636
by his legal representative, and resulted in a compromise,
securing to his widow and mother a handsome support. She returned with her
children to her friends in
Judge
Hitchcock's political views were accordance with the national republican party, in its day, and subsequently he was an
uncompromising whig and a great admirer and supporter of Mr. Clay. On the
subject of slavery, while he denounced the system on principle, in the
abstract, he felt compelled to adopt in practice, so far as he required
domestic servants.
Judge
Hitchcock's personal appearance was prepossessing of fair complexion, middle
size, erect, stoutly but compactly built, with an aquiline nose, determined
mouth and piercing eye. It wanted but his quick and energetic movement to make
him a marked and felt man wherever he went. Though, in general, rather
expressive of decision, not to say sternness in manner, among his friends,
particularly in the company of ladies, he was courtly and winning. A bust of
him was procured by his friends, taken from life, and is now exhibited among
the distinguished citizens of the country, at Fowler and Wells' collection in
The
writer of this imperfect sketch, who enjoyed the intimacy of his departed
friend in early years, continued by an uninterrupted correspondence of 23
years, and extending even beyond the limits of his friend's life (the last
letter having been received after his decease), will not forego the expression
of this parting tribute the grave has seldom closed over the remains of a
higher intellect, a nobler spirit, a more unselfish heart, a more affectionate
husband, father and son, or a truer friend.
[From the Family.]
Thomas
Chamberlain was born in Topsham, September 23, 1792, and began the practice of
his profession in
BY LOUIS FOLLETT.
Timothy
Follett was born at
At
the age of ten years, by the death of his father, he was left, with two
sisters, to the care of a widowed mother with but slender means, and who, to
educate her children, removed to
Returning
to
Ardently
devoted to the profession he had chosen, he pursued it diligently, securing a
success quite equal to his expectation, and a reputation satisfactory to his
friends. In December, 1819, he was appointed, by Judges Doolittle and Brayton of the supreme court, to
the office of state's attorney, then vacant by the death of Sanford Gadcomb, Esq., and elected to the same office by the
legislatures of 1820, '21, and '22. In 1823, elected judge of the county court,
his professional life continued until a pulmonary complaint threatening him, he
abandoned the practice of the law to engage in mercantile pursuits.
Purchasing
an interest in the premises now known as the south wharf property, he became a
partner with the late Henry Mayo in the mercantile business in 1823, though not
giving it his personal attention until the following year, and found in the
firm establishment of his health, which speedily followed change of occupation,
a happy realization of his hopes.
In
1830 he was elected to represent
In
1832 the great mercantile house of Horatio Gates & Co., at
In
1841 he returned to
In
1845 the subject of a railroad connection with
He
died Oct. 12, 1857. His life was one of usefulness, and his character for
strict integrity, for honorable intention in all his dealings, for devotedness and
fidelity to every interest entrusted to him, firmly established.
638
[From the Family.]
The
first we know of the immediate ancestors of Mr. Bradley, in connection with the
State of
Lemuel
Bradley was born at Guilford, Conn., February, 1750; removed with his father to
Sunderland, and in 1775 came to Burlington to settle. He purchased a tract of
land on Winooski river, under a title from the N. H.
grants. The broad bend below the town, for many years known as the Bradley
bend, was a part of this tract. He was sent as representative of
In
1777 we find him enlisting under Col. Warner, acting as aid to Gen. Stark at
the battle of
Harry
Bradley, eldest son and third child of Lemuel and
Mercy Bradley, was born at
Col. Brownson, though a wealthy man, had a family of children of
his own, which made it necessary for young Bradley to, while a mere boy,
commence life for himself.
At
the age of fourteen he came to
In
1827 he gave up business in Williston and returned to
He
was one of the originators of the Farmers and Mechanics' Bank, and afterwards
of the Commercial Bank, of which bank he was the first president. He was for
many years a director in the United States Branch Bank at
He
was for many years engaged in a wholesale mercantile business at the lake, also
carrying on a large lumber business at Essex, and was one of the greatest
sufferers in the losses which befel our business
community in the woolen factory at Winooski Falls. Perhaps no man amongst us
for 30 years was more intimately connected with all the leading business and
political interests at
The
following is a notice of him, written soon after his death, by President
Wheeler:
"THE
LATE HARRY BRADLEY, ESQ.
The
name of Harry Bradley, Esq. has been so long identified with the interests of
our village, that his sudden and unexpected death
seems to create a sad and fearful chasm in the midst of us. And his long and
active service,
in the political organizations of the state, has made his
name familiar, in all parts of it, and also in some of the high places of the
nation. He was born in
His
energy and activity naturally pointed him out, as a man singularly fitted for
carrying out the measures and accomplishing the ends of political parties. He
was long the Chairman of the Whig State Committee of Vermont. His services were
highly appreciated by the party not only in this state, but by some of the
principal men in the nation, with whom he held correspondence on such matters.
Webster, Clay and President Fillmore were among them. His political opinions,
though of an earnest and forceful kind, were both national and conservative.
While
narrow and short-sighted views, limited by the range of his individual vision,
might have been anticipated because of his personal earnestness and activity,
he was in reality wise, considerate, and comprehensive in his political
notions, however zealous he might be in realizing them.
His
heart and house were always open to his friends; and his mind and hands were
ready for their service. This cheerful activity for others made him an
affectionate and indulgent husband and father, and an agreeable and disinterested
friend and neighbor. His sudden and unexpected decease filled the hearts of all
with sadness and astonishment. It was a "visitation of God," speaking
to all and saying. "Watch; for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of
Man cometh."
[From the Family.]
James
Van Sicklin, M. D., son of John Van Sicklin, who settled in
640
share of practice in the vicinity till his last sickness. Mrs.
Van Sicklin died in 1839.
BY MRS. CATHERINE E. DOOLITTLE.
When a good man is removed from the scenes and society of
earth, and from the tender offices of human friendship and love, to his rest in
the paradise of the blessed, the mournful satisfaction of testifying to his
goodness, and of cherishing the memory of his virtues, remains for the
sorrowing ones who are left behind. It
is thought the following biographic sketch of Mr. Doolittle, and of that
blameless private life which made his death a public calamity, will be
acceptable, not only to those who enjoyed his personal friendship and love, but
also to all who value the records of the good, and the blessed memory of the
just.
Philo
Doolittle was born in the town of
When
three or four years of age, the subject of this memoir removed with his parents
to Vermont, in which state he resided during the remainder of his life. At the
early age of little more than ten years, he was summoned to the bedside of his
dying father, and received from him, as the eldest son, the solemn and
responsible charge to be henceforth, so far as he should be able, the comfort
and support of his mother, and the father of the bereaved family. This
injunction the son tenderly remembered through his whole life, and faithfully
fulfilled, when more mature years had qualified him for the sacred tasks.
Deprived
of their guardian and protector by his early death, the widowed mother and her
four young children were thrown unprovided for upon
the world. But God remembered them. Philo, the eldest son, found in the
hospitable dwelling of Judge Lemuel Bottom of
Williston, Vt., a kind home, and paternal care for many subsequent years.
With this family he sustained the most filial relations, and of their unvarying
kindness he cherished during his life a grateful remembrance. Here the days of
his youth passed pleasantly. In the summer seasons he was employed in the
various light labors of the farm, and in the winter months enjoyed such
advantages of education as were commonly given to the sons and daughters of our
substantial farmers. In after years, upon this humble foundation of a common
school education, he reared by the efforts of his own active and accurate mind,
a fair superstructure of much varied and practical knowledge.
In
the year 1808, his kind benefactor, Judge Bottom, requested him to choose the
occupation of his future life, leaving it optional with himself to continue his
connection with the agricultural pursuits of the farm (with kind assurances of
aid and advancement should he remain), or to remove to an eligible situation
which at that time presented itself, where he might be educated for mercantile
pursuits. He chose the latter course, and at the age of fifteen years entered
upon the duties of a clerkship in the employment of E. T. Englesby,
Esq., a merchant in
Mr.
Doolittle's connection with the interests of navigation on
menced with the formation of the Champlain Ferry Company, which
was chartered by the Legislature of Vermont, November 18, 1824, of which he was
one of the original corporators. November 29, 1824,
he was chosen one of the first directors of the company, and in 1825, elected
clerk and treasurer of the same, in place of Andrew Thompson, Esq., resigned.
These appointments he held until the Ferry Company was incorporated with the
Champlain Transportation Company of January 24, 1835.
October
26, 1826, the Champlain Transportation Company was organized, of which Mr.
Doolittle was one of the original stockholders. November 10, 1826, he was
chosen a director and appointed clerk and treasurer of the company. February
23, 1827, in consequence of the building of the steamer Franklin, at
March
22, 1827, Mr. Doolittle was chosen one of the Board of Directors of the Bank of
Burlington, by a unanimous vote, and January 29, 1849, unanimously elected
President of that Board, in place of E. T. Englesby,
Esq., resigned. By his connection with this institution, which continued
uninterruptedly during his life, or for 35 years, Mr. Doolittle has become more
generally known perhaps, to the business men of this vicinity than in any other
way, and we cannot in any way so accurately express the estimation which
those associated with him in these relations place upon his character, or so
clearly exhibit his position and standing as a business man, as by quoting from
the resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of that Bank in reference to
his decease:
"Our
late President, Philo Doolittle, Esq., having been suddenly and unexpectedly
taken from us by death since the last weekly meeting of our Board, whereby we
are saddened to-day by the sight of his vacant chair and a sorrowful sense of
the loss that has befallen ourselves personally, and the institution over which
he has so long and ably presided therefore
"Resolved,
That in the death of Mr. Doolittle we feel that we have lost one who by the
transparent kindness of heart and uniform urbanity of manner with which he ever
presided over our deliberations; by his unswerving honesty and integrity of
purpose, and his high sense of honor in all our business transactions; by the
wisdom and prudence of his counsels and his unwearying
attentiveness to his duties, had won our profound esteem and our most
affectionate and sincere regard.
"Resolved,
That the Bank of Burlington in thus losing one who has been a Director at its
Board for thirty-five years past, and its President for the last thirteen, has
lost an officer to whom it is largely indebted for its long course of prosperity,
and whose labors and services in its behalf should be held in grateful
remembrance.
"Resolved,
That as a mark of respect to the memory of the
deceased, and as a token of our regard for him, we will attend his burial on
Friday next.
"Bank of
July
11, 1820, Mr. Doolittle was united in marriage with Harriet E. Hayes, daughter
of Newton Hayes, Esq., then a resident of
642
domestic relations of life he appeared almost without a fault.
Confiding frankness and unaffected kindness characterized all his intercourse
with his friends. One who has known him in the
intimacy of the family circle, thus writes: "I remember well my last visit
at his house and the more than usual warmth and kindness of Mr. Doolittle's
manner towards me, his quiet cheerfulness through the day and those pleasant
evenings at the fireside where he displayed to such advantage his delightful
home qualities." Another friend thus writes of him: "I have passed
many happy hours with him, in the most familiar intercourse, and never in those
unrestrained moments have I heard him give utterance to a thought or sentiment
which he would wish recalled, not one uncharitable or unkind word did he ever
utter in the hours so passed." Never did the recital of the sorrows of
others fail to call forth the tender sympathies of his heart; his kindness
towards all who in circumstances of blameless
suffering or want applied to him for aid, was most consoling. In his estimate
of the motives and conduct of others he exercised a generous forbearance,
carefully avoiding anything akin to detraction in his conversation, and always
manifesting the most unaffected humility in his deportment.
Mr.
Doolittle made a public profession of his faith in Christ, Jan. 24, 1841, and
was confirmed by Bishop Hopkins, in the communion of the Episcopal church. In this faith he continued steadfast, and was an
officer of
"Whereas,
it has pleased Almighty God, by a sudden visitation of his hand to remove from
us our honored and beloved associate in the Vestry of St. Paul's church, Philo
Doolittle, Esq.; therefore be it Resolved, That we bow with reverent submission
to the will of our Heavenly Father, in this sudden and most afflictive
dispensation; and feeling that we personally, and the church and our whole
community have met with a great loss, we desire to mingle our tears with those
of the bereaved widow and family, and respectfully tender to them our kindest
sympathy.
"Resolved,
That we cherish with deep respect and affection the memory of our departed
friend, as an upright and godly man, sound in judgment and gentle in heart, a
wise counsellor and a true and affectionate friend,
most faithful in the important trusts of life which were committed to him, and
most kindly in all the relations of friendship and neighborhood.
"Resolved,
That we feel that our parish has lost from its outward communion a most
valuable officer and member, one whose wise counsels and generous gifts, and
above all, whose consistent and blameless christian
example and constant and unobtrusive ministries to the poor, made him a
blessing and an ornament to the church which he loved, and in whose faith he
lived and died.
"Resolved,
That in testimony of our respect for our departed
friend we will attend his funeral in a body, and wear the usual badge of
mourning for thirty days."
Although
for many years Mr. Doolittle had felt increasingly the infirmities of age, he
continued his industrious and active habits of life until the very day when the
summons came which called him hence. In a moment, from apparently comfortable
health he was stricken down, by paralysis, into helpless unconsciousness, and
in this state he passed gently away from earth January 19, 1862. Apprehensions
of an attack of this nature had for several years oppressed his mind with sad
forebodings of sudden death. Yet even these were not sufficient to disturb for
any great length of time the equanimity of his feelings, or to subdue the
cheerfulness of his heart. He had prepared himself for his Master's summons,
and when it came we believe it found him ready.
We
will close this brief sketch with the following touching tribute from the pen
of his pastor, Rev. D. H. Buel:
"Since
we last assembled here on the Lord's day, one of our
number who, two weeks ago, worshiped with us, has fallen asleep in Jesus. One
of the oldest officers and members of our church, who justly stood so high in
the affectionate respect of this parish and of our whole community that it is
eminently proper for use to follow the dictates of my heart and pay a tribute
to his memory in this sacred place.
"He
was one of the noblest and fairest pillars of our church and of society. He
belonged to that class of men, too rare at the
present day, who unfortunately for our country are now regarded
as relics of the better days of the republic. A man whose integrity was like
pure gold without the least alloy of worldly intrigue; whose honesty of
character was as transparent as the light, and whose kindly and sympathizing
heart responded quickly to all the claims of neighborhood and humanity. Blessed
also with a clear and well balanced mind and with an even temper and the
gentlest manners, it is no wonder that, notwithstanding his singular modesty,
he was called to fill, during a great part of his life many important and
responsible trusts in society; and the faintest thought probably never crossed
any man's mind that Philo Doolittle could fulfill those trusts otherwise than
with the most scrupulous fidelity.
"In
all the intercourse of friendship and courtesy he was one of the kindest of
men. Above all he was an earnest and consistent Christian, constant to the
utmost of his ability in devoutly attending upon all the holy duties of the
house of God. Ever ready and glad generously to do his part
in maintaining the ministrations of the church and advancing the interests of
Christ's kingdom. The kind friend of the poor, constantly ministering to
them in the spirit of our Heavenly Master's injunction "Let not thy left
hand know what thy right hand doeth," the blessing of him that was ready
to perish came upon our departed brother. His life admirably exemplified St.
Paul's beautiful description of the chiefest of all
the christian graces "Charity suffereth long and is kind; charity envieth
not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own,
is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth
in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all
things, hopeth all things, endureth
all things."
"As
our venerated brother advanced in years he seemed to grow in zealous love for
all the duties public and private of the christian life, and in cheerful readiness to do his
part in the work of the
MEMOIR
OF RICHARD G. COLE, ESQ.
From a commemorative discourse by the REV. D. H. BUET.
Richard
Goldsmith Cole was born in the town of
When
Mr. Cole came to
644
the best interests of the community in which it was located.
One
year after Mr. Cole came to
The
simple recital of the responsible and honorable trusts which he has held in the
church, and to most of which he was annually chosen, shows the reliance that
was placed on him and the high estimation in which he was held. For 30 years he
has been a vestryman of
He
has also for some years been a member of the Board of Land Agents. In all these
positions his soundness of judgment, the wisdom of his counsels, his integrity,
and firmness of principle, his skill in business, and his uniform kindness and
courtesy, made him a very valuable officer, and a most congenial associate.
Office was no sinecure to him; not honor or profit, but duty, was always his
watchword. He was a faithful servant in all the trusts confided to him.
Within the last few weeks, although very feeble in health, he has several times
encountered the inclemency of the weather on a winter's evening, or the
exposure of a cold ride, that he might be at his post and discharge his duty as
a member of the Standing Committee, and a Trustee of the Institute.
But I
must not forget to speak of another very important and useful position which
Mr. Cole filled in this parish. For 25 years he was the leader of the music of
the Church. He possessed admirable musical powers; a thorough knowledge of
music, excellent, taste and judgment, a fine ear and a voice of uncommon
richness and power. Moreover he truly appreciated the proper character of the
music which is suited to the house of God, and adapted to the services of our
church. Sacred music was his delight and he devoted a large amount of time and
effort to the advancement of the music of the church from the purest and
highest. motives; because he loved God, and delighted
in His holy house, and esteemed it a blessed duty and privilege to contribute
of the fine gifts which God had bestowed on him for the beautifying of his
worship.
But
were I to speak of all the services of our venerated brother in the cause of
Christ and His church I should have to go through the whole circle of his life;
for in all that he was and had, and in all the relations which he sustained, he
was a faithful servant of his heavenly Master. He used his worldly substance as
a steward of God, regarding it as a trust committed to him by God, for which he
must account to Him. Accordingly he expended it with conscientious and generous
liberality for the advancement of Christ's kingdom, and for the good of his
fellowmen. He was not a wealthy man, yet no one ever gave more largely than he
to the maintenance of the church in this parish, and in the same spirit he
contributed to every other good object that justly claimed his sympathy and
aid.
Our
brother was an humble, earnest, intelligent and hearty
Christian. He served his heavenly Master amid his daily business, and in all
the hourly duties and charities of the christian
life, and he delighted in the holy services of God's house. None more constant
than he; and none more reverent and fervent
at all our solemnities. Not only on the Lord's day but also whenever he could, during the week, he
participated in all our appointed services. I am sure that the bishop and
former pastor of this flock, whom our brother ever truly loved and venerated,
will witness that he always found him a firm friend and judicious counsellor, and ready co-worker in all his pastoral work.
Such has this dear christian
father and friend ever been to me, during the seven years of my pastoral care
of this flock.
Mr.
Cole was an intelligent and firm Churchman, not only adhering to the Episcopal
church from preference and earnest affection, but also from conscientious
approval of its distinctive principles and practices, as being in accordance
with the word of God, and the practice of the primitive church, and as being
conducive to christian edification. Yet he always
treated his brethren of other denominations with the utmost christian kindness and courtesy, and he gladly
cooperated with them in many works of christian
benevolence. The noble, manly form of our revered brother, and his bright, open
countenance were but the outward signs of the large and warm and kindly heart
which that form enshrined, He loved God and man. The poor on all sides were the
constant recipients of his thoughtful kindness. He was the friend and protector
of the widow and the fatherless; and he dispensed his kindness to the needy in
the most considerate way; not only seeking to relieve their pressing wants, but
studying also their improvement and gratification. His house was ever the abode
of the most generous and kindly hospitality, and there, in his home, he shone
with peculiar grace; the humble Christian, the courteous christian gentleman, the true friend, the
intelligent, cultivated and genial companion. I may not here proceed and speak
freely of the closer relations of that peaceful and refined christian home. Its precious memories are treasured
in the hearts of its inmates, and especially in her heart who through
all the useful and beautiful life of our friend was his efficient helper and
comforter, and they will ever be a fountain of sad, sweet delight.
He
died as he lived. In the intervals of consciousness he joined with us in prayer
with his wonted reverence and earnestness; and the same sweet dignity, and
gentleness of spirit, and kind consideration for others, marked his last days which had characterized
his previous life, and on the evening of the Lord's day, December 18, 1864, he
fell asleep in Jesus as gently as a child sinks to rest on its mother's breast.
HON.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN BAILEY.
BY GEORGE F. HOUGHTON, ESQ.
Benjamin
Franklin Bailey, a distinguished lawyer of the Chittenden County Bar, was born
in Guildhall, Essex Co.,
A. D.
1821. He rose rapidly in his profession and was appointed State attorney for
the
646
under the name and style of Bailey & Marsh, which
partnership was continued until Mr. Bailey's death at
Mr.
Bailey's peculiar talents as a lawyer consisted in his easy address and ability
as a jury advocate. He was an earnest, fluent and forcible speaker as well to
the court as to the jury, and his success in business was commensurate with his
industry and talents. At the time of his death he was the candidate of the democratic party for Congress in opposition to the late Heman Allen and Truman Galusha.
In
June, 1822, he was married to Catharine F. Hyde, of Grand Isle, daughter of the
late Jedediah Hyde, Esq., who survives him with their
two children, Marcia, wife of Louis Follett, Esq., of Burlington, and George
Franklin Bailey, Esq., an attorney who is practicing his profession with
ability and success at Chicago, Ill., where the widow now resides.
Soon after the decease of Mr. Bailey. the Burlington Sentinel contained an obituary notice of
his death of which the following is an extract: "The prominent stations
occupied by Mr. Bailey as a member of the bar, attorney of the county, and
representative of Burlington in the State Legislature, and the talents and
devotion to his trusts displayed by him as an advocate and public officer,
strongly attached to him the confidence and respect of the community, and give
poignancy to its unavailing regrets at the early and afflictive termination of
his life, at a moment when the anticipations of his friends as to his future
and more extensive usefulness were full of brightness and promise. In his
private relations few men have exhibited more amiable dispositions or
contributed more largely to the happiness of those to whom those relalations were sustained. Possessing a heart warmed with
sympathies which shed the kindliest presence on the domestic and social circles
as a brother, a husband, a neighbor, and friend, few men practiced with more
assiduity the charities which enshrine those names in the memory of bereaved
affection. Though taken away "in the midst of life," yet his friends
have the rich consolation that to the eye of Christian faith and charity his
last days were his best days, for, through Divine Grace, he was enabled to lay
hold of the hopes of the Gospel, and in humble reliance upon the merits of his
Redeemer, to commit his soul to a faithful Creator.
REV.
ZADOCK THOMPSON.
BY REV. P. H. WHITE, OF
[From the Historical Magazine, Vol. III., No. 20.]
Zadock
Thompson was the second son of Capt. Barnabas Thompson of
His
career as an author commenced with the preparation of an almanac for 1819. He
subsequently made astronomical calculations for a series of Vermont Registers,
published at
In
1825 he was chosen a tutor in the