Washington

PHINNEY, Truman C.

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 312-313 
(portrait p 312)

Truman C. PHINNEY, of Montpelier [Washington County, Vermont], was born 11 
April 1827 in Middlesex [Washington County, Vermont], son of Elisha and 
Priscilla (WENTWORTH) PHINNEY. At the age of seventeen he left his father's 
farm and went to Brandon [Rutland County, Vermont], where he learned the 
jeweler's trade. In 1849 he came to Montpelier and went into the jewelry 
business with Capt. A. A. MEAD, under the firm name of Phinney & Mead. This 
firm continued business until 1856, when Mr. PHINNEY sold his interest to his 
partner, and started alone in the same business. Here he continued in 
business until 1863, when he sold out to Stephen FREEMAN. After spending a 
year in California, he returned to Montpelier and engaged in business with 
Denison DEWEY, under the firm name of D. Dewey & Company. In 1869 he sold 
his interest to Mr. DEWEY, and immediately thereafter bought the Ballou 
bookstore. For the next sixteen years Mr. PHINNEY prosecuted a general book 
and stationery business, at which became known as the Phinney bookstore, 
disposing of the business in 1885.

Mr. PHINNEY was elected sergeant-at-arms by the Legislature of 1870, and has 
held this office continually by successive elections until twenty-three years 
have been passed by him in this office. During this period, and in addition 
to his customary duties, he has superintended the preparation of the ground 
for the new state library building, and introduction of a new system of 
heating and ventilating the Capitol building, and the several extensive 
repairs by which the utility and beauty of the chief public buildings in the 
state have been greatly enhanced. Since 1885 Mr. PHINNEY has devoted his 
whole time to state service, merging with the duties of sergeant-at-arms 
those of deputy secretary of state, to which position he was appointed in 
1891.

For the last twenty-three years Mr. PHINNEY has served the interests of local 
education upon the school board, and for several years has also served upon 
the board of vestrymen of Christ Church. He has been prominently identified 
with local Masonry for nearly forty years, for seven holding the position of 
master of Aurora Lodge, and for fourteen consecutive years that of T. I. 
Master of Montpelier Council, Royal & Select Masons. He is a member of the 
Sons of the American Revolution. On 11 September 1855 Mr. [Truman C.] 
PHINNEY married Miss Sarah E. BARNES, daughter of William S. and Adeline P. 
(HOWE) BARNES, of Albany [Whiteside County], Illinois. Their family consists 
of four children: Mary A., Jennie P., Anna W., and Robert T.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly