Gazetteer of Vermont, Hayward, 1840.

    Enosburgh, so named from Roger ENOS, a post township in the eastern part of Franklin Co., bounded N. by Berkshire, E. by Montgomery, S. by Bakersfield, and W, by Sheldon, is about 20 miles east from St. Albans, and about 50 miles north-westerly from Montpelier. Granted March 12, 1780, and chartered. May 15, the same year, by Gov. Thomas Chittenden, to Roger ENOS, our worthy friend and his 59 associates, being a 6 miles square town and no more -- on the following conditions and reservations, viz:

    Proprietors' first meeting: at the house of Joseph BAKER, Esq. in Bakersfield, Sept. 8, 1795, at which time,

      Thus, meetings of the proprietors were holden by adjournment, from time to time, in a large number of instances, doing no business but adjourning-keeping their meetings alive until Jan. 29, 1823, which is the last record (so far as appears) although they then adjourned till the last Wednesday of Jan. next, at the house of Solomon WILLIAMS, in Enosburgh, -- Solomon WILLIAMS, Clerk. It is not known that any of the grantees ever settled in town.

      The organization of the town occurred March 19, 1798, at the house of Samuel LITTLE, in Enosburgh. Warning of the meeting, dated Cambridge, Dec. 12, 1797. Signed by Stephen KINSLEY, Justice of the Peace. At which meeting Jonas BRIGHAM was chosen Moderator, Isaac B. FARRAR, Town Clerk, and Charles FOLLETT; Samuel LITTLE and Martin DUNNING, Selectmen. 

      This last vote was doubtless designed to give all swine the privilege of beach-nutting, which was quite an object in those days.

      The first business of the selectmen, as appears on record, was 8 days after their appointment, to wit:
 

    Machinery now in running order, The first freemen's meeting was warned Aug. 19, 1799, and holden Sept. 3, 1799, when 28 persons appeared and took the freeman's oath. Of these, the descendants of only Stephen HOUSE, Martin DUNNING, Henry HOPKINS, Edward BAKER, Amos FASSETT, Talme HENDRICK and Joshua MILLER, are now living in town, Dec. 19, 1868. Hereafter in this History, the time "now" will refer to the above date. At this meeting William BARBER was chosen Representative to the Legislature. On counting the votes for State officers, there were 17 votes for Israel SMITH, Esq., for Governor, and 16 for Isaac TICHENOR, Esq. Whereupon, it is said, the Constable arose and announced to the town, that they had made choice of Israel SMITH, Esq., for Governor.

    As per record, "June 4, 1798, Anna F. Farrar, daughter of Isaac B. FARRAR and Anna his wife," appears to be the first child born in town. Although report has it, and it is believed, that Enos Balch was the first child born in town, -- was named Enos in consideration of that fact, and was cradled in a sap-trough- It is claimed that his father and mother constituted the first family that wintered in town-the -- winter of 1796 and '97, on the Hoyt farm, so called, now owned by Bradley BLISS, situated on a swell of land in the west part of the town; then and now called Balch Hill. It is interesting to know that this first son of Enosburgh became a very worthy minister of the Gospel, of the Methodist persuasion, and is believed to be still living.

    As per record, Joshua MILLER and Patty ROZIER were the first couple married in town, by Wm. BARBER, Esq., March 25, 1802. Mrs. MILLER is still living. George ADAMS and Arvilla STEPHENS were the first couple married in town, which were both born in town. They were married by Rev. John SCOTT, February, 1833. Mrs. A. died May 13, 1843. 

      THE SOUL -- In March 7, 1804, at a meeting duly warned, for, among other things, "to see if the town will raise money to compensate ministers of the Gospel who shall preach occasionally in this town: voted, not to raise money to pay preachers."

      About the middle of October, 1804, Rev. Job SWIFT, D. D., from Bennington, then on a missionary tour in this part of the State, while preaching at the Centre, complained of illness, stopped the services, and was taken to the residence of Capt. HOUSE, now owned by Henry H. ELDRED, where he died. He had a son, Erastus SWIFT, then living in town. Dr. SWIFT was buried in the graveyard north of the Centre, and on his tombstone is this inscription:

      The first Deed on record bears date April 1, 1797, by Amos FASSETT, to Benjamin FASSETT -- executed at Bennington, from which town several families emigrated to Enosburgh, in that and the few following years.

      This town is in the third range of towns, east from Lake Champlain. A range of the Green Mountains runs nearly the entire length of the eastern boundary. The north part is well watered by Missisquoi and Trout rivers -- the south and interior, by small streams, and one small natural pond; affording numerous and valuable mill privileges; only needing railroad facilities to develop their power. There is a valuable saw mill, grist mill, plaining machine, cheese box factory, chair factory and blacksmith shop, at the ripper falls on Missisquoi river, called Samsonville.

      At Enosburgh Falls, there is a valuable woolen factory, saw and grist mills, plaining machines, 3 carriage shops, tannery, 3 stores, 1 harness shop, 1 tin shop, 2 blacksmith shops, 1 shoe shop; 1 Union. Church, 1 Catholic Church and a hotel. At West Enosburgh, there is a grist mill with 4 run of stones, 2 stores, 1 cabinet and furniture shop, l blacksmith shop, 2 shoe shops; Methodist chapel and hotel.

      Two miles south, are a saw mill and other machinery. A short distance east from West Enosburgh is a carding machine; still further east is Dexter GILBERT's tannery. At East Enosburgh there is a Baptist Church, 1 blacksmith shop, and a shoe shop. In the south-east part of the town, is a newly erected and valuable circular saw mill In the south-west part of the town, is a seventh-day Baptist Church, carriage shop, and 1 store. At the Centre are a Congregational and an Episcopal church, an academy, 1 store, 1 blacksmith shop, carriage shop, 2 shoe makers and a hotel.

      One half mile east from the Centre, is a cheese factory capable of working the milk of 800 cows, and has done more. At N. Enosburgh there is also a cheese factory of nearly equal capacity with the first named one. This town excels as a dairy town. Some of our largest and best dairies being on the highest swells of land; butter, cheese and pork being our chief articles of export.

      ENOSBURGH CENTRE, from having no benefit of water power, is destined to remain about as it is, as to size, having diminished in business to about the necessities of the place. There used to be a tin-shop, pot and pearlash Factory, comb factory, harness-shop, cabinet shop and a tailor's shop; but the loss of business is not without, to a certain extent, its counterbalancing effects, which was indicated in a remark, (founded alike in wisdom and experience) made by the late Ex-Gov. ROYCE, at the first meeting of the trustees of our academy: his being one of the names contained in the act of incorporation, which was; "It is the sheet anchor of such an institution, to be located remote from scenes of dissipation and vice.

POST-OFFICES

      The mail was first carried on horse back, through Cambridge to Burlington, once a week. Theron P. PARKER first carried the mail in carriage, on the same route. The postage on letters being 25 cents, payable on delivery, and money hard to be obtained, people would wait long for opportunity to send by private conveyance, to save imposing a burden on their friends. The PERKINS friends here had a sister die in the spring of the year, in Leomister, Mass. They heard the sad tidings the next fall. Now we have 5 post-offices in town, and daily mails -- Enosburgh, North Enosburgh, Enosburgh Falls, West Enosburgh and Bourdoville -- four more than in Boston. "Perhaps" the mails are not as large.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

      Our school districts number 17, although 3 are disbanded, or not in operation at present; and two parts of districts are connected with Sheldon. Our school fund for division is $489.89, obtained from State school tax, interest on surplus revenue, and rents on school lands. The population in 1820 was 932, in 1860, 2066, varying but little from the census of 1850. The town was the 5th in the county, as to population, in 1860, and the grand list was 5090 in 1868. In all our dairy towns, large farms are the rage, and emigration the result. The next census will probably show a gain, owing to an increase of business at the Falls, and the cultivation of a tract of land on the eastern slope of the mountain, by the French, which tract has been until recently an unbroken wilderness. They bare large families, and two school districts, in which English schools are kept.

SUGAR

      Sugar is something of an article of revenue. Since the high prices occasioned by the war, great improvements have been made in the process of manufacture. Two considerable sugar orchards are in use: one by Virgil BOGUE, and one by James KIDDER, where grain was once grown. Among all the improvements in this business, whether in theory or practice, the most novel is in that of tapping, proposed by one of our first settlers, Isaac B. FARRAR, who settled on the lot on which V. BOGUE lives. Mr. FARRAR was a son of Priest FARRAR, of New Ipswich, N. H. -- had a liberal education, and doubtless thought it best to bring his knowledge to bear on his business, and pursue a kind of "scientific farming." He brought with him a large quantity of wooden faucets. When inquired of, what he designed these for, said "he had formed a favorable opinion of the manufacture of maple sugar; and, upon inquiry, thought the method then pursued of tapping with an axe, gouge and split spouts, must occasion great waste, as well as hurry in gathering and boiling, when it run rapidly." Said his "plan was to obviate both difficulties, by tapping with an auger, and putting in a faucet; and when he wanted sap, to draw a pailful, and take it leisurely." He afterwards moved to Fairfax, and established himself in the pottery business. Whether his improved manner of tapping was generally introduced, I have never learned.

MILITARY

      There seemed to be no lack of military zeal in an early day. The regular militia was a matter of law, of course, of necessity. Very early there was a company of troops, or horse formed; and later, an artillery and a rifle company For the war of 1812, there was a company raised of 23, of which Martin D. FOLLETT was Captain; so that it came to be the case that nearly all our men were dignitaries of more or less note. You could call nearly every man Esquire, with safety, whom you did not know to be Captain or Lieutenant. In 1807, the town voted to raise a tax of $50.00, "to fill a magazine with powder, lead, &c."

LATE WAR

      We complied with all the requisitions upon us for men to aid in suppressing the Rebellion-paying as did other towns, large bounties. Of our soldiers, the following named lost their lives in the held, prison, hospital, &c.:

INTEMPERANCE

      The first store of goods, of any amount, in town, was that of Dea. Thomas FULLER, at what is now called North Enosburgh. His goods were drawn from Boston by an ox-team -- a hogshead of rum being one of the articles. Mr. Thomas M. POLLARD, living where S. H. DOW now lives, and a Mr. JONES -- where John P. BARKER now lives, emigrants from New Ipswich, having an opportunity to send their keg home, 200 miles, by a person from the same town, improved the opportunity. On learning that their obliging friend had returned, they went four miles through the woods for their keg. The family not being at home, but finding their "treasure," they ventured to take it.  Pollard, “the poet of these days,“ wrote on a piece of bark with a nail, and stuck it on the door, as follows:

      We had two distilleries in town -- one in W. Enosburgh, one half a mile east from the Centre. Rev. T. SKELTON used to exchange grain for whiskey; and it is said that a few old people used to visit him Sabbath noons, and "take a little” with their pastor, for their mutual benefit. A Mr. SHEPHERD, some 40 or 50 years old, taught school in the Wm. BARBER district; the school-house was just south of where Ephraim PERKINS now lives. SHEPHERD always kept a jug of rum with him; kept a horse, and "boarded around." One day his jug got empty, and he prevailed upon one of the boys to go to Charles STEARNS, at North Enosburgh, (4 or 5 miles) to get his jug filled -- furnishing his horse for the boy to ride. On returning, the teacher met him in the entry, and took a drink, and at night carried the jug to his boarding-place, Mr. Jonas BOUTWELL's. Not quite certain that the jug would be as cordially received as the boarder, buried it in the snow, just before coming to the house. As it had been a thawy day, and the weather changing before morning, on going to get his morning dram, he found his jug frozen, and was obliged to get hot water to loosen it.

    A farm, now owned by Gardner HEZER, was once bought and paid for, in whiskey; the notes given specifying that article. A good man took whiskey to sell on commission, of a Mr. DANA, of Peacham, until by trusting, collecting and using the pay, such a debt occurred, that he was obliged to mortgage his farm to secure it; which, at his death had to be sold, leaving but little for his family.

      My first recollections of officiating at a funeral, as bearer, are: we four very small boys were invited into the pantry, and treated with some sort of spirits, made quite palatable to our tastes, by those who knew bow to do it. All which fairly indicates the early habits of the people. To narrate the evils resulting, would be to repeat what every one knows.

TEMPERANCE

      Like other towns, this took the alarm and instituted a Temperance Society. Most of our prominent men signed the pledge of total abstinence, and organized by choosing David I. FARNHAM, Pres't, Austin FULLER, V. P. &c. FARNHAM was a young lawyer just commenced practicing in town. Having never had such a dignitary, we were disposed to pay him all due respect. Soon it was whispered around that the president had been drinking, in fact that be had drank the night he was chosen to office. A meeting was called to see what to do about it, the vice-president taking the chair. In their haste and honesty too, the society had neglected to frame by-laws, and of course, could now make none to reach the case. Mr. F., after listening awhile, and seeing their dilemma, arose and said: "He would be glad to help them get rid of a bad penny, but saw no way to do it;" and, by way of apology for what was charged against him, said "he was sincere in joining them as he did, having drank just before he left the tavern -- his boarding-place --"did not feel as though he should want to drink again; but on getting home, felt differently, and of course drank;" and closed his remarks by saying, "his being elected to office was not a matter of his, at all." Meeting broke up in no good humor. Gov. EATON, then a young man whose whole soul was in the work, drafted the constitution of "The Enosburgh Young Men's Temperance Society," [Since altered to "Total Abstinence Society] limiting the age of the leading offices to 30 years, but all ages joined. Gov: EATON was the first president, Bennett EATON, first secretary, and annually ever since Jan., 1830, the Society have elected their officers of young men, and had an adjourned meeting, at which a written report has been presented by their Secretary, and an address given -- usually by some person from abroad. Gov. EATON's last public address was before this Society, the winter previous to his death. A great good is the result of the organization. The young lawyer soon left, and we have not been blest much with lawyers since. The longest unbroken history is claimed for this organization, of any similar organization in the State.

PHYSICIANS

      Dr. Caleb STEVENS early located at North Enosburgh --  lived but 10 or 12 years; a skillful physician. Dr. Eliphas EATON located at the Centre in 1805 or 1806, and with his two sons, Horace and Rollin, and our present Dr. Wm. R. HUTCHINSON, have successively and successfully ministered to the physical wants of the sick ever since. 

MINERAL SPRINGS

      Our proximity to Sheldon springs, together with one at East Enosburgh, three at Enosburgh Falls, and two or three others in town -- all just coming into note, will, doubtless, make this a very healthy and desirable place in which to live. 

SUICIDES

      There have been four; one by drowning, one by shooting, one by hanging, and one by cutting the throat. 

ACCIDENTS

       For want of time, I will only speak of four families contiguous to each other.  First,  Mr. Jonas BONTELLE, where Mr. T. P. BAKER now lives.  Mr. B. was barely saved from drowning while working on a dam at the Falls, in a very early day; also, hurt by the fall of a tree while at work with Mr. Eli BELL, browsing cattle, quite a distance from home. He was reported dead, and neighbors rallied to bring him home. When they arrived he was breathing; his eldest con, James, quite young, being left with his father, had blowed in his mouth, causing him to catch breath; and, with remarkable presence of mind, had been a few rods to a spring, obtained water, wet his father's face, and put a little into his mouth. Mr. B. was not fully conscious until Dr. HALL had operated oh his skull, and dressed the wound. He recovered; but is thought failed earlier than he would, but for this injury, always having a stiff neck. The distance travelled to get the Doctor to and back, was 42 miles. A little daughter of his, while engaged picking up chips, near where the hired man was chopping, came so near as to receive a stroke of the axe on her head; living but a short time. James, just named, while carrying a bush-scythe, fell and struck one hand on the scythe making a severe cut, and nearly bled to death before help could be obtained to do it up; has a crippled hand. The second, Mr. G. S. FASSETT, lost a daughter about one year old, from swallowing into the lungs an inch and one half screw -- living but three hours. The third, Mr. Eph'm ADAMS (my father) had a little daughter so badly scalded, her life was despaired of for many weeks. My mother died suddenly, from injuries received from jumping from a horse. The fourth', Dea. L. NICHOLS' oldest son Levi, badly scalded, and life despaired of for a long time-losing the sight of one eye, Another son, James, fell into a sap-pan of boiling syrup, and lived but a few days. A very long list of accidents might be mentioned, equally severe and afflicting.

      It is not proposed to give a biographical sketch of my father, but merely such incidents in his experience, as will give the reader a fair view of the disadvantages under which our first settlers labored. My father, with three other young men, all from New Ipswich, N. H., in the Spring of 1796, purchased 1000 acres of land in Knights Gore, now- in the east part of Bakersfield; worked three seasons; kept "bachelor's hall;" went back to N. H. each winter, and taught school, returning in the spring. They cleared land, raised winter wheat, and had wheat to sell. People cane from the-lake towns to purchase, and called their settlement Little Egypt. -- They had a cow which ran in the woods -- kept from straying by slash fence. As soon as wheat would do to cut, they boiled and ate it with milk; went to Cambridge to mill; built a stone oven and plastered it with mud. Each slept in, an elm bark, warped into about the shape as when on the tree; said when they went to bed, they were well tucked up. One of them was waked by a mouse making a nest in his hair.

      Their threshing floor consisted of hollow basswood logs, halved, the edges straightened, and laid side by side until the floor was large enough for their purpose. Then hooks, made by cutting off one of the prongs of a crotched stick, were driven into the ground, so that the hooks would catch oh the edge of the outside logs-thus holding them all securely. The grain, being laid in the hollows, was well confined for threshing; which, when done, was scraped out at the ends and cleaned in the following manner: not having a clearing sufficiently large to admit the wind for that purpose, the "mother of invention" called out their wits. They took a small tree, split it into quarters, a little past the middle, and slipped some elm barks into the slits, to the centre of the stick; thus forming four wings or fans. Then confining the quarters of the stick together with a withe, and attaching a crank to each end, which, supported by two crotches, all is ready. With a man operating at each crank, and a man to turn the grain before the wind, it is fitted for use.

    An old man by name of WALBRIDGE told me his father kept tavern, I think in Royalston, Vt. where these four young men used to stop in their journeys, back and forth; always on foot. He said, "your father would carry a pack nigh about as big as folks would think it safe to put onto a one-horse wagon now-a-days." The fourth year, my father married Sally BOUTELLE, of Leominster, Mass. Her father, a well-to-do farmer for those times, fitted out his daughter with a set of pewter crockery, and other necessaries for house-keeping; also a library of valuable books. They buried their first-born, a son; had to go to Cambridge for a Doctor. They visited her father's, each on horseback, a journey of 200 miles, carrying a babe in their arms, once letting it fall in the sandy road, to the annoyance of all concerned; especially the little equestrian, who fell face downwards.

      These four pioneers -- Ephraim ADAMS, Isaac ADAMS, Nathan WHEELER and Charles BARRETT, expected to make the centre of a town on their purchase; and, not until the second or third year, did they get a clearing sufficiently large, so as to look out and see their dreams in this respect dissipated by the discovery of a range of mountains on two sides of them, so that they must ever be at the end of the road. They were so disappointed that in a few years all had left.

      I will relate an incident alike creditable to these young men and Priest FARRAR, under whose ministry they were raised. On one occasion, while in the presence of Esquire BAKER, a tanner in Bakersfield, a remark was made that "they found Sabbaths passed rather heavily with them, being entirely shut out from meeting." Mr. B. replied, "he had a volume of very good sermons, and if they were disposed. to come to his place, Sabbath mornings, he would read a sermon or two," to which they assented. So the next Sabbath they dressed up, by putting on a clean shirt for the following week, as was usual, and walked nearly five miles through the woods to meeting, and enjoyed it much. They continued to do so, until one morning, being a little earlier than usual, they discovered the Esquire in his tan-yard, overhauling some hides. As soon as they were discovered by the old gentleman, he quickly changed his apparel, and took his place as usual for their reception. As was common in those days, when they rapped he said "walk," They walked in. He was quite glad to see them, and was ready, book in hand, to commence services. They staid to meeting, but the charm was broken, and they gave the Esquire no further visits on the Sabbath.

      Isaac ADAMS returned to New Hampshire and took charge of the homestead. Charles BARRETT moved to Bakersfield Centre, where he lived several years, and then returned to New Ipswich. Nathan WHEELER went to Grafton, Vt., engaged in the mercantile business, and was quite successful, My father sold to Thomas CHILDS, moved to the east part of this town (where I now live) in the fall of 1804. He bought of Erastus SWIFT. There was a log-house and a few acres cleared. The Spring following he dug troughs and carried them to the trees on the crust, and tapped and boiled in the first run. While siruping off, the young man tending went to the house, and when he returned found it burned up. The snow went off gradually, by the influence of the Sun, and not freezing nights ho had no more sap that year. He was subject to depredations from bears and wolves, in common with other settlers. The bear was the more decent of the two, being generally satisfied with a full meal; while wolves seemed to delight in mischief; gratifying their propensity usually among the sheep; destroying in one night 13 for my father-and, repeatedly, less numbers; and to my present recollection, as high as 22 for one of his neighbors, C. COMSTOCK. My father once got up in the night and drove a wolf from his barn-yard, where the sheep were, and left a lantern burning on the place of entrance, to keep guard while he returned to bed.

       About 1807, my father commenced to make preparations to build a framed-house. He had to get his lumber at the Falls, some five miles distant. He would do his chores before day, light; and, with oxen and sled, with good success, would get home about dark; do his chores, and by lantern-light, thresh till near midnight; then take his sleep, and repeat the same from day to day. -- Just so he worked in getting his brick from Trout river, near where Wm. CUMMINGS now lives. And, after spending two winters in collecting materials, he commenced building a two story house over the same cellar, and the same size, of the upright part of the house in which I now live, He had finished the outside, the chimneys were built, the windows in, and nice pine lumber inside for finishing it, when in the morning, after having backed said lumber from the barn, while at breakfast, the house took fire, and all was gone as in a mo ment, The joiner, Mr. Comfort BARNES, of Bakersfield, had fire in the fire-place near his work-bench, which is supposed to have communicated with the shavings; only a hand saw and hammer were saved from the fire. --Although my, father had thought it impossible to winter again in his log house, he was thus obliged to live in it several years before he could re-build, having to clear land and make ashes to procure the means to purchase again the cash materials. About this time my parents buried a little daughter, their fourth child. He re-built in 1813, finished just enough to live in comfortably, and in July 29,1814, was called to bury the companion of his joys and sorrows.

MAD WOLF

      In 1818, this same brother went for the cows at night, half a mile through the woods. He met this sheep and cattle on the way, some lastly wounded, and all frightened. He reported at once to head-quarters. With the help of his father and a neighbor, a wolf which was the cause of the trouble was driven from the herd and these premises; whose actions were such as to create suspicion that he was insane; as is the case now-a-days, when one acts strangely. The wolf continued to make trouble in the neighborhood, during the night; wounding or killing cattle, sheep, dogs and hogs, and one horse. At daylight the next morning, he was shot while in an encounter with a large dog, at Mr. MILLER's, where Mr. James MILLER now lives; nearly three miles from where he was first discovered the day before. The evidences of madness were so strong, that the dogs, sheep and animals of small value, that had been bitten, were killed, but cattle were so scarce in those days, that the most valuable were saved. They all, however, became mad and were killed. I shall never forget their appearance: especially the horse and a two year-old heifer. One must see to know it.

WOLF HUNT

      Soon after the last event, one winter, after suffering from depredations by the wolves in this and the adjoining towns, it was agreed upon to have a kind of "Jubilee hunt." Preparations were made accordingly -- two men went from this town, starting from a given point., and diverging, marked trees as they went, encircling the immense wilderness of mountains east of us, and meeting at night at some point south of Montgomery Centre; stopping for the night, as is believed, at John JOHNSON's. At the time agreed upon the inhabitants of all the surrounding towns rallied, The men were stationed on the line of marked trees. When the word went round the "the line was closed," the marching in and closing up, was all done as previously agreed upon, When a wolf was seen, the word, "look out, wolf in the ring," went round, and all were in for the battle. In short, success was on our side; seven wolves were destroyed, and peace was declared for that season. A word of explanation is due, perhaps. The wolves destroyed consisted of one pair of old settlers, entitled to a bounty of $20 each, from the State, and their little family of five; which would have been entitled to a bounty of $10 each, but for the unfortunate word "sucking" previous to "whelps,' in the statute. The 5 little wolves not coming quite up to that standard, we lost the $30. "Count not your chickens before they are hatched.”

MARKETS

      Our early settlers were much troubled for markets Far their produce, depending; upon Montreal, attended with many annoyances, to say nothing of an occasional loss of a team end load in the St. Lawrence River. Two of our townsmen thus suffered, Mr. Perley end Samuel Todd. It is related one of them, after leaping upon the ice, continued to hold to the reins, crying, "whoa! whoa! whoa!" until his team was entirely out of sight.

      When an embargo was laid on this market, as in the war of 1812, it is not to be wondered at (although all were loyal) that some so far winked at smuggling. as not to be of any great service to the government as witnesses, in enforcing the law against their neighbors. It was of frequent occurrence, that considerable droves of cattle were driven on our beck roads, and partly in the woods. We boys wondered why they had so many men -- they often having a man to every six or eight head of cattle, so as to drive quietly and rapidly, and be prepared for any emergency. It will serve to show with what tenacity some pursued the business, notwithstanding the risk of being detected, to quote a few lines from a kind of Chronicles -- gotten up in those days, suited to the times, in which all smugglers in these parts came in for a share.

      In a very early day, daring a very severe wind, late one afternoon, Sol. DIMICK, living near where Stephen GATES now lives, being in his house, which was built slightly of light logs, discovered that the roof of his house had taken its leave; and soon his chamber floor followed. He directed his wife and children to get into bed, and cover themselves with the clothes. The logs soon commenced moving, and Mr. D. would seize and guide them so that none fell inside; and not until they were removed to a level with the family in the bed did the wind cease. In the S. E. part of the town a kind of tornado or whirlwind, besides doing other remarkable things, so operated on a house that the joists supporting the floor over a room where were two old people in bed, (Mr. Ezra WEDGE and wife) loosened from the gains, the whole floor dropped into the room- One door of the room being open and swinging in, the head of the bed and mantle-shelf held up the floor, giving the inmates a chance to crawl out on their hands and knees unharmed, but badly frightened.

       A Mr. RANNEY, living on the branch road, in a log-house, on the west side of the brook, just before crossing Sheldon line, during a freshet, while in the darkness of the night, seated with his family around his own hearth, enjoying a blazing fire; was in an instant left destitute of hearth, firs and chimney. One corner of-the house standing near the brook, the water in a stealthy manner, had gradually undermined the chimney, until it was obliged "to cave in." I never heard of any suit being brought for damages in either case (perhaps there was no lawyer at hand;) and, doubtless after getting cool, they acted wisely, repaired the damage, and saved their dwellings-

       An amusing incident is given, also, of a Mr.- Samuel STILES, who was always poor, but rather intelligent and witty. He conceived the idea of rhyming his grand list, which is doubtless one of the best specimens of poetry, for the amount of stock In trade. It was under the old law requiring each individual's list to be handed to the listers in writing, dated and signed. I have it from Gov. EATON, who was then one of the listers. He laughed when relating it, laughed after it, laughed again, and closed, as Old father WOOSTER used to say in giving out his last hymn, "with a doxology suited to the metre.”  It was this:

      First harness maker- Mr. Ebenezer BOGUE established himself in this business; made one, not exactly a buggy-harness, but rather a horse-sled-harness, made entirely of elm bark Not meeting with ready sale; used it himself; and quit the business. Mr. B. then started a tannery near D. GILBERTS, the first in town; had a trough dug out of a large hemlock log for a vat, and pounded his bark by hand; but not finding it a very lucrative business, sinking near the entire amount of capital invested, turned his attention to agriculture, and lived to become a well-to-do-farmer.

      The second tannery by Eli BELL, hear the Center cheese factory, is worthy of note. He ground his bark with a large stone wheel about 6 or 7 feet across and 5 or 6 inches thick; with a hole in the center into which a sweep was inserted, one end of which was connected with an upright post or shaft; at the other end was attached a horse. The sweep was of sufficient length so that the horse in going round would describe a circle of 20 or 25 feet in diameter. A curb was formed just between the path of the horse and the path of the stone, The bark being placed in the stone's path, and a man following the horse with a rake, constantly raking the large pieces in reach of the stone. As it went round and round the bark became in time ready for use, to obtain water for his vats, he made a small pond where the brook crosses the road, and clipped water in a pail and poured it into spouts or troughs, supported by crotches sufficiently high to get a fall to carry it to his vats some 8 or 10 rods distant.

      The first mills as per contract with House, were at the Falls; the first school-house was made of logs covered with bark, and a bark floor; the first school was kept by Betsey LITTLE; the first cart was owned by Capt- Stephen HOUSE; and the first wagon by Ephraim ADAMS. The first saw-mill, in the east part of the town, was built by T. M. POLLARD; the first grist-mill, in the south-east part of the town, by Joseph WRIGHT in 1812-an honest miller, he used to measure every grist in his half bushel, stop the mill between each grist if bolted; after stopping the mill, he would turn the bolt by hand with a crank for that purpose and clean it all out-thus giving each man his own grist and all of it. An old Dutchman once employed to tend his mill, being annoyed by the frequent lack of marks and strings, on the bags, gave his customers appropriate notice by writing on the door in bold hand:

      The first framed school-house, at the Center, seems to have, been a kind of union house, answering the purpose of town, court, school and meeting-house, but called "town-house." Entrance to it was obtained by quite a flight of stairs, made of hewn square timbers, reaching nearly across the end of the house-some 7 or 8 steps, and a wide platform of the same. The first Sabbath it was occupied, a kind of dedicatory poem was found posted on the rear of the house, and attracted considerable attention. It seems to have been divided into three subjects, as in the mind of the writer most applicable to the several purposes for which the house was designed. It was credited to Thomas M. POLLARD, I quote one verse touching the house as a meeting-house, -- rather addressed to the preachers, with the desired results hinted:

      Mr. POLLARD experienced religion, and was a most trustworthy and reliable Christian man, and with his wife united with the Congregational church. The family emigrated to Boonville, Miss., in 1833. Mrs. P. was a sister of the WATERMANs, early settlers in Johnson, Vt.

      The oldest person ever living in town is believed to be Mrs. Asenith CORSE, who died a few years since in her 99th year. The oldest person now living in town is Mrs. Margaret MCALLISTER, aged 94. The next oldest is Mrs. Talma HENDRICK, aged 93 [Since deceased]. The oldest man living in town Mr. John WHITCOMB, aged 88 years- The first generation have nearly passed away. This town early adopted, and continues the practice, of ‘paying as we go' -- consequently have no debt.

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

      The Congregational Church was organized Oct- 11, 1811, by Rev. James PARKER and Rev. John TRUAIR, consisting of 10 members, viz: Solomon WILLIAMS, Mrs. Cynthia WILLIAMS, Joseph WRIGHT, Elias LAWRENCE, Levi NICHOLS, Hannah HOUSE, Anna FASSETT, Polly FARRAR, Sally ADAMS and Sally STEVENS. The next Sabbath, Oct. 13, the record says, "Ephraim ADAMS was received to full communion, Baptism administered to James BOUTELLE, and George, sons of Ephm. and Sally ADAMS, and Alvin (19 years old), Anson and Pliney, sons of Anna FASSETT."

      We give the following brief notice of first members:

      He acted an important part as one of the building-committee in building our meeting-house in 1820-21, and finally fitted for the ministry, and removed. He was an efficient and worthy preacher, until disabled by infirmities of age- He died some years since- All his children became pious, and one, if not two of his sons, became ministers. His wife Cynthia WILLIAMS was a helpmeet to her husband. None of their descendants are now living in town, but their influence for good will long be felt.

SALLY AND EPHRAIM ADAMS

      My mothers maiden name was BOUTELLE, from Leominster, Mass. My father, as already seen from the record, united with the church the first Sabbath after its organization. They had 6 children; three died young and the others united with this church. My mother died suddenly in July, 1814; grandchildren of theirs are members of this church, and one great-grandchild in the Sabbath school. Having no distinct recollections of my mother, I can best give an insight to her Christian character, by quoting from a letter to her younger sisters in Mass., a few weeks before her death she being then in health: "We anticipate much satisfaction in the expectation of the Rev. Mr. PARKER settling with us. A week ago last Saturday, he dined with us, and in the afternoon preached a preparatory lecture: When we returned home we found Rev. Mr. GAYLORD a missionary from Connecticut: he tarried with us until meeting time the next day. Mr. P. preached in the forenoon and Mr. G. in the afternoon; then Mr. P. administered the ordinance and they staid with us that night. Mr. G. preached at our house on Monday and staid ever night. It was such a feast of good things as we have not had for many months." She then exhorts her sisters; "Dear girls, do not put off attending to religion till another time, for 'now is the accepted time and now is the day of salvation.' God has so ordered it that we should not see each other often here; may we accept Christ's invitation, and meet when we are called to exchange worlds and sing praises to God and the Lamb forever and ever."

      My father married again a younger sister of my mother, Polly BOUTELLE, They had 6 children; 3 of them are deceased, one of which went as missionary to Africa and joined the Gaboon mission in 1854. He donated $200 to the Am. Board a short time before his death, in August 1856, but when in health, being the amount then due on his salary from the Board leaving him less than $30 of available funds. He died a most triumphant death. For further particulars see "Brief Memorial of Rev. Henry Martin Adams," by Rev. Albert Bushnell, published by the Mass. S. S. Society.

SALLY STEVENS

      Her maiden name was AUSTIN; her husband was a physician. He died leaving four children, one son and three daughters: all of them became pious. The son, Austin STEVENS, is a Methodist preacher, laboring successfully in Chittenden county. The family long since removed from this place. Mrs. S. again married a Mr. RISDEN; had several children, and died in Fletcher a little more than a year ago, the last survivor "of the first members of this church." I cannot forbear also to notice Deacons Challis SAFFORD and Abijah RICE, who, although enlisting late in the Master's service, seemed prompted to "redeem the time" by unremitting and untiring effort to advance Christ's kingdom here.

SETTLED MINISTERS

      Rev. James PARKER [Deceased] came from Underhill in 1814, Reverends Thomas SKELTON [Deceased], John SCOTT, Moses PARMELEE [Deceased - found dead in his bed], J. T. PHELPS, J. C. WILDER, Moses ROBINSON [Deceased], C. H. KENT, and Alfred B. SWIFT (acting pastor). These were not all formally settled, but lived here with their families. Besides these, others preached here for short periods. I will mention only Rev. Benjamin WOOSTER, of FAIRFIELD. For the first 20 years or more of our history, subscriptions for preaching, stipulated for a certain portion to be paid in "grain or provisions," and about one fourth in money. I have now in use the grain-bin that Rev- Mr. SKELTON procured in which to store his grain while with us. It will hold about 200 bushels. Father WOOSTER usually came here Saturday and preached on the Sabbath, returning the first of the week; generally with grain to compensate him for his Sabbath services.

MEETING-HOUSE BUILT IN 1820 & 1821

      The second belonging to our order in the county: such an effort is not often made by a people in building a meeting-house. There were but four men able to furnish any cash material, and three of the four uniting to take one religious paper, "The Boston Recorder," which they continued to do till the commencement of "The Vermont Chronicle," when they Stopped "The Recorder" and united in taking "The Chronicle" for several years, when they commenced taking one copy each, and continued to do so while they lived. Before and at this time, this was the only stated place of meeting in town, except the Baptist, in the east part of the town. People came on ox-sleds in winter, and in ox carts in summer, but more on horseback and still more on foot, and we had no stoves in the meeting-house for several years except the ladies' foot-stoves.

      There were few wagons at that time. Since my recollection, people came from the CHILD's place in the east part of Bakersfield, Samuel BASSET's south of West Enosburgh, Luther HURLBURT's, near Sheldon line, Benjamin PETINGILL's on the road from HURLBURT's to the branch, and from the MCALLISTER's -- seldom if ever riding; also three families from Trout River. Mr. FOLLETT's where Harding ALLEN now lives; the family of H. D. HOPKINS and brothers (singers) across the river opposite, and Robert Anderson's at Trout River bridge, -- some of each family being members of this church.

      This church has never suspended meetings on the Sabbath when without a minister. -- Annually, for 40 years, collections have been taken for foreign and home missions, the Bible, Tract, and Education societies, and various other benevolent objects, from time to time. For many of these objects the church have contributed for a much longer time.

      The meeting-house was re-modeled and re-dedicated, in 1849-50. Total number of members 451, -- present number 121. As fruits of a recent revival, 18 persons -- seven of which being heads of families -- are expected to unite with the church, Jan. 3d, 1869. Officiating deacons are S. H. DOW and Geo. G. WILLIAMS.

      Miss Fidelia ADAMS, daughter of Deacon John ADAMS, went from here as missionary teacher to the Indians in western New York, under the patronage of the American Board. She sent two Indian children home to be educated, who lived among her friends for several years; both became hopefully pious, united with this church, and returned to their people. Their names were Franklin CROW and Julia PIERCE.

      Our Sabbath-school is one of the earliest organizations of the kind in the State; attended by all ages, comprising nearly all the congregation, and has ever been emphatically the "nursery of the church." Twelve young men have gone from this school and church, as ministers of the gospel -- of the Congregational order -- and are widely scattered.

       A few incidents, in the history of two of the three men who united in taking one religious paper, are worthy of record as in contrast with the present: 1st, Deacon NICHOLS; I once inquired of his oldest son if he ever knew of his father's buying a dollar's worth of anything by way of speculation -- that is, just for the purpose of selling again, hoping to gain thereby. After reflection, he replied "I think he never did." Having ever been his nearest neighbor, my opinion would be the same -- Dea. N. was town treasurer a greater number of years than any other man during his active life. 2d, Jonas BOUTELLE: Once in conversation with him, he said, "I have always been a borrower of money; started in life with a determination to keep my promise good, and have done so; when I wanted money, I could find it; and have thought I was just as well off nas though I had a bank of my own to go to, and even better off, for while I have always been able to command money for my necessities, other men have had all the trouble and risk of keeping it for me." After his death, having access to his books, there appeared in his account-book a space devoted especially to benevolent objects, where, under date, a creature described by age, and color, as red, brown, line-backed, speckled, white-faced, &c., -- whether heifer or steer -- and to be kept one or two years, and when sold the avails to go to benevolent objects. When sales were effected, the price was set down on opposite page, and an account kept with the objects to which it was paid out. This system was commenced in 1831, and was continued for a series of years. He commenced on his farm in 1805, then all a wilderness, lived to have it spoken of as the best upland farm in town -- the model farm -- under the best state of cultivation, and the best fenced. He represented the town two years in the legislature, at the time when the Temperance cause began to ask for legal suasion. In committee to whom this subject was referred, he took occasion to remark, "I would not be deprived of the assurance I have that I shall not die a drunkard, for all the world,” a member asked, "in what that assurance consisted” -- he replied, "in the fact that I drink nothing that will intoxicate." -- He was selectman, --  think generally first, -- also trustee of the surplus fund, more than any of his contemporaries. I have heard him say, "No man has a right to take office, unless he first makes up his mind, whenever individual and official interests clash, the sacrifice must fall on the individual." How would his example operate at present.

      I deem it a duty, alike to my fellow townsmen and myself, to say, in closing, that when applied to by Miss Hemenway -- late in the fall -- to undertake to do in a few weeks what had been in other hands for years, I consented, with the expectation of finding the material collected, and, to some extent at least, arranged -- being referred particularly to the papers of the late A. H. BAKER, Esq., and Rev. John BAKER. I have not been able to find any thing from the pen of Rev. John BAKER. 

      The friends of A. H. B. have kindly given me access to his papers, but upon examination, I concluded, as I was limited to Jan. 6, in which to accomplish the work, to confine myself to much narrower limits than that ordinarily pursued in such cases, and have done but little, and that imperfectly. I was once interrupted, by being called to a distance to attend a brother on a sick, and as it proved, a death-bed; and then abruptly broken off again by sickness. But having advised the friends of Mr. BAKER to send his papers to Miss Hemenway, or compile some thing from them themselves, and, by correspondence and personal calls solicited several biographies of early settlers, and also histories of the different churches in town, I hope we may have a history that will be acceptable. 

GEORGE ADAMS.
Enosburgh, Jan. 8, 1869.

    "The first Methodist preaching in this town," writes the Rev. Bennett EATON, "was in the early part of the Fall of 1812, at the dwelling-house of Mr. HAWKINS, in the west part of the town, by a stranger whose name cannot now be recalled. The next sermon was by Rev. Isaac HILL, about the last of October in the same year, at the house of Mr. Daniel CHILLSON. Mr. HILL continued his labors here at brief intervals; and in February, 1813, he formed a class of about a dozen members, six of whom lived in this town, and the rest in Sheldon and Bakersfield. The names of those in this town were as follows; Jairus EATON, and Lucy EATON,- his wife; Samuel BESSEY, and Hope BESSEY, his wife; and a Mr. HOLDEN and his wife The first four persons just named remained in town and lived to see large numbers associated with them in this church fellowship ; and one of them -- Mrs. EATON -- is still living (February, 1869), though for a few years past in another town (Warren.)”

      Till 1856 the town formed a part of a circuit in union with other towns; but since then has been a station, having services at two or three places each Sabbath. A meeting-house was erected at the West Village in 1839, which still stands, and a few years later a Union house was built at the Falls, in which they had a share and now own one-half. The prosperity of the society has had its ebbs and flows like many country churches. In the period from 1826 to 1840 it had frequent revivals and many accessions to its membership and among others some scores of the French emigrants from Canada. Subsequently, however, the most of this last class became connected with the Baptists.* 

      For intelligence, wealth, and social and moral worth, the membership will compare well with other societies of its size, here or elsewhere. It is too early in its history to insert notices of its honored dead, as most of those it has delighted to honor are still living.

      It has given to its ministry and that of the church at large, the following: Samuel BESSEY, jr., John FASSETT, Jairus EATON, jr., Bennett EATON, (now Presiding Elder of Burlington District, Troy Conference), and his two sons, Joel W. and Homer EATON, Stephen B. and Joel B. WHITNEY, Caleb A. STEVENS, Fernando C. and James E KIMBALL, and Austin SCRIBNER -- most of them natives of the town.

      In the long season of 50 years since it arose as a society, it has been served in the ministry by some of the ablest and best men of the Troy and Vermont Conferences, and it looks forward in faith to a brighter and greater future.

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH
By H. A. Crampton

      The articles of association, drawn up with a view to organize a Protestant Episcopal church in Enosburgh, bear date Dec. 19, 1821, and about 40 signatures. The church was organized May 6, 1822, by the election of wardens and vestrymen. The wardens were William BARKER and Nathaniel W. GRISWOLD. The clerk was Edward BAKER, who was also lay-reader. Religious services were maintained from the first with considerable regularity. The place of meeting was the school-house at the Centre of the town. The Rev. Joel CLAPP, rector of Trinity Church, Shelburn, and missionary at large, held occasional services at this time in Enosburgh, as did also the Rev. Jourdan GRAY, of East Berkshire. The sudden death of Mr. GRAY in April, 1823, (drowned in crossing Trout river,) was a great loss to this, as well as to the parishes of which he was the settled pastor. After the death of the Rev. Mr. GRAY, the Rev. Mr. CLAPP resumed charge of Berkshire and Montgomery, coming to these parishes once in 2 months, from Shelburn. On these visitations he would usually hold a service in Enosburgh. He continued this arrangement till 1827. From this year till 1834, the Rev. Richard PECK of Sheldon, officiated in Enosburgh, probably not oftener than once in three weeks. From 1834 -38 the Rev. Louis MCDONALD had charge of the parish; from 1838-39, the Rev. J. OBEAR. This year (1839) the society took the name of "Christ Church, Enosburgh;" From 1839-45, the Rev. Moore BINGHAM was the rector. In 1839 preparations were made for building a church edifice at West Enosburgh. It was consecrated Jan. 29, 1840. From 1845-50, the Rev. John A. FITCH was in charge of the parish. He was succeeded (1850-56) by the Rev. E. H. SAYLES.

      The church building at West Enosburgh having been badly constructed, and repairs upon it having been neglected, was now unfit for use, and, in 1837, was disposed of and taken down. The services had been previously removed to the Centre, by Mr. SAYLES. From 1856-58, there was no clergyman in charge.

      In the fall of 1858 the Rev. Thomas L, Randolph, residing in Franklin, was engaged to officiate half of the time. This engagement lasted a year, when there was another vacancy till March, 1860. At this time the Rev. Francis W. SMITH became the rector, who continued in charge till April, 1865. In 1861 a new church building was erected at the Centre. It was opened Feb. 9, 1862, and consecrated. May 25, following, Mr. SMITH was succeeded by the Rev. A. R. BAILEY, D. D., who remained till Oct., 1868. At this time (Dec., 1868,) the vacancy has not been supplied. The number of communicants in 1822, was 11; at the present time is 44. For the last few years the church has been in a very flourishing condition.

THE BAPTIST CHURCH
By HON. S. KENDALL

      This church at Enosburgh Falls was organized in 1830, with 29 members, and during 10 years following had increased to over 100 members ; and within some 10 years the church set apart for the gospel ministry Oliver BABCOCK, Nathaniel MARTIN, Palmer C. HIMES and Joseph MURRAY, all of whom were duly ordained, as evangelists, about the year 1845; Elder MURRAY was ordained in 1842 and a number of members took letters from the church, and, with others who were late converts from the Roman Catholic Church, were organized into a Baptist church at West Enosburgh, known by the name of the French Baptist Church of West Enosburgh. Elder GREENWOOD was ordained in 1850, Elder SHANNON in 1851.

      Mr. Adams will find by the records of the Baptist church at the east part of the town, when that church was organized and when the Church at Enosburgh Falls was consolidated with the church over East, and thereby forming one church.* What I have written, I think comprises all the information I have that I think would interest the public.