age 66 yrs
--------
Additional information has been provided by: Volunteer
Stephen Davis was born in 1735 in Brookfield, Worcester, MA to Benjamin and Mary Lazell Davis.
Stephen married Rebekah Young in Williamstown, Berkshire, MA. To this union were born 10 children Mary, Rebekah, Lydia, Stephen, Moses, Abigail, Martha, Anna, William Young, and Betsey.
From the VERMONT HISTORICAL GAZETTER Vol II by Abby Marie Hemenway
Stephen Davis
The Father-in-law of Judge Bliss, was here this year, and did much toward clearing up and making a farm. he bought lands here and in Milton, but there is evidence that he did not at this time contemplate coming here to reside
himself, but rather to provide homes for his sons. Hon. Alvah Sabin says that he moved here with his family this year, but that cannot be, for he was an active participant in the Shay's Insurrection in Massachusetts, which did not take place 'till 1787.
Capt. Davis was a wealthy farmer and speculator in lands, rich for those days, and resided at Williamstown, Mass. He was energetic and obstinate , ready for such an enterprise as the Shay's Insurrection, but the last to abandon it , and when it was put down, not withstanding his sympathizers stood by to defend him , he was arrested and put in irons, coupled to another, to be conveyed to prison for trial. He however contrived to escape and took to the woods. he found his mate too slow and feeble to keep up with him, and contrived to break loose from him. He then made his way here.
The next winter he sent Abner Bliss to Williamstown to bring away his family and movable effects. They came by way of Sheensborough, now Whitehall, and down the lake on the ice. Tradition says, that there was a "drove" of horses and
cattle, and that all were very fine animals, and in very high condition .
Capt. Davis and his sons after him, practiced letting cows, oxen and sheep, to be returned with increase, or for a rental payable in labor; and in this way they not only aided
many beginners in making and stocking farms, but they were able to control sufficient labor to make more extensive improvements upon their own farms, than any other of the settlers. They planted extensive orchards, and sold immense quantities of apples and cider; though we are unable to credit the oft-repeated tale, that Capt. Davis in his life-time, made 200 barrels of cider a year. Besides selling large quantities of apples; since his oldest trees could not have been over 12 or 14 years from the seed, at the time of his death.
They always had a large number of dependants about them, to whom they granted many favors, and over whom they exerted a very great influence. Their dislikes were quite as intense as their likes, when once aroused.
Capt. Davis was respected in town, and elected to office on several occasions; but he never overcame his intense objection to paying taxes; that led him into Shay's rebellion. He was especially opposed to taxation for support
of preaching, or schools, and contributed largely, by his loud opposition , and dogged, and sometimes forcible resistance to the collection of such taxes , to the spirit of animosity that characterized the parties to that contest, to which allusion is made in the "Ecclesiastical History" of the town.
At one time, aided by his son Stephen, Jr., armed with pitchforks, he defeated the collector in an attempt to seize property for taxes. The collector procured more assistance, and made the second attempt. When it became
apparent that he would succeed, Capt. Davis announced his determination to go to jail- an alternative which the law at that time permitted the delinquent to choose - rather than have his property taken. Georgia was then in Chittenden Co., and the collector got up his team to carry him to Burlington, to jail. Meantime he put on his over-coat, and seated himself in a chair from which he would not arise. The collector, equal to the emergency, procured help, and loaded him, chair and all, into the sleigh, and took him to Burlington. On his arrival there, his numerous acquaintances flocked around him, and, for the first time in his life, he was persuaded to recant. He gave his note for the amount of the tax and cost, and came back with the collector. OF course he paid the note on his arrival at home, for that was a debt of honor - and no man was more scrupulously exact, when his word was given.
He died in 1801; and his wife, also in 1802, leaving 3 sons and 5 daughters, who live quiet and unobtrusive lives in this town and in Milton. Their descendants, in considerable numbers, still reside here and in Milton.
From The History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties
Stephen Davis was the wealthiest man in town for several years and an active business man, employed much help, and contributed much toward the material wealth of the town.
--------
Additional information has been provided by: Volunteer
Stephen Davis was born in 1735 in Brookfield, Worcester, MA to Benjamin and Mary Lazell Davis.
Stephen married Rebekah Young in Williamstown, Berkshire, MA. To this union were born 10 children Mary, Rebekah, Lydia, Stephen, Moses, Abigail, Martha, Anna, William Young, and Betsey.
From the VERMONT HISTORICAL GAZETTER Vol II by Abby Marie Hemenway
Stephen Davis
The Father-in-law of Judge Bliss, was here this year, and did much toward clearing up and making a farm. he bought lands here and in Milton, but there is evidence that he did not at this time contemplate coming here to reside
himself, but rather to provide homes for his sons. Hon. Alvah Sabin says that he moved here with his family this year, but that cannot be, for he was an active participant in the Shay's Insurrection in Massachusetts, which did not take place 'till 1787.
Capt. Davis was a wealthy farmer and speculator in lands, rich for those days, and resided at Williamstown, Mass. He was energetic and obstinate , ready for such an enterprise as the Shay's Insurrection, but the last to abandon it , and when it was put down, not withstanding his sympathizers stood by to defend him , he was arrested and put in irons, coupled to another, to be conveyed to prison for trial. He however contrived to escape and took to the woods. he found his mate too slow and feeble to keep up with him, and contrived to break loose from him. He then made his way here.
The next winter he sent Abner Bliss to Williamstown to bring away his family and movable effects. They came by way of Sheensborough, now Whitehall, and down the lake on the ice. Tradition says, that there was a "drove" of horses and
cattle, and that all were very fine animals, and in very high condition .
Capt. Davis and his sons after him, practiced letting cows, oxen and sheep, to be returned with increase, or for a rental payable in labor; and in this way they not only aided
many beginners in making and stocking farms, but they were able to control sufficient labor to make more extensive improvements upon their own farms, than any other of the settlers. They planted extensive orchards, and sold immense quantities of apples and cider; though we are unable to credit the oft-repeated tale, that Capt. Davis in his life-time, made 200 barrels of cider a year. Besides selling large quantities of apples; since his oldest trees could not have been over 12 or 14 years from the seed, at the time of his death.
They always had a large number of dependants about them, to whom they granted many favors, and over whom they exerted a very great influence. Their dislikes were quite as intense as their likes, when once aroused.
Capt. Davis was respected in town, and elected to office on several occasions; but he never overcame his intense objection to paying taxes; that led him into Shay's rebellion. He was especially opposed to taxation for support
of preaching, or schools, and contributed largely, by his loud opposition , and dogged, and sometimes forcible resistance to the collection of such taxes , to the spirit of animosity that characterized the parties to that contest, to which allusion is made in the "Ecclesiastical History" of the town.
At one time, aided by his son Stephen, Jr., armed with pitchforks, he defeated the collector in an attempt to seize property for taxes. The collector procured more assistance, and made the second attempt. When it became
apparent that he would succeed, Capt. Davis announced his determination to go to jail- an alternative which the law at that time permitted the delinquent to choose - rather than have his property taken. Georgia was then in Chittenden Co., and the collector got up his team to carry him to Burlington, to jail. Meantime he put on his over-coat, and seated himself in a chair from which he would not arise. The collector, equal to the emergency, procured help, and loaded him, chair and all, into the sleigh, and took him to Burlington. On his arrival there, his numerous acquaintances flocked around him, and, for the first time in his life, he was persuaded to recant. He gave his note for the amount of the tax and cost, and came back with the collector. OF course he paid the note on his arrival at home, for that was a debt of honor - and no man was more scrupulously exact, when his word was given.
He died in 1801; and his wife, also in 1802, leaving 3 sons and 5 daughters, who live quiet and unobtrusive lives in this town and in Milton. Their descendants, in considerable numbers, still reside here and in Milton.
From The History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties
Stephen Davis was the wealthiest man in town for several years and an active business man, employed much help, and contributed much toward the material wealth of the town.
age 66 yrs
--------
Additional information has been provided by: Volunteer
Stephen Davis was born in 1735 in Brookfield, Worcester, MA to Benjamin and Mary Lazell Davis.
Stephen married Rebekah Young in Williamstown, Berkshire, MA. To this union were born 10 children Mary, Rebekah, Lydia, Stephen, Moses, Abigail, Martha, Anna, William Young, and Betsey.
From the VERMONT HISTORICAL GAZETTER Vol II by Abby Marie Hemenway
Stephen Davis
The Father-in-law of Judge Bliss, was here this year, and did much toward clearing up and making a farm. he bought lands here and in Milton, but there is evidence that he did not at this time contemplate coming here to reside
himself, but rather to provide homes for his sons. Hon. Alvah Sabin says that he moved here with his family this year, but that cannot be, for he was an active participant in the Shay's Insurrection in Massachusetts, which did not take place 'till 1787.
Capt. Davis was a wealthy farmer and speculator in lands, rich for those days, and resided at Williamstown, Mass. He was energetic and obstinate , ready for such an enterprise as the Shay's Insurrection, but the last to abandon it , and when it was put down, not withstanding his sympathizers stood by to defend him , he was arrested and put in irons, coupled to another, to be conveyed to prison for trial. He however contrived to escape and took to the woods. he found his mate too slow and feeble to keep up with him, and contrived to break loose from him. He then made his way here.
The next winter he sent Abner Bliss to Williamstown to bring away his family and movable effects. They came by way of Sheensborough, now Whitehall, and down the lake on the ice. Tradition says, that there was a "drove" of horses and
cattle, and that all were very fine animals, and in very high condition .
Capt. Davis and his sons after him, practiced letting cows, oxen and sheep, to be returned with increase, or for a rental payable in labor; and in this way they not only aided
many beginners in making and stocking farms, but they were able to control sufficient labor to make more extensive improvements upon their own farms, than any other of the settlers. They planted extensive orchards, and sold immense quantities of apples and cider; though we are unable to credit the oft-repeated tale, that Capt. Davis in his life-time, made 200 barrels of cider a year. Besides selling large quantities of apples; since his oldest trees could not have been over 12 or 14 years from the seed, at the time of his death.
They always had a large number of dependants about them, to whom they granted many favors, and over whom they exerted a very great influence. Their dislikes were quite as intense as their likes, when once aroused.
Capt. Davis was respected in town, and elected to office on several occasions; but he never overcame his intense objection to paying taxes; that led him into Shay's rebellion. He was especially opposed to taxation for support
of preaching, or schools, and contributed largely, by his loud opposition , and dogged, and sometimes forcible resistance to the collection of such taxes , to the spirit of animosity that characterized the parties to that contest, to which allusion is made in the "Ecclesiastical History" of the town.
At one time, aided by his son Stephen, Jr., armed with pitchforks, he defeated the collector in an attempt to seize property for taxes. The collector procured more assistance, and made the second attempt. When it became
apparent that he would succeed, Capt. Davis announced his determination to go to jail- an alternative which the law at that time permitted the delinquent to choose - rather than have his property taken. Georgia was then in Chittenden Co., and the collector got up his team to carry him to Burlington, to jail. Meantime he put on his over-coat, and seated himself in a chair from which he would not arise. The collector, equal to the emergency, procured help, and loaded him, chair and all, into the sleigh, and took him to Burlington. On his arrival there, his numerous acquaintances flocked around him, and, for the first time in his life, he was persuaded to recant. He gave his note for the amount of the tax and cost, and came back with the collector. OF course he paid the note on his arrival at home, for that was a debt of honor - and no man was more scrupulously exact, when his word was given.
He died in 1801; and his wife, also in 1802, leaving 3 sons and 5 daughters, who live quiet and unobtrusive lives in this town and in Milton. Their descendants, in considerable numbers, still reside here and in Milton.
From The History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties
Stephen Davis was the wealthiest man in town for several years and an active business man, employed much help, and contributed much toward the material wealth of the town.
--------
Additional information has been provided by: Volunteer
Stephen Davis was born in 1735 in Brookfield, Worcester, MA to Benjamin and Mary Lazell Davis.
Stephen married Rebekah Young in Williamstown, Berkshire, MA. To this union were born 10 children Mary, Rebekah, Lydia, Stephen, Moses, Abigail, Martha, Anna, William Young, and Betsey.
From the VERMONT HISTORICAL GAZETTER Vol II by Abby Marie Hemenway
Stephen Davis
The Father-in-law of Judge Bliss, was here this year, and did much toward clearing up and making a farm. he bought lands here and in Milton, but there is evidence that he did not at this time contemplate coming here to reside
himself, but rather to provide homes for his sons. Hon. Alvah Sabin says that he moved here with his family this year, but that cannot be, for he was an active participant in the Shay's Insurrection in Massachusetts, which did not take place 'till 1787.
Capt. Davis was a wealthy farmer and speculator in lands, rich for those days, and resided at Williamstown, Mass. He was energetic and obstinate , ready for such an enterprise as the Shay's Insurrection, but the last to abandon it , and when it was put down, not withstanding his sympathizers stood by to defend him , he was arrested and put in irons, coupled to another, to be conveyed to prison for trial. He however contrived to escape and took to the woods. he found his mate too slow and feeble to keep up with him, and contrived to break loose from him. He then made his way here.
The next winter he sent Abner Bliss to Williamstown to bring away his family and movable effects. They came by way of Sheensborough, now Whitehall, and down the lake on the ice. Tradition says, that there was a "drove" of horses and
cattle, and that all were very fine animals, and in very high condition .
Capt. Davis and his sons after him, practiced letting cows, oxen and sheep, to be returned with increase, or for a rental payable in labor; and in this way they not only aided
many beginners in making and stocking farms, but they were able to control sufficient labor to make more extensive improvements upon their own farms, than any other of the settlers. They planted extensive orchards, and sold immense quantities of apples and cider; though we are unable to credit the oft-repeated tale, that Capt. Davis in his life-time, made 200 barrels of cider a year. Besides selling large quantities of apples; since his oldest trees could not have been over 12 or 14 years from the seed, at the time of his death.
They always had a large number of dependants about them, to whom they granted many favors, and over whom they exerted a very great influence. Their dislikes were quite as intense as their likes, when once aroused.
Capt. Davis was respected in town, and elected to office on several occasions; but he never overcame his intense objection to paying taxes; that led him into Shay's rebellion. He was especially opposed to taxation for support
of preaching, or schools, and contributed largely, by his loud opposition , and dogged, and sometimes forcible resistance to the collection of such taxes , to the spirit of animosity that characterized the parties to that contest, to which allusion is made in the "Ecclesiastical History" of the town.
At one time, aided by his son Stephen, Jr., armed with pitchforks, he defeated the collector in an attempt to seize property for taxes. The collector procured more assistance, and made the second attempt. When it became
apparent that he would succeed, Capt. Davis announced his determination to go to jail- an alternative which the law at that time permitted the delinquent to choose - rather than have his property taken. Georgia was then in Chittenden Co., and the collector got up his team to carry him to Burlington, to jail. Meantime he put on his over-coat, and seated himself in a chair from which he would not arise. The collector, equal to the emergency, procured help, and loaded him, chair and all, into the sleigh, and took him to Burlington. On his arrival there, his numerous acquaintances flocked around him, and, for the first time in his life, he was persuaded to recant. He gave his note for the amount of the tax and cost, and came back with the collector. OF course he paid the note on his arrival at home, for that was a debt of honor - and no man was more scrupulously exact, when his word was given.
He died in 1801; and his wife, also in 1802, leaving 3 sons and 5 daughters, who live quiet and unobtrusive lives in this town and in Milton. Their descendants, in considerable numbers, still reside here and in Milton.
From The History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties
Stephen Davis was the wealthiest man in town for several years and an active business man, employed much help, and contributed much toward the material wealth of the town.
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