Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1907-05-16

William Henry Dubois, youngest son OF
Earl &. and Anna (1Amson) Dubois. was
born In Randolph, March "a, 1885. He re-
ceived an academic education in his native
town and, while pursuing his studies, be-
gan his business career as clerk in the
store of his brother, the late X. I. Dubois.
In 1852 he secured a situation in store in
Randolph, Mass, and at the end cf his
years engagement went from there to
Boston, boy of eighteen, to become
bookkeeper in the wholesale boot and shoe
store of his uncle, Wales Tucker. In 1856,
be was admitted as partner in the firm OF
James Tucker & Co., wholesale dealers in
boots and shoes in Boston, where he con-
tinued until 1864, when he sought rest and
restoration to health in the climate of his
native state.
December of 1867 found him in New
York partner in the wholesale boot and
shoe jobbing house Of Dubois, Magovern
& Co., on Broadway, Of which firm his
brother, Gilman, was member In 1872, he
retired permanently from active mercan-
tile life and occupied himself the next two
/ years in building the handsome residence
on South Main street in this village,
/ which had ever since been his home.
Retirement from business did not, with
his active temperament, mean passive ex-
istence, and he speedily interested him
self in the esta blisnment of the Randolph
ment he served continuously until he had
the satisfaction Of seeing it become val
| ued institution in the community and one
of the best schools in the state. He had
been treasurer OF the district 30 years and
| treasurer of the village since it was incor-
i porated in 1876.
Seeing the great need Of banking facili-
| ties in the town, he procured charter
and organized the Randolph National
! bank May 8, 1875, with capital of $780,
| 600. From the beginning the bank has
| paid good dividends to the stockholders
and been of incalculabis advantage to this
entire secticn. For the 81 years OF its ex-
istence, Mr.. Dubois has been its president
and not dispute has ever arisen in the
directorate regarding its management-a
rather unusual record. Matters of doubt
full expediency have always been made the
subject of investigation until they could
be unanimously approved or disApproved.
I He was active in securing the village
water system and served long as chair
man OF the board OF water commissioners.
He had been treasurer OF the town since
1 1897 and previous to that was chairman OF
the board OF auditors.
When the Randolph Public library was
instituted by the town in 1895, Mr.. Du-
Bois was elected one OF the five trustees
and he held that Office by successive re-
elections to the time OF his death. For
nearly seven years the library was located
in rented rooms in Dubois q Gays block,
but in 1901 Col X. J. Kimball generously
. offered to build and present to the town q
suitable library building. This offer was
accepted and q handsome and comnodi-
J GUS building, the Kimball Public library
was erected at q cost OF $4,000. Mr.. Du-
Bois rendered invaluable services in super
intending the. erection, having full charge
OF all the business, and to his unceasine
care and labor the successful and satisfac-
tory completion OF the work was mainly
due. The building was dedicated Feb. "a
1903 From the first he was treasurer OF
the library, in which he took great pride
and interest, and it will be hard to fill hi!
place on the board OF library trustees.
He was a firm Republican and promi'
nently identified with his party. In 1876
he was elected a member OF the genera
assembly by the largest majority eve
given representative in this town. IL
that legislature he served on the com
mittee on banks and education, and OF
the joint special committee on state ex
penses. The same year he was appointed
inspector OF finance by Gov. Horace Fair
banks and re-appointed by Gov. Redfielt
Proctor in 1878; again by Gov. Roswell
Farnham in 1880, and held the office 81
. years, or until he WAS elected state treas
Y urer In 1882, in which position he contin
ued eight years until 1890.
Mr.. Dubois was the first state officer Il
recommend a direct tax upon corporation
in Vermont. In his report as inspector 0
finance to the legislature OF 1878, he rec
commended that q tax OF ope-half OF on
per cent be levied annually upon deposit
in savings banks. Governor Proctor /
his message to the same legislature com
mended Mr.. Dubois suggestion on thi
subject, and such law was passed. Thi
manner OF taxation has by laws since en