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 19

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 19

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Mr. Horton is the son of Hiram B. Horton,. a farmer of Hinsdale, New Hampshire, where he-

IOI

THE STATE OF VERMONT.

was a man of considerable influence, having served a period as selectman, and is a prominent member of the Baptist church of that city. He married Rosanna Streeter, who became the mother of the following children: Sarah, Eliza, Henry, Lucy, Andrew J., Ida, Charles and Ruth. The father of this family died at the age of sixty- nine years in 1888, the mother in 1859. The pa- ternal grandfather of Mr. Horton was Hezekiah Horton, who emigrated from England and settled in Hinsdale, New Hampshire, he in his day hav- ing also been a farmer. He married Sarah Burn- ham, who bore him children as follows: Emma, Rebecca, Albridge, Seymour, Frank and Hiram. ·Grandfather Horton lived out a long and useful life at Hinsdale, and lies buried in the cemetery at that place. Mr. Andrew J. Horton merits and receives the high regard of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

A. AUGUSTINE BUTTERFIELD.

A. Augustine Butterfield, of Jacksonville, is a well known attorney-at-law. He was born in Wilmington, Vermont, June 25, 1844, being a son of the late Ezra Turner and Mary (Leonard) Butterfield and a direct descendant in the ninth generation from Benjamin Butterfield, the emi- grant, the line of descent being as follows: Ben- jamin (I), Joseph (2), Benjamin (3), Benja- min (4), Benjamin (5), Captain Ezra (6), Ze- nas (7), Ezra T. (8), and A. Augustine (9). Benjamin Butterfield (1) emigrated from Eng- land to Massachusetts in 1638, settling in Charles- town, and later in Woburn. He was the first signer of the petition for the town of Chelmsford, and was one of the original proprietors of that town, moving there in 1654. He was very promi- nent in religious matters, and was a deacon of the church for many years. Joseph Butterfield (2) was born in Woburn, Massachusetts, August 15, 1649. Benjamin Butterfield (3), born in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, in 1680, served as a sergeant in the militia, and he married Eliza- beth Fletcher. Benjamin Butterfield (4) was born in Chelmsford, May 25, 1702, was an ensign in the military service and married Keziah Pat- terson, who survived him, and afterward married Josiah Nutting, while for her third husband she married Captain Joseph Fletcher, of Westford.

She died June 3, 1781, at the age of seventy- eight years. Benjamin Butterfield (5), born May 15, 1726, was a farmer in Brattleboro, and his death occurred on the 7th of December, 1804. His first wife, who was in her maidenhood Su- sanna Spalding, bore him nine children, and by his second, Lois Herrick, he became the father of six children. He was a soldier in the Revolu- tionary war, serving as lieutenant in Seth War- ner's famous regiment of Green Mountain Boys, and prior to that was captain of a company of the New York militia. Captain Ezra Butterfield (6), born in Westminster, Massachusetts, in October, 1758, was reared in Brattleboro, Ver- mont. where he worked as a farmer and car- penter. He subsequently became a resident of Dummerston, this state, where his death oc- curred on the 6th of January, 1825. His wife, Martha Hadley, a native of Westford, Massa- chusetts, bore him thirteen children, as follows: Ezra, Ebenezer, Zenas, Susanna, Samuel, Mar- tha, Cyrus, Nabby, Levi, Benjamin and three who died in childhood. She died November 27, 1842, at the age of eighty-two years. Deacon Zenas Butterfield (7), born in Dummerston, Ver- mont, on the 22d of February, 1782, spent his entire life in that town, being actively engaged in agricultural pursuits on the farm adjoining his father's homestead, and his death occurred August 29, 1829. A man of deep religious convic- tions, he swerved from the faith of his ancestors, all of whom belonged to the Congregational church, and united with the Free Will Baptist church, in which he was a deacon for many years. On the 6th of December, 1803, he married Sarah Turner, who died at the age of eighty-nine years, and they became the parents of nine children : Alanson, Diantha, Zenas, Hannah, Sarah. Ezra T., Thomas, Betsey and Lucy V. Ezra Turner Butterfield (8) was born in Dummerston, Ver- mont, and lived to the age of seventy-two years. He followed the free and independent occupation to which he had been reared, becoming a success- ful farmer, and for several years he was also interested in mercantile pursuits. He was cap- tain in the militia, and for seven years assistant judge of the county court. By this union with Mary Leonard, the daughter of Rev. Abner Leon- ard, a Free Will Baptist minister, five children were born, of whom three are living, namely :

102

THE STATE OF VERMONT.

(). F., whose personal history is contained in this work : A. Augustine ; and L. A., who was several years connected with the Boston School of Ora tory, and connected with several colleges in that department.

A. Augustine Butterfield is held in high es- teem as a citizen of worth and as a lawyer of ability and integrity. In all ordinary cases brought before him professionally, he invariably advises a settlement by arbitration rather than by trial, although this advice may not benefit him pecuniarily. He has served as master in chan- cery for thirty-three years, as justice of the peace for twenty-eight years, as notary public thirty-five years, was for some years a director of the Union Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Montpelier, was for two years state's attorney, was a member of the state legislature, 1880-82, was a state senator in 1888-90, and for a long period was one of the board of managers of the State Baptist convention. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, serving on im- portant committees; a member of the Veteran Association, having served as venerable chief in 1898. For many years he has been engaged in perfecting the genealogy of the historic family of Butterfield.

On the 2d of October, 1869, Mr. Butterfield was united in marriage to Marcia Sophia Brown, of Whitingham, and a daughter of the late Ru- fus Brown, Esq. Eight children have blessed their union, namely: Marcius A., a farmer of Jacksonville, married Alice Lucretia Dalrymple, by whom he has four children, Blanche H., Ma- bel R., Benjamin Fred, and Mary Ada; Ossian R. is employed as a clerk ; Alice A. is the wife of Charles A. Faulkner, and has two children, Pearl M. and Neal S .; Mary died in 1889; Marcia A. is the next in order of birth; Estella E .; May died in September, 1889; and Clara J. died in 1897.

ROWLAND EVANS ROBINSON.

Rowland E. Robinson, deceased, of Ferris- burgh, Vermont, a renowned author whom an eminent critic has placed forth among the dialect writers of the world, was a descendant of ances- tors who made their home in Rhode Island dur- ing the seventeenth century. The christian name

of the founder of the family in America was Rowland, who was born in 1654 at Long Bluff, Cumberland county, England. In 1675 he settled in Kingston, Rhode Island, where he became the owner of a large landed estate, which was pur- chased from the Narragansett Indians, and por- tions of this property are still in the possession of members of the family. He served in the capac- ity of deputy of the town during the year 1705. He married, in 1676, Mary Allen, daughter of John and Mary (Bacon) Allen, who came to the United States from Barnstable, England. Mr. Robinson died in Kingston, Rhode Island, in the year 1716.

William Robinson, son of the founder of the family, was born January 26, 1693, in South Kingston, Rhode Island. For ten years he served as deputy of the town, being four years speaker of the house of deputies, and during the years 1745-1746-1747-1748 he filled the office of deputy governor. Mr. Robinson was twice married, his first wife having been Martha Potter, to whom he was married in 1718, and his second, Abigail Haz- ard, widow of Caleb Hazard and daughter of William and Abigail (Remington) Gardner, whom he married March 2, 1727. Five children were born to him by his first wife, and eight by the second. His death occurred September 19, 175I.

Thomas Robinson, third son of William and Abigail Robinson, was born January 25, 1731, in Kingston, Rhode Island, but resided for the greater part of his life in Newport, Rhode Island. He sent out whaling vessels and was well known as a philanthropist, was a determined opponent of the slave trade and slavery, and gave freedom to all the slaves that he inherited from his father. He was a Quaker in religious belief, and, al- though not a wealthy man, he gave freely of his time and substance to aid the poor and afflicted. He was united in marriage to Sarah Richardson, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Wanton) Rich- ardson, in 1752, and they were the parents of eight children, including three daughters, known in history as "The Quaker Beauties."

Thomas Richardson Robinson, fifth child of Thomas Robinson, was born in Newport, Rhode Island, December 4, 1761. He belonged to the So- ciety of Friends, and in 1791 removed from Rhode Island to Vergennes, Vermont, then an incorpor-

1 +

...

Rowland E . Robiums . bunn .

103

THE STATE OF VERMONT.

ated city. He remained there about five years, and in 1796 purchased a tract of land in the town of Ferrisburgh, on what is now known as "the old stage road." Here he erected the Robinson homestead, which is a spacious mansion, sur- rounded with stately trees and commanding a magnificent view of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. December 5, 1787, Mr. Robinson married Jemima Fish, who was born May 6, 1761, at Portsmouth, and two children were born to them, Abigail and Rowland. David Fish, father of Mrs. Robinson, was a Quaker and during the greater part of his life followed the occupation of a farmer. He volunteered during a smallpox epidemic at Newport to care for the diseased, after doctors and nurses had died, and while performing this duty contracted the malady, which caused his death. Thus his wife, Lydia (Dennis) Fish, was left with a large family of children to care for. She was a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Durfee) Dennis. Thomas R. Robinson died July 3, 1851, and his wife died November 3, 1846.

Rowland Thomas Robinson, son of Thomas Richardson and Jemima (Fish) Robinson, was born September 21, 1796, on the homestead in Ferrisburgh, Vermont, and became a noted abolitionist. Many a fugitive slave did he shel- ter and encourage on his way to Canada and free- dom. In those days the old house was one of the way stations of the great under-ground rail- way, trrough which the fugitives made their way from oppression to liberty. Mr. Robinson was an earnest, loyal friend to those in need, and no one ever appealed to him in vain. In New York city, September 13, 1820, he married Rachel Gilpin, whose ancestry is traced through twenty- two generations to Sir Richard de Guylphin in I206. Among her ancestors were Joseph and Hannah Gilpin, Quakers, who came from Eng- land in 1695. Rachel (Gilpin) Robinson, born October 3, 1799, was a daughter of George and Rachel (Starr) Gilpin, who resided in New York city, where Mr. Gilpin was engaged as a leather merchant. In religious belief they were Quakers. George Gilpin was a son of George Gilpin, who resided in Fairfax county. Virginia, and was a personal friend of George Washington. Though a Quaker, he was active in organizing the Fairfax militia for service in the Revolution,

which he commanded as colonel. He served throughout the entire struggle on the staff of General Washington, and was a pallbearer at his funeral. He was a son of Samuel and Jane (Peters) Gilpin, the former named being a son of the original American ancestor. Rowland T. Rob- inson was a thrifty farmer, but gave much atten- tion to the organization of anti-slavery move- ments, in which work he traveled about a great d'eal, and was secretary of the county and state anti-slavery societies. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson were the parents of four children, namely : Thomas Richardson; George Gilpin; Ann King, wife of Lloyd Mintrum, of New York city ; and Rowland Evans Robinson.

Rowland Evans Robinson, son of Rowland T. and Rachel (Gilpin) Robinson, was born May 14, 1833, on the old homestead, and ac- quired his education in the common schools of his native town. He also spent much of his childhood in the fields and woods of Vermont, and it was through these. associations that he became such an ardent lover of nature. He had a natural and inherited talent for painting, and his skilled hand enabled him to reproduce the scenes of nature. He contributed sketches to various illustrated periodicals of New York, where he spent several winters. About the year 1886 his eyesight began to fail, and seven years later he was deprived of it altogether. It was after this terrible affliction that most of his books were written, which fact certainly testifies no less to his indomitable will and energy than to his genius. It was only by the aid of a grooved board that he was able to write. Mr. Robinson was the author of various works, among them being : Uncle Lisha's Shop; Sam Lovel's Camps; Vermont, a Study of Independence, which was published by Houghton, Mifflin & Co. in the Commonwealth Series; Danvis Folks; New England Fields and Woods; Uncle Lisha's Outing; A Danvis Pioneer; A Hero of Ticon- deroga ; In the Greenwoods; and Sam Lovel's Boy. The last named volume, a masterpiece of character delineation, was reviewed by the liter- ary editor of "The New York Times" in the following appreciative paragraph: "But, as one reads of the youth's achievements as hunter and scholar, one looks through the medium of the book to the strong-souled author, working in the

10.4

THE STATE OF VERMONT.

deals loneliness of the blind, calling before his 1620; Kenlicht Warlow, 1620; Gov. Thomas mand the long unseen lochin 0] tream and timet, the colors of the blue and golden sky alone, and the gold sown emerald turi below, composing pictures for other eyes to see 11 11 agmation, Ins own forever sealed, and making all his landscapes vocal with sounds audible to his trained hearing, but unheeded by his more fortunate fellows. The golden haired baby, the study boy, the patriot stripling, enlisting be- cause he thought his mother "would want him to go with daddy,' his last gift to his readers, was never pictured on the ever-during dark surround- ing him. His genial, wholesome stories have been a precious gift to his countrymen. The tale of his own life is more valuable still, an example of cheerful fortitude as admirable as ever bloomed on the battlefield, the life of one who could present his due account nor fear chiding when the Master returned, as faithful as the blind bard whose lovely phrases so often consoled him. This was a man." Mr. Robinson was connected for many years with the editorial staff of "For- est and Stream," and most of his writings first appeared in its columns ; a volume entitled Hunt- ing Without a Gun, is now in course of prep- aration. His name is placed among the first rank of authors, and the demand for his work is constantly increasing. He was an interesting story-teller, as his style was simple and his humor dry and keen. He was much interested in the Vermont Fish and Game League, and was elected an honorary member at its first meeting.

Mr. Robinson was married July 24, 1870, to Anna Stevens, a daughter of Stephen F. and Rachel Fish (Bird) Stevens, of East Montpelier, Vermont. Mrs. Robinson is a graduate of Glen- wood Seminary, Brattleboro, Vermont, and is a woman of talent. In all things she was the sym- pathizer and coworker of her husband, and in his literary labors she was truly his righthand, as it was she who copied his manuscripts and pre- pared them for publication. Three children were born to them: Rachel, who resides at home with her mother in Ferrisburg and is engaged in the study of art; Rowland Thomas, who also resides at home ; and Mary, who is attending school.

Mrs. Robinson belongs to a family which has long been represented in New England, and the line of descent is from Elder William Brewster,

Pince, 1621; Rev. John Lathrop, 1034; and Major John Freeman. The family trace their ancestry back in a direct line for eight or nine generations, which is truly a remarkable record. Stephen Foster Stevens, the father of Mrs. Robin- son, was born March 24, 1791, in Montpelier, Vermont, and, after acquiring his education in the district schools, learned the trade of a cabinet- maker. Later he became a farmer, and followed that occupation in Montpelier, where he resided, with the exception of a few days spent in Monk- ton. He was a firm adherent of the principles of the Republican party, and was a prominent man in the community, holding, for many years, the offices of selectman and representative in East Montpelier, and serving as sergeant-at-arms in the state house at the time of his death, which occurred April 30, 1857. In religion he followed the teachings of the Society of Friends. His father, Clark Stevens, served one year in the Revolutionary army when only sixteen years of age, later spent some years at sea, as a whaler, and subsequently became one of the first settlers in the town of Montpelier. He called the first town meeting, and being a prominent member of the Society of Friends was the first to hold re- ligious services ; the meeting house was built of logs and stood on his farm, which was situated on the banks of a small brook, thereafter known as "meeting-house brook." Mrs. Robinson's mother, Rachel Fish (Bird) Stevens, was the daughter of Thomas and Susanna (Fish) Bird, the former named of English birth; the latter, of English descent, came from Kingstown, Rhode Island, to Vergennes, Vermont, with her elder sister, Jemima Robinson. Mr. Bird was a prom- inent citizen of Vergennes, where he was engaged in mercantile pursuits and served as justice of the pace and mayor. The following named chil- dren were born to Stephen and Rachel Stevens: Mary S., now the widow of Horace Putnam, of East Montpelier, Vermont; Thomas Bird, de- ceased, who lived all his life on the parental home- stead; Timothy, a resident of Needham, Massa- chusetts; William Bird, who was wounded at Cold Harbor, June II, 1864, and died of this in- jury; James, a resident of East Pierre, South Dakota; Charles, a citizen of Barre, Vermont ; and Anna, widow of Rowland E. Robinson.

105

THE STATE OF VERMONT.

Rachel Stevens was born February 6, 1804, in Vergennes, Vermont, and died September 14, 1868, at East Montpelier, Vermont.

Mr. Robinson's widow and three children survive him, and reside on the homestead in Fer- risburg, where six generations of the family have lived. For fifty years the office of town clerk has been in the family, and is now held by Mrs. Robinson. The marked artistic ability of the elder daughter, inherited from both parents, gives promise that the reputation of the family in this direction will be well sustained.

ARTHUR PERRY CARPENTER.

Arthur Perry Carpenter, attorney and coun- sellor-at-law, is located at North Adams, Massa- chusetts, with a branch office at Readsboro, Ver- mont. He is a native of Readsboro, his birth having occurred March 31, 1867. His father, Solomon R. Carpenter, and his grandfather, Dan- iel P. Carpenter, were born in Readsboro, as were the latter's three brothers, Rathburn, Elias and Childs. Daniel P. Carpenter spent his entire life of eighty-five years in that place. James Car- penter, great-grandfather of Arthur P. Carpenter, -emigrated from Ware, Massachusetts, to Reads- boro at an early period of its settlement, being a pioneer Baptist clergyman, and a farmer.

Daniel P. Carpenter made general farming his chief occupation throughout his active life, and took a keen interest in all things pertaining to the welfare of the community, serving his fellow townsmen in various official capacities. His wife, whose maiden name was Olive Whitcomb, was born and reared in Readsboro. Four children were born to Daniel P. and Olive (Whitcomb) Car- penter, namely: James W., Olive, Daniel and Solomon R. Carpenter. James W. Carpenter, the eldest son, studied law with O. L. Shafter, who subsequently located in California. Mr. James W. Carpenter began the practice of his profession at Saxton's River, Vermont. He was later ap- pointed assistant paymaster of the United States army, with the rank of major, and served through- out the Civil war. He subseqeuntly located at Readsboro, where he continued in the practice of law up to the time of his decease.

Solomon R. Carpenter was reared and edu- cated in Readsboro, and for many years there-

after was prosperously engaged in agricultural pursuits, originally having charge of the home- stead farm. He purchased a farm in Whiting- ham in 1887, and has since resided there, being numbered among the best men of his community. He is a man of sound judgment and uncompro- mising integrity, and has rendered his fellow townsmen efficient service in numerous official positions. He married Laura Bishop, a native of Readsboro, which was also the birthplace of her father, Daniel Bishop, Jr., a son of Daniel Bishop, Sr., who migrated from Connecticut to Vermont, settling in Readsboro as a pioneer. Of the union of Daniel Bishop, Jr., with Miss Stafford, the fol- lowing named children were born: Laura, who married Solomon R. Carpenter; Eliza, Mary, Janette, Stephen, Louis and Gilbert. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter reared three children : Abbott, a baker in New York; Arthur P., the subject of this sketch; and Ada, who lives with her parents.

Arthur P. Carpenter received his initial schooling in his native town, then attended Cas- tleton Normal School, from which institution he was graduated in 1887. He then taught school a number of winters in Readsboro and adjoin- ing towns. He subsequently took a course at the Business University of Rochester. He read law under the preceptorship of S. T. Davenport, and in 1897 was graduated from the law de- partment of the Boston University. In 1896, while attending the institution last named, he was admitted to the Vermont bar, and the follow- ing year to the Massachusetts bar. Immediately thereafter he formed a partnership with Cor- nelius A. Parker, which association continued until 1900. He is a Democrat in politics, and while living in Whitingham served for awhile on the school board of that place. Fraternally he belongs to Unity Lodge, No. 89, F. & A. M., of Jacksonville, Vermont, and Berkshire Council, No. 839, Royal Arcanum. He is one of the di- rectors of the Berkshire County Co-operative Bank, and since 1901 has been secretary of the Hoosac Valley Agricultural Society. He is a member of the Old South Church of Boston, and a trustee of the First Congregational Society of North Adams, Massachusetts.

In September, 1897, Mr. Carpenter married Addie Boynton, who was born in Jamaica, Ver- mont, where her father, Myron L. Boynton, was

100

THE STATE OF VERMONT.

for many years station agent for the Brattleboro & Whitehall Railroad Company. He died May 3, 1903, leaving a wife and four children, namely : Frank; Addie, now Mrs. Carpenter; Harlan ; and Bessie. Mis. Myron I. Boynton was Betsey D. Holden, of Wardsboro.

JUDGE GEORGE JACKSON BOND.

Judge George Jackson Bond, of Scarsburg, was for many years an important factor in the development of the manufacturing and mercan- tile interests of this section of the county. He was born in Readsboro, Vermont, January 8, 1842, a son of the late Charles Bond. His pa- ternal grandfather, William Bond, served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, after which he settled in Whitingham, Vermont, where he was prosperously engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, at the age of three-score and ten years. Of his union with Rosanna Myers, six children were born: Loiza, William, George, Charles, and two who died in infancy.

Charles Bond was reared and educated in Whitingham, and there learned the blacksmith's trade. Subsequently removing to Readsboro, he · carried on general farming in conjunction with his trade for several years. In 1845 he settled in Searsburg, and continued in active pursuits, both as a farmer and a blacksmith, until his death, at the age of fifty-five years. He was a man of energy and ability, taking a prominent part in local affairs, and served in all the town offices. He married Jane Tibbetts in 1828, a native of Halifax, Vermont, and she survived him, dying at the age of seventy-five years. Of the ten chil- dren born of their union, George J., the subject of this sketch, is the only one now living. The parents were broad and liberal in their religious views, and members of the Universalist church.

George J. Bond was educated in Searsburg, attending the common and high schools, after which he taught several terms in Whitingham and in Woodford. In 1863 he enlisted in the Seventeenth Vermont Volunteer Infantry as cor- poral of a company, and going to the front with the Ninth Army Corps participated in the battle of the Wilderness, and in the last engagement at Petersburg. He was honorably discharged from

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 19

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