March 31

1767 -the sun very hot, froze none last night; this day rode my mare on the river to the lake, the ice good on both river and lake. -Gilliland.

1812 In Plattsburgh town records was recorded the laying out by Smith and David Broadwell, commissioners of highways, of Hamilton, Jay and Washington streets.

1814 Gen. Wilkinson returned with his army to Champlain and from there Macomb was sent to Burlington While the main army fell back upon Chazy and Plattsburgh, to protect the military stores at the latter places.

1849 In the evening William Platt, son of Judge Levi, found his father dying from apoplexy in his arm chair but seven weeks after the sudden death of his wife.  Their next-door neighbor, Dr. Benj. J. Mooers, was hastily summoned from his accustomed place in the prayer-meeting of the Presbyterian church, but without avail.  Of Judge Platt it was said:
    "He was a polished gentleman in his manners, always affable and courteous.  He possessed much public spirit, and was a friend of everything which promised to be useful to the community.  He was particularly distinguished for kindness and hospitality.  His home was, for many years, the general resort of strangers visiting in the place."

1884 In St. Louis, far from her native place, Plattsburgh, died "Aunt Margaret," widow of Col. Benj. Hazen Mooers and daughter of Dr. John and Elizabeth (Smith) Miller.

1887 In Albany, N.Y., died John Godfrey Saxe, a poet of the Champlain valley, journalist and lecture.  His best known humorous poems include "Rhyme of the Rail," "The Proud Miss McBride," etc. He published "Progress," Humorous and Satirical Poems," "The Money King and Other Poems," "Fables and Legends," "Leisure-Day Rhymes," etc.
    "O, terribly proud was Miss MacBride
    The very personification of Pride,
    As she minced along in Fashion's tide,
    Adown Broadway, -on the proper side, -"
Mr. Saxe was the unsuccessful Democratic candidate for governor of Vermont in 1859 and 1860.

 Today In the Champlain Valley History