Addison County VT

The first permanent settlement in Bristol, Vermont, commenced in 1786, following its charter’s grant twenty-four years earlier. John Broadt was the first recorded inhabitant, living alone for twelve years before being discovered by a settlement committee. Samuel Stewart and Eden Johnson soon followed, constructing the first log house together, marking the start of community development. Additional settlers joined them over the years, significantly contributing to the growth of Bristol, which continued to attract families and establish its early societal framework.

Bristol, Vermont, has a rich mercantile history with various businesses established in the late 19th century. W. H. Miller began selling clothing in 1876, while F. I. Ward opened a millinery shop in 1873. Other notable merchants include E. S. S. D. Farr (hardware, 1878), J. J. Dumas (sash and doors, 1881), and F. W. Nash (boots and shoes, 1884). The Bristol Herald was founded in 1879, and the Bristol House has operated since the early 1800s, highlighting the town’s vibrant commercial activity.

The current town officers of Bristol, Vermont in 1880 include E. M. Kent as clerk, H. C. Munsill as treasurer, and selectmen H. S. Sumner, W. R. Peake, and P. W. Chase. Other officials are E. S. Farr (constable), A. D. Searls (superintendent of schools), listers W. W. Needham, N. J. Hill, and C. W. Norton, R. A. Young as overseer of the poor, and W. W. Rider serving as town agent.

Bristol, Vermont, has shown a consistent population growth since the first census in 1791. Initial figures recorded 211 residents, which increased to 665 by 1800 and peaked at 1,579 by 1880. Although there were fluctuations during the 19th century, the overall trend indicates a steady rise in population. This historical data reflects the town’s gradual expansion over the years.

Bristol village, situated on an elevated plain by the New Haven River, has evolved significantly since 1800, transforming from an unbroken wilderness into a thriving community. The village’s layout comprises North, South, East, and West streets converging at a central park. By 1840, it housed various businesses, including stores, a hotel, and manufacturing facilities, alongside four churches and essential services for its approximately 800 residents. Its scenic backdrop of Hogback and South Mountains complements its economic and social development, marking it as the township’s center.

The Bristol post office was established in 1803, with Thaddeus McLaughlin as its first postmaster. Initially located in a brick building constructed by his father in 1800, the office served a community that had previously relied on settlers to collect mail from Middlebury. Over the years, postmasters included Jacob and Isaac Cadwell, who operated the office from their log hotel until Joseph Otis relocated it to the village in 1815. Fred Landon is the current postmaster.

The Bristol Manufacturing Company, established as Howden, Daniels & Co. for coffin production, evolved significantly by 1877 into a stock company under W. S. Howden’s presidency. With capital increasing from $25,000 to $46,000, it expanded its operations to include sash, doors, and blinds, supported by a robust water power and multiple buildings. Employing 50-60 workers, the company generates around $66,000 in annual sales, primarily in New York and New England. Additional local enterprises include grist-mills and various blacksmiths and carriage-makers.

The Bristol Scientific Institute was founded long ago and evolved into the Bristol Academy during wartime, before becoming the Bristol Graded School on March 2, 1881. Originally constructed in 1855, the building was relocated in 1876. The school’s principal, Mason S. Stone, leads a staff that includes E. A. Hasseltine, Julia Barry, Hattie Bissonette, and Miss Spencer. Bristol comprises nine school districts, emphasizing its commitment to education.

Libanus Lodge No. 47, chartered on January 13, 1859, currently hosts seventy-nine members, convening monthly on the second Monday. Key officers include H. S. Sumner as Worshipful Master and H. B. Williams as Treasurer. Gifford Chapter No. 23 follows with thirty-one members, meeting monthly, led by H. C. Munsill as High Priest. Munsill Council has fifteen members with E. A. Hasseltine as Illustrious Master. These organizations reflect the rich tradition of Freemasonry in Bristol, Vermont.

The Vermont Gazette on February 14, 1789, announced the inaugural town meeting for Pocock, later known as Bristol. The meeting took place at Justin Allen’s home on the first Monday of March, where key officials were elected, including Henry McLaughlin as moderator. For decades, meetings continued annually, moving locations frequently until Holley Hall was constructed in 1884, thanks to community support. This early town organization laid the foundation for Bristol’s governance and civic engagement.

In Bristol, Vermont, the first grist-mill was established by the O’Briens around 1792, serving early settlers until a larger mill was built in New Haven Mills. Enos Soper constructed a grist-mill in 1805, operational until it burned in 1849. Other early industries included several forges, initiated in 1791, which produced iron until the mid-19th century. Additionally, Elisha Fuller established a cloth-dressing business in the early 1800s that succumbed to a freshet in 1830, ending its operations.

Bristol, Vermont, is home to several notable professionals in various fields. W. W. Rider, a lawyer born in 1841, has practiced in Bristol since 1865. Dr. E. G. Prime, a physician born in 1843, returned to Bristol after studying in Philadelphia and Scotland. Other prominent medical practitioners include Dr. D. A. Bisbee, Dr. E. M. Kent, and Dr. George O. W. Farnham, each established in Bristol from the late 19th century. Additionally, H. A. Hasseltine and E. W. Shattuck contributed to the dental profession in the town.