First Settlers of Cabot

ELIHU COBURN, was born at Charlton, Mass., 1773; son of Clement Coburn and Dorothy Edwards, of Oxford, Mass. His early education was confined to a few months attendance at the common school, but his natural ability enabled him in a great measure to surmount the defect, and become a man whose judgment and practical knowledge were thoroughly relied upon by his townsmen.

In the summer of 1799, he came on horseback to Vermont. Passing through the forest, he reached a pretty valley among the hills, through which a little stream noiselessly found* its way. This spot he at once decided upon as his future home, and clearing here a small space, he erected a frame house, one of the first in the town. He remained until winter, when he returned to Massachusetts for his bride. He married Abigail Putnam, daughter of Gideon Putnam, of Sutton, Mass., and in the middle of January the newly wedded pair found their way through the forest by marked trees to the spot which was to become their home and the home of their descendants. Six miles south lived their nearest neighbor in that direction, while Deacon Stone had erected a saw-mill and log cabin at what is now known as Lower Cabot.   Mr. C. rapidly cleared his land, and converted the wilderness tract around him into verdant meadows.  Four years after his arrival his parents followed him to Vermont, and a few years later her aged father and mother also came to them, notwithstanding their former objections to their daughter's leaving them to go into the wilderness, to be massacred by Indians, or devoured by wild beasts.  Here they lived until one by one the aged parents laid down the burden of life, their pathway down " the Valley" smoothed by the loving care of the children whom they had sought in their wilderness home.  About 30 years they kept a "public house, known far and wide as  Farmers Tavern," and most of the town business was transacted here.

As a man there were few more respected, or indeed beloved, among his townsmen.  He was noted for hospitality and great-hearted generosity, and whatever project he undertook, was pursued until accomplished. He was an excellent friend, husband and father, and died at three-score and ten, regretted.    His wife survived him about 6 years ; an amiable woman, of great energy and endurance, It was a strange coincidence, both died, apparently in perfect health, instantly, and without a struggle. Eight children were born to them :

Harriet, in 1801 ; married James Atkins in 1823: died in 1827. Ruth, in 1803; married Dr. Dyer Bill, of Albany, Vt.; died in 1880; left 5 sons. Hiram, in 1805; married Ruth Osgood, who died a few years after. He still lives upon the old homestead. Louisa, 1807; married Hon. Robert Harvey, of Barnet; died in 1867; 4 children. Lewis, 1809; died in 1818.  Frances Caroline, 1812; married 1st, James K. Harvey, merchant, of Barnet.  After his death, she married Dr. C. B.  Chandler, then of Tunbridge, but afterwards of Montpelier. She died in 1874; a daughter survives her. Elihu F., born in 1815, resides on the old homestead; married, 1855. Amelia Walker, of Sherbrooke, P. Q.; 3 children by this marriage; by a later, 2 sons. Abigail, 1817, married Maj. Quinton Cook, of Cabot.  They have one daughter living.

ZERAH COLBURN was born in Cabot, Sept. 1, 1804. His father, Abia Colburn, with his family, came from Hartford, and settled, on the farm now owned by S. S. Batchelder, about 3 months before his birth. The sixth child, his parents in straitened circumstances, subject to such hardships as fell to the lot of all new settlers at that period, there seemed little prospect his name should be distinguished, or ever known beyond the circle of his neighbors and kinsmen. There was nothing remarkable, too, in the endowments of his father or mother; they were plain persons, not superior to others, and in regard to their son, it is said they considered him to be the most backward of any of their children; residing at a considerable distance from school, it would be unreasonable, also, to infer that education did much for preparing him for that display of early strength, correctness, and rapidity of mind in figures, which was so remarkable to all who saw him, and was unaccountable to himself Some time in the beginning of August, 1810, when about one month under 6 years of age, at home while his father was employed at a joiner's work bench, Zerah was on the door playing with chips. Suddenly he began to say to himself, "5 times 7 are 35, 6 times 8 are 48," etc. His father's attention being arrested by hearing this so unexpected in a child so young, and who had hitherto possessed no advantages, except, perhaps, 6 weeks attendance at the district school that summer, left his work, and began to examine his boy through the multiplication table ; he thought it possible Zerah had learned this from other boys; but finding him perfect in the table, his attention was more deeply fixed, and he asked the product of 13 by 97, to which 1261 was instantly given as the answer. It was not long before one of the neighbors calling in, was informed of the singular occurrence, and soon it became generally known through the town.  Thus the story originated, which within the short space of a year found its way not only through the United States, but reached Europe and foreign journals of literature both in England and France, who expressed their surprise. In 1804, the earth was not belted by a telegraph ; the news had to take the slow way-posts, and  must have been regarded a wonderful matter to have had so wide a range in 12 months.

In a short time the annual freeman's meeting occurred in town, to which Mr. Colburn took his son, and exhibited his wonderful ability in figures to his townsmen.

Gentlemen at that time possessing influence and standing in the County were desirous that some course might be adopted with the boy that might lead to a full development of his wonderful calculating powers, and Mr. Colburn, encouraged, took his son to Danville, which was then the shire town of Caledonia County, to be present at the session of court. His son was very generally seen and questioned by judges, members of the bar and others.  The Legislature being about to convene at Montpelier, he was advised to visit that place with his son, which he did in October. Here, also, many witnessed his wonderful mathematical powers. Questions out of the common limits of arithmetic were proposed with a view to puzzle him, but they all were answered correctly. For instance, he was asked, "Which is the most, twice five and twenty or twice twenty-five?" "Which is the most, six dozen or a half a dozen?" The question was also asked, " How many black beans would it take to make five white ones?" He at once answered, "five, if you skin them," evincing quickness of thought as well as ability to combine numbers. After a few days spent in Montpelier, they proceeded to Burlington; but the State of Vermont did not seem to offer sufficient encouragement, and Mr. Colburn was advised to visit the principal cities of the Union. Returning to Cabot, and spending one night with his family, he departed, never to return.  He first went to Hanover, N. H., where he received liberal offers for the education of his boy; from here to Boston, where he arrived the 25th of Nov. Here the public were anxious to see and hear for themselves. Questions of two or three places of figures in multiplication, questions in the rule of three, extractions of the roots of exact squares and cubes were put, and done with very little effort, and here he also received offers from wealthy men to educate his son.   One offer was to raise $5000 by voluntary donations, and give the father $2500, and the remaining $2500 to be used in Zerah's education; but to these terms Mr. Colburn did not feel at liberty to accede. The rejection of all these proposals very speedily raised a prejudice against him in Boston, and from Boston he went to New York, Philadelphia and Washington; but not receiving the encouragement, peculiarly, that he was in hopes to have met with, he next decided to go to England. In December, 1811, he wrote to his wife from Washington to make such disposition of her farm and children as she could, and accompany him over the Atlantic. In this she showed her wisdom in refusing to accede to his request; but her refusal did not deter him from the design. He embarked with his son for Liverpool, Apr. 3, 1812, and arrived in London, May 24. Here Zerah was visited by the high and noble of tin: city, and invited to call upon the crowned heads. His mathematical powers were put to the severest test, and he was able to answer the most difficult questions ; but during all this time of Zerah's exhibition, his education was neglected. After he started from Cabot he had learned to read, and in London to write.

Mr. Colburn tried various ways to raise money. The exhibition of his son did not prove very remunerative. He was advised by men of influence and means to put him to school, they generously offering the means for his education. After about 4 years he placed Zerah at Westminster School, London. He was now 12 years of age; but he did not complete his studies here. He was taken away by his father, and placed in a school in Paris, where also he remained but a few months. His father had now become very short for means.  While Zerah was at school, he had received liberal gifts of money for his support ; but in his pinched condition, he knew not now what course to take. After a few years, however, Zerah was engaged as a teacher in a small school in London.  In 1822, after an absence of 10 years from his family, Mr. Colburn's health began to fail, and Feb. 14, 1823, he died of consumption, far from home, and almost destitute of the common comforts of life.  As soon as necessary arrangements could be made by the contributions of friends to pay the passage of Zerah to America, he sailed, and July 3, 1825, arrived safely at his home in Cabot, having been absent 13 years.

After remaining a few months in town, he connected himself with the Methodist church, and became a local preacher, and during his seven years of ministry, had as many different appointments. Jan. 13, 1829, he married Mary Hoyt, of Hartford.  Six children were born to them, 5 daughters and a son. The son gave his life for his country; was killed in a battle near Washington, Sept. 12, 1861. Two daughters died in early life.

In 1834, Mr. Colburn gave up preaching, on account of poor health. He accepted a call to a professorship of languages in the Military College at Norwich, which he held until obliged to give it up on account of failing health. He died of consumption, Mar. 2, 1839, and was buried near the scene of his last labors, at Norwich, aged 34 years, 6 months.

I am informed by his daughter, who is now living at Thetford, to whom I am indebted for the last portion of this sketch, that he did not retain his wonderful mathematical powers after he became educated and entered upon the ministry. His wife died Mar. 16, 1856, aged 52. Thus lived and died one of the most wonderful minds for computation that the world ever saw.

HON. JOHN W. DANA, was born at Pomfret, Vt in 1777, and son of John W. Dana and Hannah, daughter of Maj. Gen. Israel Putnam of Revolutionary fame. His early education was a few weeks attendance at the common school; but his social standing and natural parts were such as to enable him to obtain in marriage the accomplished daughter of the Rev. Mr. Damon of Woodstock. The newly wedded pair traveled northward in the spring of 1802, on horseback, following the Hazen road, hewn through the forests for military purposes, until they reached a wooded summit which took the name of the Plain.  Here a small settlement was gathered, including the doctor, the blacksmith and the trader. Here our young travelers paused, charmed with the location. It was a lovely spot then, just a few acres shorn of the heavy trees that swept like the waves of a broad sea, elsewhere, for miles around, above and below.   Upon the shorn spot the sun came down, the heavy mantle of forest sheltered it from the wind. They had not found a place on their journey they liked so much, and here they determined to make their home-probably for the remainder of life. Hopefully and heartily they commenced in this mountain home. For a time all went satisfactorily.  It was all well at first, but as the forests were cut away, it soon became manifest that this cool, wind-swept summit must be abandoned as a winter residence, and so reluctantly, but one by one, the little community dropped down into the security of what became known as Cabot Village.  At the present day the view from the abandoned and silent Plain is very impressive, and one of exceeding loveliness, commanding as it does both the White and the Green Mountain ranges. It is safe to say, that nowhere in all New England is there a more beautiful panorama spread before the enraptured eye.

The spot selected by Mr. Dana for his next residence was in a valley sheltered from winds by hills and forests and cooled by a rapid mountain torrent, whose waters, briefly arrested, spread out for a moment peacefully before his door, and then plunged over a fall, whose ceaseless murmur swayed with every breeze.  Here he passed the principal years of his life. He had a cheerful and active temperament, and was generous of himself in endeavors to promote the public welfare.  Eighty years ago Cabot was well nigh one continuous wilderness. The first adventurous settlers brought little more than stout hearts and a sharp axe. Little clearings were to be made, rude houses constructed, roads and bridges built, and, withal, the church and the school must be kept going. There was plenty to do to keep one active, enough attainable to keep one hopeful. The inhabitants of the present day can scarcely realize what an intense community of interest bound together these early settlers, and how they worked together and gave the friendly grasp in mutual encouragement. It fell to Mr. Dana's part to become in some measure the medium of exchange in supplying the wants of life. He made long and tedious journeys to Boston, to bring back merchandise, and, as few had money, he received in exchange for his goods whatever the settlers could best spare. This led, in time, and as matters grew more prosperous, to the collection by him of large herds of cattle which were driven to market: in those days a great event. He contented himself with moderate gains, and though his opportunities were favorable he did not seek unduly to amass wealth.  These frequent journeys, and his keen interest in the public welfare, kept him abreast of the times and, without his seeking it, he fell naturally into the position of a foremost man. His advice and assistance were frequently sought and his counsels were respected. He loved his townsmen and took delight in their growing prosperity and advancement. he donated lands to beautify the village. He loved and observed nature and took pleasure in his surroundings. He reflected much upon the deep mysteries of existence and was fond of rational discourse; but, if this was in a degree characteristic of Mr. Dana, it was far more so of his wife: a lady deeply imbued with spiritual aspirations and  sense of the beauty of holiness. While her husband sometimes allowed himself to question and speculate upon religious dogmas, she had no doubts herself and was impatient of them in others. She held herself solemnly charged with the mission of caring for the moral interests of the community, and no devotee ever addressed herself to more constant watchfulness and prayer. Such as they were, the daily life and influence of this couple went forth into the little community; and that it was beneficent, is evidenced by a tender regard for their memories that lingered long after their departure ; a notable instance was that manifested by the late Joseph Lance, Esq., who, though he had purchased and paid for their homestead, used to say that he could never divest himself of the feeling that it must still forever belong to them so intensely had the subtle influence of their lives penetrated it.

In 1830, the stage in which Mr. Dana was journeying to Boston was overturned and rolled 60 feet down an embankment.  Two of his ribs were broken, and he was supposed to be mortally injured. From this shock, he never fully recovered, and for want of necessary attention his affairs fell into some confusion. Some of his daughters had married and gone to Wisconsin. He visited them in 1838: and in 1839, he removed thither with his whole family. The morning in which he finally left his old home, never to return, was made memorable by a pleasant incident.  At daybreak, and while he was still asleep, a score or more of his old comrades, dressed in long, tow frocks, silently assembled in the village hall, and sent to request his presence. This touching manifestation of regard sensibly affected him, and ended in an abundance of tears as, one by one, the old men bade each other an eternal , farewell.

It only remains to be said, that in his new home, freed from care, his business affairs adjusted, he lived in the quiet enjoyment of the companionship of his wife and children, until, in 1850, he bade farewell to all.   His wife survived until 1872.

JOHN DAMON, ESQ., was born in Martha's Vineyard, near Boston. When 6 years of age, his father, a Congregational minister, removed to Woodstock, Vermont. At the age of 20, John went to what was then thought to be the far West, the state of Ohio. He purchased the very ground to settle on upon which the city of Cincinnati now stands, but his health failing, he sold his land there and returned to Vermont, and settled in this town, as before related. He married Nancy Strong, of Pawlet; children, 4. He was a far seeing man, and very successful in his financial affairs. He was also one of the pioneers in the Sabbath-school work in the Congregational church.   He died Apr. 19, 1864.

JOSEPH FISHER, ESQ., was born at Dedham, Mass., 1767. He was a lad when the British occupied Boston, and remembered distinctly the battle of Bunker Hill. When he arrived at his majority he came to Claremont, N. H., and married Sarah Osgood, and came to this town and commenced on the farm now owned and occupied by his grandson, Luke C. Fisher. He built his first cabin on the site of the present house.  The first night they stayed in their new residence the snow blew down the large stone chimney so that in the morning it was 6 inches deep between their bunk and the fireplace. To them were born 4 sons and 3 daughters, all of whom, but one, lived to advanced age, and two of whom now survive-Caleb, 81 years old ; Milton, 74 years old ; and they have always lived in town, enjoying the confidence of their townsmen, as the numerous, offices to which they have been called to fill testify.  Joseph Fisher was a public spirited man, and held many offices, as will be seen by the tables of town officers in this paper.  He died in 1853, aged 87 years. His wife preceded him in 1839, aged 70 years.

DEACON MARCUS O. FISHER was born at Cabot, Nov. 24, 1796. He was married to Fanny Hall, June 13, 1820, at Chester, N. H., and came directly to Cabot and began pioneer life in what was known as the old Red House. There were but 4 houses in the village at that time. Deacon Marcus Fisher and his wife were actively identified with the entire growth of the village. They had 4 children, 2 of which died in early life, and 2 survive their parents. The Deacon and his wife were earnest, consistent Christians. Their house was ever the hospitable mansion, to which were welcomed the missionary and minister, and all who were working in the vineyard of their Lord. The Deacon died suddenly, of heart disease, Sabbath morning, Apr. 9, 1865, aged 68.  His wife died Sept. 14, 1870.

JOSEPH LANCE, ESQ., born in Chester, N. H., 1799, came to this town when a lad with his father, who settled on the place where Hial Morse lives.  In 1830, he engaged in the mercantile business in Calais. After about 4 years he sold out, and engaged in farming on quite a large scale. In 1833, he was married to Cynthia M. Tucker. They had 4 children, 3 of whom are now living. In 1838, he bought the entire estate of Judge Dana, and about 1845 he moved to this town. In his early life he dealt extensively in cattle and sheep; was successful in all his undertakings financially, and became a man of wealth. He held many town offices, and was an excellent manager for the town.  He died Oct. 12, 1865, aged 66 years.

LIEUT. FIFIELD LYFORD was born in Exeter, N. H., 1763. At the age of 13 he entered the army of the Revolution as a servant to his father, Lieut.  Thomas Lyford, and served with him one year at Ticonderoga. He left his father and went to West Point, and served as one of the lifeguard of Gen. Arnold till he proved a traitor to his country, and after that he remained in the army till the close of the Revolution. While with Arnold, he saw him beat a sick soldier over the head and shoulders with his cane with such severity as to break it. Arnold then threw the pieces into the ditch. Lyford secured the head of the cane, and used it on his own staff as long as he lived. The cane is now in the possession of his daughter, Celinda Lyford, at Lower Cabot. He served as a lieutenant in the war of 1812; was honorably discharged, and received a pension during his life. He married and came to this town in 1788, and settled on the farm where Wm. Barr now lives, and built there the first framed barn in town ; he died in this town, at the residence of his son-in-law, T. E. Wilson, April 18, 1846, aged 79 years.

THOMAS LYFORD was born in this town, 1802, and resided here the most of his life. He has held many offices in the town, and at the beginning of the writing of this history, he was the only living person who had a thorough knowledge of the beginning of this town, which he had heard from his father, and being a man of very strong memory, he had retained all he had heard. He was much pleased with having the history of the town written and was always ready to communicate any information with which he was possessed, and Thursday eve, June 16, he gave a large amount of information, and never after that was he able to communicate. He lingered till the 23d, when he was relieved by death, aged 79 years.  On the Friday following, his funeral was attended at his late residence; he was borne by his neighbors to the village cemetery, and laid beside his wife, who passed on years before. Since his decease, his sister, Mrs. Jason Britt, has contributed a large amount of information.

HON. JOHN MCLEAN, born at Peacham, Sept. 27, 1814, commenced his business life in Lower Cabot.  He was closely identified with the business interests of the town, and his death, Feb.  3, 1855, without a moment's warning, cast a deep gloom over the whole community.  The following, furnished by an intimate friend, is no overdrawn picture:

Estimate of Mr. McLean, by One of His Companions.

John McLean would have been a marked man in any community. In Cabot, at the period of which I write, he was specially distinguishable. His magnetism and innate force were something wonderful. He was a born leader of men. He never said "go," but always "come", and wherever he went he compelled a following. He found Cabot spell bound, as it were, both in politics and religion, and he forced progress. He found the term abolitionism a by-word and a reproach; and when he left the town, it was inscribed upon her banners as a word of honor.    He demanded full toleration in religious matters.  He stimulated the dull to exertion in the way of self-help and development. He organized new industries, and waked up the dormant energies of the people. He was himself constantly developing in limitless directions. What an inward pressure there must have been within him, what a cry for room, to have led him in middle age, without education, almost blind, to the audacious resolve of becoming a man of letters and a member of the bar. But he did it, and was already retained in important cases when his summons came.  Departed friend, nothing but death could arrest the career to which his spirit aspired, and whose early death was a calamity.

O. F. D. (Oscar F. Dana.)

Washington, D. C, May, 1881.

Mr. McLean was married to Margaret McWallace, Jan. 10, 1838.

LEONARD ORCUTT, ESQ., born at Stafford, Ct., 1779, came with his mother to Cabot when 18 years old. He married Sally Spear for his first wife; for his 2d, Polly Bullock; by his first wife 4 children, and 4 by his second ; 3 of the last died in early life of consumption. Esquire Orcutt held many offices of trust in the town, among which was the office of justice of the peace for over 40 years. For a long time he was town agent, and assisted in all town lawsuits, and when a witness, the lawyers never made but one effort to corner him. In the trial of a town case at Danville (County Court) he was a witness.  Hon. Wm. Mattocks was counsel against the town, and wished to prove that Esquire C. was deeply interested in the case on account of holding town office. "Well, Esquire," said Mattocks, "you have held considerable town office in Cabot, haven't you?" " Yes-yes-I have some." " Well, sir, what office did you hold the year this affair took place?" The Esquire said, shutting his eyes and running his hands into his breeches pockets to his elbows, "Well, if I recollect right, I was highway surveyor that year."  In after years Mattocks frequently related this case with a laugh, and said he was perfectly satisfied with this witness. He died in 1855, aged 75, highly respected by all the community.

DR. PARLEY SCOTT, born in Worcester County, Mass., July, 1765; pursued an academic course at Leicester Academy, read medicine in the same town; married Lydia Day about 1790, and moved to Craftsbury Common, where he commenced the practice of medicine. He came to Cabot Plain in 1794, and in 1804, to the village, and continued the practice of his profession. 8 children were born to them; but one of this large family is now living, George W. Scott, Esq., of Montpelier. Dr. Scott practiced his profession more than 50 years in this and adjoining towns successfully, answering all calls alike to rich and poor. During all his long practice his rides were on horseback; but he was never too much exhausted to answer a call. He died in 1850, aged 84 years; his wife died before him, aged 83.

COL. JOHN STONE, born at Claremont, N. H., Jan. 15, 1775, came to Cabot in 1797. and began clearing up a farm on the ground now occupied by the Lower Village Cemetery; then an unbroken wood from Cabot to Marshfield.  He married in 1803, Betsey Huntoon, of Kingston, N. H. To them were born 7 sons and 3 daughters ; four of the sons are Congregational ministers.  In the military, Col. S.  rose from a private to Colonel of the 1st regiment, 3d brigade 4th division of the Vt. militia of the State, and was said to be one of the test commanders of the brigade. He died Feb. 20, 1856; his wife, Feb. 22. Both were buried in the same grave, on the spot where he first commenced clearing their farm.

NATHANIEL WEBSTER. Quite a lengthy and very interesting genealogical local record of this venerable pioneer and family has been received from Hon. Charles C. Webster of Redwing, Minn., his grandson, and a former resident of this town, which we regret we have not space to publish; but will make some extract from it. Mention has been made of Mr. W. in the former part of these papers.

He was born 1753, in Old Chester, N.  H. Served several years in the Revolutionary army and was a pensioner at the time of his death. He was married to Mehitable Smith of Holderness, N. H.  At the close of the war, they removed to Newbury, Vt., where they resided a few years, and in 1784, came to the Plain, where his father had purchased quite a tract of land, and began as before stated.  In March, he made preparation for his 50 mile journey into the wilderness. It took but a short time-his effects were few ; his vehicle for travel a hand sled; they had 5 children, upon the backend of this sled; he extemporized a cover and beneath it he placed two of his children too young to travel on foot. Abel, a lad 9 years of age, had to assist his father in propelling the sled, which he did with a pointed stick, pushing behind, while Lydia, a little girl, traveled along with her mother on foot, who carried her youngest child, an infant, in her arms. In this way did the young father and his wife pursue their way to the distant forest settlement. They arrived safely and found shelter under the roof of Benjamin Webster, at first, who had settled here a year previous. Nathaniel commenced clearing and got his cabin ready in the fall. In due course of time, 7 children were added to their household, making 12 in all. Alpha, (the father of Charles C.,) was the youngest, who was a long time resident of this town, and removed to Minneapolis, Minn., in 1868, to reside near his children who had settled there.  He died September, 1874, aged 75 years.  Mrs. Vance, who formerly lived in this town, but now in Boston, aged 90 years, is the only surviving child of this large family. Nathaniel Webster always lived on the same farm where he commenced in town. He died in 1836, aged 83. His wife survived him many years, retaining her faculties to a wonderful degree. She died about 1858, aged 99 years, and from her the year before her death, the writer of this history got many items which have been of great benefit in compiling the history of the town.

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