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 65

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 65

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An energetic, public-spirited citizen, Mr. Well- ing has long occupied a position of influence in the town, and is one of the most active promoters of its progress. He served as postmaster of North Bennington ten years, as auditor four years, as selectman, justice of the peace, and represented his town in the state legislature in 1888. For a number of years he was one of the school com- mittee, and gave material assistance in erecting the beautiful new school building, which is one of the finest in this section of the state. As one of the directors of the North Bennington Boot and Shoe Company he took an active part in its management for several years, and since 1851 has served as a director of the National Bank of North Bennington. As one of the leading Re- publicans of this vicinity he has served on the state committee. and as chairman of the Repub- lican county committee. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow.

Mr. Welling married, in 1850, Sarah D. Thomas, who was born in Brattleboro, Vermont, a daughter of Elihu H. Thomas. Mr. Thomas was a paper manufacturer in his earlier days, but in 1849 went with the gold seekers to California, where he spent several years. Returning to Ver- mont in 1872. he lived for a while in Jacksonville, then settled in North Bennington, where he died at the age of seventy-three years. He mar- ried Abigail Bangs, of Guilford, Massachusetts, by whom he had nine children, two of whom are

living, William, of White Creek, New York, and Elihu, of Brattleboro, Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Welling became the parents of five children, of whom but three survive, namely: Edward D., Hattie S. and George B. Both sons are in busi- ness with their father. Edward D. Welling mar- ried, first, Emily Douglas, who died in early womanhood, leaving one child, Alice M. Hc married, second, Cora B. Middleton. George B. Welling married Arla McKay, and they are the parents of two children, Charles Mckay and Edward T.

LYMAN P. WOOD.

Lyman P. Wood, a prominent merchant and public-spirited citizen of Burlington, Vermont, is descended, like so many of the leading men of the Green Mountain state, from Massachusetts stock. Asel Wood, grandfather of Lyman P. Wood, was born in Northhampton, Massachusetts, and was proprietor of a stage line between that place and Worcester, Massachusetts, before the time of rail- roads. He died at the age of eighty.

Andrew Wood, son of Asel Wood, was born in 1827, in Northampton, Massachusetts, where he spent his early years, and where, after reach- ing manhood, he engaged in the West India drug business. Later he went to Montreal, where he carried on the business of a wholesale importer of wooden ware until he retired, in 1875, to North- ampton, Massachusetts, where he died in 1881, at the age of fifty-four. Mr. Wood was a Repub- lican in politics, and a remarkably successful busi- ness man. He married Lois Childs, daughter of Otis Childs, a farmer of Conway, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Wood had six children, two of whom are living: Walter C., a physician and surgeon of Brooklyn, New York ; and Lyman P. mentioned at length hereinafter, Mrs. Wood. who was born in 1838, and is still living, resides with her elder son in Brooklyn, New York.

Lyman P. Wood, son of Andrew and Lois (Childs) Wood, was born May 20, 1871, in Mon- treal, and passed his boyhood in Northampton. Massachusetts, where he received his primary ed- ucation, after which he became a student in St. Johnsbury Academy, where he remained two years, graduating in 1887. He was then employed in the general store of the Fairbanks Scale Com-

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pany, the largest in that part of the country, where his ability speedily attracted notice, as was evi- dent from the fact of his being shortly promoted to the position of manager of the department of the line of goods in which he is now a dealer. In 1897 he went to Burlington, Vermont, and bought an interest in the Bee Hive carpet department, originally owned by Peck Brothers, and in the spring of 1901 transferred that department to its present site; this business was established over fifty years ago. Mr. Wood has a very flour- ishing business, occupying two floors and neces- sitating the employment of over twenty people. His stock of goods is very large, his being the only establishment which deals exclusively in these special lines.

Mr. Wood is a Republican in politics, and in 190I was elected a member of the board of alder- men for two years. He is a member of the Ethan Allen Club and also of the Mohegan Club. Mr. Wood, with his wife, is a member of the College Street church, where he serves on the prudential committee.

Mr. Wood married June 8, 1893, Mary P. Putney, daughter of Charles E. Putney, a well known educator, who had charge for twenty years of St. Johnsbury Academy and is now pro- fessor of Greek in the Burlington high school. Professor Putney has a daughter Ellen who is also engaged in teaching. Mrs. Wood is a grad- uate of St. Johnsbury Academy and of Smith College. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have three chil- dren-Ellen, Louise and Charles. Mrs. Wood, on the maternal side, is a descendant of the cele- brated Brooks family, being a cousin of Bishop Phillips Brooks.

GEORGE EDDY JOHNSON.

George Eddy Johnson, clerk of the United States circuit and district court, district of Vermont, was born in Huntington, Vermont, January 18, 1842, a grandson of John Johnson, who was born in 1780, and upon attaining young manhood located in Wallingford, Vermont, where he was interested in agricultural pursuits. He was familiarly known as "Captain Johnson."

Joel M. Johnson, father of George E. John- son, was born in Wallingford, Vermont, in 1815, and the early years of his life were spent in ac-

quiring an education in the district schools. Sub- sequently he took up his residence in Huntington, Vermont, where he established a boot and shoe manufactory, which he successfully conducted for many years. In his political affiliations he was an adherent of the Republican party, always taking an active interest in local affairs, and he served the town in the capacity of postmaster, town clerk and treasurer. Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Martha Eddy, born in 1818, in Wallingford, Vermont, a daughter of George Eddy, one of the carly settlers of that town. Later Mr. Eddy located in Huntington, Vermont, where he pursued the occupation of farming with such success that he was enabled many years be- fore his death, which occurred in the seventy- sixth year of his age, to retire from the active duties of life and take a well-earned rest. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson-George Eddy. Both Mr. Johnson and his wife were lib- eral in their religious views. Mr. Johnson died in the fifty-fourth year of his age, and his wife passed away in July, 1890.

George E. Johnson spent the early years of his life in Huntington, Vermont, and acquired his educational training in the common and select schools of the vicinity. In March, 1868, after his father's death, he was appointed postmaster of the town, and discharged the duties of that office with credit both to himself and his fellow-citi- zens. From 1868 to 1891 he was the incumbent of the offices of town clerk and treasurer. After his removal to Burlington, Vermont, he was en- gaged for a short period of time in clerical work, after which he received the appointment of clerk in the revenue office. In 1872 Mr. Johnson was appointed deputy clerk of the United States cir- cuit and district courts, which position he held until 1885, when he was promoted to the position of clerk, which he has since filled, being the oldest officer of this court ; he was also appointed United States commissioner in 1880, is still serv- ing, and has a large amount of business in this capacity. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity, a member and one of the found- ers of the Algonquin Club, and has been its secre- tary since its organization. He formerly acted in the capacity of secretary for fifteen years of the Ethan Allen Engine Company, from which the Ethan Allen Club was formed. This organization

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is composed of the most prominent and influential men in the city of Burlington, Vermont. Mr. Johnson takcs a keen and active interest in relig- ious affairs, being a clerk and treasurer of the Unitarian church of Burlington.

On January 18, 1864, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Martha Torrey Clark, who was born in Pawlet, Vermont, a daughter of Philip R. Clark, an enterprising and prosperous agricul- turist of that town. Mrs. Johnson and Ann B. Bromley, widow of Dr. George W. Bromley, are the only surviving children of a family of four who were born to Mr. Clark and his wife, who died some years ago in the town of Huntington, Vermont.

WILLIAM ADAMS BRIGGS.

William A. Briggs, prominently identified with the National Life Insurance Company of Montpelier, Vermont, was born July 31, 1848, at Keene, New Hampshire, a descendant on the paternal side of Jeremiah Stiles, who enlisted in the Continental army April 21, 1775, was pro- moted to the rank of captain in Colonel Paul Dud- ley Sargent's regiment, and participated in the battle of Bunker Hill. Subsequently he made a report of the battle to the Continental Congress, then sitting in New York, and also a report of the death of General Warren. The progenitor of the American branch of the family was prob- ably Clement Briggs, who came to Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1621, and the line of descent is as follows: William Briggs, born in 1645, married Sarah Macomber ; William, born in 1667, married Mchitable Blake ; Eliphalet, born in 1704, married Abigail Gary; Captain Eliphalet, born in 1734, married Mary Cobb; Eliphalet, born in 1770, married Elizabeth Stiles; Eliphalet, born in 1788, married Lucy Brown; William Sheldon, born in 1817, married Nancy Ann Adams; and William Adams Briggs, born in 1848, married Emelia Frances Whitney.

William Sheldon Briggs, father of William A. Briggs, was born in Keene, New Hampshire, September 17, 1817, was a merchant by occupa- tion, in his politics an adherent of the Republican party, and in his religion a firm believer in the doctrines adopted by the Congregational church.

He married Nancy Ann Adams, born in Mt. Vernon, New Hampshire, December 13. 1821, a daughter of Daniel Adams, author of "Adams' Arithmetic," etc. Daniel Adams was a son of Daniel, born at Townsend, Massachusetts, Sep- tember 21, 1773, son of Daniel, born July 29, 1746, son of Captain Daniel, born in 1720. son of Captain Daniel, born in 1690, son of Joseph, son of John, son of Henry, son of William, son of Richard, son of John, son of Thomas, son of Roger, son of Sir John A. Adams, who was de- scended through Lady Elizabeth Gournai and Hugh de Gournai by direct descent from Em- peror Charlemagne. Mr. Briggs died May 28, 1901, his wife having passed away February 14, I868.

William Adams Briggs attended the Keene high school, from which he was graduated : from 1868 to 1870 he studied music in Boston. and during the years 1870 and 1871 pursued a course of musical instruction in Berlin, Germany. Upon his return in September, 1871, he located in Mont- pelier, Vermont, where he was engaged as organ- ist in Bethany church and teacher of music in Goddard Seminary, Barre, Vermont. In 1884 he decided to adopt a different line of occupation. and during that and the following year was con- nected with the Vermont state exhibit at the New Orleans Exposition, and in December, 1885. en- tered the employ of the National Life Insurance Company, in which position he is serving at the present time (1903).

He is a member of Aurora Lodge No. 22, F. & A. M .; King Solomon Chapter No. 7. R. A. M., in which he is past high priest ; Montpelier Council No. 4, R. & S. M. ; Mt. Zion Command- ery No. 9, K. T., in which he is past commander : Mt. Sinai Temple, N. M. S., in which he is past potentate ; Vermont Consistory, thirty-second de- gree, Ancient Accepted Order of Scottish Rite Masonry. He is also connected with the Montpe- lier Country Club and the Apollo Club of Mont- pelier, Vermont, and the Vermont Society of Sons of the American Revolution.

On November 27, 1872, Mr. Briggs married Emelia Frances Whitney, daughter of Nathan and Nancy Augusta (Hay) Whitney, whose an- cestors took a prominent part in the Revolution- ary war, also in King Philip's war.

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WILLIAM DUTTON NEWTON.

William Dutton Newton, prominently and highly useful in the commercial and social life of Bennington, is a representative of a class of enterprising and progressive sons of Vermont who have come from an old and honored New England ancestry. His great-grandfather, David Newton, was born March 25, 1753, at Milford, Connecticut, and married Mary Hazen, born Sep-

WILLIAM DUTTON NEWTON.

tember II, 1754, and a daughter of Joseph Hazen, of Norwich, Connecticut. They were the parents of sixteen children, and all of this unusually large family came to years of maturity ; among these was Sheldon Newton, the grandfather of Will- iam Dutton Newton. The father died December 29, 1839, at the ripe age of eighty-six years, and

the mother, September 24, 1823. In "The Old and the New," an "occasional" magazine pub- lished in Hartford, Vermont, are some interesting incidents in the history of the Newton family of which David Newton was the founder. He set out a tree whenever a child was born in his family, and there are to-day standing in the door- vard of his former home sixteen stalwart birth- day trees. Of these children, ten were sons and all were more than six feet in height when they attained maturity. David Newton made carts, and sometimes accepted land in payment therefor. upon one occasion receiving a deed to thirty acres of land for a cart.

Sheidon Newton was born' in Middletown, Connecticut, whence he removed to. Hartford, Vermont, as one of the pioneer settlers of the place. His home was for years in a little log cabin, and as he lived a most industrious and frugal life, in course of time his efforts and sacrifices were rewarded, and he was enabled to take liis place as a prosperous farmer and to command all the comforts and even luxuries which the conditions of the times would af- ford. He was twice married, his second wife being Nancy Wilder. who bore him three children, all of whom are now deceased. The pa- rents were both members of the Congregational church, and lived earnest and consistent Christian lives, both passing away at about the age of seventy-five years.

John Newton, youngest child of the parents last named, was born and reared upon the homestead farm at Hartford, and acquired his education in the neighborhood schools. He was a life-long farmer, and passed his life industriously and usefully, enjoying the esteem and confidence of the entire community. His wife was Mary Jane Dutton, also a native of Hartford, and they became the parents of five children, all of whom are now living : William Dutton; John, who lives in Utica, New York; and Alla, Carrie and Louis

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S., all of whom' reside in the village where they were born, and all maintain their allegiance to the church of their parents. The father died at the age of seventy-three years, and the mother at the age of sixty-two years.

William Dutton Newton. eldest child in the family, was born on the homestead farm, August 31, 1850. He obtained his education in the neigh- borhood school, and until his eighteenth year his time during working seasons was occupied with farm labors. He then went to Rutland, where he passed three years in learning the trade of machinist. In 1874 he came to Bennington and found employment at his trade with Olin Scott, with whom he remained for two years. For three years afterward he was connected with Holden's Mills, where he had charge of the woolen machin- ery repair work. With the savings from his earn- ings, he purchased a small store and shop, and conducted a plumbing business, and this venture proved a most successful one, bringing him all the town trade in that line. He at the same time sold hardware and built up so large a patronage that it soon became necessary for him to remove to a larger building. Three years later the neces- sity for more ample accommodations was so urg- ent that he erected his present large business block, renting a portion of it to Mr. Ritchie for use as a dry-goods store. Twelve years later his tenant moved into a building of his own, and Mr. Newton's entire building now houses a most complete hardware and plumbing stock and equip- ment. Known to be an accomplished mechanic, and keeping in stock all goods known in the hard- ware trade, Mr. Newton has been able to com- mand the best patronage of the community, and his business has been constantly increasing.

Mr. Newton was married August 12, 1874, to Miss Mary L. Burtis, a native of Illinois, and a daughter of William and Rachel (Hakes) Bur- tis. Her father was a carpenter and builder, and passed his last days in Troy, New York, where he died at the age of forty-eight years. After the death of her mother, the daughter came to Ben- nington, where she met her future husband. Mr. and Mrs. Newton became the parents of five children, of whom three survive: Nelle J., who was, in 1901-2, a teacher of elocution in the School for the Blind at Nashville, Tennessee ; Frank Burtis Newton, who is a student of phar-

macy, in Chester, Vermont ; and Lillian. The de- ceased children were Fred, who died at four and one-half years of age; and Mabelle, who died at six and one-half years. The family oc- cupy a beautiful home, built by Mr. New- ton. All are members of the Methodist church, which they actively support in all its lines of effort. Mr. Newton affiliates with the Republican party, and is a member of the fra- ternity of Odd Fellows, and has occupied all the chairs in both subordinate lodge and encamp- ment.

CLARENCE EGERTON MOULTON.

The Moulton family, of Montpelier, of which Clarence Egerton Moulton, actuary of the Na- tional Life Insurance Company, is a representa- tive, is descended from Phineas Moulton, who in 1788 came from Monson, Massachusetts, and set- tled in Randolph, Vermont, where in 1793 he purchased a farm which is yet in the possession of his descendants. His son Horace was born June 26, 1794, on the homestead farm, which he cultivated during his active life. He married January 25, 1826, Lucy Smith, who was born in 1809, and their deaths occurred, respectively, August 21, 1862, and November 12. 1885.

Justin H., son of the parents last named, was born June 14, 1830, and was also reared on the home farm, which he managed most successfully, and was particularly identified with the breeding of fine stock. He was married August 18, 1861. to Hannah Olivia Perrin, who was born in Ran- dolph, April 13, 1840. She was a daughter of Philander and Hannah S. (Egerton) Perrin. Her father was born in Randolph, Vermont, May a8, 1808, and died March 4, 1885, a son of Noah and Olive (French) Perrin, who were born, respect- ively, February 23, 1770, and March 30. 1777. and died, respectively, January 20, 1857. and Sep- tember 15, 1834. Philander Perrin was educated in the Randolph grammar school, graduated in law, was admitted to the bar and practiced his profession successfully in Randolph Center, and afterward at West Randolph. He occupied va- rious responsible official positions, and was at different times town clerk, postmaster and pro- bate judge. May 28. 1839, he was married to Hannah S. Egerton, born April 16, 1813. died at

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Randolph, November 1, 1888, a daughter of William Egerton, who was born August 28, 1763, was married February 19, 1788, to Hannah Blod- gett, who was born March 3, 1760; these parents died. respectively, October 15, 1834, and Febri- ary 2. 1849. William Egerton was a son of Asa Egerton, who was born in March, 1736; he was one of the first settlers of Randolph, obtained the charter for the town ( which he named), and was its military captain. He was married in 1759 to Hannah Griswold, and their deaths occurred, respectively, May 1, 1798, and November 16, 1765.

Justin H. and Hannah Olivia ( Perrin) Moul- ton were the parents of three children-Clarence Egerton, further mentioned below : Lucy H., born March 22, 1867, who was married to Arthur Ed- win Lane, September 16, 1890, and to whom has been born a daughter. Marjory; and Mary Ada, born August 20, 1871.

Clarence Egerton Moulton was born in Ran- dolph Center, Vermont, September 29, 1863. He began his education in the West Randolph graded schools, and then entered Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, from which he was graduated in June, 1889. For two years after- ward he served as bookkeeper on the Green Mountain Stock Farm. In 1891 he removed to Montpelier, where, October I, he entered upon employment in the treasury department of the National Life Insurance Company. He mani- fested a particular aptitude for his work, and in January, 1897, he was advanced to the position of assistant treasurer. In April, 1902, he was appointed actuary. He enjoys the confidence and esteem of the management of this important in- stitution which he serves. He is fond of genteel sports and is a stockholder of the Montpelier Country Club, member of the Apollo Club of Montpelier and the Mt. Mansfield Trout Club. In religion he is an Episcopalian and in politics a Republican.

Mr. Moulton was married September 18, 1895, to Miss Inez Mary Blanchard, born in Barre, Vermont, January II, 1869, a daughter of Azel N. and Ellen Sara (Lane) Blanchard, and a granddaughter of William Blanchard.

Azel Norman Blanchard, who served in Com- pany F, First United States Sharpshooters, in the war for the Union, was born February 16,

1843, at Randolph, Vermont, a son of William Blanchard, born February 20, 1795, who lived 111 Brookfield and Randolph, Vermont, and of Mary Hint, born November 15, 1802, at Bain- tree, Vermont, died September 17, 1867. Wil- liam was a son of Barnard Blanchard, born in Worcester, Massachusetts, July 12, 1774, died November 28, 1857, and of Phebe (Young) Blanchard, born in Leicester, Massachusetts. Barnard was a son of Josiah Blanchard, born in Worcester, Massachusetts, died in Barre, Ver- mont.

Ellen Sara Lane was born August 13, 1849, at Plainfield, Vermont, daughter of Willis Lane, born in Barre, Vermont, June 30, 1810, died in I'lainfield, Vermont, in June, 1884, and of Laura Cutler, born in Orange, Vermont, June 20, 1814, died at Montpelier, Vermont, January, 1896. Willis Lane was the son of Joseph Lane and Pris- cilla Gillingham. Lanra Cutler was the daughter of Jacob Cutler, born about 1788, at Sunapee Lake, New Hampshire, and of Betsey Watts, of Beverly and Salem, Massachusetts. Jacob Cutler was the son of John Cutler, born about 1746, and of Elizabeth Cutler. John Cutler served as pri- vate and corporal in the war of the American Revolution, Captain Ezra Newhall's company, Colonel Mansfield's regiment ; called to Lexing- ton, April, 1775, also May to August, 1775. His residence was at Lynn, Massachusetts.

LOWELL C. GRANT.

One of the earliest New England families, represented in the present generation by Colonel Lowell C. Grant, of Burlington, Vermont, was that of whom the ancestor was Mathew Grant, a native of England, born in 1610, who came, May 30, 1630, to Boston Harbor, Massachusetts, where he remained until 1635, when he removed to Windsor, Connecticut. He was the father of Samuel Grant, born in 1645, who was an ancestor of a patriot soldier whose name will be honored for all time-General Ulysses S. Grant. Samuel, the son of Samuel, was born in 1672; his son Ephron was born in 1714, and Ebenezer, son of Ephron was born in 1740.

Oliver Grant, son of Ebenezer Grant, was born in 1770. He was a farmer by occupation and a man of sterling character, and lived a use-

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ful and successful life. His son, Edwin L., was born in 1800. He inherited the paternal traits of character, and was also a farmer, and for some years was a town constable. He died at the age of forty-three years. He married Sarah E. Ladd, born in Sterling, Connecticut, in 1805, and two children were born of this marriage-Lowell C. (further written of below) and Charles L., who is engaged in the sinking or artesian wells in Hartford, Connecticut. The mother is yet living in Danielson, Connecticut.

Lowell C. Grant, son of Edwin L. and Sarah E. (Ladd) Grant, was born March 23, 1853, in Tolland, Connecticut. He began his education in the public schools of his native village, and afterward completed a course in the Rockville. high school. At the age of eighteen years he took a situation in a retail lumber business in Rockville. Three years later he removed to Bur- lington, Vermont, and entered the lumber yards of Sheppard, Davis & Co., with whom he remained for three years, then taking employment in the lumber yards of J. R. Booth, the most extensive in New England, where he labored industriously for twelve years, occupying the responsible posi- tion of bookkeeper and cashier. For a time he was associated with L. G. Burnham in a picture frame and art goods business. Later he became interested in a china business, in which he con- tinued until January 1, 1902, when he sold out. During these years Mr. Grant has extended his activities into various other channels, and has long been interested in the Venetian Blind Company of Burlington, in which he occupies the position of director, and in the Home Savings Bank, in which he is a trustee. He has also been called to various important positions of honor and trust. He has served for some years as a mem- ber of the board of assessors. In 1894 he was elected city treasurer, and he has been re-elected in each succeeding year, and is now serving his eighth consecutive term, covering a longer period than any other similar official in the state. During his incumbency of this office the business has more than doubled in volume, and during the past year ( 1902) more than half a million dollars passed through his hands. In all his relations he has proved himself sagacious and trustworthy. and commands the respect and confidence of the entire community. His public spirit and devotion

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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 65

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