Lamoille newsdealer. [volume] (Hyde Park, Vt.) 1860-1877, 1862-05-09

March 1884 Capt. Charles Sias, with
his family, made the first actual settle
ment here His wife was the first white
woman who dared to breast the long and
dreary winter Of this deep, unbroken will
derness. Mr.. Sias drew his family and
effects into town from Peacham on hand
sled. Mr.. Sias brought with him ten
children, seven sons and three daughters,
as follows: Solomon, Joseph, Charles,
John, James, Nathan, Samuel, Sarah,
Polly, and Abigail. The snow was very
deep, and the way was trackless. No
mark was there to guide them, save the
long line of spotted trees leading away
into the dark forests. The father, with
Solomon, Joseph, Charles, and John, and
three daughters, made the first company.
Mr.. Sias, with two men to assist, went
forward on snow-shoes, and drew the sled,
loaded with the girls and some goods, the
boys following.
They reached their log cabin early in
the afternoon, soon dug it out from be-
meath the snow, which had nearly bu-
ried it, left John and the sisters to take
care of themselves through the night
the others returned to Peacham. John
was but IL years old, and was the first
male child that ever slept in Danville.
The next day, came the mother with the
other children, on the hand-sled. In
three days more the effects were all re-
moved, and the lone family began their
hard labors upon the wilderness. They
commenced by tapping the naples, which
stood thick around them in the most
beautiful groves affording them sugar in
abundance, and supplied, in great de-
gree the lack of other food.
1889. Six years before this, solitary
man sat himself down among these wood
ed hills. Now SO rapidly has emigration
been pouring in during these few years,
it is estimated that there are no less than
200 families in town. The result Of so
rapid an increase of population, and the
consequent increased drain upon the lim-
tied means of the settlers, accompanied
with severe drought, was great scare
ity of provisions. The suferings of that
! time were very severe. Maple sugar
J formed the chief article of food. Like
: the mama of the ancient Hebrews, it was
| really providence in the time Of hunger
} and famine. No doubt, those stern old
J fathers blessed the forest trees that gave
! them food and life. t-'
Large quantities of corn and other pro.
visions were brought from Essex County
Mass, whence many Of the settlers had
emigrated, distance Of nearly 200 miles
and over roads barely passable. .zEEa
t During the winter of 1912, there were
two companies of Kentucky Dragons
: quartered here, commanded by Captain
; Hall and Butler. One company was
quartered on the Capt. Charles sias Pitch
, and one at the old "Nears'' house, about
a mile south of the Green. They came
from Burlington here on account of the
abundance Of forage and provisions
Among them was big, burly bully, who
considered himself invincible in all rough
} and tumble fights, and was continually
5 annoying all who came in contact with
him. One day, at Cash's Tavern, in the
Village, sitting before the huge fireplace
was young man by the name of John
r Wilson. who had just returned from q
seasons work at rafting on the Canadian
rivers He was tall, powerful man, al
brawn, and sinews like a whip-cord and
r weighed when in /" fighting trim somt
24O or go pounds. As Wilson was com
, posedly sitting there Mr.. Bully took .
t chair, and deliberately sat down in from,
) Of him, (W.), and between him and the
fire. Bully leaped up, and made at Viii
son, who met him with blow that would
: have stunned an OK. Two of Bulley'l
, friends then essaycd to help, but Wilson
! backing into corner, knocked them dowr
as often as they came within reach ofhi'
! arm. Wilson's sledge hammer blows
soon decided the day in his favor. o"Now,'
says Wilson,, "l have two brothers a
lAA 4 L. L. - .,,,