USA > Vermont > Rutland County > The history of Rutland county, Vermont; civil, ecclesiastical, biographical and military, pt 1 > Part 38
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There have been other manufactures besides those alluded to; among which are lime and coal, which have been burned to some eonsid- erable extent in different parts of the town .- Chairs, baskets, provision barrels, casks and cheese-boxes have also been manufactured. The only cheese-box factory in town at present is owned and run by Nelson Kelley. Several eider-mills have been set up-some quite early ; but there are only two at present. In the spring of 1868. M. V. & J. C. Williams fitted up buildings at the Corners for the manufacture of cheese, which went into successful operation the following summer.
Cap. John Burt was the first inn-keeper in town, where the poor-house now stands, about the year 1775, which he kept for many years, and public doings were held there. Abraham Chase was the next inn-keeper, about one mile south of the Corners, near the residence of Al- vah Risdon. He kept a publie house from 1778 until about the year 1800, when he was ste- eceded by Henry Frost, who kept till 1810. Here town meetings were held, and public business transacted for a number of years.
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Since then there has been no tavern kept there, the building being taken for a store.
Elisha Brown built the first tavern at the Corners in 1800, and kept a public house there for many years. Another one known as the " Red House," was erected soon after, a little north of the village, by Henry Herrick, Jr., who kept there for several years, and was succeed- ed by Nicholas Jenks, who kept until the year 1823.
Brown was succeeded by Henry Herrick, Jr., who kept a public house for 21 years. The town and freeman's meetings were held here for a long time. His successor was David Kel- ler and others.
In 1850, Seneca Smith fitted up a tavern, which was first kept by Oliver Sheldon, and afterwards by John Croff, - - Bates, Joseph Smith, and some others. About the year 1830, a public house was erected by Barton Bromley, at the west end of the village. This tavern was built out of the old Methodist meeting- house, and was first kept by Arwin Hutchins, who was succeeded by Nicholas Jenks, and others.
Rowland Stafford built and kept the first tav- ern at the Borough in 1795, near the present hotel. In 1800, Bradford Barnes kept a pub- lic house, a little north of the village, on the present homestead of Austin Baker. He was succeeded by Samuel Dow, in 1802, who stayed but a short time, since which no tavern has been kept there. Abraham Anthony kept tavern very early where the Phillips Bros. live.
In 1804, William Webber erected a public house on the site of the present hotel, and was succeeded by Dr. McClure, who left in 1808. Elisha Southwick came next, after which it passed into the hands of Augustus Mulford. The building was burned in 1812, and rebuilt by Mulford the same year, which is the same house now standing. He was succeeded by Hosea Williams, and next by Rufus Bucklin, Jr., who kept until 1820. Since that time it has been kept by various parties-at present by Lytle Vance, the only one in town.
The first store kept in town was in 1790, by Henry Frost, near the residence of Alvah Ris- don, in connection with the tavern. His suc- cessor was Jazaniah Barrett, who continued the business until about 1810. Elisha Tryon built the next store in 1805. He was succeeded a short time by James McDaniels. Another store was kept about the same time by Isaac South- wick, near the residence of William Herrick.
James McDaniels and James Weeks were
the first merchants at the Corners, about the year 1810, after which came Daniel Folger, John and Jonathan Barrett, Jazaniah Barrett, Abner Taft, Allen Willis, Daniel Axtell, Galen J. Locke, Ira Bromley, Seneca Smith, Charles Button, Nicholas Jenks, Seneca and Nathan Smith and others.
In 1830, a large store was built by S. & N. J. Smith, who continued the business a good many years. Soon after this another was built by Miner Hilliard, who also did good business for a long time. He was succeeded a short time by Croff & Bates, - Brown, and after- wards by P. Holton & Co.
James MeDaniels was succeeded by his son Thomas and Isaac, for a number of years ; then by Joel M. Rodgers. The store then passed into the hands of Seneca Smith. His success- ors were David Jacobs, Calvin Smith and others. The MeDaniels store is now occupied by Buck- lin & Vail. P. Holton is at present the oldest merchant at the Corners, having been in trade since 1858.
About 1825, a store was built at Scottsville by Job Scott, who was in trade over 30 years, followed by Joseph I. Scott. Edia Baker, and Simon E. Harrington. J. I. Scott is the pres- ent proprietor.
The first store at the Borough was built and kept by Oliver Arnold, in 1803, near the pres- ent homestead of C. H. Congdon-succeeded by Robert Green and David Youngs. There was another about that time on the farm now owned by D. W. Rodgers, built by Elisha and Jesse Lapham. The next was built in 1SOS, by Ho- sea Williams, near the present hotel. He re- mained in the business a number of years- succeeded by Jesse Lapham, who traded until 1812. He then erected a new store, where the lionse of M. H. Cook now stands, which was afterwards kept by Isaac Vail and Platt Vail. The stone store was built in 1820, by Jesse Lapham, with which he was connected for a number of years. This store has been kept by different parties since then, among whom are George and Aaron Vail, William Sperry, Lap- ham & Bruce, Arima Smith, Bruce & Nichols, C. M. Bruce, and lastly by William Pierce.
There have been other stores since 1810. by Eggleston & Youngs, Seth Griffith, Caleb Buf- fum and others. Union store started about 1855, Daniel Bromley and J. C. Thompson agents. Since then stores have been kept in the same building by N. P. Harrington, George E. Kelley, M. O. Williams and W. II. Bond.
The stone store west of the Borough was
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built by William Kelley, soou after the marble business opened, who carried on the trade to some extent, and was succeeded by L. S. Wal- do, J. B. Nichols, and last by L. S. Waldo the present owner. In 1862, S. L. Griffith erected a new store, now kept by C. H. & W. B. Grif- fith. In 1867, a handsome store was built by C. M. Bruce, making now 6 stores in town.
EDUCATION.
The education received in our early schools was reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic to a limited degree. Teachers received but little compensation, and school-houses were rude structures, built of logs or birch poles, and sometimes deserted log-cabins were taken and fitted up for school-rooms. Provision was made in the charter of the town for one share of 250 acres for the benefit of schools, to which was added, by law of the State. the share re- served for a church glebe, and the share for the society for propagating the gospel in foreign parts, which last was taken from the town by a decision of the United States court.
In 1798, the prudential committees were re- quired to make returns of scholars, by which we find the town numbered 469 scholars; in 1830, 570 ; and at present 434 scholars between 4 and 20 years of age. In 1867, the aggregate amount raised upon the grand list, by the dis- tricts for the support of schools, was nearly $1,000. Number of heads of families in town, 206; amount paid male teachers, $409; amount paid female teachers, $675. Since 1830, there have been select schools taught nearly every year.
Previous to 1846 the law required the towns to appoint annually a superintending commit- tee for the inspection and examination of schools and teachers. Since then there has been but one superintendent elected at the an- nual March meeting each year.
The superintendents since 1846, Marcus Bart- lett, 1846-'47 ; Lncius Bartlett, 1847 ; Edward Lapham, 1847; C. H. Congdon, 1843-'53; Aus- tin S. Baker, 1853-'55 ; John T. Griffith, 1855- -'57; A. D. Smith, 1857-'61; J. C. Baker, 1861; William Wightman, 1862 ; C. H. Cong. don, 1863 ; Heman Barnes, '63; C. H. Congdon, 1864, J. T. Griffith, 1865; J. C. Williams, 1865-'67. M. W. Donegan, elected in 1867, is the present superintendent.
districts, 2 of which-No. 4 and No. 10-are fractional.
CHURCH HISTORY.
We do not come up to the standard of piety and devotedness of our fathers and mothers. They would travel many miles. over bad roads, on foot and on horseback, to hear a sermon. A log barn in summer, and a log school-house in winter. If the building was small, the hearers were obliged to be without, seated on logs, while the preacher stood in the door and proclaimed the word of life.
THE BAPTISTS
Organized a church, in 1781. There had been no preaching in town before except by some itinerant ministers, whose literary quali- fications were not great, and yet very well adapted to the condition of the people of that day. It is said of these early ministers, that "they toiled in the cold and in the heat, by day and by night, traversing the wilderness from one solitary dwelling to another, by marked trees and half made roads, fording rivers and streams, often without a guide."
The first Baptist society was formed in 1781, and the Rev. Hezekiah Eastman was the first settled minister. Among the early members were Thomas Rowley, Abraham Chase, Wil- liam Bromley, Sen., John Stafford, Nathan Rowley, Roger Williams, Joseph Fowler, Stephen Calkins and Abel Haskins. At a meeting of the inhabitants, held at the house of Stephen Calkins, "May ye 11th, 1781," Thomas Rowley moderator, it was voted to give the Rev. Mr. Eastman a call to settle in the work of the ministry in Danby. It was also voted, the first minister that should be or- dained over a church of Christ in Danby, " by the laying on of hands," shall be fully entitled to the right reserved by the charter for the first settled minister.
Mr. Eastman accepted the call, and was or- dained in October following, as the records show :
"October yo 11th, 1781.
" The church of Christ in the town of Danhy, together with the voice of the people of the town, in meeting assembled, unanimously agreed and gave the Rev. Hezekiah Eastman a call to settle in the work of the ministry in the town of Danby The Rev. Elder Waldo, the Rev. Elder Dakens and the Rev. Elder Rogers were appointed to assist in the ordaining of Mr. Eastman over said church in Danby. After every measure was taken, agreeable to
The town origininally was divided into 6 dis- tricts, agrecably to a law of the State passed in 1786. By a vote of the inhabitants in 1792, the town was divided into 9 districts, and 3 more | the constitution of Philadelphia, present in were added in 1812. There are at present 14 ' Danby, the Rev. Elders Waldo, Dakens, Rog-
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ers. anil the Rev. Mason and Cornwall, all ag- sisted in ordaining the Rev. Mr. Eastman over the church of Christ in Danby. The Rev. Mr. Waldo preached the sermon, from Ezekiel ve 33 chapter. from the 2d to the 9th verses. Eld- er Rozers gave the charge, and Elder Dakens gave the right hand of fellowship, &c."
The Rev. Mr. Eastman supplied the church here until about the year 1800, when it dis- solved. Being without a house of worship, meetings were held in private houses, and some- times in barns and school-houses. When the brick school-house was built, meetings were held there. The Baptist church was re-organ- ized in 1826, under the auspices of Elder Jo- seph Packer. Previous to that time there had been only occasional preaching by Rev. Elias Hurlbut, Rev. Harvey Crowley, Elders Daniel and Joseph Packer and others. The church was then in a flourishing condition, and the most prosperous of any period in its existence. Among its members at that time were Azel Kelley, John Babbitt. Ephraim Chace, Hiram Kelley, Rowland R. Green, William Johnson, Allen C. Roberts. Harvey Crowley, Benjamin Chace, William Haskins, Ruth Haskins, Polly Davis, Hannah Chace, and some others. Eph- raim Chace, Azel Kelley and Hiram Kelley were its deacons. The organization was kept up for some 20 years, since which it has de- clined. There is no organized society at the present time.
METHODIST.
A Methodist society was organized here at a very early day. The first church was built in 1795, and stood west of the Corners, near the burial ground. The Rev. Jared Lobdel was the first settled minister over this church, and the first Methodist who preached in town. He was a local preacher here for many years. performing pastoral duties longer than any man since. He was laborious and useful, and his preaching plain and powerful. During Mr. Lobdel's ministry there were several interest .. ing revivals. His meetings were sometimes held in private houses, in groves, and some- times in barns. Lorenzo Dow visited this town in 1797, and preached in the old meet- ing-house, which was well filled. In 1800, a class was formed in the southwest part of the town, and also one on the east side. Their meetings were held mostly at private houses. The church at one time numbered about 70 members. Among the early members of the society were Alexander Barrett, Gideon Bar- num, Timothy Barnum, Darius Lobdel, Wil- liam Edmunds, John Ransom, Henry Herrick,
Henry Signor, John Signor, Henry Herrick, Jr., Elisha Tift, Lucinda Emerson, Huldah Ben- son, Betsey Calkins, Mary Kelley, Jonathan Randall, Nathan Weller, Moses Vail, Lucy Vail, Phebe Griffith and Dennis Canfield.
Since 1804, the Methodist church has been supplied by circuit preachers. The first cir- cuit minister who preached here that year was the Rev. Seth Chrowell, who then be- longed to the Brandon circuit. He deserves an honorable place among the heroes of the early history of Methodism. He commenced his la- bors in 1801, and continued them for 25 years. He combined distinguished argumentative powers with great hortatory ability. His ap- peals were said to have been sometimes over- whelming. He labored while here with un- common zeal, and his future labors were per- formed amid great bodily infirmity and severe mental conflicts, until utter prostration laid him aside. He died in 1826, honored and be- loved. The Rev. George Powers and the Rev. Justus Byington also preached here during the year 1804, and supplied both the east and west side. The society then numbered about 30 members.
In 1805, the Rev. Samuel Draper and the Rev. Reuben Harris preached here once in 2 weeks. The Rev. Mr. Draper is said to have done valiant service for Methodism here, be- ing indefatigable in his labors. He commenced his preaching in 1801, and continued until his death, in 1824. He was presiding elder from 1810 to 1815, always laborious and useful. The Rev. Samuel Howe and the Rev. George W. Powers preached here at stated intervals during the year 1806. Quarterly meetings were regularly held here, and largely attended. The Rev. Daniel Bromley was the presiding elder from 1804 to 1807, and preached here occasionally. Mr. Bromley was a native of this town, and belonged to the Brandon circuit. In 1807, Rev. Phineas Cook and Rev. Lewis Pease were assigned here, and met their ap- pointments regularly. The Rev. Mr. Pease was a very devoted and successful laborer in the Christian ministry. He was reared in Canaan, N. Y., and Brandon was his first cir- cuit, and North Second street, Troy, was the scene of his last successful ministrations.
Rev. Dexter Bates and Rev. Stephen Lom- borger were sent here in 1808, both of whom were zealous, pious, faithful ministers. The next, who came in 1809, were Rev. Phineas Rice and Rev. Francis Brown. In 1810, Rev. Tobias Spicer and Rev. Daniel Bromley sup-
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plied. The Rev. Mr. Spicer was born Nov. 7, [ among the most distinguished men of the Troy 1778, at Kinderhook, N. Y. He entered the ministry at the age of 22, joined the circuit and preached here the first year. He was a noble spirited man, a good preacher, and pow- erful exhorter, "known and read of all men" who have any acquaintance with Methodism. Of integrity and industry he is a notable ex- ample. The Brandon circuit was at that time very large ; it embraced no less than 31 towns and 30 regular appointments. These appoint- ments were each visited once in 4 weeks ; so that there was preaching once a fortnight. In order to attend those appointments, the minis- ters had to ride about 400 miles in 4 weeks, which was performed on horseback, over ex- ceedingly bad roads. Rev. William Anson, who was presiding elder from 1807 to 1811, preached here at the quarterly meetings. Mr. Anson was a native of England, a student of Oxford, and came to America in early life. He is said to have been subsequently a secre- tary under General Washington. At the age of 26 he became the subject of converting grace, and joined the New York Conference in 1800. He was one of the pioneers of Metho- dism. Those who knew him, say that he was a genuine specimen of an old fashioned Metho- dist preacher. He died in 1843.
In 1811, Phineas Rice and Rev. Francis Brown returned to this appointment. The Rev. James Young also preached here that year. In 1812, Rev. David Lewis and Rev Bardsley Northrup came. Mr. Lewis was here 2 years, his colleague in 1813 being the Rev. Thomas Maddin. In 1814, Rev. Al- mond Dunbar and Rev. Nicholas White atten- ded to this appointment, and Samuel Draper, the presiding elder, visited the town.
Rev. Justus Byington, who preached here in 1804, was again sent here in 1815. He was associated with the Rev. Jacob Beman. Mr. Byington was here 2 years, his associate in 1816 being Rev. David Lewis. Jacob Be- man entered the ministry in 1808, and is said to have been laborious and useful while here. Ile never wearied of preaching, especially against Calvinism. Rev. David Lewis was also here in 1817, associated with the Rev. James Covell, who was then quite young. Mr. Covell was born in the town of Marble- head, Mass., in 1796. At the session of the N. Y. Conference, held in June, 1816, he was admitted on trial, and was appointed to the Brandon circuit in 1817. Mr. Covell was a de- voted student and a good scholar, and ranked
Conference. His preaching is said to have been concise, clear and instructive, and he a consistent Christian. The Rev. Isaac HEL, Phineas Doan and Moses Amidown preached here in 1818. Rev. Henry Stead the presid- ing elder, was here during the quarterly meet- ings. Rev. Mr. Stead was an Englishman by birth, and entered the itinerant fleld in 1904. He was, as we are told, an excellent presiding elder, being kind, frank and humorous. He was a warm hearted Christian and decided Meth- odist.
Rev. Moses Amidown was here again in 1819, associated with Rev. Levi Barnet. In 1820, the Rev. Samuel Draper and Rev. Jacob Beman, were again appointed here, together with Rev. Elisha Dewey. Mr. Draper was also here in 1821, and Rev. Mr. Amidown was re- appointed. and the church prospered under their charge. In 1822, there was circuit preaching by the Rev. George Smith and the Rev. Hiram Meeker. Rev. John S. Stratton was the presiding elder for that quarter.
From 1823 to '32, the following circuit min- isters preached here, viz. Harvey De Wolf, Rev. Philo Pherris, 1823; Rev. Dillin Stephens, 1821; Rev. Cyrus Prindle, Rev. Lucius Bald- win, 1825; Rev. Tolman Todd, Rev. Anthony Rice, 1826 ; Rev. Almond Dunbar, Rev. Amos Hazelton, 1827; Rev. Salmon Stebbins, Rev. James Goodrich, 1828; Rev. Reuben Wescott, Rev. Cyrus Prindle, 1829; Rev. Joshua Poor, Rev. Joseph Eames, 1830; Rev. Joshua Poor, Rev. William Ryder, 1831 ; Rev. Christopher Morris, Rev. Lyman Prindle, in 1832. The following presiding elders preached here during that quarter, viz. Rev. Buell Goodell, Rev. Lewis Pease and Rev. Tobias Spicer.
The Troy Conference organized in 1832. has sent the following ministers here: Rev. John Atley, Rev. John Fitch. Rev. Anthony Rice. in 1833 ; Rev. David Poor, Rev. Peter Harrow. er, Rev. Arnold Kingsbury, in 1834; Rev. Alden S. Cooper, Rev. Manley Witherell, in 1835; Rev. Ira Bentley, Rev. Hiram Blanch- ard, in 1836; and the Rev. William Hurd in 1837-'38.
The old Methodist meeting-house, west of the Corners, was torn down in 1822, before and after which time meetings for the west side of the town were hield at the brick school-house. and for the east side in the school house at the Borough. The Methodists were without a church 16 years. In 1838, there were three societies formed, each of which erected a
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church. The one at the Borough was built first, and dedicated by the Rev. Stephen Martindale, of Wallingford. That society was composed of Episcopal Methodists, Close Communion Bap- tists and Friends. The church south of the Cor- ners was finished next, in 1839, and dedicated by the Rev. Mr. Martindale. The society was composed of Methodists and Baptists. The church at the Corners was completed about the year 1840, and dedicated by the Rev. Mr. Brown, a Universalist minister. This was de- signed as a Union church, and was dedicated as such, all denominations being represented.
Since 1838, the Methodist Episcopal church- es have been supplied by the following preach- ers : Rev. William Hurd, 1838; Rev. Josiah Chamberlin, 1839; Rev. Albert Chamberlin and Rev. John Brown, 1840; Rev. Albert Chamberlin, 1841 ; Rev. Chester Chamberlin, 1842-'44; Sylvester Clemons, 1814-'46; Rev. Benjamin Cox, 1847. From 1848 to '55 there was no regular preacher sent here. Since that time the following named ministers have sup- plied : Rev. - Hurlburt, 1855; Rev. Lewis Dwight, 1836 ; Rev. J. L. Cook, 1858; Rev. Wesley Clemons, 1859 ; Rev. Mr. Hannah, 1860; Rev. M. A. Wicker, 1861 ; Rev. H. H. Smith, 1862 and 1863; Rev. Mr. Newton, 1864 ; Rev. Mr. Whitney, 1865 ; Rev. D. Rose, 1866; and Rev. Z. C. Picket from 1867, and who continues to supply the church here, har- ing been returned for the third time. A spir- ited revival took place here in the winter of 1859-60, under the preaching of Rev. Mr. Clemons. An interesting Sabbath school has been connected with this church for many rcars, and libraries have been established. Since 1830, donation festivals have become general and popular. When they were first introduced, they were limited to the supply of the pastorate, with such necessary articles as each donor could conveniently spare from his own stores. Since money has become the most plentiful article in the community, dona- tions are almost exclusively made in cash, and frequently from $100 to $200 are raised in an evening. The effect of these festivals has been to create more sympathy among the people, and between the pastor and people. The larg- est festival held was in the winter of 1868. for the benefit of the Rev. Z. C. Picket, $236 ob- tained. Besides the amount raised at these festivals, a salary of about $500 is paid to the minister each year, raised by subscription.
FRIENDS, OR QUAKERS.
A very large number of the first settlers
were Quakers, and a society was formed here at an early day. Their meetings were first held in a log-house, which stood on the hill, west of the residence of Howell Dillingham. The first church was erccted in 1785, located in the S. E. corner of the farm now belonging to James E. Nichols. The society held its meet- ings here until 1806, when the building was sold to Reuben White, and has since been used for a barn.
Among the early members of this society were Stephen Rogers, Aaron Hill, Wing Rog- ers, Ebenezer Smith, David Lapham, Anthony Nichols, Joseph Button, Jacob Eddy, Timothy Bull, Crispin Bull, David Lapham, Joseph Davis, Jacob Bartlett, Luther Colvin, John Barlow, Reuben White, Josiah Southwick, William Boyce, Isaac Wilbur, Gilbert Palmer, Nathan Smith, Asa Smith, Joseph Irish, Enocli Congor, Ezekiel Ballard. Harris Otis, Elkanah Parris, Daniel Cook, Jazaniah Barrett, Dan- icl Southwick, Benjamin Kelley and Aaron Rogers.
Another church was built in 1805, near the present residence of Howell Dillingham, and for many years the quarterly and monthly meetings were held here. At the time this church was built, the Friends outnumbered all other religious societies. Many eminent Qua- kers have preached here, among wliom was Elias Hicks, who visited this town about the year 1830.
The society of Friends continued to prosper until 1827, when the Hicksite* division took place. Among those who were instrumental in establishing the Orthodox society here were Harris Otis, Friend Smith, Booth Rogers and others, and a church was erected about the year 1830, ncar the residence of William Her- rick. The orthodox society. failing for mem- bers and want of support, finally discontinued their mectings, and the church was torn down some 10 years since.
In 1845, a new church was built on the east side of the town, since which the monthly meet- ings have been held there a part of the time, and the other part at the old church. For a number of years past the quarterly and month- ly meetings have been held here and at Gran- ville, N. Y., alternately. The Friends' church is gradually declining, there being but few men- bers now living in town, among whom are Josiah Southwick and wife, Isaac Nichols, John Bell, Joseph Bartlett and wife, David Boyce
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