USA > Vermont > Windham County > Gazetteer and business directory of Windham county, Vt., 1724-1884 > Part 13
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The directors all qualified by taking the oath of office, prescribed by the laws of congress, making their certificate to the effect that the association was fully organized, and that $ 100,000.00 of its capital stock had been paid in and on June 30, 1864, the comptroller of the currency authorized them to commence business. Their capital stock was increased to $200,000.00, September 14, 1864, and to $300,000.00, December 19, 1864. Bonds to the amount of $300,000.00 were therefore deposited from time to time, with the treasurer of the United States, and in return national bank currency to the
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amount of $270,000.00 was furnished them for issue. The same board of directors was continued in 1865 and 1866, but in 1867 Jacob Estey, J. F. Burrows and Simeon Adains were retired, and Charles F. Thompson, Francis Goodhue, and D. S. Pratt were elected in their places.
In June, 1871, at mid-day, when no one was in the bank except Col. Saw- yer, the assistant cashier, the bank was robbed of some $30,000 00 in cur- rency and United States bonds, by sneak thieves, supposed to belong to a gang of New York desperados. No part of this fund was ever recovered. At the annual election, in 1872, F. A. Nash and H. C. Willard were elected directors, in place of Messrs. Sawyer and Pratt. The next change in the board was made in 1873, when J. M. Tyler and Addison Whithed were elected directors in place of Chas. F. Thompson and Francis Goodhue, who declined further service. In 1874 Mr. Post declined a further election, and Warren Parker, of Putney, was put in his place.
It is fair to state, as evidence of the unsoundness of this bank, that most of the above named directors, as they severally declined further service as directors, that they almost invariably disposed of their shares of stock in the association and served all their connections with the institution.
In 1877, C. J. Amidon, of Hinsdale, N. H., was elected director in place of Ferdinand Tyler, deceased. In 1879, Mr. Williston, having disposed of all of his stock, with the exception of five shares, W. F. Richardson was chosen one of the directors, so that in 1880, when the bank was closed, its directors were W. P. Richardson, F. A. Nash, J. M. Tyler, Warren Parker, Addi- son Whithed, C. J. Amidon, W. F. Richardson, H. C. Willard, and S. M. Waite. From its original organization to 1879, Mr. Williston was president of the institution, and S. M. Wait, cashier. From 1879 to the date of its suspension, S. M. Waite was president and N. C. Sawyer assistant cashier. May 19, 1880, Hon. George W. Hendee, national bank examiner of Vermont, made his first examination into the affairs of this bank, and Mr. Waite made an exhibit of its resources and liabilities at that time. During the ex- amination certain paper was shown, as comprising a portion of the assets, which excited the suspicion of the examiner, and after he left town he set about verifying the genuineness of an exhibit of $70,000.00 represented to be on depostt with Messrs. Vermylia & Co., private bankers in New York. Having ascertained that that firm owed the First National Bank of Brattle- boro nothing, Mr. Hendee returned to Brattleboro, June 8th, and laid the matter before Mr. Waite, who protested that it was all right, except that prob- ably Vermylia & Co., had entered the deposit to his individual credit when it should have been made to the credit of the bank. The assertions of Mr. Waite were so earnestly and positively made, and with such apparent honesty, that he gave him a few days in which to verify his statements. Mr. Waite, however, instead of attending to the business in hand, took what available funds there were in the bank, and on the early morning train, of June 10, 1880, absconded to parts unknown. The bank was closed by the directors
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on the 15th inst., and on the 16th of June Mr. Hendee came and took possession of the institution. June 19, 1880, Linas M. Price was ap- pointed receiver, and on the 21st of the same month he took possession of the bank.
Upon an examination of the institution's affairs it was found that of the $310,813.67 resources represented by Mr. Waite as being the property of the bank at the examination of Mr. Hendee, May 19th, $283,442.00 was made up of forged paper, and that the institution never had been in a sound finan- cial condition ; that instead of having a paid up capital of $300,000.00 its actual available capital never was but a little over $125,000.00, that its di- rectors had long ceased to have any control over the affairs of the bank, and that the same was conducted entirely by Mr. Waite and according to his own will; and that during its latter years some of its directors never were stock- holders of the association, but had accepted their election upon the assurance of Mr. Waite that he had made over to them the necessary number of shares of its stock to make them eligible to an election as directors. In fact, further examination showed that Mr. Waite, at the time of the organization of the national system and his own election as a director, did not own but four shares, instead of the ten which the law required as a qualification for an elec- tion to a directorship.
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It would appear, therefore, and such was the fact, that with the circulation issued to the institution upon the deposit of the first $100,000.00 of United States bonds, other bonds were purchased, to obtain the additional circula- tion, and so on until the full $300,000.00 of bonds had been deposited. It further appears, upon examination, that without the knowledge of the direc- tors, Mr. Waite engaged in several enterprises and speculations, using the funds of the bank, with a real purpose on his part, no doubt, to retrieve the fast failing fortunes of the institution he was endeavoring to manage, and thereby save the stockholders from loss and himself from ruin and disgrace. An assessment of twenty-five per cent. was laid upon the stockholders, to pay the directors of the bank, nearly all of whom promptly responded, so that the bank's creditors have all been paid in full.
The Brattleboro Savings Bank was incorporated by an act of the legisla- ture approved November 1, 1870, and commenced business January 1, 187 1, with John Hunt, of Vernon, president; R. W. Clarke, vice-president ; and S. N. Herrick, secretary and treasurer. The present officers are B. D. Harris, president ; O. D. Esterbrook, vice-president ; C. W. Wyman, treas- urer ; and C. A. Harris, assistant treasurer.
The People's National Bank of Brattleboro was organized September 18, 1875, with a capital of $100,000.00, and with Parley Starr, president ; Julius J. Estey, vice-president ; and William A. Faulkner, cashier ; all of whom retain their respective offices. The bank now has a surplus fund of $20,000.00. The average deposits for 1882 were $144,500.00, an average increase over 1881 of $26,100.00.
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HOTELS.
The Brooks House, which was opened on the first of June, 1872, is situated at the corner of Main and High streets, and is within three minutes' walk of the depot, and but five hours by rail from Boston, and seven from New York. It is provided with all the modern improvements, and no expense has been spared in furnishing and fitting it out so as to make it, in every respect, a pattern home for our city families. The proprietor, Mr. F. Goodhue, is determined in every way to sustain the enterprise of the gentleman, Mr. George F. Brooks, to whom the traveling public are indebted for the erection of the noble edifice. The building, which cost $150,000.00, is of modern style of architecture, three stories high, surmounted by a French roof and
(BROOKS HOUSE, BRATTLEBORO.)
towers. The length on Main street is one hundred and seventy-five feet, and on High street one hundred and twenty feet, while the depth is seventy feet. The building thus forms nearly a right angle, whose total length is almost three hundred feet. A spacious veranda, ninety feet in length, fronts the center on Main street, beneath which is the main entrance of twenty feet front and seventy feet depth. The parlors, dining-rooms and sleeping apart- ments are all spacious, handsomely furnished, and arranged for the complete accommodation of guests. All the rooms are in electric communication with the office, are heated by steam, and are mostly arranged in suits, parlor and bed-room adjoining.
EDUCATIONAL.
The first school meeting of which we have any record was held by the "voters of the eastern part of Center school district," December 11, 1797. At that time money to defray the expenses of a term of school was "raised on the poles" and ratable estates of the district. the fuel and teacher's board being furnished by the pupils. Sometimes, however, half the expense was raised on the poles and ratable estates and the remainder by the pupils, each
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pupil paying a certain share. The teachers received nine dollars per month and "boarded round," or were allowed 7s. 6d. per week to pay their own board.
The first school-house built in the village is supposed to have stood where Dr. Wm. H. Rockwell's dwelling is now located, and to have subsequently been removed to "the common," and still later to Chase street. In 1827 Charles Frost accepted the position as its teacher, and under his management it made considerable progress, he introducing many improvements.
In 1827 or '28, Eastman Sanborn, at the request of some of the citizens, established a classical and scientific school, his school-room being located in the second story of a building that occupied the site of the present bakery.
In 1831 a high-school was established by private individuals ; but it was never very prosperous, and, in 1842, the building was sold to the district.
In 1841, as Brattleboro had increased in wealth and population, the long agitated question of establishing a new school system was brought to a final issue, by the appointment of Joseph Steen, L. G. Mead and C. Davis as a prudential committee, with power to reorganize the school system on a new plan. They adopted the Massachusetts system, and purchased, for the use of advanced scholars, the high-school building, to which, in 1858, a north and south wing were added. The expenses for the first year, under the new sys- tem, were $2,000.00.
In April, 1883, the new high-school building was commenced, and is to be completed, according to contract, July 1, 1884. It is a two story building, 124x96 feet, built of brick, with niarble trimmings, its entire cost being about $50,000.00. It contains a high, grammer and intermediate department, hav- ing accommodations for 650 pupils. Benjamin F. Bingham is the principal There is now, also, six primary schools scattered through the village limits, employing seventeen teachers. There have been several private schools estab- lished here at different periods, though there are none at present.
VERMONT ASYLUM FOR THE INSANE.
This well managed institution is beautifully located in the northern part of the village, the main buildings haring a frontage to the south of about 500 feet, with several rear wings, all three stories in height, and all substantially built of brick. A detached building, likewise of brick, and three stories in height, is located upon the opposite side of the highway, having a frontage to the east of 100 feet, in the rear of which is a picturesque pleasure park of thirty acres, of comparatively recent development. The main buildings, as seen by the annexed engraving, are surrounded by twenty acres of pleasure grounds, ornamented, and interspersed with walks, fountains, etc. About a mile up the West River valley is an estate of twenty acres, having upon it extensive buildings which have been fitted up for a summer retreat, with the object of affording to sonie of the patients a change from the accustomed and often wearisome routine of every day life. This is the latest addition made
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to the property and resources of the institution for the treatment of its in- mates, and is believed to be one of the most important. The farm embraces about 600 acres of land, well cultivated, and affords to some of the inmates healthful occupation and recreation in developing its resources.
The asylum was founded upon a bequest of $10,000 from Mrs. Anna Marsh, of Hinsdale, N. H., who died in the year 1834. In accordance with the provisions of her will it was incorporated by the legislature, November 3, 1834. The trustees named in the will of the founder, and also in the act of incorporation, were Samuel Clark, John Holbrook, Epaphro Seymour and John C. Holbrook, all of Brattleboro. They held their first meeting at Col- onel Chase's stage tavern, pursuant to a notice signed by Samuel Clark and published in the Vermont Phenix of September 11, 1835, and organized by choosing Samuel Clark, chairman ; Epaphro Seymour, treasurer ; and John C. Holbrook secretary. On the 3d of October, following, at an adjourned meeting, the legacy of Mrs. Marsh was paid into the hands of the trustees, by Asa Keyes, one of the executors of the will of the said Mrs. Marsh. The legislature of Vermont passed an act November, 9, 1835, appropriating $2,000 annually for five years, "To enable the trustees the more effectually to pro- mote the benevolent designs of the institution ; provided that said trustees should take no benefit from the provisions of the act, until they had so far erected the building and organized said asylum as to receive patients therein; and provided also, that any future legislature might alter, amend or repeal this act."
A purchase was concluded with Nathan Woodcock, May 25, 1836, embrac- ing the location of the present buildings, (about six acres of land, ". ith dwelling house thereon,) and with Ebenezer Wells for forty-five acres of meadow land, adjacent and additional to the site above mentioned. The v.ork of remodel- ing the dwelling was then commenced, and at a meeting of the trustees, held June 28, 1836. Dr. William H. Rockwell, of Hartford, Conn., for several years previously assistant physician at the Connecticut Retreat, was chosen to the superintendency, to enter upon his duties as soon as the premises were ready for the reception of patients, which was December 12, 1836. Besides the remodeling of the dwelling house, an extension of a wing con- taining eight rooms was made to it, the whole being designed for the accom- modation of twenty patients, and the necessary officers and employees, the cost of the whole, the purchase, refitting and furnishing, absorbing nearly the whole of the Marsh legacy.
Nov. 15, 1836, the legislature granted an additional appropriation of $2,000. Three subsequent appropriations were made by the legislature for extending accommodations, during the seven following years, two of $4,000 each and one of $3,000, aggregating a total of $23,000. These last grants were made with certain provisos in the interest of the State, securing to citi- zens of Vermont a preference in the matter of admissions over those of other States, and stipulating that in case the institution should cease to exist, the
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real estate should be held as security to the State for the total amount granted. The aid thus rendered to this institution represents the total amount yet appropriated by the legislature of Vermont, toward providing accommodations for the care and treatment of the insane of the State.
The growth of the asylum from its unostentatious beginning to its present state of development, has been slow but constant. The average number at present is 450 patients. With the exception of the State aid referred to, it has been self-sustaining and self-creating, through the sagacious foresight and sound practical management of its board of trustees and superintendent. Its success has been in no small degree due to the pursuance of a steady and uniform policy, which has been rendered practicable under its charter which preserved it from those frequent changes of management that are incident to political revolutions in institutions under ordinary State control. The asylum is a chartered institution, but not a stock corporation. It is simply a prop- erty in trust for a specific object, and its management is wholly vested in its board of trustees. The following are the changes that have occurred, by death or resignation : In 1838, John Holbrook, deceased; Asa Keyes was elected his successor. In 1839, John C. Holbrook removed from the State ; Nathan B. Williston was elected to succeed him. In 1847, Epapro Seymour resigned ; J. Dorr Bradley was elected in his place. In 1852, Samuel Clark resigned; Frederick Holbrook was his successor. In 1862, J. Dorr Bradley, deceased; Daniel Kellogg was chosen to fill the vacancy. In 1874, Daniel Kellogg and Asa Keyes resigned ; William H. Rockwell and James M. Ty- ler were elected in their stead. In 1875, Nathan B. Williston resigned ; Richard Bradley was chosen in his place. There have been two changes in the superintendency of the asylum. In 1872, Dr. W. H. Rockwell resigned, and was succeeded by his son. In 1873, Dr. W. H. Rockwell, Jr., resigned, and was succeeded by Dr. Joseph Draper, who entered upon his duties Feb- ruary 16, 1873. The present entire list of officers is as follows: Board of Visitors .- Hon. Homer Royce, Hon. Timothy P. Redfield, Hon Jonathan Ross, Hon. H. Henry Powers, Hon. Russell S. Taft, and Hon. John W. Rowell. Board of Trustees .- Hon. Frederick Holbrook, William H. Rock- well, M. D., Hon. James M. Tyler, and Richards Bradley, Esq. Resident Officers .- Joseph Draper, M. D., superintendent and physician; S. E. Law- ton. M. D., first assistant physician ; L. F. Wentworth M. D., second assist- ant physician ; Miss H. E. B. Gibson, matron ; Porter C. Spencer, steward; and Asa Gilkey, farmer.
TELEPHONE EXCHANGE.
The Brattleboro Telephone Exchange, F. W. Childs & Co., managers, was established in June, 1881, and now has 180 subscribers. There is probably not another exchange in this country that can boast of a set of telephone instruments to every thirty-two per cent of its inhabitants. They also have forty "private line" instruments, not connected with the exchange. All
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their lines are constructed in the most thorough manner, and their offices equipped with most approved apparatus. They have about 160 miles of "pole lines," connecting subscribers in nearly every town and ham- let of two hundred inhabitants in Windham county, and in Cheshire county. N. H. With one exception it is the only exchange in New England not owned and operated by the N. E. Telephone and Telegraph Co. They furnish employment to four persons. The central office is located in Crosby block, Main street, open night and day. with branch pay offices in Esteyville, West Brattleboro and Hinsdale.
WEST BRATTLEBORO is a handsome little post village located in the central part of the town, on Whetstone brook. It was formerly, owing to its geo- graphical center, the larger, and at one time the only village in the town.
(GLENWOOD CLASSICAL SEMINARY.)
where the church privileges, town-meetings, June trainings, etc., were held. But owing to the navigation of the Connecticut, which forms the eastern boundary of the eastern village, and the enterprising character and efforts of William Fessenden, John Holbrook, Francis Goodhue and others, the East village received an impulse, early in the present century, which caused it to far surpass the West village in business and population. It now contains two churches (Baptist and Congregational), Glenwood Classical Seminary. two stores, a meat-market, blacksmith shop, etc.
Glenwood Classical Seminary .- In 1801, under an act of the legislature, was organized and established, at West Brattleboro, a school known as Brat- tleboro Academy, with a board of trustees of whom. at a meeting held De- cember 17, 1801, Rev. Gersham Lyman was elected president. The school was opened in 1802, in the old academy building, and was continued with a good degree of success for many years. At a meeting of the board of trustees, held January 6, 1851, a committee was appointed to secure funds for the erection of a new academy building. The means were found and the pres- ent building erected and opened in 1853. In 1863 was erected the building
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since known as East Hall. In 1876, by an act of the legislature, Brattle- boro Academy became Glenwood Classical Seminary. It has three courses of study, a classical, an English and a business course. The classical course, of three years, prepares young men for college. The English course, of four years, gives a thorough education in the English department, while the business course, of three years, is designed for those who desire a briefer, yet systematic drill in the more practical of English studies. In September, 1881, Prof. H. H. Shaw became the principal, since which time the courses of study have been adopted and diplomas granted those completing the course in any department
CENTERVILLE is a hamlet located between Brattleboro and West Brattleboro, on Whetstone brook. It has a blacksmith shop, grist mill, Brattleboro Sew- ing Machine Co.'s works, tannery, school-house, etc., and a small cluster of dwellings.
Alonzo E. Doolittle, located on Western avenue, has been engaged in the manufacture of lumber since 1860, manufacturing about 1,000,coc feet per year, and also cuts 3,000 cords of wood per annum, giving employment to from twenty-five to thirty men.
J. Estey's saw mill, located on Whetstone brook, was built in 187t. It has the capacity for turning out 1,000,000 feet of lumber per year.
Worden &~ Moore, located near Centerville, manufacture from ten to twelve barrels of soft soap per week.
The cider-mills of W. M. Chamberlain, on road 2, Edward C. Dunklee, on road 4. O. H. Carpenter, on road 3, and L. D. Thayer, on road 48, each manufactures about 200 barrels of cider per year.
F. S. Whitaker's saw and grist-mill is located on road 22, on Whetstone brook. The grist-mill has one run of stones, and the saw-mill cuts about 200.000 feet of lumber per annum.
L. J. Johnson's cider-mill and jelly manufactory, located on road 21, was built in 1880. The first year Mr. Johnson made 1,000 barrels of cider and nine tons of jelly. He has since ma.le from eight to ten tons of jelly per year.
J. Nesbit's cider-mill, located on road 45, has the capacity for manufactur- ing ten barrels of cider per day.
J. S. Wood's cider- mill, located on road 45, was built by Aaron Wood, in 1843. It has the capacity for making eight barrels of cider per day.
Henry F. Goodenough's cider mill, located on road 39, was built about seventy-five years ago, by Jacob Stoddard. It has the capacity for making ten to twelve barrels of cider per day.
John P. Liscom's soap manufactory, located on road 42, was established in 1870. He manufactures both hard and soft soap. Mr. Liscom has also a fruit farm, having 1,400 peach trees, besides apple and other small fruit trees.
Centerville tannery, S. H. Warren, proprietor, is located at Centerville, the only tannery in the town. He manufactures card leather, giving employ- ment to three men.
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The Goodenough Mills, located on road 32, on Great brook, occupy the oldest mill-site in the town, mills being erected here previous to 1760, where the early settlers of the county came to have their grain ground. The prop- erty came into the possession of the present proprietor, J. P. Goodenough, in 1851, who has made many improvements. The grist-mill has one run of stones, the shingle-mill cuts 100,000 shingles, and the saw-mill about 200,- 000 feet of lumber per annum.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The early settlement of Brattleboro has already been spoken of on page 59 in connection with the early settlement of the county. In the lives of those whose biographical sketches follow, also, may be traced the history of the town ; not that we have given sketches of all who are now, or have been. prominent actors in "making their town's history"-this, in our limited space would be impossible. We have simply given such facts as we have been able to procure, and even have rejected many that will possibly, by some, be con- sidered unpardonable omissions, until they pause to consider that the history of some of the lives whose memories are dear to the people of Brattleboro. are so familiar as to make it almost seem superfluous to recount their good deeds. Many of these, who have been distinguished in the annals of the State and have been men of influence here, and also some of the pioneers of the town, are mentioned in the following : John Arms, Samuel Wells, Samuel Knight, Samuel Gale, Henry Wells, Samuel Stearns, Micah Townsend. Stephen Greenleaf, William Wells, John Stewart, Royall Tyler, John Noyes, Lemuel Whitney, John W. Blake, Francis Goodhue, Oliver Chapin, William Fessenden, Joseph Clark, John Holbrook, Samuel Clark, Samuel Elliot, James Elliot, Jonathan Hunt, Jr., Thomas G. Fessenden, Joseph Fessenden. Jonathan D. Bradley, Edward A. Kirkland, C. Townsley, L. G. Mead, Paul Chase, Jacob Spaldin, Abner Scovell, Oliver Harris, Josiah Wheeler, Thomas Cumpton, William M'Cune, William Brall, Richard Prouty, Dr. Dickerman, John Houghton, Elisha Pierce, Ebenezer Howze, Wm. Ellas, Benjamin Gor- ten, Joseph Whipple, David Church, Lemuel Kendrick, Seth Smith, Joshua Wilder, Ebenezer Hadley, Jonathan Herrick, Silas Houghton, Joseph Burt. Ebenezer Fisher, O. Cook, John Griffin, Samuel Warriner, Daniel Johnson.
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