USA > Vermont > Windham County > Brattleboro > Brattleboro, Windham County, Vermont; early history, with biographical sketches of some of its citizens > Part 18
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During the time of his life in this town, the malignity and bitterness of political parties subsided and became greatly molli- fied under the administration of James Monroe. The way in which Dr. Clark made use of the aforenamed circumstances to give one of his friends a pleasant hit, can best be told in the words of Dr. John
P. Warren, who was present on the occa- sion:
"On a 4th of July celebration of our national independence, which took place at the East village in this town, in the year 1817, and during the halcyon period of President Monroe's administration, a little incident occurred, the history of which by an eye-witness of what he relates, may perhaps serve to amuse some of the read- ers of the history of the town.
It was an occasion then, as now, fitted to call out a large concourse of all classes of citizens, of this and adjoining towns, to celebrate the day in a style appropriate to the occasion. The venerable John Hol- brook of this town was chosen president, and John Phelps, Esq., vice president of the day. A bountiful repast was provided at the American House, of which a large number of citizens partook. Patriotic toasts were read and drank at the table, after the repast was discussed. Among the distinguished guests at the dinner were Dr. Ezra Clark of this village, a vivacious, quick-witted man, and Jeremiah Greenleaf, Esq., of Guilford, the reputed well-known author of 'Grammar Simplified.'"
We will here interrupt Dr. Warren's narrative a moment in regard to the gram- mar. Mr. Greenleaf claimed that this, to many, dry, uninteresting study, was by his new work relieved of the objectionable features, rendered not only more attractive, but the science made comparatively easy of attainment. .
"Mr. Greenleaf had but recently pub- lished his book, and transmitted to each of the ex-Presidents of the United States a copy of the same, and from whom he had received complimentary letters, which he had shown to the citizens of the village, for which he had manifested a just pride and no small share of vanity. After the regular toasts had been disposed of, volun- teer toasts were called for by the president. Dr. Ezra Clark was the first called. He promptly arose, when all eyes were fastened upon him, and said: 'Mr. President, I give you for a toast, James Monroe and Jerry Greenleaf-one has mollified party spirit and the other grammar.' The shout and cheering which burst forth, at the an- nouncement, can be better imagined than described."
In what manner this complimentary toast
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affected the pacific President of the United States, we cannot say, but all authorities we have consulted declare that our Guil- ford author was considerably irritated and quite unpleasantly affected.
Several years after the family of Dr. Clark removed to Hartford, his sons came back to Brattleboro, and by their business enterprise assisted materially the growth of the place. The eldest son was the pro- prietor of a manufactory of "mother-of- pearl" as early as 1833, we think. This material was converted into articles of beauty and utility, such as pearl slides, buttons, etc. He married a daughter of G. R. Ellis, Esq., and returned to Hart- ford, Ct.
S. M. Clark, who has for a series of years past rendered important services to the United States, in the currency department, established in this place, in 1834, the man- ufacture of boxwood and ivory rules. His personal attention was given to every de- partment of the works, which for beauty and efficiency were deservedly admired. The rooms in which moved the most ap- proved machinery, and mechanics of great excellence, were models for neatness and cleanliness. No efforts were spared on the part of the proprietor to obtain a high rep- utation for the articles coming from liis manufactory. This business was contin- ued many years by E. A. Stearns. After the death of Mr. Stearns, Charles Mead became his successor in the business, but was compelled to cease operations soon after, by the great fire in 1857. Not only has this business been an important finan- cial benefit to this place in bygone years, but the accuracy and general good charac- ter of the work has been highly creditable to all concerned.
Hon. Ezra Clark, Jr., was, in early life, employed as a clerk by Messrs. Williston & Hunt, in this place. Several years after his return to Hartford, Ct., he was elected Representative to Congress from that city.
ELIPHALET JOHNSON.
Born in Chesterfield, N. H., about 1781, he spent the last 50 years of his life mostly in the east village of Brattleboro. His parentage was respectable, but he was par- tially blind and so unfortunate in his general organization, he had not the ability
to properly take care of himself. The labor he engaged in was generally for those the least able to reward him. He found lodgings in some barn or out-house, and during his last years depended mainly upon charity. If any boy insulted hin, as they frequently did, Johnson always felt certain the father of that boy would in some way come to grief, by failure in business or some family affliction. We heard him state: "Hon. James Elliot and his excellent wife always treated me well; they were the best friends I ever had in Brattleboro, but I am sorry they are Uni- versalists. Why, if that doctrine is true, there is no hell for them Shaddocks."
But notwithstanding his menial occupa- tion, lack of culture, and unprepossessing externals, he often attracted attention by his quaint remarks and ingenious poetical compositions. Returning disgusted from Nauvoo, whither he was enticed by a Mormon brother, he encountered a fearful storm on Lake Erie, and wrote:
" As o'er Lake Erie's boisterous wave, I fearfully was driven,
I thought each billow was my grave, And pray'd to be forgiven.
" Then did I promise to my God, If safe again on shore,
I'd be submissive to his rod, And leave the land no more."
Johnson was not a sot, but like many sons of genius that have preceded him, had a fondness for liquid sources of inspira- tion and yellow snuff, that may have been indispensable to his peculiar mental exer- cises. The great orator of Kentucky never made a brilliant display of oratory until he had inhaled the aroma from his gold snuff-box. But however much the artificial aids may have assisted our poet, no voice came to his inspiration until he had for some moments intently gazed upon his wrinkled right hand. When urged, as he often was, to produce verses applicable to circumstances, he would sometimes pound his head with his fist, and a suspen- sion of this exercise would be followed by bringing the inside of his expanded hand in contact with the end of his nose. After seemingly writing with his nose upon his land, he, on one occasion, enlightened his audience upon the history of an individual who urgently requested a rhyme about
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himself. From fear of offence, the poet refused to comply, but the individual boisterously insisting he would not and could not be offended by anything he could say, and offering a reward, Johnson thus laid him out:
" Daniel -- , so they say, To State's Prison he has been; And if I could have my way, He would be there again."
Slightly personal as was this production, the person poetized was with difficulty prevented from laying violent hands upon our author, and it was not long before it was made known there was more truth than poetry found upon the wrinkled right hand on this occasion.
Johnson wished for independence, and once tried to improve his fortune by ped- dling. He made several efforts before he could find any one who would furnish him goods on commission. His success and failure can best be given in his own lan- guage :
"John Leavitt let me have a basket of clothes pins, almanacs, and some other articles, that I was to sell or return. I went as far north as Putney, and had very good luck selling my stuff, but when I got back I hadn't got quite money enough to pay for the goods I had sold. I couldn't always tell when I got the right money, and no doubt some folks cheated me. Mr. Leavitt was very kind to me and said, 'Johnson, don't give it up so; perhaps you will do better next time.' He fitted me out with another stock of goods, but I didn't do so well as I did the first time. If the devilish boys would let me alone, I guess I could do something. One boy hit my side with a hard snowball, and you have no idea how it hurt me. I fell down and bruised my bones to all intents.
'I had four dozen clothes pins And but fifty cents in cash, When I fell upon my basket And broke it all to smash.'
"Parents are more to blame than their boys. When I do find out the name of a boy who has insulted me, it is no use to tell his father, for when I have done so the answer generally is, 'Guess he didn't hurt you much; he only wanted a little fun; you'd better go on the town and get away from the boys.'"
But his happiest efforts were reserved for New Year's or Fourth of July. He was ever seeking for some sin with which to charge the Democratic party. From the days of Jackson, in 1829, to President Polk's administration, in 1847, we fre- quently heard his denunciations. Soon after Van Buren became president, John- son gave him the following compliment:
" Martin Van Buren-designing man,
With Andrew Jackson laid the plan To make retrenchment but a sham,
And stain our country black as Ham."
In 1847 we were fighting Mexico. News came of the bombardment of Vera Cruz. Invited, on July 4th, to give his toast, his bent, aged frame shook with emotion, tears flowed down his withered face, and from quivering lips came feebly forth his first four lines. Warming with the theme, firmer and firmer rose his voice as he pro- ceeded, and when he recited the last line his upraised right foot came down with a vengeance to the floor:
" This glorious day has come again, The proudest day for freedom's son,
For then a tyrant's galling chain Broke on the soil our father's won.
" But now the cries of Mexan daughters, With mangled limbs at Vera Cruz ;
They tell how freemen's hands can slaughter, How Independence they abuse.
" Go, Democrat ! bow low your head, Heaven may forgive you this disgrace, But history's page you've made so red, All hell and Polk cannot efface."
If all our Johnsonian works had been preserved they would probably be enough to fill a good-sized volume. We give one specimen of his efforts on the first of Jan- uary, 1847:
"Though little, now, this world can bring To cheer my pathway to the grave,
Nor early love nor Cupid's wing Can brace my heart life's scenes to brave.
" Yet I can say to rich and poor, To old and young, to grave and gay, Accept my hand, I have no more, A Happy New Year to you this day.
" Improve this time your alms to give- First day of eighteen forty-seven -- For you this year may cease to live, And your reward be hell or heaven."
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Enwrapped in cast-off clothing, Johnson felt his way about these busy streets nearly half a century. From him came to us often the first intelligence of the advent of joys or sorrows to the homes of near or distant neighbors, and, ever on some er- rand for the sick or well, he considered himself indispensable to the welfare of others. He believed his mission to this suffering world of great importance, and the many gilded flies of fashion, high in the world's regard-but nobody could tell why-had less apology for living.
It was one satisfaction of his life to think an aching void would be occasioned and sadness, like a cloud, come down upon this people, when it could be said of poor, abused, unappreciated, neglected Johnson : " For thy bent form we look in vain,
No more we hear the echo of thy cane ; On thee no more boys play mischievous tricks, For thou hast crossed the fabled river Styx."
His last song ceased, his feeble life went out, as liberty was buckling on her armor for the last great deeds of '61-'65, and peace- fully he sank to sleep in his native town.
FRANCIS GOODHUE, ESQ.
We first learn of this gentleman as an active young man living with his wife at Swanzey, N. H. He was born Oct. 26, 1768, married Polly Brown, daughter of Rev. Joseph Brown, in 1788. He moved from Swanzey, N. H., to Wethersfield, Vt., where he came into possession of the famous " Bow Farm " of about 1,000 acres, being of the most fertile; and desirable meadow lands of the Connecticut river valley. In 1810 he sold this valuable farm to Hon. William Jarvis, soon after he re- signed his office as United States Consul, and who was ever afterwards known as "Consul Jarvis." Soon after selling this farm, Mr. Goodhue settled in Brattleboro -in 1811-and this place was his home the remainder of his life, which closed in 1837. At the time of his death but two of his five children were living, viz .: Col. Joseph Goodhue and Wells Goodhue. Joseph Goodhue was born in 1794, married Sarah Edwards, of Northampton, Mass.,-a de- scendant of Rev. Jonathan Edwards,-in 1815.
The then small settlement in the part of this town, known as the east village, hav- ing extensive meadows north and south of
it, attracted the attention of Mr. Goodhue, and he made purchases of said lands north and south, and also a large portion of the lands on Main and other streets of this vil- lage, containing, in some localities, build- ings thereon.
Hon. John W. Blake, who was living here before 1790, was a large owner of real estate in this village at that time, and he conveyed his title to the same to Mr. Good- hue in 1811. About the same time, Dea. John Holbrook sold to Mr. Goodhue the water-power and buildings east of the south bridge on Main street, containing a saw and grist mill and some machinery for other purposes.
Mr. Goodhue was not a dreamer or builder of air castles. No man in this place better heeded the scriptural mjunc- tion, "work while the day lasts." With him every moment was improved in ad- vancing the growth and general prosperity of this little settlement on the western bank of the Connecticut river. Though diligent and attentive to the many small and need- ful details of life and business, he was ever awake to great occasions. About 14 years had passed, after his settlement here, when an enterprise of great importance aroused the public attention. The great Erie canal, so often called in derision while in progress of construction, "Clinton's Ditch," was universally allowed to be a grand success. A canal was made from New Haven, Ct., to Northampton, Mass., and it was proposed to extend the same to the town of Brattleboro. G. C. Hall, Mr. Goodhue, and other of our business men became interested in the enterprise. Sur- veyors and civil engineers were put on the route, and while performing their duties in this vicinity they were accompanied by Mr. Goodhue, whom we well remember seeing hold of one end of the chain, meas- uring through the forest. While the pub- lic mind was discussing and deliberating upon this matter, a little noisy steamboat came screaming up the Connecticut to tell the people, "you have a canal, a natural one, leading to the ocean, and all that is needed to make Brattleboro a seaport is to apply the heat and put on the steam." The canal project was laid upon the table, and Mr. Goodhue, with others in this place, gave their attention and money to give the
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experiment of steam navigation a fair trial. Mr. Goodhue lived to see this enterprise a failure, and not until about 11 years after his death was the grand success of trans- portation accomplished by railroad, and his son, Col. Joseph Goodhue, and his grandson, Francis Goodhue, Esq., have acted from the first on the board of direct- ors of the Vermont & Massachusetts Rail- road.
This intensely practical man seemed to receive a new inspiration in this his last home, for he became everything this village needed at that time. He paid no regard to the old adage, " Don't have too many irons in the fire." He threw in hammer and tongs, shovel and poker all at once. He carried on wool-carding, cloth-dressing, saw and grain mill, cotton spinning, dis- tilling, and a large store of such goods as were sold from country stores at that time. He was also erecting a building of some kind every year, and largely, at the same time, engaged in farming, yet his note was never worth less than 100 cents on the dollar.
Like the most of our successful men, his first lessons came from the hard school of necessity, thereby acquiring a discipline and valuable experience, with natural shrewd- ness and sagacity, which made him, as he walked these streets in the prime of man- hood, nearly 70 years ago, an important and valuable acquisition to this community. He was not one of those half-cent men, who dare not trust a dollar out of their sight, and get all their money concentrated where they can sit down upon it over night, but he confidingly spread out his capital to the winds of Heaven, or " cast his bread upon the waters to return to him after many days."
We know of no man of property who has settled here who manifested more real confidence in our future than did Mr. Goodhue. He completely identified him- self with our private and public interests, and was ever ready to listen to and assist in any project presenting a reasonable prospect of tending to the public welfare. His hopefulness and cheerfulness was a constant inspiration to those with whom he came in contact, and the encouraging grasp he gave the hand of honest industry can be seen, in its effects, at the present day. He was generally successful, and he
was always gratified to learn that others were so; and was a young man unfortu- nate in business, instead of accelerating his misfortunes or downward course, he had a hopeful word to say, and could gen- erally find some employment for him until. he could do better. His public liberality was apparent in several instances. He gave valuable locations upon his lands on Main street for the old Brattleboro Bank, chartered in 1821, and the Unitarian and Congregational church buildings.
The old-time, open-handed hospitality was not lacking at the house and home of Mrs. Francis Goodhue. Old people who, in their youth, had rendered service to Mr. Goodhue and lived in his family, we have heard speak in high praise of the kind treatment and good fare they inva- riably received at the hands of Mrs. Good- hue. The ladies of the village, who gathered on certain occasions around her dining-table, ever considered her a model housekeeper in the selection of refresh- ments, the manner in which they were served, general attractiveness and neatness of surroundings, and the cordial welcome with which all were received.
George B. Blake, Esq., of Boston, in- dulged in pleasant reminiscences of his boyhood, when he, a particular favorite of Mrs. Goodhue, assisted her in her enter- tainments. To a Brattleboro friend he said: "No ladies of the present day so command my reverence as did those of the olden time who composed the Ladies' Benevolent Society of Brattleboro. In summer time each one of them wore a green silk calash, covering a lace cap, white as the new fallen snow. When they entered the house of Mrs. Goodhue, the calash was removed, but the cap remained, giving a uniformity and neatness to their appearance. There was a stateliness and dignity in their manners not surpassed by the bench of the Supreme Court of the United States. Never have I felt a more weighty responsibility devolving upon me than when, under the direction of Mrs. Goodhue, I assisted her in the entertain- ment of the ladies of this society, and no food I have since partaken had such a relish or gave me so complete satisfaction as, in the long ago, came from the table of my dear old friend in Brattleboro."
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The memory of Mrs. Francis Goodhue, who, by some years, survived her husband, has not perished; it yet lives in the minds of many in this place, as of those long re- moved to other places. Her visits to the homes of the afflicted were not simply visits of condolence. She was ever seek- ing a way whereby some real benefit, some tangible good might be effected, and if there was any apparent possibility of hu- man aid to the suffering she was capable of rendering, her efforts in this direction were never lacking. Her hired help were often summoned to her assistance, with needed supplies, on her errands of mercy to the sick and destitute, and she has often passed the whole night in her ministra- tions, performing the humblest offices in the abodes of poverty, by the bedside of the sick and dying.
Her only daughter, Lucy, was remark- able for her external beauty, and univer- sally admired for her many virtues. She became the first wife of John R. Blake, Esq., who for many years, until his death in 1873, was of the banking firm of Blake Brothers, of Boston, one of the most re- liable financial houses in New England. The members of this firm were the sons of John W. Blake, Esq., and were both natives of the East village of Brattleboro.
Her son, Col. Joseph Goodhue, soon after his marriage, came into possession of the large meadow farm, occupied in early times, before the war of the Revolution, by John Arms, one of the earliest settlers. Col. Goodhue was a model of industry, and during a large portion of his life occupied various town offices, and was the chief in command of the regiment in this vicinity. Being one of the most econom- ical, successful, cautious men in this town, yet he was one of the largest investors here in the first railroad enterprise-the Ver- mont & Massachusetts railroad -- and was one of the board of directors during the remainder of his life.
At the time of his death, in 1861, his children were all married, settled mostly in this place, and constitute. with their families, a very important and influential part of this community.
1863. Harriet was married in 1835 to Ex- Governor Holbrook. Lucy married Dr. Hall, of Northampton, Mass., in 1836. Sarah married first, Albert H. Bull, Esq., of Hartford, Ct., who, before 1860, gave $2000 to the Brattleboro Library Associ- ation. Her second husband, Dr. E. R. Chapin, was, for 15 years, superintendent physician of the Asylum for the Insane, at Flatbush, near the city of New York. Francis, the only son. married Mary Brooks, daughter of Capt. William Brooks.
WELLS GOODHUE,
the only brother of Joseph, was 10 years of age when he came here with his father in 1811. He fitted for college and con- tinued his studies about a year after he entered college, and came back to Brattle- boro to engage in trade with his father. He was married to Laura Barnard about 1828. They had three children-Lucy, Charles and Julia. Lucy married Rev. George Draper; Julia, Thomas Walter, of New York; Charles B., a lady from Pomfret, Ct.
Mr. and Mrs. Wells Goodhue are not living, and the only survivors of the family, Charles and Lucy, are not (1879) residents of Brattleboro.
Mr. Wells Goodhue passed the most of his life in Brattleboro. He was a careful, prudent man, and never manifested any desire for office, though he was a man of excellent administrative ability and ster- ling honesty. His quiet, sagacious com- ments and remarks to those with whom he was familiar, respecting public movements and passing events, gave evidence of much reflection and discrimination. Above all things he dreaded contention, and rarely would discuss exciting questions. His wealth constantly accumulated by real estate transactions and judicious manage- ment of his capital. Late in life he was elected president of the first bank here, chartered in 1821, and reconstructed in 1863. Much to the regret of those most interested in the institution, he could be retained in said office but a short time A few months after his resignation he died, in 1874, at the home of his only daughter, Mrs. Draper, near the city of New York.
Mary Ann was married to William P. EPAPHRO SEYMOUR. Cune, now president of the old bank, The subject of this sketch was the chartered here in 1821 and renewed in youngest son of Major Moses Seymour, of
H
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Litchfield, Conn .; born July 8, 1783. He received a good academical education at the Morris Academy, South Farms, Conn., and afterwards was thoroughly trained in the business and duties of a merchant's clerk in a mercantile establishment at Brooklyn, Conn.
Horatio Seymour, the eldest brother, was educated for the legal profession, and settled in Middlebury, Vt. He became a distinguished lawyer in western Vermont, and for twelve years represented the State in the United States Senate. Near the close of the last century, Henry Seymour, an older brother of Epaphro Seymour, came to Guilford and was extensively engaged in mercantile business. Subse- quently Henry Seymour, about 1802, induced his brother Epaphro to come to Guilford and engage in trade, although he was less than twenty years of age when he commenced business. At this time Guil- ford was the most populous and prosperous town in Vermont.
Zadock Thompson, in his Gazetteer of Vermont, published in 1820, speaks as fol- lows of Henry Seymour and others, for- merly residents of Guilford :
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