that Henry E. Bradford has been dead for more than ten
years.

Upon the withdrawal of General Bradford from the business Lyman E. Ab-
bott, who had been fur some years an employee in the mills, became one of the
firm, aad one year later, in 1864, John Kelso also acquired an interest in the
concern, and thereafter the mills were conducted with excellent results to the
interested partners. In April, 1878, Mr. Bradford, the senior member of the
firm, and founder of the business, died. At that time the remaining members
were Lyman E Abbott, John Kelso and William H. Bradford, the latter a son
of Henry E. Bradford. Upon Mr. Bradford's death Edward W. Bradford, an-
other son, took an interest in the business, which was thenceforth conducted
until 1884, at which time Mr. Kelso withdrew. From that until the present
time the firm styled H. E. Bradford & Co. has been composed of Lyman F.
Abbott, William H. and Edw<ird W. Bradford. The extensive factory build-
ing was erected in 1874, but during the same year an accidental gas explosion
resulted in the burning of the west wing, but that was at once rebuilt. The
present firm are using si.x sets of machinery and employ about one hundred
and twenty-five persons.

The site upon which General George Bradford first started in business in
the village was that formerly operated by R. S. Macumber as a wood shop,
and was sold by him to Lincoln Raymond and turned into a clothes-pin factory.
By the latter it was sold to the Bradfords. General Bradford built just west of
Rockwood's factory, and had a knitting-mill there for some time. The build-
ing was burned in 1884. General Bradford died in 1876.

TJie Valentine Ktiitting Company (incorporated). — On the smooth sur-
face of a large stone cap over the main entrance to this extensive establish-
ment are engraved these words: "Business established by Joel Valentine, A.
D., 1824, Building destroyed by fire 1836. Rebuilt 1845. Enlarged by A.
B.Valentine 1 865-1 882. Destroyed by fire in 1883. Rebuilt by A. B. Val-
entine in 1885."

This is a reasonably concise history of the building, but something else in
the same connection is worthy of notice. In 1824 Joel Valentine commenced
the manufacture of woolen cloths in the little old frame building that then stood
on the site, but before that, and even as far back as 1812, so it is said, there
stood on this " privilege " a little fulling-mill.

Joel Valentine engaged in business here until the year 1865, at which time


Village of Bennington.


329


liis son, Mnjor A. 13. Valentine, took the plant, fitted it for and commenced the
nianufacture of knit goods, wliieh h.is ever since continued, and is now one of
the most extensive concerns of the village. After Major Valentine rebuilt the
fictory, subsequent to its destruction in 1883, an incorporated company was
formed which is, now known as the Valentine Knitting Company, the officers
of which are as follows : President, II. C. IJndoff; vice-president, Alonzo B.
Valentine; secretary, A. B. Perkins; treasurer, Wells Valentine. The capital
stock of the company is $60,000. The capacity of the mill is eight sets of ma-
chinery and employment is given to one hundred and fifty persons.

Rockwood' s Mills. — In 1861 George Rockwood started a hosiery knitting-
mill and conducted it abt)ut six months as such, but at the end of that time
commenced the manufacture of shirts and drawers. The firm name of Rock-
wood & Co. is derived from the partnership of Mr. Rockwood and Mrs. Mar-
tha E. Pratt, the latter representing the interest her father had in the business.
The Rockwood mill is situate in the eastern part of the village, on Main street,
runs five sets of machinery and employs about one hundred persons.

The Cooper Matinfactnring Company (incorporated 1886). — In 1869 Charles
Cooper started in business on the site of the east building of the company's
present works, in the manufacture of needles for knitting-machines; but the
place was formerly occupied by George Benton and sons as a paper-mill, and
after them was leased to the Globe Button Works Company, but the latter was
not particularly remunerative and only lasted about one year or so. Then Mr.
Cooper took it as above stated. The building was burned m 1869, but soon
afterward rebuilt, and Mr. Cooper again resumed here his needle manufacture,
continuing until 1883, when he started on knit goods in connection with his
other industry. About 1884 Mr. Putnam built the mill on the west side of the
stream, and this the Cooper Company use for the manufacture of yarns. In
1886 the Cooper Manufacturing Company became incorporated, the following
being the present officers: President, Charles Cooper; vice-president and treas-
urer, Alexander J. Cooper; secretary, Benjamin F. Ball. The capital stock of
the company is $100,000.

In 1886. in order to increase his facilities for manufacturing knit goods and
yarns, Mr. Cooper built a large factory on the old Buckley Squires tanneiy
site, in rear of Mr. Cooper's present residence, and called it " Factory No. 2."
This business with tiie company's works on Main street, run eight regular sels
of machinery, and other sets that are used in manufacturing Balbriggan goods,
and altogether furnish work for about two hundred employees.

The needle manufacturing industry which Mr. Cooper started in BeimiuL;-
ton in 1869 was formerly carried on by him at Thompsonville, Conn., but in
that year was moved to this place. In connection with it the proprietor also
commenced here the manufacture of rib frames to supply the trade. In 1870
Eli Tiffany acquired an interest in the business, upon which the firm name be-


330


History of Bennington Cuun'i y.


came Tiffany & Cooper. This firm leased room sufficient for temporary use,
and until Colonel Olin Scott built for llu in the lar^'e factory now used and
owned by E. Tiffany Son. This buildiui; Tiffany & Cooper occui^ied until
1886, when Eli Tiffany purchased the whole firm interest, and Mr. Cooper re-
tired. The latter then erected his extensive machine and needle works near
Factory No. 2. In addition to tlic manufacture of knitlinj; machines and
needles Mr. Cooper also makes anklets for jean drawers, or, as they aie (jlher-
wise known, drawer " bottoms and tops." This special industry employs about
fifty hands.

Tiffany Brothers. — The present members of this enterprising firm are Eli,
Frank, Amos, and Eli J. Tiffany. This business was started in 1879 in the
building now occupied by the firm on Scott street. Eli J. Tiffany is manager
of the business. The goods manufactured by Tiffany lirothers are ot the c]ual-
ity commonly known as full fashioned Halbriggans, the yarn for which is pur
chased in other markets, and the knitting only is done here. The firm is en-
tirely successful, and employ about fifty hands.

Eli Tiffany &• Son. — The factory of this firm is adjoining that of the in-
dustry last described. Their business is that of constructing knitting machin-
ery for the manufacture of ribbed shirt cuffs, drawer bottoms and shirt borders:
also machines for making full-fashioned shirts and drawers. In 1886 this firm
succeeded Tiffany & Cooper, and occupy the building formerly used by the
latter. In the machine department are employed about fifty persons. The
firm is composed of Eli Tiftany and Frank M. Tiffany, father and son. They
have also a branch shop at Amsterdam, New York State.

Momimcnt Knitting Mills. — This industry was established in the year 1886
by John F. Ma.xwell and John Wylie, their factory being situated on the cor-
ner of Dewey avenue and Putnam street. Their product is that known as
Balbriggan undershirts and drawers, in the manufacture of which there are used
five sets of knitting machines, the yarn being purchased. In 1887 Mr. Max-
well retired from the firm and was succeeded by Benjamin G. Myers, the firm
style changing to Myers & Wylie. About fifty persons are employed in this
mill.

Stark Knitting Company. — This is the youngest of Bennington's knitting
industries, and was established in July, 1887, in a building erected for its use
on lands of Major Valentine, on Park street. The company consists of U. V..
Moore and N. M. Pufter, both of whom were formerly connected with what is
now the Valentine Knitting Company. The Stark Company runs two full sets
of machinery, forty-eight inch cards, and employs about forty- five hands.

H. IV. Putnam s Works. — The buildings in which are carried on the various
manufacturing enterprises in Bennington are situate on North street, south of
the Walloomsac River, from which power is taken. On the cast side of the
street is the grist and feed-mill, a substantial stone building erected by Major


Village of Bennington.


331


Samuel H. Brown soon after 1842. This is also the site of the old furnace in
which Major Brown was at one time interested. Mr. Putnam purchased this
property in 1867.

About the year 1850, or not far from that time, Mr. Grover established the
Kat^le Iron Works, a foundry and machine shop, the latter on the west side
of the street and south of tlic river, where were made stoves, plows, and other
iron wares. This property also came by purchase to Mr. Putnam, who con-
tinued business on both sides of the street, at one time being associated with
Colonel Olin Scott, but becoming sole proprietor in 1864, Colonel Scott re-
tiring and taking the machinery, except that in the grist-mill, to his present
location on Pleasant street. Mr. Putnam still continues the grist-mill in the
use for which it was built, but has a variety of manufactures in the building
opposite, among them bottle stoppers, double pointed tacks, fruit jar tops,
clothes wringers, and other light hardware and wire goods, many of which are
patented articles about which no person appears to know much, except the
employees of the concern, and these are not particularly communicative. The
works are in charge of I-Llbert Putnam, brother of the owner.

Adams' Machine Shops. — About the year 1S50 ICnos Adams bought the
old Conkling tannery property on North street, and continued its business
some two or three years, in connection with a pottery ware factory that he
started there; but after the two or three years he converted the property into
a machine shop, making a specialty of water-wheel governors. This business
has been conducted by Mr. Adams to the present day, and gives employment
to about twenty- five men. Mr. Adams also has ochre work.s, but not in the
village.

Beiiniiigtoii ATacliinc Works. — The lands upon v/hich the extensive foun-
dry and machine shops of Colonel Olin Scott now stands has a history, at
least so far as manufacture is concerned; and much of this history has been
brought out before the Court of Equity of the State, though it can hardly be
within the province of this sketch to narrate the events of that long litigation.

As near as can be learned the water privilege where the machine shop
stands was first utilized about the year 1800 by one Babbitt, a wagonmaker.
He was succeeded by Captain Abell, a carpenter and builder, and the latter
by Abel H. Wills, of like occupation. Then for a time A. P. Lyman and
others had a wadding-mill on the privilege, and still later, or about 1853, fire
brick were made here by the proprietors of the old pottery. After this occu-
pancy ceased nothing seems to have been done here until 1S64, at which time
Colonel Scott bought the land and built his machine shop.

The upper or foundery building stands on a site that was granted in 181 1,
and after that was used as a chair shop. There was also in operation here,
but subsequently, the old Allen Safford woolen mill that burned in 1827. It
was rebuilt, but burned again in 1837. After the second burning Mr. Crossett


.332


History of Bennington County.


built a cooper sliop on the privile^'e, but when tliis proprietor vacated, the priv-
ilege remained unused until Colonel Scott made his purchase in 1864, '''id
erected the foundry buildinj^.

The center building, or that now used as the office, has also been put to
use as a manufactory at varioLis times. Here H. T. Cushman had a cork fac-
tory on the upper floor, and after his retirement George Millard carried on the
same business, but eventually moved to New York State.

The business conducted by Colonel Scott at his extensive works is that
usually done in well appointed founderies and machine shops, making gentr;d
castings and machines, but his speciality is the manufacture of gunpowder
machinery, also paper and marble mill machines. In the special production
of powder mill machinery Colonel Scott's works stand alone in this countrj-.
This forms a busy little community on Pleasant street, and gives steadj^em-
ployment to about sixty men.

The Old Booth JMill. — About a quarter of a mile west from the central
part of the village, on the road leading to liennington Center, is a laige and
dilapidated brick building, an eyesore to the communit)', that has been idle
for a number of years; but there is hardly a buikling in the village that has
experienced the vicissitudes of this old structure. The sorry appearance of this
mill is not due so much to the ravages of time as to the persistent efforts of
the average small boy of the town, each one apparently striving to outdo his
mates in the destruction of windows, with the result of not leaving an unbro-
ken pane in the whole building.

The use to which this mill was originally put by Asahcl Booth, the builder
and owner, was the manufacture of wadding, but the precise time of its erec-
tion, or how long Mr. Booth made wadding here is not definitely known to
present residents, but it was about 1835 or 1840. In 1846 the building was
supplied with machinery for the production of "chintz," which business was
carried on by Harrington, Robinson and others, but the policy of President
Polk relating to the tariff worked disastrously to the proprietors, wiio were
obliged to suspend operations. The machinery was taken out and storeii in
a building on the west side of the street, near the twin houses on the hill,
where it remained for a long time, but was finally sold to Colonel Scott and
by him melted and run into castings, and now probably forms a part of some
powder-mill machinery.

After the decline of the " chintz" industry the building was put in opera-
tion by Asahel Booth as a grist-mill, and was managed, so it is said, by Will-
iam B. and Henry Booth. This occupancy gave it the name of Booth's grist-
mill. About 1854 or '55 the grist mill machinery was purchased by Major
Brown and transferred to his stone-mill on North street. There, after a term
of idleness and a brief use as a cork factory, the property passed, by purchase,
to Seth B. Hunt. Among the early tenants under Mr. Hunt were Rockwood



Village of Bennington.


333


Co., and George S. Bradford and Sons, each of wliom made knit goods iiere,
hilt only for a short time.

Air. Hunt died, and in closiiif^ liis estate this mill and other property was
f)oii^ht by S. S. and M. Fislier, who put it to use as a shoddy-inill in connec-
tion with their other business in the larger factory further north; but using
water to run tiiis mill lessened the power of the larger factory, so they took
the machinery out and used the building for storing rags. Since that time the
building has had no regular tenants except vermin.

Tlie Benniiigtcn Woolen Mills. — In 1S65 the firm of Hunt & Tillinghast
erected a mammoth building in the northwest part of the village, and named
it the Bennington Woolen Mills. Here the firm commenced the manufacture
of Paisley shawls. This undertaking would have been abundantly successful
but for the fact that when this mill had got in full operation the supply of this
grade of ladies wear was largely in excess of the demand, in fact the mauutac-
ture had already begun to decline. In 1872 Mr. Hunt became sole owner of
the property, but died not long afterward. Then the Fishers, above men-
tioned, became owners of the whole property, and commenced the manufac-
ture of overcoatings, made principally of shoddy, and made specially for the
purpose of making money. These proprietors enlarged both building and
machinery, expending for this purpose some $200,000. But these partners
both died, and the property was sold to Haines & Co., wlio aiterwartls failed.
Since this failure the building has had no tenant. It was sold at forced sale
and "bid in" by Troy parties."

Considerable money has been invested in this property in one way and an-
other; the structure built by Mr. Hunt is understood to have cost about $575,-
000. The Fishers bought it for about $100,000, and expended in additions
some $200,000. After their death Haines & Co. paid about $50,000 for the
property, and after their failure it was sold for some $43,000.

Betiuington Pottery Works. — This important industry of Bennington was first
established in the south part of the township on the road leading from Ben-
nington Center to Pownal, on the farm of Captain Jonathan Norton, in the year
1793; after Captain Norton, his sons, Luman and John, succeeded and
continued the business. Up to about 1825 native clay only was used in the
manufacture of earthenware, but at that time the proprietors commenced using
clays from South Amboy and Long Island, continuing, however, the partial use
of the native material for some time. In 1833, John Norton having before with-
drawn from the firm, Luman Norton and his son, Julius, the latter having then
acquired an interest, moved the business and machinery to this village, and
built new works on Pottery street, then so called, but now Park street, where the
present owners are still established. After a time the firm name changed to
Norton & F"enton, and under their proprietorship, in 1845, the works were de-
stroyed by fire, but were at once rebuilt of brick, the first being a frame build-



334


History of Bennington County.


ing. In 185 1 Edward Norton became a partner, and the firm style tl;( n
changed to J. & E. Norton, but in 1858 Liiman V. Norton acquired an inter-
est in the business, and the name of J. Norton & Co. was adopted. In loCi
JuHus Norton died and E. & L. P. Norton succeeded. In 1882 Luman ]'. re-
tired, and in 1884 Welling Thatcher purchased an interest, the firm then becom-
ing and to tliis time remaining Edward Norton & Co. Tlie business of this firm
is the manufacture of stoneware of all descriptions, and in connection therewith
they also deal extensively in glassware and crockery.

Fifty years ago, or in 1839, Luther R. Graves and Henry G. Root formed a
copartnership for the conduct of a general tinsmithing and manufacture of tin-
ware business at the old village of Bennington; but after a few years their plant
was moved to the east village. This firm has been continued in this manufac-
ture to the present day. Mr. Root formerly had charge of the mechanical branch
of the business, while Mr. Graves drove tlie wagon and sold goods on the road;
but this business grew at length to large proportions, and the firm established
branch shops in other States as well as in Vermont, and supplied them witli
stock from tlieir Hennington factory. Neither of the partners is now actively
engaged in the tinware trarle, though the works are still carried on and they are
its proprietors. The firm name of Graves & Root is probably the oldest in this
region of the country.

Postmasters at Bciuiiurton. — The early pages of tliis chapter have already
mentioned the old controversy between the people of the old and new villages
of Bennington, and the removal of the old post-office building down the hill to
tlie corner of Main and North streets, and its subsequent compulsory return to
the hill. After this discouraging turn in affairs the iCast Bennington people
had not long to wait before they were accommodated not only with a post-
office but with the name formerly held by the we.st village; for on the I2th of
April, 1849, the post name of Bennington was discontinued, and in its place was
given the name of West Bennington. Almost simultaneously with this action
a new office called Bennington was established at the east village, and Horace
T. White was commissioned postmaster on the very same day. East Ben-
nington was made a post-station on August 17, 1848, but this was discontin-
ued upon the change of name and the appointment of Mr. W^hite. The latter
kept the office in the store building of Wilis & Fairbanks. The second post-
master of the village was Truman Huling, whose appointment bore the date of
April 30, 1853. Under Mr. Huling the post-office was kept in the Adam's
block, corner of Main and South streets. John R. Gates next succeeded to the
office, his commission bearing date April 7, 1857. He moved the office to a
building nearly opposite the Methodist Church on Main street. The fourth
incumbent was James I. C. Cook, whose appointment was made April 9, 1S61,
and who was twice reappointed — March 2, 1867, and February 18, 1 871. Mr.
Cook kept the office near the present Adams block, as did his successors in


Village of Bennington.


335


.•ficc until 1882, at which time it was moved to the library buildmi^r on Main
• i.-. t 15iit at a later day tlie business men around the intersection of Main
^Mili North and South streets made a united effort (aided by a united fund), and
nuhiccd a removal to their vicinity. Mr. Cook was succeeded by Thomas J.
riifany. whose first appointment was made April 22, 1872, and who was reap-
in, inled January 17, 1876, and February 2, 1 880. On March 26, 1884, Thomas
\. Ilutchins, superseded Mr. Tiffany and held the office one term, or until Jan-
nary 16, 1886, when, under the new administration, the present incumbent, Her-
bert H. Martin, was appointed to the position.

Prominent Institntiots. — The Soldiers Home} — The question of a Soldiers'
Home in Vermont was agitated for some years, but did not take practical direc-
tion until 1884, when numerous petitions were sent to the Legislature at Mont-
policr, for the establishment of a home for Vermont's veterans, and the result was
the passage of a bill incorporating a board of trustees. A s])lendid estate situ-
ated in Bennington, which was given by the late Hon. T. W. Park for the pur-
pose of an Old Ladies' Home, but which, on account of the sudden death of
Mr. Park, was not sufficiently endowed, was offered by the trustees of the Old
Ladies' Home to the trustees of the Soldiers' Home for the purposes set forth
by the act above referred to. The offer was gladly and thankfully accepted,
and the Legislatures of iS84and 18S6 made ample a]ipro[)riations for the en-
largement of the buildings and the support of Vermont's disabled veterans.

The grounds of the home consist of two hundred acres, meadow and pas-
ture, with several beautiful groves, all surrounded by mountain scenery rarely
equaled. Pure spring water in abundance is brought from the adjacent hills
to supply the wants of the home and to make one of the finest fountains in the
world, the waters of which are thrown in a steady stream one hundred and
eighty feet high. With comparatively small expenditure the old buildings have
been enlarged so as to accommodate all the veterans of the State needing such
a refuge. The extensive grounds, homelike buildings, beautiful surroundings,
and kind care, make this a home in fact as well as in name. Comrade R. J. Cof-
fee, a veteran of First and Fourth Vermont Regiments, is now the superintend-
ent, and his wife the matron of the institution. General William Wells, of ]5ur-
lington, is president of the board of trustees. The general supervision of the
home and its financial management are in charge of a special committee of
trustees, of which Comrade A. B. Valentine is the resident member.

The Bentiington Free Library.'-^ — In 1865 a free library was established in
Bennington by the joint action of Seth B. Hunt and Trenor W. Park. The do-
nors purchased an unfinished commodious brick building situated in a central
place in the village, and fitted it up for the use of the library. The building is
two stories in height, the upper story containing a library- room and a reading-

' Contributed.

'Taken from sketch written by Governor Hiland Hall.



336


History of Bennington County.


room, a large hall for lectures and public nicetings with an entrance-room at-
tached; all well provided with tables, shelves and other suitable furniture.
The lower story is divided into rooms for offices and stores. The orij^^inal co-t
of the whole building to ths donors was about ten thousand dollars, of wliicli
each shared equally.

The terms and conditions on which the library was given are specified in
the deed of trust from the donors to Hiland Hall, Benjamin R. Sears, Daniel
McEov/en, Thomas J. Tiffany, and John V. Hall, which terms and conditions
are as follows: In order to perpetuate the trust it is provided that in case of the
death, resignation, or removal from the town of Bennington of any one of the
trustees, the fifth i)art of the [)remises conveyed shall revert in the residue of
them, which fifth part they are required to convey to such person as they shall
name as their associate trustee. The trustees, their survivors and successors
are to permit the premises to be occupied and kept for a library for the free use
without compensation of the inhabitants of the town of Bennington and its
immediate vicinity, and to which a reading-room may be attached, and under
such regulations for the safe keeping of the books and papers, and the proper
care and return of such books as may be taken from such library for reading,
as may from time to time be approved by said trustees. The third section of
the deed provides tli.it the large room on the second floor shall " furever be set
apart for a public hall, and may from time to time be rented by the trustees for
public meetings, lectures, and other assemblies of the people," etc.; also that
the rent receipts shall be used as a maintenance and improvement fund. The
fourth section permits the trustees to delegate the care and management of the
institution to " the association already formed for the taking charge thereof, or
to any other association hereafter to be formed, or to individuals in their discre-
tion," etc. Subsequent sections of the deed made provisions for other contin-
gencies — that the library sluiuld not be allowed to become a sectarian institu-
tion, that the use intended by. the donors should not be in any manner diverted,
upon penalty of a reversion to the grantees, besides other provisions of import-
ance in the premises.

The society known as the Young Men's Association was organized for the
express purpose of assuming the care and management of the property do-
nated. The ceremony of investing this association with such care occurred on
the 23d day of June, 1865, at the hall in the library building, and since that
time the charge of the gift has been in the society.

The Young Men's Association is a somewhat informally constituted body,
to which any person c;in become a member upon payment of one dollar; and
this payment grants membership for one year, but at the end of that time
members can renew their connection by the payment again of a like sum. The
citizens of Bennington, especially the young men, take much interest and pride
in the organization, therefore the membership is numerous. The officers of



Village of Bennington.


337


•he association, chosen at the annual mcctin<^ last liehJ, Maich, 1888, are as
(m'I'iws: President, Frank M. Tiffany; vice-president, James li. Weld; record-
in ' secretary, Charles H. Darlinj^; corrcspoiidiny secretary. Dr. H. J. Potter;
irr.i-^urer, Wells Valentine; managers, E. W. Bradford, M D. Bennett, II. S.
|;i:i"ham, I. E. Gibson, Dr. l*". .S. Pratt, K. S. Harris. The librarians have been,
111 succession: Charles W. Swift, John Kehoe, Helen Breakenridge, Eliza Break-
(. nridge (filling vacancy caused by death of her successor), Lidia Dixon, and Miss
jii.i May Sharpe, the last named being the present librarian. The library at
present contains about four thousand five hundred volumes of all kinds, his-
torical, scientific, religious and miscellaneous, together with valuable files of old
newspapers and periodicals.

Societies and Orders. — Mt. Anthony Lodge No. 1 3, F. and A. M. — This lodge
Aas the successor of an older organization of the same character, but of which
we have no record. Mount Anthony No. 13, was chartered October 13,
1S24, the following being the charter members: Isaac Tichenor, David Henry,
Samuel Scott, Nathan Bowen, Robert Gillespie, Rodney C. Roycc, Asa Hyde,
Charles Cushman, Anthony J. Haswell, P'rancis Breakenridge, Miles H. An-
drews, Luman Norton and Oliver Abell. The lodge was organized as one of
the institutions oi the gld village of Bennington, on the hill, but when the east
village became the leading center of the town the society was transferred to
the place. Regular communication is held Tuesday evening on or before full
moon, at the Masonic Ilall in Park building. The present ofificers of Mount
Anthony are as follows: John T. Shurtleff, W. M.; E. D. Bennett. S. W.; A.
S. M. Chisholm, J. W.; G. B. Sibley, treasurer; C. M. Lambert, secretary; Fred
Godfrey, S. D.; Fred L. Bowen, J. D.; J. E. Walbridge, S. S.; E. S. Chandler,
J. S.; Alfred Robinson, chaplain; J. N. A. Williams, tyler.

Temple CJiapter No. 8, R. A. M., was organized January 3, 1810, being the
year of Masonry 5810. The first or charter officers were: William S. Cardall,
H. P.; Paul Hawes, king, and Charles Cushman, scribe. The regular convo-
cation of Temple Chapter is held the first Monday after full moon. The offi-
cers are C. D. Phillips, H. R; J. T. Shurtleft", K.; C. L. Shaw, scribe; G. B. Sib-
ley, treasurer; C. M. Lambert, secretary; A. S. M. Chisholm, C. of H.; J. L.
Finn, P. S.; H. S. Bingham, R. A. C; F. H. Mattison, M. 3d V.; E. S. Chan-
dler, M. 2d v.; George A. Bruce, M. 1st V.; Albert Parsons, marshal; J. N.

A. Williams, sentinel.

Bennington Council No. 3, R. aiid S. M., was organized by charter bearing
date August 10, 1855, the first officers being Nathan Brown, T. I. G. M.-
Francis Breakenridge, I. D. G. M.; Anthony J. Haswell, P. C. of C. Regular
assemblies are held on the first Monday after full moon. Officers for 1889:
J. S. Miles, T. I. M.; J. L. Finn, D. I. M.; E. C. Houghton, P. C. of W^; G.

B. Sibley, treasurer; C. M. Lambert, secretary; J. T. Shurtleff, C. ofG.; A.




338


History of I?ennington County.


G. Patcliin, C. of C; H. S. llingluuii, steward; C. L. Sliaw, chaplain; Thomas
Wilson, marshal; J. N. A. WiUianis, sentinel.

Taft Conimandry No 8, K. T., chartered June li, 1872. Instituted at
North Bennington and removed to ]5ennington. Regular conclave first Friday
of each month. Officers: J. N. A. Williams, \-\.C.\ C. li. Graves, generalissimo;
G. Byron Sibley, C. G.; C. D. Phillips, prelate; K. C. Houghton, S. W.; J. H.
Norton, J. W.; J. T. Shurtleff, treasurer; C. AT. Lambert, recorder; 11. S.
Bincfham. S. B.; D. T. Bates, sword bearer; F. II. Mattison, warder; A. G.
Patchin, ist G.; C. K. Wentworth, 2d G.; C. L. Shaw, 3d G.; J. E. Walbridge,
sentinel.

Mt. Anthony Chapter No. I, O. E. S., chartered June 2, 1875, being the
re-issue of the charter of an older chapter that was organized in 1868. Offi-
cers: E. D. Bennett, W. P.; Mrs. J. II. Loring, W. M.; Mrs. W. E. Murphey,
A. M.; Mrs. F. C. White, treasurer; Mrs. Frank Bradford, secretary; Mrs. J.
N. A. Williams, con.; Mrs. William II. Cady, A. con.; Mrs. J. L. Finn, warder.
Sisters of the Star: Ada, Mrs. II. L. Stillson; Ruth, Mrs J. H. Norton; I'Ls-
ther, Mrs. C. C. Kimball; Martha, Miss ICdna Clark; IClecta, Mrs. D. H. Smith.

Bennington Lodge of Pcrfcctio>i, A. A. S. R., chartered Se[)tember 20,1883.
Its officers are as follows : G. 15. Sibley, T. P. G. M.; J. R. Pilling, i 1. of T. D.
G. M.; C. E. Graves, V. S. G. W.; J. II. Norton, V. J. G. W.; V.. L Bates, G.
orator; W. H. Bradford, G. treasurer, G. S. K. of S.; A. C. Ilubbcll, G. M. of
C; E. C. Houghton, G. C. of G.; J. S. Miles, G. hospitaler; F. P. Gaines, G.
tyler. Regular meetings are held the second Friday of each month.

Masonic Hall, in which the several organizations of Masons hold their meet-
ings, occupies the entire upper floor of the Park building on South street, which
floor for their special accommodation is divided into five compartments, each
well arranged for its intended use. The meeting room, of course, is the best
furnished, but none show evidence of neglect in their furnishings or appoint-
ments. Next to the lodge room is the commandry drill room, and this and
the lodge room too opens into a large rece[)tion room, while in rear of this is
a kitchen supplied with every necessary utensil for such an apartment. The
tyler's room completes the five, and connects with the reception room.

Of the Odd Fellows organization in Bennington there are four representa-
tives, which, with the dates of their charters, respectively, are as follows: Stark
Lodge No. 9, chartered February 11, 1847; Mansur Encampment No. 9, char-
tered April 9, 1886; Canton Bennington, Patriarchs Militant, chartered Au-
gust 13, 1887; Miriam Daughters of Rebecca Lodge No. 8, chartered Decem-
ber 13, 1882. And in this connection there may also be named other orders or
societies than those above mentioned, among which are Post Custer No. 42,
Grand Army of the Republic and the Ladies Relief Corps connected there-
with, Walloomsac Lodge No-2084, Knights of Honor, Bennington Lodge of
Good Templars, Bennington Branch National Temperance; Young Ladies'


Village of Bennington.


339


sii.ikspearian Club of Bennint^ton; The Ladies' Dickens Club of Ijennington,
i',illi(.T ^lattliew's Total Abstinaiice and Benevolent Association, Walloomsac
l ent No. 4, I. O of R., and others, all of w hich now have, or have had, an ex-
istence within tlie village.

The latest organized society of the village, although its object is quite unlike
that of any heretofore named, is the Bennington Village Improvement Society,
which was incorporated at the last session of the Legislature. As the name
^iig^ests, the purpose of this society is the improvement of the village in the
matter of cleanliness and adornment. The society has already done effective
work in the laying out and beautifying of the small park on Main street, at the
entrance of the cemetery grounds, but other improvements are contemplated
that will greatly add to the natural beauties of the place.

In addition to all that has thus far been said descriptive of Bennington and
various institutions that contribute to its municipal being, there exists its mer-
cantile and regular interest that are themselves important factors in the com-
position of any village; and yet they are of such a character as to make no
history that can be fairly recorded, except as the names of the merchants of
the town might be mentioned. There are in Bennington, men engaged in mer-
cantile pursuits who have been here for years, and there are others of more
recent coming. This branch of business is established and conducted w ith less
formality than manufacturing, trade requiring only storeroom, stock and en-
ergy on the part of the proprietor, while manufacture demands a special build-
ing, special stock and machinery, and the same and even greater energy on
the part of its owners. By judicious advertising the average merchant calls
customers to his place of business, but the manufacturer must send h.is repre-
sentatives to the jobbers and dealers in order to dispose of his wares.

But the mercantile business in this village is great in the same proportion
as its other business interests, neither overdone or lacking in representatives.
When the former condition occurs the weak ones " go to the wall," but the
latter condition never occurs, as there is no community in this region in which
the number of stores is not sufficient for its population and needs.

The business blocks of licnnington are about on an average with the ma-
jority of similarly situated villages; there are some that are pretentious and
others that are not so. Necessity regulates building as much as any other
business, and capital is unwarranted in investing in buildings that will produce
no fair revenue by rentals, and it a plain and inexpensive frame structure w ill
produce the same revenue as a more elaborate and costly one the prudent m«n
will choose the former.

For the accommodation of the traveling public and that portion of the
people who make their homes at public houses the village is reasonably well
provided, there being no less than four hotels in operation at this time, the Put-
nam House, the Stark House, the Elm Tree House, and the Centennial Hotel,

The village has two local improvement companies, both of recent form-
ation; the one the Bennington Water Company, and tlie other the Benning-
ton Electric Light and Bower Company.

The water company was incorporated in October, 1886, by Moses Joy, jr.,
Henry W. Butnam, Henry W. Butnam, jr., Elbert H. Butnam and Frank J.
Dutcher. Its original capital was $6o,ooo, but this was afterward increased to
$75,000. The object of this company is to supply the village of Bennington
with pure and wholesome water. The reservoir is located on the hill about
two miles east of the village, and has a capacity for storing 13,000,000 gallons.
It is one hundred feet square at the top, seventy-five feet square at the bot-
tom and fifteen feet deep. From the reservoir a large iron pipe carries the
water to the village; and throughout the village streets are laid iron mains, none
being less than four inches in diameter. At convenient places, designated by
the trustees of the village, are hydrants from which water is taken in case of
fire, for which use of course the village has to pay.

The officers of the water company are as follows: Bresident, flenr}' \V.
Putnam; secretary, John T. Sliurtlcft"; treasurer, and superintendent, l~.!bert H.
Putnam. The company has between two hundred and fifty and three hundred
water takers in the village, and about three miles of water mains.

The managers of the liennington Electric Light and Bower Company prom-
ised to light the village with electricity on the evening preceding the da\- on
which the monument corner stone was laid, August 16, 1887. This was done,
and by the act the people first enjoyed the benefits of this modern system of
artificial lighting. But the company did not perform this service for the sole
purpose of furnishing light on the single occasion named, but for the purpose
of permanently lighting the streets and buildings of the village, which it has
since continued to do, taking power from the stream near the old " Novelty
Works," which building the company occupies