Rutland

DUNTON, Charles Howard

1st Biography of Charles H. DUNTON

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 114-115 
(portrait p 115)

Charles H. DUNTON, of Poultney [Rutland County, Vermont], was born 24 January 
1844 in Underhill [Chittenden County, Vermont], son of Elijah and Mary Ann 
(FRENCH) DUNTON. Received his preparatory education at the New Hampton 
Institute, at Fairfax [Franklin County, Vermont]; graduated University of 
Vermont, class of 1870; then for a year supplied the Methodist church at 
Johnson [Lamoille County, Vermont]; and in 1871-1872 took a post graduate 
course at Boston University. Having been admitted to the Troy conference of 
the Methodist Episcopal church, for two years discharged the duties of pastor 
at Manchester and East Dorset [both in Bennington County, Vermont]. In 1874 
elected a teacher of natural science in the Troy Conference Academy, at 
Poultney, an institution which, after some years of suspension, was at that 
time reopened. After serving three years in this subordinate capacity, he 
was elected principal of the institution in 1877. This position he has 
occupied ever since, spending most of his summer vacations in traveling 
abroad, and among the states.

As a social leader and popular educator, Dr. DUNTON is too well known for 
comment; he has placed the Troy Conference Academy in the first ranks of the 
schools of the state. Republican in his political views, but his lifework 
and energies have been more especially devoted to his professional duties. 
In 1883 was one of the state representatives to the interstate convention 
held at Louisville, Kentucky, which originated the Blair bill. Three years 
after this time he received the degree of D. D. from Syracuse University, and 
for a long period has, by successive appointments, been state examiner of 
normal schools.

On 26 June 1872 at Johnson [Lamoille County, Vermont] Dr. [Charles Howard] 
DUNTON was married to Nettie W., the accomplished daughter of Judge Samuel 
and Flavilla (WATERMAN) BELDING. In his denomination Dr. DUNTON is without 
question the foremost man in the state, and his own reputation and that of 
his school are of such a character that words of commendation are 
superfluous. In 1892 he was a member of the General Conference of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. In the Civil War he proved his patriotism by 
enlisting in Company F, Thirteenth Vermont Regiment, and after six months of 
creditable service was honorably discharged on account of physical disability.



2nd Biography of Charles H. DUNTON

Encyclopedia Vermont Biography: A Series of Authentic Biographical Sketches 
of the Representative Men of Vermont and Sons of Vermont in Other States. 
Dodge. Burlington: Ullery Publishing Company, 1912, p 175

Charles Howard DUNTON, educator, Poultney [Rutland County, Vermont], was born 
24 January 1844 at Underhill [Chittenden County, Vermont], son of Elijah and 
Mary Ann (FRENCH) DUNTON. Served as a private in the Thirteenth Vermont 
Regiment in the Civil War. Prepared for college at New Hampton Institution, 
Fairfax [Franklin County, Vermont]; graduated from University of Vermont 
1870; student Boston Theological Seminary 1871-1872; D. D. Syracuse 
University, 1886.

Ordained to the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church 1872; pastor 
Manchester [Bennington County, Vermont] 1872-1874; member of the General 
Conference in 1892; superintendent of schools for Manchester 1873; teacher of 
mathematics in Troy Conference Academy 1874-1877, then principal of that 
institution from 1877 until 1897, when on account of poor health he resigned. 
For two years examiner of teachers for Rutland County; served as dean of 
Claflin University 1899; in 1900 recalled to the principalship of Troy 
Conference Academy, which position he resigned in 1912; is the oldest in 
service of the secondary school principals of the state; was State Normal 
School examiner 1881-1891.

A representative of Vermont in the Interstate Educational Convention at 
Louisville, 1883, which framed the "Blair Bill"; member of Vermont House of 
Representatives 1898-1900, chairman of committee on education. For three 
years president of the Association of Principals of Conference Academies; 
1905-1909 president of Vermont State Anti-Saloon League. Upon the 
incorporation of the village of Poultney [Rutland County, Vermont], he was 
elected its first president; after three successive elections, resigned in 
1910. By appointment of Governor MEAD, delegate to the Interstate Liquor 
Traffic Conference in Washington, D. C., 14 Dec 1911. Member of Joyce Post 
No. 49, Grand Army of the Republic, and its commander. In 1872 Mr. Charles 
Howard DUNTON married Annette W. BELDING, daughter of Judge Samuel BELDING, 
Johnson [Lamoille County, Vermont].

Submitted by Cathy Kubly