USA > Vermont > Rutland County > The history of Rutland county, Vermont; civil, ecclesiastical, biographical and military, pt 1 > Part 44
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the goods, and before sunrise the next morn- ing, the entire stock of goods was removed to Mc Daniels' store, at the Corners. Jared Lob- del, who was a great friend of Mc Daniels, soon after this removed to Plattsburg, N. Y., but made it a practice to come to Danby once a year to see his children and friends. Mc Daniels made it his custom, on each of these visits, to present Mr. Lobdel with $15, and on being asked by his son Thomas why he did this, replied that Lobdel helped him when a boy, and his expenses were about that sum, and this was followed up to the last. After this Elisha Tryon embarked in other matters, where he lost his money, and became poor, but Mc Daniels never forgot him for past favors, and paid for a house and home for him in Manchester, which he occupied during his life. Mc Daniels traded on his own account for about 3 years, when he went into company with Jonathan Seley, with whom he remained some time, and then sold out store and goods to Daniel Folger He had to purchase the books, notes and accounts, settle the same and pay the demands of the firm, which took him some 2 years, during which time he purchased a farm in Easton, N. Y., and also went into trade in Albany, N. Y., to which place he removed. His wife not being pleased with the city of Albany, be returned back to Danby. Soon after his return in 1809, he purchased back the old store and goods of Daniel Folger, and went into trade again. This was in the embargo times, and the prospect was dark and gloomy for all men who were in trade. In 1805, Seley and Mc Daniels also had a store of goods in Whiting, Vt. Their partner in the business was Ephraim Seley, who conducted the busi- ness in Whiting for about 3 years. They then sold out, Mc Daniels taking a portion of the goods himself, and purchasing all the demands of the firm, which he had to collect and settle up the co-partnership. In con- nection with this he owned another store at the Borough, making three stores he was in- terested in at one time.
In 1812, when the government declared war against England, goods were very high, and as none could be imported, kept rising, There was also a great deal of paper money in circulation which people were afraid to take and keep. Mc Daniels then went to work, took all the paper inoney he could get, and paid up his debts in market. As he was
flooded with paper money from all quarters. he commenced loaning money, and carried on his store successfully, together with other speculations which were always sure and cer- tain. He was not in the habit of purchasing many beef cattle, but in his business days, he would write to his friends to purchase 200 or 300 barrels of beef and pork in Albany ani Troy, and also several hundred barrels of flour, and keep the same for a rise in market, upon which he would many times make a large profit. Mr. Mc Daniels doubtless bal as good a set of customers in Danby and from neighboring towns as any man who ever did business. Most of them were wealthy, and many of his customers dealt largely in horses, cattle and produce. Some of them purchased land and often times gare their notes to other people, which M. Daniels would buy up, and became distinguished as a broker. If any one wished to loan or bor- row money, they were directed to go to Me- Daniels. In 1816, he sold his store at the Borough to Andrew Eddy, who did not re- main in trade long.
He was married Aug. 11th, 1803, to Sally, da. of John Harrington. He continued the mercantile business until Mar. 23, 1825. with the exception of the year 1804 or 5 that he was in Albany in trade; making abox: 30 years that he was in trade in Danby, ani he amassed the most ample fortune ever ac- cumulated in town. His style of living and furniture was very plain, and he was styled the "Checkered Merchant," which was de- rived from his wearing a suit of cheap check- ed cloth. He began business when merchas:s relied upon themselves. He made distinct contracts, which he was very exact in keep- ing, and which he adhered to, with indexible purpose. Honorable in trade, prompt, reli- able and firm, he was decided in his business. He took an active part in political masters, and was honored with many of the town offices ; was lister 11 years, justice of the peace seven, representative four, besides be- ing once or twice elected to the Constitu- tional Convention, to revise the Constitution of the State. He was also in the State Mili- tia, and was captain of a company of troop- ers for several years.
In 1826, he had a fever and inflamation in his eyes, at which time he lost the visiva or sight of one; the other continued good, be doing his own business until about the year
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1837, when sight gradually disappeared, af- ter which time he was unable to do business himself. His general health, however, con- tinued good, so that he could travel about the country with assistance. He was a man of extensive acquaintance, his business having been very extensive. His wife died in 1837, aged 52. He removed to Granville, N. Y., with his son Isaac, and from thence to Rut- land, where he died of palsy, Apr. 19, 1859, aged 78. The day previous to his death he arose as well as usual, ate a hearty break- fast and walked out doors several times. While conversing about business matters, in the office of his son Isaac, about 11 o'clock A. M., he commenced rubbing his hand and re- marking that his hand and arm were asleep. His son Thomas who was on a visit to his brother's, also rubbed his hand and arm. Other applications were applied but in less than two hours he lost completely the use of his left side, but had his senses until near his end, and could answer questions asked him. He died on the 19th. His funeral was at- tended at Danby, sermon by Rev. Leland Howard, from 1 Peter 1 : 24, 25. His will was made a number of years previous to his death, Dr. Harris Otis being appointed execu- tor. This will has been contested by his sons for the past 10 years, in the county and su- preme courts, involving a long and expensive litigation. There were but three children : Thomas, Isaac and Nancy.
Mc DANIELS, THOMAS, was b. Oct. 15, 1806, settled here with his father in the mercantile business. After his father became blind, Thomas had almost the entire charge of the business, which required considerable ability. In 1828, he purchased of his father his store of goods, and went into trade on his own account, which he continued until 1831. In the fall of that year he sold out to T. Dunton & Co, and went to New York to live. In 1832, his father sent for him to return to Danby to do his business. He finally, at the earnest solicitations of his father, purchased a large stock of goo ls, came back to Danby and went into trade in the old store. He re- mained here in trade until 1838, when he re- moved to Bennington, Vt., where he still resides, having been successful in accumulat- ing a large fortune. He was married in 1839. to Erin M. Pratt. He is a Democrat, has been a justice of the peace; notary public ; a member of the Constitutional Convention ;
and in 1832 was elected Senator froin Ben- nington County.
Mc DANIELS, GEN. ISAAC, born in Danby, June 15, 1813, commenced in the mercantile business, as his father's clerk. Having in- herited those traits of character which so dis- tinguished his father in the same profession, he accumulated a large fortune. His early literary advantages were but moderate, but while young, he formed a habit of reading and study, which he kept up through life, an-1 had a mind well stored with general informa- tion. He possessed great prudence, and what contributed perhaps most to his success ia life, was facility and accuracy in the trans- action of business. In 1832, he went into trade in company with his brother Thomas, the firm being known as T. & I. Mc Daniels, which continued until 1838. Ezra Andrus was also associated with him in trade for a short time. He soon after this sold out his stock of goods to Joel M. Rogers, who carried on the business for several years. Isaac re- mained here until 1847, when he removed to Granville, N. Y., where he resided until 1852, when he removed to Rutland. In 1860, he was appointed l'ostmaster at Rutland, which office he held one year. He was many years connected with the State Militia. In 1839, appointed captain, which commission he held several years. From that he received the appointment of colonel, afterwards, b. igadier- general, and finally rose to major-general. He was a life-long democrat, and one of its most active and leading members, always a delegate to the democratic conventions, hav- ing been a member of one national conven- tion, and once or twice received the nomina- tion for Governor of the State. Places of trust and responsibility were often accorded him, while a resident of Danby. He was jus- tice of the peace 3 years and a representative one. He was married in 1844, to Lucy, da of Ashbel Hurlbut of Pawlet. She was a graduate of Troy Female Seminary, and one of the first principals of the Troy Conference Academy at Poultney. She was drowned at the burning of the Henry Clay Steamer, near Yonkers, N. Y., in 1852, aged 38. They were on their way from Troy to New York, together with their daughter Mary, then about 7 years of age, who was saved by her father who swam with her to the shore. He was again married in 1859, to the widow Mary J. Eastman of Rupert. He died Aug.
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3, 1:07, aged 55. Mr. Mc Daniels was pos- posted of good conversational powers, and a mind and heart sparkling with good humor and kind feelings. His word was as good as his bond, and in all things pertaining to so- cial, moral and religious improvement, he was foremost, as well as one of our most sub- stantial men. To Danby, his native town, where most of his fortune was made, where 34 out of 55 years of his life were passed ; where he received the highest honors of office that the town could bestow, he gave in 1865, the generous sum of $10,000, the interest of which is divided annually among the school- districts, for the support of common schools. For generations to come, the name of Isaac Mc Daniels will be associated with the town. His remains repose in Rutland. By his first wife he raised two children; James and Mary. By his last wife he raised three : Caasa, Minnie and Pauline. Mary m. Aaron Putnam, a merchant of Fredonia, N. Y.
MOODY, GIDEON, was many years a resi- dent of this town. He was a Revolutionary patriot, and a great musician, having served as drum-major through the whole of the war, and also that of 1812, and drew a pension. He was quite young when he entered the service. He lived here until his death, which occured in 1849, aged about 80. He was about the last one of the patriots of the Revolution, who died in this town. He had a retentive memory, which enabled him, dur- ing the last years of his life to remember the events of the war, with distinctness, which he took great pride in relating. In all that was grotesque, and droll, he stood pre- emi- nent, being shrewd and cunning in many of his remarks. He was an eccentric man, and very irregular in all his ways. Training days, however, were those of his most espe- cial glory, and he shone most to his satisfac- tion, as with his drum and in his military suit, he paraded himself at the head of the company. No military officer could strut more, or felt prouder of his position, It was his custom on other days, to parade himself in the streets with his drum, or march a- round the liberty pole, at the music of his drum. In person, he was tall and spare, courteous and gentlemanly in his address, very energetic and active in all his move- ments, and long it will be ere the spare tig- ure or queer sayings of Gideon Moody, fade from the memory of the inhabitants of his
day. His wife's name was Polly Hathaway. Of his children were Jolin, Amasa, Sally. Seymor and Mary Ann. John settled in Ar- lington and Amasa in Windham.
MOTT, LIEUT. JOHN, was another patriot of the Revolution, and settled here soon after the war. He was a man of ability and in- telligence, was a selectman 2 years and occu- pied other public positions. He was for many years one of the deacons and main pil- lars of the Baptist church. He removed, we are not informed to what place.
MULFORD, DR. AUGUSTUS, from Walling- ford, settled at the Borough, in the practice of his profession. He was a good physician. He also kept tavern there for several years, and built the one now standing. He was twice m., first to Fannie Fox, and next to Nellie, sister of his former wife. He removed to Granville, N. Y.
NICHOLS, THOMAS, SEN., from Greenwich, R. I., in 1780, settled with his son Anthony. He is the earliest known ancestor of the fam- ily, who came to this town. He was a de- scendant of one of three brothers, who emi- grated from Wales, during the seventeenth century, and settled in Rhode Island. One of these brothers is said to have been very wealthy, and subsequently went to one of the West India Islands, where he died, leav- ing no heirs. Several attempts have been made, by other branches of the family, to es- tablish a claim, and recover this property, but thus far have proved unsuccessful. The descendants of Thomas Nichols have been numerous and worthy ; many of them still remain here while others are scattered in different parts of this State and other States. He died in 1798, quite advanced in years, leaving three sons and one daughter : An- thony, Charles, James and Hannah.
NICHOLS, ANTHONY, born at East Green- wich, R. I. came here in 1778, two years previous to his father, and settled on the farm now owned by his son Isaac. He first settled in Clarendon, Vt., in 1776, to which place he brought his family and effects in an ox-cart. His entire capital was $75, in con- tinental money. With this amount he could purchase 75 lbs, of pork, or a brass-kettle. Giving his wife the privilege of choosing which she would have, she decided to take the kettle which was brought here with them. He introduced about the first stove in town, known as the "Abbot Stove." Ile
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was a cabinet-maker and worked considera- ble at that trade. As land was cheap at that time, especially in "Skunks Misery," as the valley along Otter Creek was then called, he soon became enabled to possess a farm. To him belongs the honor of giving name to the Borough. Mr. Nichols was a Quaker, and one of the oldest, as well as one of the lead- ing and influential members of the society, in connection with which his name is often mentioned. He presents one of the many in- stances of what industry, economy and pa- tience accomplished during the primitive days of the town. He was twice married his first wife being Alice Greene, a cousin of Gen- eral Greene, of Revolutionary fame ; his next Ann Wood, who died in 1816. He died in 1822, aged 71. His long residence here was characterized by honest frugality and Chris- tian benovolence, and he was endeared to all who knew him.
NICHOLS, CHARLES, came with his brother. Anthony, from Rhode Island, and settled at Scottsville, where his grandson Charles, now lives. He was the first settler in that vicini- ty. He was an upright and amiable citizen. He died in 1821, aged 69,-children : Thom- as, Hannah, Alice, Joshua, Jacob, Charles, Mercy, Mary and Freelove.
NICHOLS, ISAAC, born 1791, m. Abigail, Barrett, and succeeded to his father's home- stead. He has been a man of industry, and accumulated considerable property. He is at present the oldest man but one, living in town, who was born here, being one of the few remaining links which connect us with the past. He is highly esteemed, a quiet ex- emplary Friend, one of the few left in town of that once numerous church. He has at- tained the greatest age of any member of the family, being now in his 73th year, liv- ing cheerful and happy, with faculties un- impaired, the evening of his days is glid- ing tranquilly away, cheered by the presence of those he loves. His wife died in 1834, aged, 43. They raised a family of nine chil- dren : Henry, Mary, Hannah R., Rhoda, Jane, Anthony, Mariah, Jazaniah B. and Isaac J.
NICHOLS, JAMES TILSON, b. in 1803, and d. in Sudbury, Vt., Feb. 1, 1868. He m. Mar- iam Briggs, who d. at Sudbury, Oct. 20, 1850; 2d, m. Mrs. Florinda D. Burr, who survives him. He resided here upon the homestead until, 1834, when he removed to
S. His children were William T., Stukely S., Henry J., Harrison P., Minnie A., William T., the eldest, resides at Chicago, Ill. He is a lawyer by profession, studied with Hon. Solomon Foot and S. H. Hodges at Rutland ; was admitted to the bar at the September term, 1851; assistant clerk of the House of Representatives of Vermont in 1852; State's Attorney for Rutland County in 1859-60 ; represented the town of Rutland in the Leg- islature in 1861-63; was a Senator from Rutland County in 1863-61 ; in 1857, form- ed a co-partnership with the late Robert Pierpoint, under the style of Pierpoint & Nichols, which continued until the death of Judge Pierpoint; went out as a private sol- dier in the first Vermont Volunteers, being one of the first to respond, was subsequently commissioned Colonel of the 14th Vermont Volunteers, and served with the Regiment until it was mustered out Oct 15, 1863. Col. Nichols was a splendid soldier and a belov- ed commander: He has been twice married, first to Thersa Cramton and next to Helen Cramton, sister of his former wife.
Stukely S., the second son, resides at Leav- enworth, Kansas, and is a farmer. He serv- ed 3 years in the Federal armies of the West, during the rebellion. He was a first Lieutenant and acting commissary in the 13th Kansas Cavalry, and was in several engagements.
Henry J., the third son, resides at Mar- shall, Texas, and is now the Sheriff of Harri- son County, Texas. He entered the army as a private in the 11th Vermont Vols. in 1862, rose through every grade to the rank of a Major in that regiment ; was engaged in ev- ery battle and skirmish in which the regi- ment participated, and was mustered out in 1865.
Harrison P., the fourth son graduated at Middlebury College, August, 1860, and is now studying law at Chicago, Ill., with Rog- ers & Garnett.
Minnie A., the only daughter, graduated at Greenwood Seminary, August, 1868.
NICHOLS, THOMAS, JR., still lives upon a portion of the homestead. He is a farmer, and worker and dealer in marble. He was elected a justice of the peace in 1868. His son, Nathan R., is a graduate of Middlebury College, now preparing for the ministry, at the Theo. Sem. Andover, Mass.
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NESL, ROBERT, from Galston. Ayrshire, S odland in 1855, is a shoe and harness-ma- * r. His harness took the premium at the Midland County Fair in 1869. IIe served ar a soldier in the army during the rebellion. Hem. Margaret Richmond : children; Robert, Jesbelle, Elizabeth, Ellen, Alexander, Mar- Fatet and William.
OFIS, DR. HARRIS, born in Scituate, Mass., 17:5, came to this town in 1793. He was of English descent, son of Dr. Ephrain Otis, of the 6th generation in descent from John Otis, the oldest ancestor of the family known, who emigrated to America about the middle of the seventeenth century. He was a graduate in the medical science. Dr. Otis was the third physician who came to Danby and at that time less than 20 years of age. l'hysicians were often obliged, to travel by marked trees, through storms, by night and day, and fording streams at the liazard of their lives. Dr. Otis experienced all these difficulties. For the first two years he hired his board here. In 1795, he married Sarah, daughter of Stephen Rogers, and settled where his son William now lives. Although having been regularly educated as a physi- cian, his inclinations at length led him to farming, and he became a distinguished far- mer, and left at his death, one of the largest fortunes ever accumulated in town. He was rightly and truly educated, with a conscience Bensitively alive to the distinction between right and wrong. In the use of language he took great care and by his courteous bearing as a gentleman, uniformly won the respect of all. No man ever exercised a better influ- ence over his family, no children ever re- ceived a more gentle training.
He was many years one of the members of the board for the examination and inspection of schools, and teachers, and no man in town ever took a more lively interest in the cause of education. He was lister + years; ty- thingman 5; auditor several. He was one of the leading Quakers. In 1823, when the division among the Friends occured in this town, he became an Orthodox and was mainly instrumental in building a new church. His moral and religious life was always exemplary. Few men of so long a life have uniformly sustained so unblemished a reputation. In a word he was a grand, large hearted, great-souled man, incapable
of a petty act or thought, strong and resolute when those qualities were needed, and will long be remembered. He died Aug. 8, 1847, being 72 years of age. His widow died May 21, 1864, aged 85, beloved and mourned. Their children were Stephen, Ephraim, Wil- liam, Lydia, Elizabeth, George, Mary H., and Harris F.
OTIS, WILLIAM, m. 1st, in 1830, Sarah Almy, who was killed by being thrown from a wagon near the residence of John S. Parris, in 1839, at the age of 32; 2d, in 1841 Delia Peck of Queensbury, N. Y., who died in 1843, aged 26, 3d, 1850, Jane, widow of Allen Vail of Middletown, who died in 1856, aged 34 4th, in 1859, Ann F. Mason of Glen's Falls, N. Y., with whom he now lives. He still resides upon the homestead, aged 62. His farm is a model in many respects. For many years he has been the largest and one of the leading dairyman of this section. In 1861 he manufactured and presented to Pres- ident Lincoln, a very large cheese, which the President acknowledged in the follow- ing terms :
" EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, JAN. 18, 1862.
DEAR SIR :- Permit me through you to re- turn my sincere thanks to your friend and constituent, Wm. Otis, Esq., of Danby, Ver- mont, for the very superior and delicious cheese he had the kindness to send me, in your care. Your obedient servant,
A. LINCOLN. HON. SOLOMON Foot, U. S. Senate."
He has been town clerk and treasurer, 8 years ; and justice of the peace, 8 years ; rep- resentative and selectman, tive; lister, two ; trustee of U. S. deposit money, three.
OTIS, HARRIS FOSTER, In. 1st, 1836, Elizabeth H. Haviland of Queensbury, N. Y., who died in 1841, aged 21; 2d, Paulina, da of David Lapham. He was a fariner of fine taste and habits, a man of great talent. He was se- lectman, 2 years ; lister, six ; representative and town agent one, and justice of the peace, five. In 1855, he sold his farm and removed to Manchester, Vt., where he remained until the spring of 1860, when he removed to To- peka, Kansas. He at once took up a leal- ing position and soon became Mayor of Topeka. His excellent business habits, sound judgment and ability gained for him the respect and esteem of all with whom he as- sociated. He died at Topeka in 1561, aged
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45, caused by falling from the stairway of a ; Palmer remained but a year or two in prison, building.
PALMER, JOHN, m. Catherine Fraily and settled early on the southern part of what is now the Town farm. He was a farmer and shoemaker, aud his long life among us was marked with honest industry, and Christian deportment. Probably no person who ever lived here, remembered with so much dis- tinctness or knew more of the early history of the town. He lived to be aged 97, cheer- ful and happy with faculties but little im- paired; and died in 1860. He had 12 chil- dren. Their names are George, Henry, Jacob, Seneca, Wilson, Leonard, Micah, Gilbert, Harvy, Silas, Sarah and Ma ilda.
PALMER, DANIEL, settled on the homestead of his father where he lived many years. He was twice married, first to Hannah, da. of Henry Herrick and next to Polly Hop- kins. Mr. Palmer was, in his early days, a respected member of society. About the year 1820, there lived in the edge of Tin- mouth a man named Ephraim Briggs, who came to the Corners frequently to transact business. Mr. Palmer and Mr. Briggs met one evening at the old " Red Tavern, " then kept by Nicholas Jenks. Both men were ad- dicted to drinking and when intoxicated, were somewhat quarrelsome. A controversy finally arose, in which the two differed and an angry dispute occurred, both being quick tempered, until one challenged the other to the door. Mr. Palmer, upon reaching the door, being very quick in his movements, struck Briggs in the face felling him to the ground, and then jumping with both feet into his breast, which unfortunately resulted in his death. This sad affair created considerable excitement through the town, happening as it did in a community comparatively quiet and peaceable, and it being the first case of the kind that ever took place. Mr. Palmer was arrested for murder and brought before Barton Bromly, Esq., who upon hearing the testimony, acquitted Palmer. The friends of Briggs believing that justice had not been done, caused Palmer to be arrested the second time. His second trial took place in the old court house at Rutland, where by an impar- tial jury, he was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for life. Upon receiving his sentence, which he did with great calmness, he pulitely thanked the judge " that his sen- tence was not for a longer term." Mr.
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