Windham County VT

Biography of Albert S. Wait

Albert S. Wait, born on April 14, 1821, in Chester, Vermont, is recognized as Sullivan County’s oldest lawyer in active practice. A descendant of early settlers, he began his legal career in 1846 after studying under Judge Kellogg. After practicing in Alstead, he moved to Newport in 1857, partnering with Hon. Edmund Burke for a decade. Married three times, he is involved in local governance and Masonic organizations, and is regarded as a legal authority, contributing to historical societies and legal literature.

Biographical Sketch of E. Chamberlin

E. Chamberlin was born on November 18, 1821, in Windham County, Vermont, and later moved to Bureau County, Illinois, where he was raised on a farm. He became involved in the grocery business and was a pioneer settler in Northern Illinois. In 1867, he settled in Daviess County, becoming a prominent farmer. He married Elizabeth Boyd on September 29, 1842, and they raised six children together, contributing to the community’s development.

Biography of George S. Bond

George S. Bond, born in Charlestown on March 2, 1837, was the son of Silas and Alice Bond. After his father’s death, he worked various jobs, eventually learning the tinsmith and shoe finishing trades. In 1865, he purchased a tin store, later transitioning to a successful violin case manufacturing business, noted for its extensive capacity and equipment. Bond served on the School Board, participated in the 1889 Constitutional Convention, and was a prominent Mason. He married Mary M. Way and had a son, Herbert, and became a respected figure in Charlestown through diligent effort.

Biography of Hezekiah Stowel

Hezekiah Stowel, a pioneer from Vermont, settled in Bettsburgh in 1786 on 220 acres. He was the first settler of the village and later moved across the river, where he is buried. His children included Asa, who operated the first inn in 1788, and others who settled nearby. Stowel’s taverns transitioned from log to frame structures until his death, with no tavern remaining afterward. His legacy included notable descendants, with his family playing significant roles in the local community’s development.

Biography of Richard Church

Richard Church settled in Afton, New York, in the fall of 1788, bringing with him his wife Polly and their infant son Billings. He acquired 300 acres of land from his father, Col. Timothy Church. After Richard’s death in 1813, his land was divided among his sons, including Billings, who continued the family legacy. Richard had several children, including Col. Ira and Levi, who also established their own residences in the area. Many descendants of Richard Church still reside in the region and beyond.

Biography of Gen. John H. Stevens

Gen. John H. Stevens, a notable pioneer of the Inland Empire, was born in Vermont and later moved to Michigan, where he held various occupations, including hotel-keeping and lumbering. In 1852, he traveled to Oregon with a sizeable group, successfully navigating challenges like cholera. Stevens played a significant role in local governance, the military during the Yakima War, and was involved in the state’s legislative efforts. Eventually settling in La Grande, he became a prosperous rancher and respected community leader, with a legacy through his children and grandchildren.

Biography of David Millington Howard

David Millington Howard was a significant figure in Rossville, Kansas, known for his contributions as a farmer, stockman, and financier. Born in Vermont in 1841, he excelled in his education despite the demanding labor of farm life. A pioneer in agricultural practices, he notably raised alfalfa and bred quality livestock. Howard also played a crucial role in local banking and politics, serving in the Kansas Legislature. Renowned for his integrity, he supported numerous community initiatives before passing away in 1913, leaving a lasting legacy.

Biography of Fernando A. Parsons

Fernando A. Parsons, born in Vermont in 1849, exemplified a remarkable career in business and community service. After funding his own education, he ventured into various industries including hardware, banking, and oil, achieving substantial success. He played a pivotal role in the development of towns in Western Kansas and was instrumental in establishing the Kansas Co-Operative Refining Company. A dedicated philanthropist, he supported educational initiatives in Chanute. Parsons’ long-standing reputation for integrity and his keen business acumen marked his enduring legacy.

Biography of Wallace E. Stoddard

Wallace E. Stoddard, born on January 3, 1872, in Vernon, Vermont, exemplified dedication in business administration throughout his career. Educated in local schools and Eastmans Business College, he held various significant positions, including paymaster at the Draper Corporation and treasurer of the Silver Creek Company, showcasing exceptional administrative skills. A Republican and active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, he also engaged with local fraternal organizations. Married to Laetitia L. Irwin, Stoddard is the father of one daughter, Helen.

Biography of Myron James Farr

Myron James Farr, born December 2, 1861, in Windham, Vermont, was the son of James L. and Mary Hortensia Stiles Farr. After completing his education, he ventured into farming and dairying before partnering with his father-in-law in a lumber business. In 1899, he joined the Franklin County Lumber Company, serving for 23 years. An active community member, Farr was elected selectman and contributed to his church. He married Lizzie Mabel Burnham in 1888, with whom he had five children, shaping a legacy in Greenfield, Massachusetts.

Biography of William Edward Benson

William Edward Benson, a prominent figure in Greenfield’s real estate and insurance sectors, descends from a Vermont family. Born in 1879, he graduated high school in Greenfield and worked as a bookkeeper before entering the oil and coal businesses. By 1921, he expanded into real estate, achieving notable success across New England. Involved in various financial and Masonic organizations, Benson also married Florence R. Hicks in 1901, with whom he had three children. His family’s rich heritage includes his grandfather, John Ellis Benson, a Vermont miller.

Biography of George Edward Reed

George Edward Reed, born January 10, 1880, in Brattleboro, Vermont, established a significant presence in the laundry industry as president of the Amherst Laundry Company. He began his career in a Brattleboro laundry, later moving through various Vermont towns before settling in Amherst, where he transformed the cooperative laundry into a modernized operation in 1921. Reed is respected in his field and active in local organizations, including the Odd Fellows and the Amherst Business Men’s Association. He married Maud Allian Crosier in 1902 and has two sons.

Biography of James Hale Newton

James Hale Newton, a prominent figure in Holyoke, Massachusetts, was an accomplished businessman, educator, and civic leader, regarded as the Grand Old Man of his community. Born in 1832 into a long-established New England family, he pursued an extensive education while working various jobs. Newton played a key role in founding and managing several paper mills and banks, contributing significantly to the region’s prosperity. His dedication to civic affairs included organizing educational and healthcare institutions, reflecting his philanthropic spirit and commitment to community development until his death in 1921.

Biography of George Edward Adams

George Edward Adams, born December 8, 1880, in Brattleboro, Vermont, is the president and general manager of the H. K. Smith Company in Springfield, a leading dealership for Ford automobiles and tractors. His lineage traces back to Robert Adams, an early New England settler. After a career in the grain business, Adams shifted to the automobile industry, establishing a successful agency in 1908. He is recognized for his community involvement and contributions, and he is a family man, married to Margaret C. Averill with three children.