Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1865-07-14
From the Vermont Record.

The Standard bearer of the Union party IN
Vermont during the pending campaign, is too
well known TO require introduction to the
people whose Governor he j. coon to be. His
nomination, however, for the chief magistracy
Of the State, furnishes a suitable accession to
recall and put on record the leading facts Of
his life.
Paul Dillingham; was son of Paul and
Hannah tSmith) Dillingham;, and WAS born
in Shutesb bury, Mass, 10 August 1899. His
father served the country in the Revolution
airy War, first in the Massachusetts, Militia
for six months, then in the Continental Army
three years, from June l777 to 7S0, his
regiment being connected with that pert Of
the army which was under he more immedi-
ate command Of Gen. Washington. His
grandfather, John Dillingham;, served 10 toe
"Old French War" and was killed in June
1888, in the battle preceding the surrender
OF Qiebec to Wolfe. He was thus descend
ed from brave and patriotic ancestors, as it
will be seen, presently, that he transmitted
the same noble qualities TO his sons.
When about SIX years old. be removed with
his parents to Waterbury, VI. which has ever
since been his home. In 1918 and 1919 he
attended the Washington County Grammar
School at Montpelier, then under the tuition
OF Seneca White, a recent graduate OF Dart
mouth and in 1920 be commenced the
study Of law with Hon. Dan Carpenter Of
Waterbury. He was admitted to the Wash
ington County Bar at the September term
1924, and from that date has been in the ae-
tive practice of his profession. As a jury
lawyer be has long stood among the first. il
not the very first OF all, in Vermont.
He was town clerk Of Waterbury from
1929 to 1874 In 1888 be was elected the
representative OF Waterbury in the Legisla-
ture, and was reelected the next year In
1885 he was elected States Attorney for
Washington County, and held the office for
three years. In 1886 he wac elected member
of the Constitutional Convention. In 1887 be
was again elected to the Legislature, and
was re elected in 1888 and 1889. In lS4l
and 1912 he was senator from Washington
County. In l8i3 he was elected to Congress,
where be served two terms, and was on the
Committee on the judiciary. In 1857 he
was again member o, the Constitutional
Convention In 1851 he was member of
the Senate, in 1862. 1868, aud 1854 be was
Lieutenant Governor, and having acquitted
himself nobly in all the office be has held,
he well deserves, as he is sure to receive, the
highest honor which the State Of Vermont
ever bestows upon one Of its citizens.
Mr.. Dillingham; was democrat by birth
and education, and always acted with the
democratic party; not, however, without
many inward and some outward protests
against its subserviency TO slavery. But
since the attack on Fort Sumter be has known
no party but the country, nor has he spared
any exertion in the maintenance of the coun-
try's cause. During the last Presidential
Campaign he was a frequent speaker at popu-
lar meetings, not only in Vermont, bot in
New Hampshire aud New York. His devo-
ton TO the Union has not been made mani
fest by words alone. He gave two sons to
fight, one Of them to die, for the country.
Charles, his oldest son, recruited Co. ID. Of
the Sd Regiment, in May 1861, and was in
the service till the winter Of lS63-64, when
he was honorably discharged being then
Lieutenant Colonel of the 8 Regiment.
Edwin, his second son, recruit, Co. of the
10th Regiment, in August 1862, went out as
captain, was promoted to Major, and was
killed at the head Of his regim, ut, tn Sept
ember, 1864, being on that day in sole com
mand.
For what he is of himself, and what he has
done and suffered for the country, Mr.. Dill
ingham deserves well Of the Ieople of YER
mont. and they will reflect no less honor on
themselves than they will confer on him when
they elect him Governor.
Coventry, 20 June, 1865. p. II. w.