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 56
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 56
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 56
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honors in 1889. He then re- turned to Morrisville and pur- chased the business of Mr. Healey, soon taking as a partner his brother-in-law, A. R. Campbell. to whom he sold out in 1896, and lo- cated in Barre for himself. By strict attention to business and fair dealing he built up a good business, and sold out, coming to Barton in November, 1897. His store ranks with the best in the state, carrying
GEORGE C. LANG.
a stock of $10,000, and does a steadily increasing business. MIr. Lang also fitted himself in optics, by study at La Porte, and with Dr. Sanborn of Boston, and is second to none in this line, having an ex- tensive practice throughout north- ern Vermont. He is a member of Orleans lodge, No. 55, F. &. A. M., of Barton.
Mr. Lang married Miss Minnie M .. daughter of Dr. E. W. Slayton
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
of Warren, October 21, 1891, and there has been born to them one son, Albion S., February 1, 1894. Dr. Slayton was a practising phy- sician in Warren for many years. He represented his town in the leg- islature two terms, and was elected to the senate from Washington county in 1896. Mrs. Lang re- ceived her education in the public schools of Warren, and at Peo- ple's academy, Morrisville. She is a member of Orient chapter, No. 113, O. E. S. The Slayton family are direct descendants of Dr. Sam- nel Fuller who landed at Plymouth in 1620. Mr. and Mrs. Lang be- came members of the Congrega- tional church at Morrisville in 1895. SEAVER, HARLEY T., son of Gilman W. and Eliza (Rowell) Sea-
HARLEY T. SEAVER.
ver, was born at Albany, Vermont, July 24, 1860; was educated at pub- lic schools and at St. Johnsbury academy. In company with his
father and brother, Ezra T. (see Troy, Vermont), he was engaged in the hardware business at North Troy. In 1884 he came to Barton and opened a store alone, which he has since operated with good suc- cess. He is the owner of the large block (see engraving) in which are several stores, shops, offices, and the largest hall in town.
Mr. Seaver is a past master of Orleans lodge, No. 55, F. & A. M., and a member of the Grand lodge of Vermont. He is eminent com- mander of Malta commandery of Newport. In politics he is a staunch and active Republican. He represented Barton in the legisla- ture 1902-04. January, 1885, Mr. Seaver married Amanda Davison, laughter of Hon. Amory Davison of Craftsbury. Two children have been born to them: A. Clemma, born March 24, 1889; Amory D., born July 15, 1893.
TAPLIN, MERRICK MANSFIELD, of Barton Landing, son of Rich- ard and Susan (Ordway) Taplin. was born in Irasburg, June S, 1851. He received his education in the public schools of Irasburg and Glover, Vermont, and Wolfe- borough, New Hampshire.
Owing to the death of both pa- rents, he was thrown upon his own resources at an early age. He de- cided to devote himself to a busi- ness career, and in 1868 began to deal in cattle and horses. In 1884 he added to his already in- creasing business a large stock of wagons, sleighs, and horse furnish- ings, at the same time forming a copartnership with Dr. George B. Rowell of Irasburg, under the firm name of Taplin & Rowell, thus building up an extensive and re- munerative business.
HARDWARE.
O
H. T. SEAVER'S BLOCK, BARTON, VERMONT.
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
In 188; this firm began dealing in real estate and lumber, now owning a large amount of tim- bered land and ranking among the first dealers in the state, under the able management of Mr. Taplin.
While quite a young man Mr.
of this being the sale of real estate in many of the largest cities.
Mr. Taplin is a strong Republi- can, and has held many offices of trust, having been lister in Iras- burg for ten years previous to re- moving to Barton Landing in
MERRICK M. TAPLIN.
Taplin began local auctioneering, developing an unusual talent in this direction and acquiring a wide reputation. His services are now in constant demand over a large area, he being called to do especial work in this line in every state throughout New England. Much
1891, where he has served as se- leetman and lister, representing the town of Barton in the general assembly of 1900, and is now serv- ing as one of the trustees of the Barton Landing graded school, which position he has held for eight consecutive years. He is also a
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
musician of no mean ability, and has taken an active part in this work both in his home towns and throughout Orleans county.
Mr. Taplin is a strong philan- thropist, and has done much in building up the now thriving vil- lage of Barton Landing, and is one
state, he having served many terms in the legislature, both in the house and senate and filling state offices of trust. (See Lyndon.)
Of this union is one son, Charles Rogers Taplin.
GRAVES, HARRY S., son of Preston H. and Almira S. (Jenkins)
MR. AND MRS. HARRY S. GRAVES.
of the heavy supporters of the Congregational church.
He married March 23, 1887, Susie E., daughter of Hon. Charles and Mary (Melvin) Rogers, Mr. Rogers being one of the prominent men in Caledonia county and widely known throughout the
Graves, was born in Kirby, Feb- ruary 5, 1865 (see Graves family, Kirby), was educated at the com- mon schools of his native town, lived with his father on the old farm until attaining his majority, after which he was in the employ of George Ide of Lyndon for some
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
years. On April 19, 1893, he was married to Junie A., daughter of Cephas J. and Amanda C. (Powers) Trefren of Lyndon (see C. J. Tref- ren, Burke). In 1894 they bought and moved on to a farm in Lyndon, where they remained some two
ated the same. Harry also owns a pretty cottage at Foster's Grove, Lake Willoughby, where he takes an occasional outing.
PIERCE, HORACE C., son of Horace and Mariah (Cooley) Pierce, was born at Barton. Vermont. Oc-
HORACE C. PIERCE.
years, when they sold the farm and lived one year at Mr. Trefren's. Then he worked one year at the Speedwell farms. In 1898 he bought out the domestic bakery and confectionery business of G. O. Clifford at Barton, and has ever since owned and successfully oper-
tober 14, 1850. He was educated at the public schools and academy of his native town. also at the Der- by academy. When his school- days were over he entered the em- ploy of E. F. Dutton as clerk in the drug store at Barton, where he succeeded, not only in mastering the
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
profession of his employer, but also in winning the hand of his daugh- ter, Altha, to whom he was united in marriage, September 9, 1874.
The fruit of this union is one son, Fred Dutton Pierce, born March 3, 1882, who was educated at the schools in Barton, also at Dean Academy and the Boston School of Pharmacy, from which he graduated in the spring of 1903 and is now with his father in the drug store.
In the autumn of 1885, after the fire which burned the Dutton store. Mr. Pierce bought out the remain- ing stock of Mr. Dutton, and in the spring of 1886 moved into his pres- ent quarters in the Owen block, where he conducts one of the larg- est and best arranged drug stores in this section of Vermont.
In June, 1903 Mr. Pierce was elected president of the Vermont Pharmaceutical association.
Mr. Pierce has been a trustee of the Barton academy and graded school since 1893, village and school treasurer since 1886, town treasurer since 1889, vice-president of the Barton savings bank since its organization, was president of the Barton Hotel company from the building of the Hotel Barton until it was sold to II. F. Pillsbury. He is a past master of Orleans lodge, No. 55, F. & A. M., past high priest of Keystone chapter, No. 16, past eminent commander of Malta com- mandery, No. 10. at Newport, and is at present grand junior warden of the Grand Commandery of Ver- mont.
WALCOTT, EDWARD .A., one of a family of four children of An- drew and Hannah (Drew) Walcott, was born at Wheelock, Vermont, April 29, 1822. In 1878 his mother
died and the family moved to Shef- field, where they resided until Ed- ward was sixteen years of age. They then moved to Glover, and Edward was with his father in a mill some five years. His educa- tional training was in the public schools of Sheffield and Glover. In 1895 he entered the employ of the late E. T. Wilson at Barton. After one year he became a partner with Mr. Wilson one year, then worked with William H. Jenks at Newport, then opened a studio in Seaver's block at Barton, which he
EDWARD A. WALCOTT.
sold and went to St. Johnsbury and worked with O. W. Chase one year, then went to Newport again, in the employ of HI. HI. Pratt for three years. In the spring of 1903 he bought ont the old E. T. Wilson studio at Barton, where he is now located.
Mr. Walcott's business extends over a large section which is con- stantly increasing. Ile does all the photograph work for the Percival Manufacturing company and fur- nished many photographs for this book. Mr. Walcott has never mar- ried.
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
PEARSON, DR. JOSIAH ARTE- MAS, dentist, first saw the light at Berlin Corner, Vermont, April 24, 1855. He comes of Revolutionary
JOSIAH A. PEARSON, M. D.
stock, his grandfather, Stephen Pearson, having served under Colonel John Stark and others. His father, Dr. A. N. Pearson, was a physician by profession, and for thirty-five years served as postmaster of Berlin, and was active in fraternal circles. Dr. J. A. Pearson, the subject of this sketch, received his preliminary ed- ucation in the common schools of his native town, and at the Vermont Methodist seminary. He studied dentistry with Dr. C. R. Pell of Montpelier, with whom he practised two years, coming to Barton, March 17, 1879.
He married for his first wife, Finette I. Alden, daughter of Dea-
con Jesse Alden of Irasburg, in 1881, by whom he had two children: Erwin A., who is a machinist, in charge of the Peerless Manufactur- ing company's machines at Concord, New Hampshire, and Clara E., now living at home. His wife dying in July, 1894, he married, as his sec- ond wife, in 1896, Mrs. Annie M. Bridgman, daughter of W. F. Scott of Glover.
Dr. Pearson has been clerk of the schools of Barton village from March 31, 1891, to the present time. He is a 32° Mason, a Knight Tem- plar, a Shriner, a past master of Orleans lodge, F. & A. M., P. H. P. of Keystone chapter. R. A. M., P. N. G. of Crescent lodge, No. 41, I. O. O. F., also past presiding officer of several other social and beneficial societies. He was made a member of the supreme council of Select Templars, T. of H. and T., in Bos- ton, is a past vice-president of the Northeastern Dental society. and past president of the Vermont State Dental society. Dr. Pearson, being gifted with a fine literary taste, is frequently invited to read papers before the dental and other socie- ties. He is an attendant upon the Congregational church of which he is treasurer.
WHEELER, CLARENCE A., was born April 18, 1856, at Browning- ton, where he resided with his pa- rents until the age of thirteen, when the family moved to Derby. His education was gained in the dis- trict schools and the Newport high school, from which he graduated at the age of seventeen, working dur- ing the summer seasons. He has never learned any trade or profes- sion, but has been known as a gen- eral business man, making a prefer-
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
ence for lumber dressing and creamery butter making.
On February 12, 1904, Mr. Wheeler bought Charles Foster's gents' furnishing and ladies' shoe business, at Barton Landing, to which he has added the picture frame business. This is the only exclusively boot and shoe store in Barton Landing, and Mr. Wheeler is putting in such repairs in his store, which, with a complete stock, will make the establishment one of the best in the county. Mr. Wheeler handles exclusively the famous Amos P. Tapley & Co. shoes, which give general satisfaction wherever worn.
Mr. Wheeler's father, Abel Wheeler, was born February 12, 1829, at Lyndon, and died at Hart- ford, Connecticut, April 25, 1902, aged seventy-three years.
His mother, Sarah Jane Boede, was born in Albany, December 24, 1827, and is now living at Hartford. Connecticut. There were five chil- dren born: Clarence A .. Morris .J .. Jesse B., Florren A., and Herbert Hilas, deceased. Morris and Flor- ren now reside at Hartford, Con- nectieut, and Jeste resides at West- field, Massachusetts.
The grandfather of Clarence, James Wheeler, was born in Fitz- william, New Hampshire, July 26, 1795, and died May 15, 1861, at Brownington, Vermont. The grand- mother. Sallie Wilsom, was born at Swanzey, New Hampshire, June 3, 1799. and d'ed August 31, 1859, at Brownington. There were born to them nine children, only two of whom are now living. Silas at La- grange, Illinois, and Persis Spencer at West Concord.
Clarence, the subject of this
sketch, was married to Miss Etta 1. Colby of Charleston, daughter of Roswell and Hannah Colby, on July 2. 1880. There have been born to them three children: Ber- nice M., born January 15, 1885: Carroll M., born May 27, 1893; and Hazel E., born September 8, 189%, all living. Bernice is now in Bur- dett's Business college, Boston, Massachusetts.
Mr. Wheeler is a Republican in politics, and has taken an interest in school matters, having served as school director. His church affilia- tions are the Methodist.
BUSWELL, DR. ARTHUR TRUE. is the ellest of two sons born to John Cromwell and Samantha C.
DR. ARTHUR T. BUSWELL.
(True) Buswell. late of Barton. Ilis father was for many years one of the staunch men of his town, highly respected for his judgment,
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
particularly in matters of law. Elmer N., Arthur T., and Henry His mother was of unusual refine- W. ment and Christian virtue, beloved by all who knew her.
Arthur T. Buswell obtained his early education in Barton acad- emy and graded school, remaining on the home farm until the death of his mother in 1826, when he went to Boston and continued the study of medicine, begun with the late Dr. A. N. Ruggles, in the offices of Dr. S. A. Vibbert and H. G. Newton. Having gained a know]- edge of hydrotherapy, he secured a good practice in Boston, pursuing, meanwhile, advanced studies in the Boston evening schools. In 1817 his attention was called to Chris- tian Science, and he completed a course of study with its founder, at Lynn. He soon became prominent as a writer, lecturer, teacher and preacher, and traveled in the inter- est of the movement. He was for some years secretary of the Massa- chusetts Metaphysical and other societies. Some of his lectures and sermons have been published and extensively read, notably, "After the Transfiguration." He has for some years contributed occasional articles to the Boston press, and magazines, chiefly on advanced medical and religious subjects, biog- raphy, etc.
In 1886 he graduated from the Vermont Medical college and in 1889 finished a two years' course at the New Church (Swedenbor- gian) Theological school, of Cam- bridge, Massachusetts.
In 1893 he married Miss Lizzie M., only daughter of the late Ben- jamin H. and Susan B. (Gill) Need- ham, of Boston, and there have been born to them three sons:
In 1899, owing to his father's de- cline and death, he moved his fam- ily from Boston to Barton, where he has since resided.
Mrs. Buswell is a zealous worker in the Congregational church and several local organizations. Dr. Buswell is a firm believer in the principles of Christian Science, and purely natural methods of treat- ment, but is not affiliated with the movement.
MUSSEY, SAMUEL BOYNTON. was born in Coventry. He obtained his education in the common schools of his native town, and at Barton and St. Johnsbury acade- mies. He was the son of the late
SAMUEL B. MUSSEY.
John Wyatte and Clarissa (Boyn- ton) Mussey, who came from Am- herst, Massachusetts, and West- moreland, New Hampshire, respec-
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
tively. There were born to them five children, only two of whom are now living, Mrs. Elma A. (Mussey) Miller, now residing at Barton Landing, and Mrs. Jennie A. (Mus- sey) Speakman of Chicago, Illinois.
John Wyatte Mussey was a prom- inent man in his day, in business, and was honored by election to the office of justice of the peace for many years. He was a man highly honored by all who knew him.
Samuel B. Mussoy, the subject of this sketch, was a man of unusual promise, having a brilliant intellect. and evincing, at an early age, those characteristics which lead to emi- nence in any high calling, having attained his education and taught as principal, in both the Barton and St. Johnsbury academies at the early age of twenty-two years, at which time he was unfortunately stricken with illness and died. Mr. Mussey was a genial, kind man, and believed in governing his pupils by kindness appealing to the better nature than by the rod. He will long be remembered as a teacher and a friend. Ile was never mar- ried. Ile belonged to the Masonic fraternity.
FOSTER, FREELAND IlUSON, was born in Barton. December 4, 1849. Soon after his father moved to Iras- burg, where his early life was spent on the farm. His education was gained in this town, and in New York city, where he subsequently spent several years in the employ of the Wilcox & Gibbs Sewing Ma- chine company.
Returning to Vermont, he mar- ried Miss Ida L. Gillis, daughter of David Gillis of Barton Landing, and settled in the town of West- more in 1880, and for twenty years
resided on the shores of Willoughby lake, where he laid out and built up the popular summer resort known as Foster's Grove and camping ground.
In the year 1892 he was honored by election to the office of town representative, and served on the committee of internal improve- ments, taking an active part in the act that brought about the town system of schools. He also held every office in the gift of the town save that of treasurer.
There have been born to him two sons: Howard E., now living on the old homestead in Irasburg, which has been in the Foster family for fifty-one years, and a younger son, Maynard Everett, now living at home.
FREELAND H. FOSTER.
Mr. Foster's church home is with the Congregational society, and he took an active part in organizing the church at Westmore, since
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
which time he has been one of its deacons.
NELSON, ETHAN S., was born in Wheelock, on September 3, 1839, where he obtained his carly educa- tion, and where he lived until his majority. At the age of twenty- one he married Emily A. Taft of Sutton, Vermont, and was engaged in farming in that town six years, owning three different farms. He
the front rank of local farms. Mr. Nelson keeps from twenty to twenty-five cows, making his selec- tions more with reference to indi- vidual merit than to blood. It will be seen from this long and varied experience, that Mr. Nelson has had an unusual training in this honorable vocation. While he has made farming pay in the past, the prices for the past few years have
1
E. S. NELSON'S FARM BUILDINGS, BARTON, VERMONT.
then bought and carried on the paternal homestead at Wheelock eight years, and later was four or five years at Lyndon. Mr. Nelson came to Barton in 1877, and suc- cessively owned the Kimball farm. Taylor farm, and his present excel- lent place, which was the former homestead of the well-known Dr. Adams. This farm now contains about 200 acres, and in fertility, buildings, and location is easily in
not been as encouraging as for- merly. Mr. Nelson, however, is optimistic with regard to New Eng- land farming in the future.
Mr. Nelson is a stalwart Repub- lican. Has served his town several years as overseer and has been İister.
Mr. Nelson's first wife having died, he united in marriage with Miss Marion Miller of Glover, in 1882. By the first marriage there
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
were three children: Charles T. (de- ceased), Fred E., and Mabel A. L., who is a teacher.
COLLINS, IRA D. R., was born in the town of Corinth, August 20, 1831, the fourth and youngest son of Charles and Susan (Currier) Col- lins. He received his education in the district school and Corinth and Bradford academies, taught school several terms in those towns, and. in the spring of 1853, located on a farm in the town of Wolcott, his parents accompanying him.
January 4, 1854, he was married to Mary E. Tenney, daughter of Hon. A. C. and Levina Tenney of Corinth. During his residence in Wolcott of twenty-one years he filled various elective town offices, and represented the town in the legislatures of 1863 and 1864.
In 18:2 his father. Charles Col- lins, died at the age of eighty-two, and two years later, December 17. Mr. Collins moved to Barton Landing and entered the mercan- tile and lumber firm of Austin, Joslyn & Company, as partner. This partnership continued until 1876, when it was dissolved and Messrs, Joslyn and Collins contin- ued the mercantile business until the spring of 1896, when they sold the business to O. W. Locke. Mr. Collins represented the town of Barton in the legislature of 1878- 9.
His mother died in 1894 at the advanced age of 99 years, 7 months, and 17 days.
After selling the mercantile busi- ness in '96, Mr. Collins was without any special business until '99, when he bought the fire insurance busi- ness of C. H. Willey, and still con- tinues in this business.
In politics he has always been identified with the Republican party since its organization. Ro- ligiously he is a Congregationalist.
Mr. and Mrs. Collins have one son, Edward D. Collins, who was educated in the public school, fitted for college at Lyndon institute, graduated from Yale with honors in 1896, took a three years' gradu- ate course, making a specialty of history, and received the degree of
IRA D. R. COLLINS.
Ph. D. at Yale in 1899. He then served as instructor in history at Yale the two following years and in 1902 wrote a school history of Ver- mont which was issued from the press of Ginn & company. Boston, in the fall of 1903. He is now lo- cated in Montreal as superintend- ent of the Canadian Carbonate company.
COLE, GEORGE ELBERT, was born in St. Johnsbury on September 21,
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SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
1866. His father, Hollis Durkee Cole, and mother, Emma Ann Par- ker, were both Vermonters, of Pur. itan stock. Mr. Cole's early educa-
GEORGE E. COLE.
tion was gained in the publicschools of his native state. In 1876 his parents moved to Massachusetts, George and an older brother ac- companying them, returning to Vermont in 1895 and locating in West Charleston.
In June, 1897, Mr. Cole moved to Barton Landing, where he has been constantly engaged in conducting a steadily increasing photographic business, for which Mr. Cole had been fitted while in Massachusetts, in some of the best studios there. including that of the Chauncy L. Moore gallery of Springfield.
On May 8, 1890, Mr. Cole mar- ried Alice Landon French of Springfield, Massachusetts, who has been a very efficient helper in mak-
ing Mr. Cole's business second to none in northern Vermont. Be- sides the studio work Mr. Cole pro- duces some of the most artistic out- door photography found in New England. His photographs of Wil- loughby lake and of Lake Caspian, where he is a frequent visitor dur- ing the summer months, are very popular.
Mr. Cole is a past chancellor of Philemon lodge, No. 6, Knights of Pythias, and a member of the local camp, No. 9505, Modern Woodmen of America, and also a steward of the Methodist church.
COWLES, ASAHEL READ, of Barton, son of Leonard and Eme- line (Gray) Cowles, was born in Craftsbury, May 26, 1845. He ro.
ASAHEL R. COWLES.
ceived his early education in the public schools, Coventry high school, and Brownington academy, and studied music with James and
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ORLEANS COUNTY.
Albert Whitney of Boston, At the age of twenty-two Mr. Cowles began teaching vocal musie in Vermont, New York, and Canada. In 1877 he commenced the sale of musical in- struments and during the past twenty years has devoted himself exclusively to the piano and general music trade and has his main office at his spacious warerooms in the Bank block in Barton, which he finds a centrally located town from which to conduct his steadily in- creasing business. Mr. Cowles also has branch warerooms at Enosburg Falls, Vermont, and employs sev- eral traveling salesmen.
Mr. Cowles has for many years been a Mason, having joined the pioneer Meridian Sun lodge in Craftsbury in 1867 and is now a member of Orleans lodge, No. 55: he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is always in- terested in all that pertains to its welfare and that of the community. In politics he is a Republican.
Mr. Cowles, in 1871. married Hattie E., daughter of William P. and Lydia (Andrus) Titus of Crafts- bury. They have two sons: Harry E., now with the Boardman & Gray Piano Co. of Albany, New York, and Percy W., who is associated with his father in business.
PERCIVAL, CHARLES F., was born in West Glover, Vermont, .July 10, 1853. He is the eldest of two sons, his brother, Fred H., now residing in Glover. The sire, Captain Orson Percival, as he was familiarly known, was the eldest son of Asher Pereival, of Norwich, Vermont, and Laura (Spaulding) Percival, of Craftsbury, Vermont. She was the daughter of Benjamin Spaulding, a veteran in the New B-13
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