Caledonia

DUNNETT, Alexander

1st Biography of Alexander DUNNETT

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 114 
(portrait p 114)

Alexander DUNNETT, of St. Johnsbury [Caledonia County, Vermont], was born 29 
November 1852 in Peacham [Caledonia County, Vermont], son of Andrew and 
Christiana (GALBRAITH) DUNNETT [mother's given name spelled Christianna in 
second biography]. Having received a preparatory education in the public 
schools of Peacham, Newbury [Orange County] and Ryegate [Caledonia County], 
he was graduated from the Randolph Normal School [Orange County] in the class 
of 1874. Resolving to study law, he entered the office of Nelson L. BOYDEN 
of Randolph [Orange County, Vermont], and in the spring of 1875 pursued his 
studies at Boston University, until he was admitted to practice at the bar of 
Orange County at the June term, 1877. While at school he employed the winters 
in teaching at Munroe ["Munroe Station" in Middlesex County? "Monroe" in 
Grafton County?], New Hampshire, Topsham, Randolph [both in Orange County, 
Vermont] and Rochester [Windsor County, Vermont].

He commenced practice at South Ryegate [Caledonia County]; two years later 
appointed master in chancery in Caledonia County; in 1883 removed to St. 
Johnsbury, where he entered into partnership with A. F. NICHOLS, Esq., which 
connection continued three years; since then has been alone; in 1866 elected 
state's attorney for Caledonia County; held that office four years. Is one 
of four partners who are proprietors of the Ryegate Granite Company, the 
largest granite manufactory in Caledonia County. Member Republican party; 
appointed town superintendent of schools in Ryegate; for several years was 
moderator in that town and since in St. Johnsbury.

On 02 April 1879 he [Alexander DUNNETT] was united in marriage to Ella J., 
daughter of James and Anne C. WHITE; she [Ella J. DUNNETT] died 23 March 
1881. On 23 December 1884 he married Sarah M., daughter of Silas M. and 
Harriett TOWNE, of Barre [Washington County, Vermont]; she [Sarah M. DUNNETT] 
passed away 08 August 1888. He [Alexander DUNNETT] contracted a third 
alliance 29 April 1890 with Mrs. Ella CHALMERS, widow of Rev. John R. 
CHALMERS, of St. Johnsbury [Caledonia County]. In religious belief Mr. 
DUNNETT leans toward the Unitarian church. He has been an active and 
influential Free Mason, having served as Master of the Blue Lodge and High 
Priest of the St. Johnsbury Royal Arch Chapter; he is also a member of the 
order of Knights Templar.



2nd Biography of Alexander DUNNETT

Encyclopedia Vermont Biography: A Series of Authentic Biographical Sketches 
of the Representative Men of Vermont and Sons of Vermont in Other States. 
Dodge. Burlington: Ullery Publishing Company, 1912, p 175

Alexander DUNNETT, lawyer, St. Johnsbury [Caledonia County, Vermont], was 
born 29 November 1852 at Peacham [Caledonia County, Vermont], son of Andrew 
and Christianna (GALBRAITH) DUNNETT. Educated at the public schools of 
Peacham and Ryegate, Newbury Seminary, McIndoes Academy, and Randolph Normal 
School. Studied law with Hon. Nelson L. BOYDEN of Randolph [Orange County, 
Vermont], and at the law school of Boston University. Admitted to the 
Vermont bar in 1877; practiced law at South Ryegate until 1883, when he moved 
to St. Johnsbury and formed at partnership with A. F. NICHOLS, Esq., which 
continued until 1886; since 1895 a member of the law firm of Dunnett & Slack. 
Republican; state's attorney Caledonia County 1886-1890; senator from 
Caledonia County 1900; chairman Republican state convention; U. S. district 
attorney, district of Vermont, since October 1906. Unitarian. Past master, 
Pulaski Lodge No. 58, Free & Accepted Masons, of Wells River; past high 
priest, Haswell Chapter No. 11, Royal Arch Masons; member, Caledonia Council 
No. 13, Royal & Select Masons, and of Palestine Commandery No. 5, Knights 
Templar. In 1879 Alexander DUNNETT married [his first wife] Ella J. WHITE [a 
maiden name?], of Ryegate [Caledonia County, Vermont]; she [Ella J. DUNNETT] 
died in 1881. In 1884 Alexander DUNNETT married [his second wife] Sarah M. 
TOWNE [a maiden name?], of Barre [Washington County, Vermont]; she [Sarah M. 
DUNNETT] died in 1888. In 1890 Alexander DUNNETT married [his third wife] 
Mrs. Ella CHALMERS, of St. Johnsbury. [Note complete dates for these events 
are given in the first biography.]

Submitted by Cathy Kubly