Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1876-12-29
WESTMINSTER.
The Centennial of yermont's Declaration Of
Independence.

Those familiar with the early history
Of Vermont knows that it not only con-
tended in common with the other colo
MES for freedom from oppression Of the
mother country, but for its own indepen-
dence as state. A convention was held
at Dorset, Sept 1776, composed of fifty
six delegates, representing thirty.six
towns on the New Hampshire Grants,
so called, on both sides of the Green
Mountains. This convention heartily
espoused the national contest, promising
to aid it, and also strongly adhered to
former action as to connection with New
York. This convention adjourned to
meet in Westminster the following JAN
uary. 1t met accordingly here, Janua-
ny Is, 1777. Having organized, the
convention adjourned to the 10Th.
Thursday morning, at 5 o'clock, it met,
and having through committee ascer-
tanned that : more than three. fourths of
the people in Cumberland and Glouces-
ter counties had acted for a new state"
the convention adjourned for an hour
Coming together again at the close of
the hour,
Voted, N. G. D. That the district of
land commonly called and known by the
name of the New Hampshire Grants be
a new and separate state, and for the flu.
ture conduct themselves as SUCH" After
appointing committee to prepare a
draught for declaration for new
and separate state the convention ad-
journed Next day met and heard and
adopted this declaration. Thus in West
minister, on the 10Th of January, l777,
one hundred years ago next January,
Vermonts Declaration of Independence
was made. An event this, certainly Of
no little interest to all Vermonters. As
no state movement has been made to no
tice the centennial of this important
event, the citizens of Westminster feel
ing unwilling to let it pass without some
public recognition on their part, have
arranged for lecture in the regular
course now going on, on the early hiso-
ry of Vermont, and especially that con-
nected with this event. Hon. Henry
Clark of Rutland has kindly consented
to favor us with such lecture on Tues
day evening, Jan. 16. 1877. Its hoped
that some other exercises may add in
terest to the occasion. The people of
Westminster will be glad to have others,
especially in neighboriDg towns, join
them in commemorative an event of
snch Importance. FEB
The third lecture in the course will
be given on Tuesday eve, Jan. 2, 1877,
by Rev. c. II. Merrill of West Brattle-
boro. Subject-Going West.
Ex-senator Patterson's lecture last
week, was a rare treat, instructive in its
facts, beautiful in its descriptions.
Exchanges announce the marriage of
Mr.. r. b. Fisher, well known citizen
of Boston and this section and Miss J..
c. Thomas of Brooklyn, N. Y, at the
residence of the bride Wednesday Dec
18th. The interesting ceremony was
performed BY Rev. Mr.. Hayne pastor of
the Seventh-avenue Methodist church.
The affair was private and very recherche.
The happy pair started on an extended
tour, at the conclusion of which they will
make their residence in Boston. They
will receive the very cordial congratula-
lions of many friends in Vermont
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