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 127

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 127

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Franklin P. Downs learned the painter's trade in Concord, New Hampshire, where he remained a number of years, becoming exceedingly profi- cient in his art. More than a quarter of a century ago he located in this town, a year or two later settling in his present quarters not far from the bridge. He has met with rare good success in his chosen vocation, his artistic and durable work standing well the test of time. His handiwork may be seen on many of the handsomely painted carriages upon our streets, and the decorations in many of the prominent dwelling house of Groton give evidence of his skill and good taste. In addi- tion to painting, he is likewise a skilled paper- hanger and calciminer, his services being in de- mand whenever any special work in that line is required.

In 1877 Mr. Downs married Miss Nancy James, who died in 1887, leaving one child, Louise Downs. He married, second, in 1889, Miss Etta Leighton, of Newbury. Of this union two children have been born, namely: Katie and Carrie.

FONTANA BROTHERS.

Fontana Brothers, of Williamstown, manufac- turers of and dealers in Barre and Williamstown granite monumental work of all descriptions, are energetic and enterprising business men, with flattering prospects of a long and successful career in their chosen vocation.

Notale Fontana and Antonia Fontana, mem- bers of the above mentioned firm, are natives of Breno, Italy, the birth of the former occurring May 13, 1872, and that of the latter November 30, 1870, their parents being John and Louise Fontana, farmers. These brothers learned the trade of stone-cutting in their Italian home, and after coming to this country, in 1883, worked as journeymen in Barre, Vermont, until 1889. In

June of that year they embarked in business on their own account, in Barre, remaining there until May, 1901. Wishing then to enlarge and improve their operations, they removed to Williamstown, purchasing the old sheds of the Grearson-Beckett Company, and have already established on a sub- stantial basis a business that promises to become one of the largest in this section of the state, em- ploying about fifty men. They are skilled cut- ters, making a specialty of ornamental carving and draperies, in which they have won a wide and favorable reputation, orders coming to them from all parts of the Union.

JOHN PEARL GIFFORD.

In the southeast portion of the town of Ran- dolph is a place called "Gifford Hill," and it is con- nected with a family history whose details will be read with interest. Back in the eighteenth cen- tury there lived at or near Ellington, Connecticut, a man named John Gifford, whose birth occurred October 13, 1766. He married Cynthia Kimbale, and with her, when about twenty-eight years old, emigrated to Vermont, locating at Randolph. The journey, then by no means either an easy or pleas- ant one, was made on horseback, and along with them came a curious and ancient heirloom. From time almost out of mind in the family traditions there had been owned a silver spoon, which was handed through generations to the son named John. In this way the spoon has been held by a long list of John Giffords down to the present time, and this line takes in not less than six generations which require the use of "great-great- great-grandfather" for their proper counting. Each' succeeding generation must name a son John, if one is born to receive the designation, and in due turn the last John gets the spoon.

When the John Gifford under consideration reached Randolph he made several purchases of land, whose metes and bounds and superficial area are duly set forth in the musty old register of deeds now hidden away in the records at the county seat. The same authority discloses that one of the purchases, including seventy acres, was made as early as 1791, and the place now called "Gifford Hill" is named in honor of the old pioneer.

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THE STATE OF VERMONT.

When John Gifford arrived at his point of destination the scene was not inviting. But few emigrants had reached Vermont at that carly period in its history, and settlements were few and far between. Wild animals roamed around, and a man was liable at any time to run across a catamount or meet a bear in the road. The first Gifford was fond in after years of telling stories about his adventures, which included the loneli- ness and dangers of his surroundings. One day his wife discovered a bear that had taken pos- session of his log barn and was leisurely sur- veying the surroundings in search of a pig for his breakfast. Mrs. Gifford, as soon as she had tied up her babies to prevent them from crawling into the fireplace, hurried off to the nearest neigh- bors for help, but before her return bruin had made good his escape. John Gifford lived to the extreme old age of ninety years, but his wife, Cynthia, even surpassed this figure and passed away in 1864, when ninety-five years of age, after surviving her husband eight years. The family records contain the following brief bio- graphical entry of their nine children: John was accidentally killed in 1815, when twenty years old ; Cynthia, who was born in 1796, married Jos- eph Fowler in 1819, and died in 1870, after bear- ing him five sons and a daughter ; Edith, born in 1798, was married to Elisha Fowler in 1821, also had five sons and one daughter, and died in 1842; Eunice was born in 1800, and died unmarried in 1848; Friend, who was born in 1802, married Armida Smith in 1827, had three sons and two daughters, and died in 1866; Wright, born in 1805, married Susan A. Pierce in 1829, had two sons and two daughters, and died in 1882; Will- iam Goodrich, whose birth occurred in 1807, mar- ried Rhoda Hebard in 1838, had one son and one daughter, and died in 1870; Mary, who was born in 1809, married Elisha Fowler in 1842, and died in 1889; James, born in 1812, married Lydia Chamberlin in 1838, had two sons and one daugh- ter, and died in 1868. Friend and Wright pur- chased the old homestead from the other heirs, divided it between themselves, and many of their descendants are now residents of Randolph. Friend and Armida Gifford had three sons and two daughters: John, Horace, Henry, Charlotte (who died in infancy) and Cynthia. John, the eldest of these children, was born in 1828, set-

tled upon the old Keith farm, where he died in October, 1901, and the famous family spoon above described is preserved by his widow. He married Celia A. Allen, a native of Brookfield, Vermont, and they became the parents of five children, four of whom are now living. This pair possessed the qualities of thrift and industry and fair, honest dealing, surpassed by none, and very few have toiled harder and made greater sacrifices for the good of their progeny. Such sterling qual- ities can not help exerting an influence on the character of those who knew them best.

Dr. John P. Gifford, son of John and Celia A. Gifford, is a representative of the last generation of the ancient family whose history is above given. He was born December 14, 1871, in Ran- dolph, attended the graded schools for some years and then entered Dartmouth College, where he was graduated with the class of 1894. By pro- ficiency in his studies he shortened the regular course by six months, and was the valedictorian of his class in the classical course. He especially distinguished himself in mathematics and chem- istry, in which classes he was awarded honors and was one of the few commencement speakers. After completing the classical course he matricu- lated in the medical department of Dartmouth College, and received his graduating degree in 1897. Immediately thereafter he engaged in prac- tice at Nort Stratford, New Hampshire, where he remained for a year and a half, next spent a year at Berlin in the same state, and in 1899 came to Randolph, where he has since enjoyed a lucra- tive practice. In 1898 he took a post-graduate course in Boston and another in 1901 at one of the best institutions of that class in New York. In 1902-03, he took another course at the New York Post-Graduate School and Hospital. His practice is constantly growing, and he is among the most successful of his profession in the state.

On the Ioth of November, 1897, Dr. Gifford was married to Miss Harriet S. Rolfe, an accom- plished lady of Lynn, Massachusetts, and their home is a hospitable center for their many ad- mirers and friends. Dr. Gifford is a young man of attractive personality, and is regarded as one of the best informed physicians of his age in his section of the state. He possesses the qualities that wear well and insure success.

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THE STATE OF VERMONT.

EVERETT WALTER HEYWARD HUTCHINS.

Everett W. H. Hutchins, one of the leading young men of Lyndonville, is a descendant of an early Vermont family. His grandfather, Nathan Hutchins, was born in Brandon, Vermont, and died at Brownsburg, province of Quebec, Can- ada, in 1865, aged sixty-seven years. Most of his life was passed in the operation of saw-mills, and he was an active and successful business man. His wife, who survived him some years, was Car- oline, nee Lane, born in Jericho, Vermont.

Samuel Benjamin Hutchins, son of Nathan, was born February 18, 1852, in Brownsburg, Canada. He was married November 2, 1872, to Rosetta Kelly, a native of Boston, Massachu- setts, and daughter of Thomas Andrew and Mari- etta (Barrett) Kelly, both natives of Plymouth, Massachusetts. Mr. Hutchins located in Lyndon- ville in 1891, and since that time has operated the leading grocery store of the town.

Everett W. H. Hutchins was born August 27, 1873, in Salem, New York, and was moved by his parents from that town at the age of three weeks. He was reared partially in Canada, and received his primary education in the common schools of that province and the United States. He subse- quently attended the Green Mountain Seminary at Waterbury, Vermont, graduating from its commercial department in 1891. Since that time he has been his father's assistant in business, and has charge of the electro-plating works owned by the senior at Lyndonville. This establishment executes gold, silver, copper and nickel jobbing, having contracts with several railroads in New England, and is an important industry of the village.

Mr. Hutchins was married July 6, 1893, to Miss Julia S. Pettigrew, a native of Lyndonville, daughter of Robert and Mary E. (Hall) Petti- grew, natives, respectively, of New York city and Bartlett, New Hampshire. Mr. Pettigrew was associated with his father and George Law in the construction of the Croton acqueduct and dams, and also in large paving operations in New York city. The firm owned vessels in which it shipped asphalt direct from South American ports to New York.

Mr. Hutchins bears his share in the social life

of the community, and is a member of the Lyndon Club, of Olympia Lodge No. 19, K. of P., and of several Masonic bodies of the state, being in affiliation with Crescent Lodge No. 66, A. F. & A. M., of Lyndonville ; Haswell Chapter No. II, R. A. M., St. Johnsbury ; Palestine Commandery No. 12, K. T., St. Johnsbury; and Mt. Sinai Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Mont- pelier. He is an attendant and supporter of the Congregational church, and maintains with voice and vote the principles of the Republican party.

HERBERT H. BLANCHARD.

The legal fraternity of Springfield, Vermont, has many representatives, yet none who are more devoted to their profession or are more earnest in the discharge of professional duties than Herbert H. Blanchard, who at the present time (1903) is acting in the capacity of state's attorney. He traces his ancestry back to the year 1639, when the progenitor of the American branch of the family settled in Charlestown, Massachusetts.

Richard Blanchard, great-grandfather of Her- bert H. Blanchard, was born in Massachusetts in 1770, and was a life-long resident of that state. He was the owner of a farm of three hundred acres of well cultivated ground, which was located on the present site of the city of Charlestown, Massachusetts.

Seth Blanchard, grandfather of Herbert H. Blanchard, was born in Windsor, Vermont, in 1800, and during his active business career fol- lowed the avocation of farmer in addition to that of contractor and builder. He took an active part in the affairs of the town during the rebellion, and being a strong abolitionist, attempted to recruit a company which would aid the defence of the Union. Being persuaded to abandon this idea, he placed his own name at the head of the list, showing by his example the interest he felt, and in a short space of time a full company was or- ganized and accompanied him to the scene of battle, but the exposure and fatigue incident to a soldier's life proved too severe for the state of his constitution, and he died shortly after en- tering the field. He was one of a family of thir- teen children born to Richard Blanchard. He was united in marriage to Charlotte M. Bryant, who was one of a family of ten children, and her

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THE STATE OF VERMONT.

birthplace is supposed to have been Hartland, Vermont. Their children were: Watson S .; Ferdinand, a physician, also a botanist and biolog- ist, having made a thorough study and written extensively on these subjects, and his collection, which was very choice and rare, he bequeathed, when he died at the age of forty-four, to the St. Johnsbury Academy; Julia, who married for her second husband Jabez Hammond, of West Windsor, Vermont, and her death occurred in 1902; Addie died in the twenty-first year of her age ; and Adolphus, who died in childhood. The mother of these children died at the age of sixty- seven years.

Watson S. Blanchard, father of Herbert H. Blanchard, was born in West Windsor, Vermont, in 1830, and after obtaining a practical education in the common schools of Newbury, pursued the occupation of woodsawer and contractor. He was awarded the contract for sawing the wood which was used on all the locomotives of the St. Johnsbury & New London Railroad, until this custom was superseded by the use of coal. He then engaged in the lumber business in Charleston, New York, but subsequently re- turned to West Windsor, Vermont, where he has since resided, and devoted his attention to the trade of contractor and builder. He married Sarah Maria Hancock, who was born in Cohasset, Massachusetts. Their children are: Lottie M .; Walter W., engaged in the grocer business at Windsor, Vermont ; Ray L., who resides with his father and mother and is engaged in agricultural pursuits ; and Herbert H. Blanchard.

Herbert H. Blanchard was born January 22, 1868, at Berlin, Vermont, and obtained his educa- tion in the common schools of Brattleboro and Charlestown, Vermont. When he attained the age of sixteen years he entered the railroad office at Windsor, Vermont, and after retaining this position for three years he took up his residence in New York city, remaining there for two years. He then returned to Windsor, Vermont, took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar in 1895. The following three years he practiced his profession in partnership with the Hon. J. C. Enright, of Windsor, Vermont, after which he located in his present office at Springfield, Ver- mont, where he has since conducted a large and lucrative patronage. In his political preferences

Mr. Blanchard is a staunch Republican, and has been chosen to serve as delegate to various state and county conventions ; in 1902 and he was elected to the office of state's attorney and is the present incumbent of that position. He is a prominent members of St. John Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Springfield, of the chapter, Windsor Council, Holy Cross Commandery, of Bellows Falls, Vermont, Mt. Sinai Temple, An- cient and Arabic Order of the Mystic Shrine, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Springfield, Vermont.

In 1895 Mr. Blanchard married Clara M. Silver, who was born in Windsor, Vermont, one of a large family of children born to Jesse and Eliza (Mory) Silver, whose names are as fol- lows: Jennie, wife of Alexander McKay ; Elma ; Clara M., wife of Herbert H. Blanchard; Gert- rude M .; and Marie Silver. The father and mother of these children are living at the pres- ent time (1903). Mr. and Mrs. Blanchard are the parents of one child, Minerva, born August 30, 1899. Mr. Blanchard and his family are faithful and consistent members of the Congre- gational church of Springfield, Vermont.

HERBERT T. MURDOCH.

Herbert T. Murdoch, a member of the firm of H. T. Murdoch & Company, manufacturers of woolen goods at Proctorsville, Vermont, who has been an important factor in the development of the commercial interests of that town, was born in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, September II, 1865, that section of the country being the birth- place of his ancestors for many generations.

Moses Murdoch, grandfather of Herbert T. Murdoch, was a native of Uxbridge, Massachu- setts, where he was born in 1800. He obtained a fair education in the district school, and his entire business career was devoted to agricul- tural pursuits, in which he was very successful. His wife, Darinda (Wood) Murdoch, born at Northboro, Massachusetts, in 1804, bore him four children, three of whom are living at the pres- ent time (1903) : Cyrus, a resident of Uxbridge, Massachusetts ; Louis H., father of Herbert T. Murdoch ; and Austin, a respected citizen of Ux- bridge, Massachusetts. Mr. Murdoch's death occurred at the age of eighty years; his widow

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THE STATE OF VERMONT.

died four years later, having also attained the same age.

Louis H. Murdoch, father of Herbert T. Mur- doch, was born in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, in 1830, and the early years of his life were spent in attendance at the village school, where he ac- quired a practical education, which qualified him for the responsible duties of life. He began his business career, in conjunction with a partner, in the town of Millbridge, later conducting busi- ness in east Uxbridge, and finally located in East Douglas, where he successfully operated a shoddy mill for a number of years. His sound judgment, energy and determination were important ele- ments in the success which attended his efforts, and from the proceeds of his large trade he ac- cumulated a handsome competence which enabled him to retire from active business. He is now spending his declining years in ease and comfort at his home in Uxbridge, Massachusetts.

Louis H. Murdoch was united in marriage to Sarah W. Taft, born in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, the eldest of three children born to Moses Taft, a pioneer manufacturer of Uxbridge. Mr. Taft was largely instrumental in the development and progress of the town, and served in the capacity of president of the Blackstone National Bank. The other children born to Mr. Taft were: L. Herbert, now residing with Herbert T. Mur- doch; and Susan, wife of William A. Haywood, president of the bank at Uxbridge, Massachu- setts. Mr. Taft died at the age of eighty years. Mr. Murdoch and his wife are members of the Unitarian church. Two children have been born of their marriage, namely: Herbert T .; and Ed- gar W., a manufacturer at Caryville, Massachu- setts.

The public schools of Uxbridge, Massachu- setts, afforded Herbert T. Murdoch his pre- liminary education, and this was supplemented by a two years' attendance at the Institute of Tech- nology, at Boston, Massachusetts. In 1887 Mr. Murdoch came to Cavendish, Vermont, and be- ·came associated with the business now conducted under the style of Taft, Burbank & Murdoch.

On the site now occupied by this firm as a woolen mill was a saw and grist mill in 1820, which was built by Josiah French, Jr., and Elisha Swift. In 1836, mainly through the efforts of Jabez Proctor (father of Senator Redfield Proc-

tor), a stock company was formed called the Proctorsville Woolen Manufacturing Company. This company built on this site a brick woolen mill, seventy-five by forty-two feet, and em- ployed thirty-five hands, making about one hun- dred and thirty-five yards of cassimeres daily. In 1842 the company became financially embar- rassed, and the property was sold to William Smith, Addison Smith, Abel Gilson and Sardine Gilson, who at the same time carried on a gen- eral store in a brick building opposite the mill. In 1844 the mill was burned and immediately rebuilt.

The firm of Gilson, Smith & Company con- tinued until 1848, when the senior member of the firm sold his interest to William Smith and Ammi Willard, who operated the mill about six months, when Mr. Smith became sole proprietor. In 1850 George L. Balcom became associated with Mr. Smith, and the firm became Smith & Balcom and so continued until 1856, when Mr. Balcom purchased a mill in Claremont, New Hampshire, and disposed of his interest in the Proctorsville mill to his partner. For the next three years the business was carried on by Mr. Smith, who then disposed of the property to Alanson Tucker & Company, of Boston, who leased it to George L. Balcom ; he operated it until 1864, in which year a stock company known as the Proctorsville mills purchased the plant and carried on business for three years. The property was then again leased to Mr. Balcom, who continued until 1879. In 1877 the property was purchased by William E. Hayward and L. H. Taft, of Uxbridge, Massa- chusetts, and A. S. Burbank, of Proctorsville, and operated by the firm of Hayward, Taft & Company, under the management of A. S. Bur- bank until 1890, when Herbert T. Murdoch pur- chased W. E. Hayward's interest and the firm became Taft, Burbank & Murdoch, who are now operating the plant under superintendence of H. T. Murdoch, having built in 1890 a brick ad- dition, one hundred and six by forty-two feet, four stories, and increasing the machinery to twelve sets of cards and sixty broad looms, employing one hundred and seventy-five hands and turning out an annual product of four hundred and fifty thousand yards of cassimeres. Power is furnished by a pair of horizontal water wheels and two steam engines of two hundred and twenty-five

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THE STATE OF VERMONT.

and forty horsepower. Mr. Murdoch is thor- born June 20, 1794, being the first white male oughly qualified for conducting this extensive en- terprise, his managerial ability, industry and tal- ent enabling him to secure the best results. He is a member of La Fayette Lodge, Free and Ac- cepted Masons ; Schitawgag Chapter, of Windsor Commandery, and he has attained the Knights Templar fourteenth degree in the Scottish Rite.

In 1889 Mr. Murdoch married Cora F. Gould, born in Blackstone, Massachusetts, but the greater part of her life was spent in Spring- field, Vermont. She is a daughter of Sheldon; B. Gould, who acted in the capacity of superin- tendent of the Rockville. Connecticut, woolen mills for many years, and later was a manu- facturer of bobbins at Blackstone, Massachusetts, and Springfield, Vermont. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Gould were: Mary, wife of Mr. Mentzer, of Bolton, Massachusetts; Ella, wife of Mr. Roberts, of Maxwell, Nebraska; Martha W., wife of Mr. Henry, of Brattleboro, Vermont ; and Cora F., wife of Herbert T. Mur- doch. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Murdoch, one of whom is Maysie T. Mr. Murdoch and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Proctorsville, Ver- mont.

CAPTAIN FRANK KENFIELD.

Captain Frank Kenfield, an honored citizen of Morrisville, Vermont, and one whose bril- liant military record fully entitles him to the re- spect and popularity so universally accorded him, is descended from old residents of Morristown. George Kenfield, grandfather of Captain Ken- field, was one of the early settlers of the town of Morristown, where he led the life of a farmer. Later he removed to the town of Sterling, that portion of which is now included within the limits of Morristown, where he took up a large tract of land, on which he resided the remainder of his life. It is a tradition that he was a soldier of the Revolution. He was the father of a large family, one of his sons, George, being a pensioner of the war of 1812. George Kenfield, the elder, died in Sterling, and was buried in the oldest burying ground in the town, which was situated on his own farm.

Asaph Kenfield, son of George the elder, was

child born in the town. He was a farmer, and resided all his life in his native place, first living on the farm which had been cleared up by his father, and later removing to Morristown Cor- ners. He held various offices in the town of Sterling, and was frequently elected town rep- resentative. He was a strong anti-Mason. He married Eliza M. Shepard, who was born April 12, 1807, and they had the following children : Frank, mentioned at length hereinafter; Horace, who resides on the old homestead farm. Asaph Kenfield died October 11, 1866, and his widow passed away September 29, 1900, at the advanced age of ninety-three.

Frank Kenfield, son of Asaph and Eliza (Shepard) Kenfield, was born March 13, 1838, and received his education in the common schools and at the People's Academy, Morrisville. His early life was spent on the paternal farm in Sterling, which was his birthplace, and after coming of age he went to Massachusetts for a year, where he taught school at Wolcott, Hyde Park and Sutton, serving three months at each place. He then made a tour of observation through the west and south, being in the south just prior to the outbreak of the Civil war. In the spring of 1861 he was driven north by the gathering storm, returned to his native town, built a sawmill at Morristown Corners, and en- gaged in the lumber business, his career in this occupation being, however, of brief duration. September 8, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company E, Thirteenth Regiment, Vermont Vol- unteers, under Captain Joseph J. Boynton and Colonel F. V. Randall. He was elected second lieutenant and soon after promoted to be first lieutenant, and commanded his company at the battle of Gettysburg, where he led them against General Pickett's furious charge. On this oc- casion Captain Kenfield had the good fortune to capture a Confederate captain, whose sword is still in his possession. At the close of the charge he received a severe wound, inflicted by a piece of shell. He served with his company until the expiration of his term of enlistment of nine months, was discharged with the regiment, and came home. About this time General P. T. Washburn was engaged in raising two regiments in Vermont, and Captain Kenfield offered his

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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 127

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