Addison County, Vermont is a county in western Vermont, established by act of the legislature on October 18, 1785, from a portion of Rutland County during the period of the independent Vermont Republic (prior to Vermont’s statehood in 1791), with its shire town (county seat) at Middlebury, making county court and land records available there from the late 1780s onward—vital for genealogical research. The area lies in the Champlain Valley and is drained primarily by Otter Creek; Native American presence by Iroquoian and other tribes along Lake Champlain predates European exploration by Samuel de Champlain in 1609 and later French and British colonial activity at sites such as Chimney Point. Early towns within the county, many chartered in the 1780s and 1790s, drew settlers largely from New England states after the American Revolution, with township land records, early census returns, and town meeting minutes beginning in this period; resources for genealogy include county town clerk records, Probate and Deed offices in Middlebury, local historical societies, libraries, and numerous cemetery transcriptions.
Jared Ives settled in Cornwall, Connecticut, in 1787, near Enos Ives and David Pratt. John Rockwell, Jr., arrived in 1784 from Ridgefield and established himself on a farm that he expanded over the years. After his death in 1825, the farm passed to his son, John Rockwell, Sr., who later lived in a different location until his death at the age of ninety-two, just days after his son. The farm continues to be owned by the Rockwell family.
Nathan Jackson, a blacksmith located on the east side of the road opposite Jacob Ingraham, was a soldier in the American Revolution. He took great pride in his close personal relationship with General Washington, reflecting his esteemed position and contributions during a pivotal time in American history.
Dr. Nathan Foot, originally from Watertown, Connecticut, settled in the eastern part of town near a swamp, where he first pitched his homestead. Over time, he constructed two houses, transitioning from a log house to a framed structure. He passed away in Charlotte in 1807. His legacy continued through his family, with his son Nathan and great-granddaughter Mrs. William Turner inheriting the land, which was surveyed in 1774 by Judge Gamaliel Painter.
Hon. Joel Linsley settled in Woodbury, Conn., in 1775, where he established a log cabin and became a prominent landowner and surveyor. He served as town clerk for most of his life until his death in 1818, and represented the town in the Legislature. Linsley held the positions of assistant judge and later chief judge of the County Court. His popularity stemmed from his sociability and effective business acumen.
The Cornwall post office was established around 1824 with Chauncey H. Stowell as its first postmaster. He was succeeded by Samuel Everts, who served twelve years before Stowell returned to the role. Subsequent postmasters included Charles Merrill, Rev. G. W. Noyes, Calvin H. Lewis, and Loyal L. Wright. A second office at West Cornwall began before 1860, initially led by Benjamin F. Haskell, followed by Mr. Hamilton, and later his widow, Mrs. M. A. Hamilton, who continues to serve.
In 1788, David Sperry moved from Wallingford, Vermont, to a farm in his later life, now owned by William Delong. Originally from New Haven, Connecticut, Sperry was noted for his exceptional ability. He had a unique way of waking his sons each morning, using a playful roll-call that included their names along with others.
Samuel Blodget settled on a one-hundred-acre tract along the North and South road before it was destroyed in the 1860s. A prisoner of war, he narrowly escaped death by revealing his Freemason ties, later enduring harsh treatment and confinement aboard a filthy vessel at Ticonderoga. After being liberated, he returned to his family, who had relocated to Bennington or Arlington. Blodget passed away in 1838 at the age of eighty-seven on his original land.
The early settlers of Cornwall prioritized the construction of roads and bridges, with many surveys conducted but not all roads ultimately opened. The primary north-south road was established before 1778, and efforts for new roads often faced delays. In 1784, road widths were set, later adjusted at the selectmen’s discretion. The town shared bridge maintenance with Middlebury until its separation, after which it funded a limited number of bridges, including the Lemon Fair and Beaver Brook bridges, with community labor and tax contributions.
In Cornwall, historical figures in law and medicine are notable, with Martin Post as a distinguished lawyer. The medical profession is represented by various physicians, including the notable Drs. Nathan Foot and the Ford family. Presently, Dr. E. O. Potter is documented in Middlebury’s history, while Dr. George W. Bond, a graduate of the Homoeopathic Medical College, began his practice in Cornwall in 1885 after previous experiences in New York. The Matthews family has contributed significantly to local medical history, providing valuable insights.
Jacob Peck settled on the east side of the road north of the Reeve farm in 1786, where he lived until his death in 1837 at the age of eighty-four. Born in Farrington, Connecticut, in 1753, he raised a large family, many of whom still live in the area. Notable descendants include his son, Captain Alanson Peck, and his grandchildren, showcasing the continuity of five generations.
William Samson, originally from Londonderry, N.H., settled on what became the Benjamin Sherwood property, constructing his first cabin near the current residence. A prominent community member, he served as an early deacon of the Congregational Church. Samson passed away in 1798 at the age of sixty-six and had a large family. His lineage continues through his great-grandchildren, including L. J. Samson, Curtis H. Samson, and Mrs. R. S. Foot.
Eldad Andrus established his farm near the site of Mrs. T. B. Holly’s residence, later trading properties with Zechariah Benedict. After being captured by Indians and Tories in 1778, he was held in a British camp for months while his property suffered extensive damage. He managed to escape, evading a pursuing Indian by hiding and using a heavy club to defend himself. His legacy continues through his descendants, including grandson S. S. Andrus and great-granddaughters Mrs. James Tracey and Mrs. O. A. Field.
The primary industry in Cornwall, Vermont, is sheep raising, particularly after the introduction of Merino sheep from Spain in the early 19th century. Pioneers like Colonel Humphrey and Consul Jarvis facilitated this development. Prominent breeders such as Merrill, A. L. Bingham, and Hon. Rollin J. Jones, along with others like Sylvester B. Rockwell and M. B. Williamson, have played significant roles in advancing the industry by importing French Merinos. Today, numerous local farmers continue this tradition, contributing to Cornwall’s reputation in sheep raising.
Captain Gordon Munsill, born on October 26, 1760, in Windsor, Connecticut, served in the Revolutionary War before marrying Olive Carver and relocating to Bristol in 1789 with their two children. He improved his farm, built a log house, and became the town’s first land tax collector. Munsill served as selectman for seven years, justice of the peace for two years, and represented Bristol in the 1796 Legislature. He passed away on November 15, 1807, at his homestead.
Judge Harvey Munsill, born to Captain Gordon Munsill, was well-regarded in Bristol for his integrity and capabilities. He studied law under Hon. Daniel Chipman and engaged in public service from 1820 until shortly before his death in 1876. His roles included judge of probate, justice of the peace, state senator, and various local offices. A devoted Mason and advocate for social reform, particularly temperance, he married Laura Stickney and had one son, Harvey C. Munsill. He maintained strong political principles and was a respected community figure.
Harvey C. Munsill, born on June 22, 1824, in Bristol, played a significant role in the town’s civil affairs and business development. He married Charlotte M. Holley in 1851, and they had three children, including Newcomb H., a successful lawyer. Munsill served as town treasurer, deputy sheriff, justice of the peace, and held various other civic roles while also engaging in real estate ventures. His contributions notably enhanced the village of Bristol over the years.
General Ezekiel Dunton, originally from Dorset, settled in New Haven and served as brigadier-general in the Vermont militia during the battle of Plattsburgh. He held various local offices, including selectman and justice of the peace, before his death on February 13, 1824, at the age of fifty-six. Dunton had two sons: Thaddeus, who moved West, and Ezekiel K., who passed away in 1837. Ezekiel K. was the father of Walter C. Dunton and William H. Dunton, notable figures in Rutland.
Jonathan Eastman, born in Norwich, Connecticut in 1753, moved to Bristol from Rupert, Vermont in 1791. He served as the town’s first justice of the peace and representative, and held the office of town clerk for eleven years. Eastman had two wives, Miss Haynes and Miss Dean, with whom he had a total of six children. He was a prominent figure in local governance until his death on December 6, 1816. His brothers, Calvin, Oliver, and Amos, were also respected residents of Bristol.
Bristol, Vermont, originally granted as Pocock in 1762, was renamed by legislative act in 1789. The town spans 19,200 acres, bordered by several municipalities and featuring a rugged landscape dominated by the Green Mountains. Notable peaks include Hogback Mountain and South Mountain, with fertile lands such as British Flats supporting diverse agriculture. The New Haven River serves as the primary waterway, supplemented by smaller streams like Baldwin Creek and O’Brian Brook. Bristol’s history reflects its early settlement and evolution in land usage.
In Bristol, Vermont, early proprietors’ meetings aimed to survey and allot land in Pocock, with indications that discussions began as early as 1784. Notably, a meeting convened on May 8, 1788, confirmed the continuation of land divisions despite previous meetings’ decisions being annulled. The first recorded proprietors meeting occurred on March 3, 1788, selecting officers and laying a tax to cover survey expenses. Subsequent meetings focused largely on land divisions and associated administrative tasks, marking a critical phase in the town’s development.