Orleans

HITCHCOCK, Aaron Charles

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 194-195 
(portrait p 195)

Aaron Charles HITCHCOCK, of Westfield, was born 19 July 1823 in Westfield 
[Orleans County, Vermont], son of Medad Smith and Patty (HITCHCOCK) 
HITCHCOCK. He is seventh in descent from Luke HITCHCOCK, who settled in New 
Haven [New Haven County], Connecticut, in 1644, from which place his two 
sons, Luke and John, removed to Springfield [Hampden County], Massachusetts, 
building a log home on the present site of the old courthouse; the home was 
burned when Springfield was attached and pillaged by the Indians. The great 
grandfather of Aaron was the first white settler who remained through the 
winter in Brimfield [Hampden County], Massachusetts, and was one of the 
original proprietors of that town, from where Capt. Medad HITCHCOCK removed 
to Westfield [Vermont] in 1805 and there built the first grist and saw mill 
and first frame barn, the latter serving as church and schoolhouse for a time.

The HITCHCOCK family have always been prominent in Westfield, and no member 
more so than A. C. HITCHCOCK, whose education was received in the public 
schools. His father [Medad Smith HITCHCOCK] died when he was seventeen years 
old and on him devolved much responsibility (ably borne) as the eldest of a 
family of six. He has devoted his life mainly to agricultural pursuits and 
was a pioneer in fruit growing in his section, and as a farmer and business 
man has been eminently successful. He is a large owner of real estate in 
Orleans County, and also in Iowa and Dakota. In 1873 he purchased a half 
interest in a general store at Troy [Orleans County, Vermont] for his son 
Edward, and a year later bought out the other partner. This property, 
however, he sold after his son's death.

Since the formation of the Republican party [1854] Mr. HITCHCOCK has been a 
sturdy adherent of the same, and while in no sense a politician, he has often 
been called upon to serve his town; in 1860 and 1861 was fitly chosen to 
represent Westfield in the state Legislature and at the special session in 
April 1861. Has been a trustee of the Westfield grammar school since its 
incorporation and for thirty years was its treasurer and one of the 
prudential committee. At the age of twenty-five he became an active member 
of the Congregational church, to which he has been a most liberal contributor 
and supporter, always active in Sunday school work and taking much interest 
in home and foreign missions. The success of Mr. HITCHCOCK in the course of 
a long and active career has been the result of his personal energy, common 
sense, and natural good judgment. On 12 March 1849 he [Aaron Charles 
HITCHCOCK] married Calista L., daughter of Jonathan and Lydia (ROWELL) 
JENKINS, of Kirby [Caledonia County, Vermont], who is a direct descendant of 
the famous Hannah DUSTIN. They have had three children: Charles S. 
(deceased), Edward A. (deceased), and Emma C. (Mrs. Hiram O. MILLER).

Submitted by Cathy Kubly