NEWPORT.                                                               293

 

by a fall, from which she never recovered. She died Apr. 12, 1851.

The population of the town in 1810 was 116; 1820, 135; 1830, 331; 1840, 420; 1850, 486; 1860, 548; 1870, 615.

 

 

                                                                —————

 

 

                                       NEWPORT.

 

                                                      BY D. H. SIMONDS, ESQ.

 

The town of Newport is very irregular in its outline, having Canada on the N., Lake Memphremagog, Coventry and Irasburgh on the E., Irasburgh and Lowell on the S., and

Troy on the W. Its greatest length, from north to south, is nearly 12 miles, and its width is from 2 to 7 miles. It extends along the shore of Lake Memphremagog 7 miles,—the lake separating it from Derby. A part of the town, including the present village of Newport, formally belonged to the town of Salem, and was set off from the latter town about the year 1818.

The soil of the town is mostly a gravelly loam, yet clay abounds in some parts, while the point upon which the village is situated is sandy—the surface of the country is hilly, but most of it is fit for cultivation, and, with proper tillage, affords very good crops Pros­pect hill, near the village, affords a fine view of the lake and the surrounding coun­try. The prevailing rock is limestone, yet slate ledges are common, and veins of quartz abound in some places.

Some of the quartz is gold-bearing and some good specimens have been obtained, though no attempt has been made to test its value for mining purposes. Copper veins are plenty and would no doubt pay for work­ing. Splendid specimens of argentiferous galena have been obtained in the north part of the town. The ore is rich, containing by analysis 23 per cent of silver. The existence of this mineral was known to the Indians, who were accustomed to melt it and run into bullets for their rifles. An effort is being made to develop this mine, and if the ore is found in large quantities, it will pay richly for working. The timber is the usual variety of this latitude, hard wood interspersed with hemlock ridges. The sandy land where the village now stands was originally covered with a beautiful growth of large pine trees. These were cut down by the first settlers, and many of them burned up as of no value.

 

                                     LAKE MEMPHREMAGOG,

 

without a sketch of which a history of New­port would hardly be complete. This beau­tiful lake is 30 miles long and 1 to 4 wide. Two thirds of it lies in Canada, the remainder between the towns of Newport and Derby, and Coventry and Salem. This lake was a famous fishing ground for the Indians, a­bounding in salmon trout and masca lunge. The woods on its banks swarmed with the moose, deer and bear besides the smaller an­imals. Fur-bearing animals, especially the sable, were plenty.

With the approach of civilization the game has nearly all disappeared and the pickerel has driven the trout from the lake, although the masca lunge is still taken in large quantities.

The lake afforded the Indians a mode of easy communication, between Canada and the colonies, during the French and Indian wars. From the St. Lawrence they would come up the St. Francis and Magog rivers in their canoes, through the lake and up Clyde river to Island Pond. Thence it is only 15 miles through the woods to the Connecticut, which was almost the only portage on the route. Frequent war parties passed to and fro over this route, and very often captives and prisoners were taken to Canada. Dur­ing the old French war, Stark who command­ed our forces at the battle of Bennington, was taken prisoner, and afterwards published a map of the country through which he pass­ed. On that map Memphremagog is called by a different and even mere outlandish name, but I cannot now recall it.

 

                                        EARLY SETTLEMENT.

 

Although the town was not chartered until the year 1803, yet the first house was built in 1793, by Dea. Martin Adams, on the place now owned by Alfred Himes. Mr. Adams came to Newport from St. Johnsbury. He was soon joined by others, so that in 1800 there were, in town, eleven families, viz. John Prouty, Nathaniel Doggett, Abel Park­hurst, Amos Sawyer, Luther Chapin, James C. Adams, Abraham Horton, Nathaniel Hor­ton, Simon Carpenter, Enos Bartlett and Joseph Page, Martin Adams having, in the meantime, removed to Stanstead, where he resided a few years and then returned to Newport.

It is said that these settlers came down the river from Barton, and were induced to locate on the banks of the lake from the fact that

 

 

294                                     VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

 

the frost had not destroyed the vegetation here, while on the hills around, every thing had been killed by the cold.

Since the forests have been cut down there is, probably, less difference in this respect than formally, yet, at the present time, fre­quently heavy frosts do not come until Octo­ber.

In the year 1800, there were but 60 acres of cleared land in town. There were 6 yoke of oxen and no horses. The early settlers obtained much of their food from the lake and forest.

Venison and trout, which are now costly luxuries, were then plenty and would hardly command any price at all. Money was almost unknown, but there was little need for it. The men procured, by their own exertions, food for their family, while the women spun and wove wool and flax for clothing.

 

                                       LETTER FROM THE COVENTRY CHURCH.

"The Baptist church of Christ, in Coventry, to their brethren and sisters of the same faith and order in Newport—and others whom it concerneth—Greeting.

This certifieth that the persons whose names are undersigned are in regular stand­ing in this church, and if they shall unite in forming a separate church of our faith and order, we shall consider them no longer under our particular watch-care. We rejoice that Immanuel is extending his kingdom far and wide, and that he is about to (as we trust) establish a branch of his kingdom with you in the wilderness. And now, dear brethren, 'we commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.'

Signed,

In behalf of the Church,

Coventry, Sept. 21st, 1817.

                                                         GEO. DORR, Clerk."

 

The members dismissed from the Coventry Baptist Church, (now extinct), united with the Baptist friends in Newport, and during the Fall of 1817, were duly organized into a Baptist church by Rev. John Ide, father of Rev. Dr. Geo. B. Ide, now pastor of the first Baptist Church in Springfield, Mass. It is presumable that Mr. Ide, who was the faith­ful and efficient pastor of the Coventry Church, for many years, preached the first Baptist sermon that was ever heard in New­port. After the Congregationalists in New­port organized themselves into a church, these two religious bodies worshiped together with a good degree of harmony, and were accustomed to hold religious services alter­nately in district No. 1 (North school house), and district No 2, (South school house), until they built a Union House, as it was called, in the Summer of 1847. The house was dedi­cated in Feb. 1848, the dedication sermon being preached by Rev. Mr. Merriman. After the Union House was built, the Baptists and Congregationalists had one choir, one Sab­bath-school and two pastors—one preaching to the congregation one Sabbath, and the other occupying the pulpit the Lord's day following.

When the Congregationalists decided to erect a now church in the village, the Union house was put up at auction (Feb., 1861), and taken by the Baptists at the bid of Mr. Shubael Daggett. Subsequently, the old edi­fice was removed from "Meeting-house Cor­ner" to the village of Newport, generally designated "Lakebridge." After removal, the house was remodeled and repaired, and it still continues to furnish a Sabbath home for many devout worshipers, although the subject of a new building has already been broached, and some, at least, are already anticipating the good time coming." The Vermont Baptist State Convention has aided this church pecuniarily upon one or two oc­casions, but for about 3 years the church has been self-sustaining, and pays its present pastor, Rev. C. F. Nicholson, a salary of $1000.

Frequently, persons in Newport are heard speaking kind things of "Elder Daggett." Mr. Daggett was never ordained, but often addressed the people and seemed ever ready "to fill a gap." He preached more or less for a good many years and was regarded as pre­eminently a good man. Under his ministra­tions, souls were born into the kingdom of Christ. Modern pastors and private Christ­ians would do well to emulate his spirituality and religious zeal.

 

                                        REV. HARVEY CLARK.

 

As Mr. Clark was the first settled pastor of the church, he came into possession of a good farm, from land granted under an old State law, and Mr. C. and his wife were both earnest and successful laborers in the vine­yard of the Lord. They had one son, Harry and two daughters, Polly and Lucy, who were members of the Newport Church. Let­ters of dismission were granted to all of the above on Mar. 28, 1836.

 

 

                                                               NEWPORT.                                                               295

 

REV. PROSPER P. DAVIDSON alternated be­tween the Coventry and the Newport Bap­tist churches 3 years, more or less. He is remembered as a spiritual man, and under his ministry a number of backsliders were reclaimed and some additions made to the church.

REV. S. B. RYDER.—In the church book is found this record: "June 12, 1844—Voted to send Elder S. B. Ryder and four others, messengers to the Association." Elder Ryder was pastor of the church about 12 years. He is an old gentleman, with many friends, and still resides in Coventry.

REV. H. MERRIMAN —a useful man; was pastor of the church about 3 years.

Rev. H. N. HOVEY alternated between Newport and Albany about 7 years. He was an efficient worker and successful pastor. He is the present pastor of the Baptist Church in Lowell, this State, and the oldest pastor in the Danville Association and is greatly beloved by all who know him.

From the church records:— "Sept. 20, 1860, Voted to sustain meetings, with or without a preacher, agreeable to our church discipline and to our church covenant and articles of faith." During this year there was a good degree of religious interest and some half dozen were converted to Christ.

REV. MR. DEAN, formerly from England, became the pastor of the church some time in 1860 and officiated in this capacity about one year. He is kindly remembered, and every one speaks well of his devotedly pious and estimable wife.

REV. PAYSON TYLER settled in Nov., 1861. He was a superior Christian, often wept during the delivery of his sermons. He had moral courage to "declare the whole counsel of God" whatever the result might be. His pastorate continued about 4 years. Mr. Tyler died last year at East Hardwick, Vt., and he has many friends who will never forget his tenderness of heart and his fidelity to the Master's cause.

REV. SAMUEL T. FROST accepted a call of the Newport Church and became its pastor in May, 1867. There were more than a dozen conversions and additions to the church during his term of service.

Subsequent to the resignation of Mr. Frost, the pulpit was occupied by various college and Theological students. In Oct 1869, Rev. C. F. Nicholson, the present incumbent, became pastor. There has been a good de­gree of religious interest in Newport for several months, and the Baptists have shared with others in the good work.

DEACONS, and when elected:— Thomas G. Stutson, A. B. Moore, Nov. 29, 1834; L. Cummings, J. M. Babcock (present incum­bents), Jan. 30, 1864.

CHURCH CLERKS, and when elected:— Lucius Carpenter, Aug. 20, 1829; Joel R. Dag­gett, Jan. 23, 1834; L. D. Adams, Jan. 25, 1860; C. D. R. Meacham, Mar. 29, 1862; H. M. Baldwin, May 6, 1866; J. M. Babcock, May 31, 1867.

The following, as taken from the church records, shows that this church has done something to replenish the ministerial ranks:

 

"Feb. 16, 1833—Voted Israel Ide and B. F. Barnard letters of recommendation to preach the Gospel. Voted, to give bro, L. Carpenter liberty to improve his gift at pub­lic speaking, and appointed the first Sabbath in Feb. next, at the North School-house, for the hearing."

 

Brother C. D. R. Meacham, who is now a Senior in the Newton Theological Inst. at Newton Center, Mass., is a member of this church.

The present membership is about 80, and some half dozen are now waiting for baptism. Prayer-meetings are held every Wednesday evening, and preaching occasionally in the various school districts by the pastor.—The Sabbath school is made a specialty, and un­der the superintendence of such a man as Dea. J. M. Babcock, is sure to increase in numbers and in interest. The school was organized soon after the organization of the church, and for many years was conducted as a union school, in connection with the Congregation­alists, each society alternately furnishing a superintendent. Since the church has been located in the village, the school has been continued, and the Supt., up to 1866, was Asa B. Moon; Since that time, J. M. Babcock has served in that capacity. Assistant Supt. Luther Baker, librarian, Herbert Field; asist­ant. George Smith; chorister, E. M. Prouty. Present number of scholars, 90; teachers, 11; volumes in library, 225. Teacher's meetings are held under the direction of the superin­tendent, every other Monday night.

 

                                    CONSTITUENT MEMBERS.

 

Samuel Bowley, Orrin Jones, Abial A. Ad­ams, John Beebe, John Clark, Shubael Daggett, Orville Daggett, Phineas Daggett, Arnold

 

 

296                                     VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

 

Prouty, Wm. Prouty, Heman Baker, Wash­ington Brown, Zaccheus Beebe, Israel Ide, Sally Ide, Thirza Jones, Catharine Judd, Mary Judd, Sally Adams (Prouty), Hannah Adams, Hannah Ryder, Laura Prouty, Anna Baker, Roxana Baker. Whole number 24.

Newport, Apr. 14, 1870.

 

                FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF NEWPORT.*

 

                                               BY REV. GEO. H. BAILEY, PASTOR.

 

The church in Newport was organized Feb. 23, 1831, by the Rev. Ralden A. Watkins, of Coventry, and consisted of 4 male and 3 female members of the church in Coventry, who were set off for that purpose, viz. Sam­uel Warner, Rufus Baker, Seymour Lane, Albert Warner, Lefy Warner, Margaret Ba­ker, Hetta Lane; of whom, Seymour Lane is the only one now living. Samuel Warner was chosen deacon, and Seymour Lane, clerk. The Rev. Jacob S. Clark preached one-fourth of the time for 2 years, 1832-34, during which period there were admitted to the church: by profession, 10; by letter, 3.

In 1837, the Rev. Reuben Mason became acting pastor, and was installed pastor for one-fourth of the time Sept. 26, 1837. He closed his labors in Newport in 1839, but was not formally dismissed until October, 1842. The additions during his ministry were: by profession, 4; by letter, 4.

In 1840, the services of Rev. E. R. Kilby were secured for one-fourth of the time. During this period of his ministry there were received into the church: by profession, 1; by letter, 4.

In 1844, the church began to maintain preaching on alternate Sabbaths, and was supplied for a year, 1844-5, by the Rev. J. S. Clark, and for another year, 1845-6, by the Rev. Moses P. Clark. During his ministry there was received into the church: by let­ter, 1.

The meetings thus far were held alternate­ly in the school houses of districts No. 1 and 2.—In 1846, a house of worship was built in company with the Baptists, and located near the present site of the school house in dis­trict No. 2, on the Lake road. Rev. E. R. Kilby again became acting pastor and con­tinued until his death in February, 1851. During this period of his ministry there were received into the church: by letter, 3.

Mr. Kilby was succeeded by the Rev. Moses Robinson, who supplied the pulpit for 4 years. The additions during his ministry were: by profession, 9; by letter, 1.

In 1855, Rev. Robert V. Hall became act­ing pastor, and continued until the last Sab­bath in April, 1867. During this period the church was greatly prospered in all respects, and shared in the general revival of 1858-9. The center of population and business in the town being changed by the rapid growth of the village in the east part, the union meet­ing-house was abandoned in 1860, the loca­tion of the church was changed to the vil­lage, and on the first Sabbath in October, 1860, the church began to enjoy the preach­ing of the gospel all the time. The next year a house of worship was built, which was dedicated Oct. 15, 1861. The sermon was preached by Rev. P. H. White, and the dedi­catory prayer was offered by Rev. S. R. Hall, LL. D. During Mr. Hall's ministry there were added to the church: by profession, 39; by letter, 26.

For 5 months after the close of Mr. Hall's labors with the church, the pulpit was not regularly supplied. In August, 1867, Mr. George H. Bailey, who had just completed his studies at Bangor Theological Seminary, supplied the pulpit for two Sabbaths. The church and society united in calling him to the pastorate, and, having accepted the invi­tation, he began his labors the first Sabbath in October. A council was then called for the purpose of ordination and installation, The following churches were invited and thus represented: Rev. E. P. Wild, pastor, Crafts­bury; Dea. A. P. Dutton, delegate; Rev. J. H. Woodward, Pastor, Irasburgh; Dea. John B. Fassett, delegate; Rev. P. H. White, acting pastor, Coventry; Bro. John W. Mus­sey, delegate; Bro. S. S. Tinkham, delegate, Brownington; Mr. N. W. Grover, acting Pastor, Charleston; Rev, A. A. Smith, pas­tor, Lowell; Bro. C. B. Harding, delegate; not represented, Westfield; Bro. Sumner Frost, delegate, Derby; Rev. Wm. A. Robin­son, pastor, Barton; also Rev. S. R. Hall, LL. D., of Brownington, and Rev. R. V. Hall, of Newport.

Nov. 26, 1867, the council met at 10 o'clock A. M., and organized by choosing Rev. R. V. Hall, moderator, and Rev. E. P. Wild, scribe. The proceedings of the church and society were reviewed and approved. The candidate was then examined. The council pronounced him sound in the faith, and agreed that the

————

* Taken principally from Rev. P. H. White's history.

 

 

                                                               NEWPORT.                                                               297

 

ordination and installation service should be performed as requested.

In the afternoon of the same day, the services were performed as follows: Invoca­tion and reading Scriptures, Mr. N, W. Gro­ver; Prayer, Rev. S. T. Frost; Sermon, Rev. J. H. Woodward; Consecrating Prayer, Rev. S. R. Hall, LL. D.; Charge to the Pastor, Rev. E. P. Wild; Right Hand of Fellowship, Rev. Wm. A. Robinson; Address to the People, Rev. P. H. White; Concluding Prayer, Rev. R. V. Hall.

Up to this period, nearly, the church was aided by the Home Missionary Society, but having been greatly strengthened in numbers and the society prospered financially, they assumed the entire support of the Gospel among them.

During the pastorate of Mr. Bailey there have been received into the church: by pro­fession, 17; by letter, 14.

Jan. 2, 1870.

 

                                                 PASTORS.

 

Rev. Jacob S. Clark, 1832 to 1834; Rev. Reuben Mason 1837 to 1839; Rev. E. R. by, 1840 to 1841; Rev. Jacob S. Clark, 1844 to 1845; Rev, Moses P. Clark, 1845 to 1846; Rev. E. R. Kilby, 1846; died Feb. 1851; Rev. M. P. Robinson, 1851 to 1855; Rev. R. V. Hall, 1855 to 1857; Rev. George H. Bailey, installed Nov. 26, 1867.

 

                                                 DEACONS.

 

Sam'l Warner, Feb. 23, 1831, deceased; Sum­ner Frost, June 16, 1838, moved to Derby; Philander Sawyer, Nov. 1, 1842, moved to Albany; Timothy B. Pratt, Nov. 1, 1842; Reuben C. Smith, Nov. 4, 1865; Marshall B. Hall, Nov. 4, 1865.

 

                                                  CLERKS.

 

Seymour Lane, February 23, 1831 to De­cember 31, 1864; L. D. Livingston, December 31, 1864 to November 1, 1867; W. D. Saf­ford, November 1, 1867 to —

Total number of members, 144; present number, 130; non-residents, 25.

 

                                    METHODISM IN NEWPORT,

 

                            BY REV. H. A. SPENCER, PASTOR OF NEWPORT AND DERBY.

 

The first Methodist sermon was preached by Rev. Cyrus Liscomb in July, 1865, and a class organized in March 1866, Horace W. Root, leader Lucy Root, Daniel True, Betsy True, Mary Ann Gilman, Sally Smith, Lucre­tia Smith, Helen Burbank, Rebecca Himes, Warren Himes, Prudentia Himes, John L. Herrick, and Jane Herrick, first members. The present number of members is 30, and H. A. Spencer, first pastor, appointed April, 1869. The church building was commenced in May and dedicated Sept. 17, 1869.

The Sunday School was organized Oct. 3, 1869. The present number of the school is 50, with a good library.

We give from the "Newport Express" the following account of the dedication.

 

                                         "CHURCH OPENING.

 

The Methodist Church, just built in this place, was dedicated to the worship of Al­mighty God on Friday Sept. 17, 1869. The day was favorable for such a service, and the church was filled before the hour of service.

In the audience we noticed some 15 or 20, ministers.

At 2 o'clock p.m. the choir introduced the exercises by singing a dedication chant, when Rev. I. Luce, P. E. of the district, com­menced the ritual service by reading the ex­hortation. I. G. Bidwell, of Auburndale, Mass, then read the hymn commencing,

 

                                             "Oh, God, though countless worlds,"

 

which was sung, and E. B. Ryckman, of Stanstead offered a prayer. F. W. Parker, of India, and J. Tompkins, of Stanstead, then read the lessons, after which C. W. Cushing, of Lasell Female Seminary, Auburndale, Mass, announced the hymn commencing,

 

                                                "The perfect world by Adam trod"

 

and after singing preached an impressive and appropriate sermon announcing as his text Coll. 3:11. "Christ is all and in all." In all God's plan everything tends to some center.

This is true in material things, the dew-drop, the earth, the solar system, the universe of God have each a center to which all the parts tend. This is true in governments, in social society, in religion, and in the latter the Star of Bethlehem is the great center.

All religions show a desire for a manifest God. All idolatry is but a manifestation of this desire. The Jews offered all their sacrifices with reference to a manifest God, so the New Testament is full of Christ. All heath­en nations manifest this craving, and so does every sinner. Christ is in all. He will be all, for he will subdue all

After the sermon a dedication anthem was sung, when the offerings of the people were taken. Over $1150 was pledged in a few min­utes. The formal dedication of the house to God, was then conducted by Prof. Cushing ac­cording to the ritual service of the Methodist Church. Another anthem was sung and the benediction pronounced by H. A. Spencer, pastor of the Church.

In the evening I. G. Bidwell, of the Las­ell Female Seminary, preached an eloquent sermon from Hag. ii: 7. As the dedication sermon announced "Christ all, and in all" he would continue the thought by announcing as

 

 

298                                     VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

 

his theme, "Christ all and over all." All things and all men are to be shaken. The preacher took the following positions

I. Jesus Christ has been nominated to the Lordship of this earth by the Godhead, and is to be elected to this Lordship by the voluntary suffrage of men.

II. Everything is moving on to this consummation. Ungodliness wearies men, and makes them long for rest. The history of the nations proves that every commotion is shaking the evil out of nations, institutions and religions.

III. God works through the Church for the accomplishment of all His plans, having reference to men. Every Christian ought to be a nation-shaker.

IV. God wants us to plant the church in every land, and to translate the Bible into every vernacular. The end will come when the nations welcome Christ, and not before.

After the sermon E. W. Parker, of the India Mission, of the Methodist Church, ad­dressed the audience a few minutes.

 

                                              "All hail the power of Jesus' name,"

 

was then sung and the congregation dismissed, much gratified, and, we believe profited by the services of the day.

The church is a neat wooden building 60 x 42 ft. having a spire reaching 130 feet above the sill. The audience room is finished throughout with brown ash, including pews, pulpit and casings. There is a commodious vestry, not yet finished, under the church, but all above ground. The building is heated with hot air. The ladies of the congregation have handsomely furnished it with carpets, lamps, chairs for the pulpit, &c., all complete.

The entire cost of the building will reach over $6000. Great credit is due the society, the building committee, the ladies and the workmen for the energy, thoroughness and despatch with which the work has been pros­ecuted."

 

                                        TYLER MASON, M. D.,

 

was born at Craftsbury, Vt., July 4, 1797. He was a son of Rev. Daniel Mason, who was ordained a Baptist clergyman in A. D. 1814. Dr. M. received his preliminary education at Craftsbury and Peacham. He commenced the study of medicine in April 1823, with Frederick A. Adams, M. D., of Barton, Vt., and took his medical degree at Burlington, Vt. (University of Vermont), in 1828.

He commenced the practice of medicine at Craftsbury, Vt. He practiced in Johnston from 1843 to 1853. He settled in Newport in 1854, and remained till 1865, when he went to Glover, Vt.

 

                                         LEWIS PATCH, M. D.,

 

was born in Plainfield, N. H. Nov. 7, 1807. He was a son of Samuel Patch, who moved to Derby, Vt. the next year. He received his preliminary education from George B. Ide and O. C. Leonard of Derby; He studied medicine with Dr. L. Richmond, of Derby, Vt. and took his medical degree at the medical college at Woodstock, then in con­nection with the Waterville college, Maine, in June 1831. He commenced practice in Brownington, Vt., where he remained 2 years; then moved to Derby, Vt., and remained till the Spring of 1865, when he settled in New­port and remained there 2½ years, when he went to West Derby, Vt., a village one mile east of Newport, where he still resides, (1870.)

 

                                    THOMAS GLYSSON, M. D.,

 

was born Sept. 7, 1811, in Williamstown, Vt. He settled in Newport in May, 1834. He continued in successful practice till April 1839, when he returned to Williamstown, where he was concerned in the mercantile business for a short time, when he removed to Danville.

 

                  BIOGRAPHICAL LETTER FROM DR. L. MORRILL.

 

ROSSBURY, DECATUR Co. INDIANA,

Dec. 26, 1869.

Dear Sir:—According to your request, I write you an epitome of my history, hoping that when the book is published you will send me one and I will forward the price.

I was born in Stanstead, Canada East, Jan. 8, 1815,—my mother died before I was 3 years old, and 2 years and a half after, my father married a young girl of 20. From that time trouble existed in my father's family. My father was in easy circumstances when he married, and was a man of influence, but soon began to decline in his circumstances and be came involved in debt. My step-mother's main object was to drive his children from their paternal home. In this she succeeded with all except myself and younger sister, who was a babe when my mother died. I was particularly an object of aversion, for I was the eldest son, and she feared the law of primogeniture, which was then in force in Canada. So she, with her sister, persuaded me to leave my father, clandestinely, when I was but 13 years of age. This being in the Winter I soon returned again. But the next Summer, I repeated the experiment, and was now successful in finding employment. My father came after me as soon as he learned my whereabouts, and I remained with him until a year from the next Fall. In fact having learned the policy of my step-mother, I had

 

 

                                                               NEWPORT.                                                               299

 

made up my mind to stay with my father; for I loved him as well as any child ever loved a parent, let what would betide, but the Fall after I was 14 years of age, my aunt Stevens—mother of the celebrated Thad­deus Stevens, made my father a visit. She related the success and the growing reputa­tion of her son to us. After hearing her I went into the field to work, and thinking those things over, I resolved to study and be­come a great and good man, also, and a law yer by profession. Up to this time I had been a reckless boy without any idea what I should he in future—I spoke to my father, that I wished to attend school all the ensuing term, as I wished to obtain an education. He said, that I had as much education as he had and though he was willing that I should attend some of the time, he could not spare me only occasionally. My education was limited to reading very poorly in the Web­ster's spelling book, and he had learned me to write some and solve some questions in the first four rules of arithmetic. I waited until school had been in session a month, and see­ing no prospect of getting a chance to attend only occasionally, as I had previously done, if at all. I proposed to him to buy my time of him, and try my own fortune. Which, af­ter much talk, he consented to, on the condi­tion that I should give up my birth-right and pay him $50 in five yearly instalments. I then, on the 10th of Dec. 1829, found myself my own man, without money, one suit of out-side winter clothes, with no under gar­ments. I took a job of thrashing of him, and by working early and late in one week I found myself possessed of a change of linen and socks, with these tied up in a cotton handkerchief, I started for Peacham, where my aunt Stevens lived, where I attended school 2½ months, working night and morn­ing for my board, some of the time at my aunt's but most of the time at other places in the district. The Spring following I went to see my sister in Littleton, N. H. and hired with Denis Pike a tavern keeper, who lived at Flanders Waterford, Vt. My work was so hard, with him that in two months I broke down. I then went to my sister's and re­cruited my health and worked some for a neighbor until the last of June, when my father sent word to me, if I would come back he would pay me higher wages than I could get with any one else. I accordingly returned home, and he hired me the remainder of the season, for which he paid me $10, per month, then an ordinary man's wages—and having found that he had been duped by his wife to take from me my birth-right, he gave me the papers and conferred it upon me again, but it never did me any good, for she caus­ed him to spend all of his property. After that I lived most of the time with him, he paying me wages which I spent in attending school—I did a good deal of my studying in his old pot-ashery, while I was boiling salts for him at 50 cents per hundred—in October, 1831. I engaged in a school in the West part of Stan­stead for 6 months, but only succeeded in keep­ing it 4 months, my knowledge of the man­agement of a school being so limited that I did not succeed well, for I had been to school but very little up to that time, 5½ months to a common school and 4 at the Stanstead Semi­nary, from the time I had purchased my time of my father, but having improved all my leisure hours in study, my education was not inferior to any of the teachers of that day and superior to many of them. From this time on, I taught school in the Winter and attended school in Summer, with the excep­tion of one month in spring's work and two in harvest time. In the Spring of 1833, hav­ing advanced my studies to what, I was told, was necessary to commence the study of a profession, I wrote to Thaddeus Stevens to have him receive me into his office, but he re­turned me rather a discouraging answer, which somewhat dampened my ardor at the time. I was then boarding with Dr. Colby on Stanstead Plain. He advised me to study medicine. During the Summer I made my cousin, Dr. Morrill Stevens a visit; he lived on St. Johnsbury Plains. He received me very kindly and offered me a home and the op­portunity of studying medicine with him. I attended school that Fall at Peacham, taught school the next Winter in Canada, because the wages were higher, and the terms longer. The next Spring I attended school again at Peacham, &c. Sept. 16, 1834, I took up my abode with Dr. Stevens, for the purpose of ac­quiring a knowledge of medicine. In the Winter's I taught school in Canada, in Spring and harvest time I worked out. The Docter and his lady were very kind to me—parents could not have been more so. The last of March 1836, I left them to become a nurse in the McLane Asylum for the insane

 

 

300                                     VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

 

in Charleston, Mass. But this did not agree with me, my health becoming very poor—so I stayed there but 4 months only. When I left there, I made a voyage of 10 months a whal­ing in the Indian Ocean. I returned to Bos­ton in May 1837, in good health; I never had enjoyed so good health before. Though we had made a good voyage, owing to the confu­sion in the commercial world, on the account of Van Buren's specie circular, our ship and cargo had been sold at auction before we ar­rived and our shares paid but little more than our fitting out. So, finding myself without money, I went to work on a farm until Win­ter when I engaged in teaching school again. I had very good success, taught my term out and taught a term for a Mr. Kimball, who had been dismissed from his school for want of government. After the close of school, having plenty of funds, I returned to Dr. Stevens again to prosecute my studios in medicine. That Fall I attended medical lectures at Dartmouth College, Hanover, N. H.; taught school at North Danville, in the Winter and attended the Vermont Medical college at Woodstock, where I graduated, June the 12th, 1839. On the first of July following, I entered the practice of my profes­sion at Irasburgh, Vt. I find my first charge dated, July 11, 1839. Oct. 17, I married Miss Lucy A. Flint, of St. Johnsbury. May 10, 1840, I moved to Newport. In Novem­ber, 1844, to Charleston, and in March, 1845, returned again to Newport; in 1850; in the month of May moved to Sutton. October 1851, to Concord, Essex, Co.; and March, 1852, to St. Johnsbury, upon the farm where my wife was born. The June following I started to look me out a situation, in the then West, and with my own team, traveled through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama and re­turned in the Spring of 1853, traveling through these States, Indiana, Ohio, Pensyl­vania, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, having visited eleven of the States. June 1, 1853, I moved to In­dianapolis, Indiana and the 17th of the same month, to Bargresville, Johnson, Co. Ind. where I arrived, with my family, having only $70.00 left. Dec. 17, 1854, I returned again to Indianapolis. Nov. 1, 1858, I moved into Salt Creek township, upon a farm that I had previously bought. My wife died on this farm, Feb, 16, 1863. Nov. 2, 1865, I sold the farm and, Feb. 2, 1866, bought the farm on which I now live. I have made farming my principal business since I moved into this township though I do a little business in the medical line, princi­pally as council. In the Winter I teach school and am so engaged now. Having my school, and farming and some town and county business to attend to, occupies every moment of my time, so that you, being in a hurry to receive this, I shall be obliged to forward it without rewriting. There are many incidents in my sea voyage and in my jour­ney West and South which would be interest­ing, but I have not time to notice them now. I married Mrs. Hana Ray, on the 1st of last May a very worthy widow with 4 children, aged 42.

My history while at Newport, you will learn from the inhabitants there. I had many friends and some bitter enemies — pub­lish the truth is all I ask—for I have never done anything that I am not willing the world should know. I shall now wish you success in your enterprise. Yours, &c.

J. M. CURRIER.                             LEWIS MORRILL, M. D.

 

GEO. WHITFIELD WARD, M. D., son of Samuel Ward, was born in Brownington, Vt., Oct. 16, 1816, and received his prelimina­ry education at Brownington academy; studied medicine with Richard & Hinman, at Derby Centre, where, during his pupilage, the physi­cian being sick, he practiced during the preva­lence of the erysipelas as an epidemic, and grad­uated at Pittsfield, Mass., in the Autumn of 1844; commenced the practice of medicine at Newport in December, 1844, and after about 15 months removed to Burlington, Vt. He was married during his stay at Newport. He has been a member of the Vermont Medical Socie­ty, and is a member of the U. S. M. Soc., Mass. M. Soc., Worcester Dist. M. Ass., The Thurber Med. Ass., and has been twice delegate to the U. S. M. Soc. meetings. Dr. Ward now resides in Upton, Mass.

 

                            DR. JOSEPH CHASE RUTHERFORD,

 

oldest son of Alexander Rutherford, was born in Schenectady, N. Y. Oct. 1, 1818. His parents came to Vermont to live when he was about 9 years old. In 1830 they moved to Burlington. While his parents lived in Burlington, he was kept in school at the academy—at that time the best in the State. His parents being poor, he was at an early age thrown upon his own resources.

 

 

                                                               NEWPORT.                                                               301

 

In 1843, he came to Derby this county, he married Hannah W., youngest daughter of the late Jacob Chase Esq.

In 1844, he commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Moses F. Colby of Stanstead, P. Q. Chester W. Cowles, M. D. soon after be­came a partner of Dr. Colby, and Chase finished his studies under their joint instructions.

At the end of his term of study, he attended two private courses of lectures under Prof. B. R. Palmer at Woodstock, and two public courses at the Vermont Medical College, where he graduated in 1849.

In 1850, he opened an office in Blackstone, Mass. where he remained a little over 5 years. In 1856, he was chosen a delegate to the American Medical Association by his district Medical Society. That year he went to Illinois, and remained there a little over a year. In 1857, he returned to Derby this County, where he re­mained until the Autumn of 1860, and came to Newport.

When the war broke out in 1861 he took an active part in raising men for the 3d, 9th, 10th and 11th regiments of Vt., Vols. and was ap­pointed examining surgeon by Gov. Fairbanks.

In 1862, he was commissioned by Gov. Hol­brook as assistant surgeon of the 10th, Vt. Vols. Afterwards he was commissioned by Gov. Smith as surgeon of the 17th, Vt., Vols. and served with this regiment until the close of the war.

In 1863, just after the battle of Orange Grove, Va., he received a poisoned wound while ex­tracting a ball that came very near costing him his right arm. It left him with the whole of his right side partially paralyzed, and his general health very much injured.

As an army surgeon, he was very vigilant and untiring in his efforts to relieve the suffer­ings of his sick and wounded—never taking thought of himself until they were cared for and made as comfortable as was possible under the circumstances. This was a rule that he would allow no personal comforts or conven­ience to interfere with.

He has received many flattering testimo­nials from his superior officers, and always had the good will of the good and true soldier. During his term of service he was in the army of the Potomac; was present at 15 hard fought battles and a large number of minor actions.

The sensation writing used by our secret ser­vice was an invention of the Doctor's, and was presented to the government by him soon after the war broke out. It is the most perfect thing of the kind ever discovered, and proved of im­mense benefit to the service.

The Doctor had three brothers when the war broke out, and they all entered the Union service about the same time. His brothers, by their bravery and meritorious conduct rose to the rank of brigadier generals, one of whom died in the service.

At the close of the war the Doctor returned to Newport, where he now resides.

 

                                         E. S. M. CASE, M, D.

 

was born in Fairfield. Vt., in 1820, and studied medicine with a physician in Milton, and took his medical diploma in Brandon in 1815. He came from Milton, where he had practiced awhile, to Newport, in 1840, and remained till his death, June 18, 1851. He married Susan Orcutt March 12, 1849, and was a member of the Baptist church at Newport. He was fond of music and used to teach it—as also penman­ship. He was of a reflecting turn of mind—took considerable interest in natural history, and had quite a collection of curiosities. He used to say he never lost a fever-case, and could manage one as easy as he could turn his hand over.

 

                                                 THOMAS H. HOSKINS, M. D.,

 

was born in Gardiner, Me. May 14, 1828. He studied medicine with L. P. Yandall, M. D., Prof. of Physiology in the University of Louis­ville, Ky., where he took his medical degree in August, 1854. He has filled several important positions, viz.: Literary and Scientific Editor of the Boston Courier, 4 years; one of the phy­sicians to the Boston Dispensary, 4 years; Phy­sician and Surgeon to the House of the Guar­dian Angel, a Catholic assylum for boys, at Rox­bury, Mass.; one of the Health Wardens of the City of Boston in 1865; Fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society; member of the Boston Society for Medical Improvement; mem­ber of the American Medical Association—also member of the Orleans County Medical Society. He is now Agricultural Editor of the Newport Express. While in Boston, he edited a work entitled, "A Treatise on the Adulteration of Food." He practiced medicine in Boston 5 years. Came to Newport to settle, in August, 1866, where he now (1869) resides.

 

                              GEORGE STORRS KELSEA, M. D.,

 

was born in Lisbon, N. H., Nov. 21, 1829. He was son of Orlando Kelsea of Lisbon. He received his preliminary education at the High School in his native town; commenced the study of medicine at Lisbon with Dr. C. H. Boynton,

 

 

302                                     VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

 

and completing it with Dr. T. B. Sanger, of Lit­tleton, N. H.

He took his medical degree at the Western Homeopathic Medical College, Cleveland, Ohio, March, 1867. He immediately settled in Der­by, Vt., where he continued until January, 1869, when he removed to Newport, Vt., where he now (Dec., '69) resides.

He united with the Methodist Episcopal church at Lisbon, N. H. When he went to Derby he removed his relation to the Methodist church at that place. When he came to New­port he removed his relationship to the new Methodist church here.

 

                                         HORACE HOWARD CARPENTER, M. D.,

 

was born at Lyndon, Vt., Nov. 28, 1829. He was a son of Ephraim W. Carpenter of Lyndon. Dr. Carpenter read medicine with Dr. C. B. Dar­ling of Lyndon. He graduated at the Homeo­pathic Medical College in Philadelphia, Pa., in March, 1854. In the same year he settled at Derby, Vt., where he remained till 1864 when he came to reside in Newport. He died July 13, 1868, of consumption.

 

                                JOHN MC'NAB CURRIER, M. D.,

 

was the third son of Samuel Currier of Bath, N. H., where he was born Aug. 4, 1832. He received his preliminary education at Newbu­ry Seminary and McIndoes Falls Academy. In 1855 he commenced the study of' medicine with W. A. Weeks, M. D. of McIndoe's Falls. In 1857 he continued it in the same office with Enoch Blanchard. M. D., who bought out Dr. Weeks. In the fall of 1857 he went to Han­over N. H., and completed his studies with A. B. Crosby, M. D., (now professor of Surge­ry in Dartmouth Medical College) where he took his medical degree May 11, 1858—having attended one course of medical lectures at the above institution, and one at the Vermont Med­cal College.

He settled in Newport, Vt., July 16, 1858, where he now ('69) resides.

 

                              CHARLES LOVEJOY ERWIN, M. D.,

 

was born in Sheldon, Vt., Feb. 5, 1844. He was the son of Ralph Erwin of Sheldon. He received his preliminary education at Franklin Academy and academy at Alburgh. He com­menced the study of medicine in 1862 with Ralph Erwin, Jr., M. D , his brother, in Ellenburgh, N. Y. He received his medical degree at the University of Vermont, in June, 1867. He immediately located at Newport Centre, where he continues in successful practice.—(1869.)

He spent 2 years in the general hospital in Frederick City, Md., where he was one year hospital steward, and the next medical cadet.

 

                                          MOSES ROBINSON,

 

born in Burlington April 26, 1815,; graduated at Middlebury 1839; studied at Union Theo­logical Seminary New York City, 1839—'42; a home missionary in Livonia, Greenville and Brownstown, Indiana, and Wadsworth, O., 1842—'46; pastor of the Congregational church in Enosburgh, 1847—'51; preaching in Newport and Brighton in 1853.—Pearson's Catalogue.

 

                           ADDITIONAL PAPERS FOR NEWPORT.

 

                                                  BY ROYAL C. CUMMINGS, T. C.

 

                                                 CHARTER.

 

"The Governor, Council and General As­sembly of the State of Vermont. To all the people to whom these presents shall come,

 

GREETING:

Know ye, that whereas, our worthy friends, Nathan Fisk, Esquire, and George Duncan, and their respective associates, to the number of sixty-five, have by petition, requested a grant of a township of unappropriated land for cultivation and settlement, we have, there­fore, thought fit, for the due encouragement of their laudable designs, and for other val­uable considerations hereunto moving, and do by these presents in the name and by the authority of the State of Vermont, hereby give and grant unto the said Nathan Fisk and George Duncan, and their respective and several associates.

 

Ebenezer Shephard,                                                                     Elisha White,

Joshua Starton,                                                                          Timothy Carlton,

Seth Austin,                                                                               Isaac H. Ely,

John Spafford,                                                                            William Page, Jr.,

Jared Baldwin,                                                                            Sylvanus Hastings,

John Strong, Esq.,                                                                       John Page,

Thaddeus Munson,                                                                      Abel Walker,

Jonathan Aikens,                                                                        Simeon Olcott,

Ira Allen,                                                                                    John Hubbard,

Experience Fisk,                                                                         Samuel Wetherbe,

Sylvanus Fisk,                                                                            Oliver Hall

James Welden,                                                                           Benjamin, West,

Samuel Phippen,                                                                         Peleg Sprague,

Nathan Spafford,                                                                         John Barret,

Roswell Fenton,                                                                           John Barret, Jr.,

Nathan Fisk, Jr.,                                                                         Isaiah Eaton,

Stephen Fisk,                                                                             Samuel Safford,

Enos Temple, f                                                                            Lemuel Hastings,

Samuel Wires,                                                                            Elijah Grout, J r.,

Moses Burt,                                                                               Jacob Howard,

Edward Wadkins,                                                                        Frederick Keys,

Asahel Burt,                                                                               Daniel Campbell,

John Burt,                                                                                 B. Hutchinson,

William Belcher,                                                                          William Duncan,

James Johnson,                                                                          William Duncan, Jr.,.

James Ewings,                                                                            Isaac Duncan,

John Nesmith,                                                                            Jona. A. Phippins,

Elisha Crane,                                                                              Samuel Stevens,

John Duncan,                                                                             Jonathan Hubbard,

Lucy Duncan,                                                                             Thomas Putnam and

Jotham White,                                                                            Joseph King.

 

 

                                                               NEWPORT.                                                               303

 

The tract of land situate in the County of Orleans, and known on the Surveyor's Gene­ral's map of the State by the name of Dun­cansboro, and is more particularly described and bounded as follows:

Beginning at a beech tree standing on the west side of a hemlock ridge, on the north line of this State, marked Duncansboro, 1789: from thence, running south eighty-two de­grees, twenty nine minutes; east three miles and forty two chains to the western shore of Memphremagog; then southerly, along the shore of the said lake, about three and a half miles, to a red ash tree standing in a swamp; thence south thirty-six degrees, west seven miles and forty-nine chains to a stake by a birch tree marked Duncansboro, 1789, stand­ing near a small brook running south; thence north eighty-two degrees, twenty minutes, west two miles and thirty-five chains to a beech tree marked Duncansboro, October 24, 1789, on flat land; thence north twenty de­grees, east ten miles and eleven chains to the first bound; containing twenty-three thou­sand and forty acres of land; in which tract of land there are hereby reserved for public uses five equal rights, or shares, as follow:— one whole right or share for the use of the first settled minister of the gospel in said township; one right for the support of the ministry in said town; one right for the benefit of a college within this State; one right for the support of county grammar schools within this State; and one right for the support of an English school, or schools, within said town: and the said tract is here­by incorporated into a township by the name of Duncansboro; and the inhabitants who do, or shall hereafter, inhabit said township, are declared to be entitled to all the privileges and immunities which the inhabitants of other towns within this State do, by law, exercise and enjoy: to have and to hold the said granted premises as above expressed, with all the privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging, unto the aforesaid proprietors and grantees, in equal shares, to their heirs and assigns forever, upon the following condition, to wit: that each proprietor of the township of Duncansboro, aforesaid, his heirs or assigns, shall plant and cultivate five acres of land, and build an house at least eighteen feet square on the floor, or have one family set­tled on each respective right or share in said township, within the term of time prescribed by the laws of this State, on penalty of the forfeiture of each right or share of land not so settled and cultivated, and the same to revert to the freemen of this State; to be, by their representatives, re-granted to such per­sons as shall appear to settle and cultivate the same.

Given and granted by the General Assem­bly, by their Act, bearing date the twenty-sixth day of October, A. D., one thousand seven hundred and eighty-one.

In testimony of the foregoing I have caused the seal of this State to be hereunto affixed.

Given under my hand, in the Council at Burlington, this thirtieth day of October, A. D., one thousand eight hundred and two, and of the Independence of the United States the twenty-seventh.

By His Excellency's command,

                                                         ISAAC TICHENOR.

DAVID WING, Jun'r, Sec'y of State.

                                                    Secretary of State's Office

                                                  Montpelier, Sept. 21, 1803,

Recorded in Liber I., Folio 360, 361 and 362, of Charters.

                                                 Attest, D. WING, Jun'r, Sec'y.

 

                                                        SMALL BEGINNING.

 

In the town treasurer's office is a receipt for State Taxes, of which the following is a copy;

                                                                                                                       "Treasurer's Office.

                                                                                                Westminster, 15th October, 1803.

Received of Abel Parkhurst, First Consta­ble of Duncansboro by the hands of W. Cha­pin, Nine Dollars in full for the tax on said Duncansboro, including Interest, granted October 1802.

                                                                                                            BENJAMIN SWAN, Treas."

 

                                           RECORD OF FIRST TOWN MEETING.

Notice is hereby given to warn the Inhab­itants of the Town of Duncansborough who are legal Voters in Town Meetings to meet at the Dwelling House of Luther Chapin for the purpose of organizing sd. Town on the 11th Day of March next, ten o'clock forenoon.

1st,—To Choose a Moderator to govern said Meeting.

2d,—To Chouse a Town Clerk.

3d,—To Chouse and appoint all other nec­essary Officers as the Law Directs.

Dated at Derby, this 25th day of Februa­ry, A. D. 1800.

                                                JEHIEL BOARDMAN, J. Peace.

 

A true Record

Attest, Amos Sawyer, Town Clerk.

                                                                                                                         Duncansborough,

                                                                                                                March 11th A. D. 1800.

Being met according to Warrant and pro­ceeded,

1ly,— Chose James C. Adams moderator to govern sd meeting.

2ly,— Chose Amos Sawyer Town Clerk for the year ensuing.

3ly— Chose Enos Bartlett, James C. Adams and Amos Sawyer Selectmen for the year ensuing.

4ly— Chose Luther Chapin, Constable and Collector.

5ly— Chose Amos Sawyer, James C. Adams and Enos Bartlett, Listers.

6ly— Chose Amos Sawyer Grand Juryman the year ensuing.

7ly— Chose Enos Bartlett and Nathaniel Dagget Surveyors of highways.

8ly— Chose James C. Adams Pound Keeper.

9ly— Chose Simon Carpenter fence viewer and hay ward.

10ly— Chose Amos Sawyer Sealer of weights and measures.

 

 

304                                     VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

 

11ly— Voted to raise rive dollars for the use of Schooling.

12ly— Nominated James C. Adams, Amos Sawyer, Enos Bartlett and Nathaniel Dagget to serve as petty Juryes.

13ly— Voted to ajourn said meeting with­out day.

                                           Attest, AMOS SAWYER, Town Clerk.

 

                                            TOWN CLERICS.

 

Amos Sawyer, 1800—'01; Nathaniel Hor­ton, 1801 — '02; Amos Sawyer, 1802—'04; Luther Chapin, 1805—'10; Amos Sawyer, 1810—'17; Daniel Warren, 1817—'21; Josiah Rawson, 1821—'24; Seymour Lane, 1824—'25; Abial A. Adams, 1825—'26; Seymour Lane, 1826—'33; Tyler Mason, 1833, March to Dec. Seymour Lane, Dec. 1833—'37; Thomas Glysson, 1837—'39; Seymour Lane 1839—'63; Royal Cummings, 1863—.

 

                                    THE NAME OF THE TOWN.

 

Originally Duncansboro, it was changed to Newport in the fall of 1816, though why it was called Newport we are uninformed. At or about the same time a part of Coventry called Coventry Leg, extending from Coven­try proper to the lake, was annexed, as also that part of Salem which lay on the west side of the lake, in which is now situated New­port Village.

 

                       FIRST TOWN OFFICERS, MARCH 11, 1800.

 

James C. Adams, moderator. Amos Saw­yer, town clerk. Enos Bartlett, James C. Adams, Amos Sawyer, selectmen. Luther Chapin, constable and collector. Amos Saw­yer, James C. Adams, Enos Bartlett, listers. Amos Sawyer, grand juror. Enos Bartlett, Nathaniel Daggett, surveyors of highways. James C, Adams, pound keeper. Simon Car­penter, fence viewer and hayward. Amos Sawyer sealer of weights and measures.

The first Grand List, A. D. 1800, contains only the following eleven names: John Prouty, Nathaniel Daggett, Abel Parkhurst, Amos Sawyer, Luther Chapin, James C. Ad­ams, Abraham Horton, Nathaniel Horton, Simon Carpenter, Enos Bartlett, Jos. Page.

The same was undoubtedly the check-list at the first freeman's meeting, as there were eleven votes for each office.

School district No. 1 was organized Nov, 17, 1807. The first school house was built of "hewed timber, six inches thick, 32 feet long, 18 wide" and the sum appropriated for it was "forty dollars to be paid in labor, boards, shingles, nails, glass &c."

June 1, 1818, Voted to raise a tax of fifteen dollars fifty cents to be paid into the treasury in the month of January next in grain, for the purpose of building a stone chimney in the school-house in district No. 1.

A special town meeting was called Feb. 23. 1819, to see if the town would accept the chimney.

In 1800, however, the sum of $ 5.00 was voted "for the use of schooling. In 1801 and 1802 $10.00 were raised for support of a school, so that it is probable there was some sort of a school held before the school house was built.

The present number of school districts, whole and fractional is sixteen.

 

                                        SMALL POX IN TOWN.

 

The following is a copy of record:

 

"SMALL POX NOTICE.—We the Selectmen of Newport hereby notify the public that we have licensed two pest houses in said town to wit: one occupied by Mr. Abial A. Adams, one occupied by Mr. Orin Jones formally the store, situated on the Lake road at the four corners. We have fenced up the road passing by those houses and turned it into the field and placed notices where the road is turned. We hereby forbid any person going to or from those houses or receiving any thing from them whereby they might endanger the public health, without license from us, under the pains and penalties of the law as in such cases made and provided.

Newport, Jan. 1, 1844.

 

ORVILLE ROBINSON,

SYLVANUS HEMINGWAY, }                   Selectmen."

JOSIAH JOSLYN.

 

The first birth, recorded in town, was that of Allen Adams, born, Dec. 29, 1794.

The first marriage, recorded in town, was that of Thomas Davenport and Hannah Blanchard, both of Potton, C. E., by Luther Chapin, justice of the peace, Jan. 8, 1801.

The following is a copy of the record of the first death in town:—

 

"Polly Chapin died July 7th, 1808, sun one hour high in the morning, aged 25 years, one month, 18 days."

 

                                    TOWN REPRESENTATIVES.

 

1800 to 1804, inclusive, Luther Chapin.

The records are silent as to representatives for the next six years.

1811 and 1812, James C. Adams.

1813, Amos Sawyer.

1814, Martin Adams.

1815, Amos Sawyer.

1816 to 1818, Daniel Warner.

Silent again for ten years.

1828, Elias Eastman.

1829 and 1830, Samuel Warner.

Silent again until 1863.

 

 

                                                               NEWPORT.                                                               305

 

                                               SELECTMEN.

 

 

1800. Enos Bartlett, James C. Adams, Amos Sawyer.

1801. Luther Chapin, Nathaniel Daggett, Nathaniel Horton.

1802. Amos Sawyer, Asa Daggett, Martin Adams.

1803. Amos Sawyer, Luther Chapin, Asa Daggett.

1804. Amos Sawyer, Luther Chapin, Enos Bartlett.

1805. Luther Chapin, Amos Sawyer, Martin Adams.

1806. Amos Sawyer, Luther Chapin, James C. Adams.

1807. Luther Chapin, Amos Sawyer, Asa Daggett.

1808. Amos Sawyer, Luther Chapin, Nathaniel Daggett.

1809. Luther Chapin, Asa Daggett, Martin Adams.

1810. Martin Adams, Amos Sawyer, Nathaniel Daggett.

1811. Amos Sawyer, Enos Bartlett, Jeremiah Sawyer.

1812. Amos Sawyer, Rufus Call, Nathaniel Daggett.

1813. Amos Sawyer, Nathaniel Daggett, Daniel Warner.

1814. Daniel Warner, Benjamin Newhall, Jeremiah Sawyer.

1815. Amos Sawyer, Daniel Warner, Martin Adams.

1816. Oliver Stiles, Benjamin Newhall, Nathaniel Daggett,

1817. Daniel Warner, John M. Beebe, Rhoderick Adams.

1818. Martin Adams, Daniel Warner, John M. Beebe.

1819, 1820. Daniel Warner, Martin Adams, John M. Beebe.

1821—'24, No record.

1824. Samuel Warner, Rhoderick Adams, John Atwood.

1825. Samuel Warner, Orville Daggett, John Atwood.

1826. Samuel Warner, I. Ide, H. Adams.

1827. Samuel Warner, Orville Daggett, Israel S. Scott.

1828, 1829. Samuel Warner, Orville Daggett, Seymour Lane.

1830. Samuel Warner, Peter Wheelock, Lucius Carpenter.

1831. Samuel Warner, Orville Daggett, Peter Wheelock.

1832. Peter Wheelock, Jonathan Frost, Israel S. Scott.

1833. Jonathan Frost, Sumner Frost, Asa B. Moore.

1834. Sumner Frost, Asa B. Moore, Levi Jones.

1835. Sumner Frost, Jonathan Frost, Peter Wheelock.

1836. Sumner Frost, Peter Wheelock, Asa B. Moore.

1837. Sumner Frost, Asa B. Moore, Jonathan Frost.

1838. Asa B. Moore, Thomas Glysson, Solomon Jenness.

1839. Asa B. Moore, Peter Wheelock, Orville Daggett.

1840. Jonathan Frost, Timothy B. Pratt, Otis Sawyer.

1841. Jonathan Frost, Timothy B. Pratt, Otis Sawyer.

1842. Asa B. Moore, Sylvanus Hemingway Orville Robinson.

1843. Orville Robinson, Sylvanus Hemingway Josiah Joslyn.

1844. Orville Robinson, Joel R. Daggett, Otis Sawyer.

1845. Joel R. Daggett, George W. Kendall, Hiram Cutting.

1846. Joel R. Daggett, George W. Kendall, Roswell Prouty.

1847. William Moon, Jr., Roswell Prouty, Orville Robinson.

1848. George W. Kendall, Roswell Prouty, Freeman Miller.

1849. Luther Baker, Freeman Miller, Joel R. Daggett.

1850. Luther Baker, Freeman Miller, Solomon Jenness.

1851. Freeman Miller, William Moon, Jr., Joseph A. Ide.

1852. William Moon, Jr., Joseph A. Ide, Luther Baker.

1853. Freeman Miller, George W. Kendall, Luther Baker.

1854. Joseph A. Ide, Charles M. Seabury, Warren Adams.

1855. Warren Adams, Freeman Miller, Ira A. Adams.

1856. Freeman Miller, Ira A. Adams, John A. Prouty.

1857. Ira A. Adams, John A. Prouty, George L. Sleeper

1858. Freeman Miller, Ashley Gould, George L. Sleeper.

1859. Hiram B. Lane, Otis Sawyer, Lucius Robinson.

1860. Lucius Robinson, Otis Sawyer, Orville Robinson.

1861. Lucius Robinson, William Batchelder Stephen Peabody.

1862. Lucius Robinson, William Batchelder Stephen Peabody.

1863. Lucius Robinson, John A. Prouty, Emera Miller.

1864. Lucius Robinson, Ira A. Adams, Dudley Holbrook.

1865. Lucius Robinson, Dudley Holbrook, George L. Sleeper.

1866. Lucius Robinson, George L. Sleeper, Dudley Holbrook.

1867. Walter D. Crane, E. H. Williams, George R. Lane.

1868. Walter D. Crane, George R. Lane, John L. Crawford.

1869. Walter D. Crane, George R. Lane, John L. Crawford.

1870. David M. Camp, George R. Lane, K. Walker.

 

 

306                                     VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

 

                                   NEWSPAPERS IN NEWPORT.

 

                                                         BY HON. D. M. CAMP.

 

The first newspaper here was started, May 20, 1863, by Charles C. Spaulding, who was both editor and publisher. It was called the "Newport News," and the subscription price, $1.50, afterwards increased to $2.00, or $1.25 in Canada currency. It professed to be a Union paper, but instead of living up to its professions, it was, instead, very neutral at first, but, in August, 1864, boldly showed what, it had ever really been at heart—a Democratic organ. This proved unfavorable to its success, and obnoxious to the greater portion of its supporters, and it was discon­tinued Dec. 8, 1864. The materials were sold to the Vermont Union, at Lyndon.

The inhabitants, having thus come to real­ize some of the advantages of a paper in their midst, even if of a contrary political faith, were determined to start one of their own stamp, and maintain it. A few of them, ac­cordingly, purchased the material belonging to the Green Mountain Express, which had been established in Irasburgh, May 21, 1863, and for want of patronage had given up the ghost, after the publication of only 50 num­bers. These were removed to Newport, and the first number of the Newport Republican was issued, Oct. 19, 1864; W. G. Cambridge, editor and proprietor. As its name indicated, it was strictly republican; terms $2.00 per year. As Mr. Cambridge was a stranger in the county, and possessed of hardly sufficient energy and determination to build up the character of his paper, he received but a lim­ited support. Consequently, on the 1st of March, following, it passed into the hands of D. K. Simonds, Esq., and Royal Cummings. The name was changed to the Newport Express,—Mr. Simonds assuming the editorial management. From this time forward, the fortunes of journalism here revived.

After these frequent changes, with many embarrassments, and with constant and per­sistent effort, the Express was firmly founded, and has ever since continued to prosper. Its original size was 23 by 36 inches, but, Jan. 1, 1866, it was enlarged by lengthening its col­umns 2 inches. In April, 1866, Mr. Simonds, desiring to give his undivided attention to the practice of law, sold his entire interest in the paper to D. M. Camp, who, with the issue of April 17, 1866, became editor and associate publisher. The circulation and advertising patronage continued to increase so rapidly that it became necessary again to enlarge its borders. This was done, March 1, 1869, by adding 4 columns, and increasing their length from 24 inches to 26½; making the entire sheet 28½ by 43½ inches, and containing 32 columns—its present size. At the same time a new outfit of type and a new head were secured. July 12, 1869, D. M. Camp pur­chased Mr. Cummings' entire interest in the business, and is now editor, publisher, and sole proprietor. The success of the paper is new fully and permanently established,—From a small beginning, it has, in a period of 5½ years, reached a circulation of over 2500; has secured a large and remunerative advertising patronage, and the well-earned reputation of being one of the largest and best local papers in the State.

 

"Archives of Science and Transactions of the Orleans County Society of Natural Sciences."

 

This publication was commenced October 1st, 1870, under the editorial charge of J. M. Currier, M. D. of Newport, Geo, A. Hinman, M. D. of West Charleston, Vt., and the pub­lication committee of the Orleans County So­ciety of Natural Seiences, consisting of Hon. J. L. Edwards and Rev. J. G. Lorimer, of Derby, Vt. and J. M. Currier, M. D. It is published quarterly at Newport, by the sen­ior editor, in pamphlet form, containing 64 octavo pages. It is printed by Royal Cummings, of Newport Vt.

The design of this work is to afford the sci­entific men of Vermont an opportunity to record scientific facts, results of scientific observation and original investigations in all branches of science. It has connected with it for collaborators some of the most thoroughly scientific men of the State. Its articles are all original, and of practical use. The sub­scription list was only 200 at the beginning, but is gradually increasing as numbers are issued and its character observed by the readers of Vermont.

 

 

                                                             ———————

 

                                          SALEM.

 

                                                          BY PLINY H. WHITE.

 

Salem is in the Noth Eastern part of Orleans County lat. 44 deg. 54 min. N. and long. 4 deg. 46 min. E. It is of an irregular fivesided form, no two sides being of equal length nor parallel, except for two or three miles