USA > Vermont > Washington County > The history of Washington county, in the Vermont historical gazetteer: > Part 141
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Two miles east of this range, there is an- other mountain standing alone, called Rob- inson mountain, and sometimes Foster mountain, because an enterprising farmer of that name felled the huge trees which cov- ered it, and converted it into a luxurious pasture. This mountain is rich in granite and talcose slate, the granite preponder- ing. For centuries has the gray old moun- tain rested in quiet, but it is expected the quiet will soon be disturbed by the rattle of the machinery hammers of the work- men, who have begun the business of re- ducing some of this vast pile of rocks to such forms as are required for monuments
and other purposes for which granite is used. The quality of the granite has been ascertained to be superior, as it is free from all foreign substances which causes some of the State granite to change its color when exposed to atmospheric influ- ence and moisture. From the base of the mountain are scattered for miles around large and small boulders with the corners worn off, exhibiting the mighty force which must have been in exercise to have tum- bled them along, and an annoyance to the ploughman ; but the land makes excellent and enduring pasturage, as well as pro- ducing abundant crops of hay. In some sections of the town there is good and pro- ductive land, which well repays the tillers' toil, and those owning these lands have generally secured an ample supply of this world's goods.
There are some 23 ponds, large and small, in this township, most of which were well supplied with trout, which were the first settlers' pork barrel. And when they wearied of trout, the deer and moose offered an agreeable change, or an oc- casional round of bear meet ; for bears, too, would sometimes come forth from their re- treats to feast on the yellow corn and fat mutton. Bears love good mutton, but frequently they paid for the temerity by stepping into a huge steel trap which was sure to hold them, or coming in range of a gun so placed when they came in contact with a line attached, it would explode, and instead of a square meal of corn, the brute, unconscious of his danger, would yield his flesh and pelt to repay the debt he owed for corn. And about these ponds and streams there was then an abundance of animals whose pelts were secured for furs. Col. Jonathan Elkins, mentioned in the history of Peacham, and the famous Indian Joe, spoken of in the history of some of the towns, were often hunting on these grounds for beaver, otter, mink, muskrat, sable, and an animal called by the inhabitants fisher-master, or black cat, from its color. Those employed in build- ing dams, might take a lesson from our beaver dams, some of them still stand- ing, notwithstanding the ingenious build-
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WOODBURY.
ers have long since ceased to make re- pairs.
The first settlers in town were : JOSEPH CARR and GIDEON SABIN. Reports vary as to this, some saying they came to- gether ; others, that Joseph Carr came first, felled the first trees, and was subsequently joined by Gideon Sabin, who was a mighty hunter, before whose unerring aim the game was quite sure to fall. His was a complex character, composed of the qual- ities of hunter, preacher and farmer. The early settlers have often heard his stento- rian voice when he called his faithful dogs. Hunting was his delight as long as he was able to pursue. Reynard, deer and bear have often been bagged by him.
REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.
There were three Revolutionary soldiers who made their homes here, whose last years were made comfortable from the pension bestowed on them by government, which were richly deserved for the toils and sufferings of those early days, for which they were paid in continental money which became worthless.
JOSEPH BLANCHARD
was born in Concord, N. H., where his ancestors resided, and where, when the dark clouds of despotism were hanging like a gathering storm over this country, the patriotism of young Blanchard com- pelled him to enter the ranks of those who went forth to protect their dearest rights from being snatched from them. He was for years in those stirring scenes which called for men of true worth to fight the battles of liberty, and his mind formed in the positive school of the times, when a tory was the object of extreme hatred, led him to be most decided in his likes and dislikes. He was a fast friend or a bitter foe ; a man of a large heart and a quiet disposition, but when roused by opposi- tion to some of his cherished views, the spirit of early life developed itself strongly. He left a numerous progeny, a very large proportion of whom have well sustained the character of their progenitors in in- tegrity and uprightness.
DAVID RUGG
came into town when it was yet almost an unbroken wilderness, and made a home for himself and family. He also went forth early at his country's call, and con- tinued during the war of the Revolution. He was at the battle of Bunker Hill, and among those behind the breastwork made of rail fence and newly-mown grass. He said he was near Gen. Putnam during the fight, who encouraged his men by some of his off-hand speeches, and they, partaking of his spirit, fought with desperation. When Washington took command of the forces, he was still in the service, and when Arnold was about to betray West Point, he was called with a few others to skirmish with the vessel which brought Andre on his mission to purchase West Point of the traitor Arnold, and when they were about to fire from the ship, he, with his fellows, retreated behind a large pine tree standing on the shore. On that cold, stormy night, when Washington and his division were enabled to cross the Dela- ware and march to Trenton, Mr. Rugg was among his soldiers who went forth from their gloomy abodes to victory ; and when the storm of war was gathering about Yorktown, he was still in the army of Washington, and witnessed his final departure from his disbanded army, and returned to Massachusetts, and gave his last $70 of the depreciated currency of the time for a mug of flip. His pension came just in time to save him, whose early life had been devoted to the service of his country, from a pauper's home, and saw him standing in all the dignity of the true patriot and conquerer.
LONGEVITY OF WOODBURY.
Persons who have died of 70 years and upwards.
Gideon Sabin, age 74, Lucy Sabin 82, Comfort Wheeler 91, David Chase 71, Caleb Putnam 86, Susannah Putnam 94, Silas Chase 70, Sarah Chase 70, Eleareda Blake 76, Nancy Ainsworth 74, Jeremiah Blake 93, his wife 88, Abram Hinkson 89, Acsah Hinkson 81, Daniel Smith 90, Nancy Smith 80, Ezra Chase 79, Oliver King 78,
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VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
Sarah King 80, Anna Ellis 89, Joseph Blanchard 77; Phebe Blanchard 72, Phebe Celley 72, Elias Heath 71, Lucy Heath 71, Mark Nelson 85, Sarah Nelson 81, Isaac Hill 73, Katherine Hill 86, John Cristy 77, Lambert Sprague 83, William Celley 79, Isaac Wells 74, Mariah Daniels 70, Daniel Haskell 73, Daniel Lawson 84, Jabez Town 81, Lucy Town 78, James Nelson 76, Apollos Wheeler 91, Hannah Wheeler 70, Calvin Ball 70, Amos Lakeman 88, Luther Ball 75, Joseph Morse 83, Kent Drown 80, David Colwell 83, Elizabeth Colwell 81, Lucy Buzzell 89, James Wheeler 73, Han- nah Wheeler 77, Rufus Wheeler 70, John Goodell 87, Jonathan Lawson 74, wife 70, Simeon Chase 93, Elias Heath 78, Simeon Edson 78, Nehemiah Jackson 79, Mary Jackson 82, Thomas Bradish 71, Hannah Bradish 80, Robert Bradish 83, Abigail Bradish 81, Martin Lawson 76, Samuel
Burnham 86, Mary Burnham 86, Aaron
Powers 80, John Thomas 85, Rueamy Thomas 87, Ephraim Ainsworth 84, wife 84, John Baptist 100, Eunice Baptist 91, Thomas Ainsworth 91, Hannah Ainsworth 81, James Alexander 90, Amy Alexander 70, David Rugg 100, Lucy Rugg 80, Ferdinand Perry 90, Thomas Ainsworth 81, Caleb Noyes 75, Jacob Bedell 76, Thomas Bedell 80, Benjamin Smith 80, Holden Wilbur 80, Joseph Carr 80, Nancy Carr 80, Samuel Mackrus 80, Hyranus Farr 70, Sally Batchelder 85, John Weeks 87, Phebe Hopkins 75, William Keniston 72, Thomas Harvey 86, Schuyler Wells 76, Isaac Wells 92, Nathan Jackson 77, Eliza- beth Jackson 86, Gideon Burnham 77, Susannah Burnham 88, Sarah Cudworth 70, John L. Bruce 75, Sylvester Jennings 84, Sally Rideout So, Willard Rideout 85, Sally Danforth 80, Eliza Danforth 84. Benjamin Barrett 93, Jacob Crossman 77, Asa Phelps 80, Maria Bliss 81.
MILITARY RECORD OF THE TOWN OF WOODBURY. SOLDIERS OF IS61-65.
BY O. D. TOWN.
Names.
Reg. Co.
Enlisted.
Remarks.
Ainsworth, Albert
6 G
Oct 2 61
Discharged July 25, 62.
Ainsworth, Alfred
3 Bat.
Aug 22 64
Mustered out May 17, 65.
Ainsworth, Henry A.
9 I
June 16 62
Corporal ; Mustered out June 13, 65.
Ainsworth, Wm. W.
clo
Dec IS 63
Mustered out June 13, 65.
Ainsworth, Llewellyn M.
II L
Dec 21 63
Corporal ; Mustered out Mar. 1, 65.
Ainsworth, Eugene D.
III
Nov 23 63
Mustered out June 24, 65.
Ainsworth, Jefferson
SF
Mar 17 05
do do 25, 65.
Ainsworth, Ira
4 E
Feb
1 65
do July 13, 65.
Barrett, Ira
SE
Dec 7 6
Corporal ; Killed June 14, 63.
Barrett, Cephus T.
2 F
May 20 61
Discharged Mar. 27, 62.
Barrett, George
8 E
Dec 16 61
Mustered out June 28, 65.
Bill, Silas
9 I
July 1 62
Corporal ; Discharged May 15, 64.
Burnham, Horace
C Cav.
Jan 4 64
do Mustered out Aug. 9, 65.
Bigelow, George
6 H
July 11 63
Mustered out July 15, 65.
Bailey, Nathaniel
4 H
Aug 31 61
Brown, Elijah S.
2 F
May 7 61
Blake, Stephen D.
II I
Dec
3 63
Mustered out June 24, 65.
Burnham, Edwin
do
Bliss. Warren E.
4 G
Sept
4 61
Sergeant ; Mustered out July 13, 65.
Batchelder, Ira F.
II I
Aug
4 62
Mustered out June 24, 65.
Batchelder, Alonzo J.
4 H
Mar 5 62
Re-enlisted, Mustered out July 13, 65.
Bruce, Horatio I.
SS
Sept 27 61
Died of wounds June 21, 64.
Batchelder, Nathan E.
4 H
Sept
7 61
Mustered out Sept 30, 64.
Burnham, Albert
do
Sept 7 61
Re-enlisted, Mustered out July 13, 65.
Bailey, Fdwin M.
13 H
Aug 19 62
Mustered out July 21, 63.
Blake, Maranda R.
2 Bat.
Nov 21 61
2d Lieut. ; hon. discharged Mar 3, 65. Died Sept 13 64.
Barrett, Benjamin J.
F Cav. 5 D
Aug 19 61
Re-enlisted, Mustered out Jan 29, 65.
Benjamin, Thomas W.
III
Dec 3 62
Mustered out Jan 24, 65.
Barrett, Levi
8 E
Dec 18 61
Died October 4, 63.
Bailey, Richard M.
9 I
Dec 11 61
Mustered out May 31, 65.
Barrett, Charles A. J.
8 E
Dec 2 61
Discharged Sept 14, 62.
Barrett, Geo. W.
III
Aug 15 64
Mustered out June 24, 65.
A
Killed May 15, 64.
Died Feb. 3, 63.
Nov 23 63
Corporal ; Mustered out June 24, 65.
Bedell, John P.
Dec 16 63
88 1
WOODBURY.
Names.
Reg. Co.
Enlisted.
Remarks.
Batchelder, Frank
4 E
Feb 1 65
Mustered out July 1, 65.
Batchelder, John D.
II I
Nov 21 61
Died Feb 27, 64.
Batchelder, Charles M.
do
Dec 5 63
Mustered out June 24, 65. do do 25, 65.
Bigelow, Rufus
8 E
Mar 6 65
Bigelow, John B.
6 H
July 25 61
do do 26, 65.
Bancroft, Chas. F.
4 H
Sept
61
Corporal; Died in Hospital first winter.
Batchelder, Ziba
3 H
July 3 61
Died Feb 13, 62.
Clapp, Oliver
II L
May 23 63
Mustered out June 24, 65.
Collins, Thomas
II I
Aug 13 62
Sergt. ; Died Mar 30, 63.
Cudworth, Edwin
13 H
Aug 19 62
Corporal ; Mustered out Jan 21, 63.
Cudworth, Franklin
4 H
Sept 4 61
Died of wounds May 11, 64.
Cameron, Araph P.
II A
Aug 9 62
Mustered out June 24, 65.
Carr, Harlow
9 I
May 30 62
Discharged April 10, 63.
Celley, Edwin H.
2 H
July 25 63
Cole, Joseph B.
13 H
Sept 7 62
Carr, Chester
II I
Aug 11 62
Cameron, Clerren
II H
Aug 9 62
Carr, Samuel B.
III
Nov 30 63
· Deserted Nov 2, 64.
Danforth, Francis
II I
July 11 62
Dow, William II.
3 H
June II 61
Corporal ; Mustered out July 27, 64.
Drenon, Frank J.
II L
May 14 63
Corporal ; Mustered out June 24, 65.
Eastman, Horace B.
3 G
June 1 61
Sergt. ; re-en., Mustered out July 7, 65.
Eastman, Gibson
II I
Aug 6 62
Died Jan 10, 63.
Eastman, Curtis O.
II I
Aug 8 62
Sergt. ; Mustered out June 29, 65.
Farnsworth, Cyrus
4 H
Dec 11 63
Mustered out July 13, 65.
Farnsworth, Nathaniel L.
4 H
Aug 25 61
Sergt. ; re-en., mustered out July 13, 65.
Fisk, Elisha C.
II A
Aug 7 62
Corporal ; discharged Nov 25, 63.
Farr, Benjamin A.
II E
Feb 14 65
Mustered out July 13, 65.
Graves, Hiram
2 K
Dec 14 63 do do 24, 64.
Goodell, Lewis
II I
Nov 21 63
Mustered out June 24, 65.
Goodell, Henry
2 D
May 7 61
Corp .; re-en., mustered out June 19, 65.
Goodell, Lewis F.
2 C
July 25 63
Died, wounded June 6, 64.
Goodell, John A.
8 E
Feb 14 65
Goodell, Wm. M.
II I
Dec 8 63
Goodell, Leroy
do
Dec 5 63
Goodell, Henry M.
do
July 15 62
Hall, Horace
6 G
Oct
3 61
Discharged Dec 15, 63.
Hall, Aaron P.
2 D
May 9 61
Mustered out June 29, 64.
Hall, James K.
do
Aug 7 62
Killed in Wilderness May 5, 64.
Hall, Marvin J.
do
Aug II 62
Holmes, Horace B.
2 H
Aug 20 61
Holmes, Almon H.
3 K
July 10 61
Holmes, George P.
8 E
Nov 29 61
Holmes, Ira
do
Dec 7 61
Corp. ; Re-en. deserted June 28, 64.
Hammond, Chas. E.
15 G
Sept 7 62
Haskell, Landas W.
II I
June 31 62
Hopkins, Daniel E.
2 Bat.
Dec 2 61
Hinkson, Ezra A.
4 G
Sept 4 61
Holmes, Clark J.
II I
July 19 62
do June 27, 63.
Hopkins, Charles
4 H
Aug 29 61
do April 3, 62.
Hopkins, Wm. J.
9 I
May 29 62
do Oct 22, 62.
Holmes, Lyman B.
3 K
July 10 61
Jackson, Marcus N.
II I
Nov 22 63
Jackson, Orra W.
do
Dec 1 63
Jackson, Samuel
do
Dec 1 63
King, David G.
8 E
Dec 7 61
Discharged Aug 2, 63.
Labarron Frank
8 E
Apr 22 64
Mustered out June 25 65.
Laird, John
4 H
Sept 24 61
Discharged Jan 30, 62.
Lawson, Norman C.
2 H
Aug 21 61
Leonard, Orlando L.
4 G
Aug 22 61
Ladd, James
4 B
Aug 22 61
Lyford, J. Monroe
C Cav.
Sept 12 61
Mustered out Nov 18, 64.
Laird, Lemuel
4 H
Mar
62
Lyford, Aura
3 K
July 10 61
Discharged Dec 13, 63.
Lawson, Truman
II I
Dec 1 61
Mustered out June 24, 65.
Mustered out June 25, 65. Lieut., pris'r I vr. disch'ged May 15, 65.'
Drenon, John S.
II L
3 G
June 11 61
Discharged June 3, 62.
Farr, Wm. Hyranus
3 G
Dec 7 61
Discharged Aug 9, 65.
Mustered out May 25, 65. do June 24, 65.
Discharged first year. do Nov 19 62.
Discharged Jan 1, 63. do Sept 12, 64.
Deserted Jan 27, 63.
do Mar 5, 63.
2d Lieut .; mustered out Aug 5, 63.
Sergeant ; do June 24, 65.
Sergt .; re-en, mustered out July 31, 65. Discharged Jan 6, 62.
Deserted Jan 27, 63. Mustered out June 24, 65. do do do
Died Aug 8 64.
clo April 16, 64. do Sept 19, 62. do do 19, 62.
Wounded at Freders'g and discharged.
Mustered out July 15, 65. do do 21, 63.
Deserted July 26, 64. Died Sept 24, 64.
Aug 11 62
Eastman, Merrill Y.
III
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VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
Names.
Reg. Co.
Enlisted.
Remarks.
Labarron, Robinson
SE
Dec 1 61
Corp. mustered out June 14, 65. Re-en.
Lilley, Patrick
July 1 62
Discharged April 25, 63.
Lvford, Henry
6 G
Oct 15 61
Mustered out June 26, 65. Re-en.
Morse, Benjamin F.
SE
Dec 9 61
Sergt. ; Mustered out June 22, 64.
Morse, Joseph Jr.
2 H
Aug 20 61
Mustered out Sept 13, 64.
McLoud, Brooks I).
2 H
Aug 20 61
Killed in Wilderness May 5, 64.
McLoud, Edward T.
Unas'ned
Dec 3 63
Died at Brattleboro Jan 13, 64.
Morse, Franklin B.
8 E
Dec 3 61
Mustered out June 22, 64. do
Mack, Wm. H. H.
SF
Mar 15 65
do 25, 65.
Morse, John Orlando
9 I
Dec 4 63
June 26 62
Dis'dOct 27, 64. Deserted Co H 13 reg.
Mack, Orson M.
8 F
Mar 15 64
Mustered out June 28, 65.
Nelson, Edmond H.
SE
Dec 7 61
Discharged Feb 20, 63. Lost Limb.
Nelson, Geo. H.
2 D
Dec 12 62
Mustered out July 15, 65.
Nichols, Don P.
4 D
Aug 17 61
Deserted April 19, 62.
Pierce, Ezekiel
13 H
Aug 19 62
Mustered out July 21, 63.
Powers, David
2 D
Dec 12 63
Mustered out May 13, 65.
Richard, Eli
13 H
July 19 62
Musician ; died Feb 26, 63.
Richard, Henry
2 D
Dec 12 63
Corp. ; mustered out July 5, 65.
Stowe, Theodore
13 H
Aug 19 62
Sergt. ; Mustered out July 21. 67.
Trow, Loren D.
3 H
June 1 61
Mustered out at Montp'r. Inv. Corps. do Dec 31, 64.
Tucker, Harvey D.
II A
Aug 7 62
Discharged Feb 15, 64. Mustered out Sept 10, 64.
Vaughn, Isaac C.
2 Bat.
Nov 19 61
Corp. ; discharged Oct 26, 62.
Voodry, Geo. B.
2 F
May 20 61
do Mustered out Jan 29, 64.
Voodry, Henry C.
3 K
Feb 8 62
Voodry, Josephus
3 G
June 1 61
Vaughn, Alvin P.
9 I
June 18 62
Wells, Irvin N.
USMC June 22 63
Wheeler, Wm. C.
May 27 63
Witham, Thomas
2 K
Dec 19 67
Prisoner and died at Florence, S. C.
Willey, Ransom A.
III
July 25 62
Mustered out Jan 24, 65. do do do
White, Geo. A.
2 H
Aug 20 61
Killed at Frederick'gh May 12, 64.
Weeks, Chas. E.
6 H
July 11 63
Mustered out June 26, 65. do Nov 18, 64.
Wheeler, John Q.
C Cav.
Oct
7 61
Witham, Moses
9 I
June 18 62
Deserted June 15, 63.
Whitney, Curtis B.
1
Aug 30 64
Mustered out June 25, 65.
Way, Jacob
8 A
Aug 26 64
Deserted Oct S, 64.
Witham, Aaron
9 I
May 28 62
Mustered out June 13, 65.
PAID COMMUTATION .- Geo. C. Bemis, Augustus A. Bliss, Edwin Bruce, Roland B. Bruce, Alonzo A. Clark, Samuel Daniels, John A. Goodell, Ira G. Jewell, Stephen Leavitt, Martin Lyford, Corliss G. Osgood, Benjamin F. Rideout, Willard Strague, True A. Town, Vergil B. Webster, Sidney O. Wells, George White, Augustus O. Wilber.
This town not only furnished more men than required to fill its quota without any public meetings to stimulate enlistments, and without paying any of the large bounties which most of the towns in the State were compelled to, but furnished several men for Hardwick, Cabot, Marshfield, Calais, East Montpelier, Elmore and a few other towns. WVe claim for Wood- bury an excellent and honorable war record. I think it will be found that there were more men went to the war from here than any town in the State with the same number of in- habitants. I have not recorded any more on this list which we are not entitled to, and none but what at the time of their enlistment were residents of our town.
By the request of Hon. F. C. Putnam, I have given this list.
O. D. T.
JOSHUA M. DANA,
was born Dec. 12, 1805, at West Lebanon, N. H .; he was the grandson of William Dana, one of the first settlers of Lebanon, and son of Wm. Dana, Jr. He lived at Lebanon till he was about 12 years old ; then his father moved to Montpelier, where
he lived a few years, and after moved to Calais. He spent most of the time in Montpelier and Calais, for several years. About 1856, he bought land in Woodbury, and began clearing it ; built a house. barn, etc. In September, 1858, he was married to Miss C. C. Bennett, daughter of Mr.
Mack, Justus W.
9 I
McKnight, Carroll A.
IT A
Aug 18 62
Died Nov 27, 64. do Oct 25, 62.
Nelson, Orrin
4 G
Feb 18 62
Died soon after exchanged. Prisoner.
Thomas, Wm. W.
II I
Nov 23 63
Trow, Geo. C.
2 H
Sept IS 61
do Killed Oct 19, 64, at Cedar Creek Discharged Sept 20, 62. Ist Sergt., Ist Lieut. ; Resig'd May 2,65 Discharged Sept 2, 63. do April 13, 64.
Wells, Wm. R.
II I
Aug 1 62
883
WORCESTER.
Nicholas Bennett of East Montpelier, and went to Woodbury for a permanent home, where he resided until his death, July 3, 1878.
His widow and son, Charles H. Dana, are still living on the farm he cleared for their home. He was an honest man, a good citizen, and beloved by his friends.
His remains were interred in the " Cutler burying ground," at East Montpelier.
H. M. D.
[ He was a somewhat extensive contribu- tor for the Montpelier papers. In the Watchman I find papers on farming, in the Argus and Patriot, " Early Incidents in the history of Lebanon," (N. H.)- " An Indian Scare," etc.,-so traditionally good and well told, we regret the history of both Calais and Woodbury had not been written up while he was alive to have assisted. Woodbury is 1 5 miles from Montpelier ; Mr. Dana would come out a-foot to his sister's here, and return again on foot to the last year of his life. On one of these visits, Thanksgiving, 1876, his sister, Miss Hannah M. Dana, who lives in the first cottage under the cliff, Elm Street, gave him a gold pen he was to use in writing to her, and he writes : " Jan. first, eighteen hundred seventy-six." We glean from to keep a picture, of this old and quaint Washington County writer's Woodbury home, as drawn by himself.]
( When he got home.)
The boy had been good And fed all the stock, Had brought in all the wood, And wound up the clock.
Three eows that are good, Three helfers the same-
Three steers to draw wood, And four calves that are tame :
Two sheep we can boast, Two leaders, with others behind ; To bake, boil, or roast, Or for wool they'r the kind.
And then Charley's hens The corn they devour; Makes them look like fat Cochins- Fit to eat any honr I
*
* * *
Threescore and ten! Only think of my age, In the tramps I have been I shall no more engage.
JOSHUA M. DANA.
WORCESTER.
BY CHARLES C. ABBOTT.
This town in the N. W. of Washington Co., lat. 44° 24', long. 4º 25', is bounded N. and W. by Elmore and Stowe, in Lamoille Co., S. by Middlesex, and E. by Calais. Who were the first white men that visited the town is unknown. The French and Indians passing from Canada to the older settlements on the Connecticut river, are said to have had their trail through this town, but have left no record of their names or of the place where.
The town, with its present name and limits, was chartered June 8, 1763, by Gov. Wentworth of N. H., to grantees : Joshua Mason, Thomas Burgee, Robert Burgee, John Davidson, Robert David- son, Samuel Halstead, Joshua Halstead, Wm. Davidson, Benjamin Betts, Samuel Betts, Abraham Betts, Ichabod Betts, John Betts, Grant Striker, Henry Dickin- son, Anthony Baker, Joshua Hutchins, Samuel Dodge, Job Bacon, Wm. Gibbons, Wm. Pusey, James Gibbons, Wm. Ash- bridge, David Bacon, Manning Bull, Thomas Shroves, Joseph De Camp, Lam- bert De Camp, John Hand, Robert Stan- bury, Joshua Underhill, Samuel De Camp, John Nefus, Josiah Stanbury, Moses Lit- tle, Wm. Trundenborough, Ephraim Cut- ler, John De Camp, Ebenezer Cutler, Jo- seph Young, David Cutler, David DeCamp, Daniel Marsh, Isaac Burger, Jacob Noe, Isaac Noe, Jr., John Turner, George Woods, John Gifford, Benjamin Ogden, Crowley Barrow, Thomas Young, Wm. Mitchel, Charles Wiggins, John Hofnall, John Cockle, Henry Franklin, Hon. James Nevin, Nathaniel Barrell, Esq., Joseph Newmarsh, Esq., Col. Samuel Barr, and Maj. Joseph Blanchard. The charter was for 6 miles square, to be divided into 69 rights, or lots of 4 divisions each. The Ist division I acre, the 2d div. 3 acres, the 3d div. 38 acres, the 4th 7 acres. The 1 acre lots were laid out in the center of the town and are comprised in the farm now owned by Wm. H. Kellogg; the 7 acre lots, around this one, mostly on the west; the 38 acre lots on the west side of the town, adjoining Stowe. The
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VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
Governor's right in the S. W. corner, and the 300 acre lots comprised the rest of the town. There is now no record of any meeting of the original grantees to be found, nor any conveyances from them ; and there was much litigation in regard to land titles in the early history of the town. Much of the land is now held under titles from " tax collectors," having been sold for taxes.
The surface of the town is very uneven, and the western part is intersected by the eastern range of the Green Mountains. There are four principal peaks in this town, from which are extensive and very fine views of the surrounding country and villages, especially from Mount Hunger, in the S. W. part of the township, the summit of which is rocky and almost en- tirely devoid of vegetation, and permits an unobstructed prospect in all directions. [For its history, see Middlesex, 229-231.]
The meadows on the North Branch, and on the larger brooks, are fertile and easy of cultivation. The uplands are well adapted to stock raising and dairy pur- poses, to which a large share of the farm- ers give their attention.
The town is watered by the North Branch, a mill stream from Elmore, flow- ing southerly through the length of the town, emptying into the Winooski in Montpelier. There are also large brooks, some of which serve for mill purposes ; the largest, Minister brook, was named from its mouth being in the lot granted to the first settled minister. But one natural pond is in the town limits, Worcester pond, near the eastern line and " Eagle Ledge" road. It contains some 8 acres, and has furnished many pickerel and trout to the settlers. The streams all furnished at an early day an abundance of trout, and are still the yearly resort of the disciples of " Izaak Walton " from neighboring towns, who eagerly explore every stream where a " speckled beauty " is supposed to lurk. A deep pool, that is worn in the rock by action of a waterfall, in a rocky ravine just above the house of Thomas Reed, has long been a favorite resort for trying to ensnare some of the large trout which
make the pool their home. Now and then one is captured, but generally the wary fish is not lured from its lurking place, and the fisher, sometimes spending hours in his labor, leaves the spot with his basket as light as when he came; but perhaps thinking himself repaid for his visit by a view of the wild and beautiful scenery of the place.
Gold has been found in some localities, more especially in the bed of Minister brook. A few years since a stock com- pany was formed under a. State charter, called the Minister Brook Mining Com- pany, and the bed of the brook and lands bordering on it were leased. Other com- panies have at intervals "prospected" the brook since, with just what results is not generally known.
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