USA > Vermont > Orange County > Bradford > A history of Bradford, Vermont : containing some account of the place of its first settlement in 1765, and the principal improvements made, and events which have occurred down to 1874--a period of one hundred and nine years. With various genealogical records, and biographical sketches of families and individuals, some deceased, and others still living > Part 25
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32
Col. Prichard had also important trusts committed to him in the way of settling the estates of deceased friends, and was remarkably successful in giving good satisfac- tion. Even when the amount of property in one case was large, and the claims of the heirs in conflict with each other, they were all alike ready to acknowledge and thank him for his perfect impartiality, and strict justice.
With regard to domestic relations and affairs, it may be remarked that Col. Prichard was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Pearsons, of Bradford, March 16, 1817, a
341
lady in person, manners, domestic habits, and character, truly amiable and estimable. They were married by their then youthful pastor, who in years long after at- tended the funerals of them both. They wisely com- menced housekeeping in a style corresponding with their then somewhat limited means, for some years living in a humble cottage, made pleasant by love and contentment, nor wished to remove till able, without inconvenience, to build and furnish to their liking the commodious residence in which they spent the remainder of their days. They had a family of one daughter and six sons, of whom fur- ther notice will be given. All were living at the time of their mother's decease, which occurred March 5, 1853, in the sixty-second year of her age. She had been a mem- ber of the Congregational church for sixteen years, and by her exemplary life had evinced the sincerity of her profession. In view of death, she was beautifully sus- tained and comforted by the assured prospect of a near and blessed immortality.
Colonel Prichard's second marriage was with Miss Mary P. Sutherland, February 7, 1854, a daughter of the late Rev. David Sutherland, of Bath, N. H. She faith- fully ministered to his comfort during his declining years, and was rewarded with not only worldly substance enough, but with the strong assurance of his high esteem and grateful love.
Although Mr. Prichard had been from his youth a moral man and regular attendant on public worship, and for years entertained a trembling hope of the divine accept- ance, he had passed the meridian of life before he made any open profession of religion. It was during a pro- tracted meeting of great power, held in connection with the dedication of the present Congregational meeting house in this village, in January, 1837, that he and his wife, in company with several others, were brought to consecrate themselves heartily and openly to the Sav-
342
iour's service, and to become living members of his visi- ble church. Thence onward their path was like the light of the morning.
About three years after this season of refreshing, the aged deacons of this church wishing to be relieved, George W. Prichard and Thomas C. Shaw, who had to- gether been received as members, were unanimously chosen deacons, and, to the great satisfaction of the church, continued to perform the duties of that office un- til, by reason of advanced age and bodily infirmities, they in their turn thought it their duty to resign. Their resignation was accepted so far only as to excuse them from officiating, except in cases of special need of their services.
Deacon Prichard was a firm believer in divine revela- tion, and made the Holy Scriptures the guide of his faith and conduct. He delighted in public and social wor- ship, and his fervent prayers and pathetic remarks in social meetings were truly elevating and refreshing. In the Sabbath school he was also deeply interested. He for several years officiated as superintendent, and after that continued as teacher of a class, while he had strength to perform the arduous, but to him grateful, service. He took a lively interest in the support of public worship, ever ready to do his part. He was not only a liberal subscriber and prompt payer, but a cheerful giver. Great pleasure he evidently took in attending the annual " donation visits " to his pastor and family, and never failed to bring on such occasions substantial proofs of his friendship. And when, after a long, peaceful, and not fruitless ministry, the pastor esteemed it his privilege and duty to resign, this good man was prominent among the considerate and kind-hearted friends who undertook to provide for him a comfortable home, that he might continue to live, and finally die and be buried, with his beloved people.
343
Such men are a blessing, not only to their own fami- ·lies and to the communities around them, but to the world. But the most upright, benevolent, exemplary and useful members of society must with others pass away. The ailment of which Deacon Prichard died was similar to that of the good king of whom it is said, that he " did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God," but who in his old age " was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great; " and in addition to this, dropsy in the chest, so that for months before his decease he could not lie down at all. During this whole season of bodily infirmity and distress, his pa- tience and sweet resignation to the divine will were most admirable. During those wearisome days and nights, sitting almost constantly in his chair, often pierced with intense pains, he was not only reconciled and submissive, but said he loved to be in the hands of his Heavenly Fa- ther, who knew just what was best for him. To him the Saviour was inexpressibly precious, and in Him he re- joiced at times with joy inexpressible and full of glory.
His children, with their companions, from near and afar had gathered around him, to receive his dying benedic- tion, and express to him their sympathy, gratitude, and filial love, when on one Thursday evening, August 8, 1867, at the age of seventy-four years, eight months, and four days, he, at the call of his Lord, exchanged Earth for Heaven, leaving his lifeless body still reclining in the ac- customed chair, presenting even in death a placidity of countenance expressive of the most perfect satisfaction:
The burial service was attended on the subsequent Saturday, towards evening, and at the church on the fol- lowing Sabbath an appropriate funeral discourse was de- livered by his pastor and almost life-long friend, in the presence of the united congregations of Bradford village, and numerous other friends from places more remote. " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."
.
344
The children of George W. and Elizabeth P. Prichard, his wife.
1. Adeline, born December 22, 1817. She became hopefully pious while young, and united with the same church with her parents. She was a well educated young lady, and became the wife of Rev. B. B. Newton, then pastor of the Congregational church in Chelsea, Vt. Af- ter several years of ministerial service as a Congrega- tionalist, Mr. Newton withdrew from that denomination, united with the Episcopal church at Brooklyn, N. Y., and received ordination as a clergyman of that order. Mrs. Newton had for several years charge of a female board- ing school at Brooklyn, and has done much good ser- vice, not only for those under her immediate care, but for the world, as an educator of young ladies.
Rev. Mr. Newton had by this marriage eight children, of whom four died early ; and at this date two daughters and two sons still survive, namely, Elizabeth P., wife of George H. Goddard, Adeline, Benjamin, and Edward. Prichard.
2. George Prichard, born November 19, 1819, mar- ried Elizabeth F. Brooks, of Worcester, Mass., and with his brother Edward was for years actively and extensively engaged in mercantile business in the same store which had been occupied by their father for the same purpose. He had also a pleasant homestead next South of the Academy, and near the churches in Bradford village. Mr. and Mrs. Prichard were members of the Congregational church here, and took a lively interest, not only in its prosperity but in the general advancement of the best interests of society. Mr. Prichard, like his father be- fore him, was a highly esteemed deacon in the church to which he belonged, and so continued until, owing to em- barrassing reverses in his mercantile affairs, he closed up further business here, left the place, and late in the Au- tumn of 1871 removed with his family to Worcester,
345
Mass. While resident in Bradford, he was for several years a Trustee of Bradford Academy, and Secretary of the Board, and also represented the town in the State Legislature of 1858-59.
Deacon George Prichard and wife had three daughters and four sons. The eldest son, Charles, died in early life, at the house of his maternal grandmother at Worcester, in 1851.
Eva Frances, the second daughter, died at the same sweet ancestral home, December 6, 1868, at the age of eighteen years and seven months .. She had gone there in health, to visit her grandmother, and to spend the Win- ter with her uncle and aunt Anderson in Boston; but soon after her arrival was visited with disease of a gan- grenous nature, painfully affecting especially one of her feet, which no medical treatment could relieve ; amputa- tion became a matter of necessity ; the disease still lin- gered in the system, and within a few days reached the mainsprings of life. The dear girl knew she was going -going to leave her beloved father and mother, who were with her, and the dear ones at their home ; but bore all with sweet resignation to the Divine will, and, with entire confidence in her blessed Saviour, peacefully passed away to her final rest. Nearly a year before her decease she had made a public profession of her faith, and united with the same church to which her parents and her two sisters also belonged. Her funeral was numerously attended at Bradford, and her precious remains followed to the tomb by a full representation of the Sabbath school to which she had from childhood belonged.
The surviving children are Mary Addie, Annie Eliza- beth, George Brooks, William Frederick, and Arthur An- derson.
3. Moses Smith Prichard, born April 8, 1822, graduat- ed at the University of Vermont in 1841, studied law, and opened an office in Janesville, Wisconsin, where af- 23
346
ter the lapse of some thirty years he was still remaining, pleasantly located. He was for a term called to the office of Judge of the County Court, holding its sessions there. He married Miss Betsey Ann True, of Janesville, and the names of their three children are Mary, George W., and Anna.
4. Edward Prichard, born November 29, 1824. He was in youth favored with the requisite advantages for acquiring a useful education, which he duly improved and became, as he advanced in life, well qualified for the various mercantile and official transactions in which he was called to engage. At the old stand in Bradford vil- lage, in company with his brother George, he was occu- pied in commercial business for several years. During a part of this time, and subsequently, he was called to fill various civil offices of trust and importance. As one of the town Listers, one of the Selectmen, Town Clerk, and Justice of the Peace, he had much to do. The records which he made will long remain, should no accident pre- vent, an honorable memorial of his fidelity and penman- ship. He officiated for a time as Cashier of Bradford Bank, was for years a Notary Public, and at the time of his decease an Assistant Assessor of the United States Revenue, and a Trustee of Bradford Academy. He was a man so modest, kind-hearted, seriously inclined, and withal so winning in his ways, as well as capable and trustworthy, that his fellow townsmen were very natur- ally disposed to respect and honor him. Mr. Prichard built the store on the East side of Main street, at this date occupied by Bailey & Reding as a clothing store, and also the commodious house on Pleasant street in which his family continue to reside.
In his domestic relations Edward Prichard was very happy. At the age of twenty-six he was united in mar- riage with Miss Anne Merrill, of Pittsfield, N. H., who did him good all the days of his subsequent life, and by
347
whom he was blessed with a somewhat large, for these days, and very interesting family of children, consisting of two sons and eight daughters.
The eldest son, Edward Payson, a beautiful and prom- ising boy, was so unfortunate as to be drowned at the age of thirteen years. Towards evening July 29, 1867, this dear boy had gone quite alone to bathe in Wait's River, a little below the brick mill at the village. Not return- ing, as was expected, in the evening, the most dilligent search was made for him ; but in vain, until early the next morning the lifeless body was discovered reposing in death's profound sleep on the river's bed ! The entire community seemed to be moved with deep sympathy for the family in their sore bereavement.
. About five weeks before Mr. Prichard's decease, his eyes were blessed with the sight of another son, to be, with the eight lovely daughters, to their mother, as he hoped, a rich blessing when he should himself have passed away. This son, born October 20, 1870, is named James . Edward. The names of the daughters are Caroline Mer- rill, Elizabeth Pearsons, Julia, Jane Hallet, Anna Lois, Ellen Catherine, Mary Sutherland, and Adaline Frances.
The disease of which. Mr. Prichard died was of the heart. In the action of that vital organ there had been more or less irregularity through life. For some weeks immediately preceding his decease this trouble had be- come most serious and alarming. Its progress to a fatal termination was rapid and irresistible. Of this he was duly aware, and quietly awaited the event. His decease occurred November 28, 1870, at the age of forty-six years, lacking one day.
Mr. Prichard, though seriously inclined, evangelical in his belief, and very exemplary in his observance of the Sabbath, and attendance with his family on public wor- ship, had never seen his way clear to make a public pro- fession of religion by uniting with the church. In the
348
near prospect of death, he utterly disclaimed all depend- ence on any ground of hope save Christ, and Him alone, for salvation, and so quietly passed away, hoping that to him it would be a gain to die. At his funeral an earnest appeal was made by the beloved pastor, the Rev. Mr. Williams, to the men of Bradford to be wise and consider their latter end, to consecrate themselves heartily and openly to the service of God, and to do so without delay, seeing the night of death cometh, and may come with un- expected suddenness.
Miss Caroline M., daughter of Edward Prichard, and Edward E. Baldwin, of Cambridge, Mass, were married September 1, 1874.
5. Amos Prichard, born May 26, 1827, graduated at the University of Vermont in 1847, studied for the pro- fession of law, and directly after became established in successful business at Janesville, Wisconsin. In due sea- son he was constituted a Judge of the County Court there, for the term of four years, and at this date is offici- ating on his fourth term of election to the same office, a sufficient proof of the esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens of that County. He married Miss Augusta Dearborn, and they have been blessed with three chil- dren, Charlotte Augusta, Lyman, and Abby Elizabeth.
6. Arthur Prichard, born April 27, 1835. Some years of his early youth were spent in acquiring a business ed- ucation, and as a clerk in his father's store. In his twenty-first year, with his father's consent, he went away to seek his fortune, as many other young men do, in the West. In the course of a few weeks, while boarding at a hotel in Ripon, Wisconsin, he was visited with danger- ous sickness, but by the aid of a friend succeeded in reaching Janesville, the residence of his two brothers, and there, at the house of the Hon. Moses S. Prichard, re- ceived whatever kindness loving hearts could render. He seemed to revive a little, hopes of his recovery were
. 349
beginning to be entertained; but while his brother's wife was giving him some nourishment, his head sudden- ly declined, his heart ceased to beat, and life was extinct ! His immortal spirit had returned to God. He died March 6, 1856, hardly twenty-one years of age. The same day the sad intelligence was glanced over the telegraphic wires, causing the friends at home to sympathize and mourn with those afar off. Arthur was an active and amiable young man, whose loss was deeply felt. His burial occurred at the place of his decease, but a discourse by his former pastor, in memory of him, and addressed particularly to young men, delivered March 30, 1856, at Bradford, was by their solicitation printed, and some- what widely circulated. A post mortem examination showed that the disease of which he died was of the heart.
7. John Brooks Wheeler Prichard, born September 26, 1839, married Miss Orissa George, of Bradford, and, in company with Mr. Barron Hay, succeeded the firm of George and Edward, his brothers, at the old trading stand in this village, encouraged by a due share of pub- lic patronage. Mr. J. B. W. Prichard, since the death of his brother Edward, in the autumn of 1870, has filled the office of Town Clerk of Bradford. He built the commo- dious house which he owns and occupies on Pleasant street. He and his wife have been blessed with four children. A son and a daughter died in early childhood. The two survivors are Fred Elmer and Henry Warren.
ASA LOW AND FAMILY.
Mr. Asa Low was a native of Sanford, in the State of Maine, born January 13, 1796. He came to this town about 1820, and engaged in the business of paper mak- ing. This business had before been carried on in the same place by others, but in the hands of Mr. Low it was
350
much increased, and through various vicissitudes of pros- perity and adversity continued for about a half century. Mr. Low was a man of enterprise and energy in various directions, and did much for the prosperity of Bradford, especially of its village .. He for a time owned and much improved the hotel called the Trotter House ; he erected and for years occupied the large stone paper mill, which is still used for the same purpose ; built also the substan- tial brick grist-mill, a few rods below, but subsequently sold it ; also built the two-story brick store, nearly oppo- site the paper mill, on Main street, and was extensively engaged there in various commercial transactions. His family residence was the commodious two-story white house, directly opposite the Trotter House, formerly owned by General Micah Barron. Mr. Low was for a long time a trustee of Bradford Academy, and took a live- ly interest in the cause of education, and in the support of public worship, on which he regularly attended. He was also an earnest and persevering advocate of total ab- stinence from the common use of all intoxicating liquors. He was in favor of whatever he judged to be for the ben- efit of society ; and did probably more than any other man to encourage the building of the Connecticut and Passumpsic Rivers Railroad, opening a communication from the seaports to this place, whence it has since been extended to Canada East, and secured railroad connec- tions with Quebec, Montreal, and the far West. At times this man of business seemed to be borne along on the full tide of prosperity, but at other times met with seri- ous disappointments, losses and embarrassments, till at length, in broken health and exhausted energy, he re- tired, in 1873, from his former rush of business, to the quietude of his own pleasant home and loving family.
In his domestic relations Mr. Asa Low has been signal- ly blessed. September 21, 1824, he married Miss Lucin- da Brooks, a daughter of Deacon Samuel and Mrs. Anne
351
Butler Brooks, formerly of Worcester, Mass., but at that time of Canada East, with whom he has been living hap- pily for now almost fifty years. Their union has been blessed with three sons and seven daughters. Two of the sons and three daughters, one half of their children, died in childhood.
Of those at this date still living the following brief no- tices must suffice.
1. Helen Mary, born May 14, 1826, remains at home, greatly to the comfort of her parents.
2. Caroline Henrietta, born November 24, 1827, mar- ried Mr. John B. Peckett, of Bradford. They have a pleasant residence on the Lower Plain. See J. B. Peck- ett and family,
3. George Azro, born December 16, 1833, married Marcia Cutler, a daughter of Rev. Calvin Cutler, formerly of Lebanon and of Windham, N. H. Mr. George A. Low graduated at Dartmouth College in 1857. He taught for some years after his graduation at Chicago, Ill., St. Paul, Minn., and at Bradford Academy, Vt., and has subsequent- ly been engaged in various business, in connection with his father. In the meanwhile he has taken a deep inter- est in the cause of education, temperance and religion, in the best interests of society generally, and for several years, much to the satisfaction of his fellow communi- cants, has filled the office of Deacon in the Congregation- al church, to which he and Mrs. Low still belong. They have had four children. One died in infancy. The names of those still living are Walter Carroll, James Herbert, and George Evarts. At this date (November, 1874) Mr. George A. Low and family are living at Brooklyn, N. Y.
4. Adaline Prichard, born December 22, 1839, mar- ried David Blakely, Esq., Editor of the Chicago Evening Post. Their residence is at Chicago. They have three children-Jesse, Bertha, and Daisy. Mrs. Blakely, since her marriage, has spent some time in Germany, to accom-
352
plish herself more to her own satisfaction in the science and art of vocal and instrumental music, in which she was previously quite proficient.
5. Martha Ann Rogers, born July 5, 1842, remains with her parents, contributing much to their happiness, amid the infirmities and trials attending declining age.
Mrs. Low and all her surviving children are beloved members of the household of faith. May both parents and children, with their entire families, reach the land of pure delights at last.
Mr. Ira Low, a farmer in West Bradford, is a twin brother of Mr. Asa Low, above mentioned. The wife of Mr. Ira Low was removed from him by death, a year or two since. They had four children, of whom only Ira and Emeline are at this time (July, 1874) living.
THE ORMSBY FAMILY.
The original spelling of this name was Ormsbee, and so continued till within a few years past; but is now by general consent as above given.
The first man of this name who settled in this vicinity was Ichabod Ormsby, from Woodstock, Conn. We have not the exact date of his coming, but it was within a few years after the first settlement of Fairlee, where he pur- chased real estate to a considerable extent, and became a permanent resident. Having determined on removal, he returned to Woodstock, and gave his friends a glowing description of the fertility of the soil in this locality, and the prospective advantages of early possession, repre- senting that the lands were not only very productive but cheap; that the meadows for quite a distance above Fair- lee Mountain had been cleared up by the Indians, and in times past planted with corn; that rows of corn of a mile in length might be planted in that rich soil, he might truly add, without a stone of any size to interfere with the ease of cultivation. Several families removed about
353
that time from the old State of Connecticut to homes in this happy valley. On the return of Ichabod Ormsby he settled on the farm now owned and cultivated by Captain Benjamin Celley, and his son William, a little North of Fairlee Mountain. Two of Ichabod's brothers, namely, Joseph and Thomas, came with him, and settled on lands which he had previously purchased. In the account of Fairlee in the Vermont Historical Magazine it is incident- ally mentioned that at a town meeting held there, August 2, 1774, Ichabod Ormsby was elected one of the Assess- ors of the sum of two hundred and fifty-seven pounds, eight shillings, voted by the town to be raised " to defray the expense of allotting the township, cutting out and clearing roads, and other necessary expenses." And also to be, with Israel Morey, Esq., and Jonathan Child, a com- mittee to lay out and make the necessary roads through the township," in 1780. He was also one of a committee " to provide necessary materials, erect and complete a House of Public Worship, at the expense of said town." By these records it is manifest that he was an influential and well esteemed member of that community. Of the time of his decease, or of his family, we have no account. They were not inhabitants of this town.
Rufus F. Ormsby, eldest son of that Joseph who was a brother of Ichabod, moved with his family into Bradford in the year 1817. He was a native of Woodstock, Conn. His wife was Elizabeth Young, of Piermont, N. H., and died here February 6, 1847, in the seventieth year of her age. Mr. Ormsby's farm was on the West side of Wright's Mountain. He died in the family of Lewis Jen- kins, his son-in-law, at Fairlee, October 22, 1861, at the age of eighty-seven years. He had a family of ten child- ren, namely :
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.