Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1870-04-29
4 Vermont Farmer.

The following communication to the .NtU
England Farmer is not only quite compliment
tary to the energy and perseverance OF Mr. John
Quinlan Of Charlotte, but indicates that the
writer is not disposed to admit that Vermont
fails in attractions TO those who are not afraid
to work:
Young people who have been brought up on
farms in New England are much in the habit of
contrasting urfavorably the profits Of the farm
with those of the trades and professions and
many New England farmers contrast as unfsvor-
ably their advantages with those Of the tillers Of
the prairies Of the West They. dwell on the
rough surface and hard soil Of their farms, and
the meagre returns which sometimes so poorly
reward their toll and risks and investments,
without duly considering the advantages they
enjoy Of proximity to market, variety OF pro-
ducts, good society, healthy climate, &c. Though
here in Vermont we are more remote from cities
and manufacturing towns than the farmers In
some of our sister States, it is believed that the
industry and self-denial submitted to by the
pioneer settler Of the West, would be rewarded
as richly here as there. | think there is danger
of indulging these disconnected feelings till we
come to lose faith in the fact that here, as else
where, industry, economy and good name are
the best capital.
Vermont offers to the exercise Of persistent in
dusty, applied and guided by intelligence and
an honest and faithful purpose, will give you
brief history Of one Of your subscribers, Mr. John
Quinl of this town.
re was born in Tipperary county, Ireland
His father, several Of his uncles and other near
relatives were either stewards or herdsmen for
large landed propretors, and hence he was early
in life famiiarized with stock breeding and stock
dealing, while his moral habits were influenced
by the teachings Of Father Matthew, and the
direction of his mind by the eloquence Of Daniel
O'Connell, to whom he often listened.
Coming to America at the age Of twenty, with
scarce a shilling in his pocket, his good sense
and mother Wit soon won for him the confidence
of :utu who were able and willing to give g0of
iroYG, which is all anybody ever gave him /;
though | ste | SIN about to perpetraie an Irish
bull, since even that was never gireH, as he
most emphatically earned it by his faithfuluess
and plnctaality in all the engagements Of his
early life
Among his first homes about the time Of his
marriage, which was soon after his majority,
was the family of II. 5. Morse, Of Shelburn,
farmer Of rare taste and energy, well known as
President Of the Vermont State Agricultural
Society, with whom he spent several years. He
was next employed by Hon. Ezra Mech, one Of
the largest land owners and weslthiest farmers
in the Champlsin Valley. Here he remained,
either for wages or as tenant, until after he
had accumulated not only a snug little sum Of
money, but a houseful of promising boys, when
lie made purchase OF a small piece Of land
less than fifty acres, and commenced to make
himself home. Mr.. Mech continued to en-
ploy him to make large purchases Of live stock
for his broad pastures, and with him be remain
ed as a tenant, retaining his first purchase Of
real estate until he had an opportunity to secure
enc of the best grazing tracts in the neighbour
hood, when his first purchase was sold.
With an invalid wife he moved on to his new
farm, giving shelter 10 an older brother and
family who had followed him to America. But
his prospects were soon darkened by the de-
struction OF his buildings by fire, which original
Ell from a pail of ashes set in an outbuilding.
This brother lost his life in this fire, in his dsr-
ing attempt to stay its progress; and his sister.
At the peril of her own life, rescued three little
children so badly burned that only one Of them
survived, which was adopted into the family Of
the bereavel uncle.
Notwithstanding the outlay necessary to pro
vide shelter for large family, Mr. Qu.nlan
was not dishesrtenei, but repaired the wastes Of
the fire well as he could, and went forward
with the cultivation of his land. Soon after
wards. as he raised stock Of his own, he took Il
to Cambridge market, and gradually added TO
his other business that Of a droyer, IN which he
Of course met with the sharp competition Of those
who were already established in the business, so
far at least as be purchased ofothers. But here
as in the management Of his farm, his good judg-
meut indefatigable industry, fair dealing and
honesty of purpose secured the respect Of his as
sociates at home, on the road. and at market
Without detailing more minutely his business
history. We will merely add that be now owns in
q" lee simple one thousand acres Of Champlain
Valley soil, embracing meadow, pasture, and
woodland, and that his home Is in the midst Of
one Of the most prosperous and euterprising
in Vermont, and one which appre-
ciates and honors him As citizen aud neighbor,
an appreciation and honor that has been mani .
Tested by entrusting him with public business
and official duties.
Though not sympathizng politically with the
party in power, he sent two Of his sons into the
army. TO sustain the free institutions under
which he had so signally prospered Adheriug
70 the religious faith Of his fathers, he has been
LIBERAL Ia support Of the services Of The church in
us neghb0rhood. which may be said to have
grown up under his fostering care.
And now, young men Of Vermont, you who
la,e been brought up farmers, allow me to ask
yhst Advantages Mr.. Quinlan enjoyed OF now
njoys, Of which you are deprived And also,
What DO you think you will be likely TO gain by
hanging ,ocation or business ".
Charlotte, Vt, March, 1870.