USA > Vermont > Windham County > Brookline > The local history of Brookline, Vt. : The general history of the town > Part 3
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JONATHAN CUTLER
came from Fitzwilliams. Mass. in 1799 and bought of James Walden the now Cutler farm. He was represented by his son, Tra Cutler, who married a daugliter of Iasialı Rounds, one of the early settlers. Ira in his prime was a strong. resolute man and spent much of his time in winter in hunting. [See far- ther the geneology in sketch prepared by the family ] The Cutler family were prominent members of the Baptist per- suasion, and added strength and wealthı to the town.
CHRISTOPHER OSGOOD
settled on land now owned by his son Luther, about 1790. Luther married a daughter of Ephraim Park, who lived where Luther now resides. Luther then moved to the western part of N. Y. with the intention of making it his home ; but the declining years of Mr. Parks brought him back to , Vermont,
when he took possession of the Parks farm, and of his father's farm and bent his energies to build up a farm second to none in the valley of West River. and his bread fields of grass and well-filled ganery indicate a successful farmer. He has taken an interest in the politics and prosperity of the town. and has held the chief offices of trust in the gift of the town. His sons are Ephraim P. and Fred L., and grandsous, Hermon and George.
THOMAS CRANE ESQ.
moved into Brookline, from Richmond, N. II. about 1806, as the first genera- tion of the settlers were passing away. He entered largely into the interests of the town ; spent his winters in teaching, was town clerk 6 years ; represented the town in the legislature ; was selectman 18 years : died in his 57th year, 1836.
BENJAMIN ORMSBEE
from 1802 to 1830 held a leading position in the town : town clerk, selectman, the first representative to the. legislature and at home a very obliging hotel keep- er, and was a man cordially liked.
WILLIAM ADAMS
was born in Dummerston. this county, in 1810. ITis father removed to Brook- line in 1719. At an early age. William Adams entered into the politics of the town, and for the past fifty years, has been closely connected with its history. Ile has been justice of the peace many years and qualified to draft legal papers which he has done for the people of the town. He has represented the town at the Capitol of the State and has now been town clerk. many years.
BARZILLIA STICKNEY
was born in Jaffrey. N. H . Nov. 12, 1772. He passed his early life in New Hampshire, Northern Vermont and Western New York. He moved to
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Brookline in 1827, married Sarah Per- ham. the oldest daughter of Jonathan Perham of Athens, one of the first set- tlers of Athens. He was a carpenter and mechanic and located here with the view of improving the waters of Grassy Brook, to prosecute his business ; but the volume of water did not meet his expectation during the summer season, and he turned his attention to farming. He interested himself in supporting the best of schools. and held those who hold office, strictly accountable. in ren- dering their accounts. He died in 1882 at the age of 89.
THOMAS MERRIFIELD
came to Brookline from Newfanc in 1841 and bonght the original Flint farm. and at the time of his purchase he could have bought a farm, comprising a part of the meadows at the mouth of West River for the same price ; bnt Brattle- boro was then, a growing village, and he remarked that near a village was no place to bring up a family of children ; and he raised up a large family, and was a hard working man.
CHAS. P. STICKNEY
was born Oct. 10, 1840. His parents though in limited circumstances, gave him time to attend school. He worked on his father's farm : tanght school and by industry fitted for college in 1861 ; but the war then in progress and other causes arrested him in his purpose. In 1866, he went West and was establish- ing himself in business when he was called to return to Vermont to care for those who had cared for him. In 1879, HIRAM M. WHITNEY, he married Frances A. Hastings : a son was born to them in 1882. Carrol W. Mr. Stickney has held the office of con- stable 4 years (1883) and town superin- | the selectmen 14 years. His daughter. Tendent of schools 13 years. and repre- sented the town in the legislature. 1882
and 83. He is in the full vigor of life and enters with earuestness into what- ever he undertakes.
TIMOTHY H. WHITNEY
was born in Waltham N. H. in 1777. His father, Richard Whitney, moved to Brookline soon after and settled upon the farm now owned by Otis Harwood. He made the first clearing upon the farm and built the house now standing. - Timothy was an active boy and gained an education through the limited sources of those days, so that, at eighteen, he taught school. (page 12.) At twenty he was elected constable and served sever- al years, and has been town clerk and lister ; in 1798, married Abigail Blan- chard of Waltham. N. H. and settled upon the farm now owned by his son, Hiram Whitney. He was prominent in the business of the town, and rose from a private to a major in the militia. and enlisted in the war of 1812 ; was pro- moted colonel. In 1815, he moved to Athens where he represented the town in the legislature several years ; was in the legislature at the time Brookline was granted the right to elect a representa- tive. He was a judge of the county court. He died at the age of 82 years. He is now represented in town by his son, Capt. Hiram, a man of few words but to the point. and a much esteemed citizen. He was born in 1804, marrried to Fanny Perham in 1828, has repre- sented the town at Montpelier, and held his share of its honorable offices with fidelity and honor.
son of Capt. Hiram and grand-son of Co !. Timothy. was born in 1829 ; has represented the town. and been one of Fanny brings up the honors of the fam- ily : few women are more capable in the
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performance of the duties of a household he bought a tract of land, known in the or deft in cunning-work that graces the early history of the country as a favor- wall of the hall of a county fair, or a- ite retreat of the red man, and in this adorus more pleasantly the rooms of delighttul climate he had commenced to her home.
ARTHUR B. STEBBINS.
build up and beantify a home, and gain for himself a landable notoriety in the agricultural world ; but in the bud of his ambition was in an instant cut down .-
son of Jolin B. Stebbins, Esq. was born in Brookline. Aug. 16. 1858. His mi- nority was passed on the farm, gaining Jan. 19, 1886, he and his brother-in- from his father the art of farming. and law, James Lyon, were at work in a
from his mother the culture for a noble wood near the house, when a tall, oak shrub, standing some 30 feet distant fell and struck Mr. Stebbins to the ground, breaking the spinal column at the neck. So quick and sharp, yet light the blow, the deadly decd was done without even rupturing the skin. This sudden death manhood. He acquired a thorough aca- demical education. In the spring of 1878 he was a clerk in the store of his bro- ther-in-law in Rochester, Minn., and on account of the severe and prolonged sickness of his father and his family, he being the eldest son was called home. | seemed strange to all who knew him, He at once returned and took charge of he was a man of such moral and relig- his father's business and in the spring ious excellance, and the world has so
remoddled and constructed a new set of barns and gave his father's business
much need of such men.
His remains were brought home to a new impetus. In the fall of 1880, he : Brookline for interment. He rests in the family-lot beside his mother and brother.
í returned to Minnesota as senior clerk of the same firm. While here he as- sisted one of the partners. nnused to farming, in selecting stock for a farm he had bought, out of the city. Arthur JOHN BLANDIN. was often consulted about this farm. It BY CHAS. W. BLANDIN, RUTLAND, ILL., gave him excellent opportunities for de- veloping his genius in the Eden occupa- tion. He made the herd books a study ; was sent to New England in the winter of 1882, by some prominent herdsmen of Minnesota to make a selection and purchase of thorough breeds. His se- lections met with such hearty success. he decided to resign his positon in the store and devote himself to agriculture.
An early settler of the territory later known as the town of Brookline, was John Blandin, born at Attleboro, Mass. in 1764, of French descent. He early identified himself with the general weal of the new settlement in all of its vari- ous efforts at advancement. Education- al and religious interests received his es- pecial fostering care. He early became a clerk of the Baptist church, and in ordained as deacon, at the time Amos
He married Hattie Bell, daugliter of 1802, was, with his brother, Lemick, Daniel Lyon, thien of New York, Sept. 23. 1883. His father nrged him to re- Beckwith was ordained for the pastor, main on the old farm, but ambitious to ; which office he held as long as he lived, gain an independence by his own efforts until his death in 1835. In 1781, he he and his wife left Vermont. Oct. 11, was married to Sarah Gray, at Brook- 1883, and upon the aired, fertile plateau line and moved on to an unbroken for- of the Cumberland Mountains, Tenn., est tract of land that afterward became
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the .. Blandin farm' on which he spent and close observers of the Sabbath, and their lessons of wisdom and teachings, the remainder of his life. There were 11 children by this marriage, ten of enforced by example did much to shape whom settled in life with families, all ; leading and useful members of society. Mr. Blandin buried his first wife in 1821 and in 1823 married Mrs. Sally Hub- bell. ace Holden of West Westminster.
his character as a man and Christian. Ile early attended the district school of ten weeks in summer. and winter ; but when old enough to labor was limited to the winter term. Under the instruction by whom he had three children, two of of his father. an experienced teacher, whom are living and take active part in life's duties. This wife, the widow of Mr. Blandin, died in Winona, Ill., in 1855.
Probably, but few families have ex- erted a broader or more salutary influ- ence in moulding the general welfare of of this community than that of John Blandin.
CHARLES W. BLANDIN,
the subject of the portrait-frontis-plate of this history, was the twelfth issue of John Blandin, and the first child by his second marriage. Born in Brookline, Feb. 18, 1824. His mother's maiden name was Sally Holden. of Scotch En- glish parentage. He has resided for the last thirty years in Rutland. Ill. He is engaged in the retail drug and book trade and is regarded as a reliable busi- ness man.
He was married to Miss D. A. Jolin- son of Elmira N. Y. in 1850. They have one child, a son, Fremont C. Blandin who has received a liberal education, and is a prominent lawyer and editor at Streator, Illinois.
REV. DENZEL MANSFIELD CRANE.
BY MRS. B. H. CRANE.
Denzel Crane was born in Brookline. Feb. 29. 1812, and died at his son-in- law's. Rev. I. R. Haskins in West Ae- ton. Mass., Sept. 4, 1879, age 67. He was the third son of Thomas Crane Esq. His parents though not Christian prof- temors, were remarkable for integrity,
he acquired the elementary branches of an English education. Away from the populous town and village, there was little to break the monotony of life ; but when his task was finished on the farm he fished in the brook that came in its silvery windings between high, mossy banks through meadows, deep with the greenest grass and shady woods. or he strayed into the hollows and dells where the birds sang, and built their nests in the trees and hedges and enjoyed that heart-strengthening, elevating beauty, God has displayed in His works. giving him a strong constitution, firm health, and virtuous habits. His evenings were spent at home in the family eircle. Thus was the period of his boyhood and ear- ly youth passed. When fifteen, Brook- Jine was visited by a remarkable religi- ous awakening, and he became the sub- jeet of renewing grace. Rev. J. M. Graves. so widely known, administered the ordinance of baptism and he united with the Baptist church. At the age of 18, he was impressed with the impor- tance of the gospel ministry. He com- meneed study with Rev. Phineas Howe, a neigliboring pastor, and subsequently studied at Franklin and Pierce aeade- mies and Brown University, preaching and teaching to meet his expenees.
Ile married Bathsheba H. Phillips of Newfane, Mar. 1, 1837, and was or- lained in his native town the following June. He was pastor, successively, in Brookline. Grafton and North Spring-
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field, Vt., Northampton, Boston and Dorchester, Dorchester. North Spring- field, Vt. again. Winthrop, and Nor- thampton .. In nearly all of these pas- torates revivals were enjoyed, resulting in the encouragement and rebuilding of the churches. The most extensive re; vivals in connection with his labors were during his first pastorate of three years at North Springfield, when 54 were baptized into the church, and at Boston in 6 years 189. His longest pas- torate was 12 years, -it was his first in Northampton - during which he was elected ten times a member of the school committee and for 6 years he was su- perintendent of the public schools. and while thus engaged, the honorary de- gree of A. M. was conferied upon him by Amherst college. There his remains were tenderly laid away, with his three sons. and only grand-son, awaiting his coming to, share their bed of clay.
As a preacher. he had a remarkably clear, full, effective voice, was sound in doctrine, gifted in oratory, and scholar- ly in presentation ; as a pastor, emi- nently judicious, abundant in labor, and whatever was good : as friend. beloved and trusted : as a Christian his genial. social nature matured by holy living produced rich, mellow. ripe ftuit. .. All." says one, " left the hallowed spot at his burial feeling that Heaven had been made richer and earth poorer by the loss of an good a man.
We heard him in our girlhood, preach a >er- mon the impression of whose eloquence has never died. - Ed.
BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY, BY JOHN B. STEBBINS, EsQ.
THIE BAPTIST CHURCH IN BROOKLINE was constituted in 1795, and belonged to the Leyden Association of the Wind- ham County. in 1835 and has never failed to make its annual report. For several years the church had no ordain- ed pastor. From time to time some bro- ther was appointed to conduct public worship and thus improve his gifts. among these appointments, we notice the names of Dea. William Thomas, Isaac Wellman and Jotham Stebbins.
AMOS BECKWITH
was ordained pastor, June 2, 1802, and Bros. Lamach and Jolin Blandiu. dea- cons. The church having no house of worship, these ordaining services were held in Josiahı Taft's new barn ; and the record says with decency, order and great solemnity. There were present Mr. Crane was a self-made, self-reli- ant man whose struggle with circum- stances in acquiring an education. might be a useful lesson to faint-hearted stu- dents at the present day. Study, study and work, work, work is the unveiled secret of success. and participating in these services Dea. Jesse Manly, Samnel Wakefield Luke Taylor, Turner and Wilson from Dum- merston ; Rev. Edward Littlefield from Coleraine, N. H. ; Rev. Eben Bemis, Bros. J. Smith, Wm. Hews and Wood from Halifax : Bro. Dyer from Jamai- ca, Rev. Jeremiah Packer and Bros. John Noyes and Matthew Bennett from Guilford : Bros. Jona. Huntly. Gates. Allen, Fisher and Blandin from Put- ney. Bro. Beckwith's pastorate contin- exemplary in walk, and as a citizen. in ued a year and a half when again the church was destitute until Nov. 3. 1808, when
REV. ISAAC WELLMAN
was ordained pastor and Daniel Bixby. deacon : Present, Rev. J. Huntly. Bros. Luke Taylor, and James from Dum- merston ; Rev. Thos. Purrington, Bros. Simeon Blandin, and A. Pond, from Colerain. N. H., Rev. J. Packer from Guilford, Rev. George Witherell from
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Heath. N. H. Elder Welhan was pas- hill from Rockingham, - Rev. Samuel for 12 years. His salary ranged from Kingsbury, Dea. Isaac Fisher, Samuel 8 10 to $ 75, per annum. His other source of income was an 80-acre farm which he owned and cultivated. Farwell and Sem Pierce from Wind- ham,- Deacons : E. Ransom and Cha- pin Howard from West Townshend .- Rev. Phineas Howe. Bros. John Phil- lips and Geo. Phillips from Marlboro and Newfane,- Rev. I. Wellman of Bookline. During the next year the churches in East and North Townshend were organized. and to them about 70 members were dismissed from Brook- line. by letter, reducing the Brookline church abont one half.
The church experienced a precious revival while under Elder Cutler's care. his labors being very useful. At length however, a grievous trial came, grow- ing out of the sale of a horse by a bro. Jesse Gray to Elder Cutler, and for a time it threatened the destruction of the church. Feb. 3, 1829, an ecclesiastical council was called ou this account ; but the disaffected parties became reconciled and peace and harmony were restored.
DEA. CALVIN BARRETT
was received from Windham church, has served as deacon of that church ov- er 20 years, and his useful life and em- inent services. under God, has rendered him one of her main pillars." He was constituted deacon of this church also. which place he filled with great accept- ance until his death in 1862, making more than 55 years of service as deacon.
SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Feb. 25, 1828. The church voted for of reccommendation. Aug .. 25. 1826 to organize a Sunday school in town.
Rev. David Cutler, Thos. Crane and Alvin Boyden. superintending com- mittee. This school has continued to the present time, with but short vaca-
BRO. ENVIO was invited to improve Macon. Daniel Everett and Sam'l Tut- his gift as preacher, Dec. 24, 1830, -
In 1810, the church enjoyed a revi- val in which 40 members were added by baptism, and in 1817, there was an- other revival of about the same magni- tnde. The church flourished under the rare of Eller Wellman until 1821. when he embraced open communion. which greatly aggrieved the church and they called an ecclesiastical council on this account, the result of which was the withdrawal of their fellowship from Bro. Wellman as a Baptist minister. and the church withdrew their fellow- ship as a member. This shows how strong was the devotion of the church to the teachings and ordinances of the gospel, for they loved this pastor very nmch. Three years later. Bro. Welhnan renounced his open communion senti- ments, confessed his error, and was ful- ly restored by the church. After the dismissal of Elder Wellman in 1821.
Eller Hibbard supplied the church 8 July 7.1827. His letter says : " that lie months.
ELDER BELA WILCOX
was invited, Jan. 2, 1823, to improve li- gift as a preacher, which he did with great satisfaction to the church for 3 years. Mar. 17, 1826, the church voted to settle Bro. Wilcox with us for 5 years. April 26. the church gave him a rall to be ordained. but he declined and the church gave him a very cordial let- the church called
BRO. DAVID CUTLER
'" the gospel ministry and just one year wer ordained him as pastor. being tions. 1. . .. " : Rev. Joseph Eliot. Dea. Sam'l
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who commenced at once to study and to preach. There was a good religous in- terest at that time. 1
BRO. SAMCEL KINGSBURY. JR ..
from Windham, was called to the pastoral care of the church, and or-
A Bro. Perry. from the Wardsboro dained on the 18th of November. fol- and Newfane church, was called and lowing, present on this occasion : Rev. preached about one year, and was suc- M. Bruce, and Dea. Win. Stearnes. eeeded by Bro. Geo. Phillips from the from Wilmington, Rev. P. Howe. Dea. same church, who preached here until J. Ingraham, L. Sherman, and N. 1834. During the latter part of his Hills. from Marlboro and Newfane: labors. an important revival com- Rev. M. Field, and Bro. P. Liscomb. menced: 14 were baptized before he left.
BRO. DANY BROWN
from Brattleboro. N. C. Joy, from Putney: Rev. D. Upham, Samuel succeeded'Bro. Phillips, and the revival Gray, and J. Blandin, from Towns- eontinned for several months, and hend. Rev. M. D. Miller. S. Barrett. numerous additions were made to the and J. Barton. from Windham. and church. This pastor's wife was a very useful woman, and highly esteemed in the church. Bro. Brown's pastorate half years.
A revival followed in which Rev. continued to 1836. about two and a M. D. Miller, assisted the pastor aud
BRO. DENCIL M. CRANE
was then called and was ordained by this church, June 1, 1837. It being the same day, the present house of worship was dedicated. There were present on this interesting occasion : Rev. Zeba Howard, and Dea. O. Carpenter, from Dummerston ; Rev. P. Howe, Dea. J. Ingraham, J. Good- now, and Geo. Phillips from Marlboro and Newfane church : Deacons Daniel Mason, and Samuel Mason from
accepted the pastorate in the winter of 1849-50, and was dismissed by Rockingham: Rev. M. Ely, Dea. O. letter March 28, 1852. During this time, 15 were added to the church.
Howard. Wm. Fisher, J. Blandin, and Samuel Gray, from Townshend: Dea. The church had' no pastor for the Allen and J. Cudworth, from Putney; next two years .. Sept. 21, 1851, Bros. Rev. Mansfield Bruce, from Wilming- Calvin. I. Barrett, Francis Merrifield. ton : Rev. Nathan Ames. from Jamaica. and C. W. Stebbins. were elected
Elder Crane, continued his labors deacons. Dea. Merrifieldl has been here till Sept. 23, 1838, in the midst dismissed to Denver church, the other of a revival. he accepted a call from two are still with us. Bros. Isaac the Baptist church in Grafton, and Wellnan, Jonathan Cutler, and Brown Rev. John Baldwin. from Jamaica. O-good. served as deacons of this sueeeeded him here, till the spring of; church. and were such at the time of 1841, when
their deaths.
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Deaeons J. Wellman, and J. Cutler of Brookline.
31 members were added by baptism. The church prospered under Elder Kingsbury's eare till 1849. In the autumn of this year. a fatal epidemic passed through this town, and this devoted servant of God, his wife. and three children. the entire family, de- ceased within the short space of two weeks, and the wife's father and mother about the same time.
REV. RUFUS SMITHI
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BRO. C. B. SMHITIL.
such till June 1. 1884. when he retired then Principal of Leland and Gray and moved to California with his seminary. Townshend. this county, family. aged 85 years.
Since June 15. 1884.
REV. J. D. BURWELL
of Saxtons River, has supplied the desk half the time, and -been acting pastor.
Thus far with few exceptions. we have spoken only of the additions to the church. but there has been a con- stant drain upon our membership by
From 1859 to 1862. the desk was supplied by Bros. Chas. Frost. White- deaths. discipline and removals, mostly comb. Wheeler. Burrows. and others. by the latter cause, having always dis- In 1862. Rev. J. P. Huntington was missed far more than received by pastor 9 months. succeeded by Rev. letter. About 540 members have be- Sem Pierce. Failing health obliged longed to this church. It has or- the latter to retire in the spring of dained six ministers and licensed sever- 1885 ; he was succeeded by
al others. among whom are Eliot P. and Austin A. Merrifield. who have
July 1. same year. whose pastorate been ordained elsewhere.
continued to 1871. when he was dis- missed to Warwick, Mass. During This church has had two meeting- houses. The first a temporary build- this time, 22 were received to member- ing, without flour or other finish, ex- ship. and the house of worship greatly cept a small desk. attached to the improved, largely through the effi- frame on one side. Slabs from the ciency of the pastor's wife. Elizabeth saw-mill were used for seats. This Farrar. could only be occupied in warm weather.
REV. WM. A. A. MILLARD
was pastor from 1871 to 1873. and 10 members were added by baptism, and 6 by letter.
REV. J. D. DONAVON
In raising the frame for the roof. was next pastor from 1873 to 1876. and belfry of this house, a fearful Oct. 15, 1875. Miss Fannie E. Towns- ley, the evangelist. held meetings here ten days. A very general awakning upon the subject was experienced
16 men received very severe injurous.
During Mr. Donavon's pastorate & but nothing daunted. the next morn- were added by baptism, and 10 by ing. the forest swarmed with men. letter.
entting timber to supply the places of
May 1, losl. Rev. Chas. Farrar those broken by the fall. and in just a was recalled as pastor, and served as week. they completed the raising.
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was called to supply the desk in April 1854. and February 1855. he was or- dained pastor and remained such till Angust 7. 1859. when he was dismissed to Brandon church. during his pas- torate. 19 were added to the church. and the Sunday School was particular- ly prosperous.
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