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 49
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 49
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 49
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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
"She was not only kind and gen- erous to the unfortunate, but to the maltreated animals, to birds, and also in her great love for flowers, with which she strewed the path- way of those about her.
"In all respects Mrs. Tyler was a true woman. No one could think evil of her, because she was so faith- ful and true in all relations of her life. For forty-four years she made her home a true home, in which she reigned as only such a woman can.
"She was always active in the churches with which she associated, both of which felt the influence of her work."
Mrs. Tyler was united in mar- riage September 1, 1855, with Will- iam Dexter Tyler, well known as a lawyer in the public life of north- ern Vermont, a man who fully ap- preciated the spiritual qualities of his beloved companion.
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
Mr. Tyler was born at Essex, March 12, 1824, a son of Daniel and Permelia (Farrand) Tyler. His education was obtained in his native town. In 1854 he commenced the study of law and was admitted to the Franklin county bar in 1864. In 1865 he located at Irasburg, and was made register and served until December of that year. During this time his brother, Judge Milton
his untiring efforts that the bill to remove the shire of Orleans county from Irasburg was defeated.
WHEELER, HON. CHARLES WILLARD, was born in Enosburg, Franklin county, Vermont, April 13, 1839. He is of Scotch extrac- tion, although his parents were born in this country. On his ma- ternal side he is a direct descendant from the famous Clan McFarlan, in
MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM D. TYLER.
R. Tyler, being absent, he per- formed his duties to the complete satisfaction of all. He then opened an office at Irasburg and has been in constant practice since. As a lawyer, Mr. Tyler has excellent judgment and a good knowledge of the law. In 1868 he was elected town clerk and has held the office ever since. He represented the town in the general assembly in 1874-'75, and it was largely due to
Scotland, whose Highland chiefs maintained their hereditary posses- sions by their strong bows and bat- tle brands, against both foreign and domestic foes, for more than six hundred years. Recently there has been published a very interesting genealogical history of this hardy race of MeFarlans, which shows them, by many a daring adventure and fierce combat, in their ancestral home, to have been a brave people,
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
staunch patriots, and renowned for their martial spirit, and that their descendants in this country contrib- nted much, both toward the achievement of our national inde- pendence and the suppression of the late rebellion.
Mr. Wheeler's paternal grand- father was a Revolutionary soldier who bore the sears of British lead to his grave.
Willard Wheeler, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in New Ipswich, New Hampshire, August 21, 1800. Both parents died when he was at the age of twelve years. In early life, desiring to make a start for himself, he migrated to St. Albans from which he soon moved to Enosburg, where he engaged chiefly in blacksmith- ing, being known as one of the best mechanics in the state. He was about the only man of those times who could weld iron and steel to- gether. He manufactured ear- penters' and edged tools. Besides this line of work, he gave attention to farming, speculation in cattle, his credit being as good as the Bank of England. He was identified with religious and philanthropic work and an active supporter of all that pertained to the public good.
Charles Willard Wheeler, our subject, obtained his education in the common schools of his native town. He first engaged in the mer- cantile pursuit at St. Albans. This carly training laid the foundation for a successful business career.
At the call of the president for troops he enlisted, August 5, 1862, and became a member of Company I, Tenth Vermont regiment, hop- ing, as he said, "if he proved worthy, that he might carry a gun."
Very soon after the regiment was organized, Private Wheeler's abili- ties were recognized and he was constantly detailed at brigade and division headquarters, and engaged in important and responsible duties, in the making of descriptive lists and muster rolls, the correct- ness of which must subsequently affect the interests of so many of the soldiery. February 4, 1863, he was detailed in an adjutant-gen- eral's office, and after five months was transferred to commissary de- partment of the Third division, Third Army corps, where he con- tinued until April 1864, at which time he was only relieved from this duty by his own strenuous request, after repeated inducements had been proffered to remain-such as gaining a discharge from the ser- vice and employment as a citizen, with large remuneration.
Soon after the resuming of duty with his original organization, he was unexpectedly selected to go to Vermont on recruiting service, which would give him a well de- served change, among the friends of his home, but he put in a vigor- ous protest, requesting that he be allowed to remain at the front. until the object for which he had enlisted was gained. A soldier of his own selection was detailed, who spent a year in Vermont, recruit- ing men to fill the fast depleting ranks of the regimental organiza- tions in the field.
Then followed rapid promotions, he being appointed sergeant, July 1, 1864; first sergeant, July 4; sec- ond lieutenant, August 9; first lieu- tenant, Company HI, February 9. 1864: regimental quartermaster, May 12 following. While a line of-
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ficer, Lieutenant Wheeler was re- peatedly detailed on courts martial, where his opinion was highly appre- ciated. His knowledge of muster rolls, and the conditions that would
took part in nearly all of the bat- tles in which the regiment was en- gaged; and although subjected to the strenuous service performed by the Sixth Army corps, where the
CHARLES W. WHEELER.
have bearing upon the sentences given, made him an authority in matters of this kind.
After General Grant took com- mand until the close of the war he
casualties were great, he seemed to. have a charmed life, and was only kept from active service by wounds received at the battle of Cedar Creek.
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
In politics, Mr. Wheeler has been identified with the Republican party since its formation, and has been honored with many official positions at Irasburg, where he lo- cated soon after the war. He rep- resented his town in 1886, and was elected to the senate in 1890.
March 3, 1875, and Lucy Helen, born September 25, 1886.
Mr. Wheeler's church affiliations are with the Congregational church, of which he is an active member and generous contributor. SEARS, FREDERICK M., was born in Irasburg, Vermont, December
FREDERICK M. SEARS.
June 7, 1871, he married Louise E. Nichols, daughter of Levi and Elizabeth (Dow) Nichols of Enos- burg. Three children have been born to them: George Edward, born February 10, 1873, who died Sep- tember 23, 1881; Mary Louise, born
12, 1864. He is the son of Ansel J. and Mary A. Sears. He re- ceived his early education in the public schools of Irasburg, and has grown up from boyhood in the town, where his business interests are now established. For some
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
years he was the efficient and L., born March 14, 1890. Henry E. trusted clerk of Mr. Charles W. has just graduated in medicine at the Vermont university, and located in practice at Irasburg, where he is building up a well-deserved prac- tice. Helen B. is now at college at Burlington and will graduate in 1904. Wheeler, now his competitor in business. In the year 1901 he formed a partnership with Mr. George W. Russell, under the firm name of Sears & Russell, and is well known throughout this section for business integrity and sagacity. Mr. Somers, in politics, has al- ways been a staunch Republican. He has been honored with several important offices of his native town, This enterprising firm carries a general line of country merchan- dise, and handles eggs, butter, etc.
Mr. Sears is, in politics, strongly Republican. He has been honored by his townspeople to election to several important offices. He rep- resented the town in the legislature of 1898, when he acceptably served on the general committee. He has held the office of selectman for his town for the past ten years. He is interested in all that pertains to the welfare of his town, county, and state.
In 1892 Mr. Sears married Miss Ina E Drew of Irasburg and there have been born from this un- ion six children.
SOMERS, HOMER HENRY, was born at Huntington, Vermont, Jan- uary 1, 1847. His father, Henry Somers, was born at Starksboro; his mother, Betsey Sales, was born in the same place. The family re- moved to Irasburg, March 2, 1854.
Mr. Somers married Clara V. Wiggin March 27, 1873. Mrs. Clara V. (Wiggin) Somers was born in Barton, October 25, 1851. She is the daughter of the late William P. and Louise (Dean) Wiggin. There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Somers: George, on April 3, 1876, Rollin, July 22, 1877, both now de- ceased; Helen B., May 23, 1879; Henry E., November 30, 1880; C. Belle, August 8, 1884, and Florence
HOMER H. SOMERS.
representing the town in 1888. Mr. Somers is a Mason, having joined Central lodge, No. 62, some thirty- five years since, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Somers has held the honored position of president of the Orleans County Fair association for the past fifteen years. Mr. Somers and family are attendants at the Congregational church.
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
COVENTRY.
Population, Census of 1900, 728.
The town was chartered Novem- ber 4, 1780, to Major Elias Buel and his fifty-nine associates, and named in honor of his birthplace. A strip of land bordering on Lake Mem- phremagog, being 108 rods wide on the lake and two miles four rods long, and known as Coventry Leg, was in 1816 annexed to Newport.
November 3, 1841, the name of the town was changed to Orleans, but the people soon tired of the new name and November 1, 1843, it was changed back to Coventry.
In September, 1799, Samuel Cobb and his son, Tisdale, visited the town and built a log cabin, mak- ing the first settlement. In 1801 Samuel Smith of Brownington came and erected a sawmill.
All the settlers prior to 1803 were in the strictest sense of the term, "squatters," having no deeds, but taking possession wherever it pleased. Deeds were executed to them in 1803.
The town was organized March 31, 1803. Joseph Marsh was chosen clerk. That fall Mr. Marsh was chosen the first representative of the town.
A daughter was born to Tisdale Cobb July 28, 1801, which was the first birth. Her original name was Harriet Fitch Cobb. bestowed on account of a promise of Jabez G. Fitch to give a lot to the first-born child; this promise was not kept, and her name was changed to Betsey.
CLEVELAND, HON. HENRY C., of Coventry, Orleans county, has inherited in marked de- gree the fine managerial and finan-
cial capabilities of his father, Hon. Elijah Cleveland, who was one of the most enterprising men of his day. Elijah Cleveland was born in Hanover, New Hampshire, June 29, 1795. He came to Coventry about 1824, and was for more than a half century afterwards the most enterprising man the village con- tained. A shoemaker by trade, the year after his coming he purchased from Calvin and Daniel Harmon a small stock of goods, and upon this small foundation he built a large mercantile business, in which he continued for many years. In 1825 he also built an ashery, and began the making of pearlash, then the most important article of man- ufacture in that region. In 1827 he built the first grist-mill, in 1829-'30 the Congregational church, and in 1837 a starch factory, which was at the time an enterprise of vast im- portance. He had thus demon- strated his nseful activity in the establishment of industrial con- cerns which were of advantage to the entire community, and these led him into the conception of larger plans, in which he became the acknowledged leader. Abont the time his starch factory was well in operation, the necessity for a road between Coventry and New- port became apparent, and Mr. Cleveland took the contract for its making, a distance of six miles through an unbroken wilderness. It was an arduous undertaking, but the work was completed in an ex- cellent manner, and Coventry had taken another forward step. Mr. Cleveland was now prepared for the most important undertaking with which he was associated, the Pas- sumpsie railroad. When its build-
my . C.lo forstand
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
ing was first broached he en- listed heartily in the project and made a liberal contribu- tion to the beginning of the work at White River Junction. He was made one of the managers of the company, and was its secre- tary from 1845 until the time of his death, when, of all the original managers, only one, E. Raymond, survived him. He had lived to see the road firmly established, the country through which it ran de- veloped and enriched, and his per- sonal fortune added to. And yet more, his colleagues were free to accord to him the large share of praise, affirming that the success which attended the Passumpsic railroad was due in a large degree to his sound judgment, his financial aid in time of extremity, and his constant and indefatigable efforts. Though interested in other enter- prises, this was the special object of his attention, and he guarded and fostered it at every turn and in every extremity.
It was said of Mr. Cleveland, by those who knew him most inti- mately through association with him in large affairs, that he was a man of unusual excellence of judg- ment. He was a man of few words, but he possessed the faculty of pre- senting his views with clearness and conciseness, and yet with an earn- estness and persistence born of hon- est conviction. His opinions were formed after careful thought and as full investigation as possible, and his conclusions were uniformly sound, commanding confidence and insuring the active cooperation of those about him.
Sagacious in all business affairs, constantly moved by a lofty sense
of public spirit, and the soul of in- tegrity in all his relations with his fellows, Mr. Cleveland was fre- quently called to positions of honor and trust. In 1827, two years after his coming to Coventry he was chosen town clerk and treas- urer, and he served in that twofold capacity for seven years. He be- came a selectman in 1836, and served again in the same capacity in 1856. From 1834 to 1836 he was assistant judge of the county court. In 1839 he was elected to represent the town in the legislature, and was returned to that body for two years following, and again in 1846. He was a member of the state constitu- tional convention in 1857. In 1856 and 1857 he was a state senator. In all these various stations he served with great usefulness to his constituency, and with high credit to himself. In his later years he was somewhat weakened by the in- firmities of age, and his great afflic- tion was a partial loss of sight. He was necessarily less active in the public gaze, but he maintained, al- most until his death, an advisory association with the interests which had principally engaged his atten- tion during his phenomenally long and active career. The death of Mr. Cleveland, which occurred July 18, 1883, aged 88 years and fifteen days, deeply affected the entire community, by whom he was held in affectionate esteem for his no- bility of character and usefulness of life. He was three times mar- ried, and he left two children by his second marriage, Henry C. and Charles B., the latter of whom re- sides at Newport.
Henry C. Cleveland, elder son of Elijah Cleveland, was born October
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
15, 1843, in Coventry, in the house in which he has ever since resided. He began his studies in the district schools, and pursued advanced courses in the academies in Crafts- bury and St. Johnsbury. With ample preparation, in an educa- tional way, he early entered upon business association with his father, whose characteristics and capabili- ties he inherited. From the begin- ning young Cleveland was his fath- er's confidential and trusted assist- ant in all of his various undertak- ings, and the relation between them was peculiarly intimate, remindful rather of that of brothers than of father and son, and was maintained until the death of the parent, whom the son eventually succeeded in various important positions. Upon the death of the senior Cleveland, Mr. Henry C. Cleveland was elected to succeed him in the secretaryship of the Passumpsie Railroad com- pany, in which capacity he yet con- tinues to serve. His capabilities as a sagacious financier had long be- fore found appreciative recognition, and he entered upon his duties with such entire familiarity that the con- duct of the business gave no evi- dence of a change of management. Mr. Cleveland also became a director of the National bank of Newport, another position for which he was peculiarly well qualified, not only by his fine business qualities, but by his intimate knowledge of the finan- cial world and of the community and neighborhood. He also became in- terested in the various other enter- prises which had claimed the atten- tion of his father, and in which he had already borne an important part. Mr. Cleveland has also been conspicuously useful in many im-
portant public positions to which he has been called by the people, and to the duties of which he brought the same sagacity and in- tegrity which characterized him in his personal dealings. He has served as town treasurer and select- man, and in other local offices. In 1888 he represented Coventry in the assembly, and in 1890 he was elected to the senate from Orleans county. In 1901 he was elected associate judge for Orleans county for a four years' term. While thus busied with official duties in various corporations and under the munici- pal and state governments, Mr. Cleveland has never lost his keen delight in rural pursuits. The owner of a spendidly improved farm of two hundred and fifty acres, its management is his constant care, making a specialty of breeding Dev- onshire cattle. He is a member of the Congregational society, and his political affiliations have always been with the Republican party. Since arriving at the age of man- hood he has been a member of Mem- phremagog lodge, F. & A. M. He was formerly a member of the Frontier Guard, Vermont militia.
Mr. Cleveland was twice married. His first wife was Miss Rosetta Daley of Coventry, who bore him two children. He subsequently married Miss Mary J. Greenwood of Lowell, Vermont, and of this mar- riage were born three children, of whom is now living a son, Walter Cleveland.
SCOTT BROTHERS of Coventry. This young and enterprising firm is composed of the two brothers, Wil- ber F. and Walter A. Scott. The firm has been doing business but six months, but in that short time has
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remodeled and thoroughly refitted the old Cleveland store, where they have a well-assorted stock of gen- eral merchandise and groceries. Aside from this line the firm is the largest dealers in grain and feed in Coventry, having a lease of the grist-mill, where they do custom grinding.
The father of Seott Brothers was born in Cabot, and is now fifty-
KIDDER, JOSEPH SOUTHER, son of Joseph and Sarah (Souther) Kidder, was born at Irasburg, Oeto- ber 20, 1810. His early education, such as it was, was in the common schools of his native town, and he may be said to be a self-made man of the sturdy New England type. When twenty-one years of age he sought his fortune in Massachu- setts, where he engaged principally
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SCOTT BROTHERS' STORE.
seven years of age. Mr. Scott was a soldier of the late war, enlisting when he was seventeen, and now lives in Albany, where he is a re- speeted citizen and farmer. The two brothers are the only children born. Walter has until recently held the office of road commis- sioner, but declined to serve the present year. They are attendants with their families upon the ('on- gregational church.
in marketing; returning to Coven- try in the year 1843, where he has since resided, his occupation being that of the lumber business, and more recently that of farming. In the year 1903 he rented his farm and now resides with his only daughter in the village.
In March, 1836. Mr. Kidder mar- ried at Salem, Massachusetts, Re- becca Nourse. a descendant of Governor Endicott of Massachu-
B-7
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setts. She was born at Little- ton, New Hampshire, February 10. 1812, and died at Saugus, Massachusetts, in 1865. He is a
JOSEPH S. KIDDER.
prominent man in the town, has held many offices of public honor and trust. He represented the town in the legislature in 18:0, and was a lister from 1870 to 1880; was state justice from 1870 to 1900; and overseer from 1870 until the year 1900, when he resigned.
On October 20 last, Mr. Kidder held his ninety-third birthday, there being ninety-three persons present from different towns in the county. He received many con- gratulatory letters, beautiful flow- ers, and a valued eane from distant friends who could not be present.
Mr. Kidder's only daughter, Miss Ann Rebecca Kidder, now lives with and cares for him with tender solicitude. The family have for
many years attended the Congrega- tional church.
PEARSON, SAMUEL HOWE, was born in Albany, Vermont, Deeem- ber 13, 1842. His father, Deacon Moses Carlton Pearson, was born at Canaan, New Hampshire, March 26, 1808, and was of English descent, the family record running back to Deacon John Pearson of York- shire, England, A. D. 1615. His wife, Eliza (Cowles) Pearson, was born in Hartford, Connecticut, March 24, 1804. She came to Vermont when two years of age, her father being one of the pioneer settlers of the town of Marshfield. A few years later the family moved to Greensboro, where, in 1816, she
SAMUEL H. PEARSON.
became a member of the first Sun- day-school established in the state, the school being held in a barn. She was of Welsh extraction.
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
Samuel Howe Pearson was first married to Sarah C. Gray, by whom he had four children, all of whom are now living, the sons being suc- cessful business men, associated with the Goodnough syndicate of New Hampshire, operating nine stores, those at Gardner, Massachu- setts, Bellows Falls and Brattleboro, Vermont, being partly owned and managed by the three sons respec- tively, the daughter residing at Keene and occupying the position of bookkeeper for the syndicate.
On November 8, 1894, Mr. Pear- son married his second wife, Minnie L. Williams, and to them has been born one child, a danghter, Ruth Ida, now eight years of age. Mrs. Pearson is well known in W. C. T. U. circles in this county, having been for twelve years secretary, and for the last three years presi- dent of that organization.
Mr. Pearson moved to Coventry in December, 1858, and has been a constant resident of the town since that time. His education was oh- tained in the common schools and in the Coventry academy. lle has been a hard-working and success- ful farmer until about four years since, when the home farm was rented, and Mr. Pearson retired from active farm work. Mr. Pear- son has been honored by election to nearly all the offices in the gift of his town, and also by representing it in the legislature of 1900.
Mr. Pearson has been a radical temperance advocate and strongly supported the old prohibitory law, and will be remembered as one of the aggressive temperance men of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Pearson are both earnest workers in the Congregational church, of which
they are members, Mr. Pearson be- ing a deacon, and Mrs. Pearson serving as clerk and treasurer of the church.
BROOKS, CLARENCE JOHN, was born in Coventry, August 30, 1878. His father, William Childs Brooks, was a native of this town, a success- ful farmer, now engaged on the farm of Hon. H. C. Cleveland, where he has been employed for thirty years past.
On November 14, 1877, Mr. Brooks married Jennie Ema Cole of Charleston, four children having
CLARENCE J. BROOKS.
been born, of which Clarence J., the subject of this sketch, is the oldest. Two others are now living.
Mr. Brooks is engaged in the mer- cantile business and carries one of the largest assortments of general merchandise in town, including groceries. He has been in business for himself only about two years and has already won a well merited share of patronage.
On September 2, 1897, Mr. Brooks married Josephine Maude Ware of Irasburg, one child, Myrtle Josephene, having blessed the
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
union. Mr. Brooks and family at- tend the Congregational church.
BADGER, FREEMONT DAYTON, M. D., was born September 9, 1856, at Derby, Vermont. His grand- father, Aaron Badger, was one of the early settlers of Salem-Derby. Orange S., father of Dr. Badger, was a well-known mechanic and painter at Derby, where he died July 3, 1903. He married Ruth M. Adams, daughter of Hon. L. P. Adams of
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