>From Hemenway's Vermont Historical Gazetteer Swanton, Vermont Franklin County pg. 1029 Vol. 4 >From February, 1869, to February, 1873, the writer (George Barney) carried on the tile and hearth business alone, on the east side of the river, while at the same time his son. R. Lester Barney, carried on the grave-stone and monument business on the west side of the river. In February, 1873, the writer with his son-in-law, E.P. Parsons, and his son. R. Lester Barney, formed a partnership under the firm name of Geo. Barney & Sons, and they have prosecuted both branches of business on both sides of the river until 1875, when they dissolved, and the writer continued the business alone until 1879, when his son came in and the business is now, (March, 1882,) conducted under the firm name of Geo. & R.L. Barney. (pg. 1041) During 1816 a second bridge was put up at the Falls by Mr. John Avail, who for many years in his old age lived near Highgate Springs. It was a little below the dam, where the present bridge stands, but remained only about a year. In 1821 another bridge was built in the same place by Samuel Parsons, often afterwards called "Parsons bridge," and being private property was long known as the "toll-bridge," Alfred Forbes, Esq.; was for many years the proprietor and keeper, who sold out to Mr.. Thomas Dimond. In. Jan. 1832, high water carried off the west end, with the toll-house. It was rebuilt the next spring by Mr. C. Barber, employed by Mr. Dimond. Mr. Barber was killed by the falling of some timbers on the work, Mar. 20; age, 30 years. It was at length proved that a toll-bridge was injurious to the business of the place. In order to escape the toll, many avoided the village. The writer circulated the subscription for the purchase of this bridge when about 24 years of age. (pg. 1055) Chas. Parsons,---came to Swanton Falls about 1819, and died there, march 15, 1828, at the age of 34. (pg. 203) Fletcher, Vermont Franklin County But his stay was short, and after his departure came Dr. Andrew Parsons, a young man of skill and energy, but who remained but 3 years. He began his practice of medicine here, and having become established as a physician and gained considerable popularity sought a larger field in Fairfax, where he married, and then went West. Polly Pmanosh@pwshift.com > I'm looking for anyone who may be researching the PARSONS (PERSONS), NEWTON > or LAVAL (LAVEL) families in Franklin County (or anywhere else, for that > matter!) in the 1800's. I'm trying to put the pieces of my puzzle > together, but there are still too many missing. Would appreciate any > assistance, information, leads or even vague hints!!!!!!!! > > Thanks for taking the time to read my quest......Stay warm, my > friends....... > > >