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DUNNETT, ALEXANDER son of Andrew and Christiana (GALBRAITH) DUNNETT,
was born in Peacham in 1852. Alexander DUNNETT is a thoroughbred Scotchman,
turned Yankee. He is a descendant of adventurous Norsemen mariners, whose
seat was Dunnett Head, the most northern point of Scotland, a precipitous
headland, crowned by a lighthouse whose sides are often lashed by the tempestuous
waves dashing mountains high through the channel separating the mainland
from the Orkney Isles. Their family crest is significant -- a fox on a
rock -- their motto, “Non Terra sed Aquis.”
Andrew DUNNETT came to America from his native Scotland in 1842;
a few years later married Christiana, daughter of George GALBRAITH of Barnet,
settled for a few years on a farm in Peacham and later at West Newbury.
He was a moderately well-to-do farmer, a great Bible student, and not unskilled
in theological polemics, and an elder in the Reformed Presbyterian church
at South Ryegate, where the family moved when Alexander was fourteen years
old. John GALBRAITH, the great-grand-father of the subject of this sketch,
was a "Scotch Laird," who came to America before the Revolution and purchased
a large tract of land in Sutton and in Barnet, near Endrick brook, named
by him. Here he stayed for a time alone, waiting for a break in the Revolutionary
lines through which he could return to Scotland, frequently visited by
the Indians.
Alexander DUNNETT began the study of law with Hon. N. L. BOYDEN
of Randolph, completed his professional studies at Boston University Law
school, and was admitted to practice at the bar of Orange county at the
June term, 1877.
During these years he enjoyed the wholesome experience of teaching
several terms of winter school. He began the practice of his profession
at South Ryegate, and three years later was appointed Master in chancery.
In 1883 he removed to St. Johnsbury, where he entered into partnership
with Hon. A. F. NICHOLS, which connection subsisted three years. Since
1896 he has had L. P. SLACK as a partner.
As a lawyer Mr. DUNNETT possesses a keen analysis which seizes and
illuminates the salient points of his case, tireless energy and persistence
in trial, united with a forceful and original presentation of both law
and evidence. He has become especially prominent as an all around lawyer,
with a large practice at nisi prius as well as before the supreme court.
He was state's attorney of Caledonia county from 1886 to 1890. He was for
several years town superintendent of schools of Ryegate and has served
as moderator many years in that town and St. Johnsbury. He has taken the
stump as a political orator in every campaign since he was admitted to
the bar, has attended as a delegate most of the state and district conventions,
was for several years chairman of the Caledonia County Republican committee,
and also of the Republican state convention of 1900.
His growth in ability and influence has been constant at the bar
and in the political forum. He served with distinction in 1900 as a senator
from Caledonia county, was chairman of the general committee, a member
of the judiciary committee and a potential factor in the work of the session.
Liberal in his religious beliefs and his social affinities, Mr.
DUNNETT enjoys a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. He has been
Master Wells River, High Priest of Haswell chapter, R. A. M., and is a
Knight Templar.
Mr. DUNNETT married in April, 1879, Ella J., daughter of James and
Anna C. WHITE, who died in 1881. December, 1884, he married Sarah M., daughter
of Silas M. and Harriett TOWN of Barre, who passed away in 1888. He contracted
a third alliance with Mrs. Ella CHALMERS, widow of Rev, John R. CHALMERS
of St. Johnsbury, in April, 1890.
Source: Successful Vermonters,
William H. Jeffrey, E. Burke, Vermont, The Historical Publishing Company,
1904, page 48-50.
Prepared
by Tom Dunn January 2003
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