davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1895-09-01

His youngest son Arthur w. Peters born
in 1851, the fourth generation, is the owner
of the old homestead, and the youngest
sister Minnie 5. also resides there. Arthur
Peters married Velma l.. Jenkins of Brad
ford and they have two children. He has
succeeded his father in the line of breeding
Morgan horses, and Ethan Allen 2d, Is
perhaps today the purest bred Morgan
stallion living. Mr.. Peters has shipped to
all parts of the country members of this
family at good prices, many of them un.
broken colts, and being a man of good
horse sense" and undoubted integrity he
has built up an extensive and increasing
trade, which has been highly beneficial to
patrons of Morgan horses. He recently
shipped two colts to Saratoga, y. Y.
MIR. Peters has good local standing as
is attested by the fact that he is serving his
seventh year as selectman. He is prOmi-
nent Odd Fellow, having passed all of the
chairs OF Champion Lodge and is Repre-
sentative to the Grand Lodge, and also a
member of Charity Lodge No. 49, f. and
AN; Knights Templar of Palestine Com
mandary and a member # the Mystic
Shrine.
The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1895-09-01
SLEEPER.

joseph Edison Sleeper is good type If
the social, substantial. wel-to do citizens
of Bradford. Born in 1892. was one OF the
seven children of Benjamin F x Sleeper
who came to the town of C0rinth Just a
century ago, and was life long resident
of that town. Benjamin Sleeper was car
penter by trade and more than 800 build
ings in Corlnth and all of the surrounding
towns are land marks of his handiwork.
j. E. Sleeper left home at the age of
10, and soon entered the employment of the
PasSumpsic r. h. and remained with them
nearly thirty years. most of the time as
foreman of section and received more
than $4,000 from the company. A very
large portion of the section help during
the earlier part of Mr.. Sleeper's service
were Yankees and of the men then work.
ing for the company including train ser
vice, he knows of only two who are still on
the road. He remembers that in those
earlier times there We're only four trains a
day, two each way. while last summer
twenty-three, including freight and pas
senger trains, were run.
Mr.. Sleeper came to Bradford in 1860.
and the next year married Hannah, daugh-
ter of Maj. Ira Merrill of Corinth. and Il
niece of John l.. Woods, dOner of Woods
school building and library building. In
1882 he bought farm on the lower plain
at Bradford. where he remained until a
year ago last spring. Mr., Sleeper's present
fine residence at the head of Main street.
was was built by A. f. Colburn, ON the original
Dea. Hardy lot. OF modern design and
elegant finish commanding an extended
view OF Main street and also of the street
at right angles, 1t is one of the most dpSra-
bic places in town. The interior arrange
ment is model Of convenience and taste.
hot and cold water being provided on both
Hoors, and all OF the rooms wired for elec-
The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1895-09-01

and carry on farm in West Fair1ee.
His father died in 1856, and his mother
in 1892, at the remarkable age of 95
years.
Mr.. Tebbetts cast his first presiden-
tial vote for Free men, free press,
and Fremont" and has always been a
pronounced republican. He is tenn
perance man in theory and practice.
He has held most of the town offices,
including that of selectmen and was
for ten years lister. He was elected
assistant Judge of Orange County
court in 1882, and reelected in 1884.
Judge Tebbetts is intelligent and
progressive, and with his estinable
wife has seen thirty-three years con-
slant service in the church choir of
Bradford.
The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1895-09-01
WATTS RIVER PAPER COMPANY

WlsWall Bros. proprietors, ranks among
the most successful and beneficial of the
business enterprises of the town of Brad
ford. G. A., IL. T. and Ii. M. Wiswall are
the members ofthe firm. and all of these
gentlemen have been engaged in the bust
ness from boyhood and in fact inherited it.
We hardly need say that they are perfect
ly familiar with every detail. Their grand
father owned the first paper mill in New
Hampshire located near Epping. Their
father, A. G. Wiswall went to North Caro-
lima in 1859 and there engaged in the manu-
facture OF paper and when the war broke
out he being Union man his plant
was seized by the confederate govern
ment and his Yankee skill was employ
ed per force in the production of the paper
that was used for making confederate notes
scrip and bonds and other public uses, and
at the last was the only paper mill running
in the south. This circumstance illustrates
the peculiar weakness of that section in
skilled artisans. A. G. WiSwall was a
member OF the North Carolina legislature
in 1S67-6S, being elected as a republican.
In 1869 he went to Newton. Mass, bring
ing as the proceeds of his business in the
south barrels OF confederate notes, and
there engaged in the same business until
his death III 1880.
The present firm came to Bradford year
ago last month and purchased the plant of
w. Moore & Son. There is an abundance
of water power with fall OF Is feet,
good plant in substantial stone building,
about 20OX50 feet built nearly sixty years
since by Asa Low, and about $500 pounds,
mostly of tissue and toilet paper is manu-
featured daily, employing a force of twelve
men and women, with pay roll of about
$500 per month.
Messrs. Wiswall report good business
having all the orders they can fill. The
paper business was formerly in the hands
nf small concerns but a tendency to cOncen-
trate is now noted and large mills are be-
ing built where cheap timber for pulp can
be readily and cheaply purchased.
Bradford is to be congratulated on the
acquisition of this firm of active and ener-
getlc young men.
The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1895-09-01
PRICHARD & HAY.

These names are suggestive Of long mercantile
business, and good citizenship. Col. Geo. W.
Pridlard was born I'm 1872. His father, Jeremiah
Prichard was a Captain in the Revolutionary
war. Geo. W. commenced his mercantile career
in Bradford about lsl2, as manager in a store Tor
Capt. John b. Wheeler of Oxford Not long af
forwards he became sole proprietor of the bust
ness which he conducted successfully about half
a century, when he retired with competence, and
left the business To his sons, George and Edward.
Col. Prichard was a capable and honorable man.
and held the Office Of seectman three years,
The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1895-09-01
STEVENS d CLARK.

This is one of the oldest and most favor
ably known business firms in this locality
The founder of the firm, Mr.. VIM. B
Srvens-whOSe demise occurred in March
1873. and whose interest in the firm is re-
tanned 10y his widow Mrs. FL f. Stevens
as an active and prominent business mar
in bradford for more titan forty years. and
carried on general mercantile business
in the store now Occupit q by the present
firm.
This firm carries a large stock of dry and
fancy goods, small wares. underwear. car
pttlnss. wall papers, groceries, crOckery,
paints and OILS light hardware, -four and
provisions. and in fact. everything usually
kept in well appointed country store
They nav" always been extensive buyers
of wool, potatoes, bark and all kinds OF
produce. Their motto is, to sell the best
quality OF goods at the lowest market
prices
Their extensive trade in thus and ad Join.
ing towns enables them to buy their stock
in large quantities which fact makes it pos
SlbIe for them to Keep up with the modern
methods of doing business, and meet all
kinds OF competition successfully. Their
dry goods department has for the past few
years been IN charge of an experienced
saIeslady, and the other departments are
superintended by experienced and courte.
Gus statesmen,
a young man has had considerable eX.
perience in the mercantile business. having
been with the firm twenty-one years con
tinuouSly, commencing at the age of four
teen. serving the first seven years as clerk
and a partner the remaining time.
Mr., Clark was born in GrotOn in 1859
His father, Calvin Clark was well known
merchant of that town. His father dice
when he was four years of age, two year!
later his mother moved to Bradford, which
: town has been his home since then. Mr.
Clark is considered one of the hustllng
Young business men of the town. Is {
member of the Masonic fraternity, was
ctptaln of the bradford Guards three year:
and at present is on Brig. Gen. EStey's stat
with rank OF Major. He married in 1890
the eldest daughter of Capt Z. H. Nye O.
Newport, and two little daughters, Lucy
Francis and Phebe May, are the pride o.
their home. Mr.. Clark is also senior part
ner of Clark Il Chamberlin, doing genera
milling and extensive feed business in TIT
brick mill of which they are the owners.
The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1895-09-01

While in Boston he married Miss
Mahala L. Mum, a West Fairlee
young lady of fine musical tastes,
then a student of music at Boston.
In 1883 he returned to West Fairlee,
having previously purchased a farm
in the east part of that town where his
parents resided. a gentleman of So
cial tendencies and cultured tastes, he
has continued to reside here to smooth
the declining years of his aged parents,
and enjoy the comfortable indepen-
dence of the life of a well-to-do farmer.
His two maiden sisters, Elizabeth
and Azubah; successfully superintend
The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1895-09-01

twice represented Bradford in the legislature
was Justice thirty years. and town treasurer thir-
ty-seven years also Colonel fthe militia.
The mother of John Brooks Wheeler Prichard
was Elizabeth Peal sons of Bradford and he was
born in 1899, and educated in the schools and
academy of Bradford Was member of the
Bradford Guards, LIST Vermont Volunteers. Col.
Phelps and was at Big Bethel and discharged
with his regiment. In 1867, he married Orrissa j.
George of Bradford, and their two sons are Fred
E. and Warren H.
Since his return from the service Mr.. Prichard
here since 1869 with Barron Hay In 1870 he was
elected town clerk and with the exception oftwo
years he has been the incumbent of that office
ever since. Twice has he served as seectman,
and was representative in 1882. Mr. Prichard
has filled all the chairs of Charity Lodge No. 43,
F. and A. NJ, and two terms presided in the
east and was charter member and has been
Adiutant and Commander of Washburn Post No.
II, q. \. r.
This firm with some member of the Prichard
family as senior member has subsisted contlnu'
ously for period of about eighty years GER
tainy one of the Oldest firms In the state.
Elderly men are trading here whose grand
fathers traded with former partner OF the
same name. The long experience, the excellent
judgement, the well known integrity of both
members of this firm are sufficient guarantee
of honest goods and fair prices. Almost every
thing that is ever handled in a general country
store, is found here and it is not necessary to
particularize. In company with John b. Peek
EFT, in 1884 they erected Union Block which
they now in part occupy.
The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1895-09-01
PRESCOTT a RoBsHAw.

The firm of Prescott & Robshaw is loca-
tea at the old Pillsbury stand, ana carries
an extensive and complete line of stoves.
tin and hollow ware. A little more than a
year since, Mr.. Henry X. Prescott bought
the interest in the business of II. A.
webb, and year ago last June, Mr.. Rob
shaw, who had long been employed here as
foreman IN the business, came in as junior
partner with Mr.. Prescott. They are the
only practical plumbers in the village of
Bradford, and they have apractical monOp-
The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1895-09-01
|. c, WILLARD.


Israel Willard is one of the patriarchs of
the town. He carries the weight of his IS
years so bravely and cheerily, and his mind
is so clear and active that it is a rare pleas
ure to listen to his conversation as he draws
from the eapaciOuS stores of his early rec
elections. His father, Capt. Israel Willard
was a native of Sterling, Mass, born in
1777. A farm bred boy at the age of Fl he
learned the chair makers trade and in 1904
located on the Roaring brook near its con-
fuence with the Connecticut river He
made chairs of all kinds. and also turned
out bed steads of the old fashioned square
posted kind, and as his was the first and
only shop in this vicinity he did large
and profitable business for many years. He
was a very honest, industrious, kind heart
ed man. He reared family of five chill
dren, Laura, Mrs. John E. Chamberlain of
Newbury, Israel Cummings Willard, Har-
riett, Mrs. Haynes G. Johnson of Brad
ford, Abigail, Mrs. Jonathan johnson also
of Bradford and Lydia willard who died
in her 9th year. Capt. Israel Willard
was engaged In farming in connection with
his son during his later years, and died at
the advanced age of SO years.
Israel G. Willard married Ruth j. Colby
of Bradford in 1852 who died thirteen years
later. His second wife was Mrs. Apphia
Durgan, a sister of Capt. b. Celley of Fair
lee. He still resides in the large brick
house that was built by his father more
than seventy years ago. he remembers
the time when there were 60 scholars in his
school district and 100 in the Goshen school.
In the old-fashiOned, square, four rooted
school houses, the long seats ran clear
around the house and the scholars were
packed in like sardines in box. Here the
''three RS" were expounded and the men
who were to found an empire in the great
west received their rudiments. There was
a bright and numerous family attended the
Goshen school named Tabor. There were
three daughters named Patience, Deliver
ance and Mercy. The school master was
sparkling Deliverance, then teaching in an
other school. One day he asked Mercy
who was irrepressibly roguish, to pack up
and get out, which she proceeded to do,
but turning in the door way, she dropped
low courtesy and took her leave as follows:
Farewell my school mates, Farewell my
teacher. You must wait with Patience till
Deliverance comes, for Mercy can't be had"
The Willards for many years have been
exemplary and prominent members Of the
The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1895-09-01
J. NJ. WARDEN

NJ. w AhbEN
Needs no introduction to the people of
Bradford and vicinity, but for the benefit of
more distant readers, we will say that his
birthplace was Greenoch, Scotland, and
that he emigrated to this country at five
years of age with his father, DR.. Jonathan
Warden, the well known salesman of
medicine. He was educated in the schools
and academy of Bradford. At fifteen years
of age went to st. JOhnSbury and learned
the jewelers. trade and subsequently fol-
lowed that trade in Lowell, Mass, and La
coma, \. H.
In 1858 he opened a jewellers store in the
south end of the old Prichard block, re-
manned there ten years and then fitted up
the north end where he conducted the bus
mess fifteen years. Since the completion
of Union block in 1884 he has occupied his
present elegant quarters in the north half
of that building. He carries an extensive
stock of American and foreign watches of
standard makes, complete stock of clocks
of all descriptions, fine display of jewel
ry, and the most varied stock of sterling
silver and silver plated ware to be found in
this section, The repairing of clocks,
watches. jewelry and engraving at short
notice is made speciality, Particular at
tention is given to fitting specs and eye
glasses, as his many customers from out
by the Spencer Optical Mfg. Co. of New
York, and his stock contains every variety
of the first quality and at lower prices than
inferior goods are usually sold for. He
has a large stock of sporting goods and
musical Instrument fittings of every de-
scription. His store is headquarters for
stationery, newspapers school books and
school supplies, and he carries the largest
stock of magazines in this section. The
telegraph exchange is in his store, and he
has had charge of this department since
the beginning of the war. He relates with
much interest the exciting scenes of the
war when his store and even the streets
in front were packed by an eager crowd to
hear the latest news from the seat of war.
Mr.. Warden possesses the characteristic
Scotch traits of industry, thrift and perse-
verance and has a kindly word for all.
With his thirty seven years of practical
experience and his well earned reputation
for integrity Mr.. Warden deservedly enjoys
an extensive trade. Mrs. w arden was for
merly Maria, daughter of Dea. Edwin Full
Ter of Fairlee.
He has long been a prominent member
of Charity Lodge No. 43 F. and A. NJ, and
is now treasurer of the same.
The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1895-09-01

William II. Robshaw was born in Mel.
bourne, P. O.. in 1857 When he was IA
years old his father moved to Haverhil, n.
d., and when he was 20 years old he be-
gan an apprenticeship at the tinsman trade
with H. p. Warren at Fairlee. and subse-
quehtIy worked two and a half years with
f. Blanchard of Montpelier and three years
with b. T. Pi lsbury at Bradford. He is a
young man of pleasing address and good
practical workman He married Carrie
Louise Lowd of Newbury in 1890.
Both Mr. Prescott and Mr.. RObshaw are
members of Champion Lodge No II, |. O.
o. f., of Bradford.
The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1895-09-01

DIV of this line from Wells River to White
River Junction The firm is prepare tn
de- ANYTHING in this line promptly and
efficiently.
The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1895-09-01
SANBORN.

jeremiah Sanborn came from Andover
n. H., in 1912, and settled on farm in the
western part Of Bradford. His four chill.
drpn were Harriet, John, Matilda and
Eliza. John SanbOrn married Hannah
WOrthley and purchased the farm now
owned by his son, VIM. G. SanbOrn, where
he lived until the death of his wife in 1872.
His two children were W. c., and Mary
Jane, Mrs, Armstrong of COrinth. Suisse
quently John SanbOrn married Mrs. Cor
Iiss and moved to Bradford village, where
he died III 1879.
WIN. c. SanDOrn was born on the old
homestead in 1910, and was educated IN the
schools of the town with two terms at New
bury Seminary. He remained on the farm
until he was 2b years of age when he mar
ried Mary Armstrong and removed to the
farm Of his grandparents, and cared tOI
them until the time of their deaths, the
grandfather at the age of IS and his wife
ST years.
At his fathers death in 1879. w. G. San
born settled the estate, and removed to the
home of his youth where he has since re-
sided. Not long afterwards his home was
consumed by fire but he Immediately erect
ed his present residence. He has 40O
acres and conducted system of mixed
general farming, with sheep as The leading
factor more recently he has given atten-
ton to the lines of dairying, and swine
ana nOfSeS. NE is pIoDdoly llle SeSC
sugar maker in town, and last year manu-
featured about $500 pounds from his 1000
trees, most of which he sold at renumera-
tive prices. He uses the Bellows Falls
evapOratOr and modern improvements.
Mrs Sanborn died in 1870.
In 1875 w. g. Sanborn married Abbie d.
Payne of Bradford Miss Nella M. San
born is student at Bradford Academy,
John W., Fred II. and Emma H. reside
with their parents.
Mr. Sanborn is one of the intelligent and
substantial men of the town with consider
able experience in business and public
affairs. He has served two years as town
agent, was elected one of the school direc-
tors and reelected for three years, and
during this time substantial Improvements
have been made in school furniture Mr..
Sanborn takes decided interest in the
cause of education.
The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1895-09-01
PETERS.


The name of Peters has been associate
with the history of Bradford during a
period of almost a century and quarter.
covering five generations of the family.
Col. John Peters. a brother of Gen. Absa-
lom Peters, was born in Hebron, Conn.
in 1740, came from ThetfOrd to Bradford in
1771, and the succeeding year built the first
grist mill in town. During the war of the
Revolution his Sympathies were decidedly
with the British government, while his
brother, Gen. A bSalom, was as strongly in
favor of the independence OF the colonies.
Andrew B. Peters. the second son of Col.
John, as a minor naturally shared the
views and fortunes of his father, and from
his seventeenth to twentieth years was en-
gagged in the Kings service, He was thrice
married, his second wife, Lydia Bliss, hav-
ing seven children, and his third wife,
KeZiah Howard, leaving two sons, Joseph
H. and Edmund F. Peters. Andrew B.
Peters was man of note, was town clerk
forty years, being first elected in 1873. was
five wears representative, and many years
Justice.
Joseph Ii. Peters married Carssa C.
Washburn and settled on the old home
stead reared family of six children. and
became famous as breeder of thorough
bred Merino sheep and pure-bred Morgan
horses. About the commencement of the
war he purchased a flock Of registered
merinOeS which he improved by careful
selection until he brought the average clip
of his sixty sheep up to the remarkable
yield of II pounds, with fceces of single
ewes weighing p pounds, and the clip of
one buck weighed % pounds. He several
times sold individuals as high as $500. lie
also owned the well known Morgan
stallion ''Old Vermont of the Woodbury.
Morgan line. Joseph Howard Peters died
in 1887. but his wife still survives, useful
and active, at the advanced age of IA.
The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1895-09-01
SAWYER.

SAW
One hundred years ago Capt. Ezekiel
Sawyer came to Bradford and purchased
the farm on Connecticut river which is now
owned by his grandson, Dea. John II.
Sawyer. and which has been the perma-
nent home of three generations of the
family. He married Mary Payson and
they were the parents of four sons and
seven daughters, Their son John married
LYDIA Dixie. OF their children Mary Dix e
The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1895-09-01

resignation
p
The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1895-09-01
TEBBETTS.

John Tebbetts came to Bradford
from Methuen, Mass, in 1920. He
was of English descent, and a halter
The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1895-05-10
Haunted by Chickens.

Imagine being haunted your whole
life through by chickens, said the trav-
cling man, setting down his glass, "and
by chicken pie, at that. Of having it
thrust before you by an unalterable de-
cree, day in and day out, year after
year, until mournful troops of muir
dered feathered birds pass in ghostly
review before your eyes in sleep and
hobgoblin chicken pies perform weird
nocturnal dances on your abdomen.
Talk about eating quail every day for
a steady diet. tell you these are gas
tronomic luxuries compared to chicke1
pie every day. Yet there was man
down at Smithville, Ga, who was mean
enough to take this diabolical revenge
on his widow. He kept the railroad
eating-house there, and when he died
he left it to his widow, with the condi-
ton in his will of-chicken pie! She
was to have chicken pie at least once
a day, or not to have the hotel. And
she. poor woman, having no Other
means of livelihood, still struggles
along, conscientiously confronting
chicken pie every day. Her only con-
ISOLATION is that the guests of the house
also have to stand chicken pie. No one
knows what actuated the man to put
chicken pie into his will-but how he
must have hated that woman!n-N. y
Times.