John B. Page was born in Rutland on this day in 1826. As state treasurer during the Civil War, he successfully proposed and got Vermont to guarantee its soldiers $7.00 per month for their service.

After the war, he served as Vermont’s governor for two terms. Page had a keen interest in the railroad and became president of the Rutland Railroad Company. He also served as a director of the Champlain Transportation Company.

Page was a man who understood commerce, and his efforts prompted the Howe Scale Company to move its operation from Brandon to Rutland.

Image courtesy Men of Vermont by Jacob G. Ullery.