Chittenden

BUELL, Ozias

Vermont Historical Magazine, No XI, October 1867, p 592

Col. Ozias BUELL, who died 05 August 1832 in Burlington [Chittenden County, 
Vermont], aged sixty-eight, though not one of the very earliest inhabitants 
of Burlington, was one of the most influential in establishing its present 
moral and religious character. Ozias BUELL was born 08 April 1769 in 
Litchfield [Litchfield County], Connecticut. After receiving in his youth a 
thorough business education, under the care of his uncle, Mr. Julius DEMING, 
of Litchfield, he first established himself in Kent [Litchfield County], 
Connecticut, where he remained ten or twelve years; and from thence removed 
here [Burlington] in 1804. Being a man of great energy of character, and 
possessing active business talents, the opening of a new state, like Vermont, 
offered attractions to his enterprising mind which were encouraged by his 
brother-in-law, Moses CATLIN, who preceded him several years [in coming to 
Burlington. See also the Chittenden County, Vermont, biography of Moses 
CATLIN.] Liberal, kind and benevolent in his disposition, he [Ozias BUELL] 
advocated and contributed to every good cause that promised to promote the 
prosperity of the place. At this time there was no house of worship or 
church organization. Rallying about him the more serious of the people, a 
Congregational church was soon organized at the house of Moses CATLIN in 
1805. This house is that afterwards owned and long occupied by Samuel 
HICKOK, and stands on the west side of St. Paul and Main Streets. [This 
sketch was authored by Rev. Henry P. HICKOK.]

Col. BUELL was the leading spirit and contributor in the erection of the 
first house of worship in 1812. He was, however, ably seconded by William C. 
HARRINGTON, Esq., at that time the leading lawyer of Chittenden County bar. 
Col. BUELL was also for twenty-one years treasurer of the University of 
Vermont, whose interests he steadily pursued, making no charge for his 
services. His title of colonel was derived from his having held that office 
in the continental militia, while resident at Kent. Possessing a fine 
personal appearance, and being a good horseman, in days when riding on 
horseback was common, his appearance on public occasions added greatly to the 
display. It is said that when the first bell was to be raised on the church 
newly erected, Commodore McDONOUGH, the hero of Lake Champlain, whose vessel 
was at the time at the wharf, volunteered the services of his men, and 
superintended the operation in person. Col. BUELL was conspicuous in the 
crowd, when one of the sailors whispered to his comrade, "I say, Jack, that 
man has never seen many 'Banyan days.'" These Banyan days are days of short 
allowance on shipboard. The Calvinistic church and society will hold Col. 
BUELL as a member and benefactor, in lasting remembrance. His hospitable 
home was ever open, and was the resort of all ministers of the gospel.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly