return to Town Histories    

BENNINGTON (continued)

Chapter XX.

History of the Incorporated Village of Bennington

Aldrich, Lewis Cass, editor; History of Bennington County, Vt. © 1889, pages 295-340

It was not that the people of the pretty little hamlet of Bnnington "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 unpleasantness between the citizens of the two places. The residents of the upper village realized full well the fact that the lower village possessed natural advantages of situation along the Walloomsac with its abundant water power that made it certain that a village would sooner or later grow upon the lands bordering on that stream; but it was when the lower village had attempted 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 population 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 the department then permitted. But during the next year the accommodating incumbent of the Bennington post-oftlce being actuated by a desire to serve the majority of his people, caused the office building 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 celebrated the event as a jubilee. The Bennmgton people, however, felt deeply offended at this usurpation of authority and most unwarranted action on the part of their postmaster, J C. Haswell, and at once sent a committee, David Robinson, John S. Robinson and Benjamin F. Fay, 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 compelled 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; they 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. Haswell still remained postmaster, and as such had the first handling of all mail matter; how then could he distinguish whether matter addressed to the Gazette was intended for his or his opponent'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 service demanded his removal from the position. When a permanent post office was established at the east village he was appointed postmaster. That was in January, 1848. The Gazette that issued from the office "on the hill" proved an unprofitable investment for its proprietors, 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 East Bennington people made a strenuous effort 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 accordingly 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 the 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 12th 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 partially compensated for in the erection of a magnificent monument commemorative of the famous battle of Bennington; and in front of where once stood the famous old Catamount Tavern there stands another substantial stone monument to mark the spot. And these shall be as enduring as time. Bennington Center is a delightfully situated village around which clusters a wealth of historic memories that can never be forgotten while the monuments stand; and Bennington village, as the name is now applied, is a busy little municipality, noted for its large industries and the general progressiveness of its people.

Such, in brief, was the situation of affairs at Bennington at and immediately prior to the time of its incorporation. But the village, whether under the name of Algiers, or East Bennington, or Tigertown, or Pollywogs, or such other appellations as were applied to it, was in existence long years before the act of incorporation was passed, and was a thriving little hamlet with a number of industries 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 Bennington there was built and in operation the first flour 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 1853, when Benton and Jones bought the water privilege, and converted the grist-mill into a paper-mill.

The old mill was known as the Safford Mill from the fact that it and the lands adjoining were the property of Samuel Safford. Opposite to the old Safford 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 beginning 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 evidence 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 Cooper's machine works, and was operated by Dewey and Woodworth. 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 unused 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 residence 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 and operated by Daniel Conkling. After his death the building remained idle, but Enos Adams finally bought the plant, run it as a tannery for a time, and then converted it into a pottery. In this same building also was another industry, the grinding of quartz 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 governors 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 discontinued prior to the year 1830. 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 powder-mill kegs. The old building still stands, although frequent repairs and enlargements have destroyed its original appearance. 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. Stewart 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 Valentine on the site of the present large and substantial building occupied by the Valentine Knitting Company. Joel Valentine 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 factory was burned. It was then 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 by 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 industries of the infant days of Bennington, and in existence before its act of incorporation was passed, and before the village became separated from the township of which it formed a part. And as the proportion of population and manufacture then stood, so, also, was the proportion of mercantile and other business interests, as well as institutions for the spiritual and educational welfare of the townspeople. There was the Methodist Churh, the society of which was organized in 1827; the Baptist society, organied during the same year; St. Peter's Episcopal Church, formed in 1834, while the Second Congregational, 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 House, and another further up Main street, presided over by Jacob Lyon. The school house, a plain frame structure, stood on Union street.

There may be living within 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 thus serve them, they may recall to 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 majority, if not all, of the water privileges along the Walloomsac were taken up with manufacturing 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. But even with this comparatively 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-known fact that the average rural resident has but little interest in measures that should be taken for the improvement of a hamlet or village, all of which call for an expenditure of money, and from which he could derive no return or probable comfort, and, therefore he naturally opposes any project for the improvemcnt 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 unincorporatcd village desire to materially improve their locality or condition at the public expense, they must have recourse to municipal organization; and, as this condition practically confronted the people of the village of Bennington they availed themselves of the statutes of the State and separated the village from the township 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 Roaring 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 degrees west to the road, and onward on the south line of S. L. Godfrey's land, and across the mill pond to the highway 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 degrees 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 corporate 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 meeting 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
of the corporation, seven trustees, who shall have the management of the affairs of the corporation, and ihe necessary power for that purpose; a treasurer and collector. A subsequent provision of the same act authorized the election of seven fire wardens wIkjsc duty it was to suppress all tumults and riots, to divide the labor of all persons present, and to look to the protection of goods  and property in cases of fire.

As provided by the act the first meeting for the election of village officers, and others authorized by the act of incorporation, was held at the town house on the 16th of January, 1850. A temporary organization was effected by choosing J. P. Godfrey, moderator, and David F. Squires, as clerk, pro tempore. But it appears that 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 Janaary following. On that day the freemen again met, chose Joel Valentine moderator, and then proceeded to select village officers. On motion of A. P. Lyman a committee of ten was appointed to nominate 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 Boynton, Jedediah Dewey, Luther R. Graves, George W. Harman, James H. 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 H. Wills, Zadock L. Taft, Albert Walker, and Samuel H. Brown, trustees; Asahel Booth, Lemuel Grover, Buckley Squires, Madison K. Winslow, 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 several 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 pioneer 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 elections were thereafter, and until 1881, held in April; but in 1881 the corporate laws of the village were radically revised, and a reorganization practically effected. Under this revision the village had a president, and the affairs 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 reference to locality, as there was no subdivision of the village into wards or districts before to that time. But at a meeting held on the 6th day of February, 1856, a by-law or ordinance was adopted by which the village was divided into seven wards, constituted as follows:

Ward No. 1 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 Booth'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 part 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 by law, by which this division was made, also provided that "until the next election of trustees," James L. Stark, jr., shall have special jurisdiction over ward number one, S. M. Robinson, jr., over ward number two, Hiram Bingham over ward number three, Joel Valentine over ward number four, George W. Harman 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 January, 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 population 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 unequal, it is therefore resolved, that the by-laws of this corporation are so far amended that the trustees for 1867 be chosen without regard to the particular ward in which they may respectively reside; and that said trustees shall so divide the moneys to be expended, and the services to be performed, among their number in such 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 the same to the next annual meeting for the consideration of the freemen there assembled. Another resolution passed at this same meeting authorized the election of 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 the annual meeting of January, 1869, at which time the by-laws were amended, and the village territory again divided into the following wards:

First ward. — 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 ward. — 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 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 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 ward. — All that part of the village lying east of the east line of Silver street, and west of the east line of Morgan street, and south of the north line of Main street.

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

On the 25th day of November, 1884, 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, which 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 side of said Dewey's land to the west bank of the Walloomsac River; thence down the said river upon the west bank thereof to its confluence with the Roaring Branch; thence up the said Branch upon its south bank to the west bank of Rockwood's canal; thence south on the west bank of said canal, and crossing Main street, thirty and one-half rods to a point about eight feet westerly from the southwest corner of Isaac Moon's wagon shop; thence south, seventy degrees west, to the highway, or Beech street, so called; thence onward, on the south line of S. L. Godfrey's land and across the mill pond to the highway called Morgan street; thence south, four degrees west, on the east line of said street, seventy-nine rods; thence southerly along the west side of said highway 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 east, 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 east, on the west line of said Robinson's house lot to 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 the 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. The other officers are elected by the village 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 government of the village of Bennington; and in closing this department of the chapter 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 represent them in the various offices established by the acts of the Legislature, from the time the village was first incorporated, in 1849, to this present. The succession of village officers, except those connected with the fire and police departments, of which mention is made hereafter, has been as follows:

1850. — Moderator, A. P. Lyman; clerk, D. F. Squires; collector, Henry F. Dewey; treasurer, Lunan Norton; trustees, Charles Colvin, George W. Ilarman, Peter H. Story, Abel H. Wills, Zaduck L. Taft, Albert Walker, Samuel H. Brown. 

1851. — Moderator, A. P. Lyman; clerk, D. F. Squires; collector, Henry F. Dewey; treasurer, Luman Norton; trustees, Joel Valentine, Enos Adams, Julius Norton, George W. Harman, Peter H. Story, Jedediah Dewey, Charles S. Colvin.

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

1853. — Moderator, George W. Harman; clerk, David F. Squires; collector, 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. Harman; trustees. Mason C. Morgan, Henry G. Root, Charles S. Colvin, S. Mason Robinson, Nathaniel B. Hall, Henry Norton, Robert H. Coventry.

1855. — Moderator, Decius W. Clark; clerk, David F. Squires; collector, Henry F. Dewey; treasurer, Sirrene P. Peck; trustees, John D. Fisk, Lafayette 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 Harwood, 6th 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. Harwood, 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; collector, 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. M. Day, H. G. Root, S. M. Robinson, jr., Z. L. Taft, A. B. Valentine, Resolvy Gage.

1862. — Moderator, Z. L. 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; trustees, 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; trustees, S. M. Robinson, jr., J. H. 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 Benton, Isaac Weeks.

1868. — Moderator, James B. Meacham; clerk, Thomas J. Tiffany; treasurer, George W. Harman; collector, David Love; auditors, George W. Harman, 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; treasurer, George W. Harman; collector, David Love; auditors, William S. Southworth, and George W. Harman; trustees, Henry W. Putnam, Henry G. Root, Sylvester Peelor, Albert Walker, G. A. Wood, L. D. Hamlin, and Buel Rockwood.

1870. — Moderator, William S. Southworth; clerk, Thomas J. Tiffany; treasurer, Luther R. Graves; collector, David Love; auditors, George W. Harman and William S. Southworth; trustees, Henry G. Root, Henry W. Putnam, Hiram Bingham, L. D. Hamlin, R. B. Godfrey, Sylvester Peeler, and J. A. Hotchkins.

1871. — Moderator, John R. Gates; clerk, Thomas J. Tiffany; treasurer, Luther R. Graves; collector, James B. Meacham; auditors, William S. Southworth and George W. Harnan; trustees, Milo Remington, Henry W. Putnam, Sylvester Peelor, Olin Scott, Hiram Bingham, L. D. Hamlin, and R. B. Godfrey.

1872. — Moderator, John R. Gates; clerk, John R. Burton; treasurer, Luther R. Graves; collector, James B. Meacham; auditors, William S. Southworth, George W. Harman; trustees, Milo G. Remington, Peter H. Story, Andrew M. Johnson, Olin Scott, Daniel Huling, L. D. Hamlin, and R. B. Godfrey.

1873. — Moderator, George W. Harman; clerk, John R. Burton: treasurer, Luther R. Graves; collector, James B. Meacham; auditors. Hiram Bingham, Thomas J. Tiffany; trustees, John L. Quackenbush, Joseph H. Loring, 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. Potter; clerk, John R. Burton; treasurer, Ellis A. Cobb; collector, C. F. Sears; auditors, Thomas J. Tiffany and Daniel McEowen; trustees, Milo G. Remington, Joseph H. Loring, Thomas V. Burton, Thomas A. Hutchins, George W. Harman, John V. Carney, and Charles Colvin.

1875. — Moderator, Henry J. Potter; clerk, John R. Burton; treasurer, Ellis A. Cobb; collector, James B. Meacham; auditors, George A. Wood and Thomas J. Tiffany; trustees, Henry G. Root, George W. Harman, J. P. Burton, J. H. Loring, T. A. Hutchins, John T. Shurtleff, Charles S. Colvin.

1876. — Moderator, Henry J. Potter; clerk, John R Burton; treasurer, Ellis A. Cobb; collector, James B Meacham; auditors, George W. Harman and Thomas J. Tiffany; trustees, Samuel Keyes, Joseph 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, Daniel McEowen; collector, James B. 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 P. Gates; trustees, Ed N. S. Morgan, Charles S. Clapp, Levi Bradbury, Henry M. Tuttle, Joseph V. Hupf, Franklin L Blake, Rufus B. Godfrey.

1881. — (Annual meeting changed to be held in March). Moderator, John T. Shurtleff; clerk, James Carroll; treasurer, George F. Graves; collector, James B. Meacham; auditors, John R. Pilling, Asaph P. Childs; trustees, O. D. Adams, Francis Guillinam, Frank Tiffany, R. Goldsmith, G. B. Sibley, J. W. Scranton, Buel Rockwood.

1882. — Moderator, John T. Shurtleff; clerk, Edward L. Bates; treasurer, George V. Graves; collector, James B. Meacham; auditors, George W. Harman, George A. Wood; trustees. L. M. Mclntire, J. R. Pilling. A. M. Johnson, C. E. Graves, David Carpenter, R. J. Crawford, and Rufus B. 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 O'Donnell, Frank 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. Sheldon, Olin Scott, Charles E. Graves; trustees, Orrin D. Davis, William O'Donnell, James Lindley, M. W. Stewart, Dwight Riddle. F. L. Blake, C. W. Benton.

1885. — President, Luman 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 1, in place of Orrin Adams, resigned. Samuel Keyes was also, on April 27th, appointed street commissioner.

1886. — President, John V. Carney; clerk, John H. 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. Cullerton, Melvin W. Stewart, Dwight Riddle, Irving E. Gibson. William H. Bradford. 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. H. 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 H. Mason, C. Darling, Dr. H. C. Day; trustees, W. G. T. Wright, Thomas McGrath, F. M. Crawford, EH Tiffany, George A. Wood, George N. Phillips, John Coleman; appointed officers, village attorney, James P. Meacham; chief of police, James E. Hurley; fire wardens, Charles A. Pierce, Arthur J. Dewey, Michael McKeon, Charles M. Wakefield, Andrew J. Downs, Edward L. Bates, George M. Sibley; street commissioner, Henry M. Tuttle; health officers, Emmett B. Daley and Henry J. Potter.

The Bennington Fire Department. — There is no department of municipal government organized for 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 Bennington seems to possess the necessary 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 manufacturing interests here demand protection, and any outlay of means for the maintenance of the efficiency 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 disastrous fires with consequent heavy losses, and the older inhabitants will remember the period of years between 1856 and 186o, when it seemed that the place was especially afflicted 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 other 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 implements for extinguishing fires had reached its greatest height, but in the present
age the hand engine is to the modern steam apparatus about as the pail and bucket were to the hand engines. In Bennington 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 afford 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 Squires, Madison R. Winslow, James H. Bennett, Calvin Gilson and Moses Harrington. The freemen of the village, at this same meeting, also voted that a committee, consisting of George W. Harman, A J'. Lyman, and David F.
Squires should draft suitable by-laws for municipal use and control. As appears by the old records in the village clerk's office about the first work of this committee was to prepare an ordinance for the regulation of the fire department, the first section of the first article of which reads as follows: "There is hereby constituted and established within the village of Bennington, an association to be called 'Bennington Fire Department,' to consist of such persons and officers, and such number of engine companies and hook and ladder companies, 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 185I, reads: "There shall be formed by the fire wardens two engine companies, the members of which shall reside within the limits of said village, which companies shall be regulated and controlled by such by-laws as the several companies shall establish for the government of themselves," etc.

Proceedings were at once instituted for the complete organization of the department. Asahel Booth and Lemuel Grover were appointed to purchase two engines and other necessary fire apparatus at an expense not beyond fifteen 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 November, 185I. The two companies were organized with twenty members each, and these were "the boys who ran with the machine."

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

Second Company. — Asahel Harwood, Sirrcne P. Peck, Alonzo B. Valentine, Russell B. Judd, William Emerson Olds, J. Halsey Cushman, Lafayette D. Hamlin, Charles H. Rockwood, John F. Hale, Warren Sibley, Anson Peelor, John Collord, Thomas Riddle, Franklin B. Norton, George W. Hall, Gordon N. Squires, David C. Harwood, William Morgan, Newton Gould, Daniel McEowen.

These were the original members of the two companies. Of course additions were made to their number, and the names of some were dropped from the rolls. The names adopted to designate the companies were "Spartan Engine Company, No. 1." and "Protection Engine 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 officers of the fire department: Chief engineer, David C. Harwuod; first assistant engineer, Anson Peelor; second assistant engineer, Lemuel Grovcr; clerk of the department, Merritt Allen, This by law was subsequently repealed, hut the resolution by which the repeal was effected was itself rescinded, and the law stood until amended in January, 1858, by which amendment there was provided to be elected annually a chief and first and second assistant engineers of the department, subject, however, to approval by the fire wardens of the village; in fact the fire wardens were vested with control over the several companies of the department. On the 28th of January, 1858, the department elected its officers as follows: Chief engineer, Daniel McEowen; first assistant, F. A. Rouse; second assistant, Joseph H. Loring,

This was about the period when fires were occurring with alarming frequency, and the greatest efforts of the department and the other residents of the village were required to subdue them. They were of incendiary origin, and so disastrous that the village trustees offered a reward of five hundred dollars 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 1858 the necessary 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 purpose 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 officers were chosen: Chief, George W. Hall; first assistant, John V. Carney; second
assistant, Rufus B. Godfrey.

In this same year also, there was much discussion of the subject of purchasing one or more steam fire engines for the use and increased protection of village 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 engine 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 sine 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.

Department officers for 1870. — Chief, William H. Cady; first assistant, James R. Sibley; second assistant, Frank Blake; secretary, J. R. Burton.

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

At a meeting of the electors of the village held July 17, 1871, Judge Harman moved that the village purchase two steam fire engines, but J. Halsey Cushman moved an amendment that but one engine be purchased with hose sufficient to supply the same. Judge Harman 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 company 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. W. Benton; second assistant, C. C. Kimball.

Officers for 1879 — Chief, Olney Fuller; first assistant, William Mooc; second assistant, J. A. N. Williams.

Officers for 1880. — Chief, Olney Fuller; first assistant, Edward D. Morse; second assistant, James A. N. Williams.

Officers for 1882. — Chief, W. H. 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, 1884, it was provided 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. Inasmuch as the foregoing portion of this chapter has, so far as the village records 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 department companies, apparatus, etc., as they exist 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 1850, with the years of their service, may be mentioned as follows:

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

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

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

1853. — Asahel Booth, James H. Bennett, Samuel L. Godfrey, jr., Peter H. Story, Hymcn Tuttle, James Boardnian, Alonzo H. Valentine.

1854. — Asahel Booth, James H. Bennett, Samuel L. Godfrey, jr., Peter H. Story, Hyman Tuttle, James Boardman, Russell B. Judd.

1855. — George Benton, George W. Hall, Henry W. Booth, Asa D. Stewart, William B. Booth, Joel T. Shippey, Resolvy Gage.

1856. — George Benton, George W. Ilall, Henry W. Booth, Asa D. Stewart, William B. Booth, Charles S. Colvin, Resolvy Gage.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1866. — George S. Bradford, Rufus B. Godfrey, George Benton, L. M. Holton, 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 Rockwood.

1869. — Joseph H. Loring, Milo Remington, George Albro, Daniel McEowen, John E. Pratt, Hiram Bingham, Lyman F. Abbott.

1870. — D. W. Hyde, Levi Bradbury, George A.Wood, Lucius Holton, Albert 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. Valentine, 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.

1874 —William Martin, C. G. Cole, Daniel Cronin, R. M. Luther, H. 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.

1876. — 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, Frederick 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. Benton.

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. Hamlin, E. W. Bradford.

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

1885. — Elected by village trustees: R. W. Bennett, Robert Drysdale, Eugene 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. Wakefield, F. S. Pratt, George N. Phillips, George Sibley.

1888. — Charles A. Pierce, ward 1; Arthur J. Dewey, ward 2; Michael McKeon, ward 3; Charles H. Wakefield, ward 4; Andrew J. Downs, ward 5; Edward 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 well as the old hand engines that they manag;ed so well and efficiently, and it is believed that not one of the old original members of either of these companies, is connected with the present department. The General Stark Steamer Company has also disbanded as an organization, though the engine itself remains and is ready for use in any emergency. The excellent system of village waterworks has rendered the use of the steamer unnecessary, and the only company or apparatus required for protection against fire are the hose and hook and ladder organizations, with which the village is now very well supplied.

The fire department ot Bennington at the present time consists of the W. H. Bradford Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, the Stark Hose Company No. 1, the F. M. Tiffany Hose Company No. 2, and Putnam's Hose Company No. 3. The quarters of the several companies are as follows: The Hook and Ladder Company on Main street above the factories; the Stark Hose Company on Pleasant street near North street, on the location formerly of old Spartan engine 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 department, 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 Rufus B. Godfrey, chief engineer; Robert Drysdale, first assistant engineer, and Frank M. 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.

The Police Department. — This branch of the municipal government of Bennington is perhaps of the least importance, so far as this chapter 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 police 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 sheriff of the county performed police duty, but, fortunately, their labors were not particularly burdensome. But under an act of the Legislature passed in November, 1855, the
trustees of the village were authorized to appoint police officers to the number of seven; and in pursuance of this power so vested in them they appointed on January 30, 1856 Georgee W. Hall, John V. Carney, William E. Olds, Henry F. Dewey, Lafayette D. Hamlin, Chauncey J. Olds, and Benjamin Gregg police officers for the corporation 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, but it did provide that of the seven policemen authorized to be appointed annually one of the number should be designated 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 regularly; still a sufficient force has been regularly maintained, under whose watchfulness 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 jurisdiction, it still remained attached to the township so far as its educational institutions were concerned; and it was not until the latter part of the year 1870 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 divided 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 children 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 corporation, 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, 1817, 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 the old school buildings was that on South street, which was built about 1845 or 1846, and was considered the leading school of the locality. But since the 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.

"¹On the 14th day of April, 1870, at the instance of George W. Harmon, Eugene O. Cole, Alonzo B. Valentine, Henry E. Bradford, Olin Scott, and others, a town meeting was called to see if the legal voters of the town would consolidate the five districts in the village, viz.: 4th, 15th, 17th, I8th 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 districts thus organized: Henry E. Bradford, Olin Scott, and Eugene O. Cole. Some time in June of the same year the opponents of the graded school enterprise called a town meeting to see if the town would reconsider its vote of the 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 following is a copy: 'To the Honorable General Assembly of the State of Vermont, session of 1870. Your petitioners, legal voters of the village of Bennington, would respectfully pray your 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 meeting 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. Tiffany, 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 committee the following officers were elected: Trustees, Luther R. Graves, Charles E. Dewey, Sylvester Peelor, Daniel McEowen, David Carpenter, John Carney, 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 auditors. The early meetings of the school trustees were devoted mainly to the reorganization 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 was 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 building 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. Bradford and Lyman F. Abbott the lot of land on School street, on which the building 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 B. Valentine. At a meeting held on the 27th day of October, 1873, 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 resolution 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 trustees 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, undoubtedly, 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 persons who had opposed the project from the very beginning, they being satisfied 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 completed. Its location, situation and attractive appearance are familiar 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 the best efforts of thc trustees it was found impossible to keep the expense of erecting the building within the estimated sum of twenty-five thousand 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 property complete of something like forty thousand dollars.

General School Rules² — The schooIs under the care of the trustees of the Bennington Graded School District shall be classified as follows: Primary, Intermediate, Grammar and High. The Primary Schools shall consist of three classes: Seventh, sixth. 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 specified 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 charge unless the school is so small it cannot be otherwise arranged.

Branches of Instruction. — Instruction shall be given in the Primary, Intermediate, and Grammar Departments in Temperance, Physiology, Reading, 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.: 1, 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; 1, Classics — Latin, and Greek; 2, Modern Languages — French, and German; 3, Commercial— Book-keeping, Phonography, Type-writing, Mechanical Drawing, Commercial Arithmetic, Business Forms and Commercial Law; 4, Mathematics — Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Surveying; 5, Bclleslettres, History, etc. — Critical study of English Language, Theme-Writing, and Declamation, Rhetoric, English Literature, American Literature, Ancient Mediæval and Modern History, Civil Government, International Law, and Logic, Vocal Culture, Music; 6, Natural Sciences — Physical Geography, Temperance, Physiology, Natural Philosophy, Natural History, Botany, Astronomy, Geology, 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 heen made of the officers connected with the various branches of the municipal govcrnment of the village; therefore this subdivision would hardly be complcte 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 deemed 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 following list is designed to show the names of such persons as have been officers of the school district from the time the same was organized.

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; William 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; Bennett, 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; Drysdale, 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.. 1880-'84; Valentine, Alonzo B., 1873-'82; Walbridge, J. Ed., 1887-'90; White, Francis C., 1881-'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.Ed. Walbridge; trustees, Charles A. Pierce, 1st 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. Abbott is the present president and Dr. H. C. Day, secretary of the board of trustees.

Churches of Bennington. — It has been said by some one that the village of Bennington is not at all noted for its churches. What spirit may have animated the utterer of this assertion is quite uncertain, but it is positively a fact that the church 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 community. 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 Vermont whose church edifices are more pretentious in appearance, but it is exceedingly 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 substantial and convenient for their intended use.

The First Baptist Church. — 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 various places about the village until the society was sufficiently strong in numbers 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 attractive, 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 auditorium some three feet higher than the front, thus affording equally desirable sittings in the back part of the room. The 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 1828 to 1830, when he was succeeded by Rcv. Thomas Teasdale who also remained in charge for two years. The third pastor was Rev. Jeremiah Hall, who stayed until 1835, when Rev. Samuel B. Willis succeeded for one year only. In 1836 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 W. 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 incumbent.

The Methodist Episcopal Church. — The organization of the Methodist Society of Bennington village took place in the year 1827, but one month later than 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, together 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 difficult 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 Hazen, 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 1860. The present membership of the church numbers about three hundred persons, and the society is is [sic] 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 the names of Norton, Squires, Doolittle, Leavenworth, Safford, Canfield, Everett, Thatchcr, Rouse, Lyman and others, leading families of the community.

In 1836 the church edifice was built. It stands at the northeast corner of Pleasant and School streets, a small though substantial brick building, designed for a comfortable and modest church home rather than a display of architectural skill. The church was consecrated with appropriate services on 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. Bennington, who remained but a few months. Rev. Dr. George B. Manser came to the rectorship of the parish in 1850, and continued many years. Under his charge the church grew largely in influence and membership, increasing between the years 1850 and 1863 from fifty to one hundred and twenty communicants. Subsequent to Dr. Manser's retirement the rectors have been Revs. Phillips, Bliss, Jones, Graves, Barrow and Walker, the latter, the Rev. William 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.

The Second Congregational Chnrch. — This society was organized in April, 1836, by residents of the town of Bennington, who had theretofore been connected 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 Congregational 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 sufficient size at the time of its erection, but the society rapidly increased in members, necessitating the building of a large addition; but on August l1th, 1864 the edifice was destroyed by fire, leaving the society without 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 occupying 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 distance 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, leaving to the observer the impression that comfort, convenience and durability were the aim of its designers rather than 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. Arceas G. Loomis, 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 this village, and all the people of this faith were obliged to travel to the west village 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 application was made to the bishop of the diocese, 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 building the services of the society were held in Noyes' Block, on Main street. The Rev. Father Joseph Audet is priest of the parish.

The New 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. If 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 Michaud, who also is pastor of St. Francis De Sales' Church on the hill. The latter was established in 1855 by Father Druon.

Banks of Bennington. — The first banking institution established at the village of Bennington was the old Stark Bank, which was brought into existence in 1848, with William S. Southworth, president, and George W. 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 office, on Main street west.

The career ot the old Stark Bank, while not particularly brief, was at least 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 institution would hardly warrant. Mr. Harman remained cashier throughout the existence of the bank, but Mr. Southworth was succeeded in the presidency 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 dollars 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 slight defect in the original 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 during the fall of 1863, with officers as follows: President, Luther R. Graves; vice-president, Henry E. Bradford; cashier, Henry G. Root; board of directors, Luther R. Graves, Henry E. Bradford, Henry G. Root, William R. Graves, and Willard Gay of Troy. The original charter expired in 1883 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 substantial brick building now occupied, the cost of which was some $11,000, 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 F. 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. Shurtleff, 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 executive officers, except 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 Thatcher, 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. Houghton.

Bennington County Savings Bank, chartered October 27, 1876, organized January 12, 1878. First officers: President, Henry E. Bradford; vice-president, Luman P. Norton; treasurer, Ellis A. Cobb; trustees, Henry E. Bradford, Luman P. Norton, George W. Harman, Alonzo B. Valentine, David Carpenter, 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. On April 21, 1883 Major Valentine was chosen president, William E. Hawks becoming vice-president 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 Harman 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 dollars. The funds are placed with the Bennington County National Bank by whom the business of the savings bank is done, a peculiar but not objectionable 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 of some prominent industry of the present time, while there were probably others 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, General 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 enterprise was in a measure experimental, but before long it became known that the experiment was decidedly successful. This induced others to engage in the like manufacture, which also being being a success, firm after firm was organized, 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 the proprietors as a distinguishing term. In 1853 Henry E. Bradford 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 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 his brother, 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 notwithstanding the fact that Henry E. Bradford has been dead for more than ten years.

Upon the withdrawal of General Bradford from the business Lyman F. Abbott, who had been for 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 F Abbott, John Kelso and William H. Bradford, the latter a son of Henry E. Bradford. Upon Mr. Bradford's death Edward W. Bradford, another 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 Edward W. Bradford. The extensive factory building 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 six 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 building was burned in 1884. General Bradford died in 1876.

Thie Valentine Knitting Company (incorporated). — On the smooth surface of a large stone cap over the main entrance to this extensive establishment are engraved these words: "Business established by Joel Valentine, A. D., 1824, Building destroyed by fire 1836. Rebuilt 1845. Enlarged by A. B.Valentine 1865-1882. Destroyed by fire in 1883. Rebuilt by A. B. Valentine 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 his son, Major A. B. Valentine, took the plant, fitted it for and commenced the manufacture of knit goods, whieh has ever since continued, and is now one of the most extensive concerns of the village. After Major Valentine rebuilt the factory, 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, H. C. Lindoff; 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 machinery 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 about six months as such, but at the end of that time commenced the manufacture of shirts and drawers. The firm name of Rockwood & Co. is derived from the partnership of Mr. Rockwood and Mrs. Martha 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 Manufactnring 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 in 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 treasurer, 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 tannery site, in rear of Mr. Cooper's present residence, and called it "Factory No. 2." This business with the company's works on Main street, run eight regular sets 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 Bennington 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 became Tiffany & Cooper. This firm leased room sufficient for temporary use, and until Colonel Olin Scott built for them the large factory now used and owned by E. Tiffany Son. This building Tiffany & Cooper occupied until 1886, when Eli Tiffany purchased the whole firm interest, and Mr. Cooper retired. The latter then erected his extensive machine and needle works near Factory No. 2. In addition to thc manufacture of knitting machines and needles Mr. Cooper also makes anklets for jean drawers, or, as they are otherwise 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 brothers are of the quality commonly known as full fashioned Balbriggans, the yarn for which is purchased in other markets, and the knitting only is done here. The firm is entirely successful, and employ about fifty hands.

Eli Tiffany & Son. — The factory of this firm is adjoining that of the industry last described. Their business is that of constructing knitting machinery 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.

Monumcnt Knitting Mills. — This industry was established in the year 1886 by John F. Maxwell and John Wylie, their factory being situated on the corner 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. Maxwell 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 D. E. Moore and N. M. Puffer, 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. W. 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 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 Eagle Iron Works, a foundry and machine shop, the latter on the west side of the street and south of thc river, where were made stoves, plows, and other iron wares. This property also came by purchase to Mr. Putnam, who continued business on both sides of the street, at one time being associated with Colonel Olin Scott, but becoming sole proprietor in 1864, Colonel Scott retiring 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 Elbert Putnam, brother of the owner.

Adams' Machine Shops. — About the year 1850 Amos 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 works, but not in the
village.

Bennington Machine Works. — The lands upon which the extensive foundry 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 occupancy ceased nothing seems to have been done here until 1864, 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 1811, 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 built a cooper shop on the privilege, but when this proprietor vacated, the privilege remained unused until Colonel Scott made his purchase in 1864, and erected the foundry building.

The center building, or that now used as the office, has also been put to use as a manufactory at various times. Here H. T. Cushman had a cork factory 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 general 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 country. This forms a busy little community on Pleasant street, and gives steady employment to about sixty men.

The Old Booth Mill. — About a quarter of a mile west from the central part of the village, on the road leading to Bennington Center, is a large and dilapidated brick building, an eyesore to the community, that has been idle for a number of years; but there is hardly a building 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 unbroken pane in the whole building.

The use to which this mill was originally put by Asahel Booth, the builder and owner, was the manufacture of wadding, but the precise time of its erection, 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, who were obliged to suspend operations. The machinery was taken out and stored 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 operation by Asahel Booth as a grist-mill, and was managed, so it is said, by William 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 &
Co., and George S. Bradford and Sons, each of whom made knit goods here, but only for a short time.

Mr. Hunt died, and in closing his estate this mill and other property was bought by S. S. and M. Fisher, who put it to use as a shoddy-mill in connection with their other business in the larger factory further north; but using water to run this 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.

The Bennington Woolen Mills. — In 1865 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 mauufacture had already begun to decline. In 1872 Mr. Hunt became sole owner of
the property, but died not long afterward. Then the Fishers, above mentioned, became owners of the whole property, and commenced the manufacture 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., who afterwards failed. Since this failure the building has had no tenant. It was sold at forced sale and "bid in" by Troy parties."  [sic]

Considerable money has been invested in this property in one way and another; 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.

Bennington Pottery Works. — This important industry of Bennington was first established in the south part of the township on the road leading from Bennington 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 withdrawn 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 & Fenton, and under their proprietorship, in 1845, the works were destroyed by fire, but were at once rebuilt of brick, the first being a frame building. In 1851 Edward Norton became a partner, and the firm style then changed to J. & E. Norton, but in 1858 Lyman P. Norton acquired an interest in the business, and the name of J. Norton & Co. was adopted. In 1861 Julius Norton died and E. & L. P. Norton succeeded. In 1882 Luman P. retired, and in 1884 Welling Thatcher purchased an interest, the firm then becoming and to this time remaining Edward Norton & Co. The 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 tinware 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 manufacture to the present day. Mr. Root formerly had charge of the mechanical branch of the business, while Mr. Graves drove the 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 with stock from their Bennington factory. Neither of the partners is now actively engaged in the tinware trade, 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 Bennington. — The early pages of this 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 the corner of Main and North streets, and its subsequent compulsory return to the hill. After this discouraging turn in affairs the East Bennington people had not long to wait before they were accommodated not only with a postoffice but with the name formerly held by the west village; for on the 12th 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 Bennington was made a post-station on August 17, 1848, but this was discontinued upon the change of name and the appointment of Mr. White. The latter kept the office in the store building of Wills & 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, 1861, and who was twice reappointed — March 2, 1867, and February 18, 1871. Mr. Cook kept the office near the present Adams block, as did his successors in office until 1882, at which time it was moved to the library building on Main street. But at a later day the business men around the intersection of Main and North and South streets made a united effort (aided by a united fund), and induced a removal to their vicinity. Mr. Cook was succeeded by Thomas J. Tiffany. whose first appointment was made April 22, 1872, and who was reappointed January 17, 1876, and February 2, 1880. On March 26, 1884, Thomas A. Ilutchins, superseded Mr. Tiffany and held the office one term, or until Jannary 16, 1886, when, under the new administration, the present incumbent, Herbert H. Martin, was appointed to the position.

Prominent Institntiots. — The Soldiers Home.³ — The question of a Soldiers' Home in Vermont was agitated for some years, but did not take practical direction until 1884, when numerous petitions were sent to the Legislature at Montpelicr, 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 splendid estate situated in Bennington, which was given by the late Hon. T. W. Park for the purpose 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 1884 and 1886 made ample appropriations for the enlargement of the buildings and the support of Vermont's disabled veterans.

The grounds of the home consist of two hundred acres, meadow and pasture, 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. Coffee, a veteran of First and Fourth Vermont Regiments, is now the superintendent, and his wife the matron of the institution. General William Wells, of Burlington, 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 Bennington Free Library.⁴ — In 1865 a free library was established in Bennington by the joint action of Seth B. Hunt and Trenor W. Park. The donors 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-room, a large hall for lectures and public meetings with an entrance-room attached; all well provided with tables, shelves and other suitable furniture.
The lower story is divided into rooms for offices and stores. The original cost of the whole building to the donors was about ten thousand dollars, of which 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 McEowen, 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 part of the premises 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 that the large room on the second floor shall "forever 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 discretion," etc. Subsequent sections of the deed made provisions for other contingencies — that the library should not be allowed to become a sectarian institution, 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 importance 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 donated. 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 can 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 the association, chosen at the annual mccting last held, March, 1888, are as
follows: President, Frank M. Tiffany; vice-president, James E. Weld; recording secretary, Charles H. Darling; corresponding secretary. Dr. H. J. Potter; Treasurer, Wells Valentine; managers, E. W. Bradford, E. D. Bennett, H. S. Bingham, I. E. Gibson, Dr. F. S. Pratt, E. S. Harris. The librarians have been, in succession: Charles W. Swift, John Kehoe, Helen Breakenridge, Eliza Breakenridge (filling vacancy caused by death of her successor), Lidia Dixon, and Miss Ida May Sharpe, the last named being the present librarian. The library at present contains about four thousand five hundred volumes of all kinds, historical, scientific, religious and miscellaneous, together with valuable files of old newspapers and periodicals.

Societies and Orders. — Mt. Anthony Lodge No. 13, F. and A. M. — This lodge was 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, 1824, 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, Francis Breakenridge, Miles H. Andrews, Luman Norton and Oliver Abell. The lodge was organized as one of the institutions of the old 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 Hall in Park building. The present officers 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 Chapter 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 convocation of Temple Chapter is held the first Monday after full moon. The officers are C. D. Phillips, H. R; J. T. Shurtleft, K.; C. L. Shaw, scribe; G. B. Sibley, 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. Chandler, M. 2d V.; George A. Bruce, M. 1st V.; Albert Parsons, marshal; J. N. A. Williams, sentinel.

Bennington Council No. 3, R. and 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. of G.; A. G. Patchin, C. of C.; H. S. Bingham, steward; C. L. Shaw, chaplain; Thomas Wilson, marshal; J. N. A. Williams, sentinel.

Taft Commandry No 8, K. T., chartered June 11, 1872. Instituted at North Bennington and removed to Bennington. Regular conclave first Friday of each month. Officers: J. N. A. Williams, E. C.; C. E. 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. M. Lambert, recorder; H. S. Bincfham. S. B.; D. T. Bates, sword bearer; F. H. Mattison, warder; A. G. Patchin, 1st G.; C. K. Wentworth, 2d G.; C. L. Shaw, 3d G.; J. E. Walbridge, sentinel.

Mt. Anthony Chapter No. 1, O. E. S., chartered June 2, 1875, being the re-issue of the charter of an older chapter that was organized in 1868. Officers: E. D. Bennett, W. P.; Mrs. J. H. 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 H. Cady, A. con.; Mrs. J. L. Finn, warder. Sisters of the Star: Ada, Mrs. H. L. Stillson; Ruth, Mrs J. H. Norton; Esther, Mrs. C. C. Kimball; Martha, Miss Edna Clark; Electa, Mrs. D. H. Smith.

Bennington Lodge of Pcrfecction, A. A. S. R., chartered September 20,1883. Its officers are as follows: G. B. Sibley, T. P. G. M.; J. R. Pilling, H. of T. D. G. M.; C. E. Graves, V. S. G. W.; J. H. Norton, V. J. G. W.; E. L Bates, G. orator; W. H. Bradford, G. treasurer, G. S. K. of S.; A. C. Hubbcll, 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 meetings, 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 appointments. Next to the lodge room is the commandry drill room, and this and the lodge room too opens into a large reception 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 representatives, which, with the dates of their charters, respectively, are as follows: Stark Lodge No. 9, chartered February 11, 1847; Mansur Encampment No. 9, chartered April 9, 1886; Canton Bennington, Patriarchs Militant, chartered August 13, 1887; Miriam Daughters of Rebecca Lodge No. 8, chartered December 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 therewith, Walloomsac Lodge No. 2084, Knights of Honor, Bennington Lodge of Good Templars, Bennington Branch National Temperance; Young Ladies' Shakspearian Club of Bennington; The Ladies' Dickens Club of Bennington, Father Matthew's Total Abstinance and Benevolent Association, Walloomsac Tent No. 4, I. O of R., and others, all of w hich now have, or have had, an existence within the 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 suggests, 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 mercantile and regular interest that are themselves important factors in the composition 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 mercantile pursuits who have been here for years, and there are others of more recent coming. This branch of business is established and conducted with less formality than manufacturing, trade requiring only storeroom, stock and energy on the part of the proprietor, while manufacture demands a special building, 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 his representatives 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 Bennington are about on an average with the majority 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 will 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 Putnam House, the Stark House, the Elm Tree House, and the Centennial Hotel,

The village has two local improvement companies, both of recent formation; the one the Bennington Water Company, and the other the Bennington Electric Light and Bower Company.

The water company was incorporated in October, 1886, by Moses Joy, jr., Henry W. Putnam, Henry W. Putnam, jr., Elbert H. Putnam 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 bottom 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: President, Henry W. Putnam; secretary, John T. Shurtleff; treasurer, and superintendent, Elbert 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 Bennington Electric Light and Bower Company promised to light the village with electricity on the evening preceding the day 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. 

^{1 From the skech prepared by C. H. Hubbard, and deposited in the corne stone receptacle.}

² From the Bennington Graded School Catalogue of 1887.

³ Contributed.
⁴ Taken from sketch written by Governor Hiland Hall.

Aldrich, Lewis Cass, editor; History of Bennington County, Vt. © 1889, pages 295-340