Gazetteer of Caledonia and Essex Counties, Vt. 1764-1887, Part 25

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836- comp. cn
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Syracuse, N. Y., Syracuse Journal Co., Printers and Binders
Number of Pages: 886

USA > Vermont > Essex County > Gazetteer of Caledonia and Essex Counties, Vt. 1764-1887 > Part 25
USA > Vermont > Caledonia County > Gazetteer of Caledonia and Essex Counties, Vt. 1764-1887 > Part 25

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).

2II

TOWN OF HARDWICK.

Harriet Whipple (Mrs. Russell Bridgman) ; (9) Selina Atwood (Mrs. George H. Cook).

Rev. Solomon Aiken, A. M., was a man of commanding presence ; his hair and eyes were black, his complexion clear, and his body well proportioned. His manners were those of the old school, corteous and distinguished, and, even when meeting children, his three-cornered hat was raised with all the grace of a Chesterfield. He was strong mentally and physically, bold and fear- less in announcing his opinions, and, a pronounced Republican, he openly, and from the pulpit, hurled his terse and pointed denunciations at the Feder- alists. With his great mentality he imbued many with his convictions of right, and his influence was a good and lasting one upon the community. Mrs. Aiken died October 20, 1820, aged fifty-four. His death occurred in this town, June, 1833, when nearly seventy-five years of age. Their remains lie in the Center cemetery of Hardwick. On his monument is this inscrip- tion : "In youth, a soldier of the Revolution ; in age, a Christian pastor ; through life the inflexible friend of civil and religious liberty."

D. W. Aiken passed his childhood at home, and, as in those days, the salary of the ministry was very small, the children were early obliged to use their hands at labor to help move the wheels of the household economy. At the age of twenty years he became a teacher, and continued that occupation for twelve years in New England, with good acceptance. In 1832 he came to Hardwick, and engaged in merchandising, and for over half a century his erect form, pleasant countenance, and fine bearing has been one of the familiar sights in the town. He married, September 8, 1839, Lucy Ann, daughter of Captain David and Anna Emerson (Goss) Tuttle, and grand- daughter of Rev. Amos Tuttle, the first settled minister of Hardwick. Mrs. Aiken is an estimable and intelligent lady. Their children attaining matu- rity were Inez Rowena ( Mrs. Ira R. Kent), born March 23, 1832, died June 8, 1874 ; Daniel W., Jr., a merchant, now residing in Louisiana; Selina Atwood (Mrs. Hamilton S. Peck, Burlington, Vt.,), born August 16, 1848; Samuel Adams, farmer ; Edward, a merchant in Hardwick.

Mr. Aiken, as merchant and citizen, has been a prominent factor in the town for nearly sixty years. His sound judgment, practical wisdom and gen- eral intelligence fitted him for any position in the community. He has en- joyed the confidence and esteem of his townsmen in an unusual degree, and has been placed by them in all responsible positions of office and trust within their gift, and always unsolicited by him. In 1837 he was made lister, and performed the duties for fifteen consecutive years ; served as town clerk and treasurer from twelve to fifteen years ; selectman and postmaster for some- time ; justice of the peace and notary public for many years ; he has held all town offices with the exception of that of overseer of the poor, and has tran- sacted more town business than any other man who ever resided in Hardwick. His politics have been in consonance with the government in all of its wars and controversies. Always an anti-slavery man, he has been a staunch Repub-

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lican since the organization of that party. He represented this town in the legislature seven years, and Caledonia county two years as state senator, and has served as associate judge of the county court. March 7, 1885, the fine residence which had been his home since 1839, with his large mercantile establishment, comprising buildings with a frontage of nearly two hundred feet, were entirely destroyed by fire. To lose the cherished home of fifty years, with all its tender memories and associations, was a great misfortune ; but Mr. Aiken, with the vigor of a young man, immediately purchased a dwelling house, and leased a store, and out of the wreckage constructed a home, which, if not the old and cherished one, yet under the skillful arrangement and care of Mrs. Aiken, presents an attractive appearance, both externally and internally. His merchandising had but a brief interruption, and Mr. Aiken, in company with his son Edward, still continues in active business under the firm name of D. W. Aiken & Son. Mr. Aiken, in his religious preference, is a Unitarian, but is not a member of any church organization. He believes that "morality is the great hinge of life and respectability." He is a man of strict integrity, marked generosity and liberality of character. As a business man, successful, as a citizen respected and beloved, and as one who has done much to further and promote the improvement and prosperity of the town, he stands among the representative men. His manners are plain and unostentatious ; he is cheerful, with all the brightness and vivacity of the prime of life, and his conversation is an unusual flow of pure and almost classic English. All in all, he is a worthy descendant of the good old clergy- man of Dracut, and has the satisfaction of having children who inherit many of the estimable qualities of their several grandparents.

Lewis H. Delano came to Hardwick, from New Braintree, Mass., about 1817, and engaged in farming for a few years, then as a clerk in the store of Elna- than Strong, at Hardwick Street, and afterwards became a partner with Mr. Strong. They carried on an extensive general mercantile business for many years, Hardwick Street at that time being, perhaps, the liveliest business place in Vermont north of Wells River. He married Maria, daughter of Col. Alpha Warner, who came here from Hardwick, Mass., about 1790. He kept the first tavern in town, in a log house on the ground now occupied by Joseph R. Delano, and afterwards in the same house now occupied by him, which was built as early as 1795, and is the first house built now standing in town. Lewis H. Delano died in 1866, after a successful business life. Joseph R. Delano has in his possession the original sign of the old tavern mentioned. It is in the form of a shield, on pivots, enclosed in a fancy frame, and bears date 1799, with the name of Alpha Warner. Later was added "Stage House." Joseph R. Delano married Jane E. Vincent, of Walden. He is a large farmer and dairyman. In 1885 he built one of the best barns in Caledonia county. He is interested in a lumber business at Greensboro Bend.

Capt. Mark Nelson, from New Hampshire, removed to Montpelier, Vt., nearly a century ago. His son Joses Nelson came to Hardwick in 1820, and

warren

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TOWN OF HARDWICK.

worked for Samuel French, getting out timber for the "French Meeting House." Rev. J. Monroe Nelson was born in Hardwick, February 20, 1822, experienced religion in 1854, was licensed to preach in 1856, by the Wheelock quarterly meeting, ordained in 1861, at Franklin, by the Enosburgh quar- terly meeting, became pastor of the Wolcott and Hardwick Freewill Baptist church in 1863, and has continued the pastorate until the present time.

Enoch Smith, a native of Chatham, Conn., was born February 14, 1798. When one year old his parents removed to Berlin. When sixteen years old he learned the trade of harness-maker. In 1819 he settled in this town, on road 12, Hardwick Street, on the old Hazen road. He married Sally Adams, of this town, and had two daughters and one son. After many years he en- gaged in farming, always living on the same farm, and dying in May, 1875.

John S. Smith came to this town, from Randolph, in 1831, soon after his marriage. He was a blacksmith by trade, carried on that business about eight years, then bought the farm now owned by his widow, and soon after built the brick house upon it. He was one of the selectmen for many years, and in the war period was chairman of the board, and attended to the raising of recruits for the army. He lived to be seventy-nine years of age, and died May 5, 1886. He married Sophronia M., daughter of Walter Perrin, and had born to him two sons, John Morris, who died at the age of twenty-two years, and Walter P. The latter, now judge of probate for Caledonia county, studied law in the office of Powers & Gleed, at Morrisville, and one year at Michigan University law school, and was admitted to the Lamoille county bar in June, 1869. Most of his practice has been in Caledonia county, and he has served as judge of probate for Caledonia county since 1882.

John Porter, born in Newcastle, N. H., in April, 1808, married Marinda Palmer, September 7, 1831, and came to East Hardwick in February, 1832. He was a shoemaker and saddler, built a tannery here, and for many years did a large business. His wife died May 22, 1875, and his death occurred January 12, 1886. Twelve children were born to them, of whom three daughters are now living, viz .: Sarah E. (Mrs. Charles E. Campbell), of New- castle, N. H., Madeline M. (Mrs. Amory Jewett, Jr.,), of Somerville, Mass., and Louisa M. (Mrs. B. B. Prentice), of East Hardwick.

Harvey Montgomery, son of Capt. William, was born in Walden in 1805, where he spent his early life. Since 1839 he has lived in Hardwick, principally engaged in milling business. He built the hotel at East Hardwick, opened it in 1849, and kept it fourteen years. Dea. J. M. Stevens gave the land and timber in the woods, and the use of the mill to saw it, if he would build and keep a temperance house. Mr. Montgomery was postmaster four years, se- lectman and justice many years. He married Eliza Stevens, of Walden, has two sons and one daughter, Charles G., John S., and Ann E. (Mrs. J. H. George).

Jonathan Foster was born in Tewksbury, Mass., January 1, 1822. His mother died when he was an infant. In January, 1826, he came to Hard- 14*

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TOWN OF HARDWICK.

wick to live with his cousin Jonathan Foster, a large farmer who lived in the eastern part of the town. After he was of age he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he has worked since that time. He married Harriet W., daughter of Butler Shipman, of this town. They have three daughters and one son living, and have buried three daughters,

Henry Blake was born in Greensboro in 1817, where he resided until 1842, when he came to this town, locating on road 23, and has been a farmer in town since that date. He is now located on road 7. Mr. Blake has a literary turn of mind, and has been engaged for many years as correspondent for various periodicals, and also as statistical correspondent for the agricultural department at Washington. He has held the office of selectman, lister, etc., often. He married Rosanna T. Phillips, of Glover, in 1839, and has two daughters, Mary and Flora, the latter of whom married Nathan Field of this. town. His father, Henry Blake, was a prominent resident of Greensboro, whose father was Maj. Henry Blake, who came from Hopkinton, N. H., to Peacham, about 1804, where he died in 1840.

Joseph Chubb was born in Charlton, Mass., in 1790, lived in Corinth, and went from that town to serve in the War of 1812, and years afterward received a warrant of government land on account of his services. He came to this town in March, 1846, where he lived until his death in 1870. He re- sided near the Wolcott line, and was at one time justice of the peace. His widow, Sarah D. Chubb, is now ninety-seven years of age, and is the oldest person in Hardwick. His youngest son, Dennison S., now owns a portion of the original 240 acres which his father purchased. He has been selectman three years, lister and justice. Edson and Harrison C., sons of Joseph, now live in Edson, Wis. The former was the first settler in that township, locat- ing there about thirty years ago, and the town was named for him. He is extensively engaged in the manufacture of lumber. Harrison C. has lived in the town about twenty years, is engaged in the manufacture of lumber, and custom grist-milling.

Hon. Orra Crosby came to Hardwick when twenty one years of age, and worked in the mills for Samuel Stevens, where he was engaged several years. He married Julia, daughter of his employer. He erected the building which is now occupied by Livingston & Montgomery as a carriage manufactory, and for many years carried on the business of cloth-dressing and wool-carding. He was twice chosen to represent Hardwick in the legislature, and was asso- ciate judge of the county. He was the father of two sons, both deceased, and four daughters, namely, Polly, Pure, who married F. J. French, Seraphine (Mrs. Dr. S. L. Wiswell), of Cabot, and Flora N., who married Dr. A. J. Hyde, now of California. Hon. Orra Crosby died in Cabot.

John H. George was born in Topsham, in 1832, where he spent his years until about twenty years of age. He entered Asa Lowe's store as clerk at Bradford, in 1849, where he remained three years. In March, 1852, he came to this town, and clerked for L. H. Delano & Sons two years, at East Hard-

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wick, when he entered into partnership with L. W. Delano, until 1863. Since then he has carried on a general store at East Hardwick, in which business his only son, James H., is now associated. John H. has often been entrusted by his townsmen with the most responsible town offices. For the past two terms he has been elected associate county judge of Caledonia county. He married, in 1856, Ann E. Montgomery, of Hardwick. They have one daughter.

Frederick Hovey was born in Hanover, N .. H., in 1796, married Harriet Ellis, of Berlin, Vt., and had four sons and two daughters. He was town clerk of Berlin, selectman, town representative, and a member of the Congre- gational church. He came to this town in 1857, and died here in March, 1876, his wife having died six years previous. Two sons and one daughter are living, Jabez W., of this town, who bas been justice, selectman and rep- resentative, Edward P., a merchant in Kansas, and M. Edna, who resides with her brother in Hardwick.

Hon. Alden Edson Jeudevine .- The work that a man does, the business interests he develops, the land he brings into cultivation, the towns and villages he has helped to form, all these continue and exist long after he is gathered to his fathers, and the history and personality of such men should be preserved that future generations may know to whose energy, enterprise and industry, the town is indebted for its progress and prosperity.

The name Jeudevine or Judevine indicates French origin ; but we have no information when, or from what country, the family came to America. Will- iam Jeudevine, the first of whom we have knowledge, emigrated from Ster- ling, Mass., (where his son, Cornelius, was born, Nov. 2, 1776,) to " Number Four," (Charlestown) N. H., in 1778. Cornelius Jeudevine attained his man- hood and acquired his education in Charlestown, and in 1805, an active, vigorous young man, removed to Concord, Vt., established himself in trade, and became a life-long resident. He married, first, June 11, 1809, Lucy, daughter of Captain Samuel and Susanna (Johnson) Wetherbee .** They had three children, Luthera, who married Adolphus Holton, and died March 27, 1847, aged 37 years ; Alden E. and Harvey. Mrs. Jeudevine died April 29, 1826, and Mr. Jeudevine married, second, May 29, 1827, Eliza Cushman, of

*Capt. Wetherbee was the sixth child of Capt. Ephraim Wetherbee, an original proprie- tor of Charlestown, and an early settler greatly respected. Capt. Samuel Wetherbee was an active patriot in the Revolution, several years a member of the General Court, and also county judge. He was, for years, a leading citizen of Concord. Mrs. Susanna (Johnson) Wetherbee, when but four years old, was captured by the Indians at Charles_ town, N. H., August 29, 1754, together with her father, mother, sister and brother. She returned to Charlestown in 1760. (See published work by her mother, "Captivity of Mrs. Johnson.") Their descendants are numerous in Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Canada, and stand high in social and public positions. Among them we mention Hon. Frederick Billings, of Woodstock; the late Major Evarts W. Farr, of Littleton, N. H., ex-member of Congress; Hon. A. E. Jeudevine, of Hardwick, and Hon. Harvey Jude- vine, of West Concord.]

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TOWN OF HARDWICK.

Littleton, N. H. She died April 10, 1878. Mr. Jeudevine was the popular country merchant of Concord for more than thirty years. engaged also exten- sively in farming. and was financially successful. He was broad and liberal in his views, gave his children a good education, was strictly an honest man, " the noblest work of God," and was ever foremost in all laudable purposes, and in supporting religion, education and temperance. He became a pro- nounced and active temperance worker long before temperance was popular in the land, and labored earnestly, according to his strong convictions, as a pioneer in this direction, and never a man resided in Concord who paid out more money for the above named purpose than he. Although no office seeker, he was honored by his townsmen, and often, by election to all the offices in their gift which he would accept. He was a member of the constitutional convention of 1814, represented Concord in the legislature in 1815-16, and held the offices of selectman, justice of the peace, and other town offices for many years. He died August 31, 1862.

Alden Edson Jeudevine was born in Concord, Vt., August 4, 1811. He inherited his father's qualities of activity and financial ability, and assisted him in his business and remained with him until twenty-eight years of age. He received his education at Concord academy, then in its palmy days, under the management of that celebrated instructor, Rev. S. R. Hall. When twenty-one years old Mr. Jeudevine was appointed deputy sheriff, and held that position until 1839. During this time he was elected high bailiff of Essex county, in which office he served two years, and from peculiar circumstances, rarely occurring, he appointed several deputies. In 1839 he removed to Hardwick and engaged in merchandising with Jonathan Baker, (a cousin from Charlestown, N. H.,) under the firm name of "Baker & Jeudevine." With him he continued four or five years. He then formed a partnership with Adolphus Holton as "Holton & Jeudevine," and until 1867 they con- ducted a large mercantile business, together with farming and cattle dealing. During this time Mr. Jeudevine had extensive interests in other mercantile establishments, and was a member of the firm of "Jeudevine, Nelson & Co.," doing business at Woodbury, from about 1847 to 1853 ; also of "Jeudevine, Carruth & Co.," in trade at East Charleston from 1853 to about 1859. He was also of the firm of "A. T. Way & Co.," at Hardwick, three years, and twelve years of "Way, Titus & Co.," at Hardwick, and has been engaged to some extent in the manufacture of lumber, and is a mill owner. In 1867 he retired from his long and prosperous career as a merchant, and has since de- voted himself exclusively to farming and the care of his real estate, which at the present time amounts to several thousand acres.

A pioneer in the free-soil movement, he has ever been an anti-slavery man ; an active and successful worker, and prominent in the counsels of the Republi- Can party since its organization, he has been an earnest, faithful and unswerv- ing adherent of its principles, and advocated them fearlessly, fairly and untir- ingly. His political faith is founded as deep as his nature. He has been

Alden

Enjeudevine

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TOWN OF HARDWICK.

repeatedly honored by election to the various town offices, holding that of town clerk seven years, and selectman ten years. He was postmaster at Hardwick for twenty-three years, receiving his first commission in the admin- istration of President Tyler, and his last under that of President Lincoln. He was chosen assistant judge of the county court in 1850 and 1851, county commissioner in 1854, the first under the law constituting the office, and was a member of constitutional conventions of 1850, 1857 and 1870. He repre- sented Hardwick in the annual sessions of state legislatures of 1853 and 1854, and the biennial ones of 1878 and 1880, serving with credit on important committees. The latter year he was particularly prominent in the legislature in introducing important bills ; one, the "valued policy insurance bill," as it was termed, to compel insurance companies to pay on buildings the full amount of insurance, which in the House lacked but one vote of passing. He also introduced and secured the passage of a law relieving towns from the liability of damages on highways, which, with a large majority of the people in the state, has become a popular law, and is known as the " Jeudevine high- way law." In 1860 and 1861 he represented Caledonia county in the state Senate, and here also did important committee work.

Mr. Jeudevine married, April 11, 1858, Malvina M., daughter of Captain David and Anna Emerson (Goss) Tuttle, and granddaughter of Rev. Amos Tuttle, the first settled minister of Hardwick. Their children were Corne- lius Alden, born June 26, 1861, died March 29, 1878 ; Anna Emerson ; Ed- ward Harvey, and Harry Edson. The three younger died in infancy. Cor- nelius liven to be nearly seventeen. He was a bright, active young man of great promise, and his death was a grievous trial to his parents. Mrs. Jeude- vine is a lady of worth, in her manners and bearing showing the marks of a "goodly heritage " from her ancestors. Mr. Jeudevine has succeeded in his undertakings and acquired wealth, and the key to his success lies in his en- ergy, perseverance and indomitable courage. He possesses strong will and resolute purpose, combined with great physical endurance. Cautious and conservative, he does not hastily form his plans or arrive at conclusions ; but when his course of action is formed, he is positive and persistent in obtaining a successful issue. Like his father he is a strong temperance man, never using liquor in any form. He has always been a prominent factor in town- meetings, and has originated more improvements than any other man who ever lived in Hardwick. The proof of this statement is shown by the great number of resolutions introduced and carried through by him. In many and various ways he has demonstrated himself a useful citizen, wise in counsel, sagacious in plans, original in his conceptions, and a valuable constituent of society, ever throwing the weight of his strong individuality on the side of law and order. The business interests of this town and section are largely indebted to him for their growth and prosperity, and he has taken part in the erection of mills, factories, stores and dwellings to a great extent in this locality. A man of strict integrity, his word is considered as good as his

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bond, and neither were ever repudiated. As a merchant he was shrewd, industrious, careful and systematic in the details of his business. In his life he illustrates the phases that distinguish the genuine New Englander-energy, frugality, industry and persistency, and enjoys the friendship and esteem of the leading citizens of the county.

Cornelius Alden Jeudevine, son of Hon. Alden Edson and Malvina Maria Jeudevine, was born June 26, 1861, in Hardwick, Vt., where he died March 29, 1878, aged sixteen years and nine months. It is eminently fitting that in a memorial volume, a portrait and sketch should be given of this young life which for a brief space gladdened the hearts of his parents, and of whom it could be truly said,-

" None knew him but to love him, None mentioned but to praise."

" Nealy" (as he was always called) was a bright, handsome little boy of five years, when he commenced attending school. He was never absent from a recitation. Attentive, punctual and studious, he made good progress, won the love and esteem of his teachers and associates at once, and was admitted to the academic department when twelve years of age. His advance was especially rapid in the solid branches, and in all matters pertaining to a good business education, which he was anxious to obtain. He did not confine himself to these, but acquired the ornamental as well as the useful. He studied Latin and stood high in his classes, but particularly excelled in book- keeping and penmanship. The autograph accompanying his engraving was written when he was thirteen years and three months old. His diaries, which he had kept for three or four years, are models of completeness, and the writ- ing clear and distinct as copy-plate engraving. Even though so young, his mind was far more matured than that of many men. He greatly assisted his father by arranging and filing his papers systematically, copying his letters and making himself acquainted with all the contents, and he so familiarized himself with all the details of the extensive and intricate business, that Mr. Jeudevine says, " Nealy was better qualified to administer my estate than any other person." Cornelius Alden Jeudevine was nearly six feet in height, but slender, his growth being very rapid. His hair and eyes were black, his complexion fresh and ruddy, indicating a good state of health, and a promise of a well developed physical as well as mental nature. (The engraving rep- resents him at the age of eleven years, seven months and twenty-one days.) He was exceptionally happy in his friends and associates, and signally so in his home, with kind, loving parents to administer to his wants and means to gratify his wishes. Although he was their only surviving child, yet he was not a spoiled boy. He was upright, faithful, industrious and generous, and could not have been otherwise. Incapable of evil thoughts, he was slow to impute them to any other. He never spoke ill-naturedly of any one, and disliked to hear others do so. In Mr. Jeudevine's position, with his strong, positive nature, he naturally had enemies ; yet " Nealy" always treated

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Gazetteer of Caledonia and Essex Counties, Vt. 1764-1887, Part 25

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836- comp. cn Publication date: 1887 Publisher: Syracuse, N. Y., Syracuse Journal Co., Printers and Binders Number of Pages: 886

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836- comp. cn
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Syracuse, N. Y., Syracuse Journal Co., Printers and Binders
Number of Pages: 886