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warm and genial friend, a temperance man of the strictest sect, and, as we believe, a consistent Christian.
Mr. White was a resident member of the New England Historic Genealogic Society, and corresponding member of most of the local and State Historical Societies in the United States. He was a member of the corporation of Middlebury College. The honorary degree of Master of Arts had been conferred upon him by Amherst and Middlebury Colleges and the University of Vermont.
He married, May 11, 1847, Electa B. D. Gates, of Belchertown, Mass., who survives him, and now resides at Amherst, Mass. He had three children:— 1st, Margaret Elizabeth, born at Londonderry, Vt., Mar. 21, 1849, and who graduated at the Tilden Female Seminary in 1868, with the highest honors. 2d, John Alexander, born at Brattleboro, Feb. 15, 1851, and who died at Brattleboro, Aug. 12, 1861. 3d, William Holton, born at St. Johnsbury, Aug. 1, 1855. He inherits many of his father's useful and studious qualities.
Mr. White died at his residence in Coventry, Apr. 24, 1869, after an illness of paralysis of the brain, undoubtedly occasioned by overwork, at the age of 46 years, 6 months and 18 days. He was buried at Westminster on Tuesday, the 27th of April in a lot selected by himself for his last resting-place.
From this imperfect and hasty glance at his life and character, we may briefly take a general view of his claims as a remarkable man and useful citizen.
It is obvious that he owed little to advantageous circumstances. It was not his name that drew attention to his talents, it was his talents that gave prominence to his name. He forced his own way from obscurity, and by the power of his own genius carved out for himself an honored name. He sprang from the substantial yeomanry of New England. He attained his eminence and position by the force of his own genius, by patient, laborious, untiring industry. It was the quickness of his observation which enabled him to appropriate to himself whatever was useful. His memory was capacious and retentive. Witness the stores of information he had collected. His imagination was lively and vigorous. With all these characteristics of mind, none of us know how much he might have accomplished had he lived to the ordinary length of life. Owing to his versatility of talent, he was ready upon every subject, and could accomodate himself to all occasions. He possessed a fund of chastened humor and harmless satire. We have seen him in a deliberative assembly, when angry feelings were enkindling, by one stroke of humor avert the gathering storm and change the whole current of feeling.
He gained knowledge for practical purposes, and considered knowledge of little value that could not be turned to utility. As a writer and speaker, he adopted no artificial mode of expression; he simply sought that phraseology, which would convey with clearest directness, his own ideas. His words were of the old Saxon stock; his sentences were not modeled by Roman measures, but to the more negligent simplicity of native, English syntax. It had been his life's early and late business to address popular assemblies, and commune with the common mind; and the habit of constant, hasty popular addresses, with all its simplifying benefits, produced its corresponding defects. It lowered his standard of rhetorical finish. The main excellence of his style consisted in a clear, vernacular, consecutive train of manly thought and methodical arrangement.
Such is a brief sketch of the life of Mr. White; such, at least he was to the fallible view, and in the hastily expressed phrase of one whose pleasure it was to enjoy his friendship and to have been the associate of some of his earthly labors. If personal feelings were likely to color the expression, still the endeavor has been to draw the lineaments, from memory, and to speak with the impartiality of history.
Vermont had the honor of his birth, the benefit of his labors; her hills were his home, her history his study, her progress his delight, her honor his glory, and her soil his grave. May a kind Providence grant to our beloved State another son like PLINY H. WHITE.
CRAFTSBURY.
BY HON. W. J. HASTINGS.
Craftsbury, in Orleans County, is bounded N. by Albany, S. by Greensboro, E. by Wolcott, W. by Eden. It is situated about 25 miles south of Canada line and about 30 north of Montpelier, and is about equidistant between Con‑
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necticut River on the east and Lake Champlain on the west. It it quite a good farming town though somewhat broken by hills, valleys, streams and ponds. There are five natural ponds in this town, viz. Elligo, lying partly in Greensboro; Great Hosmer, partly in Albany; Little Hosmer and two smaller ponds.
Black river is formed in this town by the union of several small streams flowing from the three large ponds above mentioned, Trout Brook and Nelson Brook. On these streams are several valuable mill-privileges. The river, after receiving these tributaries, runs northerly 4 miles through the center of the town, continuing on through Albany, Irasburgh and Coventry and empties into Lake Memphremagog in Newport; its current is in general slow; the entire descent from Elligo Pond to Memphremagog Lake, including the two falls in Irasburgh and Coventry, being by actual measurement only 190 feet—the distance being 30 miles. The valley of this river is a muck-bed averaging one-fourth of a mile in width on which grows a great quantity of meadow-hay. In addition to the streams above mentioned, is the Wild Branch which rises in Eden, runs through the western part of this town and empties into the Lamoille River in Wolcott. There are many excellent farms in this town, from which are exported large quantities of butter annually. The town was granted to Timothy Newall, Ebenezer Crafts and their associates Nov. 6, 1780, and chartered by the name of Minden, Aug 23, 1781. The first settlement of the town was commenced in the Summer of 1778, by Col. E. Crafts, who during that Summer opened a road from Cabot (18 miles), cleared 10 or 12 acres of land, built a saw-mill and made some preparations for a grist-mill. In the Spring of 1789, Nathan Cutter and Robert Trumbull moved their families into this township. Mr. Trumbull by reason of sickness in his family, spent the ensuing winter in Barnet, but Mr. Cutter's family remained through the winter. Their nearest neighbors were Ashbel Shepard's family in Greensboro, a distance of 6 miles. There were, at that time, no other settlements within the present limits of Orleans County. In November, 1790, the name of the town was altered to Craftsbury. In February, 1791, Col. Crafts, having previously erected a grist-mill and made other improvements, together with John Corey, Benjamin Jenkins, Daniel Mason, John Babdock and Mills Merrifield moved their families from Sturbridge Mass.;—arriving at Cabot they found it impossible to proceed farther with their teams on account of the great depth of snow and were obliged to provide themselves with snow-shoes and draw the females on hand-sleds a distance of 18 miles. These settlers were soon followed by other families from Sturbridge and other parts of Worcester County. In March, 1792, the town was organized. Samuel C. Crafts was chosen town clerk and annually elected to that office until 1829, when Joseph Scott (then Jr.), was elected and still holds said office, having been annually elected for 39 years, with a fair prospect of holding it for several years to come; and probably the records of this town will compare favorably with those of any town in the State. At this first town meeting Ebenezer Crafts was chosen moderator; Ebenezer Crafts, Nathan Cutler, Nehemiah Lyon, selectmen, and Joseph Scott, constable:
"Voted, that all Town and Freeman's meetings be hereafter held at Col. Ebenezer Crafts until otherwise ordered."
The first Freeman's meeting was holden September, 1792, and Col. E. Crafts was chosen representative to the legislature, he was also elected to the same office in 1793.
Col. Joseph Scott represented the town in 1794–'97–'98—'99—1815–'17 and '25. Royal Corben, who came to this place about the year 1800, represented the town in 1804–'06—'08—'09—'10—'11—'12—'13—'14—'16 and '31.
Among the most prominent men who held the town offices for the first 20 years after the organization of the town, were those already mentioned and Ephraim Morse, Nehemiah Lyon, Samuel French, Daniel Mason Dan'l Davison, Arba Nelson, Dea. —— Shaw and Leonard Holmes.
Craftsbury, at the time it was chartered, belonged to Chittenden County; it was subsequently annexed to Caledonia County and in 1792 Orleans County was incorporated and the courts were held alternately in Craftsbury and Brownington. Irasburgh became the shire-town about the year 1815.
The two principal villages in town, are the Common or CENTER VILLAGE and the SOUTH VILLAGE, one mile south of the Common. The Common was the only place of business for the first 30 years, the South village being
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a wilderness till 1818, but having the advantage of good water-power it is now quite as large as the Common, and the town-meetings are held there. There are two other small villages in town, one in the eastern part and the MILL VILLAGE, which is situated about one mile N. E. of the Common, in which has recently been erected a first-class flouring-mill. There are in town (1868) 3 churches, 1 academy, 1 woolen factory, 7 stores, 2 grist-mills, 5 saw-mills, 1 hulling-mill, 5 blacksmith-shops, 3 wheelwright-shops, 1 tannery, 1 tin-shop, 5 shoe-shops, 2 harness shops and 3 hotels.
This town from 1800 to 1825, or '30, was the center of trade for all the towns around it; as late as 1818 or '20, there was no store in Lowell, Westfield, Troy, Jay, Eden, Wolcott, Greensboro, Glover, or Albany. The trade of Greensboro was about equally divided between Hardwick and Craftsbury and that of Glover between Craftsbury and Barton; nearly all the trade from the other towns mentioned came to Craftsbury, and there is now probably no other town in Orleans County (except Barton and Newport) where more goods are sold than in this.
EDUCATION.
The first settlers early made provision for the education of the children. In 1775, the town voted to raise 25 bushels of wheat for the support of a school: in 1796 or '97, the town voted to raise $90 to defray the expenses of building a school-house and in 1798, the town was divided into 2 school-districts; others were added from time to time as the wants of the people demanded, and there are now 14 school districts in town with good school-houses in most of them, and the education of the children well cared for.
Craftsbury academy was incorporated in 1829, and has been in operation one or more terms nearly every year since: the large brick academy which was built at the time of incorporation, was this year (1868) taken down and a new and commodious one erected in its stead; the school is now in a prosperous condition under the superintendence of Mr. L. H. Thomson and Miss A. Nichols.
RELIGIOUS—CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
In 1797, a Congregational church was organized, and Rev. Samuel Collins was settled as pastor, and continued to preach in this town till 1804, when he died; from that time until 1822, they had no settled minister in town: during the year last mentioned, the Rev. Wm. A. Chapin was ordained pastor, which office he held about 12 years, when he was dismissed at his own request and was succeeded by Revs. S. R. Hall, A. O. Hubbard, I. Hoadley and E. P. Wild, who is the present pastor.—See P. H. White's clerical history of Orleans County.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The present Methodist church was organized in 1818, under the labors of Rev. Wilbur Fisk, and was united in a circuit with several other towns till about 1830, when it became a station of itself and has maintained preaching from that time to the present,—usually changing preachers once in 2 years. The following are a few of the clergy who have officiated here, Revs. Schuyler Chamberlain, N. W. and J. C. Aspenwall, D. S. Dexter, Daniel Field, A. McMullen, W. D. Malcome, Peter Merrill, J. W. Bemis and C. Tabor, who is the present pastor. There are 175 church-members and over 250 members of the Sabbath school, and 300 volumes in the Library. The Methodist church is located at the South village, the Congregational church at the Common. There is also a society of
PRESBYTERIANS OR COVENANTERS,
in the east part of the town, several of the members of which live in Greensboro and Glover: they have a respectable house of worship, a parsonage and a settled minister, Rev. ——— Johnson. There was for many years a Calvinist Baptist society in town, also a society of Univeralists, both of which have become extinct.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. James Paddock was the first physician in this town, he married Augusta Crafts, daughter of Col. E. Crafts, with whom he lived but a few years when he died, leaving 2 sons, James A., who became a lawyer and lived in the town until his death in 1867, and Wm. E., the younger who became a merchant and lived in town until his death in the summer of 1855. Dr. Ephraim Brewster succeeded Dr. Paddock as physician and also married his widow with whom he lived till about 1813, when he died while acting as surgeon in the war with Great Britain; leaving one son who bears his fathers name and is now a practicing physician in town: his widow afterwards married Benjamin Clark with whom she lived some 20 or 25 years when he died; she lived until 1861 and died at the advanced
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age of 88 years and 6 months. She was truly a mother in Israel, loved and respected by all who knew her. Dr. Wm. Scott succeeded Dr. Brewster and was the only physician in the place until Dr. Daniel Dustin come to town in 1822, and was the principal physician for 30 years and still has a good practice: He married Laura Corbin, daughter of Royal Corbin, and grand-daughter of Col. Crafts, with whom he lived about 25 years. He has long been one of our most influential and esteemed citizens.
There are at present 4 physicians in town, viz. Daniel Dustin, Ephraim Brewster, S. R. Corey and George Davis.
The population of this town in 1860, was 1413—and the grand list in 1867, $4800.53.
COL. JOSEPH SCOTT.
Among the early settlers of Craftsbury, no one did more to help his townsmen and advance the interests of the town than Col. Scott. His table was free and many families were assisted till they could raise something to help themselves. He was the poor man's friend and it is often remarked. "no one did more to bring forward the setttement of the town, than Col. Joseph Scott." He died July 31, 1841, aged 80 years.
DEA. NEHEMIAH LYON
also did much to assist the early settlers. He was a blacksmith and a "jack at all trades," as well as a farmer, and ever ready to lend a helping hand to his neighbors. He was also very efficient in the church and conducted the meetings for many years, when there was no preaching and did much to elevate the moral and religious state of society in the community. His grandson, Wm. H. Lyon, now owns the same farm, drawn to his original right, which has always remained in the family, and Wm. H. also runs the blacksmith-shop on the same ground his father and grandfather worked, where the sparks have been flying for three fourths of a Century.
HON. SAMUEL C. CRAFTS.
Gov. Crafts' history has long been identified with the written history of the State, and the history of Congress, and nothing that I can write can render his name more conspicuous; he was born Oct. 6, 1768, and died Nov. 19, 1853. He had one son and one daughter: his son Samuel P. Crafts died in 1824, in the 26th year of his age; his daughter still lives and is the wife of Nathan S. Hill, Esq., of Burlington.
Having received a collegiate education before coming to this town, his counsel and assistance were often desired and highly valued by his townsmen. He was elected town representative 5 years, judge of the court several years, Member of the council and consti. tutional. conventions, Governor of the State, Member of Congress, and of the U. S. Senate. He was a man whom the people delighted to honor.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
BY REV. P. H. WHITE.
The Congregational church was organized July 4, 1797, and consisted of 16 persons, 8 of each sex. At a meeting held July 12, Nehemiah Lyon was chosen deacon, and the church voted not to adopt" the half-way covenant."* Most of the members were from Massachusetts, and had there seen the evil results of the adoption of that covenant. Within a few weeks the Rev. Samuel Collins, one of tho constituent members, was installed pastor, the town acting as a parish and uniting with the church to give him a call. His ministry was productive of but small visible results, only one person being added to his church during his pastorate of nearly 7 years. He was dismissed in June, 1804.
For a long term of years the church was destitute of a settled ministry, and enjoyed. only the occasional labors of missionaries and neighboring ministers. In 1811, under the labors of the Rev. Salmon King, of Greensboro, a revival was experienced which resulted in the addition of 21 persons to the church. A yet more extensive revival occurred in 1818, in connection with the ministry of the Rev. James Hobart, of Berlin, and 30 additions took place. Several years of declension and
————
* "The half-way covenant" was one of the evil results of a law of the Colony of Massachusetts, (18th May, 1631) that "noe man shalbe admitted to the freedoms of this body politicke, but such as are members of some of the churches within the limits of the same." By this law, many men of sound patriotism, good judgment, and unblamable lives were excluded from all the rights of citizenship; to remedy the hardship and in justice of which, many churches allowed any and all-persons who had an adequate knowledge of religious truth, and who were not scandalous in life, to become members of the church upon mere application, they covenanting only to do certain of the external duties of religion. This was the "half-way covenant," and with this was involved the history of New England, civil as well as ecclesiastical, for a full century. The dismission and expulsion of Jonathan Edwards from Northampton, marks the culmination of the controversy which grew out of it.
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great trials followed, during which there were no additions, but many excommunications. In 1820, a house of worship was completed, which was dedicated 28 Sept., the Rev. James Hobart preaching the sermon. In August, 1822, the Rev. Wm. A. Chapin was called to the pastorate, and in the following September he was ordained. Additions to the church now took place almost every year, and in the latter part of 1830 a powerful revival was experienced, which brought in 24 members. During Mr. Chapin's pastorate of just 12 years, 65 persons were added to the church.
The pulpit was supplied but partially till February, 1838, when the Rev. Daniel Parker became acting pastor, and continued 2 years. He was succeeded by the Rev. Samuel R. Hall, who commenced preaching on the first Sabbath in May, 1840, and was installed July 8, 1840. In 1842 and '43 there was a general revival, and 52 were added to the church. Mr. Hall's pastorate continued till January, 1854, during which 90 persons were admitted upon profession of faith. The Rev. Thomas Kidder then became acting pastor for a year, and was succeeded in the Spring of 1855 by Rev. Austin O. Hubbard, who continued until the Fall of 1857. In the Fall of 1858, the Rev. L. Ives Hoadly became acting pastor and continued 7 years. The Rev. Edward P. Wild commenced preaching on the 1st Sabbath in September, 1865, and in the following October was installed pastor. As the result mainly of pastoral labor in 1866—67, an interesting work of grace took place, and a number of conversions occurred, principally among persons who had been neglecters of the means of grace, and immoral in their lives. For more than 2 years, 1866—68, there were additions to the church at every communion.
PASTORS.
1. The Rev. Samuel Collins, was born in Lebanon Crank, (now Columbia,) Ct., in 1747. He was apprenticed to a trade, and did not commence study till he had passed the age of 21. He was graduated at Dartmouth in 1775, was ordained pastor in Sandown, N. H., 27 Dec., 1780, and was dismissed April 30, 1788. He was installed Nov. 25, 1788, over the Presbyterian church in Hanover Center. The Rev. Eden Burroughs, D. D. has been pastor of this church, but had renounced Presbyterianism, taking with him the greater part of the church and people. Mr. Collins became pastor of the remaining minority, and as a consequence, his ministry was beset with trials. He was, however, universally esteemed as a devoted and excellent Christian minister. He was dismissed from that pastorate in 1795, and was installed at Craftsbury in 1797; was dismissed 30 June, 1804, and died 7 Jan. 1807.
In 1779, he married Betsey Hackett of Salisbury, Mass., by whom he had Robert, born 23 Jan. 1782; Samuel, born 23 May, 1784, Abigail, Priscilla, Julius, Betsey, James H., Mary Ann; Marinda, born 1 Nov. 1798; Lucia, born July 28, 1801.
2. The Rev. William Arms Chapin was born in Newport, N. H., 8 Dec. 1790, the oldest of 12 children of Daniel and Elizabeth (Arms) Chapin, all of whom became members of the same church with their parents. His father was the son of Moses, who was the son of Ebenezer, who was the son of Japhet, who was the son of Dea. Sam'l Chapin, who settled in Springfield, Mass., in 1642, and who is supposed to be the ancestor of nearly 30,000 descendants. His parents were Christians of the Westminster catechism stamp, and taught him to recite by heart the whole of that compend of theology, before he could read. He was graduated at Dartmouth in 1816, taught seveal years in Virginia, then studied theology with the Rev, Ephraim P. Bradford, of New Boston, N. H., and was licensed by the Presbytery of Londonderry, in 1821. He was ordained at Craftsbury, 25 Sept. 1822, the Rev. Chester Wright, of Montpelier, preaching the sermon, and was dismissed 24 Sept. 1834. He then removed to Greensboro, where he was acting pastor for 6 years, and was there installed Jan. 20, 1841. There he remained, till his death, which was occasioned by consumption, 27 Nov. 1850. He married 10 Sept. 1823, Lucy Curtis of Hanover, N. H., by whom he had 5 children. She died 29 June, 1832; and he married, 26 March, 1833, Sarah Orr of Bedford, N. H., by whom he had 2 children, one of whom, John Orr, died of a wound received at the battle of Pittsburgh Landing. His 2d wife survived him, and died at Waverly, Ill., 29 Aug. 1858.
Mr. Chapin's theology was strictly Calvinistic. His sermons were very lucid and methodical, and in the delivery of them he was slow and deliberate, almost to a fault. He was proverbially punctual to meet every appointment, let the state of the weather, or of the road, be what it would. His advice was much sought in the adjustment of eccle‑
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siastical difficulties, for which he was well qualified by imperturbable calmness, patience in investigation, and soundness of judgment. No one had more than he, of the confidence of the ministers and churches of Orleans County, nor did more to fashion them according to the puritan type.
3. The Rev. S. R. Hall. See Browington pastors.
4. The Rev. Edward Payson Wild, son of the Rev. Daniel and Huldah (Washburn) Wild, was born in Brookfield, Vt., 4 June, 1839. He fitted for college at Royalton Academy and at Orange County Grammar School, and was graduated at Middlebury in 1860. He studied theology at Bangor, where he was graduated in 1863. He was licensed by Penobscot Association, 12 July, 1864, and was ordained at Craftsbury, 11 Oct. 1865. The Rev. Daniel Wild, preached the sermon. He married, 2 Aug. 1865, Ruth S. Nichols of Braintree. His Fast day sermon, 10 April, 1868, was published.
NATIVE MINISTER.
The Rev. David Adams Grosvenor, youngest son of Nathan and Lydia (Adams) Grosvenor, was born 10 July, 1802. On the mother's side he was descended in the 6th generation from the Rev. James Fitch, the first settled minister in Norwich, Ct. His father was a deacon of the church in Craftsbury, and afterwards became a minister. Before he was 12 years old his father died, leaving his mother with 6 children to train and educate, with very limited means—a praying, godly mother in Israel, whom he greatly revered and loved, cherished and assisted, till her death, at the age of 89. He became pious at the age of 14, and soon entered upon a course of study for the ministry. He was graduated at Yale College in 1826, and then spent a year in Ellington, Ct., as principal of a classical school. The next 3 years he was in Yale Theological Seminary, where he was graduated in 1830. For 9 months, in 1830-31, he supplied the pulpit of the Congregational church in Pomfret, Ct., and afterwards labored for several months in a revival of great interest and power in Wallingford, Ct.
He was ordained at Uxbridge, Mass., 6 June, 1831, as colleague pastor with the Rev. Samuel Clark of the Second Congregational church, (now First Evangelical.) He was dismissed in May, 1842, and removed to Ohio, where he was installed, 9 Feb. 1843, over the First Presbyterian Church in Elyria. His ministry in Elyria continued for about 10 years, and was terminated by a season of illness which rendered him unable to preach for one year. In the Autumn of 1853, he became acting pastor of tke First Congregational Church of Medina, where he continued for about 9 years. In both these fields his labors were successful. After his pastoral work in Medina ceased, he prosecuted an agency for many months in aid of Lake Erie Female Seminary, of which he had been from its commencement an active trustee, and greatly assisted in securing its endowment. Few ministers have done more than he to promote the cause of education. In each of the three places of his permanent ministry, he originated and sustained a female seminary of a high order. For more than a year before his death he was agent for the Aetna Insurance Company. He died of cholera at Cincinnati, 11 Aug. 1866, after a sickness of only 24 hours.
In May, 1835, he married Sarah Whitney of Princeton, Mass., by whom he had one child, which died in infancy.
MINISTER'S WIFE.
Sarah C. Chapin, daughter of the Rev. William A. Chapin, and wife of the Rev. Henry Melville, was a native of Craftsbury.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Baptist church was formed in 1803, or '04, with some 10 or 12 members. For a few years they had no resident minister. The Rev. Samuel Churchill became their pastor about the year 1806, and retained that relation some 5 or 6 years and then removed from the town.
From this time till about 1816, they had no resident minister. In 1815 or '16, Daniel Mason, one of the first settlers of the town was ordained pastor, which relation he held till the church was disorganized in January, 1828. From the time the church was organized till about 1820, there were additions from time to time, when it numbered some 50 or 60 members, nearly half of whom were residents of Greensboro and Hardwick.
REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT EAST CRAFTSBURY.
BY STEPHEN BABCOCK.
The Reformed Presbyterian Congregation of East Craftsbury had its origin in the organization of a small society in the year
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1818. The society, which numbered only 10 or 12 members, was taken immediately under the pastoral charge of Rev. James Milligan, of Ryegate. The congregation continued to increase until 1833, when feeling itself sufficiently able to support a pastor alone, Samuel M. Wilson was called and ordained pastor over the congregation. In 1845, Rev. Samuel M. Wilson was called to another part of the church, and the congregation was left for a short time without an under Shepherd. In November, 1846, Renwick Z. Wilson, nephew of the former pastor, was ordained pastor of the congregation. In 1855, Rev, Renwick Z. Wilson resigned his charge, with the consent of the people, and then again the congregation was left without a minister. It remained so for nearly 2 years, when J. M. Armor was called and ordained to take the spiritual charge of the congregation. In 1865, Rev. J. M. Armor was appointed by the Board of Domestic Missions, to take charge of the mission school among the freedmen in Washington, D. C.; consequently the congregation was again without a minister. In August, 1868, the present pastor, Rev. Arch. W. Johnson was ordained pastor of the congregation. The congregation is in a prosperous condition and numbers about 70 members. The ruling officers in the congregation besides the pastor are Stephen Babcock, Aurelius Morse, James Mitchell and Leonard Harriman. There is quite a large and flourishing Sabbath School connected with the congregation, which has a very good library.
GRANTEES.
Timothy Newall, Ebenezer Crafts and their associates—about 20 in number—most of whom never settled here.
COLLEGIATES.
Gov. Sam'l C. Crafts was a graduate when he came to this town. There have gone from here to college—James A. Paddock, died in 1867, lawyer; Pliny M. Corbin, now cashier of a bank in Troy, N. Y.; Samuel P. Crafts, died 1824 or '25; Ed. A. Lawrence, Congregational minister, now in Marblehead, Mass.; Benj. Clark, Robert Trumbull, Asa Whitney.
We never had but two clerks, one of whom still holds the office.
POST-OFFICES AND POSTMASTERS.
(then Craftsbury), was the only post-office in town for 30 or 40 years after the town was settled; then the one at South Craftsbury was established, and subsequently, by some political management, the office at the common was changed to North Craftsbury, and that at the South village to Craftsbury. Who the first postmasters were I am unable to learn—will give them for the last 55 years:
Post-offices are Craftsbury, North Craftsbury and East Craftsbury. When these offices were established, I cannot learn; that at North Craftsbury or Craftsbury Common,
NORTH CRAFTSBURY, (or Craftsbury Common)—Augustus Young, Wm. E. Paddock, Don, C. A. Richardson, Joseph Scott.
CRAFTSBURY — Stephen Sherman, Nelson Rand, C. G. Doty, J. W. Allen,
EAST CRAFTSBURY—J. W. Simpson and Eliza Simpson.
CITIZENS WHO HAVE ATTAINED 90 YEARS OF AGE.
Samuel Grant and Alice Ainsworth are the only ones now living. Some of those who have died were Robert Wylie and wife 100 years old; Jacob Jenness, Daniel Davison, Sen. and Dan'l Davison, each 92. Thirty or forty citizens have lived to he 80 or more years of age; some 87 or 88, besides those above named.
THOSE WHO HAVE HELD U. S. OFFICES.
Hon. Samuel C. Crafts, senator and representative to congress; Hon. Augustus Young, representative to congress.
STATE AND COUNTY OFFICERS.
Hon. Samuel C. Crafts, governor of the State.
SHERIFFS—Joseph Scott, Harvey Scott.
COUNTY JUDGES—Samuel C. Crafts, Alvah R. French and W. J. Hastings,
JUDGES OF PROBATE—Jos. Scott, Sen., Augustus Young, Royal Corbin, J. A. Paddock.
SENATORS—Augustus Young, N. P. Nelson and J. W. Simpson.
ATTORNEYS—Augustus Young and Nathan S. Hill, State's.
SOLDIERS OF THE WAR OF 1812.
William Hidden, Moses Mason, (the only two known to be living); Capt. Hiram Mason, James Cobern, Amory Nelson, John Towle, John Hadley, Elias Mason and probably some others not remembered.
TOWN REPRESENTATIVES.
1792 and '93, Ebenezer Crafts; '94, Joseph Scott; '95, no election; '96, Sam'l C. Crafts; '97, '98 and 99, Joseph Scott; 1800 and '01, Samuel C. Crafts; '02, Daniel Davison; '03, Samuel C. Crafts; '04, Royal Corbin; '05 Samuel C. Crafts; '06, Royal Corbin; '07, Jesse Olds; '08, '09, '10, '11, '12, '13, '14, Roy-
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al Corbin; '15, Joseph Scott; '16, Royal Corbin; '17, Jos. Scott; '18 and '19, Wm. Scott; '20, Hiram Mason; '21, '22, '23 and '24, Augustus Young; '25. Jos. Scott; '26, Augustus Young; '27, Hiram Mason; '28, '29 and '30, Augustus Young; '31, Royal Corbin; '32, Augustus Young; '33, Joseph Scott, Jr.; '34, no election; '35, Joseph Scott, (then Jr.), '36, '37 and '38, W. J. Hastings; '39 and '40, Geo. H. Cook; '41 and 42, Daniel Dustin; '43, '44, '45, '46 and '47, no election; '48 and '49, W. J. Hastings; '50, '51, '52, no election; '53, John W. Mason; '54, Leander Wheeler; '55, '56 and '57, Schyler Chamberlain; '58 and '59, Joseph Scott; '60, Amory Davison, Jr.; '61 and '62, Amasa P. Dutton; '63 and '64, Jesse E. Merrill; '65 and '66, Moses Root; '67 and '68, S. R. Corey; '69, Charles Chamberlin.
I have omitted the dates of service of county officers, as they were formerly elected by the Legislature, we have no record of them in town, not having time to go and look them up at the county clerk's office; I thought I began at the first appointment in each office and recorded them in the order in which they were appointed from this town.
COL. EBENEZER CRAFTS
was born in Pomfret, Sept. 3, 1740; and was graduated at Yale College, 1759. Soon after this he engaged in mercantile business in his native town. At the age of 22 he married Mehitable Chandler; and soon after removed to Sturbridge, where he continued to pursue the same business in which he had been engaged, and, by attention and assiduity, acquired thereby a large estate.
At the commencement of the Revolutionary War, he held the command of a company of cavalry, which he had raised and organized, and joined the army with it at Cambridge, in 1775. He remained in the service till the British troops evacuated Boston, when he returned to Sturbridge, and was soon after elected the colonel of a regiment of cavalry, which office he held till his removal from the county. At the time of the insurrection, known as "Shay's Rebellion," he marched with a body of 100 men under Gen. Lincoln, in the Winter of 1786-7, into the western counties, where he rendered prompt and essential service in suppressing that alarming, but ill judged outbreak.
With the enlarged and patriotic views of Colonel Crafts, the importance of educating the rising generation early attracted his attention. The people were about to assume the solemn trust of self government, and to do this with success, they should be able to understand and appreciate the wants and duties of a free people. The condition of common schools was depressed; the number of public institutions for education were few, and the idea of establishing such an institution in the County of Worcester, occupied his thoughts for some time before any measures were taken to accomplish it.
He, at first, conceived the plan of founding an academy in the pleasant village where he resided. But an opportunity which was presented for procuring a suitable building in Leicester, and the co-operation of Colonel Davis in the scheme, induced him to direct his efforts to its establishment in that place, with the zeal and energy which accomplished the desired end. By his efforts in this and other benevolent enterprises, and that general revulsion of business which, after the close of the war, proved so disastrous to New England, he became so much embarrassed in his affairs, that he was induced to sell his estates in Sturbridge, and remove to Vermont, where he, in company with Gen. Newhall of Sturbridge, had purchased a township of land a a few years previous.
This took place in the Winter of 1790-91, and the town, out of respect to its founder, took the name of Craftsbury.
In 1786, Colonel Crafts was honored with the degree of A. M. from Harvard University.
It is not easy for the present generation to understand how new and unbroken was the wilderness into which Colonel Crafts removed his family. To those upon the stage a half century ago it was familiarly known as the "new state," and towards it was the foot of the emigrant from the older counties in Massachusetts directed till that time. Scarce a town in that region that had not more or less of its early settlers from the county of Worcester, and Colonel Crafts had already been preceded by Colonel Davis at the time of his removal. At that time there was no road opened for more than 20 miles from Craftsbury, and it being Winter, the females of his family were drawn that distance upon hand-sleds over the snow.
Here he gathered around him a number of excellent families from Sturbridge and neighboring towns, and a little community was
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formed, of which he was the acknowledged head. For 20 years, he stood to it in the relation of a patriarch, a friend and counselor, whose intelligence all understood, and whose friendship and fidelity all esteemed. His generous hospitality, his energy of character, his calm dignity, and his pure and Christian life — acting, as they did, upon a well-educated, sympathizing community—exerted an influence and stamped a character upon the people and fortunes of the town he planted, which is still plainly perceptible. In this he found a ready and efficient auxiliary in his son and other members of his own immediate kindred.
In this community he resided till his death, May 24, 1840, aged 70 years,—respected and beloved by a constantly widening circle of friends and acquaintances.
He was a man of great energy and firmness, and, though liberal in his views and sentiments, he was inflexible in the maintenance of principle, and, with the opportunities he enjoyed, such a man would not fail to make his influence widely felt.
[The foregoing notice is substantially taken from Gov. Washburn's history of Leicester Academy.]
HON. SAMUEL C. CRAFTS.
BY REV. S. R. HALL, LL. D.— OF BROWNINGTON.
Every citizen of our commonwealth is, or should be, interested in the history of the men who were identified with the moulding of our government and laying the foundation on which those who come after them are to build. Among the list of honored names which should be prominently inscribed in Vermont history, is that of Samuel Chandler Crafts, who died Nov. 19, 1853, aged 85 years and 44 days. He was the only son of Col. Eben Crafts, and was born at Woodstock, Ct., Oct. 6, 1768. He was graduated at Harvard in July, 1790. (The elder Josiah Quincy of Boston, was a member of the same class.) His standing in that class—many members of which became eminent men in their day, was highly respectable. A year or two previous to the completion of his course of study at the University, his father became a proprietor of land in the present County of Orleans, and soon after removed with his family to Minden, afterwards named Craftsbury, in honor of him as pioneer in its settlement.
Instead of entering any of the learned professions, Samuel C. determined to accompany his father to the wilderness of Vermont, and share with him the trials and labors incident to those who penetrated the wilderness, to make for themselves a home, and to lay broad and deep foundations for society, religion and goverment in a new commonwealth, then just admitted to the Federal Union.
During the year, 1792, Mr. Crafts was appointed clerk of the town, which office he held by yearly elections until 1829, when he declined it, after having served the town faithfully for 37 years. In the year 1793, he was elected a member of the convention, to revise the constitution of the State. Of this convention, though the youngest, he was an active and very useful member, and the last survivor, having lived to enjoy the benefits resulting from their labors more than 60 years. In 1796, he was elected a member of the legislature. The two following years, he was chosen clerk of the same. He was subsequently elected to the Legislature in 1800, '01, '03 and '05. From 1800 to '10, he held the office of assistant judge of the county court, and after that time to 1816 was chief judge. From 1807 to '13, he was a member of the council of the State. In 1816, he was elected member of the House of Representatives in Congress, and was continued a member for 8 years. He was again elected to the Council, and also chief judge of the County Court for 3 years, and was then elected governor of the State, and held that office for 1829, '30 and '31. In 1829, he was a member of the constitutional convention and was elected president of that body. Soon after retiring from the office of governor, he was appointed on a committee to decide on a place for the State House—the materials of which it should be built, &c. Being chairman of that committee, he wished to recommend such a plan as would secure all needed conveniences and at the same time furnish an exhibition of architectural elegance and beauty. He examined all the Capitols in New England and then recommended the erection of the late noble structure, which adorned the State till destroyed by fire in 1857.
In 1842, Gov. Crafts was appointed by the executive of the State to a seat in the Senate of the United States in place of Judge Prentiss who had resigned. At the next meeting of the legislature he was elected by that body for the remainder of the term for which Judge Prentiss had been elected.
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A late writer, after giving a brief notice of the official stations which Gov. Crafts had been called to fill, very justly concludes with the following remark: "In all the duties he has performed, doing right has been his principal object, and none has been able to say that he ever swerved from that." Another has said with equal justice, "He was not elected to office because he could be, but because he should be." The quiet of agricultural life accorded better with his native modesty and love of retirement than the cares of State or strife of parties; but he served the town, the County and the State, because he was called by the voice of the people to do so.
His political preferences, in early life, were essentially of the school of Jefferson, but in maturer years, corresponded more nearly to those of President Adams and Mr. Clay. He was never a violent advocate of any party, and as willingly accorded to others the right of private opinion as to himself. Whenever he was led to disagree with others, he did not constitute them his enemies, nor lessen their confidence in his discretion, integrity or ability.
The intellectual powers of Gov. Crafts were characterized by a remarkable harmoniousness and equilibrium. This fact, no doubt, was what prevented him on the one hand from being chargeable with any measure of delinquency in office, and on the other hand, secured for him the unusual confidence so long reposed in him by the community. Those who knew him best, knew precisely where he would be found. He abhorred a timeserving policy; had no opinions either to conceal from others, or force upon them. He must pursue honorable ends by honorable means and by no others: when pursuing such, he was ardent and persevering.
His scientific attainments were highly respectable, but his extreme modesty prevented him from making the least efforts for display. He shrank from everything which tended to exhibit his own superiority. This was probably what prevented him from ever ascending the forum. Speech-making, for the sake of display, he justly abhorred. In the State Legislature, in Congress, or in political gatherings, his voice was seldom heard in debate; not because he had nothing appropriate to say, but because he believed such harangues were generally useless. In the private circle, however, he was a ready speaker and bore his part in conversation so as to show how well he might have spoken elsewhere. In public or private he never declined to express his opinion when solicited, and the reasons for it. He investigated with care, and voted on all questions in accordance with his sense of duty, and not because others voted with or against him. Few men have exhibited less of dogmatism or hauteur. He never changed his opinions till convinced that he had cherished them under misapprehension, and then he was frank to acknowledge his error.
These elements of character were well adapted both to create strong friendships and to prevent making bitter enemies. Always frank and transparent himself, he was far from charging obliquity or duplicity on others. His reading was extensive, though select. He had a great relish for history, and was remarkably well versed in it. Metaphysics were not his chosen subjects, farther than they embraced the leading features of an evangelical faith. The Bible he received as the end of controversy wherever its revellations are explicit. He delighted specially in those works which were well adapted to prove the existence of God and the truth of his divine revelation to man. Well written works on all departments of natural history, especially those on geology and mineralogy, were favorite books, and were read with great interest and profit. Astronomy also had very strong attractions, and he not unfrequently amused himself with writing essays upon it; some of these would do credit to the ablest astronomer. While an under-graduate of Harvard, he computed a transit of Venus—an achievement that had till then never been accomplished by an under-graduate of that college. His capacity for mathematical attainments was unsurpassed by any member of the class, though one of great merit, and of which the Hon. Josiah Quincy of Boston is now the only survivor.
To architecture he gave much attention and made himself familiar with the best treatises on that subject. His taste was, perhaps, as faultless on this subject as that of any other man. His idea was so to combine relations that the entire effect should be harmonious, appropriate and pleasing. His connection with congress during the entire period of rebuilding the capitol after the
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late war with Great Britain, and his long service as a member of the congressional committee on public buildings, led him to give a greater degree of attention to this subject than he might otherwise have done.
During the latter years of his life, scripture, biography and sacred history were his chosen subjects of study. The Bible, as a book of authentic history and revelation from Gods was for the last 15 years of his life (and I know not how much longer) his daily study, and in no employment did he ever engage with greater ardor than that of a sabbath-school teacher. Unless prevented by serious illness or absence from town, he never failed to meet his class each sabbath and to interest them by communicating a portion of his own rich stores of knowledge gathered from the sacred page. He regarded this employment as more honorable than any of his high civil station.
The domestic character of Gov. Crafts could be fully appreciated only by those who were daily with him. His marriage did not take place till he was near 30 years of age. Mrs. Crafts (Eunice Todd) was an only sister of the late Doctor Eli Todd, long favorably known as the principal physician of the Retreat for this Insane at Hartford, Ct. She had enjoyed the advantages of education in the celebrated Greenfield Hill School, established and conducted by President Dwight. Two children, a son and daughter, constituted their entire family. The former died while a member of the University of Vermont, at the age of 24 years. The latter, now the wife of N. S. Hill, treasurer of the University of Vermont, survives her venerated parent. The son was a youth of great promise, and his death was an affliction to such a father that can better be conceived than described. But during this season of trial and while the heart was riven within, there was the same external calmness on the part of the father. He bore this prostration of his hopes as one who had an arm on which to lean—strong and unfailing. Sympathizing with his family most deeply, he never, however, lost his balance, or uttered a murmur or complaint. This is the testimony of those who both knew and shared his grief, and was what might have been expected by those who knew him. From this period there was in him a marked increase of interest in regard to religious duties and in the study of the sacred scriptures. His religious opinions were evangelical, though through self-diffidence and distrust he never made a public profession or united with any church. In this respect and this only did he fail of bearing outward testimony to the honor of Christ. His conversation during his brief sickness was full of consolation to his family and pastor. His calmness and serenity continued to the last hour of his life. Foreign missions, the Bible and colonization efforts, he cherished with a strong interest. He was a regular contributor to all kindred societies, but these awakened deep and constant interest. The success of the colony of Liberia gave him great joy. He regarded it as a most important agency to extirpate the slave trade, to redeem Africa and to advance missionary efforts in that land of darkness.
In another respect, Gov. Crafts has left an example of great value to the world. Under all circumstances he maintained, to the last, his early formed habits of industry, strict temperance and simplicity. He gave at all times the influence of his example to do away the monstrous evils of intemperance. In the use of narcotic stimulants he never indulged to an extent sufficient to create a habit not easily controlled. He was an early riser and his industry was always remarkable. He resorted to out-door labor for exercise after he had reached more than four score years, not from necessity but as essential to health and enjoyment: delighting in it, he seldom passed a day without it. His physical strength and activity was thus continued more perfect at the age of 85 years than is common to most men at 60. His intellectual powers were in like manner vigorously preserved. He committed to memory with great facility to the last months of his life, and maintained even the sprightliness of early manhood. In him was combined a rare specimen of the man, the gentleman, the patriot, the scholar, whose morals were irreproachable from youth to hoary age. For more than 60 years he was identified with the history of the Town, the County and the State.
The entire population of the country at his birth was less than three millions, at his death, more than twenty-five millions. A monarchial government had given place to the purest republic on earth; a wilderness had become fruitful fields; savage hunting grounds the abodes of cultivated, refined and Christian communities.
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When he was born there was hardly a civilized inhabitant in this State, and when he became a resident of Orleans County, there was not a fourth part of an hundred souls within its borders and but a few thousands in the State; but what a multitude dwelt upon our hills and in our valleys when he departed.
JOSEPH SCOTT.
FROM DEMING'S VERMONT OFFICERS.
"Joseph Scott comes in for a short notice, by having held the office of sheriff of Orleans County for a longer term than any other—14 years. He was 7 years a member of the Legislature; 1 year a member of the Council of Censors; and 2 years a member of the Constitutional Conventions; and judge of probate 6 years. He died about 1841.
His son, Joseph, was elected town clerk, in 1829, in room of Governor Crafts, who had held that office since 1792, and is the present town clerk. The town have had but three clerks—two of which are now living (1857.) Joseph, jr., was 2 years a member of the Legislature, and has held many important offices of various kinds. Harvey Scott, who is a son of the Sheriff, I presume, took the office of Sheriff one year after his father's time had expired, and held it 11 years. So it seems that office is hereditary in the family."
JACOB NOBLE LOOMIS
was born in Lanesborough, Mass., Oct. 8, 1790; graduated at Andover Theological Seminary, 1820; pastor of the Congregational Church in Hardwick, 1822-30; then engaged in agriculture until about 1853; in 1853, in Craftsbury.—Pearson's Catalogue.
ELIZABETH ALLEN
was born in the year 1796. Her father was the late Elijah Allen, Esq., of Craftsbury. Elizabeth early developed a taste add talent for poetry; and, though her advantages for education were limited to a single term at school, she published in 1832 a small volume of her poetry, entitled "The Silent Harp."
In connection with which she remarks:—
"I was born at Craftsbury, at a period when there were not above a dozen inhabitants in town. My parents, having emigrated from Brookfield, Mass., were among the first pioneers in Northern Vermont. We were surrounded by a vast tract of wilderness, which the Indian hunters claimed as game-land. They looked with an evil eye on those they regarded as intruders on their rights, and not unfrequently came to our door filling us with dread by their warlike array of rifle, tomahawk and scalping-knife.
We were denied all literary privileges,—three months at a district school, taught in our house, being all the advantages I ever enjoyed. Providence had endowed me with a propensity which disadvantages and crosses could not suppress. I became passionately fond of reading, and grasped at everything that came within my reach. In writing I had no instruction, but, by self-effort, succeeded in forming a running-hand, by which at a later period I was enabled to entertain an extensive correspondence. I had no writing materials, and it was often the case that I employed a carving-knife to mend my pen, while my paper was the blank side of an old letter, or even a piece of brown paper.
About this time I commenced rhyming, and composed several little tragic love-songs, which I sometimes sung to my companions. My spirits had ever been light and buoyant, every object being viewed on the bright side. My days passed in mirth and song, my nights were gilded with pleasant dreams. Thus passed my days till I had numbered fifteen summers, when I was suddenly attacked with a severe illness, which, in the space of one short week, entirely deprived me of the sense of hearing. To attempt to portray my feelings, on this occasion, would be vain. From that hour I date my melancholly history—my trials and never-ceasing regrets. To live, and yet never more hear 'the sweet music of speech,' was a thought that harrowed up my inmost soul. I was compelled to submit to the decree of Providence,—would that I could say it was with meekness and resignation. In vain have I sought the aid of philosophy to subdue my tears.
I have before stated that I was at an early age led to the composition of songs, and after the loss of hearing I frequently sought diversion in 'courting the muses,' and, in the course of a few years, my fugitive pieces had accumulated to such an extent, that I was advised to arrange them for a little volume, and accordingly they were, in 1831, published by the title of 'THE SILENT HARP.' "
Through the aid derived from this publication, and the benevolence of friends, Miss Allen was indulged with the gratification of her earnest desire to visit The Great West. After passing over the whole length of the Erie Canal, she visited Rochester and Niagara Falls. Having visited Buffalo, Detroit, the Mormon Temple, and many interesting places, she returned, by Lake Ontario, to New England. Many notices of scenery and persons and places visited, would do no discredit to those of superior advantages.
After her return she made many shorter tours, but occupied a part of her time in preparing a volume under the title of "GREEN MOUNTAIN LIFE," which she published in 1846. This little volume, though devoted to tales, evinced a degree of tact in seizing upon and describing scenes that, if they had been
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properly cultivated, would have ranked her high among writers of that class. Few have ever written under circumstances so untoward.
Having visited Stanstead and other places, she was returning to Craftsbury, when, at Dea. S. F. Cowle's, in Coventry, she was attacked with a violent lung fever, which in a few days assumed a putrid type. Her sufferings were excruciating;—much of the time she was deprived of reason. Another thing that rendered her state particularly affecting, was the fact of her entire deafness, from which she had suffered since the age of 15. She had invented a mode of intercommunication by the fingers, which most of her acquaintances had learned so that, in health, she was able to converse with those around her; but, during most of her sickness, there could be but little interchange of thought with those around her. During the intervals of reason she was much occupied in considerations pertaining to her spiritual prospects, and was at one time able to communicate to her pastor the emotions felt in view of her state. She died, Nov. 14, 1849, aged 55.— Yeoman' s Record.
Miss Allen is represented in Miss Hemenway's Poets and Poetry of Vermont, where, to our fancy, appears the best effusion from her pen. The following, published in the Green Mountain Repository, edited at the time by the Rev. Zadock Thompson, and for which she was a contributor under the nom de plume of Ada, is, we regard, however, a more fair specimen of her general poetic style and talent, and is not so generally known. The following lines are also addressed to one deaf and dumb :—Ed.
SPRING, AND WE NEVER, NEVER MORE SHALL HEAR.
The Northern blast has ceased to roar,
And Spring again resumes her reign;
The giddy snows are seen no more,
But verdure robes the hill and plain.
The mild morn wakes and with her smile
Invites us o'er the flowery field;
Spring beauties, now, the sight beguile
And admiration yield.
O come, Eliza! haste with me,
And to the meadow's streams repair,
Where nature's wonders we may see
"Above,—below— in earth, in air."
Behold the leaves, the blossoms view;
No plush so soft, no silk so fine;
No chemist's dyes give such a hue;
No weaver's art threads thus entwine.
And see! there loftier statues stand,
Their towering tops invade the sky,
Rising far o'er thy head, O man,
They, the fierce winds of heaven defy.
On yon green hillock, see how gay
The little lambkins sport and dance,
How blithely pass their hours away—
Emblems of virtuous innocence.
And hark! in yonder shady grove,
Do tuneful songeters raise their notes?
Deep-fraught with melody and love,
Does it upon the soft air float?
Alas! dear friend, we list in vain,
Nor note, nor sound delights our ear,
And O those sweet enchanting strains
We never, never more shall hear.
But cease our sighs, we'll murmur not,
Since charms unnumbered meet our view,
And though to hear be not our lot,
We'll see and praise our maker too.
ELIZABETH ALLEN.
Craftsbury, April, 1832.
JUDGE PADDOCK.
PAPER RECEIVED FROM HON. E. A. STEWART.
At a meeting of the Orleans County Bar July 9, 1867, John L. Edwards, John H. Prentiss and H. Chilson, Esqs. were appointed to draft resolutions on the death of Judge Paddock. From their resolutions drawn and reported we quote:
"Resolved, that we truly deplore the death of the late James A. Paddock; the salt has lost of its savor; the Bar has lost of its virtue and worth,—a model lawyer; an educated and courteous gentleman; a good citizen; a dignified and honest man; one whose precepts, if we act on them, whose example if we follow it, whose memory, if we revere it will make us wiser, better, nobler laywers us well as men."
After which, John H. Prentiss, Esq. having road, made an address to the court in memory of Judge Paddock from which we further quote:
"Judge Paddock was a native of Vermont and of our County, having been born in Craftsbury in 1798. He received from the Academy in Peach am his primary education—an institution which, your Honors well know, then ranked among the highest of its kind in the State. He entered College in Burlington and graduated there, and having completed his preparatory study of the law was admitted to the Bar and commenced the practice of his profession in Craftsbury where he resided to the time of his death, which occurred in April last. His mother was a sister of the late Governor Crafts, and from the latter he derived much of wise counsel, and learned many maxims which a sage only can devise or has virtue to adopt and teach. In his early professional career he did a good and constantly increasing business and gave forth much of hope and promise for the future of his life. But before he had fairly attained the prime of his manhood, his health declined, and being impressed with need for more of out-of-door exercise than a strict devotion to
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his professional life would permit, he turned his attention to pursuits more congenial to his tastes and the demands of his physical constitution; and thenceforth, though he did not entirely quit the practice of the law while his life remained, he sought no professional employment and gave attention reluctantly and only to such professional business as the partiality and implicit faith of suitors forced upon him.
Within the years of his waning professional life he was an assistant Judge of this Court, and by means of his legal attainments, and his sound and judicial mind and judgment, he confessedly and materially aided the Court in the performance of its important duties. Subsequently he was chosen Judge of the Probate Court for this Probate District, a position for which he was pre-eminently fitted by his legal acquirements, his sound judgment, his wisdom and prudence, his unprejudiced mind, his exalted reverence for justice, his knowledge of mankind, and his sympathy for the widow and the orphaned. For this place he so nearly seemed by his virtues to have been ordained, that it is no disparagement to others, to say, that had the people been less subject to the imperious exactions of party, and as true to the State and faithful to themselves as he was true to the State and faithful to them, he would have adorned that position while his life remained. In his individuality as a man, he was of pure integrity, gifted with a nice, punctilious sense of honor,—he earned and could have had as unanimously in Craftsbury, as Aristides earned and had in Athens, the surname of The Just; as a Christian man, he was exemplary and sincere, as a citizen, patriotic and true; as a judge, upright and just; as a lawyer, courteous, discreet and wise, and in all his outward life and manifestations, he clearly demonstrated that all the paramount ends he aimed at were his God's, his country's, and truth's.
But it is of his character as a lawyer that it may seem most appropriate here and now to speak: and concerning him in that relation it may be truly said that he did no falsehood, neither did he consent that any be done in court; he did not wittingly, willingly, or knowingly promote, sue, or procure to be sued, any false or unlawful suit, neither gave he aid or consent to the same; he delayed no man for lucre or malice, but acted to his office of attorney within the court, according to his best learning and discretion, and with all good fidelity as well to the court as to his clients—Now this, may it please your Honors, when truthfully said, is high commendation of any man; it is all that can be said, all that need to be said, all that the highest aspiration of any lawyer can make him desire to be said, before the world, and over his mortal remains. Were Judge Paddock living and present to listen to these commendations, his innate modesty would make him shrink before your Honors' gaze, and these encomiums would mantle his cheeks with crimson flushes. Nevertheless, this Bar this day, through me as its appointed organ, declares to your Honors that these are words of truth and soberness; they originate in no adulatory spirit; they are put forth in no spirit of servile flattery, but as a just, sincere and mournful tribute to the memory of a departed associate brother."
To which Judge Peck responded that the Court fully sympathized in the spirit and tone of the resolutions and the remarks of Mr. Prentiss, and would cheerfully order these proceedings to be entered on the records of the court.
MRS. ELLEN E. PHILLIPS.
It is true I am not a native of Vermont, my birthplace being the beautiful town of Andover in Mass. Still, I am none the less a child of Vermont. Her hills and valleys, her wood-crowned mountains and silver streams are none the less dear to me that I did not look upon them with the eyes of unconscious infancy. My father, the Rev. S. R. Hall, (now of Brownington ), removed to Craftsbury when I was seven years of age. There I grew up to womanhood, and there most of my humble effusions were written. For about 4 years I have resided in Wisconsin.
E. E. P.
BY MY COTTAGE WINDOW SITTING.
BY MRS. ELLEN E. PHILLIPS.
By my cottage window sitting, half reclined,
Many a busy thought is flitting through my mind—
Memories of the checquered past, sad and bright—
Sunny hours with shades o'ereast—shades of night.
Mingled sounds are in my ear—sounds of yore—
Gentle voices sweet and clear, heard no more—
Silvery laughter ringing deep—whispers low—
Mournful tones that made me weep, long ago.
Visions flit before my eyes,—landscapes bright—
Wood-crowned mountains towering high, bathed in light—
Quiet vales where summer sheds rich perfume,
Where with fragrant, drooping heads, violets bloom.
That these Western plains are fair 'neath the glow
Of the balmy, summer air, well I know;
Yet a fairer, brighter land have I seen,
Where my native mountains stand, robed in green.
Steven's Point, Wis.
THE TWO ANGELS.
BY MRS. ELLEN E. PHILLIPS.
"Wanted, an angel for Heaven"—
And the soft air felt the sweep
Of a strong and rushing pinion,
Through the far cerulean deep;
But the angel's wings were folded
As he stood on the dewy earth,
When the "holy hush" of twilight
Was stilling its sounds of mirth.
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One moment brief he lingered,
For the scene was strangely fair
'Neath the soft and dreamy radiance
Of the star-lit summer air.
"The soul must grieve at parting,"
Spake the visitant unseen,
"But the bowers of heaven are brighter,
In their fresh and fadeless green."
A gentle child was lisping
Its low-voiced evening prayer,
Nor dreamed that a viewless watcher
Stood smiling on him there.
But hushed were the tones of music,
And drooped the bright young head,
As up to the gates of heaven
Two bright-winged angels sped.
SOLDIERS RECORD FOR CRAFTSBURY.
BY GEORGE F. SPRAGUE.
The Adjutant-General credited this town with 6 men as our share, whose enlistment papers did not embrace their residence. These 6 men counted upon our quota, but have nothing to do with our military history of men really furnished.
Whole number of men furnished by the town during the war, exclusive of the 6 men mentioned, and including 8 men who paid commutation, 128. Of these there were, 9 mo's men, 8; for 1 year, 21; for 3 years, 99—total, 128. Of these there were killed in action, 5; died of wounds, 6; of disease, 15; in Reb. prisons, 5; of accident, 1. Total loss by death (every fourth man)—32; desertion, 2; besides Taylor N. Flanders, reported as deserter. I am informed that he was from Canada; was promoted sergeant; went home on furlough; became insane; could not return—and was well spoken of by the soldiers, I hope he was not really a deserter, and have not put him down as such.
Of the 128 men furnished by and credited to the town, 16 were not citizens nor residents, and but one of them died.
The report embraces the names of 17 men who resided in, or were well known citizens previously, and enlisted for and were credited to other localities: of these — died of disease, 3; wounds, 1; in reb. prison, 1; killed in action, 1; making 6 of that class lost.
The town was credited with 11 re-enlistments; 8. of these were from this town—3 from other localities.
Recapitulation—whole number of men credited, 134; of these were not credited by name, 6; paid commutation, 8; re-enlisted, 8,— total, 22; individual men enlisted 112; died 32; an actual loss of precisely 2 in 7; left, 80; deserted, 3; leaving to be discharged, 77.
The 134 men was the exact number of men required or assessed to the town.
Again, of the 112 individual men furnished, 16 at least were from other localities, not having resided at all in town; which leaves 96 towns-men, and of those there died 31—a loss of almost every third man; and if to the 96 men we add the 17 credited to other localities, we have 113; add the loss—6, out of the 17—makes 37, being a little more than one in every three men.
The expenses of the town for the support of the war were as follows, viz. aggregate amount of bounties paid to volunteers by the town, $13,268.00; expenses enlisting recruits, $69.40; subsistence of recruits, $19 67; transportation of recruits, $17.20; for further expenses of same nature as above, $90.15; aggregate amount of expenses paid by town, $13,464.42,
In addition to the above the selectmen incurred additional expense in transporting recruits, amounting to $14.25, which the adjutant general of U. S. allowed and paid.
There was also raised by subscription in 1862, the sum of $161.50 and paid as bounties to 8 volunteers, for 9 mo's service, and the further sum of $875.00 was subscribed to aid in procuring recruits, of which sum I understood about $650.00 was collected and paid out. Which added to town bounties and recruiting expenses, makes an aggregate of $14,275.92.
The town bounties and expenses, excepting about $900.00, were raised between July, 1864, and March, 1865, on grand-lists of about $4,000.00—exact amount of grand-list, not remembered. Bounties were paid as follows;
8 men $625.00 each, $ 5,000.00
7 " 624.00 " 4,368.00
6 " 500.00 " 9,000.00
3 " 300.00 " 900.00
Total, $ 13,268.00
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DERBY.
[The early history of this town promised almost two years since, not having, at this date (the compositor being now ready for the manuscripts), come to hand, we can only give here such papers, relating to this town, as have come in already from others than the general historian, and must defer the more complete chapter expected till the