The history of Washington county, in the Vermont historical gazetteer:, Part 81

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 81

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Gov. Peck was a citizen of Montpelier 1855 to 1875, and from that time resided on his farm in Jericho, where he died May 18, 1879. E. P. W.

[Inserted by request.]

Hon. E. P. WALTON: Dear Sir-I thank you for the interest you are taking

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for the memory of my late brother, Gov. Peck. And withal you will recollect that he had A. M. added or prefixed to his name by the University of Vermont, and LL. D. by Middlebury College, and which is written on his $700 granite monument at Hinesburgh, and whose attachment to the people of Montpelier was never abated or withdrawn. Yours Truly, NAHUM PECK.

CARLOS BANCROFT.

[From the obituaries in the Argus and the Watchman at the time of his death.]

Mr. Bancroft, who contributed much to make the town of Montpelier everywhere honored and honorable in business and fi- nancial circles, was born in Plainfield, this county, Mar. 20, 1809. At three years of age he lost both of his parents, and was brought up by Arthur Daggett of East Montpelier. He went to Massachusetts at 16 years and learned the stone-cutter's trade ; worked in the Navy Yard at Charles- town ; went to Norfolk, Va. Navy Yard and worked for a time, and returned to Mont-

pelier. He engaged with his brother, Watrous, on the stone work of the second state house, afterward burned. Much of that exceptionally fine work, which was so much admired, was wrought by his hand. After this, he formed a part- nership with Geo. P. Ricker, and after the death of Mr. Ricker with E. C. Holmes, terminating after 25 years by the death of Mr. Holmes in 1870. The firm has since been C. Bancroft & Son- Arthur D., the oldest son, being the part- ner. In 1839, Mr. Bancroft married a daughter of Col. Cyrus Johnson of Ber- lin, who was the mother of his children, and died Sept. 15, 1856. Feb. 3, 1858, he married Margaret Wallace, widow of John McLean, Esq., of Cabot, and sister of Dr. M. P. Wallace, who survives him. Of his 6 children but one survived, Frederick W .; of the others, but two reached the age of maturity, his daughter Jennie, who married a Mr. Scott and died about two years after her marriage, and his oldest son, Arthur D.

From his youth up, Carlos Bancroft was one of the leaders of the Democratic party here. Besides repeatedly filling various town offices, selectman, &c., he had, for

many years, been an acting director and vice-president of the Farmers' Insurance Co., and a director of the Montpelier Na- tional Bank ; both were benefited largely by his prudent counsel and sound judgment. Though entirely successful in business, he never accumulated a dollar but by honora- ble dealing. His word was never called in question, and his opinion in matters of bus- iness generally put an end to all contro- versy. He was one of the building com- mittee of Christ Church, where he attended worship. In one word, as a citizen, neigh- bor, and friend, he was a man of large worth.

He died of the insidious, slow old-fash- ioned consumption ; so insidious that none suspected the familiar face of one so uni- versally known and respected would be so soon removed from our thoroughfares and business places. Monday evening, he re- tired apparently in his usual health, for the last few months not his former robust health, a state of increasing feebleness, but which did not debar him from attention to his business. Early the next morning, he had a coughing fit in which he ruptured a blood-vessel ; hemorrhage ensued and be- fore the physician could be summoned he was dead. Age 67, Oct. 24, 1876.

ARTHUR DAGGETT BANCROFT, son of Carlos, who had all the traits of his father, inherited consumption and died at 37. He was one of the selectmen of the town, much esteemed by his townsmen in life, and left a very handsome estate. He married Ju- liette, daughter of Algernon S. Camp, form- erly of Montpelier, now of Chicago. They had children, who with his widow reside at Montpelier.

WATROUS FAMILY IN MONTPELIER.

Some sixty years ago Erastus Watrous, the hatter, lived on Main street, a very intelligent man, who worked quietly away at his trade many years, died Dec. 16, 1828, aged 54, and was buried in Elm street cemetery.

Mrs. ERASTUS WATROUS was a lady of much natural talent, and handsome per- sonal appearance. At the visit of Gen. La- I fayette to Montpelier, in 1825, she was

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selected and made the welcome address to the French general in behalf of the ladies of Montpelier. She died July 4, 1832, aged 40.

CHARLES WATROUS, a son of the hat- ter, born in Montpelier, graduated at Middlebury in the class of 1817. He read theology in Montpelier for a year after, and then learned the printer's trade of Walton ; but soon after went South, where he taught for a short time, and then relin- quishing teaching, worked at his trade for short intervals in different States. He at length became deranged, or partially so. While insane, he wrote and published in Troy, N. Y., a book on the craft and dan- gers of masonry .- For title of his work see Montpelier bibliography by Gilman, page -. Soon after the issue of his book, he returned to Montpelier, where he stayed only a few months, and went to Concord, N. H., where he died, about 1835, by his own hand.

ERASTUS B., son of Erastus, Sen., a stir- ring character, went to New Mexico and became immensely rich. He is supposed to be still living.

SOPHIA WATROUS, daughter of the hat- ter, was born in Montpelier, and resided here till her marriage with Mr. Bemis, when she removed to Northfield, where she resided the last twenty years or more of her life. She embraced the Spiritualist belief some years before her death. She and her husband have both been deceased some years, now, and are buried at North- field. Before her marriage, while she re- sided at Montpelier, she published a small volume of her poems, which had the honor at least of being the first volume of poems written and published in the county. From Mrs. Sophia Watrous Bemis' little book, " The Gift," and the prettiest lines, we think, she ever wrote, a mortuary poem :

THE IMBECILE.

Child of misfortune, few have shared Such love as was thine own; And all along thy rayless path · A guiding star, It shone.

Affection changeless in excess When love and pity meet ; And find on earth a resting place, A mother's breast the seat.

It asks no ald of outward charms Nor e'en the light of mind;

It then becomes a holy thing; But few the peart ean find.

Such iove was thine, and earth is poor The precious gift to buy ;

It woke with thy young dawning ilfe And caught thy dying sigh.

And tender lives thy cherished thought Within that mother's breast: Affliction marked thy course on earth, Heaven guard thy peaceful rest.

The imbecile was her brother. We are told the family were all odd or singular in their ways; yet streaked with talent. They are all gone and have left no de- scendants but Erastus B. ED.

HON. GEORGE WORTHINGTON,

a native of Connecticut, came to Mont- pelier at an early day, married the youngest daughter of Col. Jacob Davis, and engaged in the hatting business with Erastus Watrous. He became a prominent man ; was high sheriff in 1814, representative, 1819, councillor, 1827 to 1831, and judge of probate, 1840. Retiring from the hat- ting business to agriculture, on the farm now largely occupied by State, High and Middlesex streets, and residing in the present dwelling of Charles A. Reed, he was largely employed in the settlement of estates. He was a deacon of the First Congregational [Bethany] church from Feb. 7, 1812, for about half a century. when he removed to Irasburgh, where he died, and also his two sons, John and Hon. George, Jr., who was representative and senator from Orleans County.

REV. ELISHA BROWN,

formerly a member of the New Hampshire Conference, was born in Gloucester, R. I., May 14, 1802, and died in Montpelier, Feb. II, ISSI, in his 79th year. When about ten years old, his father moved to Sutton, Vt., where he lived until he was about thirty years of age. Early converted, in default of any Methodist society in his im- mediate community, he was for a season a member of the Freewill Baptist com- munion. His religious views, however, being Methodistic, of the most pronounced type, he subsequently connected himself with the Methodist church, and after spend- ing several years in teaching, entered the

Elisha Brown

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itinerant ministry of that denomination, joining the New Hampshire Conference at a time when it included all the territory of Vermont east of the Green Mountains.

During the earlier period of his ministry he preached at Greensboro, Troy, West- field, Walden, Cabot and East St. Johns- bury, touching, meantime, the top and bottom of the toils and trials, joys and triumphs, of the itinerancy in very difficult fields at that early day. About forty years ago he moved, with his family, to New- bury, to give his children the benefit of the old Newbury Seminary. During his residence of fifteen years, or more, at that place, he supplied several churches in the vicinity of Newbury, also devoting much time to teaching. In the year 1855 he re- moved to Montpelier, and for several years supplied churches at East Montpelier, Wright's Mills and Berlin. He was the "stated supply " of the latter charge, in- deed, for nine consecutive years, during much of that time occupying, with his ven- erable mother, the old parsonage, and per- forming most acceptably all the duties of the pastorate. During the past ten or twelve years he has spent many months, from time to time, in the family of his son- in-law, the writer, and will be well re- membered at Monson, Brookfield, Danvers, and especially at Milford-supplying with great acceptance, during the writer's pas- torate at the latter place, the adjacent Mendon charge for the space of one year. For the last four or five years of his life, "in age and feebleness extreme," he " halted feebly to the tomb," tenderly cher- ished and cared for in the home of his son, Col A. C. Brown, Montpelier.

Of the life, gifts and activities of Father Brown, much might be said. He was an instructive, sensible, and sympathetic preacher, and a most successful pastor. Very tall, and large and massive physically, his personal appearance, with his flowing, patriarchal beard, was very impressive. Exemplary in all his walk and character, and always ready for every good work in the interest of religion and humanity, being particularly ardent and active on temper- ance lines, he commanded the universal | on the occasion of his funeral, which was

and affectionate esteem of all classes of citizens in the several communities where he labored. No teacher, or preacher, per- haps, was ever more fondly regarded or tenderly remembered. Hence his ser- vices to preside at weddings and on funeral occasions were in constant requisition. The aged were wont to seek his companion- ship, while the young and those in middle life looked to him for counsel ; and even little children always had a glad word and a pleasant smile for Father Brown, cheer- ing his last days by gifts of flowers, not more fresh and fragrant than the innocence and love of their sweet young lives that prompted these gifts. He warmly appre- ciated and very gratefully remembered all the kind and thoughtful attentions of neighbors and friends during his declining years.

Though his life of nearly fourscore years brought to him his full share of burden- bearing, and responsibility, and physical suffering, and sorrow, he never wavered in his convictions, or shrank from any post of duty when clearly presented to him. Not only so, but endowed by nature with a fine vein of humor, his strong religious trust conspired with his very genial tem- perament to enable him, in the midst of all his troubles and sorrows, to maintain an untroubled serenity and cheerfulness. He was one of the sunniest and most kindly of men. Father B. was a great Bible reader, having, in the course of his life, read the Sacred Volume through scores of times. His favorite text, and one which in his later days he has been often heard, and with great fervor, to repeat, was : “I have been young, and now am old, yet have I never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."-Ps. 37 : 25.

Over a quarter of a century ago Mr. Brown buried the companion of his youth. Three out of five children survive him. In the weakness of his last days he was con- stantly " waiting and watching " for the moment that should announce his happy release. Very quietly at last, as if he had laid him down to sleep, he entered into his final rest. Rev. N. Fellows, his pastor,

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very largely attended, gave a very compre- hensive, appropriate and impressive review . of Mr. Brown's life and character, earnestly recommending to the church of which he was a member, and to all who knew him, to follow the example of his consecrated life. R. H. H.

Mr. Brown was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and had taken the several de- grees up to and including the Knights Templar. He was a member of Aurora Lodge, No. 22, from the records of which we take the following :

IN MEMORIAM.

BRO. ELISHA BROWN,

Born in Gloucester, R. I., May 14, 1802, Died at Montpelier, Vt., February 11th, 1881 ; Aged 78 years and 9 months.

Took his degrees in Aurora Lodge, No. 22, as follows :

Initiated Feb. 8th, 1869. Passed Feb. 15th, 1869.

Raised Feb. 22d, 1869.

Chaplain of Aurora Lodge, No. 22, From December 13, 1869, to April 15, 1878.

"Summoned from labor to refreshment."

MAJ. A. L. CARLTON.

Alfred Lathrop Carlton was born in Morristown, Lamoille County, in 1829. His father, Benjamin Franklin, and mother, Betsey Lathrop, a cousin of Daniel Web- ster, were married in Waterbury in 1826. Mr. Carlton was the eldest of four sons, of whom but one survives. His mother is still living, being 84 years of age. He ob- tained an excellent education, and was for some years a teacher. In 1854, he married Margaret, eldest daughter of Hon. Clark Fisk, of Eden, and removed to Montpelier, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits, which he steadily and successfully followed until the day of his death, with the ex- ception of a few years' absence in obeying the call of his country.

In the summer of 1862, Mr. Carlton en- listed in the Eleventh Regiment, in camp at Brattleboro, and was soon commissioned by Gov. Holbrook as quartermaster of the regiment. This regiment, it will be re- membered, was for some time employed in the defenses of Washington. While

thus engaged, Lieut. Carlton was promoted to the responsible position of commissary of subsistence, with the rank of captain. Exceedingly capable and faithful as an officer, his field of duty was. rapidly en- larged, until the immense work of furnish- ing supplies and cattle to the Army of the Potomac fell upon his shoulders.

In a single trip to Western Pennsylvania, for the purchase of cattle, he took out half a million of dollars, and drew on govern- ment for another half million. To dis- charge promptly and efficiently the duties of his position, he required the assistance of from one hundred to two hundred faith- ful men, and often a detailed escort of as many more in taking herds to the front, and yet, so well organized was his depart- ment, so systematically conducted, and so well kept constantly in hand, that he might defy even the exigencies of war to find his account in an unsettled or unsat- isfactory condition. Indeed, so enviable was his reputation as an officer, that when Senator Collamer, through whose kindness he received his promotion, inquired at the headquarters in Washington after the standing of his appointee, the reply was, " He is a model officer. His capacity, integrity, efficiency and invariable habit of closing up his affairs every day, are worthy of all praise." Mr. Carlton was also de- tailed for similar service in New York city, and at some southern points, being retained in service nearly a year after the general mustering out took place. Many were the bribes he refused during these years, saying, " I rather go home with a clear conscience." He was twice very dangerously ill; once with his regiment, and again at Aquia Creek. As an attesta- tion of his honorable record as an officer, he was made Major by brevet before leav- ing the service, and that without any agency or knowledge on his part.

Like hundreds of thousands of his asso- ciates, Mr. Carlton returned from the field of strife to assume the avocations and re- sponsibilities of a good citizen. Soon after his return, he made a public pro- fession of his faith in Christ, which he had long cherished, and united with Bethany

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church. From that time he was an active and influential member, holding various positions of honor and trust in both the church and society, and particularly in the Sabbath-school. He was a man of deep convictions and strong prejudices, and he would far sooner endure a sharp contro- versy than yield a point which he believed to be right. His natural frankness and freedom of speech was augmented by an instructive and overwhelming detestation of hypocrisy and duplicity. He was an earnest worker in temperance and all moral reforms. The same qualities which con- stituted his superiority as an officer in the army, marked his discharge of the various official trusts committed to him both in the church and community. Capacity, in- tegrity, system and promptness in under- taking and completing a given duty, were his prominent traits. He was a strong power for good in the community in which he lived. He died in Montpelier, May 29, 1874.

ROBERT HARVEY WHITTIER

was the son of John Whittier and Sally Edgerton, of Cabot, was born in that town June 16, 1822, and died at Montpe- lier Feb. 13, 1879. At the age of 21 years he came to Montpelier, under the friendly agency of the late Schuyler Phelps, Esq., of Berlin, and entered the service of the late William S. Smitb, who for many years conducted a meat market in this village. After spending three or four years in this position, he went for a brief period to Bos- ton, and then returned to Vermont and opened a meat market in St. Johnsbury. After the expiration of about a year, and upon the death of Mr. Phelps, the friend and patron of his youth, Mr. Whittier was married to his daughter, Susan C., and re- moved to the Phelps homestead, in Berlin, where he remained for seven or eight years. In 1858, he came to Montpelier and bought out the old and popular meat market of the late William B. Hubbard, "on the corner," which business he successfully and honorably conducted until the day of his death. The character of his business was such as to bring him a very extended

acquaintance, and his proverbially genial nature and buoyant spirits made friends of all who knew him-insomuch that the business men of the town are few who were so extensively known or whose death would be so seriously felt. In the death of Mr. Whittier the community has lost a public spirited citizen, whose shoulders were always ready for his share of the bur- dens ; the poor a generous friend, the ex- tent of whose quiet charities will never be revealed in time ; the church of his choice a habitual attendant, and appreciative lis- tener and a ready and cheerful supporter ; his family the kindest of husbands and fathers. Mr. Whittier leaves a widow and son, who share the heartiest sympathy of the entire community. The funeral was observed on Saturday, Rev. Mr. Hincks, of Bethany church, officiating. A large concourse of people were in attendance, as were the Masonic fraternity in a body.

-- Watchman.

THE DODGE FAMILY.

In 1811 two brothers, Jared and Thomas Dodge, who were born in New Hamp- shire, came from Barre to this town. Jared, the eldest of the two, early be- came a member of the Congregational church, and was a devoted member until his death. He married Naomi Olcutt, of Keene, N. H., and reared a family of 6 sons and 3 daughters, another daughter dying in infancy. Mary, the eldest, mar- ried for her first husband a Mr. Wallace, and for her second, William Storrs, for many years a merchant in town, who died in March, 1870. She was a Spartan mother, for she gave her two only sons to the late war, who were both sacrificed upon the altar of their country. (See the town military record.) Of the other daughters, Angelina and Abigail died when in their teens. Almira married, and is yet living. Of the sons, Theodore A., the eldest, was a very eccentric man. When the rebellion broke out, he offered his services to his country, but for age and disability was re- jected. We give an extract from one of his poetic effusions, to the tune, " Scots wha hae wi' Wallace bled" :

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THE VERMONT VOLUNTEER.

Who for Freedom's enuse and Jaw, Freedom's sword of Justice draw, For the hope that sages saw, " Let him follow me."

By the blood our fathers shed, Reeking In a gory bed, By the great Immortal dead, On to victory !

Be this Freedom's call to earth, Mindless of whate'er their birth, Let all people shout it forth, Rouse the world to arms!

Here hath Freedom's sun arose, On the hearth-stone 'mild Its foes, Flashing bright on eeaseless blows, Confilet and alarms.

Blades are crossed and red with gore, Let us rise as Those of yore, From the mountain and the shore, Aud relight their brands.

Ileroes sleeping 'neath the sod, Shall time waken unto God, When 'Tis only Hls the rod, Then shall right ablde.

He died in 1879, aged 65. Eleazer went to California at an early day, where he yet resides. Gilman B. has been for many years janitor of Bethany church.

Richard S. is the veteran of two wars. (See town military record of Mexican War and Rebellion.) At the battle of Chepul- tepec, Mexico, he was complimented by his officers for bravery in the storming of the fort. He was the first man to scale the walls, and when handing down the enemy's flag, received a bayonet wound in the face, which scar he carries to this day, as he does also several others received in action. When a boy he was dubbed with the title of " Shack," which he is familiarly known by to this day. To give all of the narrow escapes which he has passed through would fill a volume. He was never " dared" but what he made the "attempt," regard- less of the result. The other two. Wm. and Joel, also reside in town. Jared died Mar. 1, 1859, in his Szd year, and his wife in Aug. 1877, in her 92d year.

Thomas married twice ; had 4 children by his first marriage-1 son and 3 daugh- ters,-Job Dodge, the son, died a year since, in Illinois, leaving a large estate ;--- his second wife was Abby S. (Cady) Grant, by whom he had two daughters. He was for several years a partner with Silas C.

French, in the boot and shoe business. He died March 31, 1867, aged 78. His wife is now living, at the age of 79. He is credited as being the author of the quota- tion of "A long pull, a strong pull, and a pull altogether." We are informed that the late U. S. Senator Jacob Collamer being informed of this, asked him for his pic- ture, which upon receiving, had a portrait painted from it, and placed it in the Na- tional Art Gallery at Washington, D. C.

GEORGE LANGDON.

fourth son of Col. James H. Langdon, was born in Montpelier in 1815, and died there Nov. 10, 1870, aged 55 years. Educated in the schools of Montpelier, and having received a handsome patrimony, he early in life married Miss Sarah Sumner, oldest daughter of Senator William Upham. Mrs. Langdon inherited the remarkable graces of her mother, and from the moment Mr. and Mrs. Langdon established themselves in a home, their gracious hospitality at once attracted the best society, not only of Montpelier but of the State, and from other States. Mrs. Langdon had the ad- vantage of experiences in the best society in the national capital, and thus with her qualities was admirably fitted to shine so- cially. But it was not in polite society alone that Mr. Langdon was distinguished. He had a genial and generous heart, and knew the blessedness of giving to the poor. The late Rev. Dr. Lord wrote of him as follows :

There are few of the prominent public men of Vermont who will not recall his genial presence and his modest and gener- ous courtesy and kindness. Placed by inherited wealth above the necessity of toil, and beyond anxiety, he has made the pleasant amenities and courtesies and hos- pitalities of life his business. He was as kind to the poor as he was hospitable to his own class associates. We have known him to drive in a cold, stormy day in win- ter, six miles, to carry to a desolate and aged widow, whose situation accidentally became known to him, a load of provisions . suited to her necessities. His heart was ever overflowing with neighborly kindness, and his hand ever quick to assist in any of the troubles of those around him. Few men will be more missed from our social life.

FORBES CO AGSTON

George Langdon

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· The tidings of his death will carry sor- row to many hearts, and few who knew him will not give the tribute of a warm and honest tear- to his memory. The places that knew him will miss his accus- tomed face, and will mourn for one of their most gentle and welcome visitants, and his many friends and associates will never for- get that presence, now made sacred by death, which always brought with it a most agreeable and genial atmosphere.

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The history of Washington county, in the Vermont historical gazetteer:, Part 81

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