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 8
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heart, and committed her every earthly hope. Though the shock of the diretul conflict sank her to a premature grave, yet she died in virgin purity, with the light of heaven's glory through the prom- ises of the gospel, beaming on her soul. But to come back to my story ; William had all the while kept up his correspondente with Fanny, and now in the consummation of his villainy, he writes her of his recent good fortune, and as some old matters of business de- manded his attention at S-, tells her that the day was probably near when they might realize all their anticipated happiness in each others society.
It need not be said that the neat white farm house in which Esq. Walbridge now lived, was put by the attentive family in the best possible condition for the reception of the expected visitor.
It was a summer afternoon in August when a chaise drove up to the door, and it was announced to the various members of the fam- ily that Mr. Athorn had come. He had altered much in his ap- pearance since he left; but this was rather in favor of gentility of manners and address. But alas, they knew not how much altered was the character of his heart ! Fanny in the simplicity of her kind hearted affection, met him at the door and greeted his return as that of her long absent lover. Near two years and a half had he been absent but she had been repeatedly assured that she still lived in his affections. No attention was spared by Esq. Walbridge and his family, that could shew respect to William ; and the anticipated visitors of other days might have returned to his heart were it not, that it was callous to all moral sensibility and bent on the blackest purposes.
While Fanny rested secure in her long cherished confidence in William, and welcomed him in his visit, as the hope of her future life,-while she hoped that the great improvement, she had made during his absence, and especially the devoted piety which she be- gan to cultivate, would commend her to his regard, how did her heart sink within her, when she discovered the blasting spirit of dishonor and ruin floating on the whispers of hisconversation ! What a discovery ! He who had pledged his heart so many years before, to identify his happiness with her own, for life, now under the in- sinuating flatteries of professed affection, seeking her destruction ! She had sacrificed every thing of a temporal interest to him, had remained constant in her attachment during all his long absence ; and how she might be qualified for the promotion of his happiness. had been the object of her most earnest solicitude and untiring ex- ertions. But now her virtue, that light of all her charme, was lemanded, and she was to be left like the scathed myrtle to the withering scorn of the world's just rebuke, and more than this, to he displeasure of her blessed Saviour-was to be left to bear the anguish of her reproach alone, unpitied and forsaken. It was not a lover but a vile wretch that stood before her ! While those thoughts hurried rapidly through her mind, she rushed from his presence as from the jaws of a tiger. She had only strength to
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throw herself into the arms of her father and beg his protection- * * * when she swooned away. * * *
The base lover seeing his designs defeated, with deep chagrin skulked away from the house, and it is said that he left the town with so much precipitation, that his tavern bills were sent after him X * * for settlement, to Salem.
William kept up appearance of gaiety under his mortification ; for the day of remorse had not yet come with him. He continued his addresses to Miss Brooks, and in three months after his return from the country it was published through the gossip of tea parties that their wedding day was appointed.
The day at length came ; a splendid evening party was invited, and the house of Col. Brooks was illuminated from the garret to the cellar. Susan was arrayed in her splendid bridal robes and the company arrived with William Athorn, all were prepared for the season of festive gaiety. The clergyman at length came and pronounced his benediction on the united pair. But while William was congratulating himself with the conquest he had made, and was counting its trophies of thousands from the estate of the wealthy Col. Brooks, a servant handed him the morning papers. He took them and in giving them a passing glance, the first para- graph that struck his eye was the following :
" Died in S -. Miss Fanny, daughter of H. Walbridge, Esq., aged 22. Beloved in life, she is not forgotten in death, and while the affection of parents wreath the laurel over the headstone of her grave, she is embalmed in the hearts of numerous friends, and received a more enduring crown at the hand of her Blessed Lord. She sought to live but to adorn the virtues of humble piety, and the calm peace which she manifested amid the agonies of death, might well be coveted by the most gay and prosperous worldling. While the sorrows and trials of a wicked world, were too much to be borne by her delicate and virtuous sensibilities, she complained not ; and with a meek, humble, and forgiving spirit, bid them farewell."
The language of this notice could leave no doubt on William's mind, that Fanny had fallen a victim to his own base treatment, and vile ingratitude. Long he seemed to be without feeling, but this reflection came to his heart. He, however, concealed his agi- tation, and when the wedding scene was over, he made necessary preparation, for settling in life, and pursued his business without manifesting any apparent interest in this intelligence. But the deep and soul-cutting impressions of that moment could never be banished from his mind, and the wan features of the dying Fanny were the image of his night dreams and the treatment that had pro- cured her death was the subject of his daily reflections.
It was afterwards learned that his impressions on this subject were correct. Though Fanny, in a measure, recovered from the first shock which she experienced, a wasting . consumption soon
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made her its victim, and William Athorn had the character in the neighborhood which he deserved as the occasion of her death.
When prosperity is sought at the expense of principle, the retri- butions of justice seldom slumber. One weck had scarcely passed after the splendid display at the house of Col. Brooks before his name was recorded among the bankrupts of the town, and the dreams of William Athorn all vanished in disappointment. He soon found that fashion and show could not be supported without an expense of property, and by his inventories he learned that the principal of his own estate was diminishing daily. Withal, his own intemperance and other vices soon deranged his affairs, and five years had not passed before William and his wife were reduced to the extremes of poverty. Susan had been very little accus- tomed to the trials of the situation to which she was now reduced, and it need not be surprising that she became so peevish in her habits, and sour in her temper, as to banish every shadow of com- fort from her presence. Besides domestic trials, William's present circumstances were a fit occasion to harrow up the deep remorse which for five years had preyed on his guilty soul. Under kech reflections of his guilt, disgrace and ruin, he left his home to return thither no more.
To hide himself from his bitter anguish and shame, was what constrained him to wander through the country as a miserable vag- abond, and finally to do penance in the wilds of Vermont, by suf- fering in the solitary hermitage, whose site by the borders of the dismal swamp I have already referred to. I need trouble the reader with but few observations further. The retributions of providence for violated honor, have been sufficiently illustrated in what we have related. Suffice it to say, that for ten years he lived, the wreck of manhood, a half reasoning and half maniac being, the hermit of this lone retreat.
He was occasionally seen in his rambles abroad in search of food; but as the people knew little of his history, they did not trouble themselves about the exercises of his heart. The most that is known concerning his death is, that his body was found in his hut, after he had been about ten years resident there, and was in- terred in a corner of the burying ground. But the location is nearly lost, and no one cares to preserve its remembrance. He died alone, without the care or comfort of friends, but there is still in being an old manuscript book, said to have been found in his hut after his decease. It is filled with broken and incoherent sentences, which are scarcely able to be deciphered. Sufficient, however, can be made out, to show that it was a sort of diary, in which is recorded broken sketches of his reflections. Towards its conclusion there is written out more plain and full, this significant paragraph.
Murder ! yes,-this is thy crime! ingratitude the instrument ; and innocence the victim. These hands are stained, this soul is black with guilt's pollution ! O that I could but die and Phis's
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shade might cover me. But now my death scene has come, and I am here alone, to settle this dread account with God. Blessed loneliness, thou dost hide me distressed with these agonies, from the scorn of reproaching man, and none shall have to tell of the hell-lit anguish, which consumes the life cords of the dying mur- derer of Fanny Walbridge.
CHAPTER VI.
PHYSICIANS AND ATTORNEYS-DR. ELKANNAH DAY.
Dr. Day was the first resident Physician in Reading, and came prior to 1790, from Westminister, in Windham County. He was suddenly killed by being thrown from his horse. While a resident of Windham County, he was a very prominent and active man, both as a politician and physician. He was one of the physicians who treated the wounded at the time of the Westminister massacre March 13, 1775, when was shed the first blood of the Revolution. He was for a time a supporter of the jurisdiction claimed by New York over the territory now constituting the State of Vermont, and Aug. 18. 1778, was commissioned Major in Col. E. Patterson's regiment. He was one of the representatives of Cumberland Coun- ty in the New York Provincial Assembly, commencing Aug. 18, 1779, but was in attendance for only a few days,-and was a mem- ber of the N. Y. Senate in 1781. He opposed the formation of a sepirate state government for Vermont, and with twenty-nine others, was arrested and brought before the Superior Court for the State of Vermont, holden at Westminster, May 26, 1779, charged wit'i riotous and unlawful conduct in resisting the authority of the State of Vermont. Stephen Row Bradley, Esq. defended him, while Noah Smith, Esq. conducted the prosecution. Ethan Allen was at Westminster with a body of soldiers, aiding the sheriff in holding and guarding the prisoners, some of whom obtained their discharge on some technical motion made by Bradley. Hear- ing of this, Allen, accoutred in his military dress, with a large cocked hat on his head profusely ornamented with gold lace, and an immense sword swinging by his side, hastily entered the Court room, advanced to the bench, and commenced a furious harangue, addressed to the Court; but aimed principally at Mr. Bradley and the prosecuting attorney.
The presiding Judge, Moses Robinson, of Bennington, informed Allen that he could listen to his remarks as a private citizen, but could not allow him to address them either in military attire, or as a military man. To this Allen replied by a nod, and taking off his chapeau threw it on the table. He laid aside his sword with a flourish, turned to the Court and in dramatic tone exclaimed,
" For forms of government let fools contest :
What e'er is best administered is best."
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He then turned to the audience and having surveyed them for a moment, again addressed the Court as follows:
"Fifty miles I have come through the woods with my brave " men to support the civil with the military arm ; to quell any dis- " turbances should they arise ; and to aid the sheriff and the court " in prosecuting these Yorkers, the enemies of our noble State. I " see, however, that some of them, by the quirks of this artful law- " yer, Bradley, are escaping from the punishment they so richly " deserve, and I find, also, that this little Noah Smith is far from " understanding his business, since he at one moment moves for a " prosecution and in the next wishes to withdraw it. Let me warn " your Honor to be on your guard lest these delinquents should " slip through your fingers, and thus escape the rewards so justly " due their crimes."
Having delivered his speech, he with great dignity replaced his chapeau, buckled on his sword and left the court room. Dr. Day pleaded not guilty and a trial was had before the judges who pro- nounced him guilty and fined him £40 and one thirtieth of the costs which amounted in all to £1,477, 18s.
Dr. Day survived this misfortune, and become a prominent and active citizen of the new State. He was appointed sheriff of Cum- berland county (comprising the present counties of Windham and Windsor) Oct. 16, 1782, and at the session of the superior court holden at Marlboro, Feb. 4, 1783, arrested and imprisoned Timo- thy Phelps for assuming to act as sheriff of Cumberland county, under a commission from the State of New York. He held the position of sheriff until 1787. Dr. Day was town clerk of Read- ing in 1791 and 1792, and the representative of the town in the General Assembly in 1790 and 1791. He resided in Reading be- tween Amasa Watkins' and J. A. Bixby's.
He was possessed of a ready wit and was agreeable and popular in his manners. It is related of him that upon being inquired of by an old lady to know if taking snuff would hurt her brains, he replied in the negative, adding, "for no one who has any brains takes snuff."
Dr. Woodbury Marcy, the second physician, came about 1795. His residence was near Edgar Stearns'. He left town soon after the burning of the meeting house, July 4, 1810.
The third physician was Silas Bowen, M. D. son of Dea. Henry Bowen of Woodstock, Conn. He was born there Sept. 6. 1774, and studied his profession with Dr. Ballantyne of Schodack, N. Y., and came to Reading and commenced practice in 1799, residing near James A. Bixby's. He was afterwards one of the founders of the Medical Society of the State of Vermont, and was eminent in his profession. Dr. Wm. B. Wetherbee read medicine under his direction at Reading. In 1822, Dr. Bowen removed to Char- endon, Vt., where he resided until his death, which took place at Kearney City, Nebraska, while on a visit to his children, Sept. 26, 1857. He was the father of eight children. His son, Dr. Mar-
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cellus Bowen, born at Reading, graduated at Hanover, N. H. Med- ical College and practiced at South Boston, Mass. Dr. Josiah K. Skinner and Dr. - Meade succeeded Dr. Bowen for a short time, but no definite information has been learned of them.
Dr. Joseph Whiting settled at the Center about 1810. He was born at Westford, Mass. He removed to West Wiindsor where he died about 1847, at the place now occupied by John Nichols.
Dr. James Wardner and Dr. - Smith practiced at South Read- ing; the former removed to Plainfield, N. H. the latter died in town.
In 1831, Dr. W. G. Emery and Dr. Isaac Minard were rival practitioners in Reading, and quite a rivalry was going on between their respective friends. The anti-masonic excitement was then at fever heat, and Reading and South Woodstock were the hot beds. Elder Loveland, the great anti-masonic expositor, wielded his fruit- ful pen and fanned the flames to welding heat. 'Emery was a Ma- son, Minard, anti. No man could hold office or patronage during this reign of terror, if he was known to be a Mason. During this excited state of the public mind, Dr. Nathaniel Tolles appeared upon the scene and purchasing the good will of Dr. Emery, com- menced the practice of his profession. Little did the people think when they were enfolding him in their embrace that they were re- ceiving a member of the hated institution, but such was the fact. He was then a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council. He dealt with his patrons rather gingerly, informing them, when interrogated, that he came to practice medicine, not to mingle in political excitement. Dr. T. subsequently purchased the good will of Dr. Minard and the coast was clear. He had a very extensive and highly successful practice in Reading and adjoining towns from his arrival in Sept. 1831, until his removal to Claremont, N. H. March 20, 1841.
Dr. Tolles, the son of Jolin Tolles, was born in Weathersfield, Vt. Sept. 17, 1805, fitted for College at Claremont Catholic Semi- nary, a flourishing institution at that time located in the western part of Claremont, N. H. He did not enter College but com- Inenced the study of medicine and surgery with Dr. James Hall of Windsor, Vt., where he remained parts of two years, and then continued the study with Dr. Charles G. Adams, of Keene, N. H. and graduated at Dartmouth Medical College in November, 1830. He then became resident physician in South Boston Alms House, where he remained six months and then established himself in practice in Reading. While residing at Reading, he was one of the founders and trustees of Ludlow Academy. He is still engaged in the active practice of his profession at Claremont, N. H. He has been a presidential elector, served three years as chairman of the board of county commissioners, was one of the projectors and committee of the high school building at Claremont, is one of the trustees of the Stevens' school fund, and has held numerous other positions of honor and responsibility.
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Dr. L. Foster in 1841 succeeded to the practice of Dr. Tolles at the Centre.
Dr. Levi Aldrich practiced at the Centre until his death there May, 1, 1853.
Succeeding him have been Dr. Chester L. Stewart, Dr. Wmn. L. Paige and Dr. - Marshall, Dr. O. W. Sherwin, now of Wood- stock, practiced at Hammondsville for several years, with repnta- tion and success.
Dr. Levi Putnam was the first physician who settled at Felch- ville, having located there in June, 1832, and built the house now occupied by his widow. He was born in Middlesex, Vt., March 16, 1805, but spent the larger part of his early life at Charles- town, N. H. where he studied medicine and surgery with Dr. Thomas Barrow. He graduated at Dartmouth Medical College in 1830, and after practicing his profession for a short time with Dr. Alpheus Fletcher at Cavendish, Vt. located at Felchville. He married Philetta Wentworth, Dec. 24, 1834, and died August 7, 1845, leaving surviving him a daughter, Lydia A., and a son, A. Wentworth Putnam.
Dr. Marcus Swain, a native of Reading, entered upon the prac- tice of medicine at Felchville, in January, 1845. He remained about one year and was succeeded by Dr. George Guernsey, whose stay was limited to less than one year, having sold his good will to Ripley Clark, M. D. whose professional residence at Felchville continued from November, 1846, to the autumn of 1856.
The practitioners since have been Dr. - Morse, Dr. James P. Osborne, now of Tilton, N. H., Dr. Walter S. Robinson, [see cut] Dr. A. L. Morgan and Dr. Harvey M. Guild.
ATTORNEYS.
Titus Brown, Esq. was the first practicing attorney residing in Reading. His residence and office were northerly of D. E. Born- ham's. His pocket was as " empty as a lawyer's pocket " and he was " warned out " within one year of his arrival, in accordance with the law and practice of those days. He remained but about one year, and removed to New Hampshire, where he became suc- cessful and a member of Congress.
One - Crocker next, hung out his shingle, but remained only a short time, and nothing can be learned of him. Win. Watkins succeeded him. He was a " native," read law with Hon. R. Wash- burn, at Cavendish, Vt. and with Hon. Wm. Upham, U. S. Sena- tor at Montpelier, Vt. and was admitted to the bar at Montpelier, in September, 1825. His first attempts at practice were in Read- ing, having his office at the Centre for about three years. He left Reading with a fortune of one hundred dollars and four cents, in September, 1828, and went to Towanda, Penn, where he has since resided and been extensively engaged in the practice of the law, acquiring thereby fortune and fame. No practicing attorney has
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resided at the Centre since 1828. Judge Uriel C. Hatch opened an office in Felchville in 18-, where he continued in practice un- til his failing health prevented. He had been probate judge and was regarded as a safe counselor. His legal writings are models of neatness and perspicuity.
Josiah Q. Hawkins, Esq. succeeded Mr. Hatch. He was a "na- tive " and the son of Wm. L. Hawkins. He received an academic education, studied law with O. Hutchinson, Esq. and L. Adams, Esq. at Chester, Vt. and was admitted to the bar at Woodstock, Vt. He commenced practice in Felchville about 1847, and con- tinued in practice there until the fall of 1860, when he romoved to Brandon, Vt. where he has since resided and practiced his pro- fession.
The editor of this publication has had his office at Felchville since early in March, 1860. He fitted for College at Chester, (Vt.) Academy, taught school in Warren and Hunterdon counties in New Jersey and in Vermont and New Hamyshire, read law with Jehial G. Shipman, Esq. an eminent attorney and -counselor at law, of Belvidere, N. J. with Judge William Rounds at Chester, Vt. and with Messrs. Washburn & Marsh at Woodstock, Vt. He was admitted to practice at Windsor County Court, May Term, 1859.
CHAPTER VII.
FELCHVILLE AND ITS FOUNDER, WILLIAM FELCH.
This village is in the southeast part of the town, on a branch of Black River. At the settlement of the town the land where the village now stands was low and moist and not considered of much value, and so late as 1831 could boast of only five houses. The advent of William Felch in 1826 seems to have given it the first impulse of growth and importance, and the village bears his nanie. Few men have spent a more active life or pursued callings so va- ried in their characteristics.
Born at Royalton, Mass. Feb, 3, 1797, he came to Windsor, Vt. at the age of 14, where he remained four years and with his father in Cavendish three years, working on a farm. A short sojourn in Ohio, in the winter of 1818, abated his western fever, and induced him to set his face toward the rising sun and he migrated to New York city, and there found employment in regulating streets and lots. Married, at Cavendish, Vt. Oct. 28, 1831, to Bethiah Peck, he immediately moved to New York city and resided there four and one half years, engaged in paving streets, flagging sidewalks, and working a flagging-quarry at King's bridge or Yonkers, kept a grocery store and built three dwelling houses. He came to re- side in Reading in the spring of 1826, and with O. P. Clark built and filled the first store in Felchville, and in 1827 built and kept the first tavern and also built the first factory building there in 1835
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In 1830, with H. Cutting, he carried the first mail from Wood- stock, Vt. through Felchville to Charlestown, N. H. He has built in Felchville eleven dwelling houses with their ont-buildings, and is building one now ; also built one dwelling house in Nebraska, where his youngest daughters now live.
In 1832 and '33 he represented the town of Reading in the State Legislature. He has acted as justice of the peace about forty years, and is now acting in that office ; has been selectman five years, lister twelve years, and held many other town offices. He has been postmaster, a country merchant at three different times, carried on blacksmithing, lime and potash making, and with oth- ers run the satinet factory in Felchville. He built and run a saw mill, acted as drover, and farmed it more or less. He built the house in which he now resides, in 1853.
For the past forty years he has been one of the most enterpris- ing men in the town. His name has been identified with alnost every public act, and probably no one has exerted a greater or bet- ter influence. His position at times may have been assailed, yet all have been willing to give him credit for strict integrity and honest motives. Few men have enjoyed the confidence of the pub- lic to a greater extent than has William Felch.
In October, 1871, he celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his marriage by a golden wedding at his house, in which his neigh- bors, friends and townsmen generally participated. Many beanti- ful presents were made, among them a fine gold-headed cane, bear- ing this inscription : " William Felch, Oct. 28th, 1871." The presentation was made by Gilbert A. Davis, and was most feelingly accepted by the recipient. It was an occasion that few live to cel- brate and was enjoyed by all present.
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