Trailblazers: Part 1
By Justin Lavely
In 1774, pioneers from Newbury, Vt. staked their claim in Peacham. The French and Indian War had ended and settlers from southern New England were establishing towns along the Connecticut River, including Newbury in 1762, followed by Barnet in 1770 and Ryegate in 1773. It didn’t take long for these hearty folks to hear tales of cheap, fertile land to the west in a territory that wouldn’t become known as Vermont for another 40 years.
A small group of pioneers from the Newbury area, consisting of around 400 residents, set their sights on what is now Peacham, 18 miles to the northwest. This group consisted of Robert Carr, John Sanborn, John Skeels, Jonathan Elkins Sr. and Frye Bailey.
Elkins and Bailey are generally credited with being at the forefront of this pioneer settlement. Click here to read more...
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