Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1867-02-21
uiddietoWn.

evening February 9th, the citizens OF
Middletown enjoyed the pleasure Of
listening to an historical sketch OF the
town, from its earliest settlement, by
Hon. Barnes Frsbie Of Poultney, ma
tive Of the town. An elaborate review
was cyru Of the settlement, and early
settlers IIN'ng many pleasing aud
az using 0criotes and adventures Of
III. piouc, demonstrating that the
ella. of ma who first pitched their
ten n the derness were hardy ad-
vent.cous ami practical, bringing with
them from Massachusetts and Connect
cut, the virtues, principles and religion
of their ancestors, and moulding the in
stitutlons OF the new colony in the
school of their fathers.
Middletown was incorporated by the
legislature Of Vermont in 1884, the ter
ritory of which it was composed having
been taken from four established towns
in the following proportions amounting
in all to 3,84l acres. From TinmOuth,
$3.50 acres 6,ll8 acres from Wells
2,3SS from Poultney 1925 acres from
Ira. 1t received its name from its for
nation, being the middle Of four towns.
Thomas Morgan who d.,d at an ad-
vanced age about 1910, was the first set
tier, and erected mills there before the
revolutionary war. The settlers re-
moved to Connecticut during the war,
and returned at its close. The South
western portion Of Ira was embraced in
the present limits OF the town of Mid
dletown, and it was once supposed
would be the village of Ira, and Isaac
Clark (called old Rife was resident
there and the town clerk Of Ira.
After giving the history embraced in
the above summary, the speaker gave a
detailed account Of peculiar religious
sect that organized there called the
"Rodsmen.' They were led by Nathan
iei Wood 4 prominent citizen, and in
Cluded among its votaries many of the
leading men Of the town They be-
lieved in the diVination of the Hazel Rod,
as pointing out the place OF the deposit
Of precious metals, and large number
of places in different parts of the town
remain as evidences of the search of
these men, for metallic substances. Mr..
Wood also began to preach upon the
fnl Of
a member of the Congregational church,
was DESTROYS OF becoming their pastor.
The church refused to employ him and
so persistent was he in his efforts to
promulgate his peculiar views, that he
was accommodated from the church.
He then built what was called temple
in the north part of the town, and con-
tinued to preach to his followers. In
1902 he prophesied that on q certain
night an earthquake would take place.
So earnest were his disciples in this be-
lief, that the inhabitants of the town
who discarded their prophesy, on
the day on which it was to occur,
became alarmed lest some evil would re-
suit from it, and as evening approached
the militia were called out, and guards
stationed to prevent disturbance. The
morning came without an earthquake,
and this in measure broke the sect
and soon after most of them left the
town. The family of Woods who were
the chief supporters of the sect, most of
them settled in Western New York.
They were men Of good ability and
most of them in their new homes oc-
cupied positions Of prominence and
trust. The preacher Wood was grand
father of the iat2 Governor Wood of
Ohio. Two Of the men who were con-
nected with the affair, named WinChell
and Cowdrey were afterwards connected
with 10. Smith, in his Mormon settle
ment at Nauvoo Illinois. Some have been
led to believe that this movement had
connection with first establishment Of
the MormOns. Judge Frisbie read a
communication iuclining to this sup
position from Rev. La0an Clark, d. d.
OF MiddletOwn Conn, who is now over
30 years Of age. He was present on the
celebrated night, being at that time a
Methodist preacher on the Brandon cir
cult, which included all of Rutland coun-
ty. Mr.. Clark was an eye witness of the
proceedings on the memorable night,
having been present by invitation at the
religious services in the temple Just pre-.
vious to the hour of the predicted earth
quake. This portion of Judge Frisbie's
address was full of interest, and abound
ed with amusing incidents connected
with the event.
We cannot give longer sketch of the
address, only adding that Middletown
has furnished Governor and Chief Jus.
tice of the Supreme Court FOR Ohio,
Lieutenant Governor for Illinois, a may
or to the city of New York, and men,
Der of Congress from New York and one