The history of Washington county, in the Vermont historical gazetteer:, Part 100

Author: Hemenway, Abby Maria, 1828-1890, [from old catalog] ed
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Montpelier, Vt., Vermont watchman and state journal press
Number of Pages: 1066

USA > Vermont > Washington County > The history of Washington county, in the Vermont historical gazetteer: > Part 100

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Mr. Robinson died in 1834 ; Mrs. Rob- inson died in 1851.

DR. NATHANIEL ROBINSON,

brother of Amos, came to Northfield soon after him, and settled on East Hill. The first town meeting, and town meetings fre- quently after, were held at his house. He was a very good physician, and the first one that practiced in town; and first town clerk, and held the office until he died, and was frequently elected to other offices, and decidedly popular with the people. He married Lucy Cushman; they had 8 chil-

618

VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

dren : Lydia, b 1784 ; Peggy, b 1786; Bet- sey, b 1789; Nathaniel, b 1791 ; Lucy, b 1794; Philetus, b 1797; Weltha, b 1800 : Adaline, b 1802. All born in Northfield, except Lydia and Peggy, in Westminster. Mr. Robinson died in 1813, with the measles.

DAVID ROBINSON,

son of Col. Ezekiel, born in 1799. Begin- ning life as a farmer, with comparatively nothing, his industry and economy led him to engage in the first manufacturing inter- ests of the Falls Village, with James Gould, Walter Little, and David Fletcher, about 1835. They made woolen goods. The business was a success, when he died, at the age of 42. He was in independent cir- cumstances, and honored as a man of ster- ling integrity. He married Sarah Denny of Northfield, in 1820. They had 10 chil- dren : George, Mary, Ezekiel, Charles, John, Martin, Ezekiel 2d, Franklin, Sarah Ellen and David.

GEORGE, son of David, was for a time in trade with Joseph Denny, at the Centre Village, later carried on himself the same business there and at the Depot Village. He was agent and one of the company of the Brookfield Fork Factory. Mrs. Rob- inson died in 1866. Mr. Robinson moved in 1867, and now resides, with his daugh- ters, in Fairbault, Minn., and is engaged in the grain trade.

THOMAS AVERILL, SR.,

born in Westminster, 1745, and his wife, Elizabeth, a sister of Amos Robinson, came from Westminster here, with his two sons, Jesse and John, in 1805. Oliver, another son, came 2 years later. They settled on the East Hill, the only part of the town much settled, but a little distance from the first clearing, and were all enter- prising farmers. Mr. Averill was a man well calculated for a pioneer settlement, but terribly afflicted with that awful dis- ease cancer, which shortened his days. His house was used occasionally for town meetings.

Children : John, b 1775 ; Betsey, b 1777 ; Amos, b 1779 ; Oliver, b 1782 ; Nabbie, b 1784 ; Jesse, b 1786; Lucy, b 1788; Lavi- na, b 1790; John, b 1794 ; Keziah, b 1798.

Mr. Averill died in 1823, aged 78 years ; Mrs. Averill in 1840, aged 88.

COL. OLIVER AVERILL,

after living on the East Hill a number of years, farming and blacksmithing, removed to the Center village, engaging in the same business. He was a public spirited man, and received many town offices. He was town treasurer many times, and such was the unbounded confidence his fellow towns- men reposed in him that they did not re- quire a bondsman. He was postmaster also many years, holding the office until 1842.

He was a characteristic man, of a ner- vous temperament, and very decisive. He did not wait for others to form an opinion before he expressed his on politics or any particular subject ; but he was a man of whom it might be said, "in him there was no guile :" and in his old age was remark- ably active, and retained his natural buoy- ancy of spirit almost to the close of his life. He married Polly Hopkins, born Mar. 7, 1780 ; they had 4 children. Their son, Volney H., was many years town clerk. His children were: Volney H., b 1804, died 1871 ; Riley, b 1807, died 1863 ; Rolan, b 1813; Mary, b 1824; all in Northfield, except Volney H., in West- minster. Mr. Averill died Apr. 11, 1870, aged 88 ; Mrs. Averill Oct, 5, 1847, aged 67.

CAPTAIN JESSE AVERILL.

No man in this town had more to do with its public business from 1815 to 1840. He held almost every office that the town could confer upon him, selectman, represen- tative, justice of the peace, lister, modera- tor, school committee, &c. He commenc- ed his public career when quite young, and was deservedly popular with both political parties. His sound judgment and quiet, unostentatious manner endeared him to the people, and his sterling honesty and firmness of mind, always seeking to do right, and particularly being the friend of the poor and unfortunate, led him to be appointed administrator in the settling of many estates.

He was one who never sought office, but office would seek him, and when the

619

NORTHFIELD.

voters had a severe contest over some can- didate, and found they could not elect him, they would say, " Let's send Captain Jesse ; we can elect him !"

He married Polly Loomis, of Hinsdale, Mass., born Nov. 28, 1783, sister to Eleaz- er and Dyer Loomis ; children, all born in Northfield, Clark, 1812; Maria P., 1814; Russell, 1816; Thomas, 1820; David T., 1823.

Mr. Averill died July 25, 1860, aged 74; Mrs. Averill Oct. 17, 1855. aged 72.

JOHN AVERILL,

youngest brother of Amos, Oliver and Jesse, carried on blacksmithing with farm- ing on the East Hill. He bought 100 acres of land formerly owned by Judge Paine, including the first clearing, He was rep- resentative, selectman, lister, justice of the peace, and overseer of the poor, honoring his trusts. He lives [1878] near the Cen- ter village, at the age of 84, having sold his farm a number of years ago to his nephew, D. T. Averill. He has probably seen more years in Northfield, with the ex- ception of one or two, than any man now living. His recollection of past events is very good, and I am indebted to him for many reminiscences in the lives of the early settlers ; more than to any other man.

Mr. Averill remembers when a lad of attending the raising of Judge Paine's fac- tory, in the Factory Village, and it is vivid in his memory that they had pork and beans for dinner, cooked in a five-pail- kettle.

He married Loretta, daughter of Amos Robinson ; children : Albert J., 1819; Charles, 1823; George, 1827, died 1856; Loretta C., 1831; Edwin, 1835, dead; Henry, 1837 ; all in Northfield. Mr. Aver- ill died in 1881.

ELIJAH SMITH

and wife, Polly (Nichols) born in Putney, 1763, 1764, married in Northfield, 1785 ; lived in Putney until 1803, when they re- turned here and spent the remainder of their lives ; had 8 children : Polly, Sally, Susanna, Elijah, David, Betsey, Fanny, Emily.

Mr. Smith died in 1840, age 77; Mrs. Smith in 1844, age 80.

ELIJAH SMITH, JR.,

born in Putney, 1795 ; came to Northfield with his father, in 1803; married Anna, daughter of Col. Ezekiel Robinson, Dec., 1818; had 10 children : Edward A., Julia A,, Louisa, Amanda, Ann Maria, Charles E., Frederick E., Caroline M., Erastus P., John E., all in Northfield.

Mr. Smith died July 7, 1863, aged 68 ; Mrs. Smith July 27, 1875, aged 79.

Mr. Smith was of tall, commanding fig- ure, manly and dignified in deportment. He was for many years Governor Paine's chief clerk, and enjoyed the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He suc- ceeded Gilbert Hatch as town clerk, and held the office a number of years. His elegant, precise penmanship stands out in bold relief all through the town records during the years he was town clerk. He was an obliging man. and the writer has been pleased to notice the reverence and respect our citizens have for his memory. The prominent characteristic of his life, and which gave him success, was his high sense of public virtue, his irreproachable integrity. The tongue of calumny never dared to whisper a suspicion of him. Through all his private and public life there shone the luster of a noble manhood, and a pure, unsullied name.

GILBERT HATCH,

born in Preston, Conn., Aug 14, 1764; married Sally Nichols, born Jan. 22, 1767, and came to Northfield between 1790 and 1800, and settled on the William Gold farm. He was town clerk from 1813, when Dr. Robinson died, many years, and held other town offices ; children by his first wife : Polly, b. 1801 ; Sarah, 1802; Amos S., 1803; Elizabeth, 1805; Edward N., 1806; Sidney S., 1808; Sarah Ann, 1810; by his second wife, Martha Royce ;- his first died in 1817,-he had Sidney, b 1818; Gilbert M., 1822; Marion F., 1824; all born in Northfield. He died in 1835.

ELEAZER LOOMIS,

and his brother Dyer, at 19 and 17 years, came and settled on the mountain near where Hopson Barker now resides. Eleaz- er was born in Hinsdale, Mass., 1785 and married Polly Buck, who was born in Con-

620

VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

necticut in 1787. They had good success in wheat, raising one year 300 bushels. Living opposite where our railroad depot now stands, they could look down into the valley of Dog River, where not a stick of timber had been cut.

They had many struggles for a foothold in the forest, but, like other early settlers with brave hearts and willing hands, suc- cess crowned their labors. At times the howling of wild beasts, as they often said, made their hair stand on end; for the country abounded with bears, wolves and catamounts. One morning Eleazer went out to a corn-crib, made of rails, back of

when a huge bear, that had been helping himself, jumped down from the crib, which so alarmed the young man he ran round on the other side and Bruin and he met face to face, and both being more fright- ened ran round again, both trying to es- cape.

After a few years, the brothers moved to the east side of the mountain, to what is called the " North Corner," where Eleaz- er's son, William H. Loomis, now resides. Eleazer held a number of town offices ; was a hard working man, and well liked. His children were Roxanna, Eleazer, Lou- isa, Cynthia, William, Mariette, Adaline ; all born in Northfield. He married for his second wife Louisa Bullock, of Berlin. He died in 1866; Mrs. Loomis in 1835.

AQUILLO JONES,

born in Westminster, 1745, came to this town soon after Esquire Amos Robinson. Hemarried Prudence Wise, and they settled on the farm known afterwards as the " Bennett place." Mrs. Jones came to Northfield on horseback, using for a rid- ing stick a twig of a " Balm of Gilead," which she stuck into the ground by her log-house, and it became a great tree. She was a help-meet to her husband, and could turn her hand to the cradle, the loom, the sugar-place, and the barn-yard. It was said by those who worked for them that she would get up mornings, in the spring of the year, by two or three o'clock, and go to the barn to see if the cows were cared for, and in judging of the value of

neat stock Esquire Amos Robinson used to say he would give more for her judgment in that direction than for any man's in Northfield.

At one time the saw-mill stopped, the saw breaking, and the men were so busy in their farming operations that they could not go to Westminster for another, Mrs. Jones volunteered and brought it in her arms, riding on horseback. A feat to test the patience and strength of a stout man.

Aquillo was troubled about what would become of his earthly tabernacle after he had " shuffled it off," he declared often he would not be buried on "Cobble Hill," a his house, to get some corn for his hens, little burying-ground near where he lived, "it looked so cold and dreary." Being questioned about his son Charles buying a farm in Randolph (where they were all going to live) he guessed he had not got cheated, for they had a good burying- ground in that town.

Children of Aquillo' and Prudence : William, Charles, Polly, Nancy, Sally. He died in 1830, age 82, and his wife in 1824, age 82.

WILLIAM came with his father, and, after a few years, settled on Judge Paine's turn- pike, near the toll-gate, and commenced keeping tavern in 1811 on the farm now occupied by Timothy Holland. This was quite a public place of resort in those early days of staging; horses used on the through line to Boston were changed here.

Mr. Jones married Sally Babbitt, and they had 13 children, born in Northfield : Charles, Lucy, Louisa, Emery, William, William, Jr., Lamira, Sarah, Rebecca, Pru- dence, Seth, Harriet, Luther. Mr. Jones died in 1840, aged 63 ; Mrs. Jones in 1829, aged 44.

CHARLES JONES settled on the old home- stead, and built the two-story house near " Bennett's Pond," now owned by Edward Howes. He married Lucinda, daughter of Col. Ezekiel Robinson ; children : Alba, Daniel, Lucinda, Caroline, Daniel 2d, and Weltha. Mr. Jones died at Menasha, Wis., in 1871, where he located in 1855, age 91.

ABRAHAM SHIPMAN

came from Westminster at a very early

621

NORTHFIELD.

day, and was quite a prominent man in the settlement. He was a selectman 8 years, and represented the town in the legislature. His first wife's name was An- nis Rice ; his children were Azubah, Hi- ram, Orran, Ophir, Orphia, Sardis. She died in 1809, and Mr. Shipman married Peggy, daughter of Doctor Nathaniel Rob- inson, who had two children : Annis R. and Phidelia C.

A story is told of " Uncle Abraham." One April, nearly 52 years since, when our townsman, David T. Averill, was in small clothes, his father, Captain Jesse, started for the cows near evening, not knowing the little fellow was following him. After his return he learned the boy was missing. Great alarm prevailed for fear he would wander into the woods near by, and perish before morning, and search was commenced. At " Uncle Abraham's " the lights were burning ; all but the old people had retired ; they, as usual, smoking, pre- paratory to going to bed, when a noise was heard at the window, and two little hands came pat upon the panes of glass. Aunt Peggy was alarmed; the fire flew from her pipe across the room ; but Uncle Abraham went out, and brought in the lost child, and he was stripped of his wet clothes, wrapped in a warm blanket and fell asleep. The shell was sounded, the news flew along the line where the men were in search. Col. Geo. K. Cobleigh, quite ex- cited, who had been riding up and down the road some time, hearing the good news, cried out with a stentorian voice, " The child is found; he is safe in Abraham's bosom !"

ELIPHUS SHIPMAN, brother of Abraham, settled about the same time. He lived and died in a little log-house near where James Morse, Esq., now lives, and mar- ried one of the four sisters (Sally Double- day,) who came to this town together, being the first women seeking a new home in the wilderness here; their children were : Phebe, Electa, Caleb, Levi, Daniel, Edmund, Cynthia, and Polly.

ELEAZER NICHOLS, SR.,

1809. Their children were : Ambrose, Eleazer, Jr., James, Patty, Polly, William, Betsey, John G., Lucy, Laura. Mr. Nich- ols died in 1831, and Mrs. Nichols in 1853. AMBROSE NICHOLS,

born in Putney, 1791, came to Northfield in 1809. He married Sally Hutchinson, of Braintree, and located upon the farm afterwards owned by Moses Lane. He built the "Red House," now occupied by Miss Maria Howes, which was the second house erected on the road leading from the Center to the " Factory village." He was many years, and until his death, the " Post- man" of this section. His route included the towns of Berlin, Barre, Williamstown, Brookfield, Randolph, Braintree, Roxbury, and Northfield. The well known sound of " Uncle Armus'" horn, calling his pa- trons to the road-side for their weekly news, was always welcomed.

Mr. and Mrs. Nichols had 3 children : Ambrose, Jr., Sarah, and George A. Mr. Nichols died in 1835, and his widow in 1853.

ELEAZER NICHOLS, JR.

came at sixteen to Northfield with his fath- er. He is now [1878] in his 85th year. Though feeble, his mind retains its memory to a good degree. He has until lately had in his possession the ballot box used at the first town meeting held in Northfield, Mar. 25, 1794, said to have been made by Seth Smith ; 5 inches long inside, and 2 wide, and 2} deep, dug out of a pine block. It has been presented to the town for safe keeping.

He married Mrs. Orra Starkweather White, mother of George J. and John A. S. White, Oct., 1822, and they lived for more than 50 years on the farm where the Adams Slate quarry is now yielding beautiful ma- terial for roofing. Their children were all born in this town: Mary Ann, Orra E., Olivia C., Dudley C., Emma. Mrs. Nich- ols died in 1877,

JAMES NICHOLS,

born in Putney, 1796, came to Northfield in 1809. He learned the carpenter and joiner's trade soon after, which he indus- triously pursued till compelled by the infir-

born in Putney, 1762; married Betsey Goodwin, of Putney, and settled here in | mities of age to retire from the more active

622

VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

pursuits of life. He married Annis A. Dole, of Danville, Jan. 1, 1826; they had two children : George, b 1827; Annis, 1830. Mrs. Nichols died in 1830, and Mr. Nichols married for his second wife Harriet West, May 1, 1831 ; their children are : James C., Jane E., John W., Mary E. Mr. Nichols died in 1873 ; Mrs. Nich- ols died in 1876.

WILLIAM NICHOLS,

born in Putney, 1802, married Roxanna Herrick, of Barre, and settled on the farm now owned by Harvey R. Keyes, and where Mrs. Nichols still resides. The house they first occupied was the first one erected on Main street, between the two villages, and was built by Justus Burnham. Mr. Nich- ols acquired, through an honest indus- try, a handsome property, and died in 1863, lamented by a large circle of ac- quaintances.

HON. GEORGE NICHOLS,

son of James and Annis A. Nichols, was born in Northfield, Apr. 17, 1827. He married Ellen Maria, daughter of Abijah and Maria B. Blake, of Vergennes, Apr. 8, 1852, who was born in New Haven, Apr. 1, 1832. To them were born Alice Margaret in 1853, and a son in 1858, both of whom died in infancy.

Dr. Nichols was educated at the com- mon school and Newbury Seminary, fitted for college, but never entered, having de- termined to study medicine, and could not see the way clear to pursue both courses. He commenced teaching school previous to his 15th birthday. In 1848, he was ap- pointed State Librarian by Governor Cool- idge, and received successive annual elec- tions till 1853. He studied medicine with Dr. S. W. Thayer ; graduated at the Ver- mont Medical College at Woodstock in 1851 ; commenced business in his native town. combining with it that of apothecary and druggist in 1854, which latter business he still retains, and continued in the prac- tice of his profession with eminent success till his return from the army in 1863, hav- ing served as surgeon of the 13th Reg., Vt. Vols. In 1865, he was appointed Secretary of State by Governor Smith, which office he has since continuously

held. In/ 1870, was a member and President of the Constitutional Conven- tion ; in 1872, a delegate to the National Republican Convention, and made a mem- ber of the National Republican Committee, and has been a member and Secretary of the Republican State Committee since that year. In 1868, he was elected director, and in 1874, president, of the Northfield National Bank ; in 1872, chairman of the board of commissioners to receive subscrip- tions to the capital stock of the Cen- tral Vermont Railroad Company, and has been clerk of the same since its organiza- tion. The Doctor has been repeatedly honored in elections to the various munic- ipal offices of trust and responsibility, and, what may-be worthy of mention, with the exceptions of 1856-58-59-63 and 66, has been moderator of the annual town meet- ings since 1854.

JOSEPH NICHOLS,

a brother of Eleazer Nichols, Sr., came from Putney, about 1805 ; was a carpenter, and assisted in building Judge Paine's dwelling- house in Williamstown, on the turnpike ; was selectman, &c. His children were Sally, Leonard, Martin, Louisa, Harrison.

JASON WINCH,

born in Framingham, Mass., Sept. 2, 1746, settled, in 1813, on the farm now owned by his grand-son, Joel Winch. He married Abigail Howe, of Dorchester, Mass. Their children were Asa, Joel, Hannah, Abigail, Thomas.

REV. JOEL WINCH

married Anna Kezar in 1808, and came to Northfield in 1815, living on what is now called the "Joel Winch farm." Their children were: Joel, Jr., Enoch, Anna, Elijah, Isaac, Benjamin P., and Mary.

Mr. Winch was an eccentric, remark- able man, a Methodist preacher, joined the conference at 19; was ordained by Bishop Asbury in Boston, June 4, 1807. As a preacher, he was full of wit and pleas- antry, and sent home his arguments with great pathos and power.

He was a staunch Mason. When many were going back on their principles, he re- mained firm, glorying in the sentiments George Washington had honored, and

623

NORTHFIELD.

which had comforted and elevated millions of our race. No place seemed dearer to him than the lodge room ; surrounded by the fraternity, he was happy, and he made others so around him. Masonry was his great theme while among the brethren ; almost single handed he fought for it in Northfield, and lived to see the order again respected and beloved. He could say :

" A sacred burden is this life ye bear; Look on it, iift it, bear it solemnly, Stand up and walk beneath it steadfastly, Fail not for sorrow, falter not for sin, But onward, upward, till the goal ye win."

Elder Winch died in 1854.

ARIEL EGERTON,

born in Norwich, Conn., June 8, 1789, moved with his father's family in 1796 to Brookfield, Vt., from whence he came to Northfield in the fall of ISII. The follow- ing winter he taught school on the east hill. Of the scholars that winter, only one, John Averill, is known to be living in town. The winter following he taught near Judge Paine's factory, and in 1815, built a house and store at the Center vil- lage. His store was the first building erected in that village for business pur- poses. He continued there in trade until 1819; in 1824, bought from Judge Paine the grist-mill on the east hill, which he carried on about 5 years ; in 1829, bought a large building at the South village, and started a chair-factory, which he kept in operation about 5 years, and then removed from Northfield.

Mr. Egerton was among the first in this vicinity to observe the injurious effects arising from the use of liquors, and very early became active in the cause of tem- perance. In the winter of 1826, he invited the people living in his neighborhood to meet at their school-house and listen to some statements with regard to the use and abuse of intoxicating drinks. About 40 were present, and that was, as we be- lieve, the first attempt in the State, aside from pulpit addresses, to present the tem- perance question in a public lecture. In 1828, about 20 of the citizens of the town united to form a temperance society. Mr. Egerton was elected its first president ;

Orange Hovey, secretary. Mr. Egerton delivered an address in the Center meeting- house, which was published in the Mont- pelier Watchman and other papers in the State.

Mr. Egerton died in Quechee, in 1859. His wife survives him (1878), living with her oldest son, Hon. Charles B. Egerton, at Ironton, Ohio. Her maiden name was Abigail P. Keyes, only daughter of Capt. Abel Keyes, of Putney, born Aug. II, 1796. They had S children : Almira E., Laura E., Olive S., Cynthia M., Abby S., Charles B., John S., Joseph K. ; all born in Northfield, and four now living.

JOSEPH KEYES EGERTON

lived in Quechee until the death of his father, when he moved to Norwich, where he resided 15 years, and came to North- field, March, 1877. He married Sarah F. Tyler, of Claremont, N. H., in 1856, and had two children, Edith K. and Fred T.

Mr. Egerton was clerk in J. C. Brooks' store in Hartford 4 years, I year in Cleave- land's at Brookfield, and I year with Camp & Thayer in Northfield. He was post- master at Quechee from 1853 to 1861, when he removed to Northfield ; he was town agent, town treasurer and justice of the peace; joined the Odd Fellows in Northfield in 1852; joined the Masons in 1854, and was Grand Lecturer of the Grand Lodge of Vermont 3 years, from 1867 to 1870.

I am under great obligation to Mr. Egerton for his valuable assistance in work- ing up the history of his ancestors, his father, and the Keyes' who built so ex- tensively in Northfield.

WILLIAM AND TAMASIN ASHCROFT,

from Connecticut, had 11 children ; one of them, Lois, was born in Judge Paine's grist-mill, and was the second child born in town. Mr. Ashcroft took part in the first meetings that were held here. He settled on what is now the poor farm. He

held town offices ; children : Daniel, Sarah, Abigail, Tamasin, John D., Lydia, Eliza T., Nathan B., Lois, William, Lucy.

REV. NATHAN BROWN ASHCROFT, son of William, born in Brookline, Conn., in 1787, and came to Northfield with his

624

VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.

father. He was a preacher of the Methodist order, ordained by Bishop Kendrick as an Elder, in Bristol, R. I., Sept. 5, 1822, and was one of the first ministers in this sec- tion. In his latter days also he not only looked after the spiritual wants of the people, but attended to their physical ail- ments, dealing in " roots and herbs " after the Thompsonian plan.

Mr. Ashcroft married Betsey Lawrence, in Plainfield, in 1812. Their children were : Hester Ann R., Nathan Sias, John Wesley, Eliza Ann. Mr. Ashcroft died in 1857 ; Mrs. Ashcroft in 1872.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

The history of Washington county, in the Vermont historical gazetteer:, Part 100

Author: Hemenway, Abby Maria, 1828-1890, [from old catalog] ed Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Montpelier, Vt., Vermont watchman and state journal press Number of Pages: 1066

Author: Hemenway, Abby Maria, 1828-1890, [from old catalog] ed
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Montpelier, Vt., Vermont watchman and state journal press
Number of Pages: 1066