USA > Vermont > Bennington County > History of Bennington County, Vt. : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 1
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Gc 974.301 B43a 1826774
M. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
J
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01085 9467
71.3 +3a 3267
It. 3a 26
HISTORY
OF
BENNINGTON COUNTY, VT.
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS.
EDITED BY
LEWIS CASS ALDRICH.
-
SYRACUSE, N. Y.
D. MASON & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1889.
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historyofbenning 1889aldr
1826774
INTRODUCTION.
l' TT is an unquestionable truth that among the civil divisions of the State of Vermont none has made so varied and interesting a history as the county of Bennington. Prior to the year 1781 the county embraced the larger part of the State, and while narrating the events of the county's history previous to that year of course the writer has been compelled to substantially state the
C facts relating to the whole region of country originally embraced within the .Y boundaries of the county, and even go beyond them, that thie succession and : relation of occuring events might be kept perfect.
Much, nearly all, of the historical events of the county have in some man- ner been published, but not in permanent form for future preservation. There- fore this volume is prepared that the whole subject of Bennington county's : history might be fully covered, and some other events not heretofore recorded should find a place in its pages.
To a person unacquainted with the detail of compiling or editing such a work the task seems not an arduous one, yet this is not the case. It is not that the county is lacking in events worthy of record, or that the facts are diffi- cult to obtain, but rather that in the multitude of occurrences and the varied opinions as to their character and value the writer is compelled to decide which is the correct version, and what material shall be accepted as a part of the record.
It is not for a moment asserted that this work is an entirely original one; on the contrary, the editor has to acknowledge access to many standard authori- ties upon the history of the State and county, and from which he has borrowed not only ideas and facts, but has not in every case been careful in the use of quotation marks. The principal object of this work is to provide for the use of future generations such a memorial history of the county as will correctly inform the readers of the facts, and relieve them of the necessity of any further similar publication. How well this end has been accomplished is for the peo- ple to judge. The work cannot be said to be entirely free from error; such
27.00
8
INTRODUCTION.
could hardly be expected, no matter how much care and research be employed in its preparation and revision. Still, the editor has reason to believe that the statements contained in the following pages are mainly correct, and to be re- lied upon. Nor is this volume the production of one person's labor, for a num- ber of writers, several being residents of the county, have contributed chapters of interest and importance; and it is proper in this connection that mention should be made of those who have generously devoted their time and energies to the success of this enterprise. The chapter relating to the history of the township of Bennington, with the villages of Bennington Center and North Bennington, was prepared by Henry D. Hall, esq., of Northi Bennington ; the chapter on Arlington was written and contributed by Orion M. Barber, esq., of Arlington ; the chapter on the town of Dorset, by George M. Viall, esq., of East Dorset; on Peru and Landgrove, by Hon. George K. Davis of Peru; on Pownal and Stamford, by Thomas E. Brownell, esq., of North Pownal; on Readsboro, by Hon. Faxon L. Brown, of Readsboro; on Searsburg, by George J. Bond, esq .; on Winhall, by Counselor Joseph G. Martin, of Manchester Cen- ter. To each of these persons the editor extends his sincere thanks. And to the residents of the county generally, who, by their generous and hearty sup- port, have made this publication not only possible, but a success, are due the heartfelt thanks of the publishers.
1
.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
The Subject-Division of the State into Counties-Their Extent - Reduction of Ben- nington to its Present Area-The New Hampshire Grants - First Settlement by the Dutch -Prior Occupancy of the American Indians-Their Traditions and History-Th . Iro- quois Confederacy- Their Conquest Over Other Indian Nations. 17
CHAPTER II.
Discovery and Exploration of the Country-Settlements and Colonies-The French in Canada-The English in Virginia and New England-The Dutch in New York-The Puritans in New England-General Advance of Settlement Towards the Region of Ver- mont . 20
CHAPTER III.
Advance of Civilization and Settlement-Indians Aroused to Hostilities-Efforts to Overcome Them-New Netherlands Conquered by the English-Struggles between the French and English for Power-Their Respective Allied Indian Forces-Fruitless Cam- paigns Against Canada-Peace and War-Indians at War with the English-Erection of Fort Dummer-French Fortress at Addison. 23
CHAPTER IV.
The French and English War of 1744-8-Peace Negotiations-War Again Declared -The Engagements-Final Defeat of the French Arms, and Overthrow of the French Power in America-Leading Incidents of the War 27
CHAPTER V.
A Brief Review of Leading Events-The Granting of Charters -The Several Kinds of Grants or Charters-New Hampshire-New York-Disputes as to Boundaries Between Provinces-Events that Led to the Controversy Between New Hampshire and New York for Possession of "Vermont"-Respective Claims of those Provinces-Granting Town- ships
34
IO
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VI.
From the Close of the French War to the Revolution -Charter of Townships-Con- flicting Claims to the Grants -Controversy between New York and New Hampshire- Action of the Crown-Green Mountain Boys Defend the Inhabitants of the Grants in their Possession of the Disputed Territory-Counties Organized by New York-Leading Spirits During the Troublous Period-Adju'lged Guilty of Felony and Sentenced to Death - Events Preceding the Revolution 40
CHAPTER VII.
The War Between England and the Revolted Colonies- Events Immediately Preced- ing the War-The Massacre at Westminster-Allen Captures Ticonderoga-The English Urge the Indians to Hostilities - Attitude of the Six Nations-The Dorset Convention- Regiment of Green Mountain Boys - l'hey Join Montgomery at St. Johns-Their Partici- pation in the Siege-Repulse of Carlton -Honorable Discharge of the Regiment-Ethan Allen-His Capture, Confinement and Release.
59
CHAPTER VIII.
Events of the War During the Year 1776-Wooster Succeeds to the Command of the Army in the North -Wooster's Call for Aid from the Green Mountain Boys-His Letter to Colonel Warner - The Response - Retreat from Quebec and Evacuation of Canada- The Return Home- Troops Organized on the Grants for the Regular and Militia Service -The Tory Element-General Gates Calls for Troops-Three Regiments of Hampshire Grants Men Respond-Crown Point Abandoned-Carlton Threatens Ticonderoga-With- draws into Canada without Making an Attack-Supplying Flour and Provisions 65
CHAPTER IX.
Events of the War for 1777-An Important Period-Vermont Declares Her Independ- ence-Burgoyne's Invasion-Preparation to Resist It-Defenses at and about Ticonde- roga -Its Evacuation by the Americans-Pursuit to Hubbardton-The Battle-Warner's Defeat - Death of Colonel Francis -Warner's Regiment Reassemble at Manchester-Brit- ish Occupy Castleton -New Hampshire Responds to Vermont's Appeal for Aid-General John Stark Sent to the Rescue-Burgoyne's Advance-Ira Allen's Plan for Raising Money and Men for the Service -Commissioners of Sequestration-Council of Safety Moves from Manchester to Bennington -Stark Reaches Bennington-Burgoyne's Plan for Obtaining Supplies-Sends Colonel Baum to Bennington to Take Them-The Battle -Success - British Reinforced-Americans Fall Back -Colonel Seth Warner's Regiment Saves the Day -Burgoyne's Career Checked-Defeated at Stillwater-His Final Surrender -- Ticon- deroga Evacuated by the British . Their Withdrawal into Canada 69
CHAPTER X.
Civil Policy Pursued by the People on the Grants During the Revolution -The Dorset Convention in January, 1776-Petition Sent to Congress-Its Withdrawal-Second Dorset
II
CONTENTS.
Convention in July, 1776 -- Towns Represented -Resolutions Looking to State Organization -Articles of Association-September Convention at Dorset -- Covenant Adopted - Con. vention at Westminster in October, 1776, and January. 1777 - State Independence De- clared . Named New Connecticut-Changed to Vermont - Adopting a Constitution-Re- port and Petition to Congress - Opposition made by New York-Petition Dismissed- Subsequent Proceedings - Election of State Officers- Final Action of the Council of Safety.
84
CHAPTER XI.
The Civil Policy of the State Continued -Position of Vermont -New York Policy Modi- fied-Governor Clinton's Proclamation -The First Vermont Election-State Officers Chosen -Organization of the Assembly -Bennington and Unity Counties Formed-Unity Changed to Cumberland -Temporary Character of Laws of 1778-Shire Towns Estal)- lished -Judges Appointed-Bennington County Divided into Military Districts-The Northern Territory Invaded-Forts Built -The Land Controversy Resumed-Annexation of Towns from off New Hampshire -The Union Dissolved-More of the New York Troubles - Governor Clinton Appeals to Congress-Congressional Committee Appointed -Their Proceedings - Disappointnient of Vermonters - The Massachusetts Claim- Union with New Hampshire and New York Towns-Progress of the State Government- - Pro- ceedings of the Assembly - An Incident -The First Public Execution -- Shire Judges Ap- pointed-State Officers for 1778 -- Superior Court Established -- Military Organizations Perfected-The Regimental and Company Officers- Justices of the Peace and Probate Judges Appointed.
99
CHAPTER XII.
Boundaries of Bennington County in 1778-79 -Superior Court Established - Laws Passed by the Assembly-Tories of the Several Towns-Board of War Created -Military Districts-Providing for a Draft-Legislative Sessions -Proceedings of the Council of Safety and Board of War-State Officers Elected in 1779-Judges of the Superior Court -Officers for 1780-Board of War for this Year - Frontier Towns Designated -Expenses of the State Government-The Value of Continental Currency -Provision Tax Laid on the Towns -The Issue of Bills of Credit Authorized-Revenues of the State Raised by Sale of Confiscated Lands-Sale of Ungranted Lands -The Haldimand Correspondence Opened-Exchange of Prisoners with the British- Vermont's Negotiations with the Enemy -Effect of the Same-Close of the Revolution -Ver.nont again Seeks Admission to the Union -Outline of th it Proceeding -Vermont Admitted into th : Union in 1791. . III
CHAPTER XIII.
Division of Bennington County in 1781 -Rutland County Set Off -County Elections Ordered-Officers to be Chosen-Bennington County Records Destroyed - Towns An- nexed to Bennington County from New York State -The Annexation Annulled-The Towns that Comprise this County-Their Charter Org inization - Locating the County Seat-A Controversy The County Has Two Shire Towns - Bennington and Manchester -The County Buildings at Bennington -Three Times Destroyed by Fire - The Present Court House and Jail at Bennington -- Changed from West Bennington -The Court
FC 17가. 43a 826
12
CONTENTS.
House and Jail at Manchester-Establishing Post Routes-Legislative Act Concerning It -Bennington a Distributing Office-End of the System -- Merged Into the Federal Gov- erninent System Upon the Admission of Vermont to the Union .. 126
CHAPTER XIV.
Character of the Government of the Several Townships of the County-The Increase in the County's Population by Decades-Present Estimated Population-Events Preceding the War of 1812-15-An Era of Prosperity- Troubles with Great Britain-Measures Adopted by Both Nations- Effort at an Amicable Settlement of Difficulties-Discussions in Congress -- Political Sentiment in the Country Divided-The Feeling in Bennington County- Arguments of the Peace Party -- Results of Elections-Press Comments-The War-Peace Again Restored. 133
CHAPTER XV.
BENNINGTON COUNTY IN THE REBELLION OF 1861-65.
Introductory Remarks-The County's Contribution of Men-Records of the Regi- ments-The Second Regiment -- The Fourth Regiment-The Fifth Regiment- The First Cavalry Regiment-The Tenth Regunent-The Fourteenth Regiment (Nine Month's Men)-Other Regiments Having Bennington County Volunteers-The County's Organ- ized Militia -Militia Officers. . 1 37
CHAPTER XVI.
THE PRESS OF BENNINGTON COUNTY.
General Observations on the Press-The Vermont Gazette-The Pioneer of Vermont Journals-Extracts From its Columns-The Epitome of the World-The Green Mountain Fariner-The Vermont Gazette Revived-The Plowinan-The Bennington News-Letter -The American Register -- The Vermont Sentinel-The Journal of the Times-William Lloyd Garrison's Paper-The Horn of the Green Mountains- The Vermonter-The Ver- mont Express- The Bennington County Whig-The Battle Ground-The Bennington Free Press -- The Daily News-The Vermont Centennial-The Bennington Banner-The Manchester Journal-The Bennington Reformer. . IS2
CHAPTER XVII.
The Bench and Bar of Bennington County. 192
CHAPTER XVIII.
The Medical Profession . 203
I3
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE VERMONT CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY.
The Vermont Centennial Anniversary-Creation of the Bennington Battle Monument Association-Its Officers Elected-The Centennial Commission-Preparations for a Mag- nificent Celebration During the Week of August 16. 1877-Committees and Arrange- ments-The Celebration-Vermont Day-Bennington Battle Day-Order of Exercises - Close ef the Celebration-History of the Battle Monument Association-Republication of the Account Written by Rev. Isaac Jennings -Succession of Officers of the Association - Laying of the Corner-Stone of the Monument -Ceremonies of the Occasion-The Ben- nington Historical Society-Its Organization-Its Constitution - Succession of Officers ... 214
CHAPTER XX.
History of the Town of Bennington with the Villages of Bennington Center, Benning- ton, and North Bennington. 241
CHAPTER XXI.
History of the Town of Manchester 340
CHAPTER XXII.
History of the Town of Arlington
398
CHAPTER XXIII.
History of the Town of Dorset
407
CHAPTER XXIV.
History of the Town of Pownal
429
CHAPTER XXV.
History of the Town of Shaftsbury. 436
CHAPTER XXVI.
History of the Town of Sandgate. 447
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXVII.
History of the Town of Rupert. 452
CHAPTER XXVIII.
History of the Town of Peru. . .. . 458
CHAPTER XXIX
History of the Town of Sunderland.
468
CHAPTER XXX.
History of the Town of Woodford.
475
CHAPTER XXXI
History of the Town of Readsboro
481
CHAPTER XXXII.
History of the Town of Searsburg . . 489
CHAPTER XXXIII.
History of the Town of Winhall
494
CHAPTER XXXIV.
History of the Town of Landgrove.
496
CHAPTER XXXV.
History of the Town of Glastenbury.
500
CHAPTER XXXVI.
History of the Town of Stamford 502
... .
ПОКА ЯНИЯАНО
15
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
Biographical. 505
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
Brief Personal Sketches.
555
.
C 74. 43a 826
16
CONTENTS.
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Abbott, L. F.
Facing 326
Park, Trenor W
.Facing 200
Bradford, H. E.
.Facing 512
Roberts, Martin .. . .
Facing 340
Brown, S. H.,
Facing 278
Roberts Edward,
Facing 536
Burton, E. B.,
Facing 360
Roberts Homestead,
536
Burton, William B.,
Facing 372
Root. H. G.,
Facing 236
Cooper, Charles,
Facing 328
Scott, Olin,
Facing 332
Hall, Hiland,
Facing 506
Taylor, Dwight,
Facing 456
Hawks, William E
Facing 320
Tiffany, Eli,
. Facing 330
Isham, Pierrepont,
Facing 192
Valentine, Joel,
Facing 298
Mccullough, J. G.
Facing 224
Valentine, A. B.,
Facing 304
Orvis, F. H.
Facing 528
Welling, Charles E ..
Facing 548
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Abbott, L. F.,
512
Orvis, F. H. 529
Bradford, H. E.,
513
Park, Trenor W.,
518
Brown, Samuel H.,
515
Roberts, Edward,
537
Burton, E. B.,
526
Roberts, Martin,
Burton, William B.,
528
Root, H. G., 535
531
Cooper, Charles,
525
Scott, Olin, .
545
Hall, Hiland,
505
Taylor, Dwight,
534
Hawks, William E.
516
Tiffany, Eli, .
550
Isham, Pierrepont,
539
Valentine, A. B.,
542
McCullough, John G.
522
Valentine, Joel,
541
Welling, Charles E., 549
C 74. 43a 826
HISTORY
OF
BENNINGTON COUNTY.
CHAPTER I.
The Subject -- Division of the State into Counties -- Their Extent -- Reduction of Benning- ton to its Present Area -- The New Hampshire Grants -- First Settlement by the Dutch -- Prior Occupancy of the American Indians -- Their Traditions and History -- The Iroquois Confed- eracy-Their Conquest Over Other Indian Nations.
T THE county of Bennington was brought into existence by virtue of an act of the General Assembly of the State of Vermont, passed on the 17th of March, 1778. According to the provisions of that act the boundary lines of the county were established substantially as follows: South by the north line of the " Massachusets Bay" (meaning the State); north by the south line of the province of Quebec; east by the main range of the Green Mountain chain, through the center of the State; west by township lines of the town- ships now forming the west boundary of the State from the Massachusetts north line to Lake Champlain, and by the lake to the Canada line. By the same act that portion of the State lying between the Green Mountains and the Connecticut River, and between the north boundary of Massachusetts and the south line of the province of Quebec, was formed into another county and known by the name of Unity. By an act passed in February, 1779, the boun- dary lines were defined, and the name of Unity changed to Cumberland. This seems to have been the first actual division of the State into counties under recognized authority, although the General Assembly in session the year be- fore (1778) did also pass a resolution appointing a committee " to join a com- mittee from the council, to draw a bill to be laid before this Assembly for dividing the State into four counties." But as to whether any such bill was drawn there appears no record, either in the journal of the Assembly or in the
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18
HISTORY OF BENNINGTON COUNTY.
laws enacted at that period. In the month of February, 1781, the county of Bennington was reduced to its present limits.
Prior to the passage of the resolution an act by which the independence of the State, under the name of New Connecticut but subsequently changed to Vermont, was asserted, all the territory, or nearly all, was known as and called the New Hampshire Grants; and so named and styled from the fact that the governor of the province of New Hampshire, holding and exercising au- thority over the same by virtue of the royal charter, had made numerous grants of extensive tracts of land lying between the Connecticut River and a line twenty miles east of the Hudson River, to divers persons as a reward for political fealty, and for consideration not expressed. Each grant created a township, which was generally named in the instrument that brought it into existence.
The first grant so made by the governor of New Hampshire embraced a tract of land six miles square, lying six miles north of the Massachusetts line, and twenty miles east from the Hudson River, and was called "Bennington,"1 in allusion to the name of the grantor, Benning Wentworth. This grant was dated January 3, 1749.
These grants were made generally to a number of persons whose names were set forth, but there were instances in which the land was given to a single individual. From the time of the chartering of Bennington in 1749, to the 11th of August, 1764, the total number of grants made within the bounds of the present State of Vermont amounted to one hundred and thirty-four. From this fact, prior to the declaration of independence of the State, these lands were called the New Hampshire Grants. The first permanent white settlement and improvement. within the State, or rather the territory that afterward became the State, was made by the persons holding under these grants.
Some writers state, and upon reasonably good authority, that some parts of this region were inhabited by the whites as early as 1724, more particularly in the valley of the Hoosic and Battenkill Rivers, and that the latter stream, at least, received its name from the Dutch that lived for a time along its valley. This may be true, but it is also a fact that they were but squatters upon the soil and held without color of title to the land.
But there was a race of people that occupied this region of country to a greater or less extent, who traversed the country at will, and were its acknowl- edged rightful possessors. This people was the American Indian nation, but against them and their claim to the possession of the land the pioneers of Ver- mont never had to contend, except as the Indians may have been allied to the
'Some later authorities are inclined to the belief that the name "Bennington " was given the township in allusion to the place called Bennington that then existed in Lincolnshire, Eng- land, rather than in honor of the grantor. How true this may be we know not, and while it is posssible, it is, at the same time, highly improbable.
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19
THE ABORIGINES.
French during the French and English war, and to the English during the war for independence.
However scattered the Indians may have been over our vast domain, and however much they may have been opposed to one another during the fre- quent outbreaks that occurred during the seventeenth and eighteenth centur- ies, all were, nevertheless, descended from two parent nations-the Lenni Len- apes and the Mengwe. These, according to the ancient tradition and it is universally conceded to be true, came from beyond the Mississippi River long years before the first Spanish adventurers landed upon the shores of America. The descendants of the Lenapes had their seat of government upon the Dela- aware River, and from that fact they were known as the Delawares. The country inhabited by them bordered upon the great rivers of New York, Penn- sylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, Delaware and throughout the Virginias and Car- olinas. All, however, did not bear the name of the parent stock, but took a name generally suited to the locality in which they lived. The Mengwe, who also came from the far western country, occupied the region bordering upon the great lakes throughout the northern country, and as far east as to the lo- cality of Lake Champlain. From the Mengwe were descended the tribes that roamed throughout this section of the land, although there exists no knowledge of the fact of their having a permanent abode, or lasting tribe home within the limits of the State. That there were villages there is no doubt, for the evi- dences of such an occupancy have frequently been found. They came here to fish and hunt, and as they departed left many articles and implements both of warfare and of use in their home life, by which their presence has been made known.
As to which tribes resorted to this section of the land there appears no posi- tive record, but the fact is well known that the Mohawks, the Oneidas and the Onondagas occupied the territory of eastern New York, and that they were three of the five tribes that composed the famous Iroquois Confederacy, or Five Nations of Indians. It was, therefore, probably parts of these tribes that re- sorted to this region. After the year 1712, however, they became the Six Na- tions, having their numbers increased by the acquisition of the Tuscaroras, who had been driven from their country by the Southern Indians, aided by white settlers, and coming to the land of the Iroquois were adopted by them. From this time they were one of the Six Nations.
Between the Five Nation Indians and the Delawares there existed a feeling of enmity that ended in a terrible warfare and the complete subjugation of the latter. This occurred about the middle of the seventeenth century ; and from that time the men of the confederacy were the acknowledged Indian rulers and owners of the whole country, and with whom the treaties for the extin- guishment of Indian titles were required to be made before such title could be regarded as perfect. Prior, however, to the conquest of the Delaware country
20
HISTORY OF BENNINGTON COUNTY.
by the Iroquois, the latter had made war upon certain tribes that had made a residence along Lake Erie and driven them to the cold northern regions, in what is now known as the British possessions. These afterward scattered throughout the northern country, and were found there by the French explor- ers who discovered and settled that section.
No sooner had the French become established in what is now Canada than the Jesuit missionaries commenced their labor among the tribes, and from their relations many of the tribes were named. It was the French that gave the name "Iroquois " to the Five Nations, but its meaning is veiled in obscurity. It should be borne in mind, too, that the name was never used by the confederates themselves. They called themselves " Hedonosaunee," which means literally, " they form a cabin," describing in this manner the close union existing between them. The Indian name just above quoted is more liberally and commonly rendered, " the People of the Long House," which is more full in description, though not so accurate in translation. To the Dutch settlers in New York the Indians were known as " Maquas," while to the average Englishman they were always the " Mingoes."
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