USA > Vermont > Orleans County > The history of Orleans county, Vermont. Civil, ecclesiastical, biographical and military > Part 48
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Previous to coming here he was deacon of the Congregational church in Plymouth. In the Derby church, with which he united, he retained the office, and when the church here was organized, he was chosen as their first deacon.
By close application, in his younger days, he obtained a good common school education and of some of the higher branches of math- ematics he had acquired considerable knowl- edge. Thus he was well qualified for the transaction of any business to which he might be called in a community like this.
Being a practical surveyor, a good farmer, and a thorough mechanic, he found no diffi- culty, with close economy, in providing for his family the neccessaries of life.
By the proprietors of land, both in this and the adjacent towns, he was frequently em- ployed as agent to look after and dispose of their lands, and the integrity and fidelity with which he performed the business commit-
of his employers and marked him as a man worthy to be trusted.
In the business of the town he took a prominent part, and always manifested a deep interest in all its affairs. When chosen to represent the town in the legislature, he sus- tained the position with honor.
For several years, he held the office of jus- tice of the peace and, so far as is known, ably discharged its duties. On account of his busi- ness qualifications, he was often called upon to execute deeds, bonds, leases, contracts and other writings of various kinds, in all of which he was thought to excel.
As a member and officer of the church, he was always found in his place. To him, as an instrument under God, the church, to some extent, owed its existence. In the settlement of the pastor he was prompt and active. He took the lead in devising means for his sup- port, contributed largely himself, and to the end of his life, continued to be one of his fir- mest friends. As a counselor he was judi- cious and safe. Few, if any, who sought and followed his advice in difficult circumstances, ever had reason to regret it. Though a man of but few words, whatever he said on any subject was to the point, He was uniform and consistent in his Christian walk-in his deportment quiet-in his pretensions unas- suming. Being "ready to every good work" he took a peculiar interest in all the benevolent enterprises of the day. Towards the latter part of his life his health failed so as to dis- able him for the harder part of farm labor. Accustomed to habits of industry, he turned his attention to the lighter business of his trade.
With his work-bench in his long kitchen, he manufactured measures and boxes of dif- ferent descriptions and other articles conven- ient for family use. For these he found a ready sale the avails of which contributed much toward supplying the wants of his fam- ily. In many families throughout this Coun- ty, and also in other places, specimens of his workmanship may still be seen.
Having well "served his generation" he suddenly departed from this, as we trust, to a better world. On the evening of Oct. 15, 1833, he was taken with a violent headache and died at the early dawn of the 16th, aged 67 years,
His wife, Elizabeth, lived till she was about ted to him, secured the confidence and respect 184 years old, when she received an injury
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by a fall, from which she never recovered. She died Apr. 12, 1851.
The population of the town in 1810 was 116; 1820, 135 ; 1830, 331; 1840, 420; 1850, 486; 1860, 548 ; 1870, 615.
NEWPORT.
BY D. H. SIMONDS, ESQ.
The town of Newport is very irregular in its outline, having Canada on the N., Lake Memphremagog, Coventry and Irasburgh on the E., Irasburgh and Lowell on the S., and Troy on the W. Its greatest length, from north to south, is nearly 12 miles, and its width is from 2 to 7 miles. It extends along the shore of Lake Memphremagog 7 miles,- the lake separating it from Derby. A part of the town, including the present village of Newport, formally belonged to the town of Salem, and was set off from the latter town about the year 1818.
The soil of the town is mostly a gravelly loam, yet clay abounds in some parts, while the point upon which the village is situated is sandy-the surface of the country is hilly, but most of it is fit for cultivation, and, with proper tillage, affords very good crops Pros- pect hill, near the village, affords a fine view of the lake and the surrounding coun- try. The prevailing rock is limestone, yet slate ledges are common, and veins of quartz abound in some places.
Some of the quartz is gold-bearing and some good specimens have been obtained, though no attempt has been made to test its value for mining purposes. Copper veins are plenty and would no doubt pay for work- ing. Splendid specimens of argentiferous galena have been obtained in the north part of the town. The ore is rich, containing by analysis 23 per cent of silver. The existence of this mineral was known to the Indians, who were accustomed to melt it and run into bullets for their rifles. An effort is being made to develop this mine, and if the ore is found in large quantities, it will pay richly for working. The timber is the usual variety of this latitude, hard wood interspersed with hemlock ridges. The sandy land where the village now stands was originally covered with a beautiful growth of large pine trees. These were cut down by the first settlers, and many of them burned up as of no value.
LAKE MEMPHREMAGOG,
without a sketch of which a history of New- port would hardly be complete. This beau- tiful lake is 30 miles long and 1 to 4 wide. Two thirds of it lies in Canada, the remainder between the towns of Newport and Derby, and Coventry and Salem. This lake was a famous fishing ground for the Indians, a- bounding in salmon trout and masca lunge. The woods on its banks swarmed with the moose, deer and bear besides the smaller an- imals. Fur-bearing animals, especially the sable, were plenty.
ยท With the approach of civilization the game has nearly all disappeared and the pickerel has driven the trout from the lake, although the masca lunge is still taken in large quantities.
The lake afforded the Indians a mode of easy communication, between Canada and the colonies, during the French and Indian wars. From the St. Lawrence they would come up the St. Francis and Magog rivers in their canoes, through the lake and up Clyde river to Island Pond. Thence it is only 15 miles through the woods to the Connecticut, which was almost the only portage on the route, Frequent war parties passed to and fro over this route, and very often captives and prisoners were taken to Canada. Dur- ing the old French war, Stark who command- ed our forces at the battle of Bennington, was taken prisoner, and afterwards published a map of the country through which he pass- ed. On that map Memphremagog is called by a different and even more outlandish name, but I cannot now recall it.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Although the town was not chartered until the year 1803, yet the first house was built in 1793, by Dea. Martin Adams, on the place now owned by Alfred Himes. Mr. Adams came to Newport from St. Johnsbury. He was soon joined by others, so that in 1800 there were, in town, eleven families, viz. John Prouty, Nathaniel Doggett, Abel Park- hurst, Amos Sawyer, Luther Chapin, James C. Adams, Abraham Horton, Nathaniel Hor- ton, Simon Carpenter, Enos Bartlett and Joseph Page, Martin Adams having, in the meantime, removed to Stanstead, where he resided a few years and then returned to Newport.
It is said that these settlers came down the river from Barton, and were induced to locate on the banks of the lake from the fact that
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the frost had not destroyed the vegetation here, while on the hills around, every thing had been killed by the cold.
Since the forests have been cut down there is, probably, less difference in this respect than formally, yet, at the present time, fre- quently heavy frosts do not come until Octo- ber.
In the year 1800, there were but 60 acres of cleared land in town. There were 6 yoke of oxen and no horses. The early settlers obtained much of their food from the lake and forest.
Venison and trout, which are now costly luxuries, were then plenty and would hardly command any price at all. Money was al- most unknown, but there was little need for. it. The men procured, by their own exer- tions, food for their family, while the women spun and wove wool and flax for clothing.
LETTER FROM THE COVENTRY CHURCH.
"The Baptist church of Christ, in Coventry, to their brethren and sisters of the same faith and order in Newport-and others whom it concerneth-Greeting.
This certifieth that the persons whose names are undersigned are in regular stand- ing in this church, and if they shall unite in forming a separate church of our faith and order, we shall consider them no longer under our particular watch-care. We rejoice that Immanuel is extending his kingdom far and wide, and that he is about to (as we trust) establish a branch of his kingdom with you in the wilderness. And now, dear brethren, 'we commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.'
Signed, In behalf of the Church,
Coventry, Sept. 21st, 1817.
GEO. DORR, Clerk."
The members dismissed from the Coventry Baptist Church, (now extinct), united with the Baptist friends in Newport, and during the Fall of 1817, were duly organized into a Baptist church by Rev. John Ide, father of Rev. Dr. Geo. B. Ide, now pastor of the first Baptist Church in Springfield, Mass. It is presumable that Mr. Ide, who was the faith- ful and efficient pastor of the Coventry Church, for many years, preached the first Baptist sermon that was ever heard in New- port. After the Congregationalists in New- port organized themselves into a church, these two religious bodies worshiped together with a good degree of harmony, and were
accustomed to hold religious services alter- nately in district No. 1 (North school house), and district No. 2, (South school house), until they built a Union House, as it was called, in the Summer of 1847. The house was dedi- cated in Feb. 1848, the dedication sermon being preached by Rev. Mr. Merriman. After the Union House was built, the Baptists and Congregationalists had one choir, one Sab- bath-school and two pastors-one preaching to the congregation one Sabbath, and the other occupying the pulpit the Lord's day following.
When the Congregationalists decided to erect a new church in the village, the Union house was put up at auction (Feb., 1861), and taken by the Baptists at the bid of Mr. Shubael Daggett. Subsequently, the old edi . fice was removed from " Meeting-house Cor- ner" to the village of Newport, generally designated "Lakebridge." After removal, the house was remodeled and repaired, and it still continues to furnish a Sabbath home for many devout worshipers, although the subject of a new building has already been broached, and some, at least, are already an- ticipating "the good time coming." The Vermont Baptist State Convention has aided this church pecuniarily upon one or two oc- casions, but for about 3 years the church has been self-sustaining, and pays its present pastor, Rev. C. F. Nicholson, a salary of $ 1000.
Frequently, persons in Newport are heard speaking kind things of "Elder Daggett." Mr. Daggett was never ordained, but often addressed the people and seemed ever ready "to fill a gap." He preached more or less for a good many years and was regarded as pre- eminently a good man. Under his ministra- tions, souls were born into the kingdom of Christ. Modern pastors and private Christ- ians would do well to emulate his spirituality and religious zeal.
REV. HARVEY CLARK.
As Mr. Clark was the first settled pastor of the church, he came into possession of a good farm, from land granted under an old State law, and Mr. C. and his wife were both earnest and successful laborers in the vine- yard of the Lord. They had one son, Harry and two daughters, Polly and Lucy, who were members of the Newport Church. Let- ters of dismission were granted to all of the above on Mar. 28, 1836.
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REV. PROSPER P. DAVIDSON alternated be- tween the Coventry and the Newport Bap- tist churches 3 years, more or less. He is remembered as a spiritual man, and under his ministry a number of backsliders were reclaimed and some additions made to the church.
REV. S. B. RYDER .- In the church book is found this record : "June 12, 1844-Voted to send Elder S. B. Ryder and four others, messengers to the Association." Elder Ryder was pastor of the church about 12 years. He is an old gentleman, with many friends, and still resides in Coventry.
REV. H. MERRIMAN-a useful man; was pastor of the church about 3 years.
REV. H. N. HOVEY alternated between Newport and Albany about 7 years. He was an efficient worker and successful pastor. He is the present pastor of the Baptist Church in Lowell, this State, and the oldest pastor in the Danville Association and is greatly beloved by all who know him.
From the church records :- " Sept. 20, 1860, Voted to sustain meetings, with or without a preacher, agreeable to our church discipline and to our church covenant and articles of faith." During this year there was a good degree of religious interest and some half dozen were converted to Christ.
REV. MR. DEAN, formerly from England, became the pastor of the church some time in 1860 and officiated in this capacity about one year. He is kindly remembered, and every one speaks well of his devotedly pious and estimable wife.
REV. PAYSON TYLER settled in Nov., 1861. He was a superior Christian, often wept dur- ing the delivery of his sermons. He had moral courage to " declare the whole counsel of God " whatever the result might be. His pastorate continued about 4 years. Mr. Tyler died last year at East Hardwick, Vt., and he has many friends who will never forget his tenderness of heart and his fidelity to the Master's cause.
REV. SAMUEL T. FROST accepted a call of the Newport Church and became its pastor in May, 1867. There were more than a doz- en conversions and additions to the church during his term of service.
became pastor. There has been a good de- gree of religious interest in Newport for sev- eral montlis, and the Baptists have shared with others in the good work.
DEACONS, and when elected :- Thomas G. Stutson, A. B. Moore, Nov. 29, 1834; L. Cummings, J. M. Babcock (present incum- bents), Jan. 30, 1864.
CHURCH CLERKS, and when elected : - Lu- cius Carpenter, Aug. 20, 1829; Joel R. Dag- gett, Jan. 23, 1834; L. D. Adams, Jan. 25, 1860; C. D. R. Meacham, Mar. 29, 1862 : H. M. Baldwin, May 6, 1866; J. M. Bab- cock, May 31, 1867.
The following, as taken from the church records, shows that this church has done something to replenish the ministerial ranks:
" Feb. 16, 1833-Voted Israel Ide and B. F. Barnard letters of recommendation to preach the Gospel. Voted, to give bro. L. Carpenter liberty to improve his gift at pub- lic speaking, and appointed the first Sabbath in Feb. next, at the North School-house, for the hearing."
Brother C. D. R. Meacham, who is now a Senior in the Newton Theological Inst. at Newton Center, Mass., is a member of this church.
The present membership is about 80, and some half dozen are now waiting for baptism. Prayer-meetings are held every Wednesday evening, and preaching occasionally in the various school districts by the pastor .- The Sabbath school is made a specialty, and un- der the superintendence of such a man as Dea. J. M. Babcock, is sure to increase in numbers and in interest. The school was organized soon after the organization of the church, and for many years was conducted as a union school, in connection with the Congregation- alists, each society alternately furnishing a superintendent. Since the church has been located in the village, the school has been continued, and the Supt., up to 1866, was Asa B. Moon ; Since that time, J. M. Babcock has served in that capacity. Assistant Supt. Luther Baker, librarian, Herbert Field; asist- ant. George Smith ; chorister, E. M. Prouty. Present number of scholars, 90; teachers, 11 ; volumes in library, 225. Teacher's meetings are held under the direction of the superin- tendent, every other Monday night.
Subsequent to the resignation of Mr. Frost, CONSTITUENT MEMBERS. the pulpit was occupied by various college Samuel Bowley, Orrin Jones, Abial A. Ad- ams, John Beebe, John. Clark, Shubael Dag- and Theological students. In Oct. 1869, Rev. C. F. Nicholson, the present incumbent, gett, Orville Daggett, Phineas Daggett, Arnold
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Prouty, Wm. Prouty, Heman Baker, Wash- ington Brown, Zaccheus Beebe, Israel Ide, Sally Ide, Thirza Jones, Catharine Judd, Mary Judd, Sally Adams (Prouty), Hannah Adams, Hannah Ryder, Laura Prouty, Anna Baker, Roxana Baker. Whole number 24. Newport, Apr. 14, 1870.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF NEWPORT .* BY REV. GEO. H. BAILEY, PASTOR.
The church in Newport was organized Feb. 23, 1831, by the Rev. Ralden A. Watkins, of Coventry, and consisted of 4 male and 3 female members of the church in Coventry, who were set off for that purpose, viz. Sam- uel Warner, Rufus Baker, Seymour Lane, Albert Warner, Lefy Warner, Margaret Ba- ker, Hetta Lane; of whom, Seymour Lane is the only one now living. Samuel Warner was chosen deacon, and Seymour Lane, clerk. The Rev. Jacob S. Clark preached one-fourth of the time for 2 years, 1832-34, during which period there were admitted to the church : by profession, 10; by letter, 3.
In 1837, the Rev. Reuben Mason became acting pastor, and was installed pastor for one-fourth of the time Sept. 26, 1837. He closed his labors in Newport in 1839, but was not formally dismissed until October, 1842. The additions during his ministry were : by profession, 4; by letter, 4.
In 1840, the services of Rev. E. R. Kilby were secured for one-fourth of the time. During this period of his ministry there were received into the church : by profession, 1; br letter, 4.
In 1844, the church began to maintain preaching on alternate Sabbaths, and was supplied for a year, 1844-5, by the Rev. J. S. Clark, and for another year, 1845-6, by the Rev. Moses P. Clark. During his ministry there was received into the church : by let- ter, 1.
The meetings thus far were held alternate- ly in the school houses of districts No. 1 and 2 .- In 1846, a house of worship was built in company with the Baptists, and located near the present site of the school house in dis- trict No. 2, on the Lake road. Rev. E. R. Kilby again became acting pastor and con- tinued until his death in February, 1851. During this period of his ministry there were received into the church: by letter, 3.
Mr. Kilby was succeeded by the Rev. Moses Robinson, who supplied the pulpit for
* Taken principally from Rev. P. H. White's history.
4 years. The additions during his ministry were: by profession, 9; by letter, 1.
In 1855, Rev. Robert V. Hall became act- ing pastor, and continued until the last Sab- bath in April, 1867. During this period the church was greatly prospered in all respects, and shared in the general revival of 1858-9. The center of population and business in the town being changed by the rapid growth of the village in the east part, the union meet- ing-house was abandoned in 1860, the loca- tion of the church was changed to the vil- lage, and on the first Sabbath in October, 1860, the church began to enjoy the preach- ing of the gospel all the time. The next year a house of worship was built, which was dedicated Oct. 15, 1861. The sermon was preached by Rev. P. H. White, and the dedi- catory prayer was offered by Rev. S. R. Hall, LL. D. During Mr. Hall's ministry there were added to the church : by profession, 39; by letter, 26.
For 5 months after the close of Mr. Hall's labors with the church, the pulpit was not regularly supplied. In August, 1867, Mr. George H. Bailey, who had just completed his studies at Bangor Theological Seminary, supplied the pulpit for two Sabbaths. The church and society united in calling him to the pastorate, and, having accepted the invi- tation, he began his labors the first Sabbath in October. A council was then called for the purpose of ordination and installation. The following churches were invited and thus represented : Rev. E. P. Wild, pastor, Crafts- bury ; Dea. A. P. Dutton, delegate; Rev. J. H. Woodward, Pastor, Irasburgh ; Dea. John B. Fassett. delegate; Rev. P. H. White, acting pastor, Coventry ; Bro. John W. Mus- sey, delegate; Bro. S. S. Tinkham, delegate, Brownington; Mr. N. W. Grover, acting Pastor, Charleston ; Rev, A. A. Smith, pas- tor, Lowell ; Bro. C. B. Harding, delegate; not represented, Westfield; Bro. Sumner Frost, delegate, Derby ; Rev. Wm. A. Robin- son, pastor, Barton ; also Rev. S. R. Hall, LL. D., of Brownington, and Rev. R. V. Hall, of Newport.
Nov. 26, 1867, the council met at 10 o'clock A. M., and organized by choosing Rev. R. V. Hall, moderator, and Rev. E. P. Wild, scribe. The proceedings of the church and society were reviewed and approved. The candidate was then examined. The council pronounced him sound in the faith, and agreed that the
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ordination and installation service should be performed as requested.
In the afternoon of the same day, the services were performed as follows: Invoca- tion and reading Scriptures, Mr. N, W. Gro- ver ; Prayer, Rev. S. T. Frost; Sermon, Rev. J. H. Woodward ; Consecrating Prayer, Rev. S. R. Hall, LL. D .; Charge to the Pastor, Rev. E. P. Wild ; Right Hand of Fellowship, Rev. Wm. A. Robinson ; Address to the People, Rev. P. H. White ; Concluding Prayer, Rev. R. V. Hall.
Up to this period, nearly, the church was aided by the Home Missionary Society, but having been greatly strengthened in numbers and the society prospered financially, they assumed the entire support of the Gospel among them.
During the pastorate of Mr. Bailey there have been received into the church : by pro- fession, 17; by letter, 14.
Jan. 2, 1870.
PASTORS.
Rev. Jacob S. Clark, 1832 to 1834; Rev. Reuben Mason 1837 to 1839 ; Rev. E. R. Kil- by, 1840 to 1841 ; Rev. Jacob S. Clark, 1844 to 1845; Rev. Moses P. Clark, 1845 to 1846; Rev. E. R. Kilby, 1846; died Feb. 1851 ; Rev. M. P. Robinson, 1851 to 1855; Rev. R. V. Hall, 1855 to 1857; Rev. George H. Bailey, installed Nov. 26, 1867.
DEACONS.
Sam'l Warner, Feb. 23, 1831, deceased; Sum- ner Frost, June 16, 1838, moved to Derby ; Philander Sawyer, Nov. 1, 1842, moved to Albany ; Timothy B. Pratt, Nov. 1, 1842; Reuben C. Smith, Nov. 4, 1865; Marshall B. Hall, Nov. 4, 1865.
CLERKS.
Seymour Lane, February 23, 1831 to De- cember 31, 1864 ; L. D. Livingston, December 31, 1864 to November 1, 1867; W. D. Saf- ford, November 1, 1867 to -
Total number of members, 144; present number, 130; non-residents, 25.
METHODISM IN NEWPORT.
BY REV. H. A. SPENCER, PASTOR OF NEWPORT AND DERBY.
The first Methodist sermon was preached by Rev. Cyrus Liscomb in July, 1865, and a class organized in March 1866, Horace W. Root, leader Lucy Root, Daniel True, Betsy True, Mary Ann Gilman, Sally Smith, Lucre- tia Smith, Helen Burbank, Rebecca Himes, Warren Himes, Prudentia Himes, John L. Herrick, and Jane Herrick, first members.
The present number of members is 30, and H. A. Spencer, first pastor, appointed April, 1869, The church building was commenced in May and dedicated Sept. 17, 1869.
The Sunday School was organized Oct. 3, 1869. The present number of the school is 50, with a good library.
We give from the "Newport Express" the following account of the dedication.
"CHURCH OPENING.
The Methodist Church, just built in this place, was dedicated to the worship of Al- mighty God on Friday Sept. 17, 1869. The day was favorable for such a service, and the church was filled before the hour of service.
In the audience we noticed some 15 or 20 ministers.
At 2 o'clock p. m. the choir introduced the exercises by singing a dedication chant, when Rev. I. Luce, P. E. of the district, com- menced the ritual service by reading the ex- hortation. I. G. Bidwell, of Auburndale, Mass, then read the hymn commencing,
"Oh, God, though countless worlds,"
which was sung, and E. B. Ryckman, of Stan- stead offered a prayer. E. W. Parker, of India, and J. Tompkins, of Stanstead, then read the lessons, after which C. W. Cushing, of Lasell Female Seminary, Auburndale, Mass, announced the hymn commencing,
"The perfect world by Adam trod"
and after singing preached an impressive and appropriate sermon announcing as his text Coll. 3 : 11. "Christ is all and in all." In all God's plan everything tends to some center.
This is true in material things, the dew-drop, the earth, the solar system, the universe of God have each a center to which all the parts tend. This is true in governments, in social society, in religion, and in the latter the Star of Bethlehem is the great center.
All religions show a desire for a manifest God. All idolatry is but a manifestation of this desire. The Jews offered all their sac- rifices with reference to a manifest God, so the New Testament is full of Christ. All heath- en nations manifest this craving, and so does every sinner. Christ is in all. He will be all, for he will subdue all
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