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.

Bridport Vermont – 1786 Freeholders

The 1786 grand list of freeholders in Bridport, Vermont, showcases the wealth of early residents through their improved real estate assessments. Key figures include Samuel Lewis (£57 10s 0d) and Daniel Haskins (£54 0s 0d). The document also details personal property holdings, revealing various livestock and land ownership among locals. By 1788, the population had risen to 449, and the tax list expanded to 116 names, indicating growth and economic activity in the town.

Biographical Sketch of Rev. Increase Graves

Rev. Increase Graves served as the first settled minister, obtaining the ministerial lot designated by charter, which is currently the property of H. N. Sollace. Calvin Sollace, originally from Walpole, N.H., graduated from Middlebury College and studied law there before starting his practice in Bridport in 1814. He later held the position of judge for six years.

Biographical Sketch of Daniel Hamblin

Daniel Hamblin relocated from Guilford, Connecticut, to Bridport during its early settlement. Following the onset of the Revolutionary War, he returned to enlist in the Continental army, serving until the war’s end. Afterward, he returned to Bridport and established his farm, which is now owned by J. T. Fletcher. His son, Alexander, a renowned hunter and trapper, took over the homestead, with Hiram E., Alexander’s son, currently residing in the town.

Bridport Vermont- Early Business Interests

Bridport, Vermont, has historically maintained an agricultural focus, with local tradesmen catering primarily to home demands due to limited manufacturing opportunities. Early commerce included potash production, led by Samuel Buck, and trade with Troy, where wheat was exchanged for goods. By 1813, livestock farming gained prominence, with notable figures such as David Hill and Allen Smith influencing the cattle and sheep industries. Before railroads, several ferry services branched out along the lakefront, while lumbering has remained minimal, with only one saw-mill currently operating.

Bridport, Addison County, VT

Bridport, located on the western edge of Addison County, Vermont, was chartered on October 9, 1761, by Governor Benning Wentworth. The town’s boundaries have remained unchanged since its inception. Early settlers faced hardships from hostile events during the Revolutionary War, prompting many to flee. The first permanent settlement began in 1798, with settlers arriving post-war to rebuild. Significant developments included the establishment of civil governance in 1785 and ongoing land divisions, leading to the town’s gradual growth and organization.

Biographical Sketch of Isaac Pettibone

Isaac Pettibone emigrated from Norwalk, Connecticut, to Middlebury and later moved to Bridport in 1795, where he settled on a farm now owned by E. Jewett. A hatter by trade, Pettibone practiced this occupation for many years. He had two sons, Charles C. and Edwin S., both of whom have since died, leaving their widows residing in the town.

Biographical Sketch of William Myrick

William, Barnabas, and Zenas Myrick were influential early businessmen in their town. William held various positions, including town clerk and judge, and served multiple terms in the State Legislature. Barnabas, a selectman, tragically died in 1823 from a falling tree. His son, B. J. Myrick, continued the family legacy. Zenas, a carpenter, also took on public responsibilities, representing the town in 1828 and 1829. William M. and Charles H. Grandoy are noted as grandsons of Judge William Myrick.

Biographical Sketch of Ephraim Stone

Ephraim Stone, originally from Groton, Massachusetts, established his homestead in 1787 on a farm currently owned by Aikin Dukett. He lived there until his death in 1841 at the age of seventy-eight. His legacy continued through his son Philip, born in 1803, who recently passed away, leaving behind two sons, Charles and Marshall.

Biographical Sketch of Arunah Huntington

Arunah Huntington, a shoemaker and leatherworker trained by Matthew Nobles from 1821 to 1825, became notable for his substantial $200,000 donation to Vermont’s common schools. During his time in Bridport, he also taught school during the winters, leaving a lasting impression on his young students. As of April 1886, Bridport’s population included twenty octogenarians, with one resident, Lyman Pease, having reached the age of ninety.

Biographical Sketch of Jakamiah Johnson

Jakamiah Johnson settled in Bridport around 1794 on a farm currently owned by his son, Lyman H. Johnson. His widow, Anna, passed away in 1885 at the age of ninety-two, making her the township’s oldest resident at that time. Other early settlers included Mitchell Kingman from Canaan, Conn., and Rev. Phineas Randall from Stowe, Mass., both arriving in 1795. Henry Hall, the first settler from Rhode Island, arrived in 1790, alongside James Hamilton and his brothers, Michael and John, who established their farms in the same year.

Biographical Sketch of William Russell

William Russell was an early settler who established his homestead on the farm currently owned by his grandson, N. W. Russell. He raised a large family, though only one child, Mrs. B. J. Myrick, survives today. His extensive lineage suggests a significant legacy, with many descendants still present in the area. Russell passed away in 1829.

Biographical Sketch of Payne Converse

Payne Converse, an early settler from Thompson, Connecticut, arrived in Bridport in 1793 with twelve children, including nine sons. Only three—Gardner, Hamblin, and Alfred—established themselves in the town, becoming notable figures. Gardner served as a surveyor and town clerk, while Hamblin was active in local governance. Alfred worked as a blacksmith. Payne settled on land east of the academy, now owned by E. L. Miner. His legacy continues through descendants, including great-grandson F. G. Converse.

Biographical Sketch of James Wilcox

James Wilcox played a notable role in the Revolutionary War at Ticonderoga alongside Ethan Allen. He settled on the lakeshore, in the area now owned by E. H. Merrill. His legacy continued through his sons, Abner, Vilroy, Henry, and Anson, with Abner’s descendants including E. D. and Arthur Wilcox.

Biographical Sketch of Ebenezer Allen

Ebenezer Allen, a prominent early resident of the town, originally hailed from Tinmouth, Vermont. He married the daughter of Philip Stone and maintained a familial connection to Vermont’s hero, Ethan Allen. A respected Mason, Allen passed away in 1875 at the age of eighty-seven, leaving behind a legacy that includes grandsons G. R. and S. Z. Walker. His contributions to the community and familial ties signify his importance in the town’s history.

Biographical Sketch of Abel Rice

Abel Rice, son of Adonijah, settled in town and passed away in July 1800 at the age of forty-nine. He had three sons: Jonas, who inherited the family farm; Joel, a well-regarded physician and political representative who later moved to Wisconsin; and Asa, who at eighty-eight still resides at the family homestead. Abel H. Rice currently owns the ancestral home, continuing the family legacy established by his great-grandfather.

Biographical Sketch of Paris Fletcher

Paris Fletcher, born March 21, 1794, in Woodstock, Vermont, moved to Bridport at sixteen to join his brother in saddle-making. He soon transitioned to general merchandising, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. Esteemed by his community, Fletcher served in various town offices and became a notable financier, being an original director of the Rutland and Burlington Railroad and a long-time director of the Middlebury Bank. He married Anna Miner in 1817, had a son named Albert, and passed away on February 27, 1880, at eighty-six.

Biographical Sketch of David Burwell

David Burwell, originally from New Jersey, settled in Bridport in 1791, taking residence on a farm currently owned by J. T. Fletcher. He was a skilled weaver, dedicating himself to this trade throughout his working life until age constrained his ability to continue.

Biographical Sketch of Zoroaster Fitch

Zoroaster Fitch was an early pioneer who settled in a wilderness area, choosing a prime location for his home about a mile west of the village. He passed away in 1835 at the age of seventy-six. His legacy continues through his family, as his grandson’s widow resides at his former home, and another grandson, William H., still lives in the town.

Biographical Sketch of Samuel Buck

Samuel Buck, born in Milford, Connecticut, on October 29, 1767, moved to Bridport in 1790. He established himself on a farm now owned by Joseph R. Crane and later operated a store at A. A. Fletcher’s location. Lacking formal education, Buck developed his own system of hieroglyphics for bookkeeping. A notable incident occurred when a customer disputed charges for a cheese, leading Buck to humorously recall a grind-stone incorrectly noted in his records, highlighting his unique approach to commerce despite his educational limitations.