USA > Vermont > Men of Vermont : an illustrated biographical history of Vermonters and sons of Vermont > Part 90
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Politically he is a strong Democrat with conservative tendencies, and was postmaster during Cleveland's first administration. Mr. Stevenson is and has been for many years town superintendent of schools, and in 1892 was elected town treasurer. He is also quite actively interested in town affairs.
He has been for eighteen years an exem- plary member of the Congregational church, and is an energetic promoter of the welfare of that denomination in Lowell.
November 13, 1879, he was united in marriage to Mary L., daughter of Henry Smith, of Chatham, N. Y., and has by her one daughter : Louise.
STEWART, JOHN WOLCOTT, of Mid- dlebury, son of Ira and Elizabeth ( Hubbell) Stewart, was born in Middlebury, Nov. 24, 1825. The first ancestor of Governor Stew- art's family on the paternal side, whose record has been preserved, was Robert Stuart, of Edinburgh, Scotland. Samuel, his son, emigrated first to Londonderry, Ireland, and secondly, from thence with the historical Scotch-Irish colony which crossed the Atlantic and settled in Londonderry, N. H., in the early part of the eighteenth century. John Stewart, grandfather of John Wolcott, familiarly known as Captain John, was born in Londonderry, N. H. He was a man of marked characteristics, full of martial energy, and took an active part in the French and Revolutionary wars. At the early age of fifteen he first killed an Indian in a notable fight in the forest. Subsequently he became a member of a courageous band of frontiersmen known as Rogers' Rangers. He accompanied the ill- fated expedition of General Montgomery against Quebec, and was in the immediate neighborhood of that gallant officer at the time of his death. He happened to be in Bennington, paying his addresses to the lady who afterward became his wife, when Burgoyne's invasion took place, and he at
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once volunteered and led a company of patriot soldiers in the decisive conflict that followed.
John W. Stewart prepared for matricula- tion in the Middlebury Academy, entered Middlebury College and graduated from that institution in 18.46. Adopting the legal profession, he began to qualify himself for practice by reading law in the office of Horatio Seymour, in Middlebury, and re- mained there until January, 1850, when he was achmitted to the bar of Addison county. Commencing practice at Middlebury, he conducted it alone until 18544, when he con- tracted a copartnership with ex-U. S. Sena- tor Phelps, and maintained the connection until the death of the latter in April, 1855. 1 Iis association with Senator Phelps proved to be very valuable in many respects.
Early in his professional career Mr. Stew- art identified himself with the political affairs of his native state. In the years 1852, 1853 and 1854 he held the office of state's attor- ney for Addison county. In 1856 he was elected to the Legislature as representative of Middlebury, and served therein as chair- man of the committee on railroads. His services proved to be so acceptable to his constituents that he was again elected in the following year, and was also re-appointed to his former position on the railroad commit- tee. In January, 1857, the State House at Montpelier was destroyed by fire, and a strong movement was set on foot to make Burlington the capital of the state. This movement Mr. Stewart resisted. Although one of the members from the west side of Vermont, he was influentially active in the legislative debates on the question of re- moval, and favored the retention of Mont- pelier as the capital. His logic was weighty and powerful, and was largely instrumental in carrying the point in favor of the old location. In 1861 Mr. Stewart was returned to the state Senate from Addison county, and served on the judiciary committee. Elected for a second term to the Senate of 1862, Mr. Stewart again served on the judi- ciary committee and as chairman of the committee on rules. In 1864 he was re- turned to the House from Middlebury, and served on the committees on joint rules and judiciary. In 1865, 1866 and 1867 he was a member of the House, and at each session was elected speaker. One of the changes in the organic law of the state, effected by the Constitutional Convention of 1870, was that by which the biennial system was adopted. Mr. Stewart was the first Gover- nor of Vermont elected under the new order of things, and was chief magistrate of the state, to his and its honor, from 1870 to 1872. He was in 1876 again a member of the House, and was again its model speaker.
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He has not given his whole time to the practice of his profession, but has devoted a portion of it to the management of financial institutions. He was chosen a director of the Middlebury Bank in 1858, and for several years prior to 1881 he served as president with great acceptability and gave strong evidence of entire fitness for the position. In 188t the pressure of other engagements upon his time forced him to decline a further re-election.
In 1882 Governor Stewart was elected by the Republicans of the new First Con- gressional District to the Forty-eighth Con- gress. His long service in both branches of the Vermont Legislature and his excellent gubernatorial administration gave promise that was amply fulfilled of good and influen- tial service in national legislation. He was re-elected to Congress in 1884, 1886 and 1888. Since the expiration of his eight years in Con- gress Governor Stewart has returned to the active practice of law-to the work of a pro- fession which he adorns and whose members are all his admirers and friends.
John Wolcott Stewart was married, Nov. 21, 1860, to Emma, daughter of Philip and Emma Hart Battell of Middlebury, a grand- daughter of the late Hon. Horatio Seymour of Middlebury. Five children were the fruit of their union. Three of these, two daugh- ters and one son, are still liviing.
STICKNEY, GEORGE WASHINGTON, of Andover, son of Joseph and Ann (Hos- mer) Stickney, was born in New Ipswich, N. H., Oct. 25, 1804. Joseph Stickney, Sr., his grandfather, was a veteran ranger in the old French war, and Joseph, Jr., his father, served with credit in the Revolutionary strug- gle. George's mother, Ann Hosmer, had often gazed upon Paul Revere, and her father, William Hosmer, rallied with his comrades upon the green at Lexington.
George W. Stickney was of the third of four generations, three of which have acted an honorable part in three famous wars, for his son Cassius was a brave soldier of the Union and died in Libby Prison of wounds received in battle. George W. received only the limited educational advantages of the dis- trict school, but is a man of remarkable in- telligence and force of character. At the age of eighty-nine his mind is clear, his memory retentive, and he still labors in the field. His uncle, Moody Stickney, cleared the farm in 1790 where he now resides, and this property for more than a century has been in possession of some member of the family, where to-day four generations are sheltered under the roof tree of the old homestead and gather around its hospitable board. Five soldiers of the Revolution set- tled in this school district in Andover, and
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fifteen sons of these worthy sires served in the bloody struggle to preserve the Union, six of whom never returned.
Mr. Stickney was united in marriage Nov. 22, 1832, to Roxillana, daughter of Amos and Roxillana (Utley) Burton. To them have been born eight children: Nancy (Mrs. Alonzo C. Gutterson, deceased), Warren (de- ceased), Byron, Jane (deceased), Cassius M. (killed in the war), Eliza (Mrs. Warren Beard of Chester), Preston L., and Eva J.
Mr. Stickney was from the outset a pro- nounced abolitionist, casting his first presi- dential vote for John Quincy Adams and his last for Benjamin Harrison, and deposited his ballot at every intervening election. He has been called upon to serve in all town offices, has acted as justice of the peace for over half a century and for six terms repre- sented Andover in the Legislature, while dur- ing the civil war he discharged the duties of deputy United States marshal and enrolling officer.
STICKNEY, JOSEPH TREADWAY, son of Tyler and Laura (Treadway) Stickney, was born in Shoreham, on the 28th of July, 1835.
JOSEPH TREADWAY STICKNEY.
His primary educational training was ob- tained at the common schools of his native town, and he afterwards graduated at New- ton Academy, in Shoreham. He has always devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and to the breeding of blooded stock, in which he has met with great success. He has de-
voted great attention to raising Spanish Merino sheep, and was honored with the first prize for the best flock at the inter- national exhibition in Philadelphia, in 1876. Like all Vermonters, he is much interested in the breeding of horses, preferring those of the Morgan variety, while in cattle his preju- dices are in favor of the Durham stock.
Mr. Stickney adheres to the principles of the Republican party, and very deservedly represented his town in the Legislature of 1886, where he was a useful member of the general committee. He has been the choice of his fellow-townsmen for many positions of trust, including that of selectman and over- seer. For three years he served on the committee on pedigree in the Vermont Sheep Breeders' Association. He has a large acquaintance, and is a man of exceed- ing popularity, but does not avail himself of this advantage in office-seeking, nor does he desire promotion in the management of public affairs, but quietly works for the good of his party, enjoying the esteem and confi- dence of all his friends and acquaintances.
Mr. Stickney has never entered the mar- ried state, and has also avoided membership in clubs and societies, and is not officially connected with any church organization.
STILES, FRANK W., of Springfield, son of William L. and Betsey A. (Sargent) Stiles, was born in Windsor, Dec. 27, 1849.
His education was somewhat limited, being confined to the public schools of Windsor, but during his youth and early manhood, under many disadvantages, he pursued quite an extended course of reading and study.
His father being subject at times to mental derangement, the support of the family de- volved largely upon the son, and from necessity he early acquired habits of indus- try and self denial. In 1864 the family removed to Springfield, and Frank entered the employment of the Novelty Works Co. and other business houses. After ten years experience in this vocation, he established a job printing business, and, Jan. 4, 1878, issued the first number of the Springfield Reporter, a four column folio devoted to the promotion of local interests. The prospect of success was not very encouraging, as seven different attempts in journalism had pre- viously failed in that locality, but Mr. Stiles persevered and through his energy and un- ceasing effort, soon saw the circulation and influence of his newspaper rapidly increase till it reached its present enviable position. resting on a firm financial basis, entirely due to the business and editorial ability of its founder and promoter. From this success other good fortune has been derived, and Mr. Stiles is now the owner of valuable real estate in the town and its vicinity.
JUISON.
He has always been an outspoken and staunch supporter of the Republican party, but has never sought or held public office.
He has received the first three degrees of Masonry in St. John's Lodge, No. 41, of Springfield.
Mr. Stiles was united in marriage June 5, 1879, to Ann S., daughter of Daniel and Mary ( Boyle) Hayes of Plymouth. To them have been born : George Hayes, Louise May (deceased in infancy), Bessie Ann (deceased in infancy), Harold F. W., and Russell William.
STILLSON, HENRY LEONARD, of Ben- nington, son of Eli Bennett, and Eliza Ann (Leonard) Stillson, was born in Granville, N. Y., Sept. 19, 1842.
He received an academic education, sup- plementing that of the common schools, and has devoted his life chiefly to journalism and literary pursuits. He commenced his career by lending his services during the war to the Rutland Herald. After four years thus em- ployed he embarked in the insurance busi- ness, but soon resumed his original vocation, and since 1871 has resided in Bennington, where for twenty years he has been con- nected with the Bennington Banner.
HENRY LEONARD STILLSON.
This is a very brief abstract of the life of a man whose reputation as a historian is widely extended on both sides of the At- lantic. He was the editor-in-chief of the "History of Freemasonry and Concordant
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Order," a standard work which has gone through several editions, and had the un- precedented sale of 33,000 copies during the first year, thus making his name a familiar one among Masons, both here, in Canada and in Europe. Ile is connected with a number of journals devoted to interests of Freemasonry, and the I. O. O. F., and is a frequent contributor to "Frank Leslie" and other periodicals of that description. In 1892 he had the signal honor to be made a member of the correspondence circle of the "Lodge Quatuor Coronati" of London, Eing., a select circle of antiquaries, and is also a member of the American Historical Associa- tion. His ability as a writer in his chosen class of subjects has been heartily endorsed by leading journals of America, England, and those upon the continent.
Mr. Stillson has consecrated some of his best literary efforts to the Masonic fraternity in which he holds an eminent position, and for whose welfare he has ever labored with enthusiasm and energy. He is affiliated with Mt. Anthony Lodge, No. 13, of which he is past master ; Plattsburg Chapter, No. 39, R. A. M .; Taft Commandery, K. T., No. 8; Cyrene Preceptory and Priory, K. T., No. 29, of Toronto, Canada, and Mt. Anthony Chap- ter No. 1, O. E. S. He has been called upon to discharge the duties of grand patron of the last named body, is an honorary Pre- ceptor of the Sovereign Great Priory of Canada. He is past grand master and past grand representative of the I. O. O. F., and has also written the history of that order in the state of Vermont. The biography of Mr. Stillson's works occupies two pages in the annual report of the American Historical Association for 1893, among the latest of which was the "Vermont Centennial History," issued last year.
Mr. Stillson was united in marriage, August 5, 1868, to Josephine Sophia, daughter of Benjamin and Maria (Buckman) Woodruff, of Plattsburg, N. Y. Mrs. Stillson died Feb. 18, 1880, leaving one daughter, Frances Emily Stillson, now living, and a son, Benja- min Leonard Edward, since deceased. Sep- tember 6, 1881, he was wedded to Helen Kenyon, of Manchester, Vt., and to them four children have been born : Bessie, Ruth Katherine, Adah Caroline, and Lee Hascall, none of whom survive.
Mr. Stillson has always acted with the Republican party and has represented Ben- nington in state and county conventions but has never sought for or held any other politi- cal preferment. He is the present health officer for the village and town of Bennington and North Bennington graded school district -the executive for three boards of health.
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STONE, CHARLES MARSHALL, son of Charles and Sarah (Wells) Stone, was born in Lyndon, April 18, 1833.
He left his father's farm in 1849, when six- teen years of age, and entered the office of the St. Johnsbury Caledonian in which he acquired a thorough knowledge of the print- ing and publishing business, having received his education in the public schools and the Lyndon and St. Johnsbury academies. In 1855 he purchased a half interest in the paper, two years later became sole editor and proprietor and so remained to the last year of his life when his eldest son entered the concern as assistant editor.
Mr. Stone was married in 1858 to Sarah, daughter of Gov. Erastus and Lois (Cross- man) Fairbanks. Four children were born to them, three of whom survive. After a short illness, Mr. Stone died, March 12, 1890, at Jacksonville, Fla. He was a veteran in Vermont journalism, having conducted the Caledonian for thirty-six years. Ever de- voted to his calling, possessed of breadth of thought, courage of utterance, sincerity and strength of conviction, which qualities marked his entire life, he wielded an influ- ence that was felt and acknowledged not only in his own state, but also far beyond its borders.
STONE, ARTHUR FAIRBANKS, of St. Johnsbury, son of Charles M. and Sarah (Fairbanks) Stone, was born in St. Johns- bury, Feb. 18, 1863.
His preparatory education was the usual one received in the public schools and he fitted for college in the St. Johnsbury Acad- emy, where he was graduated in 1881. He then matriculated at Amherst College, Mass., from which he received his diploma as a bachelor of arts, in 1885.
After his graduation, he resolved to de- vote himself to the profession of journalism and as his first essay, was employed as a reporter on the staff of the Northampton (Mass.) Daily Herald for two years. He then changed the scene of his labors and served in the same capacity for a year in connection with the Fall River Daily News. In 1889 he purchased a half interest of the Caledonian at St. Johnsbury and after the death of his father, in 1890, continued its publication, discharging the duties of the editor-in-chief of that newspaper.
Mr. Stone was united in marriage, Jan. I, 1890, to Helen, daughter of A. J. and Harriet E. Lincoln of Northampton, Mass. They have one daughter : Edith L.
He is attached to the Republican party, but though advocating its principles has never sought official preferment. Mr. Stone is president of the local Natural History Society, is the present clerk of the village of
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St. Johnsbury and has efficiently served as the secretary of the Vermont Press Asso- ciation.
STONE, MASON SERENO, of Mont- pelier, son of Orson N. and Candace ( Mason) Stone, was born at Waterbury Center, Dec. 14, 1859.
His early education was received in the public schools and seminary of that place, and he afterwards attended the People's Academy of Morrisville. He was graduated from the classical department in the Uni- versity of Vermont in 1883.
MASON SERENO STONE.
Having had some experience as an in- structor during his college course, he resolved to devote his life to the cause of education, and during the next six years filled the office of principal of the Williston Academy, Bristol high school, and People's Academy, Morrisville. In 1889 he was elected super- visor of schools in Orleans county, and in the next year organized the first summer school in Vermont. In 1891 he was ap- pointed tutor in mathematics in the Uni- versity of Vermont to fill the position left vacant by the absence of the regular in- structor. While at the university he was appointed chief of the educational division of the Indian Bureau at Washington, but declined the position, preferring to accept the office of superintendent of schools for the district of Easthampton, Mass., which post he resigned a year later, when he was elected superintendent of education for the
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state of Vermont, the duties of which office he continues to discharge.
Mr. Stone is independent in his politics. For several years he has been a member of the Congregational church in Morrisville, and has always manifested a lively interest in the religious work of the young people's societies. Mr. Stone is a self-reliant and energetic man, possessing the happy faculty of arousing the enthusiasm and interest of those with whom he comes in contact in the professional work to which he has hitherto devoted his life.
STOWELL, JOHN WESLEY, of Put- ney, son of Asa and Mary (Colby ) Stowell, was born in Putney, Sept. 29, 1835.
JOHN WESLEY STOWELL.
He received his early education in the public schools of Putney, and at eleven years of age began life for himself. His first em- ployment was in a chair stock factory at Royalston, Mass., where he remained for three years, removing thence to Ashburn- ham, Mass., where he was fortunate enough to meet Professor Burrage of Amherst Col- lege, who took an interest in young Stowell and instructed him privately.
In April, 1861, Mr. Stowell returned to Putney and began the business life which has led him to success. His first venture was in the manufacture of chair stock with J. N. Underwood,which business he continued until 1873, when he formed a partnership with R. C. Hitchcock for the manufacture of toy
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chairs, continuing until 1883, when Mr. Stowell bought the interest of his partner and continued the business until 1885.
Mr. Stowell has given much of his spare time to inventions, the most successful of which was the Gem folding table, on which he received letters of patent in 1885, and for the manufacture of which he organized the Stowell Manufacturing Co., of which organi- zation he was elected president and general manager.
Mr. Stowell was married at Winchendon, Mass., May 6, 1856, to Helen M., daughter of James and Lydia Hosley, of Marlow, N. H. Of this union there were three children. Mrs. Stowell died April 24, 1870. Mr. Stowell was again united in marriage, Oct. 29, 1873, to Miss Olive J. Farley, of Coleraine, Mass.
Mr. Stowell is prominent in Masonic circles, and has held all the offices of his lodge, as well as that of deputy grand master of the 8th Masonic district of Vermont for two years. He is also prominent as a mem- ber of the Knights of Honor.
STRANAHAN, FARRAND STEWART, of St. Albans, son of Farrand Stewart and Mary Caroline (Curtis) Stranahan, was born in New York City, Feb. 3, 1842.
FARRAND STEWART STRANAHAN.
He was educated in the public schools of the metropolis, and in 1859 came to Ver- mont. He was made paymaster on the Ver- mont Central R. R. in 1865. From 1867 to
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1871 he was engaged in business in St. Al- bans. At the close of this period he was ap- pointed treasurer of the National Car Co., which position he still retains. In 1886 he became cashier of the Welden National Bank of St. Albans, of which institution he was made vice president in 1892. Mr. Strana- han is also a director in the Central Vermont and the Ogdensburg and L. C. R. R. Cos., and is vice-president of the Missisquoi road.
Republican in political preference, he has served as trustee of the village of St. Albans, and represented the town in 1884. Four years afterward he was elected to the state Senate, was a trustee of the state reform school from 1888 to 1892, and was made Lieutenant-Governor in 1892.
He was united in marriage, August 26, 1862, to Miranda Aldis, daughter of Hon. Lawrence and Fidelia (Gadcomb) Brainerd, from which alliance two children were born : Mabel Fidelia (deceased), and Farrand Stewart.
Mr. Stranahan enlisted in the United States service in August, 1862, and was succes- sively promoted from the grade of Ist ser- geant to the rank of 2d and Ist lieutenant of Co. L., Ist Vt. Cavalry and shared in all the battles in which that regiment partici- pated till the winter of 1864, when he was appointed aid-de-camp on the staff of Gen. George A. Custer, serving in every engage- ment in which that brilliant general took part till September, 1864, at which time Lieutenant Stranahan received an honorable discharge and returned to his adopted home. He is a member of A. R. Hurlbut Post G. A. R., of which he has been commander, and he also is enrolled in the military order of the Loyal Legion.
STURTEVANT, WILBER R., of Hart- land, son of Cullen F. and Harriet ( Morey) Sturtevant, was born in Hartland, Nov. 22, 1844. He comes of Puritan lineage, being the grandson of Friend Sturtevant, who was born in Halifax, Mass., and settled in Hart- land in 1804, where he was a medical prac- titioner. His mother was a near relative of Capt. Samuel Morey, of Fairlee, whose claims as the original inventor of the steam- boat have been lately urged with so much authority and force.
Mr. Sturtevant received the customary course of school instruction in the town of Hartland, and then served an apprentice- ship in his father's mill to learn the art of woolen manufacturing. His father was widely known as the maker of the Sturte- vant Sheep's Grey, an article noted for its extreme durability. At the age of twenty- three Mr. Sturtevant commenced his busi- ness career as a merchant in the town of Hartland, where he has continued till the
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present time, conducting a successful and remunerative trade, and winning the respect of all by the honorable and straightforward manner in which he has dealt with the community.
He was appointed postmaster in 1880, and has held the office since that time, except under President Cleveland's admin- istrations. He has creditably filled the position of town clerk for many years and been called to various other offices of public trust, in which he has never disappointed the expectations formed of his ability and integrity. In 1886 he represented Hartland in the Legislature.
WILBER R. STURTEVANT.
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