Caledonia

PADDOCK, Ephraim

Vermont Historical Magazine, No. XI, October 1867, p 403
(extracted from a section on the history of St. Johnsbury, Caledonia County, 
Vermont)

Hon. Ephraim PADDOCK, one of the originators and warmest supporters of this 
Seminary [St. Johnsbury Female Seminary, incorporated 27 November 1824; merged 
into St. Johnsbury Academy eighteen years later], was a strong-minded, 
self-educated man, and well-known for many years as one of the ablest lawyers 
in this part of the state. His early education was that of the common school 
only, but in this he made such proficiency that on removing to this state 
[Vermont] from Massachusetts, he was for two or three years employed as an 
instructor in Peacham Academy, then the only institution of its kind in the 
county. His opportunities for professional studies were very limited, and 
the standard of legal acquirements at the time was by no means a high one; 
yet after he had commenced practice in St. Johnsbury [Caledonia County, 
Vermont], he applied himself with such diligence to judicial investigation 
that he was quickly enabled to take rank with the most learned lawyers of the 
state. He always maintained a high position as a lawyer, and did much to 
elevate the standard of the legal profession in this vicinity. We find the 
following record of his public services: representative of St. Johnsbury in 
the state legislature from 1821 to 1826 inclusive; a member of the 
constitutional convention of in 1828; one of the council of censors in 1841; 
judge of the supreme court from 1828 to 1831. In 1847 he retired from 
professional duties, having well earned a quiet old age by a long life of 
activity and usefulness. He [Ephraim PADDOCK] died 27 July 1859, aged 
seventy-nine.

Historical Note on Prince PADDOCK

Vermont Historical Magazine, No. XI, October 1867, p 187 (extracted from a 
section on the history of Dorset, Bennington County, Vermont)

Prince PADDOCK came into town [Dorset, Bennington County, Vermont] about 
1769, and settled in Dorset Hollow. From him was descended the PADDOCKs who 
are reckoned among the most substantial farmers in that neighborhood. [Any 
relationship between Prince PADDOCK and Ephraim PADDOCK unknown to submitter, 
who is not researching this surname.]

Submitted by Cathy Kubly