USA > Vermont > Windham County > Brattleboro > Brattleboro, Windham County, Vermont; early history, with biographical sketches of some of its citizens > Part 9
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After the death of Dr. Wilson, in 1847. a book was published presenting circum- stantial evidence to show we had been entertaining "Thunderbolt" unawares. and our quiet, obscure, peaceable Dr. Wilson was the accomplice of the notorious
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Lightfoot, an English highwayman, who suffered the death penalty, many years ago, for his crimes.
Many persons thought the evidence of sufficient weight to make the idea interest- ing, but how extensively it was believed we are not able to state. If the most the advocates of this theory claimed was true, death had closed the door against all action and passed the case onward beyond all human jurisdiction.
As if to more fully complete the work of forgetfulness, the Irishman's shovel has been employed, until not less than 14 feet in depth of solid earth now covers all that surface of ground once encumbered by the piles of lumber, steam mill and humble abode of the mysterious doctor. In less than a year after his death, every tangible object that could remind us of him van- ished.
All this happened about 35 years ago, yet more than one person can say there is now impressed upon their memories the records of many moments less pleasantly and profitably spent than have been passed by them in the presence of Dr. John Wilson.
The 11 closing years of his life in this place has left with us an unsolved prob- lem more interesting from the dim, misty light of uncertainty in which it is envel- oped. From this cause Brattleboro is richer in her past, and with the mind's eye we see a picture in her silent halls, left there by this event, we could not if we would remove.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
SAMUEL WELLS.
Col. Sam'l Wells, the first representative from this town, then in Cumberland county, was born at Deerfield, Mass., Sept. 9, 1730. He married Hannah Sheldon and in July 1762, settled in Brattleboro, on lands now owned by the Vermont Asylum, situated about a mile north of the East village.
We have found where his log cabin stood 100 years ago, but the spot is now a wild, with no road or indications that there ever was a road leading to the place. At the time he came to Brattleboro, many of the pioneers considered it a great success to se- cure a roof, however humble, and food to sustain life.
Here was born his family of thirteen children, two of whom died in infancy. His daughters were married to Samuel Gale, Ephraim Nash, Micah Townshend, Jonathan Gorton, Nathaniel Church and Ephraim Stimpson.
Like most of the prominent men of the time, in this part of the State, Col. Wells sustained the claims of New York.
Between the years 1798 and 1802, all the family of Col. Wells removed to Canada, where each of his children received from the crown 1200 acres of land as a compen- sation for the losses Col. Wells had suf- fered during the Revolution on account of his adherence to the King. He died in this town and a marble head-stone in the old burying-ground gives the following in- formation :
In Memory of COL. SAMUEL WELLS, of this town, a Judge of Cumber- land County Court, and a Member of the Assembly of the Province of New York, who departed this life
Aug. 6, 1786, in his 55th year.
His friends, the stranger and the poor have lost A kind companion and a generous host: When he fell, the Statesman fell And left the world his worth to tell.
[Extract from papers of F. Hawks, of Greenfield.] HENRY WELLS, M. D.,
Was the first town clerk of Brattleboro elected to office in 1768. He was born in Essex Co., N. J., June 14, 1742, but from 1746, for about 20 years, his home was in New York, when the population of that city was less than 10 thousand. When 11 years old he began his college course at "Nassau Hall" in Princeton. Here he took his first degree at the age of 15. Im- mediately after his graduation he began the study of medicine at New Haven, with the celebrated Dr. Hull, under whose in- struction he remained four years. In 1760, Yale College conferred on him the degree of A. M., and in the following year he re- turned to New York, where he continued his studies until 1764. He studied divinity for a short time after this and added the business of an apothecary to his early medical practice in New York He was married in the old Dutch church on Nas- sau street, to Hannah Stout, May 28, 1764. They lived together within a few months of half a century.
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Dr. Wells was hardly more than 25 and his wife 20 and the mother of two young children, when they started for their new home in the wilds of what is now Ver- mont. The town of Brattleboro, of which he and his wife were 2 of the patentees, had been partly settled from New Hamp- shire as early as 1752. They came by a small sloop to Hartford, Ct., and from thence followed the Connecticut river to Brattleboro. Their new home was a farm of not far from 1000 acres, some 2 miles west of the present beautiful East village of Brattleboro. Here on the brow of a lofty hill Dr. Wells erected a substantial frame house of considerable size, which stood almost unaltered for a century, and was finally taken down (by Gilbert Smith,) in 1875. In 1801 it was purchased from Micah Townshend (its second owner,) by Chief Justice Tyler, who occupied it about 14 or 15 years. From 1768 to the time of his removal in 1781, he constantly held some public office. His name, for the last time, appears upon the records as moder- ator of the meeting of March, 1781. His name is attached to two memorials to the King in behalf of the legal government, the only civil government, in fact, under the Province of New York. Seven more children were born to Dr. Wells during his 13 years residence in Brattleboro. In 1781 he relinquished the magnificent estate, (in acres,) which cost him so much toil and suffering, and removed to Montague, Mass. He settled in the house which for 80 years continued to be the home of his children. This house is still standing though not in possession of the family. In the associa- tions of his new home and the better op- portunities for the practice of his profes- sion, Dr. Wells no doubt found compen- sation for the visionary fortune, as landed proprietor, for which he and his father had left New York. He soon acquired a rep- utation as a physician, especially in con- sultations, which inade long journeys from home often necessary. Such occasional calls for him extended from Boston to Albany, New Hampshire and Connecticut, as well as to and beyond his old home in Vermont.
In 1785 he was elected a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society with which he was connected most of the time as
counsellor until his death. In 1802 a form- idable epidemic made its appearance in Greenfield and its vicinity. "Eminent physicians," says Willard in his history, " did what they could to stop the plague. That excellent physician and estimable man, Dr. John Stone of Greenfield, the late Dr. Williams of Deerfield, and that Noble- man of Nature, Dr. Henry Wells of Mon- tague, were employed, the last and the first named, mostly.
The sick seemed to have the impression, generally, that they certainly should re- cover if Dr. Wells attended upon them, so great was their reverence for that phi- lanthropist." As a recognition of his services in this pestilence, Dartmouth College conferred on him the honorary de- gree of M. D. Professor Nathan Smith was accustomed to quote him in his lec- tures and to speak of him in terms of the highest respect.
"Dr. Wells," adds Dr. Alden, " in his profession attained the most distinguished rank. His natural powers were good, his medical reading extensive and judicious, his application methodical and patient.
His eminent skill, however, in the man- agement of disease was derived chiefly from his own observation and experience. Possessing a clear and discriminating mind and an accurate judgment, his practical deductions were remarkably just. In dif- ficult cases his advice was much sought and highly appreciated. Courteous in his manners, modest and unassuming in his intercourse with his professional brethren, he was highly respected by the profession and the public."
Dr. Williams remarks " Dr. Wells had the confidence of all his professional brethren throughout the country, and many of his patients almost worshiped him."
Very little need be added in regard to Dr. Wells' character and principles. His whole life, family, social and professional, was permeated with a deep sense of relig- ious duty. He died Aug. 24, 1814, aged 72, and was buried in Montague. His funeral was attended by a large concourse of people and a great number of physic- ians from the neighboring towns paid him the last token of respect.
D
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DR. SAMUEL STEARNS, LL. D.,
Was born in Bolton, Mass., in 1747, and died in Brattleboro, 'Aug. 8, 1810. This gentleman, previous to becoming a resi- dent of this town, suffered greatly in mind, body and estate, from the persistent attacks of "The Sons of Liberty," in Worcester, Mass. For his supposed loy- alty to King George III, he was confined in a filthy prison nearly 3 years, in Wor- cester, Mass. In that prison he suffered for the want of the common necessaries of life. A large share of this imprisonment was after the close of the Revolutionary war with Great Britian. By the condi- tions of the Jay treaty, he was legally en- titled to his freedom; but his enemies by legal technicalities, various pretexts and false swearing, continued his confinement and declared he should rot in jail.
Though he was a man of fine presence and great personal beauty, as we learn from a well preserved painting of him, and of rare mental cultivation for the times in which he lived, misfortune was so constantly his attendant he had but lit- tle from this world, for which to be thank- ful,
" Life had no more to bring to him Than mockery of the past alone."
From his monument at the East village cemetery, we copy the following words :
" Nature was his preceptor, philosophy His mistress, and astronomy his prompter, Disappointment ever succeeded his best Endeavors; he deserved better- Ingratitude was the reward of His labors,
Peace to his ashes."
Dr. Samuel Stearns, while in the prac- tice of medicine in New York, calculated and published the first "Nautical Alma- nac" published in America. He was the author of "The American Herbal, or Materia Medica," published in 1801. The work was printed at Walpole, N. H., for Thomas & Thomas and the author.
Upon the list of subscribers are 47 names, comprising the most prominent citizens of that time in Brattleboro. He obtained many subscribers for a "Medical Dispen- satory," upon which he labored 28 years. To obtain information for this work, of two volumes containing 600 pages each, he traveled 9 years in Europe and in this country, at an expense of several thousand
dollars. He died before completing the enterprise. Upon the list of subscribers for this work we find the names of Dr. Benjamin Rush, of Philadelphia, Gen. George Washington, and other names of the most noted men of the age in this country.
MAJ. STEPHEN GREENLEAF
Who held the office of town clerk from 1799 to 1844 was by trade a carpenter. We who have only seen him late in the afternoon of life, a tottering, feeble old man, find it hard to realize how athletic and fearless he was in the prime of life. We have been told by an eye witness of the feat, Mr. Greenleaf, after raising a large building, stood upon his head on the ridgepole of the building.
Whatever he attempted was well per- formed and as a workman and a citizen no fairer name is on the list of Brattleboro mechanics. His penmanship in the old town books, for its uniformity and perfec- tion, is the admiration of everyone who has examined it. Each letter and word is made in full, giving so perfect exactness no one can mistake it.
The example he' has left us is a monu- mental rebuke-45 years in building-to men of learning, to legal gentlemen who use their pens, as Talleryand said some men did their tongues, "to conceal rather than to express their meaning." In 1834 he wrote several long, highly interesting let- ters to his friends, that were published in the Phenix, not long since, respecting the past and present of Brattleboro, and he also furnished that brief though able sketch of this town in "Thompson's Histor- ical Gazetteer of Vermont," published in 1846.
Mr. Greenleaf enjoyed the study of mathematics and often assisted others in that department of knowledge.
Only 13 years of age when he came here with his father in 1771, with no educational advantages and few books worth mention- ing, what superior native resources must have been concealed under that modest, unassuming exterior, so faithfully sliown in a painting of him, which, to the honor of Brattleboro, now hangs in the town hall.
From Mrs. Ellis, now (1869) 80 years of age, and the only child of Maj. Greenleaf
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now living, we learn that her father edu- cated himself, long winter evenings, by light from the kitchen fire-place. To get full advantage of the light, he extended himself horizontally upon the floor where he worked upon mathematical problems, practised penmanship, read the few books he could obtain, and thus laid the founda- tion of such a character for ability and virtue as won the well-deserved respect, love and confidence of three generations, then calmly and peacefully died in 1850, aged 92 years.
From our earliest recollections, we have heard much said in commendation of Maj Greenleaf, but feel incompetent to do jus- tice to his memory, or find language to express our admiration of his long, faith- ful, beautiful life. One who knew him well, has said of him: "Surely, one such man in Sodom would have been sufficient to have saved that wicked city."
Among our ancient worthies of the buried past, there were those of his cotem- poraries who surpassed him in mental attainments, brilliancy of the imagination, business faculties or abilities to grasp the prizes in this intense never-ceasing life struggle going on about us, but as the Creator's masterpiece, " an honest man," no one was his superior.
HAYES FAMILY.
BY W. H. BIGELOW, OF CHICAGO.
In February, 1778, there came to Brat- tleboro, from New Haven, Ct., a young man, just of age, a blacksmith by trade. The few settlers, wishing such a workman to locate among them, made a bee, shoveled away the deep snow, helped to build a shop, and in less than a month he was at work with his tools. Great results flowed from this hasty settlement of the young man-Rutherford Hayes.
We trace his ancestors back to George Hayes, who came from Scotland and was living in Windsor, Ct., in 1682, and sub- sequently in Granby, Ct. His grandfather, Daniel Hayes, was, in 1702, taken captive by the Indians, carried to Canada, and was kept a prisoner about 5 years. His mother was Rebecca Russel, great grand- daughter of Rev. John Russell, who lived in Hadley, Mass., where he concealed tlie Regicides for many years.
Rutherford Hayes was born in Brand-
ford, Ct., July 29, 1756, removed to New Haven with his father, Ezekiel Hayes, 'in 1773. In his new home, now the West village, he for many years worked at his trade, which lie called a "dirty, black business, but it brought white money."
For some time he kept a tavern, joining farming with it, and during his passing old age he was a farmer in easy circum- stances. As to his characteristics, lie is described as a "round, corpulent, old gen- tlenian, with an elastic, square step, medium height, with florid complexion, sandy hair, a cheerful temper, and friendly, courteous manners." Capt. Dudley, now living, in his 82d year, an intelligent old gentleman of many interesting memories, recalls his hale, hearty laugli, accompanied usually with a noted rubbing of his lands, in the enjoyment of jokes and stories. Of lıim, one who remembers him well, says: " He was an honest, kindly, religious man, and may well be regarded by liis descend- ants as a model." After he was seventy lie became a total abstinence man, "fearing," lie said, " that his example would be quoted against the cause of temperance." He died Sept. 25, 1836.
His wife, Chloe Smith, born Nov. 10, 1762, in Hadley, Mass., moved with lier parents to Brattleboro when young, and was married (1789) in her seventeenth year. She matured into a noble, Christian lady. She was noted as a wonderful worker, and of great force of will. On a certain occa- sion she waited upon guests at a country ball, in their tavern, all night, and started in the morning on horseback for a visit to Bainbridge, N. Y. She made the journey with her husband, 200 miles or more, and back in health and strength. She is re- membered by hier descendants with affec- tionate admiration. She died Feb. 17. 1847. They liad three sons and six daughters, whom they lived to see in posi- tions of honor and usefulness.
DEA. RUSSELL HAYES,
The oldest of tlie sous, born May 31, 1784, passed a life of valuable usefulness on the old homestead in West Brattleboro, devot- ing his energies and his love to the academy and the church, and smoothing tenderly tlie declining years of his aged parents. He was a Christian of equable temper, a man of excellent judgment, and a neighbor highly esteemed. He died July 28, 1856.
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RUTHERFORD HAYES, JR.,
Born Jan. 4, 1787, early entered the mer- cantile business and accumulated, for those times, a competent fortune. He was a man of honor and commanded universal respect. He was a Presbyterian. In 1817, he removed with his family to Delaware, O., a journey of 40 days, but only lived about 5 years, dying in 1822. After his death was born his son,
RUTHERFORD B. HAYES,
Who, now in middle life, bears well-earned military and political honors. He grad- uated with the class of 1842, from Kenyon College, Ohio, studied law and practiced it successfully in Cincinnati, O., up to the opening of the War of the Rebellion. when, in 1861, he entered the army; was promoted repeatedly, and in 1864, was pro- moted from colonel to brigadier-general for "gallantry in the battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek," and at the close of the war to that of brevet major general. He was elected to Congress in 1864, from Cincinnati, and re-elected in 1866; was elected governor of Ohio in 1867, and re-elected in 1869. He declined to receive a nomination for a third term, and retired to private life, returning to the practice of law. He received the degree of LL. D., in 1868, from Kenyon College.
[Written in 1870, previous to his elec- tion to the presidency .- ED. ]
WILLIAM R. HAYES,
The third son of Rutherford Hayes, Sen., was born Dec. 6, 1804, prepared for col- lege under the instruction of Rev. Mr. Hallock, and graduated at Yale in the year 1825. He took a high stand in his class. Closing the three years of his legal pre- paratory studies at the law school in New Haven, under the care of Judge Dagget, he was admitted to the bar, and opened an office in East Brattleboro, Vt., in 1828; was married to Miss Trowbridge, of New Haven, in October, 1830. He is said to have had a fine voice, and to have been a successful pleader. In his will he left $1,000 for the academy at West Brattle- boro.
He, with two other professional men, his daily associates, Mr. Elliot, of his own profession, and Dr. Dickerman, were among the subjects of the revival of 1832. He became thereafter an earnest, active
Christian, and was restrained from prepar- ing himself for the gospel ministry by failing health. Skillful physicians advised him to seek a milder climate. In 1836, he relinquished the practice of law, and moved to Barbadoes in the West Indies. His health was gradually restored, and he then spent the rest of his life engaged in prosperous mercantile pursuits, and in dis- charging the duties of U. S. Consul for the Island of Barbadoes. He engaged himself heartily in the support of temperance and in the abolition of slavery. He organized societies in his new home, and wrote and labored successfully for the promotion of these reforms.
Quoting from Dr. Bacon, of New Haven, "He was known and honored there and at home as a business man of eminent skill, courtesy and probity, and a Christian gentleman, ready for every good word and work."
His life was suddenly terminated by a malignant erysipelas July 13, 1852.
Of the daughters of Rutherford Hayes,. Sen., the oldest one, Polly, married Mr. John Noyes, who became a man of note. He graduated at Yale College in the class of 1779, taught in Chesterfield Academy, N. H., preached the gospel, became a merchant, and represented the southern district of Vermont in Congress. They were the grand-parents of Larkin G. Mead, the sculptor.
Belinda married the Hon. Samuel Elliot, of Brattleboro. Clarissa married Ayer Moody, a graduate of Dartmouth College, a man of influence. She is one of the only two members of the family now liv- ing, being in her 80th year, ripening into a gentle and beautiful old age in Dela- ware, Ohio.
Sarah, now (1870,) living in Chesterfield, Mass., married Dyer Bancroft, a graduate of Williams College. He practiced law many years in Chesterfield. Mass.
HON. LEMUEL WHITNEY,
One of the leading men of his time. in this town, was by trade a silversmith. He was born in Petersham, Mass., in 1764, and came to Vermont in 1785. The first years of his residence in this State were passed at Newfane, where he held the office of sheriff.
It was the duty of that officer to execute.
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the law which made it discretionary with the Judge of the County Court how many lashes should be applied to the naked skin of the convicted transgressor of Vermont laws. Another barbarous act required of the sheriff, was to brand some culprits with a hot iron, sometimes the letter R upon the hand or forehead, to signify rogue. Once during his term of office, as he in- formed us, he was ordered by the court to whip a woman, at the public whipping- post, for passing counterfeit money. The shoulders and upper part of her person was completely stripped of clothing, that the naked skin might be exposed to the lash. Under this severe trial of his gal- lantry the lashes, especially two out of three, fell so lightly, she could be hardly conscious of receiving any, but the third lash, that being a gentle reminder that women were, by law, entitled to "their thirds."
He removed from Newfane Hill to Brat- tleboro East village in 1790, occupying, at first, a low, unfinished house, which stood where now (1869) stands the Revere House on Main street. The next year he bought about an acre of land in the north part of Main street, and built a small house containing but two rooms, where now stands the elegant mansion of Chas. F. Thompson, Esq. Alterations and ad- ditions upon his house were made' at times, until his place was at one time con- sidered the most desirable one in this village. Here he lived nearly 60 years, and died April 4, 1847.
He was town representative 10 years; from 1801 to '24, clerk of the supreme court: 1801 to '20, clerk of the county; 1817 to '28, judge of probate; 1790 to 1847, justice of the peace.
From personal observation, during the last 18 years of his life, we noticed as a utilitarian or economist he was a worthy disciple of Benjamin Franklin; retentive in memory, frank, free and fearless in the expression of his sentiments, of prompt- ness and fidelity to liis engagements, patriotic, but decidedly opposed to wasting powder in firing guns on the Fourth of July. In theology a Unita- rian; in politics, a whig to the back-bone, and a warm admirer of Henry Clay.
He was, as compared with most men,
of gigantic stature, and his dignified presence, with a good understanding of parliamentary rules, well qualified him to preside at public meetings.
It is with pleasure we recall that sunny day of his long life among us, in the summer of 1840, when the oak grove in the rear of Col. Joseph Goodhue's resi- dence was honored by the presence of Daniel Webster, who there gave a short address to the people of this place. The long cavalcade of citizens for escort duty, the expression upon each face, the elastic step of youth and age, with other indications, told us Brattleboro was proud that day.
Hope for a season bade the whigs fare- well, for, since the election of John Q. Adams, in 1824. they had, up to this time, been unsuccessful in every presidential contest.
The great political revival of this year was of such a character as heralded suc- cess. The political prospect not only gave great pleasure to our venerable friend, but also to a large majority of the people in this town. All seemed to ap- preciate the privilege of seeing this oracle of the party, whose fame had gone around the globe,-that great Daniel, who, on the floor of Congress, had shut the lion's mouth as it was about to close upon the blood-bought constitution of 1787.
Of all the men that we saw standing there to greet the nation's orator, none did so impress us as the venerable judge with silvered hair. The companions of his early life, with two generations. he had seen pass on to the silent land, leaving him to experience
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