From "Centennial Celebration Together with an Historical Sketch of Reading, Windsor County, Vermont and Its Inhabitants: From the First Settlement of the Town to 1874, Volume 1" by Gilbert Asa Davis, Steam Press of A.N. Swain, 1874


"Eleazer Dexter was born at Hardwick, Mass., July 7, 1813. At an early age he evinced much musical talent and at the age of 13 commenced to travel with his brother ("Blind" Dexter) giving public exhibitions of which music was a part, and soon the boy became quite a popular singer. He received instructions from eminent musicians in Boston and early aquired a correct vocalization and has gained an enviable reputation in catering for the public. Possessing a fair baritone voice, his rendering of pathetic, light, comic, and eccentric songs is of high order. His personation of the old man in his famous song of "Adam and Eve" is inimitable. He is a composer of songs as well as instrumental music, and some of his songs have become quite popular. In 1839 he was engaged to instruct the Stratton boys in Swanzey, N.H., and fitted them in vocal and instrumental music for concerting. They proved apt pupils and readily aquired the knowledge and skill of their instructor, and soon became popular and successful, and one today is a manufacturer of musical instruments in Germany, while the other is a music dealer in Boston, Mass and a successful writer of Operattas. Mr Dexter came to Reading in 1843 and has since made this town his residence. He was the pioneer of all shows and concert troups in the vicinity. Gentlemanly and courteous in his bearing, with a deep seated love for music, and talents that attract to him the young of musical tastes, he has exerted a healthy and permanant influence upon the young people of the town. Many eminent musicians (for which the town is celebrated) have received valuable instructions from Mr dexter and have made their debut as public performers under his charge, among whom are Geo. M. Clark, a famous clown and singer, Hank White, the well known comedian of whitmore and Clark's minstrels..."