USA > Vermont > Rutland County > The history of Rutland county, Vermont; civil, ecclesiastical, biographical and military, pt 2 > Part 29
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THE HON. WILLIAM WARD
deserves, on this festival, a special remem- brance. He was born in Sturbridge, Mass. in 1743-came to Poultney in the fall of '74, and purchased a tract of land in the eastern part of the town, where his descendents now live. He was first justice of the peace, and the first representative. Mr. Ward was a member of the first convention of delegates from the several townships, for the purpose of taking into consideration the expediency of declaring Vermont an Independent State : and at a sub- sequent meeting at Westminster, Jan. 16, 1777. -was a member of the committee that drafted the Declaration, or Bill of Rights.
In the Legislature of 1778 he voted against receiving the towns east . of the Connecticut River into the union of the State, making them a separate county. At the Convention of Jan. 10, 1791, he signed the Articles of Ratification of the admission of Vermont into the Union. He represented the town 10 years-was judge of county court 6 years, judge of the probate court 22 years, moderator of town meetings 25 years, justice of the peace 40 years. He was a professor of the Christian religion 50 years-deacon of the Baptist church 17 years.
Judge Ward possessed, in an eminent degree, precisely those qualifications which fitted for the sphere in which he was called to act. He had not enjoyed many of the advantages of education ; but his want of it was amply com- pensated by the possession of a strong and active mind, enriched by a careful observation of men and things. His knowledge was prac tical rather than theoretic. He was plain and simple in his manners-averse to the ostenta- tion of equipage, or dress ; he cared little for
the luxuries, blandishments, or the etiquette of refined society Although he was destitute of many of the qualifications now deemed es- sential for a statesman, yet he possessed all that were necessary, and none that were superflu- ous, in the times in which he lived, and was probably far better calculated for a leader of the independent. dauntless and hardy pioneers, than would have been a man of more theoretic knowledge or polite accomplishments.
He was a man of sound and discriminating judgment-of undoubted integrity, who did well and faithfully every thing he undertook, and was thus a good and useful man. He came to his death like a shock of corn fully ripe, fit to be gathered in its season, Aug. 3, 1791, aged 76 years.
The Christian Patriot and Friend- Such was his life, such his end; Life's end achieved, and full of years, He left for Heaven this vale of tears.
ABISHA MOSELY
came here at an early day, and was among the most respectable citizens-was many years se- lectman-often a justice of the peace, and rep- resented the town in 1781. He was an early friend of schools.
TITUS WATSON
was a man of capacity, and had much influence among the early citizens- was a justice of the peace, selectman, and represented the town in 1782-83.
JAMES BROOKINS
came here at an early day-was a useful and respected citizen-held many town offices, and represented the town in 1784 and 1789.
ISAAC HOSFORD
was town clerk 16 years, from 1794 to 1810- was 12 years justice of the peace, and repre- sented the town in 1794-95.
DOCT. JONAS SAFFORD
was long an eminent citizen, being selectman, a magistrate, representative, and judge of the county court. His cheerfulness, candor and integrity won him many friends. As a mag- istrate he was eminently a peace-maker-often relinquishing his fees to induce contending parties to settle their disputos. Ile labored to advance the moral and religious interests of the town. His prompt and kind attention to the calls of his patients, together with their confidence in his skill and integrity, soon ac- quired for him great popularity, and an exten- sive and lucrative practice. Doct. Safford is kindly remembered by the people of this com-
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munity for his interesting and amusing con- major at the close of the war ; sustaining, for versational powers and genuine wit. He re- moved to Putnam, Ohio, where he died.
I now call your attention to the life of an eccentric and unfortunate individual, who, for a long series of years, had his residence here. He was a member of that great legion of honor so well known by the appellation of "The heroes of the Revolution ;" and his memory well deserves the tribute of gratitude and respect which the present and future gen- erations can never be too ready to bestow on that band of "nature's noblemen" who achieved our Independence.
CAPT. WILLIAM WATSON
was born in Hartford county, Ct, in 1748, of a family which in America ought to be deemed honorable ; as his father had at one time five sons and eleven grandsons in actual service, fighting the battles of their country. in her struggle for liberty. He received only a com- mon education, and was bred a mechanic, which he was quietly pursuing in Hampshire county, Mass, with fair prospects of success, when the groans of the wounded and dying at Lexington echoed through New England, extinguisliing all selfish considerations, and firing every heart with zeal in the common cause-the cause of liberty. History, ancient or modern, nowhere presents a more interesting picture than that unusual and simultaneous ex- pression of patriotic indignation exhibited by the American people, at this eventful period. The watchword was, "These ruthless invaders must be driven from our sacred soil." This sen- timent pervaded every class, and almost every breast. It had its full effect on the ardent and susceptible soul of Captain Watson. He had been active in organizing a company of minute-men, who were engaged to be ready at a moment's warning, to repel the aggressor.
On the morning of the 20th of April, 1775, the successive reports of alarm guns at differ- ent points, announced that the time to try men's souls had arrived. Capt. Watson in- stantly exchanged the hammer for the musket, and before night was, with his company, 25 miles on the road to Boston.
I cannot give a sketch of the adventures of this veteran soldier. It must suffice to observe that having thus drawn the sword in defence of his country, his patriotism did not vanish with the first ebullition of youthful blood. He toiled through the whole long agony-passed the various subaltern grades-was niade cap. tain of the light infantry in 1779, and brevet
upwards of 8 years, with high reputation, the character of a brave officer. Indeed it is be- Hieved, that very few, even of the active scouts of that war, saw more real service.
The following extracts from his application for a pension will show that he was not idle. It ought to be remarked. that the Secretary of War required a statement of services.
" Often" says he, "have I been patroling with my company in the vicinity of the eno- my's lines, which did not admit of our lying two hours in the same place, night or day, for weeks together. I have been in 7 pitched battles, three sieges, and more than fifty skir- mishes; have been 5 times wounded, have been several times publicly distinguished by the thanks of the commander in chief, in general orders. In the campaign against Burgoyne, in 1777, I passed with a small detachment of light troops entirely round the enemy's army 5 several times. From the death and wounds of other officers it was my good fortune to com- mand 200 men at the storming of the Hessian lines at Stillwater ; in that affair I was the first man on the parapet of the enemy's entrench - ment, and the first within their lines, except Gen. Benedict Arnold."
On the restoration of peace Capt. Watson received for his services $ 3 500 in final set- tlement notes, which he was obliged to sell in their then depreciated state, for one-eighth their nominal value. to pay debts which he had contracted for his support while in service.
It was not, however, for money that he had so often exposed his life and shed his blood. He did not, therefore, complain when he found he had spent his best days without any reward, but the reputation and recollection of having done his duty, and served his country.
He now made vigorous exertions to push his own fortunes in pursuits of civil life. He purchased a large tract of new land in Scho- harie county, N. Y., made considerable im- provement on it, and was, as he supposed, securing a competency : when, after 8 years possession, his title failed, and he was again reduced to poverty. He was now in the decline of life, and from that time till the spring of 1819 he constantly "earned his bread by the sweat of his brow." After that he received an oil- cer's pension from government. He was never married. He often observed that the war robbed him of wife and children.
As a soldier Capt. Watson's character was [ high in the estimation of all who knew him in
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the army. Prodigal of his own blood-ever foremost in danger, but careful of the lives and health of those under his command-always the soldier's friend and benefactor. Many a weary old veteran who once served under him has been seen in this village, inquiring for their good, their generous old captain.
As a man he possessed some of the noblest feelings of our nature in a high degree. Gen- erous, disinterested, philanthropic to the poor, the friendless and the unfortunate, his heart and hand were ever open beyond his means. He died in this town, Oct. 17, 1822, aged about 74 years.
Peace to his memory. Let his services, his sacrifices and his virtues be remembered and venerated, while his faults and follies are for- gotten.
I have given a longer sketch of Captain Watson, as he was familiar with most of those before me, who are advanced in years, and they well remember his fugitive pieces in rhyme-mostly in the style of witty, sarcastic language, all of a local and temporary charac- ter, which it would be pleasing to note here, had I been successful in gathering it up; but I presume some of it will be brought out dur- ing the day. His remains lie in your cemetery -to our reproach be it spoken-with nothing to mark the resting.place of his ashes. I trust this reproach will not longer rest upon us.
EBENEZER CANFIELD
came among the early settlers of the town, and settled on the hill beyond the old church, on burying-ground hill. He built a log house, and commenced the cultivation of a farm. His family left with the other inhabitants, in June, 1777. They placed their furniture and articles of value in a cave, near the river, and there they were found, as they had left them, on their return. Mr. Canfield held many responsible and important offices in town. He was a member of Mr. Hibbard's church in 1784. He and other members of the church, on a Sabbath day, went to hear the Rev. Bethuel Chittenden, an Episcopal missionary, while on a visit here, who preached at a private house. Mr. Hibbard and many of his church were very much dis- pleased at their leaving their own meeting to hear an Episcopalian preach, and they were made the subjects of church discipline. Those who made acknowledgment of their error were retained-the others excommunicated. Ouly two persons made confession-Esquire Kellogg and Mrs. Howe. Mr. Kellogg said, if he had | shade-trees.
offended his weak brethren he was sorry; and Mrs. Howe said she did not go to hear him preach, but to pick flaws in his sermon. Mir. Canfield and 6 others, afterwards joined the Episcopal church. He had a family of five children-one son and four daughters: two of the daughters, who were born in the log bouse on yonder hill, I see before me, vigorous and venerable in their declining years, and to whom I am under great obligations for the information they have furnished me. Mr. Canfield, I learn, removed from this town to the West, before his death.
THE HON. AMOS THOMPSON,
born in Goshen, Ct., Nov. 20, 1770-came to this town about 1790. He had not the advan- tage of an early education, but was a man of great natural abilities, and possessed a sound and discriminating judgment, and was well calculated to lead in all matters in which he took a part. He rapidly rose to place and sia- tion, after his first entrance into public life. In 1804 he represented the town-and the four following years : also, again, in 1813, '14 and '16. He was a judge of the county court 13 years, which is the longest that any person has held the same position, in the county or State. He was one of the Council of Censors of 1820. The high position he held was sufficient evi- dence of the estimation in which he was held by his fellow-citizens. He became, by reading and observation, quite familiar with legal pro- ceedings. He was often called upon to counsel in law matters; and occasionally attended to cases in justice courts, and before auditors and referees-managing them with great skill.
He died much respected, and leaving numer- ous descendants-some of whom are repre- sented here-Jan. 1, 1849, aged 79.
HON. JOHN STANLEY
came here from Connecticut at an early day. He occupied an influential position in the com- munity, as an enterprising merchant, manufac- turer, and business man in other departments of industry. To him and his sons is the West Village indebted for most of their improvements and many of their public institutions. Ile took an active part in establishing the Acade- my and the Methodist Episcopal church. Ho had a fine appreciation of the ornamental, and he has left many monuments of his taste and skill in the many improvements of the public roads and walks, and in the tasteful adorning of the village of his residence, with beautiful
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He was often honored by his fellow-citizens, | political and religious questions of his time, having represented the town in 1809 and '10 and upon most had worked himself ont into the largest liberty and clearest light. Profound reverence and love for God was the central and -'15 ; a member of the constitutional conven- tions of 1814, 'IS and '28; and was judge of probate in 1823, 6 years, to '29; and often a | pervading sentiment of his heart. That he had magistrate.
The last years of his life were those of suffering with bodily infirmities, pecuniary re- verses, &c. He died in 1845, and was buried | of the Rev. Mr. Goadby, at his funeral: "He
in the graveyard in that village, which was the joint gift of himself and the Hon. Rollin C. Mallary to the town.
ASAHEL POND
was a prominent man in town, and very popu- lar in all the relations of life. He was long a magistrate, and represented the town in 1811. '12, '19 and '20, and was a member of the constitutional convention in 1822.
Especially on this occasion should I bring up before us in remembrance the venerable and manly form, the noble countenance-the virtues and the life of
ELISHA ASHLEY,
who was a descendant of that noble race of men who first planted in this community the civil and religious institutions which we this day enjoy. To him. also, are we indebted for the impulses which brought us together this day. He left the record from which we should draw the materials for this day's services; and made that record for the purpose ; for he re- marked to the president on that occasion, "I shall not live to see the day, but you may, and I wish you to remember that it be duly com- memorated."
Esquire Ashley was the first child born in Poultney after the Declaration of Independence. He often had committed to him stations of public trust, and ever faithfully performed them. He was long a consistent member of the Baptist church. -
sternness and faults common to humanity, is not to be denied : but no more fitting summary can be given than the very appropriate text was a good man."
LIEUT. JENKS BEAMAN,
of the 4th regiment of infantry of the U. S. Army, who died of yellow fever at Tampico, Mexico, on the 6th of , 1843. He was the son of Mr. Joel Beaman, and a graduate of West Point. Dec. 31, 1842, he was made 2d Lieut. in the army, and promoted to 1st Lieut., Nov 27, 1846. Lieut. Beaman was in all the battles in Mexico, save Beuna Vista. He dis- tinguished himself for his gallantry, and was honorably mentioned by Gen. Worth in his dispatches. Subsequently he met with an ac- cident which disabled him, and he left Mexico; he reached Tampico, and being detained there, was seized with the vomito, which terminated fatally.
CAPT. TRUMAN SEYMOUR.
In looking for men versed in the art of war, whose capacity has been proved by meritorious services, to command the troops we are calling into the field, one very deserving officer has been entirely overlooked. We take it for granted, however. that the cause of neglect is not an unwillingness to distinguish merit. It may easily happen at a time when the war de- partment has so much on its hands, that the personal history and military services of an able and excellent officer may by some unfor- tunate concurrence of circumstances, fail to engage its attention. Who this officer is, let the following anecdote inform our readers, We take it from " Colburn's United Service Journal for July, 1854," where it forins part of an article entitled, " Reminisences of the War in Mexico:"
But it is not so much in the public relations "I recollect, with much pleasure, a young officer, a junior lieutenant of the name of Sey- mour, who joined us with a detachment on the evening of the afternoon in which we had be- gan and half fought the battle of Cerro Gordo, and the night before storming that fort. He was a mere youth newly arrived from the Mili- tary Academy at West Point: and being ap- pointed to the command of the artillery which opened its destructive fire on the hills of t'erro Gordo next morning. Prior to the attack ho immediately distinguished himself by his gal- lant conduct, and the sang froid which he dir. played on that occasion. On a grape s !. s carrying away the tails of the frock coat wir en he wore, holding up the tattered portion of the of life that we honor him, as the worth of his private character. He had succeeded in im- pressing upon the community a deep and un- questioning sense of his personal honor and integrity. Duty was the word most deeply stamped on his heart. He had great respect for worth and virtue, and never trifled with the reputation of others. The love of freedom was a conspicuous mental trait in Mr. Ashley. Possessed of a large understanding, cultivated by careful reading, and early impressed with the principles that moved our ropublican fath- ers, he had exercised himself upon all the | garment, with a half rueful, haif comic expres-
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sion of countenance, he exclaimed, 'Never | been placed He belongs to that class whose mind, boys, the tailor is not paid yet,' and pro- ceeded to point one of his guus with the great- est coolness."
This was cool for a young cadet, the first time he had smelt powder in action, and while a brisk fire of grape from the enemy's batteries was telling rather severely on his men, who were very poorly protected by the hastily thrown up breastworks, while working the guns. We had leisure to observe these occur- rences. from the circumstance of our regiment having been ordered to lie down on the ground nearly close to these batteries, where a slight hollow sheltered us from the withering influ- ence of the grape. until the arrival of a favora- ble moment for charging the opposite hill of Cerro Gordo. A few days after the battle he was appointed to the company to which I belonged. and on account of his unvarying se- renity of temper and suavity of manner, he became a universal favorite amongst his men : but, very much to our disappointment, he left. us a few months afterward, being transferred to another company while we lay at Puebla For months after leaving us, whenever he ehanced to meet any of our men, he still con- tinued to recognize them in the kindest manner, always stopping to inquire after the welfare of his old company. These occurrences were usu- ally related to their comrades by the men on their return to quart-rs. causing our company to retain and reciprocate a sort of pleasing and affectionate interest in that officer's welfare during the remainder of the time that we lay in Mexico."
This is the beginning of captain Truman Seymour's military career, and the sequel has been answerable to the beginning. In the " Register of the Officers and Graduates of our Military Academy, for the Year 1850," we find the following :
"Truman Seymour-Promoted brevet Scc- ond Lieutenant, 4th Artillery, July 10, 1846. Second Lieutenant, March 5th, 1847. Brevet First Lieutenant, April 18th, 1847. for gallant and meritorious conduct in the battle of Cerro Gordo, Mexico.' Brevet Captain, August 20th, 1847, 'for gallant and merritorious conduct in the battles of Contreras and Cherubusco, Mexico.' First Lieutenant, August 26, 1847."
This is a highly honorable record of gallant services, and distinctions by which those ser- vices were acknowledged. Since 1850 Capt. Seymour served in Florida for 3 years, until the Indians were removed. He was sent to Charleston, and went with Major Anderson to Fort Sumpter, where he remained until the fort was surrendered to the rebels. Other deserving officers, his companions in gallanily sustaining that siegc. have been promoted, but of Captain Seymour no notice has been taken. For 14 years he has held a captain's commission, and is a captain still.
aid the country most needs in this hour of peri! -men who, to cool beads and brave hearts, add an intimate acquaintance with the art of war, and large experience of its practical oper- ations. Captain Seymour is, also an officer of that character which wins the attachment of the soldiers, and makes them ready to follow him with enthusiasm wherever be leads .- V. Y. E. Post.
We would not forget, in this our festive bour, the sons of this town who are now upon the banks of the Potomac, awaiting in arms to defend the lionor of the country-put down rebellion, and preserve our glorious Cuion, so rich in its memories. Let us not forget them. or those who are just leaving us: they need our sympathy, our prayers, and a kind word often from those they love: and rest assured they will bring no dishonor on the place of their nativity.
HON. ELISHA WARD
was born June 20, 1804, in East Poultney. He was a student of Judge Woods of Granville, Washington county, N. Y .- came to Da. kirk, in this county, in 1836; moved to Silver Creek in 1839; was elected magistrate in '41: in '42 was appointed Judge under Gov. Seward; in '46 was elected to the Assembly ; in '52-53 occupied a seat in the State Senate, and in the summer of '53 was appointed one of the com- mittee to investigate the pecuniary affairs of Union College.
As a lawyer he deservedly rankel hizh among the members of the profession, and had established a reputation, perhaps inferior to none in Western New York. As a judge his decisions were marked with great legal ability, and unswerving justice. As a legislator he had no superior at Albany, and commanded that respect which no other member from this Senatorial District has claimed before or since. His was one of those superior combinations of mind, that we feel utterly incompetent to give anything like a true analysis of-bold, original and comprehensive. In ordinary conversation he would enchain his listeners by his quaint humor and original flashes of thought-rich in simile, and figurative in expression. As an advocate he was philosophie and argumentative -possessing a natural and easy flow of lan- guage; striking, if not graceful, in delivery : every word judiciously chosen to express the precise meaning he wished to convey-carrying conviction at once to the minds of huis audience.
It seems to us but just that every officer who was engaged in the defence of Fort Sumpter, and who faithfully performed his duty, should. in this time of military promotions, be advanced in rank. Capt. Seymour has acquitted himself And those high traits of character were not with credit in every situation in which he has his only eminent powers. He possessed many
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fine qualities of heart as well as of head. The poor and friendless always awoke a sympa- thetic response in his breast; and some of his best efforts have been called forth in defence of a client, undertook solely through his syn- pathies, without the least hope of pecuniary reward.
JOEL BEAMAN
came, in the last century, from Massachusetts, and was an enterprising merchant for many years. His business relations were very exten- sive. He was often honored by his fellow- citizens with places of trust. Perhaps no man who has lived in the town has held, at various periods, so many offices of the town, as Mr. Beaman; and he always won the favor and respect of his constituents. He was a member of the Legislature in 1817 and '18, and again in '30, '31, '36 and '40 : also a member of the con- stitutional convention, in '36. He was actively engaged in procuring the charter of the Bank of Poultney, and was a Director from its first organization, until his death, March 20, 1846, aged 64 years.
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