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 54
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 54
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 54
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Childs, in his " Orleans and La- moille Gazetteer," p. 211, gives the names of twenty soldiers of the Revolution and fifteen soldiers of the War of 1812.
Barton rendered splendid service in the Civil war and sent 168 of her sons to serve their country in the hour of her great need.
On the night of July 18, 1876, Barton Landing village was visited by a most disastrous fire, causing a loss of more than $25,000 worth of property.
BALDWIN, HON. FREDERICK W .. was born at Lowell, Orleans county, Vermont. September 29, 1848. He is of English descent. This branch of the Baldwin family is descendant from John Baldwin, who appears in Billerica, Massachusetts, as early as 1655, and who came from Hert- fordshire. England, about 1640. Asa Baldwin, the father of our sub- jeet, was born in Cavendish, Ver- mont, June 28, 1803, married Rose- linda Shedd. December 3, 1833, and removed to Lowell, Vermont. when that part of the country was but little except an unbroken wil- derness. Here, by stern toil and unremitting industry, he proceeded to hew his honest fortune out of the rugged surroundings. Priva- tion and hardship were his constant companions. But the heart and hand of the sturdy pioneer were of
BARTON VILLAGE, VERMONT.
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BARTON LANDING, VERMONT.
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
unfailing strength, and waving fields of grain soon took the place of the unbroken forest. At the time of his death, which took place January 27, 1825, he was occupying the same farm where he first lo- cated, one of the best homes in the town. He was an energetic, sub- stantial citizen, and held the office of captain of the militia company of that section. Ile had two chil- dren, our subject being the young- est and only son.
Frederick W. Baldwin was brought up on h's father's farm, and enjoyed only such advantages for education as the average Ver- mont farmer gives his children. He attended the district schools in his native town until he was seven- teen years of age, and then for a few years attended, a term or two at a time, the grammar school at Westfield, the Normal school at Johnson, and the Vermont Confer- ence seminary at Montpelier, us- ually interrupting the continuity of his studies by teaching school in the winter. In 1870 he entered the law office of Powers & Gleed at Morrisville, and was admitted to the Lamoille county bar, at the De- cember term, A. D. 1842, and right away formed a copartnership with General William W. Grout at Bar- ton, which continued two years. Since the dissolution of the firm of Grout & Baldwin, Mr. Baldwin has been in the successful practice of his profession at Barton.
One of Vermont's distinguished judges, who knew him well, once said of him, "Ile brings to his pro- fessional work a strong practical mind, which enables him to fore- cast results better than many men who display more apparent haste
and energy, but who can never see but one side to a case. Mr. Bakdl- win's professional aim is to reach the best result for his client. In many cases where others would ad- vise a suit he advises a compromise, thus often saving defeat, as well as large expense. By this course he has gained the confidence of liti- gants, who see in him a disposition to save expense where others would recklessly incur it. But when en- gaged in a cause he gives to its preparation and trial the most thor- ough and efficient work. He has been connected with many very im- portant trials in both the county and supreme court." The confi- dence in his ability and sterling in- tegrity, thus early formed, has never been shaken, but has grown stronger from year to year.
Such a man the public always de- lights to honor. It is not surprising, therefore, to find political honors and positions of trust awarded him. He is, and always has been, a Re- publican of the stalwart type, giv- ing liberally of his time and means to the success of his party, local, state, national; but his service has always been statesmanlike and patriotic, rather than political and mercenary. In 1822, he was elected assistant secretary of the state sen- ate, and secretary of the senate for the three succeeding terms. In 1880 he was chosen state's attorney for Orleans county. He has served eight years as a member of the state Republican committee, two as secretary and four as chairman. In 1892 he was one of Vermont's four presidential electors, and, as mes- senger, took the state's vote to Washington. In 1896 he repre- sented Barton in the legislature,
FREDERICK W. BALDWIN.
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
serving with credit as chairman of the joint standing committee on state and court expenses, and chair- man of the joint special committee to investigate the insane asylum, besides being a member of the ju- diciary committee. In 1900 he was elected senator from Orleans county and was unanimously chosen presi- dent pro tempore of that body, with second place on the judiciary com- mittee. He is an exceptional pre- siding officer, and has served often and most acceptably in that capac- ity. He has served his town and village almost constantly in offices of responsibility. He is prominent in Masonic circles and has been the Grand patron of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Mr. Baldwin is a member of the Congregational church, and an earnest and faithful worker; he has served as chorister, superintendent of the Sunday-school, and is now deacon and chairman of the pru- dential committee. He was one of the charter members of the Pas- sumpsie Congregational club, has been its president, and is now pres- ident of the Convention of Congre- gational Churches of Vermont.
Along with his professional work he has become a close student of Vermont history and biography. is an active member of the County and State Historical societies, and undoubtedly has the most complete private library of Vermont books in the state. A few years ago he ed- ited and published an elaborate his- tory of the bar of Orleans county, which is a valuable addition to our biographical literature.
In 1873 Mr. Baldwin married Miss Susan Grout, by whom he had one son, Edward Grout Baldwin.
A. B., at present principal of Brad- ford, Vermont, academy. Mrs. Baldwin died in 1876, and in 1878 he married Miss S. M. Hibbard of Brooklyn, New York.
Such, in brief, are the principal dates and plain facts in the life of one whom Orleans county, as well as the state at large, has learned to esteem most highly. His loyalty and steadfastness of purpose are as clearly defined as the printed page. A business associate says of him: "He is a thorough Vermonter, by birth, by education, by sympathy, and by familiarity with the spirit of our institutions."
STODDARD, COLBY. The sub- ject of this sketch was born at East Charleston, Vermont, on April 6, 1877. He is a direct de- scendant of that sturdy Mayflower pilgrim, Richard Warren, whose daughter, Mary Warren, married Robert Bartlett. Robert Bartlett was born in England in 1603 and died in America in 1676. This marriage resulted in the birth of a son, Joseph Bartlett, in 1638. Jo- seph died in 1711, having produced Robert Bartlett, 2d, in 1663. Rob- ert. 2d, died in 1:18, leaving a son, Joseph Bartlett, 2d, who was born in 1204. Joseph, 2d, died in 1283, leaving a son, Thomas Bart- lett. who was born in 1:41. Thom- as Bartlett died in 1808, leaving a son. Daniel Bartlett, who was born in 1:80, and a grandson, Thomas Bartlett, who afterwards became Vermont's famous advocate, "Law- ver Tom." Daniel Bartlett was the father of Betsey W. Bartlett, who was born at Hingham, Massa- chusetts, in 1807 and died at East Charleston in 1900. Betsey mar- ried Joseph L. Stoddard, who was
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
born in Walpole. Vermont. Feb- ruary 22. 1800, and died at East Charleston in 1893. This mar- riage resulted in a family of nine children. One of these, George Bartlett Stoddard, was born at Burke, Vermont, in 1844, In 1822
Upon the completion of his educa- tion at Boston university in 1899 he entered the law office of Bates, May & Simonds at St. Johnsbury. After three years of study and ob- servation he was admitted to the bar of Vermont in October, 1902.
COLBY STODDARD.
he married Angusta 1. Chaffee, who bore three sons, Clayton Bart- lett in 18:4. Colby in 1814, and Fred Comfort in 1882.
Colby was educated at the com- mon schools of Charleston and la- ter graduated at Derby academy.
In November of the same year he opened an office at Barton Landing. where he is now enjoying a success- ful and constantly increasing prac- tice. He is a wide reader, close stu- dent, and is strongly Republican in polities.
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
BARROWS, CHARLES ALFRED, merchant, of Barton, son of Will- iam Locke and Helen (Gray) Bar- rows, was born in Barton Landing, October 18, 1863. He received his education in the public schools of Barton, Coventry, and Morrisville. At the age of twenty, Mr. Barrows commenced the mercantile business as clerk for Burbank & Williams of Coventry. After clerking three and one half years, he resigned his
CHARLES A. BARROWS.
position and purchased Lyman Dwinell's stock of general merchan- dise in Glover. During his stay in Glover, of nearly eight years, he also bought out the J. P. Ellis store and in March, 1895, closed out this entire stock and went to North Troy, where he purchased Durkee & Barrows' stock of general mer- chandise with his brother, H. 1. Barrows, as partner. In 1898 he bought his brother's half interest
and in May, 1903, bought the Hon. H. C. Cleveland stock in Coventry, which he closed out soon after at auction, buying the O. D. Owen's stock of goods, Barton, the follow- ing December. Mr. Barrows is a 32° Mason. In politics he is a Re- publican; his church preferences are Congregational.
Mr. Barrows, in 1887, married Mary Louise, daughter of Isaac and Mary (Jones) Parker of Coventry. They have one son, William Parker Barrows, born November 26, 1888. Mr. Barrows has always been inter- ested in matters of public interest. He has served as school director and lister.
LEWIS. REV. SAMUEL GRANT, was born in Hardwick, August 13, 1868. His early education was re- ceived in the village school; at fif- teen he entered Hardwick academy, remaining two years. He then spent nearly four years in Mont- pelier seminary, completing the course of study required by the Methodist Episcopal church, for the ministry, and was ordained deacon on April 12, 1896, and as elder on April 24, 1898.
Mr. Lewis entered the ministry at the early age of twenty-two. For more than one hundred years there has been a preacher in the Lewis family. His father, the late Rev. Daniel Lewis, was born in Pleasant Valley, in Underhill, Ver- mont, February 8, 1832, his father's family consisting of twenty children. The senior preacher al- ways held charges in Vermont. Ilis uncle, the Rev. John R. Lewis, familiarly known as the poet preacher, became famous as an evangelist. The Northern Chris- tian Idrocate gave a lengthy and
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
well-deserved eulogy of him at the time of his death.
On June 6, 1894, Mr. Lewis mar- ried Miss Lulu May Estelle, and
the cause of education, and when located in Newport Center he served as superintendent of schools in that town, and has also accept-
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METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT BARTON LANDING, AND REV. SAMUEL G. LEWIS.
there have been born to them six children, all now living.
In the year 1900 Mr. Lewis rep- resented the town of Danville, Ver- mont, where he was then located, in the legislature. Mr. Lewis has always taken an active interest in
ably filled that important position in the town of Barton for the past two years.
Mr. Lewis is an indefatigable worker, and is active in every inter- est making for the betterment of society. The church over which he
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
now presides, a fine engraving of which is presented herewith, has made great advancement, both in material and spiritual progress un- der his pastorate, having just com- pleted improvements on the church to the amount of some $200.
Childs "County Gazeteer Direc- tory." published in 1883-84, says: The Methodist church, at Barton Landing, was organized by Israel Putnam in 1846 with fifteen mem- bers. It appears, however, that it was the Rev. George Putnam who organized the church on that date. But the organization was really completed in 1850, while Rev. A. L. Cooper was pastor. The names of the first official board were Harris Smith. Thomas Fairbrother, and Joseph Stafford. Justin Bigelow was class leader, there being twenty- six members, only two of whom are now living.
The present board of stewards includes some of the best-known persons in Orleans county. They are Joseph Bartlett, W. (. Twombly. Z. D. Goodnough. A. E. Ordway. George E. Cole. C. S. Gibb, J. Il. Bartlett, A. W. Wiley, David Harri- man, J. B. Flint, S. B. Stoddard. Mrs. O. E. Dodge, and Mrs. Daniel Skinner.
TURCOT, REV. JOSEPH, pastor of the St. Paul's Catholic church at Barton, was born in Montreal. Province of Quebec, in the year 1859. He was educated in Montreal college, and graduated from the theological department in 1883. He was ordained to the priesthood, and served as secretary of the bishoprie of Montreal one year. After a year spent in travel in Europe and the Holy Land, Father Tureot served nine years as assistant curate
of the Church of Sacred Heart, Montreal. He has officiated three months at St. Albans and ten years at Barton, during which time the society has steadily grown under his experienced guidance. having recently erected the new church, an excellent eut of which we give here- with. Thus church is one of the most complete and beautiful church edifices in northern Vermont. About
REV. JOSEPH TURCOT.
the year 1854 a mission was organ- ized in this village, since which time Catholic services have been held here. The completion of the rail- road to Barton in 1857 brought sev- eral additional Catholic families, either Father MacCanley or his assistant, Father Raymond, of Stan- stead, coming occasionally to con- duet services at some private resi- dence in the parish. In 1878 Oliver and Joseph Valley gave to the so- ciety a cemetery on the May Pond
ST. PAUL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, BARTON, VERMONT.
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
road. In 1843 Father Michaud took charge of the meetings, and services were held in the village school hall. Later Fathers Rerli- dan, Proulx, Yvence, and Clermont officiated until 1893. In 1878 the society purchased the Congrega- tional church, and in 1892 moved it to where it now stands. In 1894 the beautiful residence, occupied as a parsonage, was bought, the Rev. Joseph Tureot having become pas- tor of the church the previous year, since which time, under his earnest and untiring labors the society has steadily grown in numbers, having at the present time an average Sun- day attendance of about three hun- dred and sixty members.
On Sunday, March 9, 1902, the Right Rev. Bishop Michaud of Bur- lington dedicated the site for the new St. Paul's Catholic church, the impressive services, in connection with the laying of the corner-stone, taking place on the following 18th of May; there being present the Rev. Fr. O'Sullivan of St. Albans, who delivered a most interesting address : Rev. Fr. Clermont of Newport, Rev. Fr. Pontbriand of Lyndonville, and the pastor, Rev. Fr. Tureot. Dedicatory services were held on May 24, 1903, being largely attended by members of all local religious bodies, the same dis- tinguished clergymen being present and taking part in the solemn exer- cises. On this occasion. Fr. O'Sul- Jivan delivered the address, in which he referred to the interest of Prot- estant denominations in the com- pletion of the church. Space will not permit of a detailed description of this imposing house of worship here. Some of the stained windows are very beautiful and expensive,
B-11
all being contributed by friends of the society. The belfry is graced by a very conspicuous and convenient clock. It may be added that the cost of the church is $14,000.00.
JOHNSON, THE REV. WILLIAM CURTIS, son of Curtis Elkins John- son and Amanda L. Woodworth, was born in Bradford, Orange county, April 4, 1848. He is of Puritan descent. His ancestors on both sides came to this country and settled in Massachusetts and Con- neetieut. Mr. Johnson's maternal great-grandfather, Joseph Park- hurst, was a captain in the Conti- mental army, and his maternal great-grandfather, Timothy Wood- worth, served as a Revolutionary soldier at the same time. They were among the pioneers of Ver- mont, settling in Tunbridge and Royalton, and were prominent in the early history of this state: they were forced to escape for their lives when Royalton was burned by the Indians. His paternal great-grand- father settled in Hartford, Ver- mont, and his paternal grandfather left Vermont at a very early date and settled in Joliet, Illinois, and died there.
Mr. Johnson removed with his father's family to Northfield, Ver- mont, in 1861; was educated in the common schools and academies at Bradford and Northfield: and when ready for a collegiate course, cir- enmstances were such that he was compelled to take his father's busi- ness, and become the main support of the entire family. During those years he pursued theological studies all possible, and was examined by Rev. L. C. Diekinson, and took his first license to preach from Rev. P. N. Granger, in April, 1886; was
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
admitted to the Vermont eonfer- ence in 1889. His first charge was the M. E. church at Irasburg, where he remained for five years, which was then the time limit, and was superintendent of their schools for three years. In 1894 he took the
as representative from that town. also for three years superintendent of schools. In 1899 he moved to Newbury, which at that time had four preaching stations, viz .: New- bury, West Newbury, South New- bury. and Newbury Center. This
REV. WILLIAM C. JOHNSON.
double charge of Lyndon and Lyn- donville, preaching there for five years; during that time the church at Lyndon was remodeled, and the ehapel at Lyndonville was built into a convenient modern church. He was in close touch with the people of all classes, and in 1898 was sent
work was successfully carried for one year, and the church at New- bury put into fine shape, with me- morial windows and general repairs: but his health would not permit of so large a circuit, and in 1900 he came to Barton, where he has since labored and still resides.
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
Mr. Johnson was a fine musician, leader, and teacher of bands, and was director and leader of one which took the name "Johnson's Military Band" of Lancaster, New Hampshire. When he left there, they presented him with an im- ported silver cornet, together with
Johnson, December 21. 1885; Will- iam Curtis Johnson, Jr., December 14, 1888.
Mr. Johnson is a member of Cres- cent lodge, No. 41, I. O. O. F., and of Keystone chapter, No. 16, R. A. M., Barton, also Malta comman- dery. No. 10. K. T., Newport.
REV. WILMOND A. WARNER.
a framed engraving of the names of all the members, which he keeps to their memory.
March 19, 1884, he married Mrs. Julia M. (Chandler) Brigham of . cated at Johnson Normal school, Derby. From this union two chil- dren were born: Marie Woodworth
WARNER, REV. WILMOND ASH- LEY, the present popular pastor of the Congregational church, Barton, was born in Milton. He was edu- St. Albans academy, and Oberlin college. Ile has held pastorates
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
also in Pawlet and Bethel. lle was chaplain of the senate in 1896, and of the house in 1900, and has been chaplain of the Sons of Veterans. Hle is a member of the Killington Commandery, Knights Templar, of Rutland.
The great esteem in which this beloved pastor is held by all who know him is the direct and logical result of great natural endowment, coupled with a steady devotion to study and a profound loyalty to his early aspirations and the claims of his high calling. A strong sense of duty and responsibility has permeated his strenuous life and animated and solemnized his whole career from boyhood. Endowed with a mind rich in poetic imagery, yet comprehensive in its scope, and generous in its store of acquired knowledge, added to a natural brilliance as an orator, Mr. Warner easily takes rank among the suc- cessful Vermont clergymen.
He married Miss Emma H. Spaulding of Fairfield, and his fam- ily consists of Lida J., born June 15, 1887, and Clayton C., born January 11, 1889.
JOSLYN, HUBBARD, was born in Waitsfield, Vermont, March 5, 1810, the son of a country physician. The family is of Eng- lish descent, the name originally being Jocelyn. Dr. William Joslyn, born in Weathersfield, studied his profession with Dr. Corbin of New- port, New Hampshire. Here the young physician married Rebecca Perry, a lady of rare faculty and strength of character. This fam- ily is also of English descent. An- thony Perry, born in England, was among the early settlers of Reho- both, Massachusetts. Commodore
Perry and the authoress, Sarah Orne Jewett, are found in this line.
He was the fourth son in a fam- ily of 13 children. His education was limited. His boyhood was spent in hard labor on the paternal farm. In the fall of 1840 he came to Brownington and began the manufacture-by hand-of spade cultivators. With the aid of a blacksmith to apply the castings, he completed three hundred that winter. A natural mechanic, he possessed the Yankee faculty of turning his hand to any employ- ment. While here he made chnrns extensively and bedsteads. In 1845 he located at Derby Line and engaged in the stove and tinware trade. Sherbrooke was then in its infaney, Coaticook was not, New- port had not dreamed of its future greatness. Here was the metrop- olis and its business advantages were well improved. He dealt largely in sugar utensils and bought sugar, sending it to Bran- don in exchange for stoves. He had an extensive trade in the Eastern Townships. While in trade here, another dealer, with Hon. Justin S. Morrill as a silent partner, came in with the declared purpose to run Joslyn out. The latter said to his old customers, "I will bid with the gentleman as long as he desires, but you must take his stove in the end." When prices had reached a ruinous point he was diligent in sending custo- mers, well supplied with money, to his rival, who soon found himself run out. He closed out this busi- ness sometime in the fifties. For years he lived and kept an office at Rock Island. Long after he aban- doned the business, he was be-
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
sieged by his old customers for loans. In 1877 a farm in Salem came into his hands. He there projected the annexation of the town to Derby, which he success- fully accomplished.
Mr. Joslyn never married. At
will was aroused by attempts to overreach him, he counted not the cost, in the accomplishment of his purpose. This led to extensive litigation and in his frequent tilts with cross-examining lawyers he rarely eame out behind.
HUBBARD JOSLYN.
the age of twenty he was the vic- tim of epilepsy, induced by over- work. It blighted his hopes and hampered his efforts for more than twenty years. He recovered at an age when few escape its toils and less without impairment of mind. A shrewd, close financier, when his
His musele was of steel. To him action was a pleasure. To the poor and honest debtor, whose conduct enlisted his sympathy, he was len- ient to a fault. Deprived of the refinements of home, he was indif- ferent and often eecentric in his personal appearance. His vanity
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
was like that of old "Daniel Gray" who
"Wore his hair unparted, long and plain,
To hide the handsome brow that slept below it,
For fear the world would think that he was vain."
He was a fluent and forcible talker with a keen sense of humor, social and jovial. A critic by na- ture, he was a master of sarcasm and invective. His ambition was confined to a single channel. For office he had neither time nor taste. A directorship in banks, both in Vermont and Canada, was repeatedly declined.
At the age of seventy, when men rarely change, he was converted under the labors of Rev. Hollis Jordan.
He died October 19, 1890, at the home of his sister in Barton Land- ing, aged 80 years. With his in- domitable will, energy and courage he overcame disease and obstacles. accomplished a large work and left a large estate.
JONES. HON. HORACE S .. a son of Ezra and Hannah (Taylor) Jones, was born in Waitsfield. Vermont, May 10, 1813, one of a family of nine children who lived to maturity. His ancestry is traced to Deacon Josiah Jones, who came to Weston, Massachu- setts from Wales in 1663.
Hannah Taylor was the daughter of Colonel Elias Taylor of Hart- land, Vermont.
His wife was Marcia Goss, sister of David Goss, 1st, of St. Johns- bury, Vermont.
Rev. Ezra Jones, of New York, a brother of Judge Jones, died at
the age of 83 years. A sister, Mrs. Barnard, of Barton, at 86. Mrs. Manley, of Dorset, Vermont, at 96. Mrs. Fisher, of Barton Landing, still survives at 94.
Judge Jones was educated in the schools of his town and at Mont- pelier academy. His love of inde- pendence led him to abandon the project of a college course. He taught school for many years. In 1838 he came to Coventry to the farm on which he lived 44 years. He was a successful farmer and gained a competence. He was also successful in a higher sense.
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