Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1864-12-06
The late Mahlon Cottrill.

1RILL al the time OF its occurrence, some weeks
since but unexpected circumstances have prevent
ed Us from making any notice Of hi, life and char
scter until this moment and we regret ha: we
are obliged now to trust our own pen to make
meagre sketch, in place Of one much more com
plete, which We had hoped to print from better
hand.
Mr.. CoTrRuL was, 10 every sense Of the word
a Yermonter. lie was born in MiddIebury in the
year l7g7, his lie thus dating back almost 70 the
birth OF the State. lie came to Montpelier in
1920, and went into the employ Of Watson Jones'
who was then running line OF stages between
Montpelier and Burlington. At that time the line
between Montpelier and Royaton, wss owned by
Ira Day Of Barre, and Samuel Bodgstt OF Roy
alton. Day and Cottrill soon Dough. out Jones
and togethsr established, what aftervird became,
the great central stage route through the State,
and the main thoroughilre for travel between
Montreal and Boston, and continued such until the
advent Of railroads in thi, part Of the State, les,
than twenty yasS ago He was also an extensive
mail contrsctcS and as such was well and fyora'
bly, known at TIE Post-offce Department at Wash
ing,on. Whis engaged in the stage business he
purchased tho Pavilion hotel, Of Montpelier,
which he kept until 1856, when he sold it to the
present proprietor, Col. boutwell,. MI Co1TRuL
then purchased the residence next east Of the Pa
viion, which be owned at the time of his decsa'e,
and where he resided until 1851, when he, 10 com
plDy with other gentlemen, contracted to carry
tn. United S,,tu ms. from kissa1 C'y to Santa
I lie.
1hi, business called him We,l, and be was at
Kansas City, Missouri, 10 the active superintend-
eucs Of thi. line Of stages, when he was attacked
BY remittent fever, which terminated fatally on
the 18th day Of October 1864 after continuance
of two weeks.
Mr.. CoITRlLL vas married, in 1872, y Gather
inc Couch, lady Of remarkable trmns,s, energy
and strength OF character, possessing in .lngu
lar degree the administrative ability so necessary
10 the comfort OF guests a. hoiel, and whie'
made her celebrated as hostess and to thes'
she added frankness and heartness OF manner
which seemed to have no DISCUSSES, to despl''
pret,nce, and to be as open o'the day. She dee
at Montpelier in 1861.
Mr.. CoTTkIL was successful man, and pei
son Of superior judgment and common sense
Whatever he did, he did well, and he had not
much patience with one whose work was no, done
thoroughly, and on time. What he undertook
to do, he did. lie had energy, method and per
sistence, a. every one found who was in his EN-
lo,ment or connected with him in business
Passengers in the stages which he managed, haC
little reason TO complain that conveniencs, com
fort, and reliability did not characterize the route
And yet be wa, one Of the quietest Of men, neyel
clustering, never hurryiug, never appearing anx
ous or exc tied "a recticen, selfreliant, strong
minded man. But his knowledge Of men wa
something remarkable, and bis associates and
servant. we're chosen with reference to their faith
fuInem, honesty, quickne,s to comprehend The
field Of duty aud readiness uad ,teadines' 10 work
in IT, And in hi, he exhibited that high degree
Of executive ability, which succeeds by its uner-
ring choice OF the best instruments TO perform It's
will, as much as, il no; nors than by s owr
work.
As host of the Pavilion, Mr.. CerrRILL wa'
undoubtedly best known throughout the State
and there is scarcely prominent man in Vernon
who does not remember aim as the great, silen
gentleman, who knew everybody, whose houi'
was always in order, who could at glance mea
sure every guest, who scarcely appeared to no
tico what was transpiriEg in the Pavilion and VIII
70, knew il oil to the minuiest de all, who's
table was the best in the State, and whose hote
was in truth the u.veler's,s well as the soourner'
home. lie seemed like a gentleman Of the olde
time, Of stately manners, Of dignifed yet not
cold aspect, OF wonderful self possession, Of I'm
RULED temper and he presented contrast
many busting, active, lively, brisk landlords q
those days, 30 striking as 10 be especially 20
tceable, and which was continually remarked
III. made for the Pavilion most excellent char
acter, and he got for himself by his connection
with it, a respect wider than the State, and EN-
sently deserved.
In Montpelier Mr.. CorrRiLL vas much E,
TENED Almost the whole OF bis active life wa
passed here, and h, wa identified with all tn,
interests which have aided to make the town wha
it 10. His means, which his business sagseity an
ability enabled him 10 accumulate, we're spen
literally, and he gave generously, but wilhou
csIeniaton, to every deserving charity, and to a
benevolent, and religious Institutions aud he wa
a ready helper Of all public Improvements. Ih
, since we knew him, from those with whom he hA
business associations year, ago. lie WAS one Q
the ancient landmarks, one Of the builders Of o
town, and has now, ike many Of bis compeeri
rested from bis labors. But few Of hi, genera
ton remain with u',-men whose work was a
much for the public as for themselves and hi
death will be felt asa public loss. We trust tia
hi, remains will b. brought here for in,crmen
al it is fitting that one so long connected vii
the growth Of Montpelier, should sleep at last i
our cemetery.
-----.----. $3.50, ..-.---
Tns CLst OF ruE nouSE. MIR. FLAGG, tn
Clerk of the lIouss, did what had never bee