The History of Washington County in the Vermont historical gazetteer : including a county chapter and the local histories of the towns of Montpelier., Part 19

Author: Hemenway, Abby Maria, 1828-1890
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Montpelier, Vt. : Vermont Watchman and State Journal Press
Number of Pages: 1064

USA > Vermont > Washington County > Montpelier > The History of Washington County in the Vermont historical gazetteer : including a county chapter and the local histories of the towns of Montpelier. > Part 19

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DR. PARLEY SCOTT,

born in Worcester County, Mass., July, 1765 ; pursued an academical course at Leicester Academy, read medicine in the same town; married Lydia Day about 1790, and moved to Craftsbury Common, where he commenced the practice of med- icine. He came to Cabot Plain in 1794, and in 1804, to the village, and continued the practice of his profession. 8 children were born to them ; but one of this large family is now living, George W. Scott, Esq., of Montpelier. Dr. Scott practiced his profession more than 50 years in this and adjoining towns successfully, answer- ing all calls alike to rich and poor. During all his long practice his rides were on horse-back ; but he was never too much exhausted to answer a call. He died in 1850, aged 84 years ; his wife died before him, aged 83.

JOSEPH FISHER, ESQ.,

was born at Dedham, Mass., 1767. He was a lad when the British occupied Boston, and remembered distinctly the battle of Bunker Hill. When he arrived at his majority he came to Claremont, N. 11., and married Sarah Osgood, and came to this town and commenced on the farm now owned and occupied by his grand-son, Luke C. Fisher. He built his first cabin on the site of the present house.

The first night they stayed in their new residence the snow blew down the large stone chimney so that in the morning it was 6 inches deep between their bunk and the fireplace. To them were born 4 sons and 3 daughters, all of whom, but one, lived to advanced age, and two of whom now survive-Caleb, 81 years old ; Milton, 74 years old ; and they have always lived in town, enjoying the confidence of their townsmen, as the numerous offices to which they have been called to fill testify. Joseph Fisher was a public-spirited man, and held many offices, as will be seen by the tables of town officers in this paper. He died in 1853, aged 87 years. His wife preceded him in 1839, aged 70 years.

ELIHU COBURN,

BY HON. JOSEPHI POLAND,

was born at Charlton, Mass., 1773; son of Clement Coburn and Dorothy Ed- wards, of Oxford, Mass. His early educa- tion was confined to a few months' attend- ance at the common school, but his nat- . ural ability enabled him in a great measure to surmount the defect, and become a man whose judgment and practical knowl- edge were thoroughly relied upon by his townsmen.

In the summer of 1799, he came on horseback to Vermont. Passing through the forest, he reached a pretty valley among the hills, through which a little stream noiselessly found its way. This spot he at once decided upon as his future home, and clearing here a small space, he erected a frame house, one of the first in the town. He remained until winter, when he returned to Massachusetts for his bride. He married Abigail Putnam, daugh- ter of Gideon Putnam, of Sutton, Mass., and in the middle of January the newly- wedded pair found their way through the forest by marked trees to the spot which was to become their home and the home of their descendants. Six miles south lived their nearest neighbor in that direction, while Deacon Stone had erected a saw- mill and log cabin at what is now known as Lower Cabot. Mr. C. rapidly cleared

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his land, and converted the wilderness tract around him into verdant meadows. Four years after his arrival his parents fol- lowed him to Vermont, and a few years later her aged father and mother also came to them, notwithstanding their former ob- jections to their daughter's leaving them to go into the wilderness, to be massacred by Indians, or devoured by wild beasts. Here they lived until one by one the aged parents laid down the burden of life, their pathway down " the Valley " smoothed by the loving care of the children whom they had sought in their wilderness home. About 30 years they kept a public house, known far and wide as " Farmer's Tavern," and most of the town business was trans- acted here.

As a man there were few more respected, or indeed beloved, among his townsmen. He was noted for hospitality and great- hearted generosity, and whatever project he undertook, was pursued until accom- plished. He was an excellent friend, hus- band and father, and died at three-score and ten, regretted. His wife survived him about 6 years ; an amiable woman, of great energy and endurance, It was a strange coincidence, both died, apparently in perfect health, instantly, and without a struggle. Eight children were born to them : Harriet, in 1801 ; married James Atkins in 1823 ; died in 1827. Ruth, in 1803 ; mar- ried Dr. Dyer Bill, of Albany, Vt. ; died in 1880; left 5 sons. Hiram, in 1805; married Ruth Osgood, who died a few years after. He still lives upon the old homestead. Louisa, 1807; married Hon. Robert Harvey, of Barnet ; died in 1867; 4 children. Lewis, 1809; died in 1818. Frances Caroline, 1812; married Ist, James K. Harvey, merchant, of Barnet. After his death, she married Dr. C. B. Chandler, then of Tunbridge, but after- wards of Montpelier. She died in 1874; a daughter survives her. Elihu F., born in 1815, resides on the old homestead ; married, 1855, Amelia Walker, of Sher- brooke, P. Q .; 3 children by this mar- riage ; by a later, 2 sons. Abigail, 1817, ma:ried Maj. Quinton Cook, of Cabot. They have one daughter living.

COL. JOHN STONE,

born at Claremont, N. H., Jan. 15, 1775, came to Cabot in 1797, and began clear- ing up a farm on the ground now occupied by the Lower Village Cemetery ; then an unbroken wood from Cabot to Marshfield. He married in 1803, Betsey Huntoon, of Kingston, N. H. To them were born 7 sons and 3 daughters ; four of the sons are Congregational ministers. [See list of na- tive ministers.] In the military, Col. S. rose from a private to Colonel of the Ist regiment, 3d brigade 4th division of the Vt. militia of the State, and was said to be one of the best commanders of the bri- gade. He died Feb. 20, 1856; his wife, Feb. 22. Both were buried in the same grave, on the spot where he first com- menced clearing their farm.

HON. JOHN W. DANA. BY HON. O. F. DANA.

JOHN W. DANA was born at Pomfret, Vt., 1777, and son of John W. Dana and Hannah, daughter of Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam of Revolutionary fame. His early education was a few weeks' attendance at the common school ; but his social stand- ing and natural parts were such as to ena- ble him to obtain in marriage the accom- plished daughter of the Rev. Mr. Damon of Woodstock. The newly wedded pair traveled northward in the spring of 1802, on horseback, following the Hazen road, hewn through the forests for military pur- poses, until they reached a wooded sum- mit which took the name of the Plain. Here a small settlement was gathered, in- cluding the doctor, the blacksmith and the trader. Here our young travelers paused, charmed with the location. It was a lovely spot then, just a few acres shorn of the heavy trees that swept like the waves of a broad sea, elsewhere, for miles around, above and below. Upon the shorn spot the sun came down, the heavy mantle of forest sheltered it from the wind. They had not found a place on their journey they liked so much, and here they deter- mined to make their home-probably for the remainder of life. Hopefully and heartily they commenced in this mountain

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home. For a time all went satisfactorily. It was all well at first, but as the forests were cut away, it soon became manifest that this cool, wind-swept summit must be abandoned as a winter residence, and so reluctantly, but one by one, the little com- munity dropped down into the security of what became known as Cabot Village.

At the present day the view from the abandoned and silent Plain is very im- pressive, and one of exceeding loveliness, commanding as it does both the White and the Green Mountain ranges. It is safe to say, that nowhere in all New England is there a more beautiful panorama spread before the enraptured eye.

The spot selected by Mr. Dana for his next residence was in a valley sheltered from winds by hills and forests and cooled by a rapid mountain torrent, whose waters, briefly arrested, spread out for a moment peacefully before his door, aud then plunged over a fall, whose ceaseless mur- mur swayed with every breeze.

Here he passed the principal years of his life. He had a cheerful and active temperament, and was generous of himself in endeavors to promote the public welfare. Eighty years ago Cabot was well nigh one continuous wilderness. The first adven- turous settlers brought little more than stout hearts and a sharp axe. Little clear- ings were to be made, rude houses con- structed, roads and bridges built, and, withal, the church and the school must be kept going. There was plenty to do to keep one active, enough attainable to keep one hopeful. The inhabitants of the pres- ent day can scarcely realize what an intense community of interest bound together these carly settlers, and how they worked together and gave the friendly grasp in mutual encouragement. It fell to Mr. Dana's part to become in some measure the medium of exchange in supplying the wants of life. He made long and tedious journeys to Boston, to bring back mer- chandise, and, as few had money, he re- ceived in exchange for his goods whatever the settlers could best spare. This led, in time, and as matters grew more pros- perous, to the collection by him of large

herds of cattle which were driven to mar- ket : in those days a great event. He con- tented himself with_ moderate gains, and though his opportunities were favorable he he did not seek unduly to amass wealth. These frequent journeyings, and his keen interest in the public welfare, kept him abreast of the times and, without his seek- ing it, he fell naturally into the position of a foremost man. His advice and as- sistance were frequently sought and his counsels were respected. He loved his townsmen and took delight in their grow- ing prosperity and advancement. He donated lands to beautify the village. He loved and observed nature and took pleas- ure in his surroundings. He reflected much upon the deep mysteries of existence and was fond of rational discourse ; but, if this was in a degree characteristic of Mr. Dana, it was far more so of his wife : a lady deeply imbued with spiritual aspi- rations and an abidiug sense of the beauty of holiness. While her husband some- times allowed himself to . question and speculate upon religious dogmas, she had no doubts herself and was impatient of them in others. She held herself solemnly charged with the mission of caring for the moral interests of the community, and no devotee ever addressed herself to more constant watchfulness and prayer. Such as they were, the daily life and influence of this couple went forth into the little com- munity ; and that it was beneficent, is evi- denced by a tender regard for their memo- ries that lingered long after their departure ; a notable instance was that manifested by the late Joseph Lance, Esq., who, though he had purchased and paid for their home- stead, used to say that he could never divest himself of the feeling that it must still forever belong to them-so intensely had the subtle influence of their lives pen- etrated it.

In 1830, the stage in which Mr. Dana was journeying to Boston was overturned and rolled 60 feet down an embankment. Two of his ribs were broken, and he was supposed to be mortally injured. From this shock, he never fully recovered, and for want of necessary attention his affairs

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fell into some confusion. Some of his daughters had married and gone to Wis- consin. He visited them in 1838: and in 1839, he removed thither with his whole family. The morning in which he finally left his old home, never to return, was made memorable by a pleasant incident. At daybreak, and while he was still asleep, a score or more of his old comrades, dressed in long, tow frocks, silently assem- bled in the village hall, and sent to request his presence. This touching manifestation of regard sensibly affected him, and ended in an abundance of tears as, one by one, the old men bade each other an eternal farewell.

It only remains to be said, that in his new home, freed from care, his business affairs adjusted, he lived in the quiet en- joyment of the companionship of his wife and children, until, in 1850, he bade fare- well to all. His wife survived until 1872.

LEONARD ORCUTT, ESQ.,

born at Stafford, Ct., 1779, came with his mother to Cabot when 18 years old. He married Sally Spear for his first wife ; for his 2d, Polly Bullock ; by his first wife 4 children, and 4 by his second ; 3 of the last died in early life of consumption. Esquire Orcutt held many offices of trust in the town, among which was the office of justice of the peace for over 40 years. For a long time he was town agent, and assisted in all town law-suits, and when a witness, the lawyers never made but one effort to corner him. In the trial of a town case at Dan- ville (County Court) he was a witness. Hon. Wm. Mattocks was counsel against the town, and wished to prove that Esquire C. was deeply interested in the case on ac- count of holding town office. "Well, Esquire," said Mattocks, "you have held considerable town office in Cabot, haven't ou?" "Yes-yes-I have some." "Well, ir, what office did you hold the year this fair took place?" The Esquire said, hutting his eyes and running his hands ito his breeches pockets to his elbows, Well, if I recollect right, I was highway irveyor that year." In after years Mat- ›cks frequently related this case with a ugh, and said he was perfectly satisfied

with this witness. He died in 1855, aged 75, highly respected by all the community. DEACON JAMES MARSH

came here from Plymouth, N. H., in 1793, and settled on a farm & mile north of the Center. In 18- he married Miriam Wal- bridge ; to them were born 5 sons and 4 daughters. He was for many years a deacon of the Congregational church, and accounted by all who knew him, what is said to be the noblest work of God-an honest man. He died 1865, aged 90 years.

DEACON MARCUS O. FISHER

was born at Cabot, Nov. 24, 1796. [For his first business, see village of Cabot.] He was married to Fanny Hall, June 13, 1820, at Chester, N. H., and came directly to Cabot and began pioneer life in what was known as the old Red House. There were but 4 houses in the village at that time. Deacon Marcus Fisher and his wife were actively identified with the entire growth of the village. They had 4 chil- dren, 2 of which died in early life, and 2 survive their parents. The Deacon and his wife were earnest, consistent Chris- tians. Their house was ever the hospita- ble mansion, to which were welcomed the missionary and minister, and all who were working in the vineyard of their Lord. The Deacon died suddenly, of heart disease, Sabbath morning, Apr. 9, 1865, aged 68. His wife died Sept. 14, 1870.

JOSEPH LANCE, ESQ.,

born in Chester, N. H., 1799, came to this town when a lad with his father, who set- tled on the place where Hial Morse lives. In 1830, he engaged in the mercantile business in Calais. After about 4 years he sold out, and engaged in farming on quite a large scale. In 1833, he was married to Cynthia M. Tucker. They had 4 chil- dren, 3 of whom are now living. In 1838, he bought the entire estate of Judge Dana, and about 1845 he moved to this town. In his early life he dealt extensively in cattle and sheep ; was successful in all his under- takings financially, and became a man of wealth. He held many town offices, and was an excellent manager for the town. He died Oct. 12, 1865, aged 66 years.

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JOHN DAMON, ESQ.,

was born in Martha's Vineyard, near Bos- ton. When 6 years of age, his father, a Congregational minister, removed to Woodstock, Vermont. At the age of 20, John went to what was then thought to be the far West, the state of Ohio. He purchased the very ground to settle on upon which the city of Cincinnati now stands, but his health failing, he sold his land there and returned to Vermont, and settled in this town, as before related. He · married Nancy Strong, of Pawlet; chil- dren, 4. He was a far-seeing man, and very successful in his financial affairs. He was also one of the pioneers in the Sab- bath-school work in the Congregational church. He died Apr. 19, 1864.

ZERAH COLBURN

was born in Cabot, Sept. 1, 1804. His father, Abia Colburn, with his family, came from Hartford, and settled on the farm now owned by S. S. Batchelder, about 3 months before his birth. The sixth child, his parents in straitened circumstances, subject to such hardships as fell to the lot of all new settlers at that period, there seemed little prospect his name should be distinguished, or ever known beyond the circle of his neighbors and kinsmen. There was nothing remarkable, too, in the en- dowments of his father or mother; they were plain persons, not superior to others, and in regard to their son, it is said they considered him to be the most backward of any of their children ; residing at a con- siderable distance from school, it would be unreasonable, also, to infer that education did much for preparing him for that dis- play of early strength, correctness, and rapidity of mind in figures, which was so remarkable to all who saw him, and was unaccountable to himself.

Some time in the beginning of August, IS10, when about one month under 6 years of age, at home while his father was employed at a joiner's work-bench, Zerah was on the floor playing with chips. Sud- denly he began to say to himself, " 5 times 7 are 35 "-"6 times 8 are 48," etc. His father's attention being arrested by hear-

ing this so unexpected in a child so young, and who had hitherto possessed no ad- vantages, except, perhaps, 6 weeks' attend- ance at the district-school that summer, left his work, and began to examine his boy through the multiplication table ; he thought it possible Zerah had learned this from other boys; but finding him perfect in the table, his attention was more deeply fixed, and he asked the product of 13 by 97, to which 1261 was instantly given as the answer. It was not long before one of the neighbors calling in, was informed of the singular occurrence, and soon it be- came generally known through the town. Thus the story originated, which within the short space of a year found its way not only through the United States, but reached Europe and foreign journals of literature both in England and France, who ex- pressed their surprise. In 1804, the earth was not belted by a telegraph ; the news had to take the slow way-posts, and it must have been regarded a wonderful matter to have had so wide a range in 12 months.

In a short time the annual freeman's meeting occurred in town, to which Mr. Colburn took his son, and exhibited his wonderful ability in figures to his towns- men.

Gentlemen at that time possessing in fluence and standing in the County wer desirous that some course might be adopt ed with the boy that might lead to a ful development of his wonderful calculatin. powers, and Mr. Colburn, encouraged took his son to Danville, which was the the shire town of Caledonia County, to b present at the session of court. His so was very generally seen and questioned b judges, members of the bar and other: The Legislature being about to convene : Montpelier, he was advised to visit th: place with his son, which he did in Oct ber. Here, also, many witnessed his wo derful mathematical powers. Question out of the common limits of arithmet were proposed with a view to puzzle hil but they all were answered correctly. F instance, he was asked, "Which is t most, twice five and twenty or twice twent

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five?" " Which is the most, six dozen or a half a dozen dozen?" The question was also asked, " How many black beans would it take to make five white ones?" He at once answered, " five, if you skin them," evincing quickness of thought as well as ability to combine numbers. After a few days spent in Montpelier, they proceeded to Burlington ; but the State of Vermont did not seem to offer sufficient encourage- ment, and Mr. Colburn was advised to visit the principal cities of the Union. Return- ing to Cabot, and spending one night with his family, he departed, never to return. He first went to Hanover, N. H., where he received liberal offers for the education of his boy ; from here to Boston, where he arrived the 25th of Nov. Here the public were anxious to see and hear for them- selves. Questions of two or three places of figures in multiplication, questions in the rule of three, extractions of the roots of exact squares and cubes were put, and done with very little effort, and here he also received offers from wealthy men to educate his son. One offer was to raise $5000 by voluntary donations, and give the father $2500, and the remaining $2500 to be used in Zerah's education ; but to these terms Mr. Colburn did not feel at liberty to accede. The rejection of all these proposals very speedily raised a prejudice against him in Boston, and from Boston he went to New York, Philadelphia and Washington ; but not receiving the en- couragement, pecuniarily, that he was in hopes to have met with, he next decided to go to England. In December, 1811, he wrote to his wife from Washington to make such disposition of her farm and children is she could, and accompany him over the Atlantic. In this she showed her wisdom n refusing to accede to his request ; but er refusal did not deter him from the de- ign. He embarked with his son for iverpool, Apr. 3, 1812, and arrived in ondon, May 24. Here Zerah was visited by ne high and noble of the city, and invited ) call upon the crowned heads. His mathematical powers were put to the se- rest test, and he was able to answer the ost difficult questions ; but during all this

time of Zerah's exhibition, his education was neglected. After he started from Cabot he had learned to read, and in London to write.

Mr. Colburn tried various ways to raise money. The exhibition of his soir did not prove very remunerative. He was ad- vised by men of influence and means to put him to school, they generously offering the means for his education. After about 4 years he placed Zerah at Westminster School, London. He was now 12 years of age ; but he did not complete his studies here. He was taken away by his father, and placed in a school in Paris, where also he remained but a few months. His father had now become very short for means. While Zerah was at school, he had re- ceived liberal gifts of money for his sup- port ; but in his pinched condition, he knew not now what course to take. After a few years, however, Zerah was engaged as a teacher in a small school in London. In 1822, after an absence of 10 years from his family, Mr. Colburn's health began to fail, and Feb. 14, 1823, he died of con- sumption, far from home, and almost des- titute of the common comforts of life.

As soon as necessary arrangements could be made by the contributions of friends to pay the passage of Zerah to America, he sailed, and July 3, 1825, arrived safely at his home in Cabot, having been absent 13 years.

After remaining a few months in town, he connected himself with the Methodist church, and became a local preacher, and during his seven years of ministry, had as many different appointments. Jan. 13, 1829, he married Mary Hoyt, of Hartford. Six children were born to them, 5 daugh- ters and a son. The son gave his life for his country ; was killed in a battle near Washington, Sept. 12, 1861. Two daugh- ters died in early life.

In 1834, Mr. Colburn gave up preaching, on account of poor health. He accepted a call to a professorship of languages in the Military College at Norwich, which he held until obliged to give it up on account of failing health. He died of consumption, Mar. 2, 1839, and was buried near the

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scene of his last labors, at Norwich, aged 34 years, 6 months.

I am informed by his daughter, who is now living at Thetford, to whom I am in- debted for the last portion of this sketch, that he did not retain his wonderful math- ematical powers after he became educated and entered upon the ministry. His wife died Mar. 16, 1856, aged 52. Thus lived and died one of the most wonderful minds for computation that the world ever saw.

HON. JOHN MCLEAN,

born at Peacham, Sept. 27, 1814, com- menced his business life in Lower Cabot. He was closely identified with the business interests of the town, and his death, Feb. 3, 1855, without a moment's warning, cast a deep gloom over the whole community. The following, furnished by an intimate friend, is no overdrawn picture :

Estimate of Mr. McLean, by One of His Companions.

JOHN MCLEAN would have been a mark- ed man in any community. In Cabot, at the period ofwhich I write, he was specially distinguishable. His magnetism and innate force were something wonderful. He was a born leader of men. He never said " go," but always " come," and wherever he went he compelled a following. He found Cabot spell-bound, as it were, both in politics and religion, and he forced progress. He found the term abolitionism a by-word and a reproach; and when he left the town, it was inscribed upon her banners as a word of honor. He de- manded full toleration in religious matters. He stimulated the dull to exertion in the way of self-help and development. He organized new industries, and waked up the dormant energies of the people. He was himself constantly developing in limit- less directions. What an inward pressure there must have been within him, what a cry for room, to have led him in middle age, without education, almost blind, to the audacious resolve of becoming a man of letters and a member of the bar. But he did it, and was already retained in im- portant cases when his summons came. Departed friend, nothing but death could

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The History of Washington County in the Vermont historical gazetteer : including a county chapter and the local histories of the towns of Montpelier., Part 19

Author: Hemenway, Abby Maria, 1828-1890 Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Montpelier, Vt. : Vermont Watchman and State Journal Press Number of Pages: 1064

Author: Hemenway, Abby Maria, 1828-1890
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Montpelier, Vt. : Vermont Watchman and State Journal Press
Number of Pages: 1064