ALFRED, John B., one of the prominent business men of Fairfax, Vt., of which town he is a native, was born April 23, 1845, a son of Samuel D. and Polly Alfred. The surname Alfred seems to be one of adoption, it being by the family variously spelled Alvord, Alford, or Alfred. Samuel D. Alfred was born June 14, 1804, and his first wife, Sally (Willard) Alfred, was born September 20, 1805. Their marriage occurred January 2, 1825. Their two children, Benjamin C. and Roxena, are both deceased. Mrs. Alfred died November 25, 1828, and November 25, 1832, Mr. Alfred married for his second wife Polly Smith, by whom he had these children : Samuel D., Parmelia, Mary C. S., Sarah M., Cornwell B., Elizabeth C, John B., Almon S., Chauncy C, and Frank E. Samuel D. Alfred, the father, died May 5, 1889, and his wife, Polly, February 15, 1890. In 1842 Samuel D. started in trade at the village, and in 1868 he retired, being succeeded in business by his son, John B., by whom it has since been conducted. May 16. 1866, John B. Alfred married Susan, daughter of Nathan Bradley, of Fairfield, of which marriage five children have been born. Mr. Alfred has been one of the leaders in the affairs of the town.
BALLARD, George A., the well known practicing attorney of Fairfax,- was born in Georgia, October 21, 1831. He was the son of Orris and Chloe Priscilla Ballard, and was reared on the farm and attended school when opportunity offered, but his early education was acquired mainly at the Georgia Academy and the New Hampton Institute. He read law in the office of Counselor H. R. Beardsley, of St. Albans, and was admitted to practice in 1862, commencing in Georgia, but moving in July, 1865, to Fairfax, that place affording a better field for the profession. This town has been his home from that to the present time, although his practice has extended throughout the county and even beyond it. About 1883 Mr. Ballard formed a law partnership with George W. Burleson, esq., of St. Albans, and this relation has since been maintained. September 5, 1865, Mr. Ballard married Almira Witters, by whom he has had two children. He represented Fairfax in the Assembly of 1869 and again in 1870. In 1872 he was elected senator. He held the office of state's attorney from 1872 to 1874.
BEEMAN. James Monroe, born in North Fairfax, Vt, May 8, 1816, was the seventh of eight children born to Jedediah and Mary (Osgood) Beeman. He is a descendant from Joseph Beeman, » pioneer of the county and prominently known as an extensive land-owner and surveyor throughout this region. James M Beeman was reared on a farm, and learned the trade of a blacksmith and wheelwright. He had a shop near where the road in North Fairfax crosses the reservoir creek. In 1839, December 22, Mr. Beeman married Abigail Lewis, of Fairfax, by whom he has these children: Adelaide, born June 8,1841, died aged two years; Adelbert B born July 15, 1843, now a prominent business man of Fairfax; Ethel Louise, born August 21, 1845, wife of William Wilson, of Fulton county, N. Y.; Frances L, born October 20, 1850, married Alonzo Frizbee, of New York state; and Susie H., born August 10, 1852. married Dr. Joel Allen, of Johnson, Vt. In 1856 Mr. Beeman moved to Fairfax village for the purpose of educating his children, and embarked in trade there. For thirteen years he was also engaged in the manufacture of butter tubs at the Falls. In 1864 he took as a partner his son, Adelbert B. Beeman, under the firm name of J. M. Beeman & Son. Mr. Beeman has now retired from active business. He has been selectman and justice of the peace, and is one of the trustees of the Bellows Academy Fund and president of the board. In politics he is a Democrat.
BISHOP, Ira C, was born in Westford, January 11, 1839, and when an infant his parents moved to Fairfax. Ira C. was the youngest of three children of Deacon Orville and Electa (Larned) Bishop. He was educated in the district schools, the New Hampton Institute, and attended for a time a school at Fort Edward, N. Y. Prior to his father's death in 1888 Mr. Bishop married Augusta, daughter of Silas W. Brush, of Fairfax, by whom he has had two children, Cyrus H. and Ira B. He has been a leading man in his town, having held the position of selectman and nearly all the other important offices. Mr. Bishop was brought up in the Baptist church, though he does not adhere strictly to that faith. For twenty years prior to his death Deacon Bishop lived in the house now occupied by Ira C.
DREW, John B., born in Fairfax, Vt, May 30, 1854, was the youngest son of Aaron and Maria (Scott) Drew. Aaron Drew was a man of public spirit and integrity, a farmer, and the owner of a large amount of real estate, all of which was accumulated through industry by his own hands, aided in a large degree by the diligence, care, and economy of his estimable wife. Their children were: Daniel D., who resides in Kansas; Truman G. and Reuben W., both of whom died in Fairfax ; Alfred E., a minister of the gospel; Alma R., wife of Edwin S. Butts, of Lansing, Mich.; Elbert, who died in infancy; Harmon C. and Burton, deceased; and John B. The father died when John B. was eight years of age, and the latter came four years later to Fairfax village, where he attended the New Hampton Institute for several years. He afterwards attended the Collegiate Institute at Fort Edward, N. Y., and in 1878, after a clerkship of several years, he started a drug store with fancy goods and furnishings at Fairfax, in which business he has ever since been engaged. His mother died January 3, 1871. He married, in 1880, Emma M. Loveland, of Concord, N. H., by whom he had two children: Fred L. and Ernest C. In 1883 John B. Drew was appointed postmaster at Fairfax, but was removed during the Cleveland administration in June, 1886. On June 13, 1889, he was again appointed to that office under the Harrison administration, which position he still holds.
FARNSWORTH, Asher Palmer, more commonly known as Palmer Farnsworth, was born January 18, 1818 His father. Asahel Farnsworth, was the son of Levi, a native of New Hampshire, who came at an early day and settled on Fairfax Plain, but who afterwards moved to Westford. Asahel married Content Wilcox and located in Fairfield. Their children were Seth, Emily, Phyla, Asher P., Harriet, Fanny, and Marcia A. Asher P. Farnsworth moved to Fairfax about twenty-five years ago. He has been thrice married, his first wife being Mariette Chase, by whom he had two children. This marriage occurred March 12, 1843, and his wife died in 1856. His second wife, whom he married in 1860, was Nancy Merchant, who bore him one child. His third marriage, September 25, 1873, was with Charlotte McMaster. Mr. Farnsworth is a prominent member of the Baptist church of Fairfax. He is a man of good business qualifications, and has been entrusted with the care and management of a number of estates, which service he has performed with credit.
FARNSWORTH, Dr. James H., was born in Fairfield, Vt., April 16, 1809. When a boy he commenced the study of medicine with his father, and entered the Medical Department of the University of Vermont, graduating in a class of twenty-eight in 1828. April 5, 1830, he married Caroline Martin, of Ferrisburg, Vt., and commenced the practice of medicine in Fairfax, where he continued until his death, which occurred suddenly August 26, 1878. Dr. Farnsworth served his town both as representative and senator, and his counsel was often sought in business matters. He left three daughters: Mary, wife of Rev. J. S. Goodhall, of Essex Junction, Vt., and Caroline and Sarah, who own and reside on the home farm.
HAWLEY, Dr. Curtis F., is descended from the pioneer stock in Fairfax, being the son of Lyman and grandson of Abijah Hawley, the latter having settled in Buck Hollow in 1790. The wife of Lyman was Betsey Hawley, by whom he had a large family of children. By his second wife, Melissa Wells, he had two children. Curtis F. Hawley was born August 2, 1826, and lived on the home farm until he was eighteen. He was educated in the common schools and in Bakersfield Academy. He read medicine with Dr. John Branch, of St Albans, and afterwards attended the Castleton Medical College, from which institution he was graduated in June, 1889. This was followed by a post-graduate course in the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York city, after which he commenced practice in Fletcher in 1849, moving to Fairfax in 1858. Dr. Hawley is a successful practitioner, and an active member of both the State and County Medical Societies. During the war he had a valuable experience in the hospital at Brattleboro. In 1851 be married Louisa A., daughter of William R. Boynton, of Fletcher, of which marriage four children have been born. He also has one child by adoption. In 1872-74 Mr. Hawley represented his town in the legislature. He has frequently been selectman, and has held the offices of town clerk, treasurer, and superintendent.
HAWLEY, Cyrus Abijah, born in Fairfax on the 26th of December, 1848, was the son of Lyman Hawley by his marriage to Melissa Wells, whose two children were Cyrus A. and Betsey Marilla, wife of John P. Robinson, of Swanton. Cyrus A. Hawley was born and now lives on the old farm on which his grandfather, Abijah Hawley, settled in 1790. On the 19th of January, 1870, he married Elsie E., daughter of Stephen Jeffords, of Enosburgh. Mr. Hawley has been prominent in town affairs, having served two terms as selectman, two as lister, and held other offices as well. He is a member of Christ church of Buck Hollow.
HOWARD, Marshall, married Lavina Smith, and by her had nine children, viz.: Ebenezer, Charles, Daniel, Polly, Jerusha, Joseph, Harrison, Anna, and John S. Of these only Anna, now the wife of Daniel D. Cox, and John are now living. Ebenezer Howard, the eldest, married Sarah Goodwin, and had eight children, as follows: Caroline; Keyes, who died in Andersonville prison ; Willard ; Charlotte, wife of John Bostwick; Anna, a school teacher in Fairfax; John S.; and Mary, wife of H. R. Learned, of Wisconsin. John S. Howard was born January 10,1841. He attended the district schools and one term at the academy, living at home until he entered the army, in which he enlisted as private August 4, 1862, in Company K, Eleventh Vermont Infantry. At the Weldon Railroad raid he was taken by the rebels and confined in the Southern prison pens for five months and twenty-three days. On being released he joined his command and served until the close of the war, never having been wounded. He was mustered out in July. 1865. In December, 1880, Mr. Howard married Flora A., daughter by adoption of Daniel D. Cox, of which marriage one child has been born.
HUBBELL, George A., son of Homer E. and Maria L. (Gove) Hubbell, was born in Fairfax, December 9, 1830. Homer E. Hubbell, the father, was a leading lawyer of Franklin county, and died in 1890 at the age of eighty-live. George A. Hubbell was educated in the district schools of the town and attended Bakersfield Academy for a short time. In 1852 he made a journey to the California gold fields, where he worked nearly two and a half years. During the most of his life he has been engaged in farming and cattle dealing, though of late years he has lived in the village and given the direct management of the farm into the hands of his son, Charles G. On July 3,1856, George A. Hubbell married Jane E., daughter of Orville Bishop, of Fairfax, of which marriage two children were born, viz.: Homer Bishop Hubbell, now principal of the high school at Beaver Dam, Wis., and Charles Gove Hubbell, of Fairfax. Mr. Hubbell is a Democrat in politics. He has held the offices of selectman, lister, grand juror, auditor, and justice of the peace.
HUBBELL, Homer E., born at Cambridge, Vt, August 10, 1805, died at Fairfax, May 17, 1890. At the age of nineteen he came to Fairfax and commenced the study of law in the office of Hon. Luther B. Hunt, and was admitted to the Franklin County Bar at St. Albans in September, 1827. In October, 1828, he married Maria L. Gove, and the same year he purchased the practice and real estate business of Mr. Hunt and settled in Fairfax. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1843, and was a justice of the peace for seventeen years. In 1836. at the age of thirty, he was elected state senator, being the youngest senator ever elected in the state, and was re-elected in 1838 and again in 1842. He was elected town representative seven times. In 1842 he was chosen state's attorney, and as such prosecuted the case of Eugene Clifford, who was convicted of the murder of his wife and child by drowning them in Fairfield Pond. Mr. Hubbell remained in active practice for fifty years, but in 1880 he was stricken with paralysis, which left his nerves badly shattered, obliging him to retire from professional work. His mind continued clear to the time of his death. In politics he was always a Democrat Mr. Hubbell left three children : George A., who owns and lives on the homestead; John C, who has charge of the cold storage at St. Albans; and Jane M., wife of Daniel H. Smith, of Princeton, ILL.
HUNT George, son of Elijah and Louisa (Kidder) Hunt, was born in Fairfax, February 5, 1841. His parents had a large family of children, as follows: Lucy A., Fred S., George, Henry, Ira E., Lucilla P., Adelia, Abbie, John F., and Cora, several of whom still live in the town. George Hunt was reared on the farm, where he lived until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Company K, Eleventh Vermont Volunteer Infantry, the regiment being commanded by Colonel Warner and Company K by Capt George D. Sowles. The first regular engagement in which the company participated was at Cold Harbor, and here comrade Hunt was struck by a minie-ball, wounded, and carried to the field hospital, where he remained for a time, being afterwards taken to the general hospital at Washington, whence he was conveyed in December to Burlington, Vt., and there cared for until June, 1863, when he was discharged for disability. In 1867 Mr. Hunt married Ellen S. Brush, of Fairfax, by whom he had one child. In the fall of 1889 he was elected representative for Fairfax in the General Assembly, and for six years be held the office of first constable.
KENFIELD, Benjamin, was born in Morristown, Vt., October 2, 1820, a son of George and Lucinda (Dike) Kenfield. When six years old his mother died, after which he was sent to live with an aunt at Cambridge. He was apprenticed to Thomas H. Perkins, of Johnson, a blacksmith, at which he served for four years, when he began business for himself. In 1843 he went to Fletcher, where he worked for three years, thence to Cambridge, where he manufactured axes for two or three years. He then came to Fairfax and worked for Ansel Shepardson; but a little later, with Merrit C. Shepardson, he bought and operated a foundry, saw-mill, and blacksmith shop, the works being located in Shepardson Hollow about two miles east of the village. In 1862 Mr. Kenfield en-listed in Company K, Eleventh Vermont Volunteers, and served until May, 1864, when he was discharged for disability. Returning from the army he bought a farm, on which his son now lives, but of late years he has resided in the village, where he carries on a shop. In 1846 Mr. Kenfield married Aurelia Shepardson, of which union seven children have been born. He and his family are members of the Baptist church.
LEACH FAMILY, The.-The surname Leach stands for pioneer ship in Fairfield, John Leach having been one of the early settlers, and his wife, Hannah (Page) Leach, was also of pioneer stock in that town. Of their ten children Willis married Betsey Danforth, by whom he had six children, the youngest being Cyrus. . The latter, who is a farmer, married, in 1849, Mary B. Hawley, of Fairfax, of which marriage five children have been born, viz.: Myron B., Willard F, Hobart F" Julia A., and Hannah. In I860 Mr. Leach purchased and moved to the old Gale farm, which contains about 300 acres. During his residence in Fairfax he has been for two or three years selectman, the candidate of the Republican party. In church affairs Mr. Leach is of the Baptist denomination, while his wife is a communicant of the Protestant Episcopal church of Buck Hollow.
MARSH, Salmon S., whose large farm is located north of Fairfax village, was born in Sheldon, March 13, 1818, the son of Thomas and Mary (Stebbins) Marsh, both of pioneer stock in Sheldon. Thomas Marsh was twice married, his first wife being Han-nah Young, who bore him six children, all of whom are now deceased. By his second marriage he had five children, of whom Salmon S. was the third. Mr. Marsh died in Sheldon in 1842. Salmon S. Marsh married, February 22 1843, Aurilla Kendall, of Enosburgh, daughter of Seth Kendall, by whom he had three children. In 1853 he purchased and took up his residence on a farm in Orleans county, Vt., where he remained for thirteen years. In 1866 he bought the old Swift farm of 125 acres in Fairfax, where he has since resided, having increased this place to 227 acres. The owner is practically retired from active work, the management of the .property being in the hands of Cyrus H. Whitford, his son-in-law.
PERHAM, Madison 0., son of Alvin and Harriet Perham and second of their three children, was born in Cambridge, Vt., April 9, 1840. His grandfather, Joel Perham, was a Revolutionary soldier, having enlisted at the age of fourteen. His grandmother, whose name was Grout, was also conspicuous during the early French wars, she having been carried into captivity by the Indians, who eventually released her. At the age of twenty-four Madison 0. married Caroline Harvey, by whom he has four children. Mr. Perham lived in Cambridge until 1867, when he came to Fairfax to reside, taking the James Wilson farm, where he lived until 1888, when he purchased the Alonzo Bellows farm of 104 acres, where he now lives, retaining, however, the homestead. Mr. Perham is a Democrat in politics, and has held the office of lister.
RUGG, Giles, born in Fairfax, January. 29,1823, is the son of Alexander and Philenda (King) Rugg. Alexander Rugg was one of the substantial farmers of the town, and in this occupation Giles was brought up and has ever since continued, being also interested in a meat market with his son-in-law, C. C. Gillette, of Fairfax. Mr. Rugg married, February 12, 1851, Lurena Mears Ellsworth, a native of Milton, born June 2, 1833. Their children are: Josephus Ellsworth, born January 5, 1852, now living in Wyoming; Charlie Frederick, born October 17, 1856, also lives in Wyoming; Eva Lucia, born October 10, 1862, the wife of C. C. Lane, of Des Moines, la.; and Effie Gertrude, born August 31, 1864, the wife of C. C. Gillette, of Fairfax. In the matter of belief Mr. and Mrs. Rugg and Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Gillette are Spiritualists.
SHEPARDSON, Ansel, jr., was born in Middletown, Vt., July 10,1793, a son of Ansel, sr., who came with his family to Fairfax about 1805, Ansel, jr., being then about twelve years of age. Mr. Shepardson located on the farm now owned by Curtis H. Wilson, and here by the light of the fire in his father's cooper shop Ansel, jr., obtained his education. While quite young he opened a school, and for many years taught singing-school. When a young man he built a saw-mill on the stream near by, and for many years did an extensive business in the manufacture of lumber. He also invented and built a pioneer flax machine, and did a successful business in making and dressing that product About 1830 he commenced wool-carding and cloth-finishing, which business he continued until 1850, when a new mill was built and machinery put in it for the manufacture of woolen cloth and yarn. He also erected a foundry and blacksmith shop. The locality took the name of Shepardson Hollow, and became quite a noted place of business. In 1816 he married, first, Aurelia Story, who died in 1822. He afterwards married Lu Ray Story (both were daughters of Elijah Story, of Fairfax). By the latter marriage he had five children, three of whom are living. In 1857 Mr. Shepardson gave up his business to his youngest son He was a member of the Baptist church, was one of its deacons for half a century, and in every sense was an honest, faithful, Christian man. He died in 1875, nearly eighty-three years old.
SHEPARDSON, Francis Wayland, youngest son of Ansel and Lu Ray (Story) Shepardson, was born February 26, 1836. When a child nothing seemed to satisfy him quite as well as constructing miniature saw-mills, foundries, fulling-mills, turning lathes, and such like, and he set them all running on a little waterfall near by. At an early age he became familiar with the details of all the business carried on by his father. At the age of twenty-one he took up the woolen manufacturing business at the old stand in Shepardson Hollow, carrying on the business there for eight years. Being unable to meet the constantly increasing demand for his goods on account of limited power and old machinery Mr. Shepardson purchased new and the most approved machinery that could then be found, and forming a co-partnership with Saumel N. Gaut, owner of the great falls, they proceeded in 1865 to put in operation the " Lamoille mill." This mill turned out yearly about $30,000 worth of fancy cassimeres, flannel, and yarn, nearly all of which was ordered and purchased by the local trade. The mill gained the reputation of supplying people with the best and most serviceable goods made in Vermont In 1881 he sold his interest in the Lamoille mills, purchased the old Hiram Bellows place at the village, and has since resided there. Mr. Shepardson is a Republican and cast his first ballot for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. He has held nearly every office of honor and trust in town. In September, 1890, he was elected a member of the legislature. At the age of fourteen he united and became identified with the interests of the Baptist church in Fairfax, and has ever been one of its hearty and earnest supporters. He married, in 1860, Miss Jennie Kinney, of Milton, and two daughters have been born to them, of whom the youngest^ Fannie V., eighteen years of age, is now living.
WANZER, John, the pioneer of the family, became a resident of the town of Fairfax, Vt., about 1825. His wife was Jerusha (Colburn) Wanzer, by whom he had ten children, as follows: Willard, Jay, Helen, Dan C, Alfred, Jerusha, John (who died in infancy), John, 2d, Sarah H., and Lina C. John Wanzer was born on the farm where he now resides on the 30th of May, 1836. He is the only representative of the family now living in the town. His father died in 1872 and his mother some four years earlier. Mr. Wanzer is the owner of the homestead farm, and has also a farm in Fletcher. He has never married. He was baptized and brought up in the Episcopal church of Buck Hollow. In town affairs he held the offices of selectman three years and road commissioner five years. His farms comprise 180 acres in Fairfax and 137 in Fletcher.
WILCOX, Isaac Farnsworth, was born May 5, 1829, in Westford, Vt His father Joseph M. Wilcox, was a native of Westford, and his mother, Maria (Farnsworth) Wilcox, was descended from pioneer stock of Fairfax. The children of these parents were as follows: Joseph D., born December 17, 1822, now living in Rutherford, N. J.; Cornelia E., born December 17, 1824, died aged about twenty; Sarah E., born November 30,1826, died aged about seventeen; Isaac F.; Catherine M. born July 17,1836, became a Baptist minister in 1862 ; and Charlotte Horton, born July 18, 1839. The family came from Westford to Fairfax in 1834, and settled where Isaac F. Wilcox now lives. Joseph M. died in March, 1874, and his wife, Maria, October 31, 1844. At the age of twenty-one Isaac F. Wilcox started to work by the month, but soon found employment in the Fairfax mills, at which he continued for about eleven years. Finally he took up permanently his residence on the farm. In January, 1867, he married Mary, daughter of Ami and Lucy (Perkins) Wilson, by whom he had one child, who died at birth, Mrs. Perkins dying at the same time. Mr. Wilcox, on May 1, 1878, married, second, Henrietta, daughter of Benjamin and Roena Merritt, of New York state. Mr. Wilson has been prominent in town affairs, having held nearly all the town offices.
WILSON, Curtis H., son of Ami and Lucy (Perkins) Wilson, was born August 13, 1841. He was educated in the district schools of the town and attended several terms at the New Hampton Institute. He was brought up on the farm, and by the time he was of age he commenced his business life. About 1872 he purchased the farm formerly owned by his wife's father and known as the Learned farm, comprising about 300 acres, where he now resides. In town affairs Mr. Wilson has been prominent, having served as selectman and lister, being in the latter office for four years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. January 22, 1868, Curtis H. Wilson married Eliza A., daughter of Newton and Sarah Learned, of which union one son has been born. Ami was twice married, his first wife being Betsey Downs, by whom he had two children, Maria Prindie and Betsey Chase. His second wife was Lucy Perkins, and their children were as follows: Frederick D., Lewis N., Mary M., Samuel E., Curtis H., and Perkins.
WILSON, Frederick D., who was born February 18, 1831, was the oldest child of Ami and Lucy (Perkins) Wilson. He was obliged to assist in the farm work, and had therefore little chance to attend school, yet he is reckoned one of the well informed men of the town. For many years he held the office of selectman. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Fairfax, in which church his wife is an active Sunday-school worker. Frederick D. Wilson and Hannah Giddings were married in December, 1857. They have no children. Besides his home farm of about seventy acres Mr. Wilson owns another farm of about 125 acres in Westford.
WILSON, Samuel E., whose store occupies a prominent and conspicuous site in Fairfax, is a native of the town, and was born July 23, 1838, the son of Ami and Lucy (Perkins) Wilson. Ami had by a former wife, Betsey (Downs) Wilson, two children. Samuel E. was educated in the district schools of the town, and also attended the New Hampton Institute during a portion of two years. When not at school he was employed about his father's farm, but at the age of twenty-one he commenced work at the Lamoille mills, where he was employed some six years. After that he came to the village and worked as a clerk in a store for one year, and then started in business with Charles E. Cady, the firm of Cady & Wilson being formed in 1867, but in 1872 Mr. Wilson became sole proprietor. He came to his present location in 1876. Mr. Wilson married, in 1867, Samantha Kellogg, by whom he had one child. His second wife, whom he married in 1877. was Caroline T. Merritt After her death, in 1880, Mr. Wilson married Amanda E. Ballard. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and treasurer and steward of the society.
