USA > Vermont > Rutland County > Danby > The history and map of Danby, Vermont > Part 21
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LAPHAM, ELISHA, In. Rhoda, da. of Joseph Button, and sue- ceeded to his father's estate, and owned the farm where D. W. Rogers now lives. He was also a merchant in company with his brothers, Joseph and Jessie, during his younger days, but finally settled in the farming business. He was ranked as a thrifty far- mer, and one of the substantial men of the town. He occupied an honerable place in society, and filled various town offices of trust and responsibility. In 1850, he was elected County Senator, and again in 1851, in which office he served with fideli- ty and ability. He is a man of good endowments, general in- telligence of social habits, good morals, a kind neighbor, and a respected citizen. Mr. Lapham now resides at Granville N. Y. His children are Joseph. Nathan, who died in 1860, aged 34 ; and Anson E. who m. Martha Perry, and was tavern keeper at the Borough, a short time. He now lives in Rockport Ill. Joseph m. Lydia da. of Williard Staples, and was a merchant at the Borough, for a number of years. He removed to Granville N. Y. and from thence to Kalamazoo, Mich., where he now lives. He has a family of two children : Charles and Chester.
LAPHAM, DAVID 2d. m. Semantha Vail, and removed to Fer- risburg. Vt., where he was in trade several years. He subso- quently returned and settled on the farm now owned by Charles H. Congdon. As a citizen he was worthy, honest, generous and
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public spirited, and occupied a prominent position in the commit- nity. He posessed a goodly share of "this world's goods," and was deemed a useful, respectable member of society, having secured the respect and esteem of all who knew him. As a far- mer, he was thorough and efficient, laboring with patience aud cheerfulness, and as a husband and father, was not surpassed by any. being social and amiable is all his relations. He died in 1853, aged 58 ; his wife in 1849, aged 48. Their children are John V .. Paulina K. m. H. F. Otis : Margaret V. m. Edwin Staples ; and Edward m. Harriet da. of Benjamin Barues. Hc became a teacher, which profession he followed for a number of years. In 1847, he was appointed town superintendent of common schools. He now lives in Morrison, Ill. and is engaged in the farming business.
LAPHAM. DANIEL, m. Elizabeth da. of Thomas Griffith, and settled on the Mathew Wing tarm, now owned by A. A. Mathew- son. He afterwards removed to the Borough, and owned the place where C. M. Bruce now lives. He was selectman two years from 1837. and held other positions of trust and honor, both in public and private life. He was a man of talent and enter- prise, and accumulated considerable property, being classed among the leading and influential men of the town. He sustained an unexceptionable character through life, and died in 1815. His widow died in 1868. They raised but one daughter. Emily, who married George Walker.
LAPHAM, JOHS V. m. Mariah Haviland of Queensbury, N. Y. and succeeded to the homestead. He was a much respected citizen. He removed to Westfield. N. Y., and from thence to Michigan, where he how resides. They have two sons, David G. and Daniel.
LATTEN, RICHARD, from Rhode Island, was among the early settlers, but we have failed in our attempts to ascertain anything of interest in relation to his family. His name will be found on the roll of freeman made in 1778.
LEARNED. DR. ELI, m. Hepsy Crouch. and settled at the Bor- ough in his profession. He came to this town a young man, and first engaged in the profession of teaching, in which he stood very high. He afterwards commenced the practice of medicine, which he continued here until his death. Of what medical College he was a graduate, we are not informed. He posessed a cultivated mind, was a kind and feeling man, and a good family physician. Although a well read man, he lacked confidence, which ill fitted him many times for his duties, but his counsel was often sought by learned and older physicians. As a citizen he was much be- loved, and as a physician greatly admired, which gave him an ex- tensive practice. He lived on the place now owned by H. P. Griffith. where be died some twenty years since.
LEGGETT, CHARLES, whose name appears on the roll in 1778. was also early here. He was of Quaker deseeut, and one of the first school teachers in town, a calling to which considerable im-
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portance was attached in those days, but which yielded little or no pay. He settled on the Daniel Sherman farm, now owned and occupied by A. A. Mathewson. He removed to Chester N. Y. in 1806.
LEWIS HENRY, from Nine Partners, was one of the first set- tlers on "Dutch Hill." He was of Dutch descent. He was a weaver and butcher by trade, and was a great worker. There is a story told that he "moved a family, butchered an ox : spool- ed. warped and wove thirty-three yards of cloth in one day." He removed to the northern part of N. Y. where he died.
LEWIS, PETER, was another of the early settlers on Dutch Hill, and for a number of years was one of the prominent men of the town. He was a representative to the legislature in 1783. and again in 1787 and 1789. He with his family left town over twenty years ago.
LILLIE, CAPT. ELIJAH, from Windham. Coon. came to Ti :: Y mouth in 1766. where he remained until 1816, when he came to Danby, and settled in the extreme northwestern part of the town. where his grandson Erwin E. now lives. His farm lay in four towns, Pawlet, Danby, Tinmouth and Wells, and it was his first intention to settle on that part of his farm in Pawlet. where he commeneed the erection of a house. but having been ordered out of town, as it was customary to do in those days (see page 36 ) he concluded to change his location. He was a revolutionary soldier and drew a pension. He was among those, who had commenced in life with limited means, and having sought a home in the new country. by unremitting toil. acquired a competency for himself and family. He was an active. enterprising man. and a courtly gentleman of the old school. Naturally possessed of a good mind. practical good sense and good habits. be secured the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He held for sente time a captain's commission in the state millitia. Capt. Lillie was a man of exemplary moral and religious character, intelligent al upright in the performances of all his duties both os a pablic and . private citizen, his name being often mentioned by his survivor -. His wife's name was Anna Smith. who died in 1839, age 77. He died in 1844. aged 87. leaving one son, Roswell.
LILLIE, ROSWELL. m. Abial Smith, and settled in Tinmouth. She was the da. of Caleb Smith, who was one of the early set- tlers on that portion of the town of Wells, which was afterward- annexed to Middletown. (Caleb Smith was a soldier in the Revolution, and volunteered a short time before the battle of Bennington. to go into the British camp as a spy. and being a blacksmith by trade. while there. helped show Cion. Burgoyne's horse. It is said that he obtained valuable information, which he brought to the American army.) Mr. Lillie was among the prominent. intelligent and influential citizens of that town, al- ways possessing the confidence and esteem of those who knew him. He was a man of good matural abilities and of much activity as a farmer, being upright and honorable in all his dealings, and
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sustaining a good character through life. He died in 1846, aged 63 ; his wife in 1863. aged 58. They had five children : Hiram, Betsey. m. Ira Bromley ; Ezta T. Delia Ama m. John Hanks and lived in Randolph, and Erwin E. Hiram held a Colonel's commission in the state militia. and lived upon the homestead. He died unmarried in 1851. aged 45.
LILLIE, EZRA T. m. Eliza Johnson, and speceeded to his grand- father's estate. He was a member of the legislature in 1858, and was very active and prominent in town affairs. Ile now resides in Pawlet. Their children, are five in muaber, all daughters : Ellen, Annette, Alice. Ama and Mary.
LILLIE. ERWIN E. m. Betsey, da. of Joshua Inlett, and now lives upon the homested. to . which he succeeded his brother. Ezra. He has been a resident of Tinmouth, which town he represented in the legislature in 1856-57. and was honored with numerous town offices, having been selevimail, oferecer of the poor, lister, &e. He is one of the intelligent men of the town. and a good citizen. They have raised but two children : Henry A. and Addie V. who m. George W. Lowell of Granville. N. Y. Henry A. m. Nancy, da. of Amasa Bancroft. and lives with hi- father.
LINCOLN. JAMES from Dorset. settled quite early at the Bor- ough. He was a worker in marble here, before stone saw mills were built. and was the first of whom we have any knowledge. to hew out grave stones. His work is to be seen in nearly all the cemeteries in town. He removed west many years ago.
LINCOLN, ELISHA. a soldier of the revolution. setded sopa at- ter the close of the war. near the residence of Titus Lyon, where he resided a few years, and then moved to Dorset. From thenee he went to Rupert. where he was killed by falling from a bridge in 1830, quite advanced in years. His wife died in 1811. Their children were John, Sally, Polly, Samuel. Newall and Harvey.
Lyos. Jacob. born at Sewksbory. Mass., in 1796, canie to this town in 1820 : he was a blacksmith by trade, and carried on the business here for about twenty years, in different parts of the town. He first settled near the homestead of W. Vaughn. and afterwards, where Heury Kelly now lives. He also resided at Cambridge. N. Y., for a number of years. Be removed to Pawlet in ISI1. where he now resides. He married Thankful. da. of Isshinael Matteson, who died in 1841. aged 38. By her he raised two children : William and Titus M. William died in California in 1800, aged 41. Mr. Lyon m. for his second wife. Anna Boomer, and raised a large family. of whom itvia m. Alonzo Smith : Harriet. Albert A. Boynton ; Emily. Wesky Rowe of Wells : and Anna, Harvey Rowe of' Ponitney, and died recently.
Lov, Tire- M .. b. in 1818. m. Phobe M. Graves and is also a blacksmith by trade. having long been favorably known as a first class worknes. He is at present. the oldest blacksmith in town. He worked two years at the Corners, at his trade. and was
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HISTORY OF DANBY.
many years at the Borough. He has recently purchased the Azariah Hilliard farm, upon which he resides. Their children are Eliza. m. Marcellus Francis of Wells ; Margaret. m. David A. Kelly : Martha. m. Jolm Wiley ; William m. Lanra da. of P. W. John- son ; and Frank.
LOBDEL, DARIUS from Nine Partners, settled here about the time of the revolution. He was one of the most active, indus- trious and energetic pioneers, and intimately connected with the progress and prosperity of the town. His name often appears on committees appointed in relation to town affairs, in carly times. He was one of the proprietors of the township, and his name ap- pears on the record of 1763, as one of the committee appointed to " finish laying out the land" in the first division. He was al- so appointed in 1764 one of the committee to lay out a highway from Bennington to Danby. He was a blacksmith by trade, and the first who settled here. of whom we have any knowledge. settled near the homestead of Joseph N. Phillips, where he car- ried on his trade for a number of years. He was a man of abil- ity and inteligence, and one of those who represented the town in " ve olden times," being a member of the Legislature in 1784. He died in 1796, aged 67, leaving three sons : Darius, Jr., John and Jared.
LOBDEL, DARICS, JR .. m. Angelica Davis, and settled where Lemuel Harrington now lives. He was an'industrious, respecta- ble farmer. He died in 18 . leaving a family of several sons and daughters, none of whom remain.
LOBDEL, JOHN, m. Hannah Hlulett, and settled on "Dutch Hill." Although of rough exterior, he possessed a kind and be- nevolent heart. He removed to Pawlet, where he died, leaving a family of several children.
LOBDEL, REV. JJARED, was the founder of Methodism in Dan- by. He came from Nine Partners with his father, when quite young, and worked at blacksmithing, and also on the farm. About the year 1788. he married Miss Betsey Signor. and set- tled ou "Dutch Hill." During his younger days. he was some- what rough by nature, and had acquired the habit of using pro- fane language, having never been the subject of religious impres- sions. Walking one day in the garden. with his oldlest daughter, Sarah, then but six years of age, he was heard to use a profane word. Looking up into her father's face, she said "Papa, is it not wrong to swear ?" From that time forward, the father was a changed man. That expression coming from a little child. awak- ened in his breast religious and tender emotions, which finally led to his conversion. Having resolved on becoming a christian, he at last found pardoning mercy at the hand of Jesus Christ, and was received as a probationer by the Methodist Church. The change in his character was decided and thorough, and he be- came a zealous, consistent christian. His conversion was clear. and the witness of his acceptance into the family of God satisfac- tory. Through his endeavors a society of class was soon organ-
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ized, and in this it was his delight to labor with other christians. for the promotion of religion. Feeling it his duty, he now be- gan to prepare himself for the Ministry, and in 1794. was licensed to preach. The first Methodist church in town, was built about that time, chiefly through his labors. In this church, his efforts to bring souls to repentance were indefatigueable, and were attend- ed with much toil and privation. His exhortations, during these early days of Methodism, awakened and brought sinners to the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. Prayer meetings were also established, and held at private houses. where many sought and found the pearl of great price. In 1796, he preached his father's funeral sermon, after which he began to receive calls from ad- joining towns to preach.
About that time the far famed Lorenze Dow visited this town. In his Journal of Sep. 18th, 1797, he says, "having travelled on font the pressoding work about ninate miles and preached nour- ly twice a day, I thought that something broke or gave way in my breast. I borrowed a horse, and proceeded from Wells to Danby, Whilst preaching in the chapel, my strength failed and I gave over, and brother Lobdel concluded the meeting." He was carried to Mr. Lobdel's house. where he was soon confined with a strong fever, which lasted him several days. As it wa- not a comfortable place for sick people, there being but one room in the house, and several children in the family, we are told that a bier was made, upon which Dow was carried several mile- to another house, more renvenient.
In 1708, he attended the New England Conference for the first time at Granville, Mass .. where he was ordained Deacon by Bishop Ashbury. As many may never have seen a copy of the ordination credentials of this church, the following is inserted :
"Know All Men By These Presents, that I. Francis Ashbury. Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church in America, under the protection of Almighty God, and with a single eye to his glory. by the imposition of my hands and praver, have this day set apart Jared Lobdel for the office of a Deacon. in the Methodist Episcopal Church ; a man. who in my opinion is well qualified for that work ; and he is hereby recommended to all whom it may concern, as a proper person to administer the ordinance of Baptism, Marriage, and the burial of the Dead, in the absence of an elder, and to feed the flock of Christ, so long as his spirit and practice are such as becomes the gospel of Christ, and he contin- neth to hold fast the forms of sound words, according to the es- tablished doctrines of the gospel.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and scal. this twentieth day of September, in the year of our Lord, the thousand (L. S. ) seven hundred and winety-eight.
FRANCIS ASHBURY.
Done at Granville Mass."
These credentials were printed ou parchment : the names. dates and signatures, being filled out with a pen. The elder's
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"parchments" are similar, differing only as the functions of the office differ from those of a deacon.
Mr. Lobdel. was never appointed on any crienit, as we can learn, but remained while here, a local preacher. He entered upon the saered office, without a classical education ; but his strong native sense made amends in a great measure. His emi- neuce was first of all as a preacher and a pastor. In the pulpit he gained the attention and the affection of his hearers, by the earnestness of his mamers. Although he did not possess the graces of an orator in an eminent degree, vet he was embned with those moral traits, which is the source of influence of other minds. From a strong tendency to doctrinal discussions, he be- came very familiar with the views of theologians, and was an instructive preacher. He was moreover a faithful pastor. He considered it his duty to know the religious condition of every person in his parish, and to give them such instructions as they There was nothing worth knowing that he did not take pleasure in. and by possessing much general information . he could make himself agreeable in any society.
Mr. Lobdel's church in 1800. numbered about seventy. Hi .- preaching had been well received, and he had done valiant service for God. His piety and sincerity were so strongly marked. that they won the entire confidence of the people. and several interest- ing revivals had taken place. He never joined the itinerant ranks, as his talent found ample room for exercise at home. and . abundant stimulus to call it forth. His discourses were charac- terized rather by brilliancy than depth of thought. and the teaari- ty of memory and the fluency of speech were alike remarkable. Ilis delivery was ardent. and the tones of bis voice well managed and pleasing. Many years have passed away since the period of his ministry here, and yet I find some who still retain a vivid recollection of portions of his sermons, and the effects produced upon the congregation by them.
The Brandon circuit was formed about this time. and from 1804, there was circuit preaching here.
Mr. Lobdel however, contianed his labors here until 1832, when he removed to Platsburg N. Y., where he spent the re- mainder of his days. We learn that during the latter part of his life. he disagreed with the established doctrines, or discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church. and finally withdrew, and be- come an independent preacher. denominating himself' a Christian or a preacher of the gospel. Upon what point he differed with the church. in which he had labored so long, we are not informed om there was some portion of the discipline which he could not con- scientionly subscribe to. He was a genning specimen of an old fashi- ioned Methodist preacher, being influential and asold in his dav. but to subsequent changes he never adapted himself. He was truly an ambassador of Christ, thoroughly devoted to the work of saving souls. Having but few of the advantages of modern days, he spent much of his time in the study of the Word
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of Life, and preached nothing "save Jesus Christ and hum ernej .. fied." We regret that we are unable to give It a seaaty record. of one who did effective service in the work of the ministry the so many years, for interesting and instructive events occurred dur- ing those years, worthy of record. Scenes of great interest in connection with the early struggles of Methodism, in which he was an actor, must have occurred, and the few reminiscences here gathered up from the memories of the living. might have been irrecoverably lost.
As a citizen, he was highly respected. His social qualities being of a high order, he gained in a great degree, the confidence and affection of all classes. He was a man of noble purposes. generous hapulses, genial spirit and active in every good work. He was gentlemanly, and kind in his behavior, being affectionate, courteous and companionable, which always rendered him agree- able. His heart was susceptible to the tenderest sentiments of friendship and was abundant in kindness. As a husband and fa- ther, he was ever affectionate, faithful and kind. and felt deeply for the spiritual and temporal welfare of his family. Of his char- acter as a friend. much might be said. but it will suffice to say. that when his friendships were formed. they were generous and enduring. In the management of town affairs, his name often appears, and he leaves a good record behind, as having faithful- ly discharged his duties in all the relations of life. He died peacefully the 25th of Aug. 1846, at the good old age of 79. and in that day when God shall "make up the number of his jewels' many no doubt will be the "stars in his crown of rejoicing." She who had been a faithful and devoted wife, and a sharer in all his trials. died Nov. 6th, 1858, aged 90. The names of their children are as follows: Sarah. Cata, m. Caleb Parris ; Anna, Eunice. Mary, Betsey, and Jared Jr. The oldest child Sarah, m. Wil- liam Robinson. a weaver by trade, who died soon after. She next in. Peter Rhoda, and lived in Pottsdam. N. Y., where she died in 1868. Anna. In. Barnabas Kirby, and lived in Plates- burg. Ennice m. Ahira Jones, and lived in Porn. N. Y.
. LOBDEL, JARED. JR .. m. Huldab. da. of Daniel Parris. and set- tled on "Daich Hill" where he resided a few years. He remor- ed to the west part of Pawlet. theace to Pern. N. Y., and from there to Saranac, where he died. They were both member- of the M. E. church. His widow is still living at the age of st. having wave since the 15th of June, Uses, twelve hundred and sixty-one yards of cloth. They raised a family of fifteen chil- dren; Hannah in. Robert Thew. settled in Saranac, and is now dead ; Artemisia m. Ira Cook : Abraham m. Antilla Bassett. mai settled in Saranac ; Samantha m. James Clark. and settled in Bloomingdale : Ennice m. Charles Collins. and is now hvad. Wesley. ammarrival, died at theage of 21 : Calebm. Charity, da. of Edward Hetrick, and settled in Providener. R. I. He is a worker and dealer in marble. Naney m. Thomas Banker. and settled in Stevenson County. I. Betsy And m. Henry Mover.
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a blacksmith by trade and lives in Rupert, Vt. : Jaue m. Sewel Bunker, and lives in Bloomingdale, N. Y. ; he was in the army of the Potomac. Next, Polly Ann m. John Cook : Harvey m. Carrie Morrison, lives in Saranac : Catherine m. William Bliss. a sea captain, and lives in Providence ; Lorette m. Cecil Wright of Saranac, and Richard m. Ann Marvin and lives in Saranac. He was in the U. S. Navy.
LOCKE, LIEUT. ABRAHAM was the oldest ancester of the Locke family who came to this town. He was born at Acton, Mass .. June 3d. 1752 and in 1775 married his cousin, Hannah, da. of Francis Locke. From a geneological and historical record of the Lockes, written by John G. Locke, a member of the N. E. Histor- ic Geneological Society, we learn that Lient. Abraham Locke. was a son of Dr. Daniel Locke, who resided at Acton, and War- ren Me., and of the fifth generation in descent from William Locke of Woburn Mass .. who is the earliest known ancenter of the Lockes in America. (Dr. Daniel Locke was twice married ; his first wife was Mary who died at Actou, July 2, 1756, her family name is unknown. There was a tradition, however, that she was from Scotland, and allied to a noble family, that her mother, whose maiden name was probably Stewart was the widow of a Mr. Miles, and came to America with this daughter. and a son John. That the mother's dress, jewelry and general appearance indicated that she was of more than common ranrk After some years, she visited Scotland, returned again to Massa- chusetts, and the second time, for the purpose of recovering pro- perty she had abroad, sailed from Boston for Scotland, and after that was never heard from. and is supposed to have been lost at sea. From the history of Warre, Me., the following ac- count is taken : "Dr. Daniel Locke came to Warren this year, (1763) from Acton, Mass., with two children, and marrying the widow of Hugh Scott. established himself on the farm owned by his wife. He was skillful in the treatment of sores, letting blood. extracting teeth, and in relieving such complaints as readily yield- ed to roots and herbs. It is said, also. that he laid claim to some knowledge in astrology: but whether his proficiency in this science was equal to his skill in surgery, we are unable to say. He was a prudent and respectable man, whose name is often mentioned by his survivors." Dr. Locke died at Warren. then St. George, in 1774. leaving his property to his son Abraham.)
At the death of his father, Abraham, in company with two other men, erected a mill, but soon after he sold the property left him by his father, and removed to Cambridge, Mass. He resided in Lynn in 1778, and purchased land there : in Mason. N. II. 1781 ; in Chester. Vt. in 1790. in Rockingham 1793, where he resided umil about 1815, when he came to Danby, and settled near the Borough. He was a soldier of the revolution, and had a Lieutenant's commission. He acquired a bandsome property. which he lost by the depreciation of continental money. He died Feb. 28th, 1820, aged 67 years and 6 months. His wife
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