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