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      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