The first meeting of the proprietors to organize the company was held even years after the date of the charter, and is on record as follows:

"At a meeting of the Proprietors of the Township of Duxbury on Onion River in the Province of New York, legally warned in the public News-Papers, holden at the Dwelling-House of Samuel CANFIELD Esq. in New Milford in Connecticut on Thursday the tenth Day of May Anno Domini One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-Proceeded as followeth, (Viz) Voted 1st. Mr. Partridge THATCHES Esq. of New Milford to be Moderator of said Meeting. "Voted 2d. Samuel AVERILL of Kent to be clerk of said Township. "Voted 3d. To Lay out said Township and to Lot out one Division of One hundred acres to Each Right. "Voted 4th. That Samuel AVERILL should be a Committee man or Agent to Agree with two Surveyors and a sufficient Number of Chain Bearers to do said Business. "Voted 5th. To Lay a Tax of three Dollars on Each Right to Defray the Charges of Laying out said Township. "Voted 6th. Adjourned unto the forth Tuesday of September Next unto the Dwelling house of Samuel AVERILL in Kent. "On Tuesday ye 25th Day of September, A. D. 1770 met according to adjournment, the meeting being opened was adjourned to house of Capt. John ROBINSON of Newark, in the Province of New Jersey to Thursday the 25th Day of October Next, at one of the Clock in the afternoon."

      In the summer of 1770 Jedediah HUBBELL, with eight assistants, surveyed the township and laid out the first division of lots, and made the following report: --

"A survey of the Township of Duxbury a Township Lately Granted by his Excellency Benning WENTWORTH Esq'r Governor of the Province of New Hampshire &c.      "Beginning at the Eastward Corner of the Township of New Huntington on the south west Bank of Onion River, thence Running south west by said Township six miles, to the south Corner of said township, thence running south eastward a Line Parallel to Onion River, Six miles, then North east Six miles to the Bank of Onion River, then by and with the Bank of said River to the first mentioned Station, and on Each of said Lines Marked Trees at one Mile Distance from Each, other, with the Number of Miles on said Trees. And then we proceeded to Lay out one Division of Hundred acre Lots (Viz) Seventy Two Hundred acre Lots Lying in Length from S Southeast to Northwest Two Hundred Rods and in Width from Northeast to South West Eighty Rods, the first Lot Lying in the North Corner of said Township, and Twenty Four Lots, Buting on the North West Line of Said Township for the First Tier of Lots, and between the first and Second Tier of Lots we Laid out on Highway Six Rods Wide Extending through said Township and the second Tier of Lots Begins on the South West Line of .Said Township,-with Number Twenty Five, and Continues in Succession of Numbers to the River, and between the Second and third Tier of Lots we Laid out an Highway extending through the Township of Six Rods Wide, and Butted the third Tier of Lots on Said Highway, beginning with Number Forty Nine Extending South West in Succession of Numbers, to Number Seventy Two on the South West Line of Said Township, and also Laid out a Cross Highway through Said three Tiers of Lots Six Rods wide in the Centre of said Tiers -- the above Work was Done and Completed June ye 5th A. D. 1770 with the assistance of Messrs. Moses CRANE, John RANGER, Samuel FROST, Nathan PRICE, Charles TOWNSED, Caleb BALL, Jonathan WILKERSON, and Samuel FILER. "By Jedediah HUBBELL Surveyor of Land." Recorded by "Samuel AVERILL Jun'r, Register."

      The proprietors met in Newark, N. J., pursuant to adjournment, at the house of Capt. John ROBINSON, in November, 1770, accepted the surveyor's report, and each proprietor drew his lot or "right."

      Charters of Duxbury, Waterbury, Middlesex, and Moretown bear date the same month, and that of Middlesex contains some names of the Duxbury syndicate. The two companies were organized at the house of Samuel CANFIELD, at the same date, in New Milford, Mass., and Partridge THATCHER, of that town, and Samuel AVERILL, of Kent, were respectively moderator and clerk of the two organizations. Later, Partridge THATCHER assisted in the survey of Waterbury. Besides many familiar Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey names, there appears in the Duxbury list that of Col. John WENTWORTH, of New Hampshire, the brother of the Governor, and numerous New York Dutch Knickerbocker names, -- Philip SCHUYLER, Hon. Richard WEBART, Abram GOVERNEUR, Hendrick VAN GESSEN, and one lady, Ann VAN WYKE, and several others.

      During the French and Indian war the soldiers from Massachusetts and Connecticut passed through the fertile valleys of the Connecticut and Winooski rivers on their route to and from the seat of war, and at the close of that war the tide of emigration rushed to these rich and desirable locations, from these older colonies, and surpassed all that was ever before witnessed. It is said of Governor WENTWORTH that "He did not let slip the golden opportunity of filling his coffers." "In every township granted to petitioners, five hundred acres of land were reserved for the Governor, without fees or charges, and he was well rewarded by petitioners for his services." The Governor's specific lands were located in the charter, and he secured the best 500 acres, in a body, in each town. In these old proprietors' records we get a glimpse of the controversy between New York and New Hampshire concerning the ownership and jurisdiction of the Green Mountain territory. While the proprietors received their charter of 1763, which described Duxbury territory as being under the jurisdiction of New Hampshire, yet in their first record and organization they described it as "On Union River in the Province of New York." Vermont, however, during the confederation, assumed to govern herself, and became a state of the Union in 1791.

      The next meeting of the proprietors was held April 13, 1773, at the house of Samuel AVERILL, in Kent, Mass., where they found that the amount voted to defray expenses of surveying, at the first meeting held at the house of Samuel CANFIELD, May 10, 1770, exceeded the amount required by about half a dollar on each right.

"Whereupon we vote to Lay a Tax of two Dollars and half, one Dollar on each Right in Lieu of said Former Tax amounting to 170 Dollars." "Elected Samuel AVERILL assessor, with instructions to proceed and assess the proprietors of the township agreeable to a Certain act or Law of the Province of New Hampshire, in such case made and Provided. Samuel AVERILL, Jun'r, was chosen collector, and the meeting adjourned to the second Tuesday of May following."

     The first deed of land in Duxbury, after the charter, was executed by Samuel AVERILL, Jr., collector of taxes, to Partridge THATCHER, conveying nine full rights or shares in the township for non-payment of taxes, "in consideration of the sum of Nine Pounds Eighteen Shillings New York money," dated May 30, 1774.

      The first meeting of the proprietors in Vermont was held at Bennington, March 26, 1784. The next meeting of which we find a record was warned by William COIT, justice of the peace, of Burlington, notifying the proprietors to meet at the house of Walter AVERY, in Duxbury, July 31, 1795. The meeting was covened according to notice. Walter AVERY was moderator and Daniel KENNON was chosen proprietors' clerk; both were residents of Duxbury. All subsequent meetings were held in Duxbury. The last one was held July 26, 1798. The proprietors found it necessary to resurvey the entire township, and several tax sales occurred, to raise the funds to pay for surveying. The following are among the items of expense: --

Sept. 15, 1795.    To Walter AVERY, 8 days, as supt    $ 8.00     "      "       "         To provisions for the hands     15.17     "      "        "        To 6 1/2 gallons of rum, $2 per gal.    13.00     "      "        "        To Roswell WELLS, for 22 days board, 25c  5.50     "      "        "        To cash paid for rum      5.08     "      "        "         To Jesse ARMS, for 4 days work, $1 per day   4 00     "      "        "         To      "        "   5lbs. butter 12 1/2c      62 1/2     "      "        "         To      "        "   1 qt. rum 50c., and 30 lbs. bread $2 ... 2.50

      This town was probably named after Duxbury, Mass., which was a duplicate of Duxbury, England. In old Saxon, "Bury" signifies a fortification, or fortified place, and Dux, or duke, meaning a chieftain or leader. Hence Duke's fort, or Duxbury.

      The surface of the town is decidedly mountainous; so much so that not more than one-half of its area is fit for cultivation. The settled portion of the town lies along the Winooski river, which includes the most valuable part. CLARK's, CROSSETT's, and WARD's hills embrace many productive farms, and extend across the eastern border of the town; and the valley, elevated more than a thousand feet above the Winooski river, lies between the mountains along Ridley's brook, and bears the significant name of "Hardscrabble." The remainder of the town is comprised in the mountain district and mainly covered with forest.

      The geological formations of Duxbury are gneiss underlaying about one-third of the town in the western part, with talcose schist in the remaining part. There is a small outcrop of steatite in the southeastern part. On a line of this strata north from this one near the town line of Duxbury and Moretown are several small outcrops of steatite in connection with serpentine. In one case the steatite was found interstratified with talcose slate. If we are not mistaken this deposit is on lands owned by Deavitt BROTHERS. It is near the highway, and in or near the northwest corner of Moretown. An opening of the quarry has been made and soapstone taken out twenty-five feet in length, twelve feet wide, and about ten feet deep. The stone removed was very pure. The enterprise was abandoned. At the north it passes into a sparry serpentine, and at the south into chlorite.

      Camel's Hump is situated on the line that divides Duxbury from Huntington, and next to Mt. Mansfield, in Stowe, is the most elevated peak of the Green Mountains. Its height above the sea has been computed to be 4,188 feet. It is the most conspicuous and best defined mountain in Vermont, and is clearly seen from the whole valley of Lake Champlain, and from most parts of Washington county. The ascent is usually made from the Duxbury side. 

      Samuel RIDLEY, Jr., who kept a hotel at Ridley's Station, in stage coach days, built a carriage road to within three miles of the summit, and a bridle road to near the dizzy peak, and a house at this terminus for the entertainment of those who made the ascent. Mr. WELLS and his worthy wife, Mary L. (ARMS) WELLS, conducted it for some time, and were its last proprietors. The house has been burned, and the road is not kept in good condition. Of Camel's Hump, and the high and secluded valley of Hardscrabble at its foot, F. T. WALLACE, a native of Duxbury, in a communication to the Rural Vermonter, says: 

"It is the scene of Daniel P. Thompson's famous novel, May Martin, or the Money Diggers. About 1824 a few wise men, inspired by some gifted Witch of Endor, who could discern money in a mountain by looking into a hat or a millstone, pitched their cabin under the awful southern cliff Of the Hump, and for a season professed to dig for hidden treasure -- Kidd's, of course. There are many now living (1886) who remember the excitement in the surrounding regions caused by the eccentricities and mystery of the ‘Money Diggers,' who answered to the names of CLOGSTON, SHACKFORD, FRIEZELL, and EASTMAN. The latter was the recognized gallant of the party. If May Martin was purely an imaginary heroine of the novel, and not one of the many bright and vivacious girls of Hardscrabble, certainly the historical evidence of the reality of the ‘Money Diggers' remains to this day in their several unpaid board bills in that neighborhood."

      The rocky caverns of Camel's Hump in the early days of the settlement of Duxbury were the home for the bears, and "Honest John," or "Bear John Kennedy," as he was designated to distinguish him from relatives of the same name, a pioneer and famous hunter, killed upwards of eighty bears in this vicinity.

      Duxbury is watered by the Winooski river, which separates it from Waterbury and Bolton, and numerous brooks and springs that have their source in the mountains. Among the largest are Ridley's brook, which drains the valley of Hardscrabble, runs in a northerly direction, and enters the Winooski river at Ridley's Station; Munson's brook rises high up the mountain near the lumber region known as Dowsville, takes an eastern course through the neighborhood and the little hamlet of South Duxbury, enters Moretown, and unites with Mad river about half a mile above Moretown village. There are two considerable streams that rise in the middle of the east side of the town and flow north into the Winooski river at the northeast corner of the town.

      The first settlement was made by Walter AVERY and Stephen TILDEN, about 1786, who were soon after followed by Benjamin DAVIS, John MORSE, Samuel RIDLEY, Sr., Josiah TOWLE, Daniel KENNON, Jeremiah BRYANT, Isaiah HUNTLEY, Jesse ARMS, Curwin WALLACE, and Ebenezer CORSE. Mr. KENNON built a house of hewn timber, and of immense size, which had the sobriquet of "Old Fort," on account of its invulnerable appearance, or because of the hospitality of its owner, who never turned the wayfarer from his door.

      The first town meeting was held at the house of Walter AVERY, March 26, 1792.

"The meeting opened according to the time and place Mentioned in the warning; Chose Walter AVERY, Moderator; Chose Walter AVERY, Town Clerk; Chose Daniel KENNON, John MORSE, and Stephen TILDEN, Selectmen; Chose Daniel KENNON, Town Treasurer; Chose Walter AVERY, Asa JOHNSON, and John MORSE, Listers; Chose Walter AVERY, Constable; Chose Jeremiah BRYANT and George SHEPARD, Highway-Surveyors."

      The town was first represented in the state legislature by Benjamin DAVIS, in 1794. The first proprietors' clerk was Samuel AVERILL, of Kent, Mass. Walter AVERT, the first town clerk, held the office one year, then Daniel KENNON was clerk four years, Joseph NASH five years, Jesse ARMS eleven years, Ebenezer CORSE one year, Joseph NASH two years, James SOMERVILLE one year, Pliny NASH one year, Calvin HUNTLEY two years, Ira ARMS twenty-five years, Nathan HUNTLEY ten years, Isaiah HUNTLEY sixteen years, and the present incumbent, Eber W. HUNTLEY, has held the position the last seventeen years.

      The first birth in town on record is that of Lucy, daughter of Jeremiah and Lucy BRYANT, born September 9, 1791. The second is that of George, son of Daniel KENNON, born November 9, 1792.

      School districts No's 1 and 2 were formed at the annual town meeting, held the first Tuesday in March, 1796. Jesse ARMS's mark on his creatures was entered on record August 1, 1795, and is a square crop off the left ear. Daniel KENNON's, entered September 4, 1795, is a half crop off the left ear. Joseph NASH's mark, entered on record September 4, 1798, is a swallow's tail in the left ear. Jason CROSSETT owned and run the first and only distillery in town.

      In 1791 Duxbury had a population of thirty-nine souls. In 1880 it contained a population of 884. In 1888 the town had eight school districts, and maintained a school in all of them, taught by two male and fifteen female teachers, at an average weekly salary, including board, of $4.78. The whole number of scholars who attended any school was 214, of whom twelve attended private schools. The entire income for all school purposes was $1,124.46, while the whole amount expended was $1,159.08, with A. A. LEWIS, superintendent.

      Duxbury has no villages, and but one postoffice, which was established soon after the advent of the railroad.

      NORTH DUXBURY (p. o.) is a small hamlet and railroad station (Ridley's) situated at the mouth of Ridley's brook, in the northwestern part of the town. It is the location of W. R. ELLIOTT's saw-mills and box factory, and also the "Ridley" mills, owned by E. S. WHITE.

      SOUTH DUXBURY is a pleasant hamlet near the corner of Waitsfield and Moretown, and contains the only church edifice in the township.

      Duxbury can justly be proud of her war record. " Its cemeteries are the final resting places of a few soldiers of the Revolution, and of many of the volunteer militia company of the town that served at Plattsburgh in the War 1812, under the immediate command of Captain Isaac SMALLEY, in the regiment of Colonel James SMALLEY, and in the brigade of General John PECK, of Waterbury." Her patriotic citizens nobly responded to her country's call for aid, to the number of 150, in the late war for our Union, and the town as readily seconded the efforts of her soldiers by handing to the support of this sanguinary struggle the sum of $10,000.

      William R. ELLIOTT's saw-mill, and clapboard, dressing, and boxmaking-mills are located at North Duxbury. The saw-mill was first built by Moses SHURTLEFF, thirty-four or thirty-five years ago. When the property came into the hands of Mr. ELLIOTT he rebuilt it, and built a mill below it on the stream for the purpose of dressing lumber. In 1885 this building was burned and a new one built within a month. Mr. ELLIOTT manufactures boxes, dresses lumber, and saws out from 1,000,000 to 1,300,000 feet of clapboards annually. He also buys and sells lumber. He employs a force of eighteen or twenty men.

      John B. PHILLIPS's circular saw-mill was erected on the site of the George HILL’s saw-mill, which was built about thirty-five years ago. The present mill has a capacity for sawing from 100,000 to 300,000 feet of lumber per year.

      B.L. WHITE's saw-mill is situated on the brook at Ridley's Station, North Duxbury. It was built by Samuel RIDLEY before the completion of the Central Vermont railroad. At first it contained only an "up and down" saw. Later Mr. RIDLEY put in a circular saw, and fitted the mill to saw dimension lumber. After the death of Mr. RIDLEY his sons transferred the property to the Winooski Lumber Co. In 1885 Mr. WHITE bought it, with 1,300 acres of timberland, and is now manufacturing and dealing in all kinds of lumber, with dimension lumber a specialty. He is giving employment to an average of fifteen men, and turns out about 500,000 feet of lumber per year.

      A.A. LEWIS's cider and provender-mills are located about half way between North Duxbury and Waterbury villages. Mr. LEWIS built the buildings in 1884, and used them for manufacturing cider and apple jelly. In the winter of 1888 he added a steam engine, and now manufactures cider and grinds provender.

      J.A. & L.J. DURKEE's steam saw-mill was built by the firm in 1882, for the manufacture of barrel staves, shingles, and clapboards. In 1883 this building was consumed by fire, and in about six weeks their present mill was built and in operation. The mill requires a force of six or seven men, besides about a dozen men in the woods.

      J.A. DURKEE is also proprietor of a circular saw-mill where he employs five men in sawing dimension lumber. This property Mr. DURKEE bought in 1875. The site had been used for mills about forty years. Mr. DURKEE rebuilt and put in a circular saw, and is now doing quite a business.

      H.O. WARDS saw and clapboard-mills occupy the site of a saw-mill built some forty years ago. Mr. WARD became the proprietor of the property in 1874, put in a circular saw, and in 1884 added the clapboard-mill. He now manufactures about 1,000.000 feet of lumber annually. Mr. WARD also manufactures packing boxes in his box-mill at Moretown.

      Eber W. HUNTLEY's saw-mill is located on the site of the first mill built in the town. About sixty-five or seventy years ago W. E. CORSE built the first mill on this site. It had an upright saw, run by the old style undershot water-wheel. This property remained in the hands of Mr. CORSE until October 27, 1867, when it became the property of D. E. FARRAND, who placed in it one of Lane's circular mills and an improved water-wheel. Mr. FARRAND sold it to George B. WRISLEY in 1871, and Mr. WRISLEY conveyed it to Samuel S. FOSTER in 1872. In the fall of 1886 the mill was consumed by fire, and Mr. FOSTER sold the site and grounds to Mr. HUNTLEY, who built the present mill on the old site. Mr. HUNTLEY is doing a good business in dressed lumber, chair stock, and hard wood flooring He employs seven or eight men, and his output is about 500,000 feet per year.

      James E. CROSSETT's saw-mill is on the site of a mill built by his father, and was first furnished with the old style upright saw. This was changed to a muley mill, and ten years later again changed and a circular saw took the place. Mr. CROSSETT is engaged in manufacturing dimension lumber to order, and converts the hard wood into plank for manufacturers, and into lumber for chair stock. He employs ten men, and turns out about 400,000 feet of lumber of all kinds annually.

      Jesse ARMS, born in Greenfield, Mass., in 1772, married Lucretia CRAIG, of Windsor, Vt., about 1796. The first book of records for Duxbury shows that he was here as early as May 22, 1794, when Walter AVERY conveyed to him, by deed, 116 acres of land in the northeast corner of the township, the same being a part of the governor's right. He was one of the prominent early settlers of the town, and quite an extensive land owner, having purchased several of the original proprietors' rights at tax sales. He died in Duxbury, May 16, 1848. The children of Jesse and Lucretia (CRAIG) ARMS were Ira; Orrin, born about 1800; Charles C., born in April, 1802, who was a successful physician, and settled in Waterbury, where he practiced his profession until he died of consumption (the scourge of the family) in 1854; Lucretia, born in 1804, who married Dr. O. W. DREW, and died of consumption in 1836; Albert, who resides in Kalamazoo, Mich.; Emily, who died in Wisconsin; Laura (Mrs. T. KENDALL), who resides in Janesville, Wis.; Esther (Mrs. W. WELLS), who is a widow in Wisconsin; Alonzo, who went West, married, entered the Union army, and died serving his country; Ambrose, who died in Chicago; and Jesse, Jr., who went West, residence unknown.

      Deacon Ira ARMS was born in Duxbury, April 30, 1798, and resided in his native town until his death. He married Permele ATHERTON, of Duxbury, who bore him five children, viz.: Curtis N., born in December, 1821, has been, an enterprising merchant, and resides in Waterbury; Philo, born in June, 1824, died in April, 1877 ; George C., born in March, 1827, is a marble dealer in Bristol, Conn.; Mary L., born in January, 1830; and Lucretia D., born in September, 1834, died in April, 1856. Dea. ARMS died in April, 1862. Mrs. ARMS survives at the great age of eighty-nine years, and is the oldest woman now living in Duxbury. She and her daughter, Mrs. Mary L. WELLS, reside on the old homestead. Dea. ARMS was a highly influential man in both church and town affairs. He had the entire confidence of all who knew him, and was universally esteemed and respected. He was a consistent Christian gentleman, a deacon of the Congregational church for years, was town clerk and treasurer twenty-five years, and justice of the peace quite as long.

      Curwin WALLACE, born in Lunenburg, Mass., April 22, 1759, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He married Thankful BENNETT, of Leominster, Mass., in 1781, and settled, first, in Massachusetts, whence he removed to Fitzwilliam, N. H., and finally settled in Duxbury in 1793, on the farm now owned by Sheriff ATHERTON. This farm was then an uncultivated wilderness. He built a log cabin and spent his active life on his farm. He was a leader in town affairs, and represented Duxbury in the legislature several sessions. He died November 3, 1833. Mrs. WALLACE survived until January 3, 1845. They reared six children to maturity. Their son Frederick, born September 24, 1787, married Sylvia, daughter of Amasa MARSHALL, and settled on the homestead with his father, where he spent most of his active life. Ultimately he removed to Waterbury, where he died in April, 1873. Their children are Julia (Mrs. S. C. HUTCHINS), a poetess of considerable merit; Frederick T., a lawyer in Cleveland, Ohio, who has filled important positions; and William, a farmer in Duxbury.

      Edward CROSSETT, born in Ireland, July 25, 1749, married Elizabeth ALLEN, February 24, 1774, who was born in Killingby, July 25, 1754, and they commenced housekeeping April 12, 1774. They emigrated to America and eventually settled in Duxbury, and resided on the farm now owned by B. N. PHILLIPS. About 1827 they removed to Crossett hill, where Mr. CROSSETT cleared a large farm and reared his nine children. His son James was born on the first named place November 12, 1823, and at the age of twenty-one years married Miss Euretta CROSBY, of Duxbury. This union was blessed with two children. Mrs. CROSSETT died August 15, 1878. Mr. CROSSETT now resides with his son James E. He has been an active and energetic business man, has been an extensive lumberman, and one of the best farmers in town. He filled most of the offices of responsibility in the gift of his townsmen, has served as selectman a number of years, justice of the peace forty years, represented Duxbury in the legislature of 1855, '56, '57, and was associate judge of Washington County Court two years. His children are Menta J. (Mrs. E. W. HUNTLEY) and James E., before mentioned. The latter married Mary J. MCMULLEN, and they have one child, Tenia May, born December 10, 1876. Mr. CROSSETT is now one of the board of selectmen, and an influential man in society ant town affairs. He is engaged largely in the lumber business.

      Rev. Nathan HUNTLEY, son of Isaiah, was born in Marlow, N.H., about 1782. He married Eunice WAY, and first settled in Middlesex, where he organized a religious society commonly called Elder Huntley's church, which in belief and form of worship was nearest that of the Freewill Baptist. Elder HUNTLEY preached regularly to his church until about 1819, when he removed to a farm in this town, and occasionally preached. He became a prominent citizen of Duxbury, was its representative in three sessions of the legislature, and held most of the town offices. About 1824 he built a hotel and was its proprietor a few years. Elder HUNTLEY died in June, 1858.

      Isaiah HUNTLEY, son of Nathan and Eunice (WAY) HUNTLEY, was born in Middlesex, June 19, 1806. About 1819 his father removed to Duxbury and settled on a farm in "Duxbury Corner." At the death of his father Isaiah came into possession of his father's property, and now resides on road 19, near where his father first settled. Mr. HUNTLEY has been honest and straightforward. He possessed sound judgment and his counsel has been often sought by his neighbors. He has filled the important offices of the town -- was town clerk and treasurer fifteen years, represented the town in the legislature of 1861, and has served as selectman a number of years. He is now living a retired life and is universally respected. January 25, 1831, he married Paulina CORSE, who has borne him three children, of whom Mrs. Joseph SOMERVILLE, of Waterbury, is the only one now living.

      Adonijah ATHERTON was born in Greenfield, Mass., April 4, 1775. He married Polly CHAMBERLAIN, of Dunham, Conn., October 16, 1796, and emigrated to Moretown, Vt. He removed from Moretown to Duxbury in 1803 and here resided the remainder of his life. He died December 31, 1858. Mrs. ATHERTON died September 30, 1863, aged eighty-eight years. Mr. ATHERTON was a man of good native ability, a great reader, and a safe counselor. He was one of the most prominent early settlers, and held many positions of responsibility and trust. His children who grew to maturity were Permele, born February 24, 1800, who married Ira ARMS, February 5, 1821, and still survives; Chloe, born June 24, 1804; Asenath, born September 30, 1807; Samuel B., born January 16, 1809; Alpha A., born July 31, 1812; Asa C., born November 2, 1814; Abner Newton, born April 6, 1816; and Charles C., born April 25, 1819. Samuel B. ATHERTON married Mary STRAW, settled on a farm in the southern part of the town, and died in 1861. Alpha A. married and settled in Waterbury. He was a cabinetmaker and dealer in furniture many years. In 1885 he retired from business, and now resides with his son at Essex Junction. Asa C. died July 12, 1836. A. Newton ATHERTON married Mary HENRY, of Waterbury, in 1842, and settled on a fine farm on Winooski river, but has since removed to Waterbury village. His son Frank H. is a highly respected citizen of Washington county, has held the position of sheriff for six years, and has been reelected for another term. Charles C. married Emeline SPRAGUE, was a farmer in his native town, and died November 8, 1846.

      Rev. Calvin HUNTLEY, son of Isaiah, was born in Marlow, N. H., August 11, 1780. He married Elizabeth MILLER, November 4, 1804, and removed to Duxbury soon after, settling first on Ward's hill, and subsequently on the farm now owned by Martin L. HENRY. He cleared it mainly, and died there August 13, 1856. He was a Freewill Baptist preacher, and, as near as can be ascertained, the first settled minister in Duxbury. Elder HUNTLEY possessed rare and excellent qualities of "head and heart," and left a fragrant memory. His son Gilbert, born in Duxbury, in October, 1806, succeeded his father on the homestead, and was always a farmer and a prominent man, in town affairs. He represented Duxbury in the legislature of 1858 and 1859, and was nearly all the time in town offices. He married Mary E. NASH, December 14, 1835, and died on the homestead August 22, 1862. E. W. HUNTLEY, son of Gilbert and Mary (NASH) HUNTLEY, was born in Duxbury. November 11, 1839. At the age of twenty-four years he united in marriage with Menta CROSSETT, of Duxbury. They are parents of an only daughter, Mertie E., born March 25, 1870. Mr. HUNTLEY followed the trade of wheelwright, and engaged in manufacturing chair stock until 1886. Since then he has been proprietor of a saw-mill. He is a thorough business man, is identified with the interests of Duxbury, and has filled many of the offices of trust in the gift of his townsmen. He has been clerk and treasurer of the town seventeen years, and was representative in 1882.

      Albert MORSE, son of Walter and Betsey (HOBBS) MORSE, was born in Bolton, Vt., November 21, 1812. About 1823 the family moved to the farm now occupied by Michael O'BRIEN. Albert MORSE cleared a farm in that vicinity, and resided there about thirty years. He then bought the place where he now lives, on road 4. Mr. MORSE has been married twice. About 1839 he married Eunice PINEO, who was the mother of six of his children. Mrs. MORSE died in August, 1849, and four of her children died at the same time. In 1850 he married Adaline BUTLER, his present wife, who has borne him one child, who now resides with them. Mr. MORSE has been somewhat prominent in his town, has been a permanent and reliable citizen, and served his town as selectman, juror, and in other offices. He has lived to witness many important changes in Duxbury.

      William CROSBY, son of Amos and Fanny CROSBY, was born in Duxbury, September 22, 1826. Mr. CROSBY has been a railroad employee since he left his paternal roof. He commenced as brakeman on the Central Vermont, and was promoted to conductor. In 1861 he accepted the position of conductor on a western railroad, and there remained twenty-three years. He was obliged to retire on account of impaired health. In 1884 he returned to his native town. In 1849 or 1850 he united in marriage with Harriet AVERY, of Duxbury. They have no children.

      Rutty LEWIS, son of Samuel and Sarah (RUTTY) LEWIS, was born in Bolton, Vt., December 11, 1804. About 1826 or 1827 he settled in Duxbury on the farm now owned by William CASEY, where he resided the ensuing forty-nine years. He then moved to the place where his son A. A. LEWIS now lives, on road 6. About the time he settled in Duxbury he married Dorcas BENNETT, of this town, and they were parents of three sons and three daughters, of whom all but one of the daughters are now living. Mr. LEWIS was so popular with his townsmen that he was town clerk twelve years. He died June 7, 1885, aged eighty years. Mrs. LEWIS died August 15, 1887. Since the death of his parents his son A. A. has resided on the place. He is a surveyor, and is now superintendent of the schools of Duxbury. He is engaged in his custom grist-mill, and manufactures cider and apple jelly. December 29, 1875, he married Florence E. STURTEVANT, of New Haven, Vt., and they have three children.

      William E. WARD, son of Earl and Elizabeth (MUNSON) WARD, was born in Duxbury, June 3, 1829. He resided on the farm with his father until he was twenty-one years of age. In 1861 he married Mary MARBLE. He now owns the homestead where he was born, and has always resided on the same road. Mr. WARD is a prominent citizen and an influential member of the Congregational church, of which he has been a deacon for many years. The children .of Mr. and Mrs. WARD are William N., born January 5, 1862; Lizzie, born December 21, 1864; and Herbert G., born December 3, 1871.

      HIRAM O. WARD, SON OF EARL AND ELIZABETH (MUNSON) WARD, was born in Duxbury, January 10, 1842. He received his education in the district schools and Barre Academy, and graduated at Eastman Business College. About 1866 he married Mary A. SMITH, of Hopkinton, N. Y., and they are the parents of three sons. Mr. WARD is now settled on road 27, and is the leading business man of the town. He is an extensive dealer in and manufacturer of lumber, owns several saw-mills in Duxbury and other towns, manufactures packing boxes, and deals in pianos and organs. He is deservedly popular with his townsmen, is now chairman of the board of selectmen, and represented Duxbury in the legislature of 1886 and 1888.

      John B. SHONIO and his wife, Lucy (BOYDEN), emigrated from New Hampshire about 1837, to the southern part of Duxbury, and were among the first settlers in that neighborhood. Mr. SHONIO began in the wilderness, built a log house, resided there until about ten years ago, and has always lived in a log house. They reared a family of fifteen sons and daughters to mature years. Mrs. SHONIO, besides doing the ordinary work of housekeeping for this numerous family, spun and wove the cloth to clothe them. Five of the sons entered the Union army and fought for the preservation of our country; four returned. Arnold B. was one of the number who responded to his country's call, and enlisted in Co. G, 6th Vt. Vols., was one year in the ranks, and one year a hospital steward. May 4, 1863, he lost a leg, and has since that time walked on crutches. He was born in Danbury, N. H., October 29, 1835, and was but two years old when the family settled in Duxbury. About 1855 or 1856 he married Phebe MANN, and they are parents of eight children, all of whom are living. Mr. SHONIO owns a small farm, and with the aid of one of his sons is enabled to cultivate it. He resides on road 20, corner of 16.

      J.A. DURKEE, son of Arba and Hannah (CHAFFEE) DURKEE, was born in Brookfield, Vt., in 1836. In 1843 his parents removed to Fayston. At the age of twenty years he married Mary F. BOYDEN, of Duxbury, and became a citizen of that town. Mr. and Mrs. DURKEE have had born to them six sons, four of whom are living. His son L. J. is of the firm of J. A. & L. J. DURKEE, manufacturers of lumber. Mr. DURKEE enlisted in Co. I, 9th Vt. Vols., and served as a soldier two years. Since then he has been engaged in farming, and in the manufacture and sale of lumber. He is now one of the board of selectmen of Duxbury, and is the commander of Dillingham Post, No. 22, G. A. R., of Waterbury.

      William CASEY, born in Ireland, emigrated to America with his parents when he was eighteen years old. At the age of twenty-five years he married Fanny Roddy, of Eden, Vt., and in 1860 settled in Duxbury. He is an industrious and enterprising farmer, and owns a good farm on road 9, where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. CASEY have been blessed with eight children.

      The Congregational church is located at South Duxbury, and is the only church in the town. It was organized by Samuel G. TENNEY, January 18, 1836, with only nine members. The first pastor was Lyndon S. FRENCH. They erected their first meeting-house, of wood, in 1855, at a cost of $1,000, which they occupy at the present time. The church property, including buildings and grounds, is estimated at $1,500. The membership at this time is twenty-one, and never has been large. This church has the most cordial relations with the M. E. church at Moretown, and for several years the pastor of the latter church has been the acting pastor of this church. This arrangement is still continued, and Rev. William H. DEAN is their officiating pastor at the present time. The house has comfortable seats for 150 persons. The Sunday-school has twenty-seven scholars, and an average attendance of nineteen.
 

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 242 - 255

Transcribed by Karima Allison, 2003.