Follett, Timothy, 1793-1857

Timothy Follett was born in Bennington, VT on January 5, 1793, the only son of Susanna (Fay) and Timothy Follett Sr. Moving to Burlington after the death of his father, Follett entered the University of Vermont in 1806 and graduated four years later. Deciding upon a legal career, Follett went to Danville, VT and studied under his brother-in-law William H. Griswold. After studying in Litchfield, CT, Follett returned to Vermont and in 1814 was admitted to the Chittenden County Bar and began practice. In 1819 he was appointed State's Attorney after the death of Sanford Gadcomb and was elected to the same post from 1820-1822. In 1823 he was elected Judge of the County Court and represented Burlington in the Vermont legislature from 1830-1832.

In 1823 Follett became interested in the expanding commercial activity on Lake Champlain and became a partner of the Burlington businessman Henry Mayo. By 1824 Follett abandoned his law practice and concentrated entirely upon the newly established mercantile firm of Mayo and Follett. In 1828 he served as a director of the recently founded Lake Champlain Steamboat Company. In 1832 Follett was appointed trustee to settle the affairs of the defunct Montreal wholesale firm of Horatio Gates and Company which he undertook until 1841.

During this time Follett announced a new partnership with John and Harry Bradley under the name of Follett and Bradleys. The firm offered services as general agents and commission merchants. Four years later, in 1845, Follett recognized the railroad as a means of expanding Burlington's commercial activity and became president of the newly chartered Burlington and Rutland Railroad. As president Follett was appointed superintendent of construction and in December of 1849, the railway opened. Forced to retire in 1852, Follett's public career ended.

Aside from his business pursuits, Follett was involved in a number of civil activities. He was one of the original corporators of the Protestant Episcopal Church and was the first president of the Merchants Bank, founded in 1849. Follett was also a member of the 1852 commission to organize the town of Burlington into a city. Follett died in Burlington on October 12, 1857, aged 64 years.