USA > Vermont > Encyclopedia, Vermont biography; a series of authentic biographical sketches of the representative men of Vermont and sons of Vermont in other states. 1912 > Part 24
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CHENEY, ALBERTUS A., Lyndonville. Physician. Born Albany, Sept. 30, 1862; son of Augustus G. and Sylvia M. (Page) Cheney. Educated at Albany and St. Johnsbury Academies, Rush Medical Col- lege. Chicago, and Medical Department University of Vermont. In 1888 married Ida L. Lyon of Craftsbury; they had five children, Phillip and Phyllis (died in in- fancy), Paul E., Maurice L., and Donald. Began practice of medicine at West Burke, August, 1887; removed to Lyndonville, December, 1892; has been in practice there since. Member of firm of Cheney Bros., druggists. A Democrat. In religious pref- erence a Congregationalist. Member of County, Vermont State. and American Medical Societies; and of Crescent Lodge, F. & A. M.
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CHENEY, GEORGE F., St. Johnsbury. Dental surgeon. Born Lunenburg, Nov. 7, 1854; son of Lieut. Nathan C. and Miranda (Powers) Cheney. Educated in the publie schools, St. Johnsbury Aead- emy, and a graduate of Philadelphia Den- tal College, 1883. In 1886 married Persis H. Peabody of St. Johnsbury; she died 1895; in 1897 married Mrs. Emma Smith Peters of Randolph. Followed the occupation of telegraph operator for a few vears. After graduating in dentistry formed a partnership with Dr. Charles D. Newell of St. Johnsbury, taking the full practice from Dr. Newell 1885, and con- tinuing that practice sinee. Has been president of Vermont State Dental So- ciety, and New England Dental Associa- tion; member of Northeastern Dental As- sociation; member of the state board of dental examiners for 15 years, secretary of same for 10 years. A Republican. Member of the Congregational Church. Past master of Passumpsie Lodge No. 27, F. & A. M., St. Johnsbury; member Has- well Chapter, R. A. M .; past commander of Palestine Commandery No. 5, K. T .; 16th degree Scottish Rite Mason; and member of Mount Sinai Temple, Mystic Shrine.
CHENEY, THOMAS CHARLES, Morris- ville. Lawyer. Born Morrisville, Oct. 10. 1868; son of William Stevens and Mary Emerson (Gates) Cheney. Gradu- ated from People's Academy, Morrisville, class of 1886, and University of Vermont, class of 1891. In 1896 married May L. Terrill of Middletown, Conn. Studied law in the office of Judge George M. Pow- ers; admitted to Vermont Bar 1895; formed partnership with Judge Powers, which continued until he was appointed to the supreme court bench. Director of the Vermont Mutual Fire Insurance Co. since 1901, and vice-president of same since 1907. A Republican; states attor- ney of Lamoille County 1898-1900; mes- senger in secretary of state's office 1892- 1; second assistant elerk of house of rep- resentatives 1894; first assistant 1896; clerk 1898-1906; represented Morristown in the Legislatures of 1906 and 1908, and speaker of the house during that period, being elected to the position each term by the unanimous votes of both Republi- eans and Democrats. A Congregationalist. Member of Vermont Alpha of Phi Delta
Theta; Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 8, F. & A. M .; Tucker Chapter No. 15, R. A. M .; Lamoille Commandery No. 13, K. T .; Mt. Sinai Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S .; Rath- bone Lodge No. 24, K. P .; Pastime Club of Morrisville; Vermont Bar Association, and Vermont Historical Association.
CHESTER, FRED H., Windsor. Hotel keeper. Born Laconia, N. H., June 17, 1856; son of Charles T. and Mary (Pat- ten) Chester. Educated in the public schools. In 1884 married Mary A. Mere- dith of Boston; they had one son, Francis Meredith (deceased), and two daughters, Winnifred M. and Jessie Marie. Chief elerk Pemigewassett House, Plymouth, N. H., three years; engaged in railroad busi- ness eight years; manager Glen House, White Mountains, two years ; the Alcazar, St. Augustine, Fla., two years; Mascono- mo House, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass., two years; the Tuileries and Empire Ho- tels, Boston, two years; Hotel Brunswick, Boston, ten years; proprietor Senter House, Center Harbor, N. H., one year; and Windsor Hotel, Windsor, since 1906. A Republican. An Episcopalian. Mem- ber Heptasophs' Association; Hotel Men's Mutual Benevolent Association of the Uni- ted States; Massachusetts Hotel Associa- tion; and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
CHITTENDEN, EDWARD ALONZO, St. Albans. Banker. Born Williston, Aug. 8, 1841; son of Truman Alonzo and Bet- sey (Rhodes) Chittenden; great grandson of Thomas Chittenden, first governor, of Vermont. Educated in the public schools and Williston Academy. In 1871 married Aehsa A. North of Champlain, N. Y. Was clerk Vermont & Canada Railroad, Rouses Point, N. Y., 1864-66; agent Vermont Central and Vermont & Canada Railroad 1866-1870; assistant lost-freight ear and claim agent White River Junetion, 1870- 1; lost-freight ear and claim agent, Ver- mont Central line, 1871-8; superintendent local and joint freight traffic, Central Ver- mont Railroad, St. Albans, 1878-92, and general freight agent 1892-9; director Peoples' Trust Co. since 1899; director Welden National Bank since 1902, and vice-president since 1904; member and chairman Bellows Free Academy Fund since 1900; ex-president New Eng- land General Freight Agents' Associa-
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tion; ex-president and founder Can- adian General Freight Agents' Associa- tion. A Republican; chief inspector of elections, Champlain, N. Y., 1866; aide- de-camp with rank of colonel on staff of Gov. Horace Fairbanks 1876-8; assistant judge Franklin County court 1900-7. An Episcopalian, and ex-vestryman. Junior warden Franklin Lodge No. 4, F. & A. M., St. Albans; past high priest and minor offices in Royal Arch Chapter, and a Knight Templar. Charter member, or- ganizer and first president Vermont Soci- ety Sons of American Revolution; charter member, organizer and first deputy gover- nor-general Society of Colonial Wars in the State of Vermont ; life member in New York and organizer in Vermont of For- eign Wars Society.
CHITTENDEN, MERRITT DARROW, Burlington. Educator. Born Johnson, Feb. 18, 1874; son of Heman Bethuel and Emma (Darrow) Chittenden. The history of the Chittenden family in Vermont dates back to the days of Governor Thomas Chittenden, and the Rev. Bethel Chitten- den, the first itinerant Episcopal clergy- man in the state. Graduated from Swan- ton High School 1890; University of Ver- mont, with degree of A. B., 1894; in 1898. took a special course in the Harvard sum- mer school; in 1902 the Cottage City sum- mer school at Martha's Vineyard, and the 1911 course at Columbia University sum- mer session. In 1901 married Gertrude M. Cahee of Brandon; they have one daughter, Elizabeth F. Was principal Underhill graded school 1895-6; Roches- ter high school, 1896-8; principal of the Brandon graded and high school 1898- 1904; in 1904 opened and organized Bel- lows Free Academy at Fairfax, an insti- tution endowed with $225,000; in 1908 appointed principal of Burlington High School, continuing to date. A Republican. Member of Episcopal Church. Member Delta Psi fraternity (U. V. M.) ; in 1905 president of Vermont Schoolmasters' Club, and examiner of teachers of Franklin County; 1907-8 president of Franklin County Teachers' Association. A 32 de- gree Mason, member of Knights Templar, Scottish Rite and Shrine; Vermont State Teachers' Association; American Institute of Instruction and National Educational Association.
CHURCH, CARLETON O., Whiting. Farmer and dealer in real estate. Born Leicester, July 18, 1868; son of Charles Franklin and Fannie Annette (Roberts) Church. Educated in the public schools, Brandon and Middlebury High Schools, and Eastman's Business College, Pough- keepsie, N. Y. Mr. Church is unmarried. The principal part of his life has been de- voted to exporting cattle and merino sheep to Australia and South Africa; dealer in Long Island real estate. Is a Republican ; represented Whiting in the Legislature 1908. Member of Union Lodge No. 2, F. & A. M., of Middlebury, and a Knight Templar.
CHURCHILL, GEORGE A., Burlington. Druggist. Born Hudson Falls, N. Y., May 16, 1868; son of Frank A. and Mary M. (Schaffer) Churchill. Educated at Hudson Falls High School. In 1908 mar- ried Lucile Tobey of Burlington ; they had one daughter, Frances Loraine (deceased). Learned jeweler's trade in Hudson Falls, N. Y., where he was engaged two years; machinists' trade in Schenec- tady where he was employed three years ; and learned pharmacy in Rutland, where he was engaged eight years; came to Bur- lington in 1896, and succeeded Geo. L. LaFountain & Co., druggists, continuing business since. A Republican. In relig- ious preference a Methodist. Member of Washington Lodge No. 3, F. & A. M .; Burlington Chapter No. 3, R. A. M .; Bur- lington Commandery No. 2, Knights Tem- plar; Cairo Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S .; Lake Champlain Yacht Club; Ethan Allen Club; and charter member Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
CLARK, CHARLES EDGAR, Greenfield, Mass. Naval officer. Born Bradford, Ang. 10, 1843; son of James Dayton and Mary Sexton Clark. Educated in the public schools, Bradford Academy, and Naval Academy 1860-3; LL. D. University of Pennsylvania 1905. In 1869 married Maria Louise Davis of Greenfich, Mass ; they have two daughters. Mary Louisa (married Commander S. S. Robinson. U. S. N.); and Caroline Russell (married Commander C. F. Hughes, U. S. N.). Entered Naval Academy at Annapolis. Sept. 29, 1860; advanced to rank of en- sign Nov. 1. 1863; ordered to the Os-
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[CLARK
sipee and served in her the last two years of the civil war, taking part in the battle of Mobile Bay, and in the attack upon Fort Morgan, commanding the quarter- deck division; assigned to steamer Van- derbilt of the Pacific squadron, 1865-8, where he witnessed the battle of Callao and bombardment of Valparaiso; as lieu- tenant-commander was wrecked in the Suwanee in 1868 near Vancouver Island; West India Station, 1869-70; Naval Academy 1870-3; China Station 1871-7; shore duty 1878-81; promoted to com- mander Nov. 15, 1881; New Hampshire line of battleship 18.82; Ranger, North Pacific. 1883-6, in charge of the survey of west coast of Mexico and Central America; shore and sea duty till 1894; commanded patrol fleet in Behring Sea 1894; promoted to captain June 21, 1896; shore and sea duty till March, 1898; took command of battleship Ore- gon March 14, 1898, then in Puget Sound, sailed March 19, from San Francisco, ar- riving at Jupiter Inlet, Florida, May 24, 1898, a distance of 16,764 miles in 55 days of actual steaming, without acci- dent, the most remarkable voyage in steam marine annals; joined fleet at Key West and on May 25, took part in the bom- hardment of Santiago and in the battle of Santiago, July 3, 1898, when the Span- ish fleet essaved its passage out of San- tiago harbor. Here the Oregon was at the head of the line of battleships, Capt. Clark on the forward turret, and en- gaged each of the enemy's vessels until they were destroyed, a total of 1776 shots being delivered from her guns. Detached from Oregon Aug. 6, 1898, on duty at League Island navy yard, at Naval Home, and on examining and returning boards until retired on Aug. 10, 1905, as senior rear admiral. Washington, D. C. ad- dress. "The Ontario."
CLARK, ERNEST FRANK, Groton. Grain dealer. Born Groton, Ang. 6, 1883; son of Benjamin F. and Emma J. (Coffin) Clark. Educated in the public schools, Montpelier High School, class of 1902, and Worcester Academy, Worcester, Mass., class of 1903. In 1903 married Minnie G. Adams of Groton; they have two chil- dren. Benjamin Franklin and Ruby Emma. Began business life as clerk in general store for Hall & Cochran, Groton; in 1905 went into partnership with R. A. David-
son, forming the firm of Clark & David- son; in 1908 they built the electric light plant known as the Clark & Davidson electric light and power plant; is secre- tary and treasurer, of Groton Electric Co. Is a Democrat; was town treasurer 1909; is village clerk; has been village trustee since 1907, when the village was incor- porated. Member of the Methodist Church. Member of Pulaski Lodge No. 58, F. & A. M., Wells River; Palestine Command- ery No. 5, K. T., St. Johnsbury; Mt. Sinai Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Mont- pelier; a 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason; past chancellor Caledonian Lodge No. 15, K. P., Groton; past counselor Camp No. 8514, Modern Woodmen of America, of Groton.
CLARK, FREDERICK CHAPIN, Brattle- boro. Merchant. Born Marlboro, April 20, 1868; son of William Frederick and Emma A. (Reed) Clark. Educated in the public schools. In 1907 married Bertha A. Honghton of Brattleboro. Came to Brattleboro in 1888 and engaged as clerk in Pullen Bros.'
grocery store, later changed to A. J. Pullen, and later Pullen & Whitney, and E. D. Whitney. As part- ner of J. Warren Miller, succeeded Mr. Whitney in 1897, as Clark & Miller in 1899 purchased Mr. Miller's interest, since conducting business alone, and with no change of location during the 23 years. A Republican. A Congregationalist. Mem- ber of Brattleboro Lodge of Masons and the Vermont Wheel Club.
CLARK, GEORGE WASHINGTON, Morris- ville. Real estate and cattle dealer. Born Hyde Park, June 10, 1846; son of Chester and Elvira (Crosby) Clark. Educated at Stowe High School, and People's Acad- emy, Morrisville. In 1889 married May H. Noyes of Morrisville; she died 1891; they had one daughter, Ruth ; in 1905 mar- ricd Blanche M. Atwood of Stowe; they have two children, Francis Atwood and May Elvira. For about 30 years engaged in the purchase and sale of farm produce, mostly cattle, sheep, and wool; later has dealt also in real estate; from 1880-4 was partner of Hon. Amory Davison of Crafts- bury, buying and selling cattle extensively in Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecti- cut. Is a Republican; represented Mor- ristown in the Legislature 1910; has been a member for Lamoille County of the Re-
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publican committee of the first congres- sional district for 12 years; notary public many years; member of cemetery commit- tee 20 years; board of village trustees three years; and superintendent of the poor four years. Is a Congregationalist; one of the prudential committee eight years. Member of Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 8, F. & A. M .; Tucker Chapter No. 15, R. A. M .; Coral Chapter No. 16, O. E. S .; Lamoille Commandery No. 13, K. T .; La- moille Grange; and Modern Woodmen of America.
CLARK, HARRY ELIAS, Halifax. Mill- man. Born Halifax, Ang. 7, 1886; son of Charles F. and May T. (Stone) Clark. Educated at Arms Academy, Shelburne Falls, Mass. Since the age of 21 has bcen extensively engaged in the manufac- ture of rough lumber and chair stock. A Republican. A Baptist. Worshipful mas- ter of Unity Lodge No. 89, F. & A. M., of Jacksonville. Post-office address, Elm- grove. Mass.
CLARK, JOHN CALVIN, St. Johnsbury. Treasurer and general manager. Born Lunenburg, June 3, 1852; son of John Spencer and Eliza Ann (Robinson) Clark. Educated in the public schools of Newton, Mass., and public and private schools at Detroit, Mich. In 1881 married Lida Ella Puffer of Chelsea; they have four children, Robert Puffer, Margaret Robin- son, Arthur Dana, and Dorothea Clark. Entered First National Bank, St. Johns- bury, 1870; appointed cashier of First National Bank, Chelsea, 1873; assistant cashier First National Bank, St. Johns- bury, 1883; cashier 1886; treasurer of E. & T. Fairbanks & Co. 1893; secretary and director 1895 ; general manager 1911; now holds these several offices in the company ; director First National Bank since 1893; director, secretary, and treasurer of St. Johnsbury Electric Co .; director and treas- urer of E. & T. Fairbanks & Co., Ltd., Sherbrooke, P. Q. Is a Republican; rep- resented St. Johnsbury in the Legislature 1894. Member of the Congregational Church.
CLARK, OSMAN DEWEY. Montpelier. Insurance. Born Montpelier, Nov. 26, 1855 ; son of John Wesley and Betsey Ann (Dewey) Clark. Educated in the Mont- pelier public schools, and Amherst College,
class of 1876. In 1882 married Elizabeth DeWitt Atkins of Montpelier; they had two children, DeWitt Atkins and Bar- bara; in 1902 married Lucy Harriet Jacobs of Montpelier. Admitted to Ver- mont Bar 1879; practiced law and was trial justice, Montpelier, 1879-84; assist- ant secretary National Life Insurance Co. 1885-99; secretary since 1899; and a director of the company; bailiff, Montpel- ier, 1882-4; chief of fire department, 1890- 9. Was colonel 1st Vermont Volunteer Infantry, Spanish-American war. Is a Republican; member of Montpelier Re- publican Committee 1880-1900; State Re- publican Committee 1900-2. Is an Epis- copalian; clerk of Christ Church Parish 1885-1906. Member of Aurora Lodge, King Solomon Chapter, Montpelier Coun- cil, Mt. Zion Commandery, Mt. Sinai Temple; member of Military Order of Foreign Wars, past commander of Com- mandery of Vermont and present deputy treasurer of National Commandery ; mem- ber Sons of American Revolution and Loyal Legion ; past president Apollo Club; member Montpelier Country Club; past president Vermont State Firemen's Asso- ciation ; trustee of Wood Art Gallery and its secretary-treasurer.
CLARKE, JOHN MURRAY, Burlington. Physician. Born Concord, Sept. 21. 1846; son of Charles Chapman and Alice (Marslı) Clarke. Educated in public schools of Massachusetts, Green Monn- tain Institute, South Woodstock, Harvard Medical College, and University of Ver- mont Medical College, M. D. 1873. In 1874 married Julia Gleason of Hartford, Conn .; they had three children, John Mur- ray (deceased), Julia G. (deceased), and Alice Gleason, wife of Edward P. Wood- bury of Burlington. Served as interne one year in city hospital at Hartford, Conn .; joined medical staff at the Brattleboro Asylum 1872 as second assistant physi- cian, the following year being promoted to first assistant superintendent, remain- ing there 10 years; 1882 removed to Bur- lington and established Lake View Sani- tarium for the treatment of nervous and mild mental diseases, continuing the insti- tution to 1904; since then has devoted his time and experience to consultation work in mental diseases. Is a Republican; al- derman four years; chairman of commis- sion to install city water filtration plant. Is a Unitarian; served on church commit-
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[CLAY
tee six years. Member of all Masonic bodies ; past master, past high priest, and past eminent commander; 32 degrees Scottish Rite; member of Cairo Temple, Mystie Shrine; president Vermont State Medieal Society 1888.
CLAY, GEORGE M., Brattleboro. In- surance. Born North Thetford, Aug. 4, 1869; son of Benjamin M. and Ellen (Heath) Clay. Graduated Brattleboro High School, 1888. In 1896 married Maud R. Brown of Brattleboro; they have one daughter, Eleanor. Commenced busi- ness with F. K. Barrows, dry goods, 1886; entered employ of Pratt, Wright & Co., clothiers, upon graduation from high school; with Cumner, Jones & Co., whole- sale tailors' trimmings, Boston, October, 1889; at death of father, went to Brat- tleboro, with Emerson & Son, March, 1901 ; entered offiee Estey Organ Co., Bos- ton, Jan. 1, 1903; traveling salesman for that concern two years later; Jan. 1, 1909, entered office H. E. Taylor & Son, Brat- tleboro, as special agent National Life Insurance Co .; bought insurance business from estate of C. F. R. Jenne, June 6, 1905. Is a Republican, a Congregation- alist. and deacon of Center Church, Brat- tleboro, since Jan. 1, 1906. Member of all Brattleboro Masonic bodies, and Lodge of Perfection at Windsor; past master of Brattleboro Lodge No. 102, F. & A. M .; generalissimo of Beauseant Commandery No. 7, K. T .; member Wantastiquet Lodge No. 5, I. O. O. F.
CLEAVES, KENDALL LONGFELLOW, Montpelier. Dental surgeon. Born Ad- dison, Me., Nov. 1, 1867 ; son of Benjamin Franklin and Angeline H. Cleaves. Grad- uated from Philadelphia Dental College 1890. In 1897 married Harriet Foster of East Montpelier ; they have three children, Kendall Foster, Paul Longefellow, and Katherine. Has practiced dentistry in Montpelier since 1891; dental examiner for 15 years; member of Vermont State Dental Society, its president in 1899; inember Northeastern Dental Association. A Republican. Member of the Unitarian Church. Member of Aurora Lodge No. 22. F. & A. M .; King Solomon Chapter No. 7. R. A. M .; Montpelier Council No. 1. R. & S. M .; Mt. Sinai Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and the Apollo Club of Montpelier.
CLIFT, EDWIN BUXTON, Fair Haven. Physician and surgeon. Born Middletown Springs, May 25, 1868; son of Crocker Josiah and Mary Jane (Buxton) Clift. Educated in the public schools, Troy Con- ference Academy, Middlebury College, 1890, and Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, 1900. In 1890 married Lou- ise H. Edgerton of Middlebury; they had two children, Helen Seymour and Sybil (deceased). Instructor in mathematics Black Hall School, Black Hall, Conn., 1890-91 ; in mathematies and history, Cary Seminary, 1891-96; with W. A. Wells & Co., Muchakinoek, Ia., 1896-7; physician Fair Haven since 1900. A Democrat ; candidate for town representative 1902; candidate for representative to Congress 1908. Member of Protestant Episcopal Church. Member of Vermont Homeo- pathie Medical Society; American Insti- tute of Homeopathy; Union Lodge No. 2, F. &. A. M. of Middlebury; Eureka Chap- ter No. 30, R. A. M., of Fair Haven; Killington Commandery No. 6, K. T., of Rutland; Fair Haven Lodge No. 52, I. O. O. F .; Prospeet Grange of Fair Haven; and Green Mountain Camp No. 9535, Modern Woodmen of America.
COBB, LUTHER A., Island Pond. Bank- er. Born Morgan; son of Ira L. and Mira (Lord) Cobb. Educated in the pub- lic schools and St. Johnsbury Academy, graduate of the class of 1890. In 1890 was appointed bookkeeper in the Island Pond National Bank, later becoming as- sistant eashier, then cashier, which posi- tion he still holds. Is a Republican; rep- resented Island Pond in the Legislature 1906; was appointed bank commissioner by Governor Bell in 1904, and reappointed in 1906. In religious belief a Congrega- tionalist. Past master Island Pond Lodge No. 44, F. & A. M.
COBLEIGH, ADNA B., West Derby. Merchant. Born West Burke, July 3, 1877; son of Freedom S. and Laura (Beemis) Cobleigh. Educated at Derby Academy. In 1899 married Carrie B. De- land of Lyme, N. H .; they have two ehil- dren, Laura I. and Leota P .; worked as elerk in store at Thetford, 1893-7; bought a general store at West Derby, 1902; and has continued in business there to present time. Is a Republican; post- master at West Derby, 1902-6, and 1910
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to date; represented Derby in the Vermont Legislature 1906; selectman since 1908; member of Republican town committee 1904-6. In religious belief a Universalist. Member of Evening Star Lodge No. 39, I. O. O. F .; and West Derby Camp No. 11079, Modern Woodmen of America.
COLBURN, EDGAR GRANT, Montpel- ier. Merchant. Born Marshfield, Feb. 9, 1864; son of Arthur. T. and Susan W. (Batchelder) Colburn. Educated in the public schools. Married Fannie E. Brown of Lebanon, N. H .; they have one son, Elbert B. Engaged in farming until 1891; was foreman for John E. Hubbard four years; clerk for O. D. Scribner, pork dealer, 12 years previous to 1907, when in partnership with E. J. Fallon he bought the business, which they have since con- ducted. Is a Republican. Member and deacon of the Congregational Church; su- perintendent of the Sunday-School four years. Member of the Independent Or- der of Odd Fellows.
COLBURN, ZERAH, Norwich. Arith- metical prodigy, minister and educator. Born Cabot, Sept. 1, 1804; son of Abia and Elizabeth (Hill) Colburn. Educated at Westminster school, England; the Royal College, Paris; and the University of Vermont. In 1829 married Mary Hoyt of Hartford. Had five daughters and one son, Miss Jane Colburn of Concord, N. H., the only survivor. When six years old he was surprisingly gifted as an arith- metical calculator. Was exhibited in Ver- mont, and later went on an extended tour. At Hanover, N. H., President Wheelock of Dartmouth College offered to educate him. In Boston problems were answered sooner than could be done on paper. He found the number of seconds in 2,000 years, and the number of times a clock would strike in 2,000 years making 156 strokes each day. Told the number of kernels of corn in a field on being given the number of acres, rows, hills, ears and kernels on an ear. Is reported to have answered in four seconds the number of seconds in eleven years. He extracted square and cube roots with ease. His work on occasions of exhibition was done entirely by mental process. Some Bos- tonians talked of raising $5,000 for his education, but the plan fell through. In Philadelphia Rembrandt Peele painted
a portrait of him. Visited Washington, and on the way back with considerable money derived from exhibitions, the father, by a timely discovery, averted a plan to rob him at a New York inn. Rc- turning to Vermont, stayed a brief timc, left $500 with his wife, and then traveled in other states. In 1812 they began a voyage of 38 days to England, with let- ters of introduction from ex-Gov. Gerry of Massachusetts, Hon. Rufus King and others. The boy's reputation had preceded him. Many wished to see for themselves. The philanthropist, Wm. Wilberforce, showed a personal interest in his moral welfare. Many persons of rank and learn- ing called to see him. Among them werc the Bishop of Oxford, the Duke of Glou- cester, the Earl of Aberdeen, the Prin- cess Charlotte with her tutor. and Sir Humphrey Davy. He gave public exhi- bitions. Asked to square 888.888, he gave the correct result in twelve figures, and then multiplied this product by 49. His most remarkable power seemed to be in factoring. He would give all the factors of some large numbers. Asked to factor 36.083 he at once said it was a prime number. Given a certain number of ten figures, which had baffled some good math- ematicians, he found mentally the only two factors which it had. being 641 and 6.700.417. His calculations combined great rapidity, accuracy, peculiar methods, unfailing memory and an intuitive power in some operations, which he could not impart or explain. Sometimes, when do- ing his most difficult tasks, he, like the Royalton boy prodigy, Truman H. Saf- ford, would go through bodily contor- tions, though not himself realizing any mental strain. In visits to Scotland and Ireland men of science were attracted. In 1814 a private tutor was engaged. Taken from London to Paris. a French tutor was employed for a few months. The boy was examined before members of the French Institute, the astronomer, La Place, being present. Dr. Gall, the phre- nologist, desired to make a plaster cast of his face. Count Guizot mentioned him with commendation in his Annals of Edu- cation. Washington Irving. then in Paris, proved to be a good friend, and promoted his education and advancement. He was admitted to the Royal College May 30. 1815. Napoleon desired to meet him, but the battle of Waterloo prevented. In
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