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History of Grafton, Vermont, USA
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Grafton, Windham, VT
The town was founded as Thomlinson, but renaming rights were auctioned in 1791. The high bidder, who reportedly offered "five dollars and a jug of rum," changed the name to Grafton after his home town of Grafton, Massachusetts.
wikipedia
Grafton Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Grafton, Vermont, USA
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The Tavern
Grafton, Vermont, USA
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Grafton, Vt., 1905
Grafton, Vermont, USA
Postcard
Main St., Grafton, Vt., 1906
Grafton, Vermont, USA
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From Sunset Hill
Grafton, Vermont, USA
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Grafton, Vermont, USA
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Birdseye view of Grafton, Vt., 1910
Grafton, Vermont, USA
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Hotel, Grafton, Vt., 1910
Discover Grafton: History, News, Travel, and Stories
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Grafton was first charted April 8, 1754 as Thomlinson for John Thomlinson, Benning Wentworth’s business agent in England
familysearch.org (Mormon Genealogy Records)
familysearch.org (Mormon Genealogy Records)
The First Congregational church in Thomlinson, located at Grafton village, was organized June 20, 1785
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~vermont/WindhamGrafton.html
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~vermont/WindhamGrafton.html
1791 - Thomlinson was changed to Grafton, Vermont
Many of the citizens of the town were anxious to have the town named after the town from which they emigrated, and to give each an equal chance it was decided to put the name of the town up at auction. Joseph Axtell won with a high bid of $5.00, and renamed the town for his former home of Grafton, Massachusetts. The kicker is that Axtell never paid the $5.00. Local lore has it that the bid included a jug of rum, which leads to some colorful conjecture as to how the participants chose to celebrate, and perhaps why they forgot to collect the money.
familysearch.org (Mormon Genealogy Records)
Many of the citizens of the town were anxious to have the town named after the town from which they emigrated, and to give each an equal chance it was decided to put the name of the town up at auction. Joseph Axtell won with a high bid of $5.00, and renamed the town for his former home of Grafton, Massachusetts. The kicker is that Axtell never paid the $5.00. Local lore has it that the bid included a jug of rum, which leads to some colorful conjecture as to how the participants chose to celebrate, and perhaps why they forgot to collect the money.
familysearch.org (Mormon Genealogy Records)
The Grafton Baptist church, located at Grafton village, was organized in 1803
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~vermont/WindhamGrafton.html
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~vermont/WindhamGrafton.html
1839 - Grafton
Grafton, Vermont
Windham county. Grafton is finely watered by Sexton's river, which is formed in the town by the union of several streams; and by a branch of Williams' river. On these streams are manufactures of woolen and other goods. Soap-stone of an excellent quality is very abundant in this place. It is manufactured by water power for various uses to a great extent: it is bored for aqueducts and sold at a very low price. This town contains two pleasant and flourishing villages, and a great variety of mineral treasure. Its surface is uneven with a strong and productive soil. Grafton was first settled, 1780. Population, 1830, 1,439. It lies 90 miles S. from Montpelier and 18 N. from Newfane.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. Alphabetically arranged. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839
Grafton, Vermont
Windham county. Grafton is finely watered by Sexton's river, which is formed in the town by the union of several streams; and by a branch of Williams' river. On these streams are manufactures of woolen and other goods. Soap-stone of an excellent quality is very abundant in this place. It is manufactured by water power for various uses to a great extent: it is bored for aqueducts and sold at a very low price. This town contains two pleasant and flourishing villages, and a great variety of mineral treasure. Its surface is uneven with a strong and productive soil. Grafton was first settled, 1780. Population, 1830, 1,439. It lies 90 miles S. from Montpelier and 18 N. from Newfane.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. Alphabetically arranged. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839
1854 - Grafton
Grafton, a post-township of Windham county, Vermont, 90 miles S. by E. from Montpelier. Soapstone of an excellent quality is found here in great abundance. Population. 1241.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
Grafton, a post-township of Windham county, Vermont, 90 miles S. by E. from Montpelier. Soapstone of an excellent quality is found here in great abundance. Population. 1241.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
1895 - Grafton
Grafton, a post-village of Windham co., Vt., in Grafton township, on Saxton's River, about 38 miles S.S.E. of Rut land. It has 2 churches, a carriage-shop, a woollen-factory, a lumber-mill, and a churn-factory. Good soapstone abounds here. Pop. of the township, 817.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Grafton, a post-village of Windham co., Vt., in Grafton township, on Saxton's River, about 38 miles S.S.E. of Rut land. It has 2 churches, a carriage-shop, a woollen-factory, a lumber-mill, and a churn-factory. Good soapstone abounds here. Pop. of the township, 817.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
2023 - Let's explore some of the best places to go and things to do in Grafton, Vermont.
1. Grafton Village Cheese Company: Start your visit with a trip to the Grafton Village Cheese Company, where you can witness the art of traditional cheese making. They produce some of Vermont's finest cheddar cheeses, and you can sample and purchase these delectable creations. It's a great place to learn about the history of cheese production in the region.
2. Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center: If you're visiting during the warmer months, you'll want to explore the Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center. This vast network of hiking and biking trails offers a range of difficulty levels, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned adventurers. You can also go for a leisurely walk amidst beautiful natural surroundings.
3. Grafton Ponds Outdoor Center: In the winter, Grafton Ponds Outdoor Center transforms into a snowy wonderland. It offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even ice skating. The pristine trails wind through forests and open fields, providing a serene and... Read MORE...
1. Grafton Village Cheese Company: Start your visit with a trip to the Grafton Village Cheese Company, where you can witness the art of traditional cheese making. They produce some of Vermont's finest cheddar cheeses, and you can sample and purchase these delectable creations. It's a great place to learn about the history of cheese production in the region.
2. Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center: If you're visiting during the warmer months, you'll want to explore the Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center. This vast network of hiking and biking trails offers a range of difficulty levels, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned adventurers. You can also go for a leisurely walk amidst beautiful natural surroundings.
3. Grafton Ponds Outdoor Center: In the winter, Grafton Ponds Outdoor Center transforms into a snowy wonderland. It offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even ice skating. The pristine trails wind through forests and open fields, providing a serene and... Read MORE...
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Discover Your Roots: Grafton Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Grafton, Vermont, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were born or died in Grafton.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Oliver DAVIS (23 September 1759, Rutland, Massachusetts, USA - 23 April 1838, Grafton, Vermont, USA)
Hannah BEARD (15 November 1764, Billerica, Massachusetts, USA (North Billerica) - 13 January 1799, Grafton, Vermont, USA)Joseph PHELPS (16 August 1788, Grafton, Vermont, USA - 16 November 1866, Grafton, Vermont, USA)Josiah STICKNEY (1789, Grafton, Vermont, USA - 27 March 1876, Watertown, Massachusetts, USA)Tryphena DAVIS (1 March 1792, Grafton, Vermont, USA - 11 August 1875, Grafton, Vermont, USA)Peter HOWARD (1799, Grafton, Vermont, USA - 1881, Malta, Saratoga, New York, USA)Daniel GILSON (24 February 1800, Grafton, Vermont, USA - 13 February 1875, Lee, Massachusetts, USA)Almon Emery WETHERELL (16 February 1806, Ashby, Massachusetts, USA - 6 September 1882, Grafton, Vermont, USA)Betsey Narcissa LEE (6 January 1813, Springfield, Vermont, USA - 5 January 1895, Grafton, Vermont, USA)Ancestors Who Were Married in Grafton, Vermont, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Grafton.View Them Now
Oliver DAVIS (23 September 1759 - 23 April 1838) and Hannah BEARD (15 November 1764 - 13 January 1799) married 15 October 1791Joseph PHELPS (16 August 1788 - 16 November 1866) and Tryphena DAVIS (1 March 1792 - 11 August 1875) married 23 December 1813Genealogy Resources for Grafton
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