Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1899-09-07
HISTORIC BENNINGTON.
An Interesting Collection of Revolution
ary Relics A Political Rem nisccncr.

An Interesting Collection of Fevoiution-
AIRY Relics A Political Rem 'nisccncr.
In speaking of historic Bennington
CORE spondcnt If the troy Times INDUCES
in the follow ug interesting leminisccnCcs:
The largest collection # revolutionary
relics in Bennington county is that in
the possession of the family of the late
George W. Robinson, and can be seen
at any time in the Gen. David Robinson
mansion. This substantial structure is
itself Of historic interest. it was built
IN the latter part of the eighteenth cun-
fury and is colonial IN design, IL painted
white and has green blinds. 1t stands
hut Il few rods away from where the
Cataynount tavern CnCc stood. Its broad
hall and large. square rooms suggest
comfort and refinement Cool and in
vitng is its shady porch these bright
summer days. Visitors going to or re-
turning from the battle monument l!nrcr
Ions before this attrl"'ive and finely pre-
served landmark of the past. To he con-
ys'atulatcd are those who are permitted
to cross its threshold, for at every ha,.d
there greet the eye pictures, books doCu-
ments and other articles of priceless MS
toric value To tho left upon entering
the big front door. which Hospitality
opens as che approaches, as II responsive
to the touch Of hidden hands. is to he
seen a fine painting of Cen. David Rob
irson Near it is chair made from
wood that was once part Of the fllst
meeting house Sitting upon this Waited
relic, whose material was c:lco in part
consecrdted to sacred use, one is per-
mitted to inspect bible printed in l,2>,
owned and used by Samuel Robinson,
Bennigton's pioneer settler note
given by the famous Ethan Allen in l1S6
is always an object of intoccst TO the
visitor, as well as the valuable picture
of six venerable men, influential citizens
in their day, whose united ages agGre-
gait iS years. In this group is Ben
iamin IIarwood, the first male child born
in Bcnninston; also Cap. Samuel SAT-
ford, the first man to .cale the breast
works at Walloomsac heights. rare
document, beautifully written and fe-
licitous in expression, is bennington ;
Declaration of Independence This to-
gcthcr with scarlet coats Worn by the
kings forces Co!oiel baums sword and
caml kettle, are among the most valued
articles shown. The sword was cap
turcd by Lieutenant Jewctt as the brave
German colonel fell from his horse NOR
tally wounded Many other articles of
great historic value go to make up th s
famous collection, but space forbids cur
enumerating them
ACTIVE IN PATRIOTIC WORK.
OF those most active and influential in
formulating plans for the raising al
funds to build the BATTLE monument
many have passed away. Among the
number is Ge,rGe W. Ronnsoa. To him
was intrusted, to a large extent, the
work Of securing subscriptions through
cut the country in respect to the noble
object. OF the value of his services
enough has never bean told, and the
same may be said in regard 10 the in
tellicent and Effective work done by
Charles NJ. Bliss, particularly in obtain
irg national aid, whica was 30 mucf
needed in order to erect shaft the pro
portions of which would be p keeping
With the Importance of the victory it wa'
ever to perpatuatc. Mr.. Robinson II
local historical matters was Veritabl'
encyclopedia. and his wealth of informa
ton was eagerly sought after and era
oiousy impaired. In mis- death, whic'
occurred a few years since, the towl
lost valued citizen. Reared in an al
nosphere of patriotism. Il was his de
light to seek out the traditions connecte,
with the past.
THE JOHN CROSS COLLECTION.
few months since as We were pass
ing along one of the business streets II
a nearby town our attention was &,
tracted to a large assortment Of anti
auated articles that were attrdctivel,
arranged in a large show window of
leading business establishment in tn
place. Each, article bore a tag whicl
was descriptive in character, and W
Sc on learned the history in part Of Gael
particulaC rtlic. for relics they were. be
ing the entire lot of what was ono
known as the John Cross collection an,
which was exhibited by Mr.. Cross II
Bennington at the time of the centcn
NAL celebration August 1917, log cabi
having been erected for that purpose
hr. Cross having wrapped his mantl
about him and lain down to pleasan
dreams, the collection in whole or PAR
was Offered for sale. A small key bugls
, mstreless and bait ,red. was rnCe. a.
rording to the tag, the properly ~ Ne
, Kendall. in his day one Of iioston's "a
, nous musicians and band masters. Nea
, 4 was cane alleged TO have belong e
to landlord Fay of the Cstamour
tavern Close beside the cane was
Bennington battle. There was somethn
about the cap that appealed to our fee
ines, foe 1t must have pressed the hea
of the wearer fearfully on That mugg
August day over 100 years ago, Flint
, lock weapons galore, cannon balls, cam
, kettles, etc, completed the collection.
A STRONG INTELLECT.
John Cross vas desc snded from "A high
p at the North Bennington Academy, wher
I he ranked far above the average
scholarship He Early displayed rar
oratorlca ability, ana had he bee
, trained in professional lines would II
, doubt have achieved prominence. II
was always original. and it was ,asy
see that he was strong intellectual!
Being a lover of horses and an expert
. seeing at glance their good point
coupled with great ability to train an
drive them, ne became one OF the be-
known men in Bennington and Renss'
laor counties Always fond of adventur
he may years ago accepted an invitatio
| extended to him by Herr Driesback, II
great lion tanner, to ride with him in
| chariot drawn by lions around the trac
in tho old nipp )drone, Nav York Cit
Driesback and Cross must have becon
fast friends, for the former gave him
cane upon which was silver ferule hea
ing the name Of the former. John Cro