History of the town of Cornwall, Vermont

Front matter

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF CORNWALL, VERMONT, BY REV. LYMAN MATTHEWS. "Te who boast In your free veins the blood of sires like these, Lose not their lineaments. Should Mammon cling Too close around your heart, or wealth beget That bloated luxury which eats the core From manly virtue, or the tempting world Make faint the Christian's purpose in your soul, Turn ye to Plymouth's beach, and on that rock Kneel in their footprints, and renew the vow They breathed to God." Mrs. Sigourney. MIDDLEBURY : MEAD AND FULLER, REGISTER BOOK AND JOB OFFICE. 18G2. THIS VOLUME, Designed to commemorate the Sacrifices, the Successes and the Virtues of the venerable Fathers and Mothers of Cornwall, and to note the Bless ings resulting from their Forecast, is most respectfully inscribed to their Descendants, resident and non-resident, by Their servant, The Author.

Preface

. The desire increasingly manifest in many communities, especially in New England, to rescue from the ravages of time the incidents of our early history, and so to embody them as to secure their preservation, deserves commendation and favor. The settlement of Vermont was commenced at so late a date, that in some towns a few of the earliest settlers survive, and many of their children may be found, who, with retentive memories, love to recount the exploits of their sires, and to pass in review the changes occasioned by the lapse of time — the unavoidable concomitants of a period of transition. The Middlebury Historical Society several years since, announced the purpose of securing, if possible, an authentic history of each town in Addison County. In accordance with this purpose, Hon. Samuel Swift has already prepared that of Middlebury, with a brief historical sketch of the County ; John M. Weeks, Esq. , that of Salisbury, and Rev. Josiah F. Goodhue and others, that of Shoreham.

These works are already before the public. In this volume an attempt has been made to add to the series the History of Cornwall. It is well that these compilations have been prepared so soon. It would be well that the history of the other towns should be no longer delayed. The facts and reminiscences which make up our early history are rapidly passing beyond the reach of recovery, as the actors in past scenes, and those most intimate with them, have closed and are closing their earthly career. It is obvious that it would have been easier for the writers, and more satisfactory to both writers and readers, if these works could have been commenced still earlier, as some incidents which would

PREFACE.

. VI be of permanent interest, are already lost. Happily, however, we occu py the homes once occupied by the fathers, and their children and children's children retain enough of their history to illustrate their character and perpetuate their virtues. In gathering the materials for this volume, reliance has been placed first, upon the Records of the Original Grantees, or Proprietors of the township, and on the Records of the town, which, from its organization, are in perfect preservation. Reliance has been placed secondly, upon conversations with very aged persons, who came, in childhood, with their parents, or whose birth occurred some years anterior to the present century, so that they distinctly remember things as they were in the beginning. I have recorded several reminiscences on the authority of tradition, which is an invaluable source of historical information, provided, as hi this case, it is not too remote from the scenes and actors it describes.

I will add, I have recorded some incidents suggested by my own observation, during a residence, mostly in this town, of more than half a century. The Chapters on the "Location of Settlers," though they may seem to promise to the reader only a dry detail of names, will, I hope, be found among the most entertaining of the volume, being interspersed with such incidents, reminiscences and anecdotes, as I have been able to collect respecting the persons mentioned. It is but a merited tribute to the citizens of Cornwall, to record in this place, that the publication of this Volume has been secured by a generous appropriation from the town Treasury, in the midst of unparalleled burdens of taxation for town, state and national purposes. I take pleasure, also, in adding that the illustrations have been gratui tously furnished by liberal friends — thus enhancing the value of the book, without cost to the reader.

The work delayed beyond his intentions, by the ill health of the writer, is offered with the hope that it may prove a source of entertainment to those who feel an interest in Cornwall, and thus contribute at least to their enjoyment. L. Matthews. Cornwall, September 20, 1862. CONTENTS.

Chapter I

Introductory, 13 CHAPTER H. Controversy between New York and New Hampshire respecting "the New Hampslnre Grants," 16 CHAPTER HI. Charter, with the names of the Original Proprietors, or Grantees — Plan of the town — Boundaries, 21

CHAPTER IV.

Organization of the Proprietors — Division of the lands by "pitches" — "Quieting act" — Proprietors' Records — Indetiniteness of Deeds and Conveyances — Land Surveys, 32

CHAPTER V

Settlers before the Revolutionary War : Eldad Andrus, Samuel Blodget, Sardius Blodget, Solomon Linsley, Aaron Scott, Nathan Foot, John Holley, Ebenezer Stebbins, Joel Linsley, Obadiah Wheeler", Jonah Sanford, James Marsh Douglass — Retirement of Settlers, 43

CHAPTER VI.

Return of Settlers — Immigrants after the War, and their Locations — Orange Throop — Samuel Ingraham and Matthew Lewis — Ethan Andrus — Sons of Nathan Foot — Samuel Bartholomew, CONTENTS. VIII

CHAPTER VII.

Location of Settlers,— Elijah Durfey— Elisha Hurlbut— Thomas Pritchard — James Lane — Thomas Tolman, first settled Minister — Samuel Benton — Jeremiah Rockwell — David Parkill — John Robbins — Abraham Baleom — Stephen Holley — Asa Woodward — Calvin Tilden— Luther Tilden — AVm. Baxter — David ' Daggett — Isaac Kellogg — Abial Rogers, Abial Linsley — Lemuel Peet — Daniel Richardson- Stephen Tambling — Isaiah Gilbert — Lemuel Tambling, 59 CHAPTER VIH. Location of Settlers continued — Wm. Slade — Jesse Chipman — James and Nathan Campbell — Dr. Solomon Foot — Benj. Stevens — Wait and Timothy Squier — bolomon Plumb — Shadrach Norton — Benj. Hall^ Barzillai Stickney — Daniel and Ezra Scovel— James M. Douglass and his Sons — Eliakim Mallory — Elisha Field, Sen. — Dea. Asahel Field — Elisha Field, Jr. — Ebenezer Newell — Richard Miner — Harvey Bell, , 68

CHAPTER IX.

Location of Settlers continued — David Nutting^Israel C. Janes — Dea. Horace Janes — Bezaleel Richardson — Nathan and Abisha Delano— Lemuel Chapman — Wm- Peck— -Reuben Peck— John Ballard — Riverius Newell — Benj. Reeve — Wait Wooster — Eli Stone — Daniel Sam.* son — Jacob Peck — Cory Mead — Reuben Bingham— Benj. Sanford — - Dea. James Parker — Nathaniel Cogswell — Isaac Hull — Joshua Stockwell — Nathaniel Blanchard — Joseph Cogswell — Abijah Davis — Matthew Parker— Stephen A. Tambling — Roswell Post — Benj. Atwood— Sanborn Bean — Wm. Samson — Ebenezer Squier — Henry Gibbs — David Sperry, 77

CHAPTER X.

Location of Settlers continued — JDan'l Sperry — Jacob Linsly, Sen.— - Kinne Button — Wait Wooster — Simeon Sanford — Dea. Amzi Jones — Jared Ives — Enos Ives — David Pratt — John Rockwell — Ezra and Isaac Mead — Jacob Ingraham — Nathan Jackson — Rufus MeadW Silas Mead — David Ingraham — David Foot, Sen. and Sons — Wm. Dwinnell — Moses Wooster — Gen. Soiners Gale — Zebulon Jones-^ Simeon Powers — Wareham Brown — Ephram Pratt — Matthew Lewis — Samuel Richards, Sen. — Abel Pratt — Roger Avery — Amos Penn°yer> CONTENTS. IX

CHAPTER XI.

Location of Settlers continued — Zachariah Benedict — Isaac Parker — Solomon Linsley — Adonijah and Wm. Kellogg — Eliphalet Samson — Gen. Joseph Cook — Gen. Chauncey Cook — Felix Benton and Andrew Benton — Fred. Frost, Sen. — Abraham Williamson — Zachariah Jolinson — Walker Linsly — Thomas Landon and his Son Isaac — Moses Pratt— William Arthur Stirling — Jedediah Durfey — Horace Landon — Wm. Ljuie ; his death by accident — Titus Fenn — Nathan Eells — Ephraim Andrus — Judd — Œinos Morgan — John Eells; his death by .accident, , . 94 CHAPTER XH. Location of Settlers continued — Jared Abematliy — Cyrus Abeniaathy — Dr. Frederic Ford, Sen. — Moses Goodrieh — Jabez A\ratrous — Rev. Benjamin AVooster — Flenry Dagget and Abbott Tambling — Saw-mill — John Gilman — Daniel Huntingdon — old road west from P. B. Warner's— -David aSeymour — Truman Wheeler — Cornelius Dutcher — Benjamin, Joseph and John H.imlin — Philip Warner — "Four hundred acre lot" of Samuel Benton — Water power — Grist and saw-mill of David Pratt — Various attempts to use the Beaver Brook as a motive power— Levi Speriy — Thomas Hall — Nathan and Pitts Ingraham— John Boynton — Jeremiah Bingham, 2nd — Hon. Hiland Hall .—-Reuben Bingham — Erastus Hatheway — Aaron Dclong — Dea.

Jeremiah Bipgham and Sops, 108 CFIAPTER XHI. aOrganization of the Town — rOfficers of the first Town Meeting — Officers not now chosen — JDeer Rifts or Reeves — Branders of Horses ; Legislation on the subject — Tything Men — Choristers — Pounds and Pound Keepers — List of Town Officers from the beginning 119 CPIAPTER XIV. Annexation of part of Cornwall to Middlebury — Probable reasons. . . 130

CHAPTER XV.

Religious History — Early arrangements respecting Religious Worship — First Revival — Organization of the Congregational Church — Articles of Faith, Rules and Order of Discipline — Settlement of Mr. Tolman Action respecting a Meeting-House — First House of Worship — Dismission-of Mr. Tolman X CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XVI.

Religious History continued— Controversy respecting location of Meeting a House — Settlement of Rev. Benj. Wooster ; his ministry and character; his connection with the army at Plattsburgh 148 CHAPTER XVH. Religious History continued — Formation of Congregational Society — Its Principles of Union — Settlement of Mr. Bushnell ; his ministry and character 164 CHAPTER XVHL Religious History continued — Building of Vestry or Lecture Room — Settlement ot Lamson Miner — Jacob Scales — S. W. Magill — G. W. Noyes — J. A. Bent — A. A. Baker — Lay Officers of the Church. .180

CHAPTER XIX.

Religious History continued — Formation of Baptist Church — Its first place of meeting and first Pastor, Elder Ephraim Sawyer — Building its Meeting House, a Union House— Conditions of the. Union — Elders Henry Green, Beriah N. Leach and others — Recent measures for re-building — Deacons — the Methodist Church — Its House of Worship, Pastors and Supplies — Free Church — Its Organization, Confession of Faith, and Rules of Discipline — Pastors, W. B. Ransom, Israel Hutchinson, C. B. Campbell and others 191

CHAPTER XX

Professional Men of Cornwall — Martin Post, Esq. — Practicing Physicians, Nathan Foot — Frederick Ford Sen. and Jun. — Solomon Foot — Abram Fleming — Hosea Brooks — Rodolphus Field — Oliver J. Eells — R. G. Greene— C. B. Currier — Thomas P. Matthews — M. 0. Porter — E. O. Porter — Darius Matthews, 203

CHAPTER XXI.

Educational — Schools — First Division of School Districts — School lands Superintending School Committee — Appropriation of Surplus Funds for Schools— School Houses — " Old Red " School House—" Brick " School House — Changes in Districts — School Superintendents — Select Schools 213 CHAPTER XXH. Educational — Young Gentlemen's Society ; Constitution and Rules — Meetings — Incorporation — Library — Lane Library Association ; its CONTENTS. XI Constitution and Library 220 CHAPTER XXIH. Natives of Cornwall who have entered the Professions — Clergymen, . .229 CHAPTER XXP7. Natives of Cornwall who have entered the Professions — Lawyers 243

CHAPTER XXV.

Natives of Cornwall who have entered the Professions — Physicians — Teachers — Editors — Those in other employments — List of Graduates 271

CHAPTER XXVI.

Population — The first male child born in Town — The first deaths by accident, and by disease — > Longevity of the first settlers — Census at different periods — Why no increase ? 278 CHAPTER XXVH. Record of families settled previously to 1800. 283 CHAPTER XXVHI. Care of the poor — Mode of provision — Statistics of Property — Lists — • Decimal Currency, when first used — Taxes for roads, and other specific objects. 291

CHAPTER XXIX.

Highways — Bridges, etc, 298

CHAPTER XXX.

Miscellaneous — Plac# for holding Town Meetings — Town sign post — Burying Grounds — Keeping Saturday evening, etc. — Compensation for services rendered to the town — Post Offices — Postmasters— Cave of Mrs. Stoiy — Indian relics, 305

CHAPTER XXXI.

Social Character and Spirit of the Settlers — Usages of the people in choice of Town Officers — Representatives — Selectmen — Haywards — Intemperance ; its victims, 314 CHARTER XXXH. Surface of the Town— Soil — Productions— Minerals— Marble— Building stone — Slate— Mineral Springs — Qualities of the water generally, .319 CONTENTS. XII CHAPTER XXXni. Pursuits of the People, chiefly agricultural — List of mechanics — Lack of Water Power — Mills— Merchants — Change from Agricultural toother pursuits — Horses — Sheep — "Cornwall finish," .324

CHAPTER XXXIV.

Changes in the habits and usages of the people — Modes of locomotion — Riding on horseback universal — Riding "double," or two on a horse — The pillion and saddle-bags — How mothers used to travel with their children — Materials and modes of dress — Furniture of the dwelling and table — Husking and other "bees"— Itinerant shoe-makers — modes of warming — Introduction of labor-saving machinery — Changes affecting moral character and habits — "Young America," 331

CHAPTER XXXV.

Services of Settlers who belonged to the Revolutionary army — Trainings — Waking up Officers — Citizens who did service in the war of" 1812 — Volunteers in the war of the Great Rebellion, 341 ILLUSTRATIONS. The portrait of Jonah Sanford, 83 " Nathan Eells, 104 " O. J. Eells, 209 " Hon. Solomon Foot, 24 " Gov. Slade, 259 " Jonathan Foot, 272 View of School House No. 2, HISTORY OE CORNWALL.

CHAPTER I.

' ' They need No statue nor inscription, to reveal Their greatness." Communities have been wont, in every age, to trace their origin to ancestors shrouded in uiythologic mystery, to those distinguished for physical prowess, or for intellectual or moral excellence. The Hindoo believes himself an emanation from Brama. The Roman was proud of his connection with the nurslings of a wolf. The Hebrew glories in his descent from the "Father of the Faithful." The people of New England ever love to trace their origin to the noble band who landed from the May Flower, and others of kindred spirit who subsequently sought an asylum on these shores. History tells us of no men of more unflinching courage, of sterner principles, of more varied excellence. To understand the movements of the Puritans, it is necessary to understand their character.

Though they endured, with forbear ance, the oppression of despotic monarchs ; the abuse and persecu tion of a supercilious hierarchy ; the disfranchisement of them selves and their families, they suffered not in slavish fear, or ignorance ; nor without a determination, at a proper time to rebuke their oppressors and assert their rights. " The Puritans who had fled to Holland, to avoid intolerance at home," says an English reviewer, " carried with them English hearts. They could not bear to think that their little community should be absorbed and lost in a foreign nation. They had forsaken their birth-place and their family graves ; but they loved their country and their mother tongue, and rather than their children should become subjects of another State, and speak another lan guage, they exposed themselves to all the hardships and dangers of colonizing in a savage land.

Life to them had little value without civil and religious freedom, to secure which their compact was formed, even before their feet touched American soil. No people on earth may so justly pride themselves on their ancestors, as the New Englanders." The circumstances in which the first settlers of New England were placed, nurtured courage; wariness and self-reliance. There was the insidious savage, who, viewing the settler as an intruder. was ever ready to take advantage of any remission of his watchful ness, for a covert assault. Upon his own vigilance and prowess depended the safety of himself and those he loved. Upon his own energy depended his supply of food and raiment. His fellow settlers were as destitute of resources as himself, and they were all too widely separated from kindred and friends, to expect relief in any emergency.

In view, therefore, of the fact, too well attested to require discussion, that men are formed by the circumstances in which they are called to act, it is not surprising that our ancestors were hardy, fearless and enterprising. Without these characteristics, the colony must speedily have become extinct. As these settlements extended into the interior, each became the nucleus of a community pledged to live free or die. The spirit of these settlers was often well exhibited in the homely but ex pressive stanzas of their own poets : ' Our worthy forefathers, (let's give them a cheer !) To climates unknown did courageously steer : Through oceans to deserts for freedom they came, And, dying, bequeathed us their freedom and fame. * Their generous bosoms all dangers despised, So highly, so wisely, their birthrights they prized.

What they gave let us cherish and piously keep, Nor frustrate their toils on the land or the deep." The Patriot's Appeal. As early as 1609, that part of Vermont bordering on Lake Champlain, was to some extent explored by a French adventurer, whose name the Lake bears ; but no permanent settlement in this part of the State was made for more than a century afterward. The position of the territory' was such as to prevent its safe occupancy by settlers. " Situated between the settlements of the French on one hand, and those of the English on the other, it was constantly exposed to the invasions and depredations of both, in the almost incessant warfare maintained between them. The dense forests of the Green Mountains were the favorite lurking places of the wield ers of the tomahawk, and resounded with the war-whoop of sav ages, who were willing to become allies of either of the contending parties.

They were traversed by prisoners taken in the French wars, and were witnesses of their heroism, and of their sufferings." Previous to 1760, the territory was almost an unbroken wilderness. A few settlements existed in the extreme southern part, though with but few inhabitants. The territory was often passed over by.parties of Continental soldiers, on their way to and from Lake Champlain, who were attracted by its beauty and fertility. — This accounts for the rapidity with which settlers gathered from all quarters, as soon as a safe way was opened before them. Between the years 1760 and 1764, most of the towns in the State received their charters from the Governor of New Hampshire.

Chapter II. Controversy Between New York And New Hampshire Respecting

"THE NEW HAMPSHIRE GRANTS." A controversy between New York and New Hampshire respecting jurisdiction over the territory now known as Vermont, com menced in 1749, and continued through many years. This was as unfriendly to the quiet of settlers, if not as perilous to their per sons, as their previous exposure to French and Indian hostility.— Though this controversy has no more relation to the history of Cornwall, than to most of the other towns in the western portion of the State, a brief sketch of it may be interesting to many readers.

New York claimed jurisdiction under a Charter graated by Charles II to the Duke of York, from which the following is an extract : " Charles the Second, By the grace of God, King of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, dpc, c~}*c. TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, Greeting : Know ye, That we, for divers good causes and considerations, have, of our special grace, certain knowledge and mere motion, given and granted, and by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do give and grant unto our dearest brother, James, Duke of York, his heirs and assigns, all that part of the main land of New England, beginning at a certain place, called or known by the name of St. Croix, next adjoining to New Scotland, in Amer ica ; and from thence extending along the sea-coast, unto a certain place called Petuaguine or Pemaquid, and so up the river thereof to the furtherest head of the same, as it tendeth northwards : and extending from the river Kinebeque, and so upwards by the short est course of the river Canada, northwards ; and all that island or islands, commonly called by the several name or names of Mato wacks or Long Island, situate and being west of Cape Cod, and the Narrow Highgansetts, abutting upon the main land, between the two rivers there, called or known by the several names of Connec ticut and Hudson's River, together, also, with the said river called Hudson's, and all the lands from the west side of Connecticut river, to the east side of Delaware Bay : Also, all those several islands, called or known by the names of Martin's Vineyard and Nantuckes, otherways Nantucket : tegether with all, &c. Dated the 29th day of June, in the twenty-sixth year of the reign of King Charles the Second."

It is not surprising that the utmost indefiniteness and confusion should have existed in reference to boundaries in the charters, and to other documents relating to the territory known as New Hamp shire Grants, included in the above Charter. The patent above quoted indicates a degree of ignorance of the Geography of the country in those who indited it, which at that period was perhaps excusable, but which was utterly inconsistent with the peace of the several colonial governments then acknowledged as having existence in New England and New York. Evidently the Monarch and his councils knew not what they were doing, if, indeed, they knew what they had already done in granting Charters to the New Eng land colonies. Of this confusion Gov. Wentworth avails himself in his proclamation in 1764, in which he says : — - " Persons holding grants of lands or Charters from New Hampshire, may be assured that tbe patent to the Duke of York is obsolete, and cannot convey any certain boundary to New York, that can be claimed as a boundary, as plainly appears by the several boundary lines of the Jersies on the west; and the colony of Connecticut on the east, which are set forth as part, only, of the land indicated in the said patent to the Duke of York."

The boundary of Connecticut and Massachusetts on the west reached to within twenty miles of Hud son River, and the Governor of New Hampshire inferred that his own jurisdiction extended westward to the same meridian. Acting on this inference, Gov. Wentworth granted Charters to those who applied. as far westward as this boundary, so far as the Hudson River extends, and northward of that point to the shore of Lake Champlain Whatever may have been the feelings of the first settlers of Vermont in regard to the authority of New York, it is certain that they early became disposed to acknowledge that of New Hamp shire, for they sought and obtained their Charters from that source. They appear, however, to have cared but little which government exercised jurisdiction over them, provided they were made secure in the enjoyment of their rights.

But they could not well render allegiance to both, and as neither had power to enforce its laws, or protect the settlers, necessity was laid upon them to pro tect themselves, and they declared themselves independent of both. In thus assuming to govern themselves, they only followed the dictate of necessity — nature's first law. The following declaration of the rights of the people, and of their independence, was adopted by a convention of delegates, without a dissenting vote.* "Rightist. That whenever protection is withheld, no allegi ance is due, or can of right be demanded. " 2nd. That whenever the lives and properties of a part of a community have been manifestly aimed at by either the legislative or executive authority of such community, necessity requires a separation. We are of opinion that the foregoing has, for many years past, been the conduct of the monopolizing land claimers of the colony of New York ; and that they have been not only coun tenanced, but encouraged, by both the legislative and executive -authorities of the said State or colony.

Many overt acts in evi dence of this truth, are so fresh in the minds of the members, that it would be needless to name them.

" Considering that a just right exists in this people to adopt measures for their own security, not only to enable them to secure their right against the usurpations of Great Britain, but also, against those of New ♦Slade's Vermont State Papers p. 6U. York, and the several other governments claiming jurisdiction in this territory ; — "This Convention, whose members are duly chosen by the free voice of their constituents in the several towns, on the New Hamp shire Grants, in public meeting assembled, in our own names, and in behalf of our constituents, do hereby proclaim and publicly declare, that the district of territory, comprehending and usually known by the name and description of the New Hampshire Grants, of right ought to be, and is hereby declared forever hereafter to be considered, as a free and independent jurisdiction, or state; by the name, and, forever hereafter to be called, known, and distinguished by the name of New-Connecticut, alias Vermont : and that the inhabitants that at present are, or that may hereafter become resi dent, either by procreation or immigration, within said territory. shall be entitled to the same privileges, immunities, and enfranchise ments, as are allowed ; and on such condition, and in the same mariner, as the present inhabitants in future shall, or may enjoy : which are, and forever shall be considered to be such privileges and immunities to the free citizens and denizens, as are. or at any time hereafter, may be allowed, to any such inhabitants of any of the free and independent States of America : and that such priviliges and immunities shall be regulated in a bill of rights, and by a form of government, to be established at the next adjourned session of this convention."

It would not be expected that the pioneers in a region thus situated would be timid men, or that many timid men would be found among their number. The timid would naturally prefer abodes rendered secure by the presence of a more dense population. The actual settlers were men whom no obstacles could discourage ; no disappointment could dishearten ; no perils could intimidate. — • Allen and Baker and Warner, and Fay and Fasset and Chitten den were only representatives of the community to which they belonged. They differed not from their compatriots in the spirit they cherished. They differed only in being assigned to posts of greater prominence and influence. Those who desired them to lead were ever ready to follow. No community was ever more deeply impressed with the indis pensableness of law ; and owning no power as authorized to dictate laws to them, they were a law unto themselves.

Their feelings were aptly expressed by one of their poets, some of whose stanzas have already been quoted. " We owe no allegiance ; we bow to no throne: Our ruler is law, and the law is our own Our lea lers themselves are our own fellow-men, Who can handle the sword, and the scythe, and the pen. " Ours are the mountains which awfully rise Till they rest their green heads on the blue of the skies. And ours are the forests, unwasted, unshorn Save where the wild path of the tempest is torn. " Though wintry and cold be this climate of ours, And brief be our seasons of fruits and of flowers; • Far dearer the blast round our mountains which raves; Than the sweet summer zephyr which breathes over slaves. " Come York, or come Hampshire — come traitors and knaves, If ye rule o'er our land, ye shall rule o'er our graves; Our vow is recorded — our banner unfurled; In the name of Vermont, we defy all the world.'' Of these men Gen. Burgoyne, when inditing a dispatch to the British Government, after the battle of Bennington writes : — " The Hampshire Grants in particular, a country unpeopled. and almost unknown in the French war, now abounds in the most active and rebellious race on the Continent, and hangs like a gathering storm on my left."

Chapter III. Charter, With The Names Of The Original Proprietors, Or Grantees

— PLAN OF THE TOWN — BOUNDARIES. The original Proprietors of the township of Cornwall, were mostly, probably wholly residents of Litchfield County, Connecti cut. Their names are endorsed on the back of the Charter, which is still preserved among the archives of the town, in a legible but dilapidated condition. This document has been kept with commend able solicitude, though by oft repeated examinations, by folding and refolding, it has become divided into numerous portions, like the lands to which it secures a title. On the Records both of the Pro prietors and of the town was entered an early transcript of the names of the Grantees, lest by the destruction of the original, they should be irretrievably lost. The names read as follows : NAMES OF GRANTEES: Samuel Chipman, Thomas Tuttle, Jabez Tuttle, Mr. Elias Reed, Thomas Chipman, Murry Lester, John Skinner, Samuel Hulburd, Hannah Austin, Ruluff White, Samuel Lee, Josiah Heath, James Nichols, Josiah Dean, O Ebenezer Fletcher, Samuel Keep, David Averill, Amos Chipman, Jabez Williams, James Smith, Roswell Steel, Alexander Gaston, George Nichols, William Nichols, John Judd, Andrew Brownson, > John Scovill, ) Samuel Judd, Eleanor Smith, Benj.