The surface of Stowe is broken and uneven in many places, yet it contains a large amount of level country. Upon the West are the Green Mountains, with Mt. Mansfield, the highest peak in the ranges, containing some of the most wild and romantic scenery in the State, and upon the east is the Hog-back range, a spur of the former, while between them the country is varied with hills and dales, though there is little that can be called waste land. Many of the hills furnish some of the most valuable and profitable farms in town, and the portions rising still higher and being still more broken, afford the very best pasture land, which farmers have found to be the best paying part of their farms. The largest plot of plain, or table-land, in town, and probably the largest in the county, is on what is called the West Branch of Waterbury river, about two miles from the village of Stowe. The intervals on this river and its tributaries is not surpassed in fertility by any in the State. For grazing purposes, probably there are few towns in the whole State better adapted; and there is at the same time a sufficiency of land suited to the purposes of cultivation and tillage to render most of the considerable farms well balanced in these respects. 

       The territory is well watered by numerous springs and streams, the principal water-course being the Waterbury river, which has its source at the confluence of two streams, the East and the West branches, uniting at the village of Stowe.  The East branch rises in that part of the original town of Sterling which was annexed to Stowe, and, flowing through one-half the southern part of Morristown, enters Stowe about midway between the east and west corners of the original town of Stowe, thence south to its junction with the East branch. Into it flows a considerable stream, which rises in the northeastern corner of the town, and upon which is found Moss Glen Falls. The West branch has its source in the northwestern part of what was the original town of Mansfield and flows southeast, entering the original town of Stowe at a point midway between the northwest and southwest corners, flowing nearly east to its junction with the East branch. About three and a half miles south of the village it receives Miller brook, a stream having its source in the south- western corner of the original town of Mansfield. On the east side, the branch also receives a stream called Gold brook, which has its rise in the southeast, corner of the original town of Stowe. Numerous other streams abound, some of which afford good mill-sites. The timber of the town is principally hemlock, fir, spruce, beech, birch, and maple, interspersed occasionally with pine. 

       The rocks that enter into the geological structure of the town are composed almost entirely of the talcose schist formation, there being, however, a small vein of gneiss in the western portion. Among the minerals that have been discovered are gold, iron, copper, and steatite. None of these minerals, except gold, has there been any attempt to work. Slight traces of the precious metal have been found in several locations throughout the territory, especially on the smaller streams, the most abundant, perhaps, on what is known as Gold brook. In May, 1857, Capt.A.H.Slayton, who had previously had considerable experience in the diggings of California, found some small particles of gold on this brook, upon the farm then owned by Nathaniel Russell. In the following November he purchased the farm and commenced digging; but he soon gave up the enterprise, though he found considerable quantities of the metal, but not enough to pay for the labor expended. Further search and development may some day, however, be rewarded with the discovery of considerable deposits of these minerals. 

       In 1880, Stowe had a population of 1,896, and in 1882, the town was divided into nineteen school districts and contained nineteen common schools, employing four male and twenty-three female teachers, to whom was paid an aggregate salary of $2,487.47. There were 443 pupils attending common school, while the entire cost of the schools for the year, ending October 31st, was $2,920.39, with Mrs.M.N.Wilkins, superintendent.  To the energy and unusual ability of Mrs. Wilkins is attributed, in a great degree, the high grade of proficiency attained by the pupils. She is the wife of Hon. George Wilkins, and is a lady of rare attainments, a fluent speaker, and has had considerable experience as a lecturer and educator.  The people of Stowe congratulate themselves in possessing so able and zealous an educator, as is attested by their three successive and unanimous elections of the lady to the position. 

       Stowe, a post village located near the central part of the town, on the Waterbury river, contains three churches, (Congregational, Methodist and Union,) a graded school, the Mt. Mansfield hotel, three dry goods stores, a drug store, hardware store, three grocery stores, a millinery and fancy goods store, shoe shop, harness shop, and about six hundred inhabitants. The village is neatly laid out, beautifully located, and during the summer months is a favorite resort for summer sojourners, so much so that it has been called the “Saratoga of Vermont.” About half a mile south of the village, on the main road, is a suburb called the Lower village, which contains a butter-tub manufactory, tannery, shoe shop, grocery, free library, hotel, and about two hundred inhabitants. 

       The Mt. Mansfield Hotel, located at Stowe village, is a large and elegant structure, 300 feet long, and four and one-half stories high, with two wings in the rear, forty-five by ninety feet, and a broad piazza running nearly the entire length of the front. The hotel has rooms for 450 guests. They are large, high, light and cheerful, and are furnished in suits or in private parlors, as may be desired. The spacious dining hall, forty-five by ninety feet, is on the first floor, and directly over it is a fine, large hall, for dancing and other entertainments. All the rooms are finely furnished, lighted with gas, and each floor is supplied with bath-rooms, and with pure spring water, brought in iron pipes from the surrounding hills. In addition to this building there is another, a summer hotel, on the summit of Mansfield mountain, called the Summit House, and another at Smuggler's Notch, called the Notch House. The hotel was built by a stock company, organized June 24, 1864. In 1869, the property was sold at auction for $110,000.00, the purchasers being a party of five gentlemen, who built the wings at an additional cost of $50,000.00. The property is now owned and managed by Mr. E.C.Bailey, who conducts it in a business-like and desirable manner. The magnificent view afforded from the summit of Mt. Mansfield, and the romantic scenery of Smuggler's Notch, have already been mentioned on page 30. One other local attraction is Moss Glen Falls. They are situated on one of the lower ridges, on the northeastern slope of Worcester mountain, in a ravine of most singular formation, four miles distant from the hotel. The source of the stream is a small pond, on the table-land above the bluff, which is about 200 feet in height. The solid cliff seems to have been cleft asunder, and the perpendicular walls are left standing in their majesty, down which the water dashes in a spray of unrivaled beauty. The first view of the falls is attained about fifty feet up the cliff, on the side nearest the highway. 

       The Stowe Free Library is kept at the store of George W. Jenney, the librarian. It contains about 1,500 volumes, which are loaned, free of charge, to all residents of the town. 

       Moscow is a hamlet located in the southern part of the town. It received its name from the following circumstance: In 1839, a school meeting was called there, when an old circular saw, suspended at the end of a string, was used in place of a bell, which the people facetiously designated as the “bell Of Moscow;” hence the name. 

       Mt. Mansfield tannery, located at the Lower village, was erected in 1882, upon the site of an old tannery which was destroyed by fire November 18, 1881. Mr. Webster, the proprietor, employs ten men, and the tannery has the capacity for turning out about 70,000 calf skins per annum. 

       Pike & Robinson's butter tub factory and saw-mill, at Stowe, was erected in 1881-‘82. The works give employment to ten men, and manufacture 500,000 feet of lumber and 30,000 butter-tubs per annum. 

       Eugene K. Seaver's broom-handle manufactory, located at Moscow, manufactures about 25,000 handles per year. The factory was moved from Stowe village to its present location in the spring of 1883. 

       Thomas A. Straw's grist-mill, located at Stowe village, was built by the Raymond Mill Co., in 1823, and was purchased by the present proprietor in 1860.   In 1870, he added a shop, 24 by 6o feet, for dressing lumber and the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds. 

       Smith & Faunce's carriage shop, located at Stowe village, has been occupied by Mr. Smith about eight years. In the autumn of 1881, he associated with himself in the business Mr. Francis, and the firm now does a good business in the manufacture of all kinds of carriages, wagons, and sleighs. 

       Lemiuel B. Smith's saw-mill, on Waterbury river, cuts about 200,000 feet of lumber per year. 

       Wm. H. Anderson's steam shingle-mill, located on road 44, operated by a twenty-five horse-power engine, and manufactures 110,000 shingles per day. 

       James E. Houston's butter-tub and shingle manufactory, located on road 29, is operated by both steam and water-power, and manufactures about 30,000 tubs and 100,000 shingles per year employing twelve men. 

       Edgar A. Pixley's butter--tub stave manufactory, located on the " forks," cuts about eight cords of staves per day. 

       George G. Foster’s butter-tub manufactory located on road 24, turns out about 20,000 butter-tubs per annum. 

       Orlando S. Turner's saw-mill, located on road 24, was built in 1869, and manufactures 250,000 feet of lumber per year. 

       Moss Glen saw-mill, Spalding & Langdon, proprietors, is located at Moss Glen falls, on road 13.  It turns out about 6oo,ooo feet of lumber per year, giving employment to ten men. 

       The first settlement was made in 1794, by Oliver Luce, from Hartland, Vt.  With an ox-sled and a few articles of furniture, Mr. Luce made his way with his family, consisting of his wife and two children, to what is called the Hill place, in Waterbury, in March, where, owing to the impassibility of the roads, he left his family until the 16th of April. He then brought them on to their new home, a little camp of logs sixteen feet square, covered and floored with bark. This was situated on what is now Noah Scribner's Meadow, on the west side of the stage road, just north of the late George Cobb's shop. In this little cabin, containing but one room, Mrs. Luce did all the cooking and household work for one season. An improvement was then made by adding a bed-room and pantry, made of bark. Yet, it is said, such was the desire to hunt and explore in the town that Mr. Luce's family was not alone a single night during the first year. Mr. Luce made the first plow and plowed the first furrow in the town, and resided here until the end of his long life, dying at the age of eighty-four years. The town, in honor of his memory as a worthy pioneer, placed an historical monument to mark his last resting place. He was the father of four children, of whom Harry was the first child born in the town. Two of these children, Ruth and Zernah, located here. Ruth became Mrs. Benjamin Alger and settled with her husband upon the farm now owned by their son Oscar, where they resided until their respective deaths. Their children were Lucy S., Seth L., Oscar, Martha, Miranda, and Isaac H. Lucy S. became Mrs. Delevan Luce, and resides in Morristown. Seth L. died while serving in the Union army. Martha, who is now deceased became the wife of Enoch J. Cleveland.   Miranda is the wife of Jesse Town, of Stowe village. Isaac H. resides on road 20, and Oscar as before mentioned. Zemah Luce became Mrs. Allen and located in that part of the town which was then Mansfield. She had but one child, who died some years since. 

       Capt. Clement Moody made the next settlement, it is said the day following that of Mr. Luce's.   Mr. Kimball and Joel Harris commenced settlements soon after, and Noah Scribner came the year following. In 1798, there were about twenty families in the town, and in 1803, there were ninety resident families. 

       The first proprietors' meeting held in the town was on February 2, 1796, at the residence of Lowden Case.  On the second Monday in March, 1797, the first town meeting was warned by William Utley, justice of the peace, to be held at the house of Lowden Case for the purpose of organizing the town. The meeting was held as per warning, when Lowden Case was chosen moderator; Josiah Hurlbut, town clerk; Joel Harris, and Ebenezer Wakefield, selectmen; Clement Moody, treasurer; Lowden Case, first constable; David Moody, second constable; Clement Moody, Joel Harris and Ebenezer Wakefield, listers; Abner Bickford, first grand juror; Lowden Case, pound-keeper; Oliver Luce, William Utley, and John Turner, fence viewers; Clement Moody, Amasa Marshall, and Josiah Dean, surveyors of highways; Amasa Walker, sealer of weights and measures; John Turner, sealer of leather; and John Bryant, tythingman. September 4th, the first freemen's meeting was held. The first justice was William Utley, in 1796. The first representative was Nathan Robinson, in 1801. 

       For four years after Mr. Luce settled here all the grain was ground at Waterbury. The first frame house was built by Elias Wilder, on what is now Robert Scribner's garden. The first brick chimney was built nearly opposite the present site of D.W. Bennett's corn-barn. The first frame barn was the one now owned by O. Perkins. The first plow was made by Oliver Luce, and, the first ground plowed was where Robert Scribner now lives. Asa Raymond held the plow, and Mr. Luce drove the team. The first harrow, furnished with wood teeth, was also used on this ground. Harry Luce, the first male child, was born July 3, 1795. The first female born was Sally, daughter of Francis E. Story, October 14, 1796. The first wedding was that of Noah Churchill and PollyMarshall, May 29, 1798. They were married by William Utley, justice of the peace. According to the custom the impending wedding was published, or cried off, at the raising of James Town's barn, by Josiah Hurlbut, town clerk, who, standing on one of the plates of the barn, proclaimed. “Here ye! Hear ye! marriage is intended between Noah Churchill and Polly Marshall. God save the people!” The first death, that of a young son of Luke J., Town, also occurred on this day. 

       The first brick house was built by Joseph Benson, and the first bricks were manufactured by Andrew Luce, on Z.W.Bennett's farm. Maj. Perkins owned the first sleigh and the first buffalo robe. This sleigh is now the property of Andrew Luce, of Morristown, who values it highly as a relic. The first wagon was owned by a Mr. Nichols, Daniel Lathrop was the first tanner and shoemaker. Philip Moody was the first person to bring a newspaper into the town, the Weekly Wanderer, published at Randolph. The first post-office was established in 1817, with R. Camp, postmaster. The first tavern was kept by Oliver Luce, a short distance from where he first settled. Cooking stoves were first introduced about the year 1820. Maj. Perkins purchased the first one, by exchanging a yoke of oxen for it. The first merchants were Levi Crooks, Amasa Marshall, John Crosby, Elias Bingham, Bugby & Edgerton, Riverius Camp & Caldwell, and Col. Asahel Raymond. The first school was taught by Thomas B. Downer, in his dwelling, some of his scholars walking a distance of three miles or more. The first school-house, a log structure, was burned in 1803. 

      It was common among the early settlers for females to work in the field, planting and harvesting. Two of the daughters of the late Nathan Robinson, Martha and Asenath, at one time took quite a job of pulling flax for Oliver Luce. Martha became the wife of Elias Bingham, and Asenath was married to Caleb Marshall. 

      Zebina Luce came to Stowe at an early day, and located near where O. J. Benson now lives, and afterwards moved to the farm owned by Lysander Barrows, where he resided until his death. His son, Byron, born here, resides on road 42. 

      Mrs. Mary Slayton Luce, wife of Chester Luce, was born in Woodstock, Vt., April 18, 1787. Her father, Samuel Slayton, was a farmer in good circumstances, though possessing but a limited education,—an honest, frugal, and kindly man. Her mother, Hannah, whose maiden name was Stowe, was in every respect a superior woman. Mrs. Luce, in her youth improved every educational advantage the rural district in which she resided could afford. As she grew older she acquired a passionate fondness for reading, especially of poetry and romance. At a more mature age she engaged in school teaching, which vocation she followed until her marriage with Chester Luce, March 17, 1818, when they removed to this town, where Mrs. Luce breathed her last, April 20, 1861. 

       Ivory Luce, born in Hartland, Vt., came to Stowe in 1806, locating on road 53, where he resided until his death, in 1870, aged eighty-eight years and fourteen days. He reared a family of ten children, as follows: Peltiah R., Joshua, Luther, Almon D., Albert, William B., George, Lucinda, Betsey, and Harriet, all of whom live in the town except Peltiah, Luther, and Almon, deceased. 

       William Moody, born in Barnstead, Conn., came to Stowe with his father, Philip, the third family to settle in the town. He resided here until his death, of small-pox, in December, 1856, aged sixty-four years. His son, Orrin, spent seven years in the gold diggings of California, and now resides on road 50. 

       Daniel Moody, a native of Maine, came to Stowe in 1800, and located upon the farm now owned by his son, Gilman. He died here February 8, 1878, aged seventy-eight years. 
Spencer S. Moody, born in Tunbridge, removed from there to Craftsbury, thence to Wolcott, and finally came to this town, in February, 1881, to reside with his son, Alson S., on road 69. 

       Mrs. Electa A. Moody, widow of John, who died January 12, 1881, now resides on road 46. Mrs. Moody is a native of Waterbury, a daughter of Horace Heaton. 

       Asa Kimball, an early settler, first located in Stowe Hollow, where he resided six or seven years, then removed to road 6, locating upon the farm now owned by his son Luke. Mr. Kimball was born in Lisbon, Conn., and died on the old homestead, December 14, 1865, aged eighty-seven years. Luke was born on the farm he now occupies. 

       Samuel Scribner, a native of Maine, brought his family to Stowe at an early day, the fifth to locate in the town, and settled upon the farm now owed by George Harris. His family was large, consisting of nine sons and three daughters, whose support he with difficulty sustained. Mr. Scribner remained here about fourteen years, then removed to what was at that time the "far West," near the present city of Rochester, N.Y., where he subsequently died, aged ninety-one years. Noah, his third son, was eight years of age when the family came here, and about six months after was bound out to Joel Harris, to work for his board. He remained with Mr. Harris but about three years, however, when he went to reside with Asahel Raymond. On arriving at a mature age he married Philinda Shaw, of Barre, and settled upon the farm where Nathaniel Moody now resides. By hard labor and economy he gradually added to his possessions, till at the time of his death he owned three fine farms. He died January 17, 1873, aged eighty-nine years and fifteen days. Three of his six children now reside in Stowe,—Clark, aged seventy- four, Noah, aged sixty-five, and Robert, aged fifty-eight years. 

     David A. Marshall, born in Waterbury, Vt., came to Stowe at an early date, while yet a child, and remained here until his death, June 8, 1875, aged seventy-seven years. His widow resides with her daughter, on Maple street. 

     Joseph Benson, Jr., a native of Woodstock, Vt., came to Stowe when eighteen years of age, and remained here until his death, in 1870, aged seventy-seven years. His son, O.J. Benson, now resides on road 18. 

     Dexter Parker came to Stowe from Pelham, Mass., at an early day, and remained here until his death, which occurred on the farm now occupied by his grandson, Charles B., with his mother and sister. Dexter A. L. Parker, son of Dexter, born in Stowe, died here in 1871, aged fifty-two years. 

     Kendrick Jenney, who now resides on road 18, is a native of New Hampshire, and has resided in Stowe sixty-three years. 

     James Cobb, born in Woodstock, Vt., came to Stowe when a boy, where he learned the carpenter and joiner trade, and finally settled on road 17. He died May 8, 1871, aged fifty-five years. His widow, and son Enos B., yet reside here. 

     Uriah Wilkins, born at Amherst, N.H., married Nancy Kitridge, of that town, and at an early day immigrated to this town, where he reared a family of eight children, as follows: Uriah, Nancy, George, Fanny K., Charles A., Elizabeth W., Ingalls, and Mary E. Uriah resides in Stowe, a retired farmer. Nancy died of consumption. George is a practicing attorney of this town. Fanny K. is the wife of Nathaniel Robinson. Charles A. resides in Milford, N.H., Elizabeth W. is the widow of John B. Seaver, and resides in Cambridge village. Ingalls died in California. Mary E. died here, the wife of N. R. Raymond. George studied law here with Messrs. Butler & Bingham, and was admitted to the bar in the December term of 1841. Some months previous to his admission, Hon. O. W. Butler, of the firm with whom he was studying, appreciating his talents and abilities, offered him a partnership in the business, which he accepted, continuing the connection until 1845. At this time Mr. Wilkins purchased the law library of Mr. Butler and took into partnership L. A. Small, who had been a law student in the office of Messrs. Butler & Wilkins three years. Since the expiration of that partnership Mr. Wilkins has continued the practice of his profession alone. As a lawyer he stands in the front rank, and as an advocate he is earnest, industrious and resolute, while as a man he is honest, upright, and public spirited. The schools of his town have received liberal donations at his hands. In 1870, he presented each of them with a copy of Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, and later each received from him a fine globe and planisphere. To the village school he has given in addition an orrery, tellurian, and other valuable astronomical apparatus. His large property in real estate requires a great share of his time and attention, as he has a number of improved farms in this and neighboring towns.  In 1852 and 1853, Mr. Wilkins was elected State's attorney for the county, and he is now a director of the Lamoille County Bank, having held the position since its establishment. In 1856, he was elected a delegate to the State constitutional convention. In 1859 and 1860, he was elected to the State legislature, and, in 1866, was appointed a delegate to the Union convention, held in Philadelphia, Pa. In 1868, he was elected a presidential elector for the third congressional district of Vermont, and, in 1872, represented this district in the Republican convention, held at Philadelphia, which nominated Gen. Grant. 

     Ezra Nathan Adams came to Stowe from Brookfield, Vt., with his father, Lynda, at an early day, and located upon the farm now owned by his son, William W., on road 66. Lynda, his son, now resides on road 60. 

     Peter C. Lovejoy, born at Westminster, Vt., came to Stowe in 1805, and located upon the farm now occupied by George Robinson. This portion of Stowe then formed a part of Mansfield, which town Mr. Lovejoy first represented in the legislature, and also served as town clerk. He married Miss Jenny Luce, the union being blessed with eleven children, eight of whom are now living, four in this town, as follows: Columbus, Cornelius, Listina (Mrs. Albert Camp), and Philema (Mrs. Leonard Straw). Mr. Lovejoy died January 17, 1874, aged ninety years. Mrs. Lovejoy still survives him at the great age of ninety years. 

    Nathan Robinson, from Westminster, Vt., came to Stowe in 1798, and purchased a farm of Amasa Marshall, where a log house was erected, 20x40 feet, one story in height. In this house Mr. Robinson kept a hotel for many years, then built a more commodious hotel, where he died at the advanced age of eighty-seven years, having lived a useful and exemplary life. He was the first representative of the town, holding the office fourteen years, and also was a justice of the peace many years, in which capacity he conducted himself so judiciously as to obtain the name of the "peace-maker." His son, Capt. Nathan Robinson, settled upon the farm now owned by Dr. T. B. Smith, of New York city, and built the house now standing thereon, though it has undergone many improvements. Capt. Robinson was a man of considerahle influence, a town representative, State senator, etc. He died at the great age of ninety-three years. His title of Capt. was received in the war of 1812. 

     Daniel Watts, born in Warwick, Mass., came to Stowe about the year 1800. He had a family of nine children, Charles R., Caroline, widow of C. S. Hodge, and Chandler, reside in Stowe, and Fanny, the wife of Charles Conant, resides in the State of Michigan. Chandler Watts, 2d, born here March 1, 1839, enlisted in the Union army, Co. E, 11th Vt., or 1st Heavy Artillery, August 7, 1862; was promoted corporal, then sergeant, and finally regimental commissary sergeant, which office he retained until the close of the war, when he returned to his farm, on road 46. He was elected lister in 1874, which office he held four years, and is the present 2d selectman of the town. 

     Simeon Burke, from Westminster, Vt. came to Stowe in March, 1800, and located upon the farm now owned by his son, Abisha, on road 8, where he resided until his death, at the age of eighty-two years. He married Miss Lucy Petty and reared a family of six children, only two of whom, Abisha and Alanson C. are living. 

     Joseph Benson, born at Middlebury, Mass., September 3, 1783, came to Stowe from Woodstock, Vt., in 1803, and located upon the farm now occupied by his son, Frank. About two years previous to his death, which occurred in 1870, he removed to Stowe village. Mr. Benson was a man of steady and industrious habits, and attained a comfortable competence, and the entire respect of his fellow citizens. He married Miss Eliza Benson, of his native town, who survived him until 1879. Five of their seven children reside in the town, viz.: Orlando J., Elmira A. (Mrs. G. S. Moody), Florilla V., Mercy C., and Franklin J., while Hope E. (Mrs. F. J. Upton) resides in Iowa, and Adelaide N. (Mrs. H. N. Waite) resides in New York city. 

     John McAllister, of Scotch descent, was born at Sharon, N.H., in 1772, came to Stowe in 1804, and located on West Branch. His youngest son, D. J. McAllister, now owns most of the old homestead, though the residence is owned by Mrs. Jane Sanborn. He was twice married, first to Mrs. Priscilla Smith, May 17, 1796, and second to Miss Mary McKinney, who was the mother of all his children. Mr. McAllister was at the battle of  Plattsburgh, and served his townsmen in many positions of trust. He was the father of thirteen children, most of whom arrived at an age of maturity, and six of whom are now living, two, Harvey and David J., in Stowe. Mrs. McAllister survived her husband until September 5, 1840. 

    William Smith, a native of Hartford, Conn., immigrated to Williston, Vt., at an early date, where he married Anna Blanchard, and a few years later, about 1806, came to this town and located upon the farm now occupied by his grandsons, where he resided until his death, at the age of fifty-nine years. He had a family of six children, three of whom, Charity, widow of Roswell Town, Lemuel B., and Abel P., now reside here. 

    Horace Smith, born in Old Hartford, Conn., immigrated to Williston at the age of twenty-one years, where he married Rachel Phillips. About seventy years ago he came to this town and located upon the farm now owned by his son, Truman B., on road 45. For his second wife Mr. Smith married Nancy Montgomery, by whom he had eleven children. He had three children by his first wife. 

    Col. Asahel Raymond was born in Middlebury, Mass., April 7, 1781. His parents moved to Woodstock in the following September, where he resided until September, 1807, when he came to Stowe. Here he immediately purchased a farm, where Noah Scribner now resides, and commenced the manufacture of salts and pearl ashes from the ashes obtained in clearing his land, and also purchased by exchange for dry goods and groceries, of the surrounding settlers. He formed a co-partnership with Dea. Asa Raymond, which continued until the death of Dea. Raymond.   In 1822 and 1823, they built the grist-mill now owned by Thomas A. Straw, it then being located in the forest. In June, 1817, he purchased the hotel at the Center village, of Nathaniel Butts, and fitted up one of the ells for a store, into which he moved his goods. The remaining part of the building he used for a dwelling. After moving to the village he carried on the mercantile part of the business alone. His pearl ashes were taken to Boston on a heavy wagon, drawn by two yoke of oxen and a pair of horses. The conveyance would return laden with merchandise. The surplus pork was hauled in the same manner to Montreal, and the wheat to Albany, N.Y.  Mr. Raymond gave employment to many of the settlers who were in destitute circumstances, thus providing a public benefactor. In 1833, he opened his house as an hotel, which he kept until 1837, when his sons, George and Asa, took it and continued the business about eight years. It was afterwards run by other sons until 1854, when George Raymond bought and conducted it until it was sold to Hon. W. H. H. Bingham, in 1861. The structure is now known as the Raymond wing of the Mt. Mansfield Hotel. Col. Raymond continued an active business man until his death, in 1849, aged sixty-eight years. He took a great interest in military affairs, holding at different times all the offices from corporal to colonel. Many people remember his fine, tall, straight figure, and the fine display he made on his well-trained gray horse, which he kept expressly for military parades, He married Orpha Robinson, daughter of Nathan Robinson, in 1810, and reared a family of six children—three sons and three daughters. Four of the children now reside here, viz.: George, the oldest, aged seventy-two years, a merchant doing business at the Center village; Asa, a farmer; Mrs. Harriet Thomas, widow of Henry Thomas; and Nathan R., who resides in Stowe village. 

    Joseph Bennett was born in Middlebury, Mass., December 17, 1763. He married Susannah Simmons, and soon after his marriage settled in Woodstock, Vt., where he remained until December, 1810, when he came to this town and located upon the farm where Orlando F. Gerry, whose wife is a granddaughter of Joseph, now resides. Here, in a small log cabin they resided for ten years, when a more pretentious dwelling took its place, in which Mr. Bennett died, in 1825, aged sixty-two years. Mrs. Bennett survived his death until July, 1855, aged eighty-five years. Only one of their six children is now living, Joseph H. Bennett, aged eighty-four years, who resides with his niece, Mrs. Gerry. 

    Elihu Town, from Warwick, Mass., came to Stowe in the spring of 1811, and located upon the farms now owned by Messrs. Kenyon and Ennis. He was married about two years previous to Miss Apphia Sprague. The union was blessed with six children,—four sons and two daughters. Three are now living, Sopronia (Mrs. Stockwell), residing in St. Albans; Jesse, a resident of Stowe village, and Emery, living in Waterbury village. Mr. Town died in 1843, aged sixty-one years. Mrs. Town died in 1867, aged eighty-five years. 

    Joseph Savage, born in Hartford, Vt., came to Stowe in 1812, where he resided until his death, in 1838, aged fifty-seven years. R. A. Savage, son of Joseph, born in this town, is a deacon of the Congregational church, at Stowe village. He has served two terms as associate judge. Joseph and his wife were among the original members of the Congregational church. 

    Lemuel Thomas, born in Woodstock, Vt., came to Stowe in 1818, and located at the lower village, where he engaged in farming, in connection with the business of wool-carding and cloth-dressing. After several years, however, he devoted his whole attention to farming, until seventy-nine years of age, when he took up his residence with his son, Weston L., and died in his house at the age of eighty-nine years. Weston L. and Isaac are the only children of Lemuel now living. 

    William R. Cheeney, born in Westford, Vt., came to Stowe in March, 1818, and located on road 42, where Orlo B. Town now resides. About the year 1850, he removed to road 41, where he died, July 9, 1881, in the seventieth year of his age. His widow, Olive E. Savage Cheeney, resides with her son, William R. Cheeney. 

    Abial H. Slayton, from Woodstock, Vt., came to Stowe about the year 1821, and located on road 48, where his son, Abial H., now lives. He died here in 1831, aged thirty-five years. Three of his sons, Jerome B., Azro C., and Abial H., are residents of the town. 

    Samuel Slayton, also from Woodstock, came here in 1821, and located upon the farm now owned by his son, Reuben D., where he died, in 1881, aged seventy-nine years. 

    David Davis, born in Milton, N.H., came to Stowe with his father in 1827.  In 1835, he located upon the farm he now occupies, on road 21. 

    Jonathan Barrows, from Bridgewater, Vt., came to this town about 1828, and died here in 1870, aged sixty-five years. He had a family of seven children, as follows: Henry, Nathan, Lysander, Harriet, Chauncey, Lucia, and Alvinzy. All but Harriet now reside in the town. 

    William Morrill, born in Alton, N.H., came to Stowe in 1829, at the age of seven years. In 1844, he located upon a farm on road 45, where he remained until 1862, when he removed to the Lower village, where he now resides. 

    Moses H. Cady came to Stowe from Randolph, Vt., in 1830, and commenced a mercantile business under the firm name of T. B. Downer & Co. This firm did a successful business for about two years, after which Mr. Cady continued the same alone two years, then formed a co-partnership with Elisha Cady, continuing this connection about three years. He then took Thomas Emerson, of Windsor, Vt., into partnership. Mr. Emerson was a banker, and  supposed to be wealthy; but after about three years some of his speculations proved disastrous and he retired from the firm. This disaster also injured Mr. Cady, but he recovered, and continued the business alone about four years, then sold out to Thomas Downer, son of his first partner. About two years after he re-purchased the store and did a general mercantile business about two years, then sold the entire business to Bennett & Robinson. This closed his mercantile career. Soon after he became interested in the manufacture of carriages, which he carried on quite extensively, till 1874, when he retired from business, and is now seventy-eight years of age. 

    Samuel Barnes, from Rochester, Vt., came to Stowe in 1838, and located on road 51, upon the farm he still occupies. 

    Charles F. Hale, with his father, Lewis, came to Stowe from Tunbridge, Vt., in 1841, and located in the southwestern part of the town, where he remained about twenty years; then removed to the Waterbury turnpike, about two miles southwest from Stowe village. After two or three other changes Mr. Hale located where he now resides, half a mile north of the village.  Lewis, his father, died in 1878, aged ninety years. 

    Reuben Alger, born in Richmond, Vt., came to Stowe in 1841, locating on road 63. He subsequently removed to the village, and finally located on road 41, upon the farm now owned by his son, Wilmot R., where he died, in 1880, aged sixty-three years. 

    Benjamin Alger, born in Stratford, Vt., came to Stowe at an early day, and died here at the age of seventy-eight years. His son, Oscar, now resides on road 20. 

    Newell Bigelow, a native of Conway, Mass., came to Stowe with his father, J. B. Bigelow, in February 1841. His father died here, in September 1879, aged seventy-nine years. 

    Richard R. Waite, a native of Windsor, Vt., came to Stowe August 15, 1842, and located upon the farm now owned by Luke Town. April 12, 1862, he removed to the farm he now occupies, on road 40. Mr. Waite held the office of constable and deputy sheriff in 1857-'58; was selectman in 1871; chairman of the board of selectmen in 1879, '80, and '81; and represented the town in 1878-'79. He has also been president of the Lamoille Valley Fair Ground Company six years, taught school ten winters, and led the choirs in the Methodist and Universalist churches thirty-five years. 

    Alva Judson, father of O. L. Judson of this town, was born and lived all his life, in Huntington, Vt., dying there at the age of sixty-five years. He married Phoebe Williams, who died in Hyde Park, aged seventy years. Three of their four children are now living, one, O. L., being a resident of this town. 

    Levi Hodge, a native of Warwick, Mass., came to Stowe and located where his son, Russell C., now resides, and where he died in 1862, aged about seventy-five years. Russell C. is superintendent of the town poor farm, which is owned in union by the towns of Stowe, Morristown, and Johnson. 

    Ephraim T. Hodge, born in Franconia, N.H., came to Stowe when three years of age. He now resides on road 36. 

    Samuel F. Pike, a native of Brookfield, Vt., married Betsey B. Newman, of Morristown, and came to this town, locating on road 4, upon the place now owned by Mrs. Nancy Pike. In 1872, he removed to road 4, where he resides with Henry A. Pike. 

    Heman Story was born in this town, near Moscow. His father died when he was a year and a half old, and his mother died when he was five years of age. In 1861, he located on road 17, corner of 18, where he still resides. 

    Hiram S. Atkins, born in Waterbury, Vt., came to Stowe in 1845. He is now engaged in mercantile pursuits at Stowe. 

    Alvin P. Holmes, son of Rev. Samuel Holmes, a revolutionary soldier and an early settler in Cambridge, came to this town in 1846, where he still resides, at the village. 

    John Poor, born in Montpelier, came to Stowe about thirty-five years ago, and resided here until his death, in 1868, aged sixty years. Sylvander C., born in Morristown, came to Stowe with his father, and now resides on road 42. 

    George S. Wade, born in Sharon, Vt., came to Stowe in 1848, and located where he still resides, on road 31.

    Amasa Wells, born in Barnet, Vt., came to Stowe in 1850, and located on road 41, where he still resides. 

    B.O. Shaw, a son of Benoni Shaw, an early settler in Morristown, came  to Stowe in 1853, and located where he still resides, on road 22. 

    John Stevens, from Newbury, N.H., immigrated to Hyde Park in 1827, and died in Johnson about 1858, aged seventy-five years. Mehitable, his wife, died in Johnson in 1878, aged ninety-five years. Horace, son of John, came to this town in 1857, where he still resides, as a carriage maker. 

    Horatio D. Calkins, a native of Hyde Park, came to Stowe in 1864, and now resides near Moscow, on road 49. 

    The following is a list of the officers and privates who volunteered from Stowe during the war of 1812: Nehemiah Perkins, captain; Lewis Patterson, lieutenant; Jonathan Straw, ensign; Nathan Robinson, sergeant-major; Riverius Camp, quartermaster; John McAllister, Uriah Wilkins, Joseph Bennett, Elias Bingham, Aaron Wilkins, Nathan Holmes, Joseph Dake, Daniel Robinson, Ivory Luce, Paul Sanborn, Jonathan Luce, William Kellogg, Joseph Benson, Chester Luce, Joseph Marshall, Samuel R. Smith, Peter C. Lovejoy, S. Rand, Hugh McCutchin, Nathaniel Russell, Ira Cady, Stephen Russell, Andrew Kimball, Isaac Patterson, Warner Luce, William Moody, John B. Harris, Sylvester Wells, Amos Pain, Dexter Parker, Ephraim Ham, Russell Cory, Reuben Wells, Stephen Kellogg, Andrew Luce, Orra Marshall, Orange Luce, Samuel Fuller, and Levi Austin, privates. During the late civil war Stowe furnished 187 enlisted men, twelve of whom were killed, four died of wounds, twenty-two of disease, one in Andersonville, and one committed suicide from derangement owing to disease. The amount expended by the town for bounties and expenses was about $28,000.00, being equal to $13.50 to each man, woman and child in town, according to the census of 1860, and about 500 per cent. of the grand list of the town in 1865. 

    The First Congregational church of Stowe, located at Stowe village, was organized November 21, 1818, by a council of whom Nathaniel Rawson was moderator, with six members, viz.: Joseph Savage, Daniel B. Dutton, Abner Fuller, Rachel Dutton, Lorania Dutton, and Esther Savage. The first settled pastor was Rolden A. Watkins, in 1826, who retained the pastorate until 1830. Since that time, up to February 1, 1883, when the present minister, Rev. Wilbert L. Anderson was installed, there were but four pastors installed, covering a period of thirty-eight years. The remaining portions of the time it was supplied with various ministers as acting pastors. The church building, a wood structure, was built in 1839, and enlarged and repaired in 1864, So that it is now a comfortable structure, capable of accommodating 300 persons, and valued, including parsonage, at $3,500.00. The society has seventy-eight members. 

    The Methodist church, located at Stowe village, was organized by Lorenzo Dow, about the year 1800. The church building was erected in 1840, and enlarged and repaired in 1866. Rev. F. W. Lewis is the present pastor of the society. 

    The Union church, located about two and one-half miles from the central part of the town, on the Mansfield mountain road, was built in 1836, and is still used by all denominations. It will seat 225 persons, and cost $1,187.00. 
 

(Source: Gazetteer of Lamoille and Orleans Counties, VT.; 1883-1884, Compiled and Published by Hamilton Child; May 1887, Page 128-132)

This excerpt was provided by Tom Dunn.