Martha Winslow Powell was born in 1724 in Gloucester, Massachusetts. In 1748, at age 24, she married John Felix Powell. Shortly after their marriage, they had their first child, who died as an infant. In 1761, she gave birth to a son, Felix Powell Jr.

In 1768, the family moved to Dorset, Vermont, where Felix Powell is credited as the first settler; Martha Powell was left unmentioned in the land deeds, according to Angie Grove, executive director of the Ethan Allen Homestead, who has researched Martha Powell’s life.

In 1770, the Powells moved to Pittsford, where Martha Powell gave birth to a second daughter, only for her to die as an infant as well.

Martha Powell’s life “reflects the hardships, displacement and active contributions of working-class women who helped settle the frontier and establish the state of Vermont during the Revolutionary period,” Grove said during a panel discussion in April.

The Powells eventually settled in Burlington, where the family purchased property in 1774. Martha Powell helped with her husband’s trade activities, managed household financial accounts and spending, and performed various tasks like cleaning, cooking and maintaining gardens.

When the American Revolution began, both Felix Powell Sr. and Felix Powell Jr. left to serve in the war. In September 1777, forces aligned with the British attacked and burned down the Powells’ home during a raid.

“The American Revolution was experienced by everybody. It was not just soldiers on battlefields; the chaos, fear, and drama were experienced by everyone on every piece of land. People’s experiences differed vastly and were heavily influenced by their demographics and personal relationships,” Grove said.

According to Grove, Martha Powell, who was pregnant at the time, escaped into the surrounding woods. While she was hiding from the raid, Powell went into labor and delivered her baby alone in the forest. This baby, too, didn’t survive.

Martha Powell did not live to see the conclusion of the war, as she died sometime between 1777 and 1780 in her early to mid 50s. In October 1780, her father authored a revised will leaving portions of his estate to his surviving daughters and “to my grandchildren born of Martha Powell, deceased.”

Grove says that researching stories like Powell’s takes a lot of time and resources but that the histories of everyday people are essential.

“The majority of people throughout history have been common people whose stories have not been highlighted,” she said. “Most people today would relate more to these untold stories than to the political leaders whose stories are commonly told.”

Community News Service is a University of Vermont journalism internship program reporting for Vermont news organizations, including Waterbury Roundabout.

NORTHFIELD, Vt. (WCAX) – Sunny skies and warm temperatures greeted Northfield on Monday as the community marked 50 years of its annual Labor Day parade and celebrations.

The parade and celebrations are a staple for many in Central Vermont, with many young people in attendance making memories with friends and family.

“It’s so fun,” said Harrison of Williamstown. “Getting candy.”

For those without a sweet tooth, Darn Tough passed out free socks.

For some, the parade is a throwback to childhood and a homecoming of sorts.

“It feels like there is something inside that I feel excitement and comfort and home when I’m here,” said Max Jennings of Montpelier.

The parade and community celebrations are a chance for numerous organizations, clubs, sports teams and labor unions to get their names out in front of the community.

Norwich University plays an outsized role in the celebrations. The school is celebrating the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th birthday this year. Waves of university cadets who have played a role in the Marines during the school’s more than 200-year existence marched in the parade, along with new recruits, known as “rooks.”

“It’s interesting to see how it’s evolved, and it’s gotten bigger and bigger and bigger. And people have come to know it because it’s one of a kind,” said Lea Hatch of Northfield

Jeff and Lea Hatch have been coming to the parade since it started in the wake of America’s bicentennial. The parade’s 50th year also falls during America’s 250th celebrations, and Vermont’s role in it.

“Community in Vermont can be a small town or the entire state,” Lea Hatch said.

With another Labor Day in the books, Northfield’s iconic parade once again allowed people to show up for each other and the community.