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 89

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 89

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The Barclay Brothers' work, covering all de- scriptions of granite monument, headstone and general cemetery work, is renowned in all the markets reached by such products. The cutting and finishing departments are all under one roof, occupying a building sixty-five by four hundred and twenty-five feet in dimensions, and one hun- dren skilled operatives are employed. A practi- cal mechanic himself, Mr. Barclay is in high re- pute for his originality of designs and perfection of mechanical work. A perfect judge of mater- ial, he inspects all that passes into the hands of his workmen, making personal selection from the best quarries, in three of which he holds a per- sonal interest. The equipment of the shops in- cludes the most elaborate machinery known to the stone cutting and dressing art, and the sculptural and memorial work is of the highest excellency in both design and workmanship. In every way the business career of Mr. Barclay has been emi- nently successful, not alone in advancement of his personal fortune, but in the development of that great industry which has made Vermont noted throughout the world.

Mr. Barclay was reared in the Presbyterian church of Scotland, but in this country has held membership with the Congregational church. In political affairs he maintains a position of inde-

pendency, acting with that party or supporting that candidate who at the moment represents those interests which promise to best subserve public interests. He is a member of Clan Gor- don No. 12, Scottish Clans, of Barre, and of Granite Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of the same city.

Mr. Barclay was married in Scotland, March 17, 1876, when he first revisited his native land, to Miss Mary Monroe Smith, who was born in the same shire as he himself. Of this marriage were born seven children. The eldest, William, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, April 29, 1878; he is now employed in his father's works; he married Miss Jesse Mercer, and to them has been born one child, William R. Barclay. The second child of Mr. and Mrs. Barclay, Robert Douglas Monroe, who is also in the employ of his father, was born December 29, 1880, in Aberdeen, Scot- land, when the parents were visiting there. The third child, Mary Monroe, was also born in Scot- land, December 9, 1882. The remaining children were born in Barre, Vermont, Anna Laing, Au- gust 16, 1887 ; Flora Elizabeth Bassett, October 3, 1889; Maggie Caroline Taylor, April 1, 1892; and Grace Darling, September 3, 1896.

WALTER N. BALDWIN.

Walter N. Baldwin, a leading business man and influential citizen of Starksboro, Vermont, belongs to a family which has been for several generations numbered among the respected citi- zens of the Green Mountain state. Orange Bald- win, his great-grandfather, was born in 1761, in Connecticut, whence he removed to New Ha- ven, Vermont, probably finding his way through the then trackless wilderness by means of marked trees. He was one of the pioneers in the place of his destination, making a clearing in the for- est, and living the rugged life incident to the early settlers of that day. He followed the voca- tion of a farmer, and his death occurred there.

George Baldwin, son of Orange Baldwin, was born in 1798, in New Haven, Connecticut, but passed his boyhood and all his subsequent life in New Haven, Vermont. He took an active part in public affairs, being one of the promoters of the "plank road" from Vergennes to Bristol. Ver- mont, and holding, during the remainder of his

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life, the position of a director of this enterprise. He died at the age of eighty years.

Oscar D. Baldwin, son of George Baldwin, was born February 2, 1838, in Bristol, Vermont, and spent his early years in New Haven, in the same state. On reaching manhood he went to Shelburne Falls, where he became in time the proprietor of a grist mill. In 1865, having dis- posed of his interests in Shelburne Falls, he went to Starksboro, where he purchased the business now presided over by his son, Walter N. Bald- win. Under the direction of the elder Baldwin, the factory was completely renovated, being sup- plied with new machinery of the latest kind. The butter-boxes, tubs, and other similar articles made in these works, were all of the best manu- facture, and the business rapidly became flourish- ing. Mr. Baldwin married Ruth Hoyt, born in 1840, in Pennsylvania, and their family consisted of the following named children: Walter N., mentioned at length hereinafter; Frederick A., also mentioned at length hereinafter; and Helen, who became the wife of Alson Collins, of Monk- ton, Vermont. Mrs. Baldwin, who attended the Methodist Episcopal church, died in 1887, and the death of Mr. Baldwin occurred April 22, 1902, at the age of sixty-four. The latter was not only signally successful in business, but was a man highly respected for his sterling worth of character. He was prominent in the political af- fairs of Starksboro, and held the office of select- man. He was a member of Patriot Lodge No. 33, Free and Accepted Masons, of Hinesburg, Vermont, and took an active part in the affairs of the order, and served as master of his lodge.

Walter Newell Baldwin, son of Oscar D. and Ruth (Hoyt) Baldwin, was born May 26, 1870, in Starksboro, Vermont, receiving his education in the schools of his native place, and also in Bristol. Subsequently he entered the employ of his father, with whom he was associated in busi- ness until the death of the latter. He then came into possession of the whole establishment, which he has conducted ever since with great success, demonstrating, by the able manner in which he fills the position of proprietor, that the remark- able business ability of the father has descended in full measure to the son.

In politics Mr. Baldwin is a Republican, and takes an active part in public affairs. The high

place which he holds in the esteem of his towns- men is shown by the fact that he has been elected to a mumber of town offices. Mr. Baldwin mar- ried, Angust 16, 1892, Ruth Carpenter, born May 10. 1872, daughter of Joel Carpenter, a success- fui farmer of Starksboro, whose family consisted of two children: Ruth, mentioned above; and Jessie.

Frederick A. Baldwin, son of Oscar D. and Ruth ( Hoyt) Baldwin, was born May 4, 1860, in Shelburne Falls, Vermont, and was educated in Beeman Academy, at New Haven. He was associated in business with his father until 1888, since which time he has been connected with the New York Life Insurance Company. Mr. Bald- win married Edna A. Boardman, of Middlebury, Vermont, and has a family of three children: Wayne M., Howe C. and Everett.

FRIEND NOYES WHITCOMB.

The strength of character, unfaltering perse- verance and competent business methods which have brought success to Friend Noyes Whit- comb were manifest early in his career and came to him from his ancestors. The progenitor of the American branch of the family was John Whitcomb, born in Dorchester, England, and set- tled in Scituate, Massachusetts, after his arrival in this country, which was in the early part of the seventeenth century; he died September 24, 1662. Josiah, son of John Whitcomb, was born in the year 1638 and died March 21, 1718. His wife's maiden name was Rebecca Waters. David, son of Josiah and Rebecca Whitcomb, was born in Scituate, Massachusetts, February 20, 1668, and was united in marriage to Mary Fairbanks. Joseph, son of David and Mary Whitcomb, is supposed to have been born in Bolton, Massa- chusetts, in 1700. Later he took up his resi- dence in Swanzey, New Hampshire, where he died aged ninety-two years. He was familiarly known as Captain Whitcomb, and married Damarius Priest. Elisha, son of Joseph and Damarius Whitcomb, was born about the year I723, served in the Revolutionary war, being ap- pointed to the rank of major, and displayed his courage at the battle of Bunker Hill; he married Joanna Whitcomb, of Leominster, Massachusetts, and his death occurred September 17, 1814.

F. N Whitcomb

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Salmon Densmore, son of Elisha and Joanna Whitcomb, was born in Swanzey, New Hamp- shire, March 19, 1776, was a carpenter by trade and in 1805 located in Orange, Orange county, Vermont, where his active life was passed. He married Aruba Camp, born October 31, 1787, at Sharon, Connecticut, the ceremony being per- formed May 15, 1806, at Orange, Vermont. Their children were Roxinda, born July 23, 1810; George W. C., born September 14, 1814; Emeline A., born September 18, 1818; Sarah, born Feb- ruary I, 1821 ; Lyman Waterman, born February 7, 1824; William Elbridge, born November 4, 1826; and James Addison, born September 5, 1832. The father of this family died in Barre, Vermont, February 22, 1852, and the mother died October 4, 1867, at Brookfield, Vermont.

Lyman Waterman, son of Salmon D. and Aruba (Camp) Whitcomb, was born in Orange, Vermont, February 7, 1824. He obtained a good common school education in his native town, which qualified him for the duties of his life work. He commenced his business career by purchasing the Phelps saw-mill property in the town of Barre, Vermont, which he conducted suc- cessfully for a number of years; after disposing of this property he bought the saw-mill of William Martin, which was located in Plainfield, Vermont, where he remained for two years. He then pur- chased the Fork Shop in the town of Barre, which he operated as a sash and door factory, and after continuing in this line for some time he purchased the property formerly owned by Joshua Twing, where he followed the trade of millwright for over twenty years, and in addition he was the owner of a factory in Rochester, Ver- mont, in which fork handles and material for chairs were manufactured. In his political affiliations he was a firm supporter of the Re- publican party, and fraternally was a member of Granite Lodge, F. & A. M., of Barre, Vermont. On November 5, 1850, Mr. Whitcomb married Miss Mariam Sargent Noyes, daughter of William and Mary (Sargent) Noyes, who was born November 13, 1830. Two children were born of this union, namely: Friend Noyes, and Harry Wendall, born May 22, 1858. The father of these children died in Barre, Vermont, January 7, 1898, and his wife's death occurred May 23, 1902.

Friend Noyes Whitcomb, eldest son of Lyman Waterman and Mariam Whitcomb, was born in the town of Plainfield, Washington county. Ver- mont, November 18, 1855, but was only six months old when his parents removed to Barre, Vermont. His preliminary education was ac- quired in the public schools of Barre, and later he was a student in the Goddard Seminary, where he completed his education. At the age of thir- teen years he learned the trade of millwright with his father, and the following eight years were spent in working at that line of trade. Then, wishing to become an engineer, he de- voted three years to that pursuit, and after gain- ing a thorough knowledge of the business, he learned the trade of machinist, which he suc- cessfully followed until January, 1890. He then entered into partnership with his brother under the firm name of Whitcomb Brothers in the manufacture of granite-working machinery of all kinds, and this enterprise proved a success from the very beginning. In addition to this ex- tensive manufacturing industry they are devel- oping seventy acres of land into a fine granite quarry ; this is situated on Millstone Hill in the town of Barre. They are the owners of this property, and Mr. Bond is associated with them in this enterprise under the firm name of Bond & Whitcomb. Mr. Whitcomb follows honora- ble business methods, unflagging energy, un- wavering perseverance, and unassailable integ- rity, and to these qualities his splendid success is attributable. In his politics he has always been a staunch Republican.

On July 7, 1878, Mr. Whitcomb married Miss Martha Ellen Bigelow, who was born in Williams- town, Vermont, December 31, 1856, a daughter of Joseph and Martha (Luce) Bigelow. Their children are: Bessie Lou, born in Barre. Ver- mont, November 17, 1882, and Burnice Irene, born in Barre, Vermont, January 6, 1890.

JAMES M. WILSON.

James M. Wilson, a leading farmer of New Haven, Vermont, and who has been frequently honored by his fellow townsmen with positions of trust. is of Scotch descent, his grandfather Robert Wilson having been born in Scotland, where he spent his whole life. William W. Wil-

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son, the father of James M. Wilson, was also born in Scotland, but after reaching manhood went to the West Indies, where he spent four years as overseer on a plantation on the Isle of St. Vincent, after which he went to Quebec and Montreal, and at a later period suffered ship- wreck, but where we are not informed. He ter- minated his wanderings by settling in New Ha- ven, Vermont, where he followed the occupation of a farmer. His migrations and hardships do not appear to have injured his constitution, for we read that after his many vicissitudes he completed a century of existence, dying at New Haven, Vermont, at the ripe age of one hunderd years. He married Elizabeth Mecker, born in Lincoln, Vermont, daughter of Levi Meeker, one of the first settlers of that town. The Meeker family were members of the Society of Friends, Elizabeth being one of four children, all of whom are now deceased, she herself having died at the age of eighty-eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were the parents of several children, of whom James M. is the only one who reached maturity.

James M. Wilson, son of William W. and Elizabeth ( Meeker) Wilson, was born in New Haven, Vermont, February 23, 1842, and was educated in the common schools of Bristol, Ver- mont. after which he devoted himself to farm- ing. and later purchased a farm in the town of Bristol, where he lived nine years. At the end of that time he returned to New Haven, where he purchased parts of two estates, known re- spectively as the "old Hinman farm" and the "old Bottom farm." As a result of this purchase he now has a fine estate devoted to general farming, two hundred and seventy-five acres being under cultivation.

Mr. Wilson is a Republican in politics, and has served his town as selectman three years, as lister five years, and for two terms has acted as chairman of each of the above named boards. He has also represented his town at both the county and state conventions. Mr. Wilson and all his family are very active in all affairs connected with the Congregational church.

Mr. Wilson married, March 3. 1863, Julia Morrison, daughter of Nathan Morrison, of Starksboro, Vermont, who followed for many years the combined occupations of farmer and rope manufacturer, and died at the age of

eighty-six, his wife expiring at the age of eighty. Mrs. Wilson is one of a family of twelve chil- dren, of whom three danghters beside herself are living: Mary, married to James Page, of Bristol, Vermont; Lizzie, who is the wife of W. W. Ricker, of Bristol, Vermont ; and Abbie J., mar- ried to Lindley J. Burtsell, and residing on the old homestead in Starksboro, Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have three children: Lizzie, who is the wife of Herbert Hofugle, a lawyer of Ti- conderoga, New York, and has two children, Sarah and James; William W., a druggist in Bristol, Vermont, married Jennie Everet, and has one child, also named Jennie Everet ; and Thomas N., who resides with his father on the paternal farm, is married to Sarah Peck, and lost one child in infancy. Both Mr. Wilson's sons are very prominent Masons.

ELVIN M. COLLINS.

Elvin M. Collins, a prosperous and progres- sive agriculturist of Monkton, Vermont, was born in that town, February 8, 1850, a descendant of Daniel Collins, who was born in 1772 in Mas- sachusetts. Here the latter received the limited educational advantages that could be obtained in the district schools of that day, and when he at- tained young manhood he removed to Monkton, Vermont, accompanied by his parents, and they were among the earliest settlers of that section of the state. He was engaged in the occupation of farming, to which he devoted the remainder of his life.

Alson Collins, son of Daniel Collins, was born in Monkton, Vermont, in 1797. He attended the common schools of the village, where he obtained a practical education, and being reared upon his father's farm he chose that vocation for his life work. He was engaged in the production of a general line of farm produce, and, being an indus- trious, capable and energetic man, he was enabled to secure a competence for his declining years. His death occurred in the town of Monkton, Ver- mont, at the age of sixty-two years.

George H. Collins, son of Alson Collins, was born in Monkton, Vermont, in 1821, was reared and received his education in the town, and the early years of his life were spent in assisting his father with the management of the farm, which,

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after the death of his father, he inherited. For many years he was one of the prominent men of the town of Monkton, and his fellow townsmen honored him by choosing him as their candidate for various public offices, among them being, se- lectman, lister, collector and constable, which latter position he filled for a number of terms. He was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca U. Bates, who was born in Monkton, Vermont, December 12, 1825, a daughter of Miles B. Bates, who was born in 1785. Mr. Bates was an early settler of the town of Monkton, and was one of its most prominent and successful farmers ; he also acted in the capacity of town clerk for three years and held a number of other local offices. In addition to his agricultural pursuits, he was engaged in the insurance business, from which he realized quite a goodly income. He married Miss Abi- gail Winchell, who was born in Monkton, Ver- mont, in 1790. Mr. Bates' death occurred when he had attained the extreme old age of eighty- four years. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Collins, all of whom are living at the pres- ent time ( 1902) : Julia R. married William Gage in 1871, and has one son, Charles W. Gage ; her husband died in 1873. Charles H. married Ella Newton, and they now reside in Haverlock, Iowa. Elvin M. Collins is the third. Both Mr. and Mrs. Collins resided with their son, Elvin M. Collins, at the time of their decease. He died in the sixty-fourth year of his age, and his wife passed away at the age of sixty-three years. They were faithful and loyal members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Monkton.

Elvin Miles Collins was reared upon the old homestead and acquired an excellent education in the common and select schools of Monkton. During the early years of his life he worked upon the ancestral estate, where he remained until the death of his father. He then purchased three hundred acres of land, which he devoted to the production of a general line of farm products ; he is also greatly interested in dairying, having thirty-four cows in his possession with which to supply the large demand for dairy products. Mr. Collins is a Republican in politics, and has served as delegate to a number of state conventions ; he was also chairman of the town delegation to the state convention in 1902 and was elected in that year to serve in the state legislature. He has had

other offices of trust and responsibility offered to him, but has steadily refused to accept them. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church and the Sunday-school connected with it.

Mr. Collins was united in marriage, in 1875, to Miss Addie M. Partch, of Hinesburg, Ver- mont, and her death occurred in the thirty-sixth year of her age; he chose for his second wife Miss Evelyn Safford, who was born in Essex, New York.

George E. Collins, a half-brother of Elvin M. Collins, enlisted, at the commencement of the Civil war, in Company B, Eleventh Vermont Vol- unteers, September 1, 1862, was transferred to heavy artillery, December 13, 1862, and served for three years. He was honorably discharged from the service, but only lived one year after his return ; he died October 7, 1866, at the age of twenty-four years.

FRED H. DEAN.

Fred H. Dean, a prominent merchant who has also acted in the capacity of postmaster for the town of Monkton, Vermont, was born in that town, December 17, 1850. Nathaniel Dean, his grandfather, was one of the pioneer settlers of Monkton, where he followed the occupations of farmer and carpenter and met with a large de- gree of success in both lines of business. He remained in this section of the country until an old man, and his death occurred in the west when he had attained great age.

Carlton S. Dean, his son, was born in De- cember, 1812, in the town of Monkton, where he received his education in the common schools, and after attaining young manhood he was the pro- prietor of a hotel at East Middlebury. Subse- quently he located at Monkton, where he was a farmer. Mr. Dean's genial, pleasant manner made him quite popular among the patrons of his hotel, and secured to him a very liberal patronage from which he derived a good income. He was united in marriage to Miss Celestia H. French, and the following named children were born to them: Casper H., now a prosperous farmer in the town of Monkton : Carlton S., who holds the office of town treasurer of Monkton ; Amanda J., wife of Orton D. Bonner, a resident of this town ;

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Fred H. Dean ; and Helen C., who died while the wife of Henry Stilson. The father of these chil- dren died in Monkton at the age of sixty years, and his wife passed away in 1874.

Fred Hezekiah Dean, youngest surviving child of Carlton S. and Celestia Dean, was reared in his native town, where he attended the common schools and later was a pupil in the graded school at Vergennes. After completing his studies he established himself in the store at Monkton, and liis integrity, activity and energy have been the crowning points of his success. His connection with business enterprises and industries has been of decided advantage to this section of the coun- try. In political principle Mr. Dean is a Republi- can, and was chosen to represent the town in the state legislature in 1886; he has also served as town clerk since the year 1879, and at the pres- ent time (1903) holds the office of postmaster, the duties of which position he performs both faithfully and conscientiously. November 30, 1875, Mr. Dean was united in marriage to Miss Halcie S. Smithi, who was born in the town of Monkton, Vermont.

CHARLES P. ABERNATHY.

Charles Pierpont Abernathy, a highly re- spected and esteemed business man of Bristol, Vermont, was born in the adjoining town of New Haven, June 26, 1844. Hiram Abernathy, his grandfather, was born in Hartford, Connecti- cut, in 1765, and became prominently identified with the business and political affairs of the town. He removed to New Haven, Vermont, when that section of the state was nothing but a wilderness. He had seven hundred acres of land, which he cleared and cultivated so that in due course of time it yielded him a goodly income. Here he lived for the remainder of his days and had a family of fourteen children. He contracted ty- phoid fever and died from that disease when he had attained the age of forty-seven years, and his wife succumbed the same week to the same dis- ease.

Ira Abernathy, son of Hiram Abernathy, was born in New Haven, Vermont, August 12, 1804. He received his education in the common schools of his native town, and when only eight years of age he was placed under the care of a guardian,

Manford Pyer, with whom he lived until he was sixteen years old. For some years he taught school during the winter months and worked on farms in summer. He taught three terms in Starksboro, and, being a skilled penman, often gave writing lessons after he engaged in farm- ing. After attaining his majority he purchased a farm near the old homestead, and devoted his time and attention to the raising of a general line of garden produce. January 3, 1827, he married Miss Lydia L. Smith, who was born August 2, 1806, in South Burlington, daughter of James Smith, who was later one of the residents of New Haven. Six children were born to Ira and Lydia Abernathy. Cornelius, the first, born December 30, 1828, was a farmer in New Haven, and died October 1, 1847, in Bristol, Vermont. Cornelia E .. born May 14, 1832, died July 7, same year. Abby C., born December 27, 1833, died April 5, 1869, while the wife of Orrin Dickinson. Lu- cia I ... , born October 12, 1838, died October 12, 1876, being the wife of Henry Soper, and the mother of two children, Noble and Florence. Eliza Janet, born May 22, 1841, died July 13, 1869, unmarried. Charles P., is the youngest. Mr. Abernathy died September 26, 1865, at the age of sixty-one years, and his wife, who was a member of the Congregational church, died June 26, 1846. Subsequently he married Mary Lawrence of Monkton, who was the mother of two sons, Julian. WV. and Frank D. The former born January 23, 1853, is a graduate of Middlebury College, and Yale University, is now at the head of Berkley Institute, Brooklyn, New York, and an author of some repute. The latter, born December 26, 1858, is a member of the firm of Allen & Aber- nathy, large dry-goods dealers, of Burlington, Vermont.

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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 89

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