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 46
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 46
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 46
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GUY V. PLACE.
William, Ellen, who married Fred Young of Jay, larry, and Rena.
Mr. Place has held the various town offiees, and in 1902 represented Jay in the general assembly of Ver- mont, where he served on the can- vassing and industrial committees.
LUCIER, GILBERT C. The sub- jeet of this sketch was born at Enosburg, Vermont, in 1842. a son of Charles and Ellen Lncier. Mr. Lucier received his education in the district schools of Enosburg and
Jay. In 1860 Mr. Lucier came with his parents to reside at Jay, and in 1863, when but a mere lad of six- teen, he enlisted in Company F, Eleventh Vermont heavy artillery. He served two years, was wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, Vir- ginia, in 1864, and was mustered out of the service September, 1865, and returned to Jay and entered the lumber business, which he has gen- erally followed, excepting twelve years that he was employed at Bos- ton, Massachusetts, by the Carson Machine company.
In 1868 Mr. Lucier married Lucy King of Berkshire, Vermont. Three children have been born to them, two of whom are now living: Mabel, (Mrs. Edward Nason), and Maud.
Mr. Lucier has served Jay as chairman of school committee, chairman of selectmen six years, and in 1882 represented the town in the state legislature. In 1890 he went to Boston to reside, remaining until 1902, when he returned to Jay.
TROY.
Population, Census of 1900, 1,467.
The town of Missisquoi was in- corporated October 28, 1801, and composed of two gores: the south- ern one of 12,000 acres chartered by the state October 30, 1:92, to John Kelley, and the northern one, of 11,040 acres, chartered by the state October 27, 1792, to Samuel Avery. October 26, 1803, the name of the town was changed to Troy.
In 1796 a party of men from Peacham, headed by Capt. Moses Elkins, explored the county, and June 2, 1:92, he started from Peacham. with his household goods
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
and supplies in a cart, drawn by a yoke of oxen and a yoke of bulls, and one cow, driven by his nine- year-old son, Mark, and accom- panied by two hired men. They were found to have lo- cated just north of North Troy and across the Canadian line. Soon a Mr. Morrill came and lo- cated on a lot and built a house a half mile east of the present North Troy village. In 1:99 James Rines and a Mr. Bartlett came and settled in the town and soon after several more families came from Peacham. About 1800 Elkins moved from his Canadian farm and located at what is now North Troy, and built a saw and grist-mill.
The town was organized in March, 1802. Curtis Elkins was chosen first town clerk and that year Alpheus Moore was chosen first town representative.
During the War of 1812 a consid- erable amount of danger was antici- pated, but none came; a fort was erected for the protection of the in- habitants in the event of an inva- sion. The fort consisted of a rude stockade constructed of logs on end, from twelve to fifteen feet high.
In the Civil war Troy, like all Vermont towns, did her full share in patriotism and the furnishing of both men and treasure that "this government of the people should not perish."
ANNIS, HON. ORIEN S ..* only surviving child of Laurens K. and Ella (Hull) Annis, was born three miles from the village of North Troy, on the 15th day of November, 1866. While yet an infant, his pa-
rents removed with him to West- field, in which town his uncle, Dr. A. W. Annis, practised medicine for many years. In the villages of West- field and North Troy, located in the beautiful valley of the Mississquoi, under the shadow of the Green Mountains, Mr. Annis has spent most of his life thus far.
He was educated in the Westfield public schools, the Westfield gram- mar school, and by a private instruc- tor. Though an able student in dif- ferent branches of study. he excelled particularly in mathematics. He had a limited experience as clerk in the village stores. In 1888 he was su- perintendent of the town schools, and in 1889 he became a member of the Orleans county board of edu- cation. Though the position was unsought by him, he was appointed postmaster in 1887, holding the office until his resignation in 1889. While discharging the duties of the office, he commenced and assiduously pur- sued the study of the law. He re- signed as postmaster in order that he might go to North Troy and enter the law office of the late HIen- derson C. Wilson, who for many years was a practitioner at the Or- leans county bar.
In 1890, at the October term of the supreme court held in Montpe- lier, Mr. Annis was a candidate for admission to the Vermont bar. This was shortly after the adoption of the new rules requiring a rigid and different examination, both oral and written. He was admitted, and with honor, standing at the head of a class of thirteen successful candi- dates. The death of Mr. Wilson occurring just prior to this event,
* Written by Rev. Marcellus W. Farman, of Westfield, chaplain of the Vermont senate, 1902.
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
Mr. Annis engaged the office, pur- chased the library and furnishings and commenced the successful prae- tice of his profession. Equipped with a good knowledge of law and of human nature, and paying strict
precedented, amount of criminal business, so far as related to grave offenses, in both county and supreme court, including convictions for murder in the first degree, man- slaughter, assault with intent to kill,
ORIEN S. ANNIS.
attention to business, he worked into a large and remunerative practice.
In 1894 he was elected state's attorney for Orleans county, and on the expiration of his term in 1896 was re-elected, thus serving four years. During his administration, there was an unusual, if not un-
and attempted subornation of per- jury.
When the new law for the ap- pointment of probation officers went into effect in 1899, he was appointed probation officer for Orleans county; but not caring for the office or the nature of the work, he resigned after
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a year or so. He was elected chair- man of the Orleans county Republi- can committee in 1898, re-elected in 1900, and again re-elected in 1902.
.
A few days before the Republican county convention of 1902, Mr. Annis yielded to the unexpected but urgent solicitation of friends to be- come a candidate for the senator- ship. He received the nomination in the convention, and the election at the polls. In the Vermont senate, he served as chairman of the Com- mittee on Judiciary, which is con- sidered the most honorable commit- tee position in the legislature. Also, he was a member of the senate Com- mittee on Corporations. Of the joint standing committees, he was chairman of the one on State and Court Expenses, and was a member of the Committee on Temperance.
In 1903, he very reluctantly ac- cepted the position of chairman of the board of trustees for the village of North Troy; but having accepted, he entered vigorously into the work of the office. There were then no permanent desirable sidewalks. The board believed the importance and resources of the place to warrant such walks, and accordingly pro- ceeded to lay concrete sidewalks. driveways and crossings extensively, and to the great benefit and beauty of the village.
This sketch would be incomplete without referring to Mr. Annis' ability as a public speaker. Though small in stature, with black hair. black penetrating eyes and dark complexion, he possesses a keen in- tellect, quick wit, and vivid imagi- nation, which, combined with easy dignity of manner, make him a graceful, eloquent, and effective speaker. Nor is his ability in this
direction confined to addressing the court and jury. In the days when as a boy he debated in the village lyceum, his talent was recognized. In the halls of legislation he was the peer of any other member of the general assembly as a speaker. On public occasions he is an orator who delights those privileged to listen to his eloquent words.
He belongs to the Masonic frater- nity, having a membership in Union lodge, No. 16, of Troy. Though practical and methodical, Mr. Annis has also a poetical element in his nature, and a faculty for winning friends. While fond of general literature, he follows the rule never to read a book that he would not place on the shelves of his home library.
On December 10, 1890, he was united in marriage to Miss Ida E. Campbell, the gracious lady who now presides over his pleasant home. Three bright, attractive children are the fruit of this union: Ruth Ella, Paul Campbell, and Grace.
SEAVER, EZRA T., was born at Albany, Vermont, January 12. 1858, a son of Gilman W. and Eliza (Rowell) Seaver. When he was five years of age his parents moved to Trasburg, Vermont, and two years later to South Craftsbury. Mr. Seaver received his education in the old-fashioned district schools of Irasburg, Craftsbury, and at Crafts- bury academy, and at the Mont- pelier seminary: when sixteen years of age he located in North Troy and entered the employ of Martin & Seaver, dealers in hard- ware, groceries, ete., and manufac- turers of Jewett's patent milk pans. The firm built a block where the Parkhurst store now stands. Here
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
they continued in business four years and then G. W. Seaver & Son succeeded in the retail business and also manufactured patent milk pans at North Troy, Vermont, Mansonville, Sherbrooke and Mont- treal, Province of Quebee. Ezra
then Mr. Parkhurst bought the building lot and G. W. Seaver & Sons bought out George P. Hardy's general store and leased the ad- joining block, then known as the Brown store.
Harley T. (see Barton) came
EZRA T. SEAVER.
T., during all this time, had man- agement of the store and did all the corresponding for the firm. A disastrous fire in 1882 destroyed their business block and store- houses, together with two buildings belonging to H. B. Parkhurst, and B-1
into the firm and it was then known as G. W. Seaver & Sons. The business continued with Ezra T. manager of dry goods, boots and shoes, groceries, ete., and Harley T. manager of hardware, stoves and tinware departments. This eontin-
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
ued about two years, and then the firm sold out the dry goods business to the former owner, George P. Hardy, and Ezra T. bought out the hardware and stove departments. In 1884 Ezra T. bought his present residence and built the block he now occupies. His store is 30x75 feet, four floors. He also uses in his business a large storehouse near the depot, a storehouse in the rear of his store, and the second floor in the D. W. Kelley block, adjoin- ing his store, size 40x60 feet. He also owns and occupies the store known as the Barrows store, size 40x70 feet, two floors, and store- houses in the rear, 30x50 feet. Mr. Seaver uses in his business 25,- 000 square feet of floor space, and it is packed with all kinds of merchan- dise used in a farming community. His stock consists of dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes, rubbers, hats and caps, furnishing goods, small wares, hardware, crockery, glass ware, groceries, flour, grain, and feed, blacksmith's supplies, build- ers' supplies, paints, oils, and var- nishes, furniture, carpets, and prob- ably the largest and best selected stock of general merchandise in northern Vermont.
In 1819 Mr. Seaver married Al- meda A. Ewins, and two children have been born to them: Cleon W. and Clive G.
Mr. Seaver was postmaster of North Troy four years during Cleveland's first administration, and was Democratic candidate for state auditor in 1890. Has been town treasurer for a number of years, and has held various other town and corporation offices.
BUTTERFIELD, ALFRED HAR- VEY,* was born September 5, 1857, at Lowell, a son of the late Nathan S. and Mary (Hatch) Butterfield. He was educated in the public schools and also in the Waterbury academy. But in a person of his natural mental bent and breadth, education is to be considered not as so many books read or so many schools attended, but in that larger and grander sense of what it has brought to the mind. With a re- tentive memory and having read eagerly of the choicest and best, he has passed quite beyond the scope limited by the general term "well informed," and acquired many of the attributes and much of the polish of accomplished scholarship.
Mr. Butterfield comes of good old Revolutionary ancestry on both sides. He is in the eighth genera- tion of lineal descendants from Benjamin Butterfield, a native of England, who was the first of that family name to settle in America. John Hatch, his maternal grand- father, was a lieutenant in the War of 1812. His maternal ancestry is associated with the family of Tay- lors to which General Zachary, the late president, belonged: and the father of his grandmother, John Taylor, was customs officer at Peacham something like 100 years ago.
He came from Burlington to North Troy, where he has ever since resided, in 1878. Soon after acquir- ing a thorough knowledge of the printing business, he purchased the North Troy Palladium, of which he has since been the proprietor. It is one of the cleanest, most whole-
* Sketch by Hon. Orian S. Annis.
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
some, and well-edited country week- lies in northern Vermont. He was deputy collector of customs from the time of his appointment under Harrison's administration in 1882 to the time of his resignation in 1893. Soon after Mckinley took
office in that town. At that session he served on the general committee and obtained a charter for the North Troy graded school. Two years later a splendid school build- ing was erected under his plans and supervision. He has been town clerk,
ALFRED H. BUTTERFIELD.
his seat, Mr. Butterfield was ap- pointed deputy collector of customs in charge of the port at North Troy, which position he has ever since held. He served Troy as its representative in the legislature in 1894, receiving the largest majority of any person ever elected to that
chairman of the Republican town committee, chairman of the com- mittee on text-books in the public schools, and clerk of the North Troy Village corporation. He also served for three years as chairman of the board of trustees. In 1898 he caused Trojan lodge, No. 20,
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Knights of Pythias, to be instituted, and was its first chancellor com- mander. In 1902 he was chosen grand vice-chancellor for the do- main of Vermont, and in 1903 grand chancellor. In all of that work he took great interest and the order made notable progress under his administration of that offiee. He is affiliated with St. Augustine's Episcopal church of North Troy, and has been its secretary and treasurer.
Whatever may have been his other fortunes and successes, Mr. Butterfield has been most happy in his marital and domestic relations. In 1880 he was married to Ger- trude E. Hunt of Troy, daughter of Mitchell and Henrietta Hunt, an ideal choice, as the vanished years have shown. They have five chil- dren: Alfred M., Hugh 11., Ross H., Mary R., and Gertrude. The eldest and first-mentioned is now a student in the medical department of the University of Vermont, with most excellent prospects.
Mr. Butterfield is an ardent Re- publican and notably enthusiastic in all things making for the good of his own community. With broad but discriminating mind, a seeker after information, and having drank freely from all his available foun- tains of knowledge, with an ample command of English and a high de- gree of comparison - bordering sometimes during a social hour slightly on the critical or amusing -he is not only an able man and a worthy citizen, but a most inter- esting companion.
HUNT, JAMES R. B., son of Leonard and Luthera (Clark) Hunt, was born at Troy, Vermont, Oct)- ber 24, 1836. When a boy his pa-
rents moved to New Hampshire, and here he attended the schools and laid the foundation, both physi- cal and mental, for a long and use- ful career. At the age of seventeen years he returned to Vermont, his father having deceased six years prior. During the six following years he resided at Barnet, and when twenty-three years old he re- turned to his native town. He fol- lowed farming a few years; but in 1812 engaged in the business of manufacturing lumber and piano sounding boards. Ile retired in 1901, selling his interest in the busi- ness to Burnie M. Parker, son of his partner for the preceding sixteen years.
January 1. 1860, Mr. Hunt mar- ried Emeline L .. daughter of Horace Porter, late of Troy, who always has been and now is an ideal helpmeet and a worthy contributor to his sue- cess and the happiness of his pleas- ant home. They have three surviv- ing children: Ida A., Edgar L., a successful dry goods merchant at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and Kittie A., wife of Edwin F. Livingston of Watertown, Massachusetts.
Mr. Hunt is not in any sense an office-seeker, yet he has been chosen to several important official posi- tions. He has been elected trustee for the village of North Troy, is a justice of the peace, has served seven years as chairman of the board of selectmen for the town of Troy. In 1898 he represented Troy in the legislature. Here he intro- duced several bills of recognized im- portance and some of which re- sulted in considerable debate in the house. Ile occupied a prominent position on the committee on claims, where by reason of his
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activity and sense of justice an un- usually large number of disputed and long-standing claims were sat- isfactorily adjusted.
Mr. Hunt's predominating char- acteristics and qualities are energy, broad views, sound judgment, and
declining years in the community where he has lived so long and which his generous and loyal im- pulses have so often benefited.
WALLER, DR. C. CURTIS, was born at Irasburg, May 14, 1872, son of Henry C. and Josephine (Bogue)
JAMES R. B. HUNT.
a more than ordinary capacity for doing and disposing of business. By the exercise of these he has been successful, accumulated a com- petence, and although as yet en- gaged in many of the activities of life, he retired in 1900 to pass his
Waller. When a boy of seven years he met with the loss of his parents and went to live with his unele. Denison Waller, at Georgia. Here he attended the district schools until seventeen years of age, when he entered the Vermont
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Methodist seminary at Montpelier. Here he had the usual and valua- ble experience of one, who by force of circumstances is obliged to work his way. He graduated from the Baltimore Medical college in 1898, and then for a year was connected
united in marriage to Grace M., only daughter of Charles C. and Manda White. One son, David Wilkie, born June 29, 1903, has blessed this happy union.
Dr. Waller is a wide-awake, pub- lic-spirited, and generous citizen,
C. CURTIS WALLER, M. D.
with the Maryland General hospital. He then located at North Troy, where he has won an enviable prac- tice and a splendid reputation as a surgeon of more than ordinary abil- ity.
In June, 1901, Dr. Waller was
who takes a lively interest in all matters that tend to build up his adopted town. He is popular in social circles, knows a good thing when he sees it, and is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and Masonic fraternity.
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
HUNT, CHARLES P., son of Sam- is a Republican of the loyal, staunch nel P. and Martha A. (Gilpin) Hunt, type. was born at Troy, June 19, 1855. He received his education in the public schools of his native town.
Mr. Hunt is a conservative, yet energetie, publie-spirited citizen,
Mr. Hunt has always followed farming in a progressive and thor- ough manner, and is regarded as one of Troy's most successful farm- ers.
CHARLES P. HUNT.
who has frequently been called to hold public position. He has served his town as chairman of the school board from 1895 to 1901, chairman of board of listers 1895, 1896, 1901, 1902 and 1903, road commissioner 1893, 1896, 1897, 1903, and selectman in 1904. He
July 6, 1881, Mr. Hunt was united in marriage to Addie A., daughter of Harley S. and Emily (Scott) Meigs of Potton, Quebec. Three unusually bright children have been born to them: Charles P., born April 19, 1882, and died December 20, 1890; Maude E., born
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April 24, 1884, and Oliver H. P., born February 8, 1894.
Samuel P. Hunt, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Monroe, Grafton county, New Hampshire, and came to Vermont in 1840, and resided in Troy nearly all of the time until his death, March 7. 1894. He was a man of sound judgment and great worth, and during his residence here he held nearly every town office.
6
CHESTER C. WHEELER.
WHEELER, CHESTER C., was born in Derby, March 29, 1843, son of Alden and Emeline (Carpenter) Wheeler, and a maternal grandson of Colonel Chester Carpenter (see Derby).
Mr. Wheeler was educated in the district schools of Derby, Troy, and at Troy academy. In December, 1863, he enlisted in Company D, Sixth Vermont volunteer infantry. May 5. 1864, he was wounded at
the battle of the Wilderness, and in July, 1865, he was discharged from the service.
February 12, 1868, he was mar- ried to Lucena P., daughter of Adams Abbott, who was among the early settlers of Troy. Five chil- dren have been born to them; one only, Fred A., survives.
Mr. Wheeler has always followed farming, with the exception of three years, when he was employed by Buck, Stevens & Co. of Richford.
He came to Troy with his father in. 1854, and has served the town as lister and selectman, and in 1902 was its representative to the general assembly.
Alden Wheeler, father of Chester C., was born May 17, 1809, and was a son of Colonel Timothy and Han- nah (Stoddard) Wheeler. Colonel Timothy Wheeler was born Febru- ary 16, 1770, and died in June, 1854. He was a colonel in the War of 1812. His son, Alden, died May 5, 1828. Alden married Emeline, a daughter of Colonel Chester Carpenter. She was born at Derby, Vermont, April 29. 1815, and died June 12, 1891, in Troy, Vermout.
ROGERS. FRANK S., was born at Troy, December 3, 1854, a son of Dr. Clark S. and Lydia A. (Sumner) Rogers, and a maternal grandson of Samuel Sumner, a member of the Orleans county bar.
Mr. Rogers attended the public schools of Troy and fitted for col- lege at St. Johnsbury and Derby academies. He graduated from Dartmouth in the class of 1878. He entered the law office of P. K. Gleed at Morrisville, and was admitted to the Orleans county bar in 1881, and has followed his profession in Troy ever since. He has served as town
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
clerk of Troy for two years and reg- ister of probate for Orleans county one year.
In 1881 Mr. Rogers was united in marriage to Alice A., daughter of Leander Aiken. Three children have blessed their happy union:
probability of remuneration. He held various offices and represented his town in the general assembly.
GRAY, DR. FREDERICK STIMP- SON. Dr. F. S. Gray was born in Coventry, September 18, 1856, re- ceiving his education in the common
FREDERICK S. GRAY, M. D.
HIelen F., Alice L., and Edward L.
Dr. Clark S. Rogers was born in Franklin, Franklin county, and practiced medicine in Troy. He was a hard-working physician of the old school. No distance was too great or weather too bad for him to respond to a call, regardless of the
schools and at the academies at Coventry, Derby, and St. Johns- bury. For twenty terms he taught in the public schools. He graduated from Burlington Medical college June 26, 1882, and located at West- field, August, 1882, where, by pa- tient industry, assiduity, and his
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
liberal methods, he built up a large and valuable business. He went to Troy in March, 1888, where he still resides.
Frederick S. Gray, son of Hub- bard and Mary (Wells) Gray, was born on the old homestead, the same farm where his grandfather bought in 1808, who came from Westmoreland, New Hampshire. Also, Hubbard Gray, his father, was born on the same farm. The farm has been in the possession of the Gray family since 1808, and came into the possession of Dr. Gray in 1901. In 1902, seeing the value of timbered land, he pur- chased, in the towns of Lowell, Westfield, and Troy, sixteen hun- dred acres. Also run for three years the steam mill at Troy with success, then was instrumental in getting Blair and DeLarm Veneer company doing business at Troy. This company is working two mill- ion feet of hardwood lumber per year, and employs from fifty to sixty hands.
Dr. Gray is a member of the State and County Medical society, also a member of Masonic Union lodge, No. 16, Troy, and Cleveland chap- ter, No. 20, Newport Royal Arch, and Foresters, Court Hector, No. 3662, Troy. Since the organiza- tion of the Foresters he has been court physician and treasurer. He is medical examiner of the North- western Mutual, New York Life, New York Mutual, Penn Mutual, and several other first-class life in- surance companies.
He took a post-graduate course in McGill University Medical col- lege, Montreal, Province of Quebec, in 1902.
February 28, 1881, he was mar-
ried, and his wife died April 19, 1884, and on the 28th of March, 1888, he was united to Alice H., daughter of George W. and Anne (Adams) Aiken. In his religious views he is a Congregationalist, and in politics he has always been a Re- publican.
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