USA > Vermont > Bennington County > Rupert > Rupert, Vt.; historical and descriptive, 1761-1898 > Part 10
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
At West Rupert, the earliest merchant I can write with certainty of, is Josiah Houghton, though no doubt there were others before him. His period was possibly as early as 1830, and he was in business some ten years. From best information obtainable, think he traded at three different places: The Geo. Hopkins house, a small
131
Merchants.
building that stood opposite Seth Sheldon's (now Dr. Car- penter's) and the Baptist parsonage (now E. Vail's). Benj. Hickok, in the Hopkins house, 1840-1; Bates & Safford, at same place, 1842 to 1845, and James T. Bates, alone, for a year or two after; I. Sherman and J. Shepherd, two years, but cannot give date or location; E. B. Safford, 1845 to 1883. After Mr. Safford's retirement, his store was occupied, for short periods, first by Geo. W: Holmes and next by A. M. Bibens, who was the last in trade there. The first merchant on the side opposite E. B. Safford's was Jonas Wilder. The store building was erected about 1858, and a store kept in it about three years; at the last in charge of Charles Clark of Poultney, Assignee. In this period, Milo Wilder, Lorenzo Wilder, Henry Woodbridge, and possibly others, were clerks. It was unoccupied from 1861 to 1866, when it was occupied by the firm of Bradley & Parker about two years. A larger building was erected near the first one in 1868; the Masonic Hall occupying the second floor. In this store, H. N. Bradley was in trade until 1873. W. C. Harring- ton, Fred Beebe, Arthur Wilder, were clerks. Next, X. W. Collins, 1873-80; Sheldon & Richey, 1880-86; and since then G. H. Richey. Thomas Moncrief clerked for Richey several years; Volney Hopkins is now clerk. In the early years of Mr. Wilder's occupancy he put in ope- ration a tin shop, in the building long the Boice house, now John Madison. John Murphy was the tinner: but the affair was short lived. In millinery, I learn that a Miss Munson conducted this business at the L. D. Hopkins house, and a Miss Scott at the Geo. Hopkins house. Do not know the exact dates, or which was the earlier; but think it 1850, or later. In 1860, a Miss Brooks had charge of the millinery department of Wilder's store. Miss Ann Peck, from Sandgate, was a milliner here twenty years, during which she built and occupied the house now owned by Frank Sheldon. The Misses Marie and Hettie Lewis were, for some time, in this business, in what is now the residence of Chas. Hopkins, Miss Peck
f
1
132
Rupert, Vermont.
retiring about 'S5, there has been none other since. I learn of only two tailors for the town, though doubtless there were others. Andrew McInroy followed this calling on the premises now occupied by the Misses Baldrige, about 1840-50; about 1870-2, one Cooper had tailoring rooms in the annex to the store, W. Rupert. The old-time tailoress, who made men and boys' garments is no more. Mrs. Susan Loveland and Miss Catharine Scott were the last repre- sentatives. But the dressmaker, seems to increase rather than diminish. Of recent and present time, can be named, Mrs. Beatrice Prou, Mrs. A. T. Hurd, Mrs. C. W. Hogle, Mrs. Chas. Trumbull, Mrs. Wm. C. Boice, Mrs. Eelyn Hay, and the Misses Julia Harmon, Emily Hawley, Libbie Whedon, Sara Baldrige, Nelia Moore.
Carpet weavers, Mrs. Wm. Perkins, Mrs. Abram Smith, East Rupert, which in the early days was called Rupert Corners, was formerly quite a trade center, but declined with the advent of the railroad.
In another part of the work, under the head of East Rupert, an old time resident will give an account of its merchants.
MECHANICS.
In the early days the demand for Mechanics, both in number and variety, was greater than now. There were many mills in town-saw, grist, oil and cloth mills, and blacksmith shops, too. The population being greater and more evenly distributed, they were located accordingly. For example: There was a blacksmith shop near Henry Barden's, on the road to the Bailey farm. Jonathan Hib- bard and sons, for many years, manufactured hand rakes, for which they found ready market; but now the hand rake is not a vital factor in haying. The repairing of road and farm wagons formerly gave steady employment.
.
133
Mechanics-Cemeteries.
Elijah Hibbard followed this business many years, and for briefer periods, Ovide Bonville and Spencer Hopkins. But improved machinery has made new wagons too cheap, for the repairing of old ones. Of house carpenters we . have had, and still have a large number. Going back forty years, and less, these names occur : Corneilus Hop- kins, Whitney Hay, Charles West, Daniel Parish, George Green, Elijah Hibbard, Joseph Hibbard, John Bailey, Joshua Hard, Augustus Harmon, Rufus H. Conant, Albert Moore, Orson Brewster, Geo. Derby, on the east side. Of present date: E. H. Beebe, George Gragen, Newton Clark, Abram Smith, Charles Trumbull, E. F. Haye, Geo. Hay, Will Rafter, Henry Hadaway, who also does wagon work. Much of the present day work is repairing. We have one grist-mill in town, at West Rupert, Spencer Hopkins, owner. Former owners, Greene, Smalley, Chapman. One saw-mill (water), S. H. Dole; and here temporarily, the steam mill of Sweet & Robbins. Blacksmiths: Rupert Street, Charles Cruik- shank; E. Rupert, Charles Perkins; W. Rupert, Charles Hopkins, John Madison; stone mason, Robert Wilson. John G. Housey, and W. C. Boice for many years did . harness making and repairing. David Towsley, Ira S. Rice, Royal Watrous, John Longway, William Darling, made and repaired boots and shoes. James Bailey and Charles Horton were painters.
CEMETERIES.
Of these, variously known as grave yards, burying grounds, church yards, we have several. One in Kent Hollow, now neglected and little used, dates back to the eighteenth century. It is on the south side of the road leading up the hill to the former residence of Le Grande Flower. With difficulty I procured these inscriptions,
134
Rupert, Vermont.
and judge there may be others older: "In memory of David Frary, who died June 25th, 1798, Æ 50 years and 4 months." "In memory of Mr. Elihu Phillips, who died . Oct. 16, 1799, in the 39th year of his age. Depart my friends, Dry up your tears, Here I must lie, Till Christ
appears." These names will recall to the older inhabi- tants of the town, memories of families once well known, but now unrepresented. The cemetery on the " East side," is situated on the west side of the road leading from E. Rupert to Pawlet, in the locality of late known as North Rupert. The oldest inscription in town, I think, is found here. It is as follows: " Justin, fon of Mr. Jonathan Eastman Died June 11th AD 1772 in the 8th year of his age." Only three years after the birth of Napoleon, and the same before the begining of the Revo- lution. Here follow two, of an early settler and wife: "Sacred to the memory Of Mr. Amos Curtis who died Dec. 7th 1795 in the 63d year of his age and of American Independence the 20th. Sacred to the Memory Of Mrs. Irena Curtis who died April 13th 1797 in the 51st year of her age and of American Independence the 21st." The next I suppose to have been a son of the preceding. "Erected to the memory of Moses S. Curtis, Esq. of Salem, N. York, who died July 1st AD 1808, in the 34th year of his age, by his tender and disconsolate wife." Another, and ancient : " In memory of Mrs. Mary Shel- don, aliás Mary Smith, confort of Noah Smith of Suffield in Connecticut, who died Oct. 14, 1786 in the 84th year of her age. Mary has chosen that good part which fhall not be taken away from her. Luke. 10, 42." On the west side of the main street of West Rupert, just below the residence of Geo. H. Richey, are two small yards adjoin- ing, mainly reserved for use of certain families. Of early inscriptions I find the following: "In memory of Solo- mon Brown, who died Sept. 20th 1786 in the 49th year of his age." "In memory of Mr. Aaron Rising, Jun. died March 19, 1796 in the 33d Year of his age." Near the former residence of the late Francis Graves, afterwards
135
Cemeteries.
occupied by Wm. Kinne, was a small yard for family use ; but no burials there I am informed, within the last fifty years. The cemetery at Rupert Street, near the Congre- gational Church, probably contains more graves than all others united. It was located in the early days, when that universal practice prevailed of closely connecting these two-church and graveyard. First burial, Abigail, wife of Wm. Bailey, 1785. This cemetery has been enlarged by additions, within the last forty years on both its north and west borders. The oldest inscriptions in this cemetery long ago became illegible, and many of the stones are broken. I present a few, of interest, mainly, on account of their odd language and arrangement. "In Memory Of Mr. Jabez Parsons who died November 4th 179' in the 27th year of his. age." " In memory of Hadaffah Consort of Hezekiah Wefton :: who died Spt 4th e
1893 Æ 21 years 4 months & 21 days. this fton is erected by her Father Capt Mofes Stone." The following on a double stone: "Weeping parents build their children's tomb. Gershom Sheldon died May 3 1813, Æ 30 hours; Oscar Wilson died Apr 16 1814, Æ 4 hours. Sons of Gershom and Constantia Spencer." The next is of a lady who, I am told, was employed here as a teacher : " Miss Idea Strong of Middlebury, Vermont, Daughter of Hon. Jedediah Strong of Litchfield Connecticut, died at Rupert on the 25th day of Sept. AD. 1804, aged 29 years." The following on one large stone: "Ezra King died Febru- ary 6th 1813, aged 51 years. Mary, Consort to Ezra King, died Feb :: 6th 1813, aged 47 years. One we were in life and death, Together sleep in dust, but God has given diviner breath, That we may live among the just."
The Rupert Cemetery Association was organized in 1893. The cemetery is located above the premises of Elijah Hibbard, left hand side on the road leading to Pawlet. The land for this purpose was donated by C. F. Sheldon. A receiving vault, the first and only one in
136
Rupert, Vermont.
town, was built in 1894. First interment, Lucinda Greeley, wife of John F. Thompson, Apr. 27, 1893. The cemetery now contains about twenty-five graves. G. B. Sheldon, Supt., C. W. Hogle, Sexton.
CHEESE FACTORIES.
The first factory in town known as the "Rose," began making in the spring of 1867, and for three years was the only one in town. It occupies the building on the corner where the road. from Hebron meets the main street of West Rupert, premises formerly occupied by Morhous Sherman, and later by Amos Lewis. It has been regularly in operation each season. Joseph Bonne- ville, the first maker now being in charge, though be- tween these dates have been several other makers. In the early years of its existence, the company had a suit at law brought against them by John Boynton, a near- by resident, to test their right to keep hogs on the factory premises. After a long, bitter fight, the case was decided against the company. The factory is so located with re- spect to town lines, that it receives milk from four towns, Rupert, Sandgate, Salem and Hebron. The factory of the R. D. Association, began making in April, 1870. A large three story building was erected near where the garden and barn of David Towsley were formerly located. Eugene Bizallion was the first maker, remaining five years. He was succeeded by O. H. Danforth, one year : Israel Denio, three years; John Peltier, six years; Sey- mour Farrar, four years; Arlin Ryder, seven years. The present maker is John Peltier, three years. This season, twenty-three dairies furnish milk. The time of making is usually from the early days of April to December. C. F. Sheldon has been salesman most of the time since or-
-
137
Cheese Factories.
ganization. The East Rupert cheese factory called the Mettowee, began making in 1871. A large and conven- ient building was erected beyond the bridge, at E. Rupert Corners, on the west side of the road leading to Pawlet. Dwight Taylor, Hiram Eastman, Wm. Clemons, first directors. The makers have been, Israel Denio, Geo. Robinson, Sarah Hill, O. H. Danforth, John Peltier, John Frost. The factory receives milk from both Rupert and Dorset. Since 1896, this factory makes the year through- out .. The Denio factory, at N. Rupert, began making in 1872. Unlike those mentioned, this is an individual con- cern, started and managed by Wm. B. Denio and located on his premises. The makers have been Nelson Jones, Wm. B. Denio, P. Wolf, G. Wolf, D. Wolf, W. La Point, Chas. Kinne, B. G. Orr; the latter now on his 12th season. No skimming allowed here, and have sold to one firm 15 consecutive years. This factory receives milk from Rupert and Pawlet. The Kinne factory began making in 1873, I think. It was a new building, opposite the Kinne residence, formerly E. Roberts. A. K. Kinne was the maker up to and including 1878. Eusebe Bonneville and Allison Smith were makers here. It was changed to a butter factory, and called "Maple Brook." Merritt Barden and G. P. Wood made butter here. Now not in use. A cheese factory was operated for a few years in Kent Hollow, known as the Hurd-Hadaway factory, about 1876-80. Charles Farrar and Dora Wood of Wells, were the makers. For a time, six cheese factories were in opera- tion in this town; at the present time, four. The estab- lishing of cheese factories has been highly beneficial to our people : being a relief to the overworked housewife, and a sure and steady source of revenue to our farmers. Makers at the Rose factory: Geo. Bowman, Weston Prin- dle, Wm. Chamberlin, Eusebe Bonneville, Edward Mer- cier and Joseph Bonneville.
(9)
138
Rupert, Vermont.
RAILROADS, ETC.
The Rutland and Washington R. R., Rutland to Salem, was built in 1850-2, and began to operate in April of the last year. Henry Shaw, now of Poultney, was the first station agent at Rupert. J. E. Austin became agent, January, 1854, and so remains to the present time. The R. & W., which had come to include the road from Salem to Eagle Bridge, also passed into the control of the Rens- selaer & Saratoga R. R., in 1865, and in 1871, to the Del- ware and Hudson, who now control it. The superintend- ents of the R. &. W., were Horace Clark, Thos. H. Can. field, Jonas Wilder, and the afterward famous Jay Gould. The National Express Co., began business over the road soon after its opening, and so continue. Rupert is a water station, the reservoir having a capacity of 1000 bar- rels. The supply comes from an unfailing spring on the farm of the late T. S. Beebe. The station-house was built in 1852, and entirely remodeled in 1880. West Rupert station was established about the same time, doing both freight and passenger business: but was discontin- ued, as a regular station after a few years. Enoch Sher- man was the station agent. It stood about two miles southwest of Rupert station, near the Hebron road cross- ing. It was for some time occupied by John Slattery, section foreman, as a dwelling. For several years, the wood yard, partially made up, to the people of W. Ru- pert, the lack of a station. The present W. Rupert sta- tion was established in 18SS, on the wood yard site. It is reached by a public highway, which leaves the main road just above the residence of A. P. Sheldon, formerly Jonas Wilder's. Rupert station does freight, passenger, express, telegraph and telephone business; W. Rupert is a flag station, for passengers only ; tickets being sold at the store of Geo. H. Richey.
TELEGRAPH AND TELEHONE .- The W. U. Telegraph Co., built a line along this railroad in 1863, offices being
139
Public Halls.
established at Cambridge, Salem, Granville and Poultney. In 1866, an office was opened in this station, Charles Slocum of Saratoga, operator in charge. Present opera- tor, W. M. Prescott. In 1879, the Rupert Telegraph Co., was organized, having offices in both villages, connecting with the W. U. at Rupert station. In 1895, the company changed to the telephone. There are several private tele- phones, also. These and those of the company make about twenty residences and places of business so con- nected.
PUBLIC HALLS.
Forty years ago, our town had nothing worthy to be called a hall; the nearest approach to it being the ball- rooms of the old taverns. Such entertainments as we had were ordinarily held in church or schoolhouse. By the remodeling of the Congregational Church, in 1859, we obtained our first in this line; a room 48 x 30, known as the " Basement." Its acquisition marked a distinct ad- vance in the social and educational growth of the town. In 1871, District No. 4, erected a building, opposite the old brick one, and Schoolhouse Hall, in its second story, came into use. Its dimensions are 40 x 30. In 1868, Ma- sonic Hall, over Wilder's store, West Rupert, was dedi- cated to the use of the order, and was so used until 1885. In that year the lodge was removed to Pawlet, and the hall became a public one, being called from its owner, A. P. Sheldon, Sheldon's Hall. It is a handsome hall, 40 x 28, fitted with stage and scenery, and having a gallery. There is also a kitchen and dining room in connection, making a thorough equipment for public entertainment. In 1892, Grange building was erected and a room fitted in the second story, primarily for the Patrons of Hus- bandry, as a place of meeting. In 1896, Grange building
140
Rupert, Vermont.
was increased by its own size, and the second story fin- ished like the adjoining room. The front room is used for a lodge room, the rear one for a reading room. By means of folding doors, the two are quickly turned into one, making an elegant hall, 54 x 24, the equal of which will scarcely be found outside the large villages. School- house Hall is now mainly used for town business; and occasionally for cooking and dining purposes, in connec- tion with Grange Hall.
MILITARY COMPANIES.
I have no records regarding these companies in their earliest organization. The best I can present is from the recollections of men now living, who either participated in training day events, or were spectators. In the time thus embraced, say from 1815 to 1845, there existed two complete organizations-the militia and the artillery, in this part of the town. T. S. Beebe and A. C. Beebe were Captains of the artillery ; John Farrar, Joseph B. Har- wood and Oliver Harwood of the militia. Joseph Parker was a Colonel of militia, I suppose. There was also a part of a company of cavalry here, but I am not aware with what other town they united to form a full one. On the East side, was a company of militia and one of light in- fantry. Harmon Blackiner and Wrial Kent were Cap- tains of the militia. These are all the names of the offi- cers I have obtained. Here, as in other towns, the latter training days were boistrous and demoralizing. I find the following living in town, who trained in the olden days: James Barber, Elisha Hawley, Elijah Hibbard, J. J. Jen- kins, W. L. Kinne, John Leach, Russell Mason, Daniel Parrish, John Perkins, Wm. Perkins, Wm. Root, E. B. Safford, Niles Sanders, Wm. Sheldon, Abram Smith, Syl- vester Tooper, Leonard Vail, Royal Watrous.
141
Coinage.
COINAGE.
In our town there has been coinage of both silver and copper money. The conditions under which the two metals were used varied greatly; in one case legal, in the other, illegal. The copper coinage, being first in point of time, will be described first ..
Legal coinage by Reuben Harmon : At the session of the General Assembly of Vermont, held at Norwich in 1785, a petition of Reuben Harmon, Jr., asking for leave " to coin money," was presented and referred to a com- mittee, of which Samuel Williams, of Rutland, was a . member, and on its report, June 15th, 1785, it was enacted :
"That there be and hereby is granted to the said Reuben Harmon, Junior, Esq., the exclusive right of coining copper within this state for the term of two years from the first day of July in the present year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five; and all coppers by him coined shall be in pieces of one-third of an ounce Troy weight each. with such Devices and mottoes as shall be agreed upon by the committee appointed for the pur- pose by this assembly." Another section of the act required security of Harmon; whereupon on 16th of June, with David Sheldon of Rupert, and Abraham Underhill and Benjamin Baldwin of Dorset as sureties, he executed a bond in the penal sum of five thousand pounds to Ira Allen, state treasurer, with the condition following: "The condition of this bond is such that the above Bound Reuben Harmon as Principle, and the s'd Sheldon, Underhill and Baldwin as sureties, be responsible to s'd Treasurer that s'd Harmon will, agreeable to an act entitled an Act Granting to Reu- ben Harmon, Ju1. Esq., Right of Coining Copper and Regulating the same; that all Copper by s'd Harmon Coined shall be in Pieces of one-third of an ounce Troy weight each, and that the same shall be of good and genu-
-
142
Rupert, Vermont.
ine metal; Provided, s'd Harmon should at any time Coin Copper of Wait, Mettal or Mottoe Contrary to s'd Act then this Bond is forfeit." In October of the same year, the Legislature changed the weight of these coins from one-third of an ounce to four pennyweights, fifteen grains each, and directed the surrender of the bond and the mak- ing of a new one. A new bond having been executed, Harmon erected a " mint." in the northeastern part of Ru- pert on " Mill brook," a tributary of the Mettowee or Paw- let river ; the mint being described as a building "about sixteen by eighteen feet, made of rough materials, simply clapboarded, unplaned and unpainted." In this mint were coined the first Vermont cents, bearing the following devices and mottoes as fixed by the committee appointed by the general assembly for that purpose.
OBVERSE.
Devise .- A sun rising, with mountains and trees in the foreground, and a plough in the field beneath.
Legend .- Vermontensium Res. Publica.
In the Exergue .- 1785.
REVERSE.
Device .- A radiated eye, surrounded by thirteen stars. Legend .- Quarta Decima Stella. .
The Latin legend on the obverse, being translated, is " The Republic of the Green Mountains;" and that on the reverse, is " The fouteenth star," prophetic at that time, but fact now. As we write, one of these earliest coins, bearing the date of 1785, is before us; and others, with the date of 1786, are extant. In the mint already referred to was the whole machinery of coinage, consisting of a furnace, a rolling machine, and also a machine for cutting and stamping the planchets. The impressions were made by means of a screw moved by hand, and it is said that sixty coins per minute were struck, although half that amount was the usual number. In October, 1786, at a session of the general assembly, held in Rutland, a peti-
143
Coinage.
tion was presented by Harmon, setting forth that he had been at great expense in erecting works and procuring copper, and that by reason of the shortness of the time for which he was allowed the exclusive privilege of coining, he will be unable to indemnify himself for said expense, and asking for a further grant of the privilege for a longer time. In accordance with the prayer of this petition, Harmon was granted "the exclusive right of coining within this state for a further term of eight years; *
* free from any duty to this state as compensation there- for, for the full term of three years from the first day of July, in the year of our Lord, 1787, and that from and after that time he shall pay, for the use of the state, two and one-half per cent of all the copper he shall coin for and during the remainder of the aforesaid term of eight years," and shall enter into a bond, etc., to the treasurer of the state, etc. The bond required was given Feb. 23, 1788, with Nathaniel Chipman and Lemuel Chipman as sureties, and witnessed by John A. Graham and David Russell, and Harmon began the coinage of a new cent, the device having been changed by the General Assem- bly. The new cent may be described as follows:
OBVERSE.
Device .- A bust in a coat of mail; head usually lau- reated.
Legend .- Vermon Auctori.
REVERSE.
Device .- A female figure representing the genius of America, seated with a shield at her side, holding an olive branch in her right hand and a rod in her left.
Legend .- Ind Et Lib.
In Exerque .- 1786.
The act of 1786, was the last act of the General Assembly of Vermont relating to coinage. From an edi- torial of the Rutland Globe :
,
144
Rupert, Vermont.
On T 227, of the Vt. Hist. Mag., is an account of Harmon's coinage, more brief than the Globe article, and agreeing with it in the essentials. I here present an extract from it, on account of the local interest attaching to several names mentioned. It begins with Harmon's preparations for coining, after he had secured the second concession from the Legislature, as described in the Globe article. "In June, 1787, Harmon's firm, which con- sisted of himself and William Cooley, of Rupert, Elias Jackson of Litchfield, Conn., and Daniel Voorkis, gold- smith of New York, formed a partnership with another company, consisting of six gentlemen of New York City, for the said term of eight years, for the coinage of copper. By the first of July, the New York firm were required, by the terms of the co-partnership, to complete, at their own cost, the works, then being erected near the Great Pond, in the County of Ulster, N. Y., while the other firm agreed to complete in the same time the works at Rupert. The ten partners divided the affairs of the company between them, and agreed to meet on the first day of Feb- ruary, June and October, of each year, at Rhinebeck, N. Y., for the purpose of general business. It is sup- posed that William Cooley, better known by the title of Col. Cooley, who had been a goldsmith in New York City, but who afterwards removed to Rupert, cut the dies and assisted in striking the coppers. At all events, he was actively engaged in the operations. How long the Ver- mont money was coined, or the quantity that was manu- factured, is not certainly known. * *
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.