Addison County VT

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.

Addison Vermont – Postmasters

The first post office in Addison was established around 1823 at Chimney Point, with Amos B. Chubb as the initial postmaster. Subsequent postmasters included Byron Murray, Asahel Barnes, Sr., Dr. Prentiss Cheney, and Dr. David C. Goodale. Asahel Barnes Jr. took over in 1847 and remains in office. At the Corners, Gideon Seeger was an early postmaster, with Miss R. E. Watson as the current postmaster since 1876. Milo Everest serves as the postmaster for West Addison, while Elisha Smith recently assumed the Town Line office.

Addison Vermont – Churches

The Grandview House, built in 1874 by Jonas N. Smith atop Snake Mountain, features a 68-foot observatory that offers stunning views of regional landmarks, including 42 visible churches. Notable ecclesiastical history includes the 1804 establishment of a Congregational Church in the town, which operated until 1852. Additionally, the Addison Baptist Church was founded in 1797, with its current building dating to 1817. The Methodist Church in West Addison was organized in 1825, and the Advent Christian Church was established in 1850.

Biographical Sketch of James Gorham

James Gorham arrived on foot from Massachusetts in 1810 and settled on the farm currently owned by his son, Edward. A skilled carpenter and joiner, Gorham earned a reputation as a hardworking and honorable member of his community.

Biographical Sketch of Gideon Carpenter

Gideon Carpenter, a native of Bennington, Vermont, settled on a farm in 1802, which is currently managed by his son Isaiah. He fathered four children: Ruth, who wed Daniel Jackson; Roxana, who married Erasmus Gulley Truman from Vergennes; and Isaiah. Carpenter passed away around 1803 or 1804 at the age of eighty-four.

Biographical Sketch of Asaph Haywood

Asaph Haywood established his residence in Weybridge in 1805, settling on a farm currently owned by Joseph Brown. He is notably recognized as the grandfather of Benjamin Haywood, who lives in the northeastern section of Weybridge.

Addison Vermont – Town Organization

Addison, Vermont, was organized with its first town meeting on March 29, 1784, where officials, including Captain Zadock Everest and Colonel John Strong, were elected. Early decisions included establishing two school districts, surveying highways, and appointing committees to assess town layout. Notable votes from 1784 to 1812 reflect the town’s growth and organization, including discussions on possible division into multiple towns and parishes, and the creation of additional school districts as the community expanded.

Addison Vermont – Military

Addison, Vermont, has a notable history of military involvement, dating back to the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. During the Civil War, residents demonstrated similar bravery and commitment, providing substantial support for the Union through enlistments and financial contributions. A list of local volunteers highlights the town’s active participation in these efforts. Census data reflects population fluctuations over the decades, indicating a community engaged in both military service and growth from its founding in 1791.

Addison Vermont – Municipal History

Addison, Vermont, is primarily an agricultural township with a historical significance as one of the oldest towns in the state. Its main settlement, known as The Corners, houses the town hall and was home to stores since 1830, the last operated by Stephen Gregory. Chimney Point once showed potential for growth, featuring a hotel and multiple stores, but declined after the railroad shifted commerce away. Today, West Addison remains a small hamlet, while Town Line refers to a neighborhood along the Addison-Bridport boundary.

Biographical Sketch of Henry Brevoort

Henry Brevoort, originally from West Haven, Vermont, settled in 1811 on a farm later owned by his son, Henry F. A tanner and shoemaker by profession, Brevoort was known for his community involvement. He served as a town representative in the Legislature from 1825 to 1826 and held the position of justice of the peace for thirty years. He passed away in 1880 at the age of ninety-two.

Biography of Ira Ward

Ira Ward, born on April 9, 1796, in Waltham, Vermont, was the fourth child of Jesse and Olive Ward. Growing up in a largely undeveloped area, he received limited education before working on the family farm. After his marriage to Hannah G. in 1817, he moved to a forested farm in New Haven, Vermont, where he remains after over fifty-four years. A veteran of the War of 1812, he had ten children and is an active member of the Republican party while practicing Congregationalism.

Biography of Charles Linsley

Charles Linsley, born on August 29, 1795, in Cornwall, Vermont, was the son of Hon. Joel Linsley, an influential local figure. Linsley initially engaged in mercantile pursuits before switching to law, studying under notable attorneys. Admitted to the bar in 1823, he gained a reputation as a leading attorney in Vermont. Politically active, he was associated with the Democratic party and supported railroad initiatives. Linsley passed away on November 3, 1863, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, integrity, and a strong sense of civic duty.

Biography of Esq. Philip Battell

Philip Battell, Esq., born in Norfolk, Connecticut, on November 28, 1807, was educated at Lennox Academy and Middlebury College, graduating in 1826. After studying law, he established a practice in Connecticut before moving to Cleveland, Ohio, where he spent five productive years. Following his wife’s death in 1841, Battell returned to Middlebury, dedicating himself to education, historical research, and community improvements. He played a pivotal role in founding the Middlebury Historical Society and in organizing the long-standing Forefathers Day celebration. His enduring legacy continues to influence the region.

Biography of Rev. Richard Charles Hand

Rev. Richard Charles Hand, born January 21, 1802, in Shoreham, was the son of Captain Samuel Hand and Eliza Sill. He graduated from Middlebury College in 1822 and studied theology at Andover Theological Seminary. Hand served as pastor in Gouverneur, N.Y., and later in Danville and Bennington, Vt., before retiring to Brooklyn due to health issues. He married twice, first to Agnes Hunsdon, then to Rhoda Hoyt, with both wives predeceasing him. He passed away in July 1870, and is buried in Birchard Cemetery, Shoreham.

Biography of Nicholas J. McCuen

Nicholas J. McCuen was born on August 15, 1851, in Castlebar, Ireland, and moved to Vergennes, Vermont, as an infant. He worked as a clerk before establishing his own successful business at nineteen. A dedicated Republican, McCuen contributed to local governance, serving as water commissioner and later as mayor, overseeing significant improvements. Active in the St. Paul’s Protestant Episcopal Church, he married Kate H. Allen in 1872 and had two sons. McCuen was known for his integrity and community spirit, ultimately becoming a respected figure in Vergennes.

Biography of Col. Sardis Dodge

Colonel Sardis Dodge, born on August 25, 1806, in Weybridge, Vermont, was a prominent figure among the town’s early settlers. He was raised in a farming family, engaging in both education and agricultural work. A military enthusiast, he rose to the rank of colonel in a militia regiment and served in local government roles, including constable and state legislator. Married to Sarah Wales, he had seven children, two of whom survived. A dedicated community member, Dodge actively supported the abolition of slavery and remained well-respected throughout his life.

Biography of Hon.Rollin J. Zebulon Jones

Hon. Rollin J. Zebulon Jones, born on November 12, 1819, in Cornwall, Vermont, was a prominent sheep breeder and politician. He expanded the family farm to 550 acres and was a leading figure in the Merino sheep trade, achieving national recognition. An advocate for education, he supported young men pursuing learning. Active in politics, Jones served multiple terms in the Vermont House and Senate and contributed to the 1857 Constitutional Convention. A lifelong Baptist, he supported various local churches and was known for his strong convictions.

Biography of Allen Penfield Beach

Allen Penfield Beach was born on November 27, 1813, in Ferrisburgh, Vermont. He was the son of Stephen Beach, a farmer and justice of the peace. Allen inherited and expanded the family farm to encompass 450 acres. A member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he served as an officer for over forty years. He was first married to Caroline Bentley, with whom he had two children, and later to Phebe Torrey, with whom he had three more. A man of integrity, he avoided office but participated in local governance.

Biography of Franklin D. Barton

Franklin D. Barton was born on February 28, 1834, in Waltham, Vermont, on the family farm established by early settlers. He pursued education at local schools and Poultney Academy, later becoming a leading breeder of Spanish Merino sheep. He inherited significant land and built an impressive barn for his operations. Marrying Lorelle L. Bullard in 1878, he remained active in farming and occasionally held local offices, aligning politically with the Republican Party. He passed away on September 11, 1863.

Biography of Ozro Preston Gray

Ozro Preston Gray, born on September 18, 1806, in Bridport, Vermont, descended from Scottish ancestors who settled in Ireland before emigrating to Massachusetts. He was the son of Daniel Gray and Susannah Rice. After completing an apprenticeship in tanning, he established a successful business in Crown Point, New York. Gray served as a respected community leader and poormaster. He married Mary Nelson in 1833 and later returned to Bridport, where he lived until his death on May 5, 1882. His widow, Mary, and their adopted daughter, Edna, survived him.

Biography of Wyman Henry Merritt

Wyman Henry Merritt was born on December 11, 1843, in Sudbury, Vermont. He received a basic education and served as a private in the Twelfth Regiment Vermont Volunteers during the Civil War, where he contracted rheumatism. After the war, he worked in various hotel management roles across Vermont and Massachusetts. Merritt suffered a paralytic stroke in 1876, leading to a long recovery. He later worked at the New York custom house before returning to Vermont to manage the Lake Dunmore House. He married Florence Steele in 1886.