Orange

DICKEY, Asa M.

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 105 
(portrait p 105)

Asa M. DICKEY, of Bradford [Orange County, Vermont], was born 10 March 1821 
at East Orange [Orange County, Vermont], son of Adam and Anna (MERRILL) 
DICKEY. His grandfather Adam with his two brothers served in the 
Revolutionary War, in which struggle the two latter lost their lives. Asa M. 
DICKEY received his education in the common schools and the Methodist 
Seminary at Newbury [Orange County]. During his struggle for an education, 
he defrayed a part of its cost by teaching school and at the time seriously 
thought of making this profession his lifelong occupation, but the law proved 
a stronger attraction to his active mind and he commenced to read with Hon. 
John COLBY of Washington, completing his studies with Hon. Levi B. VILAS of 
Chelsea [Orange County]. He was admitted to the bar at the June term in 
1845. Soon after Mr. DICKEY met with a lifelong misfortune in an impairment 
of vision, but he nevertheless persevered in his chosen profession and opened 
an office at West Topsham [Orange County], where his success was marked and 
immediate. He was elected state's attorney of Orange County in 1850 and was 
re-elected the succeeding year. Mr. DICKEY then formed a partnership with 
Hon. C. B. LESLIE of Wells River [Orange County] and remained there until 
1856, when he opened an office at Bradford, where he did a large and 
increasing business. In 1870 he moved to St. Johnsbury [Caledonia County] 
and entered into partnership with Walter F. SMITH. At this time he was again 
troubled with his eyes, but he soon attained a large and lucrative practice 
in Caledonia, Orleans, Washington and Essex Counties. After a serious 
illness, he returned to Bradford and although seeking no business, he has 
been retained in many important cases.

In 1853 he was chairman of the Democratic state committee and was appointed 
chief of staff with the rank of colonel by Gov. ROBINSON. He was a delegate 
to the national convention of 1864 and in 1869 represented Bradford in the 
Legislature; was candidate for speaker and a member of the judiciary 
committee. For two successive years he was Democratic candidate for Congress 
and one year his party's candidate for U. S. senator. He was also appointed 
by President CLEVELAND postmaster at Bradford. Colonel DICKEY was largely 
instrumental in the organization of the Merchants National Bank of St. 
Johnsbury, and is president of the village corporation of Bradford.

On 09 July 1846 he [Asa M. DICKEY] was united in marriage to Harriet M., 
daughter of John and Lucy Wood CHUBB of Corinth [Orange County, Vermont]. 
Three children have been born to them, two daughters, who died in early life, 
and one son, George A., a well-known lawyer of Bradford. Colonel DICKEY is a 
prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was appointed by the 
bishop lay delegate to an ecumenical council in London. Professionally he is 
best appreciated in his jury practice. His intimate knowledge of human 
nature and correct judgment of motives have made him a master of the art of 
cross examination. His strength as an advocate lies in the clear exposition 
of his case, his logical deduction from the evidence, and his earnest 
sincerity.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly