Waite, Horace, of Hyde Park, son of Smith H. and Lucinda (Goodenough) Waite, was born in Fairfield, May 16, 1826. His education was obtained in the common schools of Sheldon and at Bakersfield Academy. Left an orphan at the age of five he found a home with Asa Grant with whom he remained till he arrived at man’s estate and for whom he worked seven years after attaining his majority.
In 1854 he invested his carefully saved earnings in the purchase of a large farm in Eden, where he resided until 1877 when he removed to Morrisville to secure better educational advantages for his family. He has continued to give much attention to his farm, making the dairy its principal feature.
He was united in marriage, Feb. 16, 1853, to Lovisa J., daughter of Benjamin H. and Lydia (McAllister) Leach. Four children are the issue: Smith B., Abbie L. (deceased), Eva B. (Mrs. Solon Abbott of Biddeford, Me.), and Martin P.
Mr. Waite has always been a member of the Republican party, has often been called to office and when the town of Eden adopted the town system of schools under the optional law, Mr. Waite was elected chairman of the board. In 1865 he was elected to represent Eden in the General Assembly and served on the grand list committee. He has also served as county commissioner and was assistant judge of Lamoille county from 1882 to 1886.
Since the death of his wife Judge Waite has resided with his son, Smith B. Waite, at Hyde Park. The judge possesses in a rare degree the confidence of his townsmen and has been often called upon to act as auditor, referee and guardian in the settlement of numerous estates in his vicinity.
Mr. Waite is an ardent votary of temperance, signing the pledge at eight years of age and keeping it inviolate.