History of Royalton, Vermont, with family genealogies, 1769-1911, Part 66

Author: Lovejoy, Mary Evelyn Wood, 1847-
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Burlington, Vt., Free press printing company
Number of Pages: 1280


USA > Vermont > Windsor County > Royalton > History of Royalton, Vermont, with family genealogies, 1769-1911 > Part 66


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).


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HISTORY OF ROYALTON, VERMONT


to sell "small drinks." Prosecutions did finally have the effect of putting a stop to illegal sales.


In 1853 the voters dismissed a resolution to the effect that the town did not wish an agent to be appointed for the sale of intoxicating liquor. For the next few years they had an agent, but in 1859 they voted to instruct the County Commissioner not to appoint one. For a considerable period of years this arrange- ment held, but it was followed by an agency in the hands of Dea. Asahel Clark and Dea. Seymour Culver, and was safe- guarded as well as it could be. Since the local option law went into effect, the town has uniformly voted against license with a good majority.


An organization existed in 1855, called "The Sons of Tem- perance." On Jan. 18, 1851, Ezra Wills, Bestor Pierce, and Andrew Backus for Rising Sun Lodge, No. 7, rented to the South Royalton Division, No. 58, of the order of the Sons of Temper- ance their hall and the first room attached, whenever they should not want it for themselves. It was rented for Saturday even- ings at a yearly cost of $13.33. It is likely that this society was organized this year. The state organization had Ralph A. Severance of Saxton's River as G. W. P. Quarterly sessions were held, and the one at Royalton was scheduled for the fourth Tuesday of July, 1851. That seems to be the only quarterly session which the state organization ever held in Royalton. How long the society existed in Royalton after 1855 cannot be stated, nor who were the members of the order here.


A W. C. T. U. was formed in South Royalton in 1888, with Mrs. E. J. Fish as president; Mrs. George Tenney, secretary ; Mrs. C. B. Viall and Mrs. James Ramage, vice-presidents. It ceased to exist about 1893, but was reorganized in 1908 with Mrs. Fish, president; Miss Hattie M. Fay and Miss Minnie Metcalf, vice-presidents; Miss Delia Cloud, treasurer; and Mrs. Imogene Goodale, secretary. A Band of Hope was also formed with Harold Fish as president.


A Good Templar's organization was organized after the Sons of Temperance died out. Edson Bixby, Miss Charl Hack- ett, Mrs. Jane Jones, Lawyer Vancor and others were members of it. They were active in stopping the illegal sale of intoxi- cants. Dr. W. L. Paine was the last Chief Templar. He be- came, as he humorously expresses it, the "head of a creature with the body cut off just behind the ears-chief of a society about to turn up its toes to the daisies."


Although no temperance organization has any active exist- ence in town today, the sentiment of the people is strongly in favor of supporting any movement that has for its object the suppression of the liquor traffic, and the citizens always respond cheerfully to calls for aid in this work.


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HISTORY OF ROYALTON, VERMONT


WHITE RIVER GRANGE.


Contributed by John F. Shepard.


White River Grange, No. 53, Patrons of Husbandry, was organized at Royalton, Jan. 15, 1874, with thirty-two charter members. It was organized and held its meetings for a while in the Masonic Hall in Royalton, but in June, 1874, it rented the upper room in the Town Hall in Royalton, and occupied those rooms for several years. It then went back to the Masonic Hall until Jan., 1898, when it moved its headquarters to South Roy- alton, and occupied Hewitt's Hall for several years, but now holds its meetings in the Sons of Veterans' Hall in the west end of the Block.


On Feb. 27, 1880, Middle Branch Grange of East Bethel, Liberty Grange of Tunbridge, White River Grange of Royalton, Floral Grange of Sharon, and Rescue Grange of Norwich were organized at Tunbridge as White River Valley Pomona Grange, No. 3. It was to hold one meeting, at least, each year with each Grange composing the Pomona Grange, with White River Grange as the "home Grange," where the annual meeting and election of officers were to be held.


When White River Grange was first organized, it was more of a co-operative buying association, and the members bought most of their goods through the Grange for a good many years, A. B. Pixley acting as agent. H. T. Gifford was appointed agent May 10, 1884, and held that position until his buildings, includ- ing the Grange store and goods, were all burned in 1888. Since that time White River Grange has been run more as a social and educational organization, and has done very little business in the co-operative buying line.


We feel that through the influence of the Grange we have accomplished great and beneficial results to the farmers of the country, for, through the petitions and demands of the Grange, we have a Secretary of Agriculture, who is a member of the President's Cabinet, with its various bureaus and departments. We also claim that through the Grange our beloved Senator Mor- rill got through the bill establishing our Agricultural Colleges and Experiment Stations in every state in the Union. We have secured the "Pure Food" laws and Free Rural Mail Delivery, the Inter-state Commerce Bill, and are now asking for Parcels Post and Government Aid for Good Roads.


The officers of the Grange for the year 1911 are: Master, C. E. Spaulding; Overseer, W. A. Farnham; Lecturer, Mrs. A. R. Fielders; Steward, Arthur Aldrich; Assistant Steward, John Dutton; Chaplain, C. P. Tarbell; Treasurer, Dr. D. E.


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HISTORY OF ROYALTON, VERMONT


Dearing; Secretary, Mrs. G. M. Blake; Gatekeeper, Will Hunt; Ceres, Mrs. Alexander; Pomona, Mrs. Otis Flint; Flora, Mrs. Will Hunt; L. A. Steward, Addie Spaulding.


ROYALTON WOMAN'S CLUB.


This sketch is based on a paper prepared by Miss Alice Grant on the tenth anniversary of the club.


The Royalton Woman's Club was organized at Mrs. Charles Parker's in Royalton village in 1896. Mrs. George A. Laird was the first president. Current events occupied the attention of the club for the first six months, and during the rest of the year papers were prepared suggestive of courses of study for the following year. The second year was devoted to the history of Vermont and of the United States. The year began with a presi- dent's reception. A loan exhibition had been held at the home of Miss Alice Denison some time during the first year. Very few small villages can boast such a collection of valuable relics as Royalton village. Such collections are an education in them- selves.


The club took upon itself to have suitable memorial services for President McKinley, and it has always been active in foster- ing a spirit of loyalty to country and patriotism in the young.


During the fourteen years of its existence the subjects stud- ied by the club have been Rome, Age of Elizabeth, History of England, Ireland, and Scotland, English Literature, American Literature, Mexico, and other subjects relating to art, forestry, household science, civil service, etc. The club has usually had a lecture at least once a year.


It has interested itself in the improvement of the village, and in stimulating an interest in the life about them in the minds of the school children. Street lamps were erected in the village through their efforts, and largely at their expense. An educa- tional committee was appointed in March, 1900, composed of Mrs. George Laird, Mrs. Charles W. Joiner, and Miss Gertrude M. Denison. The village schools were provided with tastefully arranged mounts connected with historical events, "bulletin boards" for special days were prepared, and a large illustrated book on birds was purchased for circulation through the schools. Through the suggestion of Mrs. E. Lee Stearns, a member of the club and superintendent of schools, the "stamp savings system" was introduced into the schools, the club furnishing the means to do this. The educational committee visited the schools with a view of learning better how to aid the teachers and pupils.


It was at the suggestion of Miss Gertrude Denison that steps were taken by the club to have the original deed of partition of


ROYALTON VILLAGE AND THE "PINNACLE."


PRESIDENTS OF ROYALTON WOMAN'S CLUB.


Miss Sarah C. Doubleday.


Mrs. Laura Chapin Dutton.


Miss Gertrude May Denison. Mrs. Gertrude S. Jones Laird.


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Royalton restored, so as to be preserved for coming generations. Mrs. George A. Laird was active in stimulating an interest in the history of the town, and did much laborious and faithful work in visiting cemeteries and looking up the record of the Revolutionary soldiers and pensioners. She was ably assisted by Miss Denison and Mrs. Seymour Culver.


In July, 1905, the offer of Mr. Daniel G. Wild of Brooklyn, N. Y., to erect a monument for commemorating the burning of Royalton came before the club, and its successful labor in this matter is related elsewhere. Along with this labor went the task of preparing for a history of Royalton. Each member was given certain work to do, and much valuable material was collected and turned over to the historian who was selected for the edi- torial work. The members have continued to contribute readily of time and labor to this work whenever called upon to do so.


The club has had a happy existence, no cliques and no fac- tions. The social hour which often follows a literary program has been a most enjoyable feature, and has bound the members together in strong ties of friendship. It has proved its right to existence by the good works it has done.


SOUTH ROYALTON WOMAN'S CLUB.


Contributed by Mrs. E. B. Sherman.


The South Royalton Woman's Club was organized in the autumn of 1906, and held its first regular meeting with Mrs. R. R. Fielders. Its object is, "Mutual improvement and social ability." Its motto is "Lofty thoughts and noble deeds." The charter members were Mrs. D. E. Dearing, Mrs. R. R. Fielders, Mrs. F. D. Freeman, Mrs. Frank Ainsworth, Mrs. John H. Hew- itt, Mrs. B. Anna Bingham, Mrs. Myrtie Fielders, Mrs. Gertrude Lewis, Mrs. Martha Sibley, Mrs. Mary Talbert, Mrs. E. B. Sher- man, Miss Hattie M. Fay, Miss Minnie E. Blodgett, Miss Minnie Metcalf. The first president of the club was Mrs. D. E. Dear- ing, but owing to her resignation on Nov. 6, 1906, the first act- ing president was Mrs. John H. Hewitt, who served one year. Miss Minnie Metcalf was president the two succeeding years, and at present Mrs. Charles Seymour holds the office, having been elected in 1909.


Each year a specified line of study is taken up. The first year's work was on the subject of Vermont, its early history, and lives of its founders, as well as present day form of govern- ment, men of affairs, authors, and institutions. The first half of the second year was spent in the study of our sister on the north, Canada. The topic for the remaining months was Woman


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HISTORY OF ROYALTON, VERMONT


-her influence in the home, in the field of art, drama, literature, education, journalism, and business, in philanthropy, and on the platform. During 1908, England, its geography, history, litera- ture, and customs engaged our time, and a very profitable year it proved to be. The present year is to be given over to a look into Scotland, and bids fair to be the most interesting in the his- tory of the club.


In 1908 the club joined the State Federation, and this action has been very beneficial. As to mutual improvement outside of its own borders, the Woman's Club is too young an organization to have accomplished much. Annual open meetings, called Gen- tlemen's Night, are held, which are occasions of a great deal of pleasure and profit.


The club has run its first mile haltingly, perhaps, but it enters the second mile with a firmer tread, born of courage gained from difficulties surmounted, and with the wish and de- termination to be a factor in all that pertains to the betterment of the social and economic life in South Royalton.


ORVILLE BIXBY POST, G. A. R.


Facts furnished by Com. M. J. Sargent.


Orville Bixby Post, Grand Army of the Republic, was or- ganized in March, 1870, and located at South Royalton. Eugene Wright, then Principal of Royalton Academy, was elected its first commander, and Mark J. Sargent was appointed adjutant. The post was named in memory of Orville Bixby, who was a resi- dent of South Royalton in 1861, and elected a first lieutenant of Company E, one of the companies of the Second Regiment of Vermont Volunteers in the Civil War. He was afterwards pro- moted captain of the company, and was mortally wounded in the battle of the Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864.


From the date of organization to December, 1908, there had been enrolled 115 members, and twelve commanders had been elected, viz .: Eugene F. Wright, Mark J. Sargent, W. N. Van Cor, Frank Lyman, J. W. Bright, Dostie Faneuf, L. D. Leavitt. J. W. Waldo, George Hackett, Oscar Stoughton, Seymour Cul- ver, Dwight P. Lesure. M. J. Sargent served in 1909-10. There are about twenty-four members enrolled at the present time. From the whole number enrolled on the past records there have been forty-six deaths known, thirty-nine members transferred, thirty-four honorably discharged.


Members of the Post who have held office on the staff of the National Commander-in-Chief, in the Department of Vermont, and on the staff of the Department Commander, are M. J. Sar-


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HISTORY OF ROYALTON, VERMONT


gent, assistant inspector on the National staff, junior vice-com- mander, inspector, and chief mustering officer of the Department of Vermont; J. W. Bright, J. W. Waldo, L. D. Leavitt, J. F. Shepard, S. M. Snow, D. P. Lesure, aids on the staff of the De- partment Commander; J. W. Bright, J. F. Shepard, M. J. Sar- gent, assistant inspectors.


The Post has two auxiliary organizations, Orville Bixby Woman's Relief Corps, and Mark J. Sargent Camp Sons of Vet- erans, and associate membership of citizens.


For about twenty years the Post has received from the town a small appropriation for use on Decoration Day. This has been spent in hiring speakers and a band of music, and with the as- sistance of the Woman's Relief Corps, this Memorial day is year- ly observed. The exercises are held alternately in the two vil- lages.


The officers of the Post for the year 1911 are: L. Dudley Leavitt, Com .; Sylvester Snow, S. V. C .; Charles J. Sleeper, J. V. C .; M. J. Sargent, Q. M .; D. W. Blake, Surg .; G. H. Hack- ett, Chap .; B. F. Bowman, O. D .; Edward Green, O. G .; B. F. Bowman, P. I.


MARK J. SARGENT CAMP, NO. 74, SONS OF VETERANS.


This Camp was organized March 11, 1891, by Col. H. O. Bixby, of Camp No. 28 of Chelsea, assisted by other members of the Chelsea Camp, and by members from Camps located at White River Junction, Bethel, and Randolph. It has a membership of thirty. Its present officers are: Charles Woodbury, Com .; Ed- ward Smith, S. V. Com .; Edward Tenney, J. V. Com .; G. L. Dutton, Treas .; W. M. Sargent, Sec .; Walter L. Spaulding, Patriotic Instructor ; Frank G. Spaulding, Clayton L. Wood- ward, George L. Smith, Camp Council; Clayton L. Woodward, Chaplain; Edward Martin, Guide; Archie Goodale, Color Bear- er; Edwin H. Durkee, Inner Guard; Pearl I. Green, Outer Guard.


While some similar organizations have dwindled or died out, this Camp has maintained an active interest in the G. A. R., and does honor to the soldier for whom it was named, and to the town.


ORVILLE BIXBY WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS, NO. 37, OF SOUTH ROYAL- TON, VERMONT.


The history of this Relief Corps was prepared by Mrs. Lydia A. Hatch, Mrs. S. Ellen Preston, and Mrs. Mary J. Shepard, a committee appointed for that purpose by the president of the Corps, Mrs. Nina Stoughton.


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HISTORY OF ROYALTON, VERMONT


This association of the Woman's Relief Corps, auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic, was organized at South Roy- alton, Nov. 5, 1887, with seventeen charter members. Mrs. Hat- tie L. Sargent was its first president.


Its objects are especially to aid and assist the Grand Army of the Republic, and to perpetuate the memory of their heroic dead; to assist such Union veterans as need help and protection, and to extend needful aid to their widows and orphans, to find them homes and employment, and to assure them of sympathy and friends; to cherish and emulate the deeds of our army nurses, and of all loyal women who rendered service to our coun- try in her hour of peril; to maintain true allegiance to the United States of America ; to inculcate lessons of patriotism and love of country in our children, and in the communities in which we live; and to encourage the spread of universal liberty and equal rights to all.


Women of good moral character and correct deportment, who have not given aid and comfort to the enemies of the Union, who would perpetuate the principles to which this association stands pledged, and who have attained the age of sixteen years, shall be eligible to membership in the Woman's Relief Corps.


The Corps has gained eighty-one, and has lost by death, dis- charge, and other ways fifty-five members, and now has a mem- bership of forty-one. We have kept our obligations, and steadily held the objects of our order in view. We have assisted the Post in various ways, and turned over to them from our general fund about two hundred dollars, and have expended in cash for re- lief, clothing and food donated to the value of about six hundred dollars. The W. R. C. assisted the Andersonville Prison Asso- ciation in preserving their property; also the Soldiers' Home, by sending contributions of clothing and delicacies for the sol- diers. Funds were sent to the sufferers at Galveston, Texas, and to the needy in San Francisco at the time of the earthquake dis- aster. The veterans and their families have been assisted indi- vidually, when consistent with the duties we owe ourselves and our families.


The Corps and Post have given the South Royalton Graded School a flag costing fifteen dollars, and several smaller flags to district schools. It has furnished seventy-five markers for sol- diers' graves. Every Decoration Day the Corps furnishes a din- ner for the Post, Sons of Veterans, the Band, and others taking part in the exercises. It furnishes flowers and makes wreaths, , and attends in a body the Sunday service on Memorial Sunday.


Installation service has always been a time looked forward to for a social visit, as refreshments are served, and a general


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HISTORY OF ROYALTON, VERMONT


meeting held for the three affiliated societies. The Corps is in a prosperous condition, gaining new members each year.


The officers of the corps for the year 1911 are: Pres., Edna Blake; S. V. Pres., S. Ellen Preston; J. V. Pres., Nettie Waldo; Treas., Lydia H. Hatch; Chap., Alma Button; Con., Etta Smith; G., Susie Spaulding; Del., Nellie Smith; Alt., Elizabeth Blake.


ROYALTON LODGE, 74, I. O. O. F.


This lodge was organized in May, 1908, with five charter members. At the time of organization, eight others were ad- mitted as members. It has continued to increase in numbers, until now it has thirty-four names on its list.


Its officers are : Lester Corwin, N. G .; E. O. Kent, V. G .; Earle E. Wilson, Secretary ; John B. Goodrich, Treasurer ; E. O. Kent, John B. Goodrich, Otis Flint, Trustees; Rev. E. L. M. Barnes, Chaplain; Milo Ricker, R. S. of N. G., and Walter Dewey, L. S. of N. G .; Allen Smith, R. S. of V. G., and Frank Hackett, L. S. of V. G .; Arthur Aldrich, R. S. of Scene, and C. D. Hood, L. S. of Scene; Charles Cowen, I. G .; Frank Shir- lock, O. G .; Rev. Sherman Goodwin, Acting Past Grand; Milo Ricker, Senior Past Grand; Dr. O. J. Ellis, Junior Past Grand.


WHITE RIVER HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.


Dr. D. E. Dearing and Rev. Sherman Goodwin are two men who do not confine their interest to their special profession, but are anxious to see the farming interests of the community stimu- lated, and methods improved. The White River Valley Horti- cultural Society is the result of their activity in promoting a saner and more successful cultivation of the soil. It was organ- ized in May, 1910, with the following list of officers: Dr. D. E. Dearing, Pres .; J. B. Goodrich, Charles Woodbury, G. A. Che- ney, F. E. Haynes, and R. R. Sykes, Vice-Presidents; Rev. Sher- man Goodwin, Sec .; Edward Martin, Treas .; Amos J. Eaton, W. O. Belknap, John Woodward, Charles Cowen, and Rev. E. L. M. Barnes, Directors; John Schontag, E. J. Hewitt, W. P. Hubbard, Advertising Committee.


The Society held its first annual exhibit in the vestry of the Congregational church in South Royalton, Oct. 5th and 6th, 1910. This exhibit far exceeded the expectation of its friends. It was a grand success in number, variety, and quality of its articles- fruits, vegetables, flowers, and grains. The members, now be- tween twenty and thirty, are planning for a larger and better exhibit the coming year.


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HISTORY OF ROYALTON, VERMONT


WHITE RIVER POULTRY ASSOCIATION.


This Association was organized on June 1, 1909. It adopted for its motto, "Better poultry, and more of it." It has held two annual exhibitions. The one of 1910 was held Jan. 3, 4, and 5, in Sons of Veterans' Hall, South Royalton. The interest shown by the exhibitors from the several towns, and by the public gen- erally, was most gratifying to the Association. About sixty dol- lars in prizes were awarded, the ladies coming in for a goodly share of them. Poultry raising is a healthful and paying occu- pation for women. One Randolph woman reported $500 earned from about 200 hens in one year, and no fancy prices were charged for eggs or chicks.


The officers of this Association are : Dr. D. E. Dearing, Pres., S. Royalton; L. H. Richardson, S. Royalton, Mrs. O. W. Brock- way, Randolph Center, W. A. Clifford, Sharon, C. C. Paine, Bethel, George Waterman, Royalton, F. H. Totman, N. Tun- bridge, and E. L. Howe, Barnard, Vice-Presidents; Rev. Sher- man Goodwin, Sec. and Treas .; J. A. Schontag, C. E. Paine, C. W. Seymour, L. E. Stevens, F. C. Cook, and J. T. Berry, Executive Committee.


WHITE RIVER CAMP OF M. W. OF A., NO. 10040.


This Camp was organized in 1904. Its present membership is eighteen. The present officers are: George Dutton, Counsel; Edward Smith, Adviser; George Bingham, Banker; Erle Faneuf, Clerk; R. A. Pierce, Escort; Charles Felton, Watchman; Clar- ence Fuller, Sentry ; Dr. O. J. Ellis, Camp Physician.


THE SOUTH ROYALTON PUBLIC BENEFIT SOCIETY.


This society started under the name of The Ladies' Drink- ing Fountain Sewing Society. It organized Feb. 28, 1908, with the usual constitution and by-laws. Gentlemen as well as ladies are eligible to membership. The first work of the society was to solicit funds for a drinking fountain to be placed in the Square opposite the Dr. Whitcomb residence. To this fund the Woman's Literary Club contributed seventy-five dollars, and Daniel G. Wild, Esq., of Brooklyn, N. Y., fifty dollars. The funds were placed in the White River National Bank at Bethel, and now with interest amount to nearly $300.


The present officers are : Mrs. Emogene Goodale, Pres .; Mrs. Mary Clapp, Sen. Vice-Pres .; Miss Elizabeth Sleeper, Jun. Vice-Pres .; Mrs. Ellen Ayer, Sec .; Mrs. Jennie Hewitt, Treas. The committee to secure a spring, also a fountain and see to put-


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HISTORY OF ROYALTON, VERMONT


ting it in place, are Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Hewitt, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Woodward, M. H. Hazen, J. B. Goodrich, A. N. Merrill, Mrs. Nettie Waldo, Mrs. Mary Clapp, and Mrs. Ellen Ayer. Efforts will be made to have the projected fountain completed the coming season.


The Society also has in mind the need of a public building for a library and a hall, both of which are now lacking, a recita- tion room in the school building serving as a library room, and the churches as places for public gatherings of various kinds.


GEN. HANCOCK COUNCIL, JR., ORDER UNITED AMERICAN MECHANICS.


This society was organized in July, 1896, in Royalton vil- lage, by the State Organizer, Mr. Alexander. The membership at first was about twenty. Charles Hinkley was Counselor ; George Joy, Vice-Counselor ; George Emery, Financial Sec .; Asa Hibbard, Sec .; Dr. W. L. Paine, Conductor. Other members were Will Waterman, Leslie Rumrill, Prin. C. L. Curtis, George Harvey, and Dr. Fred Morse, who all held offices. In fact, one member says, there were just about offices enough to go around.


This organization aided in establishing others in Chelsea and E. Randolph. In 1897 it successfully presented a drama, "Uncle Josh." Funds were obtained in this way, and by oyster suppers and other entertainments. The next year marked the beginning of a decline, and on Jan. 10, 1899, the remains of the society met at Laird's store, and the result was jotted down by a local poet in this way :


"Doth Gen. Hancock Council die, To-night at Laird's his country store.


Poor Junior Order, now farewell! Mechanics meetings are no more."


When they disbanded, they had two dollars apiece in the division of what was left in the treasury.


39


CHAPTER XL.


PRESENT BUSINESS MEN OF SOUTH ROYALTON.


Martin S. Adams has the distinction of having been in busi- ness in South Royalton longer than any other man, and is still capable and energetic. He first put in a general stock of goods in the Morgan, McCain and Manahan store, which he purchased of Bradstreet & Smith in 1863. He sold out this business to Albert L. Bain in 1870, who took as a partner Ransom D. Crain, and the store was then known as the Bain & Crain store. He then began a wholesale and retail trade in flour. His purchase of the "Pierce" mills has been noted elsewhere. His later years have been devoted to buying and selling lumber, and his yard is plainly seen in the rear of the freight depot. Though suffering some heavy reverses, he never succumbed to them, but with char- acteristic courage went to work to retrieve his fortunes. His further record will be found in the genealogy of the family.




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