Levi SABIN came to Rockingham some time previous to 1800. He was
a physician and a prominent man in the town. He had a large family. Dea.
E. S. SABIN, of Saxton's River is one of his sons. Another son, William
Cullen, was born in Rockingham, where he spent most of his life. He was
for many years a deacon of the Congregational church, He died in Westminster.
He had four children, only one of whom, Henry W., is living. Another son,
William J., was born in Rockingham in 1827, and lived there until 1857,
when he removed to road 7 in Westminster, where he died in 1881. He married
Adeline KNIGHT and had three children, all of whom are living on the farm
on which he settled in Westminster.
John C. WOLF, a German and a farmer, was an early settler in Rockingham.
He located about two miles from Saxton's River, and struck the first blow
on the farm on which he lived. He was twice married and had thirteen children,
only one of the younger of whom, Ouida, is now living. She married George
WILLARD, of Charleston, N. H., who died in Colorado in 1875.
John D. BARRY came to Rockingham from Massachusetts previous to
1800 and settled where his son William S. was born and now resides, at
the end of road 40 1/2. He died here at the age of fifty-six. William S.
married Annie DICKINSON of this town and has five children, two of whom,
Walter W. and Mary A., live in Rockingham.
Brigadice BROWN, from Cohasset, Mass., was one of the early settlers
in Springfield, Vt., to which town he came with his young wife, on horseback,
in company with a party of friends, in 1792. They camped in the forest
while preparing log dwellings. Abel BROWN, one of his younger sons, married
Priscilla HODGKINS, of Chester, and had ten children, only two of whom
are living. Elias, a farmer in Grafton, and Amos H., of Bellows Falls.
The latter was the youngest son. Born in Springfield, he lived with his
father until he became of age. He then learned the trade of a machinist
and pursued that business for ten years, also conducting the woolen business
at Perkinsville until 1858. From that time until 1878 he did an extensive
wholesale grain business, with headquarters at Caremont, N. H., where he
owned a large mill. In 1878 he purchased the stove and tin business he
now conducts at Bellows Falls, and took up his residence there.
John WILEY came to Rockingham from Peterboro, N. H., about 1815,
where he was born May 13, 1786, and settled in the central part of the
town, where he pursued the vocation of a farmer, and died in 1861, aged
seventy-five years. He married Mary PERRY and raised twelve children, eight
of whom, are living, five in Rockingham, one in Springfield, Vt., one in
Fitchburg, Mass., and one, Thomas W., in Westminster, Vt. Three of the
children were born in Peterboro, -- Samuel, in 1810, Mary J., Oct. 8, 1812,
and Rodney, in March, 1815. The nine children born here were Catherine,
Thomas W., Frederick, Hamilton S., Sarah S., George, Harriet, Caroline
and John.
Xenophan EARLE, a native of Chester, Vt., came to Rockingham about
1812 or '13. He died here February 15, 1875, aged seventy-five. His son
Ira was born in Rockingham and married Maria A. GRAVES of this town. He
as a locomotive engineer for thirty-four years, but discontinued that business
in March, 1882, and is now an ice dealer, residing on the street which
bears his name. He has two children, Mary and Edward, the latter of whom
a locomotive engineer and lives in Windsor, Vt.
Samuel and Rufus GUILD, twin brothers, and natives of Dedham, Mass.,
married sisters, Annie and Mary HOADLEY, of New Hampshire, and in 1804
removed to Bellows Falls, where they engaged in the lumber business. Samuel
was killed in 1824 by a log which he was rolling into the river. His son
Samuel, who was born in Langdon, N. H., where his father resided for ten
or twelve years before his removal here, was a paper maker, and set and
operated the first paper machine used in Vermont. He was foreman of one
of the mills at the Falls for years. He married Roxanna STEVENS, and died
here at an advanced age. Two sons and two daughters are living. One son,
William lives in Brattleboro, and the other, George O., is a dry good merchant
in Bellows Falls, in which business he has been engaged since 1861. George
O. was born in Claremont, N. H.
Theophilus HOIT was the eldest of the two sons of Theophilus and
Sabrina (SHAW) HOIT. He was born in Westmoreland, N. H., February 19, 1813
and continued to reside with his parents in that town, attending school
winters and working on the farm summers, until the June after he was fifteen
years of age, when he went to Sharon, Vt., to learn the trade of wool carding,
cloth dressing, and weaving ingrain carpets. Business of this kind was
thriving in those days, when every family sent their wool to be carded
and had their cloth spun and woven from the rolls and then dressed, especially
when it was designed for their best or "Sunday clothes." While at Sharon
he also learned to manufacture cassimeres. In April, 1833, he entered the
employ of FAULKNER & COLONY, of Keene, N. H., who were at that period
quite extensive wool carders and cloth dressers. He remained there two
years, when he tried to better his fortunes, by removal, in March, 1835,
to Saxton's Rive where he manufactured satinets for J. F. BUTLER, who soon
failed. The business was continued, however, by Ami SMITH, who soon formed
a co-partnership known as SMITH, WENTWORTH & BINGHAM. Mr. HOIT continued
in the employ of these different firms until 1836, when, taking the little
treasure that by honest industry and frugality he had laid up, he started
for the great West, then, as now, the el Dorado of all who were seeking
to improve their financial status. For the next few months we find him
exhibiting those Yankee traits of industry and perseverance which have
so often led to success He worked on the streets of the infant city of
Chicago, drove a freight team, worked as a carpenter, a farmer, and as
a clerk in a store in Milwaukee during the second year of its growth. We
then find him running a saw-mill near the present city of Niles, Mich.,
and here he invested his hard earned treasure in city lots, only to see
it vanish in the panic of 1837. In Apr 1838, he determined to leave the
illusive West, with its broad prairies and its flattering promises of easy
fortunes, and return to sterile New England which yields her fortunes only
to those who woo her with constant toil and careful economy. He arrived
at Saxton's River in May of that year, and again entered the service of
Ami SMITH in the old woolen factory, where he continued until the autumn
of 1846, when he began the manufacture of stocking yarn, but sold out the
business the next spring. In April, 1847, SMITH's factory was burned, and
the following May the water privilege and all of SMITH's adjoining property
was purchased by Mr. HOIT, George PERRY and John A. FARNSWORTH. They immediately
proceeded to erect the buildings at present known as the Woolen Factory
and began the manufacture of black cassimeres, under the firm name of George
PERRY & Co. They prosecuted this business with marked success, and
in February, 1857, determined to extend it by the purchase of the stone
mill at Cambridgeport, fitting it up with new machinery. In pursuance of
this plan they associated with them FLETCHER PERRY and Benjamin SCHOFIELD,
and having put the mill in order, despite hard times and panics, began
to manufacture the same class of goods as at the old factory. Prosperity
attended this expansion, but in August, 1858, the death of George PERRY
caused a dissolution of the partnership, resulting in Mr. HOIT's continuing
in the business at Saxton's River with Mr. FARNSWORTH, under the firm name
of FARNSWORTH & HOIT. This firm successfully continued the manufacture
of the same class of goods until August, 1866, when, owing to feeble health,
Mr. HOIT sold his interest to John F. ALEXANDER. Since that time he has
led a quiet life at his home in Saxton's River, where he has resided since
his marriage, March 13, 1839, to Mary D. CHANDLER, daughter of Abel CHANDLER,
of Petersham, Mass. This union has resulted in the birth of two daughters-Ellen,
born November 28, 1839, who was married to Henry D HOLTON, M. D., November
19, 1862, and Abby, born March 14, 1845, who was married June 4, 1867,
to Charles L. HUBBARD, who died January 2, 1876. Mr. HOIT has been a consistent
member of the Baptist church for thirty-two years. His marked peculiarities
of character are his conscientiousness, from which has resulted the strict
integrity which has marked all his business transactions, and his extreme
modesty, which has caused him to decline the many public trusts he has
been urged to accept. His benefactions, although numerous, have been so
unostentatious that only the recipients have recognized them. He, in conjunction
with other citizens, secured the location of the Vermont Academy at Saxton's
River, and also contributed to its funds, at one time, five thousand dollars.
David BUTTERFIELD, youngest son of William BUTTERFIELD, was born
in Dunstable, (now Nashua) N. H., and came to Rockingham in 1815. His father,
though then but seventeen years old, was engaged in the battle of Bunker
Hill, and his grandfather took part in the battles of Lexington and Concord.
David carried on a meat market at Saxton's River for eighteen years. He
married Almira W. RANDALL, of Springfield, Vt., who was fifteen years younger
than himself, and died in 1879, aged seventy-two years. David and his four
children, D. F., F. G., C. W., and Esther, survive him.
Moses AYER came to Rockingham from Millbury, N. H., about 1820 and
settled in the northwest: part of the town. He married Abigail PROCTOR,
of Washington, N. H., by whom he had thirteen children, nine of whom are
living, the youngest being over fifty. He died July 19, 1868, aged seventy-eight.
His widow is still living with her three sons, in her ninety-seventh year,
and is the oldest person living in the town of Putney.
Elisha LIVERMORE was born in Spencer, Mass., a few days after the
death of his father. When he was three years old his mother and father's
brother removed to Jamaica, Vt., where he lived until October 13, 1828,
when he came to Rockingham, and married Roxana WHITCOMB, of Ringe, N. H.,
March 2, 1829. March 4, 1829, he moved to the farm on which he now lives,
on road 41, corner 35. His wife died September 19, 1883, aged eighty-eight
years and eleven months, less six days. They had two children, Esther and
Charles, the former of whom died August 3, 1853, aged twenty years. Charles
married Etta B. WILDER, of Jamaica, and has two children, Virgil and Ella,
all of whom are living on the old homestead, which has harbored three generations
of the LIVERMORE family.
Dr. Seth M. BLAKE, son of Joseph and Prudence (SHEPHERD) BLAKE,
was born in Brookfield, Vt., August 21, 1817, and lived there until sixteen
years of age, when he was apprenticed to William CLARK, the publisher of
the “Vermont Patriot and State Gazette” at Montpelier, where he learned
the printer's trade. In 1839 he came to Bellows Falls and entered the office
of the “Bellows Falls Gazelle,” published by J. W. MOORE. This paper he
purchased in connection with G. F. BAILEY, in June, 1843, and published
it in company one year, when he purchased Mr. BAILEY's interest, and conducted
it alone until 1846, when he sold it out and connected himself with his
brother, A. S. BLAKE, of Waterbury, Conn., in the dentistry business. In
1847 he returned to Bellows Falls and established a dental office, continuing
in practice about thirty years. During these years his pen was not inactive,
and both as a lecturer and a writer his influence was manifest, particularly
during the civil war. He married Martha J. GLOVER, of Concord, N. H., August
16, 1842. They have six sons and two daughters, George S., of Windsor,
Helen L. (Mrs. E. E. DEWEY), Charles M., Frederick J., Walter G., John
F., Henry L., and Jennie S., who reside in Bellows Falls.
Otis B. ARMS was born in Deerfield, Mass., in 1816, and at the age
of seventeen was apprenticed to John POOLE, a blacksmith, of Walpole, N.
H., with whom he served five years. He then went to New Hartford, Conn.,
where he resided two years, and in March, 1840, removed to Bellows Falls.
The following September his brother John joined him in establishing the
blacksmith business on what is now known as Mill street. In 1861 he purchased
a third interest in the Bellows Falls grist-mill ; and in 1869, in company
with his brothers John and Aaron, he engaged in the general hardware business
in the Mammoth Block, under the firm name of ARMS Bros. In 1872, in company
with his brother Aaron and three other partners, he formed the Rockingham
Paper Co., and built the mill now owned by George K. RUSSELL, the fourth
mill erected of those now standing. Aug. 16, 1842, he married Sarah N.
WATKINS of Walpole, N. H., by whom he has one son and one daughter, Edward
ARMS, of the firm of MOORE, ARMS & THOMPSON, and Lizzie S., Mrs. H.
F. KING. He is a member of the Congregational church, and has been a liberal
supPORTER of all the projects for the social, educational and religious
improvement of the community.
George SLATE, son of Obed and Susan (DOOLITTLE) SLATE, was born
in Hinsdale, N. H., Aug. 15, 1814. He was brought up on his father's farm,
but having a taste for other business, in 1839, he became proprietor of
a hotel. In October, 1841, he came to Bellows Falls and engaged in the
grocery business, which he continued twelve years. He was appointed deputy
sheriff in 1846, and performed the duties of that office until 1858, when
he was elected sheriff of Windham county. About 1854 he became connected
with the bank of Bellows Falls, as director and trustee, and with the Bellows
Falls Savings Institution. His connection with one or the other of these
institutions continued until 1882, when he resigned, having been president
of the latter institution about two years. He was assistant U. S. district
assessor for four years during the war and for a number of years held the
office of assignee in bankruptcy. In 1845 he married Frances A. GRISWOLD,
who died December 2, 1879, leaving one son, William W. SLATE.
Marshall C. LADD was born in Pomfret, Vt., where he lived until
twenty-one years of age, when he went to Massachusetts and remained about
two years. In 1851 he came to Bellows Falls and carried on the business
of carpenter .and builder until 1877, when, having lost a leg, he engaged
in the book-binding business.
John F. SAKER was born in London. In May, 1853, he came to Bellows
Falls, from Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he lived five years. He learned
in London the tailor's trade, and has followed the business of merchant
tailor for thirty years.
Silas W. STUART was born in Grafton, Vt., and came to Bellows Falls
in 1853. After about two years he went to Windham, where he lived ten or
twelve years, and subsequently to Grafton, where he remained two years.
In 1868 he returned to Bellows Falls, where, as a carpenter and builder,
he gives employment to ten or twelve men.
Henry P. WILSON was born in Langdon, N. H., and married Lydia S.
MACK, of Charlestown, in that State. They came to Bellows Falls about 1856.
He was a carpenter and worked in the Rutland & Burlington railroad
shops. He died of heart disease, July 19, 1882, at the age of sixty-six.
His widow still lives in Bellows Falls. Their two children, Hattie J. (Mrs.
Lucian R. NOURSE), who died in Bellows Falls, October 15, 1872, aged thirty,
and Harvey P., who died March 28, 1864, aged fourteen.
Stratton W. WESTGATE was born in Cornish, N. H., and lived there
till 1857, when he was twenty-three years of age. For three years thereafter
he was an itinerant M. E. minister, but failing health compelled him to
engage in other pursuits. He is now a carpenter and joiner at Saxton's
River.
Alfred G. KILBURN was born in Alstead, N. H., and came to Bellows
Falls to live permanently about 1858. He had worked here many years before.
KILBURN mountain, which was formerly called Fall mountain, received its
name from his great-grandfather.
Benjamin FIFIELD, born in Canaan, N. H., in 1920, lived there till
1862 or '63, when he came to Bellows Falls, where he has since resided.
He has worked at blacksmithing for the Central Vermont railroad for sixteen
years.
William MACLOUD was born in Canada East (P. Q.), and lived there
till 1864, when he came to Bellows Falls. He married Anna MACDONALD, of
Canada East, and has three children, Hugh Murdock, Mary and Sarah, all
of whom live in this town.
Barney CANNON, Jr., a native of Montreal, P. Q., came to Bellows
Falls in the fall of 1865. He served three years and eleven months in Co.
C, 6th Vt. Regt. He has lived at intervals in Ludlow and Brattleboro since
his first arrival at Bellows Falls, where he finally located. January 1,
1877, when he established his present business of carriage, sign and ornamental
painting on Rockingham street.
Ozias M. GEORGE was born in Acworth, N. H., and came to Bellows
Falls in 1865, where he has since practiced dentistry, in the Union block
on the Square, since 1870. He is a member of the Vermont State Dental Society
and of the Connecticut Valley Dental Society.
William A. MILLER was born in Chester, Vt., and lived there most
of the time until 1872. May 5, 1861, he enlisted in Co. A, 3d Vt. Regt.,
and served in the army three years. He was wounded and is 'a pensioner.
He came to Bellows Falls in 1872, and in 1882 engaged in the manufacture
of tin, sheet-iron and copper ware.
Freeland E. PROCTOR was born in Maine and moved with his parents
when a child to Jay, in that State. From there he removed to Island Pond,
Vt., where he remained about eleven years. From thence he went to Gorham,
N. H., and five years later to White River Junction. In December, 1872,
he located in Brattleboro, and a year later came to Bellows Falls, where
he has since resided, He is foreman of the Central Vermont railroad shop
there.
George K. RUSSELL was born in Cabot, Vt., and came to Bellows Falls
in 1873. He is a member of the firm of WILLARD, RUSSELL & Co., paper
makers. He enlisted in Exeter, N. H., in the 15th N. H. Vols., as orderly
sergeant.
Benjamin SCOFIELD, son of Benjamin and Sarah SCOFIELD, was born
in the town of Saddleworth, Yorkshire, England, July 21, 1824. At the age
of fourteen years he was apprenticed to the wool sorters trade, serving
until. May 22, 1845, when he came to America, arriving in New York city
July 3d, after a voyage of forty-two days. He at once went to Boston, Mass.,
and upon his arrival there found his available assets to consist of his
wardrobe and one silver dollar. From Boston he worked his way to Andover.
Mass., where he made the acquaintance of one David MANOX, who loaned him
enough money to purchase a ticket to Vasselboro, Maine. At that place he
worked at his trade three years, and from there went to Milton Mills, N.
H. After a brief stay there he came to Saxton's River, his present place
of abode. Here he did the wool sorting at the woolen mill of George PERRY
& Co. until April, 1857. In 1851 he married Alice B. THOMPSON, of Grafton,
a most fortunate move, for she it was who, by her strict economy and wise
counsel, laid the foundation of his future prosperity. It can well be said
of her that she was a true helpmeet. In 1857 Mr. SCOFIELD first started
in business for himself, purchasing an interest in the woolen mill at Cambridgport,
the firm name being John A. FARNSWORTH & Co. This partnership lasted
but one year, when it was changed to PERRY & Co. June 17, 1860, the
mill was burned, but was immediately rebuilt, started again under the firm
name of S. PERRY & Co., the members of the firm being Solon PERRY,
Benjamin SCOFIELD and John F. ALEXANDER, who continued successfully in
business until 1866, when the mill was sold to Boston parties. In December,
1866, Mr. SCOFIELD went to England to visit the home of his boyhood. After
a brief visit there he returned to-his Vermont home. During the year 1868
he had the management of a woolen-mill at Leominster, Mass., and in the
meantime purchased an interest in the woolen-mill at Saxton's River, after
which the firm was known as John A. FARNSWORTH & Co. In the spring
of 1869 he was called upon to pass through a deep affliction in the loss
of his dear companion for life. Mrs. SCOFIELD had long been an invalid,
but through the sad years of her suffering was never heard to complain,
During their long married life Mrs. SCOFIELD blessed her husband by the
birth of two children, Jennie and Frank B. The daughter died at the age
of ten years, and the son is at present a resident of Saxton's River. This
was a most unfortunate year for Mr. SCOFIELD, for quickly following his
great bereavement the severe freshet of October of that year washed away
his mill, and the savings of those twenty years were wrested from him in
as many minutes. Nothing daunted, however, the firm at once rebuilt the
mill and soon were doing a prosperous business again. The partnership lasted
until 1875, when Mr. SCOFIELD sold his interest in the woolen-mill. Since
his retirement from manufacturing pursuits he has been an extensive dealer
in wool. His dwelling is one of the handsomest in the little village of
Saxton's River, the house standing on the site of the old historic homestead
of the late judge KELLOGG, who was well known throughout the county and
State. To his credit may it be said, no deserving, needy person ever went
from Mr. SCOFIELD's door empty handed. He prefers the quiet of his pleasant
home to the noise and din of the busy world, and takes an active interest
in any movement tending to promote the welfare of the people and village
in which he lives.
Moses MILLER was born in Langdon, N. H., where he resided till twenty-eight
years of age. He then went to Michigan and bought 7,000 acres in Lapeer
and Martin townships. He remained there five years, when he sold his land
and removed to Iowa, where be bought 160 acres and staid there three years.
He again sold out and went to Minnesota, where he took up ,100 acres, but
remained only a year. He then went to Chicago and sold 300 head of cattle
brought from Minnesota. From thence he proceeded to Boston, Mass., and
thence to Clarksville, Tenn., in the employ of the government. Six months
later he returned to Boston and engaged in building. He erected four tenement
houses in Waltham. In 1873 he removed to Bellows Falls, where he has since
resided.
Moses P. SMART, son of Joseph, was born in Springfield, Vt., and
married. Delia GARLAND, of New York. After a residence of about four years
in Hartford, Conn., and twelve years at Springfield, Vt., when they removed
to Bellows Falls. He died January 20, 1879, aged forty-five years. His
widow resides here.
O. L. SLADER was born in Acworth, N. H., and resided there until
thirty years of age. He then went to Rutland, Vt., and kept the depot restaurant
about eleven years. From there he went to Boston, Mass., where for nearly
a year he kept the Broomfield House, at 55 Broomfield street. He then engaged
in the restaurant business in the New London Northern depot at Palmer,
Mass., and in June, 1877, came to Bellows Falls, where he has since kept
the depot restaurant and dining rooms.
Miss Clara D. PORTER was born in Alstead, N. H., and removed to
Acworth, N. H., where she married George F. REED, of that place, who died
in 1875. In 1878 she came to Bellows Falls, where she is now practicing
homeopathy, having graduated from the school of medicine of Boston University.
Wayne T. GIBSON was born in Windham, Vt., and came to Bellows Falls
in 1878. He is a mason and contractor and employs ten to twelve men.
Dr. Daniel CAMPBELL, of Saxton's River, was born in Westminster,
March: 8, 1820. His father, Edward R. CAMPBELL, was a farmer. His grandfather,
also named Edward R., but who was familiarly known as "Dr. Ned," was a
direct decedent from the house of Argyle, Scotland. He was a physician
of extensive practice in Westminster and vicinity during the first half
of the present century. Daniel was also a relative of the late Dr. John
CAMPBELL, of Putney, and of Dr. Alexander CAMPBELL, of Rockingham, both
of whom: practiced in this vicinity many years ago. He received his education
in the common schools and at the Burr and Burton academy, at Manchester,
N. H. His vacations he spent in teaching and working on the farm; but his
tastes soon led him to prefer clerking in a store, at Putney. His medical
education was obtained at the Vermont Medical college, at Woodstock, and
at the Berkshire Medical college, of Pittsfield, Mass., graduating from
the former institution in 1842, and taking a degree at the latter, the
following year. He was, demonstrator of anatomy at Berkshire college for
a year or more, and was associated in practice with Professor H. H. CHILDS,
at that time lieutenant governor of Massachusetts. After leaving Pittsfield
he came to Westminster where he married Julia A. HALL, daughter of Captain
Edward HALL, of that town. Her many virtues have materially aided him in
his forty years of professional life, while the union has been blessed
with eight children, six of whom are living. He remained in practice in
West Westminster about ten years, then removed to Saxton's River, where
he has since resided. Several years ago he was offered the chair of Theory
and Practice in Dartmouth college, but declined the offer, his tastes leading
him to prefer the bedside of his patients to a professor's chair. In politics,
Dr. CAMPBELL is a liberal Democrat. He represented Rockingham in the legislature
of 1864-265, and was the Democratic candidate for speaker. He has several
times been that party's candidate for county Senator, and in 1880 was Democratic
nominee for congress, being defeated by James M. TYLER, of Brattleboro.
He is at present somewhat interested in Texas property, in connection with
his brother Colin, but from his brief visit to that State a few years since,
it seems safe to say that he is well suited with his old Vermont home.
Of his children, Charles, the oldest, died in infancy; Flora E. married
Henry S. FROST, and resides in Bellow Falls; Alice died in childhood; Edward
R. resides in Bellows Falls, following his father's profession, having
been a successful practitioner of medicine and surgery for nine years;
William H. resides at Saxton's River, where his health having prevented
him from completing his medical studies, he is engaged in the livery business,
and in breeding fine horses; Harriet J. was married to Preston H. HADLEY
and resides at Bellows Falls; Clara O. was married to George R. WALES,
of Bellows Falls, where they now reside; and Mary E., the youngest daughter,
resides with her parents, at Saxton's River. The four elder children were
born in Westminster, the others at Saxton's River.
Edward W. BANCROFT is a native of Windham county, and was for many
years a member of the firm of H. B. CLAFLIN & Co., of New York city,
but failing health compelled him to retire to the country. He is deeply
interested in agriculture, and is said to have the most productive farm
and the finest herd of cows in New England. His farm of seventy-five acres
of tillable land is known as Terrace Hill stock and milk farm, and is located
on Terrace Hill, in Bellows Falls. His herd of fifty comprises Durham,
Holstein, and native cows, the milk from which is sold to regular customers
in the village. He keeps Membrino and Hambletonian horses, six span being
employed to do the work on the farm, besides fine blooded animals for breeding
purposes. With the exception of grain, the fodder for the stock is raised
on the farm, which last year produced 12,000 baskets of corn. Ten acres
are under cultivation as a market garden, and a half-acre is under glass.
George PERRY was one of the eight children of Gates PERRY, who came
to Rockingham, from Antrim, N. H., in 1807, locating upon the farm now
owned by Rev. A. J. LEACH, on road 34. Here Gates lived the life of a New
England farmer, rearing his children to tread the paths of usefulness and
virtue. George's seven brothers and sisters were Mary, who became Mrs.
W. C. WILEY, deceased; Gates, Jr., deceased ; Clarissa, who became Mrs.
K. P. BARRY, and is now a resident of the town; FLETCHER, deceased; Persis
Ann (Mrs. J. S. STEELE), of Keene, N. H.; Jane (Mrs. E. R. OSGOOD), of
this town; and Saphronia, who became Mrs. A. STIMPSON, deceased. In 1850,
Mr. PERRY lost his esteemed consort, Mary FLETCHER, and subsequently married
Sally WILEY, who survived him. August 13th, 1858, he, too, passed into
that "dreamless sleep, which knows no waking." George was born in Rockingham,
on the 6th of March of the year his parents took up their residence here,
1807. His boyhood and youth were passed after the usual routine of a farmer's
son, he receiving the customary amount of education, his hours of study
being snatched from those of wearisome toil. At the age of twenty-one years,
April 2, 1828, he married Hannah CHANDLER, daughter of Abel CHANDLER, and
first began to stem alone the swift current of life, locating upon a farm
on road 35. Here he remained three years, then removed to Saxton's River,
and, in company with his brother Fletcher, commenced the manufacture of
tin ware, doing a large business in this line for several years. He finally
sold out, however, in 1847, and in company with J. A. FARNSWORTH and Theophilus
HOIT erected the well-known woolen mill, carrying on an extensive business
under the firm name of George PERRY & Co. In this business he remained
until his death, August 22, 1858. Mrs. PERRY still survives him, residing
with her daughter, Mrs. J. F. ALEXANDER. Their union was blessed with the
birth of two children, Solon, born November 12, 1829, now engaged in business
at Boston, Mass., and Mary P., born September 26, 1839, the wife of J.
F. ALEXANDER, of this town. Mr. PERRY was not a member of the church, but
was always an active, liberal supporter of the gospel. He evinced great
interest in the welfare of his townsmen, and in the prosperity of the village
wherein he resided. A man who always manifested a sense of strict honor,
and a love for fairness in his dealings with all, and ever prone to willingly
assist the needy, he was often called by his townsmen to fill positions
of honor and trust. In 1857 he was elected State senator from Windham county,
and would have been returned to the office, had ill health not prohibited
his accepting the nomination.
John F. ALEXANDER, a member of the firm of FARNSWORTH & Co.,
was born in Chesterfield, N. H., from which place his parents removed to
Brattleboro in 1851. February 21, 1838, he removed to Bellows Falls, and
thence in 1860, to Saxton's River.
Levi SABIN was a noted physician in this town, but where he came
from cannot be ascertained. He settled in the central part of the town,
and was a selectman for many years. He died from overwork at the age of
forty-five years, leaving a family of eight children. His widow lived to
the age of ninety-one years, and spent her last days with her son Elisha
S. The surviving children are Lucinda, who married William PHILO, of New
York, and moved to Wisconsin, where he died.; Maria, who is the wife of
Gilbert HATHAWAY of Illinois; and Elisha S., who married Sophia W. HALL,
of Newfane, Vt., and resides in Rockingham. Elisha S. was a deacon of the
Congregational church. He has four children living, Elisha S., Jr., a merchant
in Saxton's River; George K., a miner in Colorado; Robert H., a physician
in West Troy, N. Y. ; and Albert R., who is principal of the high school
in Chicago, Ill., and superintendent of schools in Lake Forest Co., Ill.
Ira D. BURWELL was born in Bridport, Addison county, and removed
with his parents at the age of thirteen to Crown Point, N. Y., where he
resided thirteen years. After a residence of fifteen years in Norwich,
N. Y., and about twelve in Hinesburg, he came to Rockingham, where he now
resides on road 40. He married Sarah Ann HICKOK, of Fort Edward, N. Y.,
and has five children, Emma G., Almira J., William C., Harriet, Rhoda,
and Frederick B. Mr. BURWELL is a Baptist minister. He has preached for
thirty years, and occasionally does so yet.
Dr. Frank WHITMAN, of Bellows Falls, was born in Boston, Mass.,
and is a graduate of the Berkshire Medical college. He joined the army
during the late war and went out as assistant surgeon of the 58th Mass.
Infantry. He was appointed surgeon in-chief of the 1st Brigade, 2d division,
9th army corps. He is now president of the U. S. board of examining surgeons
for pensions.
John CARMODY, of BELLOWS Falls, was born in Ireland, and came to
Boston, Mass., in 1848, at the age of thirteen years. He lived in Massachusetts,
Connecticut, and New Hampshire till 1852, when he came to Springfield,
Vt., and married Mary COBB, of that town. May 5, 1861, he enlisted in Co.
A, 3d Vt. Regt. He was detailed as orderly for Gen. William F. SMITH, and
at Fortress Monroe was detailed to carry mail for the 2d division of the
6th corps. At Stone House Mountain he was detailed by general order No.
61, to take charge of the mail of the left grand division of the Army of
the Potomac, which position he held during the existence of the division,
when he returned to the 6th corps, with which he remained until the expiration
of his term of service, participating in all the battles in which the corps
was engaged, as orderly for Generals SMITH, FRANKLIN, SEDGWICK, and WRIGHT.
Julius A. MORILL was born in St. Johnsbury, Vt., and is a graduate
of Amherst college, class of 1866. In 1863, he enlisted in 'the 1st Vt.
Artillery and served until the close of the war. In 1865 he went to New
York city and was a stock broker. He-was in the custom house in that city
for seven years, and since 1878 he has been engaged with Charles Scribner's
Sons. He married Sarah C. BELL, daughter of D. Cyrus BELL, and a graduate
of Mount Holyoke Seminary, class of 1865. They have five children. Their
home is in Bellows Falls.
John A. FARNSWORTH was born in Boston, Mass., February 26, 1815.
At the age of eight years his father died, and at the age of eleven his
mother allowed him to go to Claremont, N. H., as an apprentice to the business
of manufacturing woolen goods. Here he was to remain until twenty-one years
of age, being allowed three months of each winter for attending school.
At the age of nineteen, however, the firm who carried on the factory failed,
and young FARNSWORTH went to Putney, Vt., to complete his term of apprenticeship.
At the age of twenty-three years he came to Saxton's River, where he was
engaged as overseer in the finishing-room of the woolen factory, remaining
here until 1844. He then went to Gilderland, N. Y., to accept a similar
position, and was subsequently in business there, from 1845 to 1847, He
then returned to Saxton's River, entering into business with George PERRY
and Theopilus HOIT, under the firm name of George PERRY & Co. This
style was retained until Mr. PERRY's death, in 1858, when the firm name
was changed to FARNSWORTH & HOIT. In 1866 J. F. ALEXANDER purchased
Mr. HOIT's interest, after which the firm was FARNSWORTH & ALEXANDER,
until 1868, when it was changed to FARNSWORTH & Co., the style it now
bears. In 1839 Mr. FARNSWORTH married Miss Mary J. OSGOOD, of Brookline,
Vt. Their only child, Sarah R., died at the age of six years. Mr. FARNSWORTH
has always taken a great interest in public affairs, and his fellow citizens
have shown their appreciation of his public spirit by electing him to many
positions of honor and trust. In 1861 '62, he represented the town in the
legislature, has been a selectman and a justice of the peace, and now holds
the office of county commissioner. He has been a director of the Bellows
Falls National Bank twenty-two years, and vice-president of the Bellows
Falls Savings Institution about twenty years, and is treasurer and a trustee
of the Vermont academy located at Saxton's River, he having subscribed
$10,000.00 towards its endowment fund of $100,000.00. He has been called
upon to settle the estate of many deceased persons, and has largely increased
the beauty of the village by erecting many fine buildings.
Hon. Jabez Delano BRIDGMAN, son of Benjamin H. BRIDGMAN, of Grafton,
was born in Grafton, June 10, 1828. He received an academic education and
at the age of about twenty years entered the office of C. I. WALKER and
George. B. KELLOGG, at Saxton's River, as a student of law, and when WALKER
& KELLOGG dissolved partnership, about one year later, Mr. BRIDGMAN
accompanied Mr. WALKER to Bellows Falls where he finished his studies and
was admitted to the bar in 1851. About the same time Mr. WALKER accepted
a professorship in the law school at Detroit, Mich., and Mr. BRIDGMAN purchased
his library and continued his practice in the same office which he still
occupies. A few years subsequently he was united in marriage to Sarah E.,
daughter of William CONANT, of Bellows Falls. In 1857-'58 was chosen representative
to the legislature and was at about the same 'time State's attorney for
two years. He enlisted in the 16th Vt. Vols., was chosen adjutant, and
served a few months, when he resigned and returned to his practice. In
the years 1880-81 he was a member of the State senate. In 1882 he admitted
to partnership George A. Weston, who had studied law with him, and they
conducted their legal business under the firm name of BRIDGMAN & WESTON.
James Henry WILLIAMS was born in Chester, Vt., January 16, 1813,
where he early developed excellent business capacity in the store of C.
M. BINGHAM, Esq. He came to Bellows Falls in February, 1834, and entered
the employ of the Bellows Falls Bank, where he remained until June, 1839,
when he was elected cashier of the bank at Woodstock, a position he held
till June, 1841, when he was chosen cashier of the Cheshire bank, at Keene,
N. H., then one of the largest institutions of its kind in this section.
In 1847 he succeeded Hon. William HENRY, who was then elected member of
congress from this district, to the position of cashier of the bank of
Bellows Falls, and removed his family thither. Upon the death of Nathaniel
FULLERTON, Esq., in 1872, Mr. WILLIAMS was elected to the presidency of
the bank, which position he held up to the time of his death, August 13,
1881. He was in reality the principal business manager of the bank for
a period of over thirty years, and to his great financial acumen and wise
management it owes its present reputation for soundness, which is second
to none in the State. He was also, mainly instrumental in the formation
in 1847, and in the subsequent prosperity of the Bellows Falls Savings
Institution, of which he was treasurer for many years. He was largely instrumental
in the development of all the various local enterprises of Bellows Falls
for the thirty-five years prior to his death, among which may be mentioned
the introduction of the present excellent supply of water for domestic
purposes, the establishment of the Episcopal school, St. Agnes Hall, and
the erection of Union and Centennial blocks, two of the principal business
blocks of the village. At the time of his death he was an officer in every
railroad running into the place and had been a director of the Rutland
R. R., from its establishment. He was a communicant of the Episcopal church
and held several official positions in the Diocese of Vermont, among which
was that of trustee and member of the executive committee of the Vermont
Episcopal Institute at Burlington.
REVOLUTIONARY
WAR
Rockingham was a strong Whig town, and the people were very decided
in their opposition to the Tories, being among the first to resist the
king's officers; for the Rockingham militia, consisting of over forty men,
led by Capt. Stephen SARGENT, aided in expelling the court officers from
the court-house at Westminster, on the memorable 13th of March, 1775, where
some of them were wounded. Philip SAFFORD, lieutenant of the company, fought
bravely while surrounded by the Tories, and though severely wounded by
the sword of sheriff PATTERSON, is said to have "knocked down ten of his
adversaries with his bludgeon, making good his escape and daring the whole
posse of King George to combat the Rockingham militia." In July, 1775,
a committee of inspection, consisting of Moses WRIGHT, Joseph WOOD, William
SIMONDS, Oliver LOVELL and Ebenezer FULLER, was chosen, and at the same
time the following military officers were appointed: Joseph WOOD, captain
; Charles RICHARD, lieutenant; and Isaac STOWELL, ensign. The committee
met at the house of Jehiel WEBB, innholder, and voted "to deal summarily
with all who should speak against the common cause.” This committee, however,
was afterwards dismissed several times, and as often chosen again, there
seeming to have been considerable opposition to its existence.
In February, 1777, there was a meeting held to consider means for
levying men to fill Col. WARNER's regiment, or to raise money for that
purpose, when it was voted "to do our equal proportion in maintaining and
supporting the just war of America." At a subsequent meeting, June 23d,
the town decided to receive ammunition of the committee-powder, lead and
flints-sent from the State of New York. Up to this date the names of fifty-five
men are recorded as having taken the oath of allegiance.
The following are the names of the soldiers recorded "who marched
for Ticonderoga:" Capt. Josiah WOOD, Lieut. RICHARD, Lieut. PRESTON, Ensign
Ebenezer FULLER, John FULLER, Nathan WRIGHT, William STEARNS, John PULSIPHER,
John TITUS, John WHITNEY, Isaac STOWELL, Nathan ARLD, Jonathan BARR, Fairbanks
MOORE, Jr., Gardner SIMONDS, William TAGERT, Elisha KNIGHTS, Abijah WHITE,
Dr. Reuben JONES and Timothy CLARK; while the following additional list
is recorded of those having "marched to Manchester," Levi DAVIS, Josiah
WHITE, Ebenezer PULSIPHER, Abel WHITE, Samuel BARR, Solomon WRIGHT, Philip
SAFFORD, Joseph DUTTON, Silas DUTTON, John WAIT, Andrew SIMONDS, James
HOW, Capt. Josiah Wood, ____ WALKER, John LOVELL, Elisha WALKER, Samuel
RICHARDSON, Leonard READ, David CAMPBELL, James CAMPBELL, Josiah READ,
and Thomas READ.
THE
WAR OF THE UNION
The history of Rockingham during the dark days of the great Rebellion
is not materially different from that of many other of its sister towns.
The exertions of its. people in enlisting troops, in raising money for
bounties, the private subscriptions, the efficient aid of its women in
furnishing soldiers with clothing and hospital supplies, and the general
expression of patriotism of its citizens were identically the part taken
by other towns of Vermont in helping to swell the ranks of the National
army, and giving to their country's service the "Vermont Brigade." At a
meeting held at Bellows Falls on the 24th of April, 1861. The following
resolution was passed:
"Resolved,
That we, citizens of Bellows Falls, here in meeting assembled, do pledge
to every patriot of Bellows Falls, who will volunteer to defend our country
from the assaults of rebels, that we will see that his wants and the wants
of his family, while he is engaged in the service of his country, are supplied." |
Under the spirit of this resolution the town furnished 269 men,
thirty-nine of whom were substitutes, while thirty-two citizens paid commutation.
The first of the "Bellows Falls boys" to fall was Jack RUSSELL, only sixteen
years of age. He went into the army as a servant of Maj. HOLBROOK, though
he had been in the service before becoming attached to the Seventh Regiment,
and had proved his bravery at the battle of Bull Run. At the battle of
Baton Rouge he procured arms and went to one of the flanks of the regiment,
near Col. Roberts, and fell at the same time with him, shot through the
groin. Maj. HOLBROOK spoke in the highest terms of young RUSSELL's bravery,
saying, in a letter to the dead boy's mother, “He fell in front of our
lines, where he had bravely gone. * * * * A braver deed was not done that
day.”
CHURCHES
In 1770 a Congregational church was organized, and the Rev. Samuel
WHITING was settled as its pastor in 1713. Mr. Whiting continued in Rockingham
until 1809. The first general convention of ministers held in the State
was at his house, in Rockingham, on the 3d Tuesday in June, 1796. He had
much to do with forming the Vermont Missionary Society. At the time this
church was organized there were but four others of the same denomination
in the State, viz.: At Bennington, organized in 1762; Newbury, organized
in 1764; Westminster, 1767; and Windsor, in 1768. The old church erected
by this society stood near the site of the one now standing in "Old Town,"
by some thought to have been located near the present burying ground, by
others, to have been directly south of the present house, partially in
the OLCOTT orchard. In 1793 it was decided to sell this old meeting-house
and to use the receipts towards defraying the town's expenses.
Immanuel Protestant Episcopal church, located at Bellows Falls.
-- In 1798 Dr. Samuel CUTLER, who had been educated a churchman, conceived
the idea of organizing a parish in Rockingham, and articles of association
were signed by seventeen persons. The society for several years met for
public worship under the leadership of a lay reader-availing itself also
of the ministrations of transient clergymen-being too feeble to support
a rector. There are no records showing the labors of clergymen prior to
1810. It has been ascertained that occasional services were rendered by
the Rev. J. C. OGDEN, Rev. Bethuel CHITTENDEN, Rev. Daniel BARBER, and
a few others. The articles of association having been lost by fire, March
18, 1809, the parish was reformed under new articles, drafted by CUTLER,
and signed by prominent and influential citizens. No new signatures were
added until 1813, and during that interval the parish existed but feebly,
destitute of a pastor, without a house of worship and gaining no strength.
Until 1816 the meetings of the parish were held at the center of
the township. March 20, 1816, a meeting was held at Bellows Falls, "to
devise means to procure funds for building a church building." This step
marked an era in the history of the society. It was evident that the church
would not flourish while it remained where it was located, while circumstances
indicated that the village of Bellows Falls must become a place of considerable
population. No denomination of Christians had yet located in this village,
so it was thought expedient to try what could be done towards erecting
a church here. Several church families resided in the village, besides
others well disposed towards the church, and ready to assist in building
an edifice. For the purpose of procuring funds, a committee, consisting
of Dr. CUTLER, Edward H. CAMPBELL, and William ATKINSON, was appointed,
and from this time the society has been located at Bellows Falls.
On January 15, 18.17, the church was named "Immanuel church," and
Rev. George T. CHAPMAN was requested to became its rector, and during that
year a church building was erected, leaving a heavy debt on the parish.
On July 1, 1863, it was decided to erect a new church edifice. Plans and
specifications for a gothic church of stone to seat about 500 persons,
were obtained and work was at once begun. On the 25th of December, 1867,
the new church was opened for service for the first time, and the congregation
rejoiced in the possession of a house of worship of beauty, durability
and convenience, erected at a cost of about $30,000.00, and which is now
valued, including grounds, at $50,000.00.
The society has had numerous changes in rectors, which, with its
fluctuating fortunes, we have not space to mention. It now has 180 members,
the rector being Rev. Warren H. ROBERTS, B. D.
The Baptist church of Saxton's River. -- An effort to establish
religious worship in Saxton's River, was made as early as the year 1807.
On the 18th of June, 1812, a church was organized, called The Baptist church
of Christ, in Westminster and Rockingham. It consisted of ten brethren
and six sisters, and was recognized on that day by an ecclesiastical council
convened at Westminster, West Parish. The first pastor was Rev. James ELLIOT,
who officiated from 1814 to 1822, and from 1827 to 1830. In 1844 the name
of the society was changed to The First Baptist Church of Saxton's River
Village, and again, in 1877, to the one it now bears. The society now numbers
115 members, with Rev. William H. RANDALL, pastor. The church building
will comfortably accommodate 350 persons, and is valued, including grounds
and parsonage, at $8,000.00.
The Congregational church, located at Saxton's River, was organized
with nineteen members, June 1, 1825, by its first pastor, Rev. Sereno TAYLOR.
Dea. E. S. SABIN is the only one of the original members now living. Their
church building was erected in 1836, a wood structure, capable of seating
300 persons, and valued, including grounds, at $2,000.00, its original
cost being $1,550.00. The society has at present eighty-one members, with
Rev. George F. CHAPIN, pastor.
The Methodist Episcopal church of Bellows Falls was organized by
the society's first pastor, Rev. Elijah MASON, in 1836, consisting then
of forty-two members, including persons from Rockingham and Bellows Falls.
During that year they erected their church, which is still in use, though
greatly altered and improved, in 1880-81, so that it will now accommodate
400 persons, and is valued, including grounds, at $10,000.00, in addition
to which the society has funded bequests to the amount of $1,500.00, the
interest of which is devoted to the "support of gospel preaching in Bellows
Falls." The church has now 168 members, and is steadily growing in influence
and members, it having received fifty of the latter during the past two
years, and has now eight probationists. Rev. H. F. AUSTIN is the present
pastor.
St. Charles Roman Catholic church, located at Bellows Falls, was
organized in 1857, with one hundred members, by Rev. Z. DRUON, the Rev.
Charles O'REILLY being the first pastor. Their church building is the old
public school-house, on school street, which has been remodeled so as to
accommodate 300 persons, and is valued at $9,600.00. This building, however,
has become altogether too small for the accommodation of the congregation,
and the society has a fine brick church in process of erection. Rev. Edward
REYNOLDS, the present pastor, has 800 members under his charge.
The Spiritualist church, located at Bartonsville, was organized
in 1872, with eighty or ninety members, Mrs. Sarah A. WILLEY, the present
incumbent, acting as pastor. Their church building was erected during the
year, at cost of $1,500.00, about its present value. The society now has
150 members.
The First Universalist Parish of Bellows Falls was organized January
12, 1879, by Rev. J. H. FARNSWORTH, the State missionary, who also acted
as the society's first pastor. The growth of the society has been unusually
rapid and vigorous, there being at present 100 members. The church building
was erected in 1880, a wood structure capable of seating 350 persons, at
a cost of $9,000,00, and is now valued, including grounds, at $13,000.00.
Rev. J. N. EMERY is the present pastor.
Gazetteer and
Business Directory of
Windham
County, Vt., 1724-1884.
Compiled
and Published By Hamilton Child,
Printed
At The Journal Office, Syracuse, N. Y., July, 1884.
Page 286-304
[15]
Transcribed
by Karima Allison ~2004
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