USA > Vermont > Chittenden County > Gazetteer and business directory of Chittenden County, Vermont, for 1882-83 > Part 34
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 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65
Thomas Chittenden, or Gov. Chittenden as he is more familiarly known, was, as previously mentioned, the first to commence settlement in this town, and was also one of the first and heaviest landholders in this locality. Gov. Chittenden was born in Guilford, Conn., January 6, 1730, of parents in very moderate circumstances, his father being a small farmer. Young Chittenden was trained to a life of economy and toil, his only educational advantages being those afforded by the common schools of his native town. Until the age of eighteen, he pursued the ordinary round of a farmer's life, when he became enchanted with the idea of becoming a sailor. Accordingly, he found a merchant vessel about to sail from New London to the West Indies, on which he enlisted as a common sailor. But his bright visions of a daring sea- rover's exploits were doomed to disappointment, for before the vessel upon which he had embarked reached its destination, it was seized by a French man-of-war, its cargo confiscated and the ship destroyed. Not wishing to be
27 256
TOWN OF WILLISTON.
burdened with the crew of the ill-fated vessel, the Frenchmen put them ashore upon an uninhabited island, whence, after much suffering, they were finally rescued, and Chittenden reached his home, wiser in the ways of the world, and thoroughly disenchanted of the idea of becoming a sailor. Soon after . his return, in October, 1749, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Megs, a kind hearted, robust young lady, of congenial habits and education, one eminently fitted for the station she was destined to attain as the wife of the Governor of democratic Vermont. They soon after removed to Salisbury, a new town in northeastern Connecticut, where they resided twenty-four years, Mr. Chittenden soon becoming one of the leading inhabitants of the town, representing it in the assembly of the colony for several years, and holding the office or colonel of the militia. Becoming a landowner in Williston, he was tempted by the pleas- ing and productive locality to give up his home in Salisbury, and begin the life of a pioneer, coming to this town in 1774. When driven off by the incursions of the enemy, in 1776, he took up his residence in Arlington, where he remained until the close of the war, then returned to Williston.
Here, aside from the high political stations he attained, he enjoyed the fellowship and love of his friends and neighbors, and became particularly noted for sociability and hospitality, his house being at all times open to the ever welcome guest. Of his residence, Col John A. Graham, in a book of his travels in Vermont, published at London in 1797, says: "About ten miles from Burlington Bay, in Williston, which is on the south side of Onion River, is the beautiful and elegant residence of Governor Chittenden. The buildings are of brick, finely elevated on a well-chosen spot of ground, which commands a boundless prospect, over a vast country of intervale lands of thousands of acres, of which the Governor is owner in fee." The buildings are standing to-day about as they were then.
It is indeed just that Chittenden should receive the title of " The Father of the State," for the formation of the territory of Verinont into a separate State, the successful progress of its government, and its final establishment against the powerful opposition of other governments, were owing in a great degree to his almost unerring foresight, unhesitating firmness and sound judg- ment. He was chosen one of the coucil of safety by the convention that formed the State constitution in July, 1777, and became at once the president of the body ; was chosen the first governor of the State, in March, 1778, and from that date until 1797, he was annually re-elected to that office, with the single exception of the year 1789, when, there being no choice, Moses Robinson was elected by the legislature. The next year Gov. Chittenden was re-chosen by a large majority. During the whole period of his administration, he ex- erted a powerful and healthful influence over the affairs of the State, and had the pleasure of witnessing the triumphant success of his earnest efforts, in the prosperity and happiness of a grateful people, whose political affairs he had for years been greatly instrumental in guiding. He resigned the office in the year 1797, on account of failing health, and died on the 25th of August of
25628
TOWN OF WILLISTON.
that year, leaving an unsullied reputation, pure and spotless as the snowy sheet upon which we write. His descendants are numerous, several of whom have occupied high political positions in the State and county. In the quiet cemetery at Williston village is the grave where rests all that was mortal of this good man, marked by a marble monument, upon which is traced the fol- lowing inscription : -
IN MEMORY OF HIS EXCELLENCY, THOMAS CHITTENDEN, ESQ., WHO GOVERNED THE STATE OF VERMONT FROM MARCH, 1778, TO THE TIME OF HIS DEATH, (SAVE ONE YEAR) AUGUST, 1797: HE WAS BORN JANUARY 6, 1730. HIS WAS A LIFE OF USEFULNESS : LET THOSE WHO READ STRIVE TO IMITATE HIS VIRTUES.
In the same cemetery is another monument marking the last resting place of his son, Martin, who was also a governor of the State, bearing the follow- ing inscription :-
THE HON. MARTIN CHITTENDEN DIED
SEPTEMBER 5, 1840, AGED 71 YEARS.
Martin was born in Salisbury, Conn., and came to Vermont with his father. He was a member of congress from Vermont, from 1803 to 1813, and gov- ernor of the State in 1813 and 1814. He graduated from Dartmouth Col- lege in 1789.
Hon. Lemuel Bottom, another pioneer whose memory the people of Wil- liston still cherish with pride, was one of the most substantial and enterprising of the early settlers. He began his residence here in 1786, and early gained the entire respect and confidence of his townsmen and neighbors, by whom he was returned to many town and county offices, remaining an earnest, con- scientious worker for the public weal until death cut short his labors, in 1815.
Col. Isaac McNeil was also prominently identified with the best interests of the first inhabitants of Williston, coming to this town from Litchfield, Conn., the first lawyer who dwelt within its limits. Possessed of an education and rare ability, he could not remain long unnoticed by the public, and conse- quently was soon elected to offices of town and county trust, continuing to be thus honored until his death, in 1807.
Jonathan Spafford, who came here soon after Gov. Chittenden's first settle- ment, was a man eminently endowed by Nature to endure the hardships inci- dent to pioneer life, as well as to assist in laying broad and deep the founda- tions of a prosperous settlement. Strong in frame, with an equally well bal-
29 256
TOWN OF WILLISTON.
anced and hardy mind, he carved a niche in the history of Williston, and a place in the hearts of its inhabitants, during his long life among them, that still remains, though his body has long since united with the dust in the prov- ince of Upper Canada, where he died at an advanced age.
Solomon and Elisha Miller were also prominent among the early settlers, coming to this town at an early date, locating upon land which now com- prises the center of the village of Williston. Solomon was born at West Springfield, in 1761, and at the breaking out of the Revolution entered the American army, where he served with honor, participating in the battle of Bennington, and the taking of Burgoyne. Soon after the war he removed to Vermont, locating in Wallingford, where, in connection with Nathaniel Chipman, he was engaged in the iron business, remaining until 1786, when he took up his residence here, and was soon chosen town clerk, which office he retained from 1794 to 1815, a period of twenty-one years. He was also clerk of the supreme and county courts for twenty years, and judge of pro- bate about the same length of time, serving also as a member of the State council for several years. He died in 1847, aged eighty-seven years. Elisha also died about the same time, and his son, William, is still a resident of the town.
Elisha Wright, from Connecticut, came to Williston some time previous to 1797, locating upon the farm now occupied by his grandson, Orson H., re- maining until his death, in 1830. In 1797, soon after his settlement here, his son John was born, who died here in 1874. Smith, son of John, is the present postmaster at Williston village, and has served his townsmen as associate judge two years, from 1868 to 1870, and has also represented the town of St. George four years, 1852-'53 and 1860-'61. He is largely en- gaged in farming and dairying, having a herd of fifty cattle, and also exten- sively connected with the poultry trade, having handled $60,000.00 worth of poultry during the past year.
Beriah Murray, from Claremont, N. H., located in Williston at an early day, together with with his son, Calvin, who subsequently died in the town of Hinesburgh. Calvin's son, David A., is still a resident of this town.
John Charles, a German, came to this continent when eight years of age, locating in Montreal. When still quite young, and early in the history of Williston, he took up his residence here, where he died, after raising a family of twelve children. H. L. Charles, the eldest of the children, has carried the mail between Williston village and North Williston twenty seven consecutive years.
Dea. Jonathan Talcott, one of the early settlers of the town, came here from Connecticut among the first inhabitants, locating upon the farm lately occupied by his son, Roswell. Four years after the birth of the latter, Dea. Talcott died, and young Roswell was sent away among friends, where he re- mained until he became of age, then returned and took up his residence on the old homestead, remaining until September, 1881, a period of fifty-nine years, when he removed to the place he now occupies on road 12.
-
2563℃
TOWN OF WILLISTON.
John Bushnell was also one of the early settlers of Williston, coming here from Connecticut. The exact date of his settlement we are unable to state, though it must have been previous to 1795, as his eldest son was born here, and is now eighty-seven years of age. Mr. Bushnell, after a long and useful life, died here, in 1821. His son, Hiram, born here in 1798, is still a resi- dent of the town.
Obadiah Walston, from Connecticut, came early in the settlement of the town, remaining until his death, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. His grandson, Obadiah, born in Richmond, came here when fifteen years of age, locating on road 38, and is still a resident. Charles Walston, residing on road 40, is also a grandson.
Jonathan Alexander, born in the town of Sutton, Conn., came to Williston at the age of nineteen years, with his fortune, consisting of twenty-five cents, in his pocket. He remained here until his death, aged over eighty-three years, leaving 156 acres of land to his daughter, Lotica, which, by economy and prudence, he had accumulated from an original investment of twenty-five cents.
Elisha Bradley, from New Haven, Conn., immigrated to Huntington about ninety years ago, and subsequently removed to this town, where he died, in November, 1848. His son, Sylvester, born here, died February 5, 1873. They both resided upon the farm now occupied by Oras Bradley.
Jehiel Isham, from Connecticut, came to this locality at an early date, locating in St. George, where he died in 1847. His son, Ezra, born in St. George, died in this town. Ezra's sons, Addison, John D., and Jackson, still are residents here.
Stephen N. Warren came to Williston at an early day, and subsequently died in Fairfax. His son, Charles E., now residing on road 43, was born here.
Daniel Shaw, from Taunton, Mass., came to this town in 1790, and died here in 1804. His son, Daniel, Jr., came with him, and survived his father six years, dying in 1810. Daniel was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and built some of the first houses in Williston village. His daughter, Mrs. Lock- wood, is a resident of the town.
Jacob Hinsdill, born in Connecticut, came to St. George previous to the year 1800, and died in this town at the age of seventy-six years. His son, Giles S., now residing on road 2, was born in St. George in 1805.
Thomas Metcalf immigrated to this country from England during the first half of the present century, and coming to Vermont located in Underhill, where he remained until 1854, when he took up his residence in this town.
George A. Chapman, born in Cavendish, Windsor Co, Vt., came to Wil- liston in 1840, though he remained but a short time, two or three years, then removed to Jericho where he resided for a number of years, then returned to this town and located where he now resides, on road 8.
Gardner G. Brown, born in the town of Broome, Can., came to Williston
31256
TOWN OF WILLISTON.
about forty-five years ago. He was for a time engaged in mercantile pur- suits on Muddy Brook, but is now a farmer.
Moses Bates, born in Thompson, Conn., in 1777, came to Colchester while yet a young man, and died there March 16, 1849. His son, George, born in Colchester, came to Williston, in 1853, locating upon the place he now occu- pies, on road 2. His dwelling was built by his grandfather, Zachariah Hart, who occupied it nearly sixty years, and died here at the great age of nearly one hundred years.
Andrew Pine, from Tinmouth, came to Williston in 1818, remaining about ten years, then removed to the western part of New York, where he soon after died. His son, Joseph, born in Tinmouth, now resides on road 22.
John Patten, born in Ireland, came to Williston in 1830, remaining until his death, in February, 1875.
Charles Curtis, residing on road 36, was a soldier during the late war, hav- ing enlisted in the 13th Mich. Infantry, at Paw Paw, Mich., in 1861, from which he was discharged in 1862, for gunshot wounds. He suqsequently re- enlisted, in the 16th N. Y. Cavalry, at Oswego, N. Y., and was finally dis- charged in 1864.
Timothy Bliss, from Massachusetts, located in Essex at an early day, where his son, William, was born, who was killed in 1816, by a fall from a mill. Alanson, son of William, is now a resident of this town.
Rev. Alden S. Cooper, who now resides in Williston, is one of the oldest Methodist ministers in this locality, though he is now superannuated. Mr. Cooper was born in Westfield, Mass., August 12, 1807, and commenced preaching at North Madison, Conn. He has been instrumental in bringing many souls to the true life, for which he has already begun to receive his endless reward, in a ripe, happy old age.
Nathan and Henry Fay, brothers, came to Richmond from Bennington, in 1783, where they remained until their death. R. B. Fay, born in Richmond, July 5, 1808, came to Williston in September, 1839, where he still resides.
Leet A. Bishop, son of Rufus Bishop, an old resident of Hinesburgh, now occupies the old Martin Chittenden place, on road 26.
Eliab Forbes, born in Bridgewater, Conn., located in Burlington at an early day, where he died, February 22, 1810. His son, Ira L., born in Burlington, May 12, 1802, is now a resident of this town.
Charles A. Seymour, born in New Haven, Vt., July 26, 1796, came to Wil- liston twenty-two years ago, where he now resides on road 23, at the advanced age of eighty-six years.
David Caswell, from Tinmouth, removed to Huntington at an early day, being one of the first settlers of that town. His son, Seymour A., born in that town, came to Williston about eighteen years ago, locating on road 12, where he still resides.
James N. Dow emigrated to this country from Ireland, in 1846, locating in Quebec, thence to Montreal, and from there came to Vermont, where, after
25632
TOWN OF WILLISTON.
several years' residence in towns in this vicinity, he finally located in Williston, on road 38, where he still resides.
Wright Clark, from Royalton, Vt., came to Williston about 1830, and located upon what is called the Metcalf place, where he remained until 1835, then removed to the Gov. Chittenden farm. He was twice married, had a family of thirteen children, and died here April 20, 1866. His son, Hiram A., mar- ried a daughter of Roswell B. Fay, in 1861, and has a family of five children. He is the present town representative, and occupies his father's old farm.
John Brown, from Massachusetts, came to Williston in 1800, and located upon the farm now owned by William Whitney, and subsequently upon the farm owned by his son, William. He died here in 1855, at the great age of ninety-seven years. Of his large family of children, only one is now living, William, upon the old homestead, aged eighty-six years.
Edward Brownell came to Williston about the year 1800, and located upon the farm now occupied by his grandson, Edward. He had a family of eight children, and died at the age of seventy-eight years. Beriah, the father of the present Edward, married Lucinda Sanford and remained on the old home- stead. Of his six children, three are now living-Edward, Elias, and Martha.
Samuel D. Whitney came to Williston about the year 1828, and located on road 48, where he resided until his death in 1852. One of his sons, George W., now occupies the old homstead, and is extensively engaged in farming.
Horatio D. Crane, now residing on road 12, is the son of Orrin Crane, who settled in Jericho from Orange County, Vt., about 1830. His sister, Lucy, is the wife of John Johnson, residing on road 23. His brother, Charles M., and sister, Lydia E., reside in Los Angelos, Cal.
Peltiah Bliss, from New Hampshire, settled in Essex previous to 1800, re- maining until 1830, when he removed to this town, and died here in 1876. · Six of his children survive him, four in this town, as follows: Clement P., on road 4 ; Clarissa (Mrs. A. Stevens) ; George J., on road 22 ; and John, on road 12.
John Patten located in the southern part of the town, about forty-five years ago, and died here in 1875. Of his children, John P., George W., James, and Louisa (Mrs. J. M. Chapman), now reside here. George W. Patten's mother, daughter of Ozeb Brewster, one of the earliest settlers in Richmond, now resides with him, aged 84 years.
Thomas Northrop settled in Georgia, Franklin County, in 1817, and subse- quently, at a later day, came to this town, locating where he now resides, at Williston village. Mr. Northrop was married in 1822, has had a family of four children, two of whom are now living, and has led a happy married life of nearly sixty-one years, being now eighty-six years of age, and his wife eighty- two years old.
Charles Keefe, from Montreal, located in Richmond during the year 1838, and after a few years' residence there removed to Jericho, and finally came to this town, locating on road 24, upon the farm now owned by his widow, and
-
33256
TOWN OF WILLISTON.
son Andrew. He died March 9, 1873, aged sixty-three years. His sons, James and Charles, reside upon the farm.
Eldad Taylor, from Sunderland, Vt., came to Williston in March, 1786, and died here in 1796, aged sixty-three years, leaving a family of eleven children. They married and intermarried with the people of Williston until the Taylor family became the most numerous in the township. Death, removals, and intermarriage, however, has left not one of that name in the town, though there are descendants by intermarriage, among whom are members of the Fay family, one of the oldest and most venerated in the State. The first of the Fay family in this country was John, who emigrated from England to Massa- chusetts at an early date. Several of his sons subsequently removed to Ben- nington, and thence spread through the State. His grandson, Jonas, is well known through his decided stand with the Green Mountain Boys, and his is, perhaps, the most prominent name in history of any of the family, though several are noted, one of whom, John, lost his life at the battle of Benning- ton, in the contest for American Independence. The representatives of the family in Williston are Alfred C., Daniel B., Julia R., and Roswell B., with their families.
R ?. D. Munson, residing on road 24, has made himself quite noted by the invention and construction of a very novel and singular piece of mechanism, a clock and universal time indicator, called the musical, callendar and union clock. It is a very ingenious and even wonderful piece of mechanism. .
The Congregational Church, located at Williston village, was organized Jan- uary 23, 1800, with sixteen members, and Rev. Aaron C. Collins was installed as its first pastor, January 29, of the same year. In 1813, the church was re-organized, as the only means of eliminating certain heresies which had crept in, and Rev. James Johnson became its pastor. The present church edifice was erected in 1832, and rebuilt in 1860. Rev. Franklin W. Olmsted - is the present pastor of the society.
The Methodist Episcopal Church, also located at the village, was organ- ized in ISoo. Rev. Stephen Randall was the first pastor. The present house of worship was erected in 1843, and rebuilt in 1868. It will accom- modate 500 persons, and is valued at $2,000. The society now has ninety members, with Rev. Robert W. Smith pastor.
The Universalist Society, located at the village, was organized in February, 1844, with fifty-one members. Rev. Eli Ballou was the first pastor. Their church building was commenced in 1859, and dedicated in 1860, a neat, brick structure. Miss Myra Kinsbury is the present acting pastor of the society.
16 -- 3
** CENSUS TABLE .** 1
Population of the several Towns in Chittenden County at each Census since 1791 inclusive, showing the Loss and Gain in each Town.
TOWNS.
1791.
1800.
1810.
1820.
1830.
1840.
1850.
1 860.
1870.
1880.
Bolton
88
219
249
306
452
1 470
602
645
711
678
Buel's Gore
29
24
Burlington
332
815
1,690
2, III
3,226
4,27 1
1 7,585
7,713
* 14,387
11,374
Charlotte .
635
1,231
1,679
1,526
1,702
1,620
1,634
1,589
1,430
1,342
Colchester
137
347
657
960
1,489
1,739
2,575
3,04I
3,911
4,42 I
Essex . .
354
729
957
1,089
1,664
1,824
2,052
1,906
2,022
2, 11I
Hinesburgh
454
933
1,238
1,332
1,669
1,682
1,834
1,702
1,573
1,330
Huntington
167
405
514
732
929
914
885
862
864
81 I
Jericho.
381
728
1,185
1,219
1,654
1,684
1,837
1,6691
1,757
1,687
Milton . .
282
786
1,548
1,746
2,100
2, 136
2,45 I
1,903
2,002
2,006
Richmond . .
718
935
1,014
1, 109
1,054
1,453
1,400
1,319
1,264
Shelburne. .
389
723
987
936
1,123
1,089
1,257
1,178
1, 190
1,096
South Burlington.
791
664
St. George. .
57
65
28
120
135
121
127
I2I
III
93
Underhill .
65
212
490
633
1,052
1,44I
1,599
1,637
1,655
1,439
Westford.
63
648
1,107
1,025
1,290
1,352
1,458
1,23I
1,237
1, 133
Williston. .
471
836
1, 185
1, 246
1,608
1,554
1,669
1,479
1,441
I'342
Total
3,875
9,395
14,449
15,995
21,202
22,696|
29,054
28, 17 1
36,480
32,816
2564
CENSUS TABLE.
.
·
·
t Population in the village at this census, 6, 110; and in the rest of the town, 1,475.
* An error of several thousand was made in the footings; population was actually less than in 1880.
-
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
-OF-
CHITTENDEN COUNTY.
EXPLANATIONS.
Directory is arranged as follows :-
I-Name of individual or firm.
2-Postoffice address in parenthesis.
3-The figures following the letter r indicate the number of the road on which the party resides, and will be found by reference to the map in the fore part of this work Where no road number is given the party is supposed to reside in the village.
4-Business or occupation.
5-A star (*) placed before a name indicates an advertiser in this work.
6-Figures placed after the occupation of a farmer indicate the number of acres owned or leased.
7-Names in CAPITALS are those who have kindly given their patronage to the work, and without whose aid its publication would have been impossible.
NEP For additional names. corrections and changes, see Errato.
ABBREVIATIONS. - Ab., above ; ave., avenue ; bds., boards ; bet., between ; cor., corner ; E., east; h., house ; 1., lot ; manuf., manufacturer ; N., north ; n., near ; opp., opposite ; prop., proprietor ; reg., reg- istered, as applied to live stock ; S., south ; s., side ; W., west.
The word street is implied.
BOLTON.
Agan Patrick, (West Bolton) r 2, farmer 100.
Ashley Samuel, (Jonesville) r ro, laborer.
Atchinson Julius Henry, (West Bolton) r 4, dairy 7 cows, and farmer, leases of William Gordon 150.
Bacon Richard, (West Bolton) r 6, blacksmith.
Bemis Oliver, (Jonesville) r 16, physician.
BENNETT MARCIUS A., (West Bolton) r 4, farmer 50.
BERRY CHARLES M., (Jonesville) r 6, farmer 130.
Berry Robert C., (Jonesville) r 6, farmer 200.
Besse Orrin, (Jonesville) r 16, laborer.
BISHOP HENRY H., (Bolton) r 11, prop. of Bishop Hotel, farmer, leases of Samuel Bishop 400.
BISHOP HOTEL, (Bolton) r 11, H. H. Bishop, prop.
Bishop Samuel, (Bolton) r 11, retired merchant, owns farm of 400.
Bohonnon William A., (West Bolton) r 6, dairy 10 cows, sugar orchard, and farmer 300.
17
258
TOWN OF BOLTON.
Brown Joseph, (West Bolton) r 6, laborer.
Burke Peter E., (Bolton) r 13, section hand, C. V. R. R.
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.