USA > Vermont > Rutland County > The history of Rutland county, Vermont; civil, ecclesiastical, biographical and military, pt 2 > Part 14
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These lyceums have been lield at the village, at West Pawlet, and at North Pawlet through nearly every winter season for several years.
STOCK.
Great attention has been given from an ear- ly day, to the rearing of good horses. Many fine horses are annually sold out of this town, and a handsome revenue derived from their sale. The requirements of the war caused heavy drafts on our stock of horses, and they are now worth, probably, on an average, $ 200, each.
tening of stock for market, the cattle we have usually turned off being mostly grass fed.
English cattle of various breeds have been brought on from time to time to mix with our native breeds, but we have no systematic stock-breeder in town. The high prices of cheese and butter, the former from 18 to 22 cents per pound and the latter from 40 to 50 cents, have created a brisk demand for cows, which now sell for from $ 60 to $ 100 each. Oxen and young stock are proportionably high.
As with cattle so with sheep ; our farmers for many years only kept a supply for their domestic wants, and those only of the native breed, selling off yearly a few sırplus grass- fed wethers. Before 1812, there were but few, if any, fine-wooled sheep in town. About that time Col. Humphreys, of Connecticut, brought here a few choice sleep, descended from his original importation in 1802. The obstructions to commerce during the times of the embargo and the war with England in 1812, had induced the establishment of wool- en-factories in this town, and throughout the country, and a finer grade was in demand. Merino sheep were soon diffused throughout the town and a new era in sheep breeding was inaugurated. Wool soon became a prin- cipal staple. About 1825, Saxony sheep were brought in and crossed with merino grades. This did not prove satisfactory, as tenderer sheep and lighter fleeces were the result. To counteract this the Bakewell breed was soon after introduced, which gave less satisfaction. During all these earlier efforts to improve sheep, but few people attempted to raise pure blooded sheep, but our highest ambition was satisfied with grade sheep. During the pres- ent decade a new impulse has been given to the sheep interest by the introduction of the improved American merino. The key-note to this last movement has been full bloods.
A few prime flocks of this class have been started in town. The wool-growing interest has been depressed for the last year or two, and our shepherds have wished themselves out of the business. New encouragement however, has been afforded them by an act of congress, passed in March, 1867, increasing the tariff on imported wool.
The invention, by Joel Stevens, of a cheese- pan and stove combined, furnished greatly im- proved facilities for manufacture. The estab- lishment of a cheese-factory in 1864, by a dairy association at West Pawlet, and of an- In swine, though raised mainly for home consumption, unwonted interest is taken in their improvement. Perhaps the best, at other at the village in 1865, absorb most of the cheese-making interest in town. But lit- tle attention has ever been given to the fat- least the most popular breed, is the Chester
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county, fast supplanting most other breeds. The elephantine ear anl the alligator snout have passed away. Our hogs, to a great ex- tent, are grown and fattened on the refuse of the dairy.
POULTRY.
has shared in the general improvement. New varieties of fowls have been introduced, and from their names, we infer that the whole eastern world has been laid under contribu- tion to supply our market. Turkeys, also, which not unfrequently earn their own liv- ing, have by judicious breeding, been raised from 25 cents each, by the flock, to $2, with- in our remembrance. Geese are more neglect- ed, but to those favorably situated, it is one of the most profitable branches of business. .
The shepherd dog alone retains his position and is raised almost to the entire exclusion of all other dogs. No dairyman considers his es- tablishment complete without one of them.
The population of the town, according to the United States census, was as follows :
In the year 1791, 1458; 1800, 1933; 1810, 2233 ; 1820, 2155; 1830, 1965; 1840, 1748 ; 1850, 1843 ; 1860, 1540.
WAR OF 1861-'65.
Our town was represented in most of the infantry regiments raised in the State; in the cavalry, sharp shooters and batteries. Also, in several New York and other state organi- zations. Our volunteers were in almost every campaign, expedition and battle of the war, from Great Bethel, June, 1861, to the closing battles around Richmond.
They were in the ill-fated campaign of Gen- eral Mc Clellan in 1862, they confronted the guerillas and cow-boys of Eastern Virginia under Stuart and Mosby, they were at the siege of Vicksburg and sanguinary fights in that vicinity ; they were in the fruitless cam- paigns of Generals Pope, Burnside and Hook- er, and contributed to the triumph of General Mead at Gettysburg ; they fought above the clouds on Lookout mountain; they were under General Sherman at Chattanooga, at Dalton, at Atlanta, and accompanied him in his triumphant march to the sea-coast at Sa. vannah, and thence to Charleston, Columbia and Raleigh; they were with the impetuous Sheridan, in his daring and successful march through the Shenandoah valley; with Gener- al Banks, in his various expeditions, and at the taking of Mobile and shared in the bloody
flanking movements of General Grant, from the Rapidan to the gates of Petersburg ; they endured the horrors of Libby, Bellisle and Salisbury ; they suffered tortures at Anderson- ville, which no language can describe.
CHURCH HISTORY.
The first movement for a church organiza- tion was made by the Congregationalists near the centre of the town, in 1781, at about which time the first church edifice was erected very near the geographical centre of the town.
In 1790, the first Baptist church was formed . in the S. W. part of the town, near He- bron, N. Y. In 1790, a Protestant Episcopal church was in existence in the N. W. part of the town, near Granville. About 1795, a Methodist class was formed in the S. W. part of the town, near Rupert. In 1826, a Meth- odist Episcopal church was organized at the village. In 1826, the second Baptist church was organized, in the west part of the town. In 1831, the " Disciples " church was organ- ized near the same place. In 1832, the Meth- odist Protestant church was formed on the mountain, in the S .. W. part. About 1855, an "independent" society was formed at the vil- lage. Besides these, there have been within our limits Universalists, Friends, Mormons Second Adventists, and perhaps others.
THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
was organized Aug. 8, 1781, under Rev. David Perry, of Harwinton, Ct. Its first members were Samuel Butt, Jonathan Brace, Joel Harmon, Daniel Welch, Elisha Fitch and Jedediah Reed. Joel Harmon was ap- pointed first church clerk. A sermon was preached on the occasion by Rev. Mr. Per- ry, from 1 John, ii. 6. For the first 3 or 4 years it does not appear that they had any stated supply, though in the records of bap- tisms the names of Rev. Messrs. Murdock, Sill, Swift, Haynes, Kent, and Perry appear as officiating in that ordinance. We find it recorded that, in 1784, the Rev. James Thompson, of Worthington, was invited to return and preach on probation, which im- plies that he had preached to them before. And, in 1785, the Rev. Zephaniah Hollister Smith, of Glastenbury, Vt., received a call from the church, which call was not accepted, though we have it from tradition that Mr. Smith preached here for some time. We have no date to determine when the first church was erected, but we believe it was
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about 1785. It stood about 60 rods south of Henry Allen's, and was a plain, small, frame- building. Many of its timbers are in the wood-house connected with the dwelling of the late Rev. John Griswold.
In 1786, the church gave a call to Dr. Lew- is Beebe, then of Arlington, to become their pastor. And, June 14, 1787, Mr. Beebe was ordained. The council convened for the oc- casion, was composed of ministers and dele- gates from the following churches : Stock- bridge, Lanesboro, Chesterfield, Lenox, Rich- mond and Williamstown, in Massachusetts, and Bennington, Dorset and Rupert in this State. Soon after Mr. Beebe entered on his pastorate, serious difficulties arose in the church, which baffled their wisdom to ar- range among themselves. Their reference to a mutual council had no better result. It is understood, however, that the difficulties were mostly in relation to Mr. Beebe, one party being dissatisfied with him and the other sustaining him. This quarrel was only brought to a close, by the dismission of Mr Beebe, in 1791, when the church and society agreed on a unanimous call to Rev. John Griswold. By the way, we may notice the singular method the opposing parties took to close up the controversy, which was, after taking a copy of the proceedings for a year or two, to destroy the original minutes. It is not probable the copy is in existence. Mr. Griswold accepted the call, and Oct. 23, 1793, was ordanied. The churches called on to assist in his ordination, were Bennington, Sunderland, Sandgate, Benson, Orwell, West Rutland and Thetford, in this State, and Lebanon, in N. H. Rev. Mr. Robbins, of Lebanon, preached the sermon.
" We, the subscribers, being sensible of the importance of having a Gospel minister set- tled among us, Do promis to pay to Mr. John Griswold as an Inducement for him to settle in the worke of the minestre among us, the some that we do enext to our names, one half on the first day of January next, and the other in one yeare from the first payment, to be paid in neet cattle, or wheat and Indian corn.
Witness our hands.
Dated at Pawleet, June 4th, 1793.
4) 8. d.
Moses Porter, 10 00
Samuel Butts, 5 0 0
Joel Harmon, 10 0 0
Lem. Chipman 8
0 0
Ezekiel Harmon. 6 0 0
Jedediah Reed, 6 00 | year.
£ s. d.
Joel Moffatt,
2 10 0
Abraham Meacham, 200
Ashbel Skinner,. 2 00
Amos Curtis, 15 00
Daniel Welch,
9 19 9
Joseph Fitch.
8 0 0
Ozias Clark,
8 0 0
Rhilip Reed,
8 00
Sylvanus Gregory,
1 10 0
John Adams,.
4 00
Isaac Meacham,
1 10 0
Joseph Bradford,.
4 00
Asa Field,
2 00
3 00
Cyrus Wells
1 10 0
Stephen Spencer,
1 10 0
Asa Andrus,
2 00
Daniel Fitch
4 0 0
Stephen Starkweather,
5 00
Samuel Taylor,
1 0 0
Daniel Clark
1 0 0
David Carter,
1 0 0
John Cobb,
4 0
Andr. Henry
2 00
Return Strong,
2 0 0
Joel Simonds,
1 10 0
Benajah Bushnell
3 00
Isaac Stephens,
1 10 0
Rufus Fitch
2 0 0
John Fuller, 1 0 0
Zeb'd Andrus,
2 0 0
£152 19 9
Amounting in dollars and cents to $ 509.97.
Mr. Griswold entered on his pastorate under the most encouraging circumstances. The troubles in the church had mainly grown out of its connection with Mr. Beebe, and disclosures of his real character, made soon after his dismission, convinced his most stead- fast adherents of their error, and soon a good understanding prevailed. Mr. Griswold was popular, as well in the society and town, as in the church. His circumspect, thoughtful and yet pleasant manner won the confidence and affection of his contemporaries, and to his prudence and good common sense, rather than to brilliant talent, may be attributed his eminent success.
The church and congregation largely in- creasing, measures were taken in a few years for the erection of a more commodious church, as well as for its location at a more central point in the society. This, however, was displeasing to the people in the west part of the town, who would have to go one mile further to church. And the west part of the town was stimulated to put up a church of its own, which was accomplished the next
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Jedediah Edgerton,
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In 1798, the large, and for the day, splen- did church, was erected on the hill north of the village, which stood till about 1842. From all that appears or is known, this church was eminently prosperous and receiv- ed large accessions up to about 1812, when a serious difficulty, growing out of political differences arose. A portion of the church had become connected with the Washington Benevolent Society, a secret political organi- zation, which gave offence to a large minority of the church. Unavailing efforts were made to adjust the difficulty by a reference to a mutual council, the parties being so evenly divided that it was impracticable to settle it in the church. It was finally referred to the Consociation, whose conclusions left the mat- ter where they found it. The original com- plainants who had, during the pendency of the question, refrained from participating in the church ordinances, were, in turn, com- plained of by the adverse party, for breach of their covenant obligations, and, after due course of labor, were most of them excommu- nicated. Notwithstanding the loss to the church of several of its more prominent mem- bers, there were constant accessions, which more than kept the membership good.
Rev. Mr. Griswold continued pastor of the church until 1331, but being relieved almost entirely from active service after 1824. Rev. Fayette Shipherd was colleague pastor from 1826 to 1830, acting, however, as stated sup- ply from 1824. At his ordination, Rev. Mr. Chester preached the sermon. Rev. Elijah W. Plumb, D. D., succeeded to the pastorate, and was ordained May 18, 1831. Rev. John Hough preached the sermon. He continued pastor until Oct. 1844. During his pastorate the old church on the hill was taken down, and the present beautiful and convenient church edifice erected.
Rev. Elijah H. Bonney succeeded to the pastorate, and was ordained Feb. 25, 1847. Rev. Joseph D. Wickham, of Manchester, preached the sermon. He continued till Sep. 27, 1853. On the first Sabbath in February, 1854, Rev. Samuel M. Wood commenced his labors as a stated supply, and continued un- till 1858. In 1959, Rev. Azariah Hyde as- sumed the pastorate as a stated supply, and continued untill 1865. He was succeeded, in 1866, by Rev. Levi H. Stone.
1800 to 1810, 52; from 1810 to 1820, 152; from 1820 to 1830, 96; from 1830 to 15CT. 268; making the whole number, to May 17, 1867, 722. It may be appropriate to remark, that from 1824 to the present time a Sabbath school and bible-class have been steadily maintained. This church, too, has been lib- eral in the support of foreign missions, ani has furnished from its membership Rev. Jonathan S. Green, a missionary to the Sani- wich islands in 18-, Miss Delight Sar- gent, missionary to the Cherokees in Is-, who married Rev. Elias Boudinot, a native Cherokee, Mr. Philo P. Stewart, lay mission- ary to the Cherokees.
The following ministers from its member- ship have been educated and entered on the ministry : Hippocrates Rowe, Beriah Green, jr., Jonathan S. Green, Jacob E. Blakely, Quincy Blakely, Judson B. Stoddard, Guy C. Strong, Lemon Andrus, Ferris Fitch, Miner Pratt, Azariah R. Graves.
We may remark, generally, that this church has over maintained a high position for intel- ligence and independence. It has not besita- ted to subject to criticism the decisions of councils and consociations, and to accept or reject their conclusions.
This church has usually had three deacons in active service. The succession of deacons is about as follows : Moses Porter, Joel Har- mon, Ezekiel Harmon, Ozias Clark, Joseph Porter, John Penfield, Joshua D. Cobb, Sim- eon Edgerton, Dorastus Fitch, David Blakely, Milton Brown, Harry Griswold, George Wil- lard and David Andrus.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
was organized on the first Monday in May, 1790, on the present premises of Allen Whed- on, then owned by Edmund Whedon. It was organized under the auspices of Elder Brown, of the church in Westfield, N. Y. Its first members were James Bennett, Thomas Hall, Solomon Brown, Joseph Hascall, John Crouch, Samuel Sisco, Caleb Agard, Nathan- iel Harmon, Samuel Abbott, Alexander Trumbull, Edmund Whedon, Lydia Wilcox, Mary Bennett, Hannah Hanks, Miriam Hop- kins, Sibel Sheldon, Lydia Agard and Eliza- beth Crouch. For the first 10 years, being destitute of a church, its meetings were held in private houses, and not unfrequently in barns. Its preachers were Elders Brown.
The number of members admitted to the church from 1781 to 1800 was 154; from | Skeels, Green, Wait, Cornell, Dodge, Blood
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and Beall, each for brief periods. These were among the Pioneer Baptist ministers of Ver- mont, and many of them were men of decided talent. In 1800, a church was built on the premises of Seely Brown, by the West Paw- let meeting-house company, which was used almost exclusively by the Baptists for 24 years. Elder Isaac Beall was called to settle over the church in 1801, and continued with it till its dissolution in 1831. A parsonage was built in 1802, which appears to have been 'designed for a Baptist minister exclu- sively. The whole number of members be- longing to this church was about 200, and it is said to have had 150 at one time. A strict, wholsome and orderly discipline was main- tained, as the records and files of the church attest. It was the misfortune, perhaps the fault of this church, to be isolated from sister churches during most of its existence.
Its first deacons were Joseph Hascall and Timothy Brewster ; after them were Josiah Toby and Jeremiah Arnold. From its mem- bership, Solomon Brown, Timothy Brewster, Daniel Hascall and Lemon Andrus were li- censed to preach. -
In 1831 the church dissolved ; those of its members who desired it being furnished with certificates of their good standing.
A METHODIST EPISCOPAL CLASS
was formed in 1795, at the house of John C. Conant, now Stephen Mc Faddens. It was quite flourishing for several years, and num- bered in its membership several of the sub- stantial people of that locality. Among them were Daniel Baldridge, John C. Co- nant, Jeremy Baldwin and Aaron Bennett, some of whom had been members of the Con- gregational church. It was supplied with preaching at stated intervals, according to the custom of those days, by 2 circuit preach- ers traveling together. They usually trav- eled on horse-back and completed their cir- cuit in 4 weeks. A few of this class re- mained as late as 1825, who united with the church at the village.
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
An Episcopal organization existed here as early as 1790, which was represented in the State Episcopal Convention. The names of the delegates to the convention, in order, be- ginning with 1790, were Ebenezer Cobb, Henry Wooster, Benoni Smith, Jonathan Willard, Seely Brown, Henry Wooster, jr,
Josiah Smith and Asaph Teall. In 1793, the State Episcopal Convention was heid in this town at the house of Henry Wooster, when an election was effected of the first bishop cf Vermont. This was Rev. Edward Base, D. D., of Newburyport, Mass., who acceptei the position on condition of being allowed to remain in Massachusetts until a sufficient amount should be realized from the church glebe in the state to afford him a mainte- nance. This did not suit the convention, and Dr. Bass was never consecrated. Services were held mostly at the house of Capt. Ben- oni Smith. during his life, and were contin- ued at the house of his widow.
Among the early Episcopal ministers who officiated here were Rev. Bethuel Chitten iez of Shelburn, Rev. Daniel Barber, Rev. Amos Pardee and Rev. Abraham Bronson, D. D., of Manchester. About 1810, Rev. Stephen Jewett, from Connecticut, came here and om- ciated for some time. He afterwards settled in Hampton, N. Y., and continued stated ser- vices here. The brick school-house in the .N. W. part of the town, was built and itted up, partly at the expense of the church, and services were held here from 1812 to '15, when Trinity church, Granville, was erected and this church was merged in that. In the early days of the church a small amount was realized from the glebe, which was taken from them about 1803, by the legislature, and appropriated to schools. Litigation was unsuccessful to restore it. About 1823, the church applied for and obtained the lot re- served for the society for propagating the Gospel in foreign parts, and under the aus- pices of Rev. Palmer Dyer the church was reorganized by the name of Trinity church. This was little more than nominal, though the organization was kept up several years and was represented in convention. On the removal and death of the principal church- men, between 1830 and 1840, the church be- came extinct. The income of the church lands is now appropriated to other churches in the State.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Rev. George Smith, of Hebron, N. Y., thea a local elder, was the first minister, at the village, of this church. In 1825 he preached his two first sermons in the hall of the brick tavern. Afterwards he preached at the Jacademy, at the house of Paul Hulett and st
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the school-house, near Elisha Allen's. was ascertained that there were 200 hopeful conversions, of all denominations, in town during that season, of whom 40 were in the school district last mentioned. The Metho- dist church was organized in 1826. Paul Hulett, John Crapo, Amos Wooster, Sylves- ter Pitkin, Nathan Allen, Elisha Allen, Joel Winchester, Fitch Clark, Robert Clark and Chauncy Guild, were among its prominent male members. Samuel Howe and Elias Crawford were the first itinerant ministers in 1826; Daniel Brayton and John Clark in . 1827; Roswell Kelly and Laban Clark in 1828, and Roswell Kelly and Seymour Coleman in 1829. The brick church, near the cemetery, was erected in 1826 or 1827, and formally dedicated. Rev. Daniel Bray ton and Rev. Lemuel Haynes, of the Con- gregational church, preached on this occa- sion. This church has been supplied, mostly by resident ministers, for whom a parsonage was procured in 1832. For six years after its organization it belonged to the New York conference. In 1832 the Troy conference was organized, and held i.s fourth annual session here. Rev. Bishop Waugh presided and J. B. Hougtaling was secretary. A camp meeting, very numerously attended, was held on the farm of Joel Simonds, in 1830. Two camp meetings have since been held on the same ground.
In 1853, a new and commodious church ed- ifice was erected in the village and dedica- ted to the worship of God. Rev. Jason F Walker preached the sermon. This church has experienced seasons of deep depression and severe trial in the withdrawal of several of its members at different times. Some joined the Protestant Methodist church, oth- ers the Wesleyan, and others the independ- ent society. Notwithstanding these adverse influences, the church has been greatly re- vived within a few years last past, and has nearly recovered its former standing. It has a flourishing Sabbath school, under William Blakely, superintendent, and a membership of 90 on the church records.
Since 1829, the following ministers have officiated in this church, though not all in the order named. It is not official, and there may be errors and omissions: Rev. Messrs. Sherman Miner, Jacob Beman, Wil- liam Gray, Ezra Sprague, Joseph Ames, -
- Field, - - Quinland, David Poor,
It| Joseph Ayers, J. B. Houghtaling, William A. Miller, Jacob Leonard, - -Hubbard, Cyrus Prindle, -Hulbert, - -Shears, Cyrus Meeker, A. A. Farr, C. C. Gilbert,
- -Ford, J. F. Walker, Reuben Westcott, - Perkins, B. S. Burnham, - Spen- cer, Sylvester Walker, John Searles, William Earle, John Kiernan.
THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH
was organized in 1826, and admitted to the Vt. association. It owed its origin to the fact that the first Baptist church from which all its first members came, was not, and had not been for years, in fellowship with any other body. Isaac Wickham, Seth Blossom, Reuben Toby, Washington Z.Wait and Seth P. Stiles were among its first meinbers. Its ministers were Elders L. P. Reynolds, Weth- erell, Abram Wood ward, Joseph Packer, Dan- iel Cobb, E. S. Soullard, Sweet, Mead, San- ders and Archibald Wait, and perhaps some others. Its deacons were Isaac Wickham, and Reuben Toby. About the year 1843, this organization was dissolved. In 1852, what is now known as the Baptist church in West Pawlet, was organized under the auspi- ces of Elder A. Wait, who served them as pastor 3 or 4 years. The present church ed- ifice was built the same year. Elder Wait's ministry was attended with considerable suc- cess. After him, Elders Combe, Hancock and Mosher were employed, but not until 1859, was this church in fellowship with any other body. In that year, under the auspices of El- der David Beecher, this church was admitted to the Vermont and Shaftsbury association. In 1859 the membership was 24, but under the faithful and zealous labors of Elder Bee- cher it has increased to 117. The need of a larger house is now sometimes seriously felt. Its first deacons were Jeremiah Clark and Samuel Cole. Its present deacons are Sam- uel Cole, Allen Whedon and B. H. Nelson. It has an interesting Sabbath-school of 125 members, which, in 1866, presented to its su- perintendent, Allen Whedon, an elegant pho- tograph album intended to contain the por- traits of all the scholars, together with their teachers and parents.
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