Genealogical and family history of the state of Vermont; a record of the achievements of her people in the making of a commonwealth and the founding of a nation, Vol I, Part 39

Author: Carleton, Hiram, 1838- ed
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: New York, Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1032

USA > Vermont > Genealogical and family history of the state of Vermont; a record of the achievements of her people in the making of a commonwealth and the founding of a nation, Vol I > Part 39

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ELMER ELLSWORTH LARRABEE.

farmer by occupation and at one time served as a captain in the state militia, but when the war with England was in progress he was too young to enlist. In the community where he made his home he was a highly respected citizen. and his death, which occurred when he was seventy-four years of age, was mourned by many warm friends. His wife was born in Phippsburg, Maine, and by her marriage became the mother of thirteen chil- dren, among whom are: Harriet, who became the wife of P. M. Reid, of Bath, formerly of the Chicago Inter-Ocean, and who is author of a "History of Bath." and other historical publi- cations ; Rachel, who married Charles Sylvester;

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of Racine, Wisconsin ; Louise, the wife of L. F. Adams, of Bath ; Lydia, the wife of P. O. Rogers ; and Matilda, who married Thomas B. Cutting, both of the latter of Bath, Maine. All of these are now living in Maine, but the other members of the family have passed away. The mother died at the very advanced age of eighty-eight years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Elliott were consis- tent members of the Baptist church, closely fol- lowing the teachings of that denomination. By the marriage of James R. and Lucretia D. Larra- bee four sons and a daughter were born, but only two are living: Jennie, the wife of Charles H. Norton, of Bath, Maine; and Elmer E. The mother died at the age of sixty-seven years, in the faith of the Baptist church, of which both she and her husband had long been active members, doin everything in their power to promote the growth and increase the influence of the church.

Elmer E. Larrabee spent his early youth in Bath, Maine, and attended the common schools there until fourteen years of age, when he put aside his text books and entered upon his busi- ness career, learning the ship-joiner's trade. He followed that pursuit in his native city until the electric light plant was instituted there, and he was given charge of the inside wiring. When the plant was completed, he was given the super- intendence of the business and occupied that po- sition until 1891, when he came to Bennington to take charge of the electric plant in this town, and is now (1902) president of the company operating the same. He is also a director of the electric railroad company and of the Ben- nington & Hossic Valley Railroad Company.

In 1878 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Larrabee and Miss Flora S. Leonard, who was born in Bath, Maine, a daughter of Thomas and Catherine Leonard. Her father was born in Windsor, Nova Scotia, and there became a house carpenter. He afterward removed to Bath, where he resided for many years, and through a long period was connected with building in- terests of that place, but at the present time he is living retired. His wife was also a native of Nova Scotia, and by their marriage they be- came the parents of the following children, be- sides Mrs. Larrabee: Charles, a resident of San Francisco, California ; Maude, of Bath, Maine; Jennie, at home : E. Randall, who is engaged in

the drug business in Bath ; and Fred A., who is also living in that city. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Larrabee has been blessed with one son, Harold D., who was born in Bath, and after at- tending the public schools in that place, continued his education in the high school of Bennington. He was graduated from the Massachusetts In- stitute of Technology and is now in the employ of the General Electric Company, of Schenectady, New York.

In his political views Mr. Larrabee is a Re- publican, and socially is connected with the Red Men. He has never sought public office, yet for two years was a member of the city council of Bath. He thoroughly enjoys home life and takes great pleasure in the society of his family and friends. Those who know him personally have for him warm regard, and his success in business, from the beginning of his residence in Bennington, was uniform and rapid. He has always supported those interests which are cal- culated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth is deserving of the highest commendation.

GEORGE EUGENE MOODY.

George Eugene Moody, one of the prosperous and progressive business men of Waterbury, Ver- mont, is a descendant of Elisha Moody, who set- tled in Corinth, Vermont, in the early part of the eighteenth century. He was a miller by trade, and followed that vocation successfully for many years. He was the father of two sons and sev- eral daughters ; the names of the sons were Jos- eph and Elisha Moody.

Joseph Moody, grandfather of George Eu- gene Moody, attended the district schools of his birthplace, and in later years became what was known in the early days, before the advent of the railroad, as a drover. He delt extensively in the buying and selling of live-stock, which he dis- posed of very advantageously in Boston, Massa- chusetts. He also speculated in real estate, from which he derived a goodly profit, and, in fact. all his business was in the trading line. In his political affiliations Mr. Moody was a Democrat. and he served as justice of the peace for many years, and transacted most of the legal business of the town.

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After his marriage to Miss Avis Chesley, daughter of George Chesley, Mr. Moody removed to Waterbury, Vermont, where he continued in the same line of trade for many years, being ably assisted later on by his sons who were in partner- ship with him. Six sons and three daughters were born to them: Daniel, Nathaniel, William, Elisha. Joseph, George, Avis, Betsy and Ange- line Moody. The family were all carnest and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Waterbury, Vermont. Mr. Moody died in 1859, and his wife had died some time previously.

George Moody, youngest son of Joseph and Avis Moody, and the father of George Eugene Moody, was born in Vershire, Vermont, Septem- ber 20, 1822. After receiving the education that was afforded in the district school, he assisted his father in the management of his business, and later became an extensive dealer in live-stock on his own account. He was also actively interested in the real estate trade, in which he did considera- ble speculating.

On December 8, 1843, Mr. Moody married Miss Lucia Eddy, who was born in Waterbury, Vermont, May 8, 1822, a daughter of William and Jane (Smith) Eddy ; the former named, who was born in Massachusetts, was a son of Thomas Eddy, who participated in the Revolutionary war, and who married Miss Elizabeth Putnam, a niece of General Israel Putnam, who won considerable fame and renown in the war of the Revolution. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Moody, namely : George Eugene ; Edwin B .; Lu- cia Euphasia ; Sarah Elizabeth ; Emma Caroline ; Rev. Calvin, pastor of a Congregational church in Minneapolis, Minnesota ; and Nettie E., who acted for many years in the capacity of teacher in the high and grammar schools.

George Eugene Moody, eldest son of George and Lucia Moody, was born in Waterbury, Ver- mont, January 6, 1845. He acquired his early education in the common schools, and later re- ceived an academic course. After his graduation he was engaged in teaching school for many years. He then followed the occupation of farm- ing, and in addition to this he has been actively interested in various enterprises, all of which have proved most successful and remunerative. For the past twenty-five years he has been engaged in

the manufacture of brick, and for the same length of time he has been one of the most extensive shippers of live-stock. He has also an interest in lumber manufacturing and dealing, in the granite business, in the wrapper manufacturing, and in mercantile business, the firm being known as Moody & Luce. Mr. Moody was one of the prime promoters of the electric railroad operating between Waterbury and Stowe, and, in conec- tion with Mr. George H1. Almon and C. P. Mc- Mahon, he caused to be established in 1898 the electric plant at Bolton Falls which furnishes light for Waterbury and power for the Montpel- ier & Barr Railroad.

Mr. Moody is also widely known in politicai circles as a leading representative in the Republi- can party of the state, and has occupied numer- ous positions of trust and influence. He repre- sented the town of Waterbury in the state legis- lature in 1886 and 1900, has served in the capac- ity of selectman for nine years, besides filling other local offices.

Mr. Moody was united in marriage, March 8, 1866, to Miss Alma Huse, who was born in Waterbury, Vermont, a daughter of Eben and Lydia (Fisk) Huse, the former named being a son of William Huse. Of this union three chil- dren have been born : the first, a daughter, died in infancy; the second, Inez Eugenia, born No- vember 23, 1867, and died December 8, 1894, was a graduate of the Vermont University of the class of 1894; the third a son, Mark Huse Moody, born May 11, 1876, graduated from Minard Commercial School, 1894, and Montpel- ier Seminary in 1898, and now holds the respon- sible position of manager of the wrapper factory, besides acting in the capacity of postmaster of the town of Waterbury, Vermont, being appointed in April, 1898, and re-appointed in April, 1902. He married, June 20, 1900, Lucy Helen Gaffield, of Bradford, Vermont, daughter of George E. and Jennie E. Gaffield.

EDWARD KINSLEY.

Judge Edward Kinsley, of Bennington, Ver- mont, bears in his veins some of the best blood of our early colonists, and is in every way a splendid type of our best American citizenship. He was born at the old homestead February 26,

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1827, and is descended from good old Revolu- tionary stock. The family name was originally spelled Kingsley, but there is a tradition to the effect that one of his ancestors hated the king so much that he dropped the "g" from his name, and to this day most of his descendants spell the name without it.

John Kinsley, Judge Kinsley's grandfather, was born in Rhode Island, and was a son of Samuel Kinsley, who was a blacksmith by trade and who was a soldier in the patriot army in the war of the Revolution, serving under General Washington at Valley Forge. One of the broth- ers of grandfather Kinsley, Daniel Kinsley, eventually located in northern Vermont, where he resumed the original spelling of the name, Kingsley, and where many of his descendants now reside. In 1768 John Kinsley came to Bennington, Vermont, and purchased a large tract of land, most of which our subject owns to this day. He at once turned his attention to clearing the land and built a log house on the site where his grandson's residence now stands. His occupation was that of farming, which he continued to fol- low throughout his active business life. When the colonists took up arms against the mother country, he and his two brothers, Daniel and Nathaniel, joined Captain Dewey's company, as did his also his two oldest sons, being among the famous "minute men" in the battle of Ben- nington. General Stark's troops camped near his home, and he joined them on their way to Ben- nington, riding horseback along the old bridle- path which ran near his place, and which was the only road at that time. He died at the ad- vanced age of ninety years, and his wife was also quite old at the time of her death. She bore the maiden name of Thankful Washburn, and was a daughter of William Washburn. They were members of the Presbyterian church, and were among the most highly respected and honored citizens of the community in which they lived. In the family of this worthy couple were the following children : John, Jr., who was born August 27, 1749; Rhoda, born April 12, 1751 ; William, born April 16, 1753; Thankful, born September 26, 1754; Mary, born October 30, 1756; Beulah, who was born October 10, 1758. and died March 4. 1759: Roger, born Febru-

ary 7, 1760; Abisha, who was born March 18, 1766, and died August 9, 1859.

Abisha Kinsley, the youngest in this fam- ily, was only two years old when brought by his parents to Bennington, where he was educated in the common schools. He remained on the home farm with his father until the latter's death, and then took charge of the place, purchasing the interests of the other heirs. In 1826 he built the house now occupied by our subject, and con- tinued his residence there until called from this life at the age of ninety-three years. As one of the popular and influential citizens of his com- munity, he was prominently identified with pub- lic affairs, and was called upon to fill several official positions of honor and trust, the duties of which he most faithfully and satisfactorily performed. For fourteen years he served as selectman of the town, when the salary of that office was only seven dollars per year, and he was also justice of the peace for a number of years. In politics he was an old-line Whig, and in religious faith was a Universalist, to which church his wife also belonged. Abisha Kinsley was twice married, his first wife being Hulda Millard, a native of Bennington, Vermont, by whom he had six children, all now deceased. For his second wife he wedded Eunice Green, a daughter of Henry Green, who came to this state from Keane, New Hampshire, in pioneer days. and settled at Bennington Center, where he died at an advanced age. Mrs. Kinsley was seventy- eight years of age at the time of her death, and of her five children only two are now living, these being Edward, and an older brother, Charles.

Upon the old homestead farm at Bennington Edward Kinsley has spent his entire life. His early education was obtained in the common schools of the neighborhood, and he subse- quently pursued his studies under the direction of a private tutor, as did also his brothers and sisters. His parents having died, he came into possession of the farm at the age of twenty-two years, and has since carried it on with marked success. For a time he and his brother engaged in agricultural pursuits in partnership, but he finally purchased the latter's interest and has since been alone in business. His place, consist- ing of one hundred and sixty-four acres of land,

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is under a high state of cultivation and is de- voted to general farming.

On the 25th of September, 1857, Mr. Kins- ley was united in marriage to Miss Harriett B. Rudd, who was born in Bennington and was a daughter of David Rudd, who lived near the Kinsley homestead. Her grandfather, Joseph Rudd, was one of the heroes of the Revolution- ary war and a pioneer of Bennington, where the greater part of his life was passed; his wife, Sarah Story, was the mother of several children, and lived to the extreme old age of ninety-eight years, dying in 1845. Mrs. Kinsley is the ninth in order of birth in a family of twelve children, the others being Abbie and Sabina, both de- ceased : Elijah, who was born April 8, 1816, and is still living, his home being near that of our subject ; Martha, John and David, all three de- ceased; Elizabeth, widow of Stearns Harris and a resident of Hoosick, New York ; Sanford, also a resident of Hoosick : Catherine and Lester, both deceased ; and Aaron, who completes the family.

Mr. and Mrs. Kinsley have no children of their own, but have an adopted son and daughter. The latter is Addie, who first married Sanford Rudd and by that union had two children: Al- lura L., and Kinsley S., named for her foster father ; her second husband is Emery Leland, now a resident of Emery, Michigan. Glen, the adopted son, remained with Judge Kinsley until nineteen years of age, in the meantime receiv- ing a good education in the schools of Benning- ton. He was then given his time and went to Omaha, Nebraska, where he engaged in herding cattle for a time. Subsequently, in connection with a brother, he followed surveying at St. Paul, Nebraska, which was then a new town. Later he started a national bank in partnership with some gentlemen of that place, and engaged in the banking business for a number of years with marked success. He next went to San Bernard- ino. California, where he studied law and was ad- mitted to the bar, being now engaged in success- ful practice in that state. He is also acceptably serving as clerk for three different counties and is tax collector for two counties. He is married and has three daughters.

In his political views Mr. Kinsley is a stal- wart Republican, and, like his father, has always taken a very active and prominent part in pub-

lic affairs. He filled the office of assessor in 1865 and 1867, and again in 1897-98-99. For the long period of twenty-seven years he was justice of the peace, and was associate judge of Benning- ton county in 1881 and 1882. He was thoroughily impartial in meting out justice, his opinions be- ing unbiased by either fear or favor, and his fidel- ity to any trust reposed in him is above question. Hle is regarded as one of the leading and most highly respected citizens of Bennington.

MIAL B. HOUGHTON.

Dr. Mial B. Houghton is the oldest, trom point of years of practice, veterinary surgeon of Bennington, and his success has placed him in the front rank among the representatives of the pro- fession in this part of the state. He was born in Shaftsbury, Vermont, on the 14th of October, 1849. His father, Nelson Houghton, was also a native of that place and was a son of Timothy Houghton, whose birth occurred in Connecticut. The first representatives of the name in the new world came from England and settled in the Charter Oak state in colonial days. Grandfather Houghton left Connecticut and became one of the pioneer settlers of Shaftsbury, Vermont, where he secured a large tract of land covered with native timber, and devoted his remaining days to the improvement of his property, his ef- forts as an agriculturist bringing to him a good financial return. He married Frances Gawyer, who was born in Connecticut and was of French- Spanish lineage. Her father was a French major, but her mother was born in Spain. By the marriage of Timothy and Frances Houghton were born ten children. The mother was a con- sistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and died in that faith at the age of eighty- six years.

Nelson Houghton was reared in Shaftsbury and after arriving at years of maturity married Almira Herrington, who was born in Shafts- bury. They began their domestic life in a log cabin, in true pioneer style, but the little home was brightened by the presence of four children, of whom three are yet living, Timothy and Rufus, both of whom are residents of Dover, Vermont ; and Mial. Nelson Houghton devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits and prospered in his

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undertakings, so that as the years passed he was enabled to add to his place all the comforts of civilization. The little log cabin was replaced by a substantial and commodious frame resi- dence, and it was in that home that he died, at the age of fifty-eight years. He gave his political support to the Whig party, and on that ticket was called to a number of local offices, in which he discharged his duties with marked ability and fidelity. His wife died at the age of forty-one years.

Dr. Houghton spent his early life at the old home in Shaftsbury, pursued his education in its public schools and in 1863 came to Bennington, where he remained until 1870. In that year he went to New York, where he remained for one year employed as a salesman. The Soummond Brothers had a large shipping business and also engaged in the manufacture and sale of lightning rods, and of the latter department of their busi- ness Mr. Houghton had charge for two years. In 1872 he attended lectures in the American Veterinary University (now Leobard's Veterin- ary University), and for two years and seven months was a student at that college. At that time his mother's' health failed, and he returned to Bennington to manage the disposal of the property of the estate. It was at that time that he established his livery business, and was also proprietor of a meat market in 1877-8. In con- nection with his livery he began the practice of veterinary surgery, which he has since followed with excellent success.

On the 20th of December, 1880, Dr. Hough- ton was united in marriage to Miss Helen Wood, a daughter of Franklin Wood, a native of Wood- ford, Vermont. Mr. Wood was a machinist by trade, and becoming connected with a mill, grad- ually worked his way upward and was made sup- erintendent and general manager of all contracts. He married Sarah Crawford, and they became the parents of two children, Helen, and Charles A. To Mr. and Mrs. Houghton has been born a daughter, Ethel Houghton. Doctor Houghton is a firm believer in the principles which consti- tute the Republican platform and always en- dorses the policy of the party by his ballot, but has never had time or inclination to seek public office. He is a member of the Stocks Insurance Company of Boston, and belongs to the Sons of

the American Revolution, holding membership with the chapter of New York, of which he has twice been elected vice-president. He belongs to Company K, Vermont National Guards, and was one of the four original members appointed to draw up a charter and since that time he has held all of the important offices in the organiza- tion. He is connected as examiner with the Hu- mane Society, and belongs to the American Vet- erinary Association. He is a very successful man, doing a good business and having a large prac- tice among the best people in this part of the state. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church and have a large circle of friends in Bennington.

ROBERT SHIELLS DRYSDALE.

Robert Shiells Drysdale is an active factor in commercial circles in Bennington. His success in all his undertakings has been so marked that his methods are of interest to the commercial world. He has based his business principles and actions upon strict adherence to the rules of industry, economy and unswerving integrity. His enter- prise and progressive spirit have made him a typical American in every sense of the word, and he well deserves mention in the history of the state. What he is to-day he has made himself. for he began in the world with nothing but his own energy and willing hands to aid him. By constant exertion and good judgment, he has raised himself to the prominent position which he now holds, having the friendship of many and the respect of all who know him.

Mr. Drysdale was born in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, on the 3d of March, 1862. His fa- ther, Alexander Drysdale, was born in Tillicoul- try, Scotland, but when a young man came to America and took up his residence in Prairie du Chien, where he was engaged in business as a railroad contractor. He followed that pursuit for a number of years and then returned to the east, locating in Leeds, New York, where he accepted the responsible position of superintendent in Hunt, Tillinghast & Company's woolen mill, oc- cupying that position for a number of years. It was in 1873 that he took up his abode in Benning- ton, where he established a store known as the

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Mill store. Subsequently he was connected with the River street store, and he spent his remain- ing days in Bennington, where he died in 1884, at the age of fifty-two years. He was a very snc- cessful merchant, and made a close study of the needs and wishes of the public, and by his honor- able dealing secured a very liberal patronage. He married Agnes Best, who was born in White- water, Wisconsin, and they became the parents of five children, namely : Mrs. Captain Rendall, who is living in London, England; Robert S. ; Janette, who makes her home with her brother, Robert ; and two who have passed away. The mother was called to her final rest when thirty-eight years of age. Both parents were members of the Presby- terian church and were people of the highest respectability, enjoying the warm regard of a large circle of friends.

Robert S. Drysdale spent the greater part of his youth in Leeds, New York, where he pur- sted his education in the graded schools until eleven years of age. He then went to Dollar, Scotland, where he attended school until fifteen years of age, after which he returned to this country, and took up his abode in Bennington, where his father had in the meantime embarked in business. He entered his father's dry-goods store as a clerk and continued with him until the lat- ter's death. In 1888 he established his present store in Bennington and has since successfully carried on merchandising, being the proprietor of the leading establishment in this place and also in this portion of the state. His business occu- pies three floors of a large store, one hundred by forty-two feet, and he employs fourteen clerks. He carries a large and well-selected stock of dry- goods, carpets, shoes, curtains and paper hang- ings. His trade is steadily increasing and al- ready brings to him a good return.

On the 9th of October, 1900, Mr. Drysdale was united in marriage to Miss Bridget Meagher, who was born in Bennington. The Democratic party receives the stanch support of Mr. Drys- dale, who believes most firmly in its principles. For three terms he was elected annually to the position of chief engineer of the fire department, and in 1888 was president of the State Fireman's Association. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and with the Red Men.

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Genealogical and family history of the state of Vermont; a record of the achievements of her people in the making of a commonwealth and the founding of a nation, Vol I, Part 39

Author: Carleton, Hiram, 1838- ed Publication date: 1903 Publisher: New York, Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company Number of Pages: 1032

Author: Carleton, Hiram, 1838- ed
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: New York, Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1032