USA > Vermont > Orange County > Braintree > The history of Braintree, Vermont, including a memorial of families that have resided in town > Part 8
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IRA was a bright, intelligent man, of a kind and generous disposition. A leading politition, he had many friends who were devotedly attached to him. He was much in office, twice represented the town in the legislature, and in 1850 was first assistant judge of the county court.
JEFFERSON PARISH KIDDER
Studied and practiced law; held more or less town office; in 1841 represented the town in a constitutional convention; was state's attorney for Orange county during the years 1843-7; was state senator in 1847-8, receiving in the latter year the honorary degree of A. M. from Vermont University. He fitted for college at the Orange County Grammar School, Randolph; graduated from Norwich University, and afterwards became tutor in that institution. He began the study of law with B. F. Chamberlain of Snowsville. This gentleman was accidentally killed while Mr. Kidder was a student in his office. Upon the completion of his law studies he entered upon the practice of his profession in Snowsville. He remained in that village several years, attending to his law practice and filling various offices of trust in the town. About 1845 he removed to West Randolph, opened a law office, and continued . a resident of the village until 1857. In 1857 he removed to St. Paul, Minne- sota, and in 1865 to the Territory of Dakota, of which he was a citizen until lıis deatlı.
Judge Kidder has been a public man during a large portion of his adult life. He secured the passage of an act in the legislature throwing the burden of the support of prisoners in jail, charged with criminal offenses, upon the state, rather than allowing it to remain upon the towns of which they were residents, or where the crime was committed. He was led to act in this matter to secure the relief of the town of Braintree in the case of B. Franklin Killam. He was a member of the constitutional convention of 1843. He was state's attorney for Orange county from 1842 to '47. He was a member of the State Senate in 1847-48. He was elected lieutenant-governor of Vermont in 1853 upon the ticket headed by John S. Robinson of Bennington. There was no election by the people that year, and a coalition of the free soilers with the democrats in the legislature secured the election of the democratie nominees. Great were the rejoicings among the democrats at West Randolph when it was known that Kidder had become lieutenant-governor. There was a grand rally. A cannon was planted on the bluff in the rear of Micah Mann's house, and with the second discharge one of the gunners was blown nearly to the foot of the bluff. This accident somewhat discouraged the use of gunpowder, but the other festivities went on as though nothing had happened.
Judge Kidder's military education, and the service he rendered as captain of a Floodwood company in the days of militia training, gave him a dignified
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appearance, which he preserved through all his life. He was a delegate to the national democratic convention in Chicago which nominated James Buchanan for the presidency. Here he came in contact with the Southern chivalry and saw some of the spirit of Southern politicians in ante-bellum days, when there was nothing too humble for a Northern democrat to do for his Southern ally. But whatever Judge Kidder's political affiliations may have been, he was the last man to crouch under the domineering spirit of a Southerner or any other man. One day during the convention a gentleman, who had taken a seat by his side at the dinner table, stepped out for a moment and asked him to keep the seat for him until he should return, which Kidder promised to do. Pretty soon along came a Southern gentleman and proceeded to help himself to the reserved chair. He was politely informed that the seat had been taken. In a pompous, blustering way he remarked that it made no difference, he should occupy it. Kidder then told him that he could not have it, whereupon the chivalrous member from the South proposed a meeting after dinner to settle the difficulty. Kidder sprang to his feet and told him that then was the time, there was the place, and fists were the weapons with which to settle the difficulty. That seat remained vacant until the bona fide pre-emptor returned to occupy it. While a citizen of this town he rose to eminence in his profes- sion, was for some time the recognized head of the Orange county bar, was well known in this portion of the state, was a successful advocate, keen, quick to parry the weapons of an adversary, an active politician, intensely demo- cratic, a jovial companion, too much so at times for his own best interests, a ready speaker on public occasions, and a man who secured and held a marked influence over a large number of people. In 1857 he removed to Minnesota. In 1859, while on a visit to Dakota Territory, he was chosen delegate to Con- gress. In 1861, 1863 and 1864 he was a member of the Minnesota house of representatives. In 1865 he was appointed an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Dakota Territory and removed thither. He was subse- quently reappointed until he held the office for ten years. He was then delegate in Congress for three successive terms, and was afterwards reappointed to the judgeship, a position he held at the time of his death. At the beginning of the Rebellion he became known as a war democrat, and by the close of the contest had fully identified himself with the republican party. Twenty-five years absence has pushed him far back in the memory of those who once knew him well in this region, but he is said to have been very popular with the people among whom he lived, discharging in a faithful and able manner the duties of the important position he was appointed to fill.
Judge Kidder died Oct. 2, 1883, of inflammation of the bladder. He went to St. Paul, Minnesota, about two weeks before his death for medical treat- ment, and submitted to an operation which terminated fatally.
LIEUT. LYMAN S. KIDDER,
Judge Kidder's son, was born in Braintree in 1842; served as first lieutenant in the war of the rebellion, and soon after its close was appointed 2d Lieut. 2d U. S. Cavalry. On the 2d of July, 1867, he was killed by Indians on Beaver
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Creek, Kan. The following is condensed from a longer account sent us: Lieut. Kidder was bearer of dispatches from Gen. Sherman at Fort Sedgwick to Gen. Custer, whose camp was then at the forks of the Republican river, 110 miles distant. Starting from Fort Sedgwick he reached the camp in 26 hours, but failed to find Custer, who had left the day before. Learning that Indians had collected in his rear, cutting off return to Fort Sedgwick, he directed his course, still searching for Custer, towards Fort Wallace, where his party was attacked by several hundred savages. A brave defense was made, he holding them back, and continuing on at such intervals and oppor- tunities as he was able by strategy; in this way he traveled over 80 miles and killed more Indians than his party had numbers. But on the morning of July 2d, while crossing a low piece of prairie surrounded on all sides by hills, the party was attacked and overpowered by more than 800 Indians. How long and how well the band of heroes fought, no tongue was spared to tell! But the copper cartridge "thimbles," or shells, which were scattered in large quantities around their bodies when found, were more eloquent of their bravery and heroism than words can be. Gen. Custer, returning to Fort Wallace, found the bodies of the dead on the 11th of July, and buried them on Beaver Creek. There Judge Kidder recovered the remains of his son in March following, and took them to St. Paul for interment.
HON. SAMUEL MINOT FLINT
Began the study of law with Hon. J. P. Kidder, and completed his course with Hon. William Hebard of Chelsea. He commenced the practice of his profession in Braintree, but soon removed to Chelsea, where a wider field gave promise of better reward, and greater distinction at the bar. Shortly after, he was elected state's attorney for Orange county, and subsequently was appointed clerk of the county court. In 1857 he settled in St. Paul, Minn., and formed a law co-partnership with Judge Kidder. His abilities soon introduced him to the notice of the public. He was elected county attorney, holding the office six years successively, and afterwards city judge; serving as such about eight years, he resigning the office a year before his death on account of failing health. Judge Flint had recognized ability, and but for a single fault might have acquired a brilliant record. He died suddenly on the street, leaving a widow and two children.
NATHANIEL HUTCHINSON
Became a resident of Braintree in 1785, settling on the farm now owned by William Bass. He died in his prime, his death casting a deep gloom over the then sparsely settled community. His son, Nathaniel, Jr., lived on the farm inherited from his father nearly fifty years, and was a progressive farmer. He also built the hotel at Snowsville and owned it till he died.
JOHN HUTCHINSON
Settled in Braintree in the fall of 1793, on the farm owned by James P. Cleve- land, Jr. He was a bright, enterprising man, owning a saw mill in addition
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to his farm, was mucli respected, was benevolent and never a user of spirits or tobacco in any form, his descendants being equally temperate. He was much in office and was sent thirteen times to the legislature.
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JAMES HUTCHINSON
Lived much of the time in Randolph, but for many years had considerable business interest in Braintree, owning at one time a large part of the real estate in Peth and vicinity, comprising now three or four good farms in Braintree and Randolph; also, an oil mill at Peth whereby he carried on quite an exten- sive traffic. In his early manhood he worked his farm (where Lyman Hut- chinson now lives) and mill with the aid of one man for regular hielp, he working on the farm from four in the morning till noon, then in the mill till midnight, while his help rested, thus keeping the mill running constantly. He was a man of great endurance, a hard worker, and honest in his deal. Possessed of good judgment, lie acquired a large property which he liad the pleasure of dividing among his children.
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JAMES HUTCHINSON, JR.,
Has spent the larger part of his life on the old farm at Peth, removing to West Randolph in 1870. He was elected, in 1856, delegate to a state constitu- tional convention; in 1864-5, assistant judge of the county court; in 1868-9, state senator; in 1871, county commissioner; in 1872, delegate to the republi- can national convention at Philadelphia, and received the same year the appointment of post master at West Randolph, which office he now holds.
JOHN B. HUTCHINSON
Graduated at Vermont University, August, 1843; was admitted to Orange county bar June 1, 1845; in 1848, received the degree of A. M., and began the practice of law at West Randolph, where he continued till his decease; was elected in 1853-5 judge of probate; and in 1855 was a member of the council of censors. He represented Randolph in the legislature in 1856, and in 1857 was state senator.
THOMAS A. VANCE
Came to Braintree about 1820, and lived in a log house built by himself near Roxbury line adjoining Alvin Lyon's place, west of Vilas C. Flint's. Here he cleared quite a territory, built a saw mill on the stream near Edwin F. Thresher's, and later built a house a few rods from the mill, east side of the road. The mill was carried off in the freshet of 1830. About 1832 he rebuilt it, but afterwards sold it to Charles. A. Clark. In 1836 he moved to Quaker Hill, and kept a small grocery store where Albert Pearl resides. He was justice of the peace from 1838 to 1850, and assistant town clerk for several years. In 1850 he went to Lempster, N. H., and was engaged in the grocery and dry goods business till his death, 1854.
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PERSONAL SKETCHES.
LUTHER WARNER
Will be remembered as an ardent patriot. He could recount in song and story the history of early times, of the struggle for liberty, and of the men who were the leading actors. He was in early life licensed to preach by the Universalist denomination, and did so for a number of years; but finally abandoned it and returned to his anvil and bellows as being probably the surer way of providing for the wants of his increasing family. He also kept hotel at Snowsville for some time.
JEREMIAH SNOW
Wasa sailor in early life. Having been converted, he turned topreaching. with no other preparation than a fair talent and his experience with the world. He proved to be quite an able exhorter, and commanded no little influence. for good. But he never settled down as pastor of a church; he preached here and there, wherever an audience could be gathered. A peculiar notion of his- was the constant wearing of a sailor's suit, thinking it not proper or right to change the style of raiment which he wore when converted. Mr. Snow was. severely honest, humble, industrious, and poor; and never took pay for ministerial service. In 1812 he came to Braintree and for two years attended Nathaniel Spear's mill. Then moving to Ayer's brook at Snowsville, which was named for him, he built a saw mill and a grist mill on that stream in 1814. These he run many years, preaching in the meantime as he had opportunity. We do not know of his birth place or of his parentage. He died June 2, 1848, aged 81.
CYNTHIA SNOW,
Wife of Jeremiah, was of a strong mind and of great physical endurance, and her life was spent as far as possible in doing good to others. She vied with her husband in the ability to exhort, and shared his notions of dress, always. wearing short clothes. Both were examples of exalted Christian piety. Much of the time she was in attendance at her husband's grist mill. There was a leak in the mill, the waste from which she gathered on a cloth and propor- tioned to each grist. Although her honesty was above reproach, she was accused by an evil-minded person of appropriating the leakage to her own use. This troubled her greatly. She finally carried her grief to Father. Nichols, who told her to set her mind at rest, for no one would believe that she was not honest. It is said that in tolling grain she used to "scrimp" the toll of those who bought grain, because they would have, at most, no more- than a full measure. No children blessed the home of Aunt Snow, as she was. called; but her neighbors and friends where her "children," and the simplic- ity and purity of her life attest the fact that she did her part to bring them up well. On the 9th of November, 1853, at the age of 83, she " rested from her labors."
JAMES COPELAND
Is notable for what he is not, more than for what he is. He never married. He is one of those negatives who, after all, have a more affirmative being than
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many with far higher claims to notoriety. He is known and remembered while many a superior is ignored or forgotten. The very ignominy which nature stamped on his being has brought him into "bold relief" and given him prominence. A gentleman of intelligence once saw Mr. Copeland about to bore a hole through a small block of wood. The usual process is, when a vice or a clasp is wanting, to hold the block between the feet, and the opera- tion is not always easy. But "Jimmy" put the block into a trough, the improvised "clasp" working admirably. The gentleman acknowledged that he had learned something. Thus the foolish sometimes confound the wise. "Jimmy" has seen the point of many a practical joke, some harmless and some positively cruel. In disposition he is inoffensive and urbane; but when fully aroused his anger is a tempest. The "summer" of his life laid by for the "winter" of old age; he has earned an honest living, and when he dies, he dies in debt to no one.
JOSEPH RIFORD, 3D,
Was one of twelve children that constituted his father's family when the latter settled upon a farm in Braintree. When Joseph was eighteen years old his father died, the event throwing upon him, the oldest son, a graver responsibility than ordinarily falls to the lot of youth of that age. He gained his education by studying evenings and teaching winters; in summer he worked on the farm. He was a leading drover for many years. He repre- sented Braintree several times in the legislature and held other places of trust in the town. In 1854 Mr. Riford removed to Elkhart, Ind., and was a member of the legislature of that state in 1862-3. During the war he was the tried and trusted friend of Gov. Morton, and never for a moment doubted the final triumph of the union arms and the downfall of slavery. From Elkhart he went, in 1866, to Benton Harbor, Mich., where he took a lively interest in the proposed railroad from Elkhart to Benton Harbor, of which he was one of the directors. He labored hard for the project, and lived to see the line in operation. A stroke of apoplexy resulted in his death, November 2, 1882.
PROF. ALLEN H. WELD,
Renowed as the author of Weld's English Grammar and Weld's Latin Grammar, was born in Braintree, on Quaker hill, it is thought, near the rocking rock. His parents were not rich in worldly wealth, but they fully realized the worth of education, and were determined to provide for their children the highest educational privileges in their power. Allen, equally determined, prepared in the schools near home to enter Dartmouth college. After studying at Dartmouth two years, in order to avail himself of greater privileges, he changed to Yale college, graduating with honor therefrom in 1834. From Yale Mr. Weld went to Nantucket and thence to Andover, Mass., where he studied theology two years, and taught one year in Phillips' academy. Thence he was called, in 1837, to the principalship of North Yarmouth, (Me.) classical academy, which position he held eleven years. It was during this time that he prepared his text book on the science of
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PERSONAL SKETCHES.
language, which for many years maintained a high rank in the schools of this country. In 1839 he was elected a member of the board of overseers of Bowdoin college, serving as such during his residence in Maine. Prof. Weld next taught in Boston one year, removing thence, in 1849, to Cumberland, Md., where he was principal of an academy six years. In 1855 he went to West Lebanon, N. H., and established there the Tilden female seminary. After a stay of three years he went to River Falls, Wis., where he resided till his death. Prof .. Weld was for several years superintendent of schools of St. Croix county, Wis., and was six years member of the board of regents of normal schools, in the meantime tilling a large farm.
As a teacher, Prof. Weld coupled tact, firmness and skill with an earnest devotion to his work; his consciousness of power gave to his demeanor a marked repose that was a charm to the pupil at the same time that it invoked his enthusiastic endeavor. To his official capacity he brought large compre- hension and activity, qualities of an efficient leader; prudent and far sighted, he planned and carried forward, managing the forces and means at his command with that practical ability which gained confidence, allayed animosity, encouraged the weak, and begat universal respect. As a citizen, his life was unblemished; he derived from Christianity, the fountain of all true greatness, a knowledge and a faith that were his practice and his power. His character was refined by all that is noblest and purest in human life.
He died of brain paralysis at the age of 73. He lay himself down full of years and full of honors, leaving a memory rich in suggestions which will be a living, active force long after the feeble body, which carried the grand brain and the Christian heart, has crumbled into dust.
JEHIEL PARMLY
Emigrated from Newtown, Conn., to Randolpli about 1780. He bought and settled on the property at Randolph Centre which was afterwards occupied by Alfred Blodgett, his grandson. Jehiel was a lineal descendant, in the fifth generation, of John Parmelee, who came from Kent, England, and settled in Guilford, Conn., in 1639. When a youth Jehiel served in the French and Indian war, 1756-8. He and his wife were members of the Congregational church in Newto but after removing to Braintree became members of the Baptist church, u which communion they lived and died, beloved and honored. About the year 1795, he exchanged his property in Randolph for a farm (the "Tilson farm") in Braintree, on which he resided till his death in 1804. Eleazer Parmelee, Jehiel's oldest son, removed to Ohio with his family in 1816. This family first changed the spelling of their surname to Parmly, and the family of Randolph becoming closely identified with the older branch adopted the same spelling for the sake of uniformity.
LEVI SPEAR PARMLY and ELEAZER PARMLY, Jr., were among the early practitioners of dentistry in this country. The former was for many years established at New Orleans. Eleazer began his practice in London, but the English climate not suiting him he went to New York where he spent the remainder of his life. He published a small poetical volume at one time,
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CUSHMAN, PRATT.
descriptive of the life, scenes and reminiscences of his boyhood in Braintree. Samuel and Jeliiel, younger brothers, were also dentists, the former at New York, the latter at Savannah, Ga. Randolph, the youngest, was the first male child born in Randolph, and was named after the town. The selectmen promised him a farm in honor of the event, but they did not make good their word. Some have supposed he did get a lot of land, the "Tilson farm," which by some change in the town line finally came within the limits of Braintree; but this is an error. Randolph Parmly owned that farm by inheritance or by purchase.
GEN. ARTEMAS CUSHMAN
Has enjoyed much popular favor, and not a little distinction. His public service has been chiefly in a military capacity. He was commissioned brigade inspector of Vermont militia in 1828, with the rank of major; in 1830 he was made lieut .- colonel; in 1835, colonel; in 1841, brigadier-general; and in 1847, the legislature elected him maj .- general. From 1835 to 1851 he was justice of the peace. He represented Warren in the House of Representatives in 1835, '36 and '42; in 1836 and '47 was a member of the constitutional conven- tion, and state senator from Windsor county in 1846 and '47. In all things he has proved true and worthy.
SAMUEL PRATT
Was connected by blood, through his mother, with the Adams, of Revolu- tionary fame. The ancestors of Samuel and his wife, Persis (Hayden), " were among thie pilgrims that sailed in the Mayflower, and the rock on which that historic ship landed her precious freight was not more firm and immovable than were the religious principles which they transmitted to their posterity, who, down to the present generation, have preserved and perpetuated them intact and inviolate." When Mr. Pratt came to Braintree in 1812, his family consisted of his wife and eight children. Two more were born after coming to Vermont. "He believed with David that 'children are a heritage,' and had his 'quiver full of them.'" His father and mother came from Old Brain- tree with him. They survived their son several years, and died almost a
hundred years old. His widow lived the last thirty years of her life at River Falls, Wis., with Lydia, her youngest living daughter. "Of her it is enough to say that she died as she had lived-a Christian. On earth, she brought precious ointment to her Savior's feet; in heaven, she beholds Him face to face." Of the children only one, Zebah, made a permanent home in Vermont; none in Braintree. The others who survived to maturity settled in the west. "Most of them now sleep with their fathers. Of that once united happy band of brothers and sisters, only three survive: Asaph, Lydia and Wash- ington. But they never forget the scenes of their childhood, and cherish an undying affection for their home by the rocking rock."
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PERSONAL SKETCHES.
GEORGE WASHINGTON PRATT
At the time of his father's death was only eighteen. After studying a few years in Burlington and Montpelier, he engaged in the music trade at New Orleans and Memphis, and afterwards at St. Louis. In 1852 he moved to River Falls, Wis., and was among the earliest settlers of that place. There he became at once a leader in society and took a prominent part in all that pertained to the best interests of that town. He was founder and for many years president of River Falls academy, an incorporated school of the first order; was chairman of supervisors; superintendent of public instruction, and held other responsible offices. He was besides one of the original founders of the Congregational church there, and was delegate to the national council at Boston in 1865. In the State normal school enterprise also he was a prime mover.
CAPT. JACOB SPEAR
Was among the first, if not the first, of the proprietors to come to Braintree and among the first to settle here. He had good business capacity and, evidently, was the right sort of a man to have in a new settlement. Jacob, like others of his race, was peculiar, and he speculated largely in land and acquired a large property. Though generally regarded as strictly honest, he was finally led, by the greed of money making probably, into an attempt to counterfeit coin. He lived where the late Jarvis Tilson did and the little brick building just north of the house was the place in which he carried on his operations. We think he had a partner, but cannot give his name. The facts leaked out at last and for some time Jacob was nowhere to be found. It is supposed he locked himself into his "mint," for no one could open it and he was missing several days. He was arrested and taken to jail from which he subsequently bailed himself out by deeding some six or eight lots of land to the proper legal officer. These deeds are on record and are all dated at Chelsea. This was about 1806-7. Soon after he sold his property in Braintree and removed with his family to Moriah, N. Y., where he spent the remainder of his life, though he died in Braintree. He returned on horseback to visit his friends, and as he rode up to the door where is daughter lived (Zoraster Brown's), he replied to herinquiry, "How are all'the folks?" with, " Rhoda, I have come for the last time." He visited his nephews, Arunah Spear and John Burridge, personally selected a spot for his grave in the cemetery near by, and then said he should never go out again, which proved true. He died a few days after. He chose the highest point in the cemetery, apart from other graves and directed that none of the earth dug from his grave should be returned to it, but that it should be filled with gravel from the branch, and that a boulder as large as two yokes of oxen could draw be deposited at the head. His wishes were complied with, and only the boulder and a few wild shrubs mark his burial place.
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