History of Rutland County, Vermont, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 25

Author: Smith, H. P. (Henry Perry), 1839-1925. 1n; Rann, William S
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., D. Mason & co.
Number of Pages: 1170

USA > Vermont > Rutland County > History of Rutland County, Vermont, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 25

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Matthew Lyon was a native of Ireland and came to this country a poor boy, thirteen years of age; from Connecticut he made his way to Vermont, making his settlement at Arlington, which he represented in 1779 to 1782. He removed to Fairhaven in 1783. He was the pioneer of that town in the use of its water power, and was its leading spirit for years. He was chosen to Congress in 1796. He was a bold intrepid man, and withal a man of great natural ability. He had several hand to hand fist fights with his brother mem- bers of Congress, preferring, as he said, to settle his disputes on the spot, and thrash his opponent instead of shooting him. He removed to Kentucky and was member from that State; he was also re- elected to Congress, and afterward chosen the first delegate to Congress from Arkansas, but died before taking his seat, August 1, 1822, near Little Rock.

Matthew Lyon's connection with other publications in this county, and the connection of his son James with the press will be noticed a little further on.

Although of the same name, the two Williamses, proprietors of the Herald, were not related. The Rev. Samuel Williams became the editor, and Judge Samuel Williams managed the business. A more than ordinary notice should be made at this point of Rev. Dr. Williams, the editor. In that period few editorials were written, but those that appeared were of a conservative political character, and no particular policy was marked out, but veering from one side to the other, and by expressing no marked or decided opinions upon the cur- rent topics of the day. The political policy of the paper at that time, when an opinion was given, we apprehend was shaped by Judge Samuel Williams, who was a prominent and ardent politician in his day. The editorial comments

1 It is good evidence that James Lyon had at least the business control of the Farmer's Library, for the accounts were in'his possession, as evidenced by his calling for payment on them in the second number of the Herald, in December, 1794.

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were generally brief, and upon historical, scientific and religious subjects. Dr. Williams was undoubtedly the most learned man in Vermont in his day, and for his labors and influence in behalf of education and religion, he was also one of the most useful.

Rev. Samuel Williams was a native of Waltham, Mass., born April 23, 1743. He was a grandson of Rev. John Williams, of Deerfield, Mass., who was taken into captivity by the Indians, and carried to Montreal, and was the author of the Redeemed Captive an interesting narrative of his adventures, a book now very scarce, and which brings an almost fabulous price among book col- lectors and antiquarians. Dr. Williams graduated at Harvard University in 1761. He was ordained minister of the church at Bradford, Mass., November 20, 1765, and continued its pastor until 1780. Rev. John D. Kingsbury, son- in-law of Hon. William M. Field, is now pastor of the same church. He was Hollis professor of mathematics in Harvard University from 1780 to 1788, when he removed to Rutland and was pastor of the Congregational Church, from 1789 to 1795. Dr. Williams was chaplain to the Legislature, and preached the election sermon in 1794. He preached for a time at Bur- lington, and was one of the founders of the University of Vermont, and for a time a professor in the institution. He surveyed the west boundary of Mas- sachusetts in 1786, and also the boundary of Vermont. He was eminent as a scientist and was a fellow of the American Academy of Sciences, American Philosophical Society, and German Literary and Scientific Societies. His sci- entific attainments were known in Europe, and the honorary degree of LL. D. was conferred on him by Edinburgh University. He published the Natural and Civil History of Vermont in 1794, and an enlarged edition, two volumes, in 1809. During his residence at Bradford, Mass., Benjamin Thompson, after- wards Count Rumford, studied philosophy under him, and was a member of his family, and corresponded with him on scientific subjects until 1791. For the information of the present generation of Rutland, who know very little of this eminent man, we give an estimate of him, written by John A. Graham, of London, who was a resident of Rutland for a time preceding 1797. Graham says : " Of Samuel Williams, LL. D., member of the Meteorological Society, in Germany, . . . it may with propriety be said that he is the most enlight- ened man in the State, in every branch of philosophy and polite learning, and it is doing him no more than justice to say there are very few in the United States possessed of greater abilities, or more extensive information ; added to which he is a most excellent orator and speaks in a manner best adapted to the understanding and capacity of those whom he addresses. In the year 1794 the doctor wrote and published the natural history of Vermont, executed much to his honor and to the satisfaction of all naturalists. In politeness, grace and elegance of manners, Dr. Williams is not inferior to the most polished English gentleman."

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He died in Rutland, January 2, 1817, and is buried in the old North Cem- etery. He left several children, one of whom was Charles K. Williams, chief justice and governor of Vermont. Judge Samuel Williams, of whom mention has been made as one of the first publishers of the Rutland Herald, was a na- tive of Massachusetts and came to Rutland at an early date, previous to 1780. The writer has been unable to find but little relative to his early life. He was a man of prominence in the civil and political affairs of the town and county. He was selectman from 1783 to 1787 ; town clerk from 1788 to 1797, and representative in 1798 and 1799. He was a judge of the Rutland County Court from 1790 to 1798, eight years. He was also a candidate for Congress against Matthew Lyon in 1799, and received the vote of Rutland. It will be seen from this list that he was a leader among the early men of the town. He died in Rutland and also has his grave in the old North Cemetery.

The Herald was at this period, as we are informed by the imprint, " printed on Mondays by J. Kirkaldie for S. Williams & Co., in the Main street a few rods north of the State-House."

The early files of the Herald are, unfortunately for history, sadly incom- plete and, although it is generally believed that William Fay was the next pub- lisher of the paper, we have found some evidence that there was another change in the firm previous to his accession. Shut in among the leaves of the first vol- ume of the Herald file in Mr. Tuttle's possession, is an original article of agree- ment between Samuel Williams and Josiah Fay, who was undoubtedly the father or a brother of William Fay. This old article is dated in February, 1797, and is to the effect that Josiah Fay, of Windsor, became a partner of Samuel Williams in the printing and publishing business, Fay agreeing "to work faith- fully at case and press," etc. Dr. Williams, having leased one-half of the office from his partner, Samuel Williams, Fay agreed to pay $25 on that considera- tion. A subsequent agreement continued this partnership to August, 1798. The agreement was witnessed by William Fay. How long this partnership continued we have no means of knowing; but it was very early in the present century that William Fay became the sole publisher of the Herald. He was a young man at the time. In 1817 Fay took as a partner Gideon M. Davison, and later in the same year Charles Burt came into the business, the firm being Fay, Davison & Burt. At the end of the year both Mr. Davison and Mr. Burt retired and Fay continued the publication until 1827, when he sold out to E. C. Purdy.

During the period of Mr. Fay's ownership of the Herald the general man- agement of its columns fell almost entirely into his hands, and its conduct showed him a man of careful judgment and attention to his business. The paper was made up of miscellany, general news, and occasional contributions on political and local topics. A few articles appeared from the pen of Edgar L. Ormsbee, then a promising young lawyer, who afterward stood in the front rank at the Rutland county bar.

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William Fay was a business man in the strictest sense, economical in man- agement, and somewhat of a newsgatherer in that period, but never wrote arti- cles to any extent. He entered very little into politics. If political articles appeared in the paper they were in the form of communications, frequently in the way of discussion between adherents of the two political parties or the can- didates themselves as anonymous communications. The custom at that day was for candidates to present their claims through the columns of the press, while at the South the candidate personally appeared upon the platform. Mr. Fay, while liberal in opening his columns to the contending parties, had de- cided convictions of his own and personally stood by the party of his choice. An honest, diligent man, he secured for himself a competence and had the en- tire respect and confidence of the people. He died in 1839 at an advanced age, enjoying the regard of the community.

Gideon Miner Davison was a native of Middletown, in this county, and be- came an apprentice to Mr. Fay, and finally through the aid of friends became a partner with him. About 1820 he left Rutland and removed to Saratoga Springs, then just assuming importance because of the development of its min- eral springs. He established and published a paper until 1840, when, having accumulated a fortune from his paper and other successful enterprises, he retired from newspaper work and engaged in business enterprises, notably the securing of railroad connections with Saratoga, with whose prosperity he was prominently identified. To him possibly the foundation of Saratoga as a na- tional watering place is fully as much due as to any one individual. He became president of the Rensselaer and Saratoga Railroad at its first organization, and held the position for many years after its completion to Saratoga and its exten- sion to Whitehall, and was succeeded by George N. Schuyler, of infamous rail- road fame. Mr. Davison retired to private life several years previous to his death and enjoyed the fruits of his successful labors. He died at Saratoga in 1870 at an advanced age.

Charles Burt was a son of Leonard Burt and was born in Bellows Falls in 1791, coming to Rutland in 1813. After his retirement from the printing busi- ness he became one of the prominent merchants of the place. (See history of town of Rutland).

E. C. Purdy published the Herald until 1831, when the establishment was sold to Ephraim Maxham. Mr. Purdy was a writer of some ability and occa- sionally original articles appeared from his pen. He enlarged and otherwise improved the paper and put into it some new vigor and life. After publishing it two years he went to Boston and established the Boston Mail, and was suc- cessful in acquiring a fortune, and his later years were passed in retirement. He often visited Rutland and was well known to many of the older citizens. For many years he spent his summers at Clarendon Springs and often gave in- teresting reminiscences of early, in contrast with the present, Rutland. He died at Somerville, near Boston, at the age of seventy-eight years.

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Ephraim Maxham published the paper in 1831-32 alone and in 1833 took in as a partner the man who was destined to stand at the helm through the most important and successful period of the history of the journal-George A. Tuttle. Mr. Maxham was an invalid, but possessed excellent mental qualities. The firm continued until a few weeks previous to April, 1834, at which time Mr. Tuttle took the entire establishment. Through a series of circumstances, which must be credited to others, he was forced to sacrifice whatever interest he had acquired, and on the 12th of April left the paper to remove to Ludlow, where he established a paper. At this time William Fay again became pub- lisher of the Herald, continuing to 1838.

During a portion of the period of William Fay's ownership, alone or with others, the office was in a building on Main street, afterwards used by Gershom Cheney as a dwelling, a little north of West street. It was afterwards moved to a building that was subsequently removed to make the opening of Center street into Main street. The office was removed down town in 1864.

After the death of William Fay, the long-time proprietor, the Herald passed into the control of White, Everson & Co., and later the firm became Horace T. White & Co., and the two firms published the paper from 1839 to 1842. In 1843 it was published by White & Guernsey. During the last administration George H. Beaman became the principal editorial writer. Horace T. White was then a young man, and a son-in-law of William Fay, as was also the late United States Senator Solomon Foot, who was also more or less identified with the paper during Mr. White's incumbency. Mr. White was afterward a pub- lisher at Bennington for many years, but the later years of his life were spent as a clerk in one of the government departments at Washington, where he died a few years ago. M. A. Guernsey did not continue long with the paper. He was the inventor of a somewhat celebrated printing-press known as the Guern- sey press, and his later life was devoted to its manufacture, from which he secured an ample reward pecuniarily. Mr. Guernsey died several years ago.

In 1851 the Herald passed into the possession of George H. Beaman, as publisher and editor. It was during Mr. Beaman's administration that distinc- tive editorials began to appear in the Herald. He was a vigorous, cogent and able writer, and his contributions attracted wide attention, and the journal held front rank in the press of the State. He had control of the paper until 1854. George H. Beaman was a native of Poultney and for many years proprietor of the Franklin Hotel on Main street, previous to becoming an editor. He had a large acquaintance with the prominent men of the State and was a close ob- server of current affairs, which peculiarity fitted him as a writer at that period. He was a member of the celebrated Whig convention in 1844. He was secre- tary of civil and military affairs in 1844-46, during the governorship of William Slade. Mr. Beaman years ago retired from editorial work, but has occasionally written vigorous articles for the press on different topics. His last public con-

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tribution was a paper on "Old Taverns," read at the centennial of Rutland county in 1881, and was published. Mr. Beaman still resides at Center Rut- land.

The paper, in 1855, was purchased by Chauncey H. Hayden, and edited by him and published by George A. Tuttle & Co. In the latter part of the year of 1856 he sold his interest in the paper and removed to St. Albans, where he published the Weekly Messenger for several years. Mr. Hayden was born in Randolph, Vt., and graduated at the University of Vermont in 1848. He was secretary of civil and military affairs during the administration of Governor Stephen Royce, in 1854 and 1856. He also represented St. Albans in the Legislature. He died of consumption at St. Albans about 1860.

In 1856 George A. Tuttle & Co. published the paper and it has continued in possession of himself or a member of the family to the present time. George A. Tuttle & Co. owned the paper until 1862, when Charles M. Gay became a partner, who continued until 1867, when Tuttle & Co. purchased his interest and carried it on until February, 1872, when Albert H. Tuttle became sole pro- prietor. In 1873 L. W. Redington became associated with Mr. Tuttle. In 1875 Rev. S. B. Pettengill and W. P. Winslow joined with A. H. Tuttle and formed the Herald Association. Mr. Winslow died and the paper was con- ducted by the surviving partners until September, 1877, when the Herald and Globe Association was formed, and the Globe (which see) consolidated with the Herald. Albert H. Tuttle assumed the position of principal manager of the en- tire establishment and still retains the important office. The president of the company at the present time is Joel C. Baker.

The first daily paper published in the county was issued April 29, 1861. It was a necessity, growing out of the desire for prompt news of the doings on the field of battle, and was looked upon by its projectors in the light of a pos- sible brief experiment ; but it seemed to be just what the people had been waiting for ; it was ably edited, energetic in the pursuit of late news, and long before the end of the war had become, chiefly through the efforts of George A. Tuttle, a firmly-established and popular success. The editorial staff of the Herald at the present time comprises Robert A. Perkins, a recent acquisition (since February, 1885), who is managing editor, under Mr. Tuttle ; Lucius. Bigelow, who has been connected with the paper for five years past and writes most of the political and general editorials ; D. B. Howland, also recently en- gaged, local editor, and David M. Baxter and Edward H. Fox, assistants. The Herald was originally a Whig organ, and has, since the organization of the Republican party, faithfully and consistently upheld the doctrines of that par- ty ; it has always wielded a powerful influence throughout the State.

No other man accomplished so much towards giving the Herald more than a local reputation as George A. Tuttle. The paper was his pride and all his energies, often to his own personal loss, were devoted to its success. Mr. Tut-

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tle was a son of Noah Tuttle, of Castleton, one of the pioneers of 1798 in that town, whither he went from North Haven, Conn. Noah was a mason and farmer and a man of more than ordinary intelligence and capacity. George A. Tuttle received his early education in the common schools only, from which he graduated before he was sixteen years old to the country printing-office - often a better school than many so-called educational institutions. He was scarcely sixteen years old when he first became a partner in the Rutland Her- ald office, as before noticed, and from the date when he took an interest in it for the second time, he made its upbuilding his life-work. Like many other journalists whose ambition has been centered in their publications, he gave freely of his time and talents for the advancement of others, at the same time declining public office and emolument for himself; and there is many a man of political and social prominence in the State to-day, who owes his station largely to the influence of Mr. Tuttle and his journal. He was a vigorous, terse and candid writer, whose expressions had the strength of truthfulness and were inspired by a spirit of earnestness that gave them weight. Mr. Tuttle died January 4, 1885.

The next publication that demands attention is the Rural Magazine or Vermont Repository, edited by Rev. Samuel Williams. In many regards this was the most important and valuable publication ever issued in Vermont. It is held in such esteem at the present day, in a historical point of view, that the two volumes issued readily sell for $50, in fact $75 was paid for a copy a few years ago for the library of the British Museum, in London. The work is very scarce, but is largely sought for by collectors, libraries and historical societies. Its reprint has been frequently proposed. It gives an interior view, found no- where else, of the early New England and Vermont history, and in fact of the country, with editorial comments by Dr. Williams, who was one of the best historians and profoundest thinkers of his time. As a full survey of the con- tents has never yet been written, it may be well, in fact it is important, that it should now be done for the information of the public.

The first number was issued in January, 1795. The last was issued in De- cember, 1796. It was devoted to literary, moral, historical, and political im- provements. It bore the Latin motto, "Hoc undique jura Congruntur," printed by J. Kirkaldie for S. Williams & Co., a few rods north of the State-House. The preface to this publication is unique and sensible and could with great propriety be adopted by many modern publishers. An extract will indicate its tenor : -

"In compiling the Rural Magasine, the design of the editor is to prepare such literary, moral and historical collections as may prove instructive and en- tertaining to the reader. In this collection, what we have most of all in view, is such original papers, historical and political documents, literary, civil and ecclesiastical transactions, as relate more immediately to the affairs and citi- zens of Vermont. By collecting and preserving such papers and proceedings

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we hope to exhibit to the public a general account and views of the state and progress of society in this part of the Federal Union. It would not be decent or safe for the editor to make high declarations and promises, with regard to the manner in which the work will be executed. All that he will venture to engage is to make a serious attempt to compile as useful a magazine as shall be in his power. Every composition designed for the people, will, eventually take its character from its utility ; and its utility will be ascertained by the re- ception which it meets from the people. By this standard the merits of the work will be examined, and its continuance or discontinuance will be deter- mined. That which the people do not esteem cannot be very useful to them ; and in any writings which meet their expectation, an author will always find in the public esteem and encouragement, the proper and adequate reward for his labors."

The historical articles in the Rural Magasine are of immense value to the historical student, and many of them have been reprinted in pamphlet form. Dr. Williams, not receiving sufficient encouragement, discontinued its publica- tion in December, 1796, and now, ninety years distant, it bears the largest price of any volume published in the early history of the country.

In 1802 an independent weekly called the Vermont Mercury was started by Stephen Hodgman. It continued but a short time.

In 1808 Thomas M. Pomeroy established the Vermont Courier, the first number of which was issued July 25, and was continued until May, 1810.

The Rutland Republican, published by Simeon Locke, was first issued Au- gust 29, 1848. It was published but a short time. It had for its motto, "Free Soil, Free Speech, Free Labor and Free Men."

The Vermont Union. Whig, published at Rutland and Brandon. William C. Conant was editor at Rutland, and Samuel M. Conant at Brandon. The first number issued in Brandon was in 1847. It was a home newspaper, de- voted to politics and literature. The first steam printing-press ever in use in Rutland was used for the first time in printing the initial number of this paper. It was published about a year and died.

H. Fletcher Potter, a resident of Poultney, began the publication of a news- paper in Rutland, in January, 1855, called the Guard of American Liberty. It was devoted to " Know-Nothingism." It ended its existence after the elec- tion in September of that year.

The Rutland Courier began its publication August 12, 1857, by John Cain and James K. McLean proprietors, with John Cain as editor. The last num- ber was issued April 14, 1872. Mr. McLean continued with the paper for several years, when he sold out and it was continued by Mr. Cain, when it was sold to the Globe Paper Company and discontinued as an individual paper.

This journal under the leadership of John Cain was a fearless and vigor- ous one in the expression of political and individual opinions. It was the or-

Sven Cain

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gan of the Democratic party in Western Vermont. Local issues were dis- cussed with a bold and unsparing hand, and the editor at times perhaps al- lowed his partisan and personal feelings to carry his pen beyond the bounds of discretion and at times produced for himself enmity. The paper, however, was a timely reflex of the editor's views and position upon all public questions, national and local. He was held in regard by his fellow journalists of the State and he frequently contributed spice and rhyme to the festive gatherings of the craft.

John Cain was born at Castletown, Isle of Man, January 28, 1809. He received the education afforded to the masses of the people of that island. He came to this country in 1832 and settled in Rutland. He was an architect and builder by occupation. He became a citizen of the United States soon after his settlement, and espoused the Democratic views of Jefferson and Jack- son, and valiantly defended the doctrines of that party and became prominent in its ranks. He was a delegate to four National Conventions of two parties, and postmaster of Rutland under the administrations of Franklin Pierce and James Buchanan and was twice the candidate of his party for Congress. He was closely identified with the interests of Rutland for a quarter of a century and held several positions of trust in the local government. As a selectman he was prudent and economical, and as lister he endeavored to make the burdens of taxation fall upon all alike according to the property held by them, never avoiding the full measure of responsibility. He fearlessly performed the duties of the office of grand juror in accordance with a strict construction of the stat- utes, turning neither to the right or left for friend or foe. He administered the office of justice of the peace with great intelligence and good judgment He was superintendent of the construction of the United States court-house and post-office, the town hall and freight depot. He was greatly interested for the building of the Rutland and Woodstock Railroad, and was president of that cor- poration, and had connection with the first survey and construction of the Rut- land and Burlington road. He was disposed to be a controversialist in the press, politics and public affairs, and his ardent temperament involved many personal enmities. He was a warm friend and bitter opponent. He was genial and social in his intercourse with his fellows and enjoyed society. An energetic, public-spirited citizen, he accomplished a good work in the promotion of the business and welfare of his adopted home. He died March 17, 1880, aged seventy-one years.

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History of Rutland County, Vermont, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 25

Author: Smith, H. P. (Henry Perry), 1839-1925. 1n; Rann, William S Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., D. Mason & co. Number of Pages: 1170

Author: Smith, H. P. (Henry Perry), 1839-1925. 1n; Rann, William S
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y., D. Mason & co.
Number of Pages: 1170