MONTPELIER, the capital of Vermont and the county seat of Washington county, lies about ten miles northeast from the geographical center of the state, and near the center of the county, in latitude 44° 17' and longitude 4° 23', and is bounded northerly by Middlesex and East Montpelier, easterly by Berlin, from which it is separated by the Winooski river, southerly by Berlin, and westerly by Berlin and Middlesex. The township was granted October 21, 1780, and was chartered August 14, 1781, to Timothy BIGELOW and fifty-nine associates, to contain 23,040 acres, and given the name of Montpelier. This name was bestowed by Colonel Jacob DAVIS, the first permanent settler and a leading proprietor, and probably is a namesake of the ancient city of Montpelier in France. By an act of the legislature of 1848 the town was divided, and the town of East Montpelier was organized January 1, 1849, from the territory set off, and contains 18,670 acres, which leaves Montpelier an area of only 4,370 acres, lying in the westerly corner of the original township.

      The town presents an uneven and hilly surface, which is drained by the Winooski river that washes its southern boundary, and "The Little" North Branch, which flows down from Worcester across the northeast corner of Middlesex, and entering the town at the little hamlet of Wrightsville flows south and through the village of Montpelier, where it discharges its waters into the Winooski.

      The rock formations that enter into the geology of this town are clay slate, with beds of limestone in the southern part, and talcose schist in the northern and western parts.

      In 1741 Benning WENTWORTH was commissioned governor of the province of New Hampshire. When Fort Dummer was built in the present limits of the state of Vermont, in 1724, (in the southeast corner of Brattleboro,) the fort was supposed to be within the territory of Massachusetts; but when the line was established between New Hampshire and Massachusetts Fort Dummer was found to be north of the last named province, and as the King of Great Britain repeatedly recommended the government of New Hampshire to provide for its support, it was generally supposed, as it was situated on-the west side of the Connecticut, that New Hampshire extended as far west as Massachusetts. Upon this supposition Gov. WENTWORTH, January 3, 1749, granted a township six miles square, twenty miles east of the Hudson river, and six miles north of Massachusetts line, and in honor of his name called it Bennington, located as he supposed on the western boundary of New Hampshire. He continued to make grants of townships until, in 1764, he had in this manner disposed of 138. All this time the province of New York had claimed the territory from the west bank of the Connecticut, including the whole of the state of Vermont. His Majesty the King decided, by a decree July 20, 1764, that the territory in dispute did belong to New York, but in 1767 made restrictions on granting lands by New York, which restrictions were not observed. This gave rise to the "Land Title Controversy," and resulted in the rising of the "Green Mountain Boys" in their "might and majesty," the formation of the state of Vermont in 1777, and its admission into the sisterhood of states in 1791. As a means for revenue for the infant state, and to encourage the settlement of her unoccupied territory, the General Assembly, in October, 1780, appointed a committee of nine prominent members, selected from the most important towns of the state, to take into consideration the situation of the ungranted lands, and how to best dispose of them by grants for the best interest of the state and its treasury. "In General Assembly" this committee reported, "Saturday, October 21, 1780."' "That, in our opinion the following tract, viz.: Lying east of and adjoining Middlesex, on Onion River, and partly north of Berlin, containing 23,040 acres, be granted by the Assembly, unto Col. Timothy BIGELOW and Company by the name of Montpelier. Signed, Paul SPOONER, Chairman."

      The same date as above the Assembly concurred with the recommendation of the report, and requested the governor and council to fix the price of compensation and issue a charter. This they at once complied with, and "stated the fees at four hundred and eighty pounds for the s'd land," to be paid by Col. BIGELOW or his attorney, in hard money, or its equivalent in Continental currency, on the execution of the charter of incorporation on before the 20th day of January next. Probably because the fees were not paid the first charter was not issued until August 14, 1781. This was the first grant recommended by the committee, and the first authorized by the General Assembly of Vermont.

      The charter was imperfect and faulty. No boundaries of the town were given. All pine trees suitable for a navy were reserved for the use of the state, and each proprietor was bound to plant and cultivate five acre's of land, and build a house at least eighteen feet square on the floor, within the term of three years next after the circumstances of the war will admit, on penalty of the forfeiture of each respective right. Under this imperfect charter the town was surveyed, allotted, and organized.

      The incongruities discovered in the first charter influenced those interested to apply to the legislature for a new charter, which was readily granted. This charter was executed at Windsor, Vt., February 6, 1804, and signed "Isaac TICHNOR. By His Excellency's command, David Wing, Jr., Secretary of State." It clearly defines the boundaries of Montpelier, imposes no conditions, and reserves five rights for public purposes, as follows: One right for the use of a seminary or college, one for the use of a county grammar school, one for the settled minister, one for the support of social worship of God, and one for the support of an English school or schools in the township.

      The proprietors held their first meeting at the house of Eliakim STODDARD, innholder in Arlington, Vt., August 17, 1784 and transacted business as follows: --- 

"ARLINGTON, Tuesday, August 17th, 1784.       “Agreeable to foregoing warning, the Proprietors met, and the meeting was opened at the house of Eliakim STODDARD, Esq., and the Proprietors proceeded to the business of the meeting, agreeably to warning, as follows, viz : --       “1.  Voted, Major Gideon ORMSBY, Moderator of this meeting.       “2.  Voted, That Thomas TOLMAN, Esq., be, and is hereby appointed Clerk of this propriety.       “3.  Voted, That Jonas GALUSHA, Esq., be, and is hereby chosen and appointed Treasurer of this Propriety.       “4.  Voted, That we will lay out a First Division of lands in said Township.       “5.  Voted, That 150 acres be the quantity of the First Division in said Township, to be laid out as soon as circumstances will admit.       "6.  Voted, That we will appoint a committee of six, four of whom shall transact the business, to lay out said Division.       “7.  Voted, That Thomas TOLMAN, Esq., Mr. Samuel HORSFORD, Major Gideon ORMSBY, Jonas GALUSHA, Esq., Mr. Joseph DAGGET; and Lieut. Samuel BEACH be, and are hereby appointed our said committee.       "8.  Voted, That this meeting stand adjourned to the first Monday in April next, which will be in the year 1785, then to meet at the house of Thomas TOLMAN, Esq, in this town, at two of the clock, in the afternoon; and the meeting was accordingly adjourned.       "Attest, THOMAS TOLMAN, Propr's Clerk."

      No meeting convened the first Monday in April, 1785, pursuant to adjournment, but a new warning summoned a meeting of the proprietors to again assemble at the house of Eliakim STODDARD, Esq., in Arlington, January 11, 1786. Timothy BROWNSON, moderator, and Thomas TOLMAN, clerk, were confirmed. This meeting ratified the proceedings of the first meeting, voted an addition of five acres to each lot in the first division to be made, accepted the proposition of Col. Jacob DAVIS to survey the first division of seventy lots, at ?1 3s. 10d. per right, and appointed a new committee, consisting of Col. Jacob DAVIS, Ebenezer WATERS (or Caleb AMMEDON on his failure), Samuel HORSFORD, Col. Samuel ROBINSON, and Capt. Abiather WALDO, to lay out the work. The next meeting was held at the house of Thomas TOLMAN, according to adjournment, January 9, 1787. Mr. BROWNSON was absent, and Col. Jacob DAVIS was elected moderator. The survey of the first division of the township, completed in the summer of 1786, was accepted. Col. DAVIS's bill for surveying was allowed; and other bills, in total ?83 4s. 2d., and a tax ordered, and Joseph DAGGET appointed to collect it, in time for a vendue sale of the rights of delinquent proprietors, on the second Tuesday of June ensuing.

      It was found that Joel FRIZZEL, as owner of the right of James GAMBLE, had made his “pitch" and became an actual settler of the township. His pitch was confirmed to him, to contain 100 acres, and three acres as an allowance for highways. This parcel or lot of land is located in the southwest corner of Montpelier, on the Winooski river, and adjoining the town of Middlesex.

      For purposes of ordering surveys, constructing roads, and levying taxes, meetings of proprietors were held from time to time, as late as May 14, 1795, when "no business appearing before the meeting, Voted, that this meeting be dissolved." Then the township had been surveyed into four divisions, all of it allotted to the several proprietors, and the town legally organized and harmoniously marching onward with systematic and efficient town government. And all this was accomplished under their imperfect first charter.

      The first settlement was made in the spring of 1786, by Joel FRIZZEL, in the extreme southwest corner of the town. FRIZZEL was a hunter and trapper, had acquired the right of James GAMBLE, an original proprietor, made his pitch as before described, built a log cabin, moved into it with his wife, described as a "little red-headed French woman," and cleared a piece of ground and planted it with corn. He was appointed one of a committee to lay out the third division of the town, in January, 1787, and, as near as can be ascertained, resided in Montpelier about five years. The second, and first permanent, settler of Montpelier was Col. Jacob DAVIS, who started from Brookfield with his nephew, Parley DAVIS, a hired man, and one horse, all heavily laden with provisions, tools, and necessary equipage for cooking and camping, on the morning of May 3, 1787, and arrived in the evening of the same day at the-house of Seth PUTNAM, in the southeast corner of Middlesex, and adjoining the lot where FRIZZEL then lived. The next day Col. DAVIS constructed a road from Mr. PUTNAM's, along the bank of the Winooski to a hunter's "lodge" standing on the site of the present jail of Washington county. This hunter's cabin was pretty well built, with walls of logs on three sides, and thatched with bark. The party made this their quarters about eight or ten days, when they, had erected a log house thirty-two by sixteen feet, into which they moved their effects. About this time, or before, the party had been increased by the arrival of the sons of Col. DAVIS, Jacob, Jr., aged nineteen years, and Thomas, aged fifteen, who came with another horse. This group of hardy men, domiciled in their rude cabin of rough logs without floor, doors, or windows, in the immense and dense forest, was the nucleus of the beautiful and thrifty village of Montpelier, and the location of the capital of the Green Mountain state. The intervale where the village is located was covered with a magnificent forest of maples. That part bounded north by Court street, east by the North Branch, south by the Winooski, and west by the State House and depot grounds, was cleared in time to plant it with corn, and very fortunately a good crop was harvested in the fall. The work of clearing land was pushed vigorously the remainder of the summer and fall, and about fifty acres were ready for crops in the ensuing spring. The log house was finished, with the building of a chimney, cellar, doors, windows, and a floor made of bass-wood plank, split from trees, and in the fall Col. DAVIS and his sons returned to Brookfield with the intention of returning to the new home as soon as there was sufficient snow to make sleighing. Near the close of the year 1787 the sons, before mentioned, with their sisters, Rebecca and Polly, and all besides that could be carried at one load, came on to Montpelier. Jacob returned to Brookfield for the remainder of the family, but heavy snow storms so blockaded the untraveled roads that the journey was then considered impracticable, and the son Thomas and his sisters were left sole masters of the situation until March, when they were gladdened by the arrival of the remainder of the family.

      In the spring clearing was again prosecuted, crops raised on the ground cleared, and Col. DAVIS erected the first saw-mill in Montpelier, on the North Branch, the site of the Lane Manufacturing Co's works. The next season, 1789, he built the first grist-mill September 22, of this year, occurred the birth of his youngest daughter, Clarissa, the first child born in town.

      The first wagon was brought into town by Thomas DAVIS, from Vergennes, who had to cut his way from Williston to Montpelier. The first male child born in town was James, son of Solomon DODGE, April K, 1790. The first school was taught by Jacob DAVIS, Jr., in a log house on the river near Middlesex line, in 1789, and continued till about 1191, when David WING, Jr., later secretary of state, taught a school in Col. DAVIS's house. The first marriage recorded in town is that of Jacob Davis, Jr., of Montpelier, and Caty TAPLIN, of Berlin, October 3, 1791. The bride's father, John TAPLIN, Esq., performed the ceremony. Col. DAVIS completed the first frame house in the summer of 1790. This house contained two stories and an attic, and served as a dwelling and hotel for all comers and goers. James HAWKINS the first blacksmith, raised the first frame for a house a few days before Col. DAVIS's, but did not complete it as soon.

      Prince Edward of England, Duke of Kent, son of George III, and father of Queen Victoria, was the first notable stranger who visited Montpelier. He came in the winter of 1790-91, with an armed escort of twenty men to defend his person and taste his food, and save him from poison. He was the guest of Col. DAVIS for one night.

      Spaulding PIERCE was the first physician, in 1790. Charles BUCKLEY, the first lawyer, settled here in 1797. Rev. Ziba WOODWORTH, a Freewill Baptist, was the first minister and the first town clerk. The first mechanics were Col. Lamed LAMB, carpenter and millwright; James HAWKINS, blacksmith; and Paul KNAPP, brickmaker. David TOLMAN was the first clothier.

      December 1, 1791, was the first Thanksgiving day observed in town. The first social ball occurred at the house of Col. DAVIS, on the evening of December 2, 1791. The first death on the town records is that of "Theophilus Wilson BROOKS, drowned December 3, 1791."

      John TAPLIN, a justice of the peace, on the application of Jacob DAVIS, Clark STEVENS, and Jonathan CUTLER, (to make the matter legal there should have been four petitioners,) issued a warrant to Clark STEVENS, directing hi to warn the inhabitants of Montpelier to meet at the dwelling house of Jack DAVIS, in Montpelier, Tuesday, March 29, 1791, at 9 o'clock A. M., for i purpose of forming a town government. Mr. Stevens duly warned people, who assembled at the time and place appointed, and proceeded accomplish this organization, as follows:-
 

"At a town meeting of the inhabitants of Montpelier, legally warned and met at the dwelling-house of Col. Jacob Davis, in said Montpelier, on the 29th day of March, 1791; Proceeded to choose a Moderator, &c., &c. " 1st.    Voted, and chose Col. Jacob DAVIS, Moderator, to govern said meeting.  " 2nd.   Voted, and chose Ziba WOODWORTH, Town Clerk.  " 3d.     Voted, and chose James HAWKINS, 1st Select Man.  " 4th.   Voted, and chose James TAGGART, 2nd Select Man. " 5th.   Voted, and chose Hiram PECK, 3d Select Man. " 6th.   Voted, and chose Jonathan CUTLER, Town Treasurer. " 7th.   Voted, and chose Parley DAVIS, Constable and Collector.  " 8th.   Voted, and chose Josiah HURLBERT,  Highway  " 9th.   Voted, and chose Benj. I. WHEELER,  Surveyors. " 10th. Voted, and chose Solomon DODGE,  " 11th. Voted, and chose Col. Jacob DAVIS, " 12th. Voted, and chose Benj. I. WHEELER,  Listers.  " 13th. Voted, and chose Clark STEVENS, “ 14th. Voted, and chose Col. Jacob DAVIS, Fence Viewer. " 15th. Voted to adjourn said meeting till the 1st Tuesday of September.  "The aforementioned officers were duly sworn and affirmed to the faithful discharge of their respective offices before John TAPLIN, Justice of the Peace for said County. " ZIBA WOODWORTH, Town Clerk."

      Accompanying this record is a list of the names of the voters who assisted in organizing the town, viz.: 

Benjamin I. WHEELER, David PARSONS, Parley DAVIS, Ebenezer DODGE, Solomon DODGE, Nathaniel PECK, David WING, Lemuel BROOKS, Clark STEVENS, Jonathan SNOW, Hiram PECK, James HAWKINS, James TAGGART, John TEMPLETON, Elisha CUMMINGS, Jonathan CUTLER, Charles MCLOUD, Col. Jacob DAVIS, Isaac PUTNAM, Nathaniel DAVIS, Ziba WOODWORTH, Jerahmel WHEELER, Smith STEVENS, Charles STEVENS, Edmund DOTY, Duncan YOUNG, Freeman WEST.

      It was fortunate for Col. Jacob DAVIS, and especially so for the town of Montpelier, that he, "The father of the town," had adequate means for clearing his farm at once, and building mills, houses, barns, etc., and consequently gave employment to all who needed immediate returns for their labor. It is perhaps more fortunate that the early pioneers were "men of great physical powers, resolution, and stability of purpose." They also possessed sound minds and good common sense. They were men of good morals, honest, persevering, and industrious-just the right material for pioneers. They located at once in all parts of the town, and at their first town meeting, in 1791, the whole territory was represented by these strong and stalwart men who came to stay, and many of the farms of these original settlers are now owned by their descendants. If the prices of farm produce and labor were low, their wants beyond what they could supply were few. The wages for the best class of laborers were $9 per month, and for occasional days from forty to fifty cents. Wheat brought sixty-seven cents per bushel, corn fifty, oats and potatoes twenty-five, the best horses $50, and the best yoke of oxen $40. Of imported goods, rock salt cost $3 per bushel, loaf sugar forty-two cents per pound, brown sugar seventeen to twenty cents, good green tea $2, the poorest fifty cents, calico fifty to seventy-five cents per yard, W. I. rum $2 per gallon, and dry salt fish eleven cents per pound.

      The rich virgin soil produced abundant crops, and the industrious farmers saw their fields increase in area yearly, the forest recede, and their property correspondingly increase, as the following grand lists plainly show: In 1792 the total grand list was $2,141.67; 1795, $5,705.83; 1800, $15,390.03; and in 1805, $22,920.55.

      At the first enumeration, in 1791, the population of Montpelier was 113; 1800, 890; 1810, 7,877; 1820, 2,308; 1830, 2,985; 1840, 3,725. In 1850, the first enumeration after the town had been divided, Montpelier had a population of 2,310; in 1860, 2,411; 1870, 3,023; and in 1880, 3,219. It is now estimated to be more than 4,000.

      Montpelier may be classed as a conservative town, and although she has had the prestige of being the capital of the state, and the shire town of the county, she has made no phenomenal or spasmodic growth. The town is especially noted for its constant and substantial growth and wealth, its admirably managed banks, fire and life insurance companies, its successful merchants and business men, fine schools and churches, and as a good place to live in.

      As food, clothing, and shelter are imperative necessities in civilized life, the first care after the settlements of the several towns of this state was the erection of grist-mills to reduce the farmer's grain to meal, saw-mills to cut lumber, and wool-carding and cloth-dressing-mills to furnish clothing. Col. Jacob DAVIS built a sawmill in 1788, and a grist-mill in 1789, on the falls of the North Branch, which did the pioneers of Montpelier and vicinity good service until they were burned in 1826. Four sets of grist-mills have been built on the falls of the Winooski in the village of Montpelier. The most notable one was that owned by James R. LANGDON, which was enlarged from one erected and owned by his father, Col. James H. LANGDON. This mill was first-class in its day and had the capacity of manufacturing 250 barrels of flour daily. Mr. LANGDON conducted it successfully several years. It passed into the hands of the Montpelier Manufacturing Company, and is now used by several firms. The fourth grist-mill, built at or near this location, is now owned and operated by E. W. BAILEY & Co.

      Two wool-carding and cloth-dressing establishments took the farmers' wool, prepared it for spinning, then received it from the hands of the busy housewives, after they had woven it into flannel, fulled, dyed, and pressed it into completed "homespun." This continued until these primitive manufactories were superceded by the invention of the rapid and efficient-working modern machinery.

      In 1810 Sylvanus BALDWIN erected mills for manufacturing cotton sheetings and shirtings. These mills were run successfully until December, 1813, when, they were unfortunately destroyed by fire. In about 1820 Amnah WATERMAN and Seth PARSONS erected (for that time) a large woolen-mill, which, like its predecessor, had a short existence, and was burned March 22, 1826. Another woolen-mill was built by Col. H. N. BAYLIES, in 1837, and later converted into lumber-mills. Medad WRIGHT completed a woolen-mill in 1861, at his place, which he sold to William MOORCROFT in 1862, who successfully operated it until it was burned in 1870.

      The manufacture of paper has also been attempted in a small way. Two paper-mills have been burned. Several other manufactures have been successfully conducted, such as boots and shoes, hats, saddles, nails, linseed oil, and whiskey.

      M. WRIGHT & Son's foundry and machine shops are located on the Worcester branch of the Winooski river, about three and a half miles from Montpelier village. This establishment dates back to 1834, more than half a century, when the senior member of the firm, Medad WRIGHT, began business at this place, and where he has been constantly engaged. This company does a special business in the manufacture of Wright's polishing machines. They also do casting and machinists' work.

      Lane Manufacturing Co. -- This is one of the most flourishing industrial establishments in Vermont. The works of the company are located on the Worcester branch of the Winooski river; the buildings are chiefly of brick, and the machinery and fixtures modern. The history of the company dates to 1863, when Dennis LANE began manufacturing machinery in a small way. In 1865 Gen. P. P. PITKIN became a partner of Mr. LANE, and in 1873 the Lane Manufacturing Co. was incorporated, the officers of which are as follows: Dennis LANE (deceased), president; Gen. P. P. PITKIN, vice-president and business manager; C. P. PITKIN, secretary and treasurer. The Lane Manufacturing Co. conducts a general business as machinists and founders, besides which they manufacture several specialties which are in great demand and bring the company orders from all parts of the country. The leading specialty of the works is LANE's patent lever-set saw-mills-in seven sizes. This apparatus has attained a high reputation and is constantly growing in popularity, lumbermen everywhere acknowledging it to be the acme of perfection in sawing machinery. The "Monitor" turbine water-wheel, planers for lumber and timber, matchers, clapboard machinery, shingle and lath machinery, saw-mill supplies generally, and shafting, pulleys, and hangers, are embraced in the manufactures of this company. The Lane Manufacturing Co. gives employment to about 100 hands and pays about $1,000 weekly in wages. The company issues a fully illustrated catalogue which describes their productions, and which should be in the hands of every person interested in manufactures of this kind.

      C.H. CROSS & Son. In 1828 C. H. CROSS, the senior member of the above firm, began manufacturing the celebrated "Montpelier cracker." The original firm was Timothy CROSS & Co. In 1840 C. H. CROSS succeeded to the business, continuing until 1863, when the firm name became as at present by the admission of L. Bart CROSS. This concern manufactures all kinds of confectionery and makes the celebrated "Montpelier" crackers, famous wherever known. A general bakery business is also conducted by the firm; and a large jobbing trade in peanuts and cigars is awarded the house. The establishment covers several acres of flooring, and it is equipped with every modern appliance for the manufacture of the commodities produced. Two traveling salesmen, who sell goods from samples, are employed by the firm, and shipments are made to all parts of Vermont, the annual transactions of the house reaching a large sum. The facilities of Messrs. Cross & Son for the manufacture of superior goods are unsurpassed, and each year notes an increasing trade.

      E.W. BAILEY & Co's grist-mills are located on Main street, and on Winooski river which furnishes an ample power. The mills are furnished with two runs of stones, and grind meal and feed. This firm does a general jobbing trade, wholesale and retail, in flour, feed, grain, etc.

      JOHNSON & COLTON are among the largest manufacturers and jobbers in saddlery hardware in the state. The firm keeps in stock a full line of harness and harnessmakers' supplies, and among their customers are the leading harnessmakers in New England, New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. They make a specialty of gold, silver, brass, and nickel plating. They possess facilities for doing all kinds of plating in a superior manner, and employ twenty-five skilled workmen in the business. JOHNSON & Colton are the successors of the firm of FISHER & STRATTON, established in 1854. H. C. COLTON entered the firm in 1861, and E. P. JOHNSON became a partner in April, 1885. There are but two establishments in the Union that do a larger nickel plating business than JOHNSON & COLTON. The firm does a large amount of plating for New England harnessmakers, and their wholesale trade extends from Main to California. Their latest novelty is the Colton patent strap and crupper buckles, in nickel, brass, silver, and rubber, which is so marked an improvement over anything of the kind previously introduced that it is destined to supercede all of the old styles.

      The Sabine Machine Co. has been in existence for eleven years. Its manufactory is located near the Montpelier & Wells River railroad depot, in a three-story brick building. The company is engaged in manufacturing double acting spring butts, Sabin's lever door springs, organ springs, both bellows and exhaust, anti-rattler thrill coupling springs ; also light springs for various purposes to order. The firm is also sole manufacturers of patent candy cutting machinery. This company was incorporated under the laws of Vermont, in 1876. The officers are George COOK, of Boston, Mass., pres.; C. T. SABIN (deceased), secretary and treasurer. They employ from ten to twelve hands, and turn out of manufactured goods $15,000 to $20,000 worth annually. The manufactures of this company are in favor everywhere. The best of stock enters into the construction of their wares.

      The Colby Wringer Co. manufactures and deals in clothes wringers, washing machines, mangles, polishers, fluters, carpet sweepers, etc., and also do repairing.

      SABIN Slate Co., Montpelier has one of the best slate quarries in the United States. The quarry is owned and operated by the Sabin Slate Co., which was organized in 1882, and has a capital $40,000. The quarry is within a half-mile of the postoffice, and at the crossing of the Central Vermont and Montpelier & Wells River railroads. The company owns forty acres of land, and employs thirty-five men. The vein of slate is 200 feet thick. The product of the quarry is unfading black slate, and it is prepared for roofing purposes entirely. The Sabin slate is very hard and durable, and contains no flint or other foreign substances. Every modern device for successfully working the quarry has been procured by the company.

      Weston SMITH are successors to H. COBB in the manufacture of marble and granite. Mr. COBB established the business in 1866, continued until his death in 1886, when the present firm purchased the business. They manufacture all kinds of monumental work, in marble and granite, also curbing, posts, etc. They employ skilled workmen, and turn out work of high grade.

      P. ROBERTS & Son's granite shops are located on Taylor street. They commenced business in 1881, and manufacture every thing from Barre granite in the line of monumental work, curbing, and posts, giving employment to from eight to ten skilled workmen. They turn out work of excellent quality and fine finish.

      Merrill RUSSELL has shops for the manufacture of granite work near the Central Vermont depot. Mr. RUSSELL commenced the business in Barre, in 1881, where he continued until 1886, when he removed his shops to Montpelier, where he is now engaged. He employs ten skilled workmen, and is turning out manufactured goods of fine finish and superior quality of the famous Barre granite, which in quality is inferior to none in the world. He executes every thing in granite, with monuments and statues a specialty.

      T.J. KELLEHER & Co., manufacturers of granite, have shops near the M. & W. R. R. R. depot, where they manufacture ornamental, building, monumental, and statuary work.

      Hiram B. CROSS, manufacturer of monumental and statue granite, has shops near the depot of the M. & W. R. R. R.

      The WETMORE & MORSE Granite Co. was organized under the laws of Vermont, January 29, 1889. The capital is $80,000. The directors of the company are Albert JOHONNOTT, W. E. ADAMS, F. A. DWINELL, Fred E. SMITH, F. M. CORRY, H. H. MCINTIRE, and H. H. WETMORE. The officers are Albert JOHONNOTT, president ; W. E. ADAMS, vice-president; F. A. DWINELL, secretary ; and F. L. EATON, treasurer. This company owns about twenty-six acres of quarry in Barre, and the first one opened there. In the early spring the company intends to erect spacious granite sheds in Montpelier, employ 100 men, and manufacture building granite, statuary, and all kinds of cemetery work, and will also deal in rough granite.

      The Capital Granite Co. was organized in 1887. The firm is composed of Thomas EAGAN and Daniel MCQUEENEY. They manufacture from Barre granite monumental, statuary, and all kinds of cemetery work; also ornamental building work to order. They employ twenty skilled workmen, and produce work of fine quality and finish. Their office and shops are located at the new granite sheds on Barre street, and on the C. V. R. R. Their polishing machine is run by a motor driven by Berlin water.

      STAFFORD, LYNCH & Co. Granite Co. is located at the new granite sheds, in the village of Montpelier, convenient to the Central Vermont and Montpelier & Wells River railroads. This company was formed April 1, 1888. The members of the firm are Thomas STAFFORD, Thomas F. LYNCH, and Daniel C. CAREY. They manufacture from Barre granite all kinds of work for the wholesale and retail trade, and give employment to twenty-six men.

      Edwards, White & Co. (Thomas EDWARDS, George E. WHITE, and John D. WILLIAMS), granite manufacturers, are located at the new granite sheds, in Montpelier. This company was formed June 1, 1888. They manufacture every thing in the line of granite work from Barre granite, with fine carving a specialty, and are doing a wholesale and retail business, giving employment to fifteen skilled workmen.

      A.&F. JOHONNOTT's tannery is located on Winooski river, on Berlin side, and opposite the Montpelier & Wells River railroad. This leading industry was instituted in 1863, by Messrs. William N. PECK and Albert JOHONNOTT, the firm name being PECK & JOHONNOTT. These gentlemen commenced by erecting the entire set of buildings, and continued the business until 1873, when Mr. PECK retired and the present firm was organized. The motive power is steam, and the tannery has a capacity for turning out over 20,000 sides per year, giving employment to a force of nine men. At present they market their leather in the "rough."

      PECKS & CUMMINS's tannery and currier shops are located on Cummins street, and on the North Branch of the Winooski river. The motive power is a forty-horse-power steam engine. The capacity of this manufactory is over 20,000 sides per annum, and gives employment to a force of twenty-five men. They manufacture harness, boot, and shoe stock of all kinds. Their trade is with consumers, from Maine to Oregon, and they enjoy the reputation of turning out as fine goods as are found in the market. This company organized in May, 1874, and, what is especially to their credit, they still retain their first customers.

      GLEASON & Co. (L. P. and H. C. GLEASON), successors to L. W. WELCH, are manufacturers of parlor furniture and dealers in furniture of all kinds. With the exception of. the parlor furniture they purchase their goods in the white, which they set up, upholster, and finish. They are also undertakers, and have always on hand a full line of coffins, caskets, and burial cases. Their sales rooms and shops are located on Main corner of East State street. Their block, which extends 190 feet on East State street, is three stories high, and has a basement. The front on Main street is occupied by these gentlemen in the dry goods trade, in which they carry an extensive stock. This enterprising firm employs a force of ten men, and conducts the leading industry of the kind in Montpelier.

      The United States Clothes Pin Co. was chartered under the laws of Vermont, August 22, 1887, with Gen. Stephen THOMAS, president; S. T. NEWTON, vice-president; and William K. SANDERSON, secretary and treasurer. They are manufacturing the U. S. clothes pin. Their machinery is all new, and made expressly for this company. Although this industry is yet in its infancy, the company now employs twenty hands, with the prospect of ten more in the near future.

      The Acme Watch Key Co., incorporated, (W. N. LEARNED, president; E. J. GALE, treasurer,) manufactures the Acme automatic dust-proof and "Star" watch keys. This enterprise was begun in July, 1887, and the company has already machinery and facilities to manufacture twenty-five gross of keys per day. Their power is a water-motor, supplied by the village water works.

      On comparing the geological formation in and around Montpelier with locations in New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, where salt water had invariably been obtained by boring, the people of Montpelier discovered that the formation was favorable to obtaining this indispensable article here. Hon. Daniel BALDWIN headed a company of about sixty, organized and commenced boring the rock on the bank of the Winooski, a little below the present grist-mill, on August 8, 1827, and continued until January 4, 1830, when this well conceived and worthy enterprise was prematurely closed, by the drill becoming so tightly wedged that it could not be withdrawn by any means in their power. The depth of the well is 850 feet. The company designed to sink it 1,000 feet. The unfinished experiment cost the sixty subscribers only $35 each, or an aggregate of $2,100.

      The Bank of Montpelier was chartered in 1825, and organized in 1826, with a capital of $50,000. The first president was Hon. Elijah PAINE, of Williamstown. His successors in office were James H. LANGDON, Timothy HUBBARD, John SPALDING, Thomas REED, Jr., Rawsel R. KEITH, E. P. JEWETT, and George C. SHEPARD. This bank was recharted with a capital of $75,000, in 1840, and again in 1853, with a capital of $100,000. The bank continued business until 1865.

      The Vermont bank was chartered in 1848, and organized in 1849, with a capital of $100,000. Its presidents were Hezekiah H. REED, George W. COLLAMER, Homer W. HEATON, E. H. PRENTICE, and Roderick RICHARDSON, and its cashier John A. PAGE. This bank closed up in 1864.

      The First National Bank of Montpelier was organized immediately on the closing of the Vermont bank, December 22, 1864, with a paid in capital of $200,000, which was increased to $250,000 the next month. J. A. PAGE, R. RICHARDSON, G. W. COLLAMER, S. BURBANK, J. T. THURSTON, Fred E. SMITH, and Charles DEWEY composed the first board of directors. J. W. ELLIS was elected a director in 1866, and P. P. PITKIN in 1870. J. A. PAGE was elected president, and has held the position continuously since then. The present board of directors consists of T. A. PAGE, Charles DEWEY, J. W. ELLIS, P. P. PITKIN, and Fred E. SMITH. The officers of the bank are J. A. PAGE, president; Charles DEWEY, vice-president; F. L. EATON, cashier; H. M. CUTLER, assistant cashier. The charter of the bank was extended in 1884 for a second period of twenty years. This bank has paid to its share-holders, in dividends, $264 on each share of $100, and has now a surplus fund of over $50,000.

      The Montpelier National bank succeeded the Bank of Montpelier, in 1865, and was organized under the national banking law, with a capital of $300,000. Its officers are James R. LANGDON, president, and E. D. BLACKWELL, cashier. October 5, 1887, this bank had a paid in capital of $250,000, a surplus fund of $60.000, and $29,239.62 undivided profits, with a contingent fund of $3,693.66.

      The Montpelier Savings Bank and Trust Company was incorporated in 1870, and organized in 1871, with $50,000 capital. Its deposits, July, 1887, amounted to $1,283,234. Its officers are Homer W. HEATON, president ; James W. BROCK, vice-president; and Albert W. FERRIN, treasurer. The trustees are Homer W. HEATON, James W. BROCK, Whitman G. FERRIN, L. Bart CROSS, and Dennis LANE (deceased).

      The banks of Montpelier have been managed by men of unusual financial ability, are second to none in the state, and have always been, without exception, perfectly sound and reliable.

      Vermont Mutual Fire Insurance Company. -- The people of Vermont are most fortunate in having within its borders an institution which has taken such high rank as the Vermont Mutual Fire Insurance Company. It was chartered in 1827, began business in 1828, and has had a most successful career for three-score years. During its existence the company has issued 265,706 policies insuring property to the amount of $296,877,674. There is now at risk $47,914,079. The capital, consisting of premium notes, is $3,540,643.98, and the number of policies in force nearly 40,000. The total amount of losses paid since the organization of the company is $3,508,508.89. The record of the Vermont Mutual is a proud one. Always paying its losses promptly, this company is held in high regard by the insuring public of the state, who appreciates its soundness, the economy of its management,. and upright and liberal. The company offers the safest, cheapest, and best insurance that can be procured, on every kind of insurable risk.

      The enormous business of the company, representing by its policy-holders' nearly two-thirds of the working population of the state, is an important factor of competition in the maintenance of a minimum rate of premium for the protection of property owners in Vermont against disaster by fire, and as such it is justly entitled to the liberal patronage that it receives. It surrenders to the insured their premium notes, when requested, on the payment of their proportion of losses to the date of expiration, transfer, or cancellation of the policy, thus obviating all liability of assessment after their insurance, from any cause, has terminated.  The company owns a substantial, brick building, costing $47,000, from which it derives a handsome rental. The officers of the company are men of  ??? reputation, all standing high in the community for their fidelity to trusts and  business capacity. They are is follows : Fred E. SMITH, president; Charles T. SABIN, (died December 24, 1888,) vice-president; James T. SABIN, secretary; H. N. TAPLIN, treasurer.

      The Union Mututal  Fire Insurance Company, of Montpelier was incorporated by an act of the legislature approved November 24, 1874. The company was organised during the following spring and sumner, and its first policy was issued July 28, 1875. It commenced its business in a very conservative manner, insuring small lines on the best class of property, and during the first two years of its business it issued only 1,194 policies and its entire expenditure for expenses, losses, and abatements for that period was only $9,093.32. It continued to gain very slowly for the first few years, but its business was so well placed in risks so carefully inspected, and its expenses kept so low, that the expense of insurance averaged lower than that of other companies; so commencing about  August 1, 1884, its business began rapidly to increase until now it has issued 11,600 policies, and has in force over $400,000 of premium notes and property insured to the amount of more than $6,00,000. The policy of the company from the commencement has been to take small lines on the best class of property; to carefully select and inspect its risks; to look with great scrutinity to the moral hazard; not to insure property for more than two-thirds of its cash value, and when losses occured to promptly settle with the assured and pay them the amount of their losses. During the fourteen years that the company has transacted business it has never had a claim litigated or arbitrated, but has always settled its losses promptly and liberally, to the satisfaction of both the company and its patrons. Its average assessment during the whole of this time has been but three and one-fourth per cent. on the amount of its premium notes. The company does no insurance business outside of the state, and therefore does not subject the company or its members to the danger of conflagrations of large cities. It is distinctively and purely a Vermont insurance company for the insurance of Vermont property, and furnishes to its patrons the safest and best kind of insurance at its actual cost. The present officers of the company are W. G. FERRIN, president; John H. SENTER, secretary; and Harlan W. KEMP, treasurer. The last two named have been associated together in the joint management of the company since November 1, 1885.

      The National Life Insurance Company has been in business over thirty-nine years, and ranks among the first of this character of institutions in the country for soundness, economy of management, and upright and liberal dealing with claimants and policy-holders, and in all that is creditable, reliable, and popular. The company was chartered in November, 1848, and began business in 1850. Its formation was largely due to the effort of Dr. Julius Y. DEWEY, who early became its president and manager, and continued to direct its affairs up to the time of his death, in 1877. The growth of this company has been a healthy one; it is careful in the selection of its risks ; favorable above many other companies in its rates ; prompt in adjusting claims, and it merits the confidence of the people. January 1, 1889, it had 16,850 policies in force, insuring $32,312,303, an increase of $7,389,979 over the amount in force the previous January. The assets of the National Life are over $5,000,000. The present management of the company is made up of the following well-known Vermonters: president, Charles DEWEY; vice-president, Edward DEWEY; secretary, George W. REED ; treasurer, J. C. HOUGHTON; assistant secretary, Osman D. CLARK ; medical director, A. B. BISBEE, M. D. Board of directors: Paul DILLINGHAM, Chares DEWEY, W. H. H. BINGHAM, George W. REED, Dudley C. DENISON, Frederick BILLINGS, Edward DEWEY, James C. HOUGHTON, Fred E. SMITH, Perley P. PITKIN, James T. PHELPS, Wheelock G. VEAZY, George BRIGGS. Of the above board of directors, ex-Gov. Paul DILLINGHAM has been in the directory since the organization of the company. President Charles DEWEY has been a director since 1851. Secretary George W. REED has held his office since the formation of the company.  The National Life issues all approved forms of policies. The "installment bond " plan of this company commends itself to the favor of the public, and this form of insurance has become an important feature of its business. This company insures only first-class lives in the northern states, as people living in this section are generally longer lived and freer from epidemics and scourge. This feature of its business is highly appreciated by patrons of the National Life, as it is far from equitable to insure people of the North and South on the same basis.

      In 1805 the legislature chartered a stock company which built a turnpike from Montpelier to Burlington. Up to 1830 the stock had not paid large dividends. The great freshets of that year had swept away all the bridges, and otherwise seriously damaged the road so much that the proprietors hesitated about repairing it. The brothers Thomas and Hezekiah REED, then enterprising young men of Montpelier, offered the sum of $10 per share for what originally cost $175, and their offer was accepted, whereupon they put the road in fine condition. About this time water communication was made between the Hudson river and Lake Champlain, by the completion of the canal, which threw a vast amount of teaming and travel onto the turnpike, and rendered it profitable to the Reeds. This also became a part of the great central mail route, stage line, and thoroughfare from Montreal to Boston. The fine coaches and superb teams of four and six horses, of Messrs. COTTRILL and DAY, created a sensation in every village, and were the admiration of the whole country.

      The Vermont Central railroad, by the terms of its charter, was obliged to pay the owners of the turnpike for their franchise. They compromised, took the turnpike, conducted it in their own interest, but abandoned it when the cars commenced running.

      The first advent of the railroad cars into Montpelier occurred July 4, 1849. J. W. HOBART, the present general manager of the Central Vermont railroad, was the conductor, and John DANFORTH, engineer. The train contained ten platform cars, each freighted with 100 barrels of flour. The acting station agent was Walter HINE, who was master of transportation. In the autumn of that year J. Edwards WRIGHT was appointed the first permanent station agent at Montpelier, and remained until August, 1851.

      Montpelier is at the terminus of a branch of a little more than a mile in length. Instead of passing all trains in and out over this branch, a small engine called the "Abigail Adams" runs to and from the junction; and while a small car was in process of construction, when business required it, a large one was used, and often the little "Abigail" was unequal to the task; then the conductor, baggage master, and engineer were compelled to aid by pushing the whole distance. This engine was found inadequate and was superseded by the "Flying Dutchman," a baggage and a first-class passenger car. James A. BOWERS, who is still an engineer for the company, for a time run the "Flying Dutchman." The Central Vermont depot at Montpelier is an elegant brick building, opposite the Pavilion, and was completed in 1880. The interior is divided into a spacious central hall, gentlemen's and ladies' room, and ticket office on one side, and baggage room and telegraph and express offices on the opposite side. The whole building is warmed by steam, and is surmounted with a lofty dome, in which is placed an illuminated clock that strikes the hours.

      The Montpelier & Wells River railroad ran its first through mail and passenger train November 30, 1873. Their depot in Montpelier is a fine brick structure.

      The Barre Branch railroad is operated by the Central Vermont railroad.

      In 1860 George B. REED, Esq., demonstrated the feasibility of bringing water into Montpelier from Berlin pond, by a preliminary survey, and measured distances and altitudes. The next step to be taken was to secure the right of way along the route, and possession of the water. This he failed to accomplish, and the enterprise slept the ensuing twelve years.

      In 1872 Samuel WELLS and Mahlon TAPLIN so agitated and advocated the necessity of an adequate supply of pure water for culinary, sanitary, and fire purposes, that the village appointed a committee to make further investigations, and gave them a year in which to make their final report. Mr. WELLS was placed at the head of the committee, and within the time had procured an adequate charter. The committee also made estimates of cost, and reported at the end of the year. All were convinced by the favorable report, but some advocated the use of substantial iron pipes, others less expensive cement pipes. This disagreement killed the enterprise and it rested another twelve years.

      Again, in 1883, the question came before the village, and December 17, of that year, the following named gentlemen were elected bailiffs, and instructed to complete the system of water supply: Ward No. 1, Morton MARVIN; No. 2, Joel FOSTER; No. 3, A. J. SIBLEY; No. 4, A. O. CUMMINS; No. 5, S. M. WALTON. The board of bailiffs elected Mr. FOSTER their chairman, and the work was pushed with such energy that it was completed the ensuing October. The sequel is that Montpelier has now a water supply which is unsurpassed by any in Vermont.

      Berlin pond has an area of 231 acres, and the reservoir, a little more than a mile down the stream, from the outlet of the pond, from which the main pipes are laid, contains an area of four acres, and is 364 feet above the village. The village completed its work by laying a main pipe of twelve inches in diameter, from the reservoir, from which water was carried into the houses of every one that desired it, and at a very moderate expense. The village has a system of hydrants, at convenient distances, and with the immense pressure of the great fall a fire of any extent has been unknown since the system has been inaugurated. The village found the supply of water largely in excess of the demand, for the purposes which it was originally designed, and the surplus has been rented to turn motors that drive light machinery. To encourage manufacturing, and produce revenue, the village has (in the season of 1888) laid another main pipe from the reservoir to the village, of twenty inches diameter, and many prophesy that in a little time the water works will pay all municipal expenses. The analysis of the water, by the state assayist of Massachusetts, shows it to be of unusual purity.

      Telegraph and Express. -- At the October session of the legislature in 1848 the Vermont and Boston telegraph was chartered, and, in connection with the CHENEY & Co. Express, an office was opened in the Central Vermont railroad depot the next year, where a successful business has since been conducted. These companies have been superseded by the American Express Company and the Western Union Telegraph Company, and are ably managed by their agent, H. W. DREW.

      Montpelier telephone exchange. -- During the winter of 1880-81 A. C. BROWNS invited the attention of the business men of Montpelier to the advantages to their business of a telephone. With the encouragement of only thirty-three subscribers, and with hopes that it would grow in favor, Mr. BROWN opened the exchange April 1, 1881. His list contains about 250 patrons and stations; his lines extend into twenty-seven different towns, and five different counties,, and contain about 400 miles of wire..

      Montpelier Gas Light Company was chartered by act of the legislature in the fall of 1853, and commenced business in the fall or winter of 1856. The streets were lighted during the sessions of the legislature only by thirty-two lamps, until 1880, when W. W. PARK, then a bailiff, brought the matter so forcibly before the people that they have had the streets regularly lighted since, and the lamps were increased to seventy-six, before they were superseded by electric lights in 1885.

      The Standard Light and Power Manufacturing Company is officered as follows : C. P. PITKIN, president; F. W. MORSE, secretary; E. D. BLACKWELL, treasurer. The other directors are D. G. KEMP, Thomas MARVIN, Hiram ATKINS, and A. J. SIBLEY. The company now lights the streets of Montpelier village with sixty-seven electric arc lights, and furnish individuals with 1,400 incandescent electric lights. They also light the streets of Barre with thirty-six arc lights from their dynamo on Winooski river.

      The Pavilion, opposite the passenger station of the Central Vermont railroad, is one of the finest hotels in Vermont. The house is heated by steam and lighted by arc and incandescent electric lights, and is in every way fitted in first-class style. J. S. VILES is the proprietor.

      The New Montpelier House, George WHEELER, proprietor, is located on State street, and in close proximity to the State House and Central Vermont passenger depot. This is one of the good hotels of New England. The house is heated by steam, and the rooms are comfortably furnished; it has the necessary appurtenances of closets, bath rooms, telephone, and livery. The table is good; the waiters polite and attentive.

      The Montpelier poor-house and farm is located in Berlin, on road 8. It has six inmates, who are comfortably clothed and kindly cared for by the present keeper, J. F. WOSTER, and ably assisted by his wife, Mrs. WOSTER.  Ed. M. IRISH is the efficient superintendent for the town. Their board is as good as that of well-to-do farmers. The inmates are expected to be cleanly and observe sanitary rules. On the whole they are made welcome, and feel that the house is their home.

      The pioneer settlers of Montpelier, as early as 1789, made provision for the education of their children by supporting a school taught by Jacob DAVIS, Jr., in a log house near Middlesex line, on the Winooski river. This was continued until 1791. During 1791 a school was kept by David WING, Jr., in Col. DAVIS's house. In the fall of 1794 the town was divided into six school districts. Since then schools have been regularly maintained.

      During 1794 a library association was formed at the center of the town, books purchased, and a circulating library established at the house of Gen. Parley Davis. Works of fiction and all religious books were excluded from this library. Their library contained about 200 volumes, and were treatises on philosophy and other sciences, history, biography, travels, and good morals. The first library established in the village was organized February 14, 1814, and was not so exclusive in character. Both libraries were in existence many years.

      In 1888 Montpelier had five common school districts and one union graded school district. These schools were taught by two male and sixteen female teachers, at an average weekly salary of $38.88 for the former and $7.67 for the latter. The whole number of scholars attending any school was 665, of whom ninety-two attended private schools. The amount raised by district taxes was $2,395.38; the entire income for school purposes was $6,799.46 while the whole amount expended for all school purposes was $7,226.27. Rev. Howard F. HILL was superintendent.

      The Montpelier Public Library association opened its rooms February 23, 1886, and offered to the public the use of about 4,000 carefully selected volumes. Their rooms are open Wednesday and Saturday afternoons and evenings throughout the year, and also from October 1 to April 1 on Monday evenings. The charges for cards, entitling the owner to the use of the library, are one dollar a year, or sixty cents for half a year, and to stockholders only half these rates. The trustees have made an effort to make the department of American history of special value. On their shelves may also be found biographies, travels, works on the sciences, fiction, juvenile literature, and many miscellaneous books. Their pleasant reading room is supplied with a variety of newspapers and magazines, entirely free to the public.

      Washington County Grammar and Montpelier Union Schools. -- Montpelier began its work of public instruction in 1789 or 1790. Its first school stood by the side of the river near the Middlesex line. In 1794 there existed six school districts. November 7, 1800, Hon. David WING procured an act incorporating the "Trustees of the Montpelier Academy." Moneys were raised by subscription. A two-story building, forty-four by thirty-six feet on the ground, was erected at the intersection of what is now Main and Spring streets, near the academy bridge. In 1813 the name of the academy was changed to Washington County Grammar School, and from October its trustees, as a county corporation, appropriated to its exclusive use the rents received from the grammar school lands in the county. In 1822 the first building was destroyed by fire. A new building was at once begun, and in the interim preceding completion a Mr. SHERARD supplied a classical school. The new school-house was built of brick, and cost $1,600, of which about $800 was also raised by subscription.

      The following gentlemen were the preceptors during the first period of the Academy's and Grammar School's career: James WHORTER, James DEAN, Joseph SILL, Benton PIXLEY, Ira HILL, Thomas HEALD, Justus W. FRENCH, Seneca WHITE, Heman ROOD, John STEVENS, Jonathan C. SOUTHMAYD, J. B. EASTMAN, Augustus R. WOOD, Aaron G. PEASE, J. H. MORSE, M. COLBURN, George W. CLARK, Davis STRONG, Horace HERRICK, J. E. GOODRICH, Charles KENT, and C. R. BALLARD. Joshua Y. VAIL was a temporary teacher in the. early days of the-school, and Robert HALE in its later days. Under J. C. SOUTHMAYD, who for twelve years exercised an able, influential preceptorship, and Aaron G. PEASE, thereafter professor, and president of the Vermont University, the County School reached a high point of efficiency, and had a good reputation through the state as a fitting school. DEAN and CLARK also became professors in the State University, and PIXLEY, FRENCH, WOOD, PEASE, and CLARK became clergymen.

      In 1858 philanthropic Hezekiah H. REED made the Grammar School a bequest of $1,000. Prompted by this bequest, the four districts of the town were united into a union school district, and with this the County School was joined by act of legislature. For these united schools a new building was constructed at the head of School street. The work, begun in the spring of 1858, was completed in the summer of 18S9, and cost $19,000. This. house is used to-day. It extends one hundred by forty-five feet, has a central projection in front, setting out twelve feet and thirty-three feet in extent, and rising to a height of three stories with the rest of the structure. The basement is of granite, the superstructure of brick, with cast-iron window caps. Each of its two lower floors contain four school-rooms, while its upper floor is finished off as a chapel for general exercises and public assemblies. This school was opened about September 1, 1859, under the principalship of M. M. MARSH. It then had about 400 pupils, taught by eight teachers. Subsequent principals were the following: 1862-71, Daniel D. GORHAM; 1872-74, C. W. WESTGATE; 1875-77, J. E. MILLER; 1878-79, A. W. BLAIR; 1880, W. W. PRESCOTT; 1881-83, H. R. BRACKETT; 1884-85, B. F. BROWN; 1886- , Joseph A. DE BOER, the present incumbent.

      The school to-day possesses practically the same system as that with which it begun in 1859. There are primary, intermediate, and higher grades, providing from first to last a preparation for the college. The school also possesses a library of about 3,000 volumes, and a laboratory for practical work in the physical sciences. Its enrollment in 1888 was 401; average enrollment, 349; percentage attendance on total enrollment, eighty; on average enrollment, ninety-two; percentage of tardiness, .67 of one per cent. Its graduates have found their way to Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, Vermont University, Middlebury, Amherst, Williams, Smith's, Tufts, and other colleges. A carefully taken school census at the beginning of 1889 showed that there were but eight pupils out of a local school population of 623 not in attendance upon school as provided by law. These figures testify to the healthful status of public opinion on educational matters, as well as point back to seventy-five years of prosperity on the part of Montpelier schools. Among its lady teachers, who have achieved a marked success, should be named. Elizabeth F. SWEET, since 1859, lacking three years, a teacher in the Union School, and Flora M. TERRILL, for ten years preceptress in the Grammar School. There are now ten teachers employed in the work, music, drawing, and temperance physiology having been added to the elementary studies. But there are evidences of an approaching time when the work of reconstruction and added building must again be considered, if convenient, appropriate, and proper provisions are to exist for all the children of Montpelier.

      The Vermont Methodist Seminary.-August 13, 1832, Capt. Alden. PARTRIDGE, of Norwich, and Hon. D. A. A. BUCK addressed the New Hampshire and Vermont conference, then in session at Lyndon, Vermont, on the subject of a literary institution within its borders. After the addresses the conference appointed a committee, of which Solomon SIAS was chairman, to take into consideration the subject referred to. The committee reported that “in their opinion the time had come for the conference to extend its patronage to a literary institution within its borders," and recommended that "a committee of seven be appointed to entertain propositions for locating this literary and scientific institution, with power to make contracts and enter into any arrangements necessary to carry the contemplated object into effect." After hearing the claims of Norwich, Chelsea, and Newbury the committee finally selected Newbury. because of its central and very desirable; location; and because the town had raised the sum of money stipulated, viz. $6,000. Newbury Seminary was chartered in November, 1833. Funds were solicited by the first treasurer, Timothy MORSE, and the buildings erected under his direct supervision, though the plans were made by Rev. Wilbur FISKE, of, sainted memory. The school opened in September, 1834, with Rev. Charles ADAMS, now D. D., of Chicago, as principal; Rev. 0. C. BAKER, afterward bishop of the M. E. church, as assistant; and Miss Elsey FRENCH, now Mrs. Joel COOPER, of Iowa, preceptress. Thus was founded what is now the Vermont Methodist Seminary. A brief sketch of the school while at Newbury maybe of interest. During the five years of Dr. ADAMS's administration the attendance increased from 122 to 326, and the school enjoyed a high degree of general prosperity. It is pleasant to note that in 1884, the year of the semi-centennial celebration, Dr. ADAMS and Mrs. COOPER were both still living.

      In 1839 Dr. ADAMS was succeeded by Rev. O. C. BAKER, who also remained at the head of the school for five years. The prosperity attending the first administration was even more marked in his. In addition to other work he organized and taught a class in systematic theology. Later this developed into the Newbury Biblical Institute, which in 1846 was removed to Concord, N. H., and is now the School of Theology of Boston University. It may be said that very few men have ever wielded as strong an influence over their students as did Bishop BAKER over the young men and women at Newbury during his ten years of service there as teacher and principal. In 1844 Bishop BAKER resigned to enter the pastorate. Rev. Clark T. HINMAN, afterward the founder of the Northwestern University, at Evanston, Ill., was in charge of the seminary for the next two years. In 1848-54 the institution was under the management of Rev. Joseph E. KING, who for the past thirty-four years has been principal of the Fort Edward (N. Y.) Collegiate Institute. His administration may be styled among the most brilliant and successful in the history of the school. One very important measure of that period was the founding of the Female Collegiate Institute, chartered November 12, 1849. Its object was the higher education of young women, while one of the effects was largely to increase the attendance of ladies. During the twenty-eight years of its existence more than 200 have been graduated, among whom were some of the strongest and noblest young women of this portion of New England. The principals for the remaining fourteen years at Newbury in their order were Prof. Henry S. NOYES, Dr. C. W. CUSHING, Rev. Fennor E. KING, Rev. George C. SMITH, for the past twenty-three years principal of Drew Ladies Seminary, Carmel, New York, Rev. S. E. QUIMBY, and Rev. S. F. CHESTER.

      About 1845 there was established the Springfield Wesleyan Seminary, at Springfield, Vt. This was for some time quite a rival of Newbury, but for various reasons could hardly be called its equal. Until 1844 Newbury was central for the whole conference. But at that time that portion of the New Hampshire conference lying within this state was set off as the Vermont conference. In 1860 the Burlington and St. Albans districts were joined to this conference. The changes in conference boundaries left Newbury Seminary at the extreme eastern side of its patronizing territory. Springfield was no more fortunate. Moreover, funds were needed to repair the old buildings or build new ones. To many members of the conference, and to the trustees of Newbury and Springfield seminaries, this seemed the opportune moment for a union and a change to a more central location. After a spirited canvass of the advantages offered by Newbury, West Randolph, Northfield, Waterbury, and Montpelier, the last named place was selected. To the enterprise the town contributed for a location the fine plateau formerly occupied by the U. S. hospital. Certainly no more beautiful, healthful, or suitable location, could have been desired.

      A charter for the Vermont Conference Seminary and Female College was secured November 6, 1865, and in the autumn of 1868 the school was moved to Montpelier. The boarding-house furnishings and school apparatus were removed here from Newbury; and the funds from the sale of the property at Springfield were also contributed to the school in its new location. Thus by mutual consent the two were merged into the Vermont Conference Seminary and Female College at Montpelier. Prof. S. F. CHESTER, and most of his assistants, came with the school from Newbury.

      The principals at Montpelier were: 1868-70, Rev. S. F. CHESTER; 1870-72, Rev. C. W. WILDER; 1872-74, Rev. J. C. W. COXE; 1874-76, Rev. L. WHITE; 1876-82, Rev. J. B. SOUTHWORTH; and since March, 1882, the writer, Rev. E. A. BISHOP.

      In 1872 the seminary edifice was completed and opened for use. It is a substantial four-story brick structure, 115 feet long by sixty-five feet wide, and is admirably adapted for school purposes. The boarding-house is a three-story frame building, 140 feet long, with three ells 120 feet long, accommodating about 140 persons. The two self-boarding-houses are two-story frame structures, 120 feet long, and with accommodations for about twenty-five persons each. The buildings are all lighted by electricity.

      From 1876 to 1882 the seminary was in private hands. During this time little or nothing was done to strengthen it financially; but in April, 1882, the trustees made Rev. J. D. BEEMAN the president and financial manager. In the next five years over $30,000 in annuities was raised, and a permanent scholarship fund of about $15,000. The permanent endowment fund solicited by Noah GRANGER has grown to over $40,000, with nearly $25,000 paid in and invested.

      During the past six or seven years the school has been rapidly approaching the "palmy days of Newbury." Thus far this year the average attendance has been 215. Special attention has been devoted to the music and art departments, until they are second to none in Northern New England. In 1885 there was placed in the chapel a two-manual pipe organ of twenty-one registers. A fine cabinet and a good school library are among other improvements.

      The seminary seeks for thorough intellectual, social, and religious training of her pupils. As evidence that the intellect is well trained, it might be mentioned that the best New England colleges admit her graduates without examination. The gentlemanly and lady-like deportment of the students is full proof that their social natures are not neglected. Lastly, while the institution is not sectarian, there is reason for deep gratitude that in the past seven years about 200 have here begun a Christian life. A Christian education has ever been the aim of the school, the end being moral development and a pure religions life, as well as accurate scholarship and refinement of manners.

      The following is from the pen of Hon. E. P. Walton, in Miss Hemenway's Gazetteer: 

      House and grounds are handsome and attractive. The Capitol building is a fine specimen of Grecian architecture. It occupies a commanding site, and with its towering walls, huge dome, and massive Doric columns of white Barre granite, presents an imposing appearance. This model of a Greek cross is set in a beautiful park with sloping lawns and rounded terraces reaching to the street: A wide flight of granite steps lead to the lofty portico, where a heroic-sized marble statue of Gen. Ethan ALLEN stands a silent guardian at the portal of the main corridor. The State House has a frontage of 177 feet, and is surmounted by a dome and cupola fifty-six feet high -- making the statue of Agriculture which crowns the edifice 129 feet above the ground. Representatives' Hall contains seats for 240 members, and the Senate Chamber seats thirty senators. The Capitol contains a fine cabinet of mineralogy and natural history, a valuable library of 26,000 volumes without duplicates, and the usual offices for state officials. The battle flags of the Vermont troops in the war for the Union are carefully preserved in cases in the corridors, and in the executive chamber hangs a splendid painting of the "Battle of Cedar Creek," executed by Julian SCOTT, of the Fourth Vermont Volunteers. It was purchased by the state for $10,000. A building erected in 1885-86, for the state library and the use of the Supreme Court and historical society, forms an annex to the State House. It is built of granite, seventy-four feet long, forty-eight feet wide, and two stories high. The wing projects fifty feet beyond the west wall of the Capitol and fronts on State street.

Gazetteer Of Washington County, Vt. 1783-1899, 
Compiled and Published by Hamilton Child,
Edited By William Adams.
The Syracuse Journal Company, Printers and Binders.
Syracuse, N. Y.; April, 1889.
Pages 320-345

Transcribed by Karima Allison, 2003