Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1861-08-01
THE VERMONT HISTORICAL SOCIETY.


The yearly meeting Of this society in our Viii
is very pleasant occasion for the people of
this neighborhood. 1t brings together men of
learning and talents from different parts Of the
State and from abroad, and affords our citizens
an opportunity to form agreeable acquaintance,
and to listen to interesting and instructive adj
dresses relating to the early history of the
State, to important events and transactions, and
the lives and character of useful AID distin-
guished men. Owing to the excited state Of
the country on account of the Great Rebellion,
there was a smaller number of persons from
abroad this year than last still the attendance
was good, the exercises were satisfactory, and
the meeting passed off in very pleasant man
ner. Hon. Daniel Needham read well written
and enlogistc Paper on the life and character
Of the late Hon. George i. Wales Of Hartford,
doreascd who was several times a member of
the State Legislature, once Speaker Of the
House; and who was also member of tie
House of Representatives in the Congress Of
..- United States.
rev. Ephraim II. Newton read a very inter-
us.u. and instructive Paper on the settlement
.ud early history of the town of Marlboro, in
GLIDING biographical sketches of some of the
first settlers of that place, among whom was
Charles Phelps, the ancestor of Johr w. Phelps,
Col. Of the first Rcg't of Volunteers from this
State to the present war; Mr.. Newton, We I'M
dcrstand, has been engaged for sonic months in
writing history Of Marlboro, and from the
specimen which he gave us, we anticipate not
only very valuable, but also a very interesting
work. We wish him much success in his UNI
dertaking.
Henry Clark Esq, of Poultney, by request
read portions of Paper prepared to be read
before the citizens of Pouncy, consisting of
lively and graphic sketches of eminent men
natives or residents of that town. Among
these was Jared Sparks the Historian and once
President Of Harvard College, who is still hale
and strong, loved and honored also Horace
Greeley, who for many years has excrted wide
spread influence as writer and Journalist.
Rev. Addison Brown read Paper on the
life and character of DR.. Cyrus Washburn late
of Vernon, deceased which was evidently pre-
pared with much care, and was just and dis
eliminating. The Doctor was well known in
this vicinity, especially by the older citizens,
and was highly respected and esteemed He
was a successful physician, having for many
years an extensive practice in Vernon and the
adjoining towns. He took lively intcres; il
town affairs, and held important offcesj wa,
several times Representative to the Legisa
ture, and was often Gale upon to address pub
lie assemblies. lie was generous and hospia
ble full of wit and humor, a genial companion
and true hearted man. He was known ia
and wide as "Ihe High Priest at Hymen's Al
tar" having joined in marriage one Thousand
seven hundred and SIX persons, In all the re-
lations of life, private and public, DIR. Wash
had the confidence of all who knew him, an,
he will long be remembered with affection anC
respect.
We anticipate important results from the Ia
bor of this Society, in collecting and cmbody
ing in an accessible form every thing of inter
est, relating to the history of Vermont, and tn
men who have taken part in the quiet or stir
ring scenes of the Green Mountain State. An,
as the objects and doings of the Society becom
more generally known, he are confident that it
Members will rapidly increase, and its meeting
attract larger and larger numbers OF intereste
citizens.