346
HISTORY
OF MIDDLEBURY.
CHAPTER
XXI.
PROFESSIONAL MEN---LAWYERS---PHYSICIANS.
IN
the course
of our history, we have had occasion to mention several of our professional men.
We here add short notices of others, who have been or are in the practice of law
in town. BEAUMONT PARKS
Esq. was admitted to the bar in 1811, continued in the practice some years, and
removed to Indiana, where he was employed in teaching.
ROBERT
B.
BATES
Esq.,
originally from Conneeticut, had been
in
practice a short time in the State of Delaware, and was admitted here in June
1813. He was in the practice here fifteen or twenty years. During that time he
was elected a representative of the town six years, three of which he was Speaker
of the House of Representatives. He afterwards removed to Albany and thence to
New York, where he died a short time after. Mr. Bates was a man of talents and
vivid imagination; and of considerable attainments in literature as well as in
law. He was also an eloquent and popular advocate; and in short was like a splendid,
but short lived meteor.
Rev.
JOEL
H.
LINSLEY
D.
D., son of Hon. Joel Linsley of Cornwall, and brother of Charles Linsley Esq.,
was licensed as a lawyer in December 1815. He commenced practice as a partner
of Hon. Peter
Starr. But after a few years, he thought it his duty
to leave the profession for the ministry. He was successively settled
as a pastor in Hartford Conn. and in Boston; for several years
afterwards he was president of Marietta College in Ohio, and for the last few
years has been settled as a pastor in Greenwich Conn.
Hon.
DORASTUS
WOOSTER,
son of Moses Wooster of Cornwall, was licensed in December 1816. He pursued the
study of
law
in
347
HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.
the office of Judge Doolittle. He opened an office and continued his practice
more
or
less until the time of his death. His practice was interrupted for some time
by his appointment as Judge of the County Court. Under the old judiciary system
he was appointed chief Judge in 1824, and assistant Judge from 1825 to 1831,
and from 1844 to 1846. He was also assistant Judge at the time of his death,
having been elected the fall previous. He was also a member of the State Senate
in 1840 and 1841. He died suddenly in January 1855, in his sixty-eighth year.
Hon.
GEORGE
CHIPMAN,
son of Hon. Daniel Chipman, was admitted to the bar in June 1821. He commenced
practice as junior partner of his father, and continued in practice here twelve
or fifteen years, and during the time held the appointment of State's Attorney
from 1827 to 1830 inclusive. Business of a different character called him to Canada,
where he resided several years. After his return from Canada, he resided a few
years in Ripton, and during the time was assistant Judge of the County Court from
1846 to 1849. He has since been employed in the State Department in Washington,
until recently he has been removed, and has resumed the practice of law in that
place.
CHARLES
LINSLEY
Esq., brother of Joel H. Linsley mentioned above, was licensed in Franklin County
in 1823, and immediately established himself in the practice in this village.
He has continued the practice, as counsellor and advocate, here and in the neighboring
counties until the present time. He has recently opened an office in Rutland and
removed his family there, but has not relinquished his business in this county.
His practice was partially interrupted by being engaged six or seven years as
a director and solicitor of the Rutland and Burlington Railroad Company, and as
railroad commissioner under the act of 1855, for two years.
EDWARD
D.
BARBER
Esq.
was graduated at Middlebury College in 1829. He had interested himself in politics
before he left college. Immediately after, he became the editor of the Antimasonic
Republican, which was started through his influence, and he continued its editor
until 1832. From 1832 to 1836 he was editor of the Middlebury Free Press. While
having charge of these papers, he
348
HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY
prosecuted,
as his engagements would permit, the study of the law. He was licensed in June,
1834. In 1831, he was appointed secretary to the Governor and Council; in 1832
and 1833, he represented the town in the House of Representatives, and officiated
as clerk of that body in 1834. He remained an active politician through life,
and was always an ardent advocate of reform and every measure which he thought
adapted to ameliorate the evils of society. He was frequently called on to deliver
orations and address public assemblies, and was successful in such efforts. But
his party being generally in the minority, his political influence and distinction
did not increase according to the promise of his early political precocity. His
talents and scholarship were much above the ordinary rank. For a man as fond as
he was of stirring out door service, he attained a good knowledge of the law,
and was a successful advocate. The property of the Glassfactory Company, at Lake
Dunmore, having fallen into his hands, he wished to convert it to some productive
use, and procured the incorporation of a Hotel Company, which erected, principally
under his direction, the splendid establishment there, for the accommodation of
summer visitors, and winter parties. He was there temporarily with his family,
when he was taken sick and died on the 23d day of August 1855, at the age of forty-nine.
PHILIP
BATTELL
Esq., son-in-law of Hon. Horatio Seymour, who had been for some time in the practice
of law in Cleveland, Ohio, returned with his wife in declining health to Middlebury,
and was admitted to the bar in this county in December 1839. But be chose to devote
himself to literary pursuits and the education of his children, and did not engage
in the practice of his profession. He was graduated at Middlebury College in the
class of 1826.
JULIUS
AUGUSTUS BECKWITH,
a son of Zechariah and Julia (Smith) Beckwith, was born at Monkton in this county,
where his father then resided, on the 10th day of February 1821. In May 1827,
the family removed to Middlebury, and have since resided in this village. The
subject of this notice was graduated at Middlebury College in 1840. He was a good
scholar and excelled especially in literature, and bore a prominent and honorable
part in the public exercises of his class at the time of their graduation. He
349
HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.
pursued
his professional studies in the office of Hon. Horatio Seymour, and was admitted
to the bar in 1843. He commenced and for a few years continued the practice as
a partner of Charles Linsley Esq., and has since continued it alone. His practice
was always extensive and increasing,and he left numerous clients to mourn his
decease. He was laborious in the discharge of his
professional duties, punctual in all his engagements; diligent as a student, and
made himself
thorougly acquainted with the points and law of the cases, in which he was employed.
He
excelled especially as an advocate from the commencement of his career. He was
a ready and
popular speaker, his style was classical and his arguments well arranged, clear
and forcible. He
was elected a member of the House of Representatives in the year 1854 and 1855
; and his
prospects were prominent for still further advancement, in public life, when arrested
in his
career.
Mr.
Beckwith was also distinguished as a citizen, companion and friend. Full of life
and animation. himself, he imparted animation and good feeling to all circles
in which he moved. He made himself particularly interesting to all young persons,
who came in contact with him. Always companionable, he drew to himself many warm
and attached friends. He devoted much attention to literature, and possessed,
for a professional man, more than ordinary literary attainments.
Mr.
Beckwith, when about fourteen years of age, had deep
relig
ious impressions; and his friends entertained strong confidence that he was a
christian. When, in the midst of his classical and professional studies and rivalships,
he looked forward to the scenes; which were before him, and in which he was to
bear a part, his ardent temperament and hopeful disposition invested the wide
world and its pursuits with a bright and cheerful coloring, and inspired him with
an ardor and ambition, which, for a time, took the place of his religious impressions.
He was not chargeable with immorality, and he was ever a friend and supporter
of the instiutions of religion, in the church and society, with which his associations
more immediately connected him. But otherwise he appeared to the world regardless
of the higher claims of religion, and, with his con-
350
HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.
stitutional ardor and undivided devotion, he engaged in the business of his
profession, and in the amusements and gaieties of life. But
two or three years before his death, he was brought to a more serious consideration
of the subject of religion, as he afterwards stated, and felt deep sorrow for
his neglect of its claims, and especially for his ingratitude to his Savior,
who, he thought, had followed him in all his wayward course. It was his intention
then to show himself more decidedly and publicly on the side of religion, by
uniting with the church. But the pressure of his professional duties, for which
he afterwards expressed regret, delayed the execution of his purpose. When he
was first attacked with the disease of which he died, and some months before
its termination, and when others had no apprehension of a fatal result, his
religious impressions revived, and he conversed freely with his friends on the
subject. As he drew near the close of his life, in the full session of his mental
powers, he expressed still deeper sorrow for his neglect of the profession and
duties of religion, but expressed a satisfactory reliance on the mercy of his
Savior, of whom. he always spoke with the most ardent adoration and gratitude.
And when, two or three days before his death, he was told that his disease was
incurable and he would soon die, he received the announcement with calm resignation.
He continued to the close in a similar frame of mind, and expressed no desire
to live except to convice the world of the sincerity of his faith. The closing
scene was triumphant, although peaceful, and his last words were-" Thanks be
to God, who giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ." He died on
the morning of Thanksgiving, December 3, 1857, in the thirty-seventh year of
his age.
Mr.
Beckwith was married on the 28th day of June 1847, to Miss Abby M. Wainwright,
daughter of Rufus Wainwright Esq., and Mrs. Abby (Sargeant) Wainwright. Being
an only daughter, her parents, were unwilling that they should leave them, and
they remained to, constitute a part of Mr. Wainwright's family. Besides the distressing
bereavement of Mr. Beckwith's widow, his death brought, deep affliction and sorrow
alike upon the parents and inmates of two mourning families for the loss of a
beloved son and brother.
EDWARD
J. PHELPS
Esq., son of Hon. Samuel S. Phelps, was
351
HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.
graduated
at Middlebury College in 1840, pursued the study of law at the law school of Yale
College, and in the office of his father in Middlebury.
He was licensed in 1843, and commenced the practice
here in partnership with E. D. Barber Esq., and after an extensive
and increasing practice for two or three years, removed to
Burlington,
where he continued his practice until 1855, with an interruption
of two or three years, while he held the
office of
second
controller in the treasury department in Washington. In 1855 he
removed to New York, but continued his practice also in the counties
of Addison and Chittenden ; and has recently returned to Vermont
and fixed on Burlington for a residence.
DUGALD
STEWART
Esq., son of Hon. Ira Stewart, was graduated
at Middlebury College in 1842, and was admitted to the bar in December
1847, but was immediately employed in the financial department
of the Rutland and Burlington Railroad Company, and
now holds the office of County Clerk for this county.
ERASTUS
W. DRURY
Esq. was admitted to the bar at the June
term of the County Court in 1836. When he came to Middlebury,
a few years before, he was employed as the editor and publisher
of a newspaper, and,
in
the meantime, pursued the study of
law preparatory to his admission. In December following he was
appointed
postmaster, and continued in that office about six years,
so that he did not enter actively on the profession of law. After
wards he remained in practice a few years,-principally in partnership
with Charles Aiken Esq., who removed here from Springfield
in this State, where he had been in practice,-and removed to Fond
du
Lao, Wisconsin, where he resides. Mr. Aiken also removed to
Wisconsin.
The following are the present resident lawyers.
Hon
.PETER
STARR,
son of a clergyman of the same name in
Warren Conn., was graduated at Williams College in 1799, and devoted
the following year to the business of instruction, as the first
preceptor of an academy then just established in Westfield Mass.
The succeeding year he officiated as tutor in Williams College. He
pursued his professional studies partly in Williamstown Mass. and
partly in the office of Samuel Miller in this place. He was ad-
352
HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.
mitted to the bar in this county in February 1805, and immediately opened an
office with an extensive and increasing practice. He has been several times
called by the suffrages of the people to represent the town in the House of
Representatives, and the county in the Senate. He was chosen a member of the
Council .of Censors in 1841, and has filled numerous offices and trusts in town.
Except these partial interruptions, be has continued an extensive practice,
-as counsellor and advocate-until within a few years past, the infirmities of
increasing age have induced him to relinquish its active duties. In 1819 he
was elected a member of the corporation of Middlebury College, and has since
been a prominent and influential member of that body. He is also a member of
the corporation of Addison County Grammar School, and has always afforded efficient
aid in the promotion of our literary institutions.
OZIAS
SEYMOUR
Esq., son of Hon. Horatio Seymour, was graduated at Middlebury College in the
year 1820. He pursued his professional studies at the Litchfield Law School, and
was admitted to the bar in this county at the June term 1824. Since that time
he has continued in extensive practice in this village, a part of the time in
partnership with his father, and part of the time separately. He was chosen and
officiated as State's Attorney for the county for six years from 1839, and was
a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1850.
JEDIDIAH
S. BUSHNELL
Esq., son of Rev. Jedidiah Bushnell of Cornwall, was graduated at Middlebury College
in 1826, and was admitted to the bar in June 1830, after having pursued his professional
studies in the office of Hon. Peter Starr. He immediately entered into partnership
with Mr. Starr, and afterwards with Mr. Barber. He had afterwards a separate office;
and until recently has held the office of Register of the Probate Court since
1841.
EMERSON
R.
WRIGHT
Esq.
was graduated at Middlebury College in 1838, studied law with Edward D. Barber
Esq. and was licensed to practice in June 1842. He immediately commenced the practice
in partnership with Mr. Barber, which was continued a short time, and he has since
continued the practice separately until the present time. He held the office of
postmaster during the ad-
353
HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY
ministration of Mr. Pierce, and for a short time under the administration of
Mr. Polk.
JOHN
W. STEWART Esq.,
son of Hon. Ira Stewart, was graduated at Middlebury College in 1847, and immediately
entered upon the study of law in the office of Hon. Horatio" Seymour. He was licensed
in December 1849, and immediately opened an office for the practice of his profession,
and still continues in extensive practice. He was elected State's Attorney three
successive years, commencing in 1851, and has represented the town in the House
of Representives in the years 1856 and 1857. Since 1851 he has officiated as secretary
of the corporation of Middlebury College.
WILLIAM
F.
BASCOM
Esq., after his graduation at Middlebury College in 1838, entered on the business
of teaching, and was for five or six years a tutor in Middlebury College. He was
afterwards principal of several literary institutions. He had also been for several
years principal of the Female Seminary in this village, and in the meantime pursued
the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in December 1855. He opened an office
in the village, but continued, for a short time, his connection with the seminary,
so far as to superintend its general interests. In the spring of 1857, he removed
to Minnesota, and afterwards to Lasalle in Illinois. He has since returned to
the east, and has recently--May 1859--opened an office in this village. During
his former residence in Middlebury, he was elected to represent the town in the
Constitutional Convention of 1856.
RUFUS
WAINWRIGHT
Esq., son of the late Rufus Wainwright, was graduated at Middlebury College in
1852, having pursued his preparatory studies at the Addison County Grammar School.
He was admitted to the bar in December 1856, and has his office in the rooms occupied
by his brother-in-law, Julius A. Beckwith Esq.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr.
WILLIAM
BASS,from
Windham Conn., pursued the studies of his profession at Westfield Mass., when
there were no medical schools in the country, but the honorary degree of Doctor
of Medicine was conferred on him by the corporation of Middlebury College in 1825.
He settled in Middlebury as a physician in 1797,
354
HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.
when a young man. Soon after he purchased, as before stated, the dwelling house
and part of the farm formerly owned by Capt. Stephen Goodrich, east of the village.
In this place he continued to reside until the time of his death. In the meantime
he built the large house on the premises, and otherwise enlarged and improved
the homestead. Immediately on his settlement here, he entered into an extensive
and increasing practice, which was enlarged by the removal of Drs. Willard and
Matthews to other spheres. He was not only a skilful and faithful physician,
but, by his social disposition and manners, became popular and a favorite in
many families, in this and the neighboring towns. His practice was laborious
and profitable, until near the close of his life, the infirmities of age and
disease forced him to retire from it. He possessed sound judgment and practical
common sense, and was popular as a man, as well as physician, and had an extensive
influence in town and was often appointed to places of trust. He was distinguished
for his benevolence in all his relations, and for his liberality to all our
literary,. religious and benevolent institutions. He was also a prominent and
influential member and deacon of the Congregational Church. His death occurred
in March 1851, at the age of seventy-five.
Dr.
JONATHAN
ADAGES ALLEN
died at his residence in this village on the 2d of February, 1848, at the age
of sixty. At a meeting of Addison County Medical Society in the same month, his
death was announced, appropriate and highly commendatory resolutions were adopted,
and Dr. S. Pearl Lathrop, of Middlebury, was appointed to prepare a biographical
sketch of him, which was afterwards ordered to be published in the Boston Medical
and Surgical Journal. This sketch we have before us. Our limits will allow us
to use only a part of its materials,with such others as we possess.
The
subject of this sketch "was of poor but respectable parentage." His father was
Amos Allen, son of Seth Allen, who was an immigrant to this country from Wales.
His mother was daughter of Abel Smith, and grand-daughter of Jonathan Adams of
Medway, from whom he received his name. The mother of Jonathan Adams was killed
by the Indians, and he, after his head was dashed against a stone, was left as
dead, but was afterwards found alive, and be-
355
HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.
came distinguished in various departments of public life. Through him Dr. Allen's
geneology is traced to the origin of the family of John Adams and his son John
Quincy Adams.
Dr.
Allen was born at Holliston, Mass., on the 17th day of November, 1787. His father
at an early day removed with his family to Newfane, Vt. Here he labored with his
father on the farm. During this period he had only the advantages of a common
school education. But having a thirst for learning, he purchased books for himself
by trapping and selling furs. By this means he was able to store his mind with
much useful knowledge. On the 17th of November, 1808, his 21st birthday, he started
with a bundle containing his wardrobe, to "seek his fortune." He engaged in the
duties of a school teacher, in the West Village of Townshend, in this state, and
immediately made arrangements with the minister of the parish to be instructed
in Latin. In this position he remained for several years, and afterwards gave
his attention more directly to studies preparatory to the practice of medicine
under the tuition of Dr. Paul Wheeler of Wardsborough. He also attended the lectures
at Dartmouth College, under Dr. Nathan Smith, and there he received his degree
of Doctor of Medicine, August 24, 1814. After a practice of two years at Wardsborough
in partnership with Dr. Wheeler, his instructor; he removed to Brattleboro in
August; 1816.
In
October, 1820, he was appointed to deliver lectures on Chemistry in Middlebury
College, which he continued until 1826. He removed his family to Middlebury
in
the spring
of 1822, and commenced practice here; and at the same time, he was appointed Professor
of Materia Medics and Pharmacy in the Vermont Academy of Medicine, then in connection
with Middlebury College. In this office he continued until 1829. He continued
the practice of his profession in Middlebury until his death. His practice as
a surgeon and physician was always extensive and increasing from year to year,
and was not confined to the town or county in which he resided; but in cases of
surgery and difficult cases of disease, he was often called beyond the limits
of the state. Notwithstanding his great labors in his practice, he was always
persevering in his studies, and employed all his leisure hours in the diligent
pursuit of
356
HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.
knowledge. He not only became a learned physician, but directed his studies
to other sciences, and especially to those branches of natural history more
immediately connected with his profession. Among other specimens of Natural
history, he made a handsome collection of minerals, which were purchased by
Middlebury College, and constitute an important part of their cabinet., Several
scientific articles which he wrote were published in Silliman's Journal of Science.
He also published a still greater number of articles, on various branches of
medical science, and the laws of nature, as applicable to the practice of medicine,
in the Medical Journals. He was a prominent member of the State Medical Society,
and an active and much respected member and officer of Addison County Medical
Society, up to the time of his death.
Dr.
Allen had many traits of character, besides his learning, which endeared him
to his friends, professional associates; and especially to his patients. He was
always amiable, unassuming and conscientious; always prompt in his attention to
his patients, who were never neglected, whatever sacrifice it cost him. He wore
himself out in their service. Even after he was enfeebled by disease, he continued
his labors, until they induced or aggravated diseases which prematurely terminated
his life. His usefulness was not confined to his professional duties, but as a
citizen he was prompt by his aid and influence in promoting every good object.
Dr.
Lathrop, in the sketch to which we have referred, says, "The crowning trait
of character of Dr. Allen, and one which harmonized and rendered most valuable
all his other qualities, was decided and stable Christian principle. He was a
firm believer and supporter of the Christian religion, and for many years a member
of the Congregational church. He first became connected with the church in Brattleborough,
in 1818, then under the pastoral charge of Rev. Caleb Burge. Religion with him
was not a matter of profession alone, but of principle. It exerted its benign
influence on the affections of his heart, and exhibited itself, in its power and
excellency, in the moulding of his thoughts, and generating of his actions."
For
many years previous to his death, he resided in the house next
357
HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY
north of the
Congregational church, on the paper mill road, now occupied by his son, Dr. Charles
L Allen.
Dr.
OLIVER
BARBER NORTON
was born
in
Easton Washington County, New York, December 19, 1799. His mother having died
when he was three months old, he was adopted as a child by Rev, Edward Barber,
of Greenwich, N. Y., father of Edward D. Barber, with whose
family
he lived as a son, until he left it to engage in business for himself. To those
most intimate, he exhibited, from his earliest boyhood, proofs of no ordinary
talents and force of character, and manifested a great thirst for learning, and
extended his researches into many branches beyond the routine of a common English
education. At the age of twenty-three, he selected for his profession the practice
of medicine; and continued his professional studies for two years under Dr. Cornelius
Holmes. In the fall of 1822, he attended a course of lectures at the medical institution
at Castleton, Vt. The summer following he became a member of Dr. J. A. Allen's
summer school in Middlebury. He attended a second course of lectures the next
fall, and, during the winter, he attended the anatomical lectures of Dr. Alden
Marsh, in Albany. The following summer he again became a member of Dr. Allen's
school, and " was chosen by the principal and students to give a Bourse of lectures
on Botany:" The fall of 1824, he attended his third course of lectures at Castleton,
and was admitted to the degree of Doctor of Medicine, which was conferred upon
him at the next commencement of Middlebury College. He left the institution with
a
high
reputation as a scholar, in the various branches of his profession.
The
two following years, he assisted Dr. Allen in his practice, and in his school
as a lecturer on Botany, Anatomy and Physiology; and the year following was a
partner of Dr. Allen, and afterwards, until his death, he continued his practice
separately in Middlebury. In the fall of 1829, he was threatened with a pulmonary
consumption, but by the aid of a short journey to the south, recovered his health,
so that he resumed his practice in the spring. During the fall of 1830, he was
attacked with a disease which terminated in ulceration of the cartilage of his
left knee joint, and ended his life on the 25th of April, 1831, at the early age
of thirty-one.
358
HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.
Dr.
Norton's death was universally lamented. His talents, and
his professional learning were of a superior order. He had what
we may call a tact, which few possess to the same degree, in detecting
diseases and applying the remedy; and he never prescribed for
a disease until, after a patient examination, he thought he fully understood
it. He was fast increasing in reputation and practice in
his profession, and had already become a favorite in many families.
His disposition was amiable and kind, and his manners unassuming
and courteous, and he had become popular as a man as well as a
physician.
Dr.
RALPH
GOWDEY
was the son of Mrs. Lucretia Gowdey, a
widow who resided in Middlebury, much respected for many years.
He graduated at Middlebury College in 1819. From that time to
1822, he was employed as a teacher in the State of Georgia. The
climate not proving favorable to his health, he returned to Vermont,
and entered upon the study of medicine. In the year 1825, he received
the degree of Doctor of Medicine at the Vermont Academy
of Medicine at Castleton. He immediately commenced the practice
of his profession at Rutland, and in 1828 removed to Middlebury,
his native place. From this time until his death he continued the
practice with growing reputation, and with the increasing confidence
of the people. He was unassuming in his disposition and manners,
but
his talents and learning were of an order to give him a high
rank in his profession, and were soon duly appreciated in the community.
Dr.
Jonathan A. Allen, who knew him well as a physician and
personal friend, published in the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal
a sketch of Dr. Gowdey's life and character. We knew him
well also in both characters, and respected and loved him; but Dr.
Allen, from his position, was a more competent judge. We therefore
make some quotations from his sketch. He says, " As a scholar
Dr. Gowdey ranked high. His mind was well cultivated and prop
erly balanced. In his deportment he was gentlemanly, unassuming
and unofficious. He read much, reflected much, and remembered
what he read. In ordinary conversation, he was affable, intelligent
and interesting, so that a person could rarely be in his society for
359
HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.
any
considerable time without becoming interested and delighted. For public speaking
and debate, he had no relish."
"His professional opinions were based on sound pathological principles. He was
strictly a pathological, not a routine practitioner. He was well acquainted with
modern pathology, and with the general circle of Medical sciences. And if the
inscrutable hand of Providence had not prevented, he would unquestionably have
given full assurance that his recent appointment to an important professorship
in the Vermont Academy of Medicine had been judiciously made. He possessed more
than ordinary taste for the study of Intellectual Philosophy. To this science
he devoted considerable attention, and upon this subject he left several essays
unpublished."
"In
his intercourse with his medical brethren, he was frank and honorable. This secured
for him the universal respect of the profession. The estimation in which he was
held by the public was evinced by his being twice elected a member of the General
Assembly of the state," in 1838 and 1839. Many of the most important reports of
committees, especially one on the geological survey of the State. were written
by him. At this time he was laboring under the fatal disease of the lungs, which
extended also to other organs, and had for some years rendered him incapable of
performing the more laborious duties, and which finally terminated his life.
Dr.
Allen further says,-"In his personal appearance, Dr. Gowdey was quite prepossessing,
his stature being rather tall and slender, his countenance remarkably pleasant,
his dark eye beaming with intelligence, while his hair, neither too black nor
too light, spread agreeably over his well proportioned head. His constitution
was not robust, nor had it been inured to hardship; yet he had, with temporary
exceptions, possessed tolerable health till about four or five years since, when
he was arrested, without any obvious cause, with pulmonary hemorrhage." "Some
years since Dr: Gowdey became a hopeful convert of Christianity, and made a public
profession of his faith by uniting with the Congregational Church. It is said,
of the great and solemn realities of religion he never doubted. As a Christian,
he was uniform and consistent. With him the practical
exhibition of the cross was an every day concern. This se
360
HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.
cured to him an uncommon degree of calmness and equanimity. His confident assurance
of the goodness and mercy of God sustained him, when, some time since, a beloved
wife and a dear child were taken from him by death. These influences rendered
him calm and composed through a trying, painful and protracted illness. When.
in full view of an immediate death, he was addressed by a warm hearted visitant,
in the pure language of compassion and sympathy, ` Doctor, I am sorry to see
you in such trouble,' he coolly replied; ` I am not in trouble, but happy.'
These were his last words." His death occurred on the 18th of June, 1840,
at the age of thirty seven.
Dr.
STEPHEN
PEARL LATHROP
was graduated at Middlebury College in 1849. The year following he spent in teaching,
as preceptor of Black Diver Academy, at Ludlow, in this State. He afterwards pursued
the study of medicine at Middlebury, and in the meantime attended the lectures
at the Vermont Medical College at Woodstock, and received his diploma, as Doctor
of Medicine, at that institution in 1843. He then established himself in the practice
in this place, which he continued until
1846.
During this short period, his practice was not extensive, but he industriously
pursued scientific studies, and was regarded as a distinguished scholar, in several
departments of science, especially in Natural History. In this period he was appointed
by the late Professor Charles B. Adams, his assistant in the department of Chemistry
and Natural History, and in the geological survey of the State. From 1846
to 1849, he officiated,
under appointment, as principal of the Female Seminary in Middlebury. In the latter
year, he was elected Professor of Chemistry and Natural History in the College
at Beloit, Wisconsin, and removed to that place, and continued a teacher in that
college until the latter part of the year 1852, when he was elected a professor
in the State University at Madison, Wisconsin. In this once he continued until
his death, which occurred on the 25th of October, 1854.
Dr.
CHARLES
C. P. CLARK,
from Tinmouth, was graduated at Middlebury College in 1843, and received his medical
diploma at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York in 1847, and imme
361
HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.
diately settled in the practice in Middlebury. He practiced a few years with
increasing success and reputation, went to Paris to perfect himself in his profession,
and on his return removed to Oswego, New York.
Dr.
J.
GERRY
Ross, who practiced on the Thompsonian system, established himself here about
the year 1840. He continued his practice in this and the neighboring towns, much
respected as a citizen, and patronized by many until the summer of 1856, when
he removed to Shaftsbury, and has since removed to Brandon, where he now resides.
He resided, while here, in the house next south of Moore's hotel, now owned and
occupied by Mr. Valentine V. Clay, of the firm of Davenport and Clay.
Dr.
EDWARD
TUDOR
was born in East Windsor, Conn., January 16, 1771. His father was " an eminent
surgeon," who had resided " for some time in England for the completion of his
medical education." Edward, who was his eldest son, had been fitted to enter college,
and his father gave him his choice to enter Yale College and go through a regular
classical course in that institution or enter immediately on the study of Medicine.
He chose the latter, and immediately commenced his professional studies, under
the tuition of his father. In the course of his preparatory studies, he was sent
to Philadelphia, under the more immediate direction of Dr. Rush, to whom he formed
and retained, through life, a strong attachment. He there attended two courses
of lectures, which was quite uncommon at that day, and received his medical degree.
He continued to practice for some years, in connection with his father in East
Windsor. He afterwards established himself in the practice in Orford, New Hampshire,
where he was married. In 1804 he removed his family to Middlebury. Here he has
practiced with success and high reputation, until the infirmities of age forced
him to withdraw from active service. He was a diligent student, and through life
sustained the reputation of a learned physician, and was an active and prominent
member of Addison County Medical Society. He was a man of quiet habits and retiring
disposition, and never intruded himself upon patients, or upon public notice.
He left his patients to find him, instead of looking up them. But
362
HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.
he was a favorite physician in many of the most respectable families. At the
age of 87 years, while walking along the side walk, on the 3d of March 1858,
he stepped upon a piece of ice, slipped, fell and broke his leg; from which
he never recovered, but died of the injury on the 8th day of May following,
and was 87 years of age the preceeding January. For some years he resided in
the house on Pleasant Street, now occupied by Mr- David Piper. He afterwards
purchased the lot and built the house now occupied by Mrs. Bell. For many of
his last years, he has resided in the house where he died, next north of the
Catholic Church on the Weybridge Street. The
following are the present resident physicians.
Dr.
ZACCHEUS
BASS,
brother of the late Dr. William Bass, pursued his professional studies with his
brother, and in the meantime attended two courses of lectures at the Medical School
in New Haven, Conn , in the winters of 1813-14 and 1814-15. In 1829, the Corporation
of Middlebury College conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He
commenced practice in Middlebury in 1815, and has since been in a large and successful
practice in this and the neighboring towns.
Dr.
WILLIAM
P. RUSSELL
partly under the tuition of the late Dr. Jonathan A. Allen, and in part at the
Berkshire Medical Institution, in Pittsfield, where he attended the lectures of
that institution and received his medical diploma in 1830. He established himself
here in practice in 1831, and has continued in the active and successful practice
in this and the adjoining towns to the present time. He conducts also a large
establishment of drugs, medicines and groceries.
Dr.
Russell was appointed postmaster on the 20th day of May 1857, and still holds
that office. The office is kept in his store in the Brewster block. His residence
is in the large brick house, built by Jabez Rogers, next north of Mr. Seymour's
late residence.
Dr.
WILLIAM
M.
BASS,
son
of Dr. William Bass, was graduated at Middlebury College in 1832. He pursued his
professional studies under different physicians, and at the Berkshire Medical
Institution, at Pittsfield, Mass. He commenced practice at Grand Detour,
363
HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY
Illinois; from 1837 to 1846. At the latter period he returned to Middlebury,
at the earnest solicitations of his father, whose increasing infirmities required
his aid. Here he has continued the practice of medicine, and in addition to
his professional duties, resides at the homestead, and has charge of an extensive
farm.
Dr.
CHARLES
D. ALLEN,
son of the late Dr. Jonathan A. Allen, was graduated at Middlebury , College in
1842. After teaching for a year or two in North Carolina, he pursued his prosessional
studies under the tuition of his father, and was a part of his time at the Vermont
Academy of Medicine at Castleton, where he attended the lectures and received
his degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1846. He has since been in active and successful
practice in this and the neighboring towns. In addition to his practice, he was
appointed and officiated as professor in the Medical Institution for a year or
two; and has delivered lectures, on appointment for that purpose, in Chemistry
and Physiology in Middlebury College.
Dr.
HIRAM
MEEKER
was
originally educated for the medical profession, but relinquished it for the ministry
in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was stationed here in that capacity for
two years, and at the close of this period, in the spring of 1853, he returned
to his profession as a physician, on account of the health of his family, and
has since continued in active practice.
Dr.
NORMAN
D.
ROSS, son of Reuben Ross of this village, after completing
his professional studies, commenced practice in Royalton, Vt. Here he continued
two or three years, and in January 1854, removed and established himself in the
practice in the village of East Middlebury, and has continued in active practice
in that part of the town and in some neighboring towns.
Dr.
NATHANIEL
HARRIS,
Son of Lebbeus Harris and brother of Lebbeus Harris Jun., mentioned elsewhere,
and a native of Middlebury, as early as July 1838, established himself here as
a surgeon dentist, and has ever since been in the successful practice in this
place,-longer, we believe, than any other dentist in the State. He has also occasionally
extended his practice to other towns. In the meantime he attended the lectures
at the Vermont Medical College at Woodstock, and received at that institution,
in June 1842, the
364
HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.
degree of Doctor of Medicine. His office is at his residence, in the brick house
built by Dr. Judd, on the west side of the creek.
Dr.
HENRY
KINSLEY
was graduated at Middlebury College in 1838, and studied theology at the Andover
Seminary, and entered upon the duties of that profession. But his health failing,
he was obliged to relinquish it and direct his attention to other pursuits. After
pursuing the study of dentistry, under Dr. Prime at Brandon and under several
distinguished dentists in Massachusetts, he received from Dr. Prime what was called
a diploma; and in August 1857, he established himself as a dentist in this place,
and has, since been in successful practice. His office is in the Brewster block,
in the rooms formerly occupied for the postoffce.
As
we have not been able, on account of the frequent changes, to give any history,
or even sketches, of the merchants, mechanics; and those engaged in other employments,
as we have of professional men, we have intended to print a list of those who
are at present engaged in such employment&, and the date of their establishment;
but neglected to procure the list until so late a period, that our list will not
be as perfect as we desire. Wa are obliged for that reason, to omit those belonging
to East Middlebury; of which we have elsewhere given a rather general account.
The dates following the names designate the time of their establishment.
MERCHANTS.
Zechariah
Beckwith, Dry Goods; Groceries, Furniture &c. May 1827
S
Moody, now S. & W. S. Moody, Drugs, Medicines, Groceries &c. July 1839
Dr.
Win P. Russel, Drugs, Medicines and Groceries, June 1842
H.
A. Sheldon,
Dugs, Medicines, Groceries and Dry Goods, Aug. 1843
James
M Slade & Co., Dry Goods, Groceries, &c.
August 1843
Harry
Langworthy,
Dry Goods, Groceries, & c.
March 1846
Edwin
Vallette. Dry Goods, Groceries, & c. April 1846
Simeon
Holton, Jewelry, Clocks and Fancy Goods, July 1850
James
E. Negus, Merchant Tailor, Furnishing Goods &c. Oct. 1851
Jason
Davenport, Tin, Iron, Hardware, and Agricultural Tools, April 1852
A.
H. Copeland, Books, Stationary and Periodicals, Sept. 1853
Wm.
H. Remsen, Groceries, Provisions &c. April 1856
Solo.
Parker, successor to L. W. Clark, Books and Stationery, March 1857
A.
Magovern, Merchant Tailor, April 1857
Chapman
& Barbour, Dry Gods, Groceries &c. May 1857
365
HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.
B. R Clay,
Millinery and Fancy Goods, Sept. 1857
H: C. Wilcox, successor to H. Wilcox, Boots and Shoes, March 1859
Mrs. A. A. Forbes, Millinery, April 1859
GROCERIES.
A. Dustin,
now Dustin & Kenworthy, Sept. 1814, G. W. Dustin, 1849.
H.
C. Chapman, at Rail Road Station 1849, Lucius Shaw, April 1851.
Frank Fletcher,
May 1857, George Langworthy, A. M. Williamson, August 1857.
MEAT MARKET.
William T: Porter, Successor to C. Ticknor.
A. M. Williamson.
MANUFACTURERS.
H. W. Pitts, Cotton Cloth and Yarn. May 1849
Davenport & Clay, Woolen Cloths.
May
1854
Jason Davenport, Stoves, Machinery, Tin Ware &c: May 1851
Amon Wilcox, Tin Ware &c.
L. W. Huntington, Spring Beds; Matresses &c.
Charles Rose, Pails &c.; at J. M. Slade & Co's Factory.
Simeon Powers, and Mr. White, Axe Helves &c.
J M. Slade & Co. Potash.
C. Wheeler, Chairs, Furnitute &c. F. Fales Chairs:
MECHANICS.
Ira Allen
Carriage Maker, 1814.
John Jackson, Hatter.
G. M. Brown, 1832; J. Caffrey, Tailors.
H. C. Wilcox, L. Harvey, Shoemakers.
Mrs. E. R. Clay, Mrs. P. Cleveland; Miss Thirza Adams, Mrs. A.
a.
Forbes, Milliners.
Simeon Holton, H. W. Brewster, Goldsmith.
Horace Crane 1821, Ira Allen, Louis Hope, J. Donahue, Blacksmiths.
M. Phinney, N. Brusso, Sadlers.
L. W. Huntington, Upholsterer. A. D. Stearns, Samuel Brooks, William
Kingsley, T. 0. Flanegan, C. Rose, D. M. Goldrieh. Painters.
John Sellick, Cabinet Maker and Turner.
Cyrus Morton, John H. Simmons, Caleb
Morton, 0.
Severance E. B. Parker, David Piper, J. F. Bolton, W.
C.
Langworthy, A. S. Tracy, L. Stearns, George Sawyer, S: Pinney, H. Dean, W. Bisbee,
W. Latimer, J. King, Carpenters and Joiners.
Oliver Wellington, J. Barnaby, J. Morcomb, Orin Abby, Masons.
J. P. Huntington, Dyar.
A. Dustin. G. W, Dustin, Barbers.
Mead & Fuller, Printers.
H. Richardson, Book Binder.
John H. Simmons, Machinery for Plaining avid Joiner Work.
366
HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.
Daniel
Judd, 18 58, Mr. R owe,
Marble Cutters.
Edward McClure, June 1837,
Baker.
OTHER EMPLOYMENTS.
H.
L. Sheldon,
Station Ageut, R. & B. Rail Road.
John B. Copeland,
Express Agent.*
A, H. Copeland, and H. W. Brewster,
Telegraphists.+
0. A. Taft,
Ambrotype Artist.
James Lenard,
Truckman, 1819.
Ormel Comstock, Proprietor of Stage from Middlebury to Lake Champlain.
Harry
Moore,
Proprietor of
Stage from Middlebury to Bridport.
Stage owned by Lorenzo Cutler, of Bethel, from Middlebury to Bethel.
Samuel Brooks,
Sexton.
Jacob Dewey,
Constable and Jailor.
L. S Orampton,
Deputy Sheriff.
G. Tilden,
Insurance Agent.
----------
*Fiske
c&. Co's. Boston Express, and Pullen, Virgil & Co's. now the National
Express Company to New Fork, have been established ever since the R. &. B.
R. Road commenced running. Mr. John B. Copeland has been the agent hereof both
companies since
1852.
The office is in Copeland's bookstore in Brewster's block.
+The
Troy and Canada Junction Telegraph line was established in 1847. Mr. A. H. Copeland
was put in charge of the station here in
1852.
In
1856,
the American Telegraph Company, which has wires extending from New York to Nova
Scotia, Montreal and to all parts of New England purchased this line, and communicate
directly from New York to Montreal. This office is also now in Copeland's bookstore.