RADICAL
REBELLION
As Highgate is a border town, any trouble over the line is sooner
felt than in towns more remote. The people of the town are peaceably disposed
and have no disposition to interfere with the government of the adjacent
Province; but when there is difficulty in Canada more or less of the disaffected
citizens will leave for the States. It was so in the Radical Rebellion.
Canadian refugees in considerable large numbers might be found at the public
and private houses, who put their own version upon affairs in Canada, and
it is the most natural thing in the world that they should enlist the sympathies
of the people on this side of the line, and this rebellion made quite a
commotion in Highgate for a short period, but I am not aware that more
than two or three participated in any invasion across the lines. The writer
was teaching school at the time in the west part of the town, the school-house
being on the direct road from Missisquoi bay to Swanton Falls. Just before
9 o'clock A. M., a small body of unarmed men and boys (perhaps 20 in number)
from the Canada side, halted in front of the school-house, when Capt. GAYNON
walked up to the door, upon which was posted a proclamation of some leading
radical (I believe, Dr. NELSON), and turning to his men explained to his
Company the purport of it in French, when his men gave three lusty cheers
for PAPINENU and resumed their march again. Just as school closed, at.
4 P.M., a company of men and boys, numbering perhaps 150 or 200, again
halted in front of the school-house, on their way back with arms in their
hands. I took the liberty to pass around the company in review, to see
what kind of material the invading army was composed of. I found them mostly
French boys, who might have done good service in the garden or a potato-patch,
but not quite the right material to conquer old England, or face a well-trained
soldiery. I doubt whether there were 10 good guns in the company. They
had along with them their artillery, two small cast-iron cannon, ouch as
our boys use on the 4th of July, tied or withed on to the axle-tree of
an old one-horse-cart, drawn by a horse that would have paid but a very
small crow-tax. There were but two or three Americans in the company, only
one I believe, with a sword dangling by his side. Such as they were, they
soon started on their march again. At Moore's Corners they met an opposing
force in ambush, which fired upon them from behind houses, barns, rocks
and fences. Of course the boys were put to flight. One poor fellow, whose
name I have forgotten, was fatally wounded, and Capt. GAYNON slightly in
the knee. The United States government ordered out two companies of militia
to guard the lines in Highgate, who were out from 8 to 14 days, for which
service most of them received their land warrants. One or two barns were
burned on each side of the line; but by whom, I believe, it was never ascertained.
Gen. John E. WOOL was finally sent to the frontier, and in a few days took
two leading radicals (one Dr. NELSON) in charge, and the armed rebellion
soon came to an end. There were two volunteer companies raised in Highgate
and Franklin, but failed to get organized before the finale.
I well remember the remark made by the man of the house where I
was boarding at the time of the battle. We were in hearing distance of
the guns, and while out in the evening listening, he remarked that he had
rather have it said that old Dave STICKNEY was a coward, than that he was
killed. This is undoubtedly true of some, if not with most men. Animal
courage is found in the organization of the head, and if nature has not
given us this faculty, we are not to blame for not exercising it. A man
who has a head like a kingfisher, will never make a fighting man, whereas
if a man has a head resembling that of the tiger, he will rather enjoy
it.
THE
GREAT REBELLION,
Right well do our noble boys, who served in the Union army, during
the war of the great Rebellion, deserve a place in history. The name of
every true soldier merits an enduring record. The honor of a victory should
be divided between the officers and men, and instead of saying that such
a general has gained a victory, it should be said that the army under the
command of such a general has gained it. Our Highgate boys have cheerfully
responded to every call, and by their patriotism and heroic bravery confrere
a lasting honor upon their native town. The descendants of our faithful
soldiers will glory in saying, "My father, or grandfather was a soldier
in that war, or that he shed his blood in defense of the Union.
Of the names of the soldiers, from Highgate, who served in this
war, as far as they are available, I have furnished a, list for another
portion of this work-the military county chapter where the respective towns
of this county appear as so many brave platoons side by side.
The first bounty paid was on the President's call for 300,000 men,
and was voted August 1862, $100 to each soldier; quota 38 men; 79 cents
on the dollar of the grand list, amounting to $3800,00. The tax was promptly
made out and paid over to the soldiers or their friends as directed. Aug.
13, 1864, the town voted a tax of $1.90 on the dollar to fill the quota
on the President's call for 500,000 men not to exceed $300 to each man.
In September, 1865, the following named soldiers were paid the several
sums annexed to their names, viz:
George BRADLEY, $1,005.84, ____ Glover, $1000.00, Thomas CAREY,
$854.25, Willard OLDS, $800.00, Webster JOHNSON, $825.00, Daniel FOSBURY,
$1,100.00, Peter MESIER, $1,004.16, $6,589.25, for 7 men. Joseph GRENYA
was paid in 1864, $100, and F. N. JOHNSON, in 1864, $1325 for furnishing
4 men.
The town, on every call, promptly voted to raise the necessary funds,
which was collected and paid over; hence the town is not encumbered with
a war debt, which, as money was plenty then, was probably the best policy
that could have been adopted. I understand, however, that there are several
soldiers who re-enlisted in the field, without an especial contract with
the selectmen, who claim, but have not been paid, their bounty, which they
were promised by their officers in the field. In addition to this there
were quite a number of the earliest volunteers who have received no bounty,
but the $100 paid by government.
THE
REBEL RAID IN '64.
The quiet of Highgate was again disturbed by the raiders who so
unceremoniously made their appearance in the town of St. Albans and gobbled
up quite a bundle of green-backs from the banks there. For some reason,
however, they rather slighted Highgate and took another route on their
return to the land of rebel sympathizers. There was no force placed upon
the line to keep raiders out of Highgate, but a small guard was enrolled
to guard the two bridges across the Missisquoi river at Highgate Falls
and East Highgate, leaving the frontier town without protection. However,
a small company of cavalry was raised at the Centre of the town which might
have done good service had there been anything to do. But as the raid was
begun and ended in a day, the company had no opportunity to show their
mettle. J. P. PLACE was Captain or commander of the cavalry, and O. S.
RIXFORD had command of the guard at East Highgate. The two bridges were
guarded through the winter. There were a few of the inhabitants of Highgate
somewhat alarmed, but generally the people were satisfied that raids would
not be continued or renewed again. The people who live continuous to the
line, on each side, have the good sense to discover that there can be no
advantage gained by committing depredations upon each other across the
line, and as a general thing have a good understanding and hold a friendly
intercourse. The Canadians were somewhat enraged at the time of the Fenian
invasion, in June 1866, and every man, I understand, who gave the Fenians
a pan of sour milk was registered in Montreal as a Fenian sympathizer.
There were several of the Fenian boys who had done good service to the
United States in the war of the rebellion. Of course if Americans were
men, they would feed them for that, if for no other cause, though to the
writer it seemed to be rather a round-about way to give freedom to Ireland.
FORM
OF THE TOWNSHIP, SOIL, GEOLOGY, ETC.
By act of the legislature a portion of Hog Island was several years
since set off to Swanton. But I will not enter into the changes in the
boundaries of the township. Suffice it to say, the township which was by
charter 6 miles square, its lines are now some 12 to 15 miles from east
to west, and from north to south about 6 miles.
It is probable there is no town in the county, if there is in the
State, that has such a varied soil and surface. Near the Missisquoi and
Rock rivers, there are several interval farms, which, having been cropped
for nearly 100 years continue to yield an abundant harvest of either hay
or grain. The Missisquoi river enters the town from the S. E., making a
detour towards the centre of the town; thence to the W. thence S. W., leaving
it again upon the S. line within about 1 mile of Swanton Falls; thence
turning to the N. W. It washes the western shore of an extensive marsh,
and empties its waters into Missisquoi bay. Rock river (a small river)
enters the town from the east, running west, thence N. W., thence north,
crossing Canada line into the Queen's dominions, but not finding its position
congenial, returns again into Highgate and empties into Missisquoi bay
near Walter C. STEVEN's, in the west part of the town. Some portions have
an alluvial soil. There is quite a tract of pine-plane land, north and
east of Highgate Falls principally, with light, sandy soil, which with
thorough manuring yields fair crops. Other portions of the township have
a clay bottom, soil, a clay loam, with the portion of clay in the mixture
to make the soil rich and strong, and, when well tilled, as productive
as any in the County.
There is one singular feature with regard to the soil in Highgate,
its sudden change from clay to sand. In some cases, on one side of a shallow
ravine, not 2 rods wide, may be found a bottomless bed of clay and on the
other side, sand extending downward to the slate rock, and in some cases
to an unknown depth. In the west part of the township is found swampy land
with a rich black, muck soil, perhaps the best meadow land in town, and
some portions near Highgate gore are a gravelly loam, with low, swampy
meadow-lands in connection. The eastern part of the township is quite hilly
and a large portion between the hills is nearly covered with boulders of
all imaginable sizes, insomuch that to a careless observer it would seem
that the farmer would have to sharpen his sheep's noses, to enable them
to get at the grass which grows between the stones most luxuriantly. It
is believed, however, that an acre of those hilly portions produces more
feed than an acre of any other land devoid of stone. In short, our hilly
pastures are the most valuable grazing land for the dairy or for sheep.
Water is abundant in every part of the town, living springs and
streams, in so much that its inhabitants seldom suffer for the want of
it. It is probable there is not another town in the state, that will stand
drought better, or where the husbandman gets more amply paid for his labor.
The lime-rock makes its appearance in the west part of the township,
and farther east we have a slate formation, tilted up edge-wise, which,
some portion of the way, forms the bed of the Missisquoi river. I suppose
our slate rock is a water deposit and originally occupied a different position
from what it now does. Some convulsion of nature, caused by internal fires,
occasioned an upheaval and rent our bedrock asunder, and rolled it up in
this slanting position, pitching to the S. E. Our hills in the east part
of the town are composed of a different kind of rock, neither lime, granite
nor slate, but a hard, flinty rock, bluish-gray, of fine texture, and undoubtedly
a conglomerate mass, heated in some great crucible of nature and forced
up through a fissure in the primitive rock formations, or the crust of
the earth, and rolled off in a melted state to the right hand and the left,
overlapping the slate rock. There is another kind of rock found in a hill
one-half mile east of East Highgate, overlaying a bed of slate, and above
which is found the hard rock first described. The outer surface is reddish
and when broken is bluish inside, and pronounced by our State Geologist,
Mr. HAGER, to be water-lime or cement. A specimen of this rock is now in
the Geological Cabinet at Montpelier. The rock is hard -- not flinty --
and breaks like marble-rock, in any direction, and would make a valuable
stone for buildings or abutments.
The surface of the township is decidedly uneven. Near the river
it is considerably cut up by ravines, and the north half of the town abounds
in low hills, swamps and valleys, The rock, which crops out of these hills
quite plentifully, is different from any other rock in town, mongrel in
composition, very much broken up, but not round, making good wall-stone,
bordering a trifle upon the sand-rock. So romantic is this section of the
town, that it is not strange that it has sent out its poet, but rather
that its inhabitants are not all poets.
Finally, we are not subject to extremes of heat and cold, though
occasionally we have to wear mittens, and in July, 1868, an umbrella was
quite comfortable over the head.
M.
S. CHURCH AT HIGHGATE CENTER.
During the past season the Methodist Episcopal society have erected
at this place a substantial brick church at a cost of $8,500, which is
nearly completed. The dedication will take place about the middle of February
next. The house is in the north village, and is, perhaps, the best meeting-house
in town, and its internal arrangements are admirable for comfort and convenience.
January,
1869.
METHODIST
STATISTICS.
FROM
REV. JAMES ROBINSON.
Rev. Elijah HEDDING (afterwards Bishop) is supposed to have preached
the first Methodist sermon in town, in 1799. Rev. Thomas BEST was the first
settled minister; Church organized 1822; First members -- E. P. HASKINS
and wife, Daniel HERRICK and wife, Luke HITCHCOCK and wife, Daniel FILMORE
and wife, Amasa JOCELYNE and wife, Thos. BEST and wife, with other names
unknown-old records lost; present number of members, 95. Preachers entered
services as follows; Revs. Samuel WEAVER 1829, Dillon STEVENS, '30-'33,
I. LEONARD, '33-'35, Wm. RICHARDS '35, John GRAVES, '36, C. CHAMBERLIN,'37,
B. A. LYON, '38, O. E. SPICER, '39-'41, A. DIXON, '41--'43, John SEAGA,
'43-'45, Chas. LEONARD '45-'47, J. D. WHITE '47-49, J. H. BROWN '49-'51,
Oren GREG '51-'54, S. H. CLEMENS '54-'56, W. R. PUFFER, '56, J. E. KIMBALL,
'57-'59, C. R. HAWLEY '59, H. C. ROBINSON '60, J. S. MOTT 61-63, B. COX,
'63, R. CHRISTIE (local) '64, J. M. PUFFER '65-'67, James ROBINSON '67-'68.
Meeting-house built 1823; parsonage built, 1826; 1st organization S. School,
cannot tell; books in S. School Library, 765.
THE
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
BY
REV. E. J. COMINGS
The first Congregational Church of Highgate was organized in a school-house
in the N. W. part of the town, Oct. 28, 1811, Rev. Benjamin WOOSTER officiating.
The names of the 15 original members were, as follows: Conrade BARR, Hezekiah
HARNDEN, John JOHNSON, John STINEMATS (STINETS in modern times), John BARR,
Henry LOUK, Eunice TICHOUT, Anna SAXE, Martha BARR, Catherine STINEHOUR,
Rachael JOHNSON, Sarah DRURY, Sarah WILLIAMS, Hannah STINEMATS, and Rachel
HARNDEN. This little flock in the wilderness was watched over by that bold
and noble man, soldier of the cross and of his country, father WOOSTER,
until the autumn of 1819, Rev. Messrs. PARKER, CHENEY and other missionaries
from Massachusetts and Connecticut made them occasional visits -- traveling
on horseback through the woods. Their numbers increased at every communion,
except when their leader was away in defence of his country during the
war of 1812.
In the autumn of 1819, Rev. Phineas KINGSLEY was installed pastor;
Rev. Simeon PARMELEE preached from the words, "Put off thy shoes from thy
feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground."His pastorate
thus begun in the school-house on the south side of the river, closed in
Sept. 1829. The next and only pastor installed after Mr. KINGSLEY, was
Rev. E. W. KELLOGG, Jan. 7, 1846. Rev. James DOUGHERTY preaching on the
occasion. Their now, commodious, brick church edifice was dedicated on
the same day. The meetings of the church previous to this time, were first
in school. houses, then in the town-house, and finally in a house built
for the purpose at the center of the town, Mr. KELLOGG was dismissed in
Jan.. 1852, No records speak of Sabbath Schools till May 11, 1842. The
church enjoyed the stated labors of Rev. Messrs. PIERCE, SQUIRE, CADY and
SAMSON from the time of Mr. KELLOGG's dismisslion till June 1867, when
the present incumbent, Rev. E. J COMINGS, became their acting pastor.
The church has numbered 140. At other times it has boon reduced
to about 50. It is now in a more united and prosperous state than at some
former times. There is reason to believe that it has always been a power
in God's hand, for blessing the town. The hope is entertained that its
brightest days are yet to be.
December,
1868.
ST.
JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, HIGHGATE.
The material from which to make a history of this parish is very
limited. The record of several years of its early existence, if one was
kept, has been lost. What is here written respecting it prior to 1837,
has mostly been gathered from individuals in private conversation.
The house of worship in this parish was built about the year 1831.
It is a substantial brick building, and is large enough to seat 250 persons.
It was consecrated May 1, 1833. In 1835 the original building was much
improved by the addition of a chancel and vestry-room and by painting the
whole. This desirable change was effected through the liberality of Messrs.
S. W. and S. S. KEYES. In 1837, the Hon. Heman ALLEN gave a bell, a font,
of Italian marble; a massive silver communion service, and books for the
altar, desk and pulpit. About the same time, mainly by the three gentlemen
above named, an organ, of excellent quality and tone, was procured and
placed in the church.
Immediately after the completion of the church edifice in 1831,
the Rev. Anson B. Hard became the rector of the parish. At that time though
many in the community were favorably disposed towards the Episcopal Church,
there was only one communicant. His ministry which continued 2 years was
very successful. After the removal of Mr. HARD, the Rev. S. R. CRANE officiated
in this parish 1 year-1836. For that year he reported to the Convention
3 baptisms and 10 confirmations.
In the fall of 1836 the Rev. John S. SABINE took charge of this
parish and remained in it 1 year. He reported 9 baptisms and 4 confirmations.
At that time the number of communicants was above 30. Though brief, Mr.
SABINE's ministry was useful. Individuals remember him with affection,
and often speak of his gentle manners and devotion.
About Christmas 1837, the Rev. Charles FAY took charge of this parish.
He resigned the same, Dec. 30, 1840. During his ministry there were 58
baptisms, and 34 confirmations. When he left, the number of communicants
was 62. Much also was done by Mr. and Mrs. FAY in the way of education.
Very many persons in the community cherish a sentiment of great obligation
to him and his highly accomplished wife (since deceased), and whensoever
their names are mentioned, show that enduring affection which is the richest
earthly reward of human toil. The parish remained vacant about a year,
when the Rev. William F. HALSEY was called to the charge of it. He was
obliged however, much to the regret of all who knew him, to resign, on
account of ill health, in April 1843. Mr. HALSEY recorded 12 baptisms and
4 confirmations. He reported to the Committee in September 1842, 43 communicants.
During some part of the year 1845, the Rev. John A. FITCH of Sheldon,
officiated in this parish. He recorded 11 baptisms and 1 confirmation.
The parish remained vacant until July 1847, when the Rev. C. R. BATCHELDER
was called to its charge, and commenced his labors. He resigned Jan. 21,
1860, after laboring with the parish about 10 years and 5 months. During
a portion of this time he bad a private school in which a number of the
young men still living in the town prepared for college. Many pleasant
memories cluster around teacher and school. When Mr. BATCHELDER entered
the parish it numbered about 40 communicants. During his rectorship he
reported 65 baptisms and 43 confirmations, and reported 40 communicants,
when he left.
In June, 1862, Rev. Edward WINTHROP took charge of the parish as
rector. He was an earnest and able preacher, and much beloved by the people.
His was an uncommon talent. He was known as a man of rare theological learning,
and most cordial and generous temper. In 1866 he was obliged, on account
of illness, to relinquish his labors, and while in New York, seeking rest
and medical treatment, he was called by the Master to his heavenly rest.
During Mr. WINTHROP's rectorship he reported 7 baptisms and 8 confirmations.
The parish remained vacant until August 1867, when the Rev. J. B. PITMAN,
the present rector, was appointed to its charge by the board of missions
and by the call of the parish. 12 baptisms and 9 confirmations are reported.
The present number of communicants is 45. Sunday School 25. Teachers 4.
No. of books in library 200.
PAPERS
FROM MRS. M. E. W. SKEELS.
There is a story related of two of ROGERS' men, disbanded after
his expedition to Canada, the name of one was COBB, the other unknown.
They undertook to make their way to the south part of the State; they had
been suffering for food and had been so reduced as to be obliged to eat
human-flesh, as it was said, also that they had burned an Indian village.
When they reached the north part of this town, near Saxe's mill, they found
several Indians fishing; who forthwith took them prisoners, and marched
them to the north-west part of the town; where the Indians claimed possession
of their knapsacks, and in the knapsack of one of the men whose name is
unknown, was found a portion of pappoose flesh, which sealed his fate;
he was burned at the stake. COBB expected to share the same fate, but was
however only retained prisoner, and soon gained the confidence of the Indians
so that he was allowed to go on a hunting excursion with them, and watching
his opportunity escaped, crossed the river and, followed the Hungerford
brook, a part of the time creeping on his hands and knees or wading up
the rapids, till at last he succeeded in crossing the mountains, reaching
the habitation of men. He afterwards came to see his brother, Squire COBB,
and related the story here written.
There are many incidents connected with the first settlement of
the town, her struggles for a name and position, which are not a little
amusing. There has always been in Highgate, as in most other towns, a little
party spirit connected with her modus operandi which gives a zest to many
of her maneuvers. It, like the comet, makes its appearance at stated periods,
such as election days, dismissing ministers, &c. It made its first
appearance at the erection of the first Congregational meeting-house. The
funds were collected, as far as possible, in this way; One gave lumber,
one nails, and one eccentric bachelor, Mr. William MORSE, gave a cow, without
the knowledge of his host, who was having the use of her and inquired,
"Where is that cow going?" Her owner replied, "Going to build a meeting-house.
The funds were exhausted before the house was half completed, and it had
to remain as it was until more could be collected; they however held meetings
there, the floors and seats being rough, loose boards, and the sheep having
free access there until doors were obtained from some quarter. There soon
arose a dispute. I have forgotten the bone of contention, but one of our
venerable matrons taking an active part, stole the door to the sacred edifice,
and Sampson-like-carried it off on her shoulder, hiding it so effectually
that all search for it was fruitless. Feeling a little chagrin at being
thus vanquished, the male portion of the opposite party talked the matter
over, when one of the foremost replied, "I dont care so mooch for the door,
but how she will pray!"
THOMAS BEST, born in Hoosick, N, Y., 1770, moved to Missisquoi Bay
and lived with his grand-parents and uncle until 1794, when his uncle thinking
to establish him in business, gave him an axe and what clothing he could
tie in a pocket handkerchief and sent him to shirk for himself, He came
directly to Highgate, selected a tract of land, worked a while by the month;
soon after married Merriam HYAT of Hoosick, N. Y., and settled on his land
in Highgate. His advantages for education had been rather limited, for,
at 18, he could neither read nor write; but soon after he settled for life,
he was converted under the preaching of Lorenzo DOW and began to study
and soon became a successful preacher -- his labors being attended with
great success and very many conversions, as some now living testify. He
officiated as a local preacher, laboring on his farm, refusing any remuneration
whatever, supporting a large family with his own hands, bearing meekly
much persecution and opposition, as his doctrines were not then very popular
in some parts. At one time after an evening sermon, when about to return
home, he was met at the door by a man who, without a word, felled him to
the floor. Mr. BEST picked himself up in the most cool, quiet manner possible
and said nothing. A short time after his assailant came to him saying,
"Mr. BEST, I am ashamed of myself, I had no occasion to misuse you, I will
make all possible amends for my rudeness. The matter was settled and he
was ever after one of his warmest friends. Mr. BEST was a remarkably shrewd
man, keen in his perception of right and of human nature, with a plain,
rather abrupt manner of expression. He was once annoyed by a stranger who
during sermon disturbed him in various ways, until it was impossible to
proceed farther; when, looking the man full in the face he said, "I am
sure you cannot be a resident of this town, there is not one hereto abandoned
as to disturb a religious meeting; I think you mast be a sheep thief or
a runaway. The man was mute as a stone, and it was soon proved that both
were true of him; he was a thief and runaway. Mr. BEST continued his labors
until a few years since, when he was called to his reward. He had endured
the hardships of a first settlement, accumulated a good property and reared
a large family, several of whom are still residents of the town.
Thomas BEST, jr., was one morning called from his bed to get up
and shoot a bear, the dogs meanwhile doing their best barking and yelping
to keep him safe in the tree. Thomas, though only 10 years of age, was
considered the best marksman about, and therefore had been selected to
shoot the bear. He was soon on the ground and, taking deliberate aim, brought
down an enormous bear, which as it came down near the boy, gave one tremendous
stroke with his paw, rending his clothes from his shoulder to his feet,
but doing no other harm.
Conrad BARR was born in New York, and removed, with his family,
to Missisquoi Bay, thence to Highgate in March, 1787. He dug a spot in
the deep snow and erected a cabin, but soon after built a saw pit, sawed
boards and erected comfortable dwellings; reared a family in town, and
lived many years honored and respected. Two sons still live in town, John
and Conrad, and have held town offices. John BARR, now, one of the oldest
residents in the place, still recollects many of the incidents connected
with their early settlement.
PETER STINEHOUR came to Highgate, August, 1787, with a family of
6 or 7 children; they afterwards numbered 16 -- 8 sons and 8 daughters.
He labored hard to secure comfortable food for his family and was sometimes
a little short, so much so, that after going a long distance to get potatoes
to plant, and getting them fairly covered, they were obliged to dig them
to keep soul and body together. They, however, after a year or two, saw
better times, as the town became more thickly settled. Henry STINEHOUR,
said by many to be the first male child born in Highgate, is still living,
the proprietor of Stinehour's Hotel, north side of the river.
JOHN SAXE, a German, born in Rhinebeck, Duchess Co., N.Y., removed
to Highgate; A.D. 1787, with a family of 8 sons and 1 daughter -- namely
John, George, William, Matthew, Godfrey, Peter, Jacob, Conrad and Hannah.
Mr. SAXE was a man of ability and perseverance, every way calculated to
endure the hardships of a first settlement; he had, with his family, many
difficulties to encounter, many trials to endure; they were harrassed by
Indians and wild beasts, Mr. SAXE was at one time obliged to swim the river,
breaking the ice with his hands. He had much to do with the settlement
and organizing of the town. John, the eldest son, died at the age of 22;
George was a hunter and drover, William a surveyor, Matthew a millwright,
and subsequently a merchant; he was the first town clerk, several times
represented the town, and held many other town offices. Godfrey died at
the age of 28. Peter remained on the old homestead, a farmer and merchant,
a man of business: lie several times represented the town; the poorer class
always voted for him, for, said they, we all owe Peter. He is the father
of the famous John G. SAXE, the poet. Jacob SAXE, a merchant and furnace
man, has done extensive business in town.
Conrad SAXE, a blacksmith and farmer, is still living; he has long
been an esteemed member of the M. E. church, and for near 40 years a class-leader.
He is now aged and infirm, waiting quietly on the banks of the dark river
for the last summons "Come this side."
ANDREW POTTER, one of the earliest settlers, removed from Clarendon
to St. Albans Bay, thence to Keyes' Falls, which were then named, after
him, Potter's Falls, and for a long time bore that name; he built the first
mill in town; his daughter, 13 years of age, was the first female in that
section, she afterwards married Elkena ALBEE.
REV. PHINEAS KLINGSLEY, first pastor of the Congregational church,
a faithful and honored minister who labored for the conversion of his people
and the building up of the church, a man respected and beloved by all who
knew him and especially the people of his charge, has been very recently
called to his eternal reward. He was to have furnished a sketch of his
life and labors in Highgate, for this work, but his labors are ended, and
there are many other persons whose names should stand conspicuous in the
history of the town, whose biography must remain unwritten, as there were
none to record it, and they have passed away; their names alone must for
a time recall them to remembrance. Among these are COBB, HOWE, PHELPS,
STINETS, RECKORD, and, later, DRURY, HASKINS, TILMON, CUTLER, KEYES, HUNGERFORD
and SKEELS,
MRS. SUSANNAH ALBEE, wife of Elkanah ALBEE, died in Highgate, aged
63. Mrs. A. was born in Clarendon, from which place her parents removed
with her at the age of 3 years, and settled at St. Albans Bay, then a dense
forest. After a residence here of 10 years, she was carried to "Keyes'
Falls," in Highgate, up the Missisquoi in a batteau, there being no land
roads. She was the first female carried to that point for settlement. After
some years she married, and settled, where she lived to raise a large family
and see the wilderness retire before the hand of cultivation. In meeting
the
trials and toils peculiar to the settlement of a new country, Mrs. A. was
remarkable for courage and fortitude and for patience to endure them. Benevolence
to the needy was a prominent trait in her character. She had been long
a much beloved member of the Congregational church, and her death was calm
and peaceful.
THE
POET OF HIGHGATE
BY MRS. M.
R. W. SKEELS.
Away up
north where the wild oak grows
And where
Rock river overflows,
Where rocks,
the hills are piled upon
There lived
uncle Peter and his son John.
And John
was a roving lad I've heard
Who whistled
as oft as he spoke a word.
He ran
about with the cattle and Rocks,
Picking
up pebbles and clambering rocks;
He kicked
around and tumbled about
Till his
hat was lost and his elbows out,
And the
wind went whistling thro' his hair
Like the
autumn winds when the trees are bare,
And John
grew tall like the maple tree
And lean
and lank as he could be;
'Twas little
he cared for rain or sleet,
He was
not troubled, if enough to eat, --
He went
without a shoe or stocking,
And the
way John looked, Oh dear, 'twas shocking!
He loved
the woods much better than school
And some
people called him SAXE's fool.*
He grow
and grew till quite a long John,
His father
thought fit to put reins on:
He went
to school and became a man,
And now
believe it, you who can,
He's grown
a poet and quite a sage
His praise
is spoken on many a page
And John
has got him a little wife
As pretty's
you please, upon my life!
He more
than a sonnet loves a son
'Tis true,
for he now has three and one;
And yet
`tis true at the present day
He keeps
his same odd, singular way.
He sometimes
goes with his elbows out
While his
hair is hanging his brow about,
Waiting
for the winds to comb it again
While he
is whistling some childish strain.
He always
sits heels over his head
For he
rests much better than when in bed;
To be an
odd genius he is inclined,
For he
rides for pleasure with his face-behind,
His poems
are neater far than his cloak,
And he
loves to deal a capital joke.
He's fond
of resting and fond of play,
And fond
of satire every day,
He's fond
of fiction and fonder of facts.
Yes, a
wonderful man is John G. SAXE.
P. S.
Pray kindly,
John, my ditty excuse,
For I've
captured once your saucy muse.
~
* A rather
plain, but natural illustration withal, of the estimate of the more ignorant
people found in every community -- perhaps more in the rural district-of
any unlucky child, or youth, who has the mystery in his face of undeveloped
talent -- a genius they can neither read nor comprehend. -- Ed. |
JOHN
GODFREY SAXE.
John Godfrey SAXE was born at Highgate, Franklin Co., Vt., on the
2d day of June, 1816. From 9 to 17 he worked on his father's farm and went
to school. Then he entered the Grammar-School of St. Albans, and after
the usual preparatory studies the college at Middletown, Ct., where he
graduated Bachelor of Arts, in the summer of 1839. While at college he
had no reputation as a speaker or writer; but he was considered a fine
scholar, especially in the languages, a very pleasant fellow, and the best
talker in the place. It is rather odd, though, considering the immemorial
custom of all collegians and the literary aspirations of most young men,
he wrote nothing at college, nor until several years after he had graduated,
when he was in apparently unpropitious circumstances, viz. in the holy
bonds of matrimony and the tedious study of the law. For several years
after, he practiced in the courts, writing verses occasionally, and attending
to the interests of his party in that part of the world -- for SAXE is
something of a politician. He edited the Burlington Sentinel for a short
time, running for the office of district-attorney, which he was talented
and popular enough to gain, and writing and delivering college and anniversary
poems, and lectures. He has certainly won applause by his lectures, very
generally.
For his personal appearance we refer to an epistle
of his to the editor of the Knickerbocker where he describes himself:
"I am a
man, you must learn,
Less famous
for beauty than strength;
And for
ought I could ever discern,
Of rather
superfluous length.
In truth,
'tis but seldom one meets
Such a
Titan in human abodes,
And when
I stalk over the streets,
I'm a perfect
Colossus of roads !"
He resided at Burlington a number of years, but for some over six
years now has lived in the city of Albany, and gives himself quite to his
profession as the humorous poet of his age and country. Mr. SAXE published
the first edition of his poems in 1849, and the last by Ticknor & Fields,
Boston, in 1868, 12 me. 465 pp. The earliest edition has run -- the last
publishers, in their late edition of his complete poetical works, say --
through tome 23 editions.
A
GROUP FROM SAXE.
Poems
and Extracts.
"Pray, what
do they do at the Springs!"
The question
is easy to ask;
But, to
answer it fully; my dear,
Were rather
a serious task,
And yet,
in a bantering way,
As the
magpie or mocking-bird sings,
Ill venture
a bit of a song
To tell
what they do at the Springs?
Imprints
my darling, they drink
The waters
so sparkling and clear;
Though
the flavor is none of the BEST,
And the
odor exceedingly queer;
But the
fluid is mingled, you know,
With wholesome
medicinal things,
So they
drink, and they drink, and they drink, --
And that's
what they do at the Springs!
Then with
appetites keen as a knife,
They hasten
to breakfast or dine;
(The latter
precisely at three;
The former
from seven till nine.)
Ye gods!
-- what a rustle and rush
When the
eloquent dinner bell rings!
Then they
eat, and they eat, and they eat,
And that's
what they do at the Springs!
Now they
stroll in the beautiful walks,
Or loll
in the shade of the tree;
Where many
a whisper is heard
That never
is told by the breeze;
And hands
are commingled with bands,
Regardless
of conjugal rings;
And they
flirt, and they flirt, and they flirt,
And that's
what they do at the Springs!
The drawing-rooms
now are ablaze,
And music
is shrieking away;
Terpsichore
governs the hour,
And Fashion
was never so gay!
An arm
round a tapering waist --
How closely
and fondly it clings;
So they
waltz, and they waltz, and they waltz, --
And that's
what they do at the Springs!
In short,
as it goes in the world --
They eat,
and they drink, and they sleep;
They talk,
and they walk, and they woo;
They sigh,
and they laugh, and they weep;
They read,
and they ride, and they dance;
(With other
unspeakable things;)
They pray,
and they play, and they PAY,
And that's
what they do at the Springs.
WHEN
I MEAN TO MARRY.
When do
I mean to marry! -- Well,
'Tis idle
to dispute with fate;
But if
you choose to have me tell,
Pray listen
while I fix the date.
When daughters
haste with eager feet,
A mother's
daily toll to share,
Can make
the puddings which they eat,
And mend
the stockings which they wear;
When maidens
look upon a man
As in himself
what they would marry,
And not
as army soldiers scan
A sutler
or a commissary;
When gentle
ladies who have got
The offer
of a lover's hand,
Consent
to share his earthly lot,
And do
not mean his lot of land;
When young
mechanics are allowed
To find
and wed the farmer-girls
Who don't
expect to be endowed
With rubies,
diamonds and pearls;
When wives,
in short, shall freely give
Their hearts
and hands to aid their spouses,
And live
as they were wont to live
Within
their sire's one-story houses;
Then, madam,
-- if I am not old, --
Rejoiced
to quit this lonely life;
I'll brush
my beaver, cease to scold;
And look
about me for a wife.
NEVER
TOO LATE TO MEND,
"Here wife,"said
Will, "I pray you devote
Just half
a minute to mend this coat
Which a
nail has chanced to rend."
"'Tis ten
o'clock," said his drowsy mate.
"I know,"
said Will, "It is rather late;
But 'tis
never too late to mend!"
SLEEP
"God bless
the man who first invented sleep!"
So Sancho
Panza said, and so say I;
And bless
him, also that he did not keep
His great
discovery to himself; or try
To make
it -- as the lucky fellow might
A close
monopoly by "patent right."
Yes, bless
the man who first invented sleep,
(I really
can't avoid the iteration;)
But blast
the man with curses loud and deep,
Whate'er
the rascal's name, or age, or station,
Who first
invented, and went round advising,
That artificial
cutoff -- early rising!
Men dying,
make their wills, but wives
Escape
a work so sad;
Why should
they make what all their lives
The gentle
dames have had!
"The Vermont
Historical Gazetteer:
A Magazine
Embracing A History of Each Town,
Civil,
Ecclesiastical, Biographical and Military."
Volume
II, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille & Orange Counties.
Including
Also The Natural History of Chittenden County.
Edited
and Published by Miss Abby, Maria Hemenway.
Burlington,
VT. 1871.
Page 254-275.
Transcribed
by Karima Allison 2004
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