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