USA > Vermont > Rutland County > Danby > The history and map of Danby, Vermont > Part 22
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HISTORY OF DANBY.
died March 12th, 1816, aged 61. They had six children : Abra- ham. b. Nov. 28th, 1776, Daniel, b. March 8th, 1779, James, b. May 22d, 1781, and d. in 1800 ; Betsey, b. Aug 8th. 1783. m. Aaron Fuller of Crown Point : Isaac M., b. Sept. 24th. 1786 : John M., b. Aug. 28th, 1790, and William S., b. Feb. 28th. 1793. Daniel m. Sally Proctor of Rockingham, Vt., and in 1810 mov- ed to Moriah, N. Y. where he died in 1839. Isaac M. married Lucinda Finny of Chester, and resided here a short time. He removed to Westport. N. Y., and died in 1828. John M. mar- ried Lorany Finny of Springfield, and sister of Lucinda, who m. Isaac M. Locke. He lived in Moriah and Crown Point, N. Y .. and raised a family of seven children. Ile was a resident of Danby for several years. William S. was a physician. He stnd- ied his profession with his brother, Dr. Abraham, at Danby. He m. Julia Bucklin of Wallingford, and resided at Moriah and Crown Point. They raised a family of several children, of whom Darwin died at Crown Point in 1838; Julia married a Farwell of Wallingford, Vt., and did in 1849, leaving four children. and Edwin O., m. Mahala Fish of Little Valley, N. Y. He is a lawyer by profession, and was elected District Judge of the Supreme Court of N. Y., in 1849. He resided at Little Val- ley.
LOCKE, DR. ABRAHAM, born at Cambridge, Mass., 1777. m. Betsy, da. of Dr. Adam Johnston. Dec. 3d, 1804, and settled on the farm now belonging to G. J. Locke's Est. He was a self- educated man. Being of poor health, when a boy, he was con- fined to the house, and thereby acquired a taste for reading, and having a capacity for learning he became a well educated man, for one of those times. At the age of fifty. he obtained a pretty good knowledge of the Greek language. without any assistance except what he derived from books. He studied his profession with Dr. Campbell of Rockingham, Vt., and first settled in Dor- set. He soon became acquainted with Dr. Johnston. who. when his health began to fail him, hired Dr. Locke to practice medicine in Danby, and was soon after married. He attained a high rank in his profession, to which he was much attached. making it the main business of his life ; and being a great reader added to his acquired knowledge a thorough practical experience in the medi-' cal science. He was a prominent physician here for over 40 years. and gained the reputation of a devoted, enterprising and success- ful practitioner. Personally, he was highly respected, ever maintaining the character of a good citizen. a kind neighbor and an obliging friend. In his asnal deportment, he was moderately sedate. though with a vein of quiet humor running through his social character. Dr. Locke had an extensive practice, as long as he was able to ride, and this he continued until within a few weeks of his death. which occurred Jnue Hh, 1844, resulting from an attack of Paralysis. His wife died 1841. aged 68. Their children are Galen J : Rebecca G. b. in 1808 : Hannah L. b. 1×10, and d. in 1860 ; and Sophia O. b. 1812.
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LOCKE. DR. GALEN I. was born Oct. 21, 1806. He studied his profession at Castleton Medical College, and graduated in 1825. Being a close student. and greatly devoted to his profession. he acquired a thorough knowledge of the medical and surgical science, and maintained through life the reputation of a good physician. About the year 1840, he went into the mercantile business. at the Corners, in connection with Ira Bromly, but did not contiune long in that business. Being a man of talent and culture he was called upon to fill many siations of honor and trust. He was a member of two State conventions to amend the constitution ; a member of the Legislature in 1847 : town clerk 17 years ; lister in 1844 : for several years town agent, and for many years a justice of the peace. In all these various offices during a long series of years, he discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity. and to universal acceptance. having won and retained the offence of the community in an eminent degree. Bonds were not required of him but two years, and as a thorough and efficient business man he had few equals. Correctness and thoroughness characterized all his business transactions, and in the arrange- ment of his books and papers, perfect order and regularity pre. vailed. He was a man of superior mind. which was much culti- vated by a close observation of the world. and was an ardent lov- er and promoter of knowledge, and of every useful improvement. He was a man of extensive general information. being familiar with all the popular subjects of the day, which made him a ready writer and debater. and a good conversationalist. Having been an active justice of the peace, for many years. his knowledge of the law was quite extensive. and his advice and counsel was of- ten songht. He was also considered a safe adviser iu matters of every day life. Although not a man of professed piety. he was always attendant upon divine service, when circumstances permit- ted. and contributed liberally towards the support of the gospel. In his religious views he was liberal and consistent. He was well versed in all the political affairs of his day. being a warm sup- porter of our free institutions, a lover of freedom and a hater of oppression. He was also an earnest temperance advocate. 1. a citizen he was respected, and in in his profession, few have been more admired. He died in 1866, being nearly 60 years of age. having practiced medicine for 30 years. He was town clerk and treasurer and a justice of the peace at the time of his death ;.
(William Locke, the emigrant was born at Stopper Parish. London, England. Dec. 13th. 1628, and was of scotch descent. Ile came to America in 1631. an orphan boy at six years of age. Having lost his parents when young, he had found a home with his relative. Nicholas Davies, who, with his family, was forced for "conscience sake." during the religion- and political per-ceu- tions in the reign of James I. to find a home in the bleak and al- most unknown shores of New England. Young Locke followed! the fortunes of his relatives to the new world, but where, or with whom he resided during has minority is unknown. On the 2nd.
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of December. 1655. he was married to Mary Clark. then of Wo- burn, where they settled. The house built by, and which was occupied by him. is still standing. From him have descended many noble and distinguished men. The first American who dis- charged his gun on the day of the battle of Lexington. was Eb- enezer Locke, who died at Deering. N. H. about fifty years ago.
From a historical account of the Locke family in England, we also learn that it is supposed there is a connection between the Lockes of England and those of America. Robert Locke, whom we find to have been joined with Thomas De St. Maur, as Vice- comes of Wittshire Anno 1350, is the first of whom we have any account. The next. whose pedigree is known. is John Locke. Sheriff of London. 1461, and whose monument was in the church of St. Mary, Bow, London. From him descended John Locke. the celebrated philosopher, with whose family. that of William Lucht was in .1 The cronoolatical record from William Locke of Woburn. is as follows : 1st, William Locke m. Mary Clark. d. 1720, aged. 91 : his wife d. 1715. aged :7 : 2d. Wil- liam Locke, Jr .. m. Sarah Whitmore, and next. Abagail Hay- ward. who died 1749 ; he died 1738. aged 79 : 3d. Daniel Locke m. Abagail -. who d. 1750. Henext m. Widow Dorcas Brabrook : he died at Acton, but when, is unknown : 4th, Dr. Daniel Locke, m. Mary who d. 1755; he m. 2d the Widow Hugh Scott. He d. in 1771. 5th. Lieutenant Abraham Locke m. Hannah Locke, who died 1816. aged 61 : he died 1820: aged 67 years and 6 months. 6th. Dr. Abraham Locke m. Bet- sey Johnston, who died in 1844 ; he died 1841, aged 08. 7th. Galen .J. Locke. )
LOUIS WILLIAM. from R. I. settled in the little village. on the farm now owned by H. B. Harrington. I Ile was a shoemaker by trade : he raised a family of several children. nearly all of whom died here. He removed west, and was killed while at work on the canal.
MAABBIT. JONATHAN was also among the carly settlers, and the records show him to have been a man of intelligence and ability. He. together with his family. removed from town, over seventy years ago.
MOD ANTELS, JAMES was born at Dover. Dutchess Co .. N. Y .. June 27th, 1780. His father, Thomas MeDaniels emigrated to this country just before the revolution, came to Daaby and mar- ried Ruth. da. of Christopher Bull, and soon after removed to Dover. Dutchess Co .. N. Y. He being a man of letters. tanghit school until he was seized by the Brittish soldiers, one day, while in school, taken to New York. and was sent to Hidifax, Nota Scotia, since which time no tidings were ever heard from him. At the time his father was taken off by the British soldiers. in was in the school room. and well remembered the soldiers con ing in and taking his father away; this was all he ever could remember of his father. The family were left pensiles. and the subject of this sketch was cared for by his auch -. 25
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When at the age of nine, his mother traveled on foot back to Danby ; taking him with her, and went to live upon "Dateh Hill" where her parents then resided, and was supported by them. She afterwards married Dennis Canfield. Here JJames lived dur- ing several years of his boyhood, working out by the day at farm labor. for Abel Horton and others. receiving but small wages, it being sometimes but ten cents per day, but always saving what he earned. At other times he would peddle ; on training days and other public occasions, he would take a basket of ginger bread made by his mother for that purpose, and sell it out. This was the commencement of his trading. He obtained a good education for those days, and taught school winters. He was a young man of industrious habits, and wished to be em- ployed about something all the while. When quite young he took a job of clearing land for Jonathan Seley, and another of Patur Harminato , and also laid many rods of stone wall. He labored at farm work for many of the farmers in Danby, until about 17 years of age, or 1797, when he was employed as clerk in a store by Henry Frost, for $100 per year. Here he remain- ed about two years, in connection with which he labored upon the farm which Frost owned, and also at making Potash, After that he was employed by Daniel Folger, who had a store, and manufactured potash, near Barrett's factory. James was placed in charge of the store and potash, and here he learned his first lessons in the mercantile business. and where he developed those traits, which in after life distinguished him as one of the most success- ful merchants of his day. Folger was a man highly respected and considered honest in his dealings. but was very careless in keeping his books. People would bring him cheese, butter, grain. &c., and take their pay in goods, but when he came to settle with them, they still made up accounts of things he had bad of them, when they had received their pay. James told Folger that this was not the correct way of doing business, and soon estab- lished a regular system of debt and credit with each person. 11- though young, he possessed a mind of his own, and well knew how business ought to be done, so that he soon gained the conti- dence of the community. He was considered competent for any kind of business. and reliable for anything he undertook. In 1800 he took a journey to upper Canada, and remained there about three months, when he came back to Dauby. and labored on a farm by the job and by the month. When abont 19 years of age he was employed again as clerk for Elisha Tryon, with whom he remained several months. In 1801 Tryon proposed to sell MeDaniels a store of goods at the Corner -. on time, and re- ctive in payment such things as he (McDaniels) received for goods, such as butter, cheese, grain, &c., which was accepted. Tryon was also, in the bargain. to purchase goods in New York for him three years, and take his pay in produce. They then made out a bill of the goods, amounting to about $1600, and MeDaniels took possession of the same, giving no security what-
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ever. to Tryon, as he was not of age. The first time MeDaniels went to market. he made ont a bill of such articles as he wanted to replenish his old stock, and Tryou went with him, introduced him to all his friends and customers, purchased the goods on his own account, and charged the same to MeDaniels, In a short time MeDaniels credit became good in New York, so that he was able to purchase his own goods, and by request Tryon was released from further assistance in purchasing goods. After MeDaniels became of age, he gave Tryon his notes, on such time as he stated for himself, and in less than two years Tryou was paid up in full. This contract was a very successful one for MeDaniels. In about two years from the first purchase of goods Elisha Tryon had set up William & Ahel Haskins in the mercantile business, in a store north of the Corners, but they were not successful in the business, and often called upon Tryon to assist them. In the fall of that year. Trvon came one night about 9 o'clock to the store of MeDaniels, and asked him it he would purchase the store of goods occupied by William & Abel Haskins, saying that they "would ruin him and themselves too." unless something was done immediately. MeDanielsreplied that he would think the matter over, and let him know in a few days. Tryon would not take that for an answer, and made MeDaniels promise to go up that night, and look the store and goods over. and see if they could trade. Agreeable to his promise, MeDan- iels went up that night, examined the goods and finally purebased them. With the assistance of Jared Lobdel, who was somewhat acquainted with the mercantile business. the goods were invel- toried in a few hours time ; several ox-teams were ready at the door to carry the goods, and before sunrise the next morning, the entire stock of goods was removed to MeDaniels' store. at the Corners. Jared Lobdel. who was a great friend of MeDaniels. soon after this. removed to Platsburg. N. Y., but made it a prac- tice to come to Danby once a year to see his children and friends. MeDaniels made it his enstom, on each of these visits, to present Mr. Lobdel with $15, and on being asked by his soa Thomas why he did this. replied that Lobdel helped him when a boy, and his ex- penses were about that sam, and this was followed up to the last. After this Elisha Tryon embarked in other matters, where he lost his money and became poor, but MeDaniels never forgot him for past favors, and paid for a house and home for him in Man- chester, which he occupied during his life.
James McDaniel- traded on his own account for about three Years, when he went into company with Jonathan Seley, with whom he remained some time, and then sold out store and goods to Daniel Folger. Me Daniels had to purchase the books. notes and accounts of the Company, and scale the same and pay the demands of the firm, which took him some two years. during which time he purchased a farm in Easton, N. Y., and also west into trade in Albany, N. Y .. to which place he removed. Hi- wife not being pleased with the city of Albany, he returned back
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to Danby. Soon after itis return in 1809, he purchased back the old store and goods of Daniel Folger, and went into trade again. This was in the embargo times, and the prospect was dark and gloomy for all meu who were in trade. In 1805. Seley and McDaniels also had a store of goods in Whiting. Vt. Their partner in the business was Ephraim Seley. who condneted the the business in Whiting for about three years. They then sold out, MeDaniels taking a portion of the goods himself, and pur- chasing all the demands of the firm. which he had to collect and settle up the co-partnership. In connection with this be owned another store at the Borough, making three stores he was inter- ested in at one time.
In 1812: when the government declared war against England, goods were very high. and as none could be imported, kept vais- ing. There was also a great deal of paper money in circalation which people were afraid to take and koop. Ma Daniels then went to work, took all the paper money he could get, and paid up his debts in market. As he was flooded with paper money from all quarters, he commenced loaning money. and carried on his store successfully, together with other speculations which were always sure and certain. He was not in the habit of purchasing many beef cattle, but ia his business days, he would write to his friends to purchase two or three hundred barrels of beef and pork in Al- bany and Trov. and also several hundred barrels of flour. and keep the same for a rise in market. upon which he would many times make a large profit. Mr. MeDaniels doubtless had as good a set of customers in Danby and from neighboring towns as any man who ever doue business. Most of them were wealthy, and many of his customers dealt largely in horses, cattle and produce. Some of them purchased land and often times gave their notes to other people, which MeDaniels would buy up, and became dis- tingnished as a broker. If any one wished to loan or borrow money, they were directed to go to MeDaniels. In 1816 he sold his store at the Borough to Andrew Eddy, who did not re- main in trade long.
He was married August 11th, 1803, to Sally, da. of JJohn Har- rington. He continued the mercantile business until March 28th, 1828. with the exception of the year 1504 or 5 that he was in Albany in trade : making about 30 years that he was in trade in Danby. His capital at first was seanty but he was exceedingh prosperous in business, amassing the most ample fortune ever ae- cumulated in town. He accomplished this by uniting with indus- trious habits, a natural shrewduess. which enabled him to make the most of his labor and of his mems. His fortime was the re- salt of economy and prudent management, as well as accurate business habits. He inherited a good constitution, and was gif- ted with energy and indomitabile perseverance. His style of housekeeping was of the humblest kind. and style of living and furniture very plaja. His dress was akse quite plain, and he was styled the "Checkered Merchant," which was derived from his
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wearing a suit of cheap checked sloth. There are very few among us to-day who would live as plainh as Mr. MeDaniel- lived when he began his public career. But he always lived with- in his income whatever that income was. He began business when merchants relied upon themselves, and the great tact in trade, which he so early exhibited. marked him through life. He made distinct contracts, which he was very exact in keeping, and which he adhered to, with inflexible purpose. Honorable in trade. prompt, reliable and firm. he was decided in his business. To the interest of the town he was always devoted, being a promo- ter of every good cause and improvement. He also took an ae- tive part in political matters, and was honored with many of the town offices. He occupied the office of lister 11 years. and a justice of the peace 7 years. He represented the town in the Geu- cral Assembly of the State. for the years 1821-22. and again in 1891 and 1828. besides being once or twice elected to the Con- stitutional Convention, to revise the Constitution of the State. He was also in the State Militia, and was captain of a company of troopers for several years.
In 1826 he had a fever and inflammation is his eyes. at which time he lost the vision or sight of one : the other continued good. he doing his own business until about the year 1837. when sight gradually disappeared, since which time he was unable to do bus- iness himself. Ilis general health. however. continued good, so that he could travel about the country with assistance. He was a man of extensive acquaintance, his business having been very extensive and his store the center of a very large region. His wife died in 1837, aged 52. He removed to Granville, N. Y .. with his son Isaac, and from thence to Rutland, where he died of palsy, April 19th, 1859, aged 78. The day previous to his death he arose as well as usual. ate a hearty breakfast and walked out doors several times. While conversing about business matters. in the office of his son Isaac, about 11 o'clock a. m., he conmen- ced rubbing his hand and remarking that his hand and arm were asleep. His son Thomas who was on a visit to his brother's. al- so rubbed his hand and arm. Other applications were applied but in less than two hours he lost completely the use of his lett side, nearly his speech. Medical attendance was called immedi- ately. He had his senses until near his end, and could answer questions asked him. A short time before his death, on the 19th he informed his son that he was failing fast. and soon after do- parted this life. Thus till another oak whose memory dated back to the revolution. His funeral was attended at Danby. ser- mon by Rev. Leland Howard, from 1 Peter 1 : 24. 25. Mr. Me. Daniels was very mild and peaceful in his manner, a gentleman of the old school, unobtrusive, modest and mature, vet ever do- cided, firm and energetic. In all his business transactions he was considered by all a man of the strictest integrity. He wi- a believer in the gospel of Christ. His will was made a number of years previous to his death. Dr. Harris Otis being appointed
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executor. This will has been contested by his sons for the past ten years, in the county and supreme courts involving a long and expensive litigation. There were but three children : Thomas. Isaac and Naney.
MCDANIELS, THOMAS, was born October 15th. 1806, and set- tled here with his father in the mercantile business. After his father became blind. Thomas had almost the entire charge of the business to manange which, required considerable fact and abili- ty. In 1828 he purchased of his father. his store of goods, and went into trade on his own account, which he continued until 1831. In the fall of that year he sold out his stock of goods to T. Dunton & Co .. and went to New York to live. In 1832 he made a contract with Mr. Bridges of Philadelphia, to form a co-partnership in the commission business. When just ready to commence operations his father sent for him to return to Danby to do bie lucinose, as he was at that time more acquainted with the business than any one else. He finally, at the earnest solici- tations of his father, purchased a large stock of goods. came back to Danby and went into trade in the old store. Ile remained here in trade until 1838. when he removed to Ben- nington, Vt., where he still resides, having been successful in accumulating a large fortune. He was married in 1839, to Erin M. Pratt. IJe is a democrat. a man of great ability, having been a justice of the peace ; notary public ; a member of the Consti- tntional Convention ; and in 1852 was elected Senator from Ben- nington County. Their children are Sarah, who in. Col. Potter : Julia, d. an infant in 1844 ; Jane d. 1852, aged 5 ; and James 1. 1826, aged 6 years.
MCDANIELS, GEN. ISAAC, was born at Danby, June 15th. 1813. He early commenced in the mercantile business, being installed as clerk by his father. Having inherited those traits of character which so distinguished his father in the mercantile profession, he accu- mulated a large fortune. His early literary advantages were but moderate, but being an apt scholar, possessing much native wit. and sound sense. he acquired by reading and a close observation of the world, a good practical edneation. While young. he formed the habit of reading and study, which he kept up through life. and had a mind well stored with general information. He also quite young developed a decided raste for the mercantile business, to which he devoted a number of years of his life, and in which, in connection with other speculations a good share of his fortune was made. He possessed great prudence, a correct and highly cultivated taste, and what contributed perhaps most to his advancement and success in life, facility and accuracy in the transaction of business. In 1832 he went into trade in com- pany with his brother Thomas, the firm being known as T. & I. MeDaniels, which continmed until 1838. Ezra AAndrus was also associated with him in trade for a short time. He soon after this sold out his stock of goods to Joel M. Rogers, who carried on the business for several years. Isaac remained here until 1817,
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when he removed to Grauville, N. Y., where he resided until 1852, when he removed to Rutland. In 1860, he was appointed Postmaster at Rutland. which office he held for one year. He was for many years connected with the State Militia. In 1839 he was appointed captain, which commission he held for several years. From that he received the appointment of Colonel, after- wards, Brigadier-General, and finally rose to the position of Ma- jor-General. He was a life-long democrat, a shrewd politician and one of its most active and leading members. He was always a delegate to the democratic conventions. having been a member of one national convention. and once or twice received the nomin- ation for Governor of the State. Places of trust and responsi- bility were often accorded him, while a resident of Danby. He was a Justice of the Peace three years from 1831, and a repre- sentative to the Legislature in 1846. He was always one of the in town, being well fitted to exert a controling in. fluence in the community. He was married in 1844 to Lucy, da, of Ashbel Hurlbut of Pawlet. She was a graduate of Troy Fe- male Seminary, and one of the first principals of the Troy Con- ference Academy at Poultney. She was drowned at the burning of the Henry Clay Steamer, near Yonkers, N. Y., in 1852. aged 38. They were on their way from Troy to New York, together with their daughter Mary, then about seven years of age. She was saved by her father who swam to the shore, He was again married in 1859, to the widow Mary J. Eastman of Rupert. He died August 3d, 1867. aged 55. Mr. MeDaniels was possessed of good conversational powers, a man of great energy, was iu- telligent, with a mind and heart sparkling with good humor and kind feelings. His candor, his integrity of purpose, bis unaffee- ted modesty were apparent in his public and private life. Being an enterprising business man, a gentleman of ample means. pub- lic spirited. benevolent and a genial companion. he is missed in many of the relations of life. His word was as good as his bond, and his reputation as an honest man. above reproach. Those loved and honored him most who knew him best. In all things pertaining to social, moral and religious improvement. he was first and foremost, as well as one of our most substantial men. In many respects he was one of the grandest types of the human kind : a man of the kindliest feelings, constant in friend- ship, and of the noblest impulses. To Danby. his native towa. where most of his fortune was made, where 54 out of 55 years of his life were passed : where he received the highest honors of othce that the town could bestow, he gave in 1865 the generous sim of ten thousand dollars. the interest of which is divided an- nually among the school districts, for the support of common schools. In this gift he reared for himself a momment tar high- er and more enduring than marble. Not only does this noble art call forth the gratitude of the present generation, but for gen- erations to come, the name of Isaac MeDaniels will be associat- ed with the town. His remains repose in Rutland. By his first
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