BARRE. 23
——————————
BARRE.
BY
BARRE
is situated in the S. E. part of Washington Co., lat, 44° 11', long. 4° 31',
bounded N. by East Montpelier and Plainfield, E. by Orange, S. by Williamstown
and Washington, W. by Berlin, contains 19,900 acres, and was chartered
Voted, that the man that will give the
most towards building a meeting-house in said town, shall name the town, and
the town will petition the Legislature for that name. The name of the town
vendued and bid off by Ezekiel Dodge Wheeler, for 62£ lawful money, he being
the highest bidder, and said Wheeler named the town Barre.
At the
same meeting,
Voted, to recommend Lt. Benj. Walker
to serve as justice of peace.
At the
March meeting in 1794, the town
Voted, to vendue the collectorship to
the person who will collect the taxes for the least premium, and the
collectorship was vendued to Joel Shurtliff, and he is to give the town three
pence, three farthings on the pound for the privilege of collecting all the
town taxes.
At a
town meeting holden
Voted, to choose a committee of three
to procure a preacher of the Gospel. By vote, chose Benj. Walker, Esq., Apollos
Hale and Samuel D. Cooke, committee.
The
town at an early day evinced a desire to look after the moral, social and
religious interests of the people that should come among them to settle on the
lands, and clear them up to make a thriving community.
The
settlement was commenced about 1788, by Samuel Rogers and John Goldsbury, who
came into town with their families. Soon after, a number of families came in,
and from 1790, the town became rapidly settled by emigrants from
The
Thos.
W. Bailey has been passenger conductor since the road was opened, and Dexter
Moody baggage-master; engineers, James Bowers, Robert Gregg, David Daniels, and
present engineer, Albert Caswell. The cars have never but once been
24
off the irons, it is said, on this line, and no
serious accident has yet occurred. The freight business at Barre depot is
ranked about the fourth on the Vt. Central lines. Barre is the present terminus
of this line (1881) but it is expected it will soon be extended to Royalton.
Windsor Co.
Barre
has two flourishing schools—the Academy and Seminary.
BY CHAS. A. SMITH, OF THE BOARD OF
TRUSTEES.
Dr.
Spaulding was born in
The
school has since the death of Dr. Spaulding been under the charge of A. N.
Wheelock, A. M., a graduate of the institution, class '73, and of the U. V. M.,
class '78, and under his able management, promises to maintain its high
reputation among the educational institutions of the State. There have been
connected with the school as assistant principals since its establishment 24
gentlemen: Rev. Simeon Gilbert, editor of the Advance, Chicago, Ill.;
Rev. A. W. Hazen, of Middletown, Ct.; I. W. Camp, A. M., Chicago, III.; Hon.
John M. Thatcher, ex-Commissioner of Patents, Chicago, Ill.; Hon. Senaca
Hasleton, Judge of Municipal Court, Burlington, Vt., and others; and about 30
ladies, some of whom have been well known teachers in other schools of the
land, have been employed as assistants. The number of scholars of both sexes
who have completed the courses of studies prescribed has been nearly 300, and
the honorable record made by some of these, and of the thousands more who have
been for a longer or a shorter period connected with the school, afford the
surest testimony of the faithful work done by its teachers in the past. Names
of a few old
BARRE. 25
students who have become prominent in the localities
in which they have settled, and in the calling they have chosen. Walworth Z.
Mitchell, Esq., Superintendent of Schools, Memphis, Tenn.; Hon. John I. Gilbert,
Malone, N. Y.; Hon. John M. Thatcher, Chicago, Ill.; Percis A. Thompson,
teacher, Goddard Seminary, Barre, Vt.; Rev. Geo. P. Beard, Principal S. N.
School, Shippenburgh, Pa.; Miss Emily Cook, teacher, Chicago, Ill.; Hon. Geo.
L. Godfrey, Des Moines, Iowa; Hon. Albert Clark, St. Albans, Vt.; Rev. J. J.
Lewis, So.
THE
NATIONAL BANK OF BARRE.
CONTRIBUTED BY MR. SMITH.
It was
chartered and organized
On the
night of
By the
prompt and courageous action of Mr. King, who was, on the departure of the
robbers left with his family, bound in his house, nearly half a mile from the
village, but who soon slipped his bonds, and alarmed the officers of the bank.
A pursuit was instituted, which resulted in the capture of one of the burglars
near Rumney, N. H., the next day, and subsequently two others of the gang were
arrested in New York city. One was delivered up to serve out an unexpired term
at Sing Sing; one, Geo. Miles with numerous aliases, was brought to
Mr.
King resigned his position as cashier
There
have been chosen 11 directors of the bank since its organization, of whom only
two have died in office: Hon. Luther M. Martin, of Williamstown, died in 1874,
and Dr. Braley in 1880. The capital stock of the bank was at its organization
$200,000, but by a vote of the stockholders in 1880, it was reduced to
$100,000. The board of directors chosen at the annual meeting in 1881, were L.
F. Aldrich, Josiah Wood, Willard S. Martin, B. W. Braley and J. M. Perry. These
elected L. F. Aldrich, president, B. W. Braley, vice president, F. L. Eaton,
cashier.
NORMAN
W. BRALEY, M. D.,
The
first President of the National Bank of Barre, was born in
26
business interests of the place, using his influence,
and freely contributing of his means to further every enterprise which promised
to promote the prosperity of the place. He died
At the
annual session of the Vt. State Convention of Universalists in Montpelier,
1863, a committee was appointed to obtain a charter for a state denominational
school of the highest grade below that of college, and the charter was obtained
of the Legislature the same fall, under title of Green Mountain Central
Institute; name changed Nov. 1870, to Goddard Seminary.
The
charter has the right to hold personal and real estate to the amount of
$100,000. The charter obtained, Prof. Shipman, now of Tufts College, took the
field to raise money till Sept. 1864; raised $15,000; increased afterwards by
Rev. J. J. Lewis, Rev. S. W. Squire and others, to about $50,000, and $ 10,000
was given by the late Thomas A. Goddard, of Boston. Fall of 1864, location was
referred to committee: Rev. A. A. Miner, D. D., Boston, Hon. E. Trask,
Springfield, Mass., Rev. G. W. Bailey, Lebanon, N. H. Springfield, So.
Both
the Academy and Seminary at Barre have always been open to the education of
both sexes, and have always maintained an honorable and high position in the
State as educational institutions.
The
Seminary has about $80,000 invested in school property; fund of $10,000 just
completed—June, 1881. Present board of teachers: Henry Priest, principal,
assisted by Charles C. Bates, A. M., and J. N. Darling, B. Ph., in fall term;
Miss Flora C. Eaton, preceptress; Misses P. A. Thompson, A. J. Watson, S. C.
Tilden, F. A. West., F. J. Hopkins, assistant teachers; W. A. Wheaton,
music-teacher; J. M. Kent, penmanship. Number of trustees (1880) 30; President,
Rev. W. R. Shipman, A. M., College Hill, Mass.; Vice President, N. W. Braley,
M. D. (deceased) Barre; Secretary and Treasurer, George Tilden, Barre; Hon.
Harvey Tilden, L. F. Aldrich, Henry Priest, Charles Templeton. David W. Mower,
Esq., Miles Morrison,
BARRE. 27
Esq., Rev. W. M. Kimmell, trustees residing in Barre,
other trustees residing in the County: Rev. J. E. Wright, Hon. Chas. H. Heath,
Hon. Clark King, A. J. Hollister, Esq.,
The
soil of the town is generally very good, producing wheat, rye, oats, corn and
potatoes in abundance; along the streams the meadows produce good crops of hay.
There is an abundance of sugar maple on the lands back from the streams, from
which a large amount of sugar is yearly made.
LIST
OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Nathan
Harrington, 1793; Asaph Sherman, 1794, '95, '96; Benjamin Walker, 1797, '99;
Nathaniel Killam, 1798; James Fisk, 1800, '1, '2, '3, '4, '9, 'l0, '15; Luther
Holton, 1805; Nathan Carpenter, 1806; John Dodge, 1807, 1808; Nathan Stone,
1811; Warren Ellis, 1812, '13, '14, '16, '17, '20, '22; Phineas Thompson, 1818,
'19, '27; Jacob Scott, 1821; Peter Nichols, 1823, '26, '28; Denison Smith,
1824, '25, '29; Alvan Carter, 1830, '32, '33; Lucius B. Peck, 1831; John Twing,
1834, '35 Jacob Scott, Jr., 1836, '37, '38; Newell Kinsman, 1839, '40; Leonard
Keith, 1841, '42; David D. Wing, 1843, '44; Webber Tilden, 1845; Obadiah Wood,
1846; George W. Collamer, 1847, '48; Harvey Tilden, 1849; Warren H. Ellis,
1850; Jesse Scott, 1851, '52; Denison K. Smith, 1853, '57; Joseph Sargent,
1854, '55; Joseph C. Parker, 1856; None, 1858, '61, '64; Leonard F. Aldrich,
1859, '60; Ira Holden, 1862, '63; Geo. W. Tilden, 1865, '66; Frank Stafford,
1867; Charles Q. Reed, 1868; William E. Whitcomb, 1869, '70, '71.
LIST
OF TOWN CLERKS.
Joseph
Dwight, 1793, '94, '95; Gardner Wheeler, 1796, '97; Nathan Carpenter, 1798,
'99, 1800, '1, '2, '3, '4, '5, '6; Sherman Minott, 1807, '8, '9, '10; Warren
Ellis, 1811, '12, '13, '14, '15, '16, '17; Joseph Ripley, 1818 to 1840; Alvan
Carter, 1841 to 1862; Albert Johonnott, 1863; Clark Holden, 1864; Carlos
Carpenter, 1865, '66, '67. '68, '69, '70, '71.
LIST
OF FIRST COSNTABLES.
Job
Adams, 1793, '97; Joel Shurtliff, 1794; Samuel Scott, 1795; Isaac S. Thompson,
1796, 1812; Apollos Hale. 1798; James Paddock. 1799, 1800, 'l0, '11, '13;
Reuben Carpenter, 1802, 1803; Phineas Thompson, 1804; Ezekiel D. Wheeler, 1805;
Chapin Keith, 1806, '7, '9; Andrew Dewey, 1808; Peter Nichols, 1814, '15, '16,
17, '18, '19, '23, '24, '25, '26, '27, '28; Moses Rood, Jr., 1820, '21, 22;
Lewis Peck, 1829; Otis Peck, 1830, '31, '32, '33, '34, '35; Thomas Town, 1836,
'37, '38, '39; Alvan Drury, 1840, '41, '42, '43, '44, '45, '47, '48, '49, '50,
'51; Joseph C. Parker, 1852; Silas Town, Jr., 1853; David D. Wing, 1854, '55,
'56; Micah French, 1857, '58, '59; N. F. Averill, 1860, '61, '62, '63, '68,
'69, '70, '71; A. M. Jackman, 1846, 1865; A. A. Nichols, 1864; Ira P.
Harrington, 1866: A. J. Smith, 1867.
was one of the early settlers in Barre. He was born in
MAJOR NATHAN HARRINGTON
was the sixth settler in Barre. He came from
28
great promptness. He was a Mark Antony man—He
"spoke right on," was always kind and generous, frank and honest. He
was nearly blind some years before his death, which occurred at Barre,
came into Barre about 1796, from Greenwich, Mass.; was
elected one of the selectmen in 1799, a member of the Legislature in 1800, and
represented the town 9 years; was a judge of the County Court in 1802; was 10
years a Member of Congress; received the appointment of Governor of the
Territory of Indiana, which he declined; was a Senator in Congress from 1817 to
1819, when he accepted the appointment of Collector for the District of
Vermont, and subsequently removed to Swanton. He was a very able and efficient
legislator; could express his views upon almost any subject without previous
preparation. He was a firm friend of Mr. Madison, and frequently counselled
with him relative to the subject of carrying on the War of 1812. Judge Fisk was
a Republican of that time, and a live Whig in 1840. He died some years since.
came into Barre about 1803, from
DEACON JONAS NICHOLS
was one of the first settlers in Barre; took up the
lot of land on which John N. Wilson now resides; cleared it up, and resided on
the same lot until his death, which took place
CAPT. JOSEPH WATSON
settled at an early day in the south-easterly part of
the town; carried on the tanning and shoemaker business a number of years. He
became involved in building a part of the
came into Barre about 1808, from
who was a graduate of
CONGREGATIONAL
CHURCH IN BARRE.
BY
The
Congregational church was organized
BARRE. 29
dained,
and his ministry continued until his death,
Rev.
Justus W. French was ordained over this church
Rev.
Joseph Thatcher was installed
Rev.
James W. Wheelock was installed
Rev.
Andrew Royce was installed
Rev. E.
Ervin Carpenter was installed
Rev.
Leonard Tenney commenced preaching for this people in Oct., 1867, and still
(1871) continues to be their minister.
The
first meeting-house was raised in the fall of 1804, but was not fully finished
until 1808. The church and society continued to worship there until 1841, when
the present brick church was erected, which has since, been very tastefully
fitted up inside, by frescoing and carpeting, etc. It has a fine toned bell and
a large organ, and the attendance has always been quite large. A large and
flourishing Sabbath-school has been kept up for many years past.
The
Society have a very commodious parsonage. Rev. Mr. Tenney resigned his charge
The
Rev. P. McMillan, a graduate of Union Theological Seminary, is at present
supplying the pulpit. No. of membership in 1880, 171; Sabbath-school, 256.
METHODISM
IN BARRE.
BY
The
first Methodist sermon was preached in Barre in 1796, by Rev. Jesse Lee, the
great apostle of Methodism in
The
first church was erected on the common, but in what year the writer is unable
to learn. [For date of early history of Methodism in Barre, the reader is
referred to the history of Methodism in Williamstown in the supplement volume
of this work—Ed.] It was subsequently removed across the road to where the
Congregational parsonage now stands. In the year 1837, a new church was
erected, and 3 years since it was refitted and repaired at an expense of
$8,000. A fine parsonage is located opposite the church, which is furnished
with the heavy furniture. This is considered among the best appointments in the
Vermont Conference. The congregations are large on the Sabbath, the
Sabbath-school is in a prosperous condition, and the social meetings are of an
interesting character. During its history no minister who has served it has
degenerated, and no serious church trials have been experienced by its members.
The oldest member connected with this church now living, (1871) is Mrs. Content
30
Patterson, aged 94 years, with her mental powers all
vigorous. She has always enjoyed good health—(deceased).
BY
The
These
may certify whom it may concern, that John Goldsbury, John Goldsbury, Jr.,
William Goldsbury, Thomas Dodge, Calvin Smith, Bartholomew French, Thomas
Ralph, Amos Conant, Eliphalet Densmore, George Little, Lemuel Farwell, Jonathan
Culver, Sylvanus Goldsbury, Henry Gale, Phineas Richardson, James Bodwell, have
formed themselves into a Religious Society, professing themselves to be of the
Universalist Denomination, viz.: Believing in universal redemption and
salvation by the merits of Jesus Christ.
WILLIAM
FARWELL, Elder.
This
organization was formed 16 years after the township was chartered, and 3 years
after it received the name of Barre.
Although
Universalism in this place has passed through various fortunes, it has never
since been disorganized. The large and influential society and church now
existing here are the outgrowth of this apparently small beginning.
There
were Universalists among the first settlers of the town. John Goldsbury, whose
name stands at the head of the sixteen which represent the original society,
was one who began "the work of converting the wilderness into farms."
And most of these men are known to have been men of intelligence, enterprise
and good moral and religious character. Some of them were prominent citizens
among the earlier settlers of the town, and a large part of them are still
represented by leading families in the community, and in the Universalist church.
whose name is affixed to the certificate of
organization as the Elder of the society, was not a resident of Barre at the
time the society was formed, but visited this and other places in the vicinity
from time to time. He moved to Barre from
Rev.
William Farwell, died Dec. 11th, 1823, in the 74th year of his age. He was a
preacher of God's universal love, cheerful and friendly in life, faithful in
his labors, and departed in hope of future life and immortality.
In
1808, the Rev. Paul Dean moved to Barre, and became pastor of the society. He
labored with it several years with great success. After his removal, it had no
resident pastor until 1821; but was supplied by various clergymen a portion of
the time.
In
1821,
BARRE. 31
frequently employed, under the ministry of Mr. Palmer
and Mr. Browning. Against all these disadvantages, the church steadily
increased in numbers, strength and spiritual life. Fathers Palmer and Browning
still live, (1871) rejoicing for what has been done by their instrumentality,
not only in Barre, but in many other fields which are now rich with harvests,
grown from the seed which they sowed.
In
1822, the society built a substantial brick church at South Barre, in which it
worshipped until 1852.
Rev. R.
S. Sanborn became pastor here in May, 1844, and was dismissed by his own
request
Rev.
Joseph Sargent took charge in the autumn of 1849. His resignation was accepted
at the annual meeting,
The
church built in 1852, is the one in which the congregation now worships. It
needs and will soon receive, extensive repairs. Since the society moved to its
present place of worship, its growth has been constant and rapid. There are now
100 families connected with the society.
The
church was re-organized in October, 1859, and since, 136 persons have united
with it; present membership, 118. There is connected with the society a
flourishing Sabbath-school, and it has a good parsonage. The society has a
small fund from which it derives an annual income.
The
present pastor, Rev. F. S. Bliss. began his labors
GODDARD
SEMINARY, under the control of the Universalists of Vermont, was located in
this town in 1864, and is in intimate connection with this society. It has
contributed $25,000 within 6 years for its benefit. In the meantime it has done
its full share in sustaining the various enterprises of the denomination. It
has contributed liberally for the freedmen, for the circulation of the Bible,
for missionary work and other benevolent enterprises. And it now develops more
ability, zeal and liberality than ever before. In numbers, wealth, intelligence,
moral and Christian character, it is thought to compare favorably with the
other churches in town.
Barre,
1871.
Record
continued to 1881, by Rev. W. M. KIMMELL.
Rev. F.
S. BLISS resigned his pastorate of 15 years, 2 mos. from ill health, preaching
his last sermon,
Rev E.
J. Chaffee succeeded Mr. Bliss for one year; after him Rev. Lester Warren 2
years. Upon his departure the old church edifice was enlarged and remodeled at
a cost of several thousand dollars. The present building is modern in style,
commodious, and nicely furnished. In the fall of 1875, the Rev. James Vincent
became pastor of the society, remaining until February, 1880, and followed the
first of the next month by myself. There are 120 families belonging to the
parish. The Sunday school has enrolled 180. The Library contains 501 volumes.
W. M.
KIMMELL,
Pastor
of Universalist Society.
BY STILLMAN WOOD, EX-POSTMASTER.
For a
while after the first settlers came in there was no grist-mill in town, and
they had to go 20 miles or more to Randolph with their grists. There then was
no road through the gulf as at present; they had to go by way of the route
since known as the old Paine Turnpike. The first roads built in town were over
the hills instead of around them. The object sought was to go as much on dry
ground as possible. At an early day there was a turn pike road chartered and
built, commencing at the checkered store in Barre and ending at Chelsea. The
gate to this pike was in the town of Washington. This pike was the main
thoroughfare south-east, leading
from town towards Massachusetts, and an outlet for traffic to and from Boston.
At
32 VERMONT
HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
a later date, Ira Day, then the principal merchant in
town, obtained a charter for a turnpike through the celebrated gulf in
Williamstown. This was found to be a feasible and easily built road—was owned
and built principally by Mr. Day—and found to be a source of profit, taking
away a large part of the travel from the Chelsea route. The gulf road
subsequently became the stage route, traversed by six and eight horse coaches,
taking the travel from Montpelier and towns north, from Canada, even, and at
one time carrying the British mail, which came then by the way of Boston, a
British soldier accompanying each mail having his musket always in readiness
for depredators.
STAGE
COACHES
before the advent of railroads, were a prominent
feature in the business of Barre, and were owned principally by Ira Day and
Mahlon Cottrill, of Montpelier. When the stage horn was heard, there was always
a rush for news, and the few moments the stage stopped, spectators were
abundant.
Barre
was also celebrated for its six and eight horse teams which carried freight to
and from Boston, for Montpelier merchants as well as for those in Barre. Six or
eight such teams were always on the road, and the regular trips were made once
in each three weeks. Among the foremost of these teamsters was Capt. Wm.
Bradford. He had one horse who went 100 trips without missing a single trip,
going, of course, each journey for 6 years without a rest. A large per cent. of
the heavy freight drawn consisted of hogsheads of new rum, to supply Montpelier
and Barre. Some say as much as one-half, but perhaps one third would be nearer
correct.
STOCK
Barre
has always held a good rank in raising good horses, some spans selling as high
as $1,000, and some stock horses selling for several thousand. As a farming
town, Barre ranks among the best in the State.
Formerly
sheep and wool-raising was the leading interest, but of late years dairying has
taken the lead. Although there are no large dairies in town, those of from 10
to 25 cows are numerous. We have one creamery where excellent butter is made,
and the milk is used after skimming to make skim cheese. A large amount of
Western grain is being used by dairymen; whether to profit or not, is a
question to be settled by longer experience.
Grain
and potatoes, in the early days of the settlers, were much used in the
manufacture of whisky, but of late years it has entirely ceased. Potato starch
was formerly made in large quantities, potatoes selling at the first
introduction of the business from 10 to 14 cents per bushel, delivered at the
factory.
Wool-carding
and cloth-dressing was formerly quite an extensive business. The first carding
works were built by John Baker, and were situated on the site now occupied by
the Fork Co. It was also early introduced by Ira Day, near South Barre.
Once on
a time Mr. Day and his foreman were in his mill in time of a freshet. The mill
was in much danger of going down stream. It soon started, Mr. Day and his man
in the meantime rushing for the door, too late to reach dry land, sprang upon
some timbers floating within reach. The timbers were sometimes uppermost, and
then the men, but after a cool and dangerous ride, both were happy to regain
solid ground, wetter, if not better, men than before.
EARLY
POSTMASTERS.
John
Baker was at a very early day appointed postmaster, and held the office many
years. Afterwards it was located at South Barre, and Walter Chaffee appointed
P. M. Mr. Chaffee was a large, fleshy man, a tailor with a wooden leg. Each
Sunday he would come to church at the north part of the town, with the week's
mail in the top of his hat, and deliver the same at
BARRE. 33
was for the shortest distance, each one paying when he
got his letter.
Alvan
Carter was the successor of Mr. Chaffee, and held the office a long time. After
his time was ended, there was a loud call for a P. O at the lower village, and
warm discussions were held which should be Barre, and which North
or South Barre. But the people in the north part of the town carried
their point, and since have largely outstripped their southern rival. It is now
the main business centre. Since the office has been at the north village, the
respective postmasters have been, James Hale, Frances Hale, E. E. French, G. B.
Putnam, Stillman Wood, and Wm. A. Perry, the present occupant.
THE
FIRST MERCHANTS
in town were SILAS WILLARD, who built the checked
store in the lower village. IRA DAY was located at South Barre, and for many
years the leading merchant in town. Each year he bought large droves of beef
cattle in this and the surrounding towns, for the Boston market, which gave him
an extensive and lucrative business, no one knew how to manage better than
himself. At the time Gen Lafayette made the tour of New England, he was the
guest of Mr. Day, who furnished a splendid coach and six beautiful white horses
for transportation of the General and his suite.
JACK
POLLARD was also a merchant in those early days, of considerable notoriety. He
was famous for collecting large droves of mules which were raised at that time,
and sent south. Of late years the business has been entirely abandoned.
Other
merchants of a more recent date were Harry Tracy, Daniel Spring, Center Lamb,
George W. Collamer, John & Charles French, I. A. Phillips, H. W. French,
and several others since. The present merchants are Perry & Camp, H. Z.
Mills, John Morrison, L. J. Bolster, dry goods; men's furnishing goods, G. P.
Boyce; drugs and medicines, Wm. H. Gladding, Chas. A. Smith; flour and feed, H.
Webster, R. L. Clark, L. M. Averill, L. J. Bolster; hardware and tin, J. M.
Jackman, G. I. Reynolds.
Until
the advent of railroads, the town was well supplied with hotels, or taverns, as
the older folks called them. The three principal in an early day were, one at South
Barre, owned and run by James Paddock, one at the Lower village, owned by
Apollos Hale, and afterwards by James, his son; also one at Gospel village, so
called, ½ mile east of Lower village. Judge Keith, the proprietor, was one of
the noted men in town, and high sheriff of the County for several years. He
used to relate that from the profits of his office of high sheriff he built,
and paid for building, his tavern stand in one year.
Judge
Keith was a man of much influence, and held many and important offices. His
family of boys were intelligent and influential, and also became leading men.
The late Judge Keith, of Montpelier, was his oldest son.
Subsequently
there were at least 6 taverns in town at one time, all doing an extensive
business, owing to the large amount of travel which went through town, but
since the advent of the railroad, hotels are at a great discount.
When
the first settlers commenced to clear their land and raise wheat, the wild
pigeons came in great abundance, so much so as to be quite a drawback, and it
required great care and skill to protect the crops from their depredations.
They might be seen at all hours of the day flying from point to point in
different directions all about town. Thousands were caught by nets, but for the
want of proper markets, were of little value, except what could be used by the
inhabitants, and at some seasons of the year they were lean and scarce fit for
the table.
Uncle
Brown Dodge, who was famous for his large stories, and told them so often he
supposed them to be true, used to relate that once when he had sown a piece of
wheat, he saw it covered with pigeons, and went for his old fusee, and fired
just as the pigeons were rising, and was aware of making an under-shot—
"Never killed a pigeon, not a pigeon—but mind you," said he, "I
went into the field afterwards and picked up two bushels of legs."
34 VERMONT
HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
Mr.
Dodge had three sons. Two of them settled on excellent farms, and became
influential and wealthy, and the younger one went with his family as Missionary
to the Cherokee Indians. He had two sons, who when grown to man's estate were
in need of some one for soothing the rough passage of life. Mr. Dodge, the
father, started East, came to Vermont, and when he returned was accompanied by
two handsome young ladies, and very soon after his arrival home, had the
satisfaction of seeing his sons both married to Vermont girls. Leonard, the
oldest son, became a teacher; the younger son built and run a saw-mill. He was
a brave young man, to whom the Indians took an offence, and one day, while
standing in his mill, a bullet from an Indian's rifle came rushing through his
heart.
DOCT.
ROBERT PADDOCK
settled in town about 1806, and spent a long life in
the practice of his profession He was a well-educated and energetic man,
successful in practice, and not easily turned from his own way. To illustrate:
He was troubled with an in-growing nail on the great toe of his right foot. One
morning he came into his office, where his son and another student were
studying, bringing in a chisel and mallet. Having suitably placed his chisel,
he told a student to take the
mallet and strike. He at first refused, but he said he should be obeyed—I tell
you to strike. The toe went flying across the room, and the remedy was
successful.
Doct.
Lyman Paddock, son of Doct. Robert, who succeeded him in practice, spent a long
number of years in the profession. He is now with his sister in Illinois, is 97
or 98 years old, with a fair prospect of living to be a hundred.
DOCT.
VANSICKLIN
was another of our early and noted physicians. He was
a man of decided talents, and had a large number of students, some of whom
became men of talents. The celebrated Doct. Socrates Sherman, of Ogdensburg, N.
Y., was one of his students, and a Barre boy, the son of Capt. Asaph Sherman.
Time does not permit us to mention particularly all who have practiced in town,
but we will not neglect to speak of
DOCT. WALTER BURNHAM,
who removed to Lowell, Mass., and became celebrated as
a successful surgeon.
Later
came Doct. A. B. Carpenter and Doct. A. E. Bigelow, now our oldest practicing
physician. Doct. H. O. Worthen, Doct. J. H. Jackson, Doct. A. E. Field and
Doct. B. W. Braley are our present physicians in the allopathy practice. Doct.
H. E. Packer succeeds the late Doct. C. H. Chamberlin as a homoeopathist.
LAWYERS
in town: one of the first was Judge James Fisk;
another, the Hon. Dennison Smith, of both of whom, see notice by Mr. Carpenter.
Hon.
LUCIUS B. PECK, a partner of Judge Smith, was a man of note and a
representative in Congress.
NEWELL
KINSMAN was in practice for a long time, associated in business a part of the
time with E. E. French, Esq. C. W. Upton, D. K. Smith, L. C. Wheelock, have all
successfully practiced in town.
Our
present lawyers are: Wm. A. & O. B. Boyce, E. W. Bisbee and G. W. Bassett.
SOIL
There
is no land in town so broken but what each lot is capable of becoming a
passable farm if well cultivated. No broken land except the granite hills,
which are still more valuable than the land in general. The streams were
formerly well stocked with the speckled trout, but of late years they have
become exceeding scarce. The first settlers found wild game quite plenty, but
bears and other large game found too many sharp hunters to make their haunts
safe places to dwell in.
Doct.
Robert Paddock kept a small pack of hounds, and no music was sweeter to his ear
than the baying of his dogs. General Blanchard was not much behind the Doctor
in his love of the same kind of music. Occasionally a bear was captured;
generally by a regular hunt, when every man had a chance to show skill, as well
as the more practiced huntsman. There was
BARRE. 35
one killed in 1844 or '5, and but one since to the
writer's knowledge.
Our
most successful hunter was Lemuel Richardson, who is now living in our midst,
and is 81 years old. His record is as follows: Between the years of 1821 and
1847, he killed with hound and gun 714 foxes; since then he has taken in traps
675, making in all 1,389 foxes. He has during the same time killed of other
game three deer, 12 fishers, five otter and sable, coons, muskrats and mink too
numerous to mention. Mr. R. is a man to be relied on, and the above statement
may be taken as correct.
BARRE
VILLAGE
is situated nearly in the centre of the town. The
principal stream running through the village is called Jail Branch, taking its
name from a log jail once built on its bank. Coming from the south part of the
town is a stream called Stevens' Branch, and uniting with Jail Branch before it
enters the village. On this stream is situated a famous water-privilege called
Day's mills, on which is now a grist and saw-mill, an extensive door, sash and
blind manufactory; on the same stream there is also Robinson's sash and blind
establishment and granite polishing works, and on the same strewn before it
enters Jail Branch is located Moorcroft Flannel Factory. The first water
occupied on Jail Branch is by the Stafford & Holden Manufacturing Company,
for the purpose of manufacturing all kinds of hay and manure forks, potato
diggers, etc., and in addition to the water power they have a 30 or 40
horse-power engine. Next on the stream are the mills and furnace of Smith,
Whitcomb & Cook. These, are the works formerly owned by Joshua Twing, once
a celebrated mill builder.
There
is one principal street running through the village, called Main street, and
near the upper end of the village called South Main street; Bridge street
crossing the Branch and connecting with Brooklyn street; also with Hoboken. Elm
street leaves Main near the National Bank, and runs north; Merchant street is
another fine street running north; Seminary street also runs north, and passes
the Goddard Seminary. Depot Square and its surroundings is also very pleasant.
The street leading from the village by Barre Academy is a very gentle rise,
leading to the Cemetery.
BARRE
CEMETERY justly deserves, and has the reputation of being one of the best in
the State. It is partly surrounded by a very beautiful cedar hedge, and has two
fountains, furnished by water from the neighboring hills, which add very much
to its beauty. Many fine monuments of goodly variety have been put up, the
grounds tastefully laid out, and, taking it all in all, we are happy to compare
it with any in the State.
The
streets of Barre are well lined with shade trees, which add very much to its
attractions. There are 18 stores in town, and our post-office has been made a
salaried office, and does a very fair business.
The
town has a well regulated library, of several hundred volumes, which are
considerably read, but the newspapers probably take nine-tenths of all the time
devoted to reading. Geo. P. Boyce is our librarian.
"BARRE
AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY.— First officers, J. S. Spaulding, pres. , S. E. Bigelow,
vice-pres.; C. Carpenter, sec.; Stillman Wood, treasurer and librarian."
Among the things that were: sold out.
Barre
has a Job Printing Establishment run by Prentiss C. Dodge, and a newspaper.
The
first newspaper printed in town was "THE BARRE TIMES." It was a
monthly sheet, issued during the year 1871, spicy, of a literary character, and
published by Stillman Wood, Esq.
"THE
BARRE HERALD," established in 1879, by E. N. Hyzer, was published about 9
months.
"THE BARRE ENTERPRIZE,"
was commenced in 1880. The first number was issued
December 11th of the past year. It was conducted till April, 1881, by Mr. Lewis
P. Thayer, of Randolph,
36 VERMONT
HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
when W. F. Scott, its present editor and proprietor,
came into possession of the publication and issued his first number of the
paper,
MANUFACTURES.
Plows
and casting for mill-irons are manufactured at the old Twing stand, by Smith,
Whitcomb & Cook. Their plows are becoming a great favorite among the
farmers. We have also Stafford & Holden's Fork Factory, Holden's Factory —
Dr. McCroft, proprietor: Makers of Tin Ware: J. M. Jackman, Geo. J Reynolds. W.
C. Durkee, Coffins & Caskets: Sheplee & Jones; Harnesses, C. La Paige,
M. B. McCrillis. Boots & Shoes, J. Porter, O. D. Shurtleff. Sash, Blinds
& Doors, South, J. S. Robinson, Abel Wood; Woolen Goods, William
Moorcroft—are our minor manufactures: See Walton's Register, 1881; our
chief business being the Granite Works, a notice of which will appear by the
parties themselves, or some representative from their numbers.
We have
a very efficient
of sixty stalwart young men, with a first-class hand
engine, that took the first prize at a trial made in Burlington a few years
since.
Barre
has a Lodge of Good Templars in successful operation, which promises to be of
great benefit to the people.
BARRE
CORNET BAND,
well organized, is under the present leadership of Dr.
Clarence B. Putnam. This Band was organized several years before the late war,
and was at that time one of the best in the State. Early in the war they
volunteered to go as a Band, were accepted, and served during the war.
They
did not all return. Some were left to occupy a grave in the Southern States. G.
B. Putnam, who resigned the office of Postmaster to go and serve his country,
now rests in an unknown grave. He was the father of the present leader of the
Band.
Those
who belonged to, and went as members, were H. Warner French, leader; A. B.
Fisher, P. Parker Page, Geo. Beckley, Albert Wood, James Averill, John W.
Averill, Geo. Blanchard, Wm. Clark, G. B. Putnam, Wm. Olds. With some few
exceptions, the Band has been in practice ever since the war, and some of the
veterans still occupy prominent places in the same.
BARRE
BOYS IN THE WEST.
Barre
has furnished its full share of young men who have gone West to earn a living,
and build up the land of their adoption. Among the more successful we might
mention Henry Wood, son of Stillman Wood, Esq., a merchant. He has traveled in
Europe a year; is the owner of real estate in Chicago which yields a goodly
income, and of a handsome cottage on Scituate Beach, in Massachusetts, a summer
residence. The firm of Keith Brothers, sons of Martin Keith, in Chicago, are
also Barre boys, carry on a wholesale trade in the millinery line, are among
wealthy and leading firms in Chicago. Clark Upton, late Mayor of Waukegan, Ill.,
was a Barre boy, and a lawyer of more than common ability. Five sons of Micah
French are in the West, working to lay up a fortune. It is said to be much
easier to get up a large party of intelligent Barre boys in Chicago than in
Barre itself at the present time.
LONGEVITY.
Names
of some of the older people who have died in town: Abel Camp, aged 92, and his
wife, Abigail, 86; Benjamin Wood, 86, and his wife, 87; Chapin Keith, 80, and
his wife, 86; Mrs. Sally Willard, 81; Miss Mary Gale, 80; Gould Camp, 92;
Robert Parker, 83; John Goldsbury, 90, and his wife, 80; John Wheaton, 95; Mrs.
Benjamin Wheaton, 80; Luke Olds, 86; Israel Wood, 80; Isaiah Little, 84; Capt.
Wm. Bradford, 86, his wife, 83; Anna Bradford, 88; Silas Town, 88; Reuben
Nichols, 83; Samuel Cook, 94; Daniel Kinney, 82; Mrs. Judith Wood, 83; Polly
Cook, 81; Alvah Wood, 84, his wife, 83; Otis French, 89; Jerra Richardson, 82;
Jerry Batchelder, 83; Mrs. John Thompson, 83; Mrs. Nancy Barber, 84;
BARRE. 37
James Knowland, 85; Mrs. Dudley Sterling, 92; Thomas
Town, 84; Jonathan Claflin, 84; Joseph Sterling; Plina Wheaton, 83.
The
above list might be greatly extended if time now permitted.
Names
of people now living in town whose ages are 80 years and upwards—so far as we
can learn: Lucy Davis, 97 years old; Hetty Willey, 93; Eleanor Needham, 94;
Lucy Wood, 95; Delia French, 86; Hannah French, 85; Louis Dana, 85; Jonathan
Bancroft. 87; Aaron Ashley, 81; Freedom Homes, 83; Fisher Homes, 81; Charlotte
Goldsbury, 81; Sally Gale, 86; Samuel Burns, 87; Nathaniel Lawson, 82; Justus
Ketchum, 81; Cynthia Hooker, 82; Joseph Norris, 81; Peter Nichols, 81; Mary
Noyes, 87; Achsa Richardson, 81; Lemuel Richardson, 81; Betsey Waterman, 81;
Rodney Bradford, 81; Sarah Cox, 84; Susan Chamberlin, 84; Mason Carpenter, 82;
Josiah Beckett, 86; Lucy Lawson, 83; Otis Durkee, 80; Mrs. Carroll Smith, 86.
GRANITE
LODGE F. & A. M.
was chartered
BARRE
LODGE,
No.
929, KNIGHTS OF HONOR, was instituted in Barre,
The
lodge met in Masonic Hall until
The
lodge has been always in a flourishing condition since first organized, there
being an average addition of 20 members each year. The lodge is under the
jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the State, but makes reports direct to the
Supreme Lodge, and also sends all money for widows' and orphans' benefit fund
direct to the Supreme treasurer, the Supreme lodge only having power to pay out
money on death benefits. There has been twelve assessments for the year ending
38 VERMONT
HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
dollars each was paid to their
families very soon after the death of these members, and was of great benefit
to the families. The lodge now consists of 68 members and is constantly
increasing. The present officers are W . C. Nye, D.; L. W. Scott, V. D.; Lewis
Keith, A. D.; George M. Goss, R.; George P. Boyce, F. R.; B. W. Braley, T.; A.
C. Reed, C.; C. A. Wheaton, Guide; William Clark, Guardian; W. L. Huntington,
S.; O. H. Reed, P. D.
Our lodge
is free from debt; the hall nicely and tastefully furnished. A new Prescott
organ purchased this spring stands in the hall, and we have a surplus of $200
in the treasury; our best citizens are its members, and we predict for the
Knights of Honor in this place a green and flourishing old age.
TOWN OFFICERS FROM
1870 to 1880.
BY C. HOLDEN, TOWN CLERK.
Representatives:
Wm. E. Whitcomb, 1870; Wm. A. Boyce, 1872; Eli Holden, 1874; Jacob S.
Spaulding, 1876; J. Henry Jackson, 1878; Henry Priest, 1880.
Town
Clerks: Carlos Carpenter, 1871; Clark Holden., 1872-1881, present Town Clerk.
First
Selectmen: W. C. White, 1871, '73, '74, '75; Augustus Claflin, 1872, '79, '80,
'81; Ira P. Harrington, 1876, '77, '78.
Constables:
N. F. Averill, 1871, '72, '73; G. L Jackson, 1874, '75, '76; Carlos Carpenter,
1877; L. W. Scott, 1878, '79, '80; Chas. L. Currier, 1881.
PAPER OF E. L.
SMITH, DEALER IN BARRE GRANITE.
In regard
to the statement of the "quarries " of Barre, I cannot give a very
definite one in regard to any but of the one in which I am interested. This
one, known as the Smith & Kimball Quarry, is located upon the farm formerly
owned by the late Edward J. Parker, consists of nearly 3 acres, and has not
been fully developed as yet. It was opened in the summer of 1879, by E. J.
Parker, but not worked to any extent until the spring of 1880, since which
there has been taken away from the quarry not far from 20,000 feet of working
stock. We claim that this granite is equal to any for monumental and polished
work, and so far has been quite easy to quarry, laying in large sheets of more
than ordinary thickness, being covered with soil to the depth of 4 feet in many
places, and the top sheets are found to be nearly as good and clean as those
underneath, which is not often the case.
We have
made no public monuments, nor furnished stock for any public buildings. We ship
stock in the rough to quite an extent to Burlington, Vt., Albany, N. Y.,
Danville, Pa., and numerous other points; am now furnishing granite for a bank
building, to be erected in Danville, Pa., to the amount of 1500 cubic feet;
have a contract to furnish the stock for a large monument to be erected in
Boston, Mass., which will take nearly 1000 cubic feet. One piece alone is to be
9½ ft. square and 2 ft. thick; will weigh nearly 20 tons. If we had facilities
for handling and drawing, we could quarry a block of any desired size. We
employ now upon an average about 15 quarrymen, and the number of cutters in the
employ of Mr. S. Kimball, (works are located at Montpelier. Vt.), and Smith
& Wells Barre, Vt., must number at least 30. We make any kind of work to be
made in granite, from rough underpinning to a nice polished monument; value of
stock taken from quarry at least $10,000; amount of finished work made during
year ending June 1st, 1881, by E. L. Smith & Smith & Wells (Mr. Wells
became a partner in March, 1881), about $12,000.
I
consider this (granite) business established upon a sound basis, which I think
will increase in time to be one of the largest industries of our State. Barre
granite is second to none, and when once introduced will recommend itself.
There
are at present 8 quarries opened, which are worked to quite an extent in town,
namely: "Cobble Hill," owned by E. L. Smith & P. C. Wheaton, now
worked by P. C. Wheaton. This is of a rather light gray, and is probably the
best place in Vermont to quarry stone for under-pinning, being quite rifty, so
that it can
BARRE. 39
readily be split in pieces 8 in. thick, 2 ft. wide and
20 ft. long. It is strong, and is of the very best material for building work,
curbing, etc., which can be found.
"Harrington
Quarry,'' owned and worked by Ira P. Harrington, who has long been in the granite
business, upon which he is now doing quite an amount of work in filling orders
for rough stock. From these two quarries came the stock for the State House.
They have been opened, I should judge, some 50 or 60 years. Mr. E. Hewett
formerly worked the Cobble Hill Quarry, and upon the State House being rebuilt,
he quarried quite an amount of blocks, to replace those injured by fire. It was
near here that Charles Keith lost his life, while assisting in drawing one of
those large blocks of granite up hill where they had to use ropes and blocks, a
block giving away, and crushing him so that he died soon after. This is, so far
as I know, the only fatal accident which has taken place in the town in
connection with granite working, but numerous have been the narrow escapes from
a fatal one by premature explosion of blasts, falling of derricks, etc. These
two are the only old quarries of note in town, and while they have been worked
long, yet consisting as they do of large extent, there is no exhaustion of material,
but on the contrary, plenty of it and easy of access.
The
Carnes Quarry, at East Barre, is worked by William Carnes, who has a shop, and
finishes up his stock neatly.
"The
Eastman Quarry has been opened some 4 or 5 years, and while it has not been worked
to a large extent, it is good stock, and may prove to be one of the best in
town.
Levi
Keith has a quarry opened which is called fair stock, not developed to any
great extent.
Bigelow
Quarry, upon the farm of John Bigelow, was opened about 6 years ago, and is now
worked by John Collins. There is a chance for quite an extensive quarry, and it
may prove to be one of the principal quarries in town, though the grain is not
quite so fine and dark as some.
"Mann
Quarry," owned and worked by Geo. Mann, has been opened some 3 years, is
of the best grain and color, but as yet the stock has been rather hard to
quarry to advantage, the sheets not laying so free and even as in some of the
other quarries.
The
quarry of Messrs. Wetmore & Morse is one of the best, if not the best in
town and has been worked nearly 20 years; was formerly worked by J. E. Parker,
and has been owned and worked by Wetmore & Morse about 4 years. This is
good stock, and lays in large sheets, and of late has been more extensively
worked than any quarry in town. I estimate that they must have taken from this
quarry during the 4 years at least 45,000 ft. of working stock and to
appearance there is none the less remaining.
E.
L. SMITH.
Barre,
STATEMENT
OF W. G. PARKER'S QUARRY
opened
PAPERS
FROM CHAS. A. SMITH.
THE FIRST GRANITE
J. S.
Collins came to Barre in 1872, and opened a shop for the working of granite at
the south end of the village, where he has since continued the business. This
was the first shop of the kind opened in the village, and Mr. C. was the
pioneer of the business of working granite for monumental purposes here. He at
present employs five cutters at his shop and three men on the quarry, which he
opened in 1876, and which is known as the Bigelow Quarry. Though the business
done by Mr. Collins is less than that of some of his competitors in town, yet
the excellence of the work which he was the first to send out drew attention to
the value of Barre granite for monumental uses, and led to the development of
the business, and as a skillful master workman, he has taught the trade to a
large number, who as proprietors, or as workmen, ply the trade in other shops.
40 VERMONT
HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
Wetmore
& Morse are the largest dealers in granite in town; their shops, situated
on the west of the R. R. near the depot, are arranged in a semi-circle on
either side of the branch track of the R. R. with a derrick so located as to
raise and move stones to and from the cars and to any part of their yards. They
commenced business in 1877, in a small shed near their present location, and
for a time employed but one workman beside Mr. Morse. In 1880, they employed
for a time 85 workmen. They have turned out handsome specimens of monumental
work. The largest job upon which they have been employed was the cutting for
the Bowman Mausoleum at Cuttingsville — the receipts for this job being between
fifteen and sixteen thousand dollars. They own and work the quarry known as the
J. E. Parker Quarry, and on this employ from ten to twenty men.
Hiram
Carleton was the seventh son of Jeremiah and Deborah Carleton, early settlers
in this town; his father, Jeremiah Carleton, died
There
were 10 children, I think, in the old family. The Carletons are a family of
more than average ability; with some marked peculiarities, but men of
character. Rev. Hiram Carleton, D. D., is now Rector of an Episcopal church in
Wood's Hole, Mass. Rev. Marcus Carleton of Umballah married Calista Bradford,
daughter of Rodney Bradford of this place. Some ten or twelve years since she
came unattended from India via. San Francisco arriving here in the spring of
1869, with 5 children, the eldest hardly in his teens, the youngest a mere
babe. Her two eldest boys fitted for college in the Academy here; entered
Amherst College, (their father's alma mater,) and graduated there; the
eldest has since graduated in medicine from the College of Physicians &
Surgeons in N. Y.; is with his mother; his sisters, now grown to accomplished
young ladies, are soon to return to India; the 2d son has a position in the
Public Library in New York.
WILLIAM
CLARK,
son of Dea. Francis Clark, Senior, graduated at
Dartmouth about 1840; and at Andover Theol. Sem.; was engaged for several years
as a teacher in Georgia; for a time settled over the Cong. church at Orford, N.
H.; subsequently went under the auspices of the American Board of Foreign
Missions to Turkey; was afterwards located at Milan, Italy, both as U. S.
Consul and as the head of an educational institution; some time about 1872,
returned to America and purchased a home in Newbury, Vt., which he fitted up in
a handsome manner, then, for several years, a private boarding school for young
ladies, known as "Montebello," was kept up by his wife, (who was a
daughter of Nathaniel Farrington, of Walden, Vt.,) and their daughter (an only
child) who was a young lady of fine accomplishments. Mr. Clark returned to
Europe about 1875 or '76, as the representative of a New York business house,
and has since been for the most of the time in Germany. He returned a year or
two since for his family, who returned with him, the property at Newbury being
disposed of. Mr. Clark is a man of fine presence, a fine scholar, and the
master of several languages.
DR.
SOCRATES SHERMAN,
Native
of Barre; a skillful physician; Medical Director of the Department of Virginia
during the war; Member of Con-
BARRE. 41
gress one term, and at the time of his death,
postmaster of Ogdensburg; died at the latter place in 1873.
WILLIAM
A. DODGE,
son of Dea. Nathaniel Dodge, graduated at Burlington
about the year 1844; studied law; has removed from town.
From
the account of Charles A. Smith in The Barre Enterprise, the following,
whose graves were covered with flowers Decoration day—last month—were
SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION:
Major
Wm. Bradford, Abel Camp, Gould Camp, Lemuel Clark, in Barre Cemetery; Warren
Ellis, Nathan Harrington, Capt. Asaph Sherman, Nath'l Sherman, Adolphus
Thurston, in Williston Cemetery; and the following
SOLDIERS IN THE WAR OF 1812:
David
W. Aldrich, Sylvanus Aldrich, John Bancroft, Wm. Bassett, William Bradford,
Jr., James Britain, Carver Bates, Simon Briggs, Simon Barber, Joel Bullock, Samuel
Cook, Otis French, Bartholomew French, Bart. French, Jr., David French, John
Gale, Israel Gale, John Hillery, Joel Holden, Reuben Lamb, Robert Parker,
William Robinson, Danforth Reed, B. C. Smith, Silas Town, Thomas Town, John
Wood, John Willson, Thomas Willson, Ellman Waterman, in Barre Cemetery; Joe
Adams, Josiah Allen, Asa Boutwell, Eli Boutwell, Asa Blanchard, Joseph Dodge,
Dan Howland, Eli Holden, Davis Harrington, Humphrey Holt, Amos Jones, Robert
Morse, James Nichols, Peter Nichols, David Richardson, Baxter Sterling, Joe
Sterling, Asaph Sherman, Jonathan Sherman, Benj. Thompson, Joseph Thompson,
Marston Watters: IN MEXICAN WAR Charles A. Bigelow, in Williston Cemetery.
BARRE
COMPANY FOR PLATTSBURGH.
BY STILLMAN WOOD.
The
Military Company of Volunteers that left Barre for Burlington for the battle of
Plattsburgh consisted of 117 men. This number took almost the entire set of
young men whose ages were suitable for military duty, with a few old
revolutionary soldiers who felt they would like to have a hand in one more
battle with the red coats. The farmer left his farm, the mechanic his shop, and
the merchant his store to join in the common defence, and beat back an invading
foe. When the news came that the British were about to cross the river and
enter Plattsburgh, the excitement was intense; to arms, was the universal
response. Men gathered immediately from all parts of the town, and formed a
company:
Military Roll of Barre Company of Volunteers in the War of 1812.
OFFICERS:
Warren Ellis, Capt.; Nathan Stone, 1st lieut.; Armin Rockwood, 2d Lieut.;
Peter Nichols, Ensign; A. Sherman, M. Sherman, B. French, C. Bancroft,
Sergeants. Corporals: Moses Rood, 1st, Samuel Nichols, 3d,. P. Thompson, 4th
,Wm. Ripley, 2d. Privates: E. B. Gale,
Sam'l Cook, Daniel Parker, John M. Willard, Chs. Robinson, Elijah Robinson, I.
L. Robinson, Je'k. Richards, John Farwell, Silas Spear, Otis French, Jona.
Markum, Andrew Davey, John Richards, Thomas Mower, Thomas Browning, John
Howland, Jona. Sherman, Noah Holt, Oramel Beckley, Horace Beckley, Asa Dodge,
Wm. Arbuckle, Saml. Mitchell, Josiah Allen, A. Bagley, James Hale, Enos Town,
Jacob Scott, Comfort Smith, Sylvanus Goldsbury, William Goldsbury, Shubael
Smith, Amos Jones, Isaiah Little, Asa Blanchard, Henry Smith, Ansel Patterson,
B. Ingraham, Aaron Rood, William Bradford, Byron Potter, Danforth Reed, Emery
Fuller, Willard Keith, J. Penniman, Nathaniel Batchelder, Isaac Gale, Jesse
Morris, Silas Willard, R. R. Keith, Benjamin Burke, Thomas Town, Ira Day, Geo.
S. Woodard, Stephen Freeman, Gideon Downing, Stephen Carpenter, Jonathan Smith,
Nathan Stephens, A. West, John Bancroft, Amos Holt, M. Brown Dodge, R. W.
Ketchum, John Thompson, James Britain, Orson Smith, Wm. Howard, Benjamin
Richards, D. W. Averill, C. Bates, Doane Cook, Richard Smith, Josiah Bid-
42 VERMONT
HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
well, Andrew Conant, Nath'l Batchelder, Jr., Calvin
Howes, Sherman Watson, Thomas Parker, Peter Johonnott, Calvin Smith, John S.
Willard, Joseph Sterling, Ira Ellis, C. Watson, Samuel Lawson, Cyrus Barber,
Joseph Glidden, Seth Beckett, John Twing, Parley Batchelder, Josiah Leonard,
M. Bussell, Wm. Batchelder, Wm. Bassett, David Sherburn, Isaac Salter, Asa
Patridge, S. Rice, Jr., J. Nichols, J. S. Thompson, Nehemiah Boutwell, Lewis
Peck, Joel Holden, Wm. Chubb, David Richardson, Guy C. Nichols, Jona. G.
Chaplin, John Gale, and Pliny Wheaton.
The
company went mostly on foot, and arrived at Burlington on Saturday. The battle
of Plattsburg was fought on Sunday, but for lack of transportation, few, if
any, of the company had a hand in it, and on the same day there being a naval
battle on the lake, in which the British foe were beaten, and retreated to
Canada, there being no further necessity for defence, no foe to fight, most of
our men came back without crossing the lake. Some, however, went over, and some
enlisted in the regular army.
This
company of stalwart young men, after returning to their respective homes and
occupations, in after life filled many places of honor and trust in town, and
many of them acquired military titles by being elected to office in the
respective companies to which they severally belonged in the State militia. In
those days to gain the title of captain was considered worthy of a laudable
ambition, and gave a man notoriety not otherwise easily attained. But that
company of strong young men, so far as we can learn, have now all, except one,
passed over the silent river to the land of peace beyond. Our neighbor Jonathan
Bancroft, who was then 16 years old, went as teamster and carried baggage for
the company. He is now 84, and is probably the only man now living who went to
Burlington at that time. About one-half of these men have descendants or
relatives now living in town, and of the rest, their families have become
extinct, or removed to parts far distant from Barre.
FROM AUGUSTUS CLAFLIN,
Chairman of the Board of
Selectmen in 1875, for that year.
Whole
number of three years men enlisted and credited to the town, 125; one year
men, 21; nine months men, 38; drafted men held to service, 17; Total, 201. Of
the 17 drafted men, 8 furnished substitutes, 8 paid commutation money, and one
only entered the service. The number of men who were killed or died, was 33;
the number wounded and living, 15; Albert Gobar, a bounty jumper who afterwards
returned under the President's proclamation of pardon, is the only deserter
reported. Bounties were paid to: 23 men Co. B. 10th Reg., raised by
subscription, $575; to 29 nine months men, $25 each, by subscription, $700; to
10 nine months men, $50 each, $500; to 28 three years men, $300 each, $8,400;
to 14 three months men, $200 each, $2,800; to Albert and Alson French, twin
brothers, one of whom was drafted, and the other enlisted to be with him, $600;
to C. H. Richardson. who re-enlisted, $300; to 19 1 year men, $11,060.00; to 2
men mustered at Windsor, $1,225; to 1 colored recruit, $400; to 9 navy men,
$7,200; to Byron Carlton, James Powers, C. Woodward, $1,524.50; to those who
went in 2d Reg. Vt. Vols., June, 1861, by subscrip. $55.00; total $35,340.85.
The
total expense to the town for select men's and surgeons' services for subsistence
of recruits and other expenses incidental to raising the quota of troops under
different calls, is given at $35,995.24; total public expense $71,336.09. Money
was paid by individuals as follows: amount paid by enrolled men who furnished
substitutes, $600; amount paid by drafted men who furnished substitutes,
$2,600; amount paid by drafted men as commutation, $2,400; total $5,600.
————
On the page of fame
Does the soldier's valor bloom
Brighter than the roses
Cast upon his tomb.
BARRE. 43
BY CHAS. A. SMITH.
The following is a list of the
men furnished by the town under the different calls for troops, including those
who were drafted, paid commutation, or furnished substitutes:
Names. Reg. Co. Mustered in. Discharged. Remarks.
Lemuel A. Abbott, 10 B Sept. 1, '62. June 22, '65. Pro. 2
Lt. Co. D. Jan. 26, '63; 1st Lieut. Co. E. Jan. 17, '64; Capt. Co. G. Dec. 19,
'64, enlist. reg. army in '65; now Capt.
Armory Allen, 11 E Dec. 11, '63. Aug. 25, '65. Trans. to Co. V. R. C. July 26, '64, Co. D. June 24, '64;
after to Co. A.
Henry L. Averill, C L Dec. 3, '63. Aug. 9, '65. Trans.
Co. D. Jan. 21, '65.
James W. Averill, 8 E Dec. 15, '63. Wound. at Winch. Va. losing part of one foot; in
hospital till close of war.
John W. Averill, " " Dec. 15, '63. Jan. 28, '65. Mustered out.
James T. Bacon, 2 F June 20, '61. Jan. 29, '64. Pro.
corp. pro. sergt.
Dan Barker, 10 B Sept. 1, '62. Sick; disch'd Nov. 16,
'64; died soon at home
Davis H. Bates, 6 B
Albert G. Bates, 8 E Feb. 18, '62. Discharged June 30, '62.
Peter N. Bates, 6 F Oct. 15, '61. Pro. corp., sergt., Dec.
28, '63; k'd Wilderness May 5, '64.
Chauncey W. Beals, 10 B Sept. 1, '62. Jan. 22, '64. Discharged
on sickness.
Orrin Beckley, Jr., 2 D June, 20, '61. Pro. serg; wounded; missing in battle May 10, '64.
Joel Bill, 4 G Oct. 20, '61. Discharged April 22, '63.
John Blanchard, 10 B Sept. 1, '62. Feb. 22, '65. Dishc'd
on acct. of wounds rec'd in Aug. '64.
Origin A. Blanchard, 2 D Sept. 20, '61. Pro. serg., must. out Sept. 20, 64.
James M. Boyce, 10 B Sept. 1, '62. Died Oct. 6, '63.
Charles H. Bassett, 11 E Dec. 11, '63. Aug. 25, '65. Trans.
to Co. D., to E., to A.
Albert G. Bates, 17 E Apr. 12, '64. Mustered out May 20, '65
George I. Beckley, 8 A Dec. 15, '63. Trans. to V. R. C., must. out July 24,'65.
Served in Band.
Charles A. Bigelow, 17 E Apr. 12, '64. Died May 30, '64.
George W. Blanchard, 13 I Oct. 4, '62. July 2, '63. Sergt;
re-enlisted Dec. '63 in 8th Reg.; serving in the Band; must. out Jan. 28, '65.
Albert P. Boutwell. 11 E Dec. 11, '63. Aug. 25, '65. Trans.
to Co. D. to E. to A.
Edwin M. Dowman, C L Dec. 20, '63. Aug. 16, '65. Trans.
to Co. D. Jan. 21, '65.
Clarence A. Brackett, 17 C Apr. 1, '64. Chosen corp. Pro. s'gt., taken pris.
Geo. Badore, 13 I Oct. 4, '62. July 21, '63.
Frederick J. Barnes, 13 I
" "
Calvin Bassett, 15 D Aug. 5, '63.
Origin Bates, 13 I Oct. 4, '62. July 21, '63.
Ira B. Bradford, 13 " " "
Clark Boutwell, " " " " Served
as drummer.
Albert J. Burrill, " " " "
J. K. Bancroft, Drafted,
p'd commutation.
Warren Barnes, Procured
substitute.
Kimbal Blanchard, "
Iram H. Camp, 2 D June 20, '61. Pro. corp. must.
out Ju. 29, '64.
David G. Carr, 6 F Oct. 15, '61. Discharged Jan.
21, '62.
Byron Carlton, 8 I Feb. 18, '62. Must. out Jan.
22, '64, re-en.
Almon Clark, 10 As't.
Surg. Com. Aug. 11, '62, pro, sur. cav. Mar. 6, '65; must. out Aug. 9, '65.
Henry L Clark, 10 B Sept. 1, '62. Died, Jan. 29,
'63.
William Clark, " " " June
22, '65.
William Cox, 6 F Oct. 15, '61. Missing in
action, May 5, '64.
Humphrey Campbell, Bat. 3 Aug. 20, '64. June 15, '65.
Allen E. Cutts, 9 E Aug. 8, '64. June 13, '65.
Frank E. Cutts, " E Aug. 17, '64.
"
Nathan J. Camp, 15 D Oct. 22, '62. Aug. 5, '63. Pro.
Corp. Nov. 12, '62.
44 VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
Names. Reg. Co. Mustered in, Discharged. Remarks.
Mason B. Carpenter, 13 I Oct. 4, '62. July 21, '63. Pro.
Sergt. Jan. 15, '63.
Orvis Carpenter, " " " "
David G. Carr, " " " "
Albert F. Dodge, 10 B Sept. 1, '62. Mar. 21, '64. Re-en.
Apr. 5, '64; serv. as Capt. in 9 reg. U. S.; Col. Inft.; Must. out Dec. 5, '65.
Leroy Dodge, " " " Died
Oct. 28, '64.
Lewis H. Dodge, 2 D Sept. 15. '61. Died Sept. 1, '62.
Luther C. Dodge, " " Apr. 12, '62. Died June 12, '62.
Nelson E. Dodge, " " Apr. 12, '62. Pro. Corp. & to
Sergt.; died in Andersonville pris.
Wesley Dodge, C C Nov. 19, '61. Pro. Corp.; miss'd in
a'ct. June 23, '64; died in Rebel prison.
Jason Drury, 8 E Feb. 18, '62. Died Sept. 25, '63, of
w'nds rec'd in action.
Andrew J. Dudley, 2 D Sept. 15, '61. Discharged Jan. 2, '63.
Willis P. Durkee, 4 B Sept. 20, '61. Discharged Apr. 23, '63.
Chas. Davis, 8 I Dec. 15, '63. Jan. 28, '65.
Alfred Deuquet, 17 H May 10, '64. July 14, '65.
Henry M. Dudley, " " May 10, '64. Chos. Corp.; died July
31, '64, of w'nds. rec'd. act'n. Jun. 24 '64.
John M. Durant, 11 E Dec. 11, '63. Died of wounds, July 31, '64.
Moses Duso, 11 E " June
23, '65.
William H. Duval, " " " May
23, '65.
Henry A. Dow, 13 I Oct. 4, '62. July 21, '63. Re-enlisted Dec. 21, '63.
Alson Downing, Drafted;
paid commutation.
Chas. F. Durrill, Drafted;
paid commutation.
Edward P. Evans, 10 B Sept. 1, '62. Trans. to V. R. C. Nov. 25, '64.
Ira H. Evans, " " " Disch'd.
Dec. 22, '63, by order of War Department.
Perley Farrar, " " " Killed
in action May 19, '64.
Joseph W. Fisher, 4 D
Erastus D. French, 8 E Feb. 18, '62. Died Nov. 10, '62.
Orlando French, C C Nov. 10, '61. Oct. 31, '62.
Alfred B. Fisher, 8 A Dec. 15, '63. Jan. 29, '65. Served in
Band.
Albert French, 5 E May 26, '64. May 13, '65.
Henry W. French, 8 F Dec. 15, '63. Jan. 29, '65. Served in
Band.
Charles G. French, 15 D Sept. 15, '62. Aug. 5, '63. Served as
Captain.
Alson French, 15 E May 12, '64. May 13, '65.
Henry P. Gale, 10 B Sept. 1, '62. Died, Barre. Mar. 23,
'64. Disch'd.
Geo. W. Goodrich, 2 D June 20, '61. June 29, '64.
John Gabbaree, 17 H May 14, '64. Died July 3, of w'ds recd. in action.
Albert Gobar, 17 H May 19, '64, Deserted
Fred. M. Gale, 13 I Dec. 15, '63. Jan. 29, '65 Served
in Band. Re-en. Dec. 15, '63. Disch'd Jan. 29, '66.
Ira L. Gale, Drafted.
Paid commutation.
Israel Gilmot,
John A. Goldsbury, Procured
substitute.
Nathan Harrington, 2 D Sept. 20, '61. Sept. 20, '64.
Chas. E. L. Hills, 8 E Feb. 18, '62. Died
Eli Holden, C C Nov. 19, '61. Only one from Barre 1st
Vt. Reg. 3 mos. men, re-en. Co. C Vt. Cav. mus. 1st Serg. Nov. 19, '61, pro. 2d
and 1st Lt., tak. pris. in action, Sept. 25, '63, in Libbey, Danville, Macon,
Columbia, escaped Col. prison, retaken after a week, mus. out, paroled pris.
March 15, '65.
Calvin Holt, 10 B Sept. 1, '62. June 22, '65.
Hezekiah D. Howland, 17 E May 3, '64. Died at Salisbury, N. C,
Orwell J. Hosford, 9 F Aug. 19, '64. June 13, '65.
Bradley D. Hall, 15 D Oct. 22, '62. Aug. 5, '63. Must. out at
Cold River. Re-enlisted in 11th Reg.
Geo. F. Harroun, 13 I Oct. 4, '62. July 21, '63. Re-en.
Sept. 5, '64, 1st Vt. Cav. Killed Nov. 12, '64, in Shen.
William Henderson, 15 D Oct. 22,'62. Aug. 5, '63.
William W. Holden, 13 I Oct. 4, '62. July 21, '63. Served
as Corporal.
Chas. H. Howard, " " " "
Robert Humphrey, " " " "
BARRE. 45
Names. Reg. Co. Mustered in. Discharged. Remarks.
Nelson E. Heath, Drafted;
paid commutation.
Henry C. Jones, 2 D June 20, '61. Pro. Sergt.; must. out June 2, '64.
Albert Jones, 17 E Mar. 3, '64. July 14, '65.
Ezra N. Jones, 17 H May 19, '64.
"
Alexander Jangraw, 3 Aug.
19, '64. June 15, '65. In battery.
Nelson Johnson, 13 I Oct. 4, '62. July 21, '73.
Clinton Keith, 11 E Dec. 11, '63. Jan. 24, '65.
Henry Ketchum, " " " Jan.
2, '65.
William Kirkland, 13 H Oct. 10, '62. July 21, '63.
Alonzo G. Lane, 6 G Apr. 12, '62. Nov. 24, '62.
Samuel Leger, 2 D Jan. 20, '61. Discharged Mar. 7, '62.
Napoleon Lafrenier, 17 H May 10, '64. July 14, '65. Served
as musician.
Stephen Leazer, 3 Aug.
18, '64, June 15, '65 In battery.
Heman Lamphier, 15 D Oct. 22, '62. Discharged Nov. 27, '62.
Marshal B. Lawrence, 13 I Oct. 4, '62. July 21, '73.
Geo. W. Lawson, Procured
substitute.
John McLaughlin, C C Nov. 19, '61. Nov. 18, '64.
Horace C. Meaker, 6 D Apr. 12, '62. May 28, '64.
Francis Miner, 3 K July 16, '61. Feb. 1, '64.
William E. Martin, 17 E Apr. 9, '64, 1st Lieut.; killed near Petersburgh, July
30, '64.
Wm. W. McAlister, 3 Aug.
9, '64, June 15, '65. In battery.
Daniel Moses, Drafted;
paid commutation.
Erastus W. Nichols, C C Nov. 19, '61. Died
Azro E. Nichols, 3 Aug.
24,'64, June 15, '65. Battery.
George W. Nichols, 13 H Oct. 23, '62. July 21, '64.
William Olds, 8 D Jan. 15, '64.
Charles H. Page, 3 F July 16, '61. Discharged Feb. 28, '63.
Alfred S. Parkhurst, 10 B Sept. 1, '62. Jan. 22, '64.
H. N. Parkhurst, 10 B Sept. 1, '62. Mustered out May 13, '65.
Eugene C. Peck, 3 K July 16, '61. Discharged Jan. 23, '62.
George W. Perrin, 8 E Feb. 18, '62. Jan. 22, '64.
George W. Phelps, 9 I July 9, '62. June 13, '65.
J. Parker Page, 8 G Dec. 15, '63. July 7, '65. Served In
Band.
George B. Putnam, 8 G Dec. 15, '63. Died Nov. 27, '64. Served in Band,
Charles Parkhurst, 9 G Aug. 15, '64. Trans. to Co. G., 4th Vt. Vol. Jan. 20, '65.
Lyman D. Parkhurst, 9 F Aug. 23,'64. Trans. to Co. G., 5th Vt. January 20, '65.
Leander Perry, 13 I Aug. 4, '62. July 21, '63 Re-enlist. in
Co. F. 9 Reg. must. in Jan. 6, 64; report. absent and s'k when must. out June
13, '63.
Charles H. Perry, 13 I Oct. 21, '62. July 21, '63. Enlist.
in Co. F. 9 Reg, Jan. 6. '64; made corp. June 29, '64; serg. March 17, '65; 1
serg. June 9, '65, trans. to Co. B. June 13, '65.
Heman G. Perry, 15 D Oct. 22, '62. Aug. 5, '63.
Chas. A. Richardson, 2 D Sept. 20, '61. Re-enlist. Jan. 3, '64; trans. to V. R. C.,
Apr. 26, '65; must. out July 20, '64.
Lafayette G. Ripley, 10 B Sept. 1, '62. Trans. to V. R. C., Feb. 21, '65; must. out
July 8, '65.
John H. Rublee, 10 B Must.
out June 22, '65.
Hiram Robinson, 11
George S. Robinson, 17 E Apr. 12, '64, Elect. capt.; must. out July 14, '64.
Joseph Rose, 17 H May 19, '64. Killed near Petersburgh,
Va., July 27, '64,
Albert Rogers, 9 G Aug. 6, '64. May 13, '65.
W. F. Richardson, 15 D Oct. 22, '62. Aug. 5, '63.
William H. Riddall, 13 I Oct. 10, '62. July 21, 63.
Albert Rogers, 15 D Oct. 22, '62. Aug. 5, '63.
Seth T. Sargent, 10 B Sept. 1, 62. Mustered out June 22, '65.
George W. Savory, C C Nov. 19, '61. Nov. 18, '64.
Prentiss S. Scribner, 10 B Sept. 1, '62. June 22, '65.
Albert Smith, 2 D June 20, '61. Must. in corp; disch'd
Nov. 1, '62.
William Smith, 8 I Feb. 18, '62. Disch'd for sickness; re-enlisted.
Calvin Stowe, C C
Rufus Streeter, 10 B Sept. 22, '62. Jan. 28, 65.
Lemuel D. Strong, 2 D June 20, '61. Must. in corp. pro. sergt. must. out June 29,
'64.
46 VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
Names. Reg. Co. Mustered in. Discharged. Remarks.
Hiram Smith, Jr., 11 E Dec. 11, '63. Lost an arm and leg; disch'd Sept. 14, '65.
Lewis Sterling, 11 E Dec. 11, '63, Jan. 16, 65.
Lathan T. Seaver, C C Aug. 23, '64. Jan 21, '65.
Charles D. Slack. 8 G Aug. 15, '64. Died March 15, '65.
Chas. W. Stoddard, 3 Aug.
19, '64. Battery.
Died Jan, 16, '65.
William D. Sanborn, 15 D Oct. 22, '62. Aug. 5, '63.
Charles E. Smith, Drafted;
paid commutation.
George D. Taft, 3 K July 16, '61. Killed in action May 5,
64
Joseph B. Thompson, 9 I July 9, '62. June 13, '65. Made
corp. July 15, '64.
Ozias H. Thompson, 3 K July 16, '61. July 11, '65. 1st Serg.
re-enlist. Dec. 1, '63; pro. 2d and 1st Lieut. Aug. 4, '64.
Eldon A. Tilden, 2 D Sept. 20, '61. Pro. 2d Lieut. Nov. 20, '63; must. out Jan.
29, '64.
Oel M. Town, 10 B Sept. 1, '62. June 22, '65.
Ira H. Tompkins, 11 E Dec. 11, '65, Killed at Cedar Creek, Oct. 19, '64.
John M. Thatcher, 13 I Oct. 10, '62. July 21, '63. Served as
Captain.
Jude Town, Drafted;
paid commutation.
Samuel C. Vorse, C C Nov. 19, '61. Re-enlisted Dec. 28, '63; Pro. Co. Q. M.
Sergt.
Nelson W. Wheelock, 10 B Sept. 1, '62. Died December 3, '63.
Preston B. Willey, 2 D June 20, '61. June 29, '64.
Henry Wires, C F
Albert P. Wood, 13 I Dec. 15, '63. Jan. 28, '65. Re-enlisted
must. out Oct. 10, '62.
Warren F. Wood, 11 E Dec. 11, '65. Jan. 29, '65.
Wm. W. Woodbury, " " Wounded;
trans. to Vet. Res. C. 65; must out Aug 1, '65.
Chas. H. Willey, 9 G Jan. 2, '64. Died
Apr. 1, '65.
Harvey Willey, 9 G Aug. 15, '64. June 13, '65.
Chas. C. Varney, 13 D Oct 4, 62. July
23, '63. Served as Sergeant.
Geo. E. Varney, " " " "
Stephen G. West, " " " Died
May 17, '63.
Horace Woodard, Drafted,
paid comt.
James Powers, 8 G Feb. 20, '65. June 28, '65.
Thomas Henthon, 8 C Jan. 6, 65.
James Hooper, 8 H Jan. 5. '65.
Chas. E. Woodward, 10 3 Feb. 7, 65. Absent
sick when reg. was mustered out.
Alex. F. E. Ahlsstrom, H. S.
Navy; Lemuel Bean, George Dailey, Harry Johnson, John Peterson, Samuel Thurber,
were hired of brokers, entered the navy, and no record of their service is
attainable. Leonard Bancroft, Levi J. Bolster, Geo. I. Reynolds, drafted; paid
commutation.
In addition to the names given
above the following who served in the war were not reckoned in the quota of
the town: Leonard F. Aldrich, Quartermaster 13 Vt.; Orvis F. Jackman, Co. A, 7
Ohio, lost his right arm at Chancellorsville, was discharged, and afterwards
served in Quartermaster department under Gen. Pitkin.
BURIED
IN BARRE CEMETERY.—Stephen G. Albee, James T. Bacon, Albert Bates, Peter N.
Bates, Dan. Barker, Rufus Carver, Henry L. Clark, Orrin B. Dickey, Orlan
French, H. Warner French, Henry Gale, M. B. Lawrence, James J. Nolan, E. W.
Nichols, William Olds, Rufus Streeter, Stephen G. West, Win. Woodbury, George
D. Taft, Wilber Tilden.
BURIED
IN WILSON CEMETERY.—Horace Bigelow, Wesley Dodge, Zary Dodge, Heman Levy.
BURIED
IN FARWELL CEMETERY.—L. Richards, Newell Carlton, C. H. Howard, James L. Dow.
William
Howland enlisted for the town of East Montpelier into the 17th Reg., was killed
in Battle of the Wilderness; was a brother of Hezekiah D., who died in
Salisbury Prison, and the son of Ezekial Howland of this place. Charles
Carpenter enlisted for Montpelier, into Co. C. of the Cavalry.
BARRE. 47
JUDGE
CHAPIN KEITH
BY S. WOOD.
Judge
Keith was a man noted for energy and perseverance, and whatever enterprise he
undertook was generally a success. He came from his native town, Uxbridge,
Mass., with his young family, the youngest being only three months old,
September, 1801, and settled in Barre. He was born
Hon.
Chapin Keith was Judge of the probate court for several years, and afterwards
high sheriff for many more years. He also held many town offices, and was much
interested in the Chelsea turnpike, on which his tavern was located.
When he
first arrived from Uxbridge with his young family, he was duly warned out of
town, lest he should become a charge on the good people of Barre. it was a
custom of the time, if any came that it was doubtful about. But he never failed
to take care of himself and his. His wife was also truly a helpmeet, and did
her full share in getting a living; as landlady she excelled.
Judge
Keith, although a good judge of property matters, and an active business man,
could never speak in public except with great diffidence. While sheriff it became
his duty to proclaim who was governor, and after the votes had been counted,
he finished by saying, "God save the King," when he meant to
have said "the People." He used to relate that it cost him several
gallons of wine to mend that mistake. He was very successful, as elsewhere
said, in his tavern-keeping.
oldest son of Judge Chapin, and the late judge Keith
of Montpelier, where he died
From Thompson's History of
Montpelier.
A son of the Hon. Chapin Keith, late of Barre, was
born in Uxbridge, Mass., Apr. 9, 1800, and before he was a year old came with
his father's family to Barre, Vermont. At the age of sixteen, having shown himself
a good and industrious scholar in the English branches taught in the common
school of his home village, he commenced fitting for college at Randolph
Academy, in the spring of 1816. In 1818 he entered Un. College, at Schenectady,
N. Y., and in 1822, was graduated with a good reputation for scholarship and
moral character, then, for a year or two, taught in the State of Virginia as
private tutor in the family of a wealthy planter; when he returned to the
North, and commenced the study of the law in the office of the Hon. William
Upham in Montpelier. Having completed the usual course of legal studies, he
was admitted to the bar in I826. and commenced practice in this village, at
first alone, and afterwards, for three or four years succeeding 1830, in
company with Mr. Upham. In about 1837, a brother of C. W. Storrs of Montpelier
died in St. Louis, Missouri, leaving considerable property, and Mr. Keith was
employed by the relatives of the deceased to go to St. Louis and gather up and
settle the estate. After executing this commission to the advantage of all
concerned, he returned to Montpelier, not however to resume his profession, but
to accept the office of Treasurer in the Vermont Mutual Fire Insurance
Company, which was tendered him by the Directors. But after acceptably executing
the duties of this office a year or two, he resigned the post to accept another
commission to settle an estate of a deceased Vermonter in the South, one of the
brothers Elkins, from Peacham, Vt., who had been in business as cotton brokers
in the city of New Orleans. The estate was found to be large, and its affairs
so complicated as to require the labor and attention of years to bring to a
close. For the next ten or twelve years, therefore, Mr. Keith took up his
residence in New Orleans, and remained there through all but the hot and sickly
months of the year, which he spent mostly in Montpelier, having generally
brought with him, at each
48 VERMONT
HISTORICAL MAGAZINE•
annual return, such sums of money as he had been able
to collect out of the different investments of the estate, for division among
the Elkins heirs. After pursuing this course some ten years, assiduously
engaged in the difficult, and, in many respects, dangerous position, he
succeeded in bringing the affairs of the estate mainly to a close, except in
the case of the large quantity of Mexican scrip which was left on hand, and
which was considered only of chance value. He agreed on a division of this
uncertain property between the heirs and himself, the consideration offered to them
being his promise to make no charge for any future services. In a year or two
after this bargain the general government decided to redeem this Mexican scrip;
and Mr. Keith, being fortunate enough by means of arguments made potent by some
of the existing cabinet, to get his claims rather promptly allowed, realized
for his share of the venture the snug sum of $35,000, which, with his previous
accumulations, made him a man of fortune.
The
year 1852 was mostly occupied in making the tour of Europe, and, having
returned to Montpelier the following year, he was seized with what was supposed
to be a brain fever, which terminated fatally
Calvin
Jay Keith was buried in the family lot of Judge Chapin Keith, in Barre, but a
monument was set up at Montpelier by his administrator.
CHENEY
KEITH, the fourth son of Chapin Keith, was born Jan. 1798. He married Judith
Wood, who is still living and active, July '81, though but a few days of 80 years
old. Cheney was a well-to-do and industrious man, well educated, and also a
leading and influential man in town business. He died
ERASMUS
KEITH, brother of Roswell, was born
LEONARD
KEITH, the third son of Judge Chapin, was born
From Obituary in Watchman
& journal.
Born in
Wilbraham, Mass.; for 40 years
BARRE. 49
a citizen of Barre; in mill-building long stood
without a known rival. His machine-shop and mill-wrighting establishment at
Barre village had a reputation extending far beyond the town and county even.
It is the boast of scores of mechanics that they learned their trade of Joshua
Twing. It was a custom with him to encourage poor young men to learn a trade,
and then, with a good character and diligent hand, work their way up to
distinction. He first learned his trade as an ap prentice to a machinist, after
which he was emphatically self-made; and the moment success began to crown his
labors for himself, he turned to his straitened parents and provided for them.
In this respect his example was like that of Joseph to his father, Jacob; and
the same cup of kindness came back to cheer his declining years, from the hands
of his children. Strictly honest in all his extensive dealings, and generous to
a fault, the memory of him embalmed with the blessings of the poor, he still
left an ample estate, the result of a long life of industry and personal
prudence. He died in Montpelier, at the residence of his son-in-law, H. S.
Loomis, in his 82d year, and labored with his own hands up to the last week of
his life. He was buried in Barre Cemetery, where a fine granite monument has
been erected to his memory.
From the Eulogy delivered
before the New Hampshire Antiquarian Society,
BY L. W. COGSWELL, PRESIDENT.
On the
evening of the 19th of Nov. 1859, three young men met in a room over one of the
stores in Hopkinton village, and formed themselves into an organization under
the name of "The Philomathic Club." These young men were Silas
Ketchum, Darwin C. Blanchard and Geo. E. Crowell. The number of this club was
limited to seven. It was made a part of the compact "the Club should never
cease except by unanimous consent, and so long as two of its members
lived." The original design was social intercourse and literary culture.
A
private collection of relics, minerals and natural curiosities, belonging to
Mr. Ketchum, was in May, 1860, placed in a room in Mr. Crowell's house, fitted
for the purpose, and dedicated by the Club Oct. 13, following, in which room
the Club met till
Silas
Ketchum was chosen Secretary of the Club,
SILAS
KETCHUM, son of Silas and Cynthia (Doty) Ketchum, was born in Barre, Vt.,
He was
a good boy, thoughtful beyond his years, but feeble in his childhood, unable
to ever complete a full term of school till after twelve; fond of fishing in
his youth, but as he grew old, turned his leisure moments to books. In 1854,
his father removed from Barre, Vt., to Hopkinton, N. H., and Silas learned and
followed the trade of a shoemaker till 1855. But while steadily working at his
trade, a more and more increasing desire for a knowledge that could take him
upward out of his every-day duties pervaded him, and on his father's death,
relying upon his own abilities, he resolved to obtain an educa‑
50 VERMONT
HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
tion. He attended Hopkinton
Academy several terms, teaching after his second term in the Academy, in Nelson
and in Amherst; fitted for college; did not enter on account of severe illness;
pursued his studies under private instructors, and drawn toward the ministry,
entered Bangor Theo. Sem. in 1860;
During the
whole time as student and preacher, he was a diligent collector of any and
every thing of a rare and curious nature. He presented to the New Hampshire
Historical Society 512 volumes; to the New Hampshire Antiquarian Society 1200
volumes and 3000 pamphlets; and to the American Congregational Association of
Boston, 352 volumes. His private library, at the time of his death, consisted
of 2500 volumes, comprising many works of rare merit. Of all these societies he
was a member, and also of several others: The New England Historic and
Genealogical Society of Boston, the Historical Society of New York, the Prince
Society of Boston, and the Society of Antiquity of Worcester, Mass., and
others. He was Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of F. and A. Masons of
His
first public address was delivered before the Lyceum at Warner, N. H., in the
autumn of 1858; his subject was "Philip at
BARRE. 51
preacher in the pulpit, meeting his congregation with
something fresh and original. He was pleasing. His short, sharp, crisp
sentences arrested his auditors; they could but listen till the last word was
spoken. Earnest in his utterances, deliberate in argument, concise in his
statements, with purity of diction and loftiness of thought, he commanded the
interest of his congregation, and where he preached for any length of time it
was soon doubled and trebled. Of him as an antiquarian and historian, his
collections in the rooms of this society, one of the very largest of its kind
in this country, speaks better words of commendation for him than I can utter,
and stands as a more enduring monument than words can erect in honor of him.
Of his
domestic relations suffice it to say, notwithstanding the immense amount of
labor performed by him, his home, his family, was never forgotten, within that
sacred, happy circle he was the central light. But he is gone from us, and is
now transfigured and with the immortals. He was taken in the prime of life,
with so much accomplished and so much left undone.
(From
the resolutions passed at this meeting of the N. H. Antiq. & Hist. Society)
"We
here formally declare, and cause to be recorded for posterity to learn, that to
the Rev. Silas Ketchum's thought, personal labors, generous munificence, and
untiring zeal, this New Hampshire Antiquarian Society is indebted more than to
any others, not only for its existence, but for its present proportions and
prosperity."
"We
recognize that New Hampshire as a state has lost one of her richest scholars,
most logical thinkers, and most accurate historians, and society a most
exemplary Christian man, whose daily walk was an inspiration to holy
living."
STAFFORD
& HOLDEN MANUFACTURING Co.
From a
very interesting description in the Argus and Patriot, of
"The
foremost industry in Barre to-day (1877) is the manufacture of forks and ice
tools. In 1861, two Brookfield men, Herrick and Adams, established themselves
at the mill-privilege in the upper part of Barre village; run four fires and
one trip-hammer, and turned out from 300 to 600 dozen per year of round-tined
hay and manure-forks. Frank Safford and Loren D. Blanchard bought the business
in 1864, and Blanchard sold out to Clark Holden. The first year's business of
this new firm was 1500 dozen forks. In '68 they added the manufacture of ice-plows
and tools. From '68 to '77, sold some years 250 to 300 ice-plows with the
ice-tools: Among other partners and stockholders to the present, have been Luke
and Ira Trow, Hial O. Hatch (foreman,) L. T. Kinney; in March '76, the
reorganization as a stock company; Stafford and Holden half owners; of the
other half ten other citizens of Barre owners; loss of some $12,000 by Chicago
fire; totally destroyed by fire March, '77; rebuilt same year; foundation and
flume split granite; forge-room 40 by 100 feet; 20 fires; 5 60-pound trip hammers
and ice-tool machinery; cost about $6,000. The company use cast-steel in all
their manufactures, made especially for them. There are 6 polishing machines
for forks, one for ferrule and one for wooden handles; amount of work about
15,000 dozen per year of not less than 60 different patterns; employ about 50
workmen.
Statement
of the Company, June, 1881: 17,000 dozen forks made in 1880; this year about the
same; about $3,000 worth of new machinery put in; is now one of the most
perfectly equipped shops in the country: directors: Josiah Wood, B. W. Braley,
Dexter Trow, E. B. Wood, Horace Fifield; Clark Holden, superintendent and
treasurer; Nat. Whittier, assistant.
OF THE
METHODIST
EPISCOPAL
1796,
Nicholas Snethen; 1797, Ralph Williston; 1798 and '99, Joseph Crawford; 1799,
Elijah Chichester; 1800, Timothy Dewey; 1801, Truman Bishop and Thomas Branch;
1802, Solomon Langdon and Paul Dustin; 1803, Samuel Draper and Oliver Beale;
1804, Oliver Beale; 1805, Elijah Hedding and Daniel Young; 1806, Philip Munger
and Jonathan Cheney; 1807, Samuel Thompson and Eleazer Wells; 1808, Solomon
Sias; 1809, Warren Banister and George Gary; 1810, Eleazer Wells and
52
Squire Streeter;
1811, Nathaniel W. Stearns and John Jewett; 1812, Ebenezer F. Newell and
Joseph Dennett; 1813, David Kilburn; 1814, David Kilburn and Jason Walker;
1815, Joel Steele; 1816, Joel Steele and Thomas C. Pierce; 1817 and '18,
Leonard Frost; 1819, Thomas C. Pierce; 1820, Squire B. Haskell and E. Dunham;
1821, John F. Adams and Abraham Holway; 1822, John F. Adams, D. Leslie and Z.
Adams; 1823, Samuel Norris and Hascall Wheelock; 1824, D. Kilburn, H. Wheelock
and A. H. Houghton; 1825, J. Lord, D. Leslie and Elihu Scott; 1826, A. D.
Merrill and J. Templeton; 1827, J. B. White, E. Jordan and R. L. Harvey; 1828,
Amasa Buck and D. Stickney; 1829, J. Templeton and J. Nayson; 1830, J. A.
Scarritt and R. H. Deming; 1831, N. W. Scott and R. H. Deming; 1832, N. W.
Scott and George F. Crosby; 1833, S. H. Cutler and J. Nayson; 1834, N. Howe and
Otis F. Curtis; 1835, Geo. Putnam and L Wooster; 1836, Elihu Scott and D. Wilcox;
1837, E. J. Scott and Moses Lewis; 1838, N. W. Aspinwall; 1839, N. Culver; 1840
and '41, J. Currier; 1842 and '43, J. L. Slauson; 1844 and '45, A. Webster;
1846, J. W. Perkins; 1847 and '48, B. Bedford; 1849 and '50, C. Fales; 1851
and '52, J. S. Dow; 1853, E. Copeland; 1854, E. Robinson; 1855, E. Copeland;
1856 and '57, Isaac McAnn; 1858, A. T. Bullard; 1859 and '60, J. L. Roberts;
1861 and '62, David Packer; 1863 and '64, H. K. Cobb; 1865, J. W. Bemis; 1866
and '67, Lewis Hill; 1868, Joshua Gill; 1869, Joseph A. Sherburn; 1870, '71 and
'72, Peter Merrill; 1873, J. M. Puffer, (deceased while pastor); 1874, Walter
Underwood; 1875, '76 and '77, W. H. Wight; 1878, '79 and '80, Harvey Webster;
1881, J. R. Bartlett.
The
above list of preachers received since in press from Rev. Mr. Bartlett now at
Barre, Editor of the Christian Messenger, author of the interesting
pamphlet "Methodism in Williamstown." Rev. Mr. Bartlett has taken in
hand a complete history of the Methodists in Barre which will be in pamphlet,
and is promised to the supplement volume of this work. ED.
The
completion of the railroad to Barre being accomplished and thoroughly celebrated,
the next thing in connection with the railroad looked for, was the telegraph at
the village depot, which was duly opened, sending its first telegram,
The
Barre Fire Company, page 36, took the second prize, $200 at the trial in
SAMUEL
GOODELL, who resides at Massena, N. Y., and who frequently writes for the
newspapers—we have seen his verses in the Barre Enterprise of late—was
"a Barre boy," and there are others natives of the town, both among
the living and the dead, who should be all counted back to Barre before the
record is finally closed for the first hundred years of her history.
ADDENDA:
Page 16. The number of soldiers credited to Barre in the county table is
incorrect. See selectmen's report for 1865; page 42.
Page
24, 2d col.,
Goddard
Seminary, page 26, the dates for, was taken from the record of 1880, since
which, Dr. Braley has died—see notice page 25; and J. M. Haynes, Esq., of St.
Albans, is present vice president. The name, also, of the second principal,
page 25, is Hawes and not Harris—F. M. Hawes. Page 48, for Susan Cook, read
Mrs. Susan Town Cook.
We must
also ask leniency for a few typographical errors in the County chapter. The
proof sent to the author at a distance returned too late for corrections in
place; we noted them for insertion here, and have made the mistake to lose the
paper, and to send the proofs with them to another writer; they may be added to
the addenda at close of the County.