LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS

      As has in previous chapters been extensively mentioned the independence of Vermont was declared during the year 1777, (January 15th), although the legislative body of the State had no fixed habitation for a number of years subsequent to that event, but it was customary for the Legislature to meet at such place as was most convenient or appropriate, which was determined somewhat by the character of the business likely to be presented for consideration. Upon three occasions was the town of Manchester selected as the place for the meeting of the Legislature, the first being convened on the 14th of October, 1779, at the tavern of Eliakim WELLER. The pioneers, Martin POWEL and Gideon ORMSBY, were at that time the town representatives. The second meeting of the Legislature at Manchester was held on the 10th day of October, 1782, Gideon ORMSBY and Thomas BULL being the local representatives. The third and last meeting at Manchester was held on the 9th of October, 1788, and continued in session seventeen days.

THE COUNTY BUILDINGS

      In the year 1781 the county of Bennington was organized, and, for the proper administration of the affairs of the county, two shire towns were selected, Bennington and Manchester. But prior to this time provision had been made for the location of the county buildings at Shaftsbury, that place being considered the most central and withal the most suitable in the county for the purpose. This led to serious discussion and agitation and resulted in a change of location to Bennington. This change proved far less satisfactory to the people residing in the northern townships, and in order to allay the feelings of dissatisfaction Bennington and Manchester were each made half-shire towns of the county, and provision made for the erection of county buildings and the holding of courts alternately in each place. It was some time, however, before a suitable court-house was erected in Manchester from the fact that a considerable feeling was shown in the matter of selecting a site. The committee was desirous of erecting the buildings on the site of Factory Point (now Manchester Centre), but the worthy owner of the lands thereabouts refused to sell a tract for the purpose. Then through the efforts of Martin POWEL and Noble J. PURDY it was thought advisable to build at a point just east of the Centre, on the elevated ground; but this latter endeavor was defeated by interested persons, residents of the southern half of the township, and a permanent location was secured on the common at Manchester village, on the land now occupied by the Manchester Journal office and other adjoining buildings. Here the first court-house and jail were built. The former was a substantial frame building, unpretentious in architecture, and of dimensions only sufficient for actual needs of the town. The old building was used until the year 1822, when a more commodious and substantial house of justice was built; but after a lapse of twenty-seven years (in 1849) the latter was considerably enlarged. Concerning the year in which the old court-house was built, Judge MUNSON in his address fixes the date as 1794-5, while Counselor MINER, in his contribution to the Vermont Historical Magazine, says it was erected in 1787. All authorities agree, however, upon the fact that the old building, and the new as well, was erected upon funds raised by the subscription of private citizens. Prior to the erection of the first building terms of court were held at the tavern or the meeting house.

      The year 1800 found the township with a population of nearly fourteen hundred souls; all engaged in the peaceful arts of agriculture, manufacture, and trade. The spiritual welfare of the residents was guarded by the influence of three substantial church organizations, the Episcopalian, the Congregational, and the Baptist, each then having been in existence a number of years. Each of these is elsewhere made the subject of special mention.

      The names of many of the pioneers of the township have already been recorded in this chapter; but there were others that came at a later date whose names, perhaps, it is well enough to recall; and in order to do this a selection has been made from the "lists" on file with the town clerk, taking the oldest one to be found -- that of the fiscal year 1805. From this it will be found that at that time the taxable inhabitants of the town of Manchester were as follows Robert ANDERSON, David and Andrew ANDERSON, Erastus ABBOTT, Seth ALLEN, jr., James ANDERSON, James Arnold, William BEDEL, jr., J. BOORN and G. BURRITT, James BORLAND, Thomas and SMITH BULL, David BROOKS, Amos BOORN, Charles BULKLEY, Stephen BLANCHARD, Joseph BURR, Elijah BURTON, Josiah BROWN, Eli BROWNSON, Nathaniel BOSTWICK, Nathaniel BOORN, Jonathan BENEDICT, Samuel BENEDICT, John BULLISS, Henry BULLISS, Nathaniel BACKUS, Timothy BALCH. Stephen BOORN, David BULLISS, Ezra BLAKESLEE, Samuel BEECH, Barney BOORN, Lazarus BEARDSLEE, Isaac BURTON, Timothy BROWN, ALLEN BRIGGS, John COLLINS, Russel COLVIN, Nathaniel COLLINS, Mason CHASE, John CHAPMAN, Silas CANFIELD, Elijah COLLINS, Nathaniel CHEESEBROUGH, Benjamin CLARK, Simmons CURTIS, Dorastus COLE, Amos CHIPMAN, Elisha CLARK, Gad COOLEY, Eliakim DEMMING, Joseph DUDLEY, Nathan EATON, Leonard FOSTER, Jonathan FARWELL, Samuel -FRENCH, Joseph FRENCH, Joshua FRENCH, John FRENCH, Elijah FRENCH, Truman FIELDS, Peter FERGUSON, Francis FIELDS, George FIELDS, David GLAZIER, jr., Jonathan GILBERT, Napthali GLAZIER, Reuben GIDDINGS, Job GIDDINGS, Eli GILBERT. Converse GILBERT, William GOULD, jr., Daniel HAMMOND, Eben HITCHCOCK, James HICKOX, Edward HARRISON, Jabez HAWLEY, Truman HURD, Perry HARDEN, John HOGABOOM, A. and J. HOGABOOM, Asahel HAWLEY, Benjamin HICKS, Daniel HICKS, Daniel HICKS, jr., SHUBEL Handy, Clark HYDE, E. S. HOLLISTER, James HICKOX, jr., Beriah HOWARD, Eli HOWARD, Silas HUBBELL, Lyman HOTCHKISS, Ezra ISHAM, William and James JAMESON, Oliver JEWELL, Daniel JONES, William JONES, Samuel JACOBS, Thomas JOHNSON, Daniel JACOBS, Simeon KIMPTON, Hubbel LATHROP, Asa LOVELAND, Thomas LOW, John LOGAN, Joseph LOGAN, Josiah LOCKWOOD, Samuel LAWRENCE, Robert and Matthew LOGAN, B. MUNSON and J: BURTON, Jared MUNSON, Jonathan MARTIN,. P. and W. MEAD, Samuel MATTISON, Aaron MASON, Ephraim MUNSON, William S. MARSH, Robert MONTGOMERY, James B. MOSIER, Ambrose MORE, Jacob MEAD, Lyman MUNSON, Amos MEAD,  Thaddeus MUNSON, Hugh MONTGOMERY, Eli MALETT, Timothy MEAD, Joseph MONTGOMERY, Constant NICKERSON, Jacob ODEL, Jonathan O'BRIAN, Daniel ORMSBY, Jacob ORMSBY, Mercy ORMSBY, Daniel OLDS, Gideon ORMSBY, Jeremiah ODEL, Seth PETTEBONE, Benjamin PURDY, John PURDY, Abel PETTEBONE, Reuben PURDY, jr., Reuben PURDY, David PURDY, Daniel PURDY, Alexander PRINDLE. Samuel -PURDY, Samuel PETTEBONE, Robert PIERPONT, Joel PRATT, Truman PURDY, John PRATT, Isaac PURDY, Eli PURDY, Eli PETTEBONE, Ira PETTEBONE, Benjamin PURDY, Archibald PRICHARD, Andrew RICHARDSON, Chris. ROBERTS, John ROBERTS, Timothy ROBINSON, Joshua RAYMOND, Elias RICHARDSON, John P. ROBERTS, Israel ROACH, John C. RICHARDSON, Joel ROSE, Isaac ROSE, Amos RICHARDSON'; Andrew RICHARDSON jr., Martin ROBERTS, Philip REYNOLDS, Jonah SUTHERLAND; Enos SMITH, Samuel. STURDEVANT, Serenus SWIFT, Peletiah SOPER, John SMITH, James STURDEVANT, Frederick SMITH, Jere. STRATTON, Truman SQUIRE, Moses SPERRY, B. and S. STRAIT, George STRAIT, Stephen STODDARD, William SMITH, Benjamin SUTHERLAND, Samuel SUTHERLAND, John E. SPERRY, Roger SUTHERLAND, Philo SPERRY, John SWAN, Moses J. SPERRY, Daniel SPERRY, Benjamin SWIFT, Richard SKINNER, Jesse SOUTHWICK, Seth SUTHERLAND, Seth SPENCER, George SEXTON, Charles SEXTON, Joseph SIMMONS, John SMITH (deaf), Seth SMITH, jr., David STODDARD, Jonathan TAYLOR, Charles THOMAS, John VANDERLIP, Jonas VAUGHN, David VAUGHN, William UNDERHILL, Nicholas WOOD, Jeremiah WAIT, Samuel P. WHEDON, Gilbert WILSON, W. and E. WELLS, Samuel WILCOX, William WYMAN, Frederick W. WACK, John WHEATON, Philip WHELPLEY, Joseph WHELPLEY, Jonah WETHERBY, Lyman WAY, James WHEATON, Constant WEBB, John WARD.

      At that time militia polls were exempt from State taxes. They were as follows: Erastus ABBOTT, James ARNOLD, Lazarus BEARDSLEY, William BEDEL, jr., David BULLIS, Timothy BALCH, Nathaniel BACKUS, Charles BULKLEY, Stephen BOORN, Russel COLVIN, John COLLINS, Silas CANFIELD, Simon CURTIS, Gad COOLEY, Leonard FOSTER, Truman HIND, James HICKOX, jr., Abraham HOGABOOM, Silas HUBBELl, William JONES. Thomas JOHNSON, Daniel Jacobs, Matthew LOGAN, Joseph LOGAN, Thomas LOW, William MEAD, William S. MARSH, James B. MOSHER, Eli Mallet, Jonathan MARTIN, Daniel OLDS, Jere. ODEL, Isaac PURDY, Eli PURDY, Benjamin PURDY, third, Isaac ROSE, John P. ROBERTS, Andrew RICHARDSON, jr., Benjamin, Jonah and James SUTHERLAND, Stephen STODDARD, Seth SPENCER, Samuel STURDEVANT, Enos and Seth SMITH, David VAUGHN, F. W. WAIT, James WHEATON, Samuel P. WHEDDON, Philip WHELPLEY, William WYMAN, Seth SUTHERLAND, Seth ALLEN, jr., Stephen BLANCHARD, John BULLISS, Samuel BURCH, John CHAPMAN, Nathaniel CHEESBROUGH, Nap. GLAZIER, Reuben GIDDINGS, Beriah HOWARD, Ira PETTEBONE.

      Names of polls belonging to cavalry who also had an exemption : Elijah COLLINS, Eli GILBERT, William JAMESON, Amos MEAD, Joseph MONTGOMERY, Reuben PURDY, jr., Elias RICHARDSON, Burton STRAIT, John E. SPRING, George STRAIT, Moses J. SPERRY, Walter WELLS, Joseph WHELPLEY, Samuel Wilcox, Hubbel LATHROP.

      A summary of the polls and listed property of the township for the year 1805 showed as follows: Number of polls, 174; acres of improved land, 6,050; other property listed, $10,891.50; houses assessed, $394.80; other property assessed, $1,290. The total assessment for the year 1805 was $31,941.04. The listers for the year were Eli PETTEBONE, David VAUGHN, Richard SKINNER, Joshua FRENCH and Daniel ORMSBY.

      The succeeding year, 1806, according to the report of the listers, showed a slight increase, there being 187 polls; 6,182 1/2 acres of improved land (assessed at $1.75 per acre); houses assessed at $506; other property, $12,053; two folds added, $6,138; exemptions, 85 militiamen at $20 each, $1700, 10 horses of cavalry at $13.50, $135, a total of $1,835, which being deducted from the gross assessment left a balance of $31,421.37 ½.

      An examination of the list made in 1816, the year next succeeding the close of the war of 1812-15, showed a total of but 99 polls, 6,737 acres of improved land, 100 houses (estimated); 120 oxen, 670 cows, 229 two-year olds; 246 horses and mules of three years old, 23 horses and mules of three years old, 29 horses and mules of two years old, 29 horses and mules one year old, four stallions of four years old, pleasure carriages assessed in the whole at $95; 6 house clocks, 2 gold watches, 14 silver watches, money on hand and at interest, $960; attorneys assessed for their profession, $60; physicians assessed at $40; merchants and traders assessed in the whole at $150, and owners of mills assessed in the whole at $113.

      At this time pleasure carriages were assessed .against Eli BROWNSON, Martin, Calvin SHELDON, Frederick SMITH, Richard SKINNER, Anson J. SPERRY, Eliphalet WELLS, executor, Robert PIERPONT, B. RAYMOND, S. C. RAYMOND, Israel ROACH, and Martin ROBERTS. The possessors of gold watches were Richard SKINNER and Martin ROBERTS. The attorneys of the town were Calvin SHELDON and Anson J. SPERRY, each of whom was assessed at $30. The physicians who were listed at $20 each were Dr. Ezra ISHAM and Elijah LITTLEFIELD. The merchants and traders were Peter BLACK, S. C. RAYMOND, Benjamin ROBERTS, Martin ROBERTS, and E. and J. WELLS. The mill and machine owners were Samuel ADAMS, James BORLAND, BAKER & JENNINGS, Nathaniel COLLINS, Hiram CORNELL, and Horatio WALKER.

      No unusual event occurred to disturb the peace, harmony and progress of the people of Manchester from the time of the recognition of Vermont's independence until the outbreak of the memorable war of 1812-15, by which the freedom of American institutions was again threatened. To this service the town contributed thirty-four men; a few of whom laid down their lives in that struggle, but the majority, after a service of from six months to two years, returned unharmed to the town.

      The names of the persons from this town that were actively engaged in the service during this war, although no accurate roster of the same is now to be found, are believed to be substantially as follows: John S. PETTEBONE, Benjamin MUNSON, Alvah BISHOP, Leonard SARGEANT, Truman KIMPTON, David REYNOLDS, James WHELPLEY, John BLACK, Truman HILL, Silas SMITH, Jabez HAWLEY, Benjamin DIBBLE, Elijah BURTON, Matthew LOGAN, Nathan THOMPSON, John HARRIS, Lemuel COLLINS, John C. WALKER, Dr. Elijah LITTLEFIELD, Joseph BURTON, Samuel R. WHEDDEN, Daniel OLDS, Eliphalet WELLS, Jeremiah ODEL, Serenus KILBURN, John R. PETTEBONE, Robert ANDERSON, Burton STRAIGHT, Apollos HARVEY, Gurdon EATON, Thomas WAIT, Abram C. FOWLER.

      Of these whose names are recorded, some recollections are gleaned from the files of the Manchester Journal. James WHELPLEY will be remembered as a substantial merchant of the town, whose store building stood about on the site now occupied by BURTON & Co.

      John BLACK was a sergeant in Captain WEED's Company. He afterward kept a hotel in Rupert, of which town the captain was a resident.

      Truman HILL was a corporal while in the service; he afterward went to Allegheny county, N. Y., where he died.

      Silas SMITH was a private; he subsequently lived in Dorset.

      Jabez HAWLEY was an ensign, but was promoted to lieutenant. After the war he moved to Dorset, and still later to New York State, where he died.

      Benjamin DIBBLE went into the service as a substitute for Colonel BROWNSON, but after the war he emigrated west

      Elijah BURTON was an orderly in the regular army, and, after his service expired, moved to Euclid, O., where he became a physician. He died at the last named place.

      Nathan Thompson was orderly sergeant in the Eleventh regulars; he was afterward promoted to lieutenant He, too, emigrated west to Indiana, and there ended his days.

      Samuel THOMPSON, a brother of Nathan's, was shot in the neck during the battle of Lundy's Lane. He afterward became a recruiting officer at Manchester until he was able to rejoin his command. After the war he moved to Lower Sandusky, O.

      John HARRIS was killed in the battle at Lundy's Lane.

      John C. WALKER at the time the war broke out was a practicing lawyer of Manchester, and lived where Judge E. B. BURTON now resides, and had a small office on the north side of the same lot. Mr. WALKER entered the regular army and was made lieutenant.

      Dr. Elijah LITTLEFIELD left his practice for the service and became a surgeon in the regular army. After the war he returned to the town and resumed his practice.

      Joseph BURTON was a non-commissioned officer in the cavalry service. Daniel OLDS was a grandson of Major Gideon ORMSBEE, and was killed at the skirmish at Chateaugay.

      Eliphalet WELLS was a militia lieutenant. He died in town.

      Jeremiah ODEL was the only soldier of this town who, during this war, proved false to his allegiance. He deserted from the army and returned home; he was found concealed not far from the old ROBERTS' homestead, and was captured by John R. PETTEBONE but managed to escape. -- He was afterward recaptured, but we have no knowledge as to whether his offense was punished.

      John R. PETTEBONE was a soldier of the regular army, and held the rank of sergeant. After the war he moved to Michigan, where he came to his death from drowning while fording a river.

      John S. PETTEBONE was also in the service from the town, He was afterward prominently known as "Judge" PETTEBONE, from the fact of his having held the offices of probate judge, and also as associate judge of the County Courts. He was born in Manchester and died there, a highly respected and worthy citizen.

      John BLACK, mentioned above as one of those who entered the service from the town, was a brother of Captain Peter BLACK, and engaged with the militia branch of the army. Both before and after the war John BLACK was connected with the hotel at Manchester, of which business Peter BLACK was the head. The latter was not engaged in the war, but received his title of "captain," by reason of his connection with the local militia organizations.

THE COLVIN MURDER CASE

      There was not among the early events of the town one that caused half as much discussion, excitement and widespread comment as that known in the history and in the courts of the county as the COLVIN murder case; and although this event has been written and re-written and published time and again, some mention of the main facts relating to this supposed tragedy will not be out of place in these pages.

      The families named respectively BOORN and COLVIN were among the early residents of the town, both living in the vicinity of the Battenkill River. Barnet, or as he was more commonly known, Barney BOORN, was the father of three children, Stephen, Jesse and Sally. The latter was the wife of Russell COLVIN, a man of weak intellect, and at times believed to be insane. It was not unusual for him to absent himself from the home of his father-in-law, BOORN, and remain away for a considerable time, but nothing was thought of such proceeding as it was known to be one of COLVIN's peculiarities. Some time during the month of May, 1812 COLVIN again disappeared; and as nothing was heard from him for some years, rumors that he had met a tragic death, and at the-hands of his brothers-in-law, became current. These young men, by somewhat strange actions and still more strange remarks, confirmed the growing suspicion that COLVIN had been foully dealt with. The missing man's hat was found in a secluded place, and about the same time Amos BOORN, a man highly respected, an uncle of the suspected parties, "dreamed a dream” to the effect that COLVIN had appeared to him and said to him that he had been murdered. Added to the excitement occasioned by Amos BOORN's dream, came the unearthing of what was pronounced to be human bones, through the kindly offices of somebody's dog; and upon the evidence thus adduced, on the 27th of April, 1819, nearly seven years after the supposed tragedy occurred, Jesse BOORN was taken into custody and arraigned before "squire" Joel PRATT for examination. At this time Stephen BOORN had become a resident of New York State, but he was afterward arrested upon the statement of his brother and brought to this county.

      Nearly the whole townspeople attended the preliminary trial or examination of Jesse BOORN. All evidence possible, direct, circumstantial, and even theoretical, was brought to bear against the unhappy and unfortunate Jesse; but upon the examination the local gossips received a terrible shock from the fact that the physicians pronounced the exhumed bones to be those of a deceased sheep and not of a human being. But Jesse, at about the time when he would have been released from custody, made a statement that he believed that Stephen had killed COLVIN in the field known as the "Glazier lot" that they were hoeing, and while COLVIN was about to run away Stephen had struck him on the head with a club and killed him. All this, he said, Stephen had told him the winter before.

      Upon this statement a warrant was procured and an officer dispatched to New York State, and the luckless Stephen taken into custody and returned to jail in this county. Another examination was held which resulted in the indictment of both Stephen and Jesse BOORN.

      The case was brought on for trial in November, 1819, Chief Justice CHASE presiding, and associates Joel DOOLITTLE and William BRAYTON. Calvin SHELDON, then state's attorney, appeared for the people, and Richard SKINNER, Leonard SARGEANT and Counselor WELLMAN for the prisoners. Upon the evidence, which was mainly circumstantial, except the confessions of guilt made by both prisoners, they were found guilty and sentenced to be hanged on the 28th of January, 1820. Subsequently, however, the sentence against Jesse BOORN was commuted to imprisonment for life.

      Notwithstanding the confessions made by the BOORNs, and the other evidences of guilt proved on the trial, they were not the murderers of Russel COLVIN. It is true there was a quarrel, and COLVIN was struck upon the head, but the blow was not a fatal one. The supposed victim recovered his sense and left the place, and it was not until a very few days before the time set for executing Stephen BOORN that he reappeared. A new trial was petitioned for and granted, and the case subsequently dismissed. Descendants of both families, the BOORNs and COLVINs, still live in Manchester, and are among the most respected people in the township.

      From the time of the close of the War of 1812-15 to the present, it would be an idle and useless task to attempt to trace the growth and development of the township of Manchester, or to attempt to record each individual change or industry established. In 1791 the population of this town was 1,276, and from that time until the year 1880, a period of eighty-nine years, there has been a total increase as shown by the census reports of 653, making according to the census of 1880 a total population of 1,929. This last was the greatest number up to that time attained, although it is confidently believed that since the year last named there has been a healthful increase beyond the maximum then reached. This belief seems to be borne out -and confirmed by the present increased voting population. To show the comparative increase or decrease in population by decades from 1791 to 1880, reference is made to the census reports from which is extracted the following summary: Population from 1791 to 1880, inclusive -- 1791, 1,276; 1800, 1,397; 1810, 1,502; 1820, 1,508; 1830, 1,525; 1840, 1,590; 1850, 1,782; 1860, 1,698; 1870, 1,897, 1880, 1,929.

VILLAGES WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP OF MANCHESTER

      Villages.-- Within the township of Manchester are three well-established and well-settled villages-Manchester, Manchester Centre and Manchester Depot. The post-station of Barnumville should, perhaps, be mentioned as one of the villages of the township, although it never attained any considerable population, or held more than a single important industry, and that during later years has gone into comparative disuse. Through the efforts of Mr. James E. MC NAUGHTON a post-office was established at the place, and whatever of life and progression the hamlet has shown has been, in the main, due to the labors of Mr. MC NAUGHTON. For some years he was extensively engaged in the manufacture of charcoal at Barnumville, but this, industry has declined seriously of late and only the old brick kilns remain of what was once a prosperous business. As has been said concerning Barnumville may with equal truth be mentioned of that locality which many years ago was known as Marbleville, although the latter is altogether a thing of the past, while the former does yet retain evidences of recent and present prosperity.

      Marbleville was so named from the mills erected there for the purpose of sawing and otherwise preparing that valuable product for the market. The town, or what there was of such, was situated on the road leading from the main road to the west road, almost opposite the residence of judge MUNSON, and about half way between Manchester and Manchester Centre. But the industries of Marbleville are now gone, and all that remains to mark the locality are the old tumble-down mills with large water-wheels, more substantial than the buildings, and rising above the debris. This was never a trading point nor had it a post-station, but the gathering of houses in the vicinity attest the fact that here was once a busy community.

THE VILLAGE OF MANCHESTER

      Although the village of Manchester has no corporate existence independent of the township of which it forms a part, and although it lacks the population, industries and business appearance of its sister village situated about a mile to the northward, it is unquestionably to be reckoned as the leading village of the township; leading because it is the point at which the county buildings are situated; because of its prominent educational institution, the BURR and BURTON Seminary; because of its fame as a summer resort and its commodious and well-ordered Equinox House, a place of rest and resort for the wealthiest and most aristocratic of the country's people. The village of Manchester contains something like sixty residences and has a population of about three hundred persons. Its limits cannot be well defined. The main thoroughfare of travel passes through the town in a generally north and south course; a wide, well-kept avenue, with elegant grass-plats on either side, and what is still more attractive, an abundance of magnificent maple and elm shade trees that protect the traveler from the sun's intense heat. The street leading west up the hill to the seminary while less imposing in appearance, is no less an attraction. Throughout the village are good, level marble walks for pedestrians. To the north of the town the main road forks, one branch leading to the high lands on the west, while the other traverses the rich bottom lands of the valley. The history of this village is almost identical with that of the whole township. The fact of its being the seat of the county buildings for the north shire of the county has made it the most prominent center of the township, while the other features above mentioned have tended to confirm this truth.

      From Judge MUNSON's historical address, are gleaned these facts concerning the early occupancy of the village:

    "As early as-1796 Robert PIERPONT became a resident of Manchester. He kept an inn where Rev. Dr. WICKHAM now lives. Dr. Ezra ISHAM came here from Litchfield, Conn., about 1798, and soon became the leading physician of the vicinity. In 1795 Joseph BURR, the founder of the seminary, was trading in a building which stood about where William B. BURTON now lives. Before 1800 he removed to the lot now (1875) occupied by the residence of E. J. HAWLEY, where he passed the remainder of his business life and accumulated the greater part of his property. In 1800 Richard SKINNER moved into town and soon became prominent as a lawyer and citizen.

    "The 4th of March, 1801, the day of the first inauguration of Thomas Jefferson, was celebrated in Manchester by the raising of Thaddeus MUNSON's new inn (the building that in more recent years was the north part of-the Taconic House.) The whipping-post stood on the west side of the street, nearly in front of the north side of the Equinox House, while the pillory was located on the east side: of the street, a little south of the present court-house.

    "In 1812," continues judge MUNSON, “Manchester village had about one third as many buildings as now. The most northerly house was the MUNSON homestead, then occupied by the widow and children of- Rufus MUNSON. Where the Congregational Church lifts its tall spire stood the first meeting-house, unpainted, and without steeple or ornament. At the southeast corner of the old burying-ground was the district school house, and nearly in its rear stood a blacksmith shop. Anson MUNSON kept tavern in the lower part of the court-house building, and in the court-room in the upper story Rev. Mr. BROWNSON, an Episcopal clergyman of Arlington, held services every other Sabbath. Nathan BROWNSON, who had formerly been a merchant in the place, lived a little south of the court-house. Anson J. SPERRY lived on the premises recently occupied by L. C. ORVIS, and had a law-office just south 'of -his residence. Joshua RAYMOND kept tavern at the Allis stand, and the old lodge-room was occupied by the select school of Miss HARRIS, an institution extensively patronized by the young ladies of Manchester and vicinity. Samuel RAYMOND traded in a store where Mrs. LAWRENCE now (1875) lives, and Joel ROSE lived on the premises occupied by the residence of Deacon BLACK. Mrs. WOOD's place was then occupied by Elijah HOLLISTER and his son, Marinus, who drove the stages between Bennington and Rutland. Dr. Elijah LITTLEFIELD had recently built and taken possession of the house now occupied by George STONE. Deacon Asa LOVELAND lived where Noah P. PERKINS now does, and the Hoyt place was then the tavern stand of Israel ROACH. Serenus SWIFT lived and had an office at the Elms House Place, and just north of it was the law office of Cyrus A. LOCKWOOD. Joseph WELLS was then trading at the Burr stand, but Mr. BURR retained an office in the building for his general business.

    "John C. WALKER, a young lawyer, occupied the E. B. BURTON place, and had an office on the north side of his lot. Calvin SHELDON lived in the house now owned by Rev. James ANDERSON, and his law office is still standing south of that building. Captain Peter BLACK kept an inn where Rev. Dr. WICKHAM resides, and also traded in a store which stood on the south side of his lot. Where Major HAWLEY now lives was the residence and law office of Richard SKINNER, among whose students at that time were Leonard SARGENT and Robert PIERPONT.

    "Nathan BURTON, who had been appointed postmaster in 1808, lived where Mr. MINER does, and kept the post-office in a little building on the north side of the lot. Joel PRATT, the county clerk, lived on the premises now occupied Mr. CONE, and had an office adjoining his house on the north. The old MARSH Tavern was still standing tenantless and soon to be demolished. Thaddeus MUNSON lived in the new tavern by its side, but kept it open only in court time. Ephraim MUNSON lived on the premises now occupied by Mr. SHATTUCK." 

      While each of the residents and property owners has done his full share toward the beautifying of the village, and making the same a delightful place of abode, the greatest work and the greatest success is shown by the efforts of Franklin H. ORVIS, a native of the town, and proprietor of the famous Equinox House; as a result of which effort Manchester has each summer a boarding population of from three to four hundred persons in excess of its permanent dwellers. This enterprise was established by Mr. ORVIS over thirty-five years ago, and upon a scale that was then thought sufficient for future wants; but the desirability of the location, and the popularity of the resort have compelled enlargements, so that the capacity of the house has been increased several fold, and the old hotel buildings have been embraced within the management of the Equinox, and connected with it are a number of cottages. The Equinox Hotel with its several attachments will accommodate in the neighborhood of three hundred guests, and the remainder of transient population is distributed among private residences. The Munson House is also a summer boarding establishment of Manchester, though of comparatively modest capacity. It is under the proprietorship of John MOFFAT.

THE BURR AND BURTON SEMINARY

      This institution, designed for the higher education of the youth of the county and elsewhere, was founded in the. year 1833, and named the "Burr Seminary" in honor of the man through whose magnificent contribution its erection became possible -- Joseph BURR of Manchester, one of the leading business citizens-of the community. For this institution Mr. BURR's contribution amounted to the sum of $10,000. According to the original intention the seminary was designed for male students only, but in the year 1849 a young ladies' department was added, which character has been maintained to the present day. In the year 1860 Josiah BURTON gave to the trustees of the seminary the sum of $15,000, and in honor of that donation, upon the application of the trustees to the State Legislature, the corporate name of the institution was changed to the "BURR and BURTON Seminary," by which it has ever since been known. The earliest instructors of the seminary were Rev. Lyman COLEMAN and John AIKEN. About the year 1837 Rev. Joseph D. WICKHAM became principal of the seminary, and so continued until 1853, when he resigned to accept a professorship at Middlebury College; but in 1856 he returned to Manchester and resumed his position, remaining until 1862, .at which time he retired. Dr. WICKHAM still remains in the village and enjoys the distinction of being the oldest living graduate of Yale College, having finished his course in that celebrated institution in 1815. Dr. WICKHAM was born at Thompson, Conn., April 4, 1797. For a number of years William A. BURNHAM, esq. was an instructor at Burr Seminary, being associated therein with Dr. WICKHAM; and it may be said, with much truth too, that the days of the greatest success of the institution were during the professorship of these last named persons, although it is not to be inferred that the seminary is in anything like a declining condition; on the contrary its course was never higher than at the present, and the faculty is fully competent to maintain the high standing and reputation acquired for the school in earlier years.

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

      The first meetings of the people of this denomination for divine worship were held during the first years of the town's settlement, and at such place as best suited the convenience of the few residents of the locality, and it was not until the year 1782 that the society became regularly organized, and not until two years later that a church home for the society was erected. Among the earliest workers- for the welfare of the society was the Rev. Job SWIFT, and it was largely through his efforts that the church edifice was built. In this building the society meetings were held until the year 1829, at which time the congregation had grown too large for the small church and a better and more commodious one was erected. Again, in 1870, a still larger and more attractive building was erected on the site of the former. For its construction generous contributions were made by interested persons not permanent residents of the town, and added to this the provision made by the society proper enabled the trustees to erect the present large and well furnished Congregational Church edifice that now adorns the town. The bell, the weight of which is nearly two tons, was donated by Hon. Mark SKINNER of Chicago; the clock by H. A. HURLBURT of New York. For the organ, which cost about two thousand dollars, Pierpont ISHAM of New York, and Edward S. ISHAM of Chicago, contributed five hundred dollars. Others gave liberally of their means for the work, to all of whom the building stands a monument of generosity. Its entire cost was about twenty-six thousand dollars, and the aggregate value of the church property amounts to about thirty-five thousand dollars. The edifice has a seating capacity sufficient for five hundred persons. From the time of its first organization the growth in church membership in the society has been gradual, yet healthful, so that at the present time the number of members in regular standing reaches about two hundred.

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH (EPISCOPAL.)

      This society is practically an offshoot of the mother church at Manchester Centre, although the original church was founded in this village, and was organized to meet the desire of the church's people living in that locality, and for the further purpose of providing for the visitors of that faith that annually seek rest and quiet at the village of Manchester, and who may not feel inclined to travel to the older church at the Centre. The parish, however, is wholly independent of that of Manchester Centre. The edifice occupies a pleasant location on Seminary avenue not far from the main street. Its cost was about five thousand dollars. The society at no time has been numerically strong, and its organization dates back only to about the year 1867.

MUSIC HALL

      This building, the purpose of which is to provide a suitable place for public gatherings for amusement and entertainment, was built at the direction and expense of Franklin H. ORVIS in the year 1868. Its interior is arranged and equipped with a sufficient stage, and all necessary paraphernalia incident to a well ordered opera house and theater.

BANKS

      Among the institutions and business interests formerly having a seat of operations in Manchester there should be made some mention of its banks, although at the present time the town cannot lay claim to the possession of one. The old Bank of Manchester was incorporated November 7, 1832, with a capital stock of $100,000. The bank did a successful business for a number of years. In 1838 William P. BLACK was made cashier, and upon him devolved the burden of the work, care and responsibility connected with its management He outlived the institution, and subsequently occupied the same position in connection with the Battenkill Bank and the Battenkill National Bank both of which are now numbered with the things of the past.

THE PRESS

      The first attempt, of which we have a record, looking to the founding of a newspaper at Manchester, was made during the year 1830, by Edward C. PURDY, who brought into existence The Horn of the Green Mountains; but after a feeble existence of about a year the Horn failed to blow good returns to its worthy and enterprising founder and thereupon its publication was discontinued.

      Next in the succession of evanescent journalism at Manchester appeared The Vermont Express, under the editorial control of A. L. MINER, esq. Although purporting to be a newspaper of this town, and being issued as such, the Express was printed at Salem, N. Y. It was not a long lived paper and soon discontinued publication.

      Some months later, in the early part of the year 1837, and while the doctrines taught by the Whig party were being watched and pretty generally accepted by the majority of the people, there appeared in Manchester the first issue of The Bennington County Whig, which, as its headline indicated, espoused the cause of the Whig party. The editor, B. C. CRANDALL, a former resident of Salem, N. Y., acted as editor for a few weeks and then suddenly left the town and his embryo publication. Orlando SQUIRES then conducted the paper for a short time, but was succeeded by John C. OSBORN, a practical printer, who had been in the office, but he having no extensive understanding of editorial work discontinued the paper sometime during the year 1838.

THE MANCHESTER JOURNAL

      Of the four newspaper publications that have from time to time been started the Journal is the only one that has a present existence in Manchester; and from its founding to this present the paper has enjoyed a paying subscription list. More than that it is recognized as one of the leading papers of the county, and as such finds a place in a very large number of families in the whole county, and especially in the northern section.

      The Journal is a firm and thorough exponent of the doctrines of Republicanism, yet its circulation is by no means confined to Republican patrons. The paper was founded in 1861, its first edition being published on May 28th of that year. C. A. PIERCE was the founder and H. E. MINER the editor during the first year. In 1865 E. W. PIERCE became a part owner, and the firm style changed to C. A. PIERCE & Co. In 1871, this firm having purchased the Bennington Banner, the Journal was sold to ORVIS & Co., F. H. ORVIS being the chief owner. During his control of the paper Loveland MUNSON, esq. filled for a time its editorial chair. D. K. SIMONDS also was associated with the editorial department, but in September, 1871, the latter became owner and proprietor, and under his management the paper has ever since been successfully conducted.

DELLWOOD CEMETERY

    “When the old churchyard in the village became filled with GRAVES, a beautiful spot was selected at the south end of the village for a new graveyard, and this too in time became overcrowded. The Hon. Mark SKINNER of Chicago, and Hon. Helmus WELLS of New York, former residents of the village, seeing the necessity of enlarging the grounds, purchased adjoining land and presented it to an association that would improve and ornament it. In 1865 Dellwood Cemetery Association was incorporated, by an act of the Legislature, and the land, about thirteen acres, was conveyed to the association by Messrs. SKINNER and WELLS. About six thousand dollars was subscribed for the embellishment of the grounds, and the work was accomplished under the supervision of Burton A. THOMAS, a skillful rural architect. The avenues and walks wind about artistically over the more elevated ground and into the valleys beneath, and along the beautiful creek, by the damming of which a pond is formed at either end of the cemetery, and along the course of which are one or more waterfalls. The stream is spanned by several rustic bridges. Under the bluff, with a broad carriage way in front, is situated the receiving vault, surmounted by bronze griffins. Hedges of cedar, hemlock, and arbor vitae in various parts of the grounds add beauty and picturesqueness to the view. In summer the margins of the walks are lined with beautiful flowers and foliage plants from the greenhouse of the association. Many handsome monuments and vases adorn the grounds. The highly ornamental gateway at the main entrance was the gift of Judge SKINNER. Just outside the gate, on the left, stands a marble pedestal surmounted by a statue of "Mourning" depositing flowers. On the right, on a similar pedestal, a statue of "Gabriel" with trumpet in hand, personates the "Resurrection." On the large gate-posts are ornamental bronze vases, from which in summer time flowers and vines grow in harmonious profusion. In keeping with the other appointments of Dellwood is the beautiful residence occupied by the superintendent. This is a substantial stone structure standing near the north end of the grounds. It is occupied by Mr. George SMITH, under whose care and attention the cemetery increases in beauty with each succeeding year."
 

SUCCESSION OF POSTMASTERS AT MANCHESTER

      From information derived from the post-office department at Washington, the fact appears that a post-office was established at Manchester in 1793, or two years after the admission of Vermont into the Federal Union. The following list will show who have been the postmasters from that until the present time, with their respective dates of appointment: Abel ALLIS, March 20, 1793; Joel PRATT, jr., July 1, 1803; Nathan BURTON, January 1, 1809; Calvin SHELDON, January 1, 1815; Leonard SARGEANT, January 1, 1819; Walter I. SHEPARD, January 16, 1826; Henry ROBINSON, January 10, 1833; Levi C. ORVIS, November 19, 1833; Darwin ANDREWS, July 1, 1841; Levi C. ORVIS, July 13, 1843; William Henry ANDREWS, May 23,1849; Fowler W. HOYT, May 10, 1853 ; William B. BURTON, February 11, 1863; David K. SIMONDS, June 16, 1875; Charles F. ORVIS, June 18, 1885.

THE VILLAGE OF MANCHESTER CENTRE

      While unquestionably less celebrated as a resort, and possibly less calculated for such purpose, the village now known as Manchester Centre comes to view as the most prominent business center of the busy township of Manchester; and while the enterprising residents of the village have made no special effort at the adornment thereof, nature has provided them with a situation which for health, attractiveness and desirability is unsurpassed in the township. During late years there seems to have been developed, on the part of some of the residents here at least, an inclination to make this point a resort; and this tendency would seem to be confirmed by the fact that within a few years past the name of the village has been changed from that given it many years ago -- Factory Point

      It is a well established fact that the average summer visitor, whose chief aim is to find rest and quiet away from the busy scenes of city life has no desire to visit a place at which manufacturing is carried on to any considerable extent, and as the name "Factory Point " would seem to indicate a manufacturing locality it could not, under such circumstances, become at all popular as a resort. To remove this objection a number of the influential men of the village (for the place is not lacking of such) quietly, but effectually, besought the powers at Washington to change the name of the post-office from Factory Point to Manchester Centre, all of which was speedily accomplished. The name of the office having been changed by competent authority, common consent changed the name of the village, and having no corporate existence no power was required to effect the latter change. All this has been done within the last few years.

      The village of Manchester Centre occupies a position in the township a little to the northeast of its geographical center, and about one and one-fourth miles from the village of Manchester. The West Branch Creek passes through the town, which stream by damming, and the natural fall of its waters, afforded an excellent power for the numerous factories that have from time to time lined its banks. This power still exists, but it is not utilized to the tenth part of the extent of twenty or thirty years ago. The village contains a population of about five hundred persons, a number never before reached, although the mills and factories have not been inactive operation for a number of years.

      The lands on which the village stands were settled and improved at about the same period as were the other parts of the township. Timothy MEAD was the pioneer, and his possessions embraced the greater part of the village tract. Although a progressive person Mr. MEAD was greatly opposed to selling his lands, thus retarding the early growth of the village. His house was located on the site now occupied by the Colburn House. Using the excellent water-power afforded by the West Branch Mr. MEAD built a saw-mill and soon afterwards a grist-mill, the latter being the first of its kind in the township. It was built on the same side of the stream that the present mill occupies, but further down, while the saw-mill was above it. When the present grist-mill was erected in 1840, so far as could be the material of the old mill was used. Mr. MEAD also built a fulling-mill on the site now covered by the large and unoccupied factory building; he built a store in the town at which Joel PRATT carried on business for a number of years.

      At that time the road from Manchester turned to the right immediately after crossing the stream, and passed along in front of where the present mill stands. This old road is still used in getting to the rear of the several business houses along Main street, and in reaching the shops standing on the bank of the creek, although, as is well known, the present main thoroughfare passes a few rods farther north.

      When the commissioners appointed for the purpose of selecting a site for the court-house and jail, were casting about for a suitable location they determined upon locating them on Mr. MEAD's land, at a point near where the Baptist Church now stands, but the worthy proprietor refused to part with the land for that purpose, and thus to this village was lost an opportunity that would have greatly enhanced its early growth. Mr. MEAD did, however, convey lands to the Baptist Society on which a church edifice was built, while Isaac and Jeremiah WHELPLEY and Timothy SOPER gave lands for the purpose of a burying ground. "The site of the old meeting-house," says judge MUNSON's address,” can readily be located on the westerly side of the present cemetery grounds. The road on which it stood was then the main highway; the street past the Episcopal Church not being in existence until long after."

    “Mr. MEAD died in 1802. His real estate was divided among his children, and soon passed into other hands. But the early growth of the place was slow, and in 1812 it could hardly be called a village. The old grist-mill and the fulling-mill were still in operation. The original saw-mill had done its work, and been succeeded by another on the opposite side of the stream, about where the west end of the tannery stands. The store building was no longer occupied as such, and had been used as a school-room while the first school-house of the district was being erected. Where the wagon shop is located stood a distillery, and adjoining it was the carding-mill of Chester CLARK. Benjamin MATTISON, the owner of the saw-mill and fulling-mill, lived in the Timothy MEAD house. James BORLAND, who carried on business at the grist-mill and leased the distillery to other parties, lived in a house which stood just east of the old store building. The dwelling-house nearest the mills, on the road leading to the village (Manchester), stood on the top of the hill south of the present residence of Deacon BURRITT. On the road toward Dorset the first dwelling was that of William SMITH, where the LESTER house now (1875) stands. A few rods east of the residence of A. G. CLARK, was a good sized house, usually occupied by two families ; and a little further on was a house of smaller size. The Jacob MEAD house was then occupied by David BROOKS, who was about building a tavern on the lot now owned by Mr. ADAMS. The next building was the Baptist meeting-house, an edifice of moderate size, divided into great square pews, and embellished with a sounding-board. The society was then in charge of Elder Calvin CHAMBERLAIN, a Revolutionary pensioner, and a man of great influence among the Baptist Churches of the State. Just beyond the meeting-house, at the northeast corner of the burying ground, stood the district school-house. About on the spot where Joseph LUGENE, jr., has recently erected a house lived Peletiah SOPER, one of the old settlers. Near the site of Deacon AMES's house stood a small store in which James WHELPLEY traded, and just north of it was a dwelling. Imagine these few scattered buildings partially surrounded by a dense forest at no great distance, and you have the Factory Point of 1812."

      During this period a great improvement was being carried out in the construction of a highway directly connecting the two villages. This project was the more remarkable from the fact that the proposed route of the road lay across the low and swampy glebe lands, and the building of a road across this tract was by many thought to be impracticable, if not hazardous. Prior to its construction travelers between these villages used the old west road as far Noble J. PURDY's place; thence east through Marbleville to the center road near where judge MUNSON now resides, and thence north to Factory Point.

      These lands, or as they have been called, the glebe lands, through which the road passed, now comprise some of the richest farming tracts in the township. The author of the pamphlet history of Manchester, to whom we are indebted for many of the facts herein stated, owns a considerable tract of land in this vicinity, and John BATTIS, whose residence stands near the central part of the "glebe," is also the owner of an excellent farm, made from what was formerly thought to be unavailable lands.

      But however much the early settlement and growth of Factory Point may have been retarded by the peculiar actions of Timothy MEAD, the place has long since been the most populous of any of the three villages of Manchester; and to no single family is due the credit of having built up and increased the value of property in the village more than Myron CLARK, and those who have managed the estate since his decease. Mr. CLARK came to Factory Point from the town of Rupert some time prior to the year 1840. He purchased the old mills, distillery and power. He rebuilt the grist-mill in 1840, as is indicated on the marble cap over the entrance. His son, Augustus G. CLARK, about this time became associated with the business, and so continued until judge CLARK's death about 1869, and then succeeded to the proprietorship thereof. Ten years later, 1879, Augustus G. CLARK died, and since that event Colonel Mason S. COLBURN and John H. WHIPPLE, sons-in-law of Augustus G. CLARK, have managed the business and estate. The tannery building standing on the south bank of the West Branch was built by A. G. CLARK and by him operated. Of late years, however, the tanning business has not been regularly carried on at this place, the scarcity of material and unsatisfactory condition of the markets both contributing to the necessity of discontinuing the business for a time at least. Also on the south side of the stream and west of the road stands another large idle factory. This was built originally by HARRIS and JENNINGS, and designed for an extensive fulling-mill and carding-mill. About the time of the close of the late war other machinery was added and a knitting department started. Since these manufactures were discontinued the building has been used occasionally, but not to any great extent.

      Opposite the carding-mill, on the north bank of the stream, and about where the ice-house now stands, once stood a small tannery building; but all evidences of its occupancy are now destroyed, and its location is hidden from view by the large Colburn House barns.

      On the spot where Timothy MEAD's dwelling-house stood, is now the hotel called the Colburn House, the property of Lorenzo SHAFFNER. This worthy host is a comparatively new resident in Manchester, but notwithstanding that he has the faculty of making himself agreeably known, and his house one of the most popular hostleries of the county. Connected with this hotel is a livery owned and managed by James A. THAYER. Farther up Main street, and occupying a prominent site, is Thayer's Hotel, with a livery attached. This is by many years the older house, and has long been conducted by Landlord Stephen E. THAYER.

THE BAPTIST CHURCH

      The society of the Baptists of Manchester Centre is the senior of the religious societies of the township, having been organized June 22, 1781, under the direction of Rev. Nathan MASON. He was not, however, the first resident pastor, that distinction having been accorded to Rev. Joseph CORNELL, and in consequence thereof he became entitled to the lands set apart for the first settled minister of the Gospel, as provided by the charter granted by Governor WENTWORTH. During the first four years of the existence of this society the members held service in the upper part of a building on Glebe Brook, near the falls; but in 1785 a small meeting-house was built on the westerly side of the cemetery grounds. This was regularly used by the society until the year 1833, at which time the brick edifice was erected at the corner of the main street and the road leading to Dorset. At the time of organization the society had something like sixty or sixty-five regular members, and from that to the present the membership has increased to about one hundred and sixty.

ZION PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH

      The foundation for the organization of Zion Church was laid by the following proceeding, dated at Manchester, October 4, 1782: "These may certify that we, whose names are underwritten, inhabitants of the town of Manchester, in the county of Bennington; are professors of the Church of England, and do put ourselves under the pastoral care of the Rev. Gideon BOSTWICK. In testimony whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names. Eleazer BALDWIN, Arthur BOSTWICK, John HITCHCOCK, William DREW, Jabez HAWLEY, Charles W. BOSTWICK, Charles BULLESS, Peter FRENCH, Jeremiah FRENCH, Moses SPERRY, Job GIDDINGS, Henry BULLESS, Abel BRISTOL, Daniel JONES, Nathaniel BOSTWICK, Josiah LOCKWOOD, Joseph FRENCH, Samuel FRENCH, jr., Nehemiah Lo-, (blotted), Reuben FRENCH, Charles FRENCH, Elijah FRENCH, Samuel FRENCH, Benjamin PURDY, jr." Following this appears the certificate of the Rev. Gideon BOSTWICK, rector of the new society, dated at Manchester, October 4, 1782: "These may certify that Eleazer BALDWIN, Arthur BOSTWICK, John HITCHCOCK, William DREW, Jabez HAWLEY, Job GIDDINGS, Henry BULLESS, Abel BRISTOLL, Daniel JONES, Nathaniel BOSTWICK, Josiah LOCKWOOD, John W. BOSTWICK, Charles BULLESS, Peter FRENCH, Jeremiah FRENCH, Moses SPERRY, Samuel FRENCH, jr., are professors of the Church of England, and have put themselves under my care. GIDEON BOSTWICK."

      As will be seen this society was organized at a period when Factory Point had no population worth mentioning, and then no immediate prospect of any. The church was organized as one of the institutions of Manchester, and designed to have an edifice at that village, although the parish embraced members from the whole township: The early meetings were held in the old courthouse and elsewhere at private residences, and it was not until the year 1819 that a church home was provided, and then erected on the main street at Factory Point. In 1863 the building was remodeled and its capacity enlarged. The rectory is adjoining the church.

      Zion Church has a membership of ninety communicants, and is under the pastoral charge of Rev. J. C. FLANDERS.

      For many years there have been residents of the town who were devoted to the teachings of Methodism, but they were so few in number that the perfect organization of a society, or the ownership of a church home was by them deemed inexpedient until within a few years, when some of the prominent methodists of the township, headed by James E. MC NAUGHTON of Barnumville, determined to complete a society organization and erect a house of worship. The necessary funds were soon subscribed, and the building erected during the year 1884. It is located in the upper part of the village of Manchester Centre, opposite the park, and is a model of neatness and convenience. From the time of its erection regular church services have been held and the society is in a reasonably prosperous condition.

SUCCESSION OF POSTMASTERS AT 
FACTORY POINT AND MANCHESTER CENTRE.

      Benjamin ROBERTS, January 23, 1828; reappointed May 2, 1837; Lyman HARRINGTON, November 2, 1837; Moses HARRINGTON, August 31, 1840; Augustus G. CLARK, May 10, 1841; Lyman HARRINGTON, July 13, 1843; Cyrus A. ROBERTS, June 7, 1845; John C. ROBERTS, May 4, 1849; Cyrus A. ROBERTS, May 7, 1853 Augustus G. CLARK, August 2, 1861; Robert AMES, September 8; 1870-1 Charles K. YOUNG, July 17, 1885; office changed to Manchester Centre, November 15, 1886; Charles K. YOUNG, reappointed November 15, 1886.

THE FACTORY POINT NATIONAL BANK

      This is the one institution of the town the changing of the name of which was not necessitated by the change in name of the village and post-office. The bank was incorporated and commenced business on the 1st of January 1884. Its capital stock was $75,000, divided into seven hundred and fifty shares. The first officers were as follows: President, Robert AMES; vice-president, Allen L. GRAVES; cashier, James P. BLACK; directors, Robert AMES, Allen L. GRAVES, George W. FARWELL, D. S. WILSON, William ROOT, and Ira S. WEED. Since the organization of the bank there has been no change in officers, and the only change in the board of directors that has occurred was in the succession of John CURTIS to the place of Ira S. WEED. That this bank is firmly established on a substantial basis, and doing a successful business; is evidenced by the fact that it shows a present surplus of $29,000.