Addison

BATTELL, Joseph

Encyclopedia of Vermont Biography: A Series of Authentic Biographical 
Sketches of the Representative Men of Vermont and Sons of Vermont in Other 
States. Dodge. Burlington: Ullery, 1912, pp 114-115

Joseph BATTELL, philologist, author, editor, and publisher, Middlebury 
[Vermont], was born 15 July 1839 in Middlebury [Addison County, Vermont], 
son of Philip BATTELL and Emma Hart (SEYMOUR) BATTELL. Philip BATTELL was 
born in Norfolk [Litchfield County], Connecticut, and graduated at Middlebury 
College in 1826. Emma Hart SEYMOUR was the daughter of the Hon. Horatio 
SEYMOUR, United States senator from Vermont, 1821-1833. Joseph BATTELL was 
educated in the public schools and Middlebury College; he is unmarried. 
Failing in health from overstudy during his third year in college, he 
traveled in Europe for a time, and on returning in 1865, purchased the large 
tract of land in Ripton [Addison County, Vermont] now known as Bread Loaf 
Mountain, making extensive additions to the inn there, which, with its ten 
adjoining cottages, now furnishes accommodations for 150 guests. In 1905 
Joseph BATTELL conveyed by deed of gift to the United States government his 
beautiful farm in Weybridge [Addison County, Vermont], consisting of 500 
acres of land with buildings thereon, to be used for the breeding of Morgan 
horses. In 1910 he gave to the State of Vermont, for purposes of a pubic 
park, 500 acres of virgin forest, including Camel's Hump mountain, said to 
have been called by the French "Lion Couchant" (the crouching lion).

Joseph BATTELL has been editor and publisher of the "Middlebury Register" 
since 1884; author and publisher of "Ellen, or The Whisperings of an Old 
Pine," an elaborate indictment of modern science, especially in regard to the 
undulatory theories and the principles of evolution; "The New Physics," a 
treatise on light and sound in harmony with Newton's corpuscular theory of 
light; "American Stallion Register," covering a period of twenty-five years 
of research and a total expenditure of $150,000; "The Horse," in three 
volumes, the history of this noble animal in all times and countries; "Money 
and the Money Power;" compiler and publisher of "The Home Library," being 
selections in prose and poetry from the best literature in the world in all 
ages, including secular, religious, historical, philosophical, and humorous. 
Mr. BATTELL is a Republican; has been a member of the Vermont Legislature 
eight times, seven in the House and once in the senate, serving on many of 
the most important committees in both branches of the Legislature. In 
religion he is a Congregationalist.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly