Vermont

Cushman Family of Norwich Vermont

The Cushman family, tracing its origins to Robert Cushman in 1621, played a significant role in early New England history. Solomon Cushman, a sixth-generation descendant, moved to Norwich, Vermont, in 1768. A renowned marksman and Revolutionary War veteran, he later settled in Tunbridge, where he died in 1799. Another Solomon Cushman arrived in Norwich shortly after, bringing his family. Joseph Cushman, Solomon’s brother, also settled in Norwich and served in the Revolutionary War before passing away at age eighty-nine in 1848.

Biographical Sketch of Rear-Admiral George A. Converse

Born on May 13, 1844, in Norwich, George A. Converse was the son of Dr. Shubael and Louvia Merrill. He attended Norwich University and graduated with top honors from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1864. Converse served in the European squadron and held various positions, including instructor at the torpedo station and commander of the U.S.S. Montgomery during the Spanish-American War. He ultimately became chief of the Bureau of Navigation and was married to Laura Shelby Blood, with whom he had several daughters.

Biography of Doctor Shubael Converse

Doctor Shubael Converse, born on September 7, 1805, in Randolph, Vermont, trained under Doctor R. D. Mussey and graduated from Dartmouth College in 1828. He practiced medicine in Strafford and later in Norwich, where he served for 30 years until his death in 1867. A respected physician and community leader, Converse promoted education, served as a school superintendent, and was active in local politics. He married Louvia E. Morrill and had five children, including son Charles B. Converse, also a physician.

Curtis Family of Norwich Vermont

Simeon Curtis settled in Norwich, Vermont, from Lebanon, Connecticut, in 1773, becoming a town assessor. He passed away in 1779, leaving behind a notable family. His son Elias later moved to Tunbridge, where he became a significant figure, serving in the legislature and witnessing historical events. Other descendants, such as Abel and Asahel Curtis, contributed to the development of Lowell, Vermont. The Curtis family has largely faded from Norwich records, their presence marked by early contributions to the community and their eventual migration.

Biography of Abel Curtis

Abel Curtis, born June 13, 1755, in Lebanon, Connecticut, was a notable figure in Norwich’s early history. A Dartmouth College graduate in 1776, he played a crucial role in local governance from 1778 until his death in 1783. Curtis served in various capacities, including town clerk and legislator, and was instrumental in maintaining the unity of Connecticut River towns during the Revolutionary War. His contributions spanned multiple committees and conventions, reflecting his commitment to both state and community.

Cook Family of Norwich Vermont

The Cook family, originally from Lancaster, Massachusetts, includes three brothers—Samuel, Francis, and Lyman—and their two sisters. Samuel settled in Norwich, marrying Anna Pratt and fathering nine children, establishing a lineage that continues today. Francis remained in Norwich, living alone until his death, while Lyman moved to Thetford. Another brother, Washington, faced captivity in Canada before returning. Samuel acquired 67 acres of land, and his legacy continued through his son, Leonard, who lived to be 77, leaving descendants in Norwich.

Biography of George Partridge Colvocoresses

George Partridge Colvocoresses was born on April 3, 1847, in Norwich, the son of Captain George Musalas and Eliza F. Colvocoresses. Serving as a captain’s clerk during the Civil War, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1869. His naval career spanned various commands, including executive officer on the cruiser Concord at Manila and later on the flagship Olympia. He also contributed to the Naval War Records of the Rebellion. Married in 1875, he had two sons, George and Harold.

Biography of George Musalas Colvocoresses

George M Colvocoresses

George Musalas Colvocoresses was born on October 22, 1816, in Scio, Greece. He endured captivity after a Turkish invasion during the Greek Revolution and was later rescued and educated in the United States. Colvocoresses served in the U.S. Navy, participating in significant expeditions and commanding ships during the Civil War. He received accolades for his service and authored a book on naval exploration. Tragically, he was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1872, with his death remaining unsolved.

Biography of Zebina Coit

Zebina Coit passed away on September 28, 1886, at the age of eighty-one, marking the end of a significant chapter in Norwich’s history. Born in 1805, he was the son of Captain Samuel Coit, a notable figure in Connecticut’s past. The Coit family had deep roots in the area, with Captain Coit’s involvement in key historical events, such as the burning of New London. Zebina lived on the family homestead, representing the last surviving link to the town’s early settlers. His death signifies the extinction of the Coit name in Norwich.

Biography of Doctor Thomas S. Brigham

Doctor Thomas S. Brigham, born in Coventry, Connecticut, in 1769, was the eldest son of Honorable Paul Brigham. He moved to Norwich at age twelve and likely studied medicine with Doctor Joseph Lewis. Brigham married Polly Dana and practiced medicine in Norwich before relocating to Amesbury, Massachusetts, where he married again and had five more children. After practicing in Maine, he and his family remained apart following his departure from Norwich. Brigham gained considerable recognition in his medical career before his death in 1821.

Biography of Fairbanks Bush

Fairbanks Bush, son of Captain Timothy Bush, settled in Norwich and first voted in 1807. He married Amy Yeomans and lived in Orange, Vt., before returning to Norwich, where he died on February 24, 1873. Known as Norwich’s minstrel poet, Bush composed lyrical poetry that he often sang from memory, though much remains unwritten. Despite financial struggles and the burden of creditors, he maintained a positive demeanor and spoke against societal issues, including slavery, reflecting both personal and communal concerns in his work.

The Bush Family of Norwich Vermont

Captain Timothy Bush, an early settler of Norwich, Vermont, arrived in the town during its formative years, marrying Deborah House and fathering ten children. He played a significant role in local governance, serving as a selectman and landowner in the Pompanoosuc section. Active in military service during the Revolutionary War, he commanded a company in Colonel Marsh’s regiment. Although he reportedly moved to New York around 1809, there is speculation about his final resting place in Norwich. His legacy includes contributions to both town affairs and military endeavors.

Biography of Prof. George Bush

George Bush, born on June 12, 1796, in Norwich, Vermont, became a prominent Biblical scholar and Orientalist in America. He demonstrated exceptional intelligence from a young age, graduating as valedictorian from Dartmouth College in 1818. After studying at Princeton Seminary and serving as a Presbyterian pastor, he settled in New York City, where he devoted himself to authorship and lecturing. A professor of Hebrew and Oriental Literature, Bush published influential works, including commentaries and theological treatises. He later embraced Swedenborgian doctrines, which alienated him from many former colleagues. Bush passed away on September 19, 1859.

Biography of Honorable Daniel Azro Ashley Buck

Daniel Azro Ashley Buck, born April 19, 1789, in Norwich, Vermont, graduated from Middlebury College in 1807 and from West Point in 1808. He served in the military during the War of 1812, eventually becoming a captain. A significant figure in Vermont politics, he represented Chelsea in the state legislature, served as speaker, and held congressional office twice. Despite his early successes, Buck struggled with alcoholism, leading to a decline in his later years. He died in Washington, D.C., on December 22, 1841.

Biography of Paul Brigham

Hon. Paul Brigham, born January 17, 1746, in Coventry, Connecticut, served as a Captain in the Continental Army from January 1777 to April 1781, participating in significant battles such as Germantown and Monmouth. After marrying Lydia Sawyer in 1767, he moved to Norwich, Connecticut, in 1782, where he built a notable residence on Brigham Hill. Brigham’s commitment to his country and his community is well-documented, with a diary providing insights into his experiences during the Revolutionary War. He died in 1810.

Biography of Honorable Daniel Buck

Daniel Buck, born on November 9, 1753, in Hebron, Connecticut, opened Norwich’s first law office in the mid-1780s after serving in the Revolutionary War. He became a respected attorney and public servant, representing Norwich at the 1791 convention considering Vermont’s admission to the Union. Buck served in the Vermont legislature and one term in the U.S. Congress. Despite his early success, his later years were marked by financial difficulties and personal struggles, leading to his death in Chelsea on August 16, 1816.

Burton Family of Norwich Vermont

Jacob Burton arrived in Norwich from Preston, Connecticut, in 1765 with his family, becoming one of the town’s founding figures. He purchased land that encompassed much of the present Norwich village, erecting the first dwelling there. His son, Reverend Doctor Asa Burton, who faced significant hardships in his youth, pursued education against his father’s initial opposition and later became a prominent minister in Thetford, Vermont. Asa notably expanded his church’s membership from sixteen to nearly five hundred over his lifetime, influencing many future clergy.

Brown Family of Norwich Vermont

Ebenezer Brown, known as Deacon Brown in Norwich, Vermont, graduated from Dartmouth College in 1778. He initially pursued ministry in Bethel but later settled as a farmer in Norwich, where he died in 1830. His son, also named Ebenezer Brown, was a prominent lawyer and the first to establish a law office in Norwich Plain. He served as assistant and chief judge of Windsor County Court and married twice, leaving a notable legacy in the town.

Boardman Family of Norwich Vermont

Samuel Borman emigrated from England to Wethersfield, Connecticut, in 1639, where he held various official roles until his death in 1673. A preserved letter from his mother, Julian, reveals family connections and concerns. His lineage includes Capt. Nathaniel Boardman, who relocated to Norwich, Vermont, in 1775 with his family. Doctor Nathaniel Boardman, his son, furthered the family legacy in Vermont and his descendants contributed to public service in Massachusetts. Halsey J. Boardman, a notable descendant, played significant political roles in Boston during the late 19th century.

Blaisdell Family of Norwich Vermont

Michael Blaisdell, the founding member of the Blaisdell family in Norwich, relocated from Plainfield, N.H., in 1813, establishing his residence on the present-day Goddard farm. He fathered four sons: Jonathan, Levi, Stephen, and Thomas. Levi and Stephen remained in Norwich, where they raised extensive families, contributing to the town’s development.