Bennington

CARNEY, John Vose

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 64

John Vose CARNEY, of Bennington [Washington County, Vermont], was born 06 
November 1835 in Newcastle [New Castle, Lincoln County], Maine, son of Daniel 
and Mary (WHEELER) CARNEY. His maternal grandfather was a member of the 
patriotic band who spilled the tea in Boston harbor. Mr. [John Vose] CARNEY 
passed through the common schools of his native town, and instead of devoting 
his nights to relaxation or amusement, employed them in careful and 
unremitting study. In 1851 he went to Worcester [Worcester County], 
Massachusetts, to learn the trade of a machinist, but after three years 
removed to Bennington. During the war he acted as inspector of arms at 
Watervliet Arsenal. He then commenced the manufacture of knit goods at 
Bennington, but meeting with reverses, sold his plant and engaged in business 
for the Mutual Life Insurance Company. He is now a half owner of the 
Crawford & Carney shoddy mills in Bennington. [Shoddy mills made yarn or 
cloth from a combination of rags and new material, most commonly wool, but 
also cotton. The term "shoddy" at that time did not mean material of 
inferior quality.]

On 23 March 1854 at Worcester [Worcester County, Massachusetts] he [John Vose 
CARNEY] was joined in matrimony to Susan A., daughter of Asa and Sally Morse 
ABBOTT. One daughter was the fruit of this union: Allura Jeannette (Mrs. C. 
N. HODGKINS, of Bennington. She passed away 07 April 1880.) Republican in 
his political preferences, Judge CARNEY has been given many civic honors. 
Besides being elected as assistant judge of the Bennington County court, he 
was sent to the Senate in 1884; also appointed to serve on the citizens 
Bennington battle monument committee, and was chairman of the banquet 
committee at the dedication of the monument.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly