Gazetteer of Washington County, Vt., 1783-1889, Part 21

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836-, comp; Adams, William, fl. 1893, ed
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Syracuse, N. Y., The Syracuse journal company, printers
Number of Pages: 898

USA > Vermont > Washington County > Gazetteer of Washington County, Vt., 1783-1889 > Part 21

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Hon. Horace Fifield was born in Orange, Orange county, February 1, 1807. His boyhood was not unlike that of other boys of that period, and was spent at home until he was fifteen years of age. Having heard from his neighbors' sons who had visited Boston, some interesting accounts of that city, he con- ceived the idea that he would visit the " Hub," and communicated his inten- tions to his mother, but not to his father, fearing his opposition to the plan. His mother gave him her aid in the matter, and just before his preparations for the journey were completed, the project was laid before his father, who gave him permission to go. In Boston he at once secured the position of coach-boy in the employ of a brother of Dr. Parkman, who was murdered by Prof. Webster. He saved his earnings, and returned to his home in the fall, the proud possessor of $72 in silver tied up securely in his pocket handker- chief. His father's death, which occurred when he was but seventeen years of age, and the force of circumstances in which he and the family were then placed, changed his predetermined plans for a thorough school course. He had even packed his trunk and engaged passage to Montpelier, where he intended to enter school. His brother Orange, in the meantime, saw the driver of the old stage coach, and informed him that Horace would not go, and he was left at home. Thus, by this little circumstance, his plans for a life time were all changed. Before the close of that day he had purchased the interst of all the other heirs to the homestead, and incurred the further obligation to give a home to his mother and four sisters, which duty he faith- fully performed. His mother died in 1844. Besides giving his attention to his farm, he was an extensive dealer in live stock, which he drove to Brighton market. He also had a contract to furnish beef and mutton for several regi- ments of soldiers in Montreal, and for twenty-eight consecutive winters he fattened and slaughtered large numbers of beef cattle and sheep, and sent them, frozen, to Montreal and Boston. In this extensive trade some seasons he slaughtered 4,000 sheep, and large numbers of beef cattle.

Horace Fifields -

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In 1868 Mr. Fifield sold the old homestead in Orange and removed to Barre, and thus severed his connections with the town-the first sixty-one years of his active, industrious, and enterprising life. Mr. Fifield went to Barre, as he says, "to take life easy." But his active mind and industrious habits would not allow him to rest or rust, and the following season found him again in an extensive business, dealing in agricultural implements, grass seed, wool, and buying and shipping large amounts of maple sugar. And now, at the great age of eighty-one years, he has the vitality and force of a man of but sixty, and is still actively engaged in dealing with his numerous old customers, the farmers, and others. Mr. Fifield has a considerable interest in the bank of Barre, and is the chairman of the board of directors of the Stafford & Holden Manufacturing Co., and was its president several years.

Mr. Fifield is a staunch old-school Jacksonian Democrat, but has given his attention to the good of the town rather than to the party. In 1841 and 1842 he represented his native town in the popular branch of the state legislature, and was senator of his district in 1845 and 1846. Among his associate sen- ators were Judge Vilas, Judge Kidder, and Judge Blodgett. When Mr. Fifield became a citizen of Barre he became thoroughly identified with all its interests. He advocated the building of the Barre railroad from the first inception to the final completion of this important enterprise. He was a co-worker with that eminent educator, Dr. Spaulding, in the interests of Barre Academy, and after his death the chairman of the board of trustees. He has always been a zealous advocate of temperance, and gives his time, influence, and money to all the genuine reforms and the building up of the educational and moral interests of Barre.

December 3, 1835, Mr. Fifield united in marriage with Hester A., daughter of Rev. Zadoc and Abigail Hubbard, of Barre, and their union has been blessed with three sons and five daughters, viz .: (1) Jennie S., born October 17, 1836, married, October 29, 1881, S. E. Howe, Esq., who is station agent for the Central Vermont railroad at Montpelier ; (2) Helen M., born July 17, 1838, married William M. Hurlburt, of Winona, Minn., January 16, 1866, and died August 20, 1885, and left one child, Abbie E .; (3) Abbie I., born March 14, 1840, married Henny Safford, of Springfield, Vt., December 27, 1865, died April 1, 1870, leaving one child, Helen T .; (4) a son, born October 20, 1842, died at birth; (5) Hester, born December 10, 1843, mar- ried Victor Richardson, of Corinth, Vt., June 10, 1869, and has one son, Horace A., now a clerk in Barre postoffice ; (6) Ella M., born May 7, 1846, mar- ried, April 9, 1879, J. W. Hosmer, of Chicago, Ill .; (7) George H., born May 28, 1849, married, January 1, 1872, Emma Wheeler, of Winona, Minn. Their children are Frank H., Ella, and Edna. George H. Fifield owns an ex- tensive stock farm and is a large dealer in milk. He resides three miles from Winona city. (8) DeWitt Clinton, born October 13, 1852, died in Winona, unmarried, October 7, 1878.

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Richard Sawyer Currier, the subject of this sketch, was born in Orange, Orange county, June 22, 1803. His father, Rev. Ezekiel Currier, was born June 19, 1773, and immigrated from Hampstead, N. H., and purchased a tract of land near East Orange, of John Porter, one of the original grantees of the township, and gave the horse with which he had made the journey together with the saddle and saddle-bags in payment. On this place he established a home where all but two of his eleven children were born. Rev. Ezekiel Currier was a circuit preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in the itineracy traveled over much of Eastern Vermont. He died September 27, 1851. His wife, Hannah (Sawyer) Currier, died many years earlier. Their children were John, Hannah, Betsey, Nancy, Richard S., Lurinda, Sabin, Susan, Newel S., Filura, and James M.

When Richard S. Currier was but eleven years of age he had the great misfortune to lose his mother, and he was called to assist in the management and rearing of this large family. This care matured him early, and developed his judgment far in advance of his years, but contributed greatly to his suc- cess in after life. He generously devoted his time and energies, until he was nearly thirty years of age, to the aid of his father and younger brothers and sisters, and taught district schools in the winters. January 31, 1833, he united in marriage with Miss Fanny B. Pratt, a lady several years his junior, and of rare personal beauty, whose unusual business capacity and persever- ing industry contributed largely to Mr. Currier's success through life.

After the next four years spent on his father's farm he removed to Wash- ington, but in the near neighborhood of the old home, where he spent six- teen years in successful farming and dealing in real estate, quite extensively in live stock, farm produce, and lumber, and also operated a mill. In 1853 he disposed of his real estate in Washington and removed to Barre, for the purpose of giving his children all the educational advantages afforded by Barre Academy. His purchase in Barre was the " Ripley farm," now Currier park, where he resided the remainder of his life. In politics Mr. Currier was a Republican, but not an office seeker. He was active in all the real inter- ests for the good of the public, and his good common sense, sound judgment, and honesty made him a safe advisor, and an essential advantage to his town. He despised pomp and show and hated shams. His analytical mind traced causes to their legitimate effects, and enabled him to forecast events likely to follow. Mr. Currier was thorough in all things, and a champion for right and when he had decided on a course of action he was not easily turned aside. Waste of time, talents, or property he abhorred, and he desired to turn everything to the best possible advantage of his community and the whole world. And consequently his benefits, not few nor small, were be- stowed in a way to help men to help themselves. He was bold and self- reliant in his own business, but reluctant in assumming responsibilities for others. Mr. Currier was a devoted husband and an indulgent father, but insisted on receiving the loving obedience of his children, and considered it a

Rt, Cumin

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most important duty to so instruct his children in early life as to insure to them a fair prospect of success and happiness. This is the testimony of one of them : "We were taught that an untruth was never to be excused or palliated, hardly to be forgiven." Mr. Currier served as the efficient treas- urer of Barre Academy, and gave to its financial interests the same faithful attention that he did to his own affairs. He foresaw that Barre's granite would make the town rich, and often said his farm would ultimately be cov- ered with dwellings. He died in Barre, June 9, 1875. Mrs. Currier still survives. Their children are (I) Caroline Fidelia, born December 23, 1833,. married Stedman C. Chubb, August 14, 1856, (a sketch of whom appears. elsewhere in this work). (2) Charles L., born August 25, 1836, married Ce- linda Dickey, March 30, 1858, and settled in Hardwick, Caledonia county, where he remained until 1874, when he returned to Barre. Their children are Richard S., born May 15, 1859, was educated at Barre Academy and Dartmouth College, graduated in the class of 1885, is a merchant in Barre, married Miss Julia A. McCarty, November 27, 1886, and has a son, George R. ; Fannie E., born March 3, 1862, graduated at Barre Academy in 1881, married John W. Connell, December 26, 1885, and has one child, John V .; Laura E., born June 16, 1866, graduated at Barre Academy in 1885 ; and Charles S., born December 16, 1867, graduated at Barre Academy and is now a student at Dartmouth College, class of 1890. (3) Fannie E., born October 3, 1847, married George F. Commings, October 12, 1874, and has six chil- dren, Mary, Alice, Ellen, Benjamin, Fannie, and George, and lives in St. Joseph, Mich. (4) Ella V., born October 2, 1851, married Gilbert Hutchin- son, July 22, 1870, has two children, Arthur and Chattie Fidelia, and also lives in St. Joseph, Mich.

Charles Templeton was born in East Montpelier, October 10, 1822, where he resided, with the exception of three years, until 1867. He was three years in Wisconsin dealing in wheat and flour. He has since dealt extensively in real estate, and superintended the sinking of an oil well, for a company of which he was a member, in Petrolia, Canada West, and which was a success. He came to look after his landed property in Barre village, where he now lives. His tract in Barre was the lands now occupied by nearly all the granite cut- ting firms, besides thirty house lots. At the time Goddard Seminary was built, besides contributing liberally, he served on the executive committee, gave most of his time for three years to its completion, and still is interested in the success of the institution, and is yet one of its executive committee. He is vice-president of the Ansable Granite Co., of Keeseville, N. Y., a director of the National Bank of Barre, and owns quite an amount of real estate in farms. Mr. Templeton has been married twice. His first wife, Lucy L. Bassett, of East Montpelier, died in 1848. His second wife, Mary J. Copeland, was the daughter of Rev. E. Copeland, and the mother of his daughters Jennie L. and Mary E., who reside with their father at 160 North Main street. Mrs. Templeton died June 25, 1882.

12 *

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TOWN OF BARRE.

John Henry Jackson, the subject of this sketch, is a descendant of James Jackson, an Englishman and a tory who came to this country in early life and died in Petersham, Mass., in 1810, at the age of eighty years. He was the father of ten children-two sons and eight daughters. John Jackson, the younger of the two sons, was born July 16, 1771 ; graduated from Dart- mouth College in 1792 ; was ordained pastor of the Congregational church in Gill, Mass., January 10, 1798; and, February 27th, of the same year, married Rebecca Rodgers, of New Ipswich, Mass., a descendant of John Rodgers the martyr. In 1812 he removed from Gill to Stukely, " Lower Canada," and in 1815 settled in Brome of the same province, where he died March 18, 1844. For nearly thirty years he was an active missionary in that region, at the same time performing the duties of a justice of the peace. To this day his memory is revered in scores of homes in Brome and vicinity for his devotion and sacrifices to establish the Redeemer's kingdom. When the Congregational church was organized in Brome, after years of toil and sacrifices for this object, he is reported to have said, as one of old, " Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace." Of his five sons and three daughters but one son is living, the father of Dr. Jackson.

Horatio Nelson Jackson was born March 5, 1810. He married Eliza Maria Hollister, July 15, 1833, and lived in Brome for the next thirty-seven years. Mr. Jackson was made a justice of the peace soon after his father's death, and held the office till his removal to Montreal, in 1870, where he still resides. Mrs. Jackson's life was a beautiful one, showing all the fullness and fervor of a strong Christian character combined with the strength and ability of a cultivated scholar. She sweetly "fell asleep " April 14, 1881. Three sons were left to rejoice in the memory of so blessed a mother. The eldest, Joseph Addison Jackson, M. D., a graduate of McGill College, has been a successful physician and surgeon in Lawrenceville, N. Y., and in Manchester, N. H. The second son, Rev. Samuel Nelson Jackson, M. D., is pastor of the First Congregational church in Kingston, Ontario, and lec- turer in the Congregational College of British North America, Montreal. Previous to his present charge he held pulpits in Montreal and Toronto. In addition to pulpit and parish work he was for years editor of the Canadian Independent and of the Canadian Year Book. He was secretary of the missionary society of the denomination for four years and now holds the posi- tion of treasurer.

John Henry Jackson, M. D., the youngest son, subject of this sketch, was born in Brome, Province of Quebec, April 19, 1844. He, as his brothers, received an academic education under Dr. Spaulding, graduating from Barre Academy in 1862 and from the Medical department of the University of Ver- mont in 1865, also receiving the honorary degree of Master of Arts from the latter institution in 1882. He began his professional career in Stock- holm, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., in 1865. June 24, 1867, he married Anna Dutton Wells, of Brasher Falls, N. Y., who died November 29, 1868. In

Yours most cordially Skinny Sacthou.

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1869, December 24th, he married Cora A. Wood, and removed to Barre December 30, 1870, where he continues to reside.

Dr. Jackson's early career in Barre was beset with more than the usual dif- ficulties and obstacles in the way of a young physician, but by sheer force of merit he has gained the foremost position and practice of his town, together with a name for professional skill and scholarly attainments that reaches be- yond the state. In these years of increasing professional duties he has, never- theless, devoted himself to the advancement of the religious, educational, and material interests of the community. He joined the Congregational church of Brome at an early age, and became an active member of the Barre Con- gregational church on making this place his home. From 1873 to 1875 he was superintendent of the Sunday-school, and for many years was a member of the executive committee of the society; in this position he was largely instrumental in maturing the plans and bringing to successful completion the extensive remodeling of the church in the years 1885-87. Dr. Jackson was elected superintendent of public schools in 1881-82. For many years he was a trustee and treasurer of Barre Academy. It was due to his untiring industry that the beautiful monument to Dr. and Mrs. Spaulding, in Barre cemetery, was erected, through the contributions he secured from students to whom the mem- ories of their loved teacher and friend are precious. Dr. Jackson was elected representative to the Vermont legislature in 1878-79, and has always main- tained a lively interest in the prosperity of the town. It was due to his per- sonal oversight and watchfulness that the bills granting the village charter and incorporating the Barre water works passed the legislature of 1886. He was elected the first bailiff of the village under the charter, but was compelled to decline on account of other duties, though he retains the position of presi- dent of the water works company. Among the secret and benevolent orders Dr. Jackson is claimed as a member of the I. O. O. F., Clan Gordon of O. S. C., and is prominent in the Masonic circles of New England. He was master of Granite Lodge several years, and district deputy five years. At the annual session of the Supreme Council, S. G. I. G. N. M. J., held in Boston, Mass., September 18, 1888, "The 33d and last degree was conferred upon him in full form, and he was received, welcomed, and proclaimed S. G. I. G. of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, and enrolled as an honorary mem- ber of the Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction."

In 1881, as president of the Vermont State Medical society, he addressed the medical students of the University of Vermont, and the following year was elected professor of physiology in that institution. Each year has but added to the popularity which he gained through his first course of clear, scholarly, and eloquent lectures in 1882. The success attending his practice at home, together with his popularity in the medical college, where his skill and scholarship are recognized and honored, have brought him many flatter- ing invitations to remove to larger fields, but we are glad to see in the erec- tion of his beautiful home on South Main street, which now engages his atten-

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tion, the evidence that he intends to remain in the field, where the difficulties of his life and profession have been mastered, and where his skill and learn- ing are meeting their reward.

Andrew E. Field, M. D., son of Alpheus and Rhoda (Emerson) Field, was born in Berlin, December 21, 1820. Until he was twenty years old he attended school and worked at farming. He was a student at Thetford Academy and the old Washington County Grammar school at Montpelier. He studied medicine with Dr. Orren Smith, of Berlin, attended medical college at Woodstock, and graduated at Dartmonth Medical College in 1845. He located in Orange, Orange county, where he practiced about five years. He then purchased the practice of Dr. Braley, of Washington, and removed to that town, where he practiced until 1871. He then located in Barre, where he is now engaged in the practice of his profession. In connection with his professional duties, the first seven years of his residence in Barre he was a druggist. February 29, 1848, he married Clarinda, daughter of David Nelson, of Orange, who has borne him three children. Edna L., who married Dr .. H. O. Worthen, and Clinton N. are now living.

Dr. Norman W. Braley, son of George H. and Desire Braley, was born in Pomfret, Windsor county, August 14, 1823. He studied medicine with Prof. Benjamin R. Palmer and graduated from the Vermont Medical College in. 1844. For some months after he graduated he rode with Dr. Chandler, of Montpelier. In 1845 he settled in Washington, Orange county, and remained, there until 1851, when he removed to Chelsea, where he built up an extensive practice, and won a reputation and standing among the leading and most successful physicians in his county and state. In 1872 he removed to Barre,. to be relieved of his laborious practice, which he had continued for the whole time he resided in Washington, and to give his sons the advantages afforded . by Goddard Seminary. He at once identified himself with the interests of his adopted town, and united with her enterprising citizens to push to a suc- cessful issue the long projected railroad which existed then only on paper .. Recognizing the great benefits that would accrue to the town on its comple- tion he gave it his hearty support, and that he and the people were enabled to celebrate its completion July 4, 1875, was largely due to his exertions. With the cooperation of Hon. B. W. Bartholomew, of Washington, the old. bank of Chelsea was removed to Barre and chartered as the National Bank of Barre. Dr. Braley was its efficient president at the time of his death. He advised the moneyed men of Barre to take the stock and organize the Stafford & Holden Manufacturing Co., and as its efficient president he was- succesful to place it on the prosperous business basis that it has enjoyed. As a trustee of Goddard Seminary he was untiring in his labors for its success, and was a generous contributor to defray its current expenses, deficits, and to- create a ten thousand dollar endowment fund. He was also a liberal supporter of the Universalist church and society, and the chairman of the committee on repairs, which put the church edifice in its present fine condi --

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tion. Although much engrossed in his own large business affairs, he found time to investigate all questions of general interest, and gave respectful atten- tion, aid, and advice to numerous friends, neighbors, and townsmen who often sought it. At his death, which occurred September 11, 1880, Barre lost one of its most esteemed, enterprising, and generous citizens. November 16, 1852, he united in marriage with Miss Arminia P. Calef, of Washington. Three of their four children are now living. The eldest, Bether W., is a physician and surgeon in successful practice of his profession in Barre. George H. is in the West, and contemplates entering banking business. Fred N. is a student at Goddard Seminary.

John Chubb, whose ancestors came from England, came from Charlton, Mass., about 1790, and located on a farm in the northwest part of Corinth, Orange county, where he resided the remainder of his life. His children were Chester, Joseph, Phebe, Louise, John, Jr., and Aaron. Only Aaron is now living. John Chubb, Jr., was born in 1799. He married Lucy, daughter of Capt. George Wood, of Lyme, N. H., who was lost at sea. Mr. Chubb, besides cultivating his farm, manufactured shoes for a firm in Salem, Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Chubb had nine children, three of whom are now living.

Stedman C. Chubb, son of John, Jr., was born on the old homestead in Corinth, September 19, 1828. When he was seventeen years of age he com- menced the trade of mason, and for his first season's service received five dollars per month. In winter he taught penmanship. After he had acquired his trade he spent seven years in Manchester, N. H. August 14, 1856, he united in marriage with Miss Caroline F. Currier, of Barre, and went to St. Johnsbury, where he engaged to superintend the mason work of E. & T. Fairbanks & Co. This position he filled the ensuing twenty-four years. In the time he rebuilt and enlarged the scale works, built the academy build- ings, court-house, Atheneum, and numerous other buildings in St. Johnsbury and in Hanover, N. H. Mr. Chubb came to Barre in 1880, and was in the granite business with J. P. Harrington one year. He then bought the R. S. Currier property, and for three years was engaged in breeding full blood Jersey cattle. In 1884 he presented to the town of Barre two acres of land to be used for a public park. About this park he laid out building lots, upon which have been erected many elegant and beautiful residences, and now Currier park is one of the pleasantest locations of Barre village. Mr. and Mrs. Chubb are now (1888) enjoying an extended tour through the countries of Europe, and anticipate a visit to the Holy Land before they return to Ver- mont.

In the War of 1812 Barre responded to the call for volunteers with loyal zeal, and when the news came that the British were about to invade Platts- burgh the excitement was intense; and the universal response was "To arms." The military company that left Barre for Burlington to defend Platts- burgh numbered 117 men. This took nearly all the young men who were of suitable age for military duty, and a few of the Revolutionary soldiers who

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desired to have one more tilt at arms with British red-coats. All parts of the town were represented in this company. The farmer left his farm, the me- chanic his shop, and the merchant his store. The company hastened on foot and arrived in Burlington, on Saturday, the day before the battle. But, for lack of means of transportation across the lake, none of the company partici- pated in the fight. Most of the men returned home without crossing the lake. Some went over and enlisted in the regular army.

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Gazetteer of Washington County, Vt., 1783-1889, Part 21

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836-, comp; Adams, William, fl. 1893, ed Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Syracuse, N. Y., The Syracuse journal company, printers Number of Pages: 898

Author: Child, Hamilton, 1836-, comp; Adams, William, fl. 1893, ed
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Syracuse, N. Y., The Syracuse journal company, printers
Number of Pages: 898