WHATVEVR HAPPENED TO?

Page 2

DR. BUTLER WILMARTH - the illegitimate son of Peggy Coleman; grandson of James Coleman, a native of Ireland, whose wife's maiden name was Molly Wetherell (a descendant of the first settler); was born Dec. 18, 1798. Uncertain who his father was, but believed a man of some note in town. June 28, 1802, Butler was bound out by the selectmen to Amos Wilmarth of Rowe, till he was 21 years old to learn the art of husbandry. Then was adopted by Mr. Wilmarth, and took his name. Though compelled to labor hard during his minority, he managed to gather sufficient education to teach school. About 23 years old, he began the study of medicine with Dr. William F. Selden of Amherst, paying his board by working on the farm. He put himself under the tuition of Dr. Brigham of Greenfield, who soon after moved away. Without having completed his studies, and without any diploma or license, with that self-reliance that always characterized his actions, entered upon the duties of physician at Montague (where his foster-father had resided), and soon won the confidence and respect of many influential citizens, and became widely known as a skilful practitioner.
About 1834 he removed to Leverett. Ten years later he joined the Hopedale Community at Milford. In 1847 ill health sent him to the Watercure Institution at New Lebanon, N.Y., where he wa so much benefited that he became a convert to hydropathy. In 1852 he and Dr. J.H. Hero opened a Water Cure at Westborough. In 1851 he was chosen President of the Hydropathic Association of Physicians and Surgeons which then met at NYC. In 1853 as he returned home from the annual meeting of which he was still president, the ill-fated train was precipitated into the river at Norwalk, CT (and probably by drowning) his life was terminated on May 6, 1853. In 1831 he married Phila Osgood of Wendell, and had 2 children.

REV. FREDERIC DEAN GOODWIN - son of Daniel & Polly Goodwin, born Feb. 15, 1804. Entered Amherst College, but did not graduate due to ill health. An Episcopal clergyman, he settled in Richmond, VA; held rectorship of several parishes in that State. Now resides at Wytheville where he officiates as rector. Married at Old Point Comfort in 1837 to Mary F. Archer, he has quite a family of children.

REV. WILLIAM HENRY KNAPP - born Sept. 19, 1811; son of Abiathar & Nancy (White) Knapp; grandson of Daniel & Mary (Field) Knapp; gr-grandson of Jonathan & Mehitable (Tucker) Knapp. Commenced ministerial duties as Universalist minister. Preached several places previous to 1844 when he settled in Nantucket. In 1851 took charge of the society at West Newton; 1854-5 was Steward of Antioch College, O. In 1856 took charge of Congregational Society at Sterling where he (1858) resides. Married, with several children.

DON EGBERT ERASTUS BRAMAN, ESQ. - son of Andresw & Nancy (Hawes) Braman; grandson of Sylvanus & Sarah (Andrews) Braman; gr-grandson of Sylvanus & Experience (Blanchard) Braman; gr-gr-grandson of Daniel & Rachel (Cambell) Braman; gr-gr-gr-grandson of Thomas Braman, sen., one of the 1st settlers; was born Sept. 21, 1814. Went to Texas April, 1837 while in the army several months. Appointed Clerk of the 1st Judicial District Court in 1847 and was admitted to the bar in 1853. Currently counsellor-at-law in Matagorda, TX; where he married, April 28, 1841, Mary E. Buckhart of Phil, PA; has 7 children.

REV. GEORGE CARPENTER - born Aug. 30, 1818; son of Deacon James & Anna (Hunt) Carpenter, grandson of William & Hannah (Keith) Carpenter; great-grandson of William Carpenter; gr-gr-grandson of Rev. William & Abigail Carpenter of this town. March 17, 1839 he united with Baptist Church and began preparation for the ministry. Entered Brown Univ. in 1841, & remained little more than a year till the 'Dorr Rebellion" interrupted classes. He did not return there, but entered Theological Instit. in New Hampton, N.H.; graduated, 1845. In autumn of 1846, ordained pastor of Baptist Church in Westminster; remained 3 years. Then Pastor at Rowe and Scituate; in 1857 removed to village of Factory Point (Manchester), VT and is minister of Baptist Church there. April 17, 1845, he married Julia C. Dow (niece of eccentric preacher, Lorenzo Dow), and has 4 children.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO?
Table of Contents
Norton Surnames

Send Email to: moronijg@mediaone.net