NYPL RESEARCH LIBRARIES 3 3433 07954343 9 HISTORY OF READING, VT. • HISTORY . . . OF . . . READING VlflDSO R COUNTT VERMONT VOLUHEH. ... BT . Gilbert f\. Davis WC5 ORJC Lii ;ahy 16479B .-ions k L 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 <