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 8
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 8
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 8
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62
KELLOGG, WALTER E., son of Erastus W. and Lydia Ann (Win- chester) Kellogg, was born at Mor- risburg, Province of Ontario, March 3, 1864. Erastus Kellogg was a native of Concord, one of the eleven children of Benjamin P. and Ar- thusa (Metcalf) Kellogg, long-time and worthy citizens of that town. Erastus was a mechanic, contractor, and builder, and died when Walter was ten years of age.
With a fair common school train- ing, Walter possessed an elastic physique, and an- adventurous spirit, and at the age of fourteen found employment on the steamboats that plied past his early home on the St. Lawrence river and four years later was captain of a small boat, and later was an engineer, a line of work which he pursued on the river and the Great Lakes and also on the land until he came to St. Johnsbury in October, 1886. In March, 1883, he came to West Concord, where he had relatives, and where he met Nel- lie E., daughter of Alonzo K. and Nellie A. (Cheney) Quimby, who became his wife in 1885. Her par-
72
SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
ents were many years esteemed res- idents of West Concord, but now reside with Mr. Kellogg on Pine street.
Mr. and Mrs. Kellogg have three children, -- George W., Annie Madge, and Guy Truman. After his re- moval to St. Johnsbury, in 1886, Mr. Kellogg found employment dur- ing thirteen years in the sealing room of E. & T. Fairbanks & Co. Meanwhile he was appointed substi- tute letter carrier, May 15, 1894.
This position he continued to fill until he was appointed assistant postmaster March 25, 1900, um- der Hon. L. D. Hazen. St. Johns- bury is now a second-class office, em- ploying five carriers and two sub- stitutes for city delivery; also three rural carriers and three substitutes. with an annual business of about $19,000. Mr. Kellogg's active tem- perament and genial manner pecu- liarly fit him for his present po- sition.
GAUTHIER, JOSEPH. This stur- dy citizen is a native of Three Rivers, Province Quebec, where he was born in 1846. He attended the public schools of his native city, and spent his boyhood there until at sixteen years of age he went to West Troy, New York, Waterville arsenal, and worked two years at the United States arsenal, at his trade of harness-maker. Mr. Gauthier recalls the fact that thir- teen hours was then the regulation working day at the arsenal. After leaving West Troy, he located in Concord, New Hampshire, and re- mained there seven years, in the em- ploy of the well-known Hill Harness company. In 1870 he returned to his native city of Three Rivers and for a time engaged in trade.
During that time he was a volun- teer in the Fenian Raid, and re- ceived a silver medal from the gov- ernment in recognition of meritori- ous service.
Soon afterwards he engaged in the harness business for two years with his uncle, Albert Gilmore, at Derby Line, Vermont, and later was located at Newport, Vermont, one year. In 1874 he settled in St. Johnsbury and bought the harness business of George W. Cook, to which he later added the features of boots, shoes, and men's clothing, and conducted the same success- fully until 1897, when he sold the business and stock.
Mr. Gauthier has shown his con- fidence in the future of St. Johns- bury by investment of his surplus in real estate, the rise in value of which has justified his faith and brought him handsome returns. During the past three years he has been the si- lent partner of the well-known real estate firm of Rickaby & Company.
In January, 1903, Mr. Gauthier bonght the St. Johnsbury wood- yard, and since last May has been actively engaged in the sale of wood, straw, and hay, shingles and cedar posts, a line of trade in which his wide personal acquaintance and business ability are sure to win suc- cess. He married in 1875 Miss Car- rie Therrein. They have one daughter, Mamie.
DEMERS & PREVOST. Louis, son of Joseph and Caroline Des- rochers Demers, was born at St. Nicholas. Province of Quebec, in 1851. His life has been an active one, with the experience of sunshine and shadow. He was educated at the Christian Brothers' School at Quebec, and then for several years
73
CALEDONIA COUNTY.
followed the free life of a navigator on the St. Lawrence river, and later clerked three years in Quebec.
Soon after attaining his majority he came to St. Johnsbury and be- came book and time-keeper for Joseph Trudell, railroad contractor, and later married his daughter, Georgianna. Subsequently he was clerk and then junior partner in the grocery firm of Demers & Pinard, and has been engaged in this line of business on Railroad street, either as proprietor or foreman more than twenty years.
Mr. Demers is an active, genial, and accommodating citizen, thor- oughly well acquainted with his business and the public.
Mr. and Mrs. Demers are the par- ents of nine children, four of whom are living.
The firm of Demers & Prevost, formed in October, 1902, and lo- cated in Demers' block, Railroad street, is doing an extensive busi- ness in the line of groceries and pro- visions and is a beehive of indns- try. An important feature is the bakery, which receives a large pat- ronage. The meat market of P. Morin, located in the rear, com- pletes the supply for the tables of customers.
Arthur J., son of Jules and Ade- laide Bossonnault Prevost, was born in St. Valentine, Province of Que- bec, in 1859. After his mother's death, when he was twelve years old, he found a home with her brother, Rev. Charles Bossonnault. Ile re- ceived an excellent education in the public schools and at College Bour- get, from which he graduated in 1885.
Three years later he came to St. Johnsbury, and was engaged in the
grocery business two years with his brother. Later he was for several years agent at St. Johnsbury for the Union Mutual Life Insurance Co. of Portland, was five years with the Eureka Shoe Co. of Manchester, New Hampshire,, and two years with E. & T. Fairbanks & Co., a varied and helpful experience.
Mr. Prevost married in 1880 Claire, daughter of Thomas Belan- ger, and they have five children. He is an energetic and useful citi- zen. Both partners are members of the Catholic Order of Foresters.
WM. H. MORRISON.
MORRISON, WILLIAM HENRY, of William and Elizabeth (Thompson) Morrison, was born in 1860 at Leeds, Province of Quebec. His parents are of Scotch descent and are worthy and well-to-do farm- ers, and William H. received a fan education in the public schools of his native town. At seventeen
74
SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
years of age he sought his fortune in the United States and worked out two years at Groveton, New Hampshire, and one year at North Concord.
After learning the trade of black- smith of his uncle, Samuel Morri- son of Lower Waterford, he came to West Concord, rented the shop of R. S. Bailey and followed his trade three years. In 1886 he moved to St. Johnsbury and entered the works of E. & T. Fairbanks as a blacksmith. Mr. Morrison is the ideal type of "the village black- smith,"-
" A mighty man is he with strong and sinewy hands,
And the muscles of his brawny arms are strong as iron bands."
He is also ingenious and ener- getic and during the past fourteen years has been successfully engaged in contract work. He is a genial and useful citizen and an esteemed member of Moose River lodge, No. 82, F. & A. M. Mr. Morrison mar- ried Loraine B. Thurber of Dan- ville, Province of Quebec, and their pleasant home in Paddock Village is brightened by three chil- dren: Frank Harold is a sopho- more at St. Johnsbury academy; Raymond, Arthur and Agnes Hel- len attend the village schools.
BONETT, GEORGE W., son of Luther and Fanny (Carr) Bonett, was born in Waterford in 1839. He attended the public schools of West Concord and at the age of fifteen bought his time of his father and worked out three years on a farm to pay for the same. At the age of eighteen he went to St. Johnsbury and served a three years' appren- ticeship with Luke Buzzell at the iron founder's trade. He enlisted
from that town June 1st, 1861, in Company C, Third Vermont regi- ment, and was musteréd into the United States service July 16th. With a splendid physique, a natural aptitude for military life, united with fervent patriotism and daunt- less courage, he was a fine type of the farm-bred volunteer soldier.
He rose steadily, by personal merit alone, was promoted corporal
GEORGE W. BONETI.
a year after enlistment, and ser- geant November 1st, 1862. He reënlisted for the town of Water- ford, December 21st, 1863. A good tactician, he often acted as drill master of the new recruits. He was promoted first lieutenant of Co. B in June, 1864, captain Co. A the following October, and breveted major April 20, 1865, for gallantry in the assault on Petersburg. He was assigned to service on the staff. which he performed with character-
75
CALEDONIA COUNTY.
istic efficiency. He was twice wonnded, at Savage Station, June, 1862, and at Winchester, Septem- ber, 1864. He was excused from duty scarcely a single day during his four years' service and participated in the battles of Lewinsville, War- wick Creek, Fair Oaks, Golding's Farm, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, Charles City Cross Roads, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, Antietam, Sharpsburg, Gettysburg, Frankstone, first and second actions at Fredricksburg, Rappahannock Station, Mine Run Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Pamun- key, Hanover Court House, Peters- burg, Weldon Railroad, Washington, Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Newmar- ket, Cedar Creek, Petersburg, 2d April, and Sailors' Creek. In the action before Petersburg, April 2d, 1865, Major Bonett, then on Gen- eral L. A. Graut's staff, with two or- derlies, took a whole company of Confederates prisoners of war. These facts are from the official records. Soon afterwards he was offered a captaincy in the regular army, but declined.
After his return from the tented field, Major Bonett was for ten years in the employ of E. & T. Fairbanks & Co. Meanwhile, in 1865, he had married Naney J., daughter of Lin- dorf Morris of St. Johnsbury, and settled in Paddock Village. They have one child, Mrs. Emma Mont- gomery of MeIndoes, Vermont. In 1877 Major Bonett rented the old iron foundry, then for a long time unused, of J. H. Paddock, and began business in a small way. By energy, skill, and fair dealing he soon worked up a large business, employing from ten to fifteen men and furnishing castings for the St.
Johnsbury, Lake Champlain, and Passumpsie division railroads. Ow- ing to circumstances beyond his control, he was induced to sell this successful business in the fall of 1884 to the Acme Iron Works, and for several years following was in the grocery business near the Avenue House. Since that time Major Bonett has been employed at two different periods of half a dozen years with the Fairbanks company, with whom he is now engaged; was one year with O. V. Hooker, and three years was superintendent of an iron foundry at Winchendon, Massachusetts. Major Bonett knows and always owns a good horse, and has brought out several fast ones. A fine equestrian, he was for many years chief marshal at the Cale- donia county fairs, and as such formed a wide acquaintance. He is an esteemed citizen and member of Chamberlain post, No. 1, G. A. R.
FRYE, GEORGE CLINTON, son of George C. and Lucella S. (Freeman) Frye, was born at West Concord, Vermont, in 1843. John Frye, great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a pioneer settler in Concord, near Hall's pond, and the progenitor of a substantial and numerous family located in the Frye neighborhood.
Harvey G. Frye, one of the sons, married Lucy Hill, and was a life- long and prominent citizen. George C. Frye, one of his eight children, was of slender physique, but a very capable business man, many years town clerk, and also associated with S. S. Gould in trade at West Con- cord. He married Lucella, daugh- ter of Lucius Freeman, long time town clerk and a highly respected citizen of Waterford. Freeman
76
SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
Frye, first born of this marriage, is the well-known jeweler on Eastern avenue, St. Johnsbury.
George Clinton Frye was edu- cated in the public schools and the academy of St. Johnsbury, from which he graduated in 1892. He immediately began reading law in the office of his stepfather, Hon. A. F. Nichols, and two years later entered Boston University Law school, from which he graduated in
GEORGE C. FRYE.
1897, and was admitted to the bar in October of the same year. He soon opened an office in Citizens' bank building, where he has con- tinued in practice until the present time. He has a fine law library, and he is a thorough and systematic stu- dent and careful and reliable coun- sel.
Mr. Frye is chairman of the Re- publican committee of Caledonia county and a member of the board
of county road commissioners. He is secretary and treasurer of ine Mystic club and has an excellent so- cial and professional standing.
LYNCH, REV. JOHN ALOYSIUS, son of John and Mary (Cronin) Lynch, was born in South Whee- lock, Vermont, August 11, 1868. His parents came from Ireland in youth, and settled in St. Johnsbury. which, with the exception of inter- vals spent on their farm at South Wheelock, continued to be their home until their death. Four of their eight children are now living, namely: Lieut. William M. Lynch, of the Boston fire department; Dr. Edward R. Lynch, a prominent sur- geon of Brattleboro; Mary E., wife of Charles A. McGovern of St. Johnsbury, and the subject of this sketch.
A large part of the boyhood and youth of Father Lynch was spent upon the Wheelock farm. He at- tended the old "Mountain district" school, and, later, sometimes the public school in St. Johnsbury.
Ilis academical studies were be- gun at the Green Mountain semi- nary, at Waterbury Center, Ver- mont, and were continued in Bos- ton, where he spent five years, en- gaged in mercantile pursuits and studying under private tutors.
In 1892 he entered Seminary of Philosophy, in Montreal, and after finishing his philosophical studies he entered St. Mary's Theological seminary in Baltimore, Maryland, and was ordained a priest at Bur- lington, August 24, 1897.
He was at once stationed at Swan- ton as assistant at the Church of the Nativity, whence he was transferred in January, 1898, to St. Johnsbury. Here a new Catholic parish had
77
CALEDONIA COUNTY.
been established the previous year. Rev. M. J. Carmody, the rector, had been forced by ill health to resign his charge, and the half finished church was turned over to Father Lynch. With characteristic energy the work of building and organizing was carried forward. On October 26 St. Aloysius' church, a large and beautiful Gothic structure of brick and stone, on Main street, was dedi- cated. The non-Catholics of St. Johnsbury showed a kindly interest in the new parish and its work, and their appreciation was expressed in the gift of $1.000 toward the purchase of a pipe organ. A parochial residence was erected the following year. St. Aloy- sius' parish has continued to prosper, and has won a prominent place in the religious life of the com- munity. Father Lynch and his peo- ple have been identified with every movement having in view the pro- gress or moral welfare of the com- munity.
His labors have not been confined to St. Johnsbury. He has charge of St. Lawrence's church at Copper- field, Vermont, and has organized a new parish and just completed a beautiful little church building, St. Leo's, in Lunenburg, Vermont. He finds time, also, to accept some of the numerous calls upon him for public speeches and lectures.
BONETT, LIEUTENANT-COL- ONEL CHARLES M., son of Luther and Lydia M. (Ayer) Bonett, was born in Waterford, Vermont, July 12, 1857.
Luther Bonett was a veteran of the Civil war, enlisting in the Eleventh Vermont regiment from Concord after he was fifty-five years old. He died in that town in Oc-
tober, 1899, at the age of ninety- two.
Joseph Bonett, the grandfather of Luther, came over with General Lafayette as a drummer boy, and later became a sergeant in the American army. Charles' boyhood was spent upon the paternal farm near West Concord, where he at- tended school. He left home at fourteen years of age, and served a three years' apprenticeship at West
CHARLES M. BONETT.
Concord at the door, sash, and blind trade, and later came to St. Johnsbury, and worked at his trade a year or more with H. E. Randall.
He then engaged in the furniture business with Dwinell & Orcutt at Paddock Village for nine years. In 1886 he went into the pattern shop of the Fairbanks Scale Co., and at present does the pattern work for the Fairbanks brass valves. Mr. Bonett married Nellie P., daughter
78
SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
of Curtis L. and Viola (Grant) Sta- cey, of West Concord, January 1, 1879, and they reside on Mount Pleasant street. Colonel Bonett in- herits the traditional taste and at- titude of his ancestry for military affairs.
He joined Company D, Vermont National Guard, Jnne 1, 1884, and a year later was promoted quarter- master-sergeant of his company. His promotion was steady and well merited.
He became first lieutenant in 1890, and captain in 1892. In January, 1898, he was elected major of the First Vermont infantry, and May 16 was mustered into the United States service, and filled that position with great credit during the service of the regiment at Chicka- mauga camp. Mustered out Novem- ber 7, 1898. He was elected lieu- tenant-colonel of the regiment in 1899.
He was present with a battalion of his regiment at the first inaugu- ration of President Mckinley in 1897, and at the dedication of Grant's tomb the same year com- manded the First battalion, and also participated in the celebration of the Washington centennial in 1889. As captain of Company D his influ- ence has been manifested in the high standing of that body. His most cherished souvenir is a mag- nificent sword and scabbards, pre- sented him by the members of Com- pany D, in appreciation of his ser- vices as captain.
Like Roosevelt he believes in shooting straight, and teaches it by precept and example. He won the second regimental prize for marks- manship at Montpelier in 1891, and the first prize at Rutland in 1892
and fired the first shot for the Ver- monters at Sea Girt, 1903, in the national team match, which was a bull's-eye.
HAZEN, PERLEY FULLER, son of Edward and Sarah (Tilden) Hazen, was born in Hartford, Vermont, July 11, 1854. He was educated in the public schools. He came to St. Johnsbury September 2, 1872, and entered the office of E. & T. Fair- banks &Co., as a clerk. Capable, industrious, and ambitious, young Hazen was promoted to the position of bookkeeper in the mechanical de- partment, where he mastered the de- tails of the manufacture of scales, and kind of labor required, and proved to be the "right man in the right place." He was appointed assistant superintendent in 1889, and for the past ten years has been superintendent of this extensive business, which employs more than one thousand men.
Mr. Hazen's activities have not been confined to his business alone. They have broadened out into many avenues of the social, religious, and political life of St. Johnsbnry. He is an Odd Fellow, a 32d degree Ma- son and a past eminent commander of Palestine commandery. For four years he served as a trustee of the village. He was actively interested as an incorporator, and for several years as a director, of the Citizens' Savings Bank and Trust company. For nearly thirty years he has been a member of the North Congrega- tional church, and his influence is freely extended to the religious and educational progress of the town. 1 zealous Republican, he was for sev- eral years chairman of the town committee, and during the last cam- paign was president of the Repub-
79
CALEDONIA COUNTY.
lican club. He has not sought po- litical preferment for himself, but has worked strenuously for the canse. P. F. Hazen married Minnie, danghter of Andrew Oliver and Pa- mela (Denison) Baker of St. Johns- bury, April 14, 1881.
1846. Ile was educated in the pub- lic schools of Newbury and Brad- ford, where he remained during his minority. He was many years a traveling salesman and was located in general trade at Barnet a dozen years, and postmaster during Cleve-
PERLEY F. HAZEN.
Mr. Hazen has achieved a most responsible position in a great en- terprise by merit alone, and pos- sesses a large measure of public con- fidence.
WILSON, HENRY E., son of Ad- ams and Mary (Aldrich) Wilson, was born in Newbury, Vermont, in
land's and Harrison's administra- tions. He came to St. Johnsbnry in October, 1895, was for a time in re- tail trade, and in March, 1901, or- ganized the St. Johnsbury Grocery company. The office and warehouse occupies the entire three floors of Caldbeck's block near the depot.
THE ST. JOHNSBURY GROCERY CO., WHOLESALE GROCERS, ST. JOHNSBURY, VERMONT, 1903.
F
81
CALEDONIA COUNTY.
From a small beginning the business has steadily increased and the com- pany is now doing a business of $150,000 per annum. This gratify- ing success has been obtained by a careful selection of fresh, choice goods at close prices. and by hard
ily removed to Lebanon, New Hampshire, where they resided four years.
The family removed to St. Johns- bury in 1860 and at the age of four- teen Edson engaged with J. H. Pad- dock to learn the machinist's trade,
EDSON R. JENKINS.
work and square deal on correct business principles.
JENKINS, EDSON R., son of John and Nancy (Burgin) Jenkins, was born in Fairlee, Vermont, in 1848. His early boyhood until he was eight years old was spent in Bradford, Vermont, whence the fam-
serving an apprenticeship of three years. He then entered Luke Buz- zell's machine shop as a journey- man, but was made foreman within a year, at the age of eighteen, and filled that position until 1872, when he entered the employ of the Fair- banks company as a machinist. He
6
82
SUCCESSFUL VERMONTERS.
was foreman of the machine shop several years and later was depart- ment foreman of the beam room, blacksmith shop, and casting room nearly five years, and in 1895 was made assistant superintendent of the works. In this very exacting posi- tion he has the oversight and is re- sponsible to the business manager for the work of more than a thousand workmen. Mr. Jenkins has shown a peculiar fitness for this most responsible position, possess- ing good judgment, fairness, and in- tegrity and a complete and thorough knowledge of machinery as applied to the varied requirements of the scale and valve works. He is highly esteemed by the employés as well as by the management.
E. R. Jenkins married in 1870 Helen M. Gaskill of St. Johnsbury, who died in 1879, leaving one son, John Jenkins, an employé in the Fairbanks works. His second wife was Nellie Nasmith. His third wife was her sister, Dora Nasmith, who died in 1899, and his present wife is Elizabeth McNey of Inver- ness, Province of Quebec. Mr. Jen- kins has a beautiful home on Pleas- ant street.
CALDBECK, GEORGE, son of Matthew J. and Mary Jane (Sinnott) Caldbeck, was born in St. Johns- bury September 10, 1874. He is the present proprietor and manager of the Avenue House and the junior partner of the firm of M. J. Cald- beck & Son, wholesale and retail dealers in builders' supplies, paints and oils, glass, lime and cement.
The Avenue House is one of the finest, largest and best equipped hotels in northern New England. Its hundred rooms are all lighted by electricity and heated by steam; it
has its own system of pure cold spring water, and it is located at the corner of Railroad street and East- ern avenue, at the business center, and within a stone's throw of St. Johnsbury depot. The table is sumptuously supplied with all of the delicacies of the season, the cuisine is the best that money can obtain, and the table service prompt and efficient. No pains or expense is spared to make the hotel first-class in every appointment, and under the morally clean and able manage- ment of Mr. George Caldbeck it is securing a well-merited patronage and popularity. He is ably assisted by the genial clerks, Mr. Frank E. Wheeler, who has had twenty-two years' experience as a hotel man, and Mr. E. J. Rutter, also an experienced clerk.
PERKINS, JOSEPH L., M. D., D. D. S., son of Joseph and Lucretia K. (Hovey) Perkins, was born in Brookfield, Vermont, February 9, 1835. He graduated from the Med- ical Department of the University of Vermont. As a member of the First Regiment, Vermont Volunteers, commanded by Colonel J. W. Phelps, he participated in the first battle of the Civil war at Big Bethel. Virginia.
Dr. Perkins graduated in Den- tistry from the Pennsylvania Col- lege of Dental Surgery. He mar- ried Abbie J. Peck of Barre, Ver- mont, November 6th, 1862, and a few months later came to St. Johnsbury and commenced the practice of Den- tistry which he has continued most successfully until the present time, a period of more than forty years.
He is an Ex-President of the Ver- mont State Dental Society and held the same position on the Dental Ex-
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.