Addison

COTTON, Joshua Franklin

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 81 
(portrait p 81)

Joshua Franklin COTTON, of Middlebury [Addison County, Vermont], was born 27 
January 1820 at Weybridge [Addison County, Vermont], son of William and 
Dorcas (FINCH) COTTON. His parents were of English and Dutch stock; his 
grandfather enlisting in the Revolutionary army from Connecticut, serving 
five years under WASHINGTON's immediate command, while his grandmother first 
saw light on the Atlantic Ocean, as she was born during the passage of her 
family from Holland. The only educational advantages received by Mr. COTTON 
were those of the district schools of Weybridge and Shoreham, and for sixty 
years he has lived upon the farm he now occupies. Elected justice of the 
peace and clerk and treasurer of his school district for many years, he was 
chosen to represent Weybridge in the Legislature of 1882, and has often 
filled the position of juryman in many cases, notably at the trial of 
CHAQUETTE for murder. Mr. COTTON has of late been much employed in the 
settlement of estates, and has not been able to accept all trusts of this 
nature offered to him. He is a constant reader and has devoted much 
attention to the law, of which he has acquired considerable knowledge. He is 
a cultured gentleman of strict integrity, and much respected by his fellow 
citizens. On 20 December 1844 he [Joshua Franklin COTTON] married Abby C., 
daughter of Olive Lathrop of Weybridge. Mrs. COTTON died in February 1888.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly