FranklinHighgate_2  

 

 

 


 


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, 
I’ll 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