Rutland County Biographies

History of Rutland County Vermont
Written by H. P. Smith and W. S. Rann
Published by D. Mason & Co. in 1886

HANGER, RYLAND, the subject of this sketch is descended from an ancient family of Holsworthy. North Devon. England, and is a son of William and Harriet Hanger, of Plymouth, county of Devon. William Hanger held a position under His Majesty's government in Plymouth Dock as foreman of smiths in the navy yard ; and afterward labored successfully as an evangelist and minister of the gospel in parts of South Devon and East Cornwall. He was beloved and respected, and died in 1849 at the age of fifty-seven. He had nine children, of whom Ryland is the seventh.

Ryland Hanger was born in Plymouth, county of Devon, England, in 1830. During his youth he was given but limited educational advantages, and at the early age of fourteen was bound as an apprentice for a term of seven years to learn the trade of marble mason. During his apprenticeship his naturally studious and investigating turn of mind led him outside of the mere mechanical work of his trade. There are marble quarries at Plymouth, from which are taken different grades and colors of stone, as well as slate. These different varieties he studied and became thoroughly familiar with their grain and the veining in their surfaces. On the completion of his apprenticeship he was offered by his employer a position as foreman. But another destiny awaited him ; he had heard of the attractions offered in the New World and read a traveler's record of a tour in America ; this, with his natural thirst for travel, his desire for broader knowledge of the world and his natural love for republican institutions, prompted him to sail for the United States, which he did in 1852, landing in New York. There he worked in one of the large marble shops four years and then found his way to Vermont on a visit to a friend. Here he was persuaded to accept a position with the West Castleton Railroad and Slate Company. This company had been organized about two years, and at that time were the only ones engaged in the slate business in Vermont. He remained with the company three years, when he removed to Hydeville, and was employed by the Hydeville Slate Company one year, and one year by the Forest Mining and .Slate Company.

He now felt a desire to enter into business for himself, and for that purpose removed, in 1859, to Fairhaven and associated himself with James Coulman in a building previously used for a woolen factory by Hiram Kilburn. The firm of Coulman & Hanger continued in a small way, making mantels and monuments, chiefly of marble ; at the same time they introduced a few slate mantels and experimented with the different colors in the endeavor to make them a successful article of sale. This was no easy task at that time, when marbleizing of slate was in the hands of one or two persons. In 1861 Mr. Coulman desired to visit England ; the business prospects of the firm were not over-flattering, and he accordingly sold out to Mr. Hanger. The business depression incident to the war was spreading over the country; no specie was in circulation and the necessities of trade forced dealers in mantels to exchange them for boots and shoes, pork and other farmer's produce ; but they still sold. Greenbacks were then issued, business revived, and Mr. Hanger says that while they were looked upon with some suspicion by a few, they appeared beautiful in his eyes and he was glad to get them.

About this time new colors were introduced in the marbleizing business by him, such as " Plymouth Black." "Prince Rock," "St. Ann's," "Venetian," and several others. These, with the others previously used, made a large variety, and their artistic use gave a wonderful impetus to the business. The little woolen factory began to present a scene of busy life, and on many occasions the light of the burning midnight oil shone in Mr. Hanger's "sanctum," while he carried on his experiments; on many occasions his enthusiasm kept him at work until morning dawned.

Marbleizing was at that time looked upon as a secret process, and was very jealously guarded ; consequently Mr. Hanger had to do most of his work in person for several years, and much of it after his men had left the shop. On one occasion he had a large mantel to marbleize by the dipping process ; the work was accomplished all but a heavy shelf, in the handling of which he was thrown into the tub and shelf and man were both marbleized together.

In the course of his experimenting, slate lamp bases were introduced : previous to this black and white marble only had been used. Mr. Hanger obtained a sample of the black and determined to imitate it; he made a number of samples, but so suspicious were the trade that they did not care to handle them, fearing numerous imitations ; hence the first slate lamp bases that were made were traded for a box of lamp chimneys. It was not long afterward that 75.000 lamp bases were made and sold by him in one year.

James Pottle was subsequently taken into partnership with Mr. Hanger, and the business was rapidly increased. In 1870 their factory was destroyed by fire and shortly afterward Mr. Hanger formed the Fairhaven Marble and Marbleized Slate Company. In this organization he retained his interest until 1875, when he sold out and for a time rested from his work. After a period of quiet he found that an inactive life was not to his taste, and purchased property in Hydeville, where he is now located in the same line of business. Hydeville promises fair in the near future to contend in friendly rivalry for supremacy in the slate business of the county.

The reader of the preceding chapters of this work need not be told that the slate business, one of the most valuable features of which is the marbleizing process, which enables manufacturer's to imitate the various marbles, woods and other attractive surfaces, is one of the greatest industries of the State ; it ranks next to the marble industry in Rutland county and is a source of great wealth and prosperity. For much of its present success it is not too much to say that the community is indebted to the subject of this sketch.

While on a visit from New York to England in 1854, Mr. Hanger was married to Annie E. Downing, of Elburton, parish of Plymstock, near Plymouth, England. Through all of his subsequent career she was his sympathizing helpmate until her death. She died in 1871. They had no children.

HOLT, RUFUS. .Among the early immigrants to Connecticut were three brothers named Holt. They located in the vicinity of Hampton. One of the sons of one of these immigrants was Paul, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. Paul Holt's children were Ziba, who removed to Kentucky and served as Colonel under General Jackson at New Orleans; Rufus. who lived in Hampton some years, but subsequently removed into New York State and died there ; and Erastus (father of the subject of this sketch.) He was born in Hampton, but removed to Stockbridge, Vt., when he was about twenty years of age, and a few years later settled in Pittsfield, Vt., on the "home farm," which has since remained in possession of the family. He became a noted man in Rutland county, chiefly from the fact that he devoted considerable attention to the study of law, through which and his peculiar natural fitness for that profession, he was entrusted for many years with most of the legal business of his town. In this he was remarkably successful, and was looked upon as a foeman at the bar worthy of the skill and acumen of the most learned and eminent members of the profession. It is related that on an occasion when Senator Foot learned that he was opposed in a suit to Mr. Holt, he remarked that he would rather meet any other man of the county bar. Mr. Holt held at various periods all the offices in the gift of his townsmen ; represented them in the Legislature eight years, and a few years later began another term of seven years more. He was delegate to the three conventions called by the Council of Censors at Montpelier; nearly forty years justice of the peace, etc. He died March 28, 1875, aged ninety-eight years. His wife was Sally Parmenter, of Stockbridge, Vt., and their children were as follows : Polly, who married Zebedee Ellis, of Barnard; both deceased. Paul lived in Pittsfield until about 1845; went to Rutland and died there a few years ago. Clarissa married John Newell, of Stockbridge ; both deceased. Elias lived in Pittsfield, and died at thirteen years of age. Lodema married John R. Parmenter, of Luzerne, N. Y.; both dead. Sally married John C. Bailey, of Peru, N. Y. Eunice married Luke Davis, of Chittenden, Vt.; both deceased. Louisa married Martin C. Parmenter, of Pittsfield. Electa married John G. Stafford, of Peru, N. Y., now in Michigan. Luthera married Joseph R. Church, of Pittsfield; she is deceased. Rufus (the subject); and Theodocia married Truman Parmenter, of Pittsfield, and deceased.

Rufus Holt was born in Pittsfield, April 28, 1821, on the home farm, which in after life came into and remains in his possession. His youth and young manhood, until he reached his majority, were passed at home, attending district school until he was eleven years old, and winters five years longer. This constituted his entire educational advantages. When he was twenty-one years old his father found himself somewhat embarrassed with debt, and Rufus assumed all his obligations. From that time until his father's death he most cheerfully did his whole duly by his aged parents, although for a long period calling for an unusual sacrifice. He was married on the 26th of March, 1844, to Laura Ann Bennett, daughter of Asaph Bennett, of Stockbridge, Vt. Their children were as follows : Laura Agnes, married Darius Ranney; he is deceased and she married, second, George McCollum, of Pittsfield ; her children are May Inez Ranney, and a son by h;r second husband. Eudora Inez died at nineteen years of age. Flora Idella married T. C. Hubbard, of Stockbridge; he followed mercantile business for a period in Pittsfield and Rutland, removing afterward to Texas, where he died; they had three children. Eva Cornelia married George Ranney, of Kirby, Vt.; he is now a merchant in St. Johnsbury, Vt.. with three children. Elsie Minnie died at nine years of age.

Mr. Holt's life has been a quiet one, yet none the less honorable. His prominent personal characteristics are unbending integrity and plain, sound common sense. These traits are none too common, and in this case have led to his being called by his townsmen to fill various public offices; he held the office of justice of the peace for the long term of forty-five years ; was selectman several years and filled other positions of trust. He was deputy sheriff under William M. Field for six years, in all of which positions he has won the approbation of his constituents. In early life he was commissioned captain of the old militia, and held the office until it was disbanded. In the later years of his life he has resided in Pittsfield village, where he has followed building to a considerable extent. Though now advanced in years, he still enjoys a vigorous intellect as well as the general esteem of the community.

HORTON, WARREN. Aaron Horton, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, and the first of the name to reach Mount Holly, came from Templeton, Mass., staying for a short time at Chester, Vt., on the way, and reaching this town about the year 1795. He settled on the old shunpike road, on the place now owned and occupied by his grandson, Darius Horton. He died ,October 25, 1832, aged seventy-four years. His wife. Sally, died March 11, 1824, aged fifty-eight years, from injuries received by being thrown from a wagon. Andrew Horton, his son, and the father of Warren Horton, was born in Templeton, on the l0th day of October, 1786. About 1810 he married Lucy Heald, who was born January 24, 1793, in Townsend, Vt. Soon after his marriage he purchased of his father the home farm, and on the site of the old log house built the commodious two-storied dwelling which stands there now. A number of years after this he bought the saw-mill on "Jim Brook," which had long before been put up by John White and Earl Bent, and which stood a few rods above the present mills of Warren Horton. He died August 29, 1867, and his widow survived him until December 16, 1882, when she had attained the age of ninety years, ten months and twenty-one days. Warren Horton was born on the homestead November 25, 1818. He received such education as was afforded by the schools of his native town. The first winter after he became of age he began working in a small way at coopering and making butter tubs on his own account. In the spring of 1840 he carried on his father's farm on shares ; afterwards for one year worked the farm now occupied by his brother David. He then purchased the Dickerman saw-mill and repair-shop and occupied the same for four years, when he sold the premises to Willard Russel. Next he went on to the place now known as the Duffacy farm, of which his father gave him fifty acres, more than four-fifths heavily timbered, in consideration that he should double the clearing. This he did. On the 2d of May, 1854, he sold this place and purchased the Trask farm, in District No. 2, where he remained two years. He then moved to De Kalb, 111., and engaged there in carpenter and joiner work. He assisted in building the Baptist Church, the flouring-mill, his own dwelling-house, and several other buildings, during his stay in the west. That he was held there according to his merits may be seen from the fact that though he was there but two years, he was honored with the office of trustee of the village immediately after its incorporation, and was chosen deacon of the Baptist Church. Then, while on a visit to his old home, he was induced by the persuasion of his parents to return permanently to Mount Holly, whereupon he purchased his present place of Orville Spencer, and operated the water-mill which his father had previously - about 1849 - erected. In 1864 he enlarged the mill, and replaced the water-power by steam-power, thus greatly increasing the capacity and efficiency of the mill. By dint of untiring industry, strict economy, and shrewd acquisitiveness, Mr. Horton has continually added to his own. The farm on which he lives contains eighty-three acres of excellent dairy land, besides which he owns the old Wiley farm of one hundred and sixty acres ; a lot in Plymouth, Vt., of six hundred and seventy-five acres, mostly timbered ; one hundred and eighty acres in Shrewsbury, Vt., partly timbered, and the Asa Horton place of twenty acres. The capacity of his mill may be stated as follows: About 250,000 to 300.000 feet of spruce lumber per annum, besides the chair stock business, which amounts to about $10,000 a year, and the general custom work, which sums up in the neighborhood of 100,000 feet a year. In connection with this he has connected with his chair stock factory a feed mill, used for his own purposes and the accommodation of his neighbors. The products of his chair stock department are shipped to different parts of New England. For sixteen years he sold his stock chiefly to C. & G. C. Winchester, of Ashburnham, Mass. At a later period for five years he dealt with Heyward Brothers, of Gardner, Mass., but has transferred nearly all his business to S. K. Pierce, of the same place. He employs in his business from twenty to thirty men, and has erected on his home farm two single and two double tenement houses for their accommodation. On the 22d day of September, 1839, Warren Horton married Aurilla, daughter of Sylvester Johnson, of Mount Holly, by whom he has had three children: J. M., born November 11, 1842, wife of L. F. French, of Mount Holly; Julius D., born October 23. 1846, now in Gardner, Mass., and Carrie M., born April 25, 1863, wife of A. E. Hammond, of Mount Holly. His brothers and sisters are Alvah Horton, the eldest, of North Clarendon ; David, merchant at Mount Holly; Darius, on the old homestead in Mount Holly; Lucinda, wife of E. C. Parker, of Wethersfield, Vt., and Lavina, wife of Danforth Dean, also of Mount Holly.

Mr. Horton, although he shrinks from engaging in the strife for political office, has been frequently called upon to serve his town in various capacities. He has been selectman four years, and has represented the town in the Legislature two years. On the 6th of May, 1865, he was chosen deacon of the Baptist Church of Mount Holly, and has remained in the office continually since that date.

HUGHES, HUGH G., late of Poultney, in the county of Rutland, was killed in his slate quarry at Poultney, March 6, 1884, by an accident, which will more fully appear hereafter. He was born in the town of Llanllyfni, Carnarvonshire, North Wales, on August 29, 1843. His father died when he was about four years old. His mother and eight small children were left with little more than a small, unpretending homestead, to make their way in the world as best they could. Hugh, at the tender age of nine years, evinced his native pluck and spirit, and went out to seek employment. He found it in a chance to drive a mule team, and in this he proved so faithful to his employer, that after a short period thus engaged he returned home with a new suit of clothes and nine pounds of money in his pocket, which he put into the hands of his mother to aid her in the support of her numerous family. From this he went from one thing to another as he could find employment, saving his earnings and contributing as he could to the support of his mother's family, until he was about sixteen years old, when he began working as a slate contractor in his native Wales. This he followed until he was twenty-one years old, when by this time he had succeeded in laying up some money, besides his contributions in behalf of his mother's family. He resolved in 1864 (the year in which he became twenty-one) to go to Queensland, Australia, and bought a ticket for a passage to that place; but on hearing more about the Vermont slate he changed his mind, sold his ticket to Australia for what he could get for it, and purchased one for America. After landing upon the American shores, he made his way at once to the Vermont slate region, and at first found employment by the day with Evan J. Evans, on the Farnam quarry, in the northern part of Poultney, near where the Evergreen quarry is now located. He worked there about six months, went to school in the winter, for he had only attended school two terms in Wales after the death of his father. He soon became acquainted with what was then known as the "Hooker quarry," situated about four miles north of Poultney village, the same quarry formerly owned by Daniel Hooker and son. It was opened in 1852 by John M. Jones and John Humphrey, but owned by William F. Barnes, of Rutland, who had leased the quarry for several years. It was now in a very bad condition, and had yielded but little profit to Mr. Barnes. Mr. Hughes's practiced eye discovered that there was an abundance of stock there of the best quality, and that the small income was from the inexperience and want of good management on the part of those who worked it. He decided to propose a lease of the same to Mr. Barnes. This was effected, and the lease bearing the date March 23. 1866, was executed. He took possession at once and commenced work at once with his usual vigor and energy. After this he had a little left of his earnings in Wales, as a contractor; but the condition of the quarry required such a large outlay to put it in order, that his small capital was soon exhausted; his workmen became uneasy, and many refused to work longer unless they could be assured of their pay. But no such word as fail was ever entertained by Mr. Hughes. He drove his way through this embarrassment, which would have discouraged any other man under like circumstances. In much less time than was expected by any one familiar with the facts, his quarry was in good condition, yielding a good profit, his credit restored, and his workmen, no longer in doubt about their pay. Mr. Barnes found himself receiving a fair profit on his investment, in the way of rents, or royalty, as it is called. Mr. Hughes was accumulating a handsome per cent, over and above the expenses of running the quarry. In 1869 Mr. Hughes had the misfortune to get badly hurt, so as to disable him from hard work for several months' time ; as soon as he was able to travel he went to England, and there succeeded in opening a market for 'Vermont slate. He subsequently made large sales of slate in England, as have other producers in this region ; which trade was opened by Hugh G. Hughes. A short time before his death lie opened a slate trade with Australia - beginning by sending a car load there - of which the Vermont and New York slate producers are now getting the benefit in their trade with those countries. Mr. Barnes, the lessor of the quarry, died some years after the lease was executed between him and Mr. Hughes. After Mr. Barnes's death Mr. Hughes dealt with the administrators, one of which told the writer several times that the Poultney quarry paid the estate the best under Mr. Hughes's management of any property in the estate, which contained a large amount of other property. Mr. Hughes bought the entire leased property of the Barnes estate in 1876. including the quarry interest and the farm connected with it. After this purchase he increased his business in the quarrying and manufacture of slate ; and while he was lessee he did a very large business, seldom having less than fifty men in his employ, and sometimes he had as many as seventy-five. After leasing the quarry, Mr. Hughes gave it the name of " Eureka," which name it has since borne. Quite a settlement has grown up in the locality. A post-office has been established which also bears the name " Eureka." In December, 1878, Mr. Hughes made a sale of one-fourth interest in this property to R. Wynne Roberts, a gentleman from England ; the deed bears date December 10, 1878. Mr. Roberts entered into partnership with Mr. Hughes, and that partnership existed while Mr. Hughes lived. The business continued to prosper and thrive until the time of Mr. Hughes's death, which occurred on March 6. 1884, by an accident which created a terrible sensation in his family and among his friends and throughout the community. He was standing at the bottom of his deep quarry and near him was his book-keeper, Owen Carvay, and Griffith Hughes, a workman. At the same time there was being hoisted by the derrick a stone weighing perhaps three or four hundred pounds, and when near the top broke in fragments ; pieces falling on the head of Mr. Hughes killed him instantly. Mr. Griffith Hughes was severely injured, and lingered about two weeks when he died. Thus passed away a prompt, energetic, thorough and successful business man, at the age of forty-one years. There are other men who have had success at the slate business, but few, however, could have secured Mr. Hughes's success in the "Eureka." The slate in the "Eureka " is of the unfading green variety, and is not excelled, if equaled, anywhere. What has created a demand for the Vermont and New York slate is its variety of colors, and the unfading green variety, the most beautiful slate in the world, is produced from the " Eureka" in its highest excellence. The expense of working the " Eureka " is greater than that of most other quarries ; and it is probable that nothing short of the indomitable will of Mr. Hughes, combined with his knowledge and skill in the working of slate, could have made a success of the "Eureka." Mr. Hughes was a hard worker himself and with the large number of men in his employ, he knew what they were all about and efficiently directed them. Mr. Hughes was married in 1872 to Katy E. Jones, of Fairhaven. She survives with two children, a boy and a girl, to mourn the loss of a kind and indulgent husband and father. The town has lost an intensely loyal citizen to his adopted country, who seldom failed to go the polls, and always urged his workmen as a duty to attend all elections. The loss to the slate interest in this region can hardly be repaired in this generation.

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