USA > Vermont > Rutland County > Danby > The history and map of Danby, Vermont > Part 6
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39
Town and freemen's meetings were held at the Inn of Arwin Hutchins, from 1823 to 1825. There were but three listers ap- pointed in 1824, it having previously been the custom to elect four or five. In 1826, the annual town meeting was held at the inn of Nicholas JJenks, and David Griffith, Hosea Barnes and David Kelley, were appointed a committee to make alterations iu school districts, and James MeDaniels was appointed an agent to man- age a law snit then pending between Dauby and Dorset. In 1827, David Youngs, Joseph Allen and Edward Vail, Jr., were ap- pointed overseers of the poor, and a tax of four cents on the del- lar, was raised to defray the expenses of the town. William Hitt was moderator of the annual meeting of 1828, which was held at the inn of Ephraim Gilmore, at the Corners. Audrus Eggles- ton, Aaron Rogers, Jr., Harris Otis, John Vail, Hosea Barges, Israel Richardson and Alvah Bull, were appointed a school com- mittee for that year. It was voted to give all delinquent town officers, who were in arrears with the town, three months to set- tle their accounts with the treasurer, and if not settled within that time, the treasurer was directed to take legal measures to collect
-
51
HISTORY OF DANBY.
the same. On the 31st day of March, 1829, a town meeting was held at the inn Samuel Harnden, and David Youngs was modera- tor. Israel B. Richardson, Abraham Locke, Alvah Bull, Isaac Southwick and Andrus Eggleston, were appointed a superintend- ing committee, for the inspection aud examination of schools and teachers.
The population of the town in 1830, was thirteen hundred and sixty-two, showing a decrease of two hundred and forty-five in ten years. The annual town meeting for that year, was held at the Inn of Samuel Harnden, and Alexander Barrett was moderator. The number of highway surveyors was increased to twenty-six. A committee consisting of Caleb Parris, Harris Otis and Alex- ander Barrett, was appointed to settle with the selectmen and Treasurer. Another committee was appointed to make altera- tions in school districts, whose acts either in establishing or alter- ing Imes, should be valid and binding. In 1831, the town ap- pointed Alvah Bull, Ira M. Frazer, Joel M. Rogers and Isaac Southwick, a committee to superintend common schools. Alex- ander Barrett, James McDaniels and Harris Otis, were appointed a committee to correspond with other towns, in reference to build- ing a poor-house, if thought best, and make report at the next meeting. A town tax of eight cents on the dollar, was voted for that year.
The annual meeting of 1832, was held at the inn of Bethuel Bromley, and Caleb Parris was moderator. It was voted to pay the collector of taxes five per cent. for collecting, and have Do abatements allowed, on either state or town tax bills. A tax of one per cent. was voted for the support of the poor, and other town expenses ; and a tax of two per cent. in addition to what was required by law, for the repairs of highways and bridges. Win. Bassett, Andius Eggleston, Joel M. Rogers, and Rial Fisk, were appointed a superintending committee of common schools for 1833.
As it would doubtless be interesting, to know who were resi- dents of the town, after and lapse of thirty-three years, we will give below a list of the freemen in 1833, viz :
John II. Andrus, Joseph Allen,
Erastus Bromley, Brayton Baker,
Daniel Axtel, John Andrus, Ira Allen,
John M. Bishop,
Stephen Baker.
Williard Bromley.
David Arnold,
Ira Bromkey, Jacob Bartic.t,
Elijah Avery, Samuel Arnold.
Bethel Broraley.
Consider S. Bardwell.
Joseph Brownell.
David Boyce,
Rufus Bneklin, Jr ..
Albert Bueklin,
Hosea Barnes, Benjamin Barnes,
Joseph Button. Ansou Button, Jacob Benson.
52
HISTORY OF DANBY.
Alexander Barrett,
Cantlin D. Barrett.
Elijah Bull.
Hiram Bromley.
Barton Brown,
voseph Bartlett.
Moses Barnard,
Jeremy Bartlett,
David Bassey, Ephraim Chace,
Savid Bartlett, Joseph Bull. Nelson Bromley, Enoch Congor.
. Henry Crosby, Hiram Congor, James Clark,
Rial Fisk.
Ashur Congor.
Reubin Fisk. Jr.,
Gersham Congor, Jr.,
Benjamin Fisk,
Gersham Congor,
Lyman Fisk,
Benajah Colvin:
Israel Fisk.
Seth Cook.
Reubin Fisk,
Sylvanus Cook.
John Griffith,
Stephen Cook.
David Griffith,
Noah Conger.
George Griffith,
Reubin Colvin, -
Orange Green,
Stephen Calkins,
Daniel Griffith.
Joseph Culver.
Thomas Griffith. Anson Griffith,
Elisha Clark.
Denis Canfield.
Daniel Clark,
Benjamin Cross.
Benjamin Griffith.
Anthony Colvin,
Thomas J. Crandall,
Lyman C. Crandall,
Alanson Crandall,
Ephraim Gilmore.
David Gilbert.
George Griffith, Jr ..
Gardner Griffith.
Samuel Emerson,
Andrus Eggleston,
William C. Fox.
John Hadwin.
Gary Harrington.
Oliver Harrington.
Daniel Hulett.
Panl Hulett,
Aaron Johnson.
Abel Horton.
Dennis Horton.
William Hereick.
Henry Hodges. Josiah Hulett.
Joseph Kelley. David Kelley,
Warren Heading.
William Haskins. Abel Haskins.
Daniel Kelley. David Kelley. 2d. Benjamin Kelley.
Joseph R. Green. Chauncey Green, Zebina Gilbert.
Joseph Davis. Timothy Davis. Ira Edmunds.
Oliver Gorton, Asa Gorton.
Jobn Fox,
Jepthia Frost.
Benoui Fisk. Jr.,
Elisha Fish,
Oratus Hulett,
William Johnson. Nicholas Jenks.
Daniel Bartlett.
Benjamin Baker. Jonathan Brewer, John Bell,
Anson Baker. William Bruce,
Seth Griffith. Adin H. Green.
HISTORY OF DANBY.
Azariah Hilliard,
Elisha Harrington,
Isaac Hilliard.
Miner Hilliard, Daniel Hulett, Jr., Ezra Harrington, Jonathan Hill.
Smith litt. Moses Hill,
Darius Harrington,
Job K. Hill.
Sylvester Hill.
Orestus B. Hulett,
Consider Howland.
Benjamin Hayes, Edward Humiel.
Andrew Harrington. Joseph Irish, Horace Johnson,
James Johnson, James MeDaniels,
Thomas MeDaniels.
Simon Milliard.
Erastus Milliard,
I-hinael Matteson,
Peleg Nichols,
Stetson Nichols,
Isaac Nichols, Daniel Nichols, James Nichols, Joel Nichols,
Thomas Nichols, Stephen Northrup,
Benajah Noah,
Harris Otis, William Otis,
Caleb Phillips,
Leonard Palmer,
Caleb Parris, Caleb Parris, 2d,
Harvey Parris, Israel Phillips, Josiah Phillips, Isaac T. Parris, Daniel Palmer, Laden Phillips, Isaac Phillips, Merrick Porter, John Palmer. Timothy Reed,
Pardon Kelley, Hatsel Kelley, Stephen Kelley, Timothy Kelley, Elihu Kellev.
Erastus Kelley. Perry G. Knights, Joshua Kelly, Elijah Lillie,
Jessie Lapham,
Daniel Lapham, Elisha Lapham,
David Lapham, Abram Locke, Galen J. Locke, Eli Learned,
Jacob Lyon, Nathan Lapham, James Lincoln, Abraham Matteson. Caleb Randall,
Joel M. Rogers, Abraham Rogers, Aaron Rogers, John Rogers. Abram B. Rogers, Increase Rudd, Aaron Rogers, Jr.,
Nicholas Rogers, Silas Rogers Isaac Rogers, Christopher Stone. James Sweet, Jr., Palmer Stafford. James Soule, Pardon Soule, John Soule, Gardner Soule. William Soule, Friend Smith, Jonathan Staples, Jr., Williard Staples, William Stimson. Josiah Southwick. Daniel Southwick, Job Scott, Isaac Southwick. Barton Sherman, Jefferson Sherman, Edmund Sherman.
54
HISTORY OF DANBY.
John Sherman,
Ira Vail,
Eliha Sherman,
Seley Vail,
Lemuel Stafford,
John Vai!,
Nathan Spaulding,
David Valentine,
Phillip Spanlding,
Renbin White,
Orin Spanlding, Seneca Smith,
Isaac White,
Stephen White,
James Morrison,
Isaac Wilbur,
Asa Smith. 2d,
Allen Willis.
Nathan J. Smith,
John C. White,
Augustus Sweat,
Nehimiah White,
Israel Thompson,
Otis Wheeler.
Levi Taft,
Jolm HI. Wheeler,
Phineas 'T'aft,
Hiram Warden,
Abner Taft,
Jonathan Weller.
Caivin Tucker,
Olney Williams,
Arden Tabor.
David Youngs,
John Vanghan,
Edward Vail,
Warren Vaughan,
Edward Vail, Jr ..
By comparing the above roll with that of 1800. we find that the old generation had nearly all passed off. there being but few left in town, and a new generation had taken their place. This was composed generally of a substantial class of men. Most of them were farmers in good circumstances. Some were in the mercan- tile business, and others engaged in manufacturing, while a few were professional men.
The annual town meeting of 1834. was held at the house of Ar- hold Nicholson, innkeeper, at the Corners, and Ira Edmunds was moderator. The superintending committee of common schools. were Joel M. Rogers, Andrus Eggleston and J. C. Dexter. A town meeting was held at the inn of David Kelley. on the last Wednesday of March, in that year, and Alexander Barrett was moderator. The town voted at that meeting, to build a Town House, to be located between the dwelling house of Seley Vail. and the dwelling house of John Vail, and to raise $350, to be appropriated in building said honse. John Vail. Daniel Bartlett, Azariah Hilliard, Elisha Lapham and Edward Vail. were appointed a committee to contract and super- intend the building of said Town House. Upon a petition of several of the freeholders of the town, another meeting was held on the 10th of May, following. for the purpose of altering the location of the Town House, and granting individuals the privi- lege of extending the house, so as to accommodate the inhabitants in holding meetings of public worship. but not however, to in- fringe upon the right of the town. It was voted at this meeting not to change the location. and not to allow individuals the privilege of extending or adding to said Town House, for the purpose of holding meetings of public worship. In 1835, the annual town meeting was held at the inn of David Kelley. and
HISTORY OF DANBY.
David Youngs was moderator. William Stimson and Seley Vail were appointed a committee to settle with the overseers and treas- urer, and Daniel Bartlett, and Edward Vail, Jr., a committee to make alterations in school districts. At the same meeting David Youngs and John Vail were appointed inspectors of flour, and a town tax of two cents on the dollar was voted.
The Town House was built and completed in 1835, and the annual town meeting of 1836, was held there, and David Youngs was moderator. James McDaniels, Seneca Smith and Caleb Parris, 2d, were appointed a committee to settle with the over- seers and treasurer. It was voted to build two stone pounds, one to be located in the east and the other in the west part of the town, or pound district. Elisha Lapham, William Stimson and Hiram Congor were appointed a committee to locate and superin- tend the building of the one in the east district, and the select- men a committee for the one in the west district. The selectmen were authorized to sell the six volumes of the Vermont Reports, and the seventeen volumes of Revised Laws, belonging to the town, at public auction. A town tax of two and one-half per cant. was voted for that year. At a special town meeting held the 11th day of May, 1863. Ira Edmunds, moderator, it was voted to raise an additional tax of one per cent. to pay the cur- rent expenses of the town, and Albert Bucklin was appointed collector of taxes for the year ensuing. In 1837. the town ap- pointed Seneca Smith, G. J. Locke and Orange Green, a com- inittee to settle with the selectmen and treasurer ; and G. J. Locke, Isaac Nichols and Edward Vail, Jr., a committee to make alterations in school districts. Seneca Smith and Joseph R. Green, were appointed inspectors of flour. A town tax of five per cent. was raised.
In 1837, Congress made provisions to deposit with the several States, the accumulated surplus money in the Treasury. The share of this State was $669.086 74 which was divided among the several towns in proportion to their population. The share of this town was $3,013 14. The towns by a provision of our State legislature, were to loan the money on good security and apply the income to the support of common schools. This fund was to be distributed every ten years, among the towns in proportion to their then population. As the population of this town has decreased since then, a certain portion of the original sum has been withdrawn. In 1856, the fund was taken to pay the indebtedness of the town. The State still holds a lien on this money, whenever it shall be required for a re-distribution among the towns, or for repayment into the United States treasury.
At the annual town meeting of 1838, Daniel Bartlett, Edward Vail, Jr., and Ira Ednunds, were appointed trustees of the U. S. deposite money, and Josiah Phillips, David Lapham and Jona- than Staples, a committee to settle with the selectmen and treas- urer. Joel M. Rogers, was appointed overseer of the poor, for that year, and Aaron Rogers a committee to confer with other
56
HISTORY OF DANBY.
towns in reference to building a poor house. Many farmers and others in this town, suffered severely during the financial crisis of 1839. We are told that the " credit system," proved disas- trous to business men, and many were largely in debt. This caused a great decline in business here, for several years.
The population of the town in 1840, was thirteen leundred and seventy-nine, which was about the same as that of 1830. From the statistics of 1840, we find there was in town 358 horses. 3360 cattle, 8950 sheep, 689 swine, and there were raised 2217 bush- els of wheat, 65 bushels of barley, 6094 bushels of oats. 110 bushels of rve, 256 bushels of buckwheat, 4267 bushels of corn, 4756 bushels of potatoes. 5378 tons of hay, 35715 pounds of maple sugar, 25433 pound of wool. A town tax of seven cents on the dollar, was raised that year. Elisha Lapham, John Vail and Josiah Phillips were the committee to make alterations in school districts. Joha C. Whin Time was moderator of the annual meeting of 1841, at which Ira Edmunds was appointed agent to prosecute and defend law suits for the town, the first who cecu- pied that office. Phillip Spaulding, Elisha Lapham anul Ephraim Chase were the committee to make alterations in school districts. A town meeting was held October 27th, 1841. David Youngs, moderator, at which meeting William Otis was elected towni clerk and treasurer, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Edward Vail, Jr .. who had occupied the office since 1837.
Agreeable to notiec, a town meeting was held the 26th day of March, 1842, John Vail, moderator, to hear the report of the committee appointed by the town at their last annual meeting, in reference to purchasing a town farm. This committee consisted of David.Lapham. Ira Edmunds, Daniel Bartlett. Caleb Parris and Seneca Smith, who made a favorable report, but the town voted not to lease or purchase a farm at present. At a freeman's meeting held the 2d day of November, 1812. Galen JJ. Locke was appointed a delegate to attend a convention to be held at Montpelier, on the first Wednesday in January, following, for the purpose of taking into consideration. certain amendments to the constitution of the State, proposed by the Council of Consor -. The town instructed their delegate not to vote for the proposed amendment.
G. J. Locke was moderator of the annual town meeting of 1813. The selectmen were appointed overseers of the poor. for that year. and the first constable was voted the jurisdiction of the county. There was greater destitution prevailing in town. betwen 15 10 and 1850. than at any former period. It was costing the town at that time. not less than $500 per year to support the poor, which was the principal expense incurred by the town. The over-per- of the poor in 1811. were Azariah Hilliard. Harvey Parris and John Sherman. The town tay for that year was eight cont . on the dollar. Andrus Eggleston was moderator of the anaval meeting of 1815. The number of highway district- was in- creased to twenty-seven that year. John Vall. Job Scott all
.
57
HISTORY OF DANBY.
Andrus Eggleston, were appointed a committee to make altera- tions in school districts. An article was inserted in the warning for the above meeting, to see if the town would dispose of the town house, and provide a more suitable place for holding town and freemen's meetings, but it was voted to take no action there- on
At the annual meeting of 1846, of which Isaac McDaniels was moderator, the town appointed the selectmen overseers of the poor, for the year ensuing, and Marcus Bartlett was appoint- ed superintendent of common schools, (the first who occupied that office in this town). The school committee had proposed some alterations in distriet No. 5, but the town voted not to accept of their report. It was voted to make a survey of the glebe lot, oc- cupied by Caleb Randall, for which Andrus Eggleston was to be em- ployed as surveyor. who was to be instructed to obtain what infor- mation he could in regard to this lot, and make report at the next March meeting. A proposition was made at the above meeting, by certain persons, to build a new road, leading from the Has- kin's Mill, to Danby Borough, but the town voted not to take any action thereon. Caleb Parris 2d, was moderator of the annual town meeting of 1847. at which a town tax of thirteen cents on the dollar was voted.
In 1847, petitions were presented to the inhabitants of the town, for a new road, leading from the Borough. to Ha-kin's Mill, and from thence, following the brook to the house of Foster Otis. In connection with this, the road leading from the house of Foster Otis to Pawlet, was to be altered ; all of which pro- posed route was to make an easier and better grade for drawing marble to the canal. These petitions were made in favor of the marble interest, and many believed that the general interest of the town required the building of the road. At a town meeting held the 9th day of Sept .. 1847, a committee consisting of Sen- ca Smith and Azariah Hilliard. was appointed to examine the case and make report at the next meeting. The petitioners findine that a majority of the people of the town were opposed to buildg ing this road, petitioned to the County Court. The com- missioners appointed by the Court. after making all necessary- examinations and surveys of the route, reported in favor of the road, which was accordingly laid out. Ata town meeting held for that purpose, on the 9th day of November, following, the town 'committee rendered their report which was against building he road. and gave as their opinion, that the public good did not require it. Whereupon, the town voted not to accept of the roads as laid out by the commissioners. After much opposition "! the part of the town. that portion of the road leading from Haskin's Mill to the Borough, was finally built. and although an expensive road, it has proved to be of great utility to the public. The proposed road leading from Haskin's Mill. along the brook to the house of Foster Otis, would if been built. resulted in great injury to the Corners, which was at that time, the business part 7
58
HISTORY OF DANBY.
of the town. The project was defeated, although considerable expense was incurred.
At the annual town meeting of 1848. it was voted to collect in the United States deposite money, by the 20th of March, follow- inn, and place it at interest, with land security. The town agent was instructed to survey the glebe lot, which Galen Randall oc- cupied. and report the number of acres it contained. A town meeting was held on the 23d day of December, 1848. for the purpose of taking into consideration an act passed at the last session of the Legislature, in October, entitled, " An act annex- ing part of the town of Danby to the town of Mt. Tabor."-said act requiring the assent of the towns of Danby and Mt. Tabor. before it could take effect. The result of the ballot at this meet- ing stood as follows : Whole number of votes cast, 234, in favor of annexation 65 ; not in favor of annexation, 169 ; showing that a very large majority of the inhabitants were opposed to the pro- ject at that time.
At the annual March meeting of 1849, a motion was made to borrow the surplus money, to pay the indebtedness of the town ; and after some discussion it was voted not to borrow said surplus money. The following resolution was presented and read to the meeting, by C. H. Congdon, which was adopted :
Whereas. The expense of the town officers in Danby, for the past ten or twelve years, exceeds the expense of town offleers in other towns by one half. and the same are greatly increasing ; therefore. without making any specific charges against any in- dividual.
Resolved, That it is the sense of this meeting that no officer receive over the sum of five dollars for their services during the year ensuing, excepting such whose fees or salaries are fixed by law.
Azariah Hilliard was elected overseer of the poor, for that year, and a town tax of 14 per cent. was voted. At a special town meeting held Sept. 4th. an additional tax of 25 per cent. was voted. to defray the expenses of the town for the year.
The population of the town in 1850, was fifteen hundred and thirty-six, showing a gain of one hundred and fifty-seven. in ten vears. Since 1840. the manufacture of marble had become the lead- ing business in town, and this had the tendency to revive other branches of business. checking the tide of emigration, which had been draining our population for the past thirty years. Three quarters of a century had passed, before this vast and inexhausti- bie wealth of marble was discovered, which had in a few years been so rapidly developed. as to largely increase our grand list, and add 10 per cent. to our population.
At the annual town meeting for that year. a committee consist- ing of Isaac Nichols, Amasa Bancroft. Albert Burklin, Harvey Parris, Leonard Palmer, Edwin Staples. Andrew Sargents. Silas Halett. Seneca Smith, George Rogers and Hiram Kelley, were appointed to define the bounds of each school district, and report
59
HISTORY OF DANBY.
at a subsequent meeting. It was voted that no town offirer should receive more than five dollars as compensation for his ser- vices during the year. It was also voted to raise a town tax of sixty cents on the dollar of the grand list, and that the treas- urer receive said tax of the tax-payers, and allow each tax-pay- er four per cent. and one per cent. allowed the treasurer for do- ing the business, provided that the tax is paid by the 20th of June next, otherwise to be collected by the collector, at the rate re- quired by law.
At the annual town meeting of 1851, of which H. F. Otis was moderator, a town tax of 20 per cent, was voted, and the first constable agreed to collect the same for two per cent., and be at stated places on certain days, and all that was paid to him at those times, he was to have one per cent. This contract was amended so that the tax-payers who paid their tax by the time specified, should be allowed the one per cent. abatement. The selectmen were instructed to repair all the roads that needed it, so that they would not be indicted, and draw orders on the treas- urer for the same. The following resolution was adopted at this meeting :
Resolved, That whereas there has been sundry matters all edged against our town officers, impeaching their honesty for the past four years. Therefore, the selectmen are hereby appointed a special committee, with the privilege of calling for and exam- ining persons and books, and persons including books of record, treasury books, selectmen's books. poor master's and trustee's re- port and accounts, and any other papers interesting to the town ; to examine all charges preferred against said officers, defalca- tions, mutilation- and misconduct of officers of the town, and re- port the facts, with their opinion on the same, at our next town meeting, for the purpose of better information to the town in re- gard to the condition of our books and business, and the charac- ter of the men we have trusted with office, and are now trusting, that knowing conduet and character, we may be governed thereby.
A town meeting was held April 8th, 1851, Caleb Parris, mod- erator, at which Wm. Vail was elected constable and collector, to fill the vacancy in that office. Daniel Fish was elected second constable. It was voted to raise an additional highway tax, of five per cent., to be paid in money or labor. Another meeting was held June 7th. Edwin Vail, moderator, at which a tax of 25 per ceut. was voted, to pay executions and demands against the town.
In 1852, some alterations were made in the school district ; town meetings were held for that purpose, one May 4th, Ichabod Mar-hall, moderator. and one May 29th, John T. Griffith, mod- crater. Another meeting was held Sept. 7th, at which it was voted to raise a tax of 33 per cent., to pay the expense of build- ing the new road then under contract. On the 8th day of Feb. 1853, a town meeting was held for the purpose of voting upon the Liquor Law, passed at the last session of the legislature, as re-
60
HISTORY OF DANBY.
quired by said act, and Edia Baker was moderator. The follow- ing was the result of the ballot : Whole number of votes cast. 193 : in favor of the law. 112. not in favor, 81. In 1853. Allen Cook was appointed overseer of the poor, and a tax of sixteen cents on the dollar, was raised. The town tax of 1854 was 30 cents on the dollar, and the highway tax. 25 per cent.
The following resolution was read and adopted at the annual meeting of 1856, viz :
Resolved. The selectmen are hereby instructed to borrow the surphis money of the trustees, at 6 per cent. interest, and pay it into the town treasury, taking the treasurer's receipt therefor. and the treasurer is also instructed to pay the same out on town or- ders. the same as he would any other funds in his hands agree- able to law.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.