USA > New York > Washington County > Hartford > History of Hartford, Washington County, State of New York, 1896 > Part 1
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GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01177 1711
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Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historyofhartfor00mill
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HISTORY OF ~ a
MRS. BOB VAN-ANDEN HARTFORD, N. Y.
3
Press Of .Kentin 8 Balgars. .. that Exiward, N. V.
1518522
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POSTAL TELEGRAPH.
"Want of care does more harm than want of knowledge."
With this precept carefully observed and a thorough knowledge of the business, gained from twenty - six years experience,
... Beverly, Fort Edward,
Can give you the most satisfactory results on your watch, clock and jewelry repairing.
TELEPHONE EXCHANGE
9
HISTORY
.... OF ....
HARTFORD,
WASHINGTON COUNTY. .1
STATE OF
NEW YORK ....
.
1896. :
...
FORT EDWARD, N. Y. :
PRESS OF KEATING & BARNARD. 1896.
%
.
Congregational Church, South Hartford.
HIT
Introduction.
.
IN the compilation of this booklet I have received valuable aid from the beloved ex-Hartford boy who now has the honor of being surrogate of the county, Mr. Grenville M. In- galsbe; also from Judge James Gibson : the town clerk. John Palmer: the history of the W. C. T. U .- the work of Mrs. Cole, of Hartford. The Baptist church is chronicled by the pastor, Rev. A. S. Thompson; the Methodist by Rev. Gor- don L. Thompson; the Universalist by Rov. Lucien M. Clement.
Works Consulted :- The historical data of the town is limited. The "History of Washington County, " 1878, be- ing the most valuable, has been freely consulted. Other val- uable books which have been published are "Transactions of the New York Agricultural Society " of 1848 and 1849; "Cyclopedia of Biographies" of Washington county, 1894: "Gazetteer of New York. 1860;" "Washington County Di- rectory, 1871 .; " "Reminiscences of the 123d N. Y. Vol .. Inf; " "The Sill Family;" also the writings of Mr. Henry Barker and Mr. Milo Ingalsbe.
SAMUEL D. MILLER.
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Marshall McCoy
... Jobber and Retailer of ...
BICYCLES, FIRE ARMS, And Sporting Goods. Fine Fishing Tackle a Specialty. HARTFORD, N. Y.
THE MAN WHO WROTE: "He Never Cares to Wander From His Own Fireside."
.
NEVER RODE A
Viking Bicycle.
I SELL THEM.
Call and see them.
history of hartford.
N 1609, two months before Henry Hudson sailed up the Hudson river, Samuel Champlain entered what is now Washington County. Before this time it had been in- habited by the Iroquois. They used it as a hunting ground rather than a permanent residence. One hundred and sixty-seven years passed by before any white man inhabited any part of the town of Hartford.
On May 2, 1764, a patent was granted to twenty-six Provincial officers of the New York Infantry, who had served m the French and Indian wars, 1754-1763, with the English army. The patent was surveyed in the fall of 1764. under the direction of Archibald Campbell, department surveyor of the colony, into one hundred and four lots, containing cach. three hundred acres, more or less. These lots were num- bered from the north-west corner, and thence from the left to right, and the reverse until the limit was reached at the sonth-west corner. None of the grantees received his land in a body, but it seems to have been distributed with a view to equalize the value as determined by the location.
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١ ٠.
STAR CLOTHING CO.
PUT A MAN INTO ONE
Of our suits and he's satisfied. Why? Because he knows they are right, stylish, solid, substantial service givers. Just now, money saving and satisfaction are going hand-in-hand at our store. Now is the time to choose your Winter Suits and Overcoats. Now's the time to choose between this man, or that man, or this dealer or that dealer.
It's very easy to make mistakes when you buy clothes. They may look right, fit right and seem to be a bargain when you first get them. Time and wet. and sunshine, and dust will discover what you missed. You'll find out the bad points when it's too late. Our line of Winter Suits and Overeoats are the kind of clothes that have a reputation behind them. Can't afford to have them any other way than right-anything less than best. We can't make mueh of a picture with words. You'll have to see for yourself. More clothes for your money than you ean get elsewhere. More long wear and style.
STAR CLOTHING CO., The Only One-Price Clothiers and Furnishers, SANDY HILL. N. Y.
SOLE AGENTS FOR DUNLAP HATS-@
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The patentees were :- Peter Dubois, William Cockroft. Bernard Glazier, Charles Leroux. Michael Thody. George Brewerton, Sr .. George Brewerton, Jr., Robert McGinnis. Peter Middleton, Isaac Corsa, Joshua Bloomer. Tobias Van- Zandt, George Dunbar, Barack Snethew, Jonathan Ogden, Richard Rea, Verdin Ellsworth, Barnaby Byrne, Cornelius Duane, Abraham DeForest, Joseph Bull, Tennis Corsa. Thomas Jones, David Johnson, Henry Dawson and Alexan- der White. Some of these never claimed their lands, and many lots were settled by squatters.
On March 12, 1793, this town was established from what was then known as Westfield (now Fort Ann) and re- ecived its name Hartford, from settlers. The Hartford tribe of Indians originally lived near Hartford, Conn. They were driven from there and are supposed to have come to this vi- cinity and named the stream which is now known as East Creek and furnishes water for the mills of East and South Hartford. After their removal the name of the Indian tribe was retained for Hartford. Com., and the settlers carried the Indian name to Hartford, N. Y. Its location is north of the centre of the county, and equidistant from its eastern and western bounds.
The adjoining towns are: North, Fort Ann; east, Gran- ville and Hebron; South. Argyle; west, Kingsbury. The area comprises about 27,500 square aeres. The general sur- face is umeven, and is composed of a dark loam or heavy
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:
LeRoy C. Watch,
Dealer in Fine and Durable Footwear
I make it a point to sell only the Best Goods and give my customers the most value for their money.
Men's. Youth's, Boys,
SHOES
Ladies', Misses', Children's.
Men's, Boys', Youths', Ladies', Misses' and Children's
RUBBER BOOTS.
A large and complete stock of Men's, Ladies', and Children's Artics, Angora Gaiters, Sandals, Etc., Etc., will be found at the BOSTON SHOE STORE, 137 Main Street, Sandy Hill, N. Y.
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1
elay. In the southern part is a cedar swamp. extending into Argyle, where peat is found. The timber common to the country grows in the town and a fair proportion has been preserved. East creek, flowing westerly into Wood creek. and its tributary brooks, are the principal streams. Several `chalybeate springs abond.
The Bald mountain range runs north and south through the eastern part. This range is the farthest west of three ranges of mountains which lie parallel to the Green Moun- tains. The second range as you approach the Green Mon- tains is the Petersborough range, and the range lying near- est the Green Mountains is the Taconic range. The Taconic range shoots up into higher peaks than do the Green Moun- tains at any point. The Baldwin range is well represented in the town of Hartford by Bowens Mountain, which gives a beautiful view of the Adirondacks from its summit. From this mountain and. in fact, any of its sisters north or south. one may look westward and sean Mt. McGregor, or north- ward the view takes in Whitehall and Fort Ann: west ward. Glens Falls, Sandy Hill and Fort Edward; southward. Saratoga and Schuylerville, with its massive column of grey sandstone commemorating the victory of General Gates in October, 1777, and the humiliating surrender of Burgoyne .. Pumpkin Mountain, another of the same range near Hart- ford, has a wagon road nearly to its summit. This conical peak is a favorite resort for pienie parties and for beacon
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. *
GO TO. DeFOREST'S,
***. FORT EDWARD ..
FOR YOUR ......
FURNITURE
WINDOW SHADES
CROCKERY
LAMPS
GLASSWARE
CARPETS
OIL CLOTH
MATTING AND
PICTURE FRAMES
A. E. DE FOREST,
FORT EDWARD.
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fires by night on election occasions and party triumphs. The light may be seen from eight or ten villages and towns throughout Washington, Warren and Saratoga counties,
A beautiful view of this range may be had from Sandy Hill. It has called out the admiration of thousands for the beautiful contrast in which it stands to the Adirondack range. Many of these mountains are composed of slaty rock, which disintegrates by exposure, and forms a soil pro- dueing excellent crops of grass and wheat. The valley be- tween these ranges is noted for fertile lands.
From the town records the following interesting ex- cerpts have been made:
1794 .- When the town meeting was held at the house of David Austin it was voted that sheep and swine be not al- lowed to run on the commons, and that a lawful fence be four and a half feet high.
1796 .- "That geese shall not run at large on the com- mons. That Canada thistle be cut in the months of Ime and August."
1800 .- "That the pounds be repaired sufficiently to hold creatures one year, under the inspection of the commission- ers of high ways."
1808 .- A special town meeting was held at the Baptist church, January 7, 1803, to take measures to prevent the spread of small pox. A committee of eleven was appointed to devise ways and means to stay the malady, and the town
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:
You Will Find at the Harness and Horse Goods Store of
W. B. MILLER,
A fine line of 5-A Stable and Street Horse Blankets, Robes, Whips, Halters, Surcingles, Horse and Cattle Ties, Brushe+, Curry Combs, Sweat Pads, Cat- tle Cards, Wax Thread and Needles, Harness Oil and Harness Soap, Gall Cure, Hoof Paste; Fraser, Rockford and Four Brothers Axle Grease, Boston Coach Axle Oil, Bandages, Blanket Pins, Feed Bags, Wagon Cushions, Wool Dusters, Stable Brooms and other useful articles.
Repairing Done at Low Rates.
W. B. MILLER, 2 Church St., North Block. . . GRANVILLE, N. Y.
MILTON KINNEY, : : 1
AGENT FOR ADRIANCE PLATT & CO. BUCKEYE MOWERS, REAPERS AND BINDERS .; )
HARTFORD, N. Y.
The Ladies of Thartford
And Vicinity are solicited to call, where they will find the latest designs and novelties of the season at my Millinery Rooms. Also Fancy Goods and Notions. MISS M. D. SEDILEAU,
HARTFORD, N. Y.
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clerk was directed to petition the legislature to make a regu- lation respecting inoculation. Also to petition the legisla- ture to authorize the county to build a court house at such a place on the middle road as they, in their wisdom, deemed proper. At the annual meeting, Aaron Norton, Daniel Mason, Jonathan Wood, Asahel Hodge and John Hamel were appointed a committee for the purpose of devising some legal measures respecting a central court house in the county, and also to be a committee of correspondence con- cerning the nomination of a governor and other State officers.
1806 .- "Voted that the town poor be put up and sold to the lowest bidder on the following terms: That the bidder is to board and keep them in a human-like manner ; and that if any clothing and doctoring are required, it be at the dis- cretion and expense of the poormaster and justice of the peace." Widow Phebe Carpenter was bidden off by lsaae W. Clary at seventy-five cents per week.
1818 .- A tax of $300, for the support of the poor, was voted and the overseers empowered to procure a. poor-house at their discretion.
1846 .- In common with other towns, Hartford held a special election on the 19th of May. 1846, to determine the sale of spiritnous liqnors, Of the three hundred and tivo votes cast, one hundred and fifty-one favored license, and a like number were opposed to license. On the following 27th
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S
PEOPLE'S RESTAURANT
12 1-2 WARREN STREET,
' GLENS FALLS.
Up-Stairs over Gilchrist Brothers' Market.
FFirst=Class MIDeals on European Dlan.
REGULAR DINNER 25 Cents.
Open Evenings and Sundays.
:: ONLY RESTAURANT IN TOWN ::
Mrs. Enna Mundy,
GLENS FALLS.
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day of April, 1847, three hundred and fifty voters gave the matter another consideration, when a majority of ninety- two declared for the sale of liquor under the license system. In 1877 the sale of liquor was authorized by the excise com- missioners.
hartford.
HE village of Hartford was formerly called North Hartford, and is situated in the east central part of the town, at the foot of the Bald range of mountains and just behind a gentle hill on the west, which cuts off the inspiring view of the Adirondacks and the magnificent valley between the Adirondacks and the Bald range.
The village enjoys a good rural trade, and has three hundred inhabitants. A branch of East ereck affords lim- ited water power, which was first employed by Wm. Covel to operate saw and grist mills. These mills are now being conducted by M. A. Hall, who also manufactures potato hooks near the village. Clothing works and carding ma- . lines were operated by Joël and Sammel Downs, and after- Good by Reuben Dexter. The old cider mill still stands near
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C
BOOTS, SHOES
AND RUBBERS
Largest Line of Gents', Ladies' and Children's Shoes in Washington County, in all grades and weights.
TAYLOR'S BOSTON SHOE STORE
LEADER IN LOW PRICES.
All goods bought direct from the Manufac- turers. No Midleman's Profits. Our custom- ers get the benefit. Goods well bought are half sold.
FARMERS' TRADE SOLICITED.
ONE PRICE TO ALL AT
Taylor's Boston Shoe Store, BROADWAY, FORT EDWARD.
D. A. TAYLOR, Proprietor.
the dam on its original site. A starch factory was also op- crated at the same place by Andrew Daizey and George Wordell, but was soon changed to other purposes. Distil- leries were operated by a Mr. Hoffman and John Hamel. A tammery was conducted by Amby Highy, which was later turned into a cooperage. In 1820 Amasa Ruggles carried on an extensive hattery. Nathan Hatch was early engaged in cabinet making: Jason Havens and Alonzo Wood carried on mechanic art shops.
hotels.
The early hotels .of Hartford were inms, well furnished with support for the immer man, but less exterior comfort. The sideboards were usually loaded with a variety of wines. ale and whiskey, for this was a necessity to the early set- flers. Ethel Cummings conducted the first hostelry in a two story frame building. Aaron Norton enlarged the same and continned the business. In 1812 Benjamin Hyde became the host and served as such until about 1832. Afterward John P. Wood took his place. He was followed by others, until 1860, when the greatest of Hartford fires took the Inn. two dwelling houses standing between the present hotel and T. F. Faxou's harness shop, also the store with two or three barns belonging to the hotel and contiguous dwellings.
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Livery and Boarding Stable in Connection.
Dr. Wal. 1. newton,
Veterinary Surgeon,
and"Dentist.
Maple Street,
Sandy ibill, M. D.
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In 1865 the new hotel was completed and reply for a. Sidney Kinner now became landlord, and atter Ima Get Charles Statia, who was followed by shenry Miller. John Brayton owns the building and leased it for the years 1594 1895 to Mr. Eggleston of Vermont. In 1896 Mr. Brayton again took the building in charge and now conducts a mod- ern hotel and in connection with it does repairing of watches and jewelry. On the second floor of the building is a large public hall used as a town hall for elections, town meetings and other public gatherings. The N. J. Weer Post, G. A. R. also use this hall as a lodge room.
Stores.
Colonel John Bnek was the first to open a store on the Hiram Swain property. Aaron Norton soon followed him in trade; John Hamel built a third on Reynolds corner and Samnel Harris sold goods for forty years in the old brick store. Slade Brown and Archibald Hay were also active in the early trade of the town. The store now con- dueted by Byron Brayton was once divided, with a tailor shop on one side and a cabinet shop on the other. There was another tailor shop upstairs. Samuel Eng- lander, now a prosperous clothing merchant at Fort Edward, Inter ocenpied the entire building. After him
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O.R.HOWE'S
Is the place to buy Dress Goods, Trimmings, Millinery, Wash Fab- rics, Table Linens, Ladies', Child- ren's and Gents' Underwear, La- dies' Muslin Underwear, Lace Curtains, Heavy Drapery, Win- dow Shades and Poles, Rugs, Oil Cloths, in fact everything that is kept in a first-class store will be found at low prices at HOWE'S,
84 MAIN ST.,
1 :
SANDY HILL, N. Y.
came Byron Brayton, who carries on a general line of goods.
The Arnold store was kept some years since by Duans Martin, later by J. J. Reynolds, who was succeeded by Faxon Brothers. After the departure of Faxon Brothers Jewett & Northup occupied the place, which later became Arnold & Northup and then Arnold & Co. The present store is conducted by J. Wilbur Arnold.
The present attractive place conducted by Marvin Townsend was, in 1852. kept by S. D. Kidder & Brother. while later Northnp &' Martin ocenpied the place, and after them Mr. A. A. Thompson from Connectient, did business there. The first drug store as such, was then intro- duced on this site by W. J. Waller, who sold drugs, etc., during the sixties. After him came the present popular drug- gist, Marvin C. Townsend.
Faxon's harness shop stands on the site of the "old brick store" which was burned in 1860. Since then it has been ocenpied by Alonzo Norton as a general store: later by Larkham & Hall, then by William Townsend and afterward by Mr. Thompson. For some years it was a meat market kept by a Mr. Pender, then by Bristol & Maconihe, who wore succeeded by Elmer Ingalsbe, who was followed by Chas. Akin. The store was vacant at intervals and after The departure of Mr. Akin, T. F. Faxon ocenpied the same as a harness shop.
The Marshall MeCoy bicycle repository once took up the
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AMES & BALDWIN, CHEMISTS AND DRUGGISTS, 150 GLEN ST., GLENS FALLS.
TRUSS FITTING A SPECIALTY
WE KEEP PHOTOGRAPHERS' DRY PLATES PAPER, ENVELOPES AND OTHER MATERIALS
SPECIALTY OF FINE PRESCRIPTIONS ....
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entire corner to Byron Brayton's store. This store was also occupied at one time by Mr. Kidder, who was followed by Rev. William Miller, who conducted a general store, and was known as an exceptionally good business man. After him came W. H. Rowe, who also managed a general store, and was succeeded by J. J. Reynolds & Son, after them Arnold & Northup. After a period of vacancy it was occupied by Marshall McCoy, who does an extensive business in bieveles.
The Akin meat market was built by W. H. Rowe, and after his occupaney for a short time James Powell went into it ; after Powell, Boushee & Downs held forth ; next. Mr. Bonshee ran a prosperous shoe store and was later suc- eveded by T. F. Faxon, in the harness business. P. Clark preceded Charles Akin, who at present is in the market.
The present place occupied by Miss Sedilean was the scene of R. H. Waller's original drug store. After him Mil- ton Smith dispensed groceries and drugs. It was afterwards nsed for various purposes until Miss Sedilean put in an excel- lent line of millinery.
During the war Joseph Pahner erected the building he now uses as a store room. He has been at the same stand constantly since, with a general line of hardware. In the early part of the eighteenth century W. W. Gillett kept a harness shop in which ten men were constantly employed. Another place had from four to. five men in shoe making. while another had four in making harness. The Methodist
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ROGERS & CARLETON
DEALERS IN .
FURNITURE AND CARPETS
SANDY HILL . NEW YORK
1
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parsonage was in its early days used as a shoe shop, where ten to twelve men were kept busy. The town had earlier what was called a session house, on the east side of the street. This building was later moved across the street and is now used as a parsonage by the Baptist church.
The briek shop just back of Marshall McCoy's bievele re- pository is abont seventy-five years old and is the place where Mr. Miller, the now famous collar manufacturer of Troy, beat the iron while it was hot, for many years.
The post office was established in 1807, with Aaron Norton as post master, and has since been kept by Jolm Hamel, Alanson Allen, Samuel Gordon, C. L. Parker, J. Brunnell. S. D. Kidder, Doane Martin, R. C. Davis, John Norton, Job Reynolds, Byron Brayton, M. C. Townsend. Frank Townsend and Willian Northup. The present post. master is Marvin Townsend. There is a daily mail service from Smiths Basin.
Medical Profession.
Dr. Cutter was one of the first located physicians. Dr. Jones, famous during the Revolution, was frequently called :" Hartford before he settled at that place. After him came i - Harvey. Porter, Bigelow, Prouty. Putnam and Dr. .. Mother of the estermed W. H. Rowe, who was ope- .
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S. MUMLFELDER - - -
Fine Millinery
Cloaks, Suits and Infants' Wear, Exclusively.
The Largest and Leading Specialty House in Northern New York.
136 Glen St., GLENS FALLS.
cially successful and was loved and honored in the town. The people expressed their appreciation of him as a man by electing him to the office of town supervisor. He was succeeded by Dr. B. G. Gilman, who remained a number of years. About 1888 Dr. H. W. Vanderwerker, of the Homeo- pathie school, practiced for two years, and is now at Sandy Hill. In 1890 Dr. F. J. Fielding came and enjoyed a good practice ntil 1893, when he removed to Glens Falls. In '93 Dr. D. C. MeKenzie took the field and has increased in popularity in the town until the practice almost overcomes his endurance during the busy seasons.
Legal Profession.
The town being a place of active business, with a grow- ing population, demanded legal talent. This was present in the persons of Slade D. Brown, Ira A. Perrin, Warren H. Brown and others. The latter became a man of considera- ble note in the town.
In 1850 a bank of exchange was started by Charles Wesley and brother. For three years it prospered, but at the end of that time it was removed to Buffalo.
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GLAD TIDINGS ~ ~~
TO THE PEOPLE OF JANDY HILL AND SURROUNDING COUNTRY.
*
P. BLOOMINGDALE, OF ALBANY
Has Opened a First-Class '
DRY GOODS STORE
AT 139 MAIN ST., SANDY HILL.
Where will be found a complete stock of all kinds of Dry Goods, Ladies' and Gents' Furnishing Goods, Under- wear, Hosiery, Jewelry, Etc.
GREAT BARGAINS IN DRESS GOODS.
The latest novelties always on hand. This is the first opportunity offered the public to buy Dry Goods in Sandy Hill or any other place this side of Albany, at Albany City prices. All are invited to call and see the many bar- gains we have to offer.
South Dartford.
HE population of South Hartford is 125. It is situated one mile south of Hartford, on East creek and is a beautiful village, nestled at the foot of the hills. Looking eastward nothing can be seen but mountains. Looking westward there is a vast plain with the Adirondacks in the distance, making it a picturesque place of great beauty.
There is no extensive business carried on now, as Hart- ford has been suffering from the constant removal of the older and wealthier families to Glens Falls and Sandy Hill. thus taking away the demand for extensive business. The water power at this place was improved about 1790 by a man named Foster, who soon after sold his interest to Dan- iel Brown. Gen. Covel in 1816 built a grist mill which was the first in town. When this mill was built the place for the massive water wheel was hewn out of the slaty roek. by men who received their wages, not in the customary med- imm of exchange, but for each day's labor received one pack of corn. The place which these pioneers howed out of the rock, with the great water wheel is one of the interesting spots of South Hartford, both for history and sight seeing.
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"STAY-ON" BURLINGTON BLANKETS
It Fits !
No Surcingles Required.
like a TAILOR -- MADE COAT.
No Tight
Girthing.
No Chafing of Mane.
The best and ONLY BLANKET that stays where you put it.
No Rubbing
of Tail.
Pat. re-issued July 2, 1894.
If your dealers do not keep them send to us direct and we will see that you get them.
"This Fastener is on the front of
POL OSLO '05
PAT_REISE
ULY 3, 94.
BLANKET
BURLINGTON
'STAY-ON"}
PAT. REISSUED
"STAY-ON"
BURLINGTON
BLANKET
JULY & '94
Pat. Oct. 8.'95.
Every Genuine "STAY-ON" Burlington.
Address BURLINGTON BLANKET CO., Burlington, Wis., U.S.A.
In 1810 William Covel added a saw mill and until a few years ago these were known as Covel's mills. Later George Whedon operated them. After his departure the entire property was sold to Henry Wiles who operates both grist and saw mill with success. Below this site, clothing works were carried on by John Scott, which were abandoned in 1825. The site was subsequently occupied by a grist mill. erected by Joseph Harris, who had also a distillery in the same locality. The mill was destroyed by fire in 1848. Lemuel Wicks now operates a cider mill on this historic spot.
Lower down the stream a saw mill was built by Caleb Brown prior to 1810, and a mill known as Moon's was swept away by a flood in 1811. A mile below the village a carding machine was operated by Russell Smith, which be- ing burned was replaced in 1836, by a woolen factory, ope- rated by William P. Allen and for many years by B. & W. Tohnan. It has been abandoned for abont fifteen years and stands the same as it did on the evening the workmen left their work-wool on the bobbins and thread on the spindles. A tannery was established at this place soon after its settlement by Daniel Brown who disposed of his inter- ests to Calvin Townsend about 1800. It was operated by him until 1846, when Levi Hatch became the proprietor. This has also stood idle for a number of years. A planing mill on the site of an old plaster mill, together with the us-
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