USA > Vermont > Addison County > Bristol > History of Bristol, Vermont, 1762-1959, 2nd ed. > Part 5
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At almost every concert, different organizations hold bazaars on the park which enable them to raise money for their various projects. Concerts are held now every Wednesday evening from Memorial Day through Labor Day inclusive.
First National Bank of Bristol - The first bank in Bristol failed after being in operation only two years. S. M. Dorr's Sons of Rutland began their banking business in 1891 and closed the bank in 1893.
The First National Bank of Bristol was chartered in May, 1902 with Chase Bush, E. B. Patterson, W. E. Hanks, Ralph Denio, and F. R. Dickerman as directors. In 1924 at the time of the big fire which destroyed so many buildings on the south side of Main Street, the bank building was burned and the following year the present brick structure was erected. The bank has continued to grow with the community, with assets increasing from $430,338.04 in 1924 to $1,671,774.88 in 1959. The present board of Directors consists of Ralph C. Sweet, L. H. Landon, R. C. Martin, D. L. Garland, W. C. Little, Gordon H. Brown, and Dr. H. E. Williamson with Ralph Sweet as President.
Military History
Military - The first militia company in Bristol was organized June 7, 1791. It was the 10th Company, 2nd Regiment, 6th Brigade Vermont Infantry. Another company, the Light Infantry was organ- ized June 1, 1808, with John Kilbourn, Captain and Jehiel Saxton Lieu- tenant. Very gay were these infantrymen in their uniforms which consisted of scarlet coats with white and buff facing, white pants with black half-gaiters, white vest, black stockings and citizen's round hat with a brass piece in front. These companies did their full share in helping enforce the Embargo Act of 1808 and in fighting in the War of 1812. Sixty-six men from Bristol took part in the Battle of Plattsburg.
The last veteran of the Civil War was Lester Bryant who died in
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1936 at the age of 98. Mr. Bryant did not enlist from Bristol but came to Bristol from Lincoln a few years before his death.
The observance of Memorial Day in Bristol began in 1889, the money being obtained by popular subscription at first. Soon money was donated by the town at the annual town meeting for this purpose to the Bristol Post of the G. A. R., known as the W. C. Dunton Post. The money is now donated to the American Legion. In 1928 the Women's Relief Corps, affiliated with the G. A. R., placed a bronze tablet on the park in memory of the soldiers from Bristol who participated in the Civil War.
A chapter of another Civil War organization was formed in Bristol sometime during the 1890's. The N. F. Dunshee Camp Sons of Veterans was formed at this time and met regularly for many years. The camp was named after Colonel N. F. Dunshee because of his splendid record as a soldier in the Civil War.
There are no records of Spanish-American War veterans obtain- able. The only men from Bristol known to have taken part in this con- flict were David Bosworth, Judson Hanks, Vern Brooks, Harold Foyles, Mr. Tabor, Walter Shedrick, and Claude Guinan.
A record of the Bristol men who served in the World War I is on a bronze tablet in the park, which was placed there by the Bristol Post of the American Legion.
There were approximately 169 that served during World War II of whom 8 died while serving. There were about 5 women who also serv- ed.
American Legion - The American Legion Post #19 was organized in Bristol soon after the World War with Dr. Williamson as Commander. Meetings were first held in the Town Hall, then in the old Grange Hall on Garfield street. There was very little interest shown for some years and the charter was surrendered. They reorganized about five years later and in 1951 reached a peak of membership of over 200, this being due to World War II Veterans.
A new Legion home was built on a section of the recreation field. It was completed and opened May 1953.
A baseball team was formed in 1946 and lasted until 1956 at which time it became a town team.
One of the biggest yearly activities is the Carnival which is spon- sored by two organizations, Legion and Recreation Club. This was started in 1955 and has been a great success, the carnival lasting 3 to 5 days.
The Legion sponsors the Boys State. They see to it that 2 boys are sent to Boys' State every year, the expense being shared between the Legion and other organizations in Bristol.
The American Legion Auxiliary was also formed, functioned a short time and then gave up its charter. The Auxiliary reorganized in 1935 and now has a membership of about 60. It contributes to many charitable organizations and also sponsors 2 girls to Girls' State, with the help of other clubs. This is done every year.
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The Maples - Home of the late Merritt Allen
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People of Note
Merritt P. Allen - The following article appeared in the September, 1954, issue of "Young Wings": "You'll Always Find a Way Out," by Merritt Parmelee Allen.
I was born and raised here on a farm at Bristol, Vermont, where my family have lived for generations. I took for granted that I would continue that way of life, and I learned how to care for livestock and soils; how to work and how to handle the Yankee hired man, who is the most independent person on earth.
We took our fun wherever and whenever we found it. We hunted, trapped and played ball in the pasture. Some of the boys wanted to be President, but I dreamed only of becoming a big league pitcher or a Hudson Bay Trapper. Without radio and television, we had to use our imagination by reading and re-creating what we read. Fortunately I had access to good books. And there never were and never will be any periodicals to match the Youth's Companion and St. Nicholas. In later years I had the honor of contributing to both magazines.
So it went until at the age of seventeen, while I was in high school I was knocked flat by polio. I came back enough to be on my feet a little but most of the time has been spent in a wheel chair. Every plan I had dreamed of making had to be scrapped and a new set of values built to meet the situation. Formal education was out; self education began and is still very much in progress.
My thoughts turned to writing. I had to learn to use a whole new set of tools and invent others to meet my needs. So the product was long in taking shape. Slowly a few pieces passed inspection by publish- ers. Now I have written short stories and serials, radio serials and one act plays, parts of half a dozen anthologies, and more than twenty-eight books for boys, most of them adventure yarns based on American history.
I am telling you this on the chance that it may reach someone who thinks all doors have been slammed in his face. If he will try and keep on trying long after common sense tells him to quit, he will find a door that can be opened. He will need help, the indispensable help of family and friends, for no one, no matter how tough he thinks he is, can do it alone. Especially will he need the help of someone like Vera Cline, who has been my nurse and partner for many years. She intuitively understands many things I never could figure out. And we find pleasure in work, friends, birds and flowers.
Merritt P. Allen was born on July 2, 1892 and died December 26, 1954. Among his many books are - The Green Cockade, The Mudhen, The Silver Wolf, The Spirit of the Eagle, Western Star, The Wilderness Way and The Sun Trail.
Colonel Noble F. Dunshee - In looking back to the late 1800's and early 1900's some of the Old Timers (if any of the species are still around) would distinctly recall a citizen who was well known throughout Addison County and in many parts of this state. During his long life he had many interesting experiences. This was Mr. Noble F. Dunshee, quite commonly called Colonel Dunshee.
Mr. Dunshee was born April 4th, 1833 and spent most of his life in Bristol. In 1849 Mr. Dunshee with two friends went to California to the gold fields but evidently did not make any startling "strikes." In his stop in Denver he became very interested in the town and pur-
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hased a sizable piece of real estate. Some of his ideas were used is plans went forward to build the city in its beautiful location.
In February 1857 Mr. Dunshee married Charlotte Soper, the ceremony being performed by Rev. David Bosworth. Less than ten years later rumblings of the Civil War were troubling the whole country. it is known that Mr. Dunshee organized at Bristol on Sept. 8, 1862 the Vermont State Volunteer Militia. It was mustered into United States service at Brattleboro, Vermont October 21, 1862. Mr. Dunshee vas Captain of his Co. G. 14th Regiment and served until the end of the var.
In 1863 Mr. Dunshee was a member of the State Legislature. Gov- rnor Gregory Smith on July 18, 1864 appointed Mr. Dunshee to recruit 00,000 volunteers for the State of Vermont. These were to be found mong the Negroes of South Carolina and Florida.
For many years Mr. Dunshee and his family lived on West Street, he house being an old landmark of the town. In 1957 this house was noved back to make way for a Gulf Oil Station. He started a dry joods business in 1883 in company with Willis Peake. Later he estab- ished himself in the so-called Dunshee block. Here with his son he carried on an active dry goods store until his death in 1893 at the age f 90 years. His son Harry continued with the business for several rears.
Mr. N. F. Dunshee was known far and near as a fine business man und reliable in all his dealings. At times interested in politics, but love for fine race horses was his outstanding hobby. He owned and Irove some fine racers. In later years he with Mr. E. C. Dike and Mr. 7. R. Dickerman celebrated April 4th together at the Bristol House, ull three having their birthdays on that date.
Jeremiah Curtin - An old field stone house at Greendale, Wisconsin, once the home of Jeremiah Curtin, author, is now an historical museum. Mr. Curtin, who was born in 1835, was much in demand as a transla- or and is perhaps best known for his interpretation of "Quo Vadis" From the Polish of Sienkiewicz, a book he placed on the best-seller ist. While in this country, Mr. and Mrs. Curtin made their home with her sister, the late Mrs. A. M. Norton. After his death in 1906 Mrs. Curtin completed and published many of his works and finished his biography. The last fifteen years of her life she lived with her sister at her home on Mountain Street. There is another reason for honoring Jeremiah Curtin - he was a brother to all of the world. The inscription on his tomb in Greenwood Cemetery, Bristol, written by President Theodore Roosevelt, says, "He traveled over the whole wide world, cal- ing all men his brothers and learning to speak to them in seventy anguages."
William A. Lawrence - In the history of Bristol the name of William Lawrence should occupy a conspicuous place, for through many rears he was one of the leading factors of the town, progressive and persevering. He was known as the most extensive dealer in horses in he Green Mountain State. He was born in Monkton, Vermont, Septem- er 21, 1856. He attended the High School in Vergennes, after which he returned to farming on the home place until 1881, when he came o Bristol and began speculating in cattle, horses and farm products intil 1884. That year he embarked in the carriage business which he continued for the following fifteen years. In 1899 he turned his entire attention to his stock business, buying horses in carload lots
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He usually kept about seventy-five in his stables. His business covered not only Vermont but also New York. He erected several dwellings in Bristol, among them his home on North Street at the corner of Spring Street, now owned by Mr. and Mrs. John Cragen.
In March, 1876, Mr. Lawrence was married to Lockie Partch of Hinesburg. She died in December, 1889. For his second wife Mr. Law- rence chose Minnie Morrison Peet of Starksboro whom he married in March, 1901.
For fourteen years Mr. Lawrence was Sheriff of Addison County. He served as President of the Addison County Agriculture Society, was one of the Directors of the National Bank of Middlebury, was a Vice- President of the Vermont Mutual Fire Insurance Co. While President of the Greenwood Cemetery Association he was instrumental in get- ting the water piped in and connected to the fountain which he had contributed. It was through his efforts and financial help that the fence was built that enclosed the entire cemetery.
His wife, Minnie Lawrence, was killed in a Rutland Railroad col- lision in Vergennes in 1906. Soon after her death he built the Lawrence Library as a memorial to his two wives, Lockie Partch and Minnie Peet. The large window in the Methodist Church was also a memorial in the Lawrence name. The houses on Lawrence Lane as well as the one by the Library, were deeded to the Library Association with the in- come from same to go to the Association.
Mr. Lawrence died in March, 1915, at the age of 59.
Munsills - The Munsills figured extensively in the early transac- tions of the Town of Bristol. Captain Gurdon Munsill was born in Windsor, Conn., October 26, 1760 and came to Bristol in 1789 where he lived in a log house which he had built. He was the first collector of taxes, a selectman and represented the town in 1796.
Judge Harvey Munsill one of his eight children served the town in many capacities. He was Judge of Probate, 1836 to 1870, Justice of Peace for over thirty years. He also served the town as selectman, town clerk, town agent and moderator. He was a town representative and a State Senator in 1842-1843. He was Captain of the First Brigade Third Division Vermont Militia. From 1828 to 1866 he was Master of Libanus Lodge. He died on April 11, 1876 full of years and covered with honor.
His only son Harvey was born in Bristol June 22, 1824. He took over his father's real estate and at one time owned all the land west of Maple Street. He assisted in planting many of the maple trees on the streets of the town. He planted all of them on Maple Street. He was a graduate of Middlebury College and practiced law. He dealt extensively in real estate and has made several creditable additions to the village plot of Bristol. He will not be forgotten, as Munsill Avenue took his name and we also have an N. H. Munsill Hose Co.
The Hasseltines - About 1820, Joseph Hasseltine settled in Bristol. His son Levi became a physician and practiced in Bristol for many years. His oldest son, Amos E. Hasseltine, was born in 1811, and about 1840 he settled in Bristol on the farm which he bought of his father-in-law, John Brooks. This farm, situated on Bristol Flats, is now owned by George Burritt. He built the large house on this farm in 1856. He had one son, Erwin A. Hasseltine, who probably was the most widely-known member of the family during his lifetime.
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Erwin A. Hasseltine was born in Bristol, April 30, 1838, in a brick house on the East-West road of the New Haven River. This road, now abandoned, joined the Carlstrom road. Erwin Hasseltine was brought up on the farm on Bristol Flats, where he attended the district school then known as Bristol Academy. He later attended Middlebury College, graduating in 1862. After teaching school for a few years, ne took up farming on the place later owned by his son, Howard S. Hasseltine. He set out the maple grove now standing on the place west of the main road. Later, he moved to and operated, jointly with his father, the farm on Bristol Flats.
Mr. Hasseltine was always deeply interested in education. In 1888, he was appointed supervisor of schools in Addison County, which position he held until 1892, when the county supervisor system was abolished by law. He then served as examiner of teachers in Addison County for several years. He was a member of the first board of school directors in Bristol and served as superintendent for several years. In 1900, he was elected judge of the Probate Court for the District of New Haven, which position he held for fourteen years. He died November 7, 1923, at the age of eighty-five.
Judge Hasseltine had three sons. George, the oldest, graduated from Middlebury College and then studied law. At one time, he was practicing attorney in Bristol. Another son, Howard, has lived in Bristol all his life and was well-known as a fine musician. He was a member of the Bristol Military Band from 1905 until his death in 1958 and was its leader for many years. A third son, Herman E., attended Middlebury College and later graduated from the Baltimore Medical College in 1904. He became an officer of the Public Health Service and served in that capacity in many places in the United States, as well as Alaska and Hawaii. His service in Hawaii was at the United States Leprosy Station where he spent three years. Later, Dr. Has- seltine was placed in charge of the United States Public Health Service Hospital at Carville, Louisiana, where he served five years. (1935- 1940). In 1938, he was chairman of the United States delegation to the International Leprosy Congress in Cairo, Egypt. He retired in 1945 and now spends his summers at his home in Bristol, Vermont.
The Munsons, Our Park - Captain Noble Munson was born in St. George. After a few years he built and occupied the house now owned by George Nicklaw. Here he lived until his death in 1851. He was in the Battle of Plattsburg. He served the town for many years as selectman, representative and was the town treasurer for 31 suc- ressive years. He was Captain of the 4th Co. Infantry in the 2nd Regiment. Captain Munson was regarded as one of our best and most respected citizens.
Luman Munson was also one of our early settlers and built one of our first frame houses now owned by Stearns Gay. The Munsons owned all the land extending between North, West and Church Streets.
The following deed is recorded in Volume 7, Page 120 of Bristol Land Records, ...
In consideration of the friendship, love, esteem and good will we have for the town of Bristol we quit claim a certain piece of land of about one and one-half acres of land for the express purpose of a this public Common and Green and it is particular understood that the Selectmen of the town or any person shall not be at liberty to erect or build any house, shop or any building or fence the same up, or in-
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:umber in any wise by rolling logs or packing lumber, stone, brick, ime, clay, earth, or dig up the earth. It shall be and remain as a public Common without anything being built or laid there on.
In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals the '1st day of April, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty-seven. Luman Munson,
George C. Dayfoot.
Attest
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Bristol, Vermont, April 21st, 1827.
Arthur W. Prince - We surely cannot pass by one person known to all the people of Bristol. By this we refer to Arthur W. Prince, more commonly called DUDE. For more than a score of years he was the uniformed coachman who met every train in town to pick ip guests going to the Bristol Hotel.
In the 1930's Dude first began winding the clock located in the belfry of Holley Hall, but after more than twenty-five years he has now given up this task to a younger man.
To help our Arthur "Dude" Prince to celebrate his 80th birthday party was held in Holley Hall September 24, 1955. In a spontaneous outburst of love and respect more than 200 people made it a memorable occasion for him. A big birthday cake with 80 candles on it was wheeled into the Hall for the party. A purse of nearly $350 was presented to Dude.
Bristol Doctors - The list of doctors is incomplete and in many cases no data is available. Where only one date is given that represents the date at which practice was begun in Bristol. The first eleven doctors fall into this list: Dr. Joseph Cable, 1794; Dr. James Day, 1799-1814; Dr. Robert Smith, 1803; Dr. Joseph Needham, 1813-1833; Dr. William Warner, 1843; Dr. Tousely ; Dr. Frederick Wheeler ; Dr. Levi Hasseltine; Dr. S. A. Skinner ; Dr. J. H. Steele ; Dr. White.
Dr Elon B. Prime was born in Bristol in 1843, graduated from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia in 1870 and from the Royal College of Edinburgh, Scotland in 1882. He practiced one year in Glasgow, then returned to his native country and after three years of practice elsewhere settled in Bristol where he practiced ten years until his death in 1896.
Dr. E. M. Kent, son of Dr. Marble Kent who had also practiced in Bristol. graduated from the University of Vermont Medical Col- lege in 1866, establishing himself in Bristol that same year where he remained until his death. In his later years he changed from the practice of medicine to that of pharmacy and opened a drug store on the south side of Main Street. Some years after his death his heirs sold this store to W. W. Wilson. This store known as the "South Side Drug Store," is now owned by R. F. Boynton.
Dr. Ashbel Dean, born in Monkton in 1857, graduated from the New York University Medical College in 1878. He immediately set- tled in Bristol where he soon built up an extensive practice and became closely associated with the business and political life of the town. Like Dr. Kent he changed to pharmacy in his later years and opened a drug store on the north side of Main Street. He died in Bristol in 1899. His son Leon Dean is a retired English professor from the
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University of Vermont. He has written several historical novels based to on early history of Vermont and the surrounding area.
Dr. D. A. Bisbee graduated from the University of Michigan in 1875 and came here in 1879 where he began the practice of medicine, later changing to pharmacy. During the 1880's and 1890's we have Co three physicians in Bristol of whom we know little: Dr. Allen, Dr. als Edgar Walker and Dr. E. I. Hall. Of Dr. Hall however, we know of ye
that he was a homeopathic doctor and that he remained for some time.
Dr. George Farnham graduated from the University of Vermont Medical College in 1884. Although here only two years, 1884-86, he started the prize speaking contests, also the first lecture course ever ice given in Bristol. Among the lecturers in this course were Henry A
ab Ward Beecher and Russell Conwell who gave his famous lecture, "Acres of Diamonds."
Dr. Homer Bogue graduated from the University of Vermont Medical College in 1886 and settled here the following year when he w! bought Dr. Prime's house on the corner of North and Garfield Streets. he In 1894 he sold his house and practice to Dr. G. F. Edmunds, moving an to California on account of his health, where he was an outstanding a surgeon and physician in Ontario, California.
Dr. Anson Norton was born in Bristol in 1863 and graduated from the University of Vermont Medical College in 1889. He soon established himself in Bristol where he was prominent in school affairs and the political life of the town, serving as town representative in the state legislature. He always considered the health of the com- munity more important than his own and gave of his service without stint. This was strikingly illustrated in the influenza epidemic of 1919 when he made more than 100 calls a day, an effort which took a toll of his strength which he could never replace. Seriously ill for two years he died in August, 1921.
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Dr. George F. Edmunds was born in Irasburg and was a boyhood friend of Dr. Homer Bogue. He came with his family to Bristol as a book- keeper for S. R. Cain & Co. about 1890. Soon after his arrival here he be- came interested in the study of medicine, studying by himself in his spare time with some help from Dr. Bogue. He attended the University of Vermont Medical College, later transferring to Baltimore Medical College from which he graduated. In 1894 he bought Dr. Bogue's practice and served Bristol as a physician for the rest of his life. For many years he was town health officer and served in the capacity of county health officer for several years. His aim was "to make Bristol the cleanest and healthiest town in the state" and due to his untiring efforts he saw many of his plans materialize. He also served the town as representative to the state legislature and as a member of the town school board. Due to failing health Dr. Edmunds spent his last winters in Florida but continued to see his patients during the summer as long as he was able. He died in Florida in the winter of 1939.
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