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 13

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 13

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church workers in this section of the state, doing all in their power to promote the spiritual growth and material prosperity of the church, while their influence in the same has ever been a recognized and appreciated power for good.

On the 3d of October, 1883. Mr. Ball was united in marriage to Miss Effic I .. Field, who was born on the farm which is now their home, a daughter of Stephen Field, a member of one of the prominent and honored pioneer families of this county. He reclaimed the homestead farm now owned by our subject, erected the present sub- stantial residence and made other improvements of excellent order, becoming one of the prosper- ous and influential farmers of this locality and here retaining the utmost confidence and esteem of all who knew him. He lived to attain the ven- erable age of eighty-five years, his death occur- ring November 30, 1900. His wife, whose maiden name was Cornelia Ciples, was likewise born in Addison county, and here she died at the age of seventy-one years. They became the parents of five children, all of whom are living, namely : James, a successful farmer of Ferrisburg ; Sarah, the wife of George Porter, of Charlotte, Chitten- den county ; Hattie, the wife of Charles Pratt, of Gilman, Illinois ; Luther, a farmer of Ferrisburg ; and Effie L., the wife of our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Ball are the parents of one daughter, Luella.

LUCIUS O. CHAPIN.

Lucius Ovette Chapin, a prosperous and en- terprising merchant of Bristol, Vermont, was born December 14th, 1861, in New Haven, Ver- mont. The Chapin family was founded in Amer- ica by Scotch ancestry, and it is said that Deacon Daniel Chapin settled in Massachusetts as early as 1660. Alpheus Chapin was a soldier of the war of 1812, under General Wade Hampton, and died at the age of forty-six years, as the result of exposure and hardships in the Plattsburgh campaign, and was buried at Plattsburg. He was one of a large family, reared at Rowe, Mas- sachusetts, and bore the distinguishing marks of the family, namely ; sandy hair, light complexion and blue eyes. Myron, son of Alpheus Chapin, was born January 21, 1805, in Jay, Vermont, where he attended the local schools and learned the tailor's trade. Settling in New Haven, Ver-

THE STATE OF VERMONT.

mont, he pursued this trade with success, while in addition to this occupation he engaged in agri- culture and derived a substantial income from the sale of sheep. His death occurred in the town of New Haven when he had attained the age of seventy years.

Myron Ovette Chapin, his son, was born in New Haven, Vermont, April 18, 1836. He ac- quired his preliminary education in the common schools of the town, and later attended a private school, where he completed his studies, being especially noted for his fine penmanship. He then became a farmer, devoting his attention to the tilling of the soil throughout the greater part of his life. He was a man of strong individual- ity and broad humanitarian principles, which, taken in connection with his rectitude of char- acter, naturally gained for him the respect and confidence of his fellow townsmen. He was united in marriage to Miss Lovina Ellen Bing- ham, who was born in Cornwall, Vermont, July 3, 1839, a daughter of Lucius Bingham, who was also born in Cornwall, Vermont, April 3, 1804. Three children were born of this union: Lucius O .; Cora B., now the wife of G. M. Small, of Bristol, Vermont ; and Charles H. B., a prom- inent resident of South Framingham, Massachu- setts. The father of these children died Sep- tember 22, 1800, at the age of fifty-four years, survived by his wife and children. The family are earnest and faithful members of the Congre- gational church of Bristol, Vermont.

Lucius O. Chapin, eldest son of Myron Ovette and Lovina Ellen Chapin, spent the early years of his life in the town of New Haven and obtained his education in the common schools. When he attained the age of twelve years he re- moved to Middlebury and was engaged as a clerk by the firm of E. Vallette & Co., where he re- mained for a short period of time, and during the following seven years he was employed by his uncle in the same capacity, in a general store at Middlebury. In 1880 he returned to New Haven and secured a position as clerk, which he retained for two and one-half years. He then entered into partnership with C. F. Squier, and for two years -and a half they conducted a gen- eral store on New Haven street. Mr. Chapin then entered the empoly of. N. F. Dunshee, a dry-goods merchant of Bristol, Vermont, in the

capacity of head clerk, and in 1894 was taken into partnership, owing to the fact that during the years of his service for the firm he was always faithful to their interests, active and anxious to promote their welfare. Mr. Chapin is a firm adherent of the principles of the Republican party, and has served as school director for two years, also as town clerk of New Haven for two years, resigning from the latter office when he removed to Bristol. He was a prominent member of the local camp of the Sons of Veterans, dur- ing its existence, and acted as captain, lieutenant and first sergeant of the camp ; he takes an active interest in all matters connected with this organ- ization.

On September 23, 1884, Mr. Chapin married Miss Anna E. Ladd, who was born in Monkton. Vermont, March 22, 1863, only child of Everett Ladd, who was a scion of one of the first famil- ies of the town, and died at the age of twenty- three years. The two children of L. O. Chapin and wife are: Gena B., born July 26, 1886, and Mildred H., born April 8, 1893. The family at- tends the Congregational church of Bristol, Ver- mont.

JUDGE BARNABAS W. COLLINS.

Judge Barnabas W. Collins is a leading rep- resentative of the agricultural interests of Addi- son county, where he owns and operates a most desirable farm. Of excellent business ability and broad resources, he has attained a prominent place among the substantial citizens of this part of the county and is a recognized leader in public af- fairs. He is a native son of Ferrisburg, his birth having here occurred on the 17th of November, 1847, and is a member of an old and prominent family in the Green Mountain state. His paternal grandfather, Archibald Collins, was born in Guilford, Connecticut, but in a very early day came with his father, Oliver Collins, to Ferris- burg, Vermont, the family being among the early pioneers of this locality, dating their arrival here about 1790. Here Archibald Collins took up a tract of land, on which he followed the tilling of the soil until his life's labors were ended in death, his demise occurring at the age of seventy-six years. By his marriage to Rhoda Bales he became the father of ten children, all of whom are now deceased.

THE STATE OF VERMONT.

Elias B. Collins, the father of our subject, was reared on the old farmstead in this county, and the noble art of husbandry continued to be his occupation through life. His death occurred on a farm near the one owned by his father at the age of seventy-six years, passing away after a long, active and useful life. He took a very prom- inent part in the public affairs of his locality, and for a number of years held the office of select- man. As a companion for the journey of life Mr. Collins chose Catherine Fonda, who was born at Hudson, New York, of which commonwealth her father, Jeremiah Fonda, was also a native. This union was blessed with eight children, five of whom are now living, namely: Archibald, of Ferrisburg; George P., a prominent physician of North Ferrisburg; Charles, who also makes his home in this town; Barnabas W., the subject of this review ; and Elias, of Burlington, Vermont. The mother reached the good old age of eighty years, and both she and her husband were valued members of the Congregational church, the latter becoming a member of that denomination when but sixteen years of age, and throughout the greater part of his life he served as a deacon therein.

Barnabas W. Collins, whose name forms the caption of this article, spent the early years of his life on the old home farm, early assisting in the duties which fall to the lot of the farmer boy. His elementary education was received in the district schools of Addison county, while later he became a student in the Middlebury grammar school and for one term was enrolled as a pupil in Middle- bury College. After receiving this excellent training he was able to impart to others the knowl- edge he had acquired, and for a number of years his efforts were devoted to teaching in the district schools and academies of this section of the state, while for a time he also held the position of principal in a number of educational institutions. In 1882 he abandoned the work of the school room for that of the farm, purchasing the tract of one hundred and sixty-six acres which he still owns, and here is engaged in general farming and dairying. He has intelligently followed the voca- tion of agriculture, his methods being practical and progressive, and his efforts have therefore been attended with success.

The marriage of Judge Collins was celebrated

October 7, 1875, when Miss Ruth Orvis became his wife. She was born on a farm just opposite her husband's birthplace, and is a daughter of Lorenzo Orvis, a prominent farmer of this lo- cality and a member of an old and well known family. They trace their ancestry back to George Orvis, who settled at Hadley, Massachusetts, be- tween 1675 and 1700. The descent is through Roger, David, Eleazer and Roger, to Lorin, the grandfather of Mrs. Collins, who was the first man to locate in Lincoln, this state. Lorenzo Or- vis married Mary, daughter of William Hitt, of Danby, Vermont. Five children have been born to the union of Mr. Collins and his wife, as fol- lows: Bertha R., who graduated at Middlebury College in 1902; Orvis R., also a graduate of the college with the class of 1902; Katherine, who is now a student in that institution; Helen, who is pursuing the study of music in Vergennes; and Earl, who entered Middlebury College in 1902. Judge Collins gives an unfaltering support to the principles of the Republican party, and has held all the local offices within the gift of his fel- low townsmen. In 1900 he was elected to the im- portant position of assistant judge, to which he was re-elected in 1902, and he has also served as a delegate to county and state conventions. The family are prominent and active members of the Congregational church. Judge Collins is highly regarded in his locality and is recognized as a man of high character who conducts his business on principles which reflect honor and benefit not only upon himself but also upon his town.

JAMES HENRY McLOUD.

James Henry McLoud, one of the leading merchants of Hardwick, and a citizen of promi- nence and influence, was born April 5, 1841, in Calais, Vermont, of Scotch ancestry on the pa- ternal side, his great-grandfather McLoud hav- ing emigrated from the north of Scotland to America. Enoch C. McLoud, father of James H., was born and reared in Plainfield, Vermont, but spent the major part of his life in Calais, Ver- mont, being engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married Sophia Lilley, a daughter of Captain Lilley, whose ancestors came from England to this country, being among the early settlers of Vermont.

D.H. M Land

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THE STATE OF VERMONT.

James Henry McLoud received better educa- tional advantages than most of the farmers' sons of his time, attending first the district schools of Calais, then the Orleans Liberal Institute, the academy at Morrisville, the Barre Academy, com- pleting his studies at the Norwich University in Norwich, Vermont. From the age of fifteen years he taught school in the winter terms, earn- ing enough to partly defray his collegiate ex- penses. After his graduation he continued in his professional career, teaching in the graded schools of Oregon from 1869 until 1873, in Plainfield, Vermont, in 1874, in 1875 becoming principal of the Hardwick Academy, a position that he re- tained ten years.

Changing his occupation in 1886, Mr. Mc- Loud formed a partnership with O. H. Marsh, and under the firm name of McLoud & Marsh was engaged in mercantile trade in Hardwick for two years, when a change of partners was made, C. M. Ide purchasing the interest of Mr. Marsh. In 1898 a stock company was formed with Mr. McLoud, F. T. Taylor, L. A. Kent and F. T. Downer as members, being incorporated under its present name, the J. H. McLoud Company, and is now one of the most prosperous mercantile firms of the county, carrying on a very large trade in general merchandise. Mr. McLoud is also largely interested in real estate, being presi- dent of the Hardwick Land Company, which has recently bought and platted the Clement farm, and is selling lots for building purposes, many houses having already been erected. He also owns one-half of the fine brick block on Mill street, in which the bank and postoffice are lo- cated, one half of the large building on the cor- ner of Main and Mill streets, in which the com- pany's store is located.

Mr. McLoud is a Democrat in politics, and attends the Methodist Episcopal church, contrib- uting liberally towards its support, as he does the churches of other denominations. He was one of the organizers of the Hardwick Savings Bank and Trust Company, and has served as one of the directors of that institution since its in- corporation, and for nine years was postmaster of the town. Fraternally he is a Mason, being a member of Caspian Lake Lodge No. 87, F. & A. M., having united with the order when twenty- one years old, and in it he has since held every

office. He also belongs to Haswell Chapter, R. A. M., of St. Johnsbury, Vermont.

Mr. McLoud married, first, in August, 1876, Ella M. Perley, of Hardwick, daughter of Judge Henry Perley, formerly one of the foremost men of the town and a justice of the peace for many years. She died October I, 1898. Mr. McLoud married, second, June 12, 1900, Harriet Beecher Conant, M. D., a native of Greensboro, Vermont, and daughter of Ebenezer Tolman and Mary Jane (Fisher) Conant, natives of that town and of Londonderry, New Hampshire, respectively. Mr. Conant was a descendant of Roger Conant, one of the first five settlers at Salem, Massachu- setts. He was a farmer in Greensboro, where he died in 1861. Mrs. Conant now resides in Hardwick. Her ancestors were among the Scotch-Irish settlers of Londonderry, New Hampshire. Mrs. McLoud was graduated from the medical department of the University of Min- nessota with the class of 1891, and from that time until 1899 was resident physician at the South Dakota Hospital for the insane.

JOHN S. WHEELER.

John Squier Wheeler was born in the town of North Ferrisburg, the date of his nativity be- ing December 16, 1860, so that he is numbered among the younger generation of business men of the locality. His father, Absalom L. Wheeler, was born in Dutchess county, New York, on the 29th of March, 1818, and previous to his removal to Vermont was residing in the vicinity of the attractive and picturesque city of Peekskill, on the Hudson river. His father, John Wheeler, was likewise a native of the Empire state, being a son of Joseph Wheeler, who also was born in New York, whence he came to Ferrisburg, Ver- mont, in the year 1818, being soon followed by his son John. Here he took up his residence on a farm, becoming the owner of five hundred acres of valuable land, to whose improvement and cul- tivation he devoted his attention for a number of years, at the expiration of which he returned to the state of New York, where he passed the re- mainder of his life. His son John, grandfather of our subject, took charge of the Vermont farm at the time of his father's removal to New York, and here he passed the residue of his days, be-

THE STATE OF VERMONT.

coming one of the prominent and influential citi- yens of the county and commanding the respect of all who knew him. He died at the venerable age of eighty five years. From the foregoing statements it becomes evident that our subject is a representative of the fourth generation of the family in this county, and the name has thus been consecutively and conspicuously identified with the annals of this section since the pioneer epoch. John Wheeler married Miss Elizabeth Lent, who likewise was born in the vicinity of the city of Peekskill, New York, and who was four score years of age at the time of her demise. The children of this union were as follows: Caroline, who became the wife of Jacob Orvise ; Absalom Lent, father of our subject ; Edward, who resided in Vergennes at the time of his death; Joseph, who died in Ferrisburgh; and Charles C., who was one of the most prominent rairoad men of the west, and died in Chicago, all of the number being now deceased. The parents were birthright members of that noble organiza- tion, the Society of Friends, and their children held to the same simple and beautiful faith.

Absalom Lent Wheeler was reared on the old homestead farm in Ferrisburg, and after secur- ing his more elementary educational training in the local schools he prosecuted a course of study in the academy at Shoreham, where he gained a good practical education. He had been identi- fied with the work of the home farm during his youth, but in giving inception to his independent career he engaged in the general merchandise business in North Ferrisburg, in which connec- tion it is most interesting to revert to the fact that he conducted his enterprise in the same store building where his son, the subject of this re- view, is now engaged. By energy, indefatigable application to the demands of his trade and by his fair and honorable dealing he built up a very satisfactory business, receiving a representative patronage and being known as a man of upright character and as one whose word was as good as any bond ever given. He was in business here for the long period of thirty-five years and until called from the scene of life's endeavors, No- vember 16, 1875. He was one of the pioneer merchants of the county and was one of the most extensive dealers in farm produce in this section, being widely known throughout the farming

community and commanding the esteem and friendship of all with whom he came in contact, in either business or social relations.

On the 14th of December, 1851, was solem- nized the marriage of Absalom L. Wheeler to Miss Maria Martin, who was born in Ferrisburg, the daughter of Solomon S. Martin, who likewise was a native of the town where his father, Stod- dard Martin, was a pioneer farmer, having come hither from his native state of Connecticut. Maria Martin was educated at the famous Con- verse school at Burlington, Vermont, conducted by the late Rev. J. K. Converse, whose portrait appears on another page. Solomon S. Martin eventually removed to Madrid, St. Lawrence county, New York, where he became the owner of a large landed estate and where he continued to be identified with agricultural pursuits until his death, at the age of eighty-six years. The maiden name of his wife was Phobe Bean, and she was born in New Hampshire, and died in middle life. They were consistent members of the Methodist church, in which faith they reared their children, three of whom attained maturity. Absalom L. and Maria (Martin) Wheeler be- came the parents of nine children, of whom the following survive: Caroline E., who resides in North Ferrisburg, having never married ; Charles M., who is a prominent real estate dealer and re- sides in the city of Chicago, Illinois; John S., the immediate subject of this sketch; Phoebe, who is the wife of Herbert Kingsland, a prom- inent farmer of this township; and Frances L., who remains in the old home. The father was a member of the Society of Friends, and in this faith he passed away. His wife, who died on the 12th of January, 1889, at the age of fifty-eight, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

John S. Wheeler, to whom this sketch is dedi- cated, was reared in North Ferrisburg, and after securing such educational advantages as were afforded in the public schools of the town he con- tinued his studies in the well known Shattuck Military Academy, at Faribault, Minnesota. Upon leaving school he returned to his native village, in 1885, where he accepted a clerical position in the mercantile establishment of Allen & Company, with whom he still remains. Though never an aspirant for political preferment he has

THE STATE OF VERMONT.

given a stanch allegiance to the Republican party, and his religious views are in harmony with the tenets of the Methodist Episcopal church, whose services he regularly atends.

MARTIN FLETCHER ALLEN.

The name of Martin Fletcher Allen stands conspicuously forth on the pages of Vermont's political history. He has been an active factor in shaping the affairs of the government of the state, and is widely recognized as a Republican leader who has labored earnestly for the success of the party. Close study has given him a keen insight into the important political problems, and his interest in the issues of the day that effect the state or national weal or woe has ever been of the highest. A native son of the Green Mountain state, Lieutenant Governor Allen, of this review, was born in Ferrisburg, on the 28th of November, 1842, and is a son of Norman J. and a grandson of Cyrus Allen. The last-named was born October 17, 1780, in Woodstock, Ver- mont, and died at Pepin, Wisconsin, in August, 1867, being buried at Wabasha, Minnesota. He was married July 26, 1804, to Sally Fletcher, daughter of James and Catherine Fletcher, of Woodstock. Cyrus was a son of Ephraim Allen, who was born January 13, 1732, in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and died October 20, 1822, prob- ably in Woodstock, Vermont. His wife, Betty Woods, was a native of Middleboro, Massachu- setts, born April II, 1739. They were married March 15, 1758. In a very early day Cyrus Al- len located in the Empire state, first taking up his abode in Phelps, New York, and subsequently resided in Woodstock, Lincoln and Warren, Ver- montmont. His wife's death occurred on the 8th of August, 1818, and her remains lie buried in the cemetery at Clyde, New York.

Norman J. Allen was born in Phelps, New York, on the 3Ist of March, 1818. The early years of his life were spent in Woodstock, Ver- mont, where he was reared by his grandfather, Russell Fletcher, and in 1838 he came to North Ferrisburg, Vermont, where he embarked in mercantile pursuits, thus continuing until the year 1860. Throughout his long connection with the mercantile interests he made but few changes in his business, and through all he ever maintained

the confidence and esteem of his patrons.' He was elected to the important office of assistant judge of Addison county, and in 1886 he was called upon to represent his town in the legisla- ture. He was honored with many other positions within the gift of his fellow citizens, and his in- fluence was widely felt in the locality in which he made his home. On the 15th of December, 1841, Judge Allen was united in marriage to Sarah Martin, who was born in Ferrisburg, Ver- mont, being a daughter of Stoddard Martin. The latter, born March, 30, 1781, was a son of Reuben Martin, a Revolutionary soldier. The family has been traced to 1066, and includes Christo- pher, a Mayflower passenger. Mrs. Allen's death occurred on the Ioth of April, 1873, leaving three children,-Martin Fletcher, Anna Caro- line and Stoddard Norman. Miss Anna C. Al- len died at Ferrisburg, August 22, 1900. She graduated in 1869 from the Ripley Female Col- lege, and spent her life in teaching, which she began in Ferrisburg, and her work was soon ex- tended to Maine, North Carolina and Missouri. where she taught in state institutions for the edu- cation of the deaf. She is spoken of by leading educational journals as " a woman of fine execu- tive ability, and one of the foremost oral teachers of the country." In addition to her school duties Miss Allen devoted much time and thought to the training of teachers. "In her daily Christian living, she commanded the respect of all, and her bright, genial nature made for her a large circle of friends." For his second wife Judge Allen chose Mrs. Lucinda Palmer, the widow of James Palmer, and their marriage was celebrated on the 17th of December, 1873. The Judge was called into eternal rest when he had reached the age of seventy-eight years, passing away in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was long a valued member.

Martin F. Allen, whose name introduces this review, spent the early years of his life in Ferris- burg, his education being received in the schools of that town, Poultney, this state, and Pough- keepsie, New York. After reaching a suitable age he entered into partnership with A. L. Wheeler, formerly of the firm of Wheeler & Allen, for conducting a mercantile establishment, and was later engaged in the same business with his brother, Stoddard N. Allen. He is now ex-

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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 13

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