USA > Vermont > Orleans County > The history of Orleans county, Vermont. Civil, ecclesiastical, biographical and military > Part 30
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No one who bore the weary load of life in Washington through the battles of the Wilder- ness-who heard the rattle of the ever-rolling ambulance, who watched over the dying and the dead, can ever make life seem just what it was before. It was during the ghastly days of the summer of 1864 that Mr. Baxter went to Fredericksburg. He went brave and strong to succor the wounded-to take personal care of the soldiers of Vermont. When the crisis was past, and he returned to Washington, those who saw him go away could scarcely recognize the man, so emaciated-so worn was he with watching and grief-so utterly had he entered into and shared the life and sufferings of our soldiers. Every consideration of personal ease and comfort were given up by Mr. Baxter and his unselfish wife.
Mr. Baxter was an enthusiastic Henry Clay whig. It is easy to understand how the great- hearted, fervent Kentuckian, with his magnetic eloquence and wide patriotism, should possess so powerful a charm to the equally fervent and great-hearted Vermonter. During the existence of the Whig party Mr. Baxter was a frequent delegate to its national Conventions, and in 1848 was the only delegate from New-England who advocated the nomination of General Taylor from the beginning. Though he was tendered nominations, year after year, Mr. Baxter refused to be a candidate for the legislature, and was never a member of either branch of the General Assembly. In 1852-3 he was placed at the head of the electoral ticket and voted for General Congress adjourned. The tired members Scott. He was also elector in 1856-7 and voted hastened to the mountains and the sea; but
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through all that sickly summer this husband and wife remained faithful at their post, looking after the missing, nursing the wounded, caring for the dead. till they themselves were pros- trated, and sickness, only, made an interval in their labors.
Mr. Baxter's magnetic and winning presence, combined with his utter earnestness, made him a positive power in the various government de- partments. Here all his individual forces came into play, and gave him great influence with men in power. It was in such contact that he gained the friendship of the great war Secreta- ry, who, in this man's death, lost a friend whose faith never faltered, and whose love was never shaken by the utmost test or trial. His admi- ration of Edwin M. Stanton could be measured only by his never-ceasing devotion. "It was very hard for me to refuse him anything that he asked" said another head of a department, since his death. It was hard because he was always so thoroughly in earnest, so sincere in his convictions that what he asked was just and right. The most precious memory which we can trace for his name is that he was ever the friend of all who suffered or who were oppressed No member of Congress had more perfect faith in the future of the African race. No matter what his color or condition, he recognized in every man, a man and a brother. With such a nature it was not strange that many of his most devoted friends were among the lowly, and among little children. The enkindling smile, sufficient in itself to make his face remarkable, shone with its gentlest radiance while looking into the face of a child.
In personal appearance he was one of the noblest looking men in Congress. Six feet in hight of commanding proportions, with a face singu- larly expressive, every feature radiating thought and emotion, with a noble carriage, the step and smile of youth, with the quick word of kindness, and the hearty hand-grasp he carried in his very presence a personal charm which was irresisti- ble. The house of Representatives is a great crucible into which many local great men drop to be lost. Their individuality fused into the mass around them is powerless to make a sign or to leave an impress. Potent indeed is the power of personality which as such can make itself felt and acknowledged amid so many con- flicting and overpowering elements of human character. Yet in Congress the power of Mr. Baxter was personal. He was not a speech- maker. He did not blazon his name on great
"Bills," or astounding "Measures." And yet in his private speech, all alive with eloquence, in his personal influence, in his intercourse with his fellow members, on his committees, and in his seat in Congress, he was always a positive power. And we doubt if ever a man came to Washington who was beloved by more personal friends.
But as we enumerate his public acts, his per- sonal virtues, we are conscious all the time that the finest essence of his nature escapes us. Like the more silent and subtle forces of nature it evades all palpable sight or sound, while it is yet more potent than either. Those are rare men and women whose human personality is the highest expression of their being. In mere scholastic learning, in literary efflorescence we do not find it : but in their character -in what they are. Such a man was Portus Baxter. To portray his nature in its ultimate influence, we must search for it as it reacts and is repro- duced in the lives of other men and women, must trace it in the laws of events, in deeds done and undone. For the utmost test of all mental or moral life is character. The flower of all thought, the fruit of all feeling is character. As a man thinketh, so is he. We may record acts but the finest effluence of a high nature like the subtlest expression of the face evades all em- bodiment; an exquisite perfume, it cannot be caught nor imprisoned in words. /
It was in Washington, March 4,1868, that the final summons came. There had been many warnings-yet how utterly unlooked for was the messenger at last. The following paragraph written by the writer of this sketch at the time of his death, expresses perhaps as fully as words can what the death of such a man was to those wholoved him. It is perfectly natural to connect the idea of death with some persons, who dream that they live, but who in this living world are always more dead than alive, But Mr. Baxter though often attacked by disease, suggested only the thought of irrepressible, exhaustless life. Such was the youth of his heart, such his enthusiastic interest in every thing which con- cerned humanity, that even now that he has passed beyond our sight, it is impossible to think of him as indifferent to the affairs of this world. Every pulse of his heart beat with Congress in these portentious days. On Tuesday night he said : "It seems as if I must see the country through this great struggle." In half an hour he had closed his eyes in that sleep, from which he awakened in the eternities.
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in the last slumber, and by and by they will gather them to repose under the long shadows of our venerated native hills, and by the mur- muring streams that pour their ceaseless dirge in commemoration of the dead; there may the morning of the resurrection find them, and the trump of the eternal jubilee quicken them to life."
"LUTHER LELAND,
born in Holliston, Mass., Oct. 31, 1781 ; fit- ted for college with Rev. Timothy Dickenson, of that place ; was preceptor of an academy in Guildhall, some time; read theology with Rev. Asa Burton, D. D., of Thetford ; was pastor of the Congregational church in Der- by from 1810 till his death, Nov. 9, 1822. He preached half the time in Stanstead, Canada, 1810-12; for several years was the only Congregational minister in Orleans County and performed a large amount of missionary labor in its various towns."-Pearson's Mid- dlebury College Catalogue.
"Original Prose and Poetry, embracing a va- riety of novel and political subjects; by N. Boynton, of Derby, Vermont; published by N. Boynton, 1856."
A small 12 mo. of 253 pages :
A copy of this work came to us through the mail, we acknowledged its receipt, and made some further inquiries in a biographical direction, of the author, but never received any other communication. We have been in- formed, however, by the by, that the author- ship printing, binding and publication was all by a young man learning the printer's trade, a native or resident of Derby. This humble work is interesting, at least, to the antiquarian, as the first book of poetry pro- duced by Orleans County.
We will give a liberal extract from the pages, which is the fairest review that can be bestowed on any work, et verbatim .- Ed. "THE BANKS OF CLYDE."
Who wandered on the banks of Clyde, When childhood cast it's robe of green Along the murm'ring water's side, Will hail the hours that long have been Swept noiselessly adown the tide.
Those halcyon days so oft return, As memory leads the glowing mind Back to the scenes of youth, and burn Brighter than cloudless morn behind, Bringing new glories in their turn.
When near the ruggid mountain step, The rolling stone or caving earth,
The thoughtless laugh, unconscious lep, Begetting newer joys to birth Where none but moarners camo to weep.
Or when the distant cataract's fall Broke pleasantly upon the ear, Converting silvan music all
To one melodeous concert dear, With naught among the shades to fear.
To grace uncultivated lawns,
Slow wound the silent waters round ; At evening or when morning dawned,
To cheer the twilight with her song, The night bird in the forest roamed.
Then welcome faces sought the grove, The maiden with her flowing hair, The graceful youth with eyes to love, And the young bride or happy pair, All found a glad reception there.
But years of penitence have fled, Adversity has decked the tomb, Thousands have mingled with the dead, Thousands have awoke to bloom, And moulder with their common head.
THE RICH AND POOR MAN'S SON.
The rich man's son inherits land, And piles of brick and stones of gold, And tender flesh that fears the cold, Nor dares to wear a garment old; A heritage it seems to me, One would not care to hold in fee.
The rich man's son inherits cares, The bank may break, the factory burn, Some breath may burst his bubble shares, And soft white hands would scarcely earn A living that would suit his turn ; A heritage it seems to me,
One would not care to hold in fee.
What does the poor man's son inherit? Stout mussles and a sinewy heart, A hardy frame, and hardier spirit; King of two hands, he does his part In every useful toil and art; A heritage, it seems to me, One would not wish to hold in fee.
What does the poor man's son inherit ? Wishes o'erjoyed with humble things, A rank adjudged by toil-worn merit, Content that from enjoyment springs ; A heritage, it seems to me, A king might wish to hold in fee.
What does the poor man's son inherit? A patience learned by being poor ; Courage, if sorrow comes, to bear it ; A fellow feeling that is sure To make the outcast bless his door : A heritage, it seems to me,
A king might wish to hold in fee.
Oh, rich man's son, there is a toil That with all others level stands, Large charity doth never soil, But only whitens soft white hands- This is the best crop from thy lands- A heritage, it seems to me, Worth being rich to hold in fee.
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Oh poor man's son, scorn not thy state! There is worse weariness than thine- In being merely rich and great ; Work only makes the soul to shine, And makes work fragrant and benign : A heritage, it seems to me, Worth being poor to hold in fee.
.
Both heirs to some six feet of sod, Are equal in the earth at last- Both children of the same dear God, Prove title to your heirship vast, By record of a well-filled past ! A heritage, it seems to me, Well worth one to hold in fee,
[See Poems by Jas. Russell Lowell, pp. 198-201-ED.]
BREATHINGS FROM THE SOUTH. BY SUSAN E. PIERCE, (A native of Derby residing in the West.)
I am far from my own green mountain home, From my loved ones far away; And the memory of those by-gone hours Is with me the live-long day.
When the sunlight fades in the crimson West, When his last bright beam is gone,
Oh ! its then, 'tis then, I fain would rest In my own Green Mountain home.
This Southern clime is warm and bright, Its flowers are rich and fair ; But better the North with its snow-clad hills Than the South with its balmy air,
These grand old woods, these pleasant groves, Are bright in their golden hue,
But give me my home with its fresh green fields, So rich in the sparkling dew.
Kind ones are clustered around me now, And friendly hearts are near, And dearly I prize their kindly love, But it checks not the rising tear : I dream of my mother,s gentle tone, Of the light in my father's eye,
Oh! sadly I pine for the dear ones all, Who in spirit are ever nigh.
GLOVER.
THE TOWSNSHIP AND EARLY SETTLERS.
BY REV. SIDNEY K. B. PERKINS, A. M.
The town of Glover, Orleans County, Ver- mont, is a well-watered and productive sec- tion of country ; and affords to the lover of nature a great variety of beautiful scenery, woodland, hill and dale, with here and there a clear streamlet or larger body of water.
It embraces 36 square miles, and is situated 40 miles N. E. from Montpelier ; bounded N. by Barton, E. by Sheffield, S. by Wheelock and Greensboro and W. by Craftsbury and Albany.
In this town the Barton river has its rise, and within its limits are found branches of the Passumpsic, Lamoille and Black rivers.
The ponds-such as Stone's, Parker's and one or two others, would in some counties, where the like are not so numerous, be hon- ored with the name of lakes.
Thompson's Gazetteer of Vermont gives the name of Mountain to Black hill, which is sit- uated in the south part of the town.
Glover derives its name from Gen. John Glover, who resided in his early childhood and previous to his death in Marblehead, Mass. His birthplace was Salem, Mass., a town, (now city) adjoining. He was the son of Jonathan and Tabitha B. Glover ; born in 1732 and died in 1797, aged 65 years.
His military office was that of Brigadier General and he served under Gen. Washington in the war of the Revolution. He went first as private in the volunteer service, enlisted in Marblehead, and passed through all the grades of military office up to the above men- tioned, all of which he discharged with honor and distinction. He was held in high esteem by his commander-in-chief and by all other officers civil and military, and by all ranks of men with whom he came in contact. He had the honor of conducting Burgoyne's army af- ter the defeat of that proud general, through the States, and to Boston and Charlestown. He has been honored by his descendants in his native town and a few years ago they erected a monument over his grave, in the ancient cemetery of Marblehead. The inhab- itants of Essex county, Mass., also regard his memory as worthy of preservation. During the late civil war, they named a camp-ground " Camp Glover ;" they have a regiment which has been named " Glover Guards" and have made efforts to perpetuate his name in many other ways.
The land now embraced in the town, which we have said was named for him, was granted to him by Congress, as a reward for his dis- tinguished military services. The grant was made in 1781, June 27th, and the charter was given to the General and his associates, Nov. 20th 1783.
The settlement of this township was com- menced in 1798. and advanced very slowly for several years, and in the year 1800, there were only 38 persons in town. In 1807, there were about 70 families, numbering probably in all as many as 250 individuals.
It is to be regretted that the earliest records of the town are lost, but it is our purpose so far as we may be able to give some sketches of
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The life just with us, that cared for us, that quickened us to all generous thoughts, that inspired in us a devotion for all truth, a zeal for all nobility of deed, this life so bounteous, so vivid, so real, could not go out with that expiring breath ! Where is it? We search the illimitable spaces; we question the darkness, the silence, we turn with eager quest to the words of inspiration, and the answer is: "not afar off." He loved to live. He was in love with this green earth," and none the less that he believed and trusted in God. Thus we say, Farewell, beloved friend, and yet not farewell! You have gone outside of our vision, yet we cannot believe that you have gone far away ; or that you have ceased to care for us. We cannot believe that when the Spring renews its marvels, when its delicious days come, whose balsams we believed were to be your healing, that you will not know it, that the trees about the capitol whose budding brought joy through so many Springs will again leaf and blossom and you have no knowledge of their bloom; that the wayside grass, the early flowers will flush into life and you be unmindful of their loveliness. You, who never saw human suffering without the impulse and effort to alleviate, now that your consciousness and sympathy have became exalted and perfect, cannot feel less for the creatures whom you love, nor be less in the universe of God, than one of His ministering ones. Love and sorrow! might- iest forces of the soul, before which every purpose of the mind, every effort of the brain sinks in paralysis, to these time brings only spiritual consolations. "I give my angels charge concern- ing thee," is the assurance of inspiration. Thus we utter no farewells, O, thou steadfast friend! with those who love thee, with those whom thou lovest thou wilt abide a helper and a friend till in the apocalypse of the final change, we shall behold thee again face to face, and join thee in the ascending life, to falter or to fail, to sin or to suffer no more forever.
An immense concourse of people attended the obsequies of Mr. Baxter, at his private res- idence in Washington. Men, the most distin- guished in the nation-heads of Government, members of both houses of Congress, mingled with the unknown and the poor, all mourning alike the loss of their friend. Among the flow- ers of Spring piled high upon the sacred casket which enclosed his form, none were so precious to the hearts of his bereaved family, as the cross of blossoms representing the 6th Corps badge laid there by the soldiers of Vermont, then in Washington.
The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Dr. Sunderland, pastor of the first Presbyterian Church, Washington, and Rev. Dr. Sawyer, pastor of Universalist Church, New Jersey. Dr. Sunderland, who had become acquainted with and had learned to love Mr. Baxter during his residence in Washington-before the close of his sermon uttered this eloquent personal tribute to the memory of his friend :
"There are others who will dwell on his vir- tues and record for the admiration of after-times the fidelities of his life. Suffice it now for me to say, that my more intimate acquaintance with my departed friend commenced in the days when we were watching together by the bedside of the late lamented Senator Solomon Foote, and mingled in the affecting scenes of that most remarkable experience, where not only our own native Vermont, but the whole Country between the seas was filled with mourning. It was then that I began more especially to notice his deep fountain of sympathy, his true brother's heart, the modesty of real nobility, the simplicity of genuine friendship and all those qualities which so fondly endeared him to his friends. Since that day I have had, occasion to know him more thoroughly. Temperate in all things, affable and gentle, considerate of the feelings of others, he was yet firm and immovable in his convictions, and of the most benignant, magnanimous, and forbearing dispositions. Seldom could he he stung to rashness, and never could he keep the fire of resentment long! It is true, that in re- ligious sentiment, and faith upon certain points of doctrine, we might not think alike, but, with- out regard to this, he would not see a fellow-man in trouble, wrongfully, without lending him & helping hand. I shall not soon forget with what generous proffers he came, among the fore- most, to my assistance in a time of the greatest personal trial during my ministry in Washington, nor how faithfully he redeemed his promises. It seemed to me that he had fully appreciated the trial of our parting with the lamented Sena- tor who had been to me as a father to a son, and that he was resolved in part, at least, to supply the place-and he did supply it. Oh, departed friend, how truly I can testify the great- ness and gratefulness of thy friendships! Should it ever be permitted us to meet in yonder spheres I am sure I should know at once the love-sign of that great heart, and thou wouldest smile again in all the wonted brightness of thine ex- alted nature. Farewell then, earnest, faithful, noble friend! Farewell sacred ashes of the departed. They will lay them tenderly down
.
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the early settlers of Glover, to mark its pro- gress in wealth and educational advantages, and to show that in the trying years of the great Rebellion the sacrifices made by this town, and the willingness on the part of its young men, to peril their all in the sacred cause of liberty, were no discredit to the name of the Revolutionary hero who gave to this section of land, the name of Glover.
MR. JAMES VANCE,
the first settler of Glover, came from London- derry, N. H., when he was 29 years old ; his wife, Hannah Abbott, was from Dracut, N. H. His purchase of land in Glover embraced 160 acres for which he paid one dollar an acre. His attention was drawn to this town- ship, when he was on a journey to Canada, 5 years previous, because while the verdure of the region around was touched by the frost a portion of Glover was green and flourishing, and that very spot he afterwards adopted as his future residence.
Mr. Vance was of strong constitution, able to endure the hardships of a new settlement, and was of a cheerful turn of mind. He loved to speak of the early settlers of Glover, and to narrate amusing anecdotes in respect to them. Several times he pointed out to the writer the spot in the north part of the town, where he cut down the first tree. Mr. Vance died Nov. 26, 1864, aged 95 years and 7 months, leaving numerous descendants in Glover and surrounding towns. His funeral was attended at the Congregational church, Rev. S. K. B. Perkins preaching the sermon. MR. RALPH PARKER,
another of the early settlers, was the first representative from Glover to the State Legislature.
Ralph Parker, Esq., and his wife, (Hannah Hoyt) removed from New Haven, Vt., to Glover, soon after Mr. James Vance had com- menced the settlement of the town, and it was not long before a piece of land was clear- ed at the southern extremity of Parker's pond, and a house built which was open to the pub- lic. Mr. Parker is described by those who. knew him as a fine looking, active young man, and very pleasing in his manners; as he was the agent for the sale of the land in Glover, he was one of the first to welcome the early settlers to their new home.
His wife is described as a superior woman, affable, generous, and very kind to the sick, often going three or four miles to watch with
them; It is not common for one to leave & name so fragrant as it respects every good quality, as did she. Mrs. Parker died in August, 1811. The sermon at her funeral was preached by Rev. Salmon King, of Greens- boro (text, Romans viii. 18), and was the first funeral sermon known to be printed for any inhabitant of Orleans County. People came quite a distance to attend her funeral, even ladies from Derby took pains to come on horseback. We learn from the sermon that Mrs. Parker " died in the 35th year of her age leaving a disconsolate husband, four sons and two daughters, and numerous acquain- tances to lament their loss." Of these sons- Daniel Penfield Parker, was the first child born in Glover. After the death of his wife, Esq., Parker removed with his family to Rochester, New York.
MR. SAMUEL COOK,
who was another of the earliest settlers, pur- chased a lot in the south part of Glover and began to clear the land for a farm, all alone, in the middle of a piece of woods 6 miles long. This was in the year 1799. The next year in March, he removed his family, the snow being 4 feet deep, and covered with a firm crust. One of the sons (Mr. Samuel F. Cook) well remembered how singular it seemed to him when their first fire was built in the mid- dle of the log-house, the smoke rising and going out of an aperture in the roof. In 1805, Mr. Samuel Cook was elected to be Captain of the first military company formed in Glover.
The following were present at the first town-meeting held in Glover: Ralph Parker, James Vance, Andrew Moore, John Conant, Asa Brown and Levi Partridge.
These men are all spoken of as energetic and lively-as good neighbors, except that some, on special occasions (as was the custom of their time), indulged too freely in the use of intoxicating drinks, something we cannot approve, yet regard as much more excusable in them, than in any of our more enlightened age.
We can hardly imagine the hardships and privations which our father's suffered in this then new country. One difficulty arose from the want of good roads. A lady who moved to this town from Northfield, in 1804, (Mrs. Ruby Lyman) says that after a long journey they finally came to a place in Glover whero the road was impassable, and that she had
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