USA > Vermont > Bennington County > Peru > Reunion celebration : together with an historical sketch of Peru, Bennington County, Vermont, and its inhabitants from the first settlement of the town > Part 13
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Batchelder and Mary Simonds (Clark). Mr. Batchelder was for many years town superintendent of schools, and always had a most lively interest in their prosperity. From experience we know that the common schools in Peru from 1845 to 1860 were among the best in the state. In some of the select schools held in the town during this time the higher mathematics and languages were taught, and we could almost fit for college without going out of town. Much of the efficiency of the schools of that period was due to the personal attention of Mr. Batchelder. Besides, he took an active interest in everything that pertained to the welfare of the town, held almost every town office repeatedly, was very active and efficient in church work, and, last but not least, was the best farmer in town. He was appointed a justice of the peace in 1841, and has held that office up to the present time, a period of forty-nine years. He was chairman of the board of selectmen for eleven successive years during the war time. He represented the town in 1849, and was senator from Bennington County in 1850 and 1851, and associate judge of the County Court in 1864 and 1865. In 1869 he moved to Townshend, where he now resides. Mr. Batchelder has been one of the trustees of the Windham County Savings Bank for the past seventeen years. In 1840 he married Nancy, daughter of Benjamin Barnard, who has been his helpmate in all the circumstances of life, leading a more active life in the community where she lived than her husband. They were enabled to celebrate their golden wedding at their home in Townshend, March 12th, 1890. All their children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters were present, and with the help of the many friends that were present, a very enjoyable time was spent. Julia E., their only daughter, graduated at Burr & Burton's Seminary and at Mt. Holyoke Seminary. She married Rev. E. J. Ward, of Grafton, in 1867, and died at Grafton in 1872. She was a woman with noble traits of character, and her untimely death was greatly lamented. Their oldest son, James K., graduated at Burr & Burton's Seminary and at Middlebury College in the class of 1864. He studied law with the Hon. J. M. Tyler in Brattleboro, graduated at the Law School in Albany, and is now one of the prominent lawyers of the state. He represented the town of Arlington two terms, the last of which he was Speaker of the House. The youngest son, Edward, moved to Townshend with his father in 1869, where he is now engaged in farming, having one of the best river farms in the vicinity.
D. K. S.
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.HISTORY OF PERU.
George Batchelder was born in Peru in 1812, and received his education there. He worked on his father's farm until he was of age. About 1833 he went to Athol, where he served an apprentice- ship at the carpenter and joiner's trade. He returned in 1837, bringing with him his wife, whose maiden name was Elvira Peck, of Royalston, Mass., and worked at his trade in Peru and the adjoining towns. He had charge of the work in building the churches at 'Derry and East Dorset, and the new Congregational church at Peru; he also finished the Methodist church in Peru. Mr. Batchelder served the town as constable, lister, selectman, and was twice elected representative. In 1853 he moved to Rutland, where he did some large jobs and had a good reputation as millwright. After a few years he returned to East Dorset, where he died in 1878, aged 66 years. His wife died about the same time. They left two children, Elsie, who married Duane Kent, of Dorset, and Theodore, who married and settled in East Dorset.
James L. Haynes, with his wife, one son and a daughter, came to Peru about 1855, from Fitchburg, Mass. He was a man fixed in his purposes; what he resolved to do had to be done, and what he did was done well. He bought the mill owned by Holland Tarbell, put it in good order, and turned out first-class work. Mr. Haynes's premises soon showed that a new man had taken possession, the land was cleaned up and made productive, and the highway was kept in good repair. Miss Haynes was educated for a teacher. She married Dr. E. P. Miller, who went to New York City and opened a retreat for the sick and infirm, which has proved a great success. Mr. Haynes's son, Charles, fitted himself for a teacher, and taught school for some time; he is now at the head of Miller's Hotel in New York City. Mr. Haynes died in Peru, and his wife then went to New York and lived with her children. In 1888 she came to Peru to spend her summer vacation with Deacon Edmund Batchelder, and died at his home. They were a family respected by everybody in town.
Aaron Burton came to Peru from Chester in 1835, and settled on the Bigelow farm. He was an energetic man, quick to decide and prompt to act. He changed all the buildings except the barn, and sold the barn over the brook. The shops were removed, and a new house built on the same site where the old one stood. Mr. Burton was a good farmer, and made great improvements in the land. He took great pride in having good horses and oxen. He was a good
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and useful citizen, and held many town offices. Mrs. Burton's maiden name was Susan Bigelow, and was a native of Peru. She was a good and useful woman, always ready to help and attend to those who were sick. Her mother, Widow Bigelow, lived with the Burton family until she died in 1861, aged 82 years. Mr. Burton moved to Manchester in 1862, and lived there until he died.
CHILDREN OF AARON BURTON.
Susan Abigail M. Mr. Chamberlin, of Manchester; he died. Her second husband was Dr. C. P. Hatch, of Peru; he settled in Acworth, and died there. She then married Charles Lyon; now living in East Salem, N. Y.
Bowman M. a lady belonging in Philadelphia, lived there. He was a bridge builder.
R. Bigelow M. Mrs. Johnson, lives in New York City.
Mary M. A. J. Gray, of Weston, lives in Iowa.
Lauren died young in Peru.
G. K. Davis, son of H. O. Davis, came to Peru with his parents, and received his education in the village school. He worked at farming until he became of age, when he spent several years in business in New York City. He returned to Peru with his wife and bought the Jesse Rider farm, which he greatly improved. After living on the farm several years, he bought the hotel now known as the Bromley House. Mr. Davis is a good hotel manager, and no one understands better how to get up a good dinner than his wife. Mr. Davis is an active man in town affairs, and has been constable longer than any of his predecessors, besides holding many other town offices. Although he was a strong Democrat, he was elected to represent the town in the general assembly.
CHILDREN OF G. K. DAVIS.
George M. Miss Johnson, of Wardsboro, lived in 'Derry, now in Lee, Mass.
Abbie Ann M. Mr. Pond, of Manchester, lives in Dakota.
Ida M. Hildrith Batchelder, lives in Peru.
Ezra P. Chandler, son of John Chandler, was born in Peru, and received his education in the district schools. He was a natural mechanic. At the time he became of age he had worked in different shops, learning to do everything that was needed to be done. In 1852 he built the house in which he lived, and later built a barn and large shop, which was well filled with tools, mostly of his own make. He made anything in wood that was needed, from a sap tub to a
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wagon wheel, also anything in iron, from a steel punch to a 4-horse engine. Mr. Chandler was a valuable mechanic to have in any community. He was a good citizen, and did all in his power to help society. He died in 1885, aged 55 years. Mrs. Chandler is still living.
Charles Lyon, son of Freeman Lyon, Sen., was born and educated in Peru. He worked at farming until he was of age, when he went to Hoosick and worked in a woolen factory several years. He returned to Peru and bought the hotel, but sold it again about a year later and went to Eagleville, N. Y., where he soon became partner in the firm of Cleveland & Lyon, manufacturers of woolen goods. He continued in this business until about 1869, when he sold out and bought the water privilege at Shushan, on which he erected a large factory, part of which was used for the manufacture of cloth and part for a grist mill. He carried on business in this mill until he sold out to his nephews, who had been working for him. Mr. Lyon has now become a banker, and is president of a National bank in Salem Village. He is probably the wealthiest man that was brought up in Peru.
Amos Batchelder bought the farm on which he resides from A. D. Lincoln in 1850. He is a native of Peru, and has always lived in town. Mr. Batchelder has always been a hard working man and a good citizen, willing to do his share in supporting the institutions of the town and society. He married Lucretia Jones, of Waitsfield.
CHILDREN OF AMOS BATCHELDER.
Edgar M. in Dorset, lives in Peru.
Ella M. Mr. Hewes, of Winhall, lives in Winhall.
Edmund M. Fannie Cross, lives on the homestead and takes care of his parents.
Charles J. works at lumbering in Peru.
James works on a farm.
The four sons are stout six-foot athletic fellows, and can do as much heavy work as any four brothers.
Harvey and Hezekiah Stone, sons of Joseph Stone, were born on the farm where they now live, and received their education in the town. They inherited the farm from their father, and have always lived on it, their only sister keeping house for them. They attend strictly to their own business, although financially, they stand among the highest in town. They are the only representatives of the large family which existed in town sixty years ago. Harvey Stone has
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been an active citizen, and has been often elected to important offices. He is a hearty supporter of the Methodist church.
Charles E. Barnard was born and educated in Peru. He married Harriet Holton, a native of Peru, in 1848. He came into possession of his father's farm, built the new house, and worked at farming and lumbering until 1864, when he sold out and went to Granville, Ill. He has been a very prosperous man, carrying on a large cattle business and owning more farms than any native of Peru that we know of. Mr. Barnard had a family of eight children, whose names are Frank, Fred, Mary, Anna, Ellen, John, James, and Hattie, who have all settled in the west.
Stephen D. Simonds, son of David Simonds, was a native of Peru, and received his education in the district schools. His wife's maiden name was Emeline Carter, of Jaffrey, N. H. In 1864 they, with their two children, George and Alice, emigrated to Granville, Ill., where they have been very prosperous. Mrs. Simonds died about 1867. Mr. Simonds married Ellen Stiles, of Peru, for his second wife, who died in 1890. His son George is doing a success- ful business as banker and lawyer in Kansas.
F. P. Batchelder, second son of Edmund Batchelder, came to Peru with his parents in 1819 from Mt. Vernon, N. H., and was educated at the common schools, with one or two terms at Chester Academy. He served an apprenticeship at shoemaking, and worked at his trade and at farming in his early life. Mr. Batchelder was constable for several years, and for a time was deputy sheriff. He was twice elected a member of the general assembly, and was doorkeeper in the house of representatives one session. In 1869 he sold his farm in Peru and bought a farm and milk route in Ludlow, which he run for several years. He then moved to Iowa, where he farmed to advantage for four years on a rented farm, after which he went to Dakota and bought a claim of 480 acres, proved it up and obtained a title. After building a house and improving the farm he sold out and went to St. Louis, where he is still living. Mr. Batchelder married Abigail Barnard, of Peru, in 1842, and they have five children, namely, Rosette, Mary Emma, Luella, Lizza, and Herbert P. All the children have settled west of the Missisippi.
James Bennett, son of Francis Bennett, came to Peru with his parents in 1819, and worked on his father's farm, attending school in the winter months. Soon after he became of age he married a lady from Boston. Mr. Bennett owned a piece of land, which he cleared
M. J. HAPGOOD.
PE YE
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himself and built a house. Five or six years later he owned and carried on the Samuel Stone farm, Deacon Wyman's farm, and Jesse Rider's farm. In 1840 he sold out and went to Rockingham, where he bought a store and carried on business about a year, then going to Boston and opening a provision store in partnership with his son Henry. They did a large business until 1880, when Mr. Bennett died. Henry still carries it on, under the name of Bennett & Rand. Jacob, another son, is doing a successful business in Philadelphia.
Deacon O. P. Simonds, son of Deacon David Simonds, was born in Peru in 1315, and with the exception of a year or two, has always lived in town. He built the house where he now resides in 1841. Mr. Simonds worked at the shoemaking business for over sixty years. He has served the town as town clerk forty-three years, and was twice elected representative to the general assembly. He has been a member of the church fifty-three years, and as deacon was present at all the meetings, generally leading the choir. Mr. Simonds married Mary Cone in 1839, and they had six children. They have lived together more than fifty years, and although their golden wedding was not celebrated, they were not forgotten.
Joseph H. Simonds, brother of O. P. Simonds, was born in Peru in 1818, and has always lived in town. He owned and lived on the farm which his father cleared, built the new house and improved the barns, and then sold it to Stephen Simonds. He next bought the farm where Albert lives, built a new house and barn, and lived on it until he died in 1876, aged 58 years. Mr. Simonds was a useful man, both in town and church affairs, being always ready to sustain any good cause by his presence and means. He married Emily Messenger, who is still living. Albert, his son, takes charge of the paternal acres, and is likely to fill his father's place in town and society. He was elected representative to the legislature in 1890.
Joseph P. Long came to Peru in his boyhood, and has lived in the town ever since. He lived on the paternal farm and took care of his father and mother. He was a prudent and industrious man, and erected good buildings on the farm, besides making great improvements in the land. Mr. Long held several town offices, and was twice elected town representative. He married Elvira Lakin, of Peru, and they had three children, whose names were, Madison, died in 1864, one son died young, and Henry, who is now living in Manchester. Mrs. Long died with consumption about 1855. Mr.
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Long died about 1879. His second wife, who was Widow Lincoln, is still living.
Stillman W. Lincoln came to Peru with his parents, and received his education in the common schools, where he was always considered a good scholar. He was a inan of great energy and activity. His wife's maiden name was Ann Whitney, of Peru, and she is still living. Mr. Lincoln bought the Francis Bennett farm, and lived on it until 1837, when he moved to Pittsfield, Ohio, bought a farm and improved it. A few years later he moved to Oberlin and bought in one of the best locations in the city. Mr. Lincoln died in 1882, aged 72 years.
Jacob Bennett, son of Francis Bennett, came to Peru in 1819, and worked on a farm until he became of age, attending the district school during the winter months. He went to Boston and worked in a store as clerk for several years, but afterwards went to New York and entered into partnership in a dry goods firm. . Mr. Bennett was a good business man, and his prospects for success were very flattering. He died suddenly with cholera in 1829, aged about 26 years.
L. B. Hapgood was born in Peru in 1841, and received his education in the town. He worked in his father's store as clerk until he became of age, when the firm of L. B. & J. J. Hapgood was formed, in which he continued until 1870. He then went to Boston and entered into partnership with C. M. Hapgood in the wholesale shoe business, but was burnt out in the great fire. Mr. Hapgood is now foreman in the shoe store of C. M. Hapgood, in Easton, Penn., and has an interest in the business. He married Ellen Davis, of Peru. about 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Hapgood have been useful citizens wherever they have lived, and have always taken great interest in the prosperity of the church to which they belonged.
C. M. Hapgood, after his return from the war in 1864, went to Boston and entered a shoe store as clerk. He soon afterwards became partner in the business, but was unfortunately burnt out. After remaining in business at Boston a few years, he went to Easton, Penn. A company was there organized under the name of Hapgood, Hay & Co., and did a wholesale and retail business in boots and shoes of all kinds. Mr. Hapgood attended to buying the stock and had the general management of the business, which increased from year to year. The company was dissolved in 1889, but Mr. Hapgood continued in the same business, and is now doing
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a larger business than any other man who went from Peru. His residence is one of the finest in the town.
Mark B. Lyon, son of Joel Lyon, was born in Peru and educated in the district and select schools. He worked on his father's farm until he was of age, then worked some years at the marble business in Dorset, where he also taught school. Mr. Lyon married Abbie M. Rideout, of Dorset, and returned to his father's house. In 1869 he bought the best farm in town, on which he has proved himself a successful farmer. Mr. Lyon is a useful citizen and an active worker in the society and church of which he and his wife are members. He has represented the town in the legislature, besides being elected to several town offices.
J. C. Lakin, the only son of Capt. James Lakin, was born on the farm where he now resides, and was educated in the district school. His children have received their education and become teachers in the same school. Mr. Lakin is an active citizen, and has held many important offices. Although a strong Democrat, he was elected representative by the town. He married Elvira Rideout, of Dorset.
Charles Batchelder, son of Edmund Batchelder, was born on the farm where he now lives, and has lived there most of his life. His wife's maiden name was Abbie Davis. Mr. Batchelder, being the youngest son, came into possession of the ancestral farm, and he and his wife provided and cared for his parents as they passed down the declivity of life and crossed the Jordan to the new Jerusalem. Mr. Batchelder's sons have all left home, and he has carried on the farm alone for years. He is a good citizen, and always willing to do his share of any town business. Mr. Batchelder and his wife are liberal supporters of the society and church of which they are members.
Samuel Stiles, son of Capt. Francis Stiles, is a true blooded Vermonter, by birth, education, and practice, and by being quick to decide and prompt to act he has accomplished whatever he has undertaken. He came into possession of his father's farm, and has since added another farm to it, besides building a new house. His parents and grandparents lived with him in their old age. Mr. Stiles married Miss Conable, of Bernardston, Mass., who died; he then married her sister, who is still living. They are Methodists, and are active supporters of that church.
Dexter Batchelder, son of Israel Batchelder, was born at Peru
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in 1820, and was educated in the village schools. In 1841 he went Dorset and worked in Wm. Williams's tanyard. While there he married Susan Bloomer. After a few years he returned to Peru to take charge of the homestead and care for his parents in their declining years, a duty which he and his wife faithfully performed. In 1840 he bought the farm where his son Robert lives, repaired the house and moved on to it, converting the large house which stood on the homestead into a cheese factory. Mr. Batchelder took an active interest in town business, and was always ready to aid in any useful improvements. Although he was not a member of the church, he did a great deal towards the support of the society and institution of the church. He represented the town in two sessions of the legislature, and was one of the county judges at the time of his death. Mr. Batchelder died in 1888, aged 68 years. His only child, Robert I., inherits the estate.
D. K Simonds, son of Deacon David Simonds, was born at Peru 1839, and spent his childhood and youth on his father's farm and at the district school in Peru. He went to Burr & Burton's Seminary to prepare for college, and graduated from Middlebury College in 1862. He then practiced law in the office of Crone & Bisbee, Newport. Vt., being admitted to the bar in 1865, at Orleans County, Vt. Mr. Simonds edited the Newport Express in 1865 and 1866, the St. Johnsbury Times in 1870, and for the past twenty years has been proprietor and editor of the Manchester Journal. He has been town clerk for eighteen years, was postmaster for eleven years, register of the probate court fourteen years, was elected represen- tative from Manchester and senator from Bennington County. Mr. Simonds married Ellen Clark, daughter of Rev. A. F. Clark, of Brattleboro, who was a teacher of music at Burr Seminary.
Rev. Myron S. Dudley, son of Gen. Stephen Dudley, was born in Peru, and received the rudiments of his education in the common and select schools of the town. He fitted for college at Burr & Burton's Seminary, and graduated from Middlebury College in 1863. In 1863 he entered the army, joining the Veteran regiment as private, but was afterwards promoted captain. He was wounded in the battle of the Wilderness, and mustered out of service in 1865. Mr. Dudley then studied theology, and was ordained and settled at Chelsea, Vt., from which place he went to Cromwell, Conn. In 1890 he moved to Nantucket, Mass. He has been a useful man, and is greatly esteemed wherever he labors.
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James M. Dudley, third son of Gen. Dudley, was educated at the district school. Chester Academy, and Burr & Burton's Seminary. He entered the office of Judge Washburn, in Ludlow, to study law, and remained there two years, then entering the Albany Law School, where he studied until he was admitted to the bar. Mr. Dudley associated himself with Horace Smith, a former classmate, and carried on business at Broadalbin. From there he went to Open- heim, Fulton County. In 1855 he moved to Johnstown, the county seat, and formed a partnership with the late Judge Bell, which continued until the death of the latter. Mr. Dudley possesses a good legal mind, well disciplined by study and experience, and is felt to be a lawyer who can safely be trusted with complicated cases.
Deacon Edmund Batchelder, son of Deacon John Batchelder, was born on the farm where he now lives, and where he intends to live until he crosses the river, when his son Hildrith will take possession of it for life, and then leave it to his son. It is eighty- seven years since Deacon John Batchelder commenced on this farm. Edmund Batchelder married Sophia Simonds, who died in 1856, aged 41 years, and he then married Augusta Parker, of Putney, who died in 1867; his third wife, whose name was Mary (Rider) Fairbanks, is still living. Mr. Batchelder has been an active deacon in the church for thirty years, and has been a member about fifty years. He has been a member of the Sunday school seventy-one years.
A. T. Byard, only son of Aaron Byard, was born and educated in Peru. He married Jane McMullen, and they went to live on the paternal farm. Mr. Byard provided and cared for his father and mother while they lived, both of whom lived to be over ninety years of age. Mr. Byard improved the farm and erected a fine house. After his children left home he sold the farm and bought the Mark Batchelder place in the village, which he greatly improved, but afterwards exchanged it for the farm that Asa Phillips commenced on. He still owns this place, but resides in Townshend, Vt. Mr. Byard is a man respected by all, having been a good citizen and a useful member of the church. He represented the town two years in the legislature.
C. F. Long is a son of Isaac G. Long, who came to Peru from Londonderry about 1828. He was educated in the village schools, and worked on the farm with his father until he became of age. He
HISTORY OF PERU.
then worked at turning chair stock, but it did not agree with his health, so he commenced peddling tinware, soon, however, changing that for dry goods, and did an extensive business. He bought a large farm in Dorset, improved it, and then sold out. Mr. Long then went to Detroit, Mich., and formed a company under the name of Batchelder & Long, to deal and work in stone. After doing a successful business for some time, he sold his share in the company and moved to Iowa, where he lived several years. He is now living in Ypsillanti, Mich. Although Mr. Long's health has always been delicate, he has been able, by care, to lead a very active life, and has been successful in all his undertakings. He married Martha Batchelder, of Peru, who died in 1888, aged 58 years. Mr. Long is a liberai supporter of society, both by his means and presence.
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