USA > Vermont > Caledonia County > Successful Vermonters; a modern gazetteer of Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties, containing an historical review of the several towns and a series of biographical sketches > Part 42
USA > Vermont > Essex County > Successful Vermonters; a modern gazetteer of Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties, containing an historical review of the several towns and a series of biographical sketches > Part 42
USA > Vermont > Orleans County > Successful Vermonters; a modern gazetteer of Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties, containing an historical review of the several towns and a series of biographical sketches > Part 42
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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 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62
Naturally of a conservative and retiring disposition the Streeters are kind, neighborly, sympathetic peo- ple, ever ready to lend a helping hand.
Stephen P. Streeter was born in 1872, and his boyhood was spent upon his father's farm, and in at- tendance upon the public schools. To him a liberal education was a ne- eessity, and by his own efforts as a teacher in the public schools he was enabled to complete a course of study at Oberlin college. Mr. Streeter taught successfully a year and a half at the Vermont Indus- trial school, and later for two years
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
was teacher and assistant superin- tendent of the Worcester County Truant school. In April, 1900, the executive committee of the Boys' club at Worcester selected Mir. Streeter to fill the responsible posi- tion of superintendent, and he now has fifteen hundred boys under his care. He has organized the instruc- tion, installed manual training and business departments, and a library
mail route between St. Johnsbury and Lancaster. After attending the public schools of his native village, at nineteen years of age, Frank R. Joslyn went to New York city, and for ten years was engaged in ped- dling ice for his uncle, C. C. Rich- ardson. He returned to West Con- cord in 188%, and soon after pur- chased the West Concord House and livery, which he has since owned
THE WEST CONCORD HOUSE.
and reading room. Emphatically a self-made man, he has achieved an excellent social and professional standing in a sphere of great useful- ness, and won a host of friends.
JOSLYN. FRANK R., son of Hiram and Miranda M. (Richardson) Joslyn, was born at West Concord. October 9. 1855. Hiram Joslyn was a long time resident, conducted the hotel and the livery, and for years owned and operated the stage and
until two years ago when he sold the livery. He has also acquired about 100 acres of real estate near West Concord, the pro:lets of which help supply the bountiful table which Mr. Joslyn has always spread for his guests.
The West Concord House is spa- cious, centrally located, and as the principal hotel between St. Johns- bury and Lancaster. has always en- joved a good patronage. Genial, ac-
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ESSEX COUNTY.
commodating, and well informed on local affairs, Mr. Joslyn possesses many of the qualities of the success- ful landlord. He is enterprising and public spirited in the cause of local publie improvements.
Frank R. Joslyn married Helen M. West of St. Johnsbury, an efli- cient helpmeet and attractive lady, who died November 1. 1903.
PARKER, MOSES A., son of Stephen and Elmira II. (Wallace) Parker, was born in Concord in 1839. Stephen Parker was born in Lisbon, New Hampshire, in 1806, and came to Concord with the fam- ily of his father, Amos Parker, when he was four years old, and seventy- one years ago settled on the farm which has since been the family home. Moses was the youngest of a family of three sons and two daugh- ters, of whom only himself and a sis- ter, Mrs. Alice Stott of Lowell, are now living. He was educated in the common and select schools of Con- cord. He enlisted in June, 1861, in Company C. Third regiment, Ver- mont volunteers. At the seven days' fight in the retreat from before Richmond he was wounded by a Minié ball in the left foot, fell into the hands of the enemy, was taken to Richmond, kept a while in Libbey prison, and then transferred to Belle Isle, and after suffering about three months' imprisonment was ex- changed and soon after discharged. In August, 1864, he enlisted for the town of Concord in Company H, United States Sharpshooters, was afterwards transferred to Company H, Fourth Vermont Volunteer in- fantry, and mustered out in June. 1865. A brother. Madison Parker, was also a soldier of Company C. Third Vermont regiment.
Returning to the paternal farm after his discharge, Moses A. Parker married, in 1867, Eliza E. Ilale of Waterford, and they have since re- sided on his ancestral farm, re- spected as substantial and successful farmers and worthy citizens. They have reared a family of four sons and three daughters, of unusual scholarship. Madison 1. was a grad- uate of the agricultural department of U. V. M., and a volunteer of the Spanish-American war. The other children are, Alice E., Edith, Mrs. Ernest Herbert (deceased), Lucy A., John S., Winfield S., and Roscoe M.
Mr. Parker has made many im- provements on his 230 acre farm, including the rebuilding of a large modern barn recently struck by lightning. He owns a half interest in the "Texas" sawmill. He is a successful manufacturer and sales- man of good butter and maple sugar. Ile has repeatedly been called to serve his town-men as lister and selectman.
FRENCH, DR. GEORGE B., son of Mark and Lois (Dutton) French, was born at Hardwiek, January 24, 1858. In his youth he shared the cares and labors of faim life, varied by attendance at the district schools, and completed his literary education at the People's academy of Morris- ville and at Hardwick academy. At seventeen years of age he began to teach school, and taught success- fully for several years in that vicin- ity. Ile began reading medicine in ITardwiek with Dr. S. G. Soules in 1879, and the following year entered Ilalemann Medical college of Chi- cago, where he attended a course of lectures. He graduated from the Eclectic Medical college, city of New York, with a high rank in 1883. Ile
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
soon after settled at Waterville, La- moille county, where he remained three years, and later practised three years at Greensboro. He located in West Concord in 1890, where he has since remained in the enjoyment of an extensive practice in this and adjoining towns. Dr. French has taken an active and constant in- terest in the prosperity and publie interests of his adopted town, and having the courage of his convic- tions has not failed to freely express
GEORGE B. FRENCH, M. D.
them. ITis ability, evident sincerity, and his bluff, hearty manners have won him many friends, while he has lost some by his steadfast adherence to his ideas of right. He has been a member of the Republican town committee, is a selectman, and chair- man of the board of school directors. He is a past master of Moose River lodge, No. 82, F. and A. M. Dr. French married, in 1884. Endella,
daughter of Otis and Orpha G. Ford of Hardwick. They have one son, Harold F., a promising scholar, a senior of St. Johnsbury academy.
EAST HAVEN. Population, Census of 1900, 171.
The town of East Haven was char- tered by Governor Chittenden. Octo- ber 22, 1790. The first proprietors' meeting was held at the residence of James Ball, November 15, 1810.
The first settler of the town was John Walter, Jr., who located May 1. 1804. (See Heman \. Walter, Newark.) He came to Vermont in 1199. Ile built the first log house in East Haven, and married Uneca Blakesley and had fourteen chil- dren. Uneca Walter died March 5, 1848.
In 1832 the first public school was established. Joseph Woods es- tablished the first saw-mill, and in 1845 John Walter became the first representative to the legislature.
In 1850 a post-office was estab- lished, with Elijah Avery as post- master.
WALTER, OSCAR T .. son of Man- ning and Louisa (Hartwell) Walter, was born in East Haven in 183%. The first representative of the Wal- ter family-George, son of Sir Ed- ward Walter-came to America about the year 1600, and landed in South Carolina: members of the family came North and settled in Connecticut, and March 4, 1777, John Walter of Winsted, Connecti- ent, enlisted as a private in Captain Titus Watson's company. Colonel Heman Swift's regiment, to serve three years, and was discharged March 2. 1280. He and his son, John, Jr., came to Burke in 1299.
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ESSEX COUNTY.
John, Jr., settled in East Haven, May 1, 1804, on the farm now ocen- pied by Oscar T. Walter. Later, the father, John, came to reside with his son, John, Jr., and died there in 1848, aged 100 years and 6 months.
John Walter, Jr., married Uneca Blakesly, and had fourteen children, one of whom was Manning, father of Oscar T. Walter. John, Jr., was the first representative of East Ilaven in the general assembly.
Oscar T. Walter received his edu- cation in the public schools and has always followed farming. In 1864 he married Ellen M. Martin of Burke, who died November 11, 1871, hav- ing borne him two children: Clif- ton, who died in infancy, and Elbert H., who was born March 23, 1867. Elbert H. Walter married Mande E. Bruce, and they have two children: Oscar W., Jr., and Gerald A.
December 12, 1872, Mr. Walter married Fannie E. Smith. By this union two children were born: Ber- tha E., who married Guy L. Bruce, and Elmer N., who married Ger- trude E. Hudson.
Mr. Walter has always taken a foremost part in public matters and is a man of unusually good judg- ment, clear mind, and perfect integ- rity. He has often been called to publie office by his fellow-towns- men and has discharged every duty to the entire satisfaction of his peo- ple. For twenty years he has been lister, and for forty-four years a justice of the peace, and he has served as town treasurer since 1879. He was one of the selectmen during the war and has represented the town four times in the general as- sembly.
HOSFORD, JOHN L., born in East Haven, July 21, 1843, son of
Russell and Almira (Walter) Hos- ford. Mr. Hosford's maternal grand- father was John Walter, Jr., son of John Walter, a soldier of the Revo- lution. (See East Haven historical sketch and Oscar T. Walter.)
Mr. Hosford received his educa- tion in the district schools of his native town, followed farming when not in school, and in August, 1862, enlisted in Company HI, Fourth Ver- mont Volunteer Infantry. He joined his regiment in Virginia, and was in all the engagements of that historie organization until May 6, 1864, when he was wounded in the right foot in the battle of the Wil- derness. No severe was his wound that it necessitated the amputation of the foot. He was mustered out of the service March, 1865. Mr. Hos- ford was united in marriage in 1869 to Nancy J. Matthews of Granby. Five children have been born to them: Finnette (deceased), Walter M., Flora B., Mrs. Fred Smith of Claremont, New Hampshire, Ger- trude, Mrs. Benjamin Moulton of East Haven, and Charles C., of Claremont, New Hampshire.
Mr. Hosford has never sought publie office, yet he has served his town as selectman several times, held several of the other offices, and in 1898 represented the town in the general assembly of Vermont.
BALL, ARNOLD, born in Newark in 1826, son of Lucius and Harriet (Humphrey) Ball. He settled in East Haven thirty years ago and has always been an active, energetic man, who has ever taken a lively in- terest in all matters that would aid his town. He has fre quently been called upon to hold publie office, and has served his town twenty-three years as constable and collector, four
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
years as lister. six years as road com- missioner, and in 1902 was elected to represent East Haven in the general assembly of Vermont.
ARNOLD BALL.
In 1863 Mr. Ball married Amelia L. Walter, and their union has been blessed by four children, three of whom are still living: Hattie, now Mrs. Russell Collins of East Mont- pelier; Warner L. of Nashna, New Hampshire, and Carl E., who re- mains at home on the farm.
JENKINS, JASON DARWIN, son of Lomuel, Jr., and Naney (Hall) Jenkins, was born at St. Johnsbury, November 5, 1847. Ilis paternal grandfather, Lemuel Jenkins, was a soldier of the Revolution (see Jen- kins family, Kirby), and was at the battle of Bunker Hill.
Jason D. Jenkins was educated in the common schools of his native town, fitted for college at the St. Johnsbury academy, and entered
the University of Vermont in 1870, and graduated with the class of 1814, receiving the degree of A. B. Ile taught school in Albany, Mc- Indoes, and Jericho, and then lo- cated in East Haven, which town he represented in the general assembly in 1826. Mr. Jenkins has followed farming and land surveying ever since locating at East Haven. In the latter work he has won an enviable reputation as a man of sound judg- ment, clear mind, and one possessing a rare amount of technical knowl- edge and skill. Being a man of thor- oughness and integrity much of his time is devoted to his chosen profes- sion. He has figured in many cele- brated land and boundary disputes, and his knowledge and clearness have materially assisted the courts in the final adjudication of these very perplexing problems.
Mr. Jenkins married. October 1. 1828, Emma A. Hubbard of Lyn- don. Their union has resulted in the birth of four children: Ida E., who is a teacher in the public schools of Winchendon, Massachu- setts; Alice N .. Warren H .. who died in 1902, aged eighteen years, and Lney M .. at Johnson Normal school.
Mr. Jenkins has a good hillside farm of more than 200 acres, has 1,000 sugar trees, and keeps twenty head of stock. Ile has served his town as selectman, lister, town clerk, justice, school director, etc.
NORTON.
Population, Census of 1900, 692.
The first permanent settler of Norton was Samuel Cleveland, who came from Canada in 1860 and built a sawmill. He formed a partnership with John Thornton and a Mr. Rem-
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ESSEX COUNTY.
ick. The mill was operated by them only a short time, when it was sold to the Norton Mills company, which was composed of A. M. Stetson, George B. James, C. W. Pierce, and J. Wilder. In 1868 Mr. Stetson and Mr. Wilder withdrew from the firm. For two years the mill was operated by Pierce & James, and in 1870 Mr. James became sole proprietor and conducted the business until 1874, when he was compelled to suspend. At about this time he completed the
STETSON, ALPHEUS M., son of Alpheus and Hannah W. Stetson, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1820.
There is no name better or more favorably known in northeastern Vermont than that of the subject of this sketeh. Anything like a biog- raphy of Mr. Stetson would be a complete and accurate history of the settlement, and development of the town of Norton.
In 1824 he purchased the large
ITETSON HOUSE ]
THE STETSON HOUSE.
large mill, now known as the Stet- son mill, which was for many years run by Mr. Stetson.
The town was organized March 6. 1885, with the following officers: William G. Nelson, moderator; Al- bert McLean, elerk; William G. Nel- son, treasurer.
Norton Mills, located in the northi part of the town, is the only village. It is located on the Grand Trunk railway, has several enterprising business men, good sehools, and sev- eral churches.
lumber mills and timber lands of the Norton Mills company, and for about twenty-five years carried on an extensive lumber business. During this time the town was or- ganized, and a flourishing village was built. Though residing in Bos- ton, for many years he has spent the summer months here with some of his family at the beautiful hotel, the Stetson House.
No call for aid was ever refused. Always taking a keen and deep in- terest in the religious and charitable
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
work of the community, his name is spoken only in kindness and ap- preciation.
In 1836, when but sixteen years of age, Mr. Stetson engaged in the wood, lumber, and coal business in Boston, and for more than fifty
daughter of John Osborn of Boston. Three children blessed their union; one only survives: John A. Stetson, who resides in Boston.
October 2. 1894. Mrs. Stetson died. leaving her memory a cher- ished heritage to those whom she
ALPHEU'S M. STETSON.
years did an extensive business, and to-day the business is known as the Stetson Coal company, with his son, John 1. Stetson, as president and general manager.
October 9, 1842, Mr. Stetson was united in marriage to Sophia B.,
had lived so long amongst and did so much for.
While Mr. Stetson is well past the fourscore mark, yet each summer finds him at Norton calmly view- ing the scenes of his early triumphs, beloved by all.
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ESSEX COUNTY.
MARSH, HENRY W., was born in Barford, Province of Quebec, in 1856, son of Robert and Isabella (Campbell) Marsh; he attended the public schools of Barford. which is the Canadian town bounding Norton, Vermont, on the
iam and Victoria (Murdock) Car- penter. Three particularly bright children have blessed the union: Inez M., Connie I., and H. Elmer, students of Island Pond high school.
Ever since locating in Norton Mr. Marsh has, by reason of his sound
5
HENRY W. MARSH.
north. Twenty-five years ago Mr. Marsh moved across the line and be- ·came a Vermonter. All his life has been spent in active business pur- suits. He now conducts the leading general store of the town.
In 1885 he married Ida E. Car- penter of Norton, daughter of Will-
judgment and splendid business ability, occupied a leading place in the affairs of the town. He has been first selectman three years, chair- man of the school board, justice of the peace, and deputy sheriff. His advice is often sought by his fellow- townsmen. Genial, courteous, and
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
always ready to help a worthy cause or person, are the qualities that have made Mr. Marsh one of the best- liked men of northern Vermont.
CARPENTER, JAMES W., was born in New Brunswick, Queen's county, July 28th, 1863, son of Will- iam and Victoria (Murdock) Car- penter. In 1870 he came with his parents to Island Pond, Vermont. He attended the public and High school of that place and after com- pleting his education he clerked for Judge Nathan Hobson. In 1884 he located in Norton and together with his father conducted the Stet- son House for nine years. In 1893 he married Lena Murphy of Norton. They have had three children, Irene,
JAMES W. CARPENTER.
Hanford, and llenrietta. Since leaving the Stetson House he has been employed as a stationary engi- neer. Mr. Carpenter has served
Norton as constable and tax col- lector.
DUCHARME, HOMER, was born in Doucet's Landing, Canada, Sep-
HOMER DUCHARME.
tember 30th, 1861, son of Jude and Eulalie Ducharme; received his ed- ueation in the common schools. He located in Norton when twenty-one years of age and has been a wide- awake and progressive citizen.
In 1882 he was united in mar- riage to Jennie Damon. They had born to them five children, of which two are now living. Frank and Grace. Mrs. Ducharme died in January, 1890, and in 1891 he mar- ried for his second wife Blanche L. Chesvey.
He has held the various town of- fices and is a member of the I. O. F., and has twice been delegate to the high court of Quebec, and in 1902 was elected to represent Nor- ton to the general assembly.
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ESSEX COUNTY.
NELSON, JUDGE WILMOT G., son of Nathaniel and Eliza (Green- leaf) Nelson, was born in Alna, Maine, May 9, 1850, and died at Norton, Vermont, June 6, 1900.
He was educated at the public schools and at completion he en-
Mills company as clerk, where he remained until 1874. Soon after this he rented a store in which he conducted the principal retail trade of Norton.
August 2, 18:4, he was united in marriage to Cora A., daughter of
W. G. Nelson
tered his father's shop to learn the tanner's trade; he remained there until he attained his majority, when he entered the employ of the Norton
William and Margaret Libbey of East Machias, Maine. Their union was blessed by four children.
When the town of Norton was or-
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
ganized in 1885, Mr. Nelson was elected first selectman. which office he held many terms. He served as postmaster fifteen years, deputy sheriff eighteen years and at his death was completing his fourth year as county judge of Essex county.
Judge Nelson came to Norton when it was not much more than a wilderness; he began with others there in rude conditions, but on land which if new was watered by the purest of streams.
The adventurers breathed the healthiest airs and lived in the in- vigorating influences of a little live community in which to have been idle would have been loneliness and disgrace; and as thrift always fol- lows frugality he grew into most happy conditions.
It is little wonder that Judge Nel- son grew to be, all unconsciously to a large extent, the director of the affairs of the town, and the friend
and counselor of every man in it. In every town in our country nature has created different men for the de- velopment of separate but common interests.
He possessed to an unusual degree a very great variety of qualities, adapted to nearly every want in the little community which became al- most absolutely dependent on him. He was stern and determined almost to wilfulness in vindicating what he thought to be right, firm and im- movable in his convictions and friendships, yet cheerful, social, jocular, tender and hopeful in all his sentiments towards an inter- course with others, and as willing to undertake the task of helping a friend out of difficulty as he would have been to help himself. Never were the poor people of any little town touched with a keener sorrow for the loss of a good friend than were those he always hastened to the relief of. when in a new country there was a multitude of wants.
ORLEANS COUNTY
Population, Census 1900, 22,024
The earliest definite knowledge we have of white men visiting the territory embraced in Orleans county was in 1:59. when Major Rodgers and 300 of his rangers had been left in Vermont to watch the operations of the French at Crown Point and Ticonderoga, across Lake Champlain. The major and a por- tion of his forces had been on an ex- pedition for the reduction of St. Francis village, and while on their return they learned of a large body of Indians which were in pursuit of them. A hasty council was held, the force divided, part went by the Missisquoi bay trail, the remainder followed the St. Francis river. Lake Memphremagog, thence up the Bar- ton river and across to the Connecti- ent river.
It is known that some of the rangers either remained or soon re- turned and settled at Brownington, Craftsbury, and Greensboro.
Early explorations were made by Lieutenant Lyford and Joseph El- kins. In 1799 the Hazen road was built.
It was not until 1718 that a per- manent settlement was made in this territory. Ebenezer Crafts of Cabot opened a road from that town to Craftsbury, cleared a few acres, and erected a mill.
Ashbel Shepard and family set-
tled in Greensboro in 1989 and the- following year a son was born to them, whom they named William Scott. This was the first white child born in what is now Orleans county.
November 5, 1992, the legislature passed an act to divide Chittenden and Orange counties into six sep- arate counties as follows: Chitten- den, Orange, Franklin, Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans. On the forma- tion of Jefferson (now Washington) county, December 1, 1810, Orleans county was shorn of a part of its territory, and again in October, 1835, when Lamoille county was created. Orleans lost the towns of Eden, Wolcott, Hyde Park, and Morristown.
The legislature of 1799 estab- lished the courts of Orleans and made Brownington and Craftsbury half shires, the sessions of the court being held alternately in these towns. The county was organized November 20, 1799. The first ses- sion of the county court was held at Craftsbury, March 24, 1800, with Timothy Hinman, chief judge, and Samuel C. Crafts and Jesse Olds, assistants. On the second day of the session Moses Chase was admit- ted to the bar, becoming the first lawyer in the county. Timothy Stanley of Greensboro was first county clerk, Joseph Scott of Crafts-
ORLEANS COUNTY COURT HOUSE, NEWPORT.
3
ORLEANS COUNTY.
bury, first sheriff; Joseph Bradley, first state's attorney; and Ebenezer Crafts of Craftsbury, first judge of probate. The terms of court contin- ued to be held at Brownington and Craftsbury until August 16, 1816, when they were transferred to Iras- burg, that place having been made the shire town. Here the terms of court were held until January 27, 1886, when Newport became the shire town and the court house erected there. The cost of the pres- ent court house, including the jail, was $21,735, a full description of which may be found in the Express and Standard on file at the court house.
CHARLESTON.
Population, Census of 1900, 1,025.
Governor Thomas Chittenden chartered Charleston, November 8, 1:80, to Hon. Abraham Whipple, his shipmates and others. Commo- dore Whipple was a most distin- guished naval officer of the Revolu- tion and it was bnt natural that he should call his new town "Navy" in honor of the American navy which he had so bravely defended. Gen- eral James Whitelaw surveyed the lots, making each lot 196 by 192 rods. He received $256 for his services.
The town remained an unbroken wilderness until 1802, uninhabited by man. In June of that year Abner Allyn felled the first trees on lot 4, first division. In July, 1803, he brought his family from Barton. He was a man of considerable note and great worth.
The town of Navy was organized March 31, 1806. Abner Allyn was chosen clerk. The list that year is B-1
of interest: Polls 7, oxen 6, cows 10. 3-year-olds 2. 2-year-olds 2, horses 4, and one watch.
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