Rutland

MANLEY, Joseph E. 
(portrait p 253)

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 253-254

Joseph E. MANLEY, of West Rutland [Rutland County, Vermont], was born 15 
February 1831 at Sutherland Falls, then a [northern] portion of the town of 
Rutland, son of Fobes [Forbes] and Wealthy (HILL) MANLEY. The subject was of 
English and Scotch descent, and one of twelve children of a typical New 
England family. His father was stern in discipline and of sterling religious 
character, leaving the impress of his teachings upon the minds of his 
children. The subject was educated in the common schools, but after 
attaining his majority, desirous of higher education, entered Castleton 
Seminary, a then leading institution under the charge of Rev. E. J. HALLOCK, 
graduating in 1854. During this time he provided for his support by teaching 
school in the winter and farm work during vacations. After he left the 
seminary he engaged in the marble business; is considered an expert in all 
matters relating to deposits of this stone; has published an article on the 
"Marbles of Rutland County."

Republican; at the age of twenty-eight was chosen justice of the peace for 
Rutland County, receiving the compliment of thirteen consecutive elections, 
during which time he has tried many hundred cases, both civil and criminal, 
and he decisions have been characterized by such justice and impartiality 
that jury trials were resorted to in only two instances, and one appeal only 
from his decision was reversed in the county court. During his term of 
service he secured a small but well selected library, and occupied his 
leisure hours with the study of the law. He entered the office of Hon. C. H. 
JOYCE of Rutland in 1874; at March term of following year was admitted to the 
Rutland County bar, since which time he has been in successful practice. His 
services have been especially sought in the settlement of estates as 
administrator and commissioner.

Is philanthropic; has done much in the aid of the church and the cause of 
temperance; held the office of special prosecutor for six years prior to 
1892; was secretary of the Rutland County Temperance Society for ten years, 
and for a considerable period was president; was elected a resident member of 
the Webster Historical Society of Boston in 1884; has evinced an early taste 
for literary metaphysical study; has written and published many articles on 
standard and popular subjects. Congregationalist; united with the First 
Church at West Rutland on 04 July 1860. During a residence of over thirty 
years at West Rutland, he has taken a lively interest in promoting the 
welfare and prosperity of the village, having invested to a large extent in 
real estate. Has erected many structures, both dwelling houses and for 
commercial purposes. On 19 August 1857 he [Joseph E. MANLEY] married Electa 
A., daughter of Ebenezer Porter of Orwell [Addison County, Vermont]; two 
children have been born to them: Wilbur P. and Lillian E.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly