The Genealogy of one Vermonter, Darrell A. Martin

Justus was born in Bolton, Tolland County, Connecticut, on 28 May 1757.¹ He was the son of Joshua Darte and Deborah Spencer. "He marched in Col. Ashley's 7th. Co. in the latter part of June 1777 for the relief of Ticonderoga. He went as far as Black River, when the company was ordered home and arrived there July 3. Next day the company was ordered again to Ticonderoga and went as far as col. Mead's Otter creek, where it met the army retreating. The men arrived home July 10."² A Justus Dart appears on the payroll for Captain William Upham's Company of Militia, for Revolutionary War service done "at sundry times--1780." He served for 8 days and travelled 67 miles. Justus Dartt's centrally located dwelling was used for more Weathersfield Town Meetings than any other. After 1780 and prior to the establishment of a meeting house, town meetings were held in homes.³ Justus relocated to Castleton, Rutland County, Vermont.⁴ After serving as a musician in the Revolutionary War, he was later commissioned as colonel of militia of Vermont, presumably in Castleton, Rutland County, Vermont, and was known for the rest of his life as "Col. Justus Dartt."⁴ Justus died in 1838 probably in Wellsboro, Tioga County, Pennsylvania.⁵

It is entirely possible that the events given here are for more than one Justus Dartt. Reconciling various elements of his life presents difficulties, although they are not insuperable. He seems closely connected to Weathersfield, but Bolton has him living first in Castleton (where he presumably received his commission as Colonel in the Vermont militia), then moving to White Plains, N.Y., and finally settling in Wellsboro, Penn. where he became an influential citizen.⁶