March 13

1767 -almost as cold as yesterday and small snow, conveyed the above gen to Eliza point, where I have two men clearing land. -Gilliland.

1804 Birth in Champlain of Lemuel, second son of Reuben and Lois (Smedley) Stetson.  Lemuel Stetson became a law student in the office of Judge Julius C. Hubbell of Chazy and later in that of Judge Lynde of Plattsburgh.  After his admission to the bar he removed to Keeseville where he was "one of the lights of the Keeseville bar" until the spring of 1848.

1808 In Highgate (Saxe's Mills), Vt., died John Sax the pioneer and ancestor of all of that name in the valley.  Born in 1732 in Langen, Saltzo in Hanover (now Prussia), bereft of father at fourteen he made his way to Amsterdam and from there, with a companion, came to the "British province of Pennsylvania in America."  Later he settled in the Province of New York remaining loyal to the king.  Here (Rhinebeck) he was suspected of giving aid and comfort to the enemy, was arrested and thrown into prison at Esopus (now Kingston).  Though threatened with death, he, conscious of his integrity, declared defiantly "There is not a rope in Esopus strong enough to hang me."  After many months he was released there being no evidence against him.  He then disposed of his property and, in June, 1786 sought the Champlain Valley.  Soon after coming to America he had applied himself with all diligence to mastering the English language but all his life enjoyed reading his German Bible and the services of the Lutheran church were held at his home where gathered all his German neighbors of the same faith.  He was particularly anxious for the welfare and education of his children and it was the grandson, John G. Saxe, the poet who wrote:
                        Is learning your ambition...
                            There is no royal road;
                        Alike the peer and peasant
                            Must climb to her abode;
                        Who feels the thirst of knowledge,
                            In Helicon may slake it
                        If he has still the Roman will, 
                            "I'll find a way, or make it!"  -John G. Saxe.    

The pioneer remains rest in the cemetery at Philipsburg, Canada.

1890 The S. F. Vilas Home for Aged and Infirm Women formally opened.

 Today In the Champlain Valley History