The eastern and southern portions are quite level, while the other parts are very mountainous, except in the valley of Otter Creek, which is quite broad, where are situated some fine level intervales of perhaps as good farming land as there is to be found in the State. The mountains clothed in verdure and cut with limpid, rippling streams, the broad valleys covered with swaying grain, dotted completely over "with cot and hall," renders an enchanting scene from almost any point of view, while the plethoric hills and mountains, from their generous breasts, yield a treasure that renders the town of Rutland, in point of wealth, far in advance of the other towns of Rutland County. The soil, presenting all the varieties from heavy loam to light sand, is irrigated by numerous streams, the principal one being Otter Creek, which enters about the middle of the south line, and leaves about the middle of the north line, cutting the town into two nearly equal parts. Tributary to this are Vest Creek or Tinmouth River, rising in Tinmouth, and East Creek, one of whose branches rises in Chittenden, and the other in Mendon, the latter entering Otter Creek one mile above Center Rutland, and the former about forty rods below. Near the northwest corner of the township, on the north line, Castleton River enters, and, after pursuing a southerly course about three miles, turns to the right, and passes off into Ira. There are numerous other streams, but of minor importance.

      The timber is principally spruce, hemlock, beech, birch and maple, with some pine, poplar, oak, and other deciduous woods.

      The Central Vermont, The Del. & Hudson Canal Co's., and the Bennington and Rutland railways, are the principal works of internal improvement.

      The town had a population in 1880, of 12,151; it was divided into nineteen school districts, and contained forty-two common schools, employing seven male and fifty-seven female teachers, at an aggregate salary of $13,151.69. There were 2,391 pupils attending common schools, while the entire cost of the schools for the year ending Oct. 31st, was $16,847.14, with Mr. J. J. R. RANDALL, superintendent.

      RUTLAND, the county seat, a post village and railroad center, is beautifully located in the south east part of the township, at the point where East Creek unites with Otter. It contains a population of about 7,000, and is the most flourishing village in the State. It was incorporated by an Act of the General Assembly, approved November 15, 1847, and is bounded in said Act as follows:

      The rapid growth of the village soon made the supply of water inadequate to the demand, and the great fire of April 3, 1868, taught the citizens that something must be done immediately to increase the water supply, as several insurance companies had withdrawn their policies on account of its scarcity; accordingly, work was soon commenced on the old reservoir, which was entirely reconstructed and much enlarged, costing about $30,000. This, however, soon failed to supply the demand, and ten years after, in 1878, a new twelve inch iron aqueduct was laid from the head to the reservoir, costing about $35,000.00; and during the following year, distributing pipes were laid through the village, and seventy-five hydrants have been placed in different parts of the place, at an expense of about $20,000. So Rutland now has a water supply fully adequate to all demands. Water is taken from East Creek, about three miles north-east from the reservoir, in the town of Mendon, on the farm of Walter E. WOOD. For about fifty feet from the bank of the creek, a cobble-stone filter is constructed, from which the water flows into a canal or vat, about 100 feet long, 6 feet wide and 10 feet deep, where all sediment that may exist is precipitated and clear water passes into the aqueduct. The works have about 180 feet head, so that by attaching hose to the fire-hydrants a powerful stream is thrown.

      The village contains a town hall, county clerk's office, U. S. court-house, one savings, one state and three national banks, a fine graded school, seven churches, three large hotels, and several smaller ones, about one hundred stores, and numerous manufacturing establishments.

MANUFACTORIES

Howe Scale Co's Works

      The benefit Rutland derives from this manufactory cannot be told, and only those who have made a careful examination of the works can have any approximate idea of the magnitude of the industry. It may be well to look back a little into the history of the "Howe Scales," whose name has become as familiar as a household word, not only in this country, but in Europe. The original inventors of these scales were F. M. STRONG and Thomas ROSS, both young men of thorough mechanical genius and full of energy. In 1855 these gentlemen conceived the plan of constructing their scales, which was followed up with unwearied study, and after various experiments the conception was matured, and a patent obtained on the 15th of January, 1856. In the fall of that year they put up the first scale, in mills owned by Joel HILLS, at Vernon village, N. Y. At about this time they also put upon exhibition at the American Institute, New York city, their hay scales and some smaller ones, which were objects of much attention. In the spring of 1857, Mr. John HOWE, Jr., of Brandon, having seen this scale and been fully impressed with its merits, was led to purchase the patent of Messrs. STRONG and ROSS, and commence their manufacture at Brandon. The business has since been continually on the increase, various changes have taken place in the company, and finally, in August, 1877, it was decided to remove the works to Rutland village, on account of its being a more convenient point for shipment, etc. The present site was chosen as being the most convenient for both the company and their operatives. It is a triangular piece of land, containing ten acres, at the junction of the Central Vermont and the Bennington and Rutland Railroads, a few rods southeast of the depot. The buildings are arranged in the general form of a triangle, with the foundry for a base, and make as complete and conveniently arranged a manufactory as can be found in the State. They were built in 1877-78, with J. J. R. RANDALL as architect, and were erected under the personal supervision of himself and Hon. John B. PAGE. This company gives constant employment to from three to five hundred persons. The officers of the company are as follows:  George A. MERRILL, president; Hon. John B. PAGE, treasurer; W.W. REYNOLDS, superintendent; W. F. LEWIS, assistant superintendent, and W. H. BRYANT, secretary.

The Rigby Combination Car Wheel Company 

      The Rigby Combination Car Wheel Company was organized on the 15th of November, 1880 and is composed of the following gentlemen: James RIGBY, W. H. H. LAWRENCE, H. L. VERDER, E. A. MORSE and J. M. HAVEN. This company was incorporated for the purpose of carrying on the manufacture and sale of the above mentioned car-wheel, an invention that bids fair to supersede all other patents in this line. Mr. RIGBY is an inventor of more than ordinary ability, and well known among mechanics and manufacturers, both in the United States and Canada, as well as in Europe.; but this last invention eclipses all his other efforts. He has discovered and produced a wheel combining more mechanical principle, hence more, safety and endurance, and greater economy than is found in any other wheel now in use. It may be termed a combination spoke and plate wheel, composed of cast iron, wrought iron and cast steel. The hub, spokes, plates and rim are cast iron, and used without chilling any part thereof, and are cast in one piece. The rim of this is turned to a perfect circle. The tire, two inches thick, is of cast steel, the inside of which is also turned to a perfect circle and shrunk upon its bed, making an absolute fit and bearing upon all parts of the cast iron. The outer plate has a shoulder or edge of one inch in thickness, which being turned to a circle, serves as a rest or bed for the inner edge of the flange. The flange is also of cast steel and turned to exactly fit the tire, forming a perfect joint on its rest and on its tire. There is a cast iron plate for the inner side of the wheel, which serves to hold the tire to its place and to keep the dust out of the wheel. These four parts are held together by 16 strong bolts of cold drawn iron. A great per cent. of the accidents that occur are undoubtedly caused by the breaking of wheels. The chilling of parts in a cast iron wheel tends to weaken it as a whole, because the chilled part is rendered brittle, and in consequence, its natural strength is greatly impaired, and its capacity of withstanding strains upon it of sudden jars is very much lessened. The RIGBY wheel obviates all these difficulties and dangers, composed as it is of both cast iron and steel, and the two so combined as to leave each in condition and position to perform its part to the fullest extent of its natural strength and capacity. This feature of durability and safety is also attended by the fact of its great economy; for should one part from use or accident become unfit for use; that one part only has to be supplied, whereas, in the old styles of wheels, the whole wheel would have to be replaced. This wheel also obviates a great per cent. of the noise attending a rapidly moving train, as the joints necessary to the fitting together of the several parts stop the vibration, and hence decrease the noise. The inventor asserts that the wheel will last from eight to twelve years, and that disaster from the fracture of any part would be prevented by the support given by the others. It is also claimed that the steel rim being mechanically sound, secures easier riding. Mr. RIGBY has given mechanics and railroad officials every opportunity to test the practicability of his invention, and it has been pronounced by them with one accord “to be positively the best wheel ever invented."

      A company has been incorporated at Fort Worth, Texas, and are soon to commence its manufacture there. It is only a question of a very short time when this wheel will be in general use upon the railroads of this country, and Rutland is very fortunate in being chosen as the site for one of its manufactories.

Steam Stone-Cutter Co.

      This company was organized and incorporated under the laws of New York, in 1865, for the purpose of manufacturing the Wardwell Stone Channeling and Quarrying Machine, for quarrying marble, lime, sand, brown-stone, etc. At first the company had its office in New York city, and the manufacturing done in different parts of the country; but soon perceiving the advantage of having their manufactory in the heart of a quarrying district, they established themselves in Rutland. The invention is covered by numerous patents in the United States, Canada, England and France, and many of the machines arc iii use in each of t these countries. The works are under the immediate supervision of the inventor, Mr. George J. WARDWELL, and give employment to a large number of men.

Lincoln Iron Works

      This establishment was opened in the fall of 1368 for the manufacture of stone-planing, hoisting, and other stone-working machinery, engines, etc., to which has since been added the manufacture of the Crescent Coffee Mill, a joint invention of Thomas and Crawford D. ROSS. Thomas, at the time of his death, was proprietor of the establishment. The manufactory is now carried on by his brother, Crawford D., under the administrators of the estate. Thomas, as before stated, was one of the original inventors of the HOWE Scales. His useful life was brought to a sad and unfortunate end by the bursting of an emery wheel at his works; on the 5th of January, 1881. The shops and foundry are situated on West st., near the railroad-crossing, and furnish employment for from thirty-five to forty men.

Mansfield & Stimson Iron Foundry

      MANSFIELD & STIMSON Iron Foundry, located on the northwest side of Freight street, near its junction with Union, was first established by BOWMAN & MANSFIELD about 30 years ago (1851), and continued until December, 1865, when upon Mr. BOWMAN's retiring, a new firm was founded by G. R. MANSFIELD and C. L. STIMSON. The shops were formerly located on the site now occupied by the Rutland Foundry Co's works, but the buildings being destroyed by fire, their temporary shops were built upon the present site, and later the present structure was erected. This company is engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of quarrying and marble and slate manufacturing machinery, and in casting car-wheels and other railroad castings, and also deal in pipe and pipe-fittings, iron and steel, giving employment to a large number of men.

Boiler Manufactory

      The Boiler Works of John W. and Joseph H. HOLMES were established in 1872, their shops being then located on Strong's Ave., but they have recently purchased and fitted up their present place of business, corner of West and Forest streets, where they enjoy increased facilities for manufacturing and shipping their goods, as the tracks of the C. V., and the D. & H. C. Co's. R. R. pass immediately before their door. Their specialty is the manufacture of steam boilers of all sizes and descriptions; but they also build stationary engines of from two to ten horse power. At the present time this firm employs sixteen skilled workmen, and are increasing their business constantly.

      D. SHORTSLEEVE's machine shop, located on Strong's avenue, was established in August, 1878, and then occupied only a space of 20 by 40 feet; in Aug. 1879 he was compelled to enlarge to 40 by 60 feet, and put in tools and machinery to correspond with the size of the building. In Nov. 1880, a two story brick building, 30 by 50 feet, was added, also an engine of thirty-five horse power, and a boiler of forty horse capacity. He is now completing a foundry, 42 by 70 feet, with a cupola having the capacity for melting ten tons of iron. Mr. SHORTSLEEVE, being a thorough and active workman himself, acts as superintendent and foreman of his works, doing all kinds of machine work, and making a specialty of the manufacture of quarrying and stone-working machinery.

      The BUTTON Factory of Gay, Kimball & Gay has been in operation since 1876, but was not located in Rutland until December, 1880, removing there from Gaysville. The BUTTONs are manufactured from vegetable ivory, of which about 2,000 pounds per day are used, giving employment to about seventy-five hands, male and female. Their wares are shipped principally to New York and Boston, although orders from the Central and Western States are frequently filled.

      The brick yard of John L. McINTYRE was established in 1852, since which time he has furnished brick for many of the best business, public, and private buildings in Rutland and Bennington counties. He has an excellent clay-bed, as good perhaps as any in Vermont, and employs in his yard from twenty to thirty men.

      The Rutland Foundry and Machine Shop Co. was organized in 1862, for the purpose of building castings for heavy machinery, and the manufacture of car-wheels. The latter are in general use upon the Central Vermont, Connecticut River, Bennington & Rutland and other railroads. They cast annually about 1500 tons of iron and employ twenty men. The foundry is under the supervision of Mr. J. B. HARRIS, and the machine works under the management of the Charles P. HARRIS Manufacturing Co.

      The Charles P. HARRIS Manufacturing Co. was commenced in 1874, under the firm name of Charles P. HARRIS & Co. Previous to 1879 the business was devoted chiefly to the manufacture of doors, sash, blinds; moldings, etc.; but at that time the present firm name was adopted, and the manufacture of chairs, church wood-work, etc., added, also the business of the Rutland Nail Works, which the company purchased in 1877. They now employ about thirty men in the shops, in addition to some 200 persons who at their homes are engaged in bottoming cane-seat chairs. About 1,000,000 feet of lumber are consumed in the business annually. In the machine department a specialty is made of the manufacture of stone and iron-working machinery and general jobbing.

D. M. White & Co.

      This company was organized in 1870 for the purpose of carrying on the manufacture and sale of lumber. The first office was located near the freight depot, and removed to its present location on West street in 1875. The company has extensive steam-mills located in Mendon, Shrewsbury and Sherburne, where they manufacture large quantities of lumber, staves, lath, etc. They also do an extensive business in flour, feed, and Akron sewer-pipe. 

      H. L. VERDER & Co's steam bakery, located on Centre street, was established by Daniel VERDER in 1853. The building occupied by the present firm was erected by them in 1868, and contains all the appliances of a model bakery. The business gives employment to eight men, who manufacture thirty-five barrels of crackers per day, in addition to a large quantity of bread, cake, etc.

The White & Haven Marble Manufactory

      The business of manufacturing marble was commenced at this location in March, 1867, by George F. and S. C. WHITE. S. C. WHITE soon retired from the business, after which various parties were interested with George F., up to June, 1877, when Mr. Frank HAVEN became associated with him in the business. About 25 men are employed in the works at Rutland, and about 30 in the granite works at Fitzwilliam, N. H. They also employ a number of men at their quarries in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Red Beach, Me. Their sales on manufactured goods shipped to the Western States amount to $100,000.00 per annum.

      THAYER & Co., shirt manufacturers, opened business at Rutland in August, 1880. The business had previously been carried on at Glens Falls, N. Y., by S. T. THAYER alone. Since the removal here business has increased so that more room was needed. Consequently Mr. J. M. HAVEN, of this firm, has just erected a building, 40x'00 feet, and five stories in height, three floors of which are to be used for the shirt business, while the two upper stories are an addition to the Bates House. The firm expects to make from 50 to 75 dozen shirts per day.

      Levi PREMO began the carriage and blacksmithing business on Wales street in the fall of 1876. He now employs eight men and manufactures about 50 wagons, of different styles, and 25 sleighs per annum.

      Samuel TERRILL, with his father Ziba, had begun the carriage business on the hill in 1858. The business was established at its present location in 1859, and has since been conducted by Samuel. He employs 15 men and manufactures a large quantity of heavy and light wagons, carriages and sleighs, each year.

BANKS

      The National Bank of Rutland was chartered in 1824 under the name of "The Bank of Rutland," with a capital of $50,000.00 and with Robt. TEMPLE president, and William PAGE, cashier. It retained this name until 1866, when it was reorganized as a National Bank, assuming its present name, with a capital of $300,000.00, and Hon. John B. PAGE, president, Francis SLASON, vice-president, and S. W. ROWELL, cashier. Since this time the capital of the institution has increased to $500,000.00, with a surplus fund of $ 100,00. 00. Mr. SLASON, the present vice-president, has been connected with the institution ever since it was first organized, and was one of the original directors.

      Rutland Savings Bank.  This institution was incorporated in 1850, beginning with a small deposit and gradually gaining the confidence of the community until it now has deposited in its care over $1,000,000.00. The first president and treasurer was Mr. Luther DANIELS, who retained the position until 1879, having served with ability and honor a period Of 29 years. Mr. DANIELS was succeeded by Win. M. FIELD, who still retains the position. Mr. Newton KELLOGG is treasurer.

      The Rutland County National Bank was chartered as a State bank in 1861, with a capital of $100,000.00. In 1865 it was reorganized as a National Bank, with a capital of $200,000.00. This is about its present capital, with a surplus fund of $75,000.00. William Y. RIPLEY, president, and James MERRILL, cashier, were the first officers of the institution. Mr. RIPLEY died September 27, 1875, and was succeeded by his son, William Y. W. On June 10, 1867, Henry F. FIELD was elected cashier, to fill the vacancy made by the resignation of James MERRILL, who resigned to accept the position of treasurer of the National Trust Company of New York city, where he died in 1873, while holding that office.

      The BAXTER National Bark was organized in August, 1870, with a capital of $300,000, H. H. BAXTER being president; J. N. BAXTER, vice-president; and G. R. BOTTUM, cashier. The institution has at present a capital of $300,000, with a surplus fund of $54,000. The building is a handsome three-story structure with a mansard roof, built of pressed brick and iron trimmings, presenting a grand and imposing appearance, and cost about $80,000.

      The State Trust Co. of Rutland was organized June 3, 1881, with a capital of $100,000, and does a general banking business, with Charles CLEMENT, president; John N. WOODFIN, treasurer, and O. F. HARRISON, assistant treasurer.

EDUCATIONAL

      Under an Act of the Legislature of Vermont in 1841, a union district was formed in the village of Rutland by the consent of the four districts, and on the 6th of April, 1855, at a public meeting of the districts, the union was consummated, and neon after a high school was established. This organization was in successful operation during a period of twelve years. But to give greater unity and efficiency to the school system, a vote was passed at a special meeting of the legal voters of the village, held February 20, 1867, whereby all the school districts in the village were consolidated into one district, to be called the Rutland Graded School District, which vote was legalized by the Legislature, March 28, 1867, and on the 9th day of April following, at an adjourned meeting of the legal voters of the village, the organization of the Graded School District was completed by the election of officers.

      The High School building was erected in 1852, but was rebuilt and enlarged in 1879, so that the village now has a school building it may well be proud of. It is beautifully located on a hill near the head of Center street, commanding a fine view, at the same time receiving the benefit of the healthful air of the higher land. It is a handsome commodious structure, built of pressed brick, with stone trimmings, and well ventilated. It also contains a library of about 2,000 rare volumes which are kept in a room nicely and appropriately furnished for that purpose. The school has also valuable apparatus for astronomical and philosophical illustration, the whole being under charge of the principal, Oscar ATWOOD, M. A. Including the High School, there are five school buildings in the Graded School District, employing nineteen teachers. Taken all in all, the educational advantages enjoyed by Rutland will compare favorably with those of any other place of its size in the country.

INSURANCE

      The New England Fire Insurance Company was organized March 30th, 1881, under a charter granted by the Legislature, with a capital of $100,000, and is the only stock fire insurance company in the State. J. M. HAVEN was elected president; Bradley FISH, vice-president; B. W. MARSHALL, treasurer, and C. PARMENTER, secretary.

RIPLEY MUSIC HALL

      The Ripley Opera House, destroyed by fire in 1874, is now in process of re-erection. The new building is to be known as "The Ripley Music Hall," after its projector, Gen. E. H. RIPLEY. It is to be three stories high, with a much more ornate exterior than the than the old one.  The first story of the front will have a marble base, with iron columns and entablature. Above the first story the front is to be of brick, set in red cement, without pencilings, with trimmings of blue marble. Running entirely across the building, at irregular intervals, in the second story, will be six courses of a combination of dark blue and light blue marble, all flush with the brick except the fourth and six courses, which will project flush with a series of heavy pilasters. The center or projecting section will terminate, near the top of the building, in a pediment with an elaborate marble cornice. The interior is to be handsomely decorated, and capable of seating about 800 persons. Mr. J. J. R. RANDALL, the architect of the interior, has given especial study to the acoustic effect, and it is not to be doubted, will meet with entire success. The Ripley Music Hall will be a monument in the growth of the village that Rutland people will look upon with pride.

HOUSE OF CORRECTION

      This is a State institution, built in pursuance of an Act passed by the General Assembly, at its fourth biennial session in 1876. Rutland was selected as its site, by the county's contributing $20,000 towards its erection, and thereby gaining its use as a county jail. The building, located just west of the village line, on the bank of East Creek, was erected in 1877-'78, at a cost of about $60,000. At the session of 1878 the Legislature changed the purpose somewhat from its original intent as a workhouse to a "House of Correction," and the criminal laws of the State were so amended as to allow the Court at its discretion to sentence persons convicted of an offense punishable by imprisonment in the State Prison, to the House of Correction. That the discipline of this institution is a great improvement over the State Prison mode can scarcely be doubted. Especial care is exercised relative to cleanliness, clean, wholesome food furnished, and much pains taken towards moral instruction. The institution is divided into a north and south wing, or extension, with kitchen, guard-room and chapel between; contains 75 cells, four of which are lined with boiler iron and furnished with solid iron doors. These are used for confining dangerous or refractory inmates, and is, indeed about the only mode of punishment inflicted, the present management, relying more upon kindness than harsh measures to preserve discipline. When a prisoner enters the institution he is first obliged to make thoroughly clean his person, and then is dressed in a clean suit of clothes, and from that time until his release, habits of cleanliness and good manners are constantly enforced. All conversation with fellow prisoners is prohibited, and in health a full day's work required. One day in each week they are gathered together for religious instruction and advice, and at all times the superintendent and keepers are ready by kind words and kindly admonitions to strengthen their resolutions to lead a better life when released. The female prisoners are kept well employed in making, mending and washing the prison bedding and clothing.

      During the summer of 1879 Mr. M. R. DOWN entered upon the contract now in force for the labor of the prisoners. This contract, for finishing marble, is to continue for a term of five years from September 1, 1879, and is terminable by either party upon six months notice. By its terms the contractor is to pay twenty-five cents a day for the labor of each prisoner employed, up to August 1st, 1880, and 300 thereafter. There are at present 72 prisoners confined here, of which seven are female. I. M. TRIPP was first appointed superintendent, but resigned his office before the close of the first month, and G. N. EAYRES, the present superintendent, was appointed to fill the vacancy. To the good character, judgment, prudent and careful management of Mr. EAYRES, much of the success of the institution is due. Although without experience in the management of prisoners at first, he has mastered the situation and is now well fitted for the position.

HOTELS

      The Bates House, located just opposite the depot, on Merchants row, is as fine in all its appointments as any in New England, comparing favorably with the first-class hotels of our large cities. It contains 150 light, well ventilated and luxuriously furnished rooms, several parlors, and a spacious dining-hall. The furniture throughout is of black walnut, marble-topped, of elegant design, mostly Eastlake pattern. Every room is heated by steam and connected with the office by Creighton's patent speaking tubes; the floors are covered with body Brussels carpets, and indeed furnished with every improvement known or attainable for the comfort and convenience of guests. The cuisine is all that the most fastidious could wish, while the gentlemanly proprietor, Mr. J. M. HAVEN, and the manager, Mr. W. F. PAIGE, by their courtesy and kindness to guests, render the hotel not only a success, but immensely popular with all. From the large and finely furnished observatory, tourists can obtain a fine view of Rutland and its environs, including Killington, Pico and Shrewsbury mountains, and the Otter Creek as it winds its way through the valley, with the Green Mountains on one side and the Taconic on the other, forming a scene that is scarcely rivaled by that of any other country. With a ten-mile drive over a road leading directly east from the hotel, one will arrive at the famous Mt. Killington, rising in majestic, grandeur 4,380 feet above tide-water, the highest point in Vermont, except Mt. Mansfield; from its summit a view may be obtained far surpassing in extent and majestic beauty that obtained from any other mountain in Vermont, and is even regarded more attractive than that from Mt. Washington, being less a scene of desolation, and of greater pastoral beauty; presenting to the beholder a sea of mountains clothed to their summits with verdure, their sides dotted with nestling lakes and fertile farms. Although these mountains seem to crowd each other, so great is their profusion, there is yet room for many valleys of great beauty and fertility. This feature of cultivation does not tame the view, but enhances the charm of its vastness. A view that includes the greater part of New England, and even extending far beyond its limits, cannot well be tamed by cultivation. This prospect takes in all the mountains of Vermont, the White Mountains, and all the principal ones of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and the beautiful Adirondacks; also Lake Champlain, so plainly visible that steamers can be seen upon its waters with the naked eye. The grand prospect, together with the abundant springs of water, cold and pure as crystal, situated within a few rods of the summit, and the purity of atmosphere which the great elevation affords, all combine to make this mountain a delightful dwelling-place during the summer months. It was first occupied by a party of the United States Coast Survey in the summer of 1879, when a carriage-road was built for their accommodation as far up as the spring. At this point, in August of the same year, a small house was built by V. C. MEYERHOFFER, of Rutland, as a health resort and for the accommodation of tourists. During August and September of that year about one thousand people visited the mountain. The following year; 1880, a much larger house was erected in addition to the old one, and the number of guests largely increased. Killington bids fair to become one of the most attractive summer resorts of New England. A new road is to be built this summer up the Sherburne side of the mountain, and the present road is to be greatly improved.

      The Bardwell House, located on Merchants row, opposite the railroad depot, was built by BARDWELL & COOK, and opened in the spring of 1852. J. W. CRAMTON became proprietor August 16, 1865, and has since conducted the house as a first-class hotel in all respects.

      The Berwick House, built in 1868, and owned by C. F. Richardson, is a large, well-regulated hotel, located on the corner of Center and Wales streets.

FIRES

      Rutland has been visited during the last half century by three destructive fires, the black scar left by the last having never been removed, and still denominated as the "burnt district." The first great fire, occurring in the middle of a July night in 1845, swept away all of that side of Main street lying between the old Butler House and "the three-storied store." In April of the following year another fire occurred on Main street, making a new "burnt district," extending from the old Grove House to the Strong House -- in all a dozen front buildings and more than a score of back buildings. But the last and greatest occurred on the 3rd of April, 1868, involving a loss of over $50,000.00. This fire was occasioned by the bursting of a lamp in the bar-room of the Franklin House, a large hotel owned by Gershom CHENEY, located on the east side of Main street. When first discovered, at about 1:30 a. m., it was under considerable headway, and the whole main building was soon a mass of flames, which no human power could quell. It then ran along by a connecting link to a block owned by W. H. B. OWEN, which was also in a few minutes burning rapidly. The county court house, on the north of the hotel, caught fire in the cupola almost at the same time as Mr. OWEN's store. From the court house it next enveloped a wooden building on the north. At this point, there being an alley of some fifteen to twenty feet wide, the fire began to succumb to the water poured upon it, the Dr. ROSS block, next south of Mr. OWEN's, being the southern limit. The Franklin House, at the time of the fire, was filled with guests and boarders, but fortunately all escaped safely, though most of them lost their wardrobes. Two eminent lawyers, attending the County Court, came down from the second story on a board, being men of more than average avoirdupois, and rivals in the political arena; their safe landing was hailed with delight, as grave doubts had been entertained of the strength of their frail support. Other than these fires no great calamities have visited the village.

      Previous to the year 1846 there was no street leading west from Main except West street. The other streets of the village were Greene street and Woodstock avenue. From where Oscar BROWN now resides -- then at the outskirts of the village -- there were only two houses before reaching the creek, the RUGGLES house and Chipman THRALL's. The village did not begin to build up much until about the time the railroad was constructed, 1847 to '50. At this time there were but three churches in the place, which now contains seven. On the 26th of December, 1856, it was decided by the authorities "to open two new streets, to be called Center street and Court street." These streets have since become two of the most important of the village. In 1853 and '54 the depot was erected. In 1857 the U. S. court house and post office building was erected, at a cost of about $80,000.00. Thus from year to year, has the village added to its beauty and importance, until at the present time, with its 17 miles of streets, it bids fair to be, in less than another quarter of a century, one of the most prosperous and flourishing cities of the East.

OLD HOUSES

      The oldest house in the village is the old gambrel-roofed building next west of the Advent Chapel, on West street, built previous to 1775, and used several years as a county court house. The building located on the north west corner of Main and West streets was built about the year 1775, and for a long time used as a hotel. Where CHENEY Bros. and GRAVES now are, Luther DANIELS & BELL were located a number of years as general merchants. The building was erected, however, previous to 1795, by John A. GRAHAM; just north of this was the old Franklin House. Where Mr. FIELD now resides was the old FOX place, where the Herald was first published, and a book store kept. The old jail was located where Mr. LAWRENCE now resides. Among the business men in Rutland in 1794-'95-'96 were Trobridge MAYNARD, in the saddlery business; James DAVISS and William LEADWELL were clothiers, Joseph MUNN kept the tavern near the court house and Elijah TAYLOR opened the tavern "lately occupied by Major BUELL;" Fred HILL was postmaster; Nathaniel CHIPMAN and Leonard WILLIAMS were together in the law business; POMEROY & HOOKER were. druggists; Pepoon FULLER & Co., Jonas & Anthony BUTLER; Isacher REED, "a few rods east of the meeting house;" and Ralph PAGE "one mile west of the court house," were general merchants; Uri HILL was a house and sign painter; David STEVENS, late of Walpole, N. H. was in the boot and shoe business, a few rods north of the meeting house, East Parish; he was also a tanner and currier here; Eben MUSSEY sold boots, shoes and leather at wholesale and retail, about half a mile south of the court house; John and Wm. SMITH were blacksmiths; Wm. STORER was a goldsmith and silversmith; Sampson LADD was a carpenter and builder; Wm. HALE was a cabinet maker, "100 rods west of the State House, at Rutland."

      The present churches of Rutland are convenient in size and general arrangement, and are usually under the pastoral care of able ministers; of these additional mention will be made further on. The whole appearance of the village denotes the presence of a thriving, prosperous, happy people.

      WEST RUTLAND, a post village and station on the D. & H. C. Co's R. R. is located about four miles west of Rutland village, in the West Parish of Rutland. It contains one hotel, three churches, about a dozen stores and about 2,000 inhabitants. At a distance of eighty rods north from the railroad depot in the village, is a range of hills rising 200 feet above the bottom lands. On the western slope of these hills, and near the base, crops out the world famous Rutland Marble.

      Marble, from the Greek wood marmoros, to sparkle, to flash, to gleam, is a term properly applied to the varieties of carbonate of lime, which have a granular and crystaline texture. In the ordinary parlance of the mason, it means almost any rock that may be polished; such as steatite, serpentine, brecca, etc. The use of marble for ornamental and artistic purposes dates from the remotest antiquity. Italy, the famous marble producing country of the world, whose far-famed quarries of Carrara have supplied statuaries with this beautiful material from the time of Julius Caesar, was destined to find a dangerous rival nestled in the quiet hills at West Rutland. The valley at the foot of West Mountain, in 1838, was a dreary swamp, land that one would scarcely believe worth a song. In 1838 William F. BARNES began a lime kiln near the "old red store," calcining the marble into quick-lime. Soon the idea occurred to him that this limestone might be used in the manufacture of tombstones. Accordingly he struck a bargain for this barren, swampy land, including a portion of the hill, giving in exchange an old horse, worth not to exceed $75. This same barren land contained nearly all of the famous quarries of West Rutland, now valued at millions, and which before his death he sold for $130,000.

      Starting from the R. R. depot and going north a short walk places the visitor at the three large quarries of SHELDONS & SLASON. These quarries were opened about the year 1843, and the past 38 years, marble has been taken from them to the depth of 250 feet. In the beginning the business was limited, and not very profitable, as, in the absence of railroads, the entire product had to be hauled by teams from the quarries to Whitehall, N. Y., the nearest shipping point, a distance of twenty-five miles: But the completion of the railroad in 1851 gave an impetus to the business. In the spring of 1850 Messrs. SHELDONS & SLASON erected an "an eight gang " mill, running nine months in the year, in the day time only, and then more nearly met the demand than they now do with a forty-eight gang mill, running night and day all the months of the year. The machinery is driven by a 300 horse-power engine, which also hoists the stone from the quarries. In quarrying, sawing and shipping marble 350 men are employed. In addition to the vast amount of marble which they work up on their own account, they annually ship many thousand tons to be worked up by other mills.

      The GILSON & WOODFIN quarries, just north of SHELDONS & SLASON's, were opened in 1845, William F. BARNES working the quarries by contract for ALLEN & ADAMS until 1849, when they took a lease of the property. There was but one opening (which has attained a greater depth than the opening of any other quarry) until 1879, when the present firm made another opening higher, on a deposit running parallel with the old one; this as yet has not been worked to any great extent, The business has undergone numerous changes, until June, 1868, it was taken by the present firm, who employ about 100 men.

      The SHERMAN & GLEASON quarries, north of the GILSON & WOODFIN opening, were opened in 1846 by the present proprietors, who employ 60 men.

      The West Rutland Marble Company. In 1867-'68 a firm under the name of "The Green Mountain Marble Co." opened a quarry on the old BLANCHARD estate, which they worked three or four years, and took therefrom about $75,000.00 worth of marble; but did not make it a success, on account of lack of funds to carry on the business. Since it was abandoned by them it has lain idle until May 1, 1881, when it was bought by J. E. MANLEY, Esq., of West Rutland, J. S. BROWN, of Concord, N. H., A. J. GRIFFIN and Thomas H. ELLIOTT, of Lowell, Mass., forming themselves into a company under the name of "The West Rutland Marble Co." The whole is under the management of Mr. J. E. MANLEY, and there is little doubt but that under him the enterprise will prove a success, as he is a gentleman possessed of rare business qualities and has had considerable experience in the marble trade.

      The old Rutland Marble Company, whose quarries and mills are situated north of the SHERMAN & GLEASON quarry, was organized October 29, 1863, and worked 24 gangs of saws; but on September 30, 1880, it united with the Sutherland Falls Co. to form the Vermont Marble Co., who now have their headquarters at Centre Rutland.

      CENTRE RUTLAND, a small post-village, located midway between Rutland village and West Rutland, on the Central Vermont and D. & H. C. Co.'s R. R., and by a beautiful fall on Otter Creek, contains one store, one church, one grist-mill, about forty dwellings and the mills of the Vermont Marble Co.

      Evergreen Cemetery, located on Pine Hill, near Centre Rutland, is beautifully situated, covering an area of 45 acres, and a considerable portion of it improved and embellished. The whole is covered with a natural grove of pine and oak, and contains seven fountains, a number of beautiful monuments, and the grounds are kept in good condition. The association was organized in 1860, with the following list of officers: Frederick CHAFFEE, William A. BURNETT, Rockwood BARRETT, John B. PROCTOR and J. G. GRIGGS. The officers at the present time are, J. J. R. RANDALL, president; Dr. Chas. WOODHOUSE, treasurer; B. W. MARSHALL, secretary, and J. G. GRIGGS, superintendent.

      The Vermont Marble Co. was chartered under the laws of New York, on the 3oth day of September, 1880, with ex-Governor Redfield PROCTOR, prest.; A. SMEDBURY, of New York city, Sec'y and Treas.; Ner P. SIMONS, Supt. This company employs in all 700 men. At their mills in Sutherland Falls, they operate sixty-four gangs of saws, twenty-four gangs at West Rutland, twenty-eight at Centre Rutland, and eight gangs at their branch mills in Salem, N, Y., making in all 124 gangs. At their quarries in West Rutland, Sutherland Falls and Double Road Crossing, they have in all seven openings, making the largest marble business operated by any one firm in the world.

      SUTHERLAND FALLS, a small post village, located in the extreme northern part of the township and lying partly in Pittsford, contains one store and about a hundred dwellings, nearly the whole population being in the employ of the Vermont Marble Company’s mills and quarries at, this place. The village of Sutherland Falls is beautifully located on Otter Creek, and is also a station on the Central Vermont Railroad, taking its name from the falls on Otter Creek at this point. These falls form one of the best mill privileges in the State, with surroundings that are eminently picturesque and beautiful. From a rear door of the new marble mill, located but a few rods from the head of the falls, one may obtain a view that is well worthy a visit by one who justly appreciates beautiful scenery. A widespread and beautiful valley opens to the north and east, thickly studded with comfortable and oftentimes elegant farm houses, with well-fenced and highly cultivated fields, beyond which, to the north, may be seen the cluster of buildings that form Pittsford village. To the east may be seen the wild towering peaks of Pico, Killington and Shrewsbury; while to the right the old Otter falls roaring over an eminence 118 feet in height, then follows its serpentine way northward, till at last it is lost in a thread of silver, far away in the verdant valley.

      The quarries are located about half a mile from the mills, which are operated by water-power, having a head of 118 feet. The drills and channeling machines are operated by compressed air, the engines for its compression being located at the mills, from whence it is conducted to the quarries by means of large iron pipes. Three compressors are used, the same that were employed in the excavations of Hoosac Tunnel. The quarries being located a number of feet higher than the mills, the blocks of marble have only to be loaded upon cars built for the purpose, when by gravitation they are conducted down the gently inclined plane, directly into the mills. Thus the marble is quarried, sawed and polished, with absolutely no expense for motive power, except the natural wear and tear on machinery. Marble was first quarried here in 1836, by HUMPHREY, ORMSBEE & Co., who failed in 1837. In 1853 a new company was formed, called the North River Mining and Quarrying Co., which continued in operation three years, when the property fell into the hands of the Sutherland Falls Marble Co., under which name it was operated until 1880, when it was united with the old Rutland Marble Company, the two forming the Vermont Marble Company. When Gov. PROCTOR first became interested in these quarries, in 1869, then operated by the Sutherland Falls Marble Company., they used but sixteen gangs of saws, and since that time their works have increased to sixty-four gangs, and now employ 375 men. Mr. PROCTOR's residence is at Sutherland Falls, a pleasant cottage, located just at the head of the falls, surrounded by shade -trees and evergreens. He has lately donated to the village a fine library, containing 3,000 rare volumes.

      FLINT Bros. marble quarries, located on road 43, at Double Road Crossing, were first established in 1866, as the Eureka Marble Co., and afterwards changed to FLINT, JOHNSON & Co., and in 1878 to FLINT Bros. The firm is now FLINT Bros. & Co. The quality of the marble is of a clouded variety, which is well adapted fur monumental purposes. The mills and quarries are operated by steam power; the former contains twelve gangs of saws, four turning and four finishing lathes. The firm employs fifty men and produces $50,000 worth of marble annually. In removing the marble from the quarries the workmen have come upon several remarkable specimens of pot-holes; one of them nearly twenty feet deep and several feet in diameter. The sides are quite smooth, and they still contain the rocks, which by the constant action of water had been whirled round until they had worn these immense holes in the solid marble, hundreds and perhaps thousands of years ago.

      H. N. REYNOLDS' quarry, located on road 3, produces a variegated quality; resembling Italian Bardiglio. The vein has been tested and found to be ninety feet wide and several hundred feet long. The quarry is not in operation at present.

      The Columbian Marble Co's quarry was opened in 1836 by HUMPHREY, ORMSBEE & Co., who worked it about two years, when work was suspended and the property passed into the hands of Francis SLASON, as receiver. The company then worked it for him about four years, and then it was abandoned until 1867, when it was again started by a firm under the name of the North Rutland Marble Co., and again changed in 1870 to the present firm name. They employ at the quarries twenty men and operate three machines. Their mill at Rutland employs 150 men.

      RIPLEY Sons' marble works, located on road 41, were established in 1844, employing on the start about twenty men. They now saw 300,000 feet of marble per year, and employ fifty-five men.

      On April, 1881, the Vermont Marble Co., SHELDONS & SLASON, GILSON & WOODFIN, RIPLEY Sons and SHERMAN & GLEASON Companies formed a co-partnership, with a central office at Rutland village, by which they agreed to open yards in Chicago, Philadelphia, New York and Boston, from which all their marble in these places was to be sold, and each company to have a share of the sales according to the assessed value of their stock, the annoying and vexations delays in the filling of orders for marble being obviated by this method of doing business, as under the new plan orders will go to those who can most readily take care of them, and be filled in much less time than they could be were the selection confined to any one company's yard, and at the same time prices can be regulated more to the advantage of both consumer and producer. The association is known as the "Producers Marble Co."

      The Town Farm is located on road 51, and contains 280 acres, under the management of William F. KELLEY. There are at present thirty-five of the town poor supported here.

EARLY SETTLEMENT

      During the old Colonial wars Rutland had no white man dwelling within its limits; but yet was always, "in ye olden times," the focus of Indian travel. From Fort Dummer, in Massachusetts, a brisk trade was kept up with Canada, the line of travel being across what is now the State of Vermont, and as Otter Creek, north and south, Castleton River to the west and Cold River to the east, formed the most convenient route for the trading canoes, the present township of Rutland may have been the scene of many a conflict between the treacherous red man and the hardy trader. The first record we have of any white man's visiting the territory is that of James COSS, who passed along Otter Creek with twelve Caughnawaga Indians in May, 1730. In 1759 the old military road from Charleston, N. H., to Ticonderoga and Crown Point vas put through, passing along Black River and Otter Creek, crossing Otter Creek at Centre Rutland. Twenty years after this, Fort Ranger, located on this road at Center Rutland, was the headquarters of the State forces. The first white man that ever settled in Rutland township was Captain James MEAD, who came to Centre Rutland in the year 1769. MEAD was born in Massachusetts in 1730, and, while yet a young man, removed to Nine Partners, N. Y., where he resided until 1764, and then emigrated with others to Manchester, Vermont. On the 30th day of September, 1769, he bought of Nathan STONE, of Windsor, 7,000 acres of land, about one quarter of the whole township of Rutland, paying $333.33 for the same, in horses. On the same day he sold 3,500 acres of his land to Charles BUTTON, of Clarendon. He built a log house about half a mile west of Centre Rutland, near the bank of West Creek, (Tinmouth River,) the first house built in the township. During the winter he returned for his family, consisting of a wife and ten children, returning with them in March of the following spring. They were three days coming from Manchester, and when they arrived at their log house they found it was built too near the creek, and the snow and ice had made it unavailable; so for a time they took refuge in a wigwam belonging to the Indians, quite an encampment of whom he found at the falls. Of these Caughnawaga Indians numerous traditions are still extant, and they seem to have been very friendly, peaceable neighbors. It is said they furnished lead for bullets to the white men, in exchange for tobacco, &c., but would never reveal the place where they got it. MEAD has said they would start from the falls and not be gone over an hour, and return with large pieces. For this reason it was long believed there were lead mines in the vicinity, but none have ever been found. In this wigwam the MEAD family resided until the next fall, during which time they had completed a comfortable log house, in which they wintered.

      During the spring, of 1770, Simeon POWERS, from Springfield, Vt., with his wife Lydia and one child, settled west of Otter Creek, on the present KELLEY farm. Soon after, Asa JOHNSON and his wife, from Williamstown, Mass., settled near them. They were joined in the fall by William DWINELL and wife, relatives of the POWERS', from Springfield, who took up their residence with them. These four families comprised the whole white population of Rutland in the fall of 1770.

      During this year Thomas ROWLEY was in Rutland surveying lots, and on the aid of September, the first white child was born; a son of Simeon POWERS, named William. On the following day, William, son of James MEAD, was born. Nine days after, the 3d of October, Chloe, daughter of Asa JOHNSON, was born, making three children born in the town during the first year of its settlement. The first death recorded is that of an infant of Aaron and Ruth MILLER, May 26th, 1770 [This death is noted in the town records. We have no information of the family being permanent settlers.]

      In 1771, on the 3rd of April, Gov. DUNMORE, of New York, issued the patent of Socialborough, in direct violation of the King's Order in Council of July, 1767, forbidding such grant. This prohibitory order, and the consequent want of authority in the Governor to make the grant, was well known to the parties for whose benefit it was made, and it was therefore illegal and void. The patent covered forty-eight thousand acres of land, bounded on the south by Clarendon, and was thirteen miles in length from north to south, by over six in width, and nearly identical with the present townships of Rutland and Pittsford. The nominal grantees in the patent were forty-eight persons, each entitled to one thousand acres, but most of them, a few days after the patent was issued, conveyed their shares to a few New York city speculators, for whose benefit the grant had really been made, and who instigated and sustained all subsequent efforts to eject the New Hampshire claimants. Soon a Scotchman by the name of COCKBURN was sent by the "land pirates" to survey their stolen land, and it was he who surveyed the present Main street of Rutland village. But the people of Socialborough did not purpose to tamely submit to this outrage, so the surveyor did not find his lot a happy one, as an extract from a letter written by him, addressed to Mr. DUANE, the most prominent of the New York speculators, will testify. He was the second time stopped by MEAD and JOHNSON, and by other parties threatened with death, and their threats appear to have prevented him from making further attempts under the patent of Socialborough. The next summer, however, he was found, with a number of his assistants, at Bolton, on the Onion River, and was arrested by Remember BAKER, Seth WARNER and others, who, after breaking his compass and chain, took him and his party to Castleton, for trial before a court of the settlers; but on learning that negotiations for arranging their difficulties were pending, allowed him to proceed on his way without further molestation.

      In 1774 Rutland had a population of thirty-five families, among whom were Joseph BOWKER and John SMITH. Capt. John SMITH emigrated from Salisbury, Conn., to Rutland, in April of 1774, settling on the farm now owned by F. B. and J. Q. SMITH. When the New York claimants under the patent of Socialborough came to take possession of his farm, he resisted them, for which offence he was sentenced to death, without trial, by the New York Riot Act of 1774. But like Paddy's fish, "he had to be caught before he could be cooked." Mr. SMITH was the first town clerk and the first Representative of Rutland in the General Assembly. His farm consisted of 1400 acres, there being but one house between him and Centre Rutland at the time he settled on it. He had five sons and one daughter, named respectively John, Daniel, Joel, Silas, Elijah and Sarah, all of whom settled on the tract of land owned by their father. Capt. SMITH with two of his sons, John and Daniel, were engaged in the Battle of Bennington, he being Capt. of the guard placed over the prisoners lodged in the church after the engagement. At one time Daniel and thirteen others were sent north on a scouting expedition. In Shelburne they camped one night in a deserted log house. Before morning they were surprised and surrounded by a party of Indians and Tories numbering fifty-seven in all. An increased firing was kept up till morning, when all that were left of the besieging party were surrounded, taken prisoners and brought to Bennington with the loss of only one man.  While on their way to Bennington it was proposed that they all discharge their guns for the purpose of cleaning them. When Daniel's was discharged, one of the Tories exclaimed: “That is the weapon that spoke so often last night, and with such deadly effect!" The old musket is still in possession of his grandson, Daniel. Elijah W., son of Elijah, and his sister, Mrs. Sheldon, are still living, Elijah on the old homestead, and Mrs. Sheldon near the Congregational church, at West Rutland. J. Q., son of E. W., has many curious papers that were the property of his great great grandfather, some of them bearing date as far back as 1733. Capt. John SMITH died in 1807, honored and respected by all.

      Capt. Joseph BOWKER was one of the trusted men of the town and State in their early days, was president of the several conventions for the formation of the State, held in 1776, of those that declared the State independent and framed the State Constitution in 1777. He was afterwards a member of the Governor's Council, and held other honorable and responsible positions. He died at Rutland in 1784.

      Ichabod WALKER, from Massachusetts, emigrated to Rutland in 1771, settling upon a farm about where the old court house used to stand, on Main street, in Rutland village. He was driven from his home at the commencement of the Revolution, and when he returned to the county, resided in Clarendon.

      Gideon WALKER, from Coventry, Mass., settled in Clarendon in 1768. About four years later he removed to Rutland, settling rear Otter Creek, on the present BAXTER farm. At the time of the retreat from Ticonderoga, his wife and four children fled to New Providence, now Cheshire, Mass., remaining there with Lewis WALKER, a cousin of her husband, who afterwards removed to Clarendon.

      Daniel WALKER, brother to Gideon, came to the county about the time Gideon did, settling in Clarendon. Daniel married an English lady, Mary YOUNG, through whose influence he espoused the cause of the British, for which his property was confiscated, and he removed to Canada. Gideon died at an advanced age, leaving numerous descendants, many of whom now reside at Whiting, Addison County.

      Benjamin CAPRON settled in the township at an early date, was the father of ten children, and died in 1815, aged 63. Benj. Jr., was born in Rutland in 1786, and died August 4, 1859. The CAPRONs have numerous descendants residing in the county.

      Phineas KINGSLEY, from Beckett, Mass., moved to Rutland in 1773, settling upon the place where the Osgood family now reside, on road 18, cor. 117. During the war of the Revolution, his relatives in Sudbury feeling unsafe there, brought their families to Rutland, and persuaded Mr. KINGSLEY to take the women and children to Massachusetts. While in Massachusetts he lost his wife and child, after which he returned to Rutland, where he died at an advanced age, honored and respected. Gershom C. RUGGLES, now residing in Rutland village, at the age of 71, is a grandson of Mr. KINGSLEY.

      Jonathan REYNOLDS, from Nine Partners, removed to Rutland at an early date, purchasing 175 acres of land from James MEAD, for £300 (Colonial pounds.) The same farm, or a portion of it, is now in the possession of J. Grafton GRIGGS. During the Revolution Mr. REYNOLDS served as a lieutenant. He was a great trapper and hunter. While hunting one day in company with a neighbor, they shot an otter. In dividing the game, the neighbor remarked: "I will give you that fifteen acres lying above your house for your share of that otter.” Mr. R. accepted the offer. That fifteen acres is now valued at $2,000. Mr. REYNOLDS died in 1840, lacking sixteen days of being 100 years of age.

      John JOHNSON, from Connecticut, came to Rutland in April, 1773, locating on what is now known as the Zina JOHNSON place, where he resided until his death, at an advanced age. In 1866 Cyrus L. JOHNSON took down an old barn on the place, built in 1790, using the beams in the construction of a new one. They were white oak, thirty feet long, and split so that one cut made, two beams 10x14 inches.

      Deacon Waite CHATTERTON, from Connecticut, immigrated to Rutland in 1771, settling upon the farm now owned by William H. JOHNSON. By his wife, Susannah DICKERMAN, he had seven children -- Exi L., Sally, Susan, Mary, Samuel and Benning -- all of whom resided in the township. The fifth generation now resides on the old homestead, it never having been owned out of the family. Waite died in May, 1837. Waite, son of Exi, was born on the old place in 1806, living here until his death. He was a deacon of the Congregational Church at West Rutland and a very influential citizen.

      Amos HINES came to Rutland, from Rhode Island, among the earliest settlers, locating upon the present Russell place, on road 26, where he died at an advanced age. Laura HINES, now living in Rutland, at the age of 81, is a granddaughter of Amos.

      Benjamin FARMER, Jr., came to Rutland previous to the Revolution, and bought a tract of land on road 31, near the Mendon line. He afterwards built in Mendon upon the same farm, and was later the first Representative from that town. Benjamin, Sen., settled near his son, being at the time 80 years of age. He died there at the age of 90. Benjamin, Jun., died at the age of 98, and was buried in the family burying-ground, near where Eli FARMER now resides, on road 26. Eli, a grandson of Benjamin, is now a hale, hearty old gentleman of 83.

      Daniel GREENO came to Rutland from Boston, Mass., previous to the war of the Revolution, locating in the north-eastern part of the township, where he resided 14 years on the farm now owned by Eugene THOMAS. But the title proving poor, he located where Amasa GREENO now resides, on road 26. Up to the time of the Revolution matters were in a very unsettled condition, he being several times driven from his farm, when he would take refuge in Bennington. Both Mr. and Mrs. GREENO were in Bennington at the time of the battle, he shouldering his gun and fighting bravely in the cause of the Colonies. Mrs. GREENO remained in Bennington several weeks after the battle, caring for the wounded. Mr. GREENO kept a tavern many years where Amasa now resides, the house he now occupies having been built in 1795 although it has undergone many repairs. He was the father of ten children, eight boys and two girls, all of whom attained the age of maturity, were all married and had families. Of his grandchildren four still reside in the township. Amasa A.; Benjamin R., on road 26; Betsey L. GREENO, and Medora V. H. POND, at Rutland village.

      Joseph KIMBALL, one of Rutland's early settlers, located on road 24, where Ira HAWLEY now resides. His daughter, Betsey, married Abijah HAWLEY, also an early settler. Abijah was father to Andrew, who died in 1879, in his 67th year. The farm has never been owned out of the family since it was first located upon by them.

      Timothy BOARDMAN came from Middletown, Conn., to Rutland, in 1782, locating on Boardman Hill, where Samuel BOARDMAN now resides. In 1790 he built the house now occupied by Patrick KINNEY. It is still in a good state of preservation, the clapboards and window-sash being the same that were first used in its construction. In 1783 Mr. BOARDMAN returned to Conn., and was married to Mary WARD, returning to Vermont with her immediately after the ceremony. During the Revolutionary war Mr. B. served in the navy, was captured in the West Indies, and held a prisoner for six months on the island of Eau Statia. He died at an advanced age, honored by all. His son, Elijah, was born in 1792, residing on the old homestead until his death, in 1783. Elijah was deacon of the Congregational Church at West Rutland for a period of over fifty years, and was perhaps more familiar with the history of its growth and progress than any other person in the town.

      Joseph HUMPHREY was born in Winchester, N. H., in 1768. In 1783 immigrated to Rutland, and commenced work for Isaac CHATTERTON and others. The first work he did in the town was on the old county jail at Rutland village, now the residence of George E. LAWRENCE. About the year 1790 he purchased sixty acres of land of John Sutherland, where R. S. HUMPHREY now resides, for which he paid "£60 lawful money." Soon after, he married Hannah PARMALEE, of Pittsford, and moved into an old log house on his farm, which had long been abandoned, a sumac, four inches in diameter, having grown in the old fire-place, extending up the chimney. In 1793 he built a barn, which is now standing in good repair. The following year he commenced building a frame house, in which they resided until 1826, when the present brick house was built by his son, William, into which he soon after moved with him, and where he resided until his death, in 1851, at the age of 83. On this farm the Columbian Marble Co's quarry was opened by Mr. HUMPHREY in 1836, being one of the first quarries opened in the township.

      Jabez WARD; from New Marlboro, Mass., came to Rutland in 1784, locating upon the farm now owned by William GILMORE, on road 1. Mr. WARD was engaged in the Battle of Hubbardton; was a good citizen and an upright man. He died on the old homestead at an advanced age.

      Edward DYER came to Rutland from Greenwich, R. I., about the year 1789. He married for his first wife, Sally BOWMAN, daughter of Lieut. BOWMAN, of Clarendon, by whom he had nine children, seven of whom arrived at maturity. For his second wife he married Hannah HOXIE, daughter of Gideon HOXIE, a noted Quaker of Chittenden County. Horace H. DYER, son of Edward, now first selectman of Rutland, resides on road 38, at the age of 60.

      John McCONNELL came to Rutland soon after the Revolutionary war, and located upon the farm now owned by John C. DOTY, on road 34. James, his son, remained upon the old homestead until his death, which occurred December 1, 1877, at the advanced age of 84. Mrs. John DOTY is the only descendant of James now residing in the township.

      Capt. Josiah HART served in the war of the Revolution. Starting from Bellows Falls with a portion of the army, on their way to Ticonderoga, while passing through Rutland, they camped one night on the farm now owned by H. H. DYER. Soon after the war, Mr. HART came to Rutland on horseback and visited the old spring where they had camped, and resolved to locate near it, which he accordingly did a short time after. He was a practical builder, and assisted in building the first church at Rutland village, the pine for the clapboards being from a swamp located on his farm. He died at an advanced age, honored for his many virtues.

      James PORTER, son of a surgeon in the British army during the Revolution, came to Rutland village when ten years of age, to reside with his uncle, Ezekiel PORTER, where he remained until eighteen years of age, when he began the study of medicine; graduating at the age of twenty-three, he commenced its practice in Rutland, where, he continued for over fifty years. His oldest son, Henry W. PORTER, at the age of seventy-six, still resides in Rutland, at No. 83 Main street. The house where he resides was built in 1794; he has occupied it twenty-eight years. Another representative of this family is Dr. Cyrus PORTER, of No. 8 West street. Dr. PORTER is now 75 years of age.

      Capt. Simeon EDGERTON came to Pawlet from Norwich, Conn., among the first settlers of that township. He died Aug. 27, 1809, at the age of 70, leaving a widow and twelve children, seventy-nine grand-children and fifteen great-grand children. His widow, Abiah, died Oct. 17, 1821, leaving four sons, seven daughters, 102 grand-children and ninety-six great-grand-children. Jacob EDGERTON, the second son, with two others, remained in Pawlet. Jacob had a family of twelve children, nine of whom arrived at maturity. He died in 1845, at the age of 85. Only three of this family now remain. Mr. Jacob EDGERTON. Jr., resides in Rutland, at the age of 81, a hale old man. He has been a prominent citizen of the town, both in business and politics, for the last forty-four years, twenty-two of which were spent in the office of county sheriff.

      The farm now owned by German H. CHATTERTON was settled upon in 1786 by Isaac CHATTERTON, from Connecticut. The old house built by him nearly one hundred years ago is still standing, though it is not at present inhabited. Leverett was born here in 1789, residing on the place until his death, in 1877, aged 88 years.

      Daniel KELLEY settled in the town of Danby at an early date in the history of that township, locating in the western part of the town, upon the farm now owned by Green. Upon this place Daniel Jr. was born, in 1786. About the year 1828 the family removed to Rutland, locating upon the farm, on road 40, now owned by Smith F. KELLEY. Mr. KELLEY was a man that possessed the esteem of his fellow-townsmen, and at his death was much lamented. He held various offices of trust, both in Danby and Rutland. He died suddenly, in 1859, while at work in the field, aged 73. Mr. KELLEY had a family of ten children, all of whom arrived at maturity. SMITH F. still occupies the old homestead.

      In 1794 Daniel GRAVES removed to Rutland County from Whately, Mass., locating in Ira, where he established a tannery, also keeping an hotel, shoe shop and hat manufactory. After Daniel's death, his son George continued the business at Ira until the year 1832, when he removed to Rutland, building the tannery on Main street at “Tan Yard Village;" which was subsequently destroyed by fire. He also owned a tannery at Chase's Mills, N. Y., in company with his sons, Geo. E. and Chas. E. After his death, in 1879, the sons took full control of the business, which they have continued up to the present time, having one office located at Rutland and another at New Haven, Conn. Mr. GRAVES was an active business man and a zealous abolitionist in the early days. He celebrated his golden wedding in 1876, and died April 4, 1879.

      Gershom, Samuel, and Abel CHENEY, three brothers, came to Rutland from Londonderry, Conn., in 1793, locating four miles north of Rutland village, on what is now known as Cheney Hill. Abel had six children; the son of one, Benjamin, now resides in Rutland village. Abel resided in Rutland but a few years, and died in Canada in 1860. Gershom was born May 10, 1770. He was a carpenter and joiner, and was the architect and managed the building of the second church erected in Rutland village, and built many of the old houses of the village, including that now occupied by Mr. Luther DANIELS, on Main street, and the old Kilburn house, next south of Gov. PAGE's, built in 1794. He also held the principal town offices at different periods, and after 80 years of age made the grand list of the town. About 1806 he built the first aqueduct from Mendon to supply the village with water; there was no reservoir. Soon after the war of 1812 he filled a contract with the Government for stocking muskets; for many years kept a tavern on the road to Pittsford, half way between Rutland and Pittsford, his house being very popular with travelers from Vergennes to Boston. Gershom had no children, and died Sept. 18, 1855. A nephew of CHENEY's, also named Gershom, is still a resident of Rutland, at the age of 70 years. He kept the old Franklin House from 1854 until it burned, in 1868.

      John RUGGLES, from Pomfret, Conn., came to Rutland in 1794, locating upon a farm which is now the site of the railroad depot. This farm was inherited by his son, Gershom C. RUGGLES, now an influential citizen of Rutland. John was a prominent man of the township and held various offices of honor and trust.

      William SHEDD came to Rutland at an early date, from Groton, Mass. His son Charles, born in 1796, is still a resident of Center Rutland, residing with his son, G. D. SHEDD. He retains his mental faculties wonderfully well, at the age of 85.

      Levi LONG came to Rutland from Coventry, Conn., in the year 1799, locating on road 24. After a. residence here of one year he returned to Conn., where he married Abigail BAKER, and soon after came back and purchased a large tract of land near his residence. He was the father of seven boys and one girl. To each of the boys he gave a farm. That which Levi Jr. inherited is now in the possession of his daughter Chloe, and is the only portion of the original tract now in the possession of any of the senior Levi's descendants.

      The farm now occupied by Rollin C. THRALL was settled upon in 1786 by John HOWE, from Granville, Mass.

      Matthias AMES, a Revolutionary soldier from Stockbridge, Mass., settled in Ira in 1783, where he remained two years, and then removed to Rutland, in 1785, locating upon the farm now occupied by his grandson, Matthias.

      Gad DANIELS, from Worthington, Mass., came to Rutland in 1783, locating on the farm now owned by S. L. DANIELS. His father, Nathaniel, and his son, Stephen, are both buried in the old cemetery at West Rutland. Stephen was killed while assisting to build a bridge at Centre Rutland in 1835.

      John HALL came to Rutland in 1798, when he was but four years of age. He first learned the saddlers' trade, which he worked at for a time and then began business for himself as a general merchant, which he subsequently disposed of and retired to a farm in the northern part of the township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He married Betsey HAWKES, by whom he had a family of five children, two daughters and three sons, four of whom are now living, but widely separated, Mr. John M. HALL, of Rutland, being the only one left in the township.

      Adrian T. WOODWARD, of Rutland village, is a representative of one of the oldest families of the county. His grandfather, Theodore WOODWARD, founded the Castleton Medical College, in 1818. Mr. A. T. is a native of Castleton, from whence he removed to Poultney, and more recently to Rutland.

      James LEDGETT, an Englishman, was “pressed" into the British service during the Revolutionary war. Soon after reaching America he deserted and enlisted in the Colonial army, where he fought bravely for our independence. After the war closed he sent to England for his wife and two children, settling with them in Pittsford, from whence he removed to Chittenden, and later to Rutland, where he died in 183 r. James, Jr., is still a resident of Rutland, and John, another son, resides in Warren, Vt.

      Noah GRISWOLD came to Rutland from Castleton in 1800, locating on the farm now occupied by E. L. and Frank GRISWOLD, where he resided until his death, at an advanced age.

      Stephen HALE came to Vermont from Keene, N. H., about the year 1800, locating in Rutland village; Lucy WILLIAMS and Franklin S. HALE, now residing on road 28, are his son and daughter. Mr. HALE resided in Rutland until his death, at an advanced age.

      Francis SLASON was born in Stamford, Conn., March 23d, 1790, from whence he removed to Troy, N. Y., in 1804, where he was employed as clerk for RUSSELL & TRACY for a period of nine years, when he removed to West Rutland and bought the store of Nathan BRISTOL, where he sold goods for forty years. He has been a director of the National Bank of Rutland ever since its organization, in 1824, and though now 91 years of age, has not missed a directors' meeting, held on Tuesday of each week, for the last three years.

      Luther DANIELS, now a resident of Main street, in Rutland village, was born at Keene, N. H., July 11, 1799, from whence he came to Rutland in September of 1814, and was engaged as a clerk in the store of Daniel CHIPMAN for about three years, when he returned to Keene and was employed in a store there until he was twenty-one years of age. He then came back to Rutland and engaged in business for himself at the place now known as "the CHENEY store," where he sold goods for a period of thirty years, when he was chosen president of the Savings Bank, which office he held for nearly thirty years. Mr. DANIELS has now retired from active business, and is enjoying the competence that a long life of honor and industry has brought him. He represented the township in the State Legislature four years. Is now enjoying excellent health, at the advanced age of 82.

      Avery BILLINGS came to Rutland in 1818, from Guilford, Vt., and located on the west side of the creek, where Jesse L. BILLINGS now resides. The place is a portion of the ministerial lot, and was purchased by Mr. BILLINGS from the first settled minister. Mr. B. held various offices of honor and trust, and as a farmer accumulated considerable wealth. He married Mary PACKER, a sister of Rev. Daniel PACKER, who was so long and favorably known in the township of Mt. Holly. The PACKER family are descendants of the PACKERs who came to this country from England about the year 1651, and settled in Connecticut. Mary BILLINGS married John CAIN, who was a prominent man in Rutland for many years. Mr. BILLINGS died in 1860, at the age of 77, much lamented.

      James BARRETT came to Rutland from Concord, Mass., in 1819 locating in the village, where he was engaged in mercantile pursuits for a period of about forty years. He was a prominent man of the town for many years, dying in 1875, in the 83d year of his age. When he first came to the village he occupied the house now owned by E. A. MORSE, and subsequently a house located on the site now occupied by J. B. HARRIS' residence, and finally, the house corner of Main and Washington streets, in which he resided for a period of forty years. Mr. BARRETT was a descendant of Col. James BARRETT, who commanded the first regiment raised in Massachusetts, and which contained the companies who took part in the battles of Concord and Lexington. He was also one of the Committee of Safety, and also had charge of the collection of provisions and supplies, for the destruction of which the British troops were sent to Concord. Of the descendants now living in town there are: the wife of Evelyn PIERPONT, the wife of Hon. W. C. DUNTON, Ellen C. BARRETT, unmarried, and Rockwood BARRETT, treasurer of the Columbian Marble Company.

      Robert PATTERSON came to Rutland from Montpelier, Vt., in 1816. He served in the war of 1812 and was at the Battle of Plattsburg. While in the army he contracted a disease which resulted in paralysis, from the effects of which he never recovered. He died in 1848, in his 65th year. He was the father of six children, three of whom are now living. Robert E. resides in Rutland, on road 13.

      Jerusha A. CARRUTH, of Rutland village, is the daughter of Daniel and Betsey CARRUTH, who were married in Rutland, December 4, 1810, and on the 4th of December, 1860, were buried in the same grave in West Street Cemetery, having lived together in harmony on the spot where they were first married; fifty years to a day. They had a family of six children, of whom Jerusha is the only resident of Rutland, now residing on Woodstock avenue, at the age of 69.

      Thaddeus DUNKLEE, from New Hampshire, came to Rutland in 1812, where he married Elizabeth CAPRON, July 29, 1822, by whom he had five children, Benjamin F., Hiram, Sarah, Samuel and George. But two are now living, George in Boston, Mass., and Benjamin F. in Rutland.

      Dr. Lorenzo SHELDON, son of Meadad and Lucy (BOSS) SHELDON, was born in Rutland village, May 8th, 1801. He was the eldest of a family of eleven children, consisting of five sons and six daughters. His father carried on the business of a blacksmith at Centre Rutland, and Lorenzo early learned to make himself useful in his father's shop. Subsequently the family moved upon a farm, north of what is now known as West Rutland village. Lorenzo early manifested a desire to study medicine, and eventually the way was opened for him to attend the Academy of Medicine at Castleton, Vt., where he continued his studies until his graduation, January 16th, 1820, when he returned to Rutland and commenced study and practice with Dr. Jonathan SHAW, with whom he formed a partnership. This connection, however, only continued one year, when Dr. SHAW removed to Clarendon Springs, leaving young Dr. SHELDON to practice independently. After a few years, inducements were held out to secure his removal to Waddington, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., to which place he removed in 1826, but only remained two years, when he returned to Rutland in 1828. In the year following he was married to Mahala SMITH, of West Rutland. Of this marriage there were born seven children, Sophronia M., Darwin Rush, Lucy Amareth, Charles S., Lucy L., Harley G. and Mary Kate. In the year 1835 Dr. SHELDON entered into partnership with Mr. Wm. F. BARNES, and commenced the marble business, then in its infancy. At one time this company owned the entire marble deposit from the present SHELDONS & SLASON, north. Dr. SHELDON, at a later date, became senior member of the firm of SHELDONS & SLASON, continuing his connection with this firm till 1865, when he sold out and ceased to have any connection with the marble business; but he continued to have large interests in real estate, which absorbed a considerable portion of his time through the remainder of his life. He died at 12 o'clock on Sabbath morning, September 5, 1880, in his 80th year, and was buried amidst the universal expressions of personal loss, by a people who had known and honored him from childhood.

      William F. BARNES, the pioneer of the marble interests of West Rutland, was born in Pittsford, January 17, 1806, His parents emigrated to the West during his boyhood, but Mr. B. chose to remain behind, and took up his residence with Elijah BOARDMAN, in West Rutland. The labors and speculations of his younger days were confined entirely, then, to this section, and exhibited that wonderful energy, tact and endurance which made him remarkable through life. His life was a struggle, and he met with various vicissitudes, until about the year 1836, when fickle fortune deigned to cast a smile upon him, in the discovery and purchase by hire of the quarry and swamp lands adjoining. In connection with the marble interest which was started by Mr. BARNES in company with Dr. SHELDON, he commenced the labor of reclaiming the almost impenetrable swamp land hereabouts, which now presents a scene of well cultivated fields. The building of the Depot Block, the Barnes House, etc., upon sites elevated many feet above the level, by carting soil from the swamp near by, were conceptions and performances of this energetic worker. These buildings were erected soon after the quarries were well developed, and the railroad was finished, the depot being given to the railroad for their occupancy. Fortunes have been accumulated and spent upon the field of his early toil, yet it cannot be said that he acquired wealth; reverses, illegal adjustments, and unfair dealings, all incident to life, were harsh experiences of his existence, and affected his later life and fortune. A little incident is related of him which illustrates the generous impulse of his nature. A friend noticing the slow and uncertain movements of some aged workmen, expressed his surprise that such men were given employment, considering their infirmity and small amount of labor they could perform. His answer was characteristic. “These men," said he, "have grown old in my employment; I cannot deprive them now of the means whereby to exist." On Wednesday, May 10, 1871, while engaged in superintending the work in one of the quarries, a block of marble, weighing about 100 pounds, which had been lying in a pile at the top of the quarry, became undermined by rain, and fell a distance of over sixty feet, striking Mr. BARNES on the head and crushing the skull so terribly that the brain was exposed. Incredible as it may appear, his death did not occur until about nine o'clock of the Sunday following. Mr. BARNES represented Rutland two years in the Legislature, and was held in general esteem by his fellow citizens. He was for a time a local preacher of the Methodist Church, but several years previous to his death, he withdrew from that society and united with the Episcopal Church.

      William Y. RIPLEY, son of Nathaniel RIPLEY, an early resident of Middlebury, Vt., came to Rutland in 1837, locating at Centre Rutland, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. In 1844 he established the marble business now carried on by his sons. In 1861 he was appointed president of the Rutland County National Bank, which office he held until his death, which occurred September 27, 1875; when he was succeeded by his son, William Y. W., who still retains the position.

      John CAIN was born in Castletown, Isle of Man, January 28, 1809, where he received the rudiments of the education at that time afforded to the masses of the people of that island. Possessing an independent and ambitious spirit, desirous of making its own way in the world, he emigrated to this country in 1832, at the age of 23 years. He came immediately to Rutland, and began life, in connection with a brother in his occupation, as an architect and builder, which he pursued for two score years with great industry, and was the builder of many buildings in this section. On the 24th of May, 1834, he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Avery BILLINGS. Five children were born to them, -- William J., John, Avery B., Jewett P. and Mary. William J. and Avery B. both died in 1879, which brought sorrow to the hearts of their parents. They were young men of more than ordinary promise, and served their country faithfully and well in the civil war, and received recognition of their services by promotion to positions in the United States Army. The three others survive. Mr. CAIN became an ardent politician of the Democratic school of Jefferson, and valiantly and fearlessly fought the battles of that party. He was closely identified with the interests of the town of Rutland for many years, and held several positions of trust and responsibility in its local government. He was the founder and proprietor of the Rutland Courier, which was for a series of years a vigorous journal and the organ of the Democratic party in Western Vermont. He died, after a lingering illness; at Rutland, March 16, 1880.

      Colonel Jesse GOVE, son of Nathaniel and Esther (TYLER) GOVE, was born in Bennington, February 20, 1783. He read law with Cephas SMITH, Jr., Esq., of Rutland was admitted to the Rutland County Bar at the March term of 1818, and thereafter resided in Rutland. He married, January 4, 1809, Sophia INGERSOLL. In 1809 he was appointed clerk of the United States District and Circuit Courts for the District of Vermont, and held that office until his death. He was appointed postmaster at Rutland village April g, 1841. He also attained the rank of colonel in the militia.

      Julia Caroline RIPLEY, daughter of Wm. Y. RIPLEY, was born in Charlestown, S. C., February 13th, 1825, but most of her life has been spent in Vermont. She was married February 22d, 1847; to Hon. Seneca M. DORR, then of New York, but now of Rutland. Mr. DORR is well known to the people of his adopted State as a legislator of prominence and ability. "The Maples," their home, on the banks of Otter Creek, just outside the corporate limits of Rutland village, is one of the notable residences of this beautiful town. Mrs. DORR is too well known as an authoress, to require special mention here. She began to write at an early date, but had none of her productions placed in print until the year 1848; since that time a number of her poems have appeared in the best magazines of the day, and been widely copied at home and abroad, while she has also given to the public several novels and a choice edition of her poems, all of which have been very successful, winning for her, and with justice, the soubriquet of "Vermont's Poetess."

      Ruth FIELD, widow of Nathaniel, now 97 years of age, resides with her son, Wm. M. FIELD, corner Centre and Main streets, and displays an unusual degree of vigor for one of that age.

      William, father of Dr. George H. FOX, of Rutland village, was an old Revolutionary soldier, and settled in Clarendon, from Woodstock, Conn., in 1779, dying there February 17th, 1822. Dr. FOX traces the genealogy of his family back to John FOX of England, historian of the Mar Martyrs, born in 1517.

      Silas AIKEN, D. D., removed from Boston, where he had occupied the pulpit of the Park St. Church for twelve years, and was settled over the Congregational Church of Rutland in 1849, which position he retained until he retired from the ministry in 1863. The high esteem in which he was held is attested by the fact that upon his retirement the Congregational Society presented him with a deed of the residence, No. 71 Main street, to retain the benefit of his influence among them, and here two of his daughters still reside.

      About the commencement of the Revolutionary war a fort was erected at East Rutland, about twenty feet north of the present CHENEY store, on what is known as the burnt district. It was oblong in form, about eight rods east and west, and ten rods north and south, made of pickets of maple, set five feet in the ground and extending fourteen feet high, the sides of the pickets touching each other and hewn smooth, the outside and inside unhewn. Inside was a small building for ammunition and provisions, afterwards used as a dwelling. As forts were soon after erected east and west of this, it became of little use, and was gradually torn down and the pickets used for fuel.

      Soon after the organization of the Government of Vermont, in March, 1778, it was decided to make Rutland the headquarters of the State troops, and Gideon BROWNSON was appointed commander of the forces stationed here. A fort was erected at Centre Rutland during the same year, located on the hill east of Mead's (now Gookins) Falls, and named Fort Ranger. It was elliptical in form, covering an area of two or more acres, and made of unhewn hemlock logs or pickets, sunk in a trench five feet deep, rising fifteen feet high, sharpened at the top and inclining outward, accommodating two or three hundred troops. In the northwest part, a block-house, forty feet square and two stories high, was built, the north and west sides forming a part of the outside of the fort, and supplied on all sides with port-holes. This fort was used as the State headquarters, and from here the supplies were furnished the other forts until 1781, when the headquarters were removed to Castleton. At this time Centre Rutland contained, besides the fort, the first meeting house of the town, the tavern of John Hopson JOHNSON, built of plank, on the site of the present store, and MEAD's saw and grist mill, built for Col. James MEAD, by Benjamin BLANCHARD, who received 100 acres of land for building the same, the land now being included in the farm of Chalon BLANCHARD.

      During the war of 1861 and 1865, the fair ground, located about a mile south of the village, was used as a veteran reserve camp, and called Camp Fairbanks, in honor of Governor FAIRBANKS, and the 1st and 2d regiments, mustered into service at Rutland, were camped here several weeks.

      One of the first bridges of any importance erected in the town of Rutland over Otter Creek was near Double Road crossing, and built by a small school district, the raising being completed on October 1, 1795, and was given the name of "Federal Bridge." 

      Rev. William EMERSON, grandfather of Ralph Waldo EMERSON, joined the Revolutionary army as chaplain, from Concord, Mass., on the 16th of August, 1776, and was at Ticonderoga under Gen. GATES, where he was attacked with bilious fever and obliged to resign. On the 18th of September, 1776, he started on his journey home, and had proceeded as far as Rutland, when his illness increased so much that he was obliged to stop, staying with the Rev. Benjamin ROOTS, where he died on Sabbath morning, October 20th, 1776, in the 34th year of his age. He was buried the following day with military honors. In 1790 his son, William, disinterred the remains and again buried them. A few years since, Ralph Waldo EMERSON came to Rutland in search of the grave, but failed to identify it.

      The first medical society ever organized in the State, held its first meeting at the house of Joseph MUNN, innholder, at Rutland, in August, 1795, at which Dr. Ezekiel PORTER was made chairman; Dr. Benjamin WALKER, clerk; Drs. Samuel SHAW, Daniel REED and Benjamin WALKER, censors. Messrs. Enos BELL and Jonathan SHAW were examined by said censors and recommended.

CHURCHES

      The First Congregational Church of West Rutland was re organized under its present name on the 13th day of March, 1818. Soon after the division of the town into parishes, the society had erected a church in West Rutland, across the road from the present brick building, and south of the old burial ground, which was given to the Church and congregation in a deed, dated October 30th, 1787, by William ROBERTS, one of the founders of the society, and in it, over his grave, is a marble slab bearing the following inscription: --

WILLIAM ROBERTS, 
Died November, 1788, 
Aged about 70 Years.
A short time before his death Mr. Roberts 
gave this ground to the Congregational Society 
for a burial place, 
and his own body 
was the first here buried.

This Monument is erected by some 
of the members of the Society 
as a token of respect 
to his memory.

      The present house of worship was completed and dedicated on the 30th of May, 1855, and is a large comfortable structure, capable of seating 600 persons, and cost $18,000, about its present value including grounds. The society now numbers 248 members, under the pastorate of Rev. John K. WILLIAMS.

      The Congregational Church of Rutland, the first religious society established in the township, was organized on the 20th day of October, 1773, three years after the settlement of the town, by a small company assembled at the house of their first pastor, Rev. Benajah ROOTS, formerly pastor of the First Church of Simsbury, Connecticut, and consisting of the following named members: Ebenezer HOPKINS, Samuel CRIPPEN, David HAWLEY, William ROBERTS, Charles BREWSTER, Abraham JACKSON, John MOSES, Enos IVES, Joseph BOWKER, Jehiel ANDREWS, Sarah BOWKER, Sarah ANDREWS, Anna IVES and Mehetabel ANDREWS. Mr. ROOTS remained with the society until his death, of consumption, on the 15th day of March, 1787, in his 62d year. The first house of worship was erected soon after the organization of the society, on the west side of what was long known as "Meeting House Hill," at Center Rutland, occupying the present site of Mr. George H. BEAMAN's residence. This building was used by the society till the year 1787, when, on the 22d of October, the town was divided into two parishes, East and West, the dividing line beginning at the center of the north line of the town, thence parallel with the east and west lines till it strikes the Otter Creek, and thence up the creek, as the stream runs, to the south line of the township, and in each parish a Congregational Church organized, the Church in the East Parish being established on the 5th of October, twelve days before the division of the town, with thirty-seven members, and Rev. Samuel WILLIAMS, LL. D., as pastor; and subsequently the West Parish erected an edifice at West Rutland, opposite the present brick structure, under the pastorate of Rev. Lemuel HAYNES.

      The society of the East Parish, located at Rutland village, has erected three churches -- the first, a frame building, on the southeast corner of the old burial-ground on Main street, near the residence of Moses PERKINS, and the second on the east side of the same street, upon the site now occupied by the residence of Col. George MERRILL. This edifice was built by Gershom CHENEY in 1819, costing in the neighborhood of $10,000, and was used by the society until 1860, when the present brick church on Court street was erected, at a cost, including chapel, &c., of $54,017.54, and, together with the grounds, is now valued at $75,000. Mr. WILLIAMS remained with the Church as a "supply" until Rev. Heman BALL, D. D., was settled, in January of 1795. The society is now in a flourishing condition, with 620 members, and a Sabbath school with 500 scholars, under the very able charge of Rev. James Gibson JOHNSON, D. D.

      The Baptist Church of Rutland, located on Center street, was organized on the 25th of November, 1823, with fifteen members; Daniel FORD, moderator, and Adonijah FORD, clerk. The first settled minister was the Rev. Hadley PROCTOR, of China, Me., his pastorate commencing with the opening of the year 1827, and continuing until 1834. In 1827 the first church building was erected on Main street, which was used until 1871, when the rapid growth of the village north and west of that parish, necessitated the choice of a more central location. Accordingly, on the 18th of July, 1871, the corner stone of the present structure on Center street was laid, with becoming ceremonies, and on the evening of February 1, 1872, the new house was opened with appropriate services. It is a handsome brick structure, capable of accommodating 600 persons, and cost $42,000. The society now has 380 members, with Rev. Judson K. RICHARDSON as pastor, settled May 1, 1875.

      Trinity Church, (Episcopal,) at Rutland, located on West street, was organized on Wednesday, February 19, 1817, with Rev. George T. CHAPMAN as rector. The parish was without a house of worship until 1833, when a building was erected on Main street, not far from the north side of West. The corner-stone of the present beautiful stone structure was laid in 1878, by the Right Rev. W. H. A. BISSELL, D. D., Bishop of Vermont, and the church was consecrated by the same, December 4th, 1879. The present rector, Rev. Walter MITCHELL, was elected on Easter, 1877.

      The First Methodist Episcopal Church, located on West street, was originally organized at Centre Rutland, in 1831, with a membership of fifty-two. In 1854 it was reorganized at. Rutland village, by their first pastor, Rev. John PARKER, and consisted of only six members, William A. BURNETT and wife, Mrs. Mary and Miss Jane THRALL, and Misses Jane and Lucy DUNKLEE. Services were first held in the old depot, the preacher standing on the platform and the people sitting in passenger coaches drawn up in front, and subsequently in the third story of the old Perkins block, on Merchants' Row, until the first church was erected in 1855-'56, which was followed by the present edifice in 1873, which cost $5,000 and will seat 800 persons. The present site was donated by William J. RIPLEY, then a member at Centre Rutland. After the first church at the east village was erected, the heirs of Mr. RIPLEY bought the old Centre Rutland church, which they preserve as a memento of respect to their parents. The society now has 305 members, a Sabbath-school numbering 325 scholars, and church property to the amount of $8,000. Rev, John Wesley QUINLAN is the present pastor.

      St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, located at Rutland village, was organized by its first pastor, Rev. Father DRUON, in 1855, with a membership of 500 During that year a church was erected, which was followed by the building of the present elegant structure in 1873, of brick, with trimmings of stone, erected at a cost of $57,000, with seating capacity for 1,300 persons. Father DRUON was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. Chas. BOYLAN, under whose efficient management the society has increased to 2,500 members, with church property to the amount of $100,000. Under the direction of the Church there are also six Catholic schools, with an average attendance of 387, taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph.

      The Second Advent Christian Church, located on West street, was organized with forty-two members, by Miles GRANT, in 1858, with Rev. Mathew BATCHELDER as first pastor. During the following year the church building was erected, a modest affair, costing $1,215.35. The society now has ninety members, with no regular pastor.

      Grace Protestant Episcopal Church of West Rutland was organized in 1859, and Rev. D. Ellis WILLS was the first pastor, the society now being under the pastoral charge of the Rev. Edward P. LEE. The church building was erected in 1878. Porter HOWE, Esq., the senior warden of this parish, is one of the oldest, if not the oldest Churchman in Vermont. He was born in 1791, and was a member of the convention that elected Bishop HOPKINS in 1832.

      The Church of The Sacred Heart of Mary, (French Catholic,) located on Lincoln Ave., at Rutland village, was organized by its first pastor, Rev. Father GAGNE, 1870, with a membership of 800. The present edifice was erected during the same year, at a cost of $6,000.00, and will seat 500 persons, now valued, including grounds, at $8,000.00. The society also has a branch church at West Rutland, bearing the same name and organized the same year, having 350 members, and a church building that will accommodate 300 persons and cost $3,000.00.

CONVENT

      The Convent of our Lady of Vermont, situated on West street, is an institution directed by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. They came to Rutland in January, 1870, locating on Main street, where they remained until June, 1874, when they removed to their present location, having purchased the premises. Their course of study is the same as in the Mother House, at Hochelaga, Montreal, and comprises the various branches of a solid, useful and ornamental education.

Gazetteer and Business Directory of  Rutland  County, VT.;
1881-82, Compiled and Published by Hamilton Child;
Syracuse, N.Y.; Printed at the Journal Office
August 1881, Part Two, Pages 193 - 229.

Transcribed by Karima Allison 2004