USA > Vermont > Lamoille County > Johnson > History of the town of Johnson, Vt. 1784-1904 > Part 3
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1794. John McConnell, Legislature at Rutland.
1795. John McConnell, Legislature at Rutland.
1796. John McConnell, Legislature at Rutland.
1797. John McConnell, Legislature at Windsor.
1798. Robert Balch, Legislature at Vergennes.
1799. John McConnell, Legislature at Windsor.
1800. William H. Larrabee, Legislature at Middlebury.
1801. William H. Larrabee, Legislature at Newbury.
1802. Samuel Eaton, Jr., Legislature at Burlington.
1803. Samuel Eaton, Jr., Legislature at Westminster.
1804. George Westgate, Legislature at Rutland.
1805. George Westgate, Legislature at Danville.
1806. George Westgate, Legislature at Middlebury.
1807. Araunah Waterman, Legislature at Woodstock.
1808. Araunah Waterman, Legislature at Montpelier.
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OF JOHNSON, VERMONT
1808-'II. Araunah Waterman. 1812-'13. David Boynton.
1814. No choice.
1815-'21. Daniel Dodge.
1822-'23. Thomas Waterman.
1824. Daniel Dodge.
1825. Thomas Waterman.
1826.
Solomon Balch.
1827. David Boynton.
1828. Solomon Balch.
1829. Daniel Dodge.
1830-'31. Israel O. Andrews. 1832. Thomas Waterman.
1833-'35. Moses Morse.
1836-'37. Levi B. Vilas.
1838-'39. Albert Stone. 1840. John B. Downer.
1841. Asa Andrews. 1842-'47. No choice.
1848. Jonathan C. Dodge.
1849-'50.
No choice.
1851-'52. Stoughton S. Pike. 1853. No choice.
1854. Whitman G. Ferrin. 1855-'56. David G. Perry.
1857-'58. Alexander Riddle.
1859. Samuel Merriam. 1860-'61. Samuel Morgan. 1862-'63. Asa Andrews. 1864-'65. Samuel Belding.
1866-'68. Robert Cristy.
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN
1869. Isaac Manning.
1870. John Holmes. (Biennial Sessions established).
1872. Darius G. Holmes.
1874. Lucius H. Wheeler.
1876. Robert W. McFarland.
1878. Heman A. Waterman.
1880. Isaac A. Manning.
1882. J. A. Andrews.
1884. Sumner A. Andrews.
1886. Charles H. Stearns.
1888. I. L. Pearl.
1890. Sewell Newton.
1892. Norman A. Waterman.
1894. Orville H. Wilson.
1896. Enos H. Sherwin.
1898. Clarence A. Farrington.
1900. W. H. Stearns.
1902. J. A. Pearl.
1904. H. W. Maxfield.
1906. F. G. Bicknell.
CHAPTER 4.
SOLDIERS OF 1861 FROM JOHNSON.
Adams, James H. Adams, Levi B. Atwell, Marshall B. Austin, B. J. Babcock, Marshall B.
Field, Joel
Fletcher, Daniel P. Fletcher, Harvey A. Fletcher, James
Fraizer, Edward
Backum, John C.
French, Charles
Balch, Charles W.
French, George Q.
Beard, Charles W.
French, James
Benton, Caleb Henry
French, Jason O.
Caldwell, Henry P.
Garvin, George W.
Clark, Jehial P.
Gokey, Charles
Clark, Jairus D.
Goosey, Alexander
Clark, Oscar
Goosey, Ambrose
Clark, Samuel Courser, George
Goosey, David
Cross, Madison
Hall, William H.
Hunkins, Walter W. Hawley, George W. Hawley, Homer
Davis, Timothy
Dodge, Jacob H.
Dodge, Judson Dubray, Frank Farnum, Joseph Farnum, Joseph, Jr.
Fellows, Daniel D.
Goosey, Joseph
Davis, Charles D. Davis, Cyrus
Heath, Henry L. Hinds, Plineas D. Hodge, Freeman E. Hodge, Freeman O. Hodge, Lyman F. Jacobs, Anthony
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN
Jacobs, Franklin
Stone, John B. Stowell, George W.
Laraway, John
Leland, Charles C.
Stratton, Hiram A.
Lilley, Carlos
Townsend, George R. Turner, Charles
Magoon, Wilder
Manning, Harland F.
Williams, Charles W. Wilson, Ebenezer
Mead, Royal
Woodward, Daniel
Medcaff, Wallace
Woodward, Oscar
Mills, Charles C.
Bradley, Roswell B.
Mills, John C.
Carter, Edward
Mudgett, George E.
Curtis, Henry
Muzzey, Frank
Goodwin, Horace
Muzzey, Joseph
Laraway, Gilbert
Parker, Albert O.
Osley, Joseph
Parrant, Peter
Parmelee, Lewis D.
Patch, Vernon
Stone, Edwin A.
Perkins, Edmund
Partlow, Joel H.
Perkins, Edwin
Patch, William
Perkins, Warren E.
Potter, Loyal A.
Raymore, Albinus F.
Stanley, Charles S.
Ritterbush, Alonzo M.
Townsend, Arthur
Robinson, Ansel H.
Webster, Jason C.
Robinson, Judson A.
Whitefield, George
Scott, Charles W.
Andrews, Sumner A.
Scott, Julian A.
Chesmore, David A.
Sheldon, Charles H.
Dodge, Nathan
Sheldon, George W.
Mudgett, Henry E.
Smith, Moses B.
Mudgett, John H.
Smith, Martin
Parsons, Henry C.
Steady, Augustus
Whiting, George W.
Mead, George D.
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OF JOHNSON, VERMONT
Laraway, Leander
Carter, Edward D.
Scott, Lucian
Davis, Philo F.
Eaton, Samuel Hill, Chester
Gokey, Frank S. Baker, William
Burnett, Abram
Johnson, Jason
Shiney, Joseph
Carpenter, Luther
Partlow, George W.
Croker, Chancy
Burnham, Charles
Holmes, Darius G.
Prince, Daniel
SOLDIERS IN THE SPANISH WAR.
Elton Holmes Glenn Raymond
1136499
CHAPTER 5.
EARLY CHURCH HISTORY OF JOHNSON. BAPTIST CHURCH.
The early settlers of this town were mostly Christian people with different church preferences and we may suppose that services were held occasionally by itinerant ministers before there was any church organization.
The first to organize was the Baptist Church, which was estab- lished Nov. 7, 1808, in the Center school house, which stood at the east end of the Plot cemetery. There were fourteen charter members, among which we find the names of Atwell, Burnham, Clark, Davis, Ferry, Fletcher, Heath, Taylor and Wheeler. Elder Boynton was their first pastor. Judging by the records of the church, he had strong convictions and much keenness of perception-evidently a man of con- siderable strength of character. He built the house at the north end of Pearl St., where Roswell Bradley recently lived, as a residence. He closed his labors as pastor in 1821, but continued a member of the church and resided here until his death, except for a time when he be- came pastor of the church in Coit's Gore, now known as Waterville. His grave is in one of our cemeteries. Elder Perkins preached here a part of the time during those years. Thirteen years after the or- ganization of the church, there were forty-eight members.
As to how the preachers were compensated, the records tell us that they "Voted to raise $40; $10 to be paid in money and $30 in produce in the month of January." "Voted to pay $50 in corn and beans and $3 in money." In 1818, "Voted to raise a tax on the grand
VIEW FROM THE REAR OF THE ACADEMY From a pencilling by Dr. S. L. Wiswall in 1847. Old Baptist Church on the hill
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t
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OF JOHNSON, VERMONT
list." This plan was frequently adopted and seems to have worked well. It may not always have been strictly voluntary and when for any reason a brother felt his burden too great, the rest volunteered to help him.
The next minister was Elder Spaulding, who was engaged to preach one-half the time for $125. In July, 1826, Rev. Joel P. Hayford began his pastorate and for about four years proved himself to be a faithful minister of the gospel. His health was feeble and he died in 1831. He was the first installed minister of the town, which gave him certain lands. He surrendered his claim to the selectmen, they to lease the same forever, the proceeds to be applied to the support of the gospel for all coming time. From this source, each church in Johnson receives annually the sum of $21.25.
The first building for the Baptist Church was erected in 1833 on the hill where Carlos Oakes now lives. The present building was erected in 1855, the old one being taken down and the timbers used for the new. No mid-week prayer meeting was held, as the people lived so far away ; but the people on the Plot gathered on Sunday morn- ings, at the school-house, for a sun-rise prayer meeting, then went home, did their necessary work, ate breakfast and went to church. These meetings were a great spiritual uplift and prepared them to en- joy the services of the day.
Elder Stone was pastor from 1831-1840. During this time, a great excitement arose about the Millerite doctrine, and the church was crowded night after night to listen to its teachings and many thought the end of the world near at hand. Elder Stone accepted this faith. After being dismissed from this church, he preached at Eden.
The next to come was Elder Clark in 1842. He also accepted the doctrine of William Miller. Great excitement prevailed and many were added to the church, who soon after withdrew and the pastor was
38
HISTORY OF THE TOWN
dismissed; but the body of the church stood firm, although the next pastor, Rev. R. A. Hodge, had much to do to discipline its members.
Father Hall, of Morristown, next preached from 1847 to 1849, and he was followed by Elder Cressy, who was a man of excellent char- acter, but thought it very sinful for any one to laugh. His stay was short. His successor, Moses H. Bixby, was a strong man and his pastorate was one of marked success. The Sunday school was then very large with a branch school at East Johnson, numbering together 185 pupils. At this time, the church membership was 116.
The next to follow as pastors were Rev. T. M. Merriman, L. B. Steele, and H. D. Hodge. Then D. C. Bixby and Father Hall supplied for two years; next Jabez Ferris. Then Rev. B. F. Rattray filled the office for three years. At the close of his work, the church numbered 143. Then Rev. J. A. Pierce followed and his genial presence and strong, helpful sermons will long be remembered by those who knew him. Mr. T. Crudgington was then pastor for four years, and they were years of faithful toil and successful soul-winning. Mr. C. N. Saunders, to whose anniversary sermon, given Nov. 5, 1893, we are indebted for this church record, was a man much beloved by all who knew him. Mr. McLellan, Mr. Boynton, Mr. Leach and Mr. Har- grove followed Mr. Saunders and were all good men. Mr. Williams, the present pastor, came in 1906.
This church gave one pastor to the direct work of missions and five young men as ministers of the gospel. It has always contributed liberally for the support of the church and benevolences.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The Congregational church was organized Sept. 20, 1817. The meeting was held in the hall of the hotel, then kept by Mr. Thomas Waterman, with ten charter members, seven by letter and three by pro- fession. Dea. Samuel Waters, who died in 1878, was the last survivor
a
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a
DEA. SAMUEL B. WATERS
SAMUEL MERRIAM
MRS. SAMUEL MERRIAM 1802-1898
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OF JOHNSON, VERMONT
of the ten, he being a member of the church sixty-one years. Meet- ings were usually held in private houses until a schoolhouse was built in 1821 or 1822 on ground just in front of the Normal building, toward the building of which this church paid $50 so that it might be made large enough to hold meetings in. This house, familiarly known as the "Old Red Schoolhouse," was moved away and on the grounds a second building was erected, chiefly by those identified with this church and society. Meetings were held here and in the Academy Hall un- til the first meetinghouse was built in 1832. This house, now known as the Opera Building, cost many a hard struggle, as the society was small. The pews were of plain wood, straightbacked and severe, the pulpit fastened high up on the wall, and a long flight of stairs led up to it from either side. The singers' gallery was over the entry and high up to the ceiling, the congregation rising and turning around to face the music. To those standing nearest it was a "choir invisible." No instrumental music helped out in those early days, and the chorister took the key from the tuning-fork and the choir chimed in. Later, Samuel Waters played the violin and Deacon Robinson the bass viol.
The first year, there was no way of warming this house and many called it "God's Icehouse," and could sing "From Greenland's Icy Mountains" with the spirit and the understanding. After this there were stoves put up near the doors, the pipes going the whole length of the church and then up into the chimney away above the preacher's head.
Town meetings had to be held here, and by 1851 the growing wants of both church and town demanded that each have a building of its own, so this was sold to the town and the present church edifice erected. All worked with a will for this new house. The ladies held a fair in the hall of the old hotel, with booths for fancy and useful articles, while an oyster supper was served in the rooms below. A ring cake was sold for 25c a slice, and Anna Whiting was the fortunate
40
HISTORY OF THE TOWN
young lady who found the ring. A fair was a new thing, and a large sum of money was raised and used to purchase the carpets, lamps, etc.
This church in its infancy depended upon itinerant missionary labor, and occasionally a neighboring pastor would supply. In 1824, Mr. Rockwell, pastor of the church at Morrisville, preached here half the time for four years, when he was dismissed at Morrisville and spent a short time in Johnson. He was a good man and loved his Master's work.
The first Sunday School work was done during his ministry and then only in the summer and fall months. In 1831, Rev. Lyman Cass was stationed here by the missionary society, preaching a part of the time in Waterville for one year. Next came Mr. Baxter in 1832. During this year there was what was known as "The Great Revival."
The church became interested in the Tract Society and in the monthly concert of prayer for missions. One good man, living three miles from the village, gave $100 to make himself a life member of the Tract and Bible Society. His six sturdy children were all dressed in homespun and often carried their best shoes (also home made) in their hands as they walked to church, while his wife wore the same wadded and quilted plaid cloak year after year. No one was worried about the style in those days.
The first pastor to be installed was John Scott in 1835. His min- istry continued about four years. Daniel Warren was next pastor for three years. Rev. Mr. Day, an evangelist, assisted him in a four days' meeting which resulted in a general revival throughout the town, continuing for some time, and many were added to the church. In 1841, Ezra Jones came. June 4th, of this year, we find recorded, "The church desiring to guard itself against Sabbath desecration, passed the following resolutions, Resolved: That the church regard traveling on the Sabbath, in ordinary cases, as a violation of God's word and justly subjects the offender to the discipline of the church."
ar m th
m Pr
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OF JOHNSON, VERMONT
February 1849, Rev. Artimus Dean was installed pastor. His ministry of two years was very successful with the young people. Prayer meetings were interesting and well attended.
The present house of worship was dedicated Nov. 12, 1851, and the same day James Dougherty was installed pastor, and his ministry continued for sixteen years, the longest in the history of the church. This church shared in the awakening when John Pea- cock, an evangelist, came to the Baptist church. As a result of this quickening, eighteen were added to this church. Father Dougherty continued to live here until his death, and his body lies in the old cemetery beside those of his wife and daughters.
Following Mr. Dougherty came M. B. Page, Fred Oxnard, Mr. Ward and Mr. Rivers, each of short time. In 1871, Rev. G. H. French began his ministry which continued for six years. He was a man of exemplary piety, desirous of seeing the work of the Lord prosper.
This church shared in the revival when Mr. DeWitt was here in 1872; also in 1875 when the Gospel Workers came among us. The Rev. C. H. Huntington supplied for one year. In April, 1878, Rev. A. A. Smith began his pastorate which lasted for thirteen years. His work was deep and lasting and his memory is sacred to all who knew him. Mr. Walbridge had been pastor of the church three months when suddenly called away by death. E. G. French, whose pastorate closed Jan. I, 1905, had been with us nine and a half years, during which time over sixty were added to its numbers. J. K. Fuller, the present pastor, began his labors in 1905.
NAMES OF DEACONS.
Thomas Hooper, Horace Day, Harris Whiting,
Joshua Cook, Samuel Waters, Joseph Poland,
d S 19
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN
David Wood,
H. W. Robinson,
Almon Morris,
L. D. Parmalee,
Dexter Whiting,
Fletcher Jones, in 1872,
S. H. Pearl, in 1870,
Joel Allen,
James Holmes, in 1878,
C. P. Jones.
Barnum Austin,
M. E. CHURCH.
spa
The earliest historical records of the Johnson Methodist church are not now obtainable. It is known that the town was once a part of a large circuit extending from Stowe to Canada line, known as "Stowe circuit" and forming a part of Troy Conference. Among the itinerants who traversed this circuit, preaching and founding churches, the noted names of Lorenzo Dow and Wilbur Fisk are found. Occasionally one of these circuit- riders would visit Johnson and hold a religious service in some school- house or private dwelling. A little previous to 1835, Rev. Charles Lovejoy held revival services here in a school house and organized what was probably the first Methodist class, composed largely of young people, among whom were Charles and Lucinda Dodge; the latter remaining a member of this church until her death in 1900.
As the Stowe circuit became divided into smaller ones, Johnson remained one of several towns to share the labors of a single pastor. Once in three months the churches forming the circuit met together for a "Quarterly meeeting." When this meeting was held in John- son, the Baptist society sometimes gave permission to hold the service in their church on the hill. One such meeting was held in the store at East Johnson in the summer it was built, and before the frame was fully boarded. Other meetings were held at the same place, a little later. Among the preachers who served the churches previous to 1850 the names of Hannibal Smith, Harvey Smith and E. B. Haff are re- called. Sunday services were not held more frequently than once in
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Do Ri
Hi
Ich
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OF JOHNSON, VERMONT
four weeks, and then often at five o'clock in the afternoon or in the evening. During the years 1852 and 1853, the most frequent place of meeting was in an old school house in School District No. I, though some meetings were held in the town hall and in the village school house which then stood near Joseph Doane's residence. During the summers of these years a Sunday School was maintained. In the spring of 1854 the Rev. Wm. Clark was sent by the Troy Con- ference to preach at Johnson, Eden and North Hyde Park. He was the first pastor with a family who chose to reside here. As there was neither church nor parsonage he found little to encourage him, but he found a home for himself and family outside of the village. During the summer he preached in the vestry of the Congregational church every Sunday at five o'clock p. m. The remainder of the year he preached in school houses. He drew a plan for a church edifice, and devoted much of his time to raising money by subscription to build it. The subscription list, which has been preserved, bears the names of many well known men not identified with the church. Among these are, Samuel Morgan, Thomas Waterman, L. Reed, Stephen Dow, Benjamin Atwell, Avery Ladd, John Meigs, S. S. Flagg, A. Riddle, D. S. Waterman, Jason Hunt, Simeon Hunt, George S. Mills, Sylvester Rand, William Boyes and others.
Some Methodists in the east part of the town favored locating the new church at Perkinsville, but the Presiding Elder, Rev. John Frazier, advised "Build it just where a pedler would stop his cart to sell goods." His counsel was followed, and in December 1854 a part of Joseph Wa- terman's garden was purchased as a site. John Woodruff, Jacob Hay- ford and David Oakes were chosen as a building committee, but be- cause of failing health the former resigned before the work was begun. Samuel Morgan, then a merchant in the village, built the church by contract. It was dedicated November 8, 1855, by the Presiding Elder, Christopher R. Morris.
44
HISTORY OF THE TOWN
Order of Exercises
AT THE DEDICATION OF THE M. E. CHURCH, IN JOHNSON, NOV. 8, 1855.
L. S. RUST, CONDUCTOR OF CHOIR.
I .- CHANT : Ps. 122. "I was glad when they said unto me," &c.
2 .- INVOCATION, and reading the Scriptures.
3 .- SINGING Anthem.
4 .- PRAYER.
5 .- SINGING Hymn 964.
6 .- SERMON.
7 .-
CHANT.
( LORD GOD of Israel, there is no God like thee, 1 In heaven above, or on | earth be- | neath;
'Who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants,
2 That walk be- | fore thee .. with | all their | heart.
Who has kept with thy servant David,
3 | That .. thou didst | promise him:
Thou spakest also with thy mouth,
4 And hast fulfilled it with thine own | hand .. as it | is this | day.
5 But will God indeed | dwell .. on the | earth?
Behold, the heaven, and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee,
6 How much less this | house that | we have | builded!
(Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servants,
7 And to their supplication, O | Lord our | God;
Hearken unto the cry and to the prayer,
8 ) Which thy servant prayeth be- | fore thee | this - | day.
9 [ That thine eyes may be opened toward this house | night ) and | day,
10 (Even toward the place of which thou hast said, ) | "My name | shall be | there."
MRS. SAMUEL BELDING Living in Schenectady, N. Y., at the age of 92
SAMUEL BELDING 1807-1887
JOIN MEIGS, M. D. 1806-1862
MOSES MORSE
I
K
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OF JOHNSON, VERMONT
Hearken thou to the supplication of thy servants,
11
And of thy people Israel,
Which they shall | make in .. this | place.
12 Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place,
And | when thou | hearest, for- | give.
8 .- DEDICATORY PRAYER.
9 .- CHANT AND ANTHEM.
13 ( Now therefore arise, O Lord God, into thy resting place, Thou, and the | ark of thy | strength;
14 ( Let thy priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation,
And let they | saints re- | joice in | goodness.
IO .- BENEDICTION.
The pastor of the church at that time was W. O. Tower who lived at Hyde Park. Joel W. Eaton was sent by the Presiding Elder to live in Johnson and to preach in the new church every Sunday. Pre- vious to the dedication the first choir was organized with Thomas Stanley as leader.
Prominent men in the church at that time, whose names have not already been mentioned, were Emerson Miller who had been for many years a class leader, Barney Griswold, Eliphalet Hunt, Will- iam Parker and others. Soon after, the church was greatly strengthened by the coming of Samuel Belding and family from Eden. For about thirty years Mr. Belding was both steward and class leader, and the helpfulness of himself and family in church music and Sunday School is gratefully remembered. Since the dedication of the church in 1855, regular Sunday preaching services and Sunday School have been maintained, though with the exception of fifteen years the pastor's labors have been shared with one or more other towns.
The Sunday School Superintendents serving for the longest periods of time were Samuel Belding, M. O. Heath, F. A. Leland and G. E. Monteith. For several years past M. G. Grady has held that office.
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN
Among the hearty and generous supporters of the church, wh years since finished their labors, the names of M. O. Heath, O. M Fitch, D. B. Webster, P. W. J. Peck and David Oakes are memorable
The lack of a parsonage was long a great embarrassment to the society, but in the year 1888 Miss Lucinda Dodge deeded her house for this purpose, reserving the use of it during her life-time. Thi property came into the possession of the church in the year 1900 and extensive repairs with additions have since been made.
Since April 1884 this church and the one at Waterville have beer united in one pastorate. The present pastor is the Rev. C. D. Pierce
F
ACADEMY BUILT 1830.
CHAPTER 6.
HISTORY OF THE ACADEMY.
About the year 1828 the inhabitants of the town began to feel the need of something more than a common-school education for their boys and girls, and the Johnson Academy came into being. Mr. John Chesamore, who was then a shoemaker here, his shop being where the P. O. now stands, thought he knew of a man, one Dr. Carpenter, a Universalist preacher of Chelsea, who might be secured as teacher of such an institution. He went on horseback to Chelsea, hired his man, and gave up his shop for a school-room, there being then no academy building. There were sixteen pupils to begin with, and benches and
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN
desks were put in to accommodate them. As the school increased, several people had arm chairs made, with one arm wide enough to hold books and slate, for the use of their children. Some of these chairs may still be found among the descendants of those old families, for chairs, in those days, were made of honest, straight-grained stuff.
The Academy building was erected in 1830, and supplied with what was, for those days, a good chemical and philosophical appara- tus, all by voluntary subscription. It must be remembered that the population of the town at that time was only 1079, and that the people were heavily taxed all those years for the necessary improvements in a comparatively new country; all this must be borne in mind if we would appreciate the sacrifices our ancestors made to plant this in- stitution of learning in our midst. It was chartered as Johnson Acad- emy, November 8, 1832, Thomas Waterman, Representative. .
Dr. Carpenter was succeeded by Perry Haskell, who married, while teaching here, one of Sterling's fair daughters, Miss Lucy Vilas. She did not live many years, but he attained to extreme old age, and we read of his death not many years ago.
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