Chittenden

BICKNELL, John Dustin, Mary Ellen, Nathaniel & Simeon

Vermont Historical Magazine, No XI, October 1867, pp 830-831

History & Genealogy of the Bicknell Family & Some Collateral Lines, of 
Normandy, Great Britain and America. Comprising Some Ancestors & Many 
Descendants of Zachary Bicknell from Barrington, Somersetshire, England, 
1635. Bicknell, T. Providence, Rhode Island: T. Bicknell, 1913, pp 34, 70, 
162, 165-167, 289-292

The father of Simeon Smith BICKNELL, Nathaniel BICKNELL, was born about 1769 
in Ashford, Windham County, Connecticut, and died in 1840 at Underhill, 
Chittenden County, Vermont. On 31 March 1822 in Portsmouth, Rockingham 
County, New Hampshire, Nathaniel BICKNELL was married to Betsey DUSTIN; they 
had eleven children: Simeon Smith, Nathaniel, Olive, Horace, Lucy, Dana, 
Leonard, Betsey, Alfred, Louisa, and Sophronia.

The first of these, Simeon Smith BICKNELL, was born 06 November 1794 in 
Enfield, Grafton County, New Hampshire. He was first married, 31 March 1822 
in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to Olive VINCENT. On 22 November 1825 Simeon 
Smith BICKNELL married, second, Lydia Spooner SHERMAN (a relative of Gen. 
SHERMAN); they had nine [ten?] children: (1) John Sherman, born 28 August 
1826 at Salem, Massachusetts, who died 26 August 1888 at Malone, Franklin 
County, New York; (2) Lewis Chapin, physician and surgeon, born 21 January 
1828 in Jericho, Chittenden County, Vermont, who married Katherine DODGE at 
Fort Atkinson, Jefferson County, Wisconsin, in 1850, and died 26 August 1888 
at Fort Atkinson, who had one son, Sidney; (3) Mary Dustin, born 28 August 
1829 in Jericho, Vermont, who wed Aaron B. SMITH and had eight children; (4) 
Almira Field, born 07 March 1831 in Jericho, Vermont, who in 1849 married 
Merritt C. RING, and had two children; (5) Elizabeth, born 11 September 1832 
in Malone, New York, married John TRUX (TRUAX?) in 1854 and had three 
children; (6) Lydia Matilda, born 12 June 1834, also in Malone, New York, 
who married Norman Fox HOPKINS on 15 November 1854 in Jefferson County, 
Wisconsin, and had five children; (7) Emeline Kellogg, born 19 December 1836 
in Malone, New York, who married Anthony Wayne DODGE (related to Katherine 
DODGE, the wife of her brother Lewis?), and had two children; (8) Jane Avis, 
born 13 December 1838 in Gouverneur, St. Lawrence County, New York, who in 
1859 married William B. TANCRE in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson County, Wisconsin, 
and had two children; and (9) Simeon Smith, surgeon, born 24 January 1841 in 
Gouverneur, St. Lawrence County, New York, who died 29 October 1863 at St. 
Louis, St. Louis County, Missouri. [BICKNELL history]

[Simeon Smith BICKNELL taught at Jericho Academy from 1826 to 1831.] Jericho 
Academy was built about 1825, but did not go into successful operation until 
March 1827, when Simeon BICKNELL, A. M., became connected with it. Under his 
management the school attained the highest character of any in this part of 
the state. After he left it, in 1832, it continued popular for some years, 
but with "waning splendor" until it became extinct in 1845. [Vermont 
Historical Magazine]

Rev. Simeon BICKNELL, A. M., educated at Dartmouth College, was many years a 
teacher of the old stamp, nearest to my idea of the celebrated masters of the 
great English schools. A scholar must obey implicitly, and learn all it was 
reasonable to ask of him or emigrate, no halfway measures. He did not think 
it was reasonable to ask us, little boys, to learn much. Mr. BICKNELL was 
very much afflicted with sick-headache, sometimes so severely as to 
disqualify him for business for a fortnight. This had a great effect upon 
his temper, discouraging him generally and making him restless and 
discontented with what he was doing.

Simeon S. BICKNELL taught Jericho Academy five years with rapidly increasing 
popularity, when, tempted by more brilliant promise, he moved to Malone 
[Franklin County], New York. The disastrous consequences of his headache 
followed him, year to year, from one change to another, until in 1844 he went 
to Wisconsin to find a home for his growing family. After being employed 
sometime surveying, again becoming discouraged, he came to Milwaukee 
[Milwaukee County, Wisconsin], on his way to the East.

Hon. William A. PRENTISS, who had also been a Jericho man [from Jericho, 
Chittenden County, Vermont], meeting him and learning his discouragements, 
said, "But Master BICKNELL, Wisconsin cannot spare you so, she needs more 
such men. You must make your home in Wisconsin, wail until we see what we 
can do for you." He lent him money, which enabled him to make a home there. 
He [Simeon BICKNELL] now resides in Fort Atkinson [Jefferson County, 
Wisconsin]. Honor to the man of insight, foresight and liberality; Jericho, 
through us, has a full measure of honor for one of those in the person of 
Hon. William A. PRENTISS, of Milwaukee, once the leading business man of 
Jericho [Chittenden County, Vermont], and always a whole-souled, high-minded 
gentleman. [Vermont Historical Magazine]

Simeon Smith BICKNELL [brother of Nathaniel]

[Simeon S. BICKNELL taught] in the Franklin Academy at Malone [Franklin 
County], New York, as the first Principal, from December 1831 to 1836. 
William A. WHEELER, late Vice president of the United States, was one of his 
students. Mr. WHEELER wrote in 1883 as follows concerning his teacher of a 
half century earlier: "I boarded in Mr. BICKNELL's family for a year, and 
was a pupil at Malone Academy several years. Mr. BICKNELL was not only a 
marked man, but the most thorough and successful teacher I have ever known, 
although I have been connected with the cause of education in different 
capacities for more than thirty years. No boy ever passed under his hands 
without receiving an imprint which shaped him for life, and many, including 
myself, throughout the land regard the impetus and instruction received from 
Principal BICKNELL as the foundation of their success in after life."

The historian of Milton College, begun as Milton Academy, wrote in 1876: 
"Near the beginning of December 1884, a select school was opened in the 
academy, under the charge of Rev. Bethuel CHURCH, who came from Michigan on 
an invitation to teach. He taught two terms. The next teacher of any 
strength was Rev. S. S. BICKNELL, a Congregational clergyman. He was a 
graduate of Dartmouth College, a thorough scholar, a courteous gentleman, 
patient in his labors, and an accomplished teacher. He drew in the students 
from other localities, and formed the basis of the real academic course of 
studies. About seventy students were in attendance each year." He states 
that his pupils were "studious, exemplary in their habits, seemed to 
appreciate rightly the advantages of an education, and used most diligently 
the means necessary to acquire it."

His eulogist said of him at his funeral: "In 1838, at the age of forty-two, 
he was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry, and became pastor of a 
Presbyterian Church in Gouverneur [St. Lawrence County], New York. Here he 
labored for five or six years. He then returned to Jericho [Chittenden 
County], Vermont, where for two or three years he both preached and taught. 
In the spring of 1845 he came to Wisconsin, and went to Fort Atkinson 
[Jefferson County]. Thirty-one years of his life have been passed here and 
in this vicinity. For a year he worked a farm in Oakland [Oakland Township, 
Jefferson County], then he removed to Milton Township, Rock County, 
Wisconsin, adjacent to and south of Jefferson County] and engaged in teaching 
as principal in an academy there, now Milton College, and in preaching to the 
Congregational church there. He also extended his labors to Koshkonong and 
Mount Zion. Here [Milton] he spent some five years.

In the fall of 1851 he was invited by the Fort Atkinson [Jefferson County] 
congregation to be their minister. This invitation he accepted, preaching 
here one year. I am told that he preached his first sermon in the first 
house of worship erected by his church, and that he taught the first school 
in the first schoolhouse built in this village. Then for two or three years 
he preached at Jefferson; then removed to Johnstown [Rock County] in this 
State [Wisconsin], taking charge of the Congregational Church there. Here he 
spent several years. He then returned to this place and began supplying the 
Koshkonong Church, and occasionally that at Milton. This closed his 
ministerial work. Age and growing infirmities made it necessary for him to 
stop.

The last years of his life were spent in Fort Atkinson [Jefferson County, 
Wisconsin], in the quiet and retirement of his home, surrounded by kind 
children and loving neighbors and friends. And though they have been years 
of physical infirmity, debarring him from much participation in public 
matters, still they have been years of peace; [he] lived to a good old age. 
The Bible accounts long life a privilege, a blessing. So should we regard 
it. Let us thank God for the long life he permitted this servant of his to 
live, that for thirty years he was permitted to be engaged in that most 
important work, the training of young minds, and for thirty more years in 
directing souls in the way of eternal life; that for more than fifty years he 
was permitted to live in happy marriage, and that ten children were permitted 
to call him father. A good constitution, well preserved, and going to pieces 
only when no longer needed, is something to be thankful for. He was also a 
man of quiet, steady usefulness, both as a teacher and preacher; a man of few 
words; had no lofty aspirings to do good; was contented to do good in humble 
ways. This whole community can testify to his quiet Christian life and 
influence; an honest man; though he was not rich or widely known or honored, 
yet he was what was better, a man of moral integrity; he lived to do good, 
and he has left his children, what they will find to be better than lands or 
money, a clear name, a godly example, the memory of a life devoted to the 
best and noblest of purposes. He was honest in his religion as in worldly 
affairs. He bore his share in the burdens of life, but he did it patiently. 
He was industrious and worked almost until the end. [BICKNELL history]

Nathaniel BICKNELL (brother of Simeon Smith BICKNELL)

Nathaniel [BICKNELL was born 31 July 1796 in Enfield, County, Connecticut] 
and grew from boyhood in a home atmosphere of economy and work. The sturdy 
characteristics of honest and industrious ancestors were early developed in 
him. When he was about twelve years old, his father, who had previously 
guaranteed a note for a neighbor, lost his farm and all his possessions 
through the dishonesty of that neighbor. With a few necessary articles 
loaded onto a lumber wagon, he. with his faithful wife and children, 
departed for Vermont, and sought a new home on a farm near Underhill, within 
sight of Mansfield Mountain. There, with courage undaunted, among new scenes 
and by the strictest economy, they builded again.

As the eldest son, Simeon, had secured a scholarship, which promised too good 
an opportunity for an education to be ignored, it devolved upon Nathaniel, 
the second son, to become the outside source of revenue of the family in 
order to make the new effort at home building a success. With younger 
brothers and sisters to be supported and educated, he cheerfully laid aside 
all plans for his own future. He secured work upon the farm of Mr. [Thomas] 
CHITTENDEN (for Chittenden County, Vermont, was named), and for years gave 
his earnings toward paying for the home farm. Apple and pear seeds, brought 
with them from the farm in New Hampshire, were planted by the father, and the 
family lived to enjoy the fruit from that orchard. (The writer [T. BICKNELL] 
speaks from personal knowledge that when the last pear tree was over one 
hundred years old, years after those two generations had been gathered to 
their forefathers, it bore over a bushel of luscious fruit, and was still 
standing, a monarch of the old place, in 1911.)

Not until Nathaniel was thirty-seven years old did he feel free to plan for 
himself. On 02 February 1833 in Richmond [Chittenden County] Vermont, he 
[Nathaniel BICKNELL] married [Miss] Fanny THOMPSON, youngest daughter of 
Josiah and Lucy Haskins THOMPSON. They bought a farm near his father's, 
where they resided twelve years, and here their three children, Mary Ellen, 
John Dustin and Frederick Thompson, were born. Afterward they moved nearer 
Jericho Center, but in 1853, wishing for a broader and easier life for their 
children than had been their portion, they went to Wisconsin and bought a 
farm in Jefferson County, five miles west of Lake Mills. Although often 
suffering the pangs of homesickness for old Vermont and his kin folks, he 
never yielded to its influence, but made for himself and family a substantial 
home, where he and his wife continued to enjoy life until their children were 
grown and he had reached the age of seventy-one. He [Nathaniel BICKNELL] died 
10 May 1867 [at Lake Mills, Jefferson County, Wisconsin], loved and respected 
by relatives, neighbors, and friends.

In politics he [Nathaniel BICKNELL] was a Whig, as was his father before him; 
later he affiliated with the Republican party and supported LINCOLN. In his 
neighborhood he served his term on the School Board, and as Esquire and Town 
Clerk, and was ever ready to contribute of his hard-earned cash to help 
maintain schools, church services, and to promote social life and high 
ideals. During the Civil War, being too old to offer himself, he proved his 
patriotism by willingly loaning a son to serve his country. Tall of stature, 
standing six feet two inches, with a commanding presence and an honest blue 
eye, he was a man whom all trusted and esteemed. Naturally of a serious 
temperament, he was most fortunate in choosing a wife of a sunny, hopeful 
disposition. "Aunt Fanny" and "Uncle Nat" as they were known to all their 
relatives, never failed in a warm welcome to friend as well as kin. There 
you found the true New England hospitality, which included meals and a bed to 
many a weary wayfarer.

His [Nathaniel's] wife [Fanny (THOMPSON) BICKNELL] survived him three years, 
dying 31 July 1870. A handsome and substantial granite monument, erected by 
their three children in 1909, in the beautiful cemetery at Lake Mills 
[Jefferson County], Wisconsin, marks the last resting place of their earthly 
remains; but they still live in the hearts of their two surviving children 
and in the lives of their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Who shall 
say that the rocks and the ridges of that stony, hilly country in New 
Hampshire and Vermont did not help to implant stability, industry, and 
frugality in the characters of those people, who toiled early and late to 
build for themselves a comfortable home and an honest name for posterity.

Biography of Mary Ellen BICKNELL (daughter of Nathaniel; sister of John Dustin)

Mary Ellen BICKNELL, the daughter of Nathaniel and Fanny (THOMPSON) BICKNELL, 
in whose veins also coursed the red blood of Hannah DUSTIN, was born 09 
January 1835 near Jericho [Chittenden County], Vermont. Much of her 
education was gotten at the district school, with a few terms at the village 
academy. She was nearly eighteen when she moved with her people to Wisconsin 
and settled near Lake Mills, in Jefferson County. In 1857 she married James 
ENTWISTLE, and to them were born three children, the two sons dying in 
childhood. In 1873 she came with her husband and daughter to Los Angeles 
[Los Angeles County], California, which was then little more than a Spanish 
Pueblo, and bought a ranch south of the town, where she resided until the 
death of her husband [James ENTWISTLE], in 1901, when she went to live with 
her daughter, Mrs. Lula (ENTWISTLE) HINTON, in Los Angeles, until 1906, when 
she again moved with her daughter, who was then Mrs. Lula (ENTWISTLE) 
HINTON-LETTEAU, to Sierra Madre [Los Angeles County], California, where she 
then resided with her son-in-law and grandchildren, since the death of her 
daughter [Lula], in 1911.

A woman of strong personality and great ability, her pathway has been mostly 
through the hedges, and marked by deeds of charity and kindness, rather than 
by public acts and club work. Many a disheartened soul, many a discouraged 
heart, has found in her a stimulus that has enabled them to again face life 
bravely. Always just in her judgments, she has also possessed the courage to 
point out a weakness or a fault and to suggest the remedy. Big-hearted, 
generous, she has ever been anxious to divide of her best with friend or 
acquaintance (foes she has none). When in her own home, as also in that of 
her daughter's, no one ever came who went away empty-handed. Filled to the 
brim with the old-time hospitality, and making a recreation and pleasure out 
of work, no guest has ever felt unwelcome. Never telling of her charities, 
only those who have received of her bounty have realized her magnanimity. To 
the sick she has ever been a true "Mother in Israel," as was her mother 
before her. Always appreciative of the beauty and blessings of life, she has 
found happiness where another would have seen only a dreary waste. Good 
books have been her constant companions, and the Book of Nature second only 
to her Bible. She has borne her losses and her sorrows like a Spartan, and 
only when the weight has pressed too heavily in her old age have her steps 
sometimes faltered under the burden. Going about her duties uncomplainingly, 
with the crown of three score and ten well-spent years resting upon her 
whitened locks, she cheerfully awaits the final summons with the same 
undaunted courage and true faith with which she has met life. [BICKNELL 
history, pp 289-290]

Biography of John Dustin BICKNELL (son of Nathaniel; brother of Mary Ellen)

John Dustin BICKNELL was born 25 June 1838, in Jericho, Chittenden County, 
Vermont, elder son of Nathaniel and Fanny (THOMPSON) BICKNELL, and a direct 
descendant of Hannah DUSTIN. His parents were frugal and industrious 
farmers, and he was early taught the value of economy and labor. His 
childhood was passed upon his father's farm and in attending the district 
school. When he was fifteen years old he moved with his parents to Jefferson 
County, Wisconsin, and settled upon a farm five miles west of Lake Mills, 
where the summers were spent helping plow the virgin soil with an ox team, 
(it was then he solemnly vowed he would never be a farmer), and the winters 
attending or teaching school. He received his academic education at Albion 
Academy in Dane County, Wisconsin.

At the age of twenty he [John Dustin BICKNELL] went to Missouri, where he 
taught school for two years, when he undertook the task of piloting a wagon 
train of seventy people from Missouri across the plains to Northern 
California; was six months making the trip with ox teams to Knight's Landing 
[Yolo County] California, where the company disbanded. He taught school 
there and made the acquaintance of General Jim LANE, who was his first 
California friend and benefactor. He remained at Knight's Landing one year, 
when he was seized with the gold fever and went to Montana, but not realizing 
his dream, soon returned to Sacramento. Never relinquishing the desire and 
determination for an education, he returned to Wisconsin early in 1863; 
entered the State University at Madison [Dane County], taking a three year 
literary course, after which he read law with the then famous firm of Teney & 
Teney, of Madison, Wisconsin; was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of 
Wisconsin in 1865; engaged in practice in Greenfield [Dade County], Missouri. 
In February 1868 he [John Dustin BICKNELL] married [Miss?] Maria HATCH, of 
Jericho [Chittenden County], Vermont, but she died of pneumonia within two 
months at his father's home in [Jefferson County] Wisconsin. He returned to 
his practice in Greenfield, Missouri, and in 1871 he [John Dustin BICKNELL] 
married Mrs. Nancy (CHRISTIAN) DOBBINS, of that city; to them were born four 
children, two of whom are living: Mrs. Mary (BICKNELL) CATES, and Mrs. Edna 
(BICKNELL) BAGG, both residing in Los Angeles, California.

In 1872 he [John Dustin BICKNELL] again sought the Western Coast and located 
in Los Angeles, California, where he engaged in the practice of his 
profession; helped to organize the law firm of McConnel, Bicknell & 
Rothschild, which existed until 1875, when he was associated with Stephen M. 
WHITE, as Bicknell & White, until 1886, when Mr. WHITE retired to take an 
active part in the politics of the state, having been elected United States 
Senator of California; the firm became Bicknell & Denis. In 1890 he formed a 
partnership with Walter D. TRASK, under the name of Bicknell & Trask; later 
as Bicknell, Trask & Gibson; at the time he retired from active practice, in 
1908 the firm was known as Bicknell, Gibson, Trask & Crutcher, one of the 
ablest and strongest law firms of the West. As an investigator of land 
titles and in corporation matters, he had few, if any, peers among the 
members of the California bar; was the original attorney for the defense in 
the legal fight of General ROSECRANS to establish title to a large tract 
south of Los Angeles, which was one of the old Mexican grants; the case was 
one of the most important of its kind ever tried in the courts in the West, 
and ROSECRANS' claim was established through BICKNELL's brilliant work. For 
many years he was the attorney for the Southern Pacific Railroad, leaving 
them to incorporate and take charge of the Los Angeles interurban lines for 
Howard E. HUNTINGTON; conducted both this and the Southern Pacific business 
with such ability that he made for himself a notable record; was Vice 
president of the First National Bank for years, until failing health 
compelled him to relinquish many of his responsible positions.

He [John Dustin BICKNELL] was one of the incorporators and the President of 
the Hollenbeck Home for the Aged; was always very proud of the active part he 
had been privileged to take in bringing that institution into existence; was 
also one of the incorporators and the President of the Western Union Oil 
Company; was the builder and owner of the Bicknell Block on Broadway; owner 
of other large realty interests in the City and County of Los Angeles, 
California. He was a Mason and Knight Templar; and a member of the Jonathan 
and California Clubs. Besides being for thirty-seven years one of the most 
prominent lawyers in Los Angeles, he also ranked among the foremost business 
men of the city. On 07 July 1911 he [John Dustin BICKNELL] died after a 
sickness of many months' duration, in the city of his adoption [Los Angeles], 
and was mourned by a host of loyal friends and business associates, as well 
as by his immediate family and relatives. As a man, in his home, a citizen or 
lawyer, he stood "four square to every wind that blew," so that in all his 
private, and public life there was no occasion for a breath of suspicion or 
scandal. [BICKNELL history, pp 290-292. For additional Wisconsin BICKNELL 
connections, see the Rock County, Wisconsin, biographies of C. H. BICKNELL; 
Gerrit T. THORN, whose first wife was Maria BICKNELL; and Merritt Clarke 
RING, whose mother was, before marriage, Almira BICKNELL.]

Submitted by Cathy Kubly