USA > Vermont > Orleans County > The history of Orleans county, Vermont. Civil, ecclesiastical, biographical and military > Part 3
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 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68
*A pine recently felled in Coventry, yielded 4131 feet of inch boards !
At the organization of Orleans County Bible Society, Aug. 16, 1814, Officers chose for the ensuing, or first year :- Elijah Strong, Esq., President: Luther Newcomb, Esq., Vice Psesident; Ralph Parker, Esq., Hon. Royal Corbin, Thomas Taylor, Esq., Direc- tors ; Hon. George Nye, Treasurer ; Thomas Tolman, Esq., Secretary.
AGENTS, IN THE TOWNS :- Greensboro, Asahel Washburn, Esq ; Glover, Jno. Board- man, Esq; Barton, Jno. Kimball, Esq .; Brownington, Jasper Robinson, Esq .; Derby, Rev. Luther Leland; Duncansboro, Amos Sawyer, Esq .; Coventry, Peter Redfield, Esq .; Craftsbury, Augustus Young, Esq. ; Hyde Park, Joshua Sawyer, Esq .; Morgan, Jotham Cummings, Esq. ; Holland, Eber Rob- inson, Esq .; Navy, Stephen Cole, Esq .; Troy, Josiah Lyon, Esq .; Salem, Eph'm. Blake, Esq .; Westfield, Medad Hitchcock, Esq .; Kelly Vale, Asahel Curtis, Esq. ; Eden, Rev. Joseph Farrar ; Morristown, Samuel Cook, Esq .; Irasburgh, Nath'l. Killam, Esq .; Lut- terloch, Aaron Chamberlain, Esq. ; Wolcott, Mr. Seth Hubbell; Elmore, Martin Elmore, Esq. The first Annual Meeting of the Socie- ty will be holden at Brownington, in Aug. next, on the 2d day of the Court (Tuesday) 3 o'clock P. M. at the court-house.
Dec. 1814. Att. THO'S TOLMAN, Sec.
THE ORLEANS COUNTY NATURAL, AND CIVIL HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
was formed in 1853. The objects of this soci- ety are expressed in the first article of the Constitution-"To promote the study of natural history, primarily in Orleans County and Northern Vermont and to collect and preserve while the early settlers are able to furnish them the items of interest in the civil history of the county, which would otherwise be soon lost to the future historian.""
For several years, this society was very active and made many valuable collections, and procured the writing of several town histories. Some of these have been published, and also a history of the Missisco valley by Samuel Sumner, Esq., and a brief notice of the county by Rev. S. R. Hall. Other town histories will be embraced in this number of the Vermont Historical Gazetteer.
The first president was the Hon. S. C. Crafts,for several years Governor of Vermont. After his death Rev. S. R. Hall, LL. D., was appointed to that office, and continues. So many of the early members have died, or re-
42
VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
moved from the county, that the operations of the society were discontinued during the late war. It is proposed to re-organize dur- ing the present year (1869), and it is hoped with greater energy than formerly.
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.
Several societies have existed, at different times, some of which are still active in efforts to advance the improvements of agriculture. Much benefit has been the result of these or- ganizations.
TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES.
The most successful temperance organiza- tions have been the Good Templars. Town societies of this order exist in nearly every town, and have essentially advanced the in- terests of the temperance cause.
THE ORLEANS COUNTY TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION. has existed many years, and accomplished much good.
Rev. S. R. Hall LL. D. was many years president, and after his resignation, Rev. A. A. Smith was appointed and still continues in office. The constitution of this important society is as follows :
" Whereas the future welfare of our County depends upon the intellectual and moral cul- ture of the people, and as the Common School, the ordinary place of learning for the mass of both sexes, is in too many instances sadly neglected ; and whereas we greatly need a higher and better standard of qualifications among our Teachers, and a deeper and more heartfelt interest among Parents and Pupils, and feeling that something should be done to remove existing evils, and permanently to advance the true interests of popular educa- tion, we the undersigned do unite for the ac- complishment of these purposes, and adopt for our guidance the following
CONSTITUTION.
Article I. The name of this society shall be the Orleans County Teachers' Association.
Art. II. The object of this Association shall be the advancement of the interests of edu- cation in the County, and especially the im- provement of Common Schools.
Art. III. The officers shall be a President, two Vice Presidents, chosen by the Associa- tion, and the Superintendents of Schools in the several towns ex officio, a Corresponding and Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Librari- an, and Executive Committee of three ; said officers may be chosen annually, but shall hold their offices till others are appointed.
Art. IV. The Association shall hold its an- nual meeting in the month of October, at such time and place as may be fixed by ad- journment, or may be called by the Executive Committee, with other meetings, quarterly or oftener, as thought best, and the notices of | in the history of Brownington. Ed.
such meetings shall be published in the County paper, by the Executive Committee at least two weeks before the time appointed.
Art. v. The exercises of each meeting shall be Lectures, discussions and reports. by Committees previously appointed. The Ex- ecutive Committee shall secure at least two lectures for each meeting, from some teacher or friend of education, and shall also present a series of subjects for discussion, and may appoint two persons to lead in the discussion of each topic.
Art. VI. Any teacher or friend of educa- tion may become a member of the Association by signing the Constitution and paying 25 cents. Females shall not be required to pay the initiation fee. The funds shall be appro- priated to advance the interests of the Socie- ty, by the payment for able works on educa- tion, the payment of the expenses of lecturers invited from beyond the limits of the County, and for any other object judged expedient by the Committee; all moneys shall be paid from the Treasury by their order, and they shall make an annual report of all moneys appropriated by them, the Treasurer shall also be required to make a similar report to the Association.
Art. VII. This Constitution may be amend- ed at any annual meeting, but not so as to change the purpose of the Association."
ACADEMIES AND SCHOOLS.
At an early period, an academy or County Grammar school was established at Brown- ington. Of this school Rev. A. L. Twilight was for many years the able and successful principal. Under his able management and efforts, the seminary attained a high charac- ter and was highly successful. Many were fitted for college, who have since become em- inently useful. Other able teachers, Rev. Mr. Woodward, Judge Porter and Rev. Mr. Scales, conducted the seminary a short time each. But Mr. Twilight conducted it longer than all the others .*
A similar institution was established a few years later at Craftsbury. It attained emi- nence among the academies of the State. In 1840, Rev. S. R. Hall assumed the charge of it, and aimed to make it a Normal school, or teachers, seminary, of high order, similar to the one he had conducted at Anderson, Mass. As Mr. Hall was pastor of the church, he was led to resign his connection with the school after a few years. Able and successful teach - ers have given the school high eminence. It has the richest cabinet and collections for a museum, of any school in Northern Vermont,
* For further accounts see biography of Mr. Twilight
43
ORLEANS COUNTY.
if not in the State. For many years, both of these institutions exerted a salutary influence. But after a part of the county funds were given to other schools, both of these declined. Others however have been commenced at Derby, Glover. Barton, Westfield, Troy and Albany. That at Derby is now eminently prosperous. A new building, highly credit- able to that town, has been just completed, another at Craftsbury, is being completed.
In all the other towns mentioned and at Charleston and Irasburg, good buildings have been provided for academies or high schools. No county in the State surpasses Orleans, in the efforts made to provide for the education of youth. May these efforts continue and in- crease.
ORLEANS COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. BY J. M. CURRIER, M. D.
This society was organized at Orleans, (now 1869 Coventry) Aug. 15, 1843. The following were the first officers :
S. S. Kendall, M. D., president ; J. F. Skin- ner, M. D., vice president; Daniel Bates, M. D., secretary ; Geo. A. Hinman, M. D., treas- urer ; S. S. Kendall, M. D., librarian ; Lemuel Richmond, M. D., J. F. Skinner, M. D., and Daniel Bates, M. D., censors.
The following names are found appended to the constitution as members :
Lemuel Richmond, Derby Line, J. F. Skin- ner, Barton, Daniel Bates, Lewis Morril, New- port, Geo. A. Hinman, West Charleston, S S. Kendall, Coventry, Geo. Damon, Dyer Bill, West Albany, Lewis Patch, Derby, H. P. Hoyt, Henry Hayes, Elijah Robinson, L. W. Adgate, Irasburgh, A. G. Bugbee, Derby Line, D. W. Blanchard, Coventry, John B. Masta, Barton, S. A. Skinner, Brownington.
Very few meetings were holden under this organization until Sept, 11, 1851, when there took place a re-organization, at Coventry .- The following officers were elected :
Lemuel Richmond, M. D., president; Dyer Bill, M. D,, vice president ; D. W. Blanchard, M. D., secretary ; S. S. Kendall, M. D. treas- urer ; L. W. Adgate, M. D., librarian.
Meetings were regularly holden in the dif- ferent towns until June 22, 1854, after which time none were holden until June 7, 1864, when there took place another re-organiza- tion. The following officers were elected :
treasurer ; A, G. Bugbee, M. D., J. M. Currier, M. D., R. B. Skinner, M. D., censors.
Successful meetings have been holden up to the present time, (1869). The following names have been appended to the constitu- tion as members, in addition to the above, viz. J. M. Currier, M. D., Newport, R. B. Skin- ner, M. D., Barton, F. W. Goodall, M D., Glover, G. B. Cutler, M. D., Troy, W. B. Moody, M. D., Brownington, S. Putnam, M. D., Greensboro, N. Tittemore, M. D., Lowell, George Woodward, M. D., Albany, S. R. Co- rey, M. D., East Craftsbury, T. H. Hoskins, M. D., Newport, C. G. Adams, M. D., Island Pond, N. Cheney, M. D., Beebe Plain, R. P. Johnson, M. D., Stanstead ; S. E. Farnsworth, M. D., Lowell, Charles L. Erwin, M. D., New- port Centre, E. O. Ranny, M. D., Barton Landing, H. J. Miller. M. D., South Troy, J. M. Winslow, M. D., Brownington, C. L. French, M. D, Glover.
The following is the order of presidents of the society :
First president, S. S. Kendall ; second, J. F. Skinner ; third, Lemuel Richmond; fourth, D. W. Blanchard.
This society was formed for self-improve- ment, in which the members could report their cases, and receive as well as impart knowledge relating to the pathology and treatment of diseases. It has had an elevat- ing effect upon the medical profession of the county, dispelling jealousy, hatred and self- cenceit, and inspiring confidence, respect, and love for research among its members.
THE ORLEANS COUNTY SOCIETY OF NATURAL SCIENCES. BY J. M. CURRIER, M. D.
This Society organized Sept. 28, 1869, was de- signed to supercede the Orleans County Nat- ural and Civil Historical Society, which was organized in 1853, and continued in active and efficient operation until 1859, since which time no meetings have been holden.
It has adopted mainly the constitution and by-laws of the Portland Society of Natural History, modified only to suit the different circumstances. The museum and library are located at Derby, Vt. The cabinet contains several hundred valuable specimens, mostly minerals, which will soon be properly labeled and catalogued.
Lemuel Richmond, M. D., president; J. F. The meetings are holden in the several towns in the county, as may be determined Skinner, M. D., vice president ; D. W. Blanch- ard, M. D., secretary ; L. W. Adgate, M D., | from time to time. There are six regular
44
VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
meetings in a year, and the by-laws provide for special meetings whenever the interests of the society require them.
The society contemplates commencing a se- ries of publications, under the title of " Trans- actions of the Orleans County Society of Natural Sciences," during the year 1870, and to continue them annually.
The following are the present officers of the society, (1870) viz .:
George A. Hinman, M. D., president ; Rev. H. A. Spencer, first vice president ; E. P. Col- ton, Esq., second vice president; J. M. Cur- rier, M. D., Rec. and Cor. secretary ; M. H. Fuller, A. B., treasurer ; Hon. E. A. Stewart and M. H. Fuller, A. B., curators.
Honorary members : Rev. S. R. Hall, LL. D., Hon. D. M. Camp.
The Orleans County Natural and Civil His- torical Society was organized in 1853. The following were the first officers :
Hon. Samuel C. Crafts, president; Rev. S. R. Hall, Rev. A. R. Gray, vice presidents ;- George A. Hinman, M. D., secretary ; S. A. Skinner, M. D., treasurer.
There were four regular meetings in a year, held in the several towns, as determined by the society, from time to time. The library and cabinet were kept at Derby Academy, Vt.
AGRICULTURE IN ORLEANS COUNTY.
BY HON. Z. E. JAMESON, OF IRASBURGH.
The geological character of each town will doubtless be given by other writers. It is a subject that attracts the attention of but few farmers, and needs no particular consideration, except so far as it affects the soil. This is so satisfactory, that many seem to regard their own estates as best.
Those upon the hills speak of their excellent pastures and great crops of grass : these alone are reliable sources of prosperity. But the val- leys are often equally productive of grass, and being more free from stone, are easily tilled, and tempt the farmer to the free use of the plow, and the more extensive cultivation of grain and hoed crops.
As an example of the actual productions in this county, I give the statistics collected by school-district clerks, in 13 towns, in 1867.
The number of farms reported is 718, and the actual produce and number of acres are usually from the farmer's own estimate :
Acres wheat, 568
oats, 2,287
Acres rye and barley,
66
" potatoes,
708
" corn, 348
India or buckwheat,
600
mowing,
16,903
pasture,
22,207
Bushels of roots for cattle,
14,735
Number of oxen, 771
cows, 3,128
Pounds of butter, 222,829
cheese, 35,745
Number cattle less than 3 yrs. old, 2,297
sheep, 14,065
Pounds of fattened pork,
377,400
Number of store pigs, 844
Bushels of apples, . 9,219
Swarms of bees. 614
Pounds of surplus honey, 4,197
Number of maple trees tapped, 153,835
Pounds of sugar made, 350,745
Number of horses over 4 yrs old, 924
colts less than
546
The yield per acre of the crops is somewhat variable, yet shows no failure ; and in many cases the yield is large-as from 30 to 40 hush- els of wheat, 50 to 80 bushels of oats-300 bushels of potatoes.
The wheat raised is not nearly enough to supply the home demand. When the country was first settled wheat was considered a sure and remunerative crop : but from perhaps 1840 to 1860 many fields were completely destroyed by midge, or what is commonly called wevil- especially on valley land that inclined to be sandy-but constant experiments gradually proved, that if spring wheat was sown very ear- ly on fertile land, a crop is almost certain. Win. ter wheat is not raised.
The oat crop is raised on every variety of soil, and with but little care; and, in the ab- sence of a regular rotation of crops, oats are often raised 3 or 4 years on one piece of land : thus raised because oats are reliable, and are always in demand, and are a source of money- ed income. They are sown at any time after the snow leaves the ground until June 15.
Barley, rye, corn and buckwheat are only raised in small quantities, as will be seen by comparing the number of acres with the num- ber of farms, reported.
Doubtless when the importance of feeding grain to all kinds of stock is fully appreciated, as well as the profit in fattening cattle and sheep, these kinds of ccarse grain will be more exten- sively raised
45
ORLEANS COUNTY.
Potatoes average only about one acre to the farm ; yet in towns where there are starch-fac- tories, as in Albany, Barton, Coventry, Derby, Charleston, Lowell, and other towns, potatoes are planted in fields of from 5 to 20 acres, and yield, in some cases, over 400 bushels per acre, -and generally 200 per acre. The price paid at the factories, in 1868, was from 30 to 40 cts, -the highest price being for well-ripened, good eating potatoes, as such yield the most starch ; from 7 to 8 lbs. to the bushel.
In Coventry, in each of 3 years, were receiv- ed at the factory from 30,000 to 36,000 bushels. Three other years were received from 20,000 to 24,000 each year. The method of raising po- tatoes is usually to plow up a piece of pasture, or grass ground, and for a fertilizer use only a spoonful of plaster (gypsum) in each hill. The inferior kinds, however, will not generally rot, even if grown on rich ground. The second year of plowing, apply manure and sow grass- seed and grain. In this way land does not run out, and a cash income is secured. The prod- ucts intended for market, such as oats, butter, cheese, hops and cattle, are bought by men who are called speculators, but who are of great as- sistance to farmers in making a home market for all surplus productions ; and as the farmers usually take papers that report the markets, they know the value, and the prices obtained usually leave but a small margin of profit to the dealer ; but his capital is returned so often that the risk is less. Every day express-matter can be sent to the city, and every week special butter-cars and cattle-trains accommodate the dealer.
No produce has been so variable as hops .- The crop in the field yields from 100 lbs. to a ton per acre; in price from 2 cents per pound to 75 cents. One day in October, 1868, it was reported that 150,000 pounds were delivered at Newport, at 15 cents per pound. In nearly every town there are a few acres still cultivated.
The sugar made in the county is not enough to supply the home wants, although there are quanties sent to all parts of the country to those who prefer the maple to all other sugars: yet it is evident the merchants bring in more than they send off. The average yield per farm is nearly 500 lbs. A good sugar-place is usually considered a valuable addition to a farm and worthy of preservation; yet it is doubtles true that an acre of good tillage yields a greater an- nual income than an acre of maples.
tives, bred in a somewhat careless manner .- The males used for breeding being often inferi- or animals, and their stock remarkable for no particular excellencies. With some farmers the color was the chief thing. The ox or cow must be red, then, if it was otherwise valuable, so much the better. Such ideas led to the intro- duction of Devon stock; and in many parts of the county the cattle show the influence of Devon blood in color and build, but there is no herd of pure Devons, of long standing, known to the writer. At the fair in 1868, there were two exhibitors of Devons, E. A. Leach, Irasburg, and Geo. Nelson, Craftsbury.
Notwithstanding the popular feeling in favor of red color, there were a few persons who, from time to time, tried to introduce the Durhams .- Levi Brigham and brother, of Lowel, have had this stock for about 20 years, but have not sought especial notoriety. In 1858 Hon. E. Cleveland obtained of this blood three heifers from Ken- tucky aud two from Canada, from which, with judicious breeding, a fine herd has been pro- duced, and as this breed has continued to gain in public favor, the investment has financially resulted favorably, purchasers being ready to take all surplus stock at a good price. When- ever this herd has been exhibited at fairs, either State or county, it has received the favorable consideration of spectators and awarding com- mittees. Its present high standing is as much due to the personal care of H. C. Cleveland, as to the natural excellencies of the breed for beef and milk.
Half-bloods, with good care, seem to grow to a large size and mature young. A few others are commencing herds of Durhams, but wheth- er for experiment or permanency it is impossi- ble to say.
The Dutch cattle are only represented by an- imals owned by T. Baker, of Barton, and A. M. Ripley, Coventry. They are recommended as superior milking stock ; but the present indica- tions are that their chief value will be in cross- ing with the common stock. Half-bloods sired by a Dutch bull, are produced of large frames, strong digestive organs, quietness and docility in feeding and management.
The Jersey cattle have been kept several years by N. T. Sheafe, Esq., Derby Line, with great satisfaction. They seem to sustain their usual reputation as good milkers.
There may have been occasional specimens of the Hereford, Ayrshire, Galloways, &c., but no
The cattle in Orleans county are mostly na- | herd of any of these breeds. The tendency for
46
VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
several years has been, among large farmers, to devote their chief attention to dairying. Some- times cows and team are all the stock kept; no young heifers growing up to take the places of failing cows. The income of a good dairy has often been from $75 to $100 per cow.
The sheep kept probably number 20,000 .- Most of the large flocks are high grade merinos, a healthy, hardy sheep, well covered with excel- lent wool, yielding in fleece and lambs a satis- factory return for the shepherd's care.
To improve these flocks the best bred bucks have been obtained, at prices from $50 to $500. There are some good fine sheep in nearly every town; but there seems to have been the most attention paid to them in Coventry, where there are several large and choice flocks. Through the north-eastern towns there are many small flocks of large sheep kept for raising lambs for market, and the steadily increasing demand for these lambs has called more attention to their production, and a desire to increase their size by breeding with the choice English bucks, South Devon, Leicester and Coltswolds.
This branch of farming has proved highly remunerative, and will, doubtless, be more ex- tensively followed. A. B. Mathewson, of Bar- ton, has kept, according to report, about 100 large ewes, from which 100 lambs were pro- duced at $5 each, and a fleece at $2, making an income of $700 from the flock. Small flocks are occasionally reported that give an income of $10, $12, and even $15 to each sheep win- tered.
The surplus produce of the county is nearly all shipped at the depots in the county on the Con- necticut & Passumpsic road, although some of the eastern towns occasionally deliver produce at Island Pond, on the Grand Trunk R. R .- The main highways are usually kept in good condition, and follow streams or take the level- est route ; and while all admit the value of rail- roads to the farmer, it is evident that extensive manufactories that would employ a large num- ber of persons, who would use here what is now transported, would be of still greater advantage to the county and cause a greater degree of prosperity than has yet been attained.
There was an agricultural society in Orleans county about 1849 that held an annual fair about ten years in succession in different vil- lages near the centre of the county. The pre- miums were paid by the help of a State appro- priation and the sale of membership tickets- the fair being held in open ground free to all.
Then a fair-ground company was formed, that prepared and fenced a ground near Barton Landing, made a good track, and charged an entrance fee. From some cause it became unpop- ular, and the idea of a " horse-trot" prevailed, therefore the show was discontinued 15 years.
In 1867 a county agricultural society was formed, aud held a fair at Barton Landing on the old ground. It was very successful. There were 429 articles entered, and $766.26 received, and, after premiums were paid $444.89 was left in the treasury.
The officers in 1867 and 1868 were: Mark Nutter, Barton, president ; Wm. J. Hastings, Craftsbury, J. B. Wheelock, Coventry, vice presidents; Z. E. Jameson, Irasburgh, D. F. Bisbee, Newport, secretaries; and one executive committee from each town in the county.
In 1868 the fair was held on a new fair-ground near Barton village-a beautiful place, and well prepared, by a company who furnish its use free to the society for 5 years. The number of en- tries at the fair were 510, of which 110 were horses and colts. There were specimens of Dur- ham, Devon, Dutch, Ayrshire and Jersey cattle ; but the first class were the most numerous, and the herd of H. C. Cleveland, of Coventry, at- tracted especial attention, also the Dutch of Thomas Baker, of Barton.
The officers for 1869 are M. M. Kelsey, Der- by, president ; A. M. Ripley, Coventry, Thomas Baker, Barton, vice presidents ; Z. E. Jameson, Irasburg, Geo. W. True, Coventry, secretaries ; $1200 offered in premiums.
ALBANY.
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.