Lamoille

MORSE, George A.

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 281-282 
(portrait p 282)

George A. MORSE, of East Elmore [Lamoille County, Vermont], was born 22 
October 1848 in Plainfield [Washington County, Vermont], son of Ira and 
Huldah S. (AINSWORTH) MORSE. Descended from a grandfather who was a soldier 
in the Revolutionary war. Spent his boyhood upon his father's farm; in the 
intervals of labor attended the common schools; continued his studies at 
Hardwick Academy [Caledonia County]; taught school winters; for two years 
after attaining manhood worked upon different farms; in 1871 removed to East 
Elmore and bought a saw mill, engaging in the manufacture of lumber. At 
first his capital was very limited, but by his industry and strict attention 
to business, his resources soon increased, and he is now in possession of two 
thousand acres of timberland and turns out a million and a half feet of 
boards per annum; the product of his plant is still increasing. He lets the 
logging principally to the neighboring farmers; by diligence, energy and good 
management, has accumulated a handsome property; sold his mill; removed to 
Morrisville [Lamoille County, Vermont]. President of the Morse Manufacturing 
Company, Wolcott [Lamoille County]; owner of a large portion of its stock; 
also a director of the Hardwick Savings Bank and Trust Company.

Mr. MORSE has been appointed to many of the town offices; has been constable, 
selectman, justice, and commissioner, and chairman of the school board; 
received the position of postmaster under the administration of President 
Grant, and is still the incumbent of the same, having had the care of the 
office for about twenty years; was elected by the Republicans to the 
Legislature in 1882; chosen senator for Lamoille County in 1890, serving as a 
member of the finance committee, and as chairman of the committee on the 
grand list. Has taken the three degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry; member of 
Mineral Lodge No. 93, of Wolcott. On 01 January 1874 he [George A. MORSE] 
married Alice M., daughter of William and Pheoba (OLMSTEAD) SILLEWAY of 
Elmore [Lamoille County, Vermont]; two children have been born to their 
union: George C. and Ethel Glee.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly