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974.302
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1144516
TfON
r*] llmilS Will, PUBLIC LIBRAR
3 1833 01096 3442
'■i^ '^A » '^i^' ■'
ki^ 'a"
,aggi--:^u-ai
I. K. l'Ai(.:iiKi.i)Kk.
REUNION CELEBRATION
TOGETHER WITH AX
HISTORICAL SKETCH
PER IJ .
BEXXIXOXOX COUXXY, VERIMONX,
Its Ixhauitants FRO^r the First Settlk:\[ext of the Towx.
By IRA K. BATCHELDER.
BKATTLEISORO:
PHCEXIX JOli I'KIXT— E. L. HILDRETH .V CO.
1 891.
PREFACE.
1144516
At the Centennial Celel)ratiun uf the settlement of Peru, or
reunion of her sons and daughters, they were of the opinion that
the town had a history worth preserving, and the very complete
historical paper read on that occasion by Hon. Ira K. Batchelder
suggested him as the proper person to prepare it. A resident
of the town for most of his life, well acquainted with nearly all
Qi the early settlers, and prominent in its affairs for half a century,
J- no one among the number was so well equipped for the work
^ as he. After considerable persuasion, Judge Batchelder consented,
^ and the following History of Peru is the result. A great deal
of time has been spent in gathering the facts for which Mr.
^- Batchelder receives no remuneration except the gratitude of his
former townspeople and those who shall come after, which we
are sure he will receive in large measure. In some respects it
is not as full as he would have been pleased to have made it,
and some families may have been omitted, or mentioned very
5 briefly where a longer account would have been desirable, but
this is the common fault of all such histories, where the money
received for the sale of the book will not admit of a lengthy
work. For this reason the interesting papers read by Hon.
fames M. Dudley and Dr. Asa Bigelow at the reunion are not
inserted. In part they would have been a repetition of what
Mr. Batchelder has written. As he very modestly omits all
mention of his own family, the lack is partially supplied by the
brief notice printed under the head of Biographies.
D. K. SiMONDS,
I.IS'l" ()!• PORTRAITS.
Ira K. liatchc'lder, - - Frontispiece
Mr. ami Mrs. Hfiijaniiii Ilaniard, - - Following page 8
Dea. John liatchelder, - - "16
Israel Hatchelder, - - - "18
Edmund Hatchelder, - - "20
Stowell Barnard, - - - "28
I'eter Dudley, Jun.. - - " 32
Mr. and Mrs. C'has. Lyon, - - " 40
Mrs. I. K. Hatchelder, - - '• 46
Mr. and Mrs. I )avid Sinionds, - - " 48
Mr. and Mrs. j. j. Hai)go()d, ■ - " 56
Mr. and Mrs. Asa .Sinionds, - - " 64
H. (). Davis,
Mr. and .Mr>. .\aron iieard,
Jesse Warren,
Mr. anil Mrs. I. I,. Ilavnes,
68
72
76
80
-Hon. I)e.\ler I-Jat( helder, - - '« ,S4
Mark Hatchelder, - . «
Kev. A. F. (lark,
Cien. Stephen Dudlev. - - . •> j^,
Dea. O. P. Simonds, - - "126
90
102
M j. 1 lapgood,
'>54
IN DEX.
Attractions of Peru, - - - Page lo
Biographies, - - - - "120
Bromley, Organization of, - - - " 84
Buildings Lost by Fire, - - - "117
Casualties, - - - - " 116
Cemeteries, - - - - "120
Charter, - - - ■ " 13
Churches, - - - - "99
Church Buildings, - - - - " 107
Doctors, - - - - ''119
Early Physical Condition, - - - " 21
Early Settlers, - - - "27
Epidemics, - ' - - - " 118
First Known White Perscnis, - - "18
Hotels, - - - - " 115
Longevity, - - - - "143
Mail, - - - - - " 90
Mechanics, - - - - " ixi
Military Companies, - - - " 90
Mills, - - - - "112
Reunion, Fourth of July, - - - :" i
Roads, - - - - • " 82
Schools and Schoolhouses, - - ■ " 95
Soldiers of the Rebellion, - . - "92
Stores, - - - - - " 116
Town Officers, - - - "85
Wild Animals, - - ' - - " 26
vi
INDFX.
IWMll.lKS.
ClIlI.DKKN OK
(Hll.DKKN <)1'
Adams, jocl. Page 34
F'arnuni. John, Page
40
" jocl, jr..
34 ;
Could, 11..
58
Abel,
34 1
Hajigood. Josiah.
36
" Moses, "
39
jj-
55
John Q.,
39
Holton. ['"rederick, ''
34
Aldrich. Willis.
^'3
Howard. Joseph, '•
59
I'.allarcl. 1 )ea. Hciijamin. "
35
I. akin. James. "
76
Harnard. Heiijamin.
29
Fampson. Reuben. "
80
lienjamin. jr., "
4^>
Fincoln, Capt. James "
61
Stowell.
3-
Long, Isaac.
73
liatcheider. Mark.
54
" J. P..
74
Israel.
61
Fvon, Dea. Seth,
31
Dea. John. -
7'
" Joel.
31
Dea. Kdm'd, '•
71
" Freeman, "
32
" Edmund.
/ -
Seth.
32
" Charles,
/ -
Mellenily, J. C.
51
Levi.
73
Messenger, Fxlward, •'
47
F. r..
73
" Amherst, "
47
" Amos,
K^.y
Nourse, Joel. "
52
Bennett, Jonas, "
64
Phillip.s. .\sa.
4'
" Francis, "
74
Priest, Moses,
69
Bigelow, Reuben,
2cS
Rider, Moses, "
43
Brown, Jesse, Sen., '
5 '
Jesse, "
43
Bryant, Royall,
53
Roby, Mooily,
68
Burt. Scammel, '
,1/
Russell, Ira,
46
lUirton, Aaron, '
132
Xatlianiel, "
75
Byard, Aaron,
40
Sawyer. John,
(>3
" Aaron T..
40
David,
65
Chandler. John.
5^'
Simonds. l^lijah, "
44
K. I'..
57
.\sa.
44
Co<jk, Hinckley,
53
David.
5'
Coolidjrc, Harley.
75
0. P..
54
Davidson, Dea. Joim.
75
Smith. David. "
62
Davis. H. ().,
r^.^
Stiles, l^bene/.er.
66
" Crovneur,
.S2
Francis K.,
67
" C. K..
' 13^
Stone, Samuel, "
69
Dudley, Cen. I'cter,
* 48
" Josiah, "
71
(icn. Stephen,
• 4S
Tuttle, E. H.,
81
CHILDREN OF
Wait, James, Page
Walker, (loodell, "
" Reuben, "
Warren, Jesse,
Whitney, W.,
NDEX.
vii
CHILDREN
OF
8i
Whitney, EHsha,
Page 57
45
" Nathan,
60
46
WilHams, Benjamin,
41
49
Wyman, Dea. Thomas,
30
55
OHver,
" 31
lUOCiRAPHIES.
Barnard,
Benjamin, Page
125
Farnum, James, Page
143
"
Charles E.,
134
Hapgood, J. J.,
125
Batcheld
er, Mark,
124
L. B.,
136
'•
John, "
126
C. M.,
136
ii
Israel,
127
" Jonathan, "
140
«(
Edmund, "
127
" M. J.,
T42
i(
Ira K.,
129
Haynes, James L., "
131
<(
George, "
131
Lakin, J. C, *'
137
a
Amos, "
^33
Lincoln, Stillman ^V., "
136
((
F. P,
134
Long, Joseph P., "
135
u
Dexter, "
137
" C. F.,
139
''
Charles,
137
Lyon, Dea. Seth,
123
"
Dea. Edm'd. "
139
'* Freeman, "
124
"
Edward,
140
" Joel,
124
Bennett
James,
134
'• Charles,
U3
"
Jacob,
136
" Mark B.,
137
Bigelow
, Reuben, "
120
Sawyer, John H.,
142
Burton,
Aaron, "
131
Simonds, Dea. David.
127
Byard,
\. T.,
139
Stephen D.,
134
Chandler, Ezra P., "
132
Dea. 0. P.,
135
Davis, G. K., "
132
" Joseph H.,
135
lohn \\ .,
141
D. K.,
138
"
^enry, "
141
Dudley
, Gen. Peter, "
122
Stiles, Samuel. "
137
u
Peter,
128
Stone, Harvey, "
U3
((
Stephen,
129
" Hezekiah, "
^33
u
Rev. Myron S., "
13S
Walker, Goodell,
141
((
James M.,
139
Wvman, Dea. Thomas, ''
123
Farnum. J. W.,
142
Thos. Jr.,
123
GRAND
FOURTH OF JULY REUNION.
Dear Sir: The citizens of Peru have made arrangements for a grand
reunion on July 4th, 187Q, to which you are cordially invited, it is expected
that many of the old residents who have removed to other localities will be
present and it is desirable to have as many join with us on that occasion as
possible. The exercises will consist of
AN ORATKW
BY
HON. JAMES M. DUDLEY,
Of Johnstown. N. Y.
A HISTORICAL ADDRESS
BY
HON. IRA K. BATCHKLDER,
Of Townshend, Vt.
A POEM
BY
HON. 1). K. SIMONDS,
Of Man'ciif.ster, Vt.
There will also be a dinner with
Toasts and Resi'onses.
If you decide to come please reply to that effect as soon as convenient.
Ror.KKT I. Batchkldkr,
For Committee.
Peru, Vt., June 2d, 1879.
The above invitation was sent to all resident and non-resident
citizens and friends, who made a "enerous response, saying they
would be present to unite with residents and friends of their native
liome in the festivities of the day, to rejoice with friends who had
been so long separated by time and distance, and to breathe tlie
pure air and drink of the sparkling water of their native hills on the
Green motnitains.
t RKrNlON AT 1M:RU.
Among the responses to be i)reseiit is the followini^, which 1
insert to remind ns of D.ivid:
I.ondoiuiorry, \'l., June ii, 1S71;.
To Roherl I. Ilalrhcldcr and Committee of Invitation of tlic Reunion at
I'crii, July A, i<S7i>
Dear Sir and Friends: We, mother of the ori<,nnal stock, David a
limb of the same, Samuel Dudley and his broods, distinj^uished companv
far fetched, Carrie and Molly and broods, all limbs and sprouts of I'eru
slock; and Geortre J., L. A., and V. Arnold Starbuck from a distance may
be, and will endeavor to be on hand, and perhaps a city lawver from New
\'ork, branches and limbs as aforesaid.
\'ery respectfully yours.
D.WII) A K NO I, I).
Also the followinti' from Mrs. Lucy (iray, fornierlv Lucy
Simonds:
Dekalb, 111., June 24, \Sji).
Mk. RoliKKT 1. T5.\ rciii.i.Di-.K.
Dear Sir: I received your kind in\il;ition to be present at the reunion
of old settlers at your place on the Fourth. 1 assure vou that it would he
highly {.i^ratifying to me to be present and see the home of my childhood,
and renew the associations I once enjoyed, but a,q^e and infirmity
prevent. I am in my eis:hty-second year, and will have to content myself
in the far off region of the West. I know when that day comes mv
thou<:jhts will <;o back to my old home in the F^ast, and will be present in
spirit though not in form. May it be a good day to all of you and not
without i)r()lit, and 1 do rejoice that our country is free.
Yours with respect,
Mrs. LrcY (iuAV.
^L'lny respondetl by wriliiio^ who could not \)v present \n person,
but said they should be present in spirit, and sent tlieir congratu-
lations to all present with good-will and love.
Till, .M.\N( iii'.sTKR jot:R.\.\i.'s Account of thk Ri:t nion:
Not less than three thdusand peoide attended the reunion
celebration the 4th, two luindretl of whom were old residents, most
of the old families beino represented. Of the Hioejow familv, Dr.
Asa I'.igelow. of Toledo. Ohio, Mrs. I''airchild, of \\'isc()nsiii, ,ind
Mrs. Dr. Whiting, of Chester; of the Warren family, Rev. S. .Mills
Warren, of Ro.xIniry, Mass.. and Herbert Marshall Warren; of the
Dudley family, Hon. J. .M. Dudley, of Johnstown. \. ^■.. Mrs. David
Arnold and Mrs. Jesse Rider, of Londoiulerry, and Mr.s. Curti.s, of
Hoosick, N. v.; of the Barnard family, Luke and Seth 15arnard, and
REUNION AT PERU. 3
Mrs. Haynes, of Wilmington, Charles Ikirnard, of Illinois, Mrs. I. K.
Batchelder, of Townshend, Mrs. J. J. Hapgood, of Cambridge,
Mass., Mrs. Eviline Whitney, of (ilens Falls, Mrs. Eleanor Gillson,
of Chester, Mrs. Lydia Allen, of Greenfield, Mass., Mrs. Emma
Button, Mrs. F. P. Batchelder, of Ludlow; of the Batchelder family,
Hon. Ira K. l>atchelder and Edward Batchelder, of Townshend,
pAlward and John L. Batchelder, Mrs. Ira Cochran and Mrs. D. L.
Kent, of Dorset. F. P. Batchelder, of Ludlow, J. G. Batchelder, of
Wilmington, and Jas. K. Batchelder, of Arlington; of the Lyon
family, Charles Lyon, of Shushan, N. Y., and H. M. Lyon, of
Massachusetts; of the Burton family. Dr. R. B. Burton, of New
York City, Mrs. Charles Lyon, of Shushan, N. Y., and Mrs. A. J-
Gray, of Manchester; of the Hapgood family, L. B. Hapgood and
Miss Charlotte Hapgood, of Cambridge, Mass., and Charles
Hapgood, of Easton, Pa.; of the Simonds family, S. D. Simonds, of
Illinois, Oscar Simcjnds, of I'ennsylvania, Mrs. A. F. Clark, of
Leverett, Mass., Mrs. L. Howe, of Brattleboro, and Mrs. Simpson of
Hoosick, N. Y. There were many more old residents present, some
of whom we did not see, but we mention the above as fair specimens
of those present and to show that the reunion was a success.
Besides old residents there was a large crowd of people present
from neighboring towns. The procession was formed under the
direction of Geo. K. Davis, Esq., marshal, at 10 a. m., and reached
from the village to the grove, as closely packed as an ordinary road
would allow. The exercises at the grove were opened by De.xter
Batchelder, Esq., jH-esident of the day, who welcomed the guests in a
few fitting words, and introduced Rev. A. F. Clark, who was for
many years pastor of the Congregational church, who offered prayer.
Hon. James M. Dudley, orator of the day, was next introduced, and
spoke for nearly an hour, his address being very appropriate to the
occasion, well written and well delivered, and it was received by the
audience with many tokens of approval. His references to incidents
and events in the early history of the town moved the audience,
especially the old residents, sometimes to laughter, sometimes to
tears. Hon. Ira K. Batchelder followed with an historical sketch
which included the early settlement of the town, with an extended
account of all the prominent families. After speaking half an hour
signs of rain caused an adjournment to the church, where Mr.
Batchelder finished, occupying nearly two hours in all. The history
must have cost a vast amount of labor and was very interesting,
4 RHUMON AT PKRIT.
especially t" old residents. i'liis was followed by dinner, which was
furnished bv the residents, and fully sustained their envialilc
reinitation for deeds of hospitality. The shower somewhat
interfered with the culinary arranyenients, but did not spoil a good
dinner nor prevent its thorough api^reciation by the hungry guests.
.\fter dinner the exercises were resumed in the church, opened by a
poem by D. K. Simonds, which appeared to l)e u-ell received. Dr.
Asa Bigelow followed with a short address containing many amusing
reminiscences, especially interesting to the older persons i:)resent.
'I'his was followed by the following sentiments and responses under
the direction of J. 15. Simonds, who a(-ted as toastmaster. The day
we celebrate; response by the Londomleny Coinel band. The
latlies of I'eru; responded to by 1). K. Simonds. Teru: May the
moral character of its people be as high and prominent as its
mountains; responded to by Rev. Asa 1'". Clark. The home of our
childhood; response by a vocal trio, '• Home Again Returning."
Vermont: May its institutions of learning and the religious charai tcr
(^f its i^eople be everlasting; responded to by Hon. .\. L. Miner.
May there be many hapi")y returns of the day to all present; resiK)nse
by the Weston Cornet Band. Peru: A good place to raise lawyers,
but too elevated to support them; responded to by j. K. liatchelder.
The family: The foundation of State, may its influence in Peru be
preserved pure and intelligent; responded to by Samuel M. Warren.
Morality from religious principles the foundation of true manhood;
resjionded to by Rev. R. 1). Miller. Education: May our young
people ever prize it above all other gifts; resj^onse bv Ira K.
liatchelder. Our old families; responded to by James M. Dudley.
Our children at home: May they keep the hres burning brightly in
ortler to welcome back the friends of ".\uhl Pang Syne;" responded
by M. J. llapgood. Should auld accjuaintance be forgot; response
by all singing, "Auld Lang Syne." The responses were all
appropriate and added much to the interest of the occasion.
Almost every speaker during the day feelingly referred to the high
character of the old residents of the town who have pa.ssed away,
and testified to their ajipreciation of the old Puritan inlluences under
which they were brought up. It was five o'clock before the
speaking was fmished, and some of the visitors were so much
interested in the occasion that they wonUl have prolongeil the
meeting far into the night if left to themselves. The showers
during the day made it very unpleasant for those who could not
REUNION AT PERU. S
find room in the church, and no doubt some went home disgusted,
but the rain could not be helped, and but for that the celebration
would h.ave been satisfactory to everybody. The citizens of Peru
tlid everything possible to make the occasion pleasant and one long
to be remembered by those present. The Tx)ndonderry and Weston
Cornet Bands made plenty of excellent music and added much to
the interest of the occasion. The latter band has been organized
but a short time, but played very nicely, and with more practice can
become one of the best bands in the State. The Londonderry Band
has already gained a good reputation, which they fully sustained on
this occasion. .\fter the celebration the Londonderry Band
serenaded Mrs. .Anna Simonds, who is eighty-eight years old, and
was not able to be present at the celebration. Among the pleasant
incidents of the occasion was the contribution of a purse of one
luindred dollars to the Peru Congregational Society by friends from
abroad, to assist in repairs on the church and parsonage. A
movement was also made for -printing a complete history of the
town, and a committee, composed of L-a K. Batchelder, D. K.
Simonds and M. J. Hapgood, was appointed to take such steps as
may be necessary to attain that object. We would be very glad to
publish in the Journ.a.l the orations, etc., in full, but our limited
space forbids. If the proposed history is published no doubt they
will be included in that work.
The following letter, which has been received by the Committee
of Invitation of the Peru reunion, expresses the sentiments of nearly
all the guests.
New York, July 8, 1S79.
To R. I. Batchelder and others:
Dear Sir: The charmint,-- retrospect of that reunion is so charming
that I cannot refrain from expressing my great thanks to you for your
invitation, and to all others concerned. It seems as if all the arrangements
from first to last were planned by inspiration. The selection of orator,
historian and poet was faultless. The music and all of the subsequent
exercises were carried on with the best possible effect. The dinner was
good and your hospitality was boundless. If Peru hds decreased in popu-
lation it surely has not in the quality of what is left. I think really only
one such event can happen in our lifetime, but I rejoice to think that we
can carry the remembrance of it to our last moments.
\'ery respectfully,
Dr. R. B. Burton.
Ri:rNI()N AT PERU.
THE POEM.
C.reat times wo have at our house, the boys are on their way
To visit tlie old homestead on Independence Day,
And their sisters and cousins and aunts, and the Lord only knows who
Will be here that day to join in the mighty hullabaloo.
And Sarah Jane and I have been as busy as a bee
In putting everything to rights for the boys and girls to see.
We are bound they shan't go hungry, we know they'll not be sad,
For haven't we worked like beavers to make their coming glad.
Our house is filled with good things, pies, puddings, pork and beans,
Mam, turkey, chicken fixins, and well, I think there's greens;
Doughnuts ? Ves, there's doughnuts, you can bet your life on that,
VoT Sarah Jane, she fried a cart load and used up all the fat.
Last night 1 killed the fatted calf, the prodigal is sure to come,
And I wa'nt that when he gets here, he'll find the folks at home.
'Tis true we're getting rather old, good Sarah Jane and I,
But if you'd seen us fixing up you'd thought us dreadful spry,
For everything about the house was getting rather slack
And it really makes us young again to have the boys come back.
Mother's afraid they'll be stuck up and put on city airs,
lUit if they're a mind to be such fools I'd like to know who cares.
"Tis true most all have done quite well and some have done first rate,
But they will leave their stuck up airs outside the front yard gate;
Of course they know we're homespun folks that never put on style
And won't expect kid gloves and sich in tillers of the "silc."'
How I would feel in stovepipe hat and shiny broadcloth suit,
And mother in a damask silk with frills and lace to booti
Vou might as well hitch up a cow and put her in a gig.
And speed her on a trotting course, as to put us in such rig.
But when you come to honest toil, though we are past our prime,
A working in the house or field, you'll find us every time;
And the boys will never fail to find a welcome kind and true
Whenever they see fit to come away up to Peru.
But bless me how they're scattered, from Maine to Iowa;
They've gone to seek their fortins and bound to make it pay.
But then it is no wonder, whether we won't or will.
We know that men. like water, are bound to run down hill.
The water from Old liromley runs north, south, east and west,
And so our sons and daughters take which course each likes best;
They surely can't go higher up, unless in a balloon.
And even they will hardly try a journey to the moon.
lUit we will trust these boys of ours, for don't we surely know
That they will show their bringing up no matter where they go;
And they were never taught at home to cheat and steal and lie.
Nor loaf around bad whiskey shops, or drinking on the sly;
But they were all brought up to work and earn their daily bread,
RFATNION AT PERU. 7
To rise not later than the sun, and with the sun to bed.
I know it seems a little hard, but then they had their fun,
And all the sweeter, too, for them, with all their labor done;
Such boys we know will make their mark, and never bring disgrace
Upon the man who brought them up or on their native place.
You'll i)ardon me for words of praise, indeed 1 can't do less
Than tell the truth behind their backs, and that won't hurt I guess;
The world has need of just such boys in every spot and place.
They'll all pull true, and never balk or stumble in the race.
But I must tell you about the boys we expect to see,
A better lot you'd seldom find beneath a family tree;
There's Jim we sent away to school because he would not work,
And every time the job was hard he'd always try to shirk,
He studied law, of course he did, the law's the place for him,
But who'd a thought they'd ever made a judge of lazy Jim ?
There's Ira K., he bought a farm and worked it very well,
And always raised enough to eat, with plenty left to sell.
And so he got a little proud and thought he'd rather go
Where people have more rocks and where there is less snow;
And so he went, but quickly found though snow is pesky stuff
That water, too, is rather bad when one has more'n enough.
Then there's 1). K., we always thought he'd come to some bad end.
For every cent that he could get he'd find a way to spend;
He went to school and studied law, but never made much stir.
And nort' he's settled down into a country editor.
I quite forgot, he's been gone so long, to mention Asa B.,
Though he was jolly when he was young and dearly loved a spree;
And then there's another Asa B., whom all of you must know,
He's rather high, although you see his name is Bige/r)7L' ,■
And Moody, too, who stayed at home till he was eighty-one,
Before he went across the hill to have a little fun;
And Wot, a hard-working boy and always full of pluck.
But somehow things would not go right, he never had no luck.
And Asa F., who used to preach, and tried to practice too.
Which is a great deal better than, I fear, some preachers do;
There's Luke and Charles and Seth, three honest boys and true,
Who manage to save their coppers and a little silver too;
Charles he went to Illinois, and thinks he hit the mark.
For farming there is easier than peeling hemlock bark.
Fd and John did not go far before the critters found
What proved to be a very good opening — in the ground.
They did not go quite far enough to be rid of Vermont rocks,
But the kind they have is very good and always raised in blocks.
Then there's Luke B., a merchant prince, at least he might have been
If he had staid in the old store and settled down his tin.
But he must go and try his hand way down in big Boston,
And now, though he may have less cash perhaps he has more fun;
Ri;i MON A'l" PERT.
And there's James K., a lawyer, too, of ^^ood al)ility,
Whetlier you lose or win yonr case, he'll never lose the fee;
Ihit then you hardly ever see, at least I never saw
A man who got exceedingly rich by always going to law.
And then there's Oscar, who will come from Pennsylvania,
Who has found, it seems, that even there life is not all child's play.
Hut he has done his very best to help his fellow men
15y trying to support his wife, also his children ten;
There's Elb, who used when he was young, to flirt \\ ith all the girls,
And always sure to lose his head at sight of pretty curls;
lUit long ago he steadied down and sticks to work I suppose,
For marriage is a sure cure for all such freaks as those.
.And then John G., a jolly boy and always full of fun,
.And every chance that he could get to Landgrove he would run;
And Samuel M., who used to be clear up above them all.
For he lived high, I don't mean fast, nor extremely tall.
And Mahlon too, an honest boy, a lover of his books,
A doctor now, though one would hardly think it from his looks;
And there is Charles, a curious boy, who likes it seems, a span.
And is, as everybody knows, a stiff cold water man.
And Porter J., who left his farm, but still we all agree
That he will make, if he keeps on, a first rate deputy;
And Aiden, a rather puny boy and slender of his age.
Who expects to be a conductor on the narrow guage;
Aiden he will sure be here, his senses in a whirl.
For he, like any good young man will bring along his girl.
.And others too we shall expect, while others cannot come.
Though we would like right well to see all the boys at home.
Now I've thus far only told you of the boys who roam,
Hut I must also say a word of those who staid at home;
Some good, some bad, but on the whole I think they will compare
In every good and honest work with boys raised anywhere.
There's Tom, my eldest, always stiddy, never shirked his meals.
And still he's happy, though old age, like twilight, o'er him steals;
And Frank, a very steady worker, and always hearty too.
And never really, truly happy without a heap to do;
And Edmund, another stiddy boy, whom we always knew
Would be a deacon if he lived, a very good deacon too,
And while I'm on the deacon list I must not skip O. P.,
Who always would stick to the last like bark unto a tree.
And then there's Deck, a jolly boy, who rather likes his ease.
Hut makes a living off his farm, and sometimes he makes cheese;
There's John, Ide and Seth, and also Merrill G.,
If they should go away from home they'd sure to be all at sea.
And Jonathan sticks tight at home and minds his little biz.
And hardly comes to town to find out whether butter's riz.
There's Harvey S. and Kiah, too, now better boys are scarce,
REUNION AT PERU. 9
And girls who ketch and marry them might do a great deal worse;
And John, but he is caught at last, indeed we know he's gone,
A pretty girl just smiled on him, and then 'twas goodbye John.
I need not tell you of Cieo. K., of course you know him well,
He's one of those who just know how to keep a good hotel;
Then there's Mark B., Clark J., and others too, but I have said enough.
And fear you'll think what I have said is naught but silly stuff.
I'd like to tell you of our girls, of whom we raised a crop,
But should I get to praising them 1 fear I'd never stop,
But you'll soon see what they can do, in fact they can't be beat
In getting up a rousing meal for hungry folks to eat;
And now I think you've heard enough about our family,
And if you ever come to town, drop in, and stay to tea.
D. K. SlMONDS.
Al'IkACriONS ()!• V\iR{
As to the sceiuTv. Ki him judge of it who has ever crossed the
inoiintain upon the turnpike from Mancliester. As he rounds the
top, suddenly there bursts upon the view a sight which no one whose
heart is at all akin to nature can ever forget. Stretched in full
glory below him lies the whole broad valley of the upjier West River
and its tributaries, while beyond the vision follows range after
range, and is lost onlv amid the giants of the White Mountains.
Hut by far dearer to me is the journey across the Notch. As you
reach the top, the eye rests upon a broad stretch of wilderness,
e.xtending for miles in every direction. Half way down, where a
half dozen brooks gather, 1 have camped each yi-ar for weeks at a
time. No .sountl, save the rustle of a leaf and the rush of the mad,
leaping waters, with an atmosphere wafted into the face such as
kings or emperors, in their gorgeous palaces, never breathe. I take
my rotl, I fish for miles, north, south, east or west. I cross no
clearing and pass over no boundary line. 1 follow the main Ijranch,
which is the head-waters of the Jiattenkill, two miles to the north,
cross a slight ridge, alight upon the head-waters of the Otter Creek,
fish it down another two miles, until I arrive at that incomparable
sheet of water, Ihiffom I'ond. .Ml of this time 1 have been traveling
due north, and have not left the bounds of m\- native town, or been
within two miles of a clearing, I might have gone south with nearly
llie same result. ^Vhen 1 reach lluffom, I am tlicrc ! ^\■here? — in
Paradise, or as near Paradise as 1 can will get on earth. Time and
again I have traveled the .\dirondacks, but there is nothing
there in that magnificent region to surpass it. With a hard, stony
shore and bottom, all around is the virgin forest, as vel un|)ollutetl by
the hand of man. The heavy, dense fir trees crowil in on all sides
in the vain endeavor to fill the watery space. \()U shout, and the
woods echo and re-echo your v(;ice until it reaches the momitains
ATTRACTIONS OF PERU. ii
that surround you upon all sides, but no ear, save the ear of the
sportsman, catches the sound. Everywhere is nature, just as the
Creator made it, wild, strong, full, running over, romantic!
One cannot stay here but a short time and not ^^et hungry. Yet
don't get alarmed, friend, or bring in with you your stale cooked
provender. Nature has made ample provision. In those deep, still
waters floats meat fit for the gods, and such, I ween, as the gods
very seldom get, rich, tire red, just large enough to spin the reel and
set the nerves all a (juiver as you draw them out, these speckled,
smooth skinned beauties are ahead of anything which Jay Gould
can purchase with his two hundred millions. For over twenty years
I have visited this region annually, and never yet faded to get my
till, and only those who have been with me can have any idea,
whatever, what that means. And I can truthfully boast of sport
obtained right here in my native state, unique, unexcelled, even by
your Maine or Canadian professional. Standing upon a well
balanced raft, and moored in water twenty feet deep, four times in
succession I have hooked with my seven ounce rod three trout at a
time, weighing from four to sixteen ounces each; at the last cast the
fourth hook was taken by a sixteen ounce bull head. I have
followed up a wild stream, untished since I left it the year l)efore'
stood at the foot of a round basin ten feet acros-^, and laid out, one
by one, upon the bank, as my wife cast them ciuivering towards me,
twenty-seven plump, fat, /ci^a/ trout. For nearly a week at a time I
have camped, with ladies, in the heart of this wilderness, with only
the ground for a tloor and a bark roof, all open in front, for a cover;
and carried in hardly more than a single loaf of cooked food. I
have myself put upon the bark table, steaming hot, ready for
simultaneous consumption, well cooked trout, pork, pancakes,
potatoes, maple syrup and coffee. Well, you only who have been
there know what it means, with only the open fire to cook over.
Outsiders can have no more idea of it than a crocodile has of music.
Often I have gone for months without a meal of victuals, although 1
have one of the best cooks in the parts at the head of my household.
I go through the ceremony of eating, and manage to dispose (jf a
large amount of fodder, yet only when I get back to the old camp
and come in after a hard day's tramp, with fire to kindle, trout to
dress, and supper to get, with its aroma tantalizing my nostrils, do I
feel like eating^ But mind one thing, some one else washes the
dishes, or else they go until morning.
12 A TIKAC'IIONS OK VVAiV.
"And now comes still cvcnini,'^ on,
And twilij^'ht, j^-^rcy,
Has in licr soljcr livery, all thini^s clad.''
"The other member of the party" throws fresh fuel upon the
camp fire. 'I'he woods around julimmer with the waverins; lioht.
Fantastic shadows dance hither and thither. Hi.i^li overhead the
lulled stars shine dimly out. Somehow 1 manatee to move a little to
where the balsam bouglis lie in thick jirofiision under the projecting
bark. Some kind, considerate friend hands me a cit^ar. Slowly,
calmly, fully I taste the fragrant weed, and watch the wreaths of
smoke as they curl gracefidly up. That most important of all
events, viz: digestion, is, undoubtedly, now taking place. I feel at
peace with all mankind and all creation. I doubt whether, if that
most hated of all enemies, the mosquito, should now alight u])on me
that 1 should raise a liand to crush it. Even though he who
nominated me as church committee, should now look upon me, I
think that I should smile upon him. liut hark I What sound is
that, repeated at long, full intervals? Ah, comrades! Vou have
fallen, fallen ignominiously, without a struggle. \V'ell, sleep — the
best, strongest, sweetest, most health-giving sleep known to mortal,
is yours. 'I'he fire will soon die out, yet the stars will grow brighter
and watch over you. Soon the full orbed moon will start in her
course westward across the sky. No nightmare, no dreams even,
will be yours. And in the morning the scent of the balsam will be
in your clothes. Your hands will rub it into your eyes, and melting
tlew will carry it everywhere through the air. Not even a plunge
into the cold, pure water, will wash it away. Ah mel As 1 sit at my
desk at mid-winter, I can live over again the only real, true part of
my life.
V'es, I am fully convinced that no other place in these parts offers
equal attractions for the tired and dejected denizens of our cities
who seek rest, recreation and (|iiiet. We have a telegraph line and
a (hiily mail from each direction; and a landlord whose tables even
now millionaires drive miles out of their way to enjoy. No
description of our town would be at all complete without mention of
our honored host, Mr. (i. K. Davis, whose name shall fillinglv close
our wayward description.
M. |. lI.\i'(;()OD.
HISTORY or PERU.
The history of a small country town, and that in no way
conspicuous among its neighbors, can hardly be expected to furnish
much to interest the general reader. Such a work must be made up
of particulars and minute details. It is seldom that great or
distinguished characters occur to give interest to the story. The
narrative must derive its claim to the reader's attention mainly
from his acquaintance with the scenes, or his connection with the
actors described. The problem of history may be thus stated,
giving the present state, condition and character of the people,
to determine those influences in the past which have tended to
produce these results. It is the task of the historian to trace the
development of these influences and so to arrange the hi.story of
events as to give a miniature of the character and spirit of the age
which he describes. He must set before us not only the great
statesmen and scholars, but also ordinary men in their ordinary
dress, and engaged in their ordinary employment. He must visit
the dwellings of the poor and the abodes of misery as well as the
palaces of wealth and luxury. No anecdote, no familiar saying is
insignificant which can throw light upon the state of education,
morals or religion, or mark the progress of the human mind. Since
the natural features of a country have an important influence upon
the character of its inhabitants, they must be described in their
primitive wildness as well as in their present state of cultivation
and improvements.
CHAR'FRR
AND nOlNGS OF THK OKKIINAI. I'ROI'RIKTORS.
Peru lies in the northeast corner of Ilennington county,
bounded on the north by Mount Tabor, ea.st by Landgrove, south
by Winhall, west by Dorset. It was chartered at Portsmouth,
,4 Hls^()K^■ ov I'l'.Ki'.
N H., l)v Uciiiun:^^ Wcntwortli, October 13th, 1761, as colonial
^^(ivcriior of ilic I'rovince of New Mami^shire, receivino^ hi>
appoiiitnu'iit from King George the Third, by the name ol
l?romIev, for the due encouragement of settling a new plantation
within said province under certain reservations and londitions.
Province of Nkw Hampshikk.
I, George the Third, IJy the Grace of God of (ireat Britain,
France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith. To all to whom these
presents shall come: For the encouragement of settling a new
plantation within our State Province by and with the advice of
our trusty and well beloved Friend, Penning Wentworth, Our
Governor and Commander-in-Chief of our Province of New
Hampshire and of our council of said Province, Upon the
coiulitions and reservations hereinafter made, given and granted,
and by these presents for us and our heirs and successors, do give
and grant in equal shares unto our loving subjects, inhabitants of
our said Province and our other governments, to their heirs and
assigns forever. Whose names are entered on this grant to be
divided among them into 72 ecjual shares all that tract or parcel
of I^and situate lying and being within our said Province, containing
23,040 acres, according to a jilan and survey made by our
(Governor's order and returned into our Secretary's office, butted
and bounded as follows, \'iz., Beginning at the northwest corner of
Winhall, Thence due north six miles to the southwest corner of
Harwich (Mt. Tabor), Thence east six miles to the southeast
corner thereof, Thence due south six miles to the northeast corner
of Winhall, Thence due west by \Vinhall to bounds began at, and
the same is incorporated into a Township by the name of Bromlev,
and the mhabitants that do or shall hereafter inhabit said Township
are enfranchised with and entitled to all the privileges that other
towns exercise and enjoy, and as soon as there shall be fifty families
residing and settled thereon, they shall have the liberty of holding
two fairs, and a market may be opened one or two days in a week,
and tiie first meeting for choice of 'I'own Officers agreeable to the
laws of our Province shall be held on the first Monday of
November next; said meeting shall be notified by Samuel Gilbert,
and the annual meetings for the choice of Town Officers shall be
held on the second Tuesday of March annuallv. To have and to
iiold said tract with the appurtenances thereof to them and ihcir
heirs and assigns forever upon the following conditions:
HISTORY OF PERU. 15
1. Every grantee, his heirs or assigns, shall plant and cultivate
five acres of land for every 50 acres owned, and shall continue to do
so upon penalty of forfeiting his grant of said Township.
2. All white or pine trees suitable for niastmg our Royal Navy
shall be carefully preserved for that use.
3. Before any division of said land shall be made among the
grantees, a grant of land as near the centre of the I'ownship as ma}'
be, one acre of Land allotted to each grantee for a Town Lot.
4. Yielding and paying to us, our heirs or successors, one ear
of Indian corn on the 25th day of December for ten years.
5. Every proprietor settling or inhabitating shall yield or j^ay
unto us, our heirs and successors on and after the 25th day of
December, 1772, one shilling, proclamation money, to any officer
appointed to receive the same.
There is no record of any proprietors' meeting until 1797. A
meeting of the proprietors was called by the request of the
proprietors by Moses WarneV, Justice of the Peace of Andover, to
be held at the Inn of Jonathan lUitterfield in Bromley the 2nd day
of March, 1797. Proprietors met agreeable to warning. Chose
Joseph Bullard, Moderator; Ebenezer Hurlburt, Proprietors' Clerk;
Jose]:)h Bullard, Treasurer; John Waters, Collector. Chose a
committee of three, consisting of Nathaniel Leonard, Benjamin W.
Willard and John Waters, instructed them to run the out lines of
Bromley. Voted that persons who have maile pitches and improved
and built on them, be quieted, have them in.stead of their lot; if they
had any legal title to a right. Voted the committee be instructed to
lay out and survey three lots of one hundred acres to each
proprietor's right, to be numbered first, second, and third division
of said right, and to be drawn separately. The record of .said
division and draft is found on the 80th page of proprietors' record
and onward. The whole expense of surveying, according to the
above record, was $917.63. At a proprietors' meeting held June 6,
1798, voted that $13.90 should be assessed to each proprietor's right,
to be collected and paid into the treasury before the 7th in.st.
The meetings of the proprietors were kei)t alive by adjournment
from time to time, year after year. September 6th, 1798, adjourned
June 5th, 1799; then adjourned to September loth, 1800, A. D.
Chose Reuben P.igelow, Proprietors' Clerk, P.romley, September
loth, 1800. Meeting opened according to adjournment. Chose a
committee of Ebenezer Hurlburt, Esquire Kimball of Harvard, and
,6 lllSl'ORV OF PERU.
Reuben l^iyelow to be empowered in behalf of the proprietors to
treat with Asa I'tley and others respecting the hmd in the east jiart |
of Hronilev, which l-tley and others pretended to claim. It is said
and thoiijihi that the Utleys, who were the first settlers, found the
east ami west lines were over six miles, allowance having been made
for the high mountains wliich lay in the west part of the town.
Utley made the east line further west than the original survey,
claiming the land as a part of the gore now Landgrove. Several
law suits grew out of it, and it was finally settled by the Legislature
establishing a jurisdictional line in 1H35. Also said committee to
prosecute Asa Utley and others or defend to final judgment any
suit which may be brought or commenced respecting this land.
Voted to dissolve this meeting; Attest R. Bigelow, Proprietors'
Clerk. Reuben Bigelow defended suit brought by Asa Utley and
others against the proprietors of Bromley. His bill for the same
was $283.88, which amount was allowed by the proprietors the 29th
day of September, 1802. By reciuest of more than one-tenth of the
proprietors a meeting was warned to be holden at the house of
Reuben Bigelow the 29th day of September, 1802, by Robert
Pierpoint, Justice of the Peace. Meeting called by Proprietors'
Clerk. Voted to assess each right $4.17 to pay expense of law suit.
Proprietors' meetings were held and adjourned each year until 1S09.
.Another law suit w-as had between Asa Utley and others and the
jiroprietors of Bromley in regard to the disputed land in the easterly
part of the town. No settlement was effected. The proprietors had
to i)ay a bill of cost amounting to $341.22. At a meeting held by
the proprietors September i4tli, 1S09, tiiey voted to raise a tax on
each right of individual land of $5.17, which was raised and paid.
At a meeting of the proprietors held September 3rd, 1815, a
committee of two from each town of l.andgrove and Peru, who had
been ai")poinled, made a rejiort establishing the line surveyed by
Es(juire Dunton in part, and completed by Daniel Ormsby, county
surveyors, A. J). 1.S03. Report dated January 3rd, 1S14. Jonathan
Twist, Nathan liurton, committee for Peru; Asa I'tley, Peabody
lUIey, committee for Landgrove. The report was accepted by
the pro])rietors at a meeting of the proprietors. At a subsequent
meeting the acceptance was reconsidered; no settlement was effected
under the proprietors' administration. The disputed land in the
easterly part of the town without further suits for the soil. A
paujier suit urew out of it. After one or two suits was settled
Dka. [ohx Baichki.dkr
HISTORY OF PERU. 17
another generation occupying the land, old feuds and (luartels are
forgotten. Peter Dudley and Josiah P)arnard were elected a
connnittee to lay out and survey a fourth division of lots on the
undividetl land. In their report they reported 15 acres were
divided to each proprietor's right. Johnson Marsh, Surveyor;
expenses of the same, $58.50. September 24th, 1824, meeting
adjourned to the 2nd ^\'ednesday in September next. No record
of another proprietors' meeting until May 15th, 1853. A meeting of
the jiroprietors was warned to meet at L. Howard's hotel in Peru on
t!ic 14th day of July, 1853, by ^Velcome Allen, Justice of the Peace.
Peru, July 14th, 1S53, proprietors met agreeably to above warrant.
Chose O. P. Simonds, Moderator; O. P. Simonds, Proprietors'
Clerk; Johnson Marsh, C'ollector; Cicorge Marsh, Treasurer. Voted
to make a fifth division of all the undivided land in Peru. Chose
Johnson Marsii connnittee to allot said land by employing a
surveyor and other help necessary to do it. Voted that said
division and survev be completed and presented to proprietors at
L. Howartl's hotel in Peru on the 30th day of November next, at
one o'clock p. m. At Peru, November 30th, 1853, at the hotel of
L. Howard, Johnson Marsh, committee to allot and survey the
undivided land in Peru, reported he had performed the duties and
divided said lantl into 32 acre lots, and made a draft for each
proprietor's share. Voted to accept the above report as valid
and correct. Cost of the survey and division, $96.63. Ainnial
meeting of the jiroprietors was held b}- adjournment until May
2rst, 1S57, A. 1). No record of any further meeting of the
proprietors can be fountl.
This last and final xlivision w^as of the land on the west
mountain, south of the notch road, being east of Dorset east
line.
The Colonial Governor of the Colon}' of New A'ork, in his
surveys on New Hampshire Crants, surveyed all the territory
embracing Peru, giving it the name of lUindley. It is not known
that he granted it to any individual or chartered it to any mnnber
of individuals, and no person ever ckaimed title under a grant from
New \'ork ofiicials.
i am indel)ted to Judge A\'hceler, who furnished me with these
facts, and who has a plot of lli-indley in connection with adjacent
towns. It is found in the documentary history of New \'ork at
Albany. I presume this survey of the New York Governor was
,s HIS I ( )K\' oi' ri:Rr.
siil)se(|ucnl ti) llu- i harliT granted 1)\- (Invcnior \\ intworlh in
1761.
I1K>I KNOWN Wlirri", PERSONS IN TOWN.
Tlu' first wliilf men who trod on the soil ot rciii were a
eompanv of einhleen men under roniniand of Cajjlain I'.Iea/.er
Melvin, who started from NOrthfuld, Mass., on the 1 5th day of
May, I74.S, on an expedition ayainst the Indians on nr aboiu Lake
Clianiplain. The record of the journey says:
•' .Marehed the first (hiy to No. 2, camped; May 14th, they
marched to No 4; from No. 4 (Charlestown) marched north-
westerly over the mountains to the Lake. On May 25th fired
at the Indians from a jioint about a mile from Crown I'niiit.
The Indians being so numerous they retreated east three or four
miles, thence traveled southeast ten miles, camped; .May 26ih,
marched southeast about five miles, south about eleven miles
further; May 27th, marched southeast to (^tter Creek, one mile
below the first fall.s, and marched about four niiU's above the falls;
May 2Sth, marched up Otter C'reek to the Crotch, about six miles,
up south branch ten miles; May 29th, marched up the south liranch
to the head of it, thence southeast over a lar,^;e mountain, leaving;-
another large mountain on the northwest, keeping course down the
mountain, crossed several streams supposed to be the head waters of
Saratoga River (now I'attenkill), marched this day about sixteen
miles; May 30th, marched south southeast about six miles, came
upon a branch of West River, traveled down the river about eight
miles, campeil; May 31st, our provisions being very short we began
our march before sunrise and traveled till about half-past nine
o'clock, being beside the river. Several of the company desired
to stop to replenish, being faint and weary, whereupon we halteil
and began to take off our packs and sat down, and in about a half
minute after our halting the enemy rose from behind a log and
several trees about twenty or thirty feet at the furthest ilistance
and fired about twelve guns at u.s, but do not know whether any
men received any hurt though so near. Whereupon I (\alled to the
men to face the enemy and run u\) the bank, which I did ni\self, and
several others attempted, but the enemy was so thick they could not.
I had no .sooner jumped up the bank but the enemy were so thick
just iijion me I discharged my gun at one of them about eight feet
from the muzzel of my gun, who I saw fall about the same time that
ISRAKI. BaTCHEI.DER.
HISTORY OF PERU. 19
I discharged my gun. The enemy fired about twenty guns at us,
killed four men, viz.: John Hayward, Isaac Taylor, John ])od and
Daniel Man. The men who were alive, or most of them, fired
immediately on the enemy, several of which shots did execution,
as can be witnessed by several who saw the enemy fall, but seeing
the enemy numerous and their guns being discharged, they
retreated, several ran across the river, where some of them had
a chance, or opportunity, to fire again at the enemy. Some ran up
the river and some down, and some into the thicket on the same
side of the river. For my owm part, after I saw my men retreat,
and being beset by the enemy with guns, hatchets and knives, one
i)t which, or a bullet, I cannot certainly tell which, carried away m}-
belt, and with it my bullets, all except one I had loose in my pocket.
I ran down the river and two Indians followed almost side by side
with me, calling, 'Come, Captain, Now, Captain," but upon mv
presenting my gun towards them, though not charged, they fell a
little back and ran across the river. I charged my gun, moved a
few steps and one f)f them fired at me, which was the last gun fired.
I looked back and saw nine of the enemy scalping the dead men,
and six or seven running across the river and several about the
bank of the river, all very busy, which I apprehended were carrying
off their dead. I then, being alone, went to the side of the hill in
sight of the plan of battle, and there seated m3'self to look for some
of my men and to see if the enemy made any shout, as is cu.stomary
with them when they get the advantage. But hearing no more of
them, nor seeing any of my own men. I made the best of mv way to
I'ort Dummer, where I arrived the next day before noon. One of
my men got in an hour before me, eleven more came in a few hours
in different companies. Six men were killed in the fight. Captain
Melvin returned the next day with forty men to bury the dead."
The above was copied from Melvin's Journal, in Xew
Flampshire Historical Collection, Volume 5, pages 109, iio and
III.
Ensign Taylor was taken captive by the Indians between
Hinsdale and Fort Dununer the 17th day of August, 1748. He
was taken up West River over the Highlands to the head-waters
of Otter Creek. Taylor, on his return from captivity, gave an
account of passing over the ground where Captain Melvin's affair
happened. There is no doubt but that Captain Melvin's party were
the first white persons ever passed through Peru, and Ensign Taylor
20 . HISTORY ()V VVMV.
was taken up West River, passed over llie hi<(h land to the head-
waters of the Otter Creek, through Peru, A. D. 174S, and Indian
arrows were found in the sand bed below the llaynes mill aboui
1S25. 1 am indebted to Judge Wheeler, of llrattleboro, foi
furnishing these facts, it is an established fact that the Indians,
during the time the iM'ench owned and occupied Canada, frc(|uenlly
crossed the mountains in their predator}- excursions upon the
frontier settlements on and east of the Connecticut river, following
up the streams to the low i)laces on the mountains, then down the
branches that run into the Connecticut river and t'/cc irrsa.
Cai)tain William Utley came from Connecticut with his family
in 1769. He settled on the spot where Menzie Thompson's house
stands. Undoubtedly he expected and knew that he was in the
'i'ownship of Bromley; as evidence that he thought so he attended
three of the early conventions of the State as delegate from the town
of Hromlev, viz. : He was a delegate at Dorset in 1776; on ( )( tober
30th, 1776, was delegate at a session held at Westminster: also
delegate at a session held at Windsor, November 9, 1777. It was
said the line of the town was east of the L'tley house called the
Mun line, bromley being surveyed, more than six miles allowance
was made for the high mountain; its being ir.easnred fidui the west;
line six miles without allowance' for the mountain brought the line a
half mile or more west of lUley's house, leaving Ctley on the gore
of land between ^\'eston and l>romley. This was a bone of
contention for years, 'i'he difiliculty was referred to commissioners
at different times, but no settlement was concduded until i''^35. The
citizens agreed on a line which was established bv the legislature
as jurisdictional line and each town actjuicsced.
William Harlow in 1773 came from Connecticut, built a house
near where the old house stood below the road on M. 15. Lyon's
farm. It is not known what became of him; some say he left during
tHe war, but returnid and died in Peru. lie was buried on the
^ilace in the corner of the Ilolton lot, where others were buried.
In 1777, Ira Allen, secretary of a convention held at
Mancliester, wrote in pressing terms to Meshech Wcare, president
of the jirovinciai council assembled at l^xeter, N. 1 1., to send troops or
soldiers to X'ermont. On the 9th day of July, 1777, I'resident
Weare sent a letter to Ira .\llen, stating that "They have now
determined that a (piarler part of the militia of twelve regiments
shall be immediately drafted, formed into three battalions under the
Edmund Ba ichki.dkk.
HISTORY OF PERU. 21
command of Brigadier General John Stark, and forthwith sent into your
State to oppose the ravages and coming forward of the enemy." It
was furthermore stated that the troops would depend for provisions
upon \'ermont. it was also requested that proper persons be sent
to Xo. 4 (Charlestown ), to meet General Stark, and advise with him
relative to the route and disposition of his troops. It is suj^posed
that General \\'arner met Stark at No. 4, perhaps others with him.
In a historv recentlv [niblished liy C. C". Goffin, it is said General
Stark found a cannon at Xo 4, which he mounted on cart wheels
and took along with him. It is pictured in Goftin's history, the
horses tugging to lake the camion along, the men lending a hand to
get it over hard places. The route they traveled was through
S|)ringfield, Gliestei', .\ndover, Landgrove, liromley (Peru), corner t)f
W inhall into Manchester. The troo|)s found a roatl cut through the
wilderness to Captain Utley"s in Landgrove, Init here the roail
ended. Thev dined with Captain Utley, and for a part of their
rations he prc[Kircd a potash kettle of nnish, or in \'ankee terms,
hastv |)uilding. I'"rom this place they f(.)llowed the scarred trees,
removing the ini|)cdiments in the way or going arttund them. For
si.\ or eight miles there was no road, and but one opening in the
wilderness, that was (jn the farm where .M. P>. \ ,yon lives, where it
is said a [lart of the troops camped, the rest going further on and
camping near where Gen. Dudley built his house. He found two
bayonets near the spring, and other indications of a camping place,
judgi; Munson, in his History of Manchester, says General Stark
was on the moiuitain the 6th of August, 1777, and on the 7th came
down to Manchester. This was the largest company of men that
ever traveled through Peru, .\fter this it is probable the delegates
attendmg the early conventions of the State ])assed over the
mountain on this route.
EARLY PHYSICAL CONDITIOX.
Bromley, now Peru, was chartered to be si.\ miles stpiare. It is
l)ounded on the north by Mount Tabor, on the east by Landgrove.
on the south bv Winb.all, and on the west by Dorset. It is a
mountain town. The west half of the town is a high mountain
range running north and south through the town, with only one
notch where a road could be n\ade, nearly midway between the
north and south lines of the town. This moimtain is the backbone
of the (ireen Mountains, the water-shed where the water divides.
22 llls'^()R^■ oi' iM-.Kr.
TIr- Matl Tom rises on llu' iiKiuiilaiii, runs west to East Dorset,
where it unites to foriii tlie liatteiikill river. South of this tlie 1 Jttle
Mad Tom runs west into the Kill. 'I'hese waters flow south and
west, and empty into the Ihulson a little above the monunuMit thai
marks the spot of J^urs^oyne's .surrender. North of Mad Tom are
the head-waters of the Otter Creek, which run west antl north to
Lake Champlain at Verj^ennes, thence into the St. Lawrence. The
waters on the east side of the mountain llow into the West River,
tiience southeasterly into the Connecticut and Long Island Sound.
The waters of Peru run to the ocean in three different directions.
'I'he streams are small but afford good mill ])rivileges for the use of
man, and there is not any country on earth that affords cleaner or
purer water than flows from the sides of these mountains. IJuffom
Pond is high on the mountain, containing several acres; it lies in
Peru and Mount Tabor, is noted for its good trout fishing. Mud
Pond is- in the southeasterly part of the town, is a small pond, but
is noted for its blood-suckers. The west part of the town is not
susceptible of cultivation on account of the steepness and
ruggedness of the mountains. 'I'he ea.st half was accessible to
the early adventurers; it lies pitching to the east and southeast.
It was originally covered with a heavy growth of timber, consisting
of spruce, hemlock, balsam, pine, white and sugar or rock maple,
white and yellow birch, white and black ash, beech, basswood. and
some elm. A few lots in the town still have the primitive growth of
timber, and are more valuable than much of the cultivated land. The
soil is various; in some sections it is a wet, loamy mixture of clay,
while other parts are dry and gravely. The land that was covered
with hard wood produced bountifully when first cleared, but the
more it is cultivated the poorer it I)ecomes. That part covered with
dark timber is not as good when first cleared, but cultivation
improves it, and is the most desirable for farming purposes, being
warmer, more free from stones, and more easily worked than the
hard -wood land is.
The first settlers had much to contend with in the early time
of the town. With plenty of timber of the be.st kind, there were no
mills to cut it into boarils, and it could be useil only in its primitive
state, hence log houses and barns were the iirimitive buildings of the
first settlers. 'I'he first thing for innnigrants to do was to select a
s|)ot near some spring or rivulet on which they could erect their
mansion, then dig a hcjje in the ground to substitute for a cellar,
HISTORY OF PERU. 23
where throu;_ih a trap door a laikler was put for stairs, with which to
go down for such vegetables as they might have; they were always
sure to have a ijork barrel well fdled, also such fruit as grew natural
on the trees. .As (or a barrel of cider there was no place to get it
into the cellar, but that was not the worst of it. there was no cider to
put in. 'i'hen clear the spot of brush and trees, and cut logs for the
tlinicnsions of the house, which was usually one room with a large
slone chimntv in one end, with a fireplace large enough to hold half
a cord of wood. The foundation was laid with logs on the groinul.
on which the superstructure was erected with logs rolled one upon
anotlicr, notched at the corners so that the logs would be held in
l)lace and lie near together. Cross timbers would be put on for the
chamber lloor, then the timber for rafters, on which cross ribs were
pinned covered with spruce bark or long shingles riven and shaved,
which made a roof. The floor was made of split timber, and hewn
with an axe, but it was not long before boards could be obtained.
The fireplace was large, with a wide stone hearth, the chimney built
to the chamber floor with stones, tojiped out with split sticks laid cob
house fashion, well daubetl over with clay mortar to make it |)roof
against fire. 'I'he cracks between the logs were filled with mortar to
keel) ^'1^' "-^''^l '"-"^ ^^^^<-l ^^^^ '""-'^^^ ''^- -^ window of si.K lights on each
side gave light in winter and let in air in summer. A dt)oi-way
was cut out in which was hung a door made of rough boards, nailed
together with cleats, and hung on wooden hinges, which, when
the door would swing, made music instead of the piano. The door
was fastened with a wooden latch with a string on the outside for
oiuMiing. I'ins were driven into the logs on the side and rough
boards laid on for the cupboard, which held the china, pewter, tin
ware and knives and forks. A large iron crane hung in the lirei)lace
so as to swing backward and forward, furnished with hooks made
like the letter S, on which utensils for cooking and washing hung,
and made so that ihev could be swung over the fire or out into the
room The house was then ready to receive the furniture, which
was of the simplest kind. For a bedstead, poles were placed on
crotches, tables were made with boards or bark laid en poles, while
for chairs they used shingle blocks. The real wants or necessities
were few and easily supplied. No doubt there was joy and
happiness among the early settlers, and the mother never happier
than she was when she drew the trundle bed from beneath her own
on which to place the little ones, and the little ones happy for such a
24 HISTORY OV VV.KV.
hcil to skcji 1111 iiiulcT a iiKiihcr's care. As new emigrants arrived
roads were iiiaile, the forest melted away, the laiul was covered with
various crops for the sustenance of man and beast, the wild and
ferocious animals of the forest were supplanted by tiomestic ones
useful to emii^rant settlers. Soon saw mills were erected and trees
were made into useful lumber, framed houses anil barns beijan to
ai>pear. Willi all this the wants and necessities of the inhabitants
increased, aiul has continued to do so until the present time.
The first settlers of Peru were limited in means to furnish homes
and utensils for necessary use, and their farminy tools were t)f verv
primitive kind. They hail no carts or wagons, ami at first sleds of
the rudest kind, with stone boats, were in use summer and winter.
Hay and i^rain were taken to barns and stacks on sleds that had no
iron about them. The lirst plou.L^hs were made witii one hantlle,
beam framed into it, with a pin in the U[)per end l)y which lo hold
it, wooden mould board covered w-ith strips of iron nailed on, with a
i:)oint of .steel which could be taken off and sharpened. Soon
ploughs had two handles. About 1.SJ5 cast iron ploughs came into
use.' There has been a constant improvement in ploughs. The lirst
carts were without iron, except bands around the hubs and bo.xes in
the hub for axletree to roll in. 'I'he felloes were six inches wide,
doweled at the ends with pins to hold the blocks together, and were
called block wheels. With these clumsy wheels, and a cart body
equally as clumsy, the work was done. Soon straps of iron were
nailed on the felloes for tires. Great improvements have been made
in carts. Harrows at first were crotches cut from trees, with about
.seven iron teeth to scratch among the stunifis. Time has improved
all these tools. The best are now used, with the mower added.
About 1.S15 the first one-hor.se wagon was brought into town by
Ks(|uire IJigelow, and by 1S35 one-horse wagons were in general use.
'I'he only spring that they had was in the axletree, the body being
bolted to the axletree. Ninety years have made a great change.
The farmers in those days calculated to raise half an acre of
flax, selecting the most feasible land. Well prei)ared by enriching it
with the finest of fertilizers, they had well cultivated a good seed
bed for flax seed. It grew from two to three feet high, and no crop
looked liand.somer or more beautiful than the flax patch when in full
bloom. It is usually ready for harvest in .\ugust. I'ulling llax, oh,
what a joi). All the hel]) indoors and out was called into requisition
to iiull the flax. When dry it was bound in small bundles and the
HISTORY OF PERU. 25
seed poundctl uff, which was rarufuhv saved. It was a cash article and
found ready sale. The llax was carried to the smooth field, thinly antl
evenly spread to rot; when projierlv rotted it was bound in lar_;.;e
bundles and sttjwed away in the roof of some shed or other out
place. In I''ebruary or March, on briL;iit sunny days, the farmer
would have his bundles of lla.x on the fences or wood ipiles to dry.
He and the bovs in the barn breaking' and swin^lin^'. The fibre
would be cleaned of shives, becomin;.,^ soft and pliable and ready lor
the y'ood matron of the house to lake in liantl, with all the ,u"irls she
luul t(j hel|) (it was no disgrace for younL,^ ladies lo spin and weave
in those davs). The house was furnished with all the implements ior
making cloth, such as the hatchel, tow ccu'ds, linen wheel, tow wheel
ami cpiill wheel. \\'ar|)ing bars and loom were the machinery ol this
factory. The power to run it was the feet, hands and brain ol the
old antl voung women who had skill cnid the will to manufacture
with theii- own fingers the material for their finest and best garments,
and the)' were their own mantua makers. In the s[)ring you would
hear the buzzing of the wheels and the strike of the loom, and see
the large bunches of the yarn hung around to grace the kitchen.
Thev would make their own white diaper tablecloths and towels,
white uiulerlinen, stri[)ed gowns, checked handkerchiels, a|)roiis, etc.,
in which clothes they were tltted out for any cominniy in any place.
Thev would manufacture their husbands', fathers" cuul brothers'
white summer shirts, trousers and frocks. It was common to see
wel)s of tow and linen cloth spread on the grass to whiten out by
sprinkling water on it, let the sun ilry it, and so continue to do until
It was white. Tow cloth had a ready market, and ([iiantities were
made to sell. I''armers kei)t sheep for domestic purposes. In June
the wool was sorted into bundles according to its (|uality, sent to
the carding machine and made into rolls. The whole i)araphernalia
of cloth-making machinery was called into re(|uisition for converting
the wool into cloth, lleech, hemlock and butternut bark, with
sumach berries were iu demand for dyeing, and withal tlu- blue dye
stood in the corner of the fire|)lace. The plain woolen t:lotli was
made for bed blankets, and some was sent to the clotlfu-r to be
colored, fulled and dressed for the best suits, .some was colored in
the yarn to be woven into strijied cloth for frocks; ino.st of the men
wore them. Some of the yarn was kuil into stockings for family use
and to sell, and^ some knit into leggings shaped to the foot to wear
instead of boots in the deep snow.
1IIS'^()R^■ OF I'l'.Ki'.
Wll.l) ANIMALS.
Ill the first scUlcmciit of the town tiic wiKl animals were
mimcroiis and troublesome. The wolf, bear, deer, nidose, lynx and
catamount roamed in the forest unmolestetl. 'The early settlers
invaded their ri^i;hts, and they showed reseiUmenl l)y taking a pig, a
lamb, a sheep or a calf, and would enter the corn field after the
green corn. The farmers useil means to catch and destroy iheni.
shooting and trapping them. Tame men and wild animals tlitl not
live on good terms together. In i«S32 the wolves were li()iil)lesoine,
taking animals from the barnyard or anywhere near it. A |ku k of
wolves was heard one night, and in the morning two men concluded
to follow them. The snow was tleep, with a crust. Isaac G. Long
and Seth Lyon put on snowshoes and took all the rations they could
carry with their guns. They started in chase after the wolves on
the mountain, pursued a northeasterly course into the woods, then
north from the 15enjamin Ikirnard's inn, where they made good
]irogress, but night came on before they found the wolves. They
camped under a tree without fire or covering. The chase was
continued by daylight the next morning, but no wolves were seen,
and during the day the snowshoes gave out. ISeing on tln' mountain
they tliil not know how far they were from any habitation. The
.second night came without seeing any wolves, and they campetl the
same as before. The third morning they concluded that the wolves
were safer than they were, for it had turneil very cold. They came
to a branch of the Otter ("reek, which they followed on the bank in
the day and by the water at night until thev c-aiiie to W'nodinan's
road, where Mr. Long's strength failed him and he could go no
further. Mr. Lyon sat him on a log and followed down the road,
which led to 1 )anby IJorough, where he obtained help to go bark for
Mr. Long. They found him helpless, his hands frozen to his gun. 1 lis
boots had to lie cut from his feet, and his limbs were badlv fm/en.
lie lost all his toes on one foot, and the big toe on the other, and
suffered the most excruciating pain for weeks after he g(Jt home.
It affected his health for life. Mr. Lyon was a younger man, with
great muscular strength, .ind said that if Mr. Long had been able to
keep going it would have been all right with them. It was an
experience tliey did not care to have again. One of the wolves that
they followed ajipeared to have a defective foot, and afterwards a
wolf was caught in an adjacent town with a foot demoralized. Mr.
Long went a journey to get the pelt of the wolf which he followed
HIST(JRV OF PERU. 27
to his sorrow, and used it to wrap around his feet, as much as to say,
I have got the animal and will make use of it for my comfort.
It was said that one moose was captured in the town a little
south of Charles I'atchelder's house. Moose would live on the bark
of moosewood trees. Occasionally a bear makes his appearance,
but he is either captured by the shrewd hunter or thinks it is wisdom
to i^art companv v.'ith mankind. Other wild animals are not very
plentiful The hedgehog- and porcupine still linger on the mountain
range, antl will as long as the bark of the birch anti beech will
furnish food for living.
E.VRLY SETTLERS.
Many of the early settlers of Peru came from the northeast part
of Massachusetts, from the towns of Princeton, Westminster and
Oardner, and from the south part of New Hampshire. David
Stratton came to town in 1795, ^^^^^ settled on the top of Stratton hill
at the fork of the road in the south corner of J. P. Pong's pasture.
PI is brother, Richard Stratton, had a hou.se east of David's, in the
pasture now owned by Dexter Patchelder. They built a frame barn
on the west side of the road in the field owned by De.xter lUitchelder.
David anti Richard Stratton deeded the north cemetery to the town
A. 1). 1803. Very little is known of them. Their sister was the
wife of Aaron Killam. The farm was afterwards owned by Jacob
Odel, of Mount Vernon, N. H.. who erected the house in which
Dexter Patchelder now lives.
Jonathan Butterfield built a house about 1775 on the top
of the mountain, north from the house occupied by Dickinson. It
was occupied as a public lunise until the turnpike was built. This
was the first tavern in town, and did a good business, cutting large
quantities of hay. The buildings were large and commodious.
This farm was a pitched lot. settled before the allotment of the
town, and the first road that was built over the mountain ran past
the house. .\aron Killam was the third settler in town in 1797,
owning the farm now occupied by Charles Farnum. His wife was
the sister of David Stratton. He had a good farm with good
buildings, and a family of boys and girls. He left town with his
familv in 1N23, setthng in ( )swego County, N. V.
Reuben Bigelow came to town in 1797, and began on the farm
now owned bv Merrill G. Walker, building his house and barn on the
hill southwest oi the present buildings. His barn was the first
28 msi()R\' oi- i'1';ru.
tranu'd biiililinL;' in lnwii. He cainc fn )in Princeton, Mass., au'l
niovLil Ins tannly into town ihc llrst ila\- ol March, 1800, havintj Iwo
cliiklrcn.
riiii.DKr x 01' KKiia'.N laoKLOw.
Abigail M. Dr. I.. (1. W'hilinj.^-, ui Chester, dietl 1888, aged 92
years.
Sii.^an M. .\arun Uurtun, hved in Chester and I'eru, tlied in
Manchester, 1868.
Liiciiida .M. Ce|)has Tulhill, lived in Landgrove. moved to
Ilhnuis in i8^y, now h\ing.
Deboraii m. Haker, Hved in lirattleboro, he thed and she m.
Mr. Shearer, moved to .Michigan, now hving.
Deiiiietla m. Russell 'I'lUhill. lived in Peru until i8:;7, moved to
Illinois, now living.
.Miles M. in the West, dietl tlure about 1836.
l.aura M. Rev. Mr. Kairchilds, living in Wisconsin.
Orrilla m. Mr. Nichols in \'irginia. living now.
CarulincM. Mr. Nichols in \irgiiua, living now.
Orlando m. in the West, dieil on the way to California.
Dr. .\sa M. in Iiuliana, pratticed medicine there, moved to
'l"oledo, Ohio, practiced medicine and was jirofcssor in the Medical
School at 'J'oledo, died i88(;.
'i'he Kscpiire liigelow farm, after his ilecease in i8j;.4, went
nito the hands of his .son-indaw, .\aron Durton. At that time
the buildings were the same as they hail been for a long time.
A large house, on the grounil, one story high, with a large and
long D on the west end ending towards the roatl, stairs with
several steps to get into the bar mom. which was in the south-
east corner of the house; it was a long rooni with a oar ni the
iKjrlhwest corner. 'I'his housi- sUnn] southwest of the preseiil
iiouse, with two barns north from the house. .\ long o[)en shed
a little north from the present house used to accommodate the
•traveling iniblic, with cribs ami room for grain in the end. Over
the i)rouk. south of the house, was a row of shops for shoe shops,
cliair shop, paint shop, and on the corner ne.\t to .Xdams's road was a
biacksmilh shop; these were where the wall now stands. A large
l)arn stood over the brook ju.st above the road which was used for,
storage. Aaron Ihnton moveil or took all these buildings away, and
built a cheap hou.se on the same spot as the old one. V. R.
Halchelder bought the place of IJurton in 1841, and lived on it f.<r
Si'OWKM. HaKNAKD.
HISTORY OF PERU. 29
three (»r lOur years, then sold it to Nathaniel and S. 1). Russell, who
li\e(l on the place I'ifteen years or more, tiien selling it to l>eonard
Howard, who sold the place to M. (). Walker about 1869 or '70.
\\'alker built the present house and lived in it several years, then
sold it to the present owners and moved to Manchester. Until 1S27
this place was the citv of the town, bein.ij,' the business centre. All
the i)ublic meetino's were held in the school house. The nie(~hanics'
shops, the hotel, the postoftlce was here, and the tannery was here
run b\- ]'"i'ederick Holton.
Henjamin I'.ai-nard, senior, came to town from Westminster,
Mass., in 1 Soo, and his was the fifth family in town. He bes^'an on
th(> farm where Mr. Crossman now lives, building a log house in the
orchard east of the present house. He had a famil\- of four boys
and four girls, was a soldier of the revolution, and received a wound
in his leg which made him a cripple for life, for which he drew a
])ension. It was with difficulty that he could get around to work on
his farm, so the latter part of his life he spent at shoemaking. He
and his wife (whose maiden name was lAicy A\'ood) were persons of
great energy and j^erseverance, being two of the eight who organized
the Congregational church, always making themselves useful in its
interests. They also matle themselves very useful to the sick and
afllicted, Mrs. I'.arnard behig frequently called in.stead of a doctor to
prescribe for and nurse the sick. They trained their children in the
way thev should walk to be useful citizens and to sustain the
insitutious of the gospel, which extended down to theii- grand-
children. Thex- remained on the old hc^mestead until death removed
them. I'enjamin Harnard, senior, died 1837, aged 87 years;
Lucy, ihs wife, died 1849, aged 97 years.
CIIII.DRKN OK I'.KNjAMlN l'..VKNAKt).
j.ouisa M. Leonartl Weed, moved to Oswego County, N. \'.
[osiah M. Hannah liyam, lived in Teru until 1834, then moved
to Oberlin, Ohio, where he lived and died, aged 93 years.
Lucy .M. C.en. Peter Dudley, always lived in Peru, died in 1840.
Hannah m. Jonathan Dudley of .\ndover, lived there until 1837,
when they moved to Pittsfield, Ohio, and lived to a ripe old age.
Their children are promincMil citizens of Lorain County.
Benjamin m llepsibeth Phillrick, lived in Peru.
Stow^ll M. Marv Purton of Chester, lived in Peru.
Joseph M. Lucinda Pennett of Peru, where he lived a few
years and then emigrated to Virginia, where, by second marriage,
:^o iiisToKv ( )i' pKRr.
he became a slave-lioliliT, and (iuriii-- the rchclli,,,, he- was uninstly
imprisoned over a difficulty about slavery; he (bed in 1X64.
Nancy m. Deacon John Uatchelder of Peru, died in i'eru i8cS2,
atjed 92 years.
Deacon 'I'homas Wyman came into town in February, iSoi,
with his wife and five children, bein.q; the sixth fannlv in town. II(-
settled on the Deacon Wyman farm, biiildin-- his loir' ]u,nse west of
the orchard and north of the brickj-ard, on the first road that ran
through the town. His house was built previous to moving his
family, for a place to shelter his o.xen, which had drawn hint and
h.;^ family from Princeton, Mass., he shoveled four feet of snow from
a spot large enough for them and a cow to stand on, set in posts
with crotches, on which he laid poles covered with hemlock bouohs
this bemg a substitute for a barn. He had to draw hay from'
Landgrove to feed his cattle. Deacon Wvman cut the first tree on
his farm for clearing, and he soon had a productive farm, keepino- ,-.
large .stock. He built a good set of buildings on the road west'of
the present buildings on the farm. He manufacture brick for
twenty years or more, commencing in 1808.
CHILDRKN OF DKACON THOMAS WVMAX.
Warren, the eldest, went to P.lack River countrv in \ew York
and died there. His daughter, Harriet, lived with h'er grandparents"
who brought her up in Peru.
I'arker m. Lydia Pyard, lived m Peru some vears. He was naie
keeper for the turnpike company .several years, then movecT to
Manchester, where he died in ,882, aged 90 years. His wife died
some years before.
Sally only daughter, m. i.ev, J'ease of Weston, moved to
western New York and died there.
Oliver M. Susan Kimball of Wi,idj,am, f,,r his first wife
Dana M. Annis Adams, lived in Peru, Annis died September 4
'•^^'5. age.l 63 years. He married the second wife, who now lives
"1 1 eru. Dana died in 1882, aged 83 years.
Thomas was the first child born \n Peru, he m. l,ou,sa Persons
of \\e.ston. who ,l,ed in ,858, aged 54 years. Thomas always lived
m eru, and d,e<l February ,3, 1.S80, aged 78 j-ears and 4
months. -^ *
.';-^''an Russell m. Sallv .\. Moo.Iy, lived n, i>eru for a short
I'M e, then move<l over the mountain; he died at his son's home
in the northern part of York State.
HISTORY. OF PERU. 31
Levi S. M. Mary Ann Godfrey, lived in Landgrove; he died
suddenly in 1854, aged 43 years.
Washington m. CaroHne Jamison of Manchester: he is now
living.
Russell, Levi and ^^'ashington drove the stage from Chester to
^[anchester until it was taken off the road. They were safe and
jinident drivers.
CHILDRF.X OF OLUKR AXt) SUSAN WVMAN.
Kiml)all m., lives in Bennington.
Sarah m.
Lucretia m., lives in Manchester.
CHII.DRKN OF OI.IVKR AND SALl.V WVMAN.
Joel, Lucinda and Myron.
Oliver Wyman built the first house and barn where Albert
Simonds lives now, and owned the stone mill for a time, also the
farm where Ah's. Leonard lives. Li 1854 he moved to York State,
then to Illinois, where he died in 1878, aged 85 years.
Deacon Seth Lyon came to Peru from Princeton, Mass., about
1S03, and built a log house on the hill in Whitney's lot on the old
road; he also built a frame barn, which is the south barn of M. I>.
Lyon. He lived on this place some years, then began on the Lyf)n
farm, which is south of the Hapgood place. He cleared this farm
and built the house and barn, living there until he died in 1844,
aged 83 years.
CHILDRKN" OF DEACON SETH LVON.
Freeman m. Louisa Pease of Weston, lived in Peru and
Landgrove, died October 21, 1S66, aged 77 years. His first wife
died February 25, 1828, aged 38 years. His second wife was Susan
Towns of Andover.
Dorcas m. William Green, lived in Peru; they moved to Ohio
twice, died there.
Sophia -M. Asa Simonds, lived in Peru, died in 1869.
Seth M. Hepsibath Jones of Derry; they had four children when
she died. He then married Samantha Ballard, who had three children.
He moved to Jamaica about 1836, living there until he died.
Lydia m. Goodell Walker, lived in Peru, died in 1884.
Pattv M. D. Temple of Stratton, died there.
Joel M. Jane Batchelder, lived in Peru, died in 1879.
CHILDREN OE JOEL LVON.
Dexter, unmarried, lives in Peru.
3'^
HISTORY or VVAIV.
Marcc'lliis died whili- a ynnii^ man in rem.
Nancy, iinniarried, lives in Pern.
Mark 11. M. Abbie M. Rideont of Dorset, lives in IVrn.
Cim.DKl.N 1)1 I Kl.l.MAX l.VOX.
Freeman m. S. Smith of New \'orl<, lives in Rcrn.
Rhoda M. C'liapin.
Lydia m. l''ranklin Sheldon, lives in W'inhall.
Simeon m. Mabel Chandler, lived in Peru, mo\ed to Shushan,
N. W, died there.
Charles m. Susan A. (Ihirlon) Hatch, lives in Shushan, N. \'.
Minerva m. A. Cleveland, lived in Shush.an, N. \'.; she died ii:
1887.
Asa went ^^'est.
Cim.DKKX oi' SKlIt AM) 1 1 1' I'SI I'. A r 1 1 LM>N.
Stanlev m. Miss Parnard of W'inhall, lives in Perry.
Hepsibath m. Albert Piennett of Pern, went West.
Harriet m., lives in New York State.
Sojihia M., lives in New ^'ork State.
ciiii.DRKN oi' sktu and s\ma\iiia iaox.
Hanicl m. Miss Sa^^e, lives in New \()vk citw
( )ne (huii^hter M. Cnshnian, lives in Ni'w N'ork citv.
.Stowell Parnard came to town with his jiarents in iSoo, when
about \2 or 13 years of aye. He had w'.iat education could be
obtained .at tlu' conunon school of the town, which was sdUUAvhat
limited in time and c-apacily to teach. Stowell was a lar^e, muscular
man, able to cope with any man in doiiiij, a dav's work. He had
•food judunicnl. was ever read}' and willinji^ to do his share in
.support inj^- the institutions of the town, whether jtolitical, educ.itional
or reli.Li^ious, but never sought oflici' of anv kind, or c.arcd f(ir it. He
was one i)( the bi'sl farmers in town .and had one of the best farm--
Hi- made more butler and cheese than .inv otlu-r farmer in town. \U'
marrieil M.ary Purlon of Chester, livini;' on his f.illier's f.iiin and
taking care of his parents. His mother died ;il the .i^-e of 97 vears.
He died at the age of 7^ years in 1864, with .1 cancer inwardly.
ClIlll.DUKN OK sroWKI.l. I'.ARNAkO.
Avaline m. (leorjij^e Whitney, lived at Cilens l<"alls, N. Y., died
in 1889.
Kleanor m. Fdwin (iilson, livt's in Chester.
Lydia .m. S.imuel Keliev, lives in Creenfield.
Abigul .M. V. P. Batchelder, lives in St. Louis, Mo.
Peter Dudley, U'n.
HIS1"OKN OF PERU.
33
Lucy M. Henry Haynes, lives in (Iranville, 111.
15enjaniin S. .m. Fanny Davis, lives in Dakota.
iMnma .m. Croydon Dutton. tlied in Windham, 1885.
lUirlon M., lives in St. Louis, Mo.
II. (). Davis came from Manchester to Peru in 1833, and
hoULiiit the farm on which Charles I''arnum now resides, of Seth
Lyon, Junior. He was a hatter by trade, and manufactured hats for
several years. His ooods had a q-ood reputation in the communitv.
The younq men who wanted a dandy hat would q'o to Davis's in
Manchester to get a white fur stove-pipe hat before he came to Peru.
Hence he had a ready sale for his goods. In order to make hats he
neglected the farm, which, although a good one, needed to be
worked. Mr. Davis and family were good members of society, his
wife being a niece of Judge Keyes of Brattleboro. He died in 1889,
aged 82 3'ears.
CHII.DREN OF H. () D.AVIS.
.Abbie .M. Charles P>atchelder, lives in Peru.
(ieorge K. m., has lived in New N'ork citv, now in Peru.
I''o.\ M., lives in Manchester, N. II.
Im-.-mkx-s m. Mr. .Savage, lived in Manchester, N. H., both
de;!(l. Puried at Peru.
Jared M. .Miss Amsden, lives in Lee, Mass.
Russell Lamb was a member of Mr. Davis's familv at the
time they came to Peru, and lived with them until he became of
age. He married and settled in Wells, Vt., where he has jirospercd.
Moses Killam l)egan on the place where Alfretl Williams now
resides. He died young, leaving a widow, who lived in town for a
short time, then went to Ohio and married a man by the name of
liarker. Their only child, Maria, married Jonathan Walker of i'eru.
Silas Holt began on tlie Morse place in t8o2. His wife died
soon after and was buried in a lot in the southwest corner of the
Holton farm. Soon after her death he sold the place to Amos
Morse and left town. This farm is west of Almon Adams's. Mr.
Morse moved out of town and Stephen Bennett lived on the place
for a while. Zimri Whitney was the last man that lived on it.
Joel Adams came into the town in 1804 from Princeton, Mass.,
and built a log house on the farm now owned by Almon .Adams. He
built all the buildings on the farm. .Mr. .\dams was a professional
teamsh i', learning to ISoston and Ti'oy for many years, and until the
railroads made it unnecessary. In 1 8.|o he left his place on the hill
.u IIIs'^()R^• ()!■ i'i:kr.
to his soil Abel and bonolu the Deacon Wyman farm, where he hved
until his dealli in 1S62, bein.n- S2 years ohl. His wife's maiden name
was Marv Tenncy: she died March jS, 1.S72, ai^ed 95 years.
I III! Dkl X OF lOKI, ADAMS.
.\nnis M. Dana \\'_\-man, Hved in l*eru, died .\u<;iiM, 1:65.
Joel M. Abi.ii^al Batchelder of Peru. He was born in Peru
and always lived there. He was a man of ^ood habits, as well
as a useful citizen. He was a drummer in the nnlitia company and
led the singinij in the Congregational church for a long time, being
a useful member. He died suddenly of paralysis in i S64, aged 59
years; his wife died in 1881.
Abel M. Damarius (libson of Londonderry. He was a fifer
ui the militia comi)any and an active member of the Methodist
church. In 1S49 he moved to South Deny, where he died in 1X55.
His widow is still living.
« Ull.DkKX OF [OKI. ADAMS, jk.
]-:verett .\i. A. .\ldrich, lives in Pern.
('elina m. Mason Sage, died in W'ardsboro in iSy.S.
CHII.DRKN OF AIlKl. ADAMS.
Warren, Charles, Elvira, George, Jerome, Helen and Abbie, all
liorn in Peru.
The house on the Helton place was built early, but the builder
IS not known. James Grant taught several terms of ,s( ho.il in the
house previous to 1808. When David Sawyer moved int(. the hou.se
he carried on a tannery business for some years, selling the place
and business to Timothy Maynard, who continued the business until
1 819. He sold out to I'rederick Holton of Westminster, who moved
into the house in the autumn of 1819. Mr. Holton was a man full
of jokes and fun, and an excellent tanner, his leather being in high
repute in all the adjoining towns. He died of consumption in 1 84^S,
and his widow died at her daughter Harriet's house in Illinois in'
1866.
CHILDREN OF Mk. IIOI.IOX.
Sophia M. William Weymouth of Westminster, moved to
Pern in 1858, and lived on the Holton place. He was the hrsl
man to enlist in the army from I'eru; he enlisted on October 10,
i86r,and went to join the Army of the Potomac, where he die.b
His body was sent to Peru and buried, it being just two months fn.m
the (lay he left home. Sophia, his wife, died in Peru August 26,
J87S, aged (n yc-ars.
HISTORY OF I'ERl'. 35
Louise M. Moses Elliot, went to Pittsfield, Ohio, then to
Oranville, 111., where she now resides, having two boys.
Harriet m. Charles E. fkirnard, in 1865, moved to (iranville. 111.
Had a family of four sons and four daughters. "1 'i /f /f /r ^ /-»
Orrilla died in Peru in 1856. -"" *^OXo
Angeline died in Peru of (_:()nsuniption May 2, 1862, aged ;^;^
years.
David W'yman, brother of Deacon Thomas Wyman, began on
the lot east of the Holton farm, building a log house and framed
barn, but stayed only a few years. He sold the place to Benjamin
Ballard and moved to Manchester.
Deacon Benjamin PJallard moved into town in 1814, built the
house in which Whittemore Thomas lived, on the David Wyman lot.
He also moved the David Wyman barn to his house, then sold the
place to Mark Batchelder and went to live on the Burt farm for a
while, moving to Manchester in 1845 wdth his son Benjamin.
CHILDREN OF DEACON BENJAMIN BALLARD.
Sally went to Manchester and died of a cancer.
Samantha m. Seth Lyon, lived in Peru, moved to Jamaica, died
in tS8 I of a cancer.
Horace studied medicine and graduated at Castleton Medical
College, settled in W'illiamstown, Mass., died in 1833.
Benjamin S. m. Betsey Warren, commenced on the place east
of the Goodell Walker farm, built the house now on the place, then
sold it and bought the Simonds mill. He repaired the mill and put
in a large breast wheel, and built the Ira Walker house. He sold out
to Edward Batchelder and moved to Manchester in 1845, left there
and went to Cleveland, Ohio, then to Long Island, where he buried
his wife, after which he went to Kansas for a time, then came back
and settled down in South Orange, X. J., where he died in May,
1889, aged 79 years.
Josiah Hapgood was born in Marlboro, Mass., 1779, and came
to Peru in 1800. He began on new land near O. P. Simonds's
homestead, but disposed of the place and bought a wild lot where the
Josiah Hapgood buildings are. Mr. Hapgood grappled with the forest
single-handed, working on his land during the summer and returning
to Marlboro to spend the winter. In 1805 he contracted for a barn
;io X 40 feet, to be built for $40; the same barn is now on the place.
In the season of 1S06 he married Elizabeth Maynard of Marlboro
and moved to Peru, living in the new barn for a time. They did
their cookiiiL;' I'V tlu' side of a larj^x' rock which is to be seen to lliis
day near tlie barn. He soon built a house and settled down.
His son Jonathan inherited the jKiternal ac-res, ii;oi married, and
l)uilt a new ht)nsc on the site of the old one, wliicJi was moved to be
used as an out.d)uildin.sj;'. Mr. Hapgood and his wife were hind and
oblii^in^' nei|L;hl)ors and useful citizens of the town, ocxxl numbers
of the ( luirch and always ready to sustain it bv their [presence and
means. Widow Lovina Maynard, Mrs. Hap<jood's mother, came to
live with the family in 1813, wliere she died in 1841. Mrs. Maynard
had a liiblc of her mother's, in which the followin;^- was written:
" l.ovina IJarns's liible. Presented by her honored father as a bridal
i,dft, with idiarge to read and study it daily with care and (kdi^ht,
praying that it may make her wise unto salvation through faith in
Jesus Christ," which charge she kept while livmg. The date of her
marriage is 1776. Mr. Hapgood and his wife endured nian\-
hardships and privations incident lo new settlements, but they were
always willing to share what they did have with their neighbors.
On one occasion, at a funeral, the mourners being minus shoes, Mrs.
Hapgood lent them all she had, leaving herself without any. I'Or a
substitute, she took her husband's logging trousers and cut enough
cloth out of them to make shoes to wear to the funeral, .^he walked
most of the way barefooted to .save them for the end of the journey.
When she arrived home she placed the cloth of the shoes back on
the trousers, so as to be ready for the farmer's use again. Mr.
Hapgood was a plain man, but everything he had was good. lb-
was always satisfied with his lot, therefore always happv, and his
wife was just the same. He died in 1857, aged 78 years; his wife
died in 1853.
CIIII.DRKN Of IOSI.AII HAPCOOl).
Joseph Jackson m. Hepsibah liarnard, lived in Peru.
l-'dizabeth m. Jesse IJrown, died in Peru in 1837.
l.ovina .M. Alvah Prooks of Halifax, died in Illinois in 1S69.
I'ersis m. William Whitney, lived in Peru, died h'i'bru;irv 16,
''"^yy- aged 65 vears.
Mary m. John Q. .\dains of Peru, died in 1880, aged 66 years.
Jonathan .m. Aurelia (Davis) .Ma-sh of Reading, Vt., lived on
the homestead in Peru; his wife had been married before and had
one son, Dr. James .Marsh of I'actory Point, with whom they both
(lied, .\urelia in 1882. and Jonathan in 1883. JUuh were buried at
Peru, 'riiey were useful citizens.
HISTORY OF PERU. 37
Almira m. Barton Aldrich of Westmoreland, N. H.
Ruth M. Carlos Davis of Reading, where the}' now reside.
Joseph M. Mary Gates of Stowe, Mass., lived there, died in 1887.
Cyrus Staples began on a wild lot on the farm east of the Joel
T.yon farm in 1802. He married Orpha Whitney and had a large
family, namely, Eunice, Sally, Edith, Silas, Tryphena, Trypho.sa,
Hannah, Samuel, Mary, Emily and Sarah. Silas was the only one
that settled in Peru. He married Mary Reynolds of Derry and lived
(in the Fosgot farm until 1855, when he moved to Pennsylvania.
All the other children settled down in the West. Mr. Staples buried
his wife about 1837, then married again and left town. He
instituted the only Baptist church in town.
David Robbins came to his farm about 1823, on which was a
log house th.at had been Iniilt by Mason Tarbell. Mr. Robbins was
a hard working man. He raised a large family, and died Ajiril 3,
T872, aged 84 years. The widow and two sons, Samuel and Alvin,
live on the farm.
David Davis began on land north of Mr. Robbms, Iniilt a small
house, laid the foundation and built a dam, then put up a frame for
a saw mill, but never finished it. He was found dead, hung by the
neck, in his own house, in March, 1853, aged 58 years.
Scammel Burt came into the town early. He married Sally
Parker of Chester, and lived in a house east of David Simonds,
known as the Densmore place. He was burnt out about 1825. By
the help of the townspeople, who were the only insurance in town,
he built a house near the Stowell Barnard place at the foot of the
hill, on the road. He was a hard-working, industrious man, full of
jokes and fun. and a kind and useful citizen. Pie had a large
family, and when they were all of age he went to live with his son
Parker on the Atkins place, where he died in 1857. His wife died
in 1877, aged 92 years.
CHILDRF.N OF SCAMMEL I'.UKT.
Joseph Parker, unmarried, had fits for forty years, died in
town in 1879.
Adaline m. Cyrus Bailey of Andovcr, died young
Rhodolphus M. in Michigan, tlieil there in 1879.
Gracie m. Wm. C. Strong, who went to the war, and while he
was there two of their sons died at her mother's of diiihtheria.
Joshua M. Rebecca Bennett, owned and lived on the Killam
farm, erecting all the buildings now on the farm, but sold out in
38 IIIS■|■()K^ ol' I'I'.RU.
1S65 am] iiiovlhI Id MichiLCan wilh his family, lie died there.
Sally .M. (."vrus 15ailev of Andover, lived and died Lhere.
Mary Ann ilied in childhood.
Iiislin M., settled in Andover, now lives in Peru and own
the farm his brother Parker had. He has two daughters. |
l-"./.ra M., lives in Mendon, \'t.
Justin is the only one of the family remaining in Peru.
Isaac Hill married Miss Adams, a sister of Hannah Adams.
who wrote a history of the Jews and a history of New iMiglaiid
Mr. Hill's family were talented. His son Thomas studied law wilh
Gov. Skinner and settled in Bangor, Maine, becoming eminent in his
profession, and Moses studied law and [practiced in Ohio. Isaac
Hill began new on the farm where Justin Burt lives. He lived {
there some years and then returned to Massachusetts, selling the
farm to Mr. Atkins, who lived on it a number of years. (General
Peter Dudley owned it after Mr. Atkins, when I'rancis Bennett,
Benjamin Ballard and some other families lived on it as his tenants.
(General Peter Dudley sold the place to Joseph P. Burt in 1S37, in
whose name it has remained ever since.
William Pollard began new on the farm where John Byard lives,
which is known as the Pollard farm. Mr I'ollard was the hrst town
clerk east of the mountain. He died early of consumption, leaving a
widow, a daughter and son. The daughter married David (ileason,
living below the gate on the turnpike road. Kittredge Parker owned
and lived on this place from 1837 to 1843, when he sold it to Francis
Bennett, who sold it to Lewis White. Mr. White built the house on
it and sold out to Asa and Calvin Phillips, who lived on it and
improved the buildings and farm very much. Asa Phillips ilied on
tiiis place. Merrill (i. Walker bought the farm of Calvin I'liillijis,
and Harlan Batchelder bought it from him, living on it two or three
years. It was then sold to Martin Granger, who stayed on it a short
time and then sold it to James Lakin. He occupied it onlv a few
years, selling it to John Byard, the present occupant.
The farm on which J. C. Walker lives was called the Fosgot
place. Mendal Fosgot began new on this farm and built the lirsl
building.s, but did not .stay on it long. Several families have lived
there. George W. Whitcomb lived on this farm, then Mr. Phillips
for a short time, after which .Nahuin P>enjamin owned it several
years. He sold it to 'I'homas Wyman and J. J. Hapgood in 1835
and joined the Mormans, going, with his family, to live with them in
HISTORY OF TERU. 39
Ohio. It is supposetl that they afterwards went with them to Xauvoo,
111 . and then probably went to Salt Lake. They were tlie only
faniilv that apostatized to that sect from Peru. Silas Sta[)les bought
the farm of Deacon Wyman and J. J. Hapgood, improving the farm
and buildings very much. He married Mary Reynolds of Derry.
I'hev had two children, Merrill and limeline, who went witii them t(>
Pennsylvania in 1856, where they now- reside. Nathaniel and O. N.
Russell bought the place of Silas Staples. They stayed on it several
years, built new barns and improved the farm, then sold it to J. G.
Batchelder, who resided on the farm until 1870. He sold the place
to P>. L. Barnard, who kept it one year and then sold out to J- O.
U'alker, who is the present occupant. He has improved the place
very much.
Moses Adams came to town about 1823. He began new on the
lot south of the farm Mr. Byard lived on, and built the buildings on
the farm. His wife died in 1S50, aged 58 years. He then went to
live in Reading, Vt., and married again in West Windsor.
CHILDREN OF MOSES ADAUS.
Moses M. Miss Gale of Windham. He was a Methodist minister
and has been on the circuit. He has been a useful man, although
his early education was quite limited.
Klias M., died at Winhall in 1852.
VA'\ M., lives in New York State.
lohn n. M. Mary Hapgood of Peru, and always lived there.
His wife died in 1S80; he then married Widow Mary (^Lincoln)
iJennett.
Louisa M. Nathaniel Gates, lived in Chester.
Laura m. Sewell Covey, lived in Weston. Laura is tlead. Mr.
Covey was a soldier in the rebellion, and after his return went West.
CHILDREN OF JOHN ij. ADAMS.
.\lmon M., lives in Peru.
Alma u., lives in Iowa.
Carrie ^L, lives in Jamaica, Yt.
Aaron Bvard and his wife, Anna Dunster, came to Peru in
1802. They began on the farm south of Stowell Barnard's, it being
a lease lot. He built the buildings and improved the farm, but sold
it in 1823 to Mr. Elliot, and bought the Maynard place. He put up
a frame for a house, shingled it, and moved into it before the sides
were boarded up, hanging the bed clothes on the sides, but he soon
had comfortable buildings. Mr. Bvard was a natural farmer, a .great
40
I IIS TORN' Ol'- IM'.Kr
observer dl luiliire's laws. lie was ihe best xclermarv sur^eiin that
ever lived in town. No one coiiKl care for llocks and herds beller
llian Uncle Aaron, or could swiny; a scvthe to cut a better swalli.
Mis health was always delicate, but with prutlence and care he lived
an active life far beyond his neighbors and townsmen who were
stronger and more vigorous. He seldom employed a physician, but
sUidied his own difficulties, finding remedies for the aihiuiils of
humanity in the vegetable kingdom around him, and trusted more
to the recuperative powers of nature to restore than to the drugs of
doctors. .Mrs. IJyaril died in 1S71, aged 95 years and 4 months, aiul
Mr. 15yard on November 22, 1873, aged 95 years and 5 months.
CHII.DRKX OF AARON liVARl).
l\e.\a M. Reuben Tarbell, lived in Rindge, N. H.
I'oIIy .M. Mason Tarble, had three children. Mason died at the
liraltleboro Asylum, and Polly died at Peru; she was buried on
Poplar hill, east of the mill.
l.ydia.M. Parker \\"\-maii, lived in Peru and .Manchester, died in
.Manchester in 1SS5.
Anna M. Jt)nas Pennett, lived and died in Manchester.
Ilepsibah m. Charles Childs, lives in ( )hio.
Dorcas m. James Pierce, lived and died in Pennington.
Lucy .M. John W. Farnum, lived in I'eru, died in I'SOy, aged 52.
Maria m. Dexter French, lived in Manchester, died in 1.SS9.
.\aron 'I', m. jane Mc.MuUin, lived in Peru, iiK.ved to
Townshend.
C lill.DRKN OK I.UCV AND jiUlX IWRNIM.
David M. l""rances lUirton, lives in \'irginia.
Aaron was killed instantly by the bursting of a null stone at
Arlington, Vt.; aged 23 years.
Mariam .m. l'".dwin P). Simonds, lives in \'irginia.
Kdwin .M. Nellie Smith. lives in Washington, D. C".
Henry .m. Petsey Penediet, lives in Arlington.
Pyccna m. Eunice Hartwell, lives in .Arlington.
.\nianda .m. Frank Rand, lives in Townshend.
Fred .M. Miss Pebee, lives in East Dorset.
CIIII.DKKN 01 AARON 1'. r.\ARl).
.\ndrew .m. Laura Putler, lives in Chesterfield, N. D.
Fanny m. John 1). Miller, lives in Williamsburg, Mass.
John M. Anna .Sinionds, lives in Townshend. lie was a lariiuT
and fi>\ hunter.
Mks. ('HAkl.KS I. VON.
Chari.es I. von.
HISTORY OF PERU. 41
Stella M. Hiram Reynokls, itinerant i)rea(:her.
Jennie M. John Howard, of Jamaica.
^^'il]arll lives in New York city.
Jonathan Elliot came into t(nvn about 1822 aiul bouj^ht the
Byartl farm, but lived on it only a short time, sellin,^- it to Obel
\dams. He then bought the Asa Simonds farm and built a new
louse on it. Mr. Elliot sold out to G. Walker and moved to Ohio
vith his family. Their names were Asa, Levi, ( )liver, Moses,
Krancis, Jonathan, Jason and Clarissa, most of whom settled in
^hio. Moses lives in Granville, 111. John Emerson bought this
arm of Obel Adams, his brother living on it for some years. Mr.
("hnerson sold to Cephas Bailey, who moved on to the |)lace about
[844. Mr. Bailey married Caroline \Vright. Their children's names
vere Romanzo, Harrison, Victoria, Joseph and Nancy. In 1856
Mr. I5ailev sold his farm to .\. P. D. Simonds, and moved to
Pennsylvania with his family. This was the farm where Mr. Simonds
,vas killed. Clark Bryant also lived on this ])lace several years.
Benjau.in \\'illiams began new on the farm where Calvm IMiillips
ives, clearing the land and erecting the buildings. He sold the
'arm to Calvin Phillips in 1868, and bought F. P. Batchelder's farm,
vhere he died on October 29, 1872, aged 74 years. His wife died
n 1888.
CIIll.DREX OK liENJA.MIX WlI.I.l.VMS.
Lewis M. Tryphena Phelps of Crafton, lives in W'inhall.
George .m. Lucy Gale of Winhall, died in Jamaica.
Mariah m. Samuel Phelps, lives in (irafton.
Alfred m. Maria Penfield, lives in Peru.
Calvin m. A\'idow Angeline (Eddy) Simonds. lives in Peru.
Asa Phillips came to Peru about 1835 from New llami)shire.
He commenced new on the place south of the Eosgot farm, built a
og house and barn, cleared the land of its original growth of timber
ind made fruitful fields. He then sold the place to Joseph II.
Simonds and bought the Pollard farm, which he greatly improved.
Mr. Phillips was a g ^od farmer. He died on the farm in 1857, aged
57 years, and was the first one that was buried in the new cemetery
It the village.
CHILDREN OF -AS.V PHIEEU'S.
Aurilla m. Eliab Stone, went to Michigan.
Asa M. Cyntha Bryant, went to Massachusetts, died there.
Huldah M. Mr. Crouch of Chesterfield, N. H., lived there.
42 uIs■^oR^ ( >i I'l'.Rr.
("alvin M. Miss rciilkld, lives in I'crii on the Williams farm,!
whicli he lias nuieh improved. He is a first-class farmer.
|ohn <.). Adams began on tiie lot west of C^alvin l'liiili|)s's farm.
fie cleared it up, built a house and barn, and then sold it to Geori^c
Williams, who lived on it several years, and then sold out to Calvin
Williams, the present owner.
The farm on which Albert Simonds lives was begun by Oliver
W'vman. who built the first house and barn on the place. He sold t<i
.Mark I'.alchelder about 1H35. He had a blacksmuh shop and worked
at the busmess. In 1841 Rufus Bennett Ixnight the place from Mr.
Batcheliler, who sold it to Lewis White, he selling it to (i. S. Hobart,
who carried on the place for some years and then sold out to J. H.
Simonds and moved to 'Derry. Mr. Simonds built a new barn and
house, and bought a new addition to the farm, lie died on the
farm in i S76, aged 58 years. His son. .Albert, married Lina .Mills.
and is the present owner.
.Moses Killam began tMi the farm where Alfred Williams lives.
He built the first buildings on the place. Mr. Killam died here,
leaving a son and daughter. The daughter, .Maria, married Jonathan
Walker, and lived in Landgrove. Mr. j. l!ruce lived ami died on
this jilace. I.ydia Killam also owned it for some time. .Asa Simonds
then owned it and sold out to Francis Bennett, he selling the i)lace
to V. \\ Batchelder, who l)uilt the (iresent house, made additions to
the barns, and improved the farm in every way. In 1S62 he sold
the place to Stephen Simonds, who sold it to F. P. Ikitchelder in
1S64. He occupietl the jilace until 1869, when he .soUl out to
Benjamin Williams, who died on the farm. Flis son, .\lfred, now
lives on it with his mother.
|(ihn ("handler built a small house near the saw-mill, where Ira
R. Walker lives, but sold it to B. S. Ballard, wiio built the present
liouse about 1841. He sold the place to (leorge Batchelder, lulward
llalclu-lder buying il fidui C.eorge, who sold it to I). II. .Marden; he
built a barn and scjld out to Ira R. Walker, who is the present owner.
I->dward I'.atchelder sold the saw-mill to (Uistavus .Albee, who
built the htjuse where Calvin Williams now lives, anil then sold out
to I^Iijah Simonds, who dietl, leaving the i)remises to his familv.
His family are the pre.sent owners. Widow I'^lijah Simonds married
C. Williams, who now occupies the place.
Dana Wyman began on the lot east of josiah Barnard's farm,
built the buildings and lived there a long lime. He sold the place
HISTORY OF PERI .■ 43
o Ziniri Whitney, who sold out to (1. K. Davis, and it is now owned
)y some of the family. H. O. l)avis lived on it a long time.
Josiah Barnard cut the first tree on the farm north of the
)udlev place about 1801. He cleared the land, built the wall and
he buildings. In 1834 he sold out to Stephen Dudley ant! moved
o Ohio with his family, whose names were: Wood, John, Hannah,
foseph, Alonzo and Eliza, who all settled near Oberlin, Ohio.
\lonzo studied at Oberlin, becoming a missionary among the Indians
)f the Red River country, in the northern part of Minnesota. Josiah
Barnard was an upright man and a useful citizen. He held many of
he important offices of the town, and re[)resented the town of I'eru
n a constitutional convention. He lived to be 90 years of age.
fosiah Barnard sold his farm to Stephen Dudley for $800, with all
!;he improvements on it, in 1834. Mr. Dudley carried on the farm
;or two years, and then sold it to John Jackson, who lived on the
)lace two years. In 1839 Moses and Jessie Rider came from
Grafton and bought the farm of Mr. Jackson. 'Idiey carried it on
.intil they both died, when their son, Jesse, came into possession, and
ived on it several years. He sold the place to O. K. Davis.
CHILDREN OF MOSES RIDER.
Jesse -M. Mary Dudley, lived in Peru, moved to 'Derry; both tiied
:here.
Harriet m. Solomon Davis, lived in 'Derry.
Mary m. Mr. Fairbanks for her first husband, and Deacon
Edmund Batchelder for the second; lives in Peru.
Carrie m. Daniel Davis, lives in Chester.
CHILDREN OF JESSK RIDKK.
Lerav m. a lady from the West. He was killed by his engnie
falimg on him while sawing wood at Bellows l-'alls.
Helen m. Henry Stiles, lives in MasonvilK'. Iowa.
Caroline M. E. Carfield, lives in Derry.
(ruilford, unmarried, lives in Derry.
Julia M., lives in Massachusetts.
G. K. Davis bought the farm of Jes.se Rider, and occupicil il
several years. He improved the house and then .sold it to Theodore
Rand, who carried it on some years, selling out to H. C. Plympton.
Charles d. Hunt, of 'Derry, bought the farm of Mr. I'lympton, and is
the present occupant.
The place now owned by C. X. Wyman was connnenced by
Benjamin S. Ballard, who built the buildings about 1835, and lived
44 iiisi()k\' ()!• i"i:kr.
oil llif plarc uiilil 1.S40. I Ic sold oul U) \s:i Siiiioiils, wlio ortuipirtl
il uiilil his tlcatli in 1 S6 1 . R. I'. Maiilcy lived on this farm tor a
sliorl lime, then Ira R. Walker owned and (jceupied it until d. N.
W'vman houi^lu it. Ik- is the present owner.
Mlijali Sinionds and his fannly came to l*erii in 1802 fioiu
(lardner, Mass. He began new on the lot south of the Diulley
farm, biiikling a log house on the old road. Me afterwards erected
his frame buildings on the present road, east from the [)resent
buildings and on the opposite side of the road. I lis house was
clapboarded on the studding with clapboards split and shaved.
It being occupied many years with only that covering on the wall.
Mr. Sinionds lived to be cjuite ageil.
CHILDRKX OF F.I.IJAII >1.\U)N1)S.
Jonatlian went to Richmond.
Elijah went to Massachusetts.
Ezekiel, teacher of music, went to New Orleans.
David .M. Anna liyam, lived and dictl in Peru.
.\sa .M. Sophia Lyon, lived in Peru.
Lucy .M. Mv. (iray, lived in Dorset, moved to lllinoi.s.
Abigal, unmarried, a school teacher, died in New N'ork.
.\.sa Simonds, .son of Elijah Simonds, came to Peru in : So 5 with
his parents, from (lardner, .\fass. He married Sophia Lyon, and
had a large family. He was elected captain of the militia company
antl was deacon in the Congregational church bir a time. He built
the mill in 1825 near 1. R. Walker's house, which was used b)r a saw
and grist mill. He came into possession of his father's farm and
had the care of his parents in their decline, but sold the farm to
Jonathan ]":iliot and bou-ht the place on which .\. \\'illianis lives,
near the mill. He .sold the mill and farm about 1839 or '40 and
lived on the place that !!. S. I'-allard occupied. He lived for two
years in Manchester to educatt' his daughters. His last business
was teaming. He was killed by a falling shed, under which he iiad
driven to escape a violent gale. He was taken into tiie ^Lanciiester
depot and died on the third tlay, agetl 71 years. Mis wife tlied in
1870.
Cnil.DKKX OK .\s.V SIMONDS.
Sophia M. JMJmund lialchelder, lived in Peru; she died in 1856,
aged 4 1 years.
.Mary m. Rev, A. I'", (lark, who preached for 12 years in i'eru,
now living in Praltleboro.
HISTORY OF PERU. 45
Abigal M. Isaac Barrows of Dorset, died in November, 1844.
Martha m. C. L. Howe, lives in Krattleboro. Mrs. Howe is
le mother of Mary Howe, the great Xew England singer.
Dorcas, unmarried. She was a school teacher for more than 30
ears, and gave the Congregational cliunMi of Peru ,$500, the interest
) be used for suijporting preaching. >
A. P. Dodridge m. Fanny Patchelder, lived in Peru. While he
as driving a mowing machine he stepped between the horses, but
)st contrcjl of them, they dragging the mower over him. He was
^rribly mangled and died in a day or two. He was a good singer,
■ading the church. choir for some years. His death was in 1865.
William Burkitt M. Affa Cone, lives in Peru.
Ellen M. A. Gilbert Dexter, editcM" and proprietor of the Cam-
ridge Chronicle, Mass., but now in business in California.
Oscar M. Victoria Bailey, lives in Pennsylvania.
F.dward, unmarried, a merchant, lived in Massachusetts, now in
linneapolis.
C.oodull Walker came to town in 181 7, and married Lydia Lyon.
le built on the Russell farm, but sold it to Ira Russell and bought
:ie Simonds place of Mr. Elliot, where he lived until he died. lie
ad a large farm, and improved it and the buildings very much. He
ceded the place to his son. Porter J., who occupied it a few \ears
ntl then sold it to j. G. Walker, the ]:)resent owner. Goodell died
1 1875, aged about 79 years.
CHILDREN i)F COODKI.l- W.\LKEK.
John (i. .M. Hannah Davis, lived in Peru, now in 'Derry.
Ira R. .M. Catharine Wyman, lives in Pern.
Seth L.. M. Abbie Drury, lives on the Dudley farm in Peru.
Jerusha m. Joshua Barnard, lives in W'inhall.
Eunice m. Isaac Barnard, died in Jamaica.
Merrill G. .m. Rosetta Stiles, lived on the Bigelow farm in Peru,
low in Manchester.
Duane m. Irene Stoddard, died in Peru in 1863, aged 30 years.
Porter J. m. Lucy Dudley; she died in 1865, aged 29 years. He
hen married Martha Gilligan, lived in Manchester, now in Chicago.
Janette m. O. N. Russell, died in I'eru in 1863, aged 22 years.
Mary lane m. Josiah H.Whitney, lives on the H. Marnard farm
n Peru.
Benjamin I'arnard, jr., commenced on the farm now occupied
)y Josiah H. Whitney. In 1804 he built a log house and barn
46 I11SI'( )\<\ ( >I' IM'.kl".
north from Uk- picscnl I)iiikliii.ns, in the pasUirc on llu' oUl load; the
niirst-rv of apple trees marks the spot. In 1813 he built where the
pri'sent bnilclings are, but the house has been rejilaced l)y one built
1)V his son Charles, and oiTupied 1)\- 15. liarnartl and his wife uiilil
his death in 1S64. Charles K., his son. had the honu-strad, \\-\ut li In
.sold in 1S65 to M. (1. Walker, who sold it to josiah H. \\ hitney, win
lives there at the j^resent time.
CHII.DRRN OK liENJ.AMIN r.ARN.ARI), JR.
Hepsibath M. J. J. Hapgood, lives in Peru.
Elizabeth m. Israel Haynes, lives m Wilmington.
Nancy m. Ira K. Batchelder, lived in I'eru untU 1^69, then went
to Townshend.
Emily m. Ruel dibson of 'Derry, ilied in .Alstead, N. H.. in 1879.
Luke B. M. Aramintha Ilaynesof Wilmington, lives in Wilming-
ton.
Charles E. m. Harriet Holton of Peru, lived in i'eru until 1X65,
tiicn moved to Granville, 111., living there at the ]5resent time.
Selh V, M. Mary Fox of \\'ilmington, living there until his dcaih
in 1885.
The farm west of Benjamin Barnard's ])lace was b(\gun earh- 1\'
Mr. Craves, who was a useful citiz^-n. In 1.S17 he sold the farm t"
'Ihomas Sumner, he selling it to Reuben Walki-r, who came from
Jamaica. He lived on this place and in a small house that was built
for him on the turnpike road near the Jesse Brown road, and died at
his son's in Landgrove.
CHILDRKX OF RF.ri'.KN WAl.KKR.
Cioodell .M. Lydia Lyon, always lived in Peru.
Sally M. Ira Ru.ssell, lived and died in Peru.
Jonathan m. Maria Killam. died in Landgrove.
Reuben went away and never returned.
Stephen lived in North Adam.s, Ma.s.s.
Jerusha .m. John Kyle, lives in the West.
C.oodell Walker first built on the place where Charles Russi II
lives, but sold the place to Ira Russell, who came from Jamaica.
He built the present house and most of the buildings, and greativ
enlarged and improved the farm, living on it untd he died in 1.S74,
aged 76 years.
Cnil.DRKX 01 IRA RUSSKI.I,.
Sally M. Iv p. Luther of Dorset, both died in Ea.st Dorset.
Eunice m. Zeno Cone, lived in Winhall; died in 1885.
Mrs. I. K. Batchki.df.k.
HISTOKN' ol' I'I'.KIT.
47
Nahum m. Emma Benson of Dorset moved \\'est; died there.
Samantha m. James Grifiliith of Mount TabcM-, lives there.
CaroHne .m. Allen IJenson, who died in Andersonville prison.
Charles .m. Luc}' Carter for his first wife, and Clarinda i-olhrop
for the second; lives in Pern.
Gecjrge m. Laura Cla_\-ton for his I'irst wife, and Widow lUakel)-
for the secontl; lives in I'eru.
Charles came into possession of the paternal farm, and now lives
on it.
Edward Messenger came from Dedham, Mass., with Jesse
Warren, and in 1829 bought of him half a lot of land west of the
Russell farm, putting up all the buildings now on the farm. He was
a carpenter and joiner by trade, and worked at tlie business the
greater part of his time, working on the farm only in the busy
season. He was an active, energetic man in business, a useful
citizen, and genial in his family. In TS39 his parents came to live
with him in their declining years, but his father lived only a short
time, while his mother lived to the good old age of 96 years, always
striving to make all around her happy, and happy with herself. Her
son made her happy by giving her a good home and seeing that her
wants were all supplied, and for no other remuneration than to do
his filial duty and the rich revvartl he received for doing that.
Edward Messenger died in 1876, aged 76 years; his wife died some
time before.
CHILDRKN OF F.DW.\R1) MF.SSENCIER.
Mary m. Adam Corbet, lived in Peru; died in 1875.
Nancy m. James Pebbles, died young in Massachusetts.
Laura m. Riley Pebbles, died young in Massachusetts.
Sarah m. Henry Mellendy, died in l^oston.
Ellen u. Henry Mellendy, lives in Chicago.
Lucius Messenger came from Wrentham, ALass., in 1829. and
built a house on the lower side of the highway southwest of Edward
Messenger's house. He soon sold out to .\mherst Messenger and
returned to Massachusetts. Amherst lived on the place, farming and
shoemaking, until about 1850, when he returned to Massachusetts,
the place going into Edward Messenger's hands. The house that
stood on the place is gone.
CHILDREN OF AMHERST MESSENGER.
Emily m. Joseph Simonds, lived in Peru.
John B. M. Louisa WashDurn. lives in Natick, Mass.
4S HIS ^()k^ ( u' i-i'.Rr.
Ili)r;uf Jackson caiiu- from Dedliam, Mass., in 1H30, aiull
coninicnced lu-w on a half lot west of E. Messenger's land, erecting
tJK' biiildinL^s and clearing the land. Mrs. Jackson was a valua'oie
woman in society. They had two children, l-ldwin and Mary, who
went with them to South Deerfield, Mass., in i860, the farm hiin^
sold to P. II. Rnssell, who lived on it for some years and then sohi
it to Joshua Wilder. 1'. H. Russell moved to Arlington, where he
buried his wife, and is now living in Michigan. i
(ieneral Peter Dudley came into town in i.Soi, and settled on a
lot south of Josiah Parnard's farm, huikhng a log house near where
the present buildings stand. It was not long before he had built the^
first two-story house in town, using split clapboards, shaved, lid
remained on the farm until his death, in 1847, when it went into ih
|")ossession of his son. General Stephen Dudley, who reniained on 1
some years, then selling out to Scth P. \Valker, the present owner|
and resident. I
CHll.DRKN (M (;i:.\KRAL PETER DUDLEY.
Peter m. Delia Davis, lived in Manchester; died in 18S2.
(ieneral Stej^hen .m. Lydia Davis, lived in Peru and 'Derrv; died
in .Xndover.
Pury married in western New York, died there.
Elvira married in western New ^■ork, died in Michigan.
Lydia m. David Arnold, lived in 'Derry; died in 1886.
James married in Johnstown, N. \'., lives tinre.
Samuel died young.
Sophia M. Nelson Curtis, lived in Hoosick, N. V.
Caroline m. Charles Lee, died in Kentuckv.
Damietta m. Mr. Bates, lived in Shaftsbury; died there.
Helen M. Iv Holton, lives in Illinois.
' 1111. DREN OK CENEK.VL S IEFm:\ DUDLKN.
Myron married; is a clergyman, settled in Connecticut,
(leorge went to Kentucky, died there.
Lucy M. P. J. Walker, died in Peru.
I'llmer married, lives in Massachusetts.
Isstelle M. Mr. .Adam.s, lives in Chester.
Homer m. Mi.ss Thames, lives in 'Derry.
Caroline married, lives in .\ndover.
'i'hree of C.eneral Stephen Dudley's sons, Myron, I'.lmer and
Homer, enlisted at the time of the rebellion. P'Jmer lost one of
Mk>. 1)AV1|) SlMoXDS.
Dka. L)A\II) SlMONDS.
HISTORY OF PERU. 49
Jesse Warren came into town in i<S29 from Dedham, Mass., and
purchased the Butterfield farm, containing four hundred acres of
land. There was a large set of hotel buildings on the hill one-third
of a mile north of the present buildings, on the old road. These
buildings were located before the allotment of the town, being the
first and onl)' tavern from Utley's in I>andgrove to Manchester. Mr.
Warren moved the house down on to the turnpike, being the house
he lived in. The basement he used for a shop. He and his son-in-
law, Hiram Messenger, erected the large house and two large barns,
and Mr. Messenger kept a hotel for fourteen years in the new
house. Mr. Warren sold one hundred acres of his land to E.
Messenger and H. Jackson, but carried on the farm and cleared
some of the land, also manufacturing cast iron ploughs and castings
for various purposes, as well as carrying on the blacksmith's business.
He started this business on the top of the mountain, but the buildings
are all taken down, there being no sign left of the first location.
The hotel building still stands, but. the rest of the buildings have
been built since. Mr. Warren and his family coming to town at the
time they did, their influence was good and elevating; he was a
valuable citizen and always ready to lend a helping hand to every
useful enterprise, besides doing much to build up and sustain society.
He did much towards supporting the town schools, and it was here
that his family of ten children received the rudiments of their
education. Mr. Warren remained in town about eight or ten years
and then went to Springfield, Vt., where he purchased a foundry and
continued the business of making ploughs and castings.
CHILDREN OF JESSE WARREN.
Mary Ann m. Hiram Messenger, lived in Peru, but moved to
Detroit, Mich.
Joseph M. Roxana Richardson, moved to Ohio; both dead.
Betsey m. B. S. Ballard, died on Long Island.
Elvira m. Mr. Bisbee, lives in Springfield, Vt.
Harriet took care of her mother in declining years at Fitchburg,
Mass.
Joseph, the oldest son, worked at the same business as his
father, settling down in Medina County, Ohio, where he has been
successful and prosperous in his business. The other five brothers,
whose names are John, Samuel M., Cyrus, Marshall and Burgess,
have been in company, first in the cement roofing business in
different cities in the North and Middle States, and have also been
50 msroRN OK i'KRU.
extensively engaj^ed in rffmino- petroleum at the Warren ChemicM
Works. Brooklyn, N. \'. It is said that the oil from these works is ,i
superior article. Samuel entered the ministry, and lives in ilu
vicinitv of Boston; he married his wife in England. John withdrew
from the comixmy and settled near his brother Josejih in Ohio.
Marshall was drowned by a coHision on Long Island Sound. Cyrus
is a chemist, and is settled down in Brookline, Mass., devoting his
lime to chemistry for the benefit of the company. He is connected
with the Boston School of Technology. The Warren boys have been
remarkably prosperous busine>s men since they left I'eru, and are in
aflluent circumstances, made so by their untiring energy and
industry.
Dr. Silas Clark came into town from Winhall in 1809, and
settled in a log house on the old road north of Charles Russell's
hou.se, being on the same lot, but did only a small amount of
professional business. He was a useful member of society, and did
much to l)uild it up. Mrs. Clark died of typhoid fever about 1814,
and 1 )r. Clark soon moved to Herkimer Countv, N. Y., selling the
place to (ioodell Walker in 181 7.
The house west of Dr. Clark's on the old road, at the foot of the
hill, was a log house, built by Mr. Butler, of whom nothing is known.
This lot of land belongs to the Russell farm at this time.
Jonathan Butterfield came to Peru about 1795, -^^^ previous to
the allotment of the town. He made a pitch on the height of land
in the south part of the town, about one hundred rods from W inhall
line, building a large house, barn, and sheds, convenient for a
hotel. Mr. Lovel was associated with him in erecting these bmld-
ings. Mr. Butterfield kept a jniblic-house for some years, it being
known as the liutterfield tavern far and near. In 1810 Mr. Cooper
was landlord for some years, then Mendal Fosgot run it for a time,
after which Jeduthan Bruce had it, he being the last landlord of the
hou.se. The turnpike was completed in 18 16, and travelers left tlu-
old road for the new one. Hiram Messenger opened a public-house
in a new building on the turnpike road in 1831 or '32, and kejit it
ten f)r twelve years, when the place, with the Warren farm, went into
the hands of Mr. Briggs. .\le.\ander Leland leased the tavern for a
short time and run it as a hotel. J. G. Mellendy came to town with
a large family, and bought the property of Mr. Briggs, but took the
hotel sign down after being there a year. It was ne.xt sold to Seth
11. Dickinson, whose family own the property at the present time.
HISTORY OF PERU. 51
Mr. Mellendy had a large family of children, and took great
pride in educating them and helping to sustain the school, and his
three eldest daughters were excellent school teachers. He moved to
Deerfiekl, Mass., in 1858, and died there in 1883.
CHILDREN OF |. (1. ^rELLEND^■.
Emily .m. Mr. Putnam, lived in Cleveland until her husband's
death, now living in South Deerfiekl.
Orrilla m. Stephen Grout, lived in East Dorset; died there.
Ella u., lived in Boston; died there.
Henry m. Sarah Messenger for his first wife, who died in
Boston, and Ellen Messenger for his second.
The younger members of the famih* are some east and some west.
Jesse Hrown married Sally Brooks and came from Princeton to
Peru in 1803, beginning on the farm where his son Jesse now resides,
and built a log house and barn. He and his son Jesse built the
buildings now on the farm, the latter keeping the paternal acres.
Asa, Jesse's son. takes care of his father and mother and inherits the
estate, so keeping the place in the name of the Browns for three
generations. Jesse Brown died in 1S60, aged 92 years, and his wife
in 1S54, aged 81 years.
CHILDREN OF JESSE BROWN, SEN.
Sally M. Hinckley Cook, who died in Peru in 1865. At the time
of Mrs. Cook's death in 1S89 she was the oldest person in town,
being 96 years old.
John u. Bathsheba Trash, died in Peru.
Jesse M. Elizabeth Hapgood for his first wife, she died in Peru
in 1834; his second wife was Mary Ann Everett, died in Peru in
1853; his third wife was Hannah Whitney, lives in Peru. Jesse died
in 1889, aged about 90 years.
Dr. Asa B. M. in Ohio; died in 1844, aged 37 years.
John Brown built the buildings where his son Justus lives, and
who owns the farm, be being the only child. Justus married Irene
Walker, the widow of Duane Walker.
Deacon David Simond.s, son of Elijah Simonds, was born in
Gardner, Mass., in 1786, and moved to I'eru in 1802. He married
Anna P.yam of Jaffrey, N. H., in 1810, and died at New Ipswich,
|uly 12, 1S69, aged 83 years. Mrs. Simonds died in Peru in 1885,
aged 94 years.
CHILDREN OK D.WU) SIMONDS.
Sarah Ann died young, October 11, 1835.
5 2 msTDRV OF IM'.Rr.
David K. dud youn;^-, June 24, 1835.
Oliver 1'. m. Mary A. Cone, lives in Peru.
Joseph H. ^^. Emily Messenger, died at Peru in J876.
Amanda m. Deacon Frost, lives in New Ipswich, N. H.
Stephen D. m. Fmeline Carter for his first wife, and Ellen Sliles
for the second, lives in C.ranville, 111.
Elmina m. Milo Simp.son, lives in Hoosick, N. Y.
Elijah M. Angeline Eddy, died at Peru in 1866.
Edwin B. m. Marian Farnum, lives in \'irginia.
Affa A. M. James Pebbles, lives in New Ipswich, N. H.
David K. m. Ellen Clark, lives in Manchester, Vt.
O. P. Simonds, of the above family, has lived in Peru all his life
excepting two years, when he worked on a farm in Wallingford. He
has worked at shoemaking for fifty years, been town clerk and
postmaster for fortytiiree years, member of the legislature two terms,
and succeeded his father as deacon of the church, which office he
has held about thirty-eight years. Joseph Simonds was a farmer,
and a useful man in town and society. Stephen is also a prosperous
farmer in Cranville, III. David is a lawyer by profession, but is now
editor of the Manchester Journal, is town clerk, and has been a
member of the upper and lower houses in the legislature.
Sylvanius Densmore began on a lot east of the David Simonds
place, and put up some buildings. He stayed on this place some
years and moved away. Scammel Burt then occupied the premises
until 1823, when the house was burnt. Mr. Ikirt built a house at the
foot of the hill near Stowell Barnard's.
Zimri Whitney began on the Nourse farm, building a shanty and
barn, but sold out to Mr. Thompson of 'Derry, who was killed on
the place by a falling tree. Benjamin Barnard then "bought the
j-jlace, but keeping it only two years, when he sold it to Joel Nourse, who
greatly improved the buildings and farm, living on it until he moved
to Craflon, where he died. The farm is still owned by the Nourse
family.
CIIII.DRKN OF JOEL NOURSE.
Adaline m. A. Davenport, lived in Chester.
A. C. M. Sarah Stiles, lives in Grafton.
Nathaniel dates began new on the Cook place, but sold out to
Mr. Adams, he selling the place to Hinckley Cook, who died on the
place in 1865. Mrs. Cook continued to live on the jilace. She died
in 1889, aged 96 years.
HISTORY OF PERU. 53
CHILDREN OF HINCKLEY COOK.
Sally M. Isaac Cochran, lived in Winhall; died iii Kansas.
Amanda lives at home, unmarried.
Lydia M. Mr. Hamilton, lived in Winhall, moved to Michiiran.
Martin lives on the paternal farm, unmarried.
Daniel Wood commenced on the place where his son John lives.
They built the house and barn and cleared the land. Daniel and his
wife died on the farui at a good old age. John is still living on the
farm.
Thomas Wyman bought the land where Royal Bryant's house
stands, with all the land in M. B. Lyon's pasture, in 1832, and built
the house on it. In 1839 he sold the place to Francis liennett, and
about that time O. P. Simonds bought the house with four acres of
land from him. Mr. Simonds occupied the place for some time, then
sold it again to Francis Bennett in 1842, who kept a small store in
the west end of the house for two years and built a small barn. In
1845 Thomas French bought the premises, rented them a year, and
then moved on to the place himself, remaining some years. Dr. D.
H. Marden bought the premises in 1850, built an addition to the
barn and improved the place in every respect. He sold the place to
Royal ]5ryant, who built the blacksmith shop, repaired and painted
the house. J. G. Walker bought the place from him. Royal P>ryant
was a strong, muscular man, he lived in many different places in
town, and worked out a good deal in order to support his family.
He would sometimes imbibe a little too much, but was a good hunter
and fisher, and never forgot his gun when he started for a tramp on
Sunday morning. Later in life he changed his course, and instead
of taking his gun and fish pole on Sunday morning, he carried his
P.ible and went with his wife to church, where he could unite in spirit
with those who were singing the songs of Zion. He had a family of
ten children, six boys and four girls. Four of his stalwart sons
volunteered for service in the Union army, two serving three years
in the Army of the Potomac, one was kUled,and the other one served
until he was mustered out at the close of the war. Mr. Bryant
furnished more soldiers than any other family in town. He died in
Massachusetts in 1889, and his wife died in i88r.
CHILDREN OE ROYAL I5RVANT.
George m., lives in Texas.
Clark M., lives in Massachusetts.
Cynthia m. Asa Philips, who died in the army.
54 HISTORY OF PERU.
Angeline \i. Mr. Uidwii, lives in Massachusetts.
Warren lives in I'exas.
Leroy enlisted and was killetl in battle.
Calvin m. Nancy Sinionds, daughter of Oscar Simonds, lived in
Peru, now in Pennsylvania.
(ieorge was in Te.xas when the war conmiencetl, and was
compelled to join the Confederate army.
Thomas Wyman, jr., bought the place near the school house, on
which he lived about forty years, from his brother Parker, who built
the house. Thomas made additions to the house, built the barn, and
cultivated more land. This piece of land w^as part of Deacon
Wyman's farm. Penson T. Wyman now owns and occupies this
place, and it is hoped he will improve it as much as his father did,
and that four stocks will yrow where two did under his father's
cultivation.
Mark Patchelder built the house in which A. T. Byard lives in
1841, and lived in it until he died, in 1863. He built the barn and
shop, where he worked at blacksmithin,!;'. In 1872 his widow,
Roo.xby Batchelder, sold the place to A. T. Kyard.
CHILDREN OF MARK B.\TCHEI.1)ER.
Jane M. Royal Manley of Dorset, died scjme years ago.
Martha m. C. F. Pong, lived in Manchester, Dorset, and Detroit,
Mich.; died in 1889.
John I,. M. Rachel Slocum of Factory I'oint, lives in Detroit.
.Mich.
-Mahala .M. Baker Wilson of Dorset, lives at Factory Point.
O. P. Simonds erected his house in 1841, where, with the excep-
tion of a year or two that he lived in Wallingford, he has lived since.
CHILDREN OF O. V. SIMONDS.
Francis m. Martha Ceorge, lives in Natick, Mass., now in ("hicago.
Sarah .Ann m Piatt Quackenboss for her first husband. Me died
in the war. She then married O. N. Russell. He died in .\rlington.
Mary m. Lysander Russell, lived in Natick, Mass.
Jane m. Charles H. Bean, died in Lawrence, Mass.
Urial M. Emma Simmonds, lives in Natick, Mass.
J. B. Simonds is a musician, unmarried, lives in Brattleboro.
The house where W. Whitney lives was built by J. J. Hapgood
in 184;^. Ruel C.ibson being the first one to live in it. Ceorge
P.atchelder bought it of Mr. Hapgood, and lived in it a few vears,
then selling it to W. Whitney, who built the out-buildings.
HISTORY OF PERU. 55
CHII.DRKN OK \V. WHnNK\'.
I,uuisc, uninarric'tl, lives with licr father.
Cliaiies i\i. Matilda Baker of Danby, liveil in Peru.
Jusiah H. m. Mary Jane Walker, lived in Peru.
J. J. Hapgood botight his land of Joseph Ilarnard in 1S27, and
built all the buildings on the place. The Tuthill hotel was the only
building near the place at the time. Mr. Hapgood was a builder,
trader and farmer up to the time of his death in 1877.
CHILDREN OF J. J. HAPGOOD.
Charlotte, unmarried, a music teacher in Cambridge, Mass.
Luke R. M. Ellen Davis of Peru. He was one of the firm of E.
1). \' J. J. Hapgood, doing mercantile business in Peru until 1.S70,
when he went into the shoe business in Boston, residing in North
Cambridge, but is now in the shoe business in Easton, Mass.
Charles m., lives in Easton, Penn.
Marshall J. m. Flora Higgins of Dorset; he owns the old
homestead in Peru, and does a large mercantile and lumbering
business.
Wm.E. Polly built a .store east of the parsonage house about
1854, and traded in it three or four years, when he closed u]) the
business and left the place. John (). Adams bought the building
and m;ide it into a dwelling house about 1876, C. W. Whitney
living in it for a time. John (). Adams owned and occupied it at
the time it was burnt.
The brick tavern was built in 1822 by Daniel and Russell
Tuthill of Landgrove. This is the only brick house in town, antl is
thoroughly built for a pul)lic house of bricks made in Deacon
Wyman's brickyard. Esquire Tuthill opened the house to the
public in the autumn of 1822, and it has been used as a hotel for
more than sixty years. It had a large run of custom until 1850,
when the railroads began to divert the travel and freight in other
directions. Escpiire Tuthill and his son Russell knew how to keep a
good public house, and they did it, which secured for them a large
patronage until they sold out to Lawrence McMullen in 1836. The
family moved to Southern Illinois, and t-onsisted of Escpiirc Daniel
Tuthill and wife, Russell and wife and three children, Sally, who
married Thomas Ross, Betsey Purdy, old lady Tuthill's daughter, and
Silas, the youngest in the family. Silas is manufacturing chairs on
the banks of the Mississippi river. They had to endure all the
hardships incident to settling a new country, being .so far south that
56 1 1 IS TORN' OF PKRr.
ihcy did not luivc any markft for their produce, and were complctel\
isolated from the outside world. On the opening of the Illinois
Central railroad they had the means to be connected with all the
world, and a great blessing it was to them. Russell moved to
I)u(|uion, where he and his family had all needful advantages.
I'^^stjuire "J'uthill and his wife died soon after settling in Illinois, and
Thomas Ross and his wife lived but a few years. Russell and Miss
Purdy are both dead. It was a great loss to Peru to lose this family,
and no one has come to fill the vacant place.
Lawrence McMuUen bought the hotel of Esquire Tuthill in
1836, and carried it on some years, building the east addition. He
rented it to Mr. Smalley, who run it two or three years. Freeman
Lyon rented the place several years at different times, and Hiram
Messenger a year or two. Mr. McMullen sold the place to Charles
Lyon, who kept it a short time, selling out to Ruel (libson, who run
it two years. He sold the place to Leonard Howard, who kept it
several years, when Fxlward Batchelder bought and run it for a time,
selling it to (t. K. Davis, who n(nv owns and occui)ies it, going by
the name of the Bromley House. If you want a good dinner this is
the place to get it.
John Chandler, whose wife was a half sister to Deacon W'vnian,
came into town from Princeton in 1801, and commenced new on the
farm now owned by Wallace West. He cleared it of the forest and
built the first house and barn. Mr. Chandler was a farmer and a
mechanic, making the best of hand rakes, and turned the bows and
teeth with a foot lathe. He sold the place to Jonathan Walker, who
occupied it for a time, but sold out to Freeman Lyon, who lived on the
place a few years. Simeon Lyon owned it and lived there about
four years, then selling to Charles Lyon, who sold out to Lawrence
McMullen, who died on the farm in i^s°- Charles Malchelder
owned and lived on this place .some years, but sold out to S. 15.
Russell, who rented it to Rev. A. G. Bowker. Mr. Russell .sold the
place to Nathan Lillie, who improved the buildings and sold out to
Wallace West, the present occupant.
CHILDREN OK JOHN CHANDl.KK.
Mary m James Lincoln, died in 1843 at Peru.
Dorcas m. Lawrence McMullen for her first husband, and David
Garfield for her second; died in Landgrove in 1889.
Mabel .m. Simeon Lyon, lives in New York State.
Eunice .m. Barney Richardson, lives in Manchester.
Mrs. I. I. 11ai>gc»()1).
I. I. Hai'oooi).
HISTORY OF PERU. 57
Sally died young in Peru.
Harriet u. Amos Lawrence, lived in Manchester; died in
February, 1885.
Ezra M. Elizabeth English of Hartland, lived in Peru; died in
November, 1885.
CHILDRKN OF E. 1'. CHANDLER.
Clarence m. Mary Lombra of Connecticut. He was a chip of the
old block in mechanical ingenuity, having been em|)loyed as a
scientific mechanic in Providence, R. I. He died in 1889.
Aden m. Isa Ackley of Bennington, Vt.; he is foreman in a
newspaper office in Meriden, Conn.
Mary m. Henry C. Lombra, lives in Springfield, Mass.
William Green, Sen., came from Princeton, Mass., and began
new where the James Lincoln house stands, and built a log house.
He was one of the early settlers. Mrs. Green died about 1814, and
he returned from whence he came, taking his youngest son with
him. William, an older son, married Dorcas Lyon, and remained on
the farm until 1830, when he sold out to James Lincoln. Mr. Green
and his family, which was quite large, left town and went to Ohio,
but returned two different times. He lived for a while in the old
house on the parsonage lot, near M. B. Lyon's place, and afterwards
began on a wild lot west of B. Barnard's place, where he built a log
house. He went west again and settled down. James Lincoln lived
on this place until he died in 1882, aged 74 years. He was a
hard working, industrious, useful man, and did more work for other
people than any other man in town. He stuck the corner of an adze
into his knee, which caused him to have a stiff knee and almost cost
him his life. His first wife was Mary Chandler, who died in 1844,
leaving seven children; his second wife was Syble Hale, who died in
t866, leaving three children; he married the third wife, who died
before he did.
Elisha Whitney was one of the first settlers, and came from
Westminster. He began on the Gould farm, building his log house
in the pasture north from the present buildings. He was a good
citizen and a member of the church. Both he and his wife died
about 1816. Four children came to Peru with them.
CHILDREN OF ELISHA WHELNEY.
Joseph M. Hannah Towns of Andover.
Sally M. Cyrus Staples, lived in Peru; died there.
Tryphosa, unmarried, died in Putney at her brother Norman's.
3S HIS Tom' oi'" I'l'.Rr.
N(.rmaii M. licliiula liaUhcUlcr of Laiidyrovc, niDVcd fiDiu rcru *
(«t Aiulovcr, tlicii l() I'litiicy; cliccl there.
loscpli iiilicrilcd the liomestead, and enlarged and improved the i
l)uikHnj,fs. I,ivhi,i( muler the mountain he l'rec|uenlly had an
opiiortunily to try his trusty rille for tlie benefit of the bears, and
those he couUl not shoot he caught in traps, being a terror to wild
animals. He raised a large family, the oldest daughter inaiiying K
Stt)ne in Peru. In i<S_:55 Mr. Whitney emigrated to ( )hio, settlin-
near Oberlin with all his family, who have been remarkably
prosperous. Joseph Howard bought the place and lived on it until
lie died in 1843, when his son Leonard lived on the farm sever.il
years, and then sold out to A. 1). Lincoln, who kept it a year or tW",
Amos Hatchelder then buying the place. James Farnum had what 1
was south of the brook, but lived there only a few years, selling out !
to Horace (".ouUl, who occupied it until he ilietl in iSyS. Ira Wait
ne.\t bought the place, and resides on it at the present time.
CHH.DRKN OF H. COUI.I).
Horace, unmarried, dietl in 1837.
Lucia, unmarried, lives in Peru.
Kmily m. Shepherd Aldrich, lives in Peru.
Sullivan, unmarried, lived in Peru; died in 1887.
The farm on which M. B. Lyon resides was first begun by \\'m.
liarlow in 1773. but very little is known of him. It is supposed that
he ilied in town and was buried in the corner of the Ilollon lot.
The first house known on the place stood below the road north of
the gate, the foundations still remaining. It was a house of some
ilimensions, and evidently put up at different limes. More families
have lived in this house than in any other in town. The first that
we know of was Joseph l-'airbanks, who lived on the place from 1805
until 1812; Isaac Hill occui)ied it a short lime; Deacon Penjamiii
IJallard lived there a short time; Warren Wyman occupied it for the
first store in town; Mr. Bryant, a blacksmith, lived in it about 1822.
These occujiied the place as tenants. David Brooks being the owner.
He sold out to Peter Allen, who carried on the farm a few years.
I'Tceman Lyon lived on ihi-i ])lace in our time. Joseph Howard
came from Athol, Mass., about 1825, and bought the farm from
Peter Allen. He and his family lived in the old house until 1833,
when he built a new one. In 1838 he sold the jilace tt) Francis
Bennell, who built an L to the house and niuvrd the middle barn
from "l", Wyman's farm to its present location. L K. Batchelder
HISTORY OF I'ERU. 59
then bought the place and moved on to it in the spring of 1840. He
moved the L for a shed and shop, put up a new L, and finished the
house as it is at the present time, painting it white; he also built the
sheds to the barns and moved the south barn to its present location.
In 1869 he sold the place to M. 1>. Lyon, who now occupies it.
CHILDREN OF JOSEPH HOWARD.
Louisa, went to Ohio, died there.
Harriet m., went to Illinois, died there.
Hiram studied medicine and settled in Ohio; died in 1880.
Leonard m. Betsey Gibson, died at Derry in 1881.
Olivet settled in Pittsburg, Penn. Married there.
Joseph died in New York State.
Jonathan lives in East Dorset. Married there.
Sylphronia and Silas went to Illinois when young.
The house near M. B. Lyon's was built for a parsonage about
1837. William Green owned the place and lived in the old house.
The Congregational society bought it about 1833, and Rev. Mr.
Parsons assisted in paying for it. Rev. Mr. Baldwin was minister at
the time, and did much of the work on the house, living in it until
1846. His successor, Rev. A. S. Swift, lived there about three years,
and Rev. A. F. Clark two years. J. J. Hapgood had the house in
part payment for building the new parsonage, and several families
lived in it as his tenants. He sold the place to Widow Roxana
Dale, who occupied it a few years and then sold out to ^Vidow
Nancy Banks, she living in it until 1867, when she sold the place to
Widow Mary Barnard, who afterwards married Edward Messenger,
both dying there. A large number of families have lived in this
house since Mrs. Dale bought it of Mr. Hapgood. Old Mr. Fisher
died here about ]85o. The present owner and occupant is John Q.
Adams.
The farm on which Dexter and Robert Batchelder live was
begun in 1795 l)y the Stratton family, of whom very little is known.
Lady Stratton died at the house of Jonathan Walker, who was one
of the family, about 1825. The Strattons deeded the north
cemetery to the town in 1803. Jacob Odell of Mount Yernon, N. H.,
bought the farm of Richard and David Stratton, and erected a frame
house. He deeded the common to the town, on which the first
church was built. Mr. Odell did not live on this place, but sold it to
Nathan Whitney, who came from .\thol, Mass., in 1819, with a large
familv. Mr. Whitnev was a man of great energy and push, and
6o IMS TOR V OF TKRU.
would make things boom. He fmishcd the house and made great
improvements on the farm. Being a carpenter by trade, he framed
and fmished many buildings in the town. Me was constable for
many years. In 1836 he sold out to Peter Dudley, Jr., and emigrated '.
to IMttsfield, Ohio. Mr. Dudley lived on the place three years, then
sold out to Jonas Bennett, who came from Boston in 1S39, he living
on it until 1S42. Jonas Bennett sold the farm to Aaron Burton,
who occupied it several years, improving the farm. Jesse Rider
then bought and occupied it until after the war, when he sold out to
Wesley Woodward, who lived on the place until 187 1, and then
sold it to De.xter IJatchelder, the present occupant. He has made |
great improvements in the buildings and farm.
CHILUUEN OF NATH.NN WHITNEY.
.\lvali -M. Lydia Heald of Chester, moved to Ohio; died in 1S88.
Ira M. Susan Thurston, moved to Pittsfield, Ohio; died there.
Ann .M. S. W. Lincoln of Peru, moved to Oberlin. Ohio.
William M. Persis Hapgood, lived in Peru; died in 1888.
Louisa -M., lived in Ohio; died there.
Lucina m., lives in Ohio.
Klmira m., lives in Ohio.
Lucinda .M., lives in Ohio.
Nathan and George moved to Ohio.
Isaac Bigelow commenced new on the farm now owned by J. P.
Long, building a log house and barn on the spot where the new
house is built at the forks of the road. He came from Westminster,
Mass., and was a man of good ability intellectually. It is said that
he was not very fond of work, and of course if the soil was nut
cultivated and sown, it did not produce very abundantly. He sold
the place io Joseph Stone in 1819, and moved to Pawlet with a largt
family.
'i'he okl farm of De.xter Batchelder was begun new by Marshall
Bigelow, who came from Westminster, Mass., and was one of tlu
early settlers. He was a very superior singer. Mr. Bigelow built
a small house south-west from the Chase factory, and then sold out
to Israel Batchelder, emigrating to Granville, Ohio. Israel Batcheldt i
came to town in 1809, and lived on his farm until he died in 1858,
^Rcd 77 years. This farm was mostly covered with liartl wood
timber, the soil was strong and very productive when first cleared.
He built the large two-story house in 1816. De.xter and Robert
liatchelder arc the present owners.
HISTORY OF PERU. 6i
CHILDREN OF ISRAEL HA'l'CIIELDER.
Mary Jane m. Joel Lyon, lived in Peru; died in 1889.
Abigail m. Joel Adams, lived in Peru; died in 1880.
Nancy m. James Curtis, lived in East Dorset; died in 1S86.
George m. Elvira Peck of Royalston, Mass.; died in East
Dorset.
Edward i\i. Harriet Wyman, lives in East Dorset; his wife died
there.
Susan M. Ira Cochran, died in East Dorset in 1883.
Dexter m. Susan Bloomer of Dorset, lived in Peru: died in
March, 1888.
Margarette isi. Joseph Griswold, lives in Bellows Falls.
John M. Frances Sayles, lived in Detroit, Mich. Died in 1S90.
The place on which Amos Batchelder lives was begun by Capt.
James Lincoln in 1818, who came from Keene, N. H. He built
some of the buildings and lived on the place until 1844, when he sold
it to his son Amos and moved to Michigan. Amos Lincoln built the
large barn and shed. In 1850 he sold the place to Amos Batchelder,
the present occupant, and moved on to the Smith farm, where he
died of consumption.
CHILDREN OF CAPT. JAMES LINCOLN.
James m. Mary Chandler, lived in Peru; died in 1882, aged 74
years.
Stillman W. m. Ann Whitney, moved to Oberlin, Ohio; died in
1882, aged 72 years.
William B. studied medicine, moved to Ionia, Mich., in 1834;
died in 1882, aged 70 years.
Prentice m., settled in the west.
Amos D. M. Olive Mann of Dover; he died in Peru in 1854,
aged 41 years.
Lucy married in Michigan, died there.
Henry m. in Pittsfield, Ohio. He enlisted in the army and went
to the war; died there.
Chauncey m., lived in Michigan.
Dexter m. in Michigan, lives there.
The farm Edgar Batchelder lives on was begun early by
Philemon Parker, who came from Westmoreland, N. H. He built
a log house on the corner of the lot north of the road that leads to
Mr. Bell's place. In 181 2 his family were all sick with what was
called the spotted fever. Mrs. Dr. Whiting, who at that time was
62 II IS r( )K\ ()]■■ iM-:Rr.
only nftet-'ii years of age, and two or three other persons, watched
over llie sick ones. 'l"he children all died in the order they were
born: Jonas, aged 24 years; Nathan, aged 22 years; Susan, aged
20 years; Anna, aged iH years. Mrs. I'arker had the fever and died
soon after. Philemon Parker sold the place to Joseph liarnard and
went to Westmoreland. Henry Whitney came from .\thol, Mass.,
bonght the place from Joseph Barnard, and built the house and barn
now on the place. In 1S30 he sold it to Alvah \\'hitney and moved
to Walpole, N. H. Alvah sold it to his brother, Jra \\hitney, who
sokl it to ^^'. W. \Vhitney. The Farnums bought it from him in
1S40, anil lived on the farm until 1881, when it was sold to Julgar
P.atchelder, the present owner and occupant.
David Smith came from Marlboro, Mass., in 1804, and began on
the farm where Mr. Pell now lives, clearing the land and erecting
the buildings. Me was a strong, athletic man, and could tell the biggest
story of any man in the crowd. He lived on the farm until 182S,
when he .sold it to Jonathan Walker, who kept it a few years and
then sold it to Ca]')t. James Lincoln. He sold ])art of the land and
buildings to Mr. l-'oUansbee, who improved the buildings and sold
the place to .\. 1). Lincoln. He died on the farm and his widow
sold out to C. F. Morrill, who lived on it a few years and then sold
to Mr. Hazzeton, he selling it to Jcel Pell, who occupies it at this
time.
Cmi.DkKN OF D.WII) SMITH.
-Martin was a tanner and went to Pawlet to live.
David was educated for a teacher; his whereabouts are not
known. i
( )liver is a shoemaker; he is married and lives in ALassachusctts. ;
Abigail and Nathaniel went to Marlborough, Mass., with their i
l)arenls in 1828. |
Jonas Stone commenced on the Rollins farm about 1827, built
a log house, but did not clear much of the land. In 1830 !u' sold
tile place to Joseph Rollins, who came from Swanzey, N. PL He
erected the buildings and cleared the land, having a good grass
farm, .\iigustus Albee, from Rockingham, ne.\t bought the place,
and lived on it until he sold it to Parnard c\: C.ibson, who sold it to
l-.lder Stevens. Rev. Amos Powker carried on the farm several
years for Wr. Stevens, who sold it to the present owner, Samuel
Sliles.
Elijah Carlton and his brother began on the lot west of the
HISTORY OF PERU. 63
Rollins farm, where they built a log house and barn, but onlv lived
on it a year or two. They sold the place to J. J. Hapgood and left
town. No one has lived on the place since.
In 1 819 Mr. Harris, who came from .Springfield, cleared about 20
acres on the lot north of the Rollins farm, but did not move on to
it. Willis .Vldrich, from T)erry, built a house and barn on this lot in
1835. He sold the place to Charles Barnard and Mr. Ciibson, who
sold it to T. J. l.akin in 1S50. After he had built a new barn he
sold out to Sarel Sawyer, who occupied it for a long time. It is now
in the hands of J. P. Long. Elijah Carlton came from New
Hampshire and married Maria, daughter of Jonas l^ennett, who died,
leaving two daughters. He then married Mary Long, and is now
living in 'Derry.
CHILDREN OF WILLIS ALDRICH.
Shepherd ^L Emily Gould, lives in Peru.
Hiram m. Miss S. Bennett, moved away.
There was another daughter who went west.
Jacob pjennett built a log house on the lot west of the Sawyer
place in the woods, but did not clear the land. He lived in the
house a few years and then left, no one living in the house since.
Mr. Bennett was a mason by trade, and several of his sons have
excelled in that business.
Horace Gould commenced on the Sawyer place about 1837, and
built a log house and barn. In 1840 he built a saw mill,
placing it where the present one stands. He sold the place
to John Sawyer m 1846, who built the present house in 1848.
In 1850 all the family had the typhus fever, Harvey, the oldest,
being the first one down, but they all took it one after another. Mr.
Sawyer was taken sick and died in October. They had been a
strong, healthy family previous to this, but it left them consumptive.
After his death Mrs. Sawyer, with the help of the boys, carried on
the farm and built the present barn. A few years later Mrs. Sawyer
deeded her right in the farm to her son John, he agreeing to pay the
debts ami maintain his mother. John soon sold his share to his
brother Sarel, with the encumbrances on the farm, Sarel agreeing to
fulfill all John's obligations. Mrs. Sawyer died in 1871, aged 76
years.
CHILDREN OF JOHN SAWVKR.
Harvey died of typhus fever, aged 21 years.
John M. Sarah McClennan, lives in California.
64 IIISTom- OF ri'.RU.
Sard M. lane C'()nal)K', lives in I'eru.
.\nil)n)se m. KUcn Hill, died in Chittenden, burit'd at Peru.
Hannah M. Thomas Cross of California, died in I'eru on July
i;,lli, 1S71, a.ued 35 years.
Ann M. Charles Morrill, died in Peru in 1875, aged 35 years.
Harlan died of typhus fever in 1850, aged 11 years.
Seth died in Peru of consumption in 187 i, aged 24 years.
Edward married in New Hampshire, died there of consumi)ti(»n.
The farm on which Samuel Stiles lives is a lease lot, tlist
division drawn to the school right. Samuel Bruce, who came from
Westminster, took a lease of this lot from the town, agreeing to pay
a stipulated rent every year to support the schools. He was an early
settler, and built a log house and barn. In 1817 he sold the
betterments to Peter A. Gould, who came from Wrentham, Mass.,
and returned to Westminster. Mr. Gould was a revolutionary
pensioner. He and his son Horace lived on the place until 1S22,
when they sold the betterments to Jonas Bennett, who can.e from i
Groton, Mass., with his family. He built a frame house and barn,
and lived on the place until his wife died, when he sold out to the
Long brothers and moved over the mountain. Francis K. Stiles:
bought the place of the T-ongs, taking possession in 1S50. He
improved the farm and the buildings very much, and deeded the
place to his son Samuel, who built the fine house now standing
there.
CHILDREN OF JON.AS liKNNKT'r.
Jonas M. Ann Byard, lived in Manchester; died in i<S63.
Albert m. Hepsibah Lyon, moved out west; died there.
Ann Maria m. Elijah Carlton, died in I'eru.
Jane M. William Wiley of Landgrovc, died there.
Samuel M. Miss Tryon, lives in Manchester.
Gilbert m., moved north.
Saviah .m. Hiram Aldrich, moved away.
Loten M., lives in Goshen.
Daniel m. Sarah Fitch, lives in Winchentleii.
Peter A. Gould moved on to the south half of the lease lot, west
of the Smith lot, put up some buildings, and lived there until he
died. His j^ension supported him in his last days. P>oth he and
his wife lived to be very okl.
'Ihe lot north of the Stiles farm is a lease lot, and was taken by
Jeduthan Bruce, one of the early settlers, who built a log house and
Asa Sii\r()Ni)s.
HISTORY OF PERU. 65
barn on the place. He had a large family of children, whose names
were Susannah, Polly, Mark, Jeduthan, and Betsey. In 1815 he sold
the place to Ebenezer Stiles and moved into the Moses Killam
house, where he died of a cancer in the face in 1816. The family
moved to Lunenburg, Mass. .\fter a lapse of more than fifty
years his daughter. Polly Houghton, came back to Peru and had a
suitable monument erected over her father's grave. Ebenezer Stiles
built a new house and barn, improved the farm in every way, and
sold out to Rev. Nathaniel Rawson in 1826, who lived on the place
several years. He sold the place to Abel Larkin, who died there,
Susan Larkin renting the farm to Oilman Temple. J. P. Long next
owned the farm, but sold it to P. H. Russell. Nathan Brown bought
it from Mr. Russell and lived there several years, when he sold out
to Ira Wait, the present owner.
Stephen Bennett and wife, parents of Francis and Jonas
Bennett, came to Peru about 1823. He was a shoemaker by trade,
but lived on a pension which he received for serving in the
revolutionary war. The last part of his life he spent with his son
Jonas, where he died.
Moses Bruce was an early settler, and took a lease of the lot
north of Ira Wait's farm, where he built a log house and barn, cleared
the land and planted an orchard. In 181 7 he sold the place to
David Sawyer and went to ^Vestmin.ster, Mass. David Sawyer was
a shoemaker by trade; he had been a soldier in the revolutionary
war, for which he drew a pension. He sold out to his son John in
1S28 and moved to Westford, Vt. John Sawyer lived on the farm
until 1847. when he sold it to Horace Gould, who lived on it several
years, and took care of his mother in her last days. Mrs. Gould
lived to be very old. Horace Gould sold the place to Nathan Lillie
and moved to the J. Whitney farm. George Reed next bought the
farm, and is the present occupant. The rent of this land is paid to
the Episcopal church.
CHILDREN OF D.'WID S.A.WYER.
David M., lived in Mount Tabor, a mile from any neighbor.
Hannah m. Joseph Farnum, moved to ^\'ells, N. Y.
Judith .M. Moody Roby, lived in Peru; died about 1830.
Eliza, unmarried, died in Weston.
John M. Hannah Roby of Wilton, N. H.; she died in 1871, aged
72 years.
Alfred and >.hiry went to Westfortl with their parents.
66 HISTORY ()!• i'i:ki .
'I'liomas l''rench began new on the lot west of tin- Sawyer farm,
cleared it and l)uilt good buildings. He sold the farm to his son
Alonzo, who sold it to J. P. and C. F. Long. They sold the place to
Nathan I.illie, who came from Dorset with his family. He sold out
to Daniel Robv, who carried on the farm a short time and then sold
it to Kufus Lake. .About this time the buildings were burnt down,
and have never been replaced.
Kbenezer Stiles was born in Wilton, N. II., in 17^*5, and bis
wife was born in Temi)le, N. H., in 1766. They were married at
Temple in 1793, living in Wilton until 1800, when they moved to
Landgrove, Vt. He enlisted in the army at the time of the war in
1S12. Thev moved to I'eru in 1S13 and bought the lease lot from
Jeduthan liruce. Mr. and Mrs. Stiles were members of the
Congregational church, and frequently had religious meetings at
their house. At the anniversary of Mrs. Stiles's one liundreth
birthday a large number of relatives and townspeople assembled at
the house, where Rev. M. A. dates adminstered the Lord's supper.
which pleased the old lady very much. There were four
generations living in the house at one time. Mr. Stiles died on
Se|)tember 24th, 1857, aged 92 years, and his wife on September
30th, 1868, aged 102 years and 6 months.
CHILDREN" or i:i!i:ni:/kr stilks.
Sarah m. Samuel Parker in 1820, died in New \'ork Slate in
1867.
Polly M. Joseph Stone of Peru in 1828, died at Peru in 1879.
Kbene/er m. Claris.sa lulson in 1826, died in New N'ork Slate in
1865.
Alice, unmarried, died in 1876.
ITancis K. m. Martha Stone of Peru in 1829. died in 1881. I
Aaron .m. Laura Irish of New York State, lives there.
Henjamin m. Lydia Gotten, died in New N'ork State in 1868.
I he lot west of the Ira Wait farm was commenced in 1820 bv
I'-bene/er Stiles, jun., who erected a house and a log barn. He sold
the place to his father in 1826, who sold it to his son Francis. He
im|)n)ve(l the farm and buiklings very much, doing more hard work J
on the side of the mountain than any man ought lo do anywhere.
l'"rancis Stiles kept a large stock of cattle, and made large (piantities
of butter, hiring a great deal of help. In 1850 he bought the
JJennclt farm at the foot of the hill and moved on to it, leaving the
old place, which no one has since lived on, to grow wild. In 1877,
HISTORY OF PERU. 67
he and his son Samuel, who now owns the !)aternal pastures, l)uilt a
large two-story house, where Mr. and Mrs. Stiles spent their declin-
ing years. Their golden wedding w-as celebrated by their relatives
and friends in 1879, when Rev. M. Scott read a poem, Rev. Wm.
F. Oillis made a short speech, and Mary Chandler read a selection.
Francis K. Stiles died in 1881, aged 78 years. Mrs. Francis Stiles,
whose maiden name was Martha Stone, still lives; has always been a
leader in society, living a life of active industry and toil. She has
lung been an active Christian in the church of the living God.
CHILDREN' OF FRANCIS K. STILES.
Ellen yi. S. I). Simonds, lived in Granville, 111.; died in 1890.
Rosette m. M. G. ^^'alker, lives in Manchester.
Henry ^L Helen Rider, lives in Masonville, Iowa.
Sarah m. A. C. Nourse, lives in Grafton.
Samuel m. Sarah 1). Conable of Bernardston, Mass.; she died in
1878, aged 32 years. Samuel m. Hattie A. Conable of Bernardston,
Mass., for his second wife, lives in Peru.
Previous to 1820 Capt. James Lincoln built a log house on the
lot north of Moody Roby's place, where he lived a year or two. In
1S48 his son Prentice l)uilt a new house and lived there a short time.
John W. Farnum and Jonas Bennett began on a lot south of
Moody Roby's farm about 1837, built a log house and barn and
cleared some of the land. They sold the place in 1840 to Thomas
F'rench, who sold it to his son Joseph. Daniel Simpson next bought
the place and built a frame house, carrying on the farm several
years, when he sold out to Zimri Lathrop. Isaac Rush now owns
the place.
The lot of land east of Moody Roby's farm was commenced by
Mr. Blodgett, who was one of the early settlers. He sold the place
to C. and E. Guillo, who built a log house and lived in it several
years, when Isaac Rush took possession and erected good buildings
making it a good farm.
Stuart Lillie built a house north of George Reed's, in which he
lived several years, when he left town.
A house was erected north of the Stuart Lillie house, and has
been occupied by Frank Jones and several other families.
Henry Tifft came to town about i860, bought a piece of land
north of Frank Jones's place and built a small house. He was a
shingle maker by trade, and a hard working, industrious man. He
still lives on the place.
6S IIISIORV ()V VKKV.
Moodv Robv came from Nashua, N. H.. in iSi8, and settled on
his farm in the woods. He had no neighbor north or west of him,
was three miles to the nearest house on the east, and one mile to
David Sawyer's on the south. He enlisted in the army at the time
of the war in 1S12, beinir only 16 years old at the time, and served
six months. .Mr. Roby married Judith Sawyer for his first wife,
who died in 1831. when he married Dolly Richardson, who died in
1872. He died at the residence of his daughter in Manchester in
I S83, aged 88 years.
t IIIl.DKKN OF MOODV ROHY.
David S. m. Phebe (irant of Massachusetts, died there.
Louisa A. m. George Q. A. Bryant, lives in Winchendon, Mass.
Mary B. m. William Emery, lives in New Hampshire.
Mahala m. Charles Morrell, died in New llanii^shire.
David W. m. Jane Lampson, lives in Idaho.
Mariah S. m. Ralph Weston, lives in New Hampshire. ■
James Franklin, died.
An infant died.
Jane D. m. George Richardson, lives in I.andgrove.
Hannah R. m. N. Fuller, lives in New York.
Betsey K. .m. John Davis, lives in Manchester.
Allen S. M. Betsey Tuttle, lives in Springfield.
George, died young.
Amanda L. m. Richard Cook, lives in Manchester.
lames F. m. Mary Lockwood, lives in Vermont.
Victoria H. m. Frank Jones, lives in Peru.
Shepherd Aldrich built all the buildings on his farm, being the
first one that settled on the lot. He also built a mill in the north
]iart of the town, which does some business. Mr. .Mdrich married
Emily Gould and has seven children. The farm is situated in one
of the most sightly locations in town.
Samuel Stone came from Gardner, Mass., in 1802, and began on
the farm where John Priest now lives. He was born in Gardner, ,
Mass.. in 1779, and was one of eleven children, all of whom grew up I
to marry and settle dowm in life. Samuel Stone married Susannah 1
Haynes the same year that he came to Bromley. He commenced 1
clearing the unbroken forest with strong hands and a determined
will that overcame all obstacles, soon having a clearing large enough
to l)uild a log house. .Ml the windows in the house were made of
white paper, greased, and then pasted on to the sash. They lived in
H. O. Davis.
HISTORY OF PERU. 69
this house several years and then built the one now occupied bv John
Priest. Mr. Stone was a man who lent a wiUing hand in making"
improvements in a new country, such as making roads, building
schoolhouses, and erecting churches. He was chosen to all the
important offices of the town, was elected justice of the |)eace, sent
as delegate to a constitutional convention, and was tythingman for a
long time, which required him to see that the boys and girls who sat
in the square bo.xes in the gallery sat up straight and gave reverent
attention to the instructions proclaimed by the preacher in the high
pulpit. The first time that Mr. and Mrs. Stone went to Gardner,
Mrs. Stone rode horseback, while he accompanied her on foot. In
the fall of 1825 the whole family, with the exception of Mrs. Stone,
had the typhus fever, and one son died. In 1837 he sold the farm
to James Bennett and went to Pittsfield, Ohio, where, with the help
of one son, he cleared a farm and erected new buildings. It did not
tend to lengthen his life by emigrating. He died in 1845, aged 66
years.
CHILDREN OK S.-VMUEL STONE.
Martha m. Francis K. Stiles, lives in Peru.
Samuel died in Peru of typhus fever in 1825.
Susan u. H. S. Farmer of l^ittsfield, (;)hio.
Reuben m. Hannah Whitney of Peru, moved to Pittsfield, ( )hi(),
in 1835. He started for the west, with his young bride, in an
emigrant wagon, carrying all he could, the most prominent being his
a.\e and gun. He lived in Oberlin and died there in 1886.
Jose|")h .M. in Ohio, died in 1854.
Willis M. Eliza Barnard, went to Ohio; died in 1848.
Betsey went to Ohio with her parents in 1842.
James Bennett lived on the Stone farm two years, then selling it
to John Whitney, who came with his family from Rindge, N. H. He
lived on the farm until Moses Priest bought it, when he moved back
to Rindge. Mr. Priest died on this farm, and his son, John Priest,
then took possession, occupying it at the present time.
CHILDREN OE MOSES PRIEST.
John I). M. Edith Scott of Mt. Tabor, lives in Peru.
Mahlon studied medicine, settled in New York as a physician
and druggist.
Caroline lives in Plymouth.
Clarissa !\i. Amos Smith, settled in Weston.
Joseph Stone came from Gardner, Mass., in 1804, and lived with
70 [IIS'^(m^■ OF i'i:Rr.
his bnitlieis. Samuel aiul Josiali. He made cardboards, wliich were
used for carding wool and low in the domestic factories of the
land, transporting his goods to C.ardner by team. Incle Joe would
inspect the wilderness to find smooth beecli, of which he made his
cardboards, and no landmarks interfered with his right to do this.
Mr. Stone married Tolly Stiles in i<S2.S, and moved on to the place
which his children now occupy. He began new on this jjlace, erected
all the buildings and made the road. Mr. Stone died in 1S56, aged
75 vears, leaving three children, Harvey, He/.ekiah and l.enora, who
are all unmarried and living on the old homestead. .Mrs. Stiles died
in 1S79.
Capt. Josiah Stone came from (lardner in 1808, and began on a
new lot east of his brother Samuel's. He built the best log house in
the town, it being made of peeled spruce, long and straight, nicely
laid up, and all made square at the corners. The house had two large
rooms, with a stone fireplace in the centre of each, and a comfortable
chamber. The house was shingled, and the family occupied it about
thirty years as it was first built. Capt. Stone soon had cultivated
land in place of the forest, and i)lanted an orchard, where he had a
tpiantity of grafted fruit, which the boys would watch and sometimes
take. It was not long before he commenced making sugar, at first
using troughs to catch the sap, but soon had the best pine buckets,
which he made himself. He boiled the sap in a three-barrel kettle,
made more than an inch thick, and shaped liked an earthen bowl, it
having ears on the sides by which it was hung over the fire. When
the fire was in full blaze the sap would boil furiously, but a slice t)f
pork thrown into it would prevent its running over. If this sugar
was not as nice as our modern sugar it was sweet and palatable, even
if it had been strained in order to get the coals and leaves out of it,
and everybody was invited to try it in the sugaring time. ("apt.
Stone was skilled in manufacturing salts for market. He woukl cut
and pile the maple and birch, then burn it and collect the ashes,
(jbtain lye, boil it and run it into casks or kettles to harden. On one
occasion he had a five-pail kettle of salts that had hardened, and in
trying to split the salts, for which he used an iron wedge, he split the
salts and the kettle as well. Mr. Stone held many town offices, and
in 1823 was captain of a militia company. He sold the farm and
moved to the mill, occupying the house that J. 1'. Long now owns,
but emigrated to Ohio in 1837, where he and wife died soon after.
Benjamin Stiles owned and lived on this place until 1839, when he
HISTORY OF PERU. 71
soUl it to I'". P. llatcheklcr, who sold it to Zachariah AN'lutiicy. He lived
on the farm until 1S54, wiien he sold it to K B. Smith, who sold it to
the Stone brothers, the present owners.
CHILDREN OK JOSIAH Sl'ONE.
Mary died in May, 1827, aged 16 years.
Josiah died in May, 1827, aged 14 years.
Eunice went to Ohio, married there; now dcail.
Susan went to Oiiio, married there; now dead.
Martha went to Ohio, married, now lives in Peru.
Ezra went tc; Oliio, married; died in tcSSi.
John Batchelder began new on the farm now occupied by his
son. Deacon Edmund Batchelder. He built the first framed house
east from present house i;i 1805, cleared up the land and built the
wall. In 1823 he l)uilt the present house and moved into it, his son
Ednunul taking the old house. The farm has l)een in the hands of
father, son and grandson for ninety years, and is now in the posses-
sion of Edmuntl Batchelder and his son Hildreth. Improvements have
recently been made on the house, and two new barns, which are the
best in town, have been Ijuilt.
CHILDREN OF DEACON JOHN HATCHELDER.
Mark m. Roxby Conant of (irafton, lived in Peru; died in 1863,
aged 60 years.
Fanny .m. Lawrence McMullen, died in New York State in 1835,
aged 30 years.
I^'.liza M. Rev. Benjamin Springer, lived in New York State,
moved to Ohio; (.lied in 1846.
John died at Peru in 1822, aged 13 years and 7 months.
Edmund w. Sophia Simonds, who died October 27th, 1856, aged
4 I years.
Mary m. David Parker of 'Derry, lives there.
Mahala ,m. Thomas Manley of Dorset for her first husband, and
Clinton Lord of Putney for her second; she died in 1865.
Josiah died in infancy.
CHILDREN OK DEACON EDMUND P. ATCHELDER.
Harlan .\l Elsie Lakin, died at Pern in 1868, aged 30 years.
Martha died young.
C'lark M. Josie Hard, lives in Ayer Junction, Mass.
Newton m. Jennie Burnham, lives in Newfane.
Hildreth y\. Ida Davis, lives in Peru.
There was another son that died voung.
■J 2 IIIS'^()R^■ OF i'i:ru.
Jdscph Dotl.u^e came from Amherst, N. H., in i<So4, and began
on the farm now owned by Charles Batchelder. He l)mlt jiart of the
house and cleared some of the land, remaining there until iSiS,
wlien lie sold out to Edmund Batchelder and moved to Manchester,
afterwards going to New York State, where he died. Edmund
Batchelder came from Mt. Vernon, N. H., in 1S19, and erected all
the buildings now on the place, also cleared and improved the farm
until ne had over 300 acres of good land. He died on the farm in
July, 1S69, aged 83 years, and his wife died the same month, aged
85 years. Charles liatchelder, Edmund's son, now owns the place.
CHILDREN OF EDMUND H ATCHKl.DKK.
Ira K. M. Nancy Barnard, lived in Peru, moved to Townshend.
Francis P. m. Abigail Barnard, lived in Peru until 1869, then
moved to Ludlow, afterwards to Iowa, now living in Dakota.
Roxana \i. Jonas Dale of Weston, moved to Jamaica, where he
died in 1845, and she then married William L. Waterman; she died
at 'Derry in Noveml^er, 1868.
Amos M. Lucretia Jones of Waitsfield, lives in Peru.
Daniel m. Betsey Utley of Landgrove, lived in South 'Derry;
died in 1886.
Hannah .\i. G. S. Hobart of 'Derry, died in 1S70.
Charles .\i. Abbie F)avis, lives in Peru.
James died October 24th, 1835, aged years.
CHILDREN OF CtLVRLES B.4TC II KLDKR.
Charles K. .\l, lives in Beaufort, S. C.
Frank \l, lives in l^oston.
Nellie .m. Robert I. Batchelder, lives in Peru.
Mark, unmarried, lives in Beaufort, S. C.
Fklna lives witii her parents.
Kittridge Mather began new on the farm where he lived in
1839, and erected the buildings and cleared the land, living on the
])lace for more than 40 years. He was married twice. Mr. Mather
died in 1883.
Levi Batchelder commenced on the farm north of Charles
liatchelder's in 1829, clearing the land and buikling a frame house.
He was an active, industrious man, and did a good deal of work
for other people besides looking after his own faruL He was a
useful member of the Methodi.st church, and led a good. Christian
life. Mr. Bate helder lived an active life almost to the time of his
death, which occurreil in 1856, at the age of 60 years. After his
Mrs. Aaron Bi ard.
HISTORY OF PERU. 73
death the farm was run by F. 1). Sniitli, his son-in-law, ant) Mrs.
Batchelder, who hved with him until she died.
CHILDREN OF LEVI BATCHELDER.
Mary m. John Oreggof New Boston, N. H., lived and died there.
Eben C. m. Miss Kittridge of Mt. Vernon, N. H., lives in
Milford, X. H.
Belinda >l John Hart, lived in New Hampshire; died in Peru
in 1873, aged 53 years.
Betsey m. William Davis, lives in Weston, A't.
Ann ^L F. B. Smith, lived on the homestead; died in 1SS8.
Xoah M. in Amherst, X. H., lives in Lowell, Mass.
Levi, unmarried, lived in Peru; died in November, 1885.
Sarah .\l T. J Lakin, died at Landgrove in 1882.
Fanny yi. A. P. D. Simonds, lived in Peru; he was killed with a
mower. Fanny then married (Hark Bryant, lives in Peru.
CHILDREN (JF F. F. 1!.\TCHELDER.
Rosette m. J. L. Israel, lives in St. Louis.
Mary Emma m. Mr. Stewart, lives in Colorado.
Luella ^L Mr. Knight, lives in St. Louis.
Herbert m. in Iowa, lives there.
Lizza M. Mr. Crank, lives in Iowa.
The lot on which J. P. Long resides was began by Isaac
P)igelow, one of the early settlers, who built a log house and barn on
the right of the road, and in the corner of the lot. In 1819 he sold
the farm to Joseph Stone and moved to Pawlet, John H. Dudley
using the log house for a schoolhouse. Joseph Stone put up the
frame of the present house in 1825, covered the outside, ami sold the
place to Josiah Stone, who finished the house and lived in it until
1837, w'hen he sold out to Oliver Wyman, he buying the mill at the
same time. Isaac (}. Long bought the farm and mill a year or two
later, and, with the help of his son, carried on the farm, they also
improved the mill by repairing the dam and putting in turning
works. The mill was kept running until Mr. Long's tleath in 1850,
when his sons sold it, with the land connected with it, to Holland
Tarble. J. P. Long has made great improvements in the farm, and
has erected some good buildings.
CHILDREN OF IS.\.\C C. LONG.
Remembrance m. James Farnum, lived in Peru; died in j 886.
Joseph P. ^L Elvira Lakin, she died in Peru in 1859; he then
married Widow Oliver Lincoln, lived in Peru. Joseph died in 1885.
-^ HISTORY OF PERU.
Charles m. Martha liatchfldur, hvcd in Dftroil, Mid).; she died
in 1SS9. ami was intt-ncd at Manciiestcr.
Marv M. Klijah Carlton, lives in 'Derry.
CIIII.DKKN oi- ,1. 1'. l.iiNi;.
Madison enlisted in the army tliirin.i; the war. was sent to
i'.ratllehdro, wliere he was taken sick, never fnlly recovering;, lie
died in 1SO6.
One son died yonntj.
llenrv M , lived in Teru. moved to Manchester.
Francis liennett came from (Iroton, .Mass.. in iSir;, and be.uan
on the lot east of Edmnnd Batchelder's farm, livin^^ on the .\tkins
l)lace until 1821, when he had a comfortable log house to move into.
The land was covered with maple, birch, beech, hemlock, spruce and
balsam, which, with the help of his boys, Mr. Bennett cut down.
sot)n having a good farm. He cultivated hops for several years and
made it pay, but finding that they spoilt the soil he gave it up and
used the land for other purjioses. Mr. IJennett held several town
offices, and was a prominent and useful member of the Methodist
church. .After he had put up all the buildings that are now on the
farm he sold out to S. W. Lincoln, and lived on various farms in
town until he moved to Troy, N. \'., from whiih place he went to
Salem, Mass., where he died in i86<S. He had moved more times
than anv other man in tt)wn, and a neighl)or, " Untie I'red," once
asked him if he would be contented when he got to Heaven. There
were nine children in the family.
CM 11 liKKN or KK.VNCIS HENNEl 1'.
Francis enlisted in the army in 1825 and went to St. Paul, but
returned for a short time, when he went away and roamed over the
country until his death.
Fucinda m. Joseph liarnard, but ditl not live with him long;
siie married again and went to New York State.
Jacob was a merchant in New \'ork, died of cholera in iS_:;i.
James married a lady from Boston, lived in Peru and Rocking-
ham, aflerwarils went into business with his son in Boston.
William went to sea and was never heard of .since.
Thomas married in (ireen Bay, Mich., lived there.
Rufus married and went to Michigan; now keeps a hotel.
Samuel tlied at Peru in 1839.
(ieorge went South in 1842.
Caroline m. Mr. Davis of Rockingham, moved West.
HISTORY OF PERU. 75
Deacon John Davidson came from I'lNiiKjuth, Vt., in 1S37, anil
)ou,L;ht his farm from S. W. TJncohi. He was tjuite advanced in
/•cars when he came to town, some of his children being at that time
iettletl in different phices, wliile some came with him. Deacon
Davidson rei^resentcd tlie town two years in the 'legislature He
lelped to build the church and parsonage, and was always ready to
lelp support any good cause by his means and presence. On his
jiglity-fourth birthday he rode two miles on horseback to attend the
iveekly prayer meeting, saying that it was his eighty-fourth birthday
md he had lived to enjoy twelve years of Sabbaths; this was the last
neeting he attended. He died on December 2Sth, ICS58, aged .S4
/ears. After his death the farm was carried on bv his son-in-law,
Harley Coolidge, who died in 18S9, leaving the farm to his son John,
.he present occupant.
CHILDKK.N OK DK.ACON JOll.X D.WIDSON.
Lydia .m. Daniel Coolidge, lives in Ludlow.
Sarepta, unmarried, died at Peru in 1872.
Clarissa m. Harley Coolidge, died at Peru in 1S75, ageel 64 years.
Sarah and Mary died in Peru when young.
Daniel went to Illinois about 1845, married there.
Flavel died when a young man in Peru.
CHll.DRKN OK H,\K1,K\- CdOLlDOE.
I Chalmers -M. Nellie Wise, he is a clergyman in Fairfield, Vt.
\ Sarah .m. Romaino Spaulding, lives in Weston.
Mary iMiima .m. b)b Scott, lives in Weston.
John M. Ina Smith, lives in Peru.
Nathaniel Russell came from Jamaica in the autumn of 1838,
mtl settled on the farm where Rurkett Simonds lives, where he
stayed five years, selling out to F". P. liatchelder. In 1844 he anil
tiis son bought the place where M. J. Walker lives, and lived On it
twelve years, when Mr. Russell sold his share to Samuel and bought
the Silas Staples farm in company with his son, (). N. Russell.
They rebuilt the barns and improved the house, also made great
improvements in the farm, but sold the place in 1867 to J. (}.
iBatchelder and moved to Arlington, where .Mr. Russell died in 1870,
aged 74 years. Mrs. Betsey Russell, his wife, died at Deacon
Batchelder's residence at Peru in 1879, aged 76 years.
CHILDREN OK N A 11 1 .-V NIKI. RUSSELL.
Samuel H. m. Hannah Lawrence, lived on his farm in Peru some
/ears and then moved to L-andgrove, where he still lives.
76 IIIS'l'ORV nV VVAiV
rhilctiis H. M. M.irv W vman, lived <>ii ihc Ira Wait farm, the'
|(.i'l Ailaiiis farm, aiul on the Jackson farm, bin aflcrwards moved
to Arliii.uton, wliere his wife died. I.auriii. liis only son, enlisted in
the army in 1S63 and was killed in the war. IMiiletus now resides in!
Michijj^an.
Ziba M. Sarah Kobbins, enlisted in the army from Lawrence,;
Mass., and was killed in the war.
Lysander m. Mary Simonds, lives in Natick, Mass.
Obadiaii N. m. janelt Walker, she died at Peru in i863,ai4ed 22
years. Obadiah enlisted in the army at the time of the war, and
after his dischar<je married Sarah .\nn (Simonds) (Juackenbush.
lie died at .\rlini4t0n in 1867.
Joseph (;. Whitney came from Westminster, Mass., in 1805, and
began new (.)n the lot where ("lark i.akin lives, putting- up the hrst
buildings on the place. Soon after he settled his father came to .see
him, was taken sick in the house with typhus fever and died, he
being one of the first that was buried in the north cemetery. Mr.
Whitney was a useful man, both to the town and to society. About
1814 he sold the farm to Capt. James Lincoln and moved to West
minster. Capt. Lincoln kept the farm two or three years, selling out
to Norman Whitney, who came to town with his father, Llisha
Whitney, Norman having worked several years for Clov. Skinner in
Manchester, lie married Belinda Uatchelder of Landgrove, and
lived on the farm until 1827, when he sold out to James Lakin and
moved to Andover, from there to Chester, and tlien to Putney, where
they both died, leaving one daughter, who is still living there. .Mr.
Lakin built the present house and improved the barns, living there
until he died in 1875, aged 68 years, when his son Clark continued
to carry on the farm.
CHII.URKN OK J.A.MKS LAKIN.
Laura died at Peru in 1850, aged 19 years.
Susan dietl at Lowell in 1859, aged 25 years.
Harriet died in Massachusetts.
Jane m. ^\'. II. I''>ddy of Winhall, lives in Townslu'iul.
Clark R. m. Klvira Rideout of Dorset, lives on the homestead in
Peru.
.Annie m. K. 1>. P.atchclder, lives in Townshend.
l^lsie M. Harlan Patchelder for her fust husband, and LUiot
Morse for her second.
Addie m. S. I'l. Ciarfield, li\es in Townshend.
[esse Warren.
HISTORY OF PERU. 77
'I'he farm on which Rocius Fairbanks lives was a pitched lot,
nade by Asa Hull, and was under the jurisdiction of Landgrove
mtil the ])resent jurisdictional line was made and established in 1836
)r '37, when it became part of I'eru. Mr. Hull built the buildings in
818, but sold out to Nathaniel Richardson, who sold it to his son
^alph. Ezra Dodye bought the place from him in 1839 and lived
)n it about ten years, when he sold out to AV'illiam Davis, who
)ccui)ied it a few years. He sold the place to Zimri Lathrop, who
vas burnt out while living there, but, with the help of the citizens,
le built another house, living in it several years. T. J. T.akin next
)ought the place, and lived on it a few years, when he sold out to
VI r. ]]allard, who sold it to Cieorge Richardson, he selling it to Sarah
■lussell. Rocius Fairbanks then bought the place and lived on it
intil 1889, when he sold out to Oeorge Richardson, who is the
Dresent owner.
There was a lot north of the Hull farm know as Mather's
:learing, with a log house, a barn, and a large apple tree on it. The
jiace can be remembered as far back as 1820, but nothing is known
Df the person who built and cleared the place. It is now owned by
John Ccjolidge.
The place east of the Mather lot was began by Mr. Scripture, who
;old it to Jonathan Bruce. He erected comfortable buildings and
lad a very good farm, but after his death it was deserted. The
place is now owned by R. Fairbanks, who has removed all the old
buildings.
The farm east of John Coolidge's was commenced by Jacob
Bennett, a brother to Francis Bennett, about 1825, and who built a
log house and cleared some of the land. After living on the place a
few years he sold it to James Farnum,who improved it and then sold
out to Martin Granger. He lived there a while and sold the place
to Charles Farnum, he selling it to Charles W. Jenkins, who improved
the buildings and land very much. Mr. Jenkins died on this farm
April 17, 1883, aged 43 years. Charles Moffat is the present owner
and occupant.
The farm on which Burkitt Simonds lives was bought from
Peter Allen by Joel Adams, Jr., about 1825, it being then in its
natural state. Mr. Adams cleared some of the land and built a
house and barn, remaining on the place until 1839, when he sold out
to N. Russell. About four years later !•'. P. Batchelder bought it,
but did not live on the place. Freeman Lyon and C. W. Carlton
78 msTORN ()!• I'I'.kl .
both lived on iliis farm l)ef()re Asa SimtJiids hout^ht and occupied it
William Simonds came into possession of the place, and made great
improvements in the buildings and land.
Dana W'vman built the house on the lot east of W . 1!. Simonds's
farm, and it has been occupied by l'"reeman Lvon, AIKmi licnson and
Nalium Russell. Josejih and Albert Simonds bought it as an
addition to their farm.
Joel Nason began on a lot south of A. T. l^vard's farm, but sold
out to Jesse Lanphere, who cleared the land and built a house. He
was hurt by a horse while working on the farm and never fully
recovered. Duane ^\'alker was the next one that lived on the farm,
and died there about 1-^55, when James H. Wait bought it. This
place was in charge of I'. 1'. Wyman for some time.
The farm that is ncnv owned by A. T. Kyard was begun in 1S55
by Asa Phillips, who built a log house and barn and cleared the
land. He afterwards erected a frame house and barn, and sold out
to J. 11. Simonds, who made some additions to the buildings. 1'. I).
Wyman ne.\t bought the farm and lived on it several years, selling
out to A. r. I'yard, the present owner.
Josiah P.rown came from Princeton, Mass., in 1803, and built a
house on the old road that runs from M. 15. Lyon's house, through
the Whitney lot, to Deacon Wymans old house, and not far fromi
Deacon Seth Lyon's house. Mr. Brown lived on this |)lacel
several years and then returned to Manchester, no one ever living on
the place since.
(ieorge W. Whitcomb built a house where 1''. Lyon now lives,
and occupied it until about 1822, when he left town, selling ihej
place to Thomas Wyman, who lived there a vear or two. Anna;
Lawrence next owned the i)lace, and afterwards Thomas Lawrence,
he occupying it for nearly thirty years. He died at the house of his
son-in-law, S. 15. Russell. N. Russell occupied this place a year or
two, then sold it to Charles P'arnuni. who sold out to Nathan Lillie.
The- |)resent owner antl occupant is l-'reeman Lyon.
I'he schoolhouse near l'"reeman Lyon's house was built in 1S31,
and a summer school was kept in it when it was onlv boardetl up on
the outside, but was finished before the winter school commenced.
All the children from the village, the Lyon. Uigelow and Holton
farms went there to school. This house was used as a schoolhouse
abfiut fifty years, when the one east of it was built.
Linden Jenkins built his house and barn near the Havnes null
HISTORY OF PERU. 79
in 1H70; he iilso erected a blacksmith sho|), in which he has since
ivorked at his trade.
Henry Long built a house on the opposite side of the road from
Mr. Jenkins's place, and lived in it a short time. It has been
occupied by several families since he moved out.
Asa Bailey lived on the place west of the Hapgood farm for a
short time. Mr. Hutchins next occiipied the place, and built a sho[i
on the brook near the schoolhouse, where he manufactured chairs,
using water power to cut and turn his stock. He left town about
1S22, John Chandler and Parker Wyman buying the place and
manufacturing rakes there. Isaac G. Long next bought the place,
and lived on it until 1838, when he sold out to Oliver Wyman, wdio
occupied it several years. He sold the place to William Whitney,
and it was he that built the present house, but lived there only a
few years, selling out to Zimri Whitney. Mr. Whitney lived on the
farm until he died, when his daughter, Mrs. Penfield, came into
possession of it. Joseph Hapgood, A. C. Sloan, Freeman Lyon, and
several others have lived on this farm. It was owned by Nathan
Lillie a short time, but he never occupied it.
The house at the fork of the road on the way to the Puirt farm
was built L)y Eliab Stone. Asa Phillips, Jr., and Dana Wyman both
lived on thi^ place. John Q. Adams bought it and built a barn, l)ut
did not keep it long.
Capt. William Utley came from Connecticut in 1769, cutting his
road from Chester to Bromley, and settled on the farm now owned by
Menzie Thompson, the place still being known as the LItley flats.
He attended two of the first conventions of New Hampshire (irants
as delegate from Bromley. He soon found that there was a gore of
land west of Andover and 'Derry, and east of Ikomley, not included
in the charter of any town, and he, with others, obtained a charter of
the gore from the government of Vermont. They proceeded to
survey the gore and establish a western line between the town of
Bromley and the gore, but the proprietors of Bromley did not
acquiesce in LUley's western line. He remained on his land, but did
not attend any more conventions as a delegate from liromley.
^Villiam Barlow came to town in 1773 and settled on the farm
where M. B. Lyon resides. He built his house near a spring on the
lower side of the road, not far from the present house. It is
supposed that he died in town and was buried in the south-west
corner of the Holton farm. It is not known as he had any family,
probably not.
So 1 1 IS r()R\' OK I'i'.Rr.
Asa l-'anunii and wife came to town in iSii and settled ni
school district No. 6, building a log house on the land now owned by
Luther M. Tuttle. His house was built without any chimney, having
a hole in the roof to let the smoke out. and liis only lloor was ii,L-
bare ground. He did not stay in town many years, but went to live
with his son-in-law. C.rovneur Davis, where he died in 1.S61. aged 82
years. Mr. Farnum was a soldier in the war of 1812.
.\bout 1803 Deacon John Batchelder cleared a piece of land 011
the lot now owned by the heirs of Joseph Utley, which he used as a
pasture until he sold it to Stephen Tuttle and his son, Iv H. iuiile,
who built a house on it. 'I'his was in 1826, and was the first per-
manent settlement in district No. 6. Stephen Tuttle tlied on this
farm on November 23, 1851, and his wife died on Octolier 20, 1S51.
E. H. Tuttle sold his interest in the farm to his brother, Stejiiheii
Tuttle, who married Rebecca Lampson. Stephen died on the tarm
of typhus fever on October 5, 1856, aged 56 years, leaving five
children, namely: Cyrus, who died in Andensonville prison, James,
Lucinda, Sophronia and Norman. 'J'he next one that owned tiie
farm was George Pease, he selling out to Joseph R. Utley, who died
on the farm on November 3, 1881. His only daughter married
Merritt Cook, who now lives on the farm with the widow of josipii
R. Itley.
Reuben Lamjison's farm was began l\v K. H. Tuttle and .Moses
Leonard, who sold out to Joseph Holt. He sold the farm to
Ebenezer H. Lampson, who came from Weston. Roth Nfr. and
Mrs Lamp.son died on the place, the place going into the hands of
their son Reuben. He married Miranda Woodward for his first wife,
and Widow Diantha (Cook) Whitney for his second. There were
si.v children by the first wife and two by the second. Reuben and
liis son Rodney now live on the farm.
CHILDRKN OK RKLltEN l..\MPSON.
Wallace .m. Miss Smith, lives in Manchester.
Rodney m. Katie Whitney, lives in Peru.
Amasa, Lewis, Geary and Elmer.
After E. H. 'I'uttle sold the Lampson farm he went out of town.
His wife died in Grafton on October 26, 1839, and he then married
Ihuinah Kelton, who died in 1880. aged 71 years. On his return to
Peru he lived on the farm now occupied by his son, Luther M.
luttle. Mr. 'I'uttle built a mill on this place about 1842, ami
occupied it until 1850, when he sold it, with one acre of land, to
MK.■^. I. I,. Havnks.
I . I , . H A V N ES.
HISTORY OF PERU. 8i
iMoses Smiley. Mr. Tuttle died on this farm on June 9, i875.au-ed
75 vears.
CHILDREN OF E. H. TUTTLE.
.Malvina, Keziah. Rosette, William E., Sarah, .Xmanda, Charles
W , Warren C, (ieorge, Betsey, Miranda, Abby, Lucy, Emma,
Irrne, and Luther M.
Mr. Smiley erected a house on the piece of land sold to him by
E. IL Tuttle, and then sold the place to Hiram Davis, who sold out
U> William K. and Warren (\ Tuttle. E. H. Tuttle purchased the
place of them and sold it to Edward Burnap, he sellin,i)- it back again
to Mr. Tuttle, who then sold to Warren C. Tuttle. He sold it to the
present owner, Oscar J. Ivsterbrook.
James Wait came from Weston, Vt., in 1835, and settled on
the jM-esent Wait farm. He cleared a small piece of land and soon
had a comfortable house built on it. Li the fall of 1835 he returned
to Weston, but came ba-k again the next year, when he cleared his
land and erected a saw mill, giving energy and thrift to the whole
school tlistrict. School was kept in his house until 1839, when a
schoolhouse was built, l^squire Wait was a strong, muscular man,
and very energetic in all his movements to carry out his plans,
whether of a [)ublic or a private nature. He was a strong Democrat,
and held town offices at different times. Mr. Wait died on the farm
on .March 10, 1854, and his widow then went to live with her son
Albert, where she died in 1879.
CHILDREN OK .l.A.^^•;s wArr.
James H. m. Nancy L. Wyman, lives in East Dorset.
Nelson ^L Jane Miles of Weston, died in Weston.
.Albert m. Sarah Davis of Londonderry, lived on the homestead
several years, moved to East Dorset; died there in 1877.
I.ucretia, died young at Peru in 1844.
The lot north of the Wait farm was begun by Hiram liarney and
Roswell Rowell about 1832, but they sold the pliicc to John S. Kumrill,
who sold it to William Strong. It is now owned by the Stone brothers.
There is no building on this lot.
The lot west (jf the Barney place was begun by Thomas K.
Hall, who was killed soon after he commenced work on the place bv
a tree falling on him. Roval ISryant owned this phu-e a short time.
but sokl it to Martin Oranger, who lived on it several years, then
selling out to (ieorge Emerson, he being the last occupant. It is
now owned bv the Stone brothers.
S2 iiis'i'( )\<\ ( »i' I'l'-kr.
'I"lu- C.roviunir Davis farm was be.uini i)y Isliam I'urdy about
1.S27. who l)uilt a frame hoiisr and barn ami lived on the place
several years. He sold it to Mr. riiia>her in 1S3;,, an 1 he sold it to
Ci. Davis, who improved the farm and erected new buiklintrs, livint,^
on it 41) vears. He moved to Land,t>rove in 1882, and lived with his
son-in-law until he died in 1884. Mrs. Davis is still living-. Robert,
Mr. i)avis's son, now occupies the farm.
CHILi:)Rt:N OV CIROVNI.IR D.WIS.
Betsey Nancy m. Daniel Eddy.
John M. Amanda Roby, lives in Manchester.
Henrv m., keeps a hotel at Factory I'oint.
Ann M. Myron Piper.
Robert M. Josephine Nichols.
Sumner Wait began on a lot north of the G. Davis place about
1832, antl livetl there a short time, selling out to Mr. Kingsbury, who
lived on it for a time. It has not been occupied since.
It has been impossible to find out who built the house in which
Herbert C. Woodward now lives. It has been owned and o(H-u|')ie(l
by the following: Wellman Hale, K. H. Tuttle, .\nios Jenkins,
William Camp, William E. Tuttle, Jefferson French, John Davis, and
H. C. \\'ood\vard.
RO.VDS.
The first highway laid out in Bromley was in 1787, on the west
side of the mountain, (now in Dorset). The committee who laid it
was Aaron Dewey and Mr. Byrns, with Jonathan Aikin as surveyor.
The first road laid on the east side of the mountain wa-; in June,
1797, by a committee appointed by the legislature at a session held in
178S, consisting of George Se.xton and Asa I'tley. They were
cmjiowered to lay a public road through the town, and expend a tax
of two cents, granted by said legislature, on each acre of lantl m said
town for making roads and building bridges. 'I'he road laid by said
committee commenced ^j^ miles and 40 rods north from the south-
east corner of the town in the east line of the town, thence running
westerly and south-west by ("h;u-les and lulmund Batchelder's place
l)el()w tile stone mill, up the Stratton hill b)- Davitl Stratton's house,
across the Chandler brook, where it does at this time, thence back of
the house occupied by Nathan Fillie, also on the hill back of .M. G.
Walker's house, thence nms on the west of the orchard and biick
yard on the Deacon \\'yman farm, by the old mill near I. R.
HISTORY OF PERU. 83
Walker's, by the Geii. Dudley buildings, through the Benjamin
Barnard farm, by the Butterfield tavern on top of the mountain,
thence westerly down the mountain, through I'eru and Winhall to
.Manchester. This road ran in l-'eru 6 miles and 94 rotis. In 1800
this road, from the Chandler brook by Kscjuire Bigelow's, was
altered to its present location. This was the main traveled road
across the mountain until the turnpike was built in 1816, on which
the travel has been to the present time.
In 1799 the legislature granted another land tax of three cents
per acre for making roads and bridges. The committee appointed
to lay out roads and expend the money were Jonathan Butterfield
and Aaron Killam.
The second road laid commenced at the south-east corner of
M. G. Walker's farm, thence west on a line between 4th and 5th
ranges of lots, 212 rods to the Holt place, known as the Moss farm.
Also a road from David Stratton's, running west thirty-five degrees,
north 223 rods, to Isaac Jackson's house. Also another road
commencing at the south corner of Reuben Bigelow's land, running
east, then south by Aaron Killam's house to Benjamin Barnard's
(Sen.) place. Also laid a road from Aaron Killam's io Landgrove
line. This road was laid on the brook through the burnt meadow.
Also in 1 80 J a road was laid from the great road, commencing at a
stone standing half-way between the houses of Deacon Seth Lyon
and Josiah Brown, (these houses stood on \V. W. Whitney's land),
thence east and south by the cellar hole in G. Iv. Davis's garden to
the Bryant shop, east of the line between the Hapgood ])lace and M.
B. Lyon's pasture, running by the Burt house to the William Pollard
house. Jonathan Butterfield and Aaron Killam were appointed to
lay out and make these roads, which were made by the land tax
I granted in 1799, expended by the above committee.
After this time the roads were laid by the selectmen and made
by the inhabitants of the town. The main roads have been well
built and kept in good repair, but the back roads are not so good.
In 1814 the legislature granted a charter for the Peru turnpike,
commencing near the Lovell farm, running westerly Uve miles
towards Manchester village to the east line of Manchester. It was
laid out and built as it is now, with the exception of a short piece in
Winhall, by the spot where the Chapiii mill stood, which has been
altered. Three-fourths of this road is in Winhall. Work was com-
menced on it in 1815, and was finished in 1816. Gen. Peter Dudley
S4 HIS'rOR\' ol" IM'.Rr.
liad the Jul) of biiiUlin.Lj the road, and worked on it repairiny^ for
more than twenty years, keeping it in excellent condition. A great
amount of teaming anil travel was done on the road until 1S50, when
the railroads diverted the travel to other places. At the time that
it was built it was convenient to all towns east of it to the Connecticut
river. The travel from Boston to vSaratoga and west crossed ihc
mountain here.
In 1S20 commissioners were appointed by the .Supreme Court to
lay a road and alter the stage road from Chester to the cast end of the
Peru turnpike. The alterations made in Peru began at the place
where l''reeman Lyon now lives, by laying a new road westerly to the
])lace where Everett Adams lives. The old road ran by the Holton
farm to the road running north and south from .M. 15 Lyon's house.
back of John Adams's house, south-west of the wall that divides W.
W. Whitney's land from lanil belonging to the hotel lot to the
Wyman place, where it was discontinued. A road was made from M.
B. Lyon's house to the tavern house in 1821.
In 1 S49 and '50 \\\\ Cochran erected the notch mill, coming up
the Mad Tom on the west side of the mountain. He petiticjned for
a road across the mountain to Peru. The first committee laid the
road from Dorset to the n:ill, the town paying for it. .\ subseipient
committee laid the road over the mountain to Peru in 187 1, and is of
use to the north part of the town and Landgrove. It made a heavv \
tax on the town, and is a bill of expense to keep it in repair.
The early or first roads made in Peru were built with mone\-
raised by land tax granted by the legislature on all the land in town,
and expended by a committee appointed by them. The last land
tax granted was about 1823, and amounted to three cents per acre,
the committee appointed to expeml the money being Capt. lames
Lincoln and Parker Wyman.
()R(;.\M/A riOX OF BROMLKW
The west line of Bromley was about 200 rods east of the depot
in Last Dorset. The west part of Bromley was .settled earlier than }
the east side of the mountain. .\ petition for a warning of town
meeting is as follows:
Bennington County. Dorset, January jolh. 1802. I have this
day received a petition signed by four of the respectable inhabitants
of the town of IJromley and County afore.said, praying that I warn a
incelmg, ^(\. town, for the pur|)ose of organizing ^i]. town, and to
Hon. Dexter Baichei.dkr.
HISTORY OF PERU. 85
appoint officers to govern 3d. town as the law directs. Meeting duly
warned and signed. Joseph Curtis, Justice of the Peace. Bromley,
March 2nd, 1802.
The inhabitants met, agreeable to notice, in the dwelling of E.
Hurlburt, and chose John Brock, town clerk; David White, Aaron
Killam, and Ebenezer Hurlburt, selectmen; John Brock and
Jonathan Butterfield, listers; Reuben Bigelow and David Colson,
constables. Attested by John Brock, town clerk.
The ne.\t town meeting was appointed to be held at the lUitter-
field Inn, on the height of land between Manchester and Peru. The
people on the west side of the mountain demurred, but attended the
first meeting held there, after which they petitioned to be set to
Dorset, but Dorset would not receive them. They then applied to
Mt. Tabor, which received them, and a tract of land two hundred
rods wide and six miles long was set to Mt. Tabor, and received the
cognomen of Mt. Tabor Leg. This piece of land was afterwards
set to Dorset.
TOWN OFFICERS.
SELECTMEN.
1802. David White, Aaron Killam, Ebenezer Hurllnirt.
1803. Moses Hill, John f^rock, Thomas Wyman.
1804. Reuben Bigelow, Thomas Wyman, John Brock.
1805. Reuben Bigelow, Samuel Cooper, Elias Beebe.
1806. Aaron Killam, Seth Lyon, Elijah Simonds.
1807. Joseph Fairbank, Peter Dudley, Jeduthan Bruce.
1808. Joseph Fairbank, Peter Dudley, Jeduthan Bruce.
1809. Joseph Fairbank, Peter Dudley, Jeduthan Bruce.
1810. Joseph Fairbank, Peter Dudley, Jeduthan P]ruce.
181 1. Joseph Fairbank, Thomas Wyman. John Batchelder.
1 81 2. Reuben Bigelow, Thomas Wyman, John Batchelder.
1 8 13. John Batchelder, Elijah Simonds, Israel Batchelder.
18 14. John Batchelder, Elijah Simonds, Israel Batchelder.
1S15. Reuben Bigelow, John Batchelder, Elijah Simontls.
1 8 16. Reuben Bigelow, John Batchelder, Elijah Simonds.
181 7. Reuben Bigelow, Elijah Simonds, Samuel Stone.
18 1 8. Reuben Bigelow, Samuel Stone, Josiah Barnard.
1 8 19. Reuben Bigelow, Samuel Stone, Josiah Barnard.
1820. Reuben Bigelow, Samuel Stone, Seth Lyon.
1 82 1. Peter Dudley, Samuel Stone, Seth Lyon.
86 llls'^()R^■ oi" vvAiV.
iSjj. IV-ler Diullev. Samuel Stone, josiah I'.amanl.
1523. losiah I-.arnarcl, 'I'homas Wyman, Seth Lyon.
1524. Josiah Stone. Seth Lyon, Thomas Wyman.
1S35. Seth Lyon, Israel Batchelder, Jcsiah Hapgood.
1.526. Seth T-yon, Israel Batchelder, Josiah Hapgood.
1.527. Daniel Tuthill, I'eter Dudley, Edmund Batchelder.
182S, Peter Dudley, l-ldmund Batchelder, Benjamin liarnard, Jr.
1829. Peter Dudley, I'Almund l')atchelder, Benjamin Barnard.
1830. Benjamin Piarnard. Edmund Batchelder, Francis Bennett.
1 83 1. li^njamin Barnard, Tvlmund Batchelder. Francis Bennett.
1832. Benjamin Barnard, Reuben Bigelow, Peter Dudley.
1535. Benjamin Barnard, Reuben Bigelow, Peter Dudley.
1834. Benjamin Barnard, Jr.. Peter Dudley, James Lincoln.
1835. Benjamin Barnard, Peter Dudley, James Lincoln.
1536. Peter Dudley, Nathan Whitney, Stillman W. Lincoln.
1837. Israel Batchelder, Jonas B. Bennett, Amherst Messenger.
1838. Jonas B. P.ennett, Amherst Messenger, Jonathan R. Wyman.
1839. P.enjamin Barnard, Francis Bennett, J. J. Hapgood.
1840. Benjamin Barnard, Aaron Burton. Joel Lyon.
184T. Benjamin Barnard, Joel Lyon, Freeman Lyon.
1842. P>enjamin ?>arnard, Aaron Piurton. Ezra Dodge.
1843. James Wait. Benjamin S. Ballard. Ezra Dodge.
1844. lames Wait, Benjamin S. Ballard, Ira K. Batchelder.
1845. Ira K. Batchelder. F.zra Dodge, (ieorge Batchelder.
1846. Cleorge Batchelder, Stephen Dudley, Cephas Bailey.
1847. Ceorge P>atchelder, Stephen Dudley. Cephas Bailey.
184S. Jesse Rider. Mark Puitclieldcr. /.. 1''. Whitney.
1849. lesse Rider, .\aron Burton, /. !•'. Whitney.
1850. Jes.se Rider. Edward Batchelder. Stephen Dudley.
1 85 I. Jesse Rider. l-",d\vard Batchelder, Stephen Dudley.
1852. Edward lUitchelder, .Aaron Burton. Mark Batchelder.
1853. Aaron Burton, Mark liatchelder, Stephen Dudley.
1.S54. .\aron Burtcjn. Mark Batchelder, Stephen Dudley.
1855. /.. F. Whitney, J. (i. Mellendy, Cephas Bailey.
1856. Ira K. Bat(dielder. Joseph Long, Jonathan Hapgood.
1857. Ira K. Batchelder, J. P. Long, Jonathan Hapgood.
1858. Ira K. Batchelder, I )e.\ter Batchelder, John C.. Mellendy.
1859. Ira K. Batchelder, Dexter Batchekler, Jonathan Hapgood.
1S60. Ira K. liatchelder, Dexter Batchelder, Jonathan HapgOijd.
ixr, I 1 1.1 K. Batchelder, Harvey Stone, Stephen D. Simonds.
HISTORY OF PERU. 87
1802. Ira K. Batcheldei", Harvey Stone, Stephen I). SimcMids.
1863. Ira K. Batchelder, Jonathan Hapgood, Ira R. Walker.
1864. Ira K. Batchelder, Jonathan Hapgood, Ira R. Walker.
1865. Ira K. Batchelder, Jonathan Hapgood, Ira R. Walker.
1866. Ira K. Batchelder, Jonathan Hapgood, Ira R. Walker.
1867. Jonathan Hapgood, Ira R. Walker, G. K. Davis.
t868. Ira R. Walker, G. K. Davi.s, J. H. Simonds.
1869. Jonathan Hapgood, J. P. Long, Harve}' Stone.
1870. Jonathan Hapgood, Harvey Stone, J. P. Long.
187 1. Jonathan Hapgood, Harvey Stone, J. P. Long.
1872. Harvey Stone, A. C. Nourse, John G. Walker.
1873. A. C. Nourse, John G. Walker, Charles Batchelder.
1874. A. C. Nourse, A. H. Williams, Samuel Stiles.
1875. Harvey Stone, Jonathan Hapgood, James C. Lakin.
1876. Harvey Stone, Jonathan Hapgood, James C. Lakin.
1877. John G. Walker, M. B. Lyon, E. R. Hart.
1878. John G. Walker, M. B. Lyon, E. R. Hart.
1879. E. R. Hart, Samuel Stiles. A. H. Williams.
1880. Samuel Stiles, A. H. Williams, (i. K. Davis.
1881. J. G. Walker, G. K. Davis, J. C. Lakin.
[882. J. G. \Valker, G. K. Davis, W. B. Simonds.
1883. J. G. Walker, W. B. Simonds, M. B. Lyon.
1S84. j. G. Walker, M. B. Lyon, J. C. Lakin.
18S5. J. G. Walker, M. B. Lyon, J. C. Lakin.
1886. J. C;. Walker, M. B. Lyon, j. G. Lakin.
1S87. J. C. Lakin, R. I. Batchelder, W. ]. I'aruum.
18SS. R, I. Batchelder, W. J. Farnum, Sauuicl Stiles.
TCMVX Cl.KKKS.
John Brook, 1802.
William Pollard, 1803 to 1807.
Joseph F\airbank, 1807 to [812.
Reuben Bigelow, 1812 to 1835.
Russell Tuthill, 1835 to 1837.
Israel Batchelder, 1837 to 1839.
Thomas Baldwin, 1839 to 1845.
Ira K. Batchelder, 1845 to 1852.
O. P. Simonds, 1852 to 1869.
Charles W. Whitney, 1869 to 1873.
O. P. Simonds, 1873 to 1889.
88 11IS'I'()R^■ OK IMIRT
coNsrAin.KS.
Aaron Killam, i Soj; to iSij.
Seth Lyon, 1804 to 1805.
Josejih Fairbank, 1805 to 1810.
Mendal Fost^ate, 1807 to 1809.
Silas Clark, 1808 to 1809.
Josiah Hariiard, 181 2 to 1818.
Asa Sinionds, 18 18 to 1821.
Nathan Whitney, 1821 to 1828.
I'ettT Dudley, 1828 to 1829.
Nathan Whitney, 1829 to 1836.
Mark IJatchelder, 1836 to 1838.
(leorge Batchelder, 1838 to 1840.
Stephen Dudley, 1840 to 1843.
Freeman Lyon, 1843 to 1846.
George Batchelder, 1846 to 1847.
F. ]\ IJatchelder, 1847 to i860.
J. 11. Simonds, 1S60 to 1861.
James Lincoln, 1861 to 1864.
V. .1. Walker, 1864 to 1868.
M. IJ. Lyon, 1868 to 1869.
Wesley Woodward, 1869 to 1870.
James Lincoln, 1870 to 1872.
(ieorge K. Davis, 1872 to 1880.
J. I!. Simonds, 1S80 to 1883.
M. G. Walker, 1883 to 1885.
George K. Davis, 1885 to 1890.
jfsricF.s oi' inr. i'F-:.\ti:.
Reuben Bigelow, Peter Dudley, Israel Balcliclikr, Sanuu
Stone, Daniel Tuthill, Josiah Barnard, Seth Lyon. Sen., James Wail
Amherst Messenger, J. G. Walker, M. B. Lyon. J. C. Lakin. A. C
Noiirse, Ira R. Walker, C. M. Russell, Freeman Lyon, B. S. Ballanl
L K. I'.atchelder, James Lincoln, K. 11. Tuttle, Stephen Dutlley, J
11. Simonds, F. K. Stiles, J. V. Long, Jonathan Hajigood, J. R
Utley, M. J. Hapgood, E. R. Hart, J. Chadwick.
MK.MliKKS OK LKGISL.XTUKE.
Reuben Bigelow, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1828.
I'eler Dudley. 1808, 1809, 1810, 1812, 1814, i8i6, 1818, 1832, 1833.
HISTORY ()V PERU. 89
Benjamin Barnard, jr., 1834, 1835, 1839.
Mark Batchelder, 1836, 1852, 1853.
Israel Batchelder, 1837, 1838.
John Davidson, 1840, 1841.
Freeman Lyon, 1S42, 1843.
George Batchelder, 1844, 1845.
Jesse Rider, 1846.
Ezra Dodge, 1847, 1848.
Ira K. Batchelder, 1849.
Edward Batchelder, 1850, 1851.
F. P. Batchelder, 1854, 1855.
A. T. Byard, 1856, 1857.
De.Kter Batchelder, 1858, 1859.
Joel .\dams, i860, 1861.
Edmund Batchelder, 1862, 1865.
Amos G. Bowker, 1863, 1864.
(). P. Simonds, 1866, 1867.
J. P. Long, 1868, 1869.
Jonathan Hapgood, 1870, 1871.
Hiram Griswold, 1872.
Charles Batchelder, 1874.
Wm. B. Simonds, 1876.
George K. Davis, 1878.
M. J. Hapgood, 1880.
John Cx. Walker, 1882, 1884.
James C. Lakin, 1886.
M. B. Lyon, 1S88.
DELEGATES lO COKSTIT U r I( )N.\L CONVENl'loNS.
Peter Dudley, 181 4, 182 i.
Josiah Barnard, 1828.
Samuel Stone, 1836.
Mark Batchelder, 1843.
Gen. S. Dudley, 1850.
.MKMI5ER OF I'llE SENATE.
Ira K. Batchelder, 1S50, 1851.
SIDE JUDGES.
Ira K. Batchelder, 1864, 1865.
Dexter Batchelder, 1888.
90 iiis'i"()R\' ()!■ im:rli.
MAIL.
'The first mail was carried from C'hester to Peru on horsebacl< l)v
Francis Fuller of Chester as early as 1815 (or earlier), and for four
years Peru was the end of the route, the carrier returning to Chester
the same day. He passed through Andover, Weston, and Landgrove
Flats, distributing newspapers from house to house. In 1819 the
route was continued to Manchester, but it is not known how often it
was carried, or by what route. In 1822 Simeon I, eland established a
Hne of daily stages from Charlestown No. 4 to Manchester, and Peru
hail a daily mail each way until 185 1. At the introduction of
railroads into Vermont the coach and four was discontinued, and a
mail stage was run from 'Derry to Manchester one day, returning
the ne.xt, and is in use at the present time. The postmasters were
as follows: Reuben Bigelow, ist.; Daniel Tuthill, 2nd.; Russell
'Puthill, 3rd.; M. Smalley, 4th.; O. P. Simonds, 5th, 1839 to 1850;
Cyrus Hatch. 6th, 1850 to 1851; (). P. Simonds. 7th, 1 85 i to 1866;
I.. P). Hapgood, 8th.; 'P. K. Snow, 9th.; C. W. Whitney, loth.; G.
K. Davis, nth.; O. P. Simonds, 12th.; G. I,. Richardson, 13th.
MlLirARV COM PAN IKS.
.\ military company was organized in the town in 1805. with
Peter Dudley, first captain. John Batchelder. first lieutenant, and the
usual number of non-commissioned officers. The annual training
was held on the first Tuesday in June. 'Phe captain issued his
orders to the orderly sergeant, who delivered them to the corporals
to warn the men on their lists to be on hand at the appointed time
and save themselves from being fined. 'Phe commissioned officers
were e(]uipped with a military coat, with round brass buttons as large
as a cherry, sash, epaulettes, sword, and a cockade hat with a tall
plume in the top. 'Phe privates were equipped with a gun. bayonet,
knapsack, canteen, cartridge box covered witli leather, two spare
Hints, priming wire and brush. They usually had a fall training.
A regimental muster, held within the bounds of the regiment, was
held at Weston Island or 'Derry. In 1825 P.rigadier-( General Dudley
had a brigade muster at Manchester. Joel Adams was baggage
master for the company at Peru. 'Phe only rations furnished was a
few gallons of New Kngland rum, which was paid for bv the
commissioned olPicers in honor of their ofiice, and the only pay that
the .soldiers received was their exemption from poll tax. All able
Mark Bai chei.dkr.
HISTORY OF I'ERU. 91
Dodied citizens over the age of r8 and under 45 were subject to
duty. One practice prevailed which would not be tolerated in these
jays; the soldiers would be at the residence of the commissioned
officers any time after midnight on the morning of the training day
o wake up the officers, which was accomplished b}^ the discharge of
their guns around the house, this being an invitation to the officers
to come out and treat, which was promptly done. These trainings
were kept up by practice and law until 1844, when the company was
disbanded. No one knows of any records of the company being in
existence. The captains were promoted to regimental ofificers or
discharged after three or four years service, which exonerated them
from military service, and the under officers were promoted by the
vote of the company. It was considered wrong to promote a lower
officer over a higher one, and it was not often done. The band
consisted of fifes, bass and tenor drums. The tenor drummers were
Mark Batchelder and Alfred Sawyer; bass drummer, Joel .\dams;
fifers, Russell Wyman and .\bel Adams. The captains of the
company were Peter Dudley, John IJatchelder, James Lincoln,
Joseph Whitney, Israel Batchelder, Josiah Stone, Asa Simonds, Joel
Lyon, Mark Batchelder, Joel Adams, F. K. Stiles, Stephen Dudley,
and Ezra Dodge. The trainings were held on the common where
the old meeting house stood, and the soldiers were allowed to occupy
the church when necessary. The day was spent in calling the roll,
examining the equipments, drill, company marching, and closed with
a lively game of ball or a trial of the strong and active ones in
wrestling. The June training was about the best holiday that the
boys had during the year, and men of all ages would be present.
The boys, in imitation of their fathers, organized a company, elected
a full board of officers, who called out all the boys in town between
the ages of 14 and 18, and went through all the manreuvres of the
older ones, handling the wooden guns with dexterity and a great
deal of ambitious pride.
NAMES OK SOLDIERS IN THE REVOLUTION WHO H.\l) A PENSION.
Peter A. Gould, Elijah Simond.s, Benjamin Barnard, Sen.,
Stephen Bennett, David Sawyer, Ebenezer Stiles, Asa FarnuuL
Moody Roby.
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94 HISTORN' OF PERU.
The first ten on the list of soldiers were enlisted by Col. J. H.
\\;illrid,ne, and received no bounty, but the citizens gave each
man ten or twelve dollars for spending money until they got into
camp. They were accompanied to the depot on the morning of
October 21, 1S61, by friends who wished to give the shake of the
hand and say the last good-bye as they parted, the friends for their
vacant homes and the soldiers to the front to strengthen Company A
of the 2nd Regiment. The captain of the company was William S.
AVeymouth, and he enlisted body and soul, but before thev had
reached their regiment his energy and spirits flagged, and he sank
under the task that he had undertaken. In two months his remains
were .sent home and buried on December 16, 1861. Slowly and
sadly was he carried to his grave to the music of the drums and fifes,
accompanied by his family and a large number of friends and
citizens. Iknjamin S. Barnard and D. M. Prie.st were wounded
before Richmond in the seven days battle of the Pines, taken
prisoners and .sent to Richmond. Barnard was put into Libby
prison and kept there until he was so prostrated that he could not
walk, when he was e.vchanged and sent to the Philadelphia hosjiital,
staying there until he recovered. Priest was placed on an island by
his own choice, where he could have the benefit of water but no
shelter. He was discharged sooner than Barnard, but it was a sad
e.\i)erience for both of them. C. M. Hapgood was wounded by a
bullet grazing his scalp, was sent home on furlough but soon
returned to duty. The other five followed the army of the
Potomac for three years and were in most of the battles, some of
them not receiving a scratch or being away from duty a single day
during that time.
Wilbur F. Bowker, Henry W. Crocker, and Joseph M. Long
voluntarily enlisted December 21, 1861, and were mustered into
Company H of the 8th Regiment. Bowker and Crocker went south
with the regiment. Bowker was shot at Port Hudson May 27, 1S63,
and Crocker was shot June 15, 1863. 1^hey were both shot by
sharpshooters, and were the first two that were killed in service from
Peru. Jose|)h M. Long went into camp at Prattleboro, where he
look cold and was sick. He had a furlough, but was discharged
November 2, 1863, and afterwards died of consumption.
Allen J. Ilenson enlisted in Company C of the i ith Regiment,
Heavy Artillery, and was taken prisoner. He died in Andersonville
Iirison, C.a.. .August 21, 1864, and was the only soldier from Peru
who died in |)rison.
HISTORY OF l^ERU.
95
Clarence 1!. Lincoln died in hospital of yellow fever October 3,
1864, in South Carolina.
Lauren P. Russell mustered into Company C of the iith
Regiment December 17, 1863, and died at ^^'ashington l'"el)ruary 20,
1864.
Leroy Wyman enlisted December 19, 1863, was wounded, and
died in hospital October 4, 1864.
John Piatt Quackenbush enlisted December 8, 1863, and died
in service April 29, 1865.
Of the forty-seven volunteers furnished by Peru, eight died in
service.
SCHOOLS AND SCHOOLHOUSES.
The first school in town was taught by Reuben Bigelow in 1803,
and was kept in Deacon Seth Lyon's log house, which stood in Mr.
Whitney's lot. Schools have always been sustained since they were
first started, but were held in private houses until 1807. James
Grant taught several terms in the Holton house. The first school-
house* was built in 1807 in the corner of M. P). Lyon's lot, at the
Dack of the barn south of the Adams road. It was a large building,
iwith an L for the entrance, and was fitted up inside with two rows
pf wooden seats and a desk, with an open stove in the centre. This
|building was also used as a church, the desk answering the purpose of
1 pulpit, and the men sitting on one side of the room, while the other
side was occupied by the women. Town meetings were held in the
jchoolhouse for a long time. James Grant, father of Gen. L. A.
Grant, taught the first term of school in the building in 1S08, and
:his was the only school that held winter terms until 1822. The
Duilding committee, Reuben Bigelow, Gen. Peter Dudley and
beacon Thomas Wyman, took great interest in having this house
built, and they all had large families, which were sent there to be
pducated.
! In 1810 a log house was erected about half way between Clark
Lakin's house and the bridge to be used for a summer school. It
vas taught, at different times, by Hannah Barnard, Sally Ballard,
Abigail Bigelow- (she was 15 years of age when she taught her first
jerm), Samantha Ballard, Lucinda Whitcomb, Lucinda Bigelow, and
iLucy Dudley, who tautrht the last term held in the schoolhouse.
In 1 82 1 the town was divided into three school districts, which
';vere called the centre district, the north district, and the south
gO HISTORY oi' i'i:kr,
(listrin. ami these were sufificient to accommodate all the scholars.
The centre district retained the old schoolhouse until 1830, when a
new one was built near where Freeman Lyon lives, which was kept
until the present schoolhouse was built, the name of tlie district
bcin<i then chan.cjed to district No. 3. 'I'he first winter schfjol in the
north district was held in a log house that had been built tor a
dwelling house, and was taught by John 11. Dudley, who was an
excellent teacher, for eight dollars a month. He also taught the
second term, receiving ten dollars a month. The next year's school
was held in a log house standing in the corner of Edgar Batchelder"s
lot, north of the road leading to Mr. Bell's place, and was taught by
Russell Tuthill. In 1823 a frame house was erected on the site
where the present house stands, and was enclosed on the outside
with clapboards half an inch thick and si.x inches wide. There was a
fireplace at one end of the room, benches made out of slabs, long
tables made with plain boards, and one chair for the teacher. TIk
boys and girls, who had just come from the log house, thought this
a very convenient schoolhouse. Three years later this building was
sealed up with spruce boards overhead, a closet and entry made,
jiermanent desks and seats put in, and a teacher's desk was
furnished. The scholars then thought that they had a grand
schoolhouse, and many a pupil had the mind and intellect stored
and polished so as to be intellectually brighter and stronger for life's
work, and some were taught physically by the birch in a way that,
was not agreeable or pleasant for the time. Joseph Wright ami .\sa
P>. Brown were teachers in this school.
The south district had school kept in private houses owned by
Elijah Simonds and (ien. Peter Dudley until 1822, when the district
erected a house on the right hand side of the road east of (ioodell
Walker's house, in which many valuable terms were held. In 1S33
this house was moved to the spot where the present schoolhouse
.stands, near Charles Russell's hou.se. In 1838 the town was divided
into si.\ districts, and this changed the south district to district No.
I. 'I'he first .schoolhouse that the district built was moved near Joel
.Adams's house, and school was kept in it until the present one was
built in 1864. The old house is now standing at the west end o\
Mr. .Adams's wootl shed, and is used for a carriage house. It has
seen much hard service, having b.:'en built ab;)ut 80 years. I
District No. 5 built their first schoolhouse in 1838, which was
linrnt down in 1864. The present building was erected in 1864, and.
is well built.
HISTORY OF PERIT.
97
In 183S district No. 6 built a schoolhouse, which is now in use.
'Previous to that they used Capt. Wait's house.
District No. 7, which is at' the extreme north part of the town,
:was organized by I. K. Batchelder in 1S66, and has a schoolhouse
and school that does it great credit.
A school district was organized at the notch mill, and school
■kept in private houses. It has since been given up.
The first select school held in the town was in 1828, and was
taught by Theodore Wilbur. It was exclusively a grammar school,
and twenty-two students attended its session, very much to their
improvement and satisfaction. Esquire Bigelow was the principal
one in the organization of this school. In 1849 John P. Reynolds
taught a select school with great success, and from 1850 to 1859
select schools were taught by Milton R. Tyler, George Richardson,
S. E. Burnham, and Stephen Cirout, which were a credit to the
teachers and to the town. Since that time there have been several
select schools, the most thorough of which was taught by Miss
Nancy Haynes.
Peru has given commendable attention to her schools, and
many good teachers have been brought up in town. Among the
early teachers were the daughters of Reuben Bigelow, Gen. Dudley,
Samuel Stone, J. Howard, Asa Simonds, B. Barnard, and among the
young men were Joseph Wright, A. B. Brown, Wm. B. Lincoln,
Hiram Howard, B. S. Ballard, I. K. Batchelder, Reuben Stone, who
all taught school more than fifty years ago.
SCHOOL J'EACHERS OF PERU.
Abigail Bigelow, Samantha Ballard, Sally Ballard, Lucinda
Bigelow, Damietta Bigelow, Eaura Bigelow, Orrella Bigelow,
Caroline Bigelow, Betsey Warren, Asa B. Brown, Hepsibah Barnard,
Nancy Barnard, Emily Barnard, B. E. Barnard, Seth B. Barnard,
Emily Messenger, Joseph H. Simonds, D. K. Simonds, Peter
Dudley, Lucy Dudley, Elvira Dudley, Joseph Wright, Eydia Dudley,
Lucinda Whitney, James M. Dudley, B. S. Ballard, Sophia Simonds,
Mary Simonds, .Mary Wyman, Nancy Wyman, Louisa Holton,
Harriet Howard, Olive Howard, Hiram Howard, Abigail Barnard,
Lucy Barnard, B. L. Barnard, Marcellus Lyon, M. B. Lyon, Ruth
Hapgood, Susan A. Burton, Mary Burton, Uowman Burton, R.
Bigelow Burton, .Ann Whitney, Susan Batchelder, John W. Batch-
elder, Wm. B. Lincoln, David Smith, Roselta Stiles, Sarah Stiles,
98 HIST()R\' Ol" VKRV.
Henry Stiles, Martha Stone, Susan Stone, Reuben Stone. AM hi
Davis, Abbie Ann Davis, Ira K. Ikitchelder, V. P. r.atcheld.i,
Koxana I5atchekler. Amos Batchelder, Daniel Davidson, Julian 1.
iiatchelder, Kossetta liatchelder, Mary Imiiuui Hatchelder, Nrllir
Walker. Kllen Simonds, Jennie Hyard, IJIanche Sinionds, l-'rank
Wvman, Mary McMullen, Myron Dudley, (ieorge Dudley, j.ucy
Dudley. Klla Hatchelder. Sarah A. Sinionds, Mary Chandler, (".. N.
Wvman, A. P. D. Simonds, Ellen Simonds, Martha Simonds,
Charlotte H. Hapgood, Marshall J. Hapgood, Carrie Adams,
Rowena Baldwin, Isa Weymouth, Abbie Dale, Ann Janette Dale,
Hell Simonds, Emily M. Mellendy, Aurilla Mellendy, Ella Mellendy,
Eunice Chapin, Hannah Patchekler, Daniel Hatchekler, Mary
Coolidge, Chalmers H. Coolidge, James K. l)atchelder, l.uella
P»atchelder, Damietta Dudley, Caroline Dudley, lUirton Harnard,
Hannah Thomas, Abbie Davis, Ellen Davis, Helen Ritler. Caroline
Ritler, D. M. Priest, Sarah Coolidge, Charles K. l>atchelder.
COLLEGE GRADUAl'ES WHO WEKK NATIVKS OF FKKU.
R. H. Burton, Myron S. Dudley, D. K. Simonds, James K.
liatchelder, Daniel M. Priest, Alonza Barnard, M. J Hajjgood,
Robert A. Ray.
A ITORNEVS WHO WERE XAl'lVES OK PERU.
Thomas Hill, practiced in Bangor, Me.
Moses Hill, practiced in Ohio.
E/ekiel Simonds, practiced in New Orleans, La.
James M. Dudley, practiced in Johnstown, N. Y .
D. K. Simonds, admitted to the bar.
James K. Batchelder, practiced in Arlington, Vt.
A. Clark Batchelder, practiced in Ayer Junction, Mass.
Charles W. Ray, practiced in Concord, N. H.
PHYSICIANS WHO Wl.kK XATINES OE I'EUU.
Horace Ballard, practiced in ^Villiamstown, Mass.
T. Miles P>igelow, j^racticed in the West.
Asa P.. Brown, practiced in Ohio.
Wm. B. Lincoln, i)racticed in Ionia, Mich.
Hiram Howard, practiced in Ohio.
R. B. P>urton, jiracticed in New ^■ork.
Asa Bigelow, practiced in Toledo, Ohio.
Daniel .VI. Priest, practiciul in X(!w York.
HISTORY OF PERU. 99
Charles W. Ray, practiced in Jamaica, Vt.
CLERGYMEN WHO WERE NATIVES OF PERU.
Joseph Wright, Universalist.
Moses Adams, Methodi.st.
M. S. Dudley, Congregationalist.
Alonzo Barnard, Congregationalist, missionary among the Indians.
Frank Goodrich, Methodist.
C. H. Coolidge, Congregationalist.
1). K. Simonds, editor of the Manchester Journal.
CHURCHES.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The Congregational church was organized in 1807, when
Benjamin Barnard and Lucy his wife. Thomas Wyman and Sarah
his wife, Seth Lyon and Sophia his wife, and William Green and
Betsey his wife were formed into church fellowship, and subscribed
to the articles of faith. Rev. Mr. Fairley, pastor of the Congre-
gational church in Manchester, and his delegate, Capt. Burton, were
present on this occasion. Thomas Wyman was elected moderator
and clerk of the church at this meeting.
March 20, 180S, Elisha Whitney, Dr. Silas Clark and his wife,
Elijah Simonds and his wife, and Mrs. Lucy Hill were united to this
church. The Lord's supper was administered by Rev. Mr. Fairley,
of Manchester. Thomas AVyman and Seth Lyon were elected
deacons.
On July 17, 1808, Rev. Mr. Calton, of Sandgate, administered
the Lord's supper.
In 1809 it was voted to adopt the articles and join in fellowship
with the western consociation, and Deacon Thomas Wyman was
voted delegate to represent the church in consociation. New
members continued to join the church each year until 18 14, when
the society numbered thirty-four persons. 1 he Lord's supper was
administered by pastors from neighboring towns on each side of the
mountain. Occasionally a missionary would come from Connecticut
or Massachus.sets to preach and visit among the people, also to receive
new members into the church and hold a communion service.
In 1813 the members of the church extended an invitation to
Oliver Plympton to be ordained and settled over the church as a
permanent pastor, which he accepted. A council was called to meet
loo insroRN' OK I'KRU.
at Deacon Wvinan's house on the 28th day of December, 1813, for
the purpose of ordahiing- OHver Plympton to the work of preaching
the gospel in Peru. The council consisted of Rev. Elijah Norton,
Deacon Heriah Wheeler, delegate, Rev. James 'I'ufls, .Arha Hol-
brook, delegate from Wardsboro, Rev. John Norton, Deacon James
McCormick, delegate from Windham, Rev. Amos Pettingil, ;iiul
Deacon Asa Loveland, delegate from Manchester. Rev. Mr.
Norton was elected moderator, and Rev. Mr. I'ettingil scribe. The
candidate presented the credentials of his standing in the church
and his license to preach, was examined as to his doctrinal belief, his
acquaintance with theology, and his cjualification to i)reach the
gospel. It was unanimously voted to accept him, and he was
ordained in the centre schoolhouse, that being the place where the
meetings were held. Rev. Mr. Lawton offered the introductory
prayer and gave the right hand of fellowship; Rev. Mr. Tuft
preached the sermon; Rev. Mr. Pettingil offered the ordaining
prayer; Rev. Mr. Norton gave the charge and made the last prayer.
This was a happy day for the society, and though there was no
church, they had a schoolhouse which was well fitted for their use.
Here they could meet for service with their first chosen and beloved
pastor, with favorable prospects of enjoying the same for some time.
Put they were soon disappointed. Their pastor went to Wardsboro
to get married (the bride's name was Sally Cook), but died the same
day that the marriage was to have taken place. He was l)uried at
Wardsboro, and many of his congregation went there to attend the
funeral. Mr. Plympton, as first settled minister in town, was entitled
to three lots of land which had l)een reserved for that purpose in the
charter of the town, but previous to his death he had deeded this
right to the Congregational society. Deacon Lyon was moderator
and clerk of the church at this time.
The society continued to hold services without the aid of a
pastor, the deacons taking the lead. Kscpiire P)igelow would read
the sermons, and he led the singing for more than twenty-five years.
A year never passed without observing a C(Miimunion season or
having some baptism services. Rev. Amos liingham j^reached for
the society for a little while in 1S17, which was accepted by the
congregation with great pleasure. Twenty-si.\ new members were
added to the church as the results of his lai)ors. The congregation
extended a call to him to settle with them as a permanent pastor, but
it docs not ii.ncir that he accepted the call. .Mr. Pingham did.
HISTORY OF PERU. loi
much for the spiritual growth of the church, and his preacliitig, his
Hfe, and his instructions were referred to as long as his hearers
and converts lived. The fruits of his labors still exist, though he
and his hearers have passed away.
The following ministers and pastors have labored for and with
the clnirch since it was organized: Rev. Mr. Fairley, Manchester;
Dr. Wm. Jackson, Dorset; Rev. Mr. Calton, Sandgate; Rev. Silas S.
ISingham, missionary from Connecticut; Rev. Mr. Kellogg, mission-
ary; Rev. N. Lawton, Windham; Rev. Mr. Davis, missionary,
Berkshire; Rev. Mr. Parker, missionary; Rev. Mr. Preston, Rupert;
Rev. Mr. Hitchcock; Rev. James Tufts, Wardsboro; Rev. Joseph
Kitchell. missionary; Rev. Mr. Sargeant, Chester; Rev. Mr.
Spaulding, Jamaica; Amos Bingham, Bennington; Rev. Mr.
Haynes, Rutland; Rev. Mr. Parmerly, Granville; Rev. Mr. Coe,
New Hampshire; Rev. Mr. Goodale, Grafton; Rev. Mr. White;
Rev. Mr. Cheevor, Mt. Vernon; Rev. Mr. Manning, Ludlow; Rev.
Philetus Clark, Londonderry; Rev. Mr. Parsons. Manchester.
In July, 1825, Rev. Nathaniel Rawson commenced to labor with
the church, and continued to do so until 1828, when for two years
there is no record of any person preaching until 1830. There were
only four new members added to the church from 1821 to 1829.
These were years of anxiety to all true disciples of Christ, for the
love of many waxed cold. Dissension existed, and much labor had
to be performed in the way of discipline, which caused fresh trouble.
The ordinance of the Lord's supper was administered each year
excepting 1S29, for which there is no record of any communion,
baptism or preaching, but the deacons held services and continued
the Sabbath school.
In the winter of 1830 Rev. Nathaniel Hurd, an evangelist from
Tinmouth, came among the people, and a new energy was imparted
to the members of the church. On the 3rd of May, at a regular
church meeting, they voted to establish three weekly prayer meetings
in different parts of the town, also to attend a monthly concert, and
have in connection with it a monthly church meeting. At a
communion season in 1830 seven persons, living in Dedham, Mass.,
were united to the church by letter, and they were a great help to
the church, both by their means and active labor. In 1831 pro-
tracted meetings were being held in many towns, and several
members of the church attended some of the meetings, bringing the
spirit of revival away with them. In August, meetings were
102 HIST()R^' OF PERU.
appointed to continue five days, and many came from other towns to
help on the good work. Rev. Mr. Anderson, of Manchester, and
Rev. Mr. Kingsbury, of Jamaica, were present and preached, and
Rev. Cvrus Hudson, of Dorset, preached one sermon which took fa^t
hold of the people's minds. Rev. Stephen Martindale, of Wallini;-
ford. was present, and preached like a person filled with the Holy
Ghost. Men who had constantly kept away from the house of God
now came in, and young people came in from other towns, filling the
church to overflowing. It seemed like the house of God and the
gate of Heaven, and none left without feeling that they had
something to do to enter into the straight and narrow way, which is the
way to everlasting life. Mr. Martindale, in his last sermon, held up
the Bible, saying, this is my text, and he preached the truths of his
text in a way that would melt the hardest heart. It was like the
hammer on a flinty rock, or the two-edged sword. The fruits of this
meeting will last forever, and it would be impossible to measure the
results. Thirty-three new members joined the church during these
meetings. Mr. Hurd remained with this church three years, leaving
it strong in numbers and vigorous to work for the cause of God.
During the years 1833 and 1834 the people were supplied by
Rev. Bowman Brown and Rev. Justin Parsons. Mr. Brown labored
as a missionary with great success, holding many special meetings.
Rev. Mr. Tuttle, of New York State, came to assist him in these
meetings, and their united efforts were greatly blessed by the
addition of forty new members to the church. During these two
years the society, assisted by Rev. J. Parsons, purchased the
parsonage place, which consisted of twenty-five acres of land, a
small house and a barn. This*property has been of much value to
the society, by helping them to sustain a pastor.
In the spring of 1835 Thomas Baldwin came to the society, and
received instructions for a short time from Rev. Justin Parsons
before entering into the work of the church. Mr. Baldwin had a
common school education, and worked on his farm and at his trade
until he was over thirty years of age. when he turned his attention to
the preaching of the gospel. He was a man of good common sense,
affable and sociable with all persons, and spiritually alive to the work
of the Master. He made a very acceptable pastor, and did much
to strengthen the cause of Christ in the town, .\fter laboring as a
licentiate for a year, he was invited to settle as pastor over the
church, which he accepted. A council was called to ordain and
Re\. a. K. Clark.
HISTORY OK I'lCRT. 103
install him, consisting of Rev. U. C. Burnap, of Chester, Rev. M. IJ.
Bradford, of Orafton, Rev. Silas Hodges, of Ludlow, and Rev.
Justin I'arsons, of Weston, with their delegates. Mr. Ikddwin was
ordained June 15, 1886, Rev. U. C. Burnap preaching the sermon.
Mr. Baldwin labored faithfully in season and out out season for ten
years, and performed a great amount of pastoral labor among all the
families in town; he was also instrumental in keeping up discipline in
the church. He officiated at more weddings and funerals than any
other man in town. Revival meetings were held in the autumn of
1842, when Rev. Mr. ^Varren, of Ludlow, came to assist Mr. Baldwin.
Their united labors were greatly blessed by the great head of the
cluirch, and many were brought into the fold of Christ. During the
ten years that Mr. Baldwin was pastor there were fifty-three new
members atlded to the church. He left in the spring of 1845,
to the regret of the society and the whole community, and with the
satisfaction that he had done his duty to his Master well and
faithfully.
Rev. A. S. Swift was pastor of the church for over two years^
and during this time the new church was dedicated. Ten new
members were added to the church in these two years.
In the spring of 1848 Rev. A. F. Clark came from New York
State to be pastor of the church. He was a well educated man, in
the full vigor of life, and having a wife that was well calculatetl to
be a heli)mate for a pastor, being Mary Simonds, of Peru. Mr.
Clark entered upon the Master's work at once. He was elected
moderator and clerk of the church, and performed these duties
during the eleven years that he was i)astor of the church. Mr.
Clark preached the doctrines of the fathers a little more than some
of the congregation cared to hear, Init he raised his hearers to a
higher level, elevating them in mind and thought. On receiving a
call to be installed in the church, he accepted, and a council was
called to meet for that purpose on the loth of July, 1849. The
council consisted of Rev. Cyrus Hudson, of Dorset, Rev. M. U.
liradford, of Crafton, Rev. J. Walker, of Weston, Rev. Thomas
Baldwin, of Plymouth, and Rev. Reuben Hatch, of Windham, with
their delegates. Rev. M. B. IJradford preached the sermon. There
were forty-two new members joined the church during the time that
Mr. Clark was pastor. He worked for the elevation of his people,
both morally and intellectually, and took great interest in the
education of all classes, giving private lessons in his own house,
,o4 llIS'roRN' ()!•■ I'KRr.
He also aitlcel in uettiii;^- up and sustaining; sclccl siiliools, where
tliose \vhoct)uld not ijo away to school might have better advantages
than could be obtained at the common schools. There were better
scholars in town during his time than were ever there before or
since. He preached upon the necessity of keeping the Sabbath until
his influence caused it to be generally observed by the whole
community. Mr. Clark took great interest in the Sabbath school.
ever seeking and encouraging the neglectful ones to come in. In
the spring of 1859, in the midst of his usefulness, he resigned, and
asked the society to unite with him in calling together a council to
dissolve his pastoral relations with the church, which was very
reluctantly done.
In November, 1848, Rev. R. I). Miller came as pastor of the
church, and remained until September, 1864. Twenty-two new
members joined the church during this time. He left of his own
choice, but the people would have been pleased to have had him
stay and continue his labors.
Rev. M. .\. (kites, by the recjuest of the people, came to Peru
from Tinmouth in November, 1864, and entered at once upon his
duties as pastor of the church. He labored successfully for the
interests of the church and for the upbuilding of Christ's kingdom,
and his labors were rewarded by new members joining the church
from year to year. In January, 186S, a council was called to install
him over the church, consisting of Rev. J. H. Thyng, of 'Derry, Rev.
R. S. Cushman, of Manchester, and Rev. A. F. Clark, of Windham,
with their delegates. The installation services took place on the 3rd
of January, Rev. R. S. Cushman preaching the sermon. In 1867 the j
society voted that Rev. Mr. Tarleton should be sent for to help Mr.
(iates in holding revival meetings, that spiritual blessings might be
showered upon the members of the church. The labor put forth by
all Christians was greatly blessed, sinners were convicted and
converted, uniting themselves to the church of Christ. During the
time that Mr. (iates was pastor of the church it admitted sixty-seven
new members. In August, 1868, Mr. (iates sent in his resignation.
A meeting was called for the purpose of considering his resignation,
and it was voted not to accept it, but to join in calling a council to
consider it. The council met on the 20th of .August, when the
following resolution was passed: Whereas, our pastor. Rev. M. A.
(iates, has labored with us in the gospel ministry for the last four
years, with the evident approbation of the great head of the church
HISTORY OF PERU. 105
uiMiii Ills labors, giving the word of life to the penitent, baptising our
children, receiving the faithful into the church, and Inirying our
dead as a devoted servant of Christ, and is now about to remove
from us. Therefore resolved. That we cheerfully express to him our
unwavering confidence in his moral and religious character, our
affection for him as a faithful minister of our Lord Jesus Christ, and
our desire that the blessing of Cod may attend him in all his future
labors. The council voted to dissolve the relation of the pastcjr
and church, cordially recommending IJrother (iates to the confidence
of the churches as a faithful and laborious pastor.
Rev. A. F. Clark, who was formerly pastor of the church,
returned to perform the ministerial duties of the church on the 8th
of November, 1868. He received eleven members into church
fellowship. Mr. Clark closed his labors in the church in May, 1873,
and went to Leverett, Mass.
Rev. S. H. Amsden came to take the pastorship of the church
in June, 1873, and continued his duties until October 9, 1876. He
admitted four new members during that time.
Rev. Charles Rockwell was pastor of the church from November,
1876, to May, 1878, and united si.x new members.
Rev. Charles .Scott came to the church on June 9, 1878, and
was pastor for nearly a year. He admitted four new meml)ers to
the church.
S. L. Vincent came in November, 1879, as licentiate, and the
society extended to him a call to settle with them as their pastor,
which he accepted. A council was called to ordain and install him,
consisting of Rev. A. C. Reed, of Manchester, P. J. Walker,
delegate; Rev. J. L. Harrington, of East Dorset; J. L. Patchelder;
Rev. P. S. Pratt, of Dorset, G. H. Williams, delegate; Rev. J. H.
Flint, of Weston; Deacon Enoch Pease, delegate from North 'Derry;
G. S. Hobart, delegate; Rev. V. M. Hardy, of West Randolph. The
candidate was examined and installed, Rev. V. M. Hardy preaching
the sermon. Rev. S. L. Vincent continued his labors as pastor of the
church until October 15, 1882, when he asked to be dismissed. A
mutual council of the society assented to it, and dissolved the
connection between pastor and people. During his pastorate three
were added to the church by confession and i\xQ were added by
letter.
-A Sunday .school was organized in this society in 181 8, and has
been sustained ever since.
io6 IIIS'I-()R\' Ol'' VVMV
MKlHODISr.
The McthodisL soiicly was organized in I'cni on the jjiuI oI
Kebniarv, 1S22, and was called the Athens Circuit. The prominent
members were Samuel and J'osiah Stone, Francis I>ennett, N. ^\'hitney,
with their families. Soon after they were organized they were
changed from the Athens Circuit to the Weston Circuit. They held
meetings in i)rivate houses, and their numbers slowly increased.
About 1S25 a quarterly meeting was held in the Congregational
church, with a large number of the brethren from Landgrove and
Weston, it being a large gathering for that time and place. They
held services in the North schoolhouse, and frecjuently had preach-
ing. In i(S:;3 a committee was chosen to take into consideration the
building of a church, and consisted of Samuel Stone, l''rancis
Bennett, and F. K. Stiles. They went to work in earnest, and by
June the frame was up, shingled, boarded, clapboarded, and windows
in. It was used without any more being done to it until 1846, when
a meeting was called to see about improving it, and a committee,
consisting of John Whitney, Abel Adams, and James Lincoln, was
chosen for that purpose. It was decided to move the church back
from the roatl and put an addition on the east end for a porch
and belfry. The slips were sold for enough to [)ay for the
improvements, quite a number being taken by members of other
societies. The church was finished in the fall, and has never
been changed in any way since. George Batchelder made the J
improvements. Rev. C. R. Harding preached the dedication
sermon. Meetings were held in this church with much enthusiasm,
and prosperity attended the enterprise. It was changed about this_
time from \\'eston Circuit to the " Landgrove and Peru Charge."
The minister in charge of the circuit would sometimes preach in this
church, and at other times one of the circuit ministers would preach.
This church and society has suffered in the same way as many of the
churches in the rural towns of New ?>ngland. It is depleted by
tlcalh and removals until its active and prominent members have all
jKissed away to sing the songs of Zion in the new Jerusalem, ami
none have come to fill their place in the house of (iod, in
consequence of which, the church is suffering for want of repairs.
A Sunday school was established and maintained in this society
for many years.
Some of the prominent families who heljied to sustain this
society and church were Samuel, Josiah, and Joseph Stone, F. K.
I
HISTORY oi' i'i;ri;. ,07
tiles, P^rancis and Jonas Bennett, John, Zimri, and Z. Whitney, M.
Roby, Nathan, Alvah, Ira, and William Whitney, James Lincoln,
Elder T.illey, A. G. Bowker, Nahum, Benjamin, and Abel Adams,
Samuel Stiles, Levi Batchelder, Harvey and Hezekiah Stone, James
Lakin, and Adam Corbet.
CHURCH BUILDINGS.
The Con,<,n-egational church and society, feelin<r the ncvi.] of a
suitable church building, commenced in earnest to obtain one. it
seems that the whole town was united in the enterprise, almost every
family putting a shoulder to the wheel by purchasing one or more
pews, thus encouraging the work of building. In 1815 (len. I'eter
Dudley and Capt. John Batchelder were chosen a committee to
superintend the building of the church and carry the work along.
They commenced on the work immediately, the people furnishing
the timber and lumber as best they could. The master workman
in framing was Capt. Whitman, of 'Derrv. The men assembled
to raise the frame, and one of the deacons was about to offer a
petition for Divine blessings on the enterprise, when Rev. Pliny Fisk
(afterwards a missionary to Jerusalem) unexpectedly arrived, and
offered a most earnest prayer for the blessing of God to rest ui)()n
the enterprise and all the community after it was finished. The
prayer was abundantly answered during the labors of Rev. Amos
Bingham. The architecture of this church was of the plainest kind.
It was a scjuare building, about 40 by 50 feet, with a portico on the
east end about 15 by 20 feet, and finished plain on the outside.
The building had two rows of windows, and was clapboarded with
the best of pine clapboards, which were painted dark yellow. There
was a door at the east end of the porch, and a flight of stairs on the
right as you passed in, which led into the upper story. On the south
side, and near the main building, was another door and a flight of
stairs leading to the upper story, also two doors in the centre to
enter the main building, turning right and left to follow the aisle.
The pulpit stood at the west end of the building, with a large
window at the back of it, and was about ten feet high, spreading out
at the top. The deacons seats were partly under the puijMt, and
Thomas Wyman and Seth Lyon sat there for years. The pulpit was
finished with paneled work, with trimming around it of the best
lumber. A flight of winding stairs, with railings, on which the
dominie could ascend to the rostrum, from whence he could see
io8 HISTORY OF PERU.
every one in the buiklinj^. Tlie piiljiil was seven or v\<^\\t feet lonLj,
rt)undetl out in the eentre so tliat the speaker could staiul in it, witli
a raised place in front for iiini to rest his books when readin.i,^ Tlie
only furniture was a board seat. From this pulpit has been
dispensed the words of Fife to encoura.^e the faintin.L,^ ones to a
higher spiritual life, and to be faithful in doin^,^ the Master's work,
also to eneourat^e those out of Christ to come to him by rei)entance
and faith, to enter into his fold and live for and with him. In front
of the i)ulpit was a round table, which was used for conmiunioii
services. 'Fhe gallery was on the sides of the room, with a row of
pews on the outside, and long seats on the sides for the singers, wIkj
were directly in front of the pulpit, but could only be seen by a small
l)ortion of the congregation. There were sixteen wall pews and
eight centre pews in the church. The wall pews were about eight
inches higher than the centre ones. 'I'he pews were made about si.x
or .seven feet scjuare, with doors, the seats being made with hinges.
It was the custom to stand during prayers, turning the seats up to
make more room, and at the close of the praver there would be a
good deal of noise, as the seats would come down with a bang. 'J'he
work of finishing the inside was done by Capt. Webster, of Weston,
and Josei)h Dodge, of Peru, who were excellent workmen. 'I'he
result was the best meeting house in town. The l)est ])ine was used
in this work, and the rich color of the wood gave it a very good
appearance, there being no paint used on the inside. Meetings were
held in this building during the warm weather, the old schoolhouse
being used in the winter as it could be heated better than the
church. About 1831 a large stove was put into the church, making
it comfortable for the winter months, but some of the people thought
it so affected their heads that they could not sit in the building; they
soon got over it however. The good mothers who had used their
foot stoves from the beginning continued to use ihem, but insteail of
going to the nearest neighbor for coal they used those from the
church stove. In 1830 Kscpiire IJigelow put a small stove in his
slip. About this time a long row of horse sheds was erectetl,
obeying the ])recept that the merciful man will be merciful to his
l)east. 'Fhis continued to be the place of worship until 1846, and
many a Christian has been spiritually fed from this desk, and many
a person led to accept the olTi'r of salvation through a crucilied
Saviour from the hearing of Ciod's word unfolded in this house, and
there are living in di.stant places many who turn their minds back to
HISTORY OF PERU. 109
this church in full remembrance of the scenes and seasons enjoyed
in their earlier days, and sigh when they know that they can never
enjoy them again. But the time had come when the place of
worship must be changed. Three-fourths of the congregation came
from the southern part of the settlement, and some of them came
quite a distance. A little village had sprung up near the centre of
the society, and as a matter of justice to the whole congregation the
church had to be moved. It was with much misgiving with some
that this temple was given up, but it could not be helped, and among
those most affected were the three Batchelder brothers, who had all
been liberal supporters by their means and time. To remove it one
mile further away from them was a persecution, as they thought, not
to be endured. After the frame of the new church had been put up
it was thought best to make use of the old one in building the new.
[ A committee of three disinterested parties from adjoining towns was
called to appraise the pews in the old church. J- J. Hapgood, the
contractor for the new church, said he would pay the appraised value
and take the old church. He took out the inside and used a good
deal of the lumber in the new building, the frame being sold to be
used in the town hall at Londonderry. The spot on which the old
church stood is hardly discernible now, but the common still
remains. In the winter of 1845 the society called a meeting and
agreed to build a new church in the village, choosing Mark
Batchelder, Joel Adams, Jr., and F. P. Batchelder building committee.
A plan was drawn for the church and a contract made with J. J.
Hapgood by the committee for him to build and finish it, according
to the plan, for one thousand dcjllars. This contract did not include
laying the foundation. The slips were priced for enough, or more
than enough, to build the church, and sold. The land was bought
from Charles Lyon, and work was commenced on the foundation the
4th day of July, 1845. Gen. Peter Dudley, who was one of the
building committee of the old church, was present to help lay the
corner stone, and took great interest in the work. The frame was
raised and the roof put on in July. .A subscription was raised for a
bell, and what was wanting was paid by J. J. Hapgt)od. Oeorge
Batchelder was master mechanic, and With the aid of his brother
John, did all the work on the building, comjileting it in the si)ring
of 1846. It was dedicated in June, Rev. Dr. Wickham. of
Manchester, preaching the sermon. Rev. A. S. Swift was the pastor
of the church at this time. Dr. Wickham's sermon was verv useful
no HISTORY OK PERU.
in allaying the asperity of feeling in the minds of individuals wlio
felt that the sacredness of the old temple had been invaded and
removed. His text was, " The beauty of the present temple far
exceeds that of the former." After speaking for sonic lime on his
text, he said to those who felt their rights had been intruded upon,
" Brethren, you can and must transfer your minds anil love from
yonder church on the hill to this new tabernacle, where you may sit
united brethren to enjoy the blessing of the gospel of peace, and
commune with the Saviour in the gospel of peace as united
brethren." The effect of this sermon was like pouring oil on
troubled waters; the irritation of feeling subsided and grace
prevailed, while union in action and feeling continued as a blessing
to the church. Religious services have been held in this church
ever since it was built. In the absence of the regular preacher the
services would be conducted by the deacons. In 1835 the society
purchased, with the help of Rev. Justin Parsons, a parsonage, with
twenty-five acres of land. They built a house on the land, moving
the old house for an L to the new one, and it was occupied as a
parsonage until 1S50, when Rev. A. F. Clark thought the house too
small and too far away from the church. The society then bought
the place where the present hou.se stands, and drew a jilan for the
house, which J. J. Hapgood built for $400 a'nd the old parsonage,
includiiig three-tjuarters of an acre of land. In 1853 a cyclone
passed over this place which moved the west end of the church from
the foundation, injuring it more or less; it also carried the parsonage
eight feet southerly and several feet easterly, leaving it balancing
over the cellar. The family was in the house at the time, but no
one was hurt. The frame being very strong it did not fall, but a
good deal of the plastering cracked and fell. Mr. Lawrence, of
Weston, was employed to put the house on its foundation, and, with
the help of some of the citizens, had it finishetl in two days. The
meeting house sheds and the parsonage barns were blown down, and
part of the hotel roof was blown off. This gale came up in a bhu k
cloud, passed over quick and was gone. It came from the north-
west, went south-east over I. K. Batchelder's pasture, ami tore up
some trees in his wood U)t, where its force seemed to be spent. A
recess for the singers was jnit l)ehind the pulpit in the west end of
the church, which makes good seats for the singers but does not add
to the beauty of the building.
HISTORY OF PERU. ii,
MECHANICS.
Asa Bailey was the first carpenter in town, and lived on the
place west of Jonathan Hapgood's farm. It is supposed that he
])uilt the first frame building in town. He was the master workman
in erecting Cen. Dudley's house, which was the first two-story house
in town, it being clapboarded with riven and shaved clapboards.
Joseph Dodge was a good workman as a joiner, and his best job
was on finishing the meeting house. He lived on the place where
Charles Batchelder now lives until 1818, when he left town.
Nathan Whitney came from Athol, Mass., in 1819, andwasa
carpenter. He built most of the houses that were put up in the
town for some years, his son Alvah working with him. Nearly one
half of the buildings in town in 1837 were put up by the Whitneys,
but they left town about that time. W. W. Whitney and his son
Charles have done considerable mechanical work in town.
Edward Messenger came from Dedham, Mass., in 1829, and
worked at the carpentering and joining business until his death in
1881. He was a good mechanic, and could turn out as much work
as any man in town.
Ceorge Batchelder, a native of Peru, served his apprenticeship
in Massachusetts. He came back and worked at his trade for
fifteen years. Mr. Batchelder was the best mechanic that ever lived
in town.
John W. Batchelder learned his trade from his brother George,
and was a good workman. He left town about the time that he
became of age and lived several years in Kiisi Dorset, but afterwards
entered the stone business at Detroit, Mich. He died in 1890.
James Wait and Eben Tuttle were both carpenters and joiners,
and did considerable work outside of the town. Two of Mr.
Wait's sons, Harrison and Nelson, are mechanics, Harrison working
in East Dorset, and Nelson in Weston.
E. P. Chandler was a carpenter and joiner.
Isaac Hill was the first blacksmith in town, and his shop stood
on the spot where M. B. Lyons's south barn stands.
Royal Bryant's father worked in the Bigelow shop that stootl in
the corner of the Adams road. Joseph Howard worked in tlie
same shop.
Mark Batchelder was a blacksmith, and worked at the business
for over thirty years.
I, J MISI'ORN' Ol" PERU.
Royal liryanl worked at the blacksmith's trade in different shops
for a number of years.
Lvndon Jenkins used the shop near Haynes's mill for a black-
smith's shop.
Roval IJryant's four sons worked in their father's shop at
different times. Mr. Walker is now working in this shop.
Jesse Warren and Hiram Messenger did some blacksmithing in
connection with the furnace business from 1829 to 1833.
David Sawyer, Stephen Bennett, William Green, William 11.
Lincoln, Amherst Messenger, Cyrus Staples, F. P. Piatchelder. and
Charles Batchelder have all been in the shoemaking business.
Esquire Bigelow worked in his own shoe shop.
O. P. Simonds, a veteran shoemaker, worked at the trade for
more than fifty years.
MILLS.
The first saw mill in town was built in 1803 by the efforts of
fourteen men. It was erected on the Chandler brook, al)out 150
rods below the bridge. Three dams had to be built before they had
one that would hold the water. The mill was called the Federal
Mill, and did a good business. It was of great use to the
inhabitants, making the lumber that grew in that vicinity more
valuable. The mill and dam were washed away one night in 1 816,
but no one knew it was gone until one of the workmen, who had
started to go to the mill as usual, reported that he could find no
trace of it. It was a great loss and drawback to the inhabitants.
After this the people in the south part of the town had to take their
lumber to a mill in Winhall, and those in the north part to Utley's
mill in Laridgrove.
In 1820 the three Stone brothers built a mill on the site where
the Haynes mill now stands. This mill was thoroughly built, and
did a large business, very much to the advantage and prosperity of
the town. In 1828 Samuel and Josiah Stone bought out Joseph's
share. I'hey then i->ut in a grist mill, (piarrying the mill stones from
a ledge in Landgrove, and also put in turning works for making
chair stock. They did a good business until 1836, when they sold
out to Oliver \Vyman, who kept it a year or two. In 1837 the mill
was damaged by heavy rains, and Mr. Wyman sold (nit to Isaac C>.
Long, who repaired the mill and dam. Mr. Long and his .sons
carried on the business several vears, and then sold it to Holland
HIST()R\ ()]• I'KRU. 113
Tarbell. He built a new mill and made another dam lower down
the brook, also building the house and barn east of the mill. Mr.
Tarbell died before these improvements were all completed, and the
place was bought by James L. Haynes, who came from Fitchburg,
Mass. He completed the mill, and did considerable business in
the sawing line. After a few years he enlarged it and put in
circular saws, also putting in machinery for turning chair stock. It
is now owned and carried on by C. W . \\'hitney & Son, and is
doing a large business.
Asa Simonds built a mill, about 1827, near Ira. R. Walker's
place. For a time this mill had a run of stone for grinding. It was
sold to B. S. Ballard in 1841, who put in a large breast wheel and
did a good business for several years., (ieorge Batchelder and
Edward Batchelder owned and carried on the mill for a time,
(uistave Albee owned it a short time, but sold it to Elijah Simonds.
Mr. Simonds repaired the wheel and put in new machinery. He
died and his heirs sold the place to J. (i. Walker. The mill is still
standing, but it is in a very dilapidated condition.
In 1836 a mill was built by James Wait in the north-east part of
the town, which has done, and is still doing, a good business. This
mill is now owned by Jackson Chadwick.
Shepherd Aldrich owns and runs a mill, and is doing a good
business.
In 1S42 E. H. Tuttle built a mill in District No. 6. It has
changed hands a good many times, but is now doing a good
Inisiness. There is an engine connected with this mill.
H. Gould erected a mill in 1840, and did some business. It
afterwards went into the hands of Sarel Sawyer, who built a new mill
ami put in modern machinerv. Different parties have since owneil
fhis mill. It was burned down in 1887, but a new mill was erected,
which is doing a good business at the present time.
The notch mill, so called by its being situated in the notch of
the mountains at the junction of two creeks, these creeks forming
the Mad 'I'om. was built in 1S49 by Ira Cochran. He pushed his
way up to this spot over almost unsurmountable obstacles. Ira
Cochran and M. Manley sawed out many thousand birch ties for
tlie railroads. Thtv were two miles up the mountain, with no road
on which to draw their lumber, but they conceived the idea of
makmg a spout and running the lumber down by water. A spout
was made with planks, well nailed together, and two miles long. By
114
HIS'I'OKV OI- I'KkU.
these means they could get hiniber to the raih-oads in four daj'S, and
the spout soon paid for itself. It was used for years in taking-
lumber to the depot. Cochran >.\; .Manley l)out.;ht several hundred
acres of land with all the timber on it, and carried on the business
for two or three years, in which time they built several house.s and
barns around the mill. About this time a road was made to the mill
and it looked as though there was going to he a big busmess done
on the mountain. Cochran ivr Manley sold the property to James ]'..
Wood, of Concord, Mass., who carried on the business for ten or
twelve years. After that time the mill was owned by several parties.
Maltbey & Co., of Connecticut, bought the mill, with ail the land
that could be procured in the vicinity, built large oval shaped kilns
of brick, hooped with iron, and began making charcoal. The land
was soon cleared of its original growth of timber. Many tenement
houses had been built in the vicinity of the mill, and it was about
this time that School District No. 8 was organized. There is no
business done now in this part of the town, and the buildings are all
decaving, but a new growth of timber is springing up all over this
section.
Barnum iS: Co. bought a large tract of lantl on the mountain in
the s('uth-west part of the town, near the turnpike, and manufactured
charcoal as long as the wootl lasted. This charcoal was all sent to
Connecticut. There is yet a large quantity of timber in the north-
west ])art of the town, but it is slowly diminishing.
About 1852 Daniel Davis commenced to build a mill on the
stream east of the Byard farm. He made a dam, erected a frame,
and built a small house. In the spring of 1853 Mr. Davis hung
himself in his own house, and the mill was then sold to Mark
Batchelder and C. V. Long. They fmished building it and carrietl
on business there for some time. Coolidge tS: Spaulding began to
repair it some years later, but did not do any business there, it is
now in a very dilapidated coiuiilion.
About 1847 Dana Wyman built a mill on the brook that runs
through Albert Simonds's farm, west of John Walker's house. He
did business there several years. ll was burnt down one night
without any one seeing the flames, and Mr. Wyman then built a new
mill. Charles Barnard and Burkitt Simonds owned and carried
on business in this mill for some lime. Nahum Russell and .Mien
Benson bought the place and im])rovetl it. It was last in the hands
of -Mmon Patterson. There is no business done in this mill at the
l)resent time.
HISTORY Ol-^ VKMV. 115
M. B. Hapgood erected a steam mill on the mountain, north of
George Russell's place, which was burned down. A new mill was
built and a good business done, the lumber being easily taken to the
depot.
A steam mill was built on the mountain north from the
Dickerson place, but was only run a short time.
An engine was put into the Sawyer mill, and a good business
done there. This mill was burned down, but has since been
replaced. At this time there were six steam mills doing business in
Peru.
HOTELS.
The first hotel in town was built by Jonathan Butterfield on the
summit of the mountain, and on the old road to Manchester. Mr.
Butterfield carried on business in this house several years. It was
run a year or two by Mr. Fairbanks, and several other parties carried
on the business for short periods. In 1816 the turnpike road was
completed and the old road abandoned, which made this hotel of no
use.
Reuben Bigelow began to keep an hotel about icSoy, and
continued it until the new road was opened.
Esquire Tuthill and his son Russell built the brick tavern in
1S22. They carried it on until 1835, doing a good business, and
then sold it to L. McMullen, who kept it himself a year or two. He
rented it to Mr. Smalley, F. Lyon, L. Howard, and Hiram
Messenger, but finally sold it to Charles Lyon. R. Gibson ne.xt
bought the place, and then sold it to Leonard Howard. Edward
Batchelder owned this hotel and carried on business there for a time.
In 1870 it was bought by G. K. Davis, who is the present owner. It
is now known as the Bromley House, and is the only hotel between
T)erry and Manchester. A good business is done in this hotel, and
it is the right place to find a good dinner.
Benjamin Barnard kept an inn from 1S14 to 1839, when he took
down his sign.
In 183T Hiram Messenger opened a hotel on the height of land
on the turnpike road, and carried on business there for ten or twelve
years. Alexander Leland rented it for two years, and J. G. Mellendy
owned and occupied this place. In 1856 Mr. Mellendy sold it to
Mr. Dickinson, whose heirs now occupy it.
ii6 niSTORN' ol' PKRU.
STORKS.
In iSiT) \\;irrc'n Wvniaii kept a small assortmenl of goods in
the old house on M. 1'-. I.yon's i^lace. but did not continue it long.
About 1827 1. j. llapgood commenced business in the same
building that the Hapgood store is now in. His business was small
at first, his wife attending to it while he worked on the farm. His
business increased from year to year, and he soon had a good sized
country store, well filled with goods. I'hc lirni became J. j. \- i .. !'>.
Hapgood, and it continued to do a prosperous busines.s until 1X70,
when it was bought by T. K. Snow \- Co., who kept it about a year.
David Arnold leased this store for a short time. In 1S74 J. j.
Hapgood and .M. j. Hapgood went into partnership and carried on
business under the name of J. j. Hapgood \- Co. 'I'hey sold out to
Richardson & Leonard in 1885.
In 184T Francis Bennett jnit in a small stock of goods in the
Bryant hou.se, but .sold out in 1843.
Charles W. Whitney ^: Co. carried on the store business for a
short time, closing up about 1865.
William K. I'ollv erected a store opposite the hotel in 1856. and
entered into the mercantile business. It [iroved unsuccessful, and
the store was closed.
.About 1872 I. ]\ and C. II. 1 ,ong opened a store west of the
Haynes' mill, and continued the business live \ears, when they sold
the store and goods to M. j. Hapgood.
CAsi-.\i.rrii:s.
Kzra \\'vman, son of Deacon Thomas W ymaii, was killed by the
falling in of a clav bed as he was digging clay in the brickyard.
This occured in 1816. Hi' was 16 years of age.
Thomas H. Hall was killed by the falling of a tree in District
No. 6, near James Wait's place, about 1836.
Mr. 'I'hompson was killed about 1835 by a falling tree. He was
at work on the Xourse farm.
Deacon Asa Simonds drove under a shed at the .Manchester
depot to escape a violent storm, and the shed fell on him. He was
carrieil into the depot, but died two or three days afttr.
A. 1'. I). Simonds was killed by a mowing machine in 1867. \\v
stei)i>ed between the horses that were attached to the maihinc. but
lost control of them, they dragging the machine over him.
HISTORY OP^ PERU. 117
Harlan E. Batchelder went to his barn one ni<^ht in 1868 to get
his horse, and received a kick in the bowels. He died soon after
from the effects of the blow.
Daniel Davis hung himself about 1852 in the house that stood
near the mill.
lU'lLDIXGS WHICH HAVE HEEN I.O.ST T.V FIRE.
Joseph Barnard's house, which stood on the spot where (i. K.
Davis's garden now is, was burned about 1823. Mr. Barnard's
mother was the only person in the house at the time, and it was with
difficulty that she escaped. No insurance.
In 1824 the dwelling house of Deacon David Simonds was
burnt. There was no insurance but the good will of friends and
citizens, who turned in to assist in building a new house and
furnishing what was needful.
Scammel Burt's dwelling house, which stood east of David
Simond's house, was burnt about 1825. He then built a house near
Stowell Barnard's place, receiving assistance from the whole
community.
Edmund Batchelder's barn, which was full of hay and grain,
was struck by lightning and burnt in 1843. Insurance $100.
Joseph Stone's barn was struck by lightning and burnt in 1845.
Mr. Lathrop's dwelling house, which was on the Hull farm, was
Inirned down about 1854.
The schoolhouse in District No. 5 was burnt in 1864, with all
the school books.
John Howard's dwelling house on the Notch road was burnt.
-Ml the large buildings on the Dudley farm, belonging to S. E.
Walker, were struck by lightning and burnt in 1882. This was
the most destructive fire the town ever had.
Dana Wyman's mill, which stood east of Burkitt Simond's i:)lace,
was l)urnt.
-Ml the buildings on the French farm were burnt in 1879.
J. Q. Adams's house was burnt in 1881. 'I'his house was in the
village.
M. J. Haj)good's steam mill on the mountain was burnt in 1885.
Jacquith Os: Bryant's steam mill was burnt in 1887.
Nelson Weatherbee's buildings, which stood on the Staples
place, were burnt in 18S4.
ii8 1IISI"()R\' ()!•' I'KRU.
I. L. Haynes's mill, witli all the tools and machinery, was burnt
in 1888.
M. I. Hapgood had two l)arns and shctls burnt in 1888. It is
supposed that some one did it intentionally.
i>:i'ii)i-:Mi(;s.
This town, situated as it is on the east and south slope of the
mountain, ought to be, and is, a healthy location. Epidemics pre-
vailed during the years of 1812 and 1814, many of -the families
suffering to an alarming degree, and almost every house was a house
of mourning. The disease was called by some spotted fever, and by
others tvphus fever. To show the fatality of the disease, we give
one case, which is furnished b\- Mrs. Abigail (liigelow) Whiting,
who is now livmg in Chester, \t.: "In the family of Philemon
Parker four died with this fever. They occupied a log house of one
room. I was fifteen years old at this time, and with another person,
w^atched by the bedsides of the sick ones. The four were j^erfectly
unconscious, and did not live long, dying in U^r order in which they
were born, as follows, Jonas, aged 24 years; Nathan, aged 22 years;
Susan, aged 20 years, and Anna, aged i S years. Mrs. Parker had
the disease about this time, and ne\er fully recovered. She dieil a
few months after of consumption. I'he family was attended liy Dr.
Chandler, who bled his patients copiously at that time "
In 1S14 tlie fever again prevailed, and many suffered. ]*>s(|uire
Bigelow, his wife, and si.\ children were stricken down, but only one
of them died, a girl si.x yc-ars old. Dr. Cira\- attended this familw
There has been no prevailing sickness in town since this, and
generally speaking, it is an healthy town.
In 1825 Samuel Stone and his stnen chihlri'n had llie typhus
fever, 'i'hey all recovered but one son, who was 17 \'ears oi age.
The mother of this family did not have the fever.
In 1850 the typhus fever prevailed in the family of John II.
Sawyer. He and his nine children were sick with it at the same
time. Mr. Sawver and two of his sons died. No other famil\- in
town had the disease at this lime.
About 1856 the famil\- of Stephen Tulile were sick with
t\-phus fever, Mr. Tultle and two or three of the children dying. .\
little girl who had lived with this famil\- si.x months bi'fore the lever
broke out. died about this time, but no other member of the familx
where she was living!: at the time had it.
HISTORY OF PERU. 119
In 1844 the smallpox broke out in the family of Whittimore
Thomas. Mr. Thomas lived in a house on the opposite side of the
road from Freeman Lyon's house, near the east schoolhouse. Seven
of the children were taken singularly sick, and Mr. Thomas called in
a Thompsonian doctor to attend them. On the third visit the doctor
said he should think the disease was smallpox, and wanted to know
where they had been exposed to it. Mr. Thomas, who had recently
come from the West, told the doctor that he felt a little unwell at the
time he reached home, and on examination it was found that he had
brought the disease with him. The selectmen called Dr. Chandler,
of Andover, who was skilled in diseases, and he agreed with the first
doctor. Two other families were taken down by visiting the sick
ones. Twelve persons had it in the town, but all recovered.
Palmer Rollins, a young man, imprudently exposed himself to it and
went to Keene, N. H., where he died.
DOCTORS.
The first doctor who lived in town was Dr. Silas Clark, who
came from W'inhall in 1808, and settled in the south part of the
tcnvn. His log house was on the farm now owned by C. H. Russell,
on the old road north of Russell's house. He did not have a very
large practice, as the population was not numerous at that time.
He was an active Christian, and helped a great deal to make the
town prosperous. His wife died of the epidemic in 1814, and he
then went to Herkimer County, N. V., where he married his second
wife.
Dr. C. P. Hatch came into town in 1847, from Alstead, X. H.
He was a well educated man, and very successful in his business.
Mr. Hatch married Mrs. S. A. (Burton) Chamberlin, of Peru. After
a short time he moved to Acworth, N. H., much to the regret of his
many friends.
Dr. D. H. Marden succeeded Dr. Hatch, coming into town in
1850. He was a man of active habits, and did all the business that
there was to be hatl. Dr. Marden was a very successful farmer, and
filled up his spare time at that business until he left town. He
moved to 'Derry in 1868, where he now resides. Mrs. Marden and
four of the children died of consumption in 'Derry.
Dr. Charles Chandler, of Andover, and Dr. Henry Gray, of
Weston, were called to practice in town, and did a large share of the
I20 1I1ST()R^■ oi' i'i:ri'.
business until i<S3o. Their professional skill was ac(|iiired more i)y
practice than by studw
Dr. Amori Eenscjn settled in 1 ,andi;r(.)ve about 1H-5. and
practiced medicine in that town and I'eru for forty years, doin<^' a
good business.
Dr. L. (1. Whiting', of "Derry did a successful luisiness in town
until he moved to Chester. Since that time he has often been called
to consult with the town doctors on important cases.
Dr. barker succeeded Dr. Whiting at 'Derry, and did a good
business in Peru until his death.
There is no physician in town at the jiresent time, and when
needed are called from 'Derry or Manchester.
c]:.Mi:rKRiEs.
There were several grown persons and children buried in the
south-west corner of the Holton lot. A few of the oldest residents
can remember mounds, with plain headstcmes, in this place, but it
has now been all ploughed over.
The north cemetery was given to tiie town 1)\- Richard Stratton
in 1803. It was first encloseil bv a l)oar(l fence, the present wall
being built by voluntary w'orkmen.
The south cemetery was bought of Joel Adams for one hundred
dollars. .Asa Phillips was the llrst person interred in this cemetery,
in 1857.
P.lOdR Al'HIRS.
Reuben Pigelow, a native of Westminster, Mass., came lo
P>romley in 1797, and commenced luw on llie land known as the
Pigelow farm. He built his first house anil barn on the hill south-
west from the present buildings. Mr. Pigelow married .\bigail
Prooks, of I'rinceton. On the first of March, iSoo, he moved his
wife aiul two children into ISromley. In 1 S06 the road was altered.
and he moved his buildings to a more favorable position, when he
opened a tavern. He was a strong man, both jihysically and
intellectually, and one who was well calculated to build up societv
and lead in all departments of life. .Mr. Pigelow was proprietors'
clerk, taking part in the division of land into lots. At thr
organization of the town he was appointed as one of the officers, and
HISTORY OF PERU. 121
lield some office every year until liis death. He was town clerk and
treasurer from 1S13 to 1H34, was also one of the first justices elected,
which office he held all through his life. He had the honor of being
the first representative of the town to the general assembly, filling
this office several terms, also of being the first postmaster. Mr.
lUgelow always took an active part in building up and sustaining the
society and church, though not a member, and read the sermons
when the meetings were conducted by the deacons. He was active
in sustaining schools, and well he might l)e, having three sons and
nine daughters to educate. Most of his children were educated for
teachers, and the oldest daughter taught school from the time she
was 14 years of age until she was 35, teaching thirteen years in
Virginia. Two of the sons were educated for physicians, one of
them. Dr. Miles Bigelow, died young in the Far \\'est, and the other,
Dr. .\sa liigelow, died at Toledo in 1888, aged al)out 67 years. 'l"he
other members of the family, with the exception of one who died in
.Manchester, ^'t., went west and south. .\ reunion of the eight living
members of the family was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs.
W'illard (Mrs. \\illard was a daughter of Demietta 'i'uthill) in
Anna, 111. This was the first tune that the survivors of the I'amilv
had been together for fifty _\ears. Their names were Abigail,
Lucinda, Deb(jrah, Demietta, I, aura, Orrilla, Caroline, and .Xsa,
whose united ages were 520 \ears, averaging 65 years each. In
May, 1887, the combined ages of the living members of this family
was 632 years, averaging 79 years each. Abigail (Mrs. Whiting)
died in 1887, aged 92 years, and Dr. Asa died in 1887, aged 67
years, si.\ of the fannlv being still alive. The longe\'ity of this
family exceeds that of any other in tcnvn.
Kscpiire Bigelow commenced to kee[) a hotel about 1810, and
continued it until the travel was diverted away from his house by
new roads. lie introduced the business of making chairs, and
never left it until he died. The chair shop was erected on the brook
on the east part of .M. I!. Lyon's land, and he also had shops near
his house. Mr. Higelow employed workmen to do the manu-
facturing, doing the i)ainting and \-arnishing himself. He sent
his goods to Trov, N. V., where tiiey were sold. He had a
shoemaker's shop antl a blacksmith's shop, where he kept men busy
all the time. .\t his death the business was brought to a close, and
there is nothing left to mark the spot where his shops and store
houses stood. Mr. Higelow was a great advocate of temperance,
^22 IlISTORN' OF I'KRU.
and aliliouj^di he sold lu|iu)i- at the time that he kept the hotel, he
would not have it in his own house. Though always a conservative
man in his business affairs, he was still a man of progression and
improvement. Mr.. Kigelow's personal appearance was noble and
commanding, and would insure the attention of all persons that he
came in contact with. His well chosen wcjrds made him an
agreeable and pleasant companion in all his social intercourse with
his associates.
General Peter Dudley \\as a man strong of body and mind. His
early education was limited, but what he lacked in education he
made up by his strong will and native energy. He was a man of the
Ethan Allen stamp, with an inspiring way of overcoming, with
resolute determination, all obstacles, and conquering all difficulties.
Gen. Dudley did a good deal towards building up society in the
town. He was born in Littleton, Mass., in 1773, and came to Peru
in 1 80 1, when he commenced the laborious work of clearing the
land of timber and preparing it for cultivation. .\ log house was
ne.\t built, and his wife came to share with him the hardships of the
early settlers. In due time the log cabin was replaced by a large
two-story house, which was clapboarded with split and shaved
clapboards. 'I'his was the first two-story house in town, and was the
homestead of the Dudley family for more than half a century. Mrs.
Dudley, whose maiden name was Lucy Barnard, was a devoted,
helpful and pious wife, highly respected by all who knew her, and
greatly beloved by her family. She .died on August 24, 1840, and
her husband followed her on August iS, 1847. Gen. Dudley was in
many respects a remarkable man. His integrity and force of
character was well illustrated in the building of the Peru turn]-)ike.
A company was incorporated to build the Peru turnpike from Peru
to Manchester. The contract was given to Mr. .\tkins. Gen. Dudley
being bondsman for him to the comi)any that the work should be
done in the specified manner and time. Atkins commenced the
work, but kept drawing money from the company until he had
received almost the whole of tlie contract ])ri(e. He then took his
departure, leaving (ien. Dudley to settle with the com]xiny. The
company exacted the penalty of the bond, and without hesitation or
evasion, Gen. Dudley went to work and finished the road at his own
expense. This, however, made (|uite an inroad in his proj^erty.
He was employed by the company to keep the road in repair for
more than twcntv vcars, and by his industry and economy he made
CtKN. StKPHKN DUDl.KV.
HISTORY OF PERU. 123
up what he had lost, accumulating a comfortable property for
himself and family. Gen. Dudley was liberal in his religious belief,
yet did considerable towards the support of society, and was one
of two committees for building the first church in town. He was
one of the first ju.stices, which office he held for a long time, and was
also elected representative for nine terms. His military career was
his glory, and he spent time and money freely for building up
military affairs in Vermont. His first commission was that of
captain in his own tcnvn, and he was promoted from one office to
another until he became }>rigadier-General, closing his military
career with a brigade muster at Manchester about 1825.
Deacon Thomas Wyman came from Princeton, Mass., to Peru,
in March, 1801, with a family of five children. He lived on his
farm until his wife died, when he moved to Landgrove and lived
Iwith his son. Deacon Wyman was an active, useful man, of a
isanguine temperament, and whatever he entered into to do was done
at once. He did much to build up the institutions of the town, and
was elected to all the important offices. Mr. Wyman was chosen
[deacon of the church at the time it was organized, holding the office
jfor nearly thirty years, and, in the absence of a minister, leading the
imeetings. One morning in December, in 1844, lie went into the
(woods to work, and on not returning at night the family became
jalarmed and went in search of him. They fcnmd him lying beside a
log, dead, but without any external injuries. He was 82 years of
jage at the time of his death.
Thomas W_\-man, Jr., son of Deacon Wyman, was the first child
born in town. He received his education at the common school,
and entered upon an active life of i)usiness. liefore he was thirty
years of age he was attacked with a difficulty from which he never
jfully recovered, but by prudence and care he was able to do light
work. .Mr. Wvman married Louisa Persons, of ^V'eston, who died
some years before he did. He was a useful member of societ}- and
a good citizen. He died at the age of 78 years.
Deacon Seth Lyon came to town frt)m Princeton, Mass., in
ji8o_5, with a family of si.x children, antl cleared a new piece of laml.
He was a strong man, both physically and intellectually, and well
[fitted to enter upon life in a new country. He was a good type of
the New England vankee, laboring for the improvement of the town
and the elevation of its inhabitants, filling many offices of trust.
Mr. Lyon was elected deacon of the church with Deacon Wyman,
124 HIS TORY OI' I'l'.Rr.
aiul lonii' assisted in leadint^' the services in the sanctuar_\-. He had
a kind of a stereotyjied prayer which lie used to offer in his pidjhc
services, and which has been remembered by many from childhood
to old aye. One sentence was, " \\'e hew out to ourselves cisterns,
broken cisterns which can hold no water." Deacon Lyon was a
man well read in the scriptures. He died at Peru in 1844, aijed 82
years. Mrs. L\'on then went to reside with her son Joel, where she
died at a very old age.
Freeman Lyon was the oldest son of Deacon .Scth Lyon, and
came to Peru in his bovhood with his parents, receiving; his education
at the first school kept in town. He was a man of giant strength,
and would cut a large log quicker and smoother than any other man
in town. Mr. Lyon was chosen justice of the peace, constable,
selectman, ami twice elected representative to the general assembly.
He dieil in Landgrove and was buried in the north cemetery in Peru,
where his son Charles has erected a fme monumcH to his memory.
Joel Lyon came to town in his young days witii his father. Deacon
Seth Lyon,- and received his education at the common school. He
was a useful citizen, and held manv town offices. .Mr. Lyon was
very conservative in his wav of thinking, and filled the offii'cs that he
was intrusted to with prudence and care. He married Jane
Patchelder, of Peru. ]n 1878 they celebrated their golden wedding,
and large numbers of friends and relatives were present to con-
gratulate them, leaving many tokens of respect. Soon after this Mr.
J-yon received a fall which caused his death. He died in 1878,
aged about 80 years, and his widow died in October. 1889. aged 85
years. .Nfrs. Lyon was the oldest child of her grandfather's family
of ten children.
Mark Ikitchelder, oldest son of C'apt. John Patclicldcr. was born
in Mt. \'ernon, N. IL, in 1803. and came to Peru with his parents
when a child. He received a common school education, and worketl
(Ml his father's farm until he became of age, when he went to (Irafton,
Vt., to learn the blacksmith's trade. .Vftcr he had served his
a|)prenticeship he came back anil comuK'nced business in a shop
which he had built near the residence of ( ). P. Simontls. .\ \car or
two later he moved to Charlestown. N. IL. where he worked at his
trade until i8_:;i. He then came to Peru and bought llu' place fiom
Deacon P>. Ballard, and lived on it until 1836, when he bought the
Oliver Wyman farm, where .\lbert Sinioiuls now residi's. In 1S41
he had a new house built in the village, in whii h phu c he li\e(l until
Mrs. Rkn.iamin IJaknari).
Benjamin I!\kXAki).
HlSTORV OF PKkl!. 125
he died. Mr. Batchelder was a good mechanic, and worked at his
trade about 25 years. He was a good neighbor and citizen, and was
always ready to attend to the wants of the community, both in
sickness and death. He hekl several town offices, was elected
delegate to the constitutional convention, and member of the legis-
lature at different times. Mr. Hatchelder married Koo.xbury Conant,
of (irafton, who died at Manchester at the age of 90 years. He died
in June, 1863, aged 60 years.
Benjamin Barnard, Jr., came into town with his parents from
Westminster, Mass., in i8co. At twenty-one years of age he
commenced working for different persons by the month or day. In
1804 he married Rachel Philbrick, and lived in a log house which
he built on the farm where Josiah H. Whitney lives. His wife died
when they had been married about a year, and he then married her
sister, Hepsibath Philbrick. He cleared his land, and soon had a
farm which produced good crops. In 1812 he built a frame house
where the present house stands, and put u]) a I)arn. Soon after this
the turnpike road was completed, and he then opened his house to
the public as an inn. Although the house was not very large, it was
well patronized, and brought in a revenue without a great outlay of
time or money. Mr. Barnard's motto was, "Time is money," and as
he lived up to it he soon had a surplus which he could loan to his
townsmen, much to their gratification, and his gain. He was strictly
honest, giving every man his due and claiming the same himself.
He kept his hotel until 1835. Mr. Barnard was a kind of a banker
for that region when state banks were few and far apart. He took
an interest in all the affairs of the town, and held several town
offices, being elected selectman a good many times. .\t the last
town meeting that he attended, which was in March, 1864, he said
he had attended every town meeting, but one, held in the town for
over si.xty years. He was three times elected member of the general
assembly. He always took an active part in church and society
matters, and did his share tow^ards their support. Mr. Barnard lived
and died on the farm which he had commenced. He died in June,
1864, aged 82 years, and his wife died in 1870. aged 88 years.
J. J. Hapgood came to Peru in 1806, and received his education
at the common schools in the town. He was a prudent, industrious,
and calculating young man, and managed to save money from his
earnings. In 1827 he bought the land in front of the brick hotel,
which was almost a wilderness at that time, and built a small house,
i_^r. IllS'l'ORV OF I'l'.RU
finishing Iiaif of the lower part for a store. 'I'his was the only store in
the vicinitv. Mr. Hapgood did a little in the potash business, and
carried on the farm, while his sister attended to the store. In i<S32
he married Hefisil^ah I'.arnanl, who filled the i)lace of housewife and
clerk in the store. As time went on the business increased, and the
farm, by hard work, was greatly improved. Mr. Hapgood erected
all the buildings on his place. He always heliK-d to bear the
burdens of the church and society. He took the contract of building
the new church, not including the foundation, for $io30, and
finished it as agreed without any loss. With a little help from the
society he put the new bell on the church. He also built the new
schoolhouse at a very low figure, and he built the parsonage, above
the cellar, for $400. Mr. Hapgood and his son Luke were
connected in business under the name of J. J. Hapgood iV Co.,
but sold out in 1870 to Snow iV" Co., who carried it on a short time
and then sold it to J. j. Hapgood. .Mr. Hapgood had partly filled
the store with goods, when lie died, and .Marshall |. Hapgood then
carried on the store for a lime. 'I"he store was in the hands of the
Hapgood family for about 57 _\ears. Mr. Hapgood was a useful man,
and used both means and time for the jiublic good, and did more to
keej) up and sustain society during the years of his life than any
other man in the town. He died in 1877.
In 1637 John, Josei)h and Mark Hatchelder came from Canter-
bury, County of Kent. l''.ngland, and settled in Salem, Mass. Joseph
Datchelder settled in that part of Salem known as Wenham, and his
farm was situated near Wenham Pond, and has been kept in the
Uatchelder family through all the generations up to tlie present
time.
John 15atchelder, a descendant of Joseph, was in the war ol the
Revolution. After the war he married, and about 1783 moved to
Mt. Vernon, N. H. His son, John, moved to Peru from .Mt. \'ernon
in 1804, bringing with him his wife, whose maiden name was l-anny
Hildrith. He began in the woods on the farm where his sons,
l-AJmund and Hildrith, now reside, and built the first buildings on
the farm. In 1823 he built the house that stands on the place at the
present time. .Mr. Batchelder was the secoiul captain in the militia
company, and was one of the two in the committee who built the
first church in town. His wife died in 1819, and he afterwards
married Nancy Barnard, who died in 1879, aged 92 years. .Mr.
Batchelder was deacon of the church from the time of his appoint-
HISTORY OF PKRl'. 127
ment in 1834, until his death in 1S55. He was about 76 years old
when he died.
Israel Hatchelder came to Peru from .\rt. \'ernon, X. II., about
1808, his wife, whose maiden name was Abij^ail Wiley, of Amherst,
N. H., coming with him. He bought the farm, on which he lived
and died, from Marshall Bigelow, with a small house standing on it
in a clearing. Mr. Hatchelder was elected justice of the peace, was
captain of the militia company, and was twice elected member for the
legislature. He died in 1858, aged 77 years.
Kdmuntl Batchelder came to Peru from Mt. \'ernon, N. H., in
18 1 9, with his wife, whose maiden name was Betsey Jones, of
Amherst, N. H. They brought three children with them. Mr.
Batchelder bought his farm from Joseph Dodge, with a small house
and barn which stood on the ]ilace. He cleared the land and
erected all the buildings, and also built the wall. His wife died on
July 6th, 1869, aged 84 years, and he died on July 20th, 1869, aged
82 years, exactly two weeks after his wife. They had lived together
about si.xty years.
In most respects the three Batchelder brothers were very much
alike. All had good farms and were good farmers, and they all had
their farms paid for. They had gootl buildings, and their farms
were adjoining each other. In the winter and on wet days they
worked at coopering, and in the summer they manufactured sap tubs
and butter firkins, for which they found a ready sale in the adjacent
towns. They had a thorough New England education, intellectually,
morally, and religiously. They all took great interest in having
good schools, and Edmund had been a teacher in his younger days.
They were members of the Congregational church, and did all they
could to sustain church institutions by their presence and means.
Edmund willed $500 to be kept by the church, the income to be used
for helping to support preaching. All three brothers took great
interest in town affairs, and were always willing to bear their share
of the burdens in supporting the institutions of the town. They all
three held town offices. They lived on their respective farms until
they died, each one leaving a son in possession of the homesteads.
These homesteads are still occupied by the Batchelders.
Deacon David Simonds came to Peru with his father in 1802,
being then about 16 years of age, and received a ctJmmon school
education. He commenced clearing the forest on the farm south of
his father's place, meeting with all the hardships that the early
12S IIISTORN' ()1- Pl'.kr.
settlers had to eontend witli. besides which, his house was burned
down. He was a man of reading- and tliou^ht. Mr. Simonds ami
his wife joined the church in iXi6. Mc was more of an .\rmenian
than a ("alvinist in his tiieolo.i^ical views, not a sectarian, but
could fellowship with all who loved the cause of Christ. Mr.
Simonds was an active deai-on of the t'hurch for thirty years, and his
mantle, as deacon, fell upon his son, O. W Simonds, who is still in
office. He was a man of mild tempei'ament, and one who could take
the prosperous side of life with ease, and the unpropitious side with
submission. He believed in the freedom which our 1 )eclarati()n and
Constitution proclaimed, and could not endure oppression in an\-
place or person, country or race, black or white. Hence he early
espoused the cause of emancipation, and labored with his friewds to
educate pul)lic opinion up to the standai'd of fi'cedom aiul ecpial
justice to all antl for all. He lived to si'c his ho|)es fulfilled in his
own countrv. Deacon Siiuonds died in i S69, ai^ed 82 years, aiul his
wife died in i <S<S8, at^'cd about 94 \'ears.
Peter Dudley was the oldest son of Gen. 1'. Dudley, and was
born in Peru, where he altended school, and sometimes taus^ht the
winter term. He married Delia Davis, of Londonderry, and lived in
.Manchester on the (iov. Skinner farm until his wife died. He then
returned to Peru and bought the Nathan Whitney farm. About this
time he married a ladv from Royalston, Mass. Mr. Dudley sold his
farm and bou^iu the Tuthill place in Landgrove, but sold it again
and bought the hotel in North 'Derry which he kejit for several
years. Pie ne.\t moved to Rutland, where he kept a hotel and had
charge of a marble null. .Mrs. Dudley died in Rutland, and .Mr.
Dudley then moved back to Manchester. He married Sophia \'ance
for his third wife. Mr. Diulley was elected a regimental officer
before he was of age, fdling the jilace to the satisfaction of all and
with honor to himself. He was a strong Democrat until the
rebellion l)roke out, when his whole soul went into the struggle for
the preservation of the union and the overthrow of slavery, and took
just jiride in the honorabk' jiart takiui by his children, ("h.irles P.,
hi.'^ oldest son, went out with a three months' regiment, came h )iue
after his time was U]i and recruited for a compan\- in .Manchester, oi
which he was elected captain, being afterwards piomoted to Major.
He received a wound in the battle at Spottyslvania Court House,
which caused his death. i'he second son was a lieutenant m the
regular army. Norton 'P., the youngest son, died in jirison in
HISTORV OF I'KRU. ,,,^
Salisbury. N. C, in 1864. Mr. Dudley died at Manchester on
January loth. 1S83, aged 80 years.
Gen. Stephen Dudley was the second son of Gen. V. Dudley,
and was born in Peru on the ist of June. 1805. He received all the
education that could be obtained at the common schools, but being
studious and eager for knowledge, his meagre school advantages
were greatly assisted by reading. By these means he became a well
informed man, and many who had far greater advantages were not
so well read in the history of our own country and of Europe during
the period of the first Napoleons career. This prepared Mr.
Dudley for useful positions in his native town, which, although it
was Republican and he a Democrat, elected him as representative.
He was also elected delegate to a constitutional convention, and
often held town offices. He inherited a military taste from his
father, and in 1840 received a commission as lieutenant-colonel of
the 26th \'ermont Militia, of which regiment he was promoted to
colonel in 1842. In 1843 he became brigadier-general of the 9th
Brigade Vermont Militia. The niilitarv spirit of General Peter
Dudley did not all die out in one generation, for out of fifteen
grandsons of military age, thirteen enlisted in the service, seven were
officers, six were wounded, and three died in service. Gen. Dudley
married Lydia Davis, of T)erry, and spent his active life upon the
homestead in Peru, where his ten children were born, of whom seven
lived tt) grow up to manhood. Twins were born in 1835. ilied
young; Myron S., born 1837; George 15., born 1839, died 1863;
Lucy, born 1841, died 1865; H. Klmer and H. Estelle, born 1843;
Homer, born 1845; L. Caroline, born 1849; Stephen Cjuilford. born
1854, died 1866. Gen. Dudley sold his farm and moved to 'Derry,
thence to Chester, and from there he went to Andover, where he
died on October 21st. 1876, aged 72 years. His wife died about the
same time.
Ira K. Batchelder, the oldest son of Edmund P.atchelder. was
born in Mt. Vernon. N. H., December nth, 181 1, and came to Peru
with his father in 1819. He was educated at the common schools.
with brief terms at the Chester Academy and at Teachers' Seminary.
Andover, Mass. On coming of age he left Peru for eight or ten
years, being engaged most of the time in teaching. After his return
to Peru he taught several terms of school with great success. A
native of Peru, and a prominent resident of Detroit, Mich., recently
said, that his ideal of school teachers was best represented by Ira K.
i-^o 111S1'()K\' OF I'KRU.
Biitchcldei- and Mary Sinionds (Clark). Mr. IJatcheldt-r was for
many years town superintendent of schools, and always had a most
lively interest in their prosperity. From e.xperience we know that
the common schools in Peru from 1845 to i860 were among the best
in the state. In some of the select schools held in the town during
this time the higher mathematics and languages were taught, and we
could almost fit for college without going out of town. Much of the
efficiency of the schools of that period was due to the personal
attention of Mr. Batchelder. Besides, he took an active interest in
everything that pertained to the welfare of the town, held almost
every town office repeatedly, was very active and efficient in church
work, and, last but not least, was the best farmer in town. He was
appointed a justice of the peace in 1841, and has held that office up
to the present time, a period of forty-nine years. He was chairman
of the board of selectmen for eleven successive years during the war
time. He represented the town in 1849, and was senator from
]>ennington County in 1850 and 1851,. and associate judge of the
County Court in 1864 and 1865. In 1869 he moved to Townshend,
where he now resides. Mr. Batchelder has been one of the trustees
of the Windham County Savings Bank for the past seventeen years.
In 1840 he^arried Nancy, daughter of Benjamin Barnard, who has
been his helpmate in all the circumstances of life, leading a more
active Hfe in the community where she lived than her husband.
They were enabled to celebrate their golden wedding at their home
in Townshend, March 12th, 1890. All their children, grandchildren,
brothers and sisters were present, and witn the help of the many
friends that were present, a very enjoyable time was spent. Julia F.,
their only daughter, graduated at Burr \- lUirton's Seminary and at
Mt. Holyoke Seminary. She married Rev. F. J. Ward, of Crafton,
in 1867, and died at Grafton in 1872. She was a woman with noble
traits of character, and her untimely death was greatly lamented.
Their oldest son, James K., graduated at Burr X: Burton's Seminary
and at Middlebury College in the cla.ss of 1864. He studied law
with the Hon. J. M. Tyler in lirattleboro, graduated at the Law
School in Albany, and is now one of the prominent lawyers of the
state. He represented the town of Arlington two terms, the last of
which he was Speaker of the House. The youngest son, Edward,
moved to I'ownshend with his father in 1 869, where he is now engagtd
in farming, having one of the best river farms in the vicinity.
1). K. S.
HISTORY OF PERU. 131
George Batchelder was born in Peru in 181 2, and received his
education there. He worked on his father's farm until he was of
age. About 1833 he went to Athol, where he served an apprentice-
ship at the carpenter and joiner's trade. He returned in 1837.
bringing with him his wife, whose maiden name was Elvira Peck, of
Royalston, Mass., and worked at his trade in Peru and the adjoining
towns. He had charge of the work in building the churches at
'Derry and East Dorset, and the new Congregational church at
Peru; he also finished the Methodist church in Peru. Mr. Batchelder
served the town as constable, lister, selectman, and was twice elected
representative. In 1853 he moved to Rutland, where he did some
large jobs and had a good reputation as millwright. After a few
years he returned to East Dorset, where he died in 1878, aged 66
years. His wife died about the same time. 'I'hey left two children,
Elsie, who married Duane Kent, of Dorset, and Theodore, who
married and settled in East Dorset.
James L. Haynes, with his wife, one son and a daughter, came
to Peru about 1855, from Fitchburg, Mass. He was a man fi.xed in
his purposes; what he resolved to do had to be done, and what he
did was done well. He bought the mill owned by Holland Tarbell,
put it in good order, and turned out first-class work. .Mr. Haynes's
premises soon showed that a new man had taken possession, the land
was cleaned up and made productive, and the highway was kept in
good repair. Miss Haynes was educated for a teacher. She
married Dr. E. P. Miller, who went to New \'ork City and opened a
retreat for the sick and infirm, which has proved a great success.
Mr. Haynes's son, Charles, fitted himself for a teacher, and taught
school for some time; he is now at the head of Miller's Hotel in New
York City. Mr. Ha3aies died in Peru, and his wife then went to
New York and lived with her children. In 1888 she came to Peru
to spend her summer vacation with Deacon Edmund Batchelder, and
died at his home. 'Phey were a family respected by everybody in
town.
Aaron Burton came to Peru from (."liester in 1 835. and settled
on the Bigelow farm. He was an energetic man, tjuick to decide
and prompt to act. He changed all the buildings except the barn,
and sold the barn over the brook. 'I'he shops were removed, and a
new house built on the same site where the old one stood. Mr. Burton
was a good farmer, and made great improvements in the land. He
took great pride in having good horses and o.xen. He was a good
132 ins r()i<\ ()!■ im:ri .
and useful citizen, and held inan\- town otiices. Mrs. lUirton's
maiden name was Susan Hiyelow, and was a native of Peru. Slie
was a good and useful woman, always ready to help and attend to
those who were sick. Her mother. Widow J^iy^elow, lived with the
Burton family until she died in i(S6i, aged S2 years. Mr. lUirti n
moved to Manchester in 1862, and lived there until he died.
CHILDREN OF A.'\ROX lU'RlOX.
Susan Abigail m. Mr. ("hamherlin, of Manchester; he died.
Her second husband was Dr. C. 1'. Hatch, of Peru; he settU'd in
Acworth, antl died there. She then married Charles Lyon; now
living in ]\ast Salem, N. ^'.
Powman \i. a lady belonging in Philadelphia, li\'ed tlu-re. lie
was a bridge builder.
K. Pigelow M. Mrs. Johnson, lives in New N'ork ('it v.
Mary m. A. J. Oray, of Weston, lives in Iowa.
Lauren died young in Peru.
Cj. K. Davis, son of H. (). Davis, came to Pei'u with his paients,
and received his education in the village school, lie workeil at
farming until he became of age, wlieii he spent sevi-ral \-ears in
business in New York City. He returned to Peru with his wife and
bought the Jesse Rider farm, which he greatlv imjiroved. Aftt'i"
living on the farm several years, he bought the hotel now known as
the I'lromley House. Mr. Davis is a good hotel manager, and no
one understands better how to get up a gootl dinner than his wife.
Mr. Davis is an active man in town affairs, and has been constable
longer than any of his predecessors, besides holding many other
town offices. .Mthough he was a strong Democrat, he was elected to
represent the town in the general assembly.
CIlll.DRKN or G. K. D.WIS.
C.eorge m. Miss Johnson, of Wardsboro, lived in ■|)t'i"r\-, now in
Lee, Mass.
Abbie Ann \i. .Mr. Pond, of Manchester, lives in Dakota.
Ida M. Hildritli ISatchelder, lives in Peru.
I'l/.ra P. Chandler, son of John Chandler, was born in Peru, and
received his education in the district schools. He was a natural
mechanic. At the time he became of age he had worked in different
shops, learning to do everything that was needetl to be done. In
>^S~ he built the house in which he lived, antl later built a barn and
large shop, which was well filled with tools, mostly of his own make.
He made anything in wood that was needed, from a sap tub to a
HIST()R^■ OK PERU. i^^
wagon wheel, also anything in iron, from a steel punch to a 4-horse
engine. Mr. Chandler was a valuable mechanic to have in any
community. He was a good citizen, and did all in his power to help
society. He died in 1885, aged 55 years. Mvs. Chandler is still
living.
Charles Lyon, son of Freeman Lyon, Sen., was born and
educated in Peru. He worked at farming until he was of age, when
he went tn Hoosick and worked in a woolen factory several years.
He returned to Peru and bought the hotel, but sold it again about a
year later and went to Eagleville, X. V., where he soon became
partner in the firm of Cleveland (.\; Lyon, manufacturers of woolen
goods. He continued in this business until about 1869, when he
sold out and bought the water privilege at Shushan, on which he
erected a large factory, part of which was used for the manufacture
of cloth and part for a grist mill. He carried on business in this
mill until he sold out to his nephews, who had been working for
him. Mr. Lyon has now become a banker, and is president of a
National bank in Salem Village. He is probably the wealthiest man
that was brought up in Peru.
Amos Batchelder bought the farm oy\ which he resides from A.
1). Lincoln in 1850. He is a native of Peru, and has always lived in
town. Mr. Batchelder has always been a hard working man and a
good citizen, willing to do his share in supporting the institutions of
the town and society. He married Lucretia Jones, of \\'aitsfield.
CHILDREN' OF .\.MOS 1! A rCHELDKR.
Edgar .m. m Dorset, lives in Peru.
Ella M. Mr. Hewes, of Winhall, lives in Wmhall.
Edmund m. Fannie Cross, lives on the homestead and takes care
of his parents.
Charles J. works at lumbering in Peru.
James works on a farm.
The four sons are stout si.x-foot athletic fellows, and can do as
much heavy work as any four brothers.
Harvey and Hezekiah Stone, sons of Joseph Stone, were born
on the farm where they now live, and received their education in the
town. Thev inherited the farm from their father, and have always
lived on it. their only sister keeping house for them. They attend
strictlv to their own business, although financially, they stand among
the highest in town. They are the only representatives of the large
familv which existed in town si.xty years ago. Harvey Stone has
134
niS'|-()RV OK I'KRU.
been an active citizen, and has been often elected to important
offices. He is a hearty supporter of the Methodist church.
Charles E. Barnard was born and educated in Peru. He
married Harriet Holton, a native of Peru, in 1848. He came into
possession of his father's farm, built the new house, and worked at
farming and lumbering until 1 S64, when he sold out and went to
Granville, 111. He has b-en a very prosperous man, carrying on a
large cattle business and owning more farms than any native of Peru
that we know of. Mr. Barnard had a family of eight children, whose
names are Frank, Fred, Mary, .\nna, p:ilen, b)hn, James, and Hattie,
who have all settled in the west.
Stephen I). Simonds, son of Daviil Simonds, was a native of
Peru, and received his education in the district schools. His wife's
maiden name was Emeline Carter, of Jaffrey, N. H. In 1864 they,
with their two children, Cieorge and Alice, emigrated to (iranville,
111., where they have been very prosperous. Mrs. Simonds died
about 1867. Mr. Simonds married Pollen Stiles, of Peru, for his
second wife, who died in 1890. His son (leorge is doing a success-
ful business as banker and lawyer in Kansas.
F. P. P.atchelder, second son of ICdmund Batchelder, came to
Peru with his parents in 1S19 from Mt. Vernon, N. H., and was
educated at the common schools, with one or two terms at Chester
Academy. He served an apprenticeship .at shoemaking, and worked
at his trade and at farming in his early life. Mr. f>atchelder was
constable for several years, and for a time was deputy sheriff. He
was twice elected a member of the general assembly, and was
doorkeeper in the house of representatives one session. In 1869 he
sold his farm in Peru and bought a farm and milk route in Ludlow,
which he run for several years. He then moved to Iowa, where he
farmed to advantage for four years on a rented farm, after which he
went to Dakota and bought a claim of 480 acres, provetl it up and
obtained a title, .\fter building a house and improving the farm he
sold out and went to St. Louis, where he is still living. Mr.
Batchelder married Abigail Barnard, of Peru, in 1842, and they
have five children, namely, Rosette, Mary Emma, Luella, Lizza, and
Herl)ert P. .Ml the children have settled west of the Missisippi.
James liennett, son of I-'rancis P>ennett, came to Peru with his
parents in 1819, and workeil on his father's farm, attending school in
the winter months. Soon after he became of age he married a lady
from Boston. Mr. Bennett owned a piece of land, which he cleared
' \T^ ^VJ W'M:--
M. I. Hahoood.
HISTORY OF PERU. 135
himself and built a house. Five or six years later he owned and
carried on the Samuel Stone farm. Deacon Wyman's farm, and
Jesse Rider's farm. In 1840 he sold out and went to Rockingham,
where he bought a store and carried on business about a year, then
going to Boston and opening a provision store in partnership with
his son Henry. They did a large business until 1880, when Mr.
Bennett died. Henry still carries it on, under the name of Bennett
(.\: Rand. Jacob, another son, is doing a successful business in
Philadelphia.
Deacon O. P. Simonds, son of Deacon David Simonds, was born
in Peru in 1815, and with the exception of a year or two, has always
lived in town. He built the house where he now resides in 1841.
Mr. Simonds worked at the shoemaking business for over sixty
years. He has served the town as town clerk forty-three years, and
was twice elected representative to the general assembly. He has
been a member of the church fifty-three years, and as deacon was
present at all the meetings, generally leading the choir. Mr.
Simonds married Mary Cone in 1839, and they had six children.
They have lived together more than fifty years, and although their
golden wedding was not celebrated, they were not forgotten.
Joseph H. Simonds, brother of O. P. Simonds, was born in Peru
in 18 1 8, and has always lived in town. He owned and lived on the
farm which his father cleared, built the new house and improved the
barns, and then sold it to Stephen Simonds. He next bought the
farm where .\lbert lives, built a new house and barn, and lived on it
until he died in 1876, aged 58 years. Mr. Simonds was a useful
man, both in town and church affairs, being always ready to sustain
any good cause by his presence and means. He married Emily
Messenger, who is still living. .Albert, his son, takes charge of the
paternal acres, and is likely to fill his father's place in town and
societv. He was elected representative to the legislature in 1890.
Joseph P. Long came to Peru in his boyhood, and has lived in
the town ever since. He lived on the paternal farm and took care
of his father and mother. He was a prudent and industrious man.
and erected good buildings on the farm, besides making great
improvements in the land. Mr. Long held several town offices, and
was twice elected town representative. He married Elvira Lakin, of
Peru, and they had three children, whose names were, Madison, died
in 1864, one son died young, and Henry, who is now living in
.NTanchester. Mrs. Long died with consumption about 1855. Mr.
i:.6 IMS ^()K^■ ()F PERU.
'J
T,ong diecUibout 1879. 1 lis second wife, who was Widow Lmroln,
is still living.
Stillman W. Lincoln canic to Peru with his parents, and received
his education in the common schools, where he was always
considered a good scholar. He was a man of great energy and
activity. His wife's maitlen name was Ann Whitney, of Peru, and
she is still living. Mr. Lincoln bought the l-'rancis Bennett farm,
and lived on it until 1837, when he moved to Pittsfield, Ohio, bought
a farm and improved it. A few years later he moved to Obcrlin
and bought in one of the be.st locations in the city. Mr. T,incohi
died in 1882, aged 72 years.
Jacob Bennett, son of Francis Bennett, came to Peru in 1S19,
and worked on a farm until he became of age, attending the district
school during the winter months. He went to Boston and worked
in a store as clerk for several years, but afterwards went to New
York and entered into partnership in a dry goods firm. Mr.
Bennett was a good business man, and his prospects for success
were very flattering. He died suddenly with cholera in 1829, aged
about 26 years.
L. B. Hapgood was born in Peru in 1841, and received his
education in the town. He worked in his father's store as clerk untd
he became of age, when the firm of L. P.. \- J. J. Hapgood was
formed, in which he continued until 1870. He then went to Boston
and entered into partnership with C. M. Hapg(K)d in the wholesale
shoe business, but was burnt out in the great lire. ^h-. Hapgood is
now foreman in the shoe store of C. M. Hapgor)d, in Kaston,
Penn., and has an interest in the business. He married Ellen Davis,
of Peru, about 1864. Mr. and .Mrs. Hapgood have been useful
citizens wherever they have lived, and have always taken great
interest in the prosperity of the church to which they belonged.
C. M. Hapgood, after his return from the war in 1864. went to
Boston and entered a shoe store as clerk. He soon afterwards
became partner in the business, but was unfortunately burnt out.
After remaining in business at JU)ston a few years, he went to
Easton, Penn. .\ company was there organized umler the name ol
Hapgood, Hay iV Co., and did a wholesale and retail business in
boots and shoes of all kinds. Mr. Hapgood attended to buying the
stock and had the general management of the business, which
increased from year to year. The company was dis.solved in 18S9,
but Mr. Hapgood continued in the same business, and is now doing
HIS'l^ORY OF PERU. 137
a IdV'^ev l)Lisiness than any other man who went (umi Peru. His
residence is one of the finest in the town.
Mark K. Lyon, son of Joel Lyon, was l)orn in Peru and educated
in the district and select schools. He worked on his father's farm
until he was of age, then worked some years at the marble business
in Dorset, where he also taught school. Mr. Lyon married .\bbie
M. Rideout, of Dorset, and returned to his father's house. In 1869
he bought the best farm in town, on which he has proved himself a
successful farmer. Mr. Lyon is a useful citizen and an active
worker in the society and church of which he and his wife are
members. He has represented the town in the legislature, besides
being elected to several town offices.
J. ('. Lakin, the only son of ("apt. James Lakin, was born on
the farm where he now resides, and was educated in the district
school. His children have received their education and become
teachers in the same school. Mr. Lakin is an active citizen, and has
held many important offices. Although a strong Democrat, he was
elected representative by the town. He married l^lvira Rideout, of
1 )orset.
C'harles Batchelder, son of iMhnund liatchelder, was born (M1 the
farm where he now lives, anil has lived there most of his life. His
wife's maiden name was Abbie Davis. Mr. 15atchelder, being the
youngest son, came into possession of the ancestral farm, and he anil
his wife [M-ovided and cared for his parents as they passed down
the declivity of life and crossed the Jordan to the new Jerusalem.
Mr. Batchelder's sons have all left home, and he has carried on the
farm alone for years. He is a good citizen, and always willing to do
his share of any town business. Mr. Batchelder and his wife are
liberal supporters of the society and church of which they are
members.
Samuel Stiles, son of Capt. P'rancis Stiles, is a true bloodeil
Vermonter, by birth, education, and practice, and by being quick to
decide and prompt to act he has accomplished whatever he has
undertaken. He came into possession of his father's farm, and has
since added another farm to it, besides building a new house. His
parents and grandj^arents lived with him in their old age. Mr. Stiles-
married Miss Conablc, of liernardston, Mass., who died; he then
married her sister, who is still living. Tlicy are Methodists, and are
active supporters of that church.
De.vter ]}atchelder, son of Israel P.'atchelder, was born at Peru
138 IIISTORV Ol' 1'1;KU.
in 1820, and was educated in the village schools. In 1841 he went
Dorset and worked in ^^'m. Williams's tanyard. While there he
married Susan llloomcr. After a few years he returned to Peru to
take charge of the homestead and care for his parents in their
declining years, a duty which he and his wife faithfully performed.
In 1840 he bought the farm where his son Robert lives, rei)aired the
house and moved on to it, converting the large house which stood on
the homestead into a cheese factory. Mr. Batchelder took an active
interest in town business, and was always ready to aid in any useful
improvements. Although he was not a member of the church, he
did a great deal towards the support of the society and institution of
the church. He represented the town in two sessions of the
legislature, and was one of the county judges at the time of his death.
Mr. Batchelder died in 1888, aged 68 years. His only child, Robert
1., inherits the estate.
I). K Simonds, son of Deacon David Simonds, was born at Peru
1839, and spent his childhood and youth on his father's farm and at
the district school in Peru. He went to Burr \: Burton's Seminary
to prepare for college, and graduated from Middlebury College in
1862. He then practiced law in the office of Crone «.V Bisbee,
Newport. Vt.. being admitted to the bar in 1865, at Orleans Countv,
Vt. Mr. Simonds edited the Newport Kxpress in 1865 ami 1866,
the St. Johnsbiiry Times in 1870, and for the past twenty years has
been proprietor and editor of the Manchester Journal. He has been
town clerk for eighteen years, was postmaster for eleven years,
register of the probate court fourteen years, was elected represen-
tative from Manchester and senator from Bennington County. Mr.
Simonds married Ellen Clark, daughter of Rev. .A. !•'. Clark, of
IJrattleboro, who was a teacher of music at Burr Seminary.
Rev. Myron S. Dudley, son of Gen. Stephen Dudley, was born
in Peru, and received the rudiments of his education in the common
and select schools of the town. He lilted for college at liurr (.\:
Burton's Seminary, and graduated from .Middlebury College in 1863.
In 1863 he entered the army, joining the Veteran regiment as
private, but was afterwards promoted captain. He was wounded in
the battle of the Wilderness, and mustered out of service in 1865.
.Mr. Dudley then studied theology, and was ordained and settled at
Chelsea, \'t., from which place he went to Cromwell, Conn. In i S90
he moved to Nantucket, Mass. He has been a useful man, and is
greatly esteemed wherever he labors.
HISTORY OF PERU. 139
James M. Dudley, third son of Gen. Dudley, was educated at
the district school. Chester Academy, and Burr l\: Burton's Seminary.
He entered the office of Judge Washburn, in Ludlow, to study law,
and remained there two years, then entering the Albany Law School,
where he studied until he was admitted to the bar. Mr. Dudley
associated himself with Horace Smith, a former classmate, and
carried on business at Broadalbin. From there he went to Open-
heim, F\dton County. In 1855 he moved to Johnstown, the countv
seat, and formed a partnership with the late Judge Bell, which
continued until the death of the latter. Mr. Dudley possesses a
good legal mind, well disciplined by study and experience, and is
felt to he a lawyer who can safely be trusted with complicated
cases.
Deacon Edmund Batchelder, son of Deacon John Hatchelder,
was born on the farm where he now lives, and where he intends to
live until he crosses the river, when his son Hildrith will take
possession of it for life, and then leave it to his son. It is eighty-
seven years since Deacon John Batchelder commenced on this farm.
Edmund Batchelder married Sophia Simonds, who died in 1856,
aged 41 years, and he then married Augusta Parker, of Putney, who
died in 1867; his third wife, whose name was Mary (Rider)
F^airbanks, is still living. Mr. Batchelder has been an active deacon
in the church for thirty years, and has been a member about fifty
years. He has been a member of the Sunday school seventy-one
years.
A. '1". Byard, only son of Aaron Byard, was born and educated
in Peru. He married Jane McMullen, and they went to live on the
paternal farm. Mr. Byard provided and cared for his father and
mother while they lived, both of whom lived to be over ninety years
of age. Mr. Byard improved the farm and erected a fine house.
After his chihJren left home he sold the farm and bought the Mark
Batchelder place in the village, which he greatly improved, but
afterwards exchanged it for the farm that Asa Phillips commenced
(jn. He still owns this place, but resides in Townshend. Vt. Mr.
Byard is a man respected by all, having been a good citizen and a
useful member of the church. He rcjiresented the town two years
in the legislature.
C. F. Long is a son of Isaac (i. Long, who came to Peru from
Londonderry about 1828. He was educated in the village schools,
and worked on the farm with his father until he became of age. He
I40 HISTORY OF PERU.
llu'ii worked at lurniii!^' chair stock, but it did not agree with his
health, so he commenced peddHng tinware, soon, however, chanj^ini^
that for dry .goods, and (hd an extensive business. He bought a
large farm in I )orset, improved it, and then sold out. Mr. Long
then went to 1 )etroit, Mich., and formed a company under the name
of batchelder (.\; Long, to deal and work in stone, .\fter doing a
successful business for .some time, he sold his share in the compan\-
and moved to Iowa, where he lived several years. He is now living
in Vpsillanti. Mich, .\lthough Mr. Long's health has alwavs been
delicate, he has been able, by care, to lead a very at ti\-e life, and has
been successful in all his undertakings. He married .\kirtha
liatchekler, of I'eru, who dietl in 1888, aged 58 }'ears. Mr. l-ong is
a liberal supporter of society, both by his means and presence.
Edward ]>atchelder, son of Israel Batchelder. is a native of Peru,
and spent his youthful days on his father's farm. .\t maturity he
went to Massachusetts and worked in different shops. He married
Harriet W'yman, of Peru. Mr. ]>atchelder then bought the Ballard
mill and run il a short time, selling out to Oustavc .Mhee. He next
worked as a wheelwright, and afterwards bought the brick hotel,
which he run abt)Ut a year and sold to (i. K. Davis. .\Ir. Batchelder
was a useful citizen, and besides being elected lo manv town otfici-s,
rejiresented the town in the legislature two years. He moved to I'>asl
Dorset, and is now foreman in D. L. Kent iV Co.'s marble mill.
After Mr. Batchelder's first wife died, he married Widow Vials, of
I )orset.
Jonathan Hai)good, son of Josiah Hapgood, was born in Peru,
and spent his early days in the village. He ditl his life's work on
the farm where he was born, caring for his father and mother in their
old age. He married .\urelia (Davis) .Marsh, of Reading, \l.
Mr. Hapgood built the new house and made great improvements on
the farm. He was a man who worked for the improvement of the
institutions of the town, and held many important offices; he was also
elected to represent the town two terms. .Mrs. Hapgood died m
1882, and Mr. Hapgood in 1883. They were living nt their son's
residence in Manchester when they died, but were brt)ught to Peru
for burial.
James H. \\'ait, son of [ames Wait, came to Peru in childhooel
with his part'iUs, who settled in district No. 6, in 1835, and which
was an unbroken wilderness at that time. He assisted his father in
clearing the farnj during the summer months, and attended sclujol in
lilsTokN oi' I'l'.kU.
r II
the winter, where he soon pro\e(l to he a good scholar. He learned
the joiner's trade, and has alwaj's worked at it. Mr. Wait married
Nancy Wjanan, daughter of Thomas Wyman, and settled ui East
Dorset, where he built a house. He was always an industrious
man, and one who enjoyed his prosperity.
John W. i;)avis, son of (irovenor Davis, came into town with his
parents when he was four years old. He received his education at
the common school of the district in which he lived. When (|uite
young he commenced peddling tinware, but finally moved to
Manchester, where by perseverance and iiulustry he soon had a large
business. Mr. Davis married Betsey Roby, of Peru, 'ihe business
is now carrietl on under the name of John W. Davis tS: Son, and
deals in tinware, sheet iron, stoves, lead pi]ie, and all kinds of goods
kept in such establishments.
Henry Davis, second son of (Irovenor Davis, received his
education at the school in district No. 6, aiul worked on his father's
farm until he became of age. Ivirlv in life he commenced running
'I'hayer's hotel at h'actory Point, but left it in a few years and moved
into the Colhurn House, where he run a popular hotel for about
twenty years. .Mr. Davis retired fri>m the hotel business with the
credit of being a popular landlord.
Six sons of (Joodell Walker, whose names are b'lin (■•. Ii;i \^-.
Seth r,., Duane, Merrill G., and Peter j., were all born in Peru and
received their education in the village schools. 'I'hey worked on the
farm with their father until they were twenty-one years of age. .\ll
of them married and first settled on farms in Peru, John d. being
the first one to i)reak the ring and leave town. He has lived in
several towns, but has spent most of the time in Peru, and has owned
different farms and tlealt in real estate. Ira R. has lived on several
farms, but for nu)re than twenty )-ears has occupied the house where
he now lives. He married Catherine Wyman, of Peru, and had one
daughter, who died when cjuite young. Seth I,, bought the Dudley
farm, and has lived on it ever since. All the large buildings were
struck l)y lightning and burnt down, i)ut better ones have taken their
place. He married Mrs. Abbie Drury, of Weston, who died in iSSr;.
Duane married Irene Stoddard, of South 'Derry. He died in 1S63,
aged 30 years, and is the only one of the six brothers who is dead.
Merrill ('.. married Rosette Stiles, of Peru. He owned several farms
in town, the last one being the Bigelow place, on which he built a
fine house. He finally bought a farm, saw mill, and jelly factory in
142
IIIS'IORV (»!• I'KRIT.
Manchester, where he is now doing business under the name of M.
(;. Walker \- Son. Porter J. came into possession of the paternal
acres, \vhich he sold and moved to Manchester, where he built a
house. He is now doing business for iiimself in Inglewood, 111.
All the six brothers were indu.strious and useful citizens, taking an
active part in town affairs, and holding offices at different times.
John twice represented the town in the legislature. They all helped
to support society, and were members of the church. Merrill G. and
Porter j. were active members in the church and Sunday school, and
their help was much missed by the society.
Of the large family of John H. Sawyer, only two are living.
John married in Massachusetts, and then went to California, where
he has prospered. Sarel, the third son, after the death of his father,
entered into an engagement with his mother and the heirs to remain
on the farm, take care of his mother, and pay a small sum to the
heirs, which he did until he came into possession of the homestead.
He re-built the saw mill, put in new machinery, and otherwise
improved the premises. Mr. Sawyer is a man of great muscular
power, and has done a good deal of hard work on his farm. He
married Jane Conable, of Pernardston, Mass., and has tiiree
daughters, all of whom are married.
M. J. Hapgood, son of J. J. Hapgood, was born at Peru in
1849. He attended the village school, and then went to Burr iv
Burton's Seminary to prepare for college. After he had finished his
course at Williams College, he studied in different law offices and
attended lectures at the Harvard Paw School, afterwards being-
admitted to the l)ar. Mr. Hapgood connnenced business with the
firm of J. J. Hapgood iV Co. in the mercantile store at Pern, and
continued in the business for a number of years. He enteretl the
lumber business, bought large tracts o( land, and erected a steam
mill on the mountain, which lias done a large business. Mr.
Hapgood does more to support society and the institutions of the
town than any other citizen.
Of the six sons of J. W. Farnum who were born and brought up
in scho(;l district No. 4. David is the oldest. He married Miss 1''.
liurton, of Manchester, and went to live in lltrndon, ^'a,, but now
resides in Maryland, where he has prospered. Aaron, the second
son, was suddenly killed by the bursting of a stone in a grist mill at
Arlington, Vt., leaving manv friends to mourn his loss. Henry, the
third son, married Miss lienedict, and resides on the farm formerly
HIS'I•()R^' OF I'ERU. 143
occupied by Mr. Benedict in Arlington. He is a useful citizen of
that town. Charles E., the fourth son, married a lady from New
Hampshire, and is settled in Washington, D. C, where he is a
master builder, with an e.xtensive business. Lycena, the fifth son,
married a lady at Peru. He moved to Arlington, and is doing well
at farming. The si.xth and youngest son is married and settled in
Dorset. The (eldest daughter, Miriam, married Edwin S. Simonds,
and lives in Herndon, Va. Mr. Simonds holds an office at
A\'ashinglon, 1). C". Amanda, the other daughter, married Frank
Rand and lives in Townshend.
James Farnum came to Peru about 1835, and married
Remembrance Long. He owned several farms in town, but the
latter part of Mr. and Mrs. Farnum's life was spent with their son.
where they both died, aged about 73 years. Charles, the oldest son,
married Maria Carlton, and lived on various places until about 1865,
when he purchased the Killam farm, on which he is doing a good
business. He has a family of girls. Wallace, the second son,
married Miss Estabrook, of Manchester, and has always lived in
town. He now owns the Aaron Byard farm, and is a successful
farmer. Fayette, the third son, married Miss Simonds, of Peru, and
settled at Manchester Depot. He is a mechanic, and is doing
a successful business. These three brothers are industrious men and
good citizens.
I.ONCFVITV.
Widow Sarah Killam Stiles was the oldest person who ever lived
in town. She died in 18G8, aged 102 years and six months. Her
one hundredth anniversary occurred on Sunday, and was celebrated by
holding a meeting at her residence and uniting with her in celebrat-
ing the Lord's supper. Rev. M. A. (iates officiated. Her mind
continued bright and clear almost to her last days.
Li the family of Reuben Bigelow there were eight daughters
who grew up to womanhood in Peru, and were as follows. .Abigail,
died in Chester in 1888, aged 92 years; Su.san, died in Manchester
in 1S68, aged about 70 years; Lucinda lives in Illinois; Demietta
lives in Llinois; Deborah lives in Michigan; Laura lives in
Wisconsin; Orrilla and Caroline live in Virginia. The combined
ages of the sisters that are alive is 503 years, which averages S;ij.>
years each.
144 HISTORY oi' i'i:kr.
NAMES OF 'JHOSE OVV.k ^■1^■K^^' YKARS.
Sarah Farnum, 92; T,ucy Wood Barnard, 97; Mrs. John
I'atchelder, 92; Mrs. Joel Adams, 95; ^Vido\v I.ovina Mapji^ood, 97;
Aaron liyard, 95; ^[rs. A. liyard, 95; Mrs. Al)ij;ail I.ony-. 93: Mrs.
Sally Farnum, 95; Jesse lirown, 92; Mrs. Sally Cook, 94; Mrs.
Anna Simonds, 94; Mrs. Peter A. (iould, 93; Ebenezer Stiles, 92:
Mrs. Scammel Burt, 92; l^arker W'yman, 91; \\'ido\v Sarah
Messenger, 96.
XAMF.S OF TIIOSI-. 0\ FR lICUrN VFARS.
Mrs. Benjamin ^^'illiams, 82; Mrs. Joel Lyon, 84: Peter A.
Gould, 82; Mrs. J. L. Haynes, 80; Horace Gould, 80; Mrs. Elijah
Simonds, 84; Daniel Wood, 83; H. (). Davis, 82; Folly Stone, 83;
( )liver Wyman, 85; Deacon Seth Fyon, 83; Dana Wyman, 83; Joel
.Adams, 82; David Simonds, 83; Moody Roby, 88: Asa Farnum,
86; Stephen Tuttle, 83; Deacon John Davidson, 84; Widow Stral-
ton, 87; Zimri \Vhitney, 86; Jes.se Brown, 87; Mrs. Zimri \\hitney,
82; David Robbins, 85; Mrs. T,ydia Walker, 82; Moses Rider, 86;
Mrs. A.sa Smionds, 80; Freeman Lyon, 80; Mrs. John Rrovvn, 87;
Elisha Whitnev. 84; Freeman Lyon, 2nd, 80; Benjamin Ikirnard, 87;
.Mrs. Reuben Bigelow, 83; Mrs. Deacon Lyon, 87; Stephen Bennett.
84; Mrs. Jesse Brown, 81 ; l"klmund P>atchelder, 83; Mrs. Edmund
F.atchelder, 84; Mrs. Isaac G. Long, 84; Mrs. Asa Farnum. 82;
F)enjamin Rarnard, Jr., 82; .Mrs. lienjamin Uarnard, 88; .Mrs.
Stowell Barnard, 82; Mrs. John Brown, 87; .Mrs. Stejihen Iknnelt,
82; Mrs. David Robbins. 87; Moses .'\dams, 85; Stei-)hen Tuttle, 83:
.Mrs. Ira Russell, 80; l^lijah Simonds, 85: Mrs. Daniel Wood 83;
Mrs. I'.lisha Whitnev, Si; jane Taft. 80.
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