Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1899-12-21
First Settlements in Brattleboro.

1t is not generally known that the first
settlements in Brattleboro, outside the limits
of Fort Dummer, were made on property
now owned by the Brattleboro retreat. In
1857 the first settlement was made by Ben
jamin Moor upon the present site of the
retreat farmhouse. One year later he wa,
killed by the Indians, and his wife and
children carried captives to Canada. Five
years atterward, in 1862, John Arms of
Deerfeld, subsequently Maj. Arms, and
Brattleboro's first postmaster, established
tavern on the same site, which atterward
became famous. Col. Ethan Allen is said
to have made this old inn his headquarters
when he came here with detachment of
Green Mountain boys to enforce obedience
to the authority of Vermont, while Gen.
John Stark was probably guest OF the
house Just after the Bennington battle Maj.
Arms was killed by the kick Of horse in
1770, leaving widow and son, who con-
tinued in the hotel business for several
years thereafter. While repairs and reno
vations we're going on at the farmhouse
during the past summer a broken rusty
sword, consisting of hilt and Is inches OF
blade. every part of which was handmade,
was unearthed and nearby an old-fashioned
iron door-knocker was found. The second
settlement was made in 1862 by Samuel
Wells, also OF Deerfeld, who later became
both colonel and judge. He built a log
house halt a mile west of the present Lii :
den lodge, the cellar of which is still to be
seen. The house was completely surround
ed by dense growth Of stately oaks and
pines The first clearing was made north
of the house, and was subsequently known
and referred to as the "Log'us" lot, mean
ing, of course, ''log-hous lot" Ten years
later, about 1772, he built the substantial
and commodious three-story house which
now forms the front part OF Linden lodge,
one room of which. deliberately paneled
and filled with solid sliding window shut
tiers, evidently designed as means Of pro.
lection against outside invasion, is care
fully preserved. Massive timbers were
used in the construction of this building,
and, notwithstanding their service of 1876
years, are apparently as sound as when
framed. Handmade wrought iron nails
were used exclusively, and may still be
seen projecting from the clapboards. This
is now the oldest house in Brattleboro. A
year or two ago, while grading the
ground, just north Of Linden lodge, a
granite stone was uncovered. which proved
to be the front doorstep leading to the
Parson Wells house, which was destroyed
by fire IN 1919, when Mrs. Freeme, the
daughter of the old parson, lost her life in
the flames. About so feet distant a de-
preston in the earth was noticed, and up
on investigation proved to be compaIt.
ment with sides five feet square, seven feet
deep and walled up with cobblestones, hav.
ing no apparent means of entrance except
from the top. From the receptacle of un.
known utility great quantity Of broken
china, glass and earthtn ware was removed
and several complete pieces were discov.
cred among the fragments. In close prox-
unity were found clock-weights and various
househ old utensils. A portion OF the gran.
lite foundation stones of this building have
been removed and used in the construction
OF rockery on the grounds of Linden
lodge. Last year not far from this Ole
house workmen unearthed an Indian skele
ton and relics of various kinds, undoubted-
ly the property of red men.-Springfelt
Republican.