USA > Vermont > Rutland County > The history of Rutland county, Vermont; civil, ecclesiastical, biographical and military, pt 1 > Part 20
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The waters of the outlet of the Lake unite with Castleton river near Hydeville ; which soon after form a junction with Poultney river, and enter into Lake Champlain at East bay. A peculiarity of Castleton river is, that it seldom freezes, owing to the abundance of springs along its bed, which render its waters cool in summer and warm in winter. It was famous for trout in early days.
There are clear indications that the plain up- on which the village now stands has been de- posited there by water, at some remote period. It is composed of gravel to the average depth of 20 to 25 feet; the lower strata like the coarse gravel in the bed of the river. There is another curious fact connected with this plain. The water in the wells, which is found only at the bottom of the gravel, usually on a bed of quick-sand, about 25 feet from the surface, of- ten freezes in winter, so as to require consider- able force to break the ice. In some instances ice has been found five or six inches thick. Whether this phenomenon is owing to the po- rous character of the gravelly surface, or to some other cause, we leave to geologists to deter- mine.
SETTLERS BEFORE THE WAR
We have before remarked the number of fam- ilies had rapidly increased before the war com- menced. We give the names and location of families previous to 1776, so far as practicable
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The family of Col. Bird came probably in 1771, and remained only till his death. Their loca- cation was a little south of Castleton W. Cor- vers. COL. LEE brought his family in 1772. He was born in Newark, Fairfield county., Ct., Oct. 15, 1745. His name appears in the earli- est records of the proprietors of the township, and associated with Col. Bird's in the earliest surveys. His wife was Dorcas Bird of Salisbu- ry, Ct., and niece of Col. A. Bird. Their first child was born in Salisbury, in '71, before their removal to Castleton.
Col. Lee made his pitch in the east part of the township, on what was afterwards known as the Gridley farm. A log house was built near a beautiful spring of unfailing water, where they lived until the commencement of the Rev- olutionery war. Mrs. Lee then returned to Salisbury, and was absent 7 years, while her husband was engaged in the affairs of the Rev- olution, in which he acted a prominent part.
We find Col. Lee was connected with the co- lonial army as a waiter, as early as 1760, when he was but 15 years old, and two years later he was an enlisted soldier, stationed at Crown Point.
Among the proprietors of Castleton he was active; and in the troubles under the govern- ments of New Hampshire, the Council of Safe- ty, and the claims of New York, he was vigi- lant. At the commencement of the Revolu- tionary war he took decided part on the side of American Independence. When Col. Ethan Al. len mustered his men at Castleton. for the cap- ture of Fort Ticonderoga, Col. Lee was prime mover of the expedition against Skeenesboro, (now Whitehall), which left Castleton at the same time, and resulted in the capture of Maj. Skeene, the British commander at that place. He superintended the iron works at Skeenesboro, for a time. which had been taken from the British ; and also acted as commissa- ry for the American army upon the Lake.
spent the remainder of his days, mostly in ag- ricultural pursuits. His physical constitution was remarkably good, and retained its vigor to great age. His descendants are numerous and widely separated.
EPHRAIM BUEL was one of three who first came to Castleton with their families, in 1770. These were the first settlers, though Bird and Lee had previously visited the township, but did not settle with their families until later. Mr. Buel did not remain many years in Castle- ton, and but little is known about him. He is believed to have located a little to the west of the depot. and to have sold to Brewster Higley. He removed to the West; but at what time, or to what place, I have not been able to learn. Some of his descendants are known to be re- siding in Shelbyville, Ind. A daughter of Mr. Buel, named Araminta, married Eli Drake- lived in Castleton until her death, and left chil- dren and grandchildren.
ZADOCK REMINGTON came the same year with Ephraim Buel (1770), and settled half a mile west of the village. He was a large pro- prietor, and his pitch embraced a fine tract of land, in one of the best locations in the town- ship. He was a prominent and highly respect- able man, noted for his eccentricities. It was a peculiarity of Mr. Remington, not to return a direct answer to any question. When asked by a business man in Troy, N. Y., about the pecuniary responsibility of a neighbor of his in Castleton, he replied : "You see Capt. L. is a very tall man ;" thus indirectly expressing his opinion, if any one was shrewd enough to guess his meaning.
His was the first frame-house erected in Cas- tleton. He probably kept the first tavern. It is certain that his house was a tavern before the Revolutionary war; and that the men re- cruited for the capture of Ticonderoga quarter- ed at his place. It seems a little surprising that tavern-keeping should have been so prom- From 1731 till the close of the war, he serv- ed in the capacity of captain in the Continental army, in Pennsylvania. While stationed at Lancaster he performed a most daring feat for the detection of British prisoners who were mysteriously escaping, in spite of all precau- tions; and was successful in bringing to justice a number of persons who had aided their es- cape. Lee was in the battle of Yorktown, and present at the surrender of Cornwallis. inent a business in Castleton at this early day, as to call for three or four within the space of two miles. But besides the fact that taverns were more accountel of in those days, it is to be considered that Castleton was situated on the direct route, and about midway between White- hall and Rutland, and there must have been a considerable amount of travel through the place at an early date. For many years Mr. Remington's was the largest house in the town- Having received an honorable discharge at the close of the war. at Albany. N. Y., he re- ship. During the Revolutionary war he was thought by some to be a little inclined to the turned to Castleton with his family, and there British interests, or at least to look timidly
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upon the struggle of the colonies. When the report of the Battle of Bennington was heard, some one said to Mr. Remington : " Well, the British are quartered in the meeting-house in Bennington." " Ah, I told you so," said MIr.
R. "Yes," continued his informant, "but there is a strong guard about the house."
There is no evidence that he was disloyal ; though a brother of his was a tory, and left the town early. He represented the town in the Council of Safety, in 1778.
He was a man of correct habits, and at an advanced age became decidedly religious. He lived to be 94 years old. His estate, once large and flourishing, was entirely dissipated before his death, leaving him quite dependent in old age. Not a vestige of the buildings erected Dy him now remains to mark the place of his residence. It is believed none of his children are now living. Rev. Franklin Remington, of the Episcopal Church, residing in Brooklyn, N. Y., and Henry Remington, residing in Rutland, Vt., are his grandchildren.
ELEAZER BARTHOLOMEW probably settled in the west part of the town, and remained only a few years. His precise location, the time of his removal, and the place to which he went, are unknown.
MAJ. ABEL MOULTON came in 1771, and set- tled where Dea. Enos Merrill afterward lived. He died of small pox in 1776. in the 35th year of his age. His monument is still standing near the spot where he lived. He was a prominent and useful man, and his death was a great loss to the settlement.
NEHEMIAH HOIT came a single man in 1771, subsequently married the widow of Abel Moul- ton-lived for a time where Mr. Moulton lived, and afterwards in the south part of the town, where he died in 1832, at the ripe age of 80 years. Dea. Hoit was one of the recruits for the capture of Ticonderoga ; and, following closely upon Col. Allen, was the third man who entered the fort. He subsequently joined the American forces as they proceeded down the Lake, and was with Allen when he and his command were made prisoners near Montreal. It is not known how he escaped; but it is cer- tain he was not one of those who were carried to England.
After the war he became a highly respected and useful citizen, and an active Christian. He was a man of ardent temperament; naturally hasty, but possessing a tender conscience, that would not suffer the sun to go down on his wrath. No one doubted his sincerity. All |
men counted him a Christian indeed. He was chosen the first deacon in tho Congregational church in Castleton, which office he filled until his death. He had one son and three daugh- ters. His son Nehemiah Hoit succeeded him in the office of deacon.
JESSE BELKNAP settled in 1771, one mile and a half east of the village. on the farm where Clark Stevens lived recently. He was the first justice of the peace. His son Jesse lived near him, on the Merlin Clark place. Mr. Belknap appears to have been active and enterprising. He was a member of the Convention from Cas- tleton when the Constitution of the State was adopted. His name appears often among the officers of the town.
REUBEN MOULTON came to Castleton in 1771, and located 2 miles east of the village, on the road to Rutland. His wife was Rebecca Carver. Mr. Moulton owned a large estate, and was con- sidered the richest of the early settlers. Hence he was called "Landlord Moulton." He kept a tavern at a very early day, and was a prom- inent citizen. His five children all settled in Castleton. His third son, Reuben, occupied the old homestead, kept up the tavern his fath- er established, and was town representative from 1823 to 1830, which is a longer time than the town has been represented by any other man.
SAMUEL MOULTON, brother of Reuben Ist, came the same year. His wife was Rachel Loomis. He lived on the corner west of Judge Howe's house. His son Samuel lived near the centre of the village-kept tavern, and was postmaster for many years. His first wife was Jane Shaw-his second, Malona Woodward.
The same year GERSHOM and JOHN MOULTON settled in Castleton, and their descendants are scattered through the township.
GERSHOM LAKE, of Woodbury, Ct., came to Castleton in 1771, and settled on the hill, half a mile south of the village. His wife was Seviah Chatfield. All their household effects were brought on horse-back. Ile is said to have built the 2d log-house in the township-and al- so the 2d framo house. He must have been a man of considerable enterprise, as it appears that before the war he had erected a frame- house, which is still standing ; and, with the repairs it has received, is a neat and comforta- ble habitation now, after the lapso of nearly a hundred years.
Mr. Loko was strictly loyal to the American cause, and remained at his post during the war. During a considerable portion of the time, every
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thing valuable, not in daily use, was hid in the [ early a member of the Congregational Church, ground, or concealed in the woods, through fear and filled the office of deacon from 1806 to 1825. of its being plundered by the enemy. Their cattle could not be concealed; and when the British troops passed through Castleton, on their way to Whitehall, after the battle of Ilub- bardton, Mr. Lake was impressed with his oxen to transport baggage; and, as a reward, his oxen were taken for beef.
Mrs. Lake was a remarkable woman for cour- age and enterprise. We mention one or two incidents in illustration. At one time a wolf came into their enclosure. with evident purpose to make a feast upon the sheep. She was alone in the house, but nothing daunted, she seized her husband's gun, and, standing in the door of her house, killed the wolf, without injuring the sheep.
Mrs. Lake brought apple-seeds in her pocket, when she came to Vermont, which she planted, and the 7th year gathered twelve apples from the trees.
When Lieut. Hall escaped from his imprison- ment at Ticonderoga, Mrs. Lake concealed him in a hay-stack, and carried him provisions daily until the danger was over. This act of kind- ness made a deep impression upon Mr. Hall, so that to the day of her death he manifested his gratitude in various ways.
CAPT. ZACHARIAH HAWKINS. the father of a numerous race of the Hawkins family, visited Castleton in 1770, though he never settled there. He contracted for 800 acres of land near the centre of the township, including the land where the village stands; but failing to come to time for the payment, in consequence of sickness in his family. he lost the purchase, and never returned to stay.
Two of his sons, Gaylard and Silas, made pitches in the south part of the township, in 1771. They were unmarried. and did not re- main long. Moses and Joseph Hawkins, other two sons, settled in 1779. Moses had 11 chil- dren, all of whom settled in the township- Jo- seph had but one child, a daughter, who was the first wife of Robert Temple.
RICHARD BENTLY settled in 1771, and erected the frame-house where the council of war was held the night previous to the capture of fort Ti., which stood just in front of the old Congre- pational parsonage.
There were two families of HALLIBIRDS, Irreal and Curtis, who lived a mile and a half cast of the village.
JOEL COLVER lived in the south-west part of the township, a very worthy citizen. He was | in the history of Middlebury, Fol. I .- El.
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JAMES KILBOURN settled in 1773, a little south of Mr. Remington. He was a tanner and cur- rier by trade, and carried on the business while he remained in Castleton. He had one son, James, with whom he removed to Canada. He had three daughters. Molly, married Pitt W. Hyde of Sudbury. Sally married Arunah W. Hyde of Castleton. Ruth married Oliver Moul- ton.
TIMOTHY EVERTS settled in 1773, on the road to East Hubbardton, north of the old fort-Removed to Ohio.
ELI EVERTS located, in 1783, on the South- mayd lot-Removed to Fairhaven.
NATHANIEL NORTHRUP settled 1774, north of the village on the East Hubbardton road. A highly respectable man, both in society and in the church. He lived to a ripe old age, leav- ing a somewhat numerous race of children and grandchildren.
CAPT. JOSEPH WOODWARD married Mary Bradford, settled in 1774, west of the village, and represented the town in the council of safety at Dorset, in 1761, and was chosen chairman of that council. He had a numerous family.
ARUNAH WOODWARD settled about the same time with Capt. Joseph.
GEORGE FOOTE married Wealthy Woodward, settled in 1775, on the corner near where the old fort stood. His house was the place for re- ligious worship at the time of the war-the place where Capts. Williams and Hall were killed. He himself was taken prisoner at the same time. Judge Alvin Foote of Burlington was his son. Also Rev. Luman Foote, a clergy- man in the Episcopal church .*
CAPT. JOHN HALL came to Castleton in 1775, and settled on the east Hubbardton road. a mile and a half north of the village. He lived but a short time, yet he was much respected, and gave promise of becoming a valuable citi- zen. He was chosen to represent the town at Westminster in 1777, when the State was de- clared independent. This was the January previous to the skirmish at Castleton, in which he was mortally wounded.
Mr. Hall had 2 sons. Elias and Alpheus -young men, at that time, both of whom were taken prisoners and carried to Ticonderoga; but made
* See sketch of Judge Foote in the history of Bur- lington. also account of the history of the Foote family
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their escape in a short time. Elias settled on his father's homestead, where he lived to be 94 years old, retaining his vigor of body and mind in an unusual degree. He served in the American army ; was in the battle of Stillwa- ter, and witnessed the surrender of Gen. Bur- goyne.
His brother Alpheus taught school in Castle- ton, in the time of the war, and is supposed to have died early.
JOHN WHITELOCK settled in 1775, a little north of the village. He belonged to the church of England, and was a tory in sentiment, though a quiet, peaceable man, and remained during the war. For fear of confiscation, he put his property out of his hands. When the British army passed through Castleton, after the battle of Hubbardton, Mr. Whitlock held up the prayer-book to the commanding officer as proof of his loyalty to king George, and it was read- ily accepted. He lived many years a highly re- spected member of society. Some of his de- scendants still reside in the town.
PETER COGSWELL settled east of the village in 1776-by trade a blacksmith, but a farmer also. His son, Gen. Eli Cogswell, was a prom- inent man in his day. He was a school-teach- er, and also extensively engaged in the surveys of the township. For many years he acted as clerk to the proprietors, of the town, and to the parish. He made a tour to England, which was a notable matter in those days-purchased goods which he brought back with him, and entered into trade. He was unsuccessful in business and left the place.
BENJAMIN CARVER settled also this year, 1776. at the West Corners, near where his son Benja- min Carver, 2d, lived, and kept a tavern for many years.
COL. ISAAC CLARK, probably, settled about this time, but it does not appear precisely what year. His location was in the south west part. He owned a valuable farm, which is still known as the Clark farm, though not owned by his descendants. He was an officer in the Revolutionary war, and a Colonel in the U. S. army in the war of 1812. He died in 1822, aged 74 years. Col, Clark was chief judge of the county court from 1807 to '11.
We insert here a few notices of families who settled later-some of them during the war, and some after.
The place now known as the Higley farm, at the east end of the village, was first owned by Ephr'm Buel. He built a log house, and plant- ed an orchard on the farm, and then sold it to
Brewster Higley, who came here from Simsbury, Ct., about the year 1778, with his wife and 7 or 8 children. His position in the genealogy of five successive Brewster Higleys was the 3d. These descended from John Higley, who came from a place near London in England, a ruu- away apprentice, at the age of 15 or 16 years. In process of time he married Hannah Brews- ter, understood to have been of the Mayflower stock. Hence came the name given to a suc- cession of Higleys. In the early days of this town Brewster the 3d heid various offices of trust and honor-as moderator, town clerk, jus- tice of the peace, and deacon of the Congrega- tional churchi. His eldest son, Brewster 4tlı, emigrated to Ohio abont 1800 : numerous fam- ilies in the south east part of the state are of his descendants. On the death of Brewster H, the 3d, his youngest son Erastus became owner of the place by purchasing the interest of each of the other heirs. He was a child of only 7 years when he came with the family to this place ; and here he dwelt to the end of his life. When in the vigor of manhood he excelled in physical strength, and not less in the energy and activity of his mind. Reading was his great delight, especially of solid literary and scientific works, and such compositions as those of Young, Milton and Cowper. He was favored with sundry civil offices; as judge of probate, town treasurer, town representative. justice of the peace, &c., which he always executed with ability and strict fidelity. As a Christian and a deacon of the Congregational church he was earnest and active while health permitted, in aiding and promoting the cause of every be- nevolent and Christian enterprise. IIe died at the age of 89} years.
The HYDES were early residents. Arunah W. Hyde was early a merchant, and sold his stock in trade to John Goodwin. He then pur- chased a lot of Jerrod Palmer, and built the house known as the Westover house. recently burned, where he kept tavern for many years. He also bought of Samuel Moulton lands adjoin- ing him on the south. He and his brother, Pitt W. Hyde, married sisters, daughters of James Kilbourn. P. W. H was the father of James K. Hyde of Sudbury, and of A. W. and Pitt W. Hyde of Castleton. A. W. Hyde was one of the original trustees of the Rutland Co. Gram- mar-school appointed by the Legislature; he was also town clerk and high sheriff for a num. ber of years. The Westover house was built in 1806.
Robert Temple built the house where Mr
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Westover uow lives, about the same time, which ; to be present at family prayers, and to pay a te occupied as a residence. The house where Judge Howe lived was built by Hon. Rollin C. Mallory : also, about the same time, and after- ward sold to Judge Howe.
The father of Hon. John Meacham settled in Fairhaven, where he reared a large family, struggling with poverty. Judge M. served an apprenticeship at the nailing business; but soon after lie became of age, he engaged in the mer- cantile business ; first in company with Eben- ezer Langdon, Esq.,-afterward with James Adams, Esq. His business prospered, and he acquired what was considered a handsome for- tune for the times. Various offices of trust were conferred upon him. He was trustee of the Grammar-school, town treasurer, town repre- sentative, and judge of probate. His first wife was Mary Langdon, by whom he had his only surviving daughter, Mrs. Hiram Ainsworth, who now occupies the old homestead. BEr Meacham was born in Williamstown, Mass., in 1776, and died in 1848.
JAMES ADAMS was born in Simsbury, Ct., in 1775, and settled in Castleton, as a grocer, at Hydeville, in 1801. From Hydeville he moved to Castleton village, and joined partnership with Judge Meacham, in mercantile business. There was a house which stood on the Meach- am Corner, which they bought of a Mr. Baker, in which Mr. Adams first lived after his marriage. Subsequently the firm bought out Mr. Mc'In- tosh, on the opposite side of the way. In the division, Mr. Adams took the south side, and Mr. Meacham the north ; and each built upon his own site. After the partnership with Mr. Meacham was dissolved, Mr. Adams traded by himself till 1829; then in company with C. N. Dana. In 1831, the stock was sold to Albert Langdon. Mr. Langdon sold to Israel Davey and B. F. Adams, in 1836. Mr. Adams with most of his family, joined the Congregational church in '31. He died about the year '57.
DEA. ENOS MERRILL was a native of W. Hartford, and was one of the early settlers; probably as early as 1785. His early training was strictly Puritan. In early life he acquired a fondness for the writings of Edwards and Bellamy, and others of that class, which he read with avidity, and became thoroughly versed in the theology of that school. He was a pillar in the church in Castleton for nearly 60 years.
From time to time there were many young men in his family, apprentices to the trade of tanning and shoemaking. They were required
strict regard to the Sabbath ; and most of them became pious while in his employ ; and several of them, turning aside from the trade, became ministers of the Gospel. He was a model of regularity in all social and religious matters. To the full measure of his ability he contribut- ed labor and money to forward the interests of education and religion, at home and abroad. About the year 1856 he removed to Milton, Vt., with his son Timothy, where he died, in '58, aged 90 years.
CAPT. JOHN MASON, the fifth child and young- est son of Peter Mason 2d and Margaret Fan- ning, and great grandson of Maj. John Mason, was born at Groton, Ct., 1764. He removed to Castleton about the year 1785. His first wife was Sarah Woodward by whom he had 13 chil- dren, all of whom lived to years of maturity. nine of the 13 were married. Milo, the eldest son, graduated at West Point, and was in the regular army until his death, at which time he held the office of Major.
Capt. J. Mason was a worthy citizen of Cas- tleton, where he was a magistrate, a member of the State Legislature, and of the Governor's Council, a Presidential Elector, and a trustee of the Grammar school. He died, at his resi- dence in Castleton, 2 miles north of the village, in 1846, aged 82.
RUFUS BRANCH came from Lenox, Mass., to Bennington Vt., and resided there to the close of the Revolutionary war. He engaged with all his might in the battle of Bennington, and rejoiced with the victors in the triumphis of the day. At the close of the war, he removed to Castleton, where he lived the remainder of his days. He had 4 sons and 5 daughters.
His oldest son Darius, was 12 years old at the time of the battle of Bennington ; and is said to have been the oldest male in that town who did not go to the fight; and he was re- strained with great difficulty by his mother. In after life he showed great fondness for mili- tary distinction, and became a colonel in the artillery. He settled in life at Orwell first, but soon removed to Castleton, where he reared 11 children, all but one of them living Feb. 1870.
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