POPULATION AND VITAL STATISTICS

The first census of the Island was taken in 1790, when it appears that Grand-Isle and South Hero together contained 537 inhabitants, of which number 337 were residents of this town. In 1800, our population numbered 638. According to the census of 1810, this town contained 90 families; 308 white male persons, of whom 253 were under 18 years of age; 296 white female persons, of whom 164 were under 16 years of age; and 9 colored persons. Total population, 613. In 1820, it numbered 698; in 1830, 648; 1840, 724; 1850, 666; and in 1860, 708. About one-fourth of our present population are French-Canadians.

      There has been since 1830, a steady current of emigration from this town setting westward. According to the shrewdest estimates, the rate of emigration has averaged 15 per sons per annum; but it is now much less than formerly. From 1849 to 1854, inclusive, 24 persons* departed this town far California, of whom a little more than one-half have since returned.

      The town has usually enjoyed considerable immunity from epidemical diseases. According to the registration returns, there occurred from 1857 to 1867, inclusive 164 births, 28 marriages, and 82 deaths. Of the latter number 8 persons were of the age of 60 and Upwards; 9 of 70 years and upwards and 7 of 80 years and upwards. This place has never been very much noted for remarkable instances of longevity, as the following list -- though incomplete -- will show. Francis TROMPE, died at the age of 105; Samuel ALLEN, 88; Alvira ALLEN, 89; Timothy PEARL, 88; Sarah PEARL, 88; Phebe HOAG, 87; Dimmis HATCH, 86; Clarissa GORDON, 84; Huldah MEEKER, 84; Mary Ann DEAN, 84; William HODGKINS, 84; Hannah HYDE, 84; Ruth HODGKINS, 83; Simeon WITHERELL, 82; Hannah WITHERELL, 82; Willard GORDON, 80; William W. ORTON, 80.

      The oldest persons at this time living in town, are Alexander F. HYDE, 84; John CHAMBERLIN. 84; Samuel HODGKINS, 84 [As a matter of curiosity It may be stated that Mr. Hodgkin has voted the democratic ticket for 62 years.]; Ira Chamberlin, 86.

      There has been a great change manifested in regard to the size of families of late years as compared with early times. Most of the early settlers had families numbering 8 children and upwards. John SAWYER's family numbered 21 children; Seth GRIFFITH's, 15; Hawks ALLEN's 16; Daniel HOAG's (who died at the age of 46), 14; Jonathan GRIFFITH's 14; Elijah HYDE's 16; Wesson MACOMBER, Sr., 12; and there were many other families which numbered from 10 to 12 children.

      The following suicides have occurred in Grand-Isle, viz. Alexander GORDON, who shot himself in 1802; Jonathan HYDE, who hung himself, June 26, 1828; and Daniel HOAG, jr., who shot himself June 13, 1861. The mind of the latter had become deranged by excessive indulgence in smoking tobacco.

      Accidents from drowning, and other causes, have been rather infrequent, notwithstanding our water bound location, which necessitates a great deal of travel on ice and water. In 1834, Patrick MARTIN and wife were drowned by the capsizing of a small boat, on the west side of the Island. In 1859, Rama DUBA, a blacksmith, was drowned while on his return borne from Plattsburgh, N. Y., by the upsetting of a small boat. In August, 1859, Wesson MOSHER fell from a load of hay, and thereby received injuries which resulted fatally. In December, 1861, two French boys fell through the ice while skating, and were drowned.

      Out of a large list, too numerous to recapitulate, Samuel B. GORDON has held the office for 21 years; Lewis LADD, 19 years; George W. HYDE, 12 years; and Jabez LADD, 11 years. First justice (while Two Heros), Alexander GORDON, in 1786. First justice (after the separation), Reuben CLAPP, in 1799.

      The early military record of Grand-Isle, both before and after its separation from South Hero, is incomplete; and the greater part of the documents relating to the militia companies in this town, cannot be discovered, if they still exist. It still appears from the best authority we can obtain, that an infantry company was organized in 1794, of which Adon AMES, Grindal REYNOLDS, and Daniel SAMSON, were successively captains. In 1800, after the division of the Island into two towns. there were organized two companies of infantry (of which the greater part of one company was composed of residents of South Hero), and one company of cavalry. We have now in part the records of one company of the former, and but one or two documents relating to the latter. The infantry company was designated the 3d company of the 4th regiment of State Militia; and from the time of its organization down to about 1843, when it ceased to exist, the following persons were successively its principal officers, viz. Captains, Benjamin DARLING, Daniel WILCOX, James GRISWOLD, Samuel ADAMS, Solon TOBIAS, Luther TABOR, D. E. GRISWOLD, and Nathan WITHERELL. Lieutenants, John CHAMBERLAIN, Solon TOBIAS, Jacob KENT, R. P. CONREY, G. W. HYDE, and Hiram TOBIAS. Of the cavalry company, we have only the record of the following officers, viz. In 1825, J. W. HUDDLESTON was lieut. commanding; and in 1826, Helmer KENT was captain, and Spelman HAZEN, lieutenant.

      In 1814, the people residing in Grand-Isle were thrown into great alarm by the threatened British invasion; and measures were at once taken to organize such means for defense as were attainable. No apprehensions were entertained, that a very large body of the enemy would appear at this point; but the inhabitants feared the incursion of predatory bands for the purpose of plundering and devastating the western portion of the Island, which had, at that time, reached a promising state of cultivation.

      Previous to the Battle of Plattsburgh, which occurred On the 11th day Of September of that year a company of volunteers was formed here by the united efforts of the two towns, which was commanded by Capt. Abner KEELER, of South Hero. A day or two previous to the battle, this company proceeded across the lake to Cumberland Head in small boats, and, after a few miles march by land, joined the American forces at Plattsburgh. The following list embraces the names of all of this company who were natives Or residents of this town, as far as I have been able to ascertain them, viz:  Joel ALLEN, Abishai ALLEN, Brush ALLEN, Nathan ADAMS, Jonathan HYDE, Willard HYDE, William HODGKINS, James HODGKINS, John ATKINS, Jesse REYNOLDS and Theophilus BANGS. Most of the foregoing persons were actively engaged in the battle, but none of them were killed or wounded.

      Captain James GRISWOLD, at this time had charge of the arms and accoutrements in this place, but no emergency arose which required their use. During the day of the engagement, nearly all of the inhabitants on the Island anxiously gathered on the west shore, near GORDON's Landing, witnessing, as far as practicable, the movements of the hostile fleets; while all who could find boats to cross the lake, went to Cumberland Head to obtain a nearer view of the impending conflict. The defeat of the British relieved the apprehensions of the islanders as to the safety of their persons and property, and they were not again disturbed. during the continuance of the war.

      During the late Rebellion, Grand-Isle voted $11,300 in bounties to volunteer soldiers, besides $593,50 raised by subscription -- which latter amount was paid to four of the volunteers of 1861; making the total amount devoted to this purpose, $11,893.50. The whole number of men in service, credited to this town, was 51; of which number 22 were non-residents. In. 1864, the enrolled militia of the town numbered 46, excluding the persons in service. Fifteen persons were drafted from this town, of whom five entered service; one paid commutation; four were exempted by the Medical Board; and six furnished substitutes. The whole number of volunteers in service was 36. The names of volunteers and drafted men entering service, who were citizens of the town are, as follows:

      THREE YEARS MEN. Josiah H. ADAMS, Corporal; Wyman A. ROBINSON, both of Co. A, and Willard Jackson, of Co. F, 1st cavalry; Elliot B. ROBINSON and Henry C. VANTYNE, of Co. I, 6th regt; Mitchell SAVAGE, of Co. A, 6th reg't (died in service); Nelson POUQUETT and Linus WOODRUFF, of Co. C, 5th reg't; Geo. CROWN, Co. H. 2d reg't; Byron A. HOAG, Co. D, 3d reg't (killed at Spottsylvania, May 12, 1864); Edgar MINCKLER, Co. A, and Charles WATKINS, James B. TOBIAS, Wendell W. JACKSON, Edward BUCK, Frederick BRESETTE, all of Co. B, 9th reg't; sergeant William C. IRISH, Corporal Charles TOBIAS, Henry B. TOBIAS, (died in rebel prison at Millen, Ga. Nor 3, 1864), Joseph GARDNER, David MARTIN, Orlando MACOMBER (artificer, killed at Cold Harbor, June 12, 1864), Joseph LAPOINT, and William LACHANCE, all of Co. K, 11th reg't; Matthew PATTEN, Co. A, 11th reg't.

      ONE YEAR'S MEN. Homer H. HURLBUT and Joseph STONE, Co. K, 17th reg't; D. W. PHELPS, Co. H, and Wm. W. SMITH, Co. I, 3d reg't.

      FOR NINE MONTHS. Melvin B. CORY, Co. K, 13th reg't.

      MISCELLANEOUS. Allen H. MOSHER, -- Vt. reg't; Harmon HOAG, Wisconsin vols. (died at Corinth, Miss., June 1, 1862); John BILLINGS, 12th N. Y. cavalry.

      The Congregational society in this town was organized, in conjunction with that of South Hero, in 1795; and was then called "The Congregational Church of South Hero." The original membership Of the society consisted of 7 persons, which number was not materially increased until about 1840. Rev. Asa LYON was its first minister, but he was never installed, having simply been elected its pastor by the suffrages of the members.

      Rev. Orville G. WHEELER became pastor of the church in April, 1840, and was ordained November 5th following. At the time of his arrival to enter upon his pastoral duties, the church numbered 15 members in both towns; the present number is 75. The present name of the church is "The Congregational Church of South Hero and Grand-Isle."

      The Society in this town commenced the erection of a brick church-edifice in 1853, and it was completed the following year, at a cost of over $3,000. The church was dedicated in Sept. 1854. A fuller sketch of the history and progress of this society will be found in the South Hero chapter of this work, from the pen of Rev. O. G. Wheeler, the present pastor of the Congregational church in the two towns.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOCIETY

      The Grand-Isle circuit originally included all of Grand-Isle County and one or two towns in Canada, near Alburgh. The circuit at present embraces this town and South Hero, the same minister officiating in each town on alternate Sabbaths. The first society formed by the Methodists in this place was in July, 1802; but the names of the original members cannot now be fully ascertained. William ANSON wis the first circuit preacher; and held his first quarterly meeting at the house of David PETERS, "Middle Hero," July 5, 1802, on which occasion a large number of adults and children were baptized, Mr. ANSON came to this place from Niagara county, N. Y., but we know very little concerning his history, or of his character and capabilities as a clergyman. He held services here but once a month; and one of our old citizens, who attended upon his ministrations, remembers him as a man of fine personal appearance and an earnest preacher. For the first year of his ministerial labors, he received $63.87 from the two towns on this island. He remained on the circuit 2 years and was succeeded by Daniel BROMLEY in 1804.

      From this period to 1833, the meetings of the society, in this town, were held in dwelling-houses, barns, groves, and school-houses, according as convenience would permit. In April, 1832, the society procured a lease of a small piece of land from Dr. Melvin BARNES, and immediately commenced to erect thereon a frame meeting-house, which they completed in 1834. The Congregational society also occupied the building on alternate Sabbaths; and it was used by the town for their town and freemen's meetings, according to the stipulation contained in the lease of Dr. Barnes, aforementioned. The house was however dedicated as a Methodist chapel in the same year that it was finished -- Rev. Arunah LYON preaching the dedication discourse, In 1857, the edifice was re-built with brick walls. It was also enlarged by the addition of a basement story ; and the interior was repaired and furnished in accord with the prevailing style of modern church edifices. The repairs were finally completed in the summer of 1859, and the house was re-dedicated July 9th the same year. Rev. A. WITHERSPOON preached the sermon for the occasion, to a very large audience. A parsonage-house was commenced in 1833; but it was not completed until the next year. Rev. Arunah LYON and family were its first occupants. Prior to this time the preachers had generally lived with some one of the well-to-do members of the Society.

      Thomas COCHRAN was the first steward of the Church in this town. The following list embraces the names of members, residing is Grand-Isle, who have successively held the office of stewards, from 1806 to the present time, viz: Robert BARNES, Willard G. HYDE, James GRISWOLD, Daniel JACKSON, Guy REYNOLDS, Henry SMITH, H. L. HURLBUT, Elnathan ALLEN, William C. IRISH, and Carpenter GRISWOLD.

      The following list of preachers, stationed on this circuit from 1802 to 1868, is compiled from the church records. Each of them sojourned here 2 years, except where otherwise indicated by the dates: William ANSON, 1802; Daniel BROMLEY, 1804; Samuel COCHRAN, 1806; John ROBERTSON, 1808; David LEWIS, 1810; Justus BYINGTON, 1812; J. B. STRATTON, 1813; Joseph BEAMAN, 1815; Eli BARNET, 1817; James COVELL, 1819; Phineas DOANE, 1820; Samuel WEAVER, 1822; Orris PIER, 1824; Jacob LEONARD, 1826; John FRAZIER, 1827; Lewis POTTER, 1829; J. W. B. WOOD, 1831; Arunah LYON, 1833; Alanson RICHARDS, 1835; J. D. WHITE, 1837; J. D. BURNHAM, 1839; Orrin GREGG, 1840; Lewis POTTER, 1842; J. F. CHAMBERLIN, 1843; A. G. SHEARS, 1845; J. F. CRAIG, 1847; Ward BULLARD, 1849; N. B. WOOD, 1851; Simeon GARDINER, 1853; Joseph EAMES, 1855; J. S. MOTT, 1857; S. BULLIS, 1859; Daniel LEWIS, 1861; J. M. PUFFER, 1863; N. O. FREEMAN, 1865; Simeon GARDINER, 1867, '68.

      The number of persons connected with the Methodist Society of this town by membership, during the period since its establishment, cannot be correctly ascertained, owing to the general incompleteness of the church records. A large number of the names of persons are recorded as having been baptized at various times, but as many of these were children, no ides of the real strength of the church at any period, can be gathered therefrom. The present membership of the society in this town is about 27. This church lost several members by dismissal or withdrawal in 1856, in consequence of disagreements growing out of the building of a new house of worship. The church has been visited with extensive revivals in the winters of 1841, 1853, and at other times. Camp-meetings have been held on this circuit in 1847 and 1861.

UNIVERSALISTS

      There have been many believers in the doctrine of universal salvation in Grand-Isle, for the past 30 years. They have had no stated preaching, but have been visited at various times by clergymen of that denomination from other places. The first Universalist who preached in this place, was a clergyman of the name of Hollister, about the year 1833. Since that time there have been services hell on various occasions, by Rev. Messrs. BAKER, WOOD, D. MOTT, GOSS and GARFIELD. The last clergyman of this denomination who held meetings here, was Rev. Joseph SARGENT, of Williston, during the autumn of 1859, and the summer of 1860. An attempt was made to organize a permanent society in 1846, which, from some cause, was unsuccessful.

SOCIETY OF FRIENDS

      The first member of the society of Friends, who came to Grand-Isle to reside, is supposed to have been Jonathan GRIFFITH. The exact period of his arrival is not known, but it was probably about the year 1784. In 1786, two others belonging to this society, came here from Dutchess county, N. Y. These persons were Daniel HOAG and Wesson MACOMBER, who each purchased a lot of land, of which they cleared several acres and, in the autumn of that year, sowed the same with winter wheat; and after constructing thereon rude dwellings of logs, returned to Dutchess county, where they continued through the winter. Early in the spring of 1787, they returned with their families; and were probably soon after joined by others of like religious sentiments, manners, and habits, There is no record of any meeting having been established by them in this place, prior to the year 1801, We, however, find that the quarterly meeting held in Peru, N. Y., in the latter part of 1800, recommended the establishment of regular meetings for worship, by the Friends in this place; and, that in pursuance of this recommendation, the first preparative meeting was held, January 20, 1801. At this meeting, Daniel HOAG, Sr., and Ephraim MACOMBER, were appointed delegates to the next monthly meeting. From this record, it appears that the Friends in this place were associated with the Peru society, previous to the year 1801.

      Their place of worship was at a log meeting-house, built for the purpose, located near the dwelling of the late Mosher HOAG, on the bank of the lake. The society continued to occupy this building for their meetings, and also for school purposes, until 1827, at which time they finished a substantial meeting-house of brick, at an expense of about $650, where they held all of their services, so long as they kept up the semblance of an organized society. This meeting-house is no longer safe for occupancy, on account of the unstable character of its foundations, and the rapid crumbling of its walls.

      The names of those Friends which appear most prominently on the pages of their records, in connection with the general concerns of the society, are those of Daniel HOAG. Sr., Wesson MACOMBER, Sr., Jona. GRIFFITH, Seth GRIFFITH, Sr., Wyman CHAMBERLAIN, Ephraim MACOMBER, Seth HOAG, James HOAG, Zebulon FERRIS, James TOBIAS, Warren CORBIN, Sr., Daniel TENNY, Joseph MACOMBER, Ephraim HOAG, Benj. MACOMBER, and William CHAMBERLAIN. The Friends, who, as a class, became much noted for their industry, scrupulous integrity, and practical virtues, continued to flourish unitedly, for a score of years; and enjoyed a fair share of that tranquillity, and freedom from public strife, which it is one of the cardinal purposes of the society to promote. In 1808, six members of the society in this place returned an estimate of their property, amounting, in the whole, to $10,747, which may be considered a fair exhibit for those times, when improved land was valued only from $10 to $15 per acre. Meetings were held by them in regular succession, in which the primitive forms of their worship were strictly observed; and their established discipline was enforced to an extent requisite to preserve their religious character and unity unimpaired. Such was the auspicious condition of the society, when, about the year 1824, there were observed premonitory signs in the religious world, which boded trouble and disaster to the Friends everywhere, Before referring to the causes which finally created as irreconcilable division in this society, it may not be wholly inappropriate to embody in this sketch, a brief notice of their rise and progress as a religious sect.

      The origin of the Friends, or Quakers, dates in the 17th century, when great political, religious, and moral changes were in progress, which ultimately decided the future destiny, of not only England, but of all Europe and America. George Fox was the founder of the new sect, and the original propagator of its novel religious doctrines and practices. He evinced so much talent and zeal in the promotion of his cause, that he succeeded in gaining a large body of adherents, the most prominent among whom, were William Penn, Robert Barclay, and George Whitehead. During the reigns of Charles I. and his legitimate successor, Charles II, Fox and his followers suffered much from continued persecution; though they enjoyed a brief respite during the Cromwellian period. The influence of Penn, at the court of James II, secured them many immunities; but it was not until the accession of William and Mary, that they obtained, in common with other dissenters, full legal protection in their civil and religious rights. The Friends seem to have prospered in consequence of the persecution to which they had been subjected, and rapidly increased in numbers, and organized several large meetings. The first Friends, who came to Boston, were women, who were imprisoned, and cruelly treated. These severities were, after a time, abolished; but it appears evident that the progress of the society, both in numbers and importance, was much more rapid during the period of their greatest trial and persecution, than after they were admitted to the full enjoyment of their religious opinions and customs. After securing the advantages of religious toleration, they were involved in considerable trouble, by refusing to join in the military services which were required of them; and many of them became much reduced in worldly circumstances, in consequence of the fines imposed for their refusing to serve, personally, or by substitute, in the Revolutionary war. After the Revolution, their condition was quite as flourishing as that of other Christian sects; and they enjoyed an unwonted degree of prosperity, as was evidenced by the amount of wealth they possessed, and the large number of societies, meetings, and schools, established by them. Although their progress might not have thus continued steady, and uninterrupted, down to the present time; yet, it cannot well be doubted, that they would have preserved much of their original strength and influence, as a religious society, but for the calamitous events which followed.

      The growing dissensions, which now threatened the peace and welfare of the Friends, seem to have originated in a marked difference in views, arising among some of their leading members, in regard to the interpretation of some essential portions of the Scriptures; and also respecting the true character of the religious opinions held by Fox and his contemporaries in the Society. The Friends originally had no written creed; but as soon as they began to form themselves into societies, necessity obliged them to prescribe articles of faith, forms of worship, and rules of discipline. Their articles of faith were simple, and embraced professions of belief in one God; in Jesus Christ -- in his miraculous conception, life, miracles, death, resurrection, and ascension. Their peculiar and distinguishing belief was, in the doctrine of the inward manifestation of the spirit; while they rejected the ceremonial forms of water-baptism and the Lord's Supper. They recognized baptism by the spirit, and ministration by the spirit; and disapproved of the custom, prevalent in other religious sects, of preaching for hire; believing, that both men and women who were endued with a right qualification for the ministry, should exercise their gifts for the general edification of the church. Their discipline and form of worship, which was characterized by great and uniform simplicity, was not materially changed in any respect, by either portion of the Friends after their separation; though both have been somewhat relaxed within the past few years, by a branch of the Society, who style themselves "Progressive Friends." Their rules of discipline chiefly prescribed irreproachable conduct on the part of members; the promotion of piety, charity, and peace; and simplicity in manners, dress, conversation, and in the solemnization of marriage and funeral rites.

      Some time previous to the final disruption of the Society, Elias HICKS, who was a man of large intellectual resources, had enunciated certain views in his sermons, which, it was claimed, were antagonistic to the ancient principles of the Society. These discourses were published and widely circulated; and the sentiments they contained were denounced in unmeasured terms by a portion of the Friends, who afterwards styled themselves "Orthodox." It was charged by them that HICKS was an atheist, and the champion of false and dangerous doctrines. It appears, from HICKS' own statements, that the only respects in which he differed in his religious convictions from those who opposed him, were in these particulars, viz.-1. That he did not believe that Jesus Christ was the father of himself, but that he was truly and literally the Son of God.  2. That. he partially rejected the doctrine of a vicarious atonement. There is little doubt but that many of his followers went much farther, and denied the actual existence of a Devil [The Hicksites were often denominated "No Devil Quakers" by their orthodox opponents.] and of a state of future punishment. But I find nothing in the sermons or letters of HICKS which clearly confirms the charges made by his accusers, that he was an atheist, or that he substantially denied the authenticity of the Scriptures. Hicks [Elias Hicks died at Jericho, Long Island, Feb. 27, 1890, and it was said that he and Tom Paine, the celebrated champion of ifidelity, were 1st cousins.] gained a very large number of devoted adherents, who determinedly defended him from the charges and detractions of his Orthodox assailants.

      On the other hand, the recognized leader of the Orthodox party was Elisha BATES, who was a man of considerable ability and force of character, but who was far inferior to HICKS as a party leader. I have been credibly informed that BATES withdrew from the Society a few years after the division occurred, and became a leading member in the Baptist denomination. He published a book and several sermons in defense of what he termed the original faith and practice of the Society of Friends, in which he inculcated opinions that were unsparingly denounced, by the Hicksite party, as false and heretical. The line of demarcation was now speedily and scrupulously drawn; and thereafter, the controversy was waged with an amount of ability, zeal, and acrimony, which has rarely been exceeded by any similar contest in the annals of other Christian sects. The conflict finally culminated in the Yearly Meeting held at New York, May 26, 1828; on which occasion the Orthodox or Bates party seceded therefrom, retaining in their possession the records and papers, and still claimed to be the original meeting. After this extraordinary occurrence, it was easy to extend the process of disintegration to the subordinate meetings; though this result was not reached in every instance until all efforts to re-unite the two factions had proved unavailing.

      The limits of this sketch preclude en extended statement of the special results of this unfortunate contest. This controversy was not the first of the kind which had disturbed the tranquillity of the society; but it was the only one which had produced a serious revolution in its ranks, and effectually accomplished its dissolution. After the separation at New York, the contest was still pursued, in the continued struggles of the one party to obtain possession of the church property and of the other party to retain it; and enough litigation was thereby caused to occupy the consideration of the courts for a series of years. Neither party seemed disposed to adopt any plan of amicable concession, though both professed the greatest solicitude for the restoration of unity and peace. The religions opinions entertained by the two parties, upon technical points of Christian doctrine, were too diverse and irreconcilable to permit them to act together for the promotion of their common weal, and thus take a step towards the reestablishment of their former prestige in the Christian world. When the controversy was finally carried into the Monthly and Quarterly meetings, the same rancorous spirit prevailed; and the Friends seemed to have at once forgotten all their obligations of peace and good-will toward each other. They rushed into the conflict, apparently regardless of the consequences; and though the weapons they employed were not carnal but spiritual, the moral effects produced were nearly the same. The Orthodox and Hicksite parties were both animated by a desire to obtain the supreme control of the society: and both equally claimed to be the original society, and the only true reflectors of the essential doctrines and principles of the primitive Friends. Many of those who entered into the controversy with the determination that their side should win the victory, betrayed the most unworthy prejudices and expressed the most selfish sentiments. There were, however, a few conscientious inquirers after the truth, who examined every point in the controversy with fairness and discrimination; and who thereby succeeded in preserving the Society from many of the evils which usually follow in the train of religious strife.

      The last preparative meeting of the Society in this place, was held November 17, 1836. It would, however, seem that the Friends here had become divided in the same manner as had their brethren in other places, a long time prior to this date, and held separate meetings, and kept separate records of the same We have abundant evidence that the Friends in this place were deeply interested in the progress of their church dissensions; and that they held many warm and bitter discussions among themselves, both personally and by letter. The event of separation not only retarded, but effectually checked the growth and prosperity of the Society; and from. that period down to the present time their declension both in numbers and influence has been very rapid. Other causes, which are the direct outgrowth of this division, have doubtless combined to produce this result. The discontinuance of their regular meetings; the failure of all judicious efforts to consolidate the broken elements of their organization; their opposition to such religious and social reforms as were progressive In character, and necessary to advance the interests of their Church; and the failure of their descendants to conform in sentiment and practice to the requirements of their faith; -- these appear to be the principal causes which have produced their decadency.

      Some years since, another schism, widespread in its influence, occurred in the ranks of the Friends, but this was mainly confined in its effects to the Orthodox faction. A portion of them adopted the view of Gurney, while another portion accepted the views of Wilbur. Both of these men were influential leaders of their respective factions, and between the two the Orthodox party became pretty well divided, both in sentiment and numbers. This last disruption in the Society did not, however, affect, in any considerable degree, the status of the Friends here, who had at that time become reduced to a small number. Friends' meetings have since been held here at irregular times, for several years past; to which the public have generally been admitted; and several of their ablest preachers, both male and female, have addressed very large and attentive gatherings. But their existence as a Society in this place is but a mere question of time  and a quarter of a century hence will probably witness the disappearance of the last of its original members. The Friends have doubtless forfeited much of the respect and confidence with which they were once regarded, by their indulgence in unseemly and unprofitable religious controversies, which conduct was so much at variance with the spirit of their professional but we must remember that other Christian sects have not escaped the same internal strifes and commotions, which, in many instances have caused their dismemberment and ruin. Asa class, the Friends have ever been distinguished for those qualities and virtues which contribute most largely to the peace, happiness, and general welfare of the community; and their declination and ultimate extinction as a religious society, will always be a source of regret to all who have justly appreciated their character and principles.

      During the exciting controversy which distracted and ultimately divided the Friends, Mr. GRIFFITH was a warm adherent. of Elias HICKS; and there are still extant, many letters and essays written by him at that period which are very able and logical expositions of his side of the case. He possessed a comprehensive and energetic mind, and considerable scholastic attainments. His whole career betokened an untiring zeal in behalf of every principle and object which he deemed were best calculated to promote the vital concerns of society. He was the uncompromising foe of all forms of bigotry, superstition and oppression; and his religious and political sentiments were alike characterized by marked liberality and boldness. He died April 4, 1835.

      Dr. ROEBECK was said to have been a man of fine personal appearance, and possessed of great muscular power and activity. He was an accomplished horseman, swordsman and gunner; and bore the reputation for great skill and judgment as a physician. He died in this town in April, 1809. Rev. Asa LYON preached the funeral sermon from Luke iv, chapter, and part of the 23d verse: Physician, heal thyself." Dr. Theodore BEARDSLEY composed an eulogy, and had it published in a Burlington paper, commencing, as follows:

"Apollo mourns -- the muses melt in tears;
The Prince of Physic falls to death a prey;
And art thou, Rubeck, call'd to higher spheres,
To shine resplendent in eternal day!"

* This sketch is condensed from a biography of Dr. Roebeck, written by Dr. Melvin Barnes, and which was published In 1852

      Mr. KINSLEY was, for many years, assistant postmaster, and volunteered to serve the people as "postman," by carrying their mail-matter direct to their houses. He thus served a large number of families in that capacity; and was known to spend the greater part of our "mail days,” for successive years, in this service, travelimg generally on foot, and not asking or expectimg any reward for his trouble. He was a frequent visitor at nearly every dwelling in town, and was generally welcome, on account of his usually having a large stock of local news or gossip -- for which most people Seem to enteraltain a decided relish.

      Mr. KINSLEY was also a constant attendamt upon church services, and particularly at funerals, camp-meetings, amd prayer-meetings. -- Though he was not in his later years connected with any church by membership, he held the position of librarian for many, years in the sabbath schools of the Methodist and Congregational societies. He was also a constant patron of lectures, concerts, circuses amd menageries, and rarely missed beimg present at all such entertainments, when held in this vicinity. He was possessed of considerable natural ability, and was endowed with a retentive memory, and generous impulses. Though be had strong prejudices, he was honest and liberal in his sentiments. He possesed considerable musicial talent, and for a long period, served as a drummer to various militia companies. He did not possess the faculty of acquiring property, and never desired much of the goods of this world. Mr. KINSLEY died June 29, 1861, much regretted by the people with whom he had been so long intimately associated.

      Dr. BARNES married Marie H., daughter of Hon. Jedediah HYDE, jr., and sister of Col. A. W. HYDE, of Burlington, who was a woman of stromg mind, amd had inherited many of her father's talents. She died Jamuary 16, 1868, aged 64 years.* Dr. BARNES was a life-long member of the Democratic party, and was frequently the candidate of that party for office. -He represented the town in the Legislature in 1825,’26; was one of the assistant-judges of the county court, in 1828-‘29; a delegate to the State Constitutional Conventions, in 1828 and '43; a county senator im 1836; and was an unsuccessful candidate for the same office in 1838.

     He was very eccentric in his character and habits -- of excitable temperament -- though he was in many respects a congenial companion. He was a great reader and thinker; but was not often very clear and logical in the expression of his ideas. This fact was doubtless owing to the gradual failure of his mind, induced by severe physical infirmity. He devoted the late years of his life to literary and scientific pursuits; but none of his compositions were of especial value. He wrote several pamphlets, three or four of which were published. One was a short biographical sketch of Col. Ebenezer ALLEN, and another was an essay on animal magnetism. He also published several poetical effusions of little merit, and lacking nearly all the essentials of good poetry. He died Dec. 8, 1860.

      Dr. Barnes wrote and caused the following lines to be engraved on his wife' tombalstone:

"Reputed kind, Learned and Social,
Yes; more than kind -- of mortal mould.
The Husband uttered childish cries;
Infirm; by nature, more controlled
By now. Hence -- present, future sighs
As lone, and sick, and helpless -- dies:'

      On his own tomb-stone is the following inscription, probably dictated by himself; "God, to be God, must know all; and knowing (St. Paul says), did predestinate.”

      Mr. BROWN was the first town-clerk of Grand-Isle after it became organized as a separate town; which office he held 34 years. He also filled various other positions of responsibility and trust in town, and was a member of the Legislature from 1818 to 1822, inclusive. Ho was a member of the State Constitutional Convention, in 1822.

      Mr. BROWN was a man of good mind, and was intelligent and efficient in all the relations of life. He was conspicuous for his strict probity, and was eminently fitted for all of those responsible and trying emergencies which are incident to pioneer life. He was ever prepared to assist in promoting the interests of the community, by whom he was held in high and just esteem. He was one of the few of our early inhabitants who was qualified, by talent and education, to contribute more than his allotted share towards the material growth and prosperity of the town. He died May 22, 1840.

      Sometime in the month of May, 1775, young HYDE, who was attending a school in Norwich, inflamed by patriotic ardor, enlisted in a company of grenadiers, commanded by William COIT, which fought at the battle of Bunker Hill; after which he was ordered as clerk to a man who kept sutler's stores. In the next campaign of 1776, be enlisted in his father's company for one year -- which company was attached to Col. Samuel WILLIS's regiment of Connecticut volunteers. After reaching "New York, young HYDE was ordered as clerk to Capt. Rufus PUTNAM, of the engineer's department.

      In the early part of the year 1777 he again enlisted as a private in his father's company, attached to Col. DURKIE's 4th Ct. regiment, and was soon after appointed quartermaster sergeant of the regiment, which position he held for 16 months. He was present in the battle of Bennington, Aug. 16, 1777; and in the division of the spoils of the enemy, received a surveyor's compass, theodolite, ect., which instruments he afterwards employed in making surveys. He commanded a platoon at the battle of Germantown, Oct. 4. 1777. His regiment was shortly afterwards ordered to Fort Mifflin, which work they defended for several weeks, until obliged to retreat and take up their winter quarters at Valley Forge, where the whole army suffered much for the want of provisions and clothing. In 1778 Mr. HYDE was promoted quartermaster of the regiment, and was in the detachment under Gen. LEE, at the battle of Monmouth. In this engagement, while assisting in lifting an ammunition wagon out of a quagmire where it was in danger of falling into the hands of the enemy, Mr. HYDE received injuries, from the effects of which he never fully recovered. He, however, continued to perform the duties of quartermaster until 1779, when ho was appointed conductor of military stores to the First Connecticut Brigade, which position he hold until Nov. 1, 1780; at which time, his health had become so much impaired by excessive fatigue and exposure, that he was relieved from duty by command of Gen. KNOX, upon recommendation of the brigade surgeons.

      After his return home Mr. HYDE visited the sea-shore at Norwich and New London, to recruit his health. He sojourned at these places for a period of several months ; but receiving no material benefit, he concluded to take a cruise in a privateer, and was offered a and held the office birth -- which he accepted -- by Capt. Jonathan BUDDINGTON, commander of the brig Favorite, of 14 guns. The brig sailed from New London Aug. 14, 1781, for a cruise of two months -- captured several valuable prices, which were afterwards re-taken by the enemy -- and, on Aug. 29th the brig was taken by the british frigate Media, after a chase of several hours. Four days after their capture, Mr. HYDE and his 30 fellow-prisoners were transferred to the British frigate Iris; and both vessels were, a few days subsequent to these events, driven into the Chesapeake Bay by a storm, and at once fell into the hands of the French fleet. On October 22d they were landed at little York; and Mr. HYDE expressed himself glad to be rid of both the French and English, as they had received ill treatment from both, by whom they were plundered of their money and clothing. The released prisoners at once reported themselves to Capt. William COLFAX,* of the Life-Guards, (who was formerly a sergeant in Capt. HYDE, Sen.'s company,) who gave them a permit to proceed home, [In this connection it may be stated, that Mr. Hyde is reputably known as the person who shaved Major Andre, on the morning of that unfortunate officer's execution.]

      After the close of the war Mr. HYDE taught schools in Williamstown, Mass., and Pawlet, Vt., during the winters from 1783 to '87; and also spent some time in Albany and Bennington. In company with his father he came to Grand-Isle in 1783, where he made a temporary stay, and assisted in making a survey of the island, and also in building a house on land purchased by his father from one or more of the proprietors. During the summers from 1886 to '88, he surveyed several towns in the county of Lamoille. He wrote the charter of the town of Hydepark (thus named in compliment to Capt. Hyde, sen.), with red ink, in German text. He came to Grand-Isle to reside permanently, in 1790. On coming here Mr. HYDE continued to pursue his profession of surveyor, thought actively engaged in other pursuits, -- was appointed county clerk in 1806, and held that position until 1824. In 1814 he received the appointment of assessor of internal revenue, until 1821. He was also justice of the peace for several years in succession, and held many other town offices, which he filled to general acceptance. He was chosen a representative to the legislature in 1824, and while attending upon the duties of that position at Montpelier he was prostrated by sickness. He, however, recovered sufficiently to enable him to make an effort to return home; but only succeeded in proceeding as far on his journey as Burlington, where he expired on Nov. 21st of that year, in the 65th year of his age. He left a wife and 10 children. [But three of them still survive, viz. Alexander F. (born in 1794) and John Hyde, both residents of this town, end Mrs. Charles RUSSELL, of Burlington.] His widow died in March, 1842, aged 76 years.

      The character of Mr. HYDE was that of a man of strong sense and exhaustless energy of purpose. He possessed excellent attainments, and was somewhat noted for big extensive acquaintance with politics and literature. He was endowed with superior qualifiications for any kind of clerical duty, and was particularly remarkable for his chirographicall skill.

      In his manners he was social, and affable, and his conversational powers were of a very high order. He possessed, in a considerable degree, the faculty of securing the personal attachment of his fellow-men, and exercised the influence thus gained with great prudence and discrimination.

      In 1827 he was elected a representative from this town to the legislature, and received the same honor the four succeeding years. He was again elected to the same office from 1834 to '38, inclusive -- and also in '45. He was chosen to the State senate in 1839, '40, and was one of the judges of the county court in 1823, and from 1830 to '37 -- and again in 1843. In 1815 and '46 he was one of the commissioners appointed to appraise land-damages on the line of the Vermont Central Rail Road, then in process of construction. He was also a presidential elector from this district, in 1852. For a period of more than 30 years, he was almost constantly connected with the affairs of this town, in some official capacity. His services were frequently brought into requisition in the settlement of large estates; and in this capacity he gained a reputation for great discernment and sound judgment. By close habits of industry and judicious economy he was enabled to amass a large property. Mr. ADAMS was not possessed of much talent, either as a writer or public speaker; but he was a clear reasoner, and was endowed with the faculty of expressing his views in conversation forcibly and logically.

      The character of Mr. ADAMS has been reviewed diversely, according to the sentiments of esteem or of prejudice which have biased the judgment of his critics. He was evidently a man of strong will, and entered into public and personal contests with all the energy and zeal he could command -- and often regardless of results. But aside from his unyielding tenacity of purpose in the pursuit of ends, he nevertheless possessed traits of character which largely commended him to the confidence and esteem of the community. He had, in an eminent degree, the faculty of gaining, alike personally and politically, the attachment of the people; and be was ever true to the principles and just objects of the party with which he affiliated.

     During the later years of his life he almost wholly retired from the public arena, and kept himself aloof from the strifes and contests of party politics. He became a member of the Congregational society in this town, and thereafter exhibited a marked interest in all religious matters. He died January 11, 1868, leaving a widow and three daughters.

     Hon. Joel ALLEN was born in Ashfield, Mass., May 9, 1788. He was the youngest of the 8 children of Enoch and Mercy ALLEN, -- the names of whom, given in the order of their ages, were Enoch, Abishai, Heman, Aretas, Obed, Mercy, Eunice, and Joel. All of this family are now known to be deceased, with the exception of Mercy GOODWIN, who is supposed to be living in Kansas, at the age of 85 years. The genealogy of this branch of the ALLEN family is clearly traceable to the Cromwellian epoch. An ancient Bible, now in possession of Judge ALLEN's family, contains, in substance, the following: "At the enthronement of Charles the second, king of England, a man by the name of ALLEN,* an officer of Oliver Cromwell, fled from the wrath of His Majesty, and settled in Connecticut, where he raised a family of 10 children."From his second son, Edward, was born Samuel, who was the father of Caleb, Samuel, Eunice, Lamberton, and Enoch.

      Enoch, who was the father of the subject of this sketch, died at Ashfield, July 8, 1789, at the age of 45 years, leaving his family in comfortable circumstances. They remained on their farm in that place until March, 1795, when they removed to Grand-Isle, leaving the third son, Heman, behind, but were joined by him 2 years afterwards. Their uncle Lamberton had been established at Grand-Isle for many years; and it was probably in deference to his solicitations, that they were induced to abandon the comforts of an old settlement for the discomforts of a new one. Joel was at this time 7 years old. His early years were spent in laborious service on the farm, and he ultimately made agriculture the chief occupation of his life, though he possessed considerable mechanical genius, and occasionally employed himself -- when necessity or convenience demanded-as a carpenter or shoemaker, and in other mechanical trades. He enjoyed but limited educational advantages, and his scholastic attainments did not extend beyond the simple rudiments of knowledge. By a close and judicious reading of whatever good books were available, he was enabled, in no slight degree, to repair the defects of his early education, and to store his mind with valuable information relating to most subjects of material importance: thus qualifying himself for the active and practical duties of after-life.

      Arriving at manhood, he purchased the farm in Grand-Isle, where Mr. Wm. Chamberlin now resides, and, Jan. 8, 1812, was united in marriage with Lura, daughter of Reuben and Celinda CLAPP, who became residents of Grand-Isle in 1788, and had a family of 12 children. In September, 1814, he was one of the 11 volunteers from Grand-Isle who participated in the battle of Plattsburgh. In March, 1824, Judge ALLEN removed to North Hero, and purchased the farm a short distance tooth from the court-house, where he spent the residue of his life, and which is still occupied by his widow (now in her 78th year), and their son, Judge H. W. ALLEN. He devoted himself assiduously to the improvement and cultivation of his estate; and by his great industry and prudence-which was noticeably manifested by him through his long and useful life he accumulated a considerable competence. His dwelling was ever the abode of the most kindly and generous hospitality, which has been worthily maintained by nearly every Member of the ALLEN family of whom we have any knowledge. Soon after taking up his residence in North Hero, he opened his house to the public to the extent of its accomodations, but only during the sessions of the courts; and from that tune to the present it has continued, to be a favorite place of sojourn on such occasions, for judges, lawyers, and others having business at court. He enjoyed an extensive acquaintance with the public men of his day, and, more particularly, with the judges and attorneys who frequented our courts during half a century, and by whom he was regarded with the highest esteem.

      The public career of Judge ALLEN is worthy of an extended review, but a brief sketch must suffice. His taste and capacity for civil employment, was developed early in life, and his undoubted capabilities soon became so well known and appreciated, as to bring him prominently into notice. While a resident of Grand-Isle, he filled several town offices to general acceptance; and represented that town in the legislature, the year preceding his removal to North Hero. He was one of the judges of our county court, from 1818 to 1823. In 1825 he was appointed clerk of the courts, and held that position until 1847. He was judge of probate from 1828 to 1843 inclusive. He was a member of the council of censors, in 1827; represented the town of North-Hero in the legislature during several years; and served in many of the town offices, from time to time, -- having been town-clerk from 1828 to 1845. In 1837 he was elected to the State senate, and was re-elected the following year. He was also county treasurer, and county commissioner, for many years in succession.

      Iam unable to speak, from personal knowledge, of the manner in which Judge ALLEN discharged his varied and responsible official duties. The public records and the unsolicited testimony of his contemporaries, convey the assurance, that his opinions and conclu stops, in reference to all matters of practical interest and importance. were characterized by great clearness of discrimination, and solidity of judgment. In his judicial service, he displayed a substantial knowledge of the rules and principles pertaining thereto; and, in all other important positions held by him, his ability and fidelity were alike conspicous, and justly won him the unqualified approval of the people of his town and county.

      Judge ALLEN was clearly one of the representative men of his day and generation. In person he was lofty in stature, stoutly built, and possessed uncommon physical strength and endurance. He was distinguished by an unpretending plainness in manner, dress and conversation; was eminently frank and courteous in his public and personal intercourse; and endowed with great moral and personal courage. In politics he was a whig, until the organization of the Republican party, to which he transferred his allegiance, and maintained an abiding interest in its principles and progress, to the end of his life. Though not connected with any religious society by membership, he was a constant attendant upon church services, and gave a liberal support to the various Christian enterprises of his town. On one Sabbath in March, 1868, he attended religious services in the town hall, and, the room being damp and but insufficiently warmed, he contracted a violent cold, which terminated in lung-fever, -- his first attack from disease for over 40 years. After a severe illness of 5 weeks, which be bore with patience and fortitude, he expired on the 17th of April following, having reached the age of nearly four-score years.

     Henry ADAMS, the third son of Joseph and Abiah (EDGERTON) ADAMS, was born in the town of Grand-Isle. His early school-days were passed at the district school in the vicinity of his home, and under the tuition of the learned pastor, the Rev. Asa LYON, of Grand-Isle. Having pursued the usual preparatory course under the direction of this accomplished scholar, he entered the University of Vermont in the summer of 1817, where he remained 2 years, and then withdrew and entered Dartmouth College, where, 2 years later, he graduated with honor. He soon after commenced the study of the law, and removing to Milledgeville, Ga., became the successful principal of an academy at that place, where he resided until 1823, when he returned to St. Albans, Vt., and resumed his legal studies in the office of Hon. Asa ALDIS, and was admitted to the bar in November 1824. He soon entered upon the practice of his profession with decided success. Soon after his admission he assumed the editorial charge of the "American Repertory," a paper published at St. Albans by Col. Jeduthan SPOONER, but soon relinquished editorial life for the more pressing duties of an already increasing practice.

      In June, 1826, he formed a copartnership with Benj. H. SMALLEY, Esq., under the title of "SMALLEY and ADAMS," who entered upon an unusually successful business career. They became widely known in Vermont for legal skill and professional distinction. The Reports of the Supreme Court of Vt., from 1827 to 1848, fully attest the estimation in which their legal services were held, their names appearing as counsel in quite as many cases, during this period as that of any other firm. It is sufficient to say of their legal attainments, that they held a position at the Vermont Bar which numbered among its advocates, SWIFT, ALDIS, BROWN and BEARDSLEY; among its jurists, PHELPS, COLLAMER, REDFIELD, PRENTISS and ROYCE, inferior to none. In 1847 ill health compelled Mr. ADAMS to relinquish his profession, and be became a resident of Swanton, where again, in 1850, he resumed the practice of the law, but his failing health again compelled him to abandon it, which he did in 1853, when he removed to Alburgh, where he lived until a severe illness carried him from home, to die among strangers, which event occurred at Brattleboro, Feb. 3, 1854. Mr. ADAMS ever took a deep interest in the political affairs of the State and country, and, soon after the accession to power of Gen. Jackson, he warmly espoused the cause of the Democratic party, at that time a small minority of the people of Vermont. He was a warm friend and an ardent admirer of Gov. C. P. VAN NESS, and in the spirited senatorial contest of 1827 earnestly pressed the claims of that distinguished statesman for a seat in the council-chamber of the nation, and it was ever a source of mach regret to him, that the State lost the services of Gov. VAN NESS in that great arena, but the overwhelming preponderance of the Whig party, in Vermont, from its organization to its final disruption, prevented many of the leading minds of the Democratic party of this State from attaining that political prominence in the State and nation which their abilities would have secured to them, had their lines fallen in parts of the country more friendly to the political tenets of Jefferson and Jackson.

      In 1833 and '34, Mr. ADAMS was elected State's Attorney, for Franklin County, receiving the support of the Democratic party; -- also in 1852, he likewise received its support for representative in Congress from the third district of Vermont, -- A. J. ROWELL being the Free-soil candidate, and Alvah SABIN, the Whig, -- the latter being chosen on the second trial by a plurality vote. Removing to Alburgh, soon after the close of this canvass, he retired from further participation in political affairs. In manners, Mr. ADAMS was ever the polite and polished gentleman, none exceeding him in the courtesy and affability of his demeanor towards all with whom he came in contact. Of him it is not, perhaps, too much to say, as has been already said by another, that "as a lawyer he stood high, and as a scholar, was learned in the classics, and well-read in belles-lettres; he had a profound respect for religion, and was a firm believer in its cardinal doctrines."

D. WEBSTER DIXON, Esq.

Dear Sir: -- Some time since I received a letter from you, requesting me to furnish you with such facts as were within my knowledge, of one Dr. Jacob ROEBECK, who died in Grand-Isle in the month of April, 1809. Though but a small boy, I attended his funeral; and of the sermon by the Rev. Asa LYON, I only remember the text: "Physician, heal thyself," and a single quotation from Shakespeare: 'O that men should put an enemy into their mouths, to steal away their brains!" Those who have listened longest to the preaching of Rev. Asa LYON, know beet how rarely be used the words of another, or quoted from any book, save only from the "Book of Books."

      If I speak of Dr. ROEBECK as be appeared to me in the days of my boyhood, I must "nothing extenuate." If of the little he saw fit to say of his own history, in my hearing, it will be as true as is my memory -- if of what older and wiser men, who knew him in his younger and better days, said of him -- that, too, will be onIy what memory can supply. Nearly or quite 60 years, with all their stupendous vicissitudes, have passed, since the "old German doctor" has slumbered in his "nameless grave, without a stone." Of the many who almost daily met him, as he journeyed with "staff and scrip" over the bad roads, half-cleared fields, or through the woods of Grand-Isle and South Hero-to whom be was a living and walking reality, and looked upon as one "wise almost above what is written" -- how few, how very few remain.

      From my earliest recollection, I knew Dr. ROEBECK as well as a boy might know a man of his years, up to the time of his death. He was probably then between 50 or 60 years of age. He was often at my father's house. Sometimes he called there professionally; sometimes to get a meal or a night's lodging; and sometimes, if in haying and harvest time, with the sure hope of a big drink of rum. Those were days of hospitality. The "latch-string was always out," and if a neighbor called -- more particularly a doctor -- the bottle was sure to be produced unless it was unfortunately empty; and in that dilemma there was no limit to "pitchers of cider." I have seen my father -- when the doctor came to his house professionally, and was too much intoxicated to be of service -- throw him on a bed and bold him there until he was fast asleep, and say that "as soon as he was sober enough, he would make a prescription worth something;" "for," said my father, "he is the greatest doctor in these parts."

      I have wandered with the doctor over the fields and through the woods to gather roots and herbs, of which he collected large quantities, probably, for the reason that he could not spare the money to buy medicine of the apothecaries. While making these excursions, how carefully I treasured in my young brain his wise sayings, that Indian hemp was good for dropsy; spignet root for internal bruises; the bark of red willow a sure remedy for fever and ague; burdock root with black cherry and white ash- bark, steeped in cider, the very best remedy for spring jaundice; and many other observations too numerous for me to particularize in this place. To my question: "Doctor, if I am ever as learned and wise as you are, must I drink so much rum?" -- how grave be looked --  how he paused, then said: "No, no, my boy, don't drink rum; rum ish pad for boys, but very gout for old doctors." "Do all doctors drink rum?" I asked. "Not the doctors in the colleges in Shermany: they drink wine and beer, but all the doctors in Burgoyne's army did, -- all the doctors in this country, they do drink rum if they can't get brandy." "Why," said be, "how could I have gone through those long marches with Burgoyne ; how could I have gone with Baum through the hard fights at Hubbardon and Bennington, taking care of the wounded and dying, without rum in my canteen?"

      Dr. Jacob ROEBUCK was -- as memory paints him -- a short- stout-made man, large head, broad shoulders, short neck, and short lower limbs. florid completion, and blue eyes; extremely garrulous when under the influence of liquor, and sometimes a. little vulgar: when sober, ho was sad-looking and taciturn.

      Partly from what I have heard him say to my father, and others, and partly from what has been related to me by Dr. John POMEROY and Dr. Truman POWELL, late of Burlington, Dr. DAVIDSON, late of Plattsburgh, and Dr. Melvin BARNES, Sen., and Dr. Melvin BARNES, Jr., late of Grand-Isle and South Hero -- who all knew him well -- I gathered the following facts, which , are, probably, mainly true: He was born of respectable parents in some part of Germany; was well educated, and graduated as a doctor of medicine at some Prussian University. Being young, ardent, and ambitious of distinction, he attempted to obtain an appointment in he army; and finally offered himself as a volunteer with the troops hired by the Prince of Hesse Cassel to George the Third, to help subdue the rebellious American Colonies. He could obtain no position above that of hospital steward, but had the promise of promotion. He was probably very soon promoted. That he officiated as a surgeon at, and subsequent to, the battle of Bennington is certain; for I have heard no less than three of the Hesse Cassel men speak of him as a surgeon, whose skill they extolled. Two of these men settled, married, and finally died on Caldwell's Manor, Canada -- Adam TARING and ____ ROW, grandfather of the present Capt. George ROW, of Clarenceville.

      The third of those men will be remembered by some of the older citizens of Grand-Isle and South Hero, as the jolly old Dutchman, Mike CASTLE, (Michael KEELER.) Michael often labored for my father. Dr. ROEBECK meeting him there one day, ordered him to bare his chest and shew his scars, and relate the circumstances of his wounds. "I had crawled to a stump," said he, "both bones of my leg being broken by a musket bail," (baring his leg and showing the scars.) "The battle was over, and none remained on the field but the dead and wounded, when a gaunt, mean-looking man approached me with a gun, which he had picked up in my sight, spoke harshly to me in English, which I could not understand, then presented his gun within one foot of my breast, and I knew no more until I saw you, Doctor, dressing my wounds, and that was three weeks after the battle." "True, Michael," said the Doctor, " and now I will finish the story," (pointing to a large scar on Michael's right breast, and a larger one under the right shoulder-blade.) The whole con tents of the gun must have passed quite through both lobes of the lungs. Ninety-nine times in one hundred, those wounds would prove fatal, and you would have died, Michael, but for me." "But what of the rascal who attempted to murder Michael?" asked my father. "Ah." said the Doctor, "I have a story about him too. -- Several weeks after, when Michael bad nearly recovered, a wretch who lived four or five miles from Bennington, was in the habit of boasting that he had shot ‘one dam'd Hessian.' Michael declared in the hearing of a man who had acted as Captain of Vermont Volunteers, that he could identify the man who shot him, while lying wounded by the stump, if he were to see him. 'Keep dark, Doctor,' said the Captain, 'I think I know the coward, and he is mean enough for anything. I will bring him here, (a tavern in Bennington) and if he is the man -- no matter, wait and see.' The next day, the Captain, with about a dozen men came, and Michael was asked if he saw the man among them. He immediately pointed to the meanest looking 'cuss' I ever saw. 'Take that!' exclaimed the Captain -- knocking him down, then kicking him into the road -- 'now, you cowardly dog, if you we ever seen within five miles of Bennington again, you shall have the beech seal in addition.”

      Dr. ROEBECK remained for a time in Vermont -- went to the State of New York. I think Essex county, where he married and had a family of children; but how numerous I am unable to say. I have heard him speak of one son, whose name was Booerhave. He practiced medicine, only, for a living. I cannot state the time when he wandered into this county.

      That Jacob ROEBECK possessed many virtues -- that he was a man of truth, and eminently skillful in his profession -- was the testimony of all the early settlers in Grand-Isle and South Hero. How sad that one weakness was so prominent, as to justify the ripest scholar and most profound thinker that Grand-Isle County ever knew, to exclaim in a funeral oration: "O that men should put an enemy into their mouths to steal away their brains!" As an evidence of the estimation in which he was held at the time of his death, I remember hearing the late Dr. BARNES repeat a funeral elegy written by an eccentric, but very talented young lawyer, who was stopping in our country at the time of ROEBECK's death. His name was Theodore BEARDSLEY. Dr. BARNES declared, with characteristic emphasis, that the lines were "passing beautiful, and indicated poetic genius of a high order."

H. H. REYNOLDS. 

     Letter of Mr. Parmelee:
 

REV. ASA LYON.
BY REV. SIMEON PARMELEE OF WESTFORD.

     It needs a man of skill, such as the writer is not, to do justice to a man of such varied and peculiar talents, as those possessed by Mr. LYON. He was a great man in stature and in powers of mind.

     He had a dark complexion, coarse textures, powerful build, more than 6 feet in height, large-boned, giant-framed, and a little stooping. The writer has no knowledge of his parentage, but has ascertained that he was born in Pomfret, Ct. He was educated at Dartmouth, graduated with honor, and eventually entered the ministry and was ordained in the town of Sunderland, Massachusetts.

      Some difficulty arose that need not be mentioned, which terminated his connection with that people, after a short season, when he came to the Island. The exact date of this removal cannot be given; but it is known Mr. LYON formed the church in 1795, which it is supposed was his first work after his connection with that people. Not far from this time, whether before or after we cannot say, he was married to Miss NEWELL, of Charlotte, who, with him, settled upon a new farm, embracing a fine tract of most valuable land in North Hero. The country, of course, was all new and land cheap, and be was too wise to undervalue or neglect such an opportunity to invest his money. He was not at that time rich, but he intended to be, and took the sure measure to accomplish it.

     His land, it would seem, had some improvements; but mainly it was covered with the most excellent timber, such as would be, in the end, of great value in that place. Either there was a house made of cedar logs on the place, when he purchased, or he built one which contained two small rooms, and a lobby, which by him was used as a study. In this room not more than 7 or 8 feet square that giant man found his home. There he lived and superintended his affairs, wrote his sermons, his letters, his notes and orders, and regulated his family, with a crazy wife. After a few years, a difficulty arose that diminished his support very much, and, to prevent a second one of the kind, he declared his labors gratuitous. This occurrence took place at an early day when Methodists, Mr. LYON informed the writer, were proclaiming against salaries, and saying that the gospel should be free, Lest he should be outdone, he proclaimed also a free gospel. And for more than 20 years of his connection with his people, he received nothing for his services, except what was an entire free-will offering. Though this must have been a sacrifice on the part of Mr. LYON, still it was thought by good judges that it was a lasting injury to the people. It taught a generation that the gospel could be had without a sacrifice, and when it became necessary to make an effort it was a new thing, and the wheels rolled heavily, and ever since the people have paid but lightly for preaching. But it never could he said that the people of the Island were deprived of the gospel. Nor was it a shammy man-made gospel that Mr. LYON proclaimed to them, for which they gave him nothing, but an able and faithful exhibition of gospel truth -- clear as the sun in its meridian strength. Nor was he unappreciated as a man of power and an able vindicator of the truths of the gospel, by his people. His friends thought him not only a great man, but a good man. You could offend his people in no way any quicker than to speak reproachfully of Mr. LYON. Still they knew he had faults, and they saw them, yet he had his good traits, and his people saw them also, and loved bin and judged him with charity.

     He had great affliction in having to deal with a deranged mother of his children for so long a period. But he lived to see those children respectably settled in life before he was taken away. His log-house had been exchanged far one made of brick, (more capacious and commodious than his former cedar-house), in the latter of which Mr. LYON finished his days. He died as he had lived, like a philosopher and a Christian. He had become rich in the things of the world, but he did not seem to know it. His habits were not changed, only he lived in a brick-house. But, I must not omit to say that Mr. LYON was a man of uncommon power. His knowledge was profound, extending to all subjects. Few questions were ever introduced where he was present, that he seemed to be a stranger to. He owned the Edinburgh Encyclopedia, and he had made himself familiar with all practical sciences and important history and biography. He was for some 20 years a member of the North-Western Association. We met three times in a year, and I have no remembrance of his ever being absent, or ever excusing himself for a failure of fulfilling the task assigned him by the body, and his was generally the most difficult of any one, He was lengthy, for he always seemed desirous to find the last argument in support of his subject before he left it, He was a divine, a philosopher, a reasoner and a scholar in almost every sense of the word. He was truly learned on all subjects; even a literary encyclopedia himself. He was eloquent in extemporaneous discussions. When we were young -- for the writer was young when he was old -- we, young ministers, were fond of getting up some discussion that would rouse the Lion and Father WOOSTER, of Fairfield; they were both powerful men, and, of the same school with EDWARDS, HOPKINS and BELLAMY. It was always a treat to us to hear those men of experience and giant minds, break through mysteries and dark walls and show us the light. The public seemed to learn at all early day that Mr. LYON was a man that could be used in important places. And the Island people employed him for many years to legislate for them, and also to sit in the place of judgment as Moses did to decide the great matters of dispute between men. Not only the Island but the State of Vermont, in a time of great controversy, selected him as one of the wisest and best able to stand as a guardian of our liberties. In 1816 and 1817, he was elected a member of Congress, and he served out his time in honor.

      All this time, when at home, he filled his place in the house of God with as much punctuality and faithfulness as though he were to be remunerated. But Mr. LYON was human and therefore he could err, and doubtless sometimes did. But perhaps not more than the best of his enemies.

     He had peculiarities, some of which I will mention: He did all his business in his own study. If any man wanted to see him, he knew where to find him. He never made calls on his neighbors, unless sent for when sick. If any one wished to see or do any business with him, he would always find him in his study. If Mr. LYON desired to see any one on business matters he would write him a letter inviting him to his house, and one sheet of foolscap would be sufficent for eight or ten letters. He never made any excuses about his dress, or any other circumstances attending him. The first time I visited him in his study, he wore a pair of shoes on his feet, tied together by leather strings, and they had the appearance of having been in that situation for many years and worn all the time. Still he was not careful to put them off, nor did he seem to know there was any thing singular his in his dress.

     He was truly a great financier. It would seem impossible to the observer, that any man in his circumstances could support a family of five, and the important place of the mother filled by one completely deranged, and still so manage as to accumulate a fortune, and yet deprived of any regular income; but this was Mr. LYON's condition, and he died rich. To accomplish this, he practiced great self-denial and abstemiousness, and exercised uncommon skill in contrivance, His enemies denominated him a miser, or a covetous hunk, or some other reproachful name. The rich envied him and reproached him, but his friends overlooked his peculiarities believing him sincere. He wis rarely if ever known to give to the poor, or to any benevolent object, and he was, perhaps, unduly censured for his course, It was said he was the richest man on the island, still he never gave any thing. But it must be remembered that Mr. LYON was receiving no compensation for his labors as a minister; and when he was at home he sustained his part by constantly filling his place in the pulpit, and that was a donation to the public of the value of $400 or $500 per year. As an agent of the Bible Society, the writer once called on Mr. L. fur a donation. He gave nothing, and his reasons were two: 1st, that that was not the most needy Society; 2d, that he was already doing more than the rest of us, in giving his services to his people. Mr. LYON kept one horse, but no sleigh or wagon as I could ever learn. At any rate I never saw him abroad, during my long acquaintance with him, in any vehicle. He was always on horseback or on his feet. His dress was very peculiar. It would be difficult to describe it. The writer was told that he cut and made his own clothes. This might have been rumor merely. They were all composed of home-made cloth, and not the first quality, and all that I ever saw on him must have been far from being new. His coarse appearance opened the mouths of many that loved to talk, but, when he rose in the pulpit and began his expositions of the word of God, all would forget his dress. There was honesty, earnestness and ability combined, and there was always a still house. That man never imposed upon his audience with a twenty-five minutes sermon. He never preached less than I forty-five or fifty minutes, and no one was tired.

     With all his eccentricities, Mr. LYON was a gentleman. No one carried a more civil or mannerly tongue than he. Though he was reviled, he never retaliated. He would speak well of those that he knew spoke ill of him. Ha lamented contention anywhere, and especially in the churches. He was a decided man and one of settled principles, but not a bigot. He was a man of peace, and good men loved him for his religion. Let his memory be blest.

      It is probable he mended his garments at times, an economical habit several other very philosophical men have had. It, however, reminds pleasantly of the anecdote that when elected to Congress, he decided that be must have a new suit of clothes. One version of the story is, that one of his own sheep furnished the wool; he sheared the sheep himself, and the carding, spinning, weaving and dyeing was done in his own family; by procuring butternut-tree bark for the dyeing, and a woman who was owing him made the suit, so it did not cost him a penny. The other way it is told, is that he sheared a black sheep, and so saved dyeing the cloth ; but too many testify to the old butternut-colored Congressional suit, to cast the former version into discredit -- and this suit lasted him his lifetime after.

      Mr. Parmelee has told us some of the "peculiarities" of Asa LYON, but he was one of those men whom peculiarities make not less great. When astronomers may write a treatise describing the sun without spots, lest they disparage that great shining luminary, then let men who would be true historians, or true biographists, photograph a giant character without human mould or spot. Asa Lyon was not a faultless man, but he was great enough to shoulder all his faults and stand up ahead and a shoulder above nearly all men. And when we talk of Mr. Lyon in his "lobby study and homespun garments" we must remember the simplicity of the times, that his neighbors lived in log houses, mostly, or in part, and that it was a very different thing in that day, than it would be in this. A majestic mind sits in that little lobby study -- the weeds growing up between the cracks of the floor that was but loose boards -- with a perfect indifference to its surroundings; you feel you could not have placed Asa LYON where he would not have been great, and this fact attracts men. It attracted men while he lived, it has attracted men since he has been dead -- he is as one who dies not. He had his enemies -- enemies that grew out of exacting business relations, enemies on account of his politics, or his religious theories, or from their opposite natures, or enemies from sympathy with his caluminators or enemies. But how often do we see great talents that do not stir up envy and enemies? Different minds, however, saw him, and will see him as all great objects are seen, from different stand-points, -- one forgetful that self-reliance, pride of intellect, unbendingness, are almost inevitably the consequence of greatness of brain, with sometimes even contempt for common comforts and decencies, will see tyranny, obstinacy, and penuriousness,

     He was. justice personified rather than mercy, there is little doubt; but if he was strict and exacting with others, was he net equally so with himself? Speaking of his unbendingness, reminds of a little trait in his character illustrative of this, told by Dr. REYNOLDS of Alburgh, an old pupil. Said the Doctor, “Asa LYON when he once chose a course in anything never deviated from it even to a foot path; as an instance, if he was going to walk to a place for the first time, he selected his path, and ever after he kept it, -- whether there was a snowdrift or a pool of water in the way, he never so much as stepped aside."

     We know both men and women, many in all, who knew Asa LYON, all of whom testify, at least to his intellectual greatness, and many of whom still ardently love and admire the man. There reside several in this city, who remember Mr. LYON well -- two within a stone's throw. Says one, "People would talk about father LYON and his peculiarities, but when he arose in his pulpit, every one forgot the man, or the peculiarities in the man, with such a dignity he looked down upon his assembly, with such a commanding power of eye, voice, thought, he drew every one up to him and carried them with him. If any have imagined this peculiar man taciturn in converse, or morose in conscious superiority, his old parishioners will tell you, or any man who ever heard him preach, he was powerful to charm as to convince, and all, whether pulpit-audience, political opponent or theological controversialist to be brought over, were not more irresistibly than agreeably drawn to his conclusions. We observe Mr. PARMELEE speaks of him as a rare conversationalist, of his controlled and affable deportment.

     He was no saint LYON, as the enthusiast pencil may over-paint, with "no spot nor wrinkle nor any such thing;” but he was honored in the nation and worshiped in his own pulpit. Said the late Hon, Charles ADAMS of Burlington, "There have been two men in the State, whose intellect towered above all others, one 'Nat.' CHIPMAN of Tinmouth, -- the other Asa LYON of Grand-Isle." There are a hundred illustrative anecdotes afloat. Here is one; when LYON was in Congress, and the committees had some bill to frame of more than ordinary importance, they would say, "LYON will draft it so strong nothing can break it. Let us go down to him to night; but we must buy the candles." And as an offset to the anecdote of buying the candles, here also is one:

     Upon one occasion during the ministry of Mr. LYON in Grand-Isle Co. a man was found in the lake, drowned. His habiliments were shabby, betokening extreme poverty, and it was discovered that there was no shirt under them. The question arose, whether it was necessary to make much ceremony for the burial of one who had so evidently been, during life, the victim of adverse fortunes. It was decided to submit the matter to Mr. LYON, whose reply was laconic and characteristic: "Appoint his funeral at two o'clock this afternoon, and let it be well attended, with the usual rites -- a man is a man, shirt or no shirt!"

     He was not a man without a heart. He had his adverse peculiarities if you may so put it, but he was "a man for a' that," a man we vastly admire for the grandeur of that intellect -- a grand historical man; and while his friends and descendants may watch with an admirable jealousy every word breathed over his name, they may with pride remember, too, his name is secured to fame, and there are few who would not be proud to reckon him among their ancestors. --Ed.]
 
 

"The Vermont Historical  Gazetteer: 
A Magazine Embracing A History of Each Town, 
Civil, Ecclesiastical, Biographical and Military."
Volume II, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille & Orange Counties.
Including Also The Natural History of Chittenden County.
Edited and Published by Miss Abby, Maria Hemenway. 
Burlington, VT. 1871.
Page 517-554.

Transcribed by Karima Allison 2004