Historic 1888 Shaftsbury Signature Quilt

Quilt Block #10 - Quilt Signers:

Augustus Galusha

Polly Ann Galusha (Chandler)

Augustus Galusha was the son of George and Lucy (Burnham) Galusha. He was born 20 February 1823 in Shaftsbury. He was most likely named after his grandfather Augustus Galusha who died 27 December 1822 at 42 years of age. Augustus' first wife was Jane Chandler. She was born in Sandy Hill, N.Y., which became Hudson Falls on March 10, 1910. Jane, and her twin brother, James were born on 9 July 1826 to Samuel and Glorianus Cranston.

The Census of 1850 records Augustus (27) and Jane (24) living in Shaftsbury with their only child Edgar (0 mos) who had just been born. Also, in the household is Adah Huntington (68), possibly a great aunt, or older cousin. Augustus' brother Marcius Galusha (37) and his son George R. Galusha (14) worked on the family farm. Unfortunately, Jane dies two years later on 13 June 1853 at the age of 26. The Census of 1850 also, records Polly A. Chandler (22) living in Shaftsbury with her father: Solen/Galen Chandler (59), mother Polly (54) and brothers Null (22), and Oscar (8).

P. A. Galusha's full name was Polly Ann (Chandler) Galusha. Polly Ann was born 2 July 1826. She and Augustus married 24 January 1854. When the quilt was signed he would have been 65 and Polly would have been 62. The Census of 1870 records Augustus (45) and Polly (43) living in Shaftsbury with three children: Edgar (21), Nellie (21), George (3). Also, in the household is his brother Marcius (50), and Marcius' son Jacob Galusha (13) and Jane Mathson (17), possibly a servant girl. By the Census of 1880 Augustus (57) is still identified as a farmer living with his wife Polly A. Galusha (53). Their daughter Nellie J. (15), and son George (12) are still at home. Augustus' brothers Marcius (67) and Burnham (43) are still living with him and Polly. Augustus' and Polly's three older sons were out on their own.

Augustus lived to the age of 82 years 4 months and 1 day. He died on 20 March 1905 of cardiac dropsy (congestive heart failure). They had celebrated 51 years of marriage. Polly passed away 31 August 1906, one year after Augustus. She had heart failure as well. They and their seven children are buried in the Center Shaftsbury Cemetery family plot. Edgar E (1849-1918), Herbert A. (1855-1861), daughter Adah E., (1860-1860) who died at the age of 3 months, Clarence (1862-1867), Nellie J. (Galusha) Harris (1865-1936), an infant (1867-1867) and George (1867-1962).