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.
Artemas Wheeler, an early settler from Worcester County, Massachusetts, relocated with his family to the town. His son Leonard resided near the village for many years, passing away in 1872 at the age of eighty-nine. Leonard was married five times, with his final wife predeceasing him. In his youth, he worked as a shoemaker. The legacy of the Wheeler family continues through Leonard’s son, E. M. Wheeler, who still resides in the area.
Adonijah Rice, recognized as the first white male child born in Worcester, Massachusetts, was a significant figure among the original sixty-four proprietors of Bridport, receiving land rights per the charter. Notably, he was the only grantee who spent his final days in the town. Rice passed away on January 20, 1802, at the age of eighty-eight, as inscribed on his gravestone in the village cemetery.
Benjamin A. Skiff, a descendant of a family from Sharon, Connecticut, established a farm in 1805, which is currently managed by his son, Abel P. Skiff. He operated a hotel on the property for approximately two decades before his death in 1815. Abel P., now eighty-five years old, is engaged in cultivating peaches, quinces, and pears.
The Wicker brothers, John, Plinney, and Ira, arrived in town around 1814 as mechanics and farmers. They constructed a house later occupied by F. G. Converse and ran a hotel, balancing their various roles. John was the father of Mrs. A. H. Rice, and Ira’s widow remains in the town at over eighty years old. The post also mentions early settlers Roswell Mosley and Stephen Baldwin, whose family participated in the War of 1812, contributing to the community’s development.
Jesse and Asa Crane, early settlers from Connecticut, established their families in the area, with their descendants becoming notable farmers and stock raisers, including Julius J., Joseph R., Cassius P., and Byron W. Philip Searl arrived around 1791, serving as a deacon in the Congregational Church while raising a large family. He passed away in 1852 at eighty-four. His son Gordon became a prominent merchant and also served as a deacon until his death in 1867, followed by the death of his son Charles in 1868. D. C. Barbour is also a descendant.
The Congregational Church of Bridport, organized by Rev. Lemuel Haynes in 1790 with twelve members, initially worshiped in a frame structure that now serves as a private dwelling. The current brick building, constructed in 1851, accommodates 550 and has 178 members. The Methodist Episcopal Church followed in 1800, with a building from 1821 housing both the church and a Masonic hall. A Baptist church nearby remains unused. Historical documents reveal details of the 1794 installation ceremony for Rev. Graves, highlighting community engagement and hospitality.
David Doty, born in New Providence, New Jersey, in May 1758, married Hannah Smith in 1787. Initially settling on a farm, he relocated in 1790 to a different property, now owned by his son, Captain David F. Doty, born in July 1798. Ira S. Doty, another son, resides with them.
Phineas Kitchel was born in Hanover in October 1763 and moved to Bridport in 1798, where he established himself as a weaver, later expanding his skills to include blacksmithing and carriagemaking. He lived until 1853, reaching the age of ninety. His son, Joseph, born in 1794, predeceased him, dying in 1852. Oscar F. Kitchel is noted as a descendant of Phineas Kitchel.
Jesse and Asa Crane, early settlers from Connecticut, established themselves in the area along with their large families. Their descendants, including notable farmers such as Julius J., Joseph R., Cassius P., and Byron W., have continued their legacy. Philip Searl arrived around 1791, contributing to the community as a farmer and long-serving deacon of the Congregational Church. He passed away in 1852 at eighty-four. His son, Gordon, a prominent merchant and deacon, died in 1867, followed by his son Charles the next year. D. C. Barbour is also a descendant.
On October 13, 1800, the Grand Lodge of Vermont established Morning Sun Lodge No. 18 in Bridport, following a petition from local Masons, including notable figures such as John Strong and William McKendrick. The lodge has endured through the years and currently thrives with approximately one hundred active members. William M. Grandey serves as the master for his third term, and the lodge boasts a well-appointed meeting room, reflecting its ongoing vitality and commitment to Masonry.
James Barbour, originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, settled in Bridport in 1782, where he organized the town’s first Thanksgiving with its small population of six families. A devout Puritan, Barbour’s life included an amusing incident reported by lawyer Thomas Ormsbee, where he and his wife were mistakenly thought to be engaged in a scandalous act but were actually handling the hair of a butchered hog. Descendants of Barbour, including M. K. and D. C. Barbour, continue to reside in Bridport.
William Braisted, originally from Sussex County, New Jersey, settled on his farm in 1786, which is now owned by his grandson, William R. Braisted. The latter has continued the family legacy by serving as a farmer and representing the town in the Legislature, along with holding various other local offices.
John, Plinney, and Ira Wicker were three brothers who arrived in town, possibly around 1814, and worked as mechanics and farmers. They constructed a house that now belongs to F. G. Converse and managed a hotel while balancing their trades and farming duties. John was the father of Mrs. A. H. Rice, and Ira’s widow still resides in town. Additionally, early settlers like Roswell Mosley and Stephen Baldwin contributed to the community, with Baldwin’s sons serving in the War of 1812.
Jeremiah Lee, an early settler known for his contributions as a farmer, constable, and tax collector, had a large family of eight children, including two sons, Prosper and Gay W. He resided on land that is now occupied by his grandson, Wilber Hamilton, with his legacy continuing through descendants like Mrs. Sarah Lee Hemenway. Jeremiah Lee passed away in 1843 at the age of seventy-one.
Dr. H. L. Townsend, a native of Plainfield, Vermont, was born on August 14, 1860. He pursued his medical education in Burlington, graduating in 1881. Dr. E. G. Blaisdell came from Richford, Vermont, born on December 13, 1846, and completed his studies at the University of Vermont in 1871. He has been a practicing physician in the town for approximately fourteen years, contributing to local healthcare since his graduation.
Nathaniel Elitharp became the first settler on what is now J. D. Brooks’ farm around 1791. His legacy continues through his descendants, Prosper and Halsey C.
John, Plinney, and Ira Wicker, three brothers and skilled mechanics, arrived in town around 1814. They constructed the house currently occupied by F. G. Converse and operated a hotel while managing their farm and trades. John is notable as the father of Mrs. A. H. Rice. Ira’s widow, now in her eighties, still resides in town. Additionally, early settlers like Roswell Mosley and Stephen Baldwin, along with his sons who served in the War of 1812, contributed to the community’s development.
Joseph Williams arrived in town around 1785 and initially settled on the farm currently owned by Rodbert Hutchingson, where he engaged in the clothier’s trade, specializing in coloring and dressing homemade woolen cloth. He later passed this business to his son Amasa and moved to another property, which is now inhabited by his grandson, F. A. Williams. Joseph Williams lived there for many years until his death in 1847 at the age of eighty-one.
Bridport village, known as The Center, is situated in a picturesque farming area but has seen a decline in business and population over the years. Currently, it comprises around thirty-five dwellings, two churches, and various shops. In the early 19th century, the village hosted a tannery, carriage manufacturing, and several skilled tradesmen. Key establishments included a brick store started by Paris Fletcher in 1826. West Bridport, initially Catlins Ferry, features a scenic lakeshore and has recently established a post office, enhancing its community.
Elijah Grosvenor settled in Bridport, Vermont, between 1780 and 1790, establishing his home on what is now Frank P. Wood’s property. A skilled mason, he contributed to the building of the Middlebury jail. He raised a family there, with his legacy continued through his descendants, including his grandsons Elijah and Edgar, as well as Darwin, the son of Edgar, and the widow of his son John, who currently resides in the area.