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.

Biographical Sketch of Zenas Myrick

William, Barnabas, and Zenas Myrick were notable early business figures in the community. William held multiple positions, including town clerk and judge, and served in the State Legislature. Barnabas, a selectman, tragically died in 1823 from a tree accident. Zenas, a carpenter, represented the town in the legislature in 1828 and 1829. Their legacy continued through descendants, including B. J. Myrick, Barnabas’s son, and grandsons William M. and Charles H. Grandoy.

Biographical Sketch of Heman R. Bull

Heman R. Bull was born in 1814 in Charlotte, Vermont, and moved to Ferrisburgh in 1833, where he became a farmer with 300 acres. He married Rachel M. Palmer in 1837, and they had six children. Bull’s parents were Jeremiah and Phebe Bull, who had eight children in total. Rachel passed away in 1884. Bull’s family has deep roots in the Ferrisburgh community, reflective of the area’s early settlement and agricultural heritage.

Biographical Sketch of A. J. Cushman

A. J. Cushman, born on May 21, 1843, in Georgia, Vermont, was the son of educator Francis Cushman. He moved to Lincoln in 1859 and worked as a blacksmith before enlisting in the Sixth Vermont Volunteers, serving three years and participating in over fifty battles. After studying medicine part-time, he entered the University of Vermont’s medical department in 1881. Cushman was married twice, first to Amelia Hood and later to Ella Stone, and has four children. He is now a successful physician.

Biographical Sketch of Daniel Hemenway

Daniel Hemenway, originally from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, moved to Shoreham, Vermont in 1783, where he served as treasurer for the local proprietors. He had eight sons, four of whom settled in Vermont. His son Asa, a veteran of the Battle of Bunker Hill, was active in local governance and established a farm in 1783. Daniel died in 1794, while Asa lived until 1810, marrying twice and fathering nine children. Jacob Hemenway, another son, settled in Bridport.

Biographical Sketch of Samuel Bixby

Samuel Bixby moved from Thompson, Connecticut, to the town in 1792, establishing his residence on a farm that is currently owned by Elmer H. Bixby.

Biographical Sketch of Deacon Lamond Gray

Deacon Lamond Gray, born in 1753 in Pelham, Massachusetts, was a descendant of Scotch immigrants who settled in Ireland in 1612. After marrying Isabel Hamilton in 1778, he became an early settler of Bridport, Vermont, where he acquired two hundred acres of land. A well-educated man, Gray served as town clerk and deacon of the Congregational Church. He had three children, including Daniel, who graduated from Middlebury College and had multiple descendants. Lamond Gray passed away in 1812 at the age of fifty-nine.

Bridport Vermont – 1880 Town Officers

In 1880, the town officers of Bridport, Vermont, included N. S. Bennett as town clerk, with selectmen J. R. Crane, C. H. Smith, and G. R. Walker. D. H. Bennett served as town treasurer, while Ira D. Fletcher oversaw the poor. C. W. Huntley was the constable, and the listers were J. R. Rice, H. C. Burwell, and J. W. Pratt, who also collected taxes. Additional roles included auditors, a town agent, fence viewers, a sexton, and an agent for the cemetery fund.

Biographical Sketch of Charles Alden

Charles Alden was born in Addison, Vermont, in 1853 and became a prominent contract builder. In 1885, he established the firm Alden Cotey, focusing on manufacturing sash, blinds, doors, and general carpentry. Married in 1872 to Angeline Bricot, they had three children: Jennie, Louis E., and Lena Belle. Charles was the son of John and Thursey Alden, with roots tracing back to Peter Alden, who immigrated from France and settled in Vergennes, Vermont, early in the local history.

Biographical Sketch of John Birkett

John Birkett was born on March 12, 1823, in Ferrisburgh, Vermont. He inherited and expanded the family homestead to approximately 400 acres. Active in local governance, he served as a town representative in 1876 and 1877 and held the position of justice of the peace. Married in 1861 to Alvira C. Parker, they had four children. John was the son of Joseph Birkett, who settled in Ferrisburgh in 1795, having emigrated from England.

Biographical Sketch of Joseph Colby

Joseph Colby, born on August 14, 1787, in Ware, N.H., settled in South Lincoln, Vt., in 1827. He acquired 150 acres of land and married Lydia Gove, with whom he had nine children. Joseph passed away on October 10, 1855, and Lydia followed on June 10, 1862. Their lineage includes Edward G., a prominent farmer in Lincoln, who married Hannah Farr. Together, they had several children, continuing the Colby family legacy in the region.

Biographical Sketch of George E. Ball

George E. Ball, born in Ferrisburgh, Vermont, in 1851, is a distinguished farmer and dairyman managing a 300-acre homestead. He married Flora Webb in 1872, with whom he had two children, Dora M. and Benedict C. Ball is the son of Michael and Delia Ball, who passed away in 1857, leaving five children. His father, Michael, was an active community member, serving in various town offices and originating from a family settled in Ferrisburgh since 1795.

Biographical Sketch of Howard Clark 2d

Howard Clark 2d, born on October 29, 1837, in Bristol, Vermont, married Lois Sargent on December 29, 1863. He served as deputy sheriff for fifteen years, was elected high sheriff in 1884, and worked as a constable for twenty-four years. Clark represented Lincoln in the Vermont Legislature during 1869-1870 and participated in the Constitutional Convention in 1870, holding nearly all local offices throughout his career.

Bridport Vermont- Military

In 1834, a tragic boating accident near Bridport resulted in the drowning of nine individuals, primarily from Allen Smith’s household. As the Civil War unfolded, the town exemplified New England’s spirit by responding promptly to enlistment calls, contributing a significant number of volunteers. The Adjutant General’s report details names of those who served, reflecting community dedication. Additionally, demographic data from census reports highlights population changes from 1791, indicating growth and decline over the decades, marking Bridport’s evolving history during turbulent times.

Biographical Sketch of Aaron Curler

Aaron Curler was born on August 30, 1802, in Ferrisburgh, Vermont. Rising from humble beginnings, he achieved financial success and now resides on the family homestead purchased in 1837. He married twice: first to Catherine Newton, with whom he had two children, and later to Catherine Gardner, who passed away in 1878, leaving two more children. Aaron is the last surviving child of Jacob and Rachel Van Curler, who settled in the area around 1792.

Biographical Sketch of David Pratt

David Pratt, originally from Salem, Massachusetts, settled in Bridport in 1777, where he established his residence on the farm currently owned by Mrs. Edrick Spaulding. A skilled carpenter, Pratt contributed significantly to the town’s development by constructing many of its early frame buildings. In addition to his work, he served as lister in 1800 and has numerous descendants living in the area today.

Biographical Sketch of Barnabas Myrick

William, Barnabas, and Zenas Myrick were influential early businessmen in their town. William held various roles, including town clerk and judge, and represented the town in the State Legislature. Barnabas, who served as selectman, tragically died in 1823 from a falling tree. His son, B. J. Myrick, continued the family’s legacy. Zenas, a carpenter, also served as a town representative in 1828 and 1829. William’s grandsons, William M. and Charles H. Grandoy, are part of this notable lineage.

Biographical Sketch of Isaac Barrows

Isaac Barrows was the initial settler of the farm currently owned by F. G. Converse. Originating from Connecticut, he temporarily stayed with the family of Philip Stone, residing six miles away, and returned nightly from his labor. During this period, he encountered numerous bears, successfully hunting several. His legacy continues through his descendant, Rufus Barrows, who remains a resident of the area.

Biographical Sketch of George W. Abbott

George W. Abbott was born on May 18, 1832, in Bristol, Vermont. He was the son of Aretus and Miranda Abbott, with his father working as a blacksmith and in the blooming business. George learned his father’s trade and engaged in it until enlisting in the Fourteenth Vermont Infantry during the Civil War, where he fought at Gettysburg. After the war, he returned to his profession. He married Lucy A. Fay in 1854 and later Eliza E. Chapman in 1879. He lived in East Middlebury, Vermont.

Biographical Sketch of David J. Brydia

David J. Brydia, born on July 24, 1830, in Ferrisburgh, Vermont, is a general farmer who resides on his family’s homestead, established over a century ago. He married Catharine Gregory in 1850, with whom he had three children: Hettie, Ira, and Cora. Brydia’s lineage includes notable ancestors, such as his father Ruben and grandfather David Brydia. His mother-in-law, Esther Van Curler, also connects to significant family history in the region.