Slafter

Johnson Family of Norwich Vermont

The Johnson Family played a pivotal role in the early history of Norwich, Vermont. Captain Hezekiah Johnson, born in 1724 in Woburn, Massachusetts, was an original proprietor and early settler, established near the Pompanoosuc River. He held numerous offices, including selectman, and contributed to the town’s development and safety during the Revolutionary War. Johnson was also generous to Dartmouth College. He passed away in 1806, leaving a legacy through his children, including Samuel Slafter Johnson and Dorothy, who married Jeremiah Hedges, further intertwining family connections in the community.

Free Masonry in Norwich Vermont

Norwich, Vermont, has no recorded Masonic Lodge, though many residents joined lodges in neighboring towns, notably the Franklin Lodge in Hanover, established in 1796. Several Norwich men were members, with names documented from 1798 to 1810. The lodge relocated to Lebanon in 1821. Amidst the 1830 Anti-Masonic movement, tensions arose within the North Congregational Church, leading to a contentious debate over Masonic participation. Ultimately, a compromise allowed for a temporary cessation of conflicts between Masons and the Anti-Masonic faction.

Migration of Families out of Norwich VT

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Norwich, Vermont, experienced significant emigration, leading to a notable decline in its population. Initially home to 40 families in 1771, the town saw many residents relocate to newer settlements, such as Royalton and Randolph, during and after the Revolutionary War. Prominent families, including the Hibbards and Carpenters, contributed to the establishment of towns in northern Vermont and beyond. By the 1800s, the trend of outmigration intensified, marking a long-term shift in the region’s demographic landscape.

History of Norwich Vermont Education

High School Building, Norwich Village, Erected in 1898

The history of education in Norwich, Vermont, traces back to efforts in 1782 to establish school districts. The first successful division occurred in 1785, creating the First School District. Over the years, multiple districts were formed, with the establishment of a committee for school supervision in 1824. Notable developments included the construction of a brick schoolhouse in 1845 and the incorporation of the Norwich Classical and English Boarding School in 1867, although it ultimately closed in 1877. The town’s education framework evolved significantly, culminating in a unified system in 1892.

Norwich Vermont in the Revolutionary War

Norwich, Vermont provided modest participation in the Revolutionary War, highlighted by its formation of a Committee of Safety in March 1777. Evidence suggests a militia was established as early as 1774. The town contributed to regiments under Colonels Warner and Bedell. Local militias organized for defense amid threats from British forces in 1776, further demonstrating Norwich’s involvement. Despite lacking comprehensive records, the enlistment of local soldiers was significant, along with efforts to protect the community from loyalist activities and contribute to the war effort.

Norwich Vermont and Dartmouth College

Norwich, Vermont, and Dartmouth College share a significant historical bond. Founded around the same time, both institutions benefited from mutual support, with Norwich contributing land and donations for the college’s establishment in Hanover. The founders of Norwich had personal ties with Dartmouth’s founder, Rev. Dr. Wheelock, who nearly chose Norwich as the college’s location. Over the years, Norwich supplied a substantial number of students to Dartmouth, highlighting a close relationship that fostered mutual growth and education amidst the challenges of their early settlements.

List of the Principal Pioneer Settlers in Norwich Vermont

In 1771, the population of Norwich, Vermont, was recorded at 206 people in forty families, highlighting its growth since being chartered by New Hampshire. The town was part of Gloucester County after 1772, previously belonging to Cumberland County. The census showed a predominance of youth, with 92 children under sixteen. The list of pioneer settlers includes notable names such as Daniel Baldwin, Ebenezer Ball, and Medad Benton, many of whom contributed to the establishment of the community by clearing land and building essential structures.

First Settlements in Norwich Vermont

The early settlement of Norwich, Vermont, began in 1762 when Samuel Slafter’s son, John, explored the area, reporting its fertile land and water sources. In 1763, after receiving his father’s rights, he commenced clearing lots but faced challenges, as his initial choice proved unsuitable. By 1765-66, a few families settled permanently, including the Hutchinsons and Manns, establishing homes and farms. Pioneers endured various hardships, yet they built foundations for a thriving community, characterized by a homogeneous population primarily from Connecticut.

The Proprietors of Norwich Vermont

The early proprietors of Norwich, Vermont, largely hailed from Connecticut towns such as Mansfield and Tolland, with some from New Hampshire and Massachusetts. While many grantees did not settle personally, they transferred their rights to their sons or younger acquaintances. Key early settlers included Captain Hezekiah Johnson and Jacob Fenton. The proprietors diligently organized land surveys, established roadways, and incentivized settlement through financial support, ultimately fostering rapid growth in the new township. Meetings continued until 1770, addressing land divisions and mill constructions.

The Original Grantees of Norwich Vermont

On July 5, 1761, a number of men received land grants for what would become Norwich, Vermont. Most were from Mansfield, Connecticut, though many never visited the town. The list includes individuals such as Eleazer Wales, Abner Barker, and Ebenezer Heath, among others. Notably, some opted not to accept their grants. The document serves as a historical record of the original grantees, highlighting their connections to Connecticut and their role in the early settlement of Norwich.

Norwich Vermont an Independent Township

The political organization of America began with the Township, particularly in New England, where towns emerged as independent entities with self-governing rights in the mid-17th century. Town meetings served as foundational democratic institutions, allowing citizens to elect officials and manage local affairs. Norwich, Vermont, exemplified this tradition, organizing its town government in 1761 before any settlers arrived. Its early record-keeping and governance practices reflect a commitment to law, order, and community engagement, which have shaped its ongoing civic structure.