The rocks entering into the geological formation, as is the case, indeed, with most other towns in the State, are disposed in distinct ledges or veins, extending in a general north and south direction. The first of these veins, beginning on the west, is a narrow belt of Black River limestone, forming the main rock bed of Thompson's Point. Next, extending nearly the whole length of the town, is a bed of Trenton limestone, lying beside a ledge of Utica slate, next to which is a vein of Hudson River slate, while the residue of the town, except a small bed of Eolian limestone or marble, in the northeastern corner, is composed of red sandrock. These veins, however, are varied by all the modifications incident to the several rock formations, as are more fully described in the county chapter. Overlying these rocks is a rich fertile soil, owing to which, and the lack of mill privileges, the industry of the people has always been devoted to agriculture. Coupled with this rare fertility was a large amount of marketable timber valuable oak in the western and pine in the eastern parts, accounting quite readily for the rapid growth of the population after settlement was once begun, offering, as it did, superior advantages to the pioneers who flocked thither faster than to any other town in the county. This superior quality of land and beauty of location is also attested by the numbers now residing upon the homestead of their ancestors, proving the fallacy of Stephen A. Douglass's assertion that;` Vermont is a good State -- to emigrate from."

      The principal streams are Lewis Brook, flowing across the southeastern corner of the town, and upon which is situated the only mill site of the township; LaPlotte River, flowing across the northeastern corner; Bear's Brook, flowing south into Addison County, and thence turning north again, across the southwestern corner of the town, where it is discharged into the lake; Beaver Brook, rising in the central part of the township, flowing north into LaPlotte River; and Pringle Brook, also rising in the central part of the town, flowing west and northerly into Holmes Creek, and thence into the lake. All of these streams have several tributaries, while numerous other small brooks are distributed over the country, furnishing plenteous irrigation to the soil.

      Among the several curiosities and wonders of nature found in Charlotte is a remarkable cavity in a low mountain in the southeastern part of the town, on the line of Addison County, known as Dean's Cave. In company with Mr. Joshua M. DEAN, the proprietor of the land upon which the cavern is situated, a gentlemanly and intelligent farmer; we paid a visit to the interesting locality, an account of which may prove of interest at this point. After preparing a quantity of pitch pine for torches, we started from Mr. DEAN's residence one pleasant afternoon, and after a walk of a quarter of a mile, reached the foot of the mountain wherein the cave is situated, and commenced its ascent, up an easy grade, a sort of natural pass, for a half mile or so, then turned abruptly to the left and up a steep bank, assisting our ascent by clinging to the numerous small trees and shrubs with which it is clothed, for a distance of about one hundred feet, which brought us to the summit, a wild spot covered with a stunted growth of timber. Turning southward a distance of twenty rods, we reached a little higher elevation, whose appearance reminds one of the little girl's remark that she thought her father was growing tall, as his bald head was projecting through his hair; for here, a bare, solid rock rises high above its surroundings, a narrow ridge along which one must use caution in walking, as a false step would precipitate him to the rocks below, a distance of forty or fifty feet. Following along this ridge for twenty rods or so, we came to a sudden stop, for immediately before us was a perpendicular precipice with rough and jagged fragments of rocks lying at its base some eighty feet below, which our guide designated the "jumping off place." A few steps to the left is a terrace or flat, with a surface ten or twelve feet wide and sixty feet long. Here we halted, and Mr. DEAN announced the spot as the "Camping Ground." We now made preparations for entering the cave, and, turning downward a. short distance, enter an alley or fissure in the solid rock, about four feet in width, and descend rapidly as we pass northward about forty feet between its walls, then turn at right angles, west, and through a similar alley about the same distance as the first. At this point stands a birch tree, twenty inches in diameter, whose base is full twenty feet below the surface of the rocks above, and whose growth is only nourished by the decayed leaves which are swept into the crevice by the winds. This "child of the rocks" so nearly fills the narrow passage that a large man would experience some difficulty in passing it. Only a few feet from this point we turn again and are before the entrance of a room, the opening of which is so small that it is necessary to turn about and enter backward, crab like, feet first. Once through this aperture it becomes necessary to "light up," and as the flickering glare of the torches dispel the almost impenetrable darkness, we find ourselves thirty feet below ground, in a room formed of solid rock, six feet wide, twenty feet long, and fifteen feet high. At the farther extremity and connecting with this is another room similar in construction, and of about the same size, turning off to the left at right angles. The ceiling or roof of both is a seamless rock with a surface as level and smooth as a flagging stone. In the misty "long ago" some mighty force must have been exerted to have riven these masses in twain, crowding them asunder, leaving this amazing display of power; for the cavern was formed in this manner, as is apparent from the corresponding deflections on either of the opposite walls. Late in the afternoon we marched home, thanking our guide, Mr. DEAN, as we do now, for his courteous kindness.

      Thompson's Point is a cape or low promontory, projecting into Lake Champlain, between THORP's Bay on the south and Barton's Bay on the north. It has an undulating surface, cut occasionally by jagged ledges of rock, leaving an aspect of wild picturesqueness, while the extreme western extremity terminates in a bold cliff commanding a magnificent view of the lake with its islands and bays, a wide sweep of the country on the opposite shore, backed by the towering Adirondacks. Directly opposite, on the western side of the lake, is a. high promontory or bluff, known as Split Rock, which is a curiosity in itself. By some powerful agency the mass of solid rock has been split in twain perpendicularly, and thrown or forced apart, leaving a cleft ten or twelve feet in width, through which, at high water, small boats may pass into a bay to the westward. On the main cleft stands Split Rock Light House. All of these points unite in forming a harmonious scene, -- a picture of surpassing loveliness. Cedar Beech is a popular summer and fishing resort, on the lake, about two miles north of Thompson's Point, and one half mile south from McNeil's Ferry. It is a point of land "V" shaped, containing from twelve to fifteen acres, the two water sides being of about equal length. The north side of the Point is the south side of a small bay, where the wharf is located, and along some portions of it is a gravelly beach, skirted with cedars. The bay forms a good harbor from the prevailing north and south winds. The shore on the south side is high and prominent, a bluff of rocks nearly perpendicular and about thirty feet high. The point is of dry, gravelly soil, covered with a fine grove, the whole of which is regular, smooth and accessible throughout This spot had been a transient camping ground for fishing parties for many years, but was purchased by a number of gentlemen residing in Burlington, in 1873, known as the "Jolly Club." The property is divided into thirty shares, and thus gives to each about four rods space along the water front for building purposes. Fifteen cottages have already been built, with barns and other out buildings, a club house, boat house, and two ice houses. The cottages are neat and well painted. Each family has a row boat also, the boats being new, and altogether forming one of the largest and most costly fleets of small boats on the lake. New cottages are being added every year, and in all probability it will not be many years before the whole thirty will be built. This point is said to be the nearest to a railroad station of any on the lake, in Vermont, except Burlington and Alburgh, and also communicates directly with Essex, N. Y., three miles across the lake, by ferry. Essex, N. Y., is a landing for all passenger steamboats. A steam yacht runs between this place and Burlington during the months of July and August, and the families, as a general thing, reside here during these two months, the men who are engaged in business going and returning at their convenience. These people are among the first people in Burlington, where they mostly reside, and are a law unto themselves. Hon. C. M. SPAULDING is president, James A SHEDD, vice-president, and Warren GIBBS, secretary and treasurer. The club is governed by a constitution and by laws, and each proprietor pays annually five dollars towards the general expenses, and to keep the grounds in repair. The best of order prevails, and Sundays are strictly observed, religious services being frequently held and well attended. Of the numerous resorts on the lake, this is said to be the only one where the campers own their grounds and completely control them. At the western end of Thompson's Point, covering an area of six or eight acres, is a fine grove of primeval forest trees, at an elevation of about fifty feet above the level of the lake. In this sylvan retreat is located "Camp Pleasant," the park of the Thompson's Point Club, whose members occupy these agreeable grounds as a watering place during the heated season, spending the time in social intercourse, fishing, and other recreations. This association was organized in 1870, with eight members, James SQUIRE, C. C. MARTIN, D. W. HAZARD, L. B. FULLER, H. C. LEAVENWORTH, O. E. STONE, W. R. WILLIAMS, and A. H. BARKER, which number has since increased to sixty. There are eight neat cottages and a club house on the grounds, and in the season there are also numerous tents, occupied by as many as three hundred persons. One of the by laws of the club prohibits the use of intoxicating drink, and also forbids its presence on the grounds; another requires a due observance of the Sabbath, and forbids fishing on that day. Though the grounds are owned by the town, the club is recognized by it, and a superintendent appointed at each town meeting, whose business it is to care for the park and enforce order if necessary. The present list of club officers is as follows: James SQUIRE, president; D. W. HAZARD, secretary; H. C. ROOT, treasurer; James SQUIRE, collector; John H. THORP, superintendent; and O. E. STONE and D. W. HAZARD, directors.

      A convenient mode of transportation for the abundant crops is afforded by the Rutland branch of the Central Vermont Railroad, which extends through the western part of the town from north to south, with a station about one half mile west of Charlotte Four Corners, on road i8. The advent of this road, in 1847-'49, considerably increased the commercial interests of the locality, even though it was objected to by some at that time.

      In 1880, Charlotte had a population of 1,342, was divided into fourteen school districts, and contained thirteen common schools, employing four male and fourteen female teachers at an aggregate salary of $1,879.42. There were 237 pupils attending common school, while the entire cost of the schools for the year, ending October 31st, was $2,128.59, Mr. W. H. H. VARNEY acting as superintendent.

      CHARLOTTE FOUR CORNERS (Charlotte p. o.). -- As is to be expected in any strictly agricultural district, no large villages have been built. This village, the largest, situated about one half mile east of the railroad station, contains one church (Methodist), Lake View Seminary, two stores, a shoe shop, blacksmith shop, and about twenty dwellings.

      Charlotte Female Seminary was established at this village in 1836. Miss Mary GROUT was the first teacher, remaining two or three years, and was deservedly popular. Owing to its unfavorable location, however, the school was not sustained. In 1840, the property was transferred to the Methodist Episcopal Society, and though never very successful, a select school was maintained until the building was finally destroyed by fire, November 21, 1880. During the following year the inhabitants, by voluntary subscriptions, erected a symmetrical and convenient edifice upon the old site, and reorganized the school under the title of Lake View Seminary, which was lately opened with every prospect of success, under the direction of Mr. John DEWEY, A. B., as principal.

      CHARLOTTE CENTER, a hamlet located near the central part of the town, contains one church (Congregational), the town house, a hotel, and a few dwellings.

      BAPTIST FOUR CORNERS (East Charlotte p. o.), located in the eastern part of the town, contains two churches (Roman Catholic and Baptist), one store, a blacksmith shop, and about a dozen dwellings. The intelligent and thinking people of this village have for many years maintained a lyceum, having a convenient hall in which they meet for discussion and public lectures. Lyceum Hall is also used for the sessions of a select school.

      Alanson EDGERTON & Sons' cider mill, located on road 29, corner 35, is operated by horse power, and turns out twenty barrels of cider per day, manufacturing about 100 barrels during a season.

      Wilber FIELDS's hay barn and hay press, located at the railroad depot, on road 18, receives and presses about 700 tons of hay annually.

      West Charlotte Cheese Factory, located on road 9, corner 35, is owned and operated by a stock company organized November 31, 1873, the present list of officers being as follows: John H. THORP, president; Henry C. ROOT, secretary; A. A. BYINGTON, S. A. WILLIAMS, and Charles KEESE, directors. The factory receives the milk from 300 to 400 cows, manufacturing about 40,000 pounds of cheese per annum.

      Charlotte Cheese Factory, located in the eastern part of the town, was organized by a stock company in the fall of 1867, the buildings being erected during the following spring. During the last season there was 19,000 pounds of cheese manufactured from the milk of 175 cows.

      SCOTT's saw and grist mill, located in the southeastern part of the town, on Lewis Creek, operates one run of stones, and saws about 200,000 feet of lumber per year, having the capacity for sawing 1,000 feet per hour. Mr. SCOTT has also a butter tub factory in connection with his mill.

      H. D. ALEXANDER's vineyard and fruit farm, located on a pleasant slope a little west of the center of the town, has in bearing condition about 2,200 choice vines, embracing most of the truly valuable varieties, and also a large quantity of fine raspberry and strawberry plants. His fruit grounds cover an area of eight acres, enclosed by a beautiful hedge of arborvitae.

      That most of the original proprietors were residents of Connecticut, and Duchess County, N. Y., is to be inferred from the fact that all of their meetings, previous to the Revolution, were held on the "Oblong," in Duchess County, and at New Milford, Conn. At the last meeting held previous to the war, May 18, 1765, a vote was passed to give one hundred acres of land from each right for settling the land, but no one was to come on without first procuring an order from a committee of the proprietors chosen for the purpose. No one availed himself of the offer, however, or at least no record was ever made of any such order being issued. Neither did any of the grantees ever settle in the town themselves, though some of their children made settlements here.

      The first effort towards a settlement was made by Derrick WEBB, who came here in March, 1776, made a short stay, and returned again in March of the following year, remaining until May. Subsequent to the Revolution, in 1784, WEBB returned in company with Elijah WOLCOTT, and from that time the rapid growth of the town begins.

      The principal difficulties the inhabitants encountered during the first years of their settlement, were the lack of roads, markets, and mills. The rich soil rapidly yielded abundant fruit of their toil, but they were in the midst of a trackless wilderness, with no means of transporting their harvests to market. For several years the nearest mill was at Whitehall, and subsequently at Vergennes. In coming to the town the pioneers wended their way through the forest on foot, or the more fortunate on horseback, while others came on from the southern extremity of Lake Champlain by boat. James HILL and his wife came on horseback, finding their way by means of marked trees, bringing three children with them. Mr. YALE and family came by way of Whitehall, on the ice of the lake, in a sleigh drawn by a pair of steers and an old horse.

      Bears and wolves were numerous, the former often troublesome. Stately bucks with lofty, branching antlers, and timid, symmetrical does were often seen on the lake shore or crossing the hills, while the hunters occasionally encountered the moose. One instance, illustrating Bruin’s mischievous, vicious propensities, is related by W. L. YALE, of his grandmother, Mrs. Moses YALE, mentioned above. It seems that on one occasion when her husband was away from home over night, she heard the pig squeal. So taking the loaded gun from its accustomed convenient position, she went out into the darkness and fired in the direction of the inharmonious sound. Hearing no more calls from the porker, she reentered the house and retired. In the morning, a few rods from the pig-pen, a large bear lay dead.

      Traces of numerous beaver dams are also extant in several localities. We were informed by Myron H. HOSFORD that there are several on his farm in the western part of the town. In draining the land which was occupied by these ingenious architects, he has found timber, perfectly sound, from one to four inches in diameter and two to four feet long, cut and stripped of its bark by the strong teeth of these industrious and provident animals.

      Immigration was so rapid that three years after the first Settlement, in 1787, it was thought the population was sufficiently large to warrant the organization of the town and election of proper town officers, which was accordingly done. In 1791, at the taking of the first census, the township had 635 inhabitants -- the most populous town in the northern part of the State. At the first town meeting, held March 13, 1787, the following officers were elected: John McNEIL, clerk; Reuben ROWLEY and Samuel SCOVILL, constables; and Asa BARNES, John McNEIL, John HILL, James HILL, and Isaac COGGSWELL, selectmen. The first justice was Daniel HOSFORD, chosen in 1786; first representative; John McNEIL, chosen in 1788.

      James HILL, previously mentioned, came from Connecticut with his family, consisting of a wife and three children. His wife, a brave, energetic woman, was a daughter of Gov. Thomas CHITTENDEN. Mr. HILL immediately commenced the building of a log house, in raising the logs of which Mrs. HILL was his only help, his children being too small to be of any assistance. This family, so far as we can learn, made the first permanent settlement in the township, coming probably, in 1782, locating upon the present grounds surrounding what is now called "Holmes Bay." Mr. HILL, having some means, built the first grist mill, a few years after his arrival here, on the creek near his home. Here was brought the wheat of the early farmers to be ground, or exchanged for flour. Thus he carried on quite an extensive trade with his neighbors and the farmers residing on the opposite side of the lake. Subsequently, he bought the grist mill in Ferrisburgh, to which place his son, Thomas Chittenden HILL, removed, taking charge of the property about two or more years, when it was sold. Mr. HILL continued in successful business some twenty five or thirty years, when he emigrated to Kentucky, where he soon after died. He had two sons, James and Thomas C. James removed .to Kentucky with his father, married there, and remained during his life, where many of his descendants still reside. Thomas C., the youngest, bought the homestead and held it during his life. He was a man of remarkable firmness and decision of character, and possessed of clear and acute perceptions. On this account, his judgment was often sought in business matters, and contracts drawn by him are said to have been made with legal soundness. He lived to an advanced age, possessing the respect and confidence of all. Thomas C. was the father of nine children, four of whom are now living, George and James E., in Ill., Elizabeth (PARKILL), in Essex, N. Y., and Thomas C., who owns and occupies the old homestead.

      Moses Yale emigrated from Meriden, Conn., to Charlotte, in 1783, locating upon the farm where Roswell and Miles NEWTON now reside. Here he made a small clearing, accomplished by exchange of labor with his only neighbors, James HILL and John McNEIL, sowed it with wheat, put up the body of a log house, and in the autumn returned to his family in Meriden. In the spring of 1784, he returned to Charlotte, coming by way of Whitehall to avoid the unraveled wilderness, thence down the lake on the ice, bringing his family and furniture on a sled drawn by a yoke of steers and an old horse. On their arrival, they cleared the snow from the log house, made a roof from the boughs of the surrounding trees, and installed themselves in their home with all the comforts of house keeping that their circumstances could afford. During the summer ensuing, food was so scarce and difficult to obtain that the family was compelled to subsist on fish and the herbs and roots that the forest afforded. Mr. YALE had a family of six children, three sons and three daughters, only one of whom, Lyman, remained in Charlotte. He, being the eldest of the children, and a good financier, paid up the claims against the homestead, thereby securing for himself a good farm and comfortable home, where he continued to reside until his death, in 1840, aged sixty seven years. During his long life here he held many important positions in the gift of his townsmen, among which, that of representative during one term. Of his family of seven children, only one, William, now lives in the town, residing on the farm formerly owned by John McNEIL.

      John McNEIL was a leading man among the early settlers. He came here from Litchfield, Conn., and located upon the shore of the lake, where he established a ferry across to Essex, N. Y., which has ever since borne his. name. He was the first town clerk, first representative, and until his death was prominently identified with the public interests of the town. He had a family of six children, of whom Charles, the eldest, retained the home farm, where he engaged in farming and conducting the ferry his father had established. The latter at that time was quite an extensive enterprise, as the immense travel from Western Vermont to Northern New York mostly crossed the lake at this point, until the building of the railroad, which established new lines of travel. Charles had a family of fifteen children, fourteen of whom arrived at maturity, and two, Henry and James B., are now residents of the town.

      David HUBBELL, from Lanesboro; Mass., came to Charlotte in 1784, locating on the brook that runs through the farm now owned by his grandson, Luther R HUBBELL. He made his journey thither by way of Whitehall, thence down the lake on a timber raft. Two or three years after he came, his house was destroyed by fire, and was replaced by another, upon the site of S. E. RUSSELL's present residence. In this house he soon after opened a hotel, where he continued a prosperous business for many years. The house now occupied by his grandson was also built by him, in 1800. Mr. HUBBELL was called by his townsmen to serve them as justice of the peace, also to represent them in the legislature, which he did with honor and ability. He died at the advanced age of ninety years. His descendants in this town are his son, Solomon W., aged eighty four years, and his grandson, Luther R, and family.

      Daniel HOSFORD, born in Canaan, Conn., October 13, 1748, married Hannah DAY, of Colchester, Conn., November 9, 1780, and removed to this town in the spring of 1784, where they located on a farm near McNEIL's Ferry. He was several times dispossessed of his property on account of bad titles, so he finally located in the eastern part of the town, where he died at the advanced age of eighty eight years. Mr. HOSFORD was a land surveyor by profession, and carried on the occupation in adjoining towns, at the same time continuing farming. The compass used by him is now in the possession of his grandson, Myron H. HOSFORD, who treasures it as a valuable relic of antiquity. Daniel served in many of the town offices and also represented his townsmen in the legislature. Of his family of ten children, only three settled in Charlotte. Flavia, the eldest daughter, born about three months before they came to Charlotte, married Gideon PRINDLE, and is now represented in the town by her son, Hon. Charles D. PRINDLE, the present legislator. Oran HOSFORD, the only son who located here, was born January 30, 1791, and married Cynthia HINSDALE. With him Daniel resided in his old age. Oran is now represented by Myron H. HOSFORD. Sodema, the remaining daughter, married Benjamin SIMONS and located in the western part of the town, where she died early, leaving no children.

      Ephraim WOOSTER, from Litchfield, Conn., came to Charlotte in 1785, and located upon the farm now owned by Henry McNEIL, where he resided until his death. He reared a family of three children, Lyman, Elinor, and Fanny. Lyman purchased the farm from the estate at his father's death, where he carried on farming mainly, though he kept a public house short periods at different times. He served in the war of 1812, and was at the battle of Plattsburgh in the capacity of adjutant. His family consisted of three sons and two daughters, none of whom remained in this town. The only representative of the name now in Charlotte, is Charles S. WOOSTER, a grandson of Lyman, residing with his aunt, Mrs. SHERMAN.

      John PALMER, born in Tolland, Conn., June 22, 1751, married Ruth CHAPMAN, and removed to this town in 1786, locating on the place now owned by Mrs. Ruth HUBBELL. His old house, built nearly one hundred years ago, is still standing in a good state of preservation. He owned all the land comprised in the farms of Mrs. HUBBELL, A. C. and O. C. PALMER, on which he settled his sons. His family consisted of six children. Abigail, the eldest, born about 1780, married Edward ALLEN, both long since deceased.

      John, the eldest son, born September 5, 1783, married Lovisa HILL and had a family of nine children, of whom two daughters are now living in Westfield, N. Y., another in Essex, Vt., and the remaining three in Charlotte, viz.: Ruth (HUBBELL) on the homestead, A. C. PALMER, on a part of the original farm, and the youngest, Mrs. REED, with her brother.

      Asa NARAMORE came to Charlotte from Connecticut in 1786. The first season he worked on a farm in Hinesburgh, and in the fall bought 200 acres of land in this town on road 7. Here he erected a log house and returned to Connecticut for the winter, where he married, and in the spring returned to his farm, where he remained until his death, at the age of ninety years. He reared a family of nine children, two of whom are now living, John NARAMORE, aged eighty two years, residing on a portion of the original, farm, and his sister, Mrs. Emeline SEE, aged seventy-two years, residing in Williston. Asa was a soldier in the Revolution, and was taken prisoner by the Indians and marched to Canada. On the journey he had only a daily allowance of a small piece of raw horse flesh, and a few bulbous roots, dug as they passed along. He afterwards received a pension.

      Abel LEAVENWORTH, born at Woodbury, Conn., January 30, 1765, came to Charlotte at an early day in its history, locating in the northeastern part of the town. Here he built a grist mill on the LaPlotte River, on road 10, the stones for the same being obtained from flint rocks found in this town, and worked out by his brother, Gideon, who came on from Connecticut for that purpose. The mill and dam were finally swept away, however, by a freshet. The stones were purchased by Gen. Nathan LEAVENWORTH, who put them in a mill built by him on Lewis Brook, in the southern part of the town. After the loss of his mill, Abel sold his farm and went to work at his trade of carpenter and joiner, at which he was a very skillful and energetic workman. He died in Middlebury, Vt., January, 25, 1813, where he was engaged in building a large mill, and whither he had removed his family from New Haven, Vt., where he owned a farm. His widow returned to New Haven, and thence to Charlotte, where she died, June 12, 1853, full of years, respected and loved by all who knew her. Abel LEAVENWORTH, Jr., born in Charlotte November 21, 1800, married Annie HICKOK, of Cooperstown, N. Y., June 12, 1826, a woman of superior worth and culture. After the death of his father, in 1813, Abel, Jr., was the principal support of the family, although be was so young; and in after life his house was ever the home for members of the family. For a few years in early life he was engaged in the manufacture of marble on his father's old mill site. He then purchased of his father in law the old farm where he was born, and subsequently resold it to Mr. HICKOK, and purchased a farm in Madrid, N. Y., where he resided twelve years, or until 1844, when, on account of the health of his family, he returned to Charlotte, and finally repurchased the old homestead, where he resided until his death, May 3, 1879. He had a family of nine children, six daughters and three sons. Only one of the latter, Abel E., survived their infancy. He became a prominent educator in the State, and is at the present time principal and proprietor of the State Normal School, at Castleton, Vt.

      Dorman LEAVENWORTH, a brother of Abel, one of the sufferers of Wyoming massacre, came to Charlotte, arriving August 28, 1808, and soon after built a grist and saw mill, which he operated a few years, then purchased a farm and commenced farming, continuing the same until 1839. He died here, at the residence of his son, Burke, May 31, 1861, at an advanced age. He is now represented here by two grandchildren, Mrs. Joseph S. SHAW and Henry C. LEAVENWORTH.

      Stephen BOUGHTON, from Pond Ridge, Conn., came to Charlotte at an early day, where he followed the business of a builder. His family consisted of a son, John J., and a daughter, Ann, now Mrs. William NOBLE, of Illinois. Stephen continued his residence here until his death, at the age of eighty years. John J. married Mary A. BRECKENRIDGE, and followed the occupation of farming. His children were two daughters, Antoinette, now Mrs. Joseph BARTON, and Jeannette, who occupies the old homestead.

      Michael READ, born in 1769, came to Charlotte at an early date. He was the father of seven children, three of whom, Amos, Orrin and Laura, settled here. Amos had two children, Charles and George. Charles now resides in North Adams, Mass., and George died in this town. Orrin had three children, sons, William M., deceased, Carleton W., residing in Addison, where he is extensively engaged in stock raising, and Orrin P., residing at Baptist Four Corners, the only representative of the family in Charlotte.

      Samuel PRINDLE came to Charlotte at an early date, and located in the northeastern part of the town. He raised a family of three sons, one of whom died in early manhood, while the other two, Midas and Benjamin, settled in Charlotte. Midas, born in 1799, married Sarah V. HIGBY, May 20, 1834, and located upon the farm now owned by his son, Henry W. He had a family of three children, viz.: Mrs. A. C. PALMER, Henry W., and Mrs. T. C. HILL. Benjamin emigrated to Iowa about twenty years ago, taking all his. family with him, where he died a few years after.

      Reuben MARTIN, from Massachusetts, came to Charlotte among the early settlers, locating on Mutton Hill. He reared a family of seven children, all of whom lived to middle age, some to very old age. His daughter, Sylvia, is said to have been the first female child born in the town.

      James SQUIRE came to Charlotte from Arlington, Vt., in 1788, and located upon the farm now owned and occupied by James S. MILLER. He was as amiable, peaceful neighbor, an indulgent parent, and amassed a considerable property. He died at the advanced age of ninety three years. The father of James came to Charlotte on a visit to his sons, Solomon and Abner, was taken sick and soon after died, and at his grave was placed the first headstone erected in the town. James came on during his father's illness, and was induced to buy his brother Abner's farm and remain here. He reared a. family of four children, three daughters and a son. Betsey, the eldest, married James BARNES and removed to Ohio, where she now lives and has a numerous family. Laura married John McDONNELL, and remained in town until her death. Lucina never married, and died in Charlotte. Abner married Laura SHELDON and settled on the homestead He was a popular and influential man among his townsmen, whom he represented two terms in the legislature, and also served in most of the town trusts. He had two children, a son and a daughter. The daughter died at the age of sixteen. The. son, James, now owns and occupies a farm on the west side of the road, opposite the old home, where he enjoys the regards of a large circle of acquaintances.

      Col. William WILLIAMS, from Lanesboro, Mass., came to Charlotte in 1788, and settled as a farmer in the wilderness. By untiring energy and constant hard work he soon cleared his farm, and for the times was in easy circumstances. His first dwelling was a log cabin containing but one room, with a Dutch fire place which was supplied with logs for the fire that were so large that he attached a log chain to one end of the log, hitched a horse to the chain, and hauled the log into the cabin, the horse passing in at one door and out at another opposite. About 1806, he built the house, now modernized and in good preservation, the dwelling of his grandson, James W. WILLIAMS. This he opened as a public house, and it soon became an important station on the stage route between Burlington and Troy. At this time there were eight hotels in Charlotte, all very well supported by the traveling farmers, who were hauling their produce to Albany and Troy, their nearest markets. Mr. WILLIAMS was early promoted to the office of colonel of militia, and was stationed on the frontier between Vermont and Canada, and also commanded a regiment at the battle of Plattsburgh. He was a strong, vigorous man, totally a stranger to fear, somewhat rough in manners, of the Ethan ALLEN type; but withal noble and generous, ready to assist the needy and sympathize with the afflicted. His life, however, was brought to an untimely end by a fall from a sleigh load of lumber, while descending a steep hill in the adjoining town of Hinesburgh.

      Preserved WHEELER came to Charlotte, from Lanesboro, Mass., in 1790, and located upon the place now occupied by Deacon E. H. WHEELER, where he established a tannery. He continued this business about seven years, then sold the property to his brother, Sheldon, who came to Charlotte with him as an apprentice to the trade, and removed to New Haven, Addison County. Sheldon continued the tanning and shoemaking business quite successfully for a number of years, or as late as 1843, when he discontinued it and commenced farming. Sheldon married early and was the father of nine children, eight of whom arrived at maturity, and three of whom are now living -- a daughter, aged eighty two years, residing in Indiana, Dea. E. H. WHEELER, on the old homestead, aged seventy eight years, and Rev. O. G. WHEELER, pastor of the South Hero Congregational church for the last forty-one years.

      Elijah ALEXANDER was born in Troy, N. H., March 24, 1777, and at the age of twenty two married Lydia STAPLES, of Danby, Vt., and settled in Charlotte, on the farm now owned by Mrs. Lydia HICKS; his youngest daughter. The farm at first contained one hundred acres, but by constant industry he improved this and made additions to the territory, until at his death he had increased it to over three hundred. He lived to the age of seventy seven years, having declined all offices and honors offered him by his appreciative townsmen. Of his family of seven children, only three are now living, Rachel, widow of _____ LEAVENWORTH, residing in Shelburne; Ezra, the only son, settled on the farm now owned by Geo. CLARK, but afterwards was an enterprising and successful merchant for many years, and his two sons, Harrison D. and Orson H., now reside here; Sarah married Johnson FOOTE, and died here in 1875. Her children now living are Mrs. D. W. HAZARD, Henry A., Flora J., and George A. FOOTE. Lydia A., widow of _____ HICKS, occupies the old homestead, and has one son.

      Walter FERRIS, from Pawling Duchess Co., N. Y., came to this town in 1792, locating on the farm now known as the "Ferris Homestead." He engaged in farming, but for a period of about six years previous to his death was a minister in the Universalist churches in the vicinity, and organized several societies of that denomination. He died in 1806, beloved and honored by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

      William NILES, born at Lynn, Conn., in 1756, came to Charlotte in 1792, and located upon the farm now known as the Pitt E. HEWITT place, where he resided for many years. Being a man of ability, much of his time was called to fill public offices, in the fulfillment of which he was strictly true and honest. Later in life he removed to Monkton, where he owned a small farm, and kept a public house a portion of the time until his death, at the advanced age of ninety two years: His daughter, Betsey, married Reuben Powell and settled with her husband upon the place their son, Edgar S., now occupies.

      Gideon PRINDLE came to Charlotte from New Milford, Conn., in 1792, and located at Wing's Bay. He had learned the tanner's trade in Connecticut, and soon after his arrival here built a tannery, said to have been the first erected in the town. He soon after sold this property, however, and purchased the farm now owned by the heirs of his son, George PRINDLE, where he continued both farming and tanning until his death, in 1836. Gideon was twice married and had a family of eleven children who arrived at maturity, three sons and two daughters of whom are now living, one, Charles D., in Charlotte, who has four sons. George, deceased in 1843, is represented here by two sons, Cyrus G. and George E. Cyrus is now traveling in the Pacific States and Territories, for the purpose of gathering botanical specimens of the trees and plants of that region. He has the appointment of botanist of the State of Vermont.

      John CLARK, from Windsor, Conn., came to Charlotte in 1793, and located in the northwestern part of the town, on road 1, where his grandson, D. E. CLARK, now resides, and where he resided until his death, in 1827, aged seventy years. He served the town from time to time as one of its officers, and was a cordial neighbor and a sound adviser. His youngest son, Ammi, settled upon the homestead and remained during his life. Judson, an older brother, removed to Underhill soon after his marriage, and, about 1848, emigrated to Wisconsin, where he died, September 13, 1872, aged seventy seven years. His son, D'Estaing, is the only representative of the family in Charlotte.

      Elijah POWELL, from Lanesboro, Mass., came to Charlotte in 1793, and located upon the farm now owned by Orrin P. READ, and opposite where Mr. READ now lives. He became a successful farmer and cleared and improved a farm of several hundred acres. He was a liberal supporter of the Baptist church, and one of the principal builders of the first house of worship of that denomination in this town. Of his nine children, several settled in Charlotte, but eventually left, all but Reuben, who settled on the place now owned by his son, Edgar S., where he remained until his death, in 1830. He had a family of eleven children, only four of whom are now living, one only, Edgar S., in this town.

      John THORP, a native of Ireland, came to Charlotte about 1795, and immediately engaged in mercantile pursuits, at which he was quite successful, his being the only general store between Vergennes and Burlington. He was also an extensive dealer in pine and oak lumber, which he shipped, by the way of the lake, to Quebec. But just as he had succeeded in building up an extensive and profitable business, he died, in 1799, aged only forty three years. His cousin, George THORP, came to Charlotte soon after, for the purpose of settling john's estate, having been appointed his executor. After the settlement he married the widow, and continued the business a few years, then abandoned it and turned his attention to farming, in which he was quite successful. He lived to the ripe age of eighty six years, remaining on the farm his cousin first settled until his death. His children were George, Jr., and John G. George, Jr., married Miss BULL, of Ferrisburgh, and located on the farm now owned by his sons, Harley and Henry. John G. married in early life, remained with his father, and now occupies the old homestead. Henry, another son of George, resides on road 13, and has three sons. The eldest, Ervin H., is an assistant editor of the Rutland Herald; the other two, Herbert C. and Emerson A., are farming with their father.

      Gideon FOOT was born at Washington, Conn., March 22 1770, and came to Charlotte previous to 1824, locating upon the farm now owned by Mrs. SPEAR. For his first wife he married Susanna PARKER, by whom he had four sons and one daughter. Subsequent to her death he married her sister, Polly, by whom he had two sons, Charles P. and Philo P. He died March 4., 1838, aged sixty eight years. Charles P., located on road 29, is the only surviving member of Gideon's family now residing in Charlotte. He was born June 20, 1809, married Lucy A. BARTON, and has had two sons and two daughters, named respectively Wilber, Caroline, William, and Susan Ida. The sons still reside in Charlotte. Susan Ida married Jay A. CLARK, and Caroline died some years since.

      William PEASE, from Lanesboro, Mass., came to this town in 1796, locating on road 20, where he carried on a smithery. At first his estate amounted to but four acres, which, by economy, he ultimately increased to 150 acres. Of his eight children, two died in infancy, and only one, Mrs. Minerva SHERMAN, is now living in Charlotte, on the old homestead. Elijah, a brother of William, came to Charlotte in 1797, and had a home with William for a while, of whom he learned the blacksmith's trade. He finally settled on road 36, at the foot of Pease Mountain, where he followed farming. He left but one son, George, residing in Charlotte, all the others having moved away in early life. George PEASE, a brother of William and Elijah, came to Charlotte with William when he was about eleven years old. He remained with William as his apprentice until of age. He married soon after, and located in the southern part of the town as a blacksmith. After several years' hard labor at his trade, his health failed, and for a time he kept a public house in Ferrisburgh, and owned a farm in connection with it. He finally sold his property in Ferrisburgh, however, and bought a farm in this town, the same now occupied by his grandson, Russell. He had a family of three children, two sons and a daughter, and died in 1858.

      Caleb BARTON, from Lanesboro, Mass., came to Charlotte in 1796, and located on the place now occupied by Mrs. William BARTON. Jeremiah, his second son, located in Charlotte, where he remained until his death. Joseph BARTON married Polly SAXTON, of Ferrisburgh, April 14, 1805, and located on road 35, upon apart of the farm now owned by Ovette STONE. From there he removed to Four Corners, where he kept a public house for a long time. He died June 7, 1865, aged seventy seven years. His children were as follows: Harriet, Aiken S., George, Mary, and Joseph, Jr.

      Gad ROOT, also from Lanesboro, came here in 1798. He married Clemena LOOMIS the following year, and located at Baptist Corners, where he engaged in the tanning, currying and shoemaking business. About six years after, he removed to Madrid, N. Y., where he continued the tanning business several years, then sold out and returned to Charlotte, locating on the farm now occupied by Mrs. Loomis ROOT and her son Edgar. Mr. ROOT was a fine man, noted for his charity and piety, and for a long time was deacon of the Congregational church. His useful life was brought to a close October 19, 1843, at the age of sixty six years. His eldest son, Noble, born in June, 1800, was a prominent man in Charlotte, and died here in 1872, leaving two sons, George L. and Henry C., who now occupy his estate. Dorwin, the second son, born June 21, 1809, located where his widow and family now reside. Loomis, the youngest, born in 1815, resided on the homestead until his death, in 1866.

      David COOK came to Charlotte from Connecticut, in 1807, and became a leading man of the town, holding, at different times, most of the town offices. He died in 1857, aged seventy six years. His three children were Mary A., Charles B. and Harriet P.  Charles B. resides on a fine homestead in the western part of the town. He is a prominent man, and has held many of the town offices, and represented his townsmen in 1853 and '54.

      Leverett SHERMAN came to Charlotte from Connecticut, in 1808. He learned the carpenter's trade of his brother in-law, Johnson FOOTE, and from him he also purchased the farm now occupied by his son, Alfred W., upon which he died, aged eighty five years. In the war of 1812, he was employed by the government to build barracks for the soldiers at Plattsburgh. William E. SHERMAN, brother of Leverett, came here in 1811, and located upon the farm now owned and occupied by his son, Deacon John H. SHERMAN, where he died June 15, 1859.

      William HIGBY, from Ferrisburgh, came to Charlotte, in 1819, and located upon the farm now owned by O. C. PALMER, on road 53. He afterwards went to live with his son, Peter V., on road 61. W. Wallace HIGBY, son of Peter V., is the only representative of the family now residing in the town. He holds the offices of town clerk and justice of the peace.

      Joseph H. JONES, from Claverack, N. Y., came to Charlotte about 1822, and located at the foot of Mt. Philo. He was the father of fourteen children, thirteen of whom arrived at maturity. Four are now living, three in this town, viz.: Smith, occupying the old homestead; Miss Ann, living with Smith, and Joseph. Of Smith's children, three now reside in Charlotte; of Joseph's, only one, Miss Mary E.

      Thomas WHALLEY, from Ferrisburgh, came here in 1837, and located upon the farm now occupied by his widow, and grandson, R. G. WHALLEY. His surviving children in this town are two sons. Jonathan and Samuel. Thomas died at the advanced age of eighty nine years.

      John QUINLAN came to Charlotte in 1844. The first winter after he came here he chopped wood for twenty five cents per cord, and purchased two hundred and twenty four acres of land, mostly on credit. This farm, in a course of honorable prosperity, he has added to from time to time, until he now owns eleven hundred acres.

      The Congregational Church of Charlotte, located at Charlotte Centre, was organized January 3, 1792, at the house of Daniel HOSFORD, Jr., with four members, John HILL, Moses YALE, Daniel HOSFORD, Jr., and Joseph SIMONDS. Rev. Daniel O. GILLETT was installed as the first pastor during the same year. The first church building, a wood structure, was erected in 1798, and gave place to the present brick building in 1848. It will accommodate 350 persons, and is valued, including grounds, at $6,000.00. The society now has 163 members, with Rev H. B. PUTNAM, pastor.

      The Charlotte Baptist Church, located at Baptist Four Corners, was organized May 6, 1807, under the supervision of a council, called by the Baptist church of Monkton, at the request of certain members of the church residing in Charlotte, who were dismissed, by mutual consent, to form said church, which consisted of nineteen members. Rev. Nathan DANA was the first pastor. The first church building was erected of wood, in 1808, the second and present one in 1840. Repairs and improvements were made in 1856, to the amount of $700, and others have been made from time to time since, until it stands today a neat, pleasant little brick structure, with a capacity for accommodating 200 persons, valued, including grounds, at $4,000. The society has at present fifty members, with Rev. C. A. VOTEY, pastor.

      Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church, located at Baptist Four Corners, was organized by Bishop DeGOESBRIAND, in June, 1859, with about thirty families. The present church building, completed in 1859, is a wood structure with accommodations for 500 persons, and is valued, including grounds, etc, at $5,000. The society has about six hundred communicants, under the pastoral charge of Rev. Father PERLIDON, pastor.

      The Charlotte Methodist Episcopal Church, located at Charlotte Four Corners, was organized in 1801, by Rev. Ebenezer WASHBURN. The first church edifice was of wood, commenced in 1819, and completed in 1823. In 1837, it was burned down, together with the parsonage, which stood upon the same ground occupied by the district parsonage destroyed by fire seven years previous. The present brick church was built in 1840.

Transcribed by Karima Allison ~ 2004