USA > Vermont > Rutland County > Danby > The history and map of Danby, Vermont > Part 24
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OTIS, STEPHEN, In. Eunice Vail in 1816, and settled on the farm now owned by J. N. Phillips, She died in 1821. He was married the second time to Clarissa Andrus. He was a thrifty farmer and respected citizen. He died in 1826. aged 30. They raised a family of three children : Harris G., Margaret V. and
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HISTORY OF DANDY.
Sarah, who m. a Lewis and settled in Buffalo, N. Y., Margaret V. m. Daniel Haviland, and lives in Queensbury. Harris G. left for the west at the age of 21, and purchased land in the state of Illinois, where the village of Marengo now stands. At the age of 30, he was married to Maria Sponible of Illinois. A year or two after this, he was taken sick with the fever and was advised by his physician to return to Vermont as the only means of regaining his health. He finally disposed of his land and tak- ing his family with him came te Middletown. Vt. and entered in- to the mercantile business with M. E. Vail of that place. A few years however served to show him his mistake, as the village of Marengo sprang up by degrees in the center of his purchase. Influenced by his amiable and loving wife to return to the land of her nativity, he again removed to the west, and took up his abode in MeHenry County. Ill., parchasing a farm about one .. The last years of his life were spent at the village as a nierchant and speenlator. having reated his farm. In 1865 soon after the fall of Richmond, the people of Marengo were celebrating the event, by firing an imperfeet anvil, when it exploded. a piece weighing some 40 pounds striking him on the hip and side. He lingered for four hours in terrible agony, and died, leaving a family of five children, being much lamented by all who knew him. He was a man of warm, genial tempera- ment, kind and affectionate in his family and of sound judgment. often being called upon by business men for council.
Ofrs, WILLIAM m. first in 1830 Sarah Alny, who was killed by being thrown from a wagen near the residence of John N. Parris. in 1839, at the age of 32. He next m. in 1841 Delia Peck of Queensbury, N. Y., who died in 1848, aged 26. HI next m. in 1850. Jane, widow of Allen Vail of Middletown. She died in 1856 aged 34. He was again m. in 1859. to Miss Ann F. Mason of Glens Falls, N. Y .. with whom he now lives. He still resides nyon the homestead, having devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. Mr. Otis having from childhood been in- ured to farm labor, and having inherited those habits of thrift and industry which characterized his father. is ranked as one of the leading farmers of the town. and possesses the most ample fortune. At the age of 62, he is still actively and industriously engaged upon his farm. to which he has been attached so long, and few men of his age performs more manual labor. His farm is a model in many respects. of good husbandry, and wise man- agement. For many years he has been the largest and one of the leading dairymen of this section. being widely and extensive- ly known. In 1861 he manufactured aud presented to President Lincoln. a very large cheese, which the President acknowledged in the following terms :
"EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, JAN, 18, 1862.
DEAR SIR :- Permit me through yon to return my sincere tank- to your friend and constituent. Wm. Ons. E-q. of Dasby. Vermont, for the very superior and delicious cheese he had 27
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the kindness to send me, in your care. Your obedient servant, A. LINCOLN.
Hox. SOLOMos FOOT, U. S. Senate.
Mr. Otis is a man of superior mind. good natural talents. in- fluence and capability, and for a long series of years has held prominent offices in town. In 1841 he was elected town clerk and treasurer, which office be occupied for eight years ; he has been selectman five years ; lister two years ; trustee of U. S. deposit money three years : representative to the Legislature in 1848 : and a justice of the peace eight years. In all these numerous offices he has served with fidelity and ability. He is a man of uncommon energy and industry, of independence and decision of character. and as a citizen. conscientious, upright and amiable. Being generous, liberal and public spirited. he has ever taken au active part in all the publie movements of the town, and is a promoter of every good work and improvement. He has always been devoted to the interest of the town, and few me contri- bute more liberally towards building up society, or for benevo- lent purposes. He is a friend of order and religion, and is a. firm and liberal supporter of the gospel. He possesses high social and moral qualities, and is esteemed a kind and obliging neighbor ; a warm, cordial, faithful friend, a genial companion. a tender and affectionate husband, always maintaining that kind- ness and intimacy that endears. In his bashiess capacity and dealings, he is prompt. apt and correct ; being honest and just : as a man and citizen. social and winning, and in all his relations of life an estimable man. His children are Mary E., Ephraim S., Sarah G., Charles P .. Harris, Edward. Willie, Delia Ann. died in 1866; and Grant. Mary married William Ames and lives in Dorset. They have one son Theodore. Ephraim resides at Peoria, Ill .. having also resided at Boonsboro, Iowa, and was assistant Post Master at that place. Sarah G. m. James Me D. Andrus of Pawlet.
Ofrs, HARRIS FOSTER In. in 1836 Elizabeth II. Haviland of Queensbury, N. Y. and settled on the farm now owned by Wil- liam Vail. She died in 1841, aged 24 ; he next married Paul- ina, da. of David Lapham. He was also a farmer of fine taste and habits, and as a scholar and gentleman he had few superiors. He was a man of great natural talent and shrewdness, and pos= sessing sound and discriminating judgment and determined will, was well calculated to be the leader in all matters in which he participated. In all the political affairs of the town he bore a conspicnous part, and was honored with numerous town offices. He was a member of the board of selectmen two years ; lister six years : town representative in 1849; town agent in 1852: and a justice of the peace five years, during which he performed his duties with zeal and possessed the utmost confidence of his townspeople. He was a true American in sentiment, and a thor- ough patriot. being chivalrous and high toned. frank, manly and dignified, and yet studiously courteous. He left behind him many
0
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evidences of his energy and usefulness, as well as high moral and social qualities. He was a man of great activity and enterprise. of exemplary moral character, honorable and upright in the per- formance of his duties, both as a public and private citizen, and was a man of pleasing and insinuating address. But few men in town have wielded greater political influence or been more sue- cessful in their plans. In 1855 he sold his farm and removed to Manchester, Vt., where he remained until the spring of 1800 when he removed to Topeka, Kansas. He at once took up a leading position and soon became Mayor of Topeka. His excel- lent business habits, sound judgment and ability gained for him the respect and esteem of all with whom he associated. He died at Topeka in 1861, aged 45, caused by falling from the stairway of a building. His widow still resides in Kansas. His children , are John G. who m. Bina A. Numan and resides in Kansas ; William II. who died at Topeka in 1860; Semantha V. who m. Gifford Dudley ; Margaret, Lycha, Lawrence and Edward, died in infancy.
(From a gencological table given to Dr. Harris Otis by his brother George A. Otis of Boston, we learm that JJohn Otis, the emigrant, (1st generation) was born in Barnstable, Devonshire, England and died in Weymouth, Mass .. 1637.
John. his son (2d gen.) was born in England, 1620, and died in Scituate. Mass. in 1683, leaving five sons, John, Stephen, James, Joseph and Job.
Job, his son. (3d gen.) was born in Scituate and settled there. He married Mary Little. and died leaving numerous descendants in New England. His sons were Job, Ephriam and David, the last having no children.
Ephraim. his son (4th gen.) was born in Scituate where he set- tied. He married Rachael Hersy of Hingham. His children were Ephraim, Charles and James, the last having no children.
Dr. Ephraim, his son (5th gen.) was born in 1735, and died 1816. He was a surgeon in the army during the French and Indian war. and was one of the few who escaped the massacre of Fort William Henry, upon its surrender to the French and It- dians in 1756. He afterwards settled at Scituate. his native place. He was a man of refined and gentlemanly manners, sonnd judgment, and decision of character. He accumulated a handsome property by his practice as a physician. the most of which he lost by loaning it to government. during the Revolution during which he was a strong and uncompromising whig. He was a graduate of Harvard University. His wife's name was Sarah Harris, by whom he had the following sons : Dr. Ephraim who settled in New York ; Dr. Harris who settled in Danby : George A. who lived in Boston ; Job settled in Scipio N. Y. and David of Scituate, Mass.)
PALMER, GILBERT. from Nine Pamners, N. Y. was an carly settler on a portion of the farm now owned by William Herrick. He was a son of Abraham Pahner, whose ancestors came from
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wiggleof Daniel Buffum, and was a man much respected in comm City for his integrity, talent for business and peaccable dis -- position. He was for a long time manager of the marble works of Symington & Co. of Baltimore. He came to America in his manhood, where by that patient industry and tact for finance : peculiar to that race, accumulated a competency. He died of consumption in 1859.
PARRIS, ELKANAM born 1728, from Williamstown. Mass. in 1797, settled on the farm, and near where his grandson. Wesley. now lives. He was originally from Pembroke. Ma-s .. and son of Thomas Parris. whose father's name was also Thomas, who emigrated from England during the latter part of the seventeenth century. He m. Grace Mott, of Scituate. Mass .. and soon af- ter settled in Williamstown, where they remained until the spring of 1797, when they removed to Danby, the country then being comparatively new, The log house in which they lived, stood a fow rods west of the present framed dwelling. He was one of the early members of the Quaker society, of exemplary habits and morals. He was a man of considerable wealth and a res- pectable farmer, aud a worthy, peaceable, influential member of community. Although a man of intelligence and ability, he did not take a prominent part in political affairs, and having been considerably advanced in years at the time of settling here. The descendants of Elkanah Parris are quite numerous, many of whom still remain here, while others are scattered throughout this and other states, being men of wealth and prominence, good abilities and education, and of respectability of character. Mr. Parris died June 16th. 1813, aged 85 ; his wife August 19th. 1819, aged 81. The names of their children are as follows : Micah. b. and d. at Williamstown ; Daniel ; Hannah, b. 1765 : Caleb, b. 1766 ; Debrah. b. 1770 ; Phobe, b. 1772 ; Thankful, b. 1773 : Huldah, b. 1779 ; and Chloe, b. 1781. Hannah m. David Comstock of Berlin, N. Y. Of her children were Dobra, Amos lived in Adams, Mass. : Phebe. Parris settled in western New York ; David settled in Adams, Mass. ; Ilannah. Elizabeth settled at Lockport, N. Y. : Elkanah. Thomas and Ennice. Ple- be m. Joseph Dillingham and lived in Middle Granville, N. Y. He died in 1821. Chloe m. Nathan Comstock and removed to Luzerne, N. Y. They had three children ; Cyrus. Thankful and Rhoda.
PARRIS. DANIEL b. at Williamstown. Mass, 1793. m. first Eunice Lamb and next Drusilla Sherman whom he married here in 1789. His first wife died at Williamstown. He came to Danby about the year 1785, and settled on the farm now owned by his grandsson, John S. His house was situated near the stream, southeast of the present dwelling house, it having been a about the first house built in that locality. Like many others of the carly settlers, he had during his early manhood left the com- fortable and quiet enjoyment of a home in an offer country, to seek another home in the wilderness, although well knowing the
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ered and an angry dispute occurred, both being quick tempered. until one challenged the other to the door. Mr. Palmer, apo : reaching the door, being very quick in his movements. struck Briggs in the face, falling him to the ground. and then jumping with both feet into his breast, which unfortunately resulted in his death. This sad affair created considerable excitement through the town, happening as it did in a community comparatively qui- et and peaceable, and it being the first case of the kind that ever took place. Mr. Palmer was arrested for murder and brought before Barton Bromly. Esq., who upon hearing the testimony, acquitted Palmer. The friends of Briggs believing that justice had not been done, caused. Palmer to be arrested the second time. His second trial took place in the old court house at Rutland. where by an impartial jury, he was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for life. Upon receiving bis sentence. which he did with great calmness, he politely thanked the judge " that his sentence was not for a longer term." Mr. Palmer remained but a year or two in prison, when a petition was presented to the Governor, praying for a commutation of the sentence which was finally granted. Mr. Palmer remained a citizen of this town for many years after this event. He died at Wallingford in 1862, aged 84. His children are Jacob, Isaac, William. Eliza in. Merrick Porter and Charity m. John Bromley. William has been twice married, first to Eunice Nichols and next to Sophia. da. of Ira Edmunds, who died suddenly of heart disease in 1869. He followed school teaching in his younger days. a profession 10 which he was well adapted. and in which he succeeded, having but few superiors. We plainly recollect of having been a stu- dent of his when but five years of age, and the attractions and associations then formed, still linger in our memory. He was & kind and pleasing instructor, and greatly endeared to his schol- ars. He is now a farmer and resides in Wallingford.
PALMER. LEONARD m. Anna, da. of Renbin White, and first settled where A. T. Colvin now lives, and in 1839 he removed to) Scottsville, on the farm where he still resides. He is a farmer and mechanic, and is regarded as an honest. industrious man, a peaceable and quiet citizen. By well directed toil and industry he has acquired a good property. which he is now. at the age of 74, cheerfully cujoving. Mr. Palmer is a man of domestic hab- its and mingles but little in society. Their children are Catherines Debra, Ruth, Matilda and Harriet, Ruth m. William Croff of Wallingford : Matilda m. Jacob Fuller and lives in Wallingford : Harriet in. John Crapo, who died in 1864 from wounds received in the army.
PALMER, JACOB m. Betsey Stafford and sented at the Borongh. He was a mechanic by trade, and a skillful workman. He died in 1861. His widow married Dver Townshend of Wallingford: Mr. Palmer left two children. Hannah Jane and John.
PANTON. JAMES a native of Scotland settled at the Borough and was a resident of the town for many years. He m. Faury.
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HISTORY OF DANBY?
widow of Daniel Buffum, and was a man much respected fur community for his integrity, talent for business and peaceable dis- position. He was for a long time manager of the marble works of Symington & Co. of Baltimore. He came to America in his manhood. where by that patient industry and tact for finance peculiar to that race, accumulated a competency. He died of consumption in 1869.
PARRIS, ELEANAM born 1728, from Williamstown, Mass. in 1797, settled on the farm, and near where his grandson, Wesley .. now lives. He was originally from Pembroke. Mass .. and son of Thomas Parris, whose father's name was also Thomas, who emigrated from England during the laiter part of the seventeenth century. He m. Grace Mott, of Scituate, Mass., and soon af- ter settled in Williamstown, where they remained until the spring of 1797, when they removed to Danby, the country then being comparatively new, The log house in which they lived, stood a Awards west of the present framed dwelling. He was one of the early members of the Quaker society, of exemplary habits and morals, He was a man of considerable wealth and a res- pectable farmer, and a worthy, peaceable, influential member of community. Although a man of intelligence and ability, he did not take a prominent part in political affairs, and having been considerably advanced in years at the time of settling here. The descendants of Elkanah Parris are quite numerous, many of whom still remain here, while others are scattered throughout this and other states, being men of wealth and prominence, good abilities and education, and of respectability of character. Mr. Parris died June 16th. 1813, aged 85 ; his wife August 19th. 1819, aged 81. The names of their children are as follows : Micah, b. and d. at Williamstown ; Daniel ; Hannah, b. 1765 ; Caleb, b. 1766; Debrah. b. 1770; Phebe. b. 1772 ; Thankful. b. 1773 : Huldah, b. 1779 : and Chloe, b. 1781. Hannah m. David Comstock of Berlin, N. Y. Of her children were Debra, Amos lived in Adams, Mass. : Phebe, Parris settled in western New York : David settled in Adams, Mass. ; Hannah. Elizabedi settled at Lockport. N. Y. : Elkanah, Thomas and Eunice, Pie- be m. Joseph Dillingham and lived in Middle Granville. N. Y. He died in 1821. Chloe m. Nathan Comstock and removed to Luzerne, N. Y. They had three children : Cyrus, Thankful and Rhoda.
PARRIS, DANIEL b. at Williamstown, Mass. 1793, m. fir -: Ennice Lamb and next Drusilla Sherman whom he married here in 1789, His first wife died at Williamstown. He came in Danby about the year 1785, and settled on the farm now owned by his grand-on. John S. His house was situated near the stream, southeast of the present dwelling house, it having been . about the first house built in that locality. Like many others of the early settlers, he had during his early manhood left the con :- fortable and quiet enjoyment of a home in an offer country. to seek another home in the wilderness, although well knowing th .
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HISTORY OF DANBY. -
hardships, toils and dangers that must necessarily be experienced before that time could be realized. He was a man of health and possessed a rugged constitution, with a heart that knew no sensa- tion of fear, and a frame capable of enduring almost any hard- ship, being well fitted by nature to take an active part in those times and to perform the duties of a pioneer settler. He became a wealthy, prosperous farmer, an intelligent and useful citizen. He was a great friend of Isaac Tichenor, third Governor of this State, who we are told frequently came to pay Mr. Parris a vis: it. He held prominent offices in town for a long series of years. He was constable in 1793 : lister five years and anditor four years ; offices to which in those days, only men of good judgment and ability were called. Mr. Parris was an upright, conscien- tious man, of much energy and industry, and a skillful farmer, although possessing many cocentricities. Being a man of good musuis, he was a very worthy member of community, especially in the early history of the town, when men of the the right stamp were needed to give shape and tone to society. He was always devoted to the interests of the town. from his settlement here, and, being a man of decision of character, and with all, gener- ous and public spirited, he possessed the confidence and esteem of all. He was also a member of the Masonie fraternity. HIc lived to see great changes take place in the town of his adoption and died February 17th, 1822, aged 62. It may be said of him that he lived respected and died regretted. There were two children by his first wife, Daniel and Ennice; born at Williamstown. By his second wife he raised the following named children : Han- nah. b. 1790, died 1810. aged 20 ; Levi S., b. 1792; Caleb, b. 1794 : Oren. b. 1795 : Walter. b. 1797. d. 1810 : Harvey. b. 1799 ; Huldah, b. 1801 ; Fanny, b. 1803 : Semanth, b. 1606 : Isaac Tichenor, b. 1809 : Walter Mott, b. 1810 : Mary. b. 1812, and Wesley, b. 1816. Daniel settled in Port Coventry; where he died leaving a family. Eunice m. Henry Lake and had one daughter, who m. Ira Lincoln. They raised two children : Lit- gretia and Leonard. Levi S. m. Nancy Southwick in 1818. and removed to Hanover, N. J. He had two sons Daniel. b. 1819 and Sherman, b. 1822. He finally became addicted to drinking. lost his property and in the summer of 1823 removed back to Danby. The next fall he went to Rhode Island, where he po- mained a while and in 1824 sailed from Providence in a vessel bound for Canton, since which time nothing has been heard from him. His son Daniel died in 1831, aged 12. Sherman settled in New York where he still resides. Oren m. Susan Lillie and raised a family of several children : George; Ennice, Philander: Semantha and Philemon. He settled in Dorset and afterwards in l'awlet. He died here Det: 7. 1811. aged 46.
PARRIS, CALER settled on the homestead where Wesley Parris now lives, which be occupied for many years or until his death He built the present dwelling, known as the " sixteen cornered " house, which he was a number of years in building, having built
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HISTORY OF DANBY.
a portion of it at a time. He was a man of good' ability awl in- telligence, and occupied many prominent positions, serving as selectman three years : lister seven years : grand juror two years .. and auditor seven years. He was a man of considerable wealth and inthiense. He died unmarried, January 23, 1848, aged 82.
PARIS, CALEB, 2D, CAPT. b. 1794. m. Cata. da. of Rev. Jared Lobdel, in 1815. and settled where his son. Lennard G. now lives. He was an enterprising and successful farmer, to which he devoted nearly His whole life, and by which be acumulated a. good property. being a prominent and highly respected citizen. Capt. Parris was a man of strong natural abilities, possessing a decided and penetrating mind, honest and inst in all his business transactions, But few men have rendered more public service to to the town, being often choosen to fill some office. He was se- betman two year's ; lister four years ; trustee of U. S. money six years ; and a justice of the newer ton years, and he always diis- charged his duty with fidelity and dispatch. He was elected moderator of town meetings for many years, and probably no man living was better fitted for that position. By possessing good judgment and discretion his services were often sought. es- pecially in moving buildings, and he will long be remembered. He was captain of the militia. by which he gained his title. He exemplified his religion by dispensing with a liberal hand to the poor and needy, and by obeying the divine injunction ~ Do anto oth- ers as you would that others should do unto you." Possessed of a kind heart and a large share of sociality, he was ever a welcome guest of every circle, and perhaps no one was more generally respected. Moreover he was a very public spirited man : and while unostentatious in all his acts, always one of the first to en- gage in any work whereby the community might be benefited. without asking or expecting reward. yet having his reward in the consciousness of fulfilling the design of his creation, and in the respect. confidence and esteem of his fellow men. Possessing quick discernment, wonderful retentiveness of memory, he ac- quired extensive general intelligence : was a sate adviser : pcen- Marly social and amiable in all bis relations, and lived and died an honest man. He departed this life Ang. 25th. 1868, aged 74 : his wife Ang. 20th, 1865. aged 70. Their children were Sarah. b. 1816 : Hannah. b. 1818 ; John S., b. 1820 ; and Leonard G., b. 1825.
PARRIS, HARVEY b. 1799. m. Sally, da, of Edward Herrick. und settled on the homestead. having been a thrifty farmer, and during his residence here, one of the leading and prosperous men: of the town. By possessing a good business talent. industry and a natural shrewdness in connection with a close application to ag- ricultural pursuits. he has accumulated considerable wealth. 11 .. is democratic in principle, Moving from early manhood adhered! to that party through all its different phases and to whose plat- form and measures he has been woulded from its birth. But few men have beenpied more town offices or filled more promideni
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HISTORY OF DANBY.
and responsible stations. For many years his business transar- tions were on an extensive scale. In 1829 he was elected con- stable and collector, which office he occupied two years, and in 1842 he was chosen one of the board of selectmen, which he held for four years in succession ; he was also lister six years. and justice of the peace five years. In 1848 he removed to Pawlet, where he still resides. His wife died in 1854, aged 49. leaving two children, Levi and Olin, Mr. Parris next married Margelle, da. of Abner Croff. Levi m. Ann Andrus, and is at present proprietor of the hotel in Dorset. Olin m. Agnes Bourne and lives in Pawlei.
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