Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1906-05-31

BOhNlNd Of hOh
A monument to commemorate the
burning OF Royalton by Indians, Oct.
N i7S0 was unveiled aud dedicated at
that D ace Wednesday, May q, with APP
pfopriats ceremonies, at which about 100
nersons were present. The monument
vas the gift OF ID. q. Wild, now law
yer OF New York city, whose interest
IN the historic event is deeptned by his
being the grandson OF Garner Xix, one OF
the captives made that day by the Indians.
Mr.. Wild placed 500 in the hands of the
Woman's club OF Royalton for this pur-
pose, the club undertaking TO do the work
connected With procuring, erecting and
defeating the monument. The ladies
performed their part well and truly.
Through the generous cooperation OF
William V. Soper OF South Royalton, a
dealer in granite and marble, was secured
very handsome, i plain and unassum-
ing, stone, being OF dark Barre granite.
Il stands six feet high, is three and one
half feet wide and two feet thick, and
weighs about four tons. Its edges are
left rough. Its two hammered faces bear
raised panels, with plain, short inserip-
tons, as shown in the view given on this
page. The monument stands In the cen
ter Of the green in Royalton village, and
rests on a substantial foundation. Its ex-
NJ AAAaAAHh - " AAHNAA hA'ARAAAA
canoe.
MIR. Wild's interest in Royalton's early
history has further led him TO donate 500
toward the compilation OF history Of the
town, which offer has been accepted and
the work Is now under way.
The exercises OF the 23d began with
prayer offered BY Rev. j. +. Whitney.
Katherine Dewey, bright miss, recited
poem written for the occasion by Col. G.
" Scarf OF Burlington, which dealt with
ne historic event commemorated. Al ne
close the two American flags that covered
the faces OF this stone were removed by
four children, Max Bliss, David Wild,
Helen and Gertrude Dewey. Max Bliss is
descended from John Hutchinson, cap
I've, and Misses Katherine, Helen and
Gertrude Dewey are great-great- grand
ealthters OF Garner Xix, captive. David
Wild Is his great great grandson.
Following the unwilling, led by the
Union band OF East Bethel, the concourte
moved to the Congregat ional church near
~ where the dedicatory exercises took
Mrs. c. w. Joiner, chairman of the com
mlttee Of arrangements OF the Woman
cub, presided admirably, both without
ahd within the church. She briefly al
luded 10 the donation BY Mr.. Wild, and TO
lhe several parts borne by individuals and
the club IN the task. Her word OF well
come was warm and hearty.
Prayer by Rev. T.. E. Wells, reading OF
tne sd Psalm by Rev. Sherman Goodwin.
ana solo, Praise be to God, hby Alliston.
rendered by Mrs. p. S. Belknap, ollowe
II orator OF the day was Rev. Dr. VIII
nam Skinner Hazen OF Beverly, Mass, for
many years pastor of the Congregational
church at Mortified, VT. DR.. Hazen is a
grandson OF Rev. Azel Washburn, one OF
me hrst preachers in Royalton.
- =. l.. n. ~
tofical significance. Ii sketchtd the rec |
ora Of the early settlements in Vermont
oilehyi and OF Royalton down to the time
% the burning, when the town contained
scout 500 inhs bitants and was in pros
porous condition. Ii described the Indian
toray, and included several incidents and
anecdotes not hitherto published, among
them the following:-
IN one Of the houses first attacked two
women, suddenly awakened by the rush
iag 10 OF the sayages, were so frightened
- 70 lose self-control. They went out OF
uoors, dishab,lle, and stood motionless tlll
tne Indians brought their clothes. This
Az OF kindness restored their senses:
ihey dressed, took their children and fed
~ me woods, while the savages were
Nuhderlng the house. At another place
one OF the women had the boldness TO re-
pfoach the Indians for distressing helpless
so.nen and children, saying that, II they
had the courage of warriors, they would
.5oss the river and go and fight men al
the Tort. The Indians bore her remarks
pauently, and only replied, "Squaw
saonldnt say too much" At still another /
pace woman having her gown carried
OUT Of the house with other plumber re-
a'lted 10 recover il. Seeing Il in heap OF
e1'lcles at the door which the savages were |
S1lNidlng among themselves, she seized H. /
ohe OF the Indians Knocked her down 1,
w his gun. But she was not diseour-
so. Patiently waiting her opportunity |
Nheh the savages were collecting more
pllnder, she again seized her gown, and
NAiked on, having one child in her arms
and leading another by the hand"
~. hszen also said
Ny first knowledge OF this appalling
le,aent In the history OF the town which
meant SO much to the early settlers, y 4
asssoeiated with q venera BILE, gray headed
- nan with q group Of school chudren /
-ylha him listening with intense interest
~ we narrative OF his capture, when only
slitieen years old, the long and wearisome
quincy through the wilderness TO Canada, /
+.'s experience with the Indians, his ran
- oF French lady who bought him,
esated him like a mother her child ana
men the war was over sent him back 10
~ parents, who could not regard him
Tsntr than a. one risen from the dead I
55lsy had not heard from him since the
lAy Of his capture. Though Ii was never
-s privilege to hear the story from his
S Ssn lips, yet / distinctly remember the
Hlsniy reyered old man, and no one could