NYPL RESEARCH LIBRARIES

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HISTORY OF READING, VT.

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PREFACE.

This volume is the summary of my researches since the
publication of a 'History of Reading' in 1874. The plan has
been to publish everything that came to my notice relating to
Reading and its inhabitants, no person or family has been
omitted designedly. A moment's thought will convince any-.
one that the editor has had a knowledge of the details of
the several families resident of Reading.

The editor wishes to express his appreciation of the aid
given him by Carlos Hawkins, the town clerk of Reading,
and by numerous others — and to acknowledge the courtesy
of Mr. Cummings, the editor of the Inter-State Journal, in
loaning the half tones relating to Hank White and the
Whitmore & Clark Minstrels.

GILBERT A. DAVIS.
. Windsor, Vt., Aug. 14th, 1903.

INDEX OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

GILBERT A. DAVIS, Frontispiece

THE GILBERT A. DAVIS LIBRARY BLDG., 8

REV. SAMUEL. C. LOVELAND, 103

FERDINAND HAWKINS, ,73

MRS. CHARLOTTE(AMSDKN) HAWKINS. 173

JOSIAH Q. HAWKINS, 177

ELMER DUANE KEYES, i78

REV. GEORGE W. BAILEY, 182

CORYDON M. FAY, 229

IDA M. (COLE)FAY, 230

MERRITT E. GODDARD, 243

GEORGE O. ROBINSON, 261

STILLMAN W. ROBINSON, 267

ALBERT A. ROBINSON, 276

JAMES P. OSBORNE M. D., 252

ALBERT N. SWAIN, 284

DANIEL S. WHITE, 298

AZRO (HANK) WHITE, 311

BROADWAY MINSTRELS, 314

HANK WHITE, AT 22, 3i4

HANK WHITE, AT SUNAPEE, 317

GEORGE M. CLARK, 3i9

Mr. CLARK'S RESIDENCE AT FELCHVILLE, 319

WHITMORE & CLARK'S MINSTRELS, 328

"HANK" WHITE as KING of MINSTRELSY, 332

CHAPTER I.

THE READING PUBLIC LIBRARY.

An Interesting Description of the New " Gilbert A.

Davis Library Building," Felchville, Vermont.

—By Rev. Elizabeth Holt Goldthwaite.

In these latter years it is no uncommon custom that
men and women of public spirit bestow their generous
gifts in person, for the general welfare of their fellows,
thus having the double satisfaction of giving personal
service and of having assurance that their wishes as re-
gards their gifts are fulfilled.

Happy is the man or the woman who can give an
institution, be it of whatever nature, for. the betterment
of humanity and happy also should be the people who
are made the recipients of such a gift.

No greater gift, nor one of more farreaching influ-
ence, was ever conceived than that which fosters
the love of books in the youth and which gratifies the
taste for literature in those of mature years. Who
shall be able to measure or weigh the influence that
goes out through the channel of the Public Library
to enrich the life of .the individual, making it thereby
a power for the general welfare of mankind ?

" Education is a debt due from present to future
generations " and he who, in conspicuous measure, is
able and willing to make possible the payment of that
debt with generous interest, by making available large
lesources for its continuous payment from year to year
and from generation to generation is indeed a public
benefactor.

The town of Reading, Vermont, has been made the
recipient of a gift of this high order in her new Library
Building at the hands of one, who though not her son,
becomes through such a gift, surely as an adopted child.

HISTORY OF READING

Gilbert A. Davis spent many years in Reading and
as proof of his love for his long time home erected
"The Gilbert A. Davis Library Building, " which by
a deed of trust is forever to be used for library purposes
by the citizens of Reading and those residing within the
delivery of the Felchville postoffice

The Library Building is situated on the west side of
Main Street, in Felchville village and is a marked ad-
dition to the beauty of the street with the deep lawn and
wide gravel walk leading up to the broad steps and
generous porch of the Building, whose front is graced
with four white Ionic pillars which support the over-
hanging roof. The front is marked in large gold letters
— above the pillars — "The Gilbert A. Davis Library
Building" and over the door and beneath the over-
hanging roof " Reading Free Library." The buil-
ding is 60 x 32 feet, made of brick, with a cobble base-
ment forming the foundation upon which is a b.lt of
gray granite. It is built in the form of a cross and after
plans of Jarvis Hunt of Chicago. The outside trini-
mings are of pressed brick. Within, the walls are of
black ash and the ceilings in the same finish with exposed
beams and overlays. The floors are of quartered oak.
The windows are of plate glass and have inside shutters.

Entering the broad door, one steps into the spacious
vestibule which at present holds temporary cases for the
surplus magazines generous donors have provided.
Large rolling doors open into the Reading Room which
contains two long tables weighed down with current lit-
erature— atone end the latest fiction and the rest of the
space filled with pile after pile of late magazines — and
easy chairs galore invite one to tarry to let fond fancy
play as it wills. On the walls are pictures of former
townsmen, many of whom have passed to "the great
beyond." Among these faces of the past one may sit
in the blissful quiet and converse with poet, philosopher,
literateur, historian or scientist as he desires and his

HISTORY OF READING.

chat shall know no disturbance. Still other rolling
doors pushed aside reveal the Book Room, whose shelves
are shielded from the dust by plate glass rolling doors.
The shelves are replete to overflowing with books,
said by eminent critics, to be of a" most wise and judicious
selection, touching all phases of thought and minister-
ing to lofty ideals. Few if any second rate or trashy
books have found place here, greatly to the satisfaction
of those interested in this institution for the people.

Reading has long had a Librarj' Association whose
books have been moved from house to house as the office
of Librarian changed hands. This Association received
from the Vermont State Library Commission a donation
o'f books to the value of $ 100.00, and public in-
terest has been manifest from time to time through some
public entertainment, the proceeds of which were always
devoted to the furtherance of the Library's power to do
good. With the breaking of ground for the new Library
Building this effort gained impetus and man)' a former
townsman was told of the prospect awaiting the town at a
not far distant day and with the consummation of the
builders work, so ably done under the supervision of Hi-
ram Beckwith of Claremont, N. H. results began to accrue
with surprising and gratifying rapidity. The Dedication
which took place on July 4, 1899, while replete with many
happy incidents, will have lasting remembrance in the
generous gift of Wallace F. Robinson, president of the
Boston Chamber of Commerce, a former resident, in a
gift of no books — books of permanent value because of
their wise selection . This gift has found repetition at the
hands of many friends, until the Library has now nearly
1600 volumes besides several hundred Government Re-
ports and fully a hundred volumes of the War Correspon-
dence relative to the Civil War. In addition to the
bound books are year upon year of the valued magazines
which need binding that they may be preserved for gen-
eral reading and reference. Summer visitors and a pop-

HISTORY OF READINO.

ular subscription have made possible twelve of the cur-
rent magazines for the Reading Room, and here also may
be found some half dozen of the weekly county and state
newspapers, also the monthly magazines of local interest,
the Inter-State Journal and the Vermonter.

At the hands of the Librarian, Miss Minnie C. Fay,
the books are nearly classified according to the Dewey
System. This work is being done at intervals, as oppor-
tunity affords, other than what time is available during
Library hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays, afternoon
and evening. As fast as funds and time will peimit the
Library is being placed on an up-to-date basis for the
good of its patrons.

To a former townsman this new Library Building
with its equipment may seem like a myth, and to our
townspeople it is as yet scarcely more than a dream. It
is a dream w7hich will only become a full reality when we
are all mindful of the power it can wield for good in our
town; when we give it the equipment it needs that it may
become a working force in our midst. The writer may
be pardoned perhaps if, because of her deep interest in
this great instrumentality among us, she expresses the
wish that is so strong within her that by some means, an
endowment might now be provided which would make
possible so many added facilities which would bring this
generous gift close to the home and the hearts of all our
townspeople.

HON. GILBERT A. PAVIS.

HON. GILBERT A. DAVIS, THE DONOR.

(From the Inter-State Journal.)

Gilbert Asa Davis, who presented the town of Read-
ing with the handsome Library building so well describ-
ed on the preceding page, is a successful Attorney resid-
ing in the neighboring town of Windsor.

Mr. Davis was born in Chester, Vt., Dec. 18, 1835,
and was the son of A sa and Mary ( Hosmer) Davis. Hav-
ing received an education limited to the public schools
and Chester Academy, he began to teach when he was
fifteen years of age. In 1852 he removed to New Jersey,
where he pursued the professsion of teaching for four
years, at Belvidere and other places in Warren and Hun-
terdon counties. While in that state he read law with
Hon. J. G. Shipman of Belvidere. Returning to Ver-
mont, he continued the study of the law in the office of
Hon. William Rounds of Chester, and later with Messrs.
Washburn [P. T.]& Marsh [Charles P.] of Woodstock.
He was .admitted to the Bar at the May term of Wind-
sor County Court in 1859, and practiced with his last in-
structors for about a year, after which he removed to
Felchville, in Reading. Here he remained for about
twenty years, laying' the foundation for a large and suc-
cessful practice. He still retains an office in Felchville
although he removed to Windsor in 1879.

HISTORY OF READING. n

Mr. Davis has always been identified with public im-
provements in his community. He is a Director in the
Windsor Electric Light Co., he has been a Trustee of
the Village ; he was one of the Commissioners appointed
to supervise the construction of the Windsor Water
Works; he is president of the Windsor Machine Co.,
and of the Windsor Canning Co.; is Clerk of the Electric
Light Co.; he is also President of the Village of Wind-
sor.

He is a member of the Republican party and has
held many important town offices. In 1858 and 1861 he
was Assistant Clerk of the Vermont House of Representa-
tives, and to him was entrusted the important task of mak-
ing out the grand list. He served as register of Probate of
Windsor for five years. He represented the Town of
Reading in the Legislature in 1872 and 1874, serving in
both sessions on the Committee on Education of which
he was Chairman during his last term. He was elected
to the Senate in 1876, and he was a member of both the
Educational and Judiciary Committees. He was State's
Attorney for Windsor County in 1S78-80. In 1874 he
was selected by Governor Peck to compile the school
laws of Vermont, and he has published a history of the
town of Reading. At the centenary celebration of that
town, he delivered the address, and he was also orator at
the centennial celebration of the adoption of the name
and constitution of the State, held at Windsor, August 9,
1877.

Mr. Davis was for many years an officer of the Ver-
mont Historical Society ; a member of the Vermont Com-
mandery of Knights Templar ; the clerk of the Congre-
gational Society of Windsor, and Superintendent of the
Sunday School. He was an Alternate and acted as Del-
egate to the Republican National Convention at Chicago
in 1888; and he was a member of the Triennial Council
of the Congregational Churches at Worcester in T889,
and in Minneapolis in 1892.

•

IIIvSTORY OF READING.

In April, 1862, he was united in marriage with Delia
I. Bo lies, at Turner, Illinois, and their union was bless-
ed with four children, two of whom are now living.

Mr. Davis' work as a lawyer is shown by reference
to the Vermont Reports, from volume thirty-six to vol-
ume seventy-three inclusive ; in addition to that he has
had an extensive practice in the Federal Courts and in
the Courts of New Hampshire. In 1898 Mr. Davis was
one of the editors of the History of the first Congregation-
al Church of Windsor.

On the enactment of the United States Bankruptcy
Law July 1, 1898, Judge Wheeler of the Vermont District
appointed Mr. Davis as referee in bankruptcy for the
County of Windsor, and he has discharged the duties of
that office faithfully and impartially in the ninety-six
cases that have been referred to him.

CHAPTER II.
THE DEDICATION

OF THE

GILBERT A. DAVIS LIBRARY BUILDING.

ORDER OF EXERCISES,

At Church,
i Selection, Orchestra.

2 Words of Introduction by Chairman of Trustees,

Dr. F. C. Morgan, presenting Wade Keyes,
Esq., President of the Day.

3 Speech of Wade Keyes, Esq., President of the Day.

4 Selection, School Children.

5 Reading of letters by Dr. Morgan,

6 Selection, Orchestra.

7 Presentation of Orator, Hon. Frank Plumley, and

Oration.

8 Selection, School Children.

9 Speech by Thomas Curley.
io Remarks of R. S. Barton.

ii Remarks of Rev. Mr. Parounagian.

12 Remarks of Rev. C. E. Ordway

13 Remarks of Rev. Mr. Tellier.

14 Adoption of resolution to Dr. Sawyer.

At Library Building.

15 Introduction of the donor of the building and speech

of presentation, and delivery of deed to trustee.

16 Speech of acceptance by Dr. F. C. Morgan, Chair-

man of the Town Trustees.

17 Dedicatory prayer by Rev. Mr. Tellier.

18 Address in behalf of schools, Miss Carrie Driver.

19 Address on behalf of Odd Fellows. Rev. Mr. Ordway.

20 Address on behalf of Town, B. M. Newton.

21 Address on behalf of Churches. Rev. Miss E. H.

Goldthwait.

22 Closing address by President.

23 Singing of "America."

24 Benediction by Rev. J. K. Fuller,

i4 HISTORY OF READING.

Exercises held at the Baptist Church in FelchvilleVillage
Reading, Vermont, July 4, 1899, at 2 P. M.,

1 Selection by the Orchestra.

2 Introduction of Mr. Wade Keyes, as President of

the Day by Dr Field C, Morgan, Chairman
of the Trustees of the library.

3 Mr. Keyes responded to the introduction as follows:
Mr. Chairman, Neighbors and Friends— I am glad in-
deed again to be with you, and am grateful for the opportunity
of having part in the formal observances of this most important
day. As I look into your eager happy faces, and behold your
goodly number, I perceive the true spirit of this day and the true
significance of this occasion. Truly are we gathered to rejoice and
be glad. And well indeed may Reading rejoice, for here in the old
home and on this festal day of the Republic she has brought to-
gether her citizens, her sons, her daughters, and her friends, to
distinguish, with fitting and appropriate ceremonies, the most im-
portant single event in her history, to mark an epoch in the life of
this good old town.

In common with our brethren throughout this broad and pros-
perous land we rejoice in the founding of this Nation and the es-
tablishment of civil and educational liberty for all mankind. But
to us is given new and peculiar reasons for joy and praise. We are
not gathered today simply to recount and glorify the past. We are
assembled to establish a pledge for the future, that the past may be
kept secure; to consecrate ourselves anew to the task of educating
and improving the minds and hearts of all the people, more espec-
ially those of our growing youth, upon whose trained intelligence
and wisdom must soon depend, as our father* clearly saw, the
stability and perpetuity of the Republic.

The founders of the town set and maintained a school house on
every hill, from which the lights of learning and virtue have gone
for.h to illumine the earth. The munificence of a former towns-
man has now set a torch in this valley whose rays may touch the
farthest hill. From today onward it will be left in your care. I
am confident you will keep it fed and burning.

But I will say no more, lest I drift into a speech, and a speech I
have not, though the order of exercises which has just been placed
in my hands, bears at this juncture the ominous words, " Speech by
the President of the Day," which I suppose may be ascribed to the
partiality of some unkind friend.

We have with us many and excellent speakers ; the day is hot,
the program long, and I am sure of your approval if I omit this
number and proceed at once upon the formal exercises of the day.

HISTORY OF READING. 15

4 Singing of the "Bobolink Song" by the School

Children.

5 The President—

"A number of natives and other friends of the town
have written letters expressive of regret at their absence
and of friendly interest to the occasion," which Dr.
Morgan then read.

6 Selection by the Orchestra.

7 The President —

"I have already said that this is a most important
occasion — perhaps the most important in the history of
the town. That is what I think; and your presence here
in such large and enthusiastic numbers shows conclu-
sively that you are of the same opinion. But we have
additional and stronger evidence of the fact. A gentle-
man who has been for years a well-known name and
figure throughout the length and breadth of eastern
Vermont as a ready and forceful speaker, and whose
services today were eagerly sought by other and more
populous towns, has done us the honor and himself the
honor, to put all other invitations one side that he might
come here to assist in the dedication of a free public
libiary.

I assure you, sir, that I speak the sentiments of
every person in this room when I thank you for the con-
sideration you show us by your presence, and for the un-
selfish testimony you have thus given to the import-
ance of the work in which we are this day engaged.

Ladies and Gentlemen, permit me to introduce to
you the Hon Frank Plumley, of Northfield, who will
now deliver the principal address of the day."

(The editor regrets to state that he has been unable
to obtain a copy of this address).

8 Song by the children of Reading Public Schools.

9 The President —

"There was once a boy lived and grew up among you
inthis beautiful village, who differed from other boys, as

16 HISTORY OF READING.

you will remember onl)' in this : that he was a lover
and reader of books. He grew from boyhood to man-
hood, passed through the struggle and experience of
obtaining by unaided effort an academic and college ed-
ucation, and now resides in a populous city of our
neighboring commonwealth. You know well whom I
mean, because his love and affection for this village
brings him often among you, and you in turn have never
failed him with a hearty welcome.

And so I know you will take great pleasure to hear,
as I certainly do in the telling, that he still differs from
other men, and now in so many things that he is called
one of the first and foremost citizens of his city, which is
noied for the vigor and intelligence of its people.

To have won such regard and standing is a great
achievement, but in it is nothing strange ; for in youth
he was a worker and a student, and those habits then
acquired and never laid aside have made him in man-
hood superior to his fellows not only in the extent, the
variety and the usefulness of his knowledge, but in the
kindness of his heart, and in eager desire to be of service
to his fellow men.

Public office, even the Mayorality of his city, and
all personal preferment he has thrust aside, but
never has he withheld hearty and efficient aid in support
and furtherance of the public weal. Pro bono publico, to
work for the good of his fellows and the highest good of
a 1 is. the only master he has ever served.

I know you have all been glad to hear me thus con-
firm your early hopes, and that now as always you will
be delighted to hear from our old friend, who visits us
with each recurring year, the Hon. Thomas Curley, of
Waltham. Mass."

Mr. Thomas Curley then delivered a speech of great
beauty and force.
10 The President —

"We have with us to-day several gentlemen, who

HISTORY OF READING. 17

have kindly consented to be called upon for a five min-
utes' speech, and this I will proceed to do.

As Mr. Curley has touched so well and forcibly up-
on the true relation between books and children, I know
you will be glad to hear further upon this topic from a
gentleman now engaged in educational work. And I
take pleasure in introducing to you a friend of the donor
of the library, Mr. R. S. Barton, Principal of the Wind-
sor High School."

The address of Mr. Barton was classical and appro-
priate to the occasion.
11 The President —

"Everybody who was born in Reading, and every-
body who has lived in Reading, loves the town and loves
to return to it. We have with us a gentleman born in a
distant clime, in far off Armenia, who lived with us only
a brief period, but he has travelled a great many miles
and made a special effort to be with us to-day, that he
might show his interest in us, his interest in our insti-
tutions, and his interest in the success and welfare of this
Library, You will all be glad again to welcome the Rev.
M. B. Parounagian."

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, My Beloved Friends,
I have been interested in the welfare of this dear old town of Read-
ing. As a minister of the gospel 1 have labored among you some
time since; up and down these hills, from house to house visited
you; when joyous, I have shared your joys: when sad and sorrow-
ful, shed my tears with you. When your committee's invitation
card came to my hand announcing what a great day you were going
to have on the glorious Fourth, I at once decided to come and cheer
with you. I congratulate you on your good fortune in the posses-
sion of the magnificent institution, the library, the adjunct of the
Christian church. Very evidently the donor has united these two
noble institutions, the church and its adjunct, into one, building
the library edifice in the style of a Greek cross; because where ever
the church has gone, in its train it has brought the public schools
and libraries. When the Saracens with their Mohammedan faith
and mosques went to Egypt they had no use for libraries and they
burned the famous Alexandrian library. In the land of my nativity

1*8 HISTORY OF READING.

the Armenian community in the City of Caesarea petitioned for
nearly twenty years to a Mohammedan monarch, the Sultan of Tur-
key,at Constantinople, to permit them to establsh a printing press,
but they were denied the privilege repeatedly.

I congratulate you for this laud of Press and the land of Good
Books. Fill that elegant building out yonder with good books,
and use it, not abuse it. There are good books and periodicals, good
histories, good biographies, good works on fiction, good books of
all styles, with which we are to fill the minds of the young, so that
there will be no more room for the useless and the vicious. Bad books,
bad newspapers, choke them as soon as they get into your beautiful
building. Teach our young people that if they go down into the
swamps and marshes to watch their Jack o' Lanterns dance on decay
and rottenness, they will catch malaria and death.

Hon. Gilbert A. Davis is a man of study; studies day and
late at night. In his line of business if he encounters a difficult
case he studies until he finds a way out of it. He is studious. I
admire hirn for that. Our benefactor in this generous gift to the
town of Reading and its people, meant to will and impart his stu-
dious character, and has erected that splendid building as a memor-
ial of the same. It shall ever remain the monument of his public
spiritedness. Instead of rearing a monument upon his grave and
inscribing on it his name, he wrote upon the appreciative hearts of
the inhabitants of this town and the future generation. May his
example arouse the men of means elsewhere to the similar effort,
and may the Lord bless the gift and the giver.

12 The President —

"We are glad to have so many of our Windsor
friends with us to-day, and you will be pleased, I know,
to hear a word from the Rev. C. E. Ordway."

Rev. C. E. Ordway, a clergyman of distinction, then
delivered a speech that was timely and well received.

13 The President —

•'It is fitting that we should now close the exercises
in this church by a brief address fiom its pastor, the Rev.
Mr. Tellier."

The address of Mr. Tellier was a forceful presenta-
tion of the value of education, as illustrated by his own
history. He was born and reared in Canada, and found

HISTORY OF READING 19

himself at the age of 21, unable to read or write, and
since then he had studied, worked, and advanced to the
rank of a clergyman.
14 The President —

"Before we separate I wish to announce that the most
widely known and best beloved son of Reading, he who
has lived the longest, the most useful and the serenest
life of all her sons — I refer of course to the Rev. Thomas
J. Sawyer — now lies upon a bed of sickness, from which
his great age makes it more than likely he may never
arise.

I know 3^011 are pained to hear this, and it seems to
me eminently fitting and proper upon this day and oc-
casion that his native town should^send him some mes-
sage expressive of kindly interest and affectionate re-
gard.

I await your pleasure."

Mr. Thomas Curley then offered the following reso-
lution which was unanimously adopted by a rising vote.

Resolved, "That the citizens of Reading, in
meeting assembled, learn with deep re-
gret of the illness of Rev. T. J. Sawyer,
the most widely known and best beloved
son of Reading, and hereby tender to
him this public expression of their sym-
pathy and the fervent wish that he may
be speedily restored to health and re-
main long among us;

"That Mr. Wade Keyes be request-
ed to communicate this vote to the Rev.
Dr. Sawyer and his family."

20 HISTORY OF READING.

[Note: This vote was communicated to the family
of Dr. Sawyer, and was the last thing read to
him. He understood it perfectly, and was pe-
culiarly touched and pleased by this message
from his native town.

He died at Tufts College, Mass., July 23d,
1899, and was buried at Mount Auburn. He
was born January 9, 1804.]

The assemblage then adjourned to the Library
Building, but on account of the intense heat of the day,
were kindly invited by Mr. T. E. Conant, to occupy
his shady yard opposite, which was done ; and the
closing exercises were held there.
15 The President —

"The French have a proverb 'Noblesse Oblige,'
meaning nobility has its special obligations or duties.
This proverb arose in the old times, as you know, when
the people of France were divided into two classes, those
who were nobles or the nobility, and those whom the
nobility were pleased to call the common people. But
the wisest and best of the nobles clearly saw that their
wealth and power and station rested upon the affections
and the well being of the common people; and without
this, could not endure. And these few who were both
kind and wise did their utmost to promote the welfare
and contentment of the community round about them.

In common speech today the proverb simply
means that if any man has greater talents, greater learn-
ing, greater wisdom or greater wealth than his neigh-
bors, he is bound to so use and exercise his talents and
learning, his wisdom and wealth, which ever his endow-
ment may be, for the common benefit of his brethren
whose endowments may be different in degree or kind.

HIvSTORY OF READING. 21

Will each one of you pause for a moment and con-
sider what man, woman or child among all your ac-
quaintances you love and esteem the most. Is it not the
one who makes most liberal use of his powers, be they
great or small, for the common benefit of all ? Is it not
your unselfish friend whom you best love, and do not
you yourself experience the greatest pleasure from the
performance of kindly deeds ? I know you will bear wit-
ness with me that this is true. And, ladies and gen-
tlemen, while this has been called a selfish world, and
while learning and refinement and the higher views of
life have been criticised and reviled in certain quarters,
and while the world has been declared to be growing
worse instead of better, yet on the contrary it seems to
me that the world is much better today than it was
yesterday, or ever was before. If the world as a whole
looks worse to you than to your fathers it is merely be-
cause your knowledge of men and events is wider than
theirs. By reason of the newspaper, the telephone and
the telegraph you have the evil doings of the world
brought daily to your attention, and you pass judgment
without stopping to consider the daily record of good
deeds which pass unnoticed because they are so very
common.

There never was so much unselfishness, so many
unselfish acts of great wisdom and moment performed
in any age as at this very time. Day by day our men
of wealth are coming to see that they are but stewards
of their riches, and daily giving us fresh and generous
evidences of such regards; of which truth, may this
ample building remain a lasting witness.

I assure you Mr. Davis, that I but voice the feelings
of these people whom you see around you and my own

22 HISTORY OF READING.

in telling you how grateful we are that out of the abund-
ance of your heart and wealth you have telt disposed to
make this timely gift. Well does it reveal the inner
working of your life ; a fitting culmination to the deep
and active interest you have always taken in the welfare
and education of the young. And this gift, long after
you are gathered to your fathers, will keep alive and ac-
tive for good the influence which you have constantly
exerted toward the educating and uplifting of the chil-
dren of this town

I am sure Mr. Davis, although you are not native to
the town and have been compelled foi reasons of busi-
ness, to live elsewhere for many years — I am very sure
that you are more attached to this place than to any other ;
for here you entered upon your long and successful pro-
fessional career, here you brought your young bride and
long made your home ; here your children were born, and
here your steady industry and the aid of these people laid
the foundation of the ample fortune, of which you have
now made us partakers for evermore.

When regard finds expression in such useful and

shapely form, strong indeed must be the attachment that

binds you here. Nobly today are you cementing the bond.

We are more than grateful that this is so, and words

are inadequate to give full expression to our gratitude.

You need no introduction to these people, and I am
attempting none. I have merely sought to voice to you
the sentiments we all sincerely feel.

If it now meets your pleasure, we are ready to receive
your formal offering of this noble and appropriate edifice
across the way."

- HISTORY OF READING. 23

Mr. Davis came forward and in a few well chosen
words, presented the deed of trust which conveyed the
title intrust to his son, Gilbert Franklin Davis, the trus-
tee, to be used forever for library purposes. He also de-
livered a duplicate deed to B. M. Newton, Chairman of
the board of Selectmen of Reading. Mr. Gilbert Frank-
lin Davis came forward and accepted the deed, and ex-
ecuted the acceptance, promising to carry out the trust,
therein named.
[Note: This deed has been recorded in the real estate

records of Reading.]
16 The President—

"This Library Building is now deeded in perpetu-
ity to a Trustee for the use and benefit of the Town.
The Town as the beneficial owner of the Library Buil-
ding, and* as the owner of the books within its walls, has
anticipated this occasion, by choosing trustees to have the
care and oversight of the same; and the Chairman of the
Board, Dr. F. C. Morgan, in their behalf, will now make
a formal acceptance of the gift."

Dr. F. C. Morgan said :

President of the Day, Hon. G. A. Davis, Fel-
low Citizens — A new page is this day made for the his-
tory of the town of Reading. There will be upon that
page the record of an act, the most valuable which has
ever been performed by any of the town's residents, past
or present, in the full meaning of the expression. No
words can portray at this time the value of this bestow-
ment, but the results of the establishment of this fine in-
stitution, in all the years to come, will delineate the full
power wrapped up in a public edifice, devoted to the ad-
vancement and wide dissemination of elevating know-
ledge. What nobler act can any man do, than to spend
some time and money, in the building of such structures

24 HISTORY OF READING.

as this, which are sure to promote the interests of all in
education. There is at present a great interest in the
growth of this enterprise, for so many of the old residents
have given liberally of valuable volumes and money, to
aid the good work, as have also local individuals. May
the donor of this beautiful building live for many long
years to see the influence of his noble gift to this town,
spread far and wide, increasing the educational standard
of the young especially as they mature to adult life. In
behalf of the trustees of the library, the officers of the
town and the people, I will express to you, Mr. Davis,
our high appreciation of this gift, and our gratitude for
your esteem for the town. This is indeed a most estima-
ble motive, and again, I THANK YOU
17 The President —

"It was the custom of our first forefathers among
these hills and valleys when about to enter upon any
great and important undertaking first to invoke the
blessing and the guidance of Almighty God. In this
simple and reverent faith and in its public expression
they lived and wrought and died.

And thus living and working in the constant sight
and fear of the Lord, their works have endured. Yea
though generations have since come and gone, the
monuments of their toil still greet and serve us on every
hand.

Let us therefore not wander from the' safe path
wherein our ancestors walked and were blessed and
prospered of God; but rather let us imitate their wisdom
and prudence, and, before entering further upon the
exercises of this most important day, invoke the Divine
blessing.

The Rev. Thomas Tellier will lead us."

Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Teller.
The President—

HISTORY OF READING. 25

"In the olden days the church and the state, or in
other words, the town and the parish were one, and
though with the multiplication of churches and beliefs
theytbecame and have remained separated, yet the church-
es have not suffered by the change nor lost their
interest in all things that pertain to the welfare of the
town. In behalf of the churches and the church-going
people of this community, Miss E. H. Goldthwait, pas-
tor of the Universalist church in Felchville was to have
made response. And it is with regret that I announce
her unavoidable absence. She has however put in writing
what she desired to say, and Dr. F. C. Morgan will
read what she has written."

Address of Miss Goldthwait, as read by Dr. F. C.
Morgan :

Environment and Association form a large element
in the moulding forces of noble character. The sense of
beauty fitly trained exerts a great influence upon the
deeper life of man. We have in this magnificent library
building a potent illustration of this thought. I main-
tain that this village will progress along the higher lines
of being because of the artistic structure in our midst.
A year hence our homes in their outward semblance
will have become changed, our village street will. I be-
lieve, be even more beautiful than it is at present. And
the year's influence of the power which is held within
this building will have become manifest within our homes
and within our own lives.

No element in the past has come into our village
life that will so materially help on the work the church
is endeavoring to do, than this gift of our former towns-
man.

Education and religion are working hand in hand
for the uplift of humanity, and today we are become
the proud possessors of an instrumentality which will
make our town, — if we use the power it contains — even
more illustrious in the future for its worthy and notable

26 HISTORY OF READING.

men and women than it has even been in the past.

Personally, I rejoice at the good fortune of our town
and in behalf of our churches, I express heartfelt grati-
tude to the donor and sincere congratulation to our peo-
ple for this power given unto us for the moulding of that
life which is abiding.
1 8 The President—

"The spirit of progress is renewing its ancient vigor
in these good old hill towns. To be sure its people do
not imitate their city brethren in vain waste of effort
and strength over things that are futile or spend their
time or substance in societies and clubs that are detri-
mental to the community's welfare ; but they do seize
hold of and cling to that which is good.

They have recently established here a lodge of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, because this order
is proving of great benefit to mankind. I do not have
the honor of membership but I freely give my testimony
to its merit and worth. I congratulate this community
upon having this lodge in its midst. I am sure its influ-
ence will be all for good.

We have with us a member of the order from Wind-
sor, a minister of God, and a minister and fellow to his
fellowmen, who has kindly consented to speak in behalf
of the members of the local lodge — the Rev. C. E. Ord-
way, will tell how the Order views the establishment of
this library in its midst."

Rev. C. E. Ordway responded eloquently in behalf
of Felchville Lodge, No. 62, I. O. O. F.
19 The President —

"The community is formally represented here today
in its political capacity by its Board of Selectmen, whose
chairman, Mr Burton M. Newton, will now respond in
behalf of the Town."

Mr. President, Hon. Gilbert A. Davis, Ladies
and Gentlemen — After listening as you have to these
most eloquent speeches, it would be a failure upon my

HISTORY OF READING. 27

part to even attempt to say anything further of inter-
est relative to this dedication ; but, Mr. Davis, you have
been a resident of this town for a great many years, and
since you moved to Windsor a few years ago, you have
visited this place almost weekly, and you have met the
people of this town and immediate vicinity, and have
done business with them and for them, which has placed
you in a position to acquire a personal knowledge of
their requirements better than any man living or dead,
and you have learned by your long experience that which
would be of the most value for their future happiness
and prosperity.

You have at this time veiy appropriately expressed
your love and affection for these people with whom you
have associated during this long number of years, by the
erection and gift of this most worthy building.

I in behalf of the Board of Selectmen, in behalf of
every man woman and child of this town, extend to you
today our sincere thanks and due appreciation for your
greatness and your goodness, lor this most excellent and
noble edifice.

20 The President—

"The great good that is to be derived from the books
that from this day forth are to be freely offered to this
fortunate community will be the benefit conferred not up-
on you, but upon your children. Upon the parents, and
much, very much upon the teachers in your schools will
rest the privilege and the duty of arousing among the
children a genuine and hearty liking for the reading of
instuctive and entertaining books. Let your children
but acquire this habit, and the continued well-being of
this neighborhood is permanently assured.

Among the present teachers in your schools who are
fully conscious of all this, and aleit in the performance
of their duty, is Miss Carrie Driver, who wTill say a few
words on behalf of the schools."

21 Miss Driver read an address in behalf of the schools
of Reading.

28 HISTORY OF READING.

The President—

"This closes, ladies and gentlemen the formal exer-
cises of the day, but before closing I desire to emphasize
the remark of the donor that this gift is worth to you pre-
cisely what you make of it. You have been very active in
securing additions of books and pictures. You already
have books enough, if carefully read and studied, to
make one well read and learned in almost any department
of human endeavor. I sincerely hope that you will now
devote equal activity and industry in seeing to it that the
youth of this town are made to make the best possible use
of the opportunities which are here and henceforth to be
freely offered them. .

You will be pleased to know that the old library of
six hundred odd volumes, which was all you had a few
months ago, has been added to with gifts of upwards of
nine hundred volumes of new and useful books, besides
several hundred reports and magazines, the voluntary
gifts for the most part from the natives of the town who
have taken this means of showing their regard for the
place of their birth.

The list of donors is altogether too long for me to
read to you at this time owing to the lateness of the hour,
but I cannot refrain from mentioning a few.

The Hon. Wallace F. Robinson, of Boston, Mass.,
whose recent munificent gift to the town for the care of
the South Reading cemetery is fresh in your minds, has
just given fresh token of his affection for his native town
by placing in the library more than one hundred volumes
which have been this day received from Little, Brown &
Co., and are now unpacked in the library for view.
These books are selected wtth reference to American
History, and cover almost every phase of the develop-
ment of this continent. With these books in your midst
each and every one of you may become thoroughly con-
versant with whatever portion of that history claims your
interest.

HISTORY OF READING. 29

The Hon. A. N. Swain, of Bellows Falls, has donated
over two hundred books from his private Library; and
those who are familiar with his constant interest in the
town of his birth, and his well known generosity of
heart are aware that the success and welfare of this
Library will be his constant care.

You will also be pleased to hear that Mrs. Dr. Os-
borne is with you to day, and has promised to give a por-
trait of her husband, who successfully practiced med-
icine here for many years, more than a generation ago.

I also have in my hand a letter from Mrs. Annie E.
Robinson, of Taunton, Mass., promising a like portrait of
her late husband, the well remembered and beloved Dr.
Robinson, who succeeded Dr. Osborne as the practicing
physician of this village.

If you will now all join in singing "America," we
will then close the exercises of the day with the offering
of the benediction."

22 Exercises closed by singing of "America."

23 Pronouncing of the benediction by the Rev. J. K.
Fuller.

30 HISTORY OF READING.

CHAPTER III.

OLD HOME DAY IN READING

A Celebration which Marks a Red Letter Day in the

Calendar.

Sons and Daughters Gladly Responded and about iooo
People Gathered in the School Yard. — Vt. Standard.

Wednesday, Aug. 14, 1901, was the day selected for
the observances for this town.

A large crowd assembled in front of the schoolhouse
in Felchville and as a preliminary exercise there was a
registration of the returning sons and daughters of the
town and a hearty exchange of greetings and renewal of
acquaintances of by-gone days. Natives and former res-
idents came by the hundred.

The Windsor Cornet Band of fifteen pieces was in at-
tendance and gave some of their choicest selections and
were most heartily applauded.

Rev. Chas. Wells, former pastor of the Universalist
church here, now located in Bethel, asked the great con-
course to unite in the Lord's prayer, and all, with bowed
heads, joined in the recital. This was followed by a brief
invocation of the divine blessing upon the returning chil-
dren of Reading. The President of the Day, George D.
Burnham, in a few well chosen welcoming words, intro-
duced B. M. Newton who delivered a very cordial greet-
ing to the home-comers in behalf of the residents of the
town. The remarks of Mr. Newton were in a happy
vein and touched a sympathetic chord. He said that the
citizens of Reading felt honored by the presence of so
many.

HISTORY OF READING. 31

This was followed by a greeting song by that veteran
singer, O. S. Holden. Mr. Holden is the survivor of
that well known trio, Geo. M. Clark, Hank White, and
O. S. Holden, whose melodies have so often delighted
Vermont audiences. The President then introduced
Hon. Gilbert A. Davis of Windsor as a gentleman who
held a warm place in the respect and gratitude of the peo-
ple of Reading for what he had done for the town in pro-
viding a public library building and in many other re-
spects. Mr. Davis was heartily applauded as he arose to
speak. Mr. Davis said in substance —

"The word 'home' touches a tender chord in every
heart.

Be it ever so homely, there is no place like home.

'Tis sweet to be remembered in the old home town.

The sight of these beautiful valleys and hills, these
rocks and rills, these woods and homes, these churches
and schoolhouses, brings crowding into the memory the
happy days of 'long ago'.

Although Reading is not my birth place, here I be-
gan my professional career, here my children were born,
here was my home for nineteen years ; and so I join the
multitude today, of pilgrims to this Mecca of earlier years,
and place my grateful wreath upon Reading's altar and
greet one and all of my acquaintances.

The invitations went out, and from places far and
near have come the boys and girls to give an account of
themselves while away from home. I notice that 3'ou
have not "killed the fatted calf " for us nor put a ring
upon the finger — have not treated us as Prodigals — but
have spread for us a feast of such good things as I do
not find away from Reading, and you have greeted us
with a hearty Reading welcome.

We find to day that all roads lead to Reading and
have been built not to enable Reading people to get away
from this town, but to enable its sons and daughters to
get back to the old home. Reading is the grand center to-

32 HISTORY OF READING.

day. As the wag expressed it, 'You can start at Read-
ing and go anywhere in the whole world.'

The great object of this gathering is to strengthen
the home ties, to keep the non-residents in touch with the
residents and interested in the welfare and development
of the town.

Reading boys and girls, wherever they locate, are
proud of the old town. No other town can equal it in
the beauty of its scenery, the productiveness of its soil,
the healthfulness of its breezes, the variety of its climate
or the depths of its snow banks.

The old roads are rough, yet beautiful; fish are just
as scarce as ever, and game just as plenty.

"Breathes there a man with soul so dead
Who never to himself hath said, .
'This is my own, my native land' ? "

Be this as it may, it behooves us to counsel together
here today as to the future of Reading, having in mind
the changing trend of affairs.

So far as our ancestors were right, we follow in
their illustrious footsteps. Ours is no Chinese worship of
the ancestors. We must unlearn many things that we
have learned. The science of fifty years ago is almost
obsolete now. Discovery pushes ahead with leaps and
bounds, and beckons colleges as well as private citizens
to follow. In this age of collossal fortunes, it is inter-
esting, to watch and learn as to how much money has
been generously given for the endowment of colleges,
libraries, hospitals and other public institutions.

Some of the old professions are certainly being
badly cut into by modern systems and ideas. It has
reached that point that the old toper has found a new
and to him unanswerable excuse for taking his whiskey
straight, for fear of the death-breeding microbes, bacilli
and germs recently discovered in the sparkling water.

At the time of the great flood of 1869, that so badly
wrecked the roads and farms in Reading, another excuse

HISTORY OF READING. 33

was found by the same veteran toper: 'Water is danger-
ous stuff — let it alone.'

The story of Vermont will never cease to be of in-
terest. Ethan Allen, the Rangers, the Green Mountain
Boys, the story of Captive Johnson and other captives,
as commemorated by the tablets erected in this town,
the beech seal, the battle of Bennington, the Westmin-
ster Massacre where was shed the first blood of the
American Revolution, the Independent Republic (organ-
ized at Windsor in July, 1777, at a convention in which
Andrew Spear sat as the representative of Reading) and
maintaining its integrity, resisting alike the pretentious
claims of New Hampshire and New York to jurisdiction
over its territory and inhabitants, until admitted into the
Union in February, 1791, as a sovereign state, the subdu-
ing of the forests, her remarkable record as. the mother
of statesmen and of men and women eminent in every de-
partment of life, her loyalty in the Great Rebellion, fur-
nishing over 34,000 men for the Union Army, are told
throughout the Union and listened to with intense inter-
est, for there is not a nook or corner, a hamlet or city, to
which the restless energies of her sons has not penetrated.
I have ever taken a lively interest in her history.

Every fact relating to the history of Reading from
the charter of the town, July 6, 1761, to the publication
of my history in 1874 was then gathered and published.
Since that time, I have been an industrious student of
its history, and have gathered a large mass of data
which ought to be published in a second volume.

You, each of you, are possessed of facts that ought
to be added to this history, and I ask you to put them up-
on paper and hand them to me for use at the proper time.

By the choice of your committee, I am honored with
an invitation to address you, and will take this occasion
to express some of my ideas about the welfare of Reading,
leaving the eloquence and frill to the boys who are to

34 HISTORY OF READING.

have the platform this afternoon. Then the fountains of -
wit and eloquence will be tapped, and you will have a
feast of reason and flow of soul.

Reading, to be sure, is an inland town — all the
streams run out of it — and many of the young people mi-
grate early in life; nevertheless, Reading has been a
good place to be born in, to live in, and a royal place to
come back to.

The labor-saving farm machinery, the cheese fac-
tories, and the improvements within the reach of every
farmer and his wife, and within the reach of every busi-
ness man, have reduced the hours of labor in all voca-
tions, and afforded more time for study and recreation.
Reading's best crop must continue to be, as it has
been, honest, industrious, intelligent, ambitious boys and
girls.

My earnest plea today is for the home and fireside,
for God and native land, that these beautiful homes in
Reading may be made attractive and elevating.
"Home is the resort
Of love, of joy, of peace and plenty, where friends,
Supporting and supported, polished friends
And dear relations mingle into bliss."

— Thomson's Seasons.
"Let me live amidst high thoughts and smiles
As beautiful as love; with grasping hands
And a heart that flutters with diviner love
Whene'er my step is heard."

— Proctor's Mirandola.
I am not a believer in chance, I am a believer in the
cold logic of cause and effect. All great results are
achieved as the result of either knowledge or wisdom,
and the best results are reached by a combination of the
two. Knowledge is the storage battery, wisdom is the
application of facts to the conditions of life. The boy
must not only go through the college, but the college

HISTORY OF READING. 35

must go through him, before he is educated. There
must be less of dress parade, and more of solid study.
The young lady was not educated whose boast was, as
she returned from her college term, that she had learned
to do up her hair in nineteen different ways.

Athletics are proper and to be encouraged, but not
to the development of the muscle at the expense of the
brain. I am interested in a ball game, in the manly
strife for honorable victory, in the partisan loyalty in
support of 'our team'. It is a part of the education of
the average modern boy. In it he will stand up under
kicks, punches and whacks, without wincing, and come
home with a black eye or a score of bruises, without
wincing, and with glorious pluck.

The common school, the high school, colleges, uni-
versities, technical schools, professional schools, are
some of the ways of getting an education, just as riding
a bicycle or an automobile are some of the ways of loco-
motion.

The bicycle and the automobile all serve on the
whole quicker and better than walking or riding on
horse-back. Schools and colleges are on the whole
the shortest cuts to an education, but they are by no
means the only routes, since in education the process
itself is as important as the result; frequently the longer
way proves to be the better in the end.

An educated person is one who has made some
small department of the world expressive ot his own
reason and purpose. He has first mastered himself and
then has mastered the crude elements about him. The
schools may have helped him.

What science and art do for the college students,
hard work in the chosen line and religion together do for
the people outside. Neither intellectual work done as mere
drudgery, nor religion received on mere authority, with-
out rational investigation, can ever produce that specific

36 HISTORY OF READING.

mastery which is the ear-mark of an educated man. For
the person who is too lazy to work patiently at the prosaic
details of some special employment for the sake of some
practical or artistic end, for the person who is
too slothful to search and interpret the lessons of
the rocks, the flowers, the development of geological
research, the results of the excavations among the
buried cities of the East, the developments of the
sciences, the discoveries of astronomy, to comprehend
these wonderful developments from hard won conquests
over the stubborn materials, there is no such thing as
education in or out of school. Each needs a mastery
of self and of particular lines of knowledge and a rev-
erent faith in the Great Creator.

The public library, with its well selected books,
presenting the latest results of scientific researches, the
choicest thoughts of the great poets and authors, the
latest discoveries in science, the brightest fiction, the
choicest literature of the ages, affords to every man,
woman and child the golden opportunity for an educa-
tion.

The man who makes his farm or shop, office or store,
expressive of intelligent order and study; the woman who
makes her kitchen or parlor truly, strongly, neatly,
sweetly expressive of a sane and kindly purpose, is on
the right road to an education.

Disabuse yourselves of the idea, if you ever enter-
tained it, that a birth or residence in an inland town like
Reading is necessarily a disadvantage. Let me remind
youthat some of the greatest statesmen, generals, agricul-
turists, inventors, business men, teachers, scholars and
professional men have been the product of the farm or
the smaller village among the hills and mountains of
this Republic.

Look over the roll, and you will find Vermont has
been the birthplace of many of the mighty men of this
nation. Their names are legion. Time will not permit

___ HISTORY OF READING. 37

me to enumerate them: — Vice president, cabinet officer,
senators and representatives in congress, ambassadors,
generals and colonels, governors of states, presidents of
colleges, professional men in all the learned professions.
Each is proud of his birthplace, and they are this week
returning by thousands to the scenes of their childhood
and each asking himself or herself, 'What can I do to
pay the debt that I owe to my birthplace ?' To do some-
thing in the way of beautifying and preserving the old
town, to build or do something to keep the old town up
in the front rank of modern progress, to give the boys
and girls a chance equal to or better than they each had
in their youthful days, is the thought uppermost in the
minds of all these returning children of grand old Ver-
mont.

This is not in the line of charity, but is in the line
of debt-paying. Is the dutiful son or daughter giving
his aged parent anything when he takes kindly care of
him or her in old age ?

Reading has just as many square rods to the acre as
any other town six miles square, and perhaps a little
more, as some of it stands up edge-ways. It has a roman-
tic history. Its population reached high tide in 1820,
when the number was 1603. The present population is
649. From among the 'natives' have gone forth seven-
teen lawyers, nineteen physicians, eighteen clergymen,
a long list of musicians, druggists, teachers, bankers,
printers, business men in all the varied industries of life,
and first-class farmers.

It has a long list of college graduates. The students
at law here have within my memory been eight in num-
ber, and for many years a theological school was main-
tained at the Center by Rev. S. C. Loveland.

38 HISTORY OF READING.

Of its citizens three have been honored with a seat
in the State Senate, and one sat for several years in the
old council, while our neighboring town of West Wind-
sor has never had a senator, and Plymouth has had only
two. The town has had five resident attorneys, and one
of your citizens has been elected the State attorney of the
county.

Reading has its lodges of Odd Fellows, Rebekahs,
G. A. R., and its Relief Corps, each doing an efficient
work, each without a permanent home, each deserving
one. Shall some public-spirited citizen or former citizen
be found who will see to this ?

I, in common with you all, am interested in 'Reading
Public Library', with its more than two thousand vol-
umes and its portraits of distinguished sons of Reading.
That is your library — I bespeak for it your abiding inter-
est, your generous fostering, your frequent visits, the
careful reading of its books, the filling of its shelves, the
ornamentation of its walls, the extension of its benefits.
It ought to enrich, develop, strengthen and expand the
mind of every resident of the town.

In this connection, there is another matter to which
I wish to call your attention at this time, and that is, the
debt we owe to the memory of the soldiers, living and
dead, who were natives or residents of Reading. No
permanent monument exists to their memory. They are
rapidly 'crossing the river.' I have recently looked up
the list, and the roll, as I have made it, numbers about
one hundred. You will find a roll with D. E. Washburn
and another with Mrs. Kate White, subject to revision,
that comprises all natives and residents who were (so far
as I could ascertain) in the Union Army, in the War of
1861.

The subject of memorial tablets has been investiga-
ted, and I find two tablets of bronze, 27 inches wide and

HISTORY OF READING 39

105 inches long, each to weigh about 500 pounds, can be
cast that shall contain the name, rank, company and reg-
iment of each and all of these soldiers, and these tablets
can be firmly placed on each side of the main entrance to
the library building — there to remain forever as a just
and fitting memorial of these boys who 'wore the blue.'

The expense will be $225.00 at the foundry. This
money ought to be raised and this work done, and today
is a good time to discuss it and put it in the way of
accomplishment.

In the town of Wallingford, Vt., stands the 'Gil-
bert Hart Library Building', and upon the walls in the
reading room of the beautiful structure are placed bronze
tablets to the memory of the soldiers of Wallingford.

Let us for a few moments take up the matter of
public libraries in Vermont. It may interest you to
know about them. In May, 1900, there existed free pub-
lic libraries in 117 of the 244 towns and cities of this
State. 129 towns were without them, although in 34
of these there were libraries accessible to the share hold-
ers and, to a limited extent, to the public generally.
This reduces the number to 95 that are without lib-
raries more or less accessible to the public. In ad-
dition to these public libraries, there were 29 school
libraries and 13 academic libraries. In this list I have
not included the Vermont State Library at the capitol,
with its large collection of law and miscellaneous
books and public documents, nor the extensive and
valuable collection of the Vermont Historical Society
of books and curios relating to the history of this State.
Neither does my list include the great number of private
libraries gathered by members of the learned profess-
ions or by private citizens.

4o HIvSTORY OF READING.

I find from the best sources of information obtainable
that these public, school and academic libraries contain
a grand total of 420,865 volumes, but large as this num-
ber is it provides only 1 1-5 volumes to each inhabitant
of the State.

Coming to the town of Reading, you now have only
three volumes for each inhabitant.

To show the increasing interest in this subject, I
have gathered facts showing that during the year ending
May 1, 1900, 25,852 volumes were added to the public li-
braries of this State.

On this subject I am an ardent expansionist. The
nation has expanded until the echo of its morning drum-
beats encircle the earth — until our territory stretches near-
ly half way around the world and includes all climates
from the equatorial to the arctic regions, and within our
own borders can now be produced about everything we
need.

I am here today as an advocate of home expansion.
I want better home facilities. Reading people are intelli-
gent readers, and the records at the library show an ever
increasing interest in the best literature. They have
ever been notable for industry, frugality and intelligence.

The epitaph of the old woman who always was tired
was,

'Don't mourn for me now,

Don't mourn for me never.
I am going to do nothing
Forever and ever. '

Too often the attitude of the average citizen towards
the public library is that of respectable indifference — not
opposed to it, yet as the boy said when asked if his fath-
er was a Christian. 'Oh yes ! but he isn't working at it
much of late.'

I have long since ceased to purchase many new
books aside from professional books. Why? I have free ac-

HISTORY OF READING. 41

cess to 10,000 volumes across the street at Windsor, and
2,000 more at Reading.

Given the public library, enlarged as it ought to be
and will be, and the citizens of Reading need not cross
the ocean or travel extensively by road or rail, or get be-
yond its health-giving zephyrs to keep abreast with the
times. Why ? Because by books, at his own quiet fire-
side, he is brought into touch with the greatest thinkers,
poets, historians, theologians, inventors, scientists, nov-
elists, musicians, agriculturists, astronomers, and reform-
ers of the past and present.

You of a liberal education appreciate all these con-
siderations.

Their thoughts and researches are before you — your
property for the regulation of your conduct in civil and
religious life, for your solace and elevation. The great-
est thoughts of all ages are at the command of the quiet
citizen, the greatest men of all ages are his companions
of the fireside. With them he converses, reasons, argues;
by them he is amused, instructed, advised and restrained.
These are trite remarks. With a public library, Reading
will become more desirable as a home for the wealthy,
for the retired business man, for the scholarly man or wo-
man who wishes to spend the evening of life in dignified
leisure, for the busy man in active life who wishes to keep
up with the procession and be broadened by the magic
touch of the best literature, by the refined lady who scorns
idle gossip and delights to hold daily intercourse with
the world renowned poets, essayists and historians.

In conclusion permit me to express my sentiments in
the words of another :

'Here's a song of our green Mountains,

Fair and loved and honored State,
Of her valleys and her fountains,

And her sons who made her great.
Bright will shine her deeds in story,

42 HISTORY OF READING.

Ever more her fame will ring,
Covered is her flag with glory,
And her praises will we sing.'

'It's the best State in the Union,

For the care of that distress.
Which a sight of people die of,

Known as chronic laziness.
For her summer is too fleeting

For a man to sit at ease,
And her winter such a wild one,

That he's bound to work or freeze.
Stamped upon her vales and mountains,

Clearly seen by every eye,
Are these words of solemn import,

You must either dig or die.' "

Mr. Davis' speech was followed by music by the
band, and then by a humorous speech by Mr. Aden C.
Estabrooks of Lunenburg, Mass., a native of the town,
who related many anecdotes of Andrew Spear, the first
settler, of the struggles and triumphs of these pioneers,
of Simeon Buck, who married a daughter of Mr. Spear.

Mr. Estabrooks' speech was well received, and the
exercises of the forenoon closed.

The people of Reading provided a free dinner for all
the invited guests, and all those in town who had contrib-
uted to the repast. This was served in Newton's hall,
and was a banquet not to be excelled in its quality and
variety. There was enough and to spare, and reminded
the home-comers of the 'olden time.'

At 2 p. m. the people again assembled in front of the
srhoolhouse and were charmed by music from Windsor
Cornet Band. The exercises then proceeded as follows:

Rev. M. B. Parounagian was introduced as a clergy-
man who has won a warm place in the hearts of the people
of Reading. Mr. Parounagian is by birth an Armenian

HISTORY OF READING. 43

and came to this country and first spoke English after
he had attained his majority. With his strongly marked
foreign accent, and his ready wit, he kept the audience
in good humor for an allotted time. He regretted that he
is not by birth a Vermonter so as to be able to join in
all the sentiments of the day. He said:

"I have often been called upon to speak at G. A. R.
gatherings and felt my position. I am not a veteran be-
cause I was too young and lived 8000 miles away during
the Great Rebellion. I cannot call myself the son of a
veteran because my father lived in the same distant
country. I did the next best thing. I married the
daughter of a Vermont soldier, and so I came to be the
son in law of a veteran and half of a Vermonter." He
said further: "My stay in Reading taught me several
lessons; — when I arrived at South Reading on the stage,
driven by that illustrious mail-carrier, Calvin Robinson,
I wore a silk hat. I looked around town the next day
and took in the situation and went and bought me a
soft hat, and wore that all the time I remained in town.
I put that silk hat in the bottom of my trunk and used
it to keep my collars and cuffs in."

Mr. Parounagian went on in a similar happy vein
and was warmly applauded.

Dr. Aurelius C. Sherwin, of Boston, was the next
speaker. He announced himself as one of the 'boys',
who were to have the platform in the afternoon, and
further announced, "I came here today with my little
brother, Dr. O. W. Sherwin, to meet and greet my
former acquaintances in the grand old town of which I
was for many years a resident." Dr. Sherwin warmly
expressed his feelings at meeting his friends and noted
some of the changes in the town. The Dr. was
enthusiastically received.

Dr. O W. Sherwin was then introduced. He is
one of the Reading 'boys', and here began the practice

44 HISTORY OF READING.

of his profession. His words were well weighed and
touching, and he concluded his interesting remarks
with "God Bless Reading." This speaker was heartily
cheered.

O. S. Holden then gave in his inimitable manner
that grand old song "Hurrah for Vermont" and greatly
stirred the hearts of the large assemblage.

Frank H. Clark of Windsor, a native of this town,
was introduced and read a poem, of which the following
is a copy :

Jonathan's acceptance.

Now Sairy Ann what do you 'spose I found

Along with our other mail today ?
Can't guess? Well I'll be bound

'Twas an invite to observe "Old Home Day,"

Way down East in old Reading town,

Where both of us were born ;
Where first I met you, with eyes so brown

At an old-fashioned party, husking corn.

I was a barefoot farmer boy

With a freckled face and yellow hair,
But full of life and hope and joy

Thinking of you, and tagging you everywhere.

Those were our happiest days, my dear,

With never a thought of aches or ills,
Breathing our fill of Vermont's pure air,

Viewing the charms of her many hills.

To the East, old Ascutney rising high,

Guarded by lesser heights, somber and green,

Rearing their heads aloft to the sky,
As charming a picture as e'er was seen.

The old red house on the hill,

With a row of maples set before
In a small front yard, I can see it still,

Fringed with lilacs and roses galore.

HISTORY OF READING. 45

The orchard back of the barn

Where the earliest apples grew,
The meadow, with upland and tarn,

And with bushes not a few, —

The school house down the road

Where we conned our lessons o'er,
The droning voices sounding loud

As they came through the open door.

Then we got married and started West

For the land of the prairie and sky.
Where we've worked on, with little rest,

Until we're almost ready to die.

In the thirty o.dd years now gone,

How often we've planned to go back ;
But something has always gone wrong,

Perhaps we were heedless and slack.

And sometimes the children were sick

Which costs a pretty penny, you know,
Or a mule got into the creek

And was drowned, so we could not go.

vSome years there has been a drouth

And the crops would almost fail,
But on the mortgage there was ever a growth,

Unless we had produce for sale.

But now that the farm is paid for

And the children are older grown,
We can take a little more pleasure

And journey back to our native town.

And there we'll renew our youth

Among the hills we long to see,
For in spirit and in truth

Reading's greeting will be hearty and free.

46 HISTORY OF READING.

Rev. William Douglass of Windsor was next intro-
duced. Here he commenced the work of the gospel min-
istry, and was pastor of the Methodist church in South
Reading for three years. He said he felt great gratitude
to the people of Reading for their kindness and forbear-
ance in his inexperience. He had had eight pastorates,
and had been invited to return to each, but he turned his
footsteps to this old town in preferance to all others. Mr.
Douglass' remarks were intensely interesting and well
received.

Rev. Edson Reifsnider, now of Danvers, Mass., was
next introduced. He was at one time pastor of the Uni-
versalist church at Felchville, and here began his work
as a clergyman. Mr. Reifsnider was in a humorous mood
and kept the audience in excellent spirits. He was
grateful to the good people of Reading that they had
borne with his imperfections and permitted him here to
spread his youthful wings, and deliver to them his crude
ideas. He related many witty anecdotes and made nu-
merous local hits that were greatly enjo}^ed and appreci-
ated by the crowd. His stories of Pat and the dough,
and the result of fifty shots with his kodak from a buggy
in Reading were especially apt.

After music by the band, Miss Ida White read an
original poem written by Rev. Homer White, of Ran-
dolph, a former resident here.

I DREAM OF HOME.

I dream of home; what happy thoughts

Danced in a glowing train,
As bright as hopes we know in youth,

Through my delighted brain.

Old scenes were spread before my eyes

Old friends were with me still,
And from the leafy orchard tree

I heard the robbin's trill.

HIvSTORY OF READING, 47

The years since they were numbered not,

I was in heart the same
As when my brow was free from care

And soul was free from blame.

I saw my father's smile again,

My mother's voice came through the years,
And from my sleep-closed lid escaped

The last of boyhood's tears,

I woke with thoughts more pure and true

Than manhood manly deems,
The years, and not my sleep, appeared

An interval of dreams.

I woke from boyhood, not from sleep,

The past seemed asa night
And to my opening eyes there stole,

My boyhood's morning light.

Chas. M. Keyes of Springfield was next introduced.
He is the son of the late Solomon Keyes. Mr. Keyes
spoke in a happ3/ manner, expressing his pleasure at
meeting with his acquaintances in the old home town.
His sentiments were very appropriate and well received .

Miss H. Gertrude Roscoe, the pastor of the Univer-
salist church at Felchville, next rendered a solo with
much force and appropriateness.

Edward R. Buck, Esq., a native and attorney, next
came upon the platform. Mr. Buck has represented
Reading during the last two sessions of the Legislature.
He, too. told some apt and comical stories, which were
to the point. Unlike the Rev. M. B. Parounagian, the
speaker did not wear a silk hat when he arrived in
Reading. 'I came to town bare headed. I was born
here and I never regretted it.'

Levi W. Carleton of Woodstock, next had the at-
tention of the crowd. He, too, is a native and lived
here many years. He expressed in a pleasant way his

48 HISTORY OF READING.

pride in the history of the old town, and his happiness
in meeting the acquaintances of his boyhood.

After music by the band, the vast assemblage arose
and, following the band, joined in singing "America".

Thomas Curley, Esq., of Waltham, Mass., a dis-
tinguished lawyer and inventor of electrical appliances,
was next presented. He spent his boyhood days in
Reading and spoke feelingly of the old times when he
attended the schools, lyceums and sociables of the town.
"I remember once when father called me early in the
morning and shouted 'the early bird catches the worm'
as an incentive, that I replied 'what of it, mother won't
let me go fishing ? ' "

The great inquiry today is 'What have you done in
in the world ? Reading boys and girls can give a
good account of themselves, their records are clean, their
average success phenomenal."

Mr. Curley went on to discuss the vocation of farm-
ing, claiming that it required the highest talent to be a
successful farmer, and intelligently decide the various
questions that arise in carrying on a farm, and he urged
the farmers to establish an exalted ideal, and avail
themselves of all reliable sources of information and
keep abreast with the wonderful discoveries of modern
science.

Mr. Curley then took up the subject of the library.
He eulogized Mr. Gilbert A. Davis for his interest in the
development of Reading, for his generosity in building
the beautiful library that bears his name — a monument
to his memory that will always remain and be appreciated.

He said further that the safety of the nation depends
not upon armed battalions, but upon the education of
the children supplemented by the public library: Mr.
Curley's remarks were enthusiastically received.

HISTORY OF READING 49

Benediction by Rev. Ira Carter of Noith Da-
kota, formerly a Methodist preacher here.

The exercises were attended by about iooo people,
600 people were served with a free dinner, and 100 with a
free supper.

The great crowd was in the best of humor, and noth-
ing occurred to disturb the quiet and good order of the
day.

President Geo. D. Burnham was the right man in the
right place. His speeches in introducing the several
speakers were terse and to the point. The secretary, D.
E. Washburn, has worked hard to make this gathering
a success and is deserving of special mention.

Three hundred visitors registered at the "Oilbert A.
Davis Library Building," Miss Minnie C. Fay and
George Gilbert having charge of the building.

There was a spirited base-ball game at 4 o'clock on
the ground of A. E. Locke, Amsden vs. Brownsville.
The day was superb, the crowd in good humor, and this
will be a day long to be remembered in Reading, and
among the sons and daughters of Reading, who are scat-
tered throughout the world. Besides a large number of
the residents, the towns of Bethel, Woodstock, Pomfret,
Bridgewater, Plymouth, Ludlow, Chester, Springfield,
Weathersfield, Cavendish, West Windsor, Windsor and
Hartland were well represented. Outside of Vermont,
people were present from New Hampshire, Massachu-
setts, New York, Colorado, North Dakota, Illinois and
other states.

Great credit is due to all the standing committee for
their efficient services, to the generosity of the citizens of
Reading in furnishing a free banquet, and to young la-
dies and gentlemen who served at the tables.
Officers and Committees,
officers.

President, George D. Burnham ; vice-presidents,
Fred C. Furber, Mrs. N. E. E. Perkins ; secretary, D.

5o HISTORY OF READING.

E. Washburn ; treasurer, B. M. Newton.

Executive Committee — Dr. W. R. Kinson, B. M.
Newton, M. G. Amsden.

Program and Location Committee — B. M. Newton,
Mrs. O. S. Holden. Henry N. Bryant.

Finance Committee — C. N. Hook, N. E. E. Perkins,
Abel Ray, S. M. Sherwin.

Dinner Committee — Mrs. F. C. Furber, Mrs. D. E.
Washburn, Mrs. Harry Burnham, Mrs. Frank Davis,
Mrs. Hattie Wilkins.

Chaplains — Rev. Charles Wells, Rev. Ira Carter.

Committee on Decoration-^Mrs. E. B. Watkins,
Mrs. Bertha Watkins, Miss H. Gertrude Roscoe.

CHAPTER IV.
SOLDIERS' TABLETS.
At the Old Home Day exercises, Aug. 14, 1901, in
Reading, Mr. Gilbert A. Davis proposed that bronze tab-
lets should be provided and placed on the front or on ihe
interior walls of the Library Building, to commemorate
the memory of the soldiers of Reading, who had served
in the different wars in which the United States had been
engaged. Mr. Davis followed up this proposition by
taking active measures to raise the necessary funds. His
efforts met with a ready response, the money was raised
and the tablets cast and put in place, and unveiled with
appropriate ceremonies on May 30, 1902. A tablet has
been placed on the front wall at each side of the front
door, and bear the following inscriptions.
At the north of the door : —
Soldiers of Reading in Vermont Regiments, War of
1861 — 5. Natives and Residents,

Company

Second Regiment.

White, Daniel S., Capt., I

Emery, Elmer A., Serg., I

Dodge. Lorenzo A., Corp., I

♦Allen, Henry, H

HISTORY OF READING.

5i

Bailey, James,

A

Crosby, John,

I

Dugan, Wm. H. H.,

C

Gilson, Curtis H.,

A

Gilson, Forest D.,

Grant, Chas. G.,

Holden, Philemon,

Holmes, Elmer G.,

Hubbard, Myron E., Corp.

Nichols, Amos E.,

Pierce, Rufus F.,

*Ray, Abel T..

Twiss, Samuel B.,

Third Regiment.

Bowers, Alphonso,

A

Jenness, Ozro, A.,

A

Marsh, Henry C,

A

Messenger, Wm. O.,

A

Fourth Regiment.

Bixby, Martin J., Com. Sergt.,

C

Wait, Henry 0., 1st. Sergt ,

C

Coburn, Ansel O., Corp.,

c

*Allard, Willman D.,

H

Coburn, Frank J.,

G

Gilson, Collamer E.,

C

Keyes, Gould D.,

D

Filth Regiment.

Hagar, Henry D.,

D

Sixth Regiment.

Amsden, Wm. E-,

C

Butler. Andrew J.,

H

♦Butler, Oliver B.,

H

Gates, Abel F.,

C

Holmes, John W.,

H

Phillips, Lucian,

C

Pierce, Geo. W.,

D

Pierce, Oscar,

C

52 HISTORY OF READING.

Spaulding, Simon H., C

Spear, Edwin S., K

Whitmore, Kosciusko, C

Williams, Chas. M., C

Seventh Regiment.

*Hoyt, Alonzo H., Sergt., H

Bryant, Oscar B., D

Gilson, Henry H., G

Hoadley, Henry C, G

Johnson, Napoleon B., H

*Noyes, James H., G

Wilkins, Lucius O., Corp.. B

* Washburn, Darwin E., H

Miscellaneous.

Bidgood, Wm. H., Co. H., 13th. N. Y.

Vols.
Wells, Allen W., Co. I., 13th. N. Y.

Cav.
Huntley, Clark W., 1st. Lieut. Co. K.
22nd. N. Y. Vols.
♦Humphreys, Willard W., Co. E., 9th.
N. H.
Crandall, Lovell D., Co. D. 34th. N. Y.
Vols.
* Members of Henry E. Giddings Post, No. 97,
G. A. R.

At the south of the door : —
Soldiers of Reading in Vermont Regiments, War
of 1861 — 5, Natives and Residents.

Ninth Regiment.
Duphinney, Phillip, B

Harlow, Chas. W., I

Morrill, Lewis W., E

♦Smith, David D., D

Tenth Regiment.
Parker, Geo; C, F

Dunn, Daniel, H

HISTORY OF READING. 53

Noyes, Rufus

H

Piper, Nathaniel,

K

Eleventh Regiment.

♦Bailey, Wm. D.,

D

Putnam, Jonas A.,

I

Twelfth Regiment.

*Perkins, Norman E. E., Sergt,

A

Bryant, Henry N.,

A

Buck, Ambrose D.,

A

*Buck, Elton F.,

A

Cushman. Cornelius J.,

A

*Hoisington, David,

A

Nichols, Moses,

I

North, Edward M.,

A

Paige, Edwin M.,

A

Parker, Denison,

A

Price, Edgar C,

A

Wait, Wm. A.,

A

Wait, Wm. D.,

A

Thirteenth Regiment.

*Best, Marcus A.,

K

Fourteenth Regiment.

Keyes, Elmer D., Capt.,

H

Clark, Geo. M., 2nd. Lieut.,

E

Hawkins, Geo. D., 2nd. Lieut.,

K

*Coolidge, Lorenzo G., Sergt.,

C

*Keyes, Wm. W., Sergt.,

H

Davis, Edmund P.,

H

Hawkins, Floyd, F.,

H

Martin, Joseph D.,

C

White, Azro,

E

Seventeenth Regiment.

Giddings, Benj. F., Capt.,

B

*Giddings, Hiram A., Sergt.,

G

Wells, Edwin L., Corp.,

I

Marcy, Howard T. , Corp.,

E

54 HISTORY OF READING.

Amsden, Alzamon D., H

Brown, James A., G

Cross, Levi A., F

Minor, Henry A., E

Wiley, Harvey P., I

*Stewart, Samuel, G
ist, Battery,
Emery, Nelson W., Sergt.
Emery, Norman O.
*Mahoney, Edmund F.

2nd. U. S. S. S.

Giddings, Henry E., Corp., H

Brown, Geo. E., H

Brown, Geo. T., H

Demary, Edward W., H

Gay, Stillman O., H
ist. Vt. Cavalry.

*Bryant, Carlos E
^Members of Henry E. Giddings Post, No. 97
G. A. R.

On the interior walls of the Reading Room have been
placed two bronze tablets, bearing the following inscrip-
tions.

On ist. Tablet.

Soldiers of Reading in Revolutionary War.
For Co., Regt., and Term of Service, see History of
Reading.

Capt. Wm. A. Hawkins.
Lieut. White.

Sergt. Abiah Rice.
*Corp. Rufus Forbush.
Solomon Keyes.

Privates
Abel Amsden.
Asa Bixby,
Moses Chaplin.

HISTORY OF READING. 55

George Clark.
Oliver Davis.

Darling.
Timothy Fullam.
Abel Gilson, Jr.
Nathan Hatch.
James Hall.
Benjamin Hathorn.
Josiah Harris.
Jeremiah Johnson.
Gideon Kirtland.
Thomas Nichols.
Moses Nutting.
Nathaniel Pratt.
• William Rist,

Ebenezer Robinson,
James Robinson,
Benjamin Sawyer,
Cornelius Sawyer,
Thomas Townsend,
Amos Wetherbee,
Daniel Wetherbee,
*Omitted by mistake from this Tablet.

Served in the Spanish War, 1898: —
Charles L. Douglas, Co. D., 1st N. H
George A. Roy. Co. G, 1st Vt.

War of 1861-5:—
Sardine Marks, Co. D., 33d Regt. N. H. Vols.

On Second Tablet.
Soldiers of Reading, War of 18 12 : —
Members of 7th Co., 3rd Regiment Vermont De-
tached Militia. Mustered in Sept. 19, 1812, (31st. Reg-
iment, U. S. Vols).

56 HISTORY OF READING.

i st Sergt., Abel Gilson, Jr.,
4th Sergt., Rufus Forbush,

Privates.
Asa Belden,
Elijah Chandler,
Samuel R. Dudley,
Levi Grandy,
Willard Holden,
Amos Lane,
Seneca Marks,
Joshua Sawyer,
Josiah Wetherbee,

In other Organizations, see History of Reading.

ist Lieut., John York Sawyer,

Kendall Boutwell,

David Burnham,

Robert Dunlap,

John Haggett,

Henry Giddings,

Benjamin Grandy,

John Grandy,

Samuel Johnson,

Benjamin R. Nutting,

Abiel Persons,

William Robinson,

Elisha Sawyer.

Joseph Wood.

HISTORY OF READING. 57

CHAPTER V.
MILITARY RECORDS.

The Military records of the Revolutionary Soldiers,
whose names are to be found on the Tablets in the Read-
ing Room of the Library, is hereafter given, so far as the
facts have come to the knowledge of the editor.

Abel Amsden, of Groton, Mass.

Private, 20 May. 1775, served 2 mos. 11 days,
Col. Prescott's Reg. Private, 6 June. 1778,
served 8 mos. 1 day at N. River, New York,
in Col. Ezra Wood's Reg. [See sketch of his
life in this volume.]

Asa Bixby.

Private in Capt. John Parker's Co., Gol. Robin-
son's Reg., from Aug. 1, 1777, to Jan. 1, 1778.

David Burnham, Amherst, N. H.

Private in Co. of Capt.- Benj. Taylor, which
marched 8 Dec, 1775, to Continental Army at
Winter Hill, Somerville, Mass. Private .in June
Company of Capt. Nath. Ballard, 29 June to 12
July, 1777, and marched to Otter Creek, Vt.,
where he received news of evacuation of Ft.
Ticonderoga. Private in Co. of Capt. John
Bradford, 19 July. 1777. to 18 Sept., 1777,
served at Bennington.

58 HISTORY OF READING.

Rufus Porbush

Appears with rank of Private on Lexington Alarm
Roll of Capt. Seth Morris' Co., Maj. Genl. Ward's
Regiment, which marched on alarm of April 19th,
1775, from Westborough. Length of Service 14
days. — Vol. 12, Page 193 — Also appears with
rank of Corporal on Muster and Pay Roll of
Capt. Timothy Brigham's Co., Col. Job Cush-
ing's Regt., raised to reinforce Northern Army.
Enlisted July 27th, 1777, Discharged Aug. 29th,
1777 at Bennington. Mass. Records, Vol. 12,
Page 196. This name was omitted by mistake
from the Tablets with the other Revolutionary
Soldiers, but is placed upon a Special Tablet.

Moses Chaplin.

Private, name on pay roll of Col. Enoch Hale's
Reg. Militia, Capt. Josiah Brown, enlisted May 6,
1777, time of service in this Company, 48 days.
His name also appears on the pay-roll of Capt.
Dan'l Rand's Co., in Col. Dan'l Moore's Reg. of
Vol. from Rindge, N. H. Joined Northern Con-
tinental Army under Gen'l Gates, Sept. 27, 1777,
Discharged Oct. 18, 1777.

Benjamin Hathorn.

Private, Capt. Benj. Spaulding's Co., raised from
Col. Moses Nichol's Reg. of Militia. Joined
Continental Army at West Point. Enlisted July
3, 1780, Discharged Oct. 20, 1780.

William A. Hawkins of Wilton, N. H.

Sergt. in Capt. Walker's Co. at tfunker Hill,
promoted ensign, enlisted in 3rd N. H. Reg.,
Col. Alex. Scammel. App 1st Lieut. 7 Nov.,
1776, later Capt., taking part in Gen'l Sullivan's
expedition, and resigned July 1780. Was Pri-

HISTORY OF READING 59

vate in Capt. Hill's Co., on Seavy Island Nov.
1775, and in 2nd Reg. Sept. 1776.
(See sketch of his life in this History.)

Solomon Keyes, Warren, Mass.

Private July. 1776, to Jan. 1778, Capt. Newhell's
Co., in Col. Danforth's Reg. Serg. Nov. 3, to
Nov. 18, 1778, Col. Gerrish's Reg., guarding
Burgoyne's Army. (See sketch of his life in this
History.)

Abiah Rice, Lancaster, Mass.

Enlisted as Private, age 18, for 9 mos.; 4 July,

1779. Enlisted as Private, age 20, for war 1 July

1780, and became Corporal and Sergeant.

Nathaniel Pratt, New Ipswich, N. H.

Private Oct. 22, 1776, to Nov. 16, 1776, Col. Hale's
Reg., marched to Ticonderoga. Private 28 Sept.,
to 25 Oct., 1777, Col. Moore's Reg., march-
ed to Saratoga. Private 8 March, to 20 April,
1777, Col. Hale's Reg., marched to Ticonderoga.
[See sketch of his life in this History.]

James Robinson, Lexington.

Private June 19, 1778, for 9 mos., Col. Brooke's
Reg. Private Aug. 26, 1780, to Mar. 1, 1781.
In Naval Service 1781 — 1782. Private May 1,
1782, enlisted for 3 years. (See sketch of Eben-
ezer Robinson, in History of Reading.)

Ebenezer Robinson. [See sketch of his life on page ioi
in History of Reading.]

Thomas Townsend. [See sketch of his life in this History]

60 HISTORY OF READING.

The military record of the soldiers of the 1812 war
is found in the first volume of the History of Reading.

And the same volume contains the Military record
of the 1861 — 5 soldiers, except as hereafter stated : —

Seneca Marks.

Enlisted as a private of 7th Co., 3rd Reg. Ver-
mont Detached Militia, and was mustered into
the U. S. Service, Sept. 19. 1812, to serve during
the war. This company was commanded by
Capt. Asa Briggs of Plymouth. He was then
19 years old, of light complexion, 5 feet, 7 1-2
inches high, and by occupation, a farmer. He
was the father of John Wesley Marks, who re-
sided at Felchville, and was a blacksmith. He
married Julia Ann Hyland. His children were :

[1] Sardine Marks, who was born in Reading, and
lived in his early boyhood with his grandfather, Reuben
Hyland at Cavendish, Vt. Later, he lived many years
at Reading, Vt., in the family of Carlos Hawkins, who
was his guardian, and who married his aunt, Jane
Hyland.

Sardine Marks volunteered and was mustered into
the serviee in Co. D, 3rd Reg. N. H., Vols., on the 19th
day of Aug. A. D. 1861, for 3 years. He re-enlisted
Jan. 1 , 1864, and was killed May 13, 1864, at Ball's Bluff,
Va.

[2] Clarence W. Marks, who is now living in Chicago,
111., and a prosperous wholesale dealer in boots and
shoes, at 5 and 6 Washington St. Mr. Marks has be-
come famous, not only in his business, which has made
him one of the wealthy men of that great city, but also,
as the owner of the world-renowned "Joe Patchen."
with a record of having trotted a mile in 2.01 1-4.

HISTORY OF READING. 61

CHAPTER VI.

Exercises at Felchville, Vt.f on Decoration Day. Friday
May the 30th., 1902.

Decoration of the graves of the Soldiers in the fore-
noon, under direction of the Henry E. Giddings Post- No.
97, G. A. R. Exercises at Baptist Church at 2 P. M.

1 Music, Meriden, N. H.. Cornet Band.

2 Introduction of the President of the Day, by Abel T.

Ray, Chairman of the Executive Committee.

3 Introductory Address by B. M. Newton, Esq., Pres-

ident of the Day.

4 Prayer by Rev. P. M. Bauknight.

5 Music by the Glee Club.

6 Address by Hon. G. A Davis.

7 Address by Rev. P. M. Bauknight.

8 Music by Band.

9 Poem by Rev. Homer Whitehead by Frank H. Clark.
10 Recitation by Myrtle Coy.

n Song by Minnie C. Coy.

12, Address by Rev. Gertrude Roscoe.

13 Music by the Glee Club.

14 Poem by Lorenzo A. Dodge.

15 Address by Rev. Mr. Roberts, of Brownsville, Vt.

16 Music by the Band.

Adjournment to the front of Library Building.

17 Music by the Band.

18 Address by Hon. G. A. Davis.

19 Unveiling of Tablets, by Committee of Ladies ap-
pointed for that purpose.

20 Singing by a Quartette of Ladies.

21 Benediction by Rev. Miss Gertrude Roscoe.

(We give the Addresses and Poems so far as they
have been furnished to the Editor. )

62 HISTORY OF READING.

Address of Hon. Gilbert A. Davis, May 30, 1902: —

The snows of more than thirty-six winters had fallen
upon many of the graves of the sons of Reading, who had
served in the Union Army, in the war of 1861 — 5. God
had kissed their graves with his sunshine for all these
years, and made them green with natural verdure, but
until this time, no lasting memento in stone or bronze had
been erected to perpetuate their memories.

The graves of the heroic dead have again been dec-
orated today — a worthy duty.

We who enjoy the fruits of the toils and sacrifices of
these men, in the possession of happy homes, a prosper-
ous and united country, are gathered in honor of the day,
and as I have been asked to address you, my theme will
be :—

"Elements of National Greatness and Prosperity."

What makes a country great and happy ?

Not alone sunny skies and a salubrious climate —
not material wealth, not alone strong armies and magnif-
icent navies — not great populations, not alone the learn-
ing and refinements of life.

You have but to recall Italy, China, G reece and Rome
as illustrations of my negations.

All these elements are important.

On the contrary with these, there must be found firm-
ly planted in the hearts of the people, pure and ardent,
unselfish and patriotic devotion to the highest inter-
ests of their country.

We have this idea expressed in the beautiful language
of the poet : —

11 God give us men : a time like this demands
11 Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands ;
" Men whom the lust of office does not kill ;
11 Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy ;
M Men who have honor : men who will not lie ;
" Men who can stand before a demagogue,
11 And damn his treacherous flatteries without winking ;

HISTORY OF READING. 63

" Tall men, sun crowned, who live above the fog,
" In public duty, and in private thinking."

One element of true patriotism, is LOVB of home.
It is the rivet that fastens it to any particular portion
of the habitable earth. It is forged and fixed while our
minds and hearts are tender, impressible and most easily
attached. The affection thus established, becomes a pure,
deep, and ever-powerful instinct of the nature. Note that
plain, expressive maxim, "Home is home, be it ever so
homely," and it is adopted in the better moods of every
heart.

The spot where the light of existence first dawned
upon us, where we first beheld the blue heavens, where
the mysteries of nature first challenged our wondering
gaze, that spot, however far we may wander from it, how-
ever much beside may burden our memories, is naturally
to us the center of the world. There the hills and moun-
tains seemed higher, the streams larger, their music
sweeter ; the meado.ws appeared broader and greener, the
thunder sounded louder, and the girls seemed the prettier.
There are the particular spots where we played, the
sand banks from whose treacherous stones we formed
mimic towns and fortifications, the little pond where we
launched our miniature ships, and sunk our deceitful
though not dangerous pin-hooks, and the young grove
where our pop-guns and cross-bows excited the derision
of the squirrels and jays.

And more than all, beneath that roof, whether hum-
ble or aspiring in its dimensions and architecture, we
first looked up into a mother's loving countenance, irra-
diated with smiles, furrowed with care, or tear-spangled
with sadness.

There a father's look of pride first rested upon us,
brotherly and sisterly affection wove the silken net-work
around our hearts.

He who has no home to love, has no country to love ;
where home is, whether on sunny or fertile plains, or

64 HISTORY OF READING.

amid rough and snow-clad rocks — there is one's country.

My country is but a wider term for my home. The
welfare of my country is the welfare of my home.

But not only does the home to which we are attached
give location to our patriotism ; it also educates it.

On the mother's knees, the child takes its first lessons
in patriotism. Next to God and Goodness is lisped
the name of that country which is to be the theatre of
its future efforts.

The best country has the best homes ; and these
homes are powerful for good, as the mothers who make
them are true to their high and sacred trust.

The Mother has the first claim, the first influence,
and makes the first and deepest impressions. The
father has a great influence, but HE had a mother who
made him what he is.

Men conduct business, guide the affairs of state, fill
high offices, fight great battles, and stand out prominent-
ly in the world's history as great statesmen and patriots.

But the large-hearted mothers do more : for they fur-
nish the world with such characters. In the humble, se-
cluded cot, toiling, and thinking, and praying, and in-
structing the little ones around her, the good mother is
shaping the destinies of nations, and writing their future
history.

In 1861, when secession had permeated every branch
of the government, scattered the navy, weakened the
army, robbed the treasury, hurried the great Lincoln
through Baltimore in disguise and in darkness, on his
way to the Capitol, the existence of the nation depended
upon the loyalty of the sons and daughters of the North
to home and country, — and that loyalty can be traced
back to its foundation and source, the loyal, Christian
mothers of the North.

Adherence to principle is another element of na-
tional greatness and prosperity.

Principles never temporize, no matter what those may

HISTORY OF READING. 65

who profess them : they are exacting and inexorable, and
utterly regardless of the state of the vote or the count,
whether fair or false, whether tissue ballots are used, or
the ballot box robbed.

Principles will always have their day in court, and
against us or our children, God will give them judgment
and execution and satisfaction thereof, to the uttermost
farthing, for their every violation.

We have seen death and destruction, the fell officers
of eternal justice, abroad in the land, levying upon the
very life of the generation the tremendous damages which
three centuries of enslaved and outraged humanity had
recovered against this nation.

The nation has survived the fearful ordeal, and we
are here to honor the victors.

And we have a Republic that is not a sham, but a
sovereignty under organic law, that is able and ready
to give back to its citizens something in return for serv-
ices rendered. This is not a weak, spineless, rickety Re-
public, or one on any Spanish-American pattern, having
no iron in its blood, and ready to break down at the first
hostile pronunciamento. It stands forth great, both in
peace and in war, and by its regard for law and order,
by its devotion to human rights, by its adherence to every
pledge of public faith, by its matchless march of freedom,
and its progressive spirit, has shown itself able and
worthy to rule and protect this great people.

Among the other elements of patriotism, is a Love of
Liberty.

Freedom is the birthright of every man ; yet some
sell it for nothing — not even getting in return a 'mess of
pottage.' The inalienable rights of life, liberty, and
the pursuit of happiness are ours. In this great land,
we have freedom of pursuit, freedom to aspire to and
reach the highest peaces of power, and the highest

STANDARD of INTELLECTUAL CULTURE.

This love of liberty nerved the arms, and emboldened

66 HISTORY OF READING.

the hearts of the heroes of '76, and caused the Boys who
wore the blue to "rally 'round the flag" in 1861.

"When a noble act is done, perhaps in a scene of great
natural beauty; when Leonidas and his 300 martyrs con-
sume one day in dying, and the sun and moon come each
and look at them once in the steep defile of Thermopy-
lae ; when Arnold Winkelreid in the high Alps, under
the shadow of the avalanche, gathers in his side a sheaf
of Austrian spears to break the line for his comrades : are
not these heroes entitled to the beauty of the scene, to the
beauty of the deed ?"

When in the great struggle of this Nation for her ter-
ritorial integrity — for the loyalty of all the citizens of all
the states, North, South, East, and West— from the Gulf
to the Great Lakes — from ocean to ocean — there came
about that great uprising of the loyal men of the North,
and yet later, the striking of the shackles from the slaves,
and their enrolment under the starry banner of the Nation;
are not the noble deeds of those noble men, worthy of eter-
nal remembrance ?

If today I were to call the roll of those sou, of Read-
ing who wore the blue, and whose sacred dust reposes in
Reading — or who sleep in honored though unmarked —
and today undecorated graves — nearer the scene of
their martyrdom, we should hear a long list of historic
names.

They were men who made history, and stamped the
impress of their courage and patriotism upon the age in
which they lived-— men whose fame is destined to in-
crease, because they lived and died as representatives of
those great principles that are the foundation of our
National Greatness, and will live so long as this Repub-
lic exists.

The wrreath or bunch of flowers, the flag, the other
offerings today to be placed upon "the lone couch of the
everlasting sleep" of these fallen heroes as mementoes
of affection and esteem — though inexpensive when esti-

HISTORY OF READING. 67

mated by the world's sordid, selfish standards, — YET ARE
of countless value when estimated by the mighty re-
sults which have come to the Nation, the State, the
Town, the individuals, from the valor of these men.
"Craves, they say, are warmed by glory." By these sim-
ple services, a lesson of patriotism will be taught the ris-
ing generation who only know of the War of the Great
Rebellion, as they do of the Revolution — from history.
By these floral tributes, we attest our gratitude for all
of national peace and happiness that we possess — for civ-
il and religious liberty — for the united country, the ven-
erated constitution and the glorious history of our com
1110 n heritage ; yea, more, we attest our veneration for
these honored dead, their unsullied record, and their glo-
rious deeds — "Gratitude is the fairest blossom that
springs from the soul."

The members of that great, loyal army that went
forth under the old flag, and returned as heroes, hold a
nearer and tenderer relation to these graves — that of com-
rade, brother.

What tender memories of camp and field, of toil,
danger, hardships, privations, yea, of success and tri-
umph come rushing across the minds of the veterans at
these simple decoration services.

Some of you stood shoulder to shoulder with the
men whose graves you have today decorated.

To say that they were partisans, is to praise them.
The man who is not a partisan, is without convictions, or
if he has convictions, he is false to them. These men
were sublimely and -simply true. Nobody and nothing
dismayed them. They were the eternal rocks on the
battle line between right and wrong.

They were steadfast and courageously true to their
cause.

Their action was not like that of mercury in long-
tubed thermometers, rising and falling with the weather
of expediency, but they found the line where the}" belong-

68 HISTORY OF READING.

ed, and they fought it out there ; not only if it took all
summer, but all winter, and all time until mustered out
by the "general orders" to which we must all sooner
or later yield.

There was a vast number of patriotic men who did
not enter the army, from a variety of reasons, but yet
who were equally patriotic with those 'who wore the blue. '

Farms must have been cultivated, supplies for the
army provided, the wheels of government kept in motion,
the great lines of transportation kept in active service,
matters of trade and commerce attended to, frontiers
guarded, the children reared and educated, and the
thousand and one activities and industries of civil
and domestic life kept alive, in order that all might
work in one harmonious whole. Thank God for the
loyal North !

There were heroes in civil life as well as in the
army. Abraham Lincoln never was in the ranks, yet
he died a martyr.

The largest part of the expense of the Tablets to be
unveiled today has been paid by men and women who
never were in the army — citizens who were loyal to the
flag — sons and daughters of veterans — all sons and

DAUGHTERS OF THE REPUBLIC.

These men and women had in them the principles of
national greatness and prosperity — the principles that
have guided the Government in providing generous pen-
sions and Soldiers' Homes, and honoring the returned
soldiers in civil life.

But of the martyred dead, let it be said in the words
of Bryant —

"Ah never shall the land forget
'How gushed the life-blood of her brave,
"Gushed warm with life and valor yet
"Upon the soil they sought to save."
The contests of the battle-field have indeed been won,
and the implements of warfare laid aside — yet there is a

HISTORY OF READING. 69

mighty contest going on around us, and the final battles
for religious and political liberty are to be fought in
civil life.

The soldier dead whom we honor today, maintained
the nation's integrity — yet crime, vice, intemperance and
ignorance arrayed are against us. and every lover of his
country must today and henceforth, be a stalwart defend-
er of his country's institutions and honor.

America expects every man to do his duty.

Let us show ourselves equal to the duty imposed up-
on us, and faithful to our sacred trust.

The cause is that of constitution and law ; of civiliza-
tion and freedom ; of man and of God.

In the words of Everett —
"There is a call, a duty, a work and a place for all, for
"man and for woman, for rich and for poor, for old and
"for young, for the stout hearted and strong handed,
"for all who enjoy and who desire to enjoy, the price-
less blessings at stake. Let the venerable forms of the
"Pilgrim fathers, the majestic images of our Revolution-
ary sires and of the sages that gave us this glorious
"Union, let the fresh made graves, of the dear ones
"who have fallen, let every memory of the past and
"every hope of the future, every thought and every
"feeling that can nerve the arm, or fire the heart, or
"elevate and purify the soul of a patriot, rouse and guide
"and cheer and inspire us to do and, if need be, to die
"for our country."

Address of Rev. P. M. Bauknight, May 30, 1902.
Ladies and Gentlemen : —

As has just been said, I have only recently come
among you. I do, however, take great pleasure in being
able to participate in your exercises of today. I congrat-
ulate you because of these services by which you testify
to the reverence in which you hold your brave dead. I
congratulate you also, because of your noble Library,

70 HISTORY OF READING.

which I among others, can truly appreciate ; but I espec-
ially congratulate you upon the spirit of hearty devotion
with which you enter into memorial exercises such as
these.

My words to you this afternoon, shall be very brief.
Others have already spoken many of the words to which
I could have wished to give utterance. * Perhaps,
however, I shall be able to present to you a few addit-
ional thoughts.

In the White House at Washington, in the ceiling of
the vestibule at the entrance, if I remember, there are
placed two portraits, one of Washington, the other of
Lincoln. It is right that they should be placed in such
a prominent position, and side by side. I wish that every
school-boy might read, rather, might be required to read,
the greatest utterance of each, words which are of price-
less value to our nation, the Farewell Address, and the
Address at Gettysburg.

Greater masterpieces of patriotic wisdom and inspira-
tion do not exist in any language. So it is fitting, as we
have said, that their portraits should share together the
place of honor in the Executive Mansion at our Nation-
al Capitol. The one founded our nation ; the other was
its preserver. These are our nation's heroes, chief of the
men upon whom patriotism shone as an illustrious crown.

As a people, furthermore, we gain much today
through the honor we do those men who have played a
brave part in our country's history. The men who for-
sook their comfort, their gainful occupations, and their
homes and loved ones, to brave all things, even death, for
that country's sake, are of themselves inestimably wor-
thy of our honor and praise. But there is a further con-
sideration— the reflex action upon ourselves. For that
which a man admires, that he is apt to be. If we so
honor and admire these men to whom country meant more
than life, that we enter with all our hearts into such cer-
emonies as these of today, we may be sure that our own

HISTORY OF READING. 7^

characters will be formed into the likeness of those that
we honor and admire.

There is an educative value in such exercises as
these in which we are engaged this afternoon, and there
is not one of us, young or old, who will not be profited
by the education and inspiration which we may derive
from the contemplation of noble lives, especially such
lives as ended in a patriot's death.

There is therefore, profit to the nation in the observ-
ance of such a holiday. As long as valor, patriotism,
and the death of those who yield their lives in behalf of
their native land, awaken responsive chords of admira-
tion and reverence in the hearts of our American people,
our nation stands firm and sure.

Some people tell us that it would indicate a truer pa-
triotism if the expense incurred through patriotic celebra-
tions should be directed toward present-day needs. They
look at things purely from the point of view of dollars and
cents. Beware ! It was Judas who betrayed his Master,
who said of the precious ointment, "why was it not sold
for so much, and given to the poor ?" Those who cher-
ish in their hearts all honor and reverence for the patriot-
ism and heroic deeds of their fathers, our country can
trust in their turn, to become her true patriots and de-
fenders.

What our men admire today, is a pledge of what our
nation can expect from them when the hour of need shall
come.

Tacitus, the Roman historian, at the close of his
story of the life of that noble citizen, Agricola, urges
that Agricola's relatives and friends should show their
love and esteem by striving to imitate that great man's
virtues.

Such a monument, he says in effect, would be better
than a statue of marble or of bronze since the characters
so formed, would constitute a memorial that would be
imperishable.

72 HISTORY OF READING.

It is such a memorial , ' ' monumentum aere perennius' '
— monument more enduring than brass — that I would
have you erect today to those who fell in battle. No
more acceptable monument, I take it, could be raised to
the memory of those who are so worthy of your devotion.

LINKS IN MEMORY OF THE SOLDIERS OF READING.

(By Homer White.)

Where rugged hemlocks crown the hill

And sugar maples woo the breeze ;
Where bounding comes the mountain rill

To sing among the shady trees ;
Where rough hills rise from valleys green

And streams of purest water flow,
When summer suns light up the scene

And summer breezes softly blow ;
Where furious storms in winter rave

And bending forests shake with fear ;
Where snow lies deep, a frozen wave,

And fills the vision far and near,
This is Vermont ! the mountain land,

And here are bred her mountaineers —
Men born to freedom and command,

Not born to crouch with servile fears,
A hardy race, like granite peaks,

They bear the the sunshine and the storm,
And who for love of country seeks,

Will find it in their bosoms warm.

Unused to cringe before the great,

Each man a sovereign is born ;
Each woman fair makes home her state,

And wider empire wisely scorns.
They breathe the air of liberty

With every breath which they inhale.
And reinless winds are not more free

HISTORY OF READING. 73

Than those who ne'er in danger quail.
They love the land which gave them birth ;

They love the nation which their sires
Bequeathed to them — in all the earth

No other spot fills their desires.
The mountain would as soon recoil

Before the shaking of a spear,
As they retire from freedom's soil

So hallowed once by blood and tears.
And when rebellion raised it's hand

To smite the hope of all the years,
No other men in all the land

Rose quicker than our mountaineers
To meet and crush the hostile power,

By suicidal fury driven,
Which strove to wreck, in evil hour,

The fairest state to man e'er given.
Here freedom which, since Adam's fall,

Mankind had never really known,
Was made the birthright of us all,

And dear to every heart had grown.
The nation's life, so threatened now,

This freedom could alone preserve,
And gallant men left shop and plow

Beneath their country's flag to serve.
They left their homes and dear ones there ;

They left their hills, like torrents sweeping,
And on the Southern plains so fair

They proved the cause of bitter weeping.
With others from the loyal North

They saved the land to freedom given ;
Effaced tne footprints of the slave,

And saw each cruel fetter riven.
Again the flag of freedom floated

Without a single star obscured,
Without a single stripe polluted,

And freedom for all time secured.

74 HISTORY OF READING.

Home came our soldiers from the fight,

Bedecked with laurel leaves of glory,
And welcome to our longing sight

As welcome to our ears their story.
We honor them for dangers passed —

For toils and hardships they have borne ;
May Time his frost but lightly cast

And their gray hairs be proudly worn.
And for the brave who ne'er came back--

Who left their bones upon the field —
A deathless fame we give to them

Who, for their country, life did yield.
On many a distant field they lie —

'Tis holy ground where'er they be,
From broad Potomac to the James,

And from Atlanta to the sea.
From Vicksburg to the Gulf their blood

Has hallowed the unconscious sod,
And in the Wilderness from which

Heroic souls went up to God.
To them we give the word of praise —

To them we drop a heartfelt tear,
While loud we call on future days

To hold their mem'ries ever dear.
Young Amsden, Bailey, Bowers, Brown,

Demary, Davis, Giddings, Grant,
With laurel leaves we fain would crown —

The hearts which danger could not daunt.
With these, of equal love and fame,

Come Hagar, Willey, Holmes and Cross ;
And Pierce and Messenger we name.

And with each name feel more our loss.
Gay, Parker, Coburn, Whittemore,

Wilkins and Hoadley — call the roll !
Spaulding, Holden — no, no more —

They answer not — gone on each soul.
These on the field or in the camp

HISTORY OF READING. 75

Gave up their lives — played gallant parts —
And time their memories will stamp

Upon the tablet of our hearts.
They were but boys, and some I knew ;

With them had played in school-boy days ;
Arid now to them, so brave and true,

I bring the tribute of my praise.
Long may their names and records shine

Upon these tablets graven here.
And may these bronzes be the shrine

Of patriot hearts for many a year.
Our heroes dead we name with pride,

And they our warmest love engage ;
The- nation lives because they died

To win our glorious heritage.

TO READINGS LOYAL SONS.

Poem by Lorenzo A. Dodge, Company I, 2d Regiment,
Vermont Volunteers.

May 30th, 1902.
Who are these the people honor

After so many years,
Paying them the lofty tribute

Of Reading's love and tears,
Names of those who rose heroic

When the Nation's cry of pain
Swept across the deeps of Heaven

Thrilling all the hearts of men?
When the hands that kept the Nation

Proved disloyal to their trust,
And the red arm of Rebellion

Struck her banner to the dust,
These gallant heroes rose majestic,

Like the tempest of the night,
Heard as God, the Nation calljng,

Freeman, rise ! defend the right !

76 HISTORY OF READING.

They were men who left the plowshare

Rusting on the open field,
Left the harvest all ungathered,

Swore to die, but not to yield ;
Men who brought a love of freedom,

Grander than the price of gold,
Patriots all, whose grand devotion

Never yet was bought or sold.

Fear not, Oh ye men of battle,

That your lofty deeds sublime,
Shall grow dim to coming ages

Or be lost to future time.
Live in peace, and when death calleth,

Go ye to your graves content, —
Long as this grand Nation liveth

These tablets shall be your monument.

Never since the flags of freedom

To the light of God unfurled,
Have a braver band of men done battle,

On the heights of the world,
Not a man but won his glory

On many a battle field,
Not a man but his devotion

By his toil and blood was sealed ;

Not a man but won his honors

In the hell of fire and flame ;
Not a man but won by daring

Right to an immortal name ;
Not a man that asked for payment,

For the service he brought ;
Not a man who thought of bounty,

When he nobly dared and fought.

HISTORY OF READING.

Not a man who waited, laggard,

Till the draft proclaimed "Ye Shall,"
But with grand, sublime devotion,

Freeh", gladly gave ye all ;
Not a man that fled from conflict,

When the bugle sounded on ;
Not a man but stood unyeilding

Till the bloody field was won.

Comrades present and those gone to glory,

On these tablets is enscribed your honored names,

Years may pass, they cannot change the story,
Cannot dim your deeds of fame.

Address by Rev. Mr. Roberts, Pastor of the M. E.
Churches, at Brownsville and South Reading.

I congratulate you upon this occasion, that through
the wisdom of an overruling Providence, it has been
granted you to live in such an age as this, and to have so
prominent a part in the stirring events of the last half'of
the 19th Century — the most important in many respects,
since the Dawn of Creation.

Of all the ages of the world's history, could I have
had my choice, I would have chosen this for my
time of coming upon the stage of action.

Could I have been further consulted, I would have
made choice of the United States for my home. I also
think from what I now know of the history of Vermont,
that among all the States of the Union, by birth I would
have been a Vermonter.

I, therefore, congratulate you, members of the G. A.
R. and citizens, because you have been permitted to live
in this — the best age the world ever saw — and that you
are citizens of this glorious Republic ; and that most of
you are Vermonters by birth. Well may you love your
country.

78 HISTORY OF READING.

You may well be proud of the part Vermont has

taken in making this nation what it is today. She has
been foremost in the great advance movements of this
nation. From Colonial times till the present, she has
marched in the front column in the van of human
progress.

Vermont has been weighed in the balances, and
found not wanting. Her sons have been among the
sturdiest of all the sons of this Republic.

From the days of Ethan Allen to the present, the
sons of Vermont, reared on these green hills, nurtured
among these rugged mountains, have possessed that hard
common sense, and that bold, courageous spirit, of which
invincible soldiers are made. These characteristics,
possessed by rank and file as well as the officers command-
ing, made the old Vermont Brigade in the late rebellion,
a whirlwind of power, bearing everything before it, and
gained the day on many a well fought battle-field. But
I address you not only as Vermont soldiers, but also, as
citizens of the United States of America. Yours is a
nation that has produced such an array of great men, as
no other nation on earth has produced within the length
of time we have existed as a nation.

Ours has not only been a nation raising great men,
but a land of great ideas — a land of vast conceptions ; and
it has seemed to me, that the American idea is, that any-
thing within the compass of human possibility may be
safely undertaken, and successfully accomplished by the
American people.

Let us know that we are right ; let us be backed by
conscience, and favored by the Almighty, and we will ac-
complish anything within reach of human endeavor.

History proves this assertion. Less than three hun-
dred years ago, a little band of exiles planted a colony of
patriots on a wild New England shore. That colony

HISTORY OF READING. 79

was under the domination of England — the Mother
Country.

After a time, England became jealous of the prosper-
ity that came to that colony, and so intolerable burdens
were put upon it ; and that people said, "we will be free ;
we will throw off the yoke of tyranny."

So there came the Declaration of Independence, fol-
lowed'by the War of the Revolution, and the establish-
ment of this Government. It would seem a forlorn hope,
and yet with a population of only three million, and only
volunteer patriot soldiers, (a few thousand) we gained our
independence. And when later, the Rebellion broke out ;
when Secession came ; when the old flag was assailed —
the first cannon shot upon Fort Sumpter, roused this
nation to the startling fact, that an armed rebellion was
in our midst; that treason had thrown her black flag to
the breeze, and openly attacked our liberties. Slowly,
there dawned upon the minds of the loyal people of this
nation, that the Disunionists had counted the cost, and
that they had entered the war to win ; to dissolve this
Union at all hazards.

When that awakening came ; when we saw what the
Rebellion meant ; when our patriotism was aroused ;
when the loyal conscience asserted itself, there came to
the rescue of this nation, two million, seven hundred and
seventy two thousand, four hundred and eight soldiers,
most of them volunteer, patriot soldiers.

There were more than six hundred battles fought.

Half a million soldiers lost their lives. Slain on
battle-fields ; died from wounds received in battle ; lan-
guished in hospital and camp ; perished in rebel
prisons — as brave and honored soldiers as ever laid down
their lives for country ; for liberty, and for home, and so
the country was saved.

Today we meet here in memory of our honored dead.

Personally, we bring some memento and lay it upon
the grave where lies the remains of one and another, in

8o HISTORY OF READING.

whom the individual feels a deep, tender, and unspoken
interest. It may be that a lather, mother, brother, sister,
a son, daughter, or a companion comes with a wreath of
flowers, tenderly placing it above the precious dust, 'mid
tears and a swelling heart ; turning away with the feel
ing, "that he was everything to me, but I gave him to
my country." There will come today to you who served
in the Army of the Republic, many tender memories of
your comrades.

With you they enlisted ; they were your brothers in
camp ; on battle-field and in prison. You went in, not
knowing who would survive. They fell, but you lived
to see the war ended, and were honorably discharged ;
and you still live to enjoy what was secured to the nation,
and to the individual, by their and your loyal service.

There is no class of men that I honor more than the
members of the G. A. R.

I remember when a boy I looked with a sort of sacred
veneration upon the soldiers of the Revolution, for there
were a few Revolutionary pensioners that were pointed
out to me from time to time. I looked upon them with
a sort of awe I cannot describe.

And a feeling of loneliness comes over me sometimes,
when I remember that the soldiers of the Revolution
have all passed away.

But there is a class of men in our midst today, that
we ought to venerate, and teach our children to hold in
highest esteem ; remembering them for what they have
done — tht survivors of the great Union Army, who saved
this nation. We rejoice today, that our soldiers were
loyal ; and also, that behind the loyal Union Army,
stood a loyal people, furnishing the sinews ot war — send-
ing on supplies of every kind. Thank God today, for the
moral power and the inspiration given our army during
the dark days of the Rebellion, by the loyalty and de-
votion of the people in their homes.

HISTORY OF RKADING 81

We have entered upon and are sharing together in
one common inheritance. This country in all its past
history is ours.

Whatever has been great and good in the past,
belongs to us now. The names and heroic deeds of this
nation's great men, are a part of our precious heritage.

Washington, styled the Father of his Country, and
Lincoln, the Savior of this Country — their names are
household words. And so with Grant, Sherman, Sheri-
dan, Burnside, Porter, and all our officers on land and on
sea, together with all our great army and its wonderful
achievements ; together with all our subsequent develop-
ments ; it is all ours.

When we think of all this, and what may be in the
future for us, and for our children, there comes to us a
new feeling of responsibility.

When we have performed the tender and delicate
duties we owe to our fallen heroes, we have not discharged
all the duties that devolve upon us. These men were
loyal to the government of these United States — we honor
them for it. Are we likewise loyal, not only to the gen-
eral government, but to the government of our own
state ; and also, to that higher government that is over
and above all, the Divine?

We believe in government ; we believe in wholesome
laws ; we believe in the execution of laws ; we believe in
that kind of law, which is founded upon the Divine law,
promulgated from Sinai. That law punishes the trans-
gressor, and rewards and exalts the good and obedient.

We are here today, with the conviction that it was
the principle of righteousness that enabled us to stand
when the storm came.

This nation from the first, has had a religious shap-
ing. Religion was the corner stone of this republic.

Nearly every colony that cam- to America, was im-
pelled by desire to find a place where God could be wor-
shipped according to the dictates of conscience, without

1 lLs TORY OF READING.

molestation or fear.

The mighty motive of conscience, moved men in the
early days. All along, the Christian forces have pre-
dominated. It must be so in the future. This solemn
memorial service would not, and could not be holden in
any other than a Christian country.

And who can tell how far the religious factor has
gone in shaping the destiny of this nation ; farther than
we think or know, some power has been shaping our
destiny. No other people have been exalted to such a
degree, in all those traits of character that exalt a nation.
We stand before the world today exalted above them all.

God, our Father's God, author of our liberty, has
exalted us ; He has turned the gaze of the nations upon
us. The world is looking to us for civilization ; for
law ; for gospel.

The world is studying our Government, our institu-
tions, and our resources, as never before.

Let us not forget that we have the very best country
in the whole world — the best every way.

For extent of territory, variety of climate, and rich-
ness of soil, it has no equal on the face of the whole earth.

We have a greater extent of territory than that inclu-
ded in Caesar's dominions, when Rome was mistress of
the world. "The longest line drawn within the old
Roman Empire, would not reach from Boston to San
Francisco; the Roman Eagles, when their pinions were
strongest, never flew so far as from Plymouth Rock, to
the Golden Gate."

The American Union has a territory fitted to be the
basis of the largest continuous empire ever established
by man. This vast stretch of land so rich in mines of
silver and gold ; with its immense coal beds — enough to
supply the world with fuel for thousands of years — with
its extensive oil wells, that today supply the world with
its means of artificial light.

God has packed away in his immense storehouses

HISTORY OF READING 83

this immense wealth and held it in reserve for this nation.

More than this, he has rolled out the vast prairies ;
the great grainfields of this land, sending great rivers
from mountain to sea, so that the surplus product of the
soil may find cheap water transportation to the markets
of the world.

Then he has given us the disposition and the power ;
the push and grip, and enterprise that enables us to de-
velop these vast resources of a nation's wealth.

The fact that we are freemen, has to do immensely in
the development of our nation. Ours is the land of equal
rights — all are peers — the rights of all citizens are sacred.

We have the best institutions in the world. Think
of our system of education. Our schools of different
grades — colleges and higher institutions of learning,
give every child in the land the privilege of securing an
education.

Our charitable institutions, making provision for the
unfortunate ; our reformatory institutions, seeking to
restore the fallen and vicious ; and then who can esti-
mate the power of the press in educating the masses.

And then, who has the mental and moral caliber, to
estimate the moral value of the Church of God in this
land, with all her benevolent agencies ; who can measure
the powrer of the pulpit speaking to the people upon all
the great, living, vital themes of time and eternity?

Our internal improvements are of great importance
to us. What other land has equal means of rapid transit
and communication ?

Our railroad corporations, employing a million men
in their equipment, enable us to sweep across the conti-
nent, with a speed that almost bewilders us.

Our system of telegraphy enables us to impart to, and
receive from, every part of our land, intelligence with the
rapidity of thought itself ; and by these means, we hold
our finger upon the pulse of the world.

When we think of these developments, and of the

84 HISTORY OF READING.

few years that we have had for our national achievement,
we stand almost bewildered at our greatness. We won-
der in the way we have been led.

Ours is a sublime height. We stand today, and
from this high pedestal, we look out upon the future ;
a future lies before us full of responsibility ; full of
sacred trust ; bright with golden prophecies ; portentious
with high hope.

Soldiers, Citizens, let us rise to sublime achieve-
ment ! Golden doors of opportunity swing wide open to
let us pass through with immortal heroes who contend for
highest goal reached by the world's greatest conquerors.
Our fathers died to give us this country.

Our brothers died to save it. We live to enjoy it.
Let us cultivate the highest type of manhood here.

That our statesmen may possess those qualities
necessary to enable them to guide the Ship of State
across the sea of time, that this glorious Republic may
pass on through the 20th century, and 011 through the
coming centuries, rising higher and higher, till the sun
of our national glory reaches the zenith, and from its
meridian shine on in undiminished splendor, for ages to
come, is our hope.

With this high hope before us, let us rise and march
onward. The eye of the world is upon us.
"Humanity with all its fears,
With all its hopes of future years
Is hanging breathless on our fate."

And methinks from the eternal shore many a faith-
ful soldier is watching, and the God above us all ex-
pects every man to do his duty.

Address at the Unveiling of the Tablets, by

Gilbert A. Davis.

We are assembled today to unveil and dedicate

four tablets erected to the memory of the soldiers of

Reading. It is a tardy act of justice proposed on the

HISTORY OF READING 85

Old Home Day in 1901, and carried through to a suc-
cessful result on this 30th day of May, 1902. You have
decorated with the National flag, the graves of those
heroes of the several wars who lie buried in Reading,
in accordance with our National Custom. By placing
these tablets on the walls of this library, you have for-
ever perpetuated their memory in enduring bronze.

These are four lists of honorable names. They
contain the names of har citizens and natives of this town
who have done meritorious service and secured honor-
able discharges from the Army in the Revolutionary
War, War of 1812, War of 1861--5, for the suppression
of the Rebellion, and in the Spanish War. Errors may
exist. No name has been intentionally omitted. If
any names have been omitted, another tablet can be
provided at no great expense, bearing such omitted
names.

The details of the service of these men will be found
in the official records and publications of the United
States Armies, of the Adjutant General of this State,
and in the War Records of Mass., and New Hamp-
shire, relating to the Revolutionary War.

Every known source of information has been exam-
ined by kind and interested friends or myself, and the
results have been embodied in these inscriptions and
in the second volume of the History of Reading now in
progress of publication.

The larger part of the expense has been defrayed by
the distinguished, generous and patriotic sons and
daughters of Reading, who have left the town as a place
of residence, but have not forgotten the debt they owe to
it as a birthplace, and a place of early training. They
love these rocks and rills, these woods and templed
hills, and the memories that cling to them. All honor
to these generous donors, both resident and non-resi-
dent, and to those who have contributed of their time
and labor to promoting this noble enterprise.

86 HISTORY OF READING.

Here these tablets of bronze will remain so long as
time shall last, to tell briefly the story of the service of
Reading's citizens and natives in these several wars ; as
a perpetual lesson in patriotism to the youths of this
town and State, and also, to strengthen and confirm the
virtues of the citizens of all future time.

It is proper that tnese tablets should be upon the
walls of this Library Building that is to be for all time
the nucleus of learning and intelligence in this com-
munity. Education will foster and develop the love of
country, and is therefore the foundation of patriotism.
In this Republic, the prosperity of our institutions de-
pends upon the intelligence and patriotism of the people,
the sovereigns in theory and in fact, and with the school-
house and two churches on one side of this street, and
the Public Library with these tablets upon the building
containing it, the young and old will be environed by
such ennobling influences that no citizen of this commun-
ity should ever depart from the walks of intelligent
virtue and patriotism.

It is fitting therefore, this afternoon, to lay aside the
pursuit of trade, the toils of the farm, the workshop, and
professional life and do honor to the memory of the men
whose names are upon these tablets, a large majority of
whom have "crossed the river" and are numbered with
the 'great majority.'

These inscriptions call to mind the courage, priva-
tions, sufferings, struggles, and triumphs of the heroes
of these several wars.

The Revolution was a severe struggle, by men few
in number, of limited resources, determined to be fiee ;
the War of 1812 brought victory, and enabled the United
States to remain in peace for many years, except in the
little skirmish with Mexico in 1848; the War of the
Rebellion cemented the Union, destroyed slavery and
made possible the wonderful growth of the Republic ;
the Spanish War united all sections, creeds, and varieties

HISTORY OF READING. 87

of political faith, in aid of the struggling and oppressed
people of Cuba, gave us the Phillipines and other new
territory, and brought the United States into the front
rank of the world's powers.

88 HISTORY OF READING.

CHAPTER VII.

The Baptist Church and the Baptist Society in Reading.

A Baptist Church was organized at Reading Center
in 1788, and in that year was received into the Woodstock
Baptist Association with 12 members. Isaac Kendall
was the messenger. 1789 it reported 15 members, and
sent as messenger, Asa Wilkins. The Association
appointed Elder Peak to supply their pulpit the third
Sunday in Dec, Elder Aaron Leland the first Sunday in
Aug., and Elder Elliot the first Sunday in Dec.

In 1790 16 members were added. Total membership
31. Elder Peak appointed to supply the second Sunday
in Dec, Elder Drew- the last of June.

1791, Joseph Carpenter and Joseph Wilkins, messen-
gers. No report as to members. Supplies, Elder Elliot,
first of Jan., Aaron Leland, second of March, Elder Hib-
bard, last of June. 1792, Daniel Edson and Zimri Ken-
dall, messengers. Members, 31.
1793, no messengers, 31 members.

1795, Isaac Kendall, messenger, 4 added to membership.
1798, 29 members.

1801, Samuel White, Ephraim Hubbell, John Moore,
messengers. 32 members.

1802, Wm. White, messenger. 33 members.

1803, Wm. White and John Moore, messengers. 29
members.

1805, 28 members.

1806, Samuel Lamson, Samuel Buck, Wm White, mes-
sengers. 41 members.

1807, 30 members.

1808, Samuel Buck and John Moore, messengers. 41
members.

1809, 28 members, no messengers.

1810, Samuel Lamson, Dea. Samuel Buck, Lemuel Per-
son. Jr., messengers. 7 added, 35 total membership.

HISTORY OF READING S9

181 1, no messengers, 28 members.

I have been unable to find any further facts about
this church, and it undoubtedly soon after became
extinct.

The Baptist Church in Felchville, was organized
June 24, 1835, by a council comprising, Rev. J. M.
Graves. Pastor, Ludlow; Deacons Parker, Adams, and
Brother White, of Cavendish ; Rev. C. W. Hodges, and
Deacon Boynton, of Springfield ; Rev. E. Hutchinson,
and Brother Colton, of Windsor ; Rev. David Burroughs,
and Brothers Bigelow and Lawrence, of Perkiusville ;
Rev. 'Ira Persons, and Brother Edwards, of Chester;
Elder Lampson, and Deacon Shaw, of West Windsor,
were invited to sit in the council.

The following Brethren and Sisters were recognized
as a Baptist Church : —

Brethren — Silas Brown, Samuel R. Kendall, Thomas
Kendall, Oliver F. Shattuck, Samuel Williams, John
Kile.

Sisters — Roxanna Bovven, Mehitable Bowen. Matilda
Kendall, Betsey Kendall, Susan Shattuck, Louisa Adams,
Lucinda Poturine, G rare Stearns, Mary Ward, Lucy
Williams, Elizabeth Streeter, Lucinda Salsbury, Calista
Tarbell, Susannah Densmore, Mariah Streeter, Flavilla
Stearns,

Sermon by Rev. C. W. Hodges ; Hand of Fellow-
spip by Rev. J. M. Graves; Address to the church by
Rev. E. Hutchinson; Prayer by Rev. Ira Persons. Silas
Bowen was elected deacon, and Samuel R. Kendall,
clerk. Mr. Kendall held the office until his death, Oct.
4, 1869.

During the year ending May 1, 1836, Rev. David
Burroughs^ of Perkinsville, .preached one-half the time.
February 24, 1836, the Hand of Fellowship was with-
drawn from a brother and his wife for six reasons, viz: —
1st. For retailing ardent spirits .

90 -HISTORY OF READING.

2nd. For providing for and encouraging parties of

pleasure, and, especially, dancing ;
3rd. For violating the laws of the Sabbath, by perform-
ing labor, or suffering it to be preformed in
their own domestic circle ;
4th. For paying disrespect to the admonitions of the

church ;
5th. For absenting themselves from the regular meet-
ing of the church ;
6th. For speaking disrespectfully of the church.

On the 15th of Jan. 1839, the church convened at
the house of brother Abel Bayles, and called an ecclesi-
astical council to convene on the 29th of Jan, 1839.

The council was duly convened, and Charles Farrar
was ordained to the gospel ministry. The council was
convened at the Union Church in Felchville, (then stand-
ing on the street leading to South Reading) and was
composed of the following : — West Windsor, Rev. Sam-
uel Lampson ; Perkinsville, Rev. William Guilford ;
North Springfield, Rev. M. D. Miller, and Brothers
Harry Bigelow, and A. Leland ; Chester, Rev. R. M. Ely ;
Grafton, Rev. D. M. Crane; Cavendish, Rev. B. Russel,
Brothers S. Proctor, andS. Pierce ; Cornish, N. H., Rev.
David Borrows.

The order of exercises was as follows : —
1st Reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. D. M. Crane.
2nd Sermon. Rev. W. M. Gilford.
3rd Ordaining Prayer, Rev. D. M. Crane.
4th Charge to Candidate, Rev. R. M. Ely.
5th Hand of Fellowship, Rev. D. Borrows.
6th Address to the Church, by Rev. D. M. Miller.
7th Concluding prayer, by Rev. Samuel L,ampson.

By a will probated by the Probate Court of the
District of Windsor, and executed April 30, 1842, Mary
R. Robinson of Reading, devised the income of all her
property for the support of Baptist preaching mean-
ing Calvanistic, so called, Baptist preaching in the

HISTORY OF READING.

town of Reading, and provided that the principal be not
suffered to diminish, and that the income be so used
under the direction, and at the disposal of the Baptist
State Convention.

The following clause was added: — "I will moreover
that my property be used as above mentioned for the
support of preaching in South Reading, when ever and
so long as said Board of the Convention shall deem it to
be useful, meaning that a privilege of claim be given to
So. Reading." Until the erection of the new meeting
house in 1861, the records of the church are very meagre.

Rev. Robert E. Johnson began preaching to the
church September 20, 186 1, and was called as pastor and
accepted, Dec. 29, 1861.

The ministerial committee at this time, was Samuel
R. Kendall, James M. Stearns, and Doctor James P.
Osborne.

Mr. Johnson was ordained Jan. 16, 1862. The exer-
cises of ordination were as follows : —
1st Invocation, Rev. Sem Pierce, of Cavendish.
2nd Reading of Scripture, by Rev. Foster Henay, of

Chester.
3rd Opening Prayer, Rev. W. N. Pieknell, of No.

Springfield.
4th Sermon, Rev. F. H. Archibald. D. D., of Mt. Holly,

from 2 Cor.; 4: 1,2.
5th Ordaining Prayer, Rev. C. G. Gurr, of Chester.
6th Charge to Candidate, Rev. S. F. Brown, of Bellows

Falls.
7th Hand of Fellowship, Rev. S. Adams, of Grafton, Vt.
8th Charge to Church, Rev. J. Freeman, of Cavendish.
9th Benediction, by Rev. Robert G. Johnson.

Rev. N. Cudworth, and Judge Wm. M. Pingry
represented the Perkinsville Church.

In June 1865, the Church was constituted of the
following named members, 12 males and 19 females: —

Dea. Abel A. Adams, James A. Besley, Judson

92 HISTORY OF RKADING.

Bowen, Dea. Silas Bowen, Luther C. Brown, Ezra Fay,
Aaron T. Kendall. Charles F. Kendall, Luther R. Ken-
dall, Samuel R. Kendall, James Mitchell, James M.
Stearns. Nancy Amsden, Maria Bowen, Roxanna
Bowen, Sibyl Bowen, Wealthy Dickinson, Rosina
Giddings, Susan Giddings, Truth Hook, Celestina Ken-
dall, Hannah Kendall, Matilda Kendall, Melissa Ken-
dall, Eliza Ann Pearson, Augusta Pierce, Hannah
Pierce, Hannah Pratt, Ann Rowe, Louisa Stearns,
Calista Tarbell.

Rev. C. H. Richardson became pastor on the 31st
day of Dec. 1865, and continued to preach until Jan. 30,
1870.

The death of Dea. Samuel R. Kendall Oct. 4, 1871,
is noticed upon the records.

187T, Oct. 6, Geo. W. Kendall was elected clerk
of the church and continued to hold that office until his
death, Aug. 15, 1897.

1872. July 21, the church elected James M. Stearns,
Isaac Glynn, and Luther R. Kendall as deacons.

Rev. Joseph S. Small supplied the pulpit, and was a
resident in Felchville from June 1871. to Aug. 18, 1872.

1872, Oct. 6, Rev. Geo. H. Parker became pastor,
and continued as such to July 15. 1S77.

1877, Aug, 5, Rev. Joseph S. Small again became
pastor, and continued as such until he was taken suddenly
ill Sept. 22, 1880, at Londonderry Vt., while preaching
the annual sermon at a meeting of the Woodstock Asso-
ciation, and lived only about one hour.

1881, Sept. 3, Rev. Albert Heald became pastor,
and continued as such until his resignation June 3. 1894.

Rev. Whittier and wife began a series

of religious meetings with this Church, March 26, 1882,
and continued 16 days. The Church was revived, and
20 expressed hope.

Charles Lucius Stearns, and Wm. W. Grout, were
elected deacons, but the records do not show at wThat

HISTORY OF READING 93

dates.

In the Summer of 1882, the church was extensively
repaired, papered, and painted.

In Nov., 1882, the Church by vote, adopted the prac
tice of having but one preaching service on the Sabbath
day.

1890, June 29, Rev. Henry Searles commenced a
series of meetings, and quite an interest was manifested.
These meetings were closed July 13, with the result that
eleven were converted, and baptized by the pastor, Rev.
S. Heald.

1890, Aug. 17, Mrs. Nancy Amsden, who was over
100 years of age, attended a meeting of the Church, and
made some pertinent remarks. She died Jan. 17, 1891,
aged .101 years, 5 months, 27 days.

1890, in Oct., Rev, Henry C. Searles held meetings
for two weeks at Felchville, South Reading, and Ham-
mondsville ; and as a result, eight were received into the
Church by baptism.

1892, July 2, by vote of the Church, a license was
given to Daniel W. Lyman, to preach the gospel, and a
letter of recommendation given him as a young man of
promise, to the President and Faculty of Hamilton
Theological Institution, of New York.

Louisa Stearns died Jan. 10, 1893. Her will, which
was executed Oct. 14, 1890, was duly admitted to probate,
and is as follows : —

I give and bequeath to the Baptist Church in Felch-
ville, two hundred and fifty dollars, the income of which
is to be used for the repairs upon the meeting house and
parsonage ; and all the residue of my estate is to be
placed in the care of three persons,, chosen by the society,
and members of the Baptist Church in Felchville : one
for one year, one for two years, and one for three years ;
and the place of the one whose term expires, to be filled
by a vote of the Baptist Society, at their annual meeting.
Should the Baptists of Felchville at any time become ex-

94 HISTORY OF READING.

tinct these funds shall be paid over to the Vt. Baptist
State Convention, and the income only to be used for the
purpose of the Convention ; but should the church ever
be resuscitated, after having become extinct, the Vermont
Baptist State Convention shall pay the income to said
church, providing always that the income only, shall be
used for the preaching of the gospel.

During the vacancy in the pastorate, the pulpit was
supplied by Rev. Moses Parounagian, on July ist, 8th,
15th, 22nd, Aug. 5th and 19th, Sept. 2nd and 9th.

1894, Nov. 4, Rev. F. L,. Hopkins of Fayville, Mass.,
became pastor, and continued as such until the accept-
ance of his resignation Sept. 25, 1898, and his removal to
Baldwinville, Mass.

1897, Aug. 15, John E. Giddings was elected Clerk
and Clarence N. Hook, Supt. of the Sunday School.
Mr. Giddings continued as Clerk until his death Feb. 13,
1902.

The church was without a settled pastor for a season,
but kept up the Sunday Services, the pulpit being sup-
plied Oct. 23, by Rev. Mr. Kenney, of No. Springfield,
Nov. 6, and 13, by Rev. Mr. Davis, of Montague, Mass.,
Nov. 20th, by Rev. A. Heald, Dec. 18th, by Rev.
Thomas Tellier, of Groton, Vt. On other Sabbaths, a
sermon was read by either Frank Hook, John E. Gidd-
ings, Robert Stewart, Clarence Randall, C. N. Hook, or
Judson Penney.

1899, March, Rev. Thomas Tellier, who had accepted
the call, began his labors as pastor, and continued as
such until his resignation and dismissal in 1902, and re-
moval to Cambridge, New York.

1902. May 11, Rev. P. M. Bauknight, of Rochester,
N. Y., commenced his labors as pastor.

1902, June, Mrs. Walter Parker was elected Clerk.

The membership has been diminished by death and
dismissal, so that it only numbers about ten.

Rev. Robert G. Johnson was fitted for college at

HISTORY OF READING. 95

Fairfax, Vt., graduated from Brown University in i860,
and spent one year at Newton Theological Seminary,
studying especially Hebrew and New Testament Greek.

The Baptist Society of Felchville and vicinity, was
organized under the laws of Vermont, on the i8thday of
September, 1861 , by the following named list of persons :--
Paul W. Stearns, Prosper Merrill, Benjamin M. Kendall,
Abel A. Adams, Ezra Fay, William A. Wait, A. H.
Pierce. Hannah Pierce, Charles Amsden, Levi C. Fay,
R. W. Hoadley, Orpheus Coburn, Jonas V. Bowers,
Jarvis Pratt, James M. Stearns, James P. Osborne, Aaron
T. Kendall, James L. Sherwin, Honestus Stearns, Grace
S. Davis, Luther R. Kendall, Samuel R. Kendall.

The organization had been preceded by several meet-
ings, having in view the erection of a meeting house —
the first meeting having been held on the 2nd day of Feb.,
1861, when Abel A. Adams, Prosper Merrill, and James
M. Stearns were elected as Building Committee.

At an adjourned meeting holden Feb. 16, 1861, Abel
A. Adams was excused from serving on the building
committee, and Benjamin M. Kendall was elected in his
place.

It was then voted to build a meeting house on a lot
owned by Prosper Merrill, opposite Thaddeus E.
Conant's house; this would be about on the site of the
Library building.

This location was changed at a meeting held March
9, 1861, to its present site north of the R. W. Hoadley
house, and the constitution of the society was adopted —
the leading feature of which, was that any person
owning a slip or half slip in the contemplated meeting
house, should be a member of the society ; and any per-
son contributing to the support of religious worship in
said house, should be called to vote on any questions re-
lating to the maintenance of a minister or his dismissal,
and on no other questions, provided such minister should
always be in good fellowship with the Woodstock Bnp-

96

HISTORY OF READING.

tist Association.

It was further provided that the meeting house
should always be opened on funeral occasions if request-
ed by any person, and when not occupied by the Baptist
Society, may be opened to any and all Christian denom-
inations.

$2485. was raised by subscriptions, to build the
house. The subscribers were: —
Prosper Merrill,

Levi C. Fay,
James M. Stearns,
Samuel R. Kendall,
Abel A. Adams.
Aaron Kendall,
Luther R. Kendall,
Paul W. Stearns,
Charles Amsden,
Hannah Pierce,
S. B. Pierce,
B. M. Kendall,
Jarvis Pratt,
Wealthy Dickinson,
Orpheus Coburn.
Ezra Fay,
Wm. H. Giddings,
A. H. Pierce,
Honestus Stearns,
James P. Osborne,
Otis Baldwin,
Geo. W. Kendall,
Wm. A. Wait,
Jonas V. Bowers,
Salome T. Stearns,
Sufferanna Densmore:
R. W Hoadley,
E. W. Watkins,

$300.

300

300

300

150

150

100

50

50

50

5Q

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

85

$2485.

HISTORY OF READING 97

Samuel B. Pierce was the first clerk, and he was
succeeded by Paul W. Stearns, who continued as clerk
until Jan., 1867, when Geo. W. Kendall was elected.

Mr. Kendall continued as clerk until his death in
1897.

J. E. Giddings was elected clerk in 1901, and con-
tinued as such until his death in 1902.

98 HISTORY OF READING.

CHAPTER VIII.

The Universalist Church in Reading. Rev. Samuel
C. Loveland. &c.

[The facts in this Chapter were embraced in a paper
prepared by Gilbert A. Davis, and read before the State
Convention, June 12, T902, at Felchville, Vt., by Rev.
C. E. Pettie.]

Very many of the young people have found Reading
a very good place in which to be born and spend their
earlier years, but have emigrated early. Reading there-
fore, must look around and learn what has been accom-
plished, not only by those who have dwelt within her
borders, but by these emigrants who have gone forth to
make the world.

As I have looked over the list, I have been gratified
to discover that so much has been accomplished worthy
of mention, and abiding importance. In the limit of this
address, there is no time to recapitulate these deeds, but
the soon-to-be-published Second Volume of the History
of Reading, will contain narrations of special interest,
records of deeds accomplished by Reading boys and girls,
that have had a remarkable influence in shaping human
events.

This afternoon, I am to speak of the history of Uni-
versalism in Reading. For one, I am always interested
in going back to first principles, in hunting out the sour-
ces of influence, the beginning of tcwns, the starting
point of any career. These studies are to me of value,
as showing the causes that have shaped and constructed
municipal as well as individual careers, and as pointing
out the ways to be pursued by the youths and men of the
present age.

HISTORY OF READING 99

Reading is more of an inland town than formerly,
when the great lines of stage coaches, and freight wagons
went through its borders, and patronized its taverns.
Then the village was the important center wherein were
represented all the industrial interests, and all the learn-
ed professions of the day. The railroads have come, and
have changed all these matters. Trusts, and large ag-
gregations of capital, have destroyed the small industries,
and the inland towns must be content with farming, and
the trades connected wit':i, and necessary to supply the
farmers.

The cellar hole on yonder hill, marks the site of the
first church, and that near by, the site of the first parson-
age, both erected of logs in 17S7 : and in them resided
and preached, Rev. Nahum Sargent, the first clergyman
of the town, a graduate of Dartmouth college in the class
of 1784. This was his first pastorate. He was settled
on the munificent salary of ^50 annually ($250) for the
first year, and to rise ^5 in a year until it came to £6o>
to be paid annually in wheat at 5 shillings a bushel, rye
at 4 shillings a bushel, corn at 3 shillings a bushel; in
beef, pork, wood, flax, sugar, butter and cheese to be de-
livered to Mr. Nahum Sargent in proportion to the price
of grains as above stated, and to cut and draw him 30
cords of fire wood, eight feet long, annually while he re-
mains our pastor.

This I find upon Reading Town Records.

On the 25th day of May, 1802, was organized the
first Universalist Society in Reading. This is the
centennial year and almost the centennial day, and is
worthy of a special gathering, congratulatory words, and
the recital of whatever of good has been accomplished in
Reading and elsewhere in the upbuilding of Christianity.

Universalism has struggled and triumphed. From
the little gathering in New Jersey to listen to Rev. John
Murray, it has fought its way against criticisms and op-
position, to a prominent rank, and now has its academies,

16479B

ioo HISTORY OF READING.

colleges, and theological seminaries, its newspapers, its
denominational books, its numerous churches, and its
learned clergymen. Prior to the advent of Samuel C.
Loveland to Reading, about 1819, I have not been able
to learn who the preacher of this faith in Reading was.
His arrival was a red letter day in its history. Here he
lived and labored for about forty years, and for a large
part of that time, was the only clergyman resident in the
town.

That Universalism has grown and expanded in the
19th century, shows that it has had in it much of good.
The 19th century has been the most remarkable in the
world's history for the great advancements made in all
branches of learning. It is needless here but to remind
you of the great discoveries in the Arts and Sciences,
that have changed the whole trend of human affairs.

I believe in the survival of the fittest. The world is
growing wiser and better. The average duration of hu-
man life is being lengthened by the observance of sani-
tary laws. Creeds that are essentially wrong, are being
set aside, or modified and re-written. By means of dis^
passionate investigation and discussion, and the higher
criticism, the ancient creeds are being modified, and
Christians are learning to set aside non-essential, and
seek for the essential truths.

The seven years' struggle in America, had resulted
in the Independence of the United States ; the Revolu-
tionary Army had disbanded, and those patriotic soldiers
had been absorbed into the great mass of the people, and
had exchanged the sword for the plough share. The
old flint lock muskets had been hung up over the mantel
as trophies of the patriotic war. These discharged
soldiers were poor indeed, in dollars, but rich in indomi-
table energy, as they turned to the task of subduing the
primeval forests, and building homes in the wilderness.

The first settlement in Reading was made in 1772 by
Andrew Spear, and it is not known that any one then

HISTORY OF READING 101

resident of Reading was in the Army of the Revolution.
But many of the patriot soldiers subsequently settled in
Reading, and became thrifty and industrious citizens.
Their names are to be found upon one of the tablets in
the Public Library, a tardy tribute indeed, to their pa-
triotic virtues.

The early settlers of Reading were religious people
and we find that a Congregational church was organized
on June 26, 1787, and Rev. Nahum Sargent settled as its
fiist pastor. His services were held in the log church
then situated on the hill southerly of the center on a road
long since abandoned. He secured one share of land as
the first settled minister.

A Baptist church was organized in Reading in 1788.

The Reformed Catholic Society was organized Dec.
12, 1796, and the curious can find an account of its terms
of organization, by reference to the first volume of the
History of Reading.

Universalists believe that their distinctive tenets are
as old as the bible — that it was the faith of the Greek
fathers; that it is in the words of Jesus and the Apostles,
and'that all through the history of the Christian Church,
it has had its champions. But in the technical sense of
the term, it had no distinct denominational existence
prior to the coming to this country, of Rev. John
Murray, in 1770. Murray had led a somewhat ro-
mantic and checkered career in England, and at one pe-
riod had been a clergyman of the Methodist denomination,
having been converted by the preaching of George Whit-
field, and the Wesleys ; but subsequently, under the
preaching of John Relly, had changed his views, and be-
came a believer in the doctrine of the final salvation of
all men. I do not learn that Murray ever preached in
Vermont.

Ballou's "Treatise on the Atonement" was an epoch
making production.

102 HISTORY OF READING.

In 1800, the Universalist preachers in this country
did not exceed twenty, and all lived in New England ;
and there were societies or preaching stations in Ver-
mont, Mass., N. H., R. I., and Conn.

In Oct., 1793, John Murray had become pastor of
"The First Universalist Society" in Boston, and it is
said, was greeted with a showet of stones when he first
began to preach in Boston.

Andrew A. Miner was one of the great lights of Uni-
versalism. He was a teacher for one year, in the Acad-
emy at Cavendish, Vt., being associated with Mr. John
Garvin as Principal in 1834. His ministry was begun
in North Chester, Vt., in Feb., 1838.

The New England people up to the arrival of Mr.
Murray were largely Congregationalists, with a respect-
able percentage of Baptists and Presbyterians, and a few
Quakers. Those of the Middle and Southern States were
largely Presbyterians, and of kindred denominations.
The doctrine of Universalism, or Restorationism, was a
radically new departure, and met with united opposition
of the Orthodox Churches. To stem this tide, and make
headway along a new line of thought, and to establish a
new interpretation of the Scriptures, required a bold mar-
iner, and such John Murray proved to be. He was a
hero in religious life. He had the courage of his honest
convictions, and brought to his task great learning, in-
domitable perseverance, and very much of eloquence. I
am not here to give a detailed account of the rise and
spread of Universalism in the United States. That
could not be accomplished within the time limited for
my paper.

The doctrines advocated by John Murray, were
caught up by the public press, were discussed at the fire-
side, and soon gained many adherents, developed preach-
ers and teachers, and grew apace. The new doctrines
were adopted by some of the intelligent settlers in Read-

THE IRK

PU&ilC LIB:.

ASTOR. LI

TILTH,'
R L

REV. SAMUEL ('. LOYELAND.

HIvSTORY OF READING. 103

ing, and we find that at the meeting house on the hill,
south of the center, and north of the log meeting house,
the adherents to the doctrine of Universalism assembled
and organized a society, May 25, 1802. That faith has
had many faithful followers from that time to this, among
the citizens of Reading. The records of that early so-
ciety are not known to me to be in existence, and our in-
formation about it is quite meagre.

About the year 1819, Samuel Chapman Loveland ar-
rived in town, and preached his first sermon, according
to one tradition, in the "Amsden tavern", now occupied
by B. D. Hawkins for his garden seed industry, but ac-
cording' to another tradition, in the Amsden dwelling
house, which stood where Merritt Amsden's dwelling
house now stands. He was not a college graduate, but
a self educated man. He was born at Gilsum, N. H.,
Aug. 25, 1787.

It was my privilege to meet Mr. Loveland in the 5o's
at Chester academy, when I was a student there, and at
that time, Mr. Loveland was pastor of the Universalist
church in Weston, Vt., and came to Chester on foot, as
his custom was, to attend the Commencement exercises.
He was a large man, of commanding appearance, and
robust health. Mr. Loveland was pastor of the church
at Reading Center, until about 1840. His residence was
for a long time at the Center, where he maintained a
school for training young men for professional life.

, Samuel Chapman Loveland, was an honest boy and
everybody loved him. His early opportunities for ed-
ucation were very limited, including only the common
school, and one term at an academy, and in his search
for knowledge he was beset with difficulties unknown
to the youth of the present day. His zeal and perse-
verance however triumphed over all obstacles. He had
a special aptitude for the study of language, and
eagerly embraced every opportunity for gratifying this

io4 HISTORY OF READING.

taste. Through the preaching of the noted Klhanan
Winchester, his parents had accepted the doctrine of
Universal Salvation.

Early imbibing these views, he was impressed
with the duty of devoting himself to their propagation
in the work of the ministry.

To this end he first desired to be able to study the
original Scriptures. A neighbor, who had been three
years a member of Dartmouth College, had a few Latin
and Greek books, among them a part of an old Latin
bible, which he had procured, and with -a grammar and
dictionary plodded through several chapters. He then
commenced the Greek, with old Scherelius, and a
grammar, and tumbling back and forth in search of roots
of words, changes, syncopation, and construction of
sentences, he was able generally to read out a whole
verse in the space of half a day. Words that he could
not trace were carefully noted down for further develop-
ment to bring to light. This course was pursued with
indefatigable industry, employing every moment that
could be spared from the labors of the farm, till 1811,
when he devoted a year exclusively to study in direct
preparation for the ministry.

He received a letter of fellowship from the general
Convention at its session in Cavendish, Vt. in 1812, and
was ordained by the same body at Westmoreland, N. H.,
in 1 8 14. About this period he commenced the study of
Hebrew with such facilities as he could get, but was able
to make but little advance till 1823, when he took hold of
it in right earnest. In 1828 he prepared and published
a Greek and English Lexicon of the New Testament.
This was highly commended, and considering the cir-
cumstances in which it was prepared, is truly a remark-
able production. He studied also the Chaldee, the
Syriac. the Arabic, the Anglo-Saxon. French, Spanish,
German, Modern Greek, Danish, besides others to some

HISTORY OF READING. J05

extent. He wrote of himself, "I have loved the study
of languages on account of their relation to each other,
and it seems I have some real specimens of what men
have done, and thought, and are, when I know some-
thing of their forms of speech."

Mr. Loveland was a man of kindly disposition,
greatly interested in his studies, fond of young men, and
it is said that in some instances, taught his students the
languages, mathematics, and theology, while they follow-
ed the plough, and assisted him about the farm work.
Being a self taught man, without the benefit of a colleg-
iate or theological school training, he delighted to assist
ambitious young men.

He had accumulated a large library, and was espec-
ially strong in his knowledge of Greek, Latin, and He-
brew. He had a critical knowledge of the Greek lan-
guage. His Greek Lexicon was printed at. Woodstock,
and entitled "A Greek Lexicon, adapted to the New
Testament, with English definitions", and this was ap-
proved by the General Convention of the Universalists
of New England, held at Cavendish, Vt., Sept. 17 — 18,
1828. Middlebury college conferred on him the honorary
degree of A. M., in 1829.

He was a poet of much originality and force. He
was the representative of Reading, in the Vt. Legislature
in 1824, and before the joint committee, His Excellency,
C. P. Van Ness in the chair, made the famous speech in
favor of electing the Rev. Robert Bartlett, a Universalist
clergyman, then the representative from Hartland, to
preach the next election sermon. He won his point and
Mr. Bartlett was elected. The General Convention of
Universalists was held at Claremont, N. H., Sept. 20 — 21,
1820. and this included representatives from churches in
Mass., N. H., Vt., Philadelphia, New York, Maine, and
Conn. Mr Loveland attended. In the year 1821, the
Northern Association of Universalists convened at Read-
ing, and were in session Sept. 27 — 28. The clergymen

106 HISTORY OF READING.

present were: —

Russell Streeter of Springfield, Robert Bartlett of Hart-
land, Aaron Kinsman, Levi Briggs, Jonathan Wallace,
Samuel C. Loveland, of Reading, and two other mem-
bers were received into fellowship, Mark Stiles of Graf-
ton, and Jarvis Davis of Springfield. 24 associates then
formed this association, including the territory from
Barre, on the north, to Wardsboro on the south, all in
Vermont, except the society of Queensburg, N. Y. On
Oct. 30, 182 1. Mr. Loveland preached a sermon before
the same association at Kingsburg, N. Y. Sept. 18 — 19,
i822r he attended a session of the General Convention of
the Univeisalists of the New England States, at Warner,
N. H. In Sept., 1823, he preached before the Northern
Association, at Whiting, Vt., and was moderator of the
same. This Association was organized in 1804. In 1824
Oct., he preached before the same Northern Association,
at Whitehall, N. Y. In Oct., 1825, he attended the meet-
ing of the same Northern Association, at Danville, and
again preached a sermon. June 12, 1827, he attended,
and was clerk of the N. H. Universalist Association, at
Washington, N. H., and preached the sermon.

The Christian Repository was commenced in July,
1820, and edited at Reading, by Mr. Loveland, but print-
ed by David Watson, at Woodstock. It was a bi-month-
ty publication. Its columns were devoted to doctrine,
morality, and religious intelligence, mostly original from
the pen of the editor, but to some extent from others.
Its primary design was to inculcate the Universalist
faith. Among the contributors were Russell Streeter.
Its publication was continued for nine years, and all of
the time under the editorship of Mr. Loveland, except
three years, by Rev. Robert Bartlett, of Hartland, Vt.
The columns were largely occupied with sermons, and
the discussions of theological themes by Mr. Loveland,
and they show him a man of ripe scholarship, and argu-
mentative ability of high order. It was issued in duo-

HISTORY OF READING. 107

decimo size, and at the close of the year, bound in book
form. Nine volumes thus bound are now in the State
library at Montpelier, and I have had the loan of them
for examination.

On its pages are found critical illustrations of Greek
words of the New Testament, whose meaning have been
discussed and investigated, as la}dng the foundation of
the creeds of Christendom, and these display a thorough
knowledge of the original Greek, and doubtless were em-
bodied in the Greek Lexicon which Mr. Eoveland wrote
and published in 1828, a volume of 376 pages.

Mr. Lovelaud obtained eminence as a controversa-
list. He was necessarily such, because he was contend-
ing for a new faith ; and so he wielded the pen with
mighty force to meet the resolute arguments of the ortho-
dox clergy. Paul and Barnabas, and the other apostles
had similar battles to fight, against the established insti-
tutions, and the standard lines of belief and thought in
Palestine, and throughout the Roman Empire in the
first century. In 18 14, Mr. I,oveland published a book
of 32 pages, entitled, "'The Wrestler, who found an Evil
"Beast, contended with him and threw him", being" an
answer to Mr. Peck's poem, "Descant on the Universal
Plan." This was printed at Weathersfield, by Eddy
and Patrick.

In John Peck's poem, to which Mr. L,oveland replied,
occurs the following: —

" O charming news ! to live in sin,
" And die to reign with Paul ;
" 'Tis so, indeed, for Jesus bled,
" To save the devil and all."

In 1815, Mr. Loveland had issued from the same
press of Patrick & Eddy, another work of 27 pages, in
prose and poetry composition , entitled, ' ' A Plain Answer' '
to a sermon delivered at Rutland West Parish, in the
year 1805, entitled, "Universal Salvation, — A Very An-
cient Doctrine," by Rev. Lemuel Haynes. a colored

io8 HISTORY OF READING.

clergyman of the Congregational church, of great force
and eminence. I have in my library the book of Mr.
Haynes.

In Dr. Eddy's Bibliography are the following notices
of works by Mr. Loveland —

1814. "The Sin and Blasphemy Against the Holy
Ghost, Carefully Examined and Faithfully Illustrated
in Two Discourses." (Windsor, Vt., 32 pages.)

1817. "An Elegy on Mrs. Rhoda Caryl, wife of Mr.
John Caryl, of Stockbridge, who Departed this Life
April 23, 1817. (No imprint, 8 pages.)

1819. "Six Lectures on Important Subjects." (De-
livered in Bethel, in the year 1819. 162 pages.)

1823. "A Sermon on Christ's Sheep." (Woodstock,
Vt., 12 pages.)

1824 (?) "On the Words Forever ; Forever and Ever,
Everlasting, and Eternal." ( Woodstock, Vt., no date, 12
pages.

1824. (?) "Duration of Future Punishment by Rev.
Timothy Dwight, D. D., Considered." (Woodstock, Vt.,
no date, 12 pages.)

Also a pamphlet entitled, "A Discussion with J.
Larrabee."

Mr. Loveland's library was given to St. Lawrence
University, of Canton, N, Y. It was originally kept by
itself, but subsequently the books were scattered, and
the librarian of that institution is unable to tell the
number of volumes that it contained or the date of its
reception.

His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. J. N.
Parker, of Troy, N. Y.

The "Trumpet and Freeman," of Boston, in an
issue in April or May, 1858, quotes some obituary items
from the "Repository."

■ In this connection it may be of interest to state that
Mr. Loveland was at one time a member of the Eastern
Star Lodge of F. & A. M., that was organized at Read-

HISTORY OF READING 109

ing, in 18 15, but in the excitement following the alleg-
ed abduction and murder of Wm. Morgan, Mr. Loveland
seceded from the order, and was one of a company who
went about the country claiming to expose the secrets
and denouncing the tenets of that order.

"The American Whig" was established at Wood-
stock, about 1830 by Hemcnway and Sherwin. "The
Whig" was started under the direction of the Anti-Ma-
sonic County Commitee, Joseph Hemenway being the
nominal editor although much of the work was done by
others, among whom was Rev. S. C. Loveland. The
"Whig" came to the end of its existence about 1836.
Elder Loveland's journalistic ventures brought him
into notoriety and he received some of the kicks of po-
litical campaigning; and inB. F. Kendall's "Doleful
Tragedy of the raising of Joe Burnham, or The Cat let
out of The Bag," in 5 acts, illustrated with engravings
by Timothy Tickle. Esq, a pamphlet printed at Wood-
stock in 1832, Mr. Loveland came into notice under the
sobriquet of "Elder Lovely" and Mr. Hawkins of Read-
ing, as "Hawkeye." The story of Joe Burnham is a very
interesting narration growing out of the anti-Masonic
excitement, but I have not space or time to recite it.

-The "Christian Repository" was published at
Woodstock until 1829, when it was sold to Wm. Bell,
and changed to a weekly newspaper, and called "The
Universalist Watchman, and Christian Repository", and
its publication continued for about seven years, when its
office of publication was changed to Montpelier. Under
Mr. Loveland's editorship and management, it obtained
quite a large circulation.

From an examination of the nine bound volumes at
Montpelier, I find it contained about 20 sermons preached
by Mr. Loveland at Reading, and a large amount of
comments upon religious themes, together with numer-
ous accounts of Ecclesiastical conventions, Mr. Love-
land uniformly traveled on foot, and in that way, travel-

no HISTORY OF READING.

ed over a large part of New England, in attending con-
ventions, and in keeping his appointments to preach the
gospel as he understood it. These 20 sermons are mod-
els of concise statements, clear cut arguments, and apt
illustrations, and reveal an intimate knowledge of the Sa-
cred Scriptures, and in all these points, will compare fa-
vorably with the modern sermon. These sermons were ar-
gumentative as the times demanded. Mr. Loveland rep-
resented opinions that must be maintained by strong ar-
guments, and herein we find them. He wielded sledge
hammer blows against the old creeds. The perusal of
these sermons has been of interest to me, and though I
could not in many cases, give consent to the conclusions
reached by the preacher, I admired the learning, logic,
and earnestness of the man. These early settlers, who
had blazed their way through the forests, and had level-
ed, and burned the great trees, had toiled and struggled
to clear up farms, and build log houses and churches,
demanded strong arguments and resolute doctrinal ser-
mons. Modern sermons may be more classical and pol-
ished, may smack more of the schools, but they are no
moie argumentative and convincing than these twenty
sermons of Samuel C. Loveland.

Since the departure from town of Mr Loveland, there
has been no settled pastor at the Center. The old brick
meeting house was standing in i860, when I arrived at
Reading, but since that time was used only for the hold-
ing of town meetings, until some time in the 6o's the
steeple dropped through the roof, and the building be-
came untenable, and after remaining unoccupied for
some time, was torn down by the neighbors with the de-
sign of rebuilding it near Bailey's Mills ; but the project
ended after the foundation for the new structure had
been builded. The village at Reading Center gradually
went to decay with the old church, the inhabitants died
or moved away, and with these changes, the interest in
religious discussions of the inhabitants that remained,

HIvSTORY OF READING. i_u.

ceased ; and for 40 years it has been a rare and notable
event, to have a religious service in Reading, north of
Felchville and South Reading, except upon some funer-
al occasion.

While residing in Reading, Mr. Loveland won the
confidence of the people, and was elected representative
in 1824, 1825, 1827, 1828. He served as town clerk in
l833> l834> and 1835. *n 1831, 1832, and 1833, he was a
member of the Council, an august body, composed of 12
members, elected on a general ticket by the freemen of
the State. The Council was superseded in 1836 by the
Senate, of 30 members. In 1832 and 1833, he was assist-
ant judge of Windsor County Court.

Elder Loveland was a man six feet tall, of large
frame, and quite portly. His manner was suasive and
pleasing. He was rather moderate in his speech, but
had a classical diction ; and his published sermons are
models of thoughtful argument, and show a deep study
of the subject in hand. For many years he maintained
a theological and classical school at the Center. He was
a very learned mathematician, and spent many hours in
working out intricate problems. In his study was kept
a large blackboard on which he worked out his theories,
and made elaborate calculations. Quite a large number
of young men resorted to this school, and afterwards be-
came eminent in the different professions. Its influence
was long felt in the upbuilding of Universalism. Rev.
Wm. Balch was a student here in about 1829, and he
afterwards held pastorates over Universalist churches in
Winchester, N. H., New York City, Providence, R. I.,
Dubuque, Iowa, and Ludlow, Vt., and has often preach-
ed in this church, here in Felchville.

I have found 21 of his publications.

He traveled extensively in the Orient, and lectured
upon his travels with great popularity.

Rev. Dolphus Skinner was another clergyman who
was trained by Elder Loveland, here in Reading at his

ii2 HISTORY OF READING.

school, and he held important pastorates over Universa-
list churches, and was very influential in the spread of
that doctrine.

Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Sawyer was a native of Read-
ing, born in 1804, almost at the same time with Univer-
salism in Reading. He was reared under the preaching
and theological instruction of Mr. Loveland, and became
one of the most eminent preachers and teachers of the
faith. He was a voluminous writer in defense of the
faith. Ten of his books upon this subject have been,
published, and a large number of magazine articles, and
he was for many years a professor in Tuft's College,
and was one of its founders. I have found nine of his
publications in defense of Universalism, besides many
tracts.

Among other distinguished men who were students
of Elder Loveland, at the Center, were : —
Jonathan Forrester, who became a Universalist clergy-
man, and afterwards preached at South Reading, and
then removed to Aurora, 111.;

Orestes A. Brownson, who was born in Stockbridge, Vt.,
Sept. 16,1803. In 1825 he became a Universalist minis-
ter, preaching in Vermont and elsewhere, writing for
and editing various periodicals of that denomination.
In 1832 he joined the Unitarians, and in 1836, organized
an Independent Society, in Boston, to which he preached
until about 1843, when he became a Roman Catholic, en-
tering that communion in 1844, where he ever after con-
tinued ;

John L. Buck, who became an eminent lawyer at Lock-
port, N. Y.;

Mason Hulett, a lawyer at Towanda, Pa., Israel Boyn-
ton, Zenas Wood, and Solomon Kimball, who became a
physician ;

Elhanan W. Loveland, son of Samuel, Asa Priest, a
clergyman, Judson Fisher of Walpole, N. H., and Rev.
George Severance, who afterwards located in Maine, and

HISTORY OF READING M3

edited "The Gospel Banner";

Rev Otis Skinner, a Universalist clergyman, and author
of several books that were well received by this denomi-
nation, Hon. Wm. Watkins. a lawyer at Towanda, Pa.,
and one Lemuel Willes, a clergyman who preached at
Troy, N. Y., and other places.

With this array of facts, can it be said that Reading
has not had an important part in shaping the religious
beliefs of the 19th century ? Mr. Loveland removed to
Weston, Vt., about 1840, where he resided about 12
years. He then was located in North Clarendon, Vt.,
from 1852 to 1856, and then removed to South Hartford,
N. Y., in 1856 where he was pastor of a Universalist
church ; and he died at the latter place, April 9, 1858,
aged 71 years, and was buried in the Townsend Cemetery
at that place. His earliest pulpit efforts were at Rich-
mond, Vt.

He was settled over the Universalist church in Barn-
ard, Vt., for three years prior to 1819.

The brick church which stood in Felchville, just
east of B. M. Newton's hall, on the South Reading road,
was built about 1835, and it was burned in i860. It was
occupied on alternate Sabbaths by the Universalists and
Baptists. Rev. Warren Skinner of Cavendish, preached
for a long time for the Universalists, and Rev. William
H. Guilford, who resided at Lower Perkinsville, preached
for the Baptists, some over two years. Mr. Guilford
was a man of remarkable independence, bold in his ora-
tory, and thoroughly posted on all educational and re-
ligious subjects. Rev. Warren Skinner was known to
some now living in Reading, as one of the old style
gentlemen, vigorous of thought, and resolute as to his
religious beliefs.

In the winter of 1837 — 8, there had been held the
second of a series of protracted meetings in this brick
church, and a deep religious interest had been aroused
which stirred the whole town. Rev. Mr. Skinner was

ii4 HISTORY OF READING.

invited to come to Felchville and meet Mr. Guilford, in
a religious discussion. The invitation was accepted. It
was arranged that each disputant should speak 30 min-
utes alternately, and prove his creed or belief from the
Bible, by the principles of theology, and from church
history, together witli any other pertinent arguments.

The Reverend disputants got together about the
middle of June, 1841, and their auditors filled the brick
church to the doors. Three Judges were chosen, of
whom Capt. Aaron Goddard was chairman, not to make
decision as to the merits of the argument or the subject,
but to rule on points of order, time, or other incidental
matters. The other members of the committee, were
Dea, William L. Hawkins and Benj. Sawyer, Esq. I
have a report of this discussion from Honestus Stearns,
Esq., as he remembered it. Rev. Mr. Guilford opened
the discussion by stating in substance . —

'* In this discussion, I propose to prove that all who
do not comply with the terms of salvation in the present
state of existence, will suffer punishment unlimited in
duration in the future state of existence," and in the 30
minutes allowed him, he endeavored to establish his
proposition.

Then Mr. Skinner arose and stated his proposition
as follows, viz :--

"I propose to prove that there is a superintending,
governing power that made and governs the universe
with a supreme intelligence, a being whom we call God,
a God of love and one whose tender mercies are over all
His works ; and that His son Christ Jesus, died accord-
ing to the Jewish rites as a propitiation for the sins of
the whole world ; that in the dispensation of the fullness
of time, God will gather together in Christ, all who are
in Heaven and on earth, and all will be ultimately in
the Kingdom of Glory." Mr. Skinner said, — "Admit-
ting the divine authenticity of the sacred volume, the
proposition seems to prove itself. But as my worthy

HISTORY OF READING. i£5

brother Guilford says that the necessity of written laws
in those misty, ancient days, proves that the doctrine of
total human depravity was recognized from the earliest
civilization. Whatever weight may be attached to this
argument, there is no shadow of doubt but that man in
his moral make-up. has a breath of Divine goodness and
intelligence, that will develop in its final results in this
world, as well as in the next, a condition lesulting in
everlasting peace."

The disputation showed that each disputant had
been a deep student of ecclesiastical history, both ancient
and modern, and of the civil and the common law. To
repeat all the arguments on both sides, would fill a vol-
ume of iooo pages. This discussion lasted for three
days, and after a couple of weeks, it was* holden for two
days more. It is to be regretted that the whole could
not have been reported, and printed in book form, for it
is doubtful if two such well equipped, theological com-
batants ever got together before or since. It is a re-
markable sequel, that in two or three years after this
discussion, Mr. Guilford renounced the Baptist doctrine,
and preached Universalism the rest of his life.

But this may be offset by the change of faith of Rev.
C. H. Wells, from Universalism to the Protestant Epis-
copal faith.

Rev. Dr. Forester subsequently preached the doc-
trines of Universalism in the meeting house at South
Reading. He removed to Auroia, IU., and was a clergy-
man of much eminence. I have not been able to secure
accurate data as to the length of his residence in Read-
ing.

TheUnionReligiousAssociation was formed at Felch-
ville, May 5, 1862, for the purpose of building a meeting-
house at Felchville. The corporators were Universa-
lists and Methodists. Luther Kendall, Joseph A. Davis,
and Alzamon D. Amsden were the building committee.
It was provided that the building should be occupied on

HISTORY OF READING.

alternate Sabbaths, by these two denominations. The
corporators were : —

Luther Kendall, Charles L. Thayer, Joseph A. Da-
vis, Wm. Felch, Ferdinand Hawkins, Nathaniel Par-
sons, Geo. White, John Adams, Hosea Benjamin, Har-
ris Kendall, E. W. Watkins, Otis Baldwin, Willard S.
Gates, Daniel P. Sawyer, Rufus Young, Alonzo Gilbert.
Gilbert A. Davis, Lucia E. Gates, Philetta Putnam, Fred
K. Gates, Zenas Sanders, Nellie A. Fletcher, Kate
White, R. W. Hoadley.

The building was erected at an expense of $1595.50,
and was completed in 1862. This organization has been
kept up to the present time.

"The First Universalist Society of Felchville, and
Vicinity" was organized at Felchville, Feb. 27, 1867,
and a constitution adopted. Its object was declared to
be "the promotion of truth and morality among its
members and also in the world at large, and as th^ Gos-
pel of the Lord Jesus Christ is calculated above all truth
to inspire the heart's emotions of benevolence and vir-
tue, this society shall deem it one of its main objects to
support the preaching of the Gospel according to its a-
bility, and to aid in any other particular way in spread-
ing a knowledge of it among men." The society adopt-
ed as its profession of religious faith, 'the profession of
belief accepted at the General Convention of Universal-
ists at Winchester, N. H., A. D. 1803," and the same is
set forth at length on the record. Appended to this are
the names of

Luther Kendall, Chas. C. Thornton, Hosea Benja-
min, R. W. Hoadley, H. Stearns, Caleb B. Chase, C.
A. Morse, H. J. Hewlett, Otis Baldwin, Addison Slay-
ton, John Adams, Andrew R. Adams, H. H. Hammond,
F. G. Rice. D. P. Davis, John McCullough, William A.
Wait, P. B. Wolcott, Reuben Petty, O. S. Holden, Geo.
M. Clark, Alonzo Rogers, Clark Wardner, Mrs. P. Put-
nam, Mrs. John Adams, Mrs. Carlos Wardner, Mrs. H.

HISTORY OF READING. IT7

J. Thornton, Mrs. Luther Kendall, Mrs. Sarah Hoadley,
Mrs. Elvira M. Baldwin, Mrs. M. W. Benjamin. Mrs. M.
E. Farwell, Mrs. T. E. Conant, Mrs. Henry J. Hewlett,
Mrs. Orpheus Coburn, Mrs. Harriet S. Gates, Miss Ca-
lista White, Miss Melvina J. Hoadley, Miss Emma J.
Hoadley, Miss Jennie A. Pratt, Mrs. C. A. Morse, Mrs.
A. S. Stafford, Mrs. Hank White, Mrs. A. Rogers, Mrs.
L. A. Clarke, Miss F. M. Hewlett, Mrs. O. S. Holden.
Mrs. C. H. Shedd.

Cordelia Hewlett Shedd devised to this Society, $500.

The pastors have been, Rev. Joseph Barber, 1868 —
71; Rev. E. S. Foster. 1872; Rev. Eli Ballou, D. D.,
1873; Rev L. Green, Rev. H. Closson, 1888, 1889 ; Rev.
J. B. Reardon, 1890.

"The First Universalist Church of Felchville" was
organized Sept. ,13, 1891, and the "Winchester Confession
of Faith" was adopted. The pastors have been, Mr.
Leslie Moore, summer of 1891 ; Mr. Chas. H. Wells,
summers of 1892 to 1895, inclusive ; Rev. Edson Reif-
snider, summer of 1896 ; Rev. Bertram Boivin, summer
of 1897 ; Rev. J. F. Simmons, summer of 1898 ; Rev. F.
Waldron Evans, summer of 1898 ; Rev. Elizabeth Holt
Goldthwaite, from Nov. 1, T898, to May 1, 1901 ; Miss
Hannah Gertrude Roscoe, from May 1, 1901, to the date
of this publication. She was ordained at Felchville,
June 12, 1902.

n8 HISTORY OF READING.

CHAPTER IX.

Selectmen of Reading from Organization of the Town.

Compiled by Carlos Hawkins, Town Clerk.

1783 Asa Wilkins, David Hapgood.

1784 Thomas Hapgood, Nathaniel Pratt, John Stanley.

1785 John Weld, Asa Wilkins, David Hapgood.

1786 John Weld, Aaron Kimball, Solomon Keyes.

1787 Samuel Sherwin, Thomas Fay, Nedobiah Cady.

1788 Nathaniel Swain, Asa Hapgood, Elisha Bigelow.

1789 Bazeliel Grandy, Jonathan Chandler, Henry Carl-

ton.

1790 Samuel Sherwin, Abijah Stone, Elias Jones.

1791 Elkanah Day, Asa Wilkins, Aaron Kendall.

1792 Elkanah Day, Aaron Kimball, Abiah Rice, Isaak

Kimball, Hezekiah Leavens.

1793 Elias Jones, Alpheus Morse, Samuel Sherwin.

1794 Solomon Keyes, David Hapgood, Moses Chaplin.

1795 Thomas Townsend, David Nichols, Nedobiah

Cady.

1796 Alpheus Morse, Noah Bigelow, John Sawyer.

1797 Nathaniel Pratt, Ebenezer Robinson, Thomas Fay.

1798 Henry Carlton, Abel Amsden, Benjamin Sawyer.

1799 Henry Carlton, Asa Carlton, Jonathan vShed.

1800 Elisha Bigelow, Isaac Bowen, William L. Haw-

kins.

1801 Zenas Stone, John Emerson, Levi Bailey.

1802 Frederick Wardner, Jonathan Going, Samuel

Buck.

1803 Elias Jones, William Howard, Thomas Brown, Jr.
1894 Elias Jones, Jonathan Shed, Samuel Persons.

1805 Elias Jones, Jonathan Shed, Samuel Persons.

1806 Jonathan Shed, John Willey, Aaron Goddard.

HISTORY OF READING. 119

1807 Klias Jones, Ebenezer Robinson, Benoni Buck.

1808 William L. Hawkins, Bailey Merrill, Nathaniel

Swain.

1809 William L. Hawkins, Daniel Stearns, Jonathan

Shed.

1810 William h- Hawkins, Jonathan Shed, Daniel

Stearns.

181 1 William L. Hawkins, Jonathan Shed, Daniel

Stearns.

1812 Jonathan Shed, Daniel Stearns, Benoni Buck,

1813 William L. Hawkins, Daniel Stearns, Ebenezer

Robinson.

1814 Jonathan Shed, Aaron Goddard, Paul Stearns.

1815 Jonathan Shed, Trumbull Ackley, Edmund Page.

18 16 William L. Hawkins, Daniel Stearns, Ebenezer

Robinson.

1817 Sewall Fullam, Trumbull Ackley, Simeon Buck.

1818 John S. Hawkins, Trumbull Ackley, Samuel Per-

sons.

1819 John S. Hawkins, Jonathan Shed, Rufus Forbush.

1820 John S. Hawkins, Jonathan Shed, Trumbull

Arkley.

1821 John S. Hawkins, Jonathan Shed, Trumbull

Ackley.

1822 John S. Hawkins, Aaron Goddard, Trumbull

Ackley.

1823 Abel Gilson. Jr. , Aaron Goddard, Calvin Wardner.

1824 Abel Gilson, Jr., Aaron Goddard, Calvin Wardner.

1825 Abel Gilson, Jr., Aaron Goddard, Calvin Wardner.

1826 Abel Gilson, Jr., William Townseud, Rufus For-

bush.

1827 Abel Gilson, Jr., William Townsend, Rufus For-

bush.

1828 Abel Gilson, Jr., Trumbull Ackley, Simeon Buck.

1829 Abel Gilson, Jr., Trumbull Ackley, Simeon Buck.

1830 Abel Gilson, Jr., Trumbull Ackley, Simeon Buck.

1831 Abel Gilson, Jr., Charles Buck, Simeon Buck.

120 HISTORY OF READING.

1832 Abel Gilson, Jr., Charles Buck, William Felch.

1833 William Felch, Charles Buck, Shubal L. Shedd.

1834 Shubal L. Shedd, Charles Buck, Lemuel Wash-

burn.

1835 Charles Buck, Lemuel B. Washburn, John Wat-

kins.

1836 Charles Buck, John Watkins, Lemuel B. Wash-

burn.

1837 B. Hapgood, Benoni Buck, Shubal L. Shedd.

1838 B. Hapgood, Benoni Buck, Shubal L. Shedd.

1839 B. Hapgood, Benoni Buck, Rufus Forbush.

1840 Bridgman Hapgood, Charles Buck, Rufus For-

bush.

1841 B. Hapgood, Charles Buck, Rufus Forbush.

1842 B. Hapgood, Charles Buck, Rufus Forbush.

1843 Charles Buck, Rufus Forbush, Luther Carlton.

1844 Luther Carlton, Solomon Keyes, Rufus Stearns.

1845 Luther Carlton, Solomon Keyes, Galo B. Ralph.

1846 B. Hapgood, Benj. Sawyer, Marvin Robinson.

1847 William L. Hawkins, Walton Brown, Luther

Carlton.

1848 Walton Brown, Luther Carlton, Solomon Keyes.

1849 Walton Brown, Solomon Keyes, Marvin Robinson.

1850 Solomon Keyes, Walton Brown, Marvin Robinson.

185 1 Solomon Keyes, Marvin Robinson, Rufus Forbush.

1852 Solomon Keyes, Marvin Robinson, Rufus Forbush.
J853 William Felch, Marvin Robinson, Rufus Forbush.

1854 Hiram Goddard, Benj. Sawyer, Nelson Whitmore.

1855 Hiram Goddard, Nelson Whitmore, Shubal L-

Shedd.

1856 Hiram Goddard, Walton Brown, Shubal L- Shedd.

1857 Hiram Goddard, Solomon Keyes, Thomas S.

Gordon.

1858 Washington Keyes, Nelson Whitmore, J. Q.

Hawkins.
x^59 J- Q- Hawkins, Washington Keyes, Nelson Whit-
more.

HISTORY OF READING. 121

i860 J. Q. Hawkins, Washington Keyes, Nelson Whit-
more.

1861 Luther Kendall, Hiram Goddard, Edmund S.

Hammond.

1862 Luther Kendall, Hiram Goddard, Edmund S.

Hammond.

1863 Edmund S. Hammond, Prosper Merrill, Willard

H. Dow.

1864 Edmund S. Hammond. Prosper Merrill, Charles

C. Buck.

1865 Charles C. Buck', Rufus Young, Clark Wardner.

1866 Marvin Robinson, Aaron W. Goddard, William

W. Keyes.

1867 Aaron W. Goddard, Clark Wardner, Parker

Kinsman.

1868 Charles Buck, Charles S. Whitmore, Andrew R.

Adams.

1869 Charles S. Whitmore, Wm. P. Chamberlain, Silas

W. Pike.

1870 William Felch, Albert Eastman, Silas W. Pike.

187 1 Albert Eastman, Elisha W. Watkins, Henry S.

Austin.

1872 Elisha W. Watkins, William C. Bement, George

F. Tuttle.

1873 Wm. C. Bement, E. W. Watkins, George F.

Tuttle.

1874 Wm. C. Bement, E. W. Watkins, George F.

Tuttle.

1875 Norman W. Wood, Wm. Felch, D. C. Sherwin.

1876 William Felch, Duane C. Sherwin. Justin S.

Sherwin.

1877 Paul W. Stearns, Alfred Watkins, David E. Burn-

ham.

1878 Alfred Watkins, David E. Burnham, Otis Bald-

win.

1879 Alfred Watkins. David E. Burnham, Otis Bald-

win.

122 HISTORY OF READING.

1880 Aaron W. Goddard, Joel R. Crandall, Alamauder

Wilkins.

188 1 Aaron W. Goddard, Alamauder Wilkins, Joel R.

Crandall.

1882 Aaron W. Goddard, Joel R. Crandall, Forrest G.

Persons.

1883 Orin Walker, David E. Burnham, O. S. Holden.

1884 David E. Burnham, O. S. Holden, Alonzo Hoyt.

1885 O. S. Holden, Alonzo Hoyt, Henry N. Bryant.

1886 O. S. Holden, Alonzo Hoyt, Henry N. Bryant.

1887 O. S. Holden, Alonzo Hoyt, Henry N. Bryant.

1888 O. S. Holden, Alonzo Hoyt, Henry N. Bryant.

1889 O. S. Holden, Alonzo Hoyt, Henry N. Bryant.

1890 O. S. Holden, Alonzo Hoyt, Henry N. Bryant.

1891 O. S. Holden, Alonzo Hoyt, Henry N. Bryant.

1892 O. S. Holden, Alonzo Hoyt, Henry N. Bryant.

1893 D. E. Washburn, Willard Humphrey, M. L-

Bryant.

1894 D. E. Washburn, Willard Humphrey, M. E.

Bryant.

1895 D. E. Washburn, Willard Humphrey, M. L.

Bryant.

1896 B. M. Newton, N. H. W. Jenue, E. W. Wilkins.

1897 B. M. Newton, E. W. Wilkins, N. H. W. Jenne.

1898 B. M. Newton, E. W. Wilkins, N. H. W. Jenne.

1899 B. M. Newton, E. W. Wilkins, N. H. W. Jenne.

1900 B. M. Newton, M. G. Amsden, Win. H. Bidgood.

1 90 1 M. G. Amsden, Win. H. Bidgood, George D.

Burnham.

1902 M. G. Amsden, George D. Burnham, E. W.

Wilkins.

Officers of Reading, Vermont, since 1872. Compiled
by Carlos Hawkins, Town Clerk. Continued from Vol.
1, page 95, in the order hereafter given: — 1st, Town
Clerk ; 2nd, Constable ; 3rd, Representative.
1873 W. W. Keyes, Ferdinand Hawkins, Gilbert A.

HISTORY OF READING 123

Davis.

1874 W. W. Keyes, C. S. Whitraore, Gilbert A. Davis.

1875 W. W. Keyes, C. S. Whitmore, G. A. Davis.

1876 W. W. Keyes, C. S. Whitmore, George H.

Parker.

1877 W. W. Keyes, C. S. Whitmore, Geo. H. Parker.
1S78 W. W. Keyes, C. S. Whitmore. None.

1879 W. W. Keyes, C. S. Whitmore, None.

1880 W. W. Keyes, C. S. Whitmore, Eleazer Dexter.

1881 W. W. Keyes, C. S. Whitmore, Eleazer Dexter.

1882 W. W. Keyes, Ferdinand Hawkins, John McCul-

lough.

1883 W. W. Keyes, Ferdinand Hawkins, John McCul-

lough.

1884 W. W, Keyes, Ferdinand Hawkins, Azro White.

1885 W. W. Keyes, Ferdinand Hawkins, Azro White.

1886 W. W. Keyes, Clarence -N. Hook, O. S. Holden.

1887 W. W. Keyes, Clarence N. Hook, O. S. Holden.

1888 W. W. Keyes, Clarence N. Hook, W. W. Keyes.

1889 W. W. Keyes, Lorenzo G. Coolidge, W. W. Keyes.
Carlos Hawkins was appointed Town Clerk by the

Selectmen of Reading, Vermont, August 12,
18S9, W. W. Keyes resigned.

1890 Carlos Hawkins, Lorenzo G. Coolidge, O. S.

Holden.

1891 Carlos Hawkins, Lorenzo G. Coolidge, O. S.

Holden.

1892 Carlos Hawkins, Lorenzo G. Coolidge, Henry

N. Bryant.

1893 Carlos Hawkins, S. M. Sherwin, Henry N. Bryant.

1894 Carlos Hawkins, Lorenzo G. Coolidge, Clarence

N. Hook.

1895 Carlos Hawkins, Lorenzo G. Coolidge, Clarence

N. Hook.

1896 Carlos Hawkins, E. R. Buck, Clarence N. Hook.

1897 " E. R. Buck, Clarence N. Hook.

1898 " E. R. Buck, E. R. Buck.

126 HISTORY OF READING.

Davis, Mary (Carleton), B. L-, Smith, 1894.

Day, Elkanah. A. B., Dartmouth, 1786, (First Resident
Physician).

Elliott, Moses, A. B., Dartmouth, 1808, (Pastor Congre-
gational Church).

Fay, Lillian, A. B., Smith, A. B., 1887, A. M., 1894.

Goddard, Merritt E., A. B.. Dartmouth, 1857.

Griswold, Clifford B., B. S., Univ. Vermont, 1901.

Guild, Frank H., A. B., Dartmouth, 1900.

Hall, James A., Norwich, 1839.

Herrick, Horace, A. B., Dartmouth, 1834.

Johnson, A. T., A. B., Harvard, 1888.

Keyes, Wade, Ph. B., Tufts, 1889.

Kinson, W. R., M. D., Univ. Vermont, 1900.

Megrath, Wm., S. B., N. H. Col. Ag. and.Mech. Arts,
1880.

Morgan, Ernest I., Ph. B., Univ. Vermont, 1891, LL.B.,
Boston Univ., 1893.

Morgan, F. C, M. D., -Univ. Vermont, 1887.

Robinson, Frank M., A. B., Dartmouth, 1855.

Robinson, Geo. O., A. B., Univ. Vermont, 1857.

Robinson, Calvin L-, A. B., Univ. Vermont, 1869.

Robinson, Stillman Williams, C. E.. Univ. Mich., 1863.

Sargent, NahumB., A. B., Dartmouth, 1784. (First Set-
tled Minister.

Sawyer, Thomas J., A. B., Middlebury, 1829.

Shattuck, Fred W., A. B., Dartmouth, 1879.

Small, Joseph S., A. B., Dartmouth, 1876.

Stearns, Oscar H., A. B., Middlebury, 1866.

Stone, Benj. F., A. B., Middlebury, 1828.

Wheeler, Daniel Smith, A. B., Dartmouth, 1843.

White, Homer, A. B., Union, 1861, LL.B., Univ. N. Y.
1862.

Revolutionary Soldier of Reading,

Rufus Forbush.

Soldier War 1861— 5,

Wallace W. Wilkins, Co., I, 2nd

Vt. Vols.

HISTORY OF READING

This tablet was the gift of Hon. Gilbert A. Davis,
the donor of the library building. After a prayer by
Rev. Gertrude Roscoe, pastor of the Universalist Church,
Mr. Davis was introduced and made the presentation
speech : —

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: — In the
History of Reading, now in press, will be found a brief
sketch of the career of each of these University and
College graduates. This tablet is a lasting monument to
the memory of these natives and residents of Reading,
who have had the courage and ability to pursue a course
of study and graduate from some University or College.

By other tablets placed on the walls of this library,
we have honored the memory of the soldiers of Reading,
of the Revolution, war of 1812, war of the Rebellion and
the Spanish war. It is intended that from this library
shall go forth all those beneficent influences that will
arouse the ambition of all the boys and girls of Reading
to attain a high standard of scholarship and virtue.

It is an honor to any man or woman to receive a
college or university degree, — the result of honest and
intelligent toil and perseverance. Such a course of
study develops the man, makes his life purer, happier, —
makes him a better citizen, neighbor, friend. It is need-
less to amplify this subject. The world has recognized
the value and necessity of education. Whosoever shall
read this list of honored names, will recall the pathway
that leads to this result, shown by the abbreviations at-
tached to each name, and will know that he who wins a
degree, must have been an honest, self-denying, labori-
ous student.

While many have read cheap, trashy literature,
others have pursued the solid, substantial, and choice
literature ; while many have read with no definite aim
or object to attain, others have read and studied with a
well defined plan, and in some regular course of study.

I desire to emphasize today certain principles that I

126 HISTORY OF READING

Davis, Mary (Carleton), B. L-, Smith, 1894.

Day, Elkanah. A. B., Dai t mouth, 1786, (First Resident
Physician).

Elliott, Moses, A. B., Dartmouth, 1808, (Pastor Congre-
gational Church).

Fay, Lillian, A. B., Smith, A. B., 1887, A. M., 1894.

Goddard, Merritt E., A. B., Dartmouth, 1857.

Griswold, Clifford B., B. S., Univ. Vermont, 1901.

Guild, Frank H., A. B., Dartmouth, 1900.

Hall, James A., Norwich, 1839.

Herrick, Horace, A. B., Dartmouth, 1834.

Johnson, A. T., A. B., Harvard, 1888.

Keyes, Wade, Ph. B., Tufts, 1889.

Kinson, W. R., M. D., Univ. Vermont, 1900.

Megrath, Wm., S. B., N. H. Col. Ag. and.Mech. Arts,
1880.

Morgan, Ernest I., Ph. B., Univ. Vermont, 1891, LL-B.,
Boston Univ., 1893.

Morgan, F. C, M. D., Univ. Vermont, 1887.

Robinson, Frank M., A. B., Dartmouth, 1855.

Robinson, Geo. O., A. B., Univ. Vermont, 1857.

Robinson, Calvin L,., A. B., Univ. Vermont, 1869.

Robinson, Stillman Williams, C. E-. Univ. Mich., 1863.

Sargent, NahumB., A. B., Dartmouth, 1784. (First Set-
tled Minister.

Sawyer, Thomas J., A. B., Middlebury, 1829.

Shattuck, Fred W., A. B., Daitmouth, 1879.

Small, Joseph S., A. B., Dartmouth, 1876.

Stearns, Oscar H., A. B., Middlebury, 1866.

Stone, Benj. F., A. B., Middlebury, 1828.

Wheeler, Daniel Smith, A. B., Dartmouth, 1843.

White, Homer, A. B., Union, 1861, LL-B., Univ. N. Y.
1862.

Revolutionary Soldier of Reading,

Rufus Forbush.

Soldier War 1861 — 5,

Wallace W. Wilkins, Co., I, 2nd

Vt. Vols.

HISTORY OF READING 127

This tablet was the gift of Hon. Gilbert A. Davis,
the donor of the library building. After a prayer by
Rev. Gertrude Roscoe, pastor of the Universalist Church,
Mr. Davis was introduced and made the presentation
speech : —

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: — In the
History of Reading, now in press, will be found a brief
sketch of the career of each of these University and
College graduates. This tablet is a lasting monument to
the memory of these natives and residents of Reading,
who fyave had the courage and ability to pursue a course
of study and graduate from some University or College.

By other tablets placed on the walls of this library,
we have honored the memory of the soldiers of Reading,
of the Revolution, war of 1812, war of the Rebellion and
the Spanish war. It is intended that from this library
shall go forth all those beneficent influences that will
arouse the ambition of all the boys and girls of Reading
to attain a high standard of scholarship and virtue.

It is an honor to any man or woman to receive a
college or university degree,— the result of honest and
intelligent toil and perseverance. Such a course of
study develops the man, makes his life purer, happier, —
makes him a better citizen, neighbor, friend. It is need-
less to amplify this subject. The world has recognized
the value and necessity of education. Whosoever shall
read this list of honored names, will recall the pathway
that leads to this result, shown by the abbreviations at-
tached to each name, and will know that he who wins a
degree, must have been an honest, self-denying, labori-
ous student.

While many have read cheap, trashy literature,
others have pursued the solid, substantial, and choice
literature ; while many have read with no definite aim
or object to attain, others have read and studied with a
well defined plan, and in some regular course of study.

I desire to emphasize today certain principles that I

128 HISTORY OF READING.

have long cherished. My plans and purposes in erect-
ing this Library Building have not all been made public.
These classes of tablets, representing certain phases of
military and civil life, are a part of my original plan,
and only a part. As time rolls on, I hope to develop
and carry out certain other plans that I have formed but
not made public.

Permit me to state my ideas about study and research
by the following quotations from Charles Dickens : —

"My own invention or imagination, such as it is, I
"can most truthfully assure you, would never have ser-
"ved me as it has, but for the habit of commonplace,
"humble, patient, daily, toiling, drudging attention;
"The one serviceable, safe, certain, remunerative, attain-
able quality in every study, and in every pursuit, is the
"quality of attention. Genius, vivacity, quickness of
"penetration, brilliancy in association of ideas, will not
"always be commended, but attention, after due term of
"submissive service, always will. Like certain plants
"which the poorest peasants may grow in the poorest
"soil, it may be cultivated by any one, and it is certain
"in its own good season, to bring forth flower and fruit."

As I have frequently said, this library is to be val-
uable just so far as the people of this community will
make it so. It is your library, not mine, any further
than I am one member of this community. As you be-
lieve that the influences going out from this building
and its contents are beneficial, it commends itself to
your care and attention for its development and enrich-
ment.

The grand question for each to propound, and each
to answer is, "What can I do to promote the usefulness
and expansion of the Reading Public Library ?"

While I give all honor to the college and university
graduates, I wish here and now to emphasize my ideas
of what has been and what can be accomplished without
such a course of study.

HISTORY OF READING. £29

Fred Douglass, the emancipated slave and great or-
ator said that the only University he ever attended was
the University of Adversity.

Booker T. Washington has told of and interested all
the world in his efforts to elevate his race by education
along the lines of practical industry. President A. A.
Miner of Tuft's College never had a college education.

Technical schools are rapidly increasing, and about
every vocation is now taught in its special school, and
the dreary drudgery of apprenticeship is obsolete. My
theory is, that every boy and girl of the requisite physi-
cal and mental caliber ought to have a collegiate course,
if his financial situation will permit. Otherwise, he
ought to have its equivalent as near as possible in the
high school, academy, or in home culture. In this con-
nection, I commend to your careful reading an article in
the June number of the Century Magazine, entitled,
"Working One's Way Through College". It is a prac-
tical and valuable article, showing the methods by which
an ambitious, courageous and resolute man can secure a
collegiate education, when thrown upon his own resour^
ces, with the aid of a free scholarship, and a willingness
to work at some honorable employment. For the lazy
fellow, it has no instruction. -

In the college or university, the student will find
that after all he must do the work, the studying, the
thinking. That is equally true now, as it always has
been. When the young man or young woman, from
force of circumstances cannot go to college, he or she must
gain the knowledge, mental culture and training on the
farm, at the fireside, aided by books from the public
library and the friendly aid of educated people to be
found in every community.

Under the school laws of Vermont, every child is
entitled to a high school education either in his own
town, or in some near by town with his tuition paid
from the public funds. This is his birthright. Parents

I3Q HISTORY OF READING.

and scholars should not overlook this great provision.
There is then, no valid excuse for any Vermont boy or
girl, with requisite health, coming to majority without a
high school education

With the right of free transportation, distance from
the school-house is no excuse. I want every father and
mother to understand this. Transport the children to
the school, or bring them to some boarding place near
the school-house, and pay their board at the public ex-
pense. This is a step in advance. Ignorance, then, in
Vermont, is almost a crime. Certainly, it is inexcusable.

Some of the greatest men of this Republic have had
little more than a common school education. You will
readily recall such illustrious names as Henry Clay, An-
drew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Justin S. Morrill,
William McKinley and a host of others. Let me come
nearer home. Only one of the Judges of the Supreme
Court of Vermont, is a college graduate. Of the present
delegation from Vermont in Congress, Senator Dilling-
ham and Representative Haskins are in the same list,
together with Judge Hoyt H. Wheeler, of the U. S.
District Court, and the U. S. District Attorney.

And in the same list, let me place Dwight L. Moody,
the famous Evangelist ; Andrew Carnegie, the steel
magnate, and the founder of so many public libraries ;
Thos. A. Edison, the great scientist and discoverer in
electrical appliances, and J. Pierpoint Morgan, who has
just given $1,000,000 to Harvard University. Don't
misunderstand me. the college graduates have equally
honorable records.

The end and aim of all study, whether at the univer-
sity or at the fireside, is the strengthening and develop-
ing of the intellectual powers.

At the university the boy stands on his own merits.
He is tested by frequent examinations, and he is dis-
graced, fired or rusticated, sent back home, if he does
not do honestly the work required of him.

HISTORY OF READING 131

So at the Home Circle University, which I advocate,
he must be measured and tested by his own honest rules
for self measurement. The same results can be ac-
complished in either case.

In the great strife of civil life, the questions are, —
What can a man do ? What is he capable of ? Not
whether he has a diploma, or a rich father, or a distin-
guished uncle. I gave my son a chance to acquire a uni-
versity education, admonishing him that he must im-
prove the chance or fail.

The 1039 young men and women who secured di-
plomas from Harvard on the 26th day of last June, and
the 576 of Yale graduates and the hundreds of others
from small colleges, must enter the arena, and win suc-
cess on their merits alone.

Abraham Lincoln's equipment was won by honest
effort by the light of a pine knot, and in the forensic con-
tests of his earliest years, and the political debates of his
more mature years, with the great debater, Stephen
Douglas, as an opponent.

"In life's earnest battle, they only prevail,
Who ever press forward, and never fail."

After music by the Band, this was followed by an
address, by Rev. Homer White: —

Dear" Friends — Old Friends, — I may say, for
there are some faces here now grown old which I well
remember when they were younger than they are now
and when my own hair was not quite so light colored as
it is at present. I am happy to be here on this occasion,
not that I may indulge in throwing boquets at myself,
but that I may share in your pride and pleasure in this
beautiful library and help you to do honor to those
distinguished sons of Reading — "native and to the
manor born," whose names are inscribed on this tablet
and whom you all respect. I am myself but an adopted
son, but that is honor enough for me.

There are some noble names on this tablet — names

132 HISTORY OF READING"

of men whom I well knew and to whose talents and vir-
tues I am able to bear witness. Two of them, Calvin
L. Robinson and Frank Robinson were my teachers —
the latter in the old school house here which was then
almost a new school house, where I attended when I
was sixteen years of age and where in company with
some others, I struggled with Latin and Algebra. These
teachers are both now dead. Far from Reading and
from these green hills which they loved and whose
strength seemed to have entered into their characters,
they died — one in the far South, the other in the far
West. I would that the}- might be here today, to utter
words befitting this occasion. But though dead they
yet speak to us by the examples they left behind them —
examples of worthy ambition, energy, painstaking and
consequent success.

I am glad and proud to be with you — not proud be-
cause I am a college graduate, but proud because my
name has been thought worthy to be placed among the
names of those more deserving of the honor. Reading
honors them because they have honored Reading. It
has been left to another adopted son of Reading to per-
petuate their names and memories in enduring bronze,
and in thus doing honor to true merit, he is unconscious-
ly doing honor to himself. But what shall we say of
Reading herself, the mother of these "immortals", the
mother who bore and nourished them, and trained them
for their life-work ?

"Xet good old Reading's praise be sung :
Her hills and men stand high ;

Her noble women, old and young,
Content the gazing eye.

Her sons have done her honor high ;

Her maids are beauty-crowned ;
And where beneath the dome of sky

Can fairer homes be found ?

HISTORY OF RKADING. 133

With past secure, with present fame,

Her future let us see
So filled with noble deeds and names,

More tablets there will be.

And on them written will appear
Some names, now all unknown,

Whose sheen will dim the ones now here
Which Reading calls her own.

And in that time so good and grand,

May Reading have, as now,

A Davis — one whose generous hand

Twines laurel on her brow.

Mr. White was followed by Prof. Fred W. Shattuck,
of Boston, Mass., who spoke as representative of those
whose names appear upon the tablet. This concluded
the morning's exercises, and then until two in the after-
noon, was devoted to a basket picnic, with the village
lawns and houses serving as a picnic ground for old
friends or strangers.

At two, the band again called the people together
at the Valley house, and preceded them to the Baptist
church, where the exercises of the afternoon were to
take place. Although this is the largest church in town,
it was inadequate to the occasion, many being obliged to
stand during the speaking.

The exercises were opened with prayer by Rev. P.
M. Bauknight, of the Baptist church. Geo. D. Burn-
ham, with a few timely remarks, then introduced B. M.
Newton of Felchville, who gave the welcoming address.
Mr. Newton was followed by Ira B. Hathorn, of Buffalo,
N. Y. Mr. Hathorn apologized for leaving the town
so long ago, sixty years, when he was but six years of
age. He said for that reason that about all that he
knew of Reading and its people came from his father
and mother who though miles away in body, never
ceased to live in mind among their old Reading friends.

134 HISTORY OF READING

Thomas Curley, of Waltham, Mass., said that he
was not old enough to give reminiscences that would be
interesting, so he chose another word beginning with R,
and said he was going to ramble. This he did in a
happy manner, touching on the two great modern "in-
ventions," trusts and telegraphy, and also on the "eye-
opener" Vermont has just received along political lines.

Gilbert A. Davis then interested and enlivened the
audience with a short, keen speech, with good natured
hits at current events. Mr. Burnham here surprised
Otis C. Sawyer of Sharon, by calling him from the audi-
ence for a speech. Mr. Sawyer was equal to the occasion,
and told stories of his boyhood in Reading ; how he
earned his first money wheeling shavings for Mr. Davis,
for three cents a barrel, and how big the three cents look-
ed to him. He concluded by reciting one of the popular
jokes, used by George M. Clark and "Hank" White,
when traveling with Whitmore and Clark's minstrels, an
organization dear to the heart of every true son of Read-
ing.

Rev. Homer White of Randolph, was the next
speaker, and in order to vary the program, instead of a
speech, recited an original poem entitled, "The Ballad
of Bennington Battle."

The Ballad of Bennington Battle.
(By Homer White.)

The Hessians they are coming on

With Indians in the van !
Was the latest news at Bennington

Told to that spunky man,
Whom Molly Stark called husband then

Some hundred years ago,
While he with few but valiant men

Was waiting for the foe.

HISTORY OF READING 135

For Burgoyne's gaunt and hungry horde

Upon the Hudson lay
And longed for the provisions stored

In Bennington that day.
'Twas told that Col. Baum, who led

Five hundred Hessians more,
Would soon with yelling braves ahead

Be knocking at the door.

For Col. Greg sent out to fight

A handful of red braves,
Was now returning in full flight

His small command to save.
He'd found behind the Indian vail

The Hessian troops arrayed —
Men hired by gold o'er seas to sail ;

For warfare was their trade.
Drums beat to arms — with eager feet

Men fell in line — the foe was near !
Their flints they pecked while pulses beat

Without one throb of fear.
Then forth they marched, brave men and strong,

Their coming guests to meet.
They carried death with them along,

But not a thing to eat.
Militia men from Berkshire came

Just in the nick of time
To heap on hired butchers shame

And scourge them for their crime.
They followed where their chieftain led

To check th' invading host
Of savages both white and red

Whom England's power could boast.
Five hundred men at Stark's command,

Nichols and Herrick led
Against the hungry Hessian band

That fought for gold and bread.

136 HISTORY OF READING.

Those mountaineers whose cheeks were tanned,

But never blanched by fear,
Like waves that beat upon the strand

Charged on the Hessian rear.
Baum's Indian allies saw and fled

And he was left alone
While fast his men fell round him dead

And loud the wounded groaned.
Yet still with stubborn will he fought

To win both bread and glory
And sullenly returned each shot

Sped on its mission gory.
The battle raged that August day

For two long bloody hours :
The grass was red where still forms lay

And trampled were the flowers.
The Hessian works were ta'en by storm —

Their cannon ceased to play —
St. George's flag was lowered and Baum

A wounded prisoner lay.
The victors rest — a moment so —

Upon the bloody field
Where dead and dying, friend and foe,

True courage have revealed.
But hark ! — that shout ! — what does it bode ?

See ! see ! what troop comes there.
Rushing along the dusty road

With cries that shake the air?
More British? No ; 'tis Warner, brave,

And his Green Mountain Boys,
Who come with such a rushing wave

And such tumultuous noise.
From Manchester they've marched with speed

To share the fight now done,
But only come in time to lead

In cheers for vic'try won.

HISTORY OF READING. 137

But this they think a scant supply

Of glory for the day,
When Breyman's troops they learn are nigh —

But two short miles away.
Then "Forward !" rang the sharp command

And quickly Warner turned
To teach the second Hessian band

The lesson Baum had learned.
His gallant Boys were ready, all ;

None thought of falling back,
But forward sprang at that first call

Like hounds upon the track.
A rapid march and soon they met

The swift advancing foe
Hasting to Baum — they knew not yet

John Stark had laid him low.
No time they lose — no parley hold ;

The battle-breeze was fanned
By men who battled not for gold,

But home and native land.
Seth Warner's Boys for action burned ;

Their wrath was running o'er ;
And sharp each rifle-crack returned

The British musket's roar.
And when the sun that day did fade

The red coats were in flight,
Dispersed by men whose souls displayed

The uniform of right.
The fight was done — they cheered with will

The double vic'try won,
While echo told, from hill to hill,

That saved was Bennington !
* # *

Now, we the sons of those brave men

Who won that gallant fight
Look backward to that field of fame

138 HISTORY OF READING

And see young Freedom's light.
We see it rise and spread and flame

O'er mountain peak and vale,
While cheers that rang so long ago

Come like a rushing gale.
The last speaker of the afternoon was Adin C. Esta-
brook, of Lunenburg, Mass., a gentleman who is a mas-
ter of the art of story telling, who sent the audience
away in good humor, chuckling at his stories of people,
who, when he was a boy, helped to make Reading one
of the prosperous towns of Vermont. The program of
both morning and afternoon was enlivened from time to
time with music by the band, the Verdi ladies' quartette,
and a mixed quartette. Great credit is to be given to
the various officers and committees, for the most satis-
factory manner in which they carried through what they
had undertaken for the pleasure of those present, and
the good of Old Reading.

Officers and Committees of the Day.

Officers — Geo. D. Burnham, President; Fred C. Fur-
ber, ist Vice President ; Mrs. N. E. E. Perkins, 2nd
Vice President; D. E. Washburn, Secretary; B. M.
Newton, Treasurer.

Executive Committee— W. R. Kinson, M. D., B. M.
Newton, M. G. Amsden.

Program Committee — B. M. Newton, Geo. D. Burn-
ham, Mrs. O. S. Holden.

Chaplains— Rev. H. Gertrude Roscoe, Rev. P. M.
Bauknight.

HISTORY OF READING 139

CHAPTER XI.

Cemeteries.

The first burying ground in Reading, so far as is
known, was situated a short distance north of the "David
Hammond" place, occupied of late years by Edmund S.
Hammond. In this, there are about 75 graves, marked
by rough, unlettered stones.

The inscription on two of the stones are still legible :
one marks the grave of Maj. Ezra Fay, the other marks
the grave of a daughter of David Hapgood.

There is another cemetery on the east side of the
old highway, leading from the "Eastman farm" to the
"Washburn farm," now occupied by Mr. Rowlee.

This ground was not very extensively used; many
of the graves here being also unmarked. In the so
called "Chase District" near the Woodstock line, is a
burial ground which was in use at one time, and there
some people by the name of Pope are interred.

In the western part of the town there is a burying
ground near Lowell Ackley's, but this has not been in use
for a great number of years. There is a small burying
ground on the Simeon Buck farm. Abiah Rice, his wife,
and two children are interred just westerly of the Ham-
mondsville hotel, near the brook and highway. These
graves are surrounded by a wooden fence.

The cemetery in the eastern part of the town, near
Merritt G. Amsden's, was given to the public by Abel
Amsden, about the year 1800. On the 23rd day of June,
1804. John Weld deeded a parcel of land for a public
burying ground, containing one acre and two rods, near
Benjamin Sawyer's. On the 13th day of Sept., 1831,
Nathaniel Swain deeded to the town of Reading, a par-
cel of land for a burial place, containing 60 sqr. rods.

140 HISTORY OF READING.

This was in the Brown school house district, and
contains about 20 graves that were marked with head-
stones. On the 19th of April, 1831, Moses Spear of
Windsor, deeded to the town of Reading, a parcel of
land for a burial ground, near Marcellus Bryant's, in the
northeastern part of the town.

On the 1st day of May, 1808, David Hapgood deed-
ed to the inhabitants of the town of Reading, a parcel of
land for the purpose of burying their dead, east of
Bailey's Mills, and now used for that purpose.

The cemetery at South Reading, was deeded by
John Sawyer, to the inhabitants of the "Vernon school
district," Oct. 9th, 18 16. The Felchville Cemetery Asso-
ciation was organized under a special charter, granted
by the legislature in 1858. The land now in use by that
association was conveyed to it by Orpheus Coburn,
under the date of Nov. 18th, 1858.

The grounds we're laid out into lots, with avenues
and walks, and a tomb erected. The site commands a
fine view of the valley south of Felchville.

HISTORY OF READING. 141

CHAPTER XII

Gilbert A. Davis.

Gilbert A. Davis, the son of Asa and Mary (HOsrner)
Davis, was born at Chester, Vt., Dec. 18, 1835. His an-
cestry on the Davis side, and his descendents are as
follows : —

(1) William Davis, of Roxbury, Mass., born in 1617,

(who was of Roxbury, in 1642). A tradition
held extensively in the family is, that he came
from Wales about 1635. He married for his

third wife, Jane , born at Roxbury. He

had eleven children.

(2) Of these, by his third wife, Jane, Ichabod Davis,

was b April 1, 1676, m Bethya , baptised

, was deacon of the Congl. church at

Roxbury, Mass., and by trade a tailor. He
d March, 1754.

(3) Of their children, Jacob Davis, b Oct. 8, 1706, m

Jemima Healey.

(4) Of their children, Jacob Davis, b Sept. 17, 1742. m

Dorothy Baker.

(5) Of their children, Stephen Davis, was b at Rox-

bury, Mass., March 20, 1765, m Martha Tiles-
ton, of Dorchester, Mass.

(6) Of their children, Asa Davis, was b at Roxbury,

Mass., Aug. 22, 1789, in Mary Hosmer. Oct. 12,
1815, at Chester, Vt., d Jan. 13, 1873, at Read-
ing, Vt., at the home of his son, Gilbert A.
Davis. He was a hatter by trade, and arrived
in Chester in 1812, and resided there the remain-
der of his life. He, with his wife, were mem-
bers of the Congregational church for very
many years. He was an Anti-Slavery man

£42 HISTORY OF READING.

from the organization of the party, and voted
for James G. Birney in 1841, for President and
for every successive candidate of that party.
He aided fugitive slaves to escape, and enter-
tained them at his house and helped them along
to Canada, by the "under ground railroad."

(7) Of their children, Gilbert A. Davis, was b Dec. 18,

1835, at Chester, Vt., m Delia I. Bolles, April
13, 1862, at Turner, 111., and now resides at
Windsor, Vt.

(8) Of their children, Charles Esek Davis, was b at

Reading, Vt., Jan. 10, 1864, and d at Turner
Junction, (now West Chicago, 111.) Aug. 24,
1865.

(8) George Gilbert Davis, was b at Reading, Vt., Dec.
7, 1866, and d at Reading, Sept. 5, 1868.

(8) Mary Isabella Davis, was b July 1, 1872, at Read-
ing, Vt., m Stanley Carlton, at Windsor, June
• 11, 1895. Graduated at Smith College, North-
ampton, Mass., in 1894.

(8) Gilbert Franklin Davis, b at Reading, Vt., June 19,

1877. Graduated at Harvard university, 1901,
and is now a student in Harvard Law School.

(9) Gilbert Davis Carlton, son of Stanley and Mary

(Davis) Carlton, b at Oak Park, 111., Nov. 23,
1901.

Gilbert A. Davis' ancestry on his mother's side, is
as follows : —

(I) Wm. Hosmer, b 1728, d March 26, 1802, aged

74 years. Anna Hosmer, wife of Wm., d July
7, 1818, aged 86 years. Their children were :

(II) William Hosmer, b 1757, d March23, 1813,

aged 56 years.
(11) Amos Hosmer, b Nov. 9, 1759, m Sybil Parker,
Sept. 1, 1764, and d at Chester, Vt., Jan. 18,
1831, aged 71 yrs., 2 mos., 9 days.

HISTORY OF READING 143

(n) Lucy Hosmer, b 1762, m Bemannuel Pratt,

of Townsend, Mass., and d at Chester, Vt.,
March 7, 1845, aged 87 years, at the home of
her daughter, Susan, who had ra Dr. Ptolemy
Edson.

(11) Oliver Hosmer, b 17^>A-

(n) Name unknown, daughter, m Mr. Stimpson.

(11) Name unknown, daughter, m Mr. Boutwell.

(n) Anna, m Mr. Joseph Stickney.

(n) Reuben

The deseendents of William Hosmer (11), were, —

(in) William P. Hosmer. b at Chester, Vt., m Susan
Augusta Paddleford, May 22, 1845. Their
children were : —

(iv) Jesse Heald Hosmer, b May 8, 1848.

(iv) Maria Eusebe, b Sept. 1, 1856.

Amos Hosmer (11), b Nov. 9, 1759, son of Wm,

and Anna Hosmer, m Sybil Parker. Their children

were : —

(hi) (i) Polly, b Sept. 18, 1785, d Jan. 29, 1787.

(2) Randolph, b May 6, 1787, d May 18, 1795.

(3) Amos H., b Jan. 26, 1789.

(4) Sybil, b Jan. 5, 1791.

(5) Lovina, b Aug. 28, 1792.

(6) Mary, b March 21, 1799.

Sybil (Parker) Hosmer was b at Chester, Vt.,
Sept. 1, 1764, and d Oct. 4, 1833, at Chester, Vt., aged 69
yeais, 1 mo., and 3 days.

Amos H. Hosmer (in), removed to Baltimore, Md.,
where he raised a large family, and died honored and re-
spected. He was a strong supporter of the Union cause
during the Rebellion.

Sybil (in), m Samuel Jordan Feb. 18, 181 1. (This
family removed to Adrian, Mich.)

Lovina, (hi), m Roswell Earle, 2tid, Oct. 15, 1812.
(This family resided in Chester, Vt.)

Mary, (111), m Asa Davis. (This family resided in

144 HISTORY OF READING.

Chester, Vt. )

Anna Hosmer, (n), daughter of Wm. and Anna
Hosmer, m Joseph Stiekney, at Ipswich, N. H. Their
son, George Washington Stiekney, was b at Ipswich,
N. H., Oct. 25, 1804. The family removed to Andover,
Vt., in April, 1806, bringing with them their son George,
and aside from one season, which was spent in Mass.,
his entire life was passed on the farm on which he died,
the Stiekney homestead. He received a common school
education, and in his class always maintained an ad-
vanced position. He was married in Nov., 1832, to
Roxcelana Burton. Eight children were born to them,
four of whom are still living, and were with him in his
last hours. Mr. Stiekney was a marked character in the
affairs of town, county, and state, a man of large intelli-
gence, strong and honest convictions, well read in his-
tory and current events.

He was called to town office at the age of twenty-five,
and from that time constantly served in some capacity as
a town officer, six times representing the town in the leg-
islature, being a member of that body, when called to-
gether by Gov. Smith, to ratify the 14th amendment.
He was elected a Justice of the Peace when he was about
thirty years of age, which office he held up to the time of
his death, with the exception of two years. He early
espoused the anti-slavery cause, and upon the organiza-
tion of a temperance society here, became an active,
worthy member, and vice president. He was emphatic-
ally an honest man, and to all who have known him in-
timately, his character stands forth like a granite pyra-
mid, not dazzling, but strong and enduring, and will
not gather moss as the years roll on. His funeral was
largely attended, not only by the people of his own town,
but of the neighboring towns also.

He died Aug. 6, 1894, aged 89 years, 9 mos., 12
days. Rev. R. T. Sawyer, of Merovale, Mass., attended
his funeral.

HISTORY OF READING. 145

CHAPTER XIII.
The Gilbert A. Davis Family Record.

(I) Wm. Davis (1) of Roxbury, Mass., b in 1617, had

three wives. See Davis' Genealogy, a book
compiled by Hon. Chas. A. Davis, of No. An-
dover, Mass.
His children by Jane (his third wife) were : —
(n) Ichabod, (2) b April 1, 1676, d March 16, 1754.

(II) Ebenezer, (2) b April 9, 1678.

Ichabod Davis, (2) (son of William and Jane) was
baptized April 2, 1676, m Bethya . Icha-
bod Davis d 16 March, 1754, aged 77.

(in) Of his children, Jacob Davis, (3) m Jemima Healey,
who d Feb. 26. 1704, aged 22.

(iv) Among their children was, Jacob Davis, (4) b
Sept. 17, 1742, m Dorothy Baker, Oct. 30, 1764,
of Dedham, Mass. Jacob Davis d July 1, 1809,
aged 67 years. Jacob Davis was a Lieutenant
of Capt. Moses Whiting's Company of Roxbury
Minute Men, and responded to their company's
call. April 19, 17/5, and did good service on
that memorable occasion, serving 28 days. This
company was at first made a part of Col. Heath's
regiment, and then of Col. Greaton's regiment,
serving through the campaigns of 1775 and 1776.
Jacob Davis was a farmer and butcher, and re-
sided at Jamaica Plains, Roxbury, Mass.
Children of Jacob (4) and Dorothy (Baker) Davis :-

(1) Stephen Davis, (5) d March 22, 1821, aged 56 years.

(2) Loachada Davis, (5) b Sept. 22, 1776, d Nov. 6,

181 1, m John Davis. (So relation.)

(3) Abigail Whiting Davis, (5) b June 10, 1768, d

April 2, 1815, m Joel Gay, and settled in Mont-
pelier, Vt.

146 HISTORY OF READING

(4) Asa Davis, (5) b Feb. 10, 1 77 1 .

(5) Lemuel Baker Davis, (5) b Jan. 16. 1774, m Relief

Tileston, d March 3, 1815, had a son, Iehabod(6).

(6) Anne Davis, (5) b Nov. 7, 1775.

(7) Jacob Davis, (5) b Oct. 4, 1779.

(8) John Davis, (5) b July 22, 1781. m Thankful Reed.

(9) Nancy Davis, (5) -b July 12, 1783.

(v) Lochada Davis, (5) m John Davis, (no relation)
and d Nov. 6, 1811.

Children of Lochada (5) and John Davis.
Abigail Willard (6).

Martha, (6) b Jan. 21, 1804, m Geo. B. Davis,
son of John (5), grandson of Jacob (4.)
John Amory (6).
(vi) Lochada, (6) m Francis Dana, currier, and had
four children, two sons and two daughters.
Mariah (6).

Children of Lochada Davis, (6) and Francis

Dana, daughter, (7) m Murcks, and lives

in Baltimore, Md.

George Augusta Dana, (7) lives in Newton, and
is clerk in store in Boston,
(v) Abigail Davis, (5) m Joel Gay, a leather dresser.
Her second husband was Moses Whiting, of Ded-
ham. The children of Abigail Davis, (5) and
Joel Gay, were : —

Joel Gay, (6) blacksmith.

Abigail Gay, (6) m Whitney, went to

Montpelier, Vt.

Nancy Gay, (6) b Jan. 19, 1775, m Thomas Cole,
No. 28, Chestnut street, Salem, Mass. See let-
ter from D. W. C. Farrington, Lowell, Mass.
See letter from Nancy D. Cole, April 16, 1884.
Mary W. Gay (6) m Leonard Farrington, far-
mer, and went to Walden, Vt.
George (6) blacksmith, went to Walden, Vt.
Joel Gay (6) left one son (7) who lives at New-

HISTORY OF READING 147

port, R. I.
(v) Jacob Davis (5) m Elizabeth Davenport. Their
children are : —

(1) Anthony G. Davis (6) d in 1883 at Mapelton,
Aroostock County, Me.

(2) Jacob Eldridge Davis (6) lives at Gardner,
Me., and is carrying on the fur business at
his father's old stand, (corner store Davis'
Block).

(3) Sarah Ann E. Davis (6).

(4) Carolina Adelia Davis (6).

(vi) Carolina Adelia (6) in Rev. Edward Dowse, a
Congregational clergyman, residing in Sher-
borne, Mass., who has been chaplain of
Mass. Senate in 1884.

Sarah Ann E. (6) m Swan, d about 1878.

Child of Sarah Ann E. Davis and Swan.

(vn) Caroline Davenport Swan (7) Gardner, Me.
(v) John Davis (5) son of Jacob, b July 22, 1781, m
Thankful Reed of Boston.
Children, —

(1) Geo. B. Davis (6) b Jan. 13, 1805, 111 his

cousin, daughter of Eochada.

(2) Edward Reed Davis (6) d in South America.

(3) Joel Gay Davis (6) lives in Brighton, Mass.

(4) John Davis (6) lives in Acton, Mass.

(5) Elizabeth (6) d at home,
(vi) Geo. B. (6) m .

Children of Geo. B. (6) and Davis, —

(1) George Francis Davis (7) merchant.

(2) Charles Amory Davis (7) went to war, is

deputy collector.

(3) Edward Reed Davis (7) died.

(4) Helen Maria Davis (7) died.

(vi) Mary W. Gay (6) in Leonard Farrington, a far-
mer, who lived in Walden Vt., and d in Low-
ell. Mass., aged 62 years. Mary W., d in Cabot,

148 HISTORY OF READING.

Vt.
Their children were : —
(i) Davis Gay Farrington (7) b April 12, 1819. See
letter from D. W. C. Farrington, Apr. 14, 1884.

(2) DeWitt Clinton Farrington (7) b April 1, 1825,

lives at Lowell, Mass.

(3) George Gay Farrington (7) b Aug., 1827, d 1862.
(11) Ichabod Davis (2) m Mary Seaver. See letter

from Nancy Davis Cole,
(in) Jacob Davis.

His daughter, Mary Davis (3) m John McKown,
her first husband, and Abijah Willard, of Lan-
caster, Mass., for her second husband. Mary
Davis was b at Roxbury, Mass., April 16, 1729,
d at Lancaster, Mass., Dec. 16, 1807, aged 79.

Of Jacob Davis' (4) children : —

Stephen Davis (5) b March 20, 1765, d March 22,
1821, aged 56 years, m July 1, 1787, Martha
Tileston of Dorchester, Mass.,, who was b Aug.
29, 1768, and who d Nov. T4, 1825, aged 57 years.
Stephen Davis was a leather dresser, had his
place of business on what is now Washington
street, Roxbury, Mass. Neither Stephen Davis
nor his wife was a church member, but they at-
tended the Congregational church, of which Rev.
Dr. Porter was pastor. He was one of the found-
ers of Washington Lodge, F. & A. Masons, in-
stituted at Roxbury, March 14, 1796, and was
for many years Master of this lodge. He was
commissioned Adjt. of the Battalion of Artillery
in the 1st Regt., 1st Div. of Mass. Militia, by
Moses Gill, Lt. Gov. and Commander-in-Chief.
His commission bears date June 12, 1799, "to
take rank from 27 April, 1799, when elected0 .
He held the position until March 1, 1804, when
on resignation, he was honorably discharged.
He was a tall, slim man, light complection. and

HISTORY OF READING. 149

of moderate circumstances as to property. He
died of pulmonary consumption, and is buried
in the old cemetery at Roxbury.
Martha Tileston, his wife, was the daughter of
Nathaniel Tileston, of Dorchester, Mass. He
was a farmer, and owned a gristmill, and lived
at "Dorchester Point". She had brothers : —

(1) Euclid Tileston, who about i860, was carrying on

a gristmill at the old place. It was a tide-mill.
He m Hannah Badlam in 1791, and Jane With-
ington in 1804.

(2) One of the sisters m Whitney, of Dedham,

Mass., a farmer.

(3) Jonathan Williams m Nancy Tileston, in 1802.

From this marriage were born : —

Tileston Williams, Samuel WiHiams, and Elsie

Williams, who resided with S. A. Dix, in

Boston, for many years.

(4) Lemuel Shepard m Sarah Tileston. He was a

wheelwright, and lived in Dorchester.

(5) One of the daughters m Dunbar, teamster

for the Custom House, and a man of some
wealth.
Brothers and sisters of Stephen Davis : —

(v) John Davis, currier, lived in Roxbury, Mass.

(v) Jacob Davis, was b Oct. 14, 1779, at Roxbury,
Mass. He removed to Gardiner, Me., and en-
gaged in the business of a hatter, and for many
years conducted a large and successful business
at that place. Asa Davis served an apprentice-
ship of seven years with him, and learned all
the details of the business of manufacturing hats
as then carried on. Jacob Davis became a cap-
tain and did faithful service for his country in
the war of 1812. In the year 1819, he was Rep-
resentative from the Province of Maine, to the
General Court of Mass., and in the same year

i5o HISTORY OF READING,

he was elected a delegate to the convention
which arranged and prepared the way for Maine
becoming a State in the Union. Captain
Jacob Davis died in the year 1870, at his home
in Gardiner, Maine, at the ripe age of over 91
years, respected and honored by all who knew
him. His religious faith was that of an Episco-
palian.
His sons and daughters : —

(vi) Anthony Davis, in 1878, living at Gardiner, Maine,
was connected with the publication of a news-
paper at Augusta, Maine.

(vi) Elbridge Davis, kept hatters' furnishing goods.

(vi) Mary Davis, m Swan.

Children of Stephen Davis (5).

(a) Stephen (6) b Dec. 22, T787, was a circus rider, d

in Portland, Me., m a lady in Portland,

Blanchard, and they had a daughter.

(b) Asa (6) b Aug. 22, 1789.

(c) Artemas (6) b Oct. 26, 1791, m Sarah Gardner

Tuck, March 8, 1822, and resided on the island
of Nantucket, Mass. At the time of the war of
1812, he lived in Salem, and was a private in a
Volunteer Infantry Company, named the Essex
Guards, under the command of Capt. Williams.
This company was called out by authority, lor
the protection of the coast, and served a number
of weeks, and received pay from the State of
Mass. for that duty. Artemas, early in life, en-
tered the office of Tucker, a lawyer at

Salem, Mass., as a student at law. He abandon-
ed this, and went to Baltimore, and became a
commission merchant, and there was married to
Sarah Tuck. Afterwards he came to Boston,
and went into the paint and oil business on
Broad Street, under the style of Tuck & Davis.
Subsequently he returned to the island of Nan-

HISTORY OF READING 151

tucket, and for many years, was an accountant.

Children of Artemas Davis : —

Sarah Elizabeth, (7) b Dec. 10, 1822, d April,
1826, at Boston.

Mary Susan, (7) b Aug. 6, 1824, d Aug. 18, 1829,
at Boston.

Samuel Stephen, (7) b Nov. 25, 1835, m Avis
Swift, daughter of Alexander S. Swift, who d
Aug. 10, 1878. Samuel S. now resides at Brook-
lyn, N. Y.

Sarah Emeline, (7) b Jan. 2,. 1829, d Sept. 5, 1829,
at Brookline.

(d) Martha (6) b March 1, 1793, m Wm. Seaver of Rox-

bury, Mass., a grocer. They had three children
living.

William, a tea broker, in Philadelphia.

Martha and Sarah, daughters, unmarried, resided
in Baltimore, Md.

Wm. Seaver, Sr., wTent to Baltimore, and went
into the grocery business. Then went to Wash-
ington, and became a member of the firm of
Seaver & Bulfinch, Grocers, Wines, &c, on
Pennsylvania Avenue. Mr. Seaver was a great
judge of liquors, teas, &c. In 1820 he was mur-
dered between Washington and Alexandria.
He had been to Alexandria to buy goods from
foreign vessels, and, missing the stage and
boat, was found near the bridge crossing
the Potomac. The murder was thought to have
been for the purpose of robbery. His. widow
subsequently kept a millinery establishment,
including dress and mantau making, employing
some 25 girls. She had the patronage of the
best families in Washington. Her store was on
Penna Avenue, and she amassed quite a proper-
ty. She d at her home in Baltimore, Md.

(e) Ebenezer (6) b June 11, 1794, d June 5/ 18 10.

152 HISTORY OF READING.

(f) Jacob Davis (6) b March 13, 1796, m, went to

Charleston, S. C, and went into the firm of Rind
& Co., as a book-keeper. This firm dealt in
paints and oils. Then he went into the business
of portrait, house, and sign painting. He d in
Charlestown, S. C. Sept. 7, 1832. He m and
they had several children, Jacob, Mary, and
others.

(g) Cecelia (6) b Dec. 22, 1798, m Stephen A. Dix,

dealer in paints and oils, State St., Boston, Mass.
They had three children : —

Stephen A. (7), Sarah Anna (7), Francis Henry (7).

Nancy Anna Davis, (6) b April 7, 1801, m

Wilcox, manufacturer of coffins, and undertaker,
So. Boston, or Hingham. They had one daugh-
ter, Nancy, d .

(h) Nathaniel Tileston, (6) b Oct. 11, 1802.

When about 10 years old, he went to Gardiner,
Me., and lived with "Uncle Jacob" two or three
years. He was then carrying on the business
of making and selling hats. Then returned to
Roxbury, Mass., and went to school, and when
about 13 years old, went by the brig "Rice
Plant" from Boston to Charleston, S. C, to
learn the painters trade of his brother. The voy-
age was about 10 days. Was with Jacob three
or four years, then returned to Boston, and when
about 17 years old went to sea in the ship "Inde-
pendence" about 800 tons burden, a merchant
. ship, Capt. Wm. Flasket. Ship cleared from
N. Y., went on a trading voyage, was "ship
keeper", Started in spring ; sailed southeast-
erly round Cape of Good Hope; touched West-
ern Island to get provisions ; touched at Botany
Bay, then a penal settlement and delivered let-
ters from some New York firms. Then went to
Coast of New Zealand, landing at different

HISTORY OF READING. 153

places, trading for "beach lamar", a worm
about the size of one's wrist, which grows on
the bottom of the sea and the natives procure by
diving, making payments in powder, iron hoop,
knives, glass beads. Could buy a bag contain-
ing 100 lbs., for one blue bead. Then traded
in South Pacific, at many islands, padrone,
Sandwich, Feejee. Discovered an island,
named it "Independence". No vessel or white
man had ever been there before. The natives
were very timid. Captured first an old woman,
made presents to her, and let her go ; then the
others came down to the boat and supplied them
with fresh and dried fish, and cocoanut, the only
products of the Isle, so far as they knew. After
wandering among the South Sea Islands for
about three years, the ship doubled Cape Horn,
touched first at Pernambuco, then at Rio Janie-
ro, Brazil, then at Cape Hatteras, and home
again to New York, having been gone four
years and four months.
The ship made harbor at Canton, and there made
exchange of the ivory, 'beach lamar', and furs,
for silks, ribbons, jute, &c, and took this cargo
to New York. The cargo was one of the most
valuable up to this time ever brought to New
York City. After making a visit of a couple of
months to his mother at Roxbury, Mass., he
went to Charleston, S. C, where he remained
about six months, when he went to Washing-
ton, into Wm. Seaver's store, where he remain-
ed until Mr. Seaver was murdered. Then he was
in the store of Eaton & Galloway, dealers in all
kinds of liquors. Was there about a year, had
yellow fever, was very sick, and returned to
Boston, and was there at Mr. Dix's about six
months to recover from this sickness. Then

154 HISTORY OF READING.

went to Washington and went into the store of
the successors of Seaver & Bulfinch.. Then
went to work painting on the Capitol about two
years. Then returned to Boston, and carried
on the business of painting, sign, ornamental,
house, and ship work. In prosecution of this
business, he went to Wellfleet, on Cape Cod, to
grain and paint a church inside. He there mar-
ried Mrs. Hannah Kemp, widow of Capt. Na-
than Kemp, a sea captain. She had three chil-
dren, Hannah, aged about six, Robert, a small

boy, now doing business at No. Tremont

St., retail dealer in boots and shoes, and organ-
izer of the "Father Kemp Old Folks' Concen.".
Another son, Henry, died. The widow Kemp
was keeping a retail store at Wellfleet, and Mr.
Davis stepped in and took the business and
went along with it, adding to it, the manufac-
ture of paints and sale of oil, and manufactured
salt. He stayed there four to six years and
then removed to Maiden, Mass., and bought
the Capt. John Oakes farm of 75 acres. Lived
here seven or eight years. Built a large two-
story house. He sold this farm and went to
Boston, and had a retail dry goods store on
Hanover street, for about ten years. Here his
wife died and he was married to Sophronia
Lane, widow of Dr. Alfred Lane, who had re-
sided the next door to Mr. Davis' store. Mrs.
Lane had only one child living at the time of
this marriage, Augusta, who became the wife
of Simon Butler, of No. 144 Washington street,
Somerville, Mass., and is in the hide and
leather business. He subsequently bought a
place of about one acre in South Reading, —
now Wakefield, — Mass., where he lived three
to five years, and then removed to No. 80 Mid-

HISTORY OF READING 155

dlesex street, Chelsea, Mass., and engaged in
the business of painting so long as his health
would permit. Visited Chester and Felchville
summer of 1878.

(i) Sally (6) b April 2, 1804, m Charles Lowrey, a
printer at Charleston, S. C. They moved to
Washington, D. C, and had one son who went
into the Union Army. Sarah died

(j) Abigail (6) b May 8, 1806, d Sept. 5, 1806.

(k) Elizabeth Dorothy (6) b April 15, 1809, d February
14, 1818.
Children of Wm. Seaver and Martha Davis (6) —
The son, Wm. R. Seaver, removed to New
York City, and was successful in business. He
never married. He was a devoted, generous
and self-sacrificing brother. His sisters loved
him and had entire confidence in his judgment.
At the time of his death, intestate, in 1896, he
resided at Newark, N. J.
Sarah A. C. Seaver was his sole heir, Martha
Seaver having died in 1889.

Sarah died at Baltimore, Md., June 27, 1900,
unmarried, in the 84th year of her age. She
owned, and at the time of her death, resided at
No. 13 No. Calhoun street.
A controversy arose over an instrument pur-
porting to be her last will and testament, writ-
ten and executed Dec. 5, 1898, in which she had
entirely ignored and disinherited her heirs-at-
law, and cousins, Charles L. Davis, Gilbert A.
Davis, Samuel S. Davis, Sarah A. Gordon, and
Martha T. Miller, and these cousins filed a
caveat, and contested the allowance of said in-
strument. Miss Seaver had made three wills
previous to this, in each of which she had re-
cognized her cousins and devised to them the
balance of her estate. The last of these wills

156 HISTORY OF READING.

was executed on May 27, 1898. The Orphans'
Court of Baltimore City, after a protracted hear-
ing Aug. 30, 189T, by a majority decision sus-
tained the instrument of Dec. 5, 1898 as her last
will. The cousins at once appealed to the Court
of Errors and Appeals, and that Court by
unanimous opinion of the Judges reversed the
order of the Orphans' Court, set aside the
instrument of Dec. 5, 1898, and established the
will of May 27, 1898. O'Brien, J., in giving the
dissenting opinion in the Orphans' Court, used
this language : —

"Miss Seaver had all through her life been rec-
ognised by her friends and acquaintances as
"a woman of culture and refinement, and in her
"later years as a bright, intelligent, and courte-
"ous person, affable and kind to her friends,
"and very capable in transacting business
"affairs".

The Seaver family are interred in lot 129, in
Green Mount Cemetery, Baltimore, Md.

HISTORY OF READING 157

CHAPTER XIV.

Delia I. (Bolles) Davis' Ancestry and
Descendants.

(iv)

2

(IV)

3

(iv)

4

(iv)

5

(1) Joseph Bolles, 1608 — 1678.

(n) Samuel Bolles, b March 12, 1646, d 17 — .

(in) Jonathan Bolles.

Children of Jonathan and Mary Bolles, —
Mary Bolles, b Dec. n, 1723.
Hannah Bolles, b Dec. 25, 1725.
John Bolles, b Oct. 29, 1727.
Jonathan Bolles, Jr. b Dec. 19, 1728, m Eliz-
abeth Randall, 1758, and removed to Richmond,
N. H., whence he removed to Rockingham, Vt.,
and d 1824. He had 12 children, viz : —

(v) 1. Solomon Bolles. He had five children. (1)
Timothy, (vi) b Aug. 7, 1780, (2) Elijah, (vi) b
Aug. 1, 1782, (3) Abigail, (vi) b Oct. 18, 1786,
(4) Isaac, (vi) b June 2, 1788, (5) Samuel, (vi) b
May 21, 1793.

(v) 2. Mary Bolle-s, 2nd.

(v) 3. Thankful Bolles, m her cousin, Rev. Nath'l
Bolles, d Nov. 19, 1849.

(v) 4. John Bolles, 1769, b in Vt., moved to Oswego,
N. Y., 1818, m Deborah Ingals, d Oct. 21, 1856.
He had five children, to wit : —

(vi) 1 Esther, m first Elisha Jones, and had six chil-
dren. He d and she then m Hiram Lewis, the
widower of her sister Harriet ;

(vi) 2. Mary, m Porter Stockwell, had three children,
d. Mr. Stockwell lives in Oswego, N. Y.;

(vi) 3. Harriet m Hiram Lewis, of Schenectady, had
four children and d. Mr. Lewis lived at Apol-
acan, Little Meadows, Pa.;

158 HISTORY OF READING.

(v)

6.

(v)

7-

(v)

8.

(v)

9-

(vi) 4. Alexander H. mMahala Harden of Exeter, Pa.,
resided at Meshoppan, Pa., Wyoming Co., has
had six children.

(vi) 5. Silas Bolles, Rev., b at Williamstown, Vt.,
Sept. 5, 1810, lived in St. Paul, Minn., m 1st.
Helen Seeley, of Sodus, N. Y.; 2nd, Charlotte
Huekins, has had four children : —
(i)Helen, (2) John. (3) Edmond, (4) Minnesota.

(v) 5. William Bolles, son of Johnathan, Jr., insane,
never m.
Sarah.
Jonathan.
Rest, d i860.

Nicholas Bolles, son of Jonathan, Jr., d in
Rockingham, Vt., Nov. 19, 1775, m Sarah E.
House, of Rockingham, had seven children,
and d Dec. 28, 1850. His wife d Dec. 19, 1826.
His children were, viz : —

(1) Salome Bolles (vi) b Dec. 10, 1802, single,
lived in Maine Village, M. Y.

(2) Caroline Bolles, (vi) b June 10, 1805, m Ste-
phen Parker, and d in Watertown, N. Y.,
about 1827 ; she had one child named Jason
Parker.

(3) Jason R. Bolles, (vi) b April 30, 1807, m
Caroline E. Holden, April 10, 1844, lived in
Maine Village, N. Y. They have had chil-
dren, viz : —

Wallis B. Bolles, b April 16, 1845, Jerome, b
July 7, 1846, Columbus C, b April 11, 1848,
Lafayette, b Nov. 16, 1850, Isabel, b March
21, 1852, Elvira, b May 6. 1859.

(4) Charles H. Bolles, (vi) b May 12, 1809, m
Abigail Rollins of Union, N. Y., April 22,
1836, lived in Philadelphia ; a physician ;
has had two children, viz : —
Charles R., b Oct. 13, 1838, d April 8, 1845 i

HISTORY OF READING. 159

and Abigail A., b Nov. 11, 1843, in C. G.

Adams, Philadelphia, Jan. 2, i860.
(5) Freeman Bolles, (vi) b Sept. 20, 1814, m, lived in
Maine Village, N. Y., has had four children,
viz. — (1) Sarah, b Oct. 2, 1839; (2) Caroline, b
March 6, 1841 ; (3) Cynthia, b May 3, 1843 ; (4)
Martha, b July 23, 1846.

(6) Mary Ann Bolles (vi) b March 22, 1818, d
Oct. 8, 1819.

(7) Ira Bolles (vi) b Jan. 19, 1820 d May 25,
1839.

(v) 10. Lemuel Bolles, son of Jonathan Bolles, Jr., b
in Richmond, N. H., July 20, 1777, m Mary
Chamberlain of Keene, N. H., and had seven
children. He d in Rockingham, Vt., Aug. 26,
1827. Mary Chamberlain was b May 8, 1778,
and d Jan. 5, 1837. Their children were as
follows, namely : —
1. Lemuel Bolles, Jr., (vi) b June 1, 1808, m
Mary A. Weaver, lived in Cambridgeport,
Vt., and d there May 28, 1849. He had
three children, Delia, I.(vii) Esek C ., (vn)
Charles Edwin, (vn) Esek Constantine
Bolles b Oct. 5, 1842, at Grafton, Vt., was a
member of Co. K., 13th 111. Vol. ; was a R.
R. Conductor, and was accidentally killed
at Momence, Ind., Aug. 24, 1865.
Charles Edwin Bolles b at Grafton, Vt., Oct.
14, 1844, was a member of Co. K., 13th
Regt., 111. Vols., and now resides at Oak
Park, 111. He is President of the Avenue
State Bank, and is of the firm of Bolles &
Rogers, 142 Kenzie St., Chicago, 111., deal-
ers in Hides, Wool &c.
Mary Bolles, after the death of her first hus-
band, was m to George J. Atcherson, at Graf-
ton, Vt., and they immediately removed to

i6o , HISTORY OF READING

Illinois, and resided for a long time at Tur-
ner Junction.

2. Ithamar Bolles, (vi) b Feb. 28, 1811, m
Martha S. Wood, 1839, was for many years
a Justice of the Peace ; he lived and died in
Cambridgeport, Vt., and they had two chil-
dren, viz : —

Francis A. b 1844, now an Attorney at Law,
at Bellows Falls, Vt., and another who d in
infancy. Mrs. B. d Nov. 27, 1859. He
subsequently m Rebecca Farr, of Athens,
Vt., by whom one son was b, Fred Bolles.

3. Nelson Bolles, (vi) b April 7, 1817, m Eme-
line Putnam, was a farmer, lived in Cam-
bridgeport, and Newfane, Vt., and d April
17, 1883 ; they had five children, viz : —
Esther, Lemuel, Mary, Ella, (who d aged
two years) and George.

4. Hannah Bolles, (vi) b May 7, 1806, m Pros-
per Merrill, of Felchville, Vt., and d Nov.
1, 1898. They had one child, viz: — John
B.issell Merrill.

5. Nancy Bolles, (vi) b Oct. 19, 1804, m Peleg
Winslow, and lived in Townsend, Vt., d
Oct. 31, 1893, and they had five children,
viz : — George, Nelson, Samuel, Rhoda, and
Lemuel, all of whom are dead.

6. Delia Augusta Bolles, (vi) b Feb. 15, 1821,
m Samuel B. Wells, and lived many years
in Athens, and Brattleboro. Vt., and she d
Nov. 23, 1884. They had four children,
viz : — Lucian, May, Cora, and Samuel.

7. Mary Bolles, (vi) b Sept. 8, 1813, d March
1829.

(v) 11. Phineas, son of Jonathan Bolles, Jr., moved
from Rockingham to Woodford, Vt. His
sons were Lyman. Calvin, and Lewis, his

HISTORY OF READING 161

daughters were Lydia and Martha.

(v) 12. Hannah Bolles, twelfth child of Jonathan
Bolles, Jr., of whose birth, marriage or
death, I have been unable to obtain any in-
formation.

(vn) Delia I. Bolles was b at Grafton, Vt., in the

village of Cambridgeport, Jan. 17, 1840.
She married Gilbert A. Davis at Turner
Junction, 111., April 13, 1862, the marriage
ceremony having been performed in the
Methodist church, by the Rev. J. T. Hanna,
then of Naperville, 111.

i62 HISTORY OF READING.

CHAPTER XV.

Family Genealogies and Biographical Sketches.

This chapter and other chapters will contain such
sketches as I have been able to obtain. I wish it could
have been made more complete, realizing that many
items of interest will soon be lost, if not gathered and
preserved in this way.

The Amsden Family, Ancestors of Abel Amsden,
By Arthur H. Keyes.

Isaac Amsden came from England, first heard of in
Cambridge, Mass., where he m Francis Perriman, June 8,
1654. He d in Cambridge, April 7th, 1659.

Children, — Isaac, b in Cambridge in 1655, Jacob, b
in Cambridge, Nov. 7, 1657. Isaac m Jane Rutter at
Cambridge, May 17, 1677. He d at Marlboro, Mass.,
May 3, 1727.

Children, — Elizabeth, b in Cambridge, Feb. 2, 1678,
Isaac, b in Cambridge, Aug. 24, 1680, John, b in Marl-
boro, Dec. 28, 1683, Thomas, b in Marlboro, Jan. 9, 1686,
Jacob, b in Marlboro, Feb. 29, 1689, Abraham, b in
Marlboro, Oct. 15, 1692.

Abraham m Hannah Newton, at Marlboro, Nov. 29,
1722, He d at Marlboro, March 7, 1763.

Children, — Abraham, b in Marlboro, Aug. 29, 1723,
Uriah, b in Marlboro, June 10, 1725, Jacob, b in Marl-
boro, May 28, 1728, Bezaleel, b in Marlboro, March 17,
1731, Francis, b in Marlboro, Dec. 24, 1734, Hannah, b
in Marlboro, April 13, 1739.

HISTORY OF READING. 163

Abraham, ra Hannah Whitcomb at Marlboro, in
1745 or '46.

Children, — Lucy, b in Southboro, July 11, 1747,
Mollie, b in Southboro, Nov. 17, 1749, Abraham, b in
Southboro, Feb. 20, 1752 ; Abel, b in Southboro, Sept. 1,

1755-

Abel Amsden m Mary Fish in 1780, and Sybil Hub-
bard Nov. 23, 1785, and Susan Story, May, 1813.
He d July 25, 1828. He was one of the pioneer settlers
of Reading, and a prominent citizen of the town for many
years. An account of his life and the names of his fam-
ily will be found elsewhere in this volume.

Additional facts regarding the ancestors of Abel
Amsden, of' Reading, Vt. (Copied from History of
Marlboro, Mass).

Isaac Amsden, (A. Amsden's greatgrandfather) son
of Isaac Amsden, 1st, of Cambridge, Mass., was the
proprietor of the Ockoocangasett purchase in 1684. He
was in Marlboro some 3'ears previous, and he m Jane
Rutter of Sudbury, Mass. She d, his widow, Nov. 22,

1739-

Isaac Amsden, son of Isaac Amsden (2), above re-
ferred to, m July 24, 1705, Jiporah Beaman.

John, another son of Isaac A. (2), m Hannah

Thomas, another son of Isaac (2), m June 18, 1712,
Eunice Howe.

Jacob, another son of Isaac (2), m Oct. 28, 1719,.
Sarah Beaman.

Abraham, youngest son of Isaac (2), m Hannah
Newton, at Marlboro, Mass., Nov. 29, 1722.

Isaac Amsden, Jr., son of Isaac (z) of Cambridge,
was a citizen of some prominence, and held His Majes-
ty's commission as Captain. He d May 3, 1727, aged 47
years. His house was one of the garrison houses in 17 1 1 ,
near Wesson Place. He was town clerk of Marlboro,
1701, 1712, 17 T3.

Abraham Amsden, father of Abel Amsden, was a

1 64 HISTORY OF READING

resident of Marlboro in 1770. (See History of Marlboro,
page 250.)

Abel Amsden.
By A. H. Keyes.

Abel Amsden came from Claremont to Reading in
1787, by marked trees, there being no roads in those
days. A family by the name of Fish had moved from
Massachusetts to West Windsor, near the Reading line
and Abel Amsden was engaged to marry one of the
daughters of that family, Mary Fish, and this was the
reason for his emigration from Massachusetts, to that
part of the country. The Fish family built a house on
the farm now owned by Walter Hook.

Abel Amsden moved to Reading and built a log
house on the site of the extreme L part of Merritt Ams-
den's present residence, where he lived with his first
wife, Mary Fish. He started his farm with about fifty
acres, and afterward increased it to four hundred acres.
His father and mother came from Massachusetts when
he was living in the log house, and lived with him until
they died.

His first building after the erection of his log house,
was a saw mill, which was located about three-quarters
of a mile up Mill Brook from what is now known as the
Blood place, on the farm now owned by George Morgan,
and formerly owned by Alamander Wilkins. This was
the first saw mill erected in Reading. The lumber from
this saw mill was used to erect a white house which was
built on the site of the log house before mentioned.

In this house the first Universalist sermon in Read-
ing was preached by Rev. Samuel C. Loveland, and not
in the brick house afterward erected by him and known
now as the Blood place as stated in a former History of
Reading by Mr. G. A. Davis.

HISTORY OF READING. 165

He kept a tavern in this white house for years. In
18 15 he built the brick house now known as the Blood
place, and kept a tavern there. In this house he built a
Masonic hall and regular MasDnic meetings were held
there once a month for several years, at a time when
Masonry was in its prime. Masons from all the surround-
ing towns and from a long distance met regularly in this
hall, and there was no more popular resort of Masons
anywhere than Abel Amsdeu's hall. The square and
compass, symbols of masonry, are seen to this day paint-
ed on the walls of the old hall, and the old tavern sign,
with the words— "A. Amsden", and the spread eagle be-
neath them is carefully preserved by his descendants.

Mr. Amsden was a Mason and took a prominent
part in the meetings. He was a great drover of cattle
and drove large herds to Boston market every year. He
also went to Boston every year in the winter time wTith
his farm products and brought back salt and other pro-
visions.

Considering that there were no railroads in those
days, and that all this work had to be done with sleds,
one can imagine it was no easy task to take a year's
stock of farm produce from Reading to Boston and bring
back provisions. In 1821 he built a flouring mill, a
grist mill and carding works near the bridge, over the
brook, just to the left of his brick hotel. In digging the
canal to convey water to his grist mill, he met with a
painful accident, knocking the skin off his shin with a
shovel, which later terminated in a running sore, and
for seven years until his death he was an invalid and
wTas obliged to walk with a cane.

During this period of seven years' invalidity, he
was attended by his youngest daughter, Charlotte Lu-
cretia, who afterward became Mrs. Ferdinand Hawkins,
and lived in Reading all her life. The mill erected in
182 1 was destroyed by fire a few years later, and he af-
terward rebuilt it, and put in carding machines, but did

1 66 HISTORY OF READING.

not reinstate the grist mill. The same machines used in
his carding works are now in the old mill at Bailey's
Mills.

Considering the fact that he came to Reading when
it was a wilderness, and eleaied two hundred acres of
forests, and built the buildings above described, so that
he was considered one of the wealthiest men in town in his
time, it can be well said of him, that his success in life
was a good example of the wonderful perseverence and
industry shown in the lives of some of the early set-
tlers of Reading.

Abel Amsden, father of Charlotte Lucretia (Amsden)
Hawkins, was b Sept. i, 17.55, at Southboro, Mass., son
of Abram and Hannah (Whitcomb) Amsden. Hj
served four years in the Revolution, enlisting at Groton,
Mass., May 20, 1775 as a private of Capt. Joseph
Moore's Company, Col. Wm. Prescott's regiment, (eight
months' service). He was twenty years of age when he
enlisted, and served at first as a Captain's waiter. He
enlisted later in Capt. John Drury's Co., Ccl. Ezra
Wood's Regiment, stationed at North River, N. Y.
Discharged Feb. 10, 1779. During this time he was in
the New York Campaign, and was engaged in some of
the fiercest battles, receiving an honorable discharge.

His pay in Continental Currency was so much de-
preciated that he paid $70. of this currency for a dinner
of corn bread and milk, the landlord not considering it
an equivalent for the dinner. After the war he emigrat-
ed to Reading, Vt., which was then a wilderness, and
cleared up a tract of land, and built a log hut about one
and a half miles above what is now Felchville.

His father, Abram Amsden, came with him, and
died in Reading. Abel's privations and hardships in
clearing up his farm were severe, but his own iron will
and hardy constitution carried him successfully through
them all, and he became a large land-owner and quite
wealthy for those days. His first log hut was built near

HISTORY OF READING. 167

the red part of the house now owned by Merritt Amsden,
opposite the Blood house.

He built the brick tavern commonly called the Blood
place, and for a long time was its popular proprietor.
He was a strong Universalist, and the first sermon
preached in Reading by Rev. S. C. Loveland was deliv-
ered in his White Tavern, built prior to the Blood place
on site of Merritt Amsden's house. He built a grist
mill and carding works in 182 1. These were destroyed
by fire. He was a Mason, and some of the earliest
meetings were held in his hall. He died July 25, 1828.

My grandmother was only 14 years old when he
died, and as he was an invalid during the last years of
his life, she being the youngest of the family and only
child by his last wife, used to wait on him and care for
him. His first pitch of land in Reading was of 50 acres,
July 3rd, 1787, and on this land he passed the remain-
der of his days.

He married first, Mary Fish, in 1780. who d Feb. 24,
1785 ; second wife, Sybil Hubbard, Nov. 23, 1786 ; third,
Susanna Story, in May, 18 13. His children were, —

First wife, Polly, b April 5, 1781, Sally, b April 19,
1783, Abel, b Feb. 21, 1785. Second wife, Eliphelet, b
Jan. 13, 1787 ; Asa, b in Reading, Feb. 4, 1789 ; Betsey,
b in Reading, Aug. 18, 1791 ; Clarissa, b in Reading,
Dec. 12, 1794 ; America, b in Reading, June 22, 1797 ;
Lena, b in Reading, May 28, 1801 ; Livia or Olivia, b
in Reading, Jan 27, 1803 ; Napoleon, b in Reading, Jan.
24, 1806. Third wife, Charlotte Lucretia, b March 20,
1814. Charlotte Lucretia (my grandmother) m Ferdi-
nand Hawkins, Jan. 1, 1834. He d December 26, 1893.
She d Aug. 14, 1901.

Abel Amsden's first wife, Mary Fish, was buried in
an old cemetery bordering Ed. Hammond's farm, above
Bailey's Mills, and Abel Amsden's father and mother
were buried there too, but no gravestones mark their
graves, and now there are no gravestones in this small

i68 HISTORY OF READING.

but ancient burial place, which is supposed to be the
oldest cemetery in town.

Abel Amsden's second wife, Sybil Hubbard, lies
buried rear the Blood place, about a mile and a half
above Felchville. Abel Amsden gave the land for this
cemetery to the town of Reading as a free burial place.
Abel Amsden's third wife, Susanna Story, was buried in
this same cemetery. His first wife's body was stolen
from the cemetery by medical students.

Asa m Lucy Robinson Feb. 27, 1812. Asa d July
31, 1832 ; Lucy, Sept. 4, 1869, both buried in eemetery
above Felchville, Vt.

Children, — L. Harrison Amsden, Alanson O., Alon-
zo G., Rosalie M., Alzamon D., Orville D., R. Marcell-
us, Lucy Ann, Cardell, twins, Rosella and Marcella.

Alzamon m Harriet Jane Felch Sept. 9, 1841.

Children, — La Roy D., Wm. Elmer, Emery J., Clara
L., twins, Ella and Emma, Harrie A., Minnie M.

Alzamon D. Amsden d at Felchville, Vt., Jan. 7,
1865; Harriet J. (Felch) Amsden d at Windsor, Vt.,
Jan. 15, 1896.

La Roy was drowned in Ludlow (Vt.) Lake, Aug.
21, 1865 ; Wm. Elmer was wounded March 5, 1864, at
"Battle of the Wilderness". Supposed to have been ta-
ken prisoner and d in southern prison. Emma A. d
June 6, 1866, and Emeroy J. d Aug. 19/1876, at Felch-
ville, Vt.

Emeroy J. m Christopher Twombly (English descent)
Dec. 12, 1867.

Children, — Elmer James Twombly, who is unmar-
ried, resides in Boston, Mass. He owns several Fruit
and Produce wholesale stores in Maine, and is an exper-
ienced and shrewd buyer, attending to all that part of
the business. Headquarters in Boston.

Clara L. m Henri Wilkins Jan. 1, 1873, at Felch-
ville, Vt., by Wm. Felch, Esq., and now resides in
Claremont, N. H.

HISTORY OF READING. 169

Children. —Dean, b Oct. 27, 1S74 ; Mabel, b July 12,
1876 ; Clyde, b April 30, 1883 ; Rock, b April 13, 1885.
Ella m Marshall Worcester, Oct. 2, 1873. He d

1893-

Children,— Lena E., Charlie C , Guy A., Ula B.

Harrie m Francise Cutler, Rutland, Vt., Feb. 25,
1SS6 ; Minnie m Dana N. Coy. (Scotch descent) Oct. 3,
1883, in Felchville, Vt.

Children,— Lee Felch Coy, b Sept. 2, 1S86 ; Hazel
Anna Coy, b Nov. 18, 1893 ; Priscilla Harriet Coy, b
June 25, 1901.

Minnie Amsden Coy, granddaughter of Wm. Felch,
is a "Colonial Dame", also a "Daughter of the Revolu-
tion", having at date of writing, traced out five direct
lines of Revolutionary service in her ancestry.

Civil War service of Alzamon D. Amsden : —
Alzamon D. Amsden 's first enlistment was under Capt.
E. D. Keyes, Sept. 8, mustered Oct. 23, 1862, discharged
Aug. ro, 1063, C). H., 16th Vt. Vols. Second enlistment,
Nov. 14, 1863, mustered April 17, 1864, Co. H., Regt. 17,
C. W. Corey, Capt.

Lewis Hawkins.
By Carlos HawTkins.

Lewis Hawkins, son of William L. Hawkins and
Anna (Townsend) his wife, born in Reading, Vt., June
23, 1798. Married, Olivia Amsden, daughter of Abel
Amsden, Dec. 4, 1823. Lewis Hawkins carried on the
Carding Machine Works, near the Abel Amsden resi-
dence, about the year 1826; and afterwards moved to
Reading Centre, and kept a hotel, and also carried on the
Shoe manufacturing business. From thence he moved to
Hammondsville, in Reading, Vt., and bought the saw-
mill of Homer Hammond, and erected a Grist Mill and
Rake factory, in which he carried on the business of
Milling, Rake manufacturing, and Sawing lumber for a

i7o HISTORY OF READING.

number of years. From thence he moved to Sherburne,
Vt., and followed farming until his death, which was
April 30, 1875.

Lewis Hawkins' wife died at Reading Centre, Nov.
23, A. D. 1844, aged 41 years. Of their union in mar-
riage were born three children : — William, a son, b 1824
and d in infancy; Carlos, a son, b 1826, and now resides
in Reading, at Hammondsville ; Marcia Isabell, a
daughter, b July 17, A. D, 1828 ; m Samuel G. Spauld-
ing, who now resides in Chicago, 111.

William Adrian Hawkins,
By Arthur H, Keyes.

William Adrian Hawkins was born Jan. 18, 1742,
in Bordeaux, France. His father had shipping in Dub-
lin, Ireland. In 1730 the British put a proscription up-
on Irish shipping, and his father lost his shipping by pi-
rates, and then removed to France.

The History of Wilton, N. H. says, "William
Adrian Hawkins' father was born in Dublin, Ireland, m
an English woman and emigrated to Bordeaux, where a
so.n, William Adrian, and a daughter were born, and
who were brought to this country. He was reported
wealthy, but lost most of his property in the wars of
that period". He is supposed by some to be of English
descent, by others, of Irish descent, but probably was of
Irish descent.

William Adrian Hawkins, his son, enlisted in the
American Army for four years at the time of the Revolu-
tion, but after serving three years in the Revolution, his
family being in distressed circumstances, sickness and
death having occurred, he had leave of absence to go
home, and he did not have his discharge papers.

He was 1st Sergeant of Col. James Reed's regiment
of N. H. troops in Capt. William Walker's Co., and was

HISTORY OF READING. 171

promoted to Ensign for conduct at the battle of Bunker
Hill.

It is related of him, that in the battle of Bunker
Hill he fired his gun until it became too hot to hold,
then wrapped his coat around it and continued firing.
Carlos Hawkins of Reading has the gun he used in the
battle of Bunker Hill, also his chair and Bible.

On Jan. 1, 1776, he was made 2nd Lieutenant, 2nd
Continental Infantry, and on Nov. 8, 1776, was made 1st
Lieutenant, 3rd N. H. Infantry, and on May 22, 1779,
was commissioned Capt. of the 9th Company of the 3rd
Regulars, Col. Alexander Scrammeli's Regiment, and re-
signed July 5, 17S0.

He m Abigail Keyes in 1776. She was from a Scotch
Irish family, properly Scotch, and the"family resided for a
time in Ireland. She was b Dec. 31, 1743, d Feb. 24,
1813. He wTas a tailor by trade, and resided in North-
boro, Mass., and in Wilton, N. H., and Reading, Vt.

William A. Hawkins was a witty man, and being
called upon to testify in court, the Judge asked him his
nationality ; he replied, "Your Honor, I was sired in
Dublin, b in France, and reared in America, and I will
leave it to the Court to decide". His children were, —

1 Abigail, b in Northboro, Mass., Aug. 17, 1767,
m Davis, lived in Canada.

2 Patty, or Martha, b in Northboro, Mass., July 8,
1769, m Archelaus Putnam, Oct. 28, 1788, d in Glens
Falls, in i860.

3 Mary, b in Northboro, Mass., June 18, 177 1 , d
Jan. 8, 1852. She m William Howard Nov. 3. 1793, and
lived in Temple, N. H., and Weston, Vt.

4 William Lewis, b in Northboro, Mass., June 17,
1773, d in Reading, Vt., Nov. 26, 1859 ; he m Anna
Townsend, Jan. 11. 1797.

5 Alice, b in Wilton, N. H., baptized Feb. 21,
1777, d aged 9 years.

6 George Washington, b May 31, 1781, in Wilton,

1 72 HISTORY OF READING.

X. H., m Hannah Mansur, d Feb. 7, 1857.

7 Horatio Gates, b Dec. 1, 1782, in Wilton, N. H.,
m Polly Bates, second wife, Mrs. Louis Burgess.

8 John Sullivan, b Jan. 30, 1785, at Wilton, N. H.,
m Mary Morrison, d in 1870 at Macomb, 111.

William Adrian Hawkins, the father and subject of
this sketch, d in Reading Dec. 16, 18 17, and he and his
wife are both buried in the cemetery at Bailey's Mills,
in Reading, Vt.

Hawkins' Genealogy From William Adrian Hawkins

Down.

William Lewis Hawkins, son of Wm. A. Hawkins
and Abigail (Keyes) was born in Northboro, Mass.,
June 14, 1678, d Nov. 26, 1859. He m Anna Tounsend,
Jan. 11, 1797. She was b June 6, 1778, d Oct. 14, 1865.
She was the daughter of Thomas Tounsend. Their
children were : —

Lewis HawTkins, b June 23, 1798, d April 29, 1875 ;
William A. Hawkins, b May 24, 1800, d July 7, 1869 ;
Alfred Hawkins, b Sept. 30, 1803, d Jan. 31, 1805
Isabella HawTkins, b Feb. 23, 1806, d Sept. 14, 1825 ;
Ferdinand Hawkins, b Feb. 14, 1808, d Dec. 26, 1893 ;
Horatio Hawkins, b March 3, 1810, d March 31, 1815 ;
Josiah Q. Hawkins, b March 14, 1812, d June 18, 1882.

Lewis Hawkins, m Olivia Amsden. Dec. 4, 1824 ;
she d Nov. 23, 1844.

Wm. Adrian, m Betsey Davis ; she d April 11, 187 —

Josiah Q., m Susan Badlam, May 25. 1836 ; she d
July 10, 1879.

Ferdinand, m Charlotte Lucretia Amsden, Jan. 1,
T834 ; she d Aug. 14, 1901.

Alfred, m.

Children of Ferdinand and Charlotte L. (Amsden)
Hawkins : —

Floyd Ferdinand, b Jan. 26, 1835 ; Lorette Char-

PUBLIC

AffTOR, I.

1

R

FERDINAND HAWKINS.

MRS. CHARLOTTE AMSDEN HAWKINS.

HISTORY OF READING. 173

lotte, b March n, 1838; George Ostinella. b May 28,
1840 ; d June 25, 1896 ; Horatio Gates, b March 23,
1848 ; Budd Dallas, b April 13, 1859, — all b in Reading,
Vt.

Marriages :
Floyd Ferdinand, m Laura A. Robinson, March
14, 1865 ; Lorette Charlotte, m Elmer Duane Keyes,
Sept. 14, 1862 ; George Ostinella, m Sarah Luella Ben-
jamin, Feb. 12, 1868; Horatio Gates, m Ada Jane
Woodruff, March 23, 1875; Budd Dallas, m Hattie L.
Kendall, Aug. 26, 1884.

Ferdinand Hawkins,
By Arthur H. Keyes.

Ferdinand Hawkins was born in Reading, Vt., Feb.
14, 1808.

His father was William Lewis Hawkins, and his
mother was Anna Townsend Hawkins. He was b in
the house where his grandfather, William Adrian Haw-
kins lived, in the west part of the town, and where he
first settled when he came to Reading. His early edu-
cation was obtained largely from his father, who was a
pedagogue at that time. His early life was spent in
Reading, with the exception of one year, (1832) when he
traveled in Canada, selling goods in partnership with
his brother Alfied.

He worked for Abel Amsden in his carding mill,
and assisted his father. When he was a young man his
father moved to Hammondsville, and conducted a hotel
which burned in 1838, and he built the present hotel
structure on its site. On Jan. 1, 1834, Ferdinand m
Charlotte Lucretia Amsden, daughter of Abel Amsden

174 HISTORY OF READING.

of Reading.

They lived during the first year of their marriage,
with his father in the hotel at Hammondsville, when
they bought and moved on to the farm about two miles
above Felchville, where they spent a long and happy
life together, residing continuously on the same farm for
58 years, when Mr. Hawkins died.

On Jan. 1, 1884, they celebrated their Golden Wed-
ding, when many children and grandchildren were pres-
ent. He was for forty years a Deputy Sheriff and Con-
stable, in his native town ; and his advanced age was
the sole cause of his resigning the office, his townsmen
having urged him to remain in office for several years
after he had expressed his desire to be relieved of the
cares of office.

He was well qualified for the office he held for so
many years, being very quick to act, both in mind and
body, although of slight stature. During all his term in
office as sheriff he never found it necessary to carry any
weapons of defense.

In politics he was a Republican. He passed his
whole life (with the exception of one year in Canada) in
his native town. He was an energetic and successful
worker, and he received the esteem and confidence of
his fellow townsmen all his life. He died Dec. 26, 1893,
aged 87 years. (See page 172 of this History for the
children of Ferdinand and Charlotte Hawkins).

Mrs. Charlotte I^ucretia (Amsden) Hawkins.
From Vermont Standard.

Mrs. Ferdinand Hawkins was born March 20, 1814,
in Reading Vt. Her maiden name was Charlotte L,ucretia
Amsden. She was the daughter of Abel Amsden and

HISTORY OF READING. 175

Susanna (Story) Amsden. Her father was one of the
pioneer settlers of Reading, having emigrated from
Southboro, Mass., to Reading, when the latter town was
a wilderness. She was born in one of the first houses
erected in Reading on the site of the house now occupied
by Merritt Amsden, and when she was two years old her
father built the brick house now standing and known as
the Blood place, where he kept a tavern, and in this
house the first Universalist sermon in Reading was
preached, and some of the earliest Masonic meetings
were held here. Mrs. Hawkins attended school in Read-
ing, Vt., and Canaan, N. H.

On Jan. 1, 1834, she married Ferdinand Hawkins of
Reading, and they spent a long and happy life together
of nearly sixty years on the farm where she died, she
having lived continuously in the same house for nearly
68 years. Five children were born of this union ; four
sons, Floyd F. Hawkins of Milford, N. H., George O.
Hawkins, now deceased, formerly of Chicago, 111.,
Horatio G. Hawkins of Springfield, Mass., Budd D.
Hawkins of Reading, and one daughter, Mrs. E. D.
Keyes of Rutland.

On Jan. 1, 1884, Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins celebrated
their Golden Wedding. Mr. Hawkins died Dec. 26,
1893. Mrs. Hawkins was one of the few remaining
'real' daughters of the Revolution, her father having
served four years in the Revolutionary Army. She was
a member of 'Ann Story' Chapter of the Daughters of
the American Revolution, having headquarters at Rut-
land, and was presented with a golden spoon by the Na-
tional Society of the D. A. R.

About a year ago she received and entertained at
her home a delegation from the D. A. R. Chapter at
Woodstock. She had a remarkably keen memory, being

£76 HISTORY OF READING

able to recall, during her last years, many of the details
of events in her early life, and it was a rare pleasure to
hear her tell of the old-fashioned farm life customs that
were in vogue 'when she was a girl*.

She was an untiring worker and a constant reader
of current events all her life. On her 86th birthday she
gave a dinner party to ten of her relatives and neighbors,
preparing the entire meal herself. Her kind heart and
cheerful nature made her beloved by all who knew her.
Her earnest desire was to have all those about her
happy, and many were the happy days spent by her
children and grandchildren in her home.

The rememberance of her sunny face and pleasant
words will ever be a source of fond recollection to those
who were associated with her.

The funeral of Mrs. Ferdinand Hawkins was held
at her late home here Aug. 17th, Rev. J. B. Reardon
of Ludlow, officiating. The pall-bearers were Floyd F,
Hawkins, of Milford, N. H.; Budd D. Hawkins, of
Reading ; Edwin E., and Arthur H. Keyes of Rutland,
all sons and grandsons of the deceased.

The floral offerings were many and very beautiful.
The burial was in the cemetery about a mile above
Felchville, near her childhood home. The lot for this
cemetery was given to the town of Reading by her father,
Abel Amsden, many years ago. Besides the pall bearers
above mentioned, there were present from out of town, —
Mrs. E. D. Keyes, of Rutland ; Mrs. Floyd Hawkins, of
Milford, N. H.; Mrs. H. G. Hawkins, of Springfield,
Mass.; Dr. Darwin Story, of Proctorsville ; Mrs. Emma
S. White, of Boston ; Mrs. Chas. Amsden, of Amsden ;
Mr. Savage, of Windsor and his brother and sis-
ter, and several otheis.

PUBLIC

AfCOT

S

JOSIAH Q. HAWKINS

HISTORY OF READING. 177

Josiah Q. Hawkins,
By a Friend.

Referring to the History of the Town of Reading,
Vermont, issued in 1874, the Hon. Gilbert A. Davis
gives the following in his sketch of Mr. Hawkins: —

"Josiah Quincy Hawkins was born in Reading,
Vermont, March 14, 1812, and was a son of W. L.
Hawkins, He received an academical education, stud-
ied law with O. Hutchinson, Esq., and L,. Adams, Esq.
of Chester, Vermont, and was admitted to the bar at
Woodstock, Vt. He commenced practice in Felchville,
Vt., in 1847, and continued there until the fall of i860
when he removed to Brandon, Vermont."

The continuation of his life is taken up by an old
friend of Mr. Hawkins', and of his two daughters Mrs.
Juliet E. Dike (wife of Nathaniel Dike of Auburndale,
Mass.). and Miss Mary A. Hawkins. They are the only
living children of Mr. Josiah Quincy Hawkins, and his
wife, Susan M., who died in Brandon, Vt., on July 16,
1879. Mr. Hawkins was admitted to the Rutland Coun-
ty bar and practised at every term of court from i860 to
1882, and while numerous public offices were offered
him, he found time only for his chosen profession. Mr.
Hawkins was a kind husband, an indulgent father, and
a gentleman of courteous and gracious bearing, and a
true and loyal son of Vermont. The writer remembers
with great respect this genial man in his hospitable
home. He was a man of character and is remembered
by his children and friends with great love and affection.
He died suddenly in Brandon, Vermont, on June 18,
1882, and was buried beside his wife in Chester, Ver-
mont. He married Susan M. Badlam of Chester.

Mr. Hawkins was a Democrat in his political belief.
He was one of the selectmen of Reading in 1858 and
1859, and represented the town in the Vt. Legislature at
the session of 1858.

178 HISTORY OF READING.

He had a large practise as a lawyer in the prosecu-
tion of claims for pensions under the laws of the United
States.

Elmer Duane Keyes,
By A. H. Keyes.

Elmer Duane Keyes was the son of Marvin and Lu-
cinda (Fulham) Robinson.

When he was two years old his mother died, and he
was adopted by Washington Keyes and his wife Eliza
(Robinson) Keyes, and he assumed the name of Keyes.
Washington Keyes' wife was a sister of his father.

He died at his residence on Grove street. Rutland,
Vt., Dec. 4, 1893, after a brief but painful illness.

Mr. Keyes was born at South Reading, Vt., July 15,
1838. He worked on the farm where his adopted parents
lived until the age of 21, teaching school during five
winter seasons.

Early in the war he entered the service as a lieuten-
ant in Company H of Col. Veazey's regiment, the 16th
Vermont volunteers. Dec. 31, 1862, he was promoted
to the captaincy of his company and occupied that
position until the end of his term of enlistment. His
company, with its regiment, bore a very prominent part
in the battle of Gettysburg, in repulsing Pickett's
charge.

After leaving the army, Mr. Keyes engaged in busi-
ness in Felchville, with W. P. Chamberlain, where he
remained until September, 1870, when he came to Rut-
land. Oct. i, of the same year he bought the retail gro-
cery business of S. F. Paige, and took into partnership,
N. R. Bardy, who had been the head clerk in Mr. Paige's
store. This partnership continued until June 1, 1883,
when Mr. Bardy retired. The business had assumed
very large proportions during these years. The whole-
sale branch had been established, and the last year of

ELMER D. KEYES.

TITF

PUBLIC

TILDBN
B

HISTORY OF READING. 179

the original partnership had reached a volume of over
$600,000 yearly.

Upon the retirement of Mr. Bardy, Mr, Keyes asso-
ciated with himself C. O. Perkins, a traveling represen-
tative of the firm, who has, for the past few years, been
one of the active managing heads of the house. In
June, 1885, Erwin E. Keyes, the elder son of the head
of the firm, was taken into partnership.

The business has always been conducted in the
brick building on Evelyn street, where it was establish-
ed nearly a quarter of a century ago. Mr. Keyes pur-
chased half of the block soon after beginning business
in Rutland, and a few years later secured the remainder
of the building. He gradually withdrew from the active
management of the Rutland business, soon after his son
entered the firm, and for the last few years of his life, de-
voted his time largely to real estate and other financial
interests in the West

Mr. Keyes married in 1862, L,orette Charlotte Haw-
kins, of Reading. Three children were born to them,
of whom two sons, Erwin E. Keyes and Arthur H.
Keyes, together with Mrs. Keyes, survive him. Mr.
Keyes left two brothers, W. F,, and Charles Robinson,
and a married sister, all of whom reside in Boston.

He has never sought office, but served as colonel on
the staff of Gov. Washburn. At the time of his death
he was director of the Baxter National bank, of the
Howe Scale Co., and of the People's Gas company, vice
president of the Bank of Volga, South Dakota, vice pres-
ident of the Volga Equitable Loan and Trust company,
and a director in several other financial institutions in
various parts of the West.

Mr. Keyes was one of five gentlemen who bid off the
plant of the Howe Scale Co., at public auction in 1886,
and thus prevented the works from being purchased by
the Fairbanks Scale Co., in which case they would prob-
ably have been removed from Rutland to St. Johnsbury,

i8o HISTORY OF READING.

Vermont.

Mr. Keyes had been a sufferer from chronic bronchi-
tis and asthmatic troubles for nearly 15 years, and dur-
ing the last five years of his life, had several severe at-
tacks of illness. He returned from a six weeks' business
trip about a month before he died, Mrs. Keyes joining
him on the homeward journey at Chicago. During this
trip he drove for 34 miles over a South Dakota prairie,
and contracted a cold from the effects of which he never
recovered. His chronic affections developed emphysema,
which eventually caused his death. He was a Mason
and was a faithful communicant of Trinity Episcopal
church.

Mr. Keyes was typical of New England thrift and
integrity. From the position he occupied in his native
village, his business ability and personal integrity
raised him to that of the head of the largest firm in the
wholesale grocery business in the State of Vermont.
As a business man he occupied a unique position. His
untiring energy and industry were fruitful with the best
results, and he commanded, to an unusual extent, the
respect and confidence of all who were in any way asso-
ciated with him. In his home life he was ever a thought-
ful and loving husband and parent, and a most genial
entertainer of the many he delighted to call friends.

In speaking of his death, Mr. Bardy, his former
partner, paid a warm tribute to his personal
character and business ability. "Mr. Keyes was," he
said, "a man of the most thorough and painstaking in-
stincts. His word was always regarded as the equiva-
lent of his name, and he never engaged in any
undertaking without entering into a careful and
thoughtful examination of its minutest details.

"The growth of our business under his direction
was phenomenal. The business was confined entirely
to the retail branch until a relative of Mr. Keyes, a
Chicago tobacco manufacturer, sent to us a small quan-

HISTORY OF READING. 181

tity of fine cut tobacco, and appointed the firm his rep-
resentative in this section. Mr. Keyes was going over
to the other side of the mountain, and as an expeiiment
took three boxes with him. He sold ten kegs of it before
he returned, and that was the beginning of the present
enormous business.

"Mr. Keyes was prompt and active in his business
life, never wasting words when time was more valuable
than speech, but at home or in society he was ever
genial."

182 HISTORY OF READING.

CHAPTER XVI.

Biographical and Family Sketches Continued.

(i) Ebenezer Abbott and Family ; (2) Rev. George W.

Bailey ; (3) Levi Bailey and His Descendants ;

(4) Benjamin Buck ; (5) Benoni Buck ;

(6) J. L. Buck, and (7)Bixby Family.

Ebenezer Abbott, the son of Asa and (McCollom)
Abbott, was b Nov. 15, 1797, in Ludlow, on the Green
Mt.

He came to Reading in 1809, and served an appren-
ticeship as a clothier with Levi Bailey. He m Elsie
Annis, of Hartland, Vt. Their only child was William
M. C. Abbott, who was b in Randolph, Vt., Sept. 16,
1832. He returned to Reading in 1842, and tended grist
mill for Levi Bailey, at Bailey's Mills, for about two
years, and then became a farmer. He d May 22, 1875,
at Reading, Vt. He was a Universalist in his religious
belief. His wife d April 11, 1862.

Wm. M. C. Abbott is still a resident of Reading.
He was lister in 1880-1, and 1881-2, and 1896. He m
Amelia M. Parkhurst, of Cavendish, Jan. 5, 1865. She
d Dec. 31, 1890, at Reading.

Rev. George W. Bailey.

(The following article was prepared by Mr. Bailey,
at the request of the editor.)

I was b at Weare, N. H., June 19. 1816.

My parents' names were, Bradbury and Agnes
(Marshall) Bailey. My education was obtained in com-
mon schools, and the following academies, — Cavendish,
in the year of '34, Chester, in '35, and in the Scientific

REV. G. W. BAILEY

TH1

HLD1

L

HISTORY OF READING. 183

and Military academy at Unity, N. H., in the years of
'36, '37, and '38, then very celebrated, under the con-
trol of A. A. Miner, afterward President of Tuft's college,
and a popular clergyman in Boston. I never attended
any Theological school. What little I am, aside from
what nature gave me, I have acquired by my own per-
sonal efforts.

There were no preachers of other denominations liv-
ing at Felchville when I lived there.

In the spring of 1840, I received a letter from Lu-
ther Kendall, Esq., asking me to come to Felchville and
preach on the first Sunday in May. I complied with
his request, and the result was, I engaged to go there,
and preach in Reading, (Felchville, Middle of the Town,
and South Reading,) one-half of the time, for the enor-
mous salary of $ 7. a Sabbath. I remained there until
the first of March, 1841, when I was called to Spring-
field. I taught the Felchville village school during the
winters of '40 and '41. After removing to Springfield, I
supplied for the Universalists in Reading, one Sabbath in
a month during the year, of 1841. In June, 1840, I re-
ceived the Fellowship of the Universalist denomination
in New Hampshire, and was ordained the 12th of Nov.,
of the same year, in Felchville, in the church which was
afterward burned. At that time, Rev. S. C. Loveland
was living in Reading, and he, with Rev. Warren Skin-
ner, of Cavendish, and Rev. Russell Streeter, of Wood-
stock, performed the principal parts at my ordination,
Rev. Warren Skinner preaching the sermon.

Since taking up my permanent abode in Springfield,
I supplied the Universalist parish at Felchville, during
the year of 1879, one Sabbath in a month.

My* memory shows me distinctly the appearance of
the old church at the Middle of the Town, which was
built in the cold year of 1816. The pulpit, and platform
on which it stood, had taken a leaning position, having
become detached from the wall behind, and stood at an

i84 HISTORY OF READING

angle of several degrees towards the people; so that I
felt, while occupying the sacred place, in danger of be-
ing landed among the pews. But no such accident ever
occurred.

I have lived to fill several pastorates and ministerial
positions from that day to this, viz: — six years in Spring-
field, one year in Richmond, Va., three years in Ran-
dolph, Vt., fifteen years in Lebanon, N. H., and ten
years in Morrisville, Vt. For the last twenty-five years
I have labored only as a supply for different parishes,
having in all, delivered some over 4030 sermons and lec-
tures, attended 700 funerals, and solemnized 372 mar-
riages.

In public life, I have served seventeen years as sup-
erintendent of schools, two years a member of the N. H.
legislature, and also two years in the same capacity in
Vt. In 1865, the legislature appointed as a committee
of location of what is now the Goddard seminary, in
Barre the following: — Rev. A. A. Miner, of Boston, ex-
Gov. Trask, of Springfield, Mass., and Rev. G. W. Bai-
ley, of Lebanon, N. H.

Rev. Solomon Laws, a graduate of Dartmouth col-
lege, was my predecessor at Felchville, and, I believe,
Rev. Luther Rice, now of Watertown, N. Y., was my
successor.

The Bailey Family, and Bailey's Mills,
By Charles F. Bailey.

To all residents of Reading, one of the old land-
marks is that cluster of buildings in the valley on the
banks of Mill Brook, known as Bailey's Mills.

Here has been activity, and what was once the cen-
tre of a prosperous neighborhood, now shows decay and
is growing old and unless something is done to stay the
hand of time, nothing but ruins will mark the place
which has been the scene of so much activity.

HISTORY OF READING. 185

Levi Bailey the founder and builder of this place
was born February 5, 1766, and was the son of Samuel
and Hannah Bailey, his father having been killed at
the battle of Bunker Hill. All that I know of his early
history is that he lived in Mass., until about 1785, when
he came to Reading, and purchased land that is a part
of the farm now owned and occupied by H. S. Fay,
and here as a young man in the twenties, began his
labors in a new country.

He first cleared the land and then erected buildings
suitable to the times, and as his means increased pur-
chased more land and branched out in various lines.

February 1, 1791 he was married to Hannah Bailey,
and they started house keeping in their house on the
place above described, and here and in the new neighbor-
hood they reared a large family, which have scattered,
now only one survivor remains, Mrs. Rhoda Warren,
living in Weathersfield, Vt., at the advanced age of 96
years.

From what I have learned from tradition and from
the works that remain, he must have been a man of
strong personal character, and accomplished whatever
he undertook.

He purchased the property at Bailey's Mills at dif-
ferent times and from different persons, during the last
years of the eighteenth, and the first years of the nine-
teenth centuries.

From what I can remember of tradition at the time
of his first purchase, which was a half interest in the
water power, there had been some improvements made
upon the same, a dam had been built, and a saw mill
erected.

He soon, however, had full control of the same, and in
modern terms, started out to boom the place -and develop
its resources. This saw mill was followed by a grist mill,
the grist mill by clothiers' works, and then a carding
mill, one of the first to be started in the state, and these

i86 HISTORY OF READING.

were in the due time followed up by a linseed oil mill,
a full and complete woolen mill for the manufacture of
woolen cloth, a starch mill, blacksmith shop, and store.
These were all run at different times, and with varying
fortunes at the place from about 1800, up to his death in
1850; and he owned and managed all of theser with
perhaps the exception of the store which I don't think he
owned, only owning the building and renting the same.
During the time in addition to the business carried on at
Bailey's Mills, he was extensively engaged in farming,
owning and farming several hundred acres of land, sit-
uated in Reading, and for a number of years was a mem-
ber of the firm of Bailey & Gilson, who conducted a
general store at the Middle of the Town, but in this
business he only furnished capital.

He was an extensive buyer of stock, and as was the
custom then, drove the same to the Brighton market.

During the busy part of his life, from i3oo to 1840,
he carried on the largest business of any man in Read-
ing, and was a considerable portion of the time consider-
ed the wealthiest man in Reading,

He built a large number of buildings at Bailey's
Mills, upon the old farm, and upon other property
owned by him, some of which now remain — particularly
the brick house and factory building at Bailey's Mills ;
others have been torn down, or burned, and a part fallen
by the ravages of time.

He met many losses by fire and ilood. I have been
told by my grandfather, that his losses by fire and flood
amounted to over $13,000, and this without insurance,
was a total loss to him.

Hannah, his wife, d June 29, [822, aged 58 years.
Levi Bailey died at his home at Bailey's Mills, October
21, 1850, aged about 85 years.

The following are the names and date of birth of the
children that grew to maturity, two having died in in-
fancy,—

HISTORY OF READING. 187

Hannah b Dec. 18, 1791; Samuel b Jan. 14, 1794;
Betsey b Aug. 23, 1795; Levi b Feb. 15, 1797; Thusa b
May 13, 1799; Sarah b Aug, 28, 1800; Rosamond b June 8,
1804; Rhoda b Jan. 16, 1806; Plooma b Mar. 25, 1808,
Kendall b March 17, 1810.

All of the children with the exception of Rosamond
who died when she was about 21 years, lived to ad-
vanced age, all but one living past the age of three score
years and ten, two lived to be over seventy, three over
eighty and three over ninety, with the survivor now
living at the advanced age of 96 years.

Hannah m Daniel Forbush and resided in Reading
most of her life. Samuel lived at the old place and will
have notice later.

Betsey m Jeptha Shedd Nov. 17, 1817, and lived at
the Shedd place. They had two children, Fredrick b May
24, 1820; who m Lovira Bailey; Albina b May, 16, 1822,
m George Bailey; Jeptha Shedd d July 21, 1831; Betsey
Shedd, in 1854, m Joseph Shedd, she d at Bailey's Mills
in 1883; Levi m Lucinda Johnson, removed to Mis-
souri, from there to Iowa, where he d at the advanced
age of 92 years. He left several children and grand chil-
dren; Thusa m Oliver Holmes, removed to Missouri, d
aged 73 years; lelt several children and grandchildren;
Sarah m Shubal C. Shedd, and d aged 85 years; Rhoda
m Asahel W. Warren, and lives at Weathersfield, Vt.
Has two children living, — James residing in Stanislaus
County, Cal., and Asahel B., residing at Ascutneyville,
Vt., and several grandchildren; Plooma m Benjamin
Kinball, removed to Missouri, and d aged over 80 years;
Kendall m Emily Sutton, removed to Missouri, and d
aged about 78 years.

As Samuel lived the most of his life at Reading, it
is important that a sketch of his life should be given
here. Born in Reading, Jan. 14, 1794, he lived at home
and worked at the various enterprises his father had on
hand, until Dec. 31, 1819, when he m Dolly Newton, and

188 HISTORY OF READING

started a home of his own.

He still continued to be engaged with his father in
his various manufacturing enterprises up to the time of
his father's death.

He developed a large amount of mechanical ingenu-
ity, and could work with almost any kind of a tool. He
also understood blacksmithing and all the various in-
dustries carried on at that time at Bailey's Mills, and
has done all the different work required in these various
occupations. It was a common saying in Reading if
anything was broken, 'take it to Uncle Sam, and he can
fix it if anybody can'.

After the death of his father he purchased the Bail-
ey's Mills property, and soon after sold an undivided
two-thirds interest in the water power and factory to his
son George and Oliver Bailey, of South Woodstock,
who, about 1854, went into the business of manufactur-
ing stocking yarn, and a general store under the firm
name of O. S. & G. Bailey, which firm continued until the
death of Oliver Bailey in 1856, when his interest was
bought up and the business continued under the firm
name of S. & G. Bailey, which firm did business of va-
rious kinds, — general store, carding mill, grist mill,
and farming, up to 1873, when he gave up all interest in
the various lines of business.

During the last twenty-five years of his life, he
spent much of his time in his shop, doing various jobs
of repairs for himself and neighbors, experimenting with
various inventions, and making different articles of
wood or iron as his fancy dictated, until his failing fac-
ulties would not permit him to work further. During
the last five years of his life he lived in Iowa and Dako-
ta, and d at the residence of his son Ransom, near Grun-
dy Center, Iowa, February 14, 1S91, at the ripe age of
ninety-seven years, and one month. His wife, Dolly, d
at Reading, July 28, 1848.

He afterwards m Achsah Bruce Wheeler, who d at

HISTORY OF READING. 189

Reading, Vt. Nine children were b to Samuel and Dol-
ly Bailey ; their names and dates of birth are as follows, -

Orwell, b Nov. 1, 1820; George, b June 16, 1822;
Lovira, b Oct. 18, 1825 ; Ransom, b Feb. 24, 1828 ; Sam-
uel, b March 14, 1830; Sarah, b Jan. 5, 1835; Levi, b
Dec. 12, 1837 ; Mary, b Apr. 26, T842 ; Charles, b Oct.
16. 1846.

Orwell went to Illinois, afterwards to Iowa, where
he now resides, at Holland. He has been extensively
engaged in farming, and dealing in real estate, at which
he became wealthy. He has now retired from active
business. He m Maria Rogers, and five children were
b, of which four survive, --

Charles, Frank, George, and Eugene. All are en-
gaged in farming and dealing in real estate, and all are
married.

Lovira m Frederick Shedd, and resided at Bailey's

Mills, and on the Shedd Place, and d March ,

1889, aged 63 years.

Ransom went to Illinois, from there to Iowa, and
now resides at Cedar Falls, Iowa, is engaged in farm-
ing and dealing in real estate, and has amassed a fine
property. He m Mary Dyer, and they have two children.
James Levi, and Samuel Orwell, who reside at Cedar
Falls, Iowa, and are engaged in general hardware and
plumbing.

Samuel went to Illinois, then to Kansas, and now
resides at Wichita, Kansas ; m Relief Philbrick.
They have five children, viz, — George S., Emma, Ward,
Fred, and Cora.

Sarah went to Illinois, and now resides at Morrison,
Iowa, m Truman Pattee. The following children were
b unto them, —

Lovira, Martin, and Fred.

Levi d at Bai.eyville, Illinois, Jan. 31, 1866.

Mary m Henry N. Bryant, d May , 1869, leav-
ing one child.

I9Q HISTORY OF READING.

Jennie, who m Eugene Bailey, resides near
Grandy Center, Iowa.

Charles d at Reading, July 25, 1855.

George Bailey m Albina Shedd, June 25. 1856, and
started house keeping at Bailey's Mills, where he now
resides. He has been engaged in various enterprises at
Bailey's Mills all his life, as a member of the firm of S.
and G. Bailey, and also since 1873 in running a carding
mill and grist mill up to 1885, when the dam was des-
troyed, and no business has been done since that time in
the old mill. He has also been engaged in farming.
He is now the oldest resident in that part of the town,
where he has spent a useful life, always ready to accom-
modate any one in need or trouble, and is unusually re-
spected for his upright dealings and strict honesty.

Albina Shedd, his wife, d Jan. 7, 1898, aged 75
years. Their children are, —

Charles F., b July 27, 1857, and Abbie S., b Nov. 7,
1862.

Abbie S. Bailey m John P. Barnes, and now resides
at Felchville, Vt.

A sketch of Charles F. Bailey, prepared by the ed-
itor, will be found under the head of Attorneys and Col-
lege Graduates.

Benjamin Buck's Genealogy.

Benjamin Buck was b in Killingly, Conn.,
May 21, 1768. He m Ellen Leavens, Nov.
25, 1790. She was b March 3, 1767 ; their
people came to Reading, and located on
Caper Hill, on the farm occupied by them
through life, and by his son, Dexter Buck,
until his death. Benjamin Buck d at Read-
ing Oct. 22, 1857. His wife Ellen, d at
Reading Feb. 23, 1851. Their children
were, —

HISTORY OF READING. 191

ir (1) Benjamin Buck, Jr., b Nov. 10, 1791, d

June 29, 1880. He m Charlotte Bragg
June 7. 1819, and had three children.

11 (2) Martha Buck, b July 16, 1794, d Feb. 9,

1845, in West Windsor. She m Joseph
Bliss, March 25, 1830. They had five
children.

11 (3) Hannah Buck, b Dec. 15, 1796, d April 8,

1858, unmarried.

11 (4) Infant son, b March 9, 1799, d March 12,

1799.

11 (5) Ellen Buck, b Nov. 6, 1802, d Feb. 24,

1865, unmarried.

11 (6) Rufus Buck, b June 2, 1805, d Oct. 22,

1891, at South Reading, m Sophia Fullam
Oct. 22, 1835. They had four children.

11 (7) Dexter Buck, b May 26, 1810, d Aug. 9,

1896, m June 1, 1840, to Sarah Jane Davis,
b March 15, 18 13, in Compton, P. Q., d
June 24, 1900, at Reading.

11 (8) Caroline Buck, b May 22, 1812, d June 12,

1881. She m Rufus Stearns Dec. 4, 1833.
They had three children.
Children of Dexter and Sarah J. Buck, —

in (1) Ambrose Dexter Buck, b June 19, 1843, d

at Lebanon, N. H., Sept. 24, 1899, was a
member of Co. A., 12th regt., Vt. Vol., m
Estella Emogene Perkins, of West Wind-
sor, b Sept. 1, 1845, daughter of Solomon
and Rhoda Story Perkins.

in (2) Marilla Sophronia, b June 15, 1845, in

Reading, m Nov. 18, 1869, to Norman Eu-
gene Elliot Perkins, b Oct. 28, 1841, in
West Windsor, sou of Moses and Clarissa
Washburn Perkins. He was Sergt. of Co.
A.. 1 2th regt., Vt. Vol., now resides at
Felchville, and is Justice of the Peace, and

[92 HISTORY OF READING.

a miller.

in (3) Effie Sarah, b June 8, 1847, at Reading, m

Darwin Elber Washburn, Jan. 1, 1873.
He was b Oct. 31, 1844, son of Samuel and
Sarah Jewel Washburn. He resides at
Felchville, is a tinsmith and undertaker,
has been Justice of the Peace and Select-
man, and served in Co. H., 7th regt., Vt.,
Vol.

Children of N. E. E. and Marilla S. Per-
kins,—

iv (1) Fred Valentine, b Feb. 14, T874, in West

Windsor, m Nellie Edna Graham, of Lud-
low, June 13, 1900. He is of the fiim of
Maloney & Perkins, merchants in Cav-
endish, Vt.

iv (2) Lilla Effie, b Jan. 5, 1877, at Reading, and

is a milliner in Felchville.
Children of Ambrose and Estella Buck, —

iv (1) Karl Arthur b March io, 1871, d May n,

1890.

rv (2) Ned Carroll b March 16, 1874, m Emogene

S. Buck Aug. 9, 1899. Resiles at Ran-
dolph, Vt., and is a printer.

iv (3) Guy Ambrose b June 2, 1876, resides at

Lebanon, N. H., and is a druggist.

iv (4) Fred Eugene b Aug. 2, 1878, resides at

Lebanon, N. H., and is a miller. He m
Annie Hatton April 30, 1902.

iv (5) Frank Wait b June 1. 1880, d June 4, 1880.

iv (6) Floyd Dexter b June 1, 1880, d June 12,

1880.

Hon. Benoni Buck,
By Mrs. Chas. M. Keyes.

The late Hon. Benoni Buck was born Oct. 24, 1799 in

HISTORY OF READING. 193

the south west part of Reading, on the farm now owned
or controlled by Hon. G. A. Davis, nearly one half
mile north of what is still known as the "Old Sawyer
Stand". He was one of five brothers, all of whom lived
to ages ranging from 75 to 92 years. He only received
a common school education, but was a thoroughly good
scholar as far as he went, and at an early age com-
menced teaching school winters, and working on the
farm the rest of the year. He was an exceptionally fine
mathematician, and used to have difficult problems sent
him, sometimes by persons whom he never saw, but
never one that he failed to solve. Was very fond of
reading, and kept himself well posted with the important
questions of his time. When at the age of 25 years, his
father having died, and his older brothers having left
home, he m Candace, daughter of Dea. Aaron Goddard,
and settled on the home farm, where he soon built a new
brick house, very near the old one in wmich he was born,
and which is still standing, and being occupied. There
his three children were brought up, attending school
in the same old school house where he used to go. He
greatly valued an education and was able to give them
much greater advantages than he himself had enjoyed.

He was possessed of a remarkably kind and affec-
tionate nature; always ready to lend a helping hand to
all with whom he came in contact. Generous, hospit-
able, charitable, interested in every good cause, and of
strictly temperate habits. He was ' Justice of the Peace' '
and "Notary Public" many vears, represented the town
two years, 1840 and 1841, and was member of the senate
two years, i852-'3, always serving his constituents in an
acceptable manner.

Mr Buck was uniformly dignified and polite in his
manner, truly an "old school gentleman."

Was very fond of children; took great interest in
boys, especially, and usually had one or more in his
family, besides his own, making them a home sometimes

194 HISTORY OF READING.

for months, and sometimes years as the ease might be.

Of these, one was a little six-year old son of a poor
widow who was struggling hard to support three little
ones. (The father was English and the mother Irish.)
This little boy (Isaac Thornton) was an exceedingly
bright and interesting child, of whom the whole family
soon became very fond, and wanted to keep him as their
own. To this the mother would not consent, but would
permit him to be kept for an indefinite length of time.
The result was he was kept, taken care of and sent to
school till about 16 years old, never once wishing to go
back to his former home.

He was a very smart, promising boy, easy to learn,
fond of books and making the best of the opportunities
afforded. He, too, attended school in the same old
school house until the Buck family left the old farm and
removed to Ludlow, where he had the benefit of a better
school for a time, and fiom there went to Springfield,
Vt., to live with Mr. Buck's daughter (Mrs. C. M.
Keyes), and there his school days ended. Being now
not quite 17 years old, his mother having found a home
with a Catholic priest in Middlebury, Vt., came to Spring-
field and claimed her boy, took him away from his home
and those most dear to him, and at once began to have
him trained for the* priest-hood. To this ordeal the boy
would never submit, and soon left his mother without
her knowledge, and returned to his old home with the
determination to stay. But much to his sorrow, and
that of the family, the mother came a second time, and
again he was obliged to go, and again the priest went
on with the training. The boy still rebelled in his in-
most heart, and left them in the same way as before,
went directly to Charlestown, Mass., and enlisted in the
navy, immediately informing the family that as he could
no longer be permitted to live with them, he had resolved
to take himself out of his mother's reach, and was soon
to go on board the United States warship, "Kearsarge."

HISTORY OF READING. 195

The following is a copy of the obituary taken from
a Washington paper, giving a little account of his career
from that time till his death in 1889.

"Isaac Thornton, Assistant Chief of the Assessment
Division, Internal Revenue Bureau, Treasury Depart-
ment, died April 6, at his home in Washington, D. C.
He enlisted in the navy at the age of 17, and was Ser-
geant of Marines on board the Kearsarge, when she
sunk the Alabama. After leaving the service he located
in Washington, and through the influence of Judge Po-
land, secured a position in the United States Arsenal,
which he held for about six months. Then being desir-
ous of a broader field of advancement, was transferred
to the Loan Division Secretary's office, Treasury Depart-
ment, as Messenger ; from which he advanced upon
merit, step by step, through the several grades of clerk-
ship, to Assistant Chief, and finally to Chief of Division.

He was twice appointed by the Secretary of the
Treasury, to go to London, Bng., on the United States
syndicate in charge of government bonds, and while so
acting in 1876, by an act of Congress, made in a line of
economy, the divisions of Loan & Currency were consol-
idated into one. Upon his return, the Secretary appoint-
ed him Assistant Chief of the Assessment Division, In-
ternal Revenue Bureau, which he held until relieved by
death. Mr. Thornton, through his kind and courte-
ous manner had become a general favorite in the de-
partment. He was a man of strict integrity, a true
Christian, a kind father and loving husband. He left a
wife and two children to mourn his loss". Although
Isaac Thornton was not born in the Town of Reading,
yet several years in which he was being brought up,
and while his character was being formed, and his
habits fixed, were spent there ; and as long as he lived
he occasionally came back to visit his boyhood's home,
remembering and acknowledging with gratitude how
much of his success in life was due to the care, educa-

196 HISTORY OF READING.

tion, and influence of those whom he greatly loved and
honored, while they in turn were happy to have had
some part in sending out one who proved himself to be
so worthy.

Mr. Buck after the death of his wife, which occurred
in the year 1865, together with his unmarried daughter,
Laura Howe, removed to Springfield, Vt., where in the
family of his eldest daughter they spent the remaining
years of thier lives. He died in 1879, leaving to his
children and numerous friends the comforting assurance
that the world had been made better by his having lived
in it.

Laura Howe, died in 1902, at the age of 66, beloved
for her sterling worth, and mourned by a large circle of
friends.

Hon. John L- Buck.

The Hon. John L- Buck d at Lockport. N. V., Feb.
27, 1881. He was b at Reading, Vt., Jan. 1, 1802. Re-
ceiving an academic education, he studied law with the
late Judge Prentiss at Montpelier, and began the prac-
tice of the law in 1826, at Northfield, having the same
year m Miss Mary N. Hildreth wTho d in 1864. He had
served in the Vermont legislature, as State's Attorney,
and held other positions of trust in Vermont.

In 1850 he received the honorary degree of A. M.,
from the University of Vermont. He went to Lockport
in 185 1, and has since resided there. Very soon after
going to Lockport he was chosen district attorney ; and
he was for a long period of years a member of
the board of education, a portion of the time serving as
its president, and for a period of something like twenty
years held the office of United States commissioner. The
Lockport Union says of Mr. Buck : He was a Christian
without guile, a man who typified nature's nobility, one
of the few examples, wThile he lived among us, of the
'old school of gentlemen,' of that grace, dignity, and
honor of character, which ever command the highest
esteem.

HISTORY OF READING. 197

CHAPTER XVII.

Biographical and Family Sketches, Continued.

Nedabiah Cady and his Descendants ; Frank H. Clark ;
Lorenzo G. Coolidge, and Family.

Nedabiah Cady, one of the early settlers of Reading,
was b Dec. 7, 1751, in Killingly, Conn. (See Vol. 1, p

57-)

Mar\' Buck, his wife, was b Sept. 28, 1760, d Aug.
17, 1798,111 Mr. Cady May 1, 17S0.

Their children were, —

Selah b Oct. 21, 1781, m Asa Morse, Dec. 4, 1799 ;
Polly b Jan. 25, 1784, m David Pratt, June, 1802 ; Ned-
abiah Jr., b May 19, 1786, m Lydia Hubbard, July,
1803 ; Patty b Aug. 8, 1788, d Aug. 26, 1798 ; Elizabeth
b Dec. 21, 1790, m David Day ; Susannah b Oct. 8, 1793,
m Benoni Vaughan, March 1816, d Oct. 13, 1884 ; Lucia
b July 19, 1795, m Wm. Russell, May, 1S16 ; Morris b
Aug. 3, 1798 ; Sarah Washburn b Jan. 13, 1766, second
wife of Nedabiah Cady, m Nov. 4, 1799. Their children
were, —

Sally b July 30, 1800, m Robert Abbott May 5, 1822;
Jefferson b July 10, 1S02, m Fanny Bowman, Oct. 11,
1827 ; Sullivan b Sept. 5, 1805, m Sophronia Morgan,
April 20, 1837 ; Grace W., b June 4, 1807, m Oliver
Walker, March 2, 1837 ; Livonia b March 26. 1809, d
Aug. 14, 1809.

Chas.-N. Cady has in his possession a book publish-
ed in Boston, N. E., 1732, by S. Kneeland & T. Green,
for D. Henchman, at the corner shop, south side of the
town house, and T. Hancock at the Bible & Three
Crowns in Ann street, entitled, — "The Vade Mecum for
America; or, a companion to Traders & Travellers",

19S HISTORY OF READING.

containing among other things, —

i The names of the Towns and Counties in the
several Provinces and Colonies of New England, New
York, and the Jersies ; as also, the several Counties in
Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia ; Together with
the Time of the Setting of their Courts.

Turning to page 176 we find the following, —
11 In the Province of New Hampshire, 13 towns are
named.

"X. B. This Province being small, is not divided
into Counties."

Frank H. Clark.

Frank H. Clark was born in Felchville, Vt., Aug.
13, i860, the son of George M. and Lucinda A. (Feleh)
Clark. Attended the village schools, Dean Academy,
Franklin, Mass., and was graduated from G. M. P.
Academy, v^outh Woodstock, Vt., in the class of 1880.
Studied law with Hon. Gilbert Asa Davis at Felchville;
attended the Law Department of the University of Michi-
gan at Ann Arbor for two years, graduating in 1884,
with the degree of L-L.B. Was admitted to practice at
the Windsor County Bar the same year, and was located
at Felchville, for three years. In 1887, went to New
England City, North Dakota, with a party of Colonists,
staying there nearly three years, and holding the office
of Postmaster of that place under President Cleveland
for some time. He returned to Vermont iu 1890, and
again took up the law.

In 1894 Mr. Clark was appointed Deputy Collector
and Inspector of Customs under Collector Smalley and
was assigned to duty at Newport, Vt. He held this
office four years, afterwards going into the newspaper
business there, editing the Newport Independent for
nearly two years. Since that time he has been in the
insurance business in Holyoke, Mass., and Windsor,

HISTORY OF READING. 199

Vt. He is now in the law business again in Windsor,
being connected with Mr. Davis' Law Office. Mr. Clark
was m June 20, 1894, to Miss Rose Hickson, of Windsor.
They have two little girls, Katherine b Oct. 8, 1895, at
Newport, Vt., and Margaret E-, b July 24, 1899, at
Windsor. In politics Mr. Clark has always been a
Democrat and has been honored by his party, with
nominations for town and county offices.

Lorenzo G. Coolidge.

Mr. Coolidge d at Reading, Jan. 12, 1896, aged 68
years and four months. He was a native of Plymouth,
b Sept. 13, 1828, and was well known throughout Wind-
sor County, of which he was a life long resident.

On Sept. 17, 1848, he married Miss Nancy Crossman
of Chester who survived him one year. Eight children
were the result of this union, all are living, except one.
They are Orrin Coolidge and Mrs. Byron Bingham of
this place; Edgar Coolidge, chief of police of Gardner,
Mass., H. O. Coolidge of Brattleboro, O. H. Coolidge,
Miss Belle Coolidge and A. G. Coolidge, of Rutland, and
Mrs. Kellinberger of California. The summer of '95 Mr.
and Mrs. Coolidge had a family reunion, when all their
descendants and their families, with the exception of two
grandchildren and a son-in-law, were present, number-
ing in all, twenty-five persons. Mr. Coolidge served in
the Civil war, enlisted in the 16th Regiment, Vermont
Volunteers. He had held nearly, if not quite all town
offices and was deputy sheriff of Windsor County for
eighteen or twenty years, being twice offered the position
of high sheriff, but refused it. About 1871 he came to
Felchville and drove stage from Felchville to Windsor,
also purchasing the hoteh He afterwards removed to Mt.
Moses and then to Plymouth. About 1886 he returned to
Felchville where he has since resided. The funeral
services, which were largely attended were held at the

200 HISTORY OF READING.

Universalist church, Jan. 13, Rev. Mr. Towsley of
Rutland officiating. The Henry Giddings Post, G. A.
R. of which he was a prominent member held a short
service at the grave, the remains being borne to their last
resting place by the sons. Mr. Coolidge was always
greatly interested in everything pertaining to the G. A.
R. and both he and Mrs. Coolidge were ever kind and
generous to the sick and suffering.

Nancy L,. Crossman, his wife, was b in Andover, Vt ,
April 3, 1826, and d in Rutland, Vt., Jan. 16, 1897.
Their children were, — Orrin Gilbert b April 17, 1850, in
Plymouth, Vt. ; Edgar Lorenzo b Jan. 6, 1852, in Ply-
mouth, Vt. ; Ella Maria b Feb. 10, 1854, in Chester, Vt. ;
Ada Adeline b April 20, 1856, in Chester, Vt. ; Ashbel
Gould b April 29, i860, in Andover, Vt. ; Isbel Eliza b
April 29. i860, in Andover, Vt. ; Hardy Omeron b Aug.
27, 1862, in Andover, Vt. ; Harden Omira b Aug. 27,
1862, in Andover, Vt. Isbel E. d in Rutland, Vt., Jan.
24, i8q8.

The Bowen Family.

The Bowen family was one of the most notable fam,
ilies that ever resided in Reading.

Daniel Bowen was b in Woodstock, Conn., Oct. 21,
1750, and removed to Reading in 1785, and purchased
about 300 acres in the south-east corner of the town.
He enlisted April 1, 1777, in Capt. Manning's company,
of the 2nd Regt., Conn. Continental line, and was dis-
charged April 2, 1780. He m Mehitable Packard in
Brookfield, Mass., Feb. 21, 1788, and took his bride at
once to Reading, where thev both died.

Their children were all b in Reading, and were as
follows, — Elisha, Dorothy, Hervey, Silas, and Susanna.

In the early part of the 19th century, there were
four families of Bowens, 35 people in all, on the road
from Cavendish to Hammondsville, while there was no
village there.

HISTORY OF READING. 201

At the time Daniel located in Reading, the nearest
family north of him, was at the 'Blood Place', and the
nearest grist mill was at Gould's mills in Springfield, 14
miles south, and no established road to reach it ; and
tradition states that it was many years before he owned
any vehicle, even an ox-cart.

Silas Bowen.

Of the children of Silas Bowen, —

Elisha was b Jan. 2, 1791, and became a physician ;
Dorothy m Salmon Parker of Springfield ; Hervey d in
infancy; Silas b Nov. 8, 1797, m Rowenna Banister of
W. Windsor, and d at Weathersfield, Dec. 25, 1881.
They had six children, all b in Reading, — Susan, who
became a school teacher, and m Rev. Wm. H. Bird
(Presbyterian) ; Daniel b Feb. 4, 1831, who became a
clergyman, and resides in Jacksonville, Fla. ; Adoniram
Judson b Aug. 7, 1834, and is a fruit grower and market
gardener, near Jacksonville, Fla, ; James Colman b
Feb. 5, 1838, and is engaged in the cold storage egg bus-
iness near North Springfield, Vt. ; Marcia b May 21,
1840, and resides at North Springfield, Vt. ; Emily b
May 14, 1842, and d Sept. 20, 1867.

Silas Bowen resided for many years on the farm now
occupied by Oscar S. Randall. He was a farmer, but
was one of a half-dozen to builcl the woolen factory at
Felchville, in 1833. That enterprise was prosperous un-
til the great financial crisis of 1837. In the meantime,
the village of Felchville had sprung up, the brick meet-
ing house had been built near the factor}', and a Baptist
Church had been organized (1835) with Silas Bowen as
deacon.

The factory company was a partnership, not a cor-
poration. A chancery suit against a partner who re-
fused to bear his share of the loss, was instituted and
dragged its wear)7 course for many years.

2Q2 HISTORY OF READING.

Silas Bowen was a man of the utmost sincerity and
very firm and conscientious in his religious beliefs. He
was a firm believer in education, and was always will-
ing to further his children therein to the cramping of
his slender means.

Isaac Bowen
Was the son of Dea. Henry Bowen, and was b in Wood-
stock, Conn., April 9, 1771. He removed to Reading
about 1794. He was a hotel-keeper all his life, and was
a near neighbor of his uncle Daniel, his tavern being
near the north line of his uncle's farm. Isaac's children
were b between 1790, and 1807. Of his children, Henry
and Fordyce Foster became merchants, the former at In-
dian Town, N. C, the latter at Memphis, Tenn.

Silas Bowen, M. D.,
Son of Dea. Henry Bowen and brother of Isaac, was b
in W. Woodstock, Conn., Sept. 6, 1774, and d in Ne-
braska City, Neb., Sept. 16, 1857. He m in Reading,
Sept. 11, 1803, Polly Chandler, daughter of Jona. Chand-
ler. Before his marriage Dr. Silas came to Reading in
1799, and settled near So. Reading. Here between 1805
and 1820, his eight children were born. He resided and
practised his profession in Reading about 23 years, and
then removed to Clarendon, Vt., in 1822; of his children,
Marcellus was b Maich 22, 1812, and became a phys-
ician and practiced at South Boston, Mass.

"The career of Dr. Marcellus was brilliant, but all
"too brief. He sacrificed himself to his work, over tax-
"ing his strength in an epidemic of fevei in South Bos-
"ton, Mass., especially among the poor, on whose peti-
tion a street was named for him". He d May 16,
1848.

Another son of Dr. Silas Bowen, was Aurelius Bow-
en, M. D. (Surgeon General of the Sons of the Amer-
ican Revolution) b Jan. 30, 1817. He m in Windsor, Vt.,

HISTORY OF READING. 203

Arabella, daughter of Gen. Abner Forbes. Dr. Bowen
in 1893, was still in the active practice of his profession
in Nebraska City, Neb.

He graduated from the Castleton (Vt.) Medical
College in 1852. In 1855, he was among the early set-
tlers of Kansas. At the Big Spring's Convention Sept.
4, 1855, he was on a committee of 13, and in a minority
of one, in favor of an immediate state organization.

Dr, Bowen was a Surgeon of the 2nd Neb. Cavalry
in the Civil War, was at the battle of White Stone Hills
in the Sioux War of 1863, under Gen. Sully and received
honorable mention.

In 1873 — 4, he was State Senator and drew up and
introduced the bill for the first Institute in Nebraska
for the blind, and was director of the Deaf Mutes' Insti-
tute of Nebraska for the first seven years, and has been
the Otoe County Superintendent of Schools.

Louisa Bowen, daughter of Dr. Silas Bowen, was b
in Reading, April 16, 1805, m Alba Southard, M. D.
A son of this union was Prof. L- A. Southard, who be-
came quite a musical celebrity and writer in Boston.

Dr. Silas Bowen had also two daughters ; Mary
who m John Mellen Olin and Cornelia who m Erastus
Vilas, of Alstead, N. H.

Elisha Bowen,

Son of Dea. Henry Bowen, was b in W. Woodstock,
Conn., Feb. 20, 1779. He had seven children, all b in
Reading except one, between 1807 and 1823. He sub-
sequently removed to Ascutneyville, Vt., where he d.

Henry Sylvester Bowen who resided for man}' years
at Ascutneyville, was his son.

Another son was Elisha Chandler Bowen, M. D.,
b April 22, 1820, and removed to Cleveland, Ohio.

2Q4 HISTORY OF READING

The Bixby Family,
By Martin J. Bixby

The first Bixby, that we have any record of came
from Denmark to Boxford, England, then to Ipswich,
Mass., wThere Nathaniel Bixby was a householder in
1668, and the father of Joseph Bixby, who m in 1647,
Mrs. Sarah (Wyatt) Heard. Her parents were living at
the time of her m, and mention is made of land which
her mother owned in Arrington, County of Suffolk,
England. Joseph Bixby was one of the leading men
among them. He was one of the signers of the petition
for the incorporation of Boxford where he spent the
reminder of his life. He d April 17, 1700. His chil-
dren were Joseph, Sarah, Nathaniel, Mary, George,
Jonathan, Daniel, Benjamin, and Abigail.

Benjamin Bixby, son of Joseph, m Mary . He

was b at Ipswich in 1653, and lived in Topsfield, Conn.
His children were Benjamin, Joseph, Caleb, Samuel,
George, Nathan, Elizabeth, Jacob, Jemima, and Rich-
ard. Jacob was b April 29, 1700, and m Elizabeth,
daughter of Isaac Jewett, of Killingly, Conn., Feb. 4,
1731, and ten children were b to them. His wife and
all his children d. After living a widower ten years he
m Jan. 2, 1758, Sarah, daughter of John and Jemima
Younglove. By his second m there was b Jacob, Dan-
iel, Moses, Samuel, Younglove, Jemima, and Hannah.

Younglove, son of Jacob, was b Sep. 5 1768, and
m Dec. 26, 1793, Rebecca Bayden, and they removed to
Reading, Vt., and settled in the west part of the town
near Mount Moses where. he lived, and d April 6, 1836,
this wrife d Feb. 2 1839. He was a Deacon of the Con-
gregational Church at Reading Center, and was known
for his piety. There were nine children b to this union.
Daniel b Dec. 17-, 1794, d in Kansas Nov. 3, 1875, leav-
ing three children Adaline, Harriet, and Eorenzo, Re-
becca, b Nov. 28, 1796, d Nov. 26, 1875. She m Jesse

HISTORY OF READING. 205

Briggs of Bridgewater, Vt., a soldier of the War of 1812.
She had two children James Arnold, now deceased and
Judson Y., of Bridgewater. Jemima, b Sep. 28, 1798.
d Oct. 13, 1846. She m Deacon Pettigrew, of Plymouth,
Vt. Asa b May 1, 1801, d at Rushford, N. Y., May 8,
1849. He m Mis* Tolles of Weathersfield. They had
three children Henry, Olive, and Ellen. They all
settled in Nebraska. Eucy b Oct. 17, 1804, d Aug. 16,
J859; James b Dec. 4, 1805, d Oct. 4 1840; Polly b March
20, 1807, d Nov. 13, 1825; Younglove, Jr, b March 12,
1812, d Aug. 6, 1877.

He m Eucinda Hatch of Weathersfield and settled
in Sunderland, Mass. Two children were b to them,
Albercus of that town, and Eugene, deceased. James
Arnold, the only one of the family that made Reading
their home, was b March 17, 1809, and remained at
home during his minority, attended school at the old
Brown Schoolhouse, where I have heard him say there
were sixty scholars during the winter term, and among
the good teachers were Judge Thos. F. Hammond of W.
Windsor, and the late Chief Justice of the U. S. Su-
preme Court, Salmon P. Chase.

For the next ten years he worked out on farms
summers and was a boss starch maker winters, running
mills in South Reading, Cavendish, Plymouth and Bar-
nard. In March, 1841, he bought the Jared Bigelow
farm west of South Reading where he lived an honored
citizen, and died of old age June 15, 1893. He m March
1841, Betsey Martin, of Weathersfield, by whom he had
one son Martin J. Bixby, now of Claremont, N. H.
His wife d July n, 1857, and on Sept. 15, 1859, he
m for his second wife, Mrs. Elizabeth (Weston) Orvis,
of Eudlow, by whom he had one son, James Albert. His
second wife d April 5, 1874, and on the 27, Nov. 1877, he
m Mrs. Susan E. ( Dodge) Kenney, of Reading, who d
Aug. 30, 1888.

Martin J. Bixby, son of James A. and Betsey (Mar-

2o6 HISTORY OF READING.

tin) Bixby, was b in Reading, Jan. 7, 1842, and attend-
ed the common school at South Reading, and a short
time at Black River Academy at Ludlow, Vt. Aug. 15,
1862, he enlisted in Co. C. 4th Vt. Vols, and served
therein nearly three years, and all this time at the front
with the old Vermont Brigade, except four months
spent in hospitals recovering from a wound received at
Charlestown, West Vir., in 1864.

He was honorably discharged as Commissary Ser-
geant of his Regiment, June 19, 1865, on account of the
close of the war. After taking a course at Eastman's
Business college, and a short clerk-ship in a store, he
started in the mercantile business in Perkinsville, Vt.,
in 1868, and continued in that line, and for a long time
as partner of Elroy C. Robinson; and was post-master
most of the time until the spring of 1898, when he re-
moved to Claremont, N. H., and engaged as a baker,
and then in connection therewith as a mileage broker.

He m Frances E. Weston, of Reading, May 17, 1868.
They are the parents of one daughter, Ada Frances, b
Jan. 24, 1878, who was educated at the common schools
in Perkinsville, and was graduated from Goddard semi-
nary, Barre, Vt., in the class of 1896. She was m May
29, 1902, to D. William Egan. of Claremont, shipping
clerk for the Maynard Shoe Co.

James Albert, b May, 1862, has always resided on
the home farm. He has been twice married, his first
wife being Mary Rand, of Reading ; his second, Jennie
Hale, of Proctorsville, Vt.

Lucy A. Cooke.

This lady wTas b in Calais, Vt., in 1825, and d at
North Cambridge, Mass., May 24, 1895. She was best
known as "Sleeping Lucy", and for a long time resided
in the hotel at Hammondsville, 'where she received the
patronage of a large circle of friends who had the utmost

HISTORY OF READING. 207

confidence in her powers as a healing medium and reve-
lator of mysteries through spiritual influence.

. She removed to Montpelier, where she practiced her
profession for over twenty years, and then removed to
Boston, Mass., where she practiced twelve years. She
had resided in Cambridge, Mass., for about eight years,
and at the time of her death was Mrs. E. W. Radden.

Charles R. Cooke,
The husband of "Sleeping Lucy", was b in Morristown,
Vt. Her maiden name was Lucy Ainsworth.

They came to reside in Reading in 1848, and re-
mained here until Mr. Cooke d at the Forest House, in
Hammondsville, in Aug., 1855. Their only child, Julia
A., was b in Reading, July 15, 185 1, and m Frank
Greenbank, of Franklin Falls, N. H. Mrs. Cooke resid-
ed in Reading about one year after the death of her hus-
band and then removed to Montpelier, Vt.

Milo B. Cooke,
Brother of Chas. R., was b in Morristown, Vt., Dec. 12,
1825. He m Oct. 10, 1855, Jane Whitmore, (daughter of
Nelson Whitmore,) who was b in Reading, May 30, 1833,
and they have ever since resided on the "Nelson Whit-
more" place, in Reading. Their only child, Vernon C,
was b in Reading, March 23, 1862. He m Aug. 25, 1888,
May Kennon, b in Boston, Mass., Jan. 24, 1864. Their
children are , — Dwight Whitmore, b Oct. 29, 1891 ; Paul
Kennon, b March 29, 1894. Mr. Vernon C. Cooke's
residence is at 21 Prospect St., Maiden, Mass., and he is
in business as a dealer in leather, in Boston, Mass.

Ashbel G. Coolidge.
By the Editor.

Ashbel G. Coolidge, son of Lorenzo G., and Nancy
(Crossman) Coolidge, was b in Andover, Vt.

2o8 HISTORY OF READING.

He came to Reading with his parents in 187 1, and
came under the observation and training of Mr. Gilbert
A. Davis; who saw in him those sterling qualities that
have resulted in making him the successful and respect-
ed man that he is. For a long tine, Mr. Davis gave
him private instruction, and influenced him to go for-
ward and procure an education.

He studied at Goddard seminary, at Barre, Vt., and
studied law in Rutland. Mr. Coolidge was thrown upon
his own resources to secure the funds required to pursue
his studies ; and by work during vacations, by teaching
public schools, and evening schools at the House of
Correction, he succeeded in securing the necessary funds
for pursuing his chosen line of studies, and was admit-
ted to the Bar of Vermont. He located at Rutland
where he has continued to reside, and has an extensive
practice. He was Messenger in the Executive Depart-
ment, under Gov. Ormsbee, in 18S6, and Assistant Sec-
retary of the Vermont Senate in i896-'98.

Mr. Coolidge m Miss Smith of Woodstock, and one
son, Paul, is the result of their union.

HISTORY OF READING. 209

CHAPTER XVIII.

Biographical and Family Sketches, Continued.

John Davis and His Descendants; Lysander IvI
Davis, Attorney; Rev. Samuel A. Davis ;
Capt. Chas. L. Davis.

John Davis and His Descendants,
Compiled by Fred C. Davis.

The early history of John Davis is not very well
known. The most that we can learn is, that he and
his two oldest sons, Samuel and John, were revolution-
ary soldiers, and fought at Lexington, and Bunker Hill.

He moved from Shirley, Mass., to Reading, Vt., in
the last part of the eighteenth century, and he and his
son Levi, took up a tract of land now owned by Elroy
Fullam and Carlos Hawkins, and they built a saw-
mill where C. Hawkins' mill now stands.

John Davis and his wife spent their declining years
clearing the land, and their remains now lie in the cem-
etery at Bailey's Mills. They left nine children : —

Samuel, who settled in Chelmsford, Mass. ; John,
who settled in Shirley, Mass. ; Jonathan, who settled
in Windsor, Vt. ; Eliakim, who settled first in Reading,
and then in Errol, N. H. ; Cornelius, who settled in
Windsor, Vt. ; Ezekiel, who settled in Reading, Vt. ;
Levi, who settled in Reading, Vt. ; Huldah, who m
Holden and settled inTownsend, Vt. ; and Thank-
ful, who m Palmer and settled in Brookfield, Vt.,

We find that all of these boys have owned land in
Reading, prior to the year 1798, and in their various
deeds, Cornelius was described as a gentleman ; Samuel
as a brick-layer ; Jonathan as a cord-wainer ; Eliakim
as a yeoman. Ezekial Davis owned small farms in va-

2io HISTORY OF READING.

rious parts of the town, but the most of his children were
b and raised on a small farm about one-half mile north
of the farm at one time owned by'l,. G. Coolidge, on a
road that formerly run from the farm belonging to the
late Alamander Wilkins, north of Felchville, over the
hill to So. Reading, which road and farm however, have
long since been abandoned.

He was a teamster by trade, and drove a team to
and from Boston ; was fat, genial, and a pleasing story-
teller. He was b in 1770, m Bethiah Grandy, d in 1849,
and they brought up eleven children, namely : —

Edmoud, who settled in Reading ; Betsey, who m

Shattuck, and settled in West Windsor ; Solomon,

who settled in Ogdensburg, N.Y ; Almond, who settled

in Reading, in the Burrough ; Clarrissa, who m

Amsden, and settled in West Windsor ; Sophia, who m
Henry Megrath, and settled in Reading ; Cynthia, who
m Child ; John, who settled in Cavendish ; Chris-
topher, who settled in Akron, Ohio ; Lorintha, who m

Curtiss, and settled in Boxford, Mass. ; Lucy,

who m Grandy, and settled in Sherburne, Vt.

Edmond Davis was b Oct. 10, 1792, m Rebeckah
Philbrook, Nov. 20, 1816, and d Sept. 3, 1880. About
1815 he bought 100 acres of land on the north side of the
road, and about one-half mile west of where Andrew A.
Parker formerly resided, and lived thereon until March,
18 19, when he bought the farm where Frank H. Davis
now resides ; and on this farm he reared a family of nine
children, and all of the Davises now residing in Read-
ing are his descendants. Their children were : —

Sabria G., who m Asa A. Burnham, of Reading ; L,.

Carlos ; Aurelia E-, who m Marsh, and Jonathan

Hapgood, of Peru, Vt. ; Salome T., who m Silas A.
Robinson, of Reading; Eliza A. who m first Silas W.Pike,
and is now wife of John Durand, of Reading ; Chas. A.,
who resided at Reading (now deceased) ; Fannie R., who
m Benjamin Barnard, of Elmira, N. D. ; Justin S. ; Cor-

HISTORY OF READ ING. 211

uelia A.

All except two of his children have made their
homes in Reading.

L. Carlos Davis was b March 29th, 1819. m Ruth
Hapgood, Nov. 22, 1842. He d Dec. n, 1891. In 1841
he bought the home farm of his father and always resi-
ded on it up to the time of his death. He held the office
of Overseer of the Poor, and other town offices, and
raised a family of four children, viz : —

Myron A. ; Frank H., now on the old farm ; Nellie
C, who m Frank S. Griffin, of Masonville, la. ; and
Fred C. Davis, a lawyer, now residing and practicing
his profession in Spx'ingfield, Vt.

Charles A. Davis, b Aug. 15, 1827, lived on the old
Sawyer farm, and had a family of nine children, of
whom Alba now resides on the same farm.

Justin S. Davis, b March 11, 1832, m Ann Tarble,
and d Aug. 30, 1889. They had two children, Edniond
J., now residing in Reading, and Ina L., a school-teacher,
now deceased.

Myron A. Davis was b Aug. 19, 1848, m Belle M.
Byron, and d Oct. 16, 1893. He was educated in the
common schools of Reading, and at the Black river acad-
emy. At the age of twenty-two he entered into partner-
ship with Levi K. Weatherbee, and they built a steam
mill at So. Reading on the old tannery site.

After running the mill for a short time in partner-
ship, he bought out his partner, and until June 14, 1879,
manufactured horse-rakes, mop handles, and chairstock
in this mill, when it burned to the ground. The follow-
ing autumn, Mr. Davis bought out the chair factory "prop-
erty, built on the old woolen mill site at Felchville, and
at this place did a large and flourishing business in mak-
ing maple and cane seat chairs, which he shipped to al-
most every state in the union, and to foreign countries.
This has been the principal industry in town, ever
since he took hold of it, up to the time of his death.

212 HISTORY OF READING

John Davis and His Son Eliakim, and His
Descendants,
By Lysander M. Davis, of Pine Hill, Alabama.

John Davis was b in England about the year 1725.
In the year 1745 he was at the capture of the ci.ty of
Louisburg, in the British or Colonial Army, I am not
certain which. The next year he was in Halifax, N. S.,
where he dressed a powder horn in a very artistic man-
ner, and engraved on it his name and date, in the quaint
style of that time, "John Davis, his Horn, Halifax,
August 6th, 1746."

At the breaking out of the American revolution, he
was in Shirley, Mass., with a family of six sons and two
daughters. He was a " minute-man", and when notified
of the battle of Lexington and Concord, left his oxen
and plow in the field, and taking his gun and powder-
horn, joined the army at Cambridge, and served through
the war.

That horn is now in the possession of his gr .11
grand-son, A. L. Davis, of Errol, N. H., and is regarded
and preserved with reverence, as a historic relic of his
ancestor, and of the revolutionary war.

Sometime later, John Davis moved to Reading, and
improved a valuable farm on the brook, at some distance
from Bailey's Mills. He d there, and was buried at the
Reading cemetery.

Of the seven sons of John Davis, three have settled
in Reading. Levi, the youngest, stayed' with his father
and inherited the homestead. Ezekiel had an adjoining
farm, but sold it and moved to a farm near Felchville.
Quite a number of his descendants are still in Reading,
and I believe they are the only posterity of John Davis
remaining in that town. My father, Eliakim, settled in
the Borough district, and was the second settler in that
district, Daniel Goddard being the first. In 1830, father
sold his farm and moved to Errol, N. H., he died in

HISTORY OF READING. 213

Stirling, Mass., while there 011 a visit to his oldest son,
Rev. S. A. Davis, aged seventy-five. His three sons and
seven daughters all left Reading and settled in other
places. Ezekiel and Levi Davis each reared large fami-
lies of sons and daughters, as was the custom of the
country at that time ; a good custom, but like some other
good things has become very unfashionable. I wan-
dered westward, lived in Iowa, California, sailed on the
Pacific ocean to Panama, and finally settled here. In
1854 I was admitted to the Wilcox County bar as an
Attorney and had a good practice for twenty-five years.
During that time I was administrator or executor of a
good many estates and had to furnish bonds, some of
them rather large. I can think of two of $80,000 each.

I was named executor of one estate, the property of
which was appraised at $60,000. You must not think I
held property enough to make such amounts, for I
really had but very little ; but I was able to get the
names of property holders that made the bonds pass.
Some of the sureties voluntarily offered to put their
names on my bonds.

In 1884 I was candidate on the Greenback state tick-
et for Attorney General, but according to the custom of
the time, was counted out. Recently I have entirely re-
tired from legal practice, and devoted my attention to
farming. My brother, Rev. S. A. Davis, was at the
Centennial of Reading in 1872. He d in 1897. His
daughter, Minnie S. Davis, resides at Hartford, Conn.,
and is gifted as a writer of poetry.

My maternal grandfather, Collins Hathorn, (as they
now spell it, the original name being Hawthorne) of
Jaffrey, N. H., was also a revolutionary soldier. His
son, I. B. Hawthorne, now resides at Alden, N. Y.
Collins Hathorn settled in Reading, and a more full ac-
count of him and his descendants will be found later in
this volume.

214 HISTORY OF READINCx.

Rev. S. A. Davis.

Rev. Samuel Armin Davis, son of Eliakim

and Davis, was b at Reading, Vt., in the

Borough, March n, 1810, and died at Hartford, Conn,
March 17, 1897. He was educated at Chester Acad-
emy, and afterwards prepared for the Universalist
Ministry under the instruction of Rev. Wm. S. Balch.
We quote at length, from the Universalist Year Book of
1898:—

"Rev, S. A. Davis preached his first sermon in 1833,
and was ordained in June, 1834. He began his Ministry
in Pittsburgh, Penn., where in 1836, associated with Rev.
M. A. Chappell, he began the publication of a small
paper called the Glad Tidings, and Ohio Universalist,
published simultaneously, semi-monthly, at Pittsburg
and Columbus, Ohio. With the beginning of Vol. 3 the
name was changed to 'The Glad Tidings and Ladies'
Universalist Magazine,' and was published weekly at
Akron, Ohio, where Mr. Davis was then located.

At the close of Vol. IV it was merged into 'The
Star in the West'. In 1837, he was associated with Rev.
Mr. Chappell in compiling 'The Western Universalist
Hymn Book, which was published in Pittsburg. After
a year or so spent in Missionary work in Ohio (where the
Universalist faith was then almost unknown) he settled in
Mass., having pastorates at Hingham, Quincy and Ster-
ling; his latest pastorates were in Bethel and South
Woodstock, Vermont. In 1862, he established his home
in Hartford, Conn., and was for many years State Mis-
sionary (minister at large), at the same time conducting
the Conn, department of the Gospel Banner.

Early interested in anti-slavery, Mr. Davis' home
was, for many years, a station for tne underground rail-
road, where many a fugitive slave found shelter and help.
He was also actively interested in the temperance re-
form as well as in every work which sought the good of

HISTORY OF READING. 2^5

the unfortunate. A long life crowned with usefulness,
was God's blessing upon him."

For the last six or seven years of Mr. Davis' life, he
did little preaching, but always interested himself in the
Hartford church, gladly supplementing, in many ways,
the work of the pastor. Mr. Davis carried the love of
hospitality almost to an extreme, and his genial, sweet
nature won him hosts of friends among young and old.

For many years before his departure to the heaven-
ly home, he was affectionately addressed as "Father
Davis".

Mr. Davis was twice married, the first time to Miss
Mary Partridge, of Rockingham, Vt., and the second to
MissC. Elizabeth Keyes, of Sterling, Mass. Mrs, Mary
Davis d in Sterling, Aug. 1848, leaving five daughters,
the eldest, thirteen years of age, and the youngest,
three months.

The second wife, who still survives him, had also
five daughters. The eldest of the family, Miss Minnie
S. Davis, has been quite successful in the line of author-
ship. She has published several books which have
been well received by the public. These books are en-
titled, "Marion Lester", "Clinton Forrest", "Rosalie",
and "Ideal Motherhood". In later years she identified
herself with the so called New Thought movement, and
has written and lectured on metaphysical subjects.

Mr. Davis was very happy in his daughter's success
and always sympathized with her work and her progres-
sive ideas.

L. Carlos Davis,
By the Editor.

L. Carlos Davis was one of the most respected citi-
zens of Reading. He was a man of strict integrity and
fair dealing, a strong advocate for the principles of tem-
perance and morality, and perfectly reliable as a neigh-

216 HISTORY OF READING

bor and friend. When a school-boy, in his own district,
he served as secretary of the first temperance society in
this section, and later was secretary of the Windsor
County Temperance Society. He spent his life on the
same farm on which his father, Edmond Davis, had for-
merly lived. He was m in 1843, to Ruth Hapgood, of
Peru, who survives him.

He left three sons and one daughter, all set-
tled in life. In 1857, ne built a stone house on his farm
which he occupied until his death. Eminently social
and industrious, to his pleasant home his friends were
welcome and found sure entertainment at his board, as
well as listening to one of extensive and varied informa-
tion, and viewing the thrift forwarded by an industrious
life. He found comfort in spiritual philosophy that
gave him tangible assurance of a living hereafter.

Charles L. Davis,

Son of Asa and Mary (Hosmer) Davis, was b in
Chester. Windsor County, Vermont, Aug. 23, 1833.

Was educated in the public schools and at Chester
Academy. The first of May, 1851, he went to Keene,
N. H., and was apprenticed to J. W. Prentiss &Co., of
the New Hampshire Sentinel, staying there until the
spring of 1853, when he went to Boston, Mass., and was
employed as a printer on the Boston Journal, Boston
Traveller, and in the book and job office of Damrell &
Moore.

In 1857 ne went west, stopping the first year in Chi-
cago, 111., and from thence to Red Wing, Minnesota, Nov.
26, 1858, and went into partnership with Lucius F. Hub-
bard, in the publication of the Red Wing Republican,
afterwards the Goodhue County Republican.

He sold to Mr. Hubbard in 1861, and bought the
office again in the spring of 1862. Aug. 16, 1862, he
was commissioned by Gov. Alex. Ramsey, as Second
Lieutenant, mustered into the United States service,

HISTORY OF READING. 2^7

went to Red Wing and assisted in raising what was af-
terwards Co. D, 10th regiment, Minnesota Volunteers.
On the formation of the company at Fort Snelling, Minn.,
was elected First Lieutenant. The Indian outbreak oc-
curred in Minnesota in August, 1862, and all the regi-
ments raised in the state at that time were kept in the
state, and these included the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th
regiments of infantry. As soon as the regiments could
be supplied with arms and equipments, the different
companies were sent to the frontier, Co. D marching up
the Minnesota river to Mankoto, and went into camp at
the junction of the Minnesota and Blue Earth rivers,,
guarding some 300 Indians who had surrendered and
been brought to this point.

On this march, he was appointed Quartermaster. Co.
D remained in camp until Dec. 6, 1S62, when the Indians
wTere removed to the village of Mankoto, where better
and more secure quarters for them had been provided.

While in camp at Mankoto, the soldiers were provi-
ded with tents only, Co. D having Sibley tents. Just
before their removal, the thermometer went to 20 de-
grees below zero.

From Mankoto, Co D marched to Henderson, Sibley
Co., and went into winter quarters. At this post, Lt.
Davis was again appointed Quartermaster and Commis-
sary, and had a large amount of government stores for
which he was responsible.

In March, 1863, this company was ordered to the
frontier, then only 16 miles west of Henderson, to build
a stockade for the better protection of the settlers. The
place selected was on the road to Fort Ridgeley, on one
of the highest points on the rolling prairie, near Lake
Titlow.

In May, of that year, Co. D was ordered to Camp
Pope, on the Minnesota river, near where the town of
Redwood Falls is now situated, to join an expedition
then being fitted out against the Indians. Being on de-

2i8 HISTORY OF READING.

tached service, Lt. Davis had to go to Camp Pope to se-
cure an order for turning over the government property
in his hands, making the journey, some forty miles, on
the back of a mule, and along the trail to Fort Ridgely,
and further up the Minnesota river to Camp Pope.

June 16, 1863, the expedition, under command of
Gen. H. H. Sibley, started on the march to the Indian
country, going up the west bank of the Minnesota river,
to what is known as "Brown's Valley", a plot of nearly
level land situated between Lake Traverse and Big Stone
lake, the waters of the former flowing northward to Hud-
son Bay, and the latter to the Gulf of Mexico. Co. D
camped here several days awaiting supplies, and then
marched northerly, west of the Red River of the north,
to the Cheyenne river, spending and celebrating the 4th
of July on its banks.

From there the command moved westerly and north-
erly, crossing the Cheyenne again further up. At a
point about 30 miles south of Devil's Lake, Camp Atchi-
son was formed, and one company from each regiment,
a section of a battery, and a squad of cavalry were left
as a guard under the command of Maj. Michael Cook,
of the 10th, and Lt. Davis was appointed Adjutant.

At this camp were left the sick and disabled, and all
the supplies not needed for a forced march towards the
Missouri river, the balance of the command going in
light marching orders. But two or three days from
Camp Atchison, the command struck an Indian Camp
at what was called Indian Mound, and a fight ensued,
the Indians being driven off, and across the Missouri
river near where the city of Bismarck now is.

On the return of the expedition to Camp Atchison,
the homeward march was begun, the route being by
way of Fort Abercrombie on the Red River to Sauke
Center in Minnesota, when the 10th regiment was sent
directly south to Fort Ridgely, keeping outside of set-
tlements. From Fort Ridgely the regiment returned to

HISTORY OF READING. 2 1 9

Fort Snelling.

Eaily in October, 1863, the regiment embarked on
a boat for Dunleith, 111., and from that place went by
rail to St. Louis, Mo., where it remained on guard and
provost duty until the spring of 1864. During the stay
of the regiment in St. Louis, Lt. Davis did guard duty,
was detailed, and was one of a general court martial for
about six weeks, was on a council of administration to
dispose of deceased soldiers' effects left at hospitals
whose relatives were unknown, and acted for a while as
Adjutant of the regiment.

Feb. 16, 1864, he was promoted to Captain. While
at St. Louis, Capt. Davis made one trip as far south on
the Mississippi river as Vicksburg, taking about 100 re-
cruits, stragglers, deserters,, etc., to the front. It was
on this trip that the guerillas were firing from the banks
of the river, and at Friar's Point, (below Helena) the ma-
chinery of the boat became disabled, and the boat was
beached.

There were about 100 armed men onboard, and they
formed a line behind the levee to protect the boat if
necessary. Resuming his journey, and passing one
point, the men lay under arms, guns loaded, expecting
a volley, but they did not fire. Capt. Davis made
another trip up the Cumberland river to Nashville,
Teun., with about 90 men, mostly deserters and strag-
glers. From St. Louis he made other and shorter trips.
In the spring of 1864, April 22, the regiment was or-
dered to Columbus, Ky., and from there, companies D
and E were sent to Island No. 10.

When that island was abandoned, the companies re-
turned to Columbus, and the regiment was sent to Mem-
phis, Tenn., and made a part of the 16th Army Corps,
and were in the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, the corps being
under the command of Gen. A. J. Smith, the Division
under Gen. Joseph A. Mower.

Soon after the arrival in Memphis, the whole Corps

22Q HISTORY OF HEADING

marched along the line of the Memphis & Charleston
R. R., protecting a corps of bridge-builders who were re-
placing the bridges destroyed at the time the Confeder-
ates abandoned that section, all the rolling stock being
stored at Memphis and disabled.

At the village of LaGrange, Tenn., the command
remained several days, his company being quartered in
an abandoned cottage, and the men doing guard duty.

In July the command marched south into Mississ-
ippi, going by way of Ripley, and arriving at Pontotoc
July nth. All of that day they were in the advance
Division, and they could hear the guns of the advance
guard.

Just before entering Pontotoc, the ist Division was
formed in line of battle, a;id a section of a battery
shelled the wroods. The battle did not take place, and
they marched through the town, camping on the south-
ern side on high ground. The next morning the long
roll was sounded, and again a line of battle was formed,
the enemy doubtless thinking we were too strong for them,
or had the best position. The second day, or about July
13th, the command inarched through the town again,
but turned to the east, aiming to reach Tupelo and de-
stroy the trestle on the line of a rail-road leading, I
think, to Mobile.

Capt. Clarke's division was this day in the rear,
and while on the march, were attacked by the rebels
under Gen. Forrest. They fired into the 7th Minnesota,
killing one of the surgeons and some others. His regi-
ment was formed in line of battle several times, but was
not attacked. They had to double-quick over several
miles of road to protect points where the enemy was
threatening, exposed to a constant fire of solid shot and
shell ; but they had no casualties, the shots going over
their heads. The heat was intense, and prostrated some
of the men. Gen. Smith secured an advantageous posi-
tion, and went into camp.

HIvSTORY OF READING. 221^

The next morning, July 14th, the rebels, some 12,000
strong, made a determined attempt to capture the whole
outfit, making three charges, but were repulsed each
time. The 10th Minnesota regiment was on the extreme
right of the line, supporting an Iowa, battery, hugging
the ground as closely as possible, and listening to the
whistle of bullets, as they passed over their heads.

The casualties were one killed, and twelve wounded
in the regiment, only one of the wounded being from D
company, and only slightly wounded at that.

Gen. Smith accomplished what he was sent to do —
burned a long trestle. It was a move to protect Sher-
man's communication, then moving towards Atlanta, it
having become known that Gen. Forrest, and the western
Gen. Lee, were gathering a force for that purpose.

After taking care of the rebel and their own wounded,
the command marched back to Memphis, the rebels at-
tacking their rear, but doing no particular damage.

On arriving at Memphis, Capt. Davis, with others
who were unfit lor duty, were sent north to Fort Snel-
ling. At that post, Capt. Davis was put in command of
Co. A, permanent garrison, in what was known as the
Draft Rendezvous. This company was composed of un-
assigned recruits, those who had been sent to this camp
for the same reason, incapacitated for active duty.

While at the Fort, Capt. Davis was sent with re-
cruits to Cairo, 111., and in March, 1865, w it'll about 90
recruits and conscripts, to City Point, Va., then the head-
quarters of Gen. U. S. Grant, in front of Petersburg.
He was there when the last battle of the war commenced.

Capt. Davis remained at Fort Snelling until mus-
tered out with the regiment, Aug. 19, 1865. Nov. I,
1864, Capt. Davis was m at Red Wing, Minn., to Mary
Elizabeth, daughter of Hon. Chris Graham, and com-
menced keeping house at Fort Snelling. Shed July 20,
1876. After the war he returned to Red Wing, and re-
sumed publication of the Goodhue Co. Republican ; and

222 HISTORY OF READING.

in 1868, he sold his interest to Maj. Snider, and in 1869,
bought the Red Wing Argus, which he continued to pub-
lish until Sept. 1, 1897. This paper supported the princi-
plesof the Democrat party.

Sept. 24, i8y8,»he was again m to Agnes Celinda,
daughter of Wm. H. Norton, of Red Wing, The issue
of this marriage were : —

Gilbert Norton, b March 18, 1880 ; Charles Asa, b Oct.
19, 1881 ; Agnes, b Nov. 18, 1883 ; Albert Henry, b Jan.
3, 1887.

Capt. Davis has several times visited his brother at
Reading, and has enjoyed the delightful scenery of that
town.

In 1898 Gov. Lind appointed Capt. Davis as post-
master at the State Capital in St. Paul, Minn., which
position he now holds, and this has necessitated his re-
moval to Minneapolis, where he now resides, and his
two oldest sons are students in the University of Minne-
sota.

Capt. Davis has been a musician of much celebrity,
having been the leader of choirs, and in charge of mu-
sical conventions.

HISTORY OK READING. 223

CHAPTER XIX.

Brown Genealogy ; Estabrook Genealogy ; Dr. Ripley

Clark.

Brown Genealogy.
By Adin C. Estabrook.

The Brown School House District was settled by
Thomas Brown, a cavalry soldier in the British army.
He was taken prisoner at Oswego, during the French
and Indian wars of 1755. He got away from two Indians
who had nearly stripped him of clothing, and made his
way to his home in Reading, Mass.

He was the fifth from Nicholas, who settled in Read-
ing, Mass., in 1631. He m Ruth Walton, of Marble-
head, grand-daughter of Rev. Wm. Walton, of Glouces-
tershire, Eng. They had Thomas (2) ; Benjamin (2) ;
Cluna (2) ; and Ruth (2). Thomas m Sybil Bowman,
of Lexington, Mass. They had Sybil (3), m Thomas
Estabrook ; Oren (3) m Miss Dorwin, and had Philo (4).
Philo Bowman (3) m Phcebe Mead, had Brainard (4), and
Eletta (4) ; Warren (3) m Miss Gay, had Oscar (4), and
Louise (4); Eunice m Joseph Edmunds, had Marcus (4).
and Rosa (4) ; Orinda m Samuel Adams, had Newell (4),
Carrie (4), Preston (4), Cornelia (4), and Philomela
(4) ; Carrie m Lauren Broughton, and had Elmer (5),
who m Miss Reynolds, and had Carrie (6) ; Ardella (5),
m R. W. Eggleston, and had twins, Larry (6), and Lucy
(6).

Cornelia (5) m Carson Fisher, and had three chil-
dren : — Henry (5), Marshall (5), and Jenry (5).

Newell (3), m Mary Hall, and had two girls, and
had three at one birth.

224 HISTORY OF READING

Alfred (3), m Miss Harrington, had Edna (4), who
m D. C. Hall, and had Margurette (5).

Benjamin (2), m Miss Burnham, and had Walton
(3), Mary (3), and Franklin (3).

Walton m , and had Isadore (4). He was a

merchant at Felchville.

Ruth m John Page, and had Ira (3), and Esther (3).
She ma Mr. Fisher, and had one son, Henry (4), who
lives in Waltham, Mass.

Estabrook Genealogy.
By Adin C. Estabrook.

In 1660, Joseph and Thomas, of Enfield, Eng., set-
tled in Concord, Mass. Thos. m Sarah Temple, and
had Thomas (2), and Abraham (2).

Thomas (2), had Robert (3), m Olive Townsend,
and settled in Reading about 1780, in the school district
at the north west corner of the town, which included all
north of the Edgar Stearns farm, and in 1S10, contained
60 scholars. Now not a building is standing. He fell
from his horse in 1803, and was killed.

Jonathan (4), m Mary Flagg. Children : — Sally (5)
m Thomas Ransom, had Rosamond (6). She 111 Collins
Hathorn, and had Dennis (7), and Ira (7).

Susannah m Isaac Hemenway, no children.

Mary (5), m Wm. Kidder, of Braintree. Settled at
Darien, N. Y., had Volussa (6), Maria (6), Wm. H. (6),
and Sarah (6).

Jonathan (6), m Rhoda Hathorn, had Oliva (6),
Fidelia (6), and Rosamond (6).

Rebekah (5), m Enoch Winslow, had Marcellus (6),
and Betsey (6).

Ann (5), m Nathaniel Hathorn, had Benj. (6) who m
Amanda Bridge ; Ira (6), and Electa (6), who m Joel M.
Slack.

Hannah (5), m Rufus Kidder, had Henry R. (6).

HIvSTORY OF READING.

He m Flora Kendrick.

Olive (5), m Jacob Vanderhyden ; d in California.
They had nine children ; Levinus, settled in Conn.

Thomas (5), m Sybil Brown, b on the old Brown
farm in 1792. Children — Thomas B (6), b 1813 murdered
at Leonidas, Mich., Nov. 13, 1853 ; John (6), three
days old ; Alonzo Flagg (6), lawyer, graduate of the
Norwich university, class of 1836, under Capt. Par-
tridge ; Jasper Hazen (6), physician, b 18 15, d 1842 ;
Win. Warren (6), shoe dealer, m Isabel Gonant, had
Fanny (7), who m J. C. Harding, of Philadelphia, and
had two children (8).

Annah (7), Oscar (7), Edgar (7), Jasper (7), who d in
the army, George (7).

Mary Viola, b 1823, d in Fitchburg, 1865.

Adin Cady Estabrook

was b in Reading, Vt., Dec. 9, 1828, on the homestead
of his grand-father, Joua. Estabrook, who settled there
in 1783. Later, their farm was owned and occupied by
James W. Fulton. It was in the "Chase District", in
the north-west part of the town.

He left the "Old Brown farm", (where his mother
was b in 1792) in 1856, and removed to East Granville,
Vt. Here he m Emma Tarbell, a daughter of Daniel
Tarbell, of South Royalton.

At this place, he was selectman, recruiting officer,
and postmaster. In Nov. 1863, he removed to Lunen-
berg, Mass. He has taught school in Michigan, Ver-
mont and Mass., in all, during 28 years. At Lunenberg
he was selectman, and school committee, much of the
time from 1868 to 1883, and was elected a Representa-
tive of Fitchburg and Lunenberg in 1876.

In the Legislature, he served on the committee to
re-district the State into Congressional and Senatorial
districts, and was secretary of the sub-committee for Wor-

226 HISTORY OF READING.

cester Co., and practically, did the whole of the Sena-
torial division. •

Their children are: —
Viola May (7), a teacher, and Athileas Gertrude (7),
who m Martin A. Seymour, and they had a son, Bruce (8).

Mr. and Mrs. Seymour are both teachers, and are lo-
cated at Tilton, N. H.

Dr. Ripley Clark.

Dr. Ripley Clark, one of the most prominent physi-
cians of Vermont, d at his residence in Windsor, Apr. 23,
1900.

He was b in Strafford, Vt., in 18 17. He studied
medicine with the late Prof. Edward E. Phelps, M. D.,
of Windsor, and graduated at Dartmouth Medical Col-
lege in 1846, with high honors.

He located in Reading in 1847, and lived at first in
the house now occupied by Dr. Kinson, and built and
used as an office, the small building on the opposite side
of the street, now occupied by Geo. F. Edson. He last
resided in the brick house now occupied by Mrs. Sarah
E. Wardner. He m Mary A. Raymond, of Bridgewater,
Aug. 9, 1848, daughter of Hon. Isaiah Raymond, and
the result of the union was one son, Isaiah Raymond
Clark, b Jan. 1, 1853, at Reading, graduated at Dart-
mouth College, is now a practicing attorney in Boston,
Mass., and a leading member of the Bar.

After practicing medicine in Reading and Demont,
now Creston, in Ogle County, in Illinois, and at Hart-
ford, Vt. Dr. Clark located in Windsor, Vt., in 1861,
and built up a successful practice, being most skilful in
surgery, in which he was often called. He continued in
active practice at Windsor, until near the time of his
death.

He was a half-brother of the late Prof. Alonzo Jack-
man, of Norwich University. He was not an office seek-

HISTORY OF READING. 227

er, but was elected to the Vermont Legislature in 1880,
as the representative of Windsor. He was at one time
President of the Windsor National Bank. He was med-
ical director of the state's prison for twenty years.

He had long been a member of the Baptist Church,
in Windsor, and a most liberal contributor to its finan-
cial needs.

228 HISTORY OF READING

CHAPTER XX

Albert Eastman ; Corydon M. Fay; Ida M. (Cole)

Fay.

Albert Eastman, son of Amos and Joanna (Buell)
Eastman, was b in Newport, N. H., Nov. 29, 1S18. He
was the youngest in a family of six children, the place
of his birth being on the farm where his grand-father,
Benj. Eastman, 2nd, settled, when he came to Newport,
from Boscowen, N. H., in 1781. The farm is situated
on the Unity road, and has been in the Eastman name
for five generations.

He is the direct descendant and the sixth genera-
tion from Roger Eastman, who came to this country
from England in 1640, and settled at Salisbury, Mass.

His early life was spent in the town of his birth,
and his education was acquired in its public schools, and
in a select school in the town of Lempster, where it was
his pleasure to be the pupil of the late Rev. A. A. Miner,
D. D., of Boston, Mass.

At the age of 21, he went to Boston, Mass., where he
was in business two and one-half years. Returning to
Newport, N. H., he was m in Nov., 1843, to L,. Lucinda
Wood, of Hartland, Vt. Here he made his home until
Jan., 1857, when he moved with his wife and two chil-
dren, to So. Woodstock, where their youngest child was
b.

On March 5, 1866, he again moved with his family
to Reading, Vt., onto a farm purchased of the late Rufus
and Fidelia Forbush, where he lived until the time of
his death, on March 3, 1896. As the larger part of his
life had been spent on a farm, he was considered a thor-
ough farmer in every sense of the word, being always
ready to grasp at new ideas, and keeping well out of the
time-worn ruts ; and if any of his neighbors thought

THE
PUBLIC

ASTOI, LBN OX AND
B L

e M. FAY

HISTORY OF READING. 229

him a little fussy about some branch of farm work, they
would later on show themselves just as fussy by adopt-
ing Uncle Albert's ways. He gained and held the re-
spect of his fellow-townsmen, and was ever ready to help
those less fortunate than himself.

In his family he was one of the most indulgent and
thoughtful of husbands and fathers, ever mindful of those
around him, and always happiest in the home circle,
greeting all who came to his door, with a cheerful word
and pleasant smile. His late home was deeded by his
administrator, in July, 1899, to his two daughters, Arlie
E., lately deceased, and Mrs. Henry DeWolf, who, with
her husband are the present occupants.

Horace A. Eastman, son of Albert Eastman, was b
at Newport, N. H., Nov. 20, 1849, and came to Read-
ing with his parents, and there resided many years, lo-
cating in Barnard, Vt., in 1876. He was educated in the
common schools, has held the offices of lister, auditor
and selectman, and represented Barnard in the Legisla-
ture of 1902 and '4, as a Republican.

Annie Eastman was m to Henry DeWolf, at Wood-
stock, Vt.. Aug. 1, 1900, by Rev. J. T. Simmons, and
they now reside on the Eastman home farm.

Corydon M. Fay.

Corydon M. Fay, son of Samuel Fay and Louisa
Herrick, formerly of Reading, Vt , was b in Weathers-
field, Vt., Sept. 30, 1852. His boyhood days were spent
on a farm in that town. He received his education in
the common schools. At the age of eighteen, he taught
school very successfully in the town of Royalton.

In the year of 1871. he embarked in the mercantile
business, working for I. Glynn & Sons, at Felchville,
continuing with them two years. He was subsequently
employed by the late Charles Amsden, at Amsden, Vt.,
taking charge of his store. In the spring of 1878, he

23Q HISTORY OF READING.

opened a general merchandise store in Felehville, in
the store then owned by Harriet Gates. He afterwards
bought the business of O. C. Sawyer, and moved his
stock of goods to the brick building in which Chamber-
lain & Keyes formerly conducted business.

He carried on a successful business, receiving the
appointment of Postmaster, which office he held for sev-
eral years. In politics, Mr. Fay was always a Republi-
can, and was honored with various town offices, and also
served as school committee for two years.

In May, 1870, he m Ida May Cole, daughter of Dea.
Converse Cole, of Meriden, N. H. They have two sons.
Harold Cole, and Maurice Winkley. In 1888, Mr. Fay
sold out his business at Felehville, and wen; to Clinton.
Mass., and is now connected with the firm of Fyfer, Fay
& Plummer, wholesale and retail grocers, Mr, Fay being
the senior partner. In Clinton he has served as a direc-
tor of the Clinton Co-operative Bank, also as Treasurer
of the Clinton Hall Trunk Manfg. Co.

He has been honored by the Baptist church of Clin-
ton, serving for several years as chairman of the Parish
committee, and has recently been elected Deacon of his
church. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Lancaster
Lodge, No. 89, also a member of the Camp. While at
Felehville, he was an active member of the Baptist
church, and a leading member of the choir.

Ida M. (Cole) Fay.

Ida M. (Cole) Fay, wife of Corydon M. Fay, daugh-
terof Dea. Converse Cole and Mary Ann Winkley, was b
in Meriden, in the town of Plainfield, N. H., Feb. 3,
1855. She received her education at the Kimball Union
Academy, graduating from that institution in the class
of 1874. She taught successfully in the public schools
of Plainfield, N. H., for several terms. She was m May
28, 1878. to Corydon M. Fay, of Felehville. Vt.

MRS. ('. M. FAY.

PUS,

ASM*

HISTORY OF READING. 231

Mrs. Fay has always figured prominently in musi-
cal and social circles, and has always been an active and
ardent worker in the Baptist church.

232 HISTORY OF READING

CHAPTER XXI.

The Felch Family ; Rufus O. Forbush ; Lillian Wat-
kins Fay.

The Felch family, and Lt. Francis Chase.
By Minnie Amsden Coy.

Henry Felch (or Falch, previous to his emigration
to America) is of the same descent as the Hughes family
Barons of Ederirnion, County Merioneth, Wales, which
derives a royal lineage through the ancient Princes of
Powys, and the monarchs of North and South Wales,
from Roderick the Great, or Rhodri Mawr, twenty eight
descents as given in record.

Henry Felch came to this country about 1640. We
learn from Babson's History of Gloucester, Mass.,
that "Henry Felch was here in 1642, and owner of six
acres of hoed ground, of which there is no grant in
records. From this is inferred that he was a settler be-
fore incorporation of the town. He also had a house
and land which he sold to James Avery."

His will was duly proved. Henry Felch, Jr., came
from Wales with his father. In 1648, Henry Felch's
name appears, at first election of highway surveyors.
In 1667, there were 59 houses owned by Henry Felch,
and others. In a record of lots of pine swamps, as laid
out in their several plats, which were drawn Feb. 8, 1692*
for west side of town, the first lot came out for Sargent
Henry Felch, which was 6 1-2 acres or thereabouts.
The next, 18 and 38, to Joseph and John Felch.
Henry, Jr., was selectman of Reading, Mass., in 1647, '48,
'51, and '81. (He was generally called Sargent or Ser-
geant.) In 1686, it appears that the town of Reading
had purchased of the Indians, some years prior to this

HIvSTORY OF READING. 233

date, the territory of Reading, for the sum of about ;£io,
but it had not been paid for. This year an assessment
was laid to raise money. I find the name of Henry
Felch, 2s. 2d., and John Felch, 2d.

In 1688 a subscription for a meeting-house was ob-
tained and the following is a list of the names and con-
tributions of the subscribers : — among others, Sergt.
Henry Felch, £2 — John Felch, us. Henry, Jr., d Nov.
11, 1699. He left three sons, John, Joseph and Daniel.

His eldest son, John, was appointed administrator
of his father's estate. John removed from Reading to
Weston, shortly after incorporation, in 1709.

Win. Felch, the next in line of descent noted, the
son of Caleb Felch, and Mary Chase, was the founder of
Felchville, Vt. This village is in south-east part of the
town of Reading, on a branch of Black river. The ad-
vent of Wm. Felch to this place in 1826, seems to have
given it the first impulse of growth and importance, and
the village a more active life.

He was b in Royalton, Mass., Feb. 3, 1797, being a
direct descendant of Henry Felch, of Wales, who came
to this country as before stated, in 1640, or thereabouts,
and was one of the earliest settlers and proprietors of
Gloucester, Mass., as stated in Gloucester records.

Wm. Felch came to Windsor, Vt., at the age of
fourteen, where he remained four years.

A short sojourn in Ohio, in the winter of 1818, aba-
ted his western fever, and induced him to set his face
toward the rising sun. He migrated to New York City
and there became interested in real estate. He was m
at Cavendish, Vt., in 182 1, to Bethia Peck, (a descendant
of Joseph Peck, of England, who fled wTith other Puri-
tan brothers to this country, to avoid the persecution of
the church.) They lived in New York City, until 1826,
when he came to reside in Reading. He built and filled
the first store in Felchville, built and kept the first tav-
ern, and also built the first factory building there in 1835.

234 HISTORY OF READING.

In 1830 he carried the first mail from Woodstock,
Vt., through Felchville, to Charlestown, N. H.

He built fifteen dwelling-houses. In 1832 and '33,
he represented the town of Reading, in the State Legis-
lature. He acted as justice of the peace, forty years, se-
lectman, five, lister, twelve, and filled many other town
offices. He has owned factories, grocery and dry-goods
stores, lime-works, etc. His name has been identified
with almost every public act, and probably no one ever
exerted a greater or better influence in the town of
Reading.

Few men ever enjoyed the confidence of the public
to a greater extent than Wm. Felch. His death occur-
red in 1876 ; his wife d in 1875, leaving four daughters,
all the children they ever had : — Harriet Jane Amsden,
who lived for many years in Felchville, Vt. ; Calista
Smith, who lives in Panama, Nebraska ; Mary Ken-
dall, who lived for a long time in Felchville, and at
present resides in Ludlow, Vt., the wife of Luther R.
Kendall ; Emily Chilson, who lives in Hebron, Neb.

Felchville school district was organized at the
dwelling of Wm. Felch, he being the first clerk and treas-
urer. The district by vote, adopted the name of Will-
shire, which it bore until 1844, when it became No. 10.
The first winter school was taught in i827-'28, by Miss
Philetta Wentworth. She had eight pupils, and $ 1.50
per week, and boarded around.

The first factory building owned by Wm. Felch, dis-
solved in smoke in 185 — . This was a great blow to the
business interest of the village, as the inhabitants
judged, and accordingly, funds to the amount of nearly
$ 2,500 were raised by subscription, and in 1859, a sec-
ond building was erected, and in i860, this was burned.

The third one was built in 1861. The proprietor,
Prosper Merrill, obtained a contract to supply the uni-
forms for the 2nd and 3rd regiments of Vt. Vols., those
regiments being at first uniformed in gray. The manu-

HISTORY OF READING.

factory of this cloth at Felchville was even run on Sun-
days, to make this cloth under the contract with Gov-
ernor Fairbanks. Its use was soon abandoned, and the
army blue substituted. This factory was burned in
1868. The Felchville Chair Company occupied the
site of these woolen-factories, and at time of writing,
a box company is doing business there.

Felchville has slowly increased in size and business
importance, and now bears the impress of thrift and
care. In the summer of 1899, on July 4, Hon. G. A.
Davis, (a noted lawyer and former resident of the vil-
lage) presented formally at dedication of the same, a
beautiful and modern building he had caused to be erec-
ted at a large expense, for a public library, to be known
as the "Gilbert A. Davis Library Building." It also
bears the inscription, "Reading Public Library."

The building contains at date of writing, (1902)
about two thousand books, the larger part having been
given by former residents. A fine crayon portrait of
Wm. Felch hangs on the wall of the reading room, be-
ing presented July, 1899, by his grand-daughter, Min-
nie Amsden Coy, of Windsor, Vt.

Felch Marriages.

Henry m Margrett, (both of Wales) ; John m Han-
nah (in Wales) ; Joseph m Elizabeth Gowing, May 25,
1625; Samuel m Kathrine Smith, May 6, 1714 ; Samuel
Jr., m Eunice Walton, Nov. 24, 1743 ; Caleb m Mary
Chase. Sept. 16, 1788; Wm. m Bethia Peck, Oct. 28,
182 1 ; Harriet m Alzamon Amsden, Sept. 9, 1841 ; Min-
nie m Dana Coy, Oct. 3, 1883.

Lieut. Francis Chase, grandfather of Wm. Felch,
served in the revolutionary war, in Capt. Peter Wood-
bury's 9th Co., Col. Nathan Sparhawk's 7th Worcester
Co., Regt., commissioned Apr. 5, 1776, in Lieut. Jona-
than Silsby's Co. ; also in Capt. WTm. Mariar's Co. ;
muster rolls dated Cambridge, May 9, and June 1, 1778.

236 HISTORY OF READING

Samuel Felch, Wm. Felch's great grandfather was
also a revolutionary soldier.

Chase.

Aquila Chase came from England ; he was b there
in 1618, and d Dee. 27, 1670. He m Ann Wheeler (both
English); Jonn m Elizabeth Bingley ; Philip m Mary
Follansbee ; Lieut. Francis Chase m Mary Perkins ;
Mary m Caleb Felch ; Wm. Felch m Bethia Peck.

Caleb Felch, son of Caleb, was b in 1790, in Royals -
ton, Mass., and m Eliza Lockwood, and had four chil-
dren. He lived on the place just west of Felchville,
now occupied by David E. Burnham. He removed to
N. Y. City.

Hosea Felch, (son of Caleb) was b in Royalstou,
Mass., June 17, 1795, din Felchville, Aug. 9, 1851. He
m Asenath A. Griswold, of Springfield, Vt., April 29,
1835, and came at once to Felchville, and bought and al-
ways thereafter lived on the farm in Felchville, just
south of R. W. Hoadley's. He possessed a superior in-
telect and very retentive memory.

Their children were all born in Reading. Hosea,
Jr., b Dec. 17, 1836, d Aug. 12, 1838 ; Katherine, b Oct.
30, 1838, m Azro White, Nov. 19, 1867 ; Lucinda A., b
March 30, 1840, m Geo. M. Clark, Feb. 14, 1858 ; Mari-
etta, b Jan. 26, 1843, d Feb. 22, 1845,

Katherine had no children, but adopted a son, b.
Nov. 9, 1867, and named him Howard Cushman White,
who now resides in Enfield. N. H., a jeweler. He m
Alice M. Currier, Aug. 23, 1894, and they have two
children, Nellie Lydia, and Wyman Currier Azro.

Geo. and Lucinda A., have two children, Frank
Herbert, b. Aug. 13, i860; Claude Hugh, b Feb. 5, 1863.

Claude Hugh is a moulder and lives at Boston,
Mass. He m Rosamond Harrington, of Salisbury, Vt.,
July 3, 1884. They have two children, Harold Went-
worth and Gertrude Winifred.

HISTORY OF READING. 237

Nathan Felch, brother of Caleb, Sr., was b at Wake-
field, Mass., and brought up in Reading, Mass., and re-
moved to Reading, Vt., where he m for his second wife,
3ally Wilkins, and lived near the Ezra Fay house in
Felehville, and near his nephew, Wm. Felch. He was
a carpenter and joiner, and at one time was a Free Will
Baptist minister, but later in life, adopted and preached
the Universalist faith.

His daughter, Miss Rosetta Felch, of Charlestown,
N. H., writes of him : "He was at times talkative, jocu-
lar, and fond of story telling ; at other times he would
"sit for hours in silent meditation : he spent much of his
"time, when unable to labor, studying the bible and
"comparing passages in different parts."

Rufus O. Forbush.
From the Springfield Reporter.

Rufus O. Forbush was b in Reading, Oct. 7, 1824 —
the son of Rufus Forbush, and brother of Charles A.
Forbush.

He d at Springfield, Vt., June 29, 1899.

He worked on his father's farm in Reading until he
was of age, when he went to Claremont and learned the
trade of a silversmith. He soon set up business for him-
self in Worcester, Mass., where he remained for ten
years, being for some time a member of the Common
Council of that city. After a season spent in the South
on account of failing health, he came to Springfield, and
was associated with his brother in the mercantile busi-
ness, in which he continued until they sold out in 1863.

Since that time he has lived on his estate in Spring-
field, has held most of the town offices, and has settled a
great many important probate matters to the satisfaction
of all concerned.

He was the senior director of the First National
Bank (having served since 1877,) of which he was presi-

238 HISTORY OF READING.

dent at the time of his death. He had for over thirty
years been a member of the Congregational Church.

Although never of vigorous bodily health, he was
spared the confinements of long sickness and the infirm-
ities of age. A reserved, thoughtful man, he was a con-
stant reader of current events, a conservative thinker,
and a cheerful and kindly observer of life. His integri-
ty was undoubted, and his religious faith was still and
deep.

June 9, 1863, he married Eliza A. Spencer, of this
town, whose death preceded his own by nearly two
years. His three sons survive him.

The funeral services were held at his late home
conducted by Dr. Davis, of the Congregational church.
The Banks of the town were closed during the funeral
service, and the officers attended.

The Directors of the National, of which he was
president, acted as pall bearers.

Lillian Watkins Fay,

whose name is borne upon the tablets of college and
university graduates, in the Reading Library, is the
daughter of Collamer T., and Carrie (Watkins) Fay,
and was b at Reading, Dec. 22, 1862, graduated from
Windsor high school in 1879, from Holyoke high school
in 1882, and from Smith college in 1887, with the degree
A. B., and received the degree of A. M., from the same
college in 1894. She studied at Cornell University
in the summer of 1897, and in 1902 was teaching in the
Holyoke high school as second vice-principal, or head
of the women teachers, and head of English department.

HISTORY OF READING. 239

CHAPTER XXII

The Hawthorne Family,
By Collins Hawthorne.

The founders of the Hathorne family in America,
were William and John Hathorne, the sons of William
Hathorne, of Binfield, Berkshire Co., England. These
men wrote their name "Hathorne," and pronounced it
Hawthorne, and the ancestors and descendants of these
men have written the name in many ways, a few of
which are the following : Haughthorne, Hawthorne,
Hauthorne, Hathorn, Hathhorne, Haythorne, Hothorne,
etc.

The original name of the family was Hawthorne
but four or five generations ago, the w and e were omit-
ted from the name, though the pronunciation was re-
tained a generation or two longer, and now a part of the
present members of the family, annoyed by a name that
is almost always misunderstood and mispronounced,
and still oftener mis-spelled, are resuming the original
and proper spelling and pronunciation.

John Hathorne came to this country in 1635, and
settled in Salem, Mass. One of the great grandsons of
John, was Collins, who m Sarah Deane, of Wilmington,
Mass., in 1760, and settled in Jaffrey, N. H. They had
eleven children, of whom four, Benjamin, Olive, Samu-
el and Polly settled in Reading. Olive m Eliakim Da-
vis ; b in 1776, d in 1844; Samuel, b in 1778, m Flavia
Pierce, soon removed to Bridgewater, d about 1845 ;
Polly never m, removed to Marilla, N. Y., in 1856, and
din 1870; Benjamin was b in 1761, in Wilmington,
Mass., m Rhoda Carleton, March, 1787; Benjamin d
July 26, 1847, and Rhoda d Jan. n, 1850.

The children of Benjamin and Rhoda were : —

240 HISTORY OF READING.

(i) Benjamin, b Jan. i, 1788, d Nov. 31, 1813 ; (2) Ira,
b Nov. 9, 1789, d Nov. 24, 1813; (3) Collins, b Sept. 12,
1790, m Rosamond Ranson, Nov. 1, 182 1, removed to
Alden, N. Y., in 1842, d Jan. 15, 1883 ; Rosamond d
March 10, 1895 ; (4) Nathaniel, b June 10, 1792, m Anne
Estabrook in 1815, d June 30, 1826 ; Anne d in 1867 ;
(5) Rhoda, b March 4, 1794, m Jonathan Estabrook in
1814, d Nov. 3, 1888, at Marilla, N. Y.; (6) Candace, b
Nov. 6, 1795, m Asa Newton, d Sept., 1874 ; (7) Alvah,
b Sept. 2, 1797, m Mandana Holley, settled in New Hav-
en, Vt., d March n, 1887 ; Mandana d Oct. 13, 1864;
Alvah afterwards m Betsey Holley ; (8) Laban, b Oct.
4, i799> m Mary Weston, d in Barnard, Dec. 30, 1877 ;
(9) Henry C, b Sept. 3, 1801, m Alzina Taylor, d 1894,
at Niagara Falls, N. Y.; (10) Hial, b April 14, 1803, m
Sally A. Keeler, Nov. 17, 1837; (11) Oliva, b July 31,
1805, d Feb. 27, 1809 ; (12) Farwell, b Sept. 2, 1807, d
Nov. 9, 1827; (13) Naham, b Jan. 21, 1809, m Mary
Ann Ferris, Oct. 30, 1845, d in 1855; (14) Verrenus, b
Feb. 12, 181 1, m Mary Ann Cady, April 3, 1837 ; Mary
Ann d in 1842, and Verrenus m Annis Johnson, March
16, 1843, removed to Marilla, N. Y., in 1856, d in Elma
N. Y., Jan. 19, 1871 ; Annis d in 1893.

Collins had two children, Dennis C, b in Reading,
March 22, 1826, living in Palisades, Col.; and Ira B.,
bin Reading, May 16, 1836, living in Alden, N. Y.

Nathaniel had three children b in Reading, Benja-
min, b in 18 16, d in So. Woodstock ; Ira, settled in Terre
Haute, Ind., d there in 1834 ; Electa m Joel Slack, and
d in Plymouth, Vt.

Rhoda had three daughters, all b in Reading, Oliva,
b in 1815, d in Marilla, N. Y., in 1845; Fidelia, b in
1819, living in Marilla ; Rosomond, b in 1825, d in
Cowlesville, N. Y.

Candace had three sons, all b in Reading, Marcel-
lus, Hial, and Morris Newton.

Laban had two sons and one daughter b in Read-

HISTORY OF READING. 241^

ing, Curtis, b about 1829, living in Barnard ; Colbert, b
about 1830, living in Weathersfield ; Laura Ann, b about
1833, m Joseph Smith, d in So. Woodstock.

Henry C. had six children, Jane Ann, d in child-
hood ; Angelia and Annette d later in Addison Co.;
Jannette m Ross Wickware, living at Niagara Falls ;
Wallace and Farwell served in the civil war, living in
the West.

Verrenus had three daughters b in Reading, Ella d
in infancy ; Mary m Chas. Kendall, living in Buffalo ;
Ella m F. G, Bullis, d in Lancaster, N. Y., in 1898. .

Collins Hawthorne,
By J. B. Hawthorne, of Alden, N. Y.

Collins Hawthorne d Jan. 15, 18S3, at Alden, N. Y.,
aged ninety-two years and four months. He was b in
Reading, Sept. 12, 1790, and passed the first fifty-two
years of his life in his native town, and then in 1842, re-
moved to Alden, twenty miles from Buffalo, N. Y.,
where he resided until his death.

Few men have reached the age of ninety-two years,
and lived a more quiet and uneventful life. His long
residence in Reading was confined to one neighborhood,
most of the time on the farm now owned by Wade Keyes,
just above Hammondsville, on the rocky hillsides of
which he toiled early and late for many a long year, the
principal relief in the monotony of his Reading farm life
being an annual or semi-annual trip to Boston with a
load of produce, which formed the event of the year.

Even his removal to Alden was an event which
would seem the climax of dullness to the emigrant of to-
day, for he came with his own team, there being no rail-
road except a part of the way. He and his family made
a visit to Alden the autumn before his removal there,
but the grand old hills of his native town had grown so
much higher and steeper, and the rocks so much bigger

242 HISTORY OF READING.

during his absence, that in a few weeks he came back
to Alden and bought a farm, on which he lived to the
time of his death, nearly forty-one years.

One prominent characteristic of the deceased, was
his love for his native state. No Scottish lassie, alone
on the shores of a new continent, ever dwelt with more
reverence or devotion on the memory of the "lowland
dale" or "highland glen" of her nativity than did this
matter-of-fact, unsentimental gentleman, dwell upon the
recollections associated with Old Vermont. Some years
after he had passed four score, the centennial history of
his native town was brought to him, and for years it
was his almost constant companion. Day and evening
he sat with it open before him, or lying closed on his
lap, ever too precious a reminder of scenes and people
in his native Green Mountain State.

Mr. Hawthorne, in walking from his chair to his bed,
fell and broke his hip, which confined him to his bed
the remainder of his days.

Four nephews of Mr. Hawthorne have resided in
Windsor County with their families, Benjamin Haw-
thorne, of South Woodstock, Curtis Hawthorne, of Bar-
nar, d Colbert Hawthorne, of Weathersfield and Morris
Newton, of Reading ; but for a record of those who are
not living in this numerous family, the old grave-yard
at Bailey's Mills furnishes a mournful page.

TV

PUBLIC

ASTOB. I

L

a*. ■ i

MERRITT E. GODDARD.

HISTORY OF READING. 243

CHAPTER XXIII

Biographical Sketches, Continued.

Merritt E. Goddard ; Rev. Horace Herrick ; The Her-

rick Family ; Jabez D. Hammond, EL.B.; Judge

Thomas F. Hammond.

Merritt E. Goddard,
By Albert N. Swain,

Merritt Elton Goddard, son of Hiram and Mary
(Ackley) Goddard, was b in Reading, Feb. n, 1834.
His grandfather was Dea. Aaron Goddard, one of the
earty settlers of Reading who is remembered by some
still living as a man of prominence in town, and who
was greatly esteemed for his kindness of heart and prac-
tical sympathy for the unfortunate.

Mr Goddard received his early education in the com-
mon schools, fitted for college in Black River and West
Randolph academies, and graduated at Dartmouth col-
lege in 1857. He then entered the Divinity school of
Harvard University, from which he graduated in 1861
w7ith the purpose of entering the Unitarian ministry,
which purpose he was unable to carry out on account of
his health, which had been impaired by a fall when he
was eleven years of age.

For several years he was superintendent of schools
in Reading, represented his town in the Legislature dur-
ing the war period of 1863 and 1864, and later was a
member of the Windsor County board of School Super-
visors. After occupying the ancestral homestead for
several years he sold the same and moved to Norwich in
1874, where he settled to avail himself of the privileges
incident to being near the college from which he gradu-

244 HISTORY OF READING

ated, and for which he always entertained a strong in-
terest and affection.

He was a man of individuality and independent
thought and mind on questions of public policy, fine
scholarly attainments, took great interest in education
and library work, and was employed to write the History
of Norwich, by vote of the town. He was also chairman
of the board of trustees of the Norwich Public Library
Association, which after his death adopted resolutions of
respect in their loss of the "honored chairman of trus-
tees", and that "our association has lost a most able and
efficient officer, a genial and kind friend and neighbor,
the town and state an excellent citizen".

For many years he held the office of Justice of the
Peace in both Reading and Norwich. Broad in his
views for the general diffusion of intelligence he was an
occasional contributor to the press, and his physical in-
firmities did not prevent him from being a useful citizen.

Mr. Goddard m Amanda S. Keyes, April 14, 1868,
who d Dec. 3, 1870. March 20, 1872, he m Mrs. Loretle
Swain Whitten.

He d at his home in Norwich, Dec. 14, 1891.

Horace Herrick
son of David and Mary (Buswell) Herrick, was b at
Peacham, Vt., May 11, 1807. Fitted at Kimball Union
Academy, Meriden, N. H. Principal of Jaffrey (N. H.)
Academy, i834-'6 ; Lawrence Academy, Groton, Mass.,
i836-'4o, ; Pepperell- (Mass.) Academy, 1840-' 1; Fran-
cestown (N. H.) Academy, i84i-'4. Studied theology
meanwhile with Rev. Dr. J. M. Whiton, of Antrim, N.
H. Pastor of Congregational church, Fitzwilliam, N.
H., Sept. 4, 1844, to Sept. 15, 1847.

Taught at Richmond, Va., i847-'8 ; Principal of
Washington Co. Grammar school, Montpelier, Vt., four
and a half years, from Aug., 1849; agent of Vermont
Bible Society for a year, and then for several years, was

HISTORY OF READING. 245

in poor health. Was acting pastor of Plainfield, Vt.,
May, 1857 to l859 ; Wolcott, Vt., Feb., i860 to April,
1874; York, Neb.. 1875^6 ; South Woodbury, Vt.,
l877-'79- He resided thereafter, at Felehville, Vt.,
until deceased. Supt. schools at Wolcott, [863-'9, 1870-
'4; member of legislature, i86i-'2 ; trustee of University
of Vt., and State Agricultural college, some years from
1S65. Married in Boston, Mass., Dec. 1, 1836, to Aure-
lia, daughter of William and Susannah (Smith) Town-
send, of Reading, Vt., who survived him, without chil-
dren. He d in Felehville, Vt., Jan. 31, 189T, of pneu-
monia.

His wife d at Felehville, Vt., July 5 1891.

The Herrick Family,
By Osgood Herrick, of Sycamore, 111.

Ebenezer Herrick, son of Ebenezer, was b in Read-
ing, Mass., March 2, 1783, and removed with his fath-
er to Marlboro, N. H., in Feb., 1794, where he grew to
manhood. He resided a short time in Cavendish and
Proctorsville, and finally settled in Reading, Vt.,
where he d March 11, 1842. He m first in 1805, Arvilla
Hall, of Keene, N. H., who d two or three years after,
without children.

He m. second, June 6, 1810, Polly Nye. Their chil-
dren were : — (1) Louisa, b July 9, 1811, m Samuel Fay,
of Weathersfield, Vt. ; (2) Lucretia, b Oct. 18, 1813, m
June 15, 1840, Josiah Fitch, of Pottersville, Cheshire
County, N. H., where she d in 1901.; (3) Mary, b Jan.
16, 1815, d May 3, 1863, m June 1839, Rev. Ira Beard,
of Northfield, Vt., Methodist Clergyman; (4) Emily G.,
b April 6, 1818, d June 18, 1842 ; (5) Marcellus Aurelius
b Aug. 27, 1822 ; (6) Eliza Jane, b Feb. 11, 1831, d Aug.
7, 1870.

Rev. Marcellus A, Herrick, d Oct. 31, 1875. Clergy-
man of the Protestant Episcopal Church ; ordained to

246 HISTORY OF READING.

the deaconship, June 16, 1847 ; admitted to the Priest-
hood in 1848, and called to the rectorship of St. James
Church, Woodstock, Vt.; removed Feb., 1861, to the
charge of Trinity Church, of Tilton, N. H.

The Degree of D. D. was conferred on him by Ho-
bart college, Geneva, N. Y.; he m June 4, 1844, Han-
nah A., daughter of Israel and Hannah (Andrew) Put-
nam ; children :- -Lizzie Adelaide, b July 20, 185 1 ;
Charles Putnam, b Nov. 8, 1854; Frank Hobart, b Nov.

19. 1858.

Henry Herrick, brother of Ebenezer, was bin Read-
ing, Mass., June 9, 1787, d Nov. 29, 1832. Went first to
Boston, removed to Reading, Vt., farmer; m Lydia,
widow of Daniel Dodge, of North Danvers, Mass., maid-
en name, Grover ; children: — Mary A., b July 29, 1823,
m Michael Weston, of Reading; Harriet M., b Dec. 27,
1824, m Merrill Mason, of Marlboro, N. H , and she d
about 1898, or '9 ; Henry Osgood, b Feb. 4, 1829, resides
at Anderson, S. C; he received the degree of A. B., at
Norwich University Vt., in 1853 ; A. M. in course ;
teacher until 1864 ; Assessor Internal Revenue, Third
Collection District, of *S. C, i867-'8-'9 ; m Jane B. Heard,
of Vernon, Vt. Children. — Beulah C, b July 29,
1861,

Ebenezer Herrick and Henry, his brother, were of
the 6th generation, from Henry Herrick, who was b at
Bean Manor, County of Leicester, England, in 1604, and
came to America when quite young, first to Virginia, fi-
nally to Salem, Mass, He and his wife were among 30,
who founded the first church in Salem, in 1629.

Henry J. Hewlett
was for a long time a citizen of Reading. He was a na-
tive of West Windsor. In Dec, 1854, he m Alzina A.
Kendall, daughter of Luther Kendall, and the result of
that union was one son, Ed K. Hewlett. On March 16,
1897, Mr. Henry J. Hewlett was m to Esther L. Fay,

HISTORY OF READING. 247

who survives him. He d Oct. 30, 1897, aged 63 years.

Mr. Hewlett was identified with all the best move-
ments in Felchville, being particularly active in the
church, of which for many years he was parish clerk and
deacon. The newly renovated church stands as a mon-
ument to his untiring zeal, for he, with but a few others,
did the work necessary to make the building an attrac-
tive and beautiful one. He loved the faith he professed,
walked in the light and was one to whom the things of
religion were dear. The remains were laid to rest in'the
cemetery at Felchville, overlooking the peaceful valley
where he lived so many years ; and those intimately as-
sociated with him in life followed him, glad to testify to
the very last, of his worth and friendship.

The Hapgood Family,

By Alice L. Hapgood,

of Bellows Falls.

The Hapgoods were one of the first and prominent
families in Reading.

David Hapgood, Esq., being of the first settlers.
He was a direct descendant of Shadrach Hapgood who
came from England in 1656, at the age of 14 years. He
was killed by the Indians at Brookfield, 1675. He was a
young man of enterprise, and early laid the foundation
of the spacious and fertile landed estates which so
many of his descendants have enjoyed quite down to the
present day.

Daniel Hapgood was b May 10, 1757. He was dis-
tinguished for enterprise, courage, energy and persever-
ence. At the age of 22 years he left home, and pur-
chased a large tract of land, twelve miles west of Wind-
sor, Vt., near the center ot the present town of Reading,
and immediately commenced improvements. Then there
were only two families in the region, each miles in op-
posite directions from his location. Here he labored

248 HISTORY OF READING

alone during the first season ; but ere he had complete-
ly secured his little harvest, news reached him that
the settlements on the frontier had been laid waste
by Indians from Canada, and many out of the in-
habitants, were massacred and taken captive.

Trusting in solitude for defense, he did not flee, un-
til returning to his cabin after a temporary absence, he
found the savages had plundered it of meat left over the
fire, and such other articles as they most coveted. He
now hastily struck his tent, returning to Massachusetts,
spending the winter of i778-'9, in enlisting his brother
Thomas and other young men of Worcester County, to
accompany him back in the spring. , Here through pri-
vations and hardships no longer experienced by planters
of new countries, they prepared the way for a large and
prosperous settlement, which was organized in 1780,
and he was elected selectman and constable.

The future historian of Reading cannot fail to recog-
nize him as one of her most efficient founders. He and
his brother Thomas purchased, June 5, 1780, one whole
right of land in the Township of Reading, Vt., consider-
ation ^150 lawful money. David bought of Thomas a
tract of land, consideration ;£ 1,185 lawful money. June
27, 1781, David erected the first framed building, and
opened the first tavern in the place, and the first town
meetings were held in his house. He was early chosen
Representative, and for a series of years served as Mag-
istrate. As his children attained their majority, he pro-
ceeded to divide to them his estate, giving to each of the
elder sons, 100 acres of the south part of his farm, and
to the third son his homestead, etc. He lived to see all
his family comfortably settled in life.

He m in 1781, Sally Myrick, of Princeton, Mass., b
April 6, 1762, d Aug. 7, 1826 ; he d July 3, 1829. Their
children were : — John, b Dec. 11, 1782, at Princeton, m
March 2, 1808, Sally Amsden, of Reading, Vt., daugh-
ter of Abel Amsden, b Aug. 19, 1782, and who d April

HISTORY OF READING. 249

16, 1881, aged 99 years. He d April 16, 1881 ; David,
b Feb. 20, 1786, m, Jan. 1, 1818, Sally Kimball, who
d Feb. 15, 1875. He d Nov. 30, 1859; Sally Myrick, b
June 8, 1788, m, Dec. 25, 1815, Edmund Durrin, Esq.,
of Weathersfield, Vt., who d Feb. 22, 1837. She d in
Reading, July 3, 1855 ; Lucinda, b June 28, 1790, m,
Feb. 2, 1812, Jared Bigelow, who d Aug. 2, 1856. She
d Oct. 21, 1835 ; Betsey, b Jan. 21, 1793, d Aug. 28,
1745 ; Artemas, b July 16, 1795, m, Feb. 27, 1823, Rebec-
ca Fay, of Reading, daughter of Hanniah Fay. He d
June 21, 1837. His widow m Solomon Yuran, of Tun-
bridge ; Fidelia, b Aug. 20, 1797, m, March 14, 1822,
Capt. Rufus Forbush, son of Rufus Forbush of Westboro,
Mass.; Bridgman, b Aug. 13, 1799, m Elizabeth Mor-
rison, April 19, 1829 ; she d Feb. 9, 1830. He m, sec-
ond, Laura Weston, who d Oct. 24, i860. He d Jan. 8,
1877. The firm of Hapgood & Prentiss, (comprising B.
Hapgood & S. Prentiss) in Reading, was in mercantile
business at the Center, and was dissolved Majr 14,
1835. They were succeeded by the firm of Prentiss,
Wood & Co. Their place of business was at the Cen-
ter also. Lucy, b June 28, 1802, d 1806; Dexter, b
April 14, 1807, d unmarried at Dubuque, Iowa, Aug.
30, 1847.

Jabez D. Hammond, LL-B.,
was b at New Bedford, Mass., Aug. 2, 1778, and was
settled as a physician at Reading, in 1779. He removed
to Cherry Valley, N. Y., and he became a lawyer in
1805, where he attained eminence as a public man and
author. He was a Democratic member of Congress in
1815-17, a state senator in 1817-21, a County Judge in
1838, and one of the Regents of the University of N. Y.,
1845 to 1855. He was the author of "James Melbourne"
(1851) ; "Political History of New York" (1849-3 vols.);
"Life of Silas Wright" (1848). He d Aug. 18, 1855.

250 HISTORY OF READING.

Judge Thomas F. Hammond
was b in Reading, and was for many years a resident of
the north western part of the town. He was a farmer,
surveyor, Justice of the Peace and man of general affairs.

He was elected in 1835, as the Judge of the Probate
Court for the District of Windsor, and held that office
by successive annual elections, until 1848, inclusive.

He subsequently resided in West Windsor and in
Chester, and d in the last named town. He had a large
family of boys, but the family record has not been fur-
nished to the editor.

HISTORY OF READING. 251

CHAPTER XXIV.

Biographical Sketches, Continued

Abigail Keyes ; Daniel S. Mahoney ; Helen Kent Rob-
inson ; Hannah Bolles Merrill ; Morgan Family.

Ancestors of Abigail Keyes, who married Capt. William
A. Hawkins.

I Robert Keyes settled at Watertown, Mass., be-
fore 1633, (probably in 1630) when the birth of his first
child is recorded there. His wife was Sarah .

He moved to Newbury, Mass., about 1643, and his
death is there recorded as July 16, 1647. The births of
six children are recorded in Watertown and Newbury.
He probably had more. His widow m John Gage, and
d in 1680.

II Elias, youngest son of Robert, b in 1643, at
Watertown, Mass., m, Sept. 11, 1665, Sarah, daughter
of John Blanford, or Blanchard, and lived in Sudbury,
Mass.

III Deacon John Keyes, supposed to be a son of
the foregoing, lived in Lancaster, Mass., and Shrews-
bury, Mass. B in 1668, (?) d in 1748. (?)

IV John, Jr., b 1712, m Abigail, daughter of Dea.
John Iyivermore, Nov. 26, 1741, and had twelve children.
His daughter Abigail, m William A. Hawkins, of
Northboro, Mass., Oct. 1, 1765. She was b Dec. 26,
1743, and d Feb. 24, 1813. Wm. A. Hawkins then lived
in Northboro, Mass., in Essex County, about 35 miles
from Boston.

Eivermore Family.

252 HISTORY OF READING

I John, b 1604 or '6, m Grace ;

II Samuel, b 1640, m Anna Bridge, June 14, 1688 ;

III Jonathan, b 1678, m Rebecca Barnes, Nov. 23,
1699 ;

IV (Deacon) Jonathan, b 1700, m Abigail Ball,
June 23, 1723 ;

V Abigail, b 1724, m John Keyes, (b 1712) Nov. 25,

1741 ;

VI Abigail Keyes, b Dec. 26, 1743, m Wm. A.
Hawkins, Oct. 1, 1765.

The Bridge family into which Samuel Ljvermore m
was distinguished for the prominent part it took in edu-
cational matters in the early history of the country.

The father of Anna Bridge, was Mathew Bridge, and
the grandfather of Anna Bridge, was Deacon John
Bridge, who founded the first school ever founded in the
Colonies. He founded this school at Cambridge, Mass.,
and from this school, Harvard College giew. He had a
friend named John Harvard, whom he persuaded to give
$8,000 in money to found this college, promising it
should bear the name of "Harvard" if he would do so.

Mr. Harvard gave the money, Deacon John Bridge
gave lands and through his efforts, the College of Har-
vard was founded. He is buried in the cemetery in Cam-
bridge, near the old church, and the account of his life
is carved on his tombstone. A monument stands to the
memory of Deacon John Bridge in the campus at Har-
vard, erected by Gen. Samuel Bridge, one of his descend-
ants.

The mother of Anna Bridge was Anna Danforth,
daughter of Col. Danforth, who was one of the twelve
men who were chosen to make the laws, course of study,
and were "the Trustees of Harvard College." Thus
both Deacon John Bridge and Col. Danforth were two of
the twelve men who founded Harvard College and made
its laws, and they were both Representatives in the Co-
lonial Congress, and were prominent men in Church and

HISTORY OF READING. 253

State.

Helen Kent Robinson
the eldest daughter of Ezra Robinson, was b at South
Reading, and d at Minneapolis, Minn., Aug. 17, 1900.
She was an accomplished pianist, and celebrated as an
instructress upon that instrument. She took an active
interest in the prosperity of her native town, and was a
liberal donor of books for the Reading public library.

Daniel Sullivan Mahoney.

Daniel Sullivan Mahoney, better known to all old
residents of Reading, as ''Uncle Dan", d from the effects
of an attack of the grip at the home, of his grandson,
Harry A. Burnham, April 19, 1900, aged 86 years. He
was b in Bandon, County Cork, Ireland, and came to
Reading Center, about 1833, where he has since made
his home. He m, in Windsor, Vt., Hannah Gately
Fallon, (who d in 1874) and had lour children, — Ed-
mund F., of Amsden ; Mary, widow of William W.
Keyes ; Harriet, deceased, wife of David E- Burnham,
and Daniel O.

He was, by occupation, a farm laborer, and had
worked for four generations of the Burnham family, and
continuously for over fifty years. He was an excellent
citizen, industrious, kind-hearted, and much thought of
by his neighbors. He never did anyone an injury, and
never missed an opportunity to say a pleasant word, or
to perforin a helpful deed. He never spoke ill of any-
one, never shirked his work, and never attempted to do
what he was incompetent to perforin.

And thus in an humble station, he set an example
which brought the regard of all who knew him. His
last sickness was his first serious one, and he so retained
his bodily and mental powers, that he was enabled to
render daily and efficient service to those about him,

HISTORY OF READING.

down to the end of his life.

And thus was granted the dearest wish of his heart,
that he might never be deprived of the delights of labor,
but on the contrary, he was of use and never a burden to
others. At the time of his death, he was the oldest citi-
zen of the town, and his passing away was like the re-
moval of a beloved landmark, of which, no man's mem-
ory recalls the setting up of it.

Austin L. Morgan,
son of Simeon and Sabra (Kinney) Morgan, was b in
New London, Conn., Aug. 14, 18 14. He lived for the
most of the time in Connecticut, until 1836, when he
came to Vermont, living in Ludlow and Shrewsbury.
Followed occupations of farming and shoemaking, until
he began the study of medicine with Dr. Horton, in
1857. Graduated at Burlington, Vt., in 1862. Practiced
his profession successfully in West Windsor, until 1870,
when failing health necessitated his removal, and he
went to Somerville, Mass. Returned to Felchville, Vt.,
in 1872.

Although he did some medical business after his re-
turn, his strength failed, and he d Aug. 25, 1874. He m
Minerva Hemenway, May 15, 1836; slie d Nov. 1, 1886.
To them were b 5 children ; Samuel H., Sterry A.,
Mary L., George W., and Lydia I., of whom two are liv-
ing,— Mary L. Kendall, of Boston, Mass., and"Geo. W.
Morgan, of Woodstock, Vt.

Samuel Hemenway Morgan,
son of Austin L. and Minerva H. Morgan, was b in,
Shrewsbury, Vt., July 10, 1838. With the exception of
a year or two, he always lived in Windsor County.
Had a common school education and followed the occu-
pation of farming chiefly, until 1872. He came to Read-
ing fromPerkinsville, March 1, 1866, moving on to the
farm at Reading Center, known as the Hathorn place.

HISTORY OF READING. 255

In 1872, lie began the stud}' of medicine with Dr. O.
W. Sherwin, in Woodstock. Went to Burlington for
hiE first course and graduated at Dartmouth Medical
College, at Hanover, N. H., in 1875.

In September of that year he went to Ludlow, enter-
ing into partnership with Dr. J. H. Putnam, continuing
with him until 1878, when Dr. Putnam went to locate in
Rutland. The remainder of his life was spent in busi-
ness alone in Ludlow. He worked up a very successful
and satisfactory business which he was obliged to give
up in the latter part of Oct., 1887. He d from typhoid
fever, complicated with pneumonia in Nov., 18S7. He
in Augusta M. Chilson, of Perkiusville, Sept. 21, 1864.

To them were b five children, four girls and one
boy. Three of the girls d in infancy. Two children are
now living, Mrs. J. B. Reardon, of Ludlow, and Dr. F.
C. Morgan, of Reading.

Field Chilson Morgan,
son of Samuel H. and Augusta H. Morgan, was b in
Reading, March 1, 1867. When nine years of age, his
people moved to Ludlow, Vt., where he lived for the
most of the time until the fall of 1887.

Attended the graded schools and Black River Acad-
emy, from 1875 to 1885. Graduated from the Medical
Department, University of Vermont, 1887. Practiced
profession 1 1-2 years, in Plymouth, Vt., and the re-
maining time in Reading (Felchville). Married Lettis

E. McWain, of Plymouth, 1888. They have one child,

F. Paul, b March 22, 1902.

Dr. Morgan has been a trustee of the Reading Pub-
lic Library, and has ever taken an active interest in its
success. He is regarded as one of the brightest physi-
cians in Windsor County, and is thoroughly informed
in his profession. He has, at times, been called as a
witness in trials before a jury in the County Court and
other courts, and has shown remarkable skill and learn-

HISTORY OF READING
ing.

Hannah (Bolles) Merrill
was b in Rockingham, May 7, 1807. ^n Dec, 1837, sne
m Prosper Merrill, who was then superintendent of Earl
& Campbell's Mills in Cambridgeport, a small village
in her native town. They had one son, John B. Merrill,
who d in 1867, at the age of twenty-five years. In 1850,
Mr. Merrill purchased a factory in Felchville, where
they resided until they went to Woodstock, in 1870.

Since the death of her husband, in i8qi, she has
lived at her old home, but a short distance from her
stepson, F. B. Merrill, who, although a son of Mr. Mer-'
rill's first wife, was cared for from childhood by Mrs.
Merrill, and knew no other mother.

Mrs. Merrill was kind and sympathetic, and was
mindful of her neighbors and friends, and had a kind
word for everybody. Although she outlived most of
her own kindred, in her last years she was cared for by
faithful friends, and wanted for nothing that wealth
could purchase.

Mrs. Hannah Bolles Merrill d Nov. 2, 1899, at her
home in Woodstock, Vt., aged 91 years and six months.
She had been in failing health for some time, and on
Tuesday, Oct. 22, she fell and fractured her right hip,
which accident usually proves fatal in persons of her
age.

HISTORY OF READING. 257

CHAPTER XXV.

Biographical Sketches, Continued.

Genealogy of the Robinson Family,
By A. H. Keyes.

Jonathan Robinson was b in Cambridge, Mass., Apr.
20, 1862. He was the son of William Robinson, and the
grandfather of Ebenezer Robinson. He purchased a
farm near where later occurred the battle of Lexington,
in 1706. On this farm, James Robinson, father of Ebe-
nezer R., was b, Aug. 30, 17 15. James was the sixth
son of Jonathan Robinson. On the same farm, Ebenezer
Robinson (my great grandfather) was b, Feb. 14. 1765.

He entered the Colonial service at the time of the
Revolution when only sixteen years of age, served on
an American ship, was taken prisoner, confined on the
old British prison ship, Jersey, was released, and after-
ward served in the army again. (See History of Read-
ing Centennial).

• He came to Reading in 1788, cleared away the for-
ests in So. Reading, and made himself a farm. He m
Hannah Ackley, Nov. 18, 1792, and they passed a long
and peaceful life on this farm. She was b in 177 1, and
d Feb. 8, 1857, aged 86 years, and two months. He d
Oct. 31, 1857, aged 92 years, and eight months. Mar-
vin Robinson, his son, (and my grandfather) was b
March 24, 1800, in So. Reading, Vt. He m Lucinda
Fullum, Oct. n, 1826, by whom he had seven children.
They were (1) Franklin Marvin, b Aug. 2, 1828, d March
25, 1885 ; (2) Edwin Aurelius, b Oct. 18, 1829, d Nov. 8,
1892; (3) Charles Henry, b July 18, 1831 ; (4) Wallace
Fullum, b Dec. 22, 1832 ; (5) Forest Alonzo, b May 29,
1835, d March 19, 1836, aged 10 months ; (6) Maria
Frances, b Jan. 2, 1837 : (7) Elmore Duane, b July 15,
1838, d Dec. 4, 1893, 7 p. m. All b in So. Reading, Vt.

Lucinda, first wife of M. Robinson, d Nov. 25, 1839,

HISTORY OF READING.

aged 42 years, and two months, having been b Sept. 13,
1797. Marvin Robinson m his second wife, Charlotte
Wood, Sept. 22, 1840. She was b May 2, 1816, at Hart-
land, Vt., and was the daughter of Jonathan and Betsey
Wood. She d April 14, 1889, aged 74. Their children
were : — Elroy Clement, b Jan. 30, 1844, d Oct. 28, 1885,
aged 41 ; Delia Ada, b Jan. 24, 1847, d Oct. 29, 1851,
aged 4 years, and nine months ; Addie Lestina, b Nov.
7, 1852, d Aug. 9, 1873, aged 20 years, and nine months ;
All b in So. Reading, Vt. Marvin Robinson d Dec. 22,
1866, aged 66 years, eight months, and twenty-eight
days. He spent his life principally, if not wholly, in
So. Reading, and there kept a tavern and devoted much
time to farming.

William Robinson, father of Jonathan Robinson,
probably resided in Bristol, England, and afterward em-
igrated to Watertown, Mass. He was b about 1640, m
about 1668. His wife was. Elizabeth Cutter, b in Cam-
bridge, Mass., July 15, 1645, the daughter of Richard
Cutter, of Cambridge, Mass., by his first wife, Elizabeth
Williams, who was the daughter of Elizabeth (Stalham)
Williams, and was b in England. Her father, Robert
Williams, was b in England, so the record of Wm. Wil-
liams, of Hatfield, England, says. The embarkation
record reads "April 8, 1637, Robert Williams Cordwyner
(Cordwyner was a shoemaker) of Norwich Co., Norfolk,
England, in the "John and Dorothy" of Ipswich, Wil-
liam Andreas, master, For New England to inhabit."

In the history of Lexington, by Hudson, I find as
follows, — "Jonathan Robinson, son of William Robinson,
b in Cambridge, April 20, 1682. I find on a copy of the
will of Richard Cutter, of Cambridge, made a short time
before his death, in 1693, this endorsement "For the two
Robinsons, grandsons of the deceased." This paper be-
ing found among papers left by Jonathan Robinson, and
Richard Cutter having several daughters, one of them
may have m a Robinson. It appears by a deed in pos-

HISTORY OF READING. 259

session of the family, that Isaac Powers, of Cambridge,
sold to Jonathan Robinson, of Cambridge, Mass., in
1706, a lot of land at Cambridge Farms, bounded easter-
ly, by land of Joanna Winship, westerly, by land of the
heirs of Samuel Winship, northerly, by Concord Road,
and southerly, by the land of John Dickenson.

This and other deeds of land to Jonathan Robinson,
bounded by the Winship's, Whitmore's and Bowman's,
leaves no doubt but that he resided on, or near the place
now occupied by Mr. Jonas Gamwell at the termina-
tion ol Oak street, house now burned.

Jonathan Robinson m Ruth , and probably

came to the "Farms" about 1706. He d in 1753, and
she d April 25, 1759. He filled the honorable office of
tything-man in 1735, and in 1744 was on a committee to
dignify and seat the meeting house. Children of Jona-
than and Ruth Robinson were —

(1) Jonathan, b July 25, 1707 ; (2) Ruth, b June 29,
1709, d Oct. 23, 1722 ; (3) Abigail, b Feb. 4, 1711, m
Nathaniel Bacon, of Lexington; (4) James, (my great-
great grandfather) b Aug. 30, 1715, m in 1751, Elizabeth
Trask; she was b April 21, 1725 ; (5) Lydia, b. Aug. 29,
17 18, m Caleb Simonds ; (6) Hannah, b Jan. 8, 1721.

James Robinson, (m)' great-great-grandfather) m 2nd
wife, Margaret — , by whom he had 8 children. He was
admitted to the Church March 10, 1765. She d Nov. 5,
1769 and he m 3rd, Elizabeth — , by whom he had three
children. He d Aug, 12, 1774. Children were —

(1) Ruth b Jan, 28, 1753; (2) Joseph b March 18,
1755, m Mrs. Betty Hadley ; (3) Silas, b Feb. 20, 1757, m
(4) Asa, b Jan. 19, 1759, was in the Campaign to New
York, in 1776; (5) James b Nov. 26, 1760, m May 25,
1787, Judith Reed, of Woburn. He was a soldier in
the Continental Army. ; (6) Rhoda, b May 10, 1763, d
young; (7) Ebenezer, b Feb. 14, 1765; d at So. Read-
ing, Vt., Oct. 31, 1757, aged 92 years, 8 months; (8)
Parsis, baptized Feb. 1, 1767, b Jan. 25, 1767. Children

260 HISTORY OF READING

of James by his wife Elizabeth were — (9) Rhoda baptized
Oct. 20. 1771, m May 24, 1791, Simeon Snow; (10) Ly-
dia, baptized Jan. 5, 1772, b Jan. 2. 1772 ; (11) Jonas
baptized Dec. 1, 1773, b May 18, 1770.

Children of Ebenezer and Hannah Robinson were —
(1) Lewis, b Aug. 19, 1793, d Nov. 16, 1871 ; (2) Mar-
vin, b May 24, 1800, d Dec. 22, 1866 ; (3) Rhoda, b Feb.
8, 1790, d Oct. 21, 1873 ; (4) Hannah, b Jan. 20, 1805, d
April 19, 1873; (5) Ebenezer, Jr., b Dec. 30, 1808, d
July 5, 1848 ; (6)EHza, b May 20, 1807, d Dec. 13, i860 ;
(7) Calvin, b Jan., 13, 1798, d Mar. 28, 1819; (8) Sally
S., b Sept. 19, 1802, d Oct. 6, 1816. All b in Reading.

In the History of Cambridge, by Lucius R. Page,
I find Wm. Robinson, (my great-great-great-great grand-
father) by wife Elizabeth, had children —

(r) Elizabeth ; (2) Hannah, b Concord, July 3, 1671,
d there Oct. 5, 1672 (called Ann); (3) Wm., b July 10,
1673; (4) Mercy, b Aug. 7, 1676; (5) Dana, b May 23,
1678, (lame and helpless in 1695); (6) Samuel, b April
20, 1680 ; (7) Jonathan, b April 20, 1682, (my great-
great-great-grandfather) .

William, the father, was styled sometimes of Cam-
bridge and sometimes of Watertown, Mass. He execu-
ted a will May 27, 1693, which was presented for probate
June 26, 1693, but disallowed on account of its infor-
mality at which date all the children except Hannah
were living. Jonathan (the 7th child of William) was
a weaver, and resided in Lexington. His will, dated
Feb. 2, was proved Feb. 8, 1754. His wife, Ruth, sur-
vived him. From the History of Watertown, Mass., I
quote Administratorship of Estate of Wm. Robinson,
granted to son William, Oct. 21, 1695, inventory dated
Aug. 14, 1695, ^43— 17s.

The will of Wm. R., dated March 22, 1694, mentions
son William (3rd child) of Newton, May 16, 1698, Sam-
uel and Nathaniel Sparhawk appointed guardians of
Samuel R., aged 18, and John R., aged 16.

THE NEW YORK

PUBLIC LIBRARY

GEORGE O. ROBINSON.

HLSTORY OF READING. 261

CHAPTER XXVI.

George Orville Robinson.

George Orville Robinson was b at So. Reading, Vt.,
June 14, 1832. He is the son of the late Lewis Robinson,
and grandson of Ebenezer Robinson, who served our
country most faithfully during the War of the Revolu-
tion.

Lewis Robinson was a man of great force of charac-
ter, and of unusual executive ability. His wife also was
possessed of remarkable energy of character, and great-
ly aided her husband in promoting the prosperity of the
town. No doubt there was some family pride in this
matter, because at the close of the Revolutionary war,
the grandfather, Ebenezer Robinson, settled at South
Reading, and from the wilderness, had cleared a large
and valuable farm, upon which he dwelt for sixty-six
years.

During his boyhood, George heard a great many
stories of revolutionary life, of the early redemption of
the wilderness in this part of Vermont, and of the
growth and increasing wealth of the mountainous state
from which have gone, to all parts of the world, men of
sterling faith and character. Young George enjoyed
the usual advantages of the public schools of his native
state, and also had the advantage of aiding his father
in the publishing of maps of Canada, and of different
states of our Union, thus giving to his young mind, .a
broad outlook which could not otherwise have come to
him. At the early age of seventeen he commenced teach-
ing school, meantime studying to fit himself for college.

After completing a preparatory course at Spring-
field and Newbury Seminaries in 1853, he entered the

262 HISTORY OF READING.

University of Vermont, from which, in 1857, he gradua-
ted as salutatorian of his class. He immediately began
the study of law, and in March of the following year,
went to Janesville, Wisconsin, where he completed his
professional studies, and in the fall of 1858, was admit-
ted to the bar. During the two following years, while
practicing law in Wisconsin, he gave some time .to sur-
veying, and also performed the duties of Justice of the
Peace.

In the spring of 1861, he removed to Detroit, Michi-
gan, and with David W. Brooks, formed a law partner-
ship in 1862, for the practice of his profession. For a
time, the firm gave special attention to the collecting of
claims upon the government, arising from the civil war.
In 1872, this partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Robin-
son then became the senior partner of the new firm, Rob-
inson & Flinn. This latter firm still continues. This
firm for many years gave special attention to the litigation
title, care, and sale of pine lands, and pine land estates.
For the last few years Mr. Robinson has also been much
interested in the iron mines of Minnesota. Mr. Robin-
son has always been regarded as a man of strict integri-
ty, conscientious in the discharge of his duties as a citi-
zen, and energetic and persevering in all that pertains to
righteousness. In conducting large and important bus-
iness interests, his judgment and wisdom have always re-
ceived the approval of his clients.

Mr. Robinson has always been active in charitable
and religious work. He was one of the original mem-
bers of the Young Men's Christian Association of his
city, and has three times represented this organization
as delegate to International Conventions. As a Metho-
dist, he saw the need of a church paper, and was one of
the principal founders of the Michigan Christian Advo-
cate, a religious newspaper which has had large circula-
tion, and is published by the Methodist Publishing
Company, of Detroit.

HISTORY OF READING. 263

He has always been a large stockholder and officer
in this company, and for many years has been its Presi-
dent. In 1895, Mr. Robinson was elected as lay dele-
gate to the General Conference of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church, held in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1896. Here he
was made a member of the important Book Committee
of the church which has charge of the large publishing
houses of the Methodist Book Concern, including many
publications and periodicals of the church.

In the year 1901, he attended as a delegate, the Ec-
umenical Methodist Conference, held in London.

As a staunch republican he has ever given his party
substantial support, but has never been willing to accept
political preferment. Mr. Robinson has traveled exten-
sively in his own country and in foreign lands, and has
written much for the press.

In 1859 Mr. Robinson married Miss Helen Mather,
a lady of rare taste and fine musical education, who d in
1890 and was the mother of five children, — Frederick A.,
Caroline M.,' (now Mrs. George L. Cheeseborough),
George A., and Emma Mabel. Their son, Willie H.,
d at the age of 4, in 1878. Later Mr. Robinson m Miss
Jane M. Bancroft, who for more than eight years had
been Dean of the Woman's College of the Northwestern
University at Evanston, 111. She was a graduate of the
celebrated school of Mrs. Emma Willard, and later in
1877, of Syracuse University. She also spent two years
in Europe in the Universities of Zurich and Paris, where
she became greatly interested in Christian philanthrophy.
On her return she wrote a work entitled, (< Deaconesses
in Europe and their Lessons for America," which has
become an authority on the subject of which it treats.

264 HISTORY OF READING.

CHAPTER XXVII.
Ebenezer Robinson, 2nd, and His Three Sons.

Ebenezer Robinson, 2nd,
By Stillman W. Robinson.

Ebenezer Robinson, 2d, farmer and carpenter, was
b in Reading, Vt., in 1810, on the farm he was carrying
on at the time of his death of typhoid fever, on the morn-
ing of July 5, 1848. This was the same farm that his
father, Ebenezer Robinson, sought out from the forests
of Reading, and settled upon after the war of the Revo-
lution. There was some agreement between this father
and son, that the latter should carry on the farm "at the
halves", during the life of the former, when the farm
should become the property of the son. But the death
of the son nine years prior to that of the father, preven-
ted this from being carried out, leaving the widow, Mrs.
Adeline W. Robinson, with the responsibility of this
farm interest, besides that of the four children of ten
years, and younger.

Mr. Ebenezer Robinson, 2nd, was a rather thick-set
man, of somei8o lbs. weight, and one who was mentioned
by neighbors and others, as of unusual physical strength.

He was enthusiastic with his farm, to get it im-
proved to where less effort would be required in due
time, for carrying it on. Some two or three years before'
his death, he desired some additional buildings, and for
economy's sake, he got out the timber, built the frame-
work, and completed them himself, having but a few
poor tools to work with.

This carpenter work attracted the attention of neigh-
bors about, who began to apply to him for construction
of buildings on their farms. With this encouragement,

HISTORY OF READING. 265

he decided to get a set of framer's and carpenter's tools,
and in 1S47, he became possessed of the finest chest of
these tools, all new and bright, that could be found in
that part of the country. These the eldest son, Stillman,
then of about 8 years (subject of another sketch) coveted
the use of, for play tools, with longing, wishful eyes.

But, alas for the youngster ! They were in a splen-
did new iron-bound chest, and under lock and key.
That unmistakable, mechanical genius was thus put off,
to linger with the few old tools. These, however, had
some vim, as proved by the fact, that the youngest boy,
A. A., then some 3 years, wielding; one of them as best
he might, suffered the severance of a small piece from
one thumb. This loss however, seems never to have
phased A. A. Robinson's brilliant life record. (See
another sketch.)

Thus, Ebenezer Robinson, 2nd, so well equipped
with the carpenter's outfit, engaged with delight in an-
swering calls for framing and building. In those days,
farm buildings were supposed to require a heavy frame-
work, the main pieces not smaller than eight inches
square. These must be mortised, tenoned and pins driv-
en through. Some framers went by the so-called "scribe
rule", where each mortise was score-marked for its ten-
on, with a peculiar hand-tool that would cut either a
straight or a circular groove, the combination of which
would produce any number. But Mr. Robinson dis-
dained this fussy and slow proceeding, and went by the
"head rule" where each stick of timber was immediate-
ly recognized for its place when the day for "the raising"
came. It may be possible that this, together with his
home farming, overworked the man, hastening his pre-
mature death.

In about 1846, a set of ox-cart wheels were wanted,
and instead of buying, he decided to build them himself.
The oak trees for the timber for these wheels was selected
a year or two ahead, when the best to be found on the

266 HISTORY OF READING.

farm were spotted for it, though red, in the absence of
white, had to be accepted. A long and- serious time of
seasoning around the stove and fireplace was passed one
winter, and in the early spring the wheels were made by
his own hand. These, however, were a most excellent
pair of wheels, coveted by the neighbors around, excell-
ing in workmanship as well as in all other qualities.

Thus it is shown that Ebenezer Robinson, 2nd, was
a man of unusual aptitudes, exceeding in mechanical
handcraft, as well as in his farming ; for the farm was
always in good, clean and thriving condition, with
"pump-logs" laid to bring water from a spring to the
house and barns, buildings erected, and in good repair.

He wTas a good mathematician as fai as that went in
district schools of those days, not beyond arithmetic.
He was captivated by what he could do with arithmetic
in squares and square roots, thus determining exactly by
mathematics, the length of a brace, whatever its angle.
In his younger days he taught school, and was always
master of the situation, both for teaching and ruling.

He was an admirer of extended frame-work, such as
that in wooden railroad bridges ; and also of machinery
of all kinds, whether for excavation or rifle making. It
will doubtless be conceded by the people of Reading,
that this man was born fifty years too soon, for had he
the college training and the industrial openings of later
times, he would most assuredly have enthused into them,
and probably become one of the remarkable engineers
of recent years or of today ; but his mantle of possible
attainments fell for want of calling, and it was left to
his sons to recover and bear it forward to mark achieve-
ments of today.

The children of Ebenezer Robinson, 2nd, and his
wife Adeline W., were four in number, viz : — Stillman
W., b March 6, 1838 ; Elna A., b Dec, 1839 i Albert A.,
b Oct., 1844 ; Mary Ella, b spring of 1848.

PUBLK

ASTOr.

B L

STILLMAN W. ROBINSON, C. E.t D. Sc.

HISTORY OF READING. 267

Stillman Williams Robinson, C. E., D. Sc, Professor

Emeritus in Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State

University, Columbus, Ohio, Author, Inventor,

Engineering Expert, and College Professor

Twenty-Five Years.

Mr. Robinson was b near the village of South Read-
ing. Vt., March 6, 1838, on a farm, his father being Eb-
enezer Robinson, Jr., b in the same place, who carried on
a farm ; though by preference a carpenter, with frequent
calls in that line. The grandfather was Ebenezer Rob-
inson, a soldier in the Revolution, and one of the pio-
neers of Reading, forming the subject of another sketch.

Prof. Robinson, the subject of this sketch, is emphat-
ically one of Reading's self-made men. At eight years
of age he was taken from school for part of the time,
that he might more fully serve as a farm hand. At ten
years, his father died, and he was placed in charge of
another farmer, until 16, which year he was put partly
on the farm and partly in running a saw-mill and erect-
ing a lumber and grist-mill. This work was more to the
young man's taste, which taste was strongly made known
as early as two and a half years of age, when he watched
with surprise and spell-bound interest, the operation of
the spinning wheel, as it was put in motion to spin the
annual "frocking", from which to cut the farm garments.
Not only this wheel, but the reel, scarns, loom, etc., for
producing this web, riveted the attention of the child.

As days and years went past, this youngster was
found making little water wheels which were estab-
lished in the water guzzles, with string belts to run the
little mill, the "bug-grinder", etc. The water drops
thrown from the little wheel, were called mosquitoes
by the father, who would come along and issue the very
unwelcome order, "come, put away your mosquito
wheels now, and go out to picking up stone". These
stones were always found lying plentifully on a recently

HISTORY OF READING

seeded down field in this part of Reading, requiring to
be gathered into heaps and drawn away. A few min-
utes to tinker at mechanical play in the "shop room"
was frequently obtained by running ahead of the men at
dinner horn blast. Rainy days, when "shop tinkering"
could go on, were hailed with delight. At fifteen, a
violin was brought out of the "shop room", which was
prized above most others for energy and quality of tone.
All this mechanical work was so delighted in, that he
never tired, while the farm work had no charms what-
ever.

In those days the village of South Reading had
several saw mills, a gristmill, starch mill, a cabinet and
bedstead mill, and a blacksmith shop ; all of which
were familiarized by this subject of our sketch, but the
tannery and potash factory had less charms by reason of
the lesser machinery.

Imagine the wonderment of the boy as he was taken
to Windsor a few times in 1S47, and shown about.
The Gun Factory, with its wonderful machines held
him overawed in admiring gaze. The most noticable by
him was the rifling machine which had a leather belt
running over one round pully mated with an elliptical
one. This seemed impossible, but never forgotten, and
was better understood- later, when principles of mechan-
ism came to pervade the mind. The Connecticut River
Railroad was then just being built, and the locomotive
pulling the passenger train, was the especial wonder of
the boy's life, as well as the steam excavator, while cut-
ting the sand banks of Hartland to railroad grade. The
brick depot at Windsor, where the conductor called out
"all aboard for Wells River", to start his train, was
ever remembered, and when next seen, last fall, 54 years
later, wTas found less dignified than memory had carried
it. Thus it is seen that all mechanical things had an
unmistakable charm for the young lad. Who, wTith
these facts in 'view, could suppose that he had not a

HIvSTORY OF READING. 269

calling, or that he could miss it in his future life?

At the age of 17 years, an apprenticeship of four
years was entered upon, at the machinist's trade at
Springfield, Vt., which was profitably and pleasantly
passed ; though when completed, a lack of education
was seriously felt. Without stopping to work at his
trade, he left Vermont in the spring of i860, with stencil
tools for cutting name plates by the way, and with eight
dollars in his pocket, his total capital, to make his way
westward, cutting stencils by the way, to take studies at
the University of Michigan, at which he arrived with
$50.00 in his pocket. On arrival at the University, he
was fearful of trying entrance examinations with the
rest, so remained out one term, to attend high school,
thence entering the University at the winter term. His
time was still further cut by nearly a third of a year, by
measles and rheumatism, and hence this four years'
course for the degree, C. E-, was reduced for Mr. Robin-
son, to somewhat less than two and a half years. This
required extraordinary effort, and is said to be the short-
est time this course has been passed.

In college his apprenticeship was of material aid,
helping him to do jobs to pay his expenses. Thus in
part he made stethoscopes for medical students, and
graduated thermometer scales for a barometer maker.
In the latter however, a machine was invented which
proved a great surprise to all thermometer makers. An
important invention had been brought out for which
more machines were soon demanded, thus noting a val-
uable invention.

A mechanical engineering school was sought,
though not then found in the country. The next near-
est was civil engineering, which was finished at the Uni-
versity of Michigan, where he graduated with the degree
of C. E., in 1863. To his surprise he found himself
equipped for places other than those in the machine
shop ; as, before he was aware of it or had given thought

27o HISTORY OF READING.

to it, he found a position offered him on the United
States Lake Survey, paying better than the machine
shop. This was accepted for the time, in lieu of some
imaginary machine shop place, looked for, but not forth-
coming. But the use of instruments, supported by col-
lege training, was found a most admirable substitute for
what the shops could afford, the instrument proving a
fine sort of a machine. Here inventions were made,
some as improvements, and one a double eyepiece for
the telescope, enabling two persons to observe the same
star simultaneously, while it passed the field of the tele-
scope. Its use was for quickly determining the so-
called "personal equation", an important item in deter-
mining difference of longitude astronomically.

He left the Lake Survey in 1866, to become instruct-
or in engineering in the University of Michigan, where,
in 1867 ne was promoted to assist Professor of Mine En-
gineering and Geodesy. In 1870 he resigned this to ac-
cept the professorship of Mechanical Engineering and
Physics in the University of Illinois. In this compari-
tively new institution at that time, he built up the de-
partment of mechanical engineering and of physics, both
including systematic laboratory work.

Of engineering in this institution it was written and
read by Prof. I. O. Baker of the same University, on oc-
casion of dedication of the engineering college building :

"The work of the engineering college may be said
to date from Jan. i, 1870, when Stillman W. Robinson
was elected Professor of Mechanical Engineering. ** Ref-
erence is frequently made to a shop, established almost
as soon as instruction was started. **It consisted of a few
carpenter's tools, in a small room cut off from a mule
stable. **Jan. 10, Prof. Robinson addressed a communica-
tion to the Board of Trustees, in which he forcibly pre-
sented the reasons for uniting theoretical and practical
instruction, outlined his method of accomplishing this,
and asked for an appropriation of $2,000, for the purchase

HISTORY OF READING. 271

of certain tools and apparatus. This appropriation was
promptly granted, and a second story added to the 24x36
building for the carpenter's tools. A steam boiler, an
engine lathe, a few tools and the partly finished castings
for a steam engine were purchased, and the Professor,
with the help of his students, proceeded to make a steam
engine which had some novel features to adapt it to ex-
perimental purposes. In less than six months the shop
was supplied with a fair equipment, nearly all of which
was the product of the shop itself.

Thus was opened the first distinctly educational
shops in America. Seven years elapsed before another
similar shop was open in the United States, while now
such instruction is offered at nearly all the state institu-
tions, and public schools in many cities. The credit for
the general conception doubtless belongs to the then
President, Dr. Gregory, **but Professor Robinson should
certainly have the credit for the details of the plan, and
the clear perception of the principles to be observed.

In 187 1, a legislative grant of $25,000 for a new me-
chanical and military building, and for additional ma-
chinery, furnished the strongest evidence of the approv-
al of the method of instruction employed. **The work in
the recitation and drawing rooms was equally as high in
character as the shop work.**

This institution was the third in the United States
to give instruction in Physics by the laboratory methods,
for the inauguration of which Professor Robinson should
have the credit."

Of the faculty of this University, it was said by its
President, A. S. Draper, that the time will never come
when among faculty names that of Robinson, mentioned
with others, will not lead all the rest.

Professor Robinson had become Dean of the College
of Engineering in 1878, in which year he resigned to ac-
cept the chair of mechanical engineering and physics,
in the Ohio State University, at Columbus, O. After

272 HISTORY OF READING.

three years, the mechanical subjects had advanced to re-
quire his whole attention when he was relieved of phys-
ics. Here the higher technical subjects of the classroom,
together with the laboratory work, became so severe
that he was compelled to resign in 1895.

The professor's training in the various engineering
subjects had made him a valuable man in practical op-
erations outside of the university in which he often ac-
cepted service. From 1880 to 1884, he was inspector of
railroads for Ohio, he examining one-third of all of those
roads, and reporting all defects to the State Commission-
er. In 1883 and 1884 he served in consultation with the
manager of the Santa Fe Railroad, on train brakes and
railroad laboratories, while other subjects were investi-
gated and written up, including vibration of bridges, per-
missible working stresses, strength of columns, car
couplers, curves and sidings, railroad economics, besides
various other articles published in societies, magazines,
etc., and noticed here and in foreign countries. He is
author of three of Van Nostrand's Science Series, and
rewrote and enlarged another. He is also author of
Principles of Mechanism, a College text-book, published
in 1896, and admitted to be the chief authority on that
subject, and which won him the degree of D. Sc.

He has served as consulting engineer in several im-
portant cases, including bridges of the Santa Fe Rail-
road, from 1887 to 1890. One bridge was a cantilever of
longest span, up to that date, in this country (this work
winning for him the Roland Prize of the Am. Soc. C. E)
He was consulting engineer for the iron frame work and
mountings of the great Lick Telescope, a veritable and
exacting piece of engineering work. He was consulting
mechanical engineer for the McKay Shoe Machinery Co.,
of Boston, from 1897 till it combined with the United
Shoe Machinery Co. Also he was mechanical engineer
and inventor for the Wire Grip Fastening Co., from 1884
ill 1897, and invented all the shoe manufacturing ma-

HISTORY OF READING. 273

chinery operated by that company.

The professor has been principal in some fifty inven-
tions in various lines, forty of which have been patented
in the U. S., and many in foreign countries, among
which, the most successful were the thermometer gradu-
ating machine, the photograph trimmer, the templet
odontograph, the improved Pitot tube instrument, the
transmission dynamometer, an angle shaft coupler, an
hypodermic syringe, and those for boot and shoe manu-
facturing. Some of these inventions received awards
and medals at our National Expositions.

Professor Robinson is a member of the American So-
ciety of Mechanical Engineers ; American Society of
Civil Engineers ; American Society of Naval Architects
and Marine Engineers ; Society for the Promotion of
Engineering Education and other organizations, and
Fellow of the American Association for the Advance-
ment of Science.

He was first m in 1863 to M. E., daughter of Abel
Holden, who d in 1885, by whom he had one son and
two daughters. In 1888 he was again m to M. Haines,
of Ada, Ohio.

Thus it is seen by following through the above nar-
rative, that Stillman W. Robinson, b in the humble
town of Reading, Vt., stands as one example of a self-
made man who rose from an insignificant boyhood, to
distinction as a teacher ; as an author ; as an inventor ;
and as a master of engineering and mechanical science.
It has been written of him in Ohio, where his late years
have made him known, he is "A man honored, respected
and esteemed wherever known, and most of all where
best known. He stands today among the leading repre-
sentatives of the department of teaching, having to do
with the great scientific principles underlying mechani-
cal engineering, and his advanced thought and investi-
gations have led to many inventions which have made
the world of labor richer, and its activity more effi-

274 HISTORY OF READING.

cient." It is one of the glories of our American Nation
that a man may thus rise by his own efforts, to distinc-
tion and influence among the professions, thus serving
as an encouragement to the youth of the country.

Elna Alphonso Robinson, M. E.

Elna Alphonso Robinson, son of Ebenezer Robin-
son, Jr., and Adaline W. Robinson, was b on the old
Robinson Farm, half a mile south of South Reading vil-
lage, Dec. 15, 1839. At the age of eight years, his fath-
er d, and he was sent out to live with his grandfather
some two years, at Hartland, Vermont, and afterwards
with another relative in the northern part of the state,
about two years, and after this, with a farmer in Spring-
field, Vt., till he reached the age of seventeen years,
when he went to learn the machinist's trade with F. B.
Gilman, at Springfield, Vt. After serving his appren-
ticeship with Mr. Gilman, he was m to Miss Melora
Smith, at Gardner, Mass. He then spent a year or so,
cutting stencil plates for soldiers, after which he and
his young wife went west, locating at Janesville, Wis.,
where he entered the employ of a machine shop, and
worked at his trade for several years. For three years
of the time he resided at Janesville, he was foreman of
the machine shop of the Doty Manufacturing Company.

Realizing that he needed a better education than the
common schools afforded in Vermont, Mr. Robinson, in
1870, removed to Champaign, 111., and entered the Uni-
versity of Illinois, taking the full course of Mechanical
Engineering, which took four years' time, when he grad-
uated with the degree M. E. While a student in the
University, Mr. Robinson, being a practical machinist
and accustomed to the handling of work and men, was
given the charge of the University Mechanical Labora-
tory and Machine Shop, spending a portion of his time
as assistant in the laboratory, and in capacity of foreman

HISTORY OF READING. 275

in the shop ; and in this way he was able to earn a fair
amount ; and by the help of his wife, who took boarders,
he was able to carry on his studies, and pay his living ex-
penses through to graduation in June, 1875.

After graduation, Mr. Robinson continued in the
employ of the University for three years, and still had
charge of the shops, and also taught several classes in
the University.

In June, 1878, Mr. Robinson formed a partnership
with Mr. E. M. Burr, M. E-, also a graduate who
learned his machinist's trade under Mr. Robinson while
a student at the University. They then embarked in
the machine and foundry business under the firm name
of Robinson & Burr, which partnership continued for
twenty-one years, building up a very successful busi-
ness in the city of Champaign, 111.

Their work was general machinery, for the most
part, though a few patented machines, including a some-
what remarkable thermometer graduating machine,
were specialties. This latter machine, awarded a medal
at the Centennial of 1876, was greatly improved by
them.

During the partnership, there appeared quite a need
of plumbing in the town, and as there was no one regu-
larly engaged in it there, they took this up, and it de-
veloped into quite a large portion of their business.

In February, 1899, by mutual consent, the firm of
Robinson & Burr was dissolved, Mr. Robinson taking
the plumbing and heating by himself; since which time
he has conducted this business alone, at which he has
ranked as foremost.

Quite early in life, Mr. Robinson manifested unmis-
takable evidences of strong mechanical traits, preferring
mechanical toys in boyhood, and leaving the farm for
machine apprenticeship, on becoming a young man ;
thus gaining skill in a line which held him through suc-
ceeding years to the present.

276 HISTORY OF READING

Through life, Mr. Robinson was thoroughly up-
right in all his dealings, always surrounded with plenty
of friends, and never a foe. He early became a church
member. He buried his first wife in 1885, and remar-
ried in 1887. He raised three daughters by his first
wife. Since 187 1 he has resided at Champaign, 111.

Albert Alonzo Robinson, C. E., M. S., LL-D.

Albert Alonzo Robinson, of Boston, president of the
Mexican Central Railway, is a native of Vermont, b
on the Ebenezer Robinson farm about half a mile south
of the village of South Reading, Windsor County, Ver-
mont, Oct. 21, 1844; son of Ebenezer, Jr., and Adeline
(Williams) Robinson. He is a lineal descendant of
Jonathan Robinson, b in Cambridge, Mass., in 1682, a
son of William Robinson, one of the early settlers there.
His grandfather, Ebenezer Robinson, Sr..t was b in Lex-
ington, Feb. 1765, and d Oct. 31, 1857, at the ripe age of
ninety-two. He served in the Revolutionary War for
two years, part of the time in the navy as privateer, and
part as a soldier in the land forces ; and for about six
months was a prisoner on the prison ship "Old Jersey".
His father Ebenezer, Jr., wTas also a native of South
Reading, Vt., b Sept. 30. 1809, d July 5, 1848.

Albert A., was educated in the public schools, in
Milton (Wis.) Academy and in the University of Mich-
igan^ Ann Arbor, Mich., where he graduated in 1869,
taking the degree of C. E., and B. S., and in 187 1 the
post graduate degree, M. S.; and subsequently in 1900,
the honorary degree of L,L,.D.

From childhood until he reached his majority, he
was engaged at farm labor out of school hours, except-
ing during the years 1856 — '59, when he worked as a
clerk in dry goods or grocery stores. From 1865 to 1869,
he took his college course at the University of Michi-
gan. During 1866 and 1868, he was employed for about

ALBERT A. ROBINSON

Til"
PUBLIC L

A8T0K, LENOX AND
TILDKS !
B L

HISTORY OF READING. 277

five months each year, as assistant on the United States
Lake Surveys in astronomical field work, and on trian-
gulation of the Great Lakes.

His work 011 railroads began in 1869, when on May
27, he entered the services of the St. Joseph & Denver
City Railroad as axeman in the engineering corps, and
thereafter served successively as chainman, levelman,
trausitman, office engineer, locating engineer, and assist-
ant engineer until the first of April, 187 1. Then he be-
came assistant engineer of the Atchison, Tdpeka & San-
ta Fe Railroad, in charge of location and construction,
and two years later, on the first of April, 1873, was made
chief engineer, which position he held till August, 1890.
From June 1, 1883, to Sept. 1, 1883, he also served as as-
sistant general superintendent of the Santa Fe system ;
from Sept. 1, 1883, to March 1, 1884, he was general su-
perintendent ; from March 1, 1884, to Feb. 1, 1886, he
was general manager; from Feb. 1, 1886, to May, 1888,
second vice-president ; and second vice-president and
general manager from May, 1888, till April 3, 1893,
when he left this system to accept the presidency of the
Mexican Central Railroad Company, (Limited.)

During his engineering experience he has had di-
rect charge of the construction of over forty-five hundred
miles of railroad, including the building of the Pueblo
& Denver line, one hundred and sixteen miles in seven
months ; and the extending of the company's line from
Kansas City to Chicago, four hundred and fifty-eight
miles, from April, to Dec. 31, of the same year.

As president of the Mexican Central, he is in charge
of the general business and affairs of the road, with
headquarters in Boston, and with offices also in the City
of Mexico and in London.

Mr. Robinson is a member of the American Society
of Civil Engineers. In politics he is Republican. He
was m Dec. 9, 1869, to Miss Julia Caroline Burdick, of
Edgerton, Wis. She d Aug. 3, 1881, leaving a daughter,

278 HISTORY OF READING.

Melta Burdick Robinson, b July 17, 1876.

He m, second, Sept. 3, 1885, Mrs. Ellen Francis
Williams, a sister of his first wife. It was when Mr.
Robinson was less than four years old, that his father
died, leaving him to the care of his widowed mother,
who, after some two years, and until she was remarried
in 1856, placed him out to earn his living. Most of this
time he was with his uncle, Lewis Robinson, a manufac-
turer, publisher, stove dealer, farmer, etc., by whom,
and among which occupations, the child was given em-
ployment.

When some six years old he was sent to Windsor,
Vt., 3 distance of twelve miles, with a horse, and
a load of washboards for delivery. Notwithstand-
ing his youth, the load was delivered correctly, but his
judgment for the old horse was less correct, for next
morning it was found dead in the pasture, from colic, in-
duced probably by the long drive, extending into the
night. However the commercial part of the transaction
appears to have been executed as satisfactorily, as some
of his railroad dealings of later years.

In one instance, at about the same age he was sent
with a horse and buggy, a distance of sixteen miles, to
bring home a son of his uncle. On arriving at the
school to find the object of his coming, and while seated
in his buggy, he asked of some students passing "where
is Calvin ? These went up into the schoolroom and re-
ported to Calvin L,. Robinson that "there is one of the ni-
cest little boys you ever saw out here in a buggy inquir-
ing for Calvin."

Thus the sixteen mile trip was correctly accom-
plished. The youth was often sent on trips with success
remarkable, for one so young, producing a most favor-
able impression upon all he met, for manlike and gentle-
manly behavior.

In 1856 he was taken to Wisconsin with his parents,
where, until he started for college in 1865, he was occu-

HISTORY OF READING. 279

pied in school, clerking in stores, and as aid in carrying
on a farm. In all this he sustained an excellent reputa-
tion for a boy.

At the age of seventeen he commenced his four years'
college course, taking, as was not common, two degrees
in the time for one.

Before graduating, he was engaged for employment
at railroad construction. In his field practice of rail-
road track building, he commenced at the very bottom,
including the driving of "slope stakes."

This was his first experience on the Atchison,
Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, the road which he built
most of prior to the year 1890, while he rose from the
the lowest to the highest position in railroad building.

During this twenty years, however, he with several
aids, were kept close at this work, while that road ad-
vanced across the plains to Canon City, Denver and Chi-
cago ; and also through mountains as well, to Santa Fe
and El Paso ; which, including branches, approach
5,000 miles, aggregating one of the greatest portions of
railroad buildings ever accomplished by one man. He
also accomplished part of the work on the line through
the Grand Canon of the Arkansas to Leadville. In con-
nection with this, and including his presidency, some
notable railroad problems were worked out, including
Grade Compensation for Curvature ; the practicability of
Switchbacks ; a railroad owning its own complete Test-
ing Laboratory ; expense to allow in reducing the pre-
vailing Maximum Grade of a Division, and other Grades
proper to admit in the same division by way of reducing
cost ; the Maximum Grade to adopt for a division for
East Bound versus West Bound ; the making of Prelim-
inary Surveys without Instruments ; the admission of
special short divisions embracing extraordinary grades,
with provision for its own extra locomotive power exclu-
sive to itself ; the best locomotive for a combination of
steep grades, sharp curves, and heavy traffic ; the best

28o - HISTORY OF READING

organization of the forces of a railway system for the
most Efficient Operating and Maintenance of Way for
the same ; the most suitable Location of the Construc-
tion and Repair Works of a railway company ; what
portion of the Total Equipment * of a Railway
should be manufactured in its own works ; to what ex-
tent should the Entire Work be separated into individu-
al shops, and how far should these shops be separated ;
the best arrangement of the individual shops of the
woiks to secure the greatest efficiency of shop produc-
tion and repairs ; the most Suitable Power to adopt in a
railway works, steam, electric or others, etc., etc.

Indeed the entire experience of Mr. Robinson, in
connection with railroads, from the first to the present,
for a period of some thirty years, has been one of contin-
uous, close and hard work, connected with constant
stud}- upon problems as how to secure from the entire
system the most satisfactory returns with greatest econo-
my.

How well this great work has been accomplished in
the matter of railroad affairs is answered by the high es-
teem in which Mr. Robinson has been constantly held
as he has advanced from the very lowest position in en-
gineering, up through the series, including preliminary
and final location, constructing engineer, chief engineer,
superintendent,' general manager, to president ; all in
connection with great railroad systems.

The appointment of Mr. Robinson in 1893, as presi-
dent of the notable Mexican Central Railroad marked a
turning point for its higher and unquestioned success, as
evinced by its extension of numerous branch lines, large
additions to the rolling stock, and the establishment of
magnificent modern construction and repair works of its
own at Agnos Calientes.

Thus it appears that the world of progress has found
in the person of A. A. Robinson more than an ordinary
man upon whom to place heavy responsibilities ; and the

HISTORY OF READING. 281

resplendent manner in which he has held his shoulder
to the chariot wheel of the country's onward and upward
movement speaks in no uncertain terms for the credit
and honor of his own native town of Reading ; the State
of Vermont ; for New England ; and for the country at
large. Thus the farmer boy from the eastern slope of
the Green Mountains, left at four without a father, must
have been born as possessed of unusual natural traits
such as puts new life into whatever surrounding circum-
stances, both to command and to do ; and the humble
town of Reading, Vt., may justly claim a credit for
itself, and voice it in published memoirs.

282 HISTORY OF READING.

CHAPTER XXVIII.
Biographical Sketches, Continued.

James P. Osborne, M. D.; Wm. Munroe Pember ; Abel
Ray, Jr.; Rev. Joseph S. Small ; Albert N. Swain.

James P. Osborne
whose portrait hangs in the Library Building was for
many years a resident physician and surgeon, at Felch-
ville. He was b at Piermont, N. H., in 1843, fitted at
Newbury, (Vt.) Seminary, and graduated at Dartmouth
Medical College, He was a successful and popular
physican, both at Reading and Tilton.N. H., and at the
latter place was extensively engaged as a manufacturer,
and accumulated a large property. He left surviving
him a wife and daughter, the latter now dead.

William Munroe Pember
was b in Reading, Nov. 2, i860. He became a farmer
and teacher and located in Rochester, Vt., in 1890. Was
educated at the common schools and at Randolph Nor-
mal School. Since his residence in Rochester he has held
the office of school director and Supt. of schools, and
town representative 1902 — 4, and is a republican.

Rev. Joseph S. Small,
By Wm. H. Gardner, of Chicago.

Born in Gilford, N. H., August 16, 1826. Resided
in Gilford until he was twenty-eight years of age.
Taught the district schools in or in the neighborhood of
Alton, Meredith, Gilford and Gilmanton, N. H. From
1854 to 1856, studied and graduated at Fairfax Theolog-
ical Institution, at Fairfax, Vt. From 1856 to 1859, he

DR. JAMES P. OSBORNE.

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i

HISTORY OF READING. 283

was located as a minister in Williamstown, Vt.

Pleached one year then at Wallingford, ' Vt. In
i860, went to New London, N. H., remaining there one
year, taking a Post Graduate course at Fairfax Theolog-
ical Seminary. Then preached one year at Montgomery,
Vt., and four years at Enosburg, Vt. On July 15, 1862,
in Lowell, Vt., he was m to Miss Martha J. Newton, of
Lowell, From 1866 to 1869, taught in the Literary and
Theological Departments of the Institution at Fairfax,
Vt. Entered Kimball Union Academy, at Meriden,
N. H., in the fall of 1869, and remained there fitting for
college until the summer of 187 1. Then preached at
Felchville, Vt., until the summer of 1872. Entered
Dartmouth college at the commencement of the college
year, 1872 — 3, and graduated with the class of '76, June
29, 1876. While in college, preached in Sharon, Vt., a
year and a half ; six months in Acworth, N. H., and nine
months at East Burke, Vt. After that, preached in dif-
ferent places to more than make enough for two years.
Year of 1876 and 1877, supplied Baptist church at Bris-
tol, Vt.; i877-'8o, pastor of Baptist church at Felchville;
While pastor of the church at Felchville, he attended
the annual meeting of the Woodstock Baptist Ministers'
Ass'n at So. Londonderry, Vt., Sept. 22, 1880. While
in the midst of a sermon he was preaching before the
meeting, his strength began to fail and, offering a brief
prayer, he tottered to a seat. He d within an hour.

Abel Ray, Jr.

Abel Ray, Jr., son of Abel and Eliza (Jewell) Ray,
was b in Shrewsbury, Vt., Oct. 5, 1848, and with his
parents, moved to Mount Holly when four years old.
Was a soldier of the Civil war, enlisting at the age of
fifteen years, in Co. I., 2nd Regiment, Vermont Vols.,
and served until the close of the war, May 30th, 1865.

Married Lydia A. Gould, daughter of Josiah P.,

284 HISTORY OF READING-

and Nancy (Oaks) Gould, of Andover, Vt., of whom
eight children were b, five of whom d in infancy. The
living are: — Eugene J., residing in Winchester, Mass. ;
Eliza J. Jackson, residing in Ludlow, Vt. ; Leonard A.,
at So. Reading, Vt. Worked in different places until
1869, then worked at the tanner's trade in Weston two
years, for White & Heron ; moved to Cuttingsville, in
1871, and worked in the tannery of James Huntoon,
nine years. Moved to Ludlow in 1882, and worked at
farming. Moved to So. Reading, Vt., in March, 1892,
on to the Marvin Robinson place, and has carried on the
farm and done butchering for the citizens.

Albert N. Swain.

Albert Nathaniel Swain, of Bellows Falls, Vt., son
of Nathaniel and Lucia (Stow) Swain, was b in Read-
ing, July 12, 1828.

He received his literary instruction in the common
schools, but his practical education was derived from
the printing office. In this latter he served an appren-
ticeship of three years, commencing in 1847, in the office
of the Vermont Journal, at Windsor, during which he
gave some attention to the study of Latin. After this,
he continued for a similar period as journeyman with
the same employer, when seized with an ambition to be-
come a journalist, he removed to Brattleboro, and
there found a position as printer and assistant editor of
the, Vermont Republican, then published by O. H.
Piatt. In 1856, he came to Bellows Falls, where he be-
came editor, and soon after, proprietor of the Bellows
Falls Times, which he continued to publish in connec-
tion with conducting a job printing establishment, for
more than thirty-two years, when he retired from active
life, still making that town his place of residence.

Mr. Swain was m, Nov. 13, 1856, to Susan W.,
daughter of John L-. and Phebe (Town) Putnam, of

^ -

<4flH

4

A. N. SWAIN

PURLIC

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HISTORY OF READING. 285

Brattleboro.

He was an early member of the anti-slavery party,
and cast his first ballot for the candidates of the old
Liberal party, when it could poll but six votes in his
town. In 1852 he voted for John P. Hale, and after the
organization of the Republican party, gave to it a steady
and loyal adherence.

In 1870 Mr. Swain was elected a member of the Con-
stitutional convention by the unanimous vote of his
fellow townsmen. This assembly he regards as the
strongest in ability of any legislative body with wThich
he has been connected, being composed of the strongest
men in the state, among them ex-Governors, congress-
men, judges and that eminent lawyer, Hon. E- J.
Phelps. The most prominent question debated and
decided in that convention was that of the biennial ses-
sions of the Legislature, the adoption of which measure
received the earnest support of Mr. Swain. He was also
a representative in the Assemblies of 1872 and 1S76, and
was chosen senator from his county in 1886.

He was assigned to various committees, including
those on education, printing, joint rules, railroads and
federal relations. On the first three he served as chair-
man. Mr. Swain was one* of the originators as well as
earliest members of the Vermont Press Association, and
for four years acted as president of that body.

He served as post master of Bellows Falls, under
the administrations of Lincoln, Johnson and Grant,
giving general and marked satisfaction in this position
during a period of twelve years. He has been a trustee
of the Bellows Falls Savings Bank since 1882 and was
elected its President in July 1902; president of the
Rockingham Free Library since its organization, and
has held many other positions of trust and responsibility,
in all of which he has never disappointed the expecta-
tions of those who have committed these duties to his
care.

286 HISTORY OF READING.

CHAPTER XXIX.
Paul Stearns and His Family.

(i) Paul Stearns, b 1774, a son of Daniel and Han-
nah (Wetherbee) Stearns, of Leominster, Mass., d Mar.
22, 1844, a farmer of Reading, Vt. Married (1) Grace
Washburn, who d 1799, leaving one (11) son Charles
lived to be 15 years of age.

Paul Stearns m (2) 1800, Lucy Kneeland, of Wind-
sor, Vt., b Nov. 8, i776,inWinchendon, Mass., a daugh-
ter of Timothy Kneeland, of Gardner, Mass., (a Rev-
olutionary soldier for four years) and of Moiiah (Stone)
Kneeland, his wife, who was descended from Capt. John
Stone, a celebrated Indian fighter, and on her mother's
side from Degory Priest who came over in the Mayflower.

The Kneeland family trace their ancestry back seven
centuries to Alexander Kneeland of Scotland, prelate,
whose wife was an aunt of Sir Wm. Wallace. Mrs.
Stearns d in 1875, in the ninety-ninth year of ^ler age at
Reading, Vt. Their children were ;

(11) Timothy Kneeland, b 1802, d in infancy.

(11) Lucy, b 1804, m John'Gilson, d 1848. Children,

(in) Abel, Thomas, Wilbur, Charles, Edson,
Ellen, Cleora, Lucy Ann, Emily and three infants. The
first seven are still living, Abel in Indiana, Charles
in Plymouth, Vt.,and the others in Rutland, Vt.

(n) Grace, b 1806, m Almon Davis, d 1863.

(n) Thomas, b 1808, d 1826.

(11) Hon. John M. Stearns, A. M., LL.B., was b
Dec. 13, 1810, m (1) Sept. 3, 1836, Emeline H. Adams, b
April 15, 1807, in Royalton, Vt., who d Aug. 30, i860, in
Brooklyn, N. Y.; m (2) Dec. 16, 1861, at Williamsburg,
N. Y., Mrs. Sarah J. (Valentine) Vanderburgh ; m (3)
Aug. 23, 1889, Mrs. Katie Vesper, widow of Capt. Peter
Vesper, of Thomaston, Me. He (Mr. Stearns)d Dec. 27,

HISTORY OF READING. 287

1898, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. The following interest-
ing sketch of his life was taken from a newspaper pub-
lished in Poughkeepsie : —

"John M, Stearns was a man of remarkable ability,
as well as of sturdy character. He was, through his
whole life, a typical New England character, although
in 1844 he removed to Old Williamsburg, N. Y.. and
from that time on was prominently identified with
Brooklyn and its developement.

"He preached in his youth, and later turned to jour-
nalism, editing several newspapers in New England.
He became prominent in Brooklyn through' his opposi-
tion to the consolidation of Williamsburg and Brooklyn.
He wrote an article on the 'History of the Town of
Williamsburg', which is now found in Styles' History of
King's County. His work in journalism was all done in
Vermont between 1832 and 1840. When he went to
Brooklyn he studied law and was one of the best-known
lawyers in Brooklyn until advancing age removed him
from active practice at the bar.

''Mr. Stearns wrote several books, among which
may be mentioned, 'Wreath of Wild Roses', published
in 1846; 'The Rights of Man the True Basis of Recon-
struction', (1866); 'The Puritan as a Character in His-
tory', (1876); 'The Bible in Harmony With Nature', 'An
Appeal for Lay Preaching', 'Tom Paine on Trial', and
'The Infidels in Court', (1880).

"Mr. Stearns has traveled all over the country and
was possessed of wide information. He was a handsome
man, always pleasant, and his blue eyes were kindly and
bright, even in his old age. His mind lost none of its
clearness, nor did memory forsake him at any time, so
that he was one of the most interesting and lovable of
men. A year ago there was published in The Brooklyn
Times an article on Mr. Stearns' life, in which article
occurs the following :

" 'Mr. Stearns has traveled largely, both through

288 HISTORY OF READING.

the states and territories of the union and in the old
world. He spent much of his time in travel, but in ad-
dition to the varied knowledge so gathered, he believes
that his life has been preserved thereby to the sound old
age of 88, with a fair prospect for lengthened days. His
long and varied experiences of life have mellowed, not
soured, his disposition, so that his comments on men
and things, although they may be sarcastic, are given
with a merry twinkle of the eye that makes them spark-
ling, but not acid. In these characteristics he resem-
bles Carlyle, without Carlyle's bitterness.' "

(in) Children of first wife, — Helen, who is the
widow of Hon. Homer A. Nelson, of Poughkeepsie, N.
Y., and John Milton, Jr., who d, 1900, leaving three
children, (iv) Helen, John Milton and Winthrop.

(11) Sarah, b 1812, m Samuel Lamb, of Bridge-
water, Vt., d 1867. Had ten children, of whom four are
living, Mrs. Philip Royce, of Brownsville, Vt., Mrs.
Jennie Webb and Samuel A. Lamb, of Barnard, and
Mrs. Lucy Robinson, of Iowa.

(n) Benjamin Franklin Stearns, b in Reading,
Dec. 25, 1814, d Nov. 6, 1899. Married (1) Lucy Mel-
vina Washburn, daughter of Lemuel B. Washburn, Oct.
27, 1842, who d in Everett, Mass., June 13, 1880; m (2)
Mary E. Davis, June 26, 1881, who d Feb. 8, 1883. in
Everett, Mass.; m (3) Mrs. Elizabeth M. Coburn of Read-
ing, July 17, 1884.

Four children were b to the first wife: Oscar Hamlin,
Eugene H., Alice M., and Frank H.; the second and
third children dying in infancy. Mr. Stearns moved
from Reading to Rutland about 1862, and resided in
Lunenburg, South Abington, and Everett, Mass., and
returned to his native state in 1884, where he lived till
his death.

He was a man of kindly nature and strict integrity;
in religion, a believer in the gospel of the Lord Jesus
Christ ; never, however, uniting with any church, but

H I STORY OF READING. 289

often stating to the writer, he regretted that he had not
done so. Quite a share of his life was spent in farming,
but he also was a carpenter and for several years en-
gaged in the wheelwright business, and in mercantile
pursuits at Felchville, Vt.

Of Benj. F. and Lucy M. Stearns' children, Oscar
Hamlin was b in Felchville Aug. 15, 1843. He attend-
ed the village schools, prepared for college at Green
Mt. Perkins Academy, So. Woodstock, Vt.; graduated
with high honors at Middlebury College, Middlebury,
Vt. He was principal of the Leominster High School,
Leominster, Mass., in 1863-1867 and Athol High School,
Athol, Mass., in 1867. He studied law in Boston,
Mass., and Brooklyn, N.Y. and was admitted to the bar
of New York and practiced there for several years.
Afterwards he engaged in the fertilizer business at Fall
River, Mass., and at Guilford, Conn., with the main
offices in New York City for several years. Since dis-
continuing the fertilizer business he has resumed the
practice of the law and has offices and resides in Brook-
lyn, N. Y.

He m Eliza F. Valentine of Brooklyn, N. Y., June
2, 1888. They have no children.

The other son, Frank Herbert, was b at Felchville,
Oct. 31, 1857, and with his parents moved to Rutland
about 1862, then to Lunenburg Mass., and after about
two years to South Abington, then to Everett, Mass.,
He graduated from the grammar 'school in Everett in
1874 and afterwards entered the high school, but re-
mained only a short time, going from there to a private
school at Mt. Vernon, N. H., and to Wesleyan academy
Wilbraham, Mass., and afterwards studied French at
Longueuil, Canada, and other places.

After leaving school he was engaged in the printing
business in Boston, and then in the fertilizer business in
Fall River, Mass., Guilford, Conn., and New York City.
Failing health compelled him to retire from active busi-

HISTORY OF REAPING.

ness for a time and his father having concluded to re-
turn to his native state, he accompanied him in 1874,
going direct to Felchville; part of each year, however,
he returned to New York City, for three or four months
but finally came to reside in Vermont permanently, estab-
lishing a successful business in Chester in 1890, in grist
mills and other machinery, where he still is. In 1896
he was m to Carrie Louise Marble, daughter of Eli and
Mary Marble of Weston, Vt., and they have three daugh-
ters, Lucy M. Ruth M. and Grace W.

(11) Rev. George Washington Stearns, b Dec. 25,
18 14 a Christmas twin, at Reading, Vt., a clergyman of
the M. E. church, and a homeopathic physician; m (1)
May 8, 1838, Sarah Sylvia Crowell, of Yarmouth, Mass.;
settled in New Bedford, Mass., m (2) Julia Amanda
Ware, who bore him one son. He was the oldest mem-
ber of the Southern New England Conference, but was
obliged to give up preaching on account of the loss of
his voice. By his first wife he had seven children, of
whom two survive.

(11) Paul Wetherbee Stearns, b Mar. 4, 1817, a
manufacturer of woolen cloths and woolen goods at
Felchville ; m Dec. 5, 1844, Salome Tarbell, b March
24, 1817, d Aug. 18, 1878, at Felchville. He d at Felch-
ville. Their children were —

(in) Elwin Hale, b Feb. 28, 1848 at Felchville ;
m Sarah Elizabeth Martin, and settled in Manchester,
Iowa, where he d July 27, 1884, leaving one son, Alex-
ander Wetherbee Stearns.

The other child was a daughter, (in) Eudora Zu-
lette, b July 28, 1858, at Felchville ; m in 1887, Dr.
George A. Pettigrew, of Flandreau, So. Dakota. They
have one daughter, Addie Stearns Pettigrew.

(11) The youngest child of Paul and Lucy (Knee-
land) Stearns was Honestus, b July 22, 1820, and living
on the old homestead where he was born, until his death
where, surrounded by the fruit orchards, whose plant-

HISTORY OF READING. 291

ing, care and harvesting occupied a liberal share of his
time for over fifty years. He was practically the pioneer
in this section of the grafted fruit industry.

He m (1) Lenora D. Mathews, by whom he had one
daughter, Helen Minerva, wife of Dr. George W. Nichols,
of Mankato, Minn. They have two children living —
Dr. G. Clarence and Ethel. He m (2) Mariette M. Gill,
who d Sept. 11, 1873. They had four children —

(tii) George Gill, b Nov. 1, 1851 ; m Mattie J. Amos,
who d in 1884 ; George G. d in 1889, leaving one daugh-
ter, Lillian Elizabeth, b 1880; of Ironton, O.

(in) Kate Marie, b June 18, 1853 ; m in 1882, Os-
car T. Rice of Weathersfield, who d in 1892. Their
children — Ethel Louise, b 1883 ; Elsie Lucille, b 1884,
d 1885 ; Stella Katheriue, b 1886 ; Karl Fitch, b 1890.

(hi) Lucille Mariette, b Jan. 1, 1859; m Oscar S.
Randall. There children are — Clarence Oscar, b 1881 ,
Harold George, b 1882 ; Edna Lucille, b 1888, d 1890 ;
Earle Stearns, b 1895.

(hi) Cora Theodotia, b July 16, 1863 ; m in 1893,
George C. Whitcomb. They live in W. Lebanon, N. H.

Honestus m (3) Mrs. Emeline B. Lovell, who d
July 26, 1884.

Daniel Stearns, Jr., was a brother of Paul Stearns,
and was b at Leominster, Mass., Feb. 25, 1772, m (1)
before 1796, Martha Kemp, who had one daughter, then
d ; m (2) Dec, 14, 1797, Sarah Pratt, b Aug., 25, 1776,
who d Jan. 10, 1828. daughter of David and Hepzibaza
Pratt of Fitchburg, Mass. In 1796, he settled in Read-
ing, Vt., where he d Mar. 22, 1831 ; there were ten chil-
dren.

Of these Hannah Stearns, b June 6, 1805, m Mar.
27> I833> Jarvis Pratt of Reading, and settled on her
father's homestead; she d Feb. 23, 1886. Of their six
children, Martha E. and Hobart S. live on the old place.

Daniel Stearns; 3d. , b July 26, 1807, m Nov. 2, 1830,
FlavillaFay, daughter of Ezra and Olive (Lincoln) Fay

292 HISTORY OF READING

of Reading.

In 1837, he commenced merchandising in Reading,
where he continued for five years. In 1844, with his
brother-in-law Maj. Levi C. Fay, he leased the Dart-
mouth Hotel, Hanover, N. H., which they ran only a
short time. He was appointed by the Legislature, a
Director of the Vermont State Prison, and was Chair-
man of the Board of Directors of the Windsor Savings
Bank. After his removal to Windsor, Vt,, he received
the appointment of Deputy U. S. Marshal ; represented
the town of Windsor two terms in the Legislature. He
was a successful merchant at Windsor. No children;
he d May 31, 1895

Rufus Stearns, b Dec. 30, 181 1, was a successful
farmer of Reading. He m Dec. 19, 1S33, Caroline
Buck, of Reading, b May 22, 1812, who d June 12, 1881;
he d Mar. 27, 1895. Of their children, Edgar Stearns
was b Apr. 24, 1835, a farmer living at South Reading.
He m (1) Nov. 20, 1855, Emily J. Root, by whom he
had one son; m (2) Sep. 9, i860, Frances M. Darby of
Reading. Of their children living, Daniel Rufus, b
Jan. 10, 1874, now carries on the home place ; Ada J.
b Feb. 22, 1876 and Carrie M., b June 20, 1881, now
living in Reading.

HISTORY OF READING. 293

CHAPTER XXX.

Thomas, Baldwin and Thornton.
Otis Baldwin, Hiram F. Thomas, Charles C. Thornton.

Thomas Townsend.

The firm of Thomas, Baldwin & Thornton was or-
ganized and commenced business in the 'Fay Store',
south of the hotel in Felchville, in June, 1866, as gen-
eral merchants. The partners were, Hiram F. Thomas,
Otis Baldwin and Charles C. Thornton.

Hiram F. Thomas, sou of Aaron Thomas, was b at
Weathersfield, Vt., Feb. 3, 1836, and subsequently resid-
ed with his father at Felchville where his father carried
on the shoe making business and m the widow Sawyer.
Hiram F., was a merchant at Weathersfield, Vt., and
while living there m Emma Joslin Graves, Sept. 18, 1862.
The ceremony was performed by Rev. Chas. C. Thorn-
ton at the home of Angustus Tuttle in Cavendish, Vt.

Mr. Thomas came to reside in Reading in June,
1866, and became a member of the mercantile firm of
Thomas, Baldwin & Thornton. He was elected the
representative of Reading in 1870, and d Aug. 19, 187 1.

Otis Baldwin was b in Reading, Vt., Nov. n, 1826,
son of Aaron and Olive (Peck) Baldwin, m Elvora M.
Thomas, daughter of Aaron Thomas, Sept. 12. 1852, at
Reading, Rev. R. P. Amsden officiating. The result of
this union was three children, of whom only one grew to
maturity — Bertha M. She was b April 14, 1871, at
Felchville, and m Elner Watkins, June 9, 1S97, at that
time a merchant of the firm of Watkins Brothers.

294 HISTORY OF REAPING.

Mr. Baldwin was again married to Sarah J. Rice,
Jan. 25, 1874, at Hartland, Vt., Rev. Chas. C. Thornton
officiating. Miss Rice had been a teacher in the public
schools of Hartland, Windsor, Hartford and Woodstock,
Vt.. forty terms.

Mr. Baldwin began business in Felchville as a shoe-
maker and grocer, in 1856, succeeding Verenus Hathorn
in a building on the site of the store now occupied by
Hook & Burnham; and continued in this business until
1865 when he sold to Willard Gates. Willard Gates and
Henry J. Hulett carried on a grocery and livery bus-
iness at that place until the death of Mr. Gates.

Henry J. Hulett carried on the business until he
sold to Fred K. Gates, the son of Willard. Fred K.
Gates carried on the business until he died.

Corydon M. Fay became the successor of Mr. Gates
at that store,

Charles C. Thornton was a Universalist clergyman
and had held pastorates at Waitsfield and Essex, Vt.

The firm opened a branch store at So. Woodstock,
in the brick store near the hotel, in 1868, and placed Mr.
Thornton in charge of it, and he took up his residence
in that place, and supplied the Universalist church there.
He then removed to Hartland 3 Corners and carried on
the mercantile business at that place and served as pas-
tor of the Universalist church there until his death.

After the death of Mr. Thomas, Baldwin & Thornton
carried on general mercantile business in the same store
until Ed. H. Carter took the dry goods part and Mr.
Baldwin the grocery department for about one year.

Horatio G. Hawkins bought out Mr. Baldwin
and carried on the grocery business, and soon after Ed.
H. Carter moved his business over to the store north of
the hotel.

Townsend Records.
By Arthur H. Keyes.

HISTORY OF READING. 295

Thomas Townsend came with three brothers from Dev-
vonshire, England, and settled in Lynn in the colony of
Massachusetts Bay, in the year 1637.

His mother was Mary Forthe the first wife of
Henry Townsend and a daughter of Robert Forthe,
LL. D. "Dean of the Arches" and a near cousin of
Gov. Winthrop's first wife, Mary Forthe. As Gov.
Winthrop was a relative and governor of the colony it
is probable that his puritanical relations aided him in
selecting a home in New England. In 1638 he was
granted sixty acres of land with Lord Brook and others
by the town of Lynn. In 1639 he was made a "free-
man" and from his serving the public on more than one
occasion he seemed to have been an important citizen.
From reccords we learn that he did not agree with the
Salem and Lynn Puritans in their extreme measures and
was heartily opposed to persecution. He was a liberal
and fled from England with colonists on account of their
religious beliefs.

His wife was Mary Newgate. They had five chil-
dren. With this Thomas Townsend the line of descent
was transferred from England to America.

John Townsend his second son, was b in Lynn in
1640. Daniel Townsend son of John was b in 1700.
Thomas Townsend (2) son of Daniel was b in Lynn in
1736. His wife was Susanna Green. They were m
Nov. 1762. To them were b the following children, (3)
Thomas, Susanna, Dorcas, Mehitable, Aaron, Sarah,
Anna, William and Thomas.

Thomas Townsend served in the war of the Revolution
as sergeant on the alarm of April 1775, was commis-
sioned 1st Lieutenant in Capt. John Perkins' company,
Col. Pickering's regiment.

In the year 1785 this Thomas Townsend left Lynn
with his family and settled in Reading, Vt., taking up
government land about two and one half miljs from the
"Middle town" on Reading Hills and built a log house.

296 HISTORY OF READING.

This family was among the early settlers of Reading of
whom it is said, "They were men imbued with Puritan-
ical habits and opinions and early turned their attention
to the subject of education and religion. They were
among those who organized the first church in the town,
and built a log meeting house and parsonage. They
were strict in their observance of the Sabbath, going
two and one half miles to attend church, in winter
through deep snow and over high drifts with mercury at
ten degrees below zero.

The following children settled in Reading : Aaron,
Anna, William and Thomas, Aaron married Lydia
Swain and lived on the home farm, building thereon a
comfortable frame house and barn. He followed the
vocation of a farmer. Was Capt. in the State Militia.
Lydia his wife d in 1824. His second was Maiy Buck,
who d in 1826. His third wife was Betsey Stone. The
children of Aaron Townsend and Lydia Swain were
Sally, Almond, Louisa, James Swain, Mary Emerson,
Aaron, Otis, and Caroline Augusta. Anna Townsend
a woman of culture and ability, m William Hawkins
who was a prominent man in the early history of the
town. To them were b six children:

William Townsend m Susanna Smith, who d in
1820. His second wife was Hannah Bigelow.

Thomas Townsend was a farmer. His farm was
not far from the Swain Place, where he spent the last
years of his life and reared a large family of children.
The Townsends who were noted in Revolutionary times,
were Thomas (2) of Lynn, Mass., and his brother
Daniel. It is recorded of Daniel that when the alarm
was given that the British had marched to Concord, he
left his farm and immediately started for the scene of
conflict. He was killed in the battle of Lexington,
April 19, 1775, aged, 37 years. He left a wife and five
children. It is said of him, "He was a friend to his
country, a blessing to society and an ornament to the

HISTORY OF READING. 297

church of which he was a member.

''He loved his Bible, he loved his God, he fell in
defence of his country".

This inscription is on his tombstone at Lynnfield,

Mass.:

"Lie valiant Townsend in the peaceful shades ; we

trust
Immortal honors mingle with thy dust.
What though thy body struggled in its gore ?
So did thy Saviour's long before.
And as he raised his own by power divine,
So the same power shall also quicken thine,
And in eternal glory mays't thou shine".

298 HISTORY OF READING.

CHAPTER XXXI.

Daniel Stearns White, Wm. Wilkins, The Oliver Whit-
more Family, Dr. Isaac J. Wetherbee.

Daniel Stearns White.
Prepared at the Request of the Editor.

I was b in Felchville, in the town of Reading, Vt.,
in one of the red houses near the Baptist Church. Ros-
well Hoadley occupied one half of the house and my
father, Calvin White, the other half. I was b on
March 24, 1837, and three weeks after Jennie Hoadley
was born, an incident that Roswell Hoadley has fre-
quently called my attention to.

My father was a blacksmith and removed soon after
to Greenbush, in the town of Weathersfield, where he
worked at his trade for several years until he finally
removed to Cavendish where he engaged in farming on
what is now known as the "Tarbell" place. In 1857 we
removed to Greenbush, Vt., and my father again began
working at his trade, but d in 1858. I was then twenty
years old and went to Troy. N. Y., to live where I
worked one year. I went from there to Carlisle, Pa.,
and entered the regular army, but was soon transferred
to the permanent company and was there till i860, and
was sent to Harper's Ferry, Va.

The next spring I entered the Union army in Co. I,
second regiment of Vermont Vol. Infantry for three
years. I was made sergeant on the organization of the
company, and on Dec. 26, 1862 was madi second lieu-
tenant and on January 8 was made captain of company
I of the second Vt. Vols.

I participated in the first battle of Bull Run and
each of the battles of my regiment in all the time I was
in the regiment, making seventeen engagements that I

D. STEARNS WHITE. M. I).

PU.lv.

K 1

HISTORY OF READING. 299

participated in. I was wounded very seriously in the
first day in the Wilderness on May 5, 1864, the seventh-
teenth engagement the regiment had participated in.

I was shot through the right leg, just below the
knee, and bled nearly to death before the blood could be
stopped.

I was removed from the field to Fredericksburg,
Va., and soon after to Belle Plaine Landing where I was
transferred to boat and from thence to Armory Square
hospital in Washington. Here I stayed a few weeks
and was sent to my wife in Ludlow, Vt. In the spring
of 1864 we had an order that any officer who
would "signify his intention to remuster at the end of
the time he had mustered in for would be allowed
a furlough of 35 days." I took advantage of this offer
and signified my intention to remuster at the end of my
term, June 20, 1864, for another three years, and was al-
lowed a leave of absence and went to Ludlow, Vt., and
was m to Maria E. Howe, the daughter of Gardner I.
Howe of that town. My leg was drawn up so badly I
was told I must be transferred to the Invalid Corps
which I declined, and in November of 1864 I resigned
my commission as Capt. of Co "I" second Vt., and
engaged in the manufacture of bedsteads and lumber
and also had the grist mill, all in Felchville, Vt.

I run this one year and removed to Potsdam, N. Y.,
to give me greater advantages in manufacture with
warerooms in New York at 182 & 184 Chatham Square.
In 1868 I removed to Vermont having sold out my
interests in the business and bought the Chair factory in
Felchville. I sold this and moved to Woodstock where
I lived till 1874. when I moved to Fort Atkinson, Wis.,
where I lived till 1879, when I moved to Flandreau,
South Dakota where I engaged in the drug business.

I was elected as President of the State Pharm-
aceutical Association and was appointed President of the
State Examining Board, three terms. Have been pre-

3oo HISTORY OF READING

scribing medicine for the sick for nearly a quarter of a
century and hold diplomas of M. D., Ph C, Ph D. In
Oct. 1888 my wife died and in 1890 I was m to Miss
Emma J. Sperry of Grundy Center, Iowa.

In 1894 I sold out my Drug interests in Flandreau
and moved to Chicago where I have since resided at 760
West Adams St. I manufactured a Dr. White's New
Hair Grower which had so large sales from Flandreau I
was obliged to sell out and move it to Chicago where I
could get better shipping facilities. At present it is
made at Chicago and Montreal, Can.

I have been lecturing every Sunday twice and on
several week day evenings for several years as my time
will permit me to do.

I had one son by my first m and have one daugh-
ter by my second m both living in this city, Chicago.

Win. Wilkins and Family.

Wm. Wilkins b Nov. 13, 1797, d Oct. 19 1875; Lu-
cinda Grandy b Feb. 15, 1802, d Aug. 20, 1889, mDec3,

1823. Their children were: Diana Wilkins b Nov. 30,

1824, d Oct. 22, 1843; Wm. H. Wilkins b Nov. 25, 1826;
Alamander Wilkins b Oct. 21, 1828, d Sept. 22, 1889;
Arozina Wilkins b Jan. 13, 1831, d Mar. 10, 1832!
Lucia M. Wilkins b Nov. 10, 1832, Samuel C. Wilkins,
b June 25, 1836; La Roy Wilkins b Jan, 25, 1843.

Of the foregoing, Wm. H. Wilkins m March,
1853, to Mrs. Rebecca Worsester, Alamander Wilkins
m July 12, 1852, to Lorette E. Gilson; Lucia M. Wil-
kins m Apr. 22, 1851, to M. A. Buck; Samuel C. Wilk-
ins m Jan. 20, 1868, to Louise Hollenbeck.

The above parents and children were all b in Read-
ing, Yt.

Oliver Whitmore Family.

HISTORY OF READING. 301

Oliver Whitmore, b in Weathersfield, Vt., 1781, came
to Reading 1802, bought and moved onto the farm known
at the present time as the Whitmore place in 1814, and
there he d April 22, 1845, at the age of 64 years.

He m Lydia Morse, daughter of Alpheus Morse,
who was b in Reading, May 23, 1783. She d at the
same place where they settled in 18 14, Aug. 1866, at the
age of 83 years.

The children were all b, m, settled and d in Read-
ing, except Zilpha who went to Alden, N. Y.

Arvilla Whitmore, (daughter of Oliver and Lydia)
was b Sept. 28, 1803 and d Oct. 19, 1887. She m Brad-
ford Holmes. Arvilla's children were — Alzina who m
George Buck ; Laura who m Morris C. Newton ; Jennett
who m Leander Rockwood ; John who m Martha Colby
and Elmer who d in the army unmarried.

Arvilla's grandchildren and children of Alzina
were — Martha Buck who m Clarence Wilkins ; Walter
who m Mary Weston ; Byron who m Hattie Solger ;
Helen d unmarried ; Eunice who m David E. Burnham ;
Carrol and Carrie, twins. Carrie is now the wife of
Harry Burnham who lives at Reading Center on the
Asa A. Burnham place.

Laura's only child was — Burton M. Newton who m
Mary Watkins.

Jennett's children were — Irene who m Elmer Sher-
win ; they have one son Ben ; Herbert L-, druggist who
resides in Windsor, Vt.; Alice A., who m George D.
Burnham. They reside in Felchville.

Priscilla Whitmore, b in Reading, April 8, 1806,
m Joel Holden, April 22, 1827. He d May 23, 1850.
She then m William A. Wait, Oct. 8, 1854. Priscilla d
in Felchville June 24, 1893. William A. Wait d in
Felchville Feb. 19, 1880. He was a soldier in Co. A.
12th Vt. Vols.

Priscilla's children were — Geo. S. Holden, b in
Reading, July 23, 1837, d Oct, 1842, and Orsemor S.

302 HISTORY OF READING.

Holden b in Reading, July 30, 1843, m J. Ellen Nutting
Ahdover, Vt., July 2, 1873. He is a painter and musi-
cian and has always resided in Reading. He has held
the offices of town representative, road commissioner,
Justice of the Peace and other town offices.

Nelson Whitmore, (son of Oliver and Lydia) was
b in Reading, Jan. 23, 1880, was a carpenter by trade and
had served the town as selectman, and Justice of the
Peace. He lived on the place his father bought in 18 14,
until his death, Feb. 11, 1880, at the age of 72 years.
He m Lucy Holden, Dec. 27. 183 1. She was b April 26,
1806, in Reading, d Oct. 30, 1888, at the age of 82 years.
They were m on the first farm settled in Reading and in
the same house now owned and occupied by Marcellus
Bryant

Nelson Whitmore's children were — Jane A. b May
30, 1833, m Milo B. Cooke, Oct. 10, 1855, (Their only
child was Vernon C. See the Milo B. Cook geneology).

Osceola A. b Sept. 2, 1838 now of Maiden, Mass., a
noted musician, who m Ellen L- Paige of Pomfret, Vt.,
Aug. 21, 1862. She d Aug. 22, 1894 in Maiden.

Kosciusko A. b in Reading, Nov. 10, 1842, d in the
army 1862, aged 20 years.

Of Nelson Whitmore's grandchildren, Bertha L.
daughter of Osceola, was b Sept. 29, 1866, in Reading m
Walter Lawler of Boston, Mass, Feb. 21, 1893. They
have two daughters, Doris and Ruth ; Carlotta P. b in
Maiden, Mass., June 13, 1869 ; is a teacher of music.

Christina Whitmore, b Nov 23, 1809. m Nathan
Sherwin of Reading.

Christina's children were — Sylvanus, who d; Oliver
who m Louis Pierce; and Ethelbert who m Ann Shedd.
Ethelbert d July 31, 1897 at Felchville.

Oliver's children were Jennie who m Frank Sim-
mons of Woodstock where they now reside, and Dean
who m — Sisco of Quechee and they reside in Woodstock.

Ethelbert's children were Sylvanus M. who m

HIvSTORY OF READING. 303

Marcia Hawkins; Eloise who m George Wilson of
Cavendish, Orlando who m Alice Amsden of Reading.
Sylvanus M., has one daughter Maude; Eloise has two
sons, Charles and Harry; Orlando has two, Birdie and
Claude.

Jerusha Whitmore b Dee. 10, 181 1, d April 24. 1890;
was 111 to Lyman Cady, May 22, 1839. by Rev. Samuel
C. Loveland. He d Sept. 6, 1892, aged 86 years. They
had no children.

Lydia Whitmore, b Jan 29, 1814, in Samuel Persons,
b August 4. 1805; Lydia, d June 1, 1879; Samuel d Jan.
16, 1881.

Lydia's children: Harriet E. b Feb. 1, 1833, d Aug.
18, 1895, in Keene, N. H.; m Wm. P. Chamberlain, Jan.
8, 1856.

Harriet's children — Alice Chamberlain, who d in
infancy, and Berdie Chamberlain, b Oct. 1863; m Mr.
Huntress. They have three children — two sons, one
daughter.

Forest G. Person b Feb. 11 1834; m Jane Pierce.

Forest's child — one slaughter, Gertrude, m Wm.
Engram of Rutland, Vt. They have one daughter,
Mariam.

Aurelia Whitmore, b April 21. 1816, d Sept. 12,
1898; m Jonas G. Allen, b Jan. 9, 1813, d March. 20,
1868, Aurelia had only one child, a son, Theodora, J. b
Oct. 24, 1846, in Reading, d in April 1887, in New York
City, a noted musician. He m Susie Hildreth, b June
1, 1847, in Haverhill, Mass, she d in June. 1893. They
had no children.

Zilipha M. Whitmore, b in Reading, May 7, 1818 ;
m William Wilkins, and went to Alden, N. Y., where
she lived and d. They had no children.

Charles S. Whitmore, b in Reading, April 23, 1823,
d Jan. 6, 1892 ; m Melissa N. Hatch, b in Weathersfield,
Vt., Dec. 2, 1823. They were m June 5, 1845. Their
only child, Arnold Whitmore, d in infancy. Chas. S.

304 HISTORY OF READING

Whitmore held the offices of selectman, Justice of the
Peace and constable.

Dr. Isaac J. Wetherbee.

Dr. Wetherbee was the son of a Free Baptist cler-
gyman, Rev. Josiah Wetherbee, who at the time his
son was b March 9, 1817, was in charge of a church at
Reading, Vt.

Josiah Wetherbee was b Dec. 10, 1794, son of Dan-
iel, (b Dec. 16, 1758, d Jan. 3, 1845), and Hepsebah
Merriam; m Abigail Jones, daughter of Jonathan Jones.
He was in Reading, three years; in Stowe, for the five
years following ; in Northfield, Vt., two years ; in Hun-
tington, Vt., for eight years; at West Rutland, two
years, and at Johnsburg, N. Y., for five years, and in the
school of those towns and by private instruction Dr.
Isaac J. Wetherbee gained his education.

He publicly professed his religious convictions in
1838, and at once began to make use of his early devel-
oped talents as a public speaker and exhorter. He
made an evangelistic tour of western New York with
Rev. Samuel Hart, and of New Hampshire with Rev.
William B. Chase.

In 1839, he was called to the charge of a church of
Free Baptists in Northampton, N. Y., where he was
ordained to the ministry. A year later he was called to
Kittery Point, Me., where he threw himself into the
work with such ardor that 102 new members were added
to the church during the first year. He remained at
Kittery three years, when, broken in health by his
excessive labors, he was compelled to resign, taking
however, another parish at Charlestown, Mass. He
remained in Charlestown but a year, when his broken
health compelled him to abandon the ministry, al-
together. This was in 1846, Later he took up the
practice of dentistry which he has followed for 56 years.

HIvSTORY OF READING. 305

His success in this line was not less marked than in
the ministry and he rapidly built up what for years was
the largest practice in Boston. When the Massachusetts
Dental society was lormed, Dr. Wetherbee was the first
vice-president. In 1866 the Boston Dental institute was
formed with 70 members and Dr. Wetherbee as president.
An attempt was ^nade to secure a charter of incor-
poration, but it was fought bitterly by Harvard and ev-
ery one who "fed on Harvard pap" on the ground that
ultimately the institute would ask for the power to
confer degrees. As the degree had also been changed
from D. D. S. (Doctor Dental Surgery) to D. M. D.
(Doctor Dental Medicine) a new bill was put in with
the name of "institute" changed to "college." This
passed the house and senate after a bitter fight and
was vetoed by Governor Bullock on the ground that it
wastoo elastic and liberal. A second bill, however,
with more stringent promises, was successful. The
action of Harvard was peculiarly ungrateful, as Dr.
WTetherbee had been the prime factor in establishing
dentistry as a part of the curriculum at the college,
which then was maintaining, and has since maintained
three chairs.

The Boston Dental College was organized June 3,
1868, and in the first year of existence had 65 matric-
ulants and 58 students. Harvard during the same year,
having but 12 students. Dr. Wetherbee was the presi-
dent, but there was a difference of opinion among the
faculty as to policy, an appeal was made to the courts,
and Dr. Wetherbee withdrew in disgust. After about
three years the college went to the wall and Dr. Weth-
erbee was called upon to reorganize it. This he
consented to do with the stipulation that he should have
a free hand in the management, and this being granted,
he proceeded to reorganize with the result that the in-
stitution became a phenomenal success. He remained
at the head of affairs for 28 years, or until 1899, when an

306 HISTORY OF READING.

act of legislature restricting the privilege of receiving
and dissecting dead bodies to the four medical colleges,
the dental college combined with and came under the
management of Tufts college, such dissection being a
condition of membership with the National Association
of Dentists.

Dr. Wetherbee was 15 years professor of Dental
Science and Operative Dentistry at the college, one year
president of the American Dental association, and two
years its treasurer. During all these years he maintained
his large practice.

He was married in 1837, to Sarah Abbott Sheldon,
of Pittsford, Vt., who d in 1870. He later married
Miss Almira Woods, of Arlington, by whom he has
had two children, — a son, Dr. Irving J. Wetherbee,
who has continued his father's practice as a dentist, and
a daughter, Ellen W. the wife of Mr. L. A. Bowers.

HISTORY OF READING. 307

CHAPTER XXXII.

The White Family.

Genealogy of The White Family.

Rt. Rev. John White, a bishop of the English
church.

William White, a pilgrim on the Mayflower, 1620.

Resolved White, b in Leyden, Holland, about 1614.

Samuel White, b in Massachusetts 1646.

John White, b about 1680; killed by Indians in
1710.

Cornelius White, b Feb. 11. 171 1, m Hannah
Gilbert.

Capt. Samuel White b 1739, d in camp at Roxbury,
Mass. 1778. He m Thankful Gilbert and left three
sons.

Thomas White, b Nov. 10, 1767, d Dec. 2T, 1805,
leaving four sons and a daughter. An early settler in
Cavendish.

George White, b in Cavendish, Jan. 8, 1797, d in
Felchville, Dec. 30, 1873. He was a copperplate printer
and engraver, and for many years a resident of Felch-
ville.

George White m Electa Cushman Oct. 15, 1821.
Her genealogy is as follows :

Robert Cushman, pilgrim on the ship Fortune,
and Thomas Cushman, at 13 years of age came on the
Fortune in 162 1.

Rev. Isaac Cushman, bin Mass., Feb. 8. 1647.

Isaac Cushman, b Nov. 15, 1676, d Sept. 18, 1727.

Nathaniel Cushman, b May 28. 1712, d Oct. 1, 1793.

Consider Cushman, soldier in French and Indian
war, b July 6, 1740, d April 4, 1819.

HISTORY OF READING.

Azahel Cushman, b in Brookfield, Mass., 1795, d in
Chester July 12, 1816. He 111 Laurana Wood of Brook-
field, Mass., May 2, 1786. She was b Feb. 1768 and d
in Greenbush May 11, 1837.

Electa Cushman, b in Montague, Mass., June 17,
1803, d in Felehville Nov. 25, 1881.

Susanna, the widow of William White, m Gov.
Edward Winslow and became the mother of Gov. Josiah
Winslow.

Resolved White, in a daughter of Gov. Edward
Winslow.

Thomas White, m Betsey Lincoln March i, 1790
and came from Westmoreland, N. H. to Cavendish soon
after. Betsey Lincoln was b in Brookfield, Mass. in 1758
and was distantly related to the family of Pres. Abra-
ham Lincoln. Gov. Levi Lincoln of Massachusetts who
d in 1868 was a fourth cousin of Thomas Lincoln the
father of Abraham Lincoln. This governor's father
was also Gov. Levi Lincoln, b in 1749. Betsey Lincoln
who was the daughter of Seth Lincoln had a brother
Levi, but there is no proof that he became governor.
All the Massachusetts Lincolns were of the same family
however, being descended from Samuel Lincoln.

Robert Cushman wras the business agent and man-
ager of the Pilgrim Fathers and though not a clergyman,
preached the first sermon in New England that was
ever printed. This was in the year 162 1. The text was
Rom. xn ; 10. He d in England in 1625. He left his
son Thomas in the care of Gov. Bradford by whom he
was reared and educated. This son, Elder Thomas
Cushman, m Mary Allerton, the last survivor of those
who came over in the Mayflower, and he was for forty-
three years the ruling Elder of the first church in New
England. He was b in England in 1608 and d Dec. 10,
1691. Lt.-Gov. Henry W. Cushman of Massachusetts
wrote and publishel the history of the Cushman family,
and Charlotte Cushman, the famous actress, was a

HISTORY OF READING. 309

descendant of Robert Cushman.

The children of George and Electa (Cushman)
White were, Stellah, b in Quechee Apr. 21, 1823, d there
Sept. 3, 1824, and was buried there. Plin, bin Quechee
Aug. 8, 1824, d in Reading, May 16, 1886. Aurora, b
in Cavendish, Sept. 7, 1829, m Alonzo Rogers June 5,
1851. Azro, b in Reading, Oct. 2, 1833 not far from
where Captive Johnson was born among the Indians ; d
in Felchville, about half a mile from his birthplace,
Feb. 14, 1900. He was a soldier in the 16th Vt. Volun-
teers and participated in the battle of Gettysburg.
Afterwards for many years, under the name of Hank
White he was known throughout New England as a
favorite minstrel. Homer b in the tavern at Greenbush,
town of Weathersfield, March 9, 1837. Edwin, b in
Greenbush, Feb. 21, 1840. Calista, b in Greenbush
Aug. 26, 1841 ; m Frederick B. Merrill June 23, 1868.
Hugh, b in Greenbush July 9, 1844.

Sketch of Homer White.

Homer White, son of George and Electa (Cushman)
White, was b in Greenbush March 9, 1837. At the age
of seventeen he went to Newbury to learn the printing
business of L. J. Mclndoe, publisher of 'The Aurora of
the Valley'. The next winter he attended the public
school taught by H. B. Atherton at what is now known
as Amsden. In the spring he attended Black River
Academy at Ludlow. That summer he worked on the
'People's Journal' published by H. W. Rowell at
Littleton, N. H., and here he first appeared in print.
The next winter he taught school in North Springfield
and in the spring entered the law office of J. Q. Hawk-
ins at Felchville. After a few months he went to New
York City, and worked at his trade for about a year.

He then, through the generosity of his brother Plin,
entered the Mt. Washington Collegiate Institute on the

3io HISTORY OF READING.

corner of Fourth and McDougal Sts., and preparing
for college entered Union College, Schenectady, a year in
advance and graduated in the class of 1861. Resuming
the study of law, he graduated from the Law Depart-
ment of the University of the City of New York and was
admitted to the bar in 1862. In war time there was
little law business and he went to work again at
printing in New York City and Odgensburg. Went
west and was m to Catherine Frances Carhein Nov. 10,
1861 in Detroit. Worked in Milwaukee and taught in
Taychudah and Kenosha, Wis. His only child,
Georgia, was b in Taychudah Sept. 6. 1866. He became
a candidate for orders in the Protestant Episcopal
Church and returned east in 1867. Taught school in
Windham that winter and in the spring worked in the
printing office at Springfield. Was ordained deacon by
Bishop Bissell in St. Paul's Church, Windsor, June 13,
1869, and a priest in the same church June 5, 1870. His
whole ministerial life of thirty-three years has been
passed in the three towns of Enosburg, Northfield and
Randolph. He received the degree of S. T. D., from
Griswold college in 1892. Mrs. White d in Enosburg
Falls, Aug. 29, 1878. His present wife was Martha E.
Cramton of Enosburg and they were m April 15,
1880. Besides writing and preaching a great many ser-
mons, he has written and published five novels, one,
'The Norwich Cadets', in book form, and a large num-
ber of short stories, poems, lectures, etc. His cacoethes
scribendi, inherited from his father, has descended to
his daughter.

THE WW V'
PUBLIC UB1

AZRO HANK) WHITE

HISTORY OF READING. 311

CHAPTER XXXIII.

"Hank" White.
From The Inter-State Journal.

Azro White — more commonly known by his stage
name, 'Hank' White — was bin Cavendish, Vt., Oct. 2,
1833, and d suddenly of neuralgia of the heart, in
Felchville, Feb. 14, 1900. His parents were of more
than ordinary intelligence, his father George White,
working in his younger days with the Eddys, who re-
sided in Weathersfield, and were among the early print-
ers of Vermont. They printed the entire Bible, with
engravings, in which the apostles are depicted in modern
garb, with stove pipe hats. Mr. White was afterwards
an engraver and printer of maps. Azro was educated in
the common school at Greenbush — now Amsden — where
his father resided.

As a Boy and Young Man.
Hank White was always upright and manly,
scorning to do a mean act, free from any debasing
habits, never tasting intoxicants nor making use of
tobacco. This was also true of all his after life. Hank
was noted for his mirth provoking ability. There was
always much laughter and hilarity in any company
when he was present. Good nature seemed to reign;
everybody was funny. They did not always think of
Hank as the unconscious cause of it all, for he never
seemed to be trying to be funny, but still the fun was an
invariable coincident of his presence. He could make
his face look like the face of any one else he chose, and
he could imitate the voice to perfection. Whether it
were the old negro, Dr. Brattle, broad-nosed Packard,
Uncle Joe Dick, or any other human freak, his persona-

312 HISTORY OF READING

tion was so close to reality that every one recognized the
living picture at once. He made glad the days of his
boyhood friends and enlivened the streets and homes of
his little village. And for forty years after, on a
broader stage, he brought to the surface all the hidden
fun there was in the nature of those with whom he came
in contact.

A letter lately written by a member of the United
States Congress, who is burdened with affairs of State
and whose mind is occupied with the consideration of
many serious and important questions of national impor-
tance, speaks thus of Hank, a notice of whose death the
writer had seen only in the newspaper. "Probably no
comedian ever lived who pleased me as much as Hank
White. I enjoyed him more than any other comedian
that I ever saw." This is a voluntary tribute from one
who was personally a stranger to Hank and all his family,
and proves that the United States Congress is not devoid
of appreciation of genuine humor.

As a Printer.
Hank White, at the age of seventeen, went to Windsor
to learn the printing business and served a term as an
apprentice in the office of the Vermont Journal, where
he was associated for a while with the now veteran
editor, Hon. A. N. Swain, of Bellows Falls, with whom
he maintained a life-long friendship. Mr. Swain writes:
"On his advent to the office one of the first things he
did was to name the 'bodkins' 'pegging awls' but gener-
ally he was too wary to be sent out on the street for any
such thing as 'a quart of editoral' and had too much kind-
ness of heart to see others imposed upon in a manner
which in the parlance of the the printing office, he
thought could not be 'justified'. If his 'proof was
'foul' or his type on the 'galley' 'off its feet' he had a
ready explanation that he had to use 'italic spaces,' and
his countenance could always be readily turned to good

HISTORY OF READING. 313

account into an eight, twelve or eighteen mo. 'form,'
in which the future comedian was plainly visible. If he
'pied' a whole 'stick full' he would make it appear only
a few 'quads.' 'Outs' and 'doublets' he abhorred in
common with his colleagues, but was too genial to use
'slurs' and always placed his 'quoin' in the 'bank,'
while in market quotations he considered it an improve-
ment to change 'oats' to 'cats'. Those were the days of
the hand press, and sometimes it took a whole night to
work off an edition of the 'Journal.' On these occasions
Hank was very useful. The midnight or two o'clock
morning hour was liable to be drowsy, dull, heavy, fret-
ful; there were even possibilities of ill temper. It was
then that Hank shown out as a successful diplomat and
mediator. Few words, almost entirely pantomine, and
passing back and forth once or twice from press to com-
posing room, all the while posing in the various atti-
tudes of an important ambassador, the 'strained rela-
tions' of his classmates would relax, and at three or four
in the morning, the whole office force would be refreshed
into a charming state of peace for a brief nap at the break
of day. Such was Hank in the printing office. His
sunny ways and disposition were both an entertain-
ment and relief from monotony or vexation."

Hank in New York City.
From Windsor Hank went to New York City, where
he remained for several years. Much of his time in the
city was spent in studying theatre and negro minstrel
performances, and he thus prepared himself for the
business in which he was destined by nature, as well as
study, to make himself distinguished.

Hank as a Minstrel.
About i860, he returned to Vermont, and with George
M. Clark, another Greenbush boy formed a negro min-
strel company and commenced to travel, under the name

314 HISTORY OF READING.

of Broadway Minstrels. Clark made a study of the
plantation negro while teaching singing in Florida.
Hank's negro was not the conventional burnt cork
darkey of the minstrel show, but the real article and
sui generis. The one whose characteristics he evidently
absorbed and probably the only real black he ever knew
when a child, was "Doctor" Brattle, who had once been
a slave and belonged to the family that gave its name to
Brattle street in Boston, and who, living near Greenbush,
carried a pair of saddle bags and collected and dispensed
roots and herbs. He was an original, the hero of in-
numerable funny stories, and the butt of many jokes in
the first half of the present century.

It was at Burlington, as Clark used to tell it on the
stage, that they were going through their program when
a man from "the east side of the mountains" very much
embarrassed them with the exclamation, "Broadway
Minstrels be darned! I know them felers; they are from
Greenbush, Vt." They never appeared under their
metropolitan title again, but found they could stand on
their own merits and soon, as Whitmore and Claik's
Minstrels, became very popular and great favorites all
over New England, the Canadas, and northeastern New
York. They met with great success and everywhere
drew large houses for more than twenty-five years. E. P.
Hardy, the brother of the late Judge Hardy, of Keeme,
was their business manager. The last concert of each
season was at Felchville. Vt., and the proceeds were
given to the Free Public Library of the village.

Hank White was true to his country as he was to his
fellow men. In 1862, both he and Clark enlisted in Co.
E. 1 6th Vt. Regt. — Col. Veazey's. He was at the bat-
tle of Gettysburg, his regiment belonging to the famous
2nd Vt. Brigade, that covered itself with glory in that
battle. Dr. George Spafford, who was the surgeon of
that regiment, says of them, that in the opinion of the
Colonel they did more good with their jolly ways and

bHank" at 22 Years of Age.

THK lil{<>AI>\Y.\Y MINSTRELS.

A*broR. LL

TOM 10N»

t L

HISTORY OF READING. 315

care dispelling songs, in inspiring the heavy-hearted
and homesick, and averting sickness from their comrades
than half the medicines administered by the regimental
surgeon. Hank and Clark were often invited to head-
quarters to sing before Gen. Meade and his staff.

A Couple of Reminiscences.
Hank's humor was often beneficial and helpful in the
army and camp. It is related that when his regiment
left Brattleboro for the seat of war, they were placed in
cars and a long wait was tiring the soldiers into gloomy
reflections of home and the future. Hank saw the situa-
tion and took his position on the car platform in the
'umble attitude of Uriah Heep, with a cyclone cloud on
his face. Soon an officer passed and observing him ex-
claimed : "What's the matter, Hank?" Don't want to
tell," said he. ''What is the matter?" "I don't want
to go." "'Why?" "I'm 'fraid." "What are you a-
fraid of ?" "' Fraid I shall get hurt." Such episodes
soon placed the soldiers in good spirits for a start.

His hyperbole and extravaganza were without con-
ceit and 'sometimes as good as Joe Jefferson's Bob Acres
in the duel scene of the Rivals, as for instance when
Hank related how in the battle of Gettysburg, he faced
(behind a rock) a rebel battery of three hundred guns,
which all fired at him at the same time.

Kindness.
Many a young man with whom he has associated on
the road, speaks of the uplifting effect he had upon
their lives — the encouragement he gave them to live
rightly, to let alone drink and habits that would finally
lead to their ruin.

He helped, pecuniarily, mone than one homeless, to
a home and an academic education that fitted them for a
life of usefulness.

Only the great hereafter can reveal all the results of

316 HISTORY OF READING

the manifold kindness he performed.

He married Miss Kate Feleh of Fekhville, his
partner, Geo. M. Clark, having before married her
sister, Miss Lucinda Feleh. Both Mrs. Clark and Mrs.
White have survived their husbands, and now reside
in Felchville.

No children blessed the union of Azro White and
wife, but what was denied them in this way they en-
deavored to supply in the good they did for others.
One son, an adopted one, Howard White, is left to
comfort and care for his mother, and mourn the loss of
one who, to him, was more than a father.

The following article will explain the origin of the
poem "To Hank White". The author of it is now Judge
John A. Aiken of the Superior Court of Mass. --Ed.

Greenfield Mass., Nov. 7, 1903.
My Dear Sir :

I send you the verses you ask for. They appeared
Dec. 10, 1881, in a paper called "Before the Curtain",
which was printed in Greenfield from time to time,
whenever a "show came to town".

The publication used to contain a program of the
performance together with advertisements of local
tradesmen and some brief comments on local happenings
and concerns.

The particular occasion for the verses was a per-
formance of the Whitmore & Clark's Minstrels, a com-
pany at that time and for a considerable number of
years well-known, as you are no doubt aware, all over
New England.

I presume there were other artists of merit in the
company (certainly it would be ungracious to assert
otherwise) but as I recall the past Hank White was "the
whole show7". I have seen eminent "Endmen" in the
burnt cork profession from time to time since, but none

,

A8T0;:

L

•Hank" at Sunapee Lake. 1898.

HIvSTORY OF READING. 317

of them, however, have displaced Hank White from the
top place in my esteem. I hope the dear old man is
still among the living, and if yon ever see him, although
I am a stranger to him, give him my regards.

John A. Aiken.

Gilbert A. Davis, Esq.,
Windsor. Vt.

To Hank White.

Immortal Hank, we all rejoice

Again to hear your welcome voice.

Saloons are empty, billards, beer.

All fail to draw, when you are here.

Boys bring their girls — the brave who dare-

"None but the brave deserve the fair"

(The rich oft get them, it is true ;

Alas this world is all askew !) .

And girls whose fellows are not bold

All by themselves you here behold ;

Babes in their mothers' arms are here

To see the man their dads revere;

Republican and democrat ;

The rich, the poor, the lean, the fat,

Deadheads and paupers— every one

Who love ennobling generous fun.

Long is the time since first we saw
Burnt cork on your expansive jaw ;
Time that is marked with joy and pain ;
Still small our wages, small our gain ;
But when we see your, each forgets
His mortgage, washbill, and his debts.

Such changes you had not foreseen
When first you took the tambourine ;
Fakirs and snides usurp the stage
With jokes of ancient lineage,

318 HI STORY OF READING.

Murder the jests they've learned by rote,
And incorrect sing every note,
Stand on their heads and shout and yop,
Turn somersets, and flip and flop.

Illustrious Hank, we find in thee
True bard of ancient minstrelsy,
Whose sturdy sense rejects the base,
Despises all that's common place ;
Whose judgment, talent, humor, wit
Selects the best and cleaves to it ;
Whose fancy can create the new
And give the old an added hue;
Beside all these, in every part
You show the practiced actor's art.

Long life be yours, continued health;
A fruitful farm, increasing wealth;
May kindly Fate on you bestow
All blessings that we mortals know.
Our scanty pile we'll share with you
'Tis not a gift ; 'tis justly due—
But, ah, the clock is striking eight,
And all the boys impatient wait.
At half past ten you'll count the tin.
Up, curtain ! Let the show begin.

:

B

K;

GEORGE M. CLARK.

GEO. M. CLARK'S RESIDENCE

HISTORY OF READING. 319

CHAPTER XXXIV

George M. Clark

The name of Geo. M. Clark and "Hank" White
are so closely connected that to their many friends wher-
ever one is mentioned, the other comes unbidden to the
mind. Geo. and Hank, as they were familiarly known,
were associated from their youth, first as stars in local
dramatic clubs, and small traveling companies of play-
ers, then as comrades in the army and lastly as mem-
bers of the famous Whitmore and Clark's Minstrels,
well known throughout New England, Northern New
York, and the Provinces. The memory of many old-
timers will take them back twenty-five or thirty years
to these entertainments, which for good music, whole-
some fun, and genuine old-fashioned minstrelsy have
never been excelled. Old friends went "to see Hank
White perform and to hear Geo. Clark sing" as they
expressed it, ar.d although the other parts of the
performance were well rendered, the two veterans were
the leading attractions which sustained the reputation
of the company.

George Merritt Clark was b in Clarendon, Vt., Sept.
10, 1833, and d at Felchville, Vt., June 5, 1885. His
musical genius developed at an early age, and in his
boyhood days he was the fiddler at all the country husk-
ings and kitchen dances in that neighborhood. He con-
tinued to fiddle after he moved to this side of the Green
Mountains, then taught singing school, sang in the
choir and otherwise cultivated the voice which after-
wards made him famous.

In 1866, with O. A. Whitmore and E. P. Hardy, he
organized the Whitmore & Clark's Minstrels, and was
with that organization until his death, traveling with a

320 HISTORY OF READING

circus as clown and singer for several summers in the
meantime. Mr. Clark was stage manager and musical
director for the Minstrels and composed much of the
music that was used. He has written more than twenty-
five songs, both words and music, among them being
"Annie's Grave", "I'll Meet Thee, Darling Kate",
"Flora Belle", "Don't Run in Debt", etc., many of
which have become quite popular.

Mr. Clark and Mr. White were ever ready to help
out local societies and organizations with their services
and many have been materially benefitted through their
aid. The Reading Library has received large sums
through their generous efforts, and it can truly be said
that they devoted the best part of their lives for the
amusement and happiness of their fellow-beings.

'Tis better to make people laugh,

Than to cause them needless pain.

For there's never too much sunshine
To scatter the mists and the rain.

Frank H. Clark.

HISTORY OF READING. 321

CHAPTER XXXV

Reading's Fame as a Musical and Dramatic Center.
By Frank H. Clark.

From the days when all the business and social life
of the township was drawn to the "Center-of-the-Town",
down to the present time, Reading has been famous
for her musicians and dramatic artists.

Her earlier fame was not so widespread as it has
been later, for in those days the music was confined to
the church choirs and singing schools, and there was no
attempt to practice the dramatic art.

'Squire Wm. E- Hawkins was a noted pedagogue
in his day and taught singing schools as well as the
common schools. He was the leader of the choir in the
old "Meeting House at the Center" and was one of the
first to introduce the violoncello as an accompaniment
for the choir in this country. This was before organs
were introduced into church, and all of these instru-
ments were looked upon by many of the congregation as
implements of the evil one and not fit to be used in the
worship of God.

The advent of Mr. Eleazer Dexter to Reading in
1843 was of great importance to the musical and his-
trionic circles of this town for he was the forerunner of
all the celebrated musicians and actors who have spread
the fame of this rural community far and wide.

The following tribute to Mr. Dexter was written by
Henry W. Stocker, a singer of note who was born and
lived for many years in the neighboring town of Windsor,
Vt., now residing in Hartford, Conn.: —

"The small but beautiful town of Reading, Vt.,
nestling among the foot hills of the Green Mountains
and almost o'ershadowed by stately Ascutney Moun-

322 HISTORY OF READING.

tain, has long been celebrated for the number and ex-
cellence of the musicians and showmen that have called
it "home."

Among them were Eleazer Dexter, Geo. M. Clark,
Azro ('Hank') White, Osceola A. Whitmore, Theodore
J. Allen, Jonas Allen, O. S. Holden, Lyman Read,
Lucian Read, Carlos Hawkins, Don C. Hawkins,
Darwin E. Washburn, H. E- Rockwood, Charles T.
Conant and Budd D. Hawkins; and among others that
have temporarily resided there were, Sam Brock and
Al. Taylor of the old time "Brock's Broadway Min-
strels."

The spirit of music and minstrelsy may be said
to have hovered over this place from the arrival of
Eleazer Dexter, the veteran of them all. He was a
younger brother of "Blind" Dexter who, forty or fifty
years ago was known from Canada to the Gulf as the
proprietor of "The Car of Beauty", a vehicle simi-
lar to the more modern travelling photograph car.
It was handsomely painted and gilded, with stained glass
windows, and a hand organ furnished music with the
aid of the local small boy at the crank, and the attrac-
tions consisted of several groups of wax figures, among
which was the murder of Jennie McCrae by the Indi-
ans ; stereoptican views, Indian relics, a collection
of ancient and modern weapons, and mineral and
fossil curiosities, etc.

Young Eleazer travelled with his brother until the
latter's death, and used to relate many stirring and
interesting incidents to the writer on their "Starring
Tours" as they travelled through New England with
a team with "Dexter's Pictorial Concert Co."

Either just before or just after his connection with
his brother, he was a member of "Old Dan Rice's Circus
Co." and rode a horse in the ring dressed as a young
lady, and also did a "black face" act called "Jump Jim
Crow."

HISTORY OF READING. 323

Once while in New Orleans with his brother, they
stopped at a hotel and in the room next to theirs was a
party of gamblers, trouble arose and a man was stabbed
and killed, his body taken away, and a few days after-
wards it was found in the river. Owing to his youth,
his brother's blindness, and the desperate character of
the gamblers, the Dexters said nothing of the affair and
left the city the next morning. The murderers were
never punished.

One day as we were driving along the bank of the
Connecticut river in the town of Westmoreland, N. H.,
he pointed to a rock on the river bank and said to me :
"I sat on that rock once with my old cornet on my knee
and my little bundle by my side and debated in my
mind whether or not to jump into the river and end my
lonely existence." He was then on the aimless wander-
ing that finally brought him to Reading. There was a
dance at the hotel on this evening of his arrival and
Allen's band, winch furnished the music was minus a
cornet player. Mr. Dexter volunteered to play, and
that night he went home with Mr. Allen and became a
devoted and cherished member of the family until the
day of his death. Soon after his arrival in Reading he
organized a brass band and with his stirring stories of
show life, planted the seed that afterwards took root,
blossomed and bore rich fruit. He, with Mr. and Mrs.
Allen, made frequent tours, giving vocal and instru-
mental concerts with considerable success. Later en-
terprises were "Dexter's Panorama" and "Dexter's Pic-
torial Concert Co." Among those that traveled with
him at different times were William P. Chamberlain,
the author of "Hurrah for Old New England" and who
is now a successful business man of Keene, N. H.;
Eddie Lincoln, for many years a member of Whitmore
and Clark's minstrels; A. J. Maxham, the campaign
singer, and Henry W. Stocker, now of Hartford, Conn.

A brief description of one of the entertainments in

324 HISTORY OF READING

which the writer took part may be of interest. Im-
agine some little village far from the railroad, nestling
among the New England hills. A cozy country
"tavern" where we "put up;" a country store and post-
office ; a church ; a school house, and a little community
of neatly painted houses and an occasional old, weather
beaten two-story square structure, in which generations
had lived and died. Our arrival was generally hailed
by many old friends of Mr. Dexter, of whom he had
made hosts in his years of travel. Just before the open-
ing of the door we would give a cornet concert, and the
old hills rang to the notes of quicksteps, marches and
familiar tunes. The little crowd gathered quickly, and
the young folks kicked up their heels and pranced like
young colts, while their elders kept time with heads,
hands and feet. Our program began with " Hurrah for
Old New England", or some other rattling chorus, then
came a ballad by the writer, followed by a funny story
by Mr. Dexter while number two made a quick change
to appear as "Chestnut Green" or "Reuben Glue"; then
a duet. Next number two in an Irish or Dutch charac-
ter, etc., etc. This was part first.

Part second was a series of interesting, instructive
and amusing dissolving views, accompanied by a lecture
and descriptive songs. These views consisted of battles,
sea views, places of historical interest, comic pictures
and chromatropes, and the entertainment was concluded
by Mr. Dexter in "Adam and Eve", a song which he
sang "by request" for years. It was amusing to hear
some country swain turn to his "best girl" after some
interesting number and, after drawing a long breath, re-
mark,— "By gol ! that's pretty good duins". These
trips were greatly enjoyed by us both, and seven trips
together cemented a friendship never broken by a harsh
word and enduring to the end.

His kind heart and ever open hand prevented his
accumulating money. He was loved and honored and

HISTORY OF READING. 325

was chosen by his fellow townsmen to represent them in
the legislature where he was a conspicuous figure in
his blue coat and brass buttons. He died in 1897 and
sleeps in the shadow of the hills he loved so well, in the
town where his best and happiest days were spent."

Jonas G. Allen was another old time favorite musi-
cian, being a violinist or fiddler as they were then called
and an excellent performer on the violin. He wrote
many jigs, reels and hornpipes which were all the rage
at that time, also a popular set of waltz music, called
the "Lynden Waltzes". Dexter and Allen were insep-
arable names in the musical annals of Reading, and
both were known as firstclass musicans ; Allen and Dex-
ter's Quadrille Band furnishing music for innumerable
country balls for many years. They also belonged to
the Reading Brass Band which had for members about
the year 1850,— E. Dexter, cornet and leader; Carlos
Hawkins, E-flat clarinet ; Gustavus Cady, B-flat clarinet ;
O. A. Whitmore, B-flat clarinet ; Oliver Sherwin, E-flat

bugle ; Leander Rockwood, E-flat saxhorn ;

Hodgeman, trombone ; J. G. Allen, ophicleide and Amiel
Rockwood, bass drum.

Carlos Hawkins was another fiddler who played
with Allen and Dexter and called the changes for qua-
drille dances as prompter, in all the towns around for
many miles. There were so many contras and quadrilles
on the programs that the services of a prompter were in
greater demand than at present, and Mr. Hawkins was
one of the best that ever called the changes at a country
ball. He began to play the violin when he was 10 years old
and played for husking bees, apple parings and kitchen
dances before he was of age. While he was attending
the Green Mountain Liberal Institute in South Wood-
stock, in 1847, he took his first lessons on the violin,
paying Leverett Lull of Woodstock $10.00 for ten les-
sons, a big price for those days.

About thirty years ago Mr. Hawkins organized

326 HISTORY OF READING.

"Hawkins' Band" and that has been the favorite music
for dancing parties and balls throughout that section
ever since. The present members are C. Hawkins, 2d.
violin and prompter; Don C. Hawkins, a son, 1st violin;
Harland Hawkins, a grandson, double bass and Arthur
Allen, cornet, a remarkable instance of three genera-
tions of musicians in one organization. 'Squire Hawk-
ins who was mentioned in the beginning of this article
was grandfather of Carlos Hawkins.

William P. Chamberlain a native of Swansey, N.
H. was one of the sweet singers of Reading, travelling
with the "Broadway Minstrels" and other musical
organizations during the civil war period. He soon
forsook the lyric stage however for the dry goods counter,
and, found the notes of the latter more satisfying to him-
self if not to the public, than those of the former. Per-
haps 'twas more blessed to receive the notes of banks
than to give the notes of song. Mr. Chamberlain sang
in the different choirs of Felchville for many years,
until he removed to Keene, N. H., where he is now a
successful merchant.

We are indebted to Mrs. Minnie Amsden Coy of
Windsor, Yt., a native of Reading and a member of
various ~choirs in Felchville for a list of the noted
singers who have sung in the different churches in
Felchville and helped to spread the fame of this com-
munity as a music loving people. The list does not
pretend to be complete but only such as Mrs. Coy could
gather in the time at her disposal.

"God sent his singers upon earth
With songs of sadness and of mirth,
That they might touch the hearts of men
And bring them back to Heaven again."

From the year 1840 to i860 the famous singers of
Felchville included the following names : Mrs. Daniel
Stearns, Harriet J. Felch, Eliza Kendall, Augusta Rob-
inson, Belinda Bailey. Mrs. J. M. Stearns, Emily Felch,

HISTORY OF READING. 327

Mary Felch, Mrs. Fisher. Mrs. Cordelia Kimball, and
Messrs. Win. Felch, Joseph Davis, Win. Wait, Chas.
A. Forbnsh and Chas. L- Thayer.

They sang in the old brick church, with no music
but a bass viol which was played by Bcnj. M. Kendall,
and Chas. E- Thayer used to pitch all the tunes with a
tuning fork. A friend writes, "In my dreams of the
musical past of. Reading the bass viol of Ben. Kendall
plays (as it used to in church) a very soul-shaking
part. How the sounds he evoked would emphasize and
enforce the lessons of a blood-curdling sermon and make
the small boy determine he would never be bad any
more."

Between the years i860 and 1875 we find other
singers coming to the front, a Union church built and
an Estey malodian installed with Calista White, Nettie
Elgar and Ella Jones White as players and Win. Wait
with his bass viol. The singers during these years were
Mrs. Harriet Gates, Mrs. Henry J. Hewlett, Sarah Ben-
jamin, Elizabeth M. Coburn, Eliza Townsend, Addie
Robinson. Mrs. J. P. Osborne, Julia Brown, Mary
Brown, Nellie Goodell, Mrs. Morgan (of Middle-of-the
Town), Jane Megrath, Jennie Jones, Kate Felch, Lydia
Putnam, Melvina Hoadley Jennie Hoadley, Carrie
Watkins, Elizabeth Walcott and Messrs. George M.
Clark, O. S. Holden, W. P. Chamberlain. Dr. J. P.
Osborne, Henry J. Hewlett, P. B. Walcott, Marcus
Townsend, Henry T. Fletcher, John McCullough, Geo.
W. Shedd, Dexter P. Gates, Dr. S. H. Morgan, Hosea
Benjamin, Gilbert A. Davis and Caleb Chase.

From the year 1875 to the present time some of the
older singers and many new ones have sustained the
musical part of the divine service in the two churches
in Felchville ; Mrs. Anna Hook, Mrs. D. E. Washburn,
Susie Persons, Mary Gates, Etta Gates, Sarah Gates,
Mrs. D. E. Burnham; Mrs. F. C. Morgan, Mrs. Geo. D.
Burnham, H. Gertrude Roscoe, Mrs. F. E. Fogg, David

328 HISTORY OF READING

E. Burnham and Ed K. Hewlett.

The following were members of the Baptist choir
for some years : Minnie Amsden, Dora Stearns, Nellie
Kendall, Alice Kendall, Hattie Kendall, Corydon M.
Fay, Geo. W. Kendall and Charles Kendall, Carrie
Kendall acting as organist.

The most famous musical organization which origi-
nated in Reading was undoubtedly Whitmore & Clark's
Minstrels, a company that for more than a quarter of a
century annually visited every part of New England,
and parts of New York and the Provinces, and the mem-
ories of which will be remembered with pleasure by
many an "old-timer". The company was organized at
the close of the Civil war and was the successor of several
similar organizations that had been more or less . suc-
cessful, S. A. Brock's Broadway Minstrels, Whitmore
& Thompson's Minstrels and others.

The first two seasons the troupe showed under canvas,
but after that gave hall shows until disbanded. How
well one remembers the row of black faces looking out
in a semi-circle, as the curtain rose, with the immortal
Hank White on one end, Geo. M. Clark on the other,
and the other members of the company between. The
rollicking opening chorus, followed by comic and senti-
mental songs, interspersed with the jokes of the';end men
and the funny wind up, would close part first. Part
second consisted of a clean cut musical and variety
entertainment the feature of which to many, was the
singing of Geo. M. Clark, the whole comcluding with a
side-splitting after piece in which the inimitable Hank
was the shining star.

These entertainments were always well patronized
by the best people of the towns and cities visited and
there never wTas a complaint by the thousands who
attended the show year after year, such as is heard of
the cheap vaudeville companies that travel at the pres-
ent time.

%^^T

WHIT WORK & CLARK'S MINSTRELS.

PU

s

HISTORY OF READING. 329

The members of the company would meet at Felch-
ville and have a few rehearsals several days before start-
ing on the road for the season, and the season usually
closed in the same village, the proceeds of the show
often being given to the Reading Library Association,
and many volumes were added to the library in this
way.

Of the proprietors of the company only one, Osceola
A. Whitmore, was a native of Reading. He was born on
the old Whitmore place Sept. 2, 1838, a son of Capt.
Nelson Whitmore, at one time captain of the militia
company and Mrs. Lucy (Holden) Whitmore. Young
Whitmore must have heen inspired by the old time
music of the fife and drums, which he says was the
most important part, to him, of the annual June train-
ing. The players were Otis Foster, snare drum, Henry
Megrath, fife and Capt. Nathan Sherwin, bass drum.

Mr. Whitmore began to play the clarinet at an early
age, his first engagement in public being at the hotel in
Hammondsville in 1855 for a dance, playing with Carlos
Hawkins and for which he received for his valuable ser-
vices the sum of twenty five cents. He received his
first instructions on the clarinet from Alonzo Bond of
Boston, who taught the Woodstock Band about this
time, and was a member of the band in i860 and '61, and
went into camp at Rutland in May 1861 with the Wood-
stock Light Infanfry. In the beginning of the war,
when the first call for three months' men from President
Abraham Lincoln was made the government did not
employ bands, so the band returned to Woodstock when
the company left for the seat of war. Afterwards he
travelled with Barnum's Circus and was with the Whit-
more and Clark troupe for twelve years after it was or-
ganized. The name was retained after Mr. Whitmore
retired from the organization except for one or two
seasons.

Mr. Whitmore has lived at 1014 Salem street, Mai-

330 __ HISTORY OF READING.

den, Mass., for many years and for the last twenty five
years he has been connected (at different times) with all
the leading theatres in Boston as solo clarinet ; has
played in all the firstclass opera companies, German,
Italian, French and English ; was a member of the
Boston Symphony Orchestra, seven years, and of the
Germania Band, eight years; also with Hall's and
Carter's Bands, and has a record of which any music-
ian might well be proud.

George M. Clark was the son of N. Goodnow and
Ann Eliza (Rounds) Clark and was b in Clarendon
Springs, Vt. He inherited his musical genius from
his mother, his father not being able to distinguish one
tune from another. He was a natural musician, play-
ing the violin and other instruments with skill, and he
had a wonderful rich baritone voice which he cultivated
until it was under perfect control. He was at his best
in sentimental and pathetic ballads, and there was a
sympathetic quality in his voice which moved the feel-
ings of his hearers. His enunciation was clear and
distinct and he could be heard in all parts of the largest
hall or tent.

In his younger days, when he used to teach singing
schools, many would go to hear him sing rather than to
learn how to sing themselves, and it frequently has been
said by his admirers that they had rather hear him
sing than any one else they ever heard. After he began
singing in large circus tents his voice became a little
harsh, perhaps, but it never lost its sympathetic ex-
pression and timbre.

He was stage manager and musical director of the
minstrel company from the start and always kept up
the high musical excellence which it soon attained.
Many a firstclass musician owes his advance in this
beautiful art to the training he received from Geo. M.
Clark, while a member of Whitmore and Clark's Min-
strels.

HISTORY OF READING. 331

Mr. Clark composed many of the songs which were
sang by the company, many of which became very
popular. He also wrote much church music which was
rendered by the various church choirs at Felchville.

Mr. Clark was original and quick at repartee and
many anecdotes have come down to us from his asso-
ciates. Perhaps the one that has been most widely
quoted is the reply he gave a rather pompous lawyer in
a court room in New Hampshire. He was an important
witness and the opposing lawyer tried to decry his
testimony by calling attention to the low calling he was
engaged in, blacking his face, playing the clown in a
circus, etc. Mr. Clark said it was rather a low calling,
but so much better than what his father's was that he
was proud of it. Upon the lawyer's inquiring what the
father's calling was he replied, "He was a lawyer,
sir," which brought down the Court and spectators, and
so disconcerted the lawyer that he asked no more ques-
tions of the witness.

E. P. Hardy of Keene, N. H., 'Press' Hardy as he was
called, was one of the proprietors and the general mana-
ger of the show. He was a man of striking personality
and in face and figure bore a marked resemblance to the
caricatures of Uncle Sam. He usually wore a blue coat
of antique cut, ornamented with bright brass buttons,
and those with his imposing figure would greet each one
as he came into the doorway of the hall as door-keeper,
and his stentorian voice would strike terror to the hearts
of the bad boys in the gallery, He had travelled with a
circus in early life and like his friend Hank White he
worked on his farm at Keene between seasons, varied by
horse trading and real estate dickers. He also dabbled
in politics, holding various town offices and serving one
or two terms in the New Hampshire legislature.

Although Hank White was not a great musician either
by nature or education he was a natural comedian and
his comic songs never failed to bring down the house.

332 HISTORY OF READING

He was a consumate actor and story teller and his
quaint way of telling his experiences as an "end-man"
and his trials and tribulations in the "farce" during the
show always kept the audience in a roar.

A correspondent of the New York Sun, writing of
these minstrels and of Hank White, said; "As a boy in
a northern New England town he was happy to see the
posters announcing Whitmore and Clark's Minstrels.
Who would be the lucky boy to carry the handbills
from house to house, announcing the names of the ar-
tists to appear, and thereby insure tickets to the show ?

"Hank was the magnet that drew the crowd and he
was to be found with his "tambo" at the end of the line,
while opposite was George Clark, of hardly less popu-
larity. Hank's mouth, when set in a background of
burnt cork, had ths appearance of having terminals
immediately below each ear."

Another writer said: "Hank White was a natural
mirth maker, and while he was content through prac-
tically his entire career to limit his appearance to the
one-night stands of rural New England, there have been
scores of burnt-cork entertainers with almost world-wide
fame who possessed not a tithe of his talents. It was in
a measure by his own election that he never sought and
obtained recognition on the metropolitan stage. Du-
ring the greater part of his professional career he di-
vided his time about equally between the stage and his
farm in Reading, Vt. As he once assured me he used to
raise horses on the farm, and then go on the road to
raise money to buy oats for the horses. George M.
Clark, whose name must always be associated with that
of Hank White, also called Reading his home, although
he was seldom there. During the summer, while
White was tilling his farm, Clark was on the road with
a circus, and few better clowns ever doneed the motley,
For several seasons he was principal talking and sing-
ing clown with the Barnura and Bailey show. That was

"HANK" WHITE as KING of MINSTRELSY.

HISTORY OF READING. 333

before the days of the three-ring show, when the clown
was a much more prominent factor in the circus per-
formance than he is today.

Hank White perhaps resembled the late Billy Rice
more than he did any other of the more widely known
burnt-cork artists. Like Rice he was of Falstaffian
proportions, and possessed a mouth of such generous
size, that it easily lent itself to the most grotesque grim-
aces. Like Rice, too, Hank White always sat on the
tambourine end of the circle in the minstrel first part.

I don't think I ever saw another end man who put
the same amount of energy and vigor into thumping the
tambourine that White did. I always expected to see
him put his fist through the sheepskin, and on at least
one occasion I was not disappointed.

I don't suppose that White's jokes and gags were
really much funnier than those of the average end man
since negro minstrelsy began, but he had a quaint way
of telling them that was all his own, and seldom failed
to evoke roars of laughter. He had a way of exchang-
ing bandinage with Clark about affairs in their home
town of Reading which carried the fame of that hamlet
to the distant parts of New England. One of these tri-
fles which I recall, which almost invariably made a hit
was White's remark that Reading was a nice town, and
he had only one fault to find with it there was usually a
week or two in July when the sleighing was bad."

One song of which White and Clark used to sing al-
ternate lines, entitled "We'se going to the Shucking of
der Corn" was retained in their repertoire season after
season and I think that any attempt to have cut it out
would have been deeply resented by their patrons. The
opening lines ran like this.

"Miss Lucy said she loved me,
She said she loved me too,
To me she gave her heart;
Tome I know she's true."

334 HISTORY OF READING.

The old song seems simple enough today, but there
are probably thousands of people in New England who
may possibly recall the time when it afforded them a
pleasure that they cannot find in the rag-time ditties of
the present. At any rate, it contained none of the sug-
gestiveness that seems almost inseparable from the mod-
ern "coon" songs. And that was one thing that might
be said of every line spoken or sung by the members of
Whitmore and Clark's Minstrels. There was not a joke
of a double meaning, or a word or expression likely to
offend the most straight-laced person in the audience.
No one had to apologize for having Hank as a friend,
for he was a man always, and many will remember him
thus, as well as for the laughs he caused them. He had
political honors, at one time being a member of the Ver-
mont Legislature. Had he made a speech before his
fellow law-makers a previous announcement of the fact
would have insured a "full house."

Several natives of Reading have been members
of Whitmore and Clark's Minstrels, among them, O.
S. Holden a fine tenor singer, who travelled with the
company for several seasons. He still lives in his
native town and keeps right on singing to the delight of
all who hear him.

Theodore J. Allen was another celebrated musician,
who was a member of this company for some time and
played the cornet with some of the celebrated bands of
the country. He was a son of Jonas G. Allen, and
under the instructions of his father and his friend
Eleazer Dexter he became proficient with that instru-
ment and was one of the leading cornetists of this
country for many years.

Chas. T. Conant a violinist of note, now a member of
the Windsor Orchestra, played with the company for
two or three seasons and fully sustained the reputation
Reading has acquired as the home of good musicians.

There are many others, not members of this organi-

HISTORY OF READING. 335

zation who have added luster to the musical annals of
Reading. Will J. Foley, a young cornetist, who died
before he had fully developed all the musical ability that
was in him. Fred C. Hammond, a first-class violin
player, who has played with the Springfield Orchestra
for a number of years; Herbert l,.Rockwood, an excellent
piano player, who was a teacher upon that instrument
for some time and is now a member of the Windsor Or-
chestra ; Darwin K. Washburn clarinetist of Felchville
and the younger members of Hawkins' orchestra, who
have already been mentioned ; Dr. F. C. Morgan of
Felchville is an excellent violin player although not a
member of any musical organization..

While so much has been written of the musical
side of Reading we must not forget that she also has an
enviable reputation as the home of some dramatists of
note.

The following sketch of W. Henri Wilkins ap-
peared in the "Amateur Theatrical Record," Clyde,
Ohio, a paper published by A. D. Ames, a publisher of
many plays and other theatrical productions. It is as
follows. "We take pleasure in presenting to our read-
ers a brief sketch of the life of W. Henri Wilkins, a
name very familiar among amateurs in all parts of the
United States and Canada. Mr. Wilkins is one of the
few, very few authors who possess the happy faculty of
blending the humorous and pathetic in a drama, in such
a pleasing manner as to almost universally suit, not
only companies, but the public, and so far as he has
written we consider him the most successful writer of
amateur dramas we have ever known.

He was born in Reading, Vt., January i, 1853, and
made his first appearance in public on a stage, in a dia-
logue at a school exhibition, at the age of ten years, and
was very successful. He met with flattering success in
all he attempted in this line but it was not till 1870 at
the age of seventeen that he attemped to write a play.

336 HISTORY OF READING.

This was while attending the Green Mountain Perkins
Academy, at South Woodstock, Vt., and the play was
"Rock Allen, the Orphan ; or, Lost and Found."

This was produced for the first time at Felchville,
Vt., in 1871 by the Union Dramatic Club and was in
all respects a decided success. The original cast appears
in the published play No. 45 of Ames' list. The next
year at the age of eighteen he was chosen valedictorian
at the above mentioned academy, and the drama placed
in his hands. From the success which had attended his
previous efforts, he determined to try again and at the
end of four weeks the play, "Three Glasses a Day ; or,
the Broken Home," was completed. The part of Zeke
Wintergreen he wrote for himself, and that of Honie
Montford for a room mate of his, Mr. F. W. Shattuck.
In fact, each character was designed for some of his
special friends. It is needless to say that this drama
was successful, and it was pronounced by the public as
the best one ever presented there."

He has also written "The Reward of Crime; or The
Love of Gold", "The Turn of The Tide; or, Wrecked in
Port," besides several farces and sketches which have
attained wide popularity. Since living at South Wood-
stock as a store-keeper Mr. Wilkins has lived at various
places and been in various enterprises. He is now in
the crayon portrait business at Claremont, N. H.

Among the leading spirits of the Reading Dramatic
Company which never failed to fill the hotel hall at
Hammondsville with an enthusiastic audience, were,
Ellis E. Cross, Hugh White, Henry Sumner, Merritt G.
Amsden, Don C. Hawkins, Verne C. Cooke, H. L-
Rockwood, Budd D. Hawkins, and Mrs. T. J. Allen,
Mrs. E. E Cross, the Misses Kate Stearns, Irene Rock-
wood, Ella Foley, Alice Megrath, Mary E. Sawyer and
Katie White.

Much more might be written upon this interesting
subject, and more anecdotes and reminiscences be gath-
ered, but time and opportunity will not admit, and we
close the subject with regret.

HISTORY OF READING. 337

CHAPTER XXXVI,

The Carter Family.

Rev. Ira Carter,
(From Zion's Herald, Ma}- 11, 1903.)

Ira Carter, whose death occurred from pneumonia,
in Cambridge, Mass., March 20, 1903, was born in Cor-
inth, Vermont, Jan. 11, 1817. He was of Puritan ances-
try, being descended from Thomas Carter, who came
from England in the ship 'Planter' in 1630 and settled in
Salisbury, Mass. His mother, Fanny McAlister, was of
Scotch-Irish stock that settled in New Hampshire.

Mr. Carter received his early education in the public
schools of his native town and later in Newmarket Acad-
emy and Newbury Seminary. When in Newbury he
became a member of the class in theology started by
Prof. Baker, afterwards Bishop. This was the begin-
ning of what is now the Boston University School of
Theology. After Mr. Carter's removal to Cambridge
two years ago, he was an honored visitor to the school.
It was a touching testimonial to the esteem in which he
was held, as well as a memorial to his early connection
with the school, that at his death a committee of stu-
dents was sent to act as pall-bearers at his funeral. Six
of them bore his body to the Harvard Street Methodist
Episcopal Church, where appropriate services were held
on Sunday, March 22, Rev. F. J. McConnell, the pastor,
officiating. Memorial services in charge of Rev. W. A.
Baker and Rev. M. V. B. Knox were also held at Wah-
peton, North Dakota, where the body was taken for
burial.

The early ministerial life of Mr. Carter was spent in
New Hampshire and Vermont. He joined the New

33Z HISTORY OF READING.

Hampshire Conference at Westfield, Vermont, in
1845, was ordained deacon by Bishop Elijah H'edding at
Barre, Vt., July 9, 1848, and elder by Bishop Edmund
S. Janes at Claremont, N. H., May 6, 1855. His ap-
pointments were Guildhall and Bloomfield, Westfield,
Londonderry, Woodstock and Bridgewater, in Vermont;
Unity, Wilmont, Moultonboro and Dublin, Walpole,
Stratford, Tuftonboro and Wolfboro, and South Acworth,
in New Hampshire. His pastorate at Wilmont was
blessed with a great revival. At Stratford he built a
church, and at Tuftonboro a parsonage. In 1859 he
located. In i867-'68 he was steward of Newbury Semi-
nary, from which place he removed to Windsor, Vt.

He moved to So. Reading in April 1869 and bought
the Hall farm from Washington Keyes, one-half mile
south of the village on the road leading to Cavendish.
Here he resided with his wife and two children, Minnie
E. and Albert J. for six years and then sold to Walter
Tarbell, who has ever since resided there. While Mr.
Carter resided here he supplied the pulpits for the
Methodists at So. Reading and Felchville.

He moved to West Windsor in April 1875, and
resided there on the "America Amsden farm" until he
removed to Richland County, Dakota in 1882.

Mrs. Carter died at Wahpeton Dec. 7, 1900

He preached at various places, often in schoolhouses
and sometimes in dwellings where there was no church.
He was always successful. It was largely due to him
that the beautiful church at Fairmount was built. He
took great interest in the prosperity of the church at
large. He was just as faithful in his attendance and
service under the weight of fourscore years as in his
pioneer work. He celebrated his eightieth birthday by
preaching to a large and appreciative audience in his
home church at Wahpeton. His last sermon was de-
livered when he was eighty-three.

In 1847 he married Elizabeth Shedd, of Springfield,

HISTORY OF READING. 339

Vt., who from that time shared with him the hardships
and triumphs ol itinerant life. Their golden wedding
was celebrated at Wahpeton, August 31, 1897. She
went to the Homeland two years ago. All that their
devoted children and grandchildren could do to make
life pleasant in their declining years was done, but both
were ready when the Heavenly Father called.

Four children are left, Edmund H., of Wahpeton,
No. Dakota ; Albert J., of Springfield, Vt.; Mrs. George
K. Persons, of Cambridge, Mass.; and Mrs. James A.
Strachau, of the No. Dakota Conference.

Mr. Carter lived a beautiful life. His vision was
broad, his piety deep. Sweet-spirited and genial, loyal
to his convictions and faithful in duty, he always won
respect and love, His death was like his life — happy,
trustful, peaceful. J. H. k.

Susan E. Carter was b at Walpole, N. H., Aug. 9,
1852. She m Geo. K. Persons at So. Reading, April,
1875, and they now live in Cambridge, Mass. Their
children are — Clair I and Alice C. Clair I.- was educa-
ted at Harvard University. George K. Persons was a
merchant at Felchville at the brick store north of the
hotel.

Minnie E. Carter was b at Springfield, Vt., Dec. 31,
1858. She m Rev. James A. Strachan of the North Da-
kota M. E. Conference, and they have one child, Sarah.

Albert J. Carter was b Nov. 16, 1863. He m Josie
Moyne in New York, March 15, 1898. He resided in
Reading with his parents and was educated in the pub-
lic schools. He removed to North Dakota, with his
parents and studied law with Hon. S.H.Snyder at Wah-
peton, No. Dakota, and afterward graduated from the
Law Department of the University of Iowa, taking the
degree of LI..B., and being admitted to practice in all

340 HISTORY OF READING.

the State and Federal Courts of Iowa, in June, 1888. He
practiced his profession at Wahpeton, No. Dakota, but
failing health compelled him to seek the climate of New
England and he took up his residence in Felchville in
1900. Here he remained for about two years and then
removed to Springfield, Vt., where he now resides, but
is not engaged in active business.

Edmund Hamlin Carter, known to the older people
of Reading as Ed. Carter, was b in Springfield, Vt., Aug.
9, 1848, His father and mother were Ira Carter and
Elizabeth Shedd. He had the good fortune to be born
well if that means having good parents. They were
poor but commanded the respect of those that knew them.
He descended from Thomas Carter who came over in the
ship "Planter" in 1630 and settled in Salisbury, Mass.
His maternal grandfather was Col. Jonathan Martin an
officer of the Revolutionary Army and member of the
first constitutional convention of New Hampshire. His
education was gained in the district school at Springfield
and at the Springfield and Newbury seminaries. The
best part of his education was obtained in business
life. In 1869 his parents moved to South Reading and
the town of Reading claimed him as a citizen until 1880.
He taught school at South Reading the winter of 1&J1-2.

He traveled when a boy selling stencil plates and
washing machines. Being a Yankee this work gave an
education in the line of dealing with people which in the
study of human nature, has been of much value in later
life. After a time the desire to learn business methods
led to seeking employment which would teach this and
he was employed as a clerk and general salesman by
Robins & White of Cavendish. Vt., C. M. Baxter of
Woodstock, and Tuxbury & Stone of Windsor. The
year of 1873 was passed in traveling in the west and in
1874 he entered into the dry goods business in Felchville,
in the brick store north of the hotel.

HISTORY OF READING. 341

Here, perhaps, the happiest part of life was passed
up to the time a home was established. Where could one
wish for more congenial environments than in the grand
town of Reading among the good, kind-hearted people
that lived there thirty years ago. But for all that can
be said in praise of Felchville and its true and noble
citizens some spirit of unrest was beckoning westward
and the spring of 1880 found Ed. Carter on a Govern-
ment Homestead in Richland county, Dakota Territory.

This at that time wras a frontier community ; here he
experienced hardships incident to the vicissitudes of a
new country. In 1885 seeing the demand for money
needed by the new settlers and believing that the fertile
lands of the Red River Valley offered good securities, a
trip was taken to New England to interest them that
had funds for investment. This was the beginning of a
successful loaning business. This is the business Mr.
Carter is now doing. He can point with pride to the
fact that in the past eighteen years he has handled large
sums for New England investors, not a dollar of interest
or principal has been lost. This is the result of honesty
and good judgment.

Mr. Carter was m in 1896 at Baron, N. Y., to Gen-
evieve Bason. Miss Bason was a teacher who had held
good positions. She was preceptress for several years
at Lima Seminary. This position was once held by the
world-renowned Frances Willard. This union was the
most fortunate event of his life and they now have a
beautiful and happy home at Wahpeton, N. D. In pol-
itics Mr. Carter has been uniformly a Republican. He
was elected assessor in 1884. In 1894 was elected Mayor
of Wahpeton, being the first Republican ever elected
to that position in a party contest. This office was held
two years. While in that office a system of sewerage was
completed and many other improvements. He consid-
ers his fight made against gambling and the social evil
as his best work. In 1900 he was elected County Treas-

342 HISTORY OF READING.

urer of Richland county and re-elected in 1902. This
is a position of responsibility, as all county and city
taxes are paid into this office, and also collections from
the sale of school land. It pays the Treasurer $2,500 a
year. He is at present a trustee of the First M. E., of
Wahpeton, also trustee of the Red River Valley Uni-
versity.

HISTORY OF READING. 343

CHAPTER XXXVII.

Attorneys : Natives of Reading, or Residents of
the Town.

(Brief sketches of some of these attorneys will be
found in other parts of this volume. — Ed.)

1 Adams, Luther, resided and practiced at No. Chester, Vt.

2 *Bailey, Chas. F., was born at Reading, July 27, 1857 and
lived at home until 1873, when he entered the Green Mountain
Perkins Academy at So. Woodstock, Vt., graduating therefrom in
the spring of 1877. December, 1877, he entered the law office cf
Gilbert A. Davis, at Felchville, Vt., where he read law until June,
1880. In Aug., 1880, he removed to the State of Iowa. In the fall
of 1880 he entered the Law Department of the State L'niversity of
Iowa, graduating therefrom, in June, 1881, receiving the degree of
LL.B., and was immediately admitted to the bar in the State of
Iowa. In the fall of 1881 he opened a law office in Grundy Center,
Iowa. In the fall of 1882 was elected Justice of the Peace, which
office he held two years, declining a re-election. In February, 1884
he formed a partnership with A. N. Wood for the practice of law
under the firm name of Bailey & Wood. In the fall of 1886 he was
elected County Attorney for Grundy County, Iowa, which office he
held two years. June 12, 1888 he was married to Laura E. Wells.
The partnership of Bailey & Wood was dissolved about Jan. i, 1891,
and he practiced law at Grundy Center, Iowa, until the summer of
1892, and in the fall of the same year removed to Redlands, Califor-
nia, where be now resides.

Since coming to California he has, in addition to the practice of
his profession, been engaged in orange growing, and has bought
and sold real estate. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity,
also a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is a member of the
Congregational church, is president of Redlands Young Men's
Christian Association and for the past five years, has been one of

344 HISTORY OF READING.

the school trustees of the Redlands school district, and is secretary
of the Redlands Water Company, and is a director and vice-pres-
ident of the East Highlands Orange Company.

3 Brown, Titus, resided at the Center. (See page 75, Vol. 1.)

4 *Buck, Edward R.

5 Buck, John L., was b on the "Coburn farm"; resided and
practiced at Lockport, N. Y.

6 *Clark, Frank H.

7 Clark, Isaiah R.; resided and practiced in Boston, Mass.

8 *Coolidge, Ashbel G.; now residing at Rutland, Vt.

9 Coolidge, Omera H.; now residing at Rutland, Vt.

10 Crocker, ; resided and practiced at Reading Center.

(See page 76. Vol. 1.)

11 *Curley, Thos.; graduated at Tufts college. Resides in
Waltham, Mass.

12 *Cole, Bert E.; resided in Reading. Admitted to the bar in
1902 ; resides at Windsor, Vt.

13 Crandall, Edwin J.; now residing in New York City.

14 *Davis, Fred C; born near So. Reading. Resides and prac-
tices in Springfield, Vt.

15 Davis, Gilbert A.; born in Chester, Vt. Resided in Read-
ing from i860 to 1879, and since that time at Windsor, Vt.

16 Davis, Lysander Iff.; born in Reading. Resides at Pine
Hill, Ala.

17 Dow, William Dexter; the son of Stephen Dow, was born
at Landgrove, Vt., Sept. 5, 1826. He taught in N. J., one year;
read law with Daniel M. Bates of Wilmington, Del., from 1856 to
1859. He graduated from Dartmouth in 1855, and for a long time
resided at So. Reading.

18 Fullam, Sewell ; born in Cavendish. Resided in Reading
for many years. Subsequently resided at Ludlow, Vt.

19 Fuller, William Eddy ; was born June 30, 1833 in Bridge-
water, Vt, son of Jabez and Sarah Hudson (Churchill) Fuller. In
early life he attended country schools in Bridge water, Vt., and
when sixteen years of age went to So. Woodstock Academy for
three years, and then to West Randolph Academy for a little more
than a year. In 1853 he joined the Freshman class of Dartmouth

HISTORY OF READING. 345

college. Prior to this time he had as a rule been a student each fall
and spring, a teacher each winter, and a farmer each summer. The
family moved to Reading in his early boyhood, and during his
6chool and college days he was a resident of Reading.

In February, 1855, he left Dartmouth and joined the Junior cjass
at Harvard. He had gone to Taunton to teach school during the
winter i852-'53 and taught there each following winter, with the ex-
ception of a short time when he was assistant in the New Bedford
High School, and upon graduation he became principal of the
Taunton High School which position he held until Nov. i860. He
had previously given some time to the study of law in the office of
Bassett & Reed in Taunton. He continued his studies in this office
until April 1863, when he was admitted to the bar. Oct. i, 1863 he
entered into partnership with his classmate, Sproat, under the firm
of Sproat & Fuller, in the practice of law in Taunton. This part-
nership was dissolved in 1866. He was register of probate and in-
solvency in Bristol county from 1868 to 1883. Dec. 1, 1883 he was
appointed Judge of Probate and insolvency in Bristol county, which
position he still holds. He has been a member of the Taunton
school committee for many years ; a trustee of Bristol county since
1864 ; a trustee and auditor of the Taunton Savings Bank since 1864,
and director and for several years historiographer of the Old Colony
Historical Society. For this society he has prepared several papers
which have been published in their pamphlets. He delivered a
brief address on the legal profession in Taunton on the occasion of
the quarter-millennial celebration of founding of that city ; also an
address on the occasion of the dedication of the new county
Court House in Fall River in 1882, and an historical address June
27, 1882, on the occasion of the centennial celebration of the found-
ing of Bristol Academy. He is the author of a law book pub-
lished in 1891, called "The Probate Law of Massachusetts", which
has become a standard book of reference, He was married Nov. 21,
1859 to Anna Miles Corey, daughter of John Corey of Foxboro,
Mass. They have two children, William Eddy Fuller, Jr.,
(H.V. 1892) b Aug. 14, 1870, now a practicing lawyer, and Maiy
Corey Fuller, b Aug. 14, 1873. His son is m and has a child,
Win. K. Fuller, 3rd.

346 HISTORY OF READING.

From Secretary's Report [1899] of class of 1856 Harvard College.

20 Hawkins, Josiah Q., son of Wm. L. Hawkins, practiced at
Felchville and Brandon, Vt. Represented Reading in 1858. Died
at Brandon.

21 Hall, James Ashton, b in Reading Borough.

22 Hatch, Urial C. Had an office at Felchville. (See page 76
Vol. 1). Was a Judge of Probate.

23 Johnson, Arthur T., son of Rev. Robert G. Johnson, b in
Felchville. Practices in Boston, Mass.

24 Keyes, Wade, son of Wallace \v. and Mary (Maloney)
Keyes. Graduated at Tufts college. Resides and practices in Bos-
ton, Mass.

25 *Morgan, Ernest L, resided in Reading when a boy. Now
in practice at Worcester. Mass. Graduated at University of Vermont
and Boston University Law School.

26 Robinson, Frank M.; son of Marvin and Lucinda (Fullam)
Robinson. Practiced at Dubuque, Iowa.

27 Robinson, Geo. O., brother of Frank M., practiced at De-
troit, Mich. (See Robinson Family Chapter).

28 Robinson, Calvin L-, son of Lewis and Sarah Robinson,
practiced at Jacksonville, Fla. (See Vol. i, History of Reading).

29 Robinson, Arthur S., son of Calvin L., practices at Chicago,

111.

30 Robinson, Nelson, b in So. Reading on the farm long oc-
ciipied by Ezra Robinson. Practiced in Boston, Mass., and Mont-
pelier, Vt.

31 Sawyer, John York, ( These brothers were b on the Sawyer

32 Sawyer, Seth, j Homestead where Alba Davis now re-
sides.

33 Stearns, John Milton, son of Daniel and Stearns, b

on the Stearns homestead about one mile north of Felchville, Re-
sided and practiced in Brooklyn, N. Y. (See Stearns Family
Chapter).

34 Stearns, Oscar H., son of Benj. F. Stearns, b in Felchville in
the home occupied by B. M. Newton. Practiced in Brooklyn, N.
Y. Resides in Brooklyn. Graduate of Middlebury college.

35 Stoughton, Henry C, b in a house that stood on the west

HISTORY OF READING. 347

side of the highway, leading from Albert Bixby's to John Durand's
near So. Reading. Practiced at Otsego, Mich.

36 Taylor, Jacob Edson, son of Samuel Charles and Zilpha
Bugbee Taylor, was b at Reading, May 16, 1831, taught school at
Woodstock, read law with Converse & French, and practiced at
Charleston, 111. He m Ellen, daughter of Joel Eaton in 1861.

37 Washburn, Israel, b on the farm now owned by N. H. W.
Jenne in northeast part of the town.

38 Wheeler, Smith, b in the Borough.

39 Watkins, Win., b on the farm south of where John Wil-
liams now lives, near So. Reading.

*Read law with Gilbert A. Davis.

348 HISTORY OF READING

CHAPTER XXXVIII

Methodism in Reading.

For many years the Union Meeting House at Felch-
ville was occupied on alternate Sabbaths by the Uni-
versalists and Methodists; but the Methodists lost mem-
ber after member, by death and by removals to other
places, and since 1890, the Methodists have not main-
tained here the regular preaching of the gospel.

Since 1874, the Methodists have maintained regular
preaching services at So. Reading, and up to 1896, have
had a resident pastor there nearly all the time.

The Methodist Clergymen stationed at So. Read-
ing since 1870, have been as follows.

1871, John L. Smith; 1871 to April '77, Ira Carter;
April 1877 to '79, A. B. Enright; April: 1879 to 'Si
C. H. Sweatt; April 1881 to 'S3, W. A. Bryant; Aprii
1883 to April '86, Win. E. Douglass; April 1886 to '87,
W. F. Felch; April 1887 to 1890, R. C. Vail; April 1890
to '91, W. D. Spencer; April 1891 to '94, E. B. Harris;
Apr. 1894 to '95, Moses B. Parounagian; April 1895 to
'96, R, J. Gluckler. Since that time, the pulpit at So.
Reading has been supplied as follows: April 1896 to '99,
R. J. McGlaughlin, stationed at Brownsville; Apr. 1899
to 'oo, C. M. Charlton, from Perkinsville; Apr. 1900 to
'oi, G. H. Bolster, who was resident at So. Reading;
Apr. 1901 to '02, supplied by W. H. White from Browns-
ville; April 1902 to — by Frank H. Roberts, from
Brownsville.

Chas. S. Louis, a licentiate, has preached here to
some extent.

Moses B. Parounagian is a native of Armenia, and
has mastered the English language and Christian the-
ology and began here his labor as a pastor. He is a

HISTORY OF READING. 349

man of great mental power, earnest and forceful as a
speaker, genial and sociable as a man and thoroughly
imbued with the spirit of his calling. By his efforts, in
1894 the Methodists secured a controlling ownership of
the pews, and at the memorable meeting of the pew-
holders of the Union Meeting House, after an all day
session, on the first Monday in January, 1895, succeeded
in electing as trustees Calvin Robinson, Charles S.
Louis and Abel Ray, Jr., and all Methodists.

Each party at this meeting was represented by a
counselor learned in the law, J. W. Pierce, Esq., of
Springfield representing the Methodists, and J. G.
Sargent, Esq., of Ludlow representing the other factions.

This settled the controversies and since that time,
the Methodists have annually been able to elect trustees
and control the occupancy of the meeting house. How-
ever, the spiritualists have had the occupancy whenever
desired which has usually been for only one or two
vSabbaths in each year.

The Methodist society has been reduced in mem-
bers by removals and deaths, but have kept up their
organization and maintained public worship nearly every
Sabbath at South Reading.

South Reading Meeting House Association.

This association was formed by voluntary associa-
tion, and the first meeting was held on the 6th day of
April 1844, for the purpose of building a meeting house-
on land to be conveyed by Lewis Robinson and Rufus
Buck, situated westerly of Rufus Buck's store, in South
Reading.

The site was conveyed by Lewis Robinson April 20,
and Rufus Buck April 22, 1844 to Ebenezer Robinson,
Jr., Benoni Buck and Washington Keyes, "in trust for
"the said association and unto their heirs and assigns

35Q HISTORY OF READING,

"forever," and these gentlemen were constituted a com-
mittee to superintend the building of the meeting house.
It was provided that the structure should be 54'feet long
and 44 feet wide, the walls to be of stone and to be
erected substantially according to a plan presented by
Washington Keyes. Saxon A. Craigue was elected
moderator, Hiram Goddard, secretary, and Orpheus
Coburn, collector.

There was an important vote adopted at this meeting
of April 6, 1844 as follows, —

Voted, that in the meeting house in contemplation
each owner shall be entitled to the occupancy of the
house his equal proportion of the time according to his
interests in the same for the use of such denomination
or sect as he may choose to employ.

The meeting house was built and completed in 1844
and the report of the building committee was accepted
at a meeting of the subscribers, held on the 21st day of
Dec. 1844 at which Col. John F. Swain was elected
moderator. A sale of the pews by auction was provided
for and took place Dec. 26th, and it was further pro-
vided that the buyer of the first pew, should have his
choice in land 10 by 16 feet for a horse shed. Not all of
the pews were sold and these remained the property of
the Association. The pew holders were formed into an
association and became a body corporate under the Ver-
mont Laws, and By Laws were adopted for the regula-
tion of their interests.

It was provided that the annual meetings shall be
held on ten days notice on the first Monday in January
of each year at which meeting a committee should be
elected to have charge of the meeting house and the
concerns of the association. It was voted that each pew
holder should have one vote for each pew owned by
him.

The tenacity of these people for the maintenance
of their religious tenets is shown by the provision of the

HISTORY OF READING. 351

following articles:

Article 3rd. "That said committee shall immediately
after election make a division of the time for the occupan-
cy of said house, setting to each individual according
to his interest in said house, to that sect or denomina-
tion which they shall choose and to annually correct
the list of names of owners."

Article 4th: "Every owner in said house shall have
the right at the end of each year to change his occu-
pancy and set the same as he may then choose."

The dedication of this house took place on Wednes-
day, July 22, 1845, under the direction of Lewis Robin-
son, Alden S. Page and Benoni Buck, Committee, and
Rev. O. A. Tiletson, a Universalis^, preached the ded-
icatory sermon.

Abel Bailey, Benoni Buck and Alden Page were elected
a committee to make a division of the "time for occu-
pancy of said house according to the Constitution."

On May 27, 1844, a small tract westerly of the land
conveyed by Robinson & Buck was conveyed by John
Watkins to Ebenezer Robinson, Jr., Benoni Buck and
Washington Keyes, "their heirs and assigns forever."

This conveyed land as far westerly as Mill Brook,
but in this deed there was no mention of any trust.

This meeting house was occupied by the different
denominations, without much friction, and without any
very material results in a spiritual sense until in 1894,
the Methodists had become quite active and strong and
had conceived the idea of obtaining the control of the
edifice at least for the larger number of Sabbaths in each
year and they set about getting a controlling interest by
becoming the owners of the majority of the pews. Mat-
ters became interesting. There was a great searching
of family reeords and histories to get at the heirs of the
original pewholders.

It was found that all of the grantees in the trust
deeds had deceased without conveying their respective

352 HISTORY OF READING.

interests in the land conveyed to them by the deeds
above mentioned, and that consequently it was uncer-
tain as to who had the power to convey the unsold pews,
that there was no living trustee to hold the title to this
meeting house property, and that the land described in
the John Watkins deed was not held in trust for this
Association, but by the grantees their heirs and assigns
in their own right.

The result was was that Gilbert A. Davis brought a
bill in equity in behalf of many pewholders and in accor-
dance with the prayer of this bill, the Court of chancery
for Windsor County at its Dec. Term 1896, made a decree
reforming the John Watkins deed so that it would ex-
press the same trusts as are mentioned in the Buck and
Robinson deeds, and appointing Calvin Robinson, Chas.
S. Louis and Abel Ray trustees under the Lewis Robin-
son, Rufus Buck and John Watkins deeds to hold this
real estate in trust for said Association for the uses
and purposes for which it was organized.

In this suit Wade Keyes and Wm. E. Johnson ap-
peared for some of the defendants.

HISTORY OF READING. 353

CHAPTER XXXIX.

Secret Societies in Reading.
Eastern Star Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons.

This Lodge was organized on the 23rd day of Oct-
ober 18 15, at the hall of the Amsden tavern, now occu-
pied by Budd D. Hawkins.

The charter was granted by the Grand Lodge sit-
ting at Windsor, on Oct. 10, 1835.

The officers named in the charter were Dr. Silas
Bowen, W. M., Dr. John Wakefield, S. W., John S.
Hawkins, J. W.

The offiers were present at the organization of the
Lodge, except that John York Sawyer acted as J. W., pro
tern. Justin Burdick was elected Secretary.

The members present were: Stearns, Aaron God-

dard, Abel Amsden, T. F. Hammond, Justin Burdick,

Bailey Merrill, David Goddard, Hatch, Sewell

Fullam. The visiting brethren were: Gilman H. Shedd,
Nehemiah Parker, Calvin Chapin, John Jewett, Dr. John
Wakefield, Dr. Silas Bowen, and Justin Burdick were
appointed a committee to prepare by-laws for the govern-
ment of the Lodge and Bros. A. Goddard, Silas Bowen

and Stearns were appointed a committee to obtain

all the articles necessary for the Lodge.

Dr. Darwin R. Story of Proctors viile writes as fol-
lows.

T. F. Hammond must have taken the two first de-
grees at some other Lodge, presumably at Windsor or
Ludlow; his name is the ninth on the catalogue of
members and before him are the names of Silas Bowen,
John Wakefield, John S. Hawkins, Daniel Goddard,
Aaron Goddard, John Hulett and Bailey Merrill. So I

354 HISTORY OF READING.

infer those eight men were the charter members, al-
though nothing is said, that I have been able to find,
about charter members. There were 127 members,
men from Reading and Windsor, West Parish. Prob-
ably one half of the members belonged to Windsor, and
most of these men I knew when a boy. The meetings
were held monthly except during the heated months of
summer.

I find the Lodge had no number, until January 31st
5817 when it was numbered 41.

In Oct. following it was numbered 43. At the reg-
ular meeting Dec. 11, A. D. 5818, Calvin Chapin, Jr., of
West Windsor was chosen Master, Rufus Root, Jr. S.
W., and Joseph Stocking, J. W., A. North, Secretary.
Luther Parker S. D., T. F. Hammond, J. D.

Jan. 1 2th, 5821, Jos. Stocking of West Windsor was
elected Master, T. F. Hammond, S. W. Dec. 27th,
5821, Dr. Silas Bowen was again elected Master. At
the Dec. election of 5822, T. F. Hammond was elected
Master, and held the office yearly until Dec. election 5831
when Dr. John Wakefield was elected. There were only
two communications after the above election until Jan.
9th, 5835 when the last meeting was held, closed in due
form. T. F. Hammond was again elected Master, Dr.
John Wakefield, S. W., A. Cummings, J. W., E. Wor-
cester, treasurer, G. H. Shedd, secretary, A. N. Lincoln,
S. D., E. Robinson, J. D., J. Cady, Tyler, Cyprian
Woodruff and L. Hawkins, Stewards. All but Robinson
and Hawkins were from West Windsor.

Dr. Silas Bowen resided at South Reading.

Dr. John Wakefield was a practicing physician and
resided in the town of Windsor (now West Windsor) in
a 'house on road from Marcellus Bryant's in Reading to
W. H. H. Ralph's in West Windsor. This house has
entirely disappeared.

Justin Burdick resided at Reading Center and
conveyed to the town the land on which the brick meet-

HISTORY OF READING. 355

ing house was erected in 1S16. In addition to the above
names I have obtained from various sources, the names
of other members of the Lodge:

Abel Adams, Samuel Aiken. America Amsden
Abel Baldwin, Lyman Boutwell, Benoni Buck, John W.
Emery, Abel Gilson, Jr. Samuel C. Loveland, Ainasa
Parker, Nehemiah Parker Jr., Abner Philbrick, Erastus
Preston, Rufus Root, Benjamin Sawyer, Stephen Staf-
ford, Levi Taylor, Jacob Washburn, and Samuel Lang
of Weathersfield.

I O. O. F.

Felchville Lodge No. 62, I. O. O. F. was instituted
March, 17,-1899, by Grand Master Blakley. '

At the organization Mt. Sinai Lodge, No. 42, of
Proctorsville, worked the Initiatory degree, and Spring-
field, Lodge. No- 42, worked the first and third and
Windsor Lodge, No. 55, worked the second degree.

The first officers were : —

F. S. Payne, N. G.; E: M. Watkins, V. G.; O. S.
Holden, Sec, B. R. Wilkins, Treas.; C. A. Wilson,
Warden; W. S. Rist, Con.; M. G. Amsden, I. G.; Geo.
Roy, O. G.; G. D. Burnham, R. 3. N. G.; O. E. Sher-
win, L. S. N. G.; Dr. W. L. Knowles, R. S. V. G.; E.
B. Watkins, L- S. V. G.; B. D. Hawkins, Chap.; H. E.
Gardner, R. S. S.; E. K. Hewlett, L- S. S.

Charter Members: —

Orsemor S. Holden, Wallace S. Rist, Walter L.
Parker. Carter A. Wilson, Frank S. Payne, Burt R.
Wilkins. Elner M. Watkins.

Twenty-two members were initiated making 29 mem-
bers of the Lodge at the time of organization. The
membership July 1, 1903, was 46.

The regular meetings are held on each Wednesday
evening in the hall in the Newton store building.

The Noble Grands have been— F'rank S. Payne,

356 HISTORY OF READING

Wallace S. Rist, Chas. H. Sinclair, Geo. I). Burnham,
Clarence N. Hook,

Elmer M. Watkins and Wm. H. Vittum are the only
members who have died.

The Lodge room is nicely fitted up and the different
degrees are worked in a manner creditable to all.

Members —

M. G. Amsden, D. E. Burnham, G. D. Burnham,

D. D. Bannister, E. R. Buck, J. R. Bishop, B. L. Clark,

E. E. Cross, L. A. Cushman, J. F. Call, C. M. Charl-
ton, H. E. Gardner, B. D. Hawkins, O. S. Holden, C.
G. Hutton, C. N. Hook, M. B. Horton, F. L. Hoising-
ton, E. N.Howard, N. H. W. Jenne, C H. King,
Wade Keyes, Carl Lawrence, E. J. Marsh, F. H. Morse,
B. M. Newton, E. A. Nichols, W. L. Parker, C. E. Par-
ker, D. F.^Pollard, F. S. Payne, Oscar Randall, F. M.
Rowlee, F. O. Ranney, W. S. Rist, G. A. Roy, C. H.
Sinclair. S. M. Sherwin, O. E. Sherwin, J. C. Taylor,
G. C. Taylor. Wm. H. Vittum, F;. B. Watkins, C. L.
Wardner, C. A. Wilson, B. R. Wilkins, Wm. H. York,

Happy Thought Rebekah Lodge No. 45.

Happy Thought Rebekah Lodge was organized
May 13, 1901, with eleven charter members, Mrs. J. B.
White, Alice L. Burnham, Geoge D. Burnham, Lena
A. Cushman, Leslie Cushman, Lou. B. Hutton, Chas.
G. Hutton, Etta Nichols, Elwin Nichols, Elmer Wat-
kins, Minnie Whitaker. Mrs. J. B. White was the first
Noble Grand, Mrs. Alice L. Burnham the second year,
and Mrs. J. Ella Holden the third year.

Friendship Lodge No 41, of Windsor doing the floor
work for us at the instituting ot this lodge. Thirty-five
new members were taken in that night, viz: W. A. Rich,
Zylphia Rich. Jennie York, W. H.York, J. Ella Hol-
den. O. S. Holden, Kate F. White, Alice B. Watkins,
Nellie S. Morse, Alice F. Amsden, Ida F. Bannister,

HISTORY OF READING. 357

Alice G. Sherwin. Lilla E. Perkins, Bertha M. Watkins,
Mary L- Watkins, Nellie L. Bisbee, Inez Hoisington,
Lettie E. Gardner, Mary A. Newton, D. May Grout,
Lucia H. Gibbs, Lillie E. Churchill, OrzaD. Churchill, F.
L. Hoisington, H. E. Gardner, B. M. Newton, M. G.
Amsden, G. C. Taylor, Fred O. Ranny, Chas. Sinclair.
D. D. Bannister, Frank H. Morse, Budd D. Hawkins,
Ernest W. Howard.

The members since added are: — Jennie N. Hoadley,
Ethel M. Bannister, Helen L- Buck, Rachel M. Gilson,
Hannah Gertrude Roscoe, Jessie Edson, Ella D. Hawk-
ins, Mary R. Cross, Ellis E. Cross, E. W. Eastman,
GenettM. W. Eastman, Ethel M. Ely, D. E. Burnham,
F. M. Rowlee, Jemina Rowlee, Ella H. Lawrence.

The present membership is fifty-seven, one sister,
Mrs. Cross has died, Hannah G. Roscoe withdrawn on
account of leaving town, and two have been suspended
for non-payment of dues.

Good Templars.

Rocky Rill Lodge No. 39 of the Independent Order
Good Templers, was instituted May 13, 1882. It had
86 members, and held its meetings in the school house
hall at Felchville, usually on Monday evenings.

The last recorded meeting is March 14,1887. The
records are in the hands of Minnie C. Fay.

This Lodge did good service in the cause of temper-
ance but was superseded by the Blue Ribbon Club.

The Blue Ribbon Club was organized Feb. 12, 1887.
The meetings have been held usually in the school
house hall in Felchville. The membership in July 1903,
was over 200. Meetings have been held once in two
weeks. The object has been the promotion of tem-
perance, and its influence in that line has been impor-
tant.

35? HISTORY OF READING.

CHAPTER XL.

Biographical Sketches, Continued.

Dr. Elkannah Day; The Holden Family; The Morse

Family ; The Watkins Family ; Elisha W. Watkins ;

The Washburn Family.

In the first volume of The History of Reading,
there is an error on pages 72 and 73 as to the identity of
the Dr. Elkannah Day who was the first resident physi-
cian of Reading. This is not the Dr. Elkannah Day
who treated the wounded at the time of the Westminis-
ter massacre and figured so extensively in the struggles
about the conflicting claims of New York and N. H., to
jurisdiction over the territory subsequently known as
Vermont.

The Dr. Elkannah Day who settled in Reading was
the son of the Dr. Day of Westminister — and was grad-
uated at Dartmouth College in 1786 and immediately lo-
cated in Reading, residing between the Amasa Watkins
place and the J. A. Bixby place.

He was Town Clerk of Reading in 1791-1792 and
Representative of the town in the General Assembly of
1790 and 1 79 1.

He removed to Springfield, Vt. and died from being
thrown from his horse at Springfield, Vt., in March 1808.
He married Esther, daughter of Alexander Campbell of
Oxford, Mass.

The Holden Family.

Jesse Holden was born Aug. 21, 1779 in Barre, Mass.

and moved from Barre, Mass. to Barre, Vt., and from

that place to Reading and located on the Hartwell place

on the west side of Mt. Moses and afterward on the Bailey

HISTORY OF READING. 359

farm, now occupied by H. S. Fay.

He in Lucy Persons, a sister of Samuel Persons. He was
a farmer. His son, Joel Holden was born in Reading
Feb. 17,1804. He m Priscilla Whitmore. He was a far-
mer and lived on the Ed. S. Hammond farm, July 30,
1843, at the time his son, Orsemor S. was born.
He moved from this farm to the hotel in Hammondsville,
known as the "Forest House", and in the spring of 1848
moved .to the hotel in Felchville which he kept about
one year, until his death in April, 1849.

Joel Holden' s sisters were Lucy, who m Nelson Whit-
more, (see the Whitmore family chapter) Abigail, who
m Lewis Rockwood.

The Morse Family.

Joseph Morse came to Reading as one of the early
settlers and m Sarah Annis of Hartland. He was a
farmer and lived on a farm near Bailey's Mills, subse-
quently owned and occupied by Benj. Weston. He had
three children— Sprague Arnold Morse, Adalin^ Morse,
Wm. S. A. Morse.

Wm. S. A. Morse had a common school education.
He m Eliza Cady and became a merchant at Bailey's
Mills in co-partnership with O. A. Keys about 1843.

Then he moved to So. Reading and went into part-
nership with Lyman Cady, keeping a general store in
the "Buck Store" for several years, and on the dissolu-
tion of the firm, Mr. Morse moved into the Robinson
store, a stone building, and carried on the mercantile
business until about 1854. when he sold out to Asahel
Wilder and removed to Baileyville, Stephenson County,
111., and engaged in the business of farming. He re-
moved from Baileyville to Grundy, Iowa, where he d.
Asahel Wilder was in business about two years.
O. A. Keyes, the son of Royal, and grandson of Solomon
Keyes. Royal Keyes m Eleanor Annis of Hartland and
subsequently removed to Chelsea, Vt. O. A. Keyes m

360 HISTORY OF READING

Caroline Tenney of Hanover, N. H., and was in partner-
ship with Win. S. A. Morse at Bailey's Mills, and re-
moved to Proctorsville and went into mercantile busi-
ness in the brick store; and after a few years removed to
Plattsburg, N. Y., and kept a liquor saloon and d there.

The Watkins Family.

Amasa Watkins emigrated to Wallingford, Conn.,
from Ireland. He m Lucy Wright, a native of Scotland,
Sept. i, 1791 and came to Hartford, Vt. where three of
the sons were born.

ElishaW. Watkins m Drusilla Robinson, daughter of
James Robinson. She d Dec. 1891, leaving two daugh-
ters,— Caroline, who m Collamer T. Fay, and Mary who
m John McCollough, and one son, Frank W. Watkins,
who was b at Reading and here spent his boyhood days.
He then carried on the business of Gents' Furnishings
at Rutland for several years, but later returned to
Felchville and carried on the home farm of his father,
but in the fall of 1902 sold the farm to E. A. Locke of
Lexington, Mass., and returned to Rutland.

Elisha W. Watkins was a prominent and influential
farmer. He resided near Cavendish and southerly
of South Reading for many years, but during the last
years of his life owned and carried on a large farm in
Felchville. He held the office of selectman and was
one of the wealthiest men in town.

The Washburn Family.

Phillip Washburn was one of the first settlers of
Reading and had a deed of 75 acres of land from Nathan
Sherwin. He came from Bridgewater, Mass., and loca-
ted on this land which is in the northerly part of the town
near where Nathaniel H. W. Jenne now resides. He
had only one son, Israel Washburn, who built the brick
house now occupied by Mr. Jenne.

Israel Washburn had 6 children, Lemuel B., Charles

HISTORY OF READING. &i

Israel Jr., Levi, Alice and Rufus— all born in Reading.
Lemuel B. was born Aug. 22, 1799 and d May 10, 1847.
He was the most energetic of the three brothers who set-
tled in Reading. He lived and died on the farm now oc-
cupied by Mr. Rowlee, just south of the old homestead
of his father. His daughter, Melvina, m Benjamin F.
Stearns, and an account of her children will be found on
another page of this History.

Charles was a farmer and lived and died on the farm
next north of the old homestead where his son, Charles
T. still resides.

Israel, Jr., was educated in the common schools.
Was a noted lecturer on temperance, studied law, was
admitted to the bar and located and practiced his profes-
sion at Holley, N. Y. He had two daughters, one of
whom, Mary, m John H. French, LLD., who at one
time was Secretary of the Vermont Board of Education,
and prepared and published French's Series of Arithme-
tics. Mr. and Mrs. French subsequently managed a
school in Pennsylvania, where Mr. French died.

Levi and Alice d when children.

Rufus was a very industrious, hard working and
successful farmer, and owned for many years the old
home farm. His daughter m Henry N. Jenne, then of
Hartland,' but now of Proctorsville, V't. Their son,
Nathaniel H. W. Jenne still resides upon the old farm
and has been a Selectman and Justice of the Peace in
Reading.

HISTORY OF READING.

CHAPTER XU.
Business Enterprises in Reading.

The changes in the methods of handling the milk
produced on the farms have been very marked. The
butter and cheese produced by the old method, on each
farm was of good quality as a general rule and commanded
good prices, but the amount of labor thus thrown upon
the farmer's wife, daughter and "hired girl" was enor-
mous, and this with the hand sewing, knitting, making
of clothes and the endless round of daily toil and drud-
gery, brought many of them to premature graves.

The sewing machines, cheese factories and creamer-
ies have relieved the women of this drudgery giving them
time for rest, recreation and study. As these burdens
have been lifted, so in proportion has the life of woman
been elevated and refined. The college for women has
come as a natural sequence of these changes, and women
have taken their places in society and business in the
more congenial occupations of clerkships, type-writers,
compositors, and in the learned professions.

The Felchville Creamery Association was organized
in 1888 and became a corporation under the laws of Ver-
mont. A building was erected at Felchville at the rear
of the Universalist church, on land bought of Clark
Wardner, and equipped with a steam engine and all the
apparatus necessary for the manufacture of butter by
the Cooley system.

This business was carried on for a number of years,
but was discontinued in 1893, and the real estate ulti-
mately passed into the hands of Gilbert A. Davis, who
is the present owner.

It was used by Geo. H. Whitcomb in the early part
of 1893 ; by Galen L. E. Tarbell from the fall of 1893 to

HISTORY OF READING. 363

the fall of 1894 ; by said Tarbell and Alstine J. Grow
from Nov. 1S94 to spring of 1895, and then subsequently
by Mr. Grow alone, for the manufacture of butter tubs.
In the fall of 1901 it was fixed up for a printing office
and rented to Edwin White & Son, and has since been
occupied by them for that business.

A building was erected at South Reading about
1893 by an association, and has since that time been oc-
cupied as a cheese factory. Dr. F. C. Morgan became the
sole owner in 1899 and operated it until the fall of 190 1.

In 1901 a building was erected at Hammondsville by
the "Hammondsville Cheese Co.," and has been used
ever since by said company for the manufacture of cheese.

For some time Einneus H. Whitcomb carried on
the manufacture of cider, about a mile north of Felch-
ville, in the building that for many years was occupied
by Hosea Benjamin for the manufacture of doors, sash
and blinds. After a variety of owners this property was

conveyed to Gilbert A. Davis in , and has since

been occupied by Chas G. Hutton and Stephen R.
Spaulding for the manufacture of cider.

The"Amsden Tavern" nearby on the south side
of Mill Brook, has been occupied for the last few years
by Budd D. Hawkins for the putting up of garden seeds.
He commenced in a small way to raise and put up gar-
den seeds adapted to the climate of New England, and
his business has gradually increased and has been car-
ed for with skill and industry until the annual output
has become very large.

The business of wool carding, of blacksmithing, of
a saw mill, grist and oil mill and of a retail dealer in gen-
eral merchandise, which was for many years carried on
at Bailey's Mills, has long since entirely disappeared and
those extensive buildings have, to a large extent, fallen
to decay and the once valuable water power has become
useless since the dam was carried away by a flood.

• The grist and saw mill and rake factory of Carlos

364 HISTORY OF READING.

Hawkins are still in profitable use a short distance west
of Hammondsville.

The several mills at South Reading are abandoned.
Within 40 years there have been in that village the steam
circular saw mill of Wetherbee and Davis, the saw mill
of Edwin W. Royce, Charles L. Louis' circular saw mill
and shingle mill, propelled at one time by water and later
by steam and the saw mill, grist mill and cider mill at
the westerly part of the village with a long list of owners,
including Alphonso Washburn and John Williams.
Henry Allen, Samuel Cole and Samuel Royce have run
mills also at this place.

At Felchville, for many years Myron A. Davis built
up and carried on an extensive business in the manufac-
ture of maple and oak chairs, obtaining a good reputa-
tion, with prosperity so long as his health permitted him
to give personal attention to its details. The business
practically ceased at his death in 1893, and this business
has not been carried on there since, any further then to
finish up the odds and ends of stock left by Mr. Davis.
B. M. Newton is the present owner of the property and
runs in it a custom saw and shingle mill, with planers,
lathes and circular saws. This water power is the best
in town, but during many months cannot be depended
upon to run the machinery. The complicated questions
about the water rights of this property and of the mill
site next below have been the subject of much heated
discussion, searching of real estate records, and exami-
nation of nice questions as to water rights, but happily
they have all been laid aside.

The water rights on the site below the Newton
mill all became merged in Hook & Burnham, in the fall
of 1893, who own the property formerly owned by three
different men — the grist mill, "saw mill and the bedstead
shop properties. Since this time Hook & Burnham
have run a custom grist mill and kept for sale flour and
feed under the management of Norman E. Perkins. Esq-

HISTORY OF READING. 365

The Felchville Stock Store was organized March
21, 1858 with a capital stock of $1645.00 divided into
shares of $10.00 each. The shareholders were, Hiram
Goddard, 5 ; Amasa Watkins, 3 ; Clark Wardner, 1 ;
Fred Wardner, 13 ; Trumbull Ackley, 10 ; Joseph A.
Davis, 20 ; Orpheus Coburn, 7 ; John Adams, 2 ; E.G.
Evans, 2 1-2 ; Wm. Giddings, 1 ; Benj. F. Stearns, 23 ;
Hosea Benjamin, 2 ; Ebenezer Densmore, 5 ; E. W.
Watkins, 25 ; Honestus Stearns, 1.

This business was conducted in the brick store north
of the hotel. Benj. F. Stearns was agent and Fred
Wardner clerk the first year. For the second year, Fred
Wardner was agent and clerk. Sometime during the sec-
ond year, Geo. W. Kendall put in as much additional
capital as the Company then had and Fred Wardner
bought out all the other stockholders and the firm of
Wardner & Kendall was formed. This co-partnership
continued until 1861, when Mr. Wardner sold out to Mr.
Kendall. Subsequently Mr. Kendall sold out to Wm.
P. Chamberlain and Elmer D. Keyes and the well known
firm of Chamberlain and Keyes was organized and trans-
acted a large wholesale and retail business in the same
store.

In March, i860, when the Editor located in Felch-
ville as an attorney at law, Wardner & Kendall were do-
ing mercantile business in the brick store north of the
hotel, Levi C. Fay in the brick store south of it and Otis
Baldwin in a building then standing on the site of the
store subsequently occupied by Hook and Burnham.

Paul W. Stearns then manufactured bedsteads east
of the grist mill, Joseph A. Davis run the saw mill just
north of it, Eliphalet S. Page kept the hotel, Perez B.
Wolcott was the village blacksmith, Alonzo S. Gilbert
the harness maker, Martin Curley and Roswell
W.Hoadley the shoemakers, Prosper Merrill the manu-
facturer of woolen goods.

Clarence N. Hook began the mercantile business at

366 HISTORY OF READING.

Pelchville, June 6, 1882 in the small building thereto-
fore occupied by Gates & Hewlett. Mr. Hook built the
store now standing on that site in 1887, and continued
in business there until Oct. 13, 1893 when the co-partner-
ship of Hook & Burnham was formed, and these gentle-
men continued business together until the dissolution in
June 1903, and since that time George D. Burnham has
carried on the mercantile business and Clarence N.
Hook has taken the grist mill.

Business at South Reading.

Lewis Robinson for many years kept a retail store
in the stone building opposite his house at So. Reading,
and was succeeded by Win. S. A. Morse.

Rufus Buck kept a general store in So. Reading for
many years in the old red store building that has been
destroj'ed by fire.

Rufus Buck and Daniel P. Jones entered in co-part-
nership in the mercantile business at So. Reading in the
'"Buck Store" in 1837.

A very careful inventory of their stock of goods,
April 5, 1841, showed the amount to have been $2127.15
including a large variety of articles adapted to the wants
of an agricultural community, and among their stock in
trade was 27 gallons of Malaga wine, 10 gallons of port
wine 25 gallons of brandy, 3 r-2 gallons cider, and 9 rum
barrels.

There is also a long list of debts due to and owing
by the firm, of interest as giving the names of people
who then resided in the vicinity of South Reading or
came there for business.

Their ledger was neatly kept in a large round hand.
As showing the extent of their patronage, I noticed that
the ledger carries accounts with 361 people residing in
the different parts of Reading, and in Windsor, Weath-
ersfield, Cavendish, Ludlow, Plymouth, Bridge water
and Woodstock.

HISTORY OF READING. 367

The exact date of the dissolution of this firm is not
known by the editor, but the entries seem to indicate
that they were in business together in 1843.

The So. Reading Farmers' Store was organized
April 30, 1859, with 40 members who subscribed $10. co
each.

It may be of interest to future generations to know
who these enterprising gentlemen were, and we give a
list of them : Lewis Robinson, Edmond Davis, Moses
Colburn, William M. Williams, Daniel P. Jones, Mar-
vin Robinson, Alonzo P. Watkins, Hiram Rice, A. W.
Goddard, Willard H. Dow, Silas A. Robinson, William
Town, James A. Bixby, Sylvester Coburn, Washington
Keyes, Parker Kinsman, Elijah M. Haskell, Stephen
Dow, A. E. Morse, Justin T. Robinson, Loren Fullam,
Gardner Herrick, E. D. North, Samuel Herrick, Orin
Sawyer, Alfred Watkins, Alvan Wilkins, Leonard
Spaulding, Justin S. Davis, Benjamin S. Barnard,
Rhoda Robinson, John L. Hubbard, George Herrick,
Almos A. Bixby, George W. Rich, B. F. Ordway, S. P.
Bryant, James WThitten, L. Carlos Davis.

This co-partnership had a formal constitution and
by-laws, and was organized by the election of Willard
H. Dow, president ; Gardner Herrick, vice-president;
Wm. M. Williams, secretary and treasurer ; Moses Col-
burn, Daniel P. Jones and Marvin Robinson, directors ;
Lewis Robinson, collector.

The business was conducted in the stone store of
Lewis Robinson, — now owned by Calvin Robinson.

Chas. M. Hoadley was the clerk in charge from
May, 1859 to sometime in i860.

The business did not prove to be profitable. There
was an action of account brought and the business was
finally wound up with an assessment of $8.86 on each
shareholder, under date of Feb. 8, 1862.

Silas A. Robinson was for many years the only
blacksmith at South Reading. His shop stood at the

368 HISTORY OF READING.

junction of the main street with the road leading south
to the Washburn Keyes place, now owned by Gilbert A.
Davis and occupied by Reuben Wells. Later, this busi-
ness was carried on by Geo. F. Rand and Edwin W.
Royce opposite the meeting house, by Robert Smith in a
shop next east of Calvin Robinson's, and by Roy Mat-
thews and J. C. Southerland west of the meeting house.
Since 1874, the mercantile business at South Read-
ing has been conducted at different times by Calvin Rob-
inson, James P. Wheeler, Robert L- Stewart and Mrs.
Hattie L. Wilkins.

HISTORY OF READING. 369

CHAPTER XI.II.

Felchvillc's Celebration. July 4, 1893. — "Woodstock
Standard."

Historical Items

Tuesday was Felchville's great day, and was won-
derfully well improved. The little village was crowded
full of visitors, who found much to enjoy. The parade
in the forenoon was a notable feature. The "horribles"
were great in number and effect; the local hits being nu-
merous and of more than ordinary merit. Dr. Morgan
was out with his portable office on a two-wheeled cart,
C. N. Hook was trying to swap pigs with everybody in
the crowd, the Valley House coach was a great hit, the
Maple Grove House coach likewise, the Windsor and
Felchville stage was in the procession, as were also M.
G. Amsden's meat cart, J. M. Stearns' law office, and
many other local institutions. One of the wittiest turn-
outs having no local significance was a burlesque on
the administration — a wagon labelled "Protection on
Wool ; vote for Grover Cleveland and shear the pig."
Piggy was there, also the shears and the man to ma-
nipulate them. There was a great cry and mighty little
wool. The Grand Army Post and the forty-four young
ladies in white with sashes and banners representing the
States of the Union made a very pretty and impressive
show, while the Tyson band rendered music suitable for
the occasion. After the parade the crowd adjourned to
to Dwight Hammond's pleasant grove for literary exer-
cises and a basket picnic. There the following program
was rendered :

Singing by Choir.

Prayer, Rev. A. Heald.

HISTORY OF READING.

Music, Tyson Comet Band.
Address, Hon. Gilbert A. Davis.
Recitations, Miss Cora Mahoney,
Miss Gladys Gilson,
Miss Nettie Allen.
Miss Ethel Ely.
Music, Choir.

Recitations, Miss Beulah Vittum,
Miss Grace White,
Miss Xora Nichols,
Address, Rev. J. Harris.
Music, "America," by the people.
Three cheers for the day.

Hon. G. A. Davis' speech was an eloquent portrayal
of the progress of the states in matters civil and political
and special mention was made of the prominent place
when women are coming to occupy in the walks of life.
The young people's parts in the program were of a spe-
cially interesting character, and well rendered. Rev.
Mr. Harris entertained his listners with a few humorous
stories, and closed with an eloquent peroration touching
national progress and pleading for its -continuance. The
music was good.

The various athletics contests in the village in the
afternoon excited a great deal of interest. The winners
are given below in the order of merit of their performan-
ces :

Sack race, Griswold, Kendall, Perkins.
Potato Race, Cole, Coolid.ge, Walker, Lockwood.
Three-legged race, Cole and Perkins, Cole and Gris-
wold.

50-yard dash, 5 contestants, F. A. Hoyt, F. H. Cole.
100-yard dash, 6 contestants, Hart, Merrill, Round.
At the close of the athletic sports in front of
the hotel, F. C. Davis, Esq., of Springfield, introduced
Hon. A. F. Hubbard of Tyson, who from the upper bal-
cony of the Valley House addressed the people in a

HISTORY OF READING.

brief, but impassioned and eloquent speech, bringing
out by contrast the progress of our country and exhort-
ing the young people to the honest performance of their
duty at the polls and in national life.

Following this, O. S. Holden and Henry Stocker
sang "Hurrah for Old New England" and "Larboard
Watch" with all their old-time spirit and effect.

It is not too much to say that the celebration was a
great success, exceeding in every particular the anticipa-
tions of its projectors. Mine Host, Rist of the Valley
House, is also to be congratulated on the excellent service
rendered to the crowd of guests. Over a hundred and
fifty were served dinners, and at the ball in the evening
eighty-five couples participated. It was a very pleasant
occasion.

During the forenoon a game of ball was played be-
tween a Cavendish and a Felchville nine, in which the
Felchvilles were beautifully walloped. In the afternoon
another game was played between the Amsdens and Felch
villes, resulting in favor of the Reading boys.

Historical Items.

A meeting of the proprietors of Reading was
warned by John Weld, Justice of the Peace, to be held
at the house of Caleb Jones in Reading, Sept. 3, 1783,
to choose a committee to lay out the people's lands
and to receive the return of a committee to look up
the ancient records.

This was published in Vol. 1, Nos. 1, 2 and 3 of
The Vermont Journal and Universal Advertiser.

This periodical which has had a continuous exist-
ence until this day, was first published at Windsor on
Thursday, Aug. 7, 1783, and in its first issue was also
published Washington's Farewell Address.

Under this survey, range lines run north and south,
lot lines run east and west. There were eleven ranges

372 HISTORY OF READING.

but the quantity in each lot was variable.

The first highway in Reading was laid out by the
selectmen, commencing at Eleazer Hathorn's mill —
near Bailey's Mills — via the Center village to Plymouth
passing by Reading pond,

A road diverged to the north at the Dow Place,
and passed over to Woodstock via Dea. Nathaniel
Pratt's.

In 1S1S, the Vermont Journal was published by \V.
Spooner, and in the issue of Sept. 7, 18 18 I find the fol-
lowing, which, however, never went further towards the
creation of a new town.

PETITION.

"The inhabitants of Plymouth, Reading, Cavendish
"and Eudlow will petition the General Assembly cf Ver-
"mont at the next session that there may be an incopor-
"ate town set off from the corners of the aforesaid
"towns."

HISTORY OF READING. 373

CHAPTER XLIII.

Physicians, Natives or Residents of Reading, Vt.

Supt. of Schools Since 1870.

(References are to Vol. 1. History of Reading, 1874.)

Aldrich, Eevi, resided at Reading Center. (Vol. 1,

page 75.)

Bowen, Marcellus. (Vol. 1, page 70).

Bowen, Silas, University of Vermont, 1824. Re-
ceived the honorary degree of M. D., from Middlebury
college in 1829, d 1857 at Kearney, Neb. (Vol. 1, page

73).

Clark, Ripley, see sketch in Vol. 1, page 75, and in

this volume.

Day, Elkannah, (first resident physician. See
pages 28 and 29, Vol. 1).

Emory, W. G., resided at Reading Center, (page
74> Vol. 1).

Foster, E., (page 75, Vol. 1).

Guild, Harvey M., resided at Felchville, i874-'87.

Guernsey, George., (page 75, Vol, 1).

Harlow, E. D., Philadelphia.

Hammond, L. B., see sketch in this volume.

Kinson, W. R., at Felchville from 1901 to present
time.

Knowles, W. E-, at Felchville from 1899 to 1901.

Locke, Clarence O., at Felchville in i873-'4-

Marcy, Woodbury, at Reading Center.

Morgan, F. C, at Felchville from 1890 to the pres-
ent time.

Morgan, Samuel H.

Morgan, A. E., see sketch of Morgan family in this

374 HISTORY OF READING.

volume.

Meachera, Fred, (son of Erastus) resides in Califor-
nia.

Megrath, William A., resides in L,o\vdon, N. H.

Marshall, , (page 75, Vol. 1).

Minard, Isaac, (page 74, Vol. 1).

Morse. , (page 75, Vol. 1).

Mead, , (page 74, Vol. 1).

Osborne, James P. See sketch in this volume.

Paige, Wm. L-, at Reading Center.

Putnam, Levi, (Vol. 1, page 75).

Robinson, Walter S.. practiced at Felchville from

the spring of 1864 to when he removed to Taunton

Mass.

Sherwin, Orlando W., Dartmouth, 1865, resided nt
Hammondsville and since at Woodstock, Vt.

Sherwin, Aurelius C, U. V. M., Burlington, resi-
ded in the north-west part of the town, practiced in Sharon
Vt., and Tremont Temple, Boston.

Swain, Marcus, practiced at Essex, Vt. and Engle-
wood, Iowa (see Vol. 1, page 75).

Swain, Oliver.

Stearns, Geo. W., resided in New Bedford, Mass.
See Stearns family.

Smith, , resided at South Reading. (See Vol. 1,

page 74).

Smith, Frank A., Felchville, now resides in Lebanon
N. H.

Stewart, C. L,., resided at Reading Center and sub-
sequently at Randolph, Vt.

Tolles, Nathaniel, resided at the Center from 1831 to
1841 and subsequently at Claremont, N. H.

Wetherbee, Wm. B., (Vol. 1, page 73).

Wardner, James, resided at So. Reading, Cavendish
and Plainfield, N. H.

Willis, A. E., i876-'7 at Felchville.

Whiting, Joseph, (Vol. 1, page 74).

HISTORY OF READING. 375

Superintendent of Schools in Reading from 1870.
Year when
elected.

1870 Joseph Barber.

1871 Silas W. Pike.

1872 to 1879 inclusive, Gilbert A. Davis,
t88o to 1885 inclusive, Mrs. Ella J. Holden.
1886 and 1887, Frank H. Clark.

1888 to date, Mrs. Ella J. Holden.

INDEX OF PERSONS, PLACES AND EVENTS.

♦ * * * *

A

Abbott, Ebenezer and family, 182

Abbott, W. M. C. . 182

Adams, Chas. C. 125

Adams, John, 365

Adams. Luther, 343

Aiken, John A., 3l6

Aldrich, Levi, 373

Allen, Arthur, 326

Allen, Jonas G., 325

Allen, Theodore J., 334
Amsden, Abel, ancestors and descendants, 54, 57, 162, 139

164.

Amsden, Alzamon D., 54

Amsden, Merritt G., 93- I22

Amsden, Nancy, 93
Amsden Tavern, 103, 353, 363

Attorneys at Law, 341

B
Bailey, Charles F., 125, 184, 343

Bailey Family and Bailey's Mills, 184, 363

Bailey, Rev. George W. 182

Bailey, Samuel, 187

Baldwin, Otis, 121, 293

Baldwin and Thornton, 294

Ballou, Rev. Eli, 117
Baptist Church, History of, 88, ior. Subscriptions for 16

Barber, Rev. Joseph, 117. 375

Barton, Prof. R. S., Address of, 17

Bauknight, Rev. P. M., Address of, 69, 94, 133

Beckwith, Hira R., 7

Bennington Battle, Ballad of, 134

Bixby, Asa, 54. 57

Bixby Family, 204

Bixby, Martin J., 51. 2°5

Blue Ribbon Club,

35/

Bolles Family,

157

Bowen Family,

2CO, 202

Bowen, Elisha,

203

Bowen Isaac,

202

Bowen, Silas and Family,

201,

202, 373

Bowen, Silas, M. D.,

202. 354

Broadway Minstrels,

3H.328

Brown Genealogy,

223

Bronson, Orestes A.,

112

Brown School House District,

223

Brown, Titus,

344

Bryant, Henry N.,

122

Bryant, M. L-,

122

Buck, Benjamin, Genealogy of,

190

Buck, Benoni,

1 19, 120,

192, 351

Buck, Edward R..

47 .

123, 344

Buck. John L.,

113.

196, 344

Buck, Rufus,

352, 366

Burdick, Justus,

353. 354

Burnham, David,

56, 57

Burnham, David E-,

121,

122, 357

Burnham, George D., 30, 49,

122, 133,

138, 356

Business Enterprises,

C
Cady, Nedabiah and his Descendants,

362

197

Carleton, Levi W.,

47

Carleton, Mary (Davis,)

126

Carter, Albert J.,

339

Carter, Edmund H.,

340

Carter, Rev. Ira,

49' 337

, 348, 349

Carter, Minnie E.,

339

Carter, Susan E.,

339

Cemeteries,

139

Chamberlain, William P.,

121

, 326, 327

Chaplin, Moses,

54.58

Chase, Aquilla,

236

Christian Repository, 109

Clark, Frank H., poem by 44, 125, 198, 319, 321, 344, 375

Clark, Isaiah R,,

Clark, George M ,

Clark, Dr. Ripley,

Clerks of Reading,

Cole, Bert E.,

Cole, Fred H.,

College Graduates,

Committees, List of

Conant, Charles T.,

Congregational Church,

Constables,

Cooke, Charles R.,

Cooke, Lucy A.,

Cooke, Milo B.,

Coolidge, Ashbel G.,

Coolidge, Lorenzo G.,

Coolidge, Omera H.,

Coy, Minnie (Amsden,)

Crandall, Edwin J.,

Crandall, Geo. C,

Cross, Ellis E.,

Curley, Thomas 13, 16, 19, 48

D
Davis, Asa,
Davis, Charles L-,
Davis, Delia I. (Bolles)
Davis, Fred C ,
Davis, Gilbert A Library Building, Dedication of, 5. 13
Davis, Gilbert A., addresses of, 31, 62, 84, 127, 134, 370
Sketch of, 10

Davis, Gilbert A., Genealogy of and family record, 141,

I45> 327> 344

Davis, Gilbert Franklin, 23, 125

Davis, Lt. Jacob, 141, 145

Davis, John and his descendants, 209, 212

125,

344

53.

319.

330

226,

373
122

344
125
125

49,

133
334

IOI

122
207
206
207

207,

344

53,

123,

199
344

[69,

232,

326
344
125
357

125

, 134

■ 344

10,

141,

216
216

157,

161

125,

1 209

Davis, L. Carlos and family, 211, 215

Davis, Lysander M., 212, 344

Davis, Mary (Carleton) 186

Davis, Myron A., 211, 364

Davis, Rev Samuel A., 213, 364

Davis, Stephen, 141, 148

Day, Dr. Elkannah, 126, 358, 373

Decoration Day, 1902, 61

Dexter, Eleazer, 123, 321, 325

Dodge, Lorenzo A., Poem by, 50, 75

Dow, William Dexter, 344

Douglass, Rev. W. E., Remarks by, 46

Driver, Miss Carrie, Address by, 27

E

Eastern Star Lodge, F. & A, M., 353

Eastman, Albert and Family, 121, 228

Eastman, Annie (DeWolf) 229

Eastman, Horace A., 229
Estabrooks, Adin C, Remarks by 42, 138; sketch of 225

Estabrooks Genealogy,

F
Fay, Corydon M. and Family,

224

229

Fay, IdaM. (Cole)

23O

Fay, Lillian Watkins,

126

,238

Fay, Minnie C, Librarian,

8, 149,

357

Felch Family,

232

Felch, Hosea,

233

Felch, Lucinda A. (Clark)

316

Felch, Kate (White)

316,

356

Felch Marriages,

235

Felch, William,

123, 121,

233

Felchville,

235

Felchville Celebration, 1893.

369

Felchville Cemetery Association,

140

Felchville Creamery Association,

26,

362

Felchville Chair Co.,

232

Felchville Lodge, I. 0. O. F.,

354

Felchville Stock Store, 356

Fletcher, Henry T., . 3-7

French, John L., LE.D., 361

Foley, Willie J., 335

Forbush, Charles A.. 327

Forbush, Rufus, Sr., 55' 58
Forbush, Rufus. Jr., 56, IJ9> I2°

Forbush, Rufus O., 232, 237

Forest House, 359

Fullam, Sewall, 344

Fuller, Rev. J. K., 29

Fuller, William Eddy, 344

Furber, Fred C, 135

G

Gates & Hewlett, 366

Gardner, William H., 282

Giddings, William H., 365

Gilbert, Alonzo S. 3^5

Gilbert, George, Janitor, 49

Gilson, Abel, Jr., Selectman, 55> TI9

Goddard, Merritt E., 126, 243
Goldthwaite, Rev. Elizabeth Holt, 5, address by, 25, 117

Good Templars, (I. O. G. T.) 357

Griswold, Clifford B., 126

Guild, Harvey M., M. D., 373

Guild, Frank H., 126

H

Hall, James Ashton, 126, 346

Hammond, Fred C, 335

Hammond, Jabez D., 249

Hammond, L- B., 373

Hammond, Thomas F., 250

Hammondsville Cheese Factory, 363

Hapgood, Alice E-, ' 247

Hapgood Family, 247

Hapgood & Prentiss, 249

Happy Thought Rebekah Lodge, 356

Hardy, E. Prescott,

33i

Hatch, Uriel C,

22

Hathorn, Ira B., remarks by

133

Hathoru, Benjamin,

55, 58

Hawkins' Band,

326, 353

Hawkins, Build D.,

176, 353.

355, 356

Hawkins, Carlos,

123.

325, 064

Hawkins, Don C,

326

Hawkins, Mrs. Charlotte Lucretia (Amsden)

174

Hawkins, Ferdinand,

123, 173

Hawkins, Floyd Ferdinand,

173

Hawkins, Harland,

326

Hawkins, Lewis and Family,

169

Hawkins, John S.,

ii9, 353

Hawkins, Josiah Q.,

I20 121,

177,346

Hawkins, William A.,

54> 58, 170

Hawkins, William Lewis,

119,

172, 321

Hawthorne Family,

239

Hawthorne, Collins,

241

Hawthorn, J. B.,

241

Heald, Rev. Albert,

92

Herrick Family,

245

Herrick, Rev. Horace,

126 244

Hewlett, Henry J.,

246,

294, 327

Historical Items,

37i

Hoadley, Charles M.,

367

Holden, Ella J.,

356, 373

Holden, 0. S., 31, 44, 122,

123, 334,

355, 356

Hook & Burnham,

364, 365

Hook, Clarence N.,

123, 365

Hosmer Family Record,.

142

Hufnail, Daniel M.,

I
I Dream of Home, a poem,

124

46

Inter-State Journal, article from,

3^1

I. 0. 0. F., Felchville Lodge,

J

354

361

122,

361

126,

346
44
91

121

251

73.

I76,

173,

257 =

53.
59.

294

47
192
178
120

20,

23.

27.

126,

346,

\

Jenne, Henry N.,
Jenne, Nathaniel H. W.,
Johnson, Arthur T.,
Jonathan's Acceptance,
Johnson, Rev. Robert G.

K
Kendall, Luther,
Keyes, Abigail,

Keyes, Arthur H., 162, 164,

Keyes, Charles M.,
Keyes, Mrs. Charles M,
Keyes, Elmer Duane,
Keyes, Solomon,
Keyes, Wade, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19,

352.
Keyes, William W., Town Clerk, 123, soldier, 53, repre-
sentative,. 123.
Knowles, W. L-, M. D., 373

Kinson, W. R., M. D., 373

L
Lines in memory of the Soldiers of Reading, 72

Livermore family, 251

Locke Clarence O., M. D., 373

Louis, Charles S., 348, 349, 352

Loveland, Rev. Samuel C, 98, 103, to 112, 355

Lyman, Rev. Daniel W., 93

M
Mahoney, Daniel S., 253

Maple Grove House, 369

Marks, Clarence W., 60

Marks, Sardine, 55, 60

Marks, Seneca, 56, 60

Masonic, Eastern Star Lodge. 353

Megrath,Wm. A., M. D., 126, 374

Merrill, Hannah (Bolles) 256

Merrill, Prosper, 95, 121

Methodism in Reading, 348

Military Records of Revolutionary Soldiers, 57

Morgan, Dr. Austin Iy., 254, 373

Morgan, Ernest I., 126, 346

Morgan, the family 254

Morgan, Dr. Field C, 14, 23, 126, 25. 255, 363, 373

Morgan, Dr. Samuel H., 254, 373

Morse family, 359

Morse, W. S. A., 359

N
Newton, B. M., 12. 23, 26, 30, 122, 123, 133, 364

O
Officers and Committees,
Officers of Reading,
Old Home Day, 1901,
Old Home Day, 1902,
Ordway, Rev. C. K.,
Osborne, Dr, James P.,
Osborne, Mrs. James P.,

P
Parker, Rev. Geo. H.,
Parounagian, Rev. M. B., addresses of,
Payne, Frank S.,
Pember, William Munroe,
Perkins, Norman E. E.,
Perkins, Mrs. N. E. E.,
Pike, Silas W.,
Plumley, Frank, address of,
Pratt, Nathaniel,

R
Ray, Abel,

Reading Dramatic Club,

Reading's Fame as a Musical and Dramatic Center,
Reading Library Association,
Reading's Loyal Sons,
Reading Public Library,
Reading Town Officers,
Rebekah Lodge,

49

. 138

122

30

125

18, 26

282

29

92

1 123

.42,

348

355>

356

282

364

49

121,

375

15

59

283,

349

336

;er,

321

7

75

5

122

356

Reifsnider, Rev. Edson, remarks by, 46, 117

Representatives of Reading, 122

Rice, Abiah, 59

Revolutionary Soldiers, list of, 54, 126

Roberts, Rev. F. H., address of, 77, 348

Robinson family, genealogy of, 257

Robinson, Albert Alonzo, 276

Robinson, Mrs, Annie E., 29

Robinson, Arthur S., 346

Robinson, Calvin, 352, 368

Robinson, Calvin L-, 126, 346
Robinson, Ebenezer 2d, 59, 119, 264

Robinson, Elna Alplionso, 274

Robinson, Frank N., T26, 346

Robinson, George O., 126, 346

Robinson, Helen Kent, 253

Robinson, James, 59

Robinson, Jonathan, 257

Robinson, Lewis, 349, 366

Robinson, Mary R., will of, 90

Robinson, Nelson, 346
Robinson, Still man Williams, 126, 264, 267

Robinson, Wallace F., 7. 28

Robinson, Walter S., M.D., 374

Robinson, William, 258

Rocky Rill Lodge, I. O. C. T., 357

Rockwood, Herbert L-, 335
Roscoe, Rev. H. Gertrude, 47- XI7. 357

S

Sawyer, John York, 34^, 353

Sawyer, Otis C. remarks by, 134

Sawyer, Seth, 346
Sawyer, Rev. Thomas J., 19. II2> 126

Searles, Rev. Henry C, 93

Seaver family, i5T> x55

Secret Societies, 353

Selectmen of Reading, 118

Shattuck, Prof. Fred W., remarks by,

Shedd, Cordelia H., bequest of,

Shedd, George W.,

Sherwin, Dr. Aurelius C,

Sherwin, Dr. Orlando W.,

Singers of Reading,

Skinner, Otis,

Small Rev. Joseph S.,

Smith, Dr. Frank A.,

Soldiers' Tablets,

of Rebellion,
of Revolution,
of War of 1812,
of Spanish War,

South Reading,

South Reading, business at,

South Reading Meeting House Association,

Stearns, Benjamin F.,

Stearns, Frank H.,

Stearns, George W.,

Stearns, John M.,

Stearns, Oscar H.,

Stearns, Paul and his family

Stearns, Paul W.,

Stearns, Louisa, Will of,

Stearns, Rufus,

-Stocker, Henry W.,

Stoughton; Henry C,

Swain, Albert N.,

Swain, John F.,

Swain, Marcus,

T

Taylor, Jacob Edson,

Tellier, Rev. Thomas,

Tileston Family,

Thomas, Baldwin & Thornton,

Thornton, Isaac,

126,

133

117.

327

327

43,

374

43-

374

326

113

92, 126,

282

374

50, to 56

50

54

55

55

3^6

366

349

288

289

290,

374

2S7,

346

127,

346

286,

374

290,

365

93

292

321

346

29, 243,

284

350

374

34<3

24, 94

i49»

151

293

195

Thornton, Rev. Charles C,
Thomas, Hiram F.,
Townsend Records,
Town Clerks,

U
Union Dramatic Club,
Universalist Church,
Universalist Church of Felchville,
Universalist Society of Felchville,
University and College Graduates,

V
Valley House,
Vermont Journal,
Vermont Standard, Extracts from,
Vittum, William H.,

W
Wakefield, Dr. John,
Wardner, Clark,
Warduer & Kendall.
Washburn Family,
•Washburn, Darwin E.,
Washburn, Philip,
Washburn, Israel,
Washburn, Rufus,
Watkins Family,
Watkins, E. B.,
Watkins, Elisha W.,
Watkins, Williams,
Wells, Rev. Charles, address by,
Wetherbee, Dr. Isaac J.,
Wetherbee & Davis,
Wetherbee, William B.,
Wheeler, Smith,
White Family, Genealogy of,
White, Azro, (Hank)
White, Capt. Daniel S.,
White, Edwin & Son,

22,

293

293

294

123, 124

336
98
117
116
125

37i

49, 52, 122

355^
116.

30.

53, 123, 311,

317

50:

37i
372
369
356

352
365
365
360

335
360

347
361
360

356
121

347
117

304
364
374
347
307
33i
298

363

White, Rev. Homer, poem by, etc., 46, 72, 131, 134, 309

White, Howard C, 316

White, Miss Ida, 46

Whitmore, Charles S.. 121, 123, 303
Whitmore & Clark's Minstrels, 314, 319, 328

Whitmore, Oliver and Family, 300

Whitmore, Osceola A., 329

Whittier, Rev. , Evangelist, 92

Wilkins, William and Family, 300

Wilkins, W. Henri, 335

Errata and Memoranda by Editor.
Errata :
Page 63, 14th Regiment should be 16th.
Page 176, Edwin E., should be Erwin E. Keyes.

This index does not contain the names of all per-
sons mentioned in the book, but all names can be readily
found by families and classifications.

LUJ^