The surface of the territory is quite uneven and hilly, though it has no elevation of any considerable height. The hills, however, afford a very pleasing diversity to the landscape, and together with the green valleys that lie between, and the numerous clear sparkling streams that find their sources among them, unite in forming many very beautiful points of scenery. The soil is varied, from the most sterile and rocky surface soil to the fine arable alluvium of the beds along the several streams. The rocks that enter into its geological structure are an immense bed of talcose conglomerate in the western, and talcose schist in the eastern or remaining part. These conglomerates, however, contain a great variety of rocks in their composition, the most abundant in this locality being quartz, limestone, and slate. The talcose rock belongs to the lower Silurian period, is from 2,000 to 3,000 feet thick, contains no fossils, and in this locality no minerals. Numerous streams and springs are found throughout the township, affording an abundant supply of water. Winooski River washes the southwestern boundary. Brown's River enters the town at the northeast, from Underhill, and runs into Essex. Little River, or Lee's Brook, so called, takes its rise in the east, and, running near the center of the town, unites with Brown's River at the village, in the west part of the town. Mill Brook enters the township from Bolton, and runs into the Winooski about half way from Richmond to Essex. On all of these streams are fine alluvial flats and good mill privileges, the best of the latter being on Brown's River. These numerous mill sites have a tendency to make Jericho more of a manufacturing town than most of its neighbors, while its various soil, good climate, etc., render it not less valuable than they, in an agricultural point of view, it being well adapted for raising most kinds of grain and grass. Its timber, too, is various, though mostly beech, birch and maple, interspersed with hemlock, cedar, pine and spruce, with some oak and ash. For its products, both of the soil and the manufactory, it finds a ready means of transportation in the Central Vermont R. R., which passes across the southwestern corner of the territory, and also in the Burlington & Lamoille Railroad, which has stations at Jericho, Jericho Center, and Underhill Flats.

       In 1880, Jericho had a population of 1,687, was divided into twelve school districts and contained twelve common schools, employing six male and fourteen female teachers, at an aggregate salary of $1,598.80. There were 330 pupils attending school, while the entire cost of the schools for the year, ending October 31st, was $2,197.79.

       JERICHO, a post village and station on the B. & L. R. R., in the western part of the town, is very handsomely situated on Brown's River, where, within a half mile, are seven mill sites, with an aggregate fall of one hundred feet, six of them being now in use. This fact goes far toward making the village what it is, a smart business like little town, steadily growing in size, and now containing a drug store, hardware store, tin shop, one grocery and provision and three dry goods and general stores, blacksmith, boot and shoe, painters, and other mechanics' shops, three churches (Cong., Baptist and M. E.), two lawyers, jeweler, printer, etc., a cornet band, and about 400 inhabitants. It has also a pump and water tubing manufactory, the shops of the Jericho Chair Company, a grist and flouring mill, butter tub and cheese box manufactory, and two saw mills. A large, handsome school building has lately been erected, in which three schools are in successful operation. Last, but not least, it also contains a fine, well kept hotel, with a good livery attached.

       UNDERHILL FLATS (Underhill p. o.), located partly in this town and partly in Underhill, contains a hotel, steam saw mill, grist mill, three churches (Episcopal, Methodist and Cong.), two stores, one in Jericho and one in Underhill, the Congregational church also being located in the Underhill part, one drug store, one tin and hardware store, one wagon shop, two blacksmith shops, one of which is in Jericho, a cheese factory, and about one hundred inhabitants in the Jericho portion, and seventy five in the part lying in Underhill.

       JERICHO CENTRE, a post village located, as its name implies, in the central part of the town, contains one store, two churches (Cong. and Universalist), a blacksmith shop, shoe and harness shop, and about twenty five dwellings. Here also is situated Jericho Academy, formerly a very popular institution, erected in 1825, though it did not go into successful operation until March, 1827, when Simeon BICKNELL, A. M., took it in charge, and under whose management the school attained a high reputation. He remained with the Academy until 1832, when he left, and with him left the energetic spirit of the institution, which gradually lost its popularity until it finally ceased to exist, in 1845. From that time up to about five years ago no enterprise was attempted, when school was again opened in the old building. It met with no particular success, however, and was given up again about a year ago.

       Jericho Grist and Flouring Mill, located on Brown's River, was built about twenty five years ago, by James H. HUTCHINSON, who operated there about eight years. They are now owned and operated by L. B. & F. HOWE, who do an extensive business in custom work, in addition to the manufacture of flour and meal from about 20,000 bushels of western corn, and 10,000 bushels of wheat per annum. The mills are furnished with four runs of stones, and employ five men.

       Horatio B. BARNEY's carding mill, located at Jericho village, was established by Truman BARNEY in the year 1819. Mr. BARNEY does a modest, yet thriving business.

       Spafford A. WRIGHT's carriage manufactory and paint slop, also located at Jericho village, was established by Mr. WRIGHT in 1876, who does new work, as well as carrying on a general repairing business.

       The Jericho Chair Company, whose works are located on Brown's River, at the above mentioned village, was established by Henry M. FIELD and Simon D. BULLOCK, in 1877, for the manufacture of cane seat chairs. They now manufacture about $60,000.00 worth per annum, employing thirty five men.

       Anson G. FIELD, Jr.'s, mood pump and water tubing works, located on Brown's River, at Jericho village, were established by Simon DAVIS in 1840, he continuing the business until .1859, when it was taken by H. M. FIELD, who continued it until 1875, when the present owner purchased the property.

       In addition to the above mentioned manufacture, he also saws and planes lumber, cutting about 700,000 feet per year. The whole business amounts to a net value of $10,000.00 to $12,000.00 per annum, giving employment to twenty five men.

       John EARLY's saw and grist mill, located on Brown's River, on road 2. was built by EARLY & GIBBONS, about the year 1874. Mr. EARLY now manufactures here about 200,000 feet of lumber, and does, in both branches of the business, a general custom trade.

       WHITCOMB & DAY's cheese box manufactory and planing mill, also located on Brown's River, near Mr. EARLY's mill, was established by Thomas BUXTON and Charles WILLIAMSON, in 1874, and purchased by the present owners in 1876, who now employ four men, and manufacture 15,000 cheese boxes annually.

       Underhill and Jericho cheese factory, located at Underhill Flats, in this town, was built by the present owners, Edward S. WHITCOMB and Buel H. DAY, 1873. The firm does an extensive business, manufacturing into cheese the milk from 600 to 1,000 cows, annually.

       The steam saw and grist mill and. handle manufactory, located near the above mentioned factory, was built in 187 7, and is now owned by a company of thirteen men, with Buel H. DAY as secretary and principal manager. They manufacture plain lumber, do custom grinding, and also manufacture all kinds of turned handles. Of lumber alone they cut annually 2,000,000 feet.

       Julius C. HODGE's mill, located on Mill Brook, was built about thirty years ago, destroyed by fire is May of 1880, and rebuilt in 1881, for sawing and planing lumber, manufacturing cheese boxes, grinding grain, and also for manufacturing cider. The building stands on the corner of roads 50 and 51.

       Mill Brook Cheese Factory, located on the brook of that name, was built, and is now owned and operated, by a stock company organized in 1874. It uses the milk from 375 cows, manufacturing about 95,000 pounds of cheese per annum.

       Ezra KINNEY's wheelwright and blacksmith shop, located on road 15, where Mr. KINNEY does a moderately profitable business, was originally built about twenty eight years ago, though destroyed by fire in 1875, and rebuilt in 1881.

       Edgar A. BARNEY's saw and planing mill, on road 17, upon Lee Brook, was established in 1864. It manufactures annually, about 200,000 feet of lumber, and also a considerable quantity of chair stock.

       Ansel NASH's grist, saw and cider mill, located on Mill Brook, was built about twelve years ago. Mr. NASH saws 50,000 feet of lumber, and manufactures two hundred barrels of cider per annum, while the grist mill, for grinding feed only, does custom work.

       Augustus S. WOOD's rake manufactory and turning works, on Mill Brook, were established about fifty years ago, and purchased by Mr. WOOD, January 15, 1866. In November, 1879, the buildings were destroyed by fire, and rebuilt in 1 880. Mr. WOOD manufactures the Weymouth clothes bars, hand rakes, and mop handles, also doing ornamental turning. The business amounts to from $2,000.00 to 2,600.00 per year.

       William S. NOYES’s fork and rake handle and chair stock manufactory, located at Underhill Flats, employs fifteen men and turns out about 400,000 handles and $4,000 worth of chair stock annually.

       Nearly ten years after Governor Benning Wentworth placed his "sign manuel" to the document which brought into existence the town whose title heads this sketch, in 1774, three families from the western part of Massachusetts began their difficult journey "over into Jericho" through the trackless wilderness, guided only by here and there a blazed tree, or by following the course of some stream that cut like a silver thread the dense primeval forest. These, the families of Messrs. MESSENGER, Rood and BROWN, after many privations, at last reached their destination, and immediately took steps toward erecting their humble homes, thus establishing the first white settlement in the township. Mr. BROWN located on the flats near Underhill, upon the banks of the river that has since borne his name, his farm consisting of three hundred acres of land, for which his wife had paid $300, and the same now owned, and occupied, in part at least, by their grandson, Rufus BROWN. Mr. MESSENGER settled on the Winooski River, and near Mr. ROOD. They were soon after followed by several other families.

       The pioneer's anticipations of a quiet, peaceful home were soon to be dissipated  The war against the mother country soon after broke out, rendering not only the titles to their lands insecure, but their lives also were in jeopardy. The settlers of Vermont, especially those of the northern portion, were occasionally annoyed by Indians from the commencement to the termination of the war. Their encroachments were made by scouting parties, whose pursuit was made for the acquisition of plunder and riotous entertainments, while their unwelcome visits were obtruded among the distressed inhabitants. The northern hive of Indians residing upon the Canadian frontier poured in upon the wilderness territory, destroying the property and carrying many of the luckless settlers into captivity.

       Mr. BROWN, with his family, consisting of a wife, a daughter, and two sons, was not seriously molested during the fore part of the Revolution, and had made such improvements on his land as to raise most of the necessaries of life; but in the autumn of 1780, the family was surprised and made prisoners by a party of Indians, who, after securing their prisoners, killed the cattle, sheep and hogs belonging to them, set fire to the house, and started for Montreal. The prisoners suffered much on their journey, from fatigue and hunger, their principal food being raw bears meat. On arriving at St. Johns, they were turned over to the British officers, and the captors received their bounty, $8.00 per head, for them. For three years they were retained as nominal prisoners, though they were in reality slaves, being obliged to serve their exacting masters, receiving only the poorest of fare. At the time of their capture there was a young man by the name of OLDS in the house with them, who succeeded in escaping, and made his way to a block house in the southern part of the town, on Winooski River.

       Some time previous to this, in 1776, Mr. MESSENGER had been advised to take his family and leave for a place of greater safety, by Gen. Ira ALLEN. This friendly advice Mr. MESSENGER heeded, and soon after started for Bennington, where, after many trials, he arrived safely with his family.

       Soon after the cessation of hostilities, in 17 84, the BROWNs returned to their possessions in Jericho, where they were speedily joined by others, so that in 1783, there were six enrolled freemen, which number was increased to twelve during the following year; and in 1791, the whole population numbered 381 souls. The first town meeting, warned by John FASSET, judge of the supreme court, was held March 22, 1786, and James FARNSWORTH chosen moderator; Lewis CHAPIN, clerk; and Peter McARTHUR, constable. On the 13th of the following month, at an adjourned meeting, Dea Azariah ROOD, Capt. Joseph HALL, and Jedediah LANE, selectmen. November 29th of the same year, by a permit from the general assembly at its session at Rutland in the previous. October, Jedediah LANE was also chosen representative. The first justice was James FARNSWORTH, chosen in 1787. Mr. John LEE, who died in 1789, was. the first person buried within the limits of the town. The first physician was. Matthew COLE, though he did not remain long in the town. Martin POST was the first lawyer.

       Joseph BROWN, the first settler, was born in Watertown, Conn., and came to this town from Great Barrington, Mass. In exchange for his property in the latter place, he received five hundred acres of land, situated where the village of Stowe now stands. During the three years of his captivity, taxes had been levied on this land as well as on the three hundred acres here, and accumulated to such an extent that he was unable to pay them, and consequently lost the property, retaining only a portion of that in Jericho, upon which he again located. But outliving his hardships, however, he was able at his death to leave his children a competence. His son Joseph, who was taken prisoner with him, came back with his father, and died here in April of 1838, leaving his property to his son Rufus, who now occupies the same.

       Roderick MESSENGER, of Claverack, N. Y., who came during the same year, after taking his family to Bennington, was employed by the council of safety in defense of the settlers of the grants, and was stationed at a block house on his farm in Jericho, which was occupied as a military out post till, upon the approach of Burgoyne, the company stationed there retreated to meet the enemy at Hubbardton and Bennington. After the war Mr. MESSENGER reoccupied his farm, and was for a long time postmaster and news carrier for the pioneers.

       Dea. Azariah ROOD, of Lanesboro, Mass., the other of the three, one of the first six freemen, first selectman, first deacon, etc., died in 1795, leaving his. son, Thomas DRAKELY, to fill his place. Thomas became one of the most respected citizens of the town, which he served in almost every responsible civil position. In his old age he removed, with his youngest son, to Wisconsin, where he died, in 1855, aged eighty seven years.

       Hon. Noah CHITTENDEN, oldest son of Gov. Thomas CHITTENDEN, born in 1753, was one of the early settlers of the town, and an opulent land owner. He had entered public life previous to his coming to Jericho, and in 1785, was sheriff of Addison County, while that county yet included Chittenden. Most of the original titles to land were lost by sheriff's sale for taxes, and by this mans "Judge Noah" became the owner of about 2,000 acres. This gave him great influence, and he was much employed in public business in the town and county for many years, until his death, of apoplexy, in 1833.

       Jedediah LANE, from Killingworth, Conn., was among the first permanent settlers, one of the first six freemen registered, one of the first elected freemen, and first representative. Many of his descendants are now residents of the town and vicinity. He died here in 1818, aged seventy seven years. His son, Jedediah, who engaged in mercantile pursuits for a time, and many years a teacher, was the first college graduate from Jericho.

       John and Azariah LEE, from Saybrook, Conn., with their families, were among the first settlers, locating on road 49, upon the farm now occupied by Sylvanus LEE, great grandson of Azariah. Solomon, the grandfather of Sylvanus and son of Azariah, was eleven years old when he came here, and died in 1848. John died a few years after their settlement here, in 1789, aged fifty years. Lee Brook, and numerous descendents, remain to perpetuate the name of the family.

       John LYMAN, from Salisbury, Conn., was one of the early settlers, and located upon the farm now owned and occupied by his grandson, Charles H. LYMAN. Daniel, a son of John, is now living with Charles H., being eighty-nine years of age.

       Lewis and Ichabod CHAPIN, from Springfield, Mass., came to Jericho in 1784 or '85. Lewis settled at the Center, where he purchased 300 acres of land, and soon became one of the principal men of the town, was chosen first town clerk, serving in that office many years, and also served as representative, etc. He donated four acres of land for the site of the first meeting, house, and afterwards gave the site of the academy, and also two acres for a cemetery. Lewis died in 1827, aged seventy two years. Lewis CHAPIN, Jr., born here, died in 1833, aged forty one years. Milo H., son of Lewis, Jr., now resides on the old homestead, which has so long been in the possession of the CHAPIN family.

       William SMITH, from Lanesboro, Mass., removed to this town after a short residence in Essex, about 1785, locating on road 37, where his son John still resides. Gordon, son of John, born here, still resides on the old homestead, and has a family of three children, making three generations now living on the place.

       Sylvanus BLODGETT, from Whitingham, Vt., came to Williston at an early date, and from there to Jericho, where he married Rachel WOODWARD, and resided here until his death, in 1872, at the advanced age of eighty nine years. His daughter, Mary E., married William A. BROWN, who died in 1862, while serving in the Union army. She now resides near Jericho village, on road 25.

       Jesse GLOYD, born in Cummington, Conn., April 17, 1770, came to this town at an early date in its history, resided here many years, and died in Milton, in 1845. His grandson, Jesse, son of Justin, who lived all his life here, now occupies the old homestead, which has been in the possession of the GLOYD family nearly one hundred years.

       Nehemiah PROUTY, from Massachusetts, came to Jericho at an early day, and resided here until his death, in 1871, aged ninety three years. His son, Nehemiah, born here in 1832, built the house he now occupies, on road 17, and a few years later built a wagon shop, where he still carries on the business of wagon making.

       Gains PEASE, born in Enfield, Conn., October 21, 1771, came to this town in early life, where, after a long and busy life, he died, in 1855, aged eighty-three years. His son, Alvah, born here, now resides on road 18.

       David T. STONE, from Connecticut, came to Jericho at an early day. locating near Lee Brook, where he continued to reside until quite aged, then removed to Underhill, and finally to Westford, where he died, September 2, 1845, aged seventy six years. His son, Hiram T., was the first child born in the Lee Brook neighborhood, and resided in that vicinity nearly all his life, dying April 3, 1874, aged seventy nine years and eleven months. Isaac C., son of Hiram, also born in this vicinity, remained until 1878, when he removed to the place he now occupies, on road 29.

       Ezra CHURCH, from Chelsea, Vt., came to Underhill while yet a boy, and remained there a few years, then removed to this town, and resided a long time on road 12. He was an active, energetic man, and served the town as constable for many years. He died August 20, 1881, aged eighty four years. His son, Asa, born in Underhill, came to Jericho with his father when only one year old, and now resides on road 22. Hyman, another son, was born near where he now resides, on road 27.

       James G. WALSTON, born in this county, has always resided here, and now lives on road 42. His son, Willie C., born in Richmond, resides in the northern part of this town, on road 42.

       Asher HALL, born in Richmond, came to Jericho at an early day, and died in Bolton. His son, Lyman C., was born in this town, and is still a resident.

       Col. Luther DIXON, born in Kent, in 1769, was one of the earliest settlers in Underhill, and from there removed to Milton, where he died, in December, 1846. Luther was a colonel of militia, and commanded a regiment at the battle of Plattsburgh. His son, Leonard S., is now a resident of Jericho.

       David and Jedediah Field, brothers, come to this town from Guilford, Conn., about 1797, and were among the most honored of the early settlers. David settled about half a mile east from Jericho Center, where he died, aged seventy two. He had seven children, three sons and four daughters, two of whom only are now living, Anson, Sr., at Jericho Corners, aged, seventy eight years, and Mrs. Mary LYMAN, at the Center, aged eighty one years. Harvey, son of Jedediah, came with his father at the age of seven years, and died here, in '1878, aged eighty eight years. His son, Austin, was born near where he now lives, on road 47. Erastus Field, another son of Jedediah~ now residing at Jericho village, was born here in 1798: He has held most of the town offices, among which that of constable and representative, and has held the office of justice nearly or quite thirty years.

       Thomas LOWERY, born in Philadelphia, August 17, 1734, came to Jericho previous to the Revolutionary war, and pitched his claim of 300 acres where his great grandson, Oliver J. LOWERY, now resides. He then returned to Philadelphia, intending to settle on his land soon after; but as the war frustrated this plan, he did not make a settlement until 1789. His son, Oliver, born at Croton Falls, N. Y., June 6, 1783, came on with his father, and lived here until his death, in March, 1868, aged eighty five, having lived on the farm seventy nine years. During his long life here, Oliver served the town as magistrate, selectman, representative, etc., and also held the office of captain, in the war of 1812. Albert, son of Oliver, born in Jericho, January 8, 1810, died here, May 19, 1879. Oliver J., son of Albert, born April 4, 1847, now owns and occupies the old homestead, which has been in the possession of his father, grandfather, and great grandfather before him.

       Polli C. PACKARD, born in Plainfield, Mass., January 26, 1768, came to Jericho in 1794, and returned to Massachusetts the following year, where, on February 16th, he married Ruth NASH and immediately returned to Jericho. Here he resided for a number of years, and finally died at Middlebury, while on his return from a visit to Massachusetts. Cyrus, son of Polli, born here in 1810, died in 1870. His widow, Melissa (MEAD) PACKARD, born in Underhill in 1812, now resides here with her son Harrison.

       Arthur BOSTWICK, with his son Nathaniel, from New Milford, Conn., came to Jericho in 1788, and both remained here until their death. Nathaniel had one son, Arthur, who also died here, and his son, Isaac C., is now occupying the old homestead.

       Abijah WHITON, born in 1795, died in 11872, aged seventy seven years. His son, John P., still resides on road 10.

       Isaac BURNHAM, born in Connecticut, came to Jericho from Genesee County, N. Y., at an early date, locating upon the farm now owned by Stephen DOW, where he died in 11846, aged ninety three or ninety four years. John BURNHAM, son of Isaac, better known as Dea. BURNHAM, born on the old homestead, died here March 117, 1875. He was a prominent man and deacon of the Baptist church. Nathan, son of John, born here October 14, 1816, is still a resident.

       Eliphalet HATCH, from Connecticut, was also one of the early settlers of Jericho, coming with his son Roswell. Roswell died in 1829, aged forty five years. Moses B., son of Roswell, born here, is still a resident, on road 48.

       James MARSH, one of the early settlers of the town, was born in Bath, N. H., and came to this town at an early date, with his family, which consisted of wife and eight children. He was subsequently drowned while crossing the river in Richmond, and was buried on the farm of Capt. Joseph HALL, then in Jericho, now near Richmond Corners. James Jr., who is said to have cut the first tree on the site of the cemetery at Jericho Center, died here February 17, 1865, in his ninetieth year. Lewis, son of John, Jr., born here, still resides on road 57.

       Benjamin DAY, from Whitingham, Vt., came to Jericho about 1800, locating on road i2, where he died in 1846. Hiram B., son of Benjamin, now lives on road 12, corner of road 4. Byron W., son of Hiram, also resides on road 12.

       Harvey BOOTH, born in Westford, Vt., came to Jericho in 1811, and is still a resident His son, Hanley, also resides here, on road 10.

       Caleb NASH, with his son, Caleb, Jr., from Weymouth. Mass., came to this town in 1800, and located upon land now owned by Lewis WELLS, both remaining until their death, Caleb at the age of eighty two, and Caleb, Jr., aged sixty four years. Ansel and Daniel C., sons of Caleb, Jr., are still residents of the town.

       Holland SINCLAIR, born in Milton, Vt., came to Jericho at an early day, and died here April 30, 1862, aged sixty six years. His son Rollin C., born here, is still a resident, on road 14.

       Andrew WARNER started for Jericho in January, 1812, but stopping for a time in Bennington County, did not arrive here until July 4th, since which time he has been a resident He carried on a farm of 150 acres for many years, but now has only a small place on road 39.

       Josiah R. TOWNSEND, born in Taunton, Mass., came to this town in 1819, and died here July 24, 1869. R. R., son of Josiah, born in Underhill, is still a resident.

       Thomas BARNEY, born in Salisbury, Conn., about 1745, came to Vermont previous to the Revolution, locating at Manchester, and subsequently removing to Williston, where he married Mabel, the oldest child of Gov. Thomas CHITTENDEN, born in 1750. Later in life, in 1820, they removed to Jericho, taking up their residence with their son Truman. Dea. BARNEY, as he was known, served in the war of the Revolution, during which service he performed many heroic exploits, the accounts of which have long since settled into family traditions. He died September 13, 1835, his wife in 1838. Truman BARNEY went to Williston with his father, and finally to Underhill, where he purchased one hundred acres of land lying in the northern part of the town, which he subsequently sold, and removed to Williston again. In 1804, he purchased of Gov. Martin CHITTENDEN, the mill and two hundred acres of land at Jericho Corners, where he died, January 6, 1857. Lucius S., son of Truman, born in Underhill, October 18, 1797, came to Jericho August 21, 1804, and still resides with his son Truman B., on road 5, corner 4. Truman B., son of Lucius S., was born on the farm he now occupies, and upon which three generations of the family are living.

       Dr. George HOWE, a native of Canaan, Conn., the second permanent physician in the town, came here from Burlington, Vt., where he studied medicine with Dr. Pomeroy, about 1815, and died here in 1857.His son, Dr. Edward P. HOWE, graduated at the Albany Medical College, and commenced practice in this town at Underhill Flats, where he remained about ten years, then removed to Jericho village, where he has since remained. Mrs. Dr. Dennison J. BLISS (Rosamond HOWE), is a daughter of Dr. George HOWE.

       Dr. Dennison J. BLISS was born in Calais, Vt., and graduated in his profession in 1846. Soon after, he commenced practice at Jericho village, where he has since resided.

       Isaac Smith, a native of Tinmouth, Rutland County, came to Jericho about sixty years ago, and is now living with his son, George N., on road 1, aged eighty two years. 

       Hon. Truman GALUSHA, son of Gov. Jonas GALUSHA, and grandson of Gov. Thomas CHITTENDEN, was born at Shaftsbury, Vt., in 1786, and married Lydia LOOMIS, of the same place, in 1809. In 1819, he married Hannah, the only daughter of Hon. Noah CHITTENDEN, and removed to Jericho in 1824, where, until his death, in 1859, he was one of the wealthiest and most prominent citizens in the town. Russell L. GALUSHA, son of Truman, was born in Shaftsbury, and came to this town with his father, where he has since resided, being now a resident of the village. Truman C. GALUSHA, now residing on road 25, came to the town in 1830 or 1831, and located on Brown's River, at Jericho Corners.

       Lyman STIMSON, who carries on the carriage shop on road 25, near Lee Brook, came to this town from his native place, Essex, Vt., about fifty six years ago, and has been in his present location a quarter of a century.

       Daniel B. BISHOP, with his father, located  in Hinesburgh at an early day, where he remained on the farm upon which he first settled nearly seventy years, or until he removed to Jericho, where he died about ten years after, aged eighty years. Rufus, born in Hinesburgh, remained there, excepting a three years' residence in New Hampshire, until 1835, when he came to this town and resided until his death, in 1872, aged seventy three years. His son, David B., came to Jericho with him, and now resides on road 54.

       Charles HILTON, now residing on road 28, came to Jericho, from Fairfax, about 1840.

       Daniel DOUGLASS, a former resident of this town, and an early settler in Williston, now resides in the latter town, at the advanced age of ninety three years. His son, Milo, born in Williston, now resides in this town on road 21.

       Secretary RAWSON, a physician from Warwick, Mass., removed from there to Stowe, in 1805, when, after a few years' residence, he removed to Waterbury, and from there to Jericho, in 1820, and settled on road 6. Here he discontinued his profession, though he occasionally visited patients. Mr. RAWSON died October 24, 1842, aged seventy years. His son, Homer, now resides on the old homestead, on road 6, where he was born.

       Alexander MILLER, a native of Scotland, emigrated to Montreal in 1840, and a few years later came to this town, where he now owns a farm on road 27.

       William A. HASKINS, from New Hampshire, came to Richmond in 1812. He served in the army, and was present at the battle of Plattsburgh. He subsequently removed to this town, and died here in 1847, aged sixty two years. His sons, William A. Jr., Russell, and Silas J., are now residents of the town.

       Michael F. MARTIN, a native of St. Lawrence County, N. Y., came to Jericho in 1848, where he has since been engaged in the manufacture of wagons.

       William TARBOX, from Piermont, N. H., was an early settler in Richmond, and subsequently located in Jericho, where he died, May 18, 1859, aged seventy one years. Cyrus, son of William, born in Richmond, April 15, 1826, came to Jericho in March, 1851, where he still resides. Roswell, another son, lives at Essex Junction. A daughter, Lucy C., is the wife of Jesse GLOYD, of this town.

       Timothy PERCIVAL, a native of Strafford, Vt., located in Milton several years previous to the war of 1812, in which he served, and from there removed to Jericho in 1852, where he died, in 1856, aged sixty four years. His son, Henry B., now residing on road 25, came here in 1854. Harlow N. PERCIVAL, from Milton, now in the grocery business at Jericho village, came here in 1852.

       Joseph LAVIGNE, born in St. Hyacinth, Quebec, in 1807, removed from there to Burlington, in 1821, where he remained until 1832, then removed to Essex. After many years residence in different parts of the county he finally located in Jericho, in 1854, upon the Russell L. GALUSHA farm, though he remained here but a few years. While on his return from a visit to this town, in 1880, he died quite suddenly, in Burlington. His wife died at Groverton. N. H., July 2, 1881.

       Thomas SWEENEY, a native of Ireland, came to Jericho thirty five years ago, and now resides on road 43.

       Hosea S. WRIGHT, born in Lamoille County, came to Jericho in 1857, and located on Winooski River, upon the MESSENGER farm, which was first settled upon by Roderick MESSENGER, in 1774. Mr. WRIGHT still owns and occupies the same.

       Henry BORROWDALE, born in England, emigrated to Quebec in the early part of the present century, where he remained until 1829, and then came to St. Albans for the purpose of learning the cabinet maker's trade, and finally, in 1859, located in Jericho.

       Martin V. WILLARD, a justice of the peace in this town, was born in Washington County, and came to Jericho in 1862, locating upon the premises he now occupies.

       Antoine LAFLECHE, born in Canada, came from there to Milton, with his. father, when one month old. There he remained until about twenty eight years ago, when he removed to Jericho, locating upon the place he now occupies, on road 15. Mr. LAFLECHE was born in 1803, and claims he can remember quite distinctly seeing the smoke and hearing the cannonading at the battle of Plattsburgh.

       Marshall HARVEY, born in Shrewsbury, Vt., came to Jericho in 1865.

       Merritt FELLOWS, born in Maine, came to this county in 1810, and lived in different portions of it, a part of the time in Jericho, until his death, in 1874. His son, Warren, born in Bolton, now resides in this town on road 25.

       Caleb EASTMAN, born in Hollis, N. H., removed to Westford in 1808, where he died in 1831. Amos, son of Caleb, born in Westford, came to Jericho is 1867, where he now resides at Underhill Flats.

       John JACKSON, a native of England, emigrated to Canada in early life, and subsequently located in Underhill, where he died, in 1849. Robert, his son, born in Underhill, is now a resident of Jericho.

       Gideon CURTIS, born in Woodbury, Conn., October, 14, 1769, came to Richmond in early life, remaining one year, then went to Essex and purchased a farm, upon which he made a small clearing and erected a log house, then returned to Connecticut the following winter and married Rebecca HARDY, with whom he soon after returned to his log house in the wilderness. She, however, died February 6, 1816, leaving him a family of ten children. For his second wife he married Hannah STIMSON, August 5, 1816, by whom he had six children. She died in Essex, November 26, 1872, aged eighty four years. Stephen, son of Gideon and Hannah STEVENS, born in Essex, April 20, 1817, came to Jericho in December, 1866, locating where he now resides, on road 26. Stephen married Harriet M. REYNOLDS, August 28, 1839, and has two sons living, W. R., who resides with Stephen, and E. W., living in Burlington.

       John C. WHITE, born in New Boston, N. H., came to Vermont early in life, where he finally located, in Stowe, and married Dolly RUSSELL. After a few years' residence there he removed to Essex, where he died in 1854, aged seventy five years. His son, Thomas R., born in Essex, came to Jericho in 1865, and purchased the farm he now owns and occupies, on road 2. He also owns the old homestead, which is within sight of his residence.

       Josiah TOWNSEND, from Barnard, Vt., came into Jericho about 1815, and subsequently settled in Underhill, where he remained until 1836, then returned to Jericho, and died here in 1869. He married Miss Nancy JONES, of Bridgewater, Vt., by whom he had one son and one daughter. His son, Rollin R., born October 26, 1825, now resides on road six.

       William BLOOD, from New Hampshire, settled in the town of Essex soon after the close of the Revolution, where he followed blacksmithing. His son, Luther BLOOD, now lives in this town, on road 5, aged eighty years. Luther's son, William F., still resides here.

       David CASTLE, from Connecticut, settled in Essex soon after the Revolution. He had a family of six children, two of whom, Abel and Jonathan, removed to Jericho about the year 1800. Abel married and settled upon the farm now owned by J. BASS. He became a large land owner, and died at the age of ninety seven years, leaving a family of nine children.

       Cyrus MACOMBER, from Chesterfield, Mass., located in Essex at an early date, and subsequently located in Westford, upon the farm now owned by his grandson, Rolland Berry, where he died, in 1825. Wiram R. MACOMBER, one of. his children, now resides in the town, on road 25.

       Patrick RUSSELL removed to this town from Underhill, in 1837, and located upon the farm now owned by Walter E. RUSSELL. He had a family of five children, two of whom are now living here.

       David RANSOM, from Rupert, Vt., came to Jericho about the year 1820, and located upon the farm now owned by H. BUXTON. He had a family of eleven children, four of whom axe now living, three, D. M., Silas, and K. S., in this town.

       Nathan HOSKINS, from Connecticut, came to Jericho previous to 1800, and located on road 19, upon the farm now owned by his grandson, Abel C. HOSKINS. He died in 1840, leaving a family of five children. One of them, Henry, remained upon the old homestead until his death, in 1873, and his son, the only representative of the family in this town, has occupied it since.

       Daniel HALE, from New Hampshire, located in the eastern part of the town, in 1831, remained for a time, and finally returned to New Hampshire. His son, Stephen, now resides here, at the age of eighty five years, retaining his vigor remarkably.

       Peter VAN VLIET, born in Fishkill, N. Y., was an early settler in the town of Charlotte, where he located in 1795 or 1796. From there he removed to Monkton, in 1851, and died there in 1856, aged seventy eight years. He had a family of fifteen children, of whom Christian, now residing in this town, on road 6, was the youngest, and is the only one living.

       Luther M. STEVENS, from Massachusetts, came to Underhill in 1839, and remained twenty three years, when, after a short residence in Burlington, he came to this town where he has since resided.

       Calvin MORSE, from New Hampshire, came to Underhill at an early day, where he was engaged in farming about fifty years. Seven years ago he settled in this town, and died here, in 1880. His widow still survives him, residing on Church street.

       Ephraim STILES, from Barton, Vt., located in Jericho fifty one or fifty two years ago, and died here in June, 1842, at an advanced age. His son, George M., still resides in this town, on road 40.

       The First Congregational Church of Jericho.  The religious faith of most of the early settlers of Jericho was after the Congregational school, a fact readily to be accounted for in their having been born in the old Puritan State of Massachusetts, and nurtured, as their fathers were before them, almost within the orthodox shadow of old "Plymouth Rock." To this, their new wilderness home, they brought the old loved, formal religious code; but for many years after their arrival they were too few in number and too poor in purse to erect any suitable house of worship, or to secure a regular pastor. During three years, meetings were held in private dwellings, barns, and often in the open air, presided over by some member of the congregation, or by such itinerant clergyman as chance or fortune led this way, or by ministers from neighboring towns. In this way matters progressed until 1791, when the first regularly organized church was established, through the agency of Rev. Reuben PARMELEE, of Hinesburgh. A small body it was though, consisting of only nine members, but earnest and determined in their purpose. The Rev. Ebenezer KINGSBURY was the first regular pastor called to the charge, and to him was given the "minister's right" allowed by charter. In 1797, their first church building was erected, a large, square roofed, wooden structure, near the center of the town and middle of the "Green," a square of four acres, donated for that purpose by Luther CHAPIN, and around which the present village of Jericho Center has since been built. This edifice did service until 1835, when the present brick building on the north side of the "Green" took its place. In 1878, the house was thoroughly repaired, at a cost of $4,000.00, and will now comfortably accommodate a congregation of 300 persons, and is valued at $4,500.00. The society at present has eighty members, a good Sabbath school with an average attendance of ninety, and is under the able charge of Rev. Austin HAZEN.

       The Calvary Episcopal Church of Underhill Flats. -- Several families of the early settlers were Episcopalians, as is attested by several entries in the early town records. From them the northern part of the town where they resided was called "Church Street," and there, at an early date, a church was organized and maintained for a few years, under the care of Rev. Bethuel CHITTENDEN, of Shelburne, Rev. Reuben GARLICK, M. D., and others; but, being few, their organization was abandoned after a few years, until it was revived under the ministration of Rev. Samuel BOSTWICK, in 1842, with a membership of twelve families. In 1856, they erected a house of worship, of wood, capable of seating 150 persons, and costing $2,000.00. The society now has twelve members, under the pastoral charge of Rev. Gemont GRAVES, of Burlington. The church building, including grounds, etc., is valued at about its original cost.

       Universalist Church. -- The THOMPSONs, the GLOYDs, and the DOWs, together with several other of the early inhabitants of the town, were Universalists. They had preaching of their doctrine early, but no religious edifice until 1846, when the church at Jericho Center was erected. The society was organized by its first pastor, Rev. Thomas BROWNING, February 18, 1843, with thirty one members. Owing to removals and deaths, however, the society property has become much run down, and they hold no meetings at present.

       The Methodist Church of Jericho. -- This denomination owes its existence in this town, for many years, to Rev. Thomas GOODHUE, of Ipswich, Mass., who removed to Underhill in 1805, and to this town in 1815, where he died in 1850, aged eighty five years, having continued to preach occasionally until eighty years of age. In 1805, there were but three Methodists in the township, Elias HALE, his wife, and Elias NASH. They invited Mr. GOODHUE to preach to them, and from that date the denomination increased in numbers and influence to the present time. It has now 108 members, under the able charge of Rev. Joseph W. GURNSEY, with two houses of worship, one at Underhill Flats and one at Jericho Corners, though both are within the limits of the town. They will each comfortably accommodate 200 persons, and are unitedly valued at $6,000.00.

       The First Baptist Church. -- The Baptist church in this town was separated from that of Essex, in 1817, and organized on the 21st of April of that year. Rev. Mr. ANDEM was installed as their first pastor, and was with them a long time. They had no regular place of worship until 1825, when the academy was built at Jericho Center, the lower story of which was occupied as a place of meeting half the time. In 1826, the brick structure at Jericho village was built by the Baptists and the Second Congregational church, and occupied by them on alternate Sundays till 1858, when the Baptists built their present wood structure, costing $4,000.00, capable of seating 36o persons, and now valued at $6,000.00. The church has at present sixty seven members, with Rev. DeForest SAFFORD, pastor, and has also a Sabbath school with an average attendance of thirty two scholars.

       The Second Congregational Church of Jericho, located at Jericho village, was originally organized in 1826, though it was reorganized, December 19, 1874, and the building re dedicated in 1877. Of its early organization, etc., little can be learned, owing to the loss of the early records. The building was erected by the Congregational and Baptist societies, in 1826, and used by both until 1858, when the Baptists erected a new building, and this society retained the old one, which has since been repaired, however, at a cost of $3,500.00, and is now a comfortable structure with accommodations for 180 persons, and valued at $5,000.00. The society is at present in a prosperous condition, with sixty seven members, under the pastoral charge of Rev. J. D. EMERSON. It has also a flourishing Sabbath school with 133 scholars.
 
 

Gazetteer and Business Directory of 
Chittenden County, Vt. For 1882-83
Compiled and Published by Hamilton Child
Printed At The Journal Office, Syracuse, N. Y, 
August, 1882.
Pages 223-238.

Transcribed by Karima Allison ~ 2004