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by the town clerk, and the present settlers of Westmore know the old clearings by the names of the men that cleared them. A part of these are what is known as the old Westmore commons; but a share of these farms are grown up to as second growth of timber. Many acres of fine second growth timber stand where this Mr. Mical Bly and sons, and hired help, made salts-of-lye.

This is a good town yet for new settlers, as this township is mostly wild land yet, and the part adjoining Charleston is excellent good land for hominy.

ORLEANS COUNTY PAPERS AND ITEMS.

REV. NATHANIEL RAWSON, JR.

Among those who, in an early period in the settlement of Orleans County, took a part in endeavoring to lead the minds of its inhabitants to love and obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ, may be named the Rev. Nathaniel Rawson, jr.; for, although his longest term of religious labor in any one place was at Hardwick, in Caledonia county, he spent more time in other parts of the State; and, as it is believed that Orleans was among the first to share his efforts, it is thought not inappropriate to give a short notice of him here.

He was born in Mendon, Mass., in the year 1780, and was the eldest son of Dea. Nathaniel Rawson of Milford, Mass., (which town was formerly a part of Mendon.) Of his other ancestors, the fifth in the line ascending was the Rev. Grindall Rawson, of Mendon, Mass., who, in the year 1709, was the preacher of the "Election Sermon" before the General Court of Massachusetts, and whose influence in public affairs was such, that it was said "he was complimented as being the General Court's Oracle." Cotton Mather, who preached his funeral sermon, said of him: "We usually took it for granted that things would be fairly done, where he had a hand in doing them. We honored him for his doing the work of an evangelist among our Indians, of whose language he was a master that had scarce an equal, and for whose welfare his projections and performances were such as to render our loss herein hardly to be repaired. Such services are pyramids."

The father of Rev. Grindall R. was Mr. Edward Rawson of Newbury, Mass., who was secretary of Massachusetts for 35 years, ending with 1686. He was the first of the name who settled in this country, and bore an important part in the early history of the colony. He came from England about the year 1637. His wife's maiden name was Rachel Perne, and was a grand-daughter of Edmund Grindall, who was Archbishop of Canterbury in the reign of Queen Elizabeth; and ho was so faithful a monitor of that energetic sovereign, that he incurred her displeasure by his boldness in exhorting her "to remember that she was a mortal creature, and accountable to God for the exercise of her power." Bacon styled Abp. Grindall "The greatest and gravest prelate in the land." President Oakes of Harvard College spoke of him as "a most saintly man, and in the Archbishopric little else than a Puritan." This opinion of him is supposed to be owing to his unwillingness "to proceed to extremities against the Puritans," as well as to the evident sincerity of his piety. It may be supposed, that had his wishes been followed, a very pious class of the English people would not have found sufficient reason for dissenting from the established church.

These remarks respecting ancestors are not made with the idea that descendants are really entitled to any honor on account of them, unless by their own conduct they give evidence that they are deserving; but, on the contrary, I would express the opinion, that honorable lineage is a disgrace to those who do not strive to honor their parents by their own endeavors to become good and useful.

To return to the subject of this sketch. Rev. Nathaniel Rawson, jr., was not a "liberally educated" man, though it is believed that he acquired a better general education than was at that period usually obtained without a college course. The writer's youthful impressions in that respect were, that he was the wisest man that ever was, who never went to college. —This idea was gained from his readiness in imparting information on all subjects which the inquiries of his children brought to his notice, and the instructions which he was wont to give them unasked. He studied theology with the Rev. Dr. Crane, of Northbridge, Mass. —was licensed as a Congregational preacher by the Mendon Association.

He probably came to Vermont in 1809, as a sermon of his bearing that date seems to have been preached at St. Johnsbury, in September

ORLEANS COUNTY PAPERS. 369

of that year. In 1811, he was settled as the first Congregational pastor of Hardwick, and remained there over 6 years. Probably in 1811, he was married to Miss Betsey Fitch, daughter of the Rev. Elijah Fitch of Hopkinton, Mass., and sister of the Rev. John Fitch, formerly of Danville, Vt., and later a preceptor of an academy at Thetford. After leaving Hardwick, Mr. R. went to Waterbury, where he probably lived during the most part of 1820. He is believed to have been a consistent maintainer of sprinkling as a valid mode of baptism; yet on one occasion he is remembered to have administered immersion, with acknowledged good results. While in Waterbury, the house he occupied was near a small stream of water, and the children of the neighborhood were wont to carry on their sports on its banks. His children had been forbidden to go near the water. His eldest son, then being about 7 years old, in company with other children, had forgotten the prohibition, and went so near the bank that he slipped in and wet his feet. The father happening to see this, came and took his son and plunged him into the water. That prohibition was afterwards well remembered and observed by that boy.

He next moved to Bristol, and for a time preached at that place and in Starksboro: during the latter part of his residence in Bristol he gave up preaching, on account of a weakness of his lungs, and employed himself in various ways to procure a livelihood —principally in tilling land, and in going about the country to repair clocks, (in which he was an expert.) In this latter employment it is most likely that he improved the opportunities presented to impart religious instruction, warning and consolation.

In 1823 he moved to New Haven, where he worked a farm. While in this place he took a novel mode of celebrating the "Fourth of July." He had a poor neighbor who was sick at the time, and unable to hire his work done. Knowing this, Mr. R. called on his two eldest sons to get their hoes and go with him —they all went to the sick man's house, and the father accosting the woman of the house, said to her: "As others are having a day of pleasure, I thought that I and my boys would have the pleasure of hoeing out your garden." This was proceeded with, and no doubt enjoyed by him at the time with as much satisfaction, as was that day experienced by any other individual in the community; but the boys had to wait till afterward to realize their pleasure resulting from it. At this time one of them remembers that day's exercises with more satisfaction than that of any other Independence day which he has yet experienced.

The next Spring, 1824, he moved to Middlebury, where he lived till the death of his first wife, which occurred during the ensuing summer; after which his children became scattered among their friends.

The character of his first wife seems to the writer to make it proper to say something of her, as she is believed to have been, in her position, a model Christian woman. Her aid to her husband is believed to have been very efficient, not only in the matter of carrying out his plans of labor, but also in important suggestions which made his efforts more successful; and this was done with a modesty which gave evidence that she had no desire to obtrude her advice or opinions when not needed; but was only anxious to do all the good she could, and aid others in good works. Her faithfulness in the duties of a mother makes it evident to one who experienced her care, after mature years have enabled him more fully to understand the loss he sustained in her death, that had all mothers been as careful and judicious in the religious culture of their children, there would have been little need of Sunday Schools; for her own private daily training was better than the once-a-week, and often inferior teaching of these very useful institutions, which are so much relied upon to perform the duties of parents, in these later years.

In this connection I desire to state an opinion that I feel there are good reasons for believing is well founded, though I cannot at this time verify the fact. It is, I believe, well settled, that to Col. A. Washburn, then (1814) of Greensborough, is due the honor of first establishing a Sunday School in Vermont. From the intimate friendship which ever existed between Col. W. and Mr. and Mrs. R., I feel very sure that they were consulted as to the management of this first beginning of a great work and I also have little doubt that Mrs. R.'s suggestions contributed not a little to the success of the undertaking.

Family worship was never omitted on account of her husband's absence, when her health allowed her to perform the leading part. Her patience in suffering was such as to call forth the surprise of all who observed it. She was buried in the burying-ground at New Haven, East-mills.

In 1825, Mr. Rawson again commenced preaching in Peru and Winhall —half the time in each

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place. In 1827 he married for his second wife a Miss Sarah Piper of Weston, who was a sister of the Rev. C. W. Piper, who, in 1844, and for some years after, was both a teacher and a preacher in Orleans county. While he lived in Peru, the Temperance movement, so called, began to show itself in the community, and I believe he made the first public address there on that subject. It was at a barn-raising, when, after the neighbors had come together, he made some remarks on the subject, the effect of which was that most of them went home without partaking of any spirituous liquors, while a few remained and partook of such beverages as a good Methodist man thought his duty to provide for such an occasion.

In connection with this incident I will make a few extracts from a sermon preached by him at St. Johnsbury, towards the close of 1809, (which may be called a temperance sermon of 60 years ago) from Ecclesiastes ix. 7, 8 —which text would not be likely to be chosen by the preachers on that subject at this period:

EXTRACTS.

"Those who rank themselves among the really virtuous, must be under a great deception, if their lives do not habitually correspond with purity that morality and charity which seeketh not her own. Such as eat their bread with joy and drink their wine with merriment, unless it be done with a view to the honor and glory of God, will not be accepted; for although these are the pleasures of human life, yet when not received and unproved as the mercies of a beneficent parent whom we admire and love, our joy—our merriment is not good; it is of a delusive kind and will terminate in discontent and woe. But, endowed with the spirit of pure virtue, and a sensibility of our dependence and responsibility for the right use of earthly as well as heavenly gifts, instead of living to eat and drink, and consume the riches of his bounty upon our lusts, we shall only eat and drink to live that we may spend the eventful days of life in preparation for the event of a certain and approaching death." * * * "Unless the benefits, of human life, the enlivening pleasures of social friendship lead us in the path of bounden duty, in all the system of virtue, in all the restraints of pure morality, and all the rigid requirements of revealed religion, have we not great reason to fear and tremble, lest all our spirit, joy, merriment and gaiety, Is preparing for us an exceeding great disappointment, when we, too late, shall learn that our works are not accepted?" * * *

There is not a pleasure to which the rational and virtuous mind can aspire, that is not left in full possession of the real Christian.

"Moral and Christian mindedness forbids not, but recommends, all that decency of dress and improvement of manners, which can result from the principles of pure innocence or refined taste — "Let thy garments always be white, and let thy head lack no ointment." Pure whiteness is, in Bible phrases, indicative of purity and innocence; and in the text is, no doubt, meant to prefigure the moral state of those who are to eat and drink with such joy and gladness, for their works were accepted. * * * We should make liberal and proper use of the bounties of God's providence, for this life is the only scene in which they can yield us any benefit; soon —very soon they will be of no use to us. If we would that our garments should always be white, and free from the blood of all men, then let us be careful that our whole deportment and behavior towards God and man, as well as ourselves, shall be a practical compliance with the great rule of love, expressive of tho most pure and impartial goodness. Possessed of these characteristics, our bread will be received and eaten with the most filial love and gratitude and joy, and our wine will be used as an overflowing good from Heaven, and not abused by brutal excess and riot and drunkenness.

This decorum and purity of character alone can fit us for the right reception aud improvement of human life and its various blessings. With this temper we shall have no desire to eat our bread and drink our wine, without first craving a blessing on its use; we shall not leave our full-stocked board without offering our unfeigned thanks for the bounty, and this tempered with that joy and merriment which the text enjoins. With this temperament of grace, we shall not forget our morning and evening tribute of thanksgiving and prayer for all good, and the pleasures of this transitory life." * * * "The season now begins to advance, when the cares and labours of the year in some measure slacken, and some of our days and many of our evenings will be devoted to our pleasures. * * * It is natural for the young to make gratifying calculations for pleasure for the autumnal and winter months. My friends, will you not allow me to aid you with the advice of this subject, in your plans for happiness. To those of us who have obligated ourselves, let me say, renew our engagements and put them better in practice: to those who have been unrestrained by conscience, reason and the holy scriptures, I would say, make every possible amendment in your behavior; let the youth consult their Bibles, reason, conscience, each other, and friendly, experienced persons on the subject of their behavior before God. God now accepteth thy works, only if they are good. The importance of this advice is enhanced by the consideration that this short life bounds the scene of preparation for our future destiny. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might, for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave."

About the year 1830, Mr. Rawson went to the western part of New York, and preached in the town of Newfield, Tompkins county; but

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the water of that region did not agree with the health of some of his family; so, after remaining there about a year, he moved back to New England.

He finally settled on a small farm in Hampton, Ct., which had descended to his family through his first wife's mother. Here he relied on the products of farm labor for the support of his family, though he was frequently called on to assist neighboring ministers in the work of preaching. "He seemed to live a quiet life in Hampton: but it is thought that he tried to do some good, and very likely he succeeded quite as well as some in a larger circle. He was called a peace-maker." He was a ready and efficient helper of those in distress and trouble. —"the sick and friendless seemed to look to him as their friend. He always liked to have the children enjoy themselves, and have innocent amusements, and I believe they always felt as thongh he was their friend, when they tried to do right."

He was killed by a stroke of lightning while at work in the hay-field of a neighbor, on July 19, 1845, aged 65 years.

As a preacher he was one who relied for success on calm and dispassionate appeals to the judgment and conscience, rather than impassioned efforts to excite the feelings to a degree which is likely to lead individuals to take a religious stand, which their future lives are apt to fail to carry out. While, therefore, it may not be claimed for him that he was prominent for eloquence or remarkable energy, among his fellow laborers, he may be regarded as one who faithfully improved his abilities to induce all who came under his influence, to live as becomes the children of God.

His habits of living and dress were, much more than is usual, guided by the Saviour's directions in Matt. vi. 35 —in these matters his actions seemed to indicate that, in his opinion, they were not worthy of much thought or strenuous exertions to secure: indeed, it may have been the case, that he impaired his influence on some minds, by his lack of "thought for raiment." His children were:

1st, Elijah, a printer —formerly publisher of the Yeoman's Record, at Irasburgh; and for the last 17 years a resident of Burlington.

2d, Obed, a powder-manufacturer; killed by the blowing up of a powder-mill at Canton, Ct., in 1836, at the age of 20 years.

3d, Cyrus, a silversmith and seaman; drowned in California, in 1850, at the age of 32 years. He was never married.

4th, Dennis C., a cabinet-maker and farmer, of Hampton, Ct.

5th, Elizabeth F., wife of Mr. H. E. Rice, of Barre, Mass.

6th, Mary Jane, wife of Mr. A. Moore, of Weston, Vt.

The last two were the children of his second wife.

Rev. N. Rawson, jr. was married to his first wife July, 1811, and to his second, March, 1827. He preached at Morristown in 1819, in Watertown in 1820, and in Bristol in 1821.

WILLOUGHBY LAKE.

BY HIRAM A. CUTTING, A. M., M. D.

We read of the Highlands of Scotland and the Alps of Switzerland. Contemplate almost at home the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and now let us look for a day among the mountains of our native State for recreation. Reader are you a friend of mountain scenery? Do you love to stand beneath a rock which measures a thousand feet perpendicular and gaze up its awful steep, or view a beautiful lake from a hight of two thousand feet from its surface? If so allow me to describe the scenes pendant upon a visit to Willoughby Lake. Just imagine you see with my eyes and hear with my ears, and I will safely conduct you through. It was a beautiful day the last of July, 1853, that I started from Burke, Caledonia Co., for Willoughby Lake. I had visited other mountains in the State, and expected the same scenes which I had witnessed elsewhere. That is, mountains enough, but not water enough to make it pleasant. But I was happily disappointed. The first 5 miles of my journey lay through a farming country unsurpassed in beauty, and unrivaled in fertility by any section of our Green Mountain State. Wherever I turned my eyes I could see the luxuriant growth of wheat and corn waving in the breeze, while the hills were spotted with cattle and horses which surpass in beauty of form and elegance of movement anything beyond the borders of our glorious New-England. The West may boast of its boundless prairies and its luxuriant growth of grass, of its bison and wild horses: yet when you are thirsty would you not fain drink of our crystal fountains? —and when you have traveled many a long mile upon the level surface and as far as the eye can reach you can see no change, would you not sigh for a New England home, where all is romantic, all is

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beautiful? No dull monotony to tire the eye and no atmosphere tainted by the bogs and fens of a level country. Reader, cast a thought upon this contrast, and then return. The next 3 miles brought me to the Lake House, and is most of the way through a luxuriant growth of foliage interspersed with an occasional farm-house, which gives a change to the scene and renders it one of surpassing loveliness. The last mile, as if to give a foretaste of what is coming, is a growth of cedar, American larch, and fir, interspersed with an occasional spruce. While I was admiring this scene and growing more and more absorbed in its romantic situation, I beheld the top of Mt. Pisgah, towering almost directly above my head. I had occasionally seen its blue summit for miles, but now I first realized its grandeur and before my amazement had subsided, the Lake House burst upon my view, and was quickly followed by view of the rightly and far-famed Willoughby Lake. Have you ever stood in the White Mountain Notch and looked up a perpendicular rock for some thousand feet on either side? If so just imagine a lake 6 miles long, placed in the gorge between, and you have a Willoughby Lake scene. Justly can the mountains that rise from the side of the lake be compared with the White Mountains, in their perpendicular rugged structure, for in few places can the like be found. After passing a few minutes in the house I embarked (under the direction of an accommodating guide) upon the bosom of the lake. Its waters were scarcely ruffled by the breeze, and its purity was so great that its bottom was distinctly visible at a great depth, and being covered by a green moss, you could almost imagine it the resting place of fairies. After a ride of somewhat over a mile I discharged a pistol and heard its echo, at first sharp and distinct, die away in a dull and monotonous sound among the mountains. I then visited the "Devil's Den" which is a mighty mass of granite rock, partially rent asunder by some great convulsion. At a short distance it presents an entrance from the water's edge which does not fall behind the most romantic conception. It seems like the opening of a hermit's cell, or it may easily be supposed the real of some romantic novel. After discharging a pistol into the den of his Satanic Majesty I concluded he was not at home and so landed and bent my steps for the flower garden, or "Garden of Eden." After pursuing my way up the steep acclivity for a short distance I found my road cut off by the perpendicular side of the mountain, whirls towered up to great hight. There were two ways for me then, and contrary to the teaching of Scripture, I took the left hand road, and after traveling a few rods at the foot of this tremendous steep which seemed almost ready to discharge a torrent of rocks upon my head, I came into the sunny-flower garden. My first thought was, how came the rose bush here high up the mountainside? But before I thought of an answer, other flowers caught my eye and my amazement was increased by their number. I counted 20 species within the distance of a few yards, among which was the common rose, evening primrose, mountain mulberry, wild pink, grape-vine, and wood-aster. Also a beautiful little plant, I never saw elsewhere. The view of the lake from this place is also splendid, and I should not have been satisfied with my visit if I had neglected to visit this beautiful spot. Soon commencing my descent, I found it somewhat dangerous, as rocks loosened behind me and kept me continually on my guard, but it was amazing to see them roll into the almost fathomless depth below. In a short time I reached the lake and another pleasant ride brought me to the shore near the Lake House. After landing, as I looked back upon the lake I could but think of that splendid poem written by Scott, entitled "The Lady of the Lake" and imagine that I beheld the real Loch Lomond, as traversed by Fitz James. All, in fine, that was needed to make it real was the beautiful form of Ellen. After partaking of refreshments prepared for me at the house, I made preparations for the ascent of the mountain. It was a gradual hill at first but it soon assumed a more rugged aspect, and in the end it was steep and rugged as the mountains that belong to the far-famed White Mountain range which are everywhere noted for their steep ascent. I met nothing of interest save what is common to all mountainous scenery until I reached the summit, when a view broke upon my eyes which is not to be surpassed. Upon the southeast my view was only broken by the lofty White Mountain range, and upon the west by the principal eastern range of the Green Mountains. Upon the south lay spread before me the County of Caledonia, upon which I looked down as upon a map. While upon the north my view extended far

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into Canada, taking into my retrospect Stanstead Plain and Memphremagog Lake. After enjoying the prospect for a while both with my naked eye and through a glass, I went to the top of the frightful precipice which overhangs the "Garden of Eden," from which a view of the lake is obtained which far exceeds description. Standing there, 2000 feet above its surface, gazing into its glassy waters, what description will suffice for it? I will only say, admirer of the grand and beautiful, here is the place where your eye can drink its fill. Long will a view from the top of Mt. Pisgah furnish reflections for a lonely hour, and while away a pleasant eve in narrating it to friends. The sun had already begun to wane in the heavens and warned me not to stay, so I made haste again for the Lake House, which is elegantly constructed for the place, and, to render it still more pleasant, there is a large fountain in front in which the numerous fish sport, — taken from the lake and placed there for the convenience of catching when wanted. Having another hour to spend, I took a carriage and rode up the side of the lake. It would have seemed to the common observer to have been a thing impossible, to construct a road between Mt. Pisgah and the lake, so abrupt does the mountain rise from the water, yet it has been accomplished, and the stage connecting Island Pond with St. Johnsbury, runs daily through this wonderful pass. As I looked at the rugged mountain and the smooth, calm lake, the road seemed nothing in comparison, yet it shows the energy and perseverance of man. As we see the mighty rocks cleared away by him, the fearful chasms crossed, ground at an angle of 45 degrees rendered level, and in tine a road made where it was almost impossible for the footmen to pass, we can but ask what will not man yet accomplish. As the declining sun was about passing behind the mountain upon the west of the lake, I lingered a few minutes to witness a sunset scene.

I have read of beautiful sunsets at Palestine and other places, have seen them represented on canvas with the imagery of life, yet I can say that a sunset scene at Willoughby Lake surpasses any thing I have witnessed, and if described by a graphic writer, or portrayed by a master of the pencil, it would be as far-famed as the sunsets of Italy or any other land of genius and fine arts. I had now seen all I could see that day, and drove away from those pleasant scenes richly paid for my trouble. Foreign scenes and descriptions generally engross our ideas, yet I think that home scenes ought to claim a part, especially when they can only be equaled by foreign sights.

ALBANY.

DOCTOR DYER BILL,

the present M. D. of Albany, came from Cabot into town in 1819, when the country was new; since which time he has been the only permanent physician in town. Several have tried their skill for a short time in this place, and left. The Doctor has raised a large family, and laid up some money. The Doctor was very poor, as to money, when he came here. He bought a small farm at the center of the town, cleared it up, and built a fine set of buildings there, and lived there until about 4 or 5 years ago, he sold out his farm and bought a residence in Albanyville.

He rides more or less every day, and is hale and hearty now. The Doctor's family consisted of five daughters and one son by the first wife, and 5 sons by the second. Two of the daughters married and lived in town. One is dead, and the others and their husbands are all in other parts. Of the 5 younger boys, all are in the mercantile business, except Curtis and Dwight. The latter is in Pennsylvania, while Curtis chose the profession of his father; and many hoped he would stop in town and take his father's place. Instead, he is in Tennessee.

[To the Doctor the writer acknowledges his indebtedness for assistance and encouragement in getting up the history of this town.]

"ALBANY —35 Catholic families; a neat frame church has been erected this Summer, (1869) by Rev. Mr. McCauley of Stanstead Plain, from which place the church is attended once every month, on a Sunday.

LOUIS, Bp. of Burlington."

BARTON.

The promised biography of General or Colonel Wm. Barton not having been, to this date, received, and yet expectant of an interesting paper on this old heroic captor of Prescott, we shall defer the partial sketch, we only now have, till we can give hereafter the complete one.—Ed.

THE ORLEANS COUNTY JUBILEE CELEBRATION

was held at Barton, Sept. 7, 1870. The members of the several churches, to the number

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of 120, gathered at 10 o'clock, A. M., upon the Fair Ground, and, after the election of officers of the day, music by the Derby Band and a choir, and prayer by Rev. Dr. S. R. Hall, a number of brief addresses were made by the following gentlemen L. H. Thompson, Craftsbury; Dea. Benj. Comings, Greensboro; Rev. Wm. A. Robinson, Barton; Hon. E. A. Stewart, Derby; S. K. B. Perkins, Glover; Rev, A. C. Childs, Charleston; Capt. O. H. Austin, Barton Landing; Geo. A. Hinman, M. D., West Charleston; Rev. S. Ranney, Holland; Rev. John Rogers, Derby; Dea. West, Charleston; Rev. E. P. Wild, Craftsbury; Rev. Geo. H. Bailey, Newport; Rev. A. W. Wild, Greensboro; then prayer by Rev. J. P. Demeritt, Albany. Dinner followed, upon the ground —each town had a table. Rev. J. P. Otis opened the afternoon session by prayer, after which President Angell, of the Vermont University, delivered the memorial address. Altogether, the occasion was declared, by those present, highly interesting.

JAMES MAY, PAGE 1229.

Thomas May, son of James, says that his father, on his way to settle in Barton, stopped at Lyndon, and staid till after sugaring —probably about the last of April —while his mother went on April 1, (1796) with the family of Asa Kimball, to Barton. There were only two families in the town earlier than Mr. Kimball and Mr. May, viz. David Pillsbury and John Ames, who commenced the first of March, or about 3 weeks before the arrival of Kimball's family and my mother.

The settlement was commenced in Glover in 1795, for my father in that year had been to Westfield, and came out through Craftsbury, by the Hazen road, and passing through Glover, came out into Vance's felled trees in that town.

The first marriage in Barton was that of John Brown, jr. and Polly Foss, June 2, 1803, by Jona. Allyn, justice. The first natives of the town married were Eben'r S. Allen and Anna Boynton, October, 1823, by justice.

The wife of Dr. Lee taught the first school in town.

Barton has an inhabitant, a Canadian, who bears the simple name of Joe. By no other cognomen is he called, and his wife is mentioned only as "Mary." They live happily together in a little house on farmer Saulsbury's estate, and claim to be 100 and 90 years old, respectively. —Free Press and Times, (1860.)

PENSIONERS FOR REVOLUTIONARY AND MILITARY SERVICES IN 1840.

Merrill Pillsbury, aged 44;

Samuel Russell, aged 43;

Joshua Johnson, aged 76;

Ebenezer Watson, aged 42.

U. S. Census.

Hon. Samuel A. Willard died suddenly at his residence in Barton the 14th ult. Judge Willard was many years a practicing lawyer in Lamoille county, and was generally and favorably known throughout the State. For the last ten years or more he resided at Barton. He has held many offices of honor and trust —always enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. At a ripe old age, in the confidence of a Christian faith, he has gone to his rest. —Freeman, (186—.)

"At the recent muster of the 5th Reg't of militia at Barton, there were present doing duty as private soldiers, three clergymen in regular standing as such, and at the present time preaching the gospel, the three selectmen of the town of Greensboro, the editor of the Newport Express, and a corporal reputed to be worth $150 000, all volunteers, and all displaying a soldierly pride in the performance of their duty. —Newspaper since the war.

"BARTON —One of the priests of Stanstead comes every month to visit the Catholics living about this village. There are about 40 families, chiefly from Canada. As yet they have no church of their own.

Louis, Bp. of Burlington."

BROWNINGTON.

Brownington, Nov. 23, 1870.

MISS HEMENWAY:—

I have returned from a tour, to lecture in several towns, Johnson, Troy and Westfield. I have hardly time to look up the history and titles of the various books I have published at different times and places. Such a history has been given in a history of Croydon, N. H., my native town.

The first of much consequence was the Outlines of the Geography and History of Vermont, in 1827, published at Montpelier; and the next, my Lectures to Teachers on School-Keeping, published in Boston, 1829, of which 10,000 copies were purchased by the State of New York, and a copy sent to each school district in the State.

Lectures on Parental Responsibility and the Religious Education of Children, publish‑

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ed in 1834, at Boston, and republished in England same year.

Lectures to Female Teachers, History of the United States, Things Which Every Boy Can Do, English Grammar, Arithmetic, Child's Geography, were published at Boston or Andover, between 1836 and 1840.

Several small books have been published at different times, of which I do not retain a copy.

The School History and Geography of Vermont, you doubtless have.

Had I time, before this letter must go to the office, I would write a fuller account. — My age was 75 years, Oct. 27, 1870.

I was glad to learn that you are so near through with Orleans County.

In haste,

Yours, &c.

S. R. HALL.

DR. CURRIER'S LETTER ON THE ORIGIN OF THE BLACK-BOARD.

Newport, Vt., Nov. 15, 1870.

MISS HEMENWAY—

A few days since, Rev. S. R. Hall, LL.D., of Brownington, stopped at my house, and, during the visit, which was a very welcome one, as all his acquaintances testify, he gave me, an outline of the history of the origin of the black-board now so commonly used in this county. He first used it in Rumford, Me., in 1816, to illustrate arithmetic; the first one was a large sheet of dark paper which could be marked upon and erased easily.

At first the inhabitants of the district ridiculed this novel method of demonstration, but he persisted in its use and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. His object was to enable the scholar to have confidence enough in himself to demonstrate examples to others and thus become better qualified for teaching. He afterwards used this method of illustration in several other towns of Maine which made him successful and popular as a teacher.

In 1822, at Concord, he had the plastering painted black and used in the same manner as black-boards are now used. About this time this method was adopted in a large number of the schools of this County, using boards as well an painting the plastering. — Here you have the history of the black-board. He also invented the eraser, made of a small piece of board of convenient size and tacking on a piece of sheepskin tanned with the wool on. This, I believe, is now equally as good as any invention of more recent date. Here let me state that Dr. Hall was the originator of normal schools, but beyond this statement, I can give you no facts.

Dr. Hall has spent much of his time in geology and mineralogy, although by no means neglecting his theological duties, for I think he deserves the D. D. quite as much as he merits the LL. D.

He will now ramble over our ragged hills in quest of some rare specimen of rock, even to tiring out of some of the youngest of us who delight in the same sciences, but probably shall never arrive to his ripe age and enjoy it to ecstacies as he now does. He says it is great satisfaction to him to sit down and look over his cabinet, and fully believes he is 15 years younger than he would have been had he not these pleasures.

Yours very truly,

J. M. CURRIER.

THE PLEASURES OF MEMORY.

AN EXTRACT.

By Clare P. Joslyn.

See that aged, hoary-beaded pilgrim,

Just now waiting at the river's side;

He has passed life's busy, rushing whirlpool,

And is resting at its eventide.

Scarcely can he recognize the faces

That but yesterday by him were seen;

While his childhood's early scenes and places,

In his mind are ever fresh and green.

So may we upon youth's verdant meadows

Plant a seed that shall in time find root,

And, when round us fall life's evening shadows,

It will yield abundant wealth of fruit.

All the richest stores of earthly grandeur,

Guard them with the fondest care we may,

Are exposed to loss, decay, and danger,

And on unseen wings will fly away.

But, within this wondrous, mystic store-house,

Rest our treasures, tree from earthly son;

If with care we always guard the doorway,

Never foes may enter to despoil.

Doubly sad, indeed, would he the parting,

When to loving friends we say farewell,

Could we not, on memory's pinions starting,

Backward fly, in thought, with them to dwell.

Then the heart o'er visions bright rejoices,

Viewing faces known in days of yore,

Almost can we catch their loving voices,

As we stand within the mystic door.

This will make the misty sunbeams brighten,

Make hem linger round our onward way;

And, when gathering shallows darkly threaten,

Memory's golden lamp will light the day.

376 VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

CATHOLIC.

"Brownington, Charleston, Coventry, Craftsbury, Derby, Glover, Irasburgh, Holland, Jay —the few Catholics who live in these towns attend Divine service at Albany, Stanstead, Lowell or Salem.

LOUIS, Bp. of Burlington."

The first grog shop in Orleans county is said to have been kept in Brownington, near where Wm. Baxter built his large house —upon the same farm upon which Major Smith set out the great orchard. —A. ALLYN.

Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Rysly, of this town, celebrated their golden wedding Nov. 14, 1870.

Judge ELIJAH STRONG kept tavern, but did not keep liquor to sell. He and his wife were worthy members of the Congregational church. The father of the Judge was a wealthy Connecticut merchant—and it is said, gave the Judge $60,000. He purchased Brownington and Brownington Gore, and lived and died here in his old age. He had 4 roads cut out. One was called the main road —the one from Newbury to Derby. The part he built was from the main road to Westmore, which caused quite an early settlement on the road to Westmore line. He also made a road to Irasburgh, and one to Coventry, and mended the poor muddy road to Navy, which was over wet land. He started a fine settlement, kept a nice tavern, and he and his wife helped the poor and needy, and kept the minister. In 1814, the settlement in the east part of the town was left for some years. He finally let the State of Connecticut have his wild lands.

ALPHA ALLYN."

BROWNINGTON GORE

was bounded by Charleston, Salem, Derby, Holland and Caldersburgh. To the southeast in old Caldersburgh in Seymore Lake, one of the finest sheets of water in Vermont.

From the beginning of the settlement the Gore people, and the people from the east corner of Salem, met together at Brownington to do their trading, and later at West Charleston, which accounts for the greater number of stores at West than at East Charleston. The first inhabitants of the Gore came in to make salts of lye. They also made birch brooms and trays, fished and dug wells, &c., for a living; and they carried their salts, brooms and trays 9 to 12 miles to Brownington, till after the embargo —and later to Stanstead, Canada, which they usually exchanged for whisky and provisions.

When the line was made between Essex and Orleans County, old Caldersburgh was cut into two parts. The Island pond depot now stands on the part put into Essex Co. This part was put on to the town of Wenlock Oct. 10, 1801, and remained in Wenlock till put on to a part of the town of Brighton and a part of the town of Wenlock being put on to the town of Ferdinand. The town of Ferdinand is situated upon the great railroad. The remaining part of Caldersburgh and Whitelaw's Gore, and Brownington Gore, were made into the town of Morgan, October 19, 1801.

Brownington Gore was granted to the same proprietors as the township of Brownington; 40 acres to each right —and this Gore was said to be the best land in the County. The settlement was caused by Judge Strong. The settlers, by paying an annual interest, had as many years as they wished in which to make their payments —but in the paying of their interest had as many hardships as any town in the county.

Among the first settlers of Brownington Gore were David Hamblet, David Hamblet, jr., Sam'l Kellam, Enos Bishop, Enos Harvey, Flint R. Foster, James Ingerson, Wm. and Ruel Cobb, Joseph Mansur, — Wellar, — Stiles, Samuel Elliot, — Hedge, James, and G. L. Varnum.

ENOS BISHOP, the first settler of Random, now Brighton, was also one of the first settlers of the Gore. A daughter of his married Emmons Stockwell, of Lancaster, N. H. Stockwell, one winter, had two holes cut in the ice of the Connecticut river for his cattle to drink from. Driving down his cattle to this place one day, accompanied by Jerry Bishop, the young son of Enos Bishop, the first settler at the Gore, he saw the boy to his great alarm, go down through one of the holes —but to his equal joy the next moment come up through the other.

This same Jerry, and his son Jerome, served in the late war for the suppression of the rebellion, and they are both alive at this date, (February, 1870.)

The writer had knowledge of the Gore people, as they used to put up with Abner Allyn.

The first reformation in the Gore was about 1810. It was Methodist and Christian. Elder John E Palmer, from Danville, preached. One of the converts was Lotty Stiles, a fine young woman who was engaged to a Mr. Cobb, a worthy young man who lived on the Gore, and was well to do, but had no part in the reformation. Another young man, one of these new-turned converts, came to her and said that he had a message from God to marry her. The too credulous but guileless Lotty, in the fervor of her new

ORLEANS COUNTY PAPERS. 377

zeal, could not doubt the word of a convert, and, considering it would be more compatible for a convert to have a convert husband, consented, on condition that the young man to whom she was promised would release her. Mr. Cobb, on learning her wish, agreed —which no sooner done, this Judas convert refused to redeem his promise, and poor Lotty went crazy. —Her sister Polly married David Hamblet, and her father moved back to Danville, from whence he came, and for years Lotty traveled back and forth between her sister's at the Gore, and her father's at Danville, where she died.

David and Hannah Hamblet had 5 daughters. Their husbands were J. Richards, Seth Blodgett, Enos Harvey, James Ingerson and Flint R. Foster. Pliny, son of Flint R. Foster, married Mary, sister of Joseph Kellam, one of the converts of the reformation, and one of the most powerful preachers of the Methodist circuit. — was son of Samuel Kellam, a well digger, and one of the first settlers of the Gore.

In the time of the embargo, Benjamin Varnum, a Revolutionary soldier, stopped, in Old Caldersburgh, two men who were smuggling a drove of cattle into Canada, and made them turn back and take another road which led by Eber Roberson, and they were taken, as Roberson was a democrat.

ALPHA ALLYN.

CHARLESTON.

ADDITIONAL PAPERS FROM ALPHA ALLYN

The 2nd div. draft of this township was made Aug. 28, 1809; the 3d. June 9, 1828. The 2d division was made on paper with proper corners, but the corners were made in some places on ponds, or bog-meadows where one could not stand without sinking out of eight, Time, however, which is hardening these flats, will enable the corners yet to be made, except in ponds. It was the design of the original proprietors that each should have at least one good 1st div. lot. Only good land was to be first lotted and the rest left for after division. General Whitelaw selected and marked 69 of what he called such lots, which were drawn by box and draft. Some however got poor 1st. div. lots and No. 88 was left out of the draft. In the 2d division were part of the meadows above the pond on Clyde river, too low for cultivation; but if the mills above the Great Falls were taken away and the bar of rocks cut down, these meadows might become cornfields which would add many thousands to the value of the town, and these tracts can now be purchased at rates that offer a rare opportunity to capitalists.

ORRIN PERCIVAL,

wife and son Erastus, in 1805, moved on to 50 acres of No. 12, gift land, and built a log-house and framed barn —His son Olney was the third child born in town. Mr. P. after wards sold out and purchased half of lot No. 11 where he built another log-house and log-barn. The barn was used for a school-house. In the summer of 1809, the school consisted of Mr Percival's three children and three children of Robert Hunkins. One day, this season, Mr. Percival went to work for Mr. Hunkins and Mrs. P. accompanied him to pay a visit to Mrs. H. The children were sent to school. The house of Mr. Percival was a mile from Mr. Hunkins and the same distance from the school-barn. The house of Mr. P. took fire in their absence, and was consumed. This was the first house burned in town. The writer remembers when he arose the next morning before daylight finding Abner Allyn and his wife, dividing bed-clothes with Mr. and Mrs. Percival who went to living again in the empty house on No. 12. Abner Allyn went to Judge Strong's and other places, also in Brownington, for help for Mr. P., and wrote to the proprietors in Rhode Island, who sent money and other things. Mr. Percival, however, went to work for Judge Strong in Brownington and before Spring moved his family to that town; and thus this town lost a film friend of schools and roads.

JONATHAN RICHARDS,

one of the first selectmen, son of Bradley Richards, married Dolly Hamblet, —children. Ira, Jacob, Joseph, Lucinda, and Anna, who married John Swasey, a Methodist preacher here with Royal Gage in 1835. Mr. R. made a good farm out of lot No. 7. He is remembered for never having given any thing to rich or poor, never having voted for a schoolhouse to be built, or for any thing that would not do him any good.

PHILIP DAVIS,

son of Jonathan Davis, married Susan Colby of Sutton, N. H., and moved on to lot No. 8 in 1807, near Salem, 1½ miles southerly from Abner Allyn, the nearest neighbor. The houses of Mr. Allyn and Mr. Strong were the nearest for 11 years. Mr. Davis was also 11 miles from any mill and 9 miles from

378 VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

a store or post-office. But his progenitors were good farmers, and said Davis and his wife were hard-working and prudent. He had to encounter with the love of whisky but was a good provider for his family and probably no man in the township had more hardships to procure their corn and oat-meal. When Brownington had got a store, Davis had only 2 miles to go to make his purchases. It was however through the worst road for mud in the county. For 15 years he traveled this road, made a good farm and erected good buildings, and lived here 40 years. His children never had any benefit from schools in this town. The first school house built on No. 14 in 1822, was 3½ miles distant, but Mr. Davis had to pay his tax on the school-house with the rest. In 1832, he, with several others in district No. 14, got set off into a new district, and the new Philip Davis school-district built their own school-house without aid from any other district. Mr. Davis had also the honor of helping kill the first bear in town. The wife of Mr. Davis was baptised in 1820. They had children who grew up, Roswell who had two wives and raised a large family; Sophia who married Ebenezer Scribner Jr., and has 3 children; Cynthia who married Enoch Colby and has two sons. They are all good Seventh-Day people.

SAMUEL HUTCHINSON

came from Concord, this State, in 1813, and settled, the eleventh family in town. He had one son and 7 daughters. Mrs. Hutchinson was a member of the Congregational church in Concord. Mr. Hutchinson was baptized in 1818. These old settlers saw the hardest times of the new settlers. Some of the East Charleston settlers, however, had the hardship of the ten-miles wood to be traversed between them and Newark and 14 miles to go to the post-office or store, and would have had the hardest time, but for the undivided right No. 88, which the East Charleston settlers had a right to cut wood in, by paying $5, for the undivided share —which wood and timber being sold at Lyndon, the drawing of it kept the ten-miles road through Newark good through the winter and the men well employed.

IN 1819

grandfather David Senter started from West Charleston mill to go across the woods to his son Darius Senter's and was lost. The town rallied to search for him and he was found, but by the kindness of drink and food given to him in his exhausted state was so injured he died. He was buried on the Dark Day, November 9, 1819. He was brother to Isaac Senter of Salem, an early settler of that town, and also to the wife of Dea. Jotham Cummings. He was the father of Zacheus and Derban Senter. Zacheus Senter moved into this town in 1811. He had a large family. They were good Methodist people. He died in 1843; his wife since. The family have sold out and left town.

EPHRAIM BLAKE, OF SALEM,

was our wolf hunter in Orleans Co. He would build a pen in the woods of logs large at the bottom and small at the top, and place part of a sheep within for which the wolf would jump in and could not get out again.

WILLIAM GRAY,

who lived in Sheffield, in 1817, moved to Westmore and some time after to Charleston on to the Joseph Seavy farm. He was a Freewill Baptist, and while he lived in Sheffield had a dream. He had been indisposed for a few days before and had also had some difficulty with Elder Nelson, about some contract between them and had complained of him, —but he dreamed a doctor came to him and gave medicine that helped him and told him many things —the last one that in six years and two months, exactly, he would be with his God.

The next morning he started for Brother Nelson. He had been told in his dream also, he must not hold any hardness against him. He adjusted the matter amicably with Bro. Nelson and lived expecting to die in just the six years and two months, and had a meeting appointed at his house for the day and the night upon which he was to die. He lived in Charleston at this time. But Brother Joseph and the friends from Westmore came over and joined in the meeting. John Rogers was there from Canada, and the writer also. The morning came, he was as smart as common, but for some reason not known, lost his strength, and had to be helped on to the bed. He was happy. Finally, he revived up, had a white handkerchief put on his head and set up in a chair the rest of the day. The meeting commenced in the afternoon and continued till supper time, when it adjourned for supper, and after supper was resumed and continued till after the appointed hour of 2 o'clock. In the evening the service was led by

ORLEANS COUNTY PAPERS. 379

Elder Jonas Allen of Charleston, and Francis Chase of Salem. Brother Chase prayed for the widow and the fatherless children. —After 2 o'clock the people were cared for the rest of the night, and returned home after breakfast the next morning. Mr. Gray said to the writer that God had promised him to live; tell your father, said he, I think I will purchase that land —(some land he had deferred purchasing on account of his expected death.) Mrs. Gray and her two young women daughters went about her housework as usual, and Mr. Gray with his six stout sons started for boiling salts of lye in the woods. This was in 1823. All unite in saying brother and sister Gray were Christians.

ELEAZER POMEROY,

wife Suky and 6 children, came from Irasburgh, where they were early settlers, to this town in 1823. They were honest Christian people. He died in 1863, his wife had died before. The children have removed from town and there are no headstones to mark the graves of this early settler and his wife.

Before 1822, Beaman Newel Esq., of Burke, carried the first mail. In 1833, Ira Parker was the first postmaster in East Charleston, and Ebenezer S. Allyn the first in West Charleston. The mail route was from Lyndon to Derby, past Charleston, Newark and Salem, once a week. This stage road was a pretty good road in 1828.

Esq. Cooley, another early settler, was a large and naturally bright man, but lost his reason, while writing against, or trying to correct the Bible. He was writing his remarks upon where the sheep and goats are to be separated, when be was struck down. He burned his papers, but his flesh shrank away. He might have been 40 years old when he died, but looked as old as a man of 100 years. His wife heard him say, when he begun to burn his papers, "I will not be on the left hand with the goats."

JONATHAN BRIGGS

moved into Charleston in 1837. He was president of debating meetings at different times. He died before the rebellion, but left two sons who served in the late war and died in the service of their country. His widow and daughter live in town.

Dr John Sanborn moved into East Charleston in 1840.

Joseph Huntington and others built the bridge across Clyde River in 1819.

There were three kinds of smugglers in the embargo times. From 1808, one kind smuggled goods out of Canada, the other beef and pork into Canada to feed the British army, and most of the salts makers of all parties smuggled salts or sold them knowing they would be smuggled. This they did to save the lives of their families. No one was hurt by this. The Democrats smuggled some. Few Feds, did not smuggle. The Democrats lost votes by trying to rob the poor of their bread in this way. The town of Navy (Charleston) sent a Fed. to Montpelier in 1813. He voted not to give thanks to God for the success of our army. He went in 1814. The year anti-masonry broke out, this Federalist was candidate of the same party, when the town asked a Jackson man training day to read the Act of 1813, and he lost his election.

Our ministers have not usually been located long here at a time. Jonas Allen resided with us the longest. He preached here about 10 years. He was ordained here, but not settled. He was than a Freewill Baptist, but afterward became one of the three founders of the Christian denomination. Royal Gage, a Methodist, preached the next longest here. And Moses Norris, a Freewill Baptist, preached here several years. For sometime past East Charleston and Centre Brownington have had circuit preaching (Methodist) half the time at each place, and the Freewill Baptist in the same places half the time and also in West Charleston. And there has been Congregational and Universalist preaching also a part of the time. The Freewill Baptists, Methodists and Universalists have a Union meeting-house, which is the only one in the place. There were no Freewill Baptists in town till after 1810. Before that there was a little Congregational, Episcopal Methodist, standing Baptists and Christian preaching. Now the Freewill Baptists are the most numerous of any denomination in town.

The Christians in this place came first from Danville. I once asked Mr. Hill, who came here and started the order, of the origin of this church and he told me that it thus orignated Three ministers, who thought just alike, viz. John E. Palmer, Elias Smith and Abner Jones, formed the order and each gathered a church and the order flourished —the first two went over to Universalism and if living, the Dr. said, lived in Waterford, Vt.

Rev. James Knight came into this town in

380 VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

1829, and staid one year. Rev. Moses Nerus, a Freewill Baptist, preached at the center of the town after Elder Joseph Allen had stopped preaching.

The first five settlers of this town were young men —Samuel Knight, who was one of the first selectmen —Lemuel Sturtevant, William Mason, Benjamin G. Teal and Joel Roberson —all of whom left in 1814. Samuel Mason and wife were very respectable young people, and had one child born in this town.

AMOS HUNTOON, of the first board of selectmen, had a wife, one daughter and three sons. The daughter was afterwards killed in Coventry by lightning. He did not remain long here.

The heirs of Asa Matherson got over $1,500 for their claim, which was one of the 18 rights of Brooks, claimed by Farrington. After Farrington failed in the Phelps claim, he went the rounds after those who lost their claims at said vendue sales. This part of our history, those living in Charleston in 1828, well remember. Some are living now, in other States. whose fathers kept Farrington in jail at Danville several months. One of these was Winslow Farr, Esq., now Mormon Elder at Salt Lake City, who has two sons with him —one of which has a number of wives and scores of children.

Esquire Farr thus became a Mormon; his wife had been confined to her bed a long time, and was much pitied by her towns people as a confirmed invalid. In 1832, two Mormon elders, Pratt and Johnson, visited Charleston, and at this time came in and prayed with them, and laid hands on her in the name of the Lord. She believed she was healed, and arose and prayed with them that same night, and thanked God for it and the next day she and her husband were baptized, and joined the Mormon Church. And, at different times, in the course, of 3 years, quite a flock from this town started for "The Holy Land."

INDIAN ROADS.

The first from Canada, passed from Magog lake, up Clyde river, through Charleston, to Brighton, in Essex county, at Island Pond. —The second Indian route was from Sherbrooke up the Canada river to Norton Pond, which is the head of this river —thence N. W. to the Ferren River —thence down said river to Clyde River —thence up this river to the outlet of Island Pond —thence, probably, through Old Random —thence past Pall Pond, and down Pall stream, to its junction with the stream from Maidstone Lake, past the saw-mill built on said stream by Mr. Beattie —thence to Maidstone Lake —thence to Moose River in Victory —thence down this river to the Connecticut in St. Johnsbury.

It has been reported the Moose River Indians were more cruel than the Connecticut River Indians. The Moose River Indians have been thought to been Quebec Indians. They did not travel through Charleston, but through Norton. The East Charleston Indians were friendly Indians. The writer thinks that it was the Charleston Indians that visited Lancaster, N. H., that Mrs. Stockwell took over the river in her boat, at different times, on dark nights.

EARLY COUNTY ROADS.

The first road from Newbury to Derby passed through Ryegate, Barnet, St. Johnsbury, Lyndon, Wheelock Hollow and Sheffield, where it received the travel from Danville Green, and from thence, via Sheffield, passed under Reuben Miles' shed, past Barton Mills, at which place it received the Montpelier travel, and from thence extended to Brownington, where it received the Albany travel, and proceeded west of Brownington Pond, to and through Derby, straight to Canada line.

The second road from Newbury line to Stanstead, Canada East, passed up the Connecticut River to Guildhall —thence through Brunswick, Wenlock, Brighton Dyke, at Island Pond, Morgan, Holland —receiving at Holland the St. Johnsbury road travel, and thence, past Westmore, and through Holland, and then through Derby street to Stanstead, Canada.

These two roads, with the Hazen road, give the reader a chance to see the situation of Orleans county, in 1815, as to roads. These two roads were turnpikes. The turnpike through a part of Caledonia county, and Orleans to Stanstead, was "killed" by a free road from Sutton to Barton. This road was built in 1815, and having no toll-gates or bridges, took all the travel to Derby.

We have in East Charleston a lodge of Good Templars numbering, from 80 to 100 members, and in West Charleston a lodge of Freemasons.

The town meetings are held alternately at the East and West village. There in no village at the Centre, but from here the Clyde River runs both ways through the town and enters Salem less than a mile from the north corner of the town.

ORLEANS COUNTY PAPERS. 381

Mrs. Susan Goodwin is the oldest woman in town —91 years old, February, 1870. Of the old settlers, the only one now living is Esq. Stephen Cole, aged 89 years. Major John M. Roberson, who moved into town in 1832, died last week (first week in March), aged 70, February 21, 1870.

[The name of John Palmer is also on the U. S. pension records of 1840, for this town, aged 84. —Ed.]

The diamond wedding of Stephen Cole came off on the 19th of May, 1870. There were about 200 guests present. Mr. Cole is in his 90th year. Three of his children were present, one 69, one 66 and one 50 years of age. Nearly all of the oldest inhabitants of the town were present. The exercises were conducted by Rev. Mr. Peckham, and consisted of opening with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Clark, of Morgan, singing, etc., by the choir, —introduction of the bride and groom. An historical essay of the life and adventures of Mr. and Mrs. Cole, by Doctoress Allyn, of Lowell, Mass., speaking by Rev. Mr. Childs, Rev. Mr. Bracket and Mr. Charles Carpenter, interspersed with singing —after which a diamond gift was presented by the guests, of about $55, when all repaired to the vestry and partook of a bountiful repast set by the ladies. —Newport Express.

[We had thought to give the interesting paper by Miss Rachel Allyn, M. D.; but as we are much crowded for room near the close of our volume, and it has been already published in the Newport Express, and we have already in the history of Charleston a considerable notice of Mr. Cole, we must defer it till another time. —Ed.]

COVENTRY.

We have from the newspapers since the war, the deaths of Charles C. Coles, son of Seth F. Coles, of Co. I, 1st Vt. cavalry, who died of disease occasioned by starvation in rebel prisons, aged 22 —and Parker Greely, of Vt. cavalry, aged 48.

Dea. Thos. Wells, of Coventry, died Oct 16, 1869, aged 48.

CRAFTSBURY.

several years since was one of the assistant judges of the county court.

BENJAMIN CONNER, Esquire, died in this town, at the age of 84. He was formerly of Wheelock, to which place his remains were conveyed for interment. The deceased was the representative in the Legislature from Wheelock for the sessions of 1832, '33 and '34, and

EZEKIEL SMITH, another esteemed citizen of this town, lived to a good old age, and was buried with Masonic honors.

JACOB NOBLE LOOMIS

was born in Lanesborough, Mass., Oct. 8, 1790. He graduated at Middlebury in 1817, and at Andover Theological Seminary in 1820 —was pastor of the Congregational church in Hardwick 1820 —'30; and afterwards engaged in agriculture until in or about 1833, in Hardwick; in 1853 in Craftsbury. —Pearson's Catalogue.

DERBY.

Of the men that acted with the government against smuggling in the war of 1812, and were true to their posts, were Col. Corning of Derby, Hon. David Hopkinson of Salem, Parmenas Watson of Holland, and Erastus Chamberlain of Barton, —Capt. Rufus Stewart of Derby, also, though he did not assist in the suppression of smuggling, did as much as any other man of Orleans county to save the people from destruction.

ALPHA ALLYN.

DEATH OF LIEUTENANT CHASE.

Lieutenant George W. Chase from Derby Line commanding Co. M, of the. First Vermont Cavalry, died suddenly, Aug. 23, 1863, at the Georgetown Hospital. He left his command on the 20th, with fever. Lt. Chase has for sometime been the only commissoned officer with the company, and was on continual duty and in every scene of toil or danger through Kilpatrick's campaign —a campaign whose history will always be read with wonder and admiration. The Capt. of the Company was shot some time ago, and the 2d Lt., Enoch B. Chase, brother of George, was compelled to resign by disability, and even his hardy constitution and unbending will were not able to sustain the labors that had been thrown upon him. Lt. Chase was a model officer, wonderfully calculated to control men brave, energetic, determined, scholarly, galant, and quiet in thought and action, both beloved and feared by his command. He never knew what it was to fear danger, and he could lead when any could follow. He always had a passion for military life, and when the country called he came home to Derby Line from California for the purpose of enlisting. His voyage from California was in the ill-fated Golden Gate which was wrecked. Chase was

382 VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

one of the few who by presence of mind and great strength succeeded in escaping death by swimming against current and tide to shore. He escaped this death to die the noble and more glorious death of the patriot soldier.

We extend our sympathy to his widowed mother, and all his relatives, and also to his bereaved command. He has died young, but more lamented and with a nobler record of achievement than often falls to the lot of those who live out the full measure of three score years and ten. — From the Green Mountain Express.

THE SOLDIER'S MONUMENT AT DERBY

is located in the upper end of Derby Centre village, on a little knoll 15 feet high, and about eight rods back from the road. The foundation is 12½ feet square, and four feet deep. First upon the foundation are placed two tiers of granite steps 12 inches thick and 18 inches tread. Then comes the first base, 6 feet square and 2 feet thick, with the outer edge beveled. On this stands the second base, 5 feet square and 18 inches thick, with "O G" moulding edges. Next comes the die 3 feet square and 5 feet high. The front (West) side of this contains in heavy raised, letters, the following inscription: "In Memory of the Volunteers from Derby, who Lost their Lives in the Great Rebellion —1861—5." The South side contains the names of the four officers, and underneath is a sunken shield, with the raised letters "U. S." On the east side are the names of 24 privates and on the north side the names of 25 privates, which completes the list of 53 men whom Derby sacrificed in the rebellion. On the die is to he placed the cap, 5 feet square and 8 inches thick, with "O. G." moulding on the upper edge, and the reverse on the lower edge. Next is the shaft, 31 inches square at the base, 16 feet high, and finished at the top with a ball 16 inches in diameter. On this ball is placed a bronze eagle,* with wings extended, as if making ready for flight. The monument ground contains between one and two acres, which will be surrounded by a suitable fence, and also ornamented with shrubs, walks, &c. The monument is all granite.

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GLOVER.

REV. REUBEN MASON

died in Glover, June 29, 1849, aged about 70. Father Mason, as he was familiarly called, was a native of Grafton, N. H.. He was subjected to the privations and scanty privileges of his day and place. But these did not suppress his desire and determination to be both good and useful. He came into the ministry late in life —when ladened with the cares and charge of a family.

His first settlement was at Waterford, in 1820 —his second at Glover, in 1827, and his third at Westfield. As a pastor he was faithful and sympathetic: as a preacher, sincere, urgent, doctrinal. While thoroughly Calvinistical in his theological views and preaching, he was still kind and liberal in his intercourse with other evangelical orders. He was ardent in feeling, and entered with his might, and with indomitable perseverance, on what he conceived to be his duty. In addition to his labors as pastor he performed missionary work in various places, but mostly In the north of the State.

His last illness was distressing —proceeding, as was supposed, from a large tumor in his left wrist. In hopes of relief, he suffered amputation of his arm between the elbow and the shoulder; but his decline became more rapid, his disease more complicated —but all were endured with that patience and faith he ever preached as the fruits of Christian experience, and sum of Christian character. He died as he lived —believing, resigned. —Yeoman's Record.

MAJOR C. W. DWINELL.

In the list of wounded at the battle near Charleston, Va., August 21, appeard the name of Maj. C. W. Dwinell, of the 6th Vt. Regiment. His wound was not at first supposed to be dangerous, being merely a flesh wound befow the knee, but unfavorable symptoms soon appeared, and he died Wednesday, 24 August. His remains were conveyed to Glover, where funeral services were attended, 30 August, by a very large assembly.

Carlos William Dwinell was a son of Ira and Duress (Ford) Dwinell, and was born in Calais 8 Sept. 1838. In his boyhood his parents removed to Glover, and that was his residence till he entered the army. Both at Calais and Glover his father was an innkeeper, and thus being brought into constant contact with men, acquired an affability and knowledge of human nature which were of good service to him

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* There is no eagle on the top, though it is the intention to put on one. Since this description was written, the monument has been surrounded by a basement of mason work 18¾ feet square, and 3 feet high. The top of this basement is reached by 6 granite steps between 2 posts, 4 feet high to the apex.

E. A. STEWART.

ORLEANS COUNTY PAPERS. 383

when he became a soldier. His academical studies were pursued at the Orleans Liberal Institute, where he had a respectable standing as a scholar.

He entered the service of the country in Oct. 1861 as a member of Co. D in the sixth regiment, recruited at Barton. Upon the organization of the Company he was elected 2d Lieutenant 11 January 1862, became Adjutant 1 November 1862, was promoted Captain of Co. C, 12 January 1863, and Major a few days before his death. In all these positions he acquitted himself and became a worthy son of Vermont. He was a soldier without fear and without reproach. He had a good deal of manly beauty by which he made a favorable impression at first sight, and this prepossession was confirmed by his easy address, and the real kindness of his heart. To an unusual degree he was careful of his soldiers. never exposing them to any dangers which he was not ready to share. They were ardently attached to him for his bravery, and loved him for his kindness, and promptly went wherever he bade, or followed him wherever he led.

He shared all the hard fortunes of the 6th regiment, and participated in nearly every battle in which it was engaged, but escaped without a scratch till the battle of the Wilderness, 5 May 1864, when he received a severe wound near the spine which disabled him for six or eight weeks. The bullet was not extracted from this wound, and it is probable that the enfeebling effects of that prevented him from rallying against his final wound as is might otherwise have done.

He married, when home on a furlough, 27 Jan. 1864, Miss Amanda Smith of Albany, Vt.

P. H. W.

Coventry, 2 Sept. 1864.

CAPT. DAN. MASON.

Capt. Dan. Mason, of the 19th Reg't U. S. colored troops, died at Brownsville, Texas, Nov. 25, 1865. He was a native of Glover, Vt., aged about 26 years — and a member of the 6th Vt. Reg't from its organisation till March, 1864, when he was promoted to a captaincy of the colored troops, after passing a meritorious examination before the board of which General Casey was president. He served in the army of the Potomac till after the surrender of Lee, when he went to Texem under Weitzel, serving there till his death. He passed through the whole war without a wound and almost without a sickness, till the last sickness, which terminated his life. His friends were wholly unprepared to receive the shocking intelligence of his death, being in daily expectation of hearing he was discharged and coming home. He leaves a young to mourn that, he is gone.

Capt. Mason was a brave, faithful and intelligent officer, and one who held the respect and esteem of all his friends and acquaintances —His remains are expected home, to be interred in the land of his nativity. —Vt. Record.

An Orleans paper of 1869 says there has not been a grave made in the West Glover cemetary for 20 months, and but one death in the vicinity during the same time.

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GREENSBORO.

DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR,

scouts from Bedell —Regiment stationed at Haverhill —were constantly sent out to traverse the then uninhabited regions of Vermont. On one of these expeditions, Nathaniel Martin and four others came to Greensboro, which was the terminus of their route. They stacked their guns and sat down, at a little distance, to eat their rations, when they were surprised by an unseen party of Indians, who fired upon them and killed two. The survivors, ignorant of the number of their assailants, thought it the part of prudence to make no resistance, and did not attempt to regain their guns. A single Indian soon came from the woods, to whom they surrendered, and then learned, to their great chagrin, that the attacking party consisted of only seven persons. It was too late to make the resistance which they would have made had they known how small was the odds against them, and they went on their way to Lake Memphremagog, and thence to Quebec, —continually watching for the opportunity, which they never found, of escaping by flight, or by an encounter at small disadvantage with their captors. Martin was exchanged not long after, but the fate of the others is not known.

P. H. WHITE.

EDMUND HARVEY BLANCHARD,

born in Greensboro 1821; fitted at Craftsbury Academy; graduated at Middlebury, 1848; was preceptor of Lyndon Academy, 1848—9; studied at Andover Theo. Sem, 1849-52. —Pearson's Catalogue.

384 VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE

Col. James Morrill, formerly of Danville, which town he had represented in the legislature, died in this town, aged 81 years.

Alathear Church, of this town, reached the age of 89 years and 11 months.

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HOLLAND.

THE VERMONT VOLUNTEER.

BY HEMAN L. P. MOON.*

When Father Abra'm called for men

To fill the "front and rear,"

Who answered him so nobly then?

Vermont's brave Volunteer.

And when our Leader called again

"Three hundred thousand more,"

He proved a valiant soldier then,

And kissed the flag he bore,

When in our own Green Mountain home;

Who seems to us most dear?

And who in midnight vision comes?

'tis "our Volunteer."

To whom in fancy do we cling?

From whom wish we to hear?

Of whom do we delight to sing?

'Tis our own Volunteer!

Who's won the name of "Patriot,"

Because he did not fear

So be in every battle fought?

The Vermont Volunteer.

He left his home and friends behind,

And "sweet-heart still more dear;"

They called him by "the name most kind"—

"My loving Volunteer!"

"Go then," said she, "my dearest one,"

(She paused a moment here),

"Whether you wield the sword or gun,

Be brave, my Volunteer!"

He left his loved one's blest embrace,

And, true to her advice,

He met the foemen "face to face,"

And drove them in a trice!

Then let us twine a wreath of fame

For him whom we revere;

For 'tis to "us a precious name"—

"The Vermont Volunteer!"

Eliphalet Littell, of this town, ate his breakfast, as usual, and went into the woods, where he was found in a short time lying on his face, dead. He was quite aged, and, it is supposed, died of disease of the heart

In Holland, in the year 1866, a log-hut, occupied by a French family, named Gilmore, took fire and was burned. A little child, two years old, perished in the flames, while one six years old barely escaped. The parents were absent at the time.

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IRASBURGH.

MAJOR AMASA BARTLETT.

Amasa Bartlett, Major of Ninth Regiment of Vermont Volunteers, died near Newbern, N. C., on the 16 March.

He was a son of Seth and Asenath (Huggins) Bartlett, and was born in Bennington, Vt., 8 May 1835, but in early childhood removed with his parents to Coventry, where he was brought up. He was one of four brothers who became lawyers. After obtaining a suitable academical education, he commenced the study of law with J. L. Edwards, Esq., of Derby, continued it with Hon. T. P. Redfield, of Montpelier, and ended with Jesse Cooper, Esq., of Irasburgh. He was admitted to the Orleans County Bar at the June Term 1857, and in the following September removed to Kansas, where he established himself in practice at St. George.

Though young in years and in the profession, he was elected, early in 1858, State's. Attorney for Pottawattomie Co., and, in the ensuing fall was elected to the Kansas legislature from the representative district consisting of that County and an adjoining one. In both these offices he acquitted himself creditably. In June, 1858, he returned to Vermont, and entered into partnership at Irasburgh, with his former instructor, Jesse Cooper, Esq. This introduced him at once into a large and very miscellaneous business, in which he proved himself "honest, capable, and faithful." He continued in practice at Irasburgh about 3 years, in the mean time receiving his brother, Leavitt Bartlett, Esq., into partnership in place of Mr. Cooper.

When the 9th Regiment was called for, he decided to abandon his practice and go into time service of the country. About the first of June, 1862, he received recruiting papers, and in the remarkably short space of nine working days he had recruited a company. —Upon its organization he was elected Captain. He shared the various fortunes of the 9th Regiment, was with it at the siege of Suffolk and the surrender of Harper's Ferry, endured the vexations of the long inaction at Chicago as paroled prisoner, and went joyfully to active service at Newbern. When the late Major Jarvis was killed, he was deputed to accompany the remains to Vermont, and was soon after promoted to the vacant office

———

* Mr. Moon, we are informed by a letter, "has issued a small volume of poems." —Ed.

ORLEANS COUNTY PAPERS. 385

His last sickness was very short. He was unwell a few days prior to 14 March, but was on duty till that day. He was then taken with brain fever, accompanied by convulsions, and survived only two days. His remains were conveyed to Coventry, where they were buried 27 March, on which occasion a discourse on "The Christian Patriot" was delivered by the writer of this notice.

Major Bartlett was eminently a Christian patriot. He did not leave his religion at home when he went into the army, as the manner of some is. It was a part of his daily life, as constant and conspicuous as the insignia of his rank. He looked after the moral and religious interests of his men as diligently as he cared for their health and discipline. His tent was the place of a regular prayer meeting of which he was the conductor, and his faithful endeavors for the good of his men were not without valuable results. P. H. W.

Coventry, 28 March, 1864.

THE FIRST NEWSPAPER IN IRASBURGH.

In the Summer of 1845, E. Rawson came into the County and solicited patronage for a newspaper to be published at Irasburgh; and, after canvassing the larger portion of the County, issued the first number on the 13th of August. The particular encouragement, which led him to undertake the enterprise, was the post-office regulation which allowed newspapers to be carried free in the mails to all places within 30 miles of the place where published. The political department of this paper was conducted on a somewhat novel plan —one by which the readers were to be supplied with the ideas and arguments of each of the existing political parties, and which would seem calculated to give to each man a better opportunity to judge for himself what his political duties were, than by any other plan.

The purchase of printing materials for the office of publication, was made by a subscription, by a sort of joint stock operation, in which several of the leading citizens of Irasburgh joined.

The next year Congress altered the postage law, in the particular above alluded to, and, in consequence, the hopes of the publisher were somewhat dampened; but, by the aid of the friends he had acquired in the County, he struggled on and sustained the publication under his discouragements. The paper was first issued a small sized sheet —18 by 24 inches — but, at the commencement of the second year, it was enlarged to the size of 20 by 29 inches. In September, 1847, Mr. Rawson sold out his interest in the establishment to Mr. A. G. Conant, who published the paper till near the April following, at which time he failed, and Mr. Rawson resumed its publication, which he continued, with gradually increasing encouragements, till May 20, 1850.

The reason of the discontinuance of the "Record" was because the prominent men of the Whig party had encouraged another man to propose the establishing of a party publication; when the publisher of the "Record," thinking it unwise to try to sustain it, under the circumstances, discontinued it.

E. RAWSON.

Hon. Geo. Nye, for the last forty or more years, a resident of Irasburgh, died in that town, on the 24th ult., of congestion of the lungs, aged about 65 years (186—.)

Samuel Lathe —convicted of murder, at Irasburgh, Feb. 7th, 1852, sentenced to be executed after one year. Sentence commuted by the Legislature, in November, 1852, to 15 years imprisonment —pardoned by the Governor November 24th, 1856.

JUNIOR APPLIED TO FEMALE NAMES. —It is seldom that a mother and daughter having the same Christian name are distinguished otherwise than as Mrs and Miss; but a single instance of the daughter's being called junior has come to my knowledge. Among the grantees in the charter of Irasburgh, Vt. appear the names of Jerusha Enos and Jerusha Enos Jr., well known to be the wife and daughter of one of the early settlers. —Historical Magazine, N. Y.

ADMISSION TO THE ORLEANS COUNTY BAR (name omitted in this paper, among introductory County papers)—LEAVITT BARTLETT June, 1859.

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JAY.

OBITUARY. —Aug. 11. 1866, Mrs. Hopestill Chase, relict of the late Jonathan Chase, aged 87 years. She remembered distinctly the return of her father to his home, at the close of the old Revolutionary war. She lived to see five grandsons go forth in defence of their country, in the late Rebellion, and lived to witness their return.

386 VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

LOWELL.

FROM THE TOWN CLERK.

I received these papers [the proofs of Lowell history given] in the absence of my son, D. Eugene Curtis. I have corrected his papers, which are few, as he had recourse to records in my office, and from inhabitants now living here, that first settled in town, viz. J. Harding, Abel Curtis, and Mrs. H. Metcalf, and Mr. Seely's papers. Eugene's version is the most correct, as my records will show; other places I do not know where he got his information. It must be from legends of old times.

What the Catholic Bishop put in, is correct —all but the number of families represented; not more than half of the number reside in town. I should think the rest represent towns around.

DON B. CURTIS, Town Clerk.

[The Bishop was asked to give the number of Catholics who attend the Catholic ministrations in Lowell, and so did. As Mr. Curtis supposes, many of the families belong to neighboring towns, where, as yet, they have no Catholic services, and, as the Bishop has already stated in another of his characteristic, brief, and correct papers, found in this department; in which he does not, however, count the large families always found among this people, and thus show so large a congregation as he might, but simply gives the number of families. —Ed.]

Alpha Allyn states that 9 persons only signed the petition for the change of the name of this town, from the original (Kellyvale) to Lowell.

"Mr. Burdick of this town, in digging a well, dug out a toad, five feet from the surface, and, three feet lower, found a second, the earth above and around being so hard as to need a pick to loosen it. They became lively soon after being released. from their solitary confinement. The lowest one had a nest made of what appeared like grass of this years growth, (Oct. '69.)

NEWPORT.

NEWPORT HOUSE, at the head of Lake Memphremagog, is really a commodious and elegant hotel.

Among the hotel arrivals at the Memphremagog House, Newport, Vt., June 17, were the following:

His Royal Highness, Prince Arthur; Sir John Young, Gov. Gen'l. of Canada; Lady Young; Col. Elphenstein and Col. Earle, (Prince's Staff); Hon. Hugh Allan, Miss Allan, P. Q.; Mr. Pickard, Miss Storrs, and Mr. Turville.

The party came in a pleasure yacht of Hon. Hugh Allyn's and were finely entertained by Mr. Bowman of the Memphremagog House."

This town has now a wholesale trade, and with its academy, printing-presses, churches, &c., is one of the finest growing towns in the State.

IN MEMORIAM;

MRS. D. M. CAMP AND INFANT SON,

BY MRS. MARY JANE PERKINS.

Mournfully the bell's slow peals were flung,

The sunny hills and waters o'er —

Sad requiem of the loved and young,

Gone to the silent, waveless shore;

Gone in the noontide of the gay Spring-time,

Blossom and bud, to that fairer clime.

For the "Angel of Death" o'er that home

Spread darkly his heaviest pall,

And love's sweet flowers, now shrouded in gloom,

Lie withered and desolate all;

As ye bear them away, away to their rest—

Fair young mother, sweet babe on her breast

And these are thy benisons, Oh! Earth.

The blighted heart, and the broken dream,

Hope's fairy mirage that fades at its birth,

Love's meteor flash o'er the dark stream;

But, beyond this home of the shroud and pall,

Lies the land of the palm and coronal.

Mourner, hast thou not in thy sorrow here

Visions of that immortal shore?

Comes not to thy listening ear

Voices of loved ones gone before?

Giving thee strength for the battle of life,

Cheering thee on, 'mid its wearisome strife.

Why should ye weep for the early gone?

Why should ye mourn for the early blest?

They sweep the harps of heavenly tone,

In that land of pure and perfect rest;

Then trustfully leave, 'neath the dark mould,

Hearts tender and true, now pulseless and cold.

For the soul freed from sin shall awake,

Awake in that emerald city of light,

O'er whose skies no tempest-clouds break,

O'er whose splendor cometh no night;

By them its peaceful streets shall be trod,

There is life for them by the throne of their God.

BEREFT.

BY MISS M. L. SMITH.*

O God! it is a long and weary way!

At every step thorns pierce our bleeding feet

Our hearts grow faint with longings, all the day,

O'er vanished love-light, and the faded clay;

O Life! how much of bitter with the sweet

————

* A young lady who has been residing in Newport the past two,years.

ADDITIONAL ORLEANS COUNTY PAPERS. 387

Pity us, Father! for the darksome night

Droops like a pall o'er all the coming years!

Stretch forth Thy hand and lead us to the light,

And, as we climb the rugged mountain height,

Help us to look upward thro' these falling tears!

Death, Death! how stern thy teachings! oh how brief

How insignificant our toil and care!

Thou reap'st our treasures in thy garnered sheaf;

And, in the shadow of the mightier grief,

All else vanishes in viewless air!

O stricken, suffering, loving Son of God,

All, all the agony to Thee is known!

The path we tread Thy weary footsteps trod!

O let Thy love uphold us 'neath the rod,

Till morning breaks and earthly shadows flee!

* * * * * *

Sleeping, sleeping —sweetly sleeping,

Where the weeping dewdrops fall,

And the gentle winds are breathing—

Beauty wreathing over all!

Sleeping! oh that restful slumbering,

Thro' the numb'ring, gliding years,—

While we wake in arms of sorrow

To the morrow steeped in tears!

Sleeping! daylight's golden glim'ring,

And the shimmering silent stars,

Whisper of a deathless morning,

Dawning thro' heaven's shadowy bars!

Sleeping! thro' the gleaming portal

Of immortal, fadeless day,

May we with our lost ones gather,

Loving Father, ne'er to stray!

"VERMONT FARMER — Royal Cummings, Proprietor; T. H. Hopkins, Editor. Newport, Saturday, Dec. 9, 1870. Vol, 1., No. 1. Terms $1.00 per annum. Published every Saturday at Newport, Orleans Co., Vt."

ADDITIONAL ORLEANS COUNTY PAPERS AND ITEMS.

[The foregoing was stereotyped before Volume II was issued. We give the following items and papers gathered since.]

BARTON.

Among the men identified with the history of Orleans County, now removed, who should also be remembered, is

ARAUNAH AUGUSTUS EARLE,

formerly, and till of late, identified with the Orleans Independent Standard published at Barton —now of St Johnsbury —A. A. Earle, born at Hyde Park, Lamoille Co, Feb, 25, 1826, removed to Chateaugay N. Y, at the age of 4 years; was apprenticed to Wendell Lansing in the office of the Essex County Republican, Apr. 8, 1842; remained nearly 3 years: came back to Vermont in 1845; after working as journeymen in several offices in Burlington, Montpelier and other places and itinerating at the West and in the South several years, crossed the Continent on foot in 1852; setting out from Kansas City, Missouri, April 28, with a company of Mississippians, with whom he started from Holly Springs, Mississippi, the same month.

Arriving at Portland, Oregon, in August, worked in the office of the Oregonian, Times, and Standard, in that City, afterwards in Oregon City in the office of the Statesman, then at Salem and at Olympia in Washington Territory, returning to Vermont in the fall of 1854, when he was for a short time one of the editors of the Gazette at Irasburgh: that paper being sold out, he established the Orleans Independent Standard, in Irasburgh, Jan. 4, 1856, where he published it ten years, when the paper was removed to Barton Jan, 1, 1866, where it was published by him until (Nov. 14, 1871). He established the National Opinion at Bradford, June, 1867, and published it 18 months; is at this time editor and proprietor of the Times, at St. Johnsbury, which Mr. E. thus announced:*

"We have been so long connected with the Standard and so closely identified with the interests of the people of Orleans county that we have come to regard it as the Eden of our state. But circumstances in which we are now placed makes it advisable to sell.

We want the money we get for our first love to buy a blanket to cover the nakedness of our St. Johnsbury elephant. The Standard is the first paper we ever were connected with for any great length of time, and we have been so long its editor that it is like rending the heart strings to give it over to another; but in doing it we are pleased to know that it is transferred into such excellent keeping as our Newport contemporary. Both Mr. Camp and his paper are well known to our patrons. By diligence and industry he has made the Express second to none in the State as a general and local newspaper, while its list stands well up toward the hand in point of nurnbers as it now does by its union with the Standard stand at the head of republican papers in Vermont. We hope it may prove beneficial to both Mr. Camp and our old and long tried patrons —those who have seen us victorious in ninety-nine of our hundred fights. Some

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* Since this was written Mr. E. has sold out the Times to Mr. F. J. Dalton. —Ed.

388 VERMONT HISTORICAL SIAGAZKVE.

will be incensed at the change, while others will be pleased. It is not possible to please all. That the paper will be more satisfactory by the union of the two there can be no doubt. The county can better support one than two. By concentrating our energies upon a given point, we are better able to carry that point, and if an editor has the united support of the whole county he will be better able to furnish a more newsy and readable sheet than he can with a divided patronage."

Mr Earle, as an editor, is spicy —sometimes caustic —with friends and enemies plenty.

But we intend not to give biographies of living men —the following will give an idea of his poetic talent.

BY THE CONNECTICUT.

BY A. A. EARLE.

'Twas harvest eve when that adown thy winding stream I strayed;

Each silver star was shining far o'er hill and grassy glade;

The pale round moon, effulgent, poured her rays of liquid light,

As slowly, proudly up she rolled, the peerless queen of night.

The whispering winds that sadly sighed the sultry summer day,

But wantoned with thy limpid drops, then sped them on their way;

Thy winsome waters caught the strain, and sweeping grand and free,

Together sang an anthem old as angel minstrelsy.

The husbandman with weary feet had to his home returned;

To shun the labors of the day, his manly soul had spurned;

The frugal meal —toil sweetened —o'er, and care and sorrow fled,

His household all in unison breathe blessings on his head.

While pond'ring, wond'ring thus I strolled, my soul in pensive cast.

I dwelt upon the future years and sorrowed o'er the past;

I saw Oppression's iron car where Terror rears her throne,

Move mournfully yet surely on, and heard her victims groan.

In mem'ry, saw I once again the Indian's birchen boat

Skim softly o'er from shore to shore, lightly as fairies float.

The Indian climbed the mountain's cliff and sealed its craggy crest.

That like a giant, old and grim, lay mirrored on thy breast.

The eagle in her eyrie on Monadnock's rocky height.

In craven fear at his wild cheer her pinions plumed for flight.

The fierce Algonquins of the north —unconquered kings in fray,

Swooped grandly down in untamed pride to Narragansett Bay.

The Micmacs and Pokonokets, Pequots and Iroquois,

In warlike trim each marshaled him in reaper Death's employ,

And Metamora, Massasoit, King Philip's tireless braves,

Have reached their happy hunting grounds —they sleep in glorious graves.

From where St. Lawrence's frantic floods meet wild Atlantic's sands,

To Champlain's calm and crystal depths roved free and happy bands.

Ah, nevermore shall streamlet's shore give greeting to their tread.

A grim and spectral cavalcade moves through the realms of shade.

Kind spirit of the dreamy past, whose truths unceasing flow,

Pray tell how passed from earth away —and speak in whispers low.

Each breath that fans the fevered brow, the west winds' Solemn sigh,

With pen of sadness on lay soul engrave this stern reply:

The Christian came with sword and flame—farewell peace, honor now!

With hands uplifted high to heaven. I hear his solemn vow;

Like some foul bird's ill-omened wing that flaps in empty air,

I see the treach'rons Mayflower's sails —I list the pilgrim's prayer.

I see that despot band kneel low on Plymouth's hostile shore,

While mingling their ascriptions grand with ocean's wintry roar;

No deep-toned organ's thrilling notes, nor quaint cathedral bell,

Keeps time or tune in harmony with their rich anthem's swell.

The prayers are said, the songs are o'er, the Indian is amaze

Now hears the deadly rifle ring! his wigwam sees ablaze!

He yields him to the Pilgrim steel as sands yield to the wave!

He lived an untamed nobleman and died no lordling's slave.

Farewell, bright stream! still dost thou roll thy murm'ring floods along

Where wave rich fields of golden grain and rustic reapers throng.

No poet pencil ever traced sublimer scenes than thine!

None, save the golden streams of heaven, than thee are more divine.

OUR DARLING.

Adown the old and winding street,

She went but yesterday;

And chased the hours with busy feet,

That now are stilled for aye.

Close folded are the dimpled hands

Upon a snowy breast,

Like opals plucked from silver sands,

Or rose-buds, angel-pressed.

ADDITIONAL ORLEANS COUNTY PAPERS AND ITEMS. 389

Rare ringlets clustered on her brow,

For bribe, nor gold might win;

Tis angels asked for her, and now

Our all is garnered in.

Two eyes that shamed the stars above;

She breathed the balm of flowers;

And this is why our bud of love

Blooms in the heavenly bowers.

A. A. EARLE.

OUR DARLING SLEEPS.

Soft, softly and low the warns breezes blow,

And the solemn old pines are sighing,

But softer and low runs the brook below,

Where the pride of our soul is lying,

By the brooklet she sleeps,

Where it eddies and leaps

In many a wild cascade,

And the swinging stars,

Drop their silver bars

On meadow and glen and glade.

Not lonely and sad are the hearts once glad—

Though the cuckoo now calls to her mate,

For our sparkling gem in God's diadem,

Sits and shines by the Beautiful Gate,

By the brooklet she sleeps, &c.

And she sleeps —yes, sleeps, where th' wild willow weeps,

And its arms clasp the cold mossy stone;

Where the song birds sing glad welcome to spring

Till the song and the sunlight are one.

By the brooklet she sleeps, &c.

An echo, I know, is this streamlet's flow,

Of the waves of that Golden River,

By whose sun-lit marge floats an angel barge,

And her soul dwelleth there forever.

By the streamlet she sleeps,

Where it laughingly leaps

In many a wild cascade,

And the swinging stars,

Send their silver bars

On meadow and glen and glade.

A. A. EARLE.

CHRISTMAS HYMNS.

I.

On Judea's plains once rose the song,

All nature joined the choir;

A Saviour's birth employed each tongue,

And struck each angel lyre.

Our Saviour came! Our Christ was born

High alleluias sing!

Blessed then the night, and blessed the morn

Let Heaven's high altars ring!

Father, for this we bless Thy name;

O make our hearts sincere!

Lo! In the dust to hide their shame,

Thy children now appear.

Like mountains, Lord, thy mercies are;

Like shoreless seas thy love;

Watch, watch us then, with tend'rest care,

Thy sure compassion prove.

Lost! Lost! O God —but Thy dear Son

Can save such worms as we;

Then Saviour —Prince of David's line!

Take —take us home to Thee.

A. A. E.

II.

Let all who love the Lord, proclaim

The crucified Redeemer's name,

Till every land shall own his sway,

And nations learn the wond'rous Way.

Bend low the knee to Bethle'm's child,

Whose peaceful banner rules the world,

His name, his power, his righteousness,

All lands shall own —all lands shall bless.

When ev'ry nation, tribe and tongue,

In accents sweet his name have sung,

In power and glory shall he come

To bear earth's ransomed children home.

O praise the Lord! Shout —shout his name,

And set the heavenly choir aflame!

Lift high to Him each tuneful soul,

Nor cease the song while time shall roll.

High raise his banner then on earth.

And shout that name of matchless worth,

Strike lute and lyre, his pans swell,

Who conquers death, the grave, and hell.

A. A. E.

CAPT. ENOCH H. BARTLETT OF BROWNINGTON AND COVENTRY.

BY REV. P. H. WHITE,

Among the sons whose death Coventry was called in the late war to mourn, there is none whose loss was more keenly felt than that of Capt. Enoch H. Bartlett of the 3d Regiment, who was killed May 3d 1864, while gallantly leading his company against the rebels.

Capt. Bartlett was a native of Brownington, born Apr. 20 1833, a son of Seth and Asenath (Huggins) Bartlett, and a brother of the late Major Amasa Bartlett* of the 9th Regiment. He spent his minority, except a few terms at Derby academy, on his father's farm in Coventry. Upon coming of age he went to Peoria, Ill., where he spent a year as clerk in a store; then returning to Vermont, he attended the academy at Morrisville 2 years, after which he entered upon the study of law with Henry H. Frost, Esq., of Coventry. He was admitted to the Orleans County Bar at the June Term 1860, and immediately took the office and business of Mr. Frost who had died some months before.

He was actively and successfully engaged in business when the war broke out, but he

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* See account of Major Amasa Bartlett, page 384.

390 VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

could do no business after that. His whole soul seemed to be absorbed in thoughts of his country and of the duty he owed to it. A recruiting office was soon opened at Coventry, and he was one of the first to enlist, and one of the most active to induce others to do the same. It was a great disappointment to him that the company was not filled in season to enter either the first or second regiments. It was at length organized as Company B, of the 3d Regiment, 24 May 1861, and he was elected first Lieutenant. He was promoted to the Captaincy 22 Sept. 1862. He Participated in all the fatiguing marches and desperate fightings in which the 3d Regiment was engaged, having been in the thickest of the fight at Lee's Mills, Williamsburgh, the seven days before Richmond, Antietam, Fredericksburgh, Chancellorsville, and other bloody fields. He fell at last in the Wilderness, and received a soldiers burial on the spot where he fell.

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CHARLESTON.

MARY'S GRAVE.

BY F. C. HARRINGTON.

The sea pulse beats, where Mary sleeps,

Along the whitened sand;

And o'er her grave the woodbine creeps.

Trained by a spirit-hand,

The sighing willow sadly weaves

A curtain o'er her head,

And oft the dark magnolia's leaves

Weep 'round her lowly bed.

The white rose blooms upon her grave,

Bathed by an angel's tear;

And orange blossoms sweetly wave

Above that form so dear;

But when the blast from Northern land

Sweeps cold across the main,

Sweet tears shall water, sighs shall fan

The bud to bloom again.

West Charleston, May 1, 1858.

P. S. I am a Vermonter by birth and residence.

F. C. H.

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[There is also the poetical vein in the Allyn family. From a graduating poem, we think, occupying 115 lines, by Rosetta H. Allyn, daughter of Alpha Allyn, we give the following sample —not having room for the whole.

—Ed.]

A thousand flowers of Summer,

Rich, gaudy, modest, fair—

Exhaling sweetest perfume,

With fragrance filled the air.

The Summer breeze was blowing;

The flowers it gently swayed,

And with the graceful branches

It ever softly played.

* * * * * * * *

"Now let us sing together

Before the twilight close,"

Then, borne by evening zephyrs,

Enchanting music rose.

My soul was wafted upward

To gates of heavenly bliss,

Wondering if angel song

Could be more sweet than this.

* * * * * * * *

The silent stars above me,

Had peeped out —one by one —

And now the moon in splendor

Her silvery radiance flung.

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DERBY.

ADDITION FOR CONGREGATIONAL HISTORY.

BY HON. E. A. STEWART.

During the year 1870 the meeting-house Society voted to repair their house of worship as a memorial offering, it being the 5th Jubilee year since the landing of the Pilgrims. The young ladies had previously raised about $250, and this added to the amount raised by the society, and the gifts of former residents swelled the aggregate to $3000, which being faithfully expended rendered it one of the most unique and attractive houses of worship in this section of the state. It was rededicated Feb 24, 1871, Mr. Rogers, the pastor, preaching the sermon.

While the repairs were in progress the society worshiped with the Methodists by their invitation and a very deep and pungent revival of religion was enjoyed, of the fruits of which 26 persons have already (July 1871) united with this Church, nearly all of them being heads of families, and more than doubling its working power.

HENRY KINGSBURY

and his wife Susannah, ancestors of Charles Kingsbury, one of the early settlers of Derby, came from England, about the year 1650, and settled in Haverhill, Mass. In 1656 their son Joseph was born, and in 1679 he married Love Ayres, also of Haverhill. They had two sons, Joseph and Nathaniel, who married sisters, Ruth and Hannah Dennison, of Ipswich, Mass. Joseph was born in 1682, and married Ruth Dennison in 1705, and in

ADDITIONAL ORLEANS COUNTY PAPERS AND ITEMS. 391

1708, being harassed by the Indians, they removed to Norwich, Ct., where Joseph, known as "Deacon Joseph," has a numerous posterity. Nathaniel settled in Andover, Ct. Joseph and Ruth had a son, Joseph, born in 1714, who lived in Pomfret, Ct.; and in 1738 bad a son Sanford, who was educated at Yale College. He married Elizabeth Fitch, and lived in Windham, Ct. In 1780, he removed to Claremont, N. H., where he died in 1834. His wife died several years previous. They are buried in the western part of the burying place, at Claremont Center Charles Kingsbury, eldest son of Sanford and Elizabeth, was born in Windham, Ct., in 1773. He was one of the early settlers of Derby, and shared in all the hardships and privations of a pioneer life. His first deed was dated in 1797, and was for a piece of land situated about half way between the center of the town and Canada, and about 80 rods east of the present main road. The first 3 years that be worked at "his clearing," he returned to Claremont to spend the winter, which, in those days, was a long and tedious journey, such as those who ride in "palace cars" can hardly appreciate. Returning in the spring, he commenced his preparations for a home, living in a bark shanty, which was of sufficient size for parlor, dining-room, sleeping room and kitchen. He was "monarch of all he surveyed," and made himself very comfortable on his "bedstead" of basswood bark. He would turn it "bottom upwards," and his "chamber-work" was done, and the votaries of black walnut and rosewood might envy such sleep as came to the occupant of the bark shanty. "Old Joe Indian" had his wigwam on the shores of Salem pond, and formed an early attachment for the young farmer, which he manifested by frequent visits to the shanty. The violin pleased the red man, so also the pork and beans. As soon as he began to raise some small crops, the fight with the bears and wolves commenced, which was sometimes quite fierce. In June of 1800, he put up frame buildings, and the 17th of September of that year, he married Miss Persis Stewart, daughter of General Stewart of Brattleborough, Vt. They lived on the farm till it "blossomed like the rose." They had the first apple-trees in town, and made the first cider. The old "Kingsbury orchard" is still yielding fruit. In 1812, the road having been moved, they came down to a place half a mile east of the village, and in 1820, the year the "old meeting house" was built, they moved up opposite where the new Congregational church now stands, and where they both died, in 1843. They are buried in the old burying-ground near the center of the town.

" ESQ. KINGSBURY."

was an Episcopalian, but never made any public profession of his faith. His religion manifested itself in his every-day life. To do right was his highest aim, and the governing principle in all his business transactions. He led in singing several years, and was a constant attendant at church as long as he lived, and many who read these lines will remember him in the corner pew of the old meeting-house, a plain, unassuming man, of sound sense, with a frank, open countenance which won respect and confidence. His clear perception of right and wrong eminently fitted him for the duties which he was often called to perform. His services were often solicited in settling estates and adjusting difficulties. He was free from deceit, and possessed a kind and forgiving temper, was liberal in assisting in all public enterprises, and generous in relieving the distressed; but it was in his family that his character shone brightest. All were made to feel they were in their father's house. There was no display, but a love that was felt. He became early identified with the interests of his chosen home, and, although he could not be called a public man, he served his town in almost every capacity. He was the first representative from the town to the general assembly, and was elected the next 3 years. He also represented the town in 1828—29, and 1838—39. He had the office of town treasurer from 1812 to 1833. He was justice of the peace from the organization of the town to 1829. He was lister from 1806 to 1829, &c. &c. There are now nine generations of Kingsburys this side the water, in this line. A recent writer, speaking of the first five, said, "They were remarkable as a family for their fondness for agricultural pursuits from their first settlement in America; that they lived in the common temperate style of the New England farmer, that they were a noble hearted, industrious race of the strictest integrity, disdaining the low acts of dissimulation, and spurning the ways of

392 VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

vice, and walking in the paths of virtue and piety." And Charles Kingsbury, of the sixth generation, has brought no shame or disgrace on his ancestors, but has handed the name down to his posterity fair and unsullied as he received it. —MRS. LUCIUS KINGSBURY.

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IRASBURGH.

JUDGE JAMESON'S WORK ON CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS.

The Constitutional Convention; Its History; Pouters and Modes of Proceeding; Royal Octavo, 564 pp.; By Hon. J. A. Jameson, Professor in the Law Department of Chicago University; New York, Scribner & Co.; Chicago, Griggs.

Desiring some account of Judge Jameson s work on Conventions, we sent to him for it and received a package of notices of the Press from which we extract the following; —

From the Chicago Legal News, for Oct. 3, 1868.

THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION — We take pleasure in calling the attention of the profession, to the work of the Hon. John A. Jameson, of our Superior Court, upon Constitutional Conventions. It should not only be in the hands of the profession, but be read by every man interested in the formation and change of our government. This volume, to the organic law maker, is indispensable. The next legislature having to provide for a Constitutional Convention, its members would be aided much in their laborious task by the careful reading of Judge Jameson's book.

From the Chicago Journal of Oct. 16, 1869.

Judge Jameson first gave this volume to the public three years ago. It attracted considerable attention at the time. It was something of a novelty, in legal literature. The field, as a whole, had never been harvested before. The erudition of the author and his profundity gave to the volume considerable notoriety and sale. There was, however, no immediate use for a treatise, as the author modestly calls his work, on this subject; but since then a demand has sprung up for it. The Southern States all had to be re-constructed, and consequently were obliged to adopt new organic laws. Then, too, not a few of the States which never seceded, found their Constitutions illy adapted to their present wants. Changes, in whole or in part, have been made, or are now contemplated. There has then been developed a demand for which Judge Jameson had most opportunely made provision. We are not at all surprised, therefore, that a second edition was called for. In our own State, the sale of this second edition will, doubtless, far exceed that of the first, for the reason that, the subject has now passed from the domain of abstract speculation to that of practical reality. Three years ago the history, powers and modes of proceeding of Constitutional Conventions, had no vital interest to any of our people, but now they have to every intelligent, public spirited citizen. The Legislature has taken steps for holding a Convention for the purpose of framing a new foundation for the civil institutions of our State. At the approaching election, the people will choose delegations to that body. The candidates are already in the field, and the campaign, as a whole, is mainly important from the constitutional stand-point.

BY JAMES T. MITCHELL, one of the Editors of the American Law Register.

In no other country could such a book have been produced, and certainly at no other time, even here, could it have been produced so opportunely. Constitutional Conventions are a peculiar feature of the political institutions of the United States, and at present, of all times in our history, their "powers and modes of proceeding" are of the most vital interest. The principles of popular government occupy the conversations of nearly all men in this Country, and from the foundation of the government, there have never been found wanting, men of master minds who have given to political science a profound study. But the conflict of interests, and the discussion of principles has generally been upon the construction of written constitutions and the practical powers of the government, and the officers under them. Judge Jameson, however, has gone deeper, and, in the present work, has examined the legal powers of the people themselves in the formation of their governments, and the principles by which they are to he guided in the establishment or change of constitutions under the forms of law. In one sense this may be called an inquiry into the precise limits of the ultimate right of revolution, and the proper or justifiable occasion for its exercise. In the course of this inquiry many topics of the most vital and permanent political interest, from the foundation of American governments, down to the changes of fundamental law now in process, come under discussion.

Chicago Post, December 29, 1866.

The chief value of the boots lies in the discussion and (passing over the chapter on "Constitutions") in the related inquiry "the requisites to the legitmacy of conventions and their history" —after setting forth the two sole legitimate modes of initiating or calling conventions the historical resume is entered upon, under the two classes of such as were held during the Revolutionary period—1775—1789, and those called since the Federal Constitution went into operation, in March of the latter year. The very full and exhaustive review here given begining in Boston in 1775, and ending in Montgomery in 1861, supplies a want long felt by political writers and most keenly felt, during the discussions of the past five years. All the Federal, State and Territo‑

ADDITIONAL ORLEANS COUNTY PAPERS AND ITEMS. 393

rial Conventions of these periods are described, and the arguments of Statesmen, and the decisions of Judges bearing upon them are collated and reviewed. . . . . .

A congenial labor too has been performed with more than mere industry; it embodies large views and exhibits judgment and discrimination in their exposition, —especially in the relative attention given to many distinct topics of fact and argument, some of them very large and remote, so as to keep the treatise within not only voluminous but readable limits. The style of treatment is in keeping with the gravity of the subject, serious and studied, —aiming at condensation, correctness, and luminousness, rather than at brilliancy or power. It is the elevated legal style, of which our early Statesmanship presents us many models, not always formal amid dry, but warming and becoming animated and earnest under the inspiration of momentous events, under the sense that what has so long been, even in the discussions of Calhoun and Webster, matter of opinion, has now become matter of fact, embodying concrete principles to be applied, rather than abstract theories to be talked about.

Chicago Republican, Dec. 19, 1866.

"It examines with that care and thoroughness, which characterize the entire work, the important question whether, if a Constitution provides one mode of amendment, another can be pursued. It is one upon which the people of Illinois are vitally interested as upon it depends the question whether our own State Constitution can be easily and speedily amended. The question has never before been so comprehensively and thoroughly discussed."

Chicago Evening Journal, Dec. 8, 1866.

Next to the Federalist not excepting even Story on the Constitution, must be ranked Jameson's Constitutional Convention, its History, Powers and Modes of Proceeding. "A writer in Blackwood, some time since, admitted that the American historians, Bancroft, Motley and Prescott, were unequalled in their chosen field; and what they are in ordinary history, Jameson is in constitutional history . . . . . . . . . . . . .

From Mons. Edward Laboulaye, member of the Institute of France, translated from the "REVUE DE DEUX MONDES" for Oct. 15, 1871."

"For the richness of its documents and the solidity of its judgments, it may sustain a comparison with the commentary of Story upon the Constitution of the United States."

N. Y. S. W. Tribune, Dec. 4, 1866.

The questions discussed in this volume are of the gravest importance, and the Author has treated them with the political learning, thoroughness of research, and comprehensive statement, which challenge the attention of scientific publicists.

N. Y. Evening Post, Jan. 15, 1867.

A complete history of constitutional conventions in this country, one of great interest to a political student. It gives, with great precision of detail, the history of the methods of constitutional changes in this country.

Chicago Tribune, Dec. 5, 1866.

The subject, which is one of great, and, in many respects of surpassing interest, has never before, we believe, been treated in an independent work.

The Nation, Jan. 3, 1867.

To a lawyer this work is almost as entertaining as light reading; and no one who cares to study the theory of our government can fail to he interested, as well as instructed by it. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

This work is one of the most valuable contributions, which have been made to political or legal literature within the last few years.

Wisconsin State Journal, Jan. 7, 1867.

Judge Jameson considers a variety of questions which are now prominent subjects of discussion, in Congress, and throughout the country, and throws upon them the light of a careful and diligent investigation. This book is, therefore, of peculiar interest at this time, and supplies a most convenient work of reference, where all the facts and precedents bearing upon many mooted points of constitutional history and procedure, are clearly and concisely set forth.

Round Table, Jan. 12, 1867.

A work of solid and permanent value, and at the present juncture in our State affairs it has a peculiar interest

Vermont Watchman and State Journal, Dec. 21, 1866.

It contains a vast deal of history and law, gathered from sources inaccessible to those who do not make its subject a special study, and therefore it will be very valuable to statesmen, and to all professional men who would grasp this field of constitutional law. Now, when Constitution making and mending, is the necessity of the day, this book is well-timed.

Hours at Home. Jan., 1867.

One of the most important and characteristics of the political institutions of the country is the Constitutional Convention, A work on this subject has long been needed; and the want is at length supplied by a stately octavo, from the pen of one competent to do ample justice to this important subject . . . . .

In the appendix a careful and accurate list is given of all the Convontions held, thus far, in the United States. A brief synopsis of this work will give only an inadequate idea of its scope, but its value will at once be recognized by all who have to do, even indirectly with public or political affairs.

394 VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

Burlington( Vt.) Free Press, March 4, 1867.

The book is the work of four or five years of study and research on the part of the author, and none who know his industry, high scholarship and legal ability, need to be told that it is a most valuable contribution to the text books of Constitutional learning. It is especially timely and valuable, at a time like this, when Congress is calling on the people of eleven States to form new Constitutions, by means of Constitutional Conventions, under which they may regain their lost representation, and share in the government. The work has no preface, but with characteristic directness, and without a wasted word, enters on the discussion of the subject, which is continued through eight chapters. In the first, Judge Jameson treats of the different kinds of Constitutions. He divides them into the Spontaneous Convention, or public meeting, the Legislative Convention, or general assembly, the Revolutionary Convention, and the Constitutional Convention. He insists on the distinction between the last two. He tells us:

"The Constitutional Convention, I consider as an exotic, domesticated in our political system, but in the process so transformed as to have become an essentially different institution from what it was as a Revolutionary Convention. In the following pages an attempt will be mode to vindicate the accuracy of that view by inquiring into the institution in all its relations to the public as well as to the Government in its various departments, connecting with the theoretical considerations necessarily involved in the discussion, historical sketches of all such Conventions as have thus far been held in the United States."

Before addressing himself to this question, the author, in some preliminary chapters, defines the terms "Sovereignty" and "Constitution." Maintaining that the people of the United States constitute a Nation, he finds the right of sovereignty residing in the "Nation," as supreme above all divisions. He holds, even, "that the States ought to be regarded as expedients subordinate to the Nation, subservient in all respects to its interests; and therefore, if the Nation so will, temporary."

The remaining chapters are, Of Requisites to the legitimacy of Conventions, and of their History; Of the Organization and Modes of Proceedings of Conventions, Of the Submission of Constitutions to the people; and Of the Amendment of Constitutions. In reference to the submission of constitutions to the people, the author shows that of one hundred and eighteen constitutional conventions held in the United States, "seventy-eight have submitted their labors to the people, and forty have not;" but among the forty are counted the secession conventions in the Southern States in 1861, and the reconstruction conventions, called by Mr. Johnson, in 1865. If these are excluded, as they might to be, it will be seen, as the author remarks, that "the prevailing sentiment of this country from the earliest time, has favored the submission of constitutions to the people." In reference to the amendment of constitutions, he reaches the conclusion that:

"It Is not enough that a Constitution provides a mode for effecting its own amendment; it is necessary that there should be developed a political conscience impelling to make amendments to the written Constitution, when such as are really important have evolved themselves in the Constitution as a fact. Our courts can, in general, recognize no law as fundamental which has not been transcribed into the book of the Constitution. When great historical movements, like those which have lately convulsed the United States, have resulted in important political changes, and they are so consummated and settled, as to indicate a solid foundation in the actual Constitution, they should be immediately registered by the proper authorities, among the fundamental laws. Why embarass the courts and fly in the face of destiny by refusing to recognize accomplished facts?"

The author gives, in his appendix, a list of no less than 152 Conventions, which have assembled within the last 90 years of our country, for making or amending constitutions. The number of these instruments is, of course, less numerous. Mr. Jameson says, — "A considerable number of constitutions known to exist, I have not been able, after much research, to find at all; but I have succeeded in ferreting out about eighty." We can of course, in such an article as this, but indicate the scope of the work. It is a storehouse of facts and precedents, not readily accessible, made more valuable by embodying the conclusions of a philosophic thinker, and covering ground not heretofore discussed with anything like the amount of research and care. Judge Jameson's book will be indispensible to the political student or American Statesmen, and must add largely to the high reputation of its author. A full index completes its value as a book of reference.

Illinois State Journal, Jan., 1867.

Judge Jameson's work has been extensively noticed, and favorably reviewed by the leading newspapers of the country; and it is, certainly, the most valuable contribution to a branch of knowledge which, though entirely peculiar to the people of the United States, has heretofore been so little understood or even discussed. The work exhibits great research and study, and, we doubt not, will at once take rank as a standard in the matters whereof it treats.

London Saturday Review, July 25, 1868.

The historical and descriptive portion of this work are especially interesting, as showing how the Constitutions of the States have been framed and manipulated, and explaining the interior working, as well as the legal character and position, of one of the most remarkable portions of the political machinery of America.

The London Spectator; Oct. 15, 1868.

Jurisprudence, in its various branches, has been the science in which America has accomplished the most solid and enduring success. The writings of Jefferson and Webster on political law have a lasting value, even to foreigners, and in the more strictly legal field the names of Story, Kent, and Wheaton, rank with those of our greatest English lawyers. Mr. Jameson's work is not unworthy of his country's reputation.

ADDITIONAL ORLEANS COUNTY PAPERS AND ITEMS, 395

From George W. Curtis Esq.

It is an elaborate and exhaustive treatise, which discusses with great precision and clearness many political topics of vital importance, upon which it is easier to find rhetoric than right thinking. The question of sovereignty and state rights, of the power of the people and conventions, are considered in a candid and thoughtful spirit. And these discussions with the interesting historical details, make a volume of permanent interest and value to every American.

From Horace Greeley, Esq.

The work, as a whole, is one which all interested in the grave problem of Southern Re-construction, or in the impending revision of our own State's fundamental law, may study with interest and profit. State Sovereignty, "the resolutions of '98" and other topics of permanent interest are calmly discussed, and the work fills a niche which has hitherto been empty. We commend it to general attention.

Hon. Amasa J. Parker.

At a time like this, when so many of the States are remodelling their fundamental law, it cannot fail to be highly appreciated and eminently useful.

John Norton Pomeroy.

Particularly am I delighted with your chapters and sections which define "Sovereignty" and "Government" and "Constitution." Plainly, you have got down to the bottom — to the fundamental ideas upon which constitutions and governments rest. I know of nothing more important for the American Citizen, at the present day, than a correct understanding of "Sovereignty." I think your work will be of great value in this respect. I would say, in conclusion, that it is not a work designed particularly for hie lawyer. It is a work for the citizen, the legislator —for all who are interested in their country and its government

Vermont is always proud of her successful sons. No work sprung from our hills commands largely our respect.

JOHN ALEXANDER JAMESON was born in Irasburgh, Orleans County, Vermont, Jan. 25, 1824, his father was Thomas Jameson, his mother Martha Gilchrist Jameson. He fitted for College at Brownington, Orleans County, under Rev. Mr. Twilight; entered the University of Vermont at Burlington, September, 1842; graduated August 1846; commenced the study of law, in the office of Hon. Levi Underwood, Burlington, Vt., 1852; attended Law School at Cambridge, Mass., fall and winter of 1852; commenced practice in Chicago, Ill., October, 1853; the winter of 1854 removed to Freeport, Ill.; returned to Chicago, April, 1866, where he has since remained. Judge Jameson has only practiced law in these two places, Chicago and Freeport. He became Professor in Chicago Law School in September, 1866; married, Oct. 11, 1855, to Eliza Denison, daughter of Dr. Joseph Denison, Jr., of Royalton, Vt., and has four children.

The scholarship of Mr. Jameson, in college, was very honorable. He received the degree of M. A., August, 1849, at that time delivering the Master's Oration; August 1867, he received the degree of LL. D. —Ed. Vt. Hist. Gaz.

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SALEM.

Salem District No. III., which curtains territory in three towns, a few years since had the honor of having, at one time, three representatives to the State Legislature in the House:—G. Parlin, of Salem, Edson Lyon, of Charleston, and Oliver Warren of Morgan.

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TROY.

Lt. L. R. Titus, first of the 8th Vt., afterwards of the Corps D' Afrique, was taken prisoner on the 20th of June, 1864, at Port Hudson. He was sentenced to be shot because he belonged to a negro regiment. This sentence was remitted, but he was taken round for exhibition through North and South Carolina and afterwards committed to prison, and, with two other officers, fastened to six negroes with a ball and chain. In turn he was carried to nearly all the Southern prisons, but was finally paroled.

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WESTFIELD.

DIED —April 23, 1869, Olive Coburn, widow of Chester Coburn, aged 93 years.

Only three deaths were reported in the town, this year.

Not five years since, the Orleans County Newspaper reported the visit of two Mormon eiders to this town, and the baptism by them of eight of its inhabitants.

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WESTMORE.

The Good Templars in 1869 had in their lodge nearly all the adult inhabitants of the west and north parts of the town.