Rutland County VT Archives History - Businesses .....Businesses Of Brandon 1891
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INDUSTRIES AND WEALTH OF BRANDON.

   THIS delightfully situated village was chartered Neshobe, October 20, 1761,
and retained this name for twenty-three years, while an act of the legislature,
confirming the organization of the town, and changing the name to Brandon, was
passed October 20, 1784. The name Brandon is supposed to be a corruption of
"Burnt-town" which was derived from the fact of the town having at one time been
visited by the Indians, who massacred some of the inhabitants and burned their
dwellings. The settlement of towns in this state, especially on the west side of
the mountains, which commenced at the southern extremity of the state,
progressed northward from town to town with considerable regularity in the order
of time. A similar order of time is observed in the issuing of patents with the
exception of the town of Bennington, which was chartered in 1749, and there was
an interval of twelve years before any town north of it received a patent. The
first settlement made in Brandon was in October, 1772, and there were, at this
time, nine other towns in this county in which settlements had been made. The
first white man that ever spent a winter in Brandon was Amos Cutler, a single
man from Hampton, Ct., who, in October, 1772, made an opening and built a cabin
which he occupied alone during the following winter. One of the early settlers
whose name has been intimately associated with the town of Brandon for the last
half century is Mr. John Conant, who, in 1820 erected the furnace in the
village, the first blast of which was made in October of that year. To this
establishment long and familiarly known as "Conant's Furnace," is this village
chiefly indebted for the impetus then given, and for its continuous growth and
prosperity. He was very active in all public measures for the improvement of the
place, and where money was required his zeal was prominently exhibited in his
liberal contributions. He represented the town four times in legislative halls
and was its first postmaster after the office was moved to the village. He was
one of the electors when Wm. H. Harrison was chosen President.

   Brandon is very 

PLEASANTLY SITUATED.

on Mill River, a tributary to Otter Creek, and enjoys good water privileges and
other facilities for making it a busy town. Some of the most valuable marble
quarries of the state have recently been opened here. Iron, manganese, kaolin,
paint pigments, etc. are found here. A singular freak in the geological
formation of the town is the "frozen well," wherein ice may be found, during the
entire season. It was dug in 1858, and is located a little southwest of the
village. After sinking twenty feet through the soil, the workmen came to frozen
earth, consisting of coarse gravel, rounded pebbles, and lumps of clear ice from
the size of an egg to that of a twelve-pound cannon-ball. This frozen stratum is
about fifteen feet thick. Brandon is a very attractive village with unusually
wide streets, abundant shade and delightful surroundings. The town has two
first-class hotels fitted up with all modern improvements and possessing all the
comforts and conveniences which the summer boarder or transient guest may
require. Near here is Lake Dunmore, five miles long, one mile wide, and covering
a territory of 1,400 acres. On its bank is a large hotel which is liberally
patronized by summer boarders and excursionists.

   Brandon, according to the census of 1890 has a population of 3,280. It has
two banks, the First National and Brandon National. There are five churches,
Baptist, Congregational, Episcopal, Methodist, and Roman Catholic.

    The graded school system is in vogue here, and under the able management and
instruction of Prof. Dutcher and his accomplished assistants, has attained the
highest success. That these schools are unsurpassed by those of any village of
its size is not saying too much. Many families are influenced to take up a
residence here by the advantages offered by the public schools, and well they
may, for no interest lies nearer the welfare of any community, and nothing
indicates more clearly the thrift and intelligence of the people than their care
of the matters of education, and in her system of public schools, Brandon may
well feel no small degree of pride, for to these schools, she must ever look in
the future, as in the past, for the development of the truest and noblest types
of citizenship.

AS A PLACE OF RESIDENCE.

the village of Brandon possesses all the elements of accessibility, health,
educational facilities, and social and religious advantages in the highest
degree. It is known as a commercial rather than a manufacturing center, and its
trade is rapidly increasing. A large extent of territory, densely populated and
rich in agricultural resources, has long been tributary to this place. The
effect of this is to bring Brandon prominently forward as a commercial town and
in the grand rivalry among the villages of the state for commercial power and
wealth and securing an industrial population the chances for Brandon are daily
brightening. The capital employed in merchandising in Brandon is large, the
lines of industry are varied and the enterprise is a growing one. As a class the
merchants are conservative, and "fair dealing" is their motto. This village
possesses the monopoly of the retail trade for quite an extent of country and
few villages of its size in the state can boast of more elegant business blocks,
or larger or better selected stocks of goods. Its location is very desirable and
its eligibility as a place of residence has exerted a powerful influence in the
development of its resources. Its streets are regularly laid out and well
shaped, and its private residences and public buildings present a handsome
appearance.


   BRANDON NATIONAL BANK.-In the Brandon National Bank this community has a
substantial and successfully conducted institution, which has, by its sound and
liberal methods, largely aided the development of the various mercantile and
manufacturing interests in its special territory. It was incorporated in 1864,
with a capital stock of $300,000, and is officered as follows, viz.: president,
E. D. Thayer; vice-president, Cyrus Jennings; cashier, W. F. Scott; directors,
E. D. Thayer, Cyrus Jennings, E. C. Thompson, Ed. D. Thayer. The banking rooms
of the institution are centrally located at the corner of Center and Park
streets, occupying the ground floor of a handsome brick building, and are
spacious in size, elegantly appointed and provided with improved safes and
vaults insuring the greatest security. A general banking business is transacted,
including the receiving of deposits, the discounting of approved commercial
paper, the collection of drafts, and the dealing in first-class securities of
all kinds. From its inception this bank has retained the confidence of the
public in a marked degree. Its founders were men who had the rare foresight to
recognize the possibilities of such an institution and they laid the foundations
sufficiently strong and deep to bear any superstructure that time, experience
and wealth might rear. They builded well, and their successors have been
eminently worthy of the succession. Under its present wise and conservative
management this bank is doing a large and safe business, all it movements being
marked by prudence, caution and honorable business methods, and it is generally
recognized as one of those solid, ably conducted institutions that reflect
credit alike upon their officers and the community where their influence is
felt. Its last statement, made Oct. 2, 1890, shows a surplus fund of $12,900.00;
undivided profits, $5,643.44; individual deposits, $42,103.64. Its executive
officers are gentlemen with whom it is always a pleasure to do business. Prompt,
obliging and efficient in all their dealings with the public they are naturally
popular, and uphold the credit of the bank in both financial, commercial and
social life. The president, Mr. Thayer, is a native of Vermont, and for many
years a prominent citizen of Brandon and closely Identified with its growth and
development, whlie he is also president of the State Bank at Clyde, Kansas. The
vice-president, Mr. Jennings, resides in the neighboring village of Hortonville,
and is president of the Vermont Investment and Guarantee Company and a member of
the state senate of 1890-91. The cashier, Mr. Scott, is a native of Barre, Vt.;
has served as town treasurer for a number of years, is a .notary public, a
member of the F. & A. M., and a young man of large and extended business
experience as a financier and of wide acquaintance and eminent popularity.

  BRANDON MANUFACTURING COMPANY.-This brief sketch of the Brandon Manufacturing
Company introduces to our readers a concern of wide celebrity, ranking first In
quality as manufacturers of and wholesale dealers in marble and granite
monuments, and second to few in this section as regards volume of production.
Their trade is local, surburban and country-wide; its radius ever enlarging, its
wares eminently popular with buyers and in large demand wherever once
introduced. This company established their business here in 1888, and handle
both Italian, Brandon, Florentine and Rutland marble, besides dealing at
wholesale in all kinds of marble and granite monuments, plumbers' slabs,
wainscots, tiling, etc. They own eleven acres of quarry land on the Neshobee
River, where they work fourteen men in the business of quarrying marble, and
their quarries are provided with steam drills and the latest improvements known
to the industry. They operate large polishing and finishing shops on Center
Street, comprising one building 40 x 160 feet and another 40 x 40 feet, and
which are supplied with gang saws for sawing marble, and every modern appliance
for molding, polishing and finishing both marble and granite, operated by steam
and water power combined, to the extent of 125 horse-power, and employment is
here given to forty skilled and expert workmen. Fabrication of monumental work
has become an art requiring originality of conception, technical training,
patient endeavor, intelligent application and the very acme of expert
workmanship to secure an artistic totality of admirable and enduring qualities.
To fully meet these essential requisites, the efforts of this company are
unremitting. Purity and originality of design, excellence in material and
workmanship, are the aims of the management, and all work proves as represented,
is guaranteed in every respect, and every statement, expressed or implied, in
letter and spirit is substantiated. The fullest extent of artistic possibility
has signalized their many productions, and their well-tested merits, marked
appreciation by the trade throughout all the eastern states, is their best
recommendation, their only needed endorsement. A corps of expert salesmen
represent the interests of the house upon the road, and orders are guaranteed
prompt and perfect fulfilment in all cases. The proprietors of this enterprise
are Messrs. T. J. and W. V. Johnstone, father and son. The former was born in
England, came to Canada in 1862, and settled in Burlington, Vt. in 1880, where
he had the management of the works of the Burlington Manufacturing Company for
seven years. The son was also born in England, and came to this country when an
infant. Both are artistic workmen who can embody and produce the conceptions of
their brain by their own skilled handicraft, and they combine ripe experience
and distinguished enterprise to form a company of commanding influence, wide
popularity and solid worth.

   WILSON D. NUTTING, Dry Goods, Park St.—A progressive and popular dry goods
house is here given, and one that in the space of three years has advanced to a
most important position in the trade. The business was inaugurated in 1888 by
the present proprietor, who purchased of Messrs. C. H. Ross & Co., a branch of
their business consisting of staple and fancy goods. The premises occupied
comprise one floor, 40 x 97 feet in dimensions; five experienced clerks are
constantly employed and the store Is one of the most attractive features of the
neighborhood, and is a favorite resort for great numbers who receive in their
estimation, better satisfaction, both in service and prices than can be obtained
in any similar concern in town. A very large and diversified stock is carried,
embracing dry goods and notions and all those kindred articles that lend such
charm and variety to the assortments. All the lines are complete and fresh, the
dress goods, silks, shawls, blankets, white and fancy goods being particularly
rich. Unrivalled facilities are enjoyed for procuring the latest and best
productions, consignments reaching the house direct from leading manufacturers.
Purchases are made for cash, and in consideration of this fact, which is a most
important item to the producers and jobbers, Mr. Nutting is given the benefit of
exceptionally favorable prices, which explains the reason of the figures which
he quotes being lower than those named elsewhere. Both a large wholesale and
retail business is transacted. The prosperity of the house is substantial and
gratifying and the rapid augmentation of the trade gives abundant promise for
the future. Mr. Nutting has not only the largest and finest stock of goods in
town but has a nicely finished and attractively arranged salesroom, lighted with
electric lights and fitted up with all modern appliances. He is a native of
Bakersfleld, Vt., and came to Brandon in 1888. He was in the employ of a dry
goods firm in St. Albans for eight years previous to establishing himself in
business. He is a young man of energy and determination, thoroughly devoted to
the demands of the industry he follows, and highly esteemed for his sterling
integrity and personal honor.

   H. M. GIPSON, Lumber, Shingles, Etc.—This business was established by Mr.
Isaac Daro over twenty-five years ago, and he was succeeded by Mr. James Knapp
in 1884. The present proprietor succeeded to the control in 1885, and has since
conducted the business in a highly successful manner. He enjoys the most
intimate relations with manufacturers in the principal lumber producing regions,
and advantages are given to patrons, both in terms and prices, that would with
difficulty be found elsewhere. Every facility is enjoyed for the prompt shipment
and delivery of goods and for storage purposes. He has a fine office on Center
Street, and the spacious yards are conveniently located on Seminary Street. The
stock comprises sash, doors, blinds, and an extended line of woodwork, the
character of which is familiar to those in interest, including as it does all
the standard articles demanded by the carpenter, contractor, builder and others.
These are found here in great quantity and variety, the best selected materials
having been utilized in every case, and only reliable and first-class goods are
ever offered for sale. An immense stock of lumber of all descriptions, lath,
shingles, etc., is carried, a good assortment of all grades and dimensions being
on hand at all times. The extraordinary facilities and resources of the concern
enable it to place its goods on the market at lower prices than could be
afforded by other establishments less favorably situated. Mr. Gipson is a native
of Salisbury and came to Brandon in 1871. He was engaged in mercantile business
for nine years previous to establishing this business. He is a member of the F.
and A. M. and has been selectman for three years. He is the present
representative in the state legislature from this place.

   F. W. HUDSON, Dentist, Briggs Block.—Prominent among the leading dentists of
Brandon, maintaining a very enviable and widespread reputation for superior
productions and skill, is Dr. F. W. Hudson. He has had a practical experience,
covering a period of fifteen years, and came to this place from Massachusetts,
where he had formerly been in business, and in 1883 he established this
enterprise in Brandon which at once developed a very large and influential
patronage, derived principally from among our most intelligent and influential
citizens, and having performed some of the most difficult operations in dental
surgery he has won a reputation for thorough skill and professional ability,
which places him among the foremost dentists of the state. His office, reception
and operating rooms are of easy access and very attractively appointed, while in
the operating room and laboratory will be found all the latest improved
scientific devices and mechanical appliances known to the profession for placing
the patient at ease while undergoing treatment, and the different preparations
of anaesthetics and obtundents, etc., for the alleviation of pain during
extraction or filling of teeth have proved in his hands a great success.
Extraneous matter removed from the teeth, and diseased gums receive skilful and
successful treatment, while the teeth of children are filled, straightened and
properly trained in their growth. His artificial work is of the highest
character, and teeth are made and inserted either singly or in sets under the
very latest improved methods either on gold, silver, aluminum, porcelain or
vulcanized plates, or by the bridging and crown processes. Of this latter work
he has made a successful specialty. Prices are exceedingly reasonable.
Engagements are met promptly and polite and intelligent assistants are in
constant attendance. Dr. Hudson is a member of the Vermont State Dental
Association, an Odd Fellow and a member of the Sons of Veterans. Within the last
year his business has increased to such an extent that he has found it necessary
to obtain the assistance of a competent practitioner in the person of C. K.
Huntley, D.M.D., a graduate of Harvard University, one of the oldest and most
reliable dental schools of the world. Dr. Huntley has had nearly ten years of
experience in practical office and college work, and we bespeak for him a most
successful career in his connection with this well established
office.

   FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BRANDON, Hon. N. T. Sprague, President, F. E. Briggs,
Cashier.—The history of the First National Bank of Brandon verifies the
well-established fact that a great financial institution, having men of
conservative characteristics and sound judgment at the helm must surely become
successful and prosperous. This bank was incorporated in 1861, and has a paid up
capital of $150,000. Its president, Hon. Nathan T. Sprague of Brooklyn, N. Y.,
was born in Brandon, a son of the first president of the bank, and was for years
a prominent citizen of the town; representing it in the state legislature, and
elected by the county as a member of the state senate; while he was ever
prominent In every good word and work for the promotion of the welfare and
prosperity of the village. In 1880 he removed to Brooklyn, and there organized
the Sprague National Bank, of which he is president, and Is also president of
the Brooklyn Elevated Railway Company. The vice-president, Hon. Volney Ross, is
a retired merchant, has been a member of the state legislature and long
prominent in local affairs. The cashier, Mr. F. E. Briggs, is a native of
Brandon, a representative in the state legislature of 1884, and has served as
town treasurer for a number of years, being recognized in banking and business
circles as an expert financier and a safe, reliable young business man. The
First National does a regular legitimate banking business in deposits, loans,
collections and exchange; receives accounts of banks, bankers, manufacturers,
merchants and others on the most favorable terms; remits collections at the
lowest rates, and renders thorough satisfaction to all its customers. Swinging a
heavy capital, controlled by founders and promoters of unquestioned integrity
and long-proved ability, it has not only proved a pillar of strength in time of
great financial necessity and fear, but has upheld and fostered the material
interests of the entire manufacturing and mercantile community. A bank so long
established and having gone so far in its career with ever-growing success, is
of course, an assured permanency, but there is more than mere "solidity," as the
word goes, which has contributed to its prosperity and popularity. Although
founded upon a rock, it has each twelve months been raised above the level of
the year before. It is not pervaded with "old fogyism," but has in every
particular kept abreast of the times. Its management has ever been characterized
by that spirit of cautious enterprise and vigorous conservatism which marks out
new paths and follows them surely. These are among the great factors that
produce a sound and healthy bank. The most convincing proof, however, is shown
by the fact that, with a capital of §150,000, it has accumulated a surplus of
$100,000, with undivided profits of $8,330.93, which is a showing hard to match.

   BRANDON ITALIAN MARBLE COMPANY, Quarry, Mill and Office on Central Vermont
Railroad, One Mile South of Brandon and Fifteen Miles North of
Rutland.—Limestone and white marble are plentiful in the United States,
particularly in Vermont, western Massachusetts, etc. American marbles were first
used in making busts in Philadelphia in 1804. The Rutland quarries now supply
statuary marbles which in whiteness, texture and purity rival the celebrated
marble of Carrara. Several of the statues designed for the interior of the
Capitol at Washington and for other public buildings in other parts of the
country are from this marble. The working of the Vermont quarries have extended
some forty years, but the greatest development has taken place in the last
twenty-five years. Some of the finest American variegated marbles are from these
quarries. A well-known and prominent company engaged in quarrying marble in
Brandon is the Brandon Italian Marble Company, a corporation organized in May,
1887, under the laws of the state of Vermont, that purchased the property and
business of the Mutual Marble Company, a partnership established in 1885 and
composed of some of the owners of the present company, under the present name,
in 1887. They own a large quarry and give employment to about fifty or sixty men
in quarry, mill and yard. They have steam drills, diamond and steel gang
channeling machinery and all the latest improved machinery. Their extensive
mills at the quarries are 120 feet in length and contain twelve large gangs of
saws. Marble taken from the quarries is sawed Into shape for finishing, but no
finishing is done here. They have an engine of 100 horsepower and two boilers of
80 horse-power each. This company have the finest stock of marble In Brandon and
its trade extends over the whole United States. The growth since the
establishment of this company in producing marble direct from this magnificently
managed quarry has been something that marks an epoch in the marble business,
and has given to Vermont one of her noblest industries. Mr. J. P. Upham, the
president of the company, is a resident of Claremont, N. H. and is president of
the Sullivan Machine Company of that place. Mr. J. D. Upham, son of the
president, is a resident of Brandon and is treasurer of the company. The
business of the company is one of great volume and is increasing annually in
extent.

   JAMES L. CAHEE, Market and Grist Mill, Conant Square. —We could perhaps no
better serve a large number of our readers than by calling their attention to
the old established and flourishing business of-Mr, James L. Cahee, the
well-known proprietor of a meat market and grist mill located on Conant Square.
The mill is noted as being the first mill built in Brandon, Mr. John Conant
being the first proprietor. The mill is a two-story structure supplied with
abundant water power, and having four run of stone, five water wheels and a
large elevator. It has a capacity for six hundred bushels of grain per day. The
mill came into the hands of the present proprietor in 18G9, who has since
conducted the business with marked success. Probably no dealer in flour and
grain is better or more favorably known, or is regarded as more trustworthy and
experienced than Mr. Cahee. He handles the best qualities of bran, oats, mill
feed and family flour, all of which are received direct from the producer in
large invoices, and at advantageous rates. The characteristics which regulate
the business policy of this house are such as to entitle it to universal
consideration, while ' its ample resources and facilities enable the proprietor
to complete with any similar house in town. A large wholesale and retail trade
has been established which is constantly increasing. Mr. Cahee is also the
proprietor of a meat market which he established in 1874. He employs a force of
help in this branch of .his business, sufficiently large to meet the demands of
the trade and all orders receive prompt attention and goods are delivered free
of extra charge. The market is handsomely fitted up with marble counters, and
all conveniences for the storing and preservation of meats. He also keeps a
large stock of canned goods, fresh butter, and lard. Mr. Cahee has been a
resident of this town the past sixty years, has held the office of selectman six
years, and is a member of the F. and A. M. Everyone desiring goods in his line
will find Mr. Cahee a most honorable and pleasant gentleman with whom to have
dealings.

  E. B. HENDRY, Livery Stable, Park Street.—Mr. Hendry is a native of this town,
and having a wide range of experience among horses, and thoroughly familiar with
their requirements and treatment, he inaugurated this enterprise on his own
responsibility in Forestdale, this town, in 1878, and at once developed a very
large and influential trade, which increased to such proportions that in order
to meet its demands, he removed to the present location in 1887, where he enjoys
better facilities. His stable is of ample dimensions, admirably arranged, and
fitted up with every convenience to meet all requirements. It is well lighted,
ventilated, and thoroughly drained, and has ample accommodations for a large
number of animals. Horses are taken to board by the day, week or month, and when
left in his charge, they receive most careful treatment at the hands of
experienced grooms, while the provender is of the very best quality, and
bountifully supplied. He also keeps a fine assortment of splendid horses,
gentle, stylish, good roadsters, and reliable; also a good supply of single and
double carriages, top and open buggies, light wagons, single and double sleighs,
which can be hired at all hours of the day or night for business or pleasure,
with or without drivers, on the most reasonable terms. A specialty is made of
turnouts, for funerals, weddings, balls, parties, excursions, sleighing trips,
etc., and the service furnished is always first class. He also conducts the sale
and exchange of horses, carriages, etc., on the most liberal terms, and upon the
most honorable conditions. Mr. Hendry is a very pleasant and popular man,
reliable and prompt, and is a highly respected member of the G. A. R. Department
of Vermont, having enlisted and served for four years and seven months as first
lieutenant of Company B, Seventh Regiment Vermont Volunteer Infantry, during the
war of the Rebellion.

   GEORGE A. CROSSMAN, Druggist, Center Street.—No department of business is of
more direct value and importance to the community at large, than that in which
the practical pharmacist brings to bear his professional skill and experience.
In this connection special direction is directed to the establishment of George
A. Crossman. This concern has been in existence since 1861, when it was founded
by R. Forbes. He sold out to Mr. Crossman in 1879; since 1865 the location of
the house has been on the present site. The premises comprise a spacious floor,
25 x 75 feet in dimensions, with excellent basement facilities. Four assistants
are employed all told. Here is always to be found a complete stock of pure,
fresh drugs and chemicals, all the reliable and standard family medicines, and
proprietary remedies and the latest novelties in perfumery, toilet articles and
fancy goods of both domestic and foreign production. The goods are selected with
scrupulous care and experienced judgment, and can be relied upon as the best the
market affords. The prescription department is perfect in every particular,
being fully supplied with the latest improved apparatus and appliances known to
this important branch, and is presided over by Mr. Crossman in person, whose
experience and ability thoroughly qualify him for compounding physicians'
prescriptions and family recipes in a careful and accurate manner. Mr. Crossman
is a native of Massachusetts and removed to Brandon in 1868. He is highly
respected here and is a member of the Massachusetts college of pharmacy, a
thirty-second degree Mason, as well as an Odd Fellow in high standing.

   CHARLES H. ROSS, Boots and Shoes, Main Street.—Among the attractive business
establishments of this busy trade center will be found that of Mr. Charles H.
Ross. The business is one of the oldest established in this vicinity, enjoying a
long and prosperous career, and commanding a permanent trade of wide and
extensive proportions. The house, during its long and successful career, has
undergone the usual phases incidental to the life of a leading business concern.
It was first established in 1842 by V. Ross. In 1850, he admitted E. Ross as his
business associate; in 1862, the house became Ross & Pitts, and in 1869 Charles
Ross purchased his father's interest, and the firm remained Ross & Pitts; the
next change was in 1873, when the firm style was changed to Ross, Pitts & Co.;
in 1876, Ross, Pitts & Copeland; in 1879, C. H. Ross & Co. became proprietors,
and continued so until the present year, when Mr. Ross assumed sole control. The
premises occupied comprise two- spacious floor rooms, each 30 x 70 feet in
dimensions, fitted up in a very appropriate and complete manner for facilitating
the operations of the house. The stock carried embraces a wide variety of many
grades and qualities of boots, shoes, slippers and kindred goods; carpets of
foreign and domestic importation, glassware, crockery, wall papers of rich
design and varied colors, and a large supply of lamps and lamp goods of every
description. The goods are attractively displayed, and the several stocks are
kept replenished from time to time, as occasion demands, with new and seasonable
goods. Mr. Ross is a native of Brandon, and moves in the best circles here. He
is very much respected in this community, and is an honored member of F. and A. M.

   WARREN F. BALLOU, Briggs' Block.—The old theory that clothes do not make the
man has long ago been exploded. Good clothes and well dressed men are among the
first requisites that a man is expected to possess, when he pays a business call
to another person. If he is not dressed well, his visit loses half of its force.
The tailor of to-day is fully able to meet all of these requirements. A most
successful tailor is found in Mr. Warren F. Ballou, of Briggs' Block, in
Brandon. Though this business has been recently established, in 1890, Mr. Ballou
is recognized as the leading tailor in Brandon. He occupies large and neat rooms
in the new handsome Briggs' Block, and devotes his time to the making of custom
suits, dress suits, coats, trousers, waistcoats, top and great coats for the
leading gentlemen of Brandon and vicinity. Mr. Ballou is a native of Walpole, N.
H., and came to Brandon in 1890. He has proven himself a practical and most
accomplished tailor, an excellent cutter and fitter, has artistic taste and
style, makes his suits out of the best material, and trims them with the richest
fabrics and linings. Mr. Ballou has given his personal attention to the
business, and by constant application, has arrived at a most satisfactory stage
of success. He has had twenty-five years' experience in various parts of the
state, is an upright, honorable business man, and a social favorite.

   C. W. RRIGGS, Hardware, Center Street.-Some of the oldest houses of business
in the state of Vermont are found in Brandon, which at the same time is proud to
say that she has some of the most clever merchants in New England. The name of
Mr. C. W. Briggs may be found in this list. He is a reliable, successful,
hardware merchant, who, after three years of individual business experience, and
many more years of co-partnership duties, stands at the head of his calling. He
is one of the Briggs Bros., who succeeded W. Marshall in 1867, the business
having first been established in 1815. Mr. C. W. Briggs became sole proprietor
in 1887. He has three floors, 20x75 feet, stocked with everything known to the
retail hardware trade, and employs four able and willing clerks. A specialty is
the repairing of hardware and tinware. He sells Andes stoves, ranges, kitchen
furnishings, furnaces, stove ware, kettles, boilers, pans, iron goods used in
housekeeping, tinware, pans, tea-kettles, basins, etc., tools of all sorts, for
carpenters, blacksmiths, and carriage builders; builders' supplies, nails,
bolts, screws, hinges, glass, putty and oils. Mr. Briggs carries only the best
of stock, and deals with all men in an upright and loyal manner. He stands high
in business, public and social life, is a native of Salisbury, Vt., a member of
the F. and A. M., and holds the high public office of selectman and poor master.
  C. 15. SAVERY, Fine Groceries.—While it is to be said of England that her
people are a race of shopkeepers, it is said that the Americans are a race of
merchants, a distinction with perhaps little difference as to results, but the
Americans have a more refined way of going about it. The merchants of Brandon
are among her highest people, notable among the number being Mr. C. E. Savery,
dealer in choice family groceries and table luxuries. His business was
originally established by Kingsley & Savery, succeeded by F. W. Savery & Son;
and in 1885, Mr. C. E. Savery became the sole proprietor. He occupies a floor,
20x75 feet, elegantly stocked from one end to the other with the choicest of
goods. His customers come from the first families, while he delivers all orders,
his business being done strictly on a cash basis. He sells fine teas, coffees,
sugar. spices, flour, butter, eggs, fresh country produce, cheese, vegetables,
fruits of all kinds, apples, pears, grapes, peaches, oranges, lemons,
pineapples, table delicacies, canned fruits, preserves, pickles, dried fruits,
the finest desserts, such as nuts, olives, dressings, etc. Mr. Savery's store is
the popular headquarters for all goods that are used upon the tables of the
first families. He makes it his particular duty to see that everything supplied
is of the purest quality, and worthy of his name as a merchant. Mr. Savery had a
careful training for a mercantile career, having been a salesman in a Brandon
dry goods house for a number of years, before embarking in business
independently. He is an honorable man of affairs, popular in public and social
circles, and an active member of the I. O. O. F. and Masonic fraternities.   He
was born in Salisbury, Vt.

   D. F. SEXTON, Jewelers' Supplies, Center Street.—Some of the largest houses
engaged in this line are found in New England. Brandon with pride claiming an
extensive dealer in Mr. D. F. Sexton. His is a very old trade, and is now
located on Center Street, the business having been established in 1868 by Sexton
& Whitiker. In 1870, the firm was succeeded by D. F. Sexton; in 1888 it became
Sexton & Briggs, and in 1890, Mr. D. F. Sexton became the sole proprietor. He
deals in watches, chains, diamonds, silver and plated ware, spectacles, eye
glasses, sewing machines, oils, etc., and gives prompt attention to the
repairing of watches and sewing machines. Mr. Sexton's premises include an
entire floor, heavily stocked with goods for the retail trade. He has one of the
most handsome and attractive stores in this city, and makes a beautiful show
case and window display of his goods. He carries every make of gold and silver
watches, key and stem winders, chains of all patterns, rings, bracelets, diamond
jewelry, rings, brooches and ear rings, sleeve, collar and cuff buttons and
links in gold and silver, all of the precious stones, emeralds, rubies,
sapphires, garnets, pearls, etc., gold and metal spectacles, and ladies' and
gentlemen's ornaments of every description. He handles every make of sewing
machines, and guarantees satisfaction. The quality of his goods is the best that
can be found in gold, silver and diamonds. He was engaged in the jewelry
business twelve years in the southern part of the state, and is also interested
in real estate in the west He came to this city in 1863 from Whiting. His native
place is Orwell.

   FRANK H. GRIMES, Photographer, Main Street.—One of the best known and most
popular galleries in this city will be found in the Paige Block, owned and
managed by Mr. Frank H. Grimes. The business was established in 1870, by J. P.
Carnes, and has passed through several changes in proprietorship since then. It
has been successively conducted by S. Capen, S. S. Smith, J. and G. L. Parker,
J. O. Philips, A. E. G. Fuller, and finally Mr. Grimes assumed control last
year. The spacious gallery, studio and reception rooms, comprising six
apartments in all on the second floor, are tastefully arranged, finely furnished
and fitted up with all the latest improved apparatus and appliances for making
pictures. Besides being a first-class photographer for every variety of
pictures, Mr. Grimes also makes a specialty of crayon portraits, oil portraits,
water colors and India ink work. Mr. Grimes is a thoroughly experienced and
expert photographer, and is prepared to do work of, every description in his
line in the very best style and at the lowest prices, perfect satisfaction being
warranted and first-class work assured. Mr. Grimes is a native of New York and
came to Vermont in 1863. He was formerly engaged in the same line of business in
Rutland for two years, and enjoys a wide-spread reputation both in commercial
and social circles.

   CARR & SON, Contractors and Builders.—-No trade is of greater importance in
city or country than that of the carpenter and builder, and in this line, the
firm of Messrs. Carr & Sons, takes front rank. The business was originally
established in 1803, and its history from its inception has been one of
continued success. A large force of men are constantly employed and many large
and handsome business blocks and elegant private residences have been built by
them in different parts of the state. They make a specialty of moving buildings,
and have a large practice in this line all through New England. All their work
is done in the most thorough and complete manner. They adhere strictly to
specifications, and have achieved an enviable reputation among the leading
architects, real estate men and private property owners. The members of the firm
are noted for their practical skill and experience, and have every facility at
command and old established influential connections. The individual members of
the firm, Messrs. C. W., E. G., W. C. and B. A. Carr are all natives of Brandon.
Mr. C. W. Carr was four years in the 4th Vermont regiment during the late war
and was ten months in several different prisons. He is a member of the F. and A.
M. and the G. A. R. Mr. E. G. Carr is a member of the G. A. R. and served nine
months in Company G, 12th Vermont regiment. Mr. B. A. Carr is a member of the
Sons of veterans and is first lieutenant of the National Guard. All four
gentlemen are enterprising, possessed •of excellent business qualities and are
highly respected in social and business circles.

   GEO. BRIGGS, Insurance, Center Street.-—This popular and enterprising
gentleman is well known throughout the entire state and has occupied several
important public positions, some of which he fills at the present writing.
Graduating at Hobart College, New York State, class of '06, he established
himself here in this line of business in connection with that of attorney and
counsellor at law, and from the start has enjoyed a most substantial and
influential patronage. He gives his personal attention to the various branches
of his business, and is the authorized agent of such old and responsible
insurance companies as the AEtna, of Hartford, Conn.; the Home Fire Insurance
Co., of New York; the Insurance Co., of North America; the Phoenix, of Hartford,
Conn.; the Niagara, of New York; the Vermont Mutual; the Northern, of London,
etc. He is prepared to place risks to any amount on insurable properties in any
of the foregoing companies at the lowest rates consistent with absolute
security, and all damages are promptly adjusted and paid without any legal
complications. In addition to his legal and insurance business he is a director
of the National Life Insurance Co., of Montpelier; a director of the Rutland
Savings Bank; a director of the Vermont Mutual Fire Insurance Co., and Vermont
Investment and Guarantee Co., of Orwell, Vt. He has been town clerk for a
quarter of a century, clerk of the Fire Department for twenty-nine years, and
treasurer of the Cemetery Association for twenty years, and in addition to these
important duties was a member of the legislature representing Brandon in 1880,
and a member of the State Senate In 1888.

   MANCHESTER & SPOONER, Druggists, Park Street.— The inception of this reliable
enterprise occurred some forty years ago, the founder being C. L. Case; after
him came the following proprietors in successive order: Case & Lyman, 1859; Case
& Cheney, 18G9; C. L. Case, 1872; C. A. Nott. 1875; C. S. Boynton, 1877; Boynton
& Manchester, 1879; F. N. Manchester, 1884, and finally in 1888, Manchester &
Spooner. The premises are of a very spacious and complete character, and the
stock carried includes a full and complete assortment of drugs and chemicals,
while in addition is carried an infinite variety of toilet articles, fancy
articles, surgical instruments, etc. The other department of the business
embraces a varied stock of choice confectionery of foreign and domestic
importation. The prescription department of the house is first class in every
particular, and physicians' prescriptions and family recipes are compounded in a
careful and accurate manner by experienced pharmacists. Mr. Manchester was born
at Hubbard-town in 1850, and has lived in Brandon since 1871; he following
bookkeeping for five years and is an active member of the Masons and K. T. Mr.
T. C. Spooner was born at Sudbury, and formerly clerked in both drug stores in
Brandon. He is also an honored member of F. and A. M. and K. T. Both gentlemen
are highly esteemed here.

   EDWARD W. BRIGGS, Jeweler, Park Street.—A leading and prosperous
establishment in its particular branch of mercantile Industry is that of Mr.
Edward W. Briggs, watchmaker and jeweler. The business he is conducting was
originally established by D. F. Sexton, in 1881; in 1886, the firm became Sexton
& Briggs, and finally, some months ago, Mr. Briggs succeeded to sole ownership.
The spacious store is elegantly fitted up with handsome counters, show cases and
shelving, on and in which is displayed the valuable and well selected stock
carried, embracing a fine assortment of watches, chains, diamonds and other
precious stones, silver and plated ware, spectacles, eye glasses, clocks, and
fine jewelry of every description. A feature of the business is a fine stock of
sewing machines and supplies, such as oils, etc. The house, makes a specialty in
fine watch and jewelry repairing, also sewing machine repairing, and commands a
trade of wide and extensive proportions. Mr. Briggs was born in Salisbury, but
has always lived in Brandon. He is rated as one of the city's enterprising and
respected merchants and honored citizens.

   F. W. JOHNSON, Livery, Main Street.—This business was established by the
present proprietor in 1889 and has from its inception pursued an increasingly
successful career. The building occupied is equipped with every modern
convenience applicable to the enterprise. The stalls are models of cleanliness
and order and a suitable force of experienced grooms look after every detail of
the work. Seventeen horses are kept for hire, and a full line of carriages,
buggies, surreys and other vehicles is kept constantly on hand, and orders for
weddings, entertainments, funerals and other occasions are filled in the most
satisfactory manner. Every description of rigs for pleasure riding can be
obtained here; single, double, four horse teams can be furnished at all times.
He always keeps convenient conveyances for commercial travelers, and employs
only the most careful and trustworthy drivers. Mr. Johnson has always been a
farmer, and is a native of Vermont.

   H. S. BUTTLES, Restaurant.—A leading enterprise of the city and one worthy of
the highest consideration in a work of this character is the elegantly appointed
restaurant conducted by Mr. H. S. Buttles. Mr. Buttles is a native of Brandon,
and has seen considerable of life in both a business and social way. He served
eleven months during the war in the Twelfth Vermont Regiment, and is an honored
member of the G. A. R., being at present commander of one of the local posts. He
was engaged in the shoe trade in Troy, N. Y. for many years and also conducted a
livery stable for six years. The restaurant he is conducting at present was
established in 1870. The dining-room is a large, finely arranged hall,
handsomely appointed with all the necessary paraphernalia. The culinary
department is in charge of competent and skilful chefs, and the menu served is
always in the highest style of this art, and meals at this establishment are
appetizingly and temptingly served in every instance. Mr. Buttles has a large
local patronage and a most extensive transient trade, and is highly esteemed in
all circles.

   J. E. GRAVES & CO., Grocers, Center Street.—Messrs. J. E. Graves & Co.
established their business in 1883, and now have two floors heavily stocked with
goods of the highest grade, including fine groceries, etc. They sell all kinds
of teas, coffee, spices, sugar, flour, breadstuffs, biscuits, confections,
sweets, bon-bons, caramels, fruits, apples, oranges, lemons, cherries, pears,
peaches, canned, preserved. pickled and dried fruits and goods of all kinds;
also a full and heavy line of the best grades of cigars, Havana, Key West, etc.;
tobacco, smoking, chewing, plug, cut plug, long cut, perique, Turkish; also
pipes, boxes, pouches, holders, and all of the notions that lend delight to the
heart of the smoker. Mr. Graves is a native of Salisbury, Vt., born in 1838. He
has had a wide life experience. During the war he was a railway conductor in
Tennessee. He has been a conductor five years in the southern and western
states, and then went to Chicago, Ill., where he carried on a grocer's business.
Mr. Graves is an honorable man, and carries only the best goods and keeps his
store neat and attractive.

   J. C. WHEELER, Agricultural Implements and Carriages, Center Street.—Mr. J.
C. Wheeler established his agricultural department in 1880, adding carriages in
1885. He has a floor, large and roomy, filled with farm implements, plows,
harrows, cultivators, sowing and mowing machines, reapers, scythes, rakes,
forks, spades, shoes, farm yard utensils, and every improvement known to the
modern agriculturist. He deals in every, kind of carriages, landaus, Victorias,
buggies, buck boards, dog carts, light rigs, sulkies, etc., and manufactures
both light and heavy harness of all kinds. Mr. Wheeler is a complete master of
his business, and has gained the confidence of his patrons, many of them being
farmers, by dint of close application to business and honorable commercial
methods. His policy is conservative and true to business integrity. Not alone is
Mr. Wheeler a merchant, but a practical agriculturist as well, owning a farm in
the town of Sudbury, where he was born. He is therefore in position, from
personal experience, to know precisely what sort of implements are best suited
to farm use. He is a gentleman of enterprise, influential in public affairs, a
respected citizen, and an active member of the F. and A. M.

   JOHN L. KNIGHT, Grocer, Center Street.—A prosperous and flourishing house in
its important branch of commercial activity in this city is that of John L.
Knight, grocer and provision dealer, on Center Street. He commenced the business
in 1887, occupying at first a moderate sized store on the opposite side of the
street. As time advanced, however, the business increased to such proportions
that newer and larger accommodations became an imperative necessity, and early
this year Mr. Knight moved into and occupied the handsome and spacious stores,
23 x 75 feet in dimensions, in the magnificent Briggs' Block, the finest
business structure in town. The generally complete appointments here noted
embrace all requisite conveniences for the advantageous handling and display of
the large and carefully selected stock. This is the recognized headquarters for
everything in the fancy and staple groceries line, as well as special sundries
in holiday and canned goods, whilst also handling choice family groceries,
flour, provisions, pure teas, coffees, etc. Teas and coffees are a leading
specialty and embrace the choicest imported brands. Two polite salespeople are
steadily employed, and a wagon used for delivering goods. Mr. Knight is a native
of this city and is one of our most honored and esteemed citizens and business
men. He was for nine years postmaster of Brandon and belongs to the Masonic order.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from:

INDUSTRIES AND WEALTH OF THE PRINCIPAL POINTS IN VERMONT,
BEING
BURLINGTON, WINOOSKI, RUTLAND, WEST RUTLAND, BRANDON, FAIR HAVEN, POULTNEY,
CASTLETON, ST. ALBANS, SWANTON, ENOSBURG FALLS, BRATTLEBORO, BELLOWS FALLS,
MONTPELIER, BARRE, WATERBURY, ST. JOHNSBURY, LYNDONVILLE, LYNDON, HARDWICK,
BENNINGTON, SPRINGFIELD, WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, VERGENNES, MIDDLEBURY, NORTHFIELD
AND MORRISVILLE.

1891.

PUBLISHED BY
AMERICAN PUBLISHING AND ENGRAVING CO.,
(ELEVATORS.)
Nos. 149 AND 151 CHURCH STREET, NEW YORK.


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