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Pinnacle, Covey Hill and Mount Royal; the Laurentides range beyond the Saint Lawrence , and Lake Champlain, where the view beyond is bounded by the bold outline of the Adirondacks.
This field of observation is broad enough for frequent study, not only by travelers from foreign lands, but by the inhabitants of the country; and the young men and women of Vermont should not consider their education complete till they have stood upon some of the lofty eminences of the Green Mountains and beheld and studied their scenic beauty and sublimity.
Coventry, January 1, 1869.
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LOWELL.
BY D. EUGENE CURTIS.
Lowell is situated in the western part of Orleans County—16 miles from Canada, in lat. 44° 47', and long. 4° 27´, cast of Washington. Its form is irregular, it being in shape almost like a triangle. The surface, like that of all other mountainous regions, is broken and diversified, being mostly hilly except that portion lying on the river. The town is rich in the beauty of its natural scenery, being surpassed by few towns in the State. On either side of it extend the Green Mountains, presenting an interesting view of the wild and picturesque. To the west may be seen Hazen's Notch, through which Col. Hazen attempted to open a road during the Revolution. He encamped for several days with a part of his regiment on the flat where W. H. Blasdell's store now stands. To the north-west, Jay Peak rises in view, pointing its lofty head toward heaven, as if reminding man of his origin and proper destiny.
The town is watered by the Missisco and its tributaries. This river is the outlet of a pond situated in the south-western part of the town. A tributary rising in the southeastern part of the town, uniting with this, below the village, affords valuable mill-sites, which have been mostly improved. The forest-trees are mostly spruce, hemlock and maple, although beech, birch, &c., are quite abundant. The soil, generally, is productive, yielding a good harvest to the husbandman.
The town is one of interest to the mineralogist. It possesses a great variety of minerals. Asbestos, serpentine, in most beautiful specimens, abound in considerable quantities.
ORGANIZATION, &C.
The town originally belonged to Chittenden County. It was granted March 5, 1787, and chartered by Gov. Thos. Chittenden, to John Kelley, Esq., of New York, from whom it received its original name—Kelleyvale. Nov. 1, 1831, the name was altered to Lowell. There were two charters; the first of 6,000 acres, June 6, 1791, and the other, June 7, 1791, of 31,000 acres. It immediately passed into the hands of Mr. Kelley's creditors, who sold to one Wm. Duer for $4,680. A considerable portion of the town still remains in the hands of non-residents. The first settler was Major Wm. Caldwell, from Barre, Mass, who began to make improvements on his land in the year 1803, but did not move his family into town until April, 1806.* In the Spring of 1807, came John Harding, assisted by four others, drawing his family and goods into town on hand-sleds; others soon followed. March 12, a petition signed by nine of the inhabitants, was made, to one Medad Hitchcock, one of the justices of the County, requesting him to warn a meeting of the inhabitants for the purpose of organizing the town. The meeting was held at the house of Capt. Asahel Curtis. The following officers were chosen, viz. Wm. Caldwell, moderator; Abel Curtis, town clerk; Asahel Curtis, Wm. Caldwell, John Harding, selectmen; Ebenezer Woods, treasurer; Elijah Buxton, Horatio Walker, Daniel Sanborn, listers; John Harding, constable; Jos. Butterfield, grand juror; John Harding and Wm. Caldwell, surveyors; David Stewart, Ebenezer Woods, fence-viewers; Asahel Curtis, pound-keeper; Samuel Stewart, sealer of leather; Benjamin, Woods, sealer of weights and measures; Jonathan Powers, tithing-man; Samuel Stewart, jr., Jas. Butterfield, haywards.
REPRESENTATIVES.
The town representatives from organization to the present time are successively as follows: Asahel Curtis, 1812, '14, '18; John Harding, 1815, '16, '17, '21, '22, '24, '28, and '32; Thos Proctor, 1829; Henry Smith, 1830; Silas Lamb, 1833; M. F. Dodge, 1836; Herod Farman, 1837, '57, '58; Sabin Scott, 1838,'39; . B. F. Pickett, 1840, '41; Wm. Flint, 1842, '43; Amasa Paine, 1845, '46, '53; J. D. Harding, 1847, '48; John Stephenson, 1849; C. Leland,
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* See paper by Mr. Seeley, which follows on this and other points.—Ed.
270 VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
1851; N. F. Hutchinson, 1854; A. F. Harding, 1856; A. J. Dodge, 1859, '60; Levi Wheelock, 1861, '62; B. F. Paine, 1863, '64; D. B. Curtis, 1865, '66; A. P. Webster, 1867, '68; H. B. Parker, 1869.
TOWN CLERKS.
Abel Curtis, 1812,—'24, '26, '27, '29,—'38; Otis Leland, '25; Wm. Caldwell, 1828; Amasa Paine, 1839–'41; Wm. Brown, 1842–'65; H. D. Warren, 7 mos.; D. B. Curtis, '1866—'69.
THE FIRST JUSTICES
were Abel Curtis, John Harding, Elijah Buxton and Daniel Sanborn. John Harding has held the office since 1815, a period of 54 years. Those who have held County offices are John Harding, John D. Harding, Amasa Paine, assistant judges; John Harding, high bailiff.
CENSUS. 1810, 40; 1820, 139; 1830, —; 1840, 431; 1850, 633; 1860, 813.
THE FIRST POST OFFICE was established in 1819, with Abel Curtis as postmaster, who held the office 20 years.
DELEGATES TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS, were John Harding, Abel Curtis, Andrew Dodge.
The first birth and death was a son belonging to John Harding.
The first marriage on record is that of Jonathan Powers to Miss Relief Stewart, Dec. 3, 1812.
In the early history of the town, when there were but four in five residents, the male portion met at the house of Maj. Walker, "acccording to the custom of their fathers," to celebrate the anniversary of the Independence of the United States. They were destitute of any piece of ordnance, yet feeling that their celebration would not accord with the custom of their fathers, they were led to invent one. It was made by boring a hole in a hard-wood stump and then filling it with powder and inserting a plug. The day was thus spent in firing their cannon, which reverberated from the surrounding hills, kindling within them, with the aid of the "ruby wine," an unusual degree of patriotism. After the celebration was over, Maj. Walker, remarked, "Well, we have had a poorty good celebration." The company separated agreeing to meet at Mr. White's the next thanksgiving. Accordingly, Mr. John Harding and wife, Maj. Walker and wife, James Caldwell and his sister Charlotte and Miss Sarah Brigham, repaired to Mr. White's. All except two (who rode horseback ), were gathered into a lumber-sleigh, drawn by a pair of oxen. The river being very high, the sleigh had to answer for a boat in passing over the hollows on the mead. To make the company full, Abel Curtis followed on foot, arriving there just before dusk. On reaching the interval he found it impossible to cross, and raising a cry for help, he brought to his assistance James Caldwell.
The house was small—not more than 16 or 18 feet square. It was built of rough logs, with a large fire-place at one end. The company was well served with a supper. My informant does not distinctly remember of what it consisted, excepting that the mince-pies were highly seasoned with pepper, which gave to the mouth a peculiar sensation, which was only relieved by drawing large draughts of air. Supper being over, the company enjoyed themselves as best they could, until a late hour. They all slept in the same room, excepting a few who were stowed away in the small space overhead. After breakfast the next morning they all dispersed to their homes.
SOLDIERS IN THE WAR OF 1861.
Names. No. Reg. Co. Remarks.
Alger, Seth 1 7 G Died Oct. 29,'62.
Bean, Alphronus 2 Cav. I
Blood, Chas. S. 3 3 B Pro. serg't; killed at Wilderness May 6,'64.
Blood, Gillman W. 4 8 A Re-en. Jan. 5,'64; pro. corp. May 9,'65; must. out. June 28,'65.
Brown, Rufus 6 11 F Discharged July 8,'63.
Chamberlain, W. H. 7 " " Promoted corporal.
Coolbeth, Dan 8 7 E Re-enlisted, Feb. 22,'64.
Coolbeth, W. D. 9 " G Died Jan. 9,'63.
Coolbeth, Ransom 10 8 K Re-enlisted Jan. 6,'64.
Currier, Wm. H. 11 Cav. I
Davenport, Henry D. 54 17 C Musician.
Dunham, O. P. 5 8 A Re-enlisted Jan. 5,'64; discharged June 12,'65.
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Names. No. Reg Co. Remarks.
Edwards, Geo. H. 12 3 B Died Sept. 15, '62.
Erwin, Ralph, Jr., 13 2 rec.
Farewell, Munroe 14 3 B Discharged Oct. 5, '61.
Fisk, Orville 15 6 D Promoted corporal
Fletcher, George W. 16 3 F Killed at Sav. Station June 29, '62.
Franklin, E. D. 17 3 B Corporal, discharged Oct. 3, '61.
George, Orlando M. 18 2 rec.
Goodrich, Homer H. 19 3 B Mustered out July 27, '64.
Goodrich, Oscar W. 57 8 B
Griffin, Wm. 20 11 M Sick in General Hospital, Aug. 31, '64.
Hines, Eli 21 3 B Promoted corporal; mustered out July 27, '64.
Huggins, Ed. L. 22 " " Mustered out July 27, '64.
Jenkins, S. W. 23 " " Corporal, discharged Dec. 9, '62.
Keach, Roman F. 24 11 F Discharged Oct. 31, '62.
Lamphear, Burton 25 " M
Lamphear, Wilson 26 5 D
Lamphear, H. N. 3 B
Lapoint, Wm. 55 9 H
Lawrence, A. P. 27 5 D Musician.
Lawrence, Horace N. 28 3 B Musician; mustered out July 27, '64.
Longa, Chas. L. 29 8 A Discharged July 15, '62.
Maloney, Wm. J. 30 Cav. I " June 18, '62.
Metcalf, Royal D. 31 3 B " Dec. 24, '63.
Newton, Henry H. 32 8 A Pro. serg't; re-en. Jan. 5, '64; 2d lieut. Co. A, Dec. 13, '64.
Parker, Alex. H. 33 3 B
Parker, Julius 34 7 E Discharged Feb. 26, '63.
Priest, Almon V. 35 11 F Promoted serg't; killed at Cold Harbor.
Robinson, Ransom E. 36 8 A Died July 20, '62.
Sanborn, Chas. B. 37 " " Re-enlisted Jan. 5, '64.
Sanborn, E. M. 38 3 B Promoted corporal.
Skinner, Galen C. 39 " "
Sherry, John W. 40 " " Transferred to Co. H, 2d reg.
Smith, Benj. 56 " " Died.
Stiles, James S. 41 11 L Sick in General Hospital, Oct. 31, '64.
Stiles, Lucius 42 " "
Stiles, Myron S. 43 3 B Re-enlisted Dec. 21, '63.
Stiles, Wm. B. 44 " " " " "
Tillotson, Henry S. 45 7 E " Feb. 24, '64.
Tillotson, Nathaniel 46 8 A Discharged March 28, '64.
Wakefield, Alvah 47 3 B Discharged Nov. 28, '62.
Wakefield, Wm. W. 48 11 M Sick in General Hospital Aug. 31, '64.
Warner, Albert O. 49 3 B Musician, mustered out July 27, '64.
Warner, Onias C. 50 " " Died Oct. 8, '63.
Woods, Benj. T. 51 11 G Wounded, in General Hospital, Aug. 31, '64.
Woodbury, Brewster 52 " M Sick
Wright, Gershom P. 53 7 E Discharged June 13, '63.
Furnished under Draft.
Parker, Samuel B. 58 2 F Discharged March 26, '64.
Powers, Jerome B. 60 4 C Transferred to Co. F, '3d Reg.
Total, 60.
The above are the names of the soldiers who have been credited to this town, according to the Adj. General's report. Many went for other towns, whose names we are unable to obtain, which would swell the number to between 80 and 100. The town paid bounties to the amount of $600.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
Its history dates back to Jan. 10, 1816. It was organized by the Rev. Nathaniel Rawson, of Hardwick, and Rev. James Parker, of Enosburgh, with a membership of 6 persons,—three of each sex. They were for a long time dependent on casual supplies.—They had no regular places for worship, and were obliged to held their meetings in dwelling and school houses. Notwithstanding the fewness of their numbers, and their poverty, they felt it to he a duty and privilege devolving upon them, to erect a suitable structure for worship. A meeting was called which resulted in the formation of an association for that purpose. The plan of the house was
272 VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
determined, and the site selected. Its erection commenced in the year 1841, but was not completed until the following year. It was under the control of the Congregationalists and Methodists, —each having reciprocal rights, and each were to supply the pulpit alternately.
It was stipulated in the constitution, which was adopted by both societies, that, whenever either denomination wished to occupy the house exclusively, they could do so by purchasing of the other society their right in the house, which was effected, by mutual agreement, Jan. 13, 1855; the Congregational society buying all the interest which the Methodists held in the house.
The church was now in debt to the amount of $771.91, which was a continual annoyance to the church for many years. It was not fully discharged until 1865; the last being paid by Mr. Fletcher Jones, who was about to remove from town, but felt that he could not, until the house was free from debt. For which generous act, he will be gratefully remembered.
Aug. 1, 1849, an invitation was extended to the Rev. Jubilee Wellman to become their pastor. The invitation received a favorable reply, and he entered upon his labors, Sept. 1, 1849; and in a few months was installed pastor.
The prospects of the church now seemed to improve. It was favored with prosperity, and the future seemed more favorable than ever. But the death of the beloved pastor, early in 1855, spread a deep gloom over the people. He was held in much esteem by his flock, and his death was the occasion of much sorrow.
The following December, the Rev. Daniel Warren became acting pastor, and remained nearly 2 years.
In January, 1858, the Rev. Thomas Baldwin became acting pastor, and remained until 1861. For the two succeeding years the pulpit was but partially supplied, and, for the most part, by the itinerant missionaries of the Vermont Domestic Missionary Society. The Rev. Azro A. Smith was then engaged to supply the pulpit, and, in the following February, was ordained pastor of this church, and that at Westfield. His untiring labors have been accompanied by the divine blessing. The accessions to the church have been more than at any other period. In January, 1867, the church was able, for the first time, to support preaching every Sabbath; and Mr. Smith, being released from his charge in Westfield, began to bestow all of his labors upon this field.
An effort was made, about one year since, to erect a parsonage; which found acceptance in the minds of the people, and generous aid was offered. It is nearly completed.
CATHOLIC CHURCH.
A very neat church edifice has been erected this year, (1869) by the Catholics of this town. One of the Priests of Hamstead, says Mass here once a month on a Sunday. There may be some seventy Catholic families, attending the church at Lowell.
L. D. GOESBRIAND, Bp.
REV. JUBILEE WELLMAN.
BY REV. P. H. WHITE.
The Rev. Jubilee Wellman was born in Gill, Mass., Feb. 20, 1793; and without going through a collegiate course, studied theology at Bangor, Me., where he was graduated, in 1823. He was ordained pastor in Frankfort, Me., Sept. 17, 1824. The Rev. Bancroft Fowler, of Bangor, preached the sermon. Mr. Wellman was dismissed Jan. 3. 1826; and in the Fall of that year, while journeying, he spent a Sabbath in Warner, N. H., where he preached from the text: "Never man spake like this man." The discourse impressed the audience very favorably, and many desired to secure him as their minister. But he went on his way, and the church remained destitute of preaching till January, 1827, when a few individuals advanced the funds to employ him 4 weeks. Thus began a happy and successful ministry of nearly 10 years. A revival speedily commenced, and continued several months, as the result of which, 29 were added to the church. He received a unanimous call to the pastorate, and was installed, Sept. 26, 1827. The Rev. Samuel Wood, D. D., of Boscawen, preached the sermon. His pastorate continued till Feb. 15, 1837, when he was dismissed at his own request. Afterwards, he preached at Bristol, Hooksett, and Meredith Bridge—a few months at each place. He was installed pastor at Westminster West, Vt., March 7, 1838—the Rev. Z. S. Barstow, D. D., preaching the sermon. In 1840 a revival occurred, and 50 were added to the church. He was dismissed Jan. 5, 1842. For 2 years, he supplied alternately at Cavendish and Plymouth;
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then, for 5 years, at Cavendish alone. From Cavendish he went to Lowell, where he was installed, Oct. 17, 1840. The Rev. James Underwood preached the sermon. His labors at Lowell were closed by death, Mar. 18, 1855.
As a preacher, Mr. Wellman was always acceptable and instructive, sometimes earnest and impressive, and, occasionally, even eloquent. He could be plain and pointed, without being personal or giving offence. His prayers were appropriate, never tedious, and not seldom accompanied by tears. He was dignified and gentlemanly in appearance, but readily adapted himself to the society of all his parishioners, however humble. His people both loved and reverenced him. He was a decided friend to the benevolent enterprises of the day, and was an especially active advocate of temperance.
REV. AZRO A. SMITH.
BY PLINY H. WHITE.
The Rev. Azro A. Smith, son of Maj. and Alma (Andrews) Smith, was born in Tunbridge, Sept. 6, 1827, and was graduated at the University of Vermont, in 1856, after which he studied theology at Andover a year, and was a teacher in Burlington 9 years, and in Franklin, N. H., 3 years and more. During the period last mentioned, he studied theology 2 years with the Rev. Wm. T. Savage of Franklin, and was licensed by the Hopkinton Association at East Concord, 14, Oct. 1862. He then spent 8 months at Andover, pursuing his studies as resident licentiate. He was ordained. pastor of the churches in Lowell and Westfield, Feb. 11, 1864. The Rev. Pliny H. White preached the sermon. He was dismissed from the Westfield pastorate Aug. 20, 1867.
SABBATH-SCHOOL.
The Sabbath-school work in Lowell, although far from being perfect, has not been lost sight of. The first attempt to organize a Sabbath-school in this town, was made by Miss Laura Washburn, a district school teacher, from Greensboro in the Summer of 1820.
(Her father started the first Sabbath-school movement in that town, and one of the first in the State.)
There were present at that school the first Sabbath 13 souls, from 4 to 16 years old. Some parents in the district kept their children aloof from the school, for fear it would draw off their attention from their week-day studies. But the sun rose and set on that beautiful June Sabbath, and, in fact, no convulsion of nature gave token of a disturbed universe, through the influence of that Sabbath-school movement.
One member of that little band still survives, who has made her home in this town ever since; and who has seen that little shoot, planted in the wilderness, by that brave and devoted girl, grow on, year by year, often buried beneath the snows of Winter, but, with the return of Spring, putting forth its leaves and taking deeper root in the hearts of the people, until the Sabbath-schools in Lowell are among the fixed institutions of the place. No records of the schools are known to be in existence, but those of the last few years. There are connected with the Congregational Sabbath-school, at this trine (November, 1869), 130.
The Baptist brethren labored, in different parts of the town, for several years, until about 2 years since, when they built a place of worship at the lower village, where they have been making steady progress, and now have a flourishing school.
Missionary work has been carried on, in several districts, with different degrees of success. In the south part of the town, the greatest interest has been shown in the work. Nearly a whole neighborhood has been brought under the influences of the gospel by the Mission Sabbath-school. In one mountain district, last Spring, an appointment was given out, for a meeting to organize a school the next Sabbath morning at 9 o'clock, at the school-house. Some of the children were on the spot at 7½ o'clock, and stood their ground until the expected help arrived from the village. In another district, one of the most remote in town, a mother plead for a Sabbath-school to be carried on, that her children and others might receive the benefit of its teachings. But all in vain. The harvest was truly great, but the reapers few. The energies of every worker were already taxed to the uttermost.
Thus the work goes on. Some of our leaders have fallen while nobly bearing the banner of the cross. Much good seed has been sown. A few flowers have been transplanted to bloom in the fadeless gardens of paradise. Many have gone from us, as we hope and trust, better prepared for the duties of life, by the blessed influence of this nursery of the Lord.
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MAJ. WM. CALDWELL.
Maj. Caldwell before removing to Vermont was said to have been the most wealthy young man in Barre, Mass. But, in consequence of becoming surety for his friends, he lost his all, and fled to Vermont. He was held in much esteem by his townsmen and rose to a respectable station in his earlier years. He once held the office of sheriff in Worcester County, Mass.
The following anecdotes, relating to the Caldwell family have been preserved.* "The ancestor of Maj. Caldwell who first settled in this country was Esq. Caldwell a native of Ireland. He was very poor when he came to America and was one of the early settlers of Barre, Mass. By his industry, perseverance and good management he amassed a large property, and was a justice of the peace at a period when that office was not so lavishly confered as it is in this democratic age. In the after part of his life, he used to say that the purchase of any farm which he then owned, never gave him so much real satisfaction as the purchase of a table when he had saved the means to procure that necessary article for his family's use. After he had become wealthy, Esq. Caldwell had an observance in his family, which is somewhat remarkable for its singularity as well as its propriety.
For certain days in each year, he and his family returned to the same coarse and scanty fare which he was compelled to use when he first settled in Barre. This, he said, was designed for a sort of passover, to remind him and his family of the poverty and indigence from which they had arisen.
The circumstances of Maj. Caldwell's removal to Vermont, are also somewhat illustrative of the straits some of our early settlers were reduced to, and of the stratagems of that day, After he lost his property, he made arrangements to remove to Vermont. Some of his creditors got wind of his intention and prepared to arrest him. With some difficulty, he escaped his pursuers, took refuge in a tavern and secreted himself there. The house was quickly beset with deputy sheriffs, who suspected the place of his concealment, and were watching to arrest him. In this dilemma he sent for a friend by the name of Brigham to come and see him at the house where he was concealed. Mr. Brigham came in the evening and found the bar-room filled with sheriffs watching for Caldwell. With some difficulty, he got an interview with Caldwell and made his arrangements for the escape. He told Caldwell he must wait until late at night, and when he heard a tremendous uproar in the bar-room, come down and escape to the place where there was a horse and sleigh waiting for him, saying when he attempted to do anything slyly, he made a great noise about it. Brigham then went into the bar-room, called for a mug of flip, and commenced conversation with the sheriffs and others present. One mug prepared the way for another and the third and fourth soon followed. The officers, to relieve themselves of the tedium of watching, willingly joined in carousing and drinking with him until they got into a somewhat merry mood.
In the coarse of the evening Brigham went out and removed his horse from the place where he had hitched him, and secreted him. He then joined his friends in the bar-room and the carousal was continued. The company supposed Brigham was for a spree, and drank freely to carry out the joke of the day of getting him intoxicated, which was no easy matter. He was a large athletic man, had been an officer in the Revolutionary army, knew the strength of liquor, and would probably bear more liquor than any of them; besides he knew what he was about, and had no intention of taking more than he could manage, which he rarely, or never did on any occasion, being considered in that day a sober and temperate man.
At rather a late hour in the evening Mr, Brigham called on the landlord for his bill, paid it and started apparently home. He soon returned in a terrible passion, saying his horse was gone and accused the company of turning him loose, this was of course denied, the horse searched for, and it was found he was gone sure enough. This appeared to aggravate Brigham, more and more, flip was called for, but Brigham's passion seemed to increase, and he threatened to flog the whole company for the insult, he said that they put upon him.
The uproar from drinking, laughing, threatening and swearing was now complete, Caldwell was forgotten for the moment by the sheriffs, but the noise of the tumult reached his anxious ear, the signal was understood, and he
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* Sumner's History of the Missisco Valley.
LOWELL. 2;5
slipped out of the house and was off. Before Brigham and his company could be quieted and the uproar hushed, Caldwell was well on his way for Vermont. When all this was accomplished at a pretty late hour in the night Mr. Brigham went out, took his horse from his hiding place and went home, leaving the disappointed sheriffs to get sober and make a Non est return on their writs.
HARD TIMES.
The hardships which the first settlers endured, their indomitable perseverance, seem worthy our notice. Shut off, as it were, from the outside world, the roads being few and almost impassable, it was with great difficulty that they gained communication with the neighboring towns. The nearest store was located at Craftsbury, a distance of 12 miles. Having no mills they were obliged to carry their grain to an adjoining town, sometimes through mud, again through the deep, trackless snow. Throwing their bags of grain across their backs, or their horse's, they would commence their journey, it taking them nearly a day to go and return.
The disadvantages and inconveniences of living at a considerable distance from one another, was another serious evil which they encountered. It is related that Maj. Walker having cut his foot, and being destitute of fuel, his wife donned his apparel and waded through the snow, a distance of 3 miles to Maj. Caldwell's to procure assistance, He immediately returned with her, taking his son with him, whom he left to cut fuel &c., until Maj. Walker should recover.
The cold season of 1816, was one of great suffering among the settlers. Great scarcity of provision prevailed, one family by the name of Butterfield, being reduced to such a state that they were obliged to subsist on clover heads for several days, Mrs. Butterfield performing the hard labor of spinning and weaving during the time.
THE WAR OF 1812.
The inhabitants shared with those of other towns in the panic caused by the war of 1812, A fort was erected near where the Congregational church now stands, for a sort of refuge in times of danger, Dea. Ebenezer Woods, and Abel Curtis were appointed delegates, to a meeting holden at Potton, P. Q., to ascertain, if might be, the state of feeling which existed among the people in Canada. They found the inhabitants as much disposed to have peace as themselves. This news in a great measure quieted the fears of the panic-striken, and less fears were entertained of an invasion. They had no occasion to remove into the fort, and it was afterwards used as a pound.
TEMPERANCE.
The town has suffered much from the effects of intemperance. For a long time, traffic in intoxicating liquors was carried on to a considerable extent. Though not wholly free from its blighting influences, yet a mighty revolution has taken place within the last few years.
Some of the young men saw and felt the need of a reformation.
Nearly 4 years ago a Good Templars Lodge was organized. As a reward of their labors, they have had the satisfaction of seeing many rescued from the jaws of the fiery-demon.
The Lodge has sustained weekly meetings since its formation. It now has about 100 active members.
EDUCATIONAL.
Provisions for schools were made as soon as the town was organized. The following appears on record. "Voted to raise one cent on the dollar on the Grand List, paid in grain, for the support of schools."
The town originally contained but one district. It now contains seven and three fractional ones.
The first school was taught by Abel Curtis in a dwelling-house situated a few rods back of his present residence. The first schoolhouse was erected near where Carlos Farman now resides. It was a log structure, although as comfortable as their own dwellings. Other districts were formed, and schools established, according as the settlement of the town demanded. Under the supervision of superintendents, the schools have greatly improved, and the people are giving more attention to the subject of education. Each district now has a neat commodious house, showing that the people appreciate the blessings of intelligence and cultivation in those around them.
LOWELL CONTINUED.
BY LYMAN J. SEELY, OF JEFFERSONVILLE LAMOILLE CO.
This township is bounded N. by Westfield, Troy and Coventry Gore, E. by Irasburgh and Albany, S. by Eden and Belvidere, and W. by Montgomery. It was granted for 39,000 acres, but, upon surveying, was found to contain 42,000. The south line—the only
276 VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
straight line—being 12 miles, and the east 10 miles. By act of legislature, Nov. 18, 1852, one tier of lots, in the range adjoining Irasburgh, was annexed to that town; and, by act of legislature, Nov. 5, 1858, 13 lots in the 18th range, and all the ranges west of this range, were annexed to Montgomery. The present area of the town is 33,115 acres.
Lowell lies 36 miles N. from Montpelier, and 42 miles N. E. from Burlington.
It was first chartered by the name of Kellyvale; but, owing to the unpopularity of this cognomen among the settlers, or for some other reason, that no one now knows, its name was changed to the one it now bears.
It appears that Kelley, to whom it was first granted, sold his grant to Messrs. Franklin and Robinson, in New York, who failed, and the grant passed to the hands of M. Mawhurst, in the City of New York, a few lots of which remain in the hands of his heirs to the present day. From some old conveyances, we infer that Kelley's interest passed, as soon as obtained, into his creditors hands, among whom were Alexander Hamilton and Livingston, of New York, and other speculators there in wild lands in Vermont. The town was once sold to one William Dewes for $4,680; and the titles have been transferred from one speculator to another, till no regular chain of titles can now be traced, down to this date.
There is a story that the town was once attached and sold on an execution,—the officers and party coming as far as Abner Brush's hotel, in Cambridge Boro', where they staid over night, and stated, in the morning, that they were 30 miles off. They sold the town at auction; after which they took a little toddy and left again. There have been vendue sales, also, for taxes, till it would be hard to trace titles.
Colonel Hazen cut a road through this town, in 1779 or '80. His regiment encamped on the banks of the Missisquoi River, while his men cleared the road and made it passable for the drawing of the ordnance of war over. He had cut the road to the notch of the mountains, when the news of peace came, and he left his unused road for the benefit of the settlers. The notch where he ended his work, took the name of Hazen's Notch, in honor of the Colonel. It was some six miles ahead of where his regiment were encamped, in the town of Westfield.
For some 15 years this was the only road through the unbroken wilderness, in this part of Vermont. This road had been cut some 8 years before the first tree was felled for a permanent settlement in Kellyvale.
WILLIAM CALDWELL
came to Peacham in 1803, and, stopping with his brother there a year, in 1805, came to Kellyvale, where he had previously purchased a right, and selected a good location, near the present town of Lowell. He cleared a few acres, and sowed it to oats, built a log-cabin, and, after harvesting and stacking his oat-crop, returned to Peacham for the Winter. The next March, he brought his family with him, and made a permanent settlement; and here, with no neighbors within 12 miles, at Westfield or Craftsbury, he lived many years. His house was a welcome resting-place to travelers, coming some 12 or 15 miles over the Hazen road, through the solitary wilderness before reaching it. Mr. Caldwell and wife raised a family, and toiled hard for some three score years, when they passed the way of all, and were buried in the graveyard in town. Their headstones are standing, but so defaced by storms that the date of their death is not legible.
JUDGE JOHN HARDING,
born in Barre, Mass., 1788, left his native town in 1806, and went to live with Thomas H. Parker, a brother-in-law, in Eden, Vt., where he remained a year, and married Polly Hutchins, of Eden, and then went and built a house in Kellyvale, where he had purchased a tract of land, and having all things ready at Mr. Parker's, in March, 1809, they loaded five hand-sleds,—the loading consisting of wife and one child, furniture for house-keeping, and provisions, and four stout men with him, all on snow shoes, and a man for each sled, they started for Kellyvale, where they arrived at or a little before night. The Judge says, it was the happiest night he ever saw, when the whole lay down after supper: five tired men, and one woman, and babe slept sweet from the toil of the day, and, when morning came, the birds woke them with their welcome. When they built a fire, the smoke, arising above the trees, was seen by Mr. Caldwell, who, not knowing of this new settlement, supposed some Indians had camped on the western hills. After a few days he ventured out to ascertain the cause, and was greatly amazed to find a cabin and family
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within 4 miles of his house. These two families enjoyed being the only settlers in town, for a part of the year, at least. Mr. Harding buried his wife, Polly, April 27, 1847, and married, April 27, 1848, a widow French, of Irasburgh, and both are living (1870.)—The family of the Judge has numbered 9 children, three only of whom survive. He has represented the town 14 years, been constable 5 terms, high bailiff 5 terms, justice 20 years, judge of county courts 2 years.
EBENEZER WOOD
came, with his wife and 11 children, from Merrimac, N. H., in 1810. He came by the Hazen road, bringing his family and goods, with a span of horses, in an old-fashioned double wagon. Mr. Wood toiled hard, and died in 1839, at the age of 75 years. His wife died, aged 89. His descendants have all died or removed. Some of his grandchildren are in the Western and Southern states.
JOSEPH BUTTERFIELD
came into town with his family—a wife and child, in 1811. He was rather dull, took time easy and left the support of his family to his wife. His wife, Olive, was a prudent and industrious woman, and mother of 10 children, 5 of whom died in infancy. She practiced midwifery, and was a very useful member of the new settlement, where it was far distant, as yet, to the residence of a physician. At length Mr. Butterfield got up one morning out of sorts, and saying, "Olive, I am going off to leave you." Tired of his shiftlessness and ill-humor— "Agreed, Jo," she said, "you and I are two." He left her with five children, the youngest at the breast. She toiled hard to provide for her little children. In the cold season they had to subsist several days on boiled leeks and clover-heads, while she was finishing some spinning that she had taken in, with the pay for which she was to buy some provisions to subsist upon. But as her little ones grew larger, they took some of the burden from her, and she attained the age of 75, dying in the Summer of 1866.
ABEL CURTIS
removed from Tunbridge to this place in 1810. His brother, Asahel, accompanied him. They came on to the lot of land upon which he is now living with his son, Don. B., at the center of the town. He taught the first school in town; was the first justice of the peace, which office he held for a number of years; was the first postmaster, and served in this capacity until in 1838, when the new stage route left his dwelling remote and he resigned. At his first quarterly report to the general P. O., the amount due was 19 cents. He was town clerk 27 consecutive years, with the exception of the time that Otis Leland and William Caldwell served, one year each. He has been also a member of the Constitutional Convention, as recommended by the council of censors. He is a very plain writer and has done most of the writing of the deeds, &c. in town. He married Sally Brigham of Tunbridge, by whom he had three sons and one daughter. His wife died several years ago, since which time he has resided with his son, Don B. the present town clerk. Two of his sons emigrated to Ohio. His daughter married John D. Harding, and resides in Newport.
MILLS.
Col. E. Crafts built a saw-mill for the proprietors in 1805, where the saw-mill of Parker & Bros. now stands. Abel Curtis built a grist-mill in 1812, by the natural bridge spoken of in Thompson's Gazetteer, which well served the inhabitants of this town is years.
Cobb & Kelton put up a grist-mill at the falls in 1831, which, 6 years later, was burned; cause unknown.
Wm. S. Flint built a grist-mill on the same site in 1828 which stood about 18 years and was bnrned. The old site is now occupied by the clap-board shop of Paine & Root.
M. Work built a grist-mill in 1860, a little below the site of the Abel Curtis mill. This mill is now doing business.
There was a saw-mill built on the west hill below Walker pond, which has been rebuilt several times, has been in the hands of many owners and is nearly run down.
Sabin Scott, Thomas Wooley and Wm. Knapp have also built saw-mills, which ran till they became old when they were torn down. The two last were built between 1840 and '50.
Daniel E. Works has a saw-mill on the West Branch of the Missisquoi river which cuts 200,000 or 300,000 ft. of boards annually, and which are hauled to Barton Landing, put aboard the cars and sent to Boston, Worcester and Providence. Paine & Root have also a clapboard-mill upon the old site of Cobb & Kelton's grist-mill, where they
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annually cut 200,000 or 300,000 feet of clapboards, which are drawn to Barton Landing and sent to market.
Wm. S. Flint built a saw-mill above the site of the first saw-mill, which was afterward remodeled into a circular saw-mill and cooper shop, which privileges Brown & Wellman have purchased and are making over into a clapboard-mill.
In January, 1843, a sash-shop was put in operation on the opposite site of the stream, which at the present time is doing quite a large amount of work in window-blinds, doors and sash.
There was formerly a carding and cloth-dressing mill upon the site of the present grist-mill. The business failed however in two years, and later the building was carried away by a freshet.
Shipley & Warner built a starch-factory, which they run one year, when they failed, and it went into the hands of Wm. S. Flint who sold in 1839 to Woolley & Co., who run it till Dec. 2, 1842, when it was burned, but re-built and running in two months from the day it was burned. Charles Leland bought the factory and run it here till 1847 when he removed it down the stream a hundred rods, and there continued his business till 1854, when he sold to Edward and Irvin Stephenson, present owners. In 1848, John D. Harding built a factory on the site that the first was removed from, which passed from his through several hands, last to Joseph Brown in 1867, who remodeled and is now running it in the time of starch-making; and, in 1854, James Brown built a starch-factory on the west hill, which is now in the hands of Messrs. C. A. & F. F. White of Eden.
MOUNTAINS AND STREAMS.
This town is hemmed in by mountains and hills upon three sides; upon the southern border are Mts. Norris, Hudley and Belvidere. Mt. Norris is a high eminence, at the base of which is a notch that nature intended for a road. A high range of hills skirts the western border of the town, so abrupt that five ranges of lots on this border were set to Montgomery, owing to the abrupt mountain barrier between them and the center of Lowell. And in the eastern part of the town is a mountain which gives but two places for a road; over one is the old Hazen road and Irasburgh route. Serpentine hill, in the north part of the town, is also abrupt, but down all these high hills the little brooks come rushing, growing in their course, till they form immense mill-sites of ample water-power for all kinds of manufacturing business. The source of the Missisquoi is in this town. At the Center the river passes over a fall from 15 to 30 feet.
PONDS AND FISH.
This township has two ponds, Eden pond, which also belongs in part to Eden and which is the head of the Missisquoi; and Walker pond in the western part of the township, which has an area of two acres of water, and was formerly stocked with fine trout. It received its name from H. Walker who located near this pond in the early settlement of the town. In the Summer of 1847, Blake Aldrich and Benj. F. Pickett went to the pond, the afternoon of one lowry day, and returned at night with 96 pounds of trout. This is what you would call good fishing. Up to 1850, this town was much resorted to in the fishing season, but since that time the trout have been scarce.
SOIL AND MINERALS.
In the northern part of the township is a clay soil; in the center it is sandy, and in the rest of the township a sandy loam. Among the hills and valleys are found serpentine, feldspar, amianthus, pudding-stone and asbestus. The latter has furnished specimens for all the New England and some of the Middle and Western States colleges. Iron has also been dug from the swamp and worked at Troy.
Near the north line of the town is a spring impregnated with iron and sulphur, which no doubt will be resorted to at a future day, as its healing qualities are great; but being so remote, it is not so well known.
ROADS.
First was the Warren road which passed in a north-western course through the town, and next, or in 1828, there was a County road laid from Burlington to Derby Line, which passed through Lowell north, and south from Eden to Westfield, and was the only mail route. There was also at this time or soon after, a road over the mountains to Irasburgh, but this road was very rough and steep, and not traveled in the winter.
Apr. 5, 1842, Mr. Jona. Stewart wished to go over to Irasburgh to pay a debt at the bank, aud thought he could go over the mountain which would be but 9 miles, while by way
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of Troy it was 20 miles, with road bare and bad. He crossed over the mountain upon the snow-crust in the morning very well, paid his debt at the bank and started to return. He left the last house in Irasburgh, the sun two hours high, and began to ascend the mountain. The snow had softened during the day, through which with the anxiety of getting home, he wallowed three miles, when, wearied out, he lay down and rolled quite a distance down a hill, at the foot of which he stretched himself out upon the snow with his cap under his head and his hands crossed upon his breast and went to sleep—within two rods of a family in their snug, warm log-house.
The next day, Luther H. Brown of Eden came out to Lowell on the way to Irasburgh on the same errand and finding the road bad thought too, that he would attempt the mountain road. Brown, who was some 20 years younger than Stewart, traveled briskly on till he entered the four-miles wood, when his progress was slow as there was no other road than that made by Stewart the day before, and the snow was soft. He however continued on till he arrived where the lifeless body of poor Stewart lay. Greatly alarmed at the sight of what might have been his own fate had he gone on and attempted to return as this man had, he hurriedly retraced his steps for help. The citizens turned out, a jury was summoned, who, having repaired to the spot, rendered a verdict "died from exhaustion and exposure," and the body was made fast to a pole and borne by the men, taking turns, a mile and a half, to the first place where a team could meet them, when it was conveyed by the team to his home and his family, who little thought of such a return when he left them hale and hearty the day before.
Nov. 21, 1859, the legislature granted a tax of one cent on all lands in Lowell, (excepting public lands), to be laid out on a road, the most feasible route over the mountain to Irasburgh, and which road was laid out the next year and is now the most traveled road in town by freight to and from the railroad.
There is also a road running on the west ledge of the mountain.
TIMBERS.
spruce, fir, hemlock, pine and cedar. Pine and cedar were quite plenty at an early day, but were confiscated, upon the non-resident lands, till the owners appointed an agent in town, which was a little too late, and there is but little cedar left in town, now that it is wanted at home.
The land is timbered with birch, beech, elm, cherry, poplar, white and rock maple,
CHANGES.
When the town was new there were litigations among neighbors and the spirits rapping was at the bar; law-suits are now uncommon and the rapping at the bar has ceased. The good Templars have done a good work in this town.
FIRST THINGS.
Abel Curtis built the first framed house in town, which he also tore down in 1842, to build new upon the same site. He also married the first couple in town, viz. Mr. Jonathan Powers to Miss Lila Stewart.
The first death and burial in town was that of a Mr. Dunham, who was killed by the falling of his hay-barrack upon him, and who was interred in the present burying-ground.
The first meeting-house built in town, by the Methodists and Congregationalists, since the share of the Methodists bought out by the Congregationalists, was erected in 1842.
The first settled minister in town, was Rev. Jubilee Wellman, who drew the ministerial lot of land, and was settled in 1849. He tarried with his people a few years when death took him from his flock, and the town was without a minister about 12 years. Rev. A. A. Smith, a Congregational clergyman, settled here in 1867, and Rev. H. N. Hovey, a close-communion Baptist, the same year. Rev. Mr. Hovey stirred them up in the town and caused a meeting house to be erected the next Summer at the Hollow, and is still laboring with his people there.
The first school numbered 12 scholars, taught by Abel Curtis. There are 6 districts now in town, with newly built school-houses in each. There is not a town in the County which, according to its wealth, has taken so much pride in schools and expended so much for them. In district No. 1, they have a house which was built for a graded school, and cost $2,000.
In 1866, they organized the Lowell Library Association, which has 125 volumes, already, of well selected books, and money in the treasury.
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There is also a flourishing Sunday-school with a large library of selected books.
PREMATURE DEATHS.
The first person killed in town, as I have already noted, was Mr. Dunham.
In 1840, George Howe, who was in the employ of Thomas Woolley, was binding starch barrels upon a sled, when the horses took fright and ran, and Howe was caught between the sled and bar-posts and so crushed as to cause his death.
In 1845, J. B. Roberts was killed by a falling tree; and since 1857, a Mr. Eaton, Harvey Rathbone, David Dana, Eastman Wadge and a Mr. Rockwood have been killed in the woods.
Mr. Streeter, a man of this town, nearly 70 year of age, was choked to death while eating.
A Mr. Gibbs and a Miss Maguire committed suicide by hanging.
LONGEVITY.
Ebenezer Woods lived till 75 years of age; his wife survived him and died at 89 years.
Hosea Sprague lived to the age of 85 and his wife survived him to 97 years.
Peter Sanborn died at 85 years.
Mrs. Aldrich, the newspapers speak of as living, in 1867, at the age of 85, and of her going out with the girls into the fields hop-picking the same Fall, where she did nearly as much as the rest. She was the wife of W. G. Aldrich who died some 20 years since, or a little more.
Mrs. Brigham, who has been a widow nearly 30 years, is now living with a good memory of things that happened in her younger days.
There has been a great change in the inhabitants within a few years. There are but few that remain on the places they first settled.
VILLAGE.
Lowell village is not so compact as some villages—as nature has so made the place. There are 5 streets, none of them parallel with others. It has 2 stores, 1 hotel, a post-office, 2 houses for public worship, 2 starch-factories, 2 clap board-mills, 1 grist-mill, about 30 dwellings and a chance for improvement.
POPULATION OF THE TOWN.
In 1810, 40; 1820, 139; 1830, 314; 1840, 431; 1850, 637; 1860, 813; 1870, 942.
MILITARY ITEMS.
any in the State, viz. Rufus Brown, who was 63 years old when he enlisted.
In the war for the suppression of the late rebellion, this town sent the oldest soldier of
Alvah Wakefield, from this town, was also 56 years of age when he entered service, and Nathaniel Tillotson, 50 years. They were all discharged for disability before their time had half expired.
There were quite a number of soldiers from this town that deserted during the war, while on the other hand, HENRY H. NEWTON was promoted to a lieutenancy, and DAVID B. DAVENPORT got up a company in Bradford and Gov. Fairbanks commissioned him captain. He died in service and his remains were brought home and interred in Lowell.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
This church was constituted Jan. 7, 1846, by an Ecclesiastical council composed of delegates from Baptist churches as follows:
Johnson—Rev. R. A. Hodge, David Boynton, Dea. E. B. Taylor, Samuel Andrews, Darius Clark, James Furgason. Hardwick—Rev. J. R. Green, J. Patch, C. Sanborn. Troy—Rev. N. H. Downs, Rev. J. Waldron. Derby—N. H. Denison. Coventry—Dea. T. Wells. Albany—Rev. H. N. Hovey, Dea. H. Chafey, E. S. Hovey. Rev. R. A. Hodge, was chosen moderator; H. N. Hovey, clerk.
The members so constituted brought a letter of commendation from the Baptist church in Troy, being 15, as follows: Smith Camet, Calvin Wakefield, Timothy Blake, Martin Reynolds, Alvin Carey, Samuel W. Warner, Miriam F. Wakefield, Hannah Wakefield, Ann Blake, Abigail Blake, Delila Avery, Harriet Souther, Sarah W. Reynolds, Sibyl Warner, Sabina Camet. On the evening of the same day Martin Reynolds was elected, by the church, as their deacon, and after examination by the council and a sermon by Rev. N. Denison, was publicly ordained by prayer and imposition of hands.
MINISTERS AND PASTORS.
Rev. Isaac Waldron (licentiate) an earnest and faithful worker, preached one year previous to May 1, 1847. Rev. H. I. Campbell (licentiate) nearly one year to March 1, 1848, when his health failed. Occasional preaching and the administration of the ordinances by H. I. Campbell, N. Dennison, A. Norcross and H. N. Hovey, between March 1848 and March 1853. E. B. Hatch preached with them from 1853 to Jan. 2, 1856, when he was ordained; being their first pastor. Previous to
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his ordination, by exchange, the ordinances were administered at several times by H. N. Hovey, A. Norcross and T. M. Merriman. Soon after, unfortunately for him and the church, he formed a union, by an attempted marriage, to another man's wife. He plead innocence on the ground that he supposed the husband was dead; but he was at once suspended from the fellowship of the church, and soon left for other parts. However after getting legal advice, they discontinued their union until she obtained a bill from her husband; when the matrimonial tie made them husband and wife. Rev. A. J. Walker a graduate from the Fairfax institute, labored with the church from 1856 to 1858. He was ordained as its pastor, March 4, 1857, and continued his connection with the church until Aug. 22, 1858. Sept. 1, 1861, Rev. J. Small commenced preaching with the church for one half of the time for one year, whose labors, aided by Rev. J. W. Buzzell, resulted much to the reviving and strengthening of the church six were added by baptism, and five by letters and two by experience. Oct. 5, 1862, Rev. J. W. Buzzell became the pastor for one year, Nov. 8, 1863, Rev. H. N. Hovey became pastor, which relation has been continued to the present time.
OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH.
DEACONS—Dea. Martin Reynolds continued with the church only about 14 months, when he was dismissed by letter. From that time to 1862, Br. Samuel W. Warner officiated as deacon, when he and Br. Wm. N. Blake were chosen for that office and ordained by Rev. J. S. Small and Rev. J. W. Buzzell. The former received a letter of dismission in 1868, the latter remaining, still faithful to his office.
CLERKS—Calvin Wakefield, Levi B. Farr, Samuel W. Warner, Samuel O. Flemmings and Wm. N. Blake have severally officiated in this office; the last is still in the office.
The membership has been small from its beginning, numbering only 35 at the present time.
Like most other churches, while it has been increased by additions on the one hand, on the other it has been diminished by removals and deaths. As seeing Him who is invisible with union. and great self-sacrifice, they are still looking for that "city which hath foundations whose builder and maker is God." The pecuniary ability of the church is quite limited and to meet their necessities, the Vermont Baptist State Convention has rendered aid in the support of the ministry.
Until Jan. 1868, this church had no place of public worship—worshipped in school-houses, mostly, excepting two or three years, in which the Congregationalists tendered them their house for a part of the time.
Most of the time it had worshipped in the west part of the town. At the Baptist State Convention in 1866, it seemed advisable to discontinue their aid to this as a missionary church, unless the church would arise and do something by way of building a place of worship at the village. At this report the church seemed wholly disheartened, and some of its most efficient members would not have appeared more sad and desponding if its death warrant had been sealed. However, stimulated and encouraged by their pastor, a subscription was started for the erection of a house at the village, and, after much effort, $2,000 were placed upon it. By the untiring efforts of the pastor and others a beautiful and commodious houes 38 by 50 feet was dedicated to the worship of God, Jan. 22, 1868, at a cost of $3,000. Soon after a bell of $300 was added for which many contributed who had taken no interest in the house. In nearly one year from the dedication, as a New Year's offering, a beautiful chandelier, with pulpit and gallery lamps, were now procured by the energy and kind regards of friends, being started by, and much of the contributions made by those out of the church.
Although there remains some indebtedness upon the church, encouraged from the past, this little band are looking hopefully to the future.
Written Dec. 29, 1869, by H. N. Hovey, pastor.
ABBIE METCALF
departed this life July 27, 1857, aged 16 years, 3 months, in her native town, Lowell, Vt. "These poems," writes her sister, Mrs. C. I. Herring, under date Montpelier, Vt., May 16, 1858, "from which we select a number, were all or part published in the 'North Union,' printed at Charleston, some 2 years since."
FAREWELL.
It withers not, that growing thorn—
It passes not—that endless sting—
That swelling tide is onward borne
Till death shall drain its bitter spring—
But not to death the power is given
To gild a brighter scene than this.
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To twine the wreath by sorrow riven,—
And wake the angel smile of peace,
The storm is past the dream is gone.
The heart has burst its mournful spell
The song of love flows gently on,
Nor feels the saddening word "Farewell."
NEARER HOME.
Solemnly one Sabbath evening
Sweet and mournful tolled the bell,
As they brought his form and laid it
Neath the hill.
In the pure and solemn starlight
Softly rose the funeral strain,
And it breathed of peace and Heaven,
Not of pain.
Hushed was every sad repining,
Banished every wail of woe—
He is only up in heaven,
I below!
Here I am content to labor
In the wide-spread field of life,
Aiding if I can the weak ones—
In the strife—
Thus my barque moves swiftly onward
Heedless of the eddying foam,
Every Sabbath evening brings me—
Nearer home.
THE WATCHER OF THE FALLING LEAF.
"Oh, I love," she softly whispered,
"Love to watch the falling leaf,
I can hear a sweet voice calling,
Every time a leaf is falling—
Life is brief—Life is brief?"
Now it is the merry spring-time—
All the world is full of life,—
Sweetest flowers are early springing,
Joyful birds are gaily singing,
And the air with joy is rife.
But the girl that used to welcome
With her smiles the balmy spring,
Long ago was sweetly sleeping,
Where the evergreen is creeping
And the wild birds daily sing.
She, one sober, mellow autumn.
Gently drew her latest breath
When the soul is freed from sighing—
Soars above, no longer dying,
Can you say this is DEATH?
Long ago—the world so busy,
Cannot heed the falling leaf—
Cannot hear thy gentle whispers,
Mingling with the evening vespers
"Life is brief—life is brief!"
MORGAN
BY REV. JACOB S. CLARK.
The town of Morgan is situated in the N. E. part of Orleans County, lat. 44° 50´ N. long. 5° 5´ E. The form of the township is irregular, bounded on the N. by Holland & Derby E. & N. E. by Warner's Grant & Warren Gore, S. E. by Brighton and S. W. by Charleston & Salem.
It consists principally of what was originally chartered by the name of Caldesburgh. The charter is dated Nov. 6, 1780. It was charterd by the State of Vermont, Thomas Chittenden Governor, to 64 grantees with five public rights viz. one for first settled minister, one for the support of the Gospel, one for college, one for county grammar school, and one for common school, each right containing 314 acres.
Names of Grantees.
Colonel Jedediah Elderkin, John Lawrence, Jas. Church, Hon. Matthew Griswold, William Perkins, Eliphalet Dyer, George Willys, James Jipson, Fenn Wadsworth, John Calders, William Watson, Hezekiah Merrill, William Knox, William Knox jr., Colton Murry, Samuel Goodwin, James Tiley, John Kenfield, Thomas Hildrup, Inneas Calder, Jabez Huntington, Joseph Bingham, Thomas Dyer, Willobee Lowel, James Kilbourn, Asa Corning, William Adams, Edward Dodd, William Webster, John Cook, Samuel Mattocks, Nathaniel Steel, Ashbell Willis, Henry White, Asahel Cheney, David Little, Israel Seymour, John Burbridge, Seth Collins, Samuela Burr, James Knox, John Hall, Solomon Smith, Daniel Hinsdale, Joseph Burr, John Watson, Luke Wadsworth, Daniel Marsh, John Chapman, Sheldon Grayham, Titus Watson Edward Bodge, William Lawrence, George Merrill, Daniel Pitkin, Charles Hopkins, George Pitkin, Abiel Cheney, Thomas Jocilin, Hildrup, Hezekiah Bissel, Asa Benton Moses Crafts, Samuel Lawence and John Indicott.
After the town was allotted (157 acres in each lot) an alteration was made in town lines and the south easterly portion was annexed to the township Wenlock,—and to the north westerly on the N. W. Brownington Gore—and on the N. E. Whitelaw's Gore—and the name of the town hanged from Caldesburgh to Morgan. That part of the town formerly Caldesburgh contains about 15000 acres, Brownington 3.500, Whiteaw's Gore 2.000, making the entire area of the town 20.000 acres, including water.
Brownington Gore was granted by the State of Vermont to the proprietors of Brownington and was allotted (40 acres in each lot,) in July A. D. 1807 by Hon. Samuel Hinman.
Some parts of the town are comparatively level, or gently sloping—other parts are broken with a pleasant variety of hills and valleys. There are no elevations of land which are here called mountains, though some might properly