USA > Vermont > Grand Isle County > History of Franklin and Grand Isle counties, Vermont : With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of the prominent men and pioneers. > Part 35
USA > Vermont > Franklin County > History of Franklin and Grand Isle counties, Vermont : With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of the prominent men and pioneers. > Part 35
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES.
The Village Water Supply .- The necessity of an ample supply of pure and wholesome water for family use as well as a protection against fire was fully realized by the people of St. Albans for a number of years prior to any definite action being taken in the matter of procuring the supply. In 1869 a disastrous conflagration destroyed the building in which the village records were kept, and again in 1871 property to the value of at least $10,000 was destroyed from a similar cause. These events had the effect of awakening the people to a full sense of their ne- cessities, with the result of a public meeting and a determination upon the immediate introduction of water into the village. The further re- sult was, in brief, the agreement on the part of the St. Albans Aqueduct Company to construct the system of water supply, laying mains through- out the streets of the village, placing fire hydrants at convenient points, and in fact performing each and every act requisite to the construction of a complete system sufficient for the wants of the municipality. This was done in due time, the source of supply being established in the north part of Fairfax, and the water brought to the village through a main pipe. When completed the company, in accordance with its agreement so to do, transferred to the village of St. Albans the entire plant. This perhaps unusual method of operation was necessary that the village might be invested with power to acquire and hold real prop- erty outside its own boundaries. For the purchase of the system the village was authorized to bond to the extent of $150,000, which was , done, the sale of the bonds realizing $131,250. The agreement of transfer was executed by its directors, Lawrence Brainerd, Edward A. · Smith, George G. Hunt, James M. Foss, and Reuben C. Benton; while the trustees then acting for the village were Charles Wyman, M. G. Elliott, Guy C. Noble, F. S. Stranahan, and J. S. D. Taylor. This in- strument was executed April 23, 1872, and the transfer was effected March 12, 1874, the directors then being the same persons as already mentioned, while the accepting trustees were Messrs. Elliott, Noble, Stranahan, H. C. Adams, and S. A. Smith.
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The benefits that accrued to the village by the construction of its water works were indeed material; the old well system of supply for all purposes was discarded, and property owners generally availed them- selves of the new method. The effect of this innovation on the old fire
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VILLAGE OF ST. ALBANS.
department, however, was disastrous, for the engine thereby lost its usefulness. But the boys that "ran with the machine " very willingly accommodated themselves to the new order of things, and in 1880 re- organized the department. The present apparatus of this body now comprises the hose cart and truck, with sufficient hose for any ordinary occasion. These appliances for use in case of fire are managed by an as- sociation of young and strong men, and a more willing and active set of hands never responded to an alarm of fire.
Churches and Church Societies .- Among the pioneers of the town of St. Albans, the same as in all old settled communities, there was more strict observance of the Sabbath than can be said of some of the later generations of people; yet from this statement it must not be inferred that the present generation has shown any marked disregard of the Sab- bath, but rather that the strict rules of conduct so closely adhered to by our Puritanic forefathers have been greatly relaxed by the advanced and more liberal views entertained by a fair proportion, if not by the majority, of the present generation of people. The first settlers of the town had no place for public worship other than their own dwellings, or barns, or, perhaps, in warm seasons, some convenient grove. But after the town had acquired a considerable population, and after its institu- tions had become fixed, the people at once cast about in the matter of employing a minister, who should preach and labor for the general wel- fare, not in the interest of any denomination. The major portion of the settlers for the first ten years were inclined to the Congregational form of worship, had been reared and instructed in that church's faith and government, and, as a consequence, the first ministers employed were of that church. They were hired at the town's expense ; the salaries were paid by tax on the grand list ; but did any person object to being taxed for this purpose he had only to record with the town clerk a cer- tificate to the effect that he was not in harmony with the views of the employed preacher in order to relieve himself.
The Congregational Church of St. Albans had its inception in the primitive meetings for worship held by the first settlers, but it was not until some years afterward that the society had definite organization or pastoral head. As early as 1792 meetings were held by Rev. Ebenezer Hibbard, who was a Congregational clergyman; and in 1795 Rev.
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Zephaniah Ross officiated. Neither of these ministers were ordained pastors, nor was the society organized as a result of their labors. The first settled minister was Rev. Joel Foster, in May, 1803. The society was the outgrowth of the efforts of Rev. Joel Foster, who came to the town in 1802, the organization following the next year. The first mem- bers were Samuel Smith, Patience Smith, Paul Brigham, Fanny Brig- ham, Antipas Brigham, John Hastings, Samuel Sumner, Lucy Farrar, and Noah Ripley.
The property and church edifice of the Congregational Society are situated at the corner of Bank and Church streets, fronting the park. The edifice is a plain, substantial brick structure, with spire and belfry. The interior is arranged somewhat after the old style of construction, the basement or ground floor being for use as a lecture and prayer room, while the auditorium is up a half-flight of stairs. The church was erected in 1863, at a cost of some $30,000. The congregation of this society is perhaps the strongest in point of members and affluence of any of the churches of the village.
The first settled pastor was Rev. Jonathan Nye, whose term of con- nection with the church continued from 1805 to 1809. From the time of Rev. Mr. Nye's resignation the succession of officiating clergymen, either in the pastoral relation or as ministers in charge, has been about as follows : Revs. Mr. Hazen, William Dunlap, Willard Preston, Ben- jamin Wooster, Henry P. Strong, Worthington Smith, Ebenezer Cutler, David Dobie, J. Eames Rankin, John Q. Bittinger, Herman C. Riggs, Charles Van Orden, John A. MacColl, and D. Sage Mackay, the latter being the present pastor of the church and society.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of St. Albans had its origin in the locality during the closing years of the eighteenth century, and its so- ciety therefore is to be numbered among the ancient institutions of the place. The first meeting-house was commenced in 1819, a plain brick structure, which, with various enlargements and repairs, answered the purposes of the society until the year 1875, when it was replaced by the large and elegant edifice that adorns the village. Its location is on Church street, fronting the park, and about midway between Bank and Fairfield streets. The cost of this edifice was about $30,000.
The early meetings of the people who were of the Methodist faith
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VILLAGE OF ST. ALBANS.
were held in this locality during the years from 1795 to 1800, in private dwellings, barns occasionally, and sometimes in groves. The Essex circuit of New York state was made to extend over this region, and laboring therein was found the redoubtable Lorenzo Dow, whose ex- hortations have been heard throughout the state, and he was associated in his work here with Nehemiah Sabine. In 1801 St. Albans and this vicinity were changed from the Essex to the Fletcher circuit ; and during the same year Laban Clarke formed the Methodist class in this town, being the first religious society organized in the town. The circuit "riders " during this time were Henry Ryan and Elijah Hedding. The first baptized persons were Samuel Crippen, George Martin, Sally Cleve- land, and David Crippen. In 1807 others were added by the same service, as follows: Azariah Brooks, Lydia Brooks, Sarah Harrington, and Sarah Waters, all baptized by Reuben Harris.
During the first half century of the society's history and existence its membership included all the Methodists of the village and town. A fair number of these members lived in the western part of the town, and held their meetings at the Bay as well as joining with the society at the village ; but during the 'fifties, or about 1855 or 1856, the Bay society became a distinct body, built its own house of worship, and in fact became entirely separated from the parent church. Of the Bay society mention has been made on a preceding page of this chapter. The con- gregation and membership of the Methodist Episcopal Society and church in the village are large, and their property is among the best in the county,
St. Luke's Church (Protestant Episcopal) .- The seed of this church in St. Albans was sown in the early part of the year 1816, by the mission services conducted by the Rev. Stephen Beach in the old court-house. At that time the church people of the village and town numbered hardly more than half a dozen families, but others were added by Mr. Beach's labors, he conducting services at the request of the Congregationalists, who at that time happened to be without a pastoral head. But this ar- rangement bred a feeling of dissatisfaction, with final result in the with- drawal of the church families from the use of the court-room and the signing of articles of association as follows :
" We, the subscribers, do voluntarily associate and form ourselves into
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES.
a society by the name of the Episcopal Society in St Albans ; and by that name do organize ourselves under the first section of an act entitled 'An act for the support of the Gospel.' St. Albans, Vermont, Aug. 26, 1816. (Signed) Ashbel Smith, Benj. Chandler, Abijah Stone, Abner Morton, Samuel Barlow, Orange Ferris, Joshua Brooks, B. B. Downs, Joseph Carter, jun., Hubbard Barlow, John Nason, Bingham Lasell, Abijah Hubbell, Austin Bryan, John Wood."
As may be seen from these articles the society of the church was or- ganized in 1816, but following that time was a season of adversity and misfortunes, with the result that no church home was provided until the year 1824, and then not completed until the succeeding year. The edifice itself was a plain frame structure, of modest proportions and cost, and built by general subscription, but largely by the people of the society. It was substantially remodeled and repaired during the rector- ship of Rev. W. H. Hoyt, from 1838 to 1846, and at the same time that generous rector gave the organ to the church, it costing him some $1,200. But at length the old church became insufficient for the large and growing society ; therefore, in 1860, the beautiful stone edifice was erected at a cost of $14,000. It was consecrated by Rt. Rev. J. H. Hopkins, bishop of the diocese of Vermont, on the 25th of July, 1860.
Succession of officiating rectors or clergymen in charge: Stephen Beach, Jordon Gray, Elijah Brainerd (deacon in orders), Nathan B. Bur- gess, Joseph S. Covell, Louis McDonald, Sylvester Nash, George Allen, William Henry Hoyt, Josiah Perry, Charles Fay, J. Isham Bliss, Na- thaniel F. Putnam, Thomas Haskins, Thomas Burgess, A. B. Flanders.
Church of the Immaculate Conception ( Roman Catholic ) .- Prior to 1825 there were no regular Catholic services held in St. Albans, except those conducted by the occasional and irregular visits to the town of French priests from Canada, whose labors were of a missionary character. From the time stated until 1830, the same as before, the priests made visits, said mass, and gave an occasional discourse, but in 1830 the Rev. J. O'Callaghan commenced more systematic missionary work in this locality, maintaining, however, his residence in Burlington. Father O'Callaghan continued in the field until 1841, and was then succeeded by Rev. William Ivers. Soon after an effort was made to raise funds for the erection of a church, but such difficulties were encountered that the
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VILLAGE OF ST. ALBANS.
project was abandoned for the time. However, in 1848, a lot of land with a house thereon was purchased, and this was used for services until a suitable church could be built. The foundation for the church edifice was laid during the summer of 1849, the corner-stone being placed, with proper ceremony, in August of that year. The work of building the superstructure was thereafter forwarded as rapidly as the limited means of the parishioners would permit, and the building itself was formally dedicated by the bishop in 1864.
The church property of this parish, including the priest's home, con- vent, and parochial school, is undoubtedly the most valuable of any in the village. The church itself is a splendid brick structure, of admira- ble style and proportion, and occupies a commanding site on Fairfield street, facing the west. Near the church is the pastoral house, while on the opposite side of the street, also fronting the west and as well the north, is the large, commodious, and well appointed convent and paro- chial school; and this is an exceedingly well conducted institution, under the charge of sisters from the famous Notre Dame of Montreal. This school and the grounds on which it stands were the generous gift of one of St. Albans's former business men.
The succession of priests in charge of the parish has been as follows : Fathers J. O'Callaghan, William. Ivers, George A. Hamilton, Henry Lennon, T. Shahan, E. McGowan, T. Riordan, S. Danielou (appointed in 1855 to take charge of the French Catholics of the parish), F. Clavier, · and L. Druon, the latter having come to the parish in 1865 and re- mained to the present time.
The Church of the Holy Guardian Angels, situate on Lake street, is practically an offshoot from the mother church of the village, that last above mentioned. The congregation of the Guardian Angels church is composed largely of French Catholics, many of them being residents of the locality in which the church is built. The bishop of the diocese of Vermont began to look particularly after the welfare of the French Catholics in this vicinity about the year 1855, when Father Danielou was sent to the parish in St. Albans, charged with that especial duty. In 1856 Father Danielou was recalled and Father Clavier suc- ceeded him, but in the pastoral charge of the Immaculate Conception church and parish. The division of the parish of the church was effected
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES.
after the year 1872, and the new parish formed. In 1886 the splendid church edifice at the corner of Lake and Elm streets was erected under the then pastoral charge of Father Joseph Daignault. The building has a seating capacity of 1, 100, and its cost was about $26,000. Con- nected with the parish is the Convent of the Holy Cross, in charge of five sisters, who conduct the parochial school, numbering 200 pupils.
The First Baptist Church .- Prior to the year 1865 there had been no services held by the people of the Baptist church in the village of St. Albans, the few families who were of that denomination having united with the Congregational 'Society, at least so far as concerned attend- ance at public worship. In the year named Rev. Dr. J. F. Bigelow came to St. Albans, and gathered together the Baptist families and or- ganized a society with a membership of twenty-six persons. At this time Dr. Bigelow officiated in the pastoral relation, while D. M. Walker and Marshall Mason were chosen deacons; L. J. Swett, clerk; and S. S. Robinson, treasurer. In due time, and after some difficulties, the little congregation and society, with some help from outside, built a church home; but just as the labor of completing the payment of the cost of the structure was accomplished the church was destroyed by an unfort- unate fire. The building was soon afterward replaced by the splendid brick edifice now standing on the north side of Congress street. The
church property, lands, and buildings of the Baptist Society will bear favorable comparison with any in the village. The succession of pastors in charge of the church and society has been these : Dr. J. F. Bigelow, William G. Walker, M. G. Smith, J. A. Johnston, George S. Pratt, George A. Smith, and Lyman S. Johnson, the latter having come to the pastorate in September, 1889. The new brick church, that now occupied by the society, was built during the pastorate of Rev. George S. Pratt. The present church membership numbers 112 persons.
The First Universalist Church of St. Albans was established on the 6th of March, 1859, by the adoption of a declaration of faith, signed originally by Francis Davis, Bradley Soule, E. Burgess, Henry Greene, Orrin Greene, Philo Weeks, J. J. Burgess, and L. B. S. Clarke, but to which number was subsequently added other names, giving the society reasonable numerical strength. The organization of the society or par- ish was effected by the election of vestrymen Curtis Pierce, J. J. Bur-
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VILLAGE OF ST. ALBANS.
gess, Francis Davis, N. Beech, R. Camp, jr., J. S. Watson, T. A. Miles, A. Hawkins, and Lucius Smith. These officers were chosen : Senior warden, Curtis Smith; junior warden, T. A. Miles; secretary, John J. Burgess ; treasurer, John S. Watson ; sexton, William Watson. On the Ioth of January, 1864, a constitution for church government was adopted, and on the 14th the parish voted to call Rev. J. O. Skinner to the pastoral charge. The call was accepted, and Mr. Skinner remained at the head of the society for about a year, when, from a variety of causes, the par- ish declined in interest and strength, and finally became practically ex- tinct. During the period of its existence the meetings were held in the old court-house.
After the lapse of fifteen years a successful effort at re-organization was made, and the constitution adopted in 1880 was signed by forty- four persons. At this time J. H. Farnsworth was state missionary, and gave much attention to the revival of the church and parish. In 1881 the members began to discuss the subject of building a church edifice, with the final result of the completion by May 1, 1883, of the substan- tial building now in use on Bishop street, at the entire cost, inclusive of pipe organ, of $13,000. On March 26, 1883, the parish voted to extend a pastoral call to Rev. J. Clarence Lee, who accepted and was duly in- stalled the head of the local church. He was succeeded in this relation by the Rev. O. M. Hilton, and the latter in turn by Rev. F. W. Whip- pen, the present acceptable pastor. The present membership numbers fifty families. The present officers are Willard Farrington, chairman ; S. C. Greene, treasurer ; S. H. Wood, clerk; and J. M. Haynes, Man- chester Chase, E. G. Lucas, and George C. Story, who, with the officers named, comprise the board of trustees.
Manufacturing Industries of St. Albans .- Notwithstanding the unu- sual facilities for shipment and transportation afforded by the several railroads centering in St. Albans, the village has never achieved any special prominence as a place of manufacture ; and it is almost an un- deniable fact that the total of manufacturing industries in operation at at any one time until within the past year might be counted on one's fingers. This may be in a measure accounted for in the fact that the village and town contain no streams of sufficient magnitude to furnish even the lightest power, and such factories as have been in the past and
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES.
are at the present in existence have had recourse to steam as a motive power for propelling machinery. But regardless of the fact that St. Albans has not had a diversity of industries, such as have found an abode within the place have been of importance, and have furnished employment to many persons. Perhaps the oldest, and by far the most extensive, industry of the village is the works connected with the Cent- ral Vermont Railroad Company, being their vast repair and construc- tion shops, which give employment to several hundred men ; but this is not a manufacturing enterprise except in a certain sense. In the same connection, too, may be mentioned the railroad itself, which employs other hundreds of men year after year without intermission, who also have a place of residence within the village, and contribute largely to its business and enterprise, for they must be fed and clothed and housed, to the advantage of the mercantile branch of the municipality. These shops were moved to St. Albans soon after the appointment of Gover- nor Smith to the office of receiver and manager of the old Vermont Cent- ral and Vermont and Canada companies, and to him and his efforts is almost wholly due the credit of having caused the removal from North- field to this place.
The Vermont Construction Company is an enterprise comparatively new to St. Albans, but of older establishment in New England, the local branch under the above name having been established here but a few years. Since the location of a branch in St. Albans the company has oc- cupied the building formerly owned and used by the old defunct rolling- mill company, but in the year 1890 the Construction Company had in process of erection more suitable buildings in the northern part of the village, near the railroad. This company builds bridges, both for rail- road companies and for towns and cities. That theirs is a successful business is evidenced in the fact of the buildings recently erected. The local managing officer of the Vermont Construction Company is D. E. Bradley, who, also, is its treasurer. E. B. Jennings fills the position of consulting engineer.
The St. Albans Foundry Company, as the succeeding enterprise to the St. Albans foundry, had its organization in May, 1890, but the older concern dates back for origin to 1840, and was, therefore, one of the pioneer industries of the village. Of the old firm Worthington C.
Worthington C. Smith
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VILLAGE OF ST. ALBANS.
Smith was leading proprietor, and of the new he is president. The business of the company is the manufacture of general machinery and castings, forgings, agricultural implements, railroad horse-powers, thresh- ing machines, fodder shredders, circular and drag-sawing machines, car wheels, and in fact all the principal manufactures incident to extensive foundry and machine shop enterprises. The works of the company, and general offices, occupy the site at the northeast corner of Lake and Foundry streets, having a considerable frontage on each thoroughfare. The present president of the company is Hon. W. C. Smith ; vice-presi- dent, secretary, and treasurer, W. T. Smith; general manager, N. C. Hyde.
The National Car Company was organized in pursuance of an act of the legislature passed November 18, 1868, with a capital stock of $500,- 000, but which stock has by subsequent authorization been increased several fold. So far as St. Albans is concerned the company has no more than a nominal existence, its manufactures being produced else- where, mainly in Detroit, Mich., and Elsdon, Ill. However, the offices of the company are located in this village, in connection with which are employed a number of persons. The present officers of the National Car Company are James R. Langdon, president ; H. L. Millis, vice- president ; F. S. Stranahan, secretary and treasurer ; and John B. Fletcher, superintendent.
The Willard Manufacturing Company, succeeding the firm of R. S. Willard & Co., was incorporated in 1886, by action taken in pursuance of the provisions of the statutes of Vermont. The original concern was established in 1884 as a Swanton industry, but was moved to St. Albans in 1885. The manufactures of the company are the Eclipse overall, overshirts, office coats, seersucker coats and vests, water-proof sporting suits, hose supporters, and shoulder brace and hose supporter combined. The office and place of business of the company is on Lake street, south side, and west of Main street. The officers of the company are Ste- phen E. Royce, president; W. B. Fonda, vice-president ; H. P. Jones, secretary and treasurer.
Frederick Dutcher & Son's Fly-Paper Factory is one of the established industries of the village, and is the outgrowth of a business founded in 1850 by the pioneer drug 'firm of L. L. Dutcher & Son. The factory
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES.
for the manufacture of fly-paper, warranted to destroy these trouble- some insects, is situated on Pearl street, in the western part of the vil- lage This business furnishes employment to some ten or a dozen persons, and the annual output reaches thousands of reams of paper, which is sold to the trade generally throughout the land.
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