XX indexVermont  

 

 

 
CABOT lies in the eastern part of the county, in latitude 44° 23' and longitude 4° 42', and is bounded north by Walden, east by Danville and Peacham, south by Marshfield, and west by Woodbury. It is located about twenty-one miles easterly from Montpelier, and seventeen miles westerly from St. Johnsbury. It was granted November 6, 1780, and chartered August 17, 1781, to Jesse LEAVENWORTH and sixty-five associates. Mr. LEAVENWORTH never lived in Cabot, but settled in West Danville, where he built some mills. The town received its name from Mr. Lyman HITCHCOCK, one of the grantees, in honor of his intended bride, Miss CABOT, of Connecticut, a descendant of Sebastian CABOT.

      The town is six miles square, and contains 23,040 acres. It was surveyed into six divisions, of twelve lots each, with an average of 320 acres to each lot. November 3, 1786, the proprietors met at the house of Gov. Thomas CHITTENDEN, in Arlington, after the survey of the township had been completed, and there "Voted, that Giles CHITTENDEN and Truman CHITTENDEN, being indifferent persons, be a committee to draw the lots," which they proceeded to do in presence of the meeting, "and according to law." Lots 71 and 72 were set aside for town schools, lot 3 for a college, lot 69 for the County Grammar school, the rent of which goes to Peacham Academy, and lots 62 and 63 were the minister's lots, the rents to be applied to the support of preaching in Cabot.

      The surface of this township is uneven and somewhat broken, yet very little of it is unfit for either cultivation or pasturage. The soil is strong, and produces abundant crops of hay. Stock growing and the dairy are the leading industries. The timber was mostly hard wood, with some spruce and hemlock. The township is well watered by numerous branches, which unite in the southern part of the town and form the Winooski river, which takes a southerly course and enters Marshfield. Joe's pond, in the northeast corner of the town, and partly in Danville, discharges its waters through Joe's brook into the Passumpsic river, and wends its way to the ocean through the Connecticut river. Molly's pond lies about half a mile south of Joe's pond, forms Molly's brook, and flows southwesterly and joins the Winooski in Marshfield, about half a mile from the south line of Cabot. These streams furnish the town a fair supply of water-power. The ponds were favorite resorts of the famous Indian, Capt. Joe, and his wife, Molly, whose permanent home was in Newbury, and were named for them. Coit's pond is a pretty sheet of water, circular in form, and half a mile in diameter, in the northwest part of the town, named for surveyor COIT. West Hill pond originally covered about four acres. It is now used for a reservoir, has a dam at the outlet, now covers one hundred acres, and supplies the mills with power in the dry season.

      There is nothing remarkable in the mineralogy of Cabot. There is a bed of marl near Joe's pond, a small bed of granite, syenite, and protogene near the northeastern corner, and a belt of granite in the southeastern corner. The principal rock formation is calciferous mica schist.

      In the spring of 1776 Gen. Jacob BAILEY, of Newbury, had orders to construct a road from Newbury, on the Connecticut river, to St. Johns, in Canada, for the purpose of conveying troops and provisions to the American army in Canada. He built the road into Peacham, when he learned that our army had retreated from Canada, and the enterprise was abandoned.

      In 1779 Gen. HAZEN was ordered to Peacham with a part of a regiment to complete the road commenced by Gen. BAILEY in 1776. Gen. HAZEN constructed a passable road fifty miles from Peacham through the northeast part of Cabot, and over Cabot Plain, through Walden, Hardwick, Greensborough, Craftsbury, Albany, and Lowell, to near Hazen's Notch in Westfield. This road was of great advantage to the early settlers, and is still known as the Hazen road. The first settlement in Cabot was made on this road, on Cabot Plain, and the highest land in the town. In 1781 Col. Thomas JOHNSON, of Newbury, and Jonathan ELKINS, of Peacham, were taken by the British and marched to Canada. They camped the first night of this journey on this location, and when Col. JOHNSON returned on parole soon after, he again camped there; hence, for many years after, it was known as Johnson's Plain. This commanding elevation is the division of the waters that flow easterly into Connecticut river, southerly into the Winooski, and westerly into the Lamoille. Looking eastward from this plateau the majestic peaks of the White Mountains stretch out before you in the distance. Turn to the westward and your vision is bounded by the western range of the Green Mountains, the whole forming a panorama of magnificent scenic beauty.

      Benjamin WEBSTER, uncle of the renowned orator and statesman, Daniel WEBSTER, came to Cabot in 1782, and made a pitch on this Plain on the Hazen road, and commenced an onslaught on the forest; and in the midst of this opening built the first log cabin in the town. In the spring of 1783 he moved his family to his cabin. He had been preceded two days by Lieut. Jonathan HEATH, and the same season they were joined by Nathaniel WEBSTER and Lieut. Thomas LYFORD and their families. About 1787 six families were added to the colony, viz.: David BLANCHARD, Lyman HITCHCOCK, John LYFORD, Jeremiah MCDANIELS, James BRUCE, and Thomas BATCHELDER. All located on the Plain and in the near neighborhood on the Hazen road.

      The town was organized at the first town meeting of Cabot, held at the house of Thomas LYFORD, the last Saturday of March, 1788. At this meeting the following list of town officers were elected and duly sworn into office by Walter BROCK, justice of the peace: Captain Jesse LEAVENWORTH, moderator; Lieut. Jonathan HEATH, Lieut. Thomas LYFORD, and Lieut. David BLANCHARD, selectmen; Maj. Lyman HITCHCOCK, treasurer; Ensign Jeremiah MCDANIELS, constable; Edmund CHAPMAN, surveyor of highways; and Ensign Jeremiah MCDANIELS, collector of taxes. At this organization the number of voters in the town could not have been more than ten or twelve, and of the seven officers elected six held military commissions. At this time Cabot was included in Orange county. In 1792 Caledonia county was formed from a part of Orange, and Cabot formed a part of the new organization until after the county seat was changed from Danville to St. Johnsbury, in 1855, when, by the exertions and influence of Cabot's representative, Dr. M. P. WALLACE, the town was transferred to Washington county.

      About the time Caledonia county was set off from Orange, Dr. GRESHOM and Horace BEARDSLEY entertained so sanguine an opinion that Cabot would be the shire town, that they proceeded to clear two acres of land in a pasture now owned by S. S. BATCHELDER, for the county buildings. The ground was thoroughly prepared by taking out the stumps of the trees, and removing all obstructions. On this site they raised the first frame house in town. This frame was all hard wood and two stories high, and it required a large force of men, and a corresponding quantity of rum, to raise it. All the men and women in Cabot, Peacham, and Danville were invited to the raising, and two barrels of rum was provided for the occasion, (to meet the threats that those invited would “drink the BEARDSLEYs dry,") and all were invited to help themselves. The rum there imbibed lasted a great many two days, and in after years they enjoyed rehearsing the incidents of this "raising." The BEARDSLEYs did not realize their hopes in the location of the county site, and their building was not finished where it was raised. In about two years it was removed to the Plain, nicely finished, and became the renowned "Yellow House," and the favorite inn of the travelers passing between the north and Connecticut river. The Plain was the "hub" of the town for about eighteen years, when, like other "cities set on a hill," the business gradually slid into the valleys, and now there remains but a single farm house to mark the place of its departed glory.

      The first child born in town was a daughter to Thomas BLANCHARD, October 3, 1787. The first death was that of Benjamin WEST, who was crushed by the falling of a large tree, in the winter of 1786. The first marriage was David LYFORD to Judith HEATH, July 23, 1795, by James MORSE, Esq. Mr. MORSE came from Barre, Mass., in 1789, and settled at the center of the town. He built the first house (of logs) in that locality, and later kept in it the first tavern in town. He was the first justice of the peace and received his appointment in 1792. He foresaw that he would be called on to officiate at weddings, and felt that he could do better if he had some experience. He accordingly placed his son David beside the stump of a tree, and proceeded to marry him to it. David, as directed, assented that he would love, cherish, and protect her, and David and the stump were solemnly pronounced husband and wife. David would not marry until the stump rotted down. This nervous justice became confused when performing a real ceremony next time and made the groom promise to "forsake her and cleave to all other women." 

      Thomas LYFORD was elected first representative in 1791, but failed to attend the legislature. In 1792 Mr. MORSE, above mentioned, was elected, and after his election his wife spun and wove the flax from which she made new "trowsers" for him to wear to the session which met at Rutland, October 11. The day before he started he killed a lamb, and Mrs. MORSE cooked luncheon enough to last him through the journey. Clad in the new trowsers with a pack on his back, he made the journey to Rutland and home again on foot. He was a smoker, and in some way drew his picture on the fence with his pipe in his mouth and his pack on his back, and over it wrote in, large letters, "Going to Rutland." James MORSE also owned the first wagon in town. The box or body is said to have been about six feet long, bolted tight to the axle, and it was considered a gay vehicle.

      The first stove in town was possessed by Dea. James MARSH, cost $80, and was long enough to take wood three feet long. The first clock in town, a tall, cased, brass one, was owned by Hon. John W. DANA. Mrs. John W. DANA had the first carpet, which came to her in the division of her mother's things.

      In 1788 Lieut. Thomas LYFORD, the third settler in town, bought the land where the village of Cabot now stands, and in 1789 completed the first saw-mill in Cabot, on the Winooski, at this place. The irons for this mill were made at Newbury and drawn on a hand sled to the mill the previous winter. Mr. LYFORD and his son Thomas, Jr., soon after built a grist-mill with one run of stones split out of granite. It occupied the site of the present grist-mill. This mill did grinding not only for Cabot, but for towns miles around.

      At the first town meeting, held in 1788, a vote was passed to raise twenty bushels of wheat, to be expended for the support of a town school; but this vote was rescinded at the next town meeting, held in March, 1789, on account of the great scarcity of wheat. At the same meeting the town voted thirty bushels of wheat for a summer and winter school; but the matter was reluctantly deferred on account of the inability of the people to meet the expense. The first school-house stood at the foot of Shephard hill, and was, built of logs, benches were used for seats, wooden pins were driven into holes bored into the logs, and boards laid on them for writing-desks. The first school was taught by John GUNN in the summer of 1792.

      The first settled minister was Rev. Benjamin PAGE, pastor of the Freewill Baptist church, in 1803. Mr. Nicholas WARNER was the first postmaster, in 1808. The first mail carrier, Henry DENNY, rode on horseback, and his route extended to the Canada line. The carriers continued to carry the mail on horseback until 1827, when Dea. ADAMS, then the carrier, tried the experiment of a stage, and put on a two-horse team for the purpose of carrying passengers. His conveyance was a wagon with the body firmly bolted to the axles. This uncomfortable kind of vehicle was continued in use until 1830, and was then superseded by a line of good coaches, which ran from Montpelier to Danville, and returned next day. This arrangement continued the ensuing two years, when Cabot received a daily mail from Montpelier, and it now receives a daily mail from both the Boston St Lowell and Montpelier & Wells River railroads.

      The first distillery was erected on Cabot Plain by Hanson ROGERS, in 1809. Until the time of the War of 1812, the surplus product of the distilleries, after supplying a brisk home market, had been hauled by teams to Boston and Portland. Then large quantities of whiskey were smuggled across the Canada line and sold to the, British soldiers. This, although risky. was a very lucrative business, and at one time there were twelve distilleries in full blast manufacturing potato whiskey in Cabot.

      In 1819 Robert LANCE built the first cider-mill. The young orchards were then bearing abundantly, and the inhabitants had cider as well as whiskey. Mr. J. M. FISHER says in his history of Cabot: "Cider and whiskey were the staple commodities of the times, and were regarded very much as United States currency in these days. No farmer thought of beginning winter with less than twelve or fifteen barrels of cider, and one or two barrels of whiskey in his cellar. No occasion was perfect without it. "It was indispensable at friendly visits, at births, weddings, funerals, raisings, bees, and when the pastor made a call. When the ladies collected at a quilting, every time they rolled the quilt, all must take some toddy. Frequently when this process had been repeated three or four times, the ladies were ready to stop work, tell stories, and have a good jolly time.”

      In 1880 Cabot had a population of 1,242. In October, 1888, the town contained fourteen school distracts, and employed during the school year three male and twenty-three female teachers, some pardon of the year, at an average weekly salary of $8.00 and $4.70, respectively. There were 335 scholars, twelve of whom attended private schools. The entire income for school purposes was $2,224.74, and the whole sum expended for school purposes was $2,485.55. J. P. LAMSON was superintendent. 

      CABOT village is located on the main branch of the Winooski river in the southwest part of the town. The saw and grist-mills built by the LYFORDS, before mentioned, in 1789, proved the nucleus of the present beautiful and thrifty village. In 1794 Mr. LYFORD built the first dwelling house, in the garden in front of the house where Mrs. J. LANCE now resides. Some twelve or fifteen years later John W. DANA, the leading business man of the town, foreseeing that this place would be the business center of the town, bought an extensive tract of land where the village now stands, removed from the Plain to this place and opened a store, and built a potash and pearl ash manufactory, and distillery, and from this time onward the business of the town has centered here. A hotel was soon opened by John DAMON, a cloth-dressing and wool-carding mill by George FIELDING, a blacksmith shop with a trip-hammer and small foundry by William SCALES. The village thus located about midway between Montpelier and St. Johnsbury, the travel, stage line, and freight for the two places passed through here and made inn-keeping a lucrative business; and many an old-time traveler refers with pleasant memories to "mine host" Bliss, and his genial wife. Other industries and managers have come and gone. 

      November 19, 1866, the village was incorporated, and now (1888) it contains a population of 260 souls. It has a well-equipped fire department, a well-fenced and shady public park, which contains a fine Barre granite soldiers' monument twenty-five feet high and a good bandstand. It also has two church edifices (Congregational and Methodist), a fine graded school, a grist-mill, a hotel, several stores, sixty-six neat and tidy dwelling houses, and the usual number of shops, mechanics, and artisans. 

      LOWER CABOT, on the Winooski, river, one mile southwest from Cabot village, is a posh village, and contains two meeting-houses, a woolen-mill, a dry goods and a grocery store, a blacksmith shop, and about thirty dwellings. The first settlement here was commenced by Reuben ATKINS, in 1799.

      SOUTH CABOT (p. o.) is located on Molly's brook, in the southeastern part of the town, and was formerly called Hookersville. Parker HOOKER settled here in 1810 and built up the place. This village contains the Hooker saw-mill, owned by Harvey CLARK, a carriage repair shop, a blacksmith shop, one store, a school-house, and thirteen dwellings.

      EAST CABOT (p. o.) is a hamlet on Molly's brook, a short distance below the outlet of Molly's pond. John HEATH commenced here in 1817. His team with which he cleared land, went to mill, and to meeting, was one stag. 

      Ira F. HAINES's woolen-mills are located on road 41, at Lower Cabot, and on the Winooski river, which furnishes the motive power. Mr. HAINES manufactures cassimeres and flannels and does custom carding. These mills were built about 1825, by Horace HAINES and William ENSIGN, for the purpose of wool-carding and cloth-dressing. After a number of years Mr. HAINES sold his interest, but in 1849 became its owner, and since then the business has been conducted by some member or members of the HAINES family.

      Fowler S. FORD manufactures butter boxes and dairy utensils, and makes a specialty of stamping designs, at Lower Cabot, at the shop formerly occupied by True A. TOWN, in the manufacture of boot-trees and novelties. Mr. FORD commenced this branch of business in South Peacham in 1878, and purchased and removed to his present quarters in 1885.

      Two of the earliest settlers, David LYFORD and his neighbor BLANCHARD, had each built a log cabin and barn of the same material partly in rear of the house. These pioneers were separated by a narrow swail, and their cabins stood facing each other, not more than thirty rods apart. This low ground was still a bit of the forest, with large trees and thick bushes on either side of the narrow foot path. These neighbors had held peaceable possession of their claims, without molestation, and had been prosperous; each had cleared several acres around his buildings, and had enough for the support of his family. About the middle of one afternoon in August of the third year of this embryo settlement, David LYFORD and his efficient helpmeet, Judith, had just finished a job of dressing flax. Mr. LYFORD had plied the heavy break, and Judith had performed her part by hatcheling the flax. Judith remarked to David that while he was putting the break away she would run across to neighbor BLANCHARD's and return the borrowed hatchel. Mrs. LYFORD carried the dressed flax into the house and laid it away until she could spin it, and started on her errand, fortunately leaving the heavy plank door open. About half way home, in passing a short curve in the path, she found herself in arm's length of a cub bear, weighing fifteen or twenty pounds, and through the thick bushes she caught a glimpse of the old bear and another cub. Not the least intimidated, in a defiant way, she caught up the cub by the hind legs and ran. The cub squealed and began to scratch and bite; she instantly wrapped him in her stout homespun apron, and kept on at her utmost speed. She heard the old bear crashing through the bushes in hot pursuit. The impulse that impelled her to seize the cub prompted her to keep it, and keep it she did. With a determination to win the race she dashed along the pathway, conscious that the furious beast was gaining on her It every leap. She reached the house, darted through the open doorway, flung the cub from her, swung the plank door to, and dropped the wooden bar into its socket, but none too soon. The enraged mother bear instantly threw her great weight against it, but it was made for just such an emergency, and did not yield. Imagine the surprise and anxiety of her husband, as he caught a glimpse of his wife darting in at the door with a full-grown and furious bear not a rod behind her! He ran to the window behind the house; but Judith was there before him, with their trusty gun, always kept loaded for instant use. The cries of the cub had rendered the bear frantic. In her efforts to break through the door she did not see David, who, with a well-directed shot, laid her dead. The cub in the house shared the fate of its dam, and David went to the swamp in search of the other, but it had escaped.

      Nathaniel WEBSTER, a Revolutionary soldier, was born in Chester, N. H., in 1753, and settled in Cabot in 1783. He married Mahitabel SMITH, of Holderness, and twelve children were born to them. Their sons Abel, Harvey, and Alpheus settled in Cabot, and were identified with the early interests of the town.

      Lieut. Fifield LYFORD was born in Exeter, N. H., in 1763. At the age of thirteen years he entered the Revolutionary war as a servant to his father, Lieut. Thomas LYFORD, and was with him one year at Ticonderoga. He then went to West Point and was one of Gen. ARNOLD's life-guards, until the General proved a traitor to our country. He remained with the army until the close of the war. He married and settled in Cabot in 11788, and built on his farm the first framed barn in town. He served as a lieutenant in the War of 1812, was honorably discharged, and received a pension. He died at the home of his son-in-law, T. E. WILSON, in Cabot, April 18, 1846, aged seventy-nine years.

      Hector MCLEAN was born in Milton, Mass., in 1790, and came into this town on foot at a very early date. He married Lucretia, daughter of Salmon ELKINS, of Greensboro, and four of their seven children are now living (1888). He was a merchant over forty years in Lower Cabot and Peacham. In 1836 he opened a hotel and aided in building up the village by starting a potash manufactory and blacksmith shop. He was also postmaster. He was honest and careful in deal and made his contracts in writing- His son Samuel E., who resides at Lower Cabot, says that his father would draw a written contract so binding and strong that it would ruin both parties to it. Samuel E. MCLEAN is a farmer and painter, and was a soldier in the late war.

      Thomas OSGOOD came to Cabot from Claremont, N. H., about 1793, and settled where his grandson, Albert OSGOOD, now lives. He commenced clearing a farm when there were but few settlers in town and was obliged to encounter all the hardships and inconveniences incidental to this new settlement. He married a Miss CATLIN, and eleven children blessed their union. Mr. OSGOOD served the town as clerk from 1795 to 1832, with the single exception of 1822, when Josiah FISHER held the office. He was town treasurer in all forty-two years. His son Thomas, Jr., born here June 19, 1804, succeeded him on the homestead, and, because of the infirmities of his age, he also succeeded his father as town clerk, and served until 1858, a term of twenty-six years, when, on account of illness, lie resigned, dying soon after. He too was town treasurer and held the position fifteen years. December 9, 1829, he married Almira BUCK, and six children were born to them, viz.: Albert, born October 7, 1830; Fanny, born April 12, 1834; Joshua, born February 18, 1840; Emily, born February 5, 1843; William H., born August 26, 1845; Benjamin F., born March 18, 1849. Thomas OSGOOD, Jr., died June 9, 1858, and his wife died July 31, 1858. His sons Albert and Benjamin F. now live on the old homestead. Albert married Mrs. Fanny P. HALL, and five of their eight children are living.

      Dr. Parley SCOTT was born in Worcester, Mass., in July, 1765. He married Lvdia DAY, about 1790, and settled for the practice of medicine on Cabot Plain, in 1794, and removed to the village in 1804. He died in 1850, aged eighty-four years. Mrs. SCOTT died before him at the age of eighty-three. They had eight children, only one of whom, Mr. George W. SCOTT, of Montpelier, is now living. Dr. SCOTT was a successful physician more than fifty years in Cabot. He made his professional visits on horseback, and was the physician of the poor as well as of the rich.

      Joseph FISHER, born in Dedham, Mass., in 1769, remembered distinctly the battle of Bunker Hill. He married Sarah OSGOOD, and settled in Cabot soon after he attained his majority. He died in 1853, aged eighty-seven years. Mrs. FISHER died in 1839, aged seventy years. They had four sons and three daughters. Mr. FISHER and his sons were public-spirited and enterprising, men, and filled many of the offices in town.

      John STONE was born in the town of Claremont, N. H., January 15, 1775 and about 1797 settled in Cabot, on the "DEAN farm" where he resided about forty years, and then removed to the farm where his son Matthias Jones STONE now lives, and where he spent the remainder of his life. About 1803 he married Betsey HUNTOON, of Kingston, N. H. They had ten children, all of whom lived to be over sixty-three years of age, and six are yet living. Four of their sons were ministers of the gospel. Matthias J. STONE, before mentioned, was born in Cabot, February 24, 1818. In April, 1843, he married Adaline KENNON, of Cabot. Their children are William L., Susie A., and Justin. Mrs. STONE died October 28, 1866. February 29, 1876, Mr. STONE married Sarah C. GOVE. He possesses a comfortable competence for his approaching old age.

      Ezra HOYT was born in Deerfield, N. H., in September, 1776. In March, 1802, he married Sarah CRAM, of Meredith, N. H., who was born in February, 1781. Mr. HOYT was a farmer, and settled in Cabot in 1797, and experienced the hardships and privations of a pioneer settler. Their children were Sarah, Mary, Sophronia, Enoch, and Asenath. Enoch was born on the homestead, January 15, 1812, where he resided until December, 1863. He was four times married, first, to Huldah KENASTON; second, to Lucia (HOPKINS) ORCUTT; third, to Irena LYFORD; and fourth, to Ann LYFORD. He was the father of three children. His first wife was the mother of his daughters Emily A. and Martha S. His second wife was the mother of his only son, George, who resides with his father. In 1863 Mr. HOYT removed to the place where he now resides. He enjoys the confidence and respect of his townsmen, was captain of a company of artillery, has served as selectman for a number of years, and in other town offices. His son George married Eva SEABURY, daughter of C. M. SEABURY, who died in March, 1888. They are the parents of a son and daughter.

      Dea. Joseph Blanchard and his wife, Phebe (ABBOTT), from Plainfield, N. H., settled in Cabot about 1797, on tile farm where James MARSH now lives. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and in the War of 1812. He was one of the first deacons of the Freewill Baptist church (the first church organized in Cabot), and selectman in 1808-09. Late in life he was a pensioner. He died in 1833, aged seventy-seven years. Mrs. BLANCHARD died in 1831, aged seventy-one. His oldest son was a soldier in the War of 1812. His daughter Hannah, born in Cabot, August 3, 1806, married Horace BECKLEY, of Barre.

      Elihu COBURN, born in Charlton, Mass., came to Cabot on horseback in the summer of 1799, and selected the pleasant valley among the hills where his son Elihu F. COBURN now lives and where Elihu was born in 1815. Mr. Coburn commenced immediately to clear a space in the forest and build a frame house, one of the first in town. He remained until winter, when he returned to Massachusetts and married Abigail PUTNAM, and in January they came to their abode in the wilderness. Four years after his parents followed him to Cabot, and a few years later her parents joined them. Mr. COBURN converted his wilderness into fertile fields, and surrounded himself and family with the comforts of a farmer's home. He was highly respected and a most estimable man. Eight children were born to them. Mr. COBURN died at the age of seventy years. Mrs. COBURN survived him about six years. They kept the celebrated "Farmers' Tavern" about thirty years.

      Reuben ATKINS was the first to settle in Lower Cabot. In 1799 he built a log house on the site where his grandson, the late William S. ATKINS, lived. He made maple sugar in his door-yard the first season. The next year he built the framed barn now standing on the place and in good condition. Mr. ATKINS was prominent in town affairs and was one of the board of selectmen in 1799 and 1800. His son Jeremiah was born on the farm in 1800, and here resided his entire life. He married Serepta HINCHER, of Bethel, Vt. They had eight children, four of whom lived to rear families. Col. ATKINS took an active interest in the military organizations of Cabot, and rose to the rank of colonel, by which title he was afterwards distinguished. He died in August, 1873, and Mrs. ATKINS died in July, 1879. His son William S. was born in 1832. He married Mary CONVERSE, of Lyme, N. H., who survives him and resides on the homestead. They were parents of four children, one of whom is a son. William S. ATKINS was a true Christian gentleman, of sterling integrity, and the religion that he professed attended him in his daily life and governed him in his dealings with others. He was a faithful and earnest worker in the M. E. church, and superintendent of the Sunday school twenty years.

      Nathaniel FARRINGTON, a native of Dedham, Mass., married Elizabeth WHITING, of his native town, and settled, first, in Lyndeboro, N. H. About 1799 they settled in the southern part of Walden, Vt., near where the South Walden church now stands, and kept the first public house in the town, in their log cabin. This was soon replaced by a framed building; and still later by the present house, at the Corners, which was kept in the Farrington name about seventy years. Edward W. FARRINGTON, the only surviving son of Nathaniel, was born August 26, 1804, and has always been a farmer. He resided in Walden until 1867, when he removed to Cabot, where he now resides, aged eighty-four years. He married Sarah M. ROGERS, whose mother was tire daughter of Benjamin WEBSTER, one of the first settlers of Cabot. She was a cousin of Daniel WEBSTER. Mr. and Mrs. FARRINGTON had born to them nine children, five of whom are now living. His son John A. is a merchant in Cabot. Mr. FARRINGTON is well preserved for one of his great age, and takes great interest in current events.

      James MARSH was born in Salisbury, N. H., July 23, 1775. In 1801 he married Miriam WALBRIDGE, and in that year settled in Cabot. Only three of their eight children are living. Henry, their son, lost his life in the service of his country in the late war. James, the youngest of this family, also enlisted, in Co. G, 4th Vt. Regt., and received a gun-shot wound in his hip, and for this disability he is now a pensioner. He united in marriage with Lydia MERRILL, of Cabot. Their only surviving son, Fred, married Bertha LANCE, October 26, 1886, and resides with his father.

      David CUNNINGHAM and his wife, Jane (RITCHIE), natives of Scotland, settled in Cabot on the farm now occupied by their son David about 1842. Their children were Jane (Mrs. Roswell LAIRD), of Cabot; Lizzie (Mrs. Robert URIE), of Craftsbury; Janet and Margaret, also of Craftsbury; and David, before mentioned. The latter married Selah A. KNAPP, of Moretown. David, Sr., died at the age of sixty years, and his wife at the age of sixty-five.

      Matthias STONE, son of Matthias, was born in Cabot on the "Payne farm," April 21, 1802, and here he lived twenty-three years, when he settled on the farm now occupied by his son Eli H. B. STONE. He married Perrilla DAVISON, and reared a family of six children, viz.: Charles, Henry, Huldah J., Matthias, Eli H. B., Annette, and Demis. There were but few farms cleared in town when Mr. STONE was born, and he experienced with others many hardships incident to new settlements. He was possessed of great courage and energy. His daring sometimes led him into dangerous encounters with the bears which then inhabited the forest. As an illustration, at an organized bear hunt he had only a pitchfork for a weapon, with which he bravely attacked bruin, who refused to surrender, and closed in for a genuine tussle. Mr. STONE was a match in strength and grit for his shaggy adversary, and he conquered, but carried the scars of a wound on his hip to his grave. He died at his home, March 2, 1888, aged eighty-six years. His wife died December 20, 1882. Eli H. B. STONE resides on the homestead as before mentioned. He married Martha BADGER, of Danville, and they have three children.

      Hon. John W. DANA, son of John W. Dana and Hannah, daughter of Maj. Gen. Israel PUTNAM, of Revolutionary fame, was born in Pomfret, Vt., in 1777, and settled in Cabot in the spring of 1802, and very soon became its most prominent citizen. He settled on the Plain, and was an extensive dealer in real estate, cattle, and produce, and conducted a well stocked store for the times. About 1812 Mr. DANA moved from the Plain, to the valley where the village of Cabot now stands, and was largely instrumental in building it. He gave to the town the land which now constitutes the beautiful Village park, furnished most of the means to build the first Methodist church, and gave liberally to benevolent objects. He was respected and honored by his townsmen, and was chosen to all the important offices in their gift. His wife was the daughter of Rev. Mr. DAMON, of Woodstock, Vt. They had born to them four sons and four daughters. One daughter still survives and resides in Wisconsin, and also one son, the Hon. O. F. DANA, for many years a trusted and efficient officer in the treasury department at Washington, D. C. In 1839 Mr. DANA sold his property in Cabot and removed to Wisconsin, where some of his married daughters had settled. He died in 1850. Mrs. Dana survived until 1872.

      Moses, son of Reuben CLARK, was born in Cabot, November 14, 1803. Mr. CLARK has been married four times and has outlived his early associates. He commenced active life when Cabot was very sparsely settled and has seen the forests disappear, and generations come and go. He says there is not one person living on the road between Cabot and Peacham villages that was there in his early recollection. Mr. CLARK has in his day given his influence in molding affairs of his town, and now, in his well preserved old age, is fond of giving incidents, reminiscences, and anecdotes of the early times and early settlers.

      Abiah COLBURN came from Hartford to Cabot in 1804, and settled on the farm now owned by S. S. BATCHELDER. September 1, 1804, their son Zerah,the world-renowned boy mathematician, was born. His parents were poor and obscure, but respectable. It is said they considered Zerah the most backward of any of their children, until in the beginning of August, 1810, when he was a little less than six years old, while his father was at work at a joiner's bench, the child was at play on the floor with chips, the father was astonished by hearing Zerah, saying to himself, "5 times 7 are 35; 6 times 8 are 48," etc. Mr. Colburn at once proceeded to examine him in the multiplication table, and found him perfect in that, and then asked the product of 13 by 97, to which 1,261 was instantly given. In twelve months his fame as a mathematical prodigy spread over America and all Europe, without the aid of a telegraph. His father soon had him on exhibition in Danville at the time of the session of the court, at Montpelier before the legislature, and at Boston. Questions of two and three places in figures in multiplication, in proportion, extraction of the roots, exact squares and cubes, were proposed and correct answers given without apparent effort. In Boston he received liberal offers to educate his son. One was to raise $5,000, and give the father $2,500, the remaining $2,500 to be devoted to Zerah's education; but to these proposals Mr. COLBURN would not accede. From Boston Mr. COLBURN took his son to New York, Philadelphia, and Washington. In these places he did not receive the encouragement that he hoped for pecuniarily. April 3, 1812, he embarked for England, and arrived in London May 24. Here Zerah was called upon by the high and the noble, and invited to visit the crowned heads. Here his mathematical powers were subjected to the severest tests. He was able to solve the most difficult questions.

      During all this time his education had been neglected, and men of influence generously offered the means for his education. After a delay of about four years, when the lad was twelve years old, he was placed at school, and while in school received liberal gifts of money for his support. He was moved from school to school by his father and consequently was often in straitened circumstances. Suffice it to say Mr. COLBURN died February 14, 1823, and in destitute circumstances. By the contributions of Zerah's friends he was enabled to sail for America July 3, 1825, and arrived in Cabot after an absence of thirteen years. In a few months he connected with the Methodist church as a preacher, and in his ministry of seven years he had as many different appointments. On account of poor health he gave up preaching in 1834, and accepted a professorship in Norwich University. He died March 2, 1839, of consumption, at the early age of thirty-four years and six months.

      He did not retain his wonderful mathematical powers after he was educated and entered the ministry. So said his daughter to Mr. J. M. FISHER, to whom we are indebted for this sketch.

      Robert LANCE was born in England in 1771. He emigrated to America, and married Hannah HEATH, of Chester, N. H., and in 1804 removed to Cabot. He was the first to make regular trips to Boston to haul freight. His team was a pair of horses and two pairs of oxen. He carried whiskey, salts, and pork to Boston and returned with molasses, codfish, and other goods indispensable to new settlements. It then required from four to six weeks to make the round trip. Mr. LANCE died in 1847, aged seventy-six years. Mrs. LANCE died several years earlier. Four sons and five daughters were born to them. One of the daughters, Mrs. DEAN, is now living in Cabot, aged eighty-one years. The sons, William, Robert, Joseph, and John, were all citizens of Cabot and identified with the growth and prosperity of the town. Joseph was born in Chester; N. H., in 1799. In 1830 he engaged in mercantile business in Calais. He represented Calais in the legislature of 1837 and 38, and held many other offices of trust. In 1839 he purchased the entire estate of Hon. John W. DANA, in Cabot, and in 1845 removed to this town where he held many town offices, and managed all these interests with marked ability. He dealt largely in real estate and livestock, and was a successful financier. He was liberal to the poor and gave freely to benevolent objects, and often remarked that the money thus spent was well invested. He married Cynthia TUCKER in 1833. They had four children, three of whom are now living. Mr. LANCE died in October, 1865. Mrs. LANCE still survives.

      John D. LANCE, the youngest son of Robert, was born in Cabot, August 27, 1812, and died April 2, 1886. March 12, 1833, he was united in marriage with Prudence, daughter of Dea. Silas JACOBS, who was born June 22, 1818, and who still survives. At the time of his marriage Mr. LANCE settled on a farm, but devoted most of his time in speculation in cattle, sheep, and horses, and two or three years later, in addition, he was a heavy dealer in butter. In 1838, to secure a debt, he came in possession of a store and a heavy stock of goods at Lower Cabot, and was from necessity, not choice, a merchant the ensuing two years. From 1862 until the close of the late war he was United States agent in the purchase of horses for the army. Mr. LANCE continued to deal successfully in live stock up to 1870, when he retired to his farm. On account of his practical knowledge of men and business he was kept by his town at the head of the board of selectmen, and in the office of town agent. He is now represented by four sons, viz.: George LANCE, born November 17, 1836, resides in South Woodbury, where he has been postmaster the last twelve years, and town clerk the last six years. He conducts a country store, and is a trainer, breeder, and dealer in fine horses. Paul LANCE, born September 11, 1841, is an enterprising farmer, and resides in Cabot. Dr. Robert W. LANCE, born May 28, 1848, is a practicing physician, and resides at South Woodbury. Dr. John B. LANCE was born in Marshfield, March 13, 1851, commenced the study of medicine at the Homeopathic Medical College of New York, and graduated from the Huron Hospital College of Cleveland, Ohio, in 1877. He commenced the practice of his profession in Cabot, and subsequently removed to Campton village, where he had a large practice. September 9, 1888, he located in Montpelier, where he has every prospect of success. April 15, 1885, Dr. LANCE united in marriage with Miss Emma F. WOOD, of Campton, N. H.

      John DAMON was an early settler of Cabot Plain. He was a man of energy and ability, and opened a store. He had been preceded in the business by John W. DANA, also a man of ability, and in a short time they owned nearly all the land in the vicinity, comprised in 1,000 acres. They often wintered one hundred head of cattle. Mr. DAMON also opened his house as a tavern. Later he built a hotel at the village, which he conducted. Mr. DAMON was a son of Rev. George DAMON, of Woodstock, Vt. He married Nancy STRONG, of Connecticut. His son John H., born in 1822, married Nancy T. COFFIN, of Cabot, and has always resided in his native town except two years spent in Michigan. His children are George F., who resides in Kansas City Lizzie C. (Mrs. M. M. WHITNEY), of Marshfield; and Julia H. (Mrs. Albert w-. H. STEELE), of Worcester, Mass.

      Benjamin SMITH, born in Claremont, N. H., came to Cabot in his early boyhood. In 1826 he married Betsey C. GRANT, and reared ten children, all of whom were born in the same house. Joseph V. SMITH, their eldest son, was born April 17, 1828. He married Orilla ST. CLAIR, of Cabot, and resides on road 71 (Molly Brook road). They have two children, Laura G. (Mrs. Hiram A. WILSON) and Albert J., both of whom reside with their father.

      James PATTERSON was born in Annandale, Scotland, in 1818. When he was nineteen years old he immigrated to America and lived in the vicinity of Boston about a year. He then went to Ryegate, Vt., married Mary Jane WHITEHILL, and settled in that town. In 1847 he removed to Cabot, where Mrs. PATTERSON died. He afterward married Laurie A. BERRET, who was the mother of his two children. Mr. PATTERSON has been industrious and prudent, and the aggregate of his savings is now a fine competence.

      Abel MERRILL, of Cabot, son of Abel, was an early settler of Danville. He married Margaret MCLEAN, daughter of Capt. Donald MCLEAN, a Scotchman, and captain in the Revolutionary war. The three eldest of their eight children died early. The oldest of the survivors, Edwin Jack MERRILL, enlisted in the 2d Vt. Artillery, and was commissioned captain of Co. A. This regiment was stationed at Washington two years to guard the Capitol. Gen. Grant called them to the field. They were so unfortunate as to be captured by the enemy, on the Weldon railroad. Capt. MERRILL was shot and fatally wounded in an attempt to escape, en route with other prisoners, to Macon, Georgia. Hector McClure MERRILL left home for California, and the family have had no tidings from him for years. Oscar F. MERRILL married Clara B. KIMBALL, of Cabot, and remained at the old home on the farm with his father. Their children are Edwin Jack, who is married and resides with his father, and Charles Oscar, a school boy. Abel MERRILL, Jr., enlisted as a private in the 3d Regt. Vt. Vols., left Vermont with his regiment when it went to the field, remained with it through all vicissitudes, and for his courage at the battle of Antietam he received a lieutenant's commission, and was later adjutant of the regiment. He fell in the terrible battle of the Wilderness. Merrill Post, G. A. R., No. 71, of Cabot, was named in honor of these brave soldiers. Jennie MERRILL, their sister, married Dr. A. M. RUGGLES, of Barton.

      Ames WALBRIDGE, son of Eleazer, who was an early settler of Randolph, Vt., was born in Randolph, and was an early settler of Cabot. He married Rachel LAIRD and settled on the farm where Levi J. WALBRIDGE now lives. He was a man of great physical strength, just the right material for a pioneer. He was greatly interested in fruit growing, and planted seeds which he brought from Randolph, and in time he had a large and thrifty orchard. He died of measles April 2, 1833, aged fifty-six years. His wife survived him fourteen years. They were parents of fourteen children, eleven of whom married and raised families. Only four are living. Leander and Lyman reside in Cabot. Leander married Nancy J. WOOD, of Greensboro, who is a lineal descendant of Robert JOHNSTON, one of the earliest settlers of Newbury, Vt. They have two children, Robert P., who married Lilla E. FARR, of Craftsbury, January 1, 1887, and Gertrude J.

      Allen PERRY was born in Cabot, October 29, 1815. He was a son of Anthony and Submit (WHEATLY) PERRY, who were among the first settlers in town. Mr. PERRY was from Waterbury, Me.; his wife from Brookfield, Vt. They located where Addison LAIRD now lives. They had nine children, seven of whom lived to maturity, viz.: Nathaniel W., Anthony P., Mary V. Mrs. Joseph HOYT), of Cameron, Mo., Elijah, Susan (Mrs. Ames WALBRIDGE), Charles, and Allen. Nathaniel W., a physician, is deceased. Elijah was for thirty years in business in Cabot. Allen is the youngest child and the only son living. At the age of twenty-three he engaged in freighting between Cabot and Boston. He drove a six-horse team without lines, and his was the first covered wagon, which created quite a sensation when it arrived in town. It took three weeks to make the round trip at an expense of $75. Mr. PERRY handled freight nine years. He has always taken an active interest in town affairs, and held many town offices ; represented the town in 1846-47; was town treasurer over twenty years, and town clerk twenty-seven years. He married Almira PHILPOT, of Limerick, Me., who was a daughter of Andrew and Martha PHILPOT.

      Benjamin CATE came to Cabot in 1818, when a lad of twelve years. In 1830 he married Samantha GOODELL and settled on the farm where their son Joshua now lives. Seven of their ten children lived and raised families. Mr. CATE cleared the farm and built the stone house. This aged pair resides in Littleton, N. H. Mr. CATE is now eighty-two and Mrs. CATE eighty-four years old. Joshua CATE, before mentioned, resides on the homestead. In January, 1868, he married Mary L., daughter of Saulsbury BULLOCK, of Bethlehem, N. H. Mr. CATE is a highly respected citizen, and a good representative of the CATE family.

      Joseph HOPKINS was born in Strafford, Vt., September 15, 1806. His wife was born in Walden, Vt., October 4, 1810. They were parents of nine children. Their only daughter and one son died in childhood. The others lived to adult age. Mr. HOPKINS died in Cabot, March 16, 1884, and Mrs. HOPKINS died April 19, 1884. Their son Eastman T. HOPKINS, born in Cabot, February 21, 1834, married Miss Mary LAIRD, daughter of John LAIRD, of Woodbury. Their children are a son and daughter. Mr. HOPKINS is a practical farmer, and thorough in all the details of his business. He considers that the best of farm implements and stock are none too good. Besides giving close attention to his farm, he has aided in town affairs and other business interests.

      Calvin WHITTIER was born in Cabot in 1802. His wife, Martha LYFORD, was born September 24, 1803. Their children were Frederick, William P., Harry H., Sylvester D., and Lewis H., who died in Cabot, January 10, 1865. Harry H. WHITTIER, born December 31, 1833, married Helen CATE, November 13, 1875, and settled on the homestead where he now resides. His father married in 1823, and resided on the homestead until his death, November 17, 1879, and by hard work and economy amassed a comfortable fortune.

      James STEVENSON was born in Barnet, Vt., September 26, 1824. At the age of twenty-one years he came to Cabot with his brother William, and bought a tract of wild land, and cleared it, which James still owns. He also owns a saw-mill at the outlet of Onion River pond and 400 acres of timberland in Peacham. Mr. STEVENSON is a man of sterling integrity and is highly esteemed. His father, William STEVENSON, was born in Barnet in 1792, and spent his whole life on the farm where he was born. His mother, now ninety-seven years old, resides at the old home in Barnet, where she reared eight children to maturity, only one of whom ever married.

      Jesse MASON, son of Nathaniel and Sally MASON, of Fitzwilliam, N. H., was born in Sullivan, N. H., in November, 1802. About 1831 he settled as a farmer in Cabot. He married, in the "Yellow Hotel," Mary LEAVITT. In 1842 he removed from the farm where Frank PAQUIN now lives to the one where his youngest child, Nathaniel, now lives. He improved his farm and made it is home, and died here in 1877. His widow is living with her son before mentioned. Nathaniel Mason married Sarah SCOTT, of Niles, Mich., October 29, 1870

      Daniel GOULD was born in Stoneham, Mass., September 5, 1799. He married Betsey, daughter of Joseph SMITH, and they settled in Cabot in 1836, on the farm where their son George now lives. He was very industrious, and was probably able to perform more manual labor than any other man in town, and was acknowledged the champion chopper. His integrity and ability commanded the confidence of his townsmen, who chose him to represent them in the legislature of 1850 and 1851. Mr. GOULD was father of five children. His son David died in California. Another son is a lawyer with a lucrative business in Los Angeles, Cal. George, born in Cabot, July 1, 1840, went to California in 1860, remained there seven years, and returned to the old farm in Cabot where he now resides. He has been selectman seven years, held other town offices, and represented Cabot in the legislature in 1880. In 1869 he married Olive A., daughter of Walter STONE, who lost his life in Libby prison in the late war. Daniel GOULD was one of the trustees who built the first Congregational church in town, and was a liberal contributor for its erection.

      Moses S. HAINES, son of Horace and Lucinda (STONE) HAINES, was born on the farm where he now lives, November 27, 1842. He married Delia, daughter of Stephen HOYT, and they have three sons. Mr. HAINES is a practical farmer. He is an affable Christian gentleman, and a worthy successor of his late father who died in 1862.

      Eben BRUCE and Elmira (BLACKMER), his wife, were natives of Greenwich. Mass. They emigrated to Woodbury, Vt., in 1825. Their children were Warren, Edwin, Lucius, Charles, Mariva, and Roland B. Mr. BRUCE represented Woodbury several times in the legislature, and although he was not a member of the bar his advice was often sought on questions of law, and he bad quite a practice in justice courts. He was an assistant judge of the County Court for a term of years. Roland B., his son, born in Woodbury, December 24, 1832, married Sarah R. BALL, of his native town, who is the mother of two children. He represented Woodbury in the legislature of 1866, and has since held offices of trust in Cabot.

      Dr. M. P. WALLACE commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Asa GEORGE, of Calais, attended lectures at the Medical department of Dartmouth College, and commenced the practice of his profession in Cabot in 1843, which he continued until 1864. January 8, 1839, he married Mary L. TUCKER, and resided at Lower Cabot until the decease of his wife, December 19, 1884. Since then he has resided with his only child, Mrs. L. C. FISHER. Besides giving attention to his duties as a physician, Dr. WALLACE has filled many of the offices in his town, and represented Cabot in the legislature of 1863-64.

      John M. STONE, son of Rev. John F. STONE, of Montpelier, (deceased,) was born September 18, 1835. He served as a soldier three months in Co. F, 1st Vt. Regt., and was then transferred to the quartermaster's department, where he remained to the close of his term of service. Mr. STONE is a pensioner. He married Miss Harriet L. KIMBALL, daughter of Dea. John H. KIMBALL, of Berlin, and settled on the farm where he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. STONE are parents of six sons.

      Francis L. KNAPP, son of Liscomb and Rebecca (LANGMAID) KNAPP, was born in Waterbury, July 6, 1838. He married Elvira EDDY, of Peacham, and settled in Cabot soon after he attained his majority. Mr. James EDDY, aged ninety-six years (1888), the father of Mrs. EDDY, resides with them. Mr. KNAPP enlisted in Co. D, 6th Vt. Regt., August 21, 1864, and was wounded at Charlestown, Va., and in consequence of his wound and other disabilities was discharged April 5, 1865. The children of Mr. and Mrs. KNAPP were Eliza G., who died at the age of eighteen years; Ellen E. (Mrs. Clarence Knapp), of Moretown; Caroline G. (Mrs. Byron Webster), of Cabot; and Myra L., who died aged about fifteen years.

      N.K. ABBOTT is a farmer, born in 1825, and one of twelve children born to Amos W. and Betsey (KNIGHT) ABBOTT, of Ryegate, Vt. April 6, 1852, he married Miss Sarah C., daughter of Capt. Leonard JOHNSON, of Peacham, and on their wedding day settled on the farm which has since been their home. Mr. ABBOTT's abilities are so much appreciated by his townsmen that they chose him to represent them in the legislature of 1874-75. He has also served as justice of the peace for twenty-five years, and has been selectman, lister, etc. In 1856 Mr. and Mrs. ABBOTT united with the Congregational church, which he has served as deacon twenty years, and of which they have been worthy members. They are parents of seven children, viz.: Mary P., Elizabeth M., Charles K., Willie S., Jane S., Lester K., and Walter I.

      Mrs. Rebecca GOODWIN was born in Danville, Vt., June 12, 1817. She was the eleventh child of Capt. Solomon LANGMAID, who was the father of thirteen children, twelve of whom lived to adult age. Rebecca was ambitious, and at the tender age of nine years commenced to assist in providing for her own support, by working out. At the age of thirteen years she was living with the family of Mr. PHILLIPS, of Danville, where her life was not a flowery one. In addition to the general house work she fed a large pen of swine with potatoes that she carried from the cellar and boiled for that purpose, milked the cows, and performed other work that is usually done by men and boys. Neither was her diet such as is found on the tables at first-class hotels. But it was of the coarsest kind, and partaken of at a table by herself. The little time she attended school she arose early in the morning to do these chores, and walked one mile and a half to the school-house. At the age of eighteen she married Liscomb KNAPP, of Waterbury, Vt., who died in 1840, and left a son, Francis L., who now resides in Cabot. In 1841 she married Jotham GOODWIN, of Waterbury, and were parents of one daughter, Mrs. Abbie J. YAW, of Plainfield. In 1846 Mr. GOODWIN and family removed to Peacham, Vt., where they remained about ten years, and then removed to Cabot, where the family has since resided. Mr. GOODWIN died in 1884, after an illness of three years. Only Mrs. GOODWIN and an older sister are now living of this large family.

      S.L. WISWELL, M. D., son of Leonard and Lucy (PERRY) WISWELL, was born December 19, 1826. He attended school at Hyde Park, and graduated from the academy at Johnson, Vt. He commenced the study of medicine with Dr. A. P. BARBER, of Johnson, and continued with Dr. Ariel HUNTOON, of Hyde Park. He attended a course of lectures at the medical college in Woodstock, Vt., and at the medical college in Pittsfield, Mass., and graduated in 1851. He then spent six months at Deer Island hospital, Boston. He commenced practice at Wolcott, remained one year, practiced four years in Hyde Park, and in 1861 succeeded Dr. D. M. GOODWIN in Cabot, and has proved himself a skillful physician; and, as a consequence, he has an extensive and very lucrative practice. Dr. WISWELL has been a pension examiner since 1868. In 1885 he was appointed by the U. S. pension department a member of the Montpelier board of examining surgeons. He married Seraphim J. CROSBY, of Hardwick, and they leave a daughter, L. Gertrude.

      E.D. WALDO, son of William E. and Mary (KIMBALL) WALDO, was born in Cabot, January 4, 1845. His parents removed to Peacham in 1852. At an early age he enlisted in Co. D, 1st Regt. Vt. Cav., and served to the close of the war. He then returned to Peacham and engaged in farming. He married Mary L., daughter of Capt. Ira STEVENS, of North Danville. In 1870 they settled in Cabot, where they have since lived. Mr. Waldo is notary public, and since 1883 he has spent some time at Washington, D. C., prosecuting pension claims.

      Andrew and Margaret (STEVENS) BARR immigrated from Dunlope, Scotland, to America, in 1840, and settled in Walden, Vt. In 1851 they removed to, Greensboro, and seventeen years later he went to Nebraska, where he died in 1871. Robert S. BARR, their son, born in Scotland, May 30, 1840, bought the farm known as the BICKFORD place, where he now lives, in Cabot. He came to this town about 1866, and in 1874 married Miss Julia A., daughter of William M. DAVIS, of Northfield. They have one son. R. S. BARR started to make the voyage across the Atlantic when he was only two weeks old.

      Mial D. WARREN, M. D., was born in Denmark, Maine, May 20, 1852. At the age of twenty-three he went to Brattleboro, Vt., and was employed in the asylum about two years. He then entered Dr. Henry D. HOLTON's office as a medical student, and graduated from the medical college at Burlington, Vt., in the class of 1879. He practiced medicine in Wolcott about two years, and in December, 1880, settled in Cabot, where he has constantly gained in the estimation of the people, and has a large practice, not only in Cabot, but in adjoining towns. Dr. WARREN united in marriage with Miss Orcenia B. FOSS, of Hyde Park, Vt., and they have one child.

      Fred P. GALE, M. D., son of Dea. Sullivan B. and Laura (BAILEY) GALE, was born in Plainfield, May 5, 1893. He studied in the office of Dr. W. F. LAZELL, of Plainfield, and graduated from the medical college of Burlington, Vt., in the class of 1880, and at once settled in Cabot, where he has a large practice, and in some of the best families in town, and is always in readiness to respond to the calls of those who need his aid. Dr. GALE married Mary, daughter of the late David NEVINS, of Cabot.

      The "Green Mountain Boys" have always been patriotic, and without a doubt. Cabot may well be proud of her military record. The following is a list of Revolutionary soldiers who settled in town: Lieut. Thomas LYFORD, Jonathan HEATH, Starling HEATH, Thomas OSGOOD, Samuel WARNER, Nathaniel WEBSTER, Fifield LYFORD, Nathan EDSON, Trueworthy DURGIN, Lieut. John WHITTIER, Maj. Lyman HITCHCOCK, Lieut. David BLANCHARD, and Ensign Jerry MCDANIELS.

      The volunteer soldiers Of 1812 were Luther SWAN, Simon WALKER, Leander CORLIS, Samuel DUTTON, Ezra KENNERSON, Peter LYFORD, Jesse WEBSTER, David LYFORD, Royal GILBERT.

      At the commencement of hostilities with the South, Cabot at once called a war meeting, when stirring and patriotic speeches were made by some of her citizens, and a vote was passed to raise a company and offer its services to the governor. The following list of young men enrolled their names: J. P. LAMSON, John DERINE, F. L. DROWN, H. L. COLLINS, H. M. PAIGE, G. W. WRIGHT, E. S. HOYT, Nathaniel PERRY, Charles H. NEWTON, L. B. SCOTT, S. H. BRADISH, L. S. GERRY, H. PERKINS, Horace CARPENTER, Luke A. DAVIS, C. H. GOODALE, G. P. HOPKINS, E. H. SCOTT, E. GERRY, Lyman HOPKINS, Fayette HOPKINS.

      The total number of soldiers furnished during the war was 138. Of this number nine were killed in battle, eighteen died of disease, five of wounds received in battle, and of the number who returned many had contracted diseases from which they have since died, or are now suffering. The town paid $9,000 bounty to soldiers, and at the close of the war had paid it all.

      In the warning for the March meeting of the town, in 1873, an article was inserted for considering the subject of erecting a monument to the memory of these soldiers. Final action was taken on the question in 1875, when an appropriation of $1,500 was made, and the town's committee, J. P. LAMSON, M. P. WALLACE, and Milton FISHER, purchased a Barre granite monument at the cost of the appropriation, and placed it on the highest ground on the common.

      The Congregational church of Cabot is located in the village of Cabot. This church was organized October 25, 1801, at the old school-house at the Center, by Rev. Mr. RANSOM, of Rochester, and Rev. Mr. HALLOCK, a missionary from Connecticut, with thirteen members, viz.: Clement COBURN, Gershom BEARDSLEY, Stephen CLARK, Oliver WALBRIDGE, Elias HITCHCOCK, Lene ORCUTT, Hepzebah OSGOOD, Ruth BEARDSLEY, Miriam CLARK, Elizabeth WALBADGE, Peggy HITCHCOCK, Anna CHURCH, and Lucy OSGOOD. Clement COBURN, who had been a deacon in Massachusetts, was first deacon and moderator. They held meetings at the Center school-house, and at a dwelling house in that vicinity, and in Esquire MERCER's and Oliver WALBRIDGE's barns, until about 1810, when their first house of worship was completed. In 1824 it was removed to the village, and in 1849 it was taken down, and their present edifice was built on the same site, at a cost of $3,500, which, including grounds and other church property, is valued at $4,000. The church is built of wood, and will comfortably seat 275. This church was without a settled pastor until October 27,1823, when Rev. Moses INGALLS was ordained and installed. Rev. Henry A. RUSSELL is now acting pastor. The church has 153 members, and the Sunday-school 150, with thirteen teachers.

      The Methodist Episcopal church of Cabot was organized in 1811, and as near as can be ascertained consisted of eight members. Judge J. W. DANA, Daniel SMITH, and Dr. SCOTT joined soon after. The first Methodist sermon in town was preached by Rev. Thomas BRANCH, in 1807 or '08. The first pastor of the church was Rev. STEARNS. The first presiding elder who officiated on the circuit including Cabot was Rev. Eleazer WELLS. The first house of worship was erected of wood in 1822 or '23. The land and timber were given by Judge DANA, and by his influence and liberality the church was built. Up to this time their meetings had been held in houses and barns, and in the summer of 1816 in the tannery. Their present nice and commodious church edifice was completed in 1853. The society is indebted to the late Joseph LANCE, for by his liberality and efforts its completion was secured. The estimated value of the property now, including buildings and grounds; is. $5,500. There are now 113 members of the church and eight probationers. Rev. James E. KNAPP is their pastor.

      The Advent church, in Cabot, was organized February 16, 1858, with forty members, Nathan WHEELER and Erasmus L. BURNAP, deacons, and M. P. WALLACE, scribe. Samuel W. THURBER was the first pastor. Their meeting-house was built in 1857, mainly through the efforts of Dr. M. P. WALLACE, and dedicated in June, 1858. Then followed a powerful revival. The church has suffered severely by deaths and removals, and at present it has no regular pastor. The sunday-school was organized before the church, and has the largest library of any in town. The largest number of scholars enrolled was about fifty.

      The Freewill Baptist church was organized in 1803, at the house of Lieut. Thomas LYFORD, by Elders Benjamin PAGE and Aaron BUEL, of Strafford, Vt., with eighteen members. Rev. Benjamin PAGE was ordained pastor the same year, and as he was the first settled minister in town, he had a clear title to the minister's lot, which he received. But he left his charge about as soon as he got his farm in condition to sell. Their first and only meeting-house on the west hill was built in 1829, and about 1850 the church lost its organization.

Gazetteer Of Washington County, Vt. 1783-1899, 
Compiled and Published by Hamilton Child,
Edited By William Adams.
The Syracuse Journal Company, Printers and Binders.
Syracuse, N. Y.; April, 1889.
Pages 201 - 222

Transcribed by Karima Allison, 2003

Cabot, Washington Co., VT Business Directory - 1883–1884
First Two Centuries of Cabot: by Jennie S. Donaldson
Cabot Public Library
 Virtual Vermont ~ Cabot, Vermont
Cabot's Historic Buildings
Welcome to Cabot, Washington Co., Vermont  ~ VTGenWeb
Early History ~ Cabot, Vermont ~Vermont Historical Gazetteer, August, 1881.
Cabot Township, Washington Co. ~ VT Genealogy Resources
Cabot Vital Records