USA > Vermont > Windsor County > Reading > Centennial celebration, together with an historical sketch of Reading, Windsor County, Vermont, and its inhabitants from the first settlement of the town to 1874 > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16
To this rule I believe the sons of old Reading form no exception. In looking for the associates of my childhood I find them scattered in every quarter of our vast country ; and among them all, I know of none who are not solid and upright men, a power in the com- munities where they live and foremost in every cause that aims to elevate and bless mankind.
I trust you will have a large representation of these men with you on the 28th, and that the happy re-unions and associations of that day may reach its influence down through the century that is be fore us; and that the worthy examples of our noble sires and the reminiscences of the early years that shall there be gathered, may be preserved to all future time, helping to perpetuate the preeminen excellency and dignity of the people of our native state, making her always, as she is to-day, in everything that makes man noble useful and true, the first and fairest of all the sisterhood of states
With many assurances of my unabated love for my native hills I am, very truly and respectfully yours, C. L. ROBINSON.
LETTER FROM GEO. O. ROBINSON.
Geo. O. Robinson, Esq. an Attorney at Law, of Detroit, Mich. was unable to be present, and sent the following letter :
DETROIT, MICH., August 20, 1872.
Merritt E. Goddard, Esq. Chairman of Committee on Invitation of the Centennial Celebration, Reading, Vermont :
DEAR SIR :- I have delayed answering your letter of the 8tl ult., inviting me to attend and take part in the Centennial Celebra tion of my native town, in the hopes that I could arrange my al fairs so as to be able to accept your kind invitation, but as th time approaches I find my engagements will preclude my attend ance, very much against my personal wishes. In all the travel and vicissitudes of my thus far busy life, I have never for once for
41
HISTORY OF READING.
gotten my "native hills ;" and were I a poet, " My Native Hills" should be my theme for your Celebration. How well do 1 re- member them! The peculiarities of their very faces are as in- delibly impressed on my mind and memory as are those of my parents and childhood friends. How I love to roam over their sum- mits, and what exhilarating views I there got of old Ascutney and the blue hills of New Hampshire! Dame Fortune has cast my lot in a flat, level country, and if there is one thing I sigh for more than another, it is for those glorious old hills. There is an im- press and a characteristic for firmness and integrity which the hills of a mountainous country make on the mind of childhood, that can never be effaced by after life. Indeed, I hold, and I believe history bears me out in it, that those people reared in mountainous regions are characterized as indomitable, independent, unconquer- able and virtuous. There is something ennobling to the mind in the ever-changing views and scenery of the grand old hills as well as something strengthening to the physique in the exercise which they developed. Then, too, the very air, so bracing, begets purity and strength. It is said, that in all of the numerous wars of the Con- tinent, the people of Switzerland have never been conquered. The same traits have characterized the people of the Highlands of Scotland, and since the Revolutionary War, have characterized the people of our own Green Mountain State. Of the many fortunes of my life over which I have had to rejoice, not the least is the fact that I had my birth in the Green Mountain State, and first saw light among the hills of South Reading.
Remember me to the many friends that may be congregated on your festal day, and believe me, as in childhood,
Still your friend, GEO. O. ROBINSON.
LETTER FROM FRANK M. ROBINSON.
Frank M. Robinson, Esq., an Attorney at Law, of Dubuque, Iowa, sent the following letter :
DUBUQUE, IOWA, August 19, 1872.
Messrs. M. E. Goddard and C. F. Glynn, Committee of' Invita- tion, and Citizens of Reading :
DEAR SIRS :- Your circular and a personal letter from my old friend, Mr. Goddard, has been received, cordially inviting me to be present on the 28th instant, and participate in the exercises of the Centennial Anniversary of the settlement of my native town.
I have delayed a sooner response thinking my personal affairs might be so arranged as to permit of my absence at that time. It is with sincere regret that I now feel compelled to inform you of my inability to be present and share in the welcomes and festivi- ties of so eventful an occasion.
Remembering vividly the scenes and actors of the home of my childhood and youth, many of whom still survive the roll call of
ly af is th ttene ravel ce fo
72 ation
N.
may nen king oble ates hills
om- s to
you that be
ice, es try Ter- ing Ith, bly ing ess, ion red
has
me Ils. che ons
fich,
e 86
42
HISTORY OF READING.
time, while others have answered to the summons ;- remembering the homestead and family associations of nearly every cotter, his wife and wards ; the name and private and public relations of near- ly every one of whom were as familiar to me as household em- blems from 1840 to 1856 ;- remembering the mechanic, tradesman and farmer, with many of whom side by side, I have toiled in the field and from whom I learned lessons of persistent industry and rigid economy, of more real value to a young man at the start in life than much wealth or high station ; and remembering the long- ings of a boy, which can never be forgotten, I recall with what wonder and possibilities of life, home, pursuit and culture a youth- fil vision was clothed.
Memory fresh from the embers of the past, as if a Phenix, re- minds me of the period when a son each of Daniel Hall and John Wheeler were the only persons from Reading, at that time and for many years afterwards, who received the advantages of a collegi- ate education. Having shared instruction with your children and acted as teacher and supervisor of your Common Schools, I now , recall a somewhat eventful time in the history of the educational triumphs of Reading. Between 1851 and 1855 there were at one time six (6) of her sons upon College rolls ; a fact, I think, which canot be truthfully stated of any other town, for any like space of time and of the same population, in the State.
I have listened at a Grandfather's knee,-a patriot of the Revo- lution,-who oft recounted incidents of that great struggle, and o. his, and his associate's pioneer life in the early settlement of Read- ing, when your hillsides and valleys were pathless and clothed with primeval forests. I have a brief record of those events taker down from his lips, but this kind of reminiscence I leave to others of larger experience and information.
Sixteen years since my lot and home in your midst were trans- fered to Iowa, one of the grandest States of the Union. Once eliminate from her people the New England element and the di- rect and indirect results of that element, her character and pros perity would be paralyzed. Though rough and sharp the hills that girt you round and divide your villas, you are an integra part of Vermont and of New England. In general aspects your history and civilization are one. As a State, you may be prond not so much of the flinty rugged acres, which with adapted hus- bandry you cultivate, of your sleek stock, wholesome dairy, find wool, and well arranged and spacious barns and homesteads,-as of that energy, uprightness and independence of character inspired by your healthy climate, by your christian communities, by the fostering care you weave into your laws for the education of your children and by the impress you, and your New England associates give to the principles, protection and honor of the nation, whereby your name, history and civilization are, and always have been the underlying strata and stimulant of the nation's progress and devel
43
HISTORY OF READING.
opment. Your success is not so much the result of chance as in- herent natural energy.
Your industries engender hopes rarely ever shaded with despon- dency, and hearts that never grow weary or timid in overcoming the obstacles of nature or the machinations of contriving men.
Your sons and daughters are not enervated and contaminated by and, I might almost say, are unknown to hereditary wealth or ancestral aristocracy.
My old home is in Reading. My ancestral line is interwoven with your traditions, your history. I am proud that it is so, nor shall the many and enticing allurements of western enterprise and unequal growth, nor breadth of rivers, lakes and magnificent States, wean me of the love I bear in my heart, for the home of my fa- thers, your homes and the good old Green Mountain State.
Regretting my inability to be with you and share in the exer- cises of an event so full of memories, you will accept my thanks for your kind invitation and my wishes for your happiness and continued prosperity.
Very respectfully FRANK M. ROBINSON.
LETTER FROM S. W. ROBINSON.
CHAMPAIGN, ILL., Aug. 21st, 1872.
Merritt E. Goddard, Esq.
DEAR FRIEND :- I received yours of July 4th some time ago, containing invite to be with you on the Centennial occasion, and also inclosing invitation and compliments of the committee of in- vitation.
It would afford me the greatest pleasure to celebrate with you that One Hundredth Anniversary of the first settlement of Read- ing, Vt,, that " good old Town," in that good old State, which I most highly honor, and feel proud to call my own native town and state. But engagements made previous to the reception of your invitation render it impossible for me to take the time necessary to make the trip. Although connected with the Illinois Industrial University, which has a summer vacation, yet in my effort to make Mechanical Education, in connection with an institution of learn- ing, a success, I find my labor, at present at least, withont vacation and without ceasing. However arduous the labor, and difficult the problem ; I feel that the object is a noble one, as witnessed by the fact that most (I think we may safely say) of the conforts of today are due to the mechanic arts and sciences. It is these which bring comfort to the household, ease to the agriculturist and the mann- facturer, and power to the nation. The time was when the woodsman was our pioneer, and he was found in the vanguard of civilization. Not only beyond the Hudson, but across the western plains has he followed closely upon the heels of the red man. But the iron horse now drives the Indian with a quicker pace, and chases the flying
ere
hu fr , pir
iata ere
ing his ar- em nar the and tin ng- ha ith
egi an
en d ea wit
egr
pr
re oh
ona
bic e o
the
Dn
44
HISTORY OF READING.
buffalo beyond the Mississippi. The locomotive is now most em- phatically our pioneer. The settler, instead of leading now waits to follow him into the far interior, where he depends upon the railroad for indispensable comforts from our manufacturing towns. Who would deny that the mechanic arts and science is an agent of civ- ilization whose potency is not excelled except by the Bible itself ; and who would in this day bring his foot down upon the busy whittlings, the mosquito wheels and clap traps of the youthful genii ? Vermont has performed her part in turning out scientific men, and even in Reading there may have been seen the evidences of the working of that spirit, dauntless for of Yankee origin, which finds no relish in agricultural pursuits, but which finds its exact counterpart in a branch of industry none the less honorable and noble.
Although Vermont is apparently chiefly agricultural, it has still performed a mission perhaps unobserved by many, which is far higher than raising sheep and cattle. It has turned out men, who, alive with an intelligence and energy commensurate only with the freshness of their native mountains, hills and valleys, pure air and crystal streams, are now found in all parts of the Union, serving in their proper spheres of labor as leaders in true politics, education, agriculture, arts and manufactures, temperance, morals and religion. Who would not glory in being numbered, if possible, with them ? Your most humble servant, and native of Reading, Vermont, S. W. ROBINSON.
LETTER FROM LYSANDER M. DAVIS, ESQ, OF ALABAMA.
The author is a lawyer by profession, and has suffered much for his Union principles. He has been a life long democrat, but when the South rebelled against the Union he refused to go with them, and has ever remained a true friend to the government.
PINE HILL, Wilcox Co., Aug. 11, 1872. To M. E. Goddard, G. A. Davis and W. W. Keyes, Committee of Arrangements, and citizens of Reading :
GENTLEMEN :- A native of your town, who from the days of youth has been a wanderer and sojourner in distant lands ; travel- ling from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from the lakes of Canada to the isthmus of Panama ; but whose heart has ever turned in fond affection to the old homestead in the valley, and ever remembered the place where his eyes first opened on the light of heaven, as the brightest gem that nestles among the green hills of his native state, on this joyous day from his distant home in the far South, asks leave to send you a friendly greeting.
On the committees I see a few familiar names ; but after an ab- sence of forty-two years, I find the larger portion of them strangers Yon dwell in your pleasant homes in peace and safety, none dard molest or make you afraid in your domestic or public enjoyments
45
HISTORY OF READING.
How different the case with the loyal citizens of the South. If we attempt to celebrate the fourth of July, a day dear to our hearts, or display an American flag that we so dearly love to look upon, it is at the peril of our lives. It seems to me not amiss, that on this festive day, when your hearts are all aglow with happiness and joy, to be- speak your sympathy and kindly feeling for your less fortunate fellow citizens of the South, whose hearts have been loyal to the American Union. During the war we suffered all manner of evil from the traitors who fought against our country. Our property, the fruit of long years of toil, was seized by the rebel government, which regarded us as their enemies, and our substance passed away from us as dew before the morning sun. This was to be expected while the war lasted; but when victory perched upon the Union banners, and peace came, we reasonably expected protection from the national government. The Orangemen are protected, Dr. Hou- ard is protected, American citizens native and naturalized are pro- tected against violence in every foreign nation. This is all right ; then why should not those, who in the midst of the nation's enemies, at the time of great national danger, sought to uphold the flag of their country, find protection beneath its ample folds from the vio- lence of those who would destroy them for that act. This whole land is filled with bands of disguised men who travel the country at midnight, burn churches, school houses and dwelling houses, hang and shoot Union men, or whip and order them to leave the state. In fact the life of no loyal citizen is safe if he does anything ex - pressive of his sentiments.
Is it too much for me to ask the freemen of my native town, who stand in the front rank of the liberty loving sons of Vermont, to use their influence through their representative in the national log- islature, to have such laws passed as will give complete protection to those men of the South who have suffered so much loss for their attachment to the national government ?
With the most sincere desire that you, your sons and beauteous daughters, may in all future time dwell in peace and safety in your happy homes on the green hillsides and in the pleasant valleys of your native town ; also, that the time may speedily come when loyal men in happy homes on the sunny, fertile plains of the South may enjoy the same blessing,
I am with much respect and esteem, your fellow citizen,
LYSANDER M. DAVIS.
for he em
2. tte
th
ask a ren dan ent
a
vel
em- ts to road Vho civ. elf JUST hful tifie nces ich xact and still far The the and gin ion ion em t,
46
HISTORY OF READING.
COMMITTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE DAY.
Committees .- M. E. Goddard, G. A. Davis, and W. W. Keyes committee to invite the speakers, arrange the programme for the Celebration, and provide Music.
Committee to select a site for the ceremonies, arrange the ground. appoint the officers of the day and raise funds by subscription :
Dr. W. S. Robinson, Marcus M. Kendall, Honestus Stearns Ferdinand Hawkins, Dexter Buck, Albert Eastman, E. O. Sher- win, Wm. C Bement, Samuel Morgan, Morris C. Newton, Fred C. Warren, Edgar Stearns, A. W. Goddard, L. C. Davis, A. P. Wat kins, Charles Buck, Eugene Parker, and Joseph S. Bond.
Committee to arrange for the free Collation and take charge of the same :
Mr. & Mrs. O. Coburn,
L. G. Coolidge,
Mr. & Mrs. Marcellus Bryant, J. S. Ainsworth,
Geo. H. Buck, Geo. W. Rich,
66 O. D. Amsden, Oren Walker,
66 P. Kinsman,
A. F. Wilkins,
66 Sumner Fletcher,
David E. Burnham.
Charles A. Davis, Miss Annis Buck,
Mr. Edward M. North,
Mr. & Mrs. L. Bailey.
Charles Buck, Wm. Felch, Volney Hammond, Merritt E. God dard and Gilbert A. Davis, Committee to make researches as to the history of Reading, with a view to their preservation and ul timate publication, if thought advisable.
Committee to take charge of firing salute : Otis Baldwin.
Committee on Vocal Music E. Dexter, O. S. Holden, Geo. W Shedd, and Samuel Morgan.
Committee on Invitation M. E. Goddard, C. L. Glynn.
Officers of the Day .- President, Dr. W. S. Robinson. Vici Presidents, W. Felch, Chas. Buck, S. C. Shedd, Levi C. Fay Daniel Stearns, Chas. A. Forbush, J. Q. Hawkins, M. E. Goddard F. Hawkins, A. W. Goddard, P. Merrill.
Secretary, Gilbert A Davis.
Chaplains, Revs. J. S. Small and Ira Carter.
Chief Marshal, L. G. Coolidge.
Aids, W. W. Keyes, Norman W. Wood, Marcus M. Kendall C. S. Whitmore, F. Hawkins.
Police, F. G. Persons, O. D. Amsden, C. A. Morse, Henry Bry ant, Simon M. Buck, Francis Gould, Edgar Stearns, Hobert Pratt Carlos Bryant.
of
he
PART SECOND.
HISTORY OF READING.
CHAPTER I.
1754. On the 30th day of August the little settlement at Charlestown, N. H., was surprised by a party of Indians from Canada. Capt. James Johnson, his wife and three children, his wife's sister Miriam Willard, Peter Labaree and Ebenezer Farus- worth were made prisoners and on the same day started on their tedious and painful journey to Canada. The first encampment was on the night of the 30th on a branch of Black River near the base of Little Ascutney. The men were made secure that night by having their legs put in split sticks, somewhat like stocks, and tied with cords, which were tied to the limbs of trees too high to be reached. Miss Willard much to her mortification, was compelled to lie between two Indians with a cord thrown over her and pass- ing under each of them ; the little children had blankets, and one was furnished for Mrs. Johnson who was in an advanced stage of pregnancy.
In the morning the captives were aroused before sunrise. The Indians struck a fire, hung on their stolen kettles and made some water gruel for breakfast. Mrs. Johnson was put upon a horse, with her husband by her side to hold her on ; Mr. Labarce and Mr. Farnsworth each took a little girl, and thus marching sorrow- fully on, these captives, the first white persons known to have stepped upon the soil of Reading, crossed Knapp's brook near the present residence of N. Parson's, and encamped on the north side of that brook, Mrs. Johnson having added to her multiplied afflictions the pangs of child birth. Leaving the main party at the encampment, Mrs. Johnson and some of the Indians proceeded about one-half mile up the brook and within the territory of the town of Cavendish the Indians erected a booth. The circumstances are best narrated by Mrs. Johnson:
7
Vi Fa lan
ra
dal
rns her- d C Vat e t,
und
yes the
48
HISTORY OF READING.
"Here the compassionate reader will drop a fresh tear for my in- expressible distress ; fifteen or twenty miles from the abode of any civilized being, in the open wilderness, rendered cold by a rainy day-in one of the most perilous hours, and unsupplied with the least necessary that could yield convenience in the hazardous mo- inent. My children were. crying at a distance, where they were held by their masters, and only my husband and sister to attend me; none but mothers can figure to themselves my unhappy fortune. The Indians kept aloof the whole time. About' ten o'clock a daughter was born. They then brought me some articles of cloth- ing for the child, which they had taken from the house. My master looked into the booth, and clapped his hands for joy, crying 'two moneys for me, two moneys for me;' I was permitted to rest the remainder of the day. The Indians were employed in making a bier for the prisoners to carry me on, and another booth for my lodging during the night. They brought me a needle and two pins and some bark to tie the child's clothes, which they gave my sister and a large wooden spoon to feed it with ; at dark they made some porridge, and brought a cup to steep some roots in which Mr. Labaree had provided. In the evening I was removed to the new booth. For supper, they made more porridge and some johnny cakes. My portion was brought me in a little bark. I slept that night far beyond my expectation."
This night's encampment was in Reading.
" In the morning we were summoned for the journey, after the usual breakfast of meal and water. I, with my infant in my arms, was laid on the litter which was supported alternately by Mr. Johnson, Labaree and Farnsworth. My sister and son were put upon Scoggin, and the two little girls rode on their master's backs. Thus we proceeded two miles, when my carriers grew too faint to proceed any farther. This being observed by our sable masters, a general halt was called, and they embodied themselves for coun- cil. My master soon made signs to Mr. Johnson that if I could ride on the horse I might proceed, otherwise I must be left behind. Here I observed marks of pity in his countenance, but this might. arise from the fear of losing his two moneys. I preferred an at- tempt to ride on the horse rather than to perish miserably alone. Mr. Labaree took the infant, and every step of the horse almost deprived me of life. My weak and helpless condition rendered me, in a degree, insensible to everything ; my poor child could have no sustenance from my breast, and was supported entirely by water gruel. My other little children, rendered peevish by an un- easy mode of riding, often burst into cries, but a surly check from their masters soon silenced them. We proceeded on with a slow, mournful pace. My weakness was too severe to allow me to sit on the horse long at a time ; every hour I was taken off and laid on the ground to rest. This preserved my life during the third day. At night we found ourselves at the head of Black River Pond. Here we prepared to spend the night, our supper consisted of gruel
49
HISTORY OF READING.
and broth of a hawk they had killed the preceding day. The prisoners were secured as usual. A booth was made for me, and all went to rest. * * * The night was uncommonly dark, and pass- ed tediously off."
The route taken by this party led through Felchville and South Reading into Plymouth.
The child born under circumstances so peculiar was named Elizabeth Captive Johnson, and subsequently became the wife of Col. George Kimball, and their union was blessed with several children. One of her daughters married Jason Wetherby, Esq. Sophia Wetherby, daughter of Jason, married Oel Billings, Esq., late of Woodstock, Vt., and her son, the Hon. Frederick Billings, is therefore a direct descendant of the little captive.
These captives were taken to Montreal, where Mr. Johnson ob- tained a parole of two months to return and solicit the means of redemption-the ransom money being the motive for the capture as well as the harassing of the English settlements in the prosecu- tion of the war between the French and English. Mr. Johnson applied to the Assembly of New Hamphsire and after some delay, on the 19th of December 1754, obtained £150. But on account of the severity of the winter he did not reach Canada until spring ; he was then charged with breaking his parole, a great part of his money was taken from him by force, and he and his family were thrown into prison, where among other afflictions, they all had the small pox, though successfully. At the expiration of eighteen months, Mrs. Johnson with her sister and daughters were sent in a cartel ship to England, and thence returned to Boston. Mr. Johnson suffered imprisonment for three years and then with his son returned and met his wife in Boston. His eldest daughter was retained in a Canadian nunnery.
In September 1797 and in August 1798, Mrs. Johnson returned to the spot of the encampment on the night succeeding the birth of Captive, and to the spot of the birth, and having fully identified those historical spots, again visited them in 1799 accompanied by Mr. Peter Labaree, and subsequently two slabs of blue slate stone were erected on the stage road near Knapp's brook, to commem- orate these events. The larger slab has upon it the following inscription.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.