Windham

DEXTER, Avery J. & Charles D.

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 103-104

Biography of Avery J. DEXTER - pp 103-104 (portrait p 103; father of Charles 
D.)

Avery J. DEXTER, late of Wardsboro, was born 27 April 1818 in Wardsboro 
[Windham County, Vermont], died 19 April 1893, and was the son of Charles and 
Lucinda (BASCOMB) DEXTER. Educated at the common schools in the town, and 
worked on the home farm. In 1848 began the manufacture of chairs and 
furniture, which business he carried on for two years. In 1850 established a 
general merchandise store in Wardsboro, which he continued until 1880, 
carrying on a farm at the same time. He was a man of character and ability 
who enjoyed the confidence of his fellow townsmen; justice of the peace over 
forty years; first selectman twenty-three years; town clerk since 1864; 
elected to the General Assembly in 1858 and 1859, and served creditably in 
the first session held in the new State House; re-elected in 1864 and 1865, 
during the St. Albans raid; voted for the confirmation of LINCOLN's 
emancipation of slavery; again elected 1878 and 1886.

On 22 March 1841 Mr. [Avery J.] DEXTER was married to Miss Mary Durant 
[WHITE], daughter of Daniel and Mary (DURANT) WHITE of Gloucester [Essex 
County], Massachusetts. Of this union [of Avery J. and Mary Durant (WHITE) 
DEXTER] were nine children, six of whom are still living: Charles D., 
Gertrude I. (Mrs. Marshall O. HOWE), Frederic H., Mary A. (Mrs. Brownson 
MATTESON), Luna J. (wife of D. L. SMITH), and Effie E. Mr. DEXTER was fairly 
successful in his private business; was generous according to his means; 
accumulating a large property was never the aim of his life; has left what is 
better than riches, a good name; his unselfish and kindly interest in others, 
the sympathy and counsel that he freely extended to those who have sought 
advice, will long be held in grateful remembrance by many whom he thus 
befriended.



Biography of Charles D. DEXTER - p 104 (portrait p 104; son of Avery J.)

Charles D. DEXTER, of Wardsboro, was born 22 November 1843 in Wardsboro 
[Windham County, Vermont], son of Avery J. and Mary D. (WHITE) DEXTER. 
Attended the common schools of his native town, and then pursued a course of 
study at the Leland and Gray Seminary in Townshend [Windham County]. For 
some time devoted himself to the interests of education as a teacher, and 
then removed to Baltimore [County], Maryland, where he engaged in business 
for a considerable period. In 1864 he returned to Wardsboro, and after some 
years began the manufacture of sieve hoops, which business he has carried on 
up to the present time; has also been engaged in farming to some extent. 
Staunch Republican; elected to the Legislature in 1890; has held many and 
varied positions of honor and trust in his town; has a strong hold upon the 
esteem of his fellow townsmen as an able and conscientious citizen, a kind 
friend and good neighbor. On 23 December 1870 he [Charles D. DEXTER] was 
married to Rosa L., daughter of Jason S. and Carrie (THOMPSON) KNOWLTON, of 
Wardsboro [Windham County, Vermont]. Their union has been blessed with three 
children: Carrie M., James A., and Charles K.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly