USA > Vermont > Rutland County > The history of Rutland county, Vermont; civil, ecclesiastical, biographical and military, pt 1 > Part 11
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Capt. Parmenter relinquished the tanning business many years ago, and became a suc- cessful farmer. He died Jan. 15, 1857, aged 81.
DANIEL POMEROY
came here in 1791. His first purchase was of John Curtis, Dec. 1, 1794, for £55, 2 of an acre, with a house, shop and horse-shed thereon. This was in the village and near the falls. He also purchased water-power of the same party sufficient for a fulling- mill, but "not to injure the grist-mill or saw-mill." He made various other pur- chases in subsequent years. He was a cloth- ier by trade, which business he pursued for many years.
In 1794, he was one of the original mem- bers of the Methodist church here, and dur- ing his life was most exemplary and efficient in that denomination.
He was town clerk 4 years, from 1811 to 1814 inclusive, and representative to the General Assembly 4 years, from 1823 to 1826.
He was a man of moderate talents, but of good common sense and undoubted in- tegrity.
He had 6 sons and 3 daughters, all chil- dren by his first wife, he having been twice married. He died April 7, 1843, aged 73.
SOLOMON HINES
was from Greenwich, Mass. He purchased of James McGregor, Jan. 27, 1795, for £ 360, the governor's lot, so called. of 500 acres. Also of Willard Seaton, the 24th of April following, for £ 200, 1623 acres, on sev- eral rights. Mr. Hines built the first mills, since called Brezee's mills, where he met with a fall, which was supposed to be the cause of his death the following year. He was a man of enterprise, and gave promise of being a useful inhabitant of the town, but was suddenly cut off, after a brief resi- dence, April 23, 1798, aged 43.
BENAJAH DOUGLAS, ESQ.,
is supposed to have been a native of Han- cock, Mass., as four of his elder children were born there. He came to this town from Ballston, N. Y., in 1795 ; purchased of Capt. Nathan Daniels, for the consideration of £625, several tracts of land, amounting in the whole to 390 acres, including the Douglas farm, since known as the Blackmer farm, deed dated July 23, 1795.
He was much in public business for the
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first 15 years of his residence in town, hav- ing been chosen five times during that period to represent the town in the General Assem- biy, and as many times a selectman ; he was also a justice of the peace for many years. He was a leading member of the Methodist church, and one of the founders of that church in this town.
He was a man of much self-confidence and buoyancy of spirits-was always ready in meetings, "open to remarks," with a "word of exhortation at least; indeed he was rather giv- en to "much speaking." He had a vein of Lumor which he did not always restrain within due bounds. On one occasion he ex- hibited a specimen of irony which greatly amused many of his hearers. This was at a union meeting of different denominations of Christians. One of the speakers who had the reputation of being uncommonly bigoted in his views, had dwelt with much earnestness on the virtue of charity toward all true Christians, &c., and closed by saying that whatever might be his other failings, he could claim for himself to be a man of chari- ty toward Christians of all denominations ; which last remark produced a good many wry faces. Mr. D. immediately rose, and as it was his habit when speaking to stand with his face a little upturned, and' when pausing between sentences, to drop his chin elightly, he now excited attention immediate- ly by looking directly to the floor, when he commenced by saying, in substance, that mankind he had thought differed about as touch in their characters and dispositions as they didl in their looks. Some were cheerful, Other's rad; some looked on the bright side, while others were in the habit of looking on the dark side of everything; others again were of a light and trifling make; but Chris- t.ans he thought should always appear to be serious minded, carefully avoiding all levity in their life and conversation ; that for his Fart he claimed to be a man of sobriety. Those who knew the parties understood well the design of the latter, and enjoyed the been though just rebuke.
Hle hal nine children ; the first four were born at Hancock, Mass. The next two at Esiston, N. Y., and the last three at Bran- don, as noticed under the head of births. If .: eldest son was Stephen Arnold, a phy- 1. un, who had poor health for several years, by reason of which he practiced but !
little in his profession. He died instantly and without premonition, on the first day of July, 1813, aged 31, while sitting in his chair and holding an infant son, born the 23d day of April before. That son was Steph- en A. Douglas, the well known senator of the United States.
In his person, Esq. D. was scarcely of middling height, large head and body, with short neck and limbs. As a neighbor he was much esteemed for his kind and accom- modating disposition. He was married a 2d time late in life, and died Oct. 2, 1829. aged 69.
JOSHUA BASCOM
purchased of Solomon Hines, Sept. 20, 1795, for £ 140, 100 acres of land, being part of the "Governor's lot." Mr. B. was first to commence on this place, and was killed by the fall of a tree which he was chopping, June 15, 1797, aged 28. His widow married the Rev. Increase Graves, of Bridport. This farm was afterwards sold to Dea. Asa Black- mer, then of Pittsford, (Oct. 4, 1805), who occupied it till he purchased the Douglas farm. It is now owned by Jesse Hines.
ZEPHANIAH HACK,
from Greenwich, Mass., purchased of Solo- mon Hines, Dec. 2, 1795, for £ 100, 125 acres, being part of the Governor's lot, ex- cepting the mill (Brezee's) privilege. Here Mr. Hack continned until his death, July 22, 1847, aged 83.
ARZA TRACY
was from Hampton, Ct., where he married Eunice, daughter of Samuel Cutler, brother of Amos, and came to this town about 1795. He had 2 sons and 2 daughters; the last three of his children were born in this town. He was a carpenter and joiner, a worthy inan, and was at the head of his calling in that day. His wife's mother was a daugh- ter of Jacob Simonds, Esq.
SALMON FARR, SEN.,
came from Leicester to this town. His first purchase was of Nathaniel Sheldon, Feb. 25, 1796, for £320, 100 acres, comprising the Farr farm, now in possession of Pascal Gibbs. Sheldon was the first to commence on this place. Mr. Farr made additional purchases at subsequent times. He died Jan. 13, 1834, aged 77.
SILAS KEELER
was last from Chittenden. He obtained a
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lease Sept. 23, 1796, of Hiram Horton, James Sawyer and Moses Barnes, selectmen of the first division on the Propagation right-100 acres, for the term-" as long as wood grows or water runs." Here he resided till his death, August 16, 1845, aged 73. He married Experience, daughter of Timothy Goodnow, by whom he had 10 children; 7 sons and 3 daughters. His wife died Sept. 3, 1843, aged 66.
SETH KEELER
came from Chittenden about the year 1796. He was a hatter, by trade, and served his apprenticeship with Dea. David Merriam. He was three times married; the first time to Fanny, daughter of Rufus Carver, and grand-daughter of Capt. Jonathan Carver, by whom he had 9 children, (and one by a second marriage.) His eldest, Seth Harrison, graduated at Middlebury College, and at Andover, and has been long settled as pas- tor of a Congregational church in Maine. His subsequent marriages are elsewhere noticed. He died Sept. 13, 1850, aged 74.
DEA. JOHN ARNOLD
came from Clarendon. He purchased of Abner Buckland, 60 acres,-part of the " Arnold hollow," for £220, deed dated Feb. 6, 1798.
Dea. Arnold once represented the town, was a selectman and for several years a jus- tice of peace. He was deacon of the Bap- tist church. He died May 9, 1829, aged 68.
CALEB ARNOLD,
brother of John, purchased of Abner Buck- land, for £300, 110 acres adjoining his brother John, and comprising the " Arnold hollow." His deed is dated Nov. 25, 1800.
NATHANIEL HARRIS
purchased of Thaddeus Collins, Oct. 10, 1798, for $ 600, 60 acres, the present farm of Capt. David Merriam.
The most remarkable mortality that has ever been known in Brandon occurred in fistry, aud but for the peculiar traits in his
this family. The cases were as follows : Sarah, died July 12, 1803, aged 23 years, Rebecca, July 17, aged 6 years, these died of dysentery ; May 2, 1805, Matilda, aged 10; May 4, Nabby, 16; May 9, Lucinda, 13; May 21, Otis, 19. The last four died of scarlet fever, and, as seen, within 19 days of each other.
Richard, a son, traded several years in
the village, and until his death. His store was on the site of the present dwelling-house of Mrs. Dr. Merriam. His widow resides in the village with her son-in-law, Dr. C. L. Case.
REV. EBENEZER HEBARD
commenced preaching as candidate for settle- ment by the Congregational church and so- ciety, May 12, 1799, and was ordained Jan. 1, 1800. He was a man of more than ordi- nary talents, for, without a liberal education, he sustained himself as preacher and pastor for more than 21 years, and until within the last few years, much to the acceptance of the people, and it was not on account of any waning of his gifts as a preacher that he was dismissed, but from other causes.
He was a man of strong passions, ardent in his friendships, and implacable toward his supposed enemies. In the latter category he was prone to include those who did not readily accord with his own views in mere matters of expediency in relation to church affairs. He was, unfortunately, too much inclined to the exercise of prelatical powers rather than those that pertain to the pastor- ate of a Congregational church. A single case may be mentioned as an illustration. A labor was commenced with him by a mem- ber of the Church, growing out of a dispute between them as to the line of their lands, which adjoined. When the complaint was presented to the church, the usual vote was called for, as to whether the complaint should be received, " when there appeared a tie; the moderator then gave the casting/ vote in the negative, so it was voted not to receive the labor." The record from which I quote is in the hand-writing of the moder- ator, who was himself the party to the complaint. Of the merits of the complaint I know nothing.
It is due to his memory, however, to say, that the church was greatly prospered and increased' during the earlier part of his min- character to which I have alluded, and which became more and more prominent during the last years of his ministry here, his connection with that church, long as it had been, would probably have continued many years. He was dismissed by mutual council, of which the late Rev. Thomas A. Merrill, D.D., was moderator, and the Hon. Samuel Swift, scribe, Sept. 7, 1821.
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In his person, Mr. Hebard was tall, stout built, and of dark complexion. He was Ouce returning from a store in the village, where he had been at an early hour in the morning to procure a broom, when passing G-, the miller, with whom he occasion- ally exchanged a joke, the latter saluted him with-" good morning, Mr. Hebard, you have had good luck to sell 'em all out but one so early in the morning." This was an allusion to his color, as Indians occasionally sold brooms in the place.
He went to the State of Ohio, where he died.
ELAM GILBERT
came to this town toward the close of the last century. He resided for a time on the south side of the creek, and also in the vil- lage. He had 3 sons and one daughter born in town. The eldest, Lyman, was born June 13, 1798, graduated at Middlebury College, and at Andover; was settled as pastor of the Congregational church at West Newton, Mass, in 1823, received the degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1850. He married Marian, daughter of the late Hon. William Jackson of Newton, formerly, and for several years, member of Congress from that district.
WALTER SESSIONS
came to town about the year *__. He first settled on the farm now in possession of John Mc Connell, whose dwelling-house for- merly stood some 40 rods north-east from its present site, on the old stage-road, as origi- nally laid and travelled by Mr. Schofield's and Capt. Gilberts. When the road was changed to nearly a straight line from Dea. Mott's to the saw-mills, as it now runs, Mr. S. moved and fitted up the present house for a tavern, which he kept as such for several years. Said some one to Uncle Walter, "you have probably drank a barrel of rum." "Good G-d," replied be, "say that meeting- house full."
He was the next postmaster, (after the death of Capt. Gilbert, who was the first to hold the office in town), until the location WAS changed to the village, previous to which time Mr. S. kept the office at this
He dealt for a time, and somewhat largely, in cattle, purchasing droves for the Canada
. Probably before 1800. See notice of Stearns' Fam-
and other markets. He finally, at an ad- vanced age, went to Western New York, to reside with a son, where he died.
JONATHAN STEARNS, SEN.,
was from Hardwick, Maas. He came here early in the present century ; and although a little later than the period to which it was intended to limit these personal notices, in- cluding those only who were residents here before the close of the last century ; still, the peculiar manner of his death, and that of his wife would seem to justify this depar- ture from the rule. Mr. S. resided on the farm, adjoining on the south, to Sugar Hol- low, his house standing on the north side of the road leading from Sugar Hollow to Brandon Village, and long occupied since, and until his death, by Daniel Noyes. Mr. Stearns and his wife were the first two cases of what was commonly termed the 'winter fever,' that dreadful epidemic of 1812-13, which was so extensively fatal, especially to the adult portion of its subjects. They were attacked, however, in April, 1812, and with symptoms precisely like those which attended the cases when the disease first appeared as an epidemic, in Dec. after. They both died- Mr. S. the 7th, and Mrs. S. the 11th of April -and within about 3 days of their attack. These were the only cases of the kind that occurred in this town, until the month of December following, when it prevailed and was extensively fatal for about 4 months. Their death was deeply lamented, not only by their family but by their neighbors, and those who had become acquainted with them.
MAJOR JONATHAN STEARNS,
long known and much respected as a mer- chant and manufacturer of extensive busi- ness at Malone, N. Y., is a son. He went there from this town while in his minority, carrying his effects in a pack, and on foot.
A daughter of Mr. Stearns, sister of the above, was the wife of the late Paul Field. She died Sept. 8, 1851, aged 61. Mr. Field died from an injury by the hook of an ox, Oct. 21, 1834, aged 55. They left 3 sons and 4 daughters, the latter all married. Three of them the wives of Messrs. S. D. Wing, John Barker, and Alfred Knapp. Two of the sons, Stearns J. and Paul Burgess, * have
* Panl Burgess retains the farm of his father, but resides with his family at Brandon village. Stearns J., also now married, has purchased the late Ford place where he now resides .- til
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for a few years past been largely engaged in the lumbering business, at the West. The other son, George, resided in Whiting.
JOHN LULL
commenced on the farm now comprising a part of the present homestead of Butler A. Goodrich. He married Deborah, daughter of Dea. Jedediah Winslow, by whom he had several children. He and his wife both died here. His children emigrated to the West.
[It is fitting that some notice of the writer of this history should here be inserted, and the following biographical sketch is con- densed from an elaborate paper, read by Rev. Bernice D. Ames, A. M., before the Vermont Historical Society, at its special meeting in Burlington, Jan. 22, 1862.]
HON. ANDERSON GREEN DANA, M. D., LL. D.,
was born Sept. 17, 1791, at the homestead called Oak Hill, in that part of Cambridge which now constitutes the town of Newton, Mass. His father was Rev. Nathan Dana, a Baptist clergyman of such liberal views, that, on one occasion, he received the holy communion with a Methodist church; and when he was called to account for the irregu- larity, he would only confess that " if he had grieved his brethren, he was sorry for it."
After preaching many years in Massachu- setts, he accepted a call to the ministry in this State, and brought with him an estimable wife, with the younger members of his fam- ily, among whom was the subject of this notice.
When 18 years of age, young Dana com- menced the study of medicine, and having passed through the usual preliminary course of study, in October, 1812, he entered upon the annual course of lectures at the Philadel- phia Medical College, which then numbered among its professors Dr. Benjamin Rush, Dr. Philip Syng Physic, Dr. Barton, and others of almost equal celebrity. He left Philadel- phia in the following February, and visited the hospitals in Boston, to acquire a practi- cal knowledge of surgery. Returning to this, his adopted State, he commencel prac- tice with Dr. Green, in the spring of 1813.
In July, 1813, according to the custom of those times, he was publicly examined and licensed by the "First Medical Society of Vermont," located at Rutland, at which time be read a dissertation on "Injuries of the Head." When the Vermont Medical Society was incorporated on the 6th of November following, Dr. Dana was one of those named in the act of incorporation. Of this society he was elected president, at the annual ineet. ing in 1843, and re-elected in 1841, on which Occasion he delivered an address.
He was several times appointed delegate of this society to the American Medical
Association, of which body he was made a permanent member, at its annual meeting in Boston, in 1819. He was repeatedly ap- pointed a Counsellor of Rutland County and delegate to Castleton Medical College; and on the organization of a hospital department of that college, was chosen its first president. In 1830, he received the honorary degree of M. D. from Middlebury College.
On the 11th of Aug., 1816. Dr. Dana mar- ried Miss Eliza A. Fuller, daughter of Roger Fuller, Esq., of Brandon, and a descendant of one of the Pilgrims of the "Mayflower," whose literary productions have also associ- ated her name with the poetical writers of her sex.
Mr. Dana brought to the profession of which he was a member, a mind of rare abilities, whose quick perceptions, yet calm and careful judgments, were recognized in the most trying emergencies. His presence at the bedside of the sick gave that kind of satisfaction which perfect confidence inspires. -often kindling hopes which his practised eye could not encourage, but meeting the just expectations of others with all the aid which human skill and sympathy could afford.
In his intercourse with his medical breth- ren, whom he often met in consultation, he observed the usual courtesies with an instinc- tive delicacy, as free from conventional re- straint as it was from all appearance of os- tentation. There was an intelligence and sobriety in his proceedings betitting the grav- est occasions, accompanied by a naturalness and evident good will which served to disarm all rivalry, and win the friendship, as well as confidence, of his associates.
But he was a man of varied acquirements in other departments than those pertaining io his profession. And his induence upon the legislation and politics of the State, and upon all public measures affecting the welfare of the people, was wisely exerted and widely felt.
As a recognition of his scholarship, he re- ceived from Middlebury College, in 1s60, the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.
Hle often presided over public meetings ; and, as a speaker, could secure the attention of an audience upon any subject he chose to discuss. Entering directly upon its merits, he would proceed with logical precision, ant illustration, or amusing anecdote, and, when occasion required, by a reference to author- ities and. an appeal to facts, which no one would venture to dispute who knew the ac- curacy of his memory.
This facility in speaking did not tend to remove a natural distaste for writing; and although a good correspondent, and for many Years an occasional contributor to the press, he wrote but few addresses. The last of these was written for the Agricultural Fair heid in Brandon some five years ago. Owing to his illness at the time, it was read to the Society by Judge June, and afterwards printed. -
Originally educated in the Federal school
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of politics, he acted with the Whig party, and subsequently, in a more restricted sense. with the Republicans; considering that these parties had inherited, in succession, the gen- eral spirit and policy of the " fathers," and especially that they were more conservative than their political opponents.
He was a politician in the proper sense and of the most unselfish kind; actuated by no personal interests, and adopting opinions whose wisdom and consistency were sustained even amid adverse popular currents, with a steadiness and devotion worthy of an enlight- ened patriotism.
Probably, he was never an applicant for office, and only twice a candidate for the suffrages of his fellow-citizens-in 1840 and 1841-when he was elected to the State Senate. On entering that body, his famil- iarity with legislative proceedings enabled him to take a leading part in the business and debates of the two sessions which he at- tended.
In person he was tall and well-propor- tioned; and such was the strength of his constitution, that "his physical and mental endurance were almost inexhaustible." He was generally buoyant in spirit, and digni- fied, though cordial, in manner.
In 1853, Dr. Dana was seized with an or- ganic affection of the heart, which suddenly prostrated him to apparent death. He had been spending a few hours in Castleton, and, about to return, was walking rather hastily at the time, in company with Dr. Goldsmith, to take the cars. The immediate use of remedies restored him to consciousness; and although his death was announced by tele- graph, he was able to reach home the follow- ing day.
This attack was followed by several others ; and he was obliged to relinquish all active practice to his associate, Dr. Olin G. Dyer, to adopt an abstemious diet, avoid physical exercise, except that of riding in pleasant weather; and to suppress all mental excite- ments and emotions tending to increase the action of the heart.
He was, however, for some years, President of the Rutland and Addison County Insur- ance Company; and he afterwards collected a large amount of material, and had nearly written a history of Brandon, embracing all the original grants and grantees, the organ- ization of churches and schools, and notices of more than one hundred of the pioneers who settled there prior to the year 1800. In several departments, this history is more elaborate and complete than the history of any other town in Vermont which I have yet seen.
During the period of comparative retire- ment above referred to, his mind was unim- mired and cheerful, though perfectly aware of his critical condition. He had long been a consistent member of the Congregational church; and though for the last 8 years almost entirely prevented from attending ravetings of any kind, his religious character
grew brighter, and his experience more ab- sorbing.
Always disposed to bear his own troubles quietly, he now appeared patient in suffering, peculiarly affectionate in manner, and en- couraging to others, as their solicitude for him increased.
Probably the last few years were really the happiest of his mature life. He was disposed to overlook the failures, and magnify the kindnesses of others; and as he got into such harmony with all the world as would tend to increase its attractions, he seemed the more prepared and willing to leave it.
He met his death on the 20th of Aug., 1861, after an illness of three days, perfectly conscious of every stage of its approach, yet free from alarm,-with the simplicity of a child, and the assured hope of the Christian.
A large concourse of people attended his funeral obsequies, on which occasion Rev. Dr. Child, of Castleton, officiated, assisted by Rev. Dr. Thomas, of Brandon.
POEMS
BY MRS. E. A. DANA, WIFE OF THE LATE DR. A. G. DANA.
A pleasant volume, 12mo. 160 pp., of Mrs. Dana's poems has been published under the title "GATHERED LEAVES"-Cambridge: Pri- vate edition, 1864.
-
THREESCORE YEARS.
"To one who gained my heart and hand, To whom my life for life was given,- One, by whose side on earth I stand, By whom I hope to stand in heaven."
That stately form and manly brow, The clear gray eye imbued with thought, An intellect as lofty, show With philosophic interest fraught.
Commanding, dignified, and firm, With native eloquence endowed,
And patriotic fervor warm That to corruption never bowed.
Age hath not stamped its signet yet, Nor bowed with feebleness that form ; But the mountain pine, though firmly set, Must yield its glory to the storm.
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