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with this society, who have illustrated the annals and
doctrines of Congregationalism, was the late Mr. William Scott, a native of
Hull, England. He removed with his family to Colchester about the year 1821.
His early education was quite limited; but early in his Christian life he
formed a systematic plan of studying the Bible and comparing scripture with
scripture. He committed to memory large portions, especially such parts as
related to doctrines and Christian experience, and, being a very good speaker,
he rendered important and acceptable aid to the deacons for many years as a
sort of lay preacher. He was often very happy in his expositions. His
instructions, though addressed generally to the church, made good and lasting
impressions on many outside. Mr. Scott died some five years since in a good old
age, leaving to the church and his children the rich legacy of an exemplary
Christian life.*
—————
* There are three other churches in Colchester. A second
Congregational church was formed at Winooski, in Colchester, in 1837. The germ
of this was a colony from the first church in Burlington. This church is still
small, it has a good house of worship and Rev. J. D. Kingsbury is the present
acting pastor. There are also a Baptist and a Methodist church in Colchester.†
† To this Baptist and this Methodist Church we have
applied repeated times for their history, but have not as yet received any
response. They are the first churches in any town in the state, we think, to
whom we have made direct application and failed to procure at least their
statistics from which to make up a record. We leave further account of the same
for a supplementary chapter, for which we have already some material. — Ed.
ESSEX.
BY L. C. BUTLER, M. D.
The town of Essex was among the grants made by His
Excellency Benning, Wentworth, of New Hampshire. The document, the tenure upon
which all the lands in the town were originally held, is dated June 7, 1763,
and bears the impress of royalty, "George the Third by the grace of God,
of Great Britain, France and Ireland, king, defender of the faith,"
&c. After describing the boundaries of the town and enumerating sundry
reservations, it is declared to "be incorporated into a township by the name
of Essex."
The reservations mentioned are the Governor's right, 500
acres; for the incorporated society for the propagation of the gospel in
foreign lands, 330 acres; glebe for the Church of England, 330 acres; for the
first settled minister of the gospel, 330 acres; and for the benefit of schools
in said town, 330 acres.
The town was divided into 72 shares of 330 acres each. The
grantees were "Edward Burling, Elijah Gedney, Joseph Drake, Stephen
Fowler, Edward Agar, Francis Panton, Theophilus Anthony, Petrus Byvanck, John
Bogert, Jr., James Bogert, Jr., Nicholas I. Bogert, Willet Taylor, John Taylor,
John J. Bogert, Cornelius J. Bogert, Peter I. Bogert, Henry I. Bogert, John N.
Bogert, John Jas. Bogert, Jacobus Bogert, Nicholas N. Bogert, Jacobus N.
Bogert, Thomas Fisher, John Drake, Joseph Tompkins, John Herton, Jos. Hunt,
Stephen Hicks, Thomas Hicks, Whitehead Hicks, Stephen Van Wyck, Thos. Burling,
Wm. Elsworth, Wm. Elsworth, Jr., Wm. Stymas, Derick Lefferts, Abram Lefferts,
Jr., Charles Tillinghast, Wm. Wiley, George Hogerwout, Nicholus Anderson,
Cornelius Degroot, Bernardus Swartwout, Abram Lefferts, Michael Hillegas,
Samuel Hillegas, Michael Jennings, John J. Jennings, Christ. Stymas, Jr., Abram
Lynson, James Murray, John Lawrence, John Haydock, Walter Burling, Edward
Burling, Jr., Nich. H. Bogart, Matt. Wolf Bogart, Samuel Averill, Hon. Wm.
Temple, John Nelson, Theop. Atkinson, Jr., Andrew Wiggins, Esqs., Jos.
Wright," none of whom probably ever set foot upon the soil thus parcelled
out; for the first settlement of which history or tradition gives us any
account was not made till 1783. In the spring of that year Samuel Smith settled
upon the farm now occupied by Erastus Whitcomb; William Smith upon the farm
above; Jonathan Winchell upon the Stanton farm; Dubartis Willard upon the Weeks
farm, and David Hall upon that now occupied by Luther Blood. These were the
first settlers, and were from Massachusetts.
Not a road was laid out. The town was then one unbroken
forest, save where the rude tornado had leveled the giant pines to the ground;
and marked trees were the only guide to the adventurous traveler or the hardy
pioneer emigrant. Upon the southern border the noble Winooski — up and down its
placid bosom not a dyke or dam obstructing its free passage — flowed in solitary
grandeur, depositing the rich alluvial mould that form the beautiful and
fertile intervales skirting the river. Here the red man of the forest paddled
his bark canoe in quest of game or
ESSEX. 779
pleasure. In some happy vale, upon its banks perhaps, he
lighted his council fire or reared his rude wigwam, and in the euphonious name
which it now bears — Winooski — has perpetuated the memory of his race.
Upon the banks of this river, just within the limits of
the town, Samuel Smith and his associates, mentioned above, made the first
settlement, putting up the first log house, felling the first tree, and
planting the first grain. At a later period, upon the borders of Brown's river,
Joel Woodworth settled on the farm now occupied by Joshua Whitcomb, and kept
what is believed to have been the first "tavern" in town. Farther
down the same stream Timothy Bliss, Abel Castle, Jas. Pelton, Dea. Samuel
Bradley, Dea. Ingraham, Jonathan Bixby, Nathan and Jabez Woodworth, James
Keeler and James Gates were among the first settlers in the east part of the
town, occupying the fertile intervales that border that river. On the west side
of the same stream, on the road now leading to the center of the town, Stephen
Butler and Caleb Olds settled. Dea. Daniel Morgan settled a little north of
Dea. Watkins, on the opposite side of the road, Capt. Morgan Noble on the Case
farm, Col. Stephen Noble on the Herrick farm. Ezra Woodworth and Mr. Bryant
still farther north. Col. Noble kept a store in the same house, since occupied
by Mr. Herrick, at a very early day. In the north and west portions of the town
Samuel Griffin, Averill Noble, Ezra Slater, Jonathan Chipman, Branscom Perrigo
(afterwards burned to death in the shanty of a lumbering company in the
northern part of New York), David, George and Zuriel Tyler. Benton Buck, Ezra
Baker, Henry Slater were among the first settlers. South from Page's Corner, so
called, Capt. Simon Tubbs, the Bassets, David Kellogg (sometime deacon of the Congregational church), Asahel Nash,
Dea. Samuel Buell, Esquire Knickerbocker (at whose house a Universalist
minister, Rev. Mr. Babbit, was ordained), were the early settlers. At what was
afterwards known as Butler's Corner, from the fact of men by that name doing
business there, Justin Day and Calvin Beard first settled. At this corner the
town voted in 1800 to erect a sign post and a pair of stocks. The first was a
place for putting up notices, warrants, &c., the other was a device for the
punishment of offenders. Summary justice was thus meted out to criminals, and a
more humiliating retribution could not be inflicted; for in the stocks they
were subject to the gaze and jeer and laugh of the passer by. Punishment was
also sometimes inflicted by the cat-o-nine-tails; but these relics have long
since passed away.
On the farm now occupied by Horatio and Charles Day, David
Day settled and built the house now occupied by them. "Uncle David,"
as he was familiarly called, was a soldier of the Revolution, a sergeant under
Lafayette in the company armed, equiped and commanded by him. He was ardently
attached to both Washington and Lafayette, and his eye would Bash and his
resentment quickly show itself when any imputation was cast upon the honesty,
integrity or patriotism of either. The sword he carried, and which is still
kept as an invaluable relic in the family, was presented to him by the latter.
When Lafayette visited Burlington, in 1824, "Uncle David," taking the
sword which had done good service in the cause of his country, went to see his
old commander. At first Lafayette did not recognize him, but when he held up
before him the sword, now like himself almost gone, as he said (the hilt and a
portion of the blade remaining only), Lafayette at once recognized the old
hero, and both wept like children. The thoughts crowding that moment let no pen
write. In the Eternal House their pure spirits have long since met in joyful
recognition.
Further on Mr. Freeman settled where Walter now lives.
Abraham Stevens on the farm, at a later period owned by Byron Stevens, one of
his sons. Mr. Stevens was once the proprietor of 700 acres of land in a body,
comprising nearly the whole of what is now known as Essex Junction. He was an
industrious, enterprising man, and much respected in town. The square and
compass upon his tombstone indicate that he was a member of the Masonic
fraternity, and was buried with the honors of that ancient and honorable
institution.
The first settlement at Page's Corner (so called from Col.
Samuel Page by whose industry and enterprise it was built up and made a place
of considerable business) was made by James Blin, and afterwards John and
Stephen Reed. John Reed kept tavern at an early day on the spot where Mr. Grow
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now lives, and after him Curtis Holgate on the corner
nearly opposite (on the east) of Col. Page's present residence. Mr. Holgate
soon sold out, went to Burlington and bought the South wharf. Mr. Samuel Farrar
continued the tavern, and was for a time postmaster. In a part of this house,
last occupied by Adonijah Brooks, the first store in town was kept by one
Bazzel Stewart in 1795. Here also the first post-office in town was
established, and Mr. Ralph Rice was the first P. M., appointed by Hon. Gideon Granger.
Not choosing to serve as such (an example not likely to be followed in the
present age), he sent in his resignation, and Samuel Farrar was appointed in
his stead. In a few years, however, the post-office died out. The population
was sparce and the expense of transporting the mail once a week on horseback
was not met by the receipts. For nearly 20 years there was no office in town.
In 1825 or '26 the post-office was reestablished at Butler's Corner, and
Roswell Butler was appointed postmaster. His compensation for the year 1826 was
$9.96. Albert Stevens, Truman Powell and David Tyler afterwards succeeded to
the office until 1838 or '39, when it was removed to the center of the town,
and Irad C. Day appointed P. M. His successors were B. B. Butler, T. R.
Fletcher, Lorin Tyler, Jesse Carpenter, Reuben Ferguson, A. M. Butler, H. E.
Butler.
Mr. Ralph Rice, mentioned above, was one of the first
merchants in town, and was largely engaged in making potash, which he marketed
in Montreal. It is said that at one time he took $1300 in gold for that
commodity. He sold "calico" from 25 to 50 cents per yard; Bohea tea
at $1.25; India cotton, a slazy, stiff, course cloth, from ,60 to ,75 per yard,
and other articles in proportion. Afterwards Walter Tyler kept store in a
building a little south of Col. Page's. His stock in trade was quite small.
When a customer once proposed to buy a couple dozen buttons, his reply was,
"I don't wholesale." The same store was afterwards occupied by the
Duntons, and now by Alanson Bliss. Between the Duntons and Perrigos a feud had
arisen, from some cause, and it is related that upon one occasion when the
Duntons had displayed their wares, including gingerbread, in the most tempting
manner to catch the gaze and the coppers of the "trainers" and their
attendants, one of the Perrigos passed by carrying a pail of water, not quite
as pure as the snow-flake, which he unceremoniously dashed upon their wares.
Assuming an air and attitude of defiance, he exclaimed, "Now come on with
your Duntons!" The expected encounter did not take place; but this
expression became a by-word, used even to the present day.
Almost the entire business of the town was for a long time
transacted at this Corner. The town meetings were held here and at the
meeting-house alternately from 1805 to 1813, when they were permanently located
at tho Center. "June trainings" were also held here, which became
occasions of drinking, carousing and wrestling. Indeed, the "ring of
wrestle" was an indispensable accompaniment of the "trainings,"
and to be the "bully of the town" was esteemed an honor greatly to be
desired. In the time of "the embargo" Page's Corner was the scene of
many interesting smuggling scenes, and the Brooks tavern was thought to be the "headquarters"
of the "smugglers." Custom-house officers were on the alert, and
various were the devices resorted to in order to elude their vigilance.
Sometimes they were sent in a wrong direction; sometimes conducted to a remote
part of the aforesaid tavern, whilst the smuggled goods were spirited away to
the woods, and sometimes they were lucky enough to seize some small article as
a reward for their assiduity. On removing a barn, many years afterwards, a
large roll of velvet was found, which the lapse of time had nearly destroyed. At
one period there were two public houses in active operation, kept, one by Col.
Page and the other by Mr. Brooks. At this date there is none.
The first building erected at the center of the town stood
on the south-east corner of the common, and was built by Samuel Pelton. Mr.
Pelton also erected a saw-mill a, few rods west of where the mill now stands.
Alder brook (so called from the superabundance of alders growing along its
banks) was then a very small stream, quite shallow, emptying into Brown's river.
This stream Mr. Pelton diverted from its natural course, carrying the water in
a plank floom to his saw mill. In the great freshet of 1830, this little brook
became a mighty stream, cut for itself a new channel, deep and broad, and
forced its way along over all opposing obstacles till it mingled its waters
with the Wi‑
ESSEX. 781
nooski, many miles away from its original mouth.
The second house erected at the Center, was the one
occupied by Joel Woodworth as a tavern, at an early day, and stood on the north
side of the common, upon the spot now the location of Brown's tavern. This
house was a remarkable one for those days, being made of pine logs nicely hewn
and set up endwise. Here it was again used as a public house and kept for many
years by Stephen Butler, and after him by his son, B. B. Butler. This house is
still in existence, though, like the philosopher's knife, little is left to
distinguish it but the pine logs. At a later date a handsome front was erected,
and during the war of 1812, previous to and after, this house was a noted place
of resort. Its spacious hall was occupied for singing-schools, under Mr. Morgan
and Harry Chittenden; for an occasional dance, and by the Masonic fraternity.
For many years these were the only buildings at the Center: The "four
acres," laid out for a "common," were reft of the pine trees
which thickly covered it;* but the huge stumps were still left, and all around
was yet a forest. Between the Center and Butler's Corner, up to 1807 or '08, there
was not a house, save one then occupied by Hezekiah Day. The site of Warren
Williams' house and store was then covered with a noble growth of pines. The
road to Butler's Corner ran south of the burial ground and of the Methodist
church. The "swamp road" (so called from its locality) was a mere
foot path through which the people from the north part of the town came to
meeting on horseback, with a lady upon the pillion, or on foot. The road to
Page's Corner ran east of Alder brook, largely increasing the distance to that
locality from a "bee line," but accommodating the settlers. South of
the Center there was no house till you reached the Winooski, in one direction,
and Brown's river in the other; and the whole distance was thickly covered with
huge pine trees, which the timber mania of later years swept off as with the
besom of destruction. The "reservation" mentioned in the original
grant was disregarded, the lumber‑men having no particular regard for
"His royal Highness," nor yet for "Our royal navy." And yet
it is not remembered that any man became wealthy who engaged as principal in
the lumbering business.
ORGANIZATION
OF THE TOWN.
The town was organized, not on the day mentioned in the
charter,** but March 22, 1786. The meeting was held at the house of Dr. Elkanah
Billings, which stood on the farm afterwards occupied by Samuel Messenger.
Dubartis, or "Barty" Willard, as he was familiarly called, was the
first moderator. Dr. Billings was chosen town clerk. "Barty" Willard,
Justin Day and Joel Woodworth, selectmen. Samuel Smith, town treasurer. Abraham
Stevens, constable. Solomon Stanton, Dr. Billings and Samuel Bradley, surveyors
of highways.† In '87 Samuel Bradley was chosen town clerk, Joel Woodworth,
treasurer, and Justin Day, constable. Samuel Bradley held the office of town
clerk 5 years, Nathan Castle 16 years, Richard Lamson 4 years, Samuel Farrar 2
years, Andrew Morgan 11 years, T. R. Fletcher 1 year, Amasa Bryant 30 years,
and then followed the present incumbent, Warren Williams. In 1788 Stephen Noble
and Capt. McNall were elected "tything men," an office nearly
answering to city police, whose duty it was to take care of the rude and
ungovernable boys at church and other public meetings. This office was
continued to with in a few years past. The constables were, successively, from
1787 to 1860, as follows:
In 1788, Stephen Noble; '89, Dubartis Willard ; '90, '91,
Stephen Noble; '92, '93, Orringe Smith; '94, '95, Abel Castle; '96, Stephen
Lawrence; '97, Simon Tubbs and Elias Bliss; '98, Robert Spelman; '99, Nathan
Woodworth; 1800, David Tyler; 1801—6, Stephen Butler ; 1807-8 ——— ——— ;
1809-13, Richard Lamson; 1811-16, Jonathan Woodworth; 1817-21, B. B. Butler;
1822, Wait Tubbs and Myron Slater; 1823, Simon Tubbs, Jr.; 1824-28, Wm. A.
Butler;
—————
* The growth of the pines on this "common" was
enormous, and the work of clearing it was done by "bees," as it was
termed, in which the people of the town generally participated. Huge piles of
lop were made and burned, and some of the stumps were buried, that being the
only practicable way of getting them out of sight.
** The day named in the charter was the 13th of July next
after its date. John Bogert, Jr. was to call the meeting and to be moderator.
† The only vote passed at this meeting was "to raise
seventy pounds lawful money for the purpose of repairing roads in said town, to
be wrought out on said roads at six shillings a day for each man who works in
the month of September, and four shillings a day for each man who works in the
month of October, and three shillings a day for each yoke of oxen."
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1829-34, David Kellogg; 1835. F. W. Joyner; 1836-8, ———
——— ; 1839, '40, Luther M. Bates; 1841-53, Alanson Bliss; 1854-6, Geo. Shaw;
1857-60, Oscar F. Tuttle.
The Treasurers for the same period were: Justin Day,
Samuel Bradley, Samuel Buell, David Tyler, Richard Samson, John F. Aubery,
Stephen Butler, Samuel Slater, Ira Barney.
The first representative to the General Assembly was
Dubartis Willard.* "Barty" was an odd genius, full of fun and frolic,
and somewhat notorious for witty sayings and repartees. On his way to the
assembly (then a journey of more importance and longer duration than now — made
sometimes on foot, sometimes on horseback, and seldom by post-coach) he stopped
at the house of Gov. Thomas Chittenden over night. The Governor, well
acquainted with Barty, — addressing him very familiarly, — inquired,
"Well, Barty, where are you going?" "To the Assembly, your
honor," was the reply. "What! you going to the Assembly?"
quizzed the Governor. "Yes, your honor," said Barty, "I am
representative from the town of Essex." "Well, well," said the
Governor, "in new countries, when they can't get iron wedges, they have to
use wooden ones." "Yes, yes," rejoined Barty quick as thought,
"and when they can't get good iron-bound beetles to drive them with, they
have to use bass-wood mauls." The Governor enjoyed the joke with so much
"gusto," he oftentimes repeated it in after days. Tired, hungry and
weary he once entered the house of a widow lady whose Christian name was Mary,
and, on being urged, promised an epitaph for a meal, and — to quicken her pace
in getting it ready — began:
"Here lies Mary, long and straight,
Just arrived at heaven's gate."
Mary was mightily pleased, and set before him the best the
house afforded. After satisfying his appetite with the savory meats, he
concluded the epitaph
"Here lies Mary, long and straight,
Just arrived at heaven's gate;
There came an angel with a club
And knocked her back to Beelzebub."
He wisely closed the door upon his retreating footsteps,
it is said, as he repeated the last line, or Barty might not have made another
"epitaph."
Sitting in a store one day, a crowd having collected
around him, as was usual, and having perhaps "imbibed" a trifle of
his favorite beverage, the merchant asked him why he wore that shocking bad
hat. "Simply because I am unable to purchase a new one," said he.
"If you'll make a rhyme on the old one, without stopping to think,"
said the merchant, "I'll give you the best hat in my store." No
sooner said than done. Throwing his old hat on the floor, he began:
"There lies my old hat,**
And pray what of that?
'Tis as good as the rest of my raiment;
If I buy me a better,
You'll make me your debtor,
And send me to jail for the payment."
Barty carried off the hat, saying, "it was a poor
head that couldn't take care of itself."
Barty lived in this town but a few years. The last record
we find of him is in 1789, when he was elected first constable. He afterwards
moved to Burlington, where he died.† One of his verses on a somewhat
notoriously slippery fellow by the name of Crane, whose tavern Barty used to
frequent in Burlington, is as follows:
"It is beneath the poet's rule
To make a rhyme on knave or fool,
But yet on you it may be done,
Since knave and fool are both in one."
Many other specimens of his peculiar genius might be
given, but these will suffice.‡ Like the clown at court Barty acted his part
well, no doubt, and made the weary, lonesome hours of the first winter of the
early settlers pass away more pleasantly, enlivened and shortened by his merry
jokes and rhymes.
Timothy Bliss, Esq., and Capt. Simon Tubbs were also among
the first representatives of the town to the General Assembly.
The town meetings were held sometimes in
—————
* No record of his election as representative can be
found. The fact stated is based upon the recollections of individuals.
** An epigram very similar to this has also been credited
to Thos. Rowley, of, Shoreham. — Ed.
† Barty came from Sheffield, Mass. We have been informed
he was a "minute man" during the war, "and was off in a minute
after the war — I owed too many debts," he used to say. — Ed.
‡ We are indebted to the late Hon. H. Munsell, of Bristol,
for the following anecdote of Barty at Montpelier: "There were some where
he boarded pretty particular about their morning bitters: calling on Barty one
morning at breakfast, they demanded a treat or a verse, and Barty, as money was
rather short, promptly improvised:
"Our fathers, they were much like goats,
First washed their eyes and then their throats;
But we their sons have grown more wise,
First wash our throats and then our eyes." — Ed.
ESSEX. 783
houses and sometimes in barns, in different parts of the
town, as convenience dictated, until the concentration of business at the
Center and the erection of suitable buildings compelled their location there.
The settlement of the town was not rapid. At the
organization there were probably 25 families. Such was the requirement in the
charter. The population in 1791 was 354 ; in 1800, 729 ; in 1860, 1947. In
1794, the first election of governor, 48 votes were cast. In 1795, 51 ; in '96,
50 ; in '97, 68 ; in '98, 62 ; in '99, 55; in 1800, 75; in 1801, 66; in 1800,
236.
In 1788 the town tax "to pay town charges" was
three pence on the pound, to be paid in wheat ; in '91 it was five pence ; in
'97, three cents. In 1794 the town voted £10 to procure a stock of ammunition.
In April, 1796, the first school district of which there is any town record was
formed, and embraced all the north-east part of the town, or that portion of it
north of the original mouth of Alder brook. The school-house stood near where
James Gates then lived. This was the second school-house in town. The first
school-house, tradition informs us, was located on Brown's river, near Jericho,
though the precise spot is not remembered. The first school was taught in 1788,
by John Finch, an Englishman, who is said to have been a fit representative of
the sour-visaged master immortalized in Cowper's rhyme. These were log houses,
not very inviting outside perhaps, and not exceedingly so within, it may be.
But there many of our townsmen acquired their whole "education," from
"Dilworth and Webster," with a little sprinkling of
"arithmetic" from "Adams or Pike." At a later period the
town was divided into 4 districts, then into 6 ; and, as the population
increased, new facilities were required, and schools and school houses
multiplied till, at the present day, there are 16 districts, though not as many
schools in active operation. The scanty means of education enjoyed in 1796 have
been multiplied till, at this day, no child has any excuse for remaining in
ignorance. In 1830 a large stone school-house was erected at the Center, and,
by private enterprise, was finished in the upper story for an academy, and was
occupied as such for several years. In 1854 and '55 the present handsome and
commodious buildings of the Chittenden county institute were erected, and a
school opened in August, 1855. Since this date the buildings belonging to this
Institute have been thoroughly remodeled. Under the name of Essex Academy the
institution is now in a flourishing condition, as, in part, a boarding school,
under the management of Asa Sanderson as principal.
In 1794 a committee was appointed by the town to take
measures to clear the ground sequestered for the purpose of burying the dead.
The east portion of it was first cleared and was most used. The first bodies
deposited here were those of Mr. Isaac Noble, who was buried close under the
elm tree, and a daughter of Capt. Morgan Noble. The monuments erected at an
early day were wrought from the common slate of the town, and the letters were
rudely cut. Some of those stones still stand, their letters so nearly effaced
by the hand of time as to be scarcely legible. The great majority, however, of
those who were buried at an early day have neither stone or mound to mark their
resting place, and lie so closely packed as to render it difficult to open a
new grave without disturbing human bones. A few years since the boundaries of
the grounds were enlarged. Here many of the first settlers of the town lie
buried side by side with their children, and there are few families in town
that are not represented in that hallowed place.
The burial place at the Junction was opened at a later
day. The first person buried here was an elderly man by the name of Story, and
it is said that Dr. Spellman offered a young man a rifle if be would rap three
times on his grave and report Mr. Story's name. The offer was not accepted.
The first male child born in town was Eli Smith. He was
born Nov. 19, 1784, and died March 31, 1858. The first female child was Frances
Hall, born Aug. 23, 1783.
The first marriage recorded as taking place in town was
that of Asa Town and Mabel Andrews. They were married by Nathan Castle, Esq.,
June 11, 1795. The second was that of Dan Griffin and Catharine Merriam, by
Martin Powell, Esq. The first birth recorded was that of Alvin Basset,
May 25, 1793, and the first deaths those of Remember and Ruth Tubbs, March 21,
1788.
The oldest person now living (March, 1861,) is Job Bates,
Esq., who is 93 years of age. In 1830 Mr. Knickerbocker died at the age of 100
years.
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The first physician was Elkanah Billings. Dr. Garlick and
Dr. Spellman succeeded him, the latter of whom settled at Essex Junction, and
built a house on the spot now occupied by David Tyler's hotel. He is spoken of
as an excellent physician, though sceptical in his religious sentiments. Drs.
Pearly Warner, Truman Powell and John Perrigo were afterwards successively
located at Page's Corner. Still later Dr. Mason Mead began practice also at
Page's Corner, and afterwards located himself precisely at the geographical
center of the town, from whence, in advanced age, he moved to Plattsburgh, N.
Y., where he died. Dr. J. W. Emery, Dr. Simon Tubbs and Dr. Marcus Swain were
scientific practitioners and worthy citizens. Succeeding these were Drs. H. N.
Curtis, John Work and L. C. Butler, all of whom are dead, or residents of other
localities save the last named.
Save an occasional epidemic—such as scarlatina, typhoid
fever, or erysipelas—this town was probably as healthy as any of the
surrounding towns. The early settlers were a hardy race of men, and were
perhaps less exposed to temptations, or opportunities for excess, than the
people of this day. They had fewer luxuries of life, and, in consequence, less
of the "ills" that afflict. They were inured to hardship and fatigue,
to hunger and cold. In 1789 there was a great scarcity of provisions, in
consequence of the corn crop of that year being entirely cut off by a flood.
Many families suffered greatly and were reduced to the severest extremity. Some
almost starved.
The Revolutionary soldiers who lived and died in town were
Samuel Bradley, Stephen Butler, David Day, Gideon Curtis, Wm. Ingraham,
Jonathan Bixby and Thomas Chipman, the first four of whom were pensioners.
Samuel Bradley was in the battle of Bennington. The powder-horn which he used
on that occasion is now in possession of his descendants. Its capacity was
three-fourths of a pound. At the commencement of the battle it was well filled;
at the close, it was all gone, having been consumed in charges for his rifle
during the day. He was distinguished for his courage and coolness in the hour
of battle, and it is related of him that, as the battle began, a young man
stationed near him became frightened, lost his self-control, and started to run
from the field. He was met by Mr. Bradley, with the remark, "Stop, sir,
face about and do your duty like a man!" This reassured the young man
and, after a moment's pause, he replied, "I will," and fought bravely
to the close of the engagement. Mr. Bradley was the first captain of the
militia in town, and served in that capacity five years. He was subsequently
chosen deacon of the Congregational church, which office he held until his
death, June 30, 1834. He was eminently pious and exemplary, and regarded as, a
peacemaker by all who knew him.
Stephen Butler enlisted at the age of 19, being then a
resident of Litchfield county, Conn., and served till the peace of '83. All of
them were true patriots and lovers of their country.
The liberally educated men, natives of this town, are as
follows: Samuel Buell, who died soon after he completed his collegiate studies,
and when about to enter upon his preparation for the ministry in 1819; Irad C.
Day, an eminent lawyer in town for many years and afterwards at Muscatine,
Iowa, where he died; Franklin Butler, John E. Hamilton, Sanford Halbert, who
are distinguished ministers of the gospel, and Milton R. Tyler, all of whom are
graduates of the University of Vermont. In addition to these, several residents
of the town, not natives, are also graduates of the same college: Silas C.
Freeman, of the class of 1820; John B. Herrick, pastor of the Presbyterian
church at Malone, N. Y.; George E. Herrick, now a missionary of the American
Board in Turkey.
In 1824, and for several years following, "no small
stir" was made among that class of people in town most noted for their credulity
and superstitious notions, by the assertion that, in a certain locality in the
eastern part of the town, large quantities of gold and silver coin lay buried.
The story runs thus: Many years previous to the settlement of this state a
company of Spaniards came from Canada with a vast amount of silver and gold,
and encamped on Camel's Hump, where they manufactured it into Spanish coin.
Portions of this rich treasure were thought to have been buried from time to
time along the route. In confirmation of this theory it was alledged that
crucibles or vessels for melting the precious metals had been found near the
Hump; that there were marked trees, extending from the latter place to Essex
and thence northward toward Canada, evidently
ESSEX. 785
indicating the route taken by the rich Spaniards ; and
that an old Spaniard had died somewhere—who, as a dying bequest, divulged the
secret to some confidential friend that a vast amount of money was buried in
this town. Under such a combination of circumstances, who could entertain a
doubt? A few faithful friends, to whom the wonderful secret was communicated,
were gathered together. Shovels, pick-axes and ironbars were brought into
requisition, and under the lead of their juggling doctor who carried in his hat
the mystical stone in which he could see the precise locality and enormous
quantity of the concealed precious metals, or held nicely poised upon his
fore-finger the charmed stick which was certain to become mightily agitated and
decline from its horizontal position at the presence of gold or silver, they
went forth "in silence and in fear." With "lanterns dimly
burning" they gathered round the spot indicated by the mystic stone and
the charmed stick and commenced the toils which were to be so soon rewarded with
the sight of the precious coin. With all the energy of desperation and of
fascination they labored on from day to day till at length their eyes were
feasted with a sight of the hidden treasure. But alas for poor human nature !
The involuntary outburst of joy, as the goal of their ambition was now within
their grasp,. broke the charm, and the "chest of gold" disappeared
forever from their view in the solid earth beneath. Several large holes in the
vicinity still remain as monuments of their credulity and folly.
SOIL,
&C.
The face of the town is diversified. The northern and
eastern portions are hilly, though not mountainous. The southern, central and
western are more nearly level, sinking in some parts to a swamp, soft and wet.
There are no mountains or natural ponds in town. On the southern border the
Winooski river forms the boundary line. The eastern portion of the town is
watered by Brown's river and its small tributaries. This river passes through
the town in a north-easterly direction — rising, one branch of it in Jericho,
and the other in Underhill. It is extremely tortuous in its windings, running
many miles around to make one in length. It was so called from a man by the
name of Brown, it is supposed. In its passage through this town it affords not
a single fall sufficient to turn a water-wheel or make a valuable mill
privilege, though both are found above and below. It empties into Lamoille
river in Fairfax. Alder brook, of which mention is made before, runs through
the center of the town, and several other smaller streams are found in other
parts. On the borders of the Winooski and Brown's rivers the soil is a rich
alluvial mould ; in the southern and south-western portions it is sandy ; in
the northern and north-western, there is more of the clay formation with rich
deposits of muck in certain localities ; in the eastern and north-eastern, it
is a sandy loam with occasional croppings out of clay. In general the soil is
rich and exceedingly productive. There is scarcely an acre but what may be cultivated.
In the western part of the town is a large swamp in which cranberries grow
spontaneously, and from which large quantities are gathered and sent to market
every year. Some portions of the swamp are now cultivated, making the crop more
valuable. The greater portion of the town is well adapted for grazing purposes,
and the attention of the farmers is hence directed to growing stock and the
products of the dairy, as well as of the farm in general. Large quantities of
butter and cheese are exported every year, and these perhaps are the leading
products of the town.
ECCLESIASTICAL.
The greater portion of the early settlers of the town came
from Connecticut and Massachusetts, and had been taught in their native homes
to reverence religion and its institutions. Hence among their earliest
proceedings, after organizing themselves into a body politic, we find them
"voting" upon themselves a tax for the "support of
preaching." This was missionary ground. The Connecticut missionary society
sent into the state Revs. Jedediah Bushnell, Gillet, Publius V. Bogue,
Prentiss, Joseph Marshall, and Samuel Wooster, all of whom visited and preached
in this town from time to time. Rev. Mr. Marshall is remembered as an eccentric
genius, and Rev. Mr. Wooster as a bold, fearless defender of the truth, and
both as very pious men. On one occasion it is related that the former, alluding
to the peculiar abruptness of the latter, made the following graphic prayer
with reference to Bro.
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HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
Wooster "O Lord, thou knowest his imperfections, thou
knowest that he will take a beetle to knock a fly off a man's nose when a
feather would do a great deal better." Lorenzo Dow was also among the
early preachers of the town. But this occasional preaching was not sufficient.
The people desired a pastor to dispense the word of life to them from week to
week, to live and grow up with them. With this purpose in view, a town meeting
was legally warned and holden, July 6, 1795, of which Samuel, afterwards Dea.
Buell, was moderator. At this meeting it was " voted to hire preaching in
said town on probation for settlement," and "to raise the sum of
thirty pounds lawful money to be paid into the treasury on or before the first
day of May next, for the above purpose." Timothy Bliss, Esq., and Joshua
Basset were the committee to hire the minister. On the same day they appointed
Martin Powell of Westford, Stephen Pearl of Burlington, and Noah Chittenden of
Jericho, a committee to stick a stake on a spot of ground whereon to build a
meeting-house in said town. In 1796 a similar vote in regard to preaching was passed,
and the "meetings were to be held one-half of the time at Samuel Buell's
and the other half at Dea. Morgan's. In 1797 the town " voted to hire Rev.
Mr. Prentiss to preach in said town for the term of three months,"
&c.; and, after rescinding the vote passed in '95 raining " thirty
pounds lawful money" to support preaching, it was " voted to raise
sixty dollars in money and forty dollars worth of wheat, or the value thereof
in money at 66 cents per bushel, to be raised on the list of '96, and to be paid
on the first day of October next, for the same purpose."
About this time the legislature passed an act authorizing
voluntary associations to be formed in each town for the support of the gospel.
By the terms of this act every legal voter of such town was considered to be of
the religious opinion of the majority in such society, and was required, after
one year's residence in town, to pay taxes for the support of the gospel to
such society ; unless he should procure a certificate, signed by the minister,
deacon, elder, moderator or clerk of the church or congregation to which he
belonged, stating that he actually did contribute to the same object in such
church or parish. This certificate was to be recorded in the town clerk's
office. Many of these certificates, mainly from those who were connected with
the Episcopal church, we find recorded in a book for that purpose. Every legal
voter, therefore, whether belonging to the church nominally or not, was
nevertheless required to pay a tax annually for the support of religious
institutions.
In September, 1797, a committee was appointed for the
purpose of forming an ecclesiastical society in town. This was done in town
meeting, but no record appears of any report. In December, 1798, Capt. Samuel
Bradley and Ezra Slater, Esq., were appointed a committee to lay out a tax of
$100, voted by the town, according to law, for the purpose of hiring preaching
on probation. This tax was to be made up on the list of 1798, and was payable
in neat cattle and grain, at the market price, within a year from the first of
January next.
Thus from year to year the early settlers of the town
supported among them the institutions of the gospel. Each voter contributed,
not according to his own avarice or caprice, nor yet when he pleased to do so,
but according as the Lord had prospered him. Church and state were so far
united. The town, in meeting warned for that purpose, voted the tax, hired the
minister and paid his salary from the town treasury.
Upon the election of Jefferson in 1800, the law above
referred to wag repealed, " the better to promote harmony and good order
in civil society." The vote above referred to is the last we find on the
town record in regard to preaching. The church formed a little more than a year
previous and the ecclesiastical society afterwards organized, took the matter
into their own hands.
ORGANIZATION
OP THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
Oct. 3, 1797, witnessed an event in the history of the
town of which not a soul is left to tell the tale. I refer to the organization
of the Congregational church, which was the first and for many years the only
church in town. Rev. Alexander Gillet, ef Torrington, Conn., Rev. Publius V.
Bogue, of Winchester, Conn., missionaries, and Rev. Ebenezer Kingsbury, of
Jericho, were the ministers present. The first members of the church were
Daniel Morgan, Timothy Bliss, Joshua Basset, Morgan Noble, David Kellogg,
Samuel Bradley, Samuel Buell and
ESSEX. 787
Stephen Butler, males; Zerviah Bliss, Eleanor Kellogg and
Rachael Buell, females. A feeble band it would seem to human view, but strong
in faith. Stern and unyielding in their religious integrity, men of prayer and
Christian activity, their bright example is left to their posterity. The
subsequent history of the church will be given as we proceed.
THE
MEETING-HOUSE.
In 1800 the subject of building a meeting-house was taken
up in town meeting, a committee, consisting of Jonathan Chipman, Samuel Smith,
Abram Stevens, Timothy Bliss, and Samuel Buell, were appointed to draw and
circulate subscriptions for that purpose and to designate the spot. In
September, of that year, the town voted to build a meeting-house within 20 rods
of the spot designated by the above committee. The "spot" thus
indicated was intended to be precisely in the geographical center of the town,
and was on the little knoll just north of the house now occupied by Oscar F.
Tuttle, on the opposite side of Alder brook. Some difference of opinion,
however, in regard to the location, arose, when another committee was
appointed, and there the matter ends, so far as the town was concerned.
In January, 1802, the subject was again agitated, and
David Kellogg, Simon Tubbs, Samuel Griffin appointed a committee to "stick
the stake and lay out the green whereon to erect said house." This
committee happily agreed upon the present location, and, in August of the same
year, the "common," consisting of four acres, was surveyed out and
divided into four parts, for the purpose of "clearing it." And now
came "the tug of war." The ground thus designated was densely covered
with pines of large growth, a portion of which had been, not long previous,
leveled by a furious tornado. It was no small undertaking to rid the "four
acres" of this cumbrous burden. It was done by a "bee," as it
was then termed. The inhabitants of the town generally turned out. Huge piles
of logs were thrown up, standing thick as hay cocks in a fruitful clover field.
Save what was used in erecting the house, the huge mass was committed to the
flames. But the stumps were still left, and one of these, a huge monster, was
honored with a burial many feet under ground, by the boys, who desired to act a
part in the great clearance drama their fathers were enacting. Of the toil and
labor which that beautiful common cost, the men of this generation have but
little conception.
In the spring of 1803 the meeting-house was built nearly
upon the same ground now occupied by the brick one. Timothy Bliss, Esq. was the
superintendent, and Billy Bliss the master-workman in its erection. It was 40
by 50 feet, a plain building, having neither portico or cupola. It had three
entrances on as many sides ; the high-backed square pews in style at that day ;
a gallery on three sides, with the same high-backed pews, which afforded a
hiding place for roguish boys ; and the high pulpit, with the deacon's seat
underneath. Here the people of the town assembled from sabbath to sabbath to
listen to the word of life ; sitting in the winter without any fire, stoves not
being in vogue as now. For many years it was the only place of meeting in town.
THE
ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY.
On the first day of April, of the same year, in town
meeting duly warned and held at Samuel Griffin's house, the first
Ecclesiastical Congregational society was formed in accordance with the law of
the state. Sixty names, including all the prominent and influential men in
town, are attached to the articles there proposed and unanimously agreed upon
as the basis of the organization which exists to this day. Timothy Bliss and
Samuel Buell were appointed a committee to hire a minister to preach on
probation for settlement. July 26, the society voted to raise $100 for that
purpose, one-half in cattle or grain and one-half in money, to be assessed on
the list of 1802 ; and in January, following, voted to give Rev. Jedediah
Bushnell a call to settle for half the time, and "for encouragement voted
to give thirty-five pound salary, to rise with the list of the society till it
amounted to forty pounds and there stop." But Mr. Bushnell was never
settled, probably owing to the circumstance now to be related.
THE
FIRST SETTLED MINISTER.
In March, 1803, occurred the memorable union between the
Baptist and Congregational societies, by which the Rev. David Hurlbut, a
Baptist clergyman, became the first settled minister of Essex. In the charter
of the town, it will be recollected, a reservation of 330 acres of land was
made for the first settled minister. To secure possession
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HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
of it was therefore a matter of some importance, and
especially since the seeds of Universalism, sown here at an early day by some
of the settlers, had grown as the population increased, till at length a
preacher of that faith, by the name of Babbit, was actually located in town.
Perhaps some spirit was exhibited in enforcing the respective claims. Some
assert that a house was placed on the ministerial reservation by one society
and taken possession of by the other. Whether this or any other of the traditions
given are true or not, it suffices to say that the Congregationalists, having
no minister of their own peculiar faith, made proposals to the Baptist society
and Rev. David Hurlbut to unite and settle him over the joint societies. They
were accepted and he was accordingly ordained, March 25, 1803, only a few hours
earlier, however, than the time appointed for the ordination of Mr. Babbit. The
lands were thus retained by the joint societies and equitably divided between
them. The union lasted about one year, when each church again resumed its
independent action.
On the 21st day of August, 1805, Rev. Asaph Morgan was
ordained pastor of the Congregational church. Rev. Asa Burton, D. D., of
Thetford, preached the sermon. Mr. Morgan was pastor of the church about 23
years ; was dismissed June 25, 1828, and died at St. Albans, Oct. 5, 1828, at
the age of 55 years. His remains were brought to Essex for interment, and the
"faithful pastor and able divine" sleeps with the people to whom he
was so ardently attached, and among whom he spent his entire ministry. During
his pastorate 178 were added to the church, 79 of whom were received as the
fruits of the memorable revival of 1821-2.
Rev. Amasa Stuart succeeded him, and was ordained Oct. 15,
1829, and dismissed Feb. 14, 1832. During his ministry a revival occurred in
1830-1, as the results of which 69 were admitted to the communion of the
church. In 1833-4 an extensive revival occurred, under the Rev. John L.
Edgerton as "stated supply," and 45 were added. In 1839-40, as the
result of protracted meetings held by Rev. William Miller and Rev. Sherman
Kellogg, with Rev. B. B. Cutler as stated supply, 16 were received into the
church. On the 23d of December, 1841, Rev. Daniel Warren was installed pastor,
and during his ministry 18 were added. He was dismissed Aug. 18, 1846. Rev.
John D. Sands succeeded him, being installed Nov. 1, 1848, and dismissed April
9, 1856. During his connection with the church 31 were added. Since the latter
date the church has had no pastor.
From the organization of the church to the present time
553 persons have been connected with it, of whom probably 150 are still living.
The deacons of the church have been successively Samuel Buell, Otis Kellogg,
Samuel Bradley, David Hamilton, Alvin J. Watkins, Samuel Douglas. The present
pleasant house of worship was built in the year 1839-40, and was dedicated in
1840. Rev. James Dougherty preached the dedication sermon. The Rev. John Adams
was "stated supply" of the church for six months after.
THE
BAPTIST CHURCH
was organized Nov. 5, 1801, as a branch of the Westford
Baptist church, with five members, and the first meeting for business was held
on the same day. Elder Thomas Brown was moderator, and Levi Farnsworth, clerk.
The first additions were William Ingraham, wife and daughter, Nov. 14, 1801.
Jan. 16, 1802, the Branch took the name of the Baptist church of Christ in
Essex. Their first pastor was Elder David Hurlbut, as before related. Their
second, was Ephraim Butler. During his pastorate there were some revivals.
Elder David Boynton was the third pastor. His labors were quite successful. Ten
were baptized by him at one baptismal season. Thomas Ravlin was the fourth ; he
was dismissed from the church Dec. 18, 18l9. During the great revival of 1821,
although the church had no settled pastor, it shared richly in that spiritual
outpouring and received 30 additions by baptism. Their fifth pastor was Robert
Hastings the sixth, Chester Ingraham, who was licensed to preach Oct. 29, 1823,
and ordained as an evangelist May 6, 1828. During the 18 years of his pastorate
several revivals occurred, especially in 1829-30, and in 1839, when 50 were
added to the church, 42 by baptism and 8 by letter. On the 2d of June, 1839,
previous to communion, he gave the right hand of fellowship to 35, and on one
baptismal occasion 15, and on another, 21 were baptised. The next pastor was
Lyman Smith, whose labors were attended by a revival and the addition of 41 to
the church. In 1842, 137 members were
ESSEX. 789
returned to the association. From 1843 to 1845, M. G.
Hodge was pastor ; from 1847 to 1852, Isaiah Huntly, who is an excellent man
and an acceptable minister. From 1852 to near 1854, S. S. Kingsley was pastor,
and from 1856 to 1858, Jacob Gray, under whose ministry a revival occurred, as
the fruits of which 34 were added to the church by baptism and several by
letter. In April, 1858, Lyman Smith commenced his second pastorate over the
church; but at the end of two years was compelled to resign on account of ill
health, much to the regret of both church and community.
The whole number that have united with the church since
its organization is about 320 ; present number, 119. The first deacon was Mr.
Ingraham ; 2d, Nathaniel Blood ; 3d, Peter Hobart, all of whom are dead. The
present deacons are John Andrews, Stephen Curtis and Artemas A. Ingraham. In
1827 the first meeting-house was finished and in April, 1839, it was destroyed
by fire. The present house was immediately erected upon the same spot and
dedicated Aug. 12, 1840.
[The foregoing facts are taken from a sketch furnished by
Rev. Chester Ingraham.]
METHODISM.
During the early settlement of the town there was
occasionally preaching by Methodist itinerants who were passing through the
town to the regions beyond. The first preacher of this persuasion was a Mr.
Mitchell. The first and only sermon he delivered was in the house then owned by
Dea. Kellogg. He was cordially received by the members of the Congregational
church, as was every evangelical preacher ; but his attack upon their
characteristic doctrine did not please them, and they sent him forward on his
journey. Many years after this Peter Vanesst and Lorenzo Dow visited this
region — men whose names, with the early Methodists, were as ointment poured forth.
But their followers were few, and those, like sheep without a shepherd, were
soon scattered ; yet there remained here and there one as landmarks to guide us
back to "the times that tried men's souls." For a long period of time
Mr. Henry Collins (familiarly called "Uncle Henry"), was the only
Methodist in town. Yet he lived to see a flourishing society, and died Aug. 25,
1860, at the advanced age of 87 years. He was highly esteemed as a Christian
citizen.
It was not, however, until 1829 that a society was
organized. In December, of that year, the first class was formed, numbering 17
persons and embracing some of the best families in town. There is no record of
their names, but among them are embraced the following: Henry Collins and wife,
Amasa Bryant and wife, J. D. Berry and wife, Reuben Barrett and wife, George
Whitney (since a preacher—his wife, with several others, joined four weeks
later), Ira Tubbs and wife, Amasa Mansfield and wife, and Peter Dorset who was
appointed leader.
This class formed the nucleus of the church and together
with some 30 others, who soon afterwards joined it, was the fruit of a gracious
revival that commenced the autumn previous at Hubbel's Falls, now known as
Essex Junction. This revival commenced under the labors of Bro. John Adams, a
licensed exhorter, who with his praying wife and hired man, Peter Dorset, above
named, began meetings for prayer and exhortation in their "own hired
house." The place soon proved "too straight" for them and they
moved their meetings to the school-house near by. From thence the work spread
through Essex and several adjoining towns. Hundreds were converted, many of
whom have died in faith and "rest from their labors," while many
others still live to bless the world and the churches they then joined, and are
now fathers and mothers in Israel.
Against continued opposition the society prospered, and in
1833 became a prominent appointment, giving name to the circuit with which it
was connected. In order to place the society on equal standing with other
denominations in town, it was determined to build a chapel ; but, owing to
various hindrances, the work was not commenced till 1839. In that year the
present "beautiful house" was built by Joseph Fairfield, Lorin Tyler
and Geo. Whitney, and cost, with fixtures and grounds, nearly $2000. Upon the
completion of the house, they very generously deeded it to the society, after
having received from them about one-half the cost. Essex is now (1861) a
station, owns a parsonage and lot, and enjoys the entire pastoral labors of its
minister. It is fully equal, in point of numbers and respectability, to the
other denominations in town.
Of the "natives" of Essex a few have become
distinguished in the world as lawyers,
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HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
physicians and ministers of the gospel. In the war of 1812
Essex furnished a number of men who as volunteers were in the battle of
Plattsburgh—Cols. GEORGE TYLER and SAMUEL PAGE were conspicuous as officers in
the battle.
In that battle Col. GEORGE TYLER commanded a portion of
the Vermont militia, under Gen. Strong. They were encamped near Salmon river,
awaiting orders to march to the scene of action. The order soon came and they
took up the line of march in quick time. Observing some delay and flagging in one
company, Gen. Strong rode up to Col. Tyler, and with some spirit accosted him.
"Why all this delay?" Col. Tyler replied, "I've got a d—d coward
on my left." "March on and leave him then," was the stern reply
of the General, as he rode away to another portion of the field.
Col. SAMUEL PAGE was one of the company which was
stationed at Swanton in 1808, to guard the frontier and prevent violations of
the Embargo Act. This place was the head-quarters of the army, from whence
squads or scouting parties were sent out in various directions, to intercept
smugglers and seize contraband property. On one of these excursions, while at
Windmill Point, Ensign Page, in command of a squad of nine, discovered a boat
load of potash in full sail for Canada. He ordered them to "heave to"
or he should "fire into them." They did so and surrendered their
valuable cargo. The news of the capture soon spread. Threats of recapture were
freely made, and 60 men were ready to carry that threat into execution ; but
the little squad determined, if attacked, to sell their lives as dearly as
possible, and prepared themselves for the expected encounter. Happily for them,
orders came to sail the vessel into Burlington, and the test of their bravery
was thus saved. In 1812 Col. Page was one of the first to volunteer in defence
of his country, and suffered much in the cold storm that succeeded the battle
of Plattsburgh. In common with his fellow soldiers who survived that battle
long enough, he has been gratefully remembered by his country.
Col. JOHN PARKER, a resident of Essex, was in the battle
of Lundy's Lane, under Gen. Scott.
REV.
ASAPH MORGAN.
The following brief sketch of the life and character of
Rev. Asaph Morgan is furnished, in part, by Rev. Simeon Parmelee, who for 20
years was his cotemporary:
Mr. Morgan was born in Springfield, Mass., in 1773. Of his
early life or his parentage but little is known, save that he followed some
mechanical employment for a livelihood. He was not a graduate of any college,
and had no more than an ordinary education, a fact which was no small trial to
him in his ministerial career. He studied divinity with Dr. Burton of Thetford,
and began his public life with the church in Essex, where he was ordained in
1805.* In the winter of 1806—7 Mr. Morgan made a missionary tour through
Orleans county in this state. Among those with whom he conversed privately upon
personal religion, was a man who was in sentiment a Universalist. His first
effort was to convince him of the error of Universalism, and the result was (to
use the man's own language) that "he painted Universalism in so dark a
shade that I never liked its color afterwards." The man afterwards became
an acceptable and successful minister of the gospel.
As a writer Mr. Morgan was chaste, terse and comprehensive.
His sermons were rich in thought and eminently practical, written generally,
however, in a short-hand of his own-invention, to which he left no key. The
only writings of his published is a reply to the pastoral letter of the Vermont
Baptist Association, which strongly enforced the doctrine of close communion.
In his delivery Mr. Morgan was easy, but not fascinating,
and seldom made a gesture while speaking. His voice was not strong, but
pleasant. He was tall in stature, of a dark complexion, and very sedate
countenance. He never trifled, nor allowed himself or his brethren to jest. He
was social, when any subject of interest was introduced, but indisposed to talk
about nothing. His lips were always guarded. His conversation and public
performances always sparkled with gems drawn from the word of truth. He was
eminently sound in the faith, firmly believing and preaching all the
fundamental
—————
* Just previous to his ordination he was sent on a
missionary tour into Pennsylvania and Delaware and spent some months in
Wilksbarre and vicinity. It was while on this tour that he received the call to
become pastor of the church in Essex. A letter, written whilst in those states,
exhibits his ardent devotion to his chosen work, and his strong attachment to
the church of his adopted town.
ESSEX. 791
doctrines of the Calvinistic belief. And it was while
delivering a series of discourses upon Divine Sovereignty, Election and
Decrees, that the powerful and extensive revival of 1821 broke out. The revival
began in the summer, was general throughout the town, and characterized by deep
solemnity of feeling, thorough conviction and sound conversion. Mr. Morgan
continued the series of discourses he had begun, arguing, as he said from the
result, that they were approved of God.
His life was filled up with usefulness. He was a humble,
devoted minister, an eminently exemplary man, and universally beloved by his
people and by the entire community. He was always punctual in all his
engagements, and died as he had lived leaving behind him a name which will long
be had in remembrance.
There are other individuals of whom it was our intention
to give brief sketches, but the material was not furnished to our hands in
proper season. In addition to those mentioned above, who have kindly favored us
with important facts, embodied in our brief history, we take pleasure in
mentioning the name of Alfred Halbert, Esq.
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LINES,
Written on seeing a flower that had been highly prized by
a valued and intimate friend, long since dead.
BY L. C. BUTLER, M. D.
Why, ah why love I flowers so well,
And why in their sweetness delight ;
Why bound as it were in a spell,
When these fairy things meet my sight?
They call up the friends of the past
And clothe them with beauty anew—
I see them as when I did last,
Bright fancy recalls them to view.
I call them—they answer me not,
They're gone, never more to appear,
And doubtless these friends I'd forgot
If flowers were not left to me here.
O give me not tombstones to tell
The spot where my body may lay,
Nor toll a sad funeral knell
When my soul from earth flees away,
Let flowers from some lovely dell
Be strewn on my newly-made grave;
Let anguish no bosom e'er swell;
A flower's all the tombstone I crave
If but the sweet mignionett's bloom,
In beauty and excellence rare,
Its fragrance may shed o'er my tomb,
I ask that naught else may be there.
AN
OFFERING.
BY MRS. S. B. HERRICK.*
Mother, thou'st not forgot
One genial April morn,
When a sweet babe was brought,
Thy fairest, latest born ;
And close beside thy heart,
Thrilling with new-born joy,
On the low cottage bed,
They laid thy dealing boy.
Mother, the angels stood
Beside that cottage bed,
And saw thy gentle hand
Laid on his tiny head;
And heard thy earnest prayer,
Wafted to heaven away—
"Father, this precious child
I consecrate to Thee."
Mother, thy watchful care,
Hath seen that bud expend
Into an opening flower,
Beneath that Guiding Hand,
To whom thy earliest prayer
Ascended fervently—
And in its blossoming,
He asketh it of thee.
Mother, God help thee now;
Thine eye is dim with age,
And many a sorrow stands
Recorded on life's page;
Two little ones have passed
From thy embrace away;
And one in riper years,
Not e'en thy love could stay.
Mother, God help thee now,
He calls thy youngest born,
The one that came to thee
On that sweet April morn—
Not to the "Land of Rest,"
But to a life of toil,
Of suffering, and perchance
Death, on a foreign soil.
Mother, God help thee now,
And give thee grace to bear
This trial of thy faith,
In answer to thy prayer.
And from thy inmost soul
Enable thee to say,
"Father, Thy will be done,"
"Child, speed thee on thy way."
Go, in the bright, fresh dawn,
Of early manhood, go !
While the sweet glow of health
Mantles on cheek and brow;
And thy strong arm is nerved
For the great work of life ;
And thy firm heart beats high
With courage, for the strife.
Go, may the Gospel light
Irradiate thy way,
And many a darkened soul
Awake beneath its ray,
And many a jewel shine
In the Redeemer's crown,
Whom lustre shell give light
And radiance to thine own,
Go, and a Mother's prayer
Shall ever follow thee,
And fresh as in life's morn,
A Mother's love shall be,
Till from the east and west
God's chosen ones shall come;
And in those mansions blest
Find an eternal home.
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* A native of Essex, now a resident of Rockford, Ill.