HISTORY OF HINSDALE, CHESHIRE COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Information located at http://www.nh.searchroots.com On a web site about GENEALOGY AND HISTORY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE and its counties TRANSCRIBED BY JANICE BROWN Please see the web site for my email contact. ---------------------------------- The original source of this information is in the public domain, however use of this text file, other than for personal use, is restricted without written permission from the transcriber (who has edited, compiled and added new copyrighted text to same). ======================================================== TAKEN FROM SOURCE: Gazetteer of Cheshire County, N.H., 1736-1885 by Hamilton Child, Syracuse, N.Y.: H. Child, 1885, 882 pgs. page 181 HISTORY OF HINSDALE NH HINSDALE lies in the southwestern part of the county, in lat. 42 degrees 48' and long. 4 degrees 32' bounded north by Chesterfield, east by Winchester, and southwest by the left bank of the Connecticut river, the township of Vernon, on the opposite side of the river. It originally comprised within its limits the township of Vernon, on the opposite side of the river. This land, as it originally stood, was granted by Massachusetts at a very early period. Even after the river had been declared the boundary line between the provinces of New Hampshire and New York, and the township had in this manner been divided, the different parts, though under distinct organizations, still retained their original name, and thus known until the 21st of October 1802, when the name of Hinsdale in Vermont was changed to that of Vernon. The date of the first grant is not accurately known. In a petition, still extant, from Samuel Hunt, by his attorney, Oliver Willard, which was presented to the provincial government of New York on the 3 Nov 1766, it is stated that the tract of land comprised in this township, "was purchased of native Indians and granted by the province of the Massachusetts Bay, near one hundred years ago, and was soon afterwards cultivated and settled; and that it was afterwards found to be in the province line of New Hampshire, and was then confirmed to the proprietors by power dated the 3 of September 1753." The power referred to was the New Hampshire charter of the township, issued in 1753. There long existed a dispute between the provinces of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, in regard to the true northern boundary of the former province, growing out of different constructions put upon the Massachusetts charter of 1692. The controversy was settled August 5, 1740, as described on page 64, thus taking a strip sixteen miles wide out of the territory of Massachusetts, her title to which had never been questioned, and on part of which her citizens had been in quiet possession for two generations. This line, from the Merrimack river westward, was run by Richard Hazen, in March, 1741, as it now exists. It cut off from Northfield a tract four miles and 197 rods in width, though the proprietors thereof did not give up their rights therein and were not molested. As late as 1753 the common lands lying north of the Ashuelot were divided to the old grantees, and the title thus acquired held good. Till the incorporation of Hinsdale, in 1753, the people living on Northfield's cut off territory, were styled, in deeds and official documents, "of the northly part of Northfield township above the line of the Massachusetts government." One other point in illustration of this boundary question may be cited. The present township of Dalton, in Berkshire County, Mass., was originally granted in 1785 under the name of Ashuelot Equivalent, "because it was granted to Oliver Partridge and others, a company in Hatfield, to make up a loss they had sustained in a grant made to them on Ashuelot river, which was found, when the line was established, to be within the bounds of New Hampshire. The legislature of New Hampshire claimed it of the company, so far as they had not made a disposition of it to actual settlers, "hence the name, Ashuelot Equivalent." It is a singular coincidence, also, that the township east of Dalton, incorporated in 1804, is named Hinsdale, in honor of Rev. Theodore Hinsdale, the first settled pastor. In 1753 Capt. Ebenezer Alexander, and 94 others petitioned Gov. Wentworth [of NH] for a re-grant of the territory cut off from Northfield by the new province line, and the lands adjacent up to the line of township No. 1, or Chesterfield. In accordance with this petition, the charter of Hinsdale, embracing the lands of both sides of the river, was issued September 3, 1753. Later on in the month, the 26th, an alteration was made in the charter by which the grant was divided into two towns, the line of separation being the west bank of the river. Both towns were called Hinsdale until that to the west of the river was named Vernon, as previously mentioned. The surface of the town is pleasantly diversified, and the soil is rich and fertile. In the northern part of the town lies Wantastiquet mountain, extending the Connecticut across the entire width of the town. The highest peak, Mine Mountain, is about 900 feet above low water mark. South of the Ashuelot is Stebbins Hill, a tract of excellent land and under a high state of cultivation. The intervales here are broad and of a superior quality. The Connecticut, extending along the town's western border, makes a shore of nine and a half miles. The Ashuelot passes through the southern portion of the town, joining the Connecticut a short distance below Cooper's Point. The water privileges on this stream are numerous and valuable. There are a number of smaller streams, along which are Kilburn, Liscom and Ash Swamp brooks. Iron ore, beds of silicate of manganese, and other minerals are found in several localities about the mountains. POPULATION/DESCRIPTION 1880 In 1880 Hinsdale had a population of 1,868 souls. In 1881 it had eight school districts and twelve public schools, seven of which were graded, and one a high school... There were 392 pupils attending these schools, sixty-three of whom were pursuing the higher branches. The town employed one male and seventeen female teachers, the former at an average monthly salary of $111.11 and the later $26.60... HINSDALE (p.o.) is an enterprising, beautiful, and rapidly growing manufacturing village, situated in the southeastern part of the town, in a deep valley, and on the Ashuelot river, about a mile above its confluence with her more majestic sister, "the beautiful Connecticut." Its principal streets are Main, Canal, Brattleboro, High, and Pleasant, which contain many elegant residences, while nearly all the others are remarkably neat and tidy. It contains five church edifices--Baptist, Congregationalist, Roman Catholic, Methodist and Universalist, and all are in fine condition. The Baptist and Catholic Churches are especially fine structures. The business portion is located on Main and Canal streets. There are two quite expensive mills for the manufacture of woolen goods, two large paper-mills, a large machine shop, where are manufactured lawn and field mowing machines, a manufactory of chisels, an iron foundry, and several other manufacturing concerns. The special pride of its 1,600 inhabitants are its public High School, its large and commodious brick Town House, and Hotel Ashuelot, the latter built and owned by its present proprietor, Mr. C.D. Whitaker, and managed by his genial son Charlie. The house is heated by steam, lighted with gas, and supplied with convenient bath-rooms. The large lodging rooms are conveniently furnished, and the tables in the spacious, airy dining-room are always bountifully supplied. Surrounding this gem of a village are many beautiful drives, especially so over the roads leading to Spafford Lake, Winchester village, and along the Connecticut river. NORTH HINSDALE (p.o.) is a small hamlet containing about half a dozen residences, situated midway between Hinsdale and Brattleboro, Vt. COMPANIES, MANUFACTORIES, BUSINESSES IN HINSDALE NH THE HINSDALE SAVINGS BANK, located in Hinsdale village, was incorporated in June, 1874, with C.J. Amidon, president, Edward Stebbins, vice-president, George S. Wilder, secretary, and George Wellman, treasurer, which list of officers is still retained. This bank has a solid financial basis, and is doing a constantly increasing business. HAILE, FROST & CO WOOLEN MILLS located at the village, were first built and run by Ripley & Harrington, using only one set of machinery. Subsequently they were run by Mr. Ripley alone, then by Ripley & Todd, and next by Haile & Todd, who sold to the present firm. This firm has made many improvements and additions, so that the mill is 500x40 feet and contains twelve complete sets of woolen machinery, operated by water-power, with steam as an auxiliary. They employ 275 hands in the manufacture of suitings, cloakings, beavers and cashmerettes. THE BRIGHTWOOD MILLS, located at the village, is in the manufacture of tissue and toilet papers, were built in 1873, by the Fisk & Hopkins Paper Co. At the death of Mr. Hopkins, in 1877, the name of the mills were changed to their present name, with Mr. Fisk sole owner, and Mr. C.B. Hopkins manager. The aggregate length of the buildings is over 250 feet, with an average width of 37 feet. Mr. Fisk employs fifteen hands. THE HINSDALE MILLS, located at Hinsdale village, were originally built by Robertson & Hunt in 1848, though they have since been twice destroyed by fire and once by a boiler explosion. Robertson & Hunt operated the mills six or eight years, then they were run by George Robertson about fifteen years, and by him in company with his son for the next ten years, when they came into the hands of the present firm, G.& G.A. Robertson & Co. They employ about 20 operatives and turn out about $100,000.00 worth of tissue and toilet paper per annum. THE HINSDALE WOOLEN MILLS, are located at Hinsdale village. In 1859 a part of the present mills were built by Boyden & Bishop and were occupied by them until May 1862, when C.J. Amidon became a partner, under the firm name of BOyden, Bishop & Amidon. The firm continued until the death of Mr. Bishop in March 1864, when the remaining members of the firm continued the business til the death of Mr. Boyden in November 1871. From that time until 1880, Mr. Amidon was the sole proprietor, and then took his son into partnership, the firm being C.J. Amidon & Son. The main building is 110x44 feet, with an "L" 30x30 feet, three stories in height. The main dye-house is 30x80 feet, while there is another dye-house, picking room, etc. The mill has five sets of woolen machinery and gives employment to 70 operatives in the manufacture of cashmerettes and flannels. NEWHALL & STEBBIN'S MACHINE SHOP, located at Hinsdale village, manufactures the Granite State field and lawn mowers, the Ellis reversible plows, and do an extensive general machine business. In May 1843, Cyrus Newhall, the senior member of the firm and pioneer machinist of the town, commenced the machinist business here, employing until 1851, from one to four men. He then formed a co-partnership with John B. Merrill, which was continued until 1856, when Lorenzo Stebbins, who had been an apprentice under Mr. Newhall, purchased Mr. Merrill's share in the business. In 1861 they made their first Granite State mower, which has since been constantly growing in popularity. They now employ fifteen men. HOLMAN & MERRIMAN'S MACHINE SHOP is also located at the village. The firm was organized in 1865, and manufactures jack and bench screws, waterwheels, mill machinery, and are also largely engaged in repairing manufacturer's machinery, giving employment to ten hands. THE EAGLE IRON FOUNDRY, Charles D. Merriman, proprietor, located at Hinsdale village, manufactures general machinery, and mill castings, and does a general custom business in light and heavy castings, employing six hands. JOHN W. BATTLE'S CARRIAGE SHOP is at Hinsdale village, where he has been located over forty years. He manufactures light and heavy carriages, wagons and sleighs, and does a general repair business. In the second story of the building is the paint shop of Norton E. Pratt, who does the carriage painting. THE HUNTER COMPANY, general publishers and dealers in books, periodicals, stationery, etc., was incorporated in March 1883, with D. Leonard of Brattleboro, president, J.W. Jeffords, vice-president, and Henry E. Hunter, secretary and treasurer. THE JENNINGS & GRIFFIN MANUFAcTURING COMPANY, located as Hinsdale village is engaged in the manufacture of chisels, drawing-knives, and other edge tools, employing twenty men, and turning out about twenty-five dozen pieces per day. The business was established in 1848, by Pliny Merrill, with George S. Wilder, manager, who continued thus until 1858, when Mr. Wilder became his partner. In 1866 the firm became Wilder & Thompson, and in 1868 Wilder became sole owner, and in 1870 R.H. Hopkins became his partner. In 1872 he again became sole owner, and in 1882 the present firm was organized. M.H. BARDWELL'S factory for manufacturing moldings, window-frames, dye-tubs, vats, shipping-boxes, brackets, etc., located at the lower end of Main Street, gives employment to four hands. E. & N. WORDEN commenced the manufacture of factory, laundry, and family soap in 1870, near the depot, on the site of the Fisk soap works. In 1872 they removed to their present location on the Connecticut river, at the foot of "Swift Water," a name familiar to boatmen when the river was navigated by flat boats and rafts. This location is about half a mile above the confluence of the Ashuelot's with the Connecticut, and once an important station. The "Boatman's Tavern," a public house for many years, is located here, and is now used as a farm house by these brothers. HISTORY OF HINSDALE: In the spring of 1673 a settlement was made at Northfield, which was attacked by the Indians in September, 1675, and soon after was abandoned to be re-settled in 1685, when a fort and grist-mill were erected. In the meantime, May 19, 1676, occurred the memorable fight below the mouth of Miller's river, when Captain Turner, though at first victorious, was subsequently slain, with 37 of his men, by King Philip and his braves. All through King William's, Queen Anne's and Father Ralle's wars, this section was an unguarded frontier, constantly exposed to the depredations of the Indians. But in 1724 Fort Dummer was built, just south of the present village of Brattleboro, Vt. and about 1731 Rev. Ebenezer Hinsdell was made chaplain of the troops stationed thereat by Massachusetts. The first settlements made in the vicinity of what is now the township of Hinsdale, however, were as follows: In the autumn of 1736 or 1737, DANIEL SHATTUCK put up a good sized and heavily timbered log house on the brook that ran through his lot in "Merry's meadow," and which now bears his name. This house he afterwards made into a fort, by building another similiar structure on the opposite side of the brook, and connecting the two by a plank palisade, and surrounding the whole with a line of strong pickets. This fort was on the farm now known as the John Stearns place. The brook has since changed its course, and now runs some distance to the south of the site of the fort. In the spring of 1827 ROBERT COOPER built a house near the site of the old Hinsdale meeting-house. In 1741 JOHN EVENS built south of the Ashuelot, on what is now known as the Elihu Stebbins homestead. Cooper and Evans were driven off in 1745, but returned after the close of the Cape Breton war. Evan's house was fortified in 1754, and served as a temporary refuge for the Stebbins and Stratton families when living on the opposite side of the river. In 1738 JOSIAH SARTWELL, then living in Northfield, obtained a grant of 100 acres from the general court, which was laid out on the west bank of the Connecticut. On this, in 1740, he built what was known as Sartwell's Fort. In 1742 ORLANDO BRIDGMAN built a block-house on his farm, which was about half a mile south of Sartwell's. The coming of these families induced Rev. Mr. Hinsdell, then at Fort Dummer, to erect a block-house upon land he owned on Ash-Swamp Brook, and to built a grist-mill on the next brook, about fifty rods below. This mill-site was convenient to the settlers just now located, and would accomodate the garrison stationed at Fort Dummer. The fort buildings were put up, probably, in the summer of 1742, and stood on the bluff back of the meadow, about sixty rods east of the river. The cellar-hole of the fort is still to be seen about twenty rods southwest of the house of Lemul Liscom. These several block-houses, which were strictly private enterprises, and were used as dwellings, proved of great service in the subsequent wars. In 1753, as previously stated, the charter of Hinsdale was granted. On the 25th of September, the first town meeting was held...in that document 25 Sep 1753] Capt. Orlando Bridgman was appointed moderator of said meeting; voted that Messrs. Daniel Shattuck, John Evens, and Lieut. Benoni Wright be selectmen; voted that Lieut. Jonathan Belding, Ebenezer Hinsdell, Esq., Messrs. Daniel Shattuck, John Evens and Lieut. Benoni Wright be assessors; Ebenezer Hindsell Esq. was elected clerk; capt. Orland Bridgman was treasurer; Sergt. Caleb How was constable and collector; Joseph Stebbins Jr. and Sergt. Thomas B. Taylor were surveyors of highway; Capt. Orlando Bridgman and Peter Evens fence viewers; Peter Evens was tythingman; Aaron Cooper was field-driver; Daniel Shattuck was hog reeve. They also voted for a poll on the estates of the inhabitants and proprietors; it was voted that Ebenezer Hinsdell and Josiah Willard, Esqs., Capt. Orlando Bridgman, ergt. Caleb How, and Joseph Stebbins Jr. be appointed to a committee to Lott out the Public Lotts required to be laid out in said charter. In 1767 the town had a population of 158 soulds, and in 1773 it had increased to 220. The early settlers were subjected to many hardships and lived almost constantly in dread of the Indians. Not a few Indian attacks occurred, also, of which the following, as more particularly reltaed to Hinsdale, are quoted: On June 24, 1746, a party of twenty Indians came to Bridgman's Fort and attacked a number of men who were at work in a meadow, William Robbins and James Barker were killed; Daniel How and John Beeman taken prisoners; M. Gilson and Patrick Ray wounded, but recovered. How killed one of the Indians before he was taken. In 1747 they burned Bridgman's Fort, killed several persons and took others from that place. In October, Jonathan Sawtell was taken prisoner. July 3, 1747, they waylaid the mill in Hinsdale. Colonel Willard having come to the mill with a guard of twenty men, for the purpose of grind corn, and having placed his guards, they were soon fired upon. The Colonel gave such loud and repeated orders to attach the enemy, that they fled with the greatest precipitation, leaving behind them their packs and provisions. On June 16, 1748, in crossing from Colonel Hinsdale's to Fort Dummer, Nathan French, Joseph Richardson and John Frost were killed; seven others were captured, one of whom, William Bickford, died of his wounds. In 1755 they attacked a party who were at work in the woods, killed John Hardiclay and John Alexander and took Jonathan Colbby; the others escaped to the fort, and July 27 they ambushed Caleb How, Hilkiah Grout and Benjamin Gaffield as they were returning from their labor in the field. Upon a slad over the grave of Col. Hinsdale is engraged the following inscription-- "Underneath Deposited is the Body of Col. Ebenezer Hisndale who for his superior natural endowments, Extensive learning and usefulness not only in private life but in various important public offices he sustained, was far known and admited. After a long illness he died, Jan. 6th, 1763 in the 57th year of this age. Here also lies buried the body of Mrs. Mary Beal, the mother of Col. Ebenzer Hinsdale, who was born on her return from captivity in Canada, and with whom she lived a widow at the time of his death, which is thought to have been brought on her in the morning after, when she died Anno Etatis 83. Here husbands were Lieut. Nehemiah Hinsdale and Mr. George Beal. By the first she had two sons, Colonel Ebenezer and John. After this whose only child Miss Abagail Hinsdale, died at Hinsdale Aug. ye 10th, 1739 Anno Etatis --, was buried at Deerfield. His still surviving partner, Mrs. Abigail Hinsdale, daughter of Rev. John Williams, of Deerfield, a worthy reflect of Col. Ebenezer Hinsdale now mourning the absence of those dear deceased relatives, has caused their names and virtues to be thus recorded togther. "June 2nd 1864." --------------------- CHURCHES THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH of Hinsdale was organized in 1763. Rev. Bunker Gay, who served the parish 47 years was its first pastor. The first house of worship was built of wood about 1760 and the present one also of wood in 1835 or 1836. Its present membership is 150... The church property is now valued at $10,000 and the parsonage is valued at $3,000. The house will seat 550 people. The Sunday-school is an average attendance of 120. Rev. Henry R. Hamilton is the present parish clergyman. THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL church, on Main STreet, Hinsdale, was organized in the fall of 1842, by Rev. Justin Spaulding, with six members. Rev. T. Furber was the first pastor. The first and present house of worship was erected of wood in 1876. The society has 60 members. The church originally cost $8,000, its present valuation. It will seat nearly 400 people comfortably, and the Sunday-school has about 60 members. The church is now under the pastoral care of Rev. Joseph L. Felt. ************ BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES OF EARLY SETTLERS ************ OLIVER ADAMS, born in Marlboro Vt April 3, 1769, married Lucy Miller, and came to Hinsdale April 6, 1815 and located upon a farm on the Brattleboro road, where his grandson, William B. now lives. Here he remained the rest of his life, dying January 30, 1828 aged 59 years. His wife survived him till November 17, 1834, aged 69 years. They were the parents of eight children, one of whom, Oliver, retained the homestead by paying off the other heirs. He married first, Electa Elmore, who died August 19, 1824, aged 25 years; and second Fanny, daughter of Walter C. Stearns, who was the mother of nine children. The only one of these children now living in Hinsdale is William B., residing on the homestead. He married Polly A. Winchester, of Marlboro Vt, February 3, 1869, and has four children, viz: Oliver W., William C., Carrie E. and Benjamin F. REV. ELISHA ANDREWS was born in Middleton, Conn Sept 29, 1768, and married Wealthy, daughter of Thomas Lathrop, of Norwich, Conn. Mr. Andrews had no early education, except that afforded by the common schools, but became a fine scholar through his own exertions and without the aid of teachers, and was often sought by collegians for aid in the Greek and Hebrew languages. He was also a practical land surveyor. In 1814 he came to Hinsdale, and preached in the "meeting-house" built by the town, and which was afterwards converted into a woolen mill, and finally destroyed by fire. It was originally located upon the hill on Brattleboro street, and was removed to the site of the mills now occupied by Haile, Frost & Co. In 1815 he moved his family to Hinsdale, and located opposite the church, where he remained until his death, February 3, 1840. He was a pronounced Baptist, but preached to a congregation composed of all the different denominations in the town. He was the father of eight children, only two of whom are living, viz: Ann L. (Mrs. H.B. Streeter) residing on Brattleboro street, upon the estate of her father, and Stephen Pearl, a distinguished scholar and linguist, author and lawyer, residing in New York City. REV. JOHN G. BENNETT was born in Swanzey July 17, 182. He attended the district schools until 16 years of age, when he attended a private school in Winchester, taught by Rev. Mr. Cushman, a Methodist clergyman. He next attended the Methodist Institute, located at Newbury Vt, where he instructed several classes and occasionally preached. Before going to Newbury he was employed to preach under the direction of the presiding elder, being at that time only 18 years of age. In 1836 he married Ruth C. Britton of Westmoreland NH, and soon after joined the Vermong and NH Methodist Episcopal conference and was appointed on a circuit comprising Keene and several neighboring towns, where he remained in charge one year. After about 7 years he discontinued his connection with this conference, but continued to preach, and gave prominence to the doctrine of the second advent of Christ. About 30 years ago he came to Hinsdale with his family and located at North Hinsdale, preaching to an independent congregation, where he is still laboring. AARON BLANCHARD, born in 1760, came to Hinsdale at a very early date and settled as a farmer on road 15. He was twice married, reared a large family, and died on the farm upon which he first settled in 1842. None of his children now reside in town, but he is represented here by five grandchildren, viz: Edward C. Blanchard, Mrs. Mary Howe, James A. Blanchard, Mrs. Sarah Howe, and Mrs. Marie Freeman. DR. FREDERICK BOYDEN was born at Deerfield, Mass in 1810 and died at Hinsdale, November 11, 1871. He graduated at the medical school of Harvard university. He located at Hinsdale about 1835, and for 25 years was the only physician permanently located here, and was counted among the best in his profession. After some years he became interested in manufacturing cashmerettes with Sylvester Bishop. C.J. Amidon joined the firm, and after Mr. Bishop died the firm was BOyden & Amidon, until his death. During the latter years of his life he almost entirely withdrew from practice. By his energy and thrift he amassed quite a fortune. REV. JOHN BROCKWAY, the first Universalist preacher in Surry, settled in that town at a very early day and died there about 1810. He was the father of four sons and two daughters. John Brockway, the eldest, was an officer in the war of 1812, and died at Schenectady NY. Cephas Brockway was a goldsmith and a noted dentist. Rufus Brockway was a farmer and Calvin Brockway emigrated to Ohio, where he accumulated a large fortune. Lockhard W. Brockway, a grandson of Rev. John and son of JohN Brockway, was born in Surry and came to Hinsdale in 1819. He boasts the honor of being the only living person in town who here cast a vote for General Jackson for president. When he came to the town there were only 13 dwellings between his house and the village of Ashuelot, a distance of four miles and includes the present village of Hinsdale. He struck the first blow in the construction of the canal which conveys water to the mills in his village, and had his first railroad ride two years ago, when he went to Keene to attend a funeral. He was been a subscriber of "Cheshire County Republican," about 55 years. DEA. BILLY BURNHAM, born in Vernon, Vt. married Sarah Thomas, of Chesterfield NH and came to Hinsdale when there were only three permanent dwellings in the town. For several years thereafter the religious meetings were held in the dwellings of the settlers. Dea. Burnham was a Baptist and a devoted Christian, he and his wife being two of the eight original members of the first Baptist church. They were baptized by moonlight, when the weather was so cold that in returning to the house, eight rods distant, their clothing froze stiff. None of their five children are now living. Dea. Burnham is now represented in Hinsdale by his grandchildren, Mrs. Eneraney Liscom and her brother, William A. Horton, children of Mrs. Hezekiah (Burnham) Horton, and Israel Burnham, son of Emerson. The latter has a brother, Rev. Ezra Burnham, residing in Michigan. Burton Burnham, another grandson, resides in Brattleboro. JOSIAH BUTLER, an early settler, located on road 6, where Seymour E. Butler now resides. He early cleared his farm and opened his house as a tavern, being on what was at that time the direct road from Massachusetts to Chesterfield and places north. Frequently, it is said, his house was filled with guests and his yard filled with the conveyances of pioneers who were on their way to pioneer homes. Here he continued to reside until his death, at an advanced age. He was the father of two sons and six daughters. His wife survived him and married Major Hubbard, of Chesterfield. Thomas, his eldest son, married a daughter of Phillip Barrett of Hinsdale, and settled near his father as a farmer, but subsequently moved to the Plain, where he died. He was the father of six sons and six daughters, eight of whom are now living, viz: Wilson, a farmer residing on the plain; George, a farmer in town; Seymour E., residing on the Butler homestead; Caroline (Mrs. Bradley Street) residing in Bernardston, Mass; Amelia (Mrs. Mansfield) residing in Dummerston, Vt.; Bethona (Widow Hastings), residing in the northern part of the town; Olive (Mrs. Crowninshield), residing in Chesterfield; and Mary (Mrs. Chapman), in the northern part of the town. Jonathan, the youngest son of Josiah, married Gracie, daughter of Major Hubbard of Chesterfield. He first settled in Hinsdale, where he lived a long term of years, as a farmer, but finally removed to Chesterfield, where he lived the remainder of his long life, dying at the great age of 97 years. He was the father of eight children--seven sons and one daughter. Those living are Erastus, a farmer residing on River Street; Roswell, a farmer of Chesterfield; Otis residing on the Major Hubbard farm in Chesterfield; and Maria (Mrs. Samuel Thomas) near the North Hinsdale post office. VALENTINE BUTLER, one of the early settlers of the town, located as a farmer at North Hinsdale, where Mrs. Abby M. Chandler now lives. He married Hannah Osgood of Newfane, Vt and reared five children, none of whom are now living. His oldest son, JOSIAH BUTLER, died on the homestead previous to his father's death. LUCINDA BUTLER, daughter of Valentine, married Azor Chandler, who purchased the homestead and remained thereon during life. NATHANIEL CHANDLER, their only child, inherited the estate which he retained until his death, in May 1882. The property is now owned by his widow, Abby M., and their only child, Fred B. ELIJAH COOPER who came to Hinsdale at an early day, married Sarah Sanger, April 4, 1777 and reared four children as follows: Lucy, born November 5, 1777; Elijah born November 26, 1782; Mary, born April 9, 1785; Arad born April 10, 1787, and Pearly, the date of whose birth we are unable to give. Mr. Cooper settled as a farmer upon the place Daniel Smith now occupies, where he reared his family and finally died at the residence of his son, Arad. Of the children, Lucy died unmarried; Mary married a Mr. Stearns and went west; Elijah married and also moved west; Pearly died unmarried; and Arad married Hannah Fisher and spent his life in the town. He located first in the village, where he worked as a shoemaker, but soon engaged in farming on the homestead, where he remained about twenty years. He then sold the farm and purchased the place known as Cooper's Point, the former residence of Lieutenant Cooper, a cousin of his father's, where he resided over twenty years, and finally bought the place where his daughter, Mrs. Sarah A. Elmore, now resides, on Pleasant street, and known as the Congregational parsonage. Here he died, May 6, 1856, aged sixty-nine years. The only living representatives of this family now residing in the town are Mrs. Sarah A. Elmore, Charles E. Cooper and Arad Cooper, with their families. Elijah was married twice. By his second wife he had eight children, none of whom are known to be living. DAVID CROWNINSHIELD, one of the pioneer settlers of Hinsdale, came from Rhode Island at a very early date and settled on road 7, where his grandson Samuel T. Crowninshield now lives. His farm at first contained only enough cleared land to place his house and barns upon, and here he lived and labored until his death, at the age of forty-eight years. He was the father of four children, viz: Artemas, Philo, Leonard and Lydia. Artemus and Leonard settled on the homestead. Philo married and removed to Guildford, Vt. and Lydia (Mrs. Butler) now resides in Chesterfield. The only descendants now in the town are Samuel T., and his family, previously mentioned. CAPT. OLIVER DOOLITTLE, grandson of Rev. Mr. Doolittle, the first settled Congregational minister in Northfield, Mass., was one of the early and prominent settlers of Hinsdale. He located on the Connecticut river, about 3 miles south from the village of Hinsdale, and became an extensive real estate owner. He married Sibyl Field, of Northfield, Mass, and had six children, viz: Otis, Oliver, Sibyl, Susan, Seth and Charles. Otis, a farmer, after moving twice, finally located on the old homestead. He married Sophia Shattuck, and was blessed with a family of eighteen children, fifteen of whom attained a mature age. He also was an extenssive real estate owner, and was owner, among other farms, of the noted Samuel Smith farm, in Winchester, containing 600 acres. He identified himself with the military of the town, and held the office of captain of infantry, but being identified with the party which was in the minority, he held no political positions. He died on the homestead, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. His widow survived him about eleven years, dying at the age of eighty-seven. Of their numerous family, only five are living, and but one, Jackson Doolittle, in the town, who owns and occupies the southern portion of the old homestead. Oliver married Arathusia Whitney of Warwick, Mass, and settled first in Lyndon Vt but subsequently returned to Hinsdale, and settled upon the farm where Dwight W. Stearns now lives. THey were the parents of five children, none of whom are living in the town. Sibyl married Charles Foot, and moved out of the state. Susan married Obed Slate, a prominent citizen and farmer whose biography is given elsewhere. They reared ten children. Seth married Eunice Wright of Winchester, settled on the Gordon place, in that town, and spent his life there, rearing eleven children. Charles died in early manhood, unmarried. ISAAC ESTEY came to Hinsdale from Royalton, Mass in 1806, settled on Canal street, and engaged extensively in road building. He was the father of seven children as follows: Joseph, the eldest, a farmer and jobber in stone work, died in 1806 where his son George F now lives; Sarah married a Mr. Parker and died in Rutland, Mass; Mary married Philip Fisher and lives in Brattleboro Vt a widow; Israel Bartlett resides in Brattleboro Vt; Jacob is the well-known organ manufacturer of Brattleboro Vt; James F., also resides in Brattleboro and is superintendent and vice president of the Valley Mill Company; and Nelson, a farmer resides in the northern part of this town. ABEL FLETCHER, one of the pioneer settlers of Chesterfield NH, married Phoebe, daughter of Jonathan Hildreth of Chesterfield in 1784; for his second wife he married Sally Willard, and for his third, Charlotte, daughter of Ephraim Hubbard, who survived him. His will was made in 1816 and proved in 1817. Daniel Fletcher, son of Abel, born August 8, 1789, married Lucy, daughter of Joseph Converse, and resided many years in Chesterfield, but died in Hinsdale December 5, 1875, aged 86 years. Joseph C. FLetcher, son of Daniel, born May 27, 1822, died May 31, 1873, aged 57 years. He married Mary Albee, who survived him til December 22, 1883, and moved from Chesterfield to Hinsdale about 1853. He was the father of three children, one of whom died in infancy. His sons, Daniel W. and Charles A. now occupy the homestead on canal street. REV. BUNKER GAY, born in Dedham, Mass, was educated at Harvard college, and was ordained a clergyman in the Congregational church. He came to Hinsdale in 1763, and was the first settled pastor of the Congregational church in the town. His church was located near the residence of Mr. Ivory S. Ide, and his parish embraced the whole town and Vernon, which was then included in Hinsdale. When Vermont became a state, and Vernon a separate town, that territory was taken from his parish, and left his church weak in members and property. He continued the nominal pastor during his life, and officiated at funerals and weddings, and preached until his old age compelled him to stop. He located on a farm where his grandson, Mr. Henry Hooker, a well-preserved old gentleman, aged 93 years, now lives. Here he continued to live until his death in 1815, aged 80 years. He was the father of five children; all died young and unmarried except his daughter, Abigail, who married Seth Hooker. HON. WILLIAM HAILE, son of John and Emma (Henry) Haile, was born in Putney, Vt in May 1807. At the age of about fourteen years he went with his parents to Chesterfield and was soon after taken into the family of Ezekiel P. Pierce Sr, with whom he lived until he was about 21 years of age. Having attended school about two years, he entered, in 1823, Mr. Pierce's store as clerk, and in 1827 or 1828 he borrowed a small amount of money and opened a store on his own account, in the Center Village. With his characteristic sagacity, Mr. Haile soon foresaw that Hinsdale was destined to become a busy and thriving town, on account of the abundance of power furnished by the Ashuelot river. He, therefore, in 1834 or 1835 removed to this town, where he continued in mercantile pursuits until 1846, when he became interested in the lumber business. In 1849 he began, as a member of the firm of Haile & Todd, the manufacture of cashmerettes. Afterward th ename of the firm was changed to Haile, Frost & Co by which it is known at present. Though engaged extensively in business, Mr. Haile took a prominent part in political affairs. With the exception of two years, he represented Hinsdale in the state legislature from 1846 to 1854, and was elected to the NH senate in 1854 and 1855, of which body he was president the latter year, and was again elected representative in 1856. The next year he was elected governor of the state, and was re-elected in 1858. In 1873 he moved to keene, and never ceased to take an active part in business management until his death July 22, 1876. He married Sabrina S., dau of Azra Walker in 1828, who bore him children as follows: Harriet C., born June 22, 1829, married November 23, 1853 John M. Stebbins, a lawyer of Springfield Mass; Ellen M., born September 21, 1831, married December 13, 1854, Sylvester O. Davenport of Hinsdale; William Henry, born September 23, 1833, married Amelia L. Chapin of Springfield Mass where he now resides, was elected mayor of that city in 1880, was a member of the Massachusetts senate in 1882, and is engaged in the manufacture of cashmerettes and repellants at Hinsdale, a member of the firm with which his father was connected; and Sarah F., born February 1, 1837, married in December 1863, O.G. Dort, of Keene. REV. HENRY W. HAMILTON, born in Chester, Mass, February 1, 1842, fitted for college at WIlliston seminary and graduated from Amherst in 1868, from Union Theological seminary, new York in 1871, and also passed an extra year at Andover Theological seminary. He was installed pastor of the Union Congregational Church of Westfield, Mass., June 4, 1872 and continued its pastor just five yars. His next settlement was over the Congregational church of Hinsdale March 1, 1878 where he still remains. REUBEN HILDRETH, a descendant of one of the earliest pioneer families of Chesterfield NH, was born in that town February 17, 1802, and came to Hinsdale about 1845, and remained here until his death, October 22, 1872. He married first, Mrs. Maria D. White, who died in Hinsdale December 4, 1847. She was the mother of his only children, two sons. He married second, Asenath Bacon, and third, Mrs. Laura Taft. His oldest son, Samuel K., born in Brattleboro Vt, July 1, 1836, married Clara E. Gray of Hinsdale, where they now reside. Their only son, Edwin W., now resides with them. He married Lucy A. Mixer of Hinsdale, and is the father of two children--Walter K. and Andrew M. Reuben's second son, Edwin W., born in Chesterfield in 1844, died in Hinsdale August 31, 1855. GEORGE W. HOLLAND, born in Chesterfield NH in 1824, was educated in the public schools of his district and at Chesterfield Academy. In early life he engaged as a dry goods clerk, and was also in an Ohio bookstore for a time. In 1851 he came to Hinsdale and engaged in the general merchandise business, where he has continued since. He represented his townsmen in the state legislature in 1878 and 1881, has held the offices of town clerk 25 years, and also other town offices. REV. JOHN HOOKER, born March 28, 1729, ordained pastor of the Congregational Church of Northfield, Mass, was the father of Seth Hooker, who was born October 22, 1759. He latter married Abigail Gay, daughter of Rev. Bunker Gay, May 5, 1789, and settled on the farm of his wife's father, in Hinsdale, where he continued to reside until his death May 31, 1844, aged 84 years. His children were Sally Gay, born December 25, 1789 and died January 12, 1797. Henry, born July 5, 1791 in Charlestown NH, married Mary Dagget of Westmoreland October 23, 1816. In early life he learned the trade of carriage making, and later settled on the homestead and pursued both farming and carriage making, but still later in life he discontinued his trade and gave his whole attention to his farm. He is now living in the house where he was born, at the great age of 93 years, though in feeble health. Mrs. Hooker died AUgust 18, 1864. Abigail Prentice Hooker, born August 28, 1792, married, first, Willard Blancard, November 21, 1811, and second, Caleb Todd, July 10, 1828. George, born December 14, 1794, married Minerva Taylor, January 10, 1819 and died in 1858; Sally Gay Hooker born June 22, 1797, married Elihu Stebbins, November 11, 1824 and died in 1878. Delia, born October 3, 1799, married William H. Taylor, December 6, 1821, now a widow residing with her daughter in Burlington, Vt. Bunker Gay, born May 17, 1801, died October 8, 1802. Henry Hooker's children were as follows: Aurelia Prentice, born Aug 26, 1817, died in infancy; Julia Worthington born Nov 15, 1818, married Henry M. Jones December 7, 1842 and resides in Hinsdale; George Prentice, born May 31, 1820, married Lucretia Ashcroft October 25, 1843, is a farmer, residing on the Brattleboro road in this town; Charles Gay, born November 12, 1822, married Maria S. Osgood of Northfield, Aug 15, 1859, and resides in San Francisco, Cal.; Anson Cary, born September 2, 1825, died July 4, 1832; Henry Clay, born January 10, 1828, married ELizabeth Rockwell in 1856, resides in Arizona, a large cattle dealer; Almira Ann, born May 28, 1830, married Isaiah Nutting, November 11, 1851, is a widow residing on the homestead; Minnie S., born September 11, 1832, married first, Robert Brown of Sacramento, Cal., and second, Edwin Robertson of Brooklyn, NY where she now lives; Anson C., born May 1, 1835, owns and resides on the old homestead. John D. born May 10, 1838, married Kate Putnam of San Francisco, Cal where he now resides; and Mary R., born January 12, 1841, married Nicholas F. Smith of San Francisco, Cal in 1882 where she now resides. GEORGE P. HOOKER, son of the venerable Henry Hooker, born May 31, 1820 married Lucretia J. Ashcroft, October 25, 1843, and settled upon the farm he now occupies in 1849. He began life without any means, but with habits of industry and sterling integrity combined with sound judgement. At the time he settled here this farm contained only 14 acres of tillable land, and his barn, a structure 24x34 feet, was sufficiently large to store his crops. Without adding anything to the size of his farm, however, he has added to the capacity of the barn till the structure is 40x100 feet, eighteen feet posts, and is scarcely large enough to accomodate his crops. Forty acres of his farm when he came here was bog swamp, producing nothing; but by judicious underdraining, for which purpose he has used several carloads of drain tile, it is fully reclaimed. This enterprise he has carried out in all his farm details, resulting in a fine place and making him a rich farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Hooker are the parents of four children, viz: Della L. who married S.W. Puffer and resides in Chester, Vt.; Cassius M., who married and owns a cattle ranch in Arizona; Augusta, who married W.N. Pike and resides in Wendell, Mass. SIMEON HORTON, born at Milton, Mass in 1784, came to Hinsdale about 1816, and finally located on a home on road 15, where his son's widow, Mrs. Mary A., now resides. Here he remained till his death in 1860, aged 76 years. He was a prominent man in town affairs, held the offices of selectman and justice of the peace several terms, and was the father and leader of the temperance cause here. Of his three sons and three daughters, one son died in infancy, and the others all settled in the town, though only one is now living, Mrs. Ivory S. Ide, residing on a place upon the banks of the Connecticut. Elbridge G. Horton, the youngest son, came with his father on to the old homestead, when about 13 years of age, and resided thereon until his death, April 27, 1884, aged 72 years. He married Mary A. Darling who survives him. Her only daughter, Ida A. resides with her. Their only other child, a son, died in infancy. CAPT. HENRY IDE, born at Attleboro, Mass, in 1785, came to Hinsdale with his parents when three years of age, and was subsequently adopted by Ivory Soule, with whom he lived until Mr. Soule's death, caring for him in his old age and inheriting his property. He was early identified with the military affairs of the town and held the office of captain of cavalry for many years. He married Betsey Rugg and had born to him three children, of whom Ivory S., the eldest, is the only one now living. He resides on the old homestead a fine farm on the banks of the Connecticut. Ivory S. married Sarah W., daughter of Simeon Horton, and has two children, Mary E. (Mrs. P.C. Tyler) residing in Athol, Mass, and Sarah P (Mrs. Henry Latham) residing in Pleasant street in Hinsdale village. Captain Ide died at the advanced age of 85 years, surviving his wife 3 years, who died at the age of 77 years. HENRY M. JONES was born in Phillipston, Mass July 25, 1811. When about two years old, his father died, and his mother removed to Athol, Mass., and in his twelfth year he came to Hinsdale to live with his uncle, Windsor Bowker, where he remained two years. Next he was an errand and farm boy for Abram Hinds, who was the first lawyer of Hinsdale. Here he remained about four years, and was afterwards engaged as a laborer till about 1835, when he bought a saw-mill on Kilbourn brook, a short distance from the village, which he run about three years, then bought a shop on Canal street and engaged in the manufacture of doors, sash, blinds and dressed lumber for many years. Mr. Jones has served his townsmen as selectmen three years, and was again elected but resigned; was a representative to the state legislature in 1876-77, and was a member of the constitutional convention of 1876. He was also captain of a military company, known as the Ashuelot Guards. He married Julia W., daughter of Henry Hooker, and reared three children. Two are mechanics, of Keene, and the third, a son, resides with his parents. WILLIAM S. LEONARD, M.D., son of Rev. Levi W. Leonard, D.D. was born in Dublin NH October 13, 1832. He graduated at Dartmouth in 1856, studied medicine with Dr. Albert Smith of Peterboro NH, and received his diploma of Dartmouth in May 1860. In the following October he located in Hinsdale village, where he still carries on a successful practice. He was associated in practice with Dr. Frederick Boyden during the last ten years of the latter's life. LEMUEL LISCOM, born in Rehoboth, Mass, came to Hinsdale at a very early date and September 6, 1796, married Submit Barrett, who bore him nine children. Of these, Mary married Henry Reed, and resided in Brattleboro, Vt. Lemuel married Emerancy, daughter of Hezekiah Horton, September 20, 1831, he at that time being a resident of Boston, Mass, where he was successfuly engaged in the coal trade. In 1835 he purchased the farm where he and his aged wife are now residing with their son, L.F. Liscom. Their house is one of the oldest, if not the oldest in the town. It stand only about twenty rods from the stile of old Fort Hinsdale, and was built, as near as Mr. Liscom can ascertain about 1765. It is still well preserved, and though a new wing has been added, the original clapboards, riven out of pine logs, shaved by hand, and secured by hand-made, wrought-iron nails, still cover it. Soon after his return from Boston, he was elected to the office of first selectman, and has also, for many years, served his town as justice of the peace. Gracia, daughter of Lemule, married Willard Ames of Brattleboro. None of her family are living. Philip married Philemon Bascom, and settled in Brattleboro, where he died. John married Eliza Amidon, of Boston, Mass., and died near Brattleboro. Levi married Mary Ackerman of Maine. He is a manufacturer of piano fortes, and a resident of Boston. Sophronia married Enos Crosby, and for her second husband, Ezra Sawyer, and now resides in Boston, Mass. Charles married Lizzie Sartell, and emigrated to California, where he died. Samuel died in Boston, at the early age of nineteen years. Lemuel Liscom Sr died at the residence of his son, Lemuel, aged sixty-seven years. WILLARD MARTIN, born in Rehoboth, Mass, March 6, 1786, married Lucretia Houghton in 1810, and died in Hinsdale October 14, 1849. Mr. Martin was long distinguished as one of the leading merchants of Guilford Vt where he was distinguished as one of the principal citizens, and for many years received almost the universal suffrage of the town as representative in the state legislature. Mrs. Martin died August 17, 1847. Dr. Oscar Martin, their eldest son, was born March 9, 1815. He married Susan George Sartle, November 27, 1830 and had born to him one child which died in infancy. Mrs. Martin died April 20, 1844. For his second wife, Dr. Martin married Caroline Elizabeth Stoddard, January 4, 1846, by whom he had two children. He graduated at the Eclectic Medical School of Montpelier, Vt. and commenced practice there, then went to Brattleboro, where he remained about five years, and then came to Hinsdale, where he has resided the past 40 years. He practiced medicine here from 12-15 years, when he engaged in mercantile pursuits, occasionally practicing. The past ten or twelve years, however, he has entirely relinquished practice and is engaged in the manufacture of his celebrated propriety medicines, "Dr. Martin's Great Pain Cure of the Age," and "Vegetable Elixir." IVAH NEWTON, born in Phillipstown, Mass, came to Hinsdale when a young man, married Sally daughter of Daniel Rugg, one of the pioneers of the town, and settled in the northeastern part, where Hosea Butler now lives. He was the father of seven children, only three of whom are now living. Albert G., eldest son of Ivah, married first Emily Ide, who was the mother of his nine children. For his second wife he married widow Ruth Wood, of Templeton, Mass. Mr. newton finally settled on the farm his son, Rawson H, now occupies. Here he passed the latter thirty years of his life, dying in May 1884, aged 77 years. Two others of the family reside in town, viz: Mrs. Julia Davenport and Mrs. William Royce. Another, Mrs. Hubbard Allen, resides in Orange, Mass. REV. JEREMY PACKER, was born in Groton, Conn., July 2, 1762 and at a very early date his father removed to Guilford, Vt where Jeremy was reared. He had no early advantages for obtaining an education, except those afforded by the common schools and academies, but he eventually became a clergyman of the Baptist church and was ordained pastor of the church in Guilford, September 11, 1800, where he officiated until 1818. He then accepted a call from the Baptist church in the northern part of Hinsdale, where he was installed and continued its pastor twelve years, when his health failed and he was obliged to give up his charge. He purchased a small farm near his church and remained in this home until his death April 28, 1843. He married twice, and was the father of ten children. Most of his seven children by the first marriage went west. November 14, 1804, he married, for his second wife, Lydia Jewett of Putney, Vt. who became the mother of three children, two of whom are living--Mrs. Lydia J. Wellman and Mrs. Zilpha H. Wellman--and reside in Hinsdale village. NELSON RICHARDSON was born in Hinsdale, February 13, 1817. His educational advantages were limited, but by carefuly study and reading he has acquired a good business education. At the early age of eighteen years he began to assist in the navigation of the Connecticut and in 1841 was made captain of a flat-boat, continuing in that capacity until the close of 1847, when the railroad was completed, and the river navigation abandoned. About two years later he purchased a farm in the northern part of the town, upon which he has resided until the present time. He has the confidence of his townsemen, and has served them repeatedly as selectman, and is frequently called upon to act as executor and administration in settling estates. SAMUEL ROSE, born at Groton, Conn in 1786, married Mary Brooks, a native of Norwhich, Conn. and came to Hinsdale in 1810. He located on "Meeting-house hill" now Brattleboro street, and built the house now occupied by Londus Doolittle. Here he lived a few years, working at his trade of carpenter and building, then built a two-story house on the site now occupied by the fine Union school building, and entered into a co-partnership with Samuel Spencer, in operating a grist and saw-mill, and carried on an extensive business for that time, in the manufacture and sale of lumber. He early took an active interest in the public affairs of the town, and was associated with Obed Slate and Emerson Burnham, on the board of selectmen, for a period of about fifteen years, and was also a captain of a cavalry company. In 1834, he removed to Hudson NY where he engaged in the grocery business, and in farming. He died while on a visit to his son, SAMUEL B. ROSE, at Clinton, Mich. in 1865, aged 79 years and was buried in Hudson. DANIEL RUGG, one of the early settlers of Hinsdale, came from Framingham, Mass, and located as a farmer in the northeastern part of the town, where Daniel Freeman now lives. Here he commenced his pioneer life, on a small clearing, and lived in a log cabin until he built the house now occupied by Mr. Freeman. He reared a family of nine children, none of whom are now living, and attained the age of over 80 years. ELIJAH RUGG, his oldest son, a farmer located in Windham, Vt. NATHAN RUGG, the second son, remained on the homestad with his father, married Sally Gray and reared eleven children, six of whom are living, four in this vicinity, viz: Mrs. Sarah A. Marsh, widow, in the village; Hannah H. (Mrs. Erastus Butler) on River Street; Fanny (Mrs. Elihu Blanchard) on Main Street; and Levi G., a farmer near the town line in Winchester. Nathan Rugg attained the age of 83 years and died on the homestead. The other children of Daniel were Betsey, who married Harry Ide, and settled in town; Sally, who married Ivah Newton, a cooper, and also settled here; Daniel, who located in Salem, Mass, where he was a tallow chandler; John, who located in Portsmouth NH also a tallow chandler; and Nellie, who married Pliny Smith, a farmer and settled in Hinsdale. The family was noted for its longevity, one of its members, Sally, having attained the age of nearly 100 years. DWIGHT LEONARD SANDERSON was born in Chesterfield NH May 21, 1822. He married and settled upon the homestead of his grandfather, which he still owns, where he lived a few years and carried on farming and dealt in live stock and merchandise. About 1857 he moved to Winhall Vt where he resided five years, engaged in farming and stock dealing. In 1862 he came to Hinsdale, where he now resides. Here he has been a farmer, live stock dealer and merchant. Only two of his five sons settled in the town. Elliot Sanderson married Betsey Darling, was a successful farmer, accumulated a fine property, and was the father of one child, a daughter, who resides with her mother in Hinsdale. Nathaniel Sanderson married Sarah Phelps of Worcester, Mass, and lived and died in Providence, R.I. Walter Sanderson moved to Worcester, Mass., but died in Providence. The other son, Horace Sanderson, died young. CHARLES R. SARGENT, a native of Chesterfield NH was born in 1826. In early life he enjoyed the educational advantages afforded by the common schools and academies, and was engaged in teaching from 1844 to 1852. Although he learned the stone mason's trade and followed it for many years, he finally abandoned it to engage in farming, which he continued till his death April 2, 1880. In 1849 he came to Hinsdale and in 1857 was superintendent of schools, and town clerk, the latter office of which he held until 1859. He was elected county commissioner in 1877, and served in that capacity till his death. OBED SLATE, born in Bernardston, Mass, married Susan Doolittle of Hinsdale, and came to this town about 1800, engaging as a carpenter and joiner. His first work was building the house of his wife's father, Oliver Doolittle. Soon after he married, he purchased a farm on the Hill road, leading from Hinsdale to Northfield, where he remained till his death about 1863. He was a man of influence, and early took an active interest in town affairs, holding all military positions from drummer to Colonel, also the office of first selectman for fifteen years, justice of the peace as many more, and representative eleven successive terms. Ten of his twelve children attained an adult age, though none now reside in Hinsdale. His son George in a prominent citizen of Bellows Falls, Vt. WALTER C. STEARNS, born in Northfield, Mass, was one of the pioneers of Hinsdale. He married Tryphenia, daughter of Makepeace Shattuck, and was blessed with a family of thirteen children. By dint of industry and frugality, as a farmer, he succeeded in comfortably raising his large family , allowing them fair educational advantages, only one of whom survives, viz: Maria (Mrs. Worden) who resides on Canal Street in Hindale. Of his five sons, only two settled in town. JOHN STEARNS who died at his home in Hinsdale, December 2, 1884, at the ripe age of 83 years, had been a resident of the town nearly all his life, during which time he was one of its most prominent and influential citizens, taking an active interest in all public affairs. Although owning and managing one of the large and fertile farms which skirt the Connecticut, he found time to deal largely in horses and cattle, and was widely known through northern New England as a man of excellent judgement in all these matters, and also as being upright and honest in all business transactions. He was also interested in real estate. For a time he was owner, with John Kay, of the old American House at Brattleboro, and the Ashuelot House, at Hinsdale, was more than once his property. In private life Mr. Stearns was a most genial companion, given to hospitality and fond of a good joke and an amusing story. On his part he possessed a fund of quiet, satirical humor, which cropped out spontaneously in his every-day life. He began life without means and with a limited education, but succeeded in accumulating a handsome property. The death of his wife, a few years since, a most faithful helpmate, was a great blow to him, and after which the infirmities of age crept rapidly over him, and for the last years or two of his life he rarely left his home. Of the contemporaries of Mrs. Stearns in Hinsdale, such as ex-Governor Haile, Doctor Boynton, Esquire Todd, Jonathan Brown, Oliver Adams, and others, all have passed away save the venerable Henry Hooker, Lewis Taylor and Lemuel Liscom, who reside upon farms overlooking the Connecticut. Elliot Stearns, who married Betsey Darling in April 1836, was a successful farmer and accumulated a handsome property. His only child, a daughter, resided with her widowed mother in Hinsdale. Elliot died November 14, 1881. Although he took an active interest in the public affairs of the town, he never sought office. ROWLAND STEBBINS, born in 1594, came from Ipswich, Eng. on the "Francis" in 1634, landed at Roxbury but probably went to the COnnecticut river the following year with William Pynchon, the founder of the city of Springfield. Thence he moved to Northampton about 1656, where he died December 14, 1761. His wife died at Springfield, October 4, 1649, aged 58 years. ELIHU STEBBINS, whose ancestor resided at Northfield, was a lineal descendant of Rowland. He was born in 1762, settled in Hinsdale, and married March 24, 1786, Lucretia, dau of Eldad Wright, who was taken from him by death, December 7, 1843, at the age of eighty years. Elihu died APril 23, 1846, aged eighty-four years. ELIHU STEBBINS JR. born here in 1794, married Sarah G., daughter of Seth Hooker and granddaughter of Rev. Bunker Gay. She organized the first Sunday-school in town, and the venerable Lewis Taylor was appointed its first superintendent. Mr. Stebbins located as a farmer on the homestead of his father, where he remained until his death, at the ripe age of 77 years. He took an active interest in town affairs, and repeatedly represented his townsmen in the state legislature and held the office of selectman. His children were JOHN MILLS STEBBINS, born December 27, 1825 who graduated at Dartmouth College in 1848 and is now a laywer of Springfield, Mass, of which city he was mayor in 1874; SARAH H. STEBBINS, born July 31, 1831, died October 31, 1866; and EDWARD STEBBINS, born March 10, 1834, owner of the old homestead. He resides in Hinsdale village, being one of its leading merchants and is also an extensive real estate owner. JOHN STREETER was born in Attleboro, R.I. August 16, 1751 (o.s.) He married Jane Smith of Smithfield, R.I. and moved to Hinsdale at an early date, locating in the southern part of the town, where he lived several years, then located in the northern part, where his grandson, QUINTON D. STREETER now resides. He lived there the remainder of his long life, dying in January 1845, at the age of 94 years. He was twice married, his first wife, however, being the mother of his six children, who were as follows: ISAIAH STREETER who died in Hinsdale aged about 45 years, and two of whose children are now living in the town--Levi, a farmer, and Sibyl, widow of Charles Hubbard; ELIJAH STREETER, who died on the homestead, and who has three children now living--Franklin, Angeline (Mrs. Joseph Randall) and Quinton D.; CHARLES STREETER, who died near the homestead on a farm given him by his father, aged 77 years; CALEB STREETER, who also died near the homestead on a farm given him by his father, aged 81 years and who has three children now living in the town--Eliza (widow of Joel Derby) on the homestead, Rev. Henderson B., a retired Baptist clergyman, and Sylvia (Mrs. Thomas F. Dix); and LYDIA STREETER the only daughter, who married Ebenezer Stone and died at the age of 65 years. Two of the latter's children are living--Hon. Ashley Stone of this town, and John Riley Stone of Brattleboro, Vt. CAPT. THOMAS TAYLOR, a son of THOMAS and grandson of JOHN, was a colonial captain and one of the grantees of Northfield. He was born in 1717 and learned the trade of a shoemaker. As a sergeant he was in command of seventeen men who were attacked in the town by 26 French and eight Indians, July 14, 1748, while on a march from Northfield to Fort Dummer. After a desperate resistance Mr. Taylor was captured and carried to Canada, where he was kept in close confinement until September 2d, when he was released, arriving at his home on September 27th, and at once returned to his duties. In November 1748, the general court of Massachusetts, in consideration of his bravery in this action, "voted Sergeant Taylor 50 pounds." It is realted by Dea. Shattuck of Hinsdale, that after the action Taylor was seated upon a log between two Indians. One of them, an acquaintance, said to him, "Tom, I am going to kill you, because you killed my brother." "But," replied the Sergeant, "he shot first." The Indian, dropping his head, remained silent a moment, and then replied, "So he did." The captive's life was spared. Captain Taylor settled on land in Hinsdale, where he died, March 24, 1778. He kept a tavern on the Charlestown road, which his widow continued, and made quite popular for many years after his death. His son, HOLLIS TAYLOR born in 1758, settled in Hinsdale and married Christian, daughter of Paul Field. He died September 3, 1845, and she died June 1, 1833. They were parents of thirteen children. Lewis, son of Hollis, was born here in 1793, and is still a resident of the town. In 1874 he erected a monument near the spot where his grandfather was captured, in 1748, and he located it on his grandfather's old farm. He was elected to the state legislature in 1855, and in 1854 and 1856 was town treasurer and selectman. He married Lois Webster of Northfield, November 8, 1820 who died May 1, 1864. Mr. Taylor is the father of children as follows: Prentice W. Taylor, born April 25, 1822, married Eveline M. Wellman of Hinsdale, December 1, 1846, is a farmer residing upon and owning the old homestead, and has been selectman two years; Caroline S. Taylor, born August 4, 1823, graduated at Mrs. Willard's seminary, Troy NY, went south to teach and died in Oakland, NC July 3, 1847; Hollis Taylor, born March 4, 1826, married Mary A. Johnson of Northfield Mass May 17, 1849, was a land surveyor, selectman several years, member of the state legislature two terms, and died AUgust 25, 1865; William M. Taylor, born December 1, 1827, married ELeanor J. Guion of Jackson, Miss. Dec 11, 1856, graduated at Dartmouth, a lawyer and died at Galveston, Tex March 26, 1860; Susan H. Taylor born November 26, 1829, married July 17, 1854 Frederick T. Kemper of Muscatine, Iowa who was proprietor of the celebrated school for boys in Boonville, Mo., and who died in March 1881, now resides at that place; Emily M. Taylor, born July 30, 1831, married Rev. Moses H. Wells of Hinsdale, May 1, 1857, and now resides in Dumemrston, Vt.; Edwin H. Taylor, born October 25, 1833, graduated at Dartmouth, went to Mississippi as a teacher, and just before the Rebellion went to Boonville, Mo where he married Bessie McCarty April 53, 1863 [sic, typo in original document, ie 53]--was captured by the rebels, robbed of his watch, coat and boots and left fifteen miles from home to make his way back as best he could--and his present wife, Emogene Eveleth, he married August 8, 1881, and is now a merchant in Peterboro NH; Julia E. Taylor born September 20, 1836, educated at Meriden NH, went to Hansboro, Miss, as a teacher, was there about a year after the breaking out of the Rebellion, and was obliged to escape in a rowboat at night--died at Hinsdale September 24, 1863; and Henry M. Taylor, born April 21, 1838, married Nancy McCarty of Boonville, Mo, and is a farmer residing in Parsons, Kan. DANIEL, AMOS, ISRAEL, and NATHAN THOMAS, sons of one of the early pioneers, all settled here themselves as pioneers. NATHAN THOMAS married Marion Coats, and settled as a farmer in the northern part of the town. His children were Nathan, Charles, Frederick, Gideon, THankful, Eunice, Electa and Marion. NATHAN THOMAS JR. was born in Fort Hinsdale, and settled on the place where his son Franklin and Waldo Rouillard now reside. He married Abigail Butler, and had born to him ten children, only two of whom now reside in the town-- Mrs. Ellen Tyler and Franklin. The latter, at the age of seventy-three years, resides on the homestead with his son-in-law, Waldo Rouillard. Nathan Jr. continued to reside on the place upon which he first settled, until his death, at the advanced age of ninety-five years. CHARLES THOMAS, son of Nathan Sr. was also born in Fort Hinsdale, in 1776. He married Sally Barrett and settled as a farmer on the Brattleboro road. His children were Perley, Arnold, William, Ann and Nathan. LEVI TODD, born in Rindge NH in 1797 or 1798, was educated in the common schools of his neighborhood, and came to Hinsdale when he was about 21 years of age. He was a shoemaker by trade, and built the first shoe shop in town, and about six months after he came he married Nancy Corey of Ashburnham, Mass. He followed his trade several years, then gave his attention to manufacturing brick, his brick-yard being the first in the town. He finally bought the farm now occupied by his son Walter C., where he found excellent clay beds. He continued to manufacture brick in all about 25 years then he sold his brick-yard and gave his whole attention to farming. He died in 1873, aged 76 years. Mrs. Todd died in 1872, aged 73 years. They were the parents of six children, only two of whom are living--Nancy A (Mrs. James Boyce) of Keene, and Walter C., as previously mentioned. HON. CALEB TODD, or "Esq." Todd, as he was more familiarly known, was for many years one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Hinsdale. He was born in Wallingford, Conn, March 16, 1785, resided and did business in Cooperstown NY a few years, taking up his abode in Hinsdale in 1815. Here he was one of the pioneer manufacturers and was widely known as a manufacturer of woolens for a great number of years. At his death, May 21, 1871, he was the oldest citizen of Hinsdale. Mr Todd was twice married and reared eight children, five of whom, with his second wife, survived him. Of these children, Henry Day Todd, born November 8, 1809, was for 25 years connected with the Boston Custom House; John Douglass Todd born March 11, 1814 was for several years a successful woolen manufacturer at Hinsdale, of the firm of Haile & Todd; and Jehiel Todd, born November 4, 1818 was also for many years interested in the manufacture of woolens at Lowell, Mass, but subsequently became a wholesale dealer in spices, coffee, etc at Worcester, Mass, where he now resides. "Esq." Todd was an active citizen, and filled all the principal offices in the gift of his townsmen, being several times returned to the legislature. He was an ardent lover of our country, strongly conservative, in early days a Whig, and later a Republican. PETER WORDEN was among the early pilgrims of our country. He was from Clayton, Lancashire, Engl, and lived for a short time in Lynn, Mass, it is certain, though the year of his arrival in America is not known for certain. Eighteen years after the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, however, or on the 19 of February 1638, he made his last will and testament, which anicent document is now in the possession of his descendants, in Hinsdale. The fact that he died soon after is established, as the will was proved on the 9th of March of the same year. KIMBAL C. WORDEN, a descendant of Peter, was born in Chesterfield, January 6, 1807, and died at Hinsdale in June 1883. He married first, Belinda T. Thomas, March 6, 1834, who was born January 22, 1815, bore him four children and died May 17, 1864; second, Mrs. David Blanchard, November 5, 1874, who surives him. Of their four children, Lucian K., born July 4, 1835, married Lizzie A. Bilby of Claremont NH January 26, 1861 and has two children. ELisha A., born February 27, 1840 married Mary C. Stevenson of Winchester NH, September 28, 1864, who bore him one son, Charley C., who died in infancy. She died and for his second wife he married Helen A. Hunt, of Winchester, February 6, 1884. Diantha B., born February 16, 1842, married Virgil F. Converse of Springfield, Mass, January 11, 1866, and has four children. Nathan M., born December 4, 1844, married Helen M. Pratt in Winchester, March 7, 1866 and has one child. (end)