Dexter Tallman

     Dexter Tallman was born circa 1809 at Quebec. He was the son of Humphrey Tallman and Patience Allen. Dexter Tallman married Hannah Jeandreau on 11 March 1839 at Russelltown, Huntingdon Co, Quebec; At the time of his marriage, Dexter was a resident of Jamestown, but working as a shoemaker in Hemmingford.¹ Dexter Tallman married Amanda Hefflin, daughter of William Hefflin and Mahala Davis, on 18 November 1875 at St Albans, Franklin Co, Vermont; It was this marriage that shows the first evidence of what Humphrey's first wife's name was. And to this time (2014), this writer had believed Dexter to be a son of Sarah Gilfillan.
Dexter was 62 years old and this was his second marriage.² Dexter Tallman died on 5 October 1891 at Sheldon, Franklin Co, Vermont; He was about 76 years old, having died of dropsy.³ He was buried at Sheldon Poor Farm Cemetery, Sheldon, Franklin Co, Vermont.³
     He appeared on the census of 1851 at Hemmingford, Beauharnois Co, Quebec; Dexter Tolman, b. Canada, Ch of England, 45, Philisit?, 42, John, 16, James, 14, George, 12, Sarah, 10, William, 8. This is a mystery as all listed are about ten years older than they should be for the 1851 census.⁴ He appeared on the census of 5 October 1860 at Mooers, Clinton Co, New York; Dexter Tallman is listed as 54, wife Millie 52; Children were John 17, Millie 15, James 13, Frances 11, Margaret 8, Dexter Jr., 6 and Ann 3. These names do not match up at all with the 1870 census.⁵ The Grantee Index for Clinton County, NY, [LDS Film #866942] shows that Dexter Tallman was involved in a land deal in 1862 (41-136) with "Edmind" Gates; in 1864, again with Edmund Gates (45-186), and in 1869 with E.C. Baker (59-16). The writer has not yet ordered the documents involved. He appeared on the census of 6 August 1870 at Black Brook, Clinton Co, New York; Dexter, then aged 57, wife Hannah, 58 and daughter Elizabeth, 15 were enumerated. Dexter and Hannah were shown as born Canada, and Elizabeth was born in New York.⁶ He appeared on the census of 1 June 1880 at Highgate, Franklin Co, Vermont; Dexter Tolman, 65, a shoemaker, was enumerated as married. He was living by himself. His father was listed as born RI and his mother in MA. He and Hannah must have a had a parting of the ways before he married Amanda in 1875. He does list his marriage to her as his second.^7,8 Dexter Tallman was admitted to the Clinton County Poorhouse on 9 Nov 1889. He was listed as aged 76, and a widower, and born in Coveville, Canada. This writer believes this is actually Covey Hill. The form says he had come to Mooers about 58 yrs ago. He gave the info that brothers and sisters were dead, and that he had six living children. He was self-supporting to this point, but due to old age and sickness was not able to perform any labor.⁹