USA > Vermont > Washington County > Plainfield > The history of the towns of Plainfield, Roxbury and Fayston, Vermont : with Marshfield or Middlesex papers in fifty copies > Part 6
USA > Vermont > Washington County > Roxbury > The history of the towns of Plainfield, Roxbury and Fayston, Vermont : with Marshfield or Middlesex papers in fifty copies > Part 6
USA > Vermont > Washington County > Fayston > The history of the towns of Plainfield, Roxbury and Fayston, Vermont : with Marshfield or Middlesex papers in fifty copies > Part 6
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20
There were only five or six families in cante, and attempted to retake the widow's that part of the town. Mr. Samuel Rich-
ardson had a few years before begun a set- thement in the extreme west part of the town, and that at this time was the "center" of civilization, and here Mr. Robertson taught a school during the winter of 1Soz and '3. The school-house was the first framed building in town, and stood very nearly where the Royal Batchelder house now does. He had 68 scholars. and the room being small, they were packed like " herrings in a box," and cante from five or six miles around in different directions. He lived sonte 3 miles dis- tant, and walked to and from his school each day through the deep snows, with no track most of the way excep! what he made himself. He taught here two or three succeeding winters, and during the time moved into the school-houte he liad occu- pied, and lived there a few years, when he bought the land now owned by Hira G. Ellis, and made a permanent settlement. clearing up the forests and erecting com- fortable Hjaldings. His house was on the old road leading by where Dea. W. I Sintonds and S G. Stanton now Inc. He moved his buildings, about 1Sjs, down on to the county road, where they now stand. Here he lived until within 12 years of his death
So carefully did Mar Spaulding look after the interests of the antlers. It was called the father of the reglement now living, hale and hearts, at the age of He postesied a vigorous mind, and was 7%, at the oldest person living the oule very fond of investigation and argument.
745
ROXBURY.
especially on religious subjects. His house was known far and wide as the " minister's tavern," and ministers of all "evangelical sects" usually made it their home when in that vicinity, and nothing suited him better than to have some stiff Baptist or Calvinist stop over night. On all such oc- casions, as soon as supper was over, chores clone and candles lighted, the gauntlet was sure to be thrown down, and then came the " tug of war"-generally the old clock in the " square room" struck twelve before the battle ceased, and then only from ex- haustion, and never because either party considered themselves vanquished. He was a great reader, and never failed or feared to express his opinion on any sub-
ject up for public discussion, and never failed to cast his vote every year after he attained his majority until his death. He was once in the state of New York, teach- ing, when an election occurred, and altho' but a temporary resident of the state, so great was his interest in the election, he purchased a piece of land for the sole pur- pose of being qualified to vote (a property qualification being then necessary in that state).
He held many town offices in the early part of his life, but was rather too pro- nounced and positive in his opinions of men and measures to be "popular" in po- litical circles. He took an active part in the first temperance movement which agi- tated New England. He had previous to that time been a temperate user of ardent spirits, but when the subject was presented to him, he at once gave it his unqualified support, and conferring " not with flesh and blood," he banished every drop from his house, and going farther, he abandon- ed the use of tobacco, breaking a habit of 30 years standing.
There is an anecdote about his using tobacco : Some 60 years ago, Moses Claf- lin, a simple man who lived in this town, who occasionally made his home with Mr. R., one evening sat by the fire in a "brown study," and Esq. Roberston sat opposite, quietly chewing, and now and then spitting into the broad fireplace. At last Moses looked up and asked, "Squire,
what did you learn to chew tobaker for?" Mr. Roberston replied, "Oh, so's to be a gentleman." Moses studied the matter a moment and with great gravity replied, " W'al, ye did'nt make out, did ye?"
Mrs. Roberston died Dec., 1859, after a married life of almost 60 years, during which she had borne her full share of the duties and cares of their lot.
Twice after they came to Vermont she made the journey to the home of her youth in Connecticut on horseback, a feat our lady equestrians of to-day would hardly care to undertake.
Ever after the death of his wife, Mr. R. seemed to lose his hold of things earthly, and to be quietly waiting for the realiza- tion of the faith which had been an anchor to him and his companion during their long pilgrimage together. He was a life- long Christian. He maintained his mental faculties to a remarkable degree up to within a few weeks of his death, and was during his latter years very cheerful, very grateful for kindnesses he received, and at last passed away as an infant sinks to slumber, beloved by all who knew him, Sept. 6, 1872, aged 97 years, 19 days.
SETH RICHARDSON came here in 1802 ; settled n'ear Braintree, in the south part of the town ; died May 25, 1829, and Sarah, his wife, died July 1, 1836. Their chil- dren were : Phila, Hannah, Joel, Alva.
JOSIAH SHAW came to town in 1800 ; lived in the East part, and was quite a prominent man. Henry Boyce, son of Dr. Boyce, was also a prominent man in the East part of the town. He died in 1860.
JONA .HAN F. RUGGLES was a resident of the east part of the town, and perhaps no man enjoyed in a greater degree the confidence of his fellow-townsmen, there being no office of importance but he had at some time filled. He died in North- field.
ALVIN BRIGHAM
came here when a young man, about the year 1823, from Fayston. He was born in Old Marlborough, Mass., and a brother of Elisha Brigham (for whose bio- graphical sketch see Fayston, this vol.) Alvin Brigham married Flora Baxter, of
94
1
746
VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
Fayston. They moved on to the present Wetmore place. He was a man scrupu- spent his declining years, was one of the lously honest, a leader in the church, and for many years leader of the choir. They had 9 children.
The eldest son. Ozto. tell in the last war Don, the youngest son, served through the rebellion, but died a short time after his return. Bravely like a true soldier he yielded up his young lite with- out a murmur, when lite was fairest : ere the clouds had dimmed the horizon of his sky, bade them all- his dear ones-a smiling " good-bye." and went out into the great " unknown."
Two other children died during an ep- idemic of fever-Flora Ann. 18, and Al- phonso, 14 years of age. One son and three daughters now reside in Lowell. Mass., and the second son, William, lives in the edge of Northfield. Mr. Brigham was a great sufferer for several years be- fore his death. When the summons came. and told he might live an hour, he said. " O! can I wait so long before I shall be with my Father?" He died in :371 ; his wife survived him only a few months.
EBENEZER L. WATERMAN
is one of the early-not carlies :- settlers. He came from Connecticut, as did most of them, but when he was very small. He has been a great musician in his day, and people are scarce in Central Vermont who have not heard of .. U'nele Eb." Waterman and llis violin And even now, when he is beiseen So and go years of age, the yoling people delight to gather in " Uncle 1 b.'s" ample kitchen, and " trip the light fantastic toe." or listen to the still sweet strains ot his olil violin, At the age of $5 hc married a while of IN They had 6 children.
BENT WATERWIS, leader of the Howard Opera Hodic Orchestra at Burlington, is His only living son, and probably has not ha peer in the State as violin player
Cap: Job can c from S: tfor l. Conn . in (S03, was a carpenter ley trade He se! tled on the high lands then, and for many years, the centre of the town He had 7 sons and & da alters
Samuel M. Orcutt, with whom he
stirring business men of those times, hold- ing various important offices from time to time. He was town clerk for 20 years. and town meetings were held at his house for a long time. At the time of the " in- vasion " at Plattsburgh in 1812, he went Cout as Captain of Roxbury Co. (said con- pany including every man in town except- ing Samuel Richardson, who much re- gretted that he was too aged, and Job Orcutt, a lame man.) Capt. Samuel Or- cutt married Mary Buel. of Lebanon. Conn .. and the bride came to her new home on horseback. They reared a family of 7 boys and 2 girls. The eldest daughter married Wm. Gold, of Northfield, where she now resides.
Samuel A. received an injury while assisting at a "raising," from a falling timber, from which he never recovered. He died in 1835.
Benjamin F. went to Michigan jus: pre- vious to the Mexican war ; enlisted and served through the war ; returned to Kal- amazoo, Mich., where he was elected county sheriff, and filled that office many years. When the rebellion broke out. he again enlisted, and went out as Licut. Col of the 25th Mich. Reg't., serving under Gen. Sherman until the war was over. when he returned to Kalamazoo, and was again elected high sheriff, and Dec. 12. 1867. was fatally shot. while on official duty, by a desperado who was trying to assist prisoners to escape from the jail. He died in the prime of a noble manhood. aged 53. James, 3d son, died when quite young.
Orrin has lived in town most of the time since his birth- He has been sheriff and deputy 25 years ; postmaster 26 years. occupying that position at the present time
Wim B has always resided in his native town ; has 3 times represented the town in tlic legislature, and 2 years been county judge
Stephen P. remained at the old family homestead many years, but now resides in Northfield The aged mother spent her
747
ROXBURY.
List days with him, dying, at the age of 96, in 1879. Jasper H. was the 7th son. Ile moved to Northfield.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS.
No. 1 district, in the east part of the lown, was set off in ISoI, then known as Daniel Kingsbury district, afterwards as Wales district, No. 1. In 1802 a district was set off in the N. W. part of the town, where Samuel Richardson now lives, known as N. West district, No. 2. In 1805, an- other district was formed in the S. E. part of the town, known as David Cram's dis- trict, No. 3. The same year it was voted all the inhabitants not in regular districts should form one district, No. 4. There have been alterations from year to year and new districts organized. There are now 11 districts and Io good school-houses in town.
The number of scholars in 1807 were IOS: ISII, 104; 1816, 157; 1831, 431; IS49, 418 ; 1850, 351; 1860, 336; 1880, 251 ; the average since 1816 to 1881, 340 scholars yearly.
EARLY TAVERNS AND LATER HOTELS. .
The first tavern in town was where Conway now lives, what is known as the " Rood place," John Stafford, proprietor. The next was kept by Darius Spaulding, where Frank Snow now lives. John Spaul- dling kept the third hotel, opposite where Mr. Pearsons now lives, on the mountain road.
In East Roxbury, Stillman Ruggles, E. B. Pride, Samuel P. Wales, Shubael Wales, Alpheus Kendall, kept a public house on the Samuel Edwards place.
The Summit House, built in IS22, by John Spaulding, and occupied by him, has been kept by Stephen Fuller, Chester Clark, Page J. C. Rice, E. G. Sanborn, Van Ness Spaulding, Edwin Ferris, James l'. Warner, Thomas Wilson, E. N. Spaul- ding, Spaulding & Colby, Spaulding & .Nichols, Warner & Spaulding, Mrs. J. P. Warner, present proprietor, and D. A. Spaulding.
EARLY MERCHANTS.
The first in town was Asa Taylor, near where E. N. Spaulding's steam-mill stands.
The next was Robertson & Orcutt, who also had a potash run, and manufactured salts. Allen Spaulding, Orrin Orcutt, were the next in order among the first settlers. Partridge built the store where the post- office now is, and occupied it for several years. Then Brackett & Thorp, E. N. Spaulding, Benjamin Spear, Seth Holman and J. A. White, Union Store.
CEMETERIES.
In 1804, the town laid out three burying- grounds ; one in the west part of the town, on Uriah Richardson's farm, near where O. A. Staples now lives ; . one in . the east part of the town, on the road from Roxbury to Braintree, near where Mr. Bowman now lives, and one in the centre of the town, on the Billa Woodard farm. Some years later another was located on the Haynes farm-the lot given by the Haynes family, and the only one in use at the present time in the west part of the town. There was also one laid out in the east part of the town, near the Henry Boyce place, about the same time. Albert Averill has been sexton for many years.
EPIDEMICS.
This has ever been called a healthful locality, and with good reason, yet at dif- ferent times it has been visited by epidem- ics. The dysentery swept through the town, carrying off many victims, in 1823. The diphtheria has appeared at different times in epidemic form, and desolated many homes.
PHYSICIANS
who have lived here: John Stafford was the first. How well versed in the science of medicine he may have been there is no record ; but there is no doubt but he dealt out "pills and potions " to the early set- tlers with a generous hand, to say nothing of cupping, blistering and bleeding.
Next came Dr. David McClure, from Stafford, Conn., the father of Mrs. John Spaulding, who remained in town during the rest of his life.
Dr. Hunter lived several years where E. L. Waterman now lives, and was consid- ered a skillful physician, as was Dr. Boyce, of the East part, who practiced there at the same time.
-
-
7&8
VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
For several years there was no physician in town. Dr. White came for a few months, in tS6S. and Dr. S. N. Welch in 1870. and remained a few years, building the house where Mr. Frink now lives, and he had a very good practice.
Dr. George Maloy, of Montpelier, was the next. He was a student of Dr. Wood- ard, of Montpelier, but remained only a few months.
Dr. Ira H. Fiske came from Hardwick
Stillman Ruggles built a carriage shop in 187S, and is the only physician in town in the east part of the town in IS30. and at the present time, and is the only hon- œopathic physician that ever settled in town, and has been very successful.
MANUFACTORIES.
Samuel Richardson built the first saw and grist-mill in town, of miles from the village, on the Warren road. He after- wards built another on the west branch of Dog River, about half a mile from the vil- lage. Elijah Ellis built a saw and clover- mill in 1818, where S. N. Miller's carriage shop now is. The clover-mill was swept away by freshet in 1830: the saw mill had the same fate in 1832; latter was rebuilt.
John Mc.Veal created a frame for a saw- mill in the " four mile woods." on a branch of Dog River, in 1825. Samuel Orcutt fin- ished it, and it d ne good business until 1830; it was swept away by a freshet. which seemed the common fate of mills of those days. David Wellington built a saw-mill in 1825, near where HE. N. Spaul- ding's steam mill now stands.
Charles Colton put a grist-mill into the same building shortly afterwards. Anos Wellington built a saw mill on the West hill in 1839. now owned by Asahel Flint Josiah Shaw buik a closer.mill on cast branch of Dog River, in the Last part of the town.
John M. Spacking, in 18:2, built a san. null near the Richardson grist mill, and another, several years afterwards, in the village. now owned hy J G Hall
John I'nince (Mit a saw mill. it IS:). near where Spaulding y nufl now stin h. and also a in futurel butter this now owned by 1 P B nham for a claplourd
erected a building in 1820, ou the farm where W. 1. Simonds now lives, for the purpose of manufacturing wooden bowls and plates. But it did not prove a success and was given up in a few years. Jotham Ellis built a mill in iS- for manufacturing wooden boxes, clothes-pins. turning bed- posts, &c. Later it was used by Siloam Spaulding for a carriage shop. and by Philander Wiley for turning. &c.
carried on the carriage business until tS50. Samuel Ruggles and S. N. Miller carried on the same business there afterwards.
S. N. Miller commenced carriage-mak- ing near the Elijah Ellis saw-mill in tS60. and still continues at the business there.
Howard Warriner had a cabinet-shop in the south-east part of the town. and Mr. Wright built a saw-mill on the same stream west of Warriner's shop.
Luther and David Ellis built a saw-mill on the middle branch of Dog river in IS50 : Laban Webster & F. A. Wiley on middle branch of Dog river in tS69: Ebenezer Brackett in the south part of the town in IS4S ; sold to Thomas Cushing. of Dover. .N. H. A vast amount of bridge timber. plank and ties were saawed here for the Vt. Central when being built. E. N. Spaul- ding and Samuel R. Batchelder built a steam-mill in the south-west part of the town in 1849. Henry Smith built a saw- mill on " Tracy Hill " in tSz3; burned in R$35, Joseph Wardner a saw and grist- mill in the east part of the town, now owned by Jacob Wardner, and Bezalec! Spaulding a saw-mill on his farm in 1848
Benjamin H. Warriner built a shop near the " old Hutchinson place " in tS29. for the manufacture of sleighs, chairs and furniture of all kinds, and in i$35 put in machinery for manufacturing window-sash, blinds, etc.
James Ciam bull; a saw mill on the brook above the Hutchinson place in 18 30 Daniel Kingsley commenced wool card. ing in iSoo, in the cast part of the town. Harrison and Charles Fiells built a sicant saw mill about a mile below E .V
Sammuel Robertson anl Leicester Davis Spaulding's in -, and after carrying on
-
749
ROXBURY.
an extensive business for two years, moved it to Richmond.
E. N. Spaulding's steam saw-mill, built in 1866, has turned off yearly an average of 1, 500,000 feet of lumber. He has also manufactured croquet to a considerable extent.
William Bruce & Sons built a steam- mil! in the south part of the town in 1877. It was burned in 18So, and rebuilt. This mill, as well as E. N. Spaulding's, has fur- nished employment for a great many hands. Ira Williams & Victor Spear are now erecting a steam saw-mill in the south-east part of the town.
Dan Tarbell erected a steam saw-mill near the railroad crossing in the village in 1881, not yet thorougly completed.
Charles Samson owned a distillery and manufactured potato whisky on the west hill, near what is now called " Wetmore place."
Billa Woodard manufactured saddle- trees several years, and Eleazer Woodard later carried on the same business.
Ephraim Morris & Nathan Kendall owned a tannery at the foot of East Hill, on land now owned by Wm. B. Orcutt. They carried on the business only a few years.
In 1853, immense veins of
VERD ANTIQUE MARBLE
were discovered. A large building was erected, with steam power for working the marble. It was found to be very beauti- ful, and capable of receiving a high polish. Monuments, tables, mantels, etc., man- ufactured were extremely beautiful, but the company became involved in debt, and the property was sold in 1856, to pay liabilities. It was purchased by an asso- ciation under the name of " Verd Antique Marble Company," for the amount pre- Vi. . ' expended. It was then managed by a joint stock company, but finally sus- pended business in 1857.
THE WATCH FACTORY
was built in 1867. It is located in a lovely and picturesque place, a short distance west from the depot. 12 hands are now employed there. Ang. 1, 1879, a partner- ship was formed, under the title, "J. G.
Hall Mfg. Co.," between J. G. Hall and his son, F. W. Hall, for the manufacture of watchmakers' tools, principally a " Stak- ing Tool," the invention of J. G. Hall, which meets with a ready sale, owing to the very fine workmanship and correctness exercised in their manufacture, they being worthless unless exact. These tools are in use in nearly every State in the Union, and also in Canada, France and England. They also manufacture a variety of small tools for watch-repairers' use. The Co. had a sample of their tools on exhibition at the State Fair in 1880, receiving the only gold medal awarded in Mechanics' Hall.
THE FIRST MAIL ROUTE
through Roxbury was up the first branch of White river from W. Randolph, through Braintree and Kingston (now Granville), up the old road to John Spaulding's hotel, near the Royal Batchelder place. John Spaulding was postmaster. Guy Edson carried the first mail in 1826. It being known the mail was to arrive at such a time, there was a great gathering and re- joicing, and a little new rum as a matter of course. The route continued down the old road east to Elijah Ellis' (now Mrs. Brackett's), thence north by the old Joseph Hixon place, Samuel Robertson's, John Paine's, Nathan Haynes', and then on to the hill near where Clark Wiley now lives, to Northfield. The mail run that way until about 1830. In 1828, the county road from Northfield line to Granville, through Roxbury village, was surveyed by David M. Lane, county surveyor. In 1830, John Spaulding having built the Summit House, where the village now is, the mail commenced running on that road, with a daily stage of 4 or 6-horse coach for some years ; then the stage and mail went from West Randolph through East Roxbury to Northfield, and the mail was carried to West Randolph and back with a horse and gig until the railroad was built in 1848. The cars came to Roxbury 40 days before the road was completed to Northfield, making it a very lively busi- ness place. Teams from as far as Bur- lington for freight, 6 and 8-horse teams,
750
VERMONT HISTORICAL MAGAZINE.
A large catamonut was killed in town in 1823. Allen Spaulding gives this account. He had been calling on his sweetheart. who lived near the " Leonard place." The fair Hattie was the best of company. and he could hardly credit his senses when he started for home and saw the rosy morn- ing peeping over the eastern hills. As he was making rapid strides on, he noticed the huge track of some animal in the new snow, and the track seemed a new one. He examined it closely, and came to the conclusion it was a bear track, and thought he would get help and capture him. Jo- seph Batchelder and himself followed the trail all day, but without once getting a glimpse of " the bear." and Batchelder gave it up in disgust. Spaulding. how- ever, renewed the pursuit the next inorn- ing. accompanied by Capt. Young, who had quite an exalted opinion of his own prowess and skill in hunting, of bears, es- pecially. They struck a new track in the light snow, and followed it to a ledge op- posite the old steam-mill. Matters were becoming quite interesting. but "Capt. Sip." declared " by the gods he never was afraid of a bear, and if Spaulding would go one way he would go the other. and start him out." but he took another look at the huge track, and his ardor cooled a little He concluled they had better keep together. They had not pro- ceeded tar when they heard a herce growl and a bound, and saw the leaves flying in every direction, but by the time they had got arolind the ledge, the animal was out of sight, making so feet at a leap. Spaul- ding thoughit it could never be a bear. but .. by the gods 1: 15." persisted Capt Sip . " and a regular old long fellow, tno " They followed on till dusk, and gave up the chase for that day. The next morn Ing tra is were seen near Billa Woodard's. on Fast Hol, and James McNeil, Charles Elle, Ira Spanking att Orn Orcutt Shy man was ordained.
started in persele. Charles Ellis getting a glimpse of the Wanted animals tawny
making it very protitable for inn-keepers tree." They soon found they had a rather those days. different foe to meet, and that without OUR LARGE. CATAMOUNT. rifles. They had only shot-guns loaded with slugs to contend with a huge cata- mount, but they gave him a salute from two or three, breaking his shoulder. and down the nerce animal came, about 20 feet, cauglit'on a limb, ran up again, turning on his pursuers with open mouth, preparing for a spring. One of the party gave him a charge of "chain-links" in the open mouth, when he turned and jumped the other way, tearing huge splinters from a fallen tree and the earth up around him in every direction in his death agonies. He was the largest catamount ever killed in the State previous to the one killed in Barnard the present season. They were of the same length and height, but the last killed was several pounds heavier. He was sold at auction to Orrin Orcutt, prepared for and kept on exhibition until every one had seen him in this vicinity, and then sold to Mr. Ralph, of Warren, 'a man in poor health and indigent circumstances, who nade quite a fortune taking him about the country.
About this time there was also a moose killed near the old pond, the man who was so fortunate being very destitute. The meat (he was a large fellow), was a per- fect " God-send " to his family.
CHURCH HISTORY
is very meagre here. There have been no records kept of the early churches. The Methodist and Calvinist Baptist seem to have been first organized. The first min- ister publicly ordained in town was
OPHIR SHIPMAN.
The charter of the town allowed the hrst ordained minister a lot of land. and Rev Lyman Culver was privately ordained, and clainied the lot. it is said, but- there was great dissatisfaction. Mr. O. Richardson says they came to his uncle. Samuel Rob- ertson, In the night to let him know it, and he went to Northfield after 12 o'clock at night, and the next day Rev. Ophir
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.