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 II, Part 126

Author: Carleton, Hiram, 1838- ed
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: New York, Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1044

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 II > Part 126

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John A. Slack, son of John and Hannah (Taylor) Slack, was born December 28, 1818, in Springfield, and was educated in the Kimball Union Academy at Meriden, New Hampshire. His youth was spent in assisting his father in the labors of the farm, and at the age of twenty-one he went to Lowell, Massachusetts, where he was employed in the mills as a carder. Returning to Springfield, he engaged once more in farming, and at the same time worked in cotton mills in that place. In 1846 he became a machinist, fol- lowing that occupation in connection with the Parker & Woolson Machine Company at Spring- field. In his early life Mr. Slack was a Whig, his first vote having been cast for General William Henry Harrison, the hero of Tippecanoe. Subse- quently he became a member of the Republican party. Mr. Slack belongs to the Methodist Epis- copal church, with which he united fifty years ago. He married, January 1, 1843, at Lowell, Massachusetts, Mary Ann McAllister, of Frye- burg, Maine. Their children are: William H. H., mentioned at length hereinafter ; Frances A., born August 27, 1848, who married Professor J. W. Freley, of Wells College, at Aurora, New York; Mary E., born April 6, 1855, who became the wife of W. R. Jacobs; and John T., also mentioned below. Mr. Slack now lives in retire- ment on the homestead, having withdrawn some time since from the active duties of a successful machinist.

William H. H. Slack, son of John A. and Mary Ann (McAllister) Slack, was born Febru- ary 21, 1844, in the town of Springfield, Vermont. receiving his education in the common schools of his native village and in the Springfield Sem- inary. At the age of sixteen he entered the ma- chine shop of Clark & Woolson in order to learn the trade, which he followed but a short time, when the country was startled by the outbreak of the Civil war. September 1, 1862, Colonel Slack enlisted as a private in the Sixteenth Vermont Regiment, Company E, for a term of nine months and went out under the command of General W. E. Veazey and Captain A. C. Mason. This regi- ment participated in the three days' battle of Gettysburg, and was mustered out at the end of the term of enlistment, August 16, 1863, at Brat-

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tleboro, Vermont. On returning to civil life, Colonel Slack resumed, for a few years, his trade of a machinist, and in 1871, in connection with Mr. Ellison, established himself in business as a manufacturer of shoddy. His association with Mr. Ellison continued for four years, and later he formed a partnership with his brother, John T. Slack. The firm has the largest shoddy mill in this country, and is probably not excelled by any in the world. Their bulidings cover a space of several acres, their mills being operated by com- bined water and electric power of one thousand horsepower. They also have an auxiliary of steam of three hundred horsepower. They em- ploy one hundred people, and their product is disposed of by woolen manufacturers. The raw material for the manufacture of this shoddy is collected all over the country, being obtained through jobbers, and is afterward assorted for the purpose of manufacture. The process is an interesting and complex one, and there are many steps in the purifying, assorting and carding of this raw material before it is ready for the fac- tory. The firm are at the present time increasing the capacity of their mills by the erection of an- other large building, which will give employment to several additional people. In the process of reducing woolen rags to the original woolen con- dition, they operate fourteen picking machines. Colonel Slack and his brother, John T. Slack, own the Springfield Electric Light Company, which they organized three years ago, and fur- nished with a capital of $25,000, which has since been doubled, all of which stock they own. Col- onel Slack is president of this company, and his brother is secretary and treasurer, Mr. Frank Barney being superintendent. The plant is oper- ated by both water and steam power, and gives a first-class day and night service to the village.

In politics Colonel Slack follows the traditions of his family, being an active member of the Re- publican party. The high esteem in which he is held by his fellow townsmen, and the reliance which they place upon his ability to serve them in a public capacity, are sufficiently indicated by the fact that in 1888 he was elected to the legis- latutre, and in 1890 to the senate. He was chair- man of the military committee of the house, and was at the head of the committee on manufactures in the senate. He has also acted as a delegate

to various political conventions, both state and national. He served as aide-de-camp, with the rank of colonel, on the staff of Governor E. S. Page. He is a member of Jarvis Post, G. A. R., of which he was the first commander, having served several terms in that capacity, and also acted as delegate to the national encampment. He belongs to the Masonic order, affiliating with St. John Lodge, F. & A. M., and Bellows Falls Commandery.

Colonel Slack married Anna M., daughter of Michael Corbett, a farmer of Springfield. They are the parents of the following named children : (1) H. Carlton was educated in Boston, and after- ward received a thorough musical training in Europe, studying in Florence, Italy, and in Paris, his preceptors being Vinini, the celebrated vocal- ist, and Librealia. Subsequently he studied under Rendego in London. Mr. Slack is a vocal teacher, and resides at 131 Tremont street, Boston. He married a lady of Wilmington, Delaware, whom he met in Paris, where she, as well as himself, was taking voice culture and pursuing musical studies. She became a celebrated soprano. Mr. and Mrs. Slack have two children, Carlton and Theodore Wyman. (2) W. W. married Miss Montgomery, of Springfield, Vermont. They have one son, Wilson, who is a bookkeeper in his father's office. (3) J. Milton is a member of the freshman class of the scientific department of the University of Vermont. (4) There is one daugh- ter, Virginia F.

John T. Slack, son of John A. and Mary Ann (McAllister) Slack, was born August 3, 1857, and was educated in the public schools of Spring- field. He was then employed in the shoddy mill of his brother, Colonel William H. H. Slack, with whom he subsequently formed a partnership, the establishment being thenceforth conducted under the title of W. H. H. Slack & Brother. The large proportions to which the business of this firm has attained, and the great success which has at- tended it, are due, in large measure, to the com- bined ability, enterprise and strict integrity of both the senior and junior partners. The annual receipts of the firm amount to over one million dollars. Mr. Slack is also associated with his brother in the ownership of the Springfield Elec- tric Light Company, in which he holds the offices of secretary and treasurer. This enterprise is in

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an extremely flourishing condition financially, and is also a source of great benefit to the village of Springfield. Mr. Slack is a member of the Re- publican party, with which his family, for two generations, have been allied, and in which they have rendered active and conspicuous service. He belongs to St. John Lodge, F. & A. M.

Mr. Slack married Lillie, daughter of Ros- well Bowman, of Springfield. The home of Mr. Slack, which was built after his own plans and his own ideas, is conceded to be the handsomest residence in Springfield. In its construction and appointments it testifies, not merely to the wealth, but to the refined taste of the owner, and to his appreciation of domestic comfort and quiet ele- gance. From an architectural standpoint, it is probably one of the most artistic dwellings to be found in the state of Vermont.

AARON DAVIS.

Aaron Davis, deceased, characterized by keen perceptive faculties and sound business judgment, engaged in mercantile pursuits in his native town during the greater part of his active career, and for many years holding offices of public trust, in which he gained a position of unusual influence among his townsmen and the residents of the neighboring towns by the able discharge of his duties, was born March 12, 1825, and was next to the youngest of nine children born to Nathan Davis, a prominent and prosperous agriculturist, who resided on the West Hill.

The educational advantages enjoyed by Aaron Davis were obtained by attendance at the dis- trict school during the winter sessions and a term or two at the select school in the village. His first business experience was gained in the capacity of a school teacher, which position he filled for several winters with a large degree of success. His next occupation was driving a team in the town of Lowell, and after a year spent in this manner he entered the provision store of Jonathan Smith in Chelsea, Vermont, where he was employed as clerk. In July, 1848, Mr. Smith died, and Mr. Davis succeeded to the business and to the office of postmaster, of which Mr. Smith was the incumbent at the time of his decease. Mr. Davis held the postmastership until the following year, when the administration changed and he

was relieved from the position. He then took John Wyman into partnership and the business was continued until 1854, under the firm name of Wyman & Davis. In that year the New England Protective Union store, Division 640, was estab- lished, and Mr. Davis received the appointment of agent, a position which he held until 1864, when he and the late Rufus Hyde purchased the business. This combination continued up to the time of Mr. Hyde's decease, which occurred March 4, 1879, after which Mr. Davis was the sole proprietor for many years. Besides the usual business of a country store, which was large, he dealt extensively in farm produce, paying the farmers some years more than fifty thousand dol- lars. In 1853, during the administration of Presi- dent Pierce, he was again appointed postmaster, and retained the office until after the inauguration of President Lincoln. This brought additional business, and during these years Mr. Davis ac- cumulated a handsome fortune which was the sequel' of honest toil, and shrewd and careful management, so that at the time of his death he left a name without reproach for integrity and honor. On the establishment of the First National Bank of Chelsea, in 1873, Mr. Davis was elected a director, and was an active manager of its busi- ness until his decease.

In early life Mr. Davis gained the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens, and, having pos- sessed the qualifications of counselor and judge in practical affairs, his services were much sought and valued in the settlement of estates and of difficult financial matters. He took a prominent part in local affairs, being elected constable in 1850, justice of the peace in 1862, and, with the exception of the year 1869, served in that office until his death ; in 1864 he was elected selectman, and by continuous re-election served in that ca- pacity till his death, except from 1869 to 1874. He was also appointed to responsible trusts by the county court, and was frequently chosen to administer the estates of deceased persons, many of them large and important. He was always dignified in his bearing, and there was in his demeanor a rare blending of courtesy with re- serve and a fine gentleness united with a straight- forward frankness. Unusual tact, warm sym- pathy, delicacy of speech, and a quiet but win- ning cordiality rendered him a very welcome com-

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panion in society. For several years he was an active and consistent member, also a deacon of the Congregational church, and a liberal contribu- tor to its support ; he was regular in attendance at the Sabbath service and more frequently pres- ent at devotional meetings than many others whose business duties were far less urgent. He was generous in his judgments of his brethren, and appreciative in his estimate of the services of his pastor.

Mr. Davis died at his home in Chelsea, Ver- mont, November 4, 1881, survived by his widow, who is now the wife of George L. Stow, and two sons, William H. and Edward Aaron Davis. Rev. William H. Davis, the son of a former wife of Mr. Davis, was born April 22, 1851, and acquired his education in the public schools of his native town, Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, New Hampshire, Dartmouth College, class of '74, and the Union Theological Seminary, of New York city, from which institution he received his de- gree of Doctor of Divinity. He officiated as a minister at Beverly, Massachusetts, for six years, later was called to Detroit, Michigan, where he served eleven years, and in the spring of 1895 became the pastor of the Elliot Congregational church at Newton, Massachusetts. He is a man of splendid personal appearance, and his logic and arguments are powerful and convincing. He is a trustee of Dartmouth College. In October, 1879, the Rev. W. H. Davis married Emma Gifford Meacham, daughter of the Rev. James Meacham, the brilliant Congregationalist minister who served from 1849 to 1856 in Congress, from Mid- dlebury, Vermont. Their children were: Robert M., a student in the senior class of Dartmouth College; Mary Wells, a student in the Abbott Female Seminary ; and Edward Aaron Davis.

EDWARD A. DAVIS.

Edward A. Davis, prominently identified with the financial, political and social interests of the town of Bethel, Vermont, where he is acting in the capacity of cashier of the White River Na- tional Bank, was born at Chelsea, Vermont, June 18, 1865. The early educational advantages en- joyed by Mr. Davis were obtained in the public schools of Chelsea, and this was supplemented by a course of study at St. Johnsbury Academy,

from which institution he was graduated in 1885. Subsequently he went to Detroit, Michigan, where for three years he was employed by United States Senator Russell A. Alger. During a por- tion of this time he was engaged as superinten- dent of ranches in Mexico, also made a trip to Europe on business for Mr. Alger, and performed various important services, which were often of a confidential character. After the expiration of this period of time Mr. Davis returned east and accepted the position of assistant cashier in the White River Junction National Bank, under the supervision of the cashier, John L. Bacon, the present treasurer of the state of Vermont. After being the incumbent of this office for three years, Mr. Davis changed his place of residence to Bethel, Vermont, and accepted the cashiership of the White River National Bank, in which he is also a director, which he has continued to occupy up to the present time (1903). He is also a trustee of the Whitcomb High School Fund, which represents between thirty and forty thou- sand dollars.

Politically Mr. Davis is a firm advocate of the policy adopted by the Republican party, and was appointed fish and game commissioner for the state of Vermont by Governor W. W. Stickney, and re- appointed by Governor John G. Mccullough. He has always taken a prominent part in political cir- cles, being the secretary and treasurer of the Fish and Game League, the most important political club in the state. In his capacity of secretary of the league Mr. Davis had the honor of assuming charge of the reception given to Mr. Theodore Roosevelt, then vice president of the United States, at the Fish and Game Club house at Isle Le Mott, on the occasion of Mr. Roosevelt's trip through Vermont in 1900. Mr. Davis was present in the office of the Fish and Game League, and answered the telephone call which announced to Mr. Roosevelt the first news of the terrible catas- trophe which finally ended the life of the late President Mckinley, while on his visit to the Pan American Exposition at Buffalo, New York. He is prominently affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, a Knight of the Mystic Shrine and a Knight Templar. In 1892 Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Josephine O'Connell, and one child has been born to them, Edward A. Davis.

F. E. DEAN.

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THE STATE OF VERMONT.

CHARLES E. SHAW.

Charles E. Shaw, proprietor of the Shaw Tav- ern, at Barnet, was born in St. Johnsbury, Ver- mont, October 10, 1863, a son of Albert J. and Frances (Damon) Shaw. Having obtained an excellent common school education in his native town, Mr. Shaw began the battle of life on his own account as clerk in the old St. Johnsbury Hotel, remaining there three years. Desiring then a change of residence and occupation, he went to Lynn, Massachusetts, where, having secured a situation as clerk in a carpet store, he remained for twelve years, laboring faithfully for the firm's interests as well as his own, and giving eminent satisfaction to his employers. Returning to Ver- mont in 1898, he engaged in the hotel business in Barnet, meeting with such success that two years later, in 1900, he purchased the fine and well equipped house that he now occupies. It is well located, its environments being pleasant and pic- turesque, and, under the genial management of Mr. Shaw, who takes pleasure in personally at- tending to the comfort of his guests, has become widely and favorably known to the traveling pub- lic, and is most generously patronized. In con- nection with his hotel, he also carries on an ex- cellent livery business for a country village. Po- litically he is a Republican, and farternally is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men.

Mr. Shaw married, November 28, 1891, Car- rie M. Gaskill, of St. Johnsbury, a daughter of Charles and Rebecca (Kirk) Gaskill. Two chil- dren have blessed their union, namely : Rodney A. and Earl J.

REV. JOHN ALOYSIUS LYNCH.

Rev. Lynch, of the Roman Catholic church at Dorset, Vermont, is a native of the state and one of her sons of whom she may be proud. His parents, John and Mary (Cronin) Lynch, were natives of Ireland, and settled in Vermont in early life. The subject of this sketch was born August II, 1868, in South Wheelock, and passed his boyhood among the humble surroundings of the farm, partaking in its labors and sharing the hardships of rural life. Up to the age of eighteen years he received no secular instruction beyond that furnished in district No. 7 of his native

town. He then entered Green Mountain Sem- inary at Waterbury, Vermont, but was soon com- pelled to take up some calling, in order to pro- cure means of pursuing further studies, his par- ents being without means to keep him in school. For a period of five years he worked as clothing salesman and bookkeeper, in the service of G. W. Simmons, proprietor of the large clothing estab- lishment in Boston still conducted under the name "Oak Hall."

In the meantime he kept up his studies under a private tutor, and was able to enter the Semin- ary of Philosophy at Montreal, whose course he completed, and then went to St. Mary's Theologi- cal Seminary at Baltimore, Maryland, from which he graduated in 1897. He was ordained to the priesthood and entered upon his work as as- sistant of the parish at Swanton, Vermont, where he continued six months. In 1898 he took charge of the English-speaking parish, St. Aloysius, at St. Johnsbury, which then had a partially com- pleted house of worship. Under his charge the parish prospered, and now has a membership of some three hundred and fifty souls. In addition to the work of this parish, Father Lynch had charge of two outside missions, Copperfield and Lunenburg. As auxiliaries to his church work, he has been accustomed to foster literary and other societies for the improvement of his people, and he is also a diligent temperance worker, being now secretary of the state branch of the Catholic Total Abstinence Union of America. In this connection he delivers frequent lectures, and is an active factor in the campaigns against the saloon in Vermont. As a loyal native, who has made his way to a position of responsibility and usefulness in the state, he is entitled to credit for his determination and perseverance, as well as for his Christian virtues.

MELVIN G. MORSE.

Melvin G. Morse, a young and talented law- yer of Hardwick, was born February 27, 1873, in Elmore, Lamoille county, Vermont. After leav- ing the common schools of his native town, he was graduated from the People's Academy at Morrisville, Vermont. Deciding then upon a pro- fessional career, he studied law first with the late Hon. P. K. Gleed, of Morrisville, then in the

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office of Bates & May, at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, subsequently taking a special course in the law school of the Boston University. He was ad- mitted to the bar in 1899, and immediately lo- cated at Hyde Park, Vermont.

Not being satisfied with his prospects in that place, Mr. Morse settled in Hardwick in April, 1900, and is here winning success in his legal work. He has a good practice, in addition car- ries on a substantial business as a fire, life and accident insurance agent, representing some of the leading insurance companies of New England, his office being in the Marshall block. He is like- wise the local agent for the Connecticut Building and Loan Association.

GEORGE W. BLODGETT.

Ever since the first term of General Grant in the presidential office North Randolph has had the same postmaster, which would seem to be proof positive that the incumbent had given such satisfaction as to defy criticism and disarm all opposition. As the postmaster comes in contact during his term with practically every one in his community, and as the chances for mistakes are many, it is certainly a tribute to the urbanity as well as business tact of any man to hold such an office over twenty years, but this praise is due to the subject of this sketch. But this is not the only claim of Mr. Blodgett upon the good will and consideration of his fellow citizens, as will ap- pear from these biographical notes, and during a career of many years in Orange county it is safe to say that there are but few in its confines who do not known him and none that do not esteem him.

His family is one of the oldest in the state. William Blodgett, his grandfather, was first owner of a Vermont farm which has remained in the possesion of his descendants for more than a hundred years. He was a man of note in his day, prosperous in business and prominent in pub- lic affairs. One of his sons, Abel F., grew up as a worthy successor of his progenitor, and fol- lowed farming for many years at Tunbridge. He married Elvira Chadwick, and one of their chil- dren was George W. Blodgett, whose birth oc- curred at Hardwick, March 16, 1833.

He received the usual training and education of

New England boys, which was Spartan-like in its simplicity and the rigor of its discipline, but precisely the kind to make industrious and moral men of the type fitted to grapple with the stern realities of life. His work for some years after reaching maturity was devoted chiefly to agri- culture as it is carried on in Vermont, but by the saving habits of his race he gradually accumu- lated enough surplus to branch out for himself on a modest scale. In 1869 he became the owner of a grist and saw mill, which he has continually operated since that time, earning the title of an honest miller who made good flour and lumber. After General Grant became president, in the spring of 1873, the friends of Mr. Blodgett recom- mended him for the appointment as postmaster at North Randolph, and in due time his com- mission arrived. Since then he has filled the office without change or break for a period of over twenty-eight years, being one of the oldest post- masters in the state by continuous service. It goes without the saying that during all this long period Mr. Blodgett has given entire satisfaction, and he enjoys the esteem of every man, woman and child who receives mail in North Randolph.

On the 29th of May, 1860, Mr. Blodgett was united in marriage to Mary, daughter of William and Fanny (Foster) Howe, who were early set- tlers in their community, and spent their lives on a farm. This union, which proved in every way a happy and congenial one, was blessed by the birth of two daughters. The eldest, E. May, was born February 22, 1864, and is now the wife of J. J. Perhan, a farmer and gardener at Brook- field. Carrie E., the other daughter, was born July 1, 1870, and married F. E. Richardson, also a farmer in the Brookfield neighborhood. The Blodgetts, both parents and children, are among the most respectable families in Orange county, with whose interests they have long been iden- tified.

FRANKLIN PIERCE DOWNS.

Franklin Pierce Downs, of Groton, is carry- ing on a prosperous business as a carriage, house and sign painter, and a dealer in carriages. He was born in Groton in 1854, a son of the late Dr. George W. Downs. Dr. Downs, a life-long resident of Vermont, was educated for a profes- sional career, and far a number of years was

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THE STATE OF VERMONT.

one of the leading physicians of Topsham. He died in 1864, at the comparatively early age of thirty-three years. He married Louise H. Gilbert, whose ancestors were among the earlier settlers of Groton. Two of her brothers served in the Civil war, Ira H. Gilbert enlisting for three months, and Charles C. Gilbert for a term of three years.

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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 II, Part 126

Author: Carleton, Hiram, 1838- ed Publication date: 1903 Publisher: New York, Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company Number of Pages: 1044

Author: Carleton, Hiram, 1838- ed
Publication date: 1903
Publisher: New York, Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1044