USA > Vermont > Addison County > Cornwall > History of the town of Cornwall, Vermont > Part 1
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Gc 974.302 C81m 1628904
M. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01100 2448
Gc 974. C81n 1628
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historyoftownofc1862matt
JH Sufford's Hitt Boston
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HISTORY C
OF TILE
TOWN OF CORNWALL.
VERMONT,
BY REV. LYMAN MATTHEWS.
"Ye who boast In your free veins the blood of sires like these,
Lose not their lineaments. Should Mammon cling Too close around your heart, or wealth beget That bloated luxury which eats the core From manly virtue, or the tempting world Make faint the Christian's purpose in your soul,
Turn ye to Plymouth's beach, and on that rock Kneel in their footprints, and renew the vow They breathed to God." MRS. SIGOURNEY,
*
MIDDLEBURY : HEAD AND FULLER, REGISTER BOOK AND JOB OFFICE. 1862.
1628904
THIS VOLUME,
Designed to commemorate the Sacrifices, the Successes and the Virtues of the venerable Fathers and Mothers of Cornwall, and to note the Bless- ings resulting from their Forecast, is most respectfully inscribed to their Descendants, resident and non-resident, by
Their servant,
THE AUTHOR.
.
. ..
PREFACE.
The desire increasingly manifest in many communities, especially in New England, to rescue from the ravages of time the incidents of our only history, and so to embody them as to secure their preservation, deserves commendation and favor. The settlement of Vermont was commenced at so late a date, that in some towns a few of the carliest settlers survive, and many of their children may be found, who, with retentive memories, love to recount the exploits of their sires, and to pass in review the changes occasioned by the lapse of time -- the unavoidable concomitants of a period of transition.
The MIDDLEBURY HISTORICAL SOCIETY several years since, announced the purpose of securing, if possible, an authentic history of ench town in Addison County. In accordance with this purpose, Ilon. Samuel Swift has already prepared that of Middlebury, with a brief historical sketch of the County; John M. Weeks, Esq., that of Salisbury, and Rev. Josiah F. Goodhue and others, that of Shorcham. These works are already before the public. In this volume an attempt has been made to d'l to the series the History of Cornwall.
It is well that these compilations have been prepared so soon. It would be well that the history of the other towns should be no longer delayed. The facts and reminiscences which make up our carly history are rapidly passing beyond the reach of recovery, as the actors in past scenes, and those most intimate with them, have closed and are closing their earthly career. It is obvious that it would have been easier for the writers, and more satisfactory to both writers and readers, if these works could have been commenced still earlier, as some incidents which would
--
VI
PREFACE.
be of permanent interest, are already lost. Happily, however, we occa- py the homes once occupied by the fathers, and their children and chil- dren's children retain enough of their history to illustrate their character · and perpetuate their virtues.
In gathering the materials for this volume, reliance has been placed first, upon the Records of the Original Grantees, or Proprietors of the township, and on the Records of the town, which, from its organization, are in perfect preservation. Reliance has been placed secondly, upon conversa- tions with very aged persons, who came, in childhood, with their parents, or whose birth occurred some years anterior to the present century, so that they distinctly remember things as they were in the beginning. I have recorded several reminiscences on the authority of tradition, which is an invaluable source of historical information, provided, as in this case, it is not too remote from the scenes and actors it describes. I will add, I have recorded some incidents suggested by my own observation, during a residence, mostly in this town, of more than half a century.
'The Chapters on the "Location of Settlers," though they may seem to promise to the reader only a dry detail of names, will, I hope, bc found among the most entertaining of the volume, being interspersed with such incidents, reminiscences and anecdotes, as I have been able to collect respecting the persons mentioned.
It is but a merited tribute to the citizens of Cornwall, to record in this place, that the publication of this Volume has been secured by a gener- ous appropriation from the town Treasury, in the midst of unparalleled burdens of taxation for town, state and national purposes.
I take pleasure, also, in adding that the illustrations have been gratui- tously furnished by liberal friends-thus enhancing the value of the book, without cost to the reader.
The work delayed beyond his intentions, by the ill health of the writer, is offered with the hope that it may prove a source of entertainment to those who feel an interest in Cornwall, and thus contribute at least to their enjoyment. L. MATTHEWS.
Cornwall. September 20, 1862.
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CONTENTS.
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CHAPTER I.
Introductory, . .13
CHAPTER II.
Controversy between New York and New Hampshire respecting "the New Hampshire Grants," .16
CHAPTER HL.
Charter, with the names of the Original Proprietors, or Grantees -- Plan of the town-Boundaries, .21
CHAPTER IV.
Organization of the Proprietors-Division of the lands by "pitches"- "Quieting act"-Proprietors' Records-Indefiniteness of Deeds and Conveyances -- Land Surveys, . .32
CHAPTER V.
Settlers before the Revolutionary War: Eldad Andrus, Samuel Blodget, Sardius Blodget, Solomon Linsley, Aaron Scott, Nathan Foot, John Holley, Ebenezer Stebbins, Joel Linsley, Obadiah Wheeler, Jonah Sanford, James Marsh Douglass --- Retirement of Settlers, . : 43
CHAPTER VI.
Return of Settlers-Immigrants after the War, and their Locations -- Orange Throop-Samuel Ingraham and Matthew Lewis -- Ethan An- drus-Sons of Nathan Foot-Samuel Bartholomew,. .51
VIII
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VIL
Location of Settlers, -Elijah Durfey-Elisha Hurlbut-Thomas Pritch- ard-James Lane-Thomas Tolman, first settled Minister-Samuel Benton-Jeremiah Rockwell -- David Parkill -- John Robbins -- Abra- ham Balcom-Stephen Holley -- Asa Woodward-Calvin Tilden- Luther Tilden-Wm. Baxter -- David Daggett-Isaac Kellogg -- Abial Rogers, Abial Linsley --- Lemuel Peet-Daniel Richardson --- Stephen Tambling-Isaiah Gilbert-Lemuel Tambling, .59
CHAPTER VIII.
Location of Settlers continued-Wm. Sladc-Jesse Chipman --- James and Nathan Campbell -- Dr. Solomon Foot -- Benj. Stevens-Wait and Timothy Squier -- Solomon Plumb-Shadrach Norton-Benj. Hall -- Barzillai Stickney-Daniel and Ezra Scovel -- James M. Douglass and his Sons-Eliakim Mallory -- Elisha Field, Sen .- Dea. Asahel Field -Elisha Field, Jr .- Ebenezer Newell-Richard Miner-Harvey Bell, .68
CHAPTER IX.
Location of Settlers continued-David Nutting-Israel C. Janes -- Dea. Horace Janes-Bezaleel Richardson-Nathan and Abisha Delano- Lemuel Chapman-Win. Peck-Reuben Peck-John Ballard -- Rive- rius Newell-Benj. Reese -- Wait Wooster -- Eli Stone -- Daniel Sam- son-Jacob Peck-Cory Mead-Reuben Bingham-Benj. Sanford- Dea. James Parker-Nathaniel Cogswell-Isaac Hull -- Joshua Stock- well-Nathaniel Blanchard -- Joseph Cogswell -- Abijah Davis-Mat- thew Parker-Stephen A. Tambling-Roswell Post-Benj. Atwood- Sanborn Bean-Wm. Samson-Ebenezer Squier-Henry Gibbs- David Sperry, :77
CHAPTER X.
Location of Settlers continued-Dan'l Sperry-Jacob Linsly, Sen .-- Kinne Botton-Wait Wooster -- Simeon Sanford-Dea. Anzi Jones- Jared Ives-Enos Ives-David Pratt-John Rockwell-Ezra and Isaac Mead-Jacob Ingraham-Nathan Jackson-Rufus Mead- Silas Meal-David Ingraham-David Foot, Sen. and Sons-Wm. Dwinnell-Moses Wooster -- Gen. Somers Gale-Zebulon Jones- . 7 Simeon Powers-Wareham Brown -- Ephram Pratt -- Matthew Lewis -Samuel Richards, Sen. - Abel Pratt-Roger Avery-Amos Pen- noyer, . .88
IX
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XI.
Location of Settlers continued-Zachariah Benedict-Isaac Parker ---- Solomon Linsley-Adonijah and Win. Kellogg -- Eliphalet Samson --- Gen. Joseph Cook-Gen. Chauncey Cook-Felix Benton and An- drew Benton-Fred. Frost, Sen. - Abraham Williamson-Zachariah Johnson-Walker Linsly-Thomas Landon and his Son Isaac-Moses Pratt-William Arthur Stirling-Jedediah Durfey-Horace Landon --- Win. Lane; his death by accident-Titus Fenn-Nathan Eells -- Ephraim Andrus-Judd-Enos Morgan-Jolin Eells; his death by .91 accident,
CHAPTER XIL
Location of Settlers continued-Jared Abernathy-Cyrus Abernathy- Dr. Frederic Ford, Sen. - Moses Goodrich-Jabez Watrous-Rev. Benjamin Wooster -- Henry Dagget and Abbott Fambling --- Saw-mill -- John Gilman-Daniel Huntington-old road west from P. B. Warner's-David Seymour-Truman Wheeler-Cornelius Datcher- Benjamin, Joseph and John Hamlin-Philip Warner-"Foar hun- dred acre lot" of Samuel Benton -- Water power-Grist and saw-mill of David Pratt-Various attempts to use the Beaver Brook as a mo- tive power-Levi Sperry-Thomas Hall -- Nathan and Pitts Ingra- ham-John Boynton-Jeremiah Bingham, 2nd -- Hon. Hiland Hall -Reuben Bingham-Erastus Hatheway-Aaron Delong-Dea. Jere- miab Bingham and Sons, .108
CHAPTER XII.
Organization of the Town -- Officers of the first Town Meeting-Officers not now chosen-Deer Rifts or Reeves-Branders of Horses; Legis- lation on the subject-Tything Men-Choristers-Pounds and Pound Keepers -- List of Town Officers from the beginning. .119
CHAPTER XIV.
Annexation of part of Cornwall to Middlebury -- Probable reasons. . . 130
CHAPTER XV.
Religious Ilistory -- Early arrangements respecting Religious Worship --- First Revival-Organization of the Congregational Chorch-Articles of Faith, Rules and Order of Discipline -Settlement of Mr. Tolman Action respecting a Meeting-House - First House of Worship-Dis- mission of Mr. Tolman .134
1
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59
es d 1
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XVI.
Religious History continued -- Controversy respecting location of Meeting House-Settlement of Rev. Benj. Wooster ; his ministry and character: his connection with the army at Plattsburgh 148
CHAPTER XVII.
Religious History continued-Formation of Congregational Society-Its Principles of Union - Settlement of Mr. Bushnell ; his ministry and character. 164
CHAPTER XVIII.
Religious History continued - Building of Vestry or Lecture Room - Settlement of Lamson Miner-Jacob Scales ---- S. W. Magill -- G. W. Noyes -- J. A. Bent --- A. A. Baker-Lay Officers of the Church. . 180
CHAPTER XIX.
Religious History continued - Formation of Baptist Church - Its first place of meeting and first Pastor, Elder Ephraim Sawyer - Building its Meeting House, a Union House-Conditions of the Union-Elders Henry Green, Beriah N. Leach and others - Recent measures for re-building -- Deacons-the Methodist Church-Its House of Worship, Pastors and Supplies-Free Church - Its Organization, Confession of Faith, and Rules of Discipline -- l'astors, W. B. Ransom, Israel Hutchinson, C. B. Campbell and others. .. 191
CHAPTER XX.
Professional Men of Cornwall -- Martin Post, Esq .- Practicing Physic- ians, Nathan Foot-Frederick Ford Sen. and Jun. - Solomon Foot- Abram Fleming-Hosea Brooks-Rodolphus Field-Oliver J. Eells, --- R. G. Greene-C. B. Currier-Thomas P. Matthews-M. O. Porter -E. O. Porter-Darius Matthews, 203
CHAPTER XXL.
Educational -- Schools-First Division of School Districts-School lands Superintending School Committee - Appropriation of Surplus Funds for Schools-School Houses -- " Old Red" School House-" Brick " School House-Changes in Districts-School Superintendents-Select School. .213
CHAPTER XXII.
Educational - Young Gentlemen's Society; Constitution and Rules- Meetings -- Incorporation - Library-Lane Library Association; its
ZM.
XI
1
CONTENTS.
Constitution and Library 220
CHAPTER XXIII. Natives of Cornwall who have entered the Professions-Clergymen, . . 229
CHAPTER XXIV.
Natives of Cornwall who have entered the Professions -- Lawyers. . . . 213 CHAPTER XXV.
16% Natives of Cornwall who have entered the Professions -- Physicians ---- Teachers - Editors - Those in other employments - List of Grad- uutes. . 271
CHAPTER XXVI.
Population - The first male child born in Town - The first deaths by accident, and by disease - Longevity of the first settlers - Census at different periods -- Why no increase ? 278
CHAPTER XXVII.
Record of families settled previously to 1800. .283
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Care of the poor-Mode of provision - Statistics of Property-Lists- Decimal Currency, when first used - Taxes for roads, and other specific objects. .291
CHAPTER XXIX.
Highways-Bridges, etc, .298
CHAPTER XXX.
Miscellaneous-Places for holding Town Meetings-Town sign post- Burying Grounds-Keeping Saturday evening, etc .- Compensation for services rendered to the town-Post Offices-Postmasters- Cave of Mrs. Story-Indian relics, . .305
CHAPTER XXXI.
Social Character and Spirit of the Settlers -- Usages of the people in choice of Town Officers-Representatives-Selectmen-Haywards- Intemperance; its victims, .. 314
CHAHTER XXXII.
Surface of the Town-Soil-Productions-Minerals -- Marble --- Building stone-Slate-Mineral Springs -- Qualities of the water generally, . 319
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XII
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Pursuits of the People, chiefly agricultural-List of mechanics-Lack of Water Power --- Mills-Merchants -- Change from Agricultural to other pursuits-Horses-Sheep -- "Cornwall finish," .821
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Changes in the habits and usages of the people-Modes of locomotion --
Riding on horseback universal-Riding "double," or two on a horse --- The pillion and saddle-bags-Ilow mothers used to travel with their children-Materials and modes of dress-Furniture of the dwelling and table-Husking and other "bees" -- Itinerant shoe-makers-mode: of warming-Introduction of labor-saving machinery -- Changes af- fecting moral character and habits-"Young America," ... 331
CHAPTER XXXV.
Services of Settlers who belonged to the Revolutionary army-Trainings -Waking up Officers-Citizens who did service in the war of 1812 -Volunteers in the war of the Great Rebellion, .841
ILLUSTRATIONS.
The portrait of Jonah Sanford, 83
Nathan Eells, 104
O. J. Eells, 209
Hon. Solomon Foot, 21
Gov .. Slade, . 259
Jonathan Foot, 272
View of School House No. 2,. 217
HISTORY OF CORNWALL
CHAPTER I.
" They need No statue nor inscription, to reveal Their greatness."
Communities have been wont, in every age, to trace their origin to ancestors shrouded in mythologie mystery, to those distin- guished for physical prowess, or for intellectual or moral excellence. The Hindoo believes himself an emanation from Brama. The Roman was proud of his connection with the nurslings of a wolf. The Hebrew glories in his descent from the "Father of the Faithful." The people of New England ever love to trace their origin to the noble band who landed from the May Flower, and others of kindred spirit who subsequently sought an asylum on these shores. History .tells us of no men of more unflinching courage, of sterner prin- ciples, of more varied excellence.
To understand the movements of the Puritans, it is necessary to understand their character. Though they endured, with forbear- ance, the oppression of despotic monarchs ; the abuse and persecu- tion of a supercilious hierarchy ; the disfranchisement of them- selves and their families, they suffered not in slavish fear, or ignorance ; nor without a determination, at a proper time to rebuke their oppressors and assert their rights.
" The Puritans who had fled to Holland, to avoid intolerance at home," says an English reviewer, "carried with them English hearts, They could not bear to think that their little community
*
14
HISTORY OF CORNWALL,
should be absorbed and lost in a foreign nation. They had forsaken their birth-place and their family graves; but they loved their country and their mother tongue, and rather than their children should become subjects of another State, and speak another lan- guage, they exposed themselves to all the hardships and dangers of colonizing in a savage land. Life to them had little value without civil and religious freedom, to secure which their compact was formed, even before their feet touched American soil. No people on earth may so justly pride themselves on their ancestors, as the New Englanders."
The circumstances in which the first settlers of New England were placed, nurtured courage, wariness and self-reliance. There was the insidious savage, who, viewing the settler as an intruder, was ever ready to take advantage of any remission of his watchful- noss, for a covert assault. Upon his own vigilance and prowess tlepended the safety of himself and those he loved. Upon his own energy depended his supply of food and raiment. His fellow- settlers were as destitute of resources as himself, and they were all too widely separated from kindred and friends, to expect relief in any emergency. In view, therefore, of the fact, too well attested to require discussion, that men are formed by the circum- stances in which they are called to act, it is not surprising that our ancestors were hardy, fearless and enterprising. Without these characteristics, the colony must speedily have become extinct.
As these settlements extended into the interior, each became the nucleus of a community pledged to live free or die. The spirit of these settlers was often well exhibited in the homely but ex- pressive stanzas of their own poets :
"Our worthy forefathers, (let's give them & cheer !)' To climates unknown did courageously steer : Through oceans to deserts for freedom they came, And, dying, bequeathed us their freedom and fame.
"Their generous bosoms all dangers despised, So highly, so wisely, their birthrights they prized. What they gave let us cherish and piously keep,
. Nor frustrate their toils on the land or the deep."
The Patriot's Apnea !.
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HISTORY OF CORNWALL,
D
f
As early as 1609, that part of Vermont bordering on Lake Champlain, was to some extent explored by a French adventurer, whose name the Lake bears; but no permanent settlement in this part of the State was made for more than a century afterward. The position of the territory was such as to prevent its safe occupancy by settlers. " Situated between the settlements of the French on one hand, and those of the English on the other, it was constantly exposed to the invasions and depredations of both, in the almost incessant warfare maintained between them. The dense forests of the Green Mountains were the favorite lurking places of the wield- ers of the tomahawk, and resounded with the war-whoop of sav- ages, who were willing to become allies of either of the contending parties. They were traversed by prisoners taken in the French wars, and were witnesses of their heroism, and of their sufferings."
Previous to 1760, the territory was almost an unbroken wilder- ness. A few settlements existed in the extreme southern part. though with but few inhabitants. The territory was often passed over by parties of Continental soldiers, on their way to and from Lake Champlain, who were attracted by its beauty and fertility .--- This accounts for the rapidity with which settlers gathered from all quarters, as soon as a safe way was opened before them. Between the years 1760 and 1764, most of the towns in the State received their charters from the Governor of New Hampshire.
16
1
HISTORY OF CORNWALL,
CHAPTER II.
CONTROVERSY BETWEEN NEW YORK AND NEW HAMPSHIRE RESPECTING "THE NEW HAMPSHIRE GRANTS."
A controversy between New York and New Hampshire respect- ing jurisdiction over the territory now known as Vermont, com- menced in 1749, and continued through many years. This was as unfriendly to the quiet of settlers, if not as perilous to their per- sons, as their previous exposure to French and Indian hostility .--- Though this controversy has no more relation to the history of Cornwall, than to most of the other towns in the western portion of the State, a brief sketch of it may be interesting to many readers.
New York claimed jurisdiction under a Charter granted by Charles II to the Duke of York, from which the following is an extract :
" CHARLES THE SECOND,
By the grace of God, King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, S.c., S.c.
To ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME,
Greeting :
KNOW YE, That we, for divers good causes and considerations, have, of our special grace, certain knowledge and mere motion, given and granted, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do give and grant unto our dearest brother, James, Duke of York, his heirs and assigns, all that part of the main land of New England, beginning at a certain place, called or known by the name of St. Croix, next adjoining to New Scotland, in Amer- ica ; and from thence extending along the sea-coast, unto a certain place called Petuaguine or Pemaquid, and so up the river thereof to the furtherest head of the same, as it tendeth northwards : and
17
HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
extending from the river Kinebeque, and so upwards by the short- et course of the river Canada, northwards ; and all that island or islands, commonly called by the several name or names of Mato- wacks or Long Island, situato and being west of Cape Cod, and the Narrow Highgansetts, abutting upon the main land, between the two rivers there, called or known by the several names of Connec- ticut and Hudson's River, together, also, with the said river called Hudson's, and all the lands from the west side of Connecticut river, to the cast side of Delaware Bay : Also, all those several islands, called or known by the names of Martin's Vineyard and Nantuckes, otherways Nantucket: together with all, &c. Dated the 29th day of June, in the twenty-sixth year of the reign of King CHARLES the Second."
It is not surprising that the utmost indefiniteness and confusion should have existed in reference to boundaries in the charters, and to other documents relating to the territory known as New Ilamp- shire Grants, included in the above Charter. The patent above quoted indicates a degree of ignorance of the Geography of the country in those who indited it, which at that period was perhaps excusable, but which was utterly inconsistent with the peace of the several colonial governments then acknowledged as having existence in New England and New York. Evidently the Monarch and his councils knew not what they were doing, if, indeed, they knew what they had already done in granting Charters to the New Eng- land colonies. Of this confusion Gov. Wentworth avails himself in his proclamation in 1764, in which he says : - " Persons hold- ing grants of 'lands or Charters from New Hampshire, may be assured that the patent to the Duke of York is obsolete, and cannot convey any certain boundary to New York, that can be claimed as a boundary, as plainly appears by the several boundary lines of the .Versies on the west; and the colony of Connecticut on the east, which are set forth as part, only, of the land indicated in the said patent to the Duke of York." , The boundary of Connecticut and Massachusetts on the west reached to within twenty miles of Hud- son River, and the Governor of New Hampshire inferred that his own jurisdiction extended westward to the same meridian. Acting
.
18
HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
on this inference, Gov. Wentworth granted Charters to those who applied, as far westward as this boundary, so far as the Hudson River extends, and northward of that point to the shore of Lake Champlain.
Whatever may have been the feelings of the first settlers of Vermont in regard to the authority of New York, it is certain that they early became disposed to acknowledge that of New Hamp- shire, for they sought and obtained their Charters from that source. They appear, however, to have cared but little which gov- ernment exercised jurisdiction over them, provided they were made secure in the enjoyment of their rights. But they could not well render allegiance to both, and as neither had power to enforce its laws, or protect the settlers, necessity was laid upon them to pro- tect themselves, and they declared themselves independent of both. In thus assuming to govern themselves, they only followed the dictate of necessity-nature's first law.
The following declaration of the rights of the people, and of their independence, was adopted by a convention of delegates, without a dissenting vote .*
"Right Ist. That whenever protection is withheld, no allegi- ance is due, or can of right be demanded.
" 2nd. That whenever the lives and properties of a part of a community have been manifestly aimed at by either the legislative or executive authority of such community, necessity requires a separation. We are of opinion that the foregoing has, for many years past, been the conduct of the monopolizing land claimers of the colony of New York ; and that they have been not only coun- tenanced, but encouraged, by both the legislative and executive authorities of the said State or colony. Many overt acts in cvi- dence of this truth, are so fresh in the minds of the members, that it would be needless to name them. " Considering that a just right exists in this people to adopt measures for their own security, not only to enable them to secure their right against the usurpations of Great Britain, but also, against those of New
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