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 43
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 43
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Village of Richford .- As the population of the town increased the resources of the inhabitants became greater. The business interests of the town gradually centered about the falls, now the village, which is situ- ated on both sides of the river, while one of principal streets crosses the river a little below the falls proper.
The falls were for many years controlled by one man, Mr. Goff, but of late have passed into the hands of different parties, and the power is now being utilized to something of its capacity. Mills have been built and machinery put in operation. As one, speaking of the industries of the American colonies, has said, if we may be allowed the comparison, " all other trades have here fallen into their ranks and places to their great advantage." The building of railroads through the town of Rich- ford (in which the thoughtful and enterprising citizens displayed great interest) gave a powerful impetus to its business interests. In 1870 the town of Richford issued bonds to the amount of $39,800, to be used in building the two roads now established. The first road was built in 1871, called the Southeastern. This formed a connecting link between the Passumpsic and Chamblee. The other was built a little later, and connects the town with the south and the great southwestern portion of the country. The effect upon the business interests of the town was not only immediate, but lasting. It is growing, and to-day Richford is really one of the most prosperous towns in the northern part of the state. As a port of entry Richford ranks among the first. The amount of goods assessed at this office the past year, the year just closed, was about $500,000, and the duties collected amounted to $230,000.
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES.
At present Richford is doing something in the way of manufacturing articles in common use, but the lumber interest exceeds all others. Richford has four mills on the river, and as many more on the smaller streams. The mills on the river are supplied mostly by logs floated down in times of high water. The amount of lumber turned out by these mills is truly considerable. These lumber manufacturers on the river, represented by Baker, Brainerd & Co., C. P. Stephens & Co., Manual, Richards & Co., and Brainerd & Hatch, have of late pooled their interests, by which operation all are supplied from the same stock, and all share alike the profits and control the markets. This organiza- tion has done much towards advancing the business interests of the town. It has given to society certain conditions of security and regularity nec- essary for the benefit'and welfare of the people. Not only have they given a permanence and security to the business interests of the village, but they have been a powerful incentive to trade. In the place of two or three variety stores there are now a large number of extensive busi- ness interests, such as grocery, hardware, dry goods, men's furnishing goods stores, etc. There are now in the village two good hotels, the Union House and the American House.
East Richford, formerly called the " Head of the Rapids," is growing to be a place of some importance. It is located on the Missisquoi. During the War of 1812 soldiers were stationed at this place to guard the frontier. A postoffice is established here, a depot, and a hotel. Grocery and other stores have, within a few years, been started ; also a blacksmith and other shops. The Seventh-Day Adventists have re- cently built here a house for worship. The Methodists hold services occasionally.
South Richford, so called, is in the southwest part of the town, and was at one time a place of some business. A small stream of water runs through it, on which, in 1802, a saw-mill and grist-mill were built by Hezekiah Goff; also other machinery for cloth-dressing, etc., were run for awhile, until the larger streams took away the custom. The hamlet still sustains good schools, and some of the time has preaching on the Sabbath.
Schools .- The first school-house in town was located on the west side of what is known as the north branch of the Missisquoi. This served
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TOWN OF RICHFORD.
not only for a school-house, but for many years a place for worship. This was the first school district organized in town. The next, known as No. 2, was afterwards called the village district. The house was located on Province street, near where Mr. McCarty's house now stands. The number of scholars in the second or village district, in 1802, between the ages of four and eighteen, is given as thirty. In 1825, ac- cording to the record of the district clerk, there were belonging to dis- trict No. 2 twenty-two families with eighty-eight scholars of suitable age for school. Richford has now nine full school districts, with two union districts on the border of the town.
Richford Academy, now in the village, is a two-story building, erected in 1871, capable of accommodating 200 students. The cost of the build- ing was about $5,000. In 1888 an addition was built, capable of ac- commodating nearly as many more.
Churches .- The first church in town was that of the Baptist Society, organized August 12, 1802. The record gives eleven original members, five males and six females, namely : Stephen Carpenter and wife, Rhoda Gibson, F. Brown, J. Rowe, L. Gibbs, S. Scoville, J. French, S. French, and a Mr. Calf. The St. Armand and Sutton churches sent dele- gates to hold recognition services. At a covenant meeting held the same month Mr. Thomas Arms and wife were received into the church. Stephen Carpenter and wife and Rhoda Gibson were the first persons baptized in Richford. This church called to the pastorate Rev. William Rogers, of Stanbridge, P. Q., who, in 1804, commenced a pastorate which continued over forty-five years. In 1825, in consequence of some difference in doctrinal views, a number of persons withdrew from church connections, and the result was the formation of another church, a second Baptist society. Several attempts, however, were made to re- unite the two, but to no effect. For a time there were some additions to the first church. Later the loss of these members without additions, together with the natural dimunition by deaths and removals, resulted in the final extinction of the society. The church records show no dates later than February 5, 1848.
The Second Baptist Church, formed in 1825, existed about eighteen years. Revs. Prosper Powell, James Spaulding, Albert Stone, William Arthur, and Wellington Sornborger were ministers in charge of the
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES.
church at different times. In 1842 this society, in connection with the Methodist Episcopal, built the first meeting-house in town, the building now used for a town house.
The Third Baptist Church was organized July 15, 1851, with fourteen constituent members. Delegates from the Baptist churches in Enos- burgh, Montgomery, Fairfield, and St. Armand composed the re-organ- izing council. The first pastor was J. C. Briant, succeeded by Rev. A. Bedell, February 17, 1857. Arnold L. Arms, son of Thomas and Mar- tha Arms, first members received into the First Baptist church of Rich- ford, was ordained to the ministry, and in 1860 was called to the pastor- ate of this church, in which capacity he served acceptably for some time.
The First Methodist class in town was formed in 1825, with these members: Dr. Alvin Lusk and wife, Porter Bliss and wife, Jay Powell, Rebecca Goff, and Rebecca Carr. It was not long before the number increased to thirty or forty members. Dr. Lusk was appointed leader of the class; Jay Powell, assistant leader. Mr. Powell was afterwards appointed leader and steward, which office he held for twenty years or more. At the time of formation the Richford class was connected with the Sheldon circuit, but in consequence of increasing membership of the Sheldon church Richford was set off with the Franklin circuit, and again from the Franklin to the Berkshire; also to the Montgomery cir- cuit. In 1861 the Richford and Berkshire circuit was formed, with headquarters at Richford. In 1864 a parsonage was built, and from that time the Methodists have had a resident minister. Rev. B. F. Living- stone was the first. Under his care the membership increased. In 1867 it was nearly 100. The present membership is about 171.
The Advent Church of Richford was organized in the year 1856, with about sixty members. Rev. S. S. Garvin was the first pastor. Some of the members were formerly connected with the Second Baptist church of Richford, among them Deacon Nelson Smith, Samuel Heath ; also Russell Smith, formerly a member of the Methodist church. Rev. F. H. Peabody was the first minister ordained by this church in 1879. For several years this society had frequent additions to its numbers, but in later years there have been few new members. During the last two or three years the church has sustained preaching only part of the time.
The Protestant Episcopal Church established a mission in Richford in
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TOWN OF RICHFORD.
1881, called St. Ann's Mission. In 1883 they built a house for worship, which is located on the hill just in rear of the union church, now the town house of Richford. Their present rector is the Rev. Mr. Daggett.
The Roman Catholic Church of Richford was organized in 1874, by Bishop L. de Goesbriand, with about 100 members. They now have a large church with rapidly increasing membership.
There are now five churches and church organizations in Richford village. The first church edifice was built in 1842, located on the hill north of the bridge which crosses the river just below the falls. This was the only church building occupied by the Methodists, Baptists, and Adventists until 1871, when the Methodists built a house on River street and the Adventists one on the south side of the river. In fact the latter was called a union church. The Baptists were invited to oc- cupy the house immediately after its dedication, and filled the pulpit one-half of the time until 1888, when they built a house on the west side of Main street near the Richford Academy. They now sustain preach- ing regularly. Rev. Mr. Schofield has been their preacher since the dedication of their house.
Societies and Orders .- The Good Templars is the only organization now active. This is kept alive by the constant efforts of Mrs. R. R. Bo- right. The W. C. T. Union was organized in 1871.
A lodge of Odd Fellows was organized January 17, 1883. Charter members: H. E. Rustedt, G. F. Smith, J. N. Powell, J. H. Hale, J. C. Baker, L. W. Powers, H. H. Thomas, and H. L. Baker.
Frontier Post, No. 70, G. A. R., was organized in 1883, and Colonel C. D. Gates was the mustering officer. The first commander was E. H. Powell ; adjutant, Lewis S. Hebb; quartermaster, W. W. Kinsley. There have been sixty- six names enrolled, forty-five being the present number.
Descendants of Pioneers .- Among the oldest inhabitants of Richford now living are the Corlisses, descendants of Ephraim Corliss, who came to town in 1804. There are at present living in town three daughters, and three sons, William, Hezekiah, and Lorenzo, men of means and of standing, and representative men withal.
The Stanhopes are descended from one of the earliest settlers, who came to town in 1796. But few representatives of this name are now
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES.
remaining. Two or three families are still in possession of the lands left to them by their ancestors.
Bradford Powell came to this town as early as 1799, then a young man about twenty-four years of age. Mr. Powell had much to do in the busi- ness of the town. His name appears as one of the first surveyors, as lister, and also deputy collector of customs. He early formed a co-partnership with his brother John and Horace Janes, of St. Albans, and traded for a time in a small store on the corner where Alvin Goff's dwelling house now stands. The firm, however, did not live very long. It was during the troublous times of 1812-15, when Congress placed some proscription on trade, and as many of their goods came from Canada, their trade was necessarily embarrassed. The cold season following Mr. Powell was compelled to place án encumbrance on his real estate, which he was never able to discharge. Mr. Powell married Clarissa Goff, in April, 1803, and was the father of nine children. He died when a compara- tively young man. He was a member of the First Baptist church.
Mr. Powell has no surviving children, but has several grandchildren liv- ing. Jay Powell, the oldest son, born March 7, 1704, died September, 1872. The father of Jay Powell died when Jay was about sixteen years of age, leaving nine children, Jay being the eldest. The care of the family consequently devolved upon him. At the time of his father's death his estate, owing to cold seasons and a protracted sickness of three years, was in an embarrassed condition. Jay managed to provide for the smaller children until places could be found for them. He then went to work, wherever he could find employment, to raise money to pay the debts that were against the estate. In less than five years he had succeeded in paying them all, and saved the property for the chil- dren. In 1824 Mr. Powell married E. M. Smith. In 1825 he became a Christian, and was one of the eight members that formed the first Methodist class in town. He was appointed leader of the class, and afterwards labored for some time as an exhorter. He was ordained deacon in 1824, at Plattsburgh. Mr. Powell never joined the confer- ence, but labored on the plan of the circuit, filling a share of the appoint- ments. He never received any compensation for his labor, but, like most local preachers of early days, worked with his hands during the week and preached on the Sabbath. There being no settled preacher in
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TOWN OF RICHFORD.
town he was often called upon to attend funerals, which called him from his secular business, oftentimes under the most trying circumstances. Mr. Powell never wholly gave up preaching, and for many years preached but little. Yet he was always zealous to promote the interests of the church, still, at the same time, liberal in his views. He enjoyed the re- spect and confidence of the people, who honored him in many ways. He was in the legislature in 1841-42.
Captain John Powell, brother of Bradford Powell, was another one of the oldest settlers. Of his children, three sons and one daughter are now living. Captian Powell was a person who had much to do in town business. He was appointed to survey and make a permanent division of the town ; was also a collector of taxes and of customs. He repre- sented Richford in the legislature in 1809-10 and in 1815-17. He kept the only hotel in town for several years. His sons now living in town are John F. and James G. Powell. The former was a grocer for many years, but failing health compelled him to give up the business. He was succeeded by his son-in-law, Frank C. Sears, who is doing a prosperous business. Mr. Sears served in the late war. George N. Powell, another son and the father of J. N. Powell, now one of the gro- cers of the village, is still living in Eden, Vt. He was at one time pro- prietor of the Union House, of Richford. James G. Powell commenced business in 1845 as a carriagemaker (the first in town), but failing health, and the loss of one arm, put a check on that business. In 1860 he opened a grocery store in the village (the first grocery in town). He continued in this business about twenty years. James G. Powell has taken some interest in town affairs, and held many offices ; he was in the Senate in 1886, the only Democrat in the body. Mr. Powell has been the local agent for the Vermont Mutual Fire Insurance Company over twenty- five years.
Jonathan Carpenter was one of the early settlers of the town. He was born in the southern part of the state. His father came to Berk- shire when Jonathan was quite young, where he lived for a time. Jona- than, however, was soon compelled to rely wholly upon his own efforts, and therefore apprenticed himself to a tanner and shoemaker. He came to this town as early as 1800, and in 1810 married Patience Rogers, daughter of Rev. William Rogers. They settled on a small farm bor-
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES.
dering on Canada, (owned at present by F. Puffer,) where he built a rude log house and a shop for shoemaking. His vats for tanning leather were made on a flat near the brook, without any covering aside from a few loose boards thrown over them, and covered with tan bark in winter to keep them from freezing. The increasing demand for leather induced Mr. Carpenter in 1826 to sell his farm on the line and remove to the falls. In addition to leather manufacturing and shoemaking he built a store near the north end of the bridge, where he did an extensive business; he also had an ashery on the opposite bank of the river, where Sheldon Boright's store now stands. Mr. Carpenter did a successful business, and he used to say that tanning would be good business as long as children were born barefoot. He had much to do in all town af- fairs, and held nearly all town offices; he was the first mover in the cause of temperance in town, and a believer in the Christian religion. He represented the town in 1811-12, 1814, and in 1831-32. The descend- ants of Jonathan Carpenter, now living, are four daughters and one son and their families. Previous to 1887, for thirty years or more, there re- sided within the limits of one-half mile five daughters and one son. The son, Silas P. Carpenter, married a daughter of Dr. John Huse, and is now living on the site occupied by Dr. Huse during the many years of his life as a physician. Mr. Carpenter has been active in town busi- ness. He was town clerk twenty-five or thirty years, and customs officer from 1861 to 1885. In 1885 Mr. Carpenter was appointed associate justice of the Franklin County Court, which office, by subsequent elec- tions, he still holds. He has several times occupied a place in the body of lawmakers in the House and in the Senate; he also has been for many years interested in the lumber business, associated with Manuel, Richards & Co. He has two sons interested with him in business, De Forest and J. H. Carpenter.
Rev. William Rogers was the first settled minister of the town. He was born in Hancock, Mass. His father was a Baptist clergyman, and the first settled minister of that place. Rev. Rogers married Susannah Carr, April 28, 1791, after which he resided in Hancock five years. He then removed to St. Armand, where he resided until 1804. He was ordained to the work of the ministry in 1802. In 1804 he came to Richford, and became pastor of the First Baptist church.
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TOWN OF RICHFORD.
Rev. Rogers was a preacher of the old stamp. He enjoyed but few advantages for literary culture, but Providence had given him in greatest plenty that which would be most useful to him in his condition in life. He was a man of close observation and accurate discrimination, permit- ted nothing to pass without his notice, and possessed a rare memory which enabled him to accommodate the knowledge thus attained to the pur- poses of life. His life was governed by fixed religious principles, for whatever he believed to be right he was ever ready to maintain, and ever had the courage to be true to his convictions, and express them boldly, even when such a course placed him in opposition to his friends. His ideas of reform were wholly upon gospel principles. He discarded the idea of forming societies other than church organizations. He several times represented the town in the state legislature. He died March 9, 1851.
Charles S. Royce is the only one of the second generation of his family now living in town. The other members have in later years re- moved to different parts of the country. Charles is one of the oldest and most influential men of the town, and has, from time to time, been honored with different offices in the gift of the people.
John S. Royce, also one of the second generation, was a lawyer of some repute, able and well-read for the time in which he lived. He- man S. Royce, also a brother, was a lawyer of the town, but later belonged to the St. Albans bar.
The Goffs, of Richford, are the descendants of Hezekiah Goff, a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He was also a soldier in the War of 1812. In this war Mr. Goff enlisted and took with him two sons, David and Jonathan, twins, seventeen years of age. At the close of the war they all returned unharmed. Mr. Goff has grandsons now living in town. Alvin Goff, son of Hezekiah Goff, 2d, is a harnessmaker of the town, and lives on Province street.
William W. Goff, son of William Goff before mentioned, is a farmer of ripe old age. Gilbert L, another son, served four years in the war for the suppression of the rebellion, and came home at the close of the war without the loss of a limb or even a wound. His son, Corliss W., stands enrolled among the Sons of Veterans. H. M. and M. R. Goff, grandsons of William and sons of L. H. Goff, are merchants now living in town.
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN AND GRAND ISLE COUNTIES.
The Rounds, Joseph, Reuben, and George, were not among the first nor the oldest settlers of the town, yet they were industrious, substan- tial, and useful citizens, who lived long and quiet in possession of the lands early acquired by themselves.
There are now living two aged sisters, Mrs. Mary Thorn and Mrs. Justice Calkins. A few of their descendants are now living in town. M. W. Rounds, a grandson of Reuben Rounds, is doing an extensive dry goods business in the new bank block, on the south side of the river.
Some Business Interests .- There are now in town two creameries, one on Troy street, owned by Button & Deal, and one on the north side of the river, owned by Boright & Smith ; also a furniture, sash, and door factory, owned by Ira J. Sweat & Co. Another successful enterprise, recently started in town, is a veneer-mill, at present owned by Manuel, Hardy & Co. The company now use the mill principally for the man- ufacture of butter trays and boxes. Besides these there are the marble shop, tin, harness, and blacksmith shops, and other industries necessary to the prosperity of the village. The Richford Savings Bank and Trust Company was chartered February, 1875, and commenced business with a capital of $50,000. E. H. Powell is president, and S. P. Carpenter, treasurer.
Physicians .- Dr. William Samson was the first physician in town, and lived near where C. S. Royce now resides. Dr. Alvin Lusk came . to town about 1816. He had a good practice and remained here until 1827. One year later Dr. John Huse came. He was the only practi- cing physician for many years, and was quite successful. Besides his practice Dr. Huse had much to do in the business of the town. He was elected town clerk in 1830, which office he held until 1846, when his son-in-law, S. P. Carpenter, succeeded, and who continued until 1873. Dr. J. H. Hamilton succeeded Dr. Huse as local physician, and is still in practice. Dr. Hamilton has not only had a long and successful prac- tice, but has started a number of young men on the road to success. He is now assisted by Dr. Manuel. Dr. S. L. Fuller has been since 1850 one of the physicians of the village.
Dentists .- Dr. Andrews practiced dentistry in this village for several years, and left town about 1876. About that time Dr. N. F. Hamilton
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TOWN OF RICHFORD.
commenced practice. Dr. Hamilton's practice has been successful. Although located in Richford he "draws" for many persons residing in the adjoining towns, and also from Canada.
Druggists .- There are at present two druggists, F. W. Mitchell and E. G. Garvin, both located on River street.
Richford has at present two cemeteries, one called the old, the other the new. The new cemetery, situated in the northern part of the vil- lage off Province street, is neatly laid out, though but sparsely settled. The old, on the south side of the river, is not so orderly, but almost every foot of ground within its enclosure is occupied. This burying- ground was given the town by Stephen Blaisdell, one of the early set- tlers, whose mortal remains have long rested there. Hezekiah Goff, one of the early settlers, father of Alvin Goff, was the first person buried in the old cemetery. The first birth in town was that of Sey- mour, son of Theophilus Hastings, the latter the son-in-law of Hugh Miller, the first settler of the town of Richford.
Newspapers .- The first newspaper published in town was the Frontier Sentinel, a weekly four-page paper, started by Myron F. Wilson (now publishing a paper in Bristol, Vt.) in 1886. In the fall of the same year Josiah B. Bowditch purchased the paper from Mr. Wilson, and continued its publication. The first number bears date October 25, 1866. Mr. Bowditch continued the publication of the Sentinel until 1875, when he sold to Scott & Brown. Brown soon after sold his interest to C. L. Reed (now publishing the Richford Journal), and soon afterward Scott retired. In the spring of 1877 Reed transferred the paper and office to Lyman Bailey, of Richford, and he sold it to a young printer from St. Johnsbury, who neglected to carry out the contract, whereupon the paper ceased issue. Since 1879 there has been published in town two newspapers, the Richford Journal and the Richford Gazette.
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