Windsor

DEXTER, Eleazer

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 104-105

Eleazer DEXTER [Jr.], of Reading [Windsor County, Vermont], was born 07 July 
1813 in Hardwick [Worcester County], Massachusetts, and was the son of 
Eleazer and Charity (WILLIAMS) DEXTER [Sr.]. His father [Eleazer Sr.] 
followed farming in Hardwick, and fell fighting bravely in the service of his 
country at the battle of Plattsburg[h] in 1814. Eleazer Jr. was the youngest 
of a family of fifteen children and received such an education as could be 
obtained in the common schools of those days. Manifesting a great taste for 
music, at the early age of thirteen he began to travel with his brother, whom 
he assisted in giving entertainments, of which music formed the principal 
part. Soon his ambition led him to higher aspirations and he became a facile 
composer of music of a light character, many of his efforts being received 
with great approbation. In 1843 Mr. DEXTER located at reading to give 
instruction in band music.

He has never entered political life, but in 1880 was elected representative 
from Reading. Receiving excellent instruction in his art from eminent 
musicians in Boston, he became an eminent teacher of both vocal and 
instrumental music, and has had for his pupils many who have since found both 
profit and fame in their profession, notably the STRATTON Brothers, George M. 
CLARK, Hank WHITE, O. A. WHITMORE, and Theodore J. ALLEN, both well known 
solo performers on the clarinet and cornet, all of whom were originally 
citizens of Reading.

During the war of the Rebellion, Mr. DEXTER traveled extensively through New 
England, New York and Canada exhibiting a panorama of the principal events of 
that war, accompanying the entertainment with both vocal and instrumental 
music. He composed at the time many patriotic songs which proved to be very 
popular. Notwithstanding his four score years, Mr. DEXTER lives peacefully 
in the enjoyment of a good old age, cheered by memories of the past and in 
confident hope for the future.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly