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ington County on its organization in 1813, and representative for Berlin in the State Legislature in 1818. He was an able man, a good citizen and an earnest and efficient member of the Congregational church here in its early days, and at his death was the oldest member of the bar in this County. He died April, 1836, age 72 years. We were late in finding the data for this notice, or it would have appeared among the early settlers previously noticed.

George Fowler, an old, early settler of this town, used to hunt with Capt. Joe, Indian.

PUBLIC MONEY JUDICIOUSLY EXPENDED.

Previous to the great flood in Oct. 18—, Berlin street, leading east from the red arch bridge, was anything but a pleasant place to live in, being low, and in spring a complete slough, and the houses old tumble-down affairs. The water having washed out part of the street, the town invested $1800 in filling and grading about ½ mile, and 2 years later, nearly as much more. The improvement seemed catching. The inhabitants took the idea, and almost every house is newly covered; new ones have been built, a new street laid out with additional buildings, and now, 1881, it is not only a pleasant place in which to live, but one of the pleasant drives near Montpelier.

STEVENS BRANCH.

When the first settlers in this vicinity visited the lower part of this stream they found upon its banks near the mouth a hunter's cabin, and in the cabin the body of a man far gone in the process of decay. He had evidently died alone and unattended. They carefully buried the body as well as circumstances would admit. It was afterwards ascertained that he came from Corinth, and his name was Stevens. Hence, the name "Stevens Branch." It is said that on account of disappointment in a love affair he left society and took to the forest.

DOG RIVER

received its name in consequence of a hunter by the name of Martin, losing his favorite dog in the following manner: He set his gun at night near his camp for the purpose of shooting a bear. During the night he heard the report of the gun, and called his dog to ascertain the results, but failing to find him he waited till morning, when he found the dog was the victim. He threw the dog into the stream, saying "this stream shall be called Dog River."

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CABOT.

BY JOHN M. FISHER.

CABOT is situated in the N. E. part of Washington Co.; lat. 40°, 23'; long. 4º, 42'; 6 miles square; bounded N. by Walden and Danville, E. by Danville and Peacham, S. by Marshfield, and W. by Woodbury, and lies 21 miles easterly from Montpelier. It was granted Nov. 6, 1780; chartered by Vermont to Jesse Levenworth and 65 others, Aug. 17, 1781; but not surveyed and lotted till 1786. The survey was made by Cabot, of Connecticut, and James Whitelaw. Thomas Lyford, whose father was one of the first settlers, being at that time a young man, 18 years of age, worked with them through the survey. In the extreme west part of the town Mr. Cabot broke the glass in his compass, and was obliged to go through the wilderness to the nearest house about 6 miles away, and take a square of glass out of the window to replace it.

The names of the grantees were not entered upon the town records, and it cannot be determined with certainty who of those ever settled in town. By what we can gather from the original plan of the town, it appears very few of them ever made this town their home.

The township was lotted by James Whitelaw, and a field-book written out by him September, 1786, contains the number of each lot and full description of the same, measurement, etc., closing each with a statement of what in his judgment the land is adapted to, whether pasture or general farming. There were 12 lots in each division, and 6 divisions, making 72 lots in town. The first meeting of the

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proprietors was warned by Alexander Harvey, justice of the peace,

To meet at the house of Jonathan Elkins, in Peacham, County of Orange, on the 2d Monday in June, 1786, to transact the following business, viz.: 1st, to choose a moderator to govern said meeting; 2d, to choose a clerk; 3d, to agree what they will do respecting the settlers in said town, and to see what encouragement they will give to settlers; 4th, to lay a tax to defray the expense of surveying and lotting said town.

At this meeting, Jonathan Elkins was chosen moderator, and Jesse Levenworth, clerk.

Meetings were adjourned from time to time. November 3, 1786, they met at the house of Thomas Chittenden, in Arlington, and the survey being completed and presented to the meeting, it was

Voted that Giles Chittenden and Truman Chittenden, being indifferent persons, be a committee to draw the lots, which being done by them in the presence of the meeting as the law directs, was as follows:

Jesse Levenworth, lot No. 5; Jesse Levenworth, 55; Mark Levenworth, 10; William Levenworth, 1; Evans Munson, 57; Isaac Doolittle, 64; Robert Fairchild, 19; Ebenezer Crafts. 14; Timothy Newel, 72; James Lane, 66; Elias Townsend, 28; William Holmes, 18; Richard Mansfield, 70; Nathan Levenworth, 15; Moses Baker, 20; Jas. Whitelaw, 7; Philander Harvey, 65; David Bryant, 51; Frederick Levenworth, 53; Jonathan Heath, 33; Eames Johnson, 45; Thomas Lyford, 21; Edmund Chapman, 50; Benjamin Webster, 40; David Blanchard, 56; Jonathan Elkins, 26; Jonathan Elkins, Jr., 42; William Chamberlin, 60; Ephraim Foster, 44; Abel Blanchard, 58; Benjamin Ambrose, 34; Minister, 62; Minister, 63; Grammar School, 69; College, 3; William Douglas, 49; Asa Douglas, 11; John Douglas, 22; Alson Douglas, 68; Beriah Palmer, 17; Martha Douglas, 13; Ebenezer Jones, 67; Jesse Gardner, 41; Mary Andrus, 47; William Douglas, 52; Content Douglas, 46; Asa Douglas, Jr., 12; Zebulon Douglas, 48; Lyman Hitchcock, 54; Nathaniel Wales, 36; Saphiah Hitchcock, 2; John Batchelder, 32; Eliphalet Richards, 29; Jonathan Pettet, 30; Matthew Watson, 38; Ezekiel Tiffany, 43; Abel Blanchard, 39; Peter Blanchard, 27; Reuben Blanchard, 35; Jason Cross, 16; Solomon Johnson, 9; Robert Hains, 61; Samuel Russell, 23; David Waters, 6; Thomas Chittenden, Esq., 4; Paul Spooner, 25; Joseph Fay, Esq., 8; Abigail Gunn, 59; Barnabas Morse, 24.

Voted that there be a tax of ten shillings to pay the expenses of lotting. There being but 71 proprietors and 72 lots, it was

Voted that lot No. 24 be disposed of, as the settlers now in town should see fit.

Lots No. 62 and 63 were set as minister lots, the rent to go for the support of preaching in town; No. 69, grammar school, the rent of which goes to Peacham Academy; lots 71 and 72, town school; lot No. 3, college.

The town was named by Lyman Hitchcock, one of the grantees, in honor of his bride-elect, Miss Cabot, of Connecticut, a descendant of Sebastian Cabot. Mr. Levenworth never settled or lived in town, but settled and built the mills at what is now known as West Danville.

In 1779, Gen. Hazen cut through the wilderness, and made a passable road for 50 miles above Peacham, running through the north-eastern part of Cabot, over what is known as Cabot Plain, through Walden and Hardwick. He camped for a few weeks on the plain about 1/3 of a mile to the south of the residence now of Springer. Here they expected an attack from the British from Canada, who were sending a portion of their forces down on the east side of the State, instead of sending them all down the Lake, upon the west side. A fortification was thrown up by Hazen's soldiers. The ground bears the name of Fortification Hill, and a small portion of the fortification is still seen, and a large rock pointed out where the army built their camp-fires.

Connected with Hazen's army was a squad called Whitcomb's Rangers, among whom was Thomas Lyford, grandfather of Thomas Lyford now living in the village

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of Cabot. Gen. Hazen expecting an attack from the enemy, Whitcomb and Lyford were sent to the north as spies. During the long scout Whitcomb's shoes gave out, and he threatened to shoot the first man he met for his. After several days, cautiously proceeding, they heard a distant crackling of the brush, then a faint tramp of feet, and at once secreted themselves in an advantageous position, and waited. In a short time a scouting party of the enemy discovered themselves, British and Indians, making for Gen. Hazen's quarters, commanded by Gen. Gordon. Our scouts felt upon their action for a few moments hung great results; not only their own lives, but those of their comrades and Gen. Hazen's army. The enemy advanced, Gen. Gordon in front, little thinking what is concealed in the thicket. Whitcomb thinks of his shoes; tells Lyford to be cool; takes good aim; Gen. Gordon falls forward; throws his arms around the neck of his horse; the horse, frightened, turned back and ran into camp; the British general lived to get into camp, but died very soon after. Whitcomb was secreted under a bank where the waters in a little ravine had washed out a hole, which was covered with a log. Over this log, he said, a number of Indians ran whooping, brandishing their tomahawks; that he could have pulled any one of them off from the log as they passed over into the hole, but he thought it not best. Lyford was concealed near him. After a long search, the Indians gave up they could not find the one who sent the bullet.

As soon as Whitcomb and Lyford considered it safe they came from their hiding places, and returned to the camp of Gen. Hazen with the news. Whitcomb did not get his shoes, but they had accomplished all and more than they set out for. The enemy, dismayed, retreated back to Canada, and thus ended what was expected to be a battle or skirmish on Cabot's Plain. [See account of Major Whitcomb and this adventure in vol. I of this work, page 1067—Ed.]

Gen. Hazen finished his road through to the town of Lowell, and then returned to the south. This road from near Joe's pond, led to the south of the present traveled road, until it came to the three corners of a road near the present grave-yard on the plain; here it struck what is now the present traveled road and continued to the north line of the town. It was of great benefit to the first settlers. It is still called the Hazen road.

The settlements began upon the highest land, in town which has been known as Cabot Plain for the last 40 years; previous to that as Johnson's Plain. Colonel Thomas Johnson of Newbury, when taken prisoner with Col. Jonathan Elkins of Peacham, by the British in 1781, and carried to Canada, the first night of their march camped on this tract of land, and when he returned on parole, soon after, and from that time until late in the present century this locality was called Johnson's Plain. It lies between the Connecticut and Winooski river, and commands an extensive and beautiful prospect, the outlines of which are formed by the western range of the Green mountains and by the White mountains in N. H.

BENJAMIN WEBSTER,

of Salisbury, now of Franklin, N. H., uncle of renowned Daniel Webster, encouraged by the liberal offers of the proprietors, came to this town in 1783, and made the first opening in the forest for a permanent settlement. The first clearing was made a little north of where George Smith now lives, on the line of the Hazen road. In the opening, Mr. Webster built the first log cabin. Its dimensions, we are not told, but assured it was sufficiently capacious to answer for a house, barn, shed, and all necessary out-buildings; and that this tenement completed, he returned for his family and moved them into town March, 1783, himself driving the cow, Mrs. Webster traveling on snow-shoes, and the hired man with Mrs. Webster's assistance, drawing the few goods they brought with them on a hand-sled, among which was a wash-tub, and in this tub their little daughter two years of age, who afterwards became the wife of Hanson Rogers, Esq.,

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and after raising a large family of children, died in the village of Cabot, Sept. 28, 1868, aged 88 yrs. 3 mos., 14 days, highly respected by all who knew her. On their journey from Peacham to their cabin, the snow was 4 feet deep upon a level; and upon their arrival they found it drifted into their cabin, to the depth of a foot and a half. It had to be shoveled out before they could enter, and then they had only the bare ground for a floor. After getting settled a little, Mr. Webster went to Newbury for provisions. While he was away, the sun coming out warm, Mrs. Webster tapped some trees and made 40 pounds of sugar. It is said she could chop as well as a man, and greatly helped her husband in clearing up his farm.

LIEUT. JONATHAN HEATH

was the second settler. His family arrived the first of any settler's family. The Lieutenant came with his family two days before Benjamin Webster came with his. He built his cabin on the line of the Hazen road opposite the present burying-ground on the Plain.

NATHANIEL WEBSTER

and family were the third to arrive. He rolled up the logs for his cabin on the opposite side of the Hazen road from Benjamin Webster's.

LIEUT. THOMAS LYFORD

who was with Whitcomb in the daring adventure of shooting General Gordon, was the fourth settler. He located on the south of the road, near the three corners, near the burying-ground, in what is now Eli B. Stone's field.

The nearest trading point at first was Newbury, 24 miles distant, where they had to go for milling, taking their grain on a hand-sled in winter, or at other times on their backs through the mud. After about three years, there was a mill built at Peacham, and they went there. So great was the hardship to procure milling, they often resorted to battling their grain. They had no neighbors north of them, and none on the south nearer than Peacham. It was some two or three years before any permanent addition was made to their number. About 1787, six families were added to them, namely, Lyman Hitchcock, David Blanchard, Jeremiah McDaniels, John Lyford, James Bruce, Thomas Batchelder, and families, emigrants from New Hampshire, who settled on the line of the Hazen road on the Plain.

Up to this time, 1788, the inhabitants had lived in primitive independence, regulating themselves by the principles of common law. The following appears upon the town book as the first step towards a town organization:

Proceedings of the town of Cabot. At the request of four of the inhabitants of the town of Cabot, I hereby notify the freemen and inhabitants of the town to meet at the house of Mr. Thomas Lyford, in said Cabot, on the last Saturday instant March, ten o'clock before noon, then and there being met to choose 1st, a moderator, clerk, and necessary town officers; 2d, to see if they will raise money to defray the incidental charges, and do any other business that may be necessary.

WALTER BROCK,

Justice of the Peace.

February 4th, 1788.

The number of voters at the organization could not have been more than 10 or 12. The records of their meetings show that the first settlers seemed to regard military title as conferring almost permanent virtue or qualification for office, as seen by the following choice of officers:

Capt. Jesse Levenworth, moderator; Lieut. Jonathan Heath, Lieut. Thomas Lyford, Lieut. David Blanchard, selectmen; Maj. Lyman Hitchcock, town treasurer; Ensign Jeremiah McDaniels, constable; Edmund Chapman, surveyor of highways. Ensign Jeremiah McDaniels was chosen collector of taxes. One private only was found qualified to six commissioned officers for promotion in civil office. The foregoing officers were all sworn into office by the said justice of the peace, Walter Brock.

For 18 years of the settlement this was the metropolis of the town. The lot upon Walden line was owned by Nathaniel Webster. His house stood a little south of where the road leading from the village to Walden depot intersects with the Hazen

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road. Next south was Benjamin Webster's, the first settler; then came Dr. Scott's, Hanson Rogers', Mr. Shephard's, and other houses and farms for about a mile on the line of the Hazen road.

The famous "yellow house" was built by Horace and Gershom Beardsley, two stirring settlers from Massachusetts. It was the first framed house in town, and was first raised in the pasture now owned by Samuel S. Batchelder. At that time a new County was formed from towns set off from the County of Orange, and there was a strong prospect that this town would be the shire town of the new county. With this expectation, the Beardsleys cleared two acres of land in this pasture, taking out the stumps root and branch, for the site of the county buildings. Their hopes not being realized, the house was not finished on this spot, and after standing here about 2 years, was taken down and removed to the Plain. The foundation is seen at the present time where it was first raised. The timber all hard wood, and the house two stories, it took a large amount of help to raise it, of men and whisky. All the men and women in this town, Peacham and Danville were invited to the raising. Those invited giving out word that they would drink the Beardsleys dry that day, the Beardsleys prepared themselves. They furnished a barrel of first proof rum, and a second barrel, slightly reduced. It was said never was such rum seen in Cabot before or after. All were invited to take hold and help themselves. In after years the old settlers enjoyed rehearsing the scenes at that raising. They said with a great many of them it lasted two days.

After the removal of the house to the Plain it was very nicely finished, and became the ''Hub" of the town. It was 40 feet square upon the ground, with a large hall in the ell, used for all kinds of gatherings, and had a long shed attached running to the barn. As all the travel from the north going to the Connecticut river had to pass over Cabot Plain, it was a favorite stopping-place for travelers, and during the war of 1812, those engaged in smuggling made it their quarters.

DOINGS AND VOTES FROM 1788 TO 1806.

At the first March meeting, held the last Saturday in March, 1788, but two votes were taken, one for schools and one to raise a tax on each poll equal to two days' work for building and repairing roads.

From the first town meeting to 1840, each town officer, from town clerk to highway surveyor, was sworn into office. In 1789, there being no justice of the peace in town, the town clerk was obliged to go to Barnet, where he received the oath of office, administered by Alexander Harvey, Esq.

When the town was fairly organized, attention was next given to the protection of property.

Voted to build a pound on Shepard Hill, that swine should not run at large from the 10th of May to the 10th of October, unless with a good poke on his neck and a ring in his nose.

The first vote to defray town expenses was Mar. 25, 1779; "To raise 12 bushels of wheat to defray necessary town expense, and purchase a town book for records," and the first auditors appointed, Lieut. Thomas Lyford, Mr. Thomas Batchelder, Lieut. Jonas Watts, to examine into accounts of town officers, and report at next meeting. The town book cost $2; wheat was 75 cents a bushel. There were $7 left on the 12 bush. voted after paying for the book, for the "necessary town expenses."

March meeting, 1790, the selectmen were instructed to procure a piece of land for a burying-ground. Six years after, the first burying-ground was laid out.

Mar. 21, 1791, 20 bushels of wheat voted to pay town expenses this year.

Voted that width of sleds for the year ensuing in the town of Cabot shall be four feet and six inches from outside to outside, and any one found with one of less dimensions on any pubic road in said town shall be subject to a fine of five dollars for every such offence.

1793, population 122; new school district, No. 2, formed; first full list of town officers elected: Capt. James Moss, moderator; Lyman Hitchcock, town clerk; Samuel Danforth, James Moss, David

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Blanchard, selectmen; Thomas Lyford, town treasurer; Thomas Batchelder, constable and collector; Ephraim Marsh, grand juryman; James Chapman, Martin Durgin, Thomas Osgood, surveyors of highway; Ezekiel Gilman, hog-ward; Edward Chapman, fence-viewer; Jonathan Heath, pound-keeper; Fifield Lyford, sealer of weights and measures; Thomas Lyford, leather sealer; listers, selectmen, (see list of town officers).

To this time no steps had been taken to punish violators of the law in case there should be any that should require more than the civil law would give them, and it was voted to build stocks, (whipping post) and sign-post on the Shepard hill near the pound,—15 bushels of wheat was voted for town expenses or, 4s. in cash in lieu of 1 bushel of wheat, and 5 bushels of wheat, to purchase standard weights and measures for the town.

Voted that Reuben Kelzer be discharged from his fine of eleven shillings for profane swearing, and breaking the peace.

After arrangements had been made for the punishment of civil and criminal offenders":

March, 1794,—Voted that the sum of twenty-one dollars be expended in the purchase of 28 pounds of powder, ¾ of cwt. of lead and six dozen flints for the town stock of ammunition.

Voted that the fines that have been or shall be laid be appropriated to the use of schools the present year.

A good use to devote them to.

Previous to 1795, the duty of listers was performed by the selectmen; at March meeting, 1795, the first board were elected: Capt. David Blanchard, Fifield Lyford, Samuel Warner.

1796. In 13 years, the settlement had extended to the south, east and west. The question began to be agitated in regard to removing the seat of government to the geographical center of the town. A meeting of the inhabitants was called at the school-house on the Hazen road to take the matter into consideration. As a matter of course, it was stoutly opposed by the pioneers of the town, those that had borne the burden and heat of the day, saw by this move their glory departing. So long had the business of the town been done here, that they had come (and perhaps all natural enough) to consider themselves the Mecca of the town. The day of the meeting came, the forces well marshalled on both sides, but those in favor of a change were too strong for the other side, and it was voted that,

Hereafter all meetings for doing public business shall be held at the schoolhouse at the centre of the town, and the public property all except the pound (which consisted of the stocks and whipping-post) should be removed to that place.

It is said this was a hard blow to those living on the Plain; but we cannot learn as they threatened to secede. In 1799, $22 was voted to defray town expenses.

The patriotism and high esteem in which the Father of his Country was held may be seen by the following record:

On the receipt of the news of the death of Gen. Washington a town meeting was called to meet on the 22d day of February, 1800, to see what the town will do on account of Keeping in Remembrance the Life and Death of Gen. Washington.

Voted that a committee of three he appointed to take charge of the assembly and conduct them in a becoming manner to the school-house there to listen to an Oration to be delivered by Lyman Hitchcock, Esq. The committee appointed were Joseph Fisher, Thomas Osgood, Joseph Huntoon.

A large assembly gathered, and after the oration Esq. Horace Beardsley was directed to return the thanks of said town to the speaker for delivering so good an oration to the people.

1802, the town began to look towards retrenchment of expenses. Before electing selectmen it was voted whoever should be elected should serve free of charge for their services; and it does not appear that they had any trouble in finding men to serve; doubtless they thought the honor paid. At the same meeting the first tithing men were elected. John Edgerton and Gershom Beardsley, whose duty it was to see that the Sabbath was not desecrated by persons hunting, fishing, or lounging about, and if any persons there found so

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doing, to arrest and bring them before a magistrate to be fined. Frequent votes appear after upon the records to remit the fines of those that had been fined for the violation of the Sabbath. It was also their duty to see that no one disturbed religious meetings; if they did to take them in charge.

There were some who were not prospered in their worldly possessions, and from year to year there were quite lively times in warning such persons out of town to prevent their becoming a town charge. The first order was given by the selectmen Oct. 3, 1803, for James Shepard and his wife Sarah, with their children, to depart said town, and in 1807, 12 families were warned to depart.

[If a family came to want that had been duly "warned out," the town was not obliged to assist them; but if not, the town was liable. A very uncharitable record to put down for all our early towns; if we could not add, it was usually about as serious a matter as appointing a hog ward, to which office every man in town married during the year, even the minister, was a candidate for at next March meeting. The old settlers were fond of practical jokes, and received them very complacently. I have seen the record where the warning out went so far every family in town was warned out.—Ed.]

On all public days whisky went around freely, and officers all had to treat. March meeting, 1806, tradition says the whisky was kept in the closet of the school-house where the meeting was held, which was imbibed so frequently by candidates and their supporters, some of them got so they hardly knew which way to vote. About middle way of the proceedings of the meeting it was "voted that the door leading into the closet be shut and kept so for the space of one-half hour."

The first surveyor of wood and lumber, Oliver Walbridge, was elected in 1806, and the first jurors, petit and grand, for County Court, were drawn, and $20 voted this year for town expenses. This closes the first book of records the notes and doings that appear most interesting. The succeeding records are about like those of the present day, with the exception of many more alterations in school districts, laying out of roads and such business as was incident to a new county.

In 1802, JOHN W. DANA came to the Plain, and opened a store in a building a little south of the yellow house. He being a man of ability, brought a good deal of business to the place. In a few years he was joined by John Damon, and they soon became the sole owners, or nearly so, of all that region, comprising nearly 1000 acres. They frequently wintered 100 head of cattle, beside a large amount of other stock, at the yellow house barns.

About 1810, business began to draw to the lower grounds, localities less exposed to the cold winds of winter, and in 1820, but little was left on the Plain save the old yellow house.

During the war of 1812, those engaged in smuggling made this old house their quarters. One mile north of here there is a small body of water called Smugglers' pond, from an encounter that took place between a custom house officer and some smugglers, in which the smugglers threw the officer into the pond. Another time several parties from this town, while starting some cattle for Canada, were intercepted by a custom house officer by the name of Young. They said they gave him a good smart threshing, but they were involved for it in a long and expensive lawsuit.

As time moved on, one building after another pertaining to the old yellow house was torn down, till at last, in 1855, the old landmark had to succumb, and share the fate which sooner or later all old and honored structures must. And now upon those broad acres, so beautifully spread out on the upland of the township, where the pioneers endured so many privations, and reduced the heavy-timbered forest to the fertile farms which for so many years teemed with business and thrift—along the whole street nought is now seen but the herds quietly feeding and an occasional husbandman tilling the lonely soil.

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CABOT VILLAGE.

In 1788, Lieut. Thomas Lyford, the third settler in town, and the first settler at the village, bought a lot of land of Jesse Levenworth and Lyman Hitchcock. On this land the village of Cabot now stands. The Winooski river runs through the grounds. Mr. Lyford was a mill-wright; there was no saw-mill within ten miles; he decided to build a saw-mill upon his lot upon the Winooski river. He selected the spot where John Brown's shop now stands. Here the first blow of the axe fell to subdue the thick wood to the fair vale, in which a beautiful and pleasant village was to grow. At that time this spot was quite a high elevation of land, and until within a few years was always spoken of as Sawmill Hill. The timber was cut and framed upon the spot; the irons were made at Newbury, and drawn on a hand-sled to the spot the winter before. The mill and dam were not completed and got to running till the spring of 1789. At that time this was regarded an extra water-power and a very smart mill. The pond covered then all of what is now the meadow to the upper end of the street. The mill had what is called an up-and-down saw; a good, smart man would run out 2000 ft. of lumber in a day.

Lyford and his son, Thomas Jr., next built a grist-mill, where the grist-mill now stands. This mill had but one run of stone, split out of a granite stone where Allen Perry's house now stands, and used for the steps of the present mill. Thomas Lyford, Jr., took charge of the mill. He built a camp on the rise of ground before it, and stayed there from Monday morning till Saturday night, when he returned to his father's on the Plain. The mill did the grinding for this town and the towns for 10 or 12 miles around. About 1794, Lieut. Lyford built the first house in the village, where Mrs. Jos. Lance now lives. His son, Thomas Jr., attended to the mills and commenced clearing up the land. For the next 12 years but little addition was made to the new neighborhood.

The second house was built by Samuel Lee, where Enoch Hoyt and his son, George Hoyt, now live; the third by Elias Hitchcock, where the garden of Caleb Fisher now is. John W. Dana, on the Plain, bought a small house that stood where Mrs. Haines' house now does, and fitted it up for a store—the first mercantile business here. After a few years, George W. Dana built quite a large store. It was becoming evident that this was to be the business centre of the town. John W. Dana, a keen sighted man, came from the Plain and bought nearly all the land now included in the village. By selling building-lots to the farmers, he contributed largely to building up the village. In 1817, a distillery was put up where Union Block now stands. Marcus O. Fisher bought the site and put in a tannery, enlarged the building, using part for a currying and shoe-shop. "The old red house" was one of the landmarks of the town for years. In 1825, he built a larger tannery where the bark was first ground between two stones by horse-power. A man and a horse could grind from one-half to a cord in a day. This stone is now in the yard of J. M. Fisher as an old town relic. About 1840, water-power was substituted for the horse. Mr. Fisher carried on the business successfully about 35 years, and his son, Edwin till 1868, which ended the tanning business in Cabot. It was sold to a stock-company who erected the handsome union block for stores, offices, etc., on the site.

The next business started was wool-carding and cloth-dressing, by George Fielding, who built a shop on the site of the present carriage-shop in the spring of 1833. In August, the highest waters ever known on this river, carried away the shop before finished. He rebuilt in 1834; carried on cloth-dressing for a year and sold to Jason Britt, who carried on the business of wool-carding and cloth-dressing here 44 years; building on the same site in 1855, a larger and better shop, a part of which was used for a carriage-shop by different parties till 1874, when it was enlarged and an extensive business undertaken by A. P. Marshall

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and W. W. Buchanan, known as the "Cabot Carriage Co.," which run 3 or 4 years and closed up. The property came into the hands of J. A. Farrington, by whom the business is now conducted on a smaller and more sure basis. On the opposite side of the river, William Scales built, in 1826, a blacksmith-shop and small foundry, where caldrons, five-pail kettles, cog-wheels and other iron castings were made.

Mr. Scales will be remembered by all who ever got him to do any blacksmithing, as a very nice man, but not one of the smoothest of workmen.

In 1840, a starch factory was built below the shops on the river, by Israel Cutting, which like everything else in his hands proved lucrative. In connection with his factory, he built a grist and a saw-mill which he run a few years.

The first tavern was built where Mrs. Joseph Lance's house stands, small, and one story. It was taken down in 1833, and moved over the river. The present hotel stands on the same site. Fisher was landlord 4 years, and sold to Horace Bliss, who kept it 10 years, when it was known as a first-class house. There was much heavy teaming on the road from the north of the state to Burlington, and this was a favorite stopping place for all teamsters, and also for the light travel. There are those now living who speak of Mrs. Bliss, the genial landlady, who always did so much to make the hotel a pleasant resting place for her guests. The house was kept by different parties with little change till 1875, when it vas largely repaired by William P. Whittier, who kept it until the death of his wife, April, 1881, after which he sold to the present proprietor, W. W. Buchanan.

April, 1822, John W. Dana deeded to the town for one dollar 1 1/8 acre for a common, conditioned to be kept clear from all incumbrance and free on all occasions to the public, especially for military parading.

There are people now living in the village that well recollect when this common was a frog-pond, and filled with fir and alder bushes, and was so muddy through the street, ox-teams were stuck in the mud before where Union block now stands.

Population of village, June 1, 1881, 258; 64 dwelling-houses; 2 stores; 1 millinery shop; 1 hotel; 2 blacksmith shops; 1 carriage manufactory; 1 tin shop; 1 harness shop; 1 cooper-shop; 1 grist-mill; 1 saw mill; 1 graded school; 2 churches.

By an act of the Legislature, Nov. 19, 1866, the village was incorporated. The first village clerk, W. H. Fletcher; first board of trustees: John M. Fisher, John Brown, Theron H. Lance, William P. Whittier, J. P. Lawson.

The village has a good fire department well equipped with engine, etc., etc. But few fires have ever occurred in the village. The most destructive was Jan. 5, 1881, at which time the fire department did excellent service.

THE CENTER.

This place is the geographical centre of the town, and has always been known by the name of the Centre. James Morse, Esq., from Barre, Mass., made the first settlement in 1789, where Henry Hill's house stands. Esq. Morse built his first log-house. He was moderator of the first town meeting, first justice of the peace; to him nearly all the business of this office fell for quite a number of years.

When first appointed, knowing he would be called to perform the marriage ceremony, he wished to have some practice before he appeared in public. He took his son David out, and told him to stand up by the side of a stump, and he would marry him to it. David did as directed, and the Squire commenced and went through, David assenting that he would love, cherish and protect her. The Esquire closed up in the usual form, saying that he pronounced them husband and wife. It is said David would not marry until the stump rotted down, which was quite late in life. The Esquire being of rather nervous temperament, at the next ceremony got a little bewildered, and made the groom promise to forsake her and cleave to all other women. At another time, it is

CABOT. 83

said, he forgot the ceremony, and was obliged to consult his notes.

At a later day he opened the first hotel in town, in a small log-house. The bar was in the square room, and a bed in the same room. This was in the early days of hotel keeping. The Esquire was said to be a man in whom all his townsmen had the utmost confidence; a man of sound judgment, and his advice was often sought. He held all the offices from highway surveyor to representative.

The next house was built by Oliver Walbridge, where G. Noyes now lives. In 1790 Major Hitchcock, Capt. Jesse Levenworth and Asa Douglas, Esq., presented the town 8 acres of land for public use. 3 years after, 4 acres were cleared for a common, and a school-house built on it, and two years later the seat of government removed from the Plain to this place. The principal property to move appears to have been the stocks and whipping-post, which were set up at the Corner, where the road by Henry Hill's intersects with the Centre road. They were never used. The only person ever whipped for crime in town was Ben. Parker, for breaking into a store that stood where True A. Town's house stands. The crime, trial and punishment were not far separated. He broke into the store Tuesday night, was tried Wednesday, and whipped Thursday, opposite the store he broke into. The whip was of cord, and the officer said he did not whip very hard, only wanted to show him what he might expect if he persisted in his thieving course.

After 1796, town-meetings and all public gatherings were at the Centre. The Fourth of July, 1820, was a memorable day. Two companies of infantry, one of artillery and one of cavalry assisted in the celebration. Capt. Crossman, of Peacham, was the president of the day. There was an oration, and bountiful repast furnished.

There was a store opened by Luther Wheatley, who after a short time was succeeded by Hector McLean, and the second pound was built at this place, which was liberally patronized in the olden time. It was once broken open and the cattle taken out, which disturbed the peace and dignity of the town. It was expected this would be a village of considerable size, and prosperous farmers, as once before at the Plain, invested in village lots, and here, as at the Plain before them, their hopes were disappointed, and already this place where public business was so long done is now desolate. The winds sing their dirge around where the store, the school-house and the sacred edifice once stood, and not far from this spot those who were once active in the business of the town are quietly resting in the bosom of their mother earth.

EAST HILL,

often called Whittier Hill, from its first settler, Lieut. JOHN WHITTIER, who came here in 1780, and commenced clearing up the farm now owned and occupied by Frederick Corliss. He built his first cabin a little north of the present house, near the brook, and brought his wife and one child to the Plain, March, 1790, with an ox team, and from there drew his effects on a hand-sled, his wife walking on the crust beside him, carrying her spinning-wheel. After they got to keeping some cows and sheep, one evening a large bear came into the yard where they were milking, and took a sheep. They gave chase, and the bear dropped the sheep, but he made his escape, and the sheep was killed.

Lieut. Whittier raised a large family. Several of the boys settled on farms made from the old farm. Mrs. Whittier was a descendant from Mrs. Dustin who scalped the Indians.

WILLIAM OSGOOD,

from Claremont, N. H., the second settler here, bought one square mile west of the Centre road, opposite Lieut. Whittier, on which he settled his six sons. Four of them came in March, 1791. First, they dug out sap-troughs and sugared, and then slashed 15 acres by the 1st of June, and returned to Claremont. They boarded at Lieut. Whittier's. In the fall Mr. Osgood came with his six sons. They cleared the slash, and built a log house, 40 ft. in length, where Solomon W. Osgood now

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lives. It is said this family were all strong, broad-shouldered men, able for the task before them.

DAVID HAINES

commenced on the farm south of George Gould's, so long occupied by his son Wm. Haines, in 1797. When he came to town he was not possessed of a great amount of cash, it may be inferred by the fact he was the owner of two pair of pants and two shirts, and he swapped one shirt and one pair of pants for a hoe and axe to begin work with.

These places are now all excellent farms and in good hands.

LOWER CABOT.

Settlement was commenced in 1799, by REUBEN ATKINS, on the farm now of W. S. Atkins, his grand-son. He cleared a spot, and built his log-house on the site of the present house. The first spring he made sugar in the door-yard. In 1800, he built a framed barn, now standing, in good condition. The farm has always been in the family, owned by one of the sons.

MOSES STONE,

from New Hampshire, in 1797, about half a mile west from Wm. Atkins, cleared the ground and built a saw-mill where the Haines Factory now stands, his family meantime living in a shed of Lieut. Whittier's, on Whittier hill. After he got his mill running, he built his house. It had a large stone chimney. His wife said all the way she could see any sky was to look up through that.

Fish in the river, wild game in the thick surrounding woods, were abundant. Stone was a strong man, not easily frightened. One evening in the fall he had been up to neighbor Atkins'. Returning, he, as he thought, met a man who had on a white hat and blue frock, to whom he said "good evening." The man made no answer. He repeated it, but no reply. Stone said, ''I'll know who you are," and grabbed around him, when to his surprise he found he was out of the path, and it was a large stump he was hugging.

In 1801, CLEMENT COBURN built a grist mill where True A. Town's works stand. In 1803, he sold a privilege to Joseph Coburn, on the opposite side of the river, to put in a fulling-mill. Cloth being then spun and wove at home, this was needed. He carried on the business some years. Thomas Coldwill became next owner, who soon sold to Wm. Ensign, John R. Putnam and Horace Haines, who moved the shop to where the factory stands, and added carding works. In 1835, Alden Webster bought the works, adding machinery, a spinning-jenny, hand-looms, regarded a wonderful improvement. He commenced the manufacture of full cloth. In 1849, he sold to Horace Haines, who continued the business with his son, E. G. Haines, building a new factory in 1849, with water-power looms and modern machinery. Horace Haines and two sons in the business have died. It is now owned by Ira F. Haines. Quite an extensive business has been done sometimes here.

Carriage-making has been at different times carried on to some extent.

On the river opposite the factory, in 1827, Wm. Fisher put in a tannery, which he run till 1838, when he removed to Albion, N. Y., where he died in 1851. Tanning was afterwards carried on here by Q. Cook, G. W. Cree and others.

At present the most extensive business done in this village is by True A. Town, in the lumber business, in his saw-mill, and the manufacturing of the lumber into chair-stuff, boot-crimps, coffins, caskets, etc.

The first store in the place was started by a Mr. Oaks, on the spot where Town's house stands. The mercantile business has been carried on here for 60 years, by John Edgerton, Ketchum and others.

HECTOR MCLEAN

opened a store here in 1825. There were in the village at this time but 9 houses between the Perkins bridge and Marshfield village. Mr. McLean helped very much toward building up the place. He put in another dwelling-house (for his family), started a potash, blacksmith shop, and other industries, and in 1836, opened a hotel, where Nathaniel Perry lives, kept by different persons for some years.

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In 1870, a post-office was established here, Cornelius Smith postmaster. There are at present, (July, 1881) in the village 30 dwelling-houses, 1 meeting-house, 1 store, 1 blacksmith shop, a woolen factory, a wheelwright shop.

Situated in the valley of the Winooski, although at an early day it is said that one of the early settlers said be would not take the Coburn Meadow as a gift, it has some of the finest farms in the county.

SOUTH CABOT.

The first beginning here was made by Parker Hooker, in 1810. He built a saw mill on the site of the present mill. He lived in Peacham, a distance of 4 miles through the woods, with no road or guide but marked trees. The first business at his mill was to saw the boards to cover a barn for himself at his home in Peacham. He snaked his boards with oxen through the woods, a stock at a time. He soon cleared two acres, near the present residence of Mrs. Alvisa E. Hooker, and built a log-house. This mill was rebuilt by Liberty Hooker, in 1839.

In a few years the house now occupied by Lewis Paquin, was built by Enoch Blake. This place now contains 13 dwelling-houses, one store, a post-office, saw-mill, grist-mill, blacksmith shop and schoolhouse; also a large shop for the manufactory of wagons, etc. There was formerly a large shop in which wood and iron work was done, which was burned in 1876. This place was formerly known as Hookerville.

EAST CABOT.

JOHN HEATH, son of Lieut. Jonathan Heath, the second settler of the town, in 1817 commenced in this locality, on the place now owned by Charles Howe. He cleared a few acres. His team to draw his logs together, to go to mill and to meeting was one stag. He made salts of lye and took them to Danville and Peacham for necessaries for his family. Very soon after William Morse, Leonard Orcutt, Sterling Heath, and several others commenced clearing and making farms. John Clark opened a tavern opposite the Molly pond, which in after years was known as the Pond House, and George Rogers, Esq., made a fine farm near the school-house, now occupied by S. R. Moulton.

The road from Danville four-corners to Cabot was built in 1829. Esquire Orcutt was the moving spirit in the enterprise. It was first used as a winter road, and Lyman Clark drove the first stage through from Danville to Cabot. Previous to this, the stage and all the travel went over the Plain. For 45 years this was the leading thoroughfare from Danville to Montpelier, over which a great amount of heavy teaming was done.

While Esq. Orcutt was getting this road through, a petition was presented to the selectmen to lay out the Molly Brook road. Esq. Orcutt's head was too long for the petitioners; he accomplished his favorite scheme.

The Molly Brook road occupies quite a prominent place in the road history of the town. Leading from East Cabot to Marshfield, on the extreme east part of the town, it was opposed by the Centre and west part. The first petition for it in 1830, was refused, the reason set up for the laying of the road was to avoid the hill 1½ mile long on leaving Cabot village; the road proposed being in two counties. The next step was to petition the Supreme Court for a committee. John W. Dana was elected an agent to attend court, and defend on the part of the town. In 1845, a petition was presented to the Legislature for a charter for a turnpike, and it went on in this way, petitions first to the selectmen, then to the court, each one being opposed by the town, for 45 years. When one set of men died out another took their places; in 1865, the road was finally completed, and is now one of the leading thoroughfares through town.

SOUTH-WEST HILL,

with commanding view of the Winooski valley, and excellent soil, is one of the most desirable farming sections in town. The settlement was commenced here by James Butler, 1799, on the farm where John M. Stone now lives. Mr. Butler while doing his chopping boarded at Reuben Atkins'. Among the first settlers on

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this hill were Nathaniel Gibbs, Asa Coburn, Ezra Bliss. One right, 320 acres of this hill, is lease land.

WEST HILL.

A beautiful table-land in the west part of the town, surrounded by valleys on the east, south and west, has a charming view of the country beneath. Enoch Hoyt, known as Deacon Enoch in later years, being a member of the Baptist church, bought of Edmund Gilman 320 acres. the farm now owned by Orson Kimball. He commenced clearing in the field back of the school-house in 1797, and built his cabin a little north of where Eastman Hopkins lives. He came from Epsom, N. H., to the Junction (Cabot Plain), with his effects, and from there got them over on his back, probably. Four of his brothers, Ezra, Asaph, Benjamin and Samuel came very soon and settled near him. They were all steady men, and made this one of the best farming sections in town, and some of them after their pioneer life here, went to Wisconsin and started anew.

PETERSVILLE.

The first clearing was begun here by Reuben Atkins, in 1825, on the farm where his son Henry Atkins now lives. There being a school-district formed here in 1858, Peter Lyford, one of the selectmen, went over to organize the district, since which the locality has been called Petersville. It has 4 dwelling-houses, school-house and a saw-mill. It lies on the Molly brook road, 2 miles from Marshfield village.

MARKET ROAD,

a half mile east of Hazen road, was built to avoid the hard hills. Many of the towns in Northern Vermont took their produce to market on this road, from which its name. The first clearing on this road was begun on the farm now owned by Charles Oderkirk, by Samuel Levett, in 1821.

To the north Jesse Mason soon after began and cleared up the farm now occupied by his son, N. J. Mason. Mr. Mason says he has often seen as many as 60 loaded teams pass his house in a day, but now in place of the rattle of the heavy wagons is heard the puffing of the iron horse.

FREIGHTING.

Robert Lance, from Chester, N. H., who came here about 1810, and lived where Hial Morse now does, did the first teaming to Boston. His team was two yoke of oxen; freight, salts, whisky, pork, and it took from 4 to 6 weeks to make the round trip. He usually made two trips a year. A little later, Joseph Burbank began to go with a span of horses, and two loads a year would usually supply the merchants with goods. Benjamin Sperry used to team. It is said he was known from here to Boston by the name of Uncle Ben by everybody. Hugh Wilson did quite a business at teaming. In the winter quite a number of men would go to Portland, Me., with their red, double sleighs and two horses, loaded with pork. In 1838, Allen Perry began to run a 6-horse team to Boston, regular trips, the round trip taking 3 weeks. The freight tariff was $20 per ton; his expenses, about $50 a trip. When he came in with his big, covered wagon it was quite an event for the place. He run his team till 1846, when the railroad got so near he sold his team and went to farming. The P. & O. railroad is 5 miles to the north of us, and the Montpelier & Wells River the same distance to the south.

FIRST THINGS.

The first marriage in town was David Lyford to Judith Heath, July 23, 1795, by James Morse, Esq; the 2d was Solomon W. Osgood to Ruth Marsh, Jan. 3, 1800, by Joseph Fisher, Esq. The first child born in town was a daughter, to Thomas Blanchard, Oct. 3, 1787. The 2d was a daughter to James Blanchard, born Apr. 1, 1788; died Apr. 14, aged 14 days; the second death in town. The first death was that of Nathaniel West, killed while chopping in the woods for Benjamin Webster, in the winter of 1786. He was crushed by the falling of a large birch tree. He was carried to the house, but lived but a few minutes. He was buried in what is now the pasture of G. W. Webster. The

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place is pointed out by a large maple tree. I am told there were six or seven buried here, but the graves are not discernible. The town continued to bury in different places. There were several graves in the pasture of Lenie J. Walbridge.

GRAVE-YARDS.

In 1800, the town purchased an acre of land at the Centre for a burying-ground and inclosed it. This was the first graveyard in town. William Osgood, who died Feb. 5, 1801, was the first person buried in it. There are 92 graves discernible here. A large number of them have headstones that were dug out of the ledge near by and lettered, but they are hardly legible now. No burials have been made for 35 years. The last was that of Lieut. Fifield Lyford in 1846. To the credit of the town it has been kept inclosed by them, and tolerably clean, as also all of the other numerous small interment enclosures in town, where it is not done by individuals.

The next grave-yard was at the Lower Ville. In 1813, Elihu Coburn and Col. John Stone donated the original ground, ½ acre, each. Joseph Coburn was the first one buried in it. From time to time it has been enlarged. It has now about 329 inhabitants. It is a beautiful location, about 40 rods from the Winooski, whose musical waters as they pass seemingly a little more quiet by here, you may imagine chanting the requiem of the dead.

In 1814, a burying lot was opened on the farm now owned by Orson Kimball, just above the residence of E. T. Hopkins. 19 graves are discernible.

The West Hill burying-ground, a gift from David Lyford and John Edgerton, was laid out in 1817. When they were staking it out it was in the time of what is called by the old people the great sickness. Mr. Edgerton repeated the lines:

"Ye living men come view the ground

Where you must shortly lie."

He was the first person buried there. The graves here number 84.

East Cabot grave-yard is a very pretty plot for the purpose, donated by George Rogers, Esq., for that part of the town. 38 persons occupy this place.

Cabot Plain grave-yard, the ground for which was donated by Alpheus Bartlett, in 1825. The first one buried in it was AIvira Covell. The interments in this yard are 39.

At South Cabot the grave-yard was donated by Moses Clark, in 1834, with the express understanding it was to be kept well fenced. Thirty-five have been interred here; the first a child of Moses Clark. It is now entirely abandoned.

Cabot Village grave-yard, ½ acre of land, donated by John W. Dana, was laid out in 1820. The first one buried in it, Eliza Dutton, died May 20, 1820, age 22. It has been enlarged to one acre, and contains about 217 graves. T. H. Lance opened a

NEW CEMETERY

adjoining this in 1865, which is private property, those interring herein buying family lots. The first grave here is that of Joseph Lance, Oct. 12, 1865. There are 86 persons at this date buried here, July 5, 1881, and there are some very handsome monuments of marble and granite. The town have built a tomb in the yard for public use. In 1854, the town purchased for $l00 its first hearse.

SCHOOLS

were established as soon as there was a sufficient number of scholars in any locality. The first log school-house stood at the foot of Shephard Hill, just north of where the road near Harvey Smith's intersects with the Hazen road. Wooden pins were driven into the logs, and boards laid on them, for writing-desks; benches were used for seats. The scholars had to turn their face to the wall to write. The first school was taught by John Gunn, in the summer of 1792.

At the first town meeting, 1798, a vote was passed raising 20 bushels of wheat for the support of a town school, under the direction of the selectmen. At a town meeting, Mar. 9, 1789, this vote was rescinded, as no school had been kept on account of the great scarcity of wheat, but at the same meeting, 30 bushels of wheat was voted for a summer and winter school of 3 months each. The object had never

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been lost sight of. Every town meeting voted for schools, and the matter was deferred simply from the hardship of the times. A town meeting was called expressly in Oct. 1789, to consider the subject of building a school-house, and a tax of $40 for the same voted, $35 to be paid in wheat and $5 in cash, nails or glass. 3s. was to be paid per day for a man's labor and 3 for his cattle, he finding himself and cattle in building said house.

After a few years, a school-house was commenced by district No. 1, nearly opposite the burying-ground; but being a bleak spot, was removed before finished, down into the corner of the field near the Junction. It was used both for a school and a town-house for a number of years. The school now numbered as high as 50 scholars. Unruly ones were regulated by the big ferule, and if this was not sufficient, by the birch toughened in the hot embers, applied freely. Sweetmeats and delicacies for the children's dinners were scarce. They carried barley cakes, and roasted their potatoes in the ashes of the huge stone fireplace.

District No. 2 was a large territory. The first school-house was built of logs, near where the old pound now stands. It is said the winter schools numbered as high as 90 scholars. After a few years this house was burned, after which a better one was built. This district has built the most school-houses of any in town. It now has a large and nice one, but few scholars.

In 1800, by request of Moses Stone, it was voted to form No. 3. The Lower Cabot district and other new districts were formed as needed. In 1801, they were numbered according to their formation. June 10, 1801, the scholars in town from 4 years to 18 were 89, and in 1803, 149. There are now 14 districts. All support school 20 weeks each year, and most of them 31 weeks. We have no academy, but our people have always manifested an interest in education, not only in the district schools, the safeguards of our civilization, but by liberal patronage of the academies in the adjoining towns.

THE FACE OF THE TOWNSHIP

is generally broken and uneven, the soil adapted to all the grains, roots and grasses of this latitude. The leading interest for the first 50 years was raising grain and cattle; at present it is dairy and sheep husbandry.

JOE'S POND is the largest body of water. It is about one-half in this town. It received its name from Capt. Joe, a Nova Scotia Indian. He was in the revolutionary war, and used to traverse this section at an early day, and once had a camp on this shore. A smaller body of water in the east part of the town, about a mile in length and one-third in width, was named MOLLY'S POND for the Indian's wife, who travelled with him. [For the further interesting history of Capt. Joe and family, see Newbury. vol. II. of this work.]

COIT'S POND, in the N. W. part of the town, was named when the town was surveyed, for one of the surveyors It is a small sheet of water. The least disturbance in its waters roils it. It often goes by the name of Mud Pond. It is a considerable tributary of the Winooski.

WEST HILL POND.—Previous to 1820, the bed of this pond was "the great meadow," of good service to the early settlers in furnishing grass and hay. They would cut their hay here in the summer and stack it, and draw it in on their hand-sleds in the winter to their log barns, a distance of 3 or 4 miles. Avery Atkins in 1820, built a dam across the lower end of the meadow and flowed it. From that time it has been the West Hill Pond. The water comes from two streams in Woodbury. It covers 60 acres, and makes a very fine water-power. It was used for years for a saw and grist-mill. West Hill brook, which empties into the Winooski, takes its rise in the N. E. part of the town. It is fed by several small brooks; taking a southerly course, enters-Marshfield. Upon this are several water privileges, some of which are very good, and are turned to good account.

MOLLY'S BROOK, its source Molly's pond, takes a southerly course, and enters the Winooski at Marshfield. On this stream

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are also good water privileges, that are used.

OUR MINERAL SPRINGS we do not propose to discuss largely on, as we have but little (and we might as well say, none at all) knowledge of their analysis or the wonderful healing properties they contain. There is one spring a half mile west of the village, that is said to contain some excellent medicinal properties, and years ago was quite celebrated, and we have no doubt if plenty of money had been put into the Winooski, it might have been a success. At Lower Cabot there are two mineral springs, of which we have heard of their effecting some celebrated cures. They are strongly impregnated with sulphur, and we should judge would be first rate for the itch—that kind which no district school was fairly equipped without in the olden time.

The years of 1780 and '81 were of great severity, on account of deep snows. 1816 is spoken of by those now living as being the year of famine, snow falling in June 4 or 5 inches deep, blowing and drifting like winter; scarcely any corn or other grain raised in town. One of the oldest inhabitants has told me that "a barley cake was a barley cake that year." The next year they were obliged to go to Barre and Newbury to procure seeds for planting.

We copy from an article in regard to first settlers' hardships in the "Cabot Advertiser, July 1, 1868:

There was no grist-mill, and all the grain had to be carried to West Danville to mill. There was no road but spotted trees, and but one horse in town to do the milling with, and she was blind. She was owned by James Morse, Esq. When any one hired her to go to mill with, they had to carry a grist for Mr. Morse to pay for the use of the horse. They would put the grain on the back of the horse, leading her. All would go well until they came to a log in the road, when the horse would stumble over it, and throw the grist to the ground. With patience the grist would be reloaded and started on the trip, only to have the accident repeated from time to time during the journey. The grist ground, they would start for home, and meet with the same luck as when going, and arrive at their happy homes late at night.

The first wagon in town was owned by James Morse, and was a dowry to his wife from some of her friends who died down country. The body is said to have been about 6 feet long, bolted tight to the axle, and was thought to be a gay vehicle.

The first stove in town was owned by Dea. Jas. Marsh. It was a long, high stove, and took wood 3 feet long; cost, $80. This caused a great deal of talk and discussion in the community in regard to the utility of its use, health of the family, etc.

The first clock in town was owned by John W. Dana. It was a tall-cased brass clock.

The first carpet in town was had by Mrs. John W. Dana, and came to her in the division of her mother's things. A great many of the people had never seen a carpet when this came to town. But all these hardships were borne bravely, with the hope of better days.

OLD TIME DISTILLERIES.

Hanson Rogers, Esq., a stirring, energetic citizen, 1809, erected the first distillery in town, on Cabot Plain. As this was on nearly the highest land in town, where no running water could be obtained, he built quite a distance from the road, by a brook in the pasture now owned by Mr. W. S. Atkins, paying partly in blacksmithing—his trade, and the remainder in whisky. The distillery was ready for the crop of 1810. So many potatoes were now planted, one distillery was insufficient for the increasing business. A desire to make money appeared to pervade the people of those days even as it does the people of these days. Judge Dana, the merchant, built another distillery nearly opposite the buildings owned by Wm. Adams. There now were two distilleries within a half mile of each other, that could use up all the potatoes raised in the immediate vicinity. But other portions of the town, seeing the ready sale and good price for potatoes, began to raise them more largely, which rendered the building of other distilleries necessary. In 1816, one was built on the farm now owned by W. S. Atkins. Up to this time the product of these distilleries, that had not been consumed at home, had mainly been conveyed by teams to Boston and Portland. Now a new avenue was opened. The cloud of war began to settle

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down over our country, and soon we were involved in a conflict with Great Britain, and Cabot distillers, only about 40 miles from the Canada line, lost no time in finding a market in that country for the product of their stills. The good, orthodox citizens of this place seemed quite intent on obeying the divine injunction, ''If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink." This command, so explicit in its terms, the towns situated near the border seemed bound to carry out; a large number of cattle were driven over, and no small quantity of whisky found ready sale among the British soldiery. It proved a lucrative business to those engaged in it. It was smuggling, and was rather risky business, but the "commandment" was plain and imperative, and must be followed. And about this time distilleries went into operation rapidly. One was put up by Deacon Stone, where I. F. Haines' woolen factory is now; one by Capt. Sumner, on the farm now occupied by R. B. Bruce; one on the farm of Chauncey Paine; one on the old Cutting farm; one on Dea. J. L. Adams' farm, where Union Block stands, and one where Hial Morse now lives; so that 12 distilleries were in full blast at one time in Cabot. These made whisky very plenty, and it was used in all the different callings of life. Some even thought it was cheaper than corn for common living. It is said one poor man in Plainfield used to say that he would buy a half bushel of corn-meal, and carry it home, and his wife would make it all up into hasty pudding, and the children would eat it all up and go to bed crying with hunger. But let him buy a gallon of whisky, and they would all go to sleep like kittens by the fire; he thought whisky the cheapest diet.

No occasion was ever perfect without it. If a neighbor came for a friendly visit; if the pastor came to make a call, or to join a couple in the holy bonds of matrimony, or perform the last sad rites of burying the dead, and especially when a child was born into the world, the whisky and flip went around merrily; and when the ladies had a quilting, every time they rolled the quilt all must take a little toddy, and when they had rolled it about four times, they were ready to drop work, tell stories and have a jolly time. A story is told of one of these good old ladies who at the conclusion of a quilting put on her bonnet, one of those large, old-fashioned poke bonnets, then in vogue, and got it on wrong side before, covering her face entirely, and was in great trouble to find the strings. The good old lady got out of the dilemma by the assistance of her friends, but never could tell exactly what the trouble was.

All the public gatherings were held at the Plain, and the occasion which usually attracted the largest crowd was that of June training. At this time the military officers were elected for the following year. At one of these elections John Dow, who subsequently became a prominent minister of the Methodist denomination, was elected captain. After the election, Capt. Dow, as in duty bound, ordered the treat, and all drank to repletion, after which the company was formed for drill and inspection, and the various evolutions gone through with. During the practice, one of the brothers of the newly-elected captain, who had imbibed somewhat freely, was unable to keep time with the music, and finally fell flat on the ground. His comrades helped him to his feet, and began to upbraid him for his unseemly conduct; with maudlin wit he answered, "It is all right; the Dows to-day are rising and falling."

About 1815, the newly-set orchards commenced bearing; great quantities of apples were brought into market, and cider-mills were built in different parts of the town, and some of the inhabitants began to have cider in addition to whisky for a beverage. The first cider-mill was built by Robert Lance, nearly opposite the residence of Albert Osgood, in 1819.

Cider and whisky were the staple commodities of the time, the former selling for $3 per barrel, and the latter from 67 to 75 cents per gallon. So common was their use, they were regarded very much as "United States" currency in these days.

No farmer thought of beginning a winter with less than 12 or 15 barrels of cider and

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one or two barrels of whisky in the cellar. It was no uncommon thing for a young man to hire out for the season for 300 gallons of whisky, and this he would dispose of for stock, store-pay, or anything he could get.

About 1823, the farmers began to think raising so many potatoes was running out their farms, and, after all, not so profitable as some other crops, and less were planted, and the number of distilleries decreased, until in 1832, there were none running in town, and New England rum was used by those who thought they must have something stimulating, and sold freely at all the stores and hotels in town.

About 1825, the temperance question began to be agitated; people commenced to think they could get along without quite so much stimulant, and from that time to the present, there has been a marked diminution in the quantity absorbed in town.

The writer has in this matter endeavored to state facts simply and fully, but does not mean to be understood as saying that in the manufacture and sale of liquors, Cabot was a sinner above the other towns in that vicinity, for it is probably a fact that for its number of inhabitants, it had fewer distilleries than any other town in this section.

POST-OFFICE.

There was no public mail service in Cabot till 1808. The only newspaper taken by the pioneer settlers was the North Star, then as now published at Danville, and this was procured by each subscriber taking his turn in sending his boy, or going himself on horseback to the printing office, and bringing the papers for his neighborhood in saddle-bags. What he could not distribute on his way home were left at the grist-mill, then owned and run by Thomas Lyford, on the same site where the mill now stands, and by him were distributed as the subscribers came, or sent to the mill for them. None of the subscribers of that day are now living, but their children tell me that the receipt of the paper was deemed a matter of so much importance that all the family gave attention while some one of their number, by the light of the tallow candle or the fainter flicker of the fireplace, read aloud not only the news but the entire contents of the paper.

Letters were brought by travelers passing through the town. In this way the early settlers received their mails for the first 23 years.

The first regular mail service through Cabot was begun in 1808, and Henry Denny was the first carrier, his horseback route extending from Montpelier to the Canada line, passing through Cabot, Danville, Lyndon, Barton, etc., and his return was made by way of Craftsbury and Hardwick. The round trip occupied about 10 days. About the year 1810, he commenced to bring the Vermont Watchman, published then as now in Montpelier, and when he came to the house of a subscriber he would blow his tin horn lustily, and impatiently await the coming of some member of the family to receive the same.

Mr. Nickerson Warner was the first postmaster at Cabot. He then lived on the farm now owned by H. W. Powers, on the road now leading to Walden. The post road, however, left the present road near the old school-house, at the lower village, running by the present residence of W. S. Atkins, thence by the centre of the town near the old pound, and by the farm now owned by A. F. Sulham, and so on by Dexter Reed's, coming out at A. G. Dickenson's, at the Plain, and then to Danville Four Corners. Mr. Warner living so far from the post road, engaged Lene Orcutt, who lived on the farm now owned by A. F. Sulham, to keep the office.

At this time meetings were held at the Center on the Sabbath, and what mail was not distributed during the week he brought to church, feeling sure to see there all inhabitants of the town. The office remained at this place for 6 years, until 1814, when Jeremiah Babcock was appointed postmaster. He then lived on the farm now occupied by Harvey Dow, and this being but a short distance from the post road, he removed the office to his house.

Mr. Cate of Marshfield, now became mail carrier, still taking it on horseback the same as his predecessor, Mr. Denny.

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In 1820, Mr. Babcock resigned, and his son Harvey was appointed in his place. By this time a store had been started at what is now known as Lower Cabot, and Mr. Babcock put the office in there. Captain Covel, Senior, was the next to carry the mail, which service he performed some 8 or 10 years, during which time Mr. Babcock resigned and left town. In 1827, Hector McLean was appointed postmaster, prior to which time, however, Captain Covel had died, and Deacon Adams became mail-carrier.

At this time the country had become more thickly settled, and the road so passable that Deacon A. concluded to try the experiment of a stage, and he was the first to put on a team for the accommodation of passengers. His rig consisted of two horses and a wagon with body firmly bolted to the axle, so that passengers in riding over the rough roads and poor bridges got the full spring of the axle.

Deacon Adams dying, Deacon Kellogg became his successor. Of him it was related that he was a great smoker, having straw in the bottom of his wagon, it took fire from his pipe and came near burning up his whole establishment. So say the old inhabitants.

By this time quite a settlement had grown up at what is now known as the village of Cabot. About the year 1834, George Dana was appointed postmaster, and he removed the office to that village, where it has since been kept, with the exception of one year. This year was when Jacob Collamer of this state was postmaster-general, and Salma Tressell of the Lower village was postmaster. This removal to the Lower village, as a matter of course, created no little feeling, which resulted in a long and bitter struggle between the two villages which resulted at last in the appointment of Dr. Doe as postmaster, when the office was again returned to its former quarters in the store of Elijah Perry at the village of Cabot. It has since remained in that village, changing hands from time to time as the postmasters have died or moved away, or the administration changed.

After Deacon Kellogg, different carriers transported the mails for short terms until about 1830, when Cottrill and Clark became owners of the route, and put on good horses and good coaches from Montpelier to Danville, there connecting with stages from Canada to Boston, also to Littleton and the White Mountains, going from Montpelier to Danville one day and returning the next. This was continued until 1860, when a daily mail was obtained from Montpelier to Cabot, the route from Cabot to Danville still being tri-weekly until 1862, when the daily service was continued through to Danville. After this the contractors were so numerous and changed so often that it is impossible to enumerate them.

The mails were run in this way until the spring of 1872, when on the starting of the Portland & Ogdensburgh railroad the route over the hill to Danville was discontinued, and a route to Walden depot was established. Then we began to receive the Boston mail at 7 o'clock, P. M., and this made it seem as if we were brought into the heart of the business world.

On the 12th of March, 1874, the service of teams from Montpelier to Marshfield was discontinued and the mails were transferred to the cars of the Montpelier & Wells River railroad, so that we now receive our daily mails both by the Portland & Ogdensburgh and the Montpelier & Wells River railroad at 7 o'clock in the evening.

In thus briefly reviewing the mail service of the past we cannot but be impressed
with the progress made in these matters during the past 56 years. No more waiting until late at night for the arrival and opening of the mail, which, perhaps, contains tidings of great moment. No more shoveling through deep drifts of snow to render passable the road over Danville hill. In place of these we hear the shrill whistle from the engines of two railroads, and our mail is brought with celerity, certainty and security almost to our very door.

In 1866, Alonzo F. Sprague was appointed postmaster, since which he has discharged the duties of the office to the satisfaction of all. We think, if the admin‑

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istration should change, they could hardly make up their mind to remove him.

TELEGRAPH SERVICE.

In 1871, the Vermont International Telegraph Company made a proposition to the town if they would give them $200 and set the poles, they would run their wires from the P. & O. R. R. line to the village of Cabot. In a few weeks the click of the telegraph was heard in Sprague & Wells' store Charles B. Putnam was appointed manager of the office, he employing an operator. He held the position but one year, when he left town, and Hiram Wells was appointed, who has been the operator for 8 years.

THE CHURCHES IN CABOT.

Dea. EDWARD CHAPMAN, the third settler, was a Baptist, and held meetings nearly every Sabbath in town, and was occasionally called to Danville and Peacham to preach. Cabot, also, was visited occasionally, by Dr. Crossman, Baptist missionary from Unity, N. H., and by Rev. Mr. Ainsworth.

In March, 1797, an article was in the warning for March meeting "to see if the town would provide means to secure preaching some part of the ensuing year." It was passed over at that meeting, but at a town meeting June 17, 1799, there was an article in the warning to see if it was the wish of the town to settle Rev. Dr. Crossman as their minister. It was "voted that he be settled, provided he will accept such terms as a majority of the town shall." "Voted a committee of 7 be appointed to wait on the Rev. Doctor and examine his credentials;" committee: Joseph Blanchard, John Whittier, Esq., Henry Beardsley, Capt. David Blanchard, Lyman Hitchcock, Thomas Osgood, Joseph Huntoon, the committee to report the same afternoon. This committee reported they found his credentials satisfactory; and that as a majority of the town were of different persuasion from the Rev. Dr. Crossman, Baptist, that this should make no difference in regard to their church privileges, but every person holding a certificate from a regular organized church, whether they believed in sprinkling or plunging, should be admitted to all the rights of church membership, and that every person of sober life and good deportment, who wished should be admitted a member of the church.

They also reported that ''six of the committee were for giving one half of the public right and for buildings on the same." In every town there was one right set apart to be given to the first settled minister; after a prolonged discussion it was voted not to accept the report of the committee.

It appears a report had got into circulation that Dr. Crossman was under censure in the church in Croydon, N. H., of which he was a member q and for this reason it was voted not to accept the report of the committee; but another town meeting was called for Feb. 18, 1800, to give Rev. Mi. Crossman an opportunity to vindicate himself; which by papers and letters he did to the full satisfaction of all present, and by his request the town voted to give him declaration on account of his not being under censure as was reported in this town, that his character should not suffer any more in this place. With this ended all efforts to settle Dr. Crossman.

Several town meetings were called to take into consideration the subject of hiring a minister, but no minister was ever hired by the town.

Aug. 15, 1801, a town meeting was called to complete the organization of a religious society. The organization was completed and a vote passed that this society be known by the name and firm of

CONGREGATIONALISTS IN TILE TOWN OF CABOT.

Officers elected: Thomas Osgood, clerk; Oliver Walbridge, treasurer; Joseph Fisher, Horace Beardsley, Thomas Osgood, assessors; Clement, Coburn, John Edgerton, Reuben Atkins, committee; Moses Stone, collector.

The first vote of the society was to instruct Dr. Beardsley to engage the services of Rev. Mr. Joslin a certain period of time, not exceeding 4 mouths.

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A BAPTIST NOTIFICATION

was read for the inhabitants of the town of Cabot of the Baptist persuasion, to meet at the Centre school house, May 12, 1803. At this meeting the following officers were elected: Perley Scott, clerk; Fifield Lyford, treasurer; John N. Gunn, John Whittier, John Spitler, assessors; Enoch Hoyt, collector; Samuel Kingston, John Blanchard, Thomas Lyford, committee.

From this date there were two religious societies in town, and men began to take sides, and there are a large number of certificates upon the records, showing that the signers do not agree with the other society. One man evidently meant to make a sure thing of it, and recorded his certificate as not agreeing with either society.

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

was organized at the old Center schoolhouse, Oct. 25, 1801, the Rev. Mr. Ransom, of Rochester, and the Rev. Mr. Hallock, missionary from Connecticut, being present.

ORIGINAL MEMBERS:—Clement Coburn, Gershom Beardsley, Stephen Clark, Oliver Walbridge, Elias Hitchcock, Lene Orcutt, Hepzebah Osgood, Ruth Beardsley, Miriam Clark, Elizabeth Walbridge, Peggy Hitchcock, Anna Church, Lucy Osgood.

Clement Coburn, who had been deacon of the Congregational church in Charleston, Mass., was first deacon and moderator; Evans Beardsley the first clerk elected. For the first 22 years they had no settled minister. They furnished themselves when they could by hiring, which was seldom, and missionaries were sometimes sent to them from Massachusetts and Connecticut. But when they had no minister, one of the deacons, or some one of the society, read to them a sermon on the Sabbath. They always maintained worship on the Sabbath, every brother considering himself pledged to assist as called upon. For the first 6 years meetings were held in the Centre school-house, or at a dwelling-house near the Centre; often in Esquire Mercer's barn and the barn of Oliver Walbridge. In 1804-5, the question of building a meeting-house was agitated. It was raised Sept. 25, 1806, but the frame stood in an unfinished state until about 1810. The pew-ground was sold Dec. 12, 1809, payment to be made in three yearly payments, ¼ cash; the remainder in neat stock or materials for the house. Committee for building the house, Moses Stone, Joseph Smith, Henry Walbridge, Eliphalet Adams and Luther Wheatley.

The old meeting-house was large on the ground: two rows of windows all around, high belfry; within, gallery on three sides; 16 pews in the gallery; 42 pews below; would seat about 300. The struggle to finish it was hard. All parts of the town assembled to worship in it 18 summers before it was plastered. In the winter meetings were held in dwelling-houses and school-houses. In 1817, there was an especial revival and in-gathering of 41 members, although without any settled minister.

REV. MOSES INGALLS,

the first pastor and first settled minister, was ordained and installed over the church, Oct. 27, 1823. He was engaged to preach one-half of the time at salary of $200, ¼ of it payable in cash. ¾ in produce or neat stock, to be delivered in the month of October. He was dismissed Apr. 20, 1825. The next two years the church was served by supplies, Reverends Wright, of Montpelier, Worcester, of Peacham, French, of Barre, and Hobart, of Berlin. During this time, 1826, one of the most powerful revivals took place that the town ever witnessed, of which Rev. Levi H. Stone, then a young man then and afterwards pastor of the church, writes:

The church was without a pastor, but were aided now and then a Sabbath by neighboring ministers. Late in autumn they obtained the services of the Rev. Asa Lowe, small in stature, weak in voice, an old bachelor, with many whims, which might be expected to lessen the moral force of his labors, and the church and society were in serious trouble; most positively divided over the question of finishing their church edifice where it then stood, on the geographical center of the town, or to remove it to the "Upper Branch."

This question was seemingly disposed of, by a vote to finish where it then stood,

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and Ebenezer Smith, Esq., was appointed to raise funds and complete the work. Living some 3 miles east from the Center, on the Peacham road, it was natural he should oppose the removal of the house. He entered upon his duties with zeal, and rode and walked night and day, and had nearly raised the required amount, and partially, if not quite, completed the contract with Asa Edgerton, meeting-house builder, to do the work, when an opposition movement was started, and prevailed, and the house was removed to the village. This transaction was by a large number of the church and society pronounced unmanly and unchristian, and resulted in very positive alienation. Some went to the Methodist, some to the Freewill Baptist, then worshipping on the West Hill, and others remained at home.

But there was salt in that church which preserved it from putrefaction. Deacons Moses Stone and Eliphalet Adams covenanted (and with them covenant meant something) to sustain a weekly meeting for prayer and conference, so long as they could say we. Others seeing their good works and spirit, began to do likewise, and beyond expectation, tender and brotherly feeling was supplanting jealousy and anger, so that in September and October meetings were full. But it is unquestionably true that a thoughtful, inquiring state of mind was first manifest in the Methodist meetings. Their social meetings, both on the Sabbath and week-day evenings, were held in the house of Judge Dana, the abode of the late Joseph Lance, Esq. The young minister, Ireson, was nearly always present, and he possessed a most happy faculty of conducting social as well as Sabbath meetings.

As early as Oct. it was apparent an invisible agency was moving the people. There began to be instances of "the new birth," and where least expected!, but it was not till December that a general religious feeling prevailed, and persons alienated and bitter began to seek reconciliation in tender, prayerful earnestness.

The first "watch-meeting" ever held in Cabot was in the Methodist church, on the evening of the 31st of Dec., 1825. Mr. Norton, living on the " Plain," an aged, gentlemanly, scholarly man, lately from Massachusetts. His views were in opposition to the meeting and its measures, which he expressed, but his position and remarks were so met as only to increase the interest. A sermon from Rev. Mr. Ireson, prayers, confessions, exhortations, and singing by the congregation, filled the time to a late hour, when it was proposed as many as desired an especial interest in the prayers of saints should come to the altar, when, as a cloud, nearly one hundred went forward, filling the aisles nearly to the doors, among whom were Henry G. Perkins, the merchant, and his wife, Wm. Fisher and wife, Wm. Ensign, Horace Haynes, Clarissa and Ruth Osgood, Ruth and Louisa Coburn, all of whom are now in possession of the then promised rest. That year gave to the Congregational church about 100 members, and the Methodist received probably about as many, and several went to the Baptist, on the West Hill. Toward 300 hopeful conversions occurred that year in the town of Cabot, and the laborers were mainly the good fathers and mothers in those Israels. Home talent, with God's favor, wrought wonders, as it always will.

One event which deepened the impressions of the people generally, I may not omit—the death of Dea. E. Adams, early in the year. Cold nights found him upon his knees, pleading for the lost. He lived to rejoice at the opening of the work and ingathering of some of the sheaves, when he was called to ascend and be ready upon the celestial plains to welcome the redeemed from his own town, as one after another should slide down from the wings of angels, and enter into that "purchased rest."

Among the young, no one probably equaled, in labors and influence, the Rev. John F. Stone, now of Montpelier. He will be remembered by many now living, as their attention shall be called to those days, but by a vastly larger number who have gone over the River.

But a wonderful readiness to do and bear, characterized both old and young. The evening meetings here and there, in school-houses, and dwelling-houses in remote neighborhoods, as well as in the more central, were sure to be fully attended. The weather made but little difference. "Enduring hardness, as good soldiers of Jesus Christ," seemed a privilege then as well as duty.

Now, while these reminiscences cannot be as dear to strangers as to those among whom they transpired, yet they may afford some thoughts deserving consideration.

In 1824 the meeting-house was taken down and moved to the village, where the school-house now stands, and finished, and for those days was a very fine structure.

By a subscription of the citizens in 1839, a bell of 1100 pounds, cost, $300, was hung in the belfry, the first bell in town,

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and said to have been one of the finest toned bells in the country. After a few years it was cracked; was recast in 1848, and again hung in the belfry.

This meeting-house was used until 1849, when it was torn down, and the house now occupied by this church was built. Jan. 3, 1827, Rev. Henry Jones was ordained and installed pastor of the church, to preach for them ¾ of the time, at a salary of $225, one-half payable in grain, and one-half in money. After 4 years' labor with them he was dismissed May 28, 1832. To 1839 they had no settled minister. In the fall of 1839,

REV. LEVI H. STONE

was ordained and settled. Mr. Stone was raised in this town, and this was his first pastorate. Without flattery we can say, in person rather tall and commanding, with pleasant voice and manner, his sermons were well planned, delivery good, and whenever he spoke he commanded attention. He was pastor 6 years, and the church enjoyed a good degree of prosperity.

From 1846 to '49, again there was no settled minister, but Rev. S. N. Robinson, a very scholarly man from New York, was the acting pastor for a large share of the time.

Nov. 1, 1849, Rev. Edward Cleveland was installed as pastor, a very wide-awake, go-ahead man, who believed in people wearing out instead of rusting out.

During the winter of 185o and '51 a great revival occurred. Mr. C. was assisted by Rev. Mr. Galliher, an evangelist from Missouri; 48 persons, many of them heads of families, and in some instances whole families, were added to the church.

Mr. Cleveland was dismissed Oct. 9, 1853. To 1859, quite a portion of the time Rev. T. G. Hubbard was acting pastor. In the autumn of 1859, Rev. S. F. Drew was installed, and remained 12 years. During this time, although there was no especial revival, there was a goodly number of additions each year, and the church was in a prosperous condition. Mr. Drew removed from town in May, 1871, though not dismissed till Nov. 1872.

Rev. B. S. Adams was the supply from Mr. Drew's removal from town till Nov. 1872, when he was settled as pastor, which office he now fills, July, 1881. During his 10 years of labor the church has continued in a good working condition. They have thoroughly repaired their house, and made it a very pleasant place of worship, and bought a fine organ, at a cost of $800.

Since 1801 to June 1, 1881, whole number of members, 537; children baptized, 307. The records show during its first 15 years the sacrament and ordinance of baptism was administered nearly every time by Rev. James Hobart, who must have been a father to this church. The present number of members is 126. During the 80 years of the existence of this church, it has passed through many trials, and at times it has almost looked as though it would go to destruction; but it was anchored to a sure foundation, and all must acknowledge it has been the means of doing great good in the community.

DEACONS OF THE CHURCH.

Moses Stone and Eliphalet Adams were elected about 1808; each served the church faithfully, by holding meetings in different parts of the town, and officiating on the Sabbath when the church was without a minister. Deacon Adams died in the winter of 1826, aged 45 years. Deacon Stone went to the grave like the shock of corn fully ripe, at 77 years, July 13, 1842.

At a meeting of the church, June 11, 1827, James Marsh, Samson Osgood and Marcus O. Fisher were elected to the office of deacons, and Oct. 31, 1827, at a meeting of the circular conference with this church, they were solemnly consecrated to the office of deacon by prayer, in which the Rev. James Hobart led, and by the laying on of hands of Revs. James Hobart, Justin W. French and Henry Jones. The sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. French, and charge to the deacons was by Rev. Mr. Hobart.

Joseph Hoyt was elected July 16, 1851, and served until he removed to Cameron,

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Mo., where he died in 1870. He was a valuable member, always aiding by his presence at all the meetings, and assisting pecuniarily to the fullest extent of his ability. When he removed West it was not only a great loss to the church but also to the town.

May 6, 1865, it was voted to elect three additional deacons. N. K. Abbott, Edward G. Haines and Edwin Fisher were elected and consecrated Feb. 1866, by prayer and laying on of hands by the pastor, Rev. S. F. Drew and Rev. Nathan Wheeler.

Deacon Haines died Jan. 28, 1867; taken in the midst of his usefulness, bright prospects appearing to be opening before him. All had the utmost confidence in his integrity. To him the church looked for a strong support for years to come, but at the early age of 38 years, the brittle silver thread was loosed, and the golden bowl broken.

The deacons of the church at the present time are N. K. Abbott, J. L. Adams, I. F. Haines and M. L. Haines.

SABBATH SCHOOL.

The first Sabbath instruction for their children among the early settlers upon the Plain, was in 1804, when the settlement was still sparse. During the week, the children learned portions of the Assembly's catechism which the Puritan settlers brought from their early homes, and on the Sabbath day when they had no preaching, the good mothers would gather them together at sonic one of their houses, and have them recite their lessons learned during the week. They also had prayer and religious conversation, all of which served to give the young minds a start in the right direction. I had these facts from Mrs. Nathaniel Webster more than 20 years since.

In 1818, the Sabbath school connected with the Congregational church was organized at the Lower village school-house by Col. Washburn and Esq. Hale from Greensboro. They met at half-past four P. M., and were continued only through the summer months.

The school numbered from 30 to 40 pupils. It is said young ladies walked from Marshfield, a distance of 4 or 5 miles, to attend this school. The next year John Damon started a Sabbath school on the Plain, holding it in the hall of the yellow house, where he then lived.

The 4th of July these schools had a celebration at the centre of the town. Some of the old people living who were children then, speak of it now as one of the most enjoyable 4th of July's of their lives.

Deacon Moses Stone was the first supt. This school has never lost its organization, and has always been well sustained. As years moved along, Bible-classes were connected with it, and now old and young gather together for the study of the Bible. Among the early and active ones in the Sabbath school were William Fisher, Rev. John Stone, Jan R. Putnam and of more recent dates, the supts., Mr. Milton Fisher, Joseph Hoyt, A. P. Perry and many more we might mention did not limited space forbid. The school now numbers 120; average attendance 85; library, very good; 125 books.

The Sabbath school is truly said to be the nursery of the church.

THE FREEWILL BAPTIST CHURCH

was organized in 1803. at the house of Lieut. Thomas Lyford, the ministers officiating, elders Benjamin Page and Aaron Buel of Strafford, Vt.; first members: Anthony Perry and wife; David Haines and wife; —— Spiller; Enoch Hoyt and wife; Joseph Hoyt and wife; Ezra Hoyt and wife; Mr. Bruce, Benjamin Hoyt, David Lyford, Samuel Kingston, Abraham Hinks and David Blanchard; deacons: Enoch Hoyt, David Blanchard and Benjamin Hoyt.

The town records show that Rev. Benjamin Page was settled as pastor the same year of the organization, which gave him a clear title to the minister-lot, he being the first settled minister in town. This he received, it now being the farm of George M. Webster, Esq. It was then in a state of nature, but his parishioners at once turned out and cut and cleared to acres for him, and built a barn on the same. But

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it is said he did not remain their minister long after he got it in shape to sell.

Meetings were held at the houses and in the barns for quite a number of years; and they used often the Congregational meeting house at the Centre, after it was in shape to use.

In 1829, they built a meeting-house on the west hill where quite a large number of these members lived. The house was of more modern style than either of the other meeting-houses, being but one story, gallery across one end, and the pulpit only about 6 feet from the floor. It had no tower. It was occupied regularly by the church for about 20 years, and during the time, they had some very able ministers, and some very stirring meetings.

The quarterly meetings are spoken of as being very interesting occasions and largely attended; some coming 15 or 20 miles to attend them.

In about 12 or 15 years, the church began to suffer heavily by deaths and removals, and about 1850, it lost its organization. One board after another began to disappear from the old house, and in 1875, it went over to the majority.

I have not been able to find any record of this church. This account has been obtained from the oldest inhabitants of this and adjoining towns.

THE METHODIST CHURCH IN CABOT.

BY REV. ROBERT SANDERSON.

The first family that moved into town became afterward identified with Methodism. The wife of Benj. Webster was one of the members of the first class. It is stated by one of the oldest members of the church that her mother attended a quarterly meeting on Cabot Plain about 1808. This seems to be the first commencement of the society, although the first class was not formed until about 1811. The members of the first class were: Mrs. Judge Dana, Mrs. Dr. Scott, Mrs. B. Webster, Mrs. Hills, Mrs. N. Webster, Mrs. Durgin and Mrs. Rogers. The first men to join the class, some short time afterwards, were Judge J. W. Dana, Daniel Smith and Dr. Scott. There may have been others connected with the class at that time; we have only been able to find the above, and have no doubt they were the original members. The first Methodist sermon preached in town was probably by Thomas Branch, in 1807 or '8. One of the oldest inhabitants says he remembers going to meeting when quite a boy, and hearing the first Methodist sermon preached in town. Thomas Branch was presiding elder of Vermont district about this time. The first circuit preacher was Bro. Stearns. The first presiding elder who seemed to have had anything to do with Cabot as a circuit, was Eleazer Wells. In 1814, Lorenzo Dow preached his first sermon in Cabot, in the old Congregational meeting-house at the Center before it was finished, using the work-bench for his pulpit. After announcing his text, he said Jesus Christ sat down and taught the people; so shall I, and sat during the delivery of his discourse. There seems to have been quite a reformation in the winter of the year 1816. The summer following, the Methodists held their meetings in the tannery, which is now used as a dwelling-house by Widow E. Perry, next to Sprague & Wells' block. Up to this date they had held their meetings in the houses and barns, chiefly at Cabot Plain, the quarterly meetings being held in the Congregational church at the Center. The first camp-meeting held in town was in 1820, in the grove owned by Daniel Smith, now owned by A. M. Foster, where over 80 tents were pitched. The presiding elder was John Linsey, who is said to have been a man of thunder. The first church was built about 1822 or 1823, the land and timber being furnished by Judge Dana, who had connected himself with the poor and despised Methodists, to the wonderment of the community, a man of his standing to be so short-sighted as to connect himself with such fanatics. It was owing to his influence and liberality the church was built. In 1825 and '26 the great reformation took place, commencing with the watch-night service in the Methodist church. Bro. E. Ireson was the preacher. The revival spread throughout the town, both churches taking part in the

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work. The facts up to this date we have had to gather as we could, not being able to find any previous record. Thos. Lyford has supplied us with most of the information, he being a small boy then. His people afterwards became connected with the Methodists. In 1828, Cabot circuit contained Cabot, Calais, Woodbury, Peacham, Walden, Goshen Gore and Marshfield, with a membership of 312. We find a record of the first quarterly conference:

At a quarterly meeting conference, held at Cabot, July 5, 1828, William Peck was chosen secretary. Luke Richardson was appointed recording steward. Licensed Bro. Horace A. Warner to preach in a local capacity. Licensed Bro. G. B. Houston as an exhorter. Licensed Bro. Samuel Stocker as a local preacher. Licensed Bro. William Simons as an exhorter. Elected the following brethren as a committee of arrangement for the year ensuing. Luke B. Richardson, Timothy Haynes, John W. Dana, voted that the next quarterly conference be held at Walden. A true copy of the record. Attest,

L. B. RICHARDSON,

Recd. Steward.

The preachers in charge at this time were N. W. Aspenwall and E. J. Scott. Below is the estimate of their salary:

Quarterage, Bro. Aspenwall and wife, and one child under seven years.

Quarterage. Table House Fuel. Traveling Total,

expenses. rent. expenses.

$216.00 $75 $20 $20 $13 $344.00

E. J. Scott and wife,

200.00 53.54 10 5 8 276.50

Total receipts,

N. W. Aspenwall, $123.34

E. J. Scott, 71.84

In the quarterly report for January 3, 1830, we find the following resolution:

Resolved, that Oliver J. Warner, J. W. Dana and William Lance be a committee to purchase a suitable piece of ground, and build thereon a parsonage house and barns, provided a sufficient amount is subscribed to warrant the purchase of said land, and the commencement of said building.

In 1830, John Courier received his first license to preach, and was recommended to the traveling connection. In 1832, or 2 years after their appointment, the committee bought of Joseph Preston one acre of land, house and barns thereon; cost, $200, where the widows Heath and Lyford now have houses. The society put itself on record on the side of liberty and temperance:

Resolutions. Quarterly meeting held at Cabot, May 11, 1839.

1st. That slavery as it exists in the United States of America is under all circumstances a sin against God, contrary to the rights of our fellow-men enslaved.

2d. That it is the duty of every Christian philanthropist and republican to use all lawful means for the peaceful emancipation of all the enslaved of our land.

3d. That we claim the right to examine and discuss this subject, and also to petition Congress for the immediate abolishment of slavery in the District of Columbia.

ON TEMPERANCE.

1st. that the manufactory and vending of intoxicating drinks, for a beverage, is an immorality.

2d. That it is inconsistent with Christian principles and a growth in grace to use intoxicating drinks as a beverage.

3d. That by precept and example, we discourage the use of all intoxicating drinks as a beverage.

In 1848, the parsonage lot was sold to W. B. Cutting. Henry Russell, Joseph Lance and John Clark, committee. In 1851, S. Aldrich was the preacher. Quite a reformation took place; several conversions; some have gone to receive their reward; others are among our leading members to-day. Removing and rebuilding the church was commenced; completed in 1852, by Bro. A. L. Cooper, appointed to the charge that year.

NOTICE OF THE DEDICATION.

Providence permitting, the newly repaired Methodist meeting-house at Cabot will be dedicated to the service of God on Tuesday, December 14, services commencing at 11 o'clock A. M. Sermon by Rev. J. Currier. Brethren in the ministry and others in the vicinity are invited to attend.

A. L. COOPER.

December 2, 1852.

Joseph Lance was the leading man in rebuilding the church. To his public spirit the society are indebted for the very nice and commodious church they now own. Building committee of the church: Jos. Lance, Paul Dean, John Clark. The parsonage, commenced, 1853, Allen Perry, Jerry Atkins, Rob. Lance, committee. Jo-

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seph Lance gave the lot for the parsonage, besides his share in the building, and Mr. Perry bore the whole committee burden. From '53 to '73 nothing very marked occurred; the church just holding its own and sometimes going down to low-water mark, with the exception of the time. Bro. King labored here. During the charge of Bro. W. H. Wight, 1872, new interest was manifested. In his third quarterly report we find "we have repaired and beautified our church; painted, frescoed, carpeted throughout; carpet cost $200, paid by subscription; chandelier $50, paid by another subscription, raised by Harry Whittier, a lad of 14 or 15; finishing and frescoing to be paid by tax on the pews. The brethren have been equally ready to share in the responsibilities. Among those foremost in the work are Bros. Allen Perry, Theron H. Lance, William S. Atkins. In report, Oct. 24, 1874:

"Our people have been surprised with the gift of a fine bell, cost between $400 and $500, from Bro. Paul Dean, and Sister Jeremiah Atkins. The church desire to record here their appreciation of this timely gift, and will ever pray that the blessing of God may rest on the donors."

In the same report:

"We have nearly finished a neat vestry, cost about $500; subscriptions nearly pledged; we shall have it free from debt. We wish to make favorable mention of the labors of Sister Julia Hopkins, whose untiring efforts in soliciting subscription for this work has been so abundantly blessed."

John Clark died, Feb. 17, 1874, and left to the society $500, the interest to be used for Methodist preaching in Cabot. 1875, Sister Phebe Rogers, left the society $200, for the same purpose. Bro. Paul Dean also left the society $500. At the quarterly conference, Jan. 16, 1881, the following resolutions were passed:

1st. Whereas God in his all-wise Providence, has removed one of our number, Bro. Paul Dean, and although he has fallen in a good old age, yet, we feel the loss to us none the less, as regards the church he loved. He was ever hopeful, firm in purpose, wise in council and liberal in support. He fully adopted these beautiful lines:

For her my tears shall fall,

For her my prayers ascend,

To her my toil and care be given

Till toil and care shall end.

2d. We deeply feel our loss in the vacant seat in our church, his absence in our consultations, and his kind, cheerful and helpful words.

3d. That we highly appreciate his liberal bequest for the benefit of the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and shall ever cherish in grateful remembrance and highly appreciate his liberal bequest for the benefit of the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church in this place. Ordered that a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to Sister Dean.

By order of the Board of Stewards,

CHURCH TABOR, Presiding Elder.

C. M. SEABURY, Secretary.

The church has a membership of 102 members and 25 probationers. Most the probationers have joined during the past year. The congregations are larger than at any other time in the history of the church. The first organization of the Sabbath school was about 1820 or '21. The first school had one teacher for the whole school—Benjamin Derrel. Some years previous to this they had made it a practice of teaching the children from house to house. Mrs. Dr. Scott was, no doubt, the first one in town to be engaged in Sabbath school work, though it was not known by that name. The school has never been so flourishing as to day. The largest average number in attendance has been reached during the past year. The present pastor is Robert Sanderson; Sabbath school superintendent, William S. Atkins, who has held the office for over 15 years. Stewards of the church, Allen Perry, Alvah Elmer, William S. Atkins, D. Reed, M. Seabury, M. J. Stone, S. B. Blodgett, Palmer B. Elmer; organist, Harry P. Whittier; chorister, Herman Osgood.

The following pastors have been stationed here since 1824:

1825, E. Ireson; 1826, Sargent and Barker; 1827, Aspenwall and E. J. Scott; 1828, Foster and Peck; 1829, Demming and Page; 1830, Cass and Manning; 1831, Cutler and Rust; 1832, Cutler and Noyes; 1833, Sweatland and Scott; 1834, Kellogg and Worcester; 1835, Brown and Smith; 1836, Wells and Hill; 1837, Wells and

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Farnham; 1838, L. Austin; 1839, C. Liscombe; 1840, James Smith; 1841 and A. Gibson; 1843, H. Kendall; 1844 and '45, Z. S. Haines; 1846 and '47, P. Frost; 1848, Swichel; 1849, W. W. Scott; 1850, S. Aldrich; 1851, H. T. Jones; 1852 and '53, A. L. Cooper; 1854 and '55, D. Packer; 1856 and '57, D. S. Dexter; 1858 and '59, P. P. Ray; 1860, E. Copeland; 1861. C. Fales; 1862 and '63, F. E. King; 1864 and '65, A. Hitchcock; 1866 and '67, D. Willis; 1868 and '69, L. Hill; 1870 and '71, J. W. Bemis; 1872, '73 and '74, W. H. Wight; 1875, '76 and '77, F. H. Roberts; 1876 and '79, H. F. Forrest; 1880 and '81, R. Sanderson.

THE ADVENT CHURCH

in this town dates from 1843, when a long series of meetings were held by Elder Shipman. Till 1858, there was no organization, but meetings were held in different parts of the town, mainly at the West Hill and at Lower Cabot, where the church was organized Feb. 16, 1858; 40 members; Nathan Wheeler and Erasmus L. Burnap, deacons, and M. P. Wallace, scribe.

Samuel W. Thurber was the first pastor, widely known in this vicinity as a wide-awake preacher, and one who to edify his hearers, did not spare his lungs. He was pastor for 6 years, since which the church has been supplied by ministers hired from year to year, among whom were Rev. H. Canfield, Rev. George Child, Rev. Alonzo Hoyt and Rev. Nathan Wheeler. Their meeting-house was built in 1857, mainly through the efforts and means of Dr. M. P. Wallace, and dedicated January, 1858; sermon by Rev. J. V. Himes, of Boston, who continued to hold meetings for the next 4 weeks. He was a pleasant speaker, thoroughly engaged in his labor. The house was crowded at nearly every meeting. The other churches all joined in the work, and a deep religious interest moved the whole town, and after the close of his labors, meetings were held at different localities. It was called the most general awakening that had pervaded the town since 1826, and about 150 converts were added to the different churches, many of whom have proved strong helps to the churches to which they belong. For the past few years this church has suffered greatly from deaths and removals, and at present they have preaching but one-half the time.

The Sabbath-school was organized before the church, and has always been kept up; the largest number enrolled, about 50. They have the largest library of any Sabbath-school in town—400 volumes, and when the church has had regular preaching each Sabbath, there has been a good degree of interest manifested in the school.

PHYSICIANS

have been, and are now, well represented in this town; men who have stood well in their profession.

DR. GERSHOM BEARDSLEY came among the very early settlers, as early as 1790. The physicians have been in the order of their names: Gershom Beardsley, Perley Scott, Dyer Bill, Dr. Haines, Leonard Morgan, Dr. Pratt, Z. G. Pangborn, M. P. Wallace, D. G. Hubbard, John Doe, Dan. Newcomb, D. M. Goodwin, S. L. Wiswall, J. A. Thompson, Fred Gale, Dr. Warren. Our present physicians are Drs. Wallace and Wiswall, Gale and Warren.

Dr. M. P. WALLACE graduated at Hanover Medical College, 1842, and commenced practice in this town in 1843—he has retired from general practice, but is often called in council.

Dr. S. L. WISWALL graduated at Woodstock Medical School, and after practicing in the towns of Wolcott and Hydepark, came to this town in 1862, as successor to Dr. Newcomb. He is a well-read physician, and held in much esteem by the profession.

When ''Dr. Bill" was the only practitioner in town, located on the Plain, a man broke his thumb. The doctor and all the neighbors decided that amputation was necessary. The Doctor had no instruments, but they found a chisel they thought if ground up to an edge might answer. The chisel was ground, the man laid his hand on a block, the Doctor took the

102 VERMONT H ISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

chisel and hammer, and in a minute the amputation was done.

EPIDEMICS.

Probably the worst years of sickness this town ever saw were 1813 and '14, when the spotted fever raged to an alarming extent, nearly every family in town having more or less sick ones, and in some portions of the town there were not well ones enough to care for the sick. Not unfrequently, a person would die with none but the members of their own family present. The old tomb-stones show a great number of deaths that year.

Deacon Clement Coburn died of the spotted fever. He was one of the pillars of the Congregational church in his town. He lived but a very short time after he was taken. No one taken with this epidemic expected to live, it was so fatal and violent in the first seizure of its victims. Says the venerable Rev. Mr. Stone, of Montpelier: Deacon Stone called to see him as soon as he learned he was sick, to minister to any want and to pray with him. When he must leave that afternoon, Deacon Stone was much affected at parting with Dea. Coburn; he had been a good and fellow-laborer by his side in the house of worship, and he never expected to see him alive again, but Dea. Coburn, in the midst of his sufferings, bade him good-bye very calmly, triumphantly adding:

"My soul shall pray for Zion still.

While life and breath remains!"

These were his last words to Deacon Stone, to which Dea. Stone often after alluded when speaking of Dea. Coburn or of that calamitous period.

No other epidemic prevailed till 1841, when the canker-rash, in its most malignant form, carried off a great many children. 1843 and '44 are remembered as the terrible years of erysipelas. The tolling of the bell saluted the ear, and the mournful procession greeted the eye, almost daily. 1862 and '63 were sad years to many families, from the ravages of diphtheria.

NATIVE CLERGYMEN.—Congregational, John F. Stone, Levi H. Stone, James P. Stone, Harvey M. Stone, all brothers; William Scales, Ebenezer Smith; Christians, Leonard Wheeler, Nathan Wheeler, brothers; Methodists, Zerah Colburn, Augustin Hopkins.

LAWYERS.—Theron Howard, J. S. Marston, Harlow P. Smith, George W. Stone, John McLean, T. P. Fuller and J. P. Lamson, the present lawyer of the town; took his academical course at Johnson, Vt.; read law with the late Hon. Thomas Gleed, of Morrisville; came to this town, and commenced practice August, 1860, during which time he has built up a large practice, and is one of the leading attorneys in this section.

COLLEGE GRADUATES.—Oscar F. Dana, William Edgerton, William Scales, Eleazer J. Marsh, Charles C. Webster, Charles F. Stone.

LOCAL LITERATURE.

We have not wasted much printer's ink. I find but two Cabot publications, a pamphlet by Rev. Henry Jones, in 1826, that is entitled "An Exposure of Free-Masonry," and another pamphlet, written by Israel Cutting, giving an account of a law-suit between himself and Orlando Carter.

A large number of newspapers are taken here, and local items are well contributed. Several libraries have been purchased for the town, but after a few years were scattered, and at present there is no public or circulating library in town.

MASONIC.

GREEN MOUNTAIN LODGE. CHARTERED 1865.

Charter Members—A. F. Sprague, B. J. Lance, G. M. Webster, W. W. Lyford, Rufus Adams, John M. Fisher, N. B. Rogers, William H. Fletcher, G. W. Clark, Edwin Fisher, A. M. Ruggles, E. C. Smith.

First Officers of the Lodge—Rufus Adams, W. M.; J. M. Fisher, S. W.; A. F. Sprague, J. W.; B. J. Lance, Treasurer; Edwin Fisher, Secretary; W. H. Fletcher, S. D.; Joseph Dow, J. D.; G. M. Webster, Nathaniel Perry, Stewards; N. B. Rogers, Tyler.

Present Officers—G. E. Forbes. W. M.; A. E. Dutton, S. W.; N. B. Rogers, J.

CABOT. 103

W.; A. T. Durant, Treasurer; Hiram Wells, Secretary; J. G. Pike, S. D.; C. C. Eastman, J. D.; W. W. Buchanan, George Gould, Stewards; Charles French, Chaplain; T. O. Parker, Marshall; T. H. Lance, Tyler.

Highest membership reached, 104.

TOWN CLERKS 1788-1881.

Maj. Lyman Hitchcock, first town clerk, held the office from 1788 to 1795, when he removed from town; Dr. Horace Beardsley, 1795; Thomas Osgood, 1796 to 1821, then in 1823 to 1832, with the exception of 1822, when Joseph Fisher held the office, an unbroken term of 36 years, when on account of the infirmities of age, his son Thomas Osgood, Jr., was elected in his place and served till 1858, a term of 26 years, when from consumption, he had to resign and soon after died, and Allen Perry was clerk to 1874; Lucas Herrick to 1875; Allen Perry re-elected in 1875; has held the office since, making 6 town clerks in 93 years. The records were kept in a clear, plain hand and are all remarkably well preserved, even the first unbound record, which is well stitched together on the back, and is in interesting town relic.

SELECTMEN.

Lieut. Jonathan Heath, 1788; Lieut. Thomas Lyford, 1788, '91, '92, 1843, '44; David Blanchard, 1788, '89, '90, '94; Edward Chapman, 1789, '90; Benjamin Webster, 1790; Samuel Danforth, 1791, '92, '93; Lyman Hitchcock, 1791, '92, '93; Capt. James Morse, 1793, '94; Jacob Gilman, 1794; Fifield Lyford, 1795, '96, '98, 1801; Samuel Warner, 1795, '96; Joseph Fisher, 1797, '98, '99, 1800, '3, '4, '5, '6, '7, '8, '10, '11, '12, '13, '14, '15, '16, '17, '18, '19, '21, '22, '25, '26, '33, 34; John Whicher, 1797; Reuben Atkins, 1799, 1800; Oliver Walbridge, 1799, 1800, '1; Clement Coburn, 1801; Perley Scott, 1801, '2, '22, '23; John Edgerton, 1801; Moses Stone, 1802, '7; Matthias Stone, 1803, '4, '5, '6, '9, '32, '33; Enoch Hoyt, 1803, '4, '5, '50, '52, '53, '54, '68; John Damon, 1806, '10, '11, '12, '13, '15, '18, '19, '20, '39, '40, '49, '50, '51; John W. Dana, 1807, '8, '9, '13, '16 to '22, '25 to '32, in all 16 years; Joseph Blanchard, 1808, '9; Joseph Coburn, 1810; Leonard Orcutt, 1812, '21 to '31, '33 to '37, '43 to '46, 18 years in all; John Stone, 1814, '16, '17; David Haines, 1815, '27, '28, '38; Anthony Perry, 1820; Ebenezer Smith, 1823, '39, '41; Nathan Wheeler, 1824; Tristam C. Hoyt, 1829, '31, '32; Hugh Wilson, 1830, '31, '42; Caleb Fisher, 1832, '41, '42, '43 to '48, '54, 62, '63, 11 years; Jeremiah Atkins, 1835, '36, '40, '52, '53; William Lance, 1835, '45; John A. Adams, 1836, ' 37, '38; Alpha Webster, 1837, '38, '49; Milton Fisher, 1837, '59, '60; Stephen Hoyt, 1840, '58, '59; Oliver C. Warner, 1841; Timothy P. Fuller, 1842; Daniel Gould, 1846, '47, '53; Jacob Way, 1846, '47, '48; M. O. Fisher, 1848, '49, '52; Jewett Walbridge, 1848, '56, '57; Jos. Lance, 1849; Paul Dean, 1850, '51; Geo. W. Stone, 1851; George H. Paige, 1854, '55; M. P. Wallace, 1855, '64, '66, '67, '68, '78, '79, '80; Rufus Adams, 1855; Allen Perry, 1856, '57; John Clark, 1858; Peter Lyford, 1858; Joseph Hoyt, 1860, '61; Robert Lance, 1860; S. W. Osgood, 1861, '63, '65; B. F. Scott, 1861, '62, '64 James Atkins, 1862, '63; B. W. Marsh, 1864; John H. Damon, 1865; N. K. Abbott, 1865; C. M. Seabury, 1866; Orson Kimball, 1866, '69, '70; E. H. Putnam, 1867; William P. Whittier, 1867, '68, '71, '74; George W. Payne, 1869, '70, '72; Lucius Herrick, 1870, '71, '72, '75, '76, '77, '78; Roland B. Bruce, 1871; N. K. Abbott, 1872, '73; E. T. Hopkins, 1873, '74, '76, '77; C. C. Perry, 1873; Roswell Laird, 1874, '75, '76, '77; S. L. Wiswall, 1878, '80; George L. Paige, 1879; George Gould, 1879, '81; Bemis Pike, 1880; Hiram Wells, 1881; Charles M. Fisher, 1881. In 1831, five selectmen were elected and served.

TOWN TREASURERS.

At the first town meeting in 1788, no treasurer was elected. Major Lyman Hitchcock, the first elected, Mar. 9, 1789, held the office to Mar. 1792; then Lt. Thomas Lyford from 1782 to '94; Thomas Osgood, 1794 to '95, '97 to 1821, '22 to '39-42 years; Jacob Garland, 1795 to '97; Joseph Fisher, 1821 to '22; Marcus O. Fisher

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from 1839 to '41; Thomas Osgood, Jr., from 1841 to '48, and 1850 to '58; Henry Russell, from 1848 to '50; Allen Perry, from 1858 to '72, from '73 to '74; John A. Farrington, from 1872 to '73; Milton Fisher from 1874 to the present, 1881.

REPRESENTATIVES.

In this department of town officers the record does not commence until 1795. From tradition we learn Lieut. Thomas Lyford was town representative in 1791, but for some reason did not attend the Legislature. Sept. 1792, James Morse, Esq., was elected, and after his election, his wife spun the flax and made the cloth from which he had a pair of new "trousers" to wear to the Legislature, which met at Rutland, Oct. 11. The day before he was to start, he killed a lamb, and his wife cooked "lunching" to last him through his journey. With his new trousers on, and his pack on his shoulders, he made his way by marked trees a large portion of the way to Rutland and back on foot. The session lasted 26 days. It is said he was an inveterate smoker, and that some wag drew his picture on the fence with his pipe in his mouth and pack on his back, and over it in large letters, "Going to Rutland!" It being put on with red chalk, remained on the fence for a number of years.

Sept. 1795, the inhabitants were notified to bring in their votes at the school-house on the Hazen road, for representative, and also for governor, lieut. governor, treasurer and councillors.

Samuel Warner was elected representative, and Thomas Chittenden had 18 votes for governor; Isaac Tichenor had 5; Paul Brigham had 16 votes for lieut. governor; Samuel Mattocks had 12 votes for treasurer. Political feeling had begun to spring up in town; 5 persons had allied themselves with the Federal party. The Legislature this year met at Windsor, with a session of 20 days. Samuel Warner was representative in 1796, '97; Horace Beardsley, 1798-1800; Joseph Fisher, 1799-1801; John W. Dana, 1804— '7— '18— '19— '20— '36; Perley Scott, 1806; John Damon, 1808, '13; David Haines, 1815— '16— '17; Enoch Hoyt, 1821; Jeremiah Babcock, 1822— '23— '24— '25— '26— '27— '28— '29; Anthony Perry, 1829— '30— '31; Nathan Wheeler, 1832— '33— '34; Oliver A. Warner, 1835— '36; Jeremiah Atkins, 1837— '38; Robert Lance, 1839— '40; Alpha Webster, 1841— '42; Salem Goodenough, 1844; Allen Perry, 1846— '47; Thomas Lyford, 1848— '49; Daniel Gould, 1850— '51; John McLean, 1853—'54; Matthew P. Wallace, 1855—'56; Benjamin F. Scott, 1857—'58; Roswell Farr, 1859—'60; Quinton Cook, 1861—'62; Edwin Fisher, 1863—'64; Valorus W. Hale, 1866—'68; George W. Paine, 1869; Theron H. Lance, 1870—'72; Nathaniel K. Abbott, 1874; George M. Webster, 1876; True A. Town, 1878; George Gould, 1880.

OVERSEERS OF THE POOR.

The first overseer of the poor elected was Daniel Smith, in 1822; in 1824, "Voted not to elect an overseer of the poor." There is no record of any other election till 1831, when John Damon was elected to s'd office. It appears from the records that from that time the selectmen of the town had the charge of the poor until 1838, when Oliver A. Warner was elected, and held 1 year. Then Ebenezer Smith was overseer from 1839 to '40; Jeremiah Atkins, 1840 to '41; Caleb Fisher, '41 to '42; Marcus O. Fisher, '42 to '43; Erasmus L. Burnap, '43 to '44; Jacob Way, '44 to '45; Benjamin F. Scott, '45 to '49; selectmen, '49 to '50; Milton Fisher, '50 to '56, '60 to '61 , '64 to '65; Jewett Walbridge, '56 to '58; George Rogers, '58 to '60; Nathaniel Coburn, '61 to '64; Cornelius Smith, '65 to '66; Anson Coburn, '66 to '67; Israel Smith, '67 to '69; Roswell Laird, '69 to '70; George H. Paige. '70 to '72; Thomas Lyford, '72 to '73; Charles M. Fisher, '73 to '82. Twenty-one persons have served the town as overseers of the poor, and no duty devolves on a civilized and Christian community so sacred and imperative as the proper care and support of those who cannot take care of themselves.

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The common course of this town until 1849 was to dispose of the town's poor to those who would agree to keep them for the least money, and by this means they too often fell into the hands of unfit persons, as those who took them intended to make a profit out of it. Awakened to a sense of the impropriety, not to say the inhumanity, of such a course, the town in 1848 voted to elect a committee to purchase a poor-farm and stock for it, and to use so much of the surplus fund as was necessary for such a purchase; Joseph Lance, Jacob Way, Joseph Hoyt, were the committee. At the next March meeting the committee reported they had purchased the present town farm for $1310, stock, tools, etc., for $637.89. In 1855 a commodious house was built. The town has since been generally fortunate in its agents to take charge of the farm. It is now managed by John Thomas and wife, who spare no pains for the comfort of the inmates. As a general thing the town has been very fortunate, too, as to its number of paupers; perhaps as much so as any town in the State. We have at present 6 boarders at town farm; 3 at the Insane Asylum at Brattleboro, and 2 paupers away from the farm.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

JAMES MORSE, the first justice in the town, received his appointment in 1792; Lyman Hitchcock was the next; in 1795, Thomas Osgood; in 1796, Samuel Warner; and from this time the number increased, each representative thinking he must appoint a good share of his constituents until 1823, when a resolution was passed by the town setting forth that so large a number tended to lessen the dignity attached to the office, and as a consequence, none of them would fit themselves for the position as they should. Therefore, they requested the Legislature not to appoint more than 4 justices for the town, and that 6 was enough for any town. For a few years this request was complied with, but gradually we began to return to the old custom, and in 1840, 13 justices were appointed by the representative, viz.: Leonard Orcutt, Marcus O. Fisher, Anthony Perry, John Damon, Thomas Osgood, Jr., Alpha Webster, Wm. Hoit, John R. Putnam, Roswell Farr, Jas. M. Harris, Jerry Atkins, O. A. Warner, Joseph Preston, and the number some years would go much higher than this, even as high as 25. It run in this way until 1850, when the number was fixed by law at 7 for this town, when Thomas Osgood, Alpha Webster, M. P. Wallace, J. R. Putnam, M. O. Fisher, Wm. E. Waldo, John A. Adams, were elected. This same board were continued in office while they lived, as a general thing. When there was a vacancy, a younger man was elected to fill the place. M. P. Wallace is the only one living of the first board elected by the people. The present board, 1881, are M. P. Wallace, T. H. Lance, J. M. Fisher, N. K. Abbott, R. B. Bruce, C. W. Paine, Bemis Pike.

COUNTY OFFICERS.

Assistant Judges of Caledonia County Court.—Hon. John W. Dana; Hon. Marcus O. Fisher, 1836 to '39,

High Sheriff.—Jos. Preston, 1844, 45.

State Senators.—Hon. John McLean, 1849, '50; Hon. George H. Page, 1852 to '55; Hon. E. D. Putnam, 1858, '59; Hon. M. P. Wallace, 1864.

State's Attorney.—J. P. Lamson, Esq., 1866 to '68.

County Commissioner.—J. M. Fisher, 1875 to '77.

POPULATION BY CENSUS.—1791, 122; 1800, 349; 1810, 886; 1820, 1032; 1830, 1304; 1840, 1440; 1850, 1356; 1860, 1315; 1870, 1279.

3 suicides in town; 4 persons drowned; no murder.

A man by the name of Doloff broke into Dana's store, stole a gun, a bar of iron and all the rum he could drink; got so drunk he could not get away; he was sent to prison and died there.

CABOT'S BEAR STORY.

[From a sketch of the olden time so choicely written we would be better pleased had we room to give the whole.—ED.]

Two bumble log-cabins in the heart of the great wilderness was the beginning of the town of Cabot; for miles in every

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direction there were no signs of civilization; but there on West Hill, where David Lyford and his neighbor Blanchard had built their rude dwellings. Mr. Blanchard's family was himself, his wife and 2 children, David Lyford's, himself and his wife Judith. The Lyford and Blanchard cabins stood not more than 30 rods apart, facing each other, on opposite sides of a swamp, through which a narrow foot-path led from one to the other. At the end of each cabin, partly in the rear, was also a barn, built of logs.

It was the third birth-day of this settlement; each had cleared away several acres from around his buildings, and earned sufficient for the subsistence of his family. Both had been fortunate and had suffered no losses but some slight damage to their crops of corn by the hears. The men often saw them in the woods, and it was no uncommon experience for the two to go out hunting in company, and return in an hour with a dead bear slung between them, and fresh bear-tracks would be seen every morning at some seasons of the year about the house and barn. But our men were inured to peril and toil by early training; and their wives were not a whit inferior to them.

One drizzly day in August, just after David Lyford and his wife had finished their dinner of hasty-pudding and milk, Mrs. Lyford laid her wooden spoon back into the squash-shell bowl, and said:

"What are you going to do this afternoon, David?"

"I was thinking of going to work in the burnt piece."

"Its too wet for that, why not break the flax? I will hatchel it, and then I can go on with my spinning.

"Well, perhaps that is best. These old clothes are almost gone, and I must have some new ones;" and David rose from the table and went out.

His wife cleared away the dishes, and was soon ready. It was last year's flax; had been "rotted" during the winter and spring, gathered up, tied in bundles and laid away in the barn till David could find time to break it.

David went to the barn to "unlumber" his flax-break. The sun came out; so he carried the ''break" to the corner of the house, and brought a bundle of flax from the barn.

The "break" was a sort of wooden mallet, on a long wooden frame, or "horse." The long, thin, parallel handles of the mallet were pivoted into the end of the frame, and when the machine was at rest, these blade-like "handles" lay lapped between other blades, which were set edge upward firmly along the top of the frame. When the machine was at work, the two sets of wooden blades played upon each other with every lift and fall of the mallet, very much like the opposite edges of a pair of very large and very dull shears. Every stalk of flax that was caught between, had its back effectually broken, and was rendered very limp and soft.

Taking a wisp of flax in his left hand, the farmer thrust it into the break, and with his right, brought down the mallet with heavy thumps. By the time his wife had brought the hatchel from neighbor Blanchard's, David had quite a pile of broken flax. David fastened the hatchel on a stump, within a few feet of where he was at work, and Judith, seizing a quantity of broken flax, laid it over the end of an upright board, and with a long wooden knife or swingle, beat the fibers, to clear away the greater part of the bark and "sliver," and the swingling finished, she began to hatchel the flax. Holding a handful firmly by one end, raising and striking the other end down on the long, glittering teeth of the hatchel, drawing the flax towards her, to comb out the rest of the woody particles, leaving only the soft, yellow-tinted flax ready for the spinning-wheel.

I can fancy just how the worthy couple looked, in their old-time habiliments, as they stood there bare-headed, in front of their cottage of logs—he plying the break with steady stroke; she striking the flax down, and drawing it through the long teeth of the hatchel, preparing the raw linen for the wheel and loom. Hour after hour they continued their work, as cheer‑

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fully as if theirs was the happiest lot in the world. Suddenly David spoke out, "Hark! what is that?"

"I did not hear anything; what did you think you heard?"

"I thought I heard a bear right here in the swamp," said he, pointing down the path that lead to Blanchard's.

"I guess not," replied his wife, after they had listened a minute or two and heard nothing. "I don't think a bear would come so near in the daytime." "Well, perhaps I was mistaken," replied David; and the two went on with their work.

More than half the afternoon was gone when they finished the flax. Mrs. Lyford carried it into the house and laid it away until she could spin it, and leaving the plank door of the house wide open went out where David was. "While you are putting the breaks away," she said, "I will carry the hatchel home;" and started across the swamp, singing as she went.

Mrs. Lyrord was a strong, and very active woman, and always in good spirits. As soon as she returned the hatchel she turned back through the swamp home. The swamp was really a bit of forest; large trees and the bushes on either side of the narrow foot-path were very thick. About half way home, passing a short bend in the path, she found herself within arm's length of a cub-bear, weighing perhaps 15 or 20 pounds. At the same moment, through the bushes, she caught a glimpse of the old bear and another cub not 3 rods distant.

Most women would have run, but the sight of a bear, or even two bears, more or less, had no such effect upon Judith Lyford. Not in the least intimidated, and obeying a kind of defiant impulse, she snatched up the cub by the hind legs and run. The cub squealed, and began to scratch and bite so vigorously, she swung him into her stout tow apron; but without stopping, gathered both arms around and kept on at her utmost speed. She heard the old bear crashing through the bushes behind her, and knew unless she dropped the cub, she would have to run a desperate race, but had no intention of giving up her game. The same impulse that had impelled her to seize the cub, impelled her to keep it; and keep it she did. With almost superhuman speed she dashed along the path, conscious the furious beast behind was gaining on her every leap. She reached the house, darting through the open doorway, flung the cub from her arms, swung the plank door to, and dropped the leverwood bar into its socket, none too soon. Scarcely was the bar in place, when the enraged mother-bear threw her great weight against the door outside. But the door had been made for such an emergency, and stood as a rock against all the brute's efforts.

The cub, as soon as his captor dropped him, darted into a corner of the room, where he kept up his cries, rendering the old bear more frantic every moment.

David had just put away his flax-break, and was coming out of the barn, when his wife approached the house, running her singular race. I imagine his astonishment as he caught a glimpse of her darting in at the door, with a fully-grown bear not a rod behind her.

Dropping the pitch-fork in his hand, he ran to the window behind the house. Quick though he was, Judith was there before him, ready to pass the gun, always loaded for instant use. A moment later David was at the front corner of the house. The bear was so frantic to break through the door and reach her cub, she did not see David; one well-directed shot laid her dead. The whole affair was over in scarcely five minutes between Judith's capture of the cub and David's shot that killed its dam at the door.

The cub in the house soon shared the same fate, and David went to the swamp to find the other, but that had taken alarm and escaped.

Mrs. Lyford lived many years afterward in the same neighborhood, long enough not only to see the wilderness disappear, but to raise a large family of children, to whom she often related her droll but dangerous adventure. The above particulars

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were furnished me by one of her sons, who still lives in St. Johnsbury.

David Lyford lived where Daniel Kimball now lives, and Blanchard where Caleb Noyes lives; the swamp spoken of is the low land between the two places. Mrs. Lyford was the mother of the late Mrs. Stephen Hoyt.

TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES.

The first temperance society was organized in 1826, through the efforts of Rev. Henry Jones. It was rather conservative in its regulations and requirements of its members. Perhaps whisky having been used so long as a common beverage, it was thought best not to break off too short on the start; not to stop too sudden, as the reaction might be hurtful.

It was not a total abstinence society, but simply required of its members to keep an account of the number of times they drank during the month, and report at the next monthly meeting. This society kept up its organization 5 years.

In 1831 a total abstinence society was organized. No records of this society are to be found.

In 1842, Feb. 16, a society was formed at Lower Cabot, of which a record was kept: Benj. F. Scott, president; James M. Harris, vice president; John McLean, secretary; M. P. Wallace, Eben Smith, Jr., A. T. Gibson, committee. The pledge was iron clad, guarded at every point, and it took a wide scope, and persons signed the pledge from every part of the town. Meetings were held in nearly every schoolhouse in town, and the records show they were very interesting; membership, 196; and yet, after a few months it appears to have lost somewhat of its salt; towards the last record the secretary closes up with the doleful exclamation, "Meeting thinly attended. Alas, poor Yorick! alas! Are the people all drunk?"

Since this there have been different temperance organizations in town, but at present. the work is principally looked after by the Good Templars, of which we have a full history, written by one of the members.

THE GOOD TEMPLARS' LODGE

was organized in Cabot, Aug. 1864, with Rev. S. F. Drew, pastor of the Congregational church, as its presiding officer, and 19 charter members; first officers: S. F. Drew, W. C. T.; Mrs. Edwin Fisher, W. V. T.; Wm. Atkins, W. S.; Miss Lucy Ray, W. A. S.; Wm. Gould; W. F. S.; Mrs. O. L. Hoyt, W. A. M.; Moses Haines, W. C.; Miss Olive Stone, W. I. G.; R. A. Gunn, W. O. G.; Miss Abbie Hoyt, W. R. H. S.; Miss Levina Gould, W. L. H. S.; O. L. Hoyt, P. W. C. T.; William Atkins, L. D. The other first members were F. G. Hoyt, Allen Walbridge, N. J. Mason and George Dow. The first 3 meetings were held at the village hall; the next 6 with Mrs. Roxana Hoyt, at the Lower village; then the Masonic hall was rented, 2 years, and after, the hall of Mr. John Brown for 5 years, which is still used.

In 1866, the Lodge chamber was handsomely fitted up, and furnished with a good organ, and everything spoke a deep interest in the temperance work. Among those who early interested themselves in this work were the families of Rev. S. F. Drew, Wm. Atkins, Dea. Hoyt, Cornelius Smith, Rev. Alson Scott, Edwin Fisher, B. W. Marsh, O. L. Hoyt, Geo. Gould, Chester Walker, Wm. Abbott, J. W. Farrington and wife, Dr. L. S, Wiswall, Henry and Isaac Hills, Dea. Edward Haines, Luke and Ira Fisher, Wm. Fletcher, Rev. P. N. Granger, Mrs. Allen Perry, Mrs. Enoch Putnam, Mrs. Swan, many of the members of the families of Horace Haines, Dea. N. K. Abbott, Daniel Gould, Frederick McDuffee, etc., besides many other families and individuals in town and in the surrounding towns, and special mention should be made of the untiring zeal of Wm. Gould, who went out from us; entered the "legal profession"; now resides in California; for his name not only stands high among the members of the "bar," but he has done, and is yet doing, a good work in the temperance reform in that State. His wife is also Right Worthy Grand Vice Templar of the world.

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Only 27 deaths have occurred during these 17 years, strengthening the old adage, "cold water brings health as well as wealth."

At the decease of Ira Fisher, he left the Lodge $400, the interest of which was to be used by them as long as they held their charter; but should they at any time surrender this, the fund should go to the Congregational church of this place, of which he was a constant attendant.

The old members went, and new ones came in to take their places. None of the charter members are left now, '81, but the Lodge exists, and has never failed to hold its meetings regularly every week. The present officers are: Rev. R. Sanderson, W. C. T.; Mrs. Hiram Wells, W. V. T.; Miss Sadie Willie, W. S.; Miss Mattie Haines, W. A. S.; Murtin Wells, W. F. S.; Miss Minnie Haines, W. T.; Hermon Rogers, W. M.; Miss Belle Paquin, W. H. M.; Henry Hills, W. C.; Miss Etta Gerry, W. I. G.; Wavie Town, W. O. G. Mrs. Henry Hills, W. R. H. S.; Mrs. Wm. Buchanan, W. L. H. S.; Mrs. P. Gurney, P. W. C. T.; Henry Hills, L. D. We know much good is being done by this organization throughout the world, and we believe our Lodge has done its part in the great work.

NATHANIEL WEBSTER.

Quite a lengthy and very interesting genealogical local record of this venerable pioneer and family has been received from Hon. Charles C. Webster of Redwing, Minn., his grandson, and a former resident of this town, which we regret we have not space to publish; but will make some extract from it. Mention has been made of Mr. W. in the former part of these papers.

He was born 1753, in Old Chester, N. H. Served several years in the Revolutionary army and was a pensioner at the time of his death. He was married to Mehitable Smith of Holderness, N. H. At the close of the war, they removed to Newbury, Vt., where they resided a few years, and in 1784, came to the Plain, where his father had purchased quite a tract of land, and began as before stated. In March, he made preparation for his 50-mile journey into the wilderness. It took but a short time—his effects were few; his vehicle for travel a hand-sled; they had 5 children, upon the back-end of this sled; he extemporized a cover and beneath it he placed two of his children too young to travel on foot. Abel, a lad 9 years of age, had to assist his father in propelling the sled, which he did with a pointed stick, pushing behind, while Lydia, a little girl, traveled along with her mother on foot, who carried her youngest child, an infant, in her arms. In this way did the young father and his wife pursue their way to the distant forest settlement. They arrived safely and found shelter under the roof of Benjamin Webster, at first, who had settled here a year previous. Nathaniel commenced clearing and got his cabin ready in the fall. In due course of time, 7 children were added to their household, making 12 in all. Alpha, (the father of Charles C.,) was the youngest, who was a long time a resident of this town, and removed to Minneapolis, Minn., in 1868, to reside near his children who had settled there. He died September, 1874, aged 75 years. Mrs. Vance, who formerly lived in this town, but now in Boston, aged 90 years, is the only surviving child of this large family. Nathaniel Webster always lived on the same farm where he commenced in town. He died in 1836, aged 83. His wife survived him many years, retaining her faculties to a wonderful degree. She died about 1858, aged 99 years, and from her the year before her death, the writer of this history got many items which have been of great benefit in compiling the history of the town.

LIEUT. FIFIELD LYFORD

was born in Exeter, N. H., 1763. At the age of 13 he entered the army of the Revolution as a servant to his father, Lieut. Thomas Lyford, and served with him one year at Ticonderoga. He left his father and went to West Point, and served as one of the life-guard of Gen. Arnold till he proved a traitor to his country, and after

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that he remained in the army till the close of the Revolution. While with Arnold, he saw him beat a sick soldier over the head and shoulders with his cane with such severity as to break it. Arnold then threw the pieces into the ditch. Lyford secured the head of the cane, and used it on his own staff as long as he lived. The cane is now in the possession of his daughter, Celinda Lyford, at Lower Cabot. He served as a lieutenant in the war of 1812; was honorably discharged, and received a pension during his life. He married and came to this town in 1788, and settled on the farm where Wm. Barr now lives, and built there the first framed barn in town; he died in this town, at the residence of his son-in-law, T. E. Wilson, April 18, 1846, aged 79 years.

DR. PARLEY SCOTT,

born in Worcester County, Mass., July, 1765; pursued an academical course at Leicester Academy, read medicine in the same town; married Lydia Day about 1790, and moved to Craftsbury Common, where he commenced the practice of medicine. He came to Cabot Plain in 1794, and in 1804, to the village, and continued the practice of his profession. 8 children were born to them; but one of this large family is now living, George W. Scott, Esq., of Montpelier. Dr. Scott practiced his profession more than 50 years in this and adjoining towns successfully, answering all calls alike to rich and poor. During all his long practice his rides were on horse-back; but he was never too much exhausted to answer a call. He died in 1850, aged 84 years; his wife died before him, aged 83.

JOSEPH FISHER, ESQ.,

was born at Dedham, Mass., 1767. He was a lad when the British occupied Boston, and remembered distinctly the battle of Bunker Hill. When he arrived at his majority he came to Claremont, N. H., and married Sarah Osgood, and came to this town and commenced on the farm now owned and occupied by his grand-son, Luke C. Fisher. He built his first cabin on the site of the present house. The first night they stayed in their new residence the snow blew down the large stone chimney so that in the morning it was 6 inches deep between their bunk and the fireplace. To them were born 4 sons and 3 daughters, all of whom, but one, lived to advanced age, and two of whom now survive—Caleb, 81 years old; Milton, 74 years old and they have always lived in town, enjoying the confidence of their townsmen, as the numerous offices to which they have been called to fill testify. Joseph Fisher was a public-spirited man, and held many offices, as will be seen by the tables of town officers in this paper. He died in 1853, aged 87 years. His wife preceded him in 1839, aged 70 years.

ELIHU COBURN,

BY HON. JOSEPH POLAND,

was born at Charlton, Mass., 1773; son of Clement Coburn and Dorothy Edwards, of Oxford. Mass. His early education was confined to a few months' attendance at the common school, but his natural ability enabled him in a great measure to surmount the defect, and become a man whose judgment and practical knowledge were thoroughly relied upon by his townsmen.

In the summer of 1799, he came on horseback to Vermont. Passing through the forest, he reached a pretty valley among the hills, through which a little stream noiselessly found its way. This spot he at once decided upon as his future home, and clearing here a small space, he erected a frame house, one of the first in the town. He remained until winter, when he returned to Massachusetts for his bride. He married Abigail Putnam, daughter of Gideon Putnam, of Sutton, Mass., and in the middle of January the newly-wedded pair found their way through the forest by marked trees to the spot which was to become their home and the home of their descendants. Six miles south lived their nearest neighbor in that direction, while Deacon Stone had erected a saw‑mill and log cabin at what is now known as Lower Cabot. Mr. C. rapidly cleared

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his land, and converted the wilderness tract around him into verdant meadows. Four years after his arrival his parents followed him to Vermont, and a few years later her aged father and mother also came to them, notwithstanding their former objections to their daughter's leaving them to go into the wilderness, to be massacred by Indians, or devoured by wild beasts. Here they lived until one by one the aged parents laid down the burden of life, their pathway down "the Valley" smoothed by the loving care of the children whom they had sought in their wilderness home. About 30 years they kept a public house, known far and wide as "Farmer's Tavern," and most of the town business was transacted here.

As a man there were few more respected, or indeed beloved, among his townsmen. He was noted for hospitality and greathearted generosity, and whatever project he undertook, was pursued until accomplished. He was an excellent friend, husband and father, and died at three-score and ten, regretted. His wife survived him about 6 years; an amiable woman, of great energy and endurance. It was a strange coincidence, both died, apparently in perfect health, instantly, and without a struggle. Eight children were born to them; Harriet, in 1801; married James Atkins in 1823; died in 1827. Ruth, in 1803; married Dr. Dyer Bill, of Albany, Vt.; died in 1880; left 5 sons. Hiram, in 1805; married Ruth Osgood, who died a few years after. He still lives upon the old homestead. Louisa, 1807; married Hon. Robert Harvey, of Barnet; died in 1867; 4 children. Lewis, 1809; died in 1818. Frances Caroline, 1812; married 1st, James K. Harvey, merchant, of Barnet. After his death, she married Dr. C. B. Chandler, then of Tunbridge, but afterwards of Montpelier. She died in 1874; a daughter survives her. Elihu F., born in 1815, resides on the old homestead; married, 1855. Amelia Walker, of Sherbrooke, P. Q.; 3 children by this marriage; by a later, 2 sons. Abigail, 1817, married Maj. Quinton Cook, of Cabot. They have one daughter living.

COL. JOHN STONE,

born at Claremont, N. H., Jan. 15, 1775, came to Cabot in 1797, and began clearing up a farm on the ground now occupied by the Lower Village Cemetery; then an unbroken wood from Cabot to Marshfield. He married in 1803, Betsey Huntoon, of Kingston, N. H. To them were born 7 sons and 3 daughters; four of the sons are Congregational ministers. [See list of native ministers.] In the military, Col. S. rose from a private to Colonel of the 1st regiment, 3d brigade 4th division of the Vt. militia of the State, and was said to be one of the best commanders of the brigade. He died Feb. 20, 1856; his wife, Feb. 22. Both were buried in the same grave, on the spot where he first commenced clearing their farm.

HON. JOHN W. DANA.

BY HON. O. F. DANA.

JOHN W. DANA was born at Pomfret, Vt., 1777, and son of John W. Dana and Hannah, daughter of Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam of Revolutionary fame. His early education was a few weeks' attendance at the common school; but his social standing and natural parts were such as to enable him to obtain in marriage the accomplished daughter of the Rev. Mr. Damon of Woodstock. The newly wedded pair traveled northward in the spring of 1802, on horseback, following the Hazen road, hewn through the forests for military purposes, until they reached a wooded summit which took the name of the Plain. Here a small settlement was gathered, including the doctor, the blacksmith and the trader. Here our young travelers paused, charmed with the location. It was a lovely spot then, just a few acres shorn of the heavy trees that swept like the waves of a broad sea, elsewhere, for miles around, above and below. Upon the shorn spot the sun came down, the heavy mantle of forest sheltered it from the wind. They had not found a place on their journey they liked so much, and here they determined to make their home—probably for the remainder of life. Hopefully and heartily they commenced in this mountain

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home. For a time all went satisfactorily. It was all well at first, but as the forests were cut away, it soon became manifest that this cool, wind-swept summit must be abandoned as a winter residence, and so reluctantly, but one by one, the little community dropped down into the security of what became known as Cabot Village.

At the present day the view from the abandoned and silent Plain is very impressive, and one of exceeding loveliness, commanding as it does both the White and the Green Mountain ranges. It is safe to say, that nowhere in all New England is there a more beautiful panorama spread before the enraptured eye.

The spot selected by Mr. Dana for his next residence was in a valley sheltered from winds by hills and forests and cooled by a rapid mountain torrent, whose waters, briefly arrested, spread out for a moment peacefully before his door, and then plunged over a fall, whose ceaseless murmur swayed with every breeze.

Here he passed the principal years of his life. He had a cheerful and active temperament, and was generous of himself in endeavors to promote the public welfare. Eighty years ago Cabot was well nigh one continuous wilderness. The first adventurous settlers brought little more than stout hearts and a sharp axe. Little clearings were to be made, rude houses constructed, roads and bridges built, and, withal, the church and the school must be kept going. There was plenty to do to keep one active, enough attainable to keep one hopeful. The inhabitants of the present day can scarcely realize what an intense community of interest bound together these early settlers, and how they worked together and gave the friendly grasp in mutual encouragement. It fell to Mr. Dana's part to become in some measure the medium of exchange in supplying the wants of life. He made long and tedious journeys to Boston, to bring back merchandise, and, as few had money, he received in exchange for his goods whatever the settlers could best spare. This led, in time, and as matters grew more prosperous, to the collection by him of large herds of cattle which were driven to market; in those days a great event. He contented himself with moderate gains, and though his opportunities were favorable he he did not seek unduly to amass wealth. These frequent journeyings, and his keen interest in the public welfare, kept him abreast of the times and, without his seeking it, he fell naturally into the position of a foremost man. His advice and assistance were frequently sought and his counsels were respected. He loved his townsmen and took delight in their growing prosperity and advancement. He donated lands to beautify the village. He loved and observed nature and took pleasure in his surroundings. He reflected much upon the deep mysteries of existence and was fond of rational discourse; but, if this was in a degree characteristic of Mr. Dana, it was far more so of his wife: a lady deeply imbued with spiritual aspirations and an abiding sense of the beauty of holiness. While her husband sometimes allowed himself to question and speculate upon religious dogmas, she had no doubts herself and was impatient of them in others. She held herself solemnly charged with the mission of caring for the moral interests of the community, and no devotee ever addressed herself to more constant watchfulness and prayer. Such as they were, the daily life and influence of this couple went forth into the little community; and that it was beneficent, is evidenced by a tender regard for their memories that lingered long after their departure; a notable instance was that manifested by the late Joseph Lance, Esq., who, though he had purchased and paid for their homestead, used to say that he could never divest himself of the feeling that it must still forever belong to them—so intensely had the subtle influence of their lives penetrated it.

In 1830, the stage in which Mr. Dana was journeying to Boston was overturned and rolled 60 feet down an embankment. Two of his ribs were broken, and he was supposed to be mortally injured. From this shock, he never fully recovered, and for want of necessary attention his affairs

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fell into some confusion. Some of his daughters had married and gone to Wisconsin. He visited them in 1838: and in 1839, he removed thither with his whole family. The morning in which he finally left his old home, never to return, was made memorable by a pleasant incident. At daybreak, and while he was still asleep, a score or more of his old comrades, dressed in long, tow frocks, silently assembled in the village hall, and sent to request his presence. This touching manifestation of regard sensibly affected him, and ended in an abundance of tears as, one by one, the old men bade each other an eternal farewell.

It only remains to be said, that in his new home, freed from care, his business affairs adjusted, he lived in the quiet enjoyment of the companionship of his wife and children, until, in 1850, he bade farewell to all. His wife survived until 1872.

LEONARD ORCUTT, ESQ.,

born at Stafford, Ct., 1779, came with his mother to Cabot when 18 years old. He married Sally Spear for his first wife; for his 2d, Polly Bullock; by his first wife 4 children, and 4 by his second; 3 of the last died in early life of consumption. Esquire Orcutt held many offices of trust in the town, among which was the office of justice of the peace for over 40 years. For along time he was town agent, and assisted in all town law-suits, and when a witness, the lawyers never made but one effort to corner him. In the trial of a town case at Danville (County Court) he was a witness. Hon. Wm. Mattocks was counsel against the town, and wished to prove that Esquire C. was deeply interested in the case on account of holding town office. "Well, Esquire," said Mattocks, ''you have held considerable town office in Cabot, haven't you?" "Yes–yes–I have some." "Well, sir, what office did you hold the year this affair took place?" The Esquire said, shutting his eyes and running his hands into his breeches pockets to his elbows, "Well, if I recollect right, I was highway surveyor that year." In after years Mattocks frequently related this case with a laugh, and said he was perfectly satisfied with this witness. He died in 1855, aged 75, highly respected by all the community.

DEACON JAMES MARSH

came here from Plymouth, N. H., in 1793, and settled on a farm ½ mile north of the Center. In 18— he married Miriam Walbridge; to them were born 5 sons and 4 daughters. He was for many years a deacon of the Congregational church, and accounted by all who knew him, what is said to be the noblest work of God—an honest man. He died 1865, aged 90 years.

DEACON MARCUS O. FISHER

was born at Cabot, Nov. 24, 1796. [For his first business, see village of Cabot.] He was married to Fanny Hall, June 13, 1820, at Chester, N. H., and came directly to Cabot and began pioneer life in what was known as the old Red House. There were but 4 houses in the village at that time. Deacon Marcus Fisher and his wife were actively identified with the entire growth of the village. They had 4 children, 2 of which died in early life, and 2 survive their parents. The Deacon and his wife were earnest, consistent Christians. Their house was ever the hospitable mansion, to which were welcomed the missionary and minister, and all who were working in the vineyard of their Lord. The Deacon died suddenly, of heart disease, Sabbath morning, Apr. 9, 1865, aged 68. His wife died Sept. 14, 1870.

JOSEPH LANCE, ESQ.,

born in Chester, N. H., 1799, came to this town when a lad with his father, who settled on the place where Hial Morse lives. In 1830, he engaged in the mercantile business in Calais. After about 4 years he sold out, and engaged in farming on quite a large scale. In 1833, he was married to Cynthia M. Tucker. They had 4 children, 3 of whom are now living. In 1838, he bought the entire estate of Judge Dana, and about 1845 he moved to this town. In his early life he dealt extensively in cattle and sheep; was successful in all his undertakings financially, and became a man of wealth. He held many town offices, and was an excellent manager for the town. He died Oct. 12, 1865, aged 66 years.

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JOHN DAMON, ESQ.,

was born in Martha's Vineyard, near Boston. When 6 years of age, his father, a Congregational minister, removed to Woodstock, Vermont. At the age of 20, John went to what was then thought to be the far West, the state of Ohio. He purchased the very ground to settle on upon which the city of Cincinnati now stands, but his health failing, he sold his land there and returned to Vermont, and settled in this town, as before related. He married Nancy Strong, of Pawlet; children, 4. He was a far-seeing man, and very successful in his financial affairs. He was also one of the pioneers in the Sabbath-school work in the Congregational church. He died Apr. 19, 1864.

ZERAH COLBURN

was born in Cabot, Sept. 1, 1804. His father, Abia Colburn, with his family, came from Hartford, and settled on the farm now owned by S. S. Batchelder, about 3 months before his birth. The sixth child, his parents in straitened circumstances, subject to such hardships as fell to the lot of all new settlers at that period, there seemed little prospect his name should be distinguished, or ever known beyond the circle of his neighbors and kinsmen. There was nothing remarkable, too, in the endowments of his father or mother; they were plain persons, not superior to others, and in regard to their son, it is said they considered him to be the most backward of any of their children; residing at a considerable distance from school, it would be unreasonable, also, to infer that education did much for preparing him for that display of early strength, correctness, and rapidity of mind in figures, which was so remarkable to all who saw him, and was unaccountable to himself.

Some time in the beginning of August, 1810, when about one month under 6 years of age, at home while his father was employed at a joiner's work-bench, Zerah was on the floor playing with chips. Suddenly he began to say to himself, "5 times 7 are 35"—"6 times 8 are 48," etc. His father's attention being arrested by hearing this so unexpected in a child so young, and who had hitherto possessed no advantages, except, perhaps, 6 weeks' attendance at the district-school that summer, left his work, and began to examine his boy through the multiplication table; he thought it possible Zerah had learned this from other boys; but finding him perfect in the table, his attention was more deeply fixed, and he asked the product of 13 by 97, to which 1261 was instantly given as the answer. It was not long before one of the neighbors calling in, was informed of the singular occurrence, and soon it became generally known through the town. Thus the story originated, which within the short space of a year found its way not only through the United States, but reached Europe and foreign journals of literature both in England and France, who expressed their surprise. In 1804, the earth was not belted by a telegraph; the news had to take the slow way-posts, and it must have been regarded a wonderful matter to have had so wide a range in 12 months.

In a short time the annual freeman's meeting occurred in town, to which Mr. Colburn took his son, and exhibited his wonderful ability in figures to his townsmen.

Gentlemen at that time possessing influence and standing in the County were desirous that some course might he adopted with the boy that might lead to a full development of his wonderful calculating powers, and Mr. Colburn, encouraged, took his son to Danville, which was then the shire town of Caledonia County, to be present at the session of court. His son was very generally seen and questioned by judges, members of the bar and others. The Legislature being about to convene at Montpelier, he was advised to visit that place with his son, which he did in October. Here, also, many witnessed his wonderful mathematical powers. Questions out of the common limits of arithmetic were proposed with a view to puzzle him, but they all were answered correctly. For instance, he was asked, ''Which is the most, twice five and twenty or twice twenty‑

CABOT. 115

five?" "Which is the most, six dozen or a half a dozen dozen?" The question was also asked, "How ninny black beans would it take to make five white ones?" He at once answered, "five, if you skin them," evincing quickness of thought as well as ability to combine numbers. After a few days spent in Montpelier, they proceeded to Burlington; but the State of Vermont did not seem to offer sufficient encouragement, and Mr. Colburn was advised to visit the principal cities of the Union. Returning to Cabot, and spending one night with his family, he departed, never to return. He first went to Hanover, N. H., where he received liberal offers for the education of his boy; from here to Boston, where he arrived the 25th of Nov. Here the public were anxious to see and hear for themselves. Questions of two or three places of figures in multiplication, questions in the rule of three, extractions of the roots of exact squares and cubes were put, and done with very little effort, and here he also received offers from wealthy men to educate his son. One offer was to raise $5000 by voluntary donations, and give the father $2500, and the remaining $2500 to be used in Zerah's education; but to these terms Mr. Colburn did not feel at liberty to accede. The rejection of all these proposals very speedily raised a prejudice against him in Boston, and from Boston he went to New York, Philadelphia and Washington; but not receiving the encouragement, pecuniarily, that he was in hopes to have met with, he next decided to go to England. In December, 1811, wrote to his wife from Washington to make such disposition of her farm and children as she could, and accompany him over the Atlantic. In this she showed her wisdom in refusing to accede to his request; but her refusal did not deter him from the design. He embarked with his son for Liverpool, Apr. 3, 1812, and arrived in London, May 24. Here Zerah was visited by the high and noble of the city, and invited to call upon the crowned heads. His mathematical powers were put to the severest test, and he was able to answer the most difficult questions; but during all this time of Zerah's exhibition, his education was neglected. After he started from Cabot he had learned to read, and in London to write.

Mr. Colburn tried various ways to raise money. The exhibition of his son did not prove very remunerative. He was advised by men of influence and means to put him to school, they generously offering the means for his education. After about 4 years he placed Zerah at Westminster School, London. He was now 12 years of age; but he did not complete his studies here. He was taken away by his father, and placed in a school in Paris, where also he remained but a few months. His father had now become very short for means. While Zerah was at school, he had received liberal gifts of money for his support; but in his pinched condition, he knew not now what course to take. After a few years, however, Zerah was engaged as a teacher in a small school in London. In 1822, after an absence of 10 years from his family, Mr. Colburn's health began to fail, and Feb. 14, 1823, he died of consumption, far from home, and almost destitute of the common comforts of life.

As soon as necessary arrangements could be made by the contributions of friends to pay the passage of Zerah to America, he sailed, and July 3, 1825, arrived safely at his home in Cabot, having been absent 13 years.

After remaining a few months in town, he connected himself with the Methodist church, and became a local preacher, and during his seven years of ministry, had as many different appointments. Jan. 13, 1829, he married Mary Hoyt, of Hartford. Six children were born to them, 5 daughters and a son. The son gave his life for his country; was killed in a battle near Washington, Sept. 12, 1861. Two daughters died in early life.

In 1834, Mr. Colburn gave up preaching, on account of poor health. He accepted a call to a professorship of languages in the Military College at Norwich, which he held until obliged to give it up on account of failing health. He died of consumption, Mar. 2, 1839, and was buried near the

116 VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

scene of his last labors, at Norwich, aged 34 years, 6 months.

I am informed by his daughter, who is now living at Thetford, to whom I am indebted for the last portion of this sketch, that he did not retain his wonderful mathematical powers after he became educated and entered upon the ministry. His wife died Mar. 16. 1856, aged 52. Thus lived and died one of the most wonderful minds for computation that the world ever saw.

HON. JOHN MCLEAN,

born at Peacham, Sept. 27, 1814, commenced his business life in Lower Cabot. He was closely identified with the business interests of the town, and his death, Feb. 3, 1855, without a moment's warning, cast a deep gloom over the whole community. The following, furnished by an intimate friend, is no overdrawn picture:

Estimate of Mr. McLean, by One of His Companions.

JOHN MCLEAN would have been a marked man in any community. In Cabot, at the period of which I write, he was specially distinguishable. His magnetism and innate force were something wonderful. He was a born leader of men. He never said "go," but always "come," and wherever he went he compelled a following. He found Cabot spell-bound, as it were, both in politics and religion, and he forced progress. He found the term abolitionism a by-word and a reproach; and when he left the town, it was inscribed upon her banners as a word of honor. He demanded full toleration in religious matters. He stimulated the dull to exertion in the way of self-help and development. He organized new industries, and waked up the dormant energies of the people. He was himself constantly developing in limitless directions. What an inward pressure there must have been within him, what a cry for room, to have led him in middle age, without education, almost blind, to the audacious resolve of becoming a man of letters and a member of the bar. But he did it, and was already retained in important cases when his summons came. Departed friend, nothing but death could arrest the career to which his spirit aspired, and whose early death was a calamity.

O. F. D. (OSCAR F. DANA.)

Washington, D. C., May, 1881.

Mr. McLean was married to Margaret McWallace, Jan. 10, 1838.

THOMAS LYFORD

was born in this town, 1802, and resided here the most of his life. He has held many offices in the town, and at the beginning of the writing of this history, he was the only living person who had a thorough knowledge of the beginning of this town, which he had heard from his father, and being a man of very strong memory, he had retained all he had heard. He was much pleased with having the history of the town written and was always ready to communicate any information with which he was possessed, and Thursday eve, June 16, he gave a large amount of information, and never after that was he able to communicate. He lingered till the 23d, when he was relieved by death, aged 79 years. On the Friday following, his funeral was attended at his late residence; he was borne by his neighbors to the village cemetery, and laid beside his wife, who passed on years before. Since his decease, his sister, Mrs. Jason Britt, has contributed a large amount of information.

MILITARY RECORD OF CABOT.

The Revolutionary struggle just closed and perhaps constant apprehension of invasion from Canada, seems to have imbued our fathers with a thorough military spirit; from the first settlement of the town, but more particularly from the beginning of the present century, there was organized and maintained for a long period of time one uniformed company, besides the standing militia. We will notice each of these companies and give a list of the captains as far as we have been able to collect statistics.

The first we have been able to gather is that in 1797, when every able-bodied man between the ages of 18 and 45 was obliged to do military duty, with certain exceptions. The first captain of the militia here was David Blanchard, who held his

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commission until 1800, when Joseph Fisher was elected by the company. I find an order from him to Sergeant John Stone to warn all the men hereinafter mentioned to appear on the parade at the Centre of the town, June 7, 1800, at 10 o'clock A. M., complete as the law directs. This notice has 11 names attached after the election of officers. Privates must have been scarce. No record of any officers occur after this, until 1808; but tradition tells us that Moses Stone was the next captain. In 1809, 27 soldiers' names are on the town record: Anthony Perry, captain; Solomon W. Osgood, ensign; 1810, 32 soldiers enrolled: Anthony Perry, capt.; John Stone, 1st lieut.; Joseph Stone, ensign; Anthony Perry was captain until 1817, when George Sumner was elected. The enrolled militia were now 52 men. They were not obliged to uniform, but they were furnished with a gun, 24 rounds of cartridge, priming wire and brush, and three flints.

From 1812 to 1816, the military spirit seems to have run at a very high pitch; our country having come to the point when forbearance ceased to he a virtue, and having declared war on Great Britain, patriotism rekindled in all those who but a short time before had laid aside the weapons of war in the Revolutionary struggle. They were alive all through, those old veterans, as well as those that had more recently come to the age to bear arms, and were emulous to equal the old warriors.

The regular militia of the town was called out and put in thorough fighting order, and in addition to this, a company of minute men enlisted in this town, Woodbury, and Calais, and Anthony Perry, who also was a captain of the regular militia, was elected captain, and Nathaniel Perry, lieut. These men were to be ready to march to the front at any time they were called by their captain. For this roll I have made diligent search, but have not been able to find it; the last traces I got of it, was among the papers of Reuben Waters of Calais.

The battle of Plattsburg, Sunday Sept. 11, 1814, our townsmen had been expecting for some days. The cannon was distinctly heard all day. Captain Perry at once dispatched lieut. Perry to Woodbury and Calais, and his other officer through Cabot to rally the men, while he proceeded directly to Montpelier. The company here at once rallied and camped the first night near Montpelier Centre; but on arrival next clay at Montpelier, to their great disappointment learned the Britishers had been beaten. They were discharged and returned to their homes, except a few that were on horseback and wished to get a stronger smell of powder, who pushed on to Burlington.

John Stone, who in 1800, held the office of Sergeant, held all the various commissions in the military rank; 1809, was commissioned Col. of the First Regiment, 3d Brigade 4th Division of the Militia of the State. A petition was presented to him signed by John Damon, Ira Atkins and Horace Warner for permission to enlist a company of Light Infantry to be attached to his regiment. The petition was granted; roll of the men enlisted: Ira Atkins, Horace Warner, M. O. Fisher, Benj. E. Hoyt, Zacheus Lovell, Avery Atkins, John Edgerton, Abram Hinks, Thomas Caldwell, Jabez Page, Jeremiah Atkins, John Hall, David Connor, Jr., David Bruce, Ebenezer Sperry, Hugh Wilson, Benjamin Sperry, Samson Osgood, John Goodale, James Blanchard, Benjamin Hoyt, Caleb Fisher, Anson Coburn, Benjamin Durrill, Reuben Atkins, Samuel Hall, Parker Chase, Jr., Stephen Hoyt, Luther Swan, Benjamin Preston, Nathaniel Gibbs, Squier Boinin, Joseph Cate.

The company mustered 34 men; organized Aug. 26, 1819. by the choice of the following officers, John Damon being the first petitioner, was elected captain. In a neat little speech in which he thanked the company for the honor, he said, owing to bodily infirmities he wished to he excused. He then treated the company well to whisky and sugar, and was excused. Ira Atkins was then elected captain; Horace A. Warner, lieut.; Avery Atkins, ensign; M. O. Fisher, 1st sergt.; John Goodale, 2d do.; Caleb Fisher, 3d do.; Parker

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Chase, 4th do.; Thomas Caldwell, 1st corp.; Jabez Page, 2d do,; Jeremiah Atkins, 3d do.; David Bruce, 4th do.; Benjamin Hoit, fifer; Luther Swan, drummer; Stephen Hoyt, bass drummer.

The uniform adopted was black hat, white cockade, red parchment with star with No. of company and regiment, white feather with red top, white cord with two large tassels, black coat with red facings, yellow buttons, black pants corded with red, white vest, white neck scarf, yellow gloves, canteen and cartridge-box, with white belt. The records show company drills were frequent; Oct. 3, 1820, they attended the regimental muster at Peacham; Oct. 3, 1822, mustered at Danville; 1824, Horace Warner was elected captain, and in 1825, Marcus O. Fisher, captain.

This company kept up its organization 7 years, when by a vote of the company July, 1826, it was transformed into an artillery company, and a cannon and all the necessary equipments for the same was bought by subscription of the citizens of the town.

Nearly the same officers were elected that were in command in the infantry, Marcus O. Fisher, being the first captain, Ira Atkins, 1st lieut., Caleb Fisher, 2d lieut. The uniform with some slight changes was very much like that of the infantry. It mustered 84 men, and was said to be the finest looking and appealing company in the regiment.

LIST OF CAPTAINS: May 23, 1827, Jeremiah Atkins was elected Capt.; 1828, Caleb Fisher; 1829, William Fisher; 1832, Levi H. Stone; 1835, Roswell Farr; 1836, Enoch Hoyt; 1838, John Clark.

This completes the list. It was a fine company, and often called to assist in celebrations in the adjoining towns. And not unfrequently was the Fourth enlivened by the old-fashioned sham fight, in which they would become so much engaged frequently, that the cannon would be charged full too high for the safety of the glass in surrounding buildings, and those standing by. On one occasion one of the gunners, Mitchell Whittier, standing near the wheel had the top of his hat torn out. This was at an engagement with the cavalry at Marshfield. On another occasion, Capt. Levi H. Stone had his face filled with powder by a musket being carelessly discharged. This company kept up its organization until an act was passed by the Legislature disbanding all military companies throughout the State June 1, 1838, when this company reluctantly voted to disband, after first entering upon their record that the act of the Legislature ought to be considered a lawless act in very deed.

About 1842, a Light Infantry company was organized with John McLean for its first captain. Of this company I am not able to find any record.

During the organization of these independent companies all persons that did not belong to them, obliged to do military duty, were called out once a year for drill and inspection. They received the name of the Flood-wood Company. The training of this company ended by electing a clerk that soon moved to the West, and took with him all the records and papers of the company, the members of the company bidding him God speed.

Many funny and characteristic anecdotes of military acts and deeds are related by the old inhabitants it would be pleasant to record, but our space forbids. We will only mention the Sutton Muster, in which the Cabot Artillery and Flood-wood both joined, taking one week in which to get through it, and in that time it is said there was a good many of them that did not got sober enough to get home.

During these military organizations quite a number from this town belonged to the Cavalry in the late war, raised in the towns of Cabot, Hardwick, Danville and Peacham.

WALTER STONE,

who was in the 1st Vt. Cavalry, Co. D., taken prisoner March 4, 1863, and died in Libby Prison, was at one time captain of this old cavalry company.

The last military organization in town was in 1866. After the close of the War of the Rebellion an infantry company was organized, with W. H. Fletcher for cap‑

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tain; also a cavalry company, with Hiram Perkins for captain. These companies were both finely equipped by the State, but never did any great military service. They were disbanded by an act of the Legislature, 1868.

SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION

who settled in town: Lieut. Thomas Lyford, Jonathan Heath, Starling Heath, Thomas Osgood, Samuel Warner, Nathaniel Webster, Fifield Lyford, Nathan Edson, Trueworthy Durgin, Lieut. John Whittier, Maj. Lyman Hitchcock, Lieut. David Blanchard, Ensign Jerry McDaniels

SOLDIERS OF 1812.

Volunteers from this town: Luther Swan, Simeon Walker, Leander Collis, Samuel Dutton, Ezra Kennerson, Peter Lyford, Jesse Webster, David Lyford, Royal Gilbert.

SOLDIERS OF THE WAR OF 1861.

Demand for the surrender of Fort Sumter made April 11, 1861, promptly refused by Maj. Anderson, in one hour hostilities commenced. The President's call for 75,000 men was received in this town by the journals of the 15th of April. A war meeting was at once called, to take the matter into consideration. Stirring speeches were made by several citizens, and it was at once voted to recruit a company, and offer their services to the Governor. A paper was drawn up, and volunteers called for, and the following young men enrolled their names: J. P. Lamson, John Derine, F. L. Drown, H. L. Collins, H. M. Paige, G. W. Wright, E. S. Hoyt, Nathaniel Perry, Chas. H. Newton, L. B. Scott, S. H. Bradish, L. S. Gerry, H. Perkins, Horace Carpenter, Luke A. Davis, C. H. Goodale, C. P. Hopkins, E. H. Scott, E. Gerry, Lyman Hopkins, Fayette Hopkins.

The services of these volunteers were at once tendered to the Governor by Nathaniel Perry and H. M. Paige. The first regiment was already full, but a large portion of them enlisted in other regiments as soon as an opportunity offered, as the following roll will show:

VOLUNTEERS FOR THREE YEARS,

Credited previous to call for 300,000 Volunteers of Oct. 17, 1863.

Names. Age. Enlistment. Reg. Co. Remarks.

Aiken, Hiram 36 July 12, 62. 10 A Tr. to Vet. Res. Corps, April 17.

Ainsworth, Henry A. 18 June 16, 62. 9 I Pro. July 15, 64; must. out June 13, 65.

Bascom, William 45 Feb. 62. I Bat.

Bacon, William W. I Bat.

Balaw, Simeon 36 Feb. 10, 62. 3 K Dis. Dec. 16, 62.

Balaw, William 24 " " 3 K Re-en. Mar. 19, 64; deserted May 3, 64.

Bailey, Nathaniel 21 Aug. 31, 61. 4 H Killed at Wilderness, May 5, 64.

Batchelder, Ziba 21 July 3, 61. 3 H Died Feb. 13, 62.

Blake, Daniel 38 June 30, 62. 7 H Discharged June 22, 63.

Blodgett, Stephen B. 18 Sept. 5, 61. 4 K Discharged Dec. 19, 62.

Barnett, Geo. W. 22 Sept. 2, 61. 4 K Re-en. Dec. 15, 63; tr. to Co. E. Feb. 25, 65.

Carpenter, Amasa 20 Sept. 3, 61. 4 G Must. out of service Sept. 30, 64.

Cheever, Moses R. 19 " " " " Re-en. Dec. 15, 63; tr. to Co. F.

Clark, William H. H. 20 Feb. 23, 62. " " Died June 7, 62.

Collins, Hartwell L. 26 June 1, 61. 3 G Re-en. Jan. 22, 64 ; pro. 2 lieut. Co. E. Aug. 4, 64.

Desilets, Carlos 19 June 12, 62. 9 I Promoted Corporal.

Doreen, John 22 June 1, 61. 3 G Pro. .Sergeant; dis. Jan. 5, 63.

Dow, Harrison 41 Aug. 21, 61. 4 G Discharged July 8, 62.

Dow, Harvey S. Cav C

Drown, Frederick L. 34 June 1, 61. 3 G Pro. Sergt.; discharged June 5, 63.

Eastman, Curtis O. 27 Aug. 8, 62. 11 I Sept. 27, 64; dis. June 29, 65.

Fales, John W. 18 Sept. 30, 61. 6 F Must. out of service, Oct. 28, 64.

Farr, Jacob 22 Mar. 22, 62. 3 K Discharged Oct. 31, 62.

Fisk, Frederick W. 23 Sept. 3, 61. 4 G Reduced; must. out Sept. 30, 64.

Gerry, Eli P. 33 Aug. 30, 61 4 H Pro. Cor.; re-en. Dec. 15, 63; tr. to Co. C. Feb. 25, 65.

Goodale, Chauncey 18 Sept. 4, 61. " " Must. out of service Sept. 30, 64.

Goodwin, David M. June, 61. 3 A S Pro. surgeon of the 3d reg.

Gray, Joshua C. 21 Aug. 13, 62. 11 I Must, out of service June 24, 65.

Griffin, Clarendon I Bat.

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Names. Age. Enlistment. Reg. Co. Remarks.

Hall, Mark P. 22 Aug. 28, 61. 4 G Pro. Sergt.; must. out Sept. 30, 64.

Hall, Merrill K. 22 Aug. 31, 63. " " Tr. to Co. B. Feb. 25, 65; out July 3, 65.

Hatch, Gonzalo C. 27 June 1, 61. 3 " Re-en. Dec. 21; tr. to Co. I, July 25, 64.

Hatch, Jerome B. Cav C Promoted to Lieut.

Hatch, Marshall E. " "

Heath, Nathan L. 27 June, 1, 61. 3 C Reduced to rank Oct. 31, 62.

Heath, Jeremiah A. I Bat.

Hill, Andrew 22 May 7, 61. 2 D Died June 14, 62.

Hill, Lorenzo D. 1 Bat.

Hitchcock, Henry C. 18 July 25, 62. 11 I Must. from service June 24, 65.

Hooker, Amos O. 19 Jan. 31, 62. 7 H Pro. Cor. Feb. 18, 64; re-en. Feb. 20, 64.

Hooker, Sanford O. 21 June 9, 62. 9 I Pro. Sergt. Nov. 63; died Mar. 12, 64,

Hopkins, William J. 28 May 29, 62. " " Discharged Oct. 22, 62.

Hoyt, Alonzo A. Cav C

Hoyt, Asa 41 Aug. 8, 62. 11 I Must. from service July 5, 65.

Hoyt, Enoch S. 25 June 1, 61. 3 G Discharged Feb. 19, 63.

Hoyt, Jonathan P. 44 Aug. 10, 63. " H

Ingram, John Cav C

Kenerson, Albert " D

Kenerson, William T. 19 Mar. 20, 62. 4 H Dropped Apr. 10, 63.

Lyford, James M. Cav C

Mack, Asa B. 33 Sept. 3, 61. 4 G Must. out of service Feb. 4, 61.

Marsh, Henry O. 18 Sept. 3, 61. " " Died of wounds received in action June 6, 64.

Marsh, James Jr. 38 Aug. 12, 62. " " Pro. to Cor. Nov. 1, 63; do. Ser.; tr. to Co. B.

McCrillis, Rufus 1 Bat.

McLean, Samuel E. 32 Sept. 4, 61. 4 H Re-en. Dec. 12, 63; tr. to Co. E. Feb. 25, 65.

Morrill, Abel K. 3 E

Newton, Charles H. 22 Aug. 27, 61. 4 G Pro. Sergt.; re-en. Dec. 15, 65 ; 1 Lt. Co. E. Oct. 1, 64.

Oken, John E. 4 H

Page, Henry M. Cav C Pro. to Major.

Page, Wallace W. 23 June 1, 61. 3 G Re-en. Jan. 22, 64; killed at Cold Harbor, June 3, 64.

Paine, Geo. W. 25 " " 3 G Re-en. Dec. 21, 63; tr. to Co. I July 25, 64.

Perry, Adolphus B. Jr. 21 Sept. 11, 61. 4 H Re-en. Jan. 15, 63; tr. to Co. C. Feb. 25, 65.

Perry, Charles H. 21 Sept. 3, 61. 4 G Killed at Cold Harbor, June 10, 1864.

Perry, William A. 18 Apr. 20, 63. Brigade Band.

Putnam, Chas. B. May 11, 63. " "

Rudd, John 18 June, 26, 63. 11 L Died June 23, 64, of wounds recd. in action May, 64.

Rudd, William 26 June 8, 63. 11 L Died May 6, 64,

Russell, Hiram L. 20 Aug. 6, 62. " I Must. out of service June 24, 65.

Scott, Erastus H. Aug. 11, 62. 3 G Killed.

Scott, Luther B. 26 Sept. 4, 61. 4 G Pro. 2d Lt. Co. E. Aug. 1, 62.

Smith, Jarish S. 18 Sept. 4, 61. 4 G Died Nov. 9, 62.

Stone, Edward G. 26 Sept. 3, 61. " " Killed at Spottsylvania, May 10, 64.

Sumner, Alonzo L. 22 Feb. 8, 62. 7 H Re-en. Feb. 20, 64; pro. Cor. Oct. 1, 64.

Thompson, Sam'l H. 36 Aug. 20, 61. 4 H Pro. Cor.; killed at Spottsylvania, May 12, 65.

Walbridge, Don C. 23 June 29, 62. 7 " Died Nov. 27, 62.

West, William N. 24 Sept. 7, 61. 4 " Pro. Sergt.; re-en. Dec. 15, 63; pris. of war since June 23, 64,

Wheeler, John Q. A. Cav C

Wilson, Nathaniel L. 22 July 10, 61. 3 K Discharged Oct. 31, 62.

Wright, Geo. W. 28 June 18, 61. 3 G Pro. Sergt.; re-en. Dec. 32, 61 ; died May 11, 64, from wounds received in action.

Writer, Anson S. 21 June 1, 61. 3 G Re-en. Dec. 21, 63; died July 15, 64, of wounds received in action.

Volunteers for Three Years.

Farr, William H. 20 Dec. 7, 63. 3 G Tr. to Vet. Res. Corps May 23, 64. Disch. Aug. 9, 1865.

Hopkins, Oliver W. 18 Sept. 1, 63. 17 C Must. out of serv. July 14, I865.

Hoyt, Edwin A. 3 Bat.

Kimball, Isaac N. 3 Bat. Died.

Mason, Henry L. 27 Nov. 10, 63. 11 I Died Sept. 13, 1864,

Trow, Kendrick 44 Sept. 23, 63. 17 D Died at Andersonville, Ga., Aug. 24, 1864.

Volunteer for One Year.

Brickett, Willard P. Cav.

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Volunteers Re-enlisted.

Names. Age. Enlistment. Reg. Co. Remarks.

Barnett, George M. 22 Sept. 2, 61. 4 H Re-en Dec. 15, 1863, tr. to Co. E. Feb. 25, 65.

Cheever, Moses R. 19 Sept. 3, 61. 4 G Re-en Dec. 15, 1863, tr. to Co. F. Feb. 25, 65.

Collins, Hartwell L. 26 June 1, 61. 3 G Re-en Jan. 26, 1864, pro. to 2d lieut., Co. E. Aug. 4, 1864,

Gerry, Eli P. 33 Aug. 30. 61. 4 H Pro. to corp. ; re-en Dec. 15. 1863; tr. to Co. C. Feb. 25, 1865

Hatch, Gonzalo C. 27 June 1, 61. 3 G Re-en Dec. 21, 63; tr. to Co. I. July 25, 64,

Hooker, Amos O. 19 June 31, 62. 7 H Pro. corp. Feb. 18, 64; re-en Feb. 20, 64.

Hopkins, Daniel F. 2 Bat.

McLean, Samuel E. 32 Sept. 4, 61. 4 H Re-en Dec. 15, 63; tr. to Co. E. Feb. 25, 65.

Page, Wallace W. 23 June 1. 61. 3 G Re-en Jan. 22, 1864; killed at Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864,

Paine, George W. 25 June 1, 61. 3 G Re-en Dec. 21, 63; tr. to Co. I. July 25, 64.

Perry, Adolphus B. Jr., 21 Sept. 11, 61. 4 H Re-en Dec. 15, 63; tr. to Co. C. Feb. 25, 65,

Wright, George W. 28 June 10, 61. 3 G Pro. sergt.; re-en Dec. 31, 63 ; died May 11.

Writer, Anson S. 21 June 1, 61. 3 G Re-en. Dec. 21, 63. Died July 15, 64, of wound received in action.

Veteran Reserve Cords.

Hoyt, Jonathan P 44 Aug. 10, 63. 3 H Tr. from Vet. Res. Corps ; tr. to Co. K. July 25, 64.

McCauley, Kenneth

Miscellaneous not Credited by Name.

Two men.

Volunteers for Nine Months.

Adams, Chas. S. 13 C

Boyle, Orvis P. " "

Corles, Frederick " ‘‘

Dow, John K. " "

Fletcher, William H. " "

Gibson, Charles " "

Houghton, Charles L. " "

Johnson, Silas G. " "

Kimball, Isaac " "

Maberny, William " "

Osgood, Andrew E. " " Killed at Gettysburg.

Perkins, Eben S. " "

Perkins, Hiram " "

Shaw, George E. " "

Wilson, Joseph " "

Wilson, Freeman " "

Furnished under Draft. Paid Commutation.

Clark, Emery H.

Dow, Harvey S.

Haines, William J.

Hazen, Jasper J.

Heath, George R.

Perry. Anthony

Perry, Jewett

Smith, Henry D.

Sprague, Alonzo F.

Whittier, Harrison

Wood, Hiram T.

Procured Substitutes.

Fisher, Chas. M.

Smith, Geo. C.

Entered Service.

Hopkins, Lyman H. 6 A

Howe, Samuel W. 6 D

Knapp, Francis L. " "

Swazey, Parker 32 July 29, 63. 2 I Missing in action May 5, 64.

122 VERMoNT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

Total, 138. Of this number 9 were killed in action, 18 died from disease, 5 from wounds received in action; of the number that returned, many of them contracted disease from which they have since died, or are now suffering.

The town paid about $9000 bounty, and at the close of the war, to the credit of the town be it said, we had no war debt upon us. Taxes were levied, and promptly paid when money was plenty.

After the close of the war, and when those who had gone first and done battle so valiantly for their country had returned to their peaceful avocations of life, the thoughts of the inhabitants of the town were turned to those who had given their lives to continue the life of our nation, and wishing to hand down their names in grateful remembrance to generations yet unborn, an article was inserted in the warning for March meeting, 1873, to take into consideration the subject of erecting a monument to their memory.

At this meeting a committee was elected to obtain diagram specimens of material, cost of the same, place of location, and report at the next March meeting; J. P. Lamson, M. P. Wallace and Milton Fisher, com. Final action was not reached until the annual meeting, 1875, when $1500 was voted for a soldiers' monument on the Common, and the committee before appointed were instructed to purchase and locate the same. The committee contracted with Mr. Harrington, of Barre, to erect a monument of Barre granite, at a cost of $1500, on the highest point on the Common, in front of the Congregational church. The height of the monument is 21 feet; upon the die, inscriptions:

WEST SIDE:

TO THE MEMORY OF CABOT SOLDIERS

WHO FELL IN THE GREAT REBELLION OF 1861-1865.

Dulcet Desuum est. Pro patri amori!

NORTH SIDE.—Adjutant, Abel Morrill, Jr.; 2d lieutenant, Luther B. Scott; Sergeant, Sanford O. Hooker, Eli P. Gerry, Samuel H. Thompson, George W. Wright, Anson S. Writer; privates, Ziba Batchelder, Nathaniel Bailey, William H. Clark, Carlos Desoletts, John H. Dow.

EAST SIDE.—Privates, Wm. G. French, Jeremiah A. Heath, Andrew Hill, James C. Hill, Enoch S. Hoit, Isaac Kimball, Albert Kenerson, Rufus McCrillis, Henry O. Marsh, Henry S, Mason, Andrew E. Osgood, Wallace Page.

SOUTH SIDE.—Privates, Adolphus B. Perry, Charles H. Perry, Jewett W. Perry, John Rudd, William Rudd, Erastus H. Scott, Parker Swazey, Don C. Walbridge, Jarvis S. Smith, George E. Stone, Kendrick Trow, Edward E. Hall.

This monument was dedicated to the memory of these deceased soldiers July 4, 1876, at 2 o'clock P. M., with singing by the choir, prayer by Rev. B. S. Adams, dedicatory address by J. P. Lamson, Esq., music by the Montpelier Band, and memorial and dedication services by Brooks Post, G. A. R., from Montpelier. From the able address of Mr. Lamson we make the following brief extract:

We meet to-day around this monument of the fallen heroes of Cabot to join in the ceremonies of its dedication. By the people of Cabot this structure has been reared in commemoration of those noble men, who, when rebellious hands were raised against their country's life, bade a last farewell to kindred and home, and went forth to die in its defence. Their sacred names are enshrined in our memories, and engraved on the tablets of our hearts; as long as life shall last, we, of this generation, shall cherish the recollections of their heroic deeds and noble martyrdom with a devotion which no monument can kindle, and no inscription can keep alive. But time will pass, and memories and traditions shall fail, and the tablet of flesh must moulder into dust. It is fit, therefore, that we should carve on the everlasting granite the names of that noble band, that our children and our children's children may learn by whose blood our country was baptized into new life, and the bonds of its union were cemented for all coming time.

Let this monument stand, then, a proud memorial of the dead, and may time touch it with a gentle hand as it bears to succeeding generations its just and deserving record.

At this time I am oppressed with a sense of the impropriety of uttering words on this occasion. If silence is ever golden, it must

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be here beside this monument, which bears the names of thirty-six men whose lives were more significant than speech, and whose death was a poem, the music of which can never be sung. For love of country they accepted death. That act resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.

Fortunate men! Your country lives because you died; your fame is placed where the breath of calumny can never reach it; where the mistakes of a weary life can never dim its brightness. Coming generations will rise up to call you blessed. So unselfish, so little looking for reward, so trusting for the final good, so venturing for the brotherhood of man on the fatherhood of God. And it was for this sentiment of country, and nothing else, that these whose names are engraved on this monument first sprang to arms and offered themselves as martyrs. "My Country" and the "old flag," how these thoughts quickened the elastic step, which bore them to the strife. How it lingered on dying lips when the bloody fray was over, "Tell her I die for my country." Softly would we touch the strings that vibrate only to plaintive notes—husband, father, brother, son, the loved, the fondly cherished.

Nobly did they fall, and in a righteous cause. Their country called, and in the great cause of humanity they died. And though their bones lie bleaching on a Southern soil, far away from friends and home, yet ever fresh will be their memories in the hearts of the living and the loved. And their records will remain from everlasting to everlasting, after this monument dedicated to them shall have crumbled into dust.

To you, soldiers of this town, this monument is dedicated; make yourselves worthy of the honor. Your past is at least secure. May you so conduct yourselves in the conflicts of life as to preserve unfaded those wreaths of glory, which your deeds have so nobly won.

Let generation after generation, as they pass from the cradle to the grave, be reminded, as they look on this enduring monument, of the conflicts which inaugurated the birth of our country, of the hardships and sacrifices by which it was pursued, and the serious part they may be called upon to perform for its further perpetuation.

Let it stand, then, an everlasting memorial and teacher, and in the ceremonies of this day let us invoke Almighty God to hold it tenderly in the hollow of his hand, and consecrate it with his continual blessings.

LIEUT. COLONEL KIMBALL.

BY J. C. JULIUS LANGBIEN, OF NEW YORK CITY,

Civil Justice, and formerly Drummer of "R." C. 9th, N. Y. Vols. I Hawkins Zouaves.

ELIPHALET ADDISON KIMBALL was born June 3, 1822, in Pembroke, N. H. His mother survived his birth but 11 days. His father, soon after the death of his wife, removed to Cabot, Vt., where Addison's aunt and uncles resided, and it was here he and she, who mourns him as his devoted widow, lived in childhood together until his 17th year, when he went to Concord, N. H., learned the printer's trade, returned to Vermont, and entered the office of the Woodstock Age, Charles G. Eastman editor and owner, a man of education and accomplishments, poet and politician. Young Kimball in two years bought the Age, and became its editor and publisher, Mr. Eastman purchasing the Vermont Patriot, and removing to Montpelier. While editor of the Age the war with Mexico was agitated. The Age, a democratic paper, took strong sides with the government, then under democratic control. The young editor wrote with instinctive force and character, and his editorials attracted attention. By a sort of magnetism, which he even then possessed, he soon gained influential friends. It was remarked there was no other young man 24 years of age who had more friends among the democratic leaders, and that took the pride and interest in him they did. This influence and friendship secured him a captain's commission from President Polk in the 9th N. E. reg., Col. Ransom, from Woodstock, commanding.

He gave up his paper and post-office to be a soldier—he was postmaster at Woodstock, and the quartermaster office; he had been appointed by Gov. Slade, of Vermont, quartermaster of the 3d. Div. of the Vt. militia, Feb. 1, 1840. He sailed for Mexico, May 27, 1847. He was in the first engagements at Contreras and Churubusco.

For his brave conduct in these engagements he received a brevet, and from that time was mentioned and thanked in gen‑

124 VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

eral orders in nearly every engagement under Gen. Scott. Col. Ransom, the commander of the regiment, loved him as his son, and was as proud of him as one brave man can be of another. At Chepultepec, where Ransom fell, young Kimball with the Vermont boys, was the first to reach the Mexican flag on the heights, which he tore down quick as a flash, and surmounted with the stripes and stars.

Owing to some misunderstanding, the credit of this achievement was given to Major Seymour, of the regiment, whom it made so famous that he became the governor of Connecticut.

After the fight, he was given a picket body of men to open communications with the city of Vera Cruz, and to bring up supplies and recruits for the army. This duty having been satisfactorily performed, he was placed in command of the vessel, taking the troops home to Ft. Adams, R. I. He had also received his commission as brevet major, Aug. 20, 1847, and his welcome home was an ovation from the time he left Fort Adams until he visited Cabot, the scene of his childhood days, where the oldest and most respected citizens, headed by Captain Perry, a soldier of the Vt. Militia, as their Grand Marshal, paraded and marched through the town in his honor, and in the evening a grand banquet was spread, where he was welcomed home by people of all shades of political and social life.

During all these stirring records of his life there was one who watched his every movement, and shared with him in his triumph and glory, and a years later, Nov. 1, 1849, Major Kimball was married at the church where they had both been baptized, to her in whose heart his memory will ever be green. At this time he was the Route Agent from Wells River to Boston. The following year the young couple came to New York City, where Major Kimball obtained a responsible position on the New York Herald. He remained on the Herald until 1853, when he was appointed by President Pierce in the New York Custom House. It was while there employed that the Southern rebellion broke out.

Apr. 16. 1861, Major Kimball wrote to Gov. Fairbanks, of Vermont, offering his services. The Governor was unable to give him a command. He next offered his services to the 9th New York Vols. (Hawkins Zouaves) and was elected. This regiment was first ordered to Riker's Island, in the East river. While here the news agents of New York City presented to Major Kimball an elegant sword, and his friends of the Custom House a beautiful pair of epaulettes. The march of the "Ninth" down Broadway to the seat of war was one of the grandest ovations of the kind ever witnessed in the metropolis.

The Major, by his soldierly bearing, fame, bravery and experience in the Mexican War, inspired the men with confidence, and the regiment had perfected itself in drill and discipline. They were looked upon with pride and affection by the city of New York. June 5, the regiment left New York, embarked on the "Marion" and "George Peabody"; June 10, it covered the rear of our retreating forces at Big Bethel. It was not otherwise actively engaged with the enemy in this engagement. Aug. 4, '61, Major K. was surprised by the following communication:

CAMP BUTLER, NEWPORT NEWS, Va.,

August 4, 1861.

Maj. E. A. Kimball, 9th Reg. N. Y. Vols:

We, the undersigned officers of the 1st Regiment Vermont Volunteer Militia, being about to depart to our native State to be mustered out of the service of the U. S. Government, do hereby tender to you our kindest regards, and hope ere long to see you in your appropriate position, the Commander of a Regiment of Green Mountain Boys of such men as you have heretofore led to victory on six different battle-fields in support of the honor and flag of your country, and we ardently desire to see you again manfully fighting at the head of a regiment, leading to victory, honor and glory, the citizen soldiery of your own much-loved State of Vermont.

To command a regiment of Green Mountain Boys was an ardent, long-felt desire of Major Kimball's. He was one of

CABOT. 125

the first to offer his services to Governor Fairbanks. It was always a regret that tinged the remainder of his life that a command had not been offered him from that State, for he felt that his services in Mexico entitled him to such an honor. A few days after the battle of Roanoke Island he wrote home to his wife:

We have had a big fight and a splendid victory. I have not time to tell you the particulars, except that I charged the battery at the head of my New Yolk boys. God bless them! we carried it. It was fully equal to anything I ever saw before. The prisoners say they fired at me time and time again, and that I must bear a charmed life. They did fire at me smartly. You will see the papers. I am well now, but can't go through many more as I did the other. I wish I could have made the same charge at the head of a Vermont Regiment, but it was not to be so.

A sore spot in his heart; he loved the Vermont boys. In another letter to his wife:

You may rest assured if we have a chance, you will hear a good account of us. Our regiment numbers 950 men, and next to the "old Mexico 9th," is the best I ever saw.

Feb. 8, '62, the battle of Roanoke Island, where the regiment gained its first fame, making the first decisive, successful bayonet charge of the war. The battle had been raging for some time when the Third Brigade was sent for, and they began to advance, the "Ninth'' taking the lead. The road was a long, narrow causeway, flanked by marsh and ditches, and at the head a three-gun battery had a range of the field. The left wing advanced, led by Kimball, sword in hand, cheering on his men. "Now is the time, and you are the men," cried Gen. Foster, and the Zouaves rushed forward, with their peculiar cry of "Zou! Zou! Zou!" their red caps and blue, baggy uniform filling the narrow causeway, the intrepid Kimball leading them. The thunder of the rebel guns was heard; quick as their flash every man prostrates himself upon his face; the iron grape and cannister speed overhead, and lodge behind, scattering death among the other troops. The Zouaves mount the parapet upon which their colors are planted, and before the rebel gunners have time to reload, their soldiers are flying in terror to the rear. A prisoner after the battle said: "It was perfectly frightful to witness the mad career in which the Zouaves advanced upon a work which, until that moment, every one in it had supposed to be impregnable."

From report of General Parke to General Burnside:

The delay in the progress of the troops through the swamp being so great, it was decided to change the course of the 9th N. Y. Regiment, and the order was sent to the Colonel to turn to the left, and charge the battery directly up the road, and the regiment, with a hearty yell and cheer, struck into the road, and made for the battery on the run. The order was given to charge the enemy with fixed bayonets. This was done in gallant style, MAJOR KIMBALL taking the lead. The Major was very conspicuous during the movement, and I take great pleasure in commending him to your favorable notice.

Col. Hawkins in his report:

Upon reaching the battle-ground, I was ordered to outflank the enemy on their left, where they were in position behind an intrenchment, mounting three guns. After leading the Ninth New York into a marsh, immediately in front of the enemy's work, amidst a heavy fire from them of grape and musketry, the order was given to charge the regiment with fixed bayonets. This was done in gallant style, MAJOR KIMBALL taking-the lead.

A friend who served with the Major in Mexico writes to him:

Dear Major:—Glory to God in the highest! I have just been reading an account of your gallant charge at the head of your boys on Roanoke Island. It fairly made the tears come into my eves when I read of my old commander's offer to lead the charge, and doing it, too, as no one but he could do it. I would give ten years of my life to have been by your side. I glory in your glory, and would like to shake the hand of every boy of the 9th. God bless the number! The glorious news from Roanoke tells me that you have been doing to the flag of the rebels what you did to the Mexican flag in '47. I am not disappointed, for I knew that you would allow no one to get nearer the enemy than yourself.

Shortly after this battle, Lieut. Col.

126 VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

Betts, of the regiment, resigned, and Maj. Kimball was promoted to Lieut. Colonel, Feb. 14, 1862.

At the battle of South Mills, N. C., Ap. 9, '61, Col. Kimball displayed the same bravery, riding in the midst of the battle, at the head of the "Ninth," ordered to charge the enemy. This battle, comparatively unheard of, was of the utmost importance to the country, as it led to the evacuation of the city of Norfolk. The regiment marched 46 miles in 26 hours, in addition to battle. Col. Kimball, writing of it to his wife, says:

We have had a terrible fight, the hottest fire I was ever under. My horse was shot under me. We lost 73 men from our regiment. I escaped, as usual, unhurt.

At South Mountain, September 14, the "Ninth" supported Clark's Battery of Regulars, the prelude to "Antietam." Major Judevine had command of the 89th N. Y. The enemy made several fierce charges upon this battery, which was gallantly supported by the "Ninth" under its gallant Colonel. After crossing Antietam Creek, in the face of a heavy fire by the enemy's sharp-shooters, the enemy took position under the brow of the steep heights, many of the enemy's shells striking in front of them, and ricocheting over their heads before exploding, while others burst in the ranks, killing and wounding the brave boys. Kimball in command, impatiently waiting the order to advance, with sword in hand, stood upon the brow of the hill, the perfect picture of the hero.

The long-expected command came, the regiment rushed to the top of the hill, their leader in advance. Storm of shot and shell greeted them. Zou-Zou-Zou! their war-cry rang wildly above the battle's din. Outstripping far the rest of their line in their daring charge, on they swept . . . . . Men falling at every step far back as could be seen, the track of the regiment strewn with the slain, the brave Kimball ordered his bugler, Flocton, by his side, to blow the "Assembly of the Ninth." It was done; the regiment rallied; they encounter a stone wall; with a wild cheer they surmount it. Here a terrific bayonet fight takes place; the Zouaves hold their own; re-inforcements arrive; the enemy retreat in wild confusion. Kimball writes to his beloved wife:

I am out of the hardest-fought battle I was ever in, and probably the hardest fought on this continent. I lost 221 out of 469 of my regiment which I took into action. I got a slight bruise. It was only by the mercy of Divine Providence that any of us escaped. We have fought a great battle, and won a great victory, but the cost has been immense . . . . . I had my horse shot under me by a shell explosion. He is well, however.

For his meritorious conduct in this battle, Col. Kimball was especially mentioned and thanked in the official report of Gen. Cox, commanding the 9th army corps.

At Fredericksburg, under General Burnside, the regiment was engaged, Colonel Kimball in command. He writes:

Dear Lue:—The cannon are now firing so the very earth quakes; near 400 of them in action. We get in line in a few minutes. God knows how soon the line may be broken, and who comes out of to-day. To-day will undoubtedly decide the fate of our nation, and if I fall, God knows I shall do so loving my country. Already has commenced one of the greatest battles of the world. My horse is saddled and before my tent, and we shall attempt to cross the river in a few minutes. God bless you all!

ADDISON.

But with all his dash and intrepidity, many an officer and soldier in the ranks can bear witness that in battle he was cool and collected as on parade. He was no holiday soldier; he dreaded the horrors of a battle-field, but personally knew no fear; a braver man and truer soldier never lived. He was a patriot, and that patriotism was not born of the rebellion. He had a reverence for the old flag. He was often heard to say: It is the proudest flag that floats, and his right arm and his life were always ready in its defence.

He fought in other battles as heroically. When Col. Kimball commanded, he always led his men into the battle; and yet how reluctantly we come to that fatal night, Apr. 12, 1863. On that night the regiment lost its father and the nation one of

CABOT. 127

its most gallant and heroic defenders—the hero of sixteen battles, in which he had been the "bravest of the brave," and that not by the sword, nor by the bayonet of the enemy; the regiment could have borne that; but he was mercilessly shot down in cold blood by an officer of the same army, most recreant deed!

By order from Gen. Dix, the regiment in command of Gen. Peck, left Pittsmouth for Suffolk the eve of the 12th, marching the distance of 30 miles, and coming in at 1 o'clock at night the 13th. The troops were ordered to be under arms at 3 o'clock. Col. Kimball was tired and worn out, but his soldierly instincts would not let him sleep until, an attack being expected, he had made inspection of the ground. While thus engaged, on foot, with no weapon but his sword, he encountered a body of horsemen, and soldier as he was, on his own camp-ground, he immediately ordered a halt, and demanded the countersign, placing his hand at the same time upon the hilt of his sword, as if in the act of drawing it. The body of horsemen were Brigadier General Michael Corcoran, who was officer of the day, and his staff, who, without a word of warning, drew a pistol from his holster and fired, the ball striking the Colonel in, and passing through, his neck. Fool-hardy and terrible blunder! The news spread through camp like wildfire. The regiment was frantic. They could not realize at first the lamentable, and to them costly, situation of affairs. He, for whom they all thought no bullet was ever cast, shot down in cold blood. Their indignation knew no bounds, and they demanded immediate court- martial, and refused to do duty, and threatened dire vengeance unless it was done. It was not until Gen. Getty promised immediate investigation, they were restrained. There was no justification for the act. It was entirely dastardly. Col. Kimball was alone, without his fire-arms, on foot; Gen. Corcoran was accompanied by his staff, himself and all armed, on horseback. He could have had Kimball arrested by one of his staff officers if he had deemed it proper, but Col. Kimball was only in the performance of a duty upon his own ground. The arrogant and hot Corcoran was piqued by having the countersign demanded of him. Napoleon was stopped by a sentinel. Washington was stopped by a sentinel; Frederick the Great. Did any of these great commanders shoot their sentinel? Would it not have been more manly, more soldierly, in General Corcoran to have either given or demanded the countersign, than thus hastily to have shot that brave man and officer on his own ground. In any other country it would have been murder. But General Corcoran met his deserts. Not long afterwards, while out riding, he fell from his horse and broke his neck.

The body was embalmed, and under an escort detailed from the regiment, and a committee from the city authorities, was brought to New York, where it lay in state in the Governor's rooms at the City Hall, and thousands of people viewed the remains, and shed tears as they gazed upon the dead soldier, whose bravery in battle was upon the lips of all. Never was the dead admired more by his audience. Of what avail to him so ruthlessly slain? The flag draped his coffin, and the flag was covered with the most beautiful flowers; depended from the sweetest flower-cluster, "We mourn our loss." The sword, belt and cap lay among the flowers. The dog which had followed its master through all his campaigns, lay crouched beneath, desolate and inconsolable, faithful and true to the last.

Six war-worn Zouaves bore the coffin to the hearse; the military escort presented arms; a salvo of 21 guns was fired from a battery in the park; Battalion of police, under Capt. Mills; First Regiment N. G. S. N. Y. (Cavalry) Lieut. Col. Minten, commanding; Sixty-ninth Regiment, Major Bagley, commanding ; Seventy-first Regiment, Col. Trafford, commanding; with arms reversed; volunteer officers; with the faithful dog; the Col's. horse, led by his old, orderly Sergeant; hearse drawn by six horses draped in mourning, flanked by the pall-bearers and Cols. Roome, Varain, Maidhoff, Ward, Mason, Lieut. Cols. Grant

128 VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

and Burke; widow and friends in carriages; officers of the 1st Division N. G. S. N. Y. Detachment of the original Hawkins Zouaves; Detachment of the Second Battalion of Hawkins Zouaves; the Mayor and Common Council in carriages; citizens in carriages; upon public and private buildings flags at half-mast; the procession moved to Greenwood.

The regiment placed a handsome monument over his grave. Colonel Kimball was 40 years of age, 10 mos. The Zouave Militia Regiment, formed of the surviving members of the regiment, named for him their first Co. in 1865: "E. A. Kimball Post 100." A large and handsome painting of him adorns the Post-room, and every May, the remnant of that old regiment go down to Greenwood to decorate his grave.

Nor shall your glory be forgot,

While fame her record keeps;

Or honor points the hallowed spot

Where valor proudly sleeps.

HISTORIAN'S NOTE.

THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS OF THE WRITER.

At the regular March meeting, 1881, the selectmen were instructed to agree with some one, at a reasonable compensation, to write the history of Cabot. Accordingly the one whose name stands at the head of this paper was engaged for the task. To me it has been a very pleasant undertaking, although at times somewhat discouraging, on account of the difficulty in gathering statistics and information as closely as I wished; but I have discharged the duties to the best of my ability, with what I had to do with, and I hope that my labors have not been wholly in vain, but that these pages may be of some interest to those who shall read them now, that we may see something of the sufferings and privations that the first settlers endured to bring about the comforts with which we are surrounded; and when another century shall have passed, and the historian shall take his pen to record its history, may he find as many noble and commendable acts in those upon the stage at the present time to record, as we have found in those who have preceded us in the past one hundred years.

Those who have most kindly assisted me in this labor are not only worthy of my thanks, but the unfeigned gratitude of the whole town, and the Editor who has undertaken, and carried so near to completion, the noble work of gathering up the history of each town in the State, coming generations should rise up and call her blessed. J. M. F.

July, 1881.

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CALAIS.

BY JAMES K. TOBEY AND EDWIN E. ROBINSON.

Location: In the north-easterly part of Washington Co.; bounded northerly by Woodbury, easterly by Marshfield, southerly by East Montpelier, westerly by Worcester. The easterly line passes its entire length along the summit of the ridge, dividing the valley of the Winooski in Marshfield from the territory drained by Kingsbury branch, and the westerly line about half a mile west of, and nearly parallel with, the ridge dividing the waters of Kingsbury branch from those of North branch in Worcester. The northerly line crosses the southern portion of two quite large ponds, that receive the streams, draining the southern and central portions of Woodbury about one-third of the surface of that town.

From Sabin pond, the most easterly of these, Kingsbury branch flows southerly, leaving the town near the S. E. corner. Nelson pond, near the middle of the north line, discharges its waters southerly into Wheelock pond, the largest in town, and thence by the Center branch southerly and easterly into Kingsbury branch, some 2 miles from the S. E. corner of the town. About a mile from the west line, and near its middle, is Curtis pond, discharging its waters S. E. into the Center branch. Near the center of the town, and a mile and a half farther south, this branch receives the waters from Bliss pond, in the S. W. part of the town. All the ponds and streams above mentioned, except Center branch, received their names from early settlers in their vicinity. Near the middle of the south line is Sodom pond, discharg‑