Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1903-04-23
VERMONT TO 1890.
Some Phases Of the Early History Of
the State.


the State.
c. WA. Putnam has in his possession
an interesting volume in copy OF his
tory of Vermont from its discovery and
settlement TO the close OF the year 1880,
written by Nathan Hoskins and published
at the city of Vergennes by J. shedd in
1880.
Beginning with description of the sit
uation and natural advantages of the state,
it sketches the Indian depredations upon
the early settlers, including the destruc-
tion of Royalton and the captivity of
Zadock Thompson OF Randolph, the
troubles OF the New Hampshire Grants
between two greedy neighbors, New York
and New Hampshire, and the final admis-
sion of the state OF Vermont into the
Union.
In the course OF his narrative the histor-
ian speaks OF little occurrence In the leg
islature of 1907 that makes the peccadillos
OF n odern assemblies seem trifiing indeed.
However much they may junket and pic
mic at the expense of the state, nowadays,
our wise and virtuous legislators refrain
from picking each others pockets, at least.
The story says IA very unpleasant cir
cumstance to the public and unfortunate
for the individual occurred. 1t was the
case of Mr.. Spencer, member OF the leg
islature from Rutland. He was a gentle
former speaker Of the House OF Represent
tatives, but was, bv committee appointed
for the purpose OF investigating certain
charges OF a highly dishonorable character
preferred against him, found guilty OF
feloniously taking 1913 in bank bills, the
property of Messrs. Oliver Gallup, William
b. Marsh and James Harrington, all mem
bers OF the session. The question was
taken before the House and when tried by
votes, he was unanimously expelled from
his seat in the legislature"
1sThe manufacture OF maple sugar." says
this history, twas some years ago OF very
great importance to the state. More than
one-half the families in Vermont were
engaged in this business, but il is not so
much attended to now as formerly, except
in the towns on the mountains where
large groves of maple trees still remain.
In some towns in the southern part OF the
state second growth Of thrifty naples
produce large quantities OF saceharine
juice of a quality far exceeding that pro-
duced by the first growth. The quantity
OF maple sugar made in this state has been
estimated at 100000 pounds, but this
probably exceeds the real amount.
.sDistilleries for extracting spirituous
liquors from grain. or oils from various
species Of vegetables, have been put IN
operation in almost every town IN the
state These did great amount OF busi-
ness during me lhAt WI W u VI A'A-t -
making potato whiskey, but they have
very much diminished within lew
years."
The ten commandments, Connecticut
statutes and the resolutions OF the leaders
were the principal laws until the session
OF the legislature in 177S. Certain ohenses
against public morality were peculiarly
punished. Those who withdrew from
meeting on Sunday, Fast or Thanksgiving,
or went out into the streets on Saturday
evening, were liable to be fined three
pounds and sit in the stocks two hours.
Profanity was punished by fine OF SIX
shillings for every offense, and blasphemy
, by death. II these were rigidly enforced
/ today, 1t is feared the prosecuting offlcers
would be overworked.
"No new sect asserts Mr.. Hoskins,
"has sprung up and prevailed generally
through the state; but one, OF very Inn.
| tied number, under the name ana style OF
Dorrilites, appeared in 179S in the town OF
Guilford. he founder of this sect was
Dorril,' refugee OF Burgoyne's army;
| He assumed to possess supernatural
powers. by which he was shielded from
| the injuries and evils of human life.
1.-THE consumption of food or clothing
| obtained at the expense of life was Tor
| hidden to those who embraced his creed,
and assurance was given to those who
I were steadfast and faithful TO him that
! thew SnOul0 never Qles Inc ltdlhSAh
niture OF the feet was exchanged for SHOES
OF wood and cloth. Bellows OF cloth were
used by a blacksmith, and all OF them sub
sisted upon milk and vegeta bles.
1.-THE authority OF all revelation except
Dorril's was discarded, and their conduct,
as they asserted. was governed wholly py
the light OF nature. The worship at their
weekly meetings consisted in eating,
drinking. fiddling and dancing, and IN
attending Dorril's lectures. BY cove
nant entered upon among themselves, a
large portion OF their property was placed
| in common stock and the blacksmith be-
came their treasurer.
"Proselytes were easily gained, ana
! Dorril soon found himself surrounded by
numbers OF disciples OF both sexes from
some very respectable families in Vermont
and Massachusetts,. People from the
adjoining towns went to see the marvellous
proceedings of Dorril and his associates. =,
''At one OF their meetings, when Dorril
was delivering lecture and had come 20
that portion OF the doctrine treating oil MS
| miraculous powers, a gentleman by the
name of Ezekiel Porter no sooner heard
him say that no arm could hurt his hesh,
than ne rose. indignant at the blasphemy,
and Knocked Dorril down with his inst, re-
heating his blows until the lecturer cried
for mercy and renowned his doctrine In
the hearing OF his astonished followers
With this transaction terminated the mn
pious fanaticsm OF this bold imposter and
| his deluded believers
Notwithstanding this little exposure,
which the historian evidently believed
would be sufficient to keep Nermonters
from future error, many false prophets
have arisen since the days OF Dorril and
1880 and succeeded in persuading large
numbers OF people to make themselves
ridiculous by accepting their doctrines.
| fOther locals on next mage.