The Windham County reformer. (Battleboro, Vt.) 1876-1897, 1891-06-05
VIM Newton who Has Served % Years
Only Clerks in 92 Years.
[Corresnondence Sunday Republican ]

[Corresponde Sunday Republican,
BrattIeboro has had but 10 town clerks in
its history, beginning with DR., Henry Wells,
in 1856, while there have been bat four with.
In the past 92 years. DR.. Wells served five
years and was succeeded by Samuel knight,
who held the office but one year when Elisha
Pierce was elected and IN turn was succeeded
by Stephen Greeneaf, (supposed to have
been Vermont's first merchanU In 11l6. tie
served seven years, when Samuel Knight.
the first justice OF Windbam county, again
took the Office for four years. and then Simp'
son Elias succeeded him for II years being
followed by Stephen Greenleaf, Jr.. who
served continuously for 45 wears and until the
appointment Of Lafayette Clark In 1854. lie
held the office for Is years, his successor
beirg Hiram A. Wilson In 1862, who. ow-
liam S. Newton. the present clerk. and the
subject of this sketch, was elected to the OF.
flee, the duties of which he has faithfully and
efficiently performed for % years. Mr.. New
ton was born In Marlboro. June 26. 1S2!
being one OF the three children Of Capt. VIII
liam and Betsey Harris Newton. whose an
cestors came from England In the 10th cen
tury, Mrs. Newton being the sister of the late
Roswell Harris, for many years the success
full principal of the West Brattlehovo acaa
emy. When II years old William left the oil
farm IN Marlboro to take clerkship In Jess
Cones store in the center of the town ant
which was then located on the present site
the meetiDg-house; subsequently ne came Z
BrattleborO as = clerk tns-thc store Of Gard
per e. Hall, and where be remained for tw'
years. again returning to the old home, bu
coming back IN 1852 to w0I In the depot fol
Nathaniel Guptil. who was one OF the mrs,
local station agents. There ne remained
about one year and until he went mo the
postoffice under Postmaster Samuel Dutton
the office then being located In small build
ing lust south Of the old Brattleboro house.
After five years. service there, he formed q
partnership March Is, 1859, with Nathaniel
Cheney, the grocerylnan. After three months
Mr.. Newton bought his partners interest,
which he successfully conducted IN the same
room In Frost's block for nearly 20 years and
until about three years ago when he sod nis
grocery business and removed the clerks Of
flee to a large and convenient room In the
lower town ball where as justice. he hears
and decide many cases brought before him by
local and other attorneys.
..Judge, Newton as he Is Familiarity known
here, is said to be one Of the finest penmen ID
the state, and his books and records are
models In form and finish. He delights In q
strong plea and Is especially fond of histori
cal "reminiscences. His admiration for the
Fields. Bradieys. and the late Judge Oscar
Sbafter. Is frequently expressed. and many
a time in his boyhood he has walked to New
fame TO hesr these men argue important cases
while he has repeatedly sat up all night tC
listen to their repartee whenever they cham
pioped opposite sides of petty dog or horse
case, which always seemed TO furnish to these
legal lights coveted opportunities to display
their peculiar eccentticities and wtticisms
Town-meetings would Indeed lack their usua
interest without the presence of the genia
town clerk. His ready wit and full enjoy
ment of good story. with his well known
love for children and good music.