Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1909-01-14

and independence opened up to them by
the new Connecticut of the North: men
who were attracted to the new state by
the rugged. unbroken wilderness which
tho pioneer spirit prompted them to sub
due. To negative characters. 10 the
cowardly. the faint-hearted, the weak,
Vermont offered no attractions.
The conditions surrounding tie early
history OF our State were absolutely
unique At no time was Vermont n pro-
vince; never did sha acknowledge herself
the Dependency OF any foreign power or
recognize the sovereignty Of any king,
prince or potentate. 1t was n fact we'll
known throughout the colonies that the
same lands formerly granted BY Gov.
Bcnring Wentworth Of New Hampshire
were being regranted by SIR william
Tryon, governor OF New York 1t re-
CURED supreme hardihood and the great
est personal courage on the part of those
men, who. undnunted by tho difficulties
and dangers Of n strenuous conflict. left
the comparative peace and quiet Of the
more southern settlements OF New Eng
land. TO seek out hom. in our unbroken
northern forests
The mountain State Of West Virginia
has for tho motto on It's coat Of arms the
words "Montan Senpe- Ilberi," noun
taineers are always free The strength,
endurance and freedom tynified bv the
mountains do indeed soenl 10 find true
lInship In the hearts Of mountaineers
Normonts chain of Green Mountains
extending from the HILLS OF old berkshire
on the south 10 the forty-ffth parallel
on the north and forming the physical
backbone of our little state, only typihcs
that moral spinal column which runs
| through our entire state hlstorv.--a
spinal column which once curved in a
righteous cause no amount Of sophistry
| has cycr been able to reduce
within those bold riorcer settlers. who
subdued orr rock hillside farms, battlins z
| with the storr1s and eli. ring the hard
ships Of our northern winters. that in
born spirit % personal liberty and stub
born Independence. that natural love OF
right and Justice 50 grey and developed
/ That they hocaWe as fixed and unyield-
ing as tho vorv hills themselves.
captain Leonard Proctor. tho patnrna,
erandiather Of Senator Proctor. was a
pioneer OF this t.pe Favng borne a
! most honorable part In t-e war OF the
! Revolution. he came 70 Vermont at the
close OF that war and settled on the
banks OF little mountain stream. 70
which vas given the narle of Black
| RIVER Here n" village, named for It's
! founder. Proctorsville. was planted and
! mere Rodfeld Proctor wGs born. Here ne
learned to fish and trap and hunt Yer
mont had no truer sportsman. and his
great viEor OF body and mind as many
or the older members of this Senate
know. was In no sna'l measure the
result Of his love ~ tho rod and gun.
II has been said thar every man is the
sum or his ance storS and e this be true
Redheld Proctor had light 20 he strong
HIS fnther, Judge Iahez Proctor. was
one Of the foremost citizens % Vernon.
during the early part ~ the last century
having been Judge Of The probate court
twice a presidential elector and severa
times member OF tho Governors cour-
eli. His mother also came OF strong an.
costrN. From her parents sprang thos,
distinguished 1urists and Judges % oui
supreIn" court, Timothy p and Isaac r
Redheld' the latter the weN-known au
thor % standard law worka and the chic
Justice OF the supreme court Of Vermont
II is not often given to one man. as Il
Tsaac Parker, TIE maternal grandfathe,
OF Redfeld Proctor. TO no tho proRsnito
supreme court. two governors OF States
n United states senator and secretary
or war
OK Redhe!d Proctor'$ career ~ q
statesman. or his distinguished service lr
this body. ~ tire Influence Of his strong
personality upon Legislation and in the