USA > Vermont > Grand Isle County > History of Franklin and Grand Isle counties, Vermont : With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of the prominent men and pioneers. > Part 1
USA > Vermont > Franklin County > History of Franklin and Grand Isle counties, Vermont : With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of the prominent men and pioneers. > Part 1
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Gc 974. 301 F85a 1136948
M. Li
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
E ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00825 0224
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historyoffrankli00aldr
HISTORY
OF
Franklin AND Grand Isle Counties
VERMONT
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF THE PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS
EDITED BY LEWIS CASS ALDRICH
SYRACUSE, N. Y. D. MASON & CO., PUBLISHERS 1891
PRESS OF
D. MASON & CO., SYRACUSE, N. Y.
INTRODUCTORY.
1136948
S AMUEL JOHNSON said : " He who hath much to do will do something wrong, and of that wrong must suffer the consequences." Possibly that observation might be applied to this work, for in the prep- aration of an elaborate history of Franklin and Grand Isle counties something has been said that doubtless may be an error, while there may have been left unsaid something which should have been narrated.
Franklin county has a rich and interesting early history, there hav- ing been enacted within its boundaries a series of events that were not common to the state. During the period that covered the years ex- tending from the close of the Revolution down to and including the War of 1812-15 the region of Northern Vermont was the central seat of operations and events of national importance and bearing, and while some of these occurrences have found their way into history many of them have been passed over as of no special value to local or public records. The reader of the present volume has but to refer to the gen- eral history to learn many things as transpiring within these counties, Franklin and Grand Isle, as now constituted, that were not carried into the counties south of them, and which had much to do with the early history of the state of Vermont.
But it is not the purpose of the writer of this work to in any manner apologize for what has been done, but rather to explain the means used in accomplishing whatever has been done, and in acknowledging in a general way the assistance he has received in the preparation of the work which is now presented to the reader. And here it may be said, publicly and without reserve, that with but a single exception the com- piler and editor has received at the hands of the people and the custo- dians of records all the assistance that could be desired to enable him
6 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES.
to make the work as complete, thorough, and reliable as possible. Not only this, but turning to the general and local departments, the fact will be disclosed that a number of the ablest and best writers in the county have contributed important chapters to the work. Chapter II., that relating to the Indian occupation of the region, was contributed by L. B. Truax, of Swanton ; Chapter XVIII., a thorough and comprehen- sive history of Free Masonry in Franklin county, is from the pen of Col. Alfred A. Hall, of St. Albans. In the preparation of the press chapter the editor has to acknowledge the assistance of Counsellor J. H. Mon- tefiore, of St. Albans. The history of the banking institutions of St. Albans, revised by committee, was written by Hon. E. A. Sowles. A chapter on Odd Fellowship is likewise contributed by P. G. M. Will- iam D. Wilson, but was received by the publishers at a date too late to admit of its incorporation in the general history. This explains its somewhat peculiar position in the work.
Among the writers of local chapters, to each of whom also is due the thanks of the editor and the publishers, may be mentioned these : O. S. Bliss, for the history of the town of Georgia ; Luther B. Hunt, for assist- ance in the preparation of the history of Fairfax ; Mrs. James G. Powell, for the history of Richford ; Hon. O. N. Kelton, for the chapter relating to Montgomery ; O. G. Start, for the history of Bakersfield ; E. R. Towle, for the history of Franklin; P. B. B. Northrup, for the history of Sheldon; H. C. Jennison, for assistance in writing the history of Highgate; Ralph O. Sturtevant, for the history of Swanton ; and Mrs. Harriet J. Riggs, for the history of Fletcher.
To each of the persons whose names have been mentioned as con- tributing material to this volume the editor and the publishers extend their thanks and acknowledge a debt of gratitude. But it is to the generous people of the towns of Franklin and Grand Isle counties, who by their hearty and unrestrained support have made this work success- ful, that the publishers acknowledge a special indebtedness. That support, freely given, made the work possible, and in return the pub- lishers confidently believe that they have prepared for the counties an authentic and reliable and therefore valuable record.
-
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
The Subject -- The Older Counties under Vermont Authority-Counties under Jur- isdiction of New York-A General Geographical and Topographical View of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties-Mountain Ranges and Peaks-Principal Water Courses- The Missisquoi and Lamoille Rivers and their Tributaries -Avery's Gore, an Unorganized District-Evidences of Prehistoric Occupa- tion-Introductory to the Indian History of the Region of the Counties. . . .
17
..
CHAPTER II.
INDIAN OCCUPATION AND RELICS
25
CHAPTER III.
Early Explorations and Discoveries-The French in the Canadas-The English in the East and South-The Puritans in New England-The Dutch in New York -Samuel Champlain Visits the Lake-Its Name -- Occupants of this Region in 1609-Early French Settlements in Vermont-Fort St. Anne on Isle La Motte -Captain De la Mothe-Troubles Among the Indian Nations-Beginning of Troubles Between the French and English.
CHAPTER IV.
Relations of the French and English Colonies in America-Arming the In- dians-Progress of French Settlement-Events of the Early Wars-An Occa- sional Peace -Operations in the Champlain Region-Forts Built-The Out-
38
8
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES.
break in 1744-Treaty of Aix La Chapelle-Convention of the Colonies at Albany-Campaigns against French Strongholds-Their Results-The French Abandon their Forts-Retire to Isle Aux Noix -- Major Rogers's Expedition against St. Francis Indians-Decline of the French Power-Its Final Over- throw-Surrender of Montreal-France Cedes to Great Britain-The French Seigniories on Lake Champlain-The Grants in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties-British Government Declines to Confirm them
44
CHAPTER V.
Early Land Grants-Dispute Concerning the Boundary between Massachusetts and New Hampshire-Its Settlement-Conflict of Authority Respecting the First Settled Locality in Vermont-Benning Wentworth Becomes Governor of New Hampshire-Grants made by Him-His Right Disputed by New York-Grants within the Region of Franklin County-The Claims of New York Founded on Grants to the Duke of York-Correspondence between New Hampshire and New York-The Controversy Referred to the King- His Decree-New York Extends to Connecticut River-New Hampshire withdraws from the Controversy-Policy adopted by New York-Resisted by the Inhabitants-The Leaders of the People-The Green Mountain Boys- Treatment of New York Officers-Counties Formed by New York-Albany and Charlotte Counties Embrace this Region-Progress of the Controversy- Rewards offered by New York - Proclamations on Both Sides-Events East of the Mountains-The People United-The Massacre at Westminster
60
CHAPTER VI.
The Controversy Resumed-Proceedings on the Part of Vermont-Ethan Allen's Achievement at Ticonderoga-Seth Warner at Crown Point-Vermont Seeks Admission to the Federal Union-The Declaration of American Independence -The Dorset Conventions-Vermont's Independence Declared-The State Formed-Name of New Connecticut-Changed to Vermont-Proceedings of Congress upon Vermont's Petition-The Subject Dismissed-Framing the State Constitution-First Union with New Hampshire Towns-Its Dissolu- tion -- New York, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts Claims -- Vermont's Appeal-Action of Congress -- Second Union with New Hampshire Towns -- The Eastern Union -- Their Dissolution -- Negotiations with Canada --- Their Results-General Washington's Reply to Governor Chittenden's Letter -- New York Ceases Opposition to Vermont's Independence -- The States Choose Commissioners -- The Controversy Settled -- Vermont Admitted to the Union -- The Act of Congress
74
9
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VII.
During the Revolutionary War -- Then no Permanent Settlement in this Region- Causes of the War-Allen Captures Ticonderoga-Warner Takes Crown Point -- Arnold Secures Control of Lake Champlain -- Invasion of Canada-Seth Warner Chosen Commander of the Green Mountain Boys -- Allen's Defeat and Disappointment-His Subsequent Action and Capture -- Taken to England -- The Campaign of 1775-Events of the Succeeding Year -- Disaster Follows Success -- Americans Withdraw from Canada-The English Regain Lake Champlain -- The Naval Engagement-Destruction of the American Fleet -- Carleton's Singular Conduct -- He returns to Canada -- Campaign of 1777 -- Burgoyne Commands the British-Ticonderoga Taken by Hill -- Mount Inde- pendence Evacuated - Battle at Hubbardton -- St. Clair Retreats to Fort Edward-Warner's Regiment at Manchester -- Gen. Stark Comes to Vermont's Aid-The Battle at Bennington -- Defeat of the British-Gates and Burgoyne at Stillwater-Their Battles-British again Defeated-Surrender of Burgoyne -Indian Depredations in Vermont -- Negotiations with Canada -- Its Effects on Vermont and the Country -- Ingratitude of Congress
89
CHAPTER VIII.
County Erections under New York-Those East and West of the Green Mount- ains Cumberland County - Albany County Erected -- Charlotte County Set Off -- The County. Seats -- Counties formed by Vermont-Bennington and Cumberland-Washington County Erected-Changed to Rutland -- Addison County Formed -- Chittenden County Created -- Organization of Franklin County -- Of Grand Isle County-Towns of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties -How They Were Granted-Their Organization .
106
CHAPTER IX.
Organization of the Counties-Locating the County Seat of Franklin County -- The County Originally Called " York"-Name Changed to " Franklin "-Courts and Court-Houses-The Jails-Franklin County Civil List-Organization of Grand Isle County - Delays in Bringing about the Desired End -- Several Petitions Presented - The County Buildings and First Courts -- Civil List of Grand Isle County
2
114
IO HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES.
CHAPTER X.
Events Preceding the War of 1812-15-British Occupation of Alburgh and other Points South of the Line -- Troubles Following the Town Organization of Al- burgh -- Disturbances on the Northern Frontier -- Canada and Vermont Estab- lish Trade Relations -- Vermont Favored by the Governor-General-Difficulties Between the United States and Great Britain-British Aggressions-The Em- bargo Laws-Operations of Smugglers -- Franklin and Grand Isle Counties Become Important Points-The Black Snake-John Jay's Treaty of Amity and Trade -- British Aggressions Resumed -- War of 1812-15-Political Situa- tion in this Region-British Invasions and Depredations -- Swanton Plundered -Attack on Burlington -- The Vermont Militia and Volunteers -- Battle of Plattsburgh -- Land and Naval Engagements -- Defeat of the British-Franklin County Troops Take Part-British again Threaten Invasion-Proposed Win- ter Campaign-The Treaty of Ghent -- Close of the War -- Peace Again Re- stored. 127
CHAPTER XI.
An Era of Peace and Prosperity -- Growth and Increase in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties-Population at Various Periods -- The Patriot War of 1837-39 -- Occurrences in these Counties-Citizens' Meetings -- Resolutions Adopted -- Some Events of the Period-Generals Wool and Nason -- The Surrender -- Militia from Both Counties on the Frontier
154
CHAPTER XII.
FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES DURING THE REBELL- ION 160
CHAPTER XIII.
THE ST. ALBANS RAID-THE FENIAN RAID
206
II
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIV.
THE BENCH AND BAR OF FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES ... 214
CHAPTER XV.
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION - ITS SOCIETIES AND REPRESENTA- TIVES. 255
CHAPTER XVI.
THE PRESS. 266
CHAPTER XVII.
HISTORY OF VERMONT AND CANADA, VERMONT CENTRAL, CENT-
RAL VERMONT, AND CONSOLIDATED RAILROAD COMPANIES ... 273
CHAPTER XVIII.
FREE MASONRY IN FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES. 295
CHAPTER XIX.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF ST. ALBANS, AND OF THE INCORPO- RATED VILLAGE OF ST. ALBANS, THE SEAT OF JUSTICE OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 310
CHAPTER XX.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SWANTON 391
12 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES.
CHAPTER XXI.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF ENOSBURGH. 417
CHAPTER XXII.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF RICHFORD.
447
CHAPTER XXIII.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF FAIRFAX . 466
CHAPTER XXIV.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF FRANKLIN. 481
CHAPTER XXV.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF FAIRFIELD
501
CHAPTER XXVI.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BAKERSFIELD 513
CHAPTER XXVII.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF BERKSHIRE
525
1 3
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF FLETCHER. 541
CHAPTER XXIX.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF MONTGOMERY. 551
CHAPTER XXX.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF GEORGIA 564
CHAPTER XXXI.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF HIGHGATE . 593
CHAPTER XXXII.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SHELDON 611
CHAPTER XXXIII.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF ALBURGH 628
CHAPTER XXXIV.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF GRAND ISLE 644
14
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES.
CHAPTER XXXV.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF ISLE LA MOTTE. 653
CHAPTER XXXVI.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF NORTH HERO 661
CHAPTER XXXVII.
HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF SOUTH HERO. 670
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
HISTORY OF ODD FELLOWSHIP IN FRANKLIN COUNTY 679
CHAPTER XXXIX.
BIOGRAPHICAL. 682
CHAPTER XL.
FAMILY SKETCHES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 731
CHAPTER XLI.
FAMILY SKETCHES OF GRAND ISLE COUNTY 800
HISTORY
OF
FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE
COUNTIES, VERMONT.
CHAPTER I.
The Subject-The Older Counties under Vermont Authority-Counties under Ju- risdiction of New York-A General Geographical and Topographical View of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties-Mountain Ranges and Peaks-Principal Water Courses- The Missisquoi and La Moille Rivers, and their Tributaries-Avery's Gore, an Unor- ganized District-Evidences of Prehistoric Occupation -- Introductory to the Indian History of the Region of the Counties.
T HE civil and political history of any county naturally begins with its organization, and separation from the territory or jurisdiction of which it was formerly a part. Therefore, were the scope of this vol- ume limited alone to the counties of Franklin and Grand Isle, since the former was set off from Chittenden county, much that is of historic in- terest would necessarily be omitted from the present work. To prop- erly narrate the early events of this region it will be necessary to refer frequently to the older county on the south-Chittenden-which surren- dered its territory to the erection of Franklin on the 5th of November, of the year 1792. Chittenden county was brought into existence by legislative enactment on the 22d of October, 1787, being then organized from the territory of Addison county, which latter was formerly a part
3
.
18
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES.
of Rutland, and set off therefrom on the 18th of October, 1785. Rut- land county, the immediate parent of Addison county, was itself form- erly a part of the ancient jurisdiction of Bennington county, and was separated from it by an act passed by the General Assembly, and con- curred in by the Council, on the 8th of November, 1780, and its name therein given was Washington county. This act was printed, but not put upon the record, and in that situation remained until the next ses- sion of the Assembly holden at Windsor, in 1781. Then, on Febru- ary 13th, a new and slightly modified bill was passed, and by it the new jurisdiction was named Rutland. The old county of Bennington was created by the independent government of Vermont, through the me- dium of an act passed at the March session of the Assembly of the year 1778, although its boundary lines were not defined until February II, 1779. This county-Bennington-comprehended all that region of Vermont that lay to the westward of the main chain of the Green Moun- tains, and therefore included all that now comprises the counties of Franklin and Grand Isle. The western boundary of the old county was by the act declared to be the center of the deepest channel of Lake Champlain; which was followed to the south line of the province of Quebec.
All of the foregoing county erections and organizations, except those the subject of this work, the reader will understand, were made under the authority of the then independent jurisdiction of Vermont; a juris- diction and authority not then recognized by the Federal government, nor was it until the year 1791. Therefore the only exception to be made to the statement above is that the territory now comprising the counties of Franklin and Grand Isle, or nearly all of it, was organized into the county of Franklin after the statehood of Vermont had been recognized by the general government of the United States. In the same manner, as will be shown more at length in succeeding chapters, the territory now comprising Franklin and Grand Isle counties was organized into counties, or parts of them at least, under the authority of the provincial government of New York, and as a part of that jurisdiction. The first county organization under New York that included this particular re- gion was known by the name of Albany, and this country west of the mountains was brought into annexation with it in 1766; but Albany
19
GEOGRAPHICAL AND TOPOGRAPHICAL.
county was divided in 1772, and the northern part west of the Green Mountains was erected into a county by the name of Charlotte, having its shire town at Skeenesborough, now the site of the village of Whitehall.
Thus, from what has been said, the reader will understand that the proper and intelligent narrative of events concerning the region calls for frequent reference to the older counties from which Franklin and Grand Isle are descended. In fact, the early history of these counties, the special subject of this volume, is a part of the history of the entire state; auxiliary to but not co-extensive with it.
But before going at length into the subject of early civil and politi- cal history, the attention of the reader may first be properly directed to a general geographical and topographical view of the counties; and as the configuration of the surface has not materially changed during the last hundred years, this description may be given in the present tense.
The physical features of Franklin county are not unlike those of the other civil divisions of the State bordering upon Lake Champlain, ex- cept that, perhaps, between the lake on the west, and the Green Moun- tains on the east, there appears to be a greater extent of level lands than are to be found in some of the counties to the southward. These com- paratively smooth areas prevail more particularly in the towns of Geor- gia, St. Albans, Swanton and Highgate, but none of these can be said to be entirely free from mountainous localities, for they do exist, how- ever limited in extent, especially in the east parts of the towns named. And even among the inland towns, such as Fairfax, Sheldon, Enosburg, and Richford, there are extensive level areas, exempt from untillable mountain peaks, and the lands are susceptible of a high degree of culti- vation. These desirable lands prevail throughout the valley of the Mis- sisquoi River ; and it may be said as an undeniable fact, that the region of this valley has the best and most productive farming lands in the entire county. And the farms bordering on this stream are occupied, im- proved and enjoyed to as great an extent as any in the whole State, and there appears to be no occasion, in this locality at least, for the Com- missioner of Agriculture to colonize the lands with foreign importations, as has been found necessary in some towns in other counties.
The more mountainous towns of the county are Fletcher, Bakersfield and Montgomery; to which, perhaps, may be added the small unorgan-
20
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES.
ized district called Avery's Gore. This last named division-Avery's Gore-is one of a number of small tracts of land which were granted to Samuel Avery, under the above name, and is annexed to Franklin county. It contains 9,723 acres of land, and never had to exceed forty- eight in population, and not sufficient polls to warrant its organization. The census of 1880 gave it but sixteen inhabitants. It is subject to the authority of Franklin county. No further record, except an occasional mention, will be made concerning this district in this volume.
Among the mountainous towns of the county, Montgomery stands at the head ; but this even has level and fertile lands, although they may be the exception rather than the rule. But Montgomery has resources other than its farming interests, for it has an abundance of timber tracts, and reasonably good water privileges, derived from Trout River and its numerous tributaries; and this power is utilized to a considerable ex- tent, and the town abounds in manufacturing industries of various kinds. Although most remote from the county seat, it cannot be called the least in importance of the county's towns.
The eastern district of the county may be said to lie fairly within the Green Mountain range, but nowhere are to be observed extreme heights, such as approach to Jay Peak, on the east. Across the south- east portion of Enosburg there extends a considerable range of high hills, almost mountains, which divide the town, forcing the inhabitants on the east side to associate and trade with the Montgomery interests. Bakersfield has a share of this range of hills; rendering its eastern bor- der of mountainous character, which, in connection with others in vari- ous localties of the town, makes that rank only second in point of high altitudes in the county.
And in this same connection Fairfield and Fletcher, and the south- eastern part of Fairfax, as well, must not be forgotten; for in divers localities throughout each are hills of no mean height; but Fairfield has vast areas of level land as well as hill-tops. Epecially is this the case in the valley of Black Creek, and of its tributaries Fairfield River and Fair- field pond. Also between Georgia and Fairfax is a considerable range of hills, and as well in the eastern part of the towns of St. Albans and Swanton. But the latter are such marked exceptions to the general physical features of the towns, that they are looked upon as nature's
21
TOPOGRAPHICAL FEATURES.
favors, rather than objections. In the town first named the higher tops are designated by names, being called, respectively, Prospect Hill, Belle- vue Hill, and Aldis Hill, from each of which can be obtained an excel- lent view over the waters of the lake, to the celebrated Adirondacks of northern New York; while from at least one peak in the town there can be seen, under favorable circumstances, the city of Montreal.
The topographical characteristics of Highgate and Franklin differ from those of other towns only in that the hills are more on the order of independent peaks than anything partaking of the range nature; and in the former town the elevations approach nearer to the bay, or the lake waters, than in localities farther south. Between Missisquoi Bay and the little ponds, Proper's and Cutler's, are a few heights, the more im- portant being commonly called Teachout Hill. Also in the east part is the elevation called Rice Hill. In Franklin the hills are occasionally designated by name, there being, among others, Bridgman in the west part, and Minister and Shingle in the north part. East and south of Franklin pond, on the lines between Sheldon and Berkshire, respect- ively, and this town, are hills of less prominence, comparatively, though of themselves fair elevations. Sheldon is not without hilltops, but they are small and scattered.
The county of Franklin has two principal water courses, one of them -the Missisquoi River-being classed among the largest waterways of the state. This river drains the entire north portion of the county, and in its course passes across six of the towns. The Missisquoi enters the county in the northeast part of Richford, and thence courses generally southwest into Berkshire, crossing the southeast part of the latter, and enters Enosburg from the north; thence turning westerly, by south, it flows across the northwest part of Enosburgh, and on into the central western portion of Sheldon, where it turns off northwest into Highgate, through which its course is exceedingly devious and winding. Leav- ing Highgate on the south boundary, the river enters Swanton, a south- west course, but at Swanton village changes abruptly to the northwest, and so continues until its waters are finally discharged into the Missis- quoi Bay and the lake, forming a " delta " at its mouth.
The Missisquoi River does not appear to receive the waters of any considerable streams on its north side; in fact, it seems that a short dis-
22
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES.
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