The surface, except in the eastern part, is not mountainous; but here the Green Mountains extend along the whole eastern border and contain some quite high elevations. The rocks of the western and central portion of the township are of the eolian limestone formation and contain some good marble quarries, although they are at present not worked to any great extent. The eastern part is composed mostly of quartz, except a small belt of pliocene tertiary deposit. This belt contains many valuable minerals, consisting of iron, manganese, kaolin, paint pigments, and some silver. Iron ore was first discovered in Brandon in 1810, and soon after a forge was built and bar-iron of a superior quality was manufactured for several years. In 1820 a furnace was built by John CONANT, Esq., for reducing the ore, an undertaking which at that time was deemed one of great hazard, but he persevered with characteristic energy and judgment, and with complete success, and it is to this furnace, long well known as "Conant's Furnace,” that Brandon is indebted for an impetus then given to its business interests and for its continuous growth and prosperity. Iron is not manufactured to as great an extent as formerly. Paint and kaolin are still manufactured to a considerable extent. Not enough silver to amount to anything has ever been found; but there are traditions of a very rich mine hid somewhere in the mountains, that was once worked with great success by the Spaniards. A singular freak in the geological formation of the town is the "frozen well,” wherein ice may be found during the entire season. It is located a little southwest of Brandon village, on road 37 ½, and was dug in November, 1858. After sinking about twenty feet through the soil, the workmen came to frozen earth, consisting of coarse gravel, rounded pebbles and lumps of clear ice, from the size of an egg to that of a 12 lb. cannon ball; this frozen stratum is about 15 feet thick. The well is 34 ½ feet deep and has about 2 ½ feet of water in it; its diameter is about three feet, and it is properly stoned up with rounded boulders of limestone. This well has always been a matter of considerable curiosity to scientists. 

      The country is watered by numerous streams, some of which afford excellent mill-sites, the principal one being Otter Creek, which enters the southern part of the township, flows a northwesterly course into Hubbardton, and through the extreme north-western corner of the town into Addison County. Mill River rises in the north-east part of the town, flows a south-westerly course and is discharged into Otter Creek near the southern boundary of the township. The numerous other streams serve to irrigate the soil and afford some mill-privileges, but are of no considerable size. In the northern part are two small ponds, called respectively Burnett's and Spring Pond. 

      The Central Vermont Railroad enters the township about the centre of its southern boundary, extends through the town in a north-westerly direction, entering Addison County on the north. 

      Brandon contains much good farming land and has many excellent farms. The soil is various, but generally a light loam, easily tilled and very productive. The alluvial flats, or intervals, along Otter Creek, are extensive and beautiful and are not surpassed in fertility by any in the county. The township produces every variety of timber common to the country; pine, oak, cherry, sugar and red maple, ash and cedar, are found in abundance, making lumber manufacture quite an industry. 

      In 1880 Brandon had a population of 3,280, was divided into thirteen school districts and had twenty common schools, employing three male and eighteen female teachers, at an aggregate salary of $5,014.00. There were 693 pupils attending common schools, and the entire cost of the schools for the year ending October 30th, was $5,638.92. The schools were under the superintendence of Mr. J. S. CILLEY. 

      Brandon, a post village and station on the Central Vermont R. R., is very pleasantly located near the central part of the township. It enjoys a good water-privilege and other facilities for making it a smart inland town; but owing to the loss of manufactories and lack of industries, the material interests of the town have been seriously affected during the last few years. Its prospects are not near so flourishing as they were several years since. It contains at present five churches, two banks, two hotels, thirteen stores, one grist and flour mill, three meat markets, two marble-shops, four harness-shops, two liveries, one shoe-counter and stay manufactory, one foundry, five blacksmith shops, one graded school, one cooper-shop, three cabinet-makers, ten dress-makers, three milliner shops, two carriage-shops, three paint-shops, one brass band, two hose companies, two printing offices, one dye-house, one brickyard, one laundry, five lawyers, six physicians, etc., and about 300 dwellings. 

      Forestdale (p. o.) is a pleasant little village of about 500 inhabitants, located in the north-eastern part of the township, the principal business interest being Newton & Thompson’s wood-turning works. There are two churches, three stores, three blacksmith shops, two livery stables, one wheelwright shop, etc. 

      The above two are the only villages in the township, the other portions being entirely rural districts. 

      NEWTON & THOMPSON's wood-turning works, located at Forestdale, were established in 1856, and now employ 100 men. In 1877 the works were twice destroyed by fire, and during the same season damaged to the extent of several thousand dollars, by flood. 

      The SPRAGUE Counter and Stay Company, located at Brandon village, was organized in July of 1879. The business has since been steadily increasing, and the firm expects soon to be employing about two hundred hands in the manufacture of shoe counters and corset stays. 

      The First National Bank of Brandon was organized in 1864, and commenced operations on the first day of May following, with a capital of $50,000. It now has a  $100,000.00 surplus fund, after having paid, up to date, (April 15, '81,) $245,000 in dividends. Nathan T. SPRAGUE is president of the institution, and H. C. COPELAND, cashier. 

      The Brandon National Bank has been in successful business operation many years, having a capital of $200,000.00. Erastus D. THAYER is president; Cyrus JENNINGS, vice-president, and Frank E. BRIGGS, cashier. 

      The Brandon Statuary Marble Co., of Brandon village, was organized in 1865. The quarry had been worked previous to this by E. D. SELDEN and others; it is now owned by C. W. BISHOP, and when in operation employs about 100 men, with Dudley C. BROWN as superintendent. 

      The Brandon Mining Co.'s Works, located on road 27, corner 28, was established for the manufacture of mineral paint and kaolin, in 1855. The mineral was discovered by FULLER & GREEN, who commenced the manufacture of wrought iron here many years ago, and by washing the ore, the ocher, or paint pigment, was discovered. It is taken from the mine in its crude state mixed with refuse matter, and after being broken up and thoroughly washed it is with water carried down a sluice, the worthless material in the form pebbles, iron ore, sand, etc., settles to the bottom, and the substance valuable for paint is held in solution, and carried by spouts and deposited in large vats.  Here it is suffered to remain, and the paint settles to the bottom. The water is then drawn off and the process is repeated until a sufficient deposit has cumulated in the vats to undertake the drying process. This is accomplish by first allowing the sediment in the vats to become, by the action of the sun’s rays, of the consistency of thick mud or clay, when it is cut or shoveled in pieces about the size of bricks, and laid upon shelves to dry in buildings prepared for the purpose. When perfectly dry it is run through a crushing mill, and packed in barrels for the market. This paint is very similar to the celebrated French ocher, and has met with a large demand from various sections of the country. By placing the lumps of yellow ocher in ovens and calcining them, red ocher is made, of a quality closely resembling Venetian red. 

      Kaolin, or paper clay, as it is sometimes called, in process of manufacture, is similar to that of ocher, except that it does not undergo the grinding process, but is fit for market as soon as it is dry. The kaolin manufactured here is principally used in the manufacture of paper, for "stuffing," giving a smooth surface and additional weight to paper; it is mixed with the pulp, and but a small percent, is lost by the subsequent process of manufacture. This company employs about 30 men, and manufactures about 1,000 tons of paint and 500 tons of kaolin per annum. The works are owned by Messrs. James HAVEMYER, H. R. CONKLIN and Samuel J. FRENCH, of New York City. 

      The Brandon Kaolin and Paint Co.'s Works, located on road 27, about two miles east of Brandon village and one mile south of Forestdale, were established in 1865. They manufacture about 1,000 tons per annum and employ 20 men. The paint varies in color from very light yellow to dark yellow and dark red, and light and dark brown. David W.  PRIME is president of the company. 

      The Eagle Foundry was established in 1867, by PAYNE, CHRISTIE & HENDRY. In 1875, Mr. John CHRISTIE bought out his partners and now carries on the business alone. He manufactures plows, cultivators, brackets, plant stands, match boxes, etc., giving employment to ten men. 

      CHURCHILL Saw Mill, located on Mill River, was built in 1850, by M. H. CHURCHILL, and is now owned by G. H. CHURCHILL, who manufactures about 5,000 feet of lumber per day. 

      DURKEE's saw and planing mill, located at Brandon village, employs three men and manufactures 500,000 feet of lumber and 200,000 shingles per year. It is operated by water power. 

      The first tree felled in the township of Brandon, (then Neshobe) with a view to settlement, was in the month of October, 1772, by Amos CUTLER. April 5, 1773, John AMBLER and David JUNE, his son-in-law, came into town from Stamford, Ct., and made their "pitch" jointly, south of and adjoining Mr. CUTLER, and extending, as it was afterwards surveyed, to near the north line of Pittsfield. These were followed by Josiah POWERS, Elisha STRONG, Thomas TUTTLE, Joseph BARKER, John MOTT, George and Aaron ROBINS, Benjamin POWERS, Jonathan FERRIS, Joshua GOSS and Samuel KELSEY; all but the last two are supposed to have come previous to the Revolution. 

      The organization, by the choice of the necessary officers, took place October 7, 1784. The law then in force required that such proceedings should take place at the time of the annual town meeting, which was then, as now, held in March, but the Legislature, then about to meet at Rutland, soon after confirmed their proceedings by a special Act. 

      The massacre spoken of as giving rise to the name of Burnt Town occurred in 1777, the township being then visited by a party of Indians, who killed two men, George and  Aaron ROBINS, and made prisoners of most of the inhabitants, and set fire to their  dwellings and to a saw mill which they had erected. Joseph BARKER, his wife, and a child eighteen months old, were among the prisoners. The next night, with no other shelter than the trees of the forest and the canopy of heaven, and with no other company than the infant above named, she gave birth to another child. She was found the following day and removed with her children to Pittsford. Mr. BARKER was carried to Middlebury, where, feigning himself sick, he succeeded during the night in making his escape, and arrived safely at Pittsford. 

      The farm whereon the ROBINS brothers were killed is located on road 23, and is occupied by Nelson B. WHEELER, and owned by N. T. SPRAGUE. They were buried where they fell, and after many years their remains were taken up, and amid imposing ceremonies, on one 4th of July, buried in the old cemetery at Brandon village. 

      Amos CUTLER, the first white man ever known to have passed a winter in town, came from Hampton, Conn., settling on road 45, upon the farm now owned by Josiah ROSSETER.  Here he made an "opening" and built a log cabin, which he occupied "solitary and alone” during the next winter, having no other companion than a faithful dog. He was then 23 years old and single. In the fall following, he returned to Hampton and was married to Amy, daughter of Jacob SIMONDS, November 23, 1773. As a fruit of this marriage there was born unto them two sons and four daughters. He died march 18, 1818, on the old farm where he had resided 46 years. 

      David JUNE came to Brandon from Stamford, Conn., in 1773, in company with his father-in-law, John AMBLER. They made a joint "pitch" in the south part of the township, to which Mr. JUNE added, by subsequent purchases, making in the whole 225 acres, which comprised his homestead at the time of his death. Mr. AMBLER died in about three years after he arrived in town. Mr. JUNE was born September 9, 1746, and marred to Prudence AMBLER in Stamford, she dying April 17, 1797, aged 4. His son, Stephen, was the first male child born in the town that lived, born September 11, 177_, and resided here until his death, which occurred February 10, 1861, he being 86 years of age. David’s education, like most farmers of that day, was quite deficient, yet his sound judgment, good sense and unshaken integrity, rendered him exceedingly useful in the management of town business, and he was one of the first selectmen. He died on the 24th of June, 1819, in the 74th year of his age. 

      Jedediah WINSLOW came to Brandon in 1778, from Barre, Mass., settling on the north-east side of Otter Creek, near the road leading front the village to the Blackmer bridge. He was a man of great physical powers, being tall and of large limbs, was remarkably shrewd, good natured and a great manager in the perilous times of the Revolution. At the formation of the Congregational Church, in 1785, he was the first deacon, and for several years, until they had a pastor, he took charge of the worship. Mr. WINSLOW died April 5, 1794, aged 69. 

      Micah BROWN came to Brandon from Ashford, Conn., settling at an early date in what is now the village of Brandon, on the place now owned by Hiram BLACKMER. His daughter, Mary, married Chauncey CAPRON, and is now living in Brandon, at the age of 65. Mr. BROWN was a major of militia, and, like other pioneers, endured many hardships. 

      David MERRIAM came from Walpole, N. H., in 1787, settling on road 3, upon the farm now owned by Win. H. WILLIAMS. He was twice married, his first wife, Phoebe FOSTER, dying April 7, 1794, aged 30. His second wife, Betsey CONANT, a sister of John CONANT, died in June, 1842, aged 67. Mr. MERRIAM was a hatter, but early in the history of the town gave up the trade entirely, and gave his whole attention to farming. He died March 26, 1826, aged 62. He was an active and useful member of the Baptist Church, of which he was for a long time, and until his death, a deacon. He was a selectman several years, and held various other town offices. Two of his sons. Isaac and Jonathan, became Baptist ministers. 

      Edward CHENEY came to Brandon from Dublin, N.H., in 1782, settling upon the land east, and not far from the spot where the marble-mill now stands, on road 16 ½. Mr. CHENEY came to the town on an ox-sled, his family making the eighth then in town. He successfully cultivated a large tract of land, making his own farming tools, wagons, household furniture, etc. He was an influential citizen, and was for many years deacon and clerk of the Baptist Church. Of his family of eight children, four settled in Brandon.  There were at one time eight families of CHENEYs in town; but there is now only the family of T. W. CHENEY, who resides on the homestead of his father, Samuel CHENEY. David died suddenly of the epidemic of that season. Jan. 24, 1813, aged 64 years. His widow died March 19, 1841, aged 88. Of the children of J. W. CHENEY, Albert, the oldest, was a volunteer in the Union Army, and died at sea. February 17, 1865, while on his way to join the 7th Vt. Regiment at New Orleans. Edward CHENEY was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, having volunteered to take his father-in-law's place. Ezekiel HALE, of Stowe, Mass., who was drafted. Elijah CHENEY, son of Edward, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was with others taken prisoner by the British, at Black Rock, near Buffalo, N.Y. and from there taken to Halifax, N. S., where he spent a winter of terrible suffering from cold and hunger. Samuel CHENEY, also son of Edward, was a member of the militia, and started for the defense of Plattsburg. The Brandon Co. at that time numbered 70 men, under the captaincy of Micah BROWN. It was called out by order of General STRONG, the Governor having refused to respond to the call for aid. The company being detained at Charlotte about crossing the Lake, they did not reach Burlington until the battle had begun, and so were ordered to remain there, as they might be needed for the defense of that town. 

      Joshua GOSS came to Brandon from Montague, Mass., in 1783, settling near the June place, where he resided about thirteen years, and then bought of Noah STRONG for 6,180 acres, the well known GOSS place, where he long kept a public house, and which is now the town farm. Mr. Goss died in December, 1826, aged 75 years. 

      Salathiel PATCH came to Brandon from Mt. Holly, at an early date, settling upon the farm now owned by Henry W. PATCH, located on road 19. He was a son of John PATCH, one of the early settlers of Mt. Holly, having settled near the foot of PATCH's Pond. 

      Joshua FIELD, son of Gaines and Sarah (HOLTON) FIELD, was born in Northfield, Mass., in 1746. In the year 1786 he removed to Brandon, settling upon the farm now owned by Burgess P. FIELD, on road 1. He was a Revolutionary soldier, serving in the New Hampshire Militia, and was at the Battle of Bennington. He died on the old homestead in Brandon, on the 26th of March, 1837, aged 91. Of his children, four now reside in Brandon, as follows: Stearns J. FIELD, Burgess P. FIELD, and Caroline J. WING, (widow of S. Davis,) and Mahala M. BAKER, (wife of John L.) who now resides on Carver street. His son, Paul, was killed by an ox, October 21, 1834. Stearns J., son of Paul, in 1862, crossed the plains to Idaho, where he was engaged in carrying the mail from Bannock City to Salt Lake City, a distance of 500 miles. To perform this journey he used one mule and a horse.  The object of thus oddly matching the animals was for the reason that when separated they would not whinney for each other, and thus, mayhap, expose him to the Indians. He was often pursued by Indians, and twice severely wounded by them. He returned to Brandon November 12, 1866, where he still resides. 

      John TOWNSEND came to Brandon in the year 1800, and located upon the farm now owned by his son John, Jr. Mr. TOWNSEND married Eunice HOWE, the union being blessed with seven children-three sons and four daughters. John Jr. was born on the old homestead, February 20, 1807, and has resided there most of the time since. He married Abby Johnson, by whom he had a family of five children, three of whom, daughters, are still living. 

      Samuel BURNELL came to Brandon from Woodstock, Conn., in 1788, and settled on road 6, corner 7, upon the place now owned by his granddaughter, Sophia FORD. Mr. BURNELL started for Brandon in March, 1787, arriving in Tinmouth on the 16th of March, where he remained one year, when he came to Brandon and built a log house a little west of the town farm. He was a resident of the township for more than half a century, was a Revolutionary soldier, member of the State Legislature and justice of the peace for many years, and respected by all. He died July 5, 1838, aged 80 years. His son Asa resided with the old people until their death, when the property reverted to him, and is now in the possession of his daughter Sophia. 

      Jabez LYON came to Brandon from Woodstock, Conn., at an early date, and settled in the north part of the township, on road 6. Mrs. Lucy SPAULDING, who now resides on Park street, at Brandon village, is a daughter of Jabez, and 84 years of age. She said her father resided in Brandon several years before her birth. Jabez was an upright man and much respected. He died March 16, 1843, aged 87. 

      Zephaniah HACK came to Brandon, from Taunton, Mass., in 1800. He settled upon the farm now owned by Sardis HACK, on road 42. Here he resided until his death, which occurred July 22, 1847, at the age of 83 years. 

      Silas KEELER came to Brandon from Chittenden in 1796. He leased the farm now in possession of Silas J. KEELER, on road 32, for a term, “as long as wood grows and water runs."  Here he resided until his death, which occurred August 16, 1845, in the 73rd year of his age. 

      Samuel CAPRON came from Mass. to Brandon, about the year 1805, and settled upon the farm now owned by his son, Chauncey, who is at present in his 74th year, having spent nearly his whole lifetime on this farm. Samuel lived to see his seventy-fifth year, when he died upon the farm where he had settled. Chauncey has in his possession a gun which was used by his great grandfather, Jabez LYON, Sr., in the Revolution. He has also several other relics, among which are button and spoon moulds, and a wooden canteen, (barrel shaped), which were owned by his great grandfather, Benj. CAPRON, who was one of the first settlers of Rutland. 

      John KNOWLTON came to Brandon from Whenem, Essex Co., N.Y., in 1815, and settled here permanently in 1823. He was a carpenter, residing in Brandon village. His sons, Julius A. and Gardner J., still reside in the town. 

      N. T. SPRAGUE was born at Pomfret, (now Hanson) Mass., Jan. 23, 1786. At the age of thirteen he moved with his parents to Cavendish, Vt., where he resided a few years and then lived several years at Plymouth. At the age of 22 he commenced business for himself in Mt. Holly. He was for twenty-five years a merchant in that place, kept a hotel twelve years, and was at the same time extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits, owning at one time five hundred acres of land in a body. He filled, at various times, acceptably and honorably, all the offices of that town in the gift of the people. He removed to Brandon in 1832. Having already amassed a fortune by his superior business ability, and by the practice of those old-fashioned virtues, industry, frugality and economy, he at once took a high rank among the wealthiest citizens, and was ever after prominent in the banking and other financial affairs of the town. He was director of the old Brandon Bank, and president of the First National Bank, till he was succeeded by his son, Hon. N. T. SPRAGUE, Jr. He represented the town of Brandon in the Legislature for five years, making in all nineteen years of legislative experience. He was for several years one of the assistant judges of Rutland County. He voted eighteen times for President of the United States. He died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. R. V. MARSH, in 1876, in the 91st year of his age. 

      Rodney V. MARSH, the second son of Daniel and Mary MARSH, of Clarendon, was born July 11, 1807. After receiving his academical education, he came to Rutland and read law with Rodney C. ROYCE. He was admitted to the Rutland County Bar in 1832. and came  immediately to Brandon, where he opened an office for the practice of his profession, and  where he resided over forty years. In 1834 he married Eliza E., daughter of Hon. N. T. SPRAGUE, who still resides in Brandon. Mr. MARSH early identified himself with the temperance cause, and sustained by his own strict course what he recommended to others. He also early identified himself with the antislavery cause; and was found in the vanguard of the anti-slavery ranks some forty years ago. For three years in succession he was elected by the citizens of Brandon as representative to the General Assembly, where he was prominent, and at that time attracted much public attention. He continued to be a prominent member of society up to the time of his death, which occurred at his residence in Brandon, on the evening of Friday, March 8, 1872, aged nearly 65 years. 

      John CONANT, a native of Ashburnham, Mass., was born February 2, 1773. He came to Brandon in 1796, and purchased of Simeon KING and Joseph HAWLEY, "one-half the mills and water power in the village," for the consideration of £ 1 60; deed bearing date December 23, 1796. He had served an apprenticeship to the trade of carpenter and joiner, and the knowledge thus acquired, added to superior mechanical talents, was of great service to him in the important business which he established, and in superintending the valuable buildings and works of his own, erected in after years. By subsequent purchases he became the proprietor of the entire water-power in the village. In 1816 he built the stone grist mill, still standing at the head of the lower falls; and in 1839, he erected the brick mill below it, which at that time was one of the best structures of the kind in the State. In 1820 he erected the furnace in the village, the first blast of which was made in October of that year. To this establishment, long and familiarly known as "Conant’s Furnace," is the village of Brandon chiefly indebted for the impetus then given, and for its continuous growth and prosperity. No man's name, perhaps, has been more intimately associated with the town of Brandon than that of John CONANT; not however on account of the public positions he has held, but from the nature, extent, and successful prosecution of his business operations for a long series of years, which gave employment to a large number of persons. He died June 30, 1856. in his 84th year. His sons, C. W. and John A., continued for many years in active business after their father’s retirement. John A., now over 80 years of age, is living here in quiet leisure, honored and respected for his many virtues. 

      The Town Farm of Brandon is located on road 7, and contains about 150 acres. At present there are nine paupers who are supported here at the town's expense, of which three are insane. Charles H. COLSON is the superintendent. 

      Stephen A. DOUGLASS was born in Brandon village, in the house now owned by Mary F. C. HYATT, on Grove street. Stephen's father died when Stephen was an infant, dying suddenly of heart disease while holding Stephen in his arms. He attended school at the old school-house on Park street, until he was about 15 years of age, when he went away to school and never resided in town afterwards. Among the last of his school days in Brandon, he boarded at the house of John KNOWLTON. His sister Sarah afterward attended school in town and boarded at KNOWLTON's house. She subsequently married a man by the name of Julius GRANGER and removed with him to Western New York. 

      The pleasantly located building at Brandon village, now occupied by the Brandon Graded School, was erected about fifty years ago, under the auspices of the Baptist denomination of this State, who established the school that the children of its members might receive a higher education in a school controlled by the Church; but more especially it was to be a nursery for young men preparing for the ministry. The school was the object of much hope and solicitude on the part of the Baptists of the State, and the project was fondly entertained of ultimately making it a theological school. 

      The State was thoroughly canvassed in its behalf, and its friends contributed liberally. The citizens of Brandon village, without distinction of sect, subscribed a large sum. The venerable Dea. John CONANT and his sons, C. W. and J. A., then in active business in Brandon, contributed the largest sum. The school was incorporated as the  "Vermont Literary and Scientific Institute." This cumbrous title soon fell into disuse, and it was known by the name of "The Brandon Seminary." In its early years the school was well patronized by the denomination which established it, counting among its students, representatives from nearly all the Baptist churches in the State, and also being well patronized by the town and vicinity. But like some other sectarian schools of that Church, in a few years it faded, and as a denominational school it ceased to be an object of much interest to that Church. 

      During the remainder of its existence it was sustained as a local academic school, after having a principal of some other faith. Finally, about the year 1865, the project of converting it into a graded school began to be agitated. It was found by the terms of the charter, the property could not be sold. So after much consultation of authorities and several meetings of the trustees, it was resolved by them to lease the building and grounds to the village for a term of 999 years. The building was literally reconstructed, it being arranged in six large and well-furnished school-rooms. In addition to these there were recitation and reception rooms, and laboratory, all being heated by steam, and with all modern improvements, at a cost of about $22,000. The school was opened with a fine corps of teachers on the 1st of September, 1868, since which time it has been in a flourishing condition. 

      The Brandon Library Association was formed November 27, 1862, and about 130 volumes purchased for a library. After a struggle for life, the Association ceased to be and did not meet for a period of four years. On January 25, 1869, the library, by vote of the Association, was turned over to the Farmers and Mechanics Club, who have from time to time added to it, until now it contains about eight hundred volumes of choice standard works. 

      The Farmers and Mechanics Club was organized in the winter of 1862-3, and met at the houses of the different members, on the itinerant plan; the evening being spent in comparing notes and conversing on the various matters pertaining to agriculture and mechanics. On the 7th day of Nov., 1872, the General Assembly passed an act of incorporation, giving the Club the privileges usually accorded to organizations of this kind. A Fair is held every fall, when a large display of agricultural products and implements may be seen. The roll of members has numbered three hundred; but by deaths, removals, etc., the number has been reduced, but the interest is still maintained. 

      There are eight different places where the inhabitants of Brandon have buried their dead, though several of them have long since been closed. 

      The first interments were made on the "June Farm," so called, in the south part of the township. Here we find many quaint inscriptions on the tombstones, among which is the following: -"In memory of John AMBLER, who died May 5, 1776, in the 42d year of his age. Also of Sarah, the wife of John AMBLER, who died July 14, 1785, in the 55th year of her age. 

      The burial ground in Brandon village was opened about the year 1793, and has become so full that it is now seldom used for interments. 

      In Forestdale there is another burial place often frequented. 

      In 1856 the Pine Hill Cemetery was opened with appropriate religious ceremonies, in connection with the burial of Isaac F. MERRIAM, M.D., the first tenant of the cemetery proper. The ample and attractive grounds' of this cemetery were the gift of John A. CONANT, Esq. Recently, a Receiving Tomb was constructed at the expense of Mrs. E. E. MARSH, who presented it to the town. 

      In 1877 the ladies of Brandon village formed themselves into a society known as the "Ladies Cemetery Association," for the purpose of raising funds to improve the cemetery grounds. About $1,300.00 have been raised since that time, of which $900 have already been expended in and about the cemetery, in building a wall, fountain, etc. The young ladies of the association procured three hundred dollars, which was used in the purchase of gates for the grounds. 

      In addition to those already mentioned, the Roman Catholics have two localities, more exclusively their own, pleasantly situated and well cared for. 

      St. Thomas Protestant Episcopal Church, located at Brandon village, was organized June 15, 1839, by Royal BLAKE, Benj. F. GREEN, Charles BACKUS, Edward SHERMAN, Francis WEBB, Charles WEBB and James BRIGGS, seven members in all. Rev. Josiah PERRY being the first pastor. The parish had no church edifice at this time, but soon afterward bought the upper room in the old Town Hall, (now Engle's Block,) and fitted it up for a chapel, with chancel, altar, lecterns and organ. The congregation used this chapel until the present church edifice was erected (1863). It is built of stone, Gothic style, will seat comfortably 250 persons, the original cost being about $3,500, is now, together with the grounds, valued at $8,000. The parish at present numbers about 100 communicants, with Rev. Henry BEDINGER as rector. 

      The Methodist Episcopal Church, located at Brandon village, was organized in 1801, by Daniel POMEROY, with Elder HULBERT as pastor, and but few members. The membership has since increased to 135, with George W. BROWN for their present pastor. The present church edifice was erected in 1874, and is a commodious building, capable of seating 350 persons, and cost $13,000. The whole Church property is now valued at about $20,000. 

      The Congregational Church, located at Brandon village, was organized September 23, 1785, by Rev. Mr. SELL, of Dorset, and consisted of Jedediah WINSLOW and nine others.  Mr. WINSLOW was the first deacon, and took charge of the services for several years, until their first pastor, Rev. Enos BLISS was settled. The first meeting-house was built of logs and stood near the center of the town. About 1797 or ‘98, the second house was erected upon the site now occupied by the present church. When nearly completed, it took fire and burned down; upon the old foundations they erected another, which yielded satisfactory accommodations until 1831. In April of that year the old church was demolished, preparatory to laying the foundation of the present brick structure. Its dimensions are 75 by 52 feet, and cost about $5,000. In 1858 it was thoroughly repaired at a cost of $3,000, and is now a neat commodious structure, capable of seating 450 persons.  Rev. Walter RICE is the present pastor. 

      St. Mary's Catholic Church, located at Brandon village, was organized by Rev. J. QUEILLON, in 1852, it then consisting of 60 families. The church building was erected in 1853, and much enlarged and embellished in 1858, so that it is now capable of seating 550 persons. The society at present consists of about 75 families, with J. C. McLAUGHLIN as pastor. 

      Grace Episcopal Church, located at Forestdale, was organized by Royal BLAKE and others in 1842, with a membership of 12, and Rev. Mr. PERRY as rector. The church building was erected in 1851, at a cost of $5,000, and is capable of seating 250 persons.  The property has greatly depreciated in value, the whole at present being valued at only $3.000. The society now consists of about 25 members, with no regular pastor. 

      The Baptist Church, located at Brandon village, was organized, 1785, consisting of twelve members. In 1789 Mr. Isaac WEBB was called to ordination and settlement, the first pastor of the church and the first minister settled in the town. His pastorate was followed by that of twelve others successively, the last of which has just terminated, the society being now without a pastor. In its infancy the society held their meetings in dwelling houses, with only occasional preaching. In 1790 a log house was constructed and occupied as a place of worship until 1800, when a commodious frame house was erected and occupied until 1832, when their present substantial brick edifice was completed and opened for use. The original cost of the structure, including the expense of its late reconstruction and improvement, may be estimated at $14,000, and the present value of church property, including buildings, $15,000. The seating capacity of the building will accommodate about four hundred and fifty persons. The present membership of the society is one hundred and sixty-five. 

Transcribed by Karima Allison ~ 2004