Wells Goodwin was born in Ryegate on this day in 1794. He would grow up, marry and settle in Ryegate.

Goodwin enlisted in the War of 1812. He served until its conclusion, participating in battles of Chippewa and Bridgewater and took a bullet to his leg.

Goodwin worked as a farmer and shoe maker. He and his wife lived in Ryegate for 26 years, Corinth for ten, and then Newbury, until his death at 100. He was Vermont’s last survivor from the War of 1812.

His mind and body were active, and he voted in every presidential election for nearly 80 years, spanning 20 presidents, from James Madison to Grover Cleveland.

Image is a Vermont Book Of Days photo