Norton
lies in the extreme northwestern corner of the county, in lat. 44º
58', and long. 5º, 6’, and is bounded north by the Canada line, east
by Averill, south by Warner's Grant*,
Warren's Gore** and
***Avery's
Gore, and west by Holland, in Orleans county. When the town was
chartered, or to whom, we are unable to state, for the charter was destroyed
by fire many years ago. It matters little, however, when this charter was
granted, for its conditions must have necessarily been violated as the
town had no settler previous to 1860.
The surface
of the land is rough and uneven and heavily timbered. The soil is said
to be good and durable. Two ponds of considerable extent lie in the northern
part of the township. The outlet of Norton pond is the head branch of Coatacook
river, which unites with the Massippi, in Askot, and then unites with the
St. Frances, at Lennoxville. Farrands river, also, heads here and runs
south.
Norton
Mills (p. o.), located in the northern part of the town, on the G.T. railroad,
is the only village in the, township. It has a store, steam mill, and about
thirty dwellings. Woodard & Lyster's steam saw-mill is located in the
eastern part of the town on road 2, near the town of Averill. It was built
by R.M. Woodard and W.L. Ball. It was commenced October 1, 1874,
and finished in April, 1875. Shortly after it was finished Mr. Woodard
bought out his partner and was its proprietor until August, 1885, when
a half interest was sold to P.R. Lyster. The mill is operated by steam,
furnishing employment for about seventy men, and cutting about 25,000 feet
of lumber per day. The mill cuts dimension timber, clapboards, shingles,
lath, etc.
Cameron's
saw-mill is owned and operated by D. H. Cameron. The mill is located about
one-half mile from the boundary line, in the town of Barford, P.Q., although
the lumber is drawn to this town before it is loaded on the cars. The mill
was built in 1879, by F.B. Cleveland. Mr. Cameron bought it in 1882. The
mill furnishes employment for seven men, cutting about 7,000 feet of dimension
timber per day. Water-power is used. A.M. Stetson's steam saw-mill
is located on road 2. It was built by George B. James, in 1873-74, and
has been owned by Mr. Stetson since the failure of Mr. James. It
employs about seventy fine men and cuts over 10,000,000 feet of lumber
per annum. It was built at an expense of nearly $90,000.00.
(Source:
Gazetteer
of Caledonia and Essex Counties, VT.; 1764-1887,
Compiled and Published by Hamilton Child; May 1887)
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