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 43
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 43
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 43
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 | 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
Lemuel Sturtevant and Stephen Cole built the first grist-mill in 1810 and located at West Charleston, where Mr. Cole built the first frame house in 1811. In 1809 Jonas War- ren had located a sawmill at this place.
It was not until 1822 that the first school was opened in the town.
Albro Allyn was born July 16, 1804, and was the first child born in the town.
Abner Allyn was the first to rep- resent the town in the legislature and served four terms, 1807, 1808, 1813, 1814.
The first church to be erected was the stone church at West Charles- ton, erected in 1843. Meetings had been held more or less regularly in houses and barns from 1806, al- though the Freewill Baptists organ- ized a church society as early as 1830.
Charleston did a liberal share in supplying her country with men and treasure during the Civil war and won a renown which will remain as enduring as her green hills.
There is a tradition which has come down to us from the Indians. that there was at one time a long pond extending along the Clyde river from Great Falls up to Brigh- ton, a distance of fully ten miles. It was said that the pond had two outlets; one by a stream into Wil- loughby river, thence to Lake Mem- phremagog, the other through the Clyde into Salem Pond, then to Memphremagog lake. There is much evidence of the probability of the truth of this tradition, for we know from the earlier settlers that
JOSEPH B. HOLTON.
5
ORLEANS COUNTY.
there were strong indications of its having existed. It is believed that if this long pond did actually exist that it disappeared before that of the Glover pond now known as Runaway pond, which went away, never to return, in 1810, an account of which will be found in the Glover chapter.
HOLTON, HON. JOSEPH B., was born in Charleston, July 11, 1850, and was a son of John and Abbie M. (Morse) Holton. He received a good, sound education in the schools of Charleston, Morgan, and Derby. When he was six years of age his parents located in Morgan, where they remained until 1872, when Jo- seph B. returned to West Charles- ton. After completing his educa- tion he followed farming for four years. At twenty-two years of age he engaged in the boot and shoe business at West Charleston, and for two years did a successful business. Hle then sold out, and for the next two years was employed by the Ver- mont Emery Wheel company. At the age of twenty-six Mr. Holton again entered the mercantile busi- ness at West Charleston, and has continued to cater to the public in his excellent general and drug store at West Charleston until the disas- tious fire of October 1, 1903, when his building and entire stock were consumed. He is now erecting a splendid three-story block on the old site, and will continue in trade. In 1875 Mr. Holton was appointed postmaster of West Charleston after one of the hottest political skir- mishes ever experienced in Vermont for a like cause. It involved the entire party machinery of the state and was finally taken up by the de-
partment in Washington. Every contention of Mr. Holton was veri- fied, and for fifteen years he held the office and gave his people the best service that they had ever had. As might be easily imagined, he is a Republican of the aggressive type who will not intrigue for self or friend, and while at first, this worked to his political disadvantage, in this, as in all cases, clean, honest, and straightforward meth- ods won, and Mr. Holton has been honored, not only by the varions town offices, but in 1886 represented Charleston in the general assembly, and in 1896 he was one of Orleans county's senators, and served as chairman of the committee on claims.
October 1, 1871, he married Alice Clark of Charleston. Four children have been born to them: William ยท P., Clara M. (deceased), Ida M., and Myra C.
NELSON, WILLIAM, son of Hugh and Jannet (Orr) Nelson, was born in Stanstead, Province of Quebec, in 1854. Hugh Nelson, a Scotchman, came first to Barton, Vermont, from his native land in 1843; here he re- mained for a year, and in 1844 moved his family to Stanstead, Pro- vince of Quebec.
William Nelson attended the pub- lic schools of Stanstead and worked on the farm until seventeen, when he bought his time of his father and located in Charleston, where he found employment in a sawmill. Possessed of a strong will and a splendid physique, success soon crowned his efforts. Mr. Nelson has always followed mill work and farm- ing, and is a conspicuous success. He has at the present time a beauti-
6
SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
ful meadow farm of 300 acres, sixty head of stock, 100 hogs, and the finest modern barn in the town. In addition to his farm work he eon-
WILLIAM NELSON.
ducts a sawmill on the Clyde, and employs an average of ten men all the year.
In 1825 he was married to Mira L. Buek of Charleston.
Mr. Nelson has held the various town offices, and in 1898 and 1902 represented Charleston in the gen- eral assembly.
LYON, AUGUSTUS W., son of Porter and Elvirah (Morse) Lyon, was born at Morgan, March 21, 1833. Winters he attended the Salem (now a part of Derby) district schools, and Derby academy. Leaving school at ninteen he went to Massachusetts, and for eight years was engaged in the shoe business. He then re- turned to Derby Line and clerked
for a year in a general store. It was at this time that President Lincoln made his call for three years' men. Mr. Lyon enlisted at Charleston in Company D, Third Vermont Volun- teer infantry, was mustered into the service in July, 1861. promoted to sergeant and then orderly sergeant of Company D, and August + was commissioned by Governor J. Greg- ory Smith second lieutenant, and transferred to Company I, and Octo- ber 18, 1864, he was promoted to first lieutenant, and the following day was seriously wounded at Cedar Creek by a shell. Mr. Lyon partici- pated in the engagements of his organization. Among them may be named Williamsburg, Chapin's Farm, Savage Station, White Oak
AUGUSTUS W. LYON.
Swamp, Melvin Hill, Campton's Gap, Antietam, Fredericksburg. Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Culpeper. He was with Grant in
7
ORLEANS COUNTY.
the Wilderness through to Peters- burg campaign. Then the Sixth corps was ordered to Washington to protect the city from the threatened invasion of General Early; later the organization went with General Sheridan up the Shenandoah.
Mr. Lyon was mustered out July 16, 1865, with his regiment. Ile took up farming at Westmore until 1894, when he located at West Charleston. Mr. Lyon served West- more as lister, road commissioner. treasurer. selectman, and in 1882 represented the town in the general assembly of Vermont.
July 12, 1856, Mr. Lyon married Harriett Prescott of Oakdale, Massa- chusetts. Three children were born to them: George A., who resides in Iowa, Porter E., of Westmore, and Etta E .. who married Chester I. Moore of Morgan. Mrs. Lyon died in 1869, and in 1842 he took for his second wife Frances J. Clarke, and three children blessed this union: Fred A. of Barton, Eugene A. of Lowell, and Bert P.
Mr. Lyon is a member of Isaac Blake post, G. A. R., and has served several terms as commander, vice- president Orleans County Veterans' association, president of the Third Vermont Veteran association, and aide on the staff of the department commander, with the rank of major. In 186: Mr. Lyon affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, and has served his lodge as master.
WILSON, MARSHALL E., son of William D. and Sophia (Ingalls) Wilson, was born at Charleston. De- cember 28, 1850, received his educa- tion in his native town and at Derby, followed farming until 1895, when he located in West Charleston village, and entered the milling
business, conducting the Clyde Flouring mills until they were de- stroyed by fire July 2, 1902. In August, 1902, he bought R. W. Par-
MARSHALL E. WILSON.
ker's general store, and after the de- struction of the Clyde mills he opened his present grist-mill.
Mr. Wilson was married, in 1872, to Jerusha A. Moulton of Charles- ton. They have had three children: Edwin J., who is associated with his father in business, Lyone, and Har- rison (deceased).
Mr. Wilson has served Charleston as road commissioner, and other places of trust. Ile is a member of the Baptist church, Odd Fellows, and Modern Woodmen.
ROYCE, CLARK, was born in Charleston in 1840, a son of David and Harriett (Streeter) Royce. Mr. Royce's paternal grandfather was a soldier of the Revolution from New Hampshire. David, his son, left
8
SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
Chesterfield, New Hampshire, and for a short time lived at Lyndon, Vermont, coming to Charleston in 1828.
CLARK ROYCE.
Clark Royce followed farming after leaving school until the fall of Sumter and the call to arms. Then, on April 24. 1861. he enlisted in Company D, Third Vermont volun- teers, and was mustered into the United States service July 16. He served three years and was mustered out July 27, 1864. He was in all the engagements of his regiment. He returned home and has always followed farming.
He married March 27. 1867, Mercy E. Baleh. She bore him one child, Bernard C., and died June 10. 1880. April 11, 1881, he married Emma R. Blake of Stanstead, Pro- vince of Quebec.
He has been justice of the peace and seleetman for twenty years, and
is affiliated with the Grand Army and Masons.
CORUTIL. CHARLES E., was born August 1, 1851, at Chicopee, Massachusetts, son of Benjamin and Abigail (Morse) Cornth. When but two years of age his parents located in Charleston, where he attended the district school. After complet- ing his education at the Magog (Province of Quebec) academy he settled in West Charleston, where he was engaged in the carriage busi- ness for seven years. In 18:8 he moved to East Charleston and en- tered the employ of John Bly in his grist-mill. remaining three years. He then bought out Mr. Bly and has continued in the business.
December 25, 1825. he was united
CHARLES E. CORUTH.
in marriage to Alice Bly, daughter of John Bly of Charleston.
Mr. Coruth has served Charleston as town treasurer nine years, clerk
9
ORLEANS COUNTY.
seven years, selectman one year, and in 1892 represented the town in the state legislature. He is affiliated with the Odd Fellows and Masonic fraternity.
BUCK, WILSON, was born in Charleston in 1859, a son of Myron
made many improvement-, until to- day it is one of the best farms along the Clyde valley.
Mr. Buck married E. Mary Stumpf of Winsted, Connecticut, in 1891. Mr. Buck has held various town offices and represented the
MR. AND MRS. WILSON BUCK.
and Mary L. (Folsom) Buck. He attended the schools of his native town, followed farming until 1882, then went to New York city, where he successfully engaged in the ice business for ten years; he then re- turned to the old Buck homestead on the Island Pond road. Here he
town in the legislature of 1896.
Wilson Buck, paternal grand- father of the subject of this sketch, located in Charleston in 1824, and came from Waterford, Vermont. His son, Myron, was for thirty years a prominent starch manufacturer, held many town offices, and was a
10
SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
man of force, character, and great popularity.
CUSHMAN, DR. JULIUS B. H., was born at Barnston, Province of Quebec, November 16, 1851, was educated in the schools of Barford and at the Coaticook academy.
graduate course on diseases of wo- men in Boston. Dr. Cushman is a member of the Vermont Medical so- ciety, a Fellow of the American Association of Physicians and Sur- geons, and a member of the New England Eclectic Medical associa-
JULIUS B. H. CUSHMAN, M. D.
He then took up the study of medi- cine, one year with Dr. Leonard at Canaan, and two years with Drs. Gammell and Marchasault at Coati- cook. In 1880 Dr. Cushman located at East Charleston. In 1896 he graduated from the Illinois univer- sity, and in 1899-1900 took a post-
tion. During his post-graduate studies he was assistant surgeon of the Union General hospital in Bos- ton. For the past twenty years he has made the treatment of asthma a specialty, on which he has gained a wide reputation.
Dr. Cushman married, December
11
ORLEANS COUNTY.
9, 1885, Mabel C. Gallup of Charles- ton, a lady of unusual talent and re- finement. She departed this life July 31, 1903.
Dr. Cushman was for many years engaged in the drug business in con- nection with his practice, and for
Benjamin F. and Rhoda (Davis) Tripp.
In 1826 Theodore L. Tripp of Al- fred, Maine, located on Tripp Hill, about a mile from Echo pond, and cleared four acres, and the follow- ing March moved his family into
WILLIAM E. TRIPP.
eight years was postmaster of East Charleston. The doctor enjoys a wide popularity occasioned not only for his splendid success, but for his genial, accommodating, and always kindly manner.
TRIPP, WILLIAM E., born in Charleston, April 8, 1873, son of
the log house and here raised a large family of sturdy New Eng- landers. One of his children, Ben- jamin F., father of the subject of this sketch, is still living at the ripe old age of eighty years, enjoying re- markable health and vigor, a strong example of the result of hardy
12
SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
pioneer life in "ve olden times."
William E. Tripp received his ed- neation in the public schools of Charleston and at Lyndon Business college. In 1893 he purchased Dr. Cushman's building and opened a grocery, which he continued for four years. Six years ago he located in his present commodious store, and in March, 1898, was appointed post- master of East Charleston. Mr. Tripp is a good example of the self- made Vermonter: starting in busi- ness a mere boy of twenty, heavily in debt, but with ten years of hustle, long hours, and a clear understand- ing of the publie wants. he has ar- rived at that happy state of compar- ative independence.
May 26, 1894, he was married to Annie L. Cobleigh of Charleston. They have two bright children. Ralph and Albion.
PARLIN. JOHN GRAY, the sub- ject of this sketch. was born in Charleston, January 3, 1827. When three years of age his father died. He then went to live with an uncle, John Parlin, on the old Parlin farm in the town of Salem, one and one half miles north of West Charles- ton village. Here he lived and ob- tained his education in the common schools at West Charleston. In 1850, the farm coming into his pos- session, he married Malinda C. Bix- by of Warren, New Hampshire, a sister of the late M. II. Bixby, D. D., of Providence, Rhode Island.
He served his town as selectman and justice of the peace for ten years consecutively. In 1863-'64 he was elected to represent his town in the state legislature. At about this time he entered into the stock-buy- ing business, being for thirty years one of the largest buyers of sheep
in northern Vermont. In 1875 he removed to Charleston to reside permanently. Here he has served his town as lister for twenty years,
JOHN G. PARLIN.
also as overseer of the poor. and justice of the peace. In 1890 he represented Charleston in the legis- Jature. Of a family of ten children only four are living: Charles O., Eva I., Irene R., and Dr. A. E. Par- lin of Barton Landing, Vermont.
BROWNINGTON.
Population, Census of 1900, 748.
The legislature of Vermont, on February 22, 1782, granted the town. It was, however, chartered in October, 1:80.
The first settlement was made in 1:96. The town was organized March 28, 1:99. by a town-meeting at the house of Major Samuel Smith, who was chosen moderator: Elijah
13
ORLEANS COUNTY.
Strong, town clerk. At the Septem- ber meeting that year Elijah Strong was elected the first representative to the state legislature.
Deacon Luke Spencer, son of Erastus Spencer, was born in 1800, and his is the first birth in the town. The first death occurred the year prior, that of Mrs. Porter.
The establishment of a county grammar school in 1824 gave im- portance to the town. Brownington was a half shire town until 1816.
The Congregational church was organized March 4, 1803, and Mr. Woodward, who had charge of the grammar school, was invited to be- come the pastor, which he did.
The Methodist church was formed later and united with the Freewill Baptists in erecting a meeting-house at the Center.
In 1499 Major Samuel Smith opened the first public house in town and it was known far and wide for its comfort and hospitality. Judge Elijah Strong later opened a tavern which he conducted for many years.
FOSTER, ELISHA, son of Philo- man and Dorothy (Wilson) Foster, was born at Swanzey, New Hamp- shire, January 5, 1832. In 1839 his parents moved to Waitsfield, Ver- mont, in 1842 to Coventry, and in 1843 to Brownington. Mr. Foster attended the district schools of each place and when sixteen years of age he went to New York, where he re- mained for three years. He then re- turned and built a sawmill at Wil- loughby branch, which he run for two years, and then sold out and went to Echo Pond, where he bought a half interest in Cade & White's mill, remaining three years, selling out his interest here to L. C.
Grandy. He then returned to Browningten.
August 2, 1862, Mr. Foster en- listed in Company F. Eleventh Ver- mont Volunteer infantry, and served until the close of the war. He was wounded June 1. 1864, at Cold Har- bor, and mustered out of the service June 24, 1865. He then returned to Brownington, where he has since resided, and engaged in the lumber business until he retired from active work.
March 17, 1859, Mr. Foster was married to Mary E. Sawyer of Charleston, by whom two children were born, both deceased. The very month that Mr. Foster entered the army (August, 1862) Mrs. Foster was taken ill and dicd, and April 6,
ELISHA FOSTER.
1862. he married for his second wife, Amanda Foss of Barton.
Elisha Foster has always been a leading citizen of Brownington, ever
14
SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
ready to aid a good cause or to assist in advancing the material welfare of the town. He has held the various town offices. In 1874 and in 1888 he represented the town in the gen- eral assembly.
BROWN. URBIN W., was born at Milbourne, Province of Quebec, May 2, 1860, son of James W. and Louisa M. (Gravelin) Brown. In 1867 he came with his parents to Evansville, and attended the public schools of Brownington and Barton. He left school when fifteen years of age, and for four years worked with his father at the carpenter's trade. In 1829, with his father, he started a gen- eral store at Evansville under the firm name of J. W. Brown & Son, which for twenty-four years has met
URBIN W. BROWN.
with marked success. In 1896 James W. Brown died and the son has con- tinned the business under the same name.
Urbin W. Brown married, Decem- ber 25, 1882, Tina A. Gallup of Brownington. She was born April 6, 1860, at Danville, Province of Quebec. They have had one child, Grace A. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Brown has served the town as selectman and auditor.
October 18, 1889, Mr. Brown be- came a member of the Knights of Pythias as a charter member of Phil- amon lodge. No. 6, of Barton Land- ing. Being deeply impressed by the beauty of the story of Damon and Pythias and its charming exempli- fication as taught by this most popu- lar society, he gave it much thought and labor, and has served his local lodge as prelate. vice-chancellor, and chancellor commander, and took the grand lodge rank. October 12, 1892. he was elected grand inside guard; October 10. 1893, grand master at arms; October 10. 1895. grand tri- hune, and served seven years; Octo- ber 16, 1902. grand prelate, and Sep- tember 24, 1903, grand vice-chancel- lor of Vermont.
WYMAN, JAMES M., was born at St. Aimond. Province of Quebec, March 14, 1852. a son of Isaiah 1. and Cynthia (Tracy) Wyman. The parents of Mr. Wyman, who were American, came from St. Armand to Vermont in 1854, and so James M. attended the public schools of Brownington and the State Normal school at Johnson. In 1865 he located in Brownington with his parents on a farm. In 1878 he lo- cated on his present farm. He is energetic, shrewd, and progressive, and has made a conspicuous success of farming.
October 21. 1822. he married Ella E. Day of Coventry. One child, a
15
ORLEANS COUNTY.
daughter, has blessed their most happy union,-Mamie E., born in 1875 and died in 1899.
Mr. Wyman has been frequently
JAMES W. WYMAN.
called upon to serve his townsmen in a public capacity. Since 1892 he has held the office of selectman ten years, and for nine years has been first selectman. In 1900 he repre- sented his town in the general as- sembly. He served on several com- mittees, and by his tireless energy and alertness left his impress on much of the legislation of that im- portant session.
GROSS, GILBERT J., son of Avery H. and Harriet (Pierce) Gross, was born in Brownington, October 21, 1844.
Gilbert Gross, the paternal grand- father of the subject of this sketch, came from Massachusetts and set- tled in Brownington in 1810, and was one of the earliest settlers of the
town. Ilis son, Avery, was born here.
Gilbert J. Gross received his edn- cation in the district schools of Brownington, and at the Coventry academy, and Orleans county gram- mar school. He has always followed farming, and has abundantly dem- onstrated that intelligent modern farming does pay. He has a model farm of some 200 acres, a splendid sugar place of 700 trees, and some forty head of stock is kept.
In June, 1874, Mr. Gross married Clara Joslyn of Brownington. Two children have been born to them: Harriet and Edmond.
Mr. Gross has served Browning- ton as lister, selectman, and, in 1878, representative to the general assem- bly. He is a careful, conservative, and highly esteemed citizen, whose wise counsel is often sought and whose judgment is always found to be sound.
GARDYNE, ALMON H., was born in Potton, Province of Quebec, son of Robert and Mary (Eaton) Gar- dyne. He attended the public schools of Potton and Derby acad- emv. He left school at nineteen, and worked on the farm nntil twen- ty-one. He then found employment in the sawmill of Potton, where he remained six years, the last three of which he was in charge of the mill. He then went to Jay, Vermont, as foreman in a Inmber mill, and re- mained four years. He then ac- cepted a position as manager of J. Il. Silsby & Co.'s mill at Lowell, and remained there for nine years, at the end of which time Mr. Gar- dyne went to West Burke for Silsby Brothers, but only remained a short time.
In 1900 he bought out the general
16
SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
store at Brownington Center, where he is still located. He carries an unusually large stock, well selected and up-to-date. He is a man of clear
ALMON H. GARDYNE.
perception and sound judgment, who thoroughly understands the require- ments of the purchasing public. He knows what they want and has it.
In 1884 Almon H. Gardyne mar- ried Julia R. Ewins of Troy. Three unusually bright boys have blessed their union, viz .: Harold A., Robert E., and Raymond C.
Mr. Gardyne has been postmaster of Brownington Center since May, 1900. Ile has served Brownington as town treasurer for two years, and is affiliated with the Masonie fra- teruity.
WELLS, DR. ROBERT M., son of A. B. Foster and Clara (Slack) Wells, was born at Ascot, Prov- ince of Quebec, January 24. 1878. When but four years of
age his father died, and soon after the family, consisting of his mother, a brother and himself, lo- cated at West Glover, Vermont. Here he attended the public schools until thirteen years of age, when he was left to his own resources. Being possessed of a determined mind and a high ambition to acquire a profes- sion later in life, he entered Barton academy and completed the four- vear course in three years, graduat- ing in 1896. He then taught school for a year and added materially to his fund of knowledge, experience and cash, and in 1898 he entered Howard university at Washington, D. C., remaining there during his freshman year, and then entered the University of Vermont, became a
ROBERT M. WELLS, M. D.
member of the Delta Mu and gradu- ated in June, 1902.
The following August he located at. Brownington, where, by close
17
ORLEANS COUNTY.
application, a pleasing personality and energy, he is meeting with a marked degree of success in his chosen profession.
July 30, 1902, Dr. Wells was united in marriage to Lena Perkins of Barton, a lady of culture and refinement.
GOING, LOREN B., son of Valen- tine and Maria (Eggleston) Going.
trees, and keeps some thirty head of stock.
March 5, 18:4, he married Stella Mede of Brownington. One child was born to them, Nettie, who mar- ried Herbert Aldrich of Dalton, New Hampshire. For his second wife, Mr. Going married Linda, daughter of Lemuel N. Savage of Eden. One child, Clio, has blessed this union.
BEAUTIFUL WILLOUGHBY.
was born at Coventry, July 24, 1847, and when less than two years of age came with his parents to Brown- ington, where he has resided ever since. He was educated in the schools of the town, and has always followed farming. He is located be- tween the villages of Brownington and Brownington Center, on a beau- tiful and well cultivated farm of 130 acres. Mr. Going has 700 sugar
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.