People

The people who settled in the Tankershoosen Valley built the mills, worked the fields, or supported in many ways those who did. In this section we introduce you to the people and families who made an impression on the Valley. Some of the people are well known while others were not but shared their stories.

Allis Family

The Allis family were important members of the 18th Century Bolton Community. Nathaniel was one of the earliest settlers and 50 original Proprietors. His son David built early saw and grist mills on the Tankerhoosen River and was also a central figure in establishing the North Bolton Parish.

» The Allis Family

Peter Dobson

Peter Dobson built the first cotton mill in the area around which grew up the village of Dobsonville. He is also known for his ideas on glacial movement.

» Go to Dobson Family history

Jean Kanter Klothe

Jean Kanter Klothe was born in Vernon and lived on Tunnel Road about where Whitney T. Ferguson III Road is now. Her family owned a chicken farm at that location which continued until the highway expansion in the late 1970's. Her memoir, published in the Vernon Historical Society's March 2005 newsletter, describes growing up on the farm in the 1910's and 1920's and the changing seasons in Vernon Center at a time when it was still a farming community.

» Read 'A Vernon Center Childhood'

Christian Sharps

Christian Sharps was best known as the inventor of the Sharps rifle, considered one of the finest carried by Union Soldiers during the Civil War. Towards the end of his life he came to Vernon and built a trout farm at Valley Falls.

» Go to Christian Sharps Trout Farm

Talcott Family

The Talcott brothers bought the Talcottville Mills and renamed the village after their family. But the Talcott Familly was active in the area before this and also played a significant role in the development of Rockville.

» Go to Talcott Family history

Updated July 2022