Dr. Hiram CUTTING is a native of Concord, Vt where
he was born in 1832. His father, Stephen C. Cutting, son of Oliver Cutting,
was one of the first settlers of the town. His ancestry is prominent in
Revolutionary war battles. Hiram was educated in the district schools,
Essex county grammar and St. Johnsbury Academy. He became a teacher at
age sixteen, beginning with a school of forty-five scholars, more than
half older than he. This school was called the best in the county. Due
to ill health he resigned teaching and entered the mercantile business.
His business flourished. In July 1866 a fire destroyed not only the business
but also his scientific library of about 1,000 volumes, and a cabinet of
more than 25,000 specimens. New buildings were built and contained an observatory.
He was a member of the Smithsonian corps of observers for many years. Such
was his scientific leanings. He married Maranda E. Haskell of Lennoxville,
C.E., February 3, 1856. She died on March 3, 1886 aged fifty-four years.
Their union was childless. He has however, adopted a son.
[Engraving
by E.B. Hall’s Sons, New York]
Source:
Gazetteer
of Caledonia and Essex Counties, VT; 1764-1887,
by Hamilton Child, May, 1887, page 470.
Additional
information available from Tom Dunn
who provided this photo and biographical sketch.
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