USA > Vermont > Rutland County > Poultney > A history of the town of Poultney, Vermont, from its settlement to the year 1875, with family and biographical sketches and incidents > Part 6
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down stream, keeping watch of his hat, as it indicated his whereabouts, till he finally reached terra-firma at Mr. Herrick's tan works, located near the place where E. Ross' barn now stands, some sixty rods below the place of his embarkation. The other three men, Sprague, Hyde and Todd, despairing of reaching the shore that night, gathered some slabs and boards as they came floating down, of which they made a sort of platform upon the lower branches of the aforesaid maple tree, which were nearly horizontal, upon which they perched themselves, having taken from the wagon a keg of rum belonging to Mr. Beaman, from which they managed to extract enough to answer their purpose for the time being; and thus they expected to spend the night. But the vigilance and perseverance of the men on shore, finally succeeded in getting the end of a long rope to them, which they fastened to the tree. "And so it came to pass that they escaped all safe to land."
Though the destruction of property was very heavy, the peo- ple gradually recovered from its effects. Some rebuilt their mills, others did not; but activity and enterprise characterized the town from thence onward. The flood, in its action, de- veloped a water power at the Ruggles place, in the west village, which soon came to be utilized, and has been used since.
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CHAPER VIII.
THE WAR OF 1812-POLITICAL EXCITEMENT-ITS EFFECT AMONG THE PEOPLE.
0 record has been left of the names of those in the town who took part as soldiers or volunteers in the War of 1812. Of those who enlisted, it is now supposed by the old persons who can best remember, that Poultney furnished a goodly number, fully an average proportion with other towns. William Miller, afterwards a prominent Baptist clergyman, and so well known for many years as an Advent preacher, then re- sided in Poultney, and received a captain's commission from Jonas Galusha, then Governor of Vermont, which bears date November 7, 1812. This commission has the signature of the Governor, "By his Excellency's command-R. C. Mallary, Secretary." Mr. Miller, in early life, was a deist, but after- wards, as all gave him credit who knew him, became a sincere and devoted Christian. We say this much here to explain a passage we have taken from his biography, describing the scene of his farewell to home and friends, when about to leave with his company.
"This company being filled up, organized, and authorized to take the field, pursuant to orders, next, the scene of trial to a soldier-only inferior to the hour of battle-that of bidding adieu to home, and all that is dear to the heart of man associated with home. This was an exciting and deeply affecting scene. Scepticism was silenced before the working of nature, of reason, and the proprieties of such a moment-as decided by all nations, Pagan, Jewish and Christian. How could these noble-hearted men-husbands, sons, brothers-part with those dearer to them than life itself, under circumstances they might possibly regard as not very unlike to those of a dying hour, without asking the benediction of the Almighty ? It was impossible! But it was
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not generally expected, by those who knew Captain Miller as a deist and railer at the devout, that the devotions of this solemn leave-taking would be any thing more than a ceremony, in which he would act the part of a constrained or indifferent spectator. Judge then of the effect, when he was seen to take his former friend, who was present with the multitude, by the hand, and with a grace and tenderness, which all felt to be in full tone for the occasion, and, under deep emotion, present him to the com- pany as the man of God, with whom they would join in prayer. The Chaplain on this occasion was Elder Kendrick, who felt and maintained a special interest in Mr. Miller, in spite of his deism, from the first of his acquaintance with him. In his prayer, all the interest he felt in the members of the company, many of whom were his neighbors-in Captain Miller, as a promising family relative of his most intimate Christian friends-and in the great public occasion, as a patriot-was poured out with the most becoming solemnity, affection and fervency. The effect was almost overpowering.
"Captain Miller's Company, with the great body of volunteers raised in this region, was ordered to Burlington, which was then expected to be the theartre of war for that campaign."
Captain Miller raised his company in Poultney and vicinity. How many and whom, we may never know. No record is left to inform us. The memories of a few old persons have furnished us with the names of Thomas Shepard, Horace Thompson, Rus- sel Pitkin, Charles Obraham, John Brown, Stephen Angevine, Philip Angevine, Roswell Calender, Jonathan Pierce and Amasa Thatcher, who enlisted and served their country in the War of 1812. How many of those named enlisted in Captain Miller's Company, we do not know; nor do we know how many there were in the town of those who served their country in this war. It is evident, from the words of Mr. Miller's biographer, "Many of whom were his neighbors," as also from Mr. Miller's letters to his wife while in the service, that a very considerable portion of his company, which was in active service a large part of the time during the war, were from the town of Poultney. That we cannot give their names, as well as the names of all who
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served, is not the fault of this generation, but of a former gen- eration, which should have made and preserved a record. Capt. Miller was soon transferred from the Vermont volunteers to the regular army of the United States, and after his transfer first took rank as Lieutenant. He afterwards received a Captain's commission, which bears date February 1st, .1815, signed by James Madison, President, by James Monroe, Secretary of War. He served through the war, was a good soldier, and honored the offices he held.
On the 1st of September, 1814, Governor Provost entered the territory of the United States from Canada, at the head of a British force of 14,000 men, and made his way up Lake Champlain towards Plattsburgh. This place was then garrisoned by only one brigade, and every effort was made to prepare for the reception of the invaders. Expresses were sent over the State of Vermont for the militia, who promptly responded to the call, though only a part arrived at the scene of action before the Battle of Plattsburgh was fought and won by the Americans. The British appeared before Plattsburgh on the 7th of Septem- ber, and on the 11th, their fleet was captured, their land forces defeated, and on their way back to Canada, leaving behind their dead and wounded, and large quantities of provisions, arms and military stores. The militia of Poultney were called for, and made haste to go. In a short space of time, almost the entire number on the militia roll were ready for departure, with Bryan Ransom at their head. This was not a draft; none were abso- lutely compelled to go, and only a few declined. The company assembled at the east village, and after short and hurried ser- vices and formalities, were on their way, and encamped the first night at Sudbury. The next day the company marched on as rapidly as possible; but on arriving at Middlebury, received in- telligence that the battle had been fought and the victory won, when the Poultney volunteers, and many from other towns on their way, returned to their homes. And now we are obliged to acknowledge our inability to give the names of this company of volunteers from the town of Poultney. We have made con- siderable effort to procure them, but succeeded in obtaining only
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a part of them. It has been estimated that there were about one hundred in all; but it is too late to put in enduring form the exact number, or the names of a large portion of those who volunteered to aid their country in this hour of peril.
At no period in our history has there been that intense politi- cal excitement which was exhibited immediately prior and dur- ing the War of 1812. We have been informed by the old people, that party spirit was at its greatest heat about 1810 and 1811, as the war was approaching. It appears in a former chapter that two political parties, federal and democratic, were formed early in the history of our government; indeed, it may be said that these parties had their origin in the differences which arose while discussing and adopting the federal consti- tution. The administration of Washington was bitterly assailed by persons actuated by a party spirit then being developed, although we may look in vain for anything denoting the parti- san in that great and good man. The canvass, which resulted in the election of John Adams, Washington's successor, was clearly of a partisan character, in which the federals prevailed. Four years later, the democrats elected Jefferson, and four years after this gave him a second election. James Madison succeeded Thomas Jefferson, and he too was elected by the democrats. Mr. Madison was inaugurated the 4th of March, 1809, and came into office in a time of great commotion and excitement, which had arisen during Mr. Jefferson's administration, under the em- bargo and differences that arose between the United States and Great Britain. From the time of Madison's inauguration, and we may even go back of this date, the question of war or no war with England, was the all absorbing topic throughout the United States, in every town, village and hamlet, until war be- came a reality in 1812. The issues between the federal and democratic parties previous to the coming up of the war ques- tion, had been in relation to principles of government, the federals maintaining that the President and other departments of the government should have certain powers, which the dem- ocrats regarded as inconsistent with true democracy, and danger- ous. But after the war question came up, the other issues 10
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which had hitherto kept alive the partisan fires, were lost sight of, and never after were much agitated. But the political parties continued the same, in name, at least (federal and democratic), and each took a decided stand-the democrats in favor, and the federals opposed to the war then in contemplation. This was distinctly a new issue; yet our supposition is that the great bulk of the two parties was the same in persons that it had pre- viously been.
Several are now living in Poultney who have brought down in their memories many of the acts, sayings and doings con- nected with the war excitement of those days; and as we hear their relations, can hardly make them appear as having been realities, though we have no reason to doubt the truth of their statements. In Poultney (and we suppose it was so in other towns), party spirit not only divided the people into political parties, but divided them in their business, social and, indeed, in nearly all their public relations. There were at the time two organized churches in the town, Congregationalists and Baptists. The members of the former, with one exception, were federal- ists; of the latter, with one exception, also, democrats. For this reason there was not much internal political disturbance with the churches, but outsiders supported the one or the other, as their political behests were. All public meetings of a secular nature were purely partisan. The Fourth of July was celebrated each year, as that anniversary returned; but the federalists would celebrate it by themselves, and the democrats by them- selves, and if they could spike each other's cannon, steal each other's rum, or do other like mischief, the one to the other, it seemed to be regarded as legitimate and proper, at least, among the younger and more zealous partisans. Daniel Parsons who kept the hotel in what was afterwards known as the Neal House, was a federal. This house was the headquarters of the federal- ists, and by them was almost exclusively patronized. On the opposite corner stood the Eagle Tavern; this was kept by Judge Thompson, a democrat, and this house was the headquarters of the democrats. If a dance was gotten up (and there were many in those days), each was known as a Federal or Democratic
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Ball, and if federal, was held at Parson's Hotel; if democratic, at Judge Thompson's. Very many carried the feeling so far as to patronize only stores, mill-owners, mechanics and professional men of their own party. The women seemed as enthusiastic and determined as the men, and their afternoon and evening visits and quiltings were as exclusively partisan as were the meetings of the rougher sex.
The social harmony of neighborhoods was often much dis- turbed. A sort of frenzy seemed to show itself whenever political subjects were introduced, and men who had hitherto been on the most friendly terms, would become heated and angry in a discussion, which often would terminate their amica- ble relations. A pretty good story is related of Daniel Manning, who lived at the place now occupied by Noah Fenton, a mile and a half, or thereabouts, north of the east villiage. Mr. Man- ning was a revolutionary soldier, a true patriot, and a flaming war democrat. His nearest neighbor, Seth Ruggles, was also a revolutionary soldier, a federal, and full as firm in his belief and convictions as "Uncle Dan," though not as demonstrative. Manning would call on Mr. Ruggles often in the evening, after his day's work was done, and in those "piping times," seldom
failed to introduce the war question. Mr. Ruggles would not go out of his way to have a controversy, but Mr. Manning would. They would discuss the question earnestly, until Mr. Ruggles would get tired of it, and say little; but Manning never knew when he was whipped in argument, more than he did when fighting in the field with his musket, and would continue his talk until Mr. Ruggles would say, " Come, Uncle Dan, take some cider, and go home." This would usually end the talk for the time, to be renewed, perhaps, the next evening. But those two old patriots, though very earnest and heated in their discussions, always parted good friends. Those warm and acrimonious dis- putes were frequent, and occurred almost as often as federals and democrats came together, and had opportunity, whether at hotels, stores, public places, shops or private dwellings. The effect on society was injurious; yet during this intense excite- ment of several years, we do not look in vain for redeeming
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features. When the war was in contemplation, the federals opposed it because they thought it unnecessary; they thought the complications with England could be adjusted in a way other than a resort to arms. When war came, federals as well as democrats enlisted, and the company that volunteered to go to Plattsburgh was made up from both parties, and Bryan Ransom, a federal, was chosen Captain, none advocating his election more earnestly than the democrats of the company. They differed in political opinions, but it may be put down that they were all patriots, and each in his own way intended to serve his country.
At a town meeting, during the war, Mr. Clark informs us that an effort was made to carry a vote for the town to pay the volui - teers three dollars a month, as extra to the pay received from the government. This vote failed, but it does not appear from what cause. The town had a controlling democratic majority during the war; and if united on this question, could have passed the vote. The inference, we think, is fair that some reasons ex- isted in the minds of the voters which, to them, were sufficient to oppose the proposition, and that we are not now justified in coming to the conclusion that it was defeated by federalists, or from want of patriotism in either party.
Party spirit subsided after the war ended. A Union Fourth of July Celebration was had-the first not partisan for many years-in which all heartily joined. At that celebration, Rollin C. Mallary offered a sentiment, which seemed to find a response in every breast: "Party spirit-let it go." For some years following, very little partisan feeling was manifested. Madison's second term of office expired in March, 1817. James Monroe had been elected to succeed him, who also had two elections; and during his eight years administration, there was little political controversy in the country.
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CHAPTER IX.
AGRICULTURE AND THIE INDUSTRIES-SOCIAL HABITS.
HE general history of the agriculture of the town of Poultney would be about one and the same as that of the State. "Agriculture, from the outset, has been properly regarded as the first and most important branch of industry. In this branch there have been changes in the manner of tilling the soil, in products, in the breeds of live stock, in agricultural implements, and in much that pertains to the busi- ness of farming. It is important to note these changes. The history of a town, State or country cannot well be understood without a knowledge of the history of its industries. In the industries, we trace the line of progress; in these we find the key to prosperity or adversity. In Thompson's Vermont we find the following:
" With scarcely any tools but an axe, the first settlers entered the forests, cleared off the timber from a small piece of ground, cut down trees to a suitable length, and, by the help of a few neighbors, reared their log-houses, and covered them with bark.
These afforded shelter for their families; and by persevering industry, they were soon enabled to raise a little flax and wool, which was spun, woven and colored, and made into clothing by the females for home and Sunday wear; and we have no doubt that at that period the swains in their tow or checkered woolen shirts and Kersey frocks and trousers, and the girls in their tow and linen, or flannel gowns, were as happy-yea, and, perhaps, as proud too, as the. moderns in their broadcloths, silks and muslins."
This very well indicates the beginning of farm industry in the State, and in the town of Poultney as well. Prior to 1825, the farms were not large; from 50 to 100 acres seemed to satisfy
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nearly all, though a few owned a larger quantity. The lands were then cultivated with far less care and labor than now; yet they produced bountifully. The vegetable mould which had been accumulating for ages from the forests recently cut away, was sufficient to bring forth any crop in abundance. The farmers raised all their own bread stuffs; and it is not probable that for the first half century after the settlement, any inhabit- ant of Poultney ever saw a barrel of flour. They not only raised all their own bread stuffs, but nearly every farmer kept a few sheep, the fleeces from which were carded, spun and woven by the wives and daughters for bedding and garments for winter wear. In the latter part of the last century, carding machines began to appear, and were regarded as greatly labor- saving. The wool sent to these machines was first picked and greased, then rolled up in a sheet or blanket, bound or pinned together with thorns from the thorn-tree, and carried generally on horseback to the carding machine, as there were no one- horse wagons in town prior to 1814. The wool was then manu- factured into rolls, sent home, and there spun and woven into cloth. Every farmer was expected to raise a patch of flax suffi- cient to provide his family with clothing for summer wear. The best piece of ground was usually selected, and prepared in the best manner; and when the crop was matured (usually about the first of August), it was pulled up by the roots, and spread carefully and evenly on the ground, and when sufficiently dried, was bound up in small bundles and put under shelter till harvest was over. Then it was taken out, unbound and spread evenly on a piece of clean grass ground, and there subjected to sun and rain until the stalks were sufficiently rotten to become brit- tle, when it was again taken up and housed. In the winter, the flax went through the process of dressing. The process con- sisted, first, in breaking, then in swingling. The young men of this day would not know the old flax brake, and swingle-stand and knife, so familiar to their fathers. The flax, when dressed, was handed over to the good house-wife, then hatcheled, which seperates the tow from the flax, or fibrous parts. The flax was wound upon the distaff for the little wheel, and the tow carded
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and spun on the large wheel. Every farmers' kitchen was orna- mented in spring with quantities of linen yarn hung up on its walls, and in summer with woolen yarn. The farmers' daughters, healthy and robust, would vie with each other in their spinning and weaving, and when together in the afternoon or evening, their conversation was upon their domestic duties, as there were then no pianos or melodeons to engage their attention.
We may here, perhaps, be allowed to submit whether the girls of those days, dressed in garments of their own manufac- ture, with hair neatly " done up," with rosy cheeks, and a form made as designed by Infinite wisdom, did not really look and appear better than those " geared" up in the modern style. It may not be in our province to give advice, but as a matter of history we cannot be unmindful of the facts that females as well as males have physically degenerated in the last half century. The reflective mind will search for the causes. What are they ? Are they from any changes in climatic influences ? We think not, though some advocate that theory; but the better and more prevalent opinion is that the causes are found in a change in our industrial habits, in dress, and mode of living.
The fact of our physical degeneracy will not be disputed; the causes to us seem apparent, and it is important that we seek to restore the present and future generations to the physical strength and vigor of our ancestors. It cannot be expected that our wives and daughters will now engage in spinning wool and flax, or that their husbands and fathers will again use the old wooden plow or pod-augur. The modern inventions and improvements, and the general progress in the arts and sciences have revolutionized the world's industries, and we can but con- form to the new order of things in this regard. But the laws of health remain the same; physical development has been, and will be, from the beginning to the end of time, produced by the same causes. If one, with modern facilities, can now accom- plish as much work as five could in 1800, it does not follow that four in every five should spend their time in idleness. And we have only to add in this connection, that if we would restore our race to what it once was, in health, hardihood and endur-
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ance, we must return to the industrial habits of our ancestors. We must work. In the matter of dress, we need not return to the exact style and character of that worn by our fathers and mothers. We may reasonably have an idea of fitness and pro- priety in dress, but we should most certainly have an idea to comfort, and to the protection of our bodies from inclemencies of the weather.
During the first half century after the settlement of the town, there were few changes worthy of note in the mode of farming. The same farm implements first in use were kept in use, with very little change or improvement, until after 1820. The clumsy wooden plow, which was manufactured everywhere a third-rate blacksmith could be found (almost any man could do the wood work). About 1825, a plow with an iron mould-board was offered for sale in Poultney for the first time. It had been introduced in New York and the Middle States some years prior to this time, and was gradually working its way into use. The farmers in Poultney and vicinity for some time would not buy " it; they said it would break-it might do on western and south- ern lands, where there were no stones, but it would never work among the rocks and stones of Vermont-they were sure of that. But after a time, some farmers, after much urging, were induced to try the iron plow. One after another saw its superi- ority, and before 1840, the old wooden plow was among the things of the past. More recently many new farm implements have come into use, and all old ones kept in use are much im- proved. Mowing machines, which now cut nearly all of the farmer's grass, are of quite recent origin. It may be twenty years since the first was seen in Poultney, but not more than ten or twelve since they came in general use here. In 1825, if on some pleasant July day we had visited the meadow of some prosperous farmer, we might have seen some six or eight stalwart men enter it at seven o'clock in the morning, with scythes ground, ready for a day's work. Some one of the num- ber would " set in," the others would follow, and in due time they would "go round a piece " of five, six or eight acres. Each would go forward in his turn, and thus they would chase
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