Vermont

Biography of Malcolm Crawford

MALCOLM CRAWFORD, well known in Hatfield, Massachusetts, as a farmer and skilled mechanic, comes of a family that has been in New England for many generations, its records tracing back to 1730, almost two hundred years ago. (I) James Crawford, immigrant ancestor of the family, came to America in 1730 from Londonderry, Ireland, in 1730, and settled in Newtown, Massachusetts. He later went to Union, Connecticut, where he bought land and was a large land owner. Although he came from Ireland, James Crawford was of Scotch extraction, and he married Elizabeth Campbell, also of Scotch origin. Their children, all born … Read more

Biography of Reese James Richards

Mr. Richards’ long experience in the jewelry business has culminated in one of the most popular and well-equipped jewelry establishments at Northampton, and in this part of the State; and to bring about its gradual and substantial development he has added the results of investigation and training that have been lifelong. His interest in the broadening of civic affairs has always been a most active feature of his Northampton citizenship; and he has held office that has been productive of progressive results to the community. Mr. Richards is the son of William T. Richards, who who was born in England … Read more

Biography of Julian Lee Perkins

President of the Perkins Appliance Company, Incorporated, of Springfield, Massachusetts, one of the outstanding industries of a great industrial community, is a native of Vermont. He bears a name which appeared in English history back in the reign of Richard II. He was born in Bridgewater, Vermont, August 23, 1879, and attended the public and high schools at Woodstock, Vermont. His father, Charles A. Perkins, likewise born in Bridgewater, was a farmer. His mother, Eliza M. (Dinsmore) Perkins, was born in Lansing, Michigan. The name was derived from Peterkin, and had several spellings. Peter Morley, Esquire, alias Perkins, was an … Read more

Biography of James Barclay Jermain

JAMES BARCLAY JERMAIN A VENERABLE Albanian, whose name will be cherished by thousands of his fellow-citizens as a noble philanthropist, long after he shall have passed from the scenes and activities of earth, is James Barclay Jermain. His career as a benefactor to his race affords a happy illustration of what is true, spiritual and beautiful in Christianity. Favored with large pecuniary means he has not been slow to use money liberally in such ways as he believes to t s effective in accomplishing the greatest amount of good to the largest number of individuals in elevating them socially, intellectually … Read more

Biography of Galen R. Hitt

GALEN R. HITT IN THE ranks of the younger democratic Albanians no A man has risen more rapidly in the estimation of his party during the past few years than the subject of our sketch, Hon. Galen R. Hitt. He belongs to the sturdy race of New Englanders, and was born on the 16th of August, 1843, at Pawlet, Vt. There he passed his childhood days attending the district schools of his native place, playing on the green fields of his father’s farm, inhaling the pure, invigorating air of that delightful, healthful region of country, growing up a vigorous youth, … Read more

Biography of Matthew Hale

MATTHEW HALE A MAN of fine legal attainments and of high personal character, who has been a steady resident of Albany for the past twenty-two years is the Hon. Matthew Hale, On the 20th of June, 1829, in the little town of Chelsea, in the state of Vermont, this well-known jurist first saw the light of day. His ancestry is in every respect a notable one – including admirable combinations of intellectual, moral and religious principles. His father, Harry Hale, was a descendant of one Thomas Hale, an English yeoman, who immigrated to this country in 1638, and settled in … Read more

Biography of Isaac G. Perry

ISAAC G. PERRY AN architect of high standing and great popularity in his profession is Isaac G. Perry, the regular capitol commissioner, whose official residence is now in Albany. Born in Bennington, Vt., of Scottish ancestry, on the 24th of March, 1822, he passed his earliest days amidst the grand, patriotic scenes of the Green mountains, breathing pure, invigorating air and laying the foundation of a strong constitution. His father, Seneca Perry, a native of White Creek, Washington County, N. Y., and a carpenter and joiner by trade, died in 1868. His mother, whose maiden name was Martha Ann Taggart, … Read more

Biography of Cyrus Strong Merrill, M. D.

CYRUS STRONG MERRILL, M. D. AMONG the noted professional men of Albany no name shines with greater resplendency in a special department of science than that of Dr. C. S. Merrill, the eminent oculist and aurist. On the 21st of September, 1847, in the town of Bridport, Vermont, he first saw the light. His parents were Edward Henry Merrill and Sarah Wilson Strong, whose ancestors were among the earliest settlers of that state and exerted a marked influence on its affairs before, as well as since the revolution. From his earliest years the natural inclination of his genius was plainly … Read more

Miscellaneous African American Genealogy

African American Genealogy online research is much more difficult due to the scant nature of record keeping for African American’s prior to the Civil War. This is the reason for creating a separate section for African Americans much like we have for Native Americans who’s research can also be hampered by the available records. The links below provide an accurate reflection of what is available to be searched for African American genealogy. Conducting successful African American genealogical research can be a challenging adventure. In recent years, the challenge has been lessened and the adventure heightened by the growing body of … Read more

Biography of Edwin K. Burnham

EDWIN K. BURNHAM A BUSY, representative man, who has faithfully served his country both in a military and civil capacity, is the Hon. Edwin K. Burnham, the present careful, efficient superintendent of public buildings of the state of New York, whose official residence is now in Albany. In his veins flow the blood of the loyal, patriotic, enterprising race of New Englanders. Vermont is his native state, and in the rural town of Randolph – named, we believe, in honor of the famous Virginian orator and statesman John Randolph – he was born on the 8th of September, 1839. His … Read more

Biography of Lewis Balch, M. D., PH. D.

LEWIS BALCH, M. D., PH. D. ONE of the physicians and surgeons of Albany, whose professional assistance has been sought often in consultation through the state, is Dr. Lewis Balch. He was born in the city of New York, corner of Great Jones street and Second Avenue, on the 7th day of July, 1847. Ancestry on both sides is a notable one. It is of English and French origin. Several of his ancestors have rendered no small service in this country in civil and ecclesiastical matters. He is the oldest son of the Rev. Lewis P. W. Balch, D. D., … Read more

Biography of Hon. George W. Vinton

It is a pleasure for the writer to take up the career of men who, through long years of residence in Rock Island County, have by their upright lives and splendid deeds won for themselves the enduring respect and regard of their fellow citizens. In this class the Honorable George W. Vinton stands prominent. He was born at Middlebury, Vermont, December 5, 1834. His father was John A. Vinton, who served as a drummer boy during the War of 1812. After the close of that war the father received from the United States Government a tract of land for his … Read more

Vermont Indian Tribes

Abnaki Indians. An Abnaki band known as the Missiassik was at one time settled on Missisquoi River in Franklin County. Mahican Indians. Bands of the Mahican hunted in the southwestern and western parts of the State and made temporary settlements from time to time. One Mahican village (Winooskeek) is thought to have been located at the mouth of Winooski River. (See New York.) Pennacook Indians. The eastern margins of Vermont were occupied by the Pennacook, who must have hunted considerably within its borders. (See New Hampshire.) Pocomtuc Indians. The northernmost bands of the Pocomtuc extended into the southern parts of … Read more

History of Addison, Addison County, Vermont

THE town of Addison lies on the shore of Lake Champlain, in the western part of Addison county, and is bounded on the north by Panton; east by Waltham and Weybridge; south by Bridport, and west by Lake Champlain. The surface of the town is level or with a gradual slope towards the lake, except the extreme eastern part, which becomes hilly or mountainous, the highest elevation being Snake Mountain (or Grandview Mountain, as it is now called; this elevation rises to a height of 1,310 feet above sea level, and is the highest point in the county west of … Read more

History of Cornwall, Addison County, Vermont

THE original grantees of Cornwall were probably residents of Litchfield county, Connecticut. The charter granted to them was signed by Benning Wentworth, governor of New Hampshire, on the 3d day of November, 1761. The data in these pages describes the history of the town of Cornwall, to include the mercantile and industry, professional, military, and Ecclesiastical history of the town. Included with this history are brief sketches of leading citizens in 1885. History of Cornwall, Addison County, Vermont Cornwall Cornwall – 1885 Town Officers Cornwall – Early Roads Cornwall – Early Settlements Cornwall – Ecclesiastical Cornwall – Industry Cornwall – … Read more

Gazetteer of Lamoille County Vermont for 1883-84

Smith and Worthen Livery and Stable Morrisville VT

This collection stems from a manuscript published by Hamilton Child in 1887 which provided a gazetteer for Lamoille and Orleans County. Within that manuscript was a brief history of each community, a directory of each community, and short biographical sketches of some of the leading citizens for each town.

Vermont War of 1812 Military Records

On June 1, 1812, President James Madison gave a speech to the U.S. Congress, recounting American grievances against Great Britain, though not specifically calling for a declaration of war. After Madison’s speech, the House of Representatives quickly voted (79 to 49) to declare war, and the Senate by 19 to 13. The conflict formally began on June 18, 1812 when Madison signed the measure into law. This was the first time that the United States had declared war on another nation, and the Congressional vote would prove to be the closest vote to declare war in American history. None of … Read more