Brookfield, Vermont, USA (East, West, Center)
1849 - Brookfield

Orange Co. This township lies nearly on the height of land between White and Winooski Rivers, and parts of it arc broken ; but it is mostly fit for cultivation and is very productive, particularly in grass. It is well watered with springs and brooks, but has no very good mill privileges. The principal stream is the second branch of White River, which originates in Williamstown, in conjunction with Stevens' branch of Winooski River, and runs through the eastern part of this town into Randolph. There are several considerable ponds, some of which afford streams, a considerable part of the year, sufficient for mills and other machinery. Colt's Pond, near the north village, is crossed by a floating bridge twenty-five rods long. Around and at the bottom of a small pond, in the west part of the town, is an inexhaustible quantity of marl, from which very good lime is manufactured.

Boundaries. North by Williamstown, east by Chelsea, south by Randolph and a part of Braintree, and west by Roxbury.

First Settlers. The first settlement of this town was begun in 1779, by Shubal Cross and family. Mrs. Cross was the first woman who came into town, and on that account was presented by the proprietors with 100 acres of land. Mr. Howard's family came in about the same time, and Caleb Martin, John Lyman, Jonathan Pierce, John and Noah Payne, and several others, came in soon after. The early settlers were principally from Connecticut. Capt. Cross built the first grist and saw mill.

First Ministers. A Congregational Church was organized here in 1787, and the Rev. Elijah Lyman was ordained over it in 1789, and continued pastor till his death, which took place in 1828.

Productions of the Soil. Wheat, 6,1 27 bushels; Indian corn, 7,042 bushels, potatoes, 70,686 bushels: hay, 1,419 tons ; maple sugar, 26,486 pounds ; wool, 25,757 pounds.

Distances. Forty miles north by west from Windsor, and sixteen south from Montpelier.

A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849

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