Nathaniel Niles -- 1741-1828

Revolutionary War patriot and author of the popular ode The American Hero, written in celebration of the Battle of Bunker Hill, Nathaniel Niles was an original settler of Fairlee, then founder of West Fairlee, and first minister of this church. He came to Fairlee soon after the Revolution fromNorwich, Connecticut, where he was active in politics, manufacturing and religion. Duringa public career that spanned three decadesin Vermont, Niles served on the state Supreme Court, as Speaker of the state House ofRepresentatives, as a trustee ofDartmouth College, and as one of Vermont's first two Congressmen. A staunchJeffersonian Democrat, heled his party in Vermont and also published frequent articles on religious topics.