USA > Vermont > Rutland County > The history of Rutland county, Vermont; civil, ecclesiastical, biographical and military, pt 2 > Part 64
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DOCT. JOHN FOX
Was the son of William Fox, Esq., and was born in Tinmouth in the year 1782. He did not, however, long remain there, but came with his parents to Wallingford to reside, while yet a child. He commenced the study of medicine so early that he was fitted to enter upou it as
ed with Doct. Hamilton, then a physician in Wallingford, and Doct. Porter of Rutland. His diploma was received from an association of physicians, according to the custom of the times, there being then no medical institution in the State. Subsequently, when the Medical Col- lege was established at Castleton, he received a degree from that institution.
He commenced his practice in Tiumouth .- This was probably owing to an agreement which he entered into with Doct. Hamilton, that he would not practise medicine in Wal- lingford under 3 years after ho should complete his profession: but this agreement being ful- filled, he immediately returned here and com- menced practice, which he continued up to the last week of his life.
As a medical practitioner Doct. Fox early gained, and ever afterwards retained the full confidence of the community. He was regard- ed as particulary skilful in surgical opera- tions : but so eminent did he become, in all branches of his profession, that his services were frequently sought for in extreme cases, 20 or 30 miles away.
The prevalence of what was called the " Ep- idemic Fever," in 1813, made that year the most trying one in his professional career. This was a fever which at first broke out in the ar- my, and which subsequently spread through different sections of the State. It is related of him that he was often so fatigued by his labors at this period, that he would go to sleep while standing; for it never was his habit to spare himself when others, on account of their suf- ferings, required his services.
But the subject of this sketch did not serve the public in his profession only, but was also employed much in political life. He for 7 years represented the town in the Legislature-a greater number of times than any other indi- vidual, except his honored father. He was also elected to the office of State senator for the years 1846-7-8 and 9.
Doct. Fox, soon after engaging in practice in Wallingford, married Miss Mary Crary, who is still living and much respected. Of the children, Mary and Hattie, both sweet and beautiful girls of much promise, died early. Elizabeth. the wife of Edwin Martindale, Esq., resides in the homestead. Doctors William C. and George H. have obtained an extensive practice in the profession of their father, and John is in business in New York. Doct. For
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died in June, 1853, after an illness of about a | of hoes, axes, nails, &c. He gave to the Con- wock, aged 68 years.
DOCT. JOSEPH RANDALL, JR.,
Was the son of Dea. Joseph Randall, one of the most respected of the early citizens. He
gregational society the ground for their meet- inghouse, and left to them a legacy in land for the support of preaching, which was after. wards sold for $ 1050, He also left to the was born in Wallingford Aug. 31, 1794. Hel church $ 300, the interest of which was to be studied medicine with Doctor John Fox-at- expended in the purchase of Sabbath-school books, and in teaching children to sing. tending, in connection, the courses of lectures at the Medical College in New Haven, Ct. He Squire Miller-as he used to be familiarly called, stood among the best citizens of the town in his time, and his wife-to use the lan- guage of Mrs. Chatterton-"was first and fore- most where there was any good to be cione." commenced to practise in 1816, when only 22 years of age. His services were soon very ex- tensively in demand, and continued to be so till his death, Nov. 30, 1834. He married Maria Robbins Oct. 18, 1818, and had children -1st, Aurora, who m. Isaac Gale Batcheller ; 2nd, Lucretia, who m. Frank Miller. and 3d, Joseph, who is unmarried. Doct. Randall was a most exemplary Christian man.
LYMAN BATCHELLER, JR.,
Was born at Stratton, Vt., March 30, 1795; married Miss Anna Gale April 11, 1816 ; mov. ed to Wallingford in April, 1835; went into the fork business with Isaac G., John C. and Lyman Batcheller, Jr., in 1846, in which he continued until the time of his death.
Mr. Batcheller was characterized by fairness, honesty. integrity and fidelity in all his busi- ness transactions. His word was esteemed as good as a bond with two witnesses. No one ever thought of doubting it, simply because he gave no one cause to doubt it. In politics he was thoroughly Anti-Slavery. In his religious principles he was a Calvanistic Baptist, though not a member of the church.
Mr. Batcheller was a great benefit to Wal- lingford, both as the institutor of its most ex- tensive branch of business, and as a citizen ; and if merit entitles to respect, few have been deserving of more.
SOLOMON MILLER
Was born in 1731, and married Desire Smith in 1756. He came into town early in its his- tory. The first frame house was built by him, a part of which, in connection with the resi- dence of Mrs. William Waldo, is still stand- ing. In addition to farming he carried on the business of tanning and shoe-making. He died in 1807.
ALEXANDER MILLER,
The son of the above, was born in 1776, and died in 1844. His wife was Imeretia Robbins, whom he married in 1807. He built a forge and blacksmith's shop on the spot where the stone-shop of the firm of " Batcheller & Sons" now stands, on Main Street, where he carried ou, to a considerable extent, the manufacture | or make compromises with those who might
Mrs. Miller was born in 1784, and died in 1839.
SAMUEL TOWNSEND
Spent his early life in Hancock, Mass., and moved to Wallingford in 1809. He left a leg- acy of $ 200, the interest of which is to be paid for the support of Sabbath-schools in the village ; also, $ 200 for the Congregational, Baptist and Methodist Home Missionary So- cities.
He died in 1859, aged 923 years DEA. MOSELEY HALL
Was born in Wallingford, Ct., March 15. 1772. He was the son of Isaac Hall, one of the orig- inal proprietors of the township. He came to Wallingford to reside in 1792, then 20 years of age. The town at that time contained about 550 inhabitants. He located about half way be- tween where now stand the villages of Wal- lingford and South Wallingford, near which spot he spent his life. March 12, 1795, he mar- ried Mary Edgerton, a most excellent woman, as will be testified by all who knew her.
Deacon Hall united with the Congregational church in 1798-the year that the frame of the first meetinghouse was put up. At what time he was elected to the office of deacon cannot now be ascertained. Nathaniel Ives was the first deacon, and Deacon Hall was the second : but I know not whether he was appointed to succeed Mr. Ives, or as his associate.
No description can convey to others his char- acter as it was understood by those who knew him best. He was himself and nobody else. He was active and self-reliant, and as decided as one of the old Puritans. He never doubt- ed the correctness of his judgment, and there- fore never wavered nor vacillated. His mind was very soon made up, and then whatever was opposed to his decision must yield or break. Convinced of the rectitudo of what he was about to undertake, he did not stop to parley,
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hold opposite opinions, or who chose to pur- sie a contrary course. Indeed, he did not then think that any body had any business to meddle with his course, or throw any obstacles in his way.
It is sometimes said that there are two kinds of religion : the religion of emotion and the religion of principle. He had both. He felt deeply and acted firmly. He loved his duties, and discharged them faithfully-always being at the required spot at the appointed time. No one ever knew him to be tardy or behind- hand in any thing. Whatever belonged to him to do he was ready to do and did do, according to his ability.
He was a determined Congregationalist, and some thought him very set in his religious views. Alluding to this on a certain occasion, "Some (said he) think me a very set man in my religion ; but I have helped to build all the meetinghouses but one in town. When the first meetinghouse was built, I helped build that: when the house on the hill was built, I gave a hundred dollars towards that. Also, when the house of South Wallingford was built, I gave a hundred dollars towards that. Now, if that is being set, I wish that some others were more set than they are."
His influence was extensively felt, not only in the church, but through the town. All chi- eanery and dishonesty, aud whatever was pro- ductive of disorder, met his decided opposi- tion and rebuke. Like St. Paul, when roused by the course or acts of the wicked, he was accustomed to use great plainness of speech. No man ever knew him on the fence, where principles were concerned. He therefore some- times got enemies. He had enough at least to secure him from the woe denounced upon those of whom all men speak well. On the whole, he acted well his part in life-preserving his own individuality, and, as a general thing, the hearty commendation of the good. He died in 1861.
GEN. ROBINSON HALL,
The son of Dea. Moseley and Mrs. Mary Hall, was born Nov. 15, 1797, and died March 30, 1861. He was an only son, though not an only child : he had one sister, Phebe, who married Mr. Samuel Townsend ; but who died not long after her marriage. He was mild and concili- atory, and neither in person nor manners bore much resemblance to his father.
His first wife was Sarah Munson, who, en- deared to many hearts, diexd in 1851, leaving a
memory fragrant with good deeds, and worthy to be cherished.
The familiar title of "General," by which he was called, arose from his having held that of- fice in the Vermont militia.
The great work of his life, and that on which he prided himself most, was his projection of the Western Vermont Railroad-a road which undoubtedly would not have been built at the time it was, had it not been for him. At the time of the projection of this road people had not had the experience in railroad-building that they since have had, and not a few supposed that it could be otherwise than a profitable in- vestment. It however proved to him directly the contrary. For borrowing money as a di- rector, for which he gave his own personal se- security : he in the end became involved, and lost the greater part of his property. People deeply sympathized with him, but their sympa- thy could not restore him his lost dollars. He was often, however, heard to say that he would not have his money back, if the public thereby was to be deprived of the benefit of the road.
MRS. MELINDA CHATTERTON
Is still living; but from her great age, and the circumstances of her life, it is deemed ap- propriate that she should have a place in this record. She was born in Cheshire, Ct., March 19, 1772, and was just 4 days younger than Dea. Moseley Hall. Her life, therefore. com- menced a little over a year before the settle- ment of the place, and should she continue to live till March next (1867) she would be 37 years of age.
When her father, Nathaniel Ives, who was afterwards the first deacon of the Congregation- al church, came to Wallingford to settle, she was in her seventh year. and such was the re- tentiveness of her memory. that she retained a vived recollection. till past the age of 90. of the situation and condition of things at that time. The house where she first lived was near the spot now occupied by the house of Mrs. Randall. It was only a log cabin, as all the houses of the settlement then were. It had a chimney in it, but it had no hearth-and it had no door until sometime after they moved into it. For a door they used to hang up a coverlet, until it became convenient to get one.
There had but few settlers come in when her father came to Wallingford. Their nearest neighbors on the south were Mr. Benjamin Bradley and family. a little beyond the present cemetery; and there were none on the north nearer than the Meacham place, then occupied
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by Abraham Ives. There was no bridge across j.with her daughter, Miss Rhoda White, in whose Roaring Brook: when they crossed it they pleasant cottage the writer of this has spent many pleasant hours in gathering up the histo- ry of the past of Wallingford, and in listening to the ripe Christian experience of her who has received so much of her daily care. bad to go on logs, one side of which was cut off and made flat, so that they could walk on them better. The brook was more of a stream than it is now, and there were fish in it in great abundance : and, down on the Creek the mink, muskrat and beaver were in great plenty.
For some time after they came to Wallingford deer were found in considerable numbers in the forest; and now and then she would get sight of a bear or a mooso-and almost every night, too, they used to hear the howling of wolves, and cries of other wild animals not far away. They used most to frequent the thick forest down by the Creek, and the woods on the other side. At first, being a little timid, these sounds frightened her; but getting ac. customed to them after a while, she minded nothing about them.
Speaking of the condition of things in her childhood : "Every thing (said she) has chang- ed from what it was then. Even the birds- many of them-are not the same as they used to be. When I came here we had the hawk, and the owl, and the blue jay, and the par- tridge, and the woodpecker and wild pigeon, and the wild duck, and the snipe; but we nev- er used to hear the lark, and there were but few robbins and blue birds and swallows and orioles and bobolinks. When I want to realize how old I am, I let memory take a journey back to the doorless and hearthless log-house by the Roaring Brook."
There was no store in town when her father moved into it. One was kept subsequently by Abraham Ives. For several years, if they wanted any iron they had to go to Ticonde- roga for it. They made their own sugar, and most of their cloth. They thought it a great thing to have garments not of home manufacture. Mrs. Abraham Ives had a calico dress which cost $ 15 ; Mrs. Abraham Jackson also had one. They were both of them very much admired.
It is difficult to realize the length of a life which had its commencement while as yet the primeval forest was here still unbroken. Yet over all this period the life of the subject of this sketch has extended. Who will not say of this estimable woman, whose life has spread over so long a period-
" Serus in coelo redeas."
The writer of this sketch had proceeded thus far, when the intelligence reached him that on the 26th of January, (1867), the subject of it had received her summons to pass over the riv- er. So, dear Mother in Israel, we cannot look upon thee again, but must say-farewell.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
The following history of the Baptist Church is an abridgment of a discourse delivered by Rev. SIMEON L. ELLIOTT to that church, in the year 1855. The facts it embraces were drawn from the church records and other reliable sources.
" This church was organized Feb. 10, 1780. It was small at first; consisting only of 22 brethren and sisters in Wallingford and Clar- endon. This little band was organized in Wal- lingford, at the house of Titus Andrews, and was the first church constituted in the town.
It cannot now be ascertained who were the original members, because they are not put down separate from those who joined after- wards. The church at its organization adopted 15 articles of faith, and elected the day it was formed Ebenezer Murray to the office of deacon. In the following April Joseph Randall was aiso elected to the same office, which he held till his death in 1836. The same individual also act- ed as church clerk till Aug. 31, 1834; being church clerk 54, and deacon 56 years.
During the first 40 years of the existence of It was thought Mrs. C. experienced religion when she was 9 years old. She united with the Congregational church under the ministry of Mr. Osborn, of which she has ever since continued to be a very exemplary member. the church, intemperance was an offence of frequent occurrence. The first exclusion for this offence took place in March, 1781; and, from that period onward, till 1820, the number excluded, compared with the whole number of She was first married to Simeon White in April, just after she was 20 years old. members, was fearfully large. The greatest Iler | number of exclusions seem to have taken place second husband was Mr. Wait Chatterton- between the years 1800 and 1810. Since 1820 whenco her present name. She has had 7 they have been proportionably few. The whole children. For many years her homo has been , number of members, before the year 1855, that
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600. Of these about 100 are reported as ex- cluded: and, as nearly all these exclusions took place before the temperance reformation, we may see the intimate connection between temperance and religion, and how they recip- rocally sustain each other.
About 3 years after the formation of the church, Elder Rich, who was officiating pastor, proposed a new plan of church policy, and drew off with him Deacon Murray and two others. They were not, however, able to dis- turb the body of the church, who kept along together, and continued to sustain their regu- lar meetings. In June, 1786, much to their credit, Deacon Murray and one of the other se- ceding members, confessed their faults, and were received again to their places in the church.
In looking for the number of members of the church in 1786, we find that it was 44: it had, therefore, doubled in 6 years-which was cer- tainly good progress, considering the difficulties it had experienced.
After Elder Rich had discontinued his min- istrations, they did not have regular preaching again till 1787, when they gave a call to Henry Green to come and preach with a view to set- tlement. He commenced preaching March 8th, and was ordained by a council called for that purpose, October 3d, of the same year. Elder Amos Burrows, then of Shaftsbury, preached the sermon from Matt. 28-19, 20.
Soon after the settlement of Elder Green, the church began to feel the serious inconven- ience cf having no regular house of worship. Dwelling-houses and barns-alternating from One to another-were occupied, but they did not answer the desired purpose: but how to unite the minds of the church on the subject of a location seemed a difficult question. The members were scattered over a wide extent- not only living in extreme parts of the town, but also in Tinmouth, Jackson's Gore and Clar- endon. A meeting-house, therefore, so located as to accommodate one section of the church would not be convenient for other sections. So situated, and not being able to agree among themselves, they finally, after a number of years, concluded to call a council to advise them on the subject. This council met May 7, 1795 ; and, after consultation, fixed the location on the east side of the road, against where the road coming from Tinmouth intersects with the main road, on land then owned by Thomas Miller. This decision not producing satisfac-
had been connected with the church, was about | tion, another location was fixed upon. The brethren in East Clarendon being still dissatis- fied, requested to be set off as a separate church -which was finally granted, May 30, 1798; at which time 10 brethren and 7 sisters were formed into a separate church.
After this separation from these dissatisfied brethren, the church concluded to unite in building a meeting-house with the Congrega- tionalists. The spot selected was on the east side of the road, and near the place where the barn of P. G. Clark, Esq., now stands. [The church thus united, immediately commenced to carry out their plan, and erected the frame of their house the following summer. It was not covered, however, till the year after, and was not finished, so as to be occupied for wor- ship, till the summer of 1800.]
After the settlement of Elder Green, the church had a good degree of prosperity, and was blessed with a steady increase. In 1790 its number was 62; in 1791, 74; in 1792, 83; in 1794, 88; in 1795, 89. Up to this period there was no revival, but additions by letter and professions, one, two, three and four at a time. But, in 1798, there were more fre- quent conversions. From December of that year to February, 1800, there were baptisins nearly every month, and 41 in addition to these who joined by letter, were added to the church. After this a period elapsed, with occasional con- versions, when, in 1804, the greatest revival occurred which has ever been enjoyed by tl.e church-114 were brought into it by profes-ion in 6 months. A part of this time there were baptisms every week. It was a period in which the people seemed to feel the imminent import- ance and necessity of attending to their spirit- ual interests.
This was the last great revival that occurred under the labors of Elder Green. The number connected with the church at this time was probably over 200. But though its numbers were greatly increased, we have little reason to believe that it was permanently made more efficient : for the very next year (September, 1805), we find the pastor asking a dismission on account of inadequacy of support. But the church meeting his exigency with the promise of an increased salary, he waived his request for the time. But the pledges of the church not being fulfilled, he asked permission the next year to preach at West Clarendon one- fourth of the time ; and on the 30th ot Janua- ry he renewed his request for dismission, which was finally granted. The reasons are not def.
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initely stated, but from the general tenor of the record, inadequacy of salary was undoubtedly one of the principal causes. Could this have been remedied, we have reason to believe that he would have remained, and have continued to be a blessing by his influence and labors.
When he came to Wallingford, Elder Green was about 27 or 28 years of age. HA there- fore gave to this church his most vigorous years. That he was a good man, I do not know that any one ever had any wish to dis- pute: that he was successful as a pastor I am certain none will deny. After he left Walling- ford he preached some years in Cornwall: but ยท his last days were spent at Parishville, N. Y., where he died in 1848 or 9, aged 88.
[If I may here interpolate a paragraph, I will say. that I think Mr. Elliott was in error in assigning Cornwall as the place of Elder Green's labors, after leaving Wallingford. It was Elder Nathan Green, instead of Henry Green, who preached to the church in West Cornwall. I find the name of Elder H. Green among the Baptist ministers of Shoreham, Vt, and the following comment connected with it : " Among the Baptist ministers who have preached in town were several eminent for ability and usefulness. Elder H. Green was a man of strong native powers of mind, energy of character, and commanding eloquence-a very efficient preacher. He went to Malone, N. Y., where he is supposed to have died many years since." [See Vermont Historical Maga- zine, Vol. I., page 96.]
Soon after the great revival, a church was constituted in Mount Holly from members of the church in Wallingford residing in that town. The Council for its organization met Sept. 6, 1804, and 10 brethren and 13 sisters were dis- missed to form it. This was the commence- ment of the first Baptist church in Mt. Holly.
Ten years elapsed after the dismission of El- der Green before the church secured the serv- ices of another pastor. During this long. dark period the meetings were conducted, by the vote of the church, by Dea. Randall, with only oc- casional preaching by neighboring minister .. This excellent church officer was a most exem. plary and devoted man, one who, with all faith- fulness, according to his ability, discharged his duties. But not holding the position, it could hardly be expected that he should exercise the influence of a pastor. Matters in the church, therefore, soon got into a very bad way. Many grew lukewarm-some were careless, and some fell into the snare of the devil, and were ex-
cluded. A preacher by the name of Lobdell led away a few, while the church was weaken- ed still more by the emigration of many mem- bers to the West. Added to these evils. they began to find fault with Dea. Randall. Hav- ing in consequence of their religious declension very little sympathy with that godly man, they complained that they were not edified by the improvement of his gifts, and instead of listen- ing to his instructions and exhortations, insti- tuted the practice of having sermons read on the Sabbath.
But now another trouble arose. It was in the time of the last war with England in 1812. Some of the members joined the " Washington Benevolent Society," [a political organization got up to subserve the ends of the Federalists. ] The matter was carried into the church, and, amid much excitement, hard words were spok- en, and strong ground taken. Some were for turning every Federalist out of the church : but after talking the subject over, and allow- ing time for their tempers to cool, the mat- ter was adjusted much to their general satis- faction.
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