USA > Vermont > Rutland County > The history of Rutland county, Vermont; civil, ecclesiastical, biographical and military, pt 1 > Part 26
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79
Mr. Hope has still a homestead in Castle- ton, and a studio in New York City. The most valuable picture he has ever painted, is the " Army of the Potomac," at Cumberland Landing, which is valued at from $ 15,000 to $ 20,000, and which is still in his possession.
..
538
VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
His most important brook and forest scenery, which are mostly Vermont scenes, are "Forest Glen," "The Gem of the Forest," "Crystal Creek," "Cedar Swamp," (two or three diff- erent ones), "Summer's Dream," "The Ba- sin," "Great Falls," of the Potomac, and a host of lesser but carefully finished studies from nature.
Among his earlier patrons were Hon. Solo- mon Foot, C. Sheldon, Esq., Dr. L. Sheldon, D. Morgan, and C. Slason, of Rutland, and best friend and patron of all up to this day ; Carlos S. Sherman, Esq., of Castleton, D. D. Dana, of Boston, and his lamented friend, Capt. S. G. Perkins, M. D., who fell at Ash- by's Gap, Va. In later years, Marshal Pep- oon, Esq., New York, Gen. John O. Wood- ruff, J. M. Furman, A. Child, Percy R. Pyne, John A. Stewart, Theodore Tilton, L de- Forest Woodruff, M. D., Dr. Thomas Cook, S. A. Baxter, J. J. Griffin, James Mills, Jo- seph Richards, Daniel S. Miller, J. E. Wil- liams, Rev. Norman Seaver, Col. C. B. Stoughton, W. B. Isham, A. Oakey Hall, &c., with many others of New York City, Thomas Mussen, of Montreal, B. F. Gardner- of Baltimore, J. K. Sohnburger, of Cincin, natti, Gen. George J. Magee, of Watkins, N. Y., &c. He has just completed " Rain- bow Falls," in Watkins Glen, N. Y., valued at $ 10,000, and sold to a gentleman in New York City. It is considered his best thus far produced, and will be exhibited in the leading cities of the Union, and be expects to follow it up with a series of the leading scenes from Watkins and Havana glens, which are unequalled by anything of the kind yet discovered, where he has recently erected an art gallery.
Spring of 1872.
MORNING IN THE VALLEY OF CASTLETON. EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO MRS. B. BY JAMES HOPE.
I'm painting a scene in this beautiful vale,
The village, the forest, the mountains and dale, The pastures, the meadows, the clear winding river, As o'er the bright pebbles 'tis murmuring ever ; And then in some quiet work softly descending, Neath the sycamore tree, or the light willow bending; Through the elms, and the pines, where breezes are sighing;
In the dark forest shade, where sweet flowers are dying Whence the bright hues of Summer have withered and fied,
And the wild birds are singing their requiem sad. I'm painting at morn, when the first rays of light, Gild roof, dome, and spire in golden hues bright ;
When the gray mist lies still over valley and monutain, And the waters gush clear from the sparkling fountain; When the dew-drops are glittering like a thousand bright gems,
All hanging like diamonds on emerald stems-
When the waters are dark, and the shadows are pale,
And the smoke-wreath ascends from the cot in the vale-
E'er the heads from their dark sides the dew drops have spoken ---
Or the coy maiden half from her bright dreams awaken-
All is peaceful and quiet and slumbering still, But the songs of the birds, and the gush of the rill.
TO MY DAUGHTER JESSIE. BY JAMES HOPE.
O saw ye my Jessie, my sweet little Jessie, My bonnie wee Jessie, the flower o' the lea ? Wi' smiles like the morning, her face aye adorning, She's my bonnie wee Jessie, the flower o' the lea.
She's blithe and she's bonnie, and sweeter then onie, And the love-light aye sparkles sae bright in her e'e ; And pure as the snaw-drift that lies on the mountain, Is the heart o' my Jessie, the flower o' the lea.
I long for the hour when the winter winds whistle, Shall yield to the balm-laden breeze o' May ; When the sina' birds are picking the doon o' the thistle, To big their wee nests for the simmer's lang day.
When the partridge is drumming, the honey bee ham ming,
And robin sits litting his song on the tree,
And the oriole warbles sae sweetly at glooming,- They'll tell thee, dear Jessie, I'm coming to thee.
When flowers are again in the forest glens blooming, And green grass is springing on meadow and les : When you see the buds swelling in the grove round thy dwelling- Then look for me, darling, I'm coming to thee.
She's sweeter far than the flowers of the mountains, And dearer to me then the gems of the sea :
Love flows from her heart like the stream from the fountain,- She's my bonnie wee Jessie, the flower o' the lea.
O dole on the day that shall part me fra Jessie, And ill fa' the fate that tak's Jessie fra' me; May heavens best blessing be wi' my dear lassie, My bonnie sweet Jessie, the flower o' the lea.
PAST AND PRESENT.
To L . . . . . . BY JAMES HOPE.
Do you mind the hill where the streamlet flowed. With the maple grove and the winding road ? And the gushing spring in the cool retreat, Where we sheltered oft from the noon-lay heat ? And the mountains dark in the south and west, Where the forest waved ou each towering crest ? No voice in their lofty halls were heard, But the chippering squirrel and the warbling bird.
4ยช
1
539
CASTLETON.
Again I stand on the sacred spot, But sad are the changes that time has wrought, Not one of the old familiar things
Ate here unchanged, that to memory clings :
The winding road is rutted anl worn, Like a torrent's bed by the wintry storm- The spring is dry, and the hill is bare, And the tall trees gone that were waving there : Rugged and gray are the mountains now, For the woods are gone from each frowning brow- And fiercely and loudly they thunder back The cars wild din o'er the iron-track -- And the solemn awe that the soul doth fill, Math pass'd forever from valley and bill.
CATHOLIC CHURCH IN CASTLETON. BY VERY REV. THOMAS LYNCH.
The history of the Catholic church in Castle- ton began when a few Irish immigrants arrived in that town. For a long time they were visit- ed at great intervals by priests who went around the small Catholic settlements of New England, seeking for and ministering to their scattered flocks as best they could. During these visits, the priests availed themselves of whatever accommodation could be procured. But the history of the Catholic church in every town and city of New England, at least in its early days was about the same, so much so that we can not find any thing peculiar to this place. Rev. Jeremiah O'Callaghan was the first pastor appointed here; and after he left, Castleton had not a settled pastor. Father O Callaghan did not remain for any considera- ble time in Castleton. The dates of his appoint- ments and departure from the place I cannot determine .*
In 1835, some Catholic of the place pur- chased a house which up to that time had been used as a carpenter's shop, and which was in- tended to be the church. This house much changed and enlarged is the church at present used by the Catholics. After the departure of Father O'Callaghan, the place was visited oc- casionally by Rev. John B. Daly, until 1854. In 1853, the State of Vermont was erected into a new diocese, with Burlington for its see. The bishop placed this mission under the care of Rev. Z. Druon, who resided in Rutland. Jan. 24, 1857, Rev. Francis Preast was appointed to this mission, with some others adjoining. Nov., 1859, Very Rev. Thomas Lynch was ap- pointed to succeed Rev. Mr. Preast, and attend- ed the mission until Oct. 12, 1869. In 1864, the church was enlarged and otherwise im- proved. Father Lynch was assisted for 3 years
by Rev. Messrs. M'Cauley, Cunningham and Halpin. In 1869 Rev. Charles O'Reilly took charge of the mission, which charge continued until December, 1872, when Rev. Mr. Bossin. ault was appointed its pastor. The congrega- tion of Castleton, though one of the oldest in the State, is not large. About 40 families scat- tered through some of the adjoining towns, with some servants, constitute the congregation. There are, however, many Catholics in other parts of the town, but they form parts of other congregations. Many are found in Hydeville and along the west shore of Castleton pond to West Castleton where they intended some few years ago to build a church, which intention, however, has not been realized.
During the first fervor of Adventism here, the wolf snatched up a few stray sheep-a few poor Canadians, who hardly knew what they wero about, I thought, when I saw them make their recantation, after I came to Castleton, when they were taken back into the church. They were very good people, I think, but very ignorant; and the Catholics had no pastor in Castleton at the time. I know of no other de- falcation in the place.
January 18, 1873.
ADVENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN CASTLETON, AND AN EPITOME OF THEIR FAITH.
BY B. MATHEWSON.
The circumstances which gave rise to the gathering and formation of this church are, by its members, considered quite providential Eld. Miles Grant of Boston, Mass., editor of a paper having a circulation of about 9000 called "The World's Crisis," was the agent employed for this work. A man of ardent, unaffected piety, naturally energetic, and persistent, it must be conceded, was suited to such an enter- prise. While zealously advocating the views held by the " Adventists" in the contiguous town of Poultney, in the autumn of 1858, sev- eral from Castleton were induced to go down and listen to the fervent eloquence of one, who to them, seemed the propagator of a new faith ; among whom was the Rev. II. P. Cutting, Universalist, resident, and preaching in this town. Eld. Grant invited his hearers to ask any questions relative to his assertions, or the subject upon which he was discoursing, which might to them appear incompatible with reason, or the obvious teaching of the Scriptures. Mr. Cutting, who was considered an able controver- tist, seemed pleased to avail himself'of this oppor. tune cireunistance, partially satisfying himself for the time with such pertinent questions as
* It is probable that he came and left between 18- and 18 -.- EL.
-
540
VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
were at hand, at the same time challenging Eld. Grant to meet him at a subsequent period in public discussion, and thus settle his asserted claims to truth : which Eld. G. cheerfully ac- cepted, and immediately arranged for the same, which commenced Nov. 29, 1858, holding three successive evenings.
It was apparent that the discussion ended quite unsatisfactorily to Mr. Cutting, who, in the eyes of a majority of the people, appeared a little worsted by the combat. Yet hopeful of success, he again challenged Eld. Grant to ap- rear at Castleton, here to discuss his peculiar dogma of Universal salvation. The question was thus resolved, " Do the Scriptures teach the final salvation of all men ?" Cutting af- firmed, Grant denied. This discussion com- menced Jan. 3, 1839, holding three successive evenings. It was spirited and ammating, before large and respectful congregations who assem- bled in the town hall.
During the entire discussion it was noticeable that the mind of Eld. Grant was so replete with his peculiar views, as to crop out at every turn. Added to this, his conscientious bearing, and apparent confidence in the literal teaching of the Scriptures, produced the impression, that he felt himself engaged in a celestial rather than a terrestrial embassy : thereby arousing a religious element, and eliciting a serions en- quiry, whether these things were so? Thus, the way opened for subsequent labors. Ap- parently this debate ended quite satisfactorily to Eld. G., and the few friends that now began to gather around him.
The following Monday evening. Jan. 10th, he preached his first sermon in Castleton, while the mercury stood at 26 degrees below zero. His subject was " The Kingdom of God." The neglected Bible was searched, to disapprove the strange and offensive doctrines of the new preacher. Ministers of the respective churches, and their membership generally, viewed him with misgiving and suspicion. He . preached three successive evenings, and left town the following day. The tenth of the fol- lowing April, he spent his first Lord's day in Castleton, preaching to large and attentive congrezations in the town-hall. It now became apparent that solemn inquiry was elicited in the minds of some, not only in reference to the peculiar doctrines advocated by the new preach- er, but they evinced solicitnde for their spiritual and eternal welfare. Yet the summer and autumn passed without farther labor. Jan. 17, 1860, Eld. Grant commenced a protracted
meeting here, holding it until the 14th, of the following March. Many were converted whose positions in life differed very materially.
Drunkards were reformed, and profane swearers converted to Christ. Even Roman- ists embraced the true faith | The rich and the poor bowed together at the feet of Sovereign Mercy, and sought forgiveness of sins.
By some, it was thoughit to be the greatest revival Castleton had witnessed since the town was organized, excepting the great revival in 1816, when 187 were added to the only church then extant. During this 2 month's series of meetings, nearly 100 had professed faith in Christ ; among whom was the wealthiest citi- zen of the village : a man of some forty winters, possessing high moral worth, and a regular at- tendant on Divine worship : yet he had never thus felt the need of being renewed by grace. His heart had revolted at the idea of eternal torment being the Divine punishment for sin; and when he heard it enunciated from the sacred volume that "The wages of sin is death," instead of eternal life, in unending torment, his heart was touched with deep tenderness, and he prayed fervently that he might under- stand the truth in this matter, and obtain par- don of sin. The Eternal listened to his mid- night prayer, granting peace and joy, and caus- ing him to triumph in his Redeemer. Mean- while the opposition waxed strong, and even violent against the new preacher and his doc- trine, partly perhaps from misapprehension, and, perhaps, partly from the same cause manifested by the Jews towards Paul, when multitudes were induced to listen, and receive the faith he preached. (Acts xiii. 44, 45.) But still, the good work progressed marvellously, in spite of the most virulent opposition.
As the voice of profanity was changed to that of prayer and sacred song, it seemed to oblige detraction to partially abate its in- vectives. .
On the eve of Eld. Grant's departure to oth- er fields of usefulness many deemed it necessary for their future good to join themselves together in church compact, and did so, 90 persons im- inediately appended their names to the following
"CHRISTIAN COVENANT"
" We whose names are subjoined. do hereby covenant and agree, by the help of the Lord, to walk together as a church of Christ ; faith- fully maintaining its ordinances, taking the Bible as our only rule of faith and discipline ; making Christian character the only test of fellowship and communion.
Wo farther agree, with Christian fidelity and
541
CASTLETON.
meekness, to exercise mutual watch-care, to | tion for the fallen race of mankind. They be- counsel, admonish, or reprove, as duty may re. quire, or to receive the same from each other as becometh the household of faith."
This church reject any special articles of faith as superfluous. The above covenant is all that is considered necessary or profitable. In April 1860, a church edifice was commenced, and completed the following November. It is situ- ated near the west end of the village, is built of wood, and is 55 feet by 37, having 64 slips, and capable of seating between 300 and 400 persons.
Both the interior and exterior are plain, but chaste, and tasteful. It has a pleasant and commodious vestry, capable of seating 125 per- sons. The total cost was about $3000. It was dedicated, Nov. 22, 1860, Eld. S. G. Matherson from Sandy Hill, N. Y., preaching the sermon from 1 Kings viii. 27.
Through the following winter the church was supplied by transient preachers. The following April, Eld. Albion Ross took the spiritual over- sight of the church 6 months. From October through the following winter, the church was again supplied by transient preachers until April, 1862, when Eld. D. T. Taylor became pastor, remaining 2 years. May 1, 1864, Eld. S. G. Mathewson, became pastor, which relation he yet fills, March, 1873.
The government of this church is entirely Congregational. During the 10 years existence of this church, change has been written upon its records. Some have left its pale through unworthiness, quite a number have dicd, and a still greater number have removed to other towns and states; leaving the present number of membership 130. The present witnesses a wholesome, and relatively prosperons condition. A stated ministry, an interesting Sabbath school, regular weekly meetings for prayer and conference, a covenant mecting once a month for the church only, and the sacrament of the Lord's Supper administered once in two months.
For years there has been a gradual cessation of what the Latins term, odium theologicum, but as some yet denounce their faith as hercti- cal, it seems proper to append an epitome of their faith.
They believe in one Almighty uncreated self existent God, Father and Maker of all, om- nicient, and by His Spirit, omnipresent. That the Holy Spirit is a divine influence emanating from God, sent to comfort the righteous and re- prove the world of sin. They believe in the only begotten Son of God, as their Divine Re- deemer, and without Him there is no salva-
lieve the natural heart is opposed to God, and that a change must be wrought by the Hory Spirit, or man must perish forever. It may be said that they are neither Unitarians nor Trini tarians. They believe the Son of God had an existance prior to the creation of this planet, and it was he whom the Eternal Father ad- dressed, when he said "Let us make man." They believe He was the beginning of God's creation. Rev. iii. 14 and Col. i. 15, and that after tasting death for every man, he was raised from the dead and seated at the right hand of the Majesty in the heavens, there to remain our Intercessor, or High Priest, until his enemies be made his foostool. They believe the Father has delegated him with power to raise the dead. and judge the world at the last day. And though the Father is not the God of the dead, yet hath he provided a God of the dead in the person of his Son. Matt. xxii. 32, Rom. xiv. 9. They believe the prophecies relating to our world are nearly fulfilled, when this same Jesus will come the second time, just as He went away, literally and personally. John xiv. 3, Rev. xx. 12. He will then give the righteous an heirship with Himself to His ever- lasting Kingdom; which kingdom comprises the territory under the whole heavens. Dan. vii. 27; Ps. xxxvii. 9, 11, 22, 29, 34; Matt. v. 5; Rev. xi. 15.
They believe this earth will be melted, the works therein burned up, the curse entirely removed; and it will appear again, in all its pristine loveliness and beauty, as at the first, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy, and its Creator pronounced it " very good." Christ its right- ful King will reign over it forever. They be- lieve that mankind do not naturally possess im- mortality, but it is something to be souglit after by patient continuance in well doing. Rom. ii. 7.
That in death, there is a total cessation of all the vital functions, so that man is unable to ro- member God, or experience emotions of love, hatred or envy, (Ps. vi. 5, cxlvi. 4, Eccl. ix. 5, 6,) but sleeps unconsciously until the resur- rection ; when the righteous dead are raised, the righteous living changed, and together caught up to meet the Lord in the air : (1 Thess. iv. 16, 17,) that they abide in the chambers of the Lord or New Jerusalem, until the earth is cleansed by fire, and fitted up for the saints; when this New Jerusalem city descends from God out of heaven, and becomes the metropo-
-
-
542
VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
lis of the new earth. They believe the wicked dead will be raised a period of time after the righteous, that both classes are not raised at the same time.
They believe that when the elements and earth melt with fervent heat, the wicked, in- stead of suffering eternal torment, will then be burnt up, and entirely consumed out of the earth, as the fat of lambs is consumed into smoke; Ps. xxxvii. 20, civ. and 35, and become ashes under tlie feet of the reighteous : Matt. iv. 3. verifying the declaration, that " the right- eous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the sinner and the wicked." They be- lieve there will be a mixed state of good and evil, in society generally, until the end of the world ; that the modern notion of a millenium prior to the second coming of Christ is a mere fable. Matt. xiii. 30. Dan. vii. 21.
They acknowledge no baptism valid but im- mersion ; and believers the only fit subjects for this ordinance : but encourage all to come to the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. They be- lieve the Bible is a sufficient crecd, and enjoin no other. They believe in interpreting the Scriptures literally, that is, according to the natural and primitive sense of the words, in all cases where it does not involve a contradiction of the Bible, or an obvious absurdity. That symbols, tropes and metaphors should be inter- preted according to the laws given in the Scrip- turcs.
VERMONT VOLUNTEERS. BY EEV. DANIEL T. TAYLOR. I . When a dark and hell-born treason Mocked the nation's hallowed trust ; And our starry flag of Freedom, Rent by traitors, trailed in dust ;- Then the slave power's galling fetters In which Northmen long did lay ;
Touched by Freedom's pen and spear-point, Broke and vanished in a day : And our country's noble war chief Pealed forth high a bugle call, Ocean answering back to ocean,- " To the rescue, one and all !"
* First among the gallant yeomen, Rushing to the dangerous front ; With a step and will undaunted,- Came the sons of old VERMONT.
II.
For Liberty her sages woke, And patriot heroes bravely spoke,-
* The First Regiment Vt. Volunteers (three months men, numbering 750 men under Colonel Phelps, broke camp at Rutland. May 1tb, IsGt, reaching Fortress Muaroe the following Monday morning. But one-a Mass. reganent-was there before them.
Green Mountain men to us give ear, The crisis of the age is here; The nation's second birth is come,- Will ye sit idle,-cowards-dumnb? Awake! awake! thou slumbering North And send thy valiant legions forth ; Go forth and break the oppressor's rod, Go forth and trust in Cromwell's God. Fling out our banner, bid it float, Fear not the cannon's thundering throat; Honor the State that gave you birth, Strike red hand treason to the earth; Strikel till the haughty Southron yield ; Strike! till the vanquished quit the field, No tardy feet, the threshold cross, Nor linger, let the day be lost ; Let freedom be your battle cry, And for your country dare to die ; And should ye faint or falter-hark 1
Remember ALLEN,-WARNER,-STARK.
III.
We come? we come! was their lofty cry,
Our hearts are true and our weapous bright ; To fight and to conquor, to do and die, Till traitors sink in a starless night. We have turned our pruning hooks into spears, We have moulded our plow-ahares into swords : Farewell to the peace of fifty years,- To arms and vanquish the rebel hordes.
And from North, where Missisco's waters lave, And South where the Green ridge sinks to hill ; From Connectient's valley to Champlain's wave, They came, the men of the iron-will. The mountain peaks echoed from rock and glen, To the fife's shrill notes, to the roll of the drum
t As when Roderick summoned Clan Alpine's men,- They answering shouted, We comel we comel
IV.
O fate so mystic and so dumb ; O hour of parting and of pain ! Hope and despair alternate reign ! The day of sad farewells hath come- And now they gather round sweet home, Ah! will they see that home again ? " I go my loved" the soldier said,
" Heaven's blessings rest on thee alway ; To-morrow'll find me far away ;" Then parent, wife, and mountain maid, Looked through the raining tears and prayed, "God help thee in the dreadful fray."
"Farewell, my loved ones, all," he cried, "Farewell, Vermont, my joy, my boast,"
" Farewell,"-his feet the threshold crossed ;
"Farewell," they one and all replied, The soldier brushed his tears aside, And sped to join the mustering host.
Y.
The first and foremost everywhere, With steady aim and dash and cheers ; Where rudely sweeps the storm of war, Are seen our noble volunteers. # Big Bethel first their prowess proved,
t Scott's Lady of the Lake. Canto V. Section IX. + Big Bethel, June 10th, 1861. The first land fight with Infantry in Virginia. The first Vermout was in the fight - none kiled - several wounded - somue missing.
-
543
CASTLETON.
Bull Run but fired their hearts to steel, Lee's Mills their daring valor moved, And showed their stern unconquered zeal. The gazing armies held their breath ; They charged the foe at double quick; They rushed right in the jaws of death. While red with blood ran Warwick Creek. At York the foemen hotly pressed, Fast, fast their flying ranks they urge; And still our men in bold unrest,
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.