USA > Vermont > Men of Vermont : an illustrated biographical history of Vermonters and sons of Vermont > Part 96
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For nearly half a century Mr. Webb has filled the office of town clerk ; is Democratic in his political principles, and represented Maidstone in the Legislature in the years 1860-'61-'70, and at the special session of 1861. He carries his years well and is a most interesting and agreeable gentleman of the old school. His home circle is cheered by the presence of his three younger children, who are the prop and stay of the declining years of their parents.
WEBSTER, DAN PEASLEE, of Brattle- boro, son of Rev. Alonzo and Laura (Peaslee) Webster, was born in Northfield, Dec. 7, 1846.
DAN PEASLEE WEBSTER.
His preliminary education was receved in the common schools and the Newbury Acad- emy. After graduating from the medical department of the University of Vt., in 1867, he successfully practiced his profession in Putney, for sixteen years, when he moved to Brattleboro where he has continued till the
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present time, having by his energy and skill secured a large and remunerative business. In 1872, and again in 1871, Dr. Webster was elected to the Legislature to represent the town of Putney, and in 1878 he was chosen a state senator from Windham county. Dining the tall of that year he was made railroad commissioner, discharging the duties of this office till 1886. He was surgeon general on the staff of Governor Asahel Peck and again holds that position on the staff of Governor Levi K. Fuller, and for a long time served as surgeon of the Fuller Light Battery. During the civil war he accompanied his father, who was chaplain of the 16th Vi. Regt., and was present at the battle of Gettysburg.
Dr. Webster has been an active and en- thusiastie Free Mason, having served as deputy grand master of the Grand Lodge of Vi. from 1876 to 1881, and he is at present the eminent commander of Beauscant Com- mandery, K. T., of Brattleboro. He is a member of the Connecticut River and Ver- mont State Medical Associations.
He was wedded, Jan. 9, 1868, to Ada, daughter of Charles H. and Maria White, of Putney, Vi. Mrs. Webster departed this life in South Carolina, March 14, 1887, leaving three surviving children : Hattie A., Harry A., and Dan C. November 1, 1889, he contracted a second alliance with Mabel Julia, daughter of Hon. E. L. and Jennie E. Waterman, of Brattleboro.
WEEKS, JOHN E., of Salisbury, son of Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Dyer) Weeks, was born in Salisbury, June 14, 1853. He is descended from early New England stock, and among his maternal ancestors was John Alden of Mayflower fame. His grandfather came to Salisbury when it was yet a wilder- ness, and his father was prominent in both town and county affairs.
After receiving his education in the schools of Salisbury, and the Middlebury high school, Mr. J. E. Weeks early engaged in stock and wool buying in the vicinity, in which business he is still interested. He soon settled upon the farm of his father, of whom he has been the successor in the in- surance business, acting especially for the Vermont Mutual Fire Insurance Co., of which he was for a time a director. In 1892 he became the junior member of the firm of Thomas & Weeks, hay and grain dealers, at Middlebury.
Mr. Weeks was united in marriage, Oct. 17, 1879, to Hattie J., daughter of Frank L. and Lucretia (Graves) Dyer of Salisbury.
He has been quite prominent in political and social affairs. He was appointed as- sistant census taker in 1880, and four years later was elected as assistant door-keeper of the Senate. In 1888 he was sent to Mont-
pelier to represent Salisbury, and served on the committee on manufactures, and on special committee in the matter of a bridge between North and South Hero, Grand Isle county. In 1892 he was elected an assistant
JOHN E. WEEKS.
judge of Addison county court. Judge Weeks has long been a member of and clerk and treasurer for the Congregational church of Salisbury.
WELLMAN, LEIGH RICHMOND, of Lowell, son of Rev. Jubilee and Theda (Grout) Wellman, was born in Warner, N. H., Jan. 4, 1835, and obtained his edu- cation in the public schools of Warner, Westminster, Cavendish and Proctorsville. In the latter he was a classmate of Senator Redfield Proctor. He pursued a further course of study at Craftsbury and Bakersfield academies. His family removed to Lowell in 1851, where his father was the first settled Congregational minister in that town, and with the exception of a few years has re- sided there ever since. In 1858 he was em- ployed as a clerk in a store in Greenville, Ala., returning North April 11, 1861, the day of the beginning of the bombardment of Fort Sumter. The boat ran in close enough so that the ruins of the fort and the steamer that took off the garrison after the surrender could be seen with a glass. In 1861 he commenced a mercantile trade in Lowell, which continued for eight years, when he began the manufacture of lumber. In 1872
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he was obliged to visit the West on account of his health, where he spent nearly two years as a clerk in a store in River Falls, Wis. When he returned to Lowell, in 1874, he purchased his present commodious store, where he carries a large stock of general merchandise.
Mr. Wellman assisted in organizing and is a member of Mount Morris Lodge, No. 69, F. & A. M., and did not miss a single meet- ing during the seven years he occupied the master's chair. He also belongs to Tucker Chapter, Morrisville.
In 1867 he was married to Bertie L. Cheney, who died in December, 1873, leav- ing one son : Leigh B. In 1878 he married Mrs. Emily B. Mustard, by whom he had two children : Harry R., and Theda G.
Mr. Wellman although a strong Democrat of the conservative order has held many town offices, was for fifteen years justice of the peace, from 1868 to 1872 selectman, and for many successive terms town treasurer.
WELLS, EDWARD, of Burlington, son of William Wellington and Eliza (Carpenter) Wells, was born in Waterbury, Oct. 30, 1835. He was educated in the common schools of Waterbury and at the Bakersfield Academy.
EDWARD WELLS.
At the age of seventeen years he entered a dry goods store at Montpelier as clerk, where he remained one year. From 1856 to 1861 he was employed in his father's stores at Waterbury and Waterbury Center.
WESTON.
He enlisted in the band of the 5th Regt. Vt. Vols., Sept. 26, 1861, and served about six months. Mr. Wells held the position of transportation clerk in the Army of the Potomac, under Gen. P. P. Pitkin, for about three years. On his return home, in 1864, he received the appointment of clerk in the office of the quartermaster-general of the state of Vermont, which office he held until 1866. He then entered the office of Hon. John A. Page, state treasurer, where he re- mained until 1868.
In March, 1868, he became a partner in the firm of Henry & Co., wholesale druggists, at Waterbury, who had just transferred their business to Burlington. In 1872 the firm name was changed from Henry & Co. to Wells, Richardson & Co., and in 1883 was incorporated under the name of Wells & Richardson Co. He is president of the Wells & Richardson Co. and the Burlington Trust Co., and a director in the Burlington Cotton Mills. He was elected to the Legis- lature in 1890, and served as chairman of the committee on banking, and also on the committee on ways and means.
Mr. Wells married, April 26, 1858, Martha Frances, daughter of Lucius Parmelee, of Waterbury. One daughter was the issue of this union. Mrs. Wells died Nov. 25, 1876. Mr. Wells married as his second wife, Oct. 14, 1879, Effie E. Parmelee, sister of his first wife.
WESTON, EUGENE SYDNEY, of New- fane, son of Freeman F. and Sarah J. ( Evans) Weston, was born in Cavendish, August 14, 1847.
His early education was obtained in the district schools and Chester Academy. Hav- ing decided upon the medical profession he entered the office of Dr. Z. G. Harrington of Chester as a student and attended lectures in the medical departments of Dartmouth College and the University of Vermont, re- ceiving his diploma from the latter in 1871.
After graduation he first located in Heath, Mass., but soon removed to Coleraine, where he had a large practice for three years. In 1874 he moved to Pittsfield, Mass., and re- mained there two years being town physician and also physician at the house of cor- rection. In 1879 he located in Newfane where he has since resided. He has been a member of both the Massachusetts and Ver- mont Medical Societies.
He is a prominent Free Mason and for nearly a quarter of a century he has been an active worker and has taken a deep interest in the welfare and prosperity of the order. He has served three terms as W. M. of Blazing Star Lodge, No. 23, of Townshend : has been high priest of Fort Dummer Royal Arch Chapter in Brattleboro ; is grand
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lectures in the Grand Lodge and grand scribe in the Brand Chapter of Vermont. For two years he was district deputy grand master of the 8th Masonic District, and has held appointments on some of the standing committees in Grand Lodge and Chapter for several years.
Republica in politics he was elected in 1842 to represent Newfane in the General Assembly.
EUGENE SYDNEY WESTON.
Dr. Weston enlisted during the civil war, at the age of seventeen, as private in Co. C, 7th Vt. Vols., and served till the close of the struggle, when he received an honorable dis- charge. His only battle was at the siege of Spanish Fort near Mobile, Alabama. He has always taken an active part in matters pertaining to the G. A. R., and is a member of Birchard Post, No. 65, of which he is a past commander.
Dr. Weston was married, June 6, 1871, to Eva S., daughter of Richard H. and Mary E. (Crowley) Hall of Athens, and has four children : Lena M., Alfred F., Bertha E., and Grace F.
WHEELER, CHARLES FREDERICK, of Burlington, son of Dr. Frederick P. and Mary A. (Doude) Wheeler, was born in Bristol, Sept. 8, 1843.
His attendance at school (in the district schools and academy in Bristol), terminated in 1859, and for five years he was employed as a clerk in a country store. He then moved to the city of Burlington and entered
the establishment of Peck Bros., where he re- mained for eleven years, when he received the appointment of assistant postmaster and served in this capacity till his term of office expired in 1887. He then engaged in the retail clothing trade, in which he is still oc- cupied. In 1891 under a Republican achnin- istration he was appointed postmaster of Burlington. This is the only first-class office in the state, doing a business of $80,000. Mr. Wheeler has never held any other offi- cial position.
lle is an Odd Fellow, is a sustaining mem- ber of the College Street Congregational Church, and is an active member of the Burl- ington Y. M. C. A.
CHARLES FREDERICK WHEELER.
He was married, June 30, 1884, to Louise M., daughter of Rev. F. W. and Mary (McCotter) Olmstead. Their three children are : Mary Louise, Frank Olmstead, and Cora Marguerite.
WHEELER, CHARLES WILLARD, of Irasburgh, son of Willard and Maria (Page) Wheeler, was born in Enosburgh, April 13, 1839.
Obtaining his education in the common schools and academy at Enosburgh, he first engaged in mercantile pursuits in St. Albans, and later in Burlington.
In obedience to his patriotic impulses, he enlisted in Co. I, 10th Regt. Vt. Vols., went at once to the field in the summer of 1862, being actively identified with its movements
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WHEELER.
WHEELER.
in the campaigns of 1862 to 1865. In the midst of the most exacting duties of field service, which had become to be attended with great privation and peril, he declined to accept the proffer of a year's service at home as a recruiting officer, choosing to remain at the front.
After five months' service in the adjutant- general's office, and nine months in the division commissary department, with offers for a discharge from the service and employ- ment as a civilian with lucrative pay, he obtained his release from these positions and
CHARLES WILLARD WHEELER.
joined his regiment when General Grant took command of the Army of the Potomac, and from the commencement of that officer's campaign he participated in every battle to the close of the war ; was promoted through the grades of corporal, sergeant, orderly ser- geant, second lieutenant, first lieutenant, to regimental quartermaster. He was wounded at Cedar Creek, and on account of his injur- ies was absent forty days from military duty. He received an honorable discharge at the close of the war, and came to Irasburgh, where he opened a general store, in which he has since continued, and at the same time operated in real estate.
He has been a Republican since the for- mation of the party, and has been honored with many official positions in Irasburgh.
Mr. Wheeler represented Irasburgh in the Legislature in 1886, and in 1890 was elected from Orleans county to the Senate, in which
body he introduced the secret ballot act, and labored hard for its enactment.
He is a successful man, and always relied on his own resources, never receiving help from others.
He is a Congregationalist in creed, and a member of George G. Post, No. 99, G. A. R.
He was united in marriage, June 7, 1871, to Louise E. Nichols, daughter of Levi N. and Elizabeth Dow of Enosburgh. The issue of this union were : George E. (de- ceased), May L., and Lucy H.
WHEELER, HOYT HENRY, son of John and Roxanna (Hall) Wheeler, was born in Chesterfield, N. H., on the 30th of August, 1833. His great-grandfather, Peter Wheeler, emigrated from Littleton, Mass., in 1762, and was a capenter by trade, while the mother of Judge Wheeler was a granddaughter of Joseph Titus, one of the first settlers of Chesterfield. His father, John Wheeler, re- sided in Chesterfield until 1849, when he moved to his present residence at Newfane.
Hoyt H. Wheeler first saw the light on the farm where two generations of his ancestors had lived and died. His early education be- gan in the common schools of the neighbor- hood and was completed at the Chesterfield Academy, in 1853. Graduating from this institution he taught school for some time, and also studied law as opportunity afforded in the office of Charles K. Field, of Newfane. Subsequently he studied the same subject under the direction of Jonathan D. Bradley and George B. Kellogg, and was admitted to the bar in September, 1859. He then entered into partnership with John E. Butler, Esq., under the title of Butler & Wheeler. The new firm began professional practice in Ja- maica. Mr. Butler died in 1867, and after that Mr. Wheeler practiced law by himself. Early in his career he obtained a very large practice in Southern Vermont, and in the county and Supreme Courts acquired the reputation of a thorough lawyer and a safe counselor.
In 1867, he represented Jamaica in the House, and served on the judiciary commit- tee. In 1868 and 1869, he was returned to the state Senate from Windham county, and served during each session on the judiciary committee. While a member of the House he secured the charter of the West River R. R., which is now known as the Brattle- boro & Whitehall R. R. In the following year what was designated the " enabling act" was adopted, under his management, by the Legislature. By virtue of this statute the towns along the route were permitted to in- vest municipal funds in the bonds of the cor- poration, the success of whose undertaking was thus assured.
WHEELOCK.
In 1800, Mr. Wheeler was elected an as sistant judge of the Supreme Court, was re- elected m 1870, and again at each biennial election until and including 1876. 01 judicial temperament, wise, and learned in the law, he made a model judge. Without sobre nation on his part or that of his friends, Judge Wheeler was, in March, 1877, ap pointed by President Hayes district judge of the United States for the district of Ver mont in place of Judge David \. Smalley, deceased. Resigning his seat on the Supreme bench of Vermont, Judge Wheeler at once entered upon his new duties. They do not wholly call him to work in Vermont, and a large share of his judicial labors are per- formed in New York City, where he has among the members of the New York bar the same reputation as a just judge of pro- found learning that he has among their brethren in Vermont.
With corporate institutions of financial or other character, Judge Wheeler has held but slight connection. For several years he has been a director of the West River National Bank of Jamaica, but beyond that has not accepted any official position.
Judge Wheeler was married on the 24th of October, 1861, to Minnie L., daughter of John Maclay of Lockport, N. Y.
WHEELOCK, EDWIN, of Cambridge, son of Samuel and Patty (Adams) Wheelock, was born in Cambridge, Nov. 17, 1822.
His maternal grandfather was a near rela- tive of President John Adams, and he comes of good New England parentage on both sides of the house. After an attendance at the district school he fitted for college at the old Burlington Academy, entered the U. V. M. and graduated from that institution in 1849. For four years he was employed as a teacher in the Mountain Academy in West Tennessee, then returned to Cambridge, where he commenced and has continued his ministerial labors in the Congregational church of that community. For forty years he has continued his pastorate in that town, during which time he has conducted more than 1,200 funeral services and officiated at 800 marriages. He was an original member of the Lamoille Association of Congregational Ministers, and is still an influential factor in this organization.
For fourteen consecutive years Mr. Whee- lock has been superintendent of schools in Cambridge, was a member of the House in 1866-'67, and was chosen senator from Lamoille county in 1876. Four years later he was made chaplain of the Senate. He has been an honored member of the Masonic order and has served as chaplain of the Grand Lodge since 1886 until now (1894), rarely, if ever, having missed a meeting of
the Grand Lodge since he has belonged to the order.
He was married July 30, 1851, to Lanra, daughter of Daniel and Lucy Wheelock Pierce, who bore him six children, four of
EDWIN WHEELOCK.
whom survive : Mary Ella (Mrs. B. R. Holmes of Cambridge), Lucy (of Boston, Mass.), Ab- bie Laura (Mrs. C. F. Hulburd of Cambridge), and George L. of New York.
WHEELOCK, MARTIN W., of Berlin, son of Joseph W. and Laura E. (Phillips) Wheelock, was born in Montpelier, March 18, 1853. In 1854 his parents moved to Berlin, and he has since resided there, re- ceiving his education in the schools of Montpelier.
Employed from his earliest years in his father's bindery, it was but natural that he should follow that vocation, and upon the death of his father, in 1876, Mr. Wheelock succeeded him in the business of the Mont- pelier Bookbindery, which he has since suc- cessfully conducted, adding to his force from time to time, until he now employs fifteen to twenty people. After Montpelier estab- lished its present system of water supply, he introduced and placed in operation the first water motor in town, and procured the first exhibit of electric lighting in Montpelier from power derived from water motors, and caused to be put up the " police signal light," so called.
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WHITCOMB.
WHIPPLE.
At the age of twenty-one he was elected town superintendent of schools and repre- sented Berlin in the Legislature of 1880, and has held minor offices of responsibility and trust, and for the last eighteen years has been town clerk, treasurer and justice of the peace in Berlin. He is at present one of the directors of the Montpelier Board of Trade, was, in 1893, president of Volun- teer Hose, No. 1, and is still a member of the fire department, and is a member of the New England Order of Protection and of Vermont Lodge, No. 2, I. O. O. F.
He married Julia A. Miles, of Montpelier, daughter of Otis G. and Mary A. (Smith) Miles, March 16, 1878, and they have three daughters : Mabel E., Florence M., and Winona.
Mr. Wheelock is deeply interested in the prosperity of his native place, and is an earnest believer in the investment of capital in home enterprises-a course that experi- ence proves is not only for the good of the community, but as safe-to say the least- for the individual invester.
WHIPPLE, EDWARD O., of Danby, son of John and Clarica (Oakes) Whipple, was born in Athens, June 20, 1821.
EDWARD O. WHIPPLE.
He received his schooling in Albany and afterwards studied medicine with Doctors P. D. Bradford and Samuel W. Thayer, subse- quently graduating from the Castleton Medi- cal School in the class of 1847. He was
also for a time in attendance at the Bellevue Hospital in New York City.
Dr. Whipple took up his residence in Danby in 1848 and has built up an extensive practice in that and the adjoining towns. A strong Republican, he has never consented to accept any political office, choosing rather to devote himself entirely to his pro- fessional duties, but his sterling worth and ability have gained him the highest esteem of the community in which he resides.
Dr. Whipple has received the degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry, affiliating with Marble Lodge, No. 46, of Danby. He has also taken all those conferred in the I. O. O. F. He is an active member of the Rutland County Medical and Surgical Society and also of that of the state.
He was married in West Townshend, Sept. 25, 1848, to Augusta, daughter of Zadock and Sarah Sawyer. They have one son : Frank E., a physician of Danby.
WHITCOMB, ERVIN JACKSON, of Ludlow, was born in Ludlow, Feb. 24, 1822.
ERVIN JACKSON WHITCOMB.
He lived on a farm most of the time dur- ing his minority, was educated at the com- mon schools, and Black River Academy, and occasionally was occupied in teaching. In 1844 he engaged in trade, dealing in general country merchandise, in which oc- cupation he remained five years. After a sojourn of three years in Ontario, where he was engaged in (mercantile pursuits, he re-
turned to Ludlow, where he dealt in horses, land produce and agrientral implements until 1863. He then formed the partner slup of Whitcomb & Atherton, conducting a wholesale and retail feed, flom and grain business in connection with a grist mill. In 1871 the firm erected Whitcomb & Atherton block, and added a bakery to their business. In 1887 he retired from active business.
He wedded, Sept. 20, 1846, Elizabeth Goddard, daughter of Hon. Sewall and Eunice Howe (Goddard ) Fullam of Ludlow. The fruit of their union is one child : Belle E.
Mr. Whitcomb is the only surviving grand- son of Jonathan Whitcomb, a Revolutionary soldier. He has been for many years a member of Black River Lodge, No 85, F. & A. M. In religious belief he is a Univer- salist, has taken deep interest in and been a liberal donor to the church. He is a trustee of the state convention, and also of Goddard Seminary.
He was formerly a whig, but is now a Republican, and, after having discharged the duties of several town offices, was chosen representative from Ludlow for the two suc- cessive biennial terms of 1870 and 1872, and four years later was elected a senator from Windsor county.
WHITE, ELLIOT G., of Cavendish, son of George W. and Clara M. (Swift) White, was born in Cavendish, June 8, 1856.
His education was received in the com- mon schools of Cavendish, and after its completion he entered the service of his uncle, Hon. F. E. Swift. Later he moved to Boston, where he entered the employment of a horse car company and next was en- gaged as a clerk in a hotel near Bar Harbor, Me., but soon after returned to Cavendish, where he married and engaged in trade. Commencing business during a period of general depression caused by the loss by fire of the woolen mills in that place, by his un- tiring energy and good management he has built up a profitable and remunerative busi- ness in a general country store, dealing, in addition to his ordinary trade, in feed, grain, and lumber. He is also interested in real estate.
November 10, 1880, he was married to Nella C., daughter of Peter P. and Chloe (Adams) Wheeler of Cavendish.
For fourteen years Mr. White has held the positions of town clerk and postmaster ; for several terms he has served as selectman and is now the chairman of the board. He is one of the trustees of the Chester Sav- ings Bank, a director in the Chester National Bank, and also librarian of the Fletcher Library of Cavendish. He has always voted with the Republican party, and for four years discharged the duties of deputy sheriff.
He is a member and past master of La- Fayette Lodge, No. 53, F. K. A. M., of Cay- endish, and is affiliated with Skitchewang Chapter of that order.
WHITE, HEMAN ALLEN, of Washington, son of Thaddeus and Rebecca (Gleason) White, was born in Washington, Sept. 21, 1817. His father, Thaddeus, joined the pa- triot army at sixteen years of age, served under the gallant Lafayette, and after the close of the struggle was one of the earliest settlers who came to Washington, threading his way on horseback through the dense for- ests by a line of blazed trees. He posted the notice of the earliest Freemen's meeting, Sept. 2, and in 1794 was elected the first representative to the Legislature. He died in 1851, at the advanced age of ninety-two.
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