Dean, Franklin H., Cornwall, was born in Monkton, Addison county, Vt., on July 9, 1810, and was a son of Ashbell and Rachel (Barnum) Dean. Ashbell was born in New Jersey in 1775, and when fourteen years of age was present with his father at the battle of Bennington. He came to Monkton, Addison County, Vt., when a young man and cleared a place there, and afterwards purchased the Barnum place, where he spent the latter part of his days. He had a family of ten children, two of whom are now living — Franklin H. and Sylvia (now Mrs. William Meech, of Missouri Valley, Iowa). Mr. Dean was a successful farmer and at the time of his death, which occurred in 1824, he owned between 500 and 600 acres of land. Franklin H. Dean was educated in the public schools and brought up to farming, and remained with his mother until 1832, when he married Tarner Field, of Ferrisburgh, Vt. One son and two daughters were born to them, all of whom are now living. The son is a well-known citizen of Cornwall, Vt. Mrs. Dean died in 1844. Mr. Dean came to Cornwall in the spring of 1838 and purchased the place where he still resides, and which was formerly the Cogswell place, consisting of 160 acres; he now owns in all about 250 acres of fine land. He built his fine residence in 1859. He married his second wife, Harriette Murray (who was a daughter of Jonathan and Roselande Murray), on June 29, 1845. They have had one daughter, Sarah C. (now Mrs. Sarah C. Bingham), who resides at home with her parents. Mr. Dean was lister of the town one term. He had a small start in life, but has prospered mainly by his own efforts.
