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 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14
Aurilla M. Eliab Stone, went to Michigan.
Asa M. Cyntha Bryant, went to Massachusetts, died there. Huldah M. Mr. Crouch of Chesterfield, N. H., lived there.
42
HISTORY OF PERU.
Calvin M. Miss Penfield, lives in Peru on the Williams farm, which he has much improved. He is a first-class farmer.
John Q. Adams began on the lot west of Calvin Phillips's farm. He cleared it up, built a house and barn, and then sold it to George Williams, who lived on it several years, and then sold out to Calvin Williams, the present owner.
The farm on which Albert Simonds lives was begun by Oliver Wyman, who built the first house and barn on the place. He sold to Mark Batchelder about 1835. He had a blacksmith shop and worked at the business. In 1841 Rufus Bennett bought the place from Mr. Batchelder, who sold it to Lewis White, he selling it to G. S. Hobart, who carried on the place for some years and then sold out to J. H. Simonds and moved to 'Derry. Mr. Simonds built a new barn and house, and bought a new addition to the farm. He died on the farm in 1876, aged 58 years. His son, Albert, married Lina Mills, and is the present owner.
Moses Killam began on the farm where Alfred Williams lives. He built the first buildings on the place. Mr. Killam died here, leaving a son and daughter. The daughter, Maria, married Jonathan Walker, and lived in Landgrove. Mr. J. Bruce lived and died on this place. Lydia Killam also owned it for some time. Asa Simonds then owned it and sold out to Francis Bennett, he selling the place to F. P. Batchelder, who built the present house, made additions to the barns, and improved the farm in every way. In 1862 he sold the place to Stephen Simonds, who sold it to F. P. Batchelder in 1864. He occupied the place until 1869, when he sold out to Benjamin Williams, who died on the farm. His son, Alfred, now lives on it with his mother.
John Chandler built a small house near the saw-mill, where Ira R. Walker lives, but sold it to B. S. Ballard, who built the present house about 1841. He sold the place to George Batchelder, Edward Batchelder buying it from George, who sold it to D. H. Marden; he built a barn and sold out to Ira R. Walker, who is the present owner.
Edward Batchelder sold the saw-mill to Gustavus Albee, who built the house where Calvin Williams now lives, and then sold out to Elijah Simonds, who died, leaving the premises to his family. His family are the present owners. Widow Elijah Simonds married C. Williams, who now occupies the place.
Dana Wyman began on the lot east of Josiah Barnard's farm, built the buildings and lived there a long time. He sold the place
43
HISTORY OF PERU.
to Zimri Whitney, who sold out to G. K. Davis, and it is now owned by some of the family. H. O. Davis lived on it a long time.
Josiah Barnard cut the first tree on the farm north of the Dudley place about 1801. He cleared the land, built the wall and the buildings. In 1834 be sold out to Stephen Dudley and moved to Ohio with his family, whose names were: Wood, John, Hannah, Joseph, Alonzo and Eliza, who all settled near Oberlin, Ohio. Alonzo studied at Oberlin, becoming a missionary among the Indians of the Red River country, in the northern part of Minnesota. Josiah Barnard was an upright man and a useful citizen. He held many of the important offices of the town, and represented the town of Peru in a constitutional convention. He lived to be go years of age. Josiah Barnard sold his farm to Stephen Dudley for $800, with all the improvements on it, in 1834. Mr. Dudley carried on the farm for two years, and then sold it to John Jackson, who lived on the place two years. In 1839 Moses and Jessie Rider came from Grafton and bought the farm of Mr. Jackson. They carried it on until they both died, when their son, Jesse, came into possession, and lived on it several years. He sold the place to G. K. Davis.
CHILDREN OF MOSES RIDER.
Jesse M. Mary Dudley, lived in Peru, moved to 'Derry; both died there.
Harriet M. Solomon Davis, lived in 'Derry.
Mary M. Mr. Fairbanks for her first husband, and Deacon Edmund Batchelder for the second; lives in Peru.
Carrie M. Daniel Davis, lives in Chester.
CHILDREN OF JESSE RIDER.
Leray M. a lady from the West. He was killed by his engine falling on him while sawing wood at Bellows Falls.
Helen M. Henry Stiles, lives in Masonville, Iowa.
Caroline M. E. Garfield, lives in Derry.
Guilford, unmarried, lives in Derry.
Julia M., lives in Massachusetts.
G. K. Davis bought the farm of Jesse Rider, and occupied it several years. He improved the house and then sold it to Theodore Rand, who carried it on some years, selling out to H. C. Plympton. Charles G. Hunt, of 'Derry, bought the farm of Mr. Plympton, and is the present occupant.
The place now owned by G. N. Wyman was commenced by Benjamin S. Ballard, who built the buildings about 1835, and lived
44
HISTORY OF PERU.
on the place until 1840. He sold out to Asa Simonds, who occupied it until his death in 1861. R. F. Manley lived on this farm for a short time, then Ira R. Walker owned and occupied it until G. N. Wyman bought it. He is the present owner.
Elijah Simonds and his family came to Peru in 1802 from Gardner, Mass. He began new on the lot south of the Dudley farm, building a log house on the old road. He afterwards erected his frame buildings on the present road, east from the present buildings and on the opposite side of the road. His house was clapboarded on the studding with clapboards split and shaved, it being occupied many years with only that covering on the wall. Mr. Simonds lived to be quite aged.
CHILDREN OF ELIJAH SIMONDS.
Jonathan went to Richmond.
Elijah went to Massachusetts.
Ezekiel, teacher of music, went to New Orleans.
David M. Anna Byam, lived and died in Peru.
Asa M. Sophia Lyon, lived in Peru.
Lucy M. Mr. Gray, lived in Dorset, moved to Illinois.
Abigal, unmarried, a school teacher, died in New York.
Asa Simonds, son of Elijah Simonds, came to Peru in 1803 with his parents, from Gardner, Mass. He married Sophia Lyon, and had a large family. He was elected captain of the militia company and was deacon in the Congregational church for a time. He built the mill in 1825 near I. R. Walker's house, which was used for a saw and grist mill. He came into possession of his father's farm and had the care of his parents in their decline, but sold the farm to Jonathan Elliot and bought the place on which A. Williams lives, near the mill. He sold the mill and farm about 1839 or '40 and lived on the place that B. S. Ballard occupied. He lived for two years in Manchester to educate his daughters. His last business was teaming. He was killed by a falling shed, under which he had driven to escape a violent gale. He was taken into the Manchester depot and died on the third day, aged 71 years. His wife died in 1 870.
CHILDREN OF ASA SIMONDS.
Sophia M. Edmund Batchelder, lived in Peru; she died in 1856, aged 41 years.
Mary M. Rev. A. F. Clark, who preached for 12 years in Peru, now living in Brattleboro.
45
HISTORY OF PERU.
Abigal M. Isaac Barrows of Dorset, died in November, 1844.
Martha M. C. L. Howe, lives in Brattleboro. Mrs. Howe is the mother of Mary Howe, the great New England singer.
Dorcas, unmarried. She was a school teacher for more than 30 years, and gave the Congregational church of Peru $500, the interest to be used for supporting preaching.
A. P. Dodridge M. Fanny Batchelder, lived in Peru. While he was driving a mowing machine he stepped between the horses, but lost control of them, they dragging the mower over him. He was terribly mangled and died in a day or two. He was a good singer, leading the church choir for some years. His death was in 1865.
William Burkitt M. Affa Cone, lives in Peru.
Ellen M. A. Gilbert Dexter, editor and proprietor of the Cam- bridge Chronicle, Mass., but now in business in California.
Oscar M. Victoria Bailey, lives in Pennsylvania.
Edward, unmarried, a merchant, lived in Massachusetts, now in Minneapolis.
Goodell Walker came to town in 1817, and married Lydia Lyon. He built on the Russell farm, but sold it to Ira Russell and bought the Simonds place of Mr. Elliot, where he lived until he died. He had a large farm, and improved it and the buildings very much. Ile deeded the place to his son, Porter J., who occupied it a few years and then sold it to J. G. Walker, the present owner. Goodell died in 1875, aged about 79 years.
CHILDREN OF GOODELL WALKER.
John G. M. Hannah Davis, lived in Peru, now in 'Derry.
Ira R. M. Catharine Wyman, lives in Peru.
Seth L. M. Abbie Drury, lives on the Dudley farm in Peru.
Jerusha M. Joshua Barnard, lives in Winhall.
Eunice M. Isaac Barnard, died in Jamaica.
Merrill G. M. Rosetta Stiles, lived on the Bigelow farm in Peru, now in Manchester.
Duane M. Irene Stoddard, died in Peru in 1863, aged 30 years.
Porter J. M. Lucy Dudley; she died in 1865, aged 29 years. Ile then married Martha Gilligan, lived in Manchester, now in Chicago.
Janette M. O. N. Russell, died in Peru in 1863, aged 22 years.
Mary Jane M. Josiah H. Whitney, lives on the B. Barnard farm in Peru.
Benjamin Barnard, jr., commenced on the farm now occupied by Josiah H. Whitney. In 1804 he built a log house and barn
46
HISTORY OF PERU.
north from the present buildings, in the pasture on the old road; the nursery of apple trees marks the spot. In 1813 he built where the present buildings are, but the house has been replaced by one built by his son Charles, and occupied by B. Barnard and his wife until his death in 1864. Charles E., his son, had the homestead, which he sold in 1865 to M. G. Walker, who sold it to Josiah H. Whitney, who lives there at the present time.
CHILDREN OF BENJAMIN BARNARD, JR.
Hepsibath M. J. J. Hapgood, lives in Peru.
Elizabeth M. Israel Haynes, lives in Wilmington.
Nancy M. Ira K. Batchelder, lived in Peru until 1869, then went to Townshend.
Emily M. Ruel Gibson of 'Derry, died in Alstead, N. H., in 1879.
Luke B. M. Aramintha Haynes of Wilmington, lives in Wilming- ton.
Charles E. M. Harriet Holton of Peru, lived in Peru until 1865, then moved to Granville, Ill., living there at the present time.
Seth B M. Mary Fox of Wilmington, living there until his death in 1885.
The farm west of Benjamin Barnard's place was begun early by Mr. Graves, who was a useful citizen. In 1817 he sold the farm to Thomas Sumner, he selling it to Reuben Walker, who came from Jamaica. He lived on this place and in a small house that was built for him on the turnpike road near the Jesse Brown road, and died at his son's in Landgrove.
CHILDREN OF REUBEN WALKER.
Goodell M. Lydia Lyon, always lived in Peru.
Sally M. Ira Russell, lived and died in Peru.
Jonathan M. Maria Killam, died in Landgrove.
Reuben went away and never returned.
Stephen lived in North Adams, Mass.
Jerusha M. John Kyle, lives in the West.
Goodell Walker first built on the place where Charles Russell lives, but sold the place to Ira Russell, who came from Jamaica. He built the present house and most of the buildings, and greatly enlarged and improved the farm, living on it until he died in 1874, aged 76 years.
CHILDREN OF IRA RUSSELL.
Sally M. E. P. Luther of Dorset, both died in East Dorset.
Eunice M. Zeno Cone, lived in Winhall; died in 1885.
MRS. I. K. BATCHELDER.
TIEWE MY UT B EMBRARY
AS DR. EN. . ANI TLIEN 1, DATI NS.
47
HISTORY OF PERU.
Nahum M. Emma Benson of Dorset moved West; died there. Samantha M. James Griffith of Mount Tabor, lives there.
Caroline M. Allen Benson, who died in Andersonville prison.
Charles M. Lucy Carter for his first wife, and Clarinda Lothrop for the second; lives in Peru.
George M. Laura Clayton for his first wife, and Widow Blakely for the second; lives in Peru.
Charles came into possession of the paternal farm, and now lives on it.
Edward Messenger came from Dedham, Mass., with Jesse Warren, and in 1829 bought of him half a lot of land west of the Russell farm, putting up all the buildings now on the farm. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and worked at the business the greater part of his time, working on the farm only in the busy season. He was an active, energetic man in business, a useful citizen, and genial in his family. In 1839 his parents came to live with him in their declining years, but his father lived only a short time, while his mother lived to the good old age of 96 years, always striving to make all around her happy, and happy with herself. Her son made her happy by giving her a good home and seeing that her wants were all supplied, and for no other remuneration than to do his filial duty and the rich reward he received for doing that. Edward Messenger died in 1876, aged 76 years; his wife died some time before.
CHILDREN OF EDWARD MESSENGER.
Mary M. Adamı Corbet, lived in Peru; died in 1875.
Nancy M. James Pebbles, died young in Massachusetts.
Laura M. Riley Pebbles, died young in Massachusetts.
Sarah M. Henry Mellendy, died in Boston.
Ellen M. Henry Mellendy, lives in Chicago.
Lucius Messenger came from Wrentham, Mass., in 1829, and built a house on the lower side of the highway southwest of Edward Messenger's house. He soon sold out to Amherst Messenger and returned to Massachusetts. Amherst lived on the place, farming and shoemaking, until about 1850, when he returned to Massachusetts, the place going into Edward Messenger's hands. The house that stood on the place is gone.
CHILDREN OF AMHERST MESSENGER.
Emily M. Joseph Simonds, lived in Peru.
John B. M. Louisa Washburn, lives in Natick, Mass.
48
HISTORY OF PERU.
Horace Jackson came from Dedham, Mass., in 1830, and commenced new on a half lot west of E. Messenger's land, erecting the buildings and clearing the land. Mrs. Jackson was a valuable woman in society. They had two children, Edwin and Mary, who went with them to South Deerfield, Mass., in 1860, the farm being sold to P. H. Russell, who lived on it for some years and then sold it to Joshua Wilder. P. H. Russell moved to Arlington, where he buried his wife, and is now living in Michigan.
General Peter Dudley came into town in 1801, and settled on a lot south of Josiah Barnard's farm, building a log house near where the present buildings stand. It was not long before he had built the first two-story house in town, using split clapboards, shaved. He remained on the farm until his death, in 1847, when it went into the possession of his son, General Stephen Dudley, who remained on it some years, then selling out to Seth L. Walker, the present owner and resident.
CHILDREN OF GENERAL PETER DUDLEY.
Peter M. Delia Davis, lived in .Manchester; died in 1882.
General Stephen M. Lydia Davis, lived in Peru and 'Derry; died in Andover.
Lucy married in western New York, died there.
Elvira married in western New York, died in Michigan.
Lydia 3. David Arnold, lived in 'Derry; died in 1886.
James married in Johnstown, N. Y., lives there.
Samuel died young.
Sophia M. Nelson Curtis, lived in Hoosick, N. Y. .
Caroline M. Charles Lee, died in Kentucky.
Damietta M. Mr. Bates, lived in Shaftsbury; died there. Helen M. E. Holton, lives in Illinois.
CHILDREN OF GENERAL STEPHEN DUDLEY.
Myron married; is a clergyman, settled in Connecticut.
George went to Kentucky, died there.
Lucy M. P. J. Walker, died in Peru.
Elmer married, lives in Massachusetts.
Estelle M. Mr. Adams, lives in Chester.
Homer M. Miss Eames, lives in 'Derry. Caroline married, lives in Andover.
Three of General Stephen Dudley's sons, Myron, Elmer and Homer, enlisted at the time of the rebellion. Elmer lost one of his limbs.
1
MRS. DAVID SIMONDS.
DEA. DAVID SIMONDS.
49
HISTORY OF PERU.
Jesse Warren came into town in 1829 from Dedham, Mass., and purchased the Butterfield farm, containing four hundred acres of land. There was a large set of hotel buildings on the hill one-third of a mile north of the present buildings, on the old road. These buildings were located before the allotment of the town, being the first and only tavern from Utley's in Landgrove to Manchester. Mr. Warren moved the house down on to the turnpike, being the house he lived in. The basement he used for a shop. He and his son-in- law, Hiram Messenger, erected the large house and two large barns, and Mr. Messenger kept a hotel for fourteen years in the new house. Mr. Warren sold one hundred acres of his land to E. Messenger and H. Jackson, but carried on the farm and cleared some of the land, also manufacturing cast iron ploughs and castings for various purposes, as well as carrying on the blacksmith's business. He started this business on the top of the mountain, but the buildings are all taken down, there being no sign left of the first location. The hotel building still stands, but the rest of the buildings have been built since. Mr. Warren and his family coming to town at the time they did, their influence was good and elevating; he was a valuable citizen and always ready to lend a helping hand to every useful enterprise, besides doing much to build up and sustain society. He did much towards supporting the town schools, and it was here that his family of ten children received the rudiments of their education. Mr. Warren remained in town about eight or ten years and then went to Springfield, Vt., where he purchased a foundry and continued the business of making ploughs and castings.
CHILDREN OF JESSE WARREN.
Mary Ann M. Hiram Messenger, lived in Peru, but moved to Detroit, Mich.
Joseph M. Roxana Richardson, moved to Ohio; both dead.
Betsey M. B. S. Ballard, died on Long Island.
Elvira M. Mr. Bisbee, lives in Springfield, Vt.
Harriet took care of her mother in declining years at Fitchburg, Mass.
Joseph, the oldest son, worked at the same business as his father, settling down in Medina County, Ohio, where he has been successful and prosperous in his business. The other five brothers, whose names are John, Samuel M., Cyrus, Marshall and Burgess, have been in company, first in the cement roofing business in different cities in the North and Middle States, and have also been
50
.
HISTORY OF PERU.
extensively engaged in refining petroleum at the Warren Chemical Works, Brooklyn, N. Y. It is said that the oil from these works is a superior article. Samuel entered the ministry, and lives in the vicinity of Boston; he married his wife in England. John withdrew from the company and settled near his brother Joseph in Ohio. Marshall was drowned by a collision on Long Island Sound. Cyrus is a chemist, and is settled down in Brookline, Mass., devoting his time to chemistry for the benefit of the company. He is connected with the Boston School of Technology. The Warren boys have been remarkably prosperous business men since they left Peru, and are in affluent circumstances, made so by their untiring energy and industry.
Dr. Silas Clark came into town from Winhall in 1809, and settled in a log house on the old road north of Charles Russell's house, being on the same lot, but did only a small amount of professional business. He was a useful member of society, and did much to build it up. Mrs. Clark died of typhoid fever about 1814, and Dr. Clark soon moved to Herkimer County, N. Y., selling the place to Goodell Walker in 1817.
The house west of Dr. Clark's on the old road, at the foot of the hill, was a log house, built by Mr. Butler, of whom nothing is known. This lot of land belongs to the Russell farm at this time.
Jonathan Butterfield came to Peru about 1795, and previous to the allotment of the town. He made a pitch on the height of land in the south part of the town, about one hundred rods from Winhall line, building a large house, barn, and sheds, convenient for a hotel. Mr. Lovel was associated with him in erecting these build- ings. Mr. Butterfield kept a public-house for some years, it being known as the Butterfield tavern far and near. In 1810 Mr. Cooper was landlord for some years, then Mendal Fosgot run it for a time, after which Jeduthan Bruce had it, he being the last landlord of the house. The turnpike was completed in 1816, and travelers left the old road for the new one. Hiram Messenger opened a public-house in a new building on the turnpike road in 1831 or '32, and kept it ten or twelve years, when the place, with the Warren farm, went into the hands of Mr. Briggs. Alexander Leland leased the tavern for a short time and run it as a hotel. J. G. Mellendy came to town with a large family, and bought the property of Mr. Briggs, but took the hotel sign down after being there a year. It was next sold to Seth H. Dickinson, whose family own the property at the present time.
51
HISTORY OF PERU.
Mr. Mellendy had a large family of children, and took great pride in educating them and helping to sustain the school, and his three eldest daughters were excellent school teachers. He moved to Deerfield, Mass., in 1858, and died there in 1883.
CHILDREN OF J. G. MELLENDV.
Emily M. Mr. Putnam, lived in Cleveland until her husband's death, now living in South Deerfield.
Orrilla M. Stephen Grout, lived in East Dorset: died there.
Ella M., lived in Boston; died there.
Henry M. Sarah Messenger for his first wife, who died in Boston, and Ellen Messenger for his second.
The younger members of the family are some east and some west.
Jesse Brown married Sally Brooks and came from Princeton to Peru in 1803, beginning on the farm where his son Jesse now resides, and built a log house and barn. He and his son Jesse built the buildings now on the farm, the latter keeping the paternal acres. Asa, Jesse's son, takes care of his father and mother and inherits the estate, so keeping the place in the name of the Browns for three generations. Jesse Brown died in 1860, aged 92 years, and his wife in 1854, aged 81 years.
CHILDREN OF JESSE BROWN, SEN.
Sally M. Hinckley Cook, who died in Peru in 1865. At the time of Mrs. Cook's death in 1889 she was the oldest person in town, being 96 years old.
John M Bathsheba Trash, died in Peru.
Jesse M. Elizabeth Hapgood for his first wife, she died in Peru in 1834; his second wife was Mary Ann Everett, died in Peru in 1853; his third wife was Hannah Whitney, lives in Peru. Jesse died in 1889, aged about 96 years.
Dr. Asa B. M. in Ohio; died in 1844, aged 37 years.
John Brown built the buildings where his son Justus lives, and who owns the farm, he being the only child. Justus married Irene Walker, the widow of Duane Walker.
Deacon David Simonds, son of Elijah Simonds, was born in Gardner, Mass., in 1786, and moved to Peru in 1802. He married Anna Byam of Jaffrey, N. H., in 1810, and died at New Ipswich, July 12, 1869, aged 83 years. Mrs. Simonds died in Peru in 1885, aged 94 years.
CHILDREN OF DAVID SIMONDS.
Sarah Ann died young, October 11, 1835.
52
HISTORY OF PERU.
David K. died young, June 24, 1835.
Oliver P. M. Mary A. Cone, lives in Peru.
Joseph H. M. Emily Messenger, died at Peru in 1876. Amanda M. Deacon Frost, lives in New Ipswich, N. H.
Stephen D. M. Emeline Carter for his first wife, and Ellen Stiles for the second, lives in Granville, Ill.
Elmina M. Milo Simpson, lives in Hoosick, N. Y.
Elijah M. Angeline Eddy, died at Peru in 1866.
Edwin B. M. Marian Farnum, lives in Virginia.
Affa A. M. James Pebbles, lives in New Ipswich, N. H. David K. M. Ellen Clark, lives in Manchester, Vt.
O. P. Simonds, of the above family, has lived in Peru all his life excepting two years, when he worked on a farm in Wallingford. He has worked at shoemaking for fifty years, been town clerk and postmaster for forty-three years, member of the legislature two terms, and succeeded his father as deacon of the church, which office he has held about thirty-eight years. Joseph Simonds was a farmer, and a useful man in town and society. Stephen is also a prosperous farmer in Granville, Ill. David is a lawyer by profession, but is now editor of the Manchester Journal, is town clerk, and has been a member of the upper and lower houses in the legislature.
Sylvanius Densmore began on a lot east of the David Simonds place, and put up some buildings. He stayed on this place some years and moved away. Scammel Burt then occupied the premises until 1823, when the house was burnt. Mr. Burt built a house at the foot of the hill near Stowell Barnard's.
Zimri Whitney began on the Nourse farm, building a shanty and barn, but sold out to Mr. Thompson of 'Derry, who was killed on the place by a falling tree. Benjamin Barnard then bought the place, but keeping it only two years, when he sold it to Joel Nourse, who greatly improved the buildings and farm, living on it until he moved to Grafton, where he died. The farm is still owned by the Nourse family.
CHILDREN OF JOEL NOURSE.
Adaline M. A. Davenport, lived in Chester.
A. C. M. Sarah Stiles, lives in Grafton.
Nathaniel Gates began new on the Cook place, but sold out to Mr. Adams, he selling the place to Hinckley Cook, who died on the place in 1865. Mrs. Cook continued to live on the place. She died in 1889, aged 96 years.
53
HISTORY OF PERU.
CHILDREN OF HINCKLEY COOK.
Sally M. Isaac Cochran, lived in Winhall; died in Kansas.
Amanda lives at home, unmarried.
Lydia M. Mr. Hamilton, lived in Winhall, moved to Michigan. Martin lives on the paternal farm, unmarried.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.