USA > Vermont > Windham County > Brattleboro > Brattleboro, Windham County, Vermont; early history, with biographical sketches of some of its citizens > Part 28
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Catherine Beecher, Dr. Kane, of Arctic fame, Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe, Prof. Calvin Stowe, and Count Gowraski. Of those from abroad who built or bought houses in this place and vicinity, for homes during the warm season, were John Stod- dard of Savannah, Ga., Buckner and Eus- tace of New Orleans, La., the last named United States Senator from Louisiana, Hon. George Folsom of New York, United States Minister to foreign parts, N. F. Cabot, Esq., from Alabama, Prof. Elie Charlier of New York, and at a later period, Joseph N. Balestier, Esq., and Dorman B. Eaton, Esq., both of the legal profession in New York City. Each of the gentle- men last named have given public ad- dresses in this place upon matters of na- tional importance; and Prof. E. Charlier of New York, on the Fourth of July, 1876, made some remarks with happy effect. To the people assembled on our park, or village common, he said: "Though a native of France, I claim a kindred with you, for my wife and children were born under your flag. And I claim a share in your Washington, for the royal army of my native land could not be permitted to draw their swords on your soil against the ene- mies of American liberty until your Wash- ington was created, by a commission from the King, a Marshal of France." A reply the Professor once made, as we learn, to the remarks of an insufferable egotist, is so good a plaster for the bump of self- esteem, that present and future generations ought to have it. The reply we give below : "If what you say is true, no other man in this world can perform the duty I require performed, or fill your place. I see upon you, as well as upon myself, indications of age, and people will soon be obliged to get along without us, therefore they might just as well begin now to learn to do with- out us as to wait a little longer."
THE HAYES HOTEL,
Built by the grandfather of President Hayes, is yet standing at the West Village, but it has long since ceased to be used for its original purpose. The President's un- cle occupied it for many years as a private residence, and it is now in possession of his daughter, Mary Ann, who is the pres- ent wife (1880) of Mr. W. H. Bigelow, formerly of Chicago, Ill. In 1815 the old
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Brattleboro Light Infantry dined at the Hayes Hotel, the day the mail coach- decked with flags-brought here the tidings of peace, after the war of 1812, and Mr. Anthony Van Doorn .* We know of but one member of the infantry company of that day now (1880) living, Joseph Steen, Esq., and he says the father of President Hayes assisted in waiting upon the table that day. We improve this occasion to say that one of our early Representatives, Israel Smith, was brother to Chloe Smith, the grandmother of the President, Ruther- ford B. Hayes.
THE AMERICAN HOUSE.
The hotel now known by the above name was not used for that purpose until after 1811. John Holbrook occupied it for mer- cantile uses up to that period, when he left this place and settled in Ware House Point, Ct. After its vacation by Mr. Hol- brook, it was owned by one of the Hunt family, of Vernon, and Joseph Goodhue, first hotel keeper. It was next owned by Francis Goodhue, who, sometime between 1833 and 1837, built the front gable and piazza. The house then received its pres- ent name, but for some fifteen years or more it was known as "Sikes' Hotel," and there was a sign with the name as stated thereon. Mr. Uriel Sikes and Richard Philips came from Northampton, Mass., about 1811, and established a hat manufac- tory in this village, under the firm of Philips & Sikes. Sikes afterwards began hotel keeping in this house, about 1820, and left it about 1835 to his successor, Ralph Herrick. During the time Mr. Sikes was in this hotel he was a noted per- former upon the bass viol. He was the leader of a band of stringed instruments, that officiated at a Fourth of July celebra- tion in 1824. On the morning of that day
*Mr. Anthony Van Doorn was the son of a West India sugar planter, and was a man of excellent business capacity. He was well informed, as he had studied for one of the professions, but did not com- plete his studies. He built up-for that time-a large furniture business, at the West Village; and about 1829-30 moved his business to the East Vil- lage, where he died in 1871. He built the large brick house on Main street, now occupied by his son, Moses T. After he retired from business he visited Europe. He left a widow and four children. His oldest son, Moses T., is now a prominent merchant on Main street, and his second daughter is the wife of Mr. John Brown.
the bass viol and violin players had a re- hearsal in the south front room of this hotel, and thereafter played a march at the head of a long procession, escorting the orator of the day to the only meeting house then in the village. The house remained in possession of Joseph and Wells Goodhue until sold to Charles F. Simonds, in 1860; and in 1862 it was conveyed to Stearns & Ray. In 1865 it was bought by the pres- ent (1880) owners, Ray & Boyden.
From the beginning to the present time the proprietors have been: Joseph Good- hue, Uriel Sikes, Ralph Herrick, Mr. Bur- nett, Edward Woodman, George Bugbee, Charles G. Lawrence, Mr. Rice, Mr. Shaw, Mr. Day, Henry C. Day, R. Rawson, Chas. F. Simonds, Mr. Starkey, J. S. Gates, C. Stearns, George A. Boyden, Henry Star- key, F. E. Reed. Hon. Daniel Webster took dinner at this house in July, 1840, when Edward Woodman was proprietor of it. Messrs. L. G. Mead, John R. Blake, and others,-a committee of reception- directed the footsteps of Mr. Webster to this hotel. "Mine host" of the "Stage House," Col. Paul Chase, was at that time a prominent pillar of the democracy here ; otherwise the great statesman would, prob- ably, have been directed to "Chase's Stage House."
RUFUS CLARK'S HOTEL.
The house south of Whetstone Brook, bought by Capt. Adolphus Stebbins in 1832 and now (1880) owned and occupied by his son, Jolın Stebbins, was a hotel, and Rufus Clark the proprietor, in 1815. Mr. Stebbins removed the upper story of the rear part, where was a hall for dancing, etc. There was at this time (1815) no road past the house, leading to Guilford, and, of course, no Canal street. All travel from this village to Guilford was up Cemetery Hill and then take the right, past the farm of W. F. Richardson.
The house was built in 1812, by Joseph Clark, father of Rufus Clark. The master workman was James Steen, father of Jo- seph Steen. Mr. Clark also first estab- lished here the cloth-dressing and wool- carding business. The shop and machin- ery was where is now the machine shop, first built by Thomas & Woodcock for the manufacture of paper machinery, and afterwards a new brick shop, for the same
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purpose, was erected on the same ground by Hines, Newman & Co., and is now standing. Joseph Clark was one of the earliest settlers, and owned all the land south of Whetstone Brook to the Guilford line.
THE REVERE HOUSE
Was built by James Fisk, in 1849, and was burned in 1877. Mr. Fisk was the first keeper, or proprietor, and thereafter it was kept by Henry Field, J. J. Crandall, Van- bibber, Asa Sanderson, George R. Cushing, Knowlton Brothers, Mr. Stevens, L. V. H. Crosby, Henry C. Nash, George A. Boy- den, and some others, but Nash was owner and Henry Harris proprietor at the time of its destruction. Fisk sold the house and stables to Mr .. Vanbibber, and after the death of Mr. Vanbibber, Henry Nash be- came the owner. In 1850, when under the management of J. Fisk, it was opened as a temperance house, and a grand entertain- ment given on this occasion. Sentiments were offered and congratulatory speeches made at the table of refreshments, by pas- tors of churches and other citizens of this place. We believe it did not long continue to be a temperance house.
After its destruction a portion of the land in front was purchased by the town, to widen the highway, and A. V. Cox & Co., and Starr & Estey bought the remain- der. The gentlemen last named have erected (1879) a beautiful brick block with marble trimmings-Philadelphia style- containing Howe's photograph rooms, Mrs. T. Avery's millinery store, office of Dav- enport & Eddy and the People's National Bank, of which Hon. Parley Starr is pres- ident. The land west of this block has been sold by Messrs. Starr & Estey to D. Leonard and the Methodist Society. That society is now (1880) constructing a house for public worship. It is the intention of Mr. Leonard, we learn, to build a block, at no distant day, upon the remainder of the Revere House ground, to contain his power presses and other fixtures for the publishing business.
BRATTLEBORO HOUSE,
Named after its old predecessor of "hap- pie "memorie," is upon the south side of Whetstone Brook, near the bridge. It was at first an organ manufactory, built by Messrs. Jacob Estey & Co. Isaac Sargent
fitted it up with all the modern improve- ments for a first-class hotel the next year (1870) after the old "Brattleboro House" turned to ashes. His means being exhaust- ed by the great expenditures, the property returned to J. Estey & Co. The hotel is now (1880) conducted by Messrs. Dunton & Campbell. The house is well kept and has pleasant rooms. The view of the Con- necticut from its upper rooms is very fine.
BROOKS HOUSE
Was erected by George Jones Brooks in 1871-2. The plan was by E. Boyden of Worcester, Mass., and the construction by J. M. Buzzell. The cost was between one and two hundred thousand dollars. The size, quality, and general arrangement of it has led some people to believe the public wants have been anticipated for some years to come. Within the memory of some people now living here, not so large, convenient and elegant a hotel could be found in our largest cities. All the rooms are in telegraphic communication with the office, are heated by steam radia- tors, and are mostly arranged in suites, parlor and bedroom adjoining. It is pro- vided with all the modern improvements, and no expense has been spared in the arrangements to meet the demands of the age. It stands upon the west side of Main street, and but a few rods from the steep declivity of the river bank, upon which is Main street, about 100 feet above the Con- necticut,-thereby affording the very best facility for drainage. Since the construc- tion of "Crosby Block" and the "Brooks House," our natural advantages for good drainage have been improved by all the hotels, most of the dwellings on Main street, also on High and some other streets.
Mr. George J. Brooks, to whom we are indebted for this generous expenditure for the convenience and honor of Brattleboro, is a son of the late Capt. William Smith Brooks, who, with his family, settled in this town in 1839. He was born in Med- ford, Mass., March 5, 1781, and in early life was engaged in commerce. He was the commander of a merchant vessel, and suffered loss and imprisonment by the French depredations,* or "spoliations," as
*He was also taken prisoner by an English press
gang. It was such outrages upon our commerce that brought on our last war with that nation, 1812.
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it was called, of American commerce, when Napoleon I. was shaking down the thrones of Europe. Capt. Brooks, after his capture, was detained several months a prisoner in France, and saw Napoleon when at the pinnacle of his prosperity. This insult to the old stars and stripes was not forgotten by Andrew Jackson. Many will remember that halcyon period of the democracy, when, by the action of its great executive, it bravely defended the unity of these States and
"My father's flag and mine."
The dilatory action of the French govern- ment in regard to making compensation for these spoliations, revived within the old hero the memories of other days. The flag which waved in triumph over his cot- ton bags, and the dead Packenham with four thousand slain, must be respected at home and abroad. Therefore came forth his message to Congress, recommending reprisals upon French commerce, unless immediate attention was paid to our de- mands.
In 1821, Capt. Brooks settled in Chester- field, N. H., where he established a cotton factory at the outlet of Lake Spafford, causing a village to spring up about him, which is now known as "Chesterfield Fac- tory." He continued his business at the factory several years after his removal to this place, his last home, where he died in 1865. His wife died in 1841, and of the family six children are now (1880) living, and, with the exception of Capt. William, Jr., make this place their home. George J. and Francis W. were located several years in California, where they were suc- cessful wholesale dealers in paper. Capt. William was a clerk in the store of the late Gardner C. Hall in 1829-30, when he was elected captain of the Brattleboro Light Infantry. From him, when in England, came the art of making seamless brass and copper tubing, and patents therefor have been sold to the amount of $500,000. The wide acquaintance of the most of this family with the world-having lived in varied climes and visited the most famed resorts in this and other countries-had ample means, opportunities, experiences and discrimination for selecting the most favorable locations for health, convenience or pleasure, has not prevented them from choosing their location here. And one of
them, in giving such a monumental evi- dence of his approval of this location, has spoken plainer than words in favor of Brattleboro.
In the summer of 1877 the President of the United States-R. B. Hayes-with his wife, visited Brattleboro, the home of his fathers, and was met by our citizens in the spacious rooms of the Brooks House. He addressed the people from the balcony in front, and on the morning of his depart- ure, said his grandfather was a blacksmith in this town (See sketch of the Hayes fam- ily, page 67) about 100 years ago. This, we learn, is the first time a President of this nation has visited this town, and it was a matter of congratulation and satis- faction that there was so good a house for his reception.
GLEN HOUSE-WEST VILLAGE,
Known over fifty years ago as Stewart's Hotel, and a favorite resort of the military of that day, is the second hotel built by Rutherford Hayes. Since Russell Hayes succeeded his father as proprietor of this hotel, the persons whose names we give below have conducted it down to the pres- ent time: Amasa Bixby, Henry Barrett, Timothy Root, Phineas Stewart, R. Good- enough, George Emerson, Mark Worcester, George A. Boyden, Henry Nash, C. C. Miller, L. D. Thayer, Mr. Alden, William Warren, T. Clapp, Albert Smith, John L. Sargent, present owner, and Seth Jones, present proprietor (1880.)
VERMONT HOUSE.
There is another hotel a few rods north of the Glen House, known as Vermont House. This hotel was first set in opera- tion by Mr. Nathaniel Holland, some twenty years ago, and is now owned by Charles Mixer. It is the last public house in this town before coming to the Marlboro line.
CHURCHES.
ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH .- EPISCOPAL.
In 1871 the Rectory, situated on Green street, was sold, and a lot purchased on Tyler street, upon which, during the same year, a new rectory was built, costing about $6,000. F. A. Nash and Dr. W. H. Rockwell were appointed as the building committee. The largest contributor to the building fund was Mrs. Judge Kellogg.
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Mr. George W. Folsom and his sister, Miss Helen L. Folsom, also gave liberally, and the different parishioners contributed ac- cording to their several ability. In 1874, the Rev. Mr. Harris resigned, and was succeeded by the Rev. Wm." H. Collins, of
Vergennes, Vt., who is now the rector of the parish. Through the efforts of the ladies of the parish, the debt remaining upon the rectory has been nearly all paid.
In April, 1879, F. E. Draper, Esq., of New York City, placed in the church the following substantial and elegant memori- als of his wife, Mary Goodhue (Cune) Dra- per: An eagle lecturn of polished brass, a chancel rail and corona of the same mate- rial. The latter is a very fine piece of workmanship, being made in the form of a double crown. Upon the largest is this inscription in raised letters-"I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living." The inscription on the upper crown con- tains the names of Mrs. Mary G. C. Dra- per and her sister, Julia (Cune) Bartlett. There are about 40 gas jets in the crown, and the effect when lighted is very beauti- ful. In addition to these gifts, Wilton carpets have been laid in the chancel, greatly improving its appearance. These were also from the same person who gave the memorials we have described.
REV. WM. H. COLLINS.
UNIVERSALISM IN BRATTLEBORO. West Village.
Hosea Ballou preached his second ser- mon in this place in 1791. He was then in his twenty-first year. He says, "The sec- ond time I attempted to preach was in the town of Brattleboro, Vt., where my brother preached in the daytime and I undertook to speak in the evening, being overper- suaded to do so; but this attempt was a failure, and I was greatly mortified and thought for a time that I would not engage in a work for which I was not competent." The brother referred to above was David Ballou, considerably older than Hosea, and the father of Rev. Moses Ballou of Phila- delphia. Among the auditors of Father Ballou on the occasion mentioned above were, probably, Col. Daniel Stewart, Levi Goodenough and Reuben Stearns, at least these men were pronounced Universalists at that time. Col. Stewart was "always" a Universalist. If so, the doctrine of the
final restitution of all things was believed here as early as 1780.
Hosea Ballou, 2d, preached some of his first sermons in Brattleboro. It is believed that he preached at the residence of Levi Goodenough in his eighteenth year-1814. He certainly preached there not later than 1816-17. Between this date and 1829, there was occasional Universalist preaching in school houses or private residences by Revs. John Brooks, Thomas J. Sawyer, Wm. A. Balch, Russell Streeter and Isaiah Boynton. In December, 1829, Rev. Mat- thew Hale Smith, then only a boy of 18, was settled over a society in the West Vil- lage. He preached half the time there and the other half in Guilford. Meetings were then held in the Town Hall. Mr. Smith continued his pastorate in Brattleboro till 1832, a successful one so far as indicated by outward results. He was popular and his audiences were always large.
He was succeeded by Rev. Aurin Bug- bee, during whose ministry occurred one of those episodes the like of which could hardly take place in this generation whose sectarian spirit is certainly less fierce than that of the last generation. The old church in West Brattleboro was owned in consid- erable part by Universalists. They asked for the privilege of using it occasionally a Sunday, but their request was absolutely refused. Thereupon they went to church early Sunday morning, November 24, 1833, forced open the door and took possession of the house. Meantime, two clergymen, Revs. F. Loring of Hinsdale, N. H., and Warren Skinner of Proctorsville, had been engaged to conduct the religious services during the day. Mr. Loring began his service at 9 A. M. and continued it till 10:30 A. M., when Mr. Skinner took the pulpit for another service. At this time the other party with their members, one of them the principal of the Academy, came in a body to the church, entered the vestibule and demanded admittance to the auditorium, the doors of which were all closed, long seats filled with men being placed against them. They requested the Universalists in the vestibule to call out their committee for consultation; but they answered that they should not interrupt the services, which had then begun. Next the Congre- gationalists proposed to overpower the Universalists in the entry, rush into the church and expel Mr. Skinner by force
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from the pulpit-and take possession them- selves. But Judge Clark advised them that by this course they would all render themselves liable to indictment and heavy fines as disturbers of a religious meeting. The Academy bell was then rung and they departed in a body to that place and held their meeting, leaving the Universalists in undisputed possession of the church for the rest of the day. However, at the close of Mr. Skinner's service, at twelve o'clock, Mr. Loring began his second service for the day, and at its conclusion, at half-past one o'clock, Mr. Skinner took the desk and occupied it till three o'clock. As a result of this contest, after some months the Universalists sold their interest in the church to the other owners and in 1834 built the Brick Church now standing in the West Village. Meantime their meet- ings were held in Stewart Hall.
The Brick Church was dedicated the 1st of January, 1835. The order of services on that occasion was as follows: Reading of Scriptures, Rev. Mr. Wheeler; Intro- ductory Prayer, Rev. F. Loring; Sermon, Rev. I. D. Williamson; Dedicatory Prayer, Rev. T. J. Whitcomb; Concluding Prayer, Rev. Aurin Bugbee. Immediately after the dedication of the church, Rev. Charles Woodhouse assumed the pastorate of the society and continued it two or three years. He was succeeded, about 1838, by Rev. Abraham Page, whose ministry extended only through one year. Rev. J. W. Bailey preached here from 1841 to 1843. An in- cident occurred during this period which made a deep impression upon his audience. OneSunday while he was preaching, a pure white dove came into the church, through an open window, perched upon the stove- pipe, where it remained a moment, and then flew directly over the minister's head, poising there awhile, and then passed out of the window through which it entered. The speaker was moved by this incident, so much resembling the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus, and drew from it encouragement and approval of his words and work.
Rev. W. S. Ballou was pastor of the so- ciety in 1844-5. He was succeeded in 1847 by Rev. Jno. S. Lee. The Melrose Semi- nary, at the head of which was Mr. Lee, was established at West Brattleboro at this time. At this institution, besides many
others, several of our clergymen received their academical education, among them, Revs. Sumner Ellis, R. A. Ballou, S. H. McCollester, Judson Fislier and Simon Goodenough. Mr. Lee left the parish and the school in 1849. The school did not continue long after he removed from this place.
Mr. Lee was followed in the parish by Rev. W. S. Ballou, whose second pastorate extended through two years. Rev. Edwin Davis preached part of the time during 1851-2. Rev. W. Wilcox part of the time during 1853-4. The society's last settled pastor was Rev. Maxey B. Newell, who supplied them half the time in 1858-9. There has been no stated and regular Uni- versalist preaching in the West Village since that date.
The society was organized January 10, 1834. Among the first signers of the con- stitution were Phineas Stewart, Samuel Earle, Jr., Jeremiah Beals, Emory Stearns, John Cutting, Robert Windsor Frazier, Roswell and Alonzo Goodenough, Jolın Mixer and Rufus Pratt.
East Village.
Universalist meetings were held in Wheeler's Hall as early as 1835, Rev. Chas. Woodhouse the preacher; but it was not till May 24, 1843, that the present society was organized. Among the original mem- bers were Dr. Reuben Spaulding, A. J. Hines, J. H. Esterbrook, W. H. Ester- brook, Alford Simonds, O. J. Martin, Orin Starkey, Luther Weld, Harvey Houghton, Jno. B. Miller and Sewall Morse. The first meeting house owned by the society was located on the corner of Canal and Clark streets, and was purchased by the Millerites in May, 1843. It was built and occupied for many years by the Methodists. The first settled pastor of the society was Rev. L. J. Fletcher, who began his minis- try in the early part of 1844. He was suc- ceeded in July, 1846, by Rev. Jno. H. Willis, who remained here only one year. Rev. C. R. Moor assumed the pastorate of the society early in 1848 and closed his connection with it in February, 1852. The present Universalist church was built dur- ing his settlement here. It was erected in 1850 and dedicated in February, 1851.
Rev. H. P. Cutting was settled over the society in May, 1852, and remained one year. He was followed, June, 1853, by
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Rev. Geo. H. Deere, whose pastorate ex- tended through seven years. During his ministry the church was repainted, in 1857, and through his exertions $500 were raised in 1858, for Tufts College. Rev. E. Smiley began his labors with the society the first of January, 1861, and closed them with the same year. He was succeeded early in 1862 by Rev. W. T. Stowe, whose pasto- rate extended to July, 1864. Rev. M. R. Leonard supplied the desk through the winter of 1864-5.
REV. JAMES EASTWOOD.
Rev. James Eastwood was called to the pastorate of this parish Sept. 15th, 1865, and resigned Jan. 3rd, 1870. Rev. M. H. Harris was settled July 1st, 1870. During the nine years of Mr. Harris' pastorate this parish has grown to be among the largest and strongest in the village, and the largest Universalist parish in the State, having at the present time two hundred and fifteen families connected with it. In 1871 the church edifice was enlarged and remodeled. Since October, 1870, more than two hundred members have united with this church by baptism; and $30,000 have been paid out for parish expenses and missions. The church organization was reorganized Sept. 14, 1843. Rev. Warren Skinner preached the sermon on this occa- sion, and baptized fourteen persons and gave them the right hand of fellowship.
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