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 34
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A great gale was experienced here May 13, 1866. The wind was accompanied with rain, and 4 barns and some smaller buildings were blown down. Mr. Amos Dwinell was in his son's barn at the time, and was buried in its ruins, but extricated without much injury. A number of cows were in two of the demolished barns, but only a very few were seriously injured.
In the spring of 1807, snow was 43 feet deep April 4, and when Joshua Pitkin be- gan to tap his sugar-place, Apr. 15, it was 3 feet deep. May 15, 1834, there was a great snow-storm, more than 2 feet deep. In the winter of 1863 and '4, snow was very deep, fences covered for months.
We have also had our portion of fires. A barn was burned Oct. 1806, Jeremiah's
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Carleton's blacksmith shop in 1827 ; after, an old house of Caleb Pitkin's, the dwell- ing house of Nathan Smith ; the dwelling- house of Bemis Pike, Feb. 1835; new house of Hiram Goodwin, May, 1840 ; the starch-factory and clover-mill of Stephen Pitkin the night of Dec. 10, 1853, large shoe-shop of Henry Goodwin, May, 1860; house belonging to G. O. Davis, occupied by G. W. Nouns, who was severely burned, and the family just escaped with their lives. Mar. 1869, the saw-mill and shop, and all the tools of Calvin York.
CASUALTIES.
Betsey Swetland and another young lady were riding on horseback May 7, 1817, below the village, when she was killed by the fall of a tree. She lived only a few hours.
Mr. Jonathan Davis, an aged man, was burned to death by falling into the fire, probably in a fit, and Jonathan Davis, Jr., had a little son drowned in a water-holder at the door.
George Pitkin, while drawing wood alone, fell before the runner of the sled, and was crushed to death, Feb. 20, 1845.
Martin Bemis, son of Abijah Bemis, came to his death by slipping in the road, and a sled passing over him.
Mrs. Linton was accidentally shot, by a gun carelessly handled by a boy.
Mrs. Tubbs, an old lady, accidentally took some oil of cedar, and lived but a short time.
Mr. Graves had a little daughter scalded, so as to cause death. A child of Nathaniel Lamberton was scalded, so as to cause its death in a short time. Mrs. Benoni Haskins was burned, so as to cause death in a few hours. A little child of Francis Loveland was also burned to death some years since, and a child of Spencer Law- rence scalded, so as to cause its death.
A number of years ago, Mr. Asa Willis had a very remarkable escape from sudden death, while at work on a ledge of rocks, near where Daniel Loveland resides. There had been an unsuccessful attempt made to split open a granite rock 12 feet square, the lower edge of which lay on a large rock 15 feet high. The top of the lower rock
was slanting like the roof of a house. While attempting to open the crevice al- ready commenced in the upper rock, suffi- cient to insert a blast of powder, the rock split in two nearly in the middle, Mr. Willis falling between the parts, and he and they sliding from the large rock to the ground, 27 feet. The two pieces, when they reached the ground, stood in such a way that the upper edges leaned against each other, and the lower edges stood apart so as to leave a wedge-shaped cavity large enough to admit his body, and there he lay. No one was with him but Mr. Joshua Smith. On ascertaining that he was alive, Mr. Smith dug away the earth, and succeeded in extricating him from his perilous situation. Neither he, nor the physician, who was immediately called, thought him much injured, and he lived to do a good deal of hard work, and yet it is thought he never entirely recovered from the effects of the shock.
IMPROVEMENTS.
The log houses of the pioneers soon gave way to better dwellings. At the present time nearly all the houses in town are of modern style and finish, but it is the barns that ought particularly to be mentioned. Many of them are large, beautifully finished and painted, and nut surpassed by any in the vicinity.
THE TOWN CLERKS
have been, Stephen Rich 7 years, George Rich 7 years, Robert Cristy 9 years, Mar- tin Bullock 16 years, Jacob Putnam IC years, Jonathan Goodwin 2 years, Samue D. Hollister 2 years, and Andrew English 24 years, from 1849 to his death in 1873 Geo. W. English 2 years, and Edgar L Smith, elected in 1875, now in office.
REPRESENTATIVES.
The town was first represented in th Legislature in 1804, by Stephen Pitkin He held this office in all 13 years, then b: George Rich 3 years, Wm. Martin 12 years Josiah Hollister 2 years, Alonzo Foster years, Spencer Lawrence 2 years, Wel come Cole 2 years, Horace Hollister years, Ira Smith 2 years, Stephen R. Ho. lister 2 years, E. D. Putnam 2 years, H
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ram Potter 2 years, Asa Spencer 2 years, George A. Gilman 2 years, Ingals Carleton 2 years, Samuel D. Hollister 2 years, An- drew English 2 years, Bowman Martin 2 years, C. W. H. Dwinell 2 years, Wm. Martin, Jr., 2 years, and Preston Haskins years. George Wooster, 1869-70 ; Moody Bemis, 1872; George Putnam, 1874; Levi W. Pitkin, 1876; Marshal D. Perkins, 1878; Mark Mears, 1880.
TOWN TREASURER .- George O. Davis, elected 1870.
SELECTMEN FROM 1876.
Eli G. Pitkin, 1876-77 ; H. P. Martin, 1876-78 ; J. H. Eaton, 1876; Willis Lane, 1876; Marcus R. Bliss, 1877-78-79; H. H. Hollister, 1879-80; Chester Sawyer, 1880; Levi W. Pitkin, Orin H. Smith, Daniel Holcomb, 1881.
TAVERNS.
Joshua Pitkin, Esq., raised the first tavern-sign Oct. 1805. He continued to keep a public house many years. The second tavern was opened by Charles Cate, where Erastus Eddy now lives. Joshua Smith moved into town from Ashford, Ct., in Dec. 1811, bought out Mr. Cate, and commenced keeping tavern, which he con- tinued 17 years. He was a kind neighbor, accommodating to all, and travelers who called on him would never forget the ex- ceeding drollery of his jokes. He died at the age of 84. His wife, one of our best women, still lives (1869) aged 87.
Capt. James English opened a tavern about the year 1811, where Obed Lamber- ton now resides, and kept a public house a number of years. He was a wheelwright and a highly respected citizen ; removed to what is now the village ; died in 1825, and was buried with Masonic honors.
Capt. Jacob Putnam bought out Capt. English in 1820, and kept a public house some years, and his son, A. F. Putnam, kept a number of years after at the old stand, and later at the village.
Dudley Pitkin commenced keeping a tavern at the old place occupied by his father, about the year 1824, and for a few years continued the business.
Daniel Wilson moved from Alstead, N.
H., in 1821, and settled in the village. He built and run the first carding-machine in town. He also bought the place where the hotel now stands, and built there a one-story plank house. The place soon passed into other hands, and in 1826, was bought by Eli Wheelock, who put on an- other story, and made other additions to the house, and opened it as a hotel the same year. It has been used for a public house till the present time (1869), but so many additions and alterations have been made, that it would now be rather a diffi- cult matter to find the original building. The property soon passed into other hands, was purchased by Horace Bliss, who re- mained in the tavern a number of years ; then sold to Lyman Clark, who afterwards sold to Jabez L. Carpenter, and it has had a number of owners since. A. F. Putnam was proprietor 6 years, and sold to P. Stevens. The present occupant (1869) is P. Lee.
STORES.
The first store in town was opened as early as 1818, by Alfred Pitkin, son of Joshua Pitkin, Esq., in a one-story house just opposite his father's, and just where Wm. Haskins' house stands. After a few years Mr. Pitkin removed to Plainfield, and later to Montpelier. The first store in the village was kept by a Mr. Kimball. He stayed here only a short time.
Enoch D. Putnam opened a store here, Apr. 5, 1840, and continued to trade here till March, 1855, when he sold out and went to Cabot, and has recently removed to Montpelier. George Wooster went into partnership with Mr. Putnam in Sept. 1848. In May, 1858, G. & F. Wooster commenced trade in their starch-factory, but have since built a large store, and are doing a good business.
A. F. Putnam commenced trade in 1866, and is also doing a good business. Levi Bemis and some others have also been in the mercantile business in our village, and after a time have left for other places. Geo. A. Putnam is our present merchant (1881), and Mrs. Adams keeps a ladies store. A. F. Putnam, postmaster.
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PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Bates came here in 1826. He loca- ted at Eli Wheelock's hotel; remained but a few months. In 1827, Dr. Hersey came here to practice. He boarded at Judge Pitkin's; remained about a year. About 1828, Dr. Daniel Corliss settled in our village, stayed a year and removed to Montpelier, (now East Montpelier, where he died.)
Dr. Asa Phelps removed from Berlin to this place in 1831, and still lives here. For many years he was the only resident physician. . He has known as well as any other man, what it was to travel over our hills on a dark night, with the thermom- eter below zero, while the winds were all abroad-years ago. At that time, we had many more poor people in town, than now, On such nights after doing for the sick, if he could have lodging on the floor, with his feet towards the fire, he would put up till daylight. He was never known after such visits to complain of his fare, indeed sometimes, he had no fare to complain of. He has had a large practice- often without pay, never objecting to have counsel, and if superseded by others, " he kept the even tenor of his way," never speaking against the practice of other physicians ; thus has secured universal respect.
Dr. Ezra Paine moved here in 1842, and remained here some 2 years.
Dr. George Town removed here from Montpelier in 1852, but after a few years, sold out and returned to Montpelier, but removed here again, and has a good practice.
Dr. J. Q. A. Packer, homœopathist, re- moved from Peacham here in 1865. He is doing a good business.
LONGEVITY.
A few persons here have attained to the age of 90 years. Dea. Spencer died at 90 ; Mrs. Capron over 90 ; Mrs. Cree, 94 ; Mrs. Austin, 94.
Mr. Joel Parker and wife resided in this place a year or two. Some few years since, Mrs. Parker had attained to the great age of 97, and on her birth-day sung two hymns to a neighbor who called upon her.
Mr. P. was 10 years younger. They have both recently died in Northfield, she in her 100th year.
Aged persons who have died in town within 3 or 4 years .- Daniel Young, 91, and his wife Lydia, 85; Sylvester Love- land, 88, and his wife, 84; Mary Bemis, 84; Samuel G. Bent, 81 ; Ira Smith, 80 ; Abijah Bemis, 86; Willard Benton, 83.
Aged persons now living (1881) .- Dr. Asa Phelps, 85 ; Lucy Bemis, 86; Sally Dwinell, 86; Mary York.
MILLS.
The first saw-mill in town was built by Stephen Pitkin, afterwards Judge Pitkin, in 1802, on Lye brook. In 1812, he built the first saw-mill at what is now the village, and a grist-mill in 1818, which was used many years. The stone and brick grist- mill, now owned by Harrison F. Ketchum, was built in 1831, by Gen. Parley Davis and Truman Pitkin. About the year 1823, Simeon Gage built clothing-works at the south part of the village, but they were used only a few years.
LIBRARY.
There has been for 20 years, in this place, a circulating library, of historical works, travels, etc.
CONGREGATIONAL' CHURCH.
BY MRS. DEA. A. BOYLES.
The first Congregational church in Marshfield was organized Dec. 24, 1800. By request of a number of persons in town, to be embodied into a visible church of Christ, Rev. Mr. Hobart and two breth- ren, Mr. Timothy Hatch and Peterson Gifford of Berlin, came and organized a church of 13 members. Selah Wells was the first deacon, and afterwards Gideon Spencer. For a number of years they had additions, both by professions and letters, and were supplied with preaching a por- tion of the time by ministers from the neighboring towns. Rev. Mr. Hobart of Berlin, Rev. Mr. Lyman of Brookfield, Rev. Mr. Wright of Montpelier, Rev. Mr. Worcester of Peacham, and also a Mr. Washburn and Mr. Bliss, were among those who occasionally ministered to them. About the year 1817, Rev. Levi Parsons,
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afterwards missionary to Palestine, was here, and preached a number of times. But they never enjoyed the blessing of a settled minister. Thus they continued till Dec. 8, 1825, when with the hope that they should enjoy better privileges, those members residing at the south part of the town, united with the church in Plainfield. The rest of the members, and a number of other persons who wished to unite with a Congregational church, thought best to form a church at the north part of the town, in the vicinity of the village, and by re- quest, Rev. Mr. French of Barre, and Rev. Mr. Heard of Plainfield, came and organized a church, which still remains. Brothers Andrew Currier and Alexander Boyles, were chosen deacons. It has been supplied with preaching a part of the time. Among those who have labored here are Rev. Messrs. Kinney, Baxter, Herrick, Torrey, Waterman, Samuel Marsh, and Lane. Rev. Joseph Marsh labored here nearly 2 years. Through the summer of 1868, Rev. Mr. Winch, of Plainfield, preached at 5 o'clock every other Sabbath. There have been many removals and the present number of church members is small.
Record from 1869 to Aug. 3, 1871, by Rev. N. F. Cobleigh, pastor, then .- For several years there had been but little Con- gregational preaching in Marshfield, when in the spring of 1870, Rev. J. T. Graves preached half of the time for 6 weeks. Soon after, Rev. N. F. Cobleigh was en- gaged to preach half of the time for 1 year. The church had no church property, but in the spring of 1871, a new church was begun, a Sabbath school organized, and a library obtained. The church will be ded- icated Aug. 16, 1871. The membership has more than doubled during the past year. Preaching services are now held every Sabbath. Rev. N. F. Cobleigh is to be settled as pastor Aug. 16th inst.
Record from Aug. 1877, to 1879, from Rev. Geo. E. Forbes .- From this time to the spring of 1877, Rev. Mr. Cobleigh was its pastor, and through his faithful ef- 'orts its membership was very largely in-
creased. Of the 57 who composed the church when Mr. Cobleigh resigned, only 9 were members in 1870. Aug. 16, the church was dedicated and the pastor in- stalled. After Mr. Cobleigh's resignation in 1877, Rev. John Stone, of Berlin, sup- plied until early in 1878, when Rev. Paul Henry Pitkin, of Brooklyn, N. Y., was called to be its pastor. He was installed March 14; is its present pastor (1879.) Alexander Boyles, elected deacon in Aug. 1827, held office till his death, Nov. 27, 1876. The other deacons have been An- drew Currier, Silas Carleton, Benjamin Boyles and Mervin Roberts.
CHRISTIAN CHURCHES.
BY MISS A. BULLOCK.
About the year 1815, Elder John Capron commenced preaching in this town, and soon after removed his family here from Danville. There was a revival of religion, and a church was organized about this time. They believed the Scriptures, to- gether with the spirit of God, a sufficient rule of faith and practice. They were blessed with more or less prosperity till 1825, when some of them considered some articles setting forth their faith and cove- nant, as necessary and proper for a Chris- tian church. This caused a division, but finally there was a reorganization under the pastoral care of Elder Capron, Dec. 15, 1836, the two blending together again. Between this time and March 5, 1844, 44 persons united with this church, a part living in Calais, and a part in Marshfield. Among this number there were many of whom we believed "their record is on high." Elder Capron had but little edu- cational advantages, was of warm and energetic temperament, and many remem- ber him justly, as a friend and brother in adversity. He moved from this town some time after the death of his excellent wife, who was kind to all and ever had a word for the afflicted. She died June 14, 1848, and was buried in our soil, and her memory still clings to our hearts. Elder Capron being the first settled minister in town, was entitled to, and received the town's minister lot of land. He removed to
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Stowe. [See history of Morristown. Ed.] He was married a second time, and died some years since.
About the year 1839, there was another church of the Christian denomination or- ganized in the North-west part of the town, under the direction of Elder Jared L. Green. This church was subjected to very hard and severe trials. Many of its members sleep in the dust, some are scattered to other parts, while others are living and striving for the better land.
ADVENT CHURCH.
Feb. 6, 1867, another church was organ- ized here of 6 members, believing in the advent of Christ near at hand, under the pastoral care of Rev. J. A. Cleaveland.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
From the early settlement of the town there have been residents here who have maintained the views of the Baptist church. More than 30 years ago a church of this denomination was organized, consisting of members in Barre, Plainfield and Marsh- field. The larger number resided in Barre and Plainfield, and this church will prob- ably be mentioned in the history of one of those towns. [Barre has left it, we think, to Plainfield .- Ed.]
UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY.
BY REV. A. SCOTT.
Universalism was introduced into this town by Daniel Bemis, a Revolutionary soldier, who moved here from Conn. in 1809. Soon after Ebenezer Dodge, Jr., and Robert Spencer became associated with Mr. B. in religious faith. The first preacher of this faith here was Rev. Wm. Farewell, in 1818. From this time there was occasional Universalist preaching here till 1854, by Revs. L. H. Tabor, Benjamin Page, Lester Warren, and it may be some others.
In 1854, Daniel Bemis, Junior, Edwin Pitkin, Jonathan Goodwin, Abijah Hall and others united and secured the services of Rev. Wm. Sias for one-fourth of the Sabbaths for this and the next year. During 1855, the friends organized, under the name of "The Universalist Society of Liberal Christians in Marshfield." The
society for the year 1856 and '7, enjoyed the labors of Rev. Eli Ballou for one- fourth the Sabbaths.
In 1827, an association was formed called " The Union meeting-house soci- ety," for building and keeping in repair a church they erected in the village in the north part of the town; the only church edifice in town till 1859. [In 1831, when the first list of shares prepared apportion- ing the time to the several denominations, the Universalists were represented by four shares, owned by Sam'l. Ainsworth, Daniel Bemis, Jr., and Cyrus Smith.] In 1857, this association repaired and modernized the church, making it neat and pleasant, both external and internal. Some of the other societies, desiring more room at this time, relinquished their interest in the church. The property being sold to pay the assessment upon it, it fell into different hands, and at the present writing, 1869, three-fourths of the occupancy is given to the Universalist society. This change in the occupancy of the house gave a new im- petus to the cause in the town. This so- ciety has since sustained public worship one-half of the Sabbaths, excepting 1866 and '7, during which they sustained it every Sabbath. These years were supplied as follows : 1858 and '9, by Rev. Eli Ballou ; 1860, Rev. M. B. Newell ; 1861, '2 and '3, by Rev. E. Ballou ; 1864, by Rev. Olympia Brown ; 1865, by Rev. L. Warren ; 1866, '7 and '8, by Rev. A. Scott. Revs. New- ell, Brown and Scott lived in the town during their ministrations. The society was united, and at the present time, 1869, is in as good, if not better, condition than at any former period, having raised more money for the support of worship one-half of the Sabbaths, than it had ever before done. Rev. L. Warren is to labor with it from May 1, 1869. Connected with the society and congregation are some 40 fam- ilies, beside many single individuals of other families. There is also a small Sab- bath-school, for the use of which there is a reading library of 150 vols. The church property is worth from $3,000 to $3,500, § of which is given to the occupancy of the society.
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From paper of Rev. Geo. E. Forbes in 1879-Universalist record continued .- In 1869, Rev. Lester Warren was engaged to preach one-half of the time till the spring of 1873. In July of this year, Rev. Geo. E. Forbes was settled over the society. For 2 years the Plainfield society united with this for his support. The remainder of the time he has preached for this so- ciety exclusively, and is its present pastor.
The Union Sabbath-school, composed of scholars from the different denomina- tions occupying the church, was continued until 1871. Since that time the Sabbath- school here has been connected with this society ; present number, about 90, officers and pupils. A. H. Davis was its super- intendent in 1871 to '75, when he was suc- ceeded by C. H. Newton. Under the ministry of Rev. L. Warren in 1871, a church was organized, which at present numbers 43 members. John E. Eddyand Abial H. Davis were elected deacons, and still hold the office. Ira H. Edson was the first church clerk, succeeded by D. R. Loveland and C. H. Newton, present clerk.
METHODIST CHURCH IN MARSHFIELD.
In May, 1826, Stephen Pitkin, Jr., mar- ried the writer, a daughter of Gen. Parley Davis, of Montpelier. A few months be- fore she had been baptized by Rev. Wil- bur Fisk, and united with the M. E. church on probation. Previous to their marriage Mr. Pitkin had also experienced religion. In Jan. 1827, there being no Methodists in Marshfield at that time, they both united with the Methodist church in Cabot; he as a probationer, being baptized by Rev. A. D. Sargeant, of the N. E. Conference, and she, by letter, in full connection. In 1827, the union meeting-house was built at Marshfield, and a committee appointed to divide the time for occupying the house between the different denominations own- ing it. A few Sabbaths were set to the Methodists, though Mr. Pitkin was the only Methodist pew-holder. Rev. N. W. Aspinwall, preacher in charge at Cabot, appointed and attended meetings here on these Sabbaths alternately with his col-
league, Rev. Elisha J. Scott. In Feb. 1828, the first quarterly meeting was held, weather stormy. The meeting commenced Saturday, P. M. Several ministers and one minister's wife were in attendance, and all were entertained at our own house-a small frame-house, never encumbered with clapboards.
The next year Sophronia and Sally Cate were baptized by Rev. Hershal Foster- the former now Mrs. Guernsey, of Mont- pelier. These two, with Mr. Pitkin and myself, and a Mrs. Whittle, constituted the first Methodist class in Marshfield, or- ganized in the autumn of 1829, Mr. Pitkin class-leader and steward. What seasons of interest were the class-meetings and prayer-meetings of those days! The next to join were Samuel G. Bent and wife. Our numbers increased very gradually ; at most, we occupied the church only } the Sabbaths. Rev. Solomon Sias, Rev. Stephen H. Cutler, Rev. E. J. Scott, and others, spoke to us the words of life. About 1834, the first wife of Andrew English, Esq., proposed to the writer, we should get the children of the neighborhood to- gether for a Sabbath-school. As we had preaching at the church so little, we met at our homes alternately, at 5 o'clock. This we did many months, till we had a good-sized school, when it was proposed to take our Sabbath-school to the church, where it was duly organized, Jeremiah Carleton, Esq., first superintendent. A library was procured, and the school pros- pered. It was strictly a union Sabbath- school. The desk was supplied by minis- ters of different denominations, and our Sabbath-school went on. For a number of years the Methodists were supplied with preaching & the time, by preachers who lived in Cabot. After that, we were united with Woodbury and Calais, and supplied in that way. A few united with the little band from year to year, but deaths and re- movals kept our number small. Some of these death-bed scenes were, however, re- markably happy. Especially was this the case in the death of Loammi Sprague.
The first preacher sent here by Confer- ence was Rev. David Packer, who died a
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few years since in Chelsea, Mass. He re- sided on East Hill, in Calais.
At this time preachers received but a very small salary, and the members were often scattering and poor. After being in Calais a few weeks, Mr. and Mrs. Packer one morning ate their last food. Almost an entire stranger, Mr. Packer did not feel that he could beg. After uniting in fam- ily prayer, he retired to an old barn on the place, while she sought her closet, and each alone committed their case to the father of the stranger and the poor.
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