Vermont AHGP

Part of the American History and Genealogy Project

First Settlers

 The first settler in this town 20 years subsequent to the above date made his first settlement here. Having succeeded in finding one of the best lots of land in Washington County, on the Onion River, 5 miles from Montpelier village, here Mr. Thomas Mead made his excellent location.

The second settler, Jonah Harrington, chose his location about 2½ miles from Montpelier on a superior lot of land.

Seth Putnam came soon after with three brothers, Ebenezer, Jacob and Isaac, who were soon followed by:

Hon. Seth Putnam had 3 sons. Holden, the oldest, represented the town several times. Roswell, the second, was an estimable citizen, much esteemed, and the reverend George Putnam was a minister of the Gospel, much esteemed. Hon. Seth Putnam made the town a present by deeding to the town a small lot of land for a cemetery, where his remains and the remains of a part of his family are buried. Their graves are enclosed by an iron fence. Almost all the first settlers of Middlesex were living here when I came. I think the number of men was about 210 who were heads of families, and they have all passed away from earth.

Jeremiah Leland, one of the first settlers, removed from Charlestown, N. H. He died soon after I came to Middlesex, respected by all who knew him; left 3 sons, Rufus, James and Jeremiah, all of whom have long since passed away, esteemed by all, and their remains are deposited in our cemetery, with the remains of all their partners in life. James, son of Jeremiah, was never married. Jeremiah, Jr., has left 4 sons, all now living, two of whom have represented the town, and Rufus has left two sons, who are now living, worthy men, much esteemed.

Ebenezer Putnam, a brother of Col. Seth Putnam, was a man about 50 years of age when I came to live in Middlesex, in 1821. He was a very pleasant, social man, and worked with me to score timber for a barn. His son, Russel, hewed the timber. Soon after, Russel was taken sick. I visited him several times. His sufferings were very great before he passed away. He left several daughters and one son, whose name was Holden, who was a sheriff of good repute, and enlisted in the last war, and lost his life in the defense of his country.

Jacob Putnam, another brother of Col. Seth Putnam, settled on a branch of Onion River in Middlesex, about 5 miles above Montpelier village. I became acquainted with him soon after I came to the town. He was a man of good understanding. I was associated with him and Nathaniel Carpenter in making an appraisal of all the real estate in Middlesex soon after I came. He died many years since. His son, C. C. Putnam, and C. C. Putnam, Jr., are persevering men and good citizens.

Isaac Putnam, another brother of Seth Putnam, lived in Montpelier, and passed away to the spirit life, leaving a good name and a respectable posterity.

Rufus Chamberlin, Esq., one of the first settlers, was in 1821 a man far advanced in life, and had then living 5 sons and 3 daughters. His oldest son, Clesson, died in Massachusetts. Oliver A. Chamberlin, the second son, and A. L. Chamberlin, the fourth, are still living. Rufus Chamberlin, Esq., and wife, 2 daughters and 3 sons, have passed from this life, but not without leaving children and grandchildren to perpetuate their memory, though most of the grandchildren have passed away.  

Middlesex Vermont | AHGP

Source: History of Washington County Vermont, Collated and Published by Abby Maria Hemenway, 1882.

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