Caledonia

DEMING, Benjamin F. & Franklin

Biography of Benjamin F. DEMING (father of Franklin)

Vermont Historical Magazine, No XI, October 1867, p 320 [excerpt from an 
obituary originally published in the "North Star"]

Mr. DEMING entered into public life early. He was first chosen County Clerk 
for Caledonia County [Vermont] in 1819. He was subsequently Judge of Probate 
and Councillor of the county for several years, which latter office he was 
peculiarly well fitted for. Several other minor offices he also held with 
honor to himself and the satisfaction of the public. In November 1832, as 
the anti-Masonic candidate, by a handsome majority, he was elected member of 
Congress from this, the Fifth Congressional District of Vermont. He was, 
however, permitted to serve his constituents but one session in the councils 
of the nation. Contracting, at Washington [D. C.], a disease of the bowels, 
he started for his Northern home, in hope of benefit from the change of air 
and water, but only arrived at Saratoga Springs [Saratoga County], New York, 
where he lingered a few days, and died at the Union Hall, Friday, 11 July 
1834, aged forty-four years. He left a wife and young family, to whom he was 
affectionately devoted. In whatever light we consider Judge DEMING, his 
character will appear alike conspicuous. With more than ordinary talent, and 
a naturally calm and deliberative mind, quick of perception, he was well 
fitted for public stations and legislative assemblies. His business capacity 
and dealings, in which he was prompt, apt, correct, and eminently upright, 
have been before alluded to. As a man and citizen, he was social and 
winning, equanimity of temper and habits characterizing his whole general 
deportment. It is written of him, "He was good to the widow and the 
fatherless, and the poor he never sent away empty." Last, not least, he was 
one to whom religion was above everything else, and to whom all other things 
came as of minor consequence; who was thus enabled, on his dying bed, to 
review his past life, and exclaim, "I have fought a good fight; I have 
finished my course; I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me 
a crown of glory."


Biographical Note - B. F. DEMING [excerpt from a section on the history of 
Danville]

Vermont Historical Magazine, No XI, October 1867, pp 316

The Methodist church at Danville [Caledonia County, Vermont] had no meeting 
house in which to worship until 1822; that year they built a chapel forty by 
fifty feet, on land given to the church by B. F. DEMING. It was a neat, 
plain house, in a pleasant location, and cost not far from $2,000. In 1825 
the church built the present parsonage, with a small barn attached. A new 
barn has since been built, and the parsonage repaired. In 1842-1843 the 
chapel was moved back a few feet and raised up, and enlarged by twenty-two 
feet addition in front, with a cupola upon it, and a basement story 
underneath. The house is finished inside in a very neat style, all new pews, 
and a pulpit of a more modern height and form than the old one, all of which 
cost nearly, or quite, $2,000.



Biography of Franklin DEMING (son of Benjamin F.)

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 101 
(portrait p 101)

Franklin DEMING, of Wells River [Orange County, Vermont], was born 11 
September 1828 in the town of Danville [Caledonia County, Vermont], son of 
Benjamin F. and Eunice (CLARK) DEMING. His early educational training was 
received in the public schools of Danville and at Derby Academy and the 
Phillips Academy in Danville. His father was an old resident of that place 
[Danville], for a long time judge of probate and county clerk, and afterwards 
a member of Congress. Mr. [Franklin] DEMING was six years of age when he had 
the misfortune to lose his father, and after completing his education he 
worked as clerk in a store for seven years.

When he became of age Franklin DEMING removed to Wisconsin, where he remained 
a year, and then settled at St. Johnsbury [Caledonia County, Vermont], where 
he engaged in the clothing business as a member of the firm of Boles 
[Bolles?] & Deming. In 1857 he moved to Wells River [Orange County], and has 
resided there ever since, engaged in general trade; was first chosen a 
director of the National Bank of Newbury in 1874, and then president, a 
position he still holds; and is also president and half owner of the Adams 
Paper Company of Wells River.

In October 1854 Mr. [Franklin] DEMING married Catherine, daughter of Francis 
BINGHAM, of St. Johnsbury; two children have been born of this union: Katie 
B., wife of Dr. H. H. LEE of Wells River; and Alice K. Mr. DEMING has always 
been a Republican; was a useful member of the Legislature of 1888, served on 
the committee on banks; for twenty-five years was postmaster. He has taken 
the degree of Royal Arch Mason in Haswell Chapter of St. Johnsbury. He 
commenced his business career with a very modest capital, but with judgment 
and foresight has managed his affairs most advantageously, and is regarded as 
a sound and conscientious financier.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly